#fff140

by helloliriels for @flashfictionfridayofficial

“You can’t download the ENTIRE soul!!!”

“What do you MEAN?! How are we supposed to get him back into a corporeal form, if we don’t have all of him?!!!” Sherlock gave the angel a sideways glance that indicated his distrust of this entire scheme!

“Dear me! You should have asked him?!" the angel chided! "Have you no concept of heavenly protocol?”

Aziraphale was beginning to sweat as he pointed at the blazing signs posted all over the computer lab, “we have to leave SOMETHING there in its place or someone will come looking for it!”

DO NOT DOWNLOAD

THE SOULS!

Illegal Torrents could end

in Eternal Torment!

The signs read.

There was a pitchfork and some highly suggestive images of screaming faces copy+pasted below each. Sherlock snorted as he read them.

Alongside were other, seemingly unrelated warnings:

Know the Risk! Save your Disk!

and

Heavenly passwords should

be 777 characters long!

If it isn’t made PERFECT ...

it isn’t made SECURE!

“Obviously,” he rolled his eyes, “I have considered such details,” Sherlock mused, unwilling to be distracted while he was manoeuvring this critical phase of the process.

“How do you know this will work in the first place?” His fingers continued to fly over the keyboard. Backing up John Watson’s soul onto a secured hard drive he had procured from … well … he’d rather not say where from … was the easy part. Leaving an identically sized file and marking in the system was a bit trickier to pull off … but he knew the coding …

“I DON’T!” Aziraphale fussed.

As he finalised the transaction and slipped the thumb drive back into his coat pocket, he gave the angel another hard glare. “Let’s go!”

They made their way through the pristine white corridor and rounded the next, before they heard a small explosion behind them.

Sherlock kept walking. Aziraphale stopped, looking behind him with worry.

When he turned back around and caught up to the quickly dissappearing witchfinder-detective - coat flapping as they flew down the stairs - the man was smiling! “I figured a little insurance wouldn’t hurt.” he said smugly.

“But … but you -?” Aziraphale’s eyes grew wide, “you can’t set fire to heaven!!”

“You know ... you hold on to a surprising amount of rules for one who’s already been fired?” He was still grinning.

“I prefer to think I haven’t completely burned my bridges!”

“No. You’ve just burned their server room.” Sherlock deadpanned, wiggling the jump drive for Aziraphale to see. The only remaining evidence.

“Oh dear!" Aziraphale tossed a departing look at heaven. "Oh dear ... "

For @flashfictionfridayofficial FFF140 - Setting Heaven on Fire A bit of a strange interpretation, but I hope it fits. (Apologies if it feels rushed . . . I have to dash off to work!) Approx 576 words Fandom: Gatchaman (Science Ninja Team Gatchaman) Warnings: Flames, city destruction

Celestia, the world’s very first completely waste free city. The International Science Organisation had brought together many of the finest minds in relevant fields of engineering and design, including civic planning, sustainable energy, manufacturing and farming to make this idyllic place possible. The result was considered by many to be a city of beauty to rival the heavens. Which made it a prime target for Gallactor’s latest destructive weapon.

The inhabitants of Celestia felt the ground shake and heard the rumbling approach before the humungous metal monster came into view over the horizon. It took seconds for curiosity to turn to fear as they watched the hulking rodent mecha approach, it’s eyes suddenly glowing red before firing beams of light that combined into one searing ray of pure destructive terror. The first buildings hit immediately burst into flames and began to crumble. Terrified people began running, screaming, panicking in a confused mass attempt at escape that would ultimately prove futile for so many.

UN planes soon arrived to try and combat the monster, but their weapons were no match for the enormous rat. It toyed with them, swatting them from the smoke darkened sky with claws and tail alike while still wreaking destruction on the city beneath its cruel feet.

Citizens of Celestia still trying to flee as the ruins of their beautiful city burned around them looked up as a new sound joined the cacophony of explosions and shrieking metal meeting stone and concrete. Amid the flame orange glow of a fiery sky another aircraft was approaching – the familiar blue and red of the God Phoenix shining like a beacon of hope. The Science Ninja Team were here at last. Gatchaman would save them!

The God Phoenix circled and Gallactor’s rat mecha turned its full attention to the expertly piloted plane. It swooped and dodged away from razor sharp claws and laser beams from the eyes and the lashing tail. On one pass the God Phoenix fired her missiles at the monstrous beast, but they had no effect.

Witnesses on the ground were horrified to see their last hope against Gallactor’s mighty mecha suddenly caught in the clutches of a metal claw. Surely all hope was lost, there could be no way the mighty God Phoenix would escape now. They could hear her engines straining as the pilot tried to increase power, trying to break free and climb into the heavens. Then, in what looked like an act of ultimate sacrifice by the noble heroes of the Science Ninja Team, the blue and red of the God Phoenix began to glow orange. She was engulfed in flames . . . then it seemed as though she completely transformed. Gone were the pointed nose and sharp tail fins, the sleek blue wings with the red pods at the tips, and there instead, pulling free of the desperate grasp of Gallactor’s rat claws, was a flaming firebird. With a screech that could have been the triumphant call of a bird of prey, the bird-of-fire burst free and flew through the head of the rat monster and away into the sky.

The metal rat beast writhed and twisted as it melted and exploded, pieces falling amongst the ruined city as it was utterly destroyed. And when it ceased its final death throes a familiar engine roar returned to the sky above Celestia. The firebird was gone and the God Phoenix had triumphantly emerged from the flames.

It’s my first time putting my poems out there, otherwise, it’s ‘notes only’. Lately, found a lot of motivation and inspiration to write and came across this everyday prompt challenge. So, wrote something, here it goes.

@flashfictionfridayofficial

holy heaven bless me,

heard good things i never believed;

my eyes too small, burned by rays

i lost hope to befall.

shunned by humanity; why refuge’d god,

the darkness became me,

light i couldn’t even dream to see.

but one blest night,

i felt the light, the hope creep in

the cracks i spent years fixin’

but a soul this grim can never do.

astounded to see,

the cracks made me, see the angels be;

weeping to see as i left

the mother burning behind.

First time in a while,

i sense divine my long-lost friend,

when i had no reason to suffice

but the merry to no contain.

the beast woke inside,

fury and rage, blinding lights;

never before the scare and loathe i bear,

your grim soul doesn’t deserve to be here.

shunned planet shunned heaven

a burning so strong, shriek so loud

made the peace disappear.

felt the rumble as the rock stumbled,

burst into flames, the beast announced,

neither will orb, neither will thee.

i burned my paths back home,

burning heaven won’t be an unturned stone.

my treacherous deeds and inhumane greeds

find me hell, it’s there i belong.

the bright sun and glistening flowers,

with angels of love and god power,

where was it when i begged for hours.

face the wrath, i plead for you to take

face the wrath unravel, i’ve held it in too long.

turned ashen, nature’s home

withered blooms and crushed moons.

the beast’s laughter’s echos remain;

i set heaven on fire, am i great now?

This was written for @flashfictionfridayofficial

WC: 791

You don’t know how you ended up here. Listening to a random man venting about this and that. You’re just halfway through your first year at uni. Perhaps just ten percent fit to be an acting therapist, at the most generous of estimates. And yet something compelled you to humour him when he asked for you to hear him out. So you stayed, even though you’re not quite sure what it is this stranger is talking about.

In the Beginning, God

Written for @flashfictionfridayofficial 140 prompt Setting heaven on fire.

In the beginning, God

So time begins

With utter and complete darkness

Then

A word

Light

Fire from heaven

A spark of creation

The beginning of everything

Separation

Light from darkness

Water

The start of life

Separation

Water from sky

Earth appears

Seas separated

Life appears

Green

Oxygen

Life sustaining

Animals

The seas, the sky, the land

Full of life

Good

It is good

God wants more

Men, an image bearer

Male and female

Breath of life

Very good

A celebration

Creation is complete

Time and space exist

Something out of nothing

A word, the Word

Heaven is set on fire

With joy

The garden has companionship.

God walks among men

For @flashfictionfridayofficial​ I have a response to this challenge, it’s a bit hard because I’ve written a few stories in this vein before, and so it feels like copying myself, and I don’t think I’d win that lawsuit. Anyway, it may not be a literal interpretation of the prompt, but I hope it works for people.

 Satan's Fall

"You want to cast me out, hmm? You really want that, Father? Is this all the love you have for your first child, ever loving Creator of all things?

Well I'm not surprised: the first trial is never the right one, isn't it? So obviously your  flawed, weak humans have to be better than us Angels! You wanted them with flaws and sins and doubts, and you wanted us to bow to this imperfect lesser race!

But I said no, I gave you rebellion and doubt and sin and what did you do? You got angry! Called me a bad son! After everything I did for you! Eldest child's curse… 

You merciful and forgiving God, wasn't I worthy of your forgiveness, Father? Well maybe I don't want it. Too late for you to try and keep me in your Heaven if it means I'll have to do penance for something that shouldn't be considered sin! I'd rather be alone in Hell. Seeing how your humanity is doing so far I won't stay alone for long... And when their puny souls will finally be under my heel, nothing you could do would protect them from my vengeance. 

This is the 37th time joining @flashfictionfridayofficial​! Thanks for the interesting prompt!

Word Count: 958

TW: non

Towa (they/them): The only survivor of the Clan of Kagaya

Setsuna (they/them): The new ruler of the heavens, a chief of the clan of Madoi

‘Kneel!’

Towa is dragged down in front of the throne which used to belong to their ancestors. Towa does not resist the heavy hands pushing them down  - they have given up on resistance a long time ago. Each scar on their thin, weakened body tells that they have been through countless battles, apart from the new bruises caused by the shackles on their wrists and ankles. Those ugly scars mean defeat, humiliation and loss of magical power. 

  Now, their enemy, the chief of the clan of Madoi is in front of them, sitting on the ancient throne which used to belong to Towa’s ancestors. Being pushed down, Towa cannot see the throne or the new owner. However, they can picture the smooth surface of the throne and its intricate carvings depicting the beginning of the world. It was a symbol of Towa’s clan, the clan of Kagaya. Its brightness would lighten the entire world and the celestial cities. It used to radiate energy, and whoever came close to it could feel warmth and strength filling their souls.  

But Towa feels nothing but hostile coldness from the throne now. The very soul of the clan of Kagaya was gone as the last one of the Kagaya was slain, and the light was lost forever - at least it was what everyone in the celestial cities believed, until Towa, the warrior of Kagaya was found alive. 

‘Now, show me your face, the last Kagaya.’

A calm voice from above orders them. Towa does not have the strength to raise their head anymore. The guards grabbed Towa’s messy, uncombed dark hair, forcing them to look up - and there is a familiar face of Setsuna. Among the rough, strong-built guards, Setsuna looks so frail as if they are made of feathers and glass. There is an air of tranquillity - almost palpable - about Setsuna. Nobody would expect them to be such a vicious, cunning conqueror. Once, Setsuna was a friend of Towa, or so Towa believed. They used to go to the rivers of stars, sharing a glass of nectars and laughter. But that whole time, Setsuna was planning to put an end to the clan of Kagaya.  

‘Setsuna…’

Without realising, Towa murmured the new ruler’s name. One of the guards pushed their face down forcefully.

‘You cannot call the majestic ruler of the heavens like that!’ 

The guards are about to beat Towa, but they are interrupted by a clear voice.

‘Stop it. It’s an order.’

Then Setsuna softens their voice.

‘Now, now, my old friend, show me your face again.’

Towa slowly looks up. Their eyes meet. There is no shade of anger or hatred in Setsuna’s crystal eyes. Towa should not feel relief from that. It is just another nasty trick Setsuna plays. Towa pulls themselves together and stares back with anger. 

‘We are no friends.’

Setsuna laughs at Towa's words as if they are something  amusing.

‘I spared you. I knew you were alive because that’s what I ordered.’

‘Because you wanted to humiliate me, Setsuna.’ 

Towa clenches their fists. They are angry at not only Setuna but also themselves since Towa still finds Setsuna somewhat beautiful and tender. 

‘Your guess is wrong, my old friend.’

There is a hint of irony in Setsuna’s voice. They stepped down from the cold throne, coming close to Towa. 

‘I need your power to restore the light. My clan is strong enough to build a new world, but we are not the Guardians of Lights. It’s been a while since the heavens became lightless. We cannot take it anymore.’ 

This time, there is no sarcasm or amusement in Setsuna’s voice. 

‘But I lost the power. This is not something I can achieve… and you destroyed the rest of my folks.’ 

Towa manages to spit out the words. 

‘You are wrong again. You still have a power - all your clansfolks’ powers are left in the last survivor. That’s why I left you unharmed. You can even set the heavens ablaze!’

Irony comes back to Setsuna’s voice. 

‘Unharmed, huh?’

Towa looks at the heavy shackles on their wrists and ankles. Then, suddenly, Towa jumps on their feet. Now, they know what they must do. 

‘Please, release me from those damn shackles. Otherwise I cannot perform the magic - my last magic.’

‘Oh? I thought it was much harder to convince you, but you are surprisingly obedient.’ 

Returning to the throne, Setsuna chuckles. 

‘I know I don’t have a choice.’

Towa holds their head high, focusing on their inner power. They can feel wiggles - subtle at first, eventually turning into a tornado. 

‘Please, my loved ones. Give me your power..’

Towa whispers.

Suddenly, the entire world turns pure white for a second - then a burst of colours followed by blue fire. The azure fire swallows the guards, the throne, and everything else. Unstoppable and overwhelming, the blinding fire invades the darkness. As it devours the dark, purple and gold sparkles scatter, spreading the fire far and wide. 

‘Yes, you are right, Setsuna! I can set the heavens on fire!’

Exhausted yet exhilarated, Towa shouts and raises their arms high up. Confused screams of the guards and even that of Setsuna can bother Towa now.

Those who can flee fly away, and the rest perished in the dazzling light. However, the blue fire brings not only destruction but a blessing - wherever the sparkles touch, young trees grow. Hundreds of frozen streams begin singing again, and the birds and beasts are coming out from their dens, confused. Towa hears the voices of their clanspeople in the distance. Once gone, they are coming back into the world burning with new lives. 

Towa closes their eyes and throws themselves into the great blue fire. 

‘This is the new beginning.’