Originally posted on FA on Oct 9th, 2015 05:25 PM

In a magical world with overcrowded prisons, an enterprising mage found a solution: glass golems! Magical enchantments grant these creatures not only life, but incredible strength and durability. They are immune to almost all forms of damage, both physical and magical, and are strong enough to break down walls and doors with ease.

When a new golem is created, they are assigned a specific target. They will then track this target down with ruthless efficiency, breaking through any defenses like a juggernaut. Once within range, the golem will grab her intended prey and swallow them whole. The glass golem serves as both enforcer and prison: her clear glass body stretches and deforms once, and only once, to make room for the criminal, and once they are safely captured, the glass belly and throat harden permanently, trapping the target inside forever. The enchantment that grants life to the golem will, as a side effect, also keep the target alive for as long as the golem continues to function. Thus, the criminal is removed from society and no longer able to hurt anyone.

But what to do with the golem now? She cannot be re-used, but she is a living, thinking being; it would be wrong to lock her away in some hole or closet somewhere. And the criminal trapped inside is no longer a threat; escape is practically impossible, and they can no longer harm others, regardless of where the golem is. Her body is soundproof, so no one will have to listen to the screams, sobs, and threats of her captive.

So, with her duty complete, the golem is set free, allowed to join society and do whatever she wishes with herself. True, her life is bound to be full of awkward moments and strange looks, due to the fact that the criminal she has captured is still visible through her clear glass body. But she will find friends who can accept her for who she is; some may even find watching the struggles fascinating. Her life will have its ups and downs, just as every life does, but she will be free to choose a path for herself. I bet the criminal trapped inside her wishes they still had that luxury.