A collection of short stories based on writing prompts I gathered. Their genres will most definitely vary :)

A forest. A girl was laying down in a forest, the sun heavily beating down against her face. She let out a small snore and turned onto her side. 

"Hey, listen!" A voice called out. The girl frowned and rubbed her eyes, but continued to sleep.

"Hey, listen!" The shrill, squeaky voice sang. She groaned and rolled over, attempting to shut out that familiar, yet annoying shrill.

"Hey, listen!" Again and again, the singing, cheerful thing wouldn't stop. She covered her ears and curled up on the forest floor. Her cowardly self didn't bother to try and snuff out the source of the voice itself. Curling up, taking the hits, pretending to be weak.

It was pathetic of her.

When the voices finally overcrowded her small mind, she opened her eyes.

The last thing she saw was startling crimson eyes before darkness overcame her.

-------

Alice woke up with a slight scream. She quickly covered her mouth and took three deep breathes, feeling shaken up by the dream she just experienced. The nagging voice of "Hey, listen!" was just a line of Navi from The Legend of Zelda. The crimson eyes on the other hand... They felt real. As though one glance could put you on the spot, unable to run because of the paralyzing fear coursing through the body. 

She sighed. It was just a dream. It didn't have any significant value to her what-so-ever. She glanced at her alarm clock.

7:00AM on the dot.

Sighing, she got out from her comfy bed and quickly prepared for school. After grabbing some bread from the kitchen counter, she headed out the door.

------

The locker bay area was already full by the time she entered the school. Several other students were at their lockers, some hanging out with the friends, some sitting further away from such friend groups. Alice heads towards her locker, dodging and pushing past her acquaintances that crowded the area. As she turned her lock, she eavesdropped over other's conversations.

"Have you seen the new event?! It's so trash."

"They did surgery on a grape."

"Look, she's impossible! I've tried reasoning with her multiple times, but nothing seems to get through!"

The usual discussion, Alice thought as she slipped off her boots and put on her indoor shoes. After placing her lunchbox in her locker, she shut it, locked it, and sat down. She took out her phone and began scrolling through social media and other nonsense.

"Miracle Raising Project" Now Gone - No comments from the company.

She scrolled. She had no interest in a dead game.

I NEARLY GOT KIDNAPPED?!?!! STORYTIME!

She stared at the image for a bit. It was pathetic; A girl looking surprised and a suspicious-hooded guy crappily photoshopped in front of a house. And of course, it had tons of views with a rather balanced out like-dislike ratio.

"I never knew you were into clickbait." A voice coming above from her spoke.

Alice looked up and sighed. A tall male figure was standing over her, smirking slightly. She tried to hide her phone by covering the screen.

"It just happened to be there." She mumbled.

The male smirked slightly and left. Over to his other friends, she could hear him whisper 'Alice is into clickbait. It's true! She was looking at it before.' Alice sighed. It was unfortunate that he was spreading rumours as such when they were "friends". In fact, it was unfortunate that she ended being dragged into the social group by the likes of him. She stood up and walked over to the boy.

"As I said, I don't like clickbait. I just happened to be looking at it."

The boy turned around and raised an eyebrow.

"Well, there's no need to get all sensitive about it. I never said you liked clickbait in the first place." he clicked his tongue. The warning bell rang, signalling five minutes before class starts. The friend groups began to break off, each individual heading to their own class.

"That's the warning bell. See ya, Alice!" The boy waved and walked away. Sighing, Alice walked to her own class.

------

Class was boring. The teacher did nothing but drone on and on about integrals and other mysterious calculus things. Alice looked around and could see several other students secretly checking their phones, or just not paying attention in general. Being the very good student she was, she pulled out her phone and droned out the lesson in front of her. A notification popped up on her phone.

[MIRACLE RAISING PROJECT: Become a miracle for others!]

Alice frowned. Wasn't that app removed from the APP STORE? She had no recollection of actually installing the app itself, legally or not. She hesitatingly pressed the notification, launching the game. Strangely enough, the game did its usual download process and connected to the server. Once finished, she pressed the "start" button.

Please enter a nickname! WARNING: Once you set a nickname, you can't change it! Nishishi~

The bell rang. She quickly stashed her phone in her pocket and exited the classroom.

---

The day went by rather quickly. She didn't bring up this whole "Miracle Raising Project" to her friends. She was feeling a little ecstatic of having something they couldn't possibly have. She rushed home, heading up to her room and flopping onto her bed. She pulled out her phone and continued to play her game.

Please enter a nickname! WARNING: Once you set a nickname, you can't change it! Nishishi~

She quickly typed in a rather boring nickname; "Alice123". She clicked enter and continued on playing the game.

The game was like a regular role-playing gacha game. Defeat enemies, save up on special gems, draw for rare characters. She continued playing, getting bored of the repeated format. After clearing stage 25, she sighed. Wasn't there anything else to do on here? She tapped around, going to social boards and chats. Except there was no one. No one showed up as online except for her. Even the chats were dry and dead. Alice sighed. If there was no one to play with, then there wasn't really any point of continuing the game... Games were only fun if you play them with other people.

Sighing, she threw her phone to the said and thought about her day. The boy from her clickbait incident, Eric, constantly spread rumours, and everyone lapped them up regardless of whether it was true or false. Alice hated the way her "friends" acted. Believing in such rumours when there was no solid proof. Taking advantage of each other, both academically and mentally. It was disgusting. She rolled over, her eyes getting heavy. Soon enough, she drifted off to sleep.



Minutes after she drifts off, a notification pops up on her phone; it's from Miracle Raising Project.

『WHITE RABBIT HAS INVITED YOU TO TEATIME! ACCEPT INVITATION?』

The world is unfair for the unfortunate. A mysterious app is downloaded. A new world of opportunities and magic is being created. The arrogant and self-absorbed are punished. It's a miracle within a hellish world. Or is it?

The students were assigned bunks the first night of being summoned. While beds were being built the slept on makeshift beds of blankets wrapped around sweet hay in a common room together. 

Teen boys and teen girls usually slept separately in their own world were forced together in this one. The group had over a hundred students. 

Several cliches formed with groups of five to ten teens sleeping together. Teen girls on one side of the room furthest from the door. Teen boys closer to the to the door took furtive looks at the girls. 

Wow we're sleeping in the same room with girls they thought and quietly discussed this among themselves. 

After a not so restive night from the excitement of a big sleepover they were separated again going with different instructors to learn swordplay, archery, magic arts of life and healing. 

For Bobby, one of the few recognized as tankers they went to shield arts learning to use a shield offensively. Sheila the shield maiden was their instructor. 

Konigsdottir and several boys were sent to learn spear arts with a grizzled old dwarf named Bu Li. 

Growing up in the Great Forest surrounding North Sylvania Konigsdottir was used to carrying a steel tipped walking around her travels growing up. Using the steel point on rocky slopes and checking depth while crossing streams. 

However, her new spear was longer, heavier and denser with a leaf shaped broadhead tip and a cross guard a foot behind the edge. "Like the boar hunting spears the Sylvans used in the Great Forest" thought Konigsdottir.

Bu Li was a bully when it came to instruction. He started with giving his students backpacks full of sand along with water skins, their spears and had them run for five kilometers everyday. Since the most activity they did before being summoned was playing online chess his students collapsed daily. 

Konigsdottir, however, was the exception. In no time flat this fact was found out by Bu Li. He replaced her sand with iron filings. When she still topped in performance, Bu Li added a second backpack.

Konigsdottir's father, Mr. Konig, had physically trained her and her best friend Mike together since they were toddlers. Thinking of Mike Konigsdottir nearly wished he was here with her. His fierce competitive nature made her try her best. Being better than chess players was hardly an achievement.

***

After two brief weeks of physical training Bu Li announced them ready for a combat trial against actual demons. 

The demons were small creatures imbued with demonic essence. Such as bats, cats and cattle slightly demonified were brought to the kingdoms training arena. 

The sword class slew a demon cat brilliantly but had difficulty with the bats and cattle. As each class took to the ring Konigsdottir predicted the outcome of each class's engagement. 

She was one hundred percent accurate in her assessments. The key to success would be to mix at least two of each class in a group. Two archers, two magicians, two sword and board or two spear men in each group should do nicely.  

Melee fighters at point or rearguard with archers providing mid ranged attacks before magicians long range area of effects. 

After two days the students were weak and exhausted. A week of relaxing and enjoyable entertainment followed to build up their morale before the long journey began.

Gray returned home somewhat confused from the earlier mishap with Caleb messaging him to meet up then the whole thing suddenly just disappearing.  The day before the official launch Gray's team, the Steel Wolves (in case you forgot their name), met up at the same time in the morning as planned.  Everyone was glad to see that Yurika and Gray were back to normal without even any scars.

Gray lifted up his sleeve and looked at the spot that was punctured straight through and you couldn't even tell that it happened.  "The advantages of virtual reality" Gray thought.

Gray questioned Caleb a few times about what last night was about, but every single time Caleb denied that he sent Gray any messages regarding wanting to meet.

At around noon, every player received a system message that all players need to meet up at their designated base's classroom later that day.  Gray and the rest mindlessly grinded in matchmaking until the designated time and then headed for the classroom.

__________

All twelve of the original Diamond Tier players were accounted for in the classroom and chatting among themselves.  The door to the classroom opened up forcefully at the designated time that was stated and Major Valen walked in carrying a stack of papers.

Without missing a beat, Major Valen bellowed "Congratulations maggots!  You've all survived your first week!  Even you ingrates that took the soldier mission didn't get yourselves killed.  That mission was meant to be completed with a large squad or two smaller squads."

"Major Valen, sir!"  Gray stood up "How were we to know that it was meant for that many people?"

"The mission profile clearly stated that 12 players were recommended for this mission!  Did you not read it or are you expecting Big Daddy Valen to hold your hand?" barked Major Valen

"I wish he wouldn't call himself that." thought Gray, he then opened up the mission profile from his completed missions log and still couldn't see where Major Valen said that it recommended 12 players.  "Sir, I do not see where it is mentioned..."

Gray took a screenshot of his log and showed it to Major Valen who then compared it to his own file.  Indeed it did not say that 12 people were recommended, but Major Valen's mission profile said that he was to advise any players that took this mission to bring at least 12 players.  Major Valen remained expressionless to hide the fact that he was actually supposed to advise them about it then countered with "Of course it doesn't!  You baby chicks were supposed to come talk to  the big hen around here and get guidance instead of taking it on your own initiative!"

Not everyone was convinced of this, but given that Major Valen had a clipboard in his hand, they recalled the first day when two people got them broken over their heads and didn't say a word.

"Ahem..." Major Valen cleared his throat "You babies are the first batch of players, today you can consider yourselves no longer babies but toddlers!  We're not going to ask you to hand hold the new players coming tomorrow, but as Diamond-Tier know that you will be looked up to and have slightly elevated status.  Because of said status, you will be the first groups to learn why this game was developed."

This caused a stir among the 12 players in the base as everyone assumed it was just for fun.  Games are supposed to be fun.  Major Valen handed the stack of papers to the player in the front to pass back to everyone else.  Everyone was extremely curious what was on the paper since just about everything now was digital and paper was not only rare but could be considered almost precious given the limited amount of trees in the domed cities.  Most of the paper was from recycled sources as cutting down a few trees could upset the delicate ecosystem balance inside the dome.

"For your own sake, this is a Non-Disclosure Agreement, after signing it we will be able to disclose the truth of Alterra Online to you players, but you can't play any other future full dive VR games.  If you choose not to sign, you can continue to play but you will lose your Diamond-tier status.  If you sign and break the NDA, you will be forbidden from playing Alterra Online and any other future full dive Virtual Reality games."

A few of the players became upset thinking that Alterra Online's developer would be able to prevent them from playing ANY full dive VR games, one player yelled "Screw that!  You can't prevent us from playing another company's game in the real world!"

"If you sign, you will understand!  You have until tomorrow morning oh nine hundred hours to sign.  This is 3 hours before the general release of Alterra Online.  You are dismissed until then!"  Major Valen said and walked out of the room leaving the players a little shocked and confused.

Gray looked at Caleb who didn't seem outraged nor very surprised.  What also surprised Gray was that Caleb had already signed the NDA, then turned it over so others wouldn't see that he signed it already.  Geoff was furrowing his eyebrows while reading it, but Gray was sure he would sign it.  Stacia and Yurika looked at each other and then both looked at Gray at the same time.

"We'll follow your choice" said Stacia.

Hearing Stacia said this, Geoff looked at Stacia, shrugged his shoulders and looked at Gray and said "Sounds like a plan to me.  Sound good Caleb?"

Caleb was not paying attention to the conversation, but upon hearing his name he regained his focus and said "What... oh, yeah, that sounds good."  Caleb looked down at his turned over signed paper and put his hand on it to hide the ink shadow that might've been visible.

Everyone looked at Caleb as this was very out of character for him and Stacia asked "Are you alright?"

"Ahem, yes, given the implications of signing a NDA for a game and the penalties mentioned for breaking said NDA, a lot of assumptions about what the truth could be is draining my mental faculties." said Caleb.

"Dude, just say you're tired next time..." said Geoff

__________

All twelve players in room continued to discuss what to do for another hour or so.  The 7 other players Gray was unfamiliar with were apparently going to just say screw it and sign since this is the only full dive Virtual Reality game that isn't just a simple social networking game.  Still, Gray wanted to think about it because it felt like something much greater was about to unfold and that he would be swept away in it if he learned the truth.

Gray logged out and wasn't in the mood to play for once, it wasn't too late so Gray decided to walk over to GameGo and see if Spoon, or even Carly, were there.  He wasn't particularly close to either of them, but he could hear Jono saying in his head "Sign the stupid paper you twit!" so he thought it best to not ask Jono about it.

As Gray was approaching the GameGo, a large truck was parked in front of it and the various items in the store were being loaded into it.  Outside, Spoon, Carly, and a few others in the traditional black GameGo shirt were loading up the truck.

Gray walked over, waved to Spoon, then said  "Spoon!  What's going on?"

"Gray!  Schweet, you're jusht in time!" exclaimed Spoon

"Time for what?" said Gray.

"Alterra Corporation hash bought GameGo, all our shtuff ish being moved to their corporate shtores!" said Spoon

"Uhhh, doesn't that mean you just lost your job?" said Gray

"No, that ish what ish schweet!  We got a new job!  They shaid we can become permanent Alterra Online playersh wiff a VR bed included ash needed.  We jusht have to play at leasht 16 hoursh per day!"

Gray wanted to say that's a little much, but if he could make a living playing a video game he totally would do it too!

"GET BACK TO WORK BUTT MUNCH!" a boorish voice yelled from the store.  Carly came walking out carrying a fairly large box by herself, an identical box in front of her was being carried by two employees at the same time.  Spoon let out a 'Eeep!' and went back to helping load.

Carly put the box down in the truck and the truck visibly bounced a little with the additional weight, Gray thought "I didn't realize W****r W***n was so short..." as Spoon seemed to be struggling with what appeared to only be a small box of figurines.

"GRAY!  You lucky fish head!" yelled Carly.

Gray was about to question the fish head name but instead yelped in surprise as a box was dropped on his feet.

"These are for you!  I couldn't fit myself in a box, but I know you've been looking at these every time you're in the store!"  Carly said proudly with a smile.

"Itsh not that schee can't fit, nobody could lift it wiff all her muschle and giant b_" Spoon begin to say when Carly grabbed his neck and dragged him over to large empty box.

"Oh look, we forgot to pack this life size butt-face action figure!" said Carly as she tossed Spoon into the box then taped it up.

Gray wondered why Carly was able to give him a box of freebies, but seeing the fear in the other employee's eyes he started to understand.  It's not that Spoon wasn't afraid of her, but Gray had a feeling Spoon actually liked her and was just an idiot at telling her that.

Carly walked over to Gray and said "Take care of me in the game Mister Diamond-Tier!"  and then winked playfully at him and went back to loading the truck.  A box in front of the truck was shaking vigorously while various noises could be heard from it and finally a small hole was broken through the side of the box.  Gray didn't think anything of it and picked up the box Carly gave him and went back home, totally forgetting about why he came out there in the first place.

A hundred years from now the Earth is now reduced to several domed cities after the last war raised the temperature across the planet thus raising the sea level.

The most common escape for everyone is virtual reality.  A new game, Alterra Online, is set to release and promises to be the most realistic mecha/military/political simulation to date as well as the first full dive virtual reality game.

Gray Wilhelm, like so many others, wants to be one of the first to play.  What is Alterra Online's secret?  Why do players feel more alive in the game than in real life?  And why is the government and Alterra Corporation working on it together?

Features:
- NO Systems, Reincarnations, Supernatural Powers, harems, or brain dead females that chase after MC.
- Monty Python references and many others.
- Believable characters



11/9/2019 - Slowing down release rate temporarily as I edit and clean up the first volume extensively.  Wow was I bad!  Doesn't quite need a rewrite thankfully.

I have a question and it's truly important to me and that  is "Why do we truly live? And why are we people abusing our sense of superiority on to people? why aren't we all equal?" many of these questions you may already heard but they have been there since the day I left I left that home like prison

I'm Satoshi Osamu a 16 years old  who's attending Erito Kaihatsu High School, I'm currently waiting for the school bus to arrive to pick me up  just like any other 1st year student would. I have a boring personality and I'm not very social towards people and I lack interest to mostly everything...

Satoshi's Inner Thoughts: Since this is my first time going to an actual school I should really get my mental mindset ready.

The time hit 7:30 am and the bus slowly revealed itself behind the tall skyscrapers slowing down to collect the students at the bus stop as well with other toddlers, parents and elderly. I chose the seat on the back to avoid any unnecessary attention and carefully observed every student actions.

Satoshi's Inner Thoughts: Should I talk to someone? No I should probably not until the school's entrance ceremony is over but how can I start up a conversation without getting the person bored? Should I do a simple joke? No, I'll probably be to tired after that laugh... Well I can think it over again once I arrive at the school.

I got out of the bus and took a step forward before pausing, I took a look at the school what I saw was... a view that was exactly symmetrical to the online school's picture
on the website it had cherry blossom trees with petals falling down like in a movie with a great peaceful setting,It was Spring, So many of the other vibrant flowers bloomed across the school's field.

Satoshi: Ahhh... Long last the smell of Spring! It's been a while since it felt this refreshing looking at petals falling down. I should probably make my way to the entrance ceremony or I'm gonna be screwed up if I missed the introduction aleast by the teacher.

I walked inside entering the enormous school filled with very talented youths at my age.

satoshi's Inner Thoughts: Wow.. So many people the same age as me in a single place and the air of this place is very intense, do they have some hostility towards some people?

the Teachers guided all the new first year students to the entrance ceremony where the student council president Masashi Hiroyoshi
and the school's representative Ichiko Ayame .

Hiroyoshi: I would like to thank each and one of you all for attending this introduction you know my name is Masashi Hiroyoshi  a 3rd year from Class A and I expect you to call me Hiroyoshi, as you know our school has excellent employment and graduation rate than any other schools around the world and we expect everyone one of you to work hard and protect the honor of our school's name.

Ichiko: Hello everyone! my name is  Ayame Ichiko and I'm a 2nd year in Class C I would like you to address me as Ayame and I'm here to explain the school's class system. In the school there are 5 classes in each year group the classes you go in are determined by the governors by socialism, health and intellect 
these sets you are in are fairly debated and you have to stick to the school policy and if don't follow the policy you will be expelled immediately. Many of you will have your Student Card ID it contains your personal student registration number , age and other personal information, you can only  replace them two times and afterwards you have to pay the following if you lose them, they are paid by "examination points". Everyone takes a test before the new month  and the scores you get determines how much points you get, points are similar to yen and to earn them you need to work hard and gain them to get food and clothes & more.

After Ayame had explained the the classes and the points I got out my student card:
Student Name : Satoshi Osamu
Age: 16
Grade: D      Intellect: D   Physical: D

You audiences are probably wondering why my grades are low? Simply because I took advantage of the test I put my grades low I have no intention of getting good grades, I have a stoic expression since the day I was born and I was always learning and exercising and  never made friends even to this day I have a one to one talk with myself in my head which I can fully express my feelings inside my self which I can't I do in the reality and I don't really do anything fun with my life because I've been living with in experimental orphanage where they do mental experiments and intense body training for kids and  all intellectual subjects which was so intense intended as 30 subjects to one.I was the only sole survivor of the test subject and was realeased after my 16th birthday on October 31st Halloween since the day my mom left to work somewhere and my dad left me for money overseas at America.

It was time.. As usual im excited in a different way with a stoic expression I opened the door to my classroom I glances over and saw the letter "FY-D"  my classroom name, it stands for First Year's classroom D I opened the door slowly without getting attention and stepped in...

Notice: This is my first Novel and it inspired by Classroom of the Elite NL so please send negative feedback towards me as I am currently still new to the novel world!


Satoshi Osamu is attending the Prestigious Erito Kaihatsu Senior High School the globes best school for producing successful future country leaders and citizens and one of his goal is to successfully make friends and leave a normal school life for once from his Isolated and distorted childhood past, how will things end up at school for Satoshi?

Keeley was still trying to formulate an appropriate reply when Violet spoke again, her words coming out in a rush like before.
"I don't even know why he would like me like that! We grew up together; we're practically siblings! How could anyone ever see their childhood friend in a romantic light? Nobody actually marries people they've known since they were little kids!"
She frowned. Did her dad really never tell Violet about how he met his wife? They had been childhood friends too, though they met when they were a little older than Violet and Noah. And he had missed her until the day he died.
"My parents did," Keeley said simply.
This completely derailed Violet. "What? Grandpa never said anything about that!"
"It's true! They were pretty much the only kids somewhat close in age living in their apartment building so they played together all the time. My mom was his best friend for most of his life; it's why he was never able to move on after her death," Keeley informed her.
There was silence on the other end of the phone for a full minute before Violet thanked her and hung up, telling her to have fun on the last day of her cruise and to say hi to Dad for her. Keeley was pretty sure she knew what that silence meant. She was thinking it over.
Her husband looked up from scrolling through his phone on the bed. "What did Violet need?"
"She broke up with Jeremy because Noah told her he was in love with her and made her choose between them. She needed some motherly advice."
Aaron sighed. "I should have known something like this would happen sooner or later. Did Vi seem upset about the breakup?"
"Not as much as I would have thought considering she supposedly really liked him. I think she was more upset about the thought of losing Noah," Keeley admitted as she sat down next to him.
He shook his head with a small smile on his face. "Well, it's about time Noah said something. It's been what…twelve, thirteen years?"
Honestly, she thought it was longer. That boy had been glued to Violet's said since they were toddlers. Even before he knew what love was it was obvious that he loved their daughter more than anything.
"I hope everything works out okay," she worried. "Losing Noah would crush her. You know he's basically her only real friend."
Aaron patted her hand. "You're worrying for nothing. If she already chose him over her boyfriend she'll realize she's actually in love with him sooner or later. You and I both know that he's the only person she's 100% comfortable around. Kind of like I am with you."
He was right. Violet's personality had always been quite similar to her father's. Both of them were 'one person only' kind of people. She wouldn't risk losing her person for anything.
Everything would work itself out…probably. There was no point worrying about it when they were on a different continent. Violet was an adult capable of making her own choices.
Keeley smiled at her husband and leaned down to kiss him. "You might be right. Come on. The hot tub beckons."
===
Violet couldn't believe it. Her grandparents had been childhood friends?! How could that be when Grandpa was so deeply in love with his wife that he never got over her? She had always thought they must have had the love story of the century.
Robert didn't talk about his wife much except in passing because it had been too painful for him to talk about. Most of what she knew about her grandma came from her mom. But when he did talk about her he had the same kind of soft expression Aaron did when he looked at Keeley.
She had read a lot of romance novels and watched a lot of chick flicks over the years. Most of the characters met and fell in love as adults. Even high school sweethearts were rare.
Her dad had fallen in love with her mom as a senior in high school but didn't actively pursue her until he was done with college and she was working on her PhD. The majority of the happily married couples she knew of had met as adults as well.
Technically the Quinns had met in high school as well but hadn't started online dating until after graduating. No one she ever met had fallen in love with a friend from early childhood. Except her grandpa, apparently.
Since Robert was gone now, there was only one way to investigate this properly. She needed photo albums and home videos her mother had brought over from her dad's apartment after he passed away.
"KALEB I NEED YOU!" Violet yelled. She still couldn't get up.
He appeared less than a minute later. "You rang?"
"Could you find Mom's old photo albums and home videos for me, pretty please? Make sure you find the ones from when Grandpa and Grandma were kids too. I've never seen those ones before."
Kaleb raised an eyebrow. "Kind of a random request but I guess if you're really bored…they're probably in the top of a closet somewhere. Wish me luck not getting buried in falling things from the top shelf."
"Good luck, soldier."
He shook his head and laughed at how seriously she took his words before walking out the door. Ten minutes later he came back with a stack of albums and DVDs in clear plastic cases. He eyed the ancient tech in distaste.
"Mom really needs to transfer these over to digital files. It's lucky we even still have a DVD-compatible player lying around. Anyway, have fun looking at old stuff. What do you want for dinner later?"
Violet thought about it for a moment. "Something with red meat. It's been ages."
Kaleb nodded before heading back out of the entertainment room. "Shout for me when you need someone to put those DVDs in."
"I will, thanks Kal. You're the best." Violet blew him a kiss and he blushed slightly before muttering under his breath about how she was too mushy.
**If you are reading this work on a site other than Webnovel, it has been stolen. Please support the author at this link https://www.webnovel.com/book/14389908706273205/Run%2C-Girl-(If-You-Can)


Keeley, a simple plain Jane, hits the jackpot.  [No, she did not win the lottery!]  At least that's what she thinks when she marries the most eligible bachelor in New York City: Aaron, a wealthy cold-hearted heartthrob and Tycoon. 

She wants to show the world that she deserves her position and bends over  backward to fit into his world.

One beautiful day, Aaron hands her a document asking her to sign.  A divorce paper...

"She's pregnant, and I need to take responsibility."

That is the last thing that keeps on playing in her mind before she takes her last breath.

Keeley dies, a 'hit and run'. [End of story.  Not!]

For some unexplainable reason, she wakes up as her younger self.  A young high school girl, around the time when she first meets her cheating husband.

Remembering her life with Aaron before she died, she makes a promise to herself that she will do everything in her power to avoid him at all costs.

Will she be able to keep her promise when Aaron has his own plans as well, specifically for her?  Or will she repeat history and fall for him once more...

Why not journey with me and find out the truth behind their story.

You've probably heard this sort of story before.

 

Once upon a time, blah blah blah a boy and a girl fell love and everything was beautiful and perfect, except for this thing called life getting in their way. 

He was this cool foreign prince and she was basically perfect. Really it's a very boring run of the mill story. I'll even spoil it for you, they kill the villainess at the end.

Not the type of story I'd read personally.


So where do I fit into this?

Apparently I'm her older twin sister and the very very lucky fiance to the foreign prince. You know, the dead villainess? Sucks I know. 

Now I get to do it all over again from the beginning.

Curse my life


------

Updates at least 2x a week,

----

The muffled sound of raindrop woke Nolan up. He was leaned on the wall hugging his knees. He was looking at the bed where Ciara was sleeping soundly as if she never really bothered that Nolan was there. It was awkward first when it all started but she has grown to sleep near Nolan.

   "She's asleep," he thought. He smoothed his pants and dusted his cloak. He walked to the door and went down below where he looked at the notice board. There were twenty posters calling for help in reward for Talons. Nolan turned to his pouches and recalled that he was out of money.

   He thought, "I've been using most of the money I got from Diego to take care of myself. The world's infested with demons, monsters, and beings of the dark that needs special attention to kill. Keeping wealth is quite hard when I have to gulp down potions after a battled." He stuck his tongue out in disgust. A waitress sidled towards him, her arms folded.

   "Quite a lot of demons," said she. "Taking one?"

   "I am thinking about it." He looked at her. His body squared and his eyes locking with hers. He loomed the woman and his countenance made the woman tug her hair. "Can you tell me anything?"

   "Ah yes," she said. "There's mire around the settlements called toddler's mire. The place is infested with those aborted toddlers crawling around with worm-like mouths. Do you know them?"

   Nolan listened with his chin propped. He mirrored the waitress's movement that she didn't even know that she was slowly getting comfortable in talking to Nolan. "I do. You sound like you know your stuff."

   She shuffled her feet. "I've been living here ever since this settlement got built. So let me advise you that if you want real reward then go to the Toddler's mire. If you want a safe, yet poor paying job then go for Da's Mill."

   He nodded. "What goes in Da's Mill?"

   "Interlopers hoping to steal from the mill," she said.

   "What they are stealing there, I mean."

   "Grain, usually, Da's Mill's near the river and these bucktooth creatures usually take the grain of the mill. Da, the owner, wants to kill them but he offers too little. Not to mention that no one really wants to take care of his problem when there are higher demons going around destroying settlements." She shook her head.

   "I see. Where's this mill?" he asked.

   She eyed him funny. "You are taking his request?"

   "If it earns me money, I will. I'll be looking to clear this toddler's mire too. Does the Inn sell, salt, and flour?" he said.

   "Salt and flour?" she said with a raised brow. "Why would you want that?"

   Nolan paused before speaking. "I need the flour to blind the aborted toddler, and salt to hurt their skin. If you ever find yourself facing these monsters then throw them at them."

   "Is that really it?" she leaned back.

   He bobbed his head. "They might look like they enjoy the mud but those abominations are sensitive to the salt. Their bodies can be easily wounded by salt. If I would describe it then it is like putting salt on a snail."

   "Are you used to killing these creatures?" she eyed him.

   "I am used to killing them."

   "Oh," her mouth rounded. "That's good to hear."

...

   In a damp flies-ridden place, Nolan walked with his sword drawn. His sword was coated in salt and the phantasmal oil made a strange light. He slogs through the mud and made wet sloppy sounds as he does. There were the aborted toddlers crawling on the mud, their eyes fleshy and swelling red. Their skin was festered with wounds and they look pathetic.

   "May whatever God your parents worship redeem your souls," said Nolan.

   He knew that these aborted toddlers were reanimated corpses of dead children. When he saw these monsters he was not able to kill them. But, he now knows that not killing these aborted toddlers and letting them carry on with their sinful lives was a much crueler fate.

   He whirled his blade while holding the hilt of his sword. The blade that was made of fine materials cut deep into the flesh of the toddlers. Their bodies cut in halves as they crawled their way towards Nolan. Nolan focused his eyes, it turned into the sigil of the dove of thorns and the snake of woes.

   The area around Nolan stirred. He didn't know why but he felt as if he was freed from his shackles. The curse on his eyes made him relieve the battlefields of the past. He swoops along the mud field and danced with his sword. He was rather stiff carrying Ciara around and getting his mobility back made Nolan feel better.

   Nolan was slaughtering the reanimated toddlers to their deaths. A purple robed woman with a witch-hat slogs marches through the swamp with an eager anticipation. She was carrying a holy relic and as she was about to activate it. She spotted Nolan cleaving the aborted toddlers like butter.

   She dropped her holy relic, mouth opened wide. She brought forth her staff and tapped it on the ground. A crimson wave of energy passes through the mud and concentrated to where Nolan was. Nolan, who was slaughtering the toddlers, felt the attack.

   He tumbled and swirled and dodged the wave of red. The woman who fired it looked surprised. She clenched her fingers around her staff and tried to cast another. Nolan who was still relieving the memories of the past rushed towards the source of the attack.

   The purple robed woman twirled her staff and erected a barrier. Nolan spun, he made use of his body weight to hit the barrier. The barrier reflected the attack easily. The purple woman, with an expression of tranquility, pointed her hand towards Nolan.

   "ABRA!" she casts a spell.

   Nolan threw a flask of phantasmal oil at the spell. The spell got neutralized for three-seconds. Nolan made use of that time to swoop towards the barrier of the purple-robed woman and thrusts. The woman took four steps back to avoid the blade. It was then that Nolan's eyes lost its shimmers and the sigil of the dove of thorns and the snake of woes disappeared from his pupils.

...

   The purple-clad woman raised her chin, her staff pointed at Nolan. "Heartless man, you kill these poor lost souls so easily!" she shouted.

   Nolan kept his sword at hand. His eyes slowly went dim as he recognizes the outfit of the woman. Purple robes, a witch hat, a staff, and a sympathy for the lost souls. He knew her, and it breaks his heart seeing the one and only mentor of the Bleak, the purple thunder, the witch of the Nether, and the Purple Rose of the River of Nix.

   "Audrey Cress," said Nolan.

   She raised her brows. "You know of me?" she folded her arms.

   "Disciple of the Nether, River of Nix's Witch," Nolan lowered the Sword of Zachariah. "I am Nolan," the sigil's appeared in his pupils. "A Bleak Walker, if I offended you then I am deeply sorry."  

   She harrumphs, "You killed the aborted toddler," she grimaced. "I could've sent them away from this mire peacefully." She scanned the area. "Yet look at what you've done. They are mostly dead. I have heard that men of the Heir of the Old Revenants are stoic men. But to witness such slaughter, while you dance and whirl that sword of yours...is quite unpleasant."

   "I was looking for money, and you know how we, the bleak walkers, do our thing to survive," he told her.

   "Yes. And now that I am not trying to zap your soul, I can see that you've walked far. How far exactly?" she asked.

   "The Satin Path, Stasis River, and the Old Pale Pass," he mouthed. "I've walked in the barren lands."

   "And you came back alive," she nodded. "Hmm, if we have continued fighting right now, how would I fare?"

   "I would have found a way to slit your throat." He said blandly. "I am rather proficient in killing monsters."

    "And you qualify me as a monster?"

    "Yes. I do not dare to hesitate in fighting against Witch of the Nether," he fronted her. "You would have thundered me with a far stronger spell. Not to mention that the holy relic you have right there could blind my eyes temporarily if you want to."

    She folded her arms. Her staff placed between her elbows. Her dark purple hair that reaches up her waist was swaying. "You say that but I can feel that you have tricks up your sleeves that can deal with me. Hmm, your inner core is strong, the soul that you have is no ordinary, and it smells no lies and shows that you have indeed travel far." She eyed him, her nose an inch away from his. "Hmm, you would have been a perfect man if you weren't so tasteless in killing such poor souls."

   Those words triggered the sigils in Nolan's eyes. They light up in a dark eerie color, the vision of the old future flashed upon Nolan's eyes. The death of his comrades, the battle near the Overlord's territory, the back of Audrey Cress supporting her, and her myriad of spells that have saved many of his comrades.

   The world turned dark for Nolan. He felt like he was stuck in a dark world along with Audrey Cress. Below their feet was a ripple that spread on every direction. Nolan's eyes glowed softly as the sigils in his pupils made him relive all the painful memories.

   The world of black then showed images of Nolan listening to Audrey, as she demonstrates the power of the runes. The images rippled, the images turned into a group of bleak walkers, and Nolan protecting Audrey from an army of Ghouls. The images continued to ripple as if the sigils were showing everything that he had experienced with her.

   Audrey could only see the sigil's mesmerizing her. She could feel the pain that was being emitted from Nolan's eyes. Suffering, despair, hopelessness, anguish, sorrows, and the desperation was felt by her. She took two steps back, the mud making a sloppy sound, she straightened her posture.

   "You poor man," she said. "I've heard that the Heir of the Old Revenant is cursed with the sigils of woes to remind them of what they have done and experienced. To continuously reflect until the end of their days, to constantly remind themselves how good it was to be still alive. It is a constant and perpetual negative visualization for them to appreciate their life. But for us, this is a curse."

   The images vanished, what was left was the mire. Nolan's head jolted, he squared his body and lowered his head. "Forgive me you must have felt the effects of the sigils."

   "No worries," she said. "I've witnessed something interesting. I've seen walkers with two symbols in their eyes but, I haven't experienced such painful emotion being emitted. Are you used to this curse?"

   "I do not see it as a curse," he said.


   "I see. She grabbed hold of her chin. "I must say that even if you are a tasteless man for doing such horrible deed. I can understand why you would do so. I can respect you for being able to endure such perpetual reminder. Yet, I cannot forgive your tasteless acts of slaughtering these lost souls."

    "We have different ways I know that, even so, that is the mercy I can give these children. To live a life in such a sinful manner, being forced to become an atrocious monster."

    "You can send them off with a holy relic," she added. "They are hard to get but they are the desirable way. My reasoning tells me that your methods are correct, but my values say that it is wrong. Do not blame for being aggressive, though I must admit that you were as well. Were you relieving a memory with your eyes?"

   "Yes." He sheathed the Sword of Zachariah. "I was experiencing the memories of my past. There are times that I go into a trance like this. Forgive me I would have killed you if I didn't wake up."

   "You, killing me?" she said.

   "Yes." He coldly stated. "When I am lost in a trance I function with deadly efficiency. I have little control."

   "You are confident about your own skills," her brows arched. "Your eyes say the truth. I can guess that you have your ways to kill me. What is your name?"

   Nolan bit his lower lip. He hesitated. "Nolan Salvatore, a Bleak Walker."

   "I see." She nodded. "I am Audrey Cress. You can go now, Nolan Salvatore. You should leave this place for me." She reached for her pockets and retrieved a pouch of coins. "Leave and try not to do such tasteless things if we ever meet again."

   Nolan pocketed the pouch of coins. He spun. He looked over his shoulder before clenching his fist. He had already decided not to meddle with those who he knew from the past. It was aching his heart but he didn't want to tamper on things that might change the timeline.

The Bleak Walker Nolan fought through the light's war. He marched on with his fellow rank-and-file soldiers and held the line for the Heroes against the army of the Overlord of Demons so that they can save the world from the darkness. As he dies again he found himself back in time before his meeting with the Burned Woman.

Note:
Also available on Scribblehub...

"Why are you staring at me like that?" Yang Ruqin groaned. Curiosity was written all over Zhao Lifei's face in bold, red letters. She didn't like that look.
"My sweet Qinqin, I think it's storytime." Zhao Lifei patted the space beside her. Yang Ruqin's fiery glare could burn a hole through the pure linen fabric. She sniffed, was that burnt cloth she smelled?
"Storytime about what?" Yang Ruqin tried to stall as much as possible. She took tiny steps to Zhao Lifei. A minute passed and she had not crossed a meter yet.
Zhao Lifei impatiently climbed out of the bed and grabbed Yang Ruqin's wrist. Then she hauled the young woman onto it. "Story about you and the assassin!" She forced her Qinqin to sit down on the bed.
"How about we talk about something else? Like how the blind date went—"
"I saw how the blind date went. You guys seemed genuinely happy and there was no bad blood. What else do I need to know?" Zhao Lifei shrugged. "Seeing as Huo Qiudong has not hunted me down for it, I can safely assume he was not unhappy with the arrangements."
"Really? He didn't seem unhappy?"
"If you're referring to the private room's first reaction, he was unhappy, but after I left, he seemed pretty...normal. If you're referring to the present, my words were a mere guess. All of the text he has sent me was about work-related stuff. So, we can infer that he was not upset." Zhao Lifei explained. She clasped her hands together, "Alright. I answered your question. Now, it's time for you to tell me about Yu Pingluo and you."
Yang Ruqin tried to divert the topic again, "Are you and Yang Feng married? Did you guys elope in secret? I heard the way you guys addressed each other."
Zhao Lifei completely forgot about keeping this a secret from Yang Ruqin. Nervously, she began to twirl the rings on her right hand. Naturally, Yang Ruqin's eyes dropped down before turning around. 
"A-are those wedding rings?! So you guys did get married!" Yang Ruqin slapped a hand over her gaping mouth. She didn't want flies to come in. "Who else knows about this? What about my parents and grandfather? Why didn't you tell me about this?!" She shot questions faster than a gun could release bullets. 
"A small handful of people, including my grandfather. And now, you too. " Zhao Lifei breathed in through her nose and released a heavy sigh. "I didn't want to tell you because I was worried you might tell your parents."
Yang Ruqin feigned an offended expression. She dramatically placed a hand to her heart and pretended she was taken aback by the words. "Why, I would never—"
"Qinqin! I'm serious. You can't tell them yet. Not until everything is settled and I finally gain everyone's approval myself!" Zhao Lifei grabbed Qinqin's shoulders. She didn't expect to see it had gotten firmer, stronger, and more secure. Wow, it seems the training paid off! 
Yang Ruqin nodded her head like a broken bobble-doll [1]. She made a gesture of sealing her lips and then tossing the imaginary key over her shoulders. "I swear I won't tell anyone. You've kept all of my secrets. It's my turn now to keep yours." 
Zhao Lifei's shoulder sagged in relief. The angst in her eyes dispelled and she could finally breathe properly again. "Alright, now that we have gotten the marriage talk over with, will you finally tell me the story about Yu Pingluo?"
Yang Ruqin played with the fabric of the blanket. She wrinkled her nose at the boring burgundy color of the deluxe blanket. White and burgundy. How boring. Another splash of color, perhaps something white and unexpected, would really liven this place up. "Do I have to?"
Zhao Lifei paused and thought about her words. "Only if you feel comfortable telling me." Her voice dropped an octave to become gentler and more understanding. "If you're not ready yet, I won't force you."
Yang Ruqin nodded her head, "I'm not ready." She raised her head, "At. All." She added on.
Zhao Lifei was severely disappointed by the news, but she kept her thoughts to herself. Not wanting to cross the boundaries and pressure Yang Ruqin even more, she said, "Alright then. We can always talk about it another time." She grabbed the TV remote and handed it to Yang Ruqin. She hoped browsing through the channels would distract her from any negative thoughts.
"If you ever want to talk about him, or anything else for that matter, please remember my ears are always open. I'm only one call away." Zhao Lifei gave Yang Ruqin endearing pats on the head. 
Yang Ruqin paused her channel surfing. A relieved smile made her angelic features softer, "I know." Her voice wasn't the typically bubbly one she had. It sounded a lot more mature. 
When Zhao Lifei saw the faraway look on Yang Ruqin's face, she realized how much she has changed. Leaving Yang Ruqin alone, she flopped back onto the bed. Like Yang Feng wanted her to, she spent the majority of her day watching television and movies with Yang Ruqin.
- - - - -
Chen Gaonan's eyes briefed over the command on his tablet. Her name was highlighted and underlined. It was a very risky mission. Like the lady-boss had said, there would be a war between two households if Xia Mengxi mysteriously disappeared off the face of the Earth. It would not take long before Zheng Tianyi discovers what happened and who took his precious fiancee.
Chen Gaonan knew it was not his place to question his boss' decision. He knew how smart and tactical his boss was. I mean, just look at his unbelievable accomplishments as the President of Yang Enterprise and triad leader of the Yang Clan. No one ruled both the surface and ground better than him. His achievements were steadily outranking Yang Mujian and the man still had a very long life ahead of him.
Chen Gaonan had been staring at the new mission for a while now. He was supposed to be advising Lu Shanshan on one of her slip-ups, but he was too busy debating whether or not he should speak up about this matter. His job was simple. All he had to do was send out the mission and assign the members responsible for it. He was one button away from finishing the task. Yet, for some reason, his fingers could not move.
There were going to be so many consequences to this decision. At this moment, he knew his only choice was to send out the message. 
If his boss does not make a move, Yang Yulong will. Everyone knew how much the Second Young Master cooed over the Young Miss. 
Apparently, when they were children, Yang Yulong had a massive sweet tooth and he would always charm the maids into giving him another piece of chocolate. Unfortunately for him, Yang Ruqin loved chocolate more than she loved her life. Yang Yulong would hide his chocolate from Yang Ruqin and he would always find it gone the next day. Even though he knew Yang Ruqin had discovered the secret location, he never moved it. He allowed her to take all of the extra pieces of chocolates that he desperately wanted to devour for himself.
"What are you contemplating about? I'm getting stressed out just looking at you." Lu Shanshan placed the binder and notebooks on top of her neatly-organized desk. Aside from a family portrait of her husband, son, and her, there was no other personal belongings on it. Everyday, she would take the picture home and routinely clean it like the neat-freak she was.
"This mission that boss wants me to send out." Chen Gaonan showed Lu Shanshan the message.
"Oh, that's easy." Lu Shanshan pressed the button for him and just like that, the mission was sent out.
"What the hell?! Are you crazy?! Have you lost your damn mind?!" Chen Gaonan slammed his tablet onto his desk, cracking the surface. His face was turning red, the anger spreading to his ears.
"What?" Lu Shanshan gave him an equally scathing glare. Her lips were pressed into thin lips. She placed a hand on her hip, ready to dish it out with him if she had to. 
"How can you not think of the consequences and the things that will happen to the Yangs if they touched something that belonged to the Zhengs?!" Chen Gaonan blew up. All of his bottled emotions poured out like an overfilled rain sewer.
Lu Shanshan quirked a brow. That was what he was mad at? How dumb.


"Stay with me and I will give you everything your heart desires. For you, my darling, I would part the mountains, split the sea, and cause havoc on Earth just to have you."

- - - - -

In every love story, there's always a vengeful and venomous fiancée who was engaged to the rich and handsome CEO that fell for the poor, but gentle and innocent female lead.  In his greed for her love, he broke his poor fiancée whose love drove her to the brink of insanity. 

No one ever cared about how the fiancée felt. 

Zhao Lifei was prepped her entire life to marry one man, but suddenly, his heart was captured by another. She was face-slapped, destroyed, and disowned for loving Zheng Tianyi. She was willing to sacrifice her youth, time, and heart for the man, but all she got was pain and despair.

It took two harsh, but awakening years for Zhao Lifei to finally understand the mistakes she has made in the past.

After her redemption, it was now Zhao Lifei's turn to experience a love grander than the female lead. 

Smarter, feistier, and wittier, Zhao Lifei knew how to survive the cruel, backstabbing, and harsh upper-class society was.

"A cheating fiancé that broke my heart? Screw him, I'll find someone richer!"

"All of my friends have abandoned me? Whatever, I'll find better ones!"

"My parents disowned me? That's fine, my grandfather is wealthier and more powerful than both of them combined!"

To the polar opposite of the snarky Zhao Lifei, was the incredibly wealthy and powerful, yet ruthlessly cold Yang Feng.

Yang Feng, the King of the Business Empire, was a man to be feared. Heart of ice, eyes of stone, merciless but enticingly handsome, there was not a single person in this world that dared to offend him. 

Many have tried, but none had succeeded in garnering his attention. That is, until his path unexpectedly collides with Zhao Lifei.

Challenges will arise, chaos will commence, and drama will ensue. But then again, what is a love story without disturbance? They say love without conflict is just a simple crush and the story of Zhao Lifei and Yang Feng was anything but that.

- - - - -
Novel Status: Completed.

Note: This is an original story by me (xincerely) and not a translation :)

Story Discord: https://discord.gg/N5zzn6t

Author's Instagram: xincerely_author

Editors and Proofreaders: Yserieh, ketaki, deelah, SniperGirl, dumdum007, YunRei, Blissful, ninaviews, Ocelot, Hoodwinhemmford, PantojaC0311, _pia29, dumdum007, filledelisle, myco, rosie, and littlebakergirl!

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