Up and Forward by Victoria A. RogersSUMMARY: October Flash Fiction Contest. Theme: DarknessThe call. The call.
The need.
Forward. Always forward. Move. It was called. It was summoned.
It fought the call. It opened its fetid maw and screeched its dismay. But the one who summoned was strong. The summoning held it tightly, snaking into its being and grabbing on to its flesh like barbed grappling hooks. Pulling it forward. Up and forward. Out from the depths and into the startling light. It could not fight the call. It screamed and flung its body in earth shattering convulsions. The wet earth sucked and smacked against its body as it slithered and jerked its way through the tunnels. Up and up into the light.
When it burst through the cave mouth, it tossed its head from side to side, roaring its displeasure. It rose up into the air, and then, it paused. Its long, segmented body stopped, and held itself aloft. It was silent. It blinked.
Once.
Twice.
Five times.
It screamed.
It crashed to the ground in a spray of soil.
Steven burst into laughter. Chuck glared at him and then at Tyler, whose mouth quivered even as he tried to speak.
"Sorry Chuck, but it lost the roll. It's both blinded and stunned. Grace, your turn."
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