In the Beginning

Photo Credit

In the Beginning

I snapped awake, my face was reflected from two glass eye-pieces.

I stared, like a snake hypnotised by a mongoose, vainly seeking clues in mask or cloak.

My side throbbed and ached. I strained to move, to examine the wound but my body would not obey my mind’s commands.

Who was he?

His head cocked to one side like a dog listening to a distant whistle.

“You can call me...Father.”

His finger unhooked my chin, and I fell, face down.

Searching for any shred of memory, I met a shining wall of nothing, full headlights on fog. 
How did I get here?

Again the head moved.

“I brought you here. Obey my rules and you will prosper here. If you do not...” he hissed, menace clear. 
His retreating feet left no marks.

My questing hand felt another body. 
 I scrambled away.

Where was I?

“I call this place Eden.”

150 words

This story was written for Angela Goff’s Visual Dare and marks my return, after a long absence, to this wonderful weekly flash fiction challenge.

Whither Perseus?

Photo Source

Whither Perseus?

“Stand still...or die!”

I froze.

When you look death in the face, you don’t expect the face to be so beautiful.

I faced at least five ways to die – and only one way to live. Five ways. Count them.

I might startle her. Annoy her. She might slip. Just decide to loose the shaft. She will certainly tire.

Reversed Russian roulette odds.

The bow's draw weight approached 200 pounds. I knew I must act quickly.

“Why so hostile, noble lady? I whispered.

“I am the guardian of this place, these people.”

“At least regard the face of the one you kill. You owe me that.”

A tiny tic in her shoulder muscle counted down my last seconds.

I slowly drew my hood back and LOOKED at her.

She made an exquisite bronze.

Better than stone. Even Gorgons must work in new materials.

Now for those she had failed to protect

150 words

@nickjohns999

This story was written for Angela Goff’s Visual Dare Flash Fiction Challenge

Death in the Afternoon

Death in the Afternoon

How had I got into this mess?

I was about to lose one of my best friends.

It had all begun so innocently...

***

“Well hello girls, may I say you both look delightful. Shall we go? There are only so many shopping hours in a day...”

“Arabella, if you think I’ll be seen in public with her wearing that... well, I’m sorry but...”

“Just ignore ze ignorant bitch ‘Bella ma Cherie. She ‘as no, ‘ow you say? Sense of chic...”

“Chic is it? Chic-ken more like, with those legs under that French... duffel coat!

“And your English... anorak, it is better, yes? The colour of... merde!”

“There is only one way to deal with this situation. Arabella, will you officiate?”

***

So here we stand.

I drew one ragged breath.

“Ladies, you have chosen your weapons. Walk away to my count of five. You may then turn and fire.

150 words

@nickjohns999

This story was written for Angela Goff's 'Visual Dare' flash fiction challenge

Drag Hunt

Drag Hunt

“So that’s it? I can just take her and go?”

He twitched one eyebrow and smiled.

I wasn’t reassured; it reminded me that he had teeth. I shivered at the sight of the extra incisors.

“Stay or go. As you can.”

I straightened, easing cramps my immobility had caused. She whimpered and I shushed her absently, eyes never leaving him as I backed away.

“Good luck” his voice thrummed in my guts like a bass amplifier turned to eleven.

I turned, beginning as swift an ascent as my tender burden allowed. I was puzzled; concerned by his acquiescence to losing his latest prize.

The stairs seemed endless. I worried that was his meaning, before we emerged into the half-light.

Just sit on the quantum anchor, tied as it was to our reality, and we’re home free.

I looked out – and understood his smile.

Heavy footfalls shook the stairs behind me.

150 words

@nickjohns999

This story was written for Angela Goff's Visual Dare Flash Fiction Challenge

Purgatorius Ignis

Purgatorius Ignis

“Hello, your Ladyship.”

She scrabbles like a cat startled blackbird, but I’m holding tight to her hand.

“Let go you… beastly urchin!” Her eyes is sad and weepy like my puppy that had the distemper. She don’t know yet. I can tell.

“Urchin Milady? What brings you to the rookeries?”

“A man… snatched me… chloroformed me, brought me here…”

“Bloody nonces. Don’t fret Sweetheart, We’ll sort the bastard.”

“How?  He’s big… he’s been drinking.”

“Where’s he at Missy?”

“Don’t take me back...!”

Panic sets her struggling again but I hang on.

“He can’t hurt you. No one can. Shhh.” She calmed some. “Big drunks is easiest, see?”

“Why?”

“Look at your hand.”

“I can hardly... Oh My God...! Am I...?”

“Yeah... Anyway, drunks don’t see nothing, especially us. He could fall down stairs, out a window, smother in bed. Well?”

“Can we find matches?” She smiles for the first time.

150 words

@nickjohns999

This story was written for Angela Goff's Visual Dare