Humans logo

Flash Fiction by Zap Aura: Compilation

~Zap Aura~

By ~Awakened~Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago 3 min read
4
Image by Myska0091 on Wikimedia Commons

"The Scavenger"

Proudly the hyena watched as another meal was created before his eyes. Yet again the lion had caught his prey and was feasting upon its meat. It was only a matter of time before the hyena would claim his share.

“You seem more a sloth than a hyena,” the elephant argued. “If you wish to earn your meal, hunt your own rather than living off the hard work of others.”

The hyena cackled hysterically. “You expect a being of my stature to stoop so low as to labour for myself? No, I am far too intelligent for that.”

“You think yourself clever, but you are nothing short of lazy. What will you do when there is no one around to work for you?”

Once again, the hyena cackled, explaining that that would never happen. How surprised he was when the predators of the savannah moved away to a more suitable environment, and the hyena was left without labourers. Still, he remained too petty to hunt for himself, and he starved alone and helpless.

“Was it worth it, your pride?” the elephant asked as the hyena’s horizon set. The next hyena that came along knew better than to touch the remaining carcass, for he was wise to accept the elephant’s words.

"Gamble Your Soul"

In a glass casino, overlooking Earth, the souls gather around the before-life contraptions. In the center, there is a roulette table for those who wish for higher IQ. There is a Black-Jack dealer for those who risk failure for a higher chance of success. Against the wall is a line of solitaire for those practicing for better self-preservation. Chess tournaments are played to determine one's leadership. Clubs are chaired to determine a soul's connections. Finally, in a dark corner of the casino, there sits a slot machine. No soul knows of it's origins, nor do they care to find out.

For this slot machine, each casino attendee is provided with sixty coins, each representing one year of their life. They may choose to live their predetermined life length or they may choose to gamble any amount of coins for an alternate length. If they win, they gain double the amount of years they had bet. If they lose, the time that they had gambled are lost to them forever, and the Dark One inherits their soul upon death.

Of this machine much debate has been tried. "It is ungodly, gambling the gifts of the Lord" argues one. "But you may live a longer life spreading His word" retorts another. Despite these debates and constant quarreling concerning the game's morality, it has remained for millennia, and for millennia many souls have been lost.

In truth, this machine is not the only work of evil within the casino, for as many have known, "Gambling is the child of avarice, the brother of iniquity, and the father of mischief." - George Washington

"Scarred Bearings"

Markings glinting in the faded moonlight, the Bearers lurk in the night. They cross scorching deserts, scale the steepest slopes, wade wavy waters, conquer great gorges, never resting to replenish. They needn’t sleep, needn’t eat and needn’t weep, for their feat they would accomplish. Many know this as fantasy; the Bearers know differently. They have done, they have seen, and now they run.

They know these challenges they face now mean nothing. They have faced the worst already. Demons once drove them, as they do us all.

“Take, steal, have!” griped Greed.

“Hate, hurt, rage!” argued Anger.

“Me, me, me!” proclaimed Pride.

Our own worst enemies, impossible silver-tongued deceivers, and these men fought and emerged victorious. And once they did so, they sealed the savages within their scars. Now they bear these beast-scathe marks, as a reminder of the strength they posses.

However, they are not the only men to possess the wisdom to outcast their demons and free their souls, for as a wise man said, “But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

~Isaiah 40:31

literature
4

About the Creator

~Awakened~

Silence. Ego can be one's downfall, as well as a wall that must be broken down to breach the fifth dimension. This, you must remember in the times to come.

(In case there is any confusion, this is Zap Aura's updated page)

Twitter: @ZapAura

Reader insights

Be the first to share your insights about this piece.

How does it work?

Add your insights

Comments

There are no comments for this story

Be the first to respond and start the conversation.

Sign in to comment

    Find us on social media

    Miscellaneous links

    • Explore
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Terms of Use
    • Support

    © 2024 Creatd, Inc. All Rights Reserved.