I stared into cold, dead, unreadable eyes. Maybe he would allow me to pass. No harm, no foul. Just two creatures whose paths fate briefly allowed to intersect. We moved in an arc, each participant in this deadly dance transfixed on the other. The cobra’s glistening scales rippled as he adjusted his position, searching for an advantage, something I had no intention of allowing him. My fur bristled in anticipation of his next move. My lips pulled back in a snarl, exposing razor-sharp fangs.
The cobra struck first, but I had already moved. I countered the strike with my own, clamping his neck in my jaws. Mongoose wins again.
About the Creator
Mark Gagnon
I have spent most of my life traveling the US and abroad. Now it's time to create what I hope are interesting fictional stories.
I have 2 books on Amazon, Mitigating Circumstances and Short Stories for Open Minds.
Reader insights
Outstanding
Excellent work. Looking forward to reading more!
Top insights
Compelling and original writing
Creative use of language & vocab
Easy to read and follow
Well-structured & engaging content
Expert insights and opinions
Arguments were carefully researched and presented
Heartfelt and relatable
The story invoked strong personal emotions
Masterful proofreading
Zero grammar & spelling mistakes
Keep reading
More stories from Mark Gagnon and writers in Fiction and other communities.
Unicorns No More
“Wake up, Agnes! We overslept again and will miss the boat if we don’t get a move on.” “Just ten more minutes, Fred, or maybe fifteen at the most. And will you please stop poking me with that thing! I would have thought you had enough last night.”
By Mark Gagnon3 months ago in Fiction
The Road to Nowhere
Trigger warnings: Violence, Death. "May the Sun burn your tongue out, woman," Fredrick's father screamed the curse into his mother's ear as their elegant little carriage rumbled along, its polished wood and gilded trim glinting in the torchlight. They had just left the small village of Saffron and were on an unnamed road to the capital for the Royal wedding. Fredrick leaned back in his plush velvet seat to escape into the passing landscape, but across from him sat the servant boy, a scrappy lad named Jack. Jack's eyes held a mixture of awe and fear, the kind that only a commoner could feel in the presence of nobility. Jack looked up and caught Fredrick's gaze, offering him a sad little smile before reaching into his pocket and retrieving a little caramel treat. This candy was no doubt stolen from the kitchen treat cupboard; if he was caught with it, he would be locked in the box as punishment.
By Frank English8 days ago in Fiction
Comments (7)
🥰🥰🥰🥰
That tension before the first strike was expertly done here. I could really visualise this.
I hate snakes. Any story that kills them makes me happy. You made me very happy. Ewwww.
Two nasty animals, but since watching 'Ricky-Ticky-Too', I go for the mongoose!
Yayyyyy!! Go Mongoose!! Sorry Mr Snake! Loved your story!
Mark I love this! The intense heart palpitating scene you pained here was great and such a great read!
Short and sweet!!! Nice micro, Mark! And correct! The Mongoose will win almost every time. Just ask Rikki Tikki, lol.