Writing Contest! [CLOSED]

[Android]

The suspense is painful!

[mzenun]

Ok I shortened my entry. It is exactly 2,999 words. I just barely made it. This is a shortened version of my book, Time's Burnt Stone. Please enjoy!

Time's Burnt Stone (Simplified)

Spoiler

~Flame~

I pecked nervously at the ground, hoping to get a morsel of food. If I found food I was considered lucky; and alive. I am one of the few remaining creatures on Earth. Everything else died, became infected. I honestly don’t know how I made it this far. My beak hit something hard; and glowing? At first it appeared as a rock, but rocks don’t glow. I looked around.
There! A strong piece of smooth bendable bark was close to me. Using my talons and beak, I tied it around the mysterious stone. It was red and appeared to have fire inside. I put it around my neck. I looked in a piece of a clear rock and posed. It matched perfectly since I am a Phoenix.
After admiring myself for a long time, I got back to work. I had pretty much given up on finding meat and had moved on to eating mostly plants and grubs. More and more beings are dying each day, making it harder and harder for me to survive. If there was anyway, anyway at all that I can fix this, I would jump to do it.
I sent a silent prayer to my parents hoping I could find another creature out there. Someone I could befriend, share dilemmas with. If only. Still pecking miserably at the ground, I started crying. Standing there, crying, made me think.
I decided I wasn’t going to stay here anymore. I hated my territory. It was small, lonely, and cold. I wanted to go out and seek friends. Still pecking, something green caught my eye. I dug through dirt and found a couple of small leaves; a sore victory, but it was still food.
I ate ravenously. I trotted over to a tiny puddle; my puddle. I had survived a moon on this tiny puddle sipping very little. In a few more days I would have to find another puddle; another reason to leave.
I would leave at sunrise. For now though, I would have to survive through tonight. I sipped my puddle. I trotted over to the trunk of my dead tree. I spread my wings and flew up to my branch. I perched there and silently scanned my territory.
I knew I wouldn’t miss it. Thinking got boring fast and keeping to myself was making me lose it, so I started shouting random words into the sky. Eventually, I became exhausted and fell asleep.
~Night~

I clutched my stomach. I finally admitted to myself that I was starving. That I would just lie here and starve to death, just like every other creature on Earth. It had been like this as long as I could remember.
My mother used to tell me that it wasn’t always like this though. Earth had once been a peaceful magical land where creatures of all shapes and sizes lived in harmony. But one day, an evil man, Ace, infected Earth.
First, water was infected. Then it was air. Then came plants. And last, creatures. I scanned my territory.
How could this land of dead have ever been filled with great happiness? It didn’t seem possible to me. A low whimper broke into my thoughts. I got to my feet and stalked toward the sound.
If I was lucky, it was a surviving creature, but wouldn’t be for long. If I wasn’t lucky, this was some creature that wanted to finish me off. Maybe if I caught some food right now, I wouldn’t starve…yet.
I shifted behind some dead bushes and looked for my catch. My deep blue scales were probably standing out against this lifeless bush, but I continued observing anyway. Using my dragon senses, I located my target. I waited there until I knew for sure what this creature was.
Finally, a blue head popped up. It was light blue with a purple mane and a dash of glittering gold; a unicorn. I stalked closer. The unicorn whimpered again. I stalked closer still. I crept up and prepared my haunches for the killing jump.
Silence is key. If I make any sounds, the unicorn will fly away as fast as possible. If that happens, I will give chase in the air. What would I have to lose?
The unicorn looked around nervously, then collapsed. Perfect! Easy meal. Thinking this unicorn was already dead, I strolled over to it casually.
I was about to bite into it when I heard a voice. “Please don’t eat me,” it groaned. I looked down. The unicorn was curled up and scared to death. I felt bad for this poor creature, but that’s no excuse. I was starving and had finally found a decent meal.
“Why shouldn’t I,” I asked the unicorn. It replied weakly “because I’m the last male unicorn and I must survive.” I suddenly felt really bad for him and I didn’t know why.
“Please,” he whimpered again. I thought about this for quite some time and when I was finished, I spoke to the unicorn. “What’s your name?” The unicorn looked up nervously and replied “Star.” I stared at Star a little longer then came to a decision.
“I shall spare your life, if, you forever stay loyal to me.” Star looked up appreciatively. “Thank you,” he said, then looked nervously at the ground. His voice was shaky as he said “I must know your name.” I hesitated slightly, but replied “Night.”





~Star~

As I walked behind Night, I tried to keep my distance. Every now and then though, she would tell me to keep up. I would scurry forward, then slowly drop back.
I know she changed her mind. I just know it. Well, at least I would join my parents once again. Images of my beloved parents stuck in my mind. I will join you soon, I prayed to them. Save a spot for me in the sky, I finished.
Then, a little voice sounded in my head; a very familiar voice. Not yet my sweet son, it spoke. I couldn’t believe this. Mom, I asked with shock. Is that really you? I heard my long awaited reply say yes, it is my son. I froze with shock and pure happiness.
Something broke into my thoughts. It was Night. “Keep up,” she growled. “You’re moving slower than a turtle with foot sores. Sometimes, I think you just like staring at my butt.” Embarrassed, I ran up next to her.
I saw her surprised look and quickly apologized. She looked down at me kindly. “It’s okay. I need a friend.” I thought about this. Was this a trick so she can gain my trust and eat me? I looked at her face. It was glowing with happiness.
Then I remembered her face when I met her. It was depressed. Even though she was the dragon here, I instantly felt bad for her. I decided maybe warming up to her would help remove the tension, if she wasn’t trying to eat me.
But first, I wanted to finish my conversation with my mother. Mom? Are you still there? I was happy once she replied I am always with you, my sweet son. I asked her if I would join her soon.
I was surprised when she replied No, you cannot die, Star. You are destined for greatness. You can fix this horrible tragedy. I was stunned. I can’t fix this. Ace did this. My mother tried to reassure me by saying yes, you can. I will be here for you always. I am making sure you survive. Don’t worry, you are safe. We are leading you towards the right path. Just keep going.
I was speechless. If you do, I will come back to be with you, she finished. But how, I asked. Just then, my mother spoke in some sort of prophecy. You are one of three; three that will burn through time.








~Night~

I woke the following morning same as always, writhing in pain from hunger. I had not eaten in moons and I knew I was done for. Just then, my mother appeared.
Was I dreaming? This is no dream, she said. She sounded serious, but her voice was still soft. You are one of three; three that will burn through time.
Pictures of a red glowing stone with fire inside raced through my mind. What did she mean? Burn through time? One of three? The only other creature I know about is Star and it can’t be him.
He was too nervous and scared. He couldn’t be special like this. But then again, he was the only male unicorn in existence. I would ask him if anything strange happened to him lately. But first, I would have to let him know that I could trust him and he could trust me. That could take even take moons.
Now I can put my plan into action. Thinking of Star made me realize Star wasn’t next to me, but he was supposed to stay with me forever.
Enraged, I got to my feet and started tracking down Star. I suddenly had a strong smell of Star then instantly saw him.
“Hi Night-,” he began cheerfully.
“Shut up,” I growled. His face instantly turned worried.
“Is something wrong,” he asked.
“Shut up,” I roared. His face turned scared and confused. I turned even angrier. He knew he tried to escape.
“I told you I would spare your life if you were forever loyal to me! You tried to escape and broke your commitment! And since you broke your end, I’ll break mine,” I hissed.
Star spoke shakily. “W-what do you m-mean,” he asked frightfully.
“You know very well what I mean,” I hissed. Star gulped nervously. I finished with “I’m gonna eat you.”











~Star~

“What?! Night, stop!” Night lunged at me. I turned around and fled. I soon found that even though dragons are huge creatures, they are extremely fast. Night was gaining on me.
I knew that soon she would catch up to me and I would have the same fate as my mother. I knew Night was still on my tail.
Soon, I couldn’t go on anymore. I collapsed on the ground and prepared to see my mother once more, but it never came. I slowly opened my eye.
I got up and looked around. I saw Night a few tree lengths away. I slowly walked towards her, but kept my distance. Night was lying down, panting. I asked her if she was okay. She growled exhaustedly and rolled over.
I walked over to her and said “Night, it’s not what you think. I wasn’t trying to run away. I knew you were starving and tried to get you food, but when you started chasing me, I dropped the berries I found. They’re still back there and if you want, I’ll go back and get them for you.”
Night’s stomach responded for her, so I told Night I promised I’d be right back and I sped off. I finally reached the berries.
Berries were extremely rare on Earth. The berries were bright pink and somewhat plump; a very rare find. I grabbed the berries in my mouth and flew off.
As I was flying, I noticed I was overhead of an infected lake. It was green and smelled sour. I decided I better not fly over it in case I dropped the berries. Too late. The berries tumbled down farther and farther towards the lake.









~Star~

I plunged after them. Stupid, yes, but I did it anyway. I pulled in my legs for less air resistance and fell a little faster.
I was nearing the berries. I felt something next to me, but when I looked over, nothing was there.
Something was there, though. At that very moment, the force pushed me father towards the lake and I scooped up the berries at the last second. Very unrealistic, but it happened.
If those berries would have dropped, I would be Night’s next meal. These raspberries were my lifeline. I quickly got away from the infected lake.
I headed in the direction where Night lay, almost starved and exhausted. If I bring fresh water, too, she might think of me as her hero. I started to look for fresh water and something clean to carry it in.
I know I’m trying to do many things for Night, but getting on a dragon’s bad side is one of the worst ideas in the world.
I started searching the land, but every puddle and lake was infected. I searched and searched, but still no water. I did find something clean to carry it in. It was a big shiny disk. It was lightweight, but strong.
I found some thick brown string which I tied around the disk in the little grooves placed evenly around the disk. I made a loop coming from the disk so I could carry it from my back. Now for the last ingredient: clean water.
It was almost dusk when I finally found an abundance of water; I filled the disk and headed back for Night. While I was looking for clean water, I stumbled upon a perfect sized pouch for the berries which I carried around my neck. It was getting dark, but I was almost there.









~Flame~

I woke after a strange dream. I was standing in a beautiful place filled with green grass and clear blue rivers. Creatures roamed freely everywhere. It was perfect. I never wanted to leave. I almost started to cry when my mother and father appeared.
They said weird words to me, almost like a prophecy. They told me you are one of three; three that will burn through time.
This confused me. I am the only creature alive on Earth; or at least I thought I was. I flew off my perch in the dead tree to the ground. I walked around mindlessly.
Eventually, I found a puddle of clean water by following the force. I had learned to give in to the mysterious force because whenever I obeyed the force, something good happened.
I followed this force for days, always traveling in the same direction. At one point, the force got extremely strong.
It led me to a spot where a unicorn once lived. Unicorn hoof prints were leading away from the site, but where glowing golden. I was curious so I followed them.
It led to the spot where the unicorn appeared to collapse. Dragon prints led away from the site. They were glowing, but black. I knew this is where a lucky dragon found a feast. I thought maybe if I follow the tracks, the dragon might share. Besides, the force was pulling me towards it.
Images of a mysterious dragon appeared in my mind. A growl from behind me interrupted my thoughts. I turned around, surprised to hear another creature.
Without thinking, I walked towards the growl and cheerfully said “Hi!” The creature replied with a hiss. I thought maybe this creature was just lonely, like me. I stepped forward. “Hello? I just thought you needed a friend.”
The voice growled “I don’t need friends. If you don’t leave now, I’ll shred you.” I was instantly scared, but was tired of being lonely.
I summoned up the courage to say “Come out and show yourself!” The creature was hiding behind a big shiny thing. It banged behind the strange object and stepped out. A small light blue unicorn with a purple mane and a golden horn and hooves appeared. I instantly burst out laughing.








~Night~

The phoenix started laughing, just as expected. Star mouthed a growl and I made the noise right behind him. Before I confronted this familiar bird, I wanted to mess around a bit. It’s been ages since I’ve had a laugh.
The phoenix, whom I soon found out was a female from her voice, spoke. “Unicorns don’t growl. How are you doing that?” I saw Star was about to mouth something, so I spoke.
“You tell me,” I growled. The phoenix finally managed to stop laughing, but kept giggling.
“Come on, who’s with you,” she asked.
Star said “No one, I’m completely alone.” Uh oh; he blew his cover. The phoenix heard two different voices come from Star and stopped buying it. I decided it was time to show myself.
I stepped out carefully. The phoenix looked straight at me. We were the same size, considering we were both young. The phoenix immediately went up to me. After examining me thoroughly, she stepped back and introduced herself.
“Hi,” she said. “My name is Flame.” I somehow knew in an instant Flame was the last ‘one of three’ we needed. I already found out Star was visited and told the same prophecy. I had to make friends with Flame.
“Hiya,” I said, sounding like my old self. “I’m Night and this goofball is Star,” I said pointing to Star. Star said hello and turned away shyly.
I couldn’t help myself and blurted out “have you been told a prophecy lately?” Flame looked at me shocked, then nodded yes. I guess she was surprised she finally found the other two
“Look,” I said. “We probably don’t much time together and I know you want to get to know us and all, Flame, but we’ve got to talk about this.” Flame and Star nodded in understanding. There was something hanging from Flame’s neck.
“Flame,” I asked. I was caught in a trance. Finally, I spoke. “What’s that thing around your neck?” Her face immediately shined with pride.
“It’s a special rock I found so I put it around my neck.” I stared a little longer. Flame went on. “But when I found it, it was glowing.”
That’s the same rock from my dream. That’s no ordinary rock. Just then, the rock started to glow very brightly; too bright. I looked away, but it didn’t help. All of us were blinded, but the light seemed to go away and everything went black.

Thanks for reading!

[Dragons]

I can't wait!

[Icethornstar]

Ok I shortened my entry. It is exactly 2,999 words. I just barely made it. This is a shortened version of my book, Time's Burnt Stone. Please enjoy!

Nice, same with me.

[freakazoid]

The suspense is killing me

[Dragons]

Indeed Yellow Fang.

[Phenora]

Yes, yes it is...

[freakazoid]

So...when will the winners be announced?

[LightningDragon]

-Agrees with Yellowfang-

[Kestrad]

Hopefully soon, but I'm currently dealing with my second round of midterms so it might be a little while longer. (Spring break, you need to arrive sooner )