#short story tournament

[shortstorytournament]

Short Story Tournament

THE RAVEN by Edgar Allen Poe (1845) (link)

Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary, Over many a quaint and curious volume of forgotten lore— While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping, As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.

HOMECOMING IS JUST ANOTHER WORD FOR THE SUBLIMATION OF THE SELF by Isabel J. Kim (2012) (link) - tw: death

A border is an artificial thing with practical consequences: the severing of the self from the self.

[tournamentdirectory]

It's a short story, but the feelings are long-lasting. @shortstorytournament finds the best of them!

[steffigraf]

guys i just saw roger federer’s face on my exam this is so fucking weird

[swiftracer13]

The Taylor Swift Song Tournament: Ivy vs. Long Story Short

It's back! Because most of you wanted me to continue the Taylor Swift Song Tournament, here is the next pairing. It's Ivy against Long Story Short.

Please reblog when you vote, so we might get some more votes :)

And because it's long since the last voting, here a short reminder on the songs that are already qualified for the grand final:

Would’ve, Should’ve, Could’ve (Winner of the Midnights group)

Cruel Summer (Winner of the Lover group)

Also we still have to vote for the winner of the Speak Now album, but we'll do it later.

[web-novel-polls]

Less Popular Danmei Character Tournament - Round 1 Bracket

Side A

Yan Hao vs. Xiao Chiye

Shen Zechuan vs. Wang Zhi

Gu Mang vs. Yan Zhengming

Side B

Wenren È vs. Song Qingshi

Yin Hanjiang vs. Wu Xi

Li Yu vs. An Zhe

Cui Buqu vs. Helian Ye

Exempt from Round 1: Yue Wuhuan

Side A of the Popular and Less Popular Danmei Character Tournaments will take place on the same day (Thursday, June 8, 2023) around noon CST and will remain open for 1 week.

Side B Polls will open on Tuesday, June 13th, 2023, at noon CST and will remain open for 1 week.

Character Information under the cut (subject to change) - CWs: sex mention, death mention, murder mention, slavery, sexual slavery, rape mention, animal mention, animal death mention, pet death/murder

Side A

Yue Wuhuan from Mistakenly Saving the Villain

A villain saved by the MC who is focused on revenge. The story seems to focuses on trauma recovery from his life as a s*x slave and handles mental health pretty well 

Technically a “yandere” character, but the Novel Updates reviews describe his possessiveness and dark thoughts as byproducts of his trauma that he heals from, realizing that he shouldn’t be thinking of the MC that way and growing

“Our ML’s journey embodies a major theme of MSTV, which is about redemption and rebirth. His tragic past shaped him into a cunning, ruthless, manipulative, and obsessive individual. His past and continuing struggle will make your hearts break. It’s a difficult and painful journey of overcoming past trauma, letting go, and subsequently achieving freedom and happiness.” - blackkoi on NU

Yan Hao from Vicious Male Counterpart Isn’t Competing Anymore

Submission: He’s p cute

Yan Hao was jealous of and competed with his younger brother, who seemed to be loved more by their parents. After he dies, however, he realizes he was a villain meant to contrast his kind younger brother and be slapped by the male protagonist. Once he’s reborn, he decides to ignore his brother entirely

“High IQ, low EQ” - Sugaminny on Novel Updates

Honestly, the story sounds super cute and interesting. Yan Hao seems to be a character “hated by everyone” in his past life who can’t figure out how to be loved but does love others a lot, especially in his second life. Skite on NU describes him as autistic and villainized due to his neurodivergency / attempts to be loved and praised (their review words it better, but it sounds super interesting). 

Xiao Chiye from Qiang Jin Jiu

Submission: Also an absolutely insane character but somehow not as deranged as his husband, shen zechuan, although he comes pretty damn close. i just wanna cause problems by putting them in the same poll 

“VERY cocky and arrogant (sexy of him), but also an extremely talented leader and fighter” - QJJ Carrd

Initially kicks Shen Zechuan, the MC, due to SZC’s father’s treason, but starts to fall in love with him (Enemies → Lovers)

Shen Zechuan from Qiang Jin Jiu

Submission: he just serves absolute cunt and is absolutely insane. like we joke about characters being crazy but shen zechuan is the 1st one where ive paused reading and said outloud oh bitch you are absolutely out of your mind. Give it up for ruthless chronically ill schemers with a sense of loyalty so strong it becomes a fatal flaw and who are also at all times 100% devoted to the ppl they care about

The son of the Prince of Jianxing, who betrays the empire out of cowardice, that must survive when his entire family is to be killed for treason. There’s actually a scene at the beginning of him losing his brother in a battle and (I believe) returning to realize his father has run away

Another of the “chronically ill schemers” type and incredibly ruthless when necessary

Refuses to die or despair; he WILL survive and will turn things around - fate can be damned

Wang Zhi from Fourteenth Year of Chenghua

Submission: Wang Zhi is the emperor's eunuch-assassin who spends the entire book and show crashing the main character's brunches. There's a scene where someone gets confused because they can't fathom why Wang Zhi would show up at someone's house if it's not to murder them. In the series he has a tiny gun. 

Gu Mang from Stains of Filth / Yuwu

Submission: He’s my little guy

He’s the tragic ML who betrayed the MC while also being the biggest fucking clown / the comedic relief

He truly believes he’s a fucking wolf at one point. 

Essentially, Gu Mang was a slave in Murong Lian’s household, which led him to meet the MC, Mo Xi, who is a noble of similar standing to the Murong clan. He eventually becomes the General-in-Chief of the Wangba Army (later renamed to the Northern Frontier Army bc it was a funny name) and fights for the Chonghua Empire. However, since the Wangba Army was made of slaves, not a single of his fellow soldiers were given a proper burial, which - along with other reasons - led to Gu Mang defecting to an enemy nation (that also killed Mo Xi’s father and may or may not be cannibals).  

The story begins when said enemy nation trades Gu Mang back to Chonghua as a prisoner of war with parts of his soul gone, causing him to believe he’s a majestic blue wolf. The summary is a tiny bit misleading, albeit not wrong - “they’ve slept together before” is actually more “they slept together multiple times while Mo Xi, at the very least, is incredibly in love with Gu Mang.”  

Gu Mang’s also pretty funny, even with his memories gone, albeit the inherent tragedy is overwhelming. Idc what “evils” he committed… the Lotus Pavilion thing or whatever was fucked up. The author is so brutal to him, and for what? Funsies? (<--mainly joking, but it’s a SAD story… I’ve cried so many times) 

Anyway, Gu Mang Did Not Deserve This 2023 

Yan Zhengming from Liu Yao: the Revitalization of Fuyao Sect 

Submission: Winner of the award for highest number of times I’ve called a man a “pretty princess” 

Apparently has a fantastic character development into the Sect Leader (I’m not that far), but he’s also just a pretty princess <2

He’s the eldest disciple of Han Muchun / Fuyao Sect who was born into a rich family. He ran away at age seven and became Han Muchun’s first apprentice/disciple. He’s similar to a spoiled young master character, but he doesn’t really bully anyone; he may try to bully/clash with Cheng Qian, but I don’t think he wins (been a while since I started it - he’s like 15, and Cheng Qian is ~9-10 at this point) 

“Strict with others but lenient on himself” → responsible Sect Leader pipeline, More at 10 pm

Side B 

Wenren È from Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

The MC of Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know, Wenren È, finds a book that details the world around him where he’s the second male lead / love interest who dies to protect the Female Lead / protagonist. He is not in love with her, and he can’t imagine dying for her as is; he also doesn’t understand why his subordinate, who supposedly likes her as well, tried to kill her after his death. I think he’s tasked with addressing readers’ concerns with the novel, but there’s also a lot more going on lol

Submission 1: unhinged, no idea what romance is, has a feral dog with rabies for a boyfriend and thinks that boyfriend is super cute. Also, middle aged man. I love middle aged men.

Submission 2: Because Look, he is trying to get two characters to fall in love for Important Plot reasons and a: him and his main Minion have to look up what love is like in the shitty romance novels they're characters in, and then b: decide to make the two characters fall in love through the Cunning Use of Bugs. Also he got a copy of the book he is a character in, found out his fate, and was like I Think The Fuck Not. 

He also has pretty good morals, if not personality. He’s a much better guy than I expected him to be tbh 

Song Qingshi from Mistakenly Saving the Villain

A medical student who chooses to transmigrate into a sad Danmei novel to save the protagonist. He does not save the protagonist - he saves a cannon fodder villain named Yue Wuhuan. 

“Has a lack of understanding of social situations/an odd personality” - past submission (Danmei Tournament)

Very intelligent but dense to love and s*x; book smart; passionate about what he likes

Yin Hanjiang from Devil Venerable Also Wants to Know

Submission 1: He’s my little scrunkly

Submission 2: He’s my evil wife.

Yin Hanjiang is the second-in-command of the current Demon Lord Wenren È and the fourth male lead of Abusive Romance: You are the Unchanging One in My Heart, a novel Wenren È reads. In the novel, Yin Hanjiang blackens and tries to kill the female lead after Wenren È’s death. 

You would think Wenren È would be the craziest mf in this story, but it is, in fact, Yin Hanjiang. In the original novel, he tortured/chased the FL for quite a while to the point of being one of - if not the most - hated villains in the story; he was originally masked and revealed in a completely unseen twist, I believe. 

He was saved by Wenren È as a child and is obsessed with him, although their relationship changes more to friends than boss-subordinate WAY before they get together. 

Wu Xi from Lord Seventh / Qi Ye 

Submission: He is the roundworm in my stomach

Qi Ye tells the story of Prince Jing Beiyuan’s seventh life, which is a repeat of his first life. Wu Xi is the Great Shaman’s Shamanet and the Empire’s captive from Nanjiang who did not appear in Jing Beiyuan’s first life. 

From what I remember, he uses something similar to magic to make a court official become aroused / see a beautiful woman and embarrass himself in front of the entire court. As a child. 

He also has a vast array of dangerous and venomous animals, one of which he gifts to Jing Beiyuan after they become friends. 

Li Yu from Disabled Tyrant’s Pet Palm Fish 

Submission: He’s infuriating and I love him, also helped create equal rights in ancient china

Li Yu transmigrated into a carp tasked with stealing a mute tyrant’s heart (by the system). He does not know how he’s supposed to do this, but the tyrant - Mu Tianchi - is waiting for him to transform into a human, already in love(?) with him.

The reviews on Novel Updates are… mainly unflattering… but he appears to be a naive and sweet character with in a fluffy love story with the ML, Mu Tianchi 

An Zhe from Little Mushroom 

Submission 1: honest to god, he’s just a little mushroom

Submission 1: he’s just a little mushroom

An optimistic mushroom mutated into a human trying to find his stolen spores

“An Zhe is the only person who wholeheartedly believes in Lu Feng [the ML]” - Carrd 

Cui Buqu from Peerless

Submission: He’s mean, he’s disabled and unapologetic about it, he’s a genius and all his braincells escape him when faced with his rival, he’s a secret agent and has no martial arts, he’s deeply in love and will never say so unless pushed, he will liken his rival to his sun and then tell him he’s the most annoying person he’s ever met. He’s a bastard little fox <3 

Helian Yi from Lord Seventh / Qi Ye 

Qi Ye tells the story of Prince Jing Beiyuan’s seventh life, which is a repeat of his first life. All of his first five lives have been tied to Helian Yi - he helped him ascend the throne in their first life, he was an insect crushed by Helian Yi in his second life, he was a beloved dog killed to feed Helian Yi’s family in his third life, he was a neglected jasmine plant in his fourth life, he was a fox skinned by Helian Ye in his fifth life - but in the first and seventh lives, Helian Yi’s the Crown Prince of the Jin Empire while Jing Beiyuan is the Prince Nan’ning (a title; he’s not related to Helian Yi as far as I know). In their seventh life, Helian Yi seems to be treating him very well (from what I’ve read), but he’s not the love interest. 

He’s also in Faraway Wanderers (for, like, one chapter) and technically is Prince Jin in Word of Honor (but they’re pretty much completely different characters). Zhou Zishu is his most trusted aid who formed Heaven’s Window and then left. 

Idk, I haven’t gotten that far in Qi Ye; he sounds like the villain, but he’s really just Sad - Idk if he’s in love with Jing Beiyuan or what, but he’s SAD, okay? From what I can tell, he cares for Jing Beiyuan but can’t be with him because of his position as Crown Prince, but don’t quote me on that

“In that instant, Helian Yi suddenly wanted to take him into his arms, suddenly wanted to wholly throw out and disregard the home, nation, and world that weighed down on his mind and body, no longer brooding on and wishing for a liaison he didn’t dare to have. He wanted to say, from now on, come earthly blades of wind and swords of frost, I will do everything I can to block them or you. There is only one person in this life and this world for me, even without this extensive, partially mountainous, mostly oceanic king’s land.” - Source 

Feel free to submit propaganda in the notes or in my ask box!

[ts-song-tournament]

long story short vs Death By A Thousand Cuts

[bohemian-rhapsody-in-blue]

1) great username

2) as the person who introduced the nose to the russian blorbo tournament, I salute you

1) Thank you!!

2) Also thank you!! And thank YOU for introducing it to the tournament! It’s absolutely iconic. I pretty much lost my mind when I first heard about the story “The Nose” in Russian Lit—I immediately introduced it to all my friends, who proceeded to lose THEIR minds about it too, and now it’s an in-joke between us. And that’s not even MENTIONING the opera by Shostakovich, which I didn’t have room to mention in my reblog but which you brought up in your propaganda! What could be better or more majestic than an opera about a human-sized nose that sings?!

I’m so disappointed it didn’t win—I’m sure Tatiana Slozhno is lovely, but come on, how could she have won against a literal sentient nose?!? As I said in my reblog, I turn my nose up at this whole tournament! But I guess making it 5 rounds in is nothing to sneeze at! And now maybe we can nose around for more tournaments to submit it to…

(eh? eh? …no? okay.)

[the-silver-peahen-residence]

||Underground tense tournament||

Hi everyone, Peahen mom here with another drabble but it's a little short sort of thing or a wholesome type. If you wanna read what it is, take a look.

||Drabble Summary||

Navarro has heard that Echo was competing in today's under ground race. He saw the Cursed Vixens and some others coming to watch only to see just how wild the tournament was. But while the heat grows in the race, how would Navarro feel seeing others trying to take her out? Read to find out.

||Warning||

~A lot of crashing and things will happen in this drabble drabble

~Swearing is present in this drabble

~Blood will be present

((Guests in this drabble))

Echo Fuse along with her fraction the curse vixens and other mentioned from my side belong to me

Navarro along with the DBT and other fractions involved/mentioned belongs to @demon-blood-youths

((Just a heads up: Grammar is not good and their will be heavy mistakes but this was written for fun so please enjoy. ))

Today was the annual hover race in the underground cavern base. One of the fractions was letting them use this area to hold it every year or in three months. Right now, some of the fractions were joining but one was joining in with some others taking their seats in the stands.

"I can't believe we got another one this year. Seems it's going to be a big one than last year." Shdwkyz looks out seeing other demons, witches, supernatural species, half demons, half wolves, werewolves, etc. cheering to the tournament race.

"I know right1? It's pretty cool seeing everyone is getting ready to the next tournament. Though, seems it's bigger." Rust said with a grin seeing the others sitting. They even saw some of the other fractions watching too.

"This is going to be so cool! I wonder who is going to be in the race this year." Fin asked eating some popcorn with his fraction, the lupins to see Kali with the Elite Demon Anthem members watching. Rex was with his season demon warriors sitting by her. He even saw Yuuka there with the Dark eclipse nightshades. Ashley was there with her shallow butterflies with Joshua with the Knights of Darkness there.

"Don't know but I hear it's going to be a wild one.." Kali said sitting by Rex who was eating something hearing the others cheering and excited.

"I guess we will see in a moment..." Summer said but as the racers got to the starting line, everyone was screaming in cheers within the crowd.

"Welcome all fractions in New York City to the annual underground race tournament finals! Today, we will see among these racers to see if they will beat the champion!!" The announcer said seeing everyone cheering loudly.

So the fractions was looking seeing some racers waiting and having their own racer to join in the race. In a moment, Navarro seeing some ready to go.

"Oh good! We didn't miss it yet!" Ink blinks hearing the familiar voice but looks seeing a familiar face.

"Huh? Hey Jinx!" she smiled seeing some look to her as the cursed vixens looking they arrived.

"Hey you guys! Yeah you are just in time. The race is about to start!" Rust said with Fosh nodding looking.

"Yeah, we were trying to hurry and get here before it started. I know the champion should be here too knowing her." Mouse said but the others were thinking about it.

"That reminds me, I wonder where the champion is." Wes said seeing the announcer seeing everyone was ready. "Yeah, they should be there right?" Jaron asked.

"No worries, she is." Vivi said but some of the others look to her.

Wait...her?

"And now, welcoming the champion of the last few underground races from the past few years. The returning champion to win another title.....Echo Fuse!!" he said seeing someone showing up showing familiar wild messy blonde hair girl but wearing a outfit for the race. She had her hoverboard in her arm but the crowd cheers while the fractions were shocked.

"Wait..."

"ECHO'S THE CHAMPION!?" Everyone shouted looking to the cursed vixens who blinks to see Jinx giggling.

"Yep! She is the champion but I thought you guys knew that." she tilts her head. Even Navarro was shocked not knowing this!

"Hold up, you mean to tell me that she's the champion all this time!? What the hell?!" He said looking at Jinx then out seeing Echo at the starting line ready to go. Everyone was ready to get on some hovering board, bike, skates etc. They were ready to go waiting for the race to start.

"Yeah, she is. We didn't know till she told us only to make us really shocked. She even has the few trophies in her garage." Breezy grins smiling but everyone else was shocked.

"Alright racers, are you ready!?" the announcer said seeing everyone ready to go. However, they look to see the others ready. "On your marks..." The racers were ready.

"Get set.." Echo puts on the goggles while her hoverboard was powering up showing it.

"GOOOOOOOOO!!!"

With that, the racers dashes forward past the starting line and dashes down the path of the race. Seems everyone was cheering seeing everyone trying to get past one another while some were avoiding jumps and obstacles. Everyone was cheering even seeing Echo racing while getting past a few people dodging and making the sharp turns and careful ones.

"And the racers are starting off strong, some have fallen behind but the race is still going! Seems the champion is gaining fast ahead but being in 6th place-no 4th place! She's really going to get to the front!" the announcer said seeing the other racers still going. Hearing the crowd was something but even the fractions were cheering for Echo.

"Huh, I had no idea that Echo was the champion all this time. I thought she....no way." Navarro grumbles but Rust nudges him to smile. "What?"

"What's wrong? Shocked to hear your girlfriend is the champion of the underground hover races?" he said with Navarro's face flush pink.

"S...shut up! I didn't know she was the champion honestly! I..I was wondering about the trophies but I didn't know it was true!" he said.

"Well, you should have figured it out after a while since she's been doing it for a while. But still impressive." Shdwkyz said with arms crossed seeing the race going about. However, he sees the racers returning passing the starting line showing lap two. A witch was first place, Echo was second, and another was third.

The other racers come by moments later with more cheering loudly seeing them just going faster. Seems the second lap was on with everyone racing. However, Echo was focused on the race trying to get past the other two to get to 1st place. However, it shows the other racers now trying to knock the others off the track seeing some crash and others flipping out. Seems this round was getting worse seeing the ones in the lead still going.

Everyone kept cheering but Navarro was watching the leading boards.

"Come on Echo! You can do this!" Jinx cheers.

"You can do it!" Breezy said with Ping happy. The others were cheering and shouting for one to win with the fractions cheering for Echo to win. Even Navarro was cheering for her to win. He sees the other racers trying to get closer to her but she dodges to go faster to make a sharp turn on a left while heading down in the inner tunnels past second place. She sees the first place who was trying to get ahead so it's Echo and the other witch.

"And it seems the champion has gotten closer to the witch racer! Both are neck and neck while heading through the track!" the announcer screams hearing more cheering. Navarro saw Echo racing the demon witch who was bumping against Echo who rams back.

"As you see everyone, the champion and the challanger are really neck and neck! They wanna win this years race!" he said hearing a louder cheer but Navarro looks seeing the two heading through the tunnel and takes a large ramp now being in the air above a ditch. He looks to the right seeing both Echo and the witch demon rush down the path through the starting line.

"And it's the final lap for them as the other racers were hurrying through! Who will win this!?" he shouted as the crowd was shouting.

"GO ECHO GO!! YOU CAN DO THIS!!" Jinx screams with her cursed sisters cheering.

"WAHOOO GO ECHO GO!!" Fin screams with his boys howling for her.

Ashley, Joshua, Rex, Kali was cheering for her with the DBT was watching too.

"You got this Echo!!" Yuuka said with Oblivion watching but she put her game on pause. Now everyone was watching this but seeing how things were going even after a while. However, in a moment, the race was going down to the last lap. Everyone was shouting and cheering seeing everything going about.

They saw her and the witch demon racing faster and faster going through the track neck and neck. Even if they were still heading out just made them head down the tunnel again while ramming against one another still racing.

"The two are neck and neck still heading down. And passing the other hidden path while gaining and losing through the track." the announcer was looking at the camera still seeing the race going on. "And now the racers are heading down the hidden tunnel and coming out!" he said seeing both Echo and the witch demon racer taking the ramp again while they keep on going. The other racers were trying to catch up but Navarro was watching gripping the metal bar seeing them heading forward.

'Come on Echo....Echo come on!' he thought to himself seeing the race going on. However, he sees the witch demon trying to get Echo off the road before she rams into her quickly seeing Echo get send to the other side that she was falling behind.

"Tch!!" she glares still racing the witch demon but sees everyone chanting as the crowd was still roaring for one to win. The two were still racing before the witch demon was going over the ditch again with Echo behind her.

"And it seems the witch demon is heading down the finish line. Is she going to win this year's championship!?" the announcer said as she was heading down the path. Everyone thought she was going to win and see as the fractions was shocked. "It seems we might have a new champion-wait, hold on!!"

Suddenly..

Something shows up above from a hidden ramp showing someone coming down over the witch demon and in front of her to dash forward. Wait..it was Echo! She must have found a hidden ramp path that leads to the finish line! She dashes forward towards the finish line.

"Echo has showed up out of no where by taking a hidden path and gotten in front! But thanks to this, she's passed the finish line! Echo Fuse comes in first! She still remains the champion!!!" he shouted hearing the crowd screaming loudly while seeing a few jumping up and shouting.

"ECHO FUSE WINS THE TOURNAMENT!! SHE'S WON AND REMAINS THIS YEARS CHAMPION!!" The announcer screams seeing everyone shouting as she sees the witch demon land on her feet with Echo pulling up the goggles to look. Even seeing the crowd shouting for her and Echo sighed to look seeing everyone was cheering. She saw the other racers showing up but she was happy to still keep her title.

"AWESOME SHE DID IT!!" Jinx smiled proud of her with everyone else cheering as well.

Though, while this happened, Navarro was silent even if he looks down but he was impressed. He had no idea she did this but now he sees it for himself.

~~~~~~~~~~

Later on, Echo was given this years trophy but she was crowded around her team who was happy for her. The other fractions were clapping and happy for the bomber vixen.

"Nice job Echo! We knew you could do it!" Jinx said with a smile.

"Thanks Jinx. I figured this years race was going to be touch but it was pretty good." she laughed. "No one can out race me if they don't put their mind to it." she smiled.

"Even so, you did amazing! Even with the tricks you pulled off." Breezy said nudging her with Ping nodding with a smile.

"Yeah, the others were shocked and they didn't know." Vivi said with that.

"True. We had no idea you were serious about the whole racing thing." Rust said.

"But she was serious...so it's something even from this." Shdwkyz said with Ink nodding.

"Yeah, but congrats Echo..." Fin said as everyone was happy for her. Echo laughed but she was happy even with her having a small party well thanks to Ink and the DBT to congratulate her on the win. As they did, she was happy drinking some cola.

"Hey!!"

She blinks to look seeing Navarro there but he was quiet looking to her.

"Uhhh what's wrong?" she asked looking at him but he didn't say much looking to the side. Though, Echo noticed some blush in his cheeks. "Ummm Navarro?"

"........" Not saying anything, he moves his arms to show something to make her blink. He had some flowers?! The fractions were silent seeing this but Echo was shocked to see even when he sighed.

"Okay, just hear me out. I didn't know you were in these type of races and even finding out you were the champion! S..so..I wanted to uhhhh....give you these as a congrats on winning this year! "he said not looking at her but Shdwkyz and Rust snickering while Vivi, and Breezy giggled finding it cute.

The bomber blinks to see the flowers but blushed to slowly take them. She was not expecting him to give her this. "I...Uhh...t..thanks..you didn't have to." she grumbled.

"W..well, I'm going to! I..I Just wanna be sure your congratulated so..g..good job." he said rubbing the back of his head even if some finds it adorable. Echo said nothing but hugs the flowers even if her face was red. This was nice of him and he already gave her the teddy bear of himself to her.

"....T..thanks.." she said.

"You two are so precious!" Breezy said making the bombers blush worse.

"Yeah, that's sweet!" Rust said as well seeing Navarro red too.

"S...shut up, Breezy!" Echo shouted.

"F..fuck off Rust!" Navarro shouted as well.

"What we are serious!" they said even if the bombers were more red looking at them then away. However, Navarro sighed to look at her. "E..even so, I..ummm....wanted to take you out to get some burgers as a reward. S..so...did you wanna go?" he asked looking away to hold his hand out even if Echo was still red. She never usually blushes like this! The hell was wrong with her!? She didn't say anything but only looks away and takes his hand.

"F..fin..fine! L..Lets just go." she said even if he looks to her seeing she was even worse. Okay, that was pretty cute-

"Have fun on your date!!" a few said that the bombers glare at Fin.

"IT'S NOT A DATE! DX " they said but Navarro turns to leave with Echo while the fractions were watching the now flushed bombers rush out. However, Rust and Breezy smiled.

"Yeah, it's totally a little hang out date." they said but Vivi sighed and Shdwkyz shook his head. Well, even so, the bombers were out but even with that, they were walking together but when getting out, they didn't let go of each other's hands.

Seems even now, Echo didn't mind this and it made Navarro more red. Well, for now, they just went to celebrate Echo's win and hope to prove he was proud and happy for her. She really was something else.

[guyinspacetournament]

Okay I want whoever submitted Margot from All Summer in a Day to know: "i want her to know i’ve thought about her constantly since the day i met her. she is actually my last memory of my pre-pandemic self. i want her to know i and many others have never forgotten about her. (that story is fucked up bro)"

Same.

[tristayranambrosio]

Things Forgotten and Reforged Part 7

The Tournament of Ages Was as ever in full swing in August. The chill in the air was a welcome respite from a harsh summer and an excuse to celebrate and sell, to spend time with those dearest to someone, and to make new acquaintances. Trist had to work subtly whittling and shaping components while between the shows his friends put on, shopping with Fao and Leo himself, and chaperoning Their Eldest, Nestah Pale about the grounds. Not to mention getting various gifts for those in his life who for one reason or another couldn’t make the festival days. He managed to get a good deal of carving done before his fiancé called him out on working when he should be relaxing but he needed to get some basic shapes done. Nestah for her part noticed what Trist had been up to long ago, and was hardly going to spoil anything for her Dream-Papa, the man that stayed when the rest had left her Dad's heart broken if not totally shattered. She might not have the full memory given how long ago it was now, but she had enough of seeing Trist turn on himself and internalize the abuse… to do all the things to himself he never wanted his children to. She watched him work golden eyes missing nothing, until Leo teased her dad about never being idle and just relaxing.

On the one hand she agreed… Trist worked too much and seemed afraid to stop, and breathe, and it was her and her siblings’ job to remind him with Dream, but on the Other… she knew how beautiful it’d be when it was done. After performances and then a visit with a fortune teller, then the most charming Snake person who sent her home with a new hat, Dad would be taking her home. She waited until Dream was off getting changed for an after party. “Daddy?” She chirped, still wearing her new cowpoke scorpion hat as Trist brought her to her room and helped her out of her winter coat. “Yes Moondrop?” Trist smiled, he’d never been able to stop calling her that, this wisened maybe too jaded and cynical for her modest half decade of life child of his probably deserved a less cutesie endearment by now but he couldn’t help himself. “The fortune teller said I have lots of potential… I used my gold pieces to buy this when she pulled me aside.” Nestah said as she produced the Tarot card she had in fact purchased and then the small antler talisman that was meant as a blessing from Malorne the White Stag and in some tales the Moon’s lover himself, “Take them… They’re for Dream’s gift.” Trist blinked and looked at the moonstone antler and Tarot card… then smiled seeing the suit she had given him, “Dream’s more 'Strength' not the Fool.”

“You’re the Fool Silly. You should make it like mister Merius did… with the secret on the inside.” Nestah referred to the message that had been on the inside of a violin Trist had fixed, with a secret line of a poem hidden within the body of an instrument to be discovered so many years later. Jaded she may be but even Nestah it seemed could appreciate the romance of it, “When you got married it was after the Tournament. When Dream first showed us his … 'Cat Hole' Castle. The Tournament is special to you and Dream, like the other places and these are from there.” She grinned as she climbed into her bed seeing the flood of emotions rush through on her guardian’s face. She knew she wasn’t his daughter, not by blood… He looked so different with pale skin, pink hair and short ears, with magenta eyes to her golden ones, but she would always see Trist as her parent. It had been his singing that made her sleep every night since the one she’d been brought into the world… and he who gave her a name. Seeing Trist’s face overwhelmed, staring at the card and the tokens she handed him, she added reassuringly, “Dream’s not like the rest, Daddy. And this one is really for Eternity… He’ll love it like he loves you.” Trist jolted from where his thoughts had wandered and the silver lining his eyes was all the confirmation she needed. She climbed out of the bed and wrapped her arms around Trist’s shoulders where he knelt, holding him tightly and tucking her face under his jaw and into his shoulder, “Its okay…” “T-thank you Moondrop…” Trist shuddered holding his daughter like if he let go she would somehow evaporate and vanish if he didn’t. “Besides you’re only marrying him for everyone else. I know he’s been your Dream-lord and husband this whole time.” Nestah murmured muffled in Trist’s mane of pink. “I-I know you’re right. Your handfasting is still official. We’re just making it more official.” Trist laughed scrubbing at his face. “You want him to stay right?” Nestah asked pulling away to examine Trist’s face watching it for his real emotions. “More than anything.” Trist said heart and words heavy with the truth of them. “Good. He will.” Nestah said. Nodding once. She was certain. Trist stared at his daughter like she was some divine being, “You know your Dad’s a fool for a lot of reasons right? I make mistakes… I mess up… I might-” Nestah shrugged, pulling her blanket over herself having returned to her bed, “Everyone Messes up Daddy… if someone changes their mind about you because you mess up they don’t deserve you. Dream wants to make mistakes with you and I don’t think he’s changing his mind about you. Not ever.” “Sometimes I forget how much like your Namesake you are, Moondrop.” Trist managed half whimpering it. Nestah puffed up, “That’s because All Nestahs are right about everything.” Trist laughed at that, “He’d have said that too. But I need you to at least pretend to be asleep so I can get Dream dancing tonight.” “Okay.” She agreed, “I’m still wearing my hat.” Trist laughed again, “Okay, Moondrop. You can wear your hat.” Trist then reached forward to tuck the cowpoke hat over his daughter’s face making her swat at his hand, “Daddy!” Trist chuckled, raising her hat off her face enough to kiss her temple, “Goodnight Moondrop.” She snatched the hat back, sticking her tongue out at Trist and clutching her new prize like it was the most precious thing she’d ever owned. Then yawned, “Night Daddy. I love you.” “I love you too, Moondrop.”

[shortstorytournament]

SHORT STORY TOURNAMENT - FINALS

THE CASK OF AMONTILLADO by Edgar Allen Poe (1846) (link) - tw: death

“I drink,” he said, “to the buried that repose around us.”

THE ONES WHO WALK AWAY FROM OMELAS by Ursula K Le Guin (1973) (link) - tw: child abuse

Do you believe? Do you accept the festival, the city, the joy? No? Then let me describe one more thing. In the basement under one of the beautiful public buildings of Omelas, there is a room. It has one locked door, and no window. ... In the room a child is sitting.

THE YELLOW WALLPAPER by Charlotte Perkins Gilman (1887) (link) - tw: depression, insanity

John is so pleased to see me improve! He laughed a little the other day, and said I seem to be flourishing in spite of my wall-paper. I turned it off with a laugh. I had no intentions of telling him it was because of the wall-paper — he would make fun of me. He might even want to take me away.

[tournamentdirectory]

Best short story? @shortstorytournament finds out!

[sandymybeloved]

oh no, just realised rose is going to be in the next tournament, please no, I don't think I can bare to see her win again

[ts-song-tournament]

You're Not Sorry vs long story short

[moocha-muses]

“Em. Tell the kids about that guy you pick-pocketed last month.”

“Uh, ix-nay on the ick-ocketing-pay!”

“Come on, do these kids look like narcs?”

“We’re not! Bro, we totally won’t tell Dad unless you, like, stole money from orphans”

“C’mon, it’s a good story.”

“Okay, okay. So I lift the guy’s wallet, right? And when I open it up one of those fucking photo accordion things falls out, and I’m like, ‘shit, did I just steal everyone photo of someone’s grandkids’ because, there is not a lot of resale value on those. But when I take a look they’re all Voidcritter cards in the sleeves! So- ”

[theliteralmoon]

I was gonna make a joke about how absurd and hard my day has been but I do feel like I may throw up so instead I’ll surrender