Stories From Elton High | Chapter 28
Chris whips around when he hears my voice. His ears fold down and he looks like he's ready to make a dash for the exit. "Mark, listen-" He composes himself somewhat and smiles. I remember that smile - the smile he encouraged me with, the smile he...
The Mystic Sands | Chapter 2
"A pendant in the shape of intestines?" Robert elevated an eyebrow. "At least that's what my endless nights with an anatomy textbook recall. Those ridges and the coiling, they're unmistakable." "I-" Edwin remembered his anatomy by heart, but-...
The Mystic Sands | Chapter 3
Mystified, Edwin padded over for a closer look. The gilded surface that surrounded one of the keyholes bore several deep gashes. "Is that what I think it is?" "If you think it's the mark of someone who is utterly lousy with a pick, then yes." Robert...
STASIS
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story, characters and setting are copyright © 2011 Alflor Aalto. * * * The maiden voyage of the Comet-6 marked the beginning of a new era in commercial space travel. The ship's warp-modulated propulsion system, combined with the...
Stories From Elton High | Chapter 25
Several days pass, and my dad stays by my side the entire time; nobody else comes to visit... not that I expect anyone to. It's the morning of what I estimate to be my last day here; as promised, Sally comes in to discharge me. She helps me into a...
Stories From Elton High | Chapter 24
I hear the rain before I feel it; the quiet rustling sound calms me and makes me think I'm still dreaming. I open my eyes slowly; they hardly have time to focus before misting over again with tears. What happened wasn't a dream; I tore the only person...
Fix or Forget | Part 2
I don't know how long I stand there, staring into empty space, muzzle agape. All the emotion raging inside me just cannot seem to find release. I want to cry, to fall on my knees and let everything out; instead, I just stand there and stare. By the...
Fix or Forget | Part 1
Memories are nasty little creatures. They have a habit of sneaking up on you when you are most vulnerable. Like a loan shark, they wait patiently until you're trapped somewhere; then, they pounce. My memories came for me as I lay in a hospital...
Streets of His City | Chapter 2
**N** atier spun around and found himself against a wall. He put his paws against the aged wood and tried pushing, but the wall refused to budge. Fear and desperation took over; Natier started throwing himself against the wall in vain attempts to...
Streets of His City | Chapter 4
**R** ivard watched the only other patron in the bar, a very drunk bobcat, snoring loudly in his seat with his muzzle in a tankard of ale. "Gonna have to drag him outside, just like yesterday, I reckon." The barkeep, who was also watching the bobcat,...
The Comeback Kid
AUTHOR'S NOTE: This story, characters and setting are copyright © 2011 Alflor Aalto. * * * It feels weird to be back in Delport. All the new constructions I drive by remind me of just how long I've been gone. Other buildings, buildings that...
Streets of His City | Chapter 3
**T** he total darkness was still a bit of a shock, but Natier recovered much quicker than last time. The adrenaline from last time was still there, however. It pulsed through his veins, making him shiver with anticipation. Natier took the steps two...