Halfway through a fierce competition, your character is given the opportunity to cheat their way to victory: do they take it?

Posted in Short Story on Oct 26, 2022

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✍️ 52 stories

“With Head Held High” by Kajal Bansal

Submitted to Contest #66

"There's a way you can surely become a Chartered Accountant in the upcoming attempt.""What's that?", replied Koyal to Ansh."I know someone who can get you positive results in this attempt. We would just need to pay five to ten lakh rupees.""And how do they do that?", asked Koyal.It's not that Koyal was interested in bribing someone to get her work done, it was just that she wanted to know how her husband would make her clear her CA exams in the upcoming attempt.Ansh further told her that a knowledgeable CA would go and write her exams in her...

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“Crossing the Line (Legacy Hall #1)” by Zoé Nöel-Lemieux

Submitted to Contest #66

Under the yellowed lights of the fighting ring, Celeste assessed the situation; it was tight. Casually shifting his weight, Damien Wolfman sent a wry look at Celeste, sending shivers through her body. Whatever he had in store for her could not be pleasant.“Struggling a bit, Dabousiller? Maybe your petty mother could give you some advice from the heart.” He gave a wicked grin, before sweeping a foot underneath her legs. Her low stance betrayed her, bringing her crashing to the ground, and cursing under her breath. How did she fall for that? S...

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“The Mental Fighter” by Hanna Moore

Submitted to Contest #66

I never knew I would make such a terrible decision. It wasn't my proudest moment of my life, but just a portion wouldn't do it justice. Well, I might as well tell you the whole story. I was young and naive. My higher education in accounting was in progress. My female peers gushed over my chestnut locks and sparkling emerald eyes. I was irresistible, at least, for a time. That was until my inevitable downfall. It was the end of my third year, and my abilities were undefeated. A few scholars, including myself, were on our path to showcase ou...

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“The Salsa Shoes” by Emma Leister

Submitted to Contest #66

Olivia always somehow managed to get herself into tricky situations and this time was no different. Flash. The spotlights hit the stage and colors of blue and red danced back and forth around the room, the sweet yet spicy music filled the ears of the guests as Olivia and her partner Marcos danced across the floor. Olivia’s crimson dress caught the eye of the judges as Marcos spun her body into their final pose. It was halfway through the second round of the Spain Salsa finals circa 1952, and according to the leaderboard they were still stuck...

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“Forty, Love” by Malady Cross

Submitted to Contest #66

Three games in and both teams were sweating bullets. The Magicians’ Association of Tennis, the MAT, wrote the rules, but frankly, college tournaments didn’t teach players professionalism. With all the chaotic volleys and explosive shots, it seemed as if anything went in amateur matches. Not so for the United States’ Mage Nationals. The USM Open was nothing like those matches back in school. Gerald Hayes learned the hard way. He wished he knew before reaching the semifinals. Since his university days, Gerald could hardly believe magic ten...

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“The Quasi-Marathon” by Naomi Spencer

Submitted to Contest #66

As Mary Trivett walked in the door carrying two heavy grocery bags, she found her husband slumped on the couch, watching TV. A greasy bowl of chips and a beer can were on the table in front of him—nothing out of the ordinary there. Peter Trivett was 39 years old, with pale skin and dull brown eyes. He was bald. He was short and had a growing beer gut, which wasn’t only the work of beer. He loved eating junk food and took his passion very seriously. “I’m gonna need you to go pick up the car on Saturday,” Mary said. “Why?” Peter asked in...

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“Victoria aut Veritatem” by Kelly O'Leary

Submitted to Contest #66

Breathe, just breathe. “Slow your breathing… Calm your heart rate… Concentrate on the task at hand… Remember your training. It is not very different from your training… Don’t be nervous. Desperate people do stupid things.” The words of her trainer, Orsula, flitted through her mind and served their purpose to help the woman calm herself and concentrate on the immediate future. She barely registered as the arena above was suddenly filled with the deafening roar of the mob, which greeted the early entrance of the reigning champion. The gua...

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Halfway through a fierce competition, your character is given the opportunity to cheat their way to victory: do they take it?

Submissions are closed

✍️ 52 stories

“With Head Held High” by Kajal Bansal

“Crossing the Line (Legacy Hall #1)” by Zoé Nöel-Lemieux

“The Mental Fighter” by Hanna Moore

“The Salsa Shoes” by Emma Leister

“Forty, Love” by Malady Cross

“The Quasi-Marathon” by Naomi Spencer

“Victoria aut Veritatem” by Kelly O'Leary

🌟 Similar prompts

Start your story with one character telling another, “It doesn’t count if you’re already planning your defeat.”

Write about a character who makes a dramatic life change to pursue a goal they’ve secretly always wanted.

Write about a contest with life or death stakes.

Write about a character who’s finally on the verge of achieving their lifelong dream.

Contest #66

Enter our weekly contest!

$50

Prize money

584

Contest entries

0

Stories

Win $250 in our short story competition 🏆

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