RanKing - The Pilot Program 2022

My parents! My parent’s parents fought for me to be your king! I have fought to be your king! My birthmark shows it, their birthmark showed it. We are born with our destinies on our backs! We are made to fulfill our destinies! And there is no shame whether you’re upper rank, lower rank, a worker, a cook or a dish washer! My great great great grandfather was sweeping the streets, anyone can meet their destiny. I memorized his whole speech, says Edwin. And thus the golden age began, says Dante. Exactly! Rancore, the strongest man to have ever lived had managed to bring peace to a world at war. A world without a strongest contender, says Edwin. My guy, we know. We have heard it so many times coming from your mouth. I wasn’t encouraging you, I was just showing you that we know what your next word is going to be, says Dante. Do you think he had some kind of magic? It was a few hundred years ago when he managed to roam the world to bring it to its knees, says Edwin. I don’t know. Are our birthmarks magic? asks Dante. They’re not magic, says Arthur. Then what is it? asks Dante. It’s genetics. Each person has it’s DNA, that DNA leaves an imprint in the skin. It’s that simple, says Arthur. Then how do you explain the symbols? That’s a language, right? It has to be something special? asks Edwin. It’s you. It’s your noggin. It’s how your DNA reacts to your brain impulses. Read a book, you two, says Arthur as he leaves. Always the smart one, says Dante.

What do you think his ranking is? asks Edwin. I don’t know. Never asked him. He looks average, says Dante. And you don’t? asks Edwin. Listen, I’m in top 5 strongest and I’ll probably get in top 4 soon enough, says Dante. Yeah, top 5 billion, maybe. We’re still teens, there are so many people that could simply crush us like we’re watermelons, says Edwin with a grim look on his face. Ever the courageous man, aren’t you? asks Dante. Take a seat everyone, says the teacher as he enters the classroom. Oh right, history. Great, says Dante as he takes a seat. Today we’re gonna continue on with our lesson on armed conflicts. As you know, weapons aren’t really used, since they’re quite often useless against the higher ranks. So when we are talking armed conflicts, we do mean literal armed conflicts. Massive conflicts between people and their bare hands. And we have detailed stories of many of our ancestors battles along the years before the golden age Rancore brought with his might. So today we are going to talk about a few of those armed conflicts before and after the golden age, says the teacher. Edwin raises his hand. Yes, Edwin? asks the teacher. Why were there conflicts after the golden age? asks Edwin. Because Rancore was told to have had many children. Which only sparked a lot of conflict. Sadly not much is known since he was a very private man, says the teacher.

But that doesn’t make sense. What about his birthmarks? Couldn’t they have looked at that? asks Edwin. No. Rancore was never really seen in a state of undress. He was mostly alone during his travels. And after his conquest he never really bothered with politics, leaving these decisions to the people. So he was less seen once the golden age began. Even so, the most we have are pictures after descriptions people had of him. A big smile, a glorious moustache that couldn’t be rivaled. Kind eyes yet a fierce looking body that would make him feel menacing. But that’s the extent of his description from our history, says the history teacher as the classroom door is kicked down. Everyone stay calm, says a man with a black beard. We’re here for Arthur, the young man of legends, he says as he puts his goons to detain the class. The teacher raises his fists, and so are the rest of the students. Oh, I wouldn’t do that if I were you guys, says the bearded man. The teacher jumps to punch one of the goons, only to get knocked down and break the his table. The rest of the student body jumps to Arthur’s defense only to get easily pushed and kicked back down. Told you. Now, Arthur, we can do this the easy way… Or the hard way. But either way, you are coming with me to do what your great great grandfather did before you and bring a new golden age.

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JACK - ANTHOLOGY OF A YOUNG WIZARD 7: HISTORY AND HIS STORY

You do not listen to me anymore. I am your friend, Stephen. You can't let his ilk be seen here. What are people going to think? How are you ever going to have people staying here when there's the devil's child here? asks Arcus. But we need the money, says Stephen. Yes, but not his money. You are just going to bring even more hate on you if they found out you are harboring a wizard, says Arcus. Fine, please keep your voice low. He'll hear you, Stephen replies. Ah, let him hear me. I'm not afraid of his devilish tricks. So please, Stephen, listen to me. I am your friend and want your best. It's why I come here to help you, says Arcus. I thought you came here for backgammon and booze, says Stephen jokingly. I thought you knew me better, says Arcus. I was just jesting. You don't have to leave, says Stephen. See you next time, says Arcus. Excuse me, says someone. Welcome, father. How can I help? asks Stephen. Father? A priest, here? I ask myself as I change into my night gown. I need a room for the night. I'll be leaving in the morning. I won't be bothering you too much, says the Priest. Of course. We do have a room free for you, says Stephen. Here, this should be enough for the night, says the Priest. You're too kind. As just it happened we also have a wizard staying here tonight. Who knew God would bring you here tonight, says Stephen. Funny. Very funny, says the Priest. It was not a joke, says Stephen. I understand. Good night, says the Priest in a hurry. Such a weird fellow, says Stephen. Weird indeed, I think to myself as I put myself to bed.

Go to London, my boy. It is the most populated place and you'll see all sorts of people. You'll learn a lot, says Master. But how will that help with my magic? I ask him. Oh dear, do not worry. You're a wizard after all. You can do a little bit of everything, says the Master. Why aren't we wizards specialized like the others? I ask. Because someone has to pass the knowledge down throughout history. If sorcerers die out in flames, we'll have to preach the magic of fire to the next generation and grow a new batch of sorcerers. That's why we learn a bit of magic from witches, a bit from druids, magicians, mages, warlocks, necromancers, sorcerers, witches and enchantresses. If one is hunted down and burnt to the ground, we can rebuild it. And I taught you everything I knew to teach. If you want to learn more, you'll have to get out there and find them and learn from them. But to do that, you must learn to live in reality, boy. You've lived an easy life until today and there's much more out there than what you just witnessed here, says Master. But it does not have any sense for me to do that. We are persecuted, hunted in some places and burned at stake. Why would I want to adventure out there? I ask. Because that's how you'll learn. It is our punishment for the greed we had in our hearts brought us here, boy. If we want that to change we need to atone for our greed and learn to be responsible for our powers and judgement. Now sleep, tomorrow you'll have a long journey ahead of you, says Master.

What a weird dream to have a part of yesterday replay in my head like that. It seems London did get under my skin, I tell myself as I wake up with a hunger in my belly. What will I have for breakfast today? I'll have some of that sausage I made before I left, some bread and an apple for some sweetness. Good thing I can travel light and conjure these things up from Master's home, I tell myself as I get dressed. Ah, it seems I was in time to have them cooked, hope Master won't be too annoyed with me for doing this, I once more tell myself proudly. Already leaving? Stephen asks. Yes. Thank you for letting me stay here, says the Priest. Won't you stay for breakfast? Stephen asks. I'm afraid I have to leave quite urgently, says the Priest. I hear footsteps nearing my door. I hear Stephen knocking. Morning, would you like some breakfast? asks Stephen. No, thank you. I am already in the middle of it, I respond. Oh, enjoy. Sorry to bother. Maybe Arcus will join me, says Stephen as he leaves. What is with people here? They seems all to be so miserable, I think to myself as I finish eating. The door to the inn opens. Morning Stephen, did you hear? asks Arcus. Just in time. Come join me for breakfast and tell me what should I have heard, says Stephen. Do you know your friend, Thomas Scot? He rents rooms by the tower, says Arcus. Yes? What happened? asks Stephen. Well, a servant to a priest was found dead in one of his rooms, says Arcus. Really? Do we know him? asks Stephen. We do, know who he was servant to, Richard de Tonge, the Priest that used to come here before the incident. I think the Sheriff will come by here to ask us about him, says Arcus. Oh no, I exclaim as I reach the bottom of the stairs.

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JACK - ANTHOLOGY OF A YOUNG WIZARD 6: DREAMS OR NIGHTMARES

Boy, wait a bit, the Sheriff calls to me. What is it? I ask. The Judge wants to talk to you, says the Sheriff. As I make my way towards him all manner of thoughts rush through my head. Listen here, lad, says the Judge squinting at me. Be wary of what you say or do here in London. We got a keen sense of trouble and we quickly burn anything that is foreign or strange to our noses. Your master probably told you what happened last time a wizard was here. I am not telling you this out of compassion towards your kind, I am telling you this as a warning. I do not wish to see you in my court again if you do not want me to live up to my name, says the Judge as he turns to leave. What’s his name? I ask the Sheriff. It’s Stephen Gravesend, says the Sheriff. Stephen Gravesend, I repeat with shivers going down my spine in terror. Listen, is there an Inn around here? I need some lodging, I ask the Sheriff. There is down the street from the pub we came from, says the Sheriff. Thank you, I tell him as I leave. Just as I get out of the court Richard approaches me. Listen, I am truly sorry for what I said and done. Can you find it in your cold devil heart to forgive me? he asks. No. You must jest, otherwise you wouldn’t simply say what you just said, I brush him off and leave. I was right about your cold dead heart, shouts Richard after me.

As I walk down the dark streets of London, I remind myself to make a bit of light to carry in the palm of my hand. I just hope the Inn won’t be a deadly one, because this start of the journey really isn’t what I thought it would be. And if there’s a lesson to learn here, I don’t really want to learn it, I tell myself as I see the light to the inn. Welcome, welcome in the dead of the night, says the Innkeeper. Thank you, do you have a free room for the night? I ask. They always have free rooms since that one woman died by the bridge, says a man with his back turned towards me. Oh, it is you., the wizard. Not even hours here in London, and you’re already of fame in this part of town, says the Innkeeper. You are not considering letting him stay here after that last one? asks the man angrily. Calm down, Arcus. The man was freed by the notorious Gravesend. Sorry for my friend here, he is a bit in a mood. My name is Stephen, don’t worry not like the judge, I am Stephen of Lynn. My name sounds nicer and it is fun since I am also an Innkeeper. And this is Arcus of Rikelinge, I know, strange name. But he is good company. We do have a free room, as long as you promise not to entice women with your magic, says Stephen with a nervous laugh. Do not worry, magic does not work that way, I try to reassure him. Sure it doesn’t, says Arcus. Do not be intimidated by him, Stephen tells me. Do you want to know the story of the woman that killed herself for a wizard? asks Arcus.

No, not really, I respond. It was the 25th of December a year ago, when Johanna of Charing, a beautiful woman, was found dead. She drowned between the Tower of London and the Hospital of St. Kathrine in the parish of St. Botolph. That beautiful woman was found blue to her face, her skin now slimy and her beauty of a body now round and pudgy from puss and water. The story goes that the jury had found Laurence the Poulter, who had spent the previous night here with her. That night I was here too. It was just me and him the whole night. At some point we started hearing strange noises, a strange language we have not heard before until that night. And we should know. Before his father died and left him the inn, we roamed Europe. So we know some French, some Latin, but we never heard the tongue he spoke. That night before long, we saw her leave this place without any expression on her visage. Like, like… he bewitched her or put her under a spell. And since she died, we keep hearing strange noises in the attic of this inn and rumors spread and soon no one came here no more. All because of that wizard and his tongue, says Arcus. But that Laurence was acquitted after they looked at her body and found it had no wounds on her. Here’s your key, says Stephen. What a fascinating story, I have yet to see a ghost with my own eyes. From what Master told me, they are very rare as they usually travel to the other side unless they die of natural causes and have regrets left. Now excuse me while I go have nightmares of the stories you told, I tell Arcus as I take my leave to go get some sleep. Close that door well if you wanna wake up tomorrow, says Arcus. Well, fuck… I tell myself as I go up the stairs…

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JACK - ANTHOLOGY OF A YOUNG WIZARD 5 - CRIMES AND PUNISHMENT

You’d think people would have the decency not to murder on God’s free day, but it seems that crime has no such thing as an off day, says the Judge as he looks up squinting at the room. Sheriff, I hope that this time you have the witnesses and the weapon to prove the deed and make this quick, says the Judge. Yes, sire. This time the murderer was caught with blood on his hands, says the Sheriff. And who caught ‘im? Who was brave enough to throw ‘imself at a killer? asks the Judge. It was this here wizard that stopped him, your honor, says the Sheriff. Ah, you seek favor now after last time? the Judge asks me squinting and looking somewhere in the room. No, your honor. I was doing what anyone else in that room would’ve done, I respond. He’s just trying to manipulate you, screams Richard. Someone take that buffoon out of my court, says the Judge. So, Sheriff, please fill me into the details of what happened, continued the Judge. This here murderer, John Doget launched himself with a knife trying to kill John Brede which he had a fight with previously regarding some locket arrangement. But John Wyot jumped in to stop him, only for the poor soul to be stabbed and die of blood loss right then and there, from what the Coroner told me. The wizard here, used magic to make the murderer’s boots so big that he couldn’t move, until we got there and apprehended the bastard. And besides the murder weapon which is here, we also have a couple dozen people to have witnessed it, says The Sheriff. Is this true? asks the Judge of the court. Aye, they respond. Jury? asks the Judge. We find him guilty, says a member of the Jury. Good, good. I sentence you to prison for life. Sheriff take him to Newgate, says the Judge.

Wait, wait, a woman’s voice is heard. I just want some sleep, bemoans the Judge as a woman comes forth. What do you want? asks the Judge. I have to confess something, says the woman. Go to the church, dear, says the Judge. I know who murdered the washerwoman, she says. What? The court asks in unison. Well, wizard, let’s see if we’re gonna burn you or let you go free this night, says the Judge squinting towards my direction. Speak, dear. What’s your name? asks the Judge. My name is Anne, I am but a humble prostitute, sir, she says. Ah, I remember you. So, tell me. What happened? asks the Judge. Anne starts crying. I didn’t know it would be like this, I promise you, sir. In my profession you meet many of men and we rarely attach ourselves to any of them, since we know that they do not see us to marry us. Yet we are human, much like others and we can not help but fall for someone. And that’s exactly what happened. I should have known better, sir. I should have known better, she says whilst crying. When the brothel I worked at kicked me out, and when I asked him to take me in, he refused. That’s how I got to live Juliana whenever her husband would leave for the seas. But after her husband died, her and I got closer since I would stay at her place most nights when I wouldn’t be working. And then he came to tell me that he’d marry me, but needs money first, so we can afford to move in together somewhere, the woman cries. But who is he? the Sheriff interrupts. Everyone turns towards me.

It ain’t me. I have only seen this woman once, when we were last here, I explained myself. It’s not him, he’s not as handsome, she cries. The Bald man starts to laugh as the rest of the court starts to snicker. Silence! Let the woman speak her truth, says the Judge. Anne falls to her knees, crying. I knew Juliana had jewels and money hidden somewhere, since she’d talk about her husband gifting her stones and exotic money. And I thought that if I’d tell him, he’d just go rob her when she’s gone out and then we’d run away from here. I didn’t think he’d kill her. I swear, your honor, sir. I swear, she says whilst groveling. Sheriff, help her up, says the Judge. It’s okay, just tell us who he is, says the Sheriff. It’s Sandwich, says Anne. Sandwich? asks the Judge. Thomas Long of Sandwich, he’s also a skinner, she says. Do you have any proof? asks the Judge. Yes, she says as she quickly pulls out a bloody knife. Is this what I think it is? asks the Sheriff. Yes. It’s the knife he used to kill her, says Anne. And how did you get your hands on it? asks the Judge. I knew where he lived, so after we were here last time. I went to look for him, but he was gone. His room was empty and this knife was in a cupboard of his, says Anne. Sheriff, after you take that killer to Newgate. Go fetch this other bastard. Woman, you’re to go become a nun to atone for your sins and never return here, understood? asks the Judge. Yes, she says. You’re free, says the Bald man. I am going to find some lodgings and get some sleep, if you don’t mind. This was exhausting, I tell the Bald man. It is fine, I learned what I wanted. Hope death won’t follow you around, lad, says the Bald man as he leaves.

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JACK - ANTHOLOGY OF A YOUNG WIZARD 4 - LIVID OR LIVED

A woman’s scream shakes the pub as John Wyot falls to the floor and dies. Looks like death loves your company, lad, says the bald man. Fuck, I exhale as they all jump to subdue John Doget. I’ll fucking cut all you and decorate these pub with you’s entrails, says Doget pointing the knife at everyone around him. Can’t you do anything? asks me the bald man. To him? Not with magic. To the knife? I could make it’s blade disappear, I tell him thinking about what I’ve said. Then fucking do it, says the bald man as he pushes me from behind. I try to concentrate since I’d have to displace weight from one object to another. So? I’m waiting, says the bald man. Something hits me from the side. What the fuck, I mutter to myself as I lean over. Who threw that? asks the bald man. But no one pays attention to him as Doget tries to push people further and further by constantly pointing his knife at them. I’m an idiot. If I did that, the murder weapon would’ve disappeared! I scream at the bald man. He starts laughing. You’re right, lad. Glad you thought of that, he says whilst still laughing. But I have an idea, I tell him as I once more concentrate. Stay back or you all have the same faith this idiot had! And I’ll send you with an quick trip to heaven, says Doget. John Doget’s boots start growing slowly. What is the hell? he asks barely able to move his feet. What is happening to my boots? I can’t take them down. Why are they so heavy? he asks in desperation before falling face down.

So that’s your magic, says the bald man as the people quickly take the knife away from Doget. That’s some magic, I suppose, I try to brush it off. Who did that? asks John Brede. This guy did! He’s a wizard who just came into town. And supposedly killed a washer woman with a ripper, says the bald man. Did you have to include that last part? I ask him irritated. They all look with worried faces at me. I didn’t kill anyone. I was just a witness to a washer woman getting robbed, I try to reassure them. And also killed, says the bald man. Yes, she was also killed, by a man who fled the scene but for whom they are out there looking for right now, I added trying to take a few steps back, but hitting the bar behind me. That much is true what the lad is saying. They are looking for evidence or possibly another murderer, says the bald man. What happened? asks Richard as he opens the door huffing and puffing barely holding his breath. Not this dick again, says the bald man. Richard quickly spots me. I knew it was you, you arrogant bastard. You got away from court last time and went killing again huh? And now you have this bald fellow to help you? Richard asks. I only helped stop the killed, I say with an awkward smile on my face. Sure you did. I can smell the devil on you, says Richard. That’s just the ale, mate. Don’t get your nipples twisted, says the bald man as the Sheriff enters. John Brede quickly goes to explain the situation. Looks like you’re in a pickle again, says the bald man. Quickly gather a jury of good men, says the Sheriff.

The Sheriff ties Doget’s hands behind his back and looks at his boots. Who did this? he asks. They all make way towards me. Why are you here, boy? asks the Sheriff. He brought me here, I point towards the bald man. The Sheriff rubs his eyes. I am not even halfway through my work night and I am already tired. Please undo your magic, says the Sheriff as he picks Doget up. I concentrate once more to make everything be how it was before. As the boots get smaller and smaller, Doget starts to move his legs more and more. If you can do that. Why couldn’t you save that man? Why can’t you save that man now? And now that I think of it. If we’re all born with magic and this blessing, how is it that you can just stab someone and kill them? asks the bald man. What? asks the Sheriff. Because magic is part of nature. So is death. Magic doesn’t make you impervious or immortal. It’s just another part of nature. That’s why magic can’t destroy other magic. Or why I can’t mind control everyone here. Or whatever else people think of us, magic users, I explain. You’re just lying. You with your devilish tongue, says Richard. Why would I lie to you when I could’ve just erased your minds and leave like none of you every saw me? I ask the pub. He has his point, says the Sheriff. An officer barges in. We have a jury and we found a judge, says the officer. Not even on God’s day off does justice take a break, huh? asks the bald man. The Sheriff looks at me. You are coming with us too, he says as Richard cheers.

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JACK - ANTHOLOGY OF A YOUNG WIZARD 3: HOLY OR DEMONIC

Where are we going? I asked. Romeland, lad. It’s a place you have to try, since you are new here, says the bald man. What is your name? I ask. Ah, my name does not matter for where I’m taking you to, says the bald man. He after walking for a bit, her opens to door to a pub that explodes in noise as soon as we closed the door behind us. The stench of ale, vomit, piss and farts hits my nose as teethless bastards laugh from ear to ear after hearing a story of a woman falling down in a river bank with her legs up. What is everyone doing here on a Sunday morning? I ask. It is not yet Sunday, lad. Until you sleep, it is still Saturday night as far as we’re concerned. And since no one is going to work tomorrow, we’re celebrating that with a few pints, says the bald man. Why did you try and help me? I ask him. Ah, I wouldn’t think about that much. We just had that dick more than we hate you. At least for now, says the bald man. But why take me out of a drink? I ask. He starts laughing. Don’t worry. You’ll have to pay for your own damn drinks. I ain’t that generous to a spawn of Satan like you’s, he replied. But then why even talk to me? I ask. Because you’s the first wizard I had the chance of meeting. And I just have to ask some questions to someone presumably born from the seed of the depths of hell, says the bald man.

I sigh as I get my ale and drink a healthy gulp of it. Ask then, I tell him. How were you born? he asks. Like any normal human being ever, I reply. Was your mama a succubus? Or your daddy a wizard? Or did you have to crawl up? he asks with his eyes sparkling like the scalp of his head. My mother, I don’t remember much of her. She died a few months after I was born. No one knew why. My father disappeared soon after my mother died. He left me with a wizard and no one has ever heard of him. So, I couldn’t tell you even if I wanted to, I tell the bald man. Then how do you know about your mother dying? he asks. My father had left a letter telling the wizard a few things, but not much about me, I continued explaining. So you’re here looking for your daddy? asks the bald man. No. Even if he were here, I wouldn’t know how he looked, what his name is or what he’d be doing. I am here because I was sent here to observe you all and your daily lives, I tell the man. Who sent you? he asks. The wizard my father left me with. He’d say, I’d learn a lot from you, I explain. Oh, so you came here to learn about us. I see now… says the bald man. No, not like that, I tell him. No? Then tell me your secrets, he says. What secrets? I ask. Tell me the secrets to magic. How you getting it? From where? What can you do? the bald man asks impatiently.

Everyone is born with magic within them. It’s just that some have more than others, just like some are stronger than others physically, I explained. I swear I’ll fucking cut you if you don’t start telling me the important stuff cause I already know all that, he tells me. Fine, calm down. We can’t control minds. Your body has special magic in it, thus we can’t really get into your head or kill you with magic. That special magic is what we call a blessing. It protects your mind, heart, soul and body from harm from other magic, I explain as a fight seems to break out in the pub. You are as skilled as a horse at knitting. I demand you make me a new locket or give me my money back, pleads John Doget. Don’t mind them, says the bald man. I did my job fine. I don’t know what you wanted for the price you paid, I gave you a decent lock, says John Brede. So magic can create in exchange for something, can interact with magic and things, but can’t destroy other magic, I try to explain in the commotion. I’ll put my foot so far up your arse you’ll get to smell my toes through your throat, says John Doget. I can smell your filth from here. No need to get closer you cheap pig, says Brede. Good people, good people. What is supposed to be there problem here? We are supposed to have a fine time, not a bad time, intervenes John Wyot. Get out from my face. That manure eater has to repay me for the shit job he did, says John Doget as he clenches a small knife in his hand. I’ll do non of that to someone like you’s, says John Brede. I’ll kill him! screams John Doget as he plunges with the knife at John Brede. John Wyot jumps in to try to stop him, only to get stabbed…

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There is NO ME - The Pilot Program 2022

For those that don’t know how I choose the short stories for each year, I don’t. You do. Every year for the first eight-nine months I post one extra story part of The Pilot Program where you read, share, like and comment on the stories. The most popular becomes the short story series for the next year. The winner of The Pilot Program 2020 was The Horrorscope, the winner for the 2021 was JACK and now you have the chance to choose the short story for next year. Hope you like There is NO ME.

The Ship of Theseus ponders if you replace every wooden board and every single piece of a ship over the years. Is it still the same ship? But what of me? Am I me? I think to myself looking at the ceiling right after waking up from a nightmare. I hear an explosion as I get up from the bed. They are still going at it, I tell myself as I look for my cat. There you are, I say as I watch it stretch. Are you still you this spring now that you shed your old fur? Or are you some other mischievous little guy? I ask him as I pet him. I hear another explosion followed by my windows shaking, as I look at my cat going to its food bowl. You aren’t even scared anymore, brave little guy, I say to him as I reach for his food. I put food in his bowl and turn around to turn on the air filters as the black smoke from the explosions and fires reach the apartment. I hear a knock on the door, I go to look through the viewfinder. I see two burly men dressed in black holding something behind their backs. What the fuck, I whisper as I reach for my airsoft shotgun. Who is it? I ask. We’re with the insurance company, says one of the man. Fuck off or I’ll blow your fucking brains off, I scream at them. Fucking bitch, I hear them mutter as they pull out their baseball bats and leave. It’s the third time this month they came to this apartment complex, I know them by their stench now, I mutter to myself.

Raiders, vigilantes, rioters, protesters, cops, military and then the politicians are fueling the fire that is burning this city down slowly, but surely, I tell myself as I turn on the stove. I can’t remember the last meal I had where the food didn’t have a slight taste of ash or iron, I mutter as I look at the eggs I made without any appetite to eat them. My phone buzzes and as I pick it up to look at the notification another explosion shakes the city. Great, my skin cream arrived, I just need to pick it up. I can finally patch this skin without the need to staple it back together every time my windows explode into pieces, I say as I get up happy to have a motive to get out of the apartment. As I get dressed I remember my mother, so I reach for my phone to call her. Hello? she asks in a raspy voice. How are you, mom? It’s been a bit since we talked. Do you need anything? I have to go out and get my cream for the skin. Thought if you needed something, I could drop it off by you, I tell her as I hear her cough. I think we need a new air filter, it got really bad here with the fires and bombs. And your father can’t move as well until he receives his new muscle tissue next week, mom explained. Okay, I’ll get you some, since I think I’ll have to replace mine soon too, I tell her. But don’t you have work to do today? she asks. I do, but you know with the daily power outage, I can’t really do much until later. So we had our schedules changed, I explained. Oh, okay dear. Be careful and take care, she says. Will do, I try to reassure her.

Little Darkness, you take care too, I tell my cat as I step out of the door. Helmet, on. Keys, money, concealed gun, check. I forgot the bubblegum, so I guess I’ll have some ass kicking to do, I tell myself as I start laughing. Girl, you are crazy, I hear my neighbor lady say as I pass by her door. Morning, misses San, I say as I go down the stairs still laughing at my own joke. The ash would stick to the bottom of my shoe, like snow used to before this whole ordeal started. I miss snow and being able to walk around without a helmed, breathing the fresh air, seeing the sun clearly on the blue sky. Being able to go out whenever you wanted, not just when it was necessary. I tell myself as I reach the ground and look at the bike I haven’t used in a while that seems to be falling apart. So, on foot to the postal office it is, I mutter sad at myself. Weird how all these crazies decided to agree that the postal service, hospitals and grocery stores shouldn’t be touched, but the rest is free reign, I tell myself as I see a man approaching me. What a lucky day we have here, he says as he pulls out a gun. I pull out my gun and start shooting him. Oh baby, how nice it feels on this brand new body. Your rubber bullets ain’t going to do shit against me, he says as he puffs his chest out. Let’s just hope my backup brain is still synced and working, I tell myself as he starts running towards me. But just as he runs towards me, an explosion blows us both away

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JACK - ANTHOLOGY OF A YOUNG WIZARD 2: GUILT OR INNOCENCE

Silence! Silence, everyone! The accused murderer is here and his hands are tied. There is no need to panic! speaks the fat Watchman as he brushes the sweat from his moustache and the crowd’s noise slowly dies down. As you well know, he had to consent to trial by jury. And he did, he says as he points at me. Why are you here? asks a woman with a thick lower lip. Because I caught him red handed and I am a witness to his crimes, says the fat Watchman. The crowd starts laughing at him. There’s no way you could’ve caught anyone, mate. Have you looked at yourself lately? asks a rowdy bald man as the crowd starts laughing harder. Shut yous wretched mouth holes, the jury is just outside these doors with the judge and your cackling like whores in a church is disrespecting everything we’re doing here, says the fat Watchman as his now red face is covered in sweat. Look who’s talking, says the same bald man, the one sweating like a whore in the church, said the bald man as the crowd tries to no laugh at the sheriff even more. Calm down everyone. We’ll begin in just a wee, says the Sheriff. Told you, says the fat Watchmen. You have to stand up for yourself, the bald man tells me. Don’t talk to him, the fat Watchmen tells him. Oh leave it be, you dick, says the bald man. How did you know my name? asks Richard the Watchman. Cause you look like a prick, says the bald man and I start laughing whilst trying to hide my face. What are you laughing at you murderer? asks Richard the Watchman. Nothing, I respond.

The jury enters the room guided by the Sheriff. The whole room fast gets quite quiet. Close after them is the Judge accompanied by a Priest. The Judge in his black robe sits at his chair. As he rubs his eyes, he squints trying to look at me. It is quite literally the middle of the night, so let’s not dilly dally. Prosecution, what do we have here today? asks the Judge. We have a murder case, says the Sheriff. This here young man was caught at a murder scene by this here Watchman, the Sheriff continued. And how do you plead, young man? the Judge asks me. Not guilty, I reply. The audacity! exclaims Richard the Watchman says as he springs up. Silence! The Judge bellows. Your honor, he is quite literally the devil! He’s a wizard! exclaims Richard the Watchman. I said silence! the Judge screams. Silence slowly sets in. Defendant, you were saying, said the Judge as he squinted at me. I am no devil. Or does the Watchman see horns on my head? Or does he mistake these hands for hooves of a goat? I am indeed a wizard, but an apprentice. I just arrived here in London this night to learn from you all. The jury starts to murmur and the people start to whisper behind my back. Well, you sure don’t talk like a devil, says the Judge. So what exactly happened? he asked. I started explaining the situation as they all listened.

Well, from my perspective, you’re either a horrible liar. Or you are one of the unluckiest people I have the misfortune of meeting, says the Judge. We have a woman that lived with the victim, says the Sheriff. Bring her in, says the Judge. Anne, come forth, says the Sheriff. With an almost see-through piece of clothing on her comes forth this brunette woman with nipples that could pierce your eyes out of they were to hit you. What was your relationship with the departed Juliana? asks the Judge. She would give me lodging from time to time, whenever I’d have no work or money, says Anne. And where’s your man? What’s your work? the Judge asks her. I have none, sir. I work on the streets for whoever has money, says Anne. She’s a prostitute, says the Sheriff. I understood that. You didn’t have to spell it out for me, says the Judge pointing and squinting towards the Sheriff. Did you ever fight with the departed? asks the Judge. Yes, since she didn’t agree with my line of work at all and wanted me to join her, said Anne. And why didn’t you join her to be a washerwoman? asks the Judge. I couldn’t. People were already talking about her since she took me in, says Anne. Don’t say anything anymore, woman! Richard the Watchmen exclaims. The wizard has you under his control, he says as he points at me. Take him out! I heard enough from him! the Judge screams. I look over at the twelve men in the jury as they whisper to each other. I promise you, jurors. That is not how magic works. No wizard, mage, warlock, necromancer, witch or sorcerers can control any mind, I plead my case. The Judge stands up and looks at the room as Richard is thrown out. Case dismissed! Jurors, Sheriff, go get some evidence and catch me whoever killed that poor woman. We didn’t change the judicial system just so we can execute anyone, says the Judge. The crowd remains confused at what just happened. You, wizard. And you, prostitute. You two are not to leave London or you will be executed, understood? asks the Judge as we nod. Good, he says as he leaves the room murmuring angrily under his breath. Lucky bastard, says Anne. Let’s go, you’re coming with me, says the bald man.

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JACK - ANTHOLOGY OF A YOUNG WIZARD 1: Observer or Ripper

You wench! You cheated on me! Taking my money and dignity! I hear a man scream. What’re you talking about? I’m just a washerwoman. The man pulls out a knife. Give me my money back! The man screams as he jumps on her. You women are but a blight on this world. The man says as he runs away. Should I have helped her? No, that’s not why I am here. What did he say? “Jack, go to London. Observe life. See the good, the bad and learn to distinguish between them. That’s how a young wizard becomes a great one, through experience.” If this is life in London, then I shall observe it and not mingle in it. The voice of another man calls out to me. You! Young man! Stop! As I turn around I see a watchman running towards me. What is it mr. Watchaman? As he gets in front of me, out of breath he pulls a rope he had tied around the stick he had on him and ties it around my hands. What are you doing? He looks at me confused as he tries to catch his breath. You… I’m arresting you… For the… You murdered that young lady. Why is this happening? But I didn’t. The man who did ran that way… He smiles. Whatever you say, young man, he says as he starts screaming like a lunatic…

The people start to gather around us as he keeps screaming. Until finally a man interrupts him. What’s the matter? Have you lost your mind? It is the middle of the night. The watchman with a smug look on his face looks at the man. I have caught a murderer, red handed. I sigh. But there is no blood on my hand. He scoffs. He killed that young woman there. Another woman comes crying. Her name was Juliana Prickfield. How could you? You monster! The man turns towards the watchman. What exactly happened? The watchman smug again. I was doing my duty, as one should. And then I hear some glass shattering, a man screaming. So, I did the only heroic thing I could do. Went and checked it out, only to find that woman there dead and him here at the scene. More people gathered. Eventually the coroner and one of the sheriffs arrive. As they explain the situation to them, I can feel the crowd’s eyes on my back, starring at me like I’m the devil. What is your name young boy? I turn towards the sheriff. Jack. I’m a wizard. The watchman quickly interrupts. See? He could’ve used magic to clean himself up… He did it. He killed miss Juliana. The sheriff turns towards her. Did you know the woman? She continues to cry. Yes. She was kind and let me live with her there…

The coroner comes back from the scene. Her throat was sliced and so was her chest, under the breast. It might’ve been a knife, a ripper, who knows, but t’was sharp. And whatever money and jewels she had, was now gone. The sheriff looks at me. Would you tell me what are you doing here, Jack the young wizard? I sigh. I was sent here to… The watchman interrupts me. I bet he stole the money, look here, in his pocket. He pulls out some money. See? The sheriff takes the money and looks at me. Continue. I take a deep breath. I was sent here to observe life and learn to be a better wizard. He looks up and down at me. You don’t look like a wizard to me. And what about the woman there? Did you kill her? I shake my head. No. The man that killed her screamed something about her being a wench that cheated him out of money and then ran that way after killing her. He sighs. And why didn’t you stop him? I look him in the eyes. Because I was sent here to observe, not interfere. The sheriff looks at me weirdly. Take him to a cell, the jurors will deal with him tomorrow. I hear a woman whisper behind me. He doesn’t look like he’s from here… Heard he used a ripper to kill the woman. Glad they caught him so fast. Another woman chimes in. Yeah, this Jack the Ripper fellow is a vile one. Hope they hang him… I sigh… So, this is life…

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The Horrorscope - Episode 53: Eclipse No More

Say something! Mary says towards Kei as he shakes him. He barely opens one eye and looks at her. Don’t die! Hang tight, we’re getting help, says Mary. Everyone is in place? asks Wasa. Yes, they shout.

Arm…

Charge…

Fire! Wasa orders. The police men in hazmat and astronaut suits pull the levers on the EMPs creating a wave that quickly turns into a tsunami o similar actions all over the world in the span of a few seconds. The call interrupts abruptly. What happened? asked Ram. The EMPs worked. The reset should be ongoing right now. And hopefully they can move the satellites into place to launch them as fast as possible, explains Wasa. But what if we still won’t have control? asks Pincer. I doubt we won’t. In cases like these the system won’t boot back into its original state, but rather directly into safe mode, since most operating systems these days can detect whether it was an outside event or not that made it crash. Even our system here is the same, says Wasa. Weren’t they spying on us through our security cameras? asks Ken. They were what? asks Mary. Yeah, I wouldn’t worry about it. We shot them down, says Wasa. But what if they’re spying on us through our system and knows what we’re doing? asks Mary. I wouldn’t worry about that either. There’s not much they can do. And even so, I doubt they have time to keep an eye on us right now considering the scale of what they’re doing, says Wasa. Wasa’s phone rings. We’re back and we’re getting ready the satellites, explains one of the captains. Good, we’re in your hands, says Wasa before hanging up.

Ironic… A blackout trying to stop an eclipse… It all came full circle, says Kei as he puts his hand over his eyes. Glad to see you’re still alive, says Ken. Barely… Everything… Hurts, Kei says as he rubs his forehead. We need to find a way to find out what they did. How the stone played a part in this. What they were sending through the satellites. Who these individuals were. And how they did all this. That besides trying to catch them all, says Wasa. And all this after we’re trying to stop this and help everyone we can, says Phenos. Indeed, says Wasa. But what if we can’t? asks Pincer. Then we can’t, says Wasa as he sighs. Then what if they’ll try again? asks Pincer. They… Won’t… I think, says Kei. Why? asks Ram. Because their plan is flawed and what we did works, then they’ll have to think of something else, says Kei with a whisper. The computer next to Wasa starts ringing. Yes? answer Wasa. We’re ready to launch the satellites, says a Captain. Do it! Launch! Now! Wasa commands. Yes sir! They all respond as they launch the satellites. Well, everyone. Let’s hope these satellites are some useful projectiles that will save us before they manage to kill us all, says Wasa. We’ve also strapped whatever explosives we had on them. Hopefully they’ll explode on impact or once the 5 minutes are up, explains the same Captain that called Wasa. Let’s hoe for the best, says Wasa.

Is there any feed of the stone? asks Wasa. Yes, says Mary. Where? asks Wasa. Here, I found it earlier. Seems to be still up, says Mary as she hands Wasa her phone. Ken collapses to the ground. Ken, Mary screams. Are you okay, man? Ram asks as he turns him on his back. Ken shakes his head as he holds his eyes tightly closed. What is happening? Kei asks. Ken collapsed, says Mary. Fuck… Just don’t die before I do, buddy, says Kei as Mary gently taps him on the head. Sorry, says Kei. Look! Look! There’s a whole in the eclipse, says Wasa all excited as he jumps out of his chair. We did it! exclaims Phenos! You hear that? We’ve won, says Kei as he tries to reach Ken’s claw. You hear that, Ken? We’ve won, says Mary as she holds his head…

A FEW DAYS LATER…

I am very sorry, a doctor tells Kei. No, it’s fine. It’s not like this is your fault, Kei says laughing awkwardly. Everything okay? Telum asks Kei. It’s what I thought it would be, Kei says as he bursts into tears. I am sorry to hear that, says Telum. No, no, it’s fine. I was always curious about death, at least now I’ll be able to experience it. If there’s anything beyond, I’ll tell you, says Kei trying to laugh in between tears. Who knows, maybe you’ll meet Ken there too, says Telum. Maybe, says Kei. Through Telum’s radio Mary’s voice is heard. Calling all units. Calling all units. We need you all on site at the villa of the terrorists that took people we loved and the lives we’ve had, says Mary. Take care of the days you still have. We’ll be here for you. I gotta go, says Telum. Who knew we were too late for so many. So many of us died, so many more will die. But hopefully those that will come after, these new immortals, will treasure life a bit more than we did, says Kei as he looks at his hairless arms.

See you between stars…

Thank you for reading The Horrorscope. This was an awesome experience to write. These characters, I love them all so much and one day I hope to return to this world in what I think will be it’s best form, a comic book. Thank you all who read this story. Thank you all those who supported me through out this year. It meant a lot. And I hope that the story for next year, Anthology of a Young Wizard, Jack will blow you away with amazement. And I promise to bring even better stories to the Pilot Program 2022. So, hope you have an awesome new year.

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