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Kelvin Yong's Final Fanfiction

Disclaimer: This is a story where I insert the Espers or Summoned Beasts from FF franchise. I do not own Final Fantasy or attempt to use it for profit. I only own the story that I made and Goddess Minerva.

Eons ago, humans and Espers co-existed peacefully on the planet Gaia. Humans were naturally frail, puny and inferior creatures compared to the Espers, but they made up for it with their intelligence, ability of choice and technology. Espers, on the other hand, were beings that surpassed humans in every attribute. They were immortal creatures, with a vast knowledge of the world. They could wield magic, and they had their own unique abilities, ranging from elements of nature, to hazardous blasts of energy that obliterate nearly all foes.

Dispatched by Goddess Minerva, they were sent to monitor mankind, to keep humanity in check, so that they would not be tempted by the corrupted impulses that dwelled within them. Greed, malice, deceit, and many negative tendencies were notable examples. These majestic beasts also had another job “implanted” on them. That job was to keep humans away from the abstract known as “The Sinner” who wanted to influence the humans into awakening their impulses, so that chaos was ensured. As a result, with the efforts of the Espers, humanity remained pure, never falling into their sins.

The question is: Could the Espers achieve the same level of purity as the humanity they helped to attain? The answer was negative. It just happened that “The Sinner,” infuriated by not being able to influence humanity, targeted the protectors themselves instead. The Espers vainly tried to fight off this abomination but their powers were dwarfed by it. Eventually, the entity succeeded in overwhelming the ones who were engaging it, while most of them fled the scene upon the request of their brethrens, who sacrificed themselves to forestall it in order give them time to escape, and hide from it.

The moment “The Sinner” triumphed, it overtook the defeated Espers’ systems, rooting its “stain” into their souls, changing them into soulless killing machines that obeyed it’s every command, rather than influencing them into turning against their kind. As a result of the “stain” that was implanted, the emotions and the will of the Espers to fight back were nullified. Unfortunate Espers that had fallen victim to the “stain” were the most important ones, like Tiamat, Diablos and Cerberus. The remaining were disposed of as trash. They were either too weak to contain “the stain” or they were trying to warn the Espers in hiding of this event.

Having the important Espers in its disposal, “The Sinner” ordered them to slaughter every human and Esper who opposed him, starting with its greatest nemesis, the Espers. With the edict carried out, the Espers’ fortification of their stronghold barely withstood the might of their former comrades, due to the enhancements bestowed upon the dark Espers by their nihilistic master and the pure Espers’ reluctance to fight against their possessed brethrens. When the temporary refuge had fallen, they sought out humanity’s assistance to purge their comrades’ souls and drive back this menace to whence it came.

Mankind heard their pleas and were angered that this menace was threatening their protectors and caretakers. Indebted and thankful for the creatures’ protection against their sinful virtues in the past; they helped the Espers to accomplish their tribulations, similar to how the Espers helped them conquer their negative emotions. But first, the Espers wanted to free their brethrens from evil’s influence. Man and beast learned that the only possibility was through exercising the power of a relic known as the “Sacred Gem”, which can only be found underneath the sacred grounds, where it was buried. Luckily, the human’s residence was located there and evil would not be able to guarantee both groups’ defeat due to the land’s holy nature that repelled evil. The fact that the artefact was underneath mankind’s residence, made it easier and faster for the Espers to deliver their brethrens from “The Sinner”. Normally, it would take a long time to reach the relic, but with the might of both mankind and beast kin; all it took was just half a day.

After getting the “Sacred Gem”, they resurfaced and engaged the might of the great evil together. The moment the battle commenced, they converted the corrupted Espers by using the gem. “The Sinner” had never felt so disgraced. Not only was its plan for spreading chaos thwarted, but the fact that he lost his tools of destruction was the last straw.  Darkness burst from its being, directed towards the group, in a desperate aim to crush them, hoping to kill two birds with one stone. However, the times of working together created strong bonds between Espers and humans, allowing them to persist against its onslaught. With renewed vigour, they overcame its pitiful attack, and drove “The Sinner” away from this world forever, never allowing this sadistic anomaly to influence their lives ever again. In the end, humans and Espers lived happily ever after.

Sarah's Final Fan Fic

This is my Fanfiction based on Laurell K Hamiltons' series Anita Blake, Vampire Hunter.
Disclaimer: I do not own the characters used and I am not making money off this story.
I do not give permission for my story to be used anywhere else.  

It's hard to believe it's my 200th birthday. I shouldn't keep track, I know that, but my men will find some way to throw a party for me and I really don't want one.

It shouldn't worry me, I mean it's just a party but I'm 200! Seriously, who keeps track for that long? Looking in the mirror I don't look any older than I did when I was 30; long coal black hair, almost chalk white skin and no, I'm not a vampire or shape-shifter, though many out there believe I am.

I'm half Mexican and half German. I'm also a necromancer. This doesn't stop me ageing – being the human servant of one of the most powerful Vampires in the world does. Mind you... who's master and who's servant is still up for debate even after all these years. Jean Claude and I have been together for almost that entire time.

He's not the only man in my life – not by far. If someone had told me when I was younger that I would have a bigger and better collection of men than anyone else in the world, I would have laughed at them. But there you go; you never know how life will change you.

"What's taking you so long? You're normally the quickest of all of us when it comes to getting ready."

I jumped at the voice of my boyfriend Nathaniel – he's right, I normally just run some water over my hair and I'm done, but I got distracted by the mirror, it still feels weird to look so young after so long.

"That's not true, Micah is pretty fast when it comes to showering" I grinned at him as I spoke, I can't help acting like a love struck teenager when I look at him – how did I get so lucky?

"Yeah, well, he's not here right now. I am and I need a shower so hurry up!"

If anyone else had spoken to me that way I would have jumped down their throat, but I knew he was right; we had an appointment and it was never a good idea to keep the clients waiting.

I took one last look in the mirror and walked towards the door. I squeezed alongside him and he smiles that smile he only ever uses for me. I stand on my toes and lean up to give him a quick kiss before I walk through the door.

"Don't take too long" I smirk at him as I look back over my shoulder

He just laughs and shut the door. I walk towards my cupboard and throw the doors wide open. My clothes have gotten so much nicer since I moved into The Circus, especially since Jean Claude has had the ladies take me shopping. Without them I tend to run towards the jeans and t-shirt look. Of course tonight I need to impress my clients, or so Micah tells me. I reach towards my burgundy dress shirt, and decide to couple it with my emerald green jacket and my little matching skirt. The skirt is just long enough that I will wear it, but only just. I don't normally wear short skirts but it really does make my legs look so much longer – being five foot three makes a girl notice these things.

I reach for a black lacy bra and matching panties and I'm set. I slide on my shirt then look around for my gun.

I don't go anywhere without it. I carry a Browning High Power, I know I know they don't even make those anymore, but what can I say – when I find something I like, I stick with it. Most of my closet is full with tops in the same style with as many different colours as I could find.

I find it sitting on top of my pillow; Nathaniel must have moved it there for me once he got up. I pick up my custom made holster and slip it over my shoulders, the gun slides in easily.

Instantly I feel grounded. I used to worry about the feeling of safety holding a gun gave me, but now I just move on – I try not to pick at every feeling I have.

"Are you two ready yet? "

Micah leans against the door frame with his arms folded across his chest, his suit jacket straining just along the edges from his muscles. He may be the same height as me, with a face too pretty to be allowed, but his body is all male.

"Nathaniel is just finishing off now", I shrug into my jacket automatically checking the line against the fit of the gun, " I don’t think he’s washing his hair so we should make it on time."

As I finish speaking the bathroom door swings open and Nathaniel walks out fully dressed & ready to go. He walks up behind me and wraps his arms around me.

"Okay lets go we can’t keep the big men waiting" he catches Micah's eyes as he laughs and I know they are sharing a guy moment...

We walk single file up the stairs and Micah opens the door, making the thick iron look like nothing more than paper-thin flax. We walk across the parking lot towards my car when shots start firing at us from every direction. I drop to the ground, pulling out my Browning as I fall.

I check to see that Micah and Nathaniel are okay, even though I know they move faster than I can. My eyes are already scanning the area looking for trouble.

 

Travis's Fan Fic Final

This is a Lord of the Ring fan fiction that focuses on the race of treelike beings known as the Ents, who played a minor role in the Lord of the Rings trilogy.

THE ENTS

word count: 890

Before the War of the Rings there lived a race of peaceful tree-like beings known as the Ents. They lived in the forest of Fangorn and were rarely bothered by the outside world. You could walk through Fangorn and never know the towering Ents lived there because when they stood still you couldn’t tell the difference between them and the ordinary trees…unless you disturbed the peace of the forest. Then the trees would come alive and throw you out of the forest as gently as you’d let them.

By almost anyone else’s standards the life of an Ent was a dull affair, but they their own standards they lived exhilarating, full lives. They feasted on the sun and drank the rain like men drank mead. The Ents would spend months scratching elaborate, weaving designs in the sandstone only to see their masterpieces eroded away by the weather. The artists never mourned the loss of their art. They understood that all things are fleeting and the art of life lay in enjoying beauty the way a musician enjoys each note of a song despite the fact that it would be lost when the song ended.

None of the Ents were as full of life as the young sapling, Geofrey. He could never sit in the same grove for more than a few moons before he grew anxious to revel in the beauty of another one. The other Ents called him “The Traveler” because he was always exploring the forest, listening to its songs and sight-seeing how the seasons changed each hill and valley.

One morning in the peak of winter Geofrey was collecting snowflakes when his hobby was disturbed by a bothersome racket like a herd of 10,000 stags migrating through the forest. Not wanting to miss the spectacle, Geofrey strode towards the sound, but he didn’t find the beasts he was hoping for. Instead he saw an army of orcs meandering through the forest. Geofrey froze in place to wait until the intruders were close enough to snare with his massive wooden arms, but to his surprise the orcs weren’t causing any trouble. They were just meandering aimlessly like they were lost. Geofrey thought they must be under a spell. After some time he decided that if he left them alone they would wander straight through the forest and come out the other side on their own.

So Geofrey stood and watched patiently until he realized he was missing the snowfall. Granted, there was snow all around him, but he couldn’t enjoy it in peace with all the noise the orcs were making. So he revealed his presence to the Orcs as he walked slowly away from them. Usually the sight of a tree coming to life would send intruders fleeing, but the orcs didn’t seem to notice him. They just kept plodding along in pointless trajectories.

Geofrey had to travel several leagues before he found a spot suitably quiet enough to enjoy his winter hobby, but he had hardly spent half a day there before the orcs began to fill that corner of the forest as well. Again Geofrey left to find another grove, and again the orcs disturbed his peace before he could fully settle in.

Geofrey knew a valley with a steep pitch where man or beast never ventured because it was difficult to enter, and the river in the centre that had cut the valley was too violent to swim, fish or even boat on. It wasn’t a pleasant place, but he decided that it would be more pleasant than listening to an army of orcs clanging around.

Geofrey made the journey to the valley and descended the precarious slope to find half the other Ents in the forest had the same idea so there was almost nowhere to stand. Geofrey had never seen so many Ents in one place since the last eclipse festival. It was a sight worth seeing, but Geofrey had got it in his mind that he wanted to be alone right now. So he decided to go back to his original grove in hopes that the orcs had already passed by there completely.

Climbing back up the valley took longer than coming down, and when Geofrey neared the top he saw the ridge lined with orcs carrying heavy axes. Behind them a row of massive, empty wagons pulled by teams of Mumakil were being parked in a formation that suggested the orcs were planning to load them up with something. The scene confused Geofrey until he realized they had herded the Ents into the valley to be captured.

Geofrey ran/slid the only direction that wasn’t cut off by the orcs, back down into the valley. He didn’t stop moving when he reached his fellow Ents, but he shouted that the orcs had surrounded the valley and were poised to attack. Some of the Ents laughed. Some scolded him for being a scaremonger. Most of them just looked at him like he was crazy, but a few followed him because he seemed like he knew what he was doing.

Geofrey pushed his way through the crowd all the way to the torrential river and dove (as much as a giant walking tree can dive) straight into the freezing swell. The few Ents that had followed him stopped following at that point.

The river swept Geofrey out of the valley, and that began a long, perilous adventure that took Geofrey to the far corners of Middle Earth where he would meet fearsome foes and valiant allies. 


Word Count: 926

Rania's Final Fan Fiction

This is a parody fanfiction of the scene where Hagrid came to pick up Harry potter for the very 1st time, and take him to Hogwarts. It could also be considered as a crossover piece with the "Who's on 1st?" comedy skit :)

Word count: 861

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Disclaimer: I do not own Harry Potter. All characters belong to J.K. Rowling, Warner Bros., Bloomsbury, and Scholastic, respectively. Copyright infringement is not intended and no money is being made of this story. 

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Harry looked up at the giant man that came to escort him to his new life, and then at his aunt and uncle. He did that a few times with a glazed vacant look, until finally, comprehension dawned and he shouted squeakily, "You told me my mum and dad died in a car crash!"

"CAR CRASH?" shouted Hagrid, with spittle flying in all directions, dousing Harry in the process, making him shine, as if he had just taken a shower.

Hagrid continued shouting while Harry took a step back to avoid further showers, it was cold after all. "How could a car crash kill Lily an' James Potter?"

 "Well, if a crash is bad enough, it can kill anyone, especially if they were in the car," Harry replied smartly.

"Not a witch an' a wizard as powerful as those two were!" Hagrid countered.

"Then how did my parents die?" asked Harry. He wasn’t quite sure he wanted to know, but hey, anything was better than going back to scrubbing skid marks out of Dudley’s gigantic boxers. Plus, he may never have the chance to ask again.

Hagrid swallowed quite loudly and said in a quivering voice, "You-Know-Who,"

"Uh... No," said Harry. "I don't know anything about my parents, other than the fact that they died in a car crash"

“Huh? Who died in a car crash?” asked Hagrid while scratching his bushy beard

Harry pouted and exclaimed, “Duh! My parents! Weren’t you listening to me? Typical!! No one ever listens to anything I have to say! How am I supposed to grow into a healthy individual if no one ever pays me any attention!!”

After a very awkward pause, where the rats could be heard scurrying about, Hagrid said "Anyhow, these lousy Muggles never tol' you anything ‘bout your Mom and Dad. That's why I'm tryin' to explain about 'em."

"Okaaay. So who killed them?"

"Didn’ I already say? You-Know-Who did."

"You know who," Harry corrected.

"Yes."

"No, no. I mean, you can tell me who, right?"

"Yes. You-Know-Who."

Harry paused to think about it, and after nearly ripping out his sorry excuse of a bird’s nest hair, he decided that it might behove him to use a different tactic. The giant smelly, spittle spraying man was not going to outsmart him! So he asked, "Were my parents' obituaries in the newspaper?"

"But of course ‘arry! They were ‘eroes!"

Harry smiled and said, "And from the newspaper, you know who killed them?"

"Of course! They could ‘ardly put the blame on someone else!"

"Ummm..... They couldn't?"

"Well, You-Know-Who did have some followers," said Hagrid thoughtfully.

"Who? Who had followers?"

"You-Know-Who!"

Harry nearly screamed in frustration, but he wasn’t a quitter, and he was not going to stop till he found out something useful. So he asked, "Okay then, who blew up my parents' house?"

"You-Know-Who did," replied the giant.

"How would I know?" asked Harry.

"well, yeh obviously didn't. That's why I'm telling yeh."

 “Finally! We’re on the right track! So, who gave me this scar?" he demanded.

"You-Know-Who."

"Why do you keep saying that??"

"Yeh keep on askin me!!."

"You know who killed my parents," said Harry flatly.

"Yes,"

"Then why won't you tell me?"

"I just said. You-Know-Who killed your parents."

"No, I don't know who killed my parents."

“Yeh do. I just told yeh."

Harry's eyes narrowed in frustration and he screamed, "Are you serious?" He was startled when the giant inhaled sharply and started trembling and stuttering.

"How- how- do you know about him?" Harry remained silent, so Hagrid went on, "I told you, my name is Rubeus Hagrid. I'm not yer godfather."

"I didn't say you were," said Harry, sensing that he had said something to upset Hagrid, but not sure what.

"He'll never get to you. Now, I don't know how you didn't know about You-Know-Who but you know about Black-"

"Well, it would be hard not to know about black. Everyone knows about black." Harry interrupted, relieved that the giant was saying something that made some sense at last. Although he wondered what the colour black had to do with anything they were talking about. The giant’s world sure sounds funny.

Hagrid came closer to Harry and said, "Just what do you know about Black?"

Harry said while pointing towards the shadowy corner of the room, where his so called family was huddled together, "Well, black is . . . dark."

Hagrid stared at Harry's muggle family, "They told yeh that?"

"Uh, you could say that, yes. I mean, it was pretty obvious."

"Obvious that Black was Dark? I tell yeh, no one used to think that. It was a great shock when it became obvious."

"But it is obvious in hindsight," said Harry diplomatically. Wizards probably didn't need much common sense, especially if they couldn't die from things like car crashes.

"I guess it is," replied Hagrid gravely. "Now, come with me. We'll get yer things fer school." Harry agreeably left with the giant, figuring out that even if he couldn’t have a sensible conversation with the man, time spent with him would be better than time spent with the Dursleys.

The End

Damian's Fan Fiction Final

Hello Batmaniacs,

This is a fan fiction about the upcoming film "The Dark Knight Rises". Since the movie isn't out until next year, nobody knows what the real plot will be. Here's my humorous rendition of what the film might be about. I hope you enjoy it.

No copyright infringement intended. "Batman" and the characters depicted in this fan fiction story are properties of DC Comics. "The Dark Knight Rises" is the property of Warner Bros.

Words: 967

The Fatman Rises

Nobody had ever seen or heard of Batman ever since The Joker left Gotham City in absolute panic nearly four years ago. This was because Bruce Wayne wanted to make sure Gotham City was able to defend for itself. He knew Batman wouldn't be around to save the day forever.

Commissioner Gordon was now responsible for fighting the crime in the city without any assistance from the "Caped Crusader".

As time went by, the citizens of Gotham felt safe even without the help of Batman. The fine efforts achieved by Commissioner Gordon and the Gotham Police Department were enough to keep the streets clean of crime for several years. Bruce Wayne was proud with the fact that Gotham City had finally learned to defend itself.

All that changed when a large shadowy behemoth arrived. It attacked Commissioner Gordon's police force with vicious rage and brutality. Even Gotham City's SWAT team was unable to contain this large "beast of a man". This so-called "man" single-handedly slaughtered the entire SWAT team and left Commissioner Gordon in a vegetative state. Luckily the E.M.T.s arrived just in time to take care of Gordon. If they had not come when they did, Gotham would have lost one of its heroes.

The horrific event was seen on the evening news and none other than Bruce Wayne himself was watching. He knew the peaceful period that had graced Gotham City had now come to an abrupt end. Not since The Joker had an evil so great emerged and left Gotham City in complete chaos. There was only one person who could stop this threat - and that man was Batman.

Bruce Wayne questioned to Alfred, "Shall the Dark Knight rise again?"

Alfred knew it wouldn't be easy as Batman had not seen any physical action for the last few years. He was now rather fat and lazy.

Alfred smartly remarked, "The last thing Gotham needs is Fatman. Perhaps Robin can come back from his ballet classes to help you sir."

Bruce Wayne objected, "I won't sacrifice Robin to that madman Alfred! He's far too weak to face an enemy like this!"

Bruce Wayne knew he needed time to become the fit masculine fighter he once was. Now was the time Batman needed to rise again. However, getting into a slim figure in less than 24 hours would be impossible.

The "beast of a man" asked in front of the news cameras, "Can the Dark Knight please come out to play?"

Bruce Wayne had no idea what this guy wanted from Batman, but he knew he had to act quickly to stop further blood from being shed.

Bruce Wayne paid a visit to Commissioner Gordon. He must have known if this beast had any kind of weaknesses. He was the only person alive who saw him eye-to-eye.

Commissioner Gordon used to be an lively energetic fellow with no fear, but on the day Bruce Wayne saw him in the hospital bed, fear was written all over his face.

The nurse tried to calm him down when he screamed "Don't kill me" repeatedly. Bruce decided to leave and return when Gordon was fit enough to talk.

After several hours has passed, the nurse came and informed Bruce Wayne that Gordon was now ready to talk. Gordon needed an oxygen mask in order to speak.

As soon as Bruce came into the room, Gordon immediately stated "Batman has to come back."

Bruce Wayne was taken aback by Gordon's demand, "Look at me Gordon. I'm in no shape to take on that genetic freak of a man."

Gordon gave what was the best advice Bruce Wayne had heard in a long time, "Use your weight to your advantage. That way, you might be able to squash him. As they say, more weight equals more dates."

Bruce Wayne smirked, "I'm gonna need a bigger Batman suit."

Luckily, Bruce Wayne is rich and called up his own personal costume designer to make him a bigger suit. Bruce's new and bigger physique would have the clear advantage in the fight. Batman answered "The Beast's" call and announced on the evening news he would face him one-on-one at downtown Gotham at midnight.

The "Beast" referred to himself as Bane and he waited at the centre of Gotham's CBD for the arrival of Batman.

Bane screamed, "Come out now you coward!"

Batman thought to himself, the only coward here was Bane who punched the defenseless Gordon and nearly killed him.

Little did Bane know was that Batman was not going to confront him. Batman wanted to drop on top of him by jumping off a building. Batman was certain the impact from the fall would instantly disable Bane. A technique like this would not have worked before but with his new bulgier physique, Batman was sure this plan would work.

Batman took a deep breath and soared through the air as much as his weight would let him. Bane didn't expect a thing when a loud thud jolted throughout the entire city. After the dust had cleared, it was evident that only one person was left standing. Onlookers weren't sure who the figure was as both men were very fat.

A loud cheer from the crowd emanated as Batman stood up and shouted "Bane's reign of terror is now over!"

Although Batman almost flattened Bane to death, he did not kill him. Batman didn't intend to kill Bane as that was against his code of honour. Afterwards, the police came and took Bane into custody while Batman smiled to the crowd. Robin and Alfred clapped happily back at Wayne Manor while watching the events unfold on TV.

Down at the hospital, a reinvigorated Commissioner Gordon uttered to himself, "Tonight, Gotham City did not see the return of Batman, but the beginning of Fatman."

Joe's fanfic (final)

 THE LOTTERY TICKET

 In summer, the road leading to Broadmeadows, a suburb of Melbourne, was creased with shades of trees.  The early morning sun filled the air with a touch of asphalt smell.  A mini-bus was happily galloping along the road, carrying not too many passengers, amongst them a young man of 23, dark skin, brown hair, wearing a T-shirt.  By his side sat a blue eyed, chestnut haired girl.  The young man was hilariously chatting to the girl about some nonsense.  At the instance she got on the bus, the young man smiling struck up conversation.  Soon she tittered unscrupulously, with her thick and curly hair fluctuating in the midst of her laughter.

"I have to get off now," the girl interrupted.  This young man also happened to alight at this stop and as they went in the same direction, he decided to walk with her.

Round the corner, they walked into a cafe with the awning displaying in front and sat down at a white plastic table.  The young man told the girl that he had recently graduated from the University of Melbourne in Physics, and now had a very satisfactory job.  At the moment, he was on his way to work in the laboratory in the suburb.  The girl also told him she had just graduated from Queensland College of Teachers, and was now a primary school teacher teaching first grade children.

The young man zealously told the girl about his research on laser coding technology which could store any information.  Nevertheless, on the spur of the moment the girl just liked gazing at the young man – the way he was sipping his tea, his smile.  Putting down his cup on the tray, he explained with gestures this unusual technique.  She did not take in anything what he was saying.  But the problem now was not the laser itself.  It was the girl’s state of mind.  It seemed some inexplicable fear weakening her heart, even causing her to stop breathing.  She now had the feeling – something unusual was happening to her fate.  It was being carved up very distinctively into two extremely asymmetric halves.  One half, small and insignificant, started from the time when she was born to the present; the other half from the present and took on a very serious effect upon the rest of her life.  Such a clear-cut segmentation of her fate was happening just right under her nose because at this hour she was sitting in the cafe under the awning by the road side with the sun shining precisely upon them.  She quietly listened to the swarthy young man quibbling about the laser coding mystery which the girl could hardly have any apprehension. 

The young man continued recounting her about his perseverance in his study eventually achieved unexpected result.  He presented to his professor not a bachelor degree thesis, but PhD.  After graduation, he was fortuitously assigned to the favorite sphere of his research work.  For half an hour the young man continued talking uncontrollably with fervour and assurance.  She felt very unnatural, even embarrassed.  She thought she might be about making a fool of herself to the extent that she could hardly even put forth a smile on the gaffe the young man making jokes of.  She was just stupefied sitting there watching him yakking incessantly, and gazing at him gesturing with his slender fingers.  What she only wanted to do now was a short intermission, however tiny, so as to allow her to simmer down, and return back to reality from the reverie.

"I should go home now," the girl said, finishing her coffee.  "You put it in a very interesting way.  So fascinating.  I really didn't expect the sneaky laser could be explained with such simple words."

Both felt they wanted to carry on, but still without regret they were on their feet leaving the cafe.

"If you have before you a magician," the young man asked the girl, "and he can only grant you one wish, what would you like to have from him?"

"I would say to him, ‘Please give me that wish’," the girl replied.  Just like that, she could not control herself and was worried she might do something foolish.  It was at this moment, she thought of her life.  In other words, in her heart a shivering feeling could seemingly paralyze her will – hastening to love the person she was so unfamiliar with, but she returned to her senses just at right time.

"You are right, people gotta have aspirations," said the young man with prudence.  "How could people live if they don’t have dreams?"

"Maybe, there are also people who don’t have dreams and live.  It is common, perhaps they are used to this."

"You don’t look like so melancholy,” the smiling young man went on to say.  "You know, I am the magician."  The lad from his shirt pocket pulled out a piece of folded paper.  It was a lottery ticket.  With his pen he wrote something on it, and then said, “Take it!  In two days the lottery winner will be announced.  This is my phone number.  If you hit the jackpot, give me a call.  Together we ..... "

"If we don’t?"

"Doesn’t matter, just call me," the lad said with a chuckle.  "I got to have a reason to give you a second coffee treat, and have another chance to give you again the two-day hope."

"Exciting!  You are truly a magician," the girl laughed.  Slowly she came out of the trance and said, "Coffee is the reward for my long wait! ……”

"Believe me, luck will come to you," the guy said mystically with a tuned down voice.  "I studied astrology and I assure you 100 percent chance of winning.”

In a minute they reached the girl’s house.

"I’ll call you," the girl said, wondering whether she should tell the boy about calling him.  She was aware that it seemed inappropriate on their first date.

The girl’s home was a mansion with the front gate guarded by a doorman.  She disappeared into the building.  The young man remained standing outside for a while.  Bewildering at the lost shadow of the girl, he then walked to the bus station.  Of course he had to go back by bus.

Lottery ticket was placed on the desk for two days.  She didn't eat, didn’t talk to her parents, just kept doing whatever on hand.  Inconspicuously she discovered her fingers trembling uncontrollably.  This had never happened before. 

The girl's family was quite rich, her father running a large company.  Seeing his daughter's unstable condition, he was perturbed.  He normally never talked to her much, but broke the silence.  With rage he asked, "I think someone is bothering you and annoyed you .  Did those boyfriends of yours upset you?”

The girl shoke her head.

"What happened to you, then?  You have to tell me.  Behaving like that can’t make things go away.”

"I know," the girl said.  "Don't worry, Daddy.  This is something entirely my own.  I can handle it myself.”

Father looked seriously at her, and then nodded.  Suddenly he walked around to her and tenderly touched her head.

Girls drove her black BMW to the garage for maintenance.  Half an hour later, she settled the repair costs by credit card, and drove away.  She had to go to the Consulate for abroad clearance.  She was about to work for an institution abroad under the Foreign Ministry.  She'd never been a primary school teacher.

This was a helpless lie for her.  She decided she would never tell lies again but only this once.  She stopped the car in front of a savings bank, got off, and locked the door, and then walked into the bank.  She wanted to see whether the young man’s lottery ticket won any prize.  She came to the window and produced the ticket.  The teller took it and started carefully checking the winning numbers published in the newspaper.

After a while, the teller told her, "You won 1,000 dollars.”

“That’s good,” girl smiled and put away the money in her pocket.  Out of the savings bank, she got back in her BMW.

On the way to the Consulate, she decided to give this guy a call with her exquisite mobile taken out from her bag.  Suddenly she felt she was as if struck by lightning.  Her body was terribly shaken.  The guy's phone number was written on the lottery ticket which was in the bank teller's drawer.

(983 words)

My story was based on one of the articles with the same title published in TRANSLATION, a bi-monthly of foreign literature, 5th Edition, Year 2010 (译林2010年第5期）.  It was translated in my own words with the intention to follow the plot as closely as I could manage.  The story was half translated to adhere to the story title, Lottery Ticket, and the fantasy genres of Home & Away.  The romance between the two young ones was left out for you to conjugate.  I disclaim any liabilities that would be entailed for any translation derailment from the original.