The world is full of things that bewilder us, intrigue us and things that are absolutely beyond our comprehension. In fiction we may explore them, tear off the mask of uncertainty and reveal the truth, or at least a truth. In this contest I will provide you with prompts, things that you may never have heard of, or may have always been aware of and only needed someone to point them out. In the end they are just things that deeply interest me, and that I would love to read a story about.

The Rules (Read These!):
This contest is prompt based. Failure to follow the prompt will result in disqualification.
Fiction only, no poetry.
Stories should be between 1,000 and 3,000 words long. This limit is firm.
I like a story to be unburdened by major grammatical errors. A good edit will go a long way.
New stories are encouraged, but if you have something that fits the contest's criteria and follows the prompts, feel free to enter it.
Post which prompt you used. It doesn't matter where, bottom or top of the story, or in the post. I just want to see it somewhere.
Ratings can be up to 18+. I am fine with sex; I am fine with violence, but use either in excess and I will get bored.
Word count should be included at the bottom of your story.
Stories should be posted in bitem format.
Stories may be edited up to the deadline.

Deadline is Midnight, Feb. 29, 2012

Results for Round 1

First Place

ID: 1832393   (Rated: 13+) An Artist's Blood  An boy in a bad situation finds order in his paintings. by LLC- Schooooool

Second Place

ID: 1836153   (Rated: 13+) Like a Normal Person  The world inside one woman's head is a much better place.. by Socorro

Third Place

ID: 1840064   (Rated: 13+) Crack Or Jack  When illusion becomes a reality. by Bertiebrite Grindstone Nose

Congratulations winners! I enjoyed reading all of your entries!