Midnight Writers December 2022

Cover: “Banbaro Vs. Miles”, an illustration by Child13

Page 3:

Ask Aphro & Dite

• trapped in a letter

• invisible ink

Verily Vérité

• soccer

Page 4:

“Banbaro, Winter’s Ferocious Bull”, a diary entry by Child13

Poems by svnmii:

• “like snow”

• “it was pretty chaotic”

Page 5:

Poems by svnmii continued:

• “bluebird perspective”

“Their Card was Declined at the Lamp Store”, an illustration by nRoc

“Fries”, a haiku by Erebus Tree

Page 6:

“Fries”, an illustration by Erebus Tree

Page 7:

“Chapter 1.5: The Winter Sun is my Solemn Solitude”, a poem by Wisp

“Solemne Solitudo”, an illustration by Wisp

Page 8:

“You’re It”, a story by Eneas

“Condiments”, Illustration by Hecate

Page 9:

“beach”, a haiku by Halimede

“Untitled”, a photo by SQUISHY

Page 10:

“Ponder With Me”, an illustration by Hecate

“the heart”, a haiku by Halimede

“Hold On”, an illustration by Hecate

“Expansion”, a short story by Eneas

Page 11:

“Expansion”, continued

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Dear Aphro,

I managed to get stuck in a letter again. What should I do?

With love, This Letter

Dearest

This Letter,

Again? You mean to say this isn’t your first time? In that case, I must offer you my heartiest congratulations, for it is no easy feat to trap yourself within a letter in the first place, let alone twice! Color me impressed.

My advice for you is the same as it would have been last time—mail yourself to yourself. The paradox should do it, I believe.

With Love,

Aphro

Dear Dite,

I accidentally wrote my story in invisible ink again, and I can’t see any of my stories working here! What advice would you give?

From, A Person Who Doesn’t Own Any Pens.

Dear Person Who Doesn’t Own Any Pens,

I am having a great deal of difficulty reading your letter. I’ve looked at it upside down, right side up, side to side, under a light, over a light, and still, I cannot manage to read a single word. Are you sure you’ve written anything in this letter of yours?

Please mail it back posthaste with a question enclosed for me to actually respond to.

With Love, Dite

Greetings, one and all! It is December which means many things—a deluge of red and green, the same five holiday songs over and over on the radio stations, certain responses from certain colleges, and, of course, the unforgettable, the spectacular, the extraordinary, the inconceivable…

WORLD CUP!!

(insert firework noises here)

(insert more firework noises here)

(insert even MORE)

Seriously—what a cup. And the fact that it was during the school year so we could all react in real-time and watch the matches in class? Perfection. Truly.

MESSI. MESSI. MESSI.

If you aren’t a fan, those weeks must have been excruciating for you. But if you are, well—a great many high fives to you.

Unless you’re a France fan. RIP.

That’s all for this month, folks.

Special thanks to Sra. Steele, Cupid, Vérité, and viento de levante

À la prochaine, Vérité

Child13-

Banbaro

Category: Large, Brute

Banbaro Hunting Entry:

I am one of the many hunters who refuse to hunt a Banbaro. Their normally peaceful creatures. One could quite literally walk up to one with no trouble at all. But I, regretfully, could not resist the price the bounty was willing to pay. In addition, the bounty mentioned that this particular Banbaro has caused some serious trouble in small neighboring villages. Throwing fits and tantrums for no clear reason. Finally, the bounty seemed more like a desperate plea than a wanted poster. It didn’t even want a piece of the antler as proof, it simply asked for a picture of the damned thing dead. Speaking of the antlers, the bounty mentioned that this Banbaro was different from the others. Its horns, rather than being the regular brown, were shiny. As if a layer of clear, shiny paint was plastered onto it. In addition, the horns were more purplish and had a slight tinge of orange, The specific Barbaro was also much larger than the average size. So I have my reasons other than the money, though I am not afraid to admit I’m quite low as of now.

After the Hunt:

It was quite the challenge to say the least. Haven’t had a hunt like this in a long time. Well, if I don’t count the cult killings. But the last one was more obnoxious or annoying than hard. The cult was actually organized in times of panic(for once). Made groups and stuck together. However, they stupidly brought all their precious belongings. None of which were armor or weapons. Either way, the cults are getting better. But it’s not like I can’t adapt along with them.

Anyway, the special Banbaro was quite fun nonetheless. It was actually less smart than the others. Charged more often, in very unaimed furies. Was quick to throw objects at me. At one point when I was pursuing it, just as I reached it, it yanked a tree from the ground and stared at me dead in the eyes. I slowly reached for my own weapon and yanked it out. Perhaps it wasn’t so dumb, as it stared at me for a bit longer, as if challenging me to make the first move. Like it knew I was here to kill. Like it knew that I was death, and that it knew it couldn’t kill me. So instead, would give me the hunt of my life. Though this certainly wasn’t the hunt of my life, it was a very interesting hunt. One that I won’t forget.

Winter is one of my favorite seasons. Though ferociously cold and paired with the fact that I am a teifling (there’s a stereotype that all tieflings hate winter with vehement passion), there is something rare and unique about winter that other seasons can’t have. Delicate snow. I could never get tired of it. Call me a child, but I admittedly love to roll in the soft frozen flakes. It also helps me cool down after using my flames. There is something, this is cheesy, but magical about winter. Perhaps it’s because I was born aflame. And needed something to cool me down.

poems by svnimii

like snow

and as it kept falling and falling i wondered if those eyes of yours would still shine no matter what

did you know all snowflakes are uniquely unique? you will never find two the same just like i’ll never find anyone else like you out of everyone else

and did you also know that gingerbread is made out of spices but also sweet little things like honey and maybe a thing called love

if only it would be cold enough this year if only i knew how to make cookies again if only you were here oh if only, then maybe i wouldn’t have to be so lonely

it was pretty chaotic indeed when that little kid demon mixed up the ketchup and mustard and all the condiments

but there was actually more than one one of them ended up running around, discovering new things oh, don’t touch that outlet!

and at least two were crying would a someone called santa care that an older kid pushed them around anyway?

the shy 5-year-old was now giggling with the other girls singing along to christmas songs

hmm

but this happens every year so i’m not too worried i think

bluebird perspective

i’ve seen many couples pfft, i think some of them didn’t last a year but all lovers came here

because the way the trees were coated so deliciously and of course there was enough to make a snowman by bare minimum but mostly it was so nice to walk

did you know snowmen have spirits and you could hear sleigh bells ringing on a winter night

yeah, of course there was mistletoe at least half of the people that pass under my branch peck or make out

it’s like there was suddenly such thing as a winter cupid

it’s not that i hate love i just see everything but i don’t really know much i’m the only one here

all lovers come and leave happily hand in hand they have hot cocoa and a fire waiting at home

what would that feel like? the comfort of having someone even if it’s for a little while?

He scrunches his nose. They judge me, but I don’t care. Mustard goes on fries

“Their Card was Declined at the Lamp Store”, Illustration by nRoc

Fries by Erebus Tree

Fries (illustration)

by Erebus Tree

Chapter 1.5: The Winter Sun is my Solemn Solitude

by Wisp

Winter, l’Hiver, Hiems, Vetur, Zima...

No matter the language...

The spelling...

The accent...

The word for the chill that follows the warmth all mean the same:

The season that freezes the water, Nips at your nose, And brings eternal sleep.

Holding a sun that burns bright But brings no warmth to chilled bones.

The more I sit here

Pale feet on a frozen home

Gazing at the life still moving below

The more my gaze turns to contemplation

...

Each thought of you

Ends at the same conclusion

Ends at the same idea

Ends at the same image

“You remind me of winter.”

...

With foggy breath I admit to hidden ears

My words holding more meaning than ignorant fools could understand

Words that describe the face I saw only once

But has showed up in my mind hundreds of times

The face the held eyes so warm

But hid the sadness and coldness they have seen

A face that reminds me of the winter sun

Appearance so warm

I hate winter.

I hate the coldness.

I hate the snow.

I hate the ice.

I hate the loneliness.

I hate the famine. I hate !

I Hate !

I HATE !

I hate how I miss the Winter Sun.

I hate how I’m scared of losing the Winter Sun.

I hate how I can’t search for the Winter Sun.

I hate how I want but I can’t have the Winter Sun.

...

“Where are you, Winter Sun?”

“Solemne Solitudo”, Illustration by Wisp

by Eneas

William had a beautiful life. He had a nice, quiet life in a small city in the corners of the country. He didn’t have a family, but had many amazing friends that he enjoyed his Tuesday coffees and Saturday game nights with. He really enjoyed his job working in a game development company. It was remote work too, so he could work anywhere he wanted. The base company was pretty big itself, and based somewhere in Switzerland. Remotely working was very useful with his situation. His house was not an extravagant one, but he felt an extravagant house was less friendly than a small and “homey” one. It was sparsely decorated but cozily furnished, with a soft couch and a nice fireplace in the living room and a brightly colored and lit kitchen doubling as a dining room. It was towards the center of the city, so it was nicely surrounded by places to stay or spend time. It was really a shame he had to leave it all behind.

It all started earlier in the day. He had just gotten back from his Tuesday coffee and had decided to pick up some groceries on the way home. He was just getting in the house when the door lock seemed off. It was hard to place what he felt, but he felt something feel different as he clicked the lock. He also noticed that there was a certain inconsistency with the dust on his carpet. These were details that may have seemed inconsequential for most, but were things that William had made sure to notice.

The final piece came into play as he was putting his new groceries away. As he opened the refrigerator door, he found something that made him stop in his tracks. He slowly laid the bag in his hand onto the kitchen counter and cautiously picked up the newly placed mustard bottle. He slowly rotated it to the back until he could see the nutrition facts label. It was not that label, but the one above it that confirmed his fear. Printed in a tiny but clear font, was the expiration date. November 6th, 1987, at 4:30 PM. He slowly unscrewed the top of the cap and pulled out a small note taped on the top. It only had two words: “You’re it.”

William had a long tradition, starting just after he and his friends had finished high school. They were a large, closeknit group, consisting of about 15 friends in the same grade. They were very close, having activities and events every month and constantly being with each other. Because of this, it was devastating to them to separate for the college experience, as most had ended up scattered across the country. To solve this, they created one last game. An all-out, no-holding back game of tag to last their entire lives all centered around a bottle of mustard. They had only four rules:

“Condiments”, Illustration by Hecate

1. If you see the mustard bottle and verify it, you are now “it”, intentionally or not. You must ping everyone in the group and send the location you were “tagged” in.

2. When you receive the ping and are not it, you must send the state you currently live in.

3. The person who “tagged” you receives immunity until either two weeks have passed or another hunter is tagged. They may not be tagged during this time.

4. The most important rule: Anything goes.

William picked up his mustard bottle and walked outside. He was sad to leave this place, but not too sad. He would be back before long. It wouldn’t take him that long to find a new target and tag them, and he decided that he liked this home. He would simply return here afterwards. Not many returned to the places they were caught in, so this would throw some hunters off. He opened his phone and sent out the ping, showing his exact location and a picture of the mustard bottle to confirm. As he walked out, he found a person sitting on his front porch.

“Hey Will, it’s been a while,” the person on the couch said. He rose and chuckled a bit before offering his hand for a high-five.

“You got me there, Harold,” William said with good humor, addressing his old friend. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen you around. How’d you get me so fast?”

Harold had only been picked the week before. Most hunters took about a month to pass it on, but Harold was one of the best. It was surprising that he had been caught at all.

“I thought you’d put some thought to where you were, so I looked for a small town with nice opportunities near the border. After that, it was just looking for the signs.”

“Anyways, I’ve got a flight to catch, apparently. It was nice seeing you,” William replied, already planning the next catch.

“Where are you headed so soon?”

“Delaware. Seems that someone picked a smaller state. In the end, it’s just less time for me to search. Have fun on your next endeavor. What’s your plan for now?”

“I think I’ll give myself a bit of a vacation. Seems there are some nice snows up North. Have you ever tried a snow hot tub before?”

“No, but I might do it soon. It’s an idea that’s been on my mind for a while. Have fun on your trip!”

“And good luck with your hunt.”

With that, Harold set off for his vacation. William called an Uber to take him to the airport. That would take a bit of a while. He chose to live far from most. Within the day, however, he was on his way to Delaware, and scanning a map for a nice spot to hide. Within a bit, he settled on a nice candidate. Just at the tip of the state was a nicely populated city called Newark. Most people had caught on to the fact that more populous cities were easier to hide in, and this one seemed like a nicely balanced choice. As soon as he landed, he took a stop at a local restaurant to enjoy a nice breakfast (with some mustard on the side), and began the hunt.

beach by Halimede

“Untitled”, Photo by SQUISHY

unmerciful wind, blows over sea and sunshine, savior of the shells.

the heart

by Halimede

plant it in the crumbling dirt, let it sprout and grow and bloom, its brightly bloodred petals, mark the doorway to your tomb.

Expansion

by Eneas

The gray sky was illuminated by lasers. The air was frequently split by harsh sounds of kinetic weapons or explosions, and more and more forces could be seen in the sky. This strange army had descended without a warning or sign of any kind only a week ago, and it seemed that the planet was already lost. It had invaded several planets within lightyears of each other within the week, some had fallen and others would within days. The army held unimaginable power and weapons never seen before. Machine mechs as large as the ships that carried them destroyed oppositions on the planet, ripping forts straight from the ground and pummeling opposition. Swarms of drones and infantry melted through swarms of defense, and highly armored tanks and ships took care of stronger opposition. Despite this power, civilian targets were expertly avoided, with combat only being against willing opposition. If a peaceful solution could be reached, it was done immediately. The republic of Minos only held various strongholds on the planet now, but it seemed that those would soon fall as well. The council had a near-constant meeting, lasting several days to decide what to do.

“We should be able to hold out longer. If we can place our troops strategically we can repel the attack from our strongholds!” one council member said. He maintained the opinion that this war could be won, but the others did not share his opinion. Many debated if it could even be called a war, the sweep of a loss that it was.

“No, we do not have the army to spare. Any reinforcements were kept back in space. We must make peace,” another council member said. This comment was met by many murmurs of agreement and desperate whispers. The decision was all but made, it only required the council’s official approval. After the votes had been counted, the communication efforts began. Only kilometers away, in a low-orbit command ship, the communication was received.

“Phillip, can you take care of that? It’s probably a surrender,” Alexander said to Phillip behind him. This was the third surrender so far, and they were expecting nine more within the week. Their rapid invasion had started just the week before. The expansion had been

“Hold On”, Illustration by Hecate

“Ponder With Me”, Illustration by Hecate

predicted perfectly, with the first star systems falling in a couple days. Phillip walked over to the communications room, grumbling about the length of some of these battles.

“Most planets should have fallen within the first hours. Why doesn’t a government know when they’re hopelessly out of their league?” he grumbled. Most battles just wasted resources. They had plenty to spare, of course. They had suffered only a handful of losses so far, all of which being in technology. He entered the room to begin the negotiations. Most negotiations were simple as the other side had no leverage. None had been drawn out so far. The demands were simple: join the empire and answer to them. Cultures, languages, rights, internal governments, and any other lifestyles would be kept, just within the larger empire. Any needed reparations would be made. Simple demands, and easy to fulfill. Vassalized states were being formed of the systems that had been conquered, and they contributed to the governing and expansion of the empire.

Alexander watched on a hologram in the center of his command ship as four of the newer fleets reached new destinations. Two came up upon weaker planets, and would complete their battles within days. One came up on an uninhabited planet, and was charged with the first colonization of a planet by the empire. The final one was the biggest fleet, several splinter fleets were quickly directed to aid it in its task. It had arrived at the edge system of one of the bigger galactic kingdoms. The kingdoms had been watching warily as his empire made early expansions but had done nothing. This would change that. When this fleet landed, a galaxy-wide war would begin.