Chapter 6

With what he said, I knew I was in for a fight for my future in archaeology.

“Evelyn Saunders, what is your part in getting three perfectly respectable archaeologists blacklisted with one still in a hellhole of a prison?”

“Sir?”

Hope's Light

Chapter 10

by Erisian

Book 6

Part Three

Chapter Ten - Keepers

Layers unfold as the Book advances chapters, and intervals beyond time nevertheless speed forward.

Past further iterations of Light’s expansion, past concept of boundary enforced by the one called to such purpose, past moment of blood and sacrifice, of pain and birth.

CHAPTER 58
The week’s work was routine, but Kul was keeping a sharp eye on the e-mail inbox. At some point, we hoped to get a go/no go from Chad’s Sydney contacts, and that would mean a heavy-duty Real Business Meeting with both our water activity clients and Canning Van Man. and quite possibly with the camping shop Maz had been chatting up. In the meantime, I was still riding with a mentor, mainly Kul. He was quite clear that I knew my job inside out, but I still lacked a lot of experience in little things like navigating the city, both in terms of streets and of local culture.

No More Worlds to Conquer
A Short Story being an Alternative Retelling of History
By Maryanne Peters

A New Start

As Vimastte became their daughter Vimastte had realised how poor, despite appearances, life was for Lelle and Celce. Eventually she’d admitted there were others like her in desperate need and to her surprise Lelle and Celce had insisted on her assisting them to find those others and to bring them home.

It had been an ordinary day up to this point. I was on my lunch break eating a sandwich at a park picnic table. I wouldn’t call the area I was in secluded. You could faintly hear the busy street less than a hundred yards away. To see the street, you would have to crane your neck and look through a bunch of bushes and trees to see it. I usually chose this bench because it was furthest away from the row of restaurants not far from the park entrance. Most people who ate lunch in the park would find somewhere closer to the middle of the park to eat.

Admin Note: This story was originally published on Monday December 2, 2016 at 11:18:34 am. This story has a slight sardonic twist in the second chapter that plays out into the third that I think most readers will pick up on. Leila is never a straight writer so be prepared for the twist. ~ Sephrena.

Chapter 10

“Stuart? Bring the barrier down at the graveyard, please. The vampires have been dealt with and the portal’s gone.”

“Then what…”

“David’s trapped inside.”

“Oh, alright. Miss Ephemeris said she’d meet you at the school.”

“Why?”

“She has something for you. You may need it if you’re going to, er, do battle with…”

“Something came through?”

“You could say that. A sort of vine thing, with teeth. It’s spreading through the whole school. Nick set off the fire alarm, but there may be some people still trapped inside.”

Later that evening, Akari returned to her dorm room, where Lila, the adventurous bookworm, and Mira, the studious organizer, were lounging after their classes. The room was filled with a relaxed atmosphere—Lila was sprawled out on her bed, flipping through a book, while Mira was carefully organizing some scrolls on her desk.

As soon as Akari walked in, Lila looked up, her usual grin spreading across her face. “Hey, there’s the fire queen! How was the rest of your day?”

Hope's Light

Chapter 9

by Erisian

Book 6

Chapter Nine - Instincts

It had been less than a sleep’s turn since I’d arrived in Hell, and already I’d witnessed three murders. Four, if including Pierre’s self-sacrificing suicide. Technically they were already dead to begin with, but once reduced to a compact stone that was it for their spirits. From everything I’d been told, that was the last one-way trip a soul could take.

Short of jumping into the Abyss, anyway.

Dido stayed the night with John and left in time to get the first Central Line train into Liverpool St. She travelled as far as Stratford, where she followed John’s hints and changed onto the first of three busses that would take her to Moorgate or a spot between the Tube station and bus terminus at Finsbury Circus.

“The nature of friendship is such that you never know who will turn out to be your friends, but once you have met them you can’t imagine that you could have gone through life without ever knowing them.” ― William Gibson, Neuromancer

"Miss Beaumont, we're so happy to have you on the show" Annie had continued after a brief pause, "Thank you for taking the time. As you can expect, all of Lenoria has been eager to know more about the young woman who has captured our Prince's heart"

"Oh please, you can call me 'Amelia'" I replied, "And I assure you, the feeling is very much mutual. I am very eager to learn more about the beautiful people of this country"

Mantra has met indecisively with the rebellion leaders, but Gabriel has some important news for her. He has located the hiding place of the all-powerful Time Gem, one of the Infinity Stones. Mantra goes to capture it, but unfortunately, she is not the only one who wants to get her hands on that source of ultimate power!

After flubbing a powerful incantation, meant to give newly coronated Demon Queens the wisdom of their ancestors, Devilla Satanne awakens to memories of her past life as Jacob Divington, a human from Earth. Having gained a new perspective on life, she quickly comes to a rather horrifying conclusion: she's been a complete and utter brat! No wonder everyone hates her!

And then there's the fact that she's apparently been reincarnated as the villainess of Tower Conquest, a lesbian porn game with a surprisingly intricate plot. One in which the Heroine conquers Dimona Tower, turning Devilla's people against her in the process. In victory, the Heroine brings about a glorious age of peace between demons and humans for the first time in millennia. ...Which actually sounds pretty good for her people, come to think of it. Devilla knows her terrible behavior is beyond forgiveness, but maybe she can still make up for her past mistakes? She just needs to make sure the events of the game unfold correctly. Though there is one little detail she'd like to change - the part where Devilla herself is killed or enslaved!

The series cover was commissioned from https://twitter.com/HaizeUqei

Admin Note: This story was originally published on Sunday December 4, 2016 at 2:50:05 pm. I just had to post this up. I know we are down, especially me. This story is one of tough love, and I would like to think Leila could teach a few of us something about it...~ a very sad Sephrena.
 
 

Themed Birthday Party
A Vignette
By Maryanne Peters

Alison would never have been able talk me into it, but it was my father’s input that settled it.

“You aren’t making enough effort to get on with my wife,” he said. “And don’t keep on calling her Alison. She is your mother now. Call her Mom.”

I accepted magic to fight evil and it turned me into a girl, but I don’t think I really mind?

Jennifer Shannon

Chapter 4

The murmur and clatter around the arena began slowly but crescendoed as people started to panic over what they had just witnessed.

Sedition, and in the presence of the Prince no less.

Groups formed and people began talking to each other, some stood as if preparing to leave.

I was no less in shock over what had just happened. A man had run on stage, interrupting the performance, and screaming the words "Dethrone the tyrant king".