#ショートストーリー

[nunoisuhurosara]

見ることも知ることもない

宇宙から地球を見たら、いま自分が悩んでることなんてちっぽけに思えるという言葉があるけれど、それよりももっと有効な例えがある。

君が生きている世界を一つのゲームと仮定する。そのソフトは生きている人間の数だけ、あるいは命ある生物の数だけ存在する。君は君としてそのゲームをプレイしている。スタートもエンディングもソフトによって、プレイヤーによって異なる。そのゲームはある一人の製作者の脳内で構成されている。その製作者とは誰か。それは君自身である。

仮に、君が死ぬまでに一度も耳にすることも目にすることもなかった音楽が存在するとする。つまり存在を認知できない音楽だ。仮にその曲の作曲者をアレックスとしよう。彼はカリフォ��ニアに住む大学生だとしよう。アレックスは得意のピアノでその曲を作曲する。仮にその曲のタイトルを「青い象」としよう。君は生きている間にアレックスがカリフォルニアに実在していたことも、「青い象」という曲が作られたことも知ることはない。だから君は君の脳内でこの「青い象」のメロディを演奏することはできない。すると君はこの存在を認知できない音楽、「青い象」は存在しないと同義だと考えるかもしれない。しかしそれは違う。それは同義なんかではなく、ハナから存在しないんだよ。なぜなら世界や宇宙、あらゆる事物は君の脳内で生まれるんだから。

あそこの水槽の中にサカナがいるだろ。仮にあのサカナはあの水槽の中で生まれて、水槽の中から出ることなく死ぬとしよう。その場合どうだろう、あのサカナは自分のルーツが海であるということを知ることはないだろうね。なぜなら海というものが存在するなんて想像もできないんだから。つまりあのサカナにとって海なんて存在しないと同義だ。でも君は海というものを知っている。ではあのサカナは海の存在を認知できないまま生涯を終えることを悔やむだろうか。悔やまないだろうね。だってあのサカナにとってのルーツはあの水槽でしかないんだから。

[billadler]

最後の決断 (One Last Decision)

この日がいつか、やって来ると思っていた。君が、かつてのように身軽にベッドに飛び乗ることが出来なくなる日が。そしてその時が来たら、決断しなければならないことも分かっていた。君と僕のどちらが先に命を経つべきか、という最後の決断を。

君は2フィート（60センチメートル��上に飛び上がることも出来ない程、弱っていた。僕は辛うじて君を抱きかかえ、固く冷たい床が君の細身に浮き上がる骨に響いて痛くならずに済むようにした。もはや君を長い間抱き抱え続けるほどの体力はなくなっていた。キンモ、決断しなければならないんだよ。今日中にね。

君は公園を覚えているかい。あれは半年前のことだったね。

僕の住んでいるマンションの隣りにある公園にいた君を、僕は保護したんだ。君を助けるまで、外で暮らしている猫はいつも冒険に満ち溢れていると思っていた。鳥に忍び寄ったり、ネズミの味を堪能したり、色々な種類のトカゲを追いかけたりしてね。でもそれは、大変な勘違いだった。雨に打たれて、君の毛は濡れそぼっていた。君の顔はいつもどこか悲しげだった。他の猫たちが公園にやって来ると、君の居場所が段々少なくなっていった。犬は君にとってゴジラも同然だった。夏は蚊の餌食になり、冬は温かい場所を見つけるのが至難の業だった。

僕は君に会うために、毎日公園に通ったんだ。冬の間は、公園のベンチで君を待っていると、君は僕を見つけるやいなや、僕の膝に飛び乗って、手足の爪先がかじかんで痛くなるまで、ずっと座り続けていたね。夏の間は、暖を取る目的ではなく、僕らが一心同体であることを証明するかのように、僕の膝にずっと座り続けていたね。君は僕の膝の上でボールのように丸くなり、うたた寝するまで、僕の手や顔をペロペロと舐め続けていたね。

雨の降る日は、公園に大きめの傘を持って行き、ベンチに座り傘を差すと、君は乾いたオアシスを求めて、僕の膝に飛び乗り、うずくまっていたね。

僕は君の名を、金木犀から取って付けたんだ。金木犀というのは、小さなオレンジ色の花で、日本で10月に咲く。10月に君と出会ったから「キンモ」と名付けたんだ。

そして翌年の7月。台風11号（ナンカー）が東京に到達する前日、僕は君を保護したんだ。容赦なく荒れ狂う強風の中、僕は君を一人残して立ち去ることが出来なかったんだよ。

家に連れてきた猫の毛色が、2週間すると、茶色と灰色から、茶色と雪のような純白に見違えるように変わっていく姿を見て、驚いたものだったよ。

キンモ、僕は君が良い人生を送れたものと信じている。君が家に来てから半年間が、君の人生最良の時であったと信じているよ。君も僕の人生を豊かにしてくれた。最良の時間も、猫の気まぐれに合わせなければならない時間も。僕の隣で寝付くまでの間、喉をゴロゴロと鳴らす時間も。僕の朝のコーヒータイム前のネズミ捕りゲームで遊ぶ時間も。僕が家に帰ると、必ず顔をペロペロと舐めてき��挨拶をやめない時間も。僕は大好きだった。

地震が起きてしまい、残念に思う。君がまだ公園にいたらどうなっていただろう。地面が波打ち、ひび割れても、外にいたら水や食料にありつくことが出来たかもしれない。だけど僕らは、32階に閉じ込められている。3週間に渡って、停電している。部屋の外は人の気配がまるでしない。1月の凍てつくような寒さを解消できる暖房器具もない。非常階段は倒壊し使えない。そして遂に、食料が尽きた。

手足がかじかんで、もはや自分のものではないような気がしていた。君の体力が限界にきていることも分かっていた。僕の愛する猫よ、君に与える食料がすっかりなくなってしまった。本当にすまなく思う。

3週間前に比べると、君の鳴き声は弱々しくかすれて、あと一鳴きしたら骨が粉々に打ち砕けてしまいそうだった。かつてコーラルグリーンだった瞳が土色に変わり、かつてはフワフワだった毛が泥を塗ったようにゴワゴワになっていった。

無理心中は詩的な行為とはいえない。それは間違った行為だ。救助隊が来るまでの間、僕らのどちらかだけでも少しだけ生き延びられたら、助かるかもしれないのだ。窓から外を覗くと、火の海が東京の街に拡がっているのが見えた。そんな絶望的な街でも、誰かが救出活動を続けているのではないかと信じていた。僕らのどちらかでも生き延びることが出来たら、誰かが助け出してくれるに違いない。

一撃で、痛みがないように済ませるよ。僕の膝に横たわっている君の胸元にナイフを振りかざして。そうすれば君の肉を食べて、僕は何日か生き延びられる。生贄は、究極の愛の形だ。どの道、君は明日まで持つかどうか分からない。

或いは、僕が自らの命を断てば、君は本能の赴くままに僕の屍をむさぼるだろう。そうすれば、君は生き延びられるのだ。衰弱しきった肉体でも、僕のサイズなら猫が1週間そこそこ生き延びるには十分な量だろう。

頭を傾けると、部屋が歪んで、メリーゴーランドみたいに廻って見えた。長い黒髪の少女が見える。ラベンダー色のドレスを見に纏い、ピンク色のスエードの靴を履いている。その少女は廃墟と化した僕らのマンションから君を見つけて、かつて僕がそうしたように��君を膝に抱きかかえるんだ。少女は君の柔らかな茶色と白が混ざった毛を撫でて、喉の鳴る音を聞いて安らかな気持ちになり、君に微笑みかけるんだ。

目の前にあるこの睡眠薬を一瓶、一気に飲み干せば、少女が現れて、君を幸福に満ちた��安全な家に連れて帰ってくれるだろう。

猫は夢を見るのかい、���ンモ。僕の温かい膝に抱えられている夢を見て、僕を思い出してくれ。

I hope you enjoy One Last Decision. You can read the English version here. If you like One Last Decision, you can also subscribe to my free story-a-week newsletter. More than anything, a story wants to be read. 

[netepenko]

『1人乗りの石』 持木ユリイカ

すみません、そこ、私の石です。��彼女は声をかけてきた。有無を言わさないような早くて強い口調で。

昼下がり、公園の芝生でぼんやりしていたら、突然ふってきた甲高い声。こちらも条件反射ですみませんと思わず口を衝いてしまっていた。

どうやら彼女のものらしい石に、私は荷物を置いてしまっていたようだ。

私が荷物をどけると、彼女はすごい勢いで彼女の石に座った。

公共の公園に鎮座している石なんだから、所有も何もないだろうに。

荷物は他の場所に置けばいいので私は何も困らないのだけれども、気持ちを切り替えるのは瞬時にはできない。なぜか身体が動かなくなり彼女をじっと見つめることになってしまった。すると彼女はキッとこちらを睨んでからそっぽを向いた。

自分は何にも悪くないが、彼女にとって私は悪いのだろう。かたくなな彼女の気持ちは、私がどう常識とやらを語っても変えられない。彼女の世界においては、あの石は彼女のもので。彼女の世界と私の世界はほんの少ししか共有されておらず、それぞれ別の倫理で世界たちは廻っている。

そのこころは〜どちらも「かたいいし」でしょう〜。やれやれという表情をつくって私は公園を後にした。

[kyokosugi]

となりの黒い幽霊さん（津軽弁）第２話

こんばんは。小説部屋の方で公開しましたのでこちらにも投稿したいと思います。下のリンク先からどうぞ。 となりの黒い幽霊さん（津軽弁）第２話

[marusuaok]

[otomehonyaku]

DIABOLIK LOVERS More,Blood Character Popularity Poll Short Story ☽ Shuu ver.

Original title: 人気投票ショートストーリー、シュウ編 English translation by @otomehonyaku Requested by @aoi-hitomi-50 (happy early birthday to you and Shuu!) Original text can be found here.

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

SUMMARY | In this short story, Yui (not mentioned by name) has been with Shuu for a while—a bittersweet feat, since the vampire is not very vocal about his feelings. One morning, Yui accidentally drops her spoon at Shuu's feet while she's having her belated dinner. Spicy events ensue, and Yui cannot help but beg for answers. Will Shuu finally tell her how he truly feels towards her?

─── ･ ｡ﾟ☆: *.☽ .* :☆ﾟ. ───

—Just like that, I became your captive. Even though I could no longer go back, I…

In the small hours of the morning, I was belatedly having dinner by myself when Shuu appeared next to me out of thin air.

“Shuu? It’s unusual for you to still be up this early…” I was so surprised that the hand that was carrying my spoon to my mouth unconsciously paused in mid-air, still laden with soup..

“Yeah, well…” Shuu said curtly while he sat down across from me. 

Was I only imagining it, or did he seem in really good spirits today? I thought I even heard him humming.

“...Um?”

“What?”

“Did something… happen?” I asked him gingerly.

Shuu rested his elbows on the table, still humming, and stared at me intently with a gloomy look on his face.

“Uh…?”

“...Shut up. This is Mahler’s Symphony No. 4 in G major, fourth movement. Look up the title yourself.”

I inclined my head in confusion at his profound answer. My knowledge about classical music was, unfortunately, limited. My mind drifted to the hymns we used to sing in church, and when I moved my spoon again, Shuu suddenly spoke.

“Hey… didn’t you say that I’m the one you love most in this world?

“What?!” I accidentally dropped my spoon because of his off-kilter remark. The shrill sound of the metal hitting the floor reverberated through the dining room. 

“Guess I was right,” Shuu said coolly, as if it were the most normal thing in the world. He eyed me curiously as I tried to regain my composure.

“W-why, all of a sudden…”

I clumsily stood up to retrieve the spoon from under the table. When I lifted the tablecloth, I saw that it had rolled over to Shuu’s feet. It was actually quite convenient that I dropped the spoon—it gave me a way out of the conversation so that I didn’t have to see eye-to-eye with Shuu.

“Ah, there it…”

Just as I slid under the table to pick up the spoon, I heard Shuu’s voice from above me. “What are you doing?”

“Huh? Um, well… I just wanted to grab the spoon…” I said, flustered. I reached for the spoon, and then, suddenly—

“Ah?!”

“Hahaha…”

Of all the things he could have done, Shuu brought down his foot on my hand. I looked up at him with a start. Our eyes met—he held up the tablecloth on his end and leered down at me kneeling before his legs, which were spread wide.

“We’re not done talking yet. Who said you could pick it up?”

“It h-hurts…”

“Of course. That’s because I’m making it hurt.”

I’d thought he was in a good mood at first, but I was at a loss at his behaviour now. I bit my lip. 

“If you want me to let go of your hand, come closer,” Shuu continued.

“Huh?”

“Didn’t you hear me? I’m telling you to come closer… and put your face between my legs.”

“...B-but…” I would die of embarrassment if I were to position my body between Shuu’s legs. Just when I wanted to tell him that, he pressed down on my hand harder.

“Are you saying you’re disobeying me… because you actually like it when I hurt you like this? I guess it’s only to be expected from a hardcore pervert like you.”

“That’s… not…!”

“Not true? Well, how about you hurry up and do as I say, then?”

I’d lost count of how many times I’d yielded to his will when he cornered me like this. It was frustrating, but… I knew it was pointless to go against him. No matter how much I protested, he always made sure he got his way in the end. 

“Ah…”

Feeling defeated, I did as I was told and braced my hands on Shuu’s thighs so I could poke out my head from under the tablecloth. Then, I stuck my face between his legs, careful so as to not bump my head. 

“Hahaha… You look awful.”

“You’re the one who told me to do it…!”

“Well, that’s true, but aren’t you the one who actually decided to follow my orders?” Shuu ventured, his lips curving upward in a suggestive smile. “You’re a stubborn little thing, you know. You’re so in love with me you just can’t help yourself. At least, that’s what I heard… I figured you like this kind of stuff.”

“Who told you…” My voice wavered unintentionally, my heartbeat out of control.

“You’re so red. Bullseye. It’s obviously true, so  it doesn’t even matter where I heard it. Now, come closer.”

Shuu’s unusual talkativeness and assertive behaviour overwhelmed me, and I couldn’t help but obey him. No matter the things he did to me, no matter the cruel words he said to me… I was madly in love with him, just like he said. 

It was not a matter of not being able to go against him. I just…  wouldn’t.

“Come, hurry up… I’d rather you be grateful that I’m giving you this much attention…”

“Ah…”

“That’s it. Come closer. Actually, how about you sit on my lap?”

As if he’d seen right through me, Shuu’s voice was suddenly sickly-sweet, his gaze unrelenting in his efforts to persuade me. Despite my slight hesitation, I was internally overjoyed to hear this side of him. I simply did as I was told.

Our bodies were flush. I wriggled against him to get out of the tight space. It was incredibly embarrassing, but in the end, I managed to lower myself into Shuu’s lap. I braced my hands on his shoulders, facing him directly.

“Hehe… Look at you. I knew you could do it. Complain all you want, but I know you actually love doing naughty things like this.”

“Oh…”

“You aren’t really in the position to say otherwise, you know. Well… I’ll make you do much naughtier things. You love me more than anyone else in the world, right? I like the sound of that. As your reward… I’ll let you kiss me.”

“What…?”

“I’m too tired… so kiss me already. Come here…” 

Shuu narrowed his eyes at me impatiently. 

“Mm… ah, this isn’t bad after all. Your scent… the taste of you… Mmh…”

He had me completely at his mercy. Shuu’s lips found mine over and over again, deepening the kiss, from various angles… From an outsider’s perspective, it must have looked like we were sharing an intimate moment, but I was simply unable to resist his seduction. No, rather… this was…

I actually wanted this.

“Shuu…”

“What?”

“...Does this make you happy? Or… am I just a bother?” I asked him outright in between kisses. I’d been wondering about it for a while now. 

Shuu brusquely lifted me off of his lap and sat me down on top of the table. “You’re putting words in my mouth now? Shut up.”

“I… I figured you’d say that…” 

Maybe, in my heart, I wanted to hear such a predictable answer. Was it because I actually liked his harsh manner of speaking? My thoughts were still racing, but Shuu started stroking my hair and placed kisses on my ears.

“It’s not worth worrying about whether or not I like you… that’s not what I’m interested in. However… if anything, I’m interested in your blood. I crave you… do you understand what I’m saying? You can draw your own conclusions.”

Shuu’s sadistic voice sent incessant chills down my spine. That was all I needed to hear.

“Shuu, I love you…” The words just tumbled over my lips before I could catch myself. 

Shuu chuckled. “Heh… I know. You’re such a lewd woman. I know what you want… and you think I’ll give it to you, don’t you? I’m in a good mood today, so I’ll humour you until you’re satisfied.”

I could feel Shuu open his mouth wide. I waited for his fangs to pierce my skin with bated breath. The sharp tips of his canine teeth slowly hovered over my skin. He seemed to be holding back at first, but his demeanour quickly changed—in a flash, his fangs were buried in my neck.

“Mh…”

To this day, I still didn’t know how to describe this feeling. It hurt, of course, but at the same time, there was no way to put into words the absolute assault on my senses, the numbness that spread through me.

“Ha… Mmh… What a great expression… Agh…”

“Ah…” I came dangerously close to crying out while he drank from me. I desperately pressed my lips together. 

Shuu let out a low laugh. Surely, he thought I was only writhing in agony, but I didn’t mind—that wasn’t exactly wrong, either. 

“You’re greedy for such a meek girl, but… this is a reward, so… I’ll let it slide this time.”

“Mmh…”

A reward… the fact that he used such a word for it was proof that Shuu knew exactly how he was making me feel, and enjoyed it. It made my heart swell with joy. It had probably been a bit tactless to beg him to confess his feelings outright. I was already more than happy that, slowly, piece by piece, he revealed himself to me. 

“Let’s go over here now...”

Shuu’s hands impatiently groped at my chest. A feeling of endearment surged within me at the sight of him behaving like this.

I was completely head over heels for this man. I was far beyond saving, but at least I had some self-awareness. 

My mind wandered as my fingers became entwined in Shuu’s hair, my hands stroking his head. I wanted to shout my love for him from the rooftops, but an indirect approach was more befitting of this musically inclined man. 

Then, suddenly, Shuu lifted his face from where it had been buried in my chest, and told me flat-out, “I love you. Or, rather, I love you, the girl who is completely smitten with me. Got that?”

“Ah…!”

Now I really felt like I would go mad. Unable to contain my happiness, I instinctively covered my face with my hands. My cheeks were red-hot. Shuu saying the words I’d wanted to hear for so long was, without a doubt, the best reward. 

It seemed that, somehow, this languid, young nobleman of the shadows had laid his claim on both my body and soul. There was no going back anymore. And yet…

—I found myself smiling, thinking that might not be so bad after all.

[junngoro]

バスクリン様から販売されている入浴剤 『アーユルタイム』のウェブサイト、スペシャルコンテンツにて それぞれ6種類の香りとショートストーリーをイメージしたイラストを描かせていただきました！

https://www.bathclin.co.jp/bs/ayurtime/ayurtimestory/

[komichi-mado]

暮れてゆく空を眺める

光から色を分けてもらう時間帯から

闇に包まれて、宇宙の子どもに帰ってゆく

なぜ生きる？の問いに

沈黙しても

その沈黙を打ち破ることが生きることだ

どんな心でも

私は私　開き直る

ショートストーリーを紡ぐ

端役でもなく

主人公でもなく

誰もが破天荒な脚本家

静かに暮れた空を見届けると

空には星が散らばる

胸の底に落ちてゆく光

[audiofictionuk]

New Fiction Podcasts - 15th June

燈の守り人 -幻想夜話- Audio Drama 灯台には秘密があった。それは光の精霊『燈の守り人』が宿り、孤独な戦いを続けてきたこと。彼らは何と戦い��何を見てきたのか。豪華声優陣が語りかける、歴史エンターテイメント。ルポライター・長岡叶夜が、灯台に秘められた物語を紐解く、1 話完結型のショートストーリー。 https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240601-05 RSS: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/TFM8644900701

Mayamora Dungeons & Dragons Audio RPG A podcast featuring Althorrin (Irvas), Xain Scarlight (Nulga), Jack Freeman (DM), Shadowed one (Rain), Yeti (Loreel) Fox Queen (Eris) Moss (Glaucin). Cultists are reeking havoc arcross the lands as an unlikely group bands together in an off way, Now working together to unravel the unnatural occurrences surrounding them. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240602-01 RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/althorrin/feed.xml

The Unforeseen Devouring Audio Drama The Unforeseen Devouring is a post-apocalyptic audio-drama created by Conner Mills that is in the style of tape recordings. Listen as Martin details how the event known as "The Devouring" happened. An event in which our very own planet began devouring everything it could. A story filled with mystery, hope, and also the real hardships of life. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240319-09 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/eaeb2e78/podcast/rss

The Disappearances of Lydia Fountayne Audio Drama After her parents' mysterious disappearance, a bookish teenager and her weird friends struggle to survive the feud over her supernatural inheritance. We're currently running a Kickstarter campaign to produce a full season of The Disappearances of Lydia Fountayne! You can learn more about the show, and find links to the Kickstarter, on our website https://lydia-disappears.com. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240204-02 RSS: https://pinecast.com/feed/the-disappearances-of-lydia-fo

99% Goblins Audio RPG This is a podcast of friends coming together to play roleplaying games. Join us on goofy, (sometimes serious) character-focused adventures! https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240601-07 RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/NinetyNinePercentGoblins/feed.xml

No Return: The Fate of Daya Audio RPG As some of you may know, Erset La Tari; The Land of No Return, began life as a 'homebrew' Table Top Role Playing Game (TTRPG) setting. Thanks to the immense talents of Dylan Smith (GM of Hearthfire Tales, as well as the voice of Sergeant Gavin Fern and Niillas Janicek on No Return) we are able to bring No Return to you in the form of a TTRPG Actual play. Co-Gamemastered by Dylan and Kier Zhou and played by the recognisable vocal talents of Jack (Tommo), Gemma (Ysenda, Thae Oraen & Cinnte) and Cameron (Amghar, Jyce Inacio, and the new voice of Deky and Ayelen). We are truly excited to bring the world of No Return to you in a more improvised, player led and spontaneous format where the players decisions and the whims of the dice will decide 'The Fate of Daya'. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240526-01 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/no-return-the-fate-of-daya

https://media.rss.com/placeofparadox/20240603_090608_332077927920dd69d28b596c5b4c3e1c.jpg

A PLACE OF PARADOX Audio Book RADIO VÉRTÉ Presents: A PLACE OF PARADOX, A Literary Fiction Podcast Written & Narrated by Cory Zimmerman. The Wild Wind is an American gothic tale of a woman born and raised on the grounds of a psychiatric institution—not as a patient, but the daughter of the asylum’s farmer—who learns of love and loss while grappling with the question of what it means to be sane when insanity is the norm. “What’s to be sane in the garden of madness?” That's the question haunting Sarah, a centenarian writing about her life growing up at the asylum on the bank of the Illinois River. After a long-tormented life, Sarah intends to commit after completing a typewritten manuscript spoken to a man named Sam. Through a lens of lore and myth—the secrets that shaped Sarah’s twisted and mysterious life are revealed. In Sarah's labyrinthine attempt to find healing and peace, she deconstructs the most transformative moments of her life. It's a century as well as an existence punctuated by profound hardship and survival—one that ultimately leads to the conclusion: “Sanity is but paper in a world consumed by fire.” The Wild Wind is both plot- and character-driven, a refreshingly unique story with an equally unusual structure and lyrical prose. Sarah's account is honest, intellectually intriguing, and emotionally compelling—shining light on the dark side of American society and history— inspiring readers to look at themselves and the world in a new way. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240603-03 RSS: https://media.rss.com/placeofparadox/feed.xml

Retornados Audio Drama La expedición científica ‘Mars Prima’ buscaba en Marte un nuevo hogar para la Humanidad. Tras 254 días, los 136 colonos enviados intentaron huir a la desesperada. Solo volvieron 23. Román es un psicólogo que se ocupa de la reinserción de 3 de estos retornados hasta que un día descubre que sus pacientes ocultan algo… https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240606-01 RSS: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/retornadost1

No Return: Mageslayers! Audio Drama This is a story about heroes. No, that’s too much. This is a story about what it takes to make a hero. Welcome to Erset La Tari, the Land of No Return! This strange and mysterious realm teeters ever on the verge of disaster, barely having survived the apocalyptic world curses! But from the ashes rose the Treaty of Budan and the nations of La Tari achieved a hard won peace. The starving were fed, calamitous war averted and a safe and prosperous zone established. But there were those who opposed the treaty- who chafed at silken shackles of peace. Villains who sought power at the expense of the land’s very survival! These vile ne'er do wells found power in the study of dark magicks and used their martial prowess to enslave their neighbours- forcing them to toil under a repressive yoke to further their selfish hunger for dark esoteric knowledge. So vast became the gap between the power of these villains and those of the forces of peace that the nations were forced to once again band together commissioning a fellowship of heroes, of champions, to meet the crisis head-on. Each a master of their respective art, willing and ready to meet these wicked casters in battle if and when the need arose. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240603-04 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/no-return-mageslayers

EntaVerse Saga Audio Book The EntaVerse Saga follows Enta, an Arbiter of Light, who creates life from her tears and battles loneliness. Her creation faces a threat from Lyraxos, Arbiter of Conquest. In the sequel, "Rise of the First Sentinel," Enta creates sentinels to fight Lyraxos. The story focuses on Néo, the first sentinel, as he discovers his purpose and prepares to defend against the growing darkness. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240531-04 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f6d80f30/podcast/rss

Hotel of Sin Reborn Audio Book It is back by popular demand. The hotel that feeds on your sins. BE careful on your next drive. It can call to you. Because once it appears. There is no escape. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240525-09 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/hotel-of-sin-reborn

A Fire in the Heart of Knowing Audio Book On the rain lashed battlements of a dark fortress a lone, dying tyrant contemplates his fate, while his underlings plan for the future, vie for rulership or simply plot their own survival. A Fire In the Heart of Knowing, the first serialised podcast of the Arcverse, explores the fate of an immense cast of vagabonds and visionaries, warriors, fugitives and seers. Join us in the dark and troubled land of Mordikhaan, where the torturers of Tharta watch silently and wait for their opportunity to flay the land. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240606-02 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/a-fire-in-the-heart-of-knowing

Back Fires Audio Drama In 1946, a crew of California convicts moves to an isolated mountain camp to fight wildfires in exchange for their freedom. Thirty years later, while conducting interviews for a book about the history of American prison labor, a British journalist uncovers evidence suggesting a wide-ranging cover-up of inmate deaths on duty. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240605-01 RSS: https://feeds.simplecast.com/qSdkFDdP

Stature City Audio Drama TPE Network Presents: Stature City. An audio drama set in a dystopian future. Stature City takes place ten years after a cataclysmic asteroid strike. Devastated by a strange metal, terrorized by a mysterious figure, and overrun by enhanced criminals; the quarantined city-state called Stature City is on the brink of collapse. Governor Preston Allen has handpicked a new sheriff to restore order. With absolute autonomy and immunity, Sheriff Sedrick Parr will lead a joint task force of robots and enhanced individuals in hopes that they can turn the tide against a ruthless crime syndicate with a sinister plan. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240606-03 RSS: https://feeds.captivate.fm/stature-city/

The Coombe Podcast Audio Book An 82 year old ex-spy comes out of retirement for one last mission. A Spy-fi parody told in short episodes https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240605-02 RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/lukespafford1983/feed.xml

Andas Presents Audio Drama The home of one-shot audio stories from the internationally-acclaimed team at Andas Productions. Our latest release is "Sayang" — a solarpunk story about love and sanctuary at the world's end. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240530-03 RSS: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/SBP7433945846

The Landing Light Audio Drama The last light shining, when the rest of the house is sleeping. A wireless broadcast, from a lost time. Bed-time stories for the end of the world. Welcome to The Landing Light. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240605-03 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f72856c0/podcast/rss

MOMENTUS - A Tale of Toil and Triumph Audio Book Welcome to 'Momentus,' the podcast that takes you on a wild ride through a world of fantasy and satire! Join us as our characters explore a realm filled with Candyland-like gags and gumdrop goodies, while revisiting the romance and chivalry reminiscent of 'The Princess Bride.' Packed with social commentary, Momentus pokes fun at all sides of the political spectrum without managing to overstep acceptable boundaries or take itself too seriously https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240606-04 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2371179.rss

Carnivea: A Queer Gothic Audio Drama A story of ghosts, violent delights, and the horrors of humanity. Carnivea follows a young couple Eris and Kiera who invite a young woman into their life- the lynchpin for years of pain to be unleashed. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240606-05 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f4d60124/podcast/rss

Magnificence Audio RPG A strange funeral drags six unfamiliar faces from their homes to Seer's Mourning. None of them will leave the same. A D&D 5e actual play podcast produced by the Tabletop Talespinners Network. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240607-01 RSS: https://feeds.transistor.fm/magnificence

The Fire Sky Audio Drama An audio drama from the twisted mind of writer/director Daniel Adam Gruen. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240605-04 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f693a7dc/podcast/rss

A Voyage For Soldier Miles Audio Drama Carried around the world for millennia on currents of air and water, the sounds of generations of tears has been unlocked. As Earth’s atmosphere, now saturated with humanity’s true and naked emotion, remains the guardian of these truths, the planet holds forth an elemental, sonic force that can redress the balance of centuries of untold suffering in one calamitous, global event. In a remote corner of the world, the resolute Soldier Miles endures an horrific and devastating attack, suffering a soul-destroying loss, and is ultimately accused of exacting willful retribution by his own hand. Branded by society as little more than a broken, returning fighter, Miles roams the wild, unforgiving desert in search of a new homeland and is soon drawn into the domain of Ramsey, a reclusive, headstrong scientist responsible for unleashing a series of mind-altering, atmospheric events. With respective journeys now fatefully intertwined, they seek out the last human connection to an otherworldly phenomenon whose potential to nurture the hearts and minds of every living soul is equaled only by its power to eradicate the existence of humanity, forever. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240425-04 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/1121825.rss

Stars & Sidearms Audio RPG How long can you survive out in space? In the far flung future, Mega corps have a stranglehold on the known universe. One cant make a living without living under their thumb. In this story 4 strangers find themselves caught in deadly pursuit after a happenstance bank robbery leaves them with far too much to handle. A Private Lawman, A asteroid Miner, A Disgruntled Employee, and A Farm Boy must band together and try to survive. Because out there all you have are... Stars & Sidearms. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240110-08 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f054d634/podcast/rss

Dark Mage of Rhudaur Audio RPG A Middle Earth Roleplaying actual play. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240502-04 RSS: https://geekatarms.com/category/geeks-at-play/dark-mage-of-rhudaur/feed/

Vault Veritas: SCP Files Audio Drama Secure, Contain, Protect. A creative horror fiction podcast inspired by the SCP Foundation. Scott Anderson is a Class C ethics officer in the recently constructed Site 2024. His job is to record and digitize Incident Reports involving deadly anomalies from across the world in order to assist in improving and updating containment procedures. Although his cushy office job is fairly benign and keeps him far safer than the d-class personnel he typically reads about... there’s only so long you can remain safe at the SCP Foundation. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240427-04 RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/vaultveritas/feed.xml

Hell or High Rollers - One Shots Audio RPG A collection of one shot adventures and side quests from the universe of Hell or High Rollers. From members of Mischief Theatre, creators of the Olivier award winning ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’ and the BBC’s ‘Goes Wrong Show; comes this brand new live action role play podcast. Loosely following the rules of D&D 5e join our players as they take on the roles of four heroes attempting to escape eternal damnation in DnD Hell! https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240608-01 RSS: https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/hell-or-high-rollers-extras

The Atlantium Mysteries Audio Book A mystery series following the clever Ezra Lockwood and the development of the Atlantium Project. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240608-02 RSS: https://feeds.buzzsprout.com/2366497.rss

A Better Paradise Audio Book Set in the near future, A BETTER PARADISE tells the story of the ill-fated development of an ambitious but addictive digital game-world project led by inventor and psychologist, Dr. Mark Tyburn. As the advanced software they developed began delivering unexpected and disturbing results, the team fell apart under strange circumstances and the project was abandoned. The game world and the super-intelligence within were discarded, left dormant and undiscovered. Until now. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240610-01 RSS: https://feeds.megaphone.fm/QCD7748641850

Graveyards of Arkham Audio RPG Graveyards of Arkham is a Call of Cthulhu Actual Play. Join us as four regular people get lost in the machinations of a nefarious cult in 1920s New England. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240610-02 RSS: https://anchor.fm/s/f6fb0404/podcast/rss

Oddity Lane Audio Drama An odd anthology. https://audiofiction.co.uk/show.php?id=20240609-01 RSS: https://feed.podbean.com/OddityLane/feed.xml

[yorithesims]

少しづつ回復してきて、色々と進行中。

フォロワーギフトを兼ねたショートストーリーが完成したら、贈り物としてのお仕立をば。画像は関係ないちかげ♡正座ポーズもそのうち手をつけたい！

[irekae-openarea]

こんにちは、入れ替え開放区です。

AIを使って『入れ替わり』画像を作っています。

Xではショートストーリーと一緒に投稿してきましたが、こちらでは画像のみ投稿していきます。

『彼女と中年オヤジの入れ替わり』

[kaz-plasticmoon]

COMIC MARKET 95発行　同人誌「幻想少女硝子店」

ビン型のオールカラー小冊子

色々な小物と少女達の「一瞬＝永遠」をビンの中に閉じ込める…というコンセプトで描きました

私のイラストに合わせて、成瀬 滸様に素敵なショートストーリーをご寄稿いただきました

実物こんな感じです

BOOTH

デザインは氷雨さんにお願いしました

蝋引き加工のタグも氷雨さんこだわり仕様

[luncott]

事件です　大事件

上海アリス幻樂団より

8年ぶりの秘封倶楽部新作が発表されました！！！！！

8年ですよ8年！え！？って事は旧約酒場から8年ってコト！？ルンフェそれは流石に嘘だよ、旧約酒場はまだ…

…え？

…東方は知ってるけど秘封倶楽部はご存知でない！？！

ではそんな方々に説明していきましょう。

秘封倶楽部とは！2003年に上海アリス幻樂団より発売された『蓮台野夜行 ~ Ghostly Field Club』から始まるショートストーリー付き楽曲CDシリーズのことである！

けっこう歴史あるぞ。

舞台は幻想郷の外側、我々の住む世界の日本。さらに時は我々の生きる時間より少し先の近未来。

そんな時代の不良オカルトサークル『秘封倶楽部』のメンバー、行動的で切れ者の「宇佐見蓮子」と控えめでたまに幻想郷に紛れ込んでしまうとんでもない少女「マエリベリー・ハーン(通称メリー)」の二人のお話。それぞれの話を付随した楽曲と共に味わっていく…というものになっています。

収録されている楽曲はオリジナルと東方Projectからのアレンジが混ぜこぜ。

オリジナル楽曲は原作ゲームに��敵するほどの名曲揃い、こちらは激しい弾幕から離れて原作の雰囲気とは一味も二味も異なる楽曲が満載です。しっとり系や仄暗いダーク系が多く人によってはこっちの雰囲気の方がハマりそう。

アレンジ楽曲は秘封倶楽部オリジナルのバックストーリーを与えられた味付けになっているのが特徴。音源がゴージャスでオリジナルパートが追加された曲も多くそこに辿り着いたときの脳汁たるや、元との印象が異なる曲も結構あり。

で、その秘封倶楽部が！！

8年ぶりに！！やってくる！！！！(すごくうれしい)

これね…今だからこそ沁みるシリーズだと思いますね…。

楽曲は一つ一つを配信や動画サイトで聴く…という時代になって久しいですが、このシリーズはCDを回し、ブックレットをぺらりぺらりと読み進めながら頭の中に情景を生み出し浸っていくわけで。

動画もコメントも他人の評価も何にもない、なんとも昔ながらな楽しみ方。けれども今だからこそネットから切り離されたコレが沁み入ると思うんですよ、早く沁みっ沁みになりたいね。

余談

秘封倶楽部、片側のメリーが前述の通りたまに結界の隙間を通って幻想郷に迷い込んでしまうという凄まじい爆弾能力持ちの子なんですけど、そのキャラが新作で大変な事になるんじゃないかと今界隈が騒然としている状態です。なぜなら…

この子、八雲紫との共通点が当初からあまりに多く

「いずれ八雲紫になる存在なのでは？」と相当前(約20年前)から考察されていたキャラクターであり

今作のジャケット絵と収録曲名からその件が進展しそう＆かつてなく不穏な空気がバチクソに溢れているためです。

これまでメリーの帽子に無かった赤リボンが今回のビジュアルだとあるんすよこれがあると八雲紫そっくりになっちゃうんすよｱｱｱｱｱｱｱｱ!!!!!曲名もあの世だとかひとりぼっちだとか不穏な語句まみれじゃねーかﾝｱｱｱｱｱｱ!!!!!

近年の神主は東方界隈に爆弾投下しがちなので今回も何かしらしでかしてくれる可能性が高いです…どうなっちまうんだ…助けてくれ…。

[netepenko]

『肘恐竜』 持木ユリイカ

わたしの左肘にはトリケラトプスがいる。いつもコーディネートが決まらない。トリケラトプスが大人しくしてくれていても左肘がこんもりしてしまうし、トリケラトプスが激しく動いた後は、ツノで洋服が破れてしまうのでエルボーパッチを縫い付けるしかない。スエードの生地なら少しおしゃれになる。

トリケラトプスはただそこにいて、動くだけなので、実際僕の生活には特別大きな影響はない。もちろん人と違った身体にコンプレックスを感じることはあるし、なかなか人には打ち明けづらい。まぁ、たまにかわいく思えることもあるしな、ただただ服が困るだけなんだ。

先日、友人から誘われてレンタル着物を着て出かけた。肘の具合が良かった。袖が大きいから。ゆったりした袖の空間におさまるトリケラトプスは、いつもよりか心地良さそうに見えた。

これはいいぞとリサイクルショップに着物を物色しにいったが、肘がツノで擦れたような跡があるものを見つけたので、ますます着物生活への興味は高まった。

これが、私が着物にハマったきっかけです。

[kyokosugi]

となりの黒い幽霊さん（津軽弁）第１話

こんばんは。小説部屋の方で公開しましたのでこちらにも投稿したいと思います。 下のリンク先からどうぞ。 となりの黒い幽霊さん（津軽弁）第１話

[kennak]

Chat GPTの得意なこと（英語・適当な文章生成）を活かした正しい使い方だと思う。完璧に正しい結果を求めることは不得意だから、「ほら嘘言った！」とか言ってる人は使い方間違ってるんじゃないかと思う

[B! AI] 長瀬 正志 on Twitter: "Chat GPTを暗記ツールとして使っています。どうしてもリストで覚えらない単語30個くらい指定して「ショートストーリーを作って」と指示すると、短い物語文を生成してくれます。つまり自分仕様の「速単」が秒で作れます。これ生徒にも広めてこうと思います。"