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DOOM MAGNETIC!! - CHAPTER FIVE:
THE FLAMING CACTUS
William Pauley III
Sweat poured off Maundin’s skin. The heat was like three giant invisible fists strangling him, wringing out his lungs, emptying every pocket of air inside until he couldn’t even cough anymore, just stare, wide-eyed and dying. The flaming cactus was hovering over him like a building, a tower, a god, and he was afraid. Afraid because of its power. Afraid because of what he thought it might represent.
And then it spoke to him.
Where are you going?
It asked as if he could answer. Tears formed in Maundin’s eyes, but not because he was out of breath. It was THE VOICE. And hearing THE VOICE could only mean one thing—the nightmare wasn’t over. It would never be over.
There is work to be done, my boy, but it’s not what you’re probably thinking.
THE VOICE sounded weak.
Maundin, I need to rest. I’m getting too old for this shit, you know. I need a successor. I need you, Maundin, to take my place as the next Starman.
Tears poured from Maundin’s eyes as they rolled back in his head. It’s the breathing doing it this time…and the pain. He felt like at that very moment the heat would cause his skin to liquefy and pour off his bones, soaking into the sand below him, but it never did.
We’re not given much time in the universe, Maundin. Our lives are finished in no time at all. I’m afraid that I’ve started something that I will not be able to finish. This is where you come in, my boy.
Maundin’s stomach convulsed, as if it were trying to wriggle itself up his esophagus. Pain radiated to other organs, implying the rest of his guts were following close behind. His body seemed to be preparing to implode.
I can see that you’re fading. This is too much for you to bear. You’re not as strong as you should be. In mere seconds, you’ll be unconscious and I will disappear again. So hear this, Maundin—when you awaken, you will be greeted by a Master. The first Master of Stardust.
Maundin falls, his back to the sand. His body continues to shake and convulse, gasping for air and getting none.
You’ll be greeted by three Masters in total. Prove yourself worthy, Maundin. Make me proud. There’s so much to show you.
The convulsions cease as Maundin fades into unconsciousness.
Now you rest, my boy. Now you rest.
The purple flame grew cold and faded back into the cactus. The darkness immediately reclaimed its territory, swallowing Maundin whole.
The end of the desert could not be seen.
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The Flaming Cactus
© William Pauley III, 2011
All rights reserved.
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