Weapons stories
Coward's Sin
My comrades slumber eternally after falling in battle.
White gravestones form neat rows, and I offer a flower to each.
Then, from out of nowhere, a single
black feather floats in front of my eyes.
White gravestones form neat rows, and I offer a flower to each.
Then, from out of nowhere, a single
black feather floats in front of my eyes.
The bu■■ of wings grows l■■der. A s■■rm of black birds
descends, scattering my prof■■■■■ flowers. They rid■■■le
me without mercy; they know my strategy sent my
squadmates to their ■■■■■■.
descends, scattering my prof■■■■■ flowers. They rid■■■le
me without mercy; they know my strategy sent my
squadmates to their ■■■■■■.
As bl■■■ feathers ra■■ down, I ■■ok into the b■■ds' eyes
and see ref■■■■ed ■■ them the faces of my ■■■■ comrades.
■■■■ hate me. They scr■■■ at me. They c■■■e me.
and see ref■■■■ed ■■ them the faces of my ■■■■ comrades.
■■■■ hate me. They scr■■■ at me. They c■■■e me.
This is ■■ fault. All ■■ fault—all ■■ sin. Yet only the birds
■■■■■stand this. They ■■■■ I am h■■■d for it, and so
■ ■■tend a hand ■■■ ■■■■ly reach out. Come to ■■...
■■■■■stand this. They ■■■■ I am h■■■d for it, and so
■ ■■tend a hand ■■■ ■■■■ly reach out. Come to ■■...
Hamelin Prototype Sword
I was placed in a platoon of rejects. I hated it, but we were
going to do a good job and force our superiors to accept us.
It was the only way I'd ever be able to look my sister in the eye.
going to do a good job and force our superiors to accept us.
It was the only way I'd ever be able to look my sister in the eye.
So many of us are dead. Is it my fault? Was my strategy poor?
How does my sister handle failure? Wait, that's dumb—she
wouldn't fail in the first place.
Maybe I'm just not in the same league as my sister.
How does my sister handle failure? Wait, that's dumb—she
wouldn't fail in the first place.
Maybe I'm just not in the same league as my sister.
I'm infected. My body doesn't move like I want it to.
Looks like I'm going to die with everyone else here.
The moon is so beautiful...
I wonder if my sister sees it too. I miss her so much.
Looks like I'm going to die with everyone else here.
The moon is so beautiful...
I wonder if my sister sees it too. I miss her so much.
The Legion and I killed every last officer in the organization
as retribution for sending us out to die.
You don't belong in an organization like this,
my sister—and I'm coming to save you.
as retribution for sending us out to die.
You don't belong in an organization like this,
my sister—and I'm coming to save you.
Hamelin Special Sword
My little brother and I wandered the empty city.
We hadn't eaten in days. We were filthy.
But there was a monster about, and every time I sensed it,
I felt my heart stop. I had to protect him.
We hadn't eaten in days. We were filthy.
But there was a monster about, and every time I sensed it,
I felt my heart stop. I had to protect him.
Years have passed since I joined the organization.
I thought I could create a world where my brother and
I could live together again, but all I did was run
through the dark chasing impossible dreams.
I thought I could create a world where my brother and
I could live together again, but all I did was run
through the dark chasing impossible dreams.
Our ship was attacked by monsters. Most of us died.
I hadn't grown at all since those days in the city—I couldn't
protect anyone. I fought the monsters, but eventually
succumbed to the dark.
I hadn't grown at all since those days in the city—I couldn't
protect anyone. I fought the monsters, but eventually
succumbed to the dark.
Someone calls my name. The worried voice says it's
here to save me before becoming light and shining down.
I can't die here. I need to eradicate the monsters from this
world—for my brother's sake.
here to save me before becoming light and shining down.
I can't die here. I need to eradicate the monsters from this
world—for my brother's sake.
Staff of the Titan
Once upon a time, there was a king who loved curios.
One day, upon hearing tale of a brown jewel,
he summoned his soldiers and made his way
to a cave nestled deep in the mountains.
One day, upon hearing tale of a brown jewel,
he summoned his soldiers and made his way
to a cave nestled deep in the mountains.
The cave was riddled with dangers. There were bottomless pits,
acid leaked from the walls, and it would occasionally
be assaulted by gales so fierce they could lift a man into the air.
acid leaked from the walls, and it would occasionally
be assaulted by gales so fierce they could lift a man into the air.
At long last, the king located the brown jewel. It had a most foul
smell to it, but he was elated all the same. However,
as he took it in hand, a low rumble echoed throughout
the cave accompanied by a most violent wind.
smell to it, but he was elated all the same. However,
as he took it in hand, a low rumble echoed throughout
the cave accompanied by a most violent wind.
With tremendous force, the king and the brown jewel were
ejected from the cave. When the king finally came to,
the cave, as well as the surrounding mountains,
suddenly blinked out of existence.
ejected from the cave. When the king finally came to,
the cave, as well as the surrounding mountains,
suddenly blinked out of existence.
Fortune's Masses
It was just the two of us after Mom got divorced. She started
working as a hostess at a bar, where she got in good with a rich
old guy. He even bought us a house. Mom dresses really fancy
now, and we don't have to worry about money anymore.
working as a hostess at a bar, where she got in good with a rich
old guy. He even bought us a house. Mom dresses really fancy
now, and we don't have to worry about money anymore.
The old guy is good to us. We eat out and go on trips together
more often lately, and he even bought me nice clothes.
He bought me gloves I wanted for my birthday,
and he plays with me when he has time.
more often lately, and he even bought me nice clothes.
He bought me gloves I wanted for my birthday,
and he plays with me when he has time.
One day, I asked Mom why she hadn't married him yet.
Thinking I wouldn't understand, Mom just told me it's because
she's too busy. I was upset that Mom wouldn't make time for
me anymore, but I thought up a plan to fix that.
Thinking I wouldn't understand, Mom just told me it's because
she's too busy. I was upset that Mom wouldn't make time for
me anymore, but I thought up a plan to fix that.
Mom and the man broke up. I'm classmates with his son,
and I told him about their affair. Now I've got Mom all to myself!
Easy come, easy go, huh? It feels like just yesterday I told
Mom that I thought my last dad smelled nice.
and I told him about their affair. Now I've got Mom all to myself!
Easy come, easy go, huh? It feels like just yesterday I told
Mom that I thought my last dad smelled nice.
Passionflower
Speaking of love is easy; it has been expressed in all
sorts of ways for ages upon ages. But to define it?
To prove it? Ah, there's the rub.
sorts of ways for ages upon ages. But to define it?
To prove it? Ah, there's the rub.
At one point, love was divided into eight categories.
But those words described relationships only—they
didn't form a definition. Indeed, they spoke of love as if
the reader already knew what it was.
But those words described relationships only—they
didn't form a definition. Indeed, they spoke of love as if
the reader already knew what it was.
Is it fondness for another? Breeding instinct?
Powerful attachment? None of these feel real because
the selfsame "love" is used for all sorts of situations and is
the impetus for all manner of actions.
Powerful attachment? None of these feel real because
the selfsame "love" is used for all sorts of situations and is
the impetus for all manner of actions.
And so, I define love as an innate act.
Though it is an emotion beyond description,
its whims hold sway upon so many.
Yet we continue to attach words to it—and to justify it.
Though it is an emotion beyond description,
its whims hold sway upon so many.
Yet we continue to attach words to it—and to justify it.
Blackbeak Spear
#FFF1CF (255, 241, 207)
Eggshell
A cheery cream color, like the eggs parent birds so lovingly warm.
Eggshell
A cheery cream color, like the eggs parent birds so lovingly warm.
#006956 (0, 105, 86)
Duck Teal
A vivid blue-green named after the loving parent
ducks that swim by the water's edge.
Duck Teal
A vivid blue-green named after the loving parent
ducks that swim by the water's edge.
#95859C (149, 133, 156)
Dove Gray
A gentle color with a purple tint, like the
pigeons that leisurely peck at the ground.
Dove Gray
A gentle color with a purple tint, like the
pigeons that leisurely peck at the ground.
#12020E (18, 2, 14)
Raven's Wing
A lonely black, like a powerless chick waiting for
food in a torrent of endless rain.
Raven's Wing
A lonely black, like a powerless chick waiting for
food in a torrent of endless rain.
Blade of Chance
My final memory is the hellish sight of being killed in
front of my big sister. When I wake, I'm in a tank of liquid.
How did I get here? Where's my sister? I remain frozen,
my questions unanswered.
front of my big sister. When I wake, I'm in a tank of liquid.
How did I get here? Where's my sister? I remain frozen,
my questions unanswered.
Researchers subject me to daily tests.
They're all so painful, but I grit through the tears and
remember the modest, yet happy times I spent with my sister.
I believe she will come save me.
They're all so painful, but I grit through the tears and
remember the modest, yet happy times I spent with my sister.
I believe she will come save me.
I hear the screams again. Someone else. Somewhere else.
We're tools for experimentation, discarded if we break.
With no hope of escape, hate eats away at my heart, and
I lose the human side of myself.
We're tools for experimentation, discarded if we break.
With no hope of escape, hate eats away at my heart, and
I lose the human side of myself.
At the end of an eternity, my sister finds me.
The smile she wears is full of love, yet I do not wish
for things to return to how they were.
I simply want to spend my final moments in happiness.
The smile she wears is full of love, yet I do not wish
for things to return to how they were.
I simply want to spend my final moments in happiness.
Ironcore Gun
War means money,
especially for people like us who deal in weapons. Speaking of,
we received another huge order from the military today.
Yes! Work, work, work! Keep those factory fires burning!
especially for people like us who deal in weapons. Speaking of,
we received another huge order from the military today.
Yes! Work, work, work! Keep those factory fires burning!
My laborers ask,
"Is money important enough for you to sell tools that claim lives?
Does the food you buy with such coin taste any better?"
What stupid questions! They don't know anything!
"Is money important enough for you to sell tools that claim lives?
Does the food you buy with such coin taste any better?"
What stupid questions! They don't know anything!
The capitalists say, "It is fun to work the lowest of the low
like dogs and reap the profits.
Wine drunk while watching them scrabble tastes all the sweeter."
Fools! They don't know anything!
like dogs and reap the profits.
Wine drunk while watching them scrabble tastes all the sweeter."
Fools! They don't know anything!
What I seek are bullets.
Gunpowder. Death. I don't want money or renown or status;
the only thing that matters is the fact my
weapons will be laying waste to other people's lives. Glorious!
Gunpowder. Death. I don't want money or renown or status;
the only thing that matters is the fact my
weapons will be laying waste to other people's lives. Glorious!
Snakeheart Spear
I almost want to curse how blessed my life is.
I have caring parents, good looks, skill with a sword—the
whole shebang. I even have a wonderful
master whom I love with all my heart.
I have caring parents, good looks, skill with a sword—the
whole shebang. I even have a wonderful
master whom I love with all my heart.
My master is the beautiful seventh princess—one who is
often mocked for being the product of the king and his mistress.
But she treats everyone kindly,
and I'm charmed by her pure heart.
often mocked for being the product of the king and his mistress.
But she treats everyone kindly,
and I'm charmed by her pure heart.
All praise us for being the ideal image of master and attendant,
and she eventually gives me her family's spear.
But this is wrong; my true form is a monster
who slaughters the innocent at night.
and she eventually gives me her family's spear.
But this is wrong; my true form is a monster
who slaughters the innocent at night.
I am obsessed with human bone. Human flesh.
I kill and I kill and I kill, so tonight I will plunge this spear into
my chest and pray to be reborn. Because if I am,
I will rend her flesh myself.
I kill and I kill and I kill, so tonight I will plunge this spear into
my chest and pray to be reborn. Because if I am,
I will rend her flesh myself.
Type-2 Dawnstar
The small, cold room smells of mold.
This is my dad's entire world,
and I've decided to clean it up over the weekend.
I'm sure he'll start feeling a little better if I put things in order.
This is my dad's entire world,
and I've decided to clean it up over the weekend.
I'm sure he'll start feeling a little better if I put things in order.
I began cleaning one weekend morning.
Kitchen, bathroom—all clean. But in the closet,
I find a pen my brother gave me for my birthday,
as well as a picturebook from Mom. They really take me back.
Kitchen, bathroom—all clean. But in the closet,
I find a pen my brother gave me for my birthday,
as well as a picturebook from Mom. They really take me back.
I look at the gifts and recall how I was convinced we'd be
together again as a family. So convinced, in fact,
that I kept these things. But it's time to toss them out;
such happy days will not come again.
together again as a family. So convinced, in fact,
that I kept these things. But it's time to toss them out;
such happy days will not come again.
The next day, Dad gives me flowers for my birthday—little
blossoms I don't know the names of. I'm going keep them
even when they wither away, because
I want to cherish everything from him.
blossoms I don't know the names of. I'm going keep them
even when they wither away, because
I want to cherish everything from him.
Blackpolish Lance
Some people—like me—are worms who can only live by taking.
But I didn't have the talent for stealing—not from the living,
anyway. So instead, I stole from dead
members of the royal family.
But I didn't have the talent for stealing—not from the living,
anyway. So instead, I stole from dead
members of the royal family.
A great mausoleum stood outside the city.
Inside slumbered corpses of the royal family,
clad in jewelry they once wore in life.
But while the bodies had rotted, the jewels remained for me.
Inside slumbered corpses of the royal family,
clad in jewelry they once wore in life.
But while the bodies had rotted, the jewels remained for me.
I snuck in and found a grand throne topped with fine ornaments.
I had a terrible feeling, so I pulled my hand back
and leapt out of the way.
It's important to know when to quit, right?
I had a terrible feeling, so I pulled my hand back
and leapt out of the way.
It's important to know when to quit, right?
Too late. They buried me, and I could no longer move.
I heard a cracking noise coming from my body,
and realized they took flesh from both the living and the dead.
Ah, they were so much better than me.
I heard a cracking noise coming from my body,
and realized they took flesh from both the living and the dead.
Ah, they were so much better than me.
Devoted Memory
I've been searching for something for a long, long time,
but can never find it. That's why I decided to have it crafted.
but can never find it. That's why I decided to have it crafted.
I hear there are tailors who can make it for me—tailors
who craft lives and memories for people. Rumor says they'll
make whatever the customer wants, and do so to perfection.
who craft lives and memories for people. Rumor says they'll
make whatever the customer wants, and do so to perfection.
Mine should be simple. It's mundane, really.
All I want are memories of spending
days with a loved one and our child.
All I want are memories of spending
days with a loved one and our child.
You can do this, right? I won't let you say no. I've paid a
hefty price to come this far, and I can't turn back now.
But you already know that. Don't you?
hefty price to come this far, and I can't turn back now.
But you already know that. Don't you?
Type-2 Sunset
Yesterday was Mom and Dad's anniversary.
What kind of flowers would they want, I wonder?
My sister and I pool our coins and head to the florist.
I've been getting less allowance recently, but I saved for this.
What kind of flowers would they want, I wonder?
My sister and I pool our coins and head to the florist.
I've been getting less allowance recently, but I saved for this.
We talk to the florist and finally chose a strawberry plant with
little white flowers that's said to bring happiness.
Mom and Dad have been fighting a lot lately,
so I hope it helps.
little white flowers that's said to bring happiness.
Mom and Dad have been fighting a lot lately,
so I hope it helps.
When we get home, Mom and Dad are fighting again.
We step between them and hold out the present,
and they both stop to smile. My sister and I are so
happy now. I hope they stay get along forever...
We step between them and hold out the present,
and they both stop to smile. My sister and I are so
happy now. I hope they stay get along forever...
The plant we gave our parents is nice, but Mom is still unhappy.
We're all unhappy. But I put hope in the tale of the little red fruit,
because it would be too painful to live without it.
We're all unhappy. But I put hope in the tale of the little red fruit,
because it would be too painful to live without it.
Darkstrike
The blade is sleek and black, yet seems to give off light.
Its beauty remains untarnished even after testing it
on my servants, which makes it a personal favorite.
Alas, it has been stolen by a thief.
Its beauty remains untarnished even after testing it
on my servants, which makes it a personal favorite.
Alas, it has been stolen by a thief.
The scoundrel who stole my treasure is well-known in low
corners of the city. He's said to have a young face,
as well as a small frame that makes him an adept thief.
Just the thought of him makes me rage.
corners of the city. He's said to have a young face,
as well as a small frame that makes him an adept thief.
Just the thought of him makes me rage.
I search the city and find him gliding silently through the streets.
My treasure dances in his hands,
plunging into the bodies of his foes.
Shaking with anger, I suddenly leap before him.
My treasure dances in his hands,
plunging into the bodies of his foes.
Shaking with anger, I suddenly leap before him.
Cut me down! I cry. The blade's black sheen is so much
more lovely that when I wield it, and I feel a great desire to
witness it up close.
Yet the thief scoffs at me and refuses to grant my wish.
more lovely that when I wield it, and I feel a great desire to
witness it up close.
Yet the thief scoffs at me and refuses to grant my wish.
Type-3 Sword
The researchers give me and my brother weapons and
tell us to fight, promising freedom to the victor.
I thought we were almost free, but now this.
What am I going to do?
tell us to fight, promising freedom to the victor.
I thought we were almost free, but now this.
What am I going to do?
I glance at the rustic blade in my little brother's trembling hand.
The researchers say it's great at dealing pain,
which doesn't suit his kind heart.
And since I want him to be happy, I make a choice.
The researchers say it's great at dealing pain,
which doesn't suit his kind heart.
And since I want him to be happy, I make a choice.
I make an awful face so it's easier to attack me and leap at
him with a roar. As I hope, he holds up his blade in fear.
Good! Use the blade to cut down your big brother!
Find your freedom!
him with a roar. As I hope, he holds up his blade in fear.
Good! Use the blade to cut down your big brother!
Find your freedom!
I begin to scream. I begin to writhe. In the corner of my eye,
I see my little brother lift the blade again, sobbing. Yes...
Please. Do it quickly. Set your brother free...
I see my little brother lift the blade again, sobbing. Yes...
Please. Do it quickly. Set your brother free...
Stellar Halberd
I keep my eyes closed.
There is nothing here for me to see, after all.
There is nothing here for me to see, after all.
I keep my voice silent.
My words will reach no one, after all.
My words will reach no one, after all.
I keep my face placid.
This is my sole resistance, after all.
This is my sole resistance, after all.
I keep no hope.
Because I know I will be betrayed. And yet...
Because I know I will be betrayed. And yet...
Adhering Memory
We are tailors.
Come to us if you desire to wear a masterpiece!
Come to us if you desire to wear a masterpiece!
We will make anything to suit your body, your mind,
and your heart. A bespoke article of stunning
beauty lovingly created just for you.
and your heart. A bespoke article of stunning
beauty lovingly created just for you.
We will grant you blissful memories that bring you
to a peaceful death. We will grant you hateful memories
that give you the strength to survive the morrow.
to a peaceful death. We will grant you hateful memories
that give you the strength to survive the morrow.
Oh, what a busy day it's been! People cannot
live without one reason or another, but it's so hard
coming up with false lives... Oh, a customer!
What sort of memories are you looking for today?
live without one reason or another, but it's so hard
coming up with false lives... Oh, a customer!
What sort of memories are you looking for today?
Enchanting Claw
Teacher got mad at me again today—told me to stop
sleeping in class. But I'm sooooo sleepy!
*yawn* Oh, and when I dream, I see a monster...
sleeping in class. But I'm sooooo sleepy!
*yawn* Oh, and when I dream, I see a monster...
Yay, Mister Monster! I'm so happy to see you again,
'cause you don't bully me like everyone at school.
Thanks for always playing with me. I love you, Mister Monster.
'cause you don't bully me like everyone at school.
Thanks for always playing with me. I love you, Mister Monster.
Mommy and Daddy keep telling me to wake up,
but I'm so much happier in the dream world.
They don't get that, so I decided to show them.
That's why I put them in an eternal sleep.
but I'm so much happier in the dream world.
They don't get that, so I decided to show them.
That's why I put them in an eternal sleep.
Good morning. I don't understand.
I'm sorry. Good bye. Daddy. Help me. Mommy.
I won't see you again. All alone.
Monster.
I'm sorry. Good bye. Daddy. Help me. Mommy.
I won't see you again. All alone.
Monster.
Novus Staff
Long ago, as the Earth was warming, it suddenly began to cool.
Though scientists had theories, the cause remained unknown.
Soon, the planet began to freeze,
starting with the seas nearest the poles.
Though scientists had theories, the cause remained unknown.
Soon, the planet began to freeze,
starting with the seas nearest the poles.
As a result of the cooling, the amount of water covering the
Earth dropped from 80% to 20%. Large ocean mammals,
unable to find enough food to sustain themselves,
began to go extinct.
Earth dropped from 80% to 20%. Large ocean mammals,
unable to find enough food to sustain themselves,
began to go extinct.
Large fish were the next to go, followed by others in order of size.
Soon enough, the diminished amount of water
became a matter of life and death for creatures beyond sea life.
Soon enough, the diminished amount of water
became a matter of life and death for creatures beyond sea life.
The old humans fell to starvation, and their numbers plummeted.
The global population that once sat at seven billion fell to
roughly ■■ people. This number was an extreme problem indeed.
The global population that once sat at seven billion fell to
roughly ■■ people. This number was an extreme problem indeed.
Obsidian Gem
Grandma was the only mage in the village,
but she's gone now. Starting today, I'll follow in her
footsteps and become the village mage. I clutch the obsidian
gem she left me and vow to do my best.
but she's gone now. Starting today, I'll follow in her
footsteps and become the village mage. I clutch the obsidian
gem she left me and vow to do my best.
Finding lost items, telling fortunes, healing the sick,
crafting good-luck charms—I do my best from her notes,
but there's so much I don't know. Like,
what is this obsidian gem on my desk even for?
crafting good-luck charms—I do my best from her notes,
but there's so much I don't know. Like,
what is this obsidian gem on my desk even for?
Today, a woman came by to pick up medicine for her sick child.
As she looked around the workshop, she said,
"Oh, she's gone." I figured she was talking about
Grandma, so I gave her a little smile.
As she looked around the workshop, she said,
"Oh, she's gone." I figured she was talking about
Grandma, so I gave her a little smile.
Today I heard a tapping from the obsidian gem.
The woman brought her healthy child around to share
dinner with me and said, "Oh! The familiar laid an egg!"
I can't wait to see what hatches...
The woman brought her healthy child around to share
dinner with me and said, "Oh! The familiar laid an egg!"
I can't wait to see what hatches...
Syringe Gun
I devote all my days to saving the patients
who come in. But no matter how much
I sacrifice of my own life, the patients never stop coming.
who come in. But no matter how much
I sacrifice of my own life, the patients never stop coming.
I'd wanted to save people from a very young age,
so I studied to become a doctor.
But now I feel less joy in saving others than
I do distress at seeing them in pain.
so I studied to become a doctor.
But now I feel less joy in saving others than
I do distress at seeing them in pain.
After examining an emergency patient who came in after
getting shot in a gang war, I found myself wondering
why people always hurt each
other no matter how hard I try to heal them.
getting shot in a gang war, I found myself wondering
why people always hurt each
other no matter how hard I try to heal them.
The truth of illness is that the malady will spread so
long as the original tumor remains intact.
That's why I discarded my scalpel and syringe
for a knife and a gun and left the hospital.
long as the original tumor remains intact.
That's why I discarded my scalpel and syringe
for a knife and a gun and left the hospital.
AGW-M26
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Pitiless Rite
No matter how many years pass, I still dream of my late mother.
It's always the same: She seeks knowledge from a bird so she
might grow wings. But it always ends the same.
She is human. She cannot fly.
It's always the same: She seeks knowledge from a bird so she
might grow wings. But it always ends the same.
She is human. She cannot fly.
Mother told me so many t■■es she wanted to be cre■■■■■,
and her ashes scattered over t■■ seas. I was■'t able to ■■
that in the end. Maybe this is her way of
sh■■■ng s■ite for what I de■■ed her.
and her ashes scattered over t■■ seas. I was■'t able to ■■
that in the end. Maybe this is her way of
sh■■■ng s■ite for what I de■■ed her.
The moment I saw my ■■■■■■ ■■■■ed, mem■■■■■ of
Mother flashed t■■■■■■ ■■ mind. I felt dis■■■■■ knowing
she had been kil■■■ with her heart still t■■■■ed in a cage.
Mother flashed t■■■■■■ ■■ mind. I felt dis■■■■■ knowing
she had been kil■■■ with her heart still t■■■■ed in a cage.
Black birds ■■■■■ on my ■■■■■■■■ ■■rpse. I'm ■■■■
with that. At least ■■■■■■ of her will ■■■■ their ■■■
to mo■■ ■■■■■■■■■
places now—in o■■ ■■y or anot■■■.
with that. At least ■■■■■■ of her will ■■■■ their ■■■
to mo■■ ■■■■■■■■■
places now—in o■■ ■■y or anot■■■.
Snakeheart Pistol
Guns. We love guns. Can't live without 'em! Everything
in life—health, communication, money, singing, playing,
childmaking—it's all done by putting a gun to a
head and pulling the trigger.
in life—health, communication, money, singing, playing,
childmaking—it's all done by putting a gun to a
head and pulling the trigger.
But my girl said our guns are fake, and that real guns kill people.
"Kill?" I asked. "What's that?" She smiled and said,
"It's telling someone that everything in the world is a lie."
"Kill?" I asked. "What's that?" She smiled and said,
"It's telling someone that everything in the world is a lie."
Every day, she and I pointed fake guns at each other in
our secret base, accessed the network, and tried to learn
about real guns. Her dream was to kill with one—but one day,
she stopped coming.
our secret base, accessed the network, and tried to learn
about real guns. Her dream was to kill with one—but one day,
she stopped coming.
Later, people in white came to my house.
My mom screamed when they pointed a gun at me,
and when I realized it was real, I got jealous.
If I'm ever reborn, I want to shoot a real gun with my girl.
My mom screamed when they pointed a gun at me,
and when I realized it was real, I got jealous.
If I'm ever reborn, I want to shoot a real gun with my girl.
Ironcore Spear
No normal smith coulda made this spear; it never rusts or chips.
Selling it can net you a year's supply of booze—in fact, the coin
that bought this pint came from my doing just that.
Selling it can net you a year's supply of booze—in fact, the coin
that bought this pint came from my doing just that.
What, so I ain't allowed to own what I previously sold?
Heh. Don't matter what I do, the spear always comes back.
I ain't loved—I'm cursed. And these hands?
They'll never be clean.
Heh. Don't matter what I do, the spear always comes back.
I ain't loved—I'm cursed. And these hands?
They'll never be clean.
Each drop of blood makes the blade sharper, so it don't
wanna stay with folks what can't use it. I'm a top-notch fighter,
so it always gets to drink its fill—especially on
full-moon nights like this.
wanna stay with folks what can't use it. I'm a top-notch fighter,
so it always gets to drink its fill—especially on
full-moon nights like this.
Eh, I'm kidding. None of that's real, but it's the perfect story for
drinking, eh!? ...Oh, you're headed home? Take care then—
and be sure to check out the moon.
It's almost as beautiful as you.
drinking, eh!? ...Oh, you're headed home? Take care then—
and be sure to check out the moon.
It's almost as beautiful as you.
Ritual Pike
The grand palace is a symbol of wealth and power;
the princess within a prisoner of her own home.
Eventually she loses the will to smile—
until the day she meets a sailor who changes everything.
the princess within a prisoner of her own home.
Eventually she loses the will to smile—
until the day she meets a sailor who changes everything.
She has another face—that of a fortune teller.
But things still feel so empty; no one notices the part of
her she keeps hidden. Will the sailor take the
opportunity to see her for who she is?
But things still feel so empty; no one notices the part of
her she keeps hidden. Will the sailor take the
opportunity to see her for who she is?
She falls in love with the sailor. But she has doubts,
so switches places with her maid to test him.
When she sees the pair of them absconding off
ogether, she knows she has been betrayed.
so switches places with her maid to test him.
When she sees the pair of them absconding off
ogether, she knows she has been betrayed.
She rushes through the city with spear in hand,
knowing the sailor's tales to be mere fabrications.
In her despair, she surrenders herself to the vast,
unfathomable ocean.
knowing the sailor's tales to be mere fabrications.
In her despair, she surrenders herself to the vast,
unfathomable ocean.
Kurezome
He spends his days studying and working, casting
aside a normal high school life to focus solely on
his goal. He does this all so he might become a doctor
and save his ailing mother's life.
aside a normal high school life to focus solely on
his goal. He does this all so he might become a doctor
and save his ailing mother's life.
His classmates do nothing but slack. His coworker is nothing
but talk. The boy's days are weight down by all of society's ills,
and when he gets news of his mother's impending death,
it breaks him.
but talk. The boy's days are weight down by all of society's ills,
and when he gets news of his mother's impending death,
it breaks him.
He plans to kill himself so his mother might have his heart.
His final moments stretch into eternity.
But before he can consume the poison,
the phone rings, informing him his mother has died.
His final moments stretch into eternity.
But before he can consume the poison,
the phone rings, informing him his mother has died.
He gets revenge on his father—he who drove his mother to death.
But then he realizes that her death was, in fact,
a homicide, and vows to spend the
rest of his days in search of retribution.
But then he realizes that her death was, in fact,
a homicide, and vows to spend the
rest of his days in search of retribution.
Akagi
Grades. Friendships. Evaluations. The girl has long
played every role in the part of an exemplary high
school student, all so her destitute father
might find a way to smile again.
played every role in the part of an exemplary high
school student, all so her destitute father
might find a way to smile again.
She works an immoral job to repay her father's
debt—one where others suffer as a result of her actions.
But she continues to break the law for his sake.
She does it all for him.
debt—one where others suffer as a result of her actions.
But she continues to break the law for his sake.
She does it all for him.
When her crimes are laid bare, all her hard work crumbles.
With a heavy heart, she heads home to the one thing
she never wanted to lose, only to discover her
father swinging from the ceiling.
With a heavy heart, she heads home to the one thing
she never wanted to lose, only to discover her
father swinging from the ceiling.
She gets revenge on her mother—she who drove her
father to death. But then she realizes that his death was,
in fact, a homicide, and vows to spend the
rest of her days in search of retribution.
father to death. But then she realizes that his death was,
in fact, a homicide, and vows to spend the
rest of her days in search of retribution.
Gilded Blade
Can't stick with the boss anymore.
Sneaking into the Thieves' Graveyard?
He's mad! We've been through a lot over the years,
but this is a step too far, even for me.
Sneaking into the Thieves' Graveyard?
He's mad! We've been through a lot over the years,
but this is a step too far, even for me.
Things fell apart on the way home after escaping the Graveyard.
It was the kid's fault, of course—he treats us like dogs.
Worst part is that he's more
talented than any of us and we know it.
It was the kid's fault, of course—he treats us like dogs.
Worst part is that he's more
talented than any of us and we know it.
Everyone knows who he is: He leads the nation's best thieves
guild and takes everything he wants. The way he acts...
The way he steals...
Every thief in the land wants to be just like him.
guild and takes everything he wants. The way he acts...
The way he steals...
Every thief in the land wants to be just like him.
Finally saw the kid in town. Was relieved to see him alive,
but shocked at how different he was.
What happened to his bejeweled clothes? His sharp gaze?
Did he get a girl? Oh, my brother...
but shocked at how different he was.
What happened to his bejeweled clothes? His sharp gaze?
Did he get a girl? Oh, my brother...
Moonlight
To the next queen:
Tomorrow is the fifth full moon. Alas, I was not able to escape.
I pray you will not commit the same mistakes
I did—and that you will survive.
Tomorrow is the fifth full moon. Alas, I was not able to escape.
I pray you will not commit the same mistakes
I did—and that you will survive.
To the next queen:
The king's mood has soured, and my days are few.
He has hidden himself away within the palace.
If I learn anything of note, I will write it here.
The king's mood has soured, and my days are few.
He has hidden himself away within the palace.
If I learn anything of note, I will write it here.
To the next queen:
I tried to kill him! I was a fool! I don't want to die!
I don't ■■nt to ■■■! My leg ■■■■■ stop ■■■■■■■■!
■■me■■■ ■■■■ me! ■■lp...
I tried to kill him! I was a fool! I don't want to die!
I don't ■■nt to ■■■! My leg ■■■■■ stop ■■■■■■■■!
■■me■■■ ■■■■ me! ■■lp...
I write these words as proof that our efforts bore fruit.
The room in question should be prepared.
The bell ringing now mourns the death of the king.
I am his last queen.
The room in question should be prepared.
The bell ringing now mourns the death of the king.
I am his last queen.
Shiny Wand
Oxygen Level: 79%
I'm sure rescue will be here before my time runs out.
Until then, I'll drift through space enjoying the beautiful stars.
I'm sure rescue will be here before my time runs out.
Until then, I'll drift through space enjoying the beautiful stars.
Oxygen Level: 45%
I've lost track of how much time has passed.
Rescue has yet to arrive. I feel so
insignificant in this vast ocean of stars.
I've lost track of how much time has passed.
Rescue has yet to arrive. I feel so
insignificant in this vast ocean of stars.
Oxygen Level: 12%
I feel as though I'm going mad as my inevitable
death creeps near. I want to end it all, but the life support
system on my spacesuit won't allow it.
I feel as though I'm going mad as my inevitable
death creeps near. I want to end it all, but the life support
system on my spacesuit won't allow it.
Oxygen Level: 3%
The woman finally passed away. Her oxygen level had been
depleting 1% per year. She was finally freed from solitude.
Cause of death: old age.
The woman finally passed away. Her oxygen level had been
depleting 1% per year. She was finally freed from solitude.
Cause of death: old age.
Blackspot Staff
Did you know I can understand what birds say? It's true!
No one believes me, which is why I've been treated like
a weirdo since I was a kid.
Do you understand how painful that's been?
No one believes me, which is why I've been treated like
a weirdo since I was a kid.
Do you understand how painful that's been?
Now that we're talking, I'll tell you something that happened when
I was a kid. On a bright summer day, a black bird of passage
came to me and said there would be a great storm the next day.
I was a kid. On a bright summer day, a black bird of passage
came to me and said there would be a great storm the next day.
I went to the adults and told them, but they didn't believe me.
The next day, there was a massive storm, the mountain
collapsed, and everyone died—including me.
The next day, there was a massive storm, the mountain
collapsed, and everyone died—including me.
Hmm? You don't get why we're talking like this if I'm dead?
People can still talk in death, silly! I mean, you're dead too,
so stop acting like I'm the weirdo around here. Sheesh!
People can still talk in death, silly! I mean, you're dead too,
so stop acting like I'm the weirdo around here. Sheesh!
Scheming Gladiator
One morning, the statue of the great counselor overlooking the
colosseum was found in pieces. This sort of barbarism must be
the work of one of the gladiators. With the honor of our nation on
the line, we sentinels began searching for the culprit immediately.
colosseum was found in pieces. This sort of barbarism must be
the work of one of the gladiators. With the honor of our nation on
the line, we sentinels began searching for the culprit immediately.
We captured a few suspicious gladiators and lined them up in the
colosseum. All of them were former prisoners of war, meaning
hey must of had a grudge on the counselor. We'll torture them
for answers and then publicly execute the perpetrator.
colosseum. All of them were former prisoners of war, meaning
hey must of had a grudge on the counselor. We'll torture them
for answers and then publicly execute the perpetrator.
The suspects refused to speak, no matter how much pain we
inflected on them. That was until high noon, when all of
a sudden they all began to confess at once.
"I destroyed the statue!" "No, it was I" "It was my doing!"
inflected on them. That was until high noon, when all of
a sudden they all began to confess at once.
"I destroyed the statue!" "No, it was I" "It was my doing!"
"Enough with this foolishness! Execute them all!" Just as one of
the sentinels exclaimed, the gladiators smirked. All of a sudden,
a guard cried out from the watchtower "The rest of the gladiators
have escaped! Those suspects were a decoy!" There was an eerie
glimmer in the eyes of the gladiators waiting for their execution.
the sentinels exclaimed, the gladiators smirked. All of a sudden,
a guard cried out from the watchtower "The rest of the gladiators
have escaped! Those suspects were a decoy!" There was an eerie
glimmer in the eyes of the gladiators waiting for their execution.
Splitting Axe
This prison is surrounded on all sides by cliffs.
Only the greatest of criminals come here.
No chains bind them. No bars stand tall.
For so long as I hold watch, none of them will ever escape.
Only the greatest of criminals come here.
No chains bind them. No bars stand tall.
For so long as I hold watch, none of them will ever escape.
A number attempted escape after I took this post.
Foolish criminals and their sins—criminals with no hope
of salvation. My trusty axe removed the heads of
all who tried, and soon the attempts ceased.
Foolish criminals and their sins—criminals with no hope
of salvation. My trusty axe removed the heads of
all who tried, and soon the attempts ceased.
No one escapes this place; I kill every sinner who darkens
its door. Another arrives today. Another will arrive tomorrow.
All who commit crimes are sent to me, for this prison is eternal.
its door. Another arrives today. Another will arrive tomorrow.
All who commit crimes are sent to me, for this prison is eternal.
We keep our worst criminal—a axe-murderer—in a prison
surrounded by cliffs. We send sacrifices there every day
to keep him happy, even though we recognize how
terrifically cruel the practice is.
surrounded by cliffs. We send sacrifices there every day
to keep him happy, even though we recognize how
terrifically cruel the practice is.
Temari of the Stars
Dear God,
I have a wish. I want to smile a lot with
Mommy and Daddy this year!
I have a wish. I want to smile a lot with
Mommy and Daddy this year!
Dear God,
I have a wish. I don't want Dad to bully
Mom anymore, and I don't want her to beat me anymore.
I have a wish. I don't want Dad to bully
Mom anymore, and I don't want her to beat me anymore.
O God, please hear my plea.
Please scold my mother and father this year,
for they are terrible people who continue to terrorize me.
Please scold my mother and father this year,
for they are terrible people who continue to terrorize me.
Almighty God, hear my plea!
Grant me strength—I beg of you.
Grant me the strength to strike my parents down.
Grant me strength—I beg of you.
Grant me the strength to strike my parents down.
Synthetic Exorcism
Once, a woman sent her husband an arrow.
It served as a prayer he might return safely from war
after felling many an enemy to great acclaim.
It served as a prayer he might return safely from war
after felling many an enemy to great acclaim.
The prayer worked, and the woman's husband returned
home having accomplished great things. Indeed,
the arrow she sent him was the selfsame one which
pierced the enemy general's skull.
home having accomplished great things. Indeed,
the arrow she sent him was the selfsame one which
pierced the enemy general's skull.
Word spread, and soon people swarmed the woman,
asking her to imbue their arrows with prayers.
They were used for decoration, as well as to banish evil
and bring good fortune to the owner.
asking her to imbue their arrows with prayers.
They were used for decoration, as well as to banish evil
and bring good fortune to the owner.
But then an age came where machines ruled over humans.
Though arrows held no value as weapons,
the government claimed them as such, and burned all who
owned one alive along with their homes.
Though arrows held no value as weapons,
the government claimed them as such, and burned all who
owned one alive along with their homes.
Blade of Early Spring
feet crunch firmly over first frost
i mind not the mud on my boots
i mind not the mud on my boots
winter plums bathe the city in pink
with the first shot, they turn a deeper red
with the first shot, they turn a deeper red
white drifts between clouds of smoke
is it snow? ash? i close my eyes
is it snow? ash? i close my eyes
her voice echoes in the silence that follows
life persisting despite death
life persisting despite death
Festive Cold Steel
Once there was a special establishment,
open only on New Year's Day, whose sole purpose was to
sever relationships. The village women gossiped
that it could help a person end old, bad ties.
open only on New Year's Day, whose sole purpose was to
sever relationships. The village women gossiped
that it could help a person end old, bad ties.
One woman heard the rumor and took her good-for-nothing,
gambling husband to the place, hoping to be free of him at last.
With resolve in her heart, she knocked on the door.
gambling husband to the place, hoping to be free of him at last.
With resolve in her heart, she knocked on the door.
The door opened to reveal a beautiful woman with a katana
as large as the wielder. The husband ogled her,
but once he realized he was there for the purpose of divorce,
his attitude changed.
as large as the wielder. The husband ogled her,
but once he realized he was there for the purpose of divorce,
his attitude changed.
As he thrashed about, the woman brought her blade down,
sending the husband's head sailing through the air and severing
the relationship for good. When the wife saw the woman smile,
she screamed.
sending the husband's head sailing through the air and severing
the relationship for good. When the wife saw the woman smile,
she screamed.
Wandering Corpse
I peer into the mirror and see a hideous monster.
When I raise my hand, the monster does the same.
Even the background scenery is the same.
When I raise my hand, the monster does the same.
Even the background scenery is the same.
Ah, I see. I am the hideous monster.
The next thing I know, I'm screaming—my voice a horrible
combination of machinery and a beast's howl.
The next thing I know, I'm screaming—my voice a horrible
combination of machinery and a beast's howl.
I don't know where I came from. Or who I am.
I am certain only of the incessant pangs of hunger that wrack
my body, so I wander this desolate world in
search of a way to sate my longing.
I am certain only of the incessant pangs of hunger that wrack
my body, so I wander this desolate world in
search of a way to sate my longing.
Only the eating of dreams can make me forget my
pain and despair—but those moments last only so long.
Ever hungering, I resume my long trek across a desolate
world in search of further sustenance.
pain and despair—but those moments last only so long.
Ever hungering, I resume my long trek across a desolate
world in search of further sustenance.
Sublime Acceptance
There was once a fishmonger who worked harder
than anyone else. One day, he sold a great catch to a royal
official and received his pay in an envelope.
Excited, he returned home to his mother.
than anyone else. One day, he sold a great catch to a royal
official and received his pay in an envelope.
Excited, he returned home to his mother.
As his ill mother lay abed, he counted the money in the envelope.
But the amount was not as much as he was expecting,
and when he finished, he was no longer
certain that he could afford her medicine.
But the amount was not as much as he was expecting,
and when he finished, he was no longer
certain that he could afford her medicine.
His income lessened as time went on, and he grew
increasingly weak. One day, the official summoned him:
A thief had stolen from a rice dealer,
and blame had been pinned on the fishmonger.
increasingly weak. One day, the official summoned him:
A thief had stolen from a rice dealer,
and blame had been pinned on the fishmonger.
The fishmonger, of course, had stolen no rice.
But he accepted the blame with a smile,
pleased that he no longer had to look after his mother.
But he accepted the blame with a smile,
pleased that he no longer had to look after his mother.
Helical Dance
All that I worked so hard to build vanished one
morning in an instant. If it was all indeed a falsehood,
I would not feel this delighted.
morning in an instant. If it was all indeed a falsehood,
I would not feel this delighted.
If the lies are ■■ consume me, then ■ myself ■■ a lie.
If I turn what is false ■■■■ the real,
the world will ■■■■■■ to how it was.
If I turn what is false ■■■■ the real,
the world will ■■■■■■ to how it was.
Lie after ■■■ ■■■■■ lie.
The world can no lo■■■■ su■■ain their ■■■ght.
Let us dance ■■ ig■■■■nce, and wait
■■■ the moment ■■ all com■■ crashing ■■■■.
The world can no lo■■■■ su■■ain their ■■■ght.
Let us dance ■■ ig■■■■nce, and wait
■■■ the moment ■■ all com■■ crashing ■■■■.
Black birds ■■■■ through ■■■ sky, sig■■■■■g ■■■ end.
Happiness ■■ lost. I ■■■■■ out, but ■■ is ■■■ ■■■ me.
My fe■■ s■■p in the ■■■■ pat■■■n.
We are pr■■■■■■■ined ■■■■■■.
Happiness ■■ lost. I ■■■■■ out, but ■■ is ■■■ ■■■ me.
My fe■■ s■■p in the ■■■■ pat■■■n.
We are pr■■■■■■■ined ■■■■■■.