AW Writing Competition - Open Submissions for Everyone

[Ruins of Time]

I plan on using this when reading all entries. I get the feeling a lot of them won't be serious anyway.

[Autumn Storm]

I'mma say... in. Yup, I'll go with in.

[funwes]

Submission time! I've reread this so many times so that I get it right ;-; Really hoping that I didn't miss something

A New Generation

Hey there! You must be one of the new guys around here. Come on, take a seat, grab a drink or three. Good to finally get to meet you. What’s that? Don’t be too shy, kid, we’re not looking for you to prove yourself or anything. You made it through the Commander’s Academy, that’s proof enough that you’re good. I think most of us are pretty much done with warring and fighting anyway. It’s been two or three years since the war ended, so people are still trying to wind down and be done with it all. I doubt any of these folks are wanting to give you a rough time for being new. Heck, Olaf and Grit were pretty welcoming of Colin when he went straight from Academy to the front lines even in the middle of wartime, so don’t be so tense.

Don’t know names with faces yet? Ah, that’s alright. They only grill you on tactics and strategy and barely gave you any background on us. I don’t think you’d really get to know the other officers without actually talkin’ to them, anyway. Let me show you around a bit so you can figure where you fit in, how’s that sound?

That big guy over there, with the beard, is Olaf. For as pompous as the guy can be, he’s got a bigger heart than anyone around. Loves his country, loves his fellow officers, and loves his snowy weather. I’ve heard all his favorite memories as a kid are all during the winter. It’s the summer months that really get him down - that was the time of year he nearly failed out, the time of year he lost his hometown and family, the time of year Black Hole would always invade his country. His fellow officers and his people are all he’s got left.

The guy in the trenchcoat, Grit, is his right hand man. I’m pretty sure Grit could take over Blue Moon if he put his little pinky forward. Instead, the guy isn’t motivated to do much unless Olaf kicks his ass into gear. He keeps to himself pretty well though, so I don’t really know too much about him other than that. He went to Academy about the same time as Nell and Max and there sounds like there was some stress between the three of them. They’ve kept any details from really getting out, though.

Colin? He’s the shorter of the two boys at that table there. He’s got a bit of an obedience problem. What? No, too much obedience. Always trying to stick to the rules and being strict in what he does. I think some of that stems from Sasha, his sister sitting with him. Those two lost their parents early on in the First Black Hole War. The fortune the parents left behind was only theirs if they were perfect little angels and never got in trouble. Sasha made sure that Colin would never be out of line otherwise the money would stop rolling in. From there they could pay to go to Academy, and did great because they had the discipline. They’ve relaxed a bit since making it out of Academy, but they still hold themselves to a higher standard out of habit.

That other boy makin’ them laugh is Andy. Yeah, he does all sorts of goofy stuff to entertain the rest of us. He seems like a dumb guy, and most of the people here think it was luck that he ever made it through Academy, but I know it was more than that. So did Nell, which is why she had faith when he went to Orange Star. Underneath all that stupid is the smartest guy in the room. How old are you? 24? Andy was put into Academy at eleven and made it out in four years, led Orange Star through three wars, and is still younger than you. Ha! Surprised, huh? The kid’s parents put him in after seeing how quickly he had advanced through school. He just acts so dumb because he never got a real childhood. It’s how he copes with war and growing up faster than anyone needs to.

That guy there with the samurai sword is Kanbei, and that’s his daughter Sonja. Kanbei may not be the smartest fish in the sea but he’s got spirit. Most of us are pretty sure he got through Academy thanks to Sensei’s help. Oh, sorry kid, he’s not around anymore. Sensei passed away not long after Black Hole was finally driven out in the last war. I guess he knew his work was done, and that his son-in-law was ready to run Yellow Comet. Yeah, they were related. Kanbei’s wife, Sensei’s daughter, was always a bit more fragile than most, then came down with a terrible illness that took her life. Sensei disappeared for quite some time after that; most of us assumed he was grieving. He came back for the Second Black Hole War, ready and riled up. Kanbei almost lost his spirit when his wife passed, but got it back when Sonja got into the Academy. Sonja keeps her mind busy, probably to keep her focus away from losing her mother. When the First Black Hole War began her head was full of so much intel and info that she didn’t even have time to be sad. Everybody copes somehow, I suppose.

The two couples over there? Eagle’s got his arm around Sami, a couple that surprised a lot of people in Green Earth and Orange Star at first. The people didn’t really take to them too well, but it helped relations between the two countries once they got over it. Somehow Sami’s got that Eagle tamed, a lot better than I ever did, that’s for sure. They’re both energetic on the field and complement each other well.

And Jake’s the one with the little goatee growing. Rachel’s the pregnant girl that he’s holding hands with. Those two weren’t exactly expecting that so early in their lives but they’re gonna be good parents, I know. They got together after that last war, which everybody saw coming. Spending a whole third war fighting together will do that to people. They just didn’t know they’d have the marriage so soon - it was only about five months ago! Beautiful ceremony, let me tell you, kid. There’s nothing like having your wedding on an Orange Star battleship. And Jake even took those headphones off for once in his life! Half of us never knew he had ears.

Aha! How could I miss him? Right there is Grimm. Don’t let his name fool you, he’s really an upbeat guy. I’ve never seen someone so energetic, especially someone who’s bigger than me! He and I were talking the other day, and we had already had a few drinks, but he told me all about how lucky he was to get to be a part of everything we have here. He’s got some real issues at home with his brother, something to do with how his brother never made any good decisions his whole life. It’s hurting his whole family, and they do everything they can but it’s not enough. But instead of bringing it up with us officers, Grimm just keeps his chin up around here. Well, both of them, I should say. Then again I’ve got no room to talk. I’ve got me a belly of blubber right here! The sea is a lot more kind to me than this food we got here.

There’s a couple more of us, but they aren’t around right now. We all can’t go off duty at once, that’d be suicide. We’ve been surprised by Black Hole coming around enough as it is! You’ll like them, though, and Nell is definitely not a bad looking woman herself...

How do I know all this? Haha, kid, good question. It’s just little observations here and there, getting to know this group of fine people out by the dock every now and then. We’ve all gotten a bit closer over the last few years, and it helps that Sonja’s a master of information. Most of this I know is from her helping me find out. We’re all allies, but it doesn’t hurt to know who your friends are. Maybe you should find out what these guys are like for yourself, though. I’ve known Eagle for years already and got to know these other landlubbers once we started working together against Black Hole.

Well I talked your ears off and I don’t think I even got your name! What’s that? Lazarus? Pretty good name if you ask me. I’m sure you’re going to be a fine commander. We’re supposed to be gettin’ another graduate here too, Rubin was his name, I believe. Maybe you know him? No? Well all the same, enjoy your stay here. It looks like a clear sky from here on out, I’d say.

It seemed so much longer in the Google Doc...

[CO Raven]

I'll get to this a bit later but does anyone have a challenge concept for me before I begin writing? Just for fun.

[funwes]

Looks like I've got some stiff competition over here

[Mr--Clean]

Im still working on mine. About half way through. Last minute desperation is my muse so dont expect to see it until well... the last minute.

[Mori]

Oh right I need to work on this.

[Mr--Clean]

True to my word here it is on the last day. A lot of things I could say about it but ill just say it probably wont make much sense if you never played AW1

Spoiler!

The cold dark storm cloud of the Blue Moon Nation Army loomed over the country of Orange Star, plunging all under its shadow into a winter of defeat and blotting out any of ray of hope. Pushed back further and further from within their own borders, The once proud Orange Star army was preparing its final stand against the storm of invaders. Leading them was Nell, Orange Stars brightest and currently only available commanding officer. Pushed against the wall she prepared for the ensuing battle around OS HQ. Her goal was not so much victory, but survival.

Sitting in the commanding officer room Nell lay half asleep in a pile of unfinished paper work. The CO room was the only place she could get some peace and quite without someone barging in on her and delivering more bad news. With both commanding officers Max and Sami fighting slow and not particularly important battles on other fronts, Nell had turned the room into a makeshift living space for herself, no longer having the time to leave her work unattended or the luxury of more than a hour or two of sleep at a time. She was running off of fumes and would have to leave her nap soon enough. For the time she was just enjoying what very small amount of peace that could be found in the land of wars world, a peace that was interrupted by a knock at the door.

"Authorized personal only" Nell grumbled aloud not even bothering to lift her head from her now drool covered papers. However the sound of a key slowly unlocking a door brought her to attention. Sitting up straight she watched the door slowly creek open with hopeful eyes. She had been holding down the fort alone for quite a while now. An unexpected return from Max or Sami from their fronts would be welcome indeed, even if it would likely come with some form or another of bad news. They were Orange Star's best and brightest and not only could Nell use either of their unique talents, she could just use someone to help her shoulder the burden.

As luck would have it however, Max and Sami were still on the other side of the country. The shadowy figure stepped through the door with an large smirk on its face.

"Whats the matter Nell? I haven't seen an expression like this on your face for months. I hope you haven't mistaken me for someone else"

"Oh its.. its you" Nell sighed and reassumed her usual slumped posture. The man she referred to and was so disappointed to see was none other then Hachi, the founder, owner, and only employe of the of the battle maps shop, not to mention the former commander in chief of the Orange Star army.

"What the hell are you doing here any way Hachi? You have no business here and I'm a busy person." Nell added only after a brief pause. It was obvious she felt more than disappointment at the appearance of the man.

Twirling the key between his fingers Hachi responded, "Tsk tsk Nell. If you really want to keep me out you should have changed the locks a long time ago, this old key has been getting me in here for years."

"I don't have time for changing locks Hachi. Maybe it has escaped your notice but I'm currently busy with a war."

"Oh a war in Wars World? Who would have guessed? I'm just an old man now Nell, I can't keep up you younger folks and your wars, please, tell me all about it."

Nell sat speechless for a moment just staring at the man, her ex-superior, now garbed in casual civilian clothing, looking her dead in the eye telling her that he knew nothing about the war. Of course an outrageous claim like that is hard to believe under normal circumstances and the unwavering devious grin plastered over Hachi's features certainly didn't help him sell it.

"You know you truly are terrible at making small talk Hachi, that or you are really good at annoying me" Nell added after a pause "I know you didn't show up here just to make small talk, you have heard enough about the war with that dam shop of yours, What did you really come here for?"
Leaning forward and resting his forearm on Nell's desk, Hachi chuckled.

"Shame and I was just starting to think I was good at making it. If you really must know I heard you had a new CO lined up and ready to take command.
"You mean that kid? No Andy is years away from sitting in a tank, much less command a platoon of them. He hasn't even finished basic training for gods sake!"

"You don't need to be able to pilot a jet to command one Nell. Surely you could use the extra pair of hands to help you down here."

"You don't seem to understand how far behind this kid is, he has been sheltered from the outside world all of his life. He could only barely function on his own, sure he has some natural talent for war but that doesn't mean a thing. He can only just barely has the smarts to dress himself in the morning, quite frankly… I don't think any amount of training will ready him, not in time anyways.

Standing up straight to his full height (which wasn't much at 5' 8") and looking serious for the first time since he walked into the room he replied "He doesn't need to have a single idea in his brain, all he needs is the raw talent and the ability to learn. He can be trained and guided one the job by one the very best around."
Quickly looking up and locking eyes with him Nell chose her words carefully trying to contain the hope in her voice "You.. you don't mean you're willing to rejoin us and personally train this kid for us?"

Staring at her confused for a second Hachi burst into laughter, resuming his crazed grin "Oh don't mistake me Nell, when I said you would never see me in one of these ridiculous campaigns again I meant it. I got some one in mind who's more… suited for the job anyways. He's a an old customer of mine."

Over the sound of Nell groaning he continued "Now hear me out, he's one of the smartest blokes I have ever laid eyes on and is a real quick learner. To top it off he seems to have a real knack for everything strategy. …Of course he isn't actually an officer in any army or has even taken command before."

Hachi paused to let Nell finish groaning before continuing "That doesn't matter though, this guy can see complex things as simple as if war itself was just a game, he could pick up on the fundamentals within the course of an hour. If you personally take the time to teach him and give him a small force to command you can teach him and deal with small skirmishes on the side. He could very quickly become the smarts and experience the kid lacks to take the field." With a pause he also added "This guy also happens to be a mute, which is a quality I thought you might be able to appreciate."

For once holding back her groaning Nell couldn't resist the thought of spending some alone time with a guy who could not talk. The peace and quite would be a change of pace… well there would quite anyways.

"Go on" Nell prompted hoping to hear more good news.

"Sorry Nell thats all the sales pitch I got for you. Wouldn't be any fun if he were too perfect right?" Replied Hachi with a trace of smugness.

"Ooh sometimes I hate you" Nell shot back without a trace of humor. After a moment of silence she spoke up again, "What I don't understand is though, why are you trying to help out with this? You all but said you won't raise a finger unless theres something in it for you and I doubt that has changed now so… what are you getting out of this?"

"Haha the answer is right in front of you Nell. I did say he's one of my good customers right? If all goes well this guy will make me stinking rich!"

"You… you!" exclaimed Nell at a loss for words. "You and that damn shop of yours! Just get out here! You were never any help anyways." Chasing the man out of the room and slamming the door behind him Nell slumped in her chair in a far worse mood than before. Grumbling to herself that she should have changed that lock a long time ago, she resumed her work that she had already put off for far too long.

However, Just one week later Nell was forced to reconsider her position. To no ones surprised the war was ever steadily growing worse and worse for Orange Star army and Blue Moon troops were finding their way through the front lines and some even engaged only a few small miles away from the HQ itself. While a message did come in that Max had won the battle he was fighting and would be able to return to HQ in a few months, it was far from good news since it was highly unlikely there would be a HQ for him to return to in a few months. Sitting at her desk a single bead of sweat dropping off her face she stared at the phone for what felt like hours. Fighting against hesitation and a flurry of emotions she picked up the phone and punched in seven numbers. "It's me …. who else would it be? …. yes …. thats right …. its time to put it into action … yes … It is time to begin operation Field Training."

[Cereal Killer]

So it's the 25th and we have 2 entries, I think it's safe to say I'm extending the deadline, I'll extend it for a whole month till september 25th. If we dont get more entries by then...well I guess we'll either judge two entries or not have a judging section period.

[Walker]

Good game, guys.

[Cereal Killer]

Because I got bored and I likely won't have time after Monday, I wrote a submission.

Spoiler!

“’War’s not easy on the loser’s for damn sure,’ that’s what I remember one of those stupid fellow commanders saying. And he’s right, sure, but you know what the secret is right? Become one of the winner’s, that’s what I did, and that’s why I still have power,” the fat man said chuckling.

“Was that Eagle?” questioned the figure across from him at the poker table. The room was dimly lit and he was wearing a jacket, so it was hard to make out his face. He followed with an “all in,” in his younger voice.

“Oho,” said the larger man, “the last two players at the table and you want to bring it to one hand? Very well, I’ll call your bluff sir,” he said moving his chips forward. “And you’re right, it was Eagle, did you know the hair gelled fool?” he smiled a look of victory on his lips, beyond his gray beard.

“You could say that,” the figure replied, “I knew Sami a fair bit better though…” he said trailing off into thought as he fiddled with the cards in his hand. “Proving time I guess? I never lose when I have these,” he said motioning to the goggles around his neck.

“You look a little young to have known Eagle long anyways, his execution must have been a good 15 years ago by now. Oho, what a marvelous game that was, poor Sami must have been psychologically broken by the end,” the older man stated, as if retelling one of his war stories. “But tell me, before we go on, I do get the feeling I know you from somewhere…what’s your name boy?”

“Max,” the young man replied quickly. “Now are we gonna lay down the cards or not? I’m really not fond of cowards Olaf,” Max said in a biting tone.

“I knew a Max once, one of those bastards from Orange Star,” Olaf remarked shoving off the insult. “But if you want to speak of cowardice child, why not play your hand first then?” he finished, assuring himself the last word.

“Full house,” Max responded laying all the cards on the table.

“And straight flush,” said Olaf as he nestled all the chips with his hands. “You lost it seems, looks like you need a new pair of lucky goggles kid,” he said in a cheery attitude.

“Oh, I’m not playing poker Olaf,” said Max as he kicked back the chair and stood up to the light, finally revealing his red slicked back hair to the old man. The two guards behind Olaf looked at Max, as the other men at the table looked to Olaf for a response.

“I’m not sure I follow you boy-”

“Of course you don’t, you have no idea who the hell I even am do you?” said Max in an escalating tone. He pounded his fist on the table. “You still have no idea, do you?”

“Wait…that’s impossible. None of them ever had a kid, I made sure of it!” Olaf bellowed in anger. “Grit, shoot this man and be done with this charade.”

“I’m afraid I can’t do that sir,” Grit said keeping back behind Olaf.

“Grit I just recently hired you after nearly 20 years of absence, don’t pull this lazy crap on me again,” he said angry. “You know what, fine, new guy shoot this buffoon down.”

The other hooded guard looked at Olaf and drew his handgun before finally pulling down his hood with his other hand, revealing his jet black hair.

“You really should screen your personal guards better Olaf. I mean they thought I was stupid when I had no idea what an airport was. I was 11, I’d love to know what your excuse is.”

“Andy, what the hell is this? How are you here? Guards!” he screamed franticly. “Look, I’ve taken great care of Blue Moon,” he continued on grasping for breath. “I did what was necessary; you must understand that, beca-, because of me this nation wasn’t burned to the ground!”

“Because of you this nation is in constant strife, the poor can hardly afford a meal while you bathe in luxury,” said Max. “My parents are dead because of you and your cowardice to stand up when the fight got tough,” he said as he pulled out a gun and pointed it at Olaf.

“You sold out to Black Hole Olaf,” continued Andy, as he went to the door and watched to make sure no unwanted guests came in to interrupt the game. “Because of you and the other traitors and quitters most of our friends are dead.”

“Don’t blame that on me Andy, that was your fault!” he angrily replied. “You all should have just given up when you realized they had the upperhand. I did what was necessary, to save my country, and because of it, it’s better off than Orange Star and Green Earth are. One is a nation burned to the ground and the other one dying, but not Blue Moon, Blue Moon is still alive. Don’t blame that on me you pious brat, I saved Blue Moon! Your friends paid for their decision!” he was almost out of breath.

“And I reckon it’s time you paid for yours Olaf, old friend,” Grit said. “Go ahead junior, there’s no helping him,” he concluded, nodding to Max.

“Grit you traitorous bastard, they’ll kill you for this! Emperor Von Bolt will have all of your heads on a platter.”

“No Olaf,” said Max. “I plan on winning this game,” he said. Then he pulled the trigger twice and Olaf lay limp with blood dripping down his chair. There was a shriek from the other 4 players as they ran out of the room to leave the three armed men and the King of Blue Moon’s dead body in silence.

Finally after some seconds passed, Andy began to speak.

“They’d be proud of you Max, both of your parents.”

“They would,” Grit followed, “both Eagle and Sami. Hell, even ole Max is probably smilin’ in heaven with ‘em,” he said giving a brief but somber chuckle. “I remember when they named you after him, gave me a smile at least, to know the first friend of ours killed wouldn’t just be forgotten like that,” his gray beard gave him an aged and kind wisdom, like that of a grandfather when he spoke.

“Yeah…” Andy said trailing off. This all reminded him of a time when all of his friends were still around and he wasn’t slightly over 6 feet tall. Max had no idea what those memories were like, but he couldn’t help but get nostalgic all of his own when he looked at Andy.

“I can’t help but feel a little sorry for the old man though,” Grit said, bringing the two out of their memories. “It was hard on us, all of us to watch them torture Colin. Sasha couldn’t take living through it, and in a way neither could Olaf or I. It doesn’t justify how he acted, but he did make a decision to try to end the suffering, as we all did.”

“I hate to interrupt, but we need to get out of here,” Andy said. “The police will be here soon enough, and I’d like to avoid a firefight if at all possible.”

“Where will we go now?” Grit asked, “I suppose they’ll scope all of Blue Moon for us, now that we’ve just killed her king.”

“Kanbei’s still got Yellow Comet fighting,” Andy replied. “We’ll start there and help them out till we wipe out the entire Black Hole Army.” He picked up one of the chairs and threw it through a window.

“Fall to the padding onto the armored convoy below, it’s only a two story drop,” he said, right before he hopped out of the window.

“Well I reckon it’s time to say goodbye to this place,” Grit said following out of the window.

Max stood there with nothing but an empty stare and the beating of his heart for a second. After taking one look back to Olaf he looked at the window and started to walk towards it.

“Man I could use some chocolate,” he said to himself.

[funwes]

So it's the 25th and we have 2 entries, I think it's safe to say I'm extending the deadline

Didn't see that coming I look forward to having more competition

[Mori]

I should be able to make September 25th. I've been pretty busy for the past month or so. Sorry I missed the initial deadline.

[Mr--Clean]

Soooo... Anything going to happen with this? Its not like we dont have the submissions even if it is a few

[Cereal Killer]

If we got more entries I'd have gone to judging phase already. But considering it's just me, you, and wes I don't know that it really matters. I mean unless you or Wes want to have our pieces judged I'd just as soon skip that and leave this as an open sorta dealio for AW related writing or to be revived at a later date if anyone so wishes.

P.S. If you want to write a submission still, I'm nulling any deadlines, so go ahead and write it. No guarantee this'll ever be a competition though.