Fictionbites

Ark Pilot

May 29th, 2021

Testing the foot controls, he relaxes as he feels the armour shift around him. The pistons and hydraulics hiss softly and move the wings on his back a fraction. That is until a spanner comes flying over and bounces off his visor. Stomping up to his suit, a young brunette woman pushes a few buttons on a terminal nearby and, swinging around, picks up a large wrench as the chest cavity opens and the helmet folds back.

“I swear to god if you keep messing with pedals while I’m adjusting the wings, the next time I hit you with a wrench it won’t be in a place where your armours protects.” From behind the pair, deep booming laughter echoes around them.

“Give the kid a break Jess, it’s been weeks since he’s been able to get into his Arc, let alone fly it.” Rounding on a blond man as he comes into sight, she brandishes a wrench toward him as well.

“And it’ll be even longer if I don’t finish these damn adjustments. I swear to god Lloyd, you’re as bad as he is.” Turning away from the Lloyd, Jess ducks back behind the suit and continues adjusting. Walking over to the young man in the suit, he stops at edge of the frame.

“How you doing, Mik? Alright in there.?” Looking down to meet Lloyd’s eyes, Mikhail smiles before replying.

“I’m good Lloyd. Just keen to be out in the skies again.”

“I know, lad, but take it easy. It’s your first run back since it all went pear-shaped. Remember, if things go awry, I’ll be right there.” Turning from the young man, Lloyd turns away and climbs into his own suit nearby, smiling as the chest closes and the helmet falls down over his eyes. Coming from behind the suit, Jess drops her wrench and taps away on the keyboard. Within a moment the suit jerks and lands on the ground, finally released from the restraints.

“You’re all good to go, Mikhail. Take it easy. Break my baby and I’ll break you.” Leaving the area, she waves over her head as she walks away. Pushing the button on his hand, Mikhail smiles as the chest closes and his helmet slides closed, the visor locking into place. Within seconds the HUD appears, running through all its checks. After a moment air flows through the suit and vision comes to him as the cameras turn on.

“Ready to go, kid?” At Lloyd’s voice he responds and bends his knees, bracing himself as the energy levels normalise and all the flight modules activate. Leaning forwards, Mikhail kicks off of the ground and pushes lightly on the foot pedals in his suit. Instantly the wings fuel out and he shoots off into the sky, the wind roaring around him. Clearing the safety altitude, he clicks the pedal down another notch. With barely a sound, the wings snap back, and the energy propulsion system activates fully. Smiling as he shoots off, Mikhail swerves through the clouds and looks down over the lakes and grasslands near their mountain base. Bursting through a cloud with a scatter of war droplets, he thinks to himself, “this is the life for me. The life of an Ark Pilot.”
Music Fight

May 7th, 2020

Setting on a bench listening to the roars of the crowd outside, a young woman runs her hand over the hexagon crystal in its holder on her forearm. Her fingers slowly chasing the inscription etched on one face. Outside her room, the crowds cheering reaches a crescendo and her heart starts to race. Getting to her feet, she walks slowly to the door of the room and waits.

“And the first of our next competitors. Runner up in last years tournament, Kia Allesaar!” Walking through the door, Kia blinks as the lights blind her for a moment. Raising her hand in greeting, she steps out onto the top of a flight of stairs as the crowd roars around her. Walking her way slowly down the stairs, she focuses on the platform at the bottom and her curved keyboard resting there. As she reaches the platform, the spotlights shift to the other side of the arena and the announcer’s voice booms out over the crowd.

“And facing up against her is the one and only Myelle Von Liesa. The victor of last years tournament. The rivalry between these two women run deep and …” Ignoring the announcer, Kia focuses on the other side of the stadium as a woman with long brown hair and piercing green eyes takes the stage. Striding down the stairs, the purple crystal hanging around her neck catches the light and seems to shine brightly. Reaching the platform, Myelle picks up her violin and bow and smiles across at Kia. As if the volume had been turned to full, Kia staggers for a moment as the sounds of the crowd come rushing back. Looking up she watches as the spotlights move to the centre of the arena and a man wearing a shiny suit and oversized sunglasses appears.

“Okay, Ladies. Ready your devices.” Gesturing to the two women he waits a moment as they get ready. Removing the crystal from her arm, Kia brings it to her lips and kisses I softly.

“Let’s do this, Drakon.” In a single motion, she slides the crystal into a slot on the keyboard, where it begins to glow.

“Ladies and Gentlemen. Both our contestants are ready. Let’s Begin. Round 2 of the greatest music battle in the universe begins now.” As he walks from the centre of the stage a large siren sounds, announcing the start of the battle. Smiling, Kia strikes the keys of her keyboard and a low melody sounds from it. Flaring brightly, the crystal emits a line of energy that rises above Kia’s platform. Pulsing, the energy twists itself into a mighty dragon. Landing lightly on the centre platform, the dragon roars and lets out a burst of energy fire above it. From the other side of the room, the first draw of the violin can be heard and purple energy blossoms around Myelle. From the crystal in the base of her violin, a purple line of energy rises above her and twists itself into a broad-shouldered, plate wearing knight. Clashing its sword against its shield it lands heavily on the centre stage. As the two women look across the stage at each other they smile and they both begin to move. Fingers sliding over a keyboard and the bow sawing across the strings. As their music fills the stadium, the knight and dragon charge towards each other, clashing in a burst of light.
Dream Weaver

November 16th, 2019

Once again I find myself in this dark hallway. Made of stone, the sound of dripping water echoes around the cold walls. As I start to walk down the hall, the air next to me shimmers and a woman dressed in a white lacy top over black pants and knee-high leather boots appears. Flicking her black hair over her shoulder she reaches behind her back and draws put a small knife. Sighing I reach over to my left side and draw my longsword. Quietly we slip down the hall towards a closed iron-bound door. Reaching it I turn and stand guard as she goes to work on the lock with the knife. After a few seconds, the lock clicks and the door swings open soundlessly. On a pedestal in the middle of the room is a sphere, emitting pure white light.

“Finally. Grab the star and let’s get out of here before they realise we’re…” before I can finish a snarl comes from in front of me. Walking down the hallway is a seven-foot-tall beast. Half wolf half something from legend it fills the hallway.

“Eve warp out. I’ll meet you on the other side.” Running over to me she plants a kiss on my cheek before the air shimmers and she disappears again. Running towards the beast I slide under its first swing, lashing out with my blade as I slide between its legs. Hot blood sprays all over me as the edge of the blade connects with its leg. Rolling to my feet I only just get my sword up in time to block its reverse swipe. Back peddling I try to put some distance between myself and the creature. Roaring it chase after me. Sharp claws slicing through the air. Cursing under my breath I stop and rush forward. Blocking the creature’s claws with my left arm I twist inside its reach and drive my blade home. Heading backwards I step back as it falls lifeless to the floor. Before I can smile pain lances through my arm. Looking down I find three jagged slashes through my armour. Dropping my sword I hold up my right hand and mutter a chant. Within seconds everything fades to black. Sitting upright in my bed I slide out from under the covers. Grabbing a towel off the nearby rack I race to the bathroom. Flicking on the light I go straight to the cabinet and pull out the first aid kit. Removing the towel I look at the wreckage of my arm and grimace. Three long jagged slashes cross my forearm. Blood trickles from all three wounds, slowly turning the towel crimson. Quickly placing a few pads of gauze over the cuts I wrap a bandage around to hold then in place. Leaving everything where it is. Returning to my room I quickly pull on jeans and a tee. Grabbing my cell phone off its stand I slide up the screen and begin dialling as I walk towards the front door. Putting the receiver against my ear I wait until the sound of a man’s voice groggily sounds I my ear. Waiting a moment for him to wake and ask what I want, I talk quickly.

“Wake the doc. I’m on my way for a patch. We got it.” Without waiting for a reply I close the screen and place the phone in my pocket. Sighing once more I turn the handle of my door and step out of my apartment. Walking over to the window I look out over the city. All the buildings seem to shine magically at this time of night. Looking down and the bandage on my arm I turn away from the window and set off towards the elevators. It’s times like this I really hate being a dream weaver.
Mage Training

November 16th, 2019

In the centre of a stone circular chamber sits a small candle in a pedestal. Getting. Up from his seat at the edge of the chamber, a young man walks forward up to the edge of the pedestal. Focusing on the small flame in front of him, the boy takes a few slow breaths to calm his nerves. Reaching inside he slowly releases the power bound inside of him. The flame on the candle lifts off its wick and moves over to dance slowly on his outstretched hand. Smiling the boy manipulates his fingers and the flames begin to grow and flicker, slowly forming into a moving figure eight. Standing up from leaning against the wall an older man smiles as he takes a stance.

“Very good Jacob. Now let’s see you if you’re capable of using it yet.” As the old man finishes speaking, he stretches out his left hand. Within moments a shimmering wall spreads in front of him, distorting his image. Moving his fingers, the boy manipulates the fire. From the figure-eight, it quickly takes the form of a spear. Turning to face the old man he clicks his fingers and the spear multiplies, splitting into three. With a gesture, all three spears travel at blinding speed towards the old man. With a smile, he stretches out his fingers a fraction more and his shield starts to churn violently. With a Roaring explosion, the spears collide with the shield, sending sparks and flames in every direction. Shock covers the boy’s face but before he can move the flames begin to turn into a fiery vortex that begins to diminish. Within seconds the flames are gone and all that remains is the old man and his shimmering shield. Smiling he releases his power and the wall vanishes. Walking over to the young man he ruffles his hair.

“Very good. You show great progress. I think that will do for this morning’s lesson. How are you getting along with the other students here?” Shrugging the boy picks up his bag and jacket from where they were against the wall.

“I don’t know master. They seem to like me well enough, but I feel there’s something not right.” Putting his arm around the young man he begins to walk next to him toward the exit.

“Well, you’ll just have to try a bit harder. I know it’s not easy starting a half year behind everyone else, but it couldn’t be helped. Anyways off with you, young man. Go enjoy the sunshine while you can.” Pushing Jacob towards the exit the old man smiles. Smiling back, Jacob walks out the doors and out into the sunshine. Sighing as the doors clash, the old man turns, and a woman with Bright blue hair materialises out of the air in front of him. Dropping lightly onto the ground she bows to the old man.

“How bad?”

“Worse than we thought. We have two days at best. What I wouldn’t give to buy more time.”

“Aye likewise. But We will have to make do with the time we have. Inform the others. Have them meet me in my office later tonight. There is much left to do and so little time to do it.” Looking back at the door as the woman disappears, a look of sadness crosses the old man’s face.
King’s Despair

November 16th, 2019

Dust still fills the air as he slowly regains consciousness. Rubble fills the hallway and bodies lie here and there. Glancing to his left as he pushes himself up to his knees the body of a young girl causes him to panic. Ignoring the pain in his chest he rushes over to her. Rolling her over he calls out.
“Alyssa please gods no. Alyssa baby open your eyes.” A soft voice calls out to his right.
“She’s fine dear. She just got clipped by a small piece of rock.” Turning towards the voice his eyes fill with tears at the sight of his wife lying pinned under a pile of rubble. Picking up his daughter carefully he moves over to his wife.
“Hold on Marielle I’ll get you out of there.” Holding his daughter in one arm he starts to shift rocks with the other. Reaching up she catches his hand.
“Stop Eric. It’s already too late for me. I can’t feel my legs and I’m sure I’m bleeding internally. Take Alyssa and escape the castle. You must survive for our people’s sake.”
“Marielle I…” Tears stream down his face. Letting go of his hand she reaches up and holds the side of his face. A commotion from behind causes him to turn. A young lord is standing in the middle of the hallway, arms bound behind his back. Surrounded by half a dozen troops he looks at Eric.
“Sorry your majesty there wasn’t anything I could do.”
“Silence!” Says one of the troops as he hits the man in the back of the head with the butt of his rifle. Falling to the ground the young lord lands heavily. Turning their rifles toward the King they wait in position as another man comes around the corner. Dressed in blue lords garments with long silver hair Lord Demetrie von Hafner stops just in front of the soldiers.
“Demetrie you traitor. You’ll hang for this.”
“Hmm with all due respect your majesty I won’t. You see once you sign a confession stating you were planning on signing a treaty with the Nulonnin Empire and selling out the country I’ll be seen as the hero for overthrowing you and restoring order.”
“There’s no way anyone would believe that garbage.”
“They will once they see this treaty agreement signed by you.” Pulling a roll of parchment from his belt he waves it toward the King. As the Kings about to give up a new voice rings out.
“Gee bro you sure know how to get yourself into trouble.”

Ark Pilot

Music Fight

Dream Weaver

Mage Training

King’s Despair