Part Five
By Nicole Pyles
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label fantasy. Show all posts
Monday, March 11, 2013
Take Back the World: Part 5 of the Collaboration Challenge
The bittersweet moment has arrived, the time when this Challenge has reached it's completion point. The story, on the other hand ... ;)
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Snapshot Reveal: Fading Tracks
410 words. :) I was so afraid I'd gone over this time.
This post is in response to last week's Snapshot Prompt. Click on over to read more work inspired by the same photo and words. Or even (gasp) submit your own.
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Fading Tracks
Roger flickered into sight next to the overgrown rails. He frowned down at them a moment, kicking at the wild vegetable greens. His foot went right through.
These tracks used to run straight into the city, carrying folk from all over to come try their luck under 24 hour lights. Now the living just forgot them, forgot the importance of them, lost in their need for single-passenger cars, clogging up the highways and filling the air with that smoke--
"Good morning."
Roger's frown melted away as he turned to his fellow ghost.
"Well, hello there, Miss. Going somewhere special today?"
"I'm hoping," she said with a toothy smile. The girl had obviously been around a while, dressed in petticoats and layers of muslin, holding a little purse in a white-gloved hand.
"Did it take you a while to get here?" Roger asked politely. The woman's eyes widened.
"Oh, yes. I was tied pretty tightly to my place of death. Childbirth, you know," she whispered. Roger nodded solemnly before pulling out his silver pocket watch.
"Well, my dear, you won't have to wait much longer. The train is due in three minutes precisely."
"Oh, I'm so excited. Where does the train go, precisely? I'm not entirely sure ... " Her voice faded, her hands clutching her purse. Roger sent her a reassuring smile.
"Why, nearly anywhere in the Cosmos you would like to go." Her smile lit the world in that moment.
The wind carried a heavy note followed by a whistling breeze. Roger signaled the passenger to wait a moment. The breeze kicked up dirt and ruffled the vegetables but didn't do anything to the two figures standing by as the iridescent train materialized before them.
The lady rushed up to the ladder, cheerily greeting the conductor who opened the door for her. She paused on the landing and looked down.
"Are you coming, sir?" Roger hesitated, sharing a glance with the conductor before he answered.
"Not today, Ma'am. Have a nice trip, now."
She didn't waste another moment, slipping onto the train and out of sight.
"You sure, Roger?" the conductor asked. "It's been a long time."
"One day," Roger challenged. "One day they'll remember the tracks. They'll need me, then." The conductor set his lips and nodded goodbye. The train engine pushed the air up again as it disappeared.
Roger sighed and shook his head, looking down at his pocket watch before tucking it away and fading out of sight.
This post is in response to last week's Snapshot Prompt. Click on over to read more work inspired by the same photo and words. Or even (gasp) submit your own.
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Fading Tracks
Roger flickered into sight next to the overgrown rails. He frowned down at them a moment, kicking at the wild vegetable greens. His foot went right through.These tracks used to run straight into the city, carrying folk from all over to come try their luck under 24 hour lights. Now the living just forgot them, forgot the importance of them, lost in their need for single-passenger cars, clogging up the highways and filling the air with that smoke--
"Good morning."
Roger's frown melted away as he turned to his fellow ghost.
"Well, hello there, Miss. Going somewhere special today?"
"I'm hoping," she said with a toothy smile. The girl had obviously been around a while, dressed in petticoats and layers of muslin, holding a little purse in a white-gloved hand.
"Did it take you a while to get here?" Roger asked politely. The woman's eyes widened.
"Oh, yes. I was tied pretty tightly to my place of death. Childbirth, you know," she whispered. Roger nodded solemnly before pulling out his silver pocket watch.
"Well, my dear, you won't have to wait much longer. The train is due in three minutes precisely."
"Oh, I'm so excited. Where does the train go, precisely? I'm not entirely sure ... " Her voice faded, her hands clutching her purse. Roger sent her a reassuring smile.
"Why, nearly anywhere in the Cosmos you would like to go." Her smile lit the world in that moment.
The wind carried a heavy note followed by a whistling breeze. Roger signaled the passenger to wait a moment. The breeze kicked up dirt and ruffled the vegetables but didn't do anything to the two figures standing by as the iridescent train materialized before them.
The lady rushed up to the ladder, cheerily greeting the conductor who opened the door for her. She paused on the landing and looked down.
"Are you coming, sir?" Roger hesitated, sharing a glance with the conductor before he answered.
"Not today, Ma'am. Have a nice trip, now."
She didn't waste another moment, slipping onto the train and out of sight.
"You sure, Roger?" the conductor asked. "It's been a long time."
"One day," Roger challenged. "One day they'll remember the tracks. They'll need me, then." The conductor set his lips and nodded goodbye. The train engine pushed the air up again as it disappeared.
Roger sighed and shook his head, looking down at his pocket watch before tucking it away and fading out of sight.
Monday, February 25, 2013
The Half-Ling Escape: Part 4 of the Collaboration Challenge
Anika's secret power is revealed and her need for the real amulet increases.
by Yolanda Lane
Catch up links:
Friday, February 22, 2013
Part 3 Of the Collaboration Challenge
Meet your enemy.
by Joseph Redhorn (aka Gavril Mikhailovich)
Catch up links:
Tuesday, January 22, 2013
Snapshot Reveal: Time's Up
My take on last week's Snapshot Prompt is below. Check it out and link up your own interpretation with 500 words or less. The cut off for our Monthly Ad Contest is only a week away and includes last week's prompt contributions and tomorrow's. The prompt photo is below, along with the five mandatory words in bold. Word count, 174.
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Time's Up
The wind tangled Jera's hair while she looked up, up, up at the tall clock tower from the base of the red-bricked building. The rain had frozen past snow, falling in tiny little beads into her wide open eyes. She would not blink, her eyes glued to the smooth movement of the thin hand marking the seconds.
Icy droplets found their way to the thin skin of Jera's neck. She eased frozen fists from the pockets of her long, wool parka, wincing when each knuckle cracked with their unfurling but still refusing to take her eyes from the clock. She wanted to move quickly, but pain slowed her movements as she tightened her scarf. She puffed on her hands even knowing they wouldn't profit from her shallow breath, then tenderly returned them to their pockets.
There it was. The bells rung, filling the cobbled square with their deep, jolting song. The icy water at her feet began to rise and lift her with it, sending her up on a platform made of cold faith.
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Time's UpThe wind tangled Jera's hair while she looked up, up, up at the tall clock tower from the base of the red-bricked building. The rain had frozen past snow, falling in tiny little beads into her wide open eyes. She would not blink, her eyes glued to the smooth movement of the thin hand marking the seconds.
Icy droplets found their way to the thin skin of Jera's neck. She eased frozen fists from the pockets of her long, wool parka, wincing when each knuckle cracked with their unfurling but still refusing to take her eyes from the clock. She wanted to move quickly, but pain slowed her movements as she tightened her scarf. She puffed on her hands even knowing they wouldn't profit from her shallow breath, then tenderly returned them to their pockets.
There it was. The bells rung, filling the cobbled square with their deep, jolting song. The icy water at her feet began to rise and lift her with it, sending her up on a platform made of cold faith.
Monday, October 29, 2012
I Was Expecting You - Part 4 of the Collaboration Challenge
Just the kind of news you want at 17!
The old woman appeared in the doorway again. "Yes, yes. You know. Destiny, fate, you two belonging together, ruling the magical Black Hollow forest together." She went back into the cabin. "Come in! I have scones!"
Ooh, scones. :) Find out more over at Nicole's blog for Part 4 of the Collaboration Challenge.
The old woman appeared in the doorway again. "Yes, yes. You know. Destiny, fate, you two belonging together, ruling the magical Black Hollow forest together." She went back into the cabin. "Come in! I have scones!"
Ooh, scones. :) Find out more over at Nicole's blog for Part 4 of the Collaboration Challenge.
by Nicole Pyles at The World of My Imagination
Monday, October 22, 2012
What Just Happened - Part 3 of the Collaboration Challenge
Did you get a chance to stop by Tena's blog for the 3rd part of the Collaboration Challenge? There's a crazy twist going on with this story.
First, catch up with Part One: Shedding Light and Part Two: Black Hollow.
And now:
First, catch up with Part One: Shedding Light and Part Two: Black Hollow.
And now:
by Tena Carr at Jottings and Writings
Only 2 more weeks left in this Challenge. I wonder how it's going to turn out.
Don't forget, you can grab a Collaboration Challenge button to help support these serial stories and the writers who take part.
Don't forget, you can grab a Collaboration Challenge button to help support these serial stories and the writers who take part.
Monday, October 15, 2012
Black Hollow: Part Two of the Collaboration Challenge
Part two of October's Halloween Special Collaboration Challenge is posted.
Read, Shedding Light, the beginning of this serial story before heading over to the next stop.
Read, Shedding Light, the beginning of this serial story before heading over to the next stop.
By Leanne Sype at Writings and Ruminations
Thank you, Leanne, for joining in our crazy game.
Do you love the Collaboration Challenge? Help people find us by adding a button to your blog.
Sunday, October 7, 2012
Shedding Light: Collaboration Challenge Part 1
Welcome back to a new Collaboration Challenge serial story. :) This time around we have returning writers Tena Carr, Leonard Suskin and Nicole Pyles, and joining us is Leanne Sype. We will each be taking one week only, so this story will be a total of 5 parts long.
Also, I've put together a lovely button for my fellow writers and anyone who enjoys the Collaboration Challenge and would like to share.
For now, on to the story.
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Part One: Shedding Light
Zack sat in his home room classroom, his bag at his side, his feet resting on the metal basket under the chair of the desk in front of him. It was a standard school with rows of individual desks, a whiteboard wall and shelves at the back. Windows sent light in from the left and a brick wall blocked the light on the right.
He was sketching that light, using his pencil to create airy lines floating in, stopping in disjoined splats against the wall. As he sketched, the light in the room came to life, floating around in concentrated sparkles as if the room had become the inside of a diamond.
Light danced across his dark clothing, getting caught in the red sweep of his hair and echoing the freckles across his sharp nose. His red hair used to get him teased before he grew into his six foot five frame. For some reason, the bullies didn’t like to go after someone they had to look up to see.
Zack manipulated the light through his pencil, directing it to light up the clock, the craft paper taped to the brick wall, to reflect off the dull grey floor. He didn’t stop sketching until the door handle turned. Zack dropped the pencil and crumpled up the paper, killing the effect as the door swung open. The girl who walked in stopped his heart, rivaling any diamond light show he could create.
Morgan was beautiful today, dressed in orange and black striped socks, black satin capries tied at the knee with orange ribbon, a white peasant blouse cinched with a black belt just below her breasts. She had black and orange ribbons decorating her angled haircut, the kind that was short in the back and longer in the front. Her makeup was dark and smokey, her lips a deep, purple-red.
She dressed as a witch every Halloween. Last year he’d overheard Morgan telling her friends she was channeling her inner Morgana. He wished she really could. Maybe then they would have something to talk about. Maybe he could have a friend, rather than keeping to himself to protect his secret.
When no one else followed Morgan in, Zack glanced at the clock, surprised to see there were still six minutes until the bell would ring. He was always in the classroom early, enjoying the silence and calm before the break of the day. Morgan was usually out in the halls, laughing with her group of friends, teasing her boyfriend and comparing the latest and greatest on their touch-screen phones. Something must have happened if she’d been driven in here.
Zack sat toward the back of the class, on the brick wall side of the room. Morgan was halfway up the room, directly in front of the window. He didn’t have a clear view of her face, but he could hear the stressed breathing.
Legs shaking, Zack forced himself up from his chair. He did not usually socialize, but this was Morgan. They were alone and she was upset. Maybe he could help. Maybe she would notice him.
His knees almost gave out when he reached her row, but he straightened his shoulders and forced himself forward, almost like he talked to people every day.
“H-hey, Morgan?” The stutter hadn’t been great, but at least his voice hadn’t squeaked. “Are you okay?”
Morgan shuddered, looking up at him and away in one quick motion. Zack’s stomach dropped at the dismissal. Dizziness kept his feet still. He didn’t want to stumble away and add to the embarrassment.
“Oh, what the hell,” Morgan mumbled. “Who knows what rumors will spread?”
Zack kept quiet, not wanting to admit he never heard the rumors. Morgan turned and pinned him with honey-green eyes.
“I--” Morgan’s lips thinned as if she tasted something bitter, then she balled her fists and forced herself to continue. “I just caught my boyfriend kissing some other girl.” Zack wasn’t surprised, but he didn’t want to say anything. “And. Hmm. And I think I turned him into a frog.”
Also, I've put together a lovely button for my fellow writers and anyone who enjoys the Collaboration Challenge and would like to share.
For now, on to the story.
-------------------------------
Part One: Shedding Light
Zack sat in his home room classroom, his bag at his side, his feet resting on the metal basket under the chair of the desk in front of him. It was a standard school with rows of individual desks, a whiteboard wall and shelves at the back. Windows sent light in from the left and a brick wall blocked the light on the right.He was sketching that light, using his pencil to create airy lines floating in, stopping in disjoined splats against the wall. As he sketched, the light in the room came to life, floating around in concentrated sparkles as if the room had become the inside of a diamond.
Light danced across his dark clothing, getting caught in the red sweep of his hair and echoing the freckles across his sharp nose. His red hair used to get him teased before he grew into his six foot five frame. For some reason, the bullies didn’t like to go after someone they had to look up to see.
Zack manipulated the light through his pencil, directing it to light up the clock, the craft paper taped to the brick wall, to reflect off the dull grey floor. He didn’t stop sketching until the door handle turned. Zack dropped the pencil and crumpled up the paper, killing the effect as the door swung open. The girl who walked in stopped his heart, rivaling any diamond light show he could create.
Morgan was beautiful today, dressed in orange and black striped socks, black satin capries tied at the knee with orange ribbon, a white peasant blouse cinched with a black belt just below her breasts. She had black and orange ribbons decorating her angled haircut, the kind that was short in the back and longer in the front. Her makeup was dark and smokey, her lips a deep, purple-red.
She dressed as a witch every Halloween. Last year he’d overheard Morgan telling her friends she was channeling her inner Morgana. He wished she really could. Maybe then they would have something to talk about. Maybe he could have a friend, rather than keeping to himself to protect his secret.
When no one else followed Morgan in, Zack glanced at the clock, surprised to see there were still six minutes until the bell would ring. He was always in the classroom early, enjoying the silence and calm before the break of the day. Morgan was usually out in the halls, laughing with her group of friends, teasing her boyfriend and comparing the latest and greatest on their touch-screen phones. Something must have happened if she’d been driven in here.
Zack sat toward the back of the class, on the brick wall side of the room. Morgan was halfway up the room, directly in front of the window. He didn’t have a clear view of her face, but he could hear the stressed breathing.
Legs shaking, Zack forced himself up from his chair. He did not usually socialize, but this was Morgan. They were alone and she was upset. Maybe he could help. Maybe she would notice him.
His knees almost gave out when he reached her row, but he straightened his shoulders and forced himself forward, almost like he talked to people every day.
“H-hey, Morgan?” The stutter hadn’t been great, but at least his voice hadn’t squeaked. “Are you okay?”
Morgan shuddered, looking up at him and away in one quick motion. Zack’s stomach dropped at the dismissal. Dizziness kept his feet still. He didn’t want to stumble away and add to the embarrassment.
“Oh, what the hell,” Morgan mumbled. “Who knows what rumors will spread?”
Zack kept quiet, not wanting to admit he never heard the rumors. Morgan turned and pinned him with honey-green eyes.
“I--” Morgan’s lips thinned as if she tasted something bitter, then she balled her fists and forced herself to continue. “I just caught my boyfriend kissing some other girl.” Zack wasn’t surprised, but he didn’t want to say anything. “And. Hmm. And I think I turned him into a frog.”
Monday, September 24, 2012
Snapshot Reveal: Cold Death
My bonus this weekend? I woke up thinking it was Monday, only to learn it was Sunday. :D Of course, now it is actually Monday, which means a Snapshot Reveal.
Check out the prompt here. We're having linky issues, but please link yours up so you can participate in the contest. We will feature them in this Wednesday's prompt post. You can also link them up in the comments if you would like to show them off right away.
Happy Monday. :)
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Cold Death
Death stood outside the cafe, using the specials whiteboard supported by a step ladder to block the cold wind. Today, it seemed, the mortal shop was serving french onion soup, spinach ravioli and a hot apple cobbler meal for only $12.99. It wasn't his favorite, but he wasn't here for himself.Where he came from, the atmosphere was much warmer, so muggy the air seemed to wrap around him. He preferred the areas on the mortal world that best resembled his home. It had been his best campaign to convince the 'snow birds' to move south for the winter, right along with the little sparrows. Unfortunately, not everyone could make the trip, so he was stuck visiting these cold place that, for some reason, felt they needed to compound the season with larger-than-life snowflake decorations in their windows.
Finally, the young man he'd been waiting for. A traveler down a road that was coming to an end. The young man had heavy glasses, a heavy moleskin coat and a heavier backpack, all bending his narrow frame. The strain was becoming too much for a heart with thin walls.
The youth stopped at the specials sign and got out his translation dictionary, frowning over the words for a moment before nodding and heading into the cafe. Death waited until they were side by side, uncurling his arms against the cold. His bony hand passed through the young man's chest, threads of his soul tangling around the narrow appendages. The young man stopped, collapsing to the ground as his heart finally gave out. Death slowly tugged, pulling the rest of the tangled soul from the failing body, tucking it inside his long, black coat.
Ah, now time to take the youngster home. Death gave a final shiver before parting the veil, leaving the cold, mortal world for his warm, comfortable home.
Tuesday, September 11, 2012
Just Trust Me, Please - Part 10 of the Collaboration Challenge
Nicole has done it. She has brought to a close our 10 week Collaboration Challenge.
Have you been waiting for this moment to dive in? Well, here are your links ...
Part One: Two Doors
Part Two: Shall I Turn On The Lights
Part Three: The Estate
Part Four: You'll Know It When You See It
Part Five: Message, Hold The Bottle
Part Six: Secret Letter
Part Seven: The Truth
Part Eight: The Secret of Time Travel
Part Nine: Broken Threads
And now, for Nicole's finale.
Have you been waiting for this moment to dive in? Well, here are your links ...
Part One: Two Doors
Part Two: Shall I Turn On The Lights
Part Three: The Estate
Part Four: You'll Know It When You See It
Part Five: Message, Hold The Bottle
Part Six: Secret Letter
Part Seven: The Truth
Part Eight: The Secret of Time Travel
Part Nine: Broken Threads
And now, for Nicole's finale.
Nicole Pyles @ The World of My Imagination
Monday, September 10, 2012
Visitation - Snapshot Reveal
Happy Monday! I'm planning some small changes around here during this fine month of September. It shouldn't be terribly disruptive, but I'm looking to reorganize in the hopes of being more organized. ;)
As for today, here's my Snapshot Reveal. You can check out the prompt, the stories submitted so far, or even submit your own here.
Have a happy Monday.
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Visitation
"Mom, come down here. Look! It's like a whole different world."
Mary laughed. "You say that every year."
She followed Ben down the cobbled path to the stone patio overlooking the lake. Trees bowed toward them as if showing respect to this place even as they guarded it.
"Why doesn't anyone else come here?" Ben kicked a fallen acorn into the foliage.
"I rent the place for your birthday."
Ben rolled his eyes, bending over to check out some flowers growing on a creeper vine.
"Hike up them trousers." Without standing up, Ben attempted to pull his waistband back up to his waist.
"You sound like Grandpa. All you need is a ball cap and a toothpick."
"Then Grandpa is right. You need a belt for those things. I'm sure I bought you one for just that reason."
"Hey, I'm 13 now. Be happy I took my vitamins."
Pride filled Mary as she watched her son explore the forest around, his feet never leaving the stone as she'd always warned. This was a special place for them, though Ben didn't know the real reason behind it. One day she would have to tell him, but until then he could believe this was only for them.
"Mom," Ben called suddenly. She recalled herself from her daydreams and focused on her son, looking out over the lake. "I saw a tail fin. It was huge."
Mary got up to stand next to him, her stomach sinking. "What could be that big inn in a lake?"
"It goes deeper than you think." Her eyes were nervously skimming the water. Ben was 13 now, true, but surely he wasn't old enough. She had to have more time.
The surface remained undisturbed. Ben lost the buzz of excitement and Mary was able to relax as well.
"Perhaps it's time to head back." Ben nodded in answer, looking back over the lake one more time before heading up the trail toward the parking lot. At the edge of the patio, Mary stopped to watch the lake on impulse.
The surface was rippling near the outer curve of the stone patio. The sight had her running to catch up with Ben, leaving the grove behind for another year.
As for today, here's my Snapshot Reveal. You can check out the prompt, the stories submitted so far, or even submit your own here.
Have a happy Monday.
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Visitation
"Mom, come down here. Look! It's like a whole different world."
Mary laughed. "You say that every year."She followed Ben down the cobbled path to the stone patio overlooking the lake. Trees bowed toward them as if showing respect to this place even as they guarded it.
"Why doesn't anyone else come here?" Ben kicked a fallen acorn into the foliage.
"I rent the place for your birthday."
Ben rolled his eyes, bending over to check out some flowers growing on a creeper vine.
"Hike up them trousers." Without standing up, Ben attempted to pull his waistband back up to his waist.
"You sound like Grandpa. All you need is a ball cap and a toothpick."
"Then Grandpa is right. You need a belt for those things. I'm sure I bought you one for just that reason."
"Hey, I'm 13 now. Be happy I took my vitamins."
Pride filled Mary as she watched her son explore the forest around, his feet never leaving the stone as she'd always warned. This was a special place for them, though Ben didn't know the real reason behind it. One day she would have to tell him, but until then he could believe this was only for them.
"Mom," Ben called suddenly. She recalled herself from her daydreams and focused on her son, looking out over the lake. "I saw a tail fin. It was huge."
Mary got up to stand next to him, her stomach sinking. "What could be that big inn in a lake?"
"It goes deeper than you think." Her eyes were nervously skimming the water. Ben was 13 now, true, but surely he wasn't old enough. She had to have more time.
The surface remained undisturbed. Ben lost the buzz of excitement and Mary was able to relax as well.
"Perhaps it's time to head back." Ben nodded in answer, looking back over the lake one more time before heading up the trail toward the parking lot. At the edge of the patio, Mary stopped to watch the lake on impulse.
The surface was rippling near the outer curve of the stone patio. The sight had her running to catch up with Ben, leaving the grove behind for another year.
Saturday, September 1, 2012
Broken Threads - Part Nine of the Collaboration Challenge
I'm sorry, I'm sorry, I'm sorry (especially to Nicole) that I completely forgot last Thursday was my day to post. But, I've remembered and I've read through everyone's portion again so I can set up something good for Nicole to finish with.
It's been so long, you may need a reminder of what's come before. Let me lead you on your merry journey through Gnat's story.
Part One: Two Doors
Part Two: Shall I Turn On The Lights
Part Three: The Estate
Part Four: You'll Know It When You See It
Part Five: Message, Hold The Bottle
Part Six: The Secret Letter
Part Seven: The Truth
Part Eight: The Secret of Time Travel
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Part Nine:
Broken Threads
That's it, isn't it?
Gnat had always been good at reading people, at knowing when she could escape and where she could hide. She'd learned quickness along the way, following her instincts.
Except, perhaps it was more than instincts that led her. Perhaps it had more to do with knowing than with paying attention.
The world began to click into place.
Naomi the traveler, learning so much in her travels, going back to her time to self-fulfill her scientific discoveries, gaining acclaim, money and confidence. Naomi using her knowledge to try and fix the fire, trying to fix the damage caused by her interference time and time again, shredding the fabric of time more and more.
Tyler coming back in time, regaining a young body to meet the woman he loved while she was just a child, trying to see who she might become before the scars.
Her cubby on Second Street. So many lines coming together, beginning, ending. Freddy finding her and leaving her, missing her when he wanted her, and finally catching her.
A dream that wasn't a dream, but a trip back to a fire she'd learned about in school. Horrified, she'd struggled the wake up, struggled to send herself back, somehow taking the fire with her.
Tyler, seeking her through the years, both her present self and her traveling self. Both versions always knew just when to slip away, just what path to take to avoid him.
Freddy, traveling with and without Tyler, his mind snapping, a desperation greater than Tyler's growing in the hopes that Naomi would know how to fix him.
Naomi planting a notebook, moments and years later returning to plant the globe that held confetti falling down on a broken new year's clock. Would she figure it out? Or would she make the same mistakes she always did?
The world had begun to click into place, but it was broken. There were too many lines cut short, too many lines left too long. The weaving was incomplete and messy.
And all of it started with this moment, when Naomi taught Gnat what she had already always known.
"You see, don't you?" Naomi asked, tears in her eyes. "The trouble isn't in seeing, though, it's in doing. We've made ourselves quite a mess, Gnat. It may finally be broken enough to fix."
The white room faded away to shadow. Freddy stood beside her, unaware she'd gone and come back. The shadow moved slightly, flipping a switch to add yellowed light to the room.
"You have her then." The Freddy beside her was speaking to the Freddy who had just turned on the light. This is how it was really done, then. Too many selves in one place finally breaking time enough so it might be fixed.
Do I want to fix it? she asked herself in the darkness of her mind. This future left her well-known, rich, desired. She was no longer the broken, base being she had made herself after the fire. She could fix time now, then use it again, knowing she would fix it later.
"Of course I have her." Freddy two opened a closet door. A heavy laden chair scraped painfully across the floor. There the older Naomi sat, her head hanging down, dry blood matting her hair to one side of her face.
Gnat looked between the two Freddy's, knowing they were not the same that had found her in her cubby, knowing it was her choices that had lead to breaking this man. Knowing her discovery had been what was killing Tyler.
Before, there had been a set path. Now she could make her own.
"Freddy, can I have the snow globe now?"
It's been so long, you may need a reminder of what's come before. Let me lead you on your merry journey through Gnat's story.
Part One: Two Doors
Part Two: Shall I Turn On The Lights
Part Three: The Estate
Part Four: You'll Know It When You See It
Part Five: Message, Hold The Bottle
Part Six: The Secret Letter
Part Seven: The Truth
Part Eight: The Secret of Time Travel
------------------------------------------------------------
Part Nine:
Broken Threads
That's it, isn't it?
Gnat had always been good at reading people, at knowing when she could escape and where she could hide. She'd learned quickness along the way, following her instincts.
Except, perhaps it was more than instincts that led her. Perhaps it had more to do with knowing than with paying attention.
The world began to click into place.
Naomi the traveler, learning so much in her travels, going back to her time to self-fulfill her scientific discoveries, gaining acclaim, money and confidence. Naomi using her knowledge to try and fix the fire, trying to fix the damage caused by her interference time and time again, shredding the fabric of time more and more.Tyler coming back in time, regaining a young body to meet the woman he loved while she was just a child, trying to see who she might become before the scars.
Her cubby on Second Street. So many lines coming together, beginning, ending. Freddy finding her and leaving her, missing her when he wanted her, and finally catching her.
A dream that wasn't a dream, but a trip back to a fire she'd learned about in school. Horrified, she'd struggled the wake up, struggled to send herself back, somehow taking the fire with her.
Tyler, seeking her through the years, both her present self and her traveling self. Both versions always knew just when to slip away, just what path to take to avoid him.
Freddy, traveling with and without Tyler, his mind snapping, a desperation greater than Tyler's growing in the hopes that Naomi would know how to fix him.
Naomi planting a notebook, moments and years later returning to plant the globe that held confetti falling down on a broken new year's clock. Would she figure it out? Or would she make the same mistakes she always did?
The world had begun to click into place, but it was broken. There were too many lines cut short, too many lines left too long. The weaving was incomplete and messy.
And all of it started with this moment, when Naomi taught Gnat what she had already always known.
"You see, don't you?" Naomi asked, tears in her eyes. "The trouble isn't in seeing, though, it's in doing. We've made ourselves quite a mess, Gnat. It may finally be broken enough to fix."
The white room faded away to shadow. Freddy stood beside her, unaware she'd gone and come back. The shadow moved slightly, flipping a switch to add yellowed light to the room.
"You have her then." The Freddy beside her was speaking to the Freddy who had just turned on the light. This is how it was really done, then. Too many selves in one place finally breaking time enough so it might be fixed.
Do I want to fix it? she asked herself in the darkness of her mind. This future left her well-known, rich, desired. She was no longer the broken, base being she had made herself after the fire. She could fix time now, then use it again, knowing she would fix it later.
"Of course I have her." Freddy two opened a closet door. A heavy laden chair scraped painfully across the floor. There the older Naomi sat, her head hanging down, dry blood matting her hair to one side of her face.
Gnat looked between the two Freddy's, knowing they were not the same that had found her in her cubby, knowing it was her choices that had lead to breaking this man. Knowing her discovery had been what was killing Tyler.
Before, there had been a set path. Now she could make her own.
"Freddy, can I have the snow globe now?"
Friday, August 24, 2012
Collaboration Challenge, part 8
Hey, everyone. I meant to post earlier and got lost in the confusion of getting ready. I am on vacation with the family until Tuesday, so you may not hear a peep out of me until then.
In the meantime, check out part eight of the collaboration challenge with Leonard Suskin. I'm sure he'll have all the past links up for you, too.
See you next week. :-)
(I hope that all came out OK. First time using the blogger app on my phone ...)
Edited so the link to Leonard works.
In the meantime, check out part eight of the collaboration challenge with Leonard Suskin. I'm sure he'll have all the past links up for you, too.
See you next week. :-)
(I hope that all came out OK. First time using the blogger app on my phone ...)
Edited so the link to Leonard works.
Monday, August 13, 2012
Touch Me Not: Snapshot Reveal
I am writing a bit late today because I re-prioritized exercise before blogging. Yes, I write almost all my blogs the day of posting. The exception would be my toddler tales series, and the family field trip post I may turn into a series if we do enough of them. ;)
This week's prompt post can be found a few posts back if you would like to see it, or you can submit your own and be entered in our contest. If you win, you get a month's free advertising here and on The World of My Imagination blog.
I, of course, cannot win as a blog host, but I still love to submit my stories. :) Here's this week's.
------------------------
Touch Me Not
It grew between one day and the next. The depths were green, fading out to a pale yellow and pointed tips sharper than glass. It was unlike any plant my parents had ever seen. When Grandpa saw it he glared.
"Don't go looking too hard at that, Jules."
"Mama and Daddy are looking," I snipped back.
"They ain't young. Now reform that attitude."
"So you know what it is?" Grandpa scowled at the thing in the middle of our field.
"It's a Skyscraper," he said. "It's best if we just stay away."
Before the afternoon was through, neighbors and travelers had come to see the Skyscraper that was now twice as tall as a man.
"I bet it will grow up to the clouds." I say, hanging out the kitchen window. Grandpa didn't look up from his whittling.
"I suppose it may."
"Has it grown here before?"
"When I was about your age," he answered reluctantly. "Now get back in here. That ain't no balcony to be hanging over." I huffed and continued cleaning dishes.
I was in bed when Mama and Papa came in, exhausted and upset about the damage done to the crops by all the people wanting to see the Skyscraper.
"Don't you worry about that field," Grandpa's voice rumbled so deep I could feel it in my chest. "You worry about that girl. Make sure she stays in bed."
"I'm sure she will," Mama replied.
Grandpa harrumphed. A chair scraped closer to my door and I heard the whisper of knife over wood.
Outside never really got dark. I watched the sun go down through my window. but a soft yellow light kept the air glowing. The moon must be out, reflecting off the Skyscraper. I had to see it.
I got up, easing the casement open, listening to Grandpa's snores as I slipped out the window. I walked through the tall grass around the house, gasping when I saw the light was coming from the Skyscraper. It was tall, reaching all the way to the heavy clouds covering the sky.
Each step took me closer, each blade of grass bending out of my way. I walked reverently around the Skyscraper, studying each pointed leaf. Only the ends looked sharp. If I was careful, I should be able to feel the surface of the smooth blade without hurting myself.
The strange leaves parted, giving me more room to explore. The leaf I was tracing began to curl back, changing from a sharp edge to a hand. I looked up in surprise, meeting a pair of green eyes, a face framed with spiky yellow hair. His hand wrapped around mine, pulling me in. The Skyscraper cracked, each leaf fracturing, crinkling and falling like broken glass. I had to get away, to get out from under the falling shards, but my eyes were trapped in his.
He pulled me in as the Skyscraper fell around me.
This week's prompt post can be found a few posts back if you would like to see it, or you can submit your own and be entered in our contest. If you win, you get a month's free advertising here and on The World of My Imagination blog.
I, of course, cannot win as a blog host, but I still love to submit my stories. :) Here's this week's.
------------------------
Touch Me NotIt grew between one day and the next. The depths were green, fading out to a pale yellow and pointed tips sharper than glass. It was unlike any plant my parents had ever seen. When Grandpa saw it he glared.
"Don't go looking too hard at that, Jules."
"Mama and Daddy are looking," I snipped back.
"They ain't young. Now reform that attitude."
"So you know what it is?" Grandpa scowled at the thing in the middle of our field.
"It's a Skyscraper," he said. "It's best if we just stay away."
Before the afternoon was through, neighbors and travelers had come to see the Skyscraper that was now twice as tall as a man.
"I bet it will grow up to the clouds." I say, hanging out the kitchen window. Grandpa didn't look up from his whittling.
"I suppose it may."
"Has it grown here before?"
"When I was about your age," he answered reluctantly. "Now get back in here. That ain't no balcony to be hanging over." I huffed and continued cleaning dishes.
I was in bed when Mama and Papa came in, exhausted and upset about the damage done to the crops by all the people wanting to see the Skyscraper.
"Don't you worry about that field," Grandpa's voice rumbled so deep I could feel it in my chest. "You worry about that girl. Make sure she stays in bed."
"I'm sure she will," Mama replied.
Grandpa harrumphed. A chair scraped closer to my door and I heard the whisper of knife over wood.
Outside never really got dark. I watched the sun go down through my window. but a soft yellow light kept the air glowing. The moon must be out, reflecting off the Skyscraper. I had to see it.
I got up, easing the casement open, listening to Grandpa's snores as I slipped out the window. I walked through the tall grass around the house, gasping when I saw the light was coming from the Skyscraper. It was tall, reaching all the way to the heavy clouds covering the sky.
Each step took me closer, each blade of grass bending out of my way. I walked reverently around the Skyscraper, studying each pointed leaf. Only the ends looked sharp. If I was careful, I should be able to feel the surface of the smooth blade without hurting myself.
The strange leaves parted, giving me more room to explore. The leaf I was tracing began to curl back, changing from a sharp edge to a hand. I looked up in surprise, meeting a pair of green eyes, a face framed with spiky yellow hair. His hand wrapped around mine, pulling me in. The Skyscraper cracked, each leaf fracturing, crinkling and falling like broken glass. I had to get away, to get out from under the falling shards, but my eyes were trapped in his.
He pulled me in as the Skyscraper fell around me.
Thursday, August 9, 2012
The Secret Letter - Part Six of the Collaboration Challenge
Gnat gets a chance to check out the notebook she found. What secrets has she left herself?
A little bit lost? Catch up with the previous posts:
Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five
A little bit lost? Catch up with the previous posts:
Part One Part Two Part Three Part Four Part Five
Yolanda Lane @ Landa-Loo, Where Are You?
Monday, August 6, 2012
Runaway - Snapshot Reveal
Wow, but this one was tricky. I started out 136 words over, and managed to trim it down to 500 exactly.
Are you interested in taking on the challenge? Find out the rules and where to link your story over on this post. You can read what others have written from there, too.
Happy writing.
edit: I added in the link and added the prompt photo. I also added in that he followed the tracks as I'd originally intended and forgot to do in the rush of the morning routine. I'm sorry. :(
----------------------------------
Runaway
Tommy checked that his wallet was in his back pocket. He picked up his backpack, stuffed with clothes, his MP3 player and speakers, his favorite blue water bottle and a spare set of shoes.
"Okay." He took a deep breath and grabbed his jacket on the way out.
Tommy snuck out the back door, hopping the fence separating his lawn from the forest. The foliage was so overgrown, his house was out of sight in a few steps.
Tommy wove through the trees until he reached the train tracks. He followed them, looking back to see if he was followed. No one called his name. No hard footsteps came behind him. He'd gotten away.
The smell of smoke touched his nose. Tommy pulled the straps of his backpack to hold it steady as he ran through the trees. Two other boys were sitting next to a small fire at the bottom of a small hill. He tripped on an exposed root on his way down, the momentum causing him to slide across the ground.
The other boys cackled at him. Tommy tried to ignore the laughter as he approached.
"You're late," Jim charged.
"Dad worked from home today," he explained, dropping his backpack against a tree.
"Well, at least you made it," Robbie greeted him. "Just in time, too. We're deciding where to go."
"Robbie wants to go work on a boat," Jim frowned.
"Not a boat," Robbie shot back. "A cruise ship. You know. The kind people go on vacation on. Anyway, it's better than your suggestion," Robbie charged.
"Not the circus again," Tommy frowned. Jim puffed his chest.
"All runaways are supposed to go to the circus. They're the only ones who will hire kids without asking questions."
"Why can't we just go to the mountains? We can find an abandoned gold miner's cabin and fish for food."
Jim and Robbie frowned. "Well, it'll probably be the easiest," Robbie agreed slowly. A sharp trill came from his pocket. He looked at the other boys sheepishly as he answered the cell.
"Yeah, Mom? .... Yeah, we're all here. ... Sure, I'll be home by dinner tomorrow. Bye. .... I love you, too," he grumbled the last, glaring at his two friends. Jim stood up, his hands in fists.
"You brought a cell phone!"
"Mom made me after I came home burned."
"It was one finger," Tommy argued.
"Tell me about it," Robbie grumbled. "But she said if I wanted to keep running away, I had to start taking my phone." Jim sat down and joined the other two as they sulked.
"Alright, let's set up the tent," Tommy eventually charged. Jim walked over to the bush where they hid their plastic storage box, pulling out the tent and their sleeping bags. Robbie opened the picnic basket his mom packed while Robbie set up his MP3 player in preparation for spending their night in the mountains with the bears and fish.
--------------------------
Is there anything cool your parents let you pretend growing up that wasn't 'in the norm'? Something you wish they had?
Are you interested in taking on the challenge? Find out the rules and where to link your story over on this post. You can read what others have written from there, too.
Happy writing.
edit: I added in the link and added the prompt photo. I also added in that he followed the tracks as I'd originally intended and forgot to do in the rush of the morning routine. I'm sorry. :(
----------------------------------
Runaway
Tommy checked that his wallet was in his back pocket. He picked up his backpack, stuffed with clothes, his MP3 player and speakers, his favorite blue water bottle and a spare set of shoes.
"Okay." He took a deep breath and grabbed his jacket on the way out.Tommy snuck out the back door, hopping the fence separating his lawn from the forest. The foliage was so overgrown, his house was out of sight in a few steps.
Tommy wove through the trees until he reached the train tracks. He followed them, looking back to see if he was followed. No one called his name. No hard footsteps came behind him. He'd gotten away.
The other boys cackled at him. Tommy tried to ignore the laughter as he approached.
"You're late," Jim charged.
"Dad worked from home today," he explained, dropping his backpack against a tree.
"Well, at least you made it," Robbie greeted him. "Just in time, too. We're deciding where to go."
"Robbie wants to go work on a boat," Jim frowned.
"Not a boat," Robbie shot back. "A cruise ship. You know. The kind people go on vacation on. Anyway, it's better than your suggestion," Robbie charged.
"Not the circus again," Tommy frowned. Jim puffed his chest.
"All runaways are supposed to go to the circus. They're the only ones who will hire kids without asking questions."
"Why can't we just go to the mountains? We can find an abandoned gold miner's cabin and fish for food."
Jim and Robbie frowned. "Well, it'll probably be the easiest," Robbie agreed slowly. A sharp trill came from his pocket. He looked at the other boys sheepishly as he answered the cell.
"Yeah, Mom? .... Yeah, we're all here. ... Sure, I'll be home by dinner tomorrow. Bye. .... I love you, too," he grumbled the last, glaring at his two friends. Jim stood up, his hands in fists.
"You brought a cell phone!"
"Mom made me after I came home burned."
"It was one finger," Tommy argued.
"Tell me about it," Robbie grumbled. "But she said if I wanted to keep running away, I had to start taking my phone." Jim sat down and joined the other two as they sulked.
"Alright, let's set up the tent," Tommy eventually charged. Jim walked over to the bush where they hid their plastic storage box, pulling out the tent and their sleeping bags. Robbie opened the picnic basket his mom packed while Robbie set up his MP3 player in preparation for spending their night in the mountains with the bears and fish.
--------------------------
Is there anything cool your parents let you pretend growing up that wasn't 'in the norm'? Something you wish they had?
Friday, August 3, 2012
Message, Hold the Bottle - Part Five of the Collaboration Challenge
Part five. Oh, my part five. :) We are half way through and I have chills about this story. I cannot wait to see how it ends.
Catch up, quick with Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
Catch up, quick with Part One, Part Two, Part Three and Part Four.
Leonard Suskin @ Confessions of a Pixel and Ink-Stained Wretch
Monday, July 16, 2012
Snapshot Reveal from my WIP
I'm going to cheat a little bit this week. The photo prompt is so close to a scene from my WIP, I can't think of anything else. Truthfully, I don't want to, because I don't want to contaminate what I'm already working on. So, with a few alterations to include the mandatory words, here is an excerpt from (currently untitled) Branna's story.
Don't forget we've expanded to a photo submission and contest along with a contest for the writers. Check out the new rules and submit your story here.
-------------------
(From Chapter 13)
A sound downstairs groaned with a quiet squeak at the end. That would be the door from the mudroom into the kitchen. My eyes hardened. I looked at the red numbers of my digital alarm clock. 11:59. The stairs creaked. Heavy footsteps entered the hallway, muffled by the carpet before the door across the hall from mine was opened, then shut. Edan was finally home.
I yanked the brush from my hair and slammed it on my nightstand, causing the scented candle to gutter out. I pulled the pillow up around my ears, holding it with one arm while pulling my comforter up with the other. I needed a padlock for the anger scratching aggressively at my nerves. Closing my eyes, I told myself to go to sleep. Right now.
It worked. I was asleep, relief chilling my brain like the cold breeze on naked legs swinging off a branch that twisted and bent away from the trunk. I was very high in this unclimbable tree, bare beyond its flaking bark and standing charcoal against the eggplant colored sky.
The tree snagged my skirt and held it above my knees. It was costume party elaborate while sacrificial in color. I began to wonder when the dragon would be coming to get me.
I stopped breathing when I realized the birds were there. There were dozens of them lined up on the arthritic limbs of the tree. Each one watched me expectantly. Balancing on to my feet, I curled my toes around brittle bark. Below me I could just make out the shape of an elaborate headstone set at the North side of the tree’s roots.
One raven called out, the herald of the others. The air grew darker with so many wings lifting in tandem. My own arms rose and I stepped off the branch.
How melodramatic, I thought dryly. Only, I didn’t fall. The ravens were taking flight around me with a frame-by-frame feeling. My arms were spread beside me, then slightly behind me. The dress became silkier, more a part of my skin than covering it.
Feathers shimmered softly, the tips of white wings flashing in my eyes. I was a bird again, a raven whose feathers were so pale they reflected moonlight. Time resumed. The ravens surrounded me, crowding me as they flew through the air. I flapped my wings convulsively, wanting to use them like arms to cover my head while trying to remain aloft.
It took a moment to understand the ebony birds weren’t attacking. They were jostling with each other, struggling to contend with the crowd. Once their wings brushed mine, they left, opening up space for the next one to fly in.
One minute passed and they were all gone. I was alone in the night, gliding over the cemetery.
----------------
Okay, a little afterward. This scene originally took place on a building (see picture). When I decided to grab it for this week's post I forgot I had changed it to the tree. The tree is actually much more significant to the story where the building was pure imagery. I'm also aware of the hard transition between being awake and being asleep. I am working on it. One day, it will be fixed. Somehow. Yeah.
Question time. Do you turn into an animal when you dream? Which one(s)?
Don't forget we've expanded to a photo submission and contest along with a contest for the writers. Check out the new rules and submit your story here.
-------------------
(From Chapter 13)
A sound downstairs groaned with a quiet squeak at the end. That would be the door from the mudroom into the kitchen. My eyes hardened. I looked at the red numbers of my digital alarm clock. 11:59. The stairs creaked. Heavy footsteps entered the hallway, muffled by the carpet before the door across the hall from mine was opened, then shut. Edan was finally home.
I yanked the brush from my hair and slammed it on my nightstand, causing the scented candle to gutter out. I pulled the pillow up around my ears, holding it with one arm while pulling my comforter up with the other. I needed a padlock for the anger scratching aggressively at my nerves. Closing my eyes, I told myself to go to sleep. Right now.
It worked. I was asleep, relief chilling my brain like the cold breeze on naked legs swinging off a branch that twisted and bent away from the trunk. I was very high in this unclimbable tree, bare beyond its flaking bark and standing charcoal against the eggplant colored sky.
The tree snagged my skirt and held it above my knees. It was costume party elaborate while sacrificial in color. I began to wonder when the dragon would be coming to get me.
I stopped breathing when I realized the birds were there. There were dozens of them lined up on the arthritic limbs of the tree. Each one watched me expectantly. Balancing on to my feet, I curled my toes around brittle bark. Below me I could just make out the shape of an elaborate headstone set at the North side of the tree’s roots.
One raven called out, the herald of the others. The air grew darker with so many wings lifting in tandem. My own arms rose and I stepped off the branch.
How melodramatic, I thought dryly. Only, I didn’t fall. The ravens were taking flight around me with a frame-by-frame feeling. My arms were spread beside me, then slightly behind me. The dress became silkier, more a part of my skin than covering it.
Feathers shimmered softly, the tips of white wings flashing in my eyes. I was a bird again, a raven whose feathers were so pale they reflected moonlight. Time resumed. The ravens surrounded me, crowding me as they flew through the air. I flapped my wings convulsively, wanting to use them like arms to cover my head while trying to remain aloft.
It took a moment to understand the ebony birds weren’t attacking. They were jostling with each other, struggling to contend with the crowd. Once their wings brushed mine, they left, opening up space for the next one to fly in.
One minute passed and they were all gone. I was alone in the night, gliding over the cemetery.
----------------
Okay, a little afterward. This scene originally took place on a building (see picture). When I decided to grab it for this week's post I forgot I had changed it to the tree. The tree is actually much more significant to the story where the building was pure imagery. I'm also aware of the hard transition between being awake and being asleep. I am working on it. One day, it will be fixed. Somehow. Yeah.
Question time. Do you turn into an animal when you dream? Which one(s)?
Thursday, July 12, 2012
Shall I Turn On the Lights - Part Two of the Collaboration Challenge
She did it! Nicole has posted the next leg of our collaboration story! And it's crazy, because it makes me super excited to see what Yolanda comes up with next week so I can know .... well, you'll have to read it, first.
Remember to read the first part, Two Doors. (Link updated.)
Caught up? Memory refreshed? Here's Part Two:
Remember to read the first part, Two Doors. (Link updated.)
Caught up? Memory refreshed? Here's Part Two:
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