Shortdreams2021 Stories

(Completed) Just then - as if Xavier had sensed the judge's previous thoughts - he burst in the room, his hands tightly grasping on a gasping Annie. He yelled: "THE BOOK! TRAVIS WAS MURDERED JUST LIKE IT WAS IN 'CRIMINAL'! AND ARDEN AND ANNIE WERE RECITING LINES FROM IT--" *** New York has been caught up in yet another murder-mystery. Author Travis Cliff has been murdered. Like any other case, this, too, should've been just another case of the killer and the victim. Except Travis himself was a sinner, hands covered in blood of the innocent civilians of the community he resided in; and finally, he had been struck down. Not a single report had ever been sent to the Murder Investigation department - rather, not a single report had ever reached the department. When things go further awry, involving a replication of Travis' last book, Xavier - the detective - and James - the judge - seem to have a lot to uncover about the incident... *** Written for the Short Dreams Contest 2021 hosted by @TeamOfDreams Prompts used: #23 - Someone has killed a murder-mystery bestselling author... in the exact same way as their last book. But, is the plot twist true, too?

When Evelyn finds an old doll in the woods outside the old Hope Estate, she's drawn back in time to the last day of 1899, before the fall of the estate. As the minutes tick away, leading to the time of the estate's downfall, Evelyn must find a way to escape the grasp of Bianca Owens, the heiress and last member of the Owens line, before it's too late. For if she does not escape, Evelyn will be forced to join the Doll's House. Entry in the Team of Dreams Short Dreams contest. Prompt #41 On the Short Dreams Shortlist

A German prince's arrival in London causes quite a stir: Prince Christian, the son of the disgraced society beauty Georgiana, seems to have brought his mistress along... This short story was written for the "Short Dreams 2021" contest hosted by the Team of Dreams - Prompt used: Number 37. The text was revised in August 2021.

The year is 2087, and global warming and war has brought human civilization to places that nobody would have expected. Thomas is a 14 year old just trying to find his way in the world when he's introduced to the bloody sport of Tea Party. It may sound like a silly name, but most parties don't include armor, weapons, and mass quantities of blood...

From Short Dreams 2021 prompts - an attempt of a short story about a black unicorn that will go something like this: Black unicorns have long been lost to myth. However, with the verge of peace after centuries of war dependent on the birth of a prized unicorn, the stakes have never been higher. When in the dark of night, a black unicorn is born, the girl who has dedicated her life to caring for the rare beasts must decide in an instant what she will do to save her kingdom. *Finally came up with a title that works for me, and an homage to C.S. Lewis* (**Prompt is #7)

An irreverent short story, retelling Lewis Carroll's classic poem "Jabberwocky", but in space. *** Third place winner in the "Short Dreams 2021" Contest. ***

On a road trip to Ciranne Harbour, the nameless partner of Nadia Pierce (secretly the superhero named Sunshine) and best friend to Deon Lancaster, (not-so-secretly the supervillain Trick) conceals a highly important weapon, the Blade of Heart. Although they don't know what that is, they're stuck with it until they reach their destination at a place they used to call home. **** An entry to Short Dreams 2021, using prompt #36.

Mason hates neighbors. They're rotten things with pets that defecate on your lawn, engage in loud verbal abuse, don't take out the trash, keep asking for salt and sugar every other day and are all around a nuisance. He has had enough of it, and is moving in the most remote area possible: the top of the new tallest mountain in the world, the La'mba. Only enough space for a small mansion of his, nothing more, nothing less. However, aliens who've colonized Mars are making a lot of neighborly ruckus, and Mason is the nearest person to bear the brunt of it. How long before he loses his patience? Written for the Short Dreams 2021 short story prompt contest. The prompt: "Earth watched helplessly as aliens move "next door" on Mars.