Week 663 of #ThursThreads was a success, and y’all never disappoint. Thank you to everyone who writes each week. You are why we’re still doing this, and why we’ve made it more than 12 YEARS!
If you’ve just found us, welcome to the crew! May you come back again and write more great flash. A thousand thanks to Thia Mackin for judging this week. Follow Siobhan Muir on Bluesky or check out the #ThursThreads #flashfiction group on Facebook or the #ThursThreads Group on MeWe to keep up with news, etc.
Entries:
- Bill Engleson
- Siobhan Muir
- Silver James
- Mark Ethridge
- LupusAnthropos
- Kelly Heinen
- David A. Ludwig
- K.R. Van Horn
- Sheilagh Lee
- Louisa Bacio
Honorable Mentions
Silver James | Website
Thia says: The characters elicited emotion, even in such a short segment. I wanted to protect Druic from Ariel’s frustration. I also am always interested in a well-written Shakespearean retelling. I’m curious as to who the one who is coming is and why they are screwed. I’d keep reading beyond the 250.
Louisa Bacio | Website
Thia says: This clumsy, relatable character might be my sister from another mister. Also, it begins as a good start to a romance novel that I would definitely have on my kindle. Great description, strong opening, and the tailor is gonna be one of those secondary characters everyone needs a book from…
winner announcement
Week 663 Winner
Thia says: I could hear the squeaky voices and see the darkening sky. The description enthralled me, bringing the scene to life. I also appreciated the unique use of the prompt. I wonder what the abominations truly are.
The darkness over Fairhill was unnatural. Lightning fractured the sky without meaningfully illuminating the town. Thunder shook the ground. The locals had all taken shelter, but no such accommodation was offered the eclectic outsiders.
“This is no ordinary storm; we must return to Pippi!” Starlee Swann commanded her companions.
Blitzen Brün nodded, cradling their fresh provisions protectively to her chest, her cheeks bulging with the loaf of bread she had crammed in seconds earlier. The more delicate Angelina Dawning took her usual, protected position between her crewmates. They retraced their steps to where they had left their fourth.
Before they found their friend, manic laughter intruded from all sides before coalescing into a sing-song voice.
“I’m here to get you!”
“Ready yourselves!”
Starlee drew her rapier of starlight and faced the deepest of the darkness. An elongated, feral mockery of a human form loomed over the crumpled body of Pippi Pierrot.
“Wretched hellspawn,” Starlee hissed through her teeth, glowing eyes fixed on the demon.
The grinning fiend’s laughter only occasionally originated from where it ought. It arched its taloned fingers. Threads of crimson light whipped toward the companions. Slashing the threads, Starlee charged.
A tremor through the thread that caught Starlee’s left wrist made her punch herself in the face. It did not stop her from charging her blade with the power to dispel the darkness.
“Return to the depths!”
The swashbuckler drove her rapier through a point between Pippi and her demon, banishing the abomination once more.
~~~~~~~
Congratulations THIRTY-ONE TIME WINNER David, and Honorable Mentions Silver, and Louisa! Don’t forget to claim your badges and display them with pride. You certainly earned it!
Pass on the great news on Facebook, MeWe, Bluesky, Mastodon, shiny mirrors, Morse Code, and signal flags. Check out all the original tales HERE. Thanks for stopping by and happy reading! 🙂
