Millenniums ago, I had been cursed to become a statue. And
now I think, it’s a blessing.
They had taken parts of my hands, they had forever closed my
eyes.
It’s a blessing, I say again. At least I don’t have to see
my mother Earth dying. At least I don’t have to see some of my brothers die out
of hunger and others feasting on fries. At least, I don’t have to see the pain
and disgraceful state of the world which, once was such a gracious place.
A student at day and pirate by night. No, he is no king of pirates, but a very poor young man compelled to steal for a living. Loves adventure, treasures, keys and the first mate of the ship: Naoki (aka Neil)
Thank you Rochelle for creating this exciting challenge ofFriday Fictioneers!
Only for Friday Fictioneers. Photo credits: Dale Rogerson
Discoveries Underneath
When I saw it for the first time, I thought it was some sort of stupid building made for show. But it was during a windy summer day when I finally discovered the secrets beneath it.
It was there, in the middle of a uncannily deserted road, burning up in the sun. I was messing up with it, trying to find the “mysteries” behind it. It was then I had found out the swirling stairs hidden beneath this structure leading to the place of highly technological place of giants. And guess what? They had giant phones and came over here at midnight to charge them!
Post Script:
I am really sorry for this stupid little tale. It’s actually a part of a larger series called “Discoveries of Jos, Far and Wide” I’m so gloomy that can’t really use my words well. Thanks for reading!
I know, day by
day, my entries to you are getting fewer and fewer… I am really sorry for that
but you see, we are so busy about our shifting! It really pains me, to think we
can’t live in this valley anymore. I can’t run in the soft grasses in the
meadows, I can’t ramble all day long or watch the sunrise and sunset over the
hues of the hills… Every day, my parents are taking tours on carts to the
Linnet Town and shifting bit by bit. I am alone at home, most of the times,
clearing attic and sheds.
Today, however,
I have skipped most of my chores. Why? Today is ICC World Cup 1st
semi-finals! India vs New Zealand! I am praying to God that New Zealand wins!
Speaking of the world cup, I have already made a new friend at Linnet Town! He
is a Euclonic (a different religion) but loves the World Cup just as much as I
do! He is supporting Australia and said, if the Aussies lost, he would die.
Isn’t it too much? He is 20 year old and much older than me. I too wish Aussies
would win the World Cup. Either NZ or England can be runner-up. Really, these
fellows from Earth have invented such interesting games… Why don’t we have such
in our Cygnet? But luckily I’ve heard, in Linnet Town, every year they have a
Dragon Race. Now that would be interesting! Oh, I am excited and
disappointed at the same time.
By the way, I
had found a rusty tin box in our shed. After my parents return, I’ll open it.
Maybe it’s just a piece of old junk but I believe there’s some adventure in it!
I’ve always believed villains are human beings too. Fiction gives you so much light that you can shed on each and every personality around the world but unfortunately, most of the people totally forget to acknowledge those great villains who have made the tales more interesting.
I had always wanted to see through the cardboard cut-outs of most villains. I had wanted to see through their eyes. And this desire prompted me to write this little poem, written from the point of view of Rei, a character in my stories.
From the
Dark Shades
I wasn’t
born a thief,
I wasn’t
born a killer,
I was born
in a little village,
A little
son of miller.
Forever had
I lived at the edge,
With a
single meal a day,
Tattered
clothes and barefoot I ran,
Thorns, my
only companion, in this long, tiring way
Sorry for no talk for a long time. Been a bit busy. We are shifting from our valley to Linnet Town. Really busy.
By the way, Australia, England and New Zealand have been to semis! Yeah! Writing lots of poems and stories nowadays. Not doing much study. Will talk to you later. Nothing interesting here.
Welcome to the Friday Foto Flash Fiction Challenge! Each Friday Donna B McNicol posts a new picture to be used as inspiration for your flash fiction written in 500 words or less. Be sure to include the photo, the source credit, and a link to this post with your story. Entries will close on Thursday at midnight Central Time.
Once your post is live, add your link to the list below. I hope you will visit the other entries (and check back often for new stories). Remember to leave them a comment in appreciation. Thank you and enjoy! Here’s your photo prompt.
“Who’s put up
this stupid sign here, eh?” asked Joe.
“End of
Century, huh?” I read the odd sign post, “Maybe there’s a time machine behind.”
“You and your
stupid sci-fi stuff!” said Joe putting his hands on his hips, “Perhaps a geek like
you has set this up!”
“Whatever,” I
said, “It’s silly and odd.”
“Geez! Just the
thing you’re expecting after a long afternoon walk! Curse that man who has put
this up!” Joe spat on the ground and checked his watch, “Goodness! It’s already
4 pm and the movie starts at 6! Now where do we go, eh? Jos? A guess?”
“It’s just 3:46
pm. Your watch’s fast.”
“Wrong! Wrong!
Wrong! Both of you are wrong! It’s 15 hours 46 minutes and 32 seconds now!”
It was a high,
wavering shrill voice, much like hitting hammer in a metal can. It came from
the signpost.
I and Joe
exchanged a glance.
“Somebody has
fit some kind of recorder here,” I said, “Maybe a prankster like you, Joe.”
“You really
think so?” he said, sounding impressed. “Let’s check it out!”
He grabbed my
hand and pulled me towards the backside of the sign post. It was all very
ordinary… except a clock sitting right on top with googly eyes.
“What’s that? A
silly clock” I asked.
“Wrong! Wrong!
Wrong!” it started but Joe interrupted.
“You are wrong,
Mr. Clock! It should be dong, dong, dong!”
“I am not a
clock!” said the clock (or so I think it is), “I am a great marvellous Time-Porter
from the 22nd century.”
I let out a
small chuckle and said to Joe, “A neat hologram with a perfect sound recorder.
Nice work, I say.”
“Wrong! Wrong!
Wrong!” It shouted again, sounding seemingly angry. “I’ll show you what I can
do!”
For a few
seconds, there was an eerie, uncanny silence. And then came the ticking of
clocks, growing louder and louder every passing moment.
Suddenly came a
noise of the blast of glass. Joe’s and my watches had broken. The whole sky
echoed of ticking, as if it were thunder. It was all deafeningly loud. We
closed our eyes and pressed our ears as hard as we could.
“STOP IT!” Joe
yelled at last.
And somebody or
something who was in charge of all this drama heard it. All the noises came to
an end.
I dropped on my
knees… and slowly opened my eyes.
“What… was this?”
I stammered, though I doubt anybody would have heard that. Shock had taken my
voice away.
In front of me
were odd metallic dome shaped buildings with buzzing drones in the air. Not a
tree, not a breath of life. Just metal and metal everywhere.
“I’ve moved forward in time,” said the Time-Porter, “We have to the end of the century.”
This week Pegman takes us to Portsmouth in Hampshire, UK. This location was suggested by the talented Kelvin M Knight. Be sure to check out Kelvin’s blog where you’ll find articles, flash fiction and short stories. Also check out his author page on Amazon where you can pick up copies of his short story collections. Thanks for the great suggestion, Kelvin!
The Pegman challenge is simple. All you need to do is write up to 150 words inspired by the location–be it poetry, prose, or essay. You can use the exact location provided above, or take your own tour of Portsmouth using Google Maps. Once your piece is polished, share it with others at the linkup below. Reading and commenting is part of the fun!
Den of Dreams 