In the Darklands discord we've been collaborating on some projects recently, taking it in turns to write a group story, and now writing some responses to some darkly slanted prompts. Below is my own little piece of Flash fiction that I decided to compose for the occasion. Enjoy, and if you liked this deliciously twisted insight into claustrophobia and madness, let me know with a not so evil comment and vote. More short fiction will be coming from me in the future.
Prompt: Instead of oceans covering Earth, forests are in its place, making its possible for one to walk from continent to continent. Like oceans, these forests grow deeper and darker, and the creatures become more aggressive, rare and monstrous. You are tasked to document and expedition through one of these forests of your choice...
Here follows the last recorded journal entry of Dr David Archer, Anthropologist, Institute of New Livina.
-Day 152-
They're out there.
Lurking. Watching. Waiting. Probing for weaknesses up there, all around me.
Sometimes, to distract myself, I try and think of you, Tanya. I think of you, all dressed up, ready for your first day of school. I think of all the time I've missed you. And sometimes, if I look hard enough, I even see you there, running through the bushes...
The expedition began in simplicity – like all best laid plans: chart the unexplored region of the forests that now coat the entire planet. Document the wildlife – the practices of some of the more 'civilized' beings on this side of the Earth – hah!
'Civilized' – I thought I knew what that word meant. Now it's very essence crumbles to dust in my ears. Because now I've seen them. I've seen what's out there, sequestered among the trees, laughing at me from within the brush.
Every howl of the wind through the sun-blocking trees is a cackle at my existence.
Every rustle of the bushes is an enemy waiting to strike from within.
Every snap of the trees' oaken tendrils is a signal that we never should have come here, to their domain.
The trees have ears. They have eyes, and even mouths. They whisper to me when I sleep within the belly of their forest. They tell me – oh – they tell me such secrets. Secrets that no one should know.
And when I lie on a bed composed of their leaves, I hear it, loud and vibrant: the heart of the forest. I hear it every night.
The others hear it too. And they ask me - they beg, they plead, they cry 'Please, make it stop!' But they know how to silence it already. They just aren't strong enough to still the beating heart in their heads. This forest doesn't need our bodies or our minds. It needs our blood.
If you find this – there's your precious secret. There's the result of this futile expedition.
They want me to stop the noise, and tonight, as they sleep, I'm going to do it. We will all finally dream in silence.
Wait for me, Tanya. Daddy's coming home.
(If you're interested in getting involved with The Darklands community, consider joining with the link on my profile.)
YOU ARE READING
Milestones and Visions
Non-FictionA breakdown of both milestone celebrations on Wattpad and a place to see concept artwork and images that inspire me (and might even prove helpful in your own writing!) I also will be sharing some writing activities I've found useful, so check these...
