Silent Screams - Part 2

A compilation of my VSS, Short Stories, and Flash Fiction challenges. These are also available on my social media. Prompts are in the title, followed by the challenge associated with it.

Luck - VSS Fantasy

They were cornered on every side. Each door led them to certain death, and the warriors who had sought out the dragon realized their luck had run out. They looked at one another before raising their weapons and charging the enemy. Together, one last time.

Sorry - VSS Fantasy

I let this go on for far too long

I want to make it right

To be whole again

But the damage is done

Leaving behind the scars

The memories of what I've done

Haunt me day and night

With no escape on the horizon

Sorry cannot save me anymore

Rod - VSS Fantasy

A rod of truth or a stick of lies

She had followed the path for years

Never wavering

Yet, her burdens were never lifted

Consumed with fear and shame

Until the day she cast the rod aside

And walked away freely

Following her own path

Untethered to the house of guilt

Detritus - VSS Fantasy

Once a paradise full of imagination and wonder, now her mind was an invariable wasteland. Broken promises and shattered dreams became the detritus in which she walked upon, searching for the innocence stolen from her long ago.

Recognize - VSS Fantasy

Years have passed since he left her to fight in the war. Now, he returned a hero, but would he still want her? Would she even recognize the man he had become? She could hear his footsteps approaching, and when he entered, he gazed upon her and smiled.

Harvesting - VSS Fantasy

She was just a child when she witnessed her mother being burned alive, accused of being a witch. She barely escaped, but the need for revenge kept her alive. She vowed to seek them out, one by one, harvesting their souls until the ghost of her mother was satisfied.

Judgment - VSS Fantasy

She knew she needed help, but asking for it meant choking down her pride. At long last, she finally made the admission, only to be denied by one who had cast unfair judgment upon her.

"I can't do this alone." She cried.

A voice answered, "You will have to."

Entrance - VSS365

Most people like to make an entrance. They want to do something grand or funny, worthy of remembrance. I am the exact opposite, mostly because my "grand" entrances involve tripping over invisible obstacles and somehow tumbling into the buffet table.

Deserted - VSS Fantasy

Years had passed since her parents deserted her. She awoke in a different world, a different time, armed with nothing but her magic and wit. Even with the odds stacked against her, she somehow survived, conquering a desolate world that flourished under her rule.

Moon - VSS Fantasy

The sun shone too brightly, revealing all her scars. Every flaw left visible for all the world to see, but the moon offered only a reflection of that light. Allowing her to hide in the darkness if she so chooses, so no one could see the hurt and the pain.

Unable - VSS Fantasy

The weight of everything pressed down, squeezing out all of her joy and energy until she had nothing left. She became an empty husk going through the motions of the day, unable to smile, unable to feel, unable to care about anything or anyone.

Rose - VSS Fantasy

He placed the metal rose on the grave, next to her picture. He had given her many flowers over the years, but they all withered away with time. He wanted to give her one that would last forever, a symbol of his devotion and his undying love.

Savior - VSS365

Drowning in my own sorrows

Unable to shake free

I collapse to my knees

And call out to Thee

I plead for Your mercy

To be saved by Your grace

Savior, save me from myself

And take me away from this place

Ghost - VSS365

After so many years

I finally broke free

And escaped to where

You could no longer reach me

But the ghost of you

Follows me everywhere still

And haunts my every thought

My every dream

In every scar etched upon my body

Upon my soul

Are the memories of you

I cannot erase

Brazier - VSS Fantasy

Alone she sat for hours, poring over the words in his letter. She had waited for him, but he had found another. At last she stood and walked over to the iron brazier, tossing the parchment in the flames; the smoke forming an image of the one who had taken her place.

Light - VSS365

I almost suffocated

Until you released me from my prison

And I breathed in the fresh air

I choked on words never spoken

Until you gave me a voice

For so long I felt invisible

But with you, I am seen

You, the light in my life

Saving me from the darkness of my mind

Melodious - VSS Fantasy

Years passed since he glimpsed the lady in the water, her song ever constant in his ears, but he never saw her again. Perhaps she was never real after all. He turned his back to the sea, and began to walk home when her melodious voice called out to him once more.

Ash - VSS365

Long have I held on to this dream

Full of blind hope

That you would someday love me

And accept me for who I am

But reality is a cruel teacher

I watch my dreams burn in its pyre

Turning to ash before my eyes

Because the harsh truth is

I will never be good enough for you

Twinkle - VSS Fantasy

I sometimes imagine myself bathing in the moonlight, lying amongst the flowers and soft grass. Fireflies dance above me, while the wind caresses my skin with its gentle touch. A brook plays a song while the stars twinkle in perfect rhythm, and I am at peace.

Cyclone - VSS365

Some days I'm fine. I can sit down, enjoy a good book, with a hot cup of cocoa, and a soft blanket. Other days, my mind is a cyclone of thoughts, and I can't focus on anything. I've been staring at this book for hours, and haven't been able to absorb a single word.

Limit - VSS365

I tried so hard to look past your faults, to forgive you for everything you've done, but there's a limit to how much I can take. I love who you used to be, but you're not that person anymore, and I have to move on.

Native - VSS365

When she spoke the common tongue, her speech was terribly broken, but she was still learning and improving. However, when she spoke in her native tongue, it sounded like music to anyone lucky enough to hear it.

Flowers - VSS Fantasy

Walking in the forest

I find a hidden path

Music plays in the distance

Calling for me to follow

I enter a grove full of light

Amongst the trees and flowers

I see creatures dancing

Entrancing me with their sound

Mesmerizing me with their moves

Until I am lost forever

Pray - VSS365

Broken.

Life had beaten her to the point where she could no longer stand.

Lost, alone, and afraid.

She had fought her whole life

Exhausting all her strength

Until only one hope remained.

Now, already on her knees

She looked up to the Heavens

And tearfully began to pray.

Snatch - VSS365

It was easy for you to tear me down

To snatch my dreams away

To ridicule me

And make me feel ugly

It was easy for you

To make me feel guilty

To make me feel weak

To make me feel useless

The one thing too hard for you

Was to say you were sorry

That you could never do

Teeth/Tooth - VSS Fantasy

After years of searching, she finally found the Dragon's Teeth. She had not expected it to be a small amethyst stone shaped like a Dragon's tooth. As she picked it up, it began to glow softly in her hand, and she heard a voice whisper, "You are the chosen one."

Wing - VSS Fantasy

Her people warned her not to trust the humans, but she didn't listen. She foolishly fell in love with one who betrayed her, and now she was known as the Fairy with the broken wing.

Half - Flex VSS

I used to speak my mind

With a strong will

And determined spirit

Now I cower in the shadows

Not even half the person I used to be

I didn't have many friends then

But the few I had were real

And not the ones now

Who will only tolerate me

As long as I fit into their mold

Tale - VSS Fantasy

He heard the story, but thought it more of a tall tale to scare children. He approached the ring of mushrooms that had sprouted overnight, and laughed as he stepped inside. His mirth turned to terror as he vanished from this world, and into the world of the Fae.

Invade - VSS365

What right do you have to invade my thoughts? It is your face I see when I first open my eyes, your voice that haunts my dreams, and your smile that dwells within my soul. I never wanted love, but since when do I get what I want?

Angst - VSS365

Sometimes it's not hidden

The tears, the angst, the hurt

People see it and choose to look away

Or they tell you to suck it up

Deal with it

And stop being such a baby

But it's still there

Suffocating me slowly

More and more each day

Golden - VSS Fantasy

He had no memory of his parents, no possession to call his own, save for the golden necklace he wore. The only link to his past was a tiny fairy pendant dangling from the chain. His only companion on such a lonely journey.

Best - Flex VSS

It gutted her to block his number, but his calls and texts left her feeling empty and worthless. She told herself it was for the best, and that some bridges have to be burned in order for one to move on, but it didn’t make it any easier.

Treasure - VSS Fantasy

Exploring a world of sunken treasure

They found them swimming amongst piles of gold

Aquatic monsters in beautiful guises

The divers are not yet aware of the danger

As they glide ever closer towards their doom

Trail - VSS365

A curious child

A hidden trail

A wonderous adventure

A thrilling tale to tell

Nation - VSS365

A sharpened sword is no match for a loaded pen determined to divide a nation. False words have led more people to slaughter, defending those that will abandon them once the fighting is done.

Pillars - VSS365

It took many years, but the house she had built with her lies crumbled away. Now, all that remains is the dirt beneath the mighty pillars of truth and justice.

Aspen - VSS365

It is hard to imagine such a sweet, innocent girl having so few friends, but she so often wore her heart on her sleeve, making her more fragile than the leaves of the aspen. One misspoken word was all it took to bring her to tears.

Claw - VSS Fantasy

He had managed to defeat the wolf that had been ravaging the kingdom, but as he stared at the beast's carcass, he could feel a strange burn from the claw marks on his skin. Soon, a new wolf would emerge, and a new hero would be sent to hunt him.

Now - VSS Time Travel

At last, my time had come, but that's when she appeared.

"Don't do it." She pleaded, her voice familiar, "I know now, the price is too high."

She handed me a photo, and I saw a child who looked a lot like me.

"You have nothing to gain, but everything to lose."

Hack - Flex VSS

She tried her best to be a good mother. She loved her kids, and she only wanted the best for them. Yet, when times were tough, she feared she couldn't hack it, and she would eventually let them down.

Pack - Flex VSS

Eventually there comes a time when you have to say, "Enough is enough". To pack up and move on, no matter how much it pains you to do so. It may feel like giving up, but sometimes you need to put yourself first if you're going to survive in this world.

Wunderkind - VSS365

The mom dusted off the many trophies and ribbons. Her son was unique, a wunderkind unlike any child she had ever seen, but she often worried he was doing too much. Life was already short enough, and she wished he would slow down and just enjoy being a kid for a change.

Unforeseen - VSS365

He always had difficulty convincing her to try something new. She found comfort in the familiar, and anxiousness in the unforeseen.

Featherlight - VSS365

A breath of sweet summer air

A warm breeze against my skin

I feel the sand shift beneath my feet

As the waves pull me in

The roar of the ocean call to me

My burdens become featherlight

I float away amongst the swells

Not a single care in sight

Flicker - VSS365

Just when I think I've given up, a ray of light comes shining through. A spark of hope is restored, and a flicker of inspiration is enough to light the fires that keep my spirit burning bright.

Isolated - VSS365

After months of being isolated in my own home, I finally muster the courage to step out into the light. The sun greets me like an old friend, and I'm reminded of the smell of grass, flowers, and the sweet summer air.

Anxiety - VSS365

Before you came

I had no fear to speak what was on my mind

I could sleep at night in peace

I breathed in the sweet air with no worry or stress

I was free from the prison of depression and anxiety

Before you came

Surrender - VSS365

He tempts me with his eyes

I'm drawn in by his smile

Intoxicated by his scent

Honeyed words cloud my judgement

Warmth from his touch weakens my resolve

I willingly surrender to his kiss

And melt into his embrace

Paralyze - VSS365

I lie in bed staring into the darkness

Unable to move or even breathe

The doctor said the medicine would help

But she failed to mention it would also paralyze me

Forcing me to hear and see things that weren't there

It only lasts a minute

But the terror never goes away

Break - VSS365

The battle was ended, but the war was far from over. For now, the troops enjoyed a break before the next storm; a brief rest to recover their strength and prepare for the next fight. Both sides longing for they day they could finally return home.

Periwinkle - VSS365

Years have passed since the Paladin's sacrifice. His last act destroyed the ultimate evil, and save countless lives. Yet, no matter how hard they tried, the Cleric and the Druid were unable to save him. Now, his grave is covered with periwinkle that blooms year round.

Predict - VSS365

Sometimes I look at you and wonder how I got so lucky. When we first met, I was so scared. I could not even begin to predict how things would turn out. Now, all these years later, I'm happy I was brave enough to finally give love a chance.

Reverie - VSS365

Reality is often so disappointing. The more I face it, the more I long to be lost in my own reverie. Let me live there one day, in a world of love and beauty. Let me never return to the ugliness that plagues this world day after day. Let me have peace.

Awestruck - VSS365

Cruel words had left their scars upon my skin

I would look into the mirror, knowing I was ugly

Until the day you came into my life

I was awestruck when you called me beautiful

And when you told me that you loved me

After that, their words couldn't hurt me anymore

Imagination - VSS365

The Boy Who Cried Wolf. My family always reminded me of this story when my imagination ran away from me. I never thought it would be used against me to say the abuse never happened. "You just imaged it," they say, but the worst part is, I no longer know what to believe.

Parallel - VSS365

I'd like to think there was a time, when you were a different person. I envision someone who is everything you taught me to be, and not the monster who thought the rules didn't apply to them. Maybe in a parallel universe, but certainly not in this one.

Sign - VSS365

I look into your eyes, but the light is almost gone. I take your hand in mine so you know I'm there, but your expression remains vacant. There's no sign you are aware of my presence at all, but I'll remain by your side, until the very end.

Dragon - VSS Fantasy

He volunteered to slay the beast, hoping to find a hoard of gold and a princess to take his hand in marriage. What he found instead was a kingdom of beautiful maidens, given to the dragon as sacrifices, but were now considered his treasures.

Noxious - VSS Horror

I see your face in my dreams, I hear you yelling, beating your fists on the door. The stench of alcohol permeates the air, and I feel myself choking on the noxious fumes. Another loud bang, and I awaken with a start, but it was only the thunder …

… this time.

Atrementous - VSS Horror

She once believed his words

His empty promises

Hoping he would change

But soon she learned

He enjoyed inflicting pain

It thrilled him to hear her screams

And one day he would go too far

There was no saving one

With an atrementous heart

Demonic Ploy - VSS Horror

It took him months to earn their trust, but his demonic ploy had worked, and now as his cruel goddess was freed from her prison, the world began to crumble and burn.

He looked back at the ones he had betrayed, "Nothing personal, my friends. Just business."

Bloody - VSS Mystery Not knowing what to do

Unsure of where to go

Only one thing is certain

He cannot stop running

Leaving a trail of bloody footprints

He struggles to escape

The hunter still following his prey

Coal - VSS Horror

Hair black as coal

Alabaster skin

Eyes red as fire

Burning deep within

Piercing me with his gaze

I succumb to his charms

His sinister grin reveals his fangs

As he pulls me into his arms.

Eleven - Flex VSS

"What are you doing?"

"Counting. Five. Six. Seven."

"Why?"

"My therapist thinks counting to ten before responding to idiots will keep me calm. Eight. Nine. Ten."

"But .. you're talking to me."

She sighed heavily, "Eleven! Twelve! Thirteen!"

End - VSS365

Even when it was over

The memory remained

I jump at every sound

I flinch at every movement

I am always looking over my shoulder

And checking around every corner

Expecting you to find me

And hurt me all over again

I long to be free from you

And beg for this torment to end

Reflect - VSS365 (Acrostic)

Reflecting on the past

Every day passes before my eyes once more

Forgotten memories resurface

Lost loves that haunt me still

Everything weighs heavy on my mind

Countless moments taken for granted

Too late to say I'm sorry

Weaver - VSS365

"He lacked beauty and strength

But he was a man of cunning

He saw many things

And heard whispers in the night

A weaver of tales

He used his pen as a weapon

Putting the strongest of his foes

On their knees

And at his mercy"

Weaver - VSS365

"They called him the Teller of titillating tales

A Stitcher of scintillating stories

A Weaver of wonderous words

A Painter of powerful poetry

Such incredible praise for the one

Who humbly calls himself a Writer"

Barrier - VSS365

There has always been a barrier between us. Even after years of therapy, I watch you struggle to form even a few words. I see your frustration as you try to talk to me, and I feel so defeated, but I won't give up. I'll never stop fighting for you, my son.

Tension - VSS365

Growing up with you

I have my fair share of scars

I feel the tension building

Whenever you're around

Dreading what you will say or do

I know it's wrong to hate you

But I long for the day

When I can spit upon your corpse

As you lie in your coffin

Unable to hurt me anymore

Candle - VSS365

As the storm raged outside, our parents did their best to keep us calm. We played games to pass the time, with the candle serving as our only light until the power was restored. It made, what should have been a terrifying time, a beautiful memory to look back on.