A long time ago, in a galaxy far, far away….

*DUN DUN DUN DUUUN DUUUUN DUN DUN DUN DUUUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUUUN DUN DUN DUN DUN DUUUUN*

CREATING WORLDS WRITING CAMP:
EPISODE VII

It is the end of the month of December and twenty-four young girls from around the galaxy are racking their brains for story ideas, hoping for a way to use all three prompts provided by Hostess Loren of planet BlueEyesGrayEyes….

Each teammate has their fingers crossed that each member on their team will use all prompts and post them on time, but during the busy season, there will be some who will be unable to do so…

In anticipation of the announcement on which team is the winner, the girls will go to war, fighting about which team is better and why….

And now, Jaclynn, also known as Fluffet on another planet, will be sharing her last story for the final challenge of Creating Worlds Writing Camp….

I am using all three prompts above! And, I hope you enjoyed my Star Wars-y introduction 😉

~~~*~~~

I knelt on the ledge at the top of the museum and watched Jonas sitting on a park bench, depression spread over his face. I jumped down and crept over to him, using my mad detective skills. Just as I was about to tap him on the shoulder he lifted his head up and said, “I know you’re there, Karina.” I sighed in annoyance and plopped down next to him.

“How did you know it was me?” I inquired, feeling disappointed.

“How could I not know it was you? Besides, I saw you running through the bushes.” He stated and I crossed my arms over. “That’s impossible. I was in stealth mode. No one saw me.” I told him, not convinced that he really saw me.

“Karina, I saw you!” Jonas shouted and I turned my head away, my arms still crossed over my chest. There was no need for him to be angry. I was the one who failed, not him.

After a few moments of awkward silence, Jonas started up the conversation again. “So how’d you find me anyway?” He inquired.

“I’m a detective. That’s what I do.” I reminded him.

“My mother told you, didn’t she?” He asked, knowingly.

I glared at him and then rolled my eyes. “Why do you have to do that all the time?” I asked, feeling rather exasperated.

“Do what?” He asked, clueless-ly.

“You always make me sound like I’m the worst detective in the world.” I mumbled.

“That’s because you act like you’re the best. You’ve got a lot to learn still, Karina. Remember, you’re only a level one, but I’m – ” He began, but I joined in with him – “- A level five. I know, I know.” I said with a sigh. I crossed my leg over and leaned my head back. I need to ask him.

“So, what happened down at headquarters anyway?” I asked nervously, hoping he wouldn’t explode.

“Chris happened.” He said vaguely.

“Well, I kinda figured that, but what happened? What did he do?” I pressed further. Jonas pursed his lips together in a tight line like he always did when something got him riled. I prepared myself for an explosion, but to my surprise, he didn’t even yell.

“I was in the middle of working on the Wellington case. It was the one that would finally get me higher up if I succeeded, but just as I was getting closer to solving it, Chris comes in and tells me to drop everything. He said he was going to give the Wellington case to someone else. So do you know what case he assigned me?” He quizzed, his eyes bulging. I shook my head.

“Alright, well, here’s a clue – two words; mall cops.” He hinted and my eyes widened.

“Are you kidding me? They gave you that case? It’s just a jewel thief! That could be solved in a second!” I shouted, which was quite unlike me.

“Exactly! That’s not going to do anything but embarrass me! Oh, here’s big level five Detective Pike throwing a jewel thief in jail!” He said in a sarcastic tone.

“Jonas, you need to go back to headquarters and demand them to give you back the Wellington case.” I encouraged, but he shook his head.

“I can’t do that to you.” He said and I raised my eyebrow.

“What does this have to do with me?” I inquired.

“Chris is handing the Wellington case over to you.” He informed, his head hanging down. My heart skipped a beat. This was a dream come true for me! Finally I had a chance to prove myself. If I solved it, I could wind up on the front page of the New York Times! With the reward money, I would buy myself a mansion with a huge swimming pool and – then I noticed Jonas. He was sitting beside me with his back hunched over, his eyes moving to and fro with a clear expression of disappointment. This case was his dream, too and he certainly needed the reward money, and the position he would gain back at headquarters, far more than I did. I felt myself torn two ways in a way I had never experienced. Should I accept the case and finally experience a dream come true, or should I insist that Jonas take it and watch him take another one of my dreams away from me? This was the hardest decision I had ever had to make in my entire life.

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I hope you liked the story! Feedback appreciated

May The Force Be With You, my fellow Jedi, Padawans, Sith, Astromech and Protocol Droids, Jawas, Tuskan Raiders – *takes deep breath* – you get the idea 😉

Love,
~Fluffet~

Wow! I can’t believe CWWC is almost over! I don’t want this to end! *cries*

I am using all three prompts below:

This picture is amazing :O

~~~*~~~

It was the first day of winter and there was a sharp chill in the air. I pulled my jacket closer around me as I walked home from school. Just a few more blocks and I would be home with a blanket on my lap, sipping hot chocolate as I read my new favorite book.
I came to the orphanage of Artor and something inside me told me to stop. It looked so quiet and still today, as though someone there had just died. Wait a second. This fence wasn’t here before. Oh, well, they probably just want to keep the kids safe.
Shrugging it off, I went on my way, but stopped again as I saw a large sign on the gate that said in bold letters;

QUARANTINE
KEEP OUT

My heart skipped a beat. I realized now that the fence was built to keep the public safe from the kids, not the other way around.
I knew something wasn’t right! Even though the sign clearly stated to keep away, I couldn’t allow myself to leave all those kids when I knew they needed help. With my hand shaking in fear, I opened the gate and walked up to the door and rapped on it. An old woman opened the door with a bowl of a water under her right arm. She looked exhausted.

“What are you doing here, child? Didn’t you see the sign? We’ve got quarantine here!” The woman warned with a look of worry behind her poor, tired eyes.

“I know, Ma’am, but I just couldn’t stay away. I can help tend to the children. You look like you could use a lot of help and rest, so don’t even think about sending me on my way.” I told her firmly. She sighed and looked down at her feet.

“If you catch what they’ve got-” She began, but I interrupted.

“-What do they have?” I inquired.

“We don’t know. Some kids have caught it one day and died the next morning. With others, it’s sticking with them. I have not the slightest clue what it could be.” She said gravely. I swallowed hard and bit my lip, but nothing would get me to change my mind.

“I’ve made up my mind, Ma’am. I’ll stay here and help you.” I insisted and after arguing with me for a couple minutes more, she agreed and allowed me to come inside.

She led me through a dark hall and into a large room where dozens of kids of all ages were lying sick in their beds. My heart ached at the sight which was so familiar to me. I just knew this was the same sickness I had seen at my old orphanage several years ago. I shook away the memories and went to a young girl’s bedside and poured her a glass of cool water. She was no more than seven years old.

“Drink up, it’s good for you. What is your name?” I inquired in a friendly voice as I helped her lay her head down.

“Melanie.” She answered in a raspy whisper.

“It’s nice to meet you, Melanie. I’m Lorraine.” I introduced myself with a kind smile. I knew that all this girl needed was some love, friendship, and reassurance. “Don’t you worry about a thing. You’re going to be perfectly fine.” I said, sounding more sure than I felt.

“Please. Cure us.” She begged and then went to sleep. A tear trickled down my cheek, but I quickly wiped it away. I knew I had to be strong this time.

As I watched Melanie sleep, something traveled to the front of my head. Something that I had completely forgotten about.

“Ma’am! May I speak with you in private, please?” I asked with pleading eyes. Hesitantly, she nodded her head and we stepped outside the room.

“What is it?” She asked worriedly.

“No, it’s nothing to be worried about.” I assured her, then continued, “I was in an orphanage until I was adopted at age eight. During one of those years, a terrible sickness fell upon the orphanage and most all of the kids had it. Including me. Nobody knew what it was, but then I heard a legend. A legend of an old building that held portals to enter into different worlds. There was a suspicion that someone from my hometown had come from one of those worlds and brought a sickness with them that passed on to the children. I believe that same thing happened here. But what’s strange is that both times, it hit an orphanage.”

“Oh, my. Yes, that is very strange.” The old woman agreed.

“I’m going to go through the portals. Maybe I can find some answers and we can discover what this sickness is and how to cure it before more die.” I said hopefully, but the lady did not approve.

“It’s too dangerous, my dear. You could get lost, or worse. No, I can not allow you to do that and I don’t think your parents would approve either.” She observed and I hung my head down.

“My parents are gone. Both biological and adoptive. I live with my older sister and older brother. They won’t care if I go or not and I am going. I’m not going to stand by and let this sickness destroy another orphanage full of innocent children.” I insisted and this time she didn’t argue.

“Very well. Good luck, child.” She said and disappeared into the other room to tend to the children. Now it was time for me to go home and get my things packed. I had a long journey ahead of me.

I will find a cure.

~~~*~~~

I really liked this story, too! I’m gonna have to make a poll and see which story ya’ll really want me to continue the most ;D

As always, feel free to leave feedback! I love hearing from you

Love,
~Fluffet~

P.S. The Force Awakens was amazing. It’s up there with Lord of The Rings for me. Seriously, it was THAT good! *dies*

Hi guys!! I’M SO EXCITED FOR TFA I CAN’T EVEN STAND IT!!! I think I’m gonna have anxiety in the morning because I’m so excited XD

Anyway, it’s time for another short story! Are you excited? *assuming you said, yes* I am, too! 😀

I’m using all three of these prompts:

(I want this costume….)

Also, before I begin, may I just say…. GO TEAM DRAGONS!!! I’m SO proud of you guys!! We are actually winning right now! Use as many prompts as possible and post on time, and we can probably win this! 😀

~~~*~~~

Darkness. That’s all I’ve ever known. I’ve never been outside when the sun was up; not for anything. But that doesn’t mean that I’ve never wished to be outside during the day. So many times I have looked out the window from my lake house, just staring at the sun. Longing more than anything to be able to really enjoy it. The moon feels cold and silent, so what must the sun feel like? I may never know, for according to our benevolent king, the streets aren’t safe after dawn. But why is that? So many times when I should have been asleep, I would look out on the horizon. I saw no danger, only beauty. A beauty that I couldn’t possibly describe in my own words, but it looked so happy and inviting compared to the dark of the night. My life was dark, cold, and silent. Surely there must be more to life than that….

“Veronica!” My friend, Logan whispered harshly as he nudged my arm with his elbow. I removed my gaze from the stars and as I noticed the General coming toward us I stood straight and tall.

“Miss Mills, please put on your mask and pull your hood over your head.” General Harding commanded with a stern brow. I looked down and realized my mask was still in my hands and sighed so softly that not one person could have heard it, but myself. I slipped it on and pulled my black hood over. Now all that could be seen were my bright blue eyes.

“I have told you time and time again to have all your armor and coverings on before you show up here, now isn’t that true?” General Harding asked impatiently.

“Yes, Sir. It won’t happen again.” I assured him. General Harding sighed exasperatedly and shook his head.

“Veronica, you have promised me that too many times to count. I will give you one more chance, but the next time you disobey one of my orders, you’re off the force.” He threatened and walked back to the front of the line of soldiers. I gulped. My feelings were so mixed up. A part of me was excited when he made that threat, but another part of me panicked. If I was off the force, I’d be shunned. No one would ever be able to speak to me again. Logan must have been reading my thoughts because he said,

“Veronica, don’t worry. Just try hard to obey the rules and nothing bad will happen.” He said comfortingly.

“That’s just it, Logan. I don’t know if I want to be on the force any longer. I mean, standing guard all night long just in case something or someone bad comes our way seems so pointless to me. We pace back and forth waiting for something to happen and yet we’re also hoping nothing does. We’re just hiding in the dark. What kind of a life is that?” I asked Logan, uncertainly.

“Wait, what are you saying? Are you saying you want to be shunned all your life?” Logan questioned, shocked

“I’m saying that I want to see the light. I want to stand beneath the sun instead of under the stars. I want to find out what is so bad about the day.” I said, longingly. Logan stared at me blankly.

“Veronica, that is – absolutely insane! What’s wrong with you? Do you even realize what you just said?” Logan burst in a sharp whisper.

“I know, but Logan, I can’t shake this feeling. I’ve tried for years to make it disappear, ever since I was a child, but I feel like instead of it diminishing it’s just been growing stronger and stronger with each passing day. Now, I’m going to leave tonight, once the General returns to the palace. I’m gonna go to the hilltop that looks over Bailey’s Farm. I’ll return in the morning.” I explained my whole plan to him and he just stared at me, his eyes full of doubt and fear.

“Well, then take this with you, just in case. You never know what you might find way out there when the sun comes up.” He warned and handed me his silver sword. I had forgotten mine at home and was relieved that General Harding hadn’t noticed. I nodded my thanks to him and looked past him as I watched General Harding walking away.

“It’s time. Farewell, Logan.” I said bravely and turned away, but Logan called out, “Veronica!” And I turned halfway around to face him and placed my gloved hand on the hilt of his sword.

“Good luck. I hope the sunlight is all that you’ve always hoped it would be.” He bid with a smile and I smiled back. “Thanks, Logan.” I said gratefully and walked away. Now it was time to find out what the sun was like; and what was so dangerous about the day.

~~~~~

I woke up feeling warmer than normal. I opened my eyes and saw light. Quickly remembering how I had left to see the sun, I raised to my feet and looked up. It was so warm, so bright. It cast such a gorgeous golden glow across the countryside that it made feel all happy and tingly inside. I couldn’t help but smile at the view. I was so calm and relaxed. I believe the sun made me feel like a new person.

After a while longer of soaking it all in, I knew I had to return home. At least I’ll be walking in the light.

On the way home, I saw no sign of any danger. No ferocious beasts, no evil men, there was nothing that could do any harm to me besides a few fire ants, which are easily squashed.
As I approached my home, the moon was already in the sky, but until the sun was completely out of sight, I would have to remain indoors. I had just a few minutes to rest before I had to return to guard duty.
I sprawled across my bed and let out a big yawn. Then I smiled as I said to myself, “This was the greatest day of my life.”

~~~*~~~

I really liked writing this story and I hope you enjoyed it! Feel free to leave some feedback in the comments below!

Love,
~Fluffet~

Hey everyone! I’m sorry that I’ve missed a couple days of Star Wars posts, but I’ve been really busy and I barely had enough time to write my entry for CWWC.

Here are the prompts I’m using:

And now, here is the story!

~~~*~~~

I woke with a start in my bed, sweat dripping down the side of my head. I had just had the craziest dream and I just had to tell someone about it. I slid out of my bed and slipped on my Ugg boots, then tip-toed silently down the stairs. I walked out the front door and once I was in the middle of the street, I raised my whistle to my lips and blew as hard as I could. Then I went into my backyard and waited in the tree house. Before I knew it, I saw a head peek over the ledge.

“Jenny! Are the rest coming?” I inquired urgently and Jenny nodded her head. “Yep, they’re right behind me.” She assured me and I allowed myself to relax.
Following Jenny, came ‘Lazy Susan’, which was a perfect nickname for her considering how lazy she was and her name was Susan. Then after her came Billy and following absentmindedly behind him came Phil.

“I’m glad you all came so quickly. I just have to tell you all this crazy dream I just had!” I exclaimed, but everyone else groaned and Phil just stared blankly at the floor.

“Alice, did you really just call us all here so you could tell us another one of your dreams again? This is the third night in a row! I need my sleep!” Susan complained with a loud yawn.

“In all the years I’ve known you, Alice, none of your dreams have been true. You don’t have visions of the future.” Billy said discouragingly.

“I do, too! What about the dream I had about the mayor?” I reminded him.

“Alice, that wasn’t a vision! Everyone in town knew he was going to resign soon. You had a dream that he resigned because you heard talk about it everywhere you went.” Billy contradicted and Jenny chuckled. I glared at her and she stopped almost immediately.

“Well, this dream wasn’t like all the others, guys. This dream was scary and everything about it felt so real. I just know this one is a vision.” I declared and the others sighed.

“Alright, Alice. What is it?” Jenny inquired, sounding completely uninterested.

“Okay, I dreamed that the new factory being built on Baker Street isn’t a factory at all. It’s just made to look that way so no one will know the truth. It’s really headquarters for a superhero!” I squealed.

“A superhero? C’mon, Alice! Superheros don’t exist, right, Phil?” Billy nudged Phil’s arm for backup.

“Indeed.” Phil agreed as he quickly opened his eyes.

“There’s more, Billy.” I said, growing annoyed with him. “Now, in my dream, after we had all found out about the HQ, everything got weird. I saw flashes of us wearing cool outfits with armor and capes and we were fighting and-” I stopped. Something important was missing from my dream. It was what had caused me to wake up so suddenly, but I couldn’t remember what it was.

“Well, go on, I don’t have all night.” Susan grumbled and I rolled my eyes at her, then turned my head away in thought.

“Alice? What’s the matter?” Jenny inquired with a worried look in her eyes. I gasped. I remembered what it was, but not fully.

“I-I couldn’t remember something, but, I remember now. One of us….died.” I said slowly as tears formed in my eyes. Everyone looked up at me in fear.

“Who died?” Susan asked forcefully.

“I can’t remember.” I said softly.

“Maybe it was Phil.” Billy suggested jokingly.

“Indeed!” Phil yawned.

“Billy, he’s not listening. He’s used the word ‘indeed’ like, five times.” I exaggerated.

“It’s only been twice, actually.” Billy corrected.

“Well, whatever. You know what I mean.” I said sarcastically and sat down on the hard wooden floor. I had to find out who died in my dream.

“Maybe the superhero from my dream can help us!” I suggested, leaping to my feet. As I headed for the ladder, Billy and Jenny blocked my way.

“Alice, don’t even think about it. There’s no way to get inside. The whole building site is surrounded by tall wire fences and the entrance is locked tight.” Jenny informed, trying to discourage me from going.

“Jenny, you underestimate me. I can get inside any building.” I said proudly.

“Oh, boy. What’s your plan?” Billy asked, although I knew inside he wished he hadn’t.

“Well, I do have some pretty nice grip gloves. And my dad did buy me a gun for my own protection when I’m home alone.” I stated with a grin and they both groaned. I pushed them out of my way and took my first step down the ladder. “Well, who’s coming with me?” I asked expectantly. Billy and Jenny sighed and said in unison, “I’ll come.”

I stared up at the large fence and looked at the sign which read, “Private Property. No Trespassing.” I gulped. Why was I always interfering with the law? I just have to know. I said to myself and clasped my hands onto the fence and began climbing. Billy and Jenny didn’t want to get in any trouble, so they stayed put and watched me climb up the fence.

At last I was on the other side and I stealthily ran through the dark toward the “factory.” I pressed my hands and back up against the side wall and slid against it until I came to the edge. I peeked around the corner. The coast was clear. I dashed up to the door and grabbed some tweezers out of my pocket. I twisted, bent, and angled them in many different ways until at last I heard the delightful little click. I pulled the door open and stepped my right foot inside. So far so good. Then I slid my left foot in and took a few more steps, but then a siren blared throughout the whole building and all the lights clicked on, blinding my eyes. I shielded my eyes from the light and stumbled backwards. When I looked up, I saw a young man and an older man looking down at me. The old man looked very cross, but the young man looked confused. The young man helped me up and I bit my lip. I was caught.

“Would you mind explaining to us, young lady, just what exactly you’re doing here?” The old man inquired angrily.

“I-I came for help.” I squeaked.

“Oh, did you? You climbed over the fence, ignoring the sign, and broke into this building because you needed help?” He shouted and I jumped.

“Silas, calm down. You’re scaring her.” The young man intervened and looked at me with concern. “What’s your name?” He asked gently.

“A-Alice.” I stuttered.

“Alright, Alice, why don’t you tell me just why you’re here?” He suggested and I gulped.

“Well, I had a dream tonight. And well, in that dream there was a superhero living here. This building was his headquarters. And in my dream, one of my friends died, but I can’t remember who. I just needed to find out, so I came here, hoping that the superhero could help me remember.” I explained, but I felt quite silly and awkward after I had finished. He must think I’m crazy.

Instead of laughing at my explanation, he smiled warmly at me and the old man didn’t appear to be grumpy any longer. “Silas, I believe this is the one we’ve been looking for.” The young man announced and Silas nodded his head.

“Yes, I agree, Sir.” He agreed with a slight grin.

“I’m sorry, what?” I asked in bewilderment.

“Alice, for a long time now, Silas and I have been looking for a young child who had visions of what was to come in the future. Someone who was brave and most importantly, willing to risk their life in order to save other’s. You see, I am the superhero from your dream, but I am ready to retire. You are the one we’ve been waiting for to replace me. However, each superhero needs a sidekick or two, so we will give you some time to choose, but please, return soon. I must retire as soon as possible.” He explained everything to me and I just wanted to scream. Finally, one of my dreams was correct! But then I felt sad again.

“Sir, I’m honored, but before I choose a sidekick, I have to know who dies. If everything else from my dream is true, then that part of it must be, too, right?” I inquired and the superhero sighed.

“I’m sorry, Alice, but I can’t answer that question. You must find that out for yourself.” He explained as he placed his hand on my shoulder.

“Yes, Sir. And thank you so much!” I said gratefully and as I turned to leave, I called back, “Don’t worry, I’ll return soon!”

~~~~~~~

“Oh, my gosh, Alice! Thank goodness you’re safe! We heard the alarm go off and well, I thought something terrible happened to you.” Jenny said with relief.

“I’m fine, but come on! We have to get back to the tree-house!” I exclaimed and began running down the street.

~~~~~~

“Wait, that guy was a superhero?” Susan asked, not believing anything I had just told her.

“Yes! And I’m supposed to replace him and I get to choose a sidekick or two! But really, I’d rather choose four.” I said with a smile on my face.

“You mean you want all of us to be your sidekicks?” Billy asked in shock and I nodded my head enthusiastically.

“Alice, I’m sure we’re all flattered that you want all of us, but we’re just kids. We aren’t supposed to be heroes.” Jenny stated.

“And plus, what about your dream? If everything from it has been true so far, then that means one of us will die. I don’t know about the rest of you, but I’m not ready to die yet.” Susan said sadly and everyone mumbled in agreement.

“Please, guys. I need you. Besides, this is the first dream that has really been true. Maybe that part of it will be wrong.” I said hopefully.

“I don’t know, Alice. Like I said, we’re just kids. We haven’t lived out our whole lives yet, and I’d like to. If you knew for sure it wasn’t me, than I’d be in.” Jenny explained, but that didn’t make me feel any better.

“I told you, I can’t remember. I just remember that someone died and you, Jenny, were looking over the person crying.” I explained a bit more from my dream.

“I’m sorry, Alice. I just can’t.” Jenny apologized and climbed down the ladder. Billy followed, and then Susan, and Phil. I let out a long sigh. I was going to get them to agree to be my sidekicks somehow. And I had to do it soon.

~~~*~~~

So what did you think? I’d definitely love some feedback!

Love,
~Fluffet~

Oh, my gosh!! I’m so excited for today’s story!! I hope you all are, too! 😀

Here are the prompts I’m using:

(Oh my gosh, this prompt is so similar to what is said in one of my pirate stories. The final one to be exact. *cries*)

~~~*~~~

With a forceful push, the guard threw me into the dungeon. I quickly arose to fight my way out, but the cell door had already been locked.

“You can’t keep me in here! What did I even do to deserve this?” I demanded of the guard, but he didn’t say a word. He stood erect and stared at the stairs. I didn’t know what he was looking at, but then I heard a deep thud every two seconds. Someone was coming down the stairs. I watched, waiting to see the face of this person. And then there he was. A tall, strong looking man wearing thick, heavy boots with gold spikes. He wore black armor and the shoulder plates had gold spikes as well. Atop his head he wore a black spiky helm which hid his face from me.
His head was directed right at me and we stared for what seemed like ages.

“Bow before me.” The armored man commanded in a deep, raspy voice.

“Why should I? If anything, you should be bowing before me.” I retorted. He swiftly turned his head to the guard.

“Gustav, why is this impudent young child in my dungeon?” He inquired of the guard.

“I found her in the woods aiding a carousel horse. I watched for a few moments and I heard the horse say that she is of royal blood, so I took it upon myself to arrest her, as I thought that would be your wish.” Gustav quickly explained. The armored man faced me again and came close to me.

“So, you’re a royal, are you? What’s your name?” He inquired.

“Scarlet.” I answered in a small voice.

“Princess Scarlet?” He asked and I answered, “Yes.” His head tilted slightly.

“Does this place look familiar to you?” He questioned, mysteriously.

“No, how could it? This is my first time here and I didn’t even know it existed.” I explained.

“You’ve actually been here before. I just made sure you forgot.” He informed and left the room with Gustav following after him.

I slid down to the floor and hugged my knees against my chest. He was the man the carousel horse had warned me about. Was I going to die? Or was I to be kept here in this dungeon all my life? I bit my lip and sobbed, burying my face into my knees. But then I slowly lifted my head as I recalled what he had said before he left. I’ve been here before?

I awoke the next morning with a pain in my side. There were no cots in the dungeon cells or even any straw lying around, so I was forced to sleep on the lumpy stone floor.

“Wake up, miss!” A guard shouted in front of my cell. I rose to my feet and looked at him with heavy eyes that just wanted to close. I hadn’t slept well at all.

“The Master has decided your fate. You shall remain here for the rest of your living days. When you are older, you will be his servant.” Gustav informed me.

“You’re certain he will not kill me?” I inquired, my voice quivering.

“Don’t you worry, miss. He has vowed to never harm you.” He assured me and left me to myself. My head hung low. There are more ways to harm people than just physically.

Five years of toil passed by that is hardly worth mentioning. I served The Master from dawn till dusk and went to sleep in the dungeon. I tried tirelessly to find a way to escape, but I was only alone when I went to sleep in the dungeon, but it was locked tight every night. I was trapped. Each night I thought of my people. What trials must they be going through? And with the war, was my kingdom even still there?

“Miss Scarlet, it’s time to wake!” Gustav shouted as he normally did. I forced my eyes open and saw that it was still awful dark in the room. Something must be wrong. Why else would he wake me earlier than was expected?

“Gustav, what is it?” I inquired as I jumped to my feet.

“The Master’s son is returning today. There is lots to do in preparation for his arrival. You had better make haste.” Gustav advised. Despite the fact that he had arrested me all those years ago, we had slowly become friends. Gustav had told me once that he was sorry for bringing me here and that if he had it to do over again, he would have helped me escape.

I nodded my head in thanks and dashed up the stairs and into the kitchen, where the other ladies were already hard at work. I grabbed a broom and a dustpan and headed out the door, but then I paused. I just had to ask them all a question that I’d been aching to ask ever since I heard that The Master had a son.

“Ladies, is The Master’s son just as cruel and heartless as he is?” I asked hesitantly. All the ladies in the room stopped their work and looked at me in utter shock.

“Oh, heavens, no! He is a kind soul and when The Master is with him, well, I do believe that Elliot softens him up.” One of the servants, Beth, answered with a smile and I smiled back. But I was terribly confused. How could someone so cruel have such a kind son?

At precisely two in the afternoon, I stood behind The Master with the rest of his servants as we all waited outside the gate for Master Elliot to arrive. The Master seemed rather anxious to see his son and he seemed like he was looking for a reason to get me to return inside.

“Scarlet, did you remember to bring in the laundry?” He inquired.

“Yes, Master. And you asked me that five minutes ago.” I reminded him with the utmost respect. Why doesn’t he want me here?

At last we all spotted a young man riding down the path on his steed. He approached the gate and after dismounting, the stable boy took his horse and led him to the stables. Elliot pushed back his black hair and walked up to The Master and bowed.

“Hello, Father.” He greeted with a nervous smile.

“Welcome home, Son.” The Master welcomed and hesitantly outstretched his arms. Elliot smiled comfortably now, as though he was relieved to know that he was welcome, and he embraced his father in a loving hug. I couldn’t believe what I was seeing right now. For the first time ever I saw love in The Master’s eyes. He looked so happy. I didn’t think that could ever be possible.

“How was the academy? Did you learn all about slaying dragons?” The Master asked, making his voice sound tough.

“Actually, yes. And not only did I learn about slaying dragons, I slayed one myself. It was a tough battle and the ol’ beast had me cornered for a moment, but I bested him.” Elliot stated proudly.

“That’s my boy!” The Master praised, slamming his hand onto Elliot’s shoulder, then continued, “Now, come along. Let’s go inside and catch up on things.”

The Master walked straight into the palace, but Elliot stopped and shook the hand of each servant, greeting them all with a smile. When he came to me, he hesitated.

“I’m sorry, I don’t believe I know you.” He apologized, his face confused.

“No, you don’t, Sir. I’ve only been under the service of your father for five years.” I explained, not making eye contact with him.

“Ah, I see, but um, I dare say, you do look familiar. Perhaps we knew each other when we were younger?” He suggested.

“No, Sir. I came here when I was thirteen and had never been here before then. Although I have been informed that I have been here before.” I told him, feeling a little awkward as we had never met. Elliot looked towards the palace and then back at me.

“What’s your name?” He inquired.

I looked at him and replied, “I am, Scarlet, Sir.” And curtsied.

“It’s nice to meet you, Scarlet. And enough of this ‘Sir’ business, please, call me, Elliot.” He requested and I smiled with a nod of my head. Elliot studied me a moment longer and his eyes saddened. Without saying another word, he entered into the palace.

A week passed and Elliot and I became fast friends. We talked as though we had known each other all our lives and he was the one bit of happiness in my life.

One day, Elliot brought me to a secluded spot in the woods. He said he needed to ask me a question.

“Scarlet, you know most everything about me, but I don’t know anything about you from when you were a child. Who are you?” He gently inquired of me. I sighed and turned my head away. “It’s painful to speak of.” I told him and blinked tears away. “Please, Scarlet.” He pleaded and I knew I couldn’t hold back from him any longer.

“I’m not from here, Elliot. As I told an old friend once, I come from over and beyond the teacup. She didn’t know what I meant by that, though. Do you?” I inquired and he nodded his head. Thank goodness he knew that they were living inside a teacup.

“Well, in another life, I’m a queen. I have my own kingdom and it’s because of my royal blood that I was sent to the dungeon and forced to work for your father. I came here to find help. You see, my mother died when I was thirteen and my father died shortly after I was born, so I inherited the throne and became queen. My kingdom was headed to war and I was feeling discouraged with myself, so a friend of mine, who was like a father to me, told me a riddle, and it led me here. And that is when everything fell apart.” I finished with a sigh. Elliot had a slight grin on his face, but I couldn’t understand why.

“What’s so amusing?” I asked, feeling a little insulted. Did he think my story was something to be happy about?

“Forgive me for smiling, but I can’t help it. Scarlet, I’ve known something about you for a long time and I’ve kept it a secret, for I wasn’t sure how you would handle it. But now I must tell you. You’re my little sister.” Elliot said with a broad smile on his face.

I gasped. “How is that possible?” I asked in complete shock and bewilderment.

“My father, or rather, our father, was doing some terrible things for a time. I was four at the time and you were only two. Well, Mother and Father had an argument about his ways and they decided that Mother would take you away and I would remain with Father. But Father didn’t want you to remember him, so he used an invention of his to make you forget everything about him. But I have always known the truth. And I’ve always wanted to be reunited with my little sister.” Elliot quickly explained everything. Could it all really be true? Or was it all some trick? I looked deep into his eyes and I just knew that every word was the truth. A few tears trickled down my cheek and I gave him a big hug.

I looked all around the land and said with a sigh, “So this is it. This is my home…”

~~~*~~~

HA HA! YES! It was a continuation of Into The Teacup! I thought that the prompts worked really well with the story Now, I really need to finish writing this one. I’ve thought of such a good plot twist for it… 😀

Sorry this one was SO long! Hopefully my next story will be shorter 😉

Love,
~Fluffet~