Stardust

Um, I think I'm gonna poke Wahr. Sorry, but you're the only one that has really given me anything to think twice about. Also, can I ask what these actions are? Sorry, I'm just a little confused.

*Note* So, this story was written for a deadline, so the ending is kinda rushed. It's a cool concept in theory, but I dunno if I do it very well. I hope you enjoy! *End Note* Colorless By Lexie Orgill I don’t know what called me to the house that night. The house on the corner of the street, at the end of the city. The one that people hurried by in broad daylight and didn’t dare go near it at night. The one that was so different from my cozy apartment, filled with pillows and silly stuffed animals that my sister loved. Anything, really, could have brought me there. It could have been the wind blasting against the shutters, creating an eerie moan that echoed through the empty street. It could have been the shadows, appearing in the corner of my eye, then disappearing before I could get a good look at them. However, the most likely reason was the lights, dancing back and forth, stringing me on a path I didn’t want to follow, yet I couldn't help it. I was too curious to not. No matter the reason I made it to the house, the creaking, creepy house on the corner of 50th and 10th, once I was there, there was no going back. I slowly knocked on the door, not sure what I would find. For one nail-biting moment, nothing happened. I slowly rocked back and forth on the balls of my feet, anxiously waiting for something, anything, to happen. Just as I started back to my lean-to, the door opened a crack, creaking loudly as it did so. A man peered out at me, far older than I expected. His eyes watched me, sizing me up, yet not giving anything away. As I met his gaze, a smile tugged at the corners of his mouth before he shut the door. “Hey!” I cried, lifting my fist to knock again. Just then, the door opened again, this time all the way. The old man stood there, looking amused. I flushed, embarrassed, and dropped my arm back to my side. “Sorry about that.” He said slowly. “I had to release the chain that held the door, and I had to close the door to do that.” It was the first time I had heard him speak, and I wondered about his curious tone and odd accent. “Follow me,” he ordered, shuffling into the house. He had a slight limp, which I thought was confusing. All those who went into the government office could get a brace or surgery or something. All you had to do was get a teeny injection in your arm. “Close the door on your way in,” the old man called a moment later, almost as an afterthought. Shaking my head to clear it, I strode inside, shutting the door as I stepped in. Slowly, the old man walked up a set of stairs, with me right on his heels. When we reached the top, he paused, his brow wrinkling. “Listen to me. What we do and say tonight, you cannot repeat to anyone. Understood?” I nodded, practically quivering with excitement as he nodded in return. He then procured a deep golden key. It looked as if it had words written on the side. I leaned in, trying to get a closer look, but he inserted it into the door ahead of us before I could. The door creaked open loudly, revealing a large room filled almost entirely with books. I practically leapt into the room. I grinned widely, my fingers brushing against the well-worn spines of the books. “You can read them.” I whirled around. “Really? I can?” “Yes,” he replied. “So long as you do something for me in return.” I eyed him suspiciously. “What do you want me to do?” “Nothing, really.” He gave me a slow, eerie smile. “I just want you to tell the world about colors.” “Colors?” I asked. “What are those?” The old man let out a slow sigh. “Right…” His voice trailed off slowly, leaving him looking thoughtful. “Right what?” When he didn’t reply, I turned away, itching to know what he was talking about, yet not wanting to look like I was. So, instead, I extracted a small book, gently blowing on it to get rid of the dust. It said, “The Colors of the World” on the cover. “Are these what you were talking about?” I asked, holding up the book. The old man did a double take as he saw me with the book in hand. “How did you find that book?” He cried, leaping forward and snatching it out of my hand. “It was right here on the shelf,” I sighed impatiently. The old man tapped his feet slowly, then, letting out a sigh of defeat, handed me the book back. “Yes. These are what I was talking about. You can’t see them, though, can you?” “See what?” I said curiously. “Nothing,” He sighed again, something I found he did a lot. “Let me start from the beginning.” “O-o-okay,” I said slowly, twirling a strand of hair around my finger. “My name is Mr. Oldway,” he began. “I was born many years ago, in a world with colors. “You may want to know what colors are, but you can’t quite explain them. You know what an apple is, right?” He waited until I nodded before continuing. “If an apple had color, it would still look like an apple, but it would be different. It would still have its shape, it would just be…” “Different?” I cut in, amused. “Well, yes,” he bumbled around for a moment, searching for the right words. “But the same.” “How can something be different and the same?” He sighed, tossing up his hands. “Just read the book.” I slowly cracked the book open and started reading. “Red. Red shows love, joy, energy, vibrancy and more. “Orange. Orange shows warmth, energy, youthfulness, optimism, and more.” I continued on to read the rest of the book, reading about colors like blue, green, black, and brown. Each time, I paused to look at the pictures. Inanimate objects that had no real reason to be there. Like grapes for the color purple. Or flamingoes for the color pink. I stared at them, trying to puzzle them out, but there was no pattern whatsoever. “It doesn’t make sense to you, does it?” Mr. Oldway sighed. “No-o-o,” I said slowly, fidgeting with the hem of my shirt. He bit his lip anxiously, his eyes darting around as if he was searching for something. “I don’t know how to explain colors. They just are.” “Well, that doesn’t really help me.” I scowled. “I’m leaving. You can’t even tell me what colors are. There is no way that I am going to find out why you don’t have colors.” Not even waiting for his response, I stalked out of the room, willing myself not to lose my courage and run back to the books. When I reached the doorstep, I heard the door close behind me. Trying not to turn back, I marched to the road, my eyes blurring with tears as they felt the cold on my face. Before long, I had arrived at my apartment. I slowly unlaced my boots, locked the door, and collapsed on the bed, not even caring enough to change into my pajamas. It was only then that I realized I still clutched the book about colors in my hand, I awoke with a start as the light hit my face. I groggily rubbed my eyes as I checked the time. It was 6:50 am, much too early for me to be up. I glanced upward, scanning the room before I realized I had forgotten to pull the curtains closed. Sighing, I realized that there was no way that I could fall back asleep, so I forced myself out of bed. The first thing I did was take a shower. It felt glorious, washing away the layers of dirt and grime that had built up the day before. After that, it was an average morning for me. I got breakfast, changed into my work clothes, and started off to work. As I opened the door, I was shocked. I found a small box that seemed to be bursting at the seams. I took it inside, all thoughts of work long gone. It was shockingly heavy for its size, requiring me to put in a lot of effort to pick it up. Pulling a pair of scissors out, I cut it open, bracing myself for the worst-I was to be called for another cleansing. Tearing it open, I found books. Several books, each painstakingly stacked inside of the box, each wrapped in fabric with such care that even if I threw them across the room, they would remain unharmed. In all, there were nine books, each with the word color in the name. I eyed them warily, pulling them each out and placing them on a mountain of pillows, taking the utmost care to preserve them and the words they contained. At the bottom of the box, I found a letter. My name was hastily scrawled at the top, barely legible. Slowly, I pulled it open, not trying to rip it. As I saw the name written at the bottom of the letter, I rolled my eyes. Mr. Oldway would just not give up! I easily tossed the letter to the side, not noticing when it fell onto my bed. Instead, I opened the books and began to read. It was rare that I found stories that I loved so much, but these I did. It was not until I had finished the last book, A Colorful World, that I realized what I had done. I had spent almost the entire day reading. Glancing out my west facing window, I saw the sun peeking over the mountains that loomed in the distance. My breath caught. I had missed my work! Letting out a panicked shriek, I dashed out the door, grabbing my bag on the way. As I came to the construction site, I pounded on the door. “Wait,” I cried. “I’m here! Let me in!” “Stop, Miss Peters. You did not show up for work, so your employment has been terminated.” I whirled around, coming face to face with my now former boss, Mr. Richard. He stared at me, his face set in a permanent scowl. “But-” I said. “But nothing, Miss Peters. You were not here, so you will not be here in the future. Any future resistance will only harm you. I suggest you leave these premises,” he added, causing my protest to die in my throat. Ducking my head, I slowly began the journey back to my apartment. What am I going to do? The unasked question hung heavily in my mind. Slowly opening the door to my apartment, I collapsed once again on the bed, feeling numb. As I lowered my head onto the pillow, I heard a soft crinkle. I lifted my head at once and stared at the note. My tired mind barely processed what it was doing there, and thus convinced my hands to reach over and tear it up. As I began to do so, I caught a glimpse of a few of the words. “Money”, “Riches”, and “Bribes”. I quickly stopped tearing it and placed the torn pieces back in place. When they were all in place, I began reading. Dear Riley, I understand how angry you are. I would be angry too. I have no words that can describe what colors are, and how they work. If you could just see them, you would understand. No matter what I can or cannot say, perhaps these books can say it. They each paint a beautiful picture of what color is. Please. Read them. Now, concerning the quest, I realize it may not be very tempting. However, if you go, I can promise money and riches beyond your wildest dreams. In short, I am willing to bribe you to do what I say. Please, consider my offer. I will await it eagerly. -Mr. Oldway I let out a squeal. Money? Riches? If I went on this wild goose chase, I could make up for missing work! I would never have to work again. I leapt to my feet, quickly pulling on my thickest jacket as I did so. I could feel the adrenaline racing within me as I dashed out the door, down the street, and up to Mr. Oldway’s house. Once again, I pounded on the door, waiting eagerly for Mr. Oldway to open it. When nothing happened for what felt like forever, I tried the doorknob, and found that it was unlocked. Stepping inside, I surveyed my surroundings. There appeared to be no one around. So, I slowly walked upstairs. The stairs were soft, padded with a kind of carpet thing I hadn’t noticed the day before. As I reached for the doorknob to the door that had opened to the room of books, I heard people talking. I pressed against the wall, realizing that I recognized the first voice. It was Mr. Oldway! I didn’t recognize the second voice. It was light and feminine. “She’ll come back, I’m telling you!” Mr. Oldway said. The girl scoffed. “Yeah, right. You gave up your secret, and the government is going to come after you for sharing it!” “No. She’ll come,” Mr. Oldway insisted. “Whatever you think.” The girl scoffed again, then walked towards the door, right towards me. I pressed against the wall, searching for a hiding place, but there were none in the desolate hall. The door creaked open, and the girl walked out. Her eyes were downcast, but when she looked up, she started. “Well,” she said slowly. “It looks like I was wrong.” She grabbed my arm and dragged me into the room. Mr. Oldway looked delighted to see me, but not surprised. “I take it you read my letter?” I nodded. “Look, the only reason I’m here is because you made me lose my job today.” The girl frowned. “How’d he do that?” “He left a box on my doorstep and distracted me long enough that I was late to work. My boss hates me, and has been looking for a reason to fire me for months. This just gave him the opportunity.” “Well-” the girl began. “Well, nothing,” Mr. Oldway cut in. “We’re glad you’re here Riley. Let me tell you what we are going to do. First, we have to get you out of this town.” “Wait,” I said. “Out of the town? Why would that be a problem? We can go out any time we want.” “That’s what the government wants you to think,” said Mr. Oldway. “Really, we are all trapped in here. There is only one way to the colorful world. It is in the middle of the government building. I have a plan, but you don’t need to worry about that. After you get out, you have to tell the world what they are doing to us. It can’t be legal. Third… Actually, there is no third step. That’s it.” “Okay. I’m in,” I agreed quickly. “Really?” Mr. Oldway looked mildly surprised, but then it came to him. “Ah, the money.” I nodded. “So, let’s do this!” “Woah, slow down!” The girl called. She had been hiding in the corner, forgotten. “You know nothing about the outside world, and your clothes are atrocious!” “My clothes?” I looked down at my plain overcoat and shirt, along with boots and pants. “What’s wrong with them?” “Look, since we don’t know what colors they are, we have to assume that they are completely hideous. So, we need to get you a new outfit.” “I’m sorry,” I said. “But who are you?” The girl grinned widely. “I’m Kira. I’ll be the one getting you to the outside world, and telling you all about it. Now, let's get you a new outfit.” Too dumbfounded to protest, I let her pull me off to the side of the room. At her request, I pulled off my overcoat. “Hmmm,” Kira said. “You’re probably smaller than anything we have.” “What do you have?” I asked. She pulled out a large bin of clothes, each item pinned to a color name. “AHA!” Kira squealed. She pulled out a short-sleeved shirt, with a paper pinned to it that read ‘blue’. “Try this on.” Kira ordered. Blushing, I stepped into the closet she showed me, and pulled it on. “Oh, it’s perfect,” Kira said when I stepped out. “Now, here are some pants.” She handed me a pair of pants. They felt grainy and thick. As I stepped out, she sighed. “These jeans are perfect for you. Now, put on this hoodie. It’ll go over your shirt.” I pulled it over. It was apparently the color green. It was warm, and snug. “Hmmm, it’s a little tight, but it will work.” Kira examined my feet. “We don’t have any shoes your size, so you’ll have to wear your boots. Hopefully they won’t be too suspicious.” “Well then, if she’s all set, let’s go!” Mr. Oldway proclaimed. “Wait, now?” I cried. “Yes, now. The government will see that you have been to my house. They will suspect something is up, and have you cleansed. So, we need to strike while the iron is hot.” “What?” I said, dazed. Quickly, they dragged me out of the house, down the street, and outside the government building. “Okay,” Kira instructed. “I can’t come with you, so here is what you need to know about the outside world.” She handed me a bag. “Here is some money. That is what they use to buy things, not credits. Don’t trust anyone, except the news reporters. Call them using a phone. You can borrow one from a nice stranger. Uh, that’s about it, so go!” Kira shoved me towards the building. “Wait!” I cried. “I’m not ready! How do you use money? What are phones? What is going on?” I let out a choked sob, tears running down my cheeks. Mr. Oldway eyed me sympathetically. Kira just frowned. “Go on,” she proclaimed. “We don’t have all day!” “I can’t!” Mr. Oldway patted my arm, then handed me a small bag. It was light and soft, filled with clothes. “What are these?” I asked, sniffling. He shot me a sad look. “It’s your uniform. You didn’t think they would just let you walk out of here, did you?” “Well, no, but-” “Alright, go put it on. Just put it over your clothes, you should be fine.” “How’d you even get these?” I asked. His eyes flashed dangerously. “You don’t want to know. Now, go!” The intensity in his voice shocked me into action. I quickly pulled the scratchy jumpsuit over my outside-world clothes, making sure to tuck the hood from the hoodie inside it. Pulling the cap over my tangled hair, I walked in front of Kira and Mr. Oldway. I twirled for them, showing it off. They nodded as I spun, making sure everything was in place. When they were sure it was, they shoved me towards the building and hid, leaving me on my own. As I walked through the doors, I tried to assume the air of an all-important ego-maniacal government official. I didn’t know how I looked, but no one gave me a second glance as I walked past them. The only person that talked to me was the secretary, who asked me why I was going out. “To take a break,” came my monotone reply. I tried to appear nonchalant, hoping she would let me through. She did, of course, taking one look at me and opening the door. “Be back before your shift starts again,” she advised. I nodded, and strode out the door. I was free. As I walked out, I gasped. Nothing had changed. “Liars!” I cried. “What was that?” the secretary called. “Nothing,” I replied. “Just clearing my throat.” “R-i-i-ight,” she replied calmly, giving me a large wink that told me she didn’t believe me. Shaking my head, I strode farther out, making sure to close the door behind me. I found a well worn dirt road off to the side, leading into some woods. I felt a spike of fear as I stared at them, then strode forward. It didn’t matter if colors weren’t real. I would enjoy myself while I was here, then turn Kira and Mr. Oldway into the High Senator when I got back. Along the path, the trees towered over me, creating shadows that seemed to surround me entirely, trapping me in place. It was none too soon when I got out of the forest and found a gravel road. Cars whizzed past me on it, going so fast it caused my hair to whip wildly around me. I had ditched the jumpsuit in the forest, not wanting to look like the government officials if I was seen. I stood there on the side of the road for just a moment before a car pulled over. Rolling their window down, a middle-aged woman peered out at me. “Hi, honey! What are you doing here? Do you need a ride?” She spoke too quickly for me to understand most of it, but I heard the last question. “Yes, “ I replied, nodding. “I do need a ride. Could you give me one?” “Sure, honey, where to?” “A news station,” I said, not quite sure why I was still going along with the plan even though they had lied to me. It was then that it happened. The grass changed. I couldn’t quite describe it, but it was different. Then, it went back to normal. Blinking, I strode towards the woman’s car. She opened the door for me and I hopped in. As we raced along the road, I stared out the window, willing the grass to change again. It didn’t, but that didn’t stop me from longing that it would. Tears slowly rolled down my cheeks as I realized what had happened. They really had lied. I was just seeing things when I thought the grass had changed. Slowly blinking away the tears, I looked out the window again. Then, I gasped, and shrieked at the same time. It sounded a bit like a cat does when it is given a bath. I could tell that the woman was shocked, because the car swerved when I did. I could see colors. They were beautiful. I didn’t understand why I could see them now, but I could, and I didn’t care. They were wonderful. “Take me to the news station!” I practically screamed. “Fast!” The woman didn’t understand. She shot me a strange look, but pressed on the gas. We surged forward even faster. It wasn’t long before we screeched to a stop in front of an old, worn down shack, the billboard proudly proclaiming, “Neely’s News Station. Where all the news that fits is shown.” “Thanks!” I cried, leaping out of the car. Before she left, I pulled out one of the paper money things Kira had told me about and handed it to her. It had a 50 written in the corners, and her eyes widened when she saw it. Shaking her head, she tried to hand it back to me. “I can’t take this.” I grinned. “Please take it. You’ve helped me so much.” I turned and walked into the building, not turning back. I heard her truck start up and rumble off, and my grin widened. “Hello?” I called. “I have a story for you! It’s about a science experiment on innocent people. Hello?” I looked around, my eyes darting around. I caught a glimpse of movement. As I started to turn, I felt a cloth clamp over my mouth, and I collapsed, my world going black. My eyes opened slightly, letting light into my world. My head ached, and I felt like I couldn’t move. I heard someone talking on the phone. “Hi… Yeah, it’s Neely… Yeah, I drugged her… Of course, she’s out cold… Yeah, I had to! She got out! I don’t know how!... Yeah, I’ll take care of her, after my lunch… Yeah, okay, bye.” Neely walked out of the room, and I jolted upright. Take care of her? I leapt to my feet. I had to get out of here. I looked around, searching for a way out. I spotted a window, a bit too high for me to reach. I spotted a desk off to the side, papers piled on top of it. I grabbed the papers, shoving them in my pockets, and shoved the desk under the window. I leapt on top of it, then out the window. I found myself just outside of Neely's news station. I looked around, not sure where to go. Just then, I heard a friendly call. “Do you need a ride again, stranger?” It was the same woman from before. “Thank you!” I cried, leaping into her car. “Hey, you!” I heard Mr. Neely shouted, chasing after us as we sped away. Before long, we left him in the dust. “Thank you.” I whispered. “Don’t mention it.” She pulled over on the road, her eyes glistening. “Here’s where you get out. Head back to the colorless world. Go.” “How?...” I asked. She just shook her head. “Get out.” I dashed out of the car, shooting a longing glance at her, down the dirt path and into the government building. “Hey!” the secretary cried, but I raced past. I didn’t stop running until I reached Mr. Oldway’s house. “Here.” I handed him the papers, and everything changed. We have colors now, like everyone. They took down the walls. They found out they snuck it into our food, the potion. The one to take the colors away. It’s just like it used to be, but I’m smarter now, less trusting. But maybe we could start again.

I steal the POTATOpotato, and with it it's magical powers, and I fly as high as I can without suffocating.

WHAT NO EVERYONE STOP MAKING ME STOP LOSING

Well I don't actually often do it with full stories, just short ones that I get stuck on. The full stories I have like full on Sanderson-esque magic systems in. (cough cough you should check out my creators corner thread cough cough)

Nooo why would that be confusing for anybody? You just gotta remember that the author is always right. Even when they're wrong. AND NO THAT'S NOT CONFUSING EITHER

Haha yeah me too! If something doesn't work.. make up an entirely new magical object to fix it!

Yes, obviously. Not just because I wanted an easy explanation for why I was not exploded, definitely. (chuckles nervously)

I nearly explode, but steal the POTATOpotato and use it's magical powers to heal me before I die

Now we have both the POTATO and the potato, so I grab them both then plant grenades in their place

*nods like I understood that, is really confused*

WAIT NO HE ONLY THREW THE potato! HE LEFT THE POTATO *grabs POTATO eagerly, really just happy to be losing*

Well I guess technically it's in the Rock Paper Dynamite Thread, so we don't have to live with it for now

Shoot I thought we were done with that

NO NO ONE CAN LOSE THE GAME BUT ME COME ON LET ME LOSE

Nope the only option is for me to lose I see no other way

Yes I know *evil smile*

We can't share losing! The Shard don't work that way. So I guess I'll have to lose.

Lose at losing... I realized right after I posted it that how that sounded BUT NO I WILL LOSE

Yes, and you will lose. *pointed look*

noooo don't say that I love my brothers but they are so storming infuriating

YES I WANT IN ROSHAR IF POSSIBLE 2823: Go on and on and on about how people's typographical errors annoy you like nothing else, then make typographical errors yourself

I kinda suck at video games, but I occasionally beat my brothers

NO I AM LOSING