June Writing Prompts 2023

[labrathor]

June is here! Hope you're all staying cool as the sun comes out to say hello. Stay hydrated and healthy! And As always--

Disclaimer: I never close old writing prompts from previous months. People can and should be encouraged to post on old month's prompts and I highly encourage players to track these posts to catch stragglers or new people writing on old prompts.

Now. With that out of the way, onto this month's prompts.

June's Writing Prompts
1. How does your character prefer to beat the heat?

2. An unexpected emergency.

3. "Come on, you can afford to take a break. Your work will still be there later."

4. A rare treat.

5. "This is something I should have done a long time ago."

Bonus image prompt:

Comments

#4 - A Rare Treat

[itmeanstruth]

Minoru only had a brief time to celebrate with his family and friends before the cameras intervened. It was Ziggy who saw the microphone first, and he had plenty of first-hand experience in what came next.

“Looks like they want an interview with you.” He whispered into Minoru’s ear, slowly pulling back out of their embrace.

“Hm?” Minoru mumbled, but turned around to see a small camera crew and one of the announcers walking toward the group. Of course, they wanted to talk to him. He’d just scaled Mount Midoriyama. He was an American Ninja Warrior Champion. Sort of like the prize money, this part too, was a complete afterthought.

“Minoru Uchiwa. Can we get a few words?”

Minoru froze, stunned. He glanced at his koibito, who nodded encouragingly. “You’ll be fine.” as Mister Newton purposefully nudged Damien farther away. Itaru, Chichi and Isamu all stepped back respectfully. Minoru turned back to the announcer and smiled, “Sure.”

He came around next to the night’s champion as the cameras rolled.

“Ladies and Gentlemen, a rare treat here tonight. Minoru ‘The Fan Man’ Uchiwa has conquered Mount Midoriyama. Adding his name to an exclusive list of only three competitors to ever achieve such an honor. How does it feel, standing here tonight?”

Minoru ran a hand through his hair. “Oh man… it feels… it feels like I’m still dreaming. This is a dream come true, Johnny.”

“What was going through your mind on that final obstacle?”

“I don’t think anything was…” he admitted, now scratching his head. “But it was insane how slow it seemed to feel. I mean, it was over, just like that. But at the same time, it was like making a huge jump from one roof to another. You just kind of hang in the air for an eternity before you land on the other side. And it’s like, wow… I did that…”

“From one roof to another…” the announcer turned to the camera, adding, “don’t try that at home, kids.”

He took a solid breath, allowing enough space to edit this for broadcast. “To what do you credit your incredible victory, Minoru?”

“I don’t know if I really did anything all that special. I just love to move. I always have.”

“Any words of advice for ninja hopefuls watching at home tonight who love to move just like you do?”

Minoru relaxed, smiling as he thought for a second.

“Yeah. You’re capable of more than you give yourself credit for. And probably, more than you even realize. And that goes for everyone - not just ninjas or freerunners or even athletes. The human body is an amazing thing. So use it! If you don’t believe me, ask any physical therapist.”

“Speaking from experience, no doubt.”

“Well, from both sides, Johnny. There was definitely a point last summer where Total Victory was climbing a tree on crutches…”

Again, the announcer turned to the camera. “Don’t try that at home either, kids.”

“But I see people every single night achieving Total Victory. Sometimes it’s just sitting up, or transferring from a bed to a wheelchair. Sometimes it’s walking down the hall for the first time post-op. Sometimes, it’s that last ten reps with the elastic band or finally being able to lift that arm above your head. Those victories are just as amazing. And one day, when I become a Physical Therapist Assistant, I promise, I’ll make sure everyone one of my patients remembers that!”

“Your future patients will be a lucky bunch, Minoru. They’ll have an American Ninja Warrior champion to look up to.” The announcer smiled. “One last thing, inquiring minds want to know. Will the Fan Man be back here next year for an encore performance? No one has ever made it up the illustrious Mount Midoriyama twice.”

“Oh, you bet!” Minoru grinned. “I can’t wait to see what you guys come up with next year.”

“Best of luck to you, Fan Man.”

There was a long pause, with the announcer finally nodding to the camera. He turned to thank Minoru again.

Minoru waited until the cameras were gone before turning back to Ziggy and the others. He hoped that sounded okay, since he’d never really been interviewed like that before. It likely wouldn’t be the last time either.

“…did you really climb a tree on crutches?”

To which Isamu quickly replied, “Mama, I highly doubt that would qualify as breaking news.”