A Beastly Subject - A Short Story [#6]

Inspiration: https://www.deviantart.com/fantasio/art/A-Kaiju-Evening-at-the-Juniata-451058620

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            "Okay just hold that pose for a few more minutes," I told him as I rooted through my paint brushes.

            "Grumble, grumble," he muttered in frustration.

            "I know, I know," I assured him, "I'm getting tired to, but we're nearly done." He growled a little more, but made no more protests. I'm honestly surprised he agreed to be the subject of my latest painting. He's a busy guy, and he's not exactly known for being quiet and still. He didn't earn the name Throngar "The Destroyer of Civilization" by sitting in open fields all day. However, having worked with him now I've learned he is actually a patient and even tempered guy. Albeit with a talent for mass destruction. I'm glad he's so patient, or else I'd be a skid mark on his foot right now.

           I have to remember to thank Peter after this. If it wasn't for him I wouldn't have even got on Throngar's radar, let alone his schedule. If I had known he had so many connections to the Kaiju industry I would've gotten chummy with him sooner.

            "Okay, I've got the right brush," I announced, "let's finish this right." He said nothing, but maintained his pose. As I painted on the final touches I began to have thoughts on a title. Maybe "Kaiju over the Valley", or "Bold and Beautiful," better to ask Throngar what he thinks first though. With that I finally finished my painting and started to return my tools to their case.

            "Alright done," I told him, "you can move now." He rolled his shoulders in relief and began to stretch as he moved out of position. "Do you want to see the finished work now?" I asked Throngar as he yawned.

            "Grumble, grumble," he answered.

            "A surprise huh?" I responded, "Okay, I'll be sure to send you a nice, extra-extra large print." He nodded in agreement.

            "Grumble, grumble?" he asked.

            "Coffee? Sure you know a good place?" I accepted his offer. He barked in confirmation and gave me a moment to gather my things before we headed out. I have to say, it was fun to ride on his back, he even pointed out a few good landscapes to do more paintings. I'm already looking forward to working with him again.

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This story was inspired by an artwork from the artist "fantasio" linked here:
https://www.deviantart.com/fantasio/art/A-Kaiju-Evening-at-the-Juniata-451058620
Funnily enough the artwork itself is actually an edit of a public domain artwork from 1864. They just painted in a Kaiju, I think it enhances the original to be honest.
For the story I decided to take a mundane angle on the monster. Yeah he's a giant monster who destroys things, but that's just his day job. I don't know why, but I like stories that can ground the fantastic in the mundane, it's inherently funny. For example imagine a wizard, in full robe and pointy hat, working at a gas station and nobody bats an eye. Why is he working at a gas station? Well maybe wizarding doesn't pay the bills anymore and he needed the money. Actually, that probably would make a good story.

A Living Mountain - A Short Story [#5]

Inspiration: https://chasestone.deviantart.com/art/Earth-Colossus-213950084 

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            "Are we seriously expected to try and battle that...that colossal beast?" My partner asked in concern.

            "Orders are orders," I answered as I observed our target which loomed in the distance. To call it massive would not do the creature justice. Despite being miles away the creature was more clearly visible than the terrain it stood on. It was like a mountain, if the mountain had grown six spider-like legs and had learned to walk. It towered over the grassy plains we road upon. A nearby town compared to it as a bundles of grapes compares to a large horse.

            I had heard rumors of this "living mountain" for years now, I had no idea it was such a literal epitaph. When the order came from on high for us to slay this creature I was more than a little curious to get a closer look. Now I'm not sure what to think, but I have my orders.

            "We must turn back," my partner commanded, "we have no means to harm this monster. If we continue as we are we are riding to our deaths!"

            "We have our orders," I declared, "we must at least try, and if we fail so be it."

            "If you wish to continue down this path you must do so alone!" My partner exclaimed before he pulled his horse back and rode off back the way we came.

            "So be it!" I yelled. I understand his concerns, but we have a mission to complete and I'd rather return as a failure than a coward. I charged forward towards the creature. As it grew ever closer I could feel each of its footsteps shake the ground like a small earthquake. It is my job to slay this creature. While I know that to be impossible for a man of my caliber I at least cling to the hope I'll live to tell the tale.

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This story was inspired by an artwork from the artist "chasestone" linked here:
https://chasestone.deviantart.com/art/Earth-Colossus-213950084
I'm a sucker for giant monsters in all forms, especially impossibly massive monster like in this artwork. I don't know why but the idea of a monster the size of a city rampaging through a massive, grassy valley is an intriguing thought.
As for the story, well I just tried to imagine what the two knights in the picture were thinking. They certainly don't look equipped to fight that thing, but they'll try at least.

What A Storm - A Short Story [#4]

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            "Whoa," he exclaimed, "Storm's getting pretty nasty." I could barely hear him over the howl of the wind and rain. "Waves are bad to, let's get away from the harbor," he looked down at the rough waters. The water had become a danger yes, but my attention lied elsewhere.

            Out in the distance, in a section of parted storm clouds, a silhouette towered over the city's waters. I could describe the details of the figure, but that felt pointless. It was massive and practically screamed "danger." The very image terrified me to my core, every natural instinct in my body told me to run and never look back.

            "I want to stay a little longer," I admitted.

            "What are you crazy," he grabbed my hand, "Let's get out of here before the waves get to high." He tried to pull me away, but I was fixed in place. Truthfully, I didn't actually want to stay, but my legs felt like lead weights and my head was stiff. As though it was locked in a vice.

            When I didn't budge he grabbed my whole body and began to drag me, but I was almost limp and he couldn't take me far. He hadn't noticed that "thing" yet, and I prayed that he didn't. "Come on let's go!" He yelled in my ear, "Hey, are you okay? Speak to me!" I failed to answer, my eyes remained fixed on the horizon as my heart sank further in realization. The figure in the distance had turned and looked down.

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This is another image where I have no clue who the original creator is or where it is from. I tried searching, but it has popped up in so many corners of the internet it's hard to find a source (or maybe I'm just being stupid). Regardless this was a fun story to do, I've wanted to play with a creepy vibe for a while. Also, just for fun here's a comedic bonus story.

~Bonus Story: He's At It Again~

            "Whoa," he exclaimed, "Storm's getting pretty nasty." I could barely hear him over the howl of the wind and rain. "Dang it, Charlie is at it again," he looked off towards the figure in the distance.

            "He appears upset," I shrugged my shoulders.

            "Aw jeez," he shook his head, "did they forget to feed him again?" I failed to answer, instead I silently observed "Charlie" off in the distance. He thrashed quite ferociously, if this kept up it would be a very long and stormy day.

            'Another hardship of city life,' I sighed.