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Looks like top of the GOG Bear screen 

[BEST BARGAIN:]

The entries are all really good.  Makes it hard to vote. 

Sinitrena, didn't know that Robert Johnsen apparently sold his sold.  My story \ Jacob Knight honestly wasn't based on him. 

Anyway, here's my votes. 


BEST BARGAIN:   Rocchinator.  I feel so sorry for Eric.  All he wanted, was to be with his wife.  But his desire to do that, became his own, personal hell. 

BEST DEVIL:   BlondBraid.  Old Man Sunshine is SO devious - appearing nice and sympathetic, then tricking poor Candice at the end. 

BEST SETTING:   Mandle.  The Devil's office is so beautifully described, with so much detail.  I just love it. 

BEST WRITING STYLE:   BlondBraid.  Love the rhyming style.  Not every line rhymes perfectly, but it must be really tricky to get words that rhyme, as well as getting your meaning across.  Well done. 

All my Photobucket images broke a few days ago, including my avatar (Marco Hietala is a god).   
So I downloaded all my pictures from Photobucket, and saved them on to Imgur.  Seems good so far. 

Excellent story Blondbraid! 
And love how it rhymes.  Very clever.

Poor Candice!  That Old Man Sunshine is so devious! 

Loved your story, Mandle 

That last line packs quite a punch 

[WARNING: LANGUAGE]

WARNING:  LANGUAGE



The Rock Singer


The local rock club is buzzing.  Friday nights in ‘The Black Rainbow' club are always exciting, cos the club hires a live rock band.  It's just a small club - little more than a bar & tables, with a stage - but it's a good place for local talent to get themselves known.  Plus, it's a good place for rockers to just hang out and relax. 

It's time for tonight's live band to start.  One of the club's security guards steps up onto the small stage.  He walks up to the microphone, lets out a loud ‘HHHHHHHHHHEEEEEEEEEEEEYYYYYYYYUUUUUUUUUUUUPPPPPPPPPPPPPPP', then flicks his long hair back, away from his face. 


SECURITY GUARD:  *into the microphone*   Fridays nights don't come around often enough, do they? 


The crowd let out a collective agreement.  Everyone loves the atmosphere of a live band on Friday nights.  It's a completely different vibe from the radio that's played the rest of the week. 


SECURITY GUARD:   *into the microphone*   Well, tonight, we have a treat for you.  Local rock band "The Urban Legends" will be performing for you tonight, with their new singer, the incredibly talented Jacob Knight.  Please give them a lovely ‘Black Rainbow' welcome.   


The crows whistles and cheers, as the band come out onto the stage.  The singer, Jacob Knight, stands at the microphone, staring out at the crowd.  He stands there, for seems like an age, but it can't have been more than a minute. 

And with a small nod to the drummer, launches into the set.  The first song goes down well.  And by the second song, murmurs of  ‘Wow, they're really good!', and ‘Best singer I've heard in years!', and other similar comments can be heard.  The crowd loves this band. 

Well… most of the crowd. 

One man, early 20s, sits at a table with his friend, drinking beer.  And he's obviously not happy! 


TOMMY:  Fuckin' wanker's faking it!   *drinks his beer*

FRANK:  Who?  The singer?

TOMMY:   *nods*  Fucking Jacob Knight!  Just look at him, he's miming. 

FRANK:  *looks across the room, at Jacob*   How can you tell?

TOMMY:  How can I tell?  Because, Franky-boy!  Remember when my band, "UpTempo Maniacs" were auditioning for a singer last month?  Guess who stopped by.  None other than… Jacob fucking Knight.  And he was god-awful!  Couldn't hit a single fucking note!   *laughs*  Honestly, he couldn't sing to save himself!  Sounded like a parrot being strangled.   *laughs again*   Scratch that… the parrot could sing better than him. 

FRANK:  He couldn't have been THAT bad.   *pauses*   He wouldn‘t be singing here, otherwise.  . 

TOMMY:  If you had heard him when he auditioned for us… oh god, I still can't believe ANYONE could sing so badly!  That's how I know he's miming tonight.   *drinks his beer*    We're lucky to have found Danny to sing for us.  Not only is he an excellent singer, he also fits right in with our band. 

FRANK:   *looks across at Jacob again*   I can tell when someone is miming… and he is NOT miming. 


A man at the next table looks at Tommy and Frank, and joins in the conversation. 


STEVE:  You talking about Jacob Knight?  He auditioned to sing for my band a while back.  Bloody awful!  Stupid idiot actually thought he could sing! 

FRANK:  You two are talking about him like he's the worst singer in the world.  But look at him… he's good.  I mean, REALLY good.  That man can SING! 

STEVE AND TOMMY IN UNISON:  He's miming! 


Jacob Knight, and his band The Urban Legends, continue to perform, as Tommy, Frank, and Steve continue to discuss his singing technique. 

Eventually, Jacob's set comes to an end.  He thanks the crowd, leaves the stage, and walks straight over to Tommy's table.  He leans his hands down on the table, looking Tommy straight in the eye. 


JACOB:  I heard what you were saying about me. 

TOMMY:   *drinks his beer*   So fucking what!  You're a joke, Jacob.  You were a joke when you auditioned for my band, and you were a joke tonight, when you were miming.  You'll always be a joke.  And a bad one, at that. 

JACOB:  DON'T MESS WITH ME!

TOMMY:  Why not?  What you gonna do about it?   *laughs* 

JACOB:  What am I gonna do?  I'm gonna enjoy knowing that I played a successful gig here tonight… and you and your pathetic band… didn't!  *smirks*


Tommy scowls.  He's been trying to get the club owner to let him play a set here for months!  Why should Jacob play here, when he hasn't? 

Jacob inhales sharply. 


JACOB:  Jealousy is a terrible thing, Tommy.  Maybe you should remember that! 


Jacob re-joins his band, leaving Tommy seething. 



A year goes by. 


Jacob has gone from strength to strength.  Since that first gig at The Black Rainbow Club, things have only got better for him.  Now, he has it all - fame, fortune, a huge mansion, lots and lots of fans, a record contract, a No 1 selling album in the charts, more money than he knows what to do with.  And a new band - Knights Of The Round Table. 

Now he sits, relaxing in his Jacuzzi in the garden, sipping cocktails.  He thinks back, to ‘That Night', just over a year ago.  Thirteen months ago, to be precise.  The night that changed his life forever…

Flashback…

Jacob is feeling nervous, as he auditions for the band UpTempo Maniacs.  He's singing the best he can, but the lead guitarist, Tommy, was picking fault with absolutely everything. 


TOMMY:   *sighing impatiently*   Okay, let's try that song again, from the top.  And this time… SING IN TUNE, JACOB! 


Jacob clears his throat, and begins singing again.  Tommy, and the rest of Tommy's band also play.  But Tommy still isn't happy.  Half-way through the song, he waves his hands around, wanting everyone to stop.


TOMMY:  NO, NO, NO, STOP!  STOP, EVERYONE!    *looks coldly at Jacob*   Are you really that dense? 

JACOB:  …

TOMMY:  My cat can sing better than you.  You fucking CANNOT sing, Jacob.  You're voice is all over the place.   

JACOB:  I'm doing the best I can.  It's the first time I've seen these songs, remember. 


Tommy laughs callously. 


TOMMY:  You think I give a shit?  Get it into your thick head, Jacob   *slaps Jacob's forehead*   You're garbage!  You'll always be garbage!  You'll never amount to anything.  Loser!   *pauses*   In fact, garbage like you needs to be taught a lesson.   *looks at other members of the band*   Boys… should we take the garbage out?    *laughs*   


The band pounce on Jacob, stripping him down to his underwear.  Then they cruelly push him out the rehearsal room, out into the alleyway.  Jacob, beaten down and humiliated, bangs on the door. 


JACOB:  *shouts*   You're gonna be sorry for this!  I'm gonna be the world's greatest rock singer, and then I'm gonna make you regret doing this to me.  You wait and see!  BASTARDS!   THE LOT OF YOU! 


Jacob turns away, not quite sure what to do next.  How is he going to get home, in just his underwear. 

He jumps, as he hears a voice behind him. 


VOICE:  So you want to be the greatest rock singer, ever? 


Jacob looks towards the voice, and sees a man standing there.


MAN:  I can make that happen. 

JACOB:  … What do you mean?

MAN:  Just what I say.  I can make it so you're the greatest rock singer ever. 

JACOB:  What do I have to do?

MAN:  You have to WANT it, Jacob!  I mean, REALLY want it!  You have to desire it more than anything else!  Do you desire it, Jacob? 

JACOB:  I do! 

MAN:  Well then, I can make your dreams come true.  My name is Corley, by the way. 


Corley reaches out a boney hand, and places it on Jacob's chest.  Jacob feels a searing pain tear through his body - he almost passes out with the pain.  Then Corley speaks again, but it's barely more than a whisper.


CORLEY:  You Have Passed! 

Jacob takes another sip from his cocktail. 


JACOB:  *smiles*   And now, here I am.  All my dreams come true. 


Two days later, Jacob and his band are performing a stadium concert.  After the concert is over, the band is hanging out backstage.  A young woman enters the room.


YOUNG WOMAN:   Wow, you guys were just AMAZING! 

JACOB:  I know!   *smiles confidently*   And you are…?

YOUNG WOMAN:  I'm Michelle.  My brother is head of security.   *smiles* 

JACOB:  I see.  Well, welcome, Michelle. 


Jacob looks at Michelle.  There's something about her… he can't put his finger on it.  But he can't take his eyes off her. 

The band play at the stadium for the next 3 nights, with Jacob and Michelle beginning to spend time together between rehearsals and performances.  And as days pass, and the band perform at other stadiums, Jacob keeps in touch with Michelle.  They become closer, and soon become a couple.  The band notice a change in Jacob.  He seems… calmer… more content. 


Another year passes.  Jacob and Michelle are very much in love.  She goes to many of his concerts, and is his Number 1 fan.  After one such concert, Jacob takes Michelle home to his mansion.  They sit in the garden, looking up at the stars.  He takes her hand, and smiles. 


JACOB:  This past year has been the best year of my life.  And that is all down to you, Michelle.   *leans in and kisses her*   Never thought I could feel this much for someone.  I love you, Michelle. 

MICHELLE:  *clasps his hand, and smiles*   I love you too, Jacob.  I really do.  I tried to deny it… but I can't help it, I love you. 


Jacob wraps his arms around her, and kisses her neck.  He whispers.


JACOB:  Stay with me, Michelle?  Stay with me tonight?


Michelle nods, and strokes his cheek.  She is deeply in love with Jacob, as he is with her. 


The early hours of the morning… a bell sounds.  Jacob wakes, with a searing pain tearing through his body.  He sits up in bed, gasping in agony.  A shadow passes over the bed, and Corley appears next to him. 

Corley speaks with a low, sinister whisper.


CORLEY:  YOU… have broken… our contract! 

JACOB:   *still in pain*   What do you mean? 

CORLEY:  We had a deal… you and I!  I would make you the greatest rock singer in the world.  But YOU had to desire it above all else. 

JACOB:  I did!  I do!

CORLEY:  What of HER?


Jacob turns to look at Michelle, sleeping peacefully next to him. 


JACOB:  YOU LEAVE HER THE HELL ALONE! 

CORLEY:  TOO LATE!


A bright flash.

Corley vanishes.


`Morning comes.  Michelle wakes up, and rolls over to cuddle into Jacob. 


MICHELLE:   *smiles*   Morning Jac….AAAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHH  AAAAAAAAAAAAAARRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH  AAAAAAAAARRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH


Michelle screams hysterically.  Jacob lies there… stone cold… his chest ripped open… blood everywhere. 

After shooting to the top and realising his dreams, Jacob broke his deal with the devil… by falling in love. 

I could only find the PC version on steam though. 
Is it available DRM-free anywhere?

Afraid not. It seems to be a Steam exclusive, as far as the PC is concerned.

That's such a pity.   
It's a no-buy from me then. 

I watched some clips on YouTube, and it looks to be a great game   

I could only find the PC version on steam though. 
Is it available DRM-free anywhere?

The 3 words are

Spoiler

Dragon breath kills

[close]

Wow, Rocchinator's story is just AMAZING!   

Eric's dream of staying with his true love... turning into his own private hell! 

Excellent writing, there! 

Right now Mandle and I are tied on votes for the 500 word stipulation, if another entrant wants me to drop it then please speak up and I will waive it.

I say Keep that stipulation 

Have an idea I'm working on. 

[Frodo]

Winning the Bronze Hairpiece of Third Party Wilderness is Frodo and Mandle.  [/img]

Bronze hairpieces are all the rage, don't you know! 

[Best Alternative Truth:]

Best Alternative Truth: Frodo - I love the idea of dreaming micro-organisms. I have to ask though, was this intentional?:

There's nothing left but a baron wasteland.

If not, then you want "barren". Unless there's a meaning of the word baron I'm not aware of.

Ack, that's Baron's fault - he got inside my head and MADE me type that. 

Well spotted though.  Fixed. 

[BEST ALTERNATIVE TRUTH:]

Some brilliant entries. 

Here's my votes:


BEST ALTERNATIVE TRUTH:  KConan.  His whole 'Baron conspiracy theory' made me laugh so hard!   

BEST ALTERNATIVE TRUTH SPOUTER:  Mandle.  For lulling Uncle Phil into a false sense of secuity, until he could kill him. 

BEST ALTERNATIVE TO A PLOT:  Kconan.  Beware of the Lizard People! 

BEST ALTERNATIVE WRITING:   Ponch.  Love his newspaper-style articles.

BEST ALTERNATIVE THOUGHT PROVOKINGNESS:  Sinitrena.  I felt sorry for the boy, trying to make sense of the world, when there is more than one truth. 

[OTHER]

... otherwise we'll start the voting tomorrow.

But which tomorrow is that?  Tomorrow's tomorrow, or the OTHER tomorrow? 

[Alternative Truth]

Alternative Truth

You want the truth?  You REALLY want the truth? 

Okay.  Here goes. 


*clears throat*


You think you're reading this post?

You think you're scrolling up and down? 

You think you're tapping your foot along to your favourite music?


YOU'RE NOT!!!   


50 years ago, apolyptic devastation wiped out all life on earth.  There's nothing left but a barren wasteland.

Five years ago, tiny minute particles of micro-organisms began to form. 




Hundreds of miles below the earth's surface... they are there...  growing... multiplying

Waiting...

Waiting...

Waiting...


Two years ago, those tiny micro organism particle began to become sentient.  Began thinking. 

They began to wonder... 'What If...'

And soon, their tiny minds began creating some wondrous worlds.  Inside their minds, they could go anywhere, be anything. 



Today, you are not really here.

You are a figment created by the mind of one of those tiny micro-organism particles, hidden hundreds of miles under the earth. 

Redacted.

Your story was hilarious, I loved it! 

Can't believe it got deleted. 

Unless... it wasn't really deleted.  It's really still there, honest.  You just have to look for it, to see the truth. 

Congrats Baron, Mandle, and Blondbraid.   

[Best Stab:]

My Votes 
Brilliant stories all round though.   :thumbsup:


Best Stab:  Blondbraid  -  A Cold Blade

Best Stabber:   Baron  -  The Gnawing Worm of Treachery

Best Setting\World:  Sinitrena  -  Trust Is An Illusion (love a good Vamp story!  )

Best Writing\Style:   Mandle  -  My Memoir Of Me

That's a shame Ponch 

Hope to see you in the next competion