The Simpsons & Futurama Fanworks Central

Awesome

Holy shit, that's amazing. I'm simply in awe.

Beautiful!

Thank you for all the kind words!

A rather different one. In the animal kingdom, many species try to attract a mate by a form of conspicuous consumption: proving that they would make a superior partner and parent by wasting the energy or effort that would be a benefit in those roles. This is just taking that to its logical extreme...

Player of a New Game

I am unattractive. Not even interestingly ugly, just devoid of anything pretty.

I have no ideas or skills. I am a husk. I flunked out of university and did nothing interesting instead. No sports, no achievements. Forget the idea of me having money: I hope you're willing to work, because I'm not.

And I am a complete slut. That is where I will dedicate all my energy. Get used to the idea that I'm going to spread my genes wherever I go.

But at least now you know that I am not going to lie about it.

THE END

OK, I'm challenging myself to post one drabble a day for a month. Here's day 1's drabble.

If this project interests you and you want me to continue, push that button! Ring that bell etc.


The Stalker

Published online in a shortened version; can be read here

Oh, wow! 31 Chris drabbles incoming? I'm already excited.

And with a really good start too. Very haunting, Chris, and showing the best elements of your style very elegantly. Nice job!

Whoa thanks! I'll have to try to keep up this winning streak now.

Day 2 drabble. I'm thinking of having this as a dream sequence of a character in a yet-unwritten story.

The Beautiful Plague

Shiho dreamt that the crowds in the streets slowed. Hair grew more burnished, then longer, as if it poured from their scalps. It turned jewelled colours; it grew out in curls and ringlets. Skin turned clearer, more mineral. Ears and fingers grew more slender, eyes huge and fragile.

Bodies grew thinner, as if the violent growth of hair sucked out their juices. They shot to such height that they started tottering, then snapping. Fingers twisted longer, tears -- and now blood -- sparkled, and still whirlpools of hair flowed through alleys, meeting, intertwining.

From a high enough vantage point, it looked beautiful.

THE END

Unsettling, yet visually striking. Nice!

Beautiful, Chris!

Aw shucks, thanks guys!

Drabble no. 3. Taking a break from horror with a fantasy story. I quite blatantly nicked the basic premise from this book, but I don't know whether it uses the same ending twist as I.

The Innocent

The love goddess Amatriya loathed the blandishments of Mogkar, the blood god, and struck a wager: they would compete over a pure mortal, the victor dictating their relationship. Amatriya would send tempters; Mogkar enemies.

Vijay was a warrior novice. Amatriya sent a stable-girl with a water-pitcher, then a noblewoman with saffron-dyed hair. He refused both. She nearly sent a Lamia, but saw Mogkar’s murderousness in her eyes and held back.

Mogkar sent one highwayman. Within three breaths, his arterial blood pounded the soil. Vijay stood over him, gasping.

Mogkar turned, smiling.

“My victory condition, too, was his loss of innocence.”

THE END

Day 4 drabble. More scariness. I got this idea when I saw that dA has an art contest based on your worst nightmare. I'm not much of an artist, but this drabble is based on one of my creepier dreams.


The Sarcophagus Suit

I was surprised when dad approved my engagement to Edmond. He hinted that he would let Edmond undergo some challenge. It bothered me, but it was Edmond’s choice, even if it was dangerous.

Then I came home, and saw a new ornament. It was eight foot tall, in flesh-red stone, I think. It resembled a sarcophagus, but decorated differently.

Through a slit I saw Edmond’s eyes, wet, straying.

“The suit removes waste products,” dad said. “He gets oxygen. Say... three months.”

I feed Edmond and refill his water. I talk to him, all the time, but maybe he can’t respond.

THE END

Day 5. An autumn story of impossible love. The title is from a Bob Dylan song.


Down a Dead-End Street

published online in a shortened version; can be read here

This is still going so great, Chris. I should try to read these every day, because reading too many at once reduces the effect, a little bit, but I'm still enjoying it. The sarcophagus one was particularly good.

SirMustapha wrote: ↑Tue Oct 05, 2021 11:50 pmThe sarcophagus one was particularly good.

Thank you! I'm pleased with it, myself.

Read as much as you like. Also, please don't let me monopolise this thread if anyone else wants to post drabbles. It's for everyone, after all.

Day 6!


Incorruptibility

I was assisting in the forensics lab when they finally received an incorruptible corpse. It’s supposed to be a sign of sanctity, but it’s rare to get such bodies for autopsy. Some believe it’s a first step to the bodily resurrection.

I wasn’t present. Honestly, I was grateful; I couldn’t deal with watching them cut. I remember Dr. Seeger, who’d dissected corpses before I was born, running into the bathroom. I remember someone claiming the body moved.

What was left could be cremated in a little bag.

Dr. Seeger called it a healthy shell.

THE END