By Dalton Henderson “CRACK” “Don’t take ONE step closer!” The bullet sliced through the air above his head, a sound that had unfortunately become familiar. Luke Hendry ducked behind a wagon and rotated the cylinder of his revolver, half as a nervous assurance and half out of habit. “Name’s Luke Hendry—Sheriff of Kirwin. You know … Continue reading The Billings Ransom
Growing Pains
By Adn Mudassir Towards the end of my sophomore year of high school, my mother suggested I apply as a teaching assistant at the preschool where she worked. At first, I was unsure. My job hunt had started out of a desire to acquire some financial independence, and with it an opportunity for self-growth outside … Continue reading Growing Pains
The Pink Room
By Cynthia Li “Shirley, are you ready? I'm coming to get you!” Giselle yelled as she launched into the ocean ball pool. A splash echoed through the room. “Hold on, I’m on my way!" Shirley exclaimed. She bounced off the trampoline. With another wild whoop, she landed beside Giselle in the pool. The two girls … Continue reading The Pink Room
My Shadow
By Matthew Spence Day 1 I think it began this morning, though I can’t be sure. Time doesn’t seem to move in the same way anymore. I woke up late, rushed through my morning routine. Nothing unusual—except the mirror. I don’t know what it was about the way I looked at myself today, but something … Continue reading My Shadow
This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race
By Mike DC Current From NPC: The Bard of Aztaeron Josh, Zelda, Rory, and Jackson didn’t feel like the Four Warriors of Prophecy. They felt like four baristas starting a LARP campaign. Their mood shifted when they ran past the Carbonwood City gate. They each got a notification: Leaving Carbonwood Safe Zone. Good luck! A … Continue reading This Ain’t a Scene, It’s an Arms Race
The Pin
By Jill Smith “Sorry I’m late,” Gwen said as she kissed Charlie and dropped her work bag inside his apartment door. “You are perfectly on time,” Charlie said. Gwen dashed into the bathroom, smoothed her hair, and pinched her cheeks to get a little color in them. Note to self: bring a makeup bag to … Continue reading The Pin
Bats: An Upware Fable
By Andy Cogan The bats, that had hibernated all winter, behind a hole in the fascia, under the eaves, above buttressed brick wall of the Old School House in Upware, emerged in the early spring to a strange world that was silent. Silent when they rested during the heat of the day. Silent when they … Continue reading Bats: An Upware Fable
The Fire
By Erni-Szakács Szilárd The Smith family was an ordinary one, living near the city center of Glasgow. John Smith, the head of the family, worked as a doctor at the local hospital. Due to his expertise and dedication, many respected him, as he saved numerous lives. His wife, Anne Smith, worked as a geography teacher … Continue reading The Fire
Evening on the Porch
By Eolas Pellor Brody was sitting on the swing, looking out at the Moon rising. He could feel in his joints that it was going to be a dewy night. Behind him the screen door opened and closed, quietly. He smiled; Charlie was the only person he knew who closed screen doors carefully. “How are … Continue reading Evening on the Porch
Training of the Guard
By Zachary Reger The inaugural journey of the Capitol Express met with resounding success. Passengers young and old, of high class and low, flocked to travel by train. The newly efficient route—with a faster engine and fewer stoppages—cut nearly three-quarters of an hour from the intercity trek. A solid foundation laid, the future of the … Continue reading Training of the Guard
Academy of the Heart And Mind 