17
Apr

IN THE LINE OF FIRE

“You’ve been made.”

31
Oct

The Dandy and the Beast

Sometimes, Gaillard drank too much. It wasn’t something he’d ever admit to anyone, and he rarely even acknowledged the fact himself. He was a man who took pride in his brawn over his brain, although that certainly didn’t mean he was a fool. But, on certain nights in the tavern, Gaillard simply drank a little bit too much — and when that happened, his tongue had a tendency to slip away from him.

The stranger came to the village right in the middle of the changing seasons, that dreary time where autumn is over — trees bare and dry leaves littering the ground — but winter hasn’t quite seen it fit to step in and grip the land in its cold grasp yet. It wasn’t unusual for travelers to pass through, and they always took the time to stop by the tavern, so Gaillard paid the old man little heed.

31
Dec

1914

The sound of approaching footsteps made Todd furiously wipe his eyes. It probably did no good, but he still hoped it wouldn’t be too apparent that he’d been crying.

“Hello.” The voice only carried a slight accent, but it was enough for Todd to realize that the man standing behind him wasn’t one of his own.

He whirled around, fear rising into his chest. The German immediately raised his hands in an obvious gesture of peace.

5
Sep

Finders Keepers

by Zack (mirrors http://s2b2.livejournal.com/115262.html) I opened my eyes, blinking sleep from my heavy lids. The room in front of me was sparsely illuminated by a few rays of sunlight seeping through the curtains. I didn’t recognize the place at all. But at the same time I couldn’t remember if I should be familiar with it. […]

1
Jan

Redux

by Zack (ザックス) (mirrors http://s2b2.livejournal.com/101179.html) An incessant knocking tore Greg from his sleep, his dreams disappearing like smoke. Groaning into his pillow, he tried to will whoever it was to just go away. It didn’t work. Instead, the pounding on his door turned into a high-pitched ring as the unwanted visitor apparently discovered the doorbell. […]

16
Oct

Ored’s Song

by Zack (ザックス) illustrated by amei (mirrors http://s2b2.livejournal.com/59476.html) Ored stared intently as the drops of blood dispersed in the water, turning into red wisps of smoke and then disappearing altogether. And still, no one came. He had already poured all of the alcohol in the river, and the other offerings were gone as well. All […]

6
Aug

The Revenge

by Zack (ザックス) (mirrors http://s2b2.livejournal.com/58484.html) The witch’s cabin lay in the middle of the forest. It was run-down, broken roof and dusty windows, and the mere sight of it sent a shiver down my spine. I raised a hand to knock, but wasn’t surprised when the door opened out of its own accord — before […]

5
May

Burning Snow

by Zack (ザックス) illustrated by celectis (mirrors http://s2b2.livejournal.com/44697.html) Dorcha bounded up the stairs, desperately trying to block out the sounds of screaming. He had to hurry, had to make it before it was too late. His throat burned like fire and little stars danced before his eyes when he finally reached the top of the […]

21
Dec

The Light In Your Eyes

by Zack (ザックス) (mirrors http://s2b2.livejournal.com/34508.html) I just couldn’t imagine a world where aliens were nothing more than a sci-fi fantasy. They’d been a part of my life for as long as I could remember, looming threateningly over my future. They arrived when I was two years old, and I have them to thank for not […]