The Return Home
2023 Creative Writing Contest submission
Tolani Muyiwa-Ojo, 12th grade
A story about characters living in a virtual simulation.
They fight together in rebellion of the software.
A packed ballroom, a typical setting for a dance. A sign
hangs from the top of the building, reading “Happy
Coronation.” Focus on AELIRA talking to her virtual parents.
AELIRA’S MOM
(Smiling)
Sweetie, we are so proud of how far
you’ve come.
AELIRA’S DAD
It takes a lot of courage to take the
throne. We know it’s right for you.
AELIRA
I know. I’ve been preparing for
months already.
AELIRA’S MOM
You were practically made to take
over the kingdom. And plus, if you
don’t take over, then there would be
a major problem much worse than you
being a bad ruler! Oh, oops.
AELIRA’S DAD
(Jumps in front)
Like that will ever happen! Your mom
is just being overbearing again.
AELIRA’S MOM
(laughs nervously)
I wouldn’t call it overbearing.
AELIRA
It’s fine! I’ll forgive you.
AELIRA’S DAD
What about me? I’m the one wh-
Aelira holds her right hand up facing the dad
AELIRA’S DAD (CONT’D)
But of course you don’t need to
forgive me. I’m happy just being your
dad.
Aelira puts her hand down.
INT. BALLROOM – DAY
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AELIRA
Thanks, dad! You’re the best!
Bells begin to ring.
AELIRA’S MOM
It’s almost time for the coronation!
Do you have the crown ready honey?
AELIRA’S DAD
Why indeed! I could never forget!
Aelira’s dad quickly places his hands on his clothes’
pockets, searching for keys, but unable to find it.
AELIRA’S DAD (CONT’D)
Eh…Why don’t you go put on your
outfit, Aelira? It’s better to be
early than-
AELIRA
Be late. Yeah, yeah, you say it all
the time. I was going to go change
anyway.
AELIRA’S MOM
Do you want me to help you?
AELIRA
No, I’m fine! Thanks for the offer,
though.
Aelira walks down the staircase and enters her dressing
room.
AELIRA’S MOM
You’re not slick. Go find the crown
or it’s over for the both of us.
Aelira’s mom walks downstairs towards the room where Aelira
entered, leaving the dad alone in the scene.
A man is seen sneaking through the crowd, hiding behind
tables and chairs to change his outfit instantaneously
without drawing attention. Behind one of the chairs, he then
sees a man wearing an extravagant cloth with a placeholder
crown talking to some maids.
INT. NEAR THE PUNCH BOWL – DAY
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PRINCE LUCAS
And then I said, “If you weren’t
asking for it, why did you look at me
that way?” and she started blushing.
It was obvious!
MAID #1
Oh, you’re so funny, Prince Lucas. It
makes sense that she would blush in
your presence.
MAID JENNY
I don’t really see the appeal. Are
you sure she wasn’t embarrassed,
Lucas?
PRINCE LUCAS looks irritated, and MAID #1 quickly flees the
scene.
PRINCE LUCAS
(Irritated)
It’s Prince Lucas, and no, of course
not. Why would she be embarrassed?
MAID JENNY
It’s just… It was odd, that’s all.
I would understand if she were in
front of her friends or family, or
you know, if she weren’t keen to men.
PRINCE LUCAS
You dare speak to me in that tone?
You should know your place.
MAID JENNY
You’re right! I’m sorry I didn’t tell
you how awful you were earlier!
PRINCE LUCAS
Wait until the future queen hears of
your insubordination…Jill! Your
life will be in shambles.
MAID JENNY
It’s Jenny… I told you like 5
minutes ago.
PRINCE LUCAS
I have no reason to remember such
lowly scum such as yourself. You
better start writing your apology for
when you are thrown in jail.
Yuki comes out from behind the chair.
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YUKI
Heyy! I noticed how wonderful your
outfit looked; I mean, absolutely
stunning.
PRINCE LUCAS
See! This man knows beauty when he
sees it.
YUKI
Oh… I wasn’t talking about you. I
was talking about her. Sorry!
Maid Jenny smirks while the prince’s face turns red.
PRINCE LUCAS
Absolutely unacceptable! Wait here
while I tell the security guards of
your behavior. They won’t be so
generous with you.
Prince Lucas walks out of frame.
MAID JENNY
You don’t look like you’re from the
nearby villages. At least, from what
I’ve seen-
YUKI
Actually, hold that thought.
Yuki points his left hand towards the prince a few meters
from where he is and snaps his fingers. The Prince
dissappears.
MAID JENNY
(Shocked)
What! Where did the Prince go?
YUKI
Relax. I just put him in a closet in
some building really far from here.
It’s not like he was necessarily
important anyway.
MAID JENNY
You’re a witch! A male…witch!
YUKI
Don’t say such mean words. I’m your
future king, after all.
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Yuki takes his left hand and puts it in front of his face,
which allows the outfit and crown the prince is wearing to
manifest on his body.
MAID JENNY
…What? This is insane.
YUKI
Don’t worry, you won’t be able to
remember this conversation anyway.
MAID JENNY
Wait! No! Stay away from me!
Yuki takes his left hand and quickly places it on Maid
Jenny’s shoulder. Jenny goes silent, then walks away.
YUKI
Too bad, I liked her too.
As Yuki begins walking, he spots the top of the staircase
where Aelira was standing and makes his way over.
Aelira is seen messing with her right arm, which switches
the outfits sitting on the hangers.
AELIRA
Hmm… This one? Or this one?
(Throws hand down)
Ugh! I can’t decide!
Aelira’s mom walks into the room and notices how frustrated
Aelira is.
AELIRA’S MOM
Sugar pie, is everything alright?
AELIRA
I don’t know what outfit to choose.
AELIRA’S MOM
You look beautiful in the one you
have on right now. It compliments
your eyes.
AELIRA
What? Ew, no. I liked the other
better.
INT. DRESSING ROOM – DAY
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AELIRA’S MOM
I also agree! It has a unique tinge
to it.
AELIRA
What does that even mean? You’re not
helping me out right now.
AELIRA’S MOM
I’m sorry! I just wanted-
AELIRA
Just choose an outfit for me!
AELIRA’S MOM
…Ok, I’ll try
Aelira’s mom points hesitantly towards the green dress then
to the white, then looks at Aelira for approval.
AELIRA’S MOM (CONT’D)
You look so good in both. It’s hard
to choose.
AELIRA
(Audible pshh noise)
Liar. But fine, I’ll use the green
dress.
Aelira’s mom sighs in relief and then faces the mirror.
AELIRA’S MOM
You are beautiful just the way you
are, sweetie.
AELIRA
(enthusiastic)
Thanks, mom!
Aelira spins in her newly applied dress.
AELIRA’S MOM
(Looks at watch)
Ah, look at the time! The coronation
is about to begin!
AELIRA
What! Give me a few mins to psyche
myself up.
AELIRA’S MOM
Take your time, bun bun. It’s your
day, after all.
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AELIRA
Yeah… I know. That’s why I’m
psyching myself up.
AELIRA’S MOM
You really don’t have to, but I
understand the dedication. Take as
much time as you need.
AELIRA
(Awkward laugh)
…Yes, thank you. You can go now.
AELIRA’S MOM
Oh, don’t worry, I’ll leave.
AELIRA
THEN LEAVE! Ah! I’m sorry for
yelling.
(Raises right hand)
When I should have just done thi-
AELIRA’S MOM
Ok, bye, lollipop!
Aelira’s mom abruptly leaves the room, and Aelira lowers her
right hand in a confused manner.
Aelira’s dad steps out onto the mezzanine and takes notice
of Yuki walking towards the stairs
AELIRA’S DAD
Oh, Prince Lucas! Come here. Your
wife is about to arrive.
Yuki takes notice of the dad, immediately recognizing his
status and walks up the stairs.
YUKI
So… Uh, how should I address you,
sir?
AELIRA’S DAD
Still with the formalities? You can
call me Dad. I am forever in debt to
you from that day, Lucas.
YUKI
Yep! That was a crazy day, alright!
Thanks…Dad.
INT. BALLROOM – DAY
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Aelira’s dad pats him on the shoulder. Yuki slightly smiles.
The lights dim and focus on Aelira walking out of the
dressing room. She slowly approaches the stairs, and
everyone focuses their gaze on her. Yuki notices her green
eyes.
YUKI (CONT’D)
Wow, her eyes are so…
AELIRA’S DAD
Green? I know. It’s her most
beautiful feature.
YUKI
There’s no way she looks like that in
the real world. She definitely
altered her appearance.
AELIRA’S DAD
…Well, yes, she spent hours
choosing the perfect dress after all.
YUKI
…Uh. Sure, of course.
Aelira’s mom comes from the other side of the staircase in
complete darkness to join Yuki and her HUSBAND.
AELIRA’S MOM
Oh, Lucas!
(Gives him a hug)
You look so different from the last
time we met.
YUKI
Nah, nothing’s changed.
AELIRA’S DAD
You know now that you mention it…
Did you always have dark brown hair?
YUKI
Yes, I have! It’s always been this
way. Why are you so worried? There’s
nothing off.
Aelira’s mom reaches for Yuki’s glasses on his face. Yuki
pulls away.
AELIRA’S MOM
Why do you have that on?
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YUKI
…What?
Suddenly, music begins playing for Aelira as she climbs the
steps. Aelira’s mom and dad step back away from Yuki. Aelira
reaches the top and goes up to Yuki.
AELIRA
So you are my prince? You’re more
beautiful in person.
YUKI
…I guess that’s my charm. I could
say the same about you.
AELIRA
Hmm… I don’t recall giving you a
photo of me.
YUKI
…Oh! The word spreads, I guess.
AELIRA
Umm…Okay.
Aelira takes hold of Yuki’s hands and pulls him towards the
edge of the mezzanine.
AELIRA’S DAD
Ladies and Gentlemen! We are here to
announce the next queen and king of
Kuebela! Queen Aelira and King Lucas
The crowd cheers.
YUKI
Hey, Aelira. What would you do if the
crown suddenly went missing?
AELIRA
What? The crown can’t go missing.
It’s been guarded by our finest
knights for years.
YUKI
Why are you so coded in this domain?
It’s weird.
AELIRA
Lucas, what in the Kuebela are you
talking about?
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AELIRA’S DAD
Now, to place the crowns on the
heirs.
Aelira’s dad motions for the crown to come out to the
ballroom floor, only to be met with an empty case where the
crowns should have been.
AELIRA’S DAD (CONT’D)
(Fake shocked)
… Oh no! The crowns! They’re gone!
The crowd begins to panic and talk frantically amongst each
other
AELIRA
It’s okay, citizens! This must be an
elaborate prank in celebration of our
crowning. The situation is under
control.
YUKI
Dang. I wonder how that happened.
Aelira grabs onto Yuki’s stolen golden blazer.
AELIRA
This is your doing? Why? How?
YUKI
It wasn’t me, sweetheart. And
frankly, I’m not in the mood to tell
you either.
AELIRA
Your input must be corrupted. Here,
let me report it before it gets out
of hand.
Aelira raises her right hand and places it on the chest of
Yuki. Nothing happens.
AELIRA (CONT’D)
What? Why isn’t it working? It’s
always worked before.
YUKI
(Smirking)
Must be the new update!
Yuki pulls on a sleeve from Aelira’s dress, rips it off,
pushes against Aelira’s body to get free of her grip, jumps
down from the staircase into the crowd, and dissappears
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AELIRA
Hey, wait! Come back!
Aelira contemplates jumping from the mezzanine as well but
takes the stairs out of fear of hurting herself. By the time
she reaches the bottom, Yuki is no longer in site.
AELIRA (CONT’D)
Ugh! No! This is all wrong! I waited
years for this day just for it to be
ruined by some-
(Kicks foot against table)
-Stupid defect!
A crowd forms around Aelira and asks questions in rapid
succession.
RANDOM CITIZEN #1
Princess, are you okay?
RANDOM CITIZEN #2
Is the situation still under control?
RANDOM CITIZEN #3
Where did the Prince go?
RANDOM CITIZEN #4
Can I get an autograph princess?
AELIRA
No! Let me get through!
Aelira pushes through the crowd and heads towards the door
leading outside. She pushes the door open and hears a high-
pitched muffled cry for help unknowingly coming from Prince
Lucas.
AELIRA
Hello? Who’s there?
Aelira follows the noise to the back of the building and
sees Prince Lucas in his underwear. She takes the muffle off
his face.
AELIRA (CONT’D)
And…Who are you?
PRINCE LUCAS
(Spitting out debris)
I’m the future king of this kingdom!
I will not be treated so harshly!
EXT. BALLROOM GARDEN – DAY
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AELIRA
Wait what? Let me see.
Aelira puts her hand on Prince Lucas’ chest, and a report
symbol comes up.
AELIRA (CONT’D)
You are the real prince! Who was that
phony from earlier?
Aelira removes her hand and turns away from Lucas, muttering
to herself.
AELIRA (CONT’D)
It just doesn’t make sense.
(Mumbling)
If Lucas were king before, then how
did that other guy steal his clothing
without being noticed by the
security…
Prince Lucas
Umm… A little help?
AELIRA (CONT’D)
Be quiet! I’m thinking.
Suddenly, an explosion is heard from the other side of the
building. Aelira quickly jerks her head towards the noise.
No smoke is visible.
AELIRA (CONT’D)
What’s happening now?
PRINCE LUCAS
(screaming)
Get me out of here!
Aelira runs to the other side of the building, where she
sees a bunch of citizens running away from the ballroom
while screaming. She then notices an adult man wearing a
full black suit with a yellow security sash.
AELIRA
(Angry)
Hey! What are you doing to my
kingdom?
SECURITY GUARD
We noticed there was a bug in your
domain. We’re here to fix it.
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AELIRA
Bug? Domain? There’s nothing wrong
here except the gaping hole you put
in my ballroom!
SECURITY GUARD
It’s procedure. Don’t worry. We’ll
have your domain reset in no time.
AELIRA
What? Why do you keep calling my
kingdom that? Just stomp on the bug
or something instead of whatever
you’re doing now!
SECURITY GUARD
I was given direct orders to reset
your domain. There is nothing else I
can do about it.
AELIRA
Can I at least find the missing
crowns?
SECURITY GUARD
No. Taking too much time to remove
the bug will be disastrous. It’s
better to contain it now.
AELIRA
What? Ughh.
As Aelira is groaning, she notices a figure in the bushes
nearby that resembles Yuki. She glances at the security
guard still focused on his right wrist, then heads towards
the bushes after saying…
AELIRA (CONT’D)
Uhh. I gotta go use the restroom!
She approaches the bushes and whisper-shouts at it.
AELIRA (CONT’D)
This is your fault, isn’t it?
Yuki pulls her into the bushes and muffles her scream with
his left hand.
YUKI
Hold on! Don’t scream.
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AELIRA (CONT’D)
(Pushes hand away)
Let me go!
(Spits multiple times on the
ground)
Ugh! Why are you messing with my
home?
YUKI
I should’ve known you were the owner.
Trust me, I didn’t do anything to
your domain.
AELIRA
Be quiet! You messed up everything!
(Counting on fingers)
You stole the Prince’s outfit, bombed
my ballroom, removed the crowns-
YUKI
The outfit was necessary!
AELIRA
So you could destroy my coronation?
YUKI
No!
(Sighs)
Okay, I need to get out of this
place, and I need your help.
AELIRA
You’re not going anywhere until you
report yourself!
YUKI
Why do you place so much faith in
those guys? They are the reason your
domain is being shut down.
AELIRA
… They said it was because of a
bug.
YUKI
They’re lying. It’s because your
domain is taking up too much storage.
AELIRA
Why would they lie about that? You’re
just making excuses so I don’t report
you.
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YUKI
Jeez. Are you not aware of your
status? Your domain is one of the
most densely packed simulations that
exist in this stupid game.
AELIRA
Oh, it’s a game now? You’re still not
making any sense loser.
YUKI
Are you kidding me? You’ve actually
forgotten?
AELIRA
I haven’t forgotten anything! This is
my home!
YUKI
A home where you can just make up
whatever you want, and it will exist
for no reason? It’s a video game.
AELIRA
(Plugs ears)
Lalalala. I can’t hear you.
YUKI
I don’t have time for this. Just
follow me.
Yuki tries to pull Aelira towards a box sitting against the
garden, which covers a black hole.
AELIRA
Stop pulling me! Let go! Let go!
YUKI
If you say so, princess.
Yuki removes his hand from Aelira, causing her to fall on
the ground, then pushes the box, revealing a black hole with
a 2d lock covering the entrance.
AELIRA
You must be joking if you think…
(faces head up)
Woah, what is this?
YUKI
It’s how we get into your domain.
AELIRA
You’re not from the village?
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YUKI
Of course not. See?
Yuki puts up his left hand, and a small hologram pops up on
his left arm.
AELIRA
But that would mean…
YUKI
(Angry)
I told you this is a game!
(Sighs)
…Ok, at least know you’re the owner
of this world.
AELIRA
B-but why didn’t I know?
YUKI
Can’t we figure this out later? That
security guard is about to erase this
whole world along with this exit.
AELIRA
What do you even expect me to do? I
didn’t put the lock there!
YUKI
Yes, you did! Only the owner can add
locks!
AELIRA
Well, I didn’t put it there on
purpose!
YUKI (CONT’D)
You have to remove it. It’s the only
way out.
(Places hands on Aelira’s
shoulders)
Please.
Aelira takes a look at the lock on the hole, closes her
eyes, and puts her right hand up. Yuki looks excited, but
after a few seconds, his smile fades as he realizes nothing
is happening
YUKI (CONT’D)
(Removes hands)
It’s still locked!
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AELIRA
(Tears welling up)
I don’t know how to open it! This
makes no sense.
YUKI
Ok, that’s it!
Yuki grabs Aelira’s right hand with his right hand and
points his left hand towards the lock. The lock dissappears.
YUKI (CONT’D)
Come on, let’s go!
AELIRA
(Pulls against Yuki’s grip)
I can’t! What about my family… My
kingdom? If I leave them, then who
will rule over Kuebela?
YUKI
The security guy is deleting it all
anyway! You’ll probably forget about
it all and be killed or something!
AELIRA
(Shocked)
Killed?
YUKI
Ok. Maybe not killed, but you’ll
probably be trapped here forever with
no exit!
AELIRA
But what if I like being here? If I
try hard enough, I bet I can convince
the guard to let me keep my memories.
YUKI
(Scoffs)
…Memories? You know what? Fine.
(Removes grip of Aelira)
I won’t force you to go. It’s your
decision.
Yuki approaches the hole, takes one look back at Aelira, and
walks through. Aelira takes a look back at the security
guard and the screaming citizens. Aelira takes a deep breath
while closing her eyes before she runs into the black hole.
