Ozranis

Ozranis the Soul Thief

Flash Fiction by Xenia Headley

The wretched smell of stale piss and putrid rotting garbage filled Ozranis’s nose. His nostrils flared as he inhaled not only the scent of the dingy alleyway but, the rancid smell of the homeless that occupied it as well. Following his nose like a hunting dog would, he rounded the corner of a decaying brick building and walked confidently into the alley with his trench coat flapping gently in the breeze. There, standing over a large metal barrel filled with flames, were three men and two women. They all wore tattered rags for clothes and dirty toques pulled down low in an attempt to keep themselves warm from the bitter winter cold and the bite of the winter winds. Ozranis neared closer and the chatter amongst the homeless stopped as the five turned to stare directly at the man wearing all black who dared to enter their territory. This was their alley and everyone around knew to stay away unless invited as they ran the streets.

Although he was a demon sent straight from the pits of hell, Ozranis looked as human as any other fool brave enough to walk the slums at this hour. He ran a hand through his thick black hair and smiled confidently as he spoke to the group. “Good evening ladies and gentlemen.”

“Looks like you took a wrong turn, buddy.” The largest man of the little gathering said as he turned his body to face Ozranis directly. The knife he pulled from his jacket pocket glimmered as the reflection of the flames danced wickedly across the blade. “Better walk away while you still have the chance, pal.”

Ozranis simply smiled again and edged closer to the cocky man with the knife. The remaining four men and woman joined to stand with their leader side in a threatening manner in which was intimidating to. most. As he neared them, Ozranis waved his hand in a slow downward swipe and briefly looked into the eyes of each of the five men and women. “Be still now.” He whispered in a composed tone. Unable to even blink, each and every one of the five froze. Terror coursed through their bodies as was evident in their eyes as they realized they were unable to move. Ozranis saw the fear in their eyes and it made him viciously hungry. One by one, he laid his hand on their chests with a touch as hot as the fire that burned in the barrel. Their bodies convulsed, and their souls sizzled and sparked as they passed through their mouths and into Ozranis’ open mouth. The last of the five was a petite woman who even through covered in filth was very pretty. He gently wiped away the single tear that slid down her cheek and he knew her soul would be extra sweet. The greater the fear, the sweeter the soul.

After taking their sweet souls he instructed, “Go forth into the world.” They watched him with soulless eyes. “You will torture, maim and kill, as you have no souls to give you conscience. “You will stop at nothing and obey no law, as your duty is too me. Too destroy any who cross your path. Go my children.” He gestured to the street and his loyal subjects did as they were told.

Ozranis stood back for a brief moment to revel in the pure evil he had created to bid his will on earth. For within his given thirty days he had to walk the earth, he could create so many more soulless murderers. Hell on earth was set loose like a plague.