February / March 100 Word Anonymous Challenge 2025

[elvet]

This is the thread for the stories. You may enter as many stories as you like.
DO NOT POST YOUR OWN STORIES IN THIS THREAD.
Send your entries via private message (also known as conversation) to @elvet
I (elvet) will be accepting entries between Friday February 7 and Friday March 7 at 23:59:59 GMT. I will then post a poll, and voting will continue for at least 5 days.

Note that the poll will be by entry title only, since the author will be unknown. So please come up with some interesting titles to identify your story.

MAKE SURE WHAT YOU SEND ME IS YOUR FINAL VERSION. I cannot guarantee that I will l check in within the 1 hour we have for an edit. To make it fair for everyone, the story I get is the one that is posted.

TOPIC: MONOLOGUE
GENRE: OPEN (anything goes)​

The discussion thread is here
PLEASE DO NOT COMMENT WITH 'LIKE' ON THE INDIVIDUAL STORIES.

 

[elvet]

Whispers on a Blank Canvas.

(Standing in front of a blank page, the writer takes a deep breath)

Here I am, pen in hand, yet paralysed by possibilities. This stark white expanse dares me to fill it with thoughts, emotions, and dreams. Am I a genius or a fool? Every word feels like a mountain; each idea, a fragile whisper lost in the chaos of my mind. What if I fail? But what if I soar? This page holds infinite potential, a universe waiting to be born. I must tame this silence, for every great story begins with a single word. So, let me begin…

 

[elvet]

Stage Fright

Umm.................................................

 

[elvet]

Recovery

“And as I speak, Centurion and Tarin coalition troops are joining together in a show of-”

A shot rang out as the Ambassador fell to the ground; security forces converged while sniper teams took down the assailant.

“Sir, are you OK?!”

‘Yes, I’m unharmed. And the threat?

“Eradicated. Sir, we need to evacuate you now!”

As he was quickly moved to the waiting vehicle, he saw the fearful crowds yelling out in fights amongst themselves.

What can I say to you, as thousands fall at the action of one?

“Sir. We have a new speech for you.”

“This is perfect…”

 

[elvet]

Good Evening,

I was asked, before our expedition towards Alpha Centauri leaves orbit, to give a lecture about our chances of meeting alien life during our excursion, but to limit my speech to a mere 100 words. One hundred words!
Preposterous.
How am I to enlighten you of all the variables that need to converge to this single pinpoint in the infinite realm of space and time within a 100 word constraint? A constraint that only serves to limit the rental time of this venue! Only on Earth is time a scarce commodity.
Let me conclude this discourse with: None.
Thank you.

 

[elvet]

Per Flight Announcement

Good morning, ladies and gentlemen. My name is Geb, and I’ll be your wizard on this flight. Today, we’ll be riding Smaug and please note the size and temperament of the dragon. But first, a few things to keep in mind. In case of an emergency, let go of the leather strap holding you to the dragon. Do not feed the dragon, and under no circumstances, remove any gold from the dragon. We’re hoping that this will be our first successful flight, but I have my doubts. Thank you again for choosing Dragon Airlines.
Stewardess, prepare for takeoff.

 

[elvet]

Navigating the Abyss.

(Interior cockpit, flickering lights)

Pilot: “Okay, focus. The black hole looms ahead, a swirling void of uncertainty. Its gravity tugs at the ship, threatening to swallow us whole. I can feel the engines straining, pushing against fate itself. One wrong move could mean oblivion. Remember your training. Just a slight course correction, a nudge to the left. My heart races as the dark mass pulsates, calling me. But I won’t succumb to its temptation. Not today. I’ve got a crew relying on me. Home—we’re going home.”

 

[elvet]

In Defense of Marcel

Stands, addresses crowd.
Walking, enjoying day, talking, laughing with people.
Turns head, shock at seeing a mugging.
Running across street to help, almost hit by car.
Helps victim, she screams, cop shows up. Demands answers.
Victim accuses. He claims misidentified, misunderstood, witness to crime.
Cop not convinced, demands tell truth.
Frustrated, reiterates helping victim. Describes thug, points towards direction thug ran.
Turns to chase thug, collar grabbed, whacked on head.
Cuffed, arrested.
Thrown in jail, grasping bars and pressing face. Scared and afraid. Boxed in.
Turns to the audience, pleads innocents.
Realization; miming to a blind jury.

 

[elvet]

Torbay or not Torbay

"Do you know the reason why you've been brought before this court-martial?"

"Yeah - for obeying orders."

"Obeying orders!? You were caught sunbathing whilst the rest of the army was attacking the enemy! What do you have to say to that?"

"Once more unto the beach, he said. So I did."

"Breach, not beach."

"Well, he needs to start delivering his speeches more clearly then, doesn't he?"

"That's your king you're talking about, dog! And this isn't the first time that you've absconded to the seaside, is it?"

"How was I meant to know he was saying To be...?"

 

[elvet]

Did You Know?

The ‘yearly’ Galactic Monologist Contests (monohead species only) are the most boring events the universe ever got to endure.

Initially they were held every Gal Year (GY). However, since one contestant managed to stretch his monologue beyond the 1 GY mark – before dropping dead, thereby unintentionally setting a trend – Contests are started 1 year after the previous one ended. The current Contest – topic ‘Why write when you can talk’ – is in its 34th year, with 937 contestants queuing and – so far – 173 fatalities, among which 24 members of the jury, mostly of boredom.
Fleeing it, the universe is expanding.

 

[elvet]

A Life in Bloom.

"As I kneel among the blooming flowers, the scent of damp earth and petals envelops me. My hands, worn from years of nurturing, gently coax life from the soil. I've watched seasons come and go, each one a chapter in the garden's ever-unfolding story. The rhythm of growth and decay is my symphony, and I'm the conductor. With every sprout and every harvest, I'm reminded of the beauty and fragility of life. In this garden, I find solace, peace, and a sense of purpose."

 

[elvet]

From Grey to White, A Wizards Holiday

The Balrog you ask? Well, the mines of Moria are a dusty place that made my allergies something fierce, and me even greyer! As for the Balrog, it simply slipped on a loogie I sneezed out just prior. I laughed so hard that I also fell into the abys! Ghastly it was, but I prevailed only thanks to the sword, Glamdring. Yet still, I too was badly beaten. And so, I spent the day at the spa and had my laundry done. I think I turned out rather pristine, wouldn’t you say? Now then, let’s see Bilbo top this story.

 

[elvet]

Goodnight Cowboy

Sleeping out on the rage is the best sleep I ever had, covered in a thick blanket and your saddle for a pillow. Claiming yourself a good spot amongst the sage while cowboys and cattle settling down for the night; listening to the crackle of the warm fire and the distant cry of a lone coyote as they lull you to sleep. And no television can compare to the stars in the heavens and the stories they tell. But sunrise comes early, and it’s best to get some shuteye. So good night partner, and don’t let the rattlesnake's bite.

 

[elvet]

What I Saw One Winters Night

Have you ever seen a fox on a cold winter’s night? I did.

I stood at our front window, watching the snowfall; a cup of hot tea in hand, when a hare ran up the street. I took a sip and soon the fox appeared, tracking the hare. It went up the road, then came back down, circling, searching for its scent in the increasing snowfall. I watched in excitement as the fox paused, looked back, then turned towards the field and woods. I finished my tea then retired to the warmth of my bed, pondering the events I saw.

 

[elvet]

My First Written Monologue

Have you ever tried writing a monologue? In theater class we would improvise and perform monologues as a warmup. Moving our bodies and hands; using our facial expressions to drive home our feelings to the audience. Pulling them into our world with words crafted to hold them there and to become emotionally one with us for that brief, short, moment. Easier said than done!

But to write a monologue that is read by you, the audience, that can do the same? That takes time and planning and is something I’m not good at! So, please forgive me if I fail.

 

[elvet]

Tight Fit?

Here we witness the lion in its natural habitat; what a magnificent beast it is. Its keen sense of smell capable of detecting prey up to two miles downwind. A formidable hunter indeed.

Watch as it gracefully shakes its mane, mouth stretching wide open in a yawn, revealing razor sharp teeth.

Ahhh, now its nose is twitching; something has caught its attention. I think that something might be me.

Gasp in awe as the octogenarian presenter futiley attempts to outrun a creature capable of reaching 80 kmh. Hey, you can't eat me, I'm David Atten....arghhh!!!!

 

[elvet]

Last words

So, my troublesome pendent, having played your arbiter of chaos, I now carry the mantle of the last enemy.

Does my appointment to this role assuage your preternatural sense of destiny?

No comment? No matter. The trap is sprung.

Yes, it was I that drew you to this grim ledge, having easily encouraged your now moderately wealthy sidekick to leave you hanging, quite literally, above the city you profess to defend.

You seem unable to appreciate your failure.

Perhaps I should help, step closer, tread on your fingers?

Wait. Your eyes. Heat vision? You've a sponsor?

Ah, that would be

 

[elvet]

SUCCESSION [-0-] (-0-) [-0-]

"One day Luke, all this will be yours."

"What, the trash compactor?"

"No lad, not the trash compactor; this Empire! Huge tracts of planets! People said I was mad building a Death Star, but I built one all the same - just to show them. It blew up. I built a second. That blew up, and I died. But now I'm a ghost, I'm unstoppable! I..."

"Enough with the speeches, dad. Anyway, I thought you were a goodie now?"

"Goodie schmoodie! That was when Lucas was in charge. Now it's the House of Mouse, anything goes!"

"I wish you would."

 

[elvet]

Captain's Last Log
This is Captain Latimer of the starship Potemkin. There's something onboard that is replacing my men. Some kind of creature that can look and sound like anyone it consumes. I've not been able to analyze it, but it seems to be a hive mind. But I have a plan...I will set this whole thing ablaze. It's only proper that a captain should go down with his ship. I am the only one left alive, but that will change soon. As far as I know, the creature--Disregard my previous words. We're alright and will arrive on Earth very soon.

 

[elvet]

Reflections

Henry Campbell ruined my life. He ran every relationship I ever had into the ground. He stole from my loved ones. He poisoned me with dark thoughts and his ignoble intentions. He's a cheat, a criminal, a phony. We've argued and fought many times, neither one gaining the upper hand. I denounced him, yet he keeps coming back, again, and again, and again. Sometimes I wish I could kill Henry Campbell. He is undeserving of this world, of his life. I'll never be able to rid myself of him. He is omnipresent in my life. For I am he himself.