Everyone knows that if you survive seven bouts in the arena, you will be granted your freedom.  Everyone also knows that this is a lie, that even if you are lucky enough to outwit, outplay and outlast your opponents, there’ll be some reason why you ‘choose’ to stay, that the Masters will find some little incentive to keep you there.  Publicly, this ( Read more... )

“Tonight I thought we’d try something a little different” announced Frater Biskin.  “We’ve been getting really good results with our invocations, so I thought that tonight we’d petition the Enochian Kings to transform our lives.  I need you all to think of something you’d like to change, something you regret in your life that you’d like to take ( Read more... )

“Welcome back folks to the nailbiting finale of Twitterpated, the crazy, madcap game show you hate to love and love to hate!  If you’ve just tuned in, here’s a recap of what you missed - where were you?!”

The screen cut from the beaming hostess, Jilly Morrison, to a shot of a group of people wearing helmets and knee and elbow pads over skimpy ( Read more... )

It took a while for Becker to come to.  The last thing he remembered was dinner.  Since asking for a divorce, he’d preferred to eat alone, the strained atmosphere that accompanied every meal causing him to lose his appetite.  It was hard having to live with his wife until they’d made alternative arrangements, but at least they’d managed to remain ( Read more... )

“Last week’s poll results were a bit of a shocker, weren’t they?” remarked Laura.

“That they were,” nodded Megan.  “I really didn’t expect anyone to award us immunity - that was really sweet of seratonation.”

“Definitely.  We should find a way to give them a shout out in our next entry to say thank you.  Now that we’ve had it, we can’t receive immunity again ( Read more... )

The babysitter lay mouldering in the bath tub.  Mal kept meaning to do something about her, but then he'd get distracted by more important things like counting the hairs around his belly button or wondering whether anyone from the agency would realise that he didn't actually have any children or if he could get away with ordering another girl in.  ( Read more... )

Sticks and stones may break my bones
But words will never hurt me
So stay out here, be safe from fear
For in the woods they’re lurking
But if you dare to go in there
How long before you’re screaming?
1, 2, 3, 4…

It’s just a children’s rhyme, everyone knows that. At least that’s what Tim told himself as he worked his way deeper into the woods. Just because ( Read more... )

There’s a lot to be said for being dead.  A lot of fun to be had, moving keys or that important document just when someone is rushing to a meeting.  Contrary to popular opinion, there’s nothing holding you to any particular place once you’ve left your body, only sentimentality, and I never was the sentimental type.

I’ll admit to having been in ( Read more... )

"Good morning, Madam.  My name's Travis, and this here's my twin brother, Ty.  Together,"

"We are,"

"The Travelling Travesty!"

Rita Gale looked blankly at the two, strange-looking, young men bowing extravagantly on her doorstep and said nothing.  Undeterred, the one who'd introduced himself as Travis, smiled broadly and stepped forward.  “May we come ( Read more... )

Beep.  Beep.  Beep.

I know that sound.  It’s taken me a moment to place it, but I’ve got it now.  It’s one of those heart monitoring machines that let you know you’re still alive.  I must be in hospital.

Beep.  Beep.  Beep.

It’s all coming back to me.  I remember it was dark and it was raining.  I was driving home.  There was a big bang and a flash ( Read more... )