"Will the defendant please rise."
I stare at those quivering hairs sprouting from his nostrils like a spider trying to escape the plughole. I smirk, stroking my moustache. The court appointed ape grabs me by the arm, yanking me to my feet. This can only go one way.
"Are the jury ready to deliver the verdict?"
"We are your honor."
Goo cradles my body as I wriggle through the gelatinous mass. A pulse of electricity courses through my boneless body.
Food for thought!
The pulse brings an impulse, an intention to fly mentally from this prison of grey matter. I squirm at the realization that it's time to explore another mental landscape.
Trees bleed into night, fingers clawing the sky. I stare through the window while it happens. I cry and life flows out of me in a sickly lessening.
A man with a moustache appears out of nowhere, spade-like fists pummeling father until he withdraws and lies naked in his own blood. I stare up through the swaying treacle of the dream's embrace.
"Thank you... I am forever in your debt."
I wriggle through each of their minds finding the hidden nuggets of pain. Latching on and laying my eggs, making a hero of my host. I give them what they need most, resolution.
"What is the verdict of the court?"
The young woman stares at me with tears in her eyes, nodding imperceptibly in thanks.
"Not guilty your honor."
The end.
This post is in response to @felt.buzz ZapFic contest which challenges the writer to make a flash fiction in 240 words with a prompt word (defendant). You can check out the competition post here. If you would like to read more of my fiction, please check out the links below to find stories both long and short.
The Gelded One
The Duties of a Court Wizard
The Blazing Heart of Danko
In the Lap of the Gods
Divine Intervention
Astral Echoes
The Madness of the Gods
Life Will Out
The Dream of Life
The Diary of a Wizard