Darvin Dundragon's Stories

A Lit Candle

2007-04-14T11:57:44Z

”...not a light of hope left,” the loudspeaker proclaimed with a mechanical bite.

The young man threw his arms up in frustration, “That’s it. We’re all going to die.”

An older man grunted and held a gloved hand harder over the growing dark spot on his belly. “This isn’t over till it’s over. I-” He paused as the lights flickered and dimmed. “Light that candle, please.”

There was much grumbling, but the younger man stuck a match and put it to the wick with great care. As the flame grew tall, electronics began to die, as if the candle were burning the life from the room. It did little to illuminate the cavernous space.

The two sat in silence for some time, until the young man began to sing softly, “It’s the end of the world as we know it.” His elder frowned. “You’ve seen too few years to know the end.

Unidentifiable noises echoed from a great distance. The young man looked up in alarm, but the older one never took his eyes from the small flame. “It’s time for you to leave,” he spoke softly and forcefully.”

Elevator III: The Completed Trilogy

2007-04-11T10:14:00Z

“Whoa! Oh. Oh, I see. The floor is a window and… Wow, are we high up!”

“Egh.”

“Now the walls are becoming windows! Oh man, look at that view! Glad we’re on the side of the building and not in middle, don’t ya agree, T?”

“I… I did not notice those viewscreens when we entered.”

“Viewscreens? You mean the windows.”

“Er, yes, the ‘windows’.”

“You were scared pretty bad there for a moment.”

“I most certainly was not.”

“Heh heh, you should have seen the look on your face!”

“Quiet, D.”

“It was all, ‘Oh no! We’re gonna die!’ haha!”

“Stop.”

“No so high and mighty now are you? ‘Use your brain like me! I am T and I am so great! Nothing can get to me… Help we’ve been tricked!’ eheh.”

“I said shut up, you insolent cretin! I am already regretting bringing you despite the fact that you have a desirable skill with persuasion. Watch your back after this because I WILL KILL YOU !”

“Gentlemen, please. Calm yourselves. Step into my office and we can begin the negotiations.”

The elevator had arrived.

On a Dark Trail

2007-04-09T11:25:40Z

Until that very moment, I had been sure I was dreaming. Everything before had been so surreal, but I couldn’t put my finger on what. Already the memories had begun slipping away, only to be replaced by the soft dampness of the trail on which I stood. I had heard stories of people who could control aspects of their dreams. That could never compare to the reality that clung to my skin like the cool, wet air. The trees massed around the path, looking down with stern faces upon me, the outsider. They could not stop me from being there, but I dared not even entertain thoughts of leaving the path for the dark recesses of those woods. Instead my eyes were drawn to the clouded sky ahead. It was a sign that the silent watchmen did not rule all. There was still the trail and whatever it lead to. I took my first step without looking back, a nagging feeling telling me I would only see a dimly lit wall of bark. The memories were gone as I took my second step. Nothing came with the third but the swift rhythm of a new day.

Elevator II: The Sequel

2007-04-09T10:11:47Z

“Hey T?”

”...”

“Don’t start with that blank look, man. I just want to ask a question. I think it’s important.”

“Fine. What is it?”

“Why is it still dark in here? Isn’t that bad?”

“You really don’t realize what is transpiring here.”

“Uh, no I-”

“That wasn’t a question.”

“Oh, okay the-”

“When was the last time you were in a elevator that broke down? When was the last time you were in an elevator that took this long? I am positive it was not as well maintained as this building. Nor was it an elevator that led directly to the CEO ’s office on the top floor. Think. I know you have a good head, despite your constant efforts to prove otherwise.”

“Hey! I did-”

“We are here to close a deal with a man who has been in business for a long time. He is not above psychological warfare. By the way you are dancing back and forth, it is working.”

“I’m jus-”

“There. The lights have come back on. Settle down, D. Whatever other fears you may have are simply in your head.”

The floor fell out from under the elevator.

Elevator

2007-04-07T08:49:50Z

The elevator rattled to a stop and the lights dimmed.

“What the- Mother fu-”

“Language.”

“Oh, who cares. There’s just the two of us here. All alone in the dark.”

“This is true, however, need I remind you about how important this meeting is? Do not blow this, D.”

“Urgh. These code names are so stupid. Couldn’t we at least pick something other then the first letter of our names?”

“No.”

“Oh come on! I want something cool, like V or Q.”

“No.”

“Fine. Have it your way… Mr.T.”

”...”

“Do you pity the foo’? Do ya?”

“After we are done with the CEO , please remind me why I should let you live.”

“You always say that, T.”

“How are you still here then?”

“I’m your best friend of course!”

“Best friend.”

“And besides, who else could get such sweet-ass suits on such a short notice? This is some Matrix shit. Or Resovoir Dogs. We got code names and everything.”

“Your knowledge of pop culture from before we were born never ceases to amaze me, D.”

“Really, T?”

“No.”

The elevator shuddered back into motion.