Wish

Outside of a hole-in-the-wall bar of downtown New York City sat those who did not wish to be alone for the holiday.

"Another snowy New Year's... just great," said a gruff, middle-aged man, as he took another swig of his beer. He always drank alone around the holidays, since he had no family to speak for.

"I just wish for a world with no snow," he said.

"Ah, well. I guess I'll just have to move to Florida when I retire. Sun, all-year round and plenty of cuties at the beach. Hahaha! Now, that's good living."

[Wish registered. Granted. Commencing countdown protocol.]

"Huh, who said what?" The man swatted the air around him, thinking someone whispered in his ear.

"Ahh, man. I've drank too much. I guess I should head back. Hey Tim! I'm ready to pay my tab."

The man reached in his pocket and tried to grab his wallet, when he realized it was missing.

"Oh no. I must have left it at the shop. Dammit, I've never left an open tab at Tim's. I wish I had some cash on me right now."

[Wish registered. Granted. User, please check your pocket.]

"Who the hell is whispering in my ear?!" The man turned around and saw no one there. He scratched his head. "I've got to stop drinking this bottom shelf shit. I'm hallucinating..."

He suddenly felt a bulge in his pocket. He reached in and it felt like money. "Oh shit! It's my lucky day. Thank you, whoever left me this cash! Haha, Tim, Let's close my tab and here's a little extra for you and your family!"

"Thanks, Rick! I really appreciate it. Happy New Year to you. Take care of yourself."

"Happy New Year. See ya, Tim!" Rick was ecstatic. This was turning out to be a great day. He started walking toward his shop to grab his wallet, then head home to get some sleep.

As he walked, he took a slight detour to get a glimpse of the Times Square Ball Drop. He checked his watch and saw it was only a minute or so until the final countdown. He picked up the pace, but his old limp held him back.

He could hear people chanting...

10, 9, 8, 7...

Rick moved a bit faster. He didn't know why, but he really wanted to see the Ball Drop this year.

6, 5, 4...

"Gah, I wish I'd make it in time!" Rick yelled, as he struggled to move quicker.

[Wish registered. Granted. Commencing teleportation protocol.]

3, 2...

"Wait, wha..." Rick could barely finish his words before he disappeared.

1.

Rick flashed right in front of all of the TV cameras. Nobody had time to register his sudden appearance.

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!!!"

Fireworks began shooting and the music blared so loud, it could be heard in the surrounding states.

Times Square was in a huge uproar. The image is what you would expect on the turn of the year. There were people kissing, hugging, laughing, and dancing.

There were others that were crying as well. The New Year meant different things to all walks of life.

Hope is born anew, or in other cases, it's a tragedy.

"I made, but what the hell was that... *blegh*" Rick was disoriented from the suddenly travel and the beers.

"Sir, you can't be here." A security guard walked towards Rick, confused as no one should have been behind the rails.

"Ah, I'm sorry. I just got a bit sick as I watched the Ball Drop." Rick hurriedly explained, he was still unsure of what happened.

[World Reformation commencing in 10 seconds.]

'Huh?! It's that voice again. I'm a little more sober now, so it's a bit clearer. I thought someone was messing with me, but this voice is in my head.' Rick was startled and a bit dazed to hear the voice that's been haunting him for the last 30 minutes.

"Sir! This way, please." The security guardwas getting a bit impatient with this drunk and absentminded old man.

Rick couldn't hear him. The realization of the what the voice was saying disturbed him far too much.

'What do you mean 'World Reformation'?!' Rick replied in a panic. World Reformation did not sound like a good thing.

[5... 4... 3... 2... 1...]

Rick flinched for a second, before his instincts told him to 'Get the hell out of there'. He ran as fast as his limp would allow.

The security guard looked at Rick fleeing, puzzled. "Screw it! I tried to be nice, since it's the New Year."

He turned to look at the fireworks that were still blazing.

*BOOM!*

The top of One Times Square, where the Ball Drop happens, exploded. Screams filled the air. The most unprecedented incident in history just occurred.

[World Reformation begin.]