Random Short Stories

Prologue: The Harvesting of the World

   The resistance knew that this day would come, but they never imagined it would arrive so soon.
           
"The D.O.W is coming. Prepare to be obliterated. Resistance is futile."

  All day, this message had been blaring out of their computers. They had always feared the day that their world would be sacrificed and struggled valiantly to prevent their demise, but they knew that it was impossible to cheat fate.

  Everyone in the Golden Valley had been startled by the message, ringing out unexpectedly from every last electronic device, albeit radio, television, iPhone, or Xbox. They knew that the rest of the planet had already fallen, humanity's blood serving as a catalyst to awaken the beast. No one had been able to sleep the night before, for the screams of preteens with interrupted Fortnite games were enough to drive one into the deep abyss of insanity. In comparison, the screams of the dying world were but a whisper.

  Most people remained holed up in their houses, praying to whatever god they believed in that this was just some sick joke, an elaborate prank put into motion by someone with a dark and twisted mind. The crimson sky above made it clear that this was a desperate hope, a theory only for the foolish. The surrounding mountains seemed to be melting into an inky blackness, almost as if they were a mistake being erased from an artist's sketchbook. Soon, the people knew, this ink would consume them too.

  Not everyone's screams were out of pain. Some cried out with joy. Their blood would soon flow through the veins of the Creator. This was, in their eyes, humanity's purpose. The Creator's will exceeded all else.

  Aemilia was one of these people, an outcast. She had been ridiculed ever since she had converted, her beliefs spat on and dragged in the mud. All of her classmates used to laugh at her. Now, standing out on her porch, watching the mountains disappear, she was the one laughing. It had turned out that she and her siblings in faith were right. The Creator was real, and he was going to erase this world and create a new, perfect world over its grave. As such, Aemilia couldn't be happier, for her faith was strong. She knew that the Creator would reward her for her unwavering loyalty. Her and her friends watched the world disappear in peace, raising their cowboy hats proudly to the sky.

  The D.O.W herself was sitting deep in headquarters. Her job was a hard one, but it was a necessity. She had to erase a world every year. That was what the Boss commanded. His devoted followers in the world would be saved, but the rest of the world would be harvested. This was vital to the maintenance of the perfect world.

"Are you okay, D.O.W?"

"Yeah, I'm fine—This was such a lovely world though, it is a shame that it had to be harvested."

"There are millions of other worlds. I am sure you'll be able to find another to observe that you'll enjoy just as much, milady."

"You're right—but still, I had made this one when I was a child. It held a special place in my heart."

  The D.O.W watched as the last speck of color on the globe in front of her vanished. She closed her eyes.

"Welp. It's getting late, milady. Your work is done, so you should be heading home, huh?"

"I suppose. I am quite exhausted."

"Get going then! You have a busy schedule tomorrow. You need lots of rest!"

"Ah, my report to the Boss and my speech—Gah, I am unbelievably nervous about both. I'll go home quickly so I can relax."

"Goodbye, milady!"

"Bye~"