Tuesday Tales - Thrust

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “thrust”. We are back with Dani in my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Bobo closed the volume on his lap and let out what Dani guessed was a sigh. “Elaborate, please.”

Dani gave him a small smile. “I had a professor in college who mentored me as I got my degree. He has a brother who leads a team of archeologists. I showed some interest in history and antiques during one of my classes. My teacher told me that if I were ever interested in looking at a dig site firsthand, he would reach out and set up a visit for me. I am going to send him an email and see where his sibling and the archeology team might be. If they are in Egypt, I…” Her voice trailed off as she stared at his cat-like face. She coughed a little to clear her throat and spoke again. “We will go there. Maybe they can take us to the sites in this book.”

“I will be able to read the words we are missing.”

“Exactly.”

There was a pause before Bobo spoke again. “Until then, can we eat?”

Dani smirked at him. “Are you hungry?”

“We did not eat at the restaurant. You ran out before we could.”

“For one, I was running for my life. Also, how were you going to eat? Do you consume what I do? What kind of relationship do we have?”

Bobo shook his head. His words came out as sort of a whine. “You are correct. I do not. I am just really hungry.”

Dani tapped on the keyboard for a few more seconds. Heaven forbid her little buddy be hungry. “Let me send this email and I will go make a quick supper. Anything particular you want?”

“Pizza.”

Dani chuckled. “Of course. Coming right up.” She set her computer down on the coffee table then closed its lid. She shuffled off to the kitchen, flipping the knob on the preheat it. As she unwrapped the frozen pizza she tried to feel like it was just a normal night in her little apartment. 

Unfortunately, as each day passed, things were further and further from normal. She had been thrust into something beyond her control. Her life would never be the same.

Tuesday Tales - Now

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “now”. We are back with my Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani and Bobo settled on the sofa and picked up a volume each. Dani flipped through the satiny pages as fast as she could until she found the hieroglyphics her and the alien had found the day before. 

“Now, can you translate these again?” she asked him. “This time I’m going to write it down. Maybe it will finally make sense to us.”

Bobo scooped the book from her hands and scanned the photo, his feline nose just inches from the picture. He let out a few mews and growls. Then it sounded like he was trying to cough up a furball, even though he was without a scrap of fuzz. Was he attempting to clear his throat?

“It speaks of a building full of knowledge in the desert.” His voice trailed off into silence.

“What else does it say?” Dani insisted. “Why did you stop?”

He blinked his large, green eyes at her. “That was all that it said. It seems the rest of the message wasn’t part of the image.”

“But it should be there?”

“I would assume. However, assumptions can be dangerous.”

Dani pressed her lips in a tight, thin line. Bobo was growing on her, but he could be exhausting. “That is true. You are right. What does your book say?”

He thumbed through the tome on his lap until he came to the section they had studied before. “The only word that is able to be translated is treasure,” he replied.

“So there is a building of knowledge in the desert and there is some sort of treasure. Is it a university? A bookstore? Some sort of school? And what desert?” Dani mused out loud.

Bobo shook his head. “I do not know.”

Dani picked up the picture book on her lap and set it on the coffee table. She then reached for her laptop.

“I thought we were looking at the hieroglyphics," Bobo protested.

“We are.” Dani clicked the mouse a few times then started typing. “However, books are only going to do so much. We may have to go to the source and I may have a way to get there.”

Tuesday Tales - Pearl

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “pearl”. We are back with my Sci-Fi story. 

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She found her favorite browser and then typed in the words “party laser lights for sale”. As the retail websites appeared on her screen, she clicked on each link to open them. 

Her eyes widened. This was engineering far past her librarian brain. She may have to reach out to her dad for help. How was she going to tell him why she wanted to tear apart the machine she just ordered for the units inside? 

She smiled to herself. She would tell him that she needed it for a Children’s Program at the library. Completely believable.

Bobo dragged a pearl white claw across the back of her hand to get her attention. Why he was still in cat form, she had no clue. “Again,” he hissed. “What are you searching for?”

“Wouldn’t you be more comfortable in your normal form?” she countered.

“No. Like this, I have these.” Suddenly, his uplifted paw had a full set of claws.

“That’s a good point.”

“Your pun is unfunny.”

Dani shrugged as she chuckled. After the night she had, she thought it would be years before she would laugh again. “These are the types of lasers that cut Grarkiel’s mercenaries in half. If I can mount them to something, I might be able to make a weapon to protect myself. And you.”

“I appreciate the fact that you want to protect me.” Bobo fluttered his cat eyes closed. When he reopened them, his head bumped the ceiling. Dani’s words must have put him at ease because he was back to his old self.

Dani added two of the packages to her cart. She reached into her purse, pulled out her credit card, and typed in the number and her address. Hopefully her landlord didn’t see the boxes arrive. She didn’t want the poor guy to think she was having a rager in her tiny apartment. “Anytime. What would my life be like without you? Now, let’s look at those archaeology books again. Something tells me we were getting close to the truth about the Vigvuth.”

Tuesday Tales - People

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “people”. We are back with Dani in my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani leaned against her apartment door for several moments after she slammed it shut. She gulped down breath after breath as she tried to calm her stampeding heart. 

She was on high alert the entire trip from the bar to her apartment. She watched for clouds of displaced alien souls to zoom over the heads of the people on the bus. She searched the streets for any sign of Ezra. 

Fortunately for her, the journey back to her place was far less eventful that the time she spent downtown. 

There was the increasingly familiar pressure in her skull. Something told her that her constant companion was going to be less than thrilled with the events that took place. 

Her suspicions were confirmed by hiss that followed the thud of Bobo hitting the floor of the living room. He spun at her with glowing green eyes, choosing to take the shape of a feline instead of changing to his true form or the balloon figure he usually transformed into. He must have looked up a Sphinx cat like she told him to because he didn’t have a scrap of fur on him.

“That…boy…is bad news,” he chided Dani. “We must stay away from him.”

“I don’t know how I can do that,” Dani countered. She reached behind her back to fumble with the lock. Once it was secure, she lunged across the living room for her laptop. “I still have to go to work and he is always there. I’m going to bet he will stay far away from me, though. Tonight will make things awkward between us to say the least.”

“He did try to kill you.”

“Hence the awkwardness.” Dani flipped open the top and powered it on. She logged on past the home screen and clicked on a browser. 

“What are you searching for?” Bobo queried. 

Tuesday Tales - Violent

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “violent”. We are back with my Sci-Fi story. 

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There were a few cheers from those in the vicinity of the sort of violent death of the cloud mercenary. They must have assumed it was part of the show. Dani ducked and wove as she tried to get a look at Ezra. There was an expression of horror, the relief, then something that resembled determination. As the emotions played on his face, she noticed his eyes change color. 

Grarkiel must have lost control on her friend for a moment. He had it back for now but for how much longer. 

“He’s not your friend,” Bobo nearly shouted in her head to be heard over the music. 

“I thought you couldn’t read my thoughts,” Dani countered. A couple of patrons beside her gave her a weird look. Yup, the crazy lady was talking to herself. 

“I can’t. But I saw the change in your countenance. I saw his eye color alter as well. He is trying to kill you. He’s led many others to their non-existence as well.”

Dani fought back the heartbreak welling up inside of her. Now was not the time to mourn a relationship that didn’t exist. Still, Bobo’s truth hurt. She watched two more apparitions launch from Ezra to join the one remaining. They must have noticed the one that was chopped in two. All three were skimming above the throng to her. 

This time an orange, yellow and red laser, intertwining with each other, offed them. The slices were almost surgical as they split the mercenaries into multiple chunks of fluffiness. The crowd cheered as they proofed away. 

Dani glanced back at Ezra. His eyes were back to their warm chocolate brown. Grarkiel must have fled in retreat. A few moments later, his human host did the same. 

Dani wasn’t taking any chances. She nudged her way to the back door then pushed it open enough to slip through. It emptied out into a dark, hot alleyway. In the sudden silence, she could hear movement in the shadows. She hoped it was just a cat even though it sounded much larger.

Did being a woman alone in such a place scare her? Of course. Did it frighten her as much as what just happened in the bar?

Not a chance.

“Let’s go home,” she muttered to Bobo. She didn’t wait for him to reply. Instead she scampered past the dumpsters and overturned trash cans towards the light of the busy city street. 

Tuesday Tales - Quaint

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “quaint”. We are back with my Sci-Fi story. 

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Dani did her best to keep up with her newfound friends but lost them in the melee with a few steps of the door. Not that it mattered. It was wall-to-wall people. A DJ was up on the stage, surrounded by so much equipment that it was hard to see him. The dark room was lit up brilliantly with a light show that would put most rock concerts to shame. Dani was nearly knocked off her feet more than once by either the vibration on the music or the throng of revelers around her. 

Over all the chaos she could hear a distinct, low moan against her eardrum. It was confirmed. Neither her nor Bobo thought this was fun.

Why couldn’t all her temporary besties find a quaint little coffee shop or bookstore to spend their evening? What did this place have to offer? 

A body jostled into her and answered her question for her. Men. The place was crawling with them. 

Speaking of men, Dani glanced through the crowd to the front door. Her heart dropped to her belly.

Ezra stood just past the bouncer, scanning the busy dance floor. She could still see the stellar blue glow of his eyes as he looked around.

Yes, they lit up like the stars in the sky. Grarkiel was still in charge. 

She heard a gasp or two. Did it mean anything? Dani wasn’t sure. For all she knew, someone accidentally lost a crucial piece of clothing. Just over her head, a couple of tiny clouds skimmed over the heads of the partiers.

That or they just witnessed two extraterrestrial souls escape one of the only friends she had in Boston. That might elicit a response, too.

She nodded to herself as she saw a side door. Above hung a crooked “exit” sign secured with a single nail.

“There. We’re going there,” she muttered to Bobo. She shoved her way through the crowd, using all her strength to move the bodies. A few pushed back, but most stepped aside. Before she could get there, one of the clouds skidded to a halt in front of her.

“Oh, crap,” Dani muttered under her breath. 

The cloud shimmied like it was excited. It shot forward an inch or two directly at her. 

A moment later, a green laser light from the stage severed it in two. With a poof, it evaporated and disappeared. 

Tuesday Tales - Happy

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “happy”. We are back with Dani in my new Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani gaped at him for a second. Then she didn’t need a written invitation. She scrambled off her stool, knocking it over in the process. She knew every eye in the place was on her as she scuttled backwards through the place. She watched as Ezra slowly, methodically rose from his seat. His steps were almost robotic as he followed her. 

That was her sign to turn and run. She sprinted out the door into the Boston nightlife. 

She sucked in a breath, hoping it would soothe her lungs. They felt like they were on fire. “I should have listened to you earlier. I’m sorry, Bobo.”

She was certain she heard him huff. Was he pouting in her head?

Dani dodged a slow-walking gent on the street. If she knew she would be running for her life that night, she would have worn better shoes. “Listen, I know you told me not to go,” she muttered to him. “Clearly, I am not happy with my decision…”

She stopped suddenly as something cloudy and opaque rushed past her. She struggled to find her voice as her chest heaved. “What was that?”

“Our end.”

The phantom spun back. It must have realized it overshot its target. “Be more specific,” Dani urged. “How is it our end?”

“It is one of Grarkiel’s minions,” Bobo explained, his voice barely a whisper. “When the Vigvuth drains the blood of their victims, they take their essence as well. Those spirits are kept captive inside the Vigvuth and become minions to fight. And kill.”

The minion charged at Dani, parting the people on the sidewalk as it sped towards them. She glanced over her shoulder. Ezra was stalking towards her as well, determination in every step. She searched frantically for anything, any place that might give them a safe haven. 

“We are doomed,” Bobo wailed. 

“Not today,” Dani replied. “Cover your ears. It’s going to get loud.”

She hopped out of the minion’s line of sight. She wedged herself into a group of barely dressed women. It was pretty clear they were looking for a good time. The sound of pounding music encased them as they all slid inside the nightclub. 

Tuesday Tales - Can

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “can”. We are back with my Sci-Fi story. 

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Dani pulled free from his grasp and laid the hand he touched in her lap. What was going on? Ezra was never this forward before. “Let’s just see where the night goes. Okay?”

“Suit yourself.”

Dani squeezed her eyes shut as she felt Bobo bouncing around his skull. He was practically hissing in her eardrum. Maybe he was really a cat after all. “Leave. We must leave.”

She grit her teeth, hoping the subtle action would keep her voice low. “Why?”

“Look at his eyes. Can you trust him? You cannot. Flee.”

“Is everything alright?” Ezra interrupted her conversation with the extraterrestrial in her head.

Dani’s eyes flew open. She gazed into Ezra’s. Instead of the warm, chocolate brown she was used to, they were almost glowing lunar blue.

Oh crap.

She gave him a weak smile. “I think I’m getting a headache. There’s a lot of pressure in my head.”

The smirk that had been on Ezra’s lips since she arrived disappeared. The scowl he now possessed sent a jolt of terror through her. “I bet you do.”

“I apologize. I may need to cut our night short.”

“Go, now. Please,” Bobo whispered.

“Why? It’s just begun. I promise you that it will be a night you will never forget.”

Dani opened her mouth to respond. A thousand excuses flooded her brain. For once in her life, she was grateful for all the romcoms her mother used to force her to watch. She clamped her lips shut as she watched Ezra wince. He clenched his eyes shut as all the muscles in his face contracted. It looked like he was struggling against something that clearly had him in its grip.

She didn’t have to answer for herself what it was. Bobo did it for her. “Grarkiel.”

She barely heard the words that Ezra spoke over the noise of the bar and grill. He muttered them so low they were almost lost. “Run. Now.”

Tuesday Tales - Water

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “water”. We are back with my Sci-Fi story.  Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

Dani tapped on the screen. “Where do you want to meet?”

She didn’t realize she was holding her breath until it escaped when the answer appeared on her device. “Michael’s. That’s the bar and grill we ate at that first time. See you in an hour.”

She gripped her phone tightly as she returned to the living room. She slipped it back into her purse and turned for the door. 

She paused. Without turning, she spoke. “Are you coming? I think I’m going to need you.”

“Of course.” 

Dani could hear the squeaking patter of latex on her coffee table. Then there was the tickle in her ear and pressure in her head. 

“Ready to go?” she questioned.

“Yes. Let us depart.”

She gave a quick smile as she reached for the doorknob and twisted it. She tugged it closed behind her then hurried down the hall to catch the bus. 

The journey back to the library felt like an eternity. Dani squirmed in the plastic seat as she gazed out the window at the setting sun. The closer she got to Ezra, the higher her anxiety rose. She could feel her nerves reverberate inside her. 

This was going to be the night of her life or it was going to go very, very bad.

She barely made it into the restaurant before the hour was up. Ezra was sitting at the table they had been at before, a pint of beer already in his hand. His grin was a little crooked as he waved her over. 

“Hey beautiful,” he greeted. “I’m glad you could make it. Margarita?”

“No.” Dani turned to the waitress now standing beside her. “Water, please.”

The girl scribbled her request down on the pad in her hand then scurried off to get the glass.

She climbed onto the stool as Ezra took a sip of the brew. “Ah, no fun tonight?” He reached out to caress her hand with his free one. “I was looking forward to having a little fun.”

Tuesday Tales - Maroon

 

Welcome to Tuesday Tales! This week's word prompt is “maroon”. We are back with my Sci-Fi story. 

Be sure to check out the other Tuesday Tales by clicking here!

It had been a long day. Dani slipped off her maroon colored cardigan and draped it over the chair in her living room. Yes, Boston was toasty in the summer. She had sweat buckets the whole way home. The air conditioning in the bus did little to cool her down.

She was too self conscious to dress for comfort. In her bulky sweater and long skirt, she blended into the crowd. No one noticed her. She would suffer from overheating to be essentially invisible.

Her head felt like it was imploding. She held her breath for a moment. Couldn’t he hurry up?

A moment later, her new little roommate popped out of her ear onto the couch, bouncing from cushion to cushion like a real life cartoon.

“More reading tonight?” Boboneth inquired once he finally came to a stop.

“I’m going to warm up a frozen pizza but then yes,” Dani replied.

Bobo cocked his balloon head. “Pizza? I’ve heard of this wonder. May I have a…”

“Slice?” Dani finished his sentence. Or at least she hoped she did.

His translucent body reared back a bit as if alarmed or offended. She sighed. With his limited knowledge of the English language, slice could mean other things. “Slice. When you get a piece of pizza, we call it a slice. It is a triangular shape most of the time since normally a pizza is round.”

“It’s not violent, like the slash of a blade?”

“Nope. Just pizza.”

Bobo’s head nodded slowly. “Slice, yes. I would like a slice or two.

“Coming right up. Since you are new to this, let’s try cheese. Once I know you can handle something spicier, we will move up to pepperoni.”

She shuffled to the kitchen and yanked open the freezer door. She pried up the first pizza then the second. Before she could tug free the icy cheese disk, she heard the tone of a text message come from her purse. She let the door of the freezer swing shut then hurried to her bag in the living room. Unzipping it, she reached in to fish out the device. She read the three words on the screen

“Meet me tonight?”

She wasn’t sure how to feel about the message she read. Her heartbeat sped up a bit. Why wouldn’t it? She’d be lying to herself if she denied being attracted to Ezra. At the same time, something was off.