The Diner

In the small rural town of Farmstead, at the end of Main Street, stood a short brick building lined with many glass windows. Nobody can recall when it was built or by whom, but the town gathered there every Saturday. Everyone loved it. Everyone accepted it—except the OTHERS. This place is called the Diner, where our story begins.

The sun hung high in the cloudless sky, its intense rays casting a golden glow over the land. The once lush green grass had withered and turned a brittle brown under the scorching heat. Outside, the cicadas let out mournful cries, perhaps lamenting the toll the harsh conditions had taken on their offspring over the years. Amidst this backdrop, the townspeople gathered outside the Diner, eagerly awaiting its opening. Saturday was always the Diner's busiest day, and today was no exception. The crowd flooded in as the doors swung open, seeking respite from the relentless sun. Inside, the air was thick, and the old air conditioning units struggled valiantly to keep the temperature bearable. Amidst the bustle, the servers weaved gracefully through the packed restaurant, deftly taking orders and swiftly delivering towering plates adorned with fluffy white pancakes, glistening with sweet sauces and savory meats dripping with gravy, to the patrons seated in every booth.

"Sire, the troops are ready. On your command, of course." The General put down the telescope and bowed as she approached her King. The army of rats waited on the hillside outside the Diner, ready for their King to order the strike.

King Leif, the Rat King, walked proudly across the line of troops. He had waited a long time for this day. He was from a noble bloodline, and his family had once ruled the countryside peacefully for hundreds of years. The land was once prosperous for all creatures who bowed to the King. King Leif clenched his jaw as he thought about how the people of Farmstead had brought ruin and destruction upon the forest when they moved here. They had massacred hundreds of trees to build their town, thus displacing the homes of many of the King's allies. King Leif wrapped his claws tightly around the magic scepter. The ruby stone within hummed and glowed with anger. It was time to take back their lands, he thought. It was time to rid his kingdom of the infestation of humans. Drive them to the Dark Caves of Despair beyond our borders! Make them pay!

"Load the cannons," The King ordered.

The army loaded the dwarf-like cannon with the last of the rat people's magic jewels. A wicked smile spread across King Leif's face as his eyes grew wide with anticipation.

"Thud...BOOM!!"

The Diner shook, and the walls trembled. The townspeople inside glanced around anxiously. A group of men hurried towards the windows, expecting to see smoke or flames, but saw nothing. The tension in the air was palpable as the townspeople waited in fearful anticipation. Then, without warning, the disturbance grew louder and closer. The Diner's walls shook again, but this time more violently, causing the ceiling tiles to dislodge and fall to the floor. Children began to cry, and panicked screams filled the air as the townspeople rushed toward the front exit. In a frantic attempt to escape, they poured out of the Diner like a swarm of roaches fleeing a trap.

King Leif peered through his telescope. "Excellent work, General. They are fleeing that disgusting box that they gather in. Send in the airstrike."

"Yes, Sire!" The general bowed and signaled the air squad to attack.

As the troops soared into the sky, King Leif raised his copper scepter and aimed the ruby-red stone toward the sky. It glowed and pulsed, emitting a red streak as the King ascended into the air onto the back of a Raven. The taste of justice filled King Leif's mouth. They were off to battle. There was no turning back. They would take back their lands from these filthy humans.

"What's that?" Cried a little boy as he clung to his mother's waist.

The townspeople looked up. A massive red cloud appeared. It was moving fast and heading right for them. They tried to flee, but it was pointless. King Leif watched from above as his swarm of giant blood-red dragonflies attacked. Terror filled the air as the dragonflies ripped and slashed across the town's square. The once scorched earth was now painted dark red with the blood of their crimes. King Leif looked on. His eyes were as dark as the hatred he felt in his heart.

"Why?" cried the mayor. He didn't understand. When they first came to this land, there was nothing but trees. They made this place better. They built homes for their families, a community, and a town.

"Take them to the Caves," ordered King Leif. With that, the dragonflies lifted the remaining townspeople into the air and took off toward the Dark Caves of Despair.