They charge through the surf, water slowing them. I almost laugh: they look stupid. But it’s not funny. I kill several of them before my blood joins Gom’s, staining our golden sand red. #zap33x3 #zap99

From here, on the beach, we can see the boats leave the huge ships. There are hundreds of them. “We are not ready for them,” Gom says. “They will slaughter us like pigs.”#zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic

“I, for one, will welcome the invaders,” Gom’s spear shakes, making a lie of his confident voice. “The Lords treat us like dirt,” he spits into the sand. “Food tastes like shit, too.” #zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic

We dance all night, kissing before the harsh lights come up, destroying our beauty. Outside, shivering with cold, we exchange numbers. I leave my phone in the cab, and never see her again. #zap33x3 #zap99

I see her in the breakdown. Lasers light up her face and my heart thumps. I think I’m in love. Although, to be fair, that’s probably the pills talking. I move closer, smiling. #zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic

We’re on the guest list because Dave is mates with some bloke who knows the cousin of the DJ. The club’s rammed. Music throbs, moving the people on the dance floor as one. #zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic

“Your mother would have been proud of you,” Grandfather pours the coffee, careful not to spill a drop, despite his shaking hands. “And you,” I smile. “I wouldn’t be here, without your love.” #zap33x3 #zap99

I like to spend my afternoons with Grandfather. He regales me with stories of my mother, the scrapes she got into. When he speaks of her, his eyes sparkle with love and pride. #zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic

“I've lived my life in the same way I make coffee,” the old man carefully spoons the grounds into the pot. “Slowly?” I ask. “Yes,” he laughs. “And carefully... and full of love.” #zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic

The book she wants - an ancient book of spells - has a few damaged pages, but is complete. She collects ingredients and speaks the words, hoping to transform both her husband, and her life.#zap33x3 #zap99

The smell of ancient books excites her: she’s transported back in time. As a child she’d often browse the dusty shelves of secondhand bookshops. Carefully she unties the string to examine the treasure.

She brings home a stack of old books, tied with string. “What are you going to do with that heap of junk?” his eyes barely move from the screen. “Read them,” she says. #zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic #365daysofwriting

Kaz tampers with the tamper proof chips under their skin. The Forbidden Zone doors slide open. He’s disappointed: it’s dark. “It’s still night,” Kaz says. Later, she points East. “Look! Your first sunrise.”

Kaz says she can hack the system, get them topside - above the cloud - to see the sun. “I thought it was foolproof,” he says.” She smiles, typing furiously. “I ain’t no fool, bruv.” #zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic

The thick cloud - manufactured to protect the city from the sun’s radiation - was all he’d ever known. He lived within it’s dark blanket, allowed below for school, later for work. But never above. #zap33x3

Two hooded men step out of the shadows, knives in hands. “Give us your money, or we’ll stick you.” I empty my pockets. It’s not enough, apparently. My life stains the pavement red.#zap33x3 #zap99 #zapfic

It’s after midnight. The streets are emptier than I expect. A couple, arm in arm, weave their way past. A prostitute propositions me. I smile, shaking my head, politely. “Fuck you,” she says. #zap33x3

“Coldplay fan?” I indicate the flickering neon “Viva la vida” sign above her bed. “Fuck off!” she spits. “It means ‘Hurrah for life! It’s Spanish. Idiot.’” Realising I’ve killed the mood, I leave. #zap33x3

“Your husband must die”, her spirit friend insists. “He’s asleep. Take the knife from the kitchen. Good girl! Hold it to his throat. Slice quickly, but firmly. Well done! Now… it's your turn.” #zap33x3

Spirits surround her, murmuring hateful, horrid things. One, however, offers comfort and love. Her husband continues dismissing her fears. “He puts you down,” the kind ghost whispers. “Don't tolerate that.