[ WP ] A genie tells the story of the worst wish he 's ever granted .

Genies do not often get a chance to demonstrate the raw power of their magic. This was abundantly clear to me when the opportunity arose. Because if they did, then there would be no Genies left. 
 It was just like any other day, I was in my lamp without a care in the world, seeking to trick a traveller. I always enjoyed creating tricks, schemes and riddles to outsmart the common man. But it was on this day I was greeted with someone of higher intelligence rubbing my lamp. I even remember his rub, it almost appeared to be rehearsed. Three circular motions with a pause in between each one. Not the usual excited and frantic scratching and clawing I, more often than not, experience. I burst from the lamp in the fantastic purple cloud, shimmering and exploding. I call out `` You have rescued me from my lamp, and now it is my purpose and debt to grant you three wishes, to gain whatever you desire.'' Usually describing their action of greed as a'rescue' causes them to believe they are deserving of my gifts, that and they begin to feel as if they know more than I, the wise centuries-old, mystical wizard. 
 This man who stood before me paused and did not blink nor did he appear to show any emotion, it confused me. The man stared at me and queried, `` I can wish for anything?'' To which I replied `` Of course, within the boundaries of Genie power, yes.'' 
 `` What are those boundaries?'' 
 `` Genies do not answer questions, we grant wishes.'' 
 `` I wish to know the full extent of your power.'' It was this wish that perplexed me, they do not normally waste a wish on such a thing. It was as if he were trying to understand me as I could not understand him. But as the proverbial contract existed, I must oblige. `` This, is the power I have!'' I bellowed out as a thunderstorm appeared above us, and lightning struck down around us in an ecstasy of mayhem! To which the man, after having observed this act of power once again queried, `` Is that the extent of your power?'' 
 `` You dare question me?! You who are curtailed of my immortal power?!'' Normally when I exclaim such anger, the wisher asks for simpler things that I can play with. The man gazed at the effect of my power again and made another wish. `` Bending the weather is not true power, true magical power is in omnipotence. I wish for you to create life.'' I had created life before but only in the way of resurrecting it, this was stepping a line, and this man's calm attitude had begun to frighten me. `` So be it! You ask for life and I give you life.'' The storm cloud from above struck a lightning bolt between us, from this ash ridden hole nature had spread forth and beautiful creatures, small bacteria sized creatures, began generating. I had never granted a wish so magnificent, I had truly extended beyond my boundaries like never before, I was-all-powerful! I was God-like! This was my little Eden, and it spread 6 inches in each direction, forming a complex mosaic of variety and life. 
 But of course, I could not forget the wisher, it was clear now he looked to trick me, many had tried but none had succeeded. The curiosity, the challenges of power, he was looking for a gold vein to exploit. The man once again, for the final time, challenged me. `` Creating life is as easy as running your hands through water. True power is in changing what is already constant. I wish for you to demonstrate your power, through the alteration of the past and history.'' I grinned, I had got him. His past was my playground and he had given me permission to alter it how I wish. I knew exactly what to do, `` As you wish. Let it be known to you this is your final favour from me. Good bye.'' I placed my palm on his shoulder and saw his history, I corrected his mother's conceiving of him. His whole transaction with me shall cease and I will be free with this life I have birthed. A Father- 
 -It was then I apparated in my Lamp. Cold and oddly confused. Feeling tired, I drifted off into a sleep, listening to the footsteps of lone travellers, passing by.
