Flash fiction prompt from https://www.eadeverell.com/flash-fiction-prompts/. 6. A moth-craft, ether, a plant that tells your fortune. This story was inspired by Arcane and The Greatest Showman. It is on the longer side, I was really feeling this one! Comment and share if you've enjoyed it!
"Come to the carnival!" the crier screamed in the dark streets of the city, just outside the gates of our campground. "Come and witness the unexpected, the surreal, and the unimaginable!"
Dressed in bright colors that stood out in the grey environment, he was trying to entice possible customers. Despite the obvious poverty of the district, with its streets littered with trash, the acrid scent of coal stains, and the faint echoes of distant mine machinery, he was hoping to convince locals to spend their hard-earned money. Upbeat music and the mouthwatering smell of hot food came from the illuminated campgrounds as he gestured at families, couples, and passersby indiscriminately, waving flyers depicting animals, clowns, acrobats, and a moth with an all-seeing eye.
That last one was mine. All the other acts were great, but it was mostly showmanship. Mine was real, or mostly real. When I tapped into the ether, an invisible energy connecting all living things, I could see the possible paths lying before us. I took my job very seriously, which is why some of the other artists liked to tease me. I didn't care; let them make fun of me, I thought. I had access to powers they could never touch. I was above them.
Nevertheless, as part of the traveling Carnival of Wonders, I had to dress the part. In white and gold robes with moth designs, hair covered in silver dust, I sat at my booth when the campgrounds were open, telling people's fortunes with the help of my ether-attuned plant. It was mostly a prop, as I was the one altering the color according to what I saw. With my mechanical moth on the shoulder to add to the theme of night and mystery, customers loved it and paid generously for me to tell them their future.
My act during showtime was different than the others. Instead of trying to entertain the crowd with acrobatics, super-strength, or beast-taming abilities, instead of showing off my physical anomalies, or executing daring feats, I stood in the arena alone, a single ray of dimmed light on me. There was no music, no assistants, and no accessories besides my moth. It was just me in the middle of it all, eyes closed. I had a script, of course, as it was all part of the big spectacle, but it always ended with me diving into the ether and picking a person from the audience to tell them their impending doom. It wouldn't be an act if it wasn't extraordinary, after all. I hated performing, but it was part of the deal. Plus, it gave me a break from the incessant stream of unimaginative questions customers would ask me when at my table.
Part of me was jaded from doing this so often it almost lost meaning. Telling people if they would find love, wealth, health, or fame was getting old. However, how I felt when I dipped in the ether, accessing this other world where I glimpsed at the futures spread out in front of me, made up for the incredible predictability of those seeking reassurance.
It was like nothing else I had ever experienced. I wish I could say it was like getting drunk or high, but I had never touched any drugs or alcohol, mostly out of fear it might affect my gift. From what people described to me, I would say the feeling was similar, complete elation, being untethered to the material world, free to move across time, just for a moment. The more I did it, the better it felt and the more I craved, but coming down hit harder. The next day, I would feel sluggish and have major headaches, not helped by an increased sensitivity to light and brightness. And yet, I did it all over again when the gates of the carnival opened at sundown, and it was worth every second of it.
Tonight, it was a bit slow despite the best efforts of our crier. The campgrounds were almost empty besides a few customers enjoying the rides and the food.
"Come to the carnival!" he kept repeating. "Come and witness the unexpected, the surreal, and the unimaginable!"
I was sitting at my booth; the show would not start for a few hours still. Behind me, on the tall stone wall, was my plant on display. Carefully arranged and surrounded by flowers, it was meant to look supernatural, with its almost perfect circle and the branching out of delicate leaves that I would influence to change colors according to the fortune I was telling. Bright yellows for good news, deep reds for bad news, dark blues for loss and grief, rich greens for warnings. I could play with the entire rainbow if I wanted, but it was simpler to stick to my color codes.
I kept an eye open for a lost soul, softly making my golden moth, sitting on my finger, wave its beautifully crafted wings. It was all metal and gears, with a few translucent gems embedded to make the light shine when it passed through them. It was meant to be my spiritual guide in the ether, fluttering around me when I dived, adding to the theatrics.
My eyes scanned around me, lazily passing over my fellow performers. I caught a smile or two, and a few nods. We were all waiting for more action. While it was still early in the evening, it was entirely possible the carnival would remain mostly empty for tonight. The first night in a new city was always difficult; people often felt wary of us, as if we would harm them, or take the little they had for ourselves. That is until a few brave citizens came and experienced what we had to offer. Word of mouth was the most effective way to attract customers after all; curiosity was impossible for them to resist.
At the moment, a few teenagers were walking around, using their allowances to enjoy the carnival, most likely against what their parents had told them. The bright sounds of the games and rides were too loud for the number of people here tonight, but it was familiar, almost comforting.
I spotted a group of young adults, about my age, entering the campgrounds. They were clearly from a wealthier district, looking at their clean clothes and unspoiled skin. Whether they were here to mock us or escape from the burdens of their privileged lives was not clear yet. They walked around pointing at different booths excitedly, encouraging each other to try games or foods they were not accustomed to.
Amongst them, a young woman caught my eye. A bit less expressive than her friends and hanging a bit away from the action, she was still clearly enjoying her time, joining in with a light laughter that made me want to know what delighted her. It was the energy emanating from her, more than her beautiful red mane and deep green eyes, that attracted me to her, like a moth to a flame.
When the group finally made their way to my small open tent decorated with herbs, crystal balls, and other esoteric symbols, I couldn't help feeling nervous for the first time in ages. I had done this dance a million times, why would this be any different, I scolded myself; I needed to focus.
A young man, perhaps one of the leaders of the group, walked up to me first. He smiled arrogantly at me as he tossed a coin onto my table. I raised an eyebrow expectantly, waiting for him to tell me what he wanted.
"Tell me my fortune! Will I be successful, rich, and famous? Will I marry the most beautiful girl?"
He glanced at the redhead with a wink, who replied with an eye roll. This display earned a disapproving look from the gorgeous brunette next to him. I chuckled inwardly, amused by both the interaction and the classic request, keeping my appearance of mysticism and stoicism.
I slid the coin from the table, expertly hiding it in one of my multiple pockets, and nodded at the young man.
"Very well, sir, please allow me a moment while I dive into the ether and look into your future."
While I could simply concentrate and access the other world, the performance required a few more tricks. I weaved my hands above my moth while muttering incomprehensible words, and, as the mechanical construct activated and started flying around me, I said clearly:
"Guide me into the future!"
My eyes went blank as I felt my consciousness cross over. I could almost feel my mind leave my body, the world around me blurring as my eyes captured all the possible futures. I was seeing all of them unfold in front of me at the same time. I could see the young man in front of me split into dozens of versions of him, as well as all his companions. It was dizzying, in the best way. I felt my breath catching, growing short as I struggled to lock onto one of them to follow.
I knew that, from the outside, it could look scary, my body locked into place, eyes void. It felt as if the present froze, in a way, as I moved through the threads of time. Images moved past me as I witnessed possible scenes of the man's future, most of them coated in opulence. He was from a rich and successful family; unless he messed up badly, his path was clear of obstacles. As for marriage, I was surprised to see how relieved I was that none of the potential wives were the redhead.
Not always did I have such good news to deliver. It happened that I had to tell the heir of a fortune that everything would crumble around them. As much as they cursed me, I couldn't offer them the way to avoid destruction. Sometimes, no matter their choices, there was an inevitable outcome.
Following the ether traces back to my body, I then focused my attention on the plant behind me. I could feel it respond to ether, a dull pulse calling to me, and I guided it towards a golden hue.
I wanted to stay longer and peek into the girl's future. Maybe see what paths would lead her to be in my life, if we had a happy ending. It was selfish, and stupid, considering I was a freak by her society's standards. Indulging in such fantasies was not healthy, so I removed temptation entirely by leaving the other world.
My eyes rolled back into place as I gasped, finding the present as I left it. The young and rich stared at me with a mix of wonder and uneasiness. Automatically, my gaze shifted towards the redhead, pausing long enough to register the astonishment in her eyes and something else I couldn't quite name, before focusing on my customer again. I smiled softly at the young man, used to this sort of reaction from my audience. What started as a bit of fun was turning into curiosity, I could see it in his eyes. And I knew exactly what he wanted to hear.
"Not to worry, sir, your future is golden, in every sense of the word," I said solemnly as I gestured to the plant behind me. "As for the lady, I'm afraid it is unclear. Many will seek your affections."
I chanced another glance at the redhead while he basked in the fortune, the halo of light behind me slowly fading as my pull on the ether receded. She was staring at me with interest. I offered a small smile, which she returned warmly. For a second, it felt like when I dived, frozen as everything around me was still, peaceful.
Too quickly, her friends pulled us out of the moment with their loud banter. One of them put an arm over her shoulder, turning her away from me. As the group moved on, she looked back towards me. I wanted to call out to her, but I let her go instead. We were from different worlds, I had nothing to offer to her; it was best to just forget about her.
The night went on, and the show was presented as scheduled even though the seats in the big tent were almost empty. To my disappointment, the group of young adults was not there; it would've given me an excuse to perhaps interact with her.
The following evenings, I kept an eye out to see if she would show up again, despite my resolution to forget I ever saw her in the first place. The crowd was getting bigger every day, now that those who had enjoyed our carnival encouraged their friends to come. I was busy giving fortunes; rich or poor, they all wanted to know if they would have a happy ending, and I was happy to provide as long as they had coin.
The last night of the carnival was booming with activity and the campgrounds were filled at capacity. From my tent, I couldn't even see the booths across from me.
"Come to the carnival!" The crier was still screaming in the streets of the city. "Tonight is your last chance to witness the unexpected, the surreal, and the unimaginable!"
It helped that it was the end of the week and that workers had been paid today; they were all celebrating here. I was as busy as ever, people almost fighting to watch me dive into the ether and tell meaningless fortunes.
The show that night, the last show, was always a bit more grandiose. We pulled all the stops to impress and leave a lasting impression. We created magic with light and music to entrance the audience. People laughed, screamed, and cheered for us. On those nights, it was exhilarating, and it reminded me why I was doing this.
When my turn came, I leaned into the performance. I walked the stage, chanting my magic words, as I scanned the crowd for my victim. My gaze landed on her, and her green eyes held mine for an infinite moment. I didn't have to fake the gasp that involuntarily escaped my lips as she nodded slightly. Immediately, I tilted my head back and dove into the ether.
It took all my focus to not get lost. The more people there were, the more difficult it was for me to follow a single thread. I wanted to follow hers, although I had to admit to myself, I was a bit afraid of what I would see. I didn't want to witness her potential suffering, but that was what I was supposed to look for. Carefully, I walked the paths of her possible futures, incredibly conscious of my body locked under the spotlight, the crowd watching me with their breath suspended as my own was. The only motion was that of the golden moth fluttering around my head.
I almost choked when I saw myself in a few different versions of her future. There was one where I left the carnival and stayed with her. I saw myself wandering aimlessly in her world, shunned by her peers. Another path took her on the road with me, but she was miserable and missed her family, and her home. Every path I followed led both of us to heartbreak, over and over again, despite the moments of happiness sprinkled throughout.
When I came back to myself, I felt tears threatening to spill. I closed my eyes for a second, catching my breath.
"Heartbreak," was all I managed to say, a whisper in the still room.
I opened my eyes again, feeling the air return to my lungs as the crowd cheered. I found her gaze again in the sea of faces and saw her shocked expression as she processed my dark fortune. The pain tugging at my chest was reflected in her eyes, and I couldn't take it any longer. I left the arena in a hurry as the music started again and the next act was getting ready to take over.
I was supposed to return to my booth after the show, but what I saw had shaken me. I had known all along that it couldn't end any other way; seeing it confirmed in the ether was surprisingly difficult to absorb. The idea that I could be the source of her heartbreak was painful, and it was something I wanted to prevent at all costs. The only way I knew how would be to avoid her completely; it was a relief to know we were leaving tomorrow, and we would both be free from fate.
Catching some fresh air behind the main tent, I tried to erase the images I had seen from my mind. I didn't see or hear her approach, so her voice startled me.
"Did you really see heartbreak in my future?"
I turned to see her standing in the moonlight, draped in a cloak to fend off the cool breeze. I schooled my expression back to the neutral mask I was so used to wearing, intent on not giving anything away.
"Who doesn't have their heart broken once or twice?" I ask nonchalantly. "There are worse tragedies."
"Perhaps," she conceded, "but have I no say in my future? Can I not prevent the pain?"
Those were often questions I was asked, especially by those who did not like the fortunes I offered. While I knew that I wasn't prophetic, I also knew that saying too much might result in worse outcomes, so I shook my head apologetically.
"I'm sorry, my lady, but I am only a messenger, and it is not in my power to change the future."
She seemed to look right into my soul, searching for answers I didn't have. No matter what, she wouldn't pry my secrets from me. She seemed to sense that as she gave up that line of questioning and changed subjects.
"Well then, for tonight, I would like to enjoy myself," she said decisively. "Will you keep me company?"
I knew it was a terrible idea yet, I was tempted to say yes. It would be better for both of us to just end the interaction here. Why was she so keen to spend time with me anyway? She had plenty of friends that would be better for her, I knew as much.
"You would really want to spend time with a carnival freak?" I asked incredulously.
"Don't you feel it?" she replied softly. "Besides, you know this place better than anyone, right?"
I knew exactly what she meant, as I had felt it the moment I had seen her. The attraction, the pull, it was real, and I was relieved to know it was mutual although it couldn't lead anywhere. I knew I would regret it, but I wanted more than anything to spend at least a few hours enjoying her company.
"Very well, my lady," I said, surrendering. "I shall be your guide for the rest of the evening. What would you like to do first?"
"Snacks, of course!" she answered, delighted. "It's Sierra, by the way. My name."
"Sierra... I'm Cameron."
With that, I offered my hand, which she gladly took, and I led her towards the various food vendors we had, eager to experience it all through her.
We spent the next few hours laughing as we ate and tried different games. She enquired about my life and listened with avid attention that hid a yearning for freedom. She confessed how she felt her life was too restricting at times, and how she wished to escape it all. We talked about many things, and she surprised me with her open-mindedness. There might have been a little flirting as well, although I tried to keep it to a minimum. After all, this was the last night of the carnival, and I would be gone soon enough.
The gates were going to close for the night, so we had to part ways. I escorted her to the exit and kissed her cheek before I could realize what I was doing. The scent of her lavender perfume made me dizzy for a second and I pulled back quickly.
"Thank you," I said.
She shook her head, blushing slightly.
"No, thank you for indulging me," she replied. "Will I see you again?"
She was asking earnestly, and I couldn't believe she would want to. I wanted to say what she wanted to hear, but I needed to bring her back to reality.
"I don't think so. It's our last night here, remember?"
She seemed dejected, and I felt bad for my aloof answer. Despite us having spent an amazing evening together, this was where the road ended for us. Maybe I could've been a bit more delicate in my delivery.
"I'm sorry," I said softly, "it's just the way it is. I will cherish the memory of our evening together, but that is all I can offer."
She nodded understandingly, holding back tears. I wanted to take her in my arms and comfort her, but it would only make it harder for both of us.
"I get it," she said grudgingly. "I guess you really tell the truth about the future, after all."
With those words tainted with bitterness, she left, and I felt like I had been punched in the gut. I never meant to hurt her, but giving in to my feelings would only be worse in the long run. I was doing what was best for both of us, I was convinced of it.
The gates finally closed, I headed to my small trailer and went to bed. Tomorrow was a big day and needed sleep. However, it eluded me, and I stayed awake thinking about Sierra despite my best efforts not to.
At sunrise, the entire carnival was up and active. Rides, games, and booths were dismantled and stored in boxes. We all helped, efficiently packing whatever we could to ensure we would be gone before midday came.
I was busy putting away some leftover food from the vendors when someone tapped on my shoulder, one of our own.
"Someone's waiting for you at the gate," they said with a knowing smile before returning to what they were doing.
I glanced in the direction of the gates and saw her small frame nervously shifting as she was waiting. Sierra. My heart skipped a beat at the sight of her, but I forced myself to take a deep breath. I finished filling the box and closed it securely before loading it in the trailer nearby. Only then did I make my way to her.
I opened the gate and leaned in the opening, trying to act casually.
"My lady," I said in greeting, resorting to her title to create distance, "what brings you here?"
She was looking behind me, at the carnival quickly disappearing to nothingness.
"So, you're really leaving, just like that?"
Her voice betrayed the hurt, and again I fought my instinct to wrap her in my arms protectively. I didn't know why she was so surprised; I had said as much last night.
"Caravan leaves in an hour," I tried to say as indifferently as possible. We were never meant to stay, and she knew that.
"Then let me come with you," she asked, almost demanding, which completely took me by surprise.
I looked at her carefully, trying to discern whether she meant it. I knew from what she had told me that she wanted to escape her life, with all its responsibilities, but that's what everyone said when things got hard. The grass wasn't greener on the other side, I knew from having seen where both paths led.
"You wouldn't last a day on the road," I scoffed, determined to push her away, yet a part of me hoped she would fight back and prove me wrong.
Instead, she said with that soft voice of hers, surprising me once again:
"Perhaps, but I'd have you by my side to guide me." She paused, and I remained silent. "Wouldn't I?"
Her hesitant plea made my heart ache, and I wanted to say yes, I wanted to promise her safety and happiness. But I couldn't. She didn't belong with us freaks, no more than I belonged in her shiny gilded world. I had seen how it ended for us, and I was about to do the only thing that would save her, despite breaking my own heart in the process.
"I'm sorry," I said quietly, sincerity in my voice. "I can't do this."
She turned to me, her eyes boring into mine.
"Tell me the truth, Cameron. Did you see this in the ether?"
I hesitated for a moment, but I knew she deserved the truth. I nodded slowly.
"Yes, I did. Or a version of it, I suppose."
She seemed to deflate at my admission.
"So, you're just running away because you saw the heartbreak?"
"No," I protested, "it's not just that. It's that I can't be a part of it. I can't be the one to hurt you."
She took a step closer to me.
"What if I want to take that risk?"
I was torn. Every part of me wanted to reach out to her, kiss her, and tell her I wanted to take that risk too. But I knew the truth. My powers were real, and they had shown me the inevitable pain we would cause each other. I couldn't do that to her, to me.
"Sierra, I can't," I said firmly, taking a step back.
Tears welled up in her eyes as she looked at me, hurt and anger mingling in her gaze.
"Fine," she whispered, her voice shaking. "Have a safe journey, Cameron."
With that, she turned and walked away, leaving me standing at the gate, feeling like the biggest fool in the world. I watched her go, my heart heavy with regret, knowing that I had made the right choice, but hating it all the same.
Commenti