#vsscollab

Very Short Story Thread for September

9/4 The scent of the wisteria coated the air with an exceptional energy while friends roamed across deep conversations. The forays complimented the bouquet of purple flowers above, and turned adequate chores into special encounters. 9/5 The voyage began in the most simple way, without an exceptional goal or epic foray. The story unfolded like the branching vines overhead. A tangle of wisteria twisting and shifting the path to tread. All for an apology.

9/6 Rocking chairs moved in rhythm with words exchanged. The world beyond the wisteria faded as the story formed. Library trips created a special friendship. A bouquet delivery sealed a bond. But, paths diverged due to hardship. He returned to a friend in need and had to respond. 9/10 Inspiration and wisteria lingered long after my ink dried...I completed a short story for @worldanvil's Treasured Companion competition using the VSS above as inspiration.

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Bits and Bobs

I’m testing out different ways to share my vsses (very short stories, posts 280 characters or less). This month I’ll post the tale in a few parts on Substack and afterward, share each of the vsses on social media, where the prompt words will be underlined.

Ever since this was hinted at in my books, I’ve wanted to write this side story.

Summary:

A young mage is recruited for a pilot program at Kyoto Jidai Arcane University. Will he be able to face the bullying ghosts of his past to thrive in the new environment?

SPOILER ALERT:

This little tale contains spoilers for Rise and Guardian (books 1 and 2) of the Liminal Chronicles series. You’ve been warned. ;)

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My magic mentor, Hoji, asked me to visit Kyoto Jidai Arcane University, aka Kyoji, and apply to the pilot program for exceptional middle and high school students. I was hesitant. I’d been bullied at my last school. But mom insisted Monday would be a good occasion to check it out.

Godhood Reframed No. 7 -9 - Liminal Chronicles Tales

Regarding the project deadline. I request it be moved forward in time. Reclaiming knowledge from artifacts has delays. You harp on not rewinding time, so we reprise the ancient scribes' role, starting from scratch. Read More...

STANDING ON MY OWN: A Liminal Chronicles Tale

April, the time of new beginnings, arrived in the blink of an eye. Hoji was true to his word and helped haul my belongings into the pilot program’s dorm. Anxiety still tormented me. In line to get my schedule, he asked about an idea I’d texted him on calculating ki energy.

All eyes in the room glued to me as the dreaded whispers started. Shit. I froze with a scowl plastered on my face.

Hoji smiled. “We’ll talk later. Looks like you’ll be pretty popular here.”

What the?

STANDING ON MY OWN: A Liminal Chronicles Tale

Startled, I nodded. “I think so.” But my mind raced as I tried to wrap my head around how I might try to do what Hoji had said. I’d learned to trust and rely on him. He was already out the door to show us around. But I took a moment to organize my thoughts in a note in my phone.

My hesitation crumbled as we toured the campus. Not only was it right off the gorgeous Gion district in Kyoto. It was hidden away in the spirit realm—a refuge for yokai, which I was now. The professors were interested in their students and the classes were small.

STANDING ON MY OWN: A Liminal Chronicles Tale

Hoji greeted us warmly as we entered his office, asking if we were ready for the tour.

I took a deep breath. “If the teaching style here is like yours, I’ll do ok with classes. But it’s essential that professors not tolerate the abuse I’ve been put through before.”

He paused. “I know what you went through. While I can’t follow you around to be your protector, I’ll do what I can, including tip off your professors. Last thing we want is for you to settle back into being a victim. You need to choose how you’ll react.”

Memories of the adventures in Sumichou stopped me in my tracks. Those were do or die times. We didn’t back down then, why should I now? And Mom said a companion helps you walk through the tough things.