Term 2 Writers' Circle Booklet 2025

Writers’ Circle Term 2 Booklet

Photo Credit: Kevin Hyatt (Year 11 Student)

Term 2 Writers’ Circle Program

Mr Sam Smith - Director of Performing Arts

Firstly, I would like to congratulate the Writers’ Circle students for their contributions to the Term Two booklet One of the highlights of the Writers’ Circle program is visiting Viridian Retirement Village and seeing the boys read their stories to the residents The Christian Brothers who live at

Viridian often remark to me how much they enjoy hearing the creative talents of our students. Secondly, it would be remiss of me not to acknowledge the outstanding success of our Junior Writing Competition this term.

With 128 students from Years 5 and 6 entering the competition, we can see a real dedication and interest in creative writing at the College Well done to Jack Cooper (1st), James Lee (2nd), and Lochlan Warhurst (3rd), and to Mr Duffield for providing such a wonderful opportunity for Nudgee students through the Writers’ Circle program.

dedicated to the theme "Stories Across Borders". Interestingly, only recently, I was privileged to take a group of Performing Arts students to London and Paris It is easy to forget that as an island, Australia has no direct international borders we can cross

trip, we crossed the border from London to Paris by train, and this is the inspiration for my short story below. It is a mixture of fact and fiction I will leave you to reflect on what is real and what is not in my story below.

In One Tunnel, Out Another Country

It was an early morning when the staff and students packed their bags to travel across the border and enter France. Having enjoyed their time in London, everyone eagerly awaited the next stage of the tour. For an Australian citizen, the idea that they could get on a train in one country and end up in another without a substantial international flight was foreign. “Make sure you

don’t forget anything especially your passports,” said one of the teachers as the students checked out of the hotel and waited in the foyer.

Austin was running late and had not yet made it down to the hotel foyer “Can you go check on him, Ed?” said one of the teachers When returning to the hotel room, Ed was shocked to not find Austin, but

a cleaner rummaging through Austin’s bag. “Excuse me, what do you think you are doing looking through my friend's stuff?” exclaimed Ed To his surprise, Ed was pushed into the wall by the cleaner as he made a run for the door. The cleaner quickly disappeared through the fire exit staircase with a trail of euros, pounds, and Aussie dollars falling out of his pocket

Moments later, Austin came wandering down the hall after an extended visit to the buffet breakfast.

“What happened here?” Austin remarked to Ed.

“Mate, you have just been robbed by the cleaner… you are very late and everyone is waiting for you in the foyer so we can go!” replied Ed.

“Sorry mate, the breakfast buffet was too yummy I had to try everything!” Austin said as he finished off the last of a croissant he was eating on the way back to his room.

his pocket and only had approximately $70 AUD stolen by the cleaner. Ed and Austin quickly gathered Austin’s belongings and headed to the foyer

After a very heated conversation between one of the teachers and the lobby staff, the hotel reimbursed the money, and the group was on their way

St Pancras International Train

Luckily, Austin had his passport, phone, and travel money card in

Station was only a very short bus trip from the hotel, so the staff and students were not worried about missing the train. Upon arrival at the station, staff and students had to quickly move through he concourse and

make their way to customs. “Okay, number off,” said one of the teachers to make sure no one had gone walkabout Austin and Ed played a joke on the teacher and swapped their call numbers around for fun, but all the students were accounted for.

However, one of the teachers was not. Mr. Hunt had disappeared yet again into a souvenir shop After a few minutes, Mr. Hunt reappeared with shopping bags in hand, and the group set off again for the Eurostar. Customs were thorough, and in particular, all suitcases

were checked; all shoes, belts, glasses, jewellery, jackets, and hats were removed and inspected. Unlike at an airport in Australia, passports were checked by hand and a stamp was made by hand in the passport for entry into Paris. Every other border the group travelled across, the passports were scanned digitally and face recognition checked by a camera, not a person The students were excited, some reflecting on the stories of Harry Potter and the Hogwarts Express, others thought about the classic “who did it” stories like Murder on the Orient Express.

The trip was not that exciting, though. No dementors or jumping chocolate frogs were in sight. We found seats, settled in for the ride, and most students went to sleep. Not Austin and Ed, though. These gentlemen took the opportunity to explore the train, visit the café, and even play a game of cards with James and Arthur. The view out the window was beautiful; the English countryside, farms, cattle, and country cottages All of a sudden, we were in a tunnel under the sea. Darkness surrounded us It was eerie but calm. After 50 km, we resurfaced and

entered France. Just like that, we had travelled across borders and arrived in a new country. The whole trip from one country to the other was done quicker than a plane trip from Brisbane to Melbourne

The group departed the train and met the French travel guide

The Eurostar quickly set off again back to London Then a familiar instruction came from one of the teachers, “Okay, number off”. It was at that moment, everyone realised number 23 was missing…Austin was still on the train heading back to London, eating a croissant!

2 Writers’ Circle Program ield - Writers’ Circle Coordinator

There’s a quote from C S Lewis that says, “You can make anything by writing.” It’s simple almost deceptively so But if we stop and unpack it, what Lewis is really pointing to is the boundless power of writing. Writing lets us travel anywhere, build entire worlds from scratch, break the rules, imagine futures yet to come, and question everything we thought we knew. Writing is a kind of quiet magic, and magic, by nature, surprises us.

This term, our theme invited students to explore stories that cross borders literal, figurative, and

imaginative And they responded with extraordinary creativity. There were alien encounters, voyages through space and time, mysterious animals, and twist endings that caught us off guard. The imagination on display went beyond expectations, showing depth and originality.

It’s been an incredible term We were fortunate to welcome Will Kostakis and Amelia Mellor to our Writers’ Circle sessions moments that offered our students invaluable access to professional authors and their craft. We launched the Junior Writing Competition, receiving an outstanding 128 entries

Congratulations to Jack Cooper (1st), James Lee (2nd), and Lochlan Warhurst (3rd)

Congratulations to Kevin Hyatt (Year 11) who won our photography contest and whose submission is on the cover of our publication

We also continued our valued partnership with Viridian, which provides a wonderful opportunity for our students to engage meaningfully with the local community beyond the classroom walls. I hope you enjoy reading our Term 2, 2025 publication.

Pictured: Author visit with Amelia Mellor

Librarians' Top Picks Term 2

This term, we asked Ms Craik and Ms Kingsford for their top picks for the term!

Paper Planes by Steve Worland

This is a wonderful story about a boy who takes o challenges and conquers his fears. Dylan lives in small country town in Western Australia where he enjoys folding and flying paper planes in his backyard. He loves flying paper planes so much t he enters competitions, eventually reaching the World Junior Paper Plane Championships in Japan While on this journey, he makes some wonderful friends as well as a few enemies He also has to face his past. We have this book and e-book in the library or you can watch the movie on Clickview!

Once series by Morris Gleitzman

This series is "unputdownable". Every chapter is a cliffhanger, ensuring you will keep turning the page!

Set in the Holocaust it follows Felix through his life as a young jewish boy on the run, to that of a grandfather in his twilight years. Morris Gleitzman's writing is superb He uses short sentences to pack a punch and simple relatable language.

MSCRAIK

MSKINGSFORD

WRITING STIMULUS

Through the selection of "setting," "theme," and "word parameter" stimulus, we have encouraged our young writers to explore their creative boundaries and craft engaging stories.

THEME PROMPT

JACK COOPER

Jack received 1 Place in the Junior Writing Competition for his story, ‘The Mystery Package’.

Jack’s creativity, imagination, and powerful storytelling stood out among a field of talented young writers. Well done on this outstanding accomplishment!

The Mystery Package

Evelyn had never ordered anything online. At the age of seventythree, she distrusted technology and preferred her routines morning tea at 6:30, crossword at 7, birdwatching from her porch until 9 So when the box appeared on her doorstep one foggy Thursday morning, she stared at it like it was ticking.

No label No address, nothing. Just her name, scrawled in neat block letters. Suspicious but curious, she brought it inside and opened it with the caution of a bomb technician. Inside was… a snow globe. Delicate, intricate A tiny cabin sat inside, surrounded by pine trees and glinting snow When she shook it, a swirl of flakes danced around,

revealing something even stranger - a figure in the window of the cabin, waving She dropped it. Not out of fear Out of recognition It was her husband.

Her late husband.

Evelyn blinked hard She hadn’t seen Walter’s face in six years. Not since he’d passed quietly in his

sleep. But there he was - his thick glasses, his favourite plaid shirt, his lopsided grin.

It had to be a trick

Some strange coincidence. A cruel joke? She searched the box again. No note. No clue.

exactly as it had looked. She reached out, trembling, and knocked on the door. It opened

Walter smiled at her like she’d just returned from the store “Took you long enough,” he said, stepping aside to let her in.

to the edge of the clearing. “You can stay,” he said. “But you don’t have to You still have time ” She hesitated. The woods whispered around her. She could stay. She wanted to.

The snow globe pulsed faintly with a warm light Hesitantly, she touched the glass The world changed.

The chill of mountain air swept over her skin. Pine needles crunched underfoot She was standing in front of the cabin from the globe,

She stared. “You… You’re real?”

He kissed her hand “Real enough.” They spent the day together. Talking. Laughing. Catching up on a lifetime of things unsaid At dusk, he walked her

But then she thought of the bird feeder she hadn’t filled, the neighbour boy she always waved to, the half-finished letter to her niece.

“I think I’ll be back,” she said. He nodded “Then I’ll wait.”

The world shimmered.

Evelyn blinked and found herself back in her kitchen, the snow globe resting on the table.

The tiny figure in the cabin’s window was still waving

But perhaps, finally, she believed in a little bit of magic.

JAMES LEE

James received 2 Place in the Junior Writing Competition for his story, ‘The Unexpected’.

James’ creativity, imagination, and powerful storytelling stood out among a field of talented young writers. Well done on this outstanding accomplishment!

The Unexpected

“SHHH” John whispered impatiently “We need my parents to think we are asleep”. As darkness finally fell over the house John, Greg, and Sam planned their escape The window creaked ever so slightly as the boys climbed out into the night With the moon shining brightly and a chill in the air the boys jumped on their bikes, with their backpacks filled to the brim with eggs. When

they reached the end of the street they opened their bags ready for a night of chaos

With the first targets in sight John gave the signal Gooey yolk ran down the walls and the boys continued throwing with all their might. ‘Stop’ screamed Greg but it was too late as John took aim, pelting Mr Hades’ front door. “You know every house was fair game

except for Mr Hades” Sam exclaimed. Rumour had it that Mr Hades house was haunted, well it definitely looked haunted with its garden of tombstones and rusted gates it looked like no one had lived there for years

All of a sudden the breeze disappeared, and clouds covered the sky There was an eerie silence and fear

gripped the boys. Crows began circling in the sky and silence was replaced with screams and as fog filled the street they heard their bikes clanging against the ground. Greg, scared for his life, was the first to run. “Come back” cried Sam, but it was too late; he had already disappeared into the fog. Eggs suddenly rained from the sky and the boys no longer recognised their surroundings.

“I’ll get help” Sam howled and before John could stop him Sam too had disappeared John’s heart felt like it might explode and his throat

was so dry he could barely breathe. As he peered forward, the street lights beamed like it was telling him this is your way to escape He slowly crept down the road not knowing what lay ahead of him “Is that a street sign?” John hopefully whimpered. He edged closer and was horrified to see a tombstone that appeared in front of him He used his sleeve to erase the dust and moss overtaking the stone. As he starts to read he trembles as he sees today’s date with his name written on it. Suddenly, the ground below John’s feet disappeared. He was

stuck falling for what felt like eternity and with an almighty thud he hit the bottom. His whole body jolted, his eyelids flew open John was amazed to find himself lying in his own bed with Sam and Greg still fast asleep With his eyes flickering he looks over to his window. “It’s morning time Was this all a dream?” John’s whole body shudders, sweat trickles down his forehead as out of the corner of his eye he spies an empty egg carton

LOCHLAN WARHURST

Lochlan received 3 Place in the Junior Writing Competition for his story, ‘The Comet Conflict’. rd

Lochlan’s creativity, imagination, and powerful storytelling stood out among a field of talented young writers. Well done on this outstanding accomplishment!

The Comet Conflict

The sky lit up Staring in awe, Oliver tracked the glowing orb across the sky. Inside his house, He had a clear view of the window, and through it, the comet The comet, after checking his stargazing forecast, was unknown. If Oliver could report it to NASA, then maybe he could finally become an astronomer! The school day seemed like it would never end.

Each period was a punishment; a chance for another person to report the comet and steal away his dream Nicholas - the smartest, yet the most horrible kid in the class, along with being Ollie's number one enemy - secretly whispered to Him: “I can’t wait for the day to end,” he announced. “Then I can tell NASA about that comet Sad that you won’t have time,”

Horrified, Oliver raced home after school, picked up the phone, and punched in NASA’s number. “Hello, I’m Oliver Raden,10, and I would like to report a sighting of an unknown comet,” Oliver said.

“Another kid?” exclaimed the Man. “

I’ve already had one!” His heart plummeted further than the center of the earth. Nicholas had already told them

“With the reaction to the previous night’s event, we have had to tell many people the truth. We have to do so with you, ”

“But I have wanted to be an astronomer ever since the last time Pluto completed its 258 day year, the last time Halley's comet passed, or when the solar system completed its last rotation of the milky way! This was my only key to becoming an astronomer,” he yelled. Angrily, he hung up on them, smashing the phone into the receiver. “ Now I'll never become an astronomer,” He said, banging his fist on the table.

The next days were the worst days of his life Dreams crushed, he trudged to school each morning, only to endure the taunts and lies from Nicholas. To him,

Homecoming was a saving grace, yet not from all. He could never become an astronomer.

few years time, as they were impressed by your knowledge of the universe, ” She shrieked. Ollie looked up, stunned at this He could finally become an astronomer!

PROLOGUE

Unexpectedly, upon arriving home, his mother appeared at the door, waving the phone. “Ollie! Ollie! NASA called me, and said they are interested in you and Nicholas, and that they are awaiting the time that you join them! They even offered a free job interview in a

Five years later, Working at NASA, Nicholas and Oliver were no longer enemies, but friends. Curiously and unexpectedly, They had bonded over their love of astronomy and became friends

TEDDY DENVERFEDDER

This story, ‘The Men, Robbers, and Brothers’ is about a mysterious adventure that starts with two strange pies and ends with a surprising family twist.

The Men, Robbers, & Brothers

Reading from my book, I was bored stiff. I snapped it shut and walked outside onto the deck Interestingly, two pies as big as saucers were sitting on the table, so I presumed it was a gift from my neighbour. When I ate the pies, I started to feel drowsy so I sat down. I then stood up, and then my head started spinning, my legs were jelly, and all of a sudden I was out cold. The tall, dark,

figure stepped over the unconscious body thinking it was too easy to rob a house these days Although his life was never meant to turn out like this, people who wouldn't leave you alone did bad things and he had no choice. Startled by a noise, I awoke from my unexpected slumber Suddenly, my fingers tingled and my nostrils flared. I had a strange

feeling that someone was trespassing in my house and they had something to do with the pies. Shaking the notion from my head, I felt my neck and found sticky blood I'd say it had been there for 1 hour. Inside the house, the man was panicking because He couldn't find what he wanted!

The Australian opal was the last piece of the puzzle before he could lead a normal life If only the tailor-

made safe was normal. If it was he would have been gone 25 minutes ago.

Walking into the house, I heard a rustling sound coming from my bedroom. The man heard someone coming into the bedroom and jumped under the bed holding his breath but he was sure the person would hear his pounding heart. I stood in the bedroom and sniffed The scent of pies wafted out from under my bed. When the man went under the bed, he had forgotten to take the other pies out of his pockets To his horror he realised his legs were poking out from

under the bed. He tried to hide them but it was too late "Hey, show yourself," I shouted, my breath catching in my throat

Slowly, the man slid out from under the bed and gulped before muttering the words "hello brother it's very nice to see you " . For the second time that day I felt dizzy then fainted. Before leaving the house, the man had a feeling that twisted his stomach so when his brother woke up he stayed at the house I asked why he was a criminal and he blurted the story. "When father disowned me after the accident with our younger sister, I had

nowhere to go but eventually I was taken in by a small but quaint orphanage. "I became too old and they sent me away I had nothing so I borrowed money

Little did I know these loaning monsters would make me steal to pay them back."

The next morning, I saw his bed was made and he was gone. He left a note saying “I’ll come again soon ” “That’s unexpected," I murmured.

HUGO GLASSON

Lochlan received 3 Place in the Junior Writing Competition for his story, ‘The Comet Conflict’. rd

Lochlan’s creativity, imagination, and powerful storytelling stood out among a field of talented young writers. Well done on this outstanding accomplishment!

“Yahoo” yelled Jack as they sped all around the bay in their little boat.

“Hey should we go out past the point?The waves look funner out there ” Questioned Oscar “Yeah!, Lets go ” screamed Jack.

The Unexpected

“How good does the boat session look?” yelled Oscar from the dorms.

“Should we do that first?” asked Jack excitedly.

“Yeah that sounds great” said both Charlie and Oscar simultaneously.

“Hi Jack” shouted Charlie excitedly as he got out of his car Jack, Charlie, and Oscar were at year seven school camp.

As the three made their way to the boat ramps they checked the weather forecast with nothing but clear skies Unexpectedly, a storm

was starting to roll in and it was a big one. But not one of the three friends noticed.“Crash!” the waves went as they smashed into the small, unprotective, and weak boat. Jack could hear his heart racing in his chest, he could feel his palms soaked with sweat. As Jack looked he saw his two friends slipping side to side in the tiny boat. This was bad.

“What's happening?”

yelled Jack

“It's a storm,” replied Oscar Wind started to take the boat out to sea where the waves doubled in size and the small boat couldn’t take it The three friends tried to drive the boat back to the bay

“Clank, clonk, clunk” the motor was broken. The little boat continued to get swept out further and further to sea. They were stuck.

side and up and down. He was in trouble.

“Help, Help” struggled Oscar in between being pulled under the water and tossed around

life boat came quickly and Oscar was taken to the closest hospital

“Splash” Oscar had fallen overboard. The cold, dark, and mysterious water of the wild ocean was throwing Oscar side to

Suddenly, Charlies face turned pale as a ghost

“Sh, sh, SHARK!” he stuttered as he returned to his senses

Swiftly, Jack dived into the freezing sea and tried to grab Oscar's hand but he was then pulled under the water.

“It’s got my leg” Yelled Oscar as he resurfaced. Then the mighty beast let go and swam away. Jack helped Oscar to the boat and they called for help. Luckily, the

“Oscar, there are some people here to see you, ” explained the nurse. It was Charlie and Jack.

“Whoa! look at that scar ” Said Charlie as he looked at it intently.

“Will your leg be OK?” asked Jack sympathetically.

“Yeah” replied Oscar “But my leg is broken, but it's OK

“Could all visitors please begin to leave.” said the lady operating the loud speaker.

“Bye, see you tomorrow.” said Jack and Charlie in unison

“See you later,” replied Oscar.

LOUIS THOMAS

This story shows what can happen when humans go too far in their search for power.

It explores space, danger, and the unknown. The characters face something mysterious and frightening, but they find strength in friendship and courage.

The countdown continued, each number falling like the weight of a thousand stars, each second pulling me further from everything I knew. Five, four, three my breath quickens, but I can feel it, a tension creeping up my spine, making my chest tighten I brace myself, trying to suppress the overwhelming sense of dread, the voice that whispers I should never have come. I try again

Stars are Falling

to disappear into the seat, but I can’t, not this time. My mind races. The cockpit hums around me, a chorus of whirring systems and blinking lights, and though I try to drown in the cold, mechanical noise, the pressure of what’s coming still presses against my skin. I think back to my family, to my little brother, Addie, his face still wet from the tears he shed before I boarded. I

want to call him back, to say I’ve changed my mind, but I know that’s not possible There’s no turning back now.

Grace moves beside me She doesn’t say anything, just stands there with those knowing eyes, always able to see deeper than I ever could. I know she’s feeling the same thing, but she hides it well. I glance at her, feeling a warmth in the midst of

this cold expanse of space. The silence between us isn’t uncomfortable. It’s the kind of silence that understands “You’ll be okay,” she murmurs, her voice low and steady. It’s not a promise; she can’t make that promise but there’s something in the way she says it that makes me believe her, just a little.

I want to believe her I really do

The countdown hits zero The engines roar to life, and the world outside the ship shakes as we leave Earth behind My hands grip the armrests, the motion of the ship

throwing me back into my seat. The stars outside blur into streaks of light, the blackness of space swallowing everything else I can feel the weight of the distance pulling me further from home Grace’s hand gently squeezes mine, grounding me as the ship continues its ascent Her fingers are warm, a contrast to the cold steel of the cockpit, and I lean into it, trying to steady my breath.

“We’ll be fine,” she repeats, softer this time. I nod, though my heart doesn't completely believe her. We may be

leaving behind everything we know, but out here, there’s nothing but the unknown. The aliens those strange, terrifying beings we’d been briefed about, the ones that linger at the edges of every deep-space mission are closer now. They’ve been watching us for years, but we never truly understood what that meant.

A flash of light passes by the window, and the ship jolts. My stomach lurches, but no one seems alarmed. Grace looks up sharply, her eyes narrowing as she watches the dark void beyond the glass. "Did you see that?" I

whisper. She nods, her jaw tightening."They're here " A sudden chill spreads through the cockpit, the warmth of her hand a stark contrast to the coldness now swirling around us The ship rattles again, more violently this time, and the lights flicker. And then, like a wave breaking against a shore, they appear. Silent, enormous ships like shadows in the dark, their shapes shifting and pulsating, almost alive

like a silent warning.

“They’re watching us, ” Grace says softly, but with a strange awe in her voice, as if the fear has morphed into something else

They have no visible markings, no clear signs of identity Just pure, alien technology, rippling through space

We all stare out the window, the air around us tense with anticipation. The reality of this moment, of leaving everything behind, is stark now. Not just the mission, not just the journey to the stars, but the truth that we are not alone. We are watched, we are seen, and whether they intend to help or harm is something we won’t know until it’s too late

nearer, I feel a strange calm fall over me. The fear, the doubts, the loneliness they’re still there, but so is something else: wonder For the first time in my life, I am standing at the edge of something extraordinary. I reach for the picture of my family, holding it close as I turn back to Grace.

“You’re right,” I say, barely above a whisper. “We’ll be fine.”

As the ships draw

The words don’t feel like a lie anymore. They feel like a truth I’m ready to accept, no matter what comes next. Because

whatever happens, we are no longer alone in this vast, endless universe. And maybe, just maybe, that’s enough The hum of the ship suddenly shifts, the sound warping into something more sinister as the alien ships draw closer. My heart pounds in my chest, the uncertainty flooding back, thick and heavy. The room feels smaller, the air tighter, as though something’s about to break. Suddenly, the warning alarms blare highpitched, shrill, the kind that gnaws at your nerves and makes every muscle in your body

tense. Grace’s grip tightens on my arm.

“They’re doing something,” she mutters, eyes flicking to the navigation console. “They're locking onto us!”

The ship lurches violently, throwing us both forward, and I barely catch myself against the armrest.

The stars outside shift, blurring into streaks as if the ship itself is being yanked in different directions by an invisible force

keep my balance.

Through the cockpit window, I see the alien ships now clearly. There’s no way to describe them no shape I’ve ever seen, a shifting mass of black voids and glowing patterns They ripple like liquid, almost as if they were alive, and the way they move isn’t just through space it’s like they bend space itself.

The ship jerks again, sending a burst of terror through me.

“Brace!” Grace shouts. Without thinking, I pull myself up into a crouch, straining to

Another loud clang shakes the whole vessel. We're being pulled, dragged through the black void by something I can’t see, but I feel it a pull

in my very bones.

"We need to break free!" I scream, gripping the console for support Grace doesn't hesitate. She slams her hand down on the emergency override button. The ship shudders violently as the thrusters roar to life, fighting against the alien force. But it’s too strong The aliens are controlling us, dragging us into their grasp like prey.

I hear the sound of metal groaning, bending under the strain The cockpit flashes with warnings as systems begin to

fail, the lights flickering erratically. We're in the grip of something far beyond our understanding.

“Damn it!” Grace curses, punching in commands on the control panel, her fingers flying over the console. “We’re not going down without a fight!”

The alien ships close in, their shapes now like enormous shadowy figures, towering over us. The tension is suffocating, the metallic walls of the cockpit trembling as though the very ship itself is terrified

the alien ships strike. A violent, crackling energy beam shoots from one of the ships, colliding with the outer hull of our ship The whole vessel jolts as if it were a toy tossed by a giant, the shockwave vibrating through my body. Sparks fly from the control panels, and one of the windows cracks with a sharp hiss, a cascade of warning lights flashing in time with the chaos "We’re losing power!" I shout.

Then, without warning,

"Hold on!" Grace yells back, unshaken in the face of impending doom. Her voice cuts through the panic, her steady determination like a lifeline in this

storm of fear. She pulls up the manual override and slams the controls down with all her might.

The ship spins, caught in the gravity of the alien ships. I can see it now their glowing tendrils reach out, locking onto our ship like vines. They're siphoning our power, draining us of everything. "No..." I whisper, unable to stop the overwhelming sense of helplessness washing over me.

But Grace isn’t done. With a final, determined pull of the lever, she overrides the power drain. The thrusters roar, pushing

back against the alien grip. The entire ship shakes with the force, a high-pitched screech of metal and grinding gears

“We’re not giving up!” Grace’s voice cracks through the panic She moves with purpose, reaching for the emergency weapons system Her eyes lock onto mine, her resolve burning bright in the darkness “I need you to help me fire the countermeasures!”

I scramble to her side, my hands shaking, but adrenaline surges through me. This is it. Fight or die.

ship's internal systems ignite, a high-pitched whine rising as energy builds. Grace gives me a nod. It’s now or never “Fire!” she orders I slam my palm down on the launch button A blast of energy erupts from the ship's weapons array, a brilliant, fiery beam that cuts through the space between us and the alien vessel The energy beam connects, bursting against the alien ship’s shields, sending a shockwave through the air.

Together, we punch in the commands. The

The alien ship shudders, its tendrils retracting slightly, as if surprised by the force.

But it isn’t enough. Another beam shoots out from the ship, narrowly missing us.

Grace’s face twists with concentration “One more time. They’re weakening. Hold on!” With a deep breath, I prepare to fire again, this time knowing we ’ re at the very edge Another blast of light erupts from our ship, this one even stronger It connects this time, it hits.

The alien ship bucks, its shields collapsing under the force of our counterattack. The tendrils retract, and the ships around us seem to hesitate,

confused by the sudden resistance. And that’s when I know we ’ ve done it. We’re free. For now.

The stars outside flicker back into focus as the alien ships pull away, their dark shapes retreating into the infinite blackness of space. I slump back into my seat, my chest heaving with the weight of everything that just happened Grace exhales slowly beside me, her hands still gripping the console We’re both silent for a moment, processing what just occurred. “We survived,” I breathe, barely able to

believe it.

“Yeah,” Grace says, her voice calm but filled with something darker “But that was only a warning They’ll be back.”The words hang in the air, but they don’t feel like a threat. They feel like a challenge. And for the first time, I’m ready to face it.

As the stellar reactor churns to life I shake, unable to control myself. Flicking the leaver, I brace as the flash of colours blurs past. The pure greens and blues of Earth near as we enter the atmosphere. Ten meters from the

landing pad. I notice Oliver. He’s spilling a strange liquid on the floor of the shuttle. “Oliver” I scream, lunging at him from my seat and pinning him to the wall but it’s too late. The spacecraft erupts with flames I turn to see Grace strapping the unconscious Jess around her shoulder then jumping. I grab Lily. The smoke thickens but finally, I make it to the exit Then it explodes. I’m falling for what feels like an eternity Placing myself between the tarmac and Lily I hit the ground with a sickening thud.

doctors and nurses. Through it all, I see Grace by my side the whole time. I sleep for days, maybe longer. Finally, I have the strength to move I sit staring, then my eyes transfix on a figure. The figure moves closer, just close enough to make out the golden hair of Grace She looks at me with those knowing eyes, then suddenly something inside me snaps She bends down and the lips touch mine only for a moment but long enough to leave a lasting impression.

White walls, white curtains flash by,

ABHIJOT BAINSAL

This story shows how friendships can be tested by feelings like jealousy and being left out. Andras felt lonely and wanted to feel more important, but he made the wrong choices. Instead of talking about how he felt, he tried to break others apart. This caused big problems and hurt people he cared about.

The sun dipped below the horizon, casting a fiery glow over the ocean, as Kyle, Ryder, and Andras strolled along the beach. Their laughter mingled with the rhythmic crash of the waves, creating a soundtrack of joy. Kyle kicked up sand playfully, exclaiming, “This is life!” Ryder and Andras joined in, their camaraderie as natural as the sea breeze tousling their hair. Yet, beneath the surface of

Jealousy

their friendship, Andras harboured a growing sense of isolation, a feeling that began to fester like an untreated wound.

As Kyle and Ryder shared inside jokes, Andras felt like an outsider, uninvited to their family gatherings He wore a smile, concealing the resentment that simmered within With each shared moment between Kyle and

Ryder, Andras’ heart felt heavier, burdened by the weight of exclusion The bond between Kyle and Ryder deepened over time, their families intertwined by business ties, leaving Andras bitterly excluded. “We are practically family!” Ryder would proclaim, further entrenching Andras in his solitude, each word a dagger to his heart. In a moment of

desperation, Andras devised a plan to incite discord between the two families. Joining forces with their rivals, he began sowing seeds of doubt, whispering deceitful insinuations.

“I heard Kyle’s family is planning to expand and might cut you out of the deal,” he would casually drop into conversations, relishing the thrill of manipulation. But as the web of deceit spun tighter, Andras found himself trapped in his own lies. Life, however, has a way of illustrating that deceit can spiral out of control The rift Andras sought to create did not materialise;

instead, Kyle and Ryder’s bond remained steadfast, their friendship deepening despite his efforts.

Frustrated, Andras muttered to himself, “You will see! I will get my revenge!” But revenge has a way of backfiring, and soon he would learn this lesson the hard way.

One fateful evening, Andras decided to host a party, hoping to assert his social dominance. He sent out invitations, ensuring Kyle and Ryder felt included while secretly anticipating chaos. “It will be the perfect setting for turmoil!” he thought, rubbing his

hands in anticipation. But a dark cloud descended upon the festivities when Andras received devastating news: Ryder’s father had died in a tragic accident. The world around him froze, and the anticipation of chaos turned to dread.

Torn between guilt and a desire to support Ryder, Andras wrestled with the implications of his actions In the aftermath, Ryder, consumed by grief, lashed out at Andras.

“You were not there when I needed you!” he cried, tears streaming down his face. Andras’ heart sank; his attempts to forge a connection had only

pushed Ryder further away. As days turned into weeks, tension hung heavily in the air. Ryder, still engulfed in his pain, retorted, “You were always the outsider!” The sting of betrayal cut deep, and Andras realised the depths of his miscalculations. Eventually, the truth emerged. Ryder uncovered Andras’ manipulations, confronting him with anger. “You wanted us to hate each other!” he accused The weight of his actions crashed down upon Andras as he recognised the irreversible damage he had inflicted. In the end, the three friends

learned an invaluable lesson about loyalty, trust, and the perils of jealousy. Andras’ betrayal shattered their bond, leaving scars that would take time to heal.

Sometimes, what one perceives as a game can lead to devastating consequences, reminding us that forgiveness is fragile and friendship, once fractured, can be arduous to restore

ZACHARY ABOOD

This story, The Cruise, is an exciting adventure about a family who sets off on a dream holiday, only to face an unexpected disaster!

Ant Empire

Queen Emily was working on making more and more eggs, until suddenly, an ant jumpscared her She ran all around the tiny colony and was terrified of death The other ant, Jonathan, rubbed his antennas onto Emily’s head to tell her, “I’m not dangerous, I am your first worker, and I will protect the larvae or continue digging ” Workers then all popped out of their

shells and started digging for more space. all the ants found the outside world and gathered out there. They all started wandering around, as a fire ant colony was lurking in the fields in the distance. As Jonathan enters an abandoned nest, all the others follow from behind. It was an abandoned wasp nest, with bodies scattered all under, around, and through it.

They wondered what could’ve done this to a massive wasp nest, until they realised, and retreated back home. When they got back, they didn’t think they were safe because of the abandoned nest. Emily asked, “Where is Jonathan? My first ever worker ant?”

“I don’t know where he is, Emily, we thought he came back with us ” replied Finn.

All of the 700 ants

marched toward the wasp nest, where they were tasked to search for Jonathan as much as they could. A little crate was opened that had never been opened before. No one knew what was inside of it, but feared the worst thing ever could happen due to it opening. When a single ant looked inside, it saw Jonathan trying to climb up but he was stuck down there It was Finn looking down there. He stated, “Hey bud, what are you doing all the way down there? Come back up quickly, we ' ve been looking for you everywhere!”

“Oh, I was just collecting food but

couldn’t get up, but I figured out how too now ” informed Jonathan. As soon as they returned to the colony, they heard loud rumbling, like they had never heard before. All of the 250 soldiers jumped outside and inspected everything. One even climbed up the little watchtower thing to investigate Anthony said, “Hey everyone the fire ants are coming! We must seal the entrance and take the Queen to the lowest possible spot in the colony! Tell that to the workers, and our job is to stand out here and wait to fight and protect the entire colony! The ants were ready, standing tall

and brave. As they fought off the ants, they kept losing more ants! Until, they used their jaws to stab the enemy which protected them It was now down to 1v1, Anthony versus the last remaining fire ant, Furney As Anthony pierced through Furney's antenna, Furney fought back and put up a defense with some rocks. Anthony swiftly turned around and bolted through the wall smashing Furney right in the head. Anthony thought he was gone, until he was thrown across the field. Then Anthony leapt back over and crushed Furney, destroying him forever. The fire ant colony was gone.

HAMISH THOMPSON

This story is about friendship, bravery, and helping others in danger. It takes place on a peaceful farm where a cat and their friend Thistle live with other animals. One day, their friend Thorn the fox gets stuck in a flash flood after the dam breaks. The cats risk their safety to save her, showing how important it is to care for our friends, even when things get scary

The Farm

On ‘The Farm’, I live with my mate, Thistle, and all of the other animals, including cows, horses, pigs, and sheep. The barn is very cosy and has comfortable nests made out of a collection of leaves that we can sleep in. The weather is always windy and it is very nice to watch the grain blow in the wind The red barn stands tall above the cows paddock where we like

to frolic in the grass during the day. Sometimes we go for walks out in the forest and we encounter all of the wildlife that lives out there. One of them includes our friend, Thorn, who is a friendly fox that lives near the dam. Thistle and I love to go down to the deep blue dam and swim with Thorn, fishing for salmon that live in the beautiful dam. But one day when we went down, we saw a crack in the dam. Every day we saw Thorn, the crack appeared to be bigger and bigger. But, then, when we got to the dam, we saw that there was a big hole and that there was a flash flood that was spreading throughout the forest. In the middle of the flash flood, we saw Thorn hanging on to a log Thorn looked very shocked as he clung to the nearly broken

branch hanging from the tree. Thorn’s bright, red face was stricken with fear as she felt the branch begin to slowly snap The weather intensified into a storm making it very difficult for Thorn to hold on and survive

Grasping for dear life, Thorn was crying out to us to save her. Quickly, Thistle and I came up with a plan: a long branch that we could use to walk across the dam We ran over to the branch that was lying on the bank and hauled it over to the side of the dam where Thorn was closest too. We quickly hung it over the side, securing it with a rock over the edge. Then, we walked

across the log slowly where we took Thorn’s paw and helped her up onto the log. In a hurry, we walked her back to the land and we were concerned about getting her dry and warm. Approaching her den, we dropped her back off and settled her into her nest. Once she was back in her den, she told us that she would be ever thankful to the cats that live in the barn

After all, we are the most loyal of all the animals in the barn. Once we got back to the nests we were so tired that as soon as we felt the leaves, we fell asleep, dreaming about what stories will be told tomorrow on

the ‘The Farm’.

GRAYSON HORWOOD

The story follows three brave astronauts— Jack, Harry, and Dock who face lots of problems, like flying meteorites, broken engines, and a crash landing. Even though things go wrong, they work together as a team to stay safe

10, 9, 8, 7, 6, 5, 4, 3, 2, 1, BLAST OFF! Finally, after lots of hard work on making a space ship the ship successfully took off into the abyss of the galaxy. Once into space the new high tech ships' rockets blasted the rocket further into the abyss. Jack, Harry and Dock are the brave, fearless crew on board the ship After coming in close to old satellite scrap

Space Lunch

floating around Suddenly, they get hit by lots of small satellite scraps. It scrapes paint off the sides of the new rocket ship. “Dock, can you check the engines to see if they are damaged.” Jack the captain of the rocket ship demanded Dock floats towards the engine room. He comes back to Jack with good news “There is no damage to the engines.” Dock says excitedly.

“Great, now can you help me and Harry steer the ship?” asked Jack. Urgently, after a while of flying Harry yells

“Look out!” They act quickly, the ship dodges 7 hot big meteorites flying around. More and more they dodge and dodge all of the meteorites except one that takes off a part of the wing. Harry quickly gets

suited without command and hops out of the ship and patches the hanging out wires and luckily the engines still were working Harry heads back and tells the great news “ I have patched the wires that were hanging out and the engines still work fine,” Harry explains.

Seconds later, the left engine that was damaged exploded the wing suddenly blew into flames as the ship Started herderling towards the shining moon “Harry and Dock prepare for a top ship ejection.” Jack tells the two Harry and Dock move to the front of the ship. Heading fast

towards the moon the front of the ship ejects and leaves the body of the ship floating away back into the abyss.

Finally after a long tough trip the ship lands safely on the moon Harry Jack and Dock are relieved and tell the news to the directors. The mission has not been completed yet they still need to turn on little space robots to gather information What will happen next, will they be trapped or will something else go wrong?

LINCOLN DENNIS

This story is about a wild adventure where dinosaurs and astronauts come face to face in space!

In A Roar of the Past, brave astronauts discover blue goop and giant claw marks on their spaceship and soon realise that real dinosaurs are fighting on board. The story shows how the crew works together to survive dangerous battles and stop the dinosaurs.

A Roar of the Past

As the space shuttle hurtled through space, Astronaut Jack found an unknown hole. He bellowed loud enough so that the whole shuttle could hear.

“What is all this noise about!” bellowed Tom Jackson, the commander of this mission He floated to the hole and thought that there must be something that did this. On his way to the cafeteria Theo kept

seeing huge footprints imprinted into the floor of the shuttle. They had three huge talons.

When he got to the cafeteria he found a sticky blue liquid He took a sample of the goopy liquid to the laboratory, but the results were inhuman It was a never before seen liquid. The whole crew was gathered around the sample Theo told the crew to

suit up and search the shuttle in pairs. The crew made pairs and went to find what had secretly boarded the space shuttle. Jack and Tom went south to explore They went south and at about halfway an alarm started blaring.

A little bit further south they came to a door They silently opened the door. Inside was more of the blue goopy liquid “There must be

a source of this goop. ”

Muttered Tom, obviously annoyed As they were just about to exit to go back to the laboratory, the lights turned on and a deafening roar. Behind them was the biggest surprise to mankind

There was a Giganotosaurus, an Allosaurus, a Velociraptor pack, A Majungasaurus, and a Tyrannosaurus rex “Holy Macaroni!” Yelled Tom. The Giga was almost immediately bombarded by the Velocirators, meanwhile the Allosaurus went for the T-rex and the Majungasaurus with

fiery ferocity. The Allosaurus bit down on the Giga and then whacked the Majungasaurus with its tail

The Velociraptors were taking a real beating from the Giga A lot of Blue goop was leaking from the Majungasaurus and the velociraptors “So that’s where the goop came from.” said Tom as he slipped out his dual pistols and loaded them with tranquilliser and foolishly leapt into the fighting, shooting at the dinosaurs.

and pelted it at the velociraptor as it leapt for Tom The metal knocked the velociraptor unconscious The Majungasaurus was underneath the T-rex’s foot. It soon fell limp and drew its last breath.

A velociraptor ran at Tom when he was not looking.Jack took a piece of scrap metal

The T-rex roared and the Giga charged at the T-rex, throwing the last velociraptor off its back and ramming the T-rex The Allosaurus clamped its jaws firmly on the injured Velociraptor, dealing the final blow. All three apex predators were all heavily bleeding. Jack jumped on Tom knocking them both to

the ground, dodging the Allosaurus’s tailThe T-rex bit the Giga on the back, while the Allosaurus raked its claws down the T-rex’s neck The T-rex collapsed in defeat as the Giga bit down on the T-rex’s little arm It was down to the Allosaurus and the Giganotosaurus to end this once and for all, to see who is the alpha predator Jack loaded his rifle with tranquiliser darts.Jack pulled out his walkie talkie to tell the rest of the crew that they had found the source of the goop far south. “Copy that ” said the crew Jack told them to bring tranqs only and heavy

armour. He leapt into a spot where he had clear shots at the dinosaurs.

The Giga landed a nasty bite on the Allosaurus. The Allosaurus roared in, clearly in pain The Allosaurus raked its claws down the Giga’s side. The Giga furiously roared and then delivered the killing bite to the shoulder of the Allosaurus The Giga roared so loudly that the whole shuttle would have heard it.

Carnotaurus, who looked like Toro from Jurassic World Camp Cretaceous, stepped heavily down on the Giganotosaurus, seriously weakening the Giga. Jack dodged the clashing dinosaurs. The Carnotaurus bit down on the Giganotosaurus’s chest, defeating it once and for all

Out of nowhere a Carnotaurus appeared and rammed into the Giga with one of its horns, badly injuring the dinosaur. The

Now the crew had to beat the Toro like Carnotaurus Tom was hit into the wall by the Carnotaurus’s tail and knocked out Jack was running out of room to dodge the bites and tail swings. He was out of tranq darts and bullets. The Carnotaurus’s tail hit

him like a freight train, launching him across the room into a metal wall. The Carnotaurus ran at him ready to kill him “Whoosh Whoosh!” went the tranquiliser darts.

making sure the Carnotaurus stayed sleeping As they entered Earth's orbit the crew told mission control that they have a sleeping Carnotaurus on board.

with the other dinosaur bodies.

Backup had arrived The rest of the crew shot at the Carnotaurus. It charged at them so they split into 2 groups and attacked the Carnotaurus from both sides It roared, clearly so much that it decided to run away from the crew Jack got up, and with the help of Tom, hobbled to the site where they had knocked the Carnotaurus out. They returned to earth,

Mission control didn’t believe that there was a Carnotaurus on board until they showed mission control the dinosaur. On Earth, just in case the US army prepared for a dinosaur attack When the Shuttle landed US Marines scouted the shuttle to look for the Carnotaurus and safely escorted the dinosaur off the shuttle and to a huge science laboratory to conduct further research, same

FRED DOWS

This story is about a brave boy named Tom and his dad, Jim, who protect their farm from a dangerous baby crocodile.

On the Run!

CHAPTER ONE:

It was a cold night owls coo, dingo’s bark, the wind hustled in the dark cloudy sky Tom stepped outside with his lantern to feed the animals Whilst walking to go to feed the chickens, something rattled the bush. “Get outta here!!” yelled Tom. It was a fox trying to dig a tunnel under the chicken coop Thankfully, the fox didn't get far under whilst digging under

the fence

CHAPTER TWO:

Carefully, Tom tipped some chicken food onto the floor of the pen. Just as he was about to leave the pen, he remembered that he forgot to turn on the electric fence at the cattle field to prevent the nasty crocodiles from getting in.

Quickly, he sprinted over to the fence to turn it on as the crocodiles were

hunting.

CHAPTER THREE:

As soon as he got there, disaster struck. A baby saltwater crocodile broke through the fence and was heading for the pigs. Tom didn't know what to do so he turned the electric fence on and ran to his Dad “DAD!” yelled Tom in shock “What?” replied Jim, his father. “A baby crocodile has broken into the farm

and is heading for the pigs”. They didn't know what to do because they didn't want to kill it because it's too cruel “Maybe we should scare it away!” mentioned Jim.

CHAPTER FOUR:

Running as fast as he could, Jim ran to get the most powerful torch he could Instead of running, he hopped on a dirt bike and rode down to the pigs He got there and shone the light onto the crocodile whilst Tom was behind it The croc was face first with Jim. “I think it's coming to me ” yelled Jim from afar Tom heard the message and came running up to Dad.

CHAPTER FIVE: The crocodile was running very fast towards Jim so he jumped on top of the sharp barbed wire fence and snapped pieces off it and threw it in the water to make a splash noise. At last, the crocodile was gone and the problem was solved

JENSON PLOWRIGHT

This story is about four astronauts who go on a brave mission to Mars to help save Earth from global warming

One day, the International Space Organisation had a breakthrough: they could send people to Mars to study the planet. That's what they were going to do, but little did they know they were going to save and change the world

“When can we send them?” the Chief Operator says in a stern voice

“We can send them any day.”

The Great Trip

“Good, send them tomorrow at 0900 hours.”

“Yes, sir,” the assistant sets it in the timetable as they alert and ready the brave astronauts. On the day of the launch, the four brave men and women ready themselves for the brave journey ahead: Gina Foster, Alfred Hayes, Mia Ashcroft, and Captain Jackson Lennox These people sit in their suits, going into space, and are

going to save the world from global warming.

“Jesus, how long does that ride take, like, come on, ” Alfred jokingly says as they reach the space station

“Alright, people, you know your posts. Set this ship up and set out all of the food. You got it, Cap?” Mia shouted out

Once they had set up, they stationed themselves at their posts until sunrise,

because that's when they were going to Mars

“Rise and shine, everybody up!”

Captain, waking the crew up

“Seriously,” Gina whispers. They get on their suits and start to make the trek to Mars.

“You know, when I look at the world from this far away, it looks really cool,” Alfred says calmly

“Ok, we ' re making our descent to Mars,” the Captain nervously rambles Swoosh shwosh as the rocket lands safely on Mars.

“Wo ho, we did it, we are the first to stand on Mars.”

“Captain, you want the honours?” the squad offers “Yes please,” as he steps off the spacecraft as the first man on Mars

But here is a problem... Earth is nowhere in sight

HENRY ROBERTSON

In Space Launch 2016, a group of astronauts face danger and surprises when their ship is pulled into a black hole and crash-lands on Mars. They meet a friendly alien named Xavier who helps them fix their ship.

Space Launch 2016

“5, 4, 3, 2, 1, 0 - BLAST OFF!” announces Mission Control, as spaceship 2.016 and its fearless crew prepare to launch into space.

“We are launching!

Weeee! We are high!” I yelled to my co-pilot Jeff sitting next to me.

“This is going to be such a fun trip, trust me, ” said Jessica, our navigator.

“We are gonna have a great trip,” said Jeff

“Let’s have some potato snacks to

celebrate!”

“Sure,” said Jessica. “Sounds delicious,” said Bobby, our inflight alien interpreter Once we arrived in space, we turned autopilot on and decided to rest Two hours later, loud alarms sounded throughout the ship BEEP BEEP BEEP!

I woke up in a flash.

“OH NO! What is happening?” said Jessica.

“I don't know,” they

replied. “It says:

WARNING! You are going into a black hole Turn around ”

“That is not goodturn around!” said Jessica to Jeff

“I can’t! It wouldn’t let me! It is pulling me in! I can’t get out!” said Jeff

“We are going into the black hole,” said Jeff,

“and I don’t think we are getting out either ” WHOSH WHOSH WHOSH

“We are getting faster,

and why is everything black? We must have had a blackout when we got sucked into the black hole. And where do you think we are?”

“I have no idea,” replied Jeff.

“I HAVE NO STUPID IDEA!” said Jeff

“Calm down,” said Jessica.

“Wait, wait, wait,” said Bobby

“I-I-I-I-I think we are in MARS!”

“WHAT?!” screamed Jessica and Jeff BOOM! CRASH! BANG! We hit the ground hard with a big thud Then I hear a cracking noise. I pop my space suit on and see a mess of the ship I scream, “NOOOO!” hurting my ears

because my voice is stuck in the space suit mask My heart is beating fast.

I thought to myself, Why did I get on this spaceship?

“Let’s get outta here and go check out Mars a bit so we know what is coming for ” Suddenly we hear: “We’re noisy!”

“It’s an alien!”

“AGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH HHHH!”

“Hello,” says the alien, “ my name is Xavier.

What is your ”

“Bobby and Jessica and Jeff. Can you help us fix our ship so we can go back to Earth?” “SURE!”

8 HOURS LATER

“Done.”

“Thank you, ” said everyone.

“Now let's start the ship and head back to Earth ”

“OK, bye Xavier!”

“Cya!”

Takeoff weeeee!

13 hours later…

Only 1 hour left.

“Hello,” said Xavier.

“WHAT ARE YOU DOING?” said Jessica.

“Nothing. We are on camera Everyone in the world can see you ”

“Ohhhhhhhh look an alien!” the people said.

“We are landing Let’s get outta here! Let’s go!” we said.

“C’mon Xavier! We need to go Try not to embarrass us too much, OK?”

TRISTAN JONES

This story is about a mission to Saturn. The characters - Jenson, Chayse, Tristan, and their commander Dr. Hart - go on an exciting and dangerous adventure, where they explore new land, collect samples, and face a dramatic ending.

Rings of Danger

In 1984, the first rocket was set to leave on the 8th of April. The rocket was called the Saturn V rocket Its mission was to fly to Saturn and land, and then the astronauts were going to stay on the planet for 5 days, studying the land and taking back samples to scientists on Earth. There were three days until the takeoff, and the four astronauts were finishing up their

packing to go to Saturn. The astronauts' names were Jenson, Chayse, Tristan. As the countdown to the historic launch continued, the astronauts Jenson, Chayse, Tristan, and their commander, Dr. Eliza Hart, spent their final days in preparation.

The atmosphere at the space station was electric, buzzing with excitement and anticipation. Scientists double-checked their instruments, engineers performed last-minute inspections on the Saturn V rocket, and the astronauts went through a rough process of the landing sequence.

Jenson and Tristan, the geologists of the crew, reviewed their maps of Saturn's surface and studied how to navigate its mysterious terrain Chayse, the

team's astrophysicist, organised his equipment to measure the planet's atmosphere.

Meanwhile, Dr Hart ensured the mission's timeline was flawless, her leadership a steady presence amid the flurry of activity.

On the evening before the launch, the crew gathered together for one last meal on Earth - a simple tradition, but one that brought them comfort.

"Tomorrow," Dr Hart said, raising her glass of orange juice, " we'll step into history."

The team smiled, their nerves steadying with her words.

For all the preparation, the unknown still awaited them - a planet no human had ever set foot upon And yet, they were ready Ready to leave the familiar behind and embrace the infinite possibilities ahead.

The sun rose on the day of the launch, casting a golden glow over the massive Saturn V rocket Crowds gathered near the space station, cheering as the astronauts made their way to the launch pad.

hearts pounding with excitement. As the countdown began, they exchanged determined glances.

“We’re ready,” Dr Hart said.

“Three. Two. One.”

With a powerful roar, the rocket shot into the sky, breaking through Earth’s atmosphere

They were officially on their way to Saturn, embarking on a journey unlike any before

Inside the spacecraft, Jenson, Chayse, Tristan, and Dr. Hart strapped in, their

The crew had landed on Saturn after 4 hours. The ground was rocky, and they were struggling to walk. The crew would be on the planet for 2 days. The crew was very tired, so

they went to sleep straight away. The first day was all about taking samples of the land and the atmosphere Chayse collected rocks, and Jenson collected air samples in a ziplock bag. The crew was very exhausted after the flight, so the next day they weren’t going to do very much work. The crew woke up and ate breakfast The team went out and walked around. They could cover lots of distance by jumping around because there wasn't much gravity. The crew found a huge crater and lowered Jenson into the hole.

Jenson found new bugs and other organisms. Jenson got more samples and got ready. They pulled him back out and packed up all of their things to leave

The crew was then ready to leave They started their engines and set off for their flight. The crew had a very simple flight until the very end, where they started losing altitude too quickly

The whole crew crashlanded too quickly. The team lost Jenson, and Chayse and Tristan were in the hospital.

JOSHUA WADE

The character Josh learns to be brave with the help of his imaginary friend Teddy and discovers that he can face challengesboth in his dreams and in real life.

The River of Imagination

Joshua was a quiet kid who loved drawing imaginary worlds of dragons, castles, and princes and princesses

But there was one person who hated Joshua's stories the school bully, Tom

“I told you countless times to stop making those stupid stories and let me punch yo ”

Before he could continue, he was interrupted by another kid.

“Henry Duke!” Josh

whispered

“Leave Josh alone!” yelled Henry.

“Who are you?!” yelled Tom

“You don't need to know. If you leave Josh alone, I’ll leave you alone,” said Henry

That evening…

“Josh!” said Mum.

“You’ve been accepted to St Joseph’s Nudgee College!” she said happily.

“What about Padua?”

said Josh.

“I’m sorry. Padua declined your enrolment form,” said Mum.

“No!” said Josh.

Running to his bedroom, Josh climbed into his bed and cried himself to sleep

“Where am I?” said Josh.

“Welcome to Imagination Land - or what’s left of it,” said a shadow, slowly

appearing from the darkness.

Appearing from the shadows was a familiar face

“Teddy!” shouted Josh “Yes,” Teddy whispered. Josh looked around, only to see that everything looked destroyed.

“What happened here?” said Josh.

“Master Tom,” whispered Teddy

Then Josh realised that this is his imagination.

Descending from the heavens, an evil monster appeared.

“Oh no!” yelled Teddy

“It’s Master Tom!” he said in a scared voice.

Quickly grabbing a piece of paper from his pocket and quickly drawing a katana, in seconds a katana appeared in Teddy’s hand and Josh’s.

Running towards Master Tom, Teddy and Josh attacked Tom, tearing his monster’s arms and legs until the monster was defeated

FRED WEHL

This story was written to be funny and exciting, showing how even a grandma can have wild adventures.

This story is going to be funny and exciting so sit back and enjoy.

Old Tricks

My name is Grandma Molly and I lost all of my money gambling for a lifelong supply of lemon sweets So I needed something that is billions of dollars, even trillions, so I thought for a bit while scrolling through my phone of priceless jewels One beautiful crown stuck out from all the others, the crown of England Centuries old and priceless and it is surprisingly close to the

bucking palace where a rich little old lady called the queen, she owns at least 12 corgis. Bit silly they will poop all over the Police! So the plan is a piece of lemon cake go to the street right next to the palace gates and go into the sewers. I don't really like the idea myself because it is full of rats but there is no other entrance so I go into the sewers and into the palace gardens. Avoid the

patrol of those top hat men carrying guns so I sneak past them and into the palace Guards will guard the outside of where they keep the crown so I go over to them and offer them a slice of cake that the icing makes them go to bed I get my hair clip holding back my hair and crack open the vault to avoid the lasers using baby powder to see where they are. Then get my pin and slice open the

glass, take the jewels and drive out of the palace on my mobility scooter out of the palace gates and ride into the sunset and get my dollars from selling the crown.

Into the sewers I drive to the palace street and see the sewer that will get me into the palace I park my scooter outside the manhole and climb down I flash my flashlight on and it is quite chilly down here a bit like my house in the winter I start scooting around the damp sewer. Something scurries past my leg I scream and thrash my legs around. Just a little rat

I get moving again and freeze there are cameras around i have just the thing. I point the flashlight at the camera and it gets blinded and I scurry forward and make sure it doesn’t see me. Silly technology people trust it too much and there is always a way to beat it you just can’t really trust it I see the man hole that leads into Buckingham Palace Phew it was getting a bit too chilly down here for my liking. I climb up into the palace and appear in the palace lounge room. Coogi Trouble

I look around and I'm very interested it is like

when I was a young woman and everything was very posh The room brought back memories. But I remembered why I came here i needed to get money to pay off my bills. I strode off down the hallway to where I think the guards are. But then I hear yapping behind me I turn around to see a rather stubby dog called a corgi “shush!” I hiss at it but it only yapps louder

Someone has heard the yapping and is coming this way I see a sausage in my bag just in case. And I stuff it inside the dog's mouth and shove it into a nearby closet the dog shushes and I hide

inside a suit of armour a guard walks by looking for the yapping. I get out and start walking to where the guard came from The vault I see where the guards came from and there are about three standing guard behind them is the massive vault behind it is the crown. I put the cake down in the middle of the hallway where the guards can clearly see it. I notice how the guards are rather fat and when they see a lovely cake they do not resist they start gobbling down the cake till it is crumbs then one after the other they fall over

asleep. I make sure that they are asleep by poking their nose not a fling. I strode by them to the vault and pull you my hair clipand in a couple of minutes “woosh” the vault door slides open.

Scrabble with the queen

I look inside the vault and see the crown smothered in gold and hundreds of diamonds even from its look; it looks over a billion dollars. I get out my very sharp pin and slice a perfect hole in the middle of the glass and take out the glimmering crown and put it on my head It sits at the top. Jeez the queen must have a

very small head then someone says “ I beg your pardon madam and why are you holding my crown!” i spin my head around maybe a bit too fast “OUCH!” I mumble. I bruised my neck “oh i see what this is you are that person that won a lifetime of lemon sweets i put 1 '000 tickets in there and i didn’t win it so im a bit annoyed at you ” . And you are stealing the crown so I can just throw you in jail and take the crown and the lemon sweets I object that it is not fair!” I demand a game of scrabble. Whoever wins gets to keep the crown and the lollies and go off free. If I lose you

get my lollies and your crown back and I go to jail The queen nods and pulls out a whole game of scrabble out of her knickers We set up the game and play (this game takes a few hours so please get comfy this will be a while just kidding we will skip the game) “I win i win” i shout the queen is shocked for a few moments then that shock turns to rage turns out the queen was a bad loser and she screams “GUARDS THIEF” i run to the mobility scooter that was towed up here in the game of scrabble and turn the engine on just as guards flood inside the room i hold the crown in my hand

and take off. Whoosh goes the mobile scooter as it runs over 2 guards and sends the rest flying into the air the scooter screams through the hallway with the queen sharp on her tail, i get a banana out of my handbag eat the banana and through the peel at her, the scooter slides into a wall and the queen gets stuck inside a valuable painting I see the exit covered with guards. I see a ramp at the left of them. I drift to the left then fly over the dumbstruck guards, smash through the palace gates and ride into the sunset with a fancy new crown and a lifelong supply of

candy. This ending could not be more awesome

To be continued!

TOBY WILSON

This story is about a group of outlaws who live a wild and dangerous life in the old west.

The Outlaws of Tumbleweed

“Bang” the gun went Blood stained on the bank’s wall. “GO!”

Officer Stones yelled. “Bang, Bang Bang” Charlie fell to the floor.

Three Days Later

Four men, all outlaws, their names were Charles Fenwick slick with his cards, but even quicker with his nasty lies, Frederick Wehl, he was new to this life but just as good at the

others, Samuel Cassidy, a great gunsmith amazing at his game, a weaponsmith, and the leader Jacob Barret, as tough as a grizzly as smart as a wolf, he could stop ten cowboys by himself alone.. All of them had been together for many years living in a barn in the East of Tumbleweed Many banks had been robbed, many casinos had been stashed. They

loved the life of crime.

Every week, like clockwork, they would stroll or gallop down to an unlucky town, Dead Coyote Gulch, Dustveil Ridge, Whiskey Flats, Copper Jaw Crossing, Rattlesnake Bluff, Iron Hook Hollow Blackspur, Red Lantern Bend , Buzzard's Roost, Hellwater Junction any off them They'd walk up to every door and take money from the cashiers, banks, which

they would blow up, or take any money from pockets of civilians The boys would be out of there before the sheriff could finish his coffee

group ' s jaws all dropped so low they basically touched the floor! “Well if Fred's in, I'm in,” Charlie answered “Ok me too," the others said

parked their horses behind a large hill.

One day, Jacob or Jack, as he preferred, sat on a log in front of the fire. Roasting fish that he had stolen the day before from a fisherman, but that was a whole other story. “Boys, I’ve got an idea” he said, “Why don’t we rob the Stone Creek Bank?” “You're kidding!” Charlie exclaimed. “It's impossible!” Sam yelled over the crackling of the fire “I think we can do it,” Frederick said. The

The plan was to sneak into the old mining town at exactly 10pm, that was when the outlaws swapped posts so they wouldn't be ready when the group pulled the biggest heist of their lives The bank was located next to the saloon but to the west of the sheriff's office

“Let’s go, ” Barret demanded. Charles, who was holding the dynamite, walked over to the back wall of the bank. He set the charges and dived behind a rock “Boom!” The explosive made a shockwave loud enough to send a moose to the other side of the wood. Everyone started sprinting The boys cracked open the safes locks and ripped out every last coin. “Where rich!” Sam screamed at the top of his lounge.

The Next Night

Quickly, but carefully, the group galloped into the town and

“Crack!” a gunshot went off. “Get on the ground with your hands behind your head!” the sheriff of Stone Creek-

or as he proffered, Officer Stonesordered He shot his gun to the sky again. “Never!” Jacob demanded and aimed his gun at a nearby cowboy. A lightning storm was rolling in. “Bang” Jacob’s gun went. Blood stained on the bank’s wall. “GO!”

Officer Stones yelled. “Bang, Bang Bang” Charlie fell to the floor. “NO!” Fred cried. He ran toward the Officer and tackled him. The others ran for the other two cowboys grabbing their guns ready to shoot. “Get off me!” Officer stones squeezed as Fred grasped his throat

Suddenly, a bolt of lightning struck a

nearby building. “Lets get out of here!” Sam yelled over the thunder, crackling of fire, and gunshots. The three men ran out of the burning bank, with their pockets filled and a bag of solid gold. They saddled up their horses extremely quickly and galloped out of the scene.

from the storm and now haunt the town of Stone Creek Contrary to all of this, one thing that can be proved. That the men lost someone that day, and because of it, may have lost their soles.

After this, the men were never reported being seen again

Many cowboys and civilians had spread stories of seeing them in markets or as workers at a construction site. It was never proved though Some even believe that they were struck by the lightning

TATE HYDE

This story is a continuation of my journey into the chaotic and thrilling world of portals, dimensions, and the ever-curious Doctor.

The Doctor is not just a traveller or magician, but a storyteller who carries curiosity like a compass, always pointing toward danger and discovery.

Doctor Who Number 2

Boom! The portals detonated and the spaceship blew up outside his bedroom! As he jumped out of bed, backpack in hand full of necessary equipment, racing down the stairs, his room flashed from the glow of metallic colors and swirling debris replacing the previous night sky. He has to get to the site to repair the portals, but what made it explode in the first place? Perhaps he'd

figure it out on the way. He ran through the backyard, dodging debris, the charged atmosphere practically buzzing. There wasn't much time, and if he didn't do this fast, more realms would collide with each other. His heart was racing, with goosebumps spreading across his shivering skin in a flash He gets to the incomplete site but suddenly a flash of white covers his eyes and he gets teleported to an unknown land. Along with a great and creative magician he was also a journalist of space. He has travelled every corner of the earth along with a detailed recount of every country. He walked around 10 meteres and then a human-like mammal jumped out at the doctor with all its might grasped the mammals circular neck as it screamed in pain

and ran away.

Dazed by the impact, he wiped his forehead and peered around.

Towering crystalline trees sparkled beneath the aurora-kissed sky. Everything was alive. The grass was breathing, emanating magic. He broke through the portals, his portals Dimensions were seeping through the cracks into new worlds, and into his own Ruin had a scent, and as a magician, he could smell it. His watch buzzed with increased urgency. Realm Nexus, the nexus of all realms

connected If he could adjust it here first, all would be right with the

worlds. He knew the incantations for adjustment, and the quantum calculations, but he'd do it in a flas.

Portals came easy to him He set his mind to action. For the second time in twenty-four hours, he spoke words of power. The winds whipped around him as the static energy built. An explosion of light ruptured forth once more, and he was enveloped in darkness

Then came light, and morning, once more. He woke in his familiar bed all seemed right in the world… well, almost. Something new sat on his journalism desk, rumbling and warning him of imminent danger. He'd

never been so curious in all his life. He couldn't wait to write about it. And next time, he'd know.

LUCAS BURNS

What begins as a simple farming tale quickly grows into a chaotic, imaginative journey full of unexpected moments: chasing chickens, baking bread, fending off burglars, digging up dinosaur eggs, and leading a battle against prehistoric beasts.

The Farming Story 1

1 day=1 week in this story

-The Beginning

Chapter 1-

Luke was excited he never felt so good to go farming he was so happy in fact he jumped and grabbed his hoe this is when the journey begins He was going to dig in his parents' fabulous backyard; it was perfect for farming It has already been used and has wet soil which

is awesome for farming. That's when their parents celebrated his birthday in fact it was his 18th birthday and was going to dig in his parents garden but the parents had to spill the news he was getting kicked out but Luke was fine he had his savings which was about 576,897 dollars which was probably good for a farmhouse So he went to the market and there it was in a place

called Stardew Valley and he bought it for 250,000 dollars so Luke was happy it had a big garden at the back. So after that moment he quickly got on the bus headed 8hr going north of the road.

-The Farming Begins

Chapter 2-

When Luke arrived at Stardew Valley, he went up the horrisen and looked to see the best farm house ever

(in his opinion). Luke paid the money, then he got the house he first dug up the dirt then he smacked his first sweep of his journey with his hoe.After that Luke dug for 30 minutes. He got up and went to the store to get wheat seeds, beetroot seeds and 2 chickens. That was pretty costly, costing almost 80 dollars, you should say. That pacific day he ran to the woodsmith and got some planks and nails he gave them to Luke for 165 dollars for 35 pieces of wood and a box of 65 nails he ran back with his rocky head finding out he had to find out the chickens were in the

bushes so he put down the pieces of wood and nails and spent the last 4 hours searching for them. By now Luke had spent the whole day and it is a new morning he went to the bank and checked his savings found out he was really hungry on the way so Luke stopped at a local bakery to eat a very aussie meal called a meat pie he had never tried it so his first reaction was “this is the stuff it is amazing man holy moley I could eat this till next week and in matter of fact it's cheap for only 4 dollars and 50 cents!”

That's the price for an Aussie meal he said to himself. After that

meat pie of the century he finally went to the bank and asked how much he had left in his bank account. He said he had exactly 372 thousand 834 dollars and 50 cents.

Excitedly, he was happy about his cost He went back home and forgot again to get the chickens but this time he made the fence then he spent 3 hours to find where they were in the bushes from his experience last time. Now finally he went to the store again and bought 4 bags of soil for the cost of 80 dollars but compared to how heavy it was he gunned it out and carried it to the farm and breathed

a sigh of relief saying it took 20 minutes of gunning it out Finally he got to plant his wheat and beetroot which turned out perfectly watered and finally after a long 2 days he had a steak for 45 dollars at the pub and went to sleep for the next day.

-Making Bread Chapter 3Luke woke up the next morning and went first to get himself breakfast so he went to the neutral garden to eat a delicious seafood platter and it was so filling that Luke was not going to attempt to eat for the rest of the day. After that seafood platter he went to the supermarket, got 2 bags of water, and dragged them to the farm. Luke was so excited to go back and water his plants By the time he went back, they were fully grown. By the end of that 2 days his wheat was healthy but his beetroot which was getting eaten from magpies looked terrible. He said he forgot to put a scarecrow but he said “Oh well, I can grind the wheat into bread mash it up and sell it to the bakery for extra cash”. So that's exactly what he did. So he went outside, got some eggs from his chickens then went to the store

and grabbed some yeast for 1 dollar 50 cents and zoomed in to make some bread. The first step was to grind the wheat into flour so you can then put your 2 eggs, a teaspoon of yeast and some water in a bowl, mash it up and you have some dough then let it rise for 2 hours. After that you can cut them up in small pieces and throw them in the oven for 20 minutes then take them out and let them cool for 5 minutes. Right after that he put them in a box and ran to the bakery to sell and luckily they took them for 25 dollars. That my friend was profitable and that's why he went back and bought some

more wheat seeds and this time a scarecrow for the beetroots he planted them again and it was night time at around 7:30pm so he went to sleep happy from success.

-The Robbery And The Mining Spree Chapter 4CREAK! As the door opened then 2 men ran in stealing his wallet and tv Luke got out of his bed trembling as he put in his phone 000 and called the police. Then 4 minutes later the thieves were thinking of leaving until Luke jumped from behind and attacked with a knife as the robber screamed in

agony. Luke looked him in the eye dead serious and said “ you ' re going to die tonight” and stabbed him 6 times until he fell to the ground frozen with pain. After the second one sprinted away thinking he could outrun Luke but Luke threw his knife with blood and hit the robber in the head as he crawled but failed. Then walked away telling the cops what happened after and they were pretty chill on what Luke had done because he was defending his property.

After that gruesome night Luke decided to go farming but first he fed the chickens then watered the plants,

took the wheat, made them into bread and ate one saving the rest for later. First he talked to a man that said he couldn't go but Luke just walked past ignoring him completely then he dug some coal, some iron and a diamond then he saw something on the very bottom layer. It was shining and Luke decided to make his own level which cost a couple bucks but he found a dinosaur egg which was awesome because the scientist had a map that could help him raise an egg and make dinosaur soup and dinosaur steak which he thought he could set for quite a bit of money.

-The First And Last Fight Chapter 5This was another ordinary day except the family of dinosaurs were coming They were running from far far away. This was a sign from the egg so what did Luke do? He went to the shop from the blacksmith. He got the iron armour and the iron sword then he spent 50,000 dollars on 50 troops to fight the dinosaurs This was it the dinosaurs came 4 are running in everyone has iron armour and iron sword they charged and 5 got pounded away but they got up then the rest dashing around slashing on their legs

and losing 15 troops as the dinosaurs ate them this was going bad as Luke was climbing one and hit it’s head and fell to death then by the time that was done we slayed 3 dinosaurs and lost 48 men the 2 men and Luke charged and climb on as 2 pind the dinosaurs foot but it was too late the dinosaur had already eaten the 2 men and Luke was getting thrown up and down then the dinosaur threw him in the air and Luke hit the ground hard breaking his arm and standing up slowly the dinosaur grabbed him by the teeth. Luke slashed his eye and the dinosaur dropped Luke on his leg this time his

leg broke he limped to the dinosaur and threw his sword at the dinosaur and stabbed him in the brain but the dinosaur sood up and and chewed his legs as they both fell in pain then they both bleed to death as the police and scientist arrived from the other suburb and their it was the first and last fight

HENRY MACKAY

The Flight Begins traces the early years of Michael Jordan’s career and talks about the setbacks and comebacks.

This story shows readers the heart behind the legend that is Michael Jordan.

The Flight Begins

In the quiet town of Wilmington, North Carolina, a boy named Michael Jordan was born on February 17, 1963. From a young age, Michael's energy was boundless Whether it was playing baseball with his father, James, or challenging his older brother Larry to backyard one-on-ones, Michael showed early signs of fierce competitiveness. He hated losing more than he loved winning, and that fire would become the fuel for his legendary journey.

As a teenager, Jordan dreamed of making the varsity basketball team at Laney High School

But in his sophomore year, he faced a crushing blow as he was cut. At 5'10", he was considered too short, too raw The news devastated him But instead of giving up, Michael used the rejection as motivation. He trained relentlessly, waking up early for extra practice, shooting hundreds of jump shots daily, and pushing himself to new limits By his junior year, Jordan had transformed. He had grown several inches, improved his game, and made the varsity team. By his senior year, he was a star. Word of his talent

spread quickly, and college scouts took notice Among the universities pursuing him was the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, a school with a rich basketball tradition and a coach who saw something special in him, Dean Smith.

At UNC, Jordan didn’t take long to make an impact. As a freshman, he played alongside future NBA stars like James Worthy and Sam Perkins. In the 1982 NCAA Championship game, with seconds left and the game on the line against Georgetown, Coach Smith called a play. The ball came to

Michael. Without hesitation, he rose and hit the game-winning jump shot. That moment put him on the national radar

Jordan continued to

excel, earning College Player of the Year honours and becoming one of the most electrifying players in the country He declared for the NBA Draft after his junior year in 1984, a decision that would change the landscape of basketball forever.

Bowie was selected second by the Portland Trail Blazers Then, with the third pick, the Chicago Bulls selected Michael Jordan Few knew it at the time, but that pick would

become one of the most significant in sports history.

The 1984 NBA Draft featured immense talent - Hakeem Olajuwon went first overall to the Houston Rockets, and Sam

From the moment he entered the league, Jordan dazzled fans. His rookie season was a whirlwind of highlight-reel dunks, clutch shots, and unrelenting hustle. He averaged 28 2 points per game and won the NBA Rookie of the Year award. More than that, he brought hope to a struggling Bulls franchise and

By 1991, Jordan and the Bulls broke through. They won their first NBA Championship, defeating Magic Johnson’s Los Angeles Lakers. It was the beginning of a dynasty Jordan would go on to win six NBA titles, five MVP awards, and become a global icon But those accolades, as incredible as they excitement to the league.

Yet, Jordan’s journey was far from smooth. In his second season, a foot injury sidelined him for most of the year. Critics wondered if his aggressive style was sustainable. But when he returned, he erased all doubts. In the 1986 playoffs, Jordan dropped 63 points in a single game against the Boston Celtics, still a record today. Despite his individual brilliance, team success didn’t come immediately. The Bulls were eliminated in the early rounds of the playoffs for several

years. But Jordan didn’t waver. He trained harder each offseason, building his strength, refining his skills, and evolving as a leader His relentless drive inspired his teammates, and when coach Phil Jackson took the helm in 1989, things began to change.

were, only tell part of the story.

Michael Jordan’s journey to the NBA is a testament to resilience, discipline, and an unshakable will to be great. From being cut in high school to dominating the professional stage, he showed the world that setbacks are setups for comebacks. His path was never easy, but he made it unforgettable In the end, Jordan elevated the NBA. His journey was about belief. The belief that with hard work, heart, and a refusal to quit, greatness is possible

ARCHIE HADDEN

In this brutal descent through the layers of hell, the relentless war machine T1 continues his violent crusade to the bottom of the abyss. After surviving Limbo, Lust, and Gluttony, T1 crashes into Greed, facing virtue angels, desert beasts, and a vicious showdown with T2 which is a faster, more advanced machine.

Like Anchors to the Heavens 2

RECAP

T1 is a fast pace machine that goes through hell and fights enemies and uses the blood to fuel himself. He has travelled through Limbo, Lust, and gluttony He has killed many things but his main goal is to get to the bottom of hell and kill God.

GREED

As T1 falls through the hellevator he slams against the ground.

The doors fly open like a sliding door and T1 see ’ s sand, rock and Filths, T1 Kills them all using the revolver he acquired in LIMBO as T1 continues and sand gets on T1’s visor As the robot moves around it finds a new type of enemy: the virtue angels These enemies summon beams of light to hurt T1 T1 fights these angels and moves on T1 kills more enemies and finds a beast

slaving away in the sun. It sees T1 and charges towards him, T1 uses Coins to try and weaken it. Coins when shot reflect into a weak spot on any beast this is a great way to weaken or even kill a demon or monster in his way The beast falls down but gets up

The beast which T1 has Identified as a sisyphean insurrectionist a a supreme Husk. T1 uses the rail cannon found

in LUST to kill the beast. T1 moves throughout GREED and finds itself at a gate. Inside Is T2. T2 Is a Faster and more powerful version of T1 but has one weakness: Not being able to heal off blood T2 stands up with a new arm. T1 stole T2’s old arm, the knuckle blaster.

“What?” T1 said “This is the last time you move through hell “ T2 exclaimed T1 used 4 coins and a bullet from his revolver to damage T2, T2 Jumps at T1. T1 dashes away then uses the rail cannon to hit T2, T2 uses his own weapons and hurts T1, T1 who is now enraged, Uses the shotgun and fires 2 rounds at T2. T2

is now scared and tries to jump away. “You’re not getting away this time” T1 then jumps out of the hole T2 made. T1 now sliding down the side of a pyramid fighting T2, T1 Grabs

T2s head and uses the knuckle blaster's explosive impact to Destroy T2 for the last time. T1 takes T2’s new arm and calls it the whiplash because of its grapple ability. “The last arm ” T1 said T1 jumps down the hellevator arriving in WRATH.

WRATH

T1 Slams on the ground and goes outside to see a sea with souls drowning. T1 moves through Wrath and kills

enemies like Fliths, Soldiers, and Demons.

After sometime T1 Finds a statue Of gabriel. T1 Destroyed the statue and moved on He

Went out a door and Killed a Demon Soldier by grappling onto it and slamming into the demon. T1 finds two pedestals, one is red and one is blue.

“Making me do a scavenger hunt…” T1 finds A red and blue skull and places them on the pedestal A ship rises out of the ground.

T1 jumps on and tries to get inside He breaks down the door but gets kicked back by the ferryman. T1 throws two coins and gets ready to fire, But the ferryman just grabs the coins

and lets T1 go. T1 shoots the ferryman and kills him “Weak” T1 whispers. Then he goes into the ship, and almost immediately T1 gets burnt by two enemies called street cleaners. T1 shoots two coins into the sky and fires the coins rupturing the fuel tank on the back, killing them both T1 moves throughout the ship and finds a skeleton that looks like a ferryman laid on a stone brick. On one of the arms is a rocket launcher, T1 takes the rocket launcher and goes on a rampage Killing everything he sees He doesn’t even see the beast outside one of the windows of

the ship. T1 notices the ships flooding and he quickly gets out of the ship which had sunk as he got out. He finds a ship with the hellevator at the end “Hmm what level of hell next?”

Then two new machines come out of the ground they are called “sentry’s” T1 Kills them and moves to the door “Open” T1 demands. T1 kicks the door down and walks to the elevator Just then, T1 is ripped out of the hellevator and a leviathan approaches him T1 sighs and grabs his rail cannon and 4 coins. The then kills The beast and moves on. “Weak” T1 said before jumping down.

HERESY

T1, who was in a sleep after a coma because of the long fall, Has arrived in HERESY. T1 kills many enemies like filths, soldiers, etc He walks through the hallways of Heresy noticing the many demons suffering, T1 kills all the demons for blood. “Machine I know you ' re here I can hear the screams of the demons you have killed I await you down below ” T1 walks down some stairs and he can hear a piano. As his footsteps come to a stop Gabriel, The archangel speaks. SLAM! “Machine, I will cut you down, break you apart, slay the gore of your profane

form across the stars! I will grind you down until the very sparks cry of mercy! My hands shall relish ending you HERE AND NOW!” T1, not knowing why he waited for Gabriel to finish talking, starts fighting Gabriel T1 can notice that Gabriel is weaker than before, T1 does not care and defeats Gabriel for the second time. “TWICE! BEATEN BY AN OBJECT TWICE!” T1 fires at Gabriel but he teleports away, “ anyway time for Violence or something” T1 jumps down the hellevator. P-2 T1 Falls down the hellevator to the

change in colour from black and red to white and gold “again?” T1 told himself. He walks out and sees the unfamiliar red and black city “this does not look like minos containment” T1 is now a bit scared which is not normal for him. He walked around the city. “Why are there no demons? It can't be that sad here right?” Although the city was empty he continued walking around trying to find what lay in this place. After what felt like hours T1 came across a door with a terminal in front of it. T1 broke the door without reading the terminal. “Holy-” T1 is in disbelief to what he

sees, its thousands of corpses everywhere, piled upon piles T1 starts fighting whatever was in the middle of the room as T1 was fighting “Die already-” T1 gets cut off suddenly “THIS PRISON TO HOLD ME?” Two golden arms appear from the side of the box. “A visitor… Indeed I've slept long enough. I thank you for my freedom, machine but the blood of minos stains your hands and I must admit I am curious about your weapon skills So come forward, child of man and DIE!” T1 starts attacking sisyphus prime T1 fights for three days breaking his visor and sustaining

heavy damage to his chest. Finally T1 hits Sisyhpus in the head one last time. “AH ... .and so concludes the life of king Sishpus and I would not regret a second of it…..” T1 lets Sisyphus talk before killing him as a sign of respect. “Violence now… I hope” said T1 jumps down the hellevator once again

JOSHUA KOLLE

This story began as a humorous, exaggerated adventure. But, underneath the wild plot and absurd imagery is a theme of friendship, loss, and rising to meet impossible challenges.

When Gyat Dragonator was young he found a kid in gyat kingdom that played with him and soon that kid became a knight.

Gytias the Great is the name that Gyat Dragonator gave him and Gyatias the Great also rides Gyat Dragnator Ding

Dong!!! That is the bell

Gyatias the great and Gyat Dragonator probably have to go fight in the war. When they got to the war

Gyatias the Great

grounds they destroyed the enemy base with their butts. Now the gyat team has to go and fight in the gyat war against the potatoes they fought him the poetattoos off but then One of the potateos jumped on him and killed gyat dragonator

Present Previously Gyat Dragonator was tragically squashed by a rogue potato in the

Great Gyat War. But legends never crumble: they just get crispier.

Gyatias the Great stood still. Very still. Like, so still that a squirrel tried to live in his boot He stared at the squashed remains of Gyat Dragonator and shouted to the heavens, “NOOOOOOOOOO!!!!

” so loud that the moon blinked

The Potato King chuckled from his tater throne “Looks like

you ' re mashed, Gyatias!” he sneered, throwing a gravy grenade at him.

But Gyatias dodged with a mighty gyat backflip, catching the gravy grenade mid-air, licking it, and screaming, “TASTES LIKE VICTORY!” before hurling it back.

BOOOOM!!

The Potato King exploded into 87 golden hash browns Gyatias, now riding the spirit ghost of Gyat Dragonator (who’s now called Spectre Gyat), charged through the war zone with flaming hot chip energy. “GYAT

MODE: ACTIVATED ” Suddenly THWOMP!

The ground cracked.

From the depths rose… the Mega Spudzilla, a 100-foot mutant potato with laser eyes and salsa breath. “You may have beaten the small fries,” it bellowed, “but now you face the WHOLE MEAL.” Gyatias leapt into the air

Spectre Gyat screamed a battle cry: “GYATTAAAAAAAAAAACKKKK! ” and they divebombed Spudzilla butt-first The impact caused a shockwave so powerful that everyone in the kingdom grew a moustache instantly

“Sir,” said a random soldier, “ your cheeks just saved us all.”

Gyatias smiled “That’s why they call me the Glute Gladiator.”

But just as the army began to cheer, a portal opened in the sky and out flew an army of Evil Broccolis, their leader a twisted, green, leafy villain known only as Lord Florette.

“Your carbs are no match for my FIBRE,” he screeched.

Gyatias narrowed his eyes “Get me my protein shake,” he said, “it’s about to get VEGETABLE ”

To be continued.....

TRISTAN DUANE

This story is about a man ' s descent into paranoia, sparked by a seemingly innocent discovery of surveillance in his everyday life.

Beginning in a world filled with love, warmth, and routine, the protagonist slowly loses his grip on reality after finding a hidden camera in his car. As he becomes increasingly convinced that he is being watched—from his workplace to his own home his fear transforms into obsession.

Eyes

My eyes burst open as I awake, coughing and spluttering up the hot, thick air. Light breaches the cracks of my shutters, filling my bedroom with a warm embrace sweeter than honey The flowers on the table flood the room with vibrant colours of red and purple as they bask in the sunlight. As I sit here sipping my morning coffee, I savour the sun ' s glow. Birds chirp in the distance as I gulp down the last few sips. Making my way out the door, I say goodbye to my wife. Despite us only having to be apart for a few hours, it feels as if an eternity passes each time we depart. As I make my way to my car, I notice a news van parked nearby. What kind of story could be happening in this boring town? I take one last look at my gorgeous wife.

Michele’s beauty shone in the street like a solitary star in the night sky; her eyes reflected the gorgeous Bribie sunrise. She was my world I couldn't imagine a universe without her, or our soon-to-come child.

A stack of papers landed on my desk, with a sound that rivalled lightning I look up to discover my supervisor with a smug expression

“These last few reports were subpar at best. You’re going to have to redo most of them.” I looked down at the tower of despair he had handed me This was a week's worth of work at least. The noise in the office is fading away as more employees pay attention to our interaction My cheerfulness this morning is starting to wane, each murmur from the crow increasing my uneasiness.

“I’ll have it done, sir ”

time I had left work, with not a soul in sight to witness my anguish I sat down in the leather seat of my car, the first comfort I've felt since this morning

I rushed to my car, holding my bag over my head to stay out of the rain. The parking lot was empty by the

Suddenly, I catch a glimmer of light shining in my eye I follow the ray and discover something shining beneath the dashboard A lens? I reach for the object and rip it out. A small camera attached to a cord now sits in my hand. Paranoia grips my heart as I stare at the device While still holding the camera, I observe the empty lot, unable to shake the feeling that im being stared at by unseen eyes my heart pounds

like thunder, relentless and unyielding as I speed off toward home. The lights from my home guide me to the driveway, a beacon of solitude helping me to set my mind at ease

Slamming the door shut behind me, I feel my heart slow and settle.

“Hey honey, how was work?” inquires my wife with a radiant smile. As soon as she spoke, my gaze softened and I felt warmth again; I even almost forgot why worry plagued me to begin with.

“Tiring, honey. My boss handed off another boatload of work for me to finish.” She glares at me,

concerned.

“Are you able to handle all of it? With the baby expected soon, I don't know if you’ll have any time on your hands ”

“I know, but it's out of my control, darling, I'll just need to work late a few nights.” Without any more words between us, she embraces me, letting my head rest on her shoulder. I stare out the window toward the street as we stand there holding each other together. My eyes widen and my lungs shrivel; I notice the dark silhouette of a man standing near a light post The man is dressed in a

black suit, and layered on top is a trench coat to shield him from the rain. He remains just out of reach of the light, concealing his face in shadow He briefly illuminates himself as he lights a cigarette Heartbeats sound in my chest; it’s like he's looking right at me. All of a sudden, a truck speeds past the lamppost. He's gone. The man in the trench coat was gone, with nothing left except a half-burnt cigarette. My eyes widen.

“Is something wrong?” she asks, looking up. Failing to answer, I rush to a chair and sit down; my head throbs incessantly.

“Come, dear. I can tell

you ’ ve had a hard day at work. Let's head to bed, we can skip out on dinner.” I follow her as she takes my hand and leads me to the bedroom In the comfort of her arms, I am lulled to the safety of sleep by Somnus’ song. I find myself in an abyss, illuminated by a single, solitary light. Shadows surround me, dancing around and chanting, laughing, crying. They all seem focused on me, reaching and grabbing for me. Something keeps me from moving as the audience continues to watch, their eyes never closing. Sweat trickles

down my face as my body shoots up. Taking a deep breath, I surveyed our bedroom; the eyes were nowhere to be found Cogito ergo sum?

Rain continues to pelt our roof as I arise for work once more. Fear still grips me from my nightmare last night, but I press forward, eager to forget the horrors that befell me. Navigating my way through the maze of cubicles, I place myself at my desk. Noises from others' conversations pierce my ears; I can’t concentrate. Everyone is watching, laughing, crying; they're all focused on me. In an attempt to calm myself

down, I turn on my computer and begin to work Malevolent gazes continue to burn into me, surrounding me from all angles, piercing through the barricades of my cubicle. Looking up, I find myself staring at a security camera in the corner, Its eye stares back. Leaving is my only choice; I need to escape. Shadows surround me as I tumble around, reaching for the exit; their eyes follow unyieldingly One door was separating me from freedom, one door, and I could escape their gaze

“I don’t want to be watched!” I screech as

I burst through the exit. Traversing through the parking lot, I make my way to my car. Nearby stands a man dressed in black, clothes filthy and torn as if he had been through a hurricane. Muscles lock up in my body as I watch him light a cigarette. He slowly walks toward me. I won't let them catch me, I don’t want to be watched, I refuse! My shoes tear on the concrete while I sprint home.

“We need to get out of here, Michele. We can't stay here with them watching, it’s not safe anymore ” Michele stared at me, worried, her hands starting to

turn pale from my feral grip. She looked uneasy, scared, almost as if I were dangerous. My grip loosened as I tried to calm down; I reached toward the shelf to find something to lean on. Something flashes in the corner of my eye, I turn swiftly. A small bear sits on the shelf, its black beaded eyes staring back at mine. A small camera rested in its chest. I tear the camera and cord from its still corpse.

“I bought that nanny cam just today, for when the baby comes. ”

that torment me. Paranoia is replaced by adrenaline– I grip the cord tighter– I will be free from this nightmare I beckoned the shade closer, its smile replaced by a scream of terror. It claws at my face, begging me to stop, but I won't; I refuse to be controlled by these monsters anymore

will the eyes close.

She’s one of them. My once gorgeous wife has been replaced by the same creatures

Finally, the screeching ceases. The shadows writhing slows and it’s arms falter I refuse to live under falsehood any longer, but the eyes continue to watch. My only wish now is to sleep, a deep sleep from which I cannot be awakened Only then can my insight stop. Only then

BILL DEERAN

In many ways, this piece reflects the spirit of schools like Nudgee - where the call to “unite as one ” is not just a slogan, but a lived principle. This story isn’t just about winning a game. It’s about earning trust, embodying values, and becoming the kind of person who lifts others simply by standing beside them.

It hung like a relic in the changeroom - blue and white, frayed at the edges, threads worn thin by years of battle and brotherhood. Above the wooden benches, the old jersey rested like a silent oath, whispering stories of those who came before. For most, it was history. For Noah, it was everything Noah had always been a quiet presence. In a

Nudgee

school where voices rose like war cries and boys fought to be seen, he moved through corridors like shadow and breath. He wasn’t the fastest, nor the strongest He didn't hunger for applause But he carried something deeper: a longing to live with honour. To become the kind of man whose strength was measured not in trophies, but in truth.

The season began with failure. He dropped two balls in the 1st XV trials Missed a tackle that cost the scrimmage. Laughter followed him off the field - not cruel, just careless. Not ready. Not a leader. The words clung like burrs

That night, the oval stood empty beneath the weight of dusk The goalposts stretched tall like quiet sentinels. Noah stood there

alone, his breath thick in the cooling air. He stared into the darkened stands, imagining the roar of past crowds, the echo of his older brother Liam’s voice.

“You don’t earn a legacy with noise,” Liam once said. “You earn it when no one is watching ”

So Noah began to build Not in brilliance, but in discipline He woke early. Carried cones in the rain.

Picked up tape scraps that others left behind. He trained like no one was watching. When younger boys struggled, he offered guidance. When spirits

dipped, he stood steady. He volunteered in the boarding house

Ran Social Justice drives without needing credit Wrote quietly alongside juniors in Writers Circle, never needing to be the loudest voice; only the truest. He did not lead from the front He led from the side. And slowly, something changed. Not in fanfare, but in the way boys nodded when he walked past.

In whispered stories, he’s the one who helped me after training. Stayed late to clean the gear. Gave his lunch to a Year 7 kid who forgot his. He was building more than

a team. He was building spirit.

The semi-final was war. With five minutes left, their captain went down with a concussion. The team hesitated. The game faltered Coach turned to the bench. “Noah.” He rose without hesitation. Not for the glory But for the jersey. He played like he was part of the grass, the sweat, the storm itself Each tackle clean. Each pass precise.

And then, a final offload. A try. Victory.

The locker room fell silent. The air was thick with disbelief and

something sacred. Coach reached for the jersey on the wall, lowered it slowly, and placed it in Noah’s hands

He looked out over the rows of boys and spoke with a calm, unshaken voice.

with applause. Noah stepped down from the stage He had not just worn the jersey. He had become it.

“This,” he said, “belongs to you now. Not for how you played. For who you are. ” Noah felt the weight of it. Not just cotton and stitching, but legacy. Brotherhood Purpose

At the final assembly, Noah stood beneath the banner bearing the school’s motto: “Unite as one, create authentic spirit.” He wore the jersey like a second skin - not for pride, but for meaning.

“This place doesn’t just shape athletes It shapes character. We’re not called to be perfect We’re called to serve. To stand when it’s easier to fall. To lead with humility, not ego That’s what it means to unite as one. That’s how we create authentic spirit By living it, not shouting it Legacy isn’t about whose name is remembered It’s about how you treat those who have none. That’s manhood. That’s Nudgee ”

The room was filled

WILL ANDERSEN

The story is about a chaotic Irishman named Sean Driscoll - part-time drinker, part-time detective - who stumbles (often literally) into an international conspiracy.

Sean Driscoll, all across Europe

Chapter One: Donegal Drunks

DING DONG! It was November 22 2012 in Ireland when Sean Driscoll heard his doorbell ring. “I’m comin’ be there in a sec!” He said as he scurried to the door.

Sean was a 25 year old Irish man with long red hair. He was iconic in Donegal for getting too drunk once a week, and also for solving Sherlock Holmes level crimes and frauds.

When he opened the door he saw his great friend, Kieran Walsh, “Hello sean! Isn’t it beer time for you soon?” He asked.

“ELLO! Heh heh heh, yes, soon past!

HAHAHAHAHAHAH

Come drink with me ” said intoxicated Sean.

“I’ll have ONLY one ” replied Kieran. As he took a sip he said “OUGH! What is that?”

Sean looked at him “Navy rum sir! The only thing! Keeps you sane!”

Kieran put the bottle down and said “Well it’s done a treat for you ” Sean turned to a frown, but then he fell to the floor. “Hm, expected that, I’ll just have one beer” said Kieran looking at Sean on the floor. 20 Beers later, Kieran was somehow still standing.

“And THIS ONE! Is teh last one! Heh heh, for, for AFRICA!” He took a large sip and said. “Ooh! I’m a bit sleepy! I’m gonna have a na”

Then he fell to the floor.

HOURS LATER:

“You alive Sean? I said are you alive?” said a voice in front of sean “No… I wanna die” He said a rubbed his eyes and slowly sat up “Oh my head” He said. Sean then noticed that the voice was Kieran.

“Oh, why am I on the floor?” Asked sean.

“You got booze blind and then you passed out, I mean I think that happened to me, I can’t remember” Suddenly there was a knock on the door. “Uh oh, it’s Cara, said Sean” Kiaran looked at Sean funny, “Who’s Cara? And how the hell do you know?” Asked

Kieran. “Sean! If you ' re in there please open the door!” Said someone behind the door. Sure enough, Sean opened the door, and standing there was a young red haired woman, wearing a green dress and had green eyes. “Sean! Where have you been?!” She asked. “Hey Cara, Uhmm, I was asleep” Sean lied. The woman raised her eyebrows and put her hands on her hips “Is that so? Because you were asleep all night, and from 9:00 to 4:00, somehow I don’t believe you ” Cara said “Jesus, have you ever thought about taking up a job in interrogation?” Asked

Sean “For a moment I did, but then I realised it would be a terribly dull life. Now tell me the truth, what did you do?” Cara asked sean Kieran burst out laughing, while Sean sat there mouth wide open “So, uhm, hypothetically, if I drank myself to the point where I, fall asleep, I would wake up and answer the phone if it was you, however, if one ' s phone was on silent mode, It would be impossible to answer, ” Sean said. “Oh really? Ha! Cause I can see from MY phone if YOURS is on silent,” Cara said as she reached for her phone. She looked at the screen and opened

her mouth “Okay,” she said. Turns out Sean’s phone was on silent mode.

you sit there stuffing your face with 7 kitkats every hour,” Sean interrupted.

“Well that doesn’t change the fact that you were drinking heavily, AGAIN” Cara said walking into the house. Cara pointed out several empty alcohol bottles as she sat on the couch “Come on, I forgive you, lets watch some TV” she said Sean sat on the couch next to her and grabbed the remote, he then hit the on button “Hello people all across the British isles! That includes the filthy Irish” said the man on tv “Filthy are we ay English? Meanwhile

“All across Europe -this includes Ireland, Italy, Spain, England, Sweden, Wales, Czechia, and even Russia- there have been terrorist attacks by a group called ‘Wir Sind Hslew’ I probably butchered that name but yes, attacks all over Europe devastate local businesses in the area. People in Germany instantly recognised the first two words, meaning ‘ we are ’ , however, the last is gibberish. Because of this the UN is blaming Germany for these attacks, claiming

that ‘ soon, they’ll start World War III ” Sean looked at the screen with intent. “Hey Sean, I have an idea,” said Kiaran, smirking “Well, it’s worth taking a look at least,” Sean replied. Cara looked at both of them and stood up “No, no, no, I’m done with this Sean, stop going out to ‘investigate’ these things, it scares me to death” she yelled out.

“Well you and I are both still alive! I’m going, for the betterment of the world!” Sean yelled back. Cara calmed down, “That’s not what I’m saying, I want to go too, who knows how drunk you boys will get, and what trouble you’ll

get into”.

“No way! You aren’t coming! We can’t- okay I see your point, but remember, it’s dangerous” Sean said “Oh no! It’s dangerous? I didn’t think this far through” Said Cara sarcastically. “God save us all, okay then, let's head over to, where?” asked Sean “Lets see, the one in our great nation is at… Laghey, due south about 4 kilometers! See, this is why you need me " , Cara happily said

Chapter Two: Laghey attack

After a short 5 minute drive from Donegal to Laghey, they were

driving around the town looking for any sign of the attack that happened mere 2 days ago. Sean was driving when Cara pointed out a street blocked off by police tape and a few officers. They exited the car and approached one of the police officers. “Hello sir, what happened here?” asked Sean “Jerry! I think I know you Hic* You’re famous, come on through Mr Ed Sheeran” Said the drunken police officer. He then let Cara through “Mrs Taylor Swift” then Kieran “Brad Pitt” They walked right into the street when they saw multiple mutilated corpses, and

blast marks on the ground. The sight was horrible, Cara couldn’t bear it and turned around, but Sean and Kiaran continued on Sean noticed a card on the ground. On the card it read ‘Wir Sind Hslew: Winchester: The Paladin Building’ Sean told everyone that they found what they needed And luckily, nobody had cared or noticed that they were there, until now “Hey! You three! What are you doing here? State your business now ” said a police officer The Trio turned around in a flash and noticed the officer. “We are… Umm” said Sean “We’re reporters from Northern Ireland, here

to investigate and ask a few questions,” said Cara “Northern Ireland you say? Well no, get outta here” Replied the officer They scattered away from the scene of the attack and made it to the car. “I found a business card: It says Wir Sind Hslew, Winchester… we have to go to England” said Sean Both Sean and Kiaran looked at each other, then down, as they hated the English, whereas Cara smiled, as she once went to London, and she enjoyed the visit “Yes! I remember my last visit to England, so warm and- oh wait, I never understood, what's with you and the English?” asked Cara.

“Well umm, long story for another time” said Sean After driving to an airport, and from there a flight that was an hour and 10 minutes, they arrived in Winchester.

Chapter Three: The Tower In Winchester. Once they arrived in Winchester, they found a taxi quickly “Destination, Irish?”

Asked the Taxi driver, with a clear Welsh Accent, “The Paladin Building, oh and shut up, you ' re not from here either Wait a minute, German, is that you?” asked Sean. “Yes it’s me! I took a train here, though, Wales is my homeland, I loved it there” Cara and Kiaran

sat there confused, but Sean was sitting laughing with the driver. “What about Welsh? I hear he moved here on a ferry” asked Sean “Ah yes, Welsh, came from Germany and we became roommates Funny though, because people often get us confused, after all, my name is German and I’m from Wales, whereas Welsh is from Germany!” Explained German Then everyone in the taxi started to laugh. “What about Scottish, he here?”

Sean asked. Cara said “Oh let me guess, he’s English?” Sean and Welsh shook their heads, “No, as a matter of fact, he’s SCOTTISH!

HAHAHAA! No heh -just kidding, he’s Norwegian, Viking Blood in that fella” Chuckled German, “Well, here we are, the Paladin building, nice catching up with you, ” said German, “How much do I owe you?” asked Sean. “Ah nothing, from friend to friend, I fought off a nickname for you, what about English?” asked German. “No way in hell, I am not gonna be English Bye German The Welsh” said Sean. They exited the car and started walking towards the entrance of the building, they opened the door. Behind the door there was a woman in a

tuxedo. Hello sir, how may I help you?” She asked Sean shooshed her and handed over the small card. The woman ’ s eyes flicked to it and widened just a little. “Ah, one of ours, ” she said quietly, stepping aside “Right this way, ” she said, leading them through a narrow corridor. Sean looked back at Cara and Kieran, they exchanged nervous looks but followed without question The hallway ended at a heavy door, behind which low voices murmured. The woman knocked six times in a nice rhythm, then waited A deep voice called out, “Enter.” All four of them stepped

inside. Sitting around a table were several people, but two figures instantly stood out to Sean. German the tall man from the taxi, dressed sharply in a dark suit, his expression unreadable but intense And Welsh the dark-haired man from Sean’s past, calm but with an unmistakable fire in his eyes. Sean swallowed, surprised but not entirely shocked to see them here “Sean Driscoll,” Welsh said smoothly, nodding in recognition “I wondered when you’d show up here in England.” German smiled, a glint of amusement in his eyes. “You’re more persistent

than I thought, in the Taxi, I fought you were here for a hotel ” Sean looked into their eyes and said “I didn’t come here for a social call!”

Kieran shifted uneasily Cara whispered into Kieran’s ear, “So they’re the leaders ”

Sean said nothing. His mind was racing. Welsh spoke again. “The name Hslew you noticed, I assume?”

Sean looked at him confused “Welsh, spelled backwards,” German added, “It’s a symbol of our union Together, we lead Wir Sind Hslew. One of our names is Welsh and the other is Welsh. Wir Sind I think means we are in German, German and Welsh” Sean’s jaw

clenched. “And the attacks? What’s the point?” Welsh’s voice was cold but firm. “To shake Europe. To remind the old powers that new forces are rising. It’s not chaos. It’s order from fire.”

Sean looked at Cara and Kieran, then back at the two leaders. “This isn’t over, ” Sean said quietly German smiled thinly. “Oh Sean, It’s only just begun ” Welsh stepped closer now, his eyes hard. "Our nations have been mocked, dismissed, stepped over. This is Europe’s reckoning."Sean clenched his fists. "You’re not liberators You’re cowards with explosives." German

chuckled. "And yet, we ’ re the ones holding all the cards "

Suddenly, the glass wall behind them lit up a countdown 72:00:00 "Three days," said Welsh. "And it all begins." Sean lunged, but a steel shutter dropped between them. Gas hissed from the vents. Cara screamed, Sean shouted, and Kieran flailed, trying to cover his mouth Everything went dark Sean woke up in a warehouse The air was cold, his head pounding. Beside him, Cara layed, her face pale Kieran groaned, already sitting upright."Berlin," Sean

said. "They dumped us somewhere outside Berlin, look at that sign" Cara stood up, woozy but furious. "They think this is over We’re going to prove them wrong. " Kieran checked his phone, cracked but still working. "We’ve got one lead. I heard them say something before I blacked out Trondheim” He said. Sean sat up, “Hey wait a minute, Trondheim is where Scottish lives!”

Chapter Four: Night in Berlin

The trio snuck back into the city under the cover of night. Berlin was cold and sharpedged, like a blade held to your throat.

Kieran received a tip from an a man named Henrick saying ‘data hub at the cave, Berlin’, a decommissioned Cold War bunker now repurposed as a data hub. And Hslew’s temporary base Cara hacked into the city’s old sewer schematics using Kieran’s phone. "There's a path from the U-Bahn tunnel beneath. It gets us twenty meters from the hub " she said "So we ’ re crawling through a sewer in Berlin? Just like the movies," Kieran muttered. "Less talking, more crouching," Sean replied. Hours later, they emerged into a cold corridor, fluorescent lights

buzzing above. They crept toward the reinforced steel doors of Die Höhle. Sean placed a small charge. "Back up This’ll be loud " KABOOM! The door blew open alarms screamed. Inside: a control room Massive monitors tracked Europe. Supply chains. Explosive manifests Names Sean spotted a familiar one Cara's. "They’re watching us The whole time " Suddenly, a voice behind them. "Touch anything and I shoot "

It was German. Rifle in hand. "Why?" Sean asked. "Why go to all this trouble?" German looked forward "Because they forgot

us, " German said. "They forgot Wales. They forgot what Germany was. We remind them.” Kieran lunged at him, this time, no steel shutter A scuffle Cara grabbed the rifle, it clattered to the ground. German hit the panic switch. "GO!"

Sean yelled. They bolted The base shook a failsafe bomb ticking down. Through the corridor, back into the sewers, up through a manhole just as the bunker erupted behind them in a ball of fire They hit the pavement, coughing, bruised. Kieran held up a USB stick "Got their data Everything." Sean nodded. "Then let’s go

to Norway and finish this."

Chapter Five –Snowfall and Secrets

Trondheim was beautiful, if you liked frostbite and shadows. They arrived under a dark sky, the air sharp and wet. Their contact, Henrik now in person was waiting near the docks, wrapped in enough wool to choke a sheep. "You’re the Irish kids poking the wasp nest? You’re either brave or incredibly stupid," Henrik said "The cold is column B to Crocodile L" Kieran said, hands in his coat. “Maybe you have had too much to drink,” said Sean. Henrik

pointed across the frozen yard. "That warehouse there is the hub. Hslew runs shipments through here under different aliases Weapons, tech, chemicals. It's all headed for one place." Sean’s breath misted "Where?" asked Sean. Henrik hesitated. "Donegal. Christmas Eve City Centre Mass casualty." Sean’s expression hardened. "They’re going after home " They moved in under the cover of darkness. Cara rigged the security feed Sean picked the lock. Inside, crates labelled "Wind Turbine Parts." A lie. They pried them open, C4, detonators, remote signalers. Then

footsteps. This time it was Scottish. He stood in the aisle like a ghost. "Tired of chasing shadows yet?" He asked "Only tired of your face," Sean snapped. Scottish smirked, lifting a revolver Suddenly, a crashing sound a forklift plowed through stacked crates, knocking them like dominos. Kieran behind the wheel. "Oi! You forgot Irish stubbornness!" Gunfire Shouting. Cara hurled a wrench. Sean dove, tackled Welsh, the gun skittering away. Kieran jumped down, helping Cara as Sean pinned Welsh to the ground."You don’t win," Sean growled. Scottish

coughed blood. "We already did." Police sirens Henrik had called them. The trio disappeared out the back, leaving Scottish groaning in pain amongst the wreckage. Henrik picked them up in his rattling truck " you alive?" he shouted. "Barely," Sean coughed. "Where now?" Sean looked out at the falling snow. Bruised. Furious. Unstoppable "Home," he said "Donegal It ends where it began."... “I hate to break it to you but I can’t drive to Donegal in me rusty old truck” said Henrick. Chapter Six – The Countdown in Donegal

They returned to Ireland under cloud cover and no fanfare

The flight was tense, Cara double-checking their stolen files, Kieran watching local reports for any suspicious movements, and Sean staring out the window, jaw clenched. The information was precise: Hslew had smuggled the device via a ferry under a fake wind energy contract. It was en route to Donegal town square, disguised inside a municipal van. The plan was horrifying maximum damage at the Christmas festival. Children, families, no mercy The trio met with Gardaí officials Henrik’s international

pull had bought them an audience. With the USB as proof and their urgency cutting through red tape, Ireland mobilised Checkpoints Roadblocks. Bomb squads. Then a tip. A van, marked with "CLEAN IRISH POWER" had just crossed into Donegal’s west gate. Sean, Cara, and Kieran joined a response unit as they chased the van The driver tried to bolt but crashed into a lamppost near the town centre. He fled but Kieran was faster With a rugby-level tackle, he brought the man down. Cara opened the back of the van. Inside the bomb. Armed. Timer:

00:03:12. She stared at it. "I studied computer science for fun Didn’t think I’d need it to defuse a bomb." "Can you?" Sean asked "I’m about to find out "

Sweat on her brow, she clipped a wire, keyed in a line of code from the stolen USB. Then after almost 3 minutes the timer froze at 00:00:14 Silence Then cheering. Officers rushed in. Townspeople, evacuated earlier, began to emerge. Sean turned to Cara. "You saved Donegal” he said. Cara’s face lit up with happiness and pride as she looked around, she then looked back at him and said "We did," as she

lunged forward at him and gave him a kiss. Kieran turned around and said "Now can we drink?" Sean looked at him, then the sky "Not yet I think there's still one thing left to do".

Epilogue – The Quiet Before The Storm Christmas Eve. Donegal.

Snow drifted lazily from the sky as families hung lights and sang carols But Sean, Cara, and Kieran weren’t celebrating. They stood at the old lighthouse on the coast, watching the sea for anything unusual. Thanks to the data recovered from Berlin and Trondheim, they’d triangulated the

final drop point. A yacht disguised as a charity vessel would anchor off the coast and remotely trigger a bomb smuggled into town via a funeral procession. The trio had tipped off the Garda and Interpol They waited in silence, watching the horizon, eyes burning with exhaustion and purpose. And then the call came: the device had been found Disarmed Lives saved.Hours later, as people in town gathered for midnight mass, Sean sat by the fireplace, watching flames dance in the hearth Kieran snored on the couch, and Cara, sipping hot

cocoa, looked over with a tired smile. "We did it," she whispered.Sean nodded. "For now. "

Meanwhile Far away, in a hidden hospital in Finland, a man lay bandaged and breathing shallow, next to Welsh. His eyes fluttered open to flickering lights and hushed voices. It was Scottish, “thank you for bribing the Cops, Welsh If it weren’t for you I’d be in a prison hospital” he said. Welsh turned around “Do not try and comfort me, our plan has failed now it’s just you and me ” Welsh said. “Are you worried? Remember, wherever

phase one ends, Phase Two begins."

ELLIOTT O’GORMAN

Frank and Trevor are from completely different worlds: one lives with silence, chores, and old pain; the other is surrounded by noise, people, and distractions. But somehow, across the gap of distance and difference, they find something real.

Farm House Pen Pal

Frank had signed up for a pen pal with a guy named Trevor from the city.

Frank was elated to finally have a friendtruly elated - because his dad had pushed him out of the way of a car at the young age of three His dad didn’t survive. So now it was just Frank and his mum, scraping by in a weather-worn house that always seemed to be leaking from somewhere. He had never really had a friend. People avoided him.

He was the guy with a dead dad, a leaky house, and no friends. He was the one who always had dirt on his boots, hay in his hair, and eyes that looked far too tired for someone his age So now, when he finally

got a pen pal, it felt like a miracle. Like someone had handed him a rope when he didn’t even realise he was drowning. Trevor, on the other hand, was from the city.

He had heaps of mates, Wi-Fi that didn’t drop out in storms, and access to bubble tea on every corner. But none of his friends had ever seen a cow up

close, let alone milked one before sunrise. So, when he found out his pen pal was from the country, he was just as excited - curious about a world completely different to his.

Frank had to support his mum and help run their tiny farm. Every morning before the sun was up, he was feeding animals, hauling hay, fixing fences, and making sure the generator didn’t blow again. But despite everything, he started the conversation with something easy. Something friendly. “Do you like anime?” Frank asked in his first letter.

Trevor wrote back fast: “Yes! One Piece and Black Clover are my favourites.”

Frank stared at the paper for a while, not believing his luck. He loved those two shows too He didn’t know anyone else out here who even knew what anime was, let alone the names of his favourite ones.

Trevor had lots of friends in the city, but none of them liked anime the way he did.

Frank had no friends at all But now? Now he had one who actually got it. Frank couldn’t write back as quickly He had the animals, the house, the odd jobs around town

to get some money.

Trevor, though? His school was shut down for renovations or something, so he was mostly just hanging out, playing with mates, and - more than anything - writing to Frank Eventually, after months of back-andforth letters filled with jokes, secrets, dreams and drawings, Trevor organised something bold: a meet-up. In person Face-to-face They were both flying to Melbourne. Both a little nervous. Both a little excited Both holding onto the idea that somehow, across all the distance and difference, they might just become real friends.

TANUSH PATEL

At its core, this piece explores themes of resilience, memory, and the quiet contemplation required to reconcile the pain of oppression with the hope of reclaiming one ’ s heritage and sense of self.

A Moment’s Thought

I sat there, the dome encapsulating all the feelings I suppressed. This was my safezone. A place where I could call home but no longer it served that purpose Now it represents my success, my upbringing and a true ode to what I’ve achieved It was the portrait, the beautiful illustration that shows the true effort one must take to reach the greatest of heights. A place of contemplation, of being one by myself. That’s what it took to feel the enlightenment and to alleviate your senses from suffering. Overcome by the thought of where I came from, I was overwhelmed by the crowded scenery, this was once a heritage listed building, now a mere tourist attraction bound by the society of materiality We were once so simple, at least that was the way

it was in Tibet. Until China, the oppressive regimes halted our progress to advancing autonomy and independently operating of any government system They seized our monasteries, stole our idols and burned down our identity. Left with nothing, the true essence of this building I now sat in was the only relic of our history and mission to bring back what is ours

OLLIE CALDEWEYHER

This story is about the struggle for power and peace among competing rulers in a futuristic world. It explores themes of ambition, greed, and leadership through the character of John, the wise lord of Metrolios, who seeks to end the cycle of war rather than fuel it.

The War of the Metropolises

Suddenly, the alarm blared in Metrolios and everyone knew that it was the time of the war of the metropolises. Everyone feared that the war would begin That there would be intense devastation to communities and destruction of homes and buildings and that the war would cause many arguments and conflicts between our people. The war of the metropolises was

called when one of the six metropolis lords wanted to take control of one of the other metropolises None of the metropolis lords won another metropolis, but they were all greedy for power, except for the lord of Metrolios. John, the lord of Metrolios, was a smart man in his thirties. He knew that it wasn’t who fought for the power; the power of all of the metropolises was to be evenly distributed between the six metropolis lords. As the siren blared, John was standing on the balcony of his futuristic mansion All the metropolis lords would now be thinking that if they win they will take any metropolis that they want. And Metrolios was a massive target because John had tried to stop the lords at every single war John

was the only metropolis lord thinking that he must either stop all of the metropolis lords or he could win the war, but say that he will take no-one ’ s metropolis and stop all of the future wars. His assistant, Mal, came up behind him. “Lord, shall we launch the troops?” asked Mal.

won. John stepped up and made his wish and stopped all future wars from happening.

“Go ahead, Mal. Let’s stop this war and all future wars ” replied John Mal walked off and after a few minutes, the metropolis gates opened and some of the Metrolios troops left to the abyss of space. After 3 weeks of fighting, the final metropolis army fell out; Metrolios had

WILL CONDON

This story follows a character who escapes the silence and unresolved sorrow of their family home after their brother's death, seeking solace in the remote stillness of Montana.

American flags waved on chevy trucks the size of the houses at home; a different type of patriotism My family's disapproval of my migration, the comfortable paycheck of my profession All the reasons to stay at home. But after the funeral, I needed an escape from our traditional lifestyle.

The Spaces Between

My brother's death tore the fabric of our family, the grief on my parents shoulders a weight only for Hercules to bear. Rationality was never something any of us possessed; so instead of processing, we went silent I couldn’t breathe in that house anymore - walls stained with memories of him, framed encapsulating the pleasure we once had in each other's company What would have been everlasting relationships ended by

one wrong decision. So I left. Montana was an impulsive choice, the closest place with mountains - mountains like folded paper against velvet skies; a reminder of the beauty still existing in life.

The town was small, the kind where everyone knew when someone new arrived I felt alienated

Glancing around the diner as I sat lonely in a booth big enough for

my family, I was approached - an Australian girl opening our conversation based on the coasters advertising environmentally friendly earns. Soon enough, people started approaching meconversing about foreign foods and local news: often irrelevant small town gossip

It was a tight knit community, something I wasn't expecting, perhaps holding prejudice from my home country People wore their beliefs on their sleeves, but they also carried their pain without pretense One afternoon, I helped an old man fix a tire in the

snow. He didn’t say much until he saw my small urn necklace “Someone close?” he asked, tapping it gently with a thick, grease-streaked finger “My brother.” He just nodded. “Mine too.

Vietnam ”

A moment of silence accompanied us; one not of awkwardness, but stillness and comfort. He didn't ask why my attire was not black, nor did he care I wasn't reciting prayers.

I was permitted a space where I could silently grieve, where I could grieve my way. Out here, I could scream to the mountains, careless to how extreme my

exclamations were.

After a month of living in a lifestyle mainly consistent with solitude, my mother called Immediately her voice cracked, and for the first time, she didn't ask when I was coming home. 'We lit a candle for him today,'' ''I did too,'' My lips quivered at the delivery, exposing the guilt of my lie.

Montana wasn't home

It gave me something I hadn't found back there: space Space to mourn without shame, to rebuild my appreciation for life, and to love my brother quietly, in my own way.

ZACHARY ABOOD

From a peaceful flight to a crash landing on a farm, the family must adapt to a new life, face dinosaur threats, and rely on each other - and their animal companions - to defend themselves from ancient creatures awakened from a hidden cave.

Dinousar Outbreak

Flight

“Mum, what time are we going on the flight?” asked Ethan. “We need to be there in 1 hour, and 30 minutes!” replied Sofia.

After 1 hour, they were at the airport, luggage packed, amenities included. Bags checked, security clear.

As little Timmy glanced at the television, the news was playing an emergency outbreak. Someone had

discovered a cave that was sealed off for years, only to see absolutely nothing. So, as they were boarding the plane, Little Timmy told the 3 other family members what he saw The people were: Ethan, Sofia, Timmy, and Jake. They were astounded, only wondering where exactly this was taking place

Disaster

As the plane reached

cruising altitude, little Timmy jumped out of his seat and walked to the bathroom with his tablet. As he sat down, a bunch of turbulence started and he was terrified But, he was determined! Timmy used his tablet to search up and research what could be inside of the mysterious cave.

Eventually, it got so rough that he had to return to his seat and almost flew across the cabin Then, as Jake

was looking outside, the engine started to burn and disintegrate The crew button was pressed and one of the staff members tried to get there and eventually after 1 whole minute, got there. Jake told her the problem, she looked outside, and ran to the cockpit. She rammed into the door, and the pilot was so shocked that he went over and opened the door

The pilot told her, “What are you doing??” She replied by stating, “The right engine blew! The right engine blew!”

As the pilot and copilot tried to make an emergency landing, the passengers were

shivering in fear. But Jake was so brave that he was fine As he glanced over at the window he was already planning exactly where they would land In a barn, their family would be the only survivors because the plane would go head first into the ground and they are at the back. This means that all the air speed would go away before they could hit the ground As they braced for impact, Jake was not only happy but also sort of nervous at the same time. They blacked out, and all of them had both their legs go numb on impact

Home

Only Jake was fully up and good, so he was taking care of the family. Luckily, There were lots of cows, pigs, and chickens for their food. Jake grabbed about 10 handfuls of hay, then wrapped them all with a rubber band. He then killed one of the pigs, and then took 10 chicken eggs. He did up some fire, and cooked up the eggs and bacon from the pig.

Adjusting To The New

As he was putting the bad eggs to the side, Ethan, Sofia, and Timmy all slightly opened their eyes and wandered around the barn wondering what was going on. Jake

rushed over to them and helped them walk to the hay for a little nap. Sofia whispered, “Hey, are we having something to eat?” Jake replied, “Of course mum, I’m making bacon and eggs, your favourite It should be ready in about 5 minutes, but just go to the hay over there and I will come and bring it over to you once it’s done.” Mum then told the others what to do, and Jake watched as they all walked to the hay. He sniffled a little bit, but he was just really sad deep down. After 5 minutes, the bacon and eggs were now done for all 4 of them. Mum and dad liked crispy, so Jake cooked them the crispy bacon. Meanwhile, Jake and Timmy were sitting together while eating their bacon and eggs After the meals were done, Jake helped Timmy, Sofia, and Ethan heal and return to their normal state. Jake ventured into a distant cave, and explored a bit before leaving due to dried blood on the rock wall. It was now night time, so he collected sticks and rocks to create a campfire. They all gathered around it, the flames scorching the wood, which caused it to turn into ash, creating the weird smell. Then, even the animals started to

come and sleep at the campfire. Jake, Timmy, Ethan, and Sofia all went to snuggle up near the campfire, falling asleep within seconds

Adventuring

As Timmy opened his eyes, he saw the pigs jumping around in the mud so he called them with his “pig caller” technique. They all snorted, and ran up to him as he walked them to the scrub room Luckily, there were still over one-hundred soap bottles, buckets, and hot water remaining. The first pig out of 20 walked while snorting to Timmy that he wanted a bath. The pig stood still, as Timmy

used the sponge to thoroughly clean it. Thankfully, the pig followed almost all of Timmy's instructions, which let Timmy finish rapidly in only 5 minutes! But, the rest of the pigs were all silly, and the second pig took triple the amount of time the first one did! Then, the first pig who went snarled at all the others to tell them to stop being silly immediately, and they all listened. As the others finished, the first pig, Jack, led them outside to play around in the field. Now, Timmy fed the chickens with some leftover hay, which was their favourite food. Timmy

showed the chickens where to play, and they all clucked and seemed to march in a single file line toward their playing space Finally, The cows munched down on the grass, and Timmy squirted a few glasses of milk out of them. He put them onto the table and suddenly, Jake woke up. He was making toast and cereal this morning, which was stored in a food storage compartment As Jake grabbed the toaster out of the cupboard, he started to place the weetbix into the bowls. He put them into an exact order, and put name tags on them so the others knew who was using what bowl.

He also poured the milk in, served the cereal, and then toasted all the 8 pieces of bread, which turned it into toast He placed butter all over the toast, and served all the food to his parents and little brother Timmy They woke up, with their food sitting on the ground next to them. They grabbed the cereal bowl, and started eating. After they finished eating the cereal, they all grabbed the toast and munched it down.

Outbreak Of Dinosaurs

Jake told them, “Hey everyone, I was doing some exploring yesterday and found a cave that seemed to

be rotting!”

Sofia replied, “Wow! We better go explore that cave just to check what's inside!”

“No, no, n” said Jake “We have to! Come on!” responded Sofia. As Sofia, Timmy, and Ethan all bolted to the rotten cave, Jake tried to shout at them to tell them to come back now But, they didn’t listen, so as they ran in, lots of bones were scattered around the massive cave Then they heard a loud screech. They knew at that exact moment something was alive in there. Emerging from ash, a Tyrannosaurus Rex came dashing out, hungry for flesh. His massive feet stomped

toward the 3 people, so they all tried to evacuate as quickly as possible! Little Timmy plummeted to the ground, and the dinosaur looked at him with bloody teeth and a deathly smile. It leaped down, almost devouring Timmy, but Suddenly, a spear pierced right through its eye, killing it instantly. As it fell to the ground, Timmy, Sofia, and Ethan all looked behind them to see who through the spear. It was Jake, standing there, with a serious and powerful face!

“I tried to tell you!” shouted Jake as he walked away in disbelief. He called in

every single animal on the field, and assigned each one with a task There was one hen, who worked as a wake up caller He would just cluck cluck in the morning and everyone would wake up suddenly The pigs had an assigned task of splashing. They had to splash in the mud, hold a torch in their mouth, and explore the crumbling cave. The cows had to wait outside the cave and once they heard loud snorting, come inside and squirt the dinosaurs with their cow milk. The pig leader took charge of the pack and got ready to explore. They raced in, the dust powder

flying through the cave at an insane speed. Jack the pig ran so fast, the massive herd of pigs almost couldn’t keep up with him

Then, they heard it, a loud snoring noise that was right in front of them There it was, the carnotaurus, sleeping on the rocky, dusty, moulded ground. The cows came rushing into the cave, squirting the carnotaurus with all their might! It woke up, and started to chase the animals out of the cave. As it reached the surface, its menacing eyes came rolling in diving for the barn. But, instead of trying to kill everyone, the dinosaur went into the barn and layed down

swiftly. All the cows, chickens, pigs, and people wondered why it seemed afraid, until they heard the loud roaring of the leader

The gigantic, 7000 kilogram beast, the Tyrannosaurus Rex!! It came charging out, as the carnotaurus engulfed its ear and ripped it off the TRex’s head! The T - Rex then made a strike, as the carnotaurus tried to jump onto it and smash the T - Rex

The carnotaurus screeched in pain, as the cows, chickens, and pigs went sprinting in trying to defeat the T - Rex. Then, Timmy, Jake, Sofia, and Ethan all threw spears at the T - Rex and kept

throwing and throwing, when suddenly, Ethan saw its weak spot He threw the spear and it went flying into the dinosaur's mouth! As the T - Rex started to die of the pain, the Carnotaurus jumped in, picked up the entire TRex, leaped through the air, and sended The Tyrannosaurus Rex across the world, into the ocean to drown.

Suddenly, millions of little dinosaur critters came marching out, to kill everyone that killed their leader. They were all focused on the carnotaurus, as it was the one to kill the leader T - Rex. They all covered up the carnotaurus, and it seemed that he was

going to die. But in an instance, thousands of wasps came swarming in and started to sting every single dinosaur, which gave the carnotaurus a chance to save the world. He ran straight for the cave, where he signalled to the animals to seal the cave.

Then, the carnotaurus led them to the deepest part of the cave, where he awoke the eternal king, and told the king that he was sacrificing himself to save everyone So, as the carnotaurus fell asleep, the eternal king destroyed the carnotaurus and threw him down to the endless pit. As he looked back up, he saw the little critters He

looked back up, he saw the little critters. He charged for them, almost catching the pack, but he remembered his traps that he set up They came to a halt, wondering why he was standing still He smashed down a pressure plate, and his army came flying out, obliterating every single little dinosaur critter in sight. They were all confused, especially the kids, wondering what was going on inside their little home As the singular critter was left, they decided to let it escape and go free, because it was just a little baby, and they didn’t want to hurt

a baby. All the soldiers flew back into their homes, and all the dinosaurs rested, before the carnotaurus hit the bottom of the pit The pit was so deep, that if something hit the bottom, the entire cave would blow up. Finally, the family got sticks off trees and wrote “HELP” with the sticks As a rescue helicopter came by, it saw the “HELP” sign and landed onto the grass, saving the family and taking them home.

As they landed in California, they went to the bank to deposit their savings and bought a new house. After that very day, Timmy, Jake, Ethan, and Sofia, all made a

promise to each other that never, Never, NEVER, would they go on a plane ever again. Even if their kids really wanted to, or they were going on a school trip, they would not be allowed to go on the plane When Timmy got older he made books and even produced a whole movie about what happened to him and his family. They were very intrigued about how good Timmy made his story In fact, he got an award for having the most detailed book, and the most intriguing movie of all time! They lived like a normal family forever like they once did, and even got a puppy to celebrate

their insane adventure!

CHRISTIAAN DU BUSON

This story is about a catastrophic escape of a genetically engineered hybrid dinosaurthe Rexraptor, a terrifying blend of T. rex and Velociraptor DNA - created by Dr. Henry Wu.

Set on an island with advanced dinosaur containment facilities, the narrative follows the chaos and destruction that unfolds after the creature escapes and begins killing those sent to capture it.

Lost in Time

“Screech ”

“No, bad Blue, bad Blue!! Charlie, Delta, Echo!”

“Owen, we need you to get over here! We have a huge emergency!!”

Dr Henry Wu made a giant hybrid with the DNA of a T. rex and velociraptor This resulted in creating and the birth of the Rexraptor, a dangerous creature that can rip stone in half! This is very useful, as even if a

human is much larger than itself, it can withstand bullets and change colour in bits of genome that is classified. It is extraordinarily intelligent and can communicate with raptors. It has been in contamination with the V rex and Scorpius rex. However, it has escaped and is being tracked The rescue team was sent out, but they

found the tracker laying on the ground… “Screech.” Thud “No!!”

Brody was slaughtered by the ruthless Rexraptor. You run as you remember the last moments before Brody's excruciating demise. As the gate closes, Barry asks, “Where's Brody?!”

You give him a stare. He looks back in horror. His eyes were shaking

All jaws around you dropped. As the gate closed, a screeching noise squeezed through the crack in the gate Then, a large eyeball filled the space between the gate and the wall. All creatures great and small went silent. A roar filled the silence, followed by… Crash. The gate was forced down, and out stepped the gargantuan beast Screams of sheer terror followed the stampede; some people were killed while running in the conflict. The majority of them were picked off like flies A lucky two managed to hide and escape.

The escape of the Rexraptor was reported to H.Q., and they sent out a containment team to all parts of the island Despite being the most highly trained teams, they all met their unfortunate fates The island was evacuated around 150,000 people made it out safe Only seven people didn’t make it, including Barry and you As you finished building your base, you watched the four others get slaughtered by dinosaurs. You searched for a rescue beacon in the lair of the huge T. rex and almost got eaten in the

process. You signalled for help, but they will be another 48 hours

While you searched for food, you stumbled into the lab and found many hybrid designs.

As you scroll through the videos, one catches your eye called the “Scorpius rex. ” As you hurry back to base, you see a person get killed by the T. rex you stole the beacon from

Once you found Barry, you told him about the new danger and what it can do. You consider a mount - a spike wall with a locked door in it Your rooms are barred with iron and made with iron too.

You traced it back to its lair using the tracking device implanted in the bullet. The Scorpius had left the lair, leaving all its kills for you to take.

You and Barry load five raptors in Barry's truck and three Parasaurolophuses in your truck. This is enough food to last you months!

You yank the claws out of the raptors’ feet to make daggers - a perfect addition to the

As Barry slept, you woke up to hear a spine-chilling roar followed by a familiar screech, making a flashback to the escape. The next day, you find a fresh kill - or the carcass of the Rexraptor - with several poisonous quills stuck in its hide. Barry was on lookout while you cut and brought pieces of the carcass into the fridge and the basement. You, unawarely, cut into it while a mysterious dinosaur watched from above. Barry realised the danger and found that's the Scorpius rex. He called you over, and you immediately bolted for the door, narrowly missing the rain of quills. Luckily, Barry was armed with a rifle and shot the Scorpius in the leg

weaponry. In pure darkness, you hear a voice: “Rescue service!” Barry and you sprint out and just jump for the ladder Barry makes it to the helicopter safely, and as you jump, the Scorpius rex grabs your foot. The copilot and Barry muster all their might to pull you up, and the Scorpius jumps off onto the base. You made it up safely, pulling the ladder up with you You get away safely to California with several bite and scratch wounds in the leg and ankle. Thankfully, you survive. Then you get a job as a Navy S E A L , passing your story down for generations.

ETHAN DI FRANCESCO

This story is about a Perilous Journey undertaken by four brave young villagersErin, Jasmine, Rowan, and Daz - who set out to confront the monstrous threats haunting their land. After surviving nightly attacks from creatures called Valtls, Erin discovers a prophecy that foretells the rise of four heroes destined to venture through dangerous terrains, risking their lives for a greater cause.

As darkness engulfs the small farm in the fields below, the bell tolls signaling the deadline of staying awake The villagers immediately ran into their houses to avoid the darkness that awakens the creatures Some were too late. As the shrieks of the Valtls fill the night, Erin takes refuge in the barn of his home surrounded by the sound of the disrupting sheep Without time to get to his actual home beside

A Perilous Journey

the farm, he would have to sleep in the barn before the Valtls go away. As one of the menacing creatures leapt on the roof of the barn, Erin closed his ears to avoid the screech the monsters make. He heard the sound of claws raking across the old wood and the wings blowing large rocks off the roof Who knew when they would leave?

On a cold winter’s

morning, Erin finally walked out of the barn, free from the stench of hay “You sheep should think about going on a diet but have other things too

That smell stinks!” He yelled at the sheep. Of course, he got nothing but a, maaa! “And maybe learn English while you ’ re at it ” He continued “Erin! Where are you?!” He heard. That was his mother. She walked over to the

barn to find him standing next to a sheep “Oh, I thought a Valtl got you. Are you okay?” She asked, relieved to see her son “I’m fine, Mum ” He said. “Your Father was just about to go hunting to find you I’ll tell him you ’ re okay.” His mother said. Erin walked into his house. It wasn’t much, but it was enough to keep them safe and healthy. That was all Erin cared about “With the Valtls gone, am I good to go the library for a second?” He asked “Of course, dear. Just stay safe.” His mother said. “I will be.”

something odd. There was a large pile of books scattered across the ground and people reading lots and lots of books

As he walked into the library, he saw

“Oh, just the people reading a lot.” He said relieved No problems Yet. “Erin! There you are!” He heard. He walked around the corner to see his friends all together at one table. “Rowan, Daz, Jasmine, good to see you Are you all okay?” He asked his friends. “We’re fine but man, I'd be surprised if the Valtls will be hungry tonight. They caught a lot of villagers last night ” Commented Daz. Valtls looked like scaly birds

but with a large tail and a very unorthodox shaped head They come by every night past 10:00pm ready to snatch anyone who dares stay out Although the Valtls seem like the most dangerous monsters, it’s almost certainly not true. Dragons, Trolls and other monsters lurk in the swamps, forests and mountain lands above. Erin’s seen one for himself when he went hunting with his brother. They’d gone too far out to the bottom of the mountains. As a dragon appeared, only Erin returned home. He never saw his brother again. “Erin, guys, look at this!” Rowan loudly

whispered. Erin and Jasmine looked over Rowan’s shoulder Daz looked over the other. He had a book full of myths and prophecies over the years One really grabbed Erin’s attention. As creatures lurk the terrain and fearful lives flee, four shall journey through the land, accomplish something many cannot and give their lives if need be… “and give their lives if need be?” Erin finished in confusion. That made him think.

“Jasmine, is your dad still a blacksmith?” He asked. “Yeah, why?”

Jasmine asked.

“Because we leave for the mountains before midnight.”

Erin and Jasmine ran into the blacksmith and grabbed one excalibur, a bow and a pack of arrows, an axe and a dagger “A dagger seems a little over the top, don’t you think?”

Jasmine asked “The sharper, the better and I know you ’ re just saying that because you ’ re scared to admit the fact that you like to fight with a dagger ” Erin answered “We have been spending WAY too much time together ” Jasmine said, annoyed. The two brought the weapons back to Rowan’s home. Erin handed him an axe. He shook his head. “I’m more of a bow and

arrow guy. ” He said. Daz grabbed the axe and gave the bow he was given to Rowan. “Thanks.” Don’t mention it ” Daz said The four held their weapon tightly. “Are we ready?” Erin asked. “Yes ” They all answered. Shriek!! They heard. The Valtls had arrived.

“Look out!” Yelled Rowan pushing Daz out of the way to have a Valtl grab Rowan by the shoulders and pull him up with its claws.

Jasmine slipped her dagger out of her pocket and threw it at the Valtl. The flying monster immediately let go of Rowan. He collapsed to the

ground from the sky landing next to the dead Valtl Erin grabbed him by his shoulders and pulled him back “You okay?” He asked “Fine, just a claw cut my shoulder but I’ll be fine. Looks worse than it is Not an issue.” He stood and grabbed an arrow with his bad arm, pulled it behind the string and let go. Bullseye! It shot a Valtl right in the wing “Great shot!”

Complimented Daz

“We can’t keep fighting, we have to go!” Yelled Erin “Hurry!” Shouted Jasmine. Rowan put his arrow back in his pack. Jasmine slipped her dagger into her pocket. Daz did the

same. Erin slipped his sword into his scabbard The four sprinted out of the village ready to begin the journey of their lives

As the steps in the horrid mud released a disrupting sound, Erin and his loyal companions continued the journey ahead The swamp was a horrible place to be in. Full of mangrove ponds and mud engulfing the ground. Who knew what else was in this swamp? “I’ve never been this far from the village.” Daz said, worriedly. A mosquito landed on Jasmine’s arm. She immediately smacked it. “This place

is truly primitive. I don’t like it!” She yelled. Rowan accidentally stepped on a mushroom. “Gross, I hate mushrooms!” He said, disgusted “Guys, shut up. ” Erin whispered loudly. He pointed at an old, wooden house in the pond. It was being held on four large wooden stilts and leaning to the right. It was making a loud creaking sound. Ccccrrrreeeeaaaakkkk!

! “How disrupting ” Said Daz. The sound of footsteps overtook all the other noises around. They were very heavy. A large shape covered an entire window “Oh, no ” Erin said. “Wh, what?” Jasmine asked. “Troll.”

The horrid creature took a step out of the hut and headed towards them. Erin took out his excalibur Jasmine slipped out her dagger. Rowan grabbed his bow and aimed an arrow at the troll and of course, Daz took out his axe. The troll grabbed its club and swiped! Rowan shot his arrow at the troll, hitting it in the arm The troll growled in anger and swiped its club at Rowan. He dodged three hits before being smashed into a tree. Daz threw his axe missing the troll but smashing into the hut “Great shot!”

Yelled Jasmine sarcastically. The troll

ran towards Erin. He held his excalibur tightly in his hand and swiped! He opened his eyes to see nothing but the body of a troll on the ground, Jasmine standing still in shock and Daz with Rowan. “You okay?” He asked all of them. “Yep.” Jasmine answered. “Yep.” Daz replied. “Sure ” Rowan said “Great, then we move on to the mountains!”

Finally, outside of the swamp, the forest was to gaze upon next. Surrounded by a bowl of stone, the forest was almost closed off, by a gate but made out of rock Erin looked around and he saw an opening but it didn’t l

ook simple. It had a single person standing at the entry “A gatekeeper I assume. ” Rowan said, uncertain. He was probably right The person had a long robe, wrecked glasses and a large, flickering lantern in his left hand He held long staff in the other. He looked like he had been there for a long time “Greetings, adventurers. What brings you to the forest?” He asked “We would kindly like to ask for entry into the forest to resume our journey to the mountain peaks above.” Erin answered. The gatekeeper frowned If he was going to be nice, that face wouldn’t make it

convincing. “You may pass but entry comes with a cost ” The gatekeeper said. “We have plenty of credits. How many do you require?” Erin asked “I’m not interested in riches. The price to be paid is one of you each will complete my test. If you win, you enter. If you don’t, you will be terminated Do we have a deal?” He said the last two sentences so casually, it almost seemed like he was absolutely fine with someone getting killed. “We have a deal ”

riddle.” The gatekeeper said. “Go on. ” Daz answered “Poor people have it. Rich people need it. If you eat it you die What is it?” The gatekeeper asked. “Nothing. The answer is nothing.” Daz answered “Correct You may pass. ” Daz walked through the opening. Rowan came up next “You are ready for the question?” The gatekeeper asked “Would I be able to go last?” Rowan asked.

The gatekeeper walked forward. The four followed “You!” He pointed at Daz. “You must answer my

The keeper sighed. “Fine ” He pointed at Jasmine instead. “Well, will you do it?” She nodded. “Very well, then ” He pointed to a large pack of sticks in the shape of a nine.

“Turn 9 into 11.” The gatekeeper ordered. Erin had no idea what that meant. To him, this challenge would be one for Rowan He was the most intelligent of the four. Jasmine immediately started. She turned them into the shape of an eleven but then she held her chin. “Wait a second. You can’t turn them into eleven! There will be one left out! It wouldn't be even!” Erin looked closer “You can't turn them into a digit of course, but you can turn them to represent eleven another way. ” The gatekeeper said. Jasmine tilted her head. Then she gasped. “Wait! I got

it!” She turned them into a row of eleven sticks “Check please!”

Carefully, the gatekeeper looked at her result “Correct You may pass ” Jasmine walked through the entrance. Erin was next “You must answer this question. One sector of the land holds monsters of any kind, which sector has the most monsters?” Erin remembered when he read the book of monsters when he was younger Then he thought. “None. All sectors have an even amount of monsters.” Erin answered “Correct. You may pass. ” Rowan was up.

The gatekeeper held 4 pieces of gold. “Which piece is the most valuable? Pick the one up. ” Rowan looked closely He picked up the biggest piece “Incorrect.” Erin was shocked. “I don’t get it. The bigger the piece, the more valuable it is!” Rowan said. “Yes, but this large piece is not gold, it is a replica.” “How was I supposed to know if it was fake or not?!” "Irrelevant, prepare to die!” Erin immediately reacted but not quick enough Jasmine slipped out her pocket knife and threw it at the gatekeeper.

Bullseye! The gatekeeper took one last jerk and his eyes

stared sightlessly at the sky. “Are we ready to move on?” Jasmine nodded. “Great, let's go. Into the forest!”

The four venture into the forest not knowing that a pair of starved eyes follows them into the dense danger ahead. A howl takes over the sound of anything else in the forest. Daz shudders. “Daz, there are many things in this forest more dangerous than a wolf.” Rowan said. He was right. Erin looked up to see the mountains not far from the forest. Leaves were falling from the canopy above them Jasmine shrieked in fear. “What?” Erin asked.

“There was a spider on me! It’s still there, isn’t it!” She yelled “Jasmine, it’s not on you. ” Rowan said. She sighed Snap! Rowan shakes Daz falls to the ground. Jasmine just stood and shrugged. Erin too All of a sudden, a bush started to shake. A loud growl made Daz faint. Jasmine shut her eyes Rowan took a frightened sigh and walked toward the bush Suddenly, a wolf leapt out of the bush and landed on Rowan. Erin looked at the wolf; it was juvenile. Rowan looked gently at it. Daz lifted himself up. “Are we dead? Is this heaven?” “Daz, we ’ re not dead.” Jasmine

said. “Can we keep him?” Rowan asked. Instead of attacking, the wolf leapt into Rowan’s lap. “Come here, boy!” He said “Fine We can keep him.” Suddenly, an arrow shot into a tree! Another hit it rock Five figures leapt from the trees, arrows aimed at all four of them!

One of the people held a spear at Daz. He grabbed it hard “Hey, point that thing someplace else. Point at him.” He said, pushing the spear and pointing at Rowan. “Excuse me?” Rowan said back. Erin looked closely at the people Instead of wearing casual clothes like he

was, they wore very wild looking clothes. He immediately figured out who they were. “Tribal people.” He said He remembered when his Mother used to tell him that there were people living in the trees He thought they were just stories to keep him entertained. He held a hand gently at one of the tribal people. They all stepped back and leapt back into the trees “Weird,” Daz said. “don’t tell me they were scared of your hand?” “No,” Erin looked back to see nothing. He looked forward again to see a giant lizard with a bird beak and feathers over its back and a large

rock club at the tip of its tail.

SSHHHRRREEEIIIKKK!!!!!

Went the creature. “Run!” Erin yelled.

The four sprinted down the path. The monster not far behind. Rowan looked behind before tripping on a rock and tumbling down the path. He rolled over the edge of the path into a small drop below. “Rowan, you genius!” Erin yelled He leaped off the edge and Jasmine did the same. Daz looked back He ran back to grab the wolf. The creature almost killed him. “You’re welcome!”

Daz yelled Before having to dodge the monster. It collapsed

down the edge. Erin and Jasmine ran down to Rowan His eyes were shut. “Rowan, we ’ ve got to go. C’mon!” Erin yelled He wouldn’t get up The monster appeared behind them.

SSHHRREEIIKK!!! Erin looked behind them. He immediately turned back. “What?!” Jasmine asked “Whatever you do, don’t look back.” He answered. Jasmine didn’t Without looking back, two large eyes gleamed out of a dark cave behind them. A hiss turned the sound of the monster sound like nothing. A giant head flew out of the cave, teeth fastened into the monster. The head pulled back,

bringing the monster into the darkness and the shrieks turned into an eerie silence. “WHAT WAS THAT?!” Daz yelled “I think it was a Basilisk ” Erin said “So that’s why you said not to look back.” Jasmine said, finally figuring it out. Rowan lifted his eyes. “You’re awake. You blacked out.” Erin said He started to stand up before falling again. “My leg’s sore. ” He said Erin looked down Rowan’s right leg was out of shape. “It looks broken.”

Jasmine said Daz walked down with the wolf. “Why are we standing here?” He asked “Rowan’s injured.” Jasmine said. “C’mon. We’ll rest at

multiple stops. For now on let’s go. ” Erin said. Still moving on ahead are the eyes of a hunter still feasted on the five wanderers heading to the mountains. As the water flowed through the coast, the five adventurers journeyed through the waterlogged terrain

“Do you think they’ll be a Sea Serpent or something?” Jasmine asked “Sea Serpents are slightly more within the interior of the ocean ” Rowan explained. His arm was around Erin’s neck for walking support. “Do you need to stop yet?” Erin asked. “No. I’ll be fine. The ground may

be wet but it’ll be alright.” Daz almost slipped “If I were to say which out of the four of us is most likely to fall, I would have said Rowan ” Jasmine commented. “Why did we go through the coast?” Daz asked “It’ll be safer,” Erin answered. “and the temple is easier to get to this way ” “Oh, you mean that temple?” Daz asked. They all just looked at him-even the wolf, in confusion “It’s a gift.”

The doors of the temple were immense. “I like the height.” Said Rowan. Erin looked at him “You sure you ' re okay?” He asked. Daz looked up. “No

monsters I can see. ” He explained. Staring at the door, the five searched for a way to enter. “I found something!” Rowan yelled The door had three pictures of symbols. A picture of Ice, a picture of Rock and a picture of Steel. A long strip of writing; a language Erin didn’t know, was on a part of the door. “Rowan. Go ahead. What does it say?” Erin asked Rowan looked closely “It says, follow the statue's gaze. Follow the path and press the plates to enter.” He said. “Why is it always so complex?!” Daz yelled Rowan walked closer to the doors. “Rowan, don’t even

think about it.” Erin ordered. Rowan didn’t listen He just walked forward and pressed all three plates. “Voila ” He said “Nice ” Daz complimented. All of a sudden, BOOM! A large explosion took over the area. “Good one, Rowan.” Daz commented. “What do you mean? The door’s open. ” Rowan said, limping from the smoke Daz just scoffed “Ready to go in?” Erin asked. They all nodded (except the wolf) “Great We have almost fulfilled our quest!” Erin yelled. Watching the figures, are the eyes of a hunter stalking the adventurers, waiting for the right time to strike. The corridors were narrow but long. As our five adventurers journeyed into the passageway, a pair of hungry eyes follows. “Rowan, there are islands moving faster than you. Come on!”

Daz yelled. Rowan was still limping Erin walked backwards and held Rowan’s arm over his neck “Come on Let’s go ” He said Clang, clang! “Daz, stop doing that.” Erin ordered “Uh, that’s not me. ” Daz said. The sound was getting louder. Jasmine pointed at a dark corridor where the sound was loudest. A

large shine gleamed through the dark. “What is that?” Daz asked. “Steel…” Erin said. His sentence was broken by a knight with its sword drawn! It threw its sword hard into the ground. “Who are you?!” Erin asked “Let us say I am your hunter. I have been following you since the gate of the forest!” He answered. Erin drew his excalibur and swiped at the knight He managed to land a blow on it. Jasmine threw her dagger at the knight Bullseye! It hit him directly in the side. He pulled it out of him. Daz immediately swiped his axe The knight blocked his blow and flew him into the

walls. He ran towards Rowan, sword drawn! The Wolf leapt onto the knight smashing him to the ground. He managed to throw him off Erin quickly leapt at the Knight behind him and pushed his blade deep into the knight’s armour. The knight jerked his neck, fell back, and his body grew motionless and still. “Are we all okay?” He asked. They all nodded “We are so close, we just need to go a little further.” They all stood ready to fulfil the quest

Reaching the main throne room, the heroes sprint into the middle ready to confront the final

challenge. “I tried to hope you stayed out of my throne but you couldn’t resist.” Echos flooded through the hallway Erin drew his excalibur Ready to fight. The smell of smoke had flown into Erin’s nose The sound of growl had flooded the entire throne room.

A dragon’s head slithered through the hallway. The dragon lifted his head high and sniffed the air “I taste fear ” He said “Face me. All five of you. ” He said. All weapons drawn, teeth and claws sharpened, the battle royale was on!

The dragon leapt at all five. Rowan pulled an

arrow back but didn’t shoot. Instead, he pushed it forward and then shot it. Jasmine threw her dagger and it landed directly into the tail The Dragon screeched. Daz swiped his axe straight into the face of the dragon Blood dripped from the dragon’s mouth. He screeched in anger. He then swiped his claws at Rowan, only just missing. Erin threw his excalibur at the dragon, the blade smashed into the dragon’s face. The dreaded creature swiped his claws at him landing a blow at Erin. He smashed hard into the throne Pain flushed through his arm. All of a sudden, a

long stick fell from the top of the throne. Erin looked at it closely

The eternal staff! He thought to himself. He immediately picked it up and aimed the tip at the dragon. The dragon looked back. “No! Do you not use the staff!” He yelled. “Why would I listen to you?”

Erin said. He let out a blast of energy so powerful he had to hold the staff with both hands The blast landed directly into the dragon. The blast pushed the dragon back smashing it into the wall. Erin then swiped and pulled the dragon out the balcony and over the edge Erin dropped the staff. His eyes started to flicker

and close. He then collapsed and everything turned from a white coloured temple into black.

Erin woke up in his bed. “What happened?” He asked. His Mother was standing beside him. His Father on the other side. “Welcome home son ” He said His friends behind them.

Erin was full of happiness He had completed the journey More accurately, they had completed the journey

The End

OLIVER CLANCY

This story is about a relentless hunt for a mysterious serial killer known only as The Musical Killer, who leaves a chilling pattern: murdering musicians only after performing their instrument on stage.

The Musical Killer

The Musical Killer As an organisation as big as the CIA, it is very rare for us to not have an identified suspect in a murder case. It never happens in all my twenty years being a secret operative The Musical Killer continues their killing spree, keeping us on our toes and always leading us in different directions. However, tonight it will be different We have been given a tip from a reliable informant that

they will be at the upcoming Orchestra tonight. The Musical Killer's first body was found at a Jazz club downtown after the performance he killed the saxophone players but not before playing the saxophone. The next murder was when a Heavy Rock band The Musical Killer killed the drum player but again not before he played the drums This continued with classical when he killed

the Violinist but again not before playing the violin. This continued in this order 3 more times and then with Jazz and Rock which means he will be at the Orchestra tonight We used our radio interceptions to figure out which one It is on 435 Rockwell Street, the biggest of the year and over 4,000 people will be there The preparation for the Sting operation was no s

imple task. Everyone was stressed, even Jeremy, who is usually the most calm person you will ever meet. He is the type of person to have coffee split on heis new clothes and just laugh and say it's fine But he was stressing, panicking, and worried about how we were going to pull it off First we had to plan our entrance. We couldn't get through the metal detectors so we had to get in touch with the owner to give us back room access which took over 12 hours. Then we had to plan how we were going to surprise The Musical Killer after the performance and how we were going to stop

him. We had to pack the Van and weapons and get our fake IDs so we wouldn’t get exposed. We had to get full access passes to the building and everything in it so that we could make sure to catch The Musical Killer from any angle he tries to escape from. After the preparation came setting up. We needed to set cameras up for surveillance and monitoring of the site so that no suspicious people or activity could get past Blake in the van. After that we had to make sure that the hidden microphones in some of the seats were correctly hidden and

invisible to the naked eye. I had to ensure that all the cast were wearing bullet proof vests and a hidden Microphone so we could hear and spy on everything that they said to make sure that they weren’t planning anything. Then we had to surround the building with the Vans to ensure that once they were in there was no chance of anyone getting out until we had found The Musical Killer. The final thing that we had to do to keep the Orchestra safe was to make sure that there were multiple guards outside of the restrooms This was because The Musical Killer had

always entered a bathroom and snuck out a window and then murdered his victim, so we will have a guard that is always outside the restroom making sure no one takes more than 10 minutes. We also barracked the windows to ensure that nothing bad could happen. The event started and everyone started swarming in ready for the big event Finally they were going to see the magnificent Orchestra and what was hyped up to be the greatest event of the year. Every single person that went in had to get checked many times by metal

detectors, full body detectors, and they had to be patted down. Many people were found in possession of things like hair clips and bobby pins but they still had to be removed as they could be used as a weapon or a lock pick to unlock the locks on the doors or restrooms windows

There were guards at every corner waiting for The Musical Killer to slip up and make a mistake so that we could catch him quickly and get this done with The Musical Killer did slip up so we had to up our game. We had to keep track of every single member of the audience and

especially the Orchestra. After the performance we kept track of all the Orchestra members and made sure that the members were safe, that is until the lead

Violinist went out for some fresh air and got locked out. On the cameras we saw someone walking towards him We used a team to sneak up behind him and catch The Musical Killer Thankfully he didn’t notice and we waited for him to start his tradition with the Violin and a gun to the lead Violinists head. We had him trapped, we snuck up behind him, grabbed him and we finally caught The

Musical Killer. After we caught The Musical Killer everyone in a Band or Orchestra could go home safely and knowing that they would see another day after their play. Many families could finally know who killed their family and he got life in prison for his crimes against all those families and Band members. The CIA members on the team that captured The Musical Killer got a badge of greatness and put in the Hall of Fame.

HEMISH PATEL

This story is about a young noblewoman, Liora Norelin, who leaves behind a life of wealth and comfort in the kingdom of Hyrule to follow a mysterious letter.

In the rolling green hills of Hyrule, where castles reached toward the sky and fountains danced in golden courtyards, the Norelin family lived in a manor carved from white stone and polished crystal. They were the richest family in the region - whispers spoke of vaults so deep they touched the mountain roots and feasts so lavish even the birds paused to listen.

Hyrule

But riches, like borders, don’t protect the heart.

At the center of the Norelin dynasty was young Liora, the only daughter of Lord Thalric and Lady Sienne While her parents dealt in rare rupees, magical artifacts, and foreign diplomacy, Liora spent her days perched on the edge of her velvetpadded balcony, peering across the fields beyond Castle

Town toward the borderlands - lands her family rarely spoke of, except in hushed tones or tight-lipped silence. It was a very cool place

Those lands were foreign to her, and that very foreignness made them fascinating. It could not be betan.

One evening, as twilight pooled in the valleys like spilled ink, a letter arrived Not in

the usual ribbon-bound courier pouch, but slipped beneath her bedroom door, folded with meticulous care.

No seal No signature

Just a single line: "If your heart seeks more than gold, follow the whisper " It was absurd. Dramatic. Yet she held it to her chest like a secret spell

That night, she slipped from her bed, pulling on riding boots and a cloak of soft twilight blue. She packed little just a few coins, a compass, and a silver pendant passed down from her grandmother, rumored to glow when near truth.

Her horse, Calen,

whinnied low when she approached the stables She stroked his mane. “It’s a journey, old friend. We might find where the whisper leads ”

They rode silently past the sleeping guard posts Liora wasn’t sure what she was looking for, but her compass needle flickered strangely, drawn toward the east not north. Magic, perhaps. She didn’t question it

Three days into her journey, after crossing the rich Hyrulean lowlands and entering the scrubby no-man ’ sland near the border, Liora came across a boy sitting on a fallen log, carving something into the wood. He

looked up.

“You’re not from here.”

His accent was strange - flat and sharp at once.

“I’m from Hyrule,” Liora answered carefully, tugging her hood tighter.

“Rich folk don’t usually come this far.”

She didn’t reply.

He tossed her a piece of dried meat “You’ll need that. Past here, the border isn’t a line on a map It’s a test ”

“A test?”

He nodded. “Every person hears it differently But everyone hears the whisper.”

It chilled her. The boy offered to travel with her, and she accepted - though he never gave

his name. She started calling him Whisp, partly in jest, partly because he seemed like something made from wind and stories The borderlands grew stranger. At times, the terrain shifted when she looked away Rivers vanished. Trees moved. At night, dreams of a glowing city filled her sleep an ancient place, older than Hyrule, hidden beyond politics and riches On the fifth day, they reached the border.

Not a wall, not a fence, but a shimmering fold in the air like heat above stone. Whisp looked at her “Are you ready?” She wasn’t. But she

stepped through. What lay beyond defied logic

She stood in a city carved into cliffs, where waterfalls carried glowing crystals and people

wore woven silver robes No carriages No guards. Just peace and something older than laws.

A woman approached, her eyes silver like the pendant at Liora’s neck

“You carry the Whisper’s mark,” she said.

Liora clutched the pendant. “What is the Whisper?”

“It is the truth beneath borders A calling that passes through blood and silence.”

The woman, named Elyra, led her through the city called Sutharyn a place hidden even from maps Once part of ancient Hyrule, it had seceded generations ago when its people chose knowledge over conquest, harmony over gold.

“You were meant to come, ” Elyra told her that night as they sat beneath trees that hummed softly “Your grandmother came once. She left the pendant for the next in her line who would hear the call.”

“But why me?” Liora asked.

“Because your heart grew restless in comfort. And because

you chose to journey beyond the known.”

Days passed in Sutharyn. Liora learned their customs, their histories stories not found in Hyrulean archives. She read scrolls older than her kingdom, spoke with elders who remembered the First Song, and began to see her world as one thread in a much larger weave.

But the more she grew to love Sutharyn, the more she felt the tug of home. Her parents would be desperate The world she’d left behind still pulsed through her blood. Borders still mattered “You could stay,” Elyra said gently. “But you

must decide: live across borders or return, and become the bridge.”

And so, Liora returned.

FREDDIE ORR

This story is about greed, legacy, and betrayal - set against the opulence of the ultra-rich elite.

The Murder on the High Seas Part 2 is an extension of the first installation released in Term 1's booklet. More to come for the Baskerville’s!

Murder on the High Seas: P2

Chapter 1 - Rich Man's World

On a calm cool night in the middle of the Mediterranean Sea the crystal glider yacht sailed calmly through the still lukewarm water The yacht was like a mansion on the water. The vessel, a massive 70 by 20 metre boat, glistened with elegance. Within the walls of this great ship lie 7 bedrooms, 8 bathrooms, a kitchen equipped with a

private chef, a massive ball room and if not enough already a study. Additionally, On the balcony there was a massive deck upon which lay a helipad that for most of the time stayed empty

The owner of the yacht was the rich Duke Perry Wadsworth of England with his soon to be fiance Madelen Caroll who is the daughter of a rich English lord. His cousin Alexander

Butler, currently an architect in Paris, had been close with Perry for years ever since their rich uncle Malcolm Butler died. Alexander's girlfriend Ashley hatton was the valedictorian at oxford law and is the leading barrister in the United Kingdom. Perry also has a hated sister Bridget Hussain who is a star on the Hollywood stage and has won Oscars for her movies. Daren Alderson the outcast of

the family resents their British nature and moves to Manhattan where he became one of the leading real estate agents in the manhattan region This will be the first family gathering Darren has been to in eight years Finally, somehow related to the rest of the family, Janice Blackburn is a round the clock sold out creative designer in the floral industry based in Prague

Now this twisted and deviant family gathered on Perry’s yacht for the splitting of their grandfather

Edmund Baskerville’s will. He is the head and owner of the leading

bank in the world

Baskerville accounts based in almost every major and minor city in the world. Their dear, old, and despised grandfather will meet on the boat to announce the dividing up or cutting out of his billion dollar fortune.

Chapter 2 - Unstill Water Turned Choppy

Now this twisted and deviant family gathered on Perry’s yacht for the splitting of their grandfather

Edmund Baskerville’s will He is the head and owner of the leading bank in the world

Baskerville accounts based in almost every major and minor city in the world. Their dear,

old, and despised grandfather will meet on the boat to announce the dividing up or cutting out of his billion dollar fortune

As Perry and Madeline left the dock they had know idea the journey or more so travesty they were about to endure. Once the yacht had hit the center of the Mediterranean, Alexander and Ashley joined them by helicopter. The helicopter's fresh custom paint resembled the million dollar yacht: beautiful, expensive, and eyecatching The white and gold exterior was jaw-dropping. One

after another helicopters like these came and went to drop off all the family members. All except one Edmund The old man had a notorious history of arriving in style whatever the cost As the temperature slowly decreased and the water became more turbulent you could hear the blades colliding with the air as Edmund’s chopper slowly descended onto the yacht's helipad. With all the guests gathered in the ballroom dressed for a black tie event you could hear the stomping of metal soled shoes colliding with the wooden steps. The doors slammed open on either side As the wrinkly, old, billionaire took a step into the room it was like a freezing cold gust of wind had just hit the guests with force Eger eyed all the guests form a semicircle around him In his deep slow voice he stated, “ As you all know you are family to me and I love each and everyone of you so I have decided that each and every one of you will be immediately cut from my will no one will receive a single dollar or item ”

Enraged, the guests shouted as he placed

the will on the table and picked up his pen. Alexander tried to remove the pen from his hand so he couldn't sign the will Edmunds personal security detail swept into action removing Alexander from the room Whilst this was unfolding Perry glanced up at the ceiling to see two men with guns up their waiting to make sure nobody came towards Edmund If they did they wouldn't have any time to reconsider their actions and that's for sure

“Bang,” a gunshot, the lights were out, screams erupted from across the room. Within seconds the emergency

power generator kicked in as Edmunds security guards came running in from all directions.

Encompassed in a pool of blood, Edmunds cold body lay still on the floor. “Quick,” did he sign it Perry asked The guests' pure hatred for the man started to radiate from each and everyone of them

Alexander took a long glance at the will and noticed not a single signature on the page “No, he didn't sign it,” Alexander stated in relife

emergency but not a single guest had even the slightest of a chance to murderer for they were all free of weapons At least we thought It was a straight shot to the bow which ruptured his appendix which assured death in almost seconds. The guards with snipers on the top of the ball room came down and joined the rest of the guests in the ballroom

suggested it was gun misfiring from the mainland The original plan was for Edmund to announce the decision regarding his will at the end of the trip and since nobody cared for Edmund and with no reason to cut the trip short they decided to continue the trip through Europe

Chapter 3 - Money’s last day of Wealth

All the guards were equipped with a firearm in case of

All of Edmunds security team had been serving alongside him for almost 20 years, they had stopped countless attempts to kill Edmund and were sworn to protect Edmund at all costs. The only evidence they had

The yacht continued to house the group for 1 more night A quiet, peaceful night oblivious to danger, a moment that would soon be outlived. The next morning the congregation of people (along with one murderer of course) departed the boat

where it stayed in the monte carlo port in Monaco for the remainder of the trip. A line of custom Rolls Royce Phantoms stretched out in front of them. As the party of people compacted into the luxurious cars they streamlined to the Rolex Monte Carlo grand Masters for a day out of deception When the team of people arrived at the grand masters they were greeted by a caucasian looking man named Carlo who led them along with a team of helpers to their private viewing suite. The fresh air in the room along with the scent of delicious handcrafted foods and

pastries greeted the guests with a scene of luxury and delicacy

Four sets to none with Alex de Minaur in the lead tension was tight across the world. As the final buzzer blew Alex de Minaur came home with the win.

After a massive bet placed by Bridget she was furious that Alex won and set a course of anger in her body for the rest of the day

The guests stayed behind for a glass or two of Mohi Henderson and some final nibbles before departing to the airport to catch a plane to the heart of the French countryside Bridget, still raging inside, stormed off and

decided to catch her own car, a crystal wrapped navy bently to the airport. Leading the way was Bridget's car whitch was followed by the convoy of Rolls Royces.

Chapter 4 - The Last Road to Fame

As Bridget's Bentley approached the Hon Noir woods the exhaust started smoking. Black smoke engulfed the navy blue paint of the Bentley's shimmering custom wrapped coat.

The coughing car started to block the line of vision for the trailing cars behind. Eventually, the cars behind had to pull over to prevent a crash, especially when

dealing with $15 million worth of machinery.

“Screach,” the wheels of the Bently locked as the car slid down into the canopy running alongside the road The car fell to the depths of the cliff killing the driver, Bridget, and all the hops that died along with the car. As the smoke cleared the Rolls Royces moved forward to see Bridget nowhere in sight, the cars slowly glided past as Janice screamed to see that the “Winged B” was cracked and lying still in the middle of the road. Janice glanced down along with the other members in the car to see the parts of the glamorous speed

machine cracked and apart on the rocky granite floor of the cliff. The cars behind Janice pulled over but Darren, Alexander, and Ashlys car continued moving towards the air strip. Janice and the cars behind pulled over in compassion but considering Bridget's resentful nature the group acted with kindness but inside couldn't care less. Especially Perry, his true hate for his long lost sister shined brighter than the sun but his self reputation made sure that he told nobody and acted like he cared.

authorities with the intention to discuss the matter later on the jet as they streamline over the French countryside.

The group boarded the plane to a glass of Moët Hennessy and a lifetime of luxury.

To Be Continued

The rest of the cars soon moved on calling

JACK SCHEFERMANN

This story is about absurd wealth, vanity, and a parrot-led heist on the high seas.

The Billion Dollar Yaht Disaster

There are two types of rich people in the world: the ones who quietly enjoy their wealth and the ones who buy a billion-dollar yacht just to rub it in everyone ’ s faces Nigel Montgomery III was proudly in the second category

His yacht, The Whisper of the Ocean (which he named because “whisper” sounded mysterious and expensive), was the most ridiculous thing ever built. It had a shark tank, a solid gold toilet, and an onboard chef whose only job was making soufflés. It even had a small volcano on the sundeck for “ambience” (and because Nigel liked the way it looked when he threw old tax documents into the flames)

But the one thing Nigel valued more than

anything was his Key to Ultimate Luxury. The Key (yes, capital K) was custom-made from pure platinum, encrusted with diamonds, and rumoured to contain an ancient Egyptian curse (it didn’t, but Nigel liked telling people it did). The key didn’t open anything particularly important just a private minibar in his suite but that wasn’t the point It was

a symbol of wealth, like a monocle or pretending you know how to play polo.

And that’s why, on the night of his annual Over-the-Top Yacht Gala, disaster struck.

The Great Key Heist Nigel stood at the center of his party, wearing an electric blue suit, a cravat that could double as a parachute, and a monocle that served no purpose whatsoever.

Celebrities, billionaires, and people who were just really good at sneaking into rich-people parties surrounded him, sipping thousanddollar cocktails made

from whale tears and imported moon dust. Everything was perfect

Until Nigel reached for his beloved key and found nothing

He froze

Then he patted himself down like a man who had just realized he left his wallet at a gas station two states away.

“No, no, no, no, NO!”

Nigel shrieked, causing a waiter carrying a tray of lobster-stuffed lobster to trip and faceplant into a bowl of imported caviar.

“What’s wrong?” asked Trixie Vanderpump, a reality TV star famous for being rich and nothing else

“My key! It’s gone!” Nigel howled.

Gasps rippled through the crowd. Someone dropped their champagne glass. The soufflé chef fainted.

“Wait, you mean the stupidly expensive key that doesn’t actually open anything important?” asked Nigel’s best friend, Derek, who had only been invited because he once saved Nigel from choking on a diamond-covered steak

“Yes, that one!” Nigel wailed.

Derek sighed. “Alright.

Let’s find this dumb key before you have a fullblown billionaire meltdown.”

The Suspects

The search began.

Nigel, Derek, and Trixie rounded up the most suspicious people on the yacht (which was basically everyone because rich people are inherently shady)

1. Chef Pierre – The yacht’s soufflé chef, who had one too many emotional breakdowns over his soufflés sinking.

2 Baron von Schnitzelstein – A mustache-twirling aristocrat who definitely had “cartoon villain” energy.

3. Chadwick

Chadlington – A tech billionaire who thought Bitcoin could cure diseases.

4 Nigel’s pet parrot, Sir Squawksalot – Who once stole Nigel’s

watch and sold it on eBay. Nigel interrogated each one personally. “Pierre! Did you steal my key?!” Pierre clutched his chest “Monsieur, why would I steal a key? I only care about soufflés! And you you do not even appreciate my soufflés! You call them ‘fancy pancakes’!”

Nigel sighed. “Fine. You’re dismissed.”

“Baron von Schnitzelstein! Confess!” The Baron twirled his mustache.

“Vhy vould I steal your key, Nigel? I am already rich! Besides, I only steal antique clocks It is how you say… my passion.”

“Huh. Weird but okay.”

“Chadwick

Chadlington! I bet you took it!” Chadwick sipped his platinumencrusted energy drink.

“Bro, why would I need a key? I’m launching an app tomorrow that lets you think about unlocking a door and it just, like, happens, you know?” “I don’t know, Chadwick, and frankly, I don’t want to ”

Finally, Nigel turned to his parrot. “Sir Squawksalot, if you took my key, I swear ”

The parrot squawked loudly and belched out an entire gold earring Derek stared. “That bird’s up to something ”

The Chase

Just then, there was a scream. A gust of wind.

And the unmistakable sound of a parrot wearing an eye patch and a suspiciously guilty expression flying out the nearest window “HE HAS THE KEY!” Nigel bellowed. The entire party erupted into chaos. Guests ran in all directions. Waiters dropped trays The soufflé chef fainted again. Nigel and Derek chased the parrot across the deck Sir Squawksalot, being a dramatic little thief, flew straight to the mini volcano on the sundeck Nigel’s beloved ash pile where he disposed of things that offended him (bad tock reports, expired

caviar, disappointing top hats). And in slow motion, the parrot opened his beak… And dropped the key. Right into the ashes Nigel screamed in horror as the billiondollar symbol of his wealth sank into the volcanic pit like the world’s most expensive marshmallow.“NOOO!” Derek patted him on the back. “Dude, it was just a key.” Nigel collapsed onto a lounge chair “You don’t get it, Derek. This isn’t about a key. This is about principle It was proof that I’m better than everyone else.” Trixie sighed. “Just buy another one ” Nigel perked up. “Wait. You’re right. I’ll make a

new one. A bigger one. ” Derek groaned. “Oh no ” Nigel clapped his hands. “Pierre! Prepare a celebration soufflé! Trixie, call my jeweler! I want a new key twice as big, with rubies! And someone fire that parrot!” Sir Squawksalot let out a defiant squawk and flew off into the night, his legacy secure As the party resumed, Derek shook his head. “You’re ridiculous ” Nigel grinned “And rich. Don’t forget rich.”

The guests cheered.

The soufflé chef cried tears of joy. The parrot was never seen again. And thus ended the Great Key Heist of The Whisper of the Ocean. For now.

OLIVER SANDAVER

This story is about a chaotic, overstuffed family holiday to China, complete with lactose intolerance, lost tickets, coat disasters, and one very suspicious McDonald’s.

The Trip to China

MONDAY

If you don’t know what this story is about, then shut this book, abandon your family, and hide in a shack! But if not, sit down and enjoy This story is about a family called the Manas They are a humble family. They had one girl called Eliza and a boy called David, but they had never gone on a family holiday. I mean, who hasn't gone on a holiday trip? Anyways, today they are going to China and they don’t know what a wild ride they're in for It was the day of the trip. The Manas were packing their bags for the plane, but they couldn’t find the tickets �� Once they found the tickets, they got in the Uber and arrived at the airport.

They saw a McDonald’s.

“Mummy, can I have McDonald’s?” said Eliza.

“No, you know David gets sick after it,” said Mum.

Once they had a ham and cheese croissant, they realised they had arrived late to the plane. They showed their boarding tickets and got on

They sat down in row F1–F4 They lifted off, and immediately David felt sick because he is lactose intolerant

“Mum, I don’t feel well. Wait, don’t throw up on my designer handbag...too late.” Barfs.

“Ewww,” Eliza said in disgust.

Once they had settled in, they got an announcement from the staff:

Eliza was really hungry, and David was feeling queasy. They were halfway through the flight when they were served food.

David got mashed potato and peas Mum and Dad finally fell asleep, but Daniel and Eliza spent the whole time saying, “Mum, where's the toilet?” and “I feel sick, Mum.”

Finally, they arrived in China and went to an okay hotel. They could finally sleep

TUESDAY

Finally, it is tomorrow.

Okay, so the Mana family had finally arrived in China (if you read the last chapter)

They had just woken up from a pretty rough sleep and got out their coats. David had a way-toosmall coat, and Eliza's coat was the exact same size as Daniel’s. They had to waddle to the elevator in their stiff clothes.

“Sorry, Economy Gold flyers, but our freezing facility is having some technical difficulties, so you will be served only vegetarian food.”

It had been a busy day - but in the morning, they would experience an even worse one.

Now they were walking to get some breakfast. Turns out that every store was out of stock of the food they wanted, so they had to get a Greek salad.

After that non-filling meal, they went to the shops to buy some clothes and perfume. The kids were complaining the whole time they were shopping.

“When are we going, Mum?” Daniel complained.

“When are we finishing?” Eliza said, annoyed Then, after an hour of whining, they escaped that hellhole of a dressing store and walked to their apartment.

GAGE DITTMANN

This story is about a girl caught between cultures, who rediscovers her roots through the quiet rituals of tradition, the warmth of shared food, and the language of love that doesn’t need translation.

Whispers of Silk and Smoke

The mist hung thick over the village like a curtain of silk, softening every edge, every whisper of movement. Red lanterns danced above the cobbled streets, their glow breathing warmth into the cool dusk air. Minh adjusted her hoodie, the only thing separating her from the foreign chill, and followed the wavering glow ahead Her grandmother moved slowly,

deliberately, the hem of her ao dai sweeping the ground like a brushstroke from a story she barely remembered.

“This was your grandfather’s village,” Ba said, not looking back. “He lit these lanterns each year with your uncles.”

Minh didn’t answer Her fingers curled tighter around the small velvet pouch in her pocket.

Inside was the recipe written in fading Vietnamese script passed from her greatgrandmother, to Ba, to Minh’s mum, and now to her A recipe for bánh chưng, the sticky rice cake made every Tết. She had never made it Back home in Brisbane, Tết was a small affair some dumplings, shopbought red envelopes, a quick call to Ba on Zoom. But now, standing among

strangers who looked like family and spoke in a tongue that tumbled too fast for her to translate, Minh felt the divide like a wall rising in her chest

shown her. As she straightened, something stirred in her chest not a memory, but a thread. A

Ba stopped at the ancestral altar set at the heart of the village. Smoke curled from incense sticks, drifting like questions towards the sky.

“Offer it,” Ba whispered, nodding to the pouch.

Minh hesitated Her trainers scraped the ancient stone as she stepped forward. She placed the pouch beside the incense and bowed, like Ba had

connection A story told not in words, but in the smell of rice, the hum of laughter, the touch of fabric worn soft by time.

Later, the festival erupted Drums thundered like footsteps from another world Children ran between food stalls A lion dancer leapt past, and for the first time, Minh didn’t flinch at the noise.

Under a cherry tree, she helped Ba unwrap banana leaves, her fingers sticky with rice and mung bean. They

worked silently, yet something passed between them: understanding. Belonging. That night, Minh stood beneath a lantern she had helped hang. The flame inside flickered like a heartbeat She didn’t understand every word spoken around her, couldn’t name every dish on the table, but something inside her had shifted. Not fully one thing or another but both Like smoke and silk, past and present, story and self.

As the lanterns rose, Minh whispered, “I think I understand now. ” Ba’s hand closed gently around hers “Then it’s time to begin your own story.”

HARVEY SINCLAIR

This story began as a wild "what if" ideawhat if a town could just vanish overnight, and the only clue was a creepy riddle? From there, everything spiralled into something much bigger than I first expected: creepy fog, weird science labs, evil truck drivers, and powers that come out of nowhere. I wanted this story to feel like a mash-up of a mystery, a survival adventure, and a strange dream you can’t quite explain.

Chapter 1

The way to travel

In a quiet town named Hollowridge aka hell Hollowridge two young friends named Xavier and Florence decided to spend the night up in their tree house, later that night they heard a noise from downtown no one was really motivated to go check it out but Xavier thought about it for the whole night for example, how could we

Forbidden People

here it from all the way up here. As the time passed he eventually dozed off leaving the noise unidentified Early that morning they woke up, nothing, not a whisper It was at this moment they realized something was terribly wrong, then Oreo our dog creped forward.”No! It might be dangerous, let Florence go " Xavier said, shivering with fear.

“Oh wow, very mature

of you, ” Florence said sarcastically.

She lifts the curtain but there was nothing different, the same old morning mist, the only thing different was no people like where's the old grumpy neighbor that complains every morning

“Look at the note,” Florence, hoping there's a chance for this to be explained

“Well what does it say, ” Xavier says, with no patience

Florence reached for the note and what it said was quite simple,

"I have moved your town in the simplest of things. To find them you must seek something that has noise but doesn't speak."

“Is this a joke, what psychopath would do this,” Oreo barked with frustration, even though no one could understand him but all now what he ment.

“I think they didn't get forced to be there, somethings off, anyway what does it mean. ” Florence scoffed, expecting an answer.

“How should I know,”

Xavier blurted out.

“I know, I know, it's a library,” Oreo jumps and acts it out.

“I don't know,” Xavier said, “I'm not too sure ”

All of them started climbing down from the tree house and sprinted downtown to the town's library, but by the time they got there they expected for everyone to be there, they were wrong, no one in sight.

“Where are they all? They should be here.”

Florence said in shock.

“Wait actually guys I think I know where they are, ” Xavier stutters.

“They must be in the fog,” Florence exclaimed.

“That's not what I said,”

Xavier mumbles.

“You're right we should go now, it's a two day walk so start getting ready” Florence said, completely ignoring Xavier Xavier sighs. Unless you have walked all the way from hollowridge to California in the mist you ' re in for a challenge. They wasted a day packing for the journey, and they packed the most useless stuff like a fluffy pen, oil, paint brush and a bucket of salt. As soon as they

started this massive journey the sun started to rise, they were going great until they started getting ticks and sunburn. Lucky for them the ticks didn't like the

salt smell. The sun burn, however, was left for hours, it was painful until they eventually came across some sunscreen They've been walking for 13 hours, leaving them with barely enough energy to keep walking. They fell to the ground and fell asleep. How many steps do you think they have?

When they woke up in the middle of the feild under a tree they were way behind schedule at 11 am, so with little hope left they started walking to the road to catch a ride to California which took some time because they didn't know where

they were going because they forgot about their map they brought but when they finally found it when they where looking for some sort of paper to draw the cars

attention. A day passed in the scorching open wasteland next to the road and still no sight of any cars that passed, they could have made it there in the time that they spent waiting for even a single car. Xavier grunts and sighs, “for goodness sake can we just start walking there, it's not like a cars going to come or at least go home!”

‘’Umm, let me think about that Xavier, no!’’

Exclaimed Florence.

As they continue to argue a rumbling engine starts to get louder, in the distance a blurry shape starts to form as Oreo looks at it Knowing exactly what it was. He turns his head without looking away, “bark, bark,” barked Oreo.

“Not now, ” Florence and Xaviar say, paying no attention to what's really happening.

“Guys,” barked Oreo, getting louder every time.

“What!” Florence and Xavier look around frustrated. They realised what he was talking about. Florence Knew the car wouldn't stop so she threw herself on to the road

to draw attention towards them. Just as the truck was about to hit her, he stood on the brakes making marks on the road

assuming she must be right.

“ Have you even looked up where it is?” says the truck driver.

“Well no, ” said Florence

Slowly the driver lowers the window just to start yelling but before he could speak he calms himself down and says “what do you people want?”

“Could we take a lift to California” Ash says in relief despite the fact of not knowing him

“Sure but it's going to be a long ride if you ' re going the wrong way It's going to take about a week.” Said the truck driver.

“No, I think you made a mistake, it's a two day walk.” Florence said,

“Wait, what, you told me it was a two day walk ” said Xavier, surprised.

“People, people calm down just get in ” the truck driver said.

“Fine,” Xavier and Florence scoffed

Two days in, Oreo and Xavier still havent talked to Florence .

Josh the truck driver gave up 3 seconds after he got into the car cause he didn't understand the fight

The truck driver pulled up to the service

station to get fuel and snacks. Florence, Xavier and Oreo wake up by the sound of the door shutting.

“Wa, what, huh, what going on ” ,they all say.

“It's just the truck driver getting fuel ” Florence says.

Just then the back boot opens and Josh, the truck driver, points a gun at our head with two other men.

“You're coming with me, now stay still or I will shoot you!” Said Josh. After an hour we arrived at jail

“Get out and move slowly, the guard will show you and you will be checked on by the end of the week.” Josh

adds on.

“Wait, what happened to our town, was the rhyme real.” Xavier yelled just as they were about to leave

“The rhyme was real but we still haven't found where they are anyway I'm not even allowed to answer questions to people like you because you are dangerous to people like me. ” Josh grunts.

“Wait, I still have some questions ” Florence said as soon as the truck drives off into the distance The guard shouted “Enough talking let's go. ” Grabbing her and throwing her onto the ground, she *grunts*.

Later as they were

being forced to their cells. While Xavier was confused Florence had a few theories but couldn't say because they were separated It was Friday already so that means checkups tomorrow or today. A day went past no sleep, only thoughts or theories of why we are locked up and what is the checkup for. “You little girl get up, get up, ” the dude says louder the second time. She was walking through the hall when another older girl tried to fight back. When they finally made it to this room that look incredibly similar to a dentist, they tied Florences legs and arm

to the chair restraining her from moving, the main guy grabbed this needle and started walking towards her straight after her needle was taken out there was a snap the room look around for what could be broken 2 second later the scientist falls down with his neck snapped, they looked back at Florence and said loudly “she's a type blue,” *scream* Josh walks in his reflexes were bad anyway and from time to time we are bound to lose a guy. Showing her the way back, they grab her and she screams “ noo ” tears roll down her cheeks while getting dragged out.

As the scream fades out Josh looks down and just stares at the doctor's body and says “such a disappointment you are ”

Later Xavier goes through the same process but instead of having the needle his abilities were a step ahead and he made the roof crack and crumble and fall on the doctors body bag, Josh yells out, “why does everyone hate him Remove him and show his way back to his cell ” Two days later they started to do training for our abilities, for example for Florences training she uses blocks of wood but she says that

she can't. As for Xavier he has a pot plant to grow and it has thrived from dying to green and lushes.

“Sir we found were Kyle has taken the town,” the tech guy said clearly “Good, now send 20 men to rescue them,” Josh replied. “But sir,” the guy continued “No buts now send them or would you like to take a visit yourself,” shouted Josh.

“It's a hostage situation, you go, they die, you do know how many people would die hundreds maybe even thousands ” he says “Ok then, what does he want?” Josh says with a

raised voice.

“He wants all the prisoners to be let free.” answered the guy.

“I was kidding when I said we would negotiate to blow him up. ” Josh snapped.

“Blowing up, in, 3, 2, 1,” done

“Thanks” Josh says softly then turns and walks away

The next day Josh had a meeting with his followers and settled on a way to lower the amount of people with the abilities/powers

After a few days of preparation it was ready, they made a lazar border around the nearby forest and it can be edited to

make it smaller to lure them into a death trap, so they round up all the creeps to start as soon as possible to eliminate the creeps They lined them up in a line and one by one brought them into a room, people were starting to get frightened once it was Florences turn she was looking for Xaviar but his turn already had passed. Florence was being forced in when another doctor walks towards her with two different needles, the two guards behind her chained her to a chair and she closed her eyes and saw something, something strange, it's as though she was looking out of

the doctor's eyes, the needle piercing through her wrist twice, after that she felt tired then everything goes black Flashes of memories pass through her brain such as her getting shouted at and her falling Xaviar woke up, he looked around and saw that he was on a hill he couldn't remember anything except for being in a cell and his close friends and family. “Where am I,” He thinks.

All afternoon he spends his time looking for Florence. It was nearly dark and he found a cave covered with vines just big

enough for him but not for bears and large animals He crawls into the tunnel to see a wide cave great for sleeping But at the same time he's too stressed to sleep he spends the whole night staring into a blank wall. The next morning he decided to keep looking, after a while he decided to play it safe and gather weapons and during that he saw something of a car as he got closer he saw something better, it was food but there was something else, a person. The person walked out from behind the tree and held an arrow straight at him but she turned out to

just be Florence “Florence!” Xaviar yelled in excitement

“Xaviar!” Florence said, confused while squinting her eyes

“I found you, ” they both say. Florence and Xaviar run toward each other

“I’ll show you around and do you want some food,” Florence says, putting her arm around his shoulder.

A day went by, and Florence and Xaviar were piling the supplies in a circle when they heard a growl and when they turned around a guy was pointing a stick at a wolf when the wolf leaped on top of him and dragged him into

the forest. Florence and Xaviar ran behind a tree in fright and didn't move for 10 minutes. After that when they came out from behind the tree they realized that the wolves ate all their supplies The next morning Xavier went to collect food with 10 other people after a while he started to notice that it looked like there were less people for a second he stopped to listen and look and he saw no one anymore he was alone

around the cat leaped from the bush and jumped onto Xavier and bit him on the thigh his flesh was ripped off his leg allowing blood to run down his thigh.

A saber tooth tiger stalked him for a few minutes waiting for the right moment to attack then when he turned

Adrenaline runs through Xaviars body giving him energy he's never had before, he gets a grip on the cats tooth making the tiger scratch his neck in a fright he tore the tooth out of the cats mouth and stabs it in the neck with the sharp bloody tooth, the saber toothed tiger jumps back and cries in pain till its death while Xaviar passes out.

Meanwhile Florence starts to worry about

him knowing he should be back by now. She stops sharpening weapons to ask Jamie the leader if she could go try and find him

“Can I try to find my brother,” she asks.

“Sure but i'll have to come with you just let me get my stuff,” Jamie adds on.

“No we can't risk losing 3 people,” she says clearly.

“I'll just be 30 seconds,” he shouts running into the car to get supplies, but when he comes back to start walking she has already left. After 30 minutes of walking god knows where. When she comes up to a clearing her eyes widen and seem like they're

popping out of her head when she sees a floor of dead people with flesh ripped out however Xaviar wasn't there When she looked up she spotted Xaviar he had passed out and she started gaining up speed, Florence dropped to her Knees and covered up the cut with her hands. She heard a snap and as fast as a cheater turned around grabbed a bow and arrow and aimed at Jamie

you feel better.”

Xavier half asleep said, “what's going on ”

Jamie raps the neck and stomach around the wounds to hold the blood They got him up and put their arms around his shoulder to stabilize him and bring him back.

“It's getting dark, we need to hurry,”

Florence says with a raised voice.

“You seriously thought I would let you go by yourself,” says Jamie with a grin, he dropped his backpack and took out some antibiotics and said, “Eat this, it will make

When they get back they decide to put him down in a car to rest, immediately he falls asleep The next morning he wakes up

feeling a lot better but still terrible enough he can't stand, Florence walks in with a stick, “here have this,” she

says.

Xavier reaches for the stick rubbing his bite mark on the dirt.

“Why don't I just come to you, ” she passes the cane over to him He manages to get up putting his full weight on the cane

“Where did you find this,” he says. Just outside if you haven't noticed there's a few.” she replies in a sarcastic tone.

“Hey I have something to ask,” Xavier whispers, getting cut off by Florence's body thudding on the ground. 10 minutes later she woke up with everyone staring “What happened,” Collon said with a

comforting voice.

“He's watching us, ” she said,” where's Jamie and Xaviar.”

“They went for a walk,” she responded

“Well get them,” she shouted.

Meanwhile in the forest Jamie and Xavair were talking.

“No offense but it's Florence single,” Jamie says, acknowledging that there was a very awkward thing to say

“No It's fine, yeah she's single”, he replies.

Xavier walks ahead,

“why do you ask,” he says. While walking ahead.

“Jamie,” he says, turning around just to see Jamie with a rag in his mouth. In shock,

Xaviar reaches for his Knife and throws it at the stranger's head

“Are you o-, ” Xaviar whispers in relife getting cut off by another person knocking them both out

Meanwhile Collen searches for them. He spends around 5-6 hours searching for them without giving up but just before he was going to head back he thought he saw something, as he gets closer his heart stops beating, and it all goes silent, quiet enough to hear the blood dripping from his skull.

Luna, Xaviars best friend who has the

ability to talk to animals, asked the fish if they could find them

While the fish swim through currents for a few hours, Florence finally asks Luna, “I thought people couldn't use their powers in here or on or wherever we are, ” she said.

“Well erm I-I don't know,” she replies, getting saved by the returning fish.

“What are they saying,”

Florence whispers in a croaky voice.

“They suspect that they are being held captive in a camping site above that waterfall,”

Luna says, trying really hard to understand

them.

“But that's ages away it will take days to even get close and that's after packing.”

Florence complains

“Well may as well start now I need him alive to find-,” Luna stops.

“Find what,” Florence says, desperately wanting to know.

“Nothing, let's just pack,” she replies

Florence sighs, limping back into the car to find a bag

“Where are you, just one bag, " Florence thinks

Florence lifts an umbrella hoping to find a bag, she searches throughout the car looking in the back of a car seat.

Finally a coles bag.

“Thank you for shopping at coles if you have a flybuys card please scan it now. ” she mimicked

“All I need now is some clothes and food, oh thats right they were going to come back with food,” she says softly.

She roughly takes off the dead passengers shirt and pants.

“Don't forget the undies,” Luna shouts sarcastically.

“Don't try me, ” Florence growls

Her hand shoves the clothes into the plastic bag, strong enough to rip the bag

“Thats a great find they don't make those

plastic anymore and that was fine but then they halved the size of the bag, and like how are you supposed to fold that ”

“Took you long enough you ' re a real deep sleeper,” Jamie whispers strongly. “Shhhh!.”

want to end up like you buddy over there,” the person adds

Jamie turns his head away from him.

“You done?” Florence says.

“I guess, There's nothing really to pack,” Luna responds.

“Ok let's go then," Florence says in a rush

Chapter 2 Snake Escape

Florence, who just wants to lay down, grabs her cane and puts all her weight on the stick to get up, while the girls start the journey to the waterfall, Xavier wakes up tied to a wood pole.

A guy walks in with a wooden cricket bat “Where are they,” he shouts.

“Who, where's who,” Xavier says confused.

“You know who, the girls,” he repeats.

Xavier, half clueless, remains silent.

“Fine you don't want to talk, I'll wait a few days and if your socalled friends haven't

come to save you at least you'll die knowing they don't care, ” he said.

“Now, Jamie, I'm assuming maybe you will tell me or do you

“Luna how are you going to get to the other side, no don't do it you could fall lets just go around the giant wide scary ravine.” Florence asks. Wasn't it you who just wanted to get there quicker, well here's the answer, ” she says trying to persuade her Yeah but also I don't want to die doing it,” she spikes

“Realax,” she says while trying to cross the fallen tree.

“Aaa, kidding I got you so bad,” Luna jokes.

“Stop, wait up, ”

Florence shouts running after Luna who continues to cross the old tree leaving Florence behind.

“Oh wait there's Tison,” Florence says to Luna

Run he screams running away from a pack of tigers with a massive slash on his neck. He pushes himself on the tree to start fast walking.

“”Slow down, you'll slip,” Florence warns him Tision, who was being chased by tigers, slipped and screamed, fell to his painful death. Even though they just witnessed a death they push through and keep

walking further and farther away from the pack It was getting darker and they needed a place to rest so they decided to set up a little hut near the stream for easy access to fresh water.

“Shut up, go to sleep,”

Luna says with no reply,” Florence, what's wrong. ”

Florence slightly opens her eyes.

“He's not how he said he is,” she muttered sitting up “We need to leave now. ”

“Why, what's wrong, ” she whispers, needing an answer.

“I'll tell you on the way, ” she said.

Meanwhile the stranger walks into the hutt

pulls out a knife and stabs Jamie in the head, with a shock

Jamie wakes up huffing and puffing.

“Just a bad dream,” he said, sweating

“Ok,” Xavier looks at Jamie.

“Ok,” he replies

Xavier lays back down and sighs.

“I see it, the waterfall, The fish were right,”

Florence says.

Florence notices a spark of light then runs down the steep, bumpy, crooked hill.

Florence loses control and runs into trees scratching her legs and face.

“It's not that hard,”

Luna shouts.

“I'd like to see you try,”

she shouts back.

Luna runs down the hill avoiding any obstacle finishing without a scratch.

“You were saying,” Florence said, being a show off.

“Whatever,” Florence scoffed.

They both walked towards another hill

“Wha-what was the point of that,” she stuttered “Fun,” she replied Florence starts heaving herself up the hill.

“That was not worth it,” she complained Luna trips over a stone and hits her chip when she lands.

“Oh my god, just what I need,” she gasps with a low tone. She slowly

slopes down to Luna.

“Get up, ” she mumbles drowsy

Whilst Luna had a bleeding chin, she lifted herself up and started to drag herself up the hill.

When both of them finally made it to the top The site was only a few minutes away.

The stranger walks in and says, ” you know what this is boring Ill give them one minute and then you d-,” he says getting smashed in the head with a rock

“Michal, is that you, ” Xavier splutters.

“You know this person, ” Jamie says frustrated “Yeah, he- I met him in the line,” Xavier

replies.” He wont kill me. ”

A voice wanders inside his head, “ yes he will, do not trust him.”

“What's wrong, ” Mical says ”

“Nothing, I'm fine,”

Xavier blurts out while he unties the knots

“Just let me get something,” Michal says, reaching into his backpack. Xavier grabs his wooden arrow and stabs Michael in the head when he turns around with a knife.

Florence and Luna run in “Mapel,” Jamie shouted.

“Not now, look at weapons, ” Florence says, grabbing all she could carry, looking

down at Michael,” what's the deal with him,” Florence said casually.

“He's properly just sleeping,” Xavier says, shrugging his shoulders.

Xavier picks the arrow embedded into Michaels skull, holds it out and impales another person, he drops the bodies after ripping out the arrow and aims it at the stranger and lets go The arrow flying into his head shoots him, a guy behind him slits the stranger's throat and finishes the deed.

“Don't shoot, I want to help,” he says “Who are you and what can you do?” Florence questions him.

“My name is Liam, I can shapeshift and I think our parents knew each other,” Liam explains.

Florence's eyes widen and drops her arrow

“You should probably pick that up, we ' re going to need it,” he says.

“Behind you, ” screams Luna.

Xavier turns around, the guy punches Xaviar in the nose making it bleed, with anger Xaviar head buts him and makes him fall to the ground.

One by one they kill or injure everyone there after 10 minutes there surrounded by bodies Jamie, who was trying to be impressive,

kicked a dead body pretending that he had just killed him in front of Florence.

“Good job,” we should probably leave,”

Florence says, stepping over a body.

“Yeah we don't want to draw any attention, not that we haven't,” Jamie agrees.

“Lets at least take what we need,” Luna extends.

Fine we'll stay for 30 minutes, tops,”

Florence hesitates

After 2 and a half hours passed, no one realized because there was nothing to tell the time.

“You know what, we may as well stay the night,” Florence

surrenders.

“Yes thank you, ” says Luna pleased “But tomorrow we find out where the hell we are, ” Florence adds Florence gasps, putting her hands on her stomach.

“This is a test, all this, it's all fake,” Florence says, understanding it all.

“Like the hunger games, ” Liam asks.

“Can you stop with your fantasy,” said Florence, needing a break. “But Josh he's a big part in this, Liam you can shapeshift into animals right,” she says making a plan.

“Yeah,”

“Go to the edge, yeah there's a end to this-”

“Like the hunger

games, ” Liam asks.

“Sure,” she admits in this case ” And then you turn into a bat then place your ear near the edge and all you have to do is listen,” she over laps.

“Wait I just have one question, what am I looking for,” he asks.

“An exit,” she responds, shaking her head

“And where is this exit,” he asks, making Florence pretty angry

“Just over there,” Luna points.

“Yeah how did you know that,” Florence says, intrigued.

“Uh, lucky guess, ” she blurted out as soon as she found an excuse to how she knew that.

“Ok,” says Florence

softly with suspicion.

“That's surprisingly close,” Liam shouts

“Enough chit chat, let's go, ” she shouted stubbornly Xaviar and Liam raced each other. Liam, who cheated, turned into a bat to get used to it and flew ahead of Xaviar and by the time that Xaviar got there everyone else was as silent as a mouse, Florence fainted to a painful drop, but Florence explained that Florence took over his body To hear a voice to enter, found one going from mouse to ant to germ she finally makes it to the technology room.

“Ah, Sir, where was the exit again,” Florence stutters, sweating nervously.

“For the last time under the water bank, near the old gum tree and the next time I have to tell you you will be silenced,” he warns Florence, frightened, said,” Ok boss.”

With suspicion he says, ” your my boss ”

“Oh yes, just testing you, ” he chuckles nervously

“Ha, ha, ha,” he laughs As fast as she could she left his body leaving him there with no idea what happened. Going in reverse from germ to ant to mouse to Liam to her body.

Do you have any India where the river bank is near the gum tree,’ she gasps for breath.

“Yeah, over there,”

Liam points to the blue tree in the distance

“Oh god,” she lets out her breath walking off.

Luna thought,” I need rope and wood, go!”

Florence goes and sprints over towards the tents

“I got rope but I can't find wood,” she shouts from inside the wooded tent

“Is she serious, the tents literally made out of wood,” laughs Luna and Liam.

“At least I got the rope, ” said Florence, shrugging her shoulders.

“All right well lets do whatever we ' re doing with the stuff we got,” Liam said.

“Raft, a raft,” Luna said

“Oh, I knew that,” she says.

“Yep sure, ” she agrees.

Running outside holding the equipment,

Florence runs down the steep hill dodging all the trees and stones

Everyone else too tired to run just doodles down till they reach the stream.

Xavier peeles the straw and wood off the tent exposing her embarrassment.

“Tie the rope around the wooden planks and then check the stability,” she instructs.

Liam loops the rope around the wood kneeling on it to see if it is strong enough to hold them.

“Yep, all set,” Laim nods Liam sits on the wood and then Florence then Xaviar and then Luna to balance the weight.

“Lets go, ” said Florence, grabbing around and pushing them away from it. The current drifts them down the stream, with a lot of obstacles avoiding them would be near impossible after 45 minutes to 1 hour, until crashing into a group of rocks flipping them over making them tumble down a rough and

deadly surface

scratching and hurting them all when they got to the bottom. But it was all worth it when they looked up and saw the river maybe around 100m above them.

chuckles nervously.

“Sure, anyway let's go, ” he said while entering the cave.

The cave splits into two forcing them to pair up separating them

Florence and Jamie walk into one of the tunnels

“Get up you fools, how might we even get up there,” shouted Luna facing Xaviar who was looking at a cave then switching, giving her a hint to give her the credit

With Luna not understanding, Xavier gives up and says, ” the cave we enter is the cave looking for light from above,” he says with a raised voice

“Oh I knew that,” Luna

“Um Florence, could I ask you something, but dont judge if it's really cringy ” he says nervously.

“Ok I'm listening,” she says, paying full attention.

“Oh, well I kind of like you, ” he gasps in relife

“I like you too,” she whispers confused.

“No, I like, like you, ” he repeats

“And I like, like you too,” Florence

chuckles.

“Oh,” he sighs in relief.

Luna and Xaviar looked at each other and smiled They ran faster and faster until they reached the light but the light was up and there down Instead of thinking they yelled out, “ guys over here.”

Jamie and Florence turned around running back and obviously straight after Luna and Xaviar realized how they were going to get up there voices came from the top, they listened carefully, “down here people,” the people say. The people see them and chuck down a rop to pull them up, Luna

jumps onto the rope but Xaviar grabs her and says, “how do you know we can trust them.”

“It's either go with them and have a chance of survival or stay here and die,” she states He let out his breath and accepted the truth, Florence and Jamie ran in grabbing hold of them pulling them up as they climbed up they heard the sound of the rope cracking echoing through the cave

Once everyone was up they stood in the muddy water looking for a way to go, the foggy air hung thick with tension. They

could hear distant whispers but nothing clear enough to make something out of it. The silence stretched on only broken by the occasional ripple in the water. Luna shriveled in the cold as the water lapped over her ankles They stood at the edge of the dense forest, the sound of the birds chirping filled the air Florence glanced around, her eyes wide as she took in her surroundings

The landscape felt both welcoming and threatening, as nature itself was watching them. The path ahead of them seemed unclear, but there was no turning back now.

Luna squinted in the sunlight, the warmth on her face was the first time she had felt that feeling in forever.

“This doesn't look like the way we need to go, ” she said, her voice cautious as she looked at the dense forest ahead. Florence frowned her hands on her hips, “ we don't have much of a choice,” she said, “the cave was worse at least we have sunlight and some chance.”

Jamie took a deep breath and nodded, “she's right we can either wait here and hope for the best or keep moving ” The question is which path shall they take.

“Me and Florence are going to keep moving until you stay here,” Xavier states.

Luna glanced at Xavier in confusion, “wait what do you mean Florence, we can't just-,” she stopped herself releasing this wasn't the time for arguing. Florence stepped forward, her gaze meeting lunas with a steady resolve.

“Well we may as well keep going,” he says Luna and Jamie spots a crashed helicopter and yells,” lets see if it still works.”

the helicopter lifts into the air and above the leaves, mud and vines

The muddy, smashed up helicopter hovered over them, then Jamie yelled out, “It will only fit two, that means two of you guys have to walk because if I drop off someone then I come back you would already be there ”

Florence responds, “ we got that.”

Then Luna yells out, “thanks guys I would be happy to go on the helicopter,” acting like she was chosen to go on the helicopter not fooling anyone.

Jamie ran towards the helicopter, he put his seatbelt on and started the engine. In surprise

“I choose Xaviar,”

Jamie yells as he slowly lands into the open area for Xaviar.

It lifts off the ground flying off in the distance, meanwhile Luna and Florence continue to follow the creek The girls start to talk, “So what do you plan on doing when we escape, ” whispers Florence

“Why are you whispering,” she whispers back confused “We don't know who might be listening,” she answers

“Oh, well in that case I will properly find my mother, I haven't seen her for two months ”

are you going to do after this?”

“I haven't really thought about that,” she questions herself.

“Actually I will properly just go home ”

“Nice,” says Luna.

Jamie and Xaviar arrives and lands beside the water hole, and after searching for the exit for 10 minutes they finally found the exit as Luna and Florence arrives “The exit is there,” Jamie said.

me, ” Luna says, expecting that Jamie tried to scare her

“I didn't do anything,” he responds.

“Then what did,” she worries Just then Florence gets pulled under the water as Jamie opens the exit door at the bottom of the water hole.

“Sorry, I wish you luck.” Florence says feeling sad for her “Thanks, that makes me feel better. Well, what

They all enter the water and less than thirty seconds in Luna feels something brush against her leg a slimy scaly worm

“Stop trying to scare

“Florence,” Xavier yells, stressed for his sister The door opens sucking them all in lucky the snake got swept in first landing on a small area covered by giant nails as a trap for them and all four of them landed on the andoconder.

Chapter 4

The Crazy Lady

“Are we dead,” says

Luna.

“No idiot,” Jamie scoffed

“Luna's eyes widened, “who are you. ” A boy stands in the corridor the light sensors flicker on and he reaches into his pocket and grabs out a knife and says, “I'm winning this game. ”

“Wait you don't underwait how did you know this was a game, ” Jamie yells “How did you not know,” he responds, “well I was running away from someone and then another guy comes out and grabs a knife they all run away together they turn on a corner to lose him but then he realises and

starts running but when he reached the corner the the floor in front of him rose in front of him.

They all say, “hello” but no answer then they hear a scream.

“My turn,” the first guy says. “You too,” Jamie says, having enough. They start backing away, and to their surprise another floor lifts up, squishing him and the blood drips down the crack in the roof. They all keep running and the floor keeps lifting up faster and faster and fortunately maple sees an escape exit they turn right into the narrow hallway.

All of them huffing and puffing thought they were safe but they thought wrong. Xaviar spots a strange machine black liquid leaking from the roof, one drop landing on Xaviars forehead dissolving when it reached his nose. Florence randomly switches between living things then stops when she goes into the black liquid, but Florence is stuck and she can't go back. Out of nowhere the black liquid drops and reveals a giant vacuum sucking anything in. Luna throws her sock into the substans and before it even touches it disintegrates, Luna

slips as it pulls her in, as soon as her shoe disintegrates the black machine falls into itself leaving nothing but a drop as tiny as the top of a pin, small enough that they don't notice except for florence who decides not to tell. *BANG!* a bat strikes them all on the head, a little while later they wake up next to each other tied to a chair. Florence smiles with a grin going into the drop of the black liquid slides across the floor under the cage door and grow disintegrating the chains letting them free and once they got out their heard yelling, “I don't care if you ' re not the bad guy, I want

to gain their trust so I will secretly one by one I will obtain their powers. ” Chis yells, Josh's brother. “I've made a deal with Luna to kill Xaviar and get her family back.

Chis walks away seeing them, omg guys, dont worry im on your side, dont go thru the door there's guards lets go to the roof. Just before they all got to the roof they saw a room full of captured people on these machines unconscious, Xaviar tried to free them with vines but all he could do was summon a weed.

“Oh no, did you touch a black substance?”

Chris says

“Yes, why,” he says, interested.

“That removes power, ” she says.

All of them stand there shocked

“But it will get better, let me, ” she says, opening the prisoners. They let all of them go down a construction slide then they all go onto the ledge, Luna sneaks up on Xavier with a knife but as she swings the knife at

Xavier Chris in shock, pushes Luna out the window and she lands on the concrete splatting her brain everywhere. For Xaviar the puzzle pieces in his head fit together and in less than a second he grabs Chris and

chucks her off the building but a helicopter flies under her crashing into the building and giving Chris a perfect platform to stand on once it crashes she jumps off staring at them just before it blows up. As they all keep climbing on the edge they come to a construction slide so they slide down and once they get to the bottom they run off into the forest 10 minutes later they all come by a river 2 people go get some water while the rest looks for anything strange and just as their lips touched the water a giant scaled

scorpion's tail reaches from the water and spears them like skewers the giant scorpion reveals itself with black and yellow strips running down its back, two more emerge from the water and starts to run after them. When they got a while ahead all of them climbed into the massive tree but just as xaiaviar was safe a girl came running behind him with them chasing her “Help,” she yelled.

Xavier jumps down distracting them running away into the fields but sees the crazy lady, otherwise known as chis and he stops looking behind him to see them right

behind him. Ready to accept his fate he closes his eyes but nothing happens. Buzz, buzz, a strange noise comes from her controller, “I control them,” she says.

To be continued