Eighty Seventh Friday Flash: Waltzing Through Darkness

Waltzing through darkness

Eroding the soles

Tumble, tumble

Don't fear the rumble

A flash of wings

Too many to see

Together we will fly

Away from the watchful eye

Sanctuary we seek

To heal the things that leak

Warm and tight

You won't leave my sight

Braying and scathing

Trouble wishes to invade

With strength and cunning

Scars we will evade

Forever and more

I want nothing more

Seventy Fifth Friday Flash: Penguin, Bear and the Shadow

Image Source: Douglas Orton Imaging 

At first she thought it was her imagination. It had been following from outside the store and when she saw it swallow an old woman she knew it meant business. Penguin waddled along, staring back over her shoulder. The shadow was fast approaching. Threatening to engulf her.

Looking for shelter in the underground parking hadn't been the best idea. It was well lit, but some of the lights were flickering which only put her more on edge.

The shadow was gaining. If only she had stayed at home and ordered her art supplies like a modern penguin, but she adored the old lady at the local craft shop and didn't want to see her go out of business.

An old bear was getting out of his battered yellow pickup truck. He wore a brown raincoat and a wide brimmed hat. His large nostrils sniffed the air. She went up to him just as he started walking towards the shopping centre entrance. He stopped and looked down at her. She pointed at the menacing shadow. Scowling the bear moved the penguin behind him with his big paw.

Just as the shadow was about to pounce the bear roared. The shadow quivered and stopped for a second before attacking. Roaring in pain and anger the bear flailed at the shadowy entity. Penguin had to do something. Then it hit her. Using her lock picking skills she broke into an SUV, hot-wired it and turned on the high-beams. The shadow shrieked like an banshee as it was blasted away.

Bear was in a bad way. He was bleeding and part of his left arm was missing. She felt awful dragging him into it and went over to help. Doing what she could until the ambulance arrived she rode with him to the hospital. It was one of many journeys they would be taking together.  

Seventy Second Friday Flash: Love Beyond Death

(image source)

“You're doing it wrong,” said his girlfriend.

“Woman!” said Hamill with a mouth full of foamy toothpaste. “Will you leave me in peace!”

“Ha! If it wasn't for me your teeth would have fallen out by now.”

“And for that I thank you, my dear,” said Hamill, his voice softening.

Hamill spat out the toothpaste and gargled water before turning around and walking straight though his girlfriend. For you see his girlfriend Angie was dead. She had been for over a year now, but it hadn't meant that she had stopped telling him what to do.

oOo

“Slow down,” she said. “Your work isn't going anywhere.”

She sat next to him like she always had. Her mother was an English teacher and her father a concert pianist. Prim and proper described her to the bone. Her eyes watching his every move. It had been different when she was alive. Then he could keep her quiet with a kiss on her beautiful lips.

At first he thought it was madness of the grief he was going through that produced the manifestation. Over time it became all real, even some of his friends and family swore they saw glimpses of her.

oOo

“Sit up straight!” she said from over his shoulder at work.

“Yes dear,” he mumbled.

“Talking to yourself again?” asked a coworker.

“Yup,” said Hamill with a sigh. He had given up trying to fight the reputation that he spoke to himself.

oOo

Hamill snapped when he was eating food with his hands.

“How many times have I told you to use utensils!”

“Why couldn't you have stayed dead!” he growled.

Hamill instantly felt guilty and his heart sank when he saw the shock and hurt look on her ethereal face. He approached her to try comfort her, but she disappeared before he could. With a heavy heart he carried on with the rest of the day's duties. The incident playing over and over in his mind, wishing he had reacted differently.

Expecting to see Angie waiting in the car, he was sad she wasn't there. He leaned against the door and cried. Maybe her soul was finally in a happy place.

Driving along slowly back home he was taken by surprise when an unseen force slammed his foot into the accelerator. The only thing he saw before the truck hit him was Angie's lips mouthing the words “I love you.”

Seventieth Friday Flash: A Whole Nest of Trouble

Image Source

Rimotar was going to be in trouble again. He could just imagine the look of disappointment on his mother's face. Just like when he forgot a sleeping toad in his robe and it leaped onto the dinner table and broke his grandmother's teapot. Father fixed it, but it was never the same after that.

Now he found himself covered in mud and peering over the edge of a cliff, staring down at a griffin's nest. There were three golden eggs glittering in the morning sunshine. Timing was important, their mother wouldn't be away for long.

The fact he had seen it hunting near his parents' cottage had given him the idea to inspect the nest. They were so tantalizing close. He just had to risk it. Going down Rimotar went from handhold to handhold. Using skill and patience he made his way down, a few minutes later he lowered his foot onto the branch. He tested his weight. It seemed alright.

Turning around he almost lost his balance when noticed how high up he was. Steadying himself and taking a deep breath Rimotar lowered himself down into a sitting position. Inching forward, he wished he had brought his backpack so he could lift all three.

He had to hurry, there was no telling how long their mother would be. The nest smelt horrible and made his eyes water. It was covered in bones, feathers and other remains. Holding his breath he put his hand on the closest egg. It was surprisingly warm. He lifted it up, it was a lot heavier than expected. He looked up at the steep slope, going back up wasn't going to be easy.

There was something moving in the egg. He had better go if he was going to make it back in one piece. Climbing was a lot harder with only one arm free, but his legs were strong and he made good progress. About halfway up heard a loud shriek behind him. The claws dug into his back and the egg slipped out from under his arm as he was pulled up. Luckily Rimotar was able to clamp on to the egg with his feet before it was dashed on the rocks below. He kicked up the egg and grabbed it with both hands, and held it tight against him. The warmth of it reminding him of his mother's embrace.

The griffin pulled him in closer as it glided around. His heart pounding and doing his best to ignore the searing pain Rimotar bit the griffin's lion like front paw. Rimotar, egg and all plummeted down towards the ravine below. In mid air he twisted until he was between the egg and the ground. At least the egg would be safe. His only thought was at least he would going out with a bang and not shackled to a desk like his old man.

A warm feeling flushed through him, like he had been placed in warm oven for a couple of minutes. He shut his eyes and waited for impact, but it never came, or not as bad as he thought it would be. Rimotar stopped an inch away from the floor for the briefest time before dropping the last inch The drop jolted and shook him, but he was still alive.

Was it finally confirmed? Did he really have magical abilities like he had expected? But there was no time to think about it, the griffin was barreling towards him. Scrambling, he hid under a rock. He had to push himself back more when the beast rushed at him and swiped at him with its massive paws. The rock wobbled dangerously, but try as it might it could not get close enough. Squawking angrily it retreated.

Rimotar shifted, trying to get into a more comfortable position. The griffin came rushing back, clawing and swiping with its massive paws. It caught Rimotar by the ankle and ripped up his shoe. It left again. Bleeding from two wounds and trapped he wondered how he would explain all this to his mom.

The egg began to crack.

Sixty Eighth Friday Flash: Dragon Breath

Fire Breath (image source)

“Today we're reporting on another dragon fire outbreak. A hot summer coupled with dragon migration has resulted in record numbers of forest and house fires. Randy, is there anything that can be done about it?”

The dragonologist shrugged. His red and black uniform looking too warm for the heat of the day. “Dragons are Alsatian sized lizard type creatures that fly south for the winter. They're not used to the early onset of the season. Being prone to be bad tempered it's making them more likely to vent their anger by breathing fire.”

“What do you think of calls to declare open season on them?”

“Don't get my started on them. Besides being protected by the law dragons are majestic creatures and should be respected.”

“Any advice for our followers?”

“Yes, keep your distance and if you like you can download the dragon spotter app and report all sightings.”

“I hear it's quite popular.”

“Oh, it is. The more dragons you spot the higher you climb up the scoreboard.” Just then a flight of dragons went flying overhead. Roaring and flaming as they went by. “And one more thing. Make sure all small animals and children are indoors at all times during the migration season.”

“Very wise precaution indeed. We don't want a repeat of the Morning Rise creche snatchings of last year.”

“Oh, not at all. Not at all.”

Sixty Fourth Friday Flash: Fire Rain

Part 1, Part 2 and Part 3

Image Source: Fire Rain by Srio 

The news that she had flat-lined during the operation to save her life from the nasty abdominal wound shocked her. A full two minutes and forty five seconds. They said she might experience blackouts and memory loss. It depressed her at first, but she was a fighter, and besides she was allowed to walk around the hospital unaided. It was a small step, but she felt she had gained a bit of independence again.

Phoebe walked over to the maternity ward. Seeing all those newborn babies always cheered her up when she had worked as a nurse. Her stitches were paining her and the baby viewing room was just around the corner, but she had felt dizzy and had to take a break. She stumbled, but managed to prop herself up against the wall before tipping over. Steadying herself and trying to clear her head she closed her eyes and breathed in and out deeply. That was when she heard the voices. Despicable voices.

“You say it matches their criteria?”

“Perfectly, green eyes and blond hair.”

“And the parents?”

“They don't suspect a thing, showed them the stillborn from earlier. The crazy woman shouted saying it wasn't her baby.”

“And?”

“Everyone said it was the stress of losing one so close.”

“Be sure to prescribe her enough drugs to keep her drowsy for a few weeks.”

“No problem. Half shares, right?”

“Yes, sixty five grand each.”

“Mama needs a new pair of shoes.”

“Oh yes, Barbados here I come.”

They both laughed and one of the nurses exited the supply closet a few moments later. Phoebe did her best to pretend that she heard nothing. The nurse didn't seem to notice her presence.

What had the world come to? Doctors taking advantage of nurses and now nurses selling babies. She had been out trying to make the world a better place when the bad guys were right under her nose the whole time. She felt more stressed than ever. The dizziness got worse and she collapsed.

oOo

“Hey! What are you doing here? Why are you dressed like a freak?”

Phoebe looked down at herself. Through her red tinted vision she could see she was back in her River Fire costume. She was feeling better than ever.

“It's time for justice.”

The nurse ran away. Just by using her mind alone Phoebe found herself appearing in front the frightened nurse. The other, older nurse, came bursting out of the supply closet at the younger nurse's shriek. They collided into each other.

“Your wicked ways are done.”

“No!” They shouted in unison as River Fire raised her hands to the ceiling and a rain of fire came down on human traffickers. She watched in grim satisfaction as they burned before her.

oOo

“Phoebe! Phoebe! Are you okay?” asked Tony.

Her eyes blinked open. There was stench of burnt flesh and hair in the air. “I think so. What happened?”

“They're saying spontaneous human combustion.”

Phoebe coughed. They were surrounded by nurses, doctors and police. “There seems to be a lot of that going around.”

“Sure seems that way,” he said with a raised eyebrow.

She wondered if he knew. A moment later a baby started crying.

“Who's that?” asked Phoebe. 

“A baby boy, found him in the supply closet. He has the most amazing green eyes.”

Sixty Third Friday Flash: Shark Knight Rises

Image Source: Doodle of Boredom

 Ding dong.

Bruise grunted, took off his earphones and got up from his easy chair. Who could be at the door? He was supposed to be in the middle of nowhere where no one could find him. Did he even own a doorbell? Bruise snatched open the door.

It was a juvenile Yellow Fish with square rimmed glasses. “Hel...”

“What do you want?”

“Mr. Wane, we need your help.”

“Kid.” Bruise pointed a fin at the placard next to the door. It said “NO HELP WANTED OR GIVEN.”

“But... but it's serious, the hammerheads, they're tearing up the city.”

Bruise shrugged. “Not my problem anymore. Good day to you, sir.”

“Wait, the leader, Johnny, he says you're a deadbeat loser.”

Bruise growled. His row upon rows of teeth grinding together. “I thought I killed him.”

“He survived and he's back, stronger than ever.”

“Still, I have no ride.”

The kid put his fin in his mouth and whistled. A black seahorse came swimming over.

“Manticore? I set him loose.” Bruise went over and patted his old friend.

“He's been hanging over by your old lair for years.”

“What do you say Manty? Ready for one last adventure?”

Manty raised his head and neighed. “Okay, kid show the way.”

oOo

“Hahaha!”

“Stop laughing,” said Bruise spitting out a tooth.

“You've grown weak, Wane.”

The hammerheads were all around him. Bruise was questioning his decision to come out of retirement. Would that violent end he was trying to avoid finally happen to him?

Johnny swaggered over, his scarred and pierced head bobbing side to side. Manticore snorted.

“Shut up you old nag.” Johnny slapped the aging horse.

Something snapped inside of Bruise. How dare the brute? Bruise gave his old friend a pat on the neck. “Stay here friend, I will sort them out.”

Bruise shot forward and whipped Johnny with his tale. Drawing blood. Bruise breathed it in. It reminded him of the bad old days. Not relenting for a second Bruise tore into the hammerhead gang until they was none left to challenge him. There were chunks torn out of him, a few more injuries to live with, but the punks had hopefully been taught a lesson.

Black and white Zebra Fish converged on the scene and apprehended the culprits. The old police commissioner tipped his hat. Bruise winked back.

“Come on old boy,” said Bruise. “It about time we went home.”

Sixty Second Friday Flash: Fire Flood

Part 1 and Part 2

Phoebe sat up and gasped for air. She looked around, it was all white, she was in the hospital. Nothing new there, but as her brain slowly caught up with her surroundings she noticed she was in a bed and not tending one.

A hand reached out and took her arm. Phoebe flinched away.

“Phoebe! You're awake.”

The face looked familiar. “You were being mugged, right?”

Tony scratched the back of his head. “Yes, that was me.”

“Why are you here?”

“I... you saved me... I had to at least come and say thank you.”

Phoebe laid back again. “Oh, that's nice. Come to laugh at me too?”

“No, why would I?”

“The costume... and this is St. Trinity... you promised.”

“I... the paramedics would have none of it, this was the closest place, they said any longer and you wouldn't have made it.” Tony fidgeted in his chair. “I tried at least, I said you were on the way to a superhero comic convention.”

“Oh, thank you, now they will think I'm a geek.”

“Something wrong with that?”

Some firemen went past her ward. There was a stretcher with a body bag.

“No... hey, what happened?”

“I don't know all the details, but they say the doctor, a Doctor Jones I think, burnt to death in his office. One of the nurses just escaped with her life. It's a miracle the sprinklers were able to prevent it spreading.”

“Deserved it...” muttered Phoebe.

“What was that?”

“Nothing, so are you going to sit around all day or are you going to get me some water?”

Tony fumbled and dashed away. Phoebe smiled, maybe he would make a good sidekick. How long had she been out? Had she sleepwalked and started the fire? Or had she somehow acquired the power to mentally project herself and start fires? Or maybe she was still in the coma and none of this was real?  

Sixty First Friday Flash: Fire Monsoon

Disney World: Hollywood Studios (MGM) (2008)

This is a follow up to last week's flash River Fire

There was a blur of lights, familiar voices, shouts, a very long beep, and a bright flash of light at the end. Followed by shocks of electric light like a thunderstorm in her brain which turned into slow rhythmic beats.

She felt a hand on her shoulder and she lifted her head. “Wake up sleepy head. Your shift is almost done, but at least show you're working.”

It was Grace the head nurse. She was strict with the others, but always nice to her. Phoebe felt her stomach. It was still intact. “Oh, sorry, yes.”

Pushing her self off the desk Phoebe got up and wandered shakily into the ward. Everything seemed extra bright. The last thing she remembered was being stabbed and a stranger helping her.

Using her hand to guide herself up the stairs she made her way to the doctor's office. Dr. Jones would be able to help. Just as she was about to knock on the door Nurse Maggie came busting out. Crying.

“Maggie!”

Maggie disappeared down the stairs.

Phoebe stood at the door. Dr. Jones was busy adjusting his clothes.

Phoebe's voice went deeper. “What did you do?”

“None of your concern, get back to work, Phoebe.”

“No,” said Phoebe stepping up and standing in front of the doctor. “I'm not moving until you tell me.”

Dr. Jones pushed her. Phoebe bumped into a filing cabinet. A box fell off the top and emptied it contents across the floor of the office. She couldn't believe her eyes. It was photo after photo of her fellow nurses in compromising positions. Often in very little clothes.

“You monster!”

She had never felt so warm. It was like she was on fire. She looked in the mirror on the wall. Somehow she was now in her River Fire costume.

“You will tell no one about this!” said Dr. Jones. “Or you will experience worse than Maggie just got.”

River Fire laughed. “That's what you think.”

“No! What is happening to you?”

“I'm your end.”

Dr. Jones pulled his arm back to strike.

River Fire grabbed him by the shirt. Suddenly flame engulfed him.

“Ahh!”

River Fire stepped away as he burnt to a crisp.   

Sixtieth Friday Flash: River Fire

River Fire by Irena Lazovska (Copyright 2012)

River Fire was tired, she sat on her haunches on the top of a tower in the middle of the city, her mobile police scanner scanning for trouble. Her shift at St. Trinity Hospital as a nurse had really taken it out of her, but she promised herself just one more hour of vigilance before calling it a night. She would most probably be the laughing stock of the hospital if they knew she did this. 

oOo

Tony was walking from work. It had been a long shift at the convenience store and he was looking forward to getting home and having a nice long shower. A shower to wash away all the mental and physical muck of the day.

“Give us your money, punk!” hissed a man in his late fifties. There were another four or five about the same age crowding around Tony.

“What is this? The geriatric gang?”

“Laugh it up bub and I will cut you,” the old man produced a large serrated steak knife.

“Take it easy! All I have is a credit card.”

“Alright, we're going to go draw some money.”

“You know what, screw you, I earned this money, go get your own.”

The man swiped away with the knife and sliced Tony's arm.

“Ouch! Okay, okay... there's an ATM down the street.”

After a few paces something red dropped in front of them. In the darkness of the night it was like a fiery angel descending from the heavens. She was all red Lycra, curves and a heart shaped face. Her red eyes gazed at them.

“Looks like the midnight entertainment has arrived boys,” said the man with a knife.

“In your dreams,” said the lady with a husky voice.

Tony didn't know whether to laugh. What was this? Amateur hour?

“Get out of the way dame, we got a payday coming our way.”

“Not tonight,” she said, moving in, punching and kicking one of the guys to the ground. The knife guy let go of Tony and went for the caped girl, Tony tried to stop but he was too slow, he sliced her across the midsection.

“No!”

“You fool,” shouted another of group. “We didn't sign up for this.”

“Run boys!” The old men hobbled and limped down the road.

Tony went over and gathered her in his arms. “Are you okay?”

“So much blood lost.”

“I would have been okay, you didn't have to risk your life like that.”

“It was my duty, just do me one favour.”

“Sure.”

“Make sure I don't go to St. Trinity Hospital?”

Tony found the request odd, but he would honour it.  

Fifty Seventh Friday Flash: The Prince and the Frog

Image source: Glass Frog

Prince Jeremy wandered away from his younger and arguably more handsome brother's engagement party. His brother was to marry the most beautiful woman in all the lands. A girl he was supposed to marry, but she had caught John's eye. He fought it at first, but he soon saw that she shared his brother's feelings. He might be older, and the heir to the throne but he wasn't going to get in the way of his brother's happiness.

Jeremy cursed his luck and kicked a rock. It shot off and landed in a pond, disturbing a frog, it croaked. Jeremy sat down. If he wanted to he could choose any lady in the kingdom, but he didn't want that. He wanted something more, but he wasn't sure what.

“Kiss me...” whispered the wind.

Jeremy turned around. There was nothing there.

“Kiss me, you fool!”

Jeremy turned to the frog. “Was that you?”

Ribbit!

Jeremy had had almost a whole bottle of wine, he shrugged, picked up the amphibian and planted a kiss on its rubbery lips.

There was a loud popping sound. He opened his eyes. Standing before him was a beautiful woman with a dress made out of lily pads.

Jeremy laughed. “I've drunk way too much.”

The girl came closer and looked at him with her big wondrous eyes.

“Umm... how about a dinner and a walk sometime?”

The girl just smiled. There was a buzzing sound nearby, a moment later the girl's tongue shot out and grabbed a fly.

“Well, I guess that's dinner sorted.”

“Ribbit!”

Fifty Second Friday Flash: The Mermaid and the Oil Baron

*** this is a follow up from Gorilla Pequeno,Santos Returns,Mermaid Tale Santos Vs. The Mermaid and Santos, The Mermaid, and the Marine Biologist

** On a side note it's my editor and friend Robyn Addinall's birthday today. So a big happy birthday to her and if you have the time please check out her blog Curious Robyn for reviews and other observations.** ( Robyn didn't edit this piece, so any mistakes you find are my own ;)

It took several days to reach the island by boat, funded by the documentary crew that filmed their every move. Santos had secured the deal under the condition that he would host the show. For the first few days the crew filmed the mermaid, trying to catch its amazing transformation, so far nothing. People reported seeing the person they loved the most, but to the camera and everyone else the mermaid looked the same. It eventually got to the point where Margie, marine biologist, had to ban the crew from getting too close to the mermaid.

Santos stood on the pier with the camera crew filming.

“We have finally arrived. Once everything is setup we will be releasing the mermaid into her new home. And what a lovely home it is,” said Santos twirling around. The sky was a rich blue, seagulls squawked in the distance.

“Good!” said the director.

“Thankfully the audience at home can’t smell,” said Santos holding his nose. His short stature wasn’t helping.

After the half an hour drive they reached the oil baron’s holiday resort. A 5 star hotel reserved for the rich and famous. A hotel he nor any of the crew would be staying in. There was said to be a three year waiting list.  They would be staying in Margie’s new home, a villa down the road supplied by the oil baron so Margie could be close in case of emergencies.

The tank was massive, a large circular glass tube that was five stories high. There was a hole connecting each floor. Each floor was themed and packed with things the mermaid could play with. Santos was uncertain if the mermaid would make use any of them, but at least it looked as if she would be well looked after. Over the last year or so he had gotten quite attached to the creature. She had even mellowed out under Margie’s good care.

They were right at the top ready to release the mermaid into the tank. The film crew were there, some celebrities were there, even Tom Arbuckle the oil baron himself was there. His million dollar smile dazzling.

“The time has come. A creature we thought was only confined to folklore. A creature that tells us that there is more to this world than we know. A creature we hope will be happy in her new home. Release her!” said Santos with a flamboyant wave of his arms.

The mermaid was released. Her red eyes darted side to side and then she swam around, exploring the level they were on, but then she stopped, and looked at them. Santos could feel some of the crowd were feeling uneasy, especially the sound man who didn’t seem to want to look at the creature. A moment later the mermaid vomited. The crowd gasped and a lot of whispers broke out.

“Did you get that?” asked the director.

The camera man nodded moving in closer.

“Margie!” said Tom, his voice grave. “She better not be sick!”

Margie moved closer and placed her hand on the tank. The mermaid wiping her mouth, placed her hand there too. “On the contrary, I think she’s pregnant...”

Tom rubbed his hands together. “Well, isn't that a turn of events!”

Santos wondered how this was even possible, but he was sure he was going to stick around to find out.

Fifty First Friday Flash: Gargoyle

Gargoyle_by_flumpo-456

It was getting colder. Hugh hugged his tattered clothes closer. He would have to go across town to the charity to get some new ones soon. The new clothes normally made him itch, but at least he would be a bit warmer.

Maybe he would be able to catch Jerry before he closed he would give him some of the left over food from the day. He decided to take a shortcut down a side street. It was a part of town that was getting refurbished. Old Victorian buildings restored to their former glory. There was resistance from the local gangs, graffiti and whatnot, but most of the places had private security now. Chasing the riffraff away if their patrols spotted them.

Looking up he swore he saw a pair of eyes glinting from atop one of the roofs. Most probably a stray cat.

He had even been chased away a couple of times. He went peacefully. He didn't want to cause trouble. But that night trouble found him. It was Margret the local pimp. A woman with huge arms.

“Hugh! You get your filthy ass away from here!”

“Just passing...”

“I only have a short window of opportunity here and I don't want you ruining it,” she said coming over and grabbing him by his shirt front.

“Get off! At least I don't sell mine like you do.”

She screeched, pushing him over. “You know nothing!”

“That was uncalled for,” he said trying to pull himself up.

“Girls, there's extra for you if teach this bum a lesson.”

On his knees, Hugh, slumped when he saw them coming, he could see the pain and sense of lose deep in their eyes, besides there was no way he was going to fight girls. Covering his face he let them rain down blows on him, hoping they would tire out. A viscous blow hit him in the ribs. He wouldn't be surprised if it was cracked.

All of sudden a shrill sound filled the air. A sound that made him tremble. Just what kind of drugs were these people taking? Covering his ears he opened his eyes and watched as Magret and her girls scattered.

Hugh felt a hand on his shoulder. He expected a security guard or the police, but when he looked all he saw was a pair of large yellow eyes staring at him. He backed away a bit. The eyes tilted side to side looking at him, seeming to be satisfied it pushed something wet and gooey into his hands. It made noises with its mouth.

“You want me to eat it?”

The eyes nodded up and down.

Hugh put the gooey thing up to his face. It seemed to be a fish of some kind. A raw one.

“Thanks,” said Hugh looking to where the eyes were, but they were gone. He heard what sounded like large wings flapping off into the night.

Hugh achingly got to his feet, and hobbled down the street. Maybe if he hurried Jerry would be able to cook the fish for him.  

50th Friday Flash: Tin Man TONY

Image source

*Was originally going to use this image I stumbled across, but I saw it was someone else's fictional character and didn't want it to look like fan fiction or step on anyone's toes.*

Fire. The smoke was thick and black, it trailed off into the night. I hugged my teddy bear close as I stood outside with my gran and watched the fire. Poor Mr. Finnegan. He most probably left his pipe burning.

I wanted to help with the bucket chain, but my gran held onto my hand tightly. I would catch a cold and we shouldn't be gawking, but I could see the fire reflected in her eyes. She enjoyed the spectacle. And like me I was sure she was excited about the prospect of them arriving.

We weren't disappointed. Moments later a fire wagon pulled up. There must have been about half a dozen Mecha Men hanging off of the sides.

“Look there's Tin Man Tony!” I said jumping up and down.

“Indeed it is.”

Tin Man Tony was just like the other Mecha Man except that he was painted in a bright red, and it said TONY across his boiler plate. We watched in wonder as they set to work putting out the fire. They were fast and fearless.

Tin Man Tony rushed into the blazing building as soon as the fire wagon had come to stand still. Moments later he emerged with a very frightened looking Ruffles. Mr. Finnegan's dog.

“Mr. Finnegan?” asked my gran.

Tin Man Tony shook his head.

“May he rest well,” she said shaking her head. “Poor old bugger.”

The tin man placed Ruffles on the floor. The dog came over and sat by me feet and looked up at me with sad eyes. I picked him up. He was old, heavy and stinky but I had always had a soft spot for him.

“Can we...”

My gran sighed. “Just until someone shows up to collect him... now inside with you!”

“Aw... okay...” I followed my gran inside. “When I grow up I wanna be just like Tony.”

“Well,” said my gran with a smile. “If you eat your Brussels sprouts like I tell you, you just might.”

Forty Ninth Friday Flash: Ticket Stub

Image Source

This week's story suggestions are from @andrevr (scalpel, ticket stub, running shoes, and the Karoo) You can find Andre's photography and other social media places here

It was a blistering hot day and the fact that she was tied up and had duct tape over her mouth wasn't helping. The crazed maniac was upstairs, she was dreading their return.

The psycho had somehow drugged her drink and taken her way, where, she wasn't sure. Things were still hazy.

Someone was coming down the stairs. Her eyes widened when she saw who it was. It wasn't a man, not a crazed fan like she had suspected, it was Gabriela Fontain the previous star of the show. Someone she had respected.

She knew the older woman had taken it hard, but this was ridiculous.

“Ah, the pretty little angel awakens.”

“Mmm mmm mmm!”

“Look!” she said picking up an album and walking over. Putting it on her lap, her captor paged through it, showing her photos of her previous shows. A used ticket stub plastered with each set of photos. “For seven years I was the star of that show. Hell, I was that show.”

Amy just nodded.

“Then you caught Gerard's eye,” she said putting the album down and whipping back around to look at Amy intensely in the eyes. “You're sleeping with him aren't you?”

She shook her head vigorously, he had tried, but she had pushed off his advances. She was focusing on her career and it was common knowledge that Gerard was a player.

“Lying little pig!”

“You see what he did to me?” she said pointing down at her legs. One was covered in a cast from the knee down. The other had a running shoe on it. “Pushed me over when I confronted him about you sleeping with him. He denied it, the bastard, but I know. Oh I how I know!”

Amy shook her head more vigorously.

“Calm down, it's almost over,” she said picking up a scalpel.

“MMM MMM MMM!”

“Don't worry, I'm not going to kill you, the birds and other wildlife out in the Karoo will take care of that, just going to make the outside reflect the inside.”

Tears rolled down Amy's cheeks. Her eyes widened and blinked rapidly as the blade come in closer.

Forty Eighth Friday Flash: Old One Eye

*This week's story suggestions of false teeth, broken lighter, wet socks, wilderness and murderous rage were provided by @Crusaderofchaos you can also find his blog World in Ink here where you will find book reviews, astronomy and other geeky things.

The fish just weren't biting, two hours of sitting on a small rowing boat with my friend Bill and nothing. Myself, I was enjoying the peace and quiet, Bill on the other hand seemed to be getting more and more annoyed by the minute.

Bill tried to light a cigar with his lighter, but it wouldn't work. He looked at me and I shrugged. He knew I hated the things.

“Damn fish! Where are they?”

“Maybe it's your foul mood scaring them away.”

“Ha ha! Very funny!”

“Come on, let's move a little, maybe our luck will change.”

Bill shrugged. “Worth a try.” He got out the oars and rowed us over to the other side of the lake.

“There you go, now we can get a better view of the countryside.”

“Bah! All I want to do is catch old one eye.”

“Don't start that again Captain Ahab!”

“It would be a tale I could tell me grand kids.”

“All your grandchildren are vegans, they think fishing is gross and immoral.”

“Stupid muddled up kids,” said Bill with a sigh. “Hey! There he is!”

“Where?” I said spinning my head around, just spotting the tail of a large fishing disappearing lazily back into the water. It was said that old One Eye was six to seven feet long.

Bill threw his line in the fish's direction. “Come on baby, bite!”

We sat there for several minutes in utter silence until the fish whacked the side of the boat with its tail, rocking it side to side.

“The bugger!” shouted Bill, his long beard quavering as his chin went up and down. “This my only chance, I'm going in!”

I moved to stop him, but he was over the side before I could grab him. I paced the rowing boat, my wet socks squelching in my boats, agonizing on whether I should join him, but I was terrible swimmer and would most probably make things worse.

A moment later my old friend came bursting to the surface.

“Did you see him?” I asked leaning over the side of the boat.

“Not only that, I caught the bugger!” he said with a toothless grin.

“Wow! But why did you let him go?”

“I think the kids may be right, I could feel his strength, his legacy, I couldn't harm such a majestic creature.”

“Good for you, but what about your teeth?”

“What! He said smacking his lips together and then pounding the water with his fist. ”Damn you One Eye!”

I couldn't help but smile as I helped Bill on board wondering if Old One Eye was now swimming around sporting a toothy grin.

Forty Third Friday Flash: Lollipop

Thanks to @robi27 for editing and @indulgence_cafe for items, location and emotion suggestions(lollipop, giraffe, hacksaw, house and disbelief)

Ginny loved visiting her grandfather. He always had presents for her. Today he gave her a lollipop and a great big balloon with a giraffe on it.

“Thank you, Pappy!”

“Pleasure, my darling,” he said before he started coughing violently.

Ginny frowned. “Are you okay?”

“All good, my dear.”

“Okay,” she replied undoing the lollipop's wrapper and popping the multi-coloured candy into her mouth. It was a welcome distraction, she didn't want to think about how sick her grandfather was.

“Will you do me a favour, Ginny?”

“Anything for you, Pappy.”

“That's my girl,” he said handing her a hacksaw.

Ginny reluctantly took it, and held it at arm's length. Turning it over and looking at the serrated blade. “This is dangerous.”

“In the wrong hands yes, but you're a big girl.”

“What do you want me to do with it?” she asked, her spirits boosted by his confidence in her.

“See that cabinet over there? I want you to cut the lock off of it.”

Ginny took a step back, “But that would upset mummy.”

“Please sweetheart, just this once.” Her grandfather leaned forward in his bed, his big brown eyes filled with life. Sometimes he wasn't much better than the boys in her school. Always up to something naughty.

“I don't know.” Her mom could get awfully angry.

“After your mom throws me in that retirement home I will have no freedom at all.” He coughed again more violently this time.

Ginny sighed, “Okay.”

She went over to the cabinet and carefully began to work on the long necked lock, her grandfather putting his radio on full blast so it would disguise the noise. Ginny worked a little faster, her Pappy's music gave her a headache and she was worried her mom would come back from cleaning the kitchen at any moment.

Just when she thought her arm was going to catch fire from muscle burn she cut through the lock.

“Fantastic, my girl,” he said turning the radio down a bit. “Now bring the one with the three ships on it please.”

“Okay, Pappy.”

She carefully took it over, the bottle was heavy. With shaking hands he took it and placed it on his bedside cupboard.

“Can I try some, Pappy?” she asked as he opened the bottle.

They both froze as her mom barged into the room. “Will you put that infernal noise down?! Hey… wait! What is going on here? I can't leave you two alone for a minute!”

Ginny felt sad as she saw the light go out of her grandfather's eyes.

“I'm not a baby!”

“Sometimes I wonder! It's bad for you and you know it.” Her mother took hold of the bottle, but he wouldn't let go.

Ginny took a few paces back and reached in the cupboard for the other bottle she had seen, this one had a black label. Moving as quietly as she could, she placed the bottle in the bottom draw of the chest of draws next to the cabinet.

Her grandfather seeing what Ginny had done let go of the bottle. “Okay you win, you know best.”

“That's better.”

“Now give me a hug.”

Ginny smiled as her mom leaped at the chance, normally her grandfather hated hugs. “You know I'm only looking out for you right?”

“I know, I know,” he said winking at Ginny.

Ginny winked back.

Her mum turned to her, “Don't look so pleased with yourself, you're not off the hook yet.”

“Yes, mummy,” she said taking the lollipop out of her mouth.

Forty Second Friday Flash: 42

>Please read first<

** With this being my 42nd Friday Flash I thought I would play with the number 42. and being a The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy fan and the fact I'm reading a biography about Douglas Adams it was an obvious course of action that only struck me last night. Please read the notes below. Hopefully the story works. I've rounded it to 420 words.

*** "In 1966, mathematician Paul Cooper theorized that the fastest, most efficient way to travel across continents would be to bore a straight hollow tube directly through the Earth, connecting a set of antipodes, evacuate it (remove the air), and then just fall through.[5] The first half of the journey consists of free-fall acceleration, while the second half consists of an exactly equal deceleration. The time for such a journey works out to be 42 minutes. Remarkably, even if the tube does not pass through the exact center of the Earth, the time for a journey powered entirely by gravity always works out to be 42 minutes, as long as the tube remains friction-free, as while gravity's force would be lessened, so would the distance traveled at an equal rate.[6][7] (The same idea was proposed, without calculation, by Lewis Carroll in 1893 in Sylvie and Bruno Concluded.[8])"

**** this story in no way reflects my political leanings or lack thereof.

***** If you have your 42nd story coming up I challenge you to use the 42 theme too


- 32 minutes from impact -

Gerald stared at the screen. His eyes were streaming. Why did he insist on going to the game? Maggie was on the other side the tube. People were running riot all around him. It would be a miracle if he reached the tube in time.

A man landed with a sickening splat a few feet away from him. Gerald jumped back, shook his head and ran on. Since the announcement that a giant meteor was headed for Earth 10 minutes ago the world had gone mad. The authorities said it was for their own good. They would have kept them totally in the dark, but some rogue insiders were going to leak the news and they beat them to it.

He had gotten on the phone instantly. Maggie was crying. He had done his best to calm her down.

The queue to the 42 wasn't as bad he thought it would be, but was it short enough? It was remarkable civilized most were.

Maggie was on the other end.

“Almost there my love,” he said.

“Me too,” she said. “Are you sure this is a good idea?”

“We won't be able to touch, but at least we will be a little closer.”

“You think of everything my dearest.”

“I try,” he said, forlornly looking up at the moon. It was no wonder the world leaders had convened an urgent meeting there. I bet they weren't laughing at Newt Gingrich's plan for a permanent moon base now. Although with the Earth gone or whacked out of orbit it might send the Moon off on a collision course with something else.

- 22 minutes to go -

“I'm in position,” she said.

“Me too, on my count, 3...2...1... go.”

Gerald pressed the big red button in his little lifepod. Even though he had chosen the course because of his love for Maggie, a part of him was hoping being near the Earth's core when the meteor struck would protect them from the worst of it. Most of all he hoped it wouldn't lead to an even more painful death.

The connection through their cellphones was awfully fuzzy. He listened as Maggie recited one of her favourite poems off by heart. He didn't mind, he loved her voice and he knew it would help keep her calm.

- 15 seconds to go -

“I... I love you,” she said, her voice cracking.

“I love you too, my dear.”

Forty First Friday Flash: Twinkles

*All feedback is welcome. #stabbylove

Marisa sat in her back garden sipping on a cocktail, it was only 11am, but it was her weekend off and she would do what she damn well pleased. It was so relaxing to sit back and do nothing. The peace and quiet was soon shattered when a large statue of a man appeared a dozen or more feet above her lawn and dropped down with a ground shaking thud.

“My lawn!” she cried out. She had spent the previous weekend getting the garden into shape.

Twinkles who had been sleeping by her feet woke up with a start and barked at the statue.

Looking up she saw no helicopter or any other reason for the statue's sudden appearance.

Shaken and her heart pounding, she picked up her hairbrush and moved in closer. There was heat radiating from the statue, it felt as hot or even more so than one of her sunbed tanning sessions.

There was no inscription on the statue, and it didn't look like any historical figure she could remember.

“Shh Twinkles!”

Marisa leaned over and touched the statue. “Ouch!” She put her finger in her mouth, easing the pain a bit. It tasted like burnt metal.

Taking out her phone she took a photo and uploaded it to her feed. “Statue just landed in my yard?!? Lucky to be alive!”

Marisa went inside, she would give the local police station a call, but she was sidetracked when she saw there was a breaking news report on the TV. She turned up the volume.

“We are getting reports of statues falling down all over the country, no wait,” the reporter placed her hand to her ear. “It's worldwide. It's happening everywhere.”

Marisa couldn't help but feel some of the fear in the reporter's voice. Reaching for her phone she checked other people's feeds, it was full of photos and people trying to find out what was going on. Some seeming to go crazy, thinking it was the end of world. Marisa was frightened, but she wasn't going to let it get the better of her. Not yet.

Twinkles came running in, Marisa picked up the dog and stroked the shivering little body. The dog gave her some comfort, like she had many time before, through breakups, family passing and friends leaving. She had always been there to provide her some warmth and companionship.

The TV caught her attention again. “This is serious people, we have reports and video footage of the statues coming alive, hold on, yes, okay, yes they are not friendly. I repeat they are not friendly.”

Marisa froze, and turned her head slowly to look through her glass sliding door. The statue was gone. Marisa placed Twinkles on the floor.

“Run girl, run.”

Twinkles just sat down and moaned.

Marisa took up her bottle of vodka and took a good swig. A moment later the statue came crashing through her house, instinct kicked in and she dived away just in time.

Getting shakily to her feet she threw the bottle she still had in her hand at the statue, it smashed on its face, but seemed to have very little effect.

“What the hell do you want?”

The statue did not reply. It moved closer towards her.

Twinkles barked at the door, Marisa rushed over scooped her up, grabbed her keys and ran out the front door. She hopped in and placed Twinkles on the passenger seat and tried to start the car. It wouldn't work. She could hear screams and shouts coming from her neighbours. The statue burst out the front of her house.

“Oh crap! Come on, start! I just serviced you last week!”

Her car finally started, without looking she rammed it into reverse and sped backwards. There was a massive impact, she had smashed into one of the statues. Twinkles squealed and hid in the back. She looked in the rear mirror as it regained its balance.

The statue from her garden came striding forward and kicked the car, caving in the back door and making the car spin around a few times. Her head smacked against the side window rather forcefully, cracking it in the process. She did her best not to look at the blood that was splattered everywhere. Marisa groaned, and opened the car door to flop down onto the road.

Twinkles jumped out of the car, barked and licked her face. Marisa tried to crawl away, but there was just too much pain. Twinkles pulled at her shirt.

“Get away you silly dog, save yourself.”

Twinkles ignored her and pulled harder.

"Now Twinkles! Go!"

Twinkles seemed to look at her directly in the eyes and then gave one last lick before running away. Blood pouring out of the side of her mouth Marisa smiled, at least Twinkles would be safe.

Fortieth Friday Flash: Nessie (Revised Version)

*****
With comments on the story from @LouiseBroadBent and @Grahamza I thought it would be best to alter my Friday Flash a bit. Luckily I haden't posted my story into the collector so thought I would do a new blog post and keep the old one.

Mostly the ending has changed. If you feel so inclined please let me know if it's an improvement over the previous version.
*****


Caleb brushed his teeth vigorously, he wanted to get rid of his stupid spicy sausage breath. He loved his mum's cooking, but it played havoc on his personal hygiene.

The doorbell rang.

“I'll get it!” he shouted and ran down the stairs. He pulled his clothes straight and flattened his hair before snatching the door open. He smiled, it was Emily, she was all eyes and raven black hair.

Without saying a word Emily reached out and wiped away the toothpaste from his chin.

Blushing, he looked down.

His toothbrush was snatched from his hand. Caleb span around, it was his mum.

“Have him back by 6pm.”

“Mom! I'm 9 years old! Can't I stay out longer?”

“No, it's going to get dark early, and I'm sure your nanny needs to study for her exams.”

“Yes, I do,” said Emily “Enjoy your book club.”

Emily took his hand and they strolled down the hill towards the loch. He enjoyed spending time with her, all his friends thought girls were icky, but Emily was different, she was a woman.

“Are we going to that coffee shop again? I don't like it there, the music is always so annoying.”

“Not this time, Mr. Darcy has agreed to let us ride with him on his boat for a couple of hours.”

“Wow, really?”

“Yes, as long as we don't get in his way.”

“You're the best.”

“Just don't tell your mum, okay?”

“My lips are sealed.”

“Good.”

They were about halfway down to the loch.

“Emily?”

“Yes?”

“One day when I'm older and rich with money coming out of my ears, will you, um, will you marry me?”

She laughed. He would say anything to make her laugh. “You're a sweet kid, you should enjoy your youth, you don't want to shackle yourself too early on.”

“Nah, being young sucks, always people telling you what to do.”

She ruffled his hair. “Believe me kid, things don't change.”

“It will be different for me.”

“Maybe so, but come along, Mr. Darcy will be waiting.”

Sure enough the old man shouted at them as soon as he spotted them. “Come on, come on! Nessie will eat all the fish if we don't hurry!”

Several minutes later they were out on the water, Caleb and Emily looking out onto the water while Mr. Darcy set up his fishing rods.

“Remember to keep away from the water,” said Mr. Darcy. “Nessie has been very active lately.”

“You don't really believe do you?” asked Emily.

“You would be foolish not to, I have spotted the beast many times, never a clear good look, but its there alright.”

“I hope we see it!” said Caleb.

After a few minutes Emily sat back and opened up one of her books. They weren't supposed to be out on the water, his mum hated the water, and Mr. Darcy complained about any noise he made, but he didn't really care, he loved it.

Bored, he took a piece of paper from Emily's bag and made a paper airplane, once satisfied with all the folds and flaps he threw it into the air. It twirled around and then hovered dangerously near the edge.

“Emily! My plane!”

Startled, she leaped up, her book went flying.

“No!” shouted Emily jumping after the book, and over the edge.

“Emily!”

Caleb moved her to grab her, but his fingers just brushed her jacket. She went into the water with a splash. She emerged out of the water a few moments later, gasping for air.

“We must get her out of the water quick!” shouted Mr. Darcy.

Mr. Darcy reached down for Emily's hand. Caleb spotted something big moving in the water. Then Emily screamed and got pulled back into the water just as Mr. Darcy got a hold of her hand. Mr. Darcy almost followed her in.

Caleb reached down to help. “Hold on Emily!”

She seemed to be in too much pain to answer. They yanked back and forth a few times, but the beast would not let go. The beast's movements were getting more and more savage until they were all pulled off the boat. Caleb let go in the confusion. Luckily he had learned to swim the year before. He made his way to the surface and caught a hold of the side of the boat.

Mr. Darcy was just going back in, he seemed to have a knife in his hand and he was going after the beast and Emily. Caleb pulled himself into the boat and went to the controls. Luckily it started again at one turn. Breathing heavily he waited until he spotted movement in the water.

He eased the boat in closer, the controls not much different to video games he had played. After what seemed like ages Emily and then moments later Mr. Darcy burst up to the surface.

Caleb helped them on board. Emily's legs were bleeding badly and Mr. Darcy's had a nasty cut to his head.

“I'm so happy you're safe!” he said rushing over and giving Emily a hug.

“Me too,” she said between sobs.

“Get us to the shore Caleb! Fast!”

Caleb did as he was told. Phoning the emergency services from his cellphone as he guided the boat. Even though he was so scared, his mind was clear and he was going to do what he had to do to make sure both of them were okay.