Latest Posts by small-fortunes - Page 2

ExPOSE THE NERvE

"All you ever needed was a key."

GOTHAM REVISITED

|| All the possibilities.... ||

Designed by @reigningmonarch42

Drawing of Ed/The Riddler's manipulation towards Oswald

Thanks to @small-fortunes for inspiring this piece of art!

"People used to scream my name. Now, they whisper it in fear."

"All you need to do to survive is answer the question."

"They confess their sins whilst holding my hand. And in those final moments, I know them better than they ever knew themselves."

GOTHAM REVISITED

|| @reigningmonarch42 ||

Founding Gods - Royal Botanic Gardens, Sydney Australia.

Photographed 6th February 2021

© Small Fortunes

Short story for @small-fortunes' #weekly writer's prompt ! This was alot of fun to do and when I started I couldn't stop- I apologise if it goes off the rails slightly I haven't practiced in a while!

They stood there, facing each other down from across the room amidst a cacophony of noise.

Ed’s mind was crumbling. It was crumbling as he was desperately trying to pick up the fragments, to understand. The delicate and complex machinery of his brain had failed. He knew it would happen one day, one day he wouldn’t understand.

But that day had come earlier than he had expected. But that’s the irony of it; It had failed because he couldn't comprehend his current situation. It wasn’t predictable. His greatest ally had failed.

His mind had now blurred into one white slab as he shakily fell to his knees. He felt Oswald’s demeaning gaze piercing his head.

“I have a riddle for you, Ed.”

No! No more riddles Oswald please he pleaded silently, his ears ringing as an explosion crumbled the building next to them.

“A nightmare for some. For others, a saviour I come.”

Colourful lights flashed past Ed’s closed eyelids as Oswald began limping closer, clutching his cane.

“My hand’s cold and bleak. It’s the warm hearts they seek.”

Oswald hobbled closer as Ed knelt on the floor, hands protectively over his head. He savoured seeing Ed in such a weak, vulnerable position.

“What’s the answer, riddler?” He mocked, eyes pointed.

Ed didn’t answer. He was still trying to piece his mind back together. Whatever Oswald had done to it, whatever he had done, he would fix it. He would.

Oswald was getting impatient.

“Answer me!” he yelled threateningly, raising his cane and striking his face aggressively.

Ed flinched as blood trickled from his now bruised cheek. What had put them in this situation? How had it turned out like this? He tried to rewind his mind back, to find the missing information, but it was corrupted. The tape had burnt out and broke.

“I-I don’t know” Ed muttered, his voice cracking as he weakly looked up to Oswald. 

His brain felt like it had been pulled apart and that a toddler was attempting to fit it back together; like some cheap, colourful puzzle to challenge the child’s mental capacity. 

That’s all it was now.

Oswald smirked approvingly, crouching down so that his eyes were level with Ed’s.

“What was that?” 

He sneered, making an ‘i can’t hear you gesture’ with his hand.

Ed’s eyes dimmed as the last of his reputation was pulled from him. He feebly looked up at Oswald, his gaze focusing in an out at random.

“I don’t know!” 

He sobbed, his bones shaking as he fell into a heap.

Oswald laughed heartily. It was a horrible, maniacal laugh that made Ed’s eyes sink into their skull. Oswald suddenly took hold of Ed’s suit and shook it violently, making Ed look into his eyes. 

“Look at me” he spat

“Look at me and see how you have failed. How, because of me, your whole life has begun falling around you. Look at me and see fear. You have nothing, Edward Nygma. Not me, not Gotham, not even your own Mind.”

Ed sobbed harder. “What did you do…”

Oswald laughed again as Ed heard a click as he drew a pistol. He loaded it and pressed it into the side of Ed’s head.

“Look around you, Ed. Look out the windows. Look properly.”

Ed slowly turned his head to look. It was Gotham. In ruins.

“This is my fault, Ed. I did this! I bet you hate me now, don’t you?” Oswald shook him violently again.

Ed didn’t respond, he just stared solemnly at Oswald. There was a pause as Ed closed his eyes, wishing this wasn’t real.

Oswald smiled and rested his finger on the trigger of the gun.

“The answer was death, Edward. Ha! Couldn’t even answer his own riddle. So this is what I've reduced you to, Hm? Well, not to gloat but i think i’ve done a pretty good job myself” He smiled gleefully and gave himself a mental pat on the back.

“Look at you! Wow, the great Riddler, no longer safe in his own body! Your own Mind hates you!” He tilted his head to the side “Well, I might as well put you out of your misery. You’re ruining the mood” He frowned. 

“Oh, also, the answer was death!” He chuckled and pulled the trigger.

Ed’s pupils dilated as he realised what was happening. He welcomed it. His world was no more. He had nothing left.

He heard the click of the pistol and felt a sharp pain. He felt his conscious splattered against the floors and walls of Gotham. He felt his mind obliterated, and he felt the cold. The cold was the worst of it. The endless cold that never stopped. 

It crept over his whole being, inside and out. It grasped him and held him tightly.

It suffocated him, and his mouth constantly gasped for freedom. But it never came.

No. What?

That’s wrong. Is it?

How did this happen? You know.

What happened…? You know!

No, he wouldn’t do this. Would he?

This is wrong. It’s completely correct!

No. Yes! 

Ed’s mouth finally gasped the freedom and warmth that he had searched for, as he was plunged upright through the cold waters of death suddenly. His pupils were small and his gaze shook as his eyes adjusted to the sudden light. He coughed dryly and wheezed for air.

“Ed..?”

 He flinched as he heard that voice, and slowly turned his head to see Oswald looking at him, confused.

“What happened, you look like you’ve seen Fish Mooney’s ghost”

He chuckled lightly and reached over to hold Ed’s shoulder reassuringly. Ed flinched away from his touch, and raised his hands defensively. He took a sharp breath in as he realised he was covered in a cold sweat.

“N-no leave me alone, I know what you did! I saw you!”

He began muttering inaudibly, his eyes growing wide as he sat face to face with the person who had just killed him.

Oswald frowned and shook his head gently.

“Ed… I don’t know what happened, but it wasn’t real… it was just a nightmare”

Ed didn’t seem convinced.

Oswald slowly raised his hand and cupped Edward’s cheeks gently. Oswald’s touch was warm, and Ed melted into it, slowly warming up.

It was enough to reassure him, and suddenly he felt a heavy stone in his stomach. He hadn’t trusted Oswald, of all people!

“I’m sorry Oswald… I didn’t mean it, I don’t know what came over me…” 

He rested his head on Oswald’s shoulder as Oswald smiled and embraced him. It was just a dream. That was all. Oswald wouldn’t do that… He smiled as he realised the truth, and relaxed into Oswald’s touch.

“Hey, Ed?” He queried softly.

“Mmm?” Hummed Ed, closing his eyes.

“I have a riddle for you.”

The ending is left open for interpretation!

Weekly Writer’s Prompt

Language is a beautiful thing. It enables us to share emotions, ideas and stories.

As a public artistic experiment, I have decided to present the: Weekly Writer’s Prompt.

The concept is simple. Once a week I will select a work of multimedia, like a film or television series, a novel or artwork and write a few lines that fit the theme of that work as a starting prompt. I challenge whoever might be interested to write a short story, poem, conversation ect to continue from the lines I have prompted.

There are no word limits or restrictions. Simply look at the topic and the prompt and write from there, then tag your completed work (#weekly writer’s prompt) and mention this account: @small-fortunes so I can collect your entry.

You have 7 days to  craft a submission and challenge yourself to create something beautiful with words.

If you’d like to take up the challenge but aren’t familiar with the media selected, simply Wiki or YouTube some information to get you inspired and work from there. By the end of the month, I’m hopeful that we might amalgamate a collection of interesting modern literature together and showcase it.

==========================

This Week’s Prompt:

Media: TV Series

Title: The Witcher

Origins: Part of the Witcher franchise.

Genre: High Fantasy, Action/Adventure

Restrictions: None. Any character/s, episode/s, scenario.

Writer’s Prompt:

The blade was heavy in his hand. Blood ran into his eyes dying his vision a distorted shade of crimson...

==========================

Entries for this prompt close: Tuesday 16th February 2021

Remember to use the tag: #weekly writer’s prompt and mention me: @small-fortunes

Let’s create together!

King George's Garden, Hyde Park, Sydney, Australia. Photographed 31st January 2021

©Small Fortunes

"I think, if we work together we can make a great pair!" He exclaimed. Glitter in his eyes. That tension on the verge of breaking point so unique to his manipulative personality. And beneath that vaneer of false bravado and egomaniacal self superiority lay something deeper.

Insecurity.

His just shone that much brighter.

Fractions in Rain

It didn’t matter what was being said anymore.

He’d stopped listening a long time ago.  Instead, his attention was being held by the street lamp outside the sitting room window. As it stood on the sidewalk below the restored Victorian era townhouse he’d been renting. Its metal shade had an enchanting way of dispersing the pouring rain in a perfect arc as it sheeted down in cold passes that angled slightly with the bluster of the wind. The lamp’s light caught in a shimmering halo of electric beauty that made every droplet appear a perfect gem against the backdrop of the early evening.

 He didn’t relish the idea of going out in the rain.

Even so, those eyes looked back at him, reflected against the pane of glass. Catching a smile that wasn’t his. His hands refuting a tremor as he worked on thin emerald leather gloves.

Her last words revolving in the back of his mind; unsilenced by the bottle of Merlot he had swallowed in hopes of dulling the articulation of his conscience. Numbers, patterns, concussive poetry of impossible questions.

The weight of the flick knife in his coat pocket was reassuring.

It was going to cost him dearly, facing down Greek gods in the midst of a storm.

He’d make her watch, reflected in an antique mirror.

So as she might remember him.  

So that he might remember himself.

[ [ More? Send an Ask. ] ]

[ [ @nygmaticreport - In which I find a brother in arms.] ]

In Cycles, In Circles

- A collection of fractal inspired shapes and patterns alluding to ink,paint, glass and smoke. Infinite possibility woven into instant consciousnesses.

The Fucking Liberty

Saiyuki: Shambala Ch. 3 Out Now

Join Priest Genjo Sanzo and his companions, Son Goku, Sha Gojyo and Cho Hakkai in a brand new chapter as they travel ever westward on a holy mission to quell the demon up-rising that plagues Shangri-La.

To celebrate Saiyuki’s 20 Year Anniversary, Small Fortunes Independent Publishing proudly presents an all new Fan Novella set after the events of Saiyuki Reload. Join the boys on a powerful, original new story arc after 12 months on the road, that sees them crossing the Himalayas as they enter the magnificent land of Nepal en route to the far West.

‘There is something dark and foreboding hidden in the recesses of the valley. Its omnipresent insidious aura travels through the land twisting and infecting all in its path. When the Sanzo party find a dying woman on the road, they make a choice to save a life amidst the threat of suffering and violence.

Nothing could prepare them for what’s coming.

This one act of mercy could be their final.’

|| Saiyuki: Shambala is intended to be read by adults 18+ It contains: Strong Graphic Violence, Course Language, Strong Sexual References & Sex Scenes ||

Click Here to Read Chapter Three Now!

Help Save Coco - Now Fully Funded

Friends,

 With a harrowing start to the new year, Coco’s (mis)adventures took a dramatic turn on New Years Eve 2020. Right down to the wire the final hours of the year we found that Coco had wiggled out of his E-Collar and scratched open a portion of the stitches from his shoulder wound. This prompted an immediate trip down to the 24 hour Emergency Animal Referral Hospital, where Coco’s heavily draining shoulder was clean and stapled after a massive waiting period that lasted from approximately 8PM New Years Eve to just over 3AM New Years Day.

Yesterday Coco’s campaign became fully funded with tremendous thanks to a whole host of generous, compassionate and big-hearted people leaving us in hysterical fits of happy tears. Overwhelmed with relief and gratitude, we are humbled by the power of people to help those whom at that moment are unable to help themselves. 

Full detailed updates can be found on the Official Go Fund Me page for Coco:

So please visit: The GoFundMe Help Save Coco page Here

And to everyone that helped by sharing and donating to this campaign, we hope the Gods preserve you and your families. Thank you a million times over. Thank you!

We Made It! Goodbye 2020

Raising Angels

Know Your Roots

Honest Hungers

A Collection of Portals to Times and Places

Merry Christmas Everyone

To Everyone:

   This has been a hard year for all of us. We have suffered, loved and lost. Some of us will not be together this year. Some of us, are so grateful that we are. No matter where in the world you are, what you’ve been through, what’s happened, or what you’ve done: We’re here. Together. We made it. I wish you and your families a very well deserved, safe and happy holiday season. May we prosper together. Now and always,

 With Love,

    Small Fortunes

     Know Your Roots

    . In The Blood

Help Me Save Coco the Cat for Christmas

Friends,

I know this time of year under these unprecedented circumstances have put us all under great strain. We are collectively looking forward to saying goodbye to 2020.

I am not a person wanting of material possessions. Even so, it breaks my heart to have suffered through so much this year only to find that without surgery my beloved companion Coco may not survive in spite of his own good nature and terrible start to this difficult life.

And so I have created this GoFundMe in hopes to create a miracle. I only ask that if you share it far and wide across your own social media accounts we might together raise the funds required to save a life so precious.

Every share is precious and appreciated. Every dollar raised will go towards fueling a miracle.

Visit the GoFundMe here: Help Save Coco the Cat

Please help me spread this as far and wide as possible!

And thank you. Just thank you!

Saiyuki: Shambala Ch. 2 Out Now

Join Priest Genjo Sanzo and his companions, Son Goku, Sha Gojyo and Cho Hakkai in a brand new chapter as they travel ever westward on a holy mission to quell the demon up-rising that plagues Shangri-La.

To celebrate Saiyuki’s 20 Year Anniversary, Small Fortunes Independent Publishing proudly presents an all new Fan Novella set after the events of Saiyuki Reload. Join the boys on a powerful, original new story arc after 12 months on the road, that sees them crossing the Himalayas as they enter the magnificent land of Nepal en route to the far West.

‘There is something dark and foreboding hidden in the recesses of the valley. Its omnipresent insidious aura travels through the land twisting and infecting all in its path. When the Sanzo party find a dying woman on the road, they make a choice to save a life amidst the threat of suffering and violence.

Nothing could prepare them for what’s coming.

This one act of mercy could be their final.’

|| Saiyuki: Shambala is intended to be read by adults 18+ It contains: Strong Graphic Violence, Course Language, Strong Sexual References & Sex Scenes ||

Click Here to Read Chapter Two Now!

                 Know Your Roots

                                              Temperance

Saiyuki: Shambala Ch. 1 Out Now

Join Priest Genjo Sanzo and his companions, Son Goku, Sha Gojyo and Cho Hakkai in a brand new chapter as they travel ever westward on a holy mission to quell the demon up-rising that plagues Shangri-La.

To celebrate Saiyuki’s 20 Year Anniversary, Small Fortunes Independent Publishing proudly presents an all new Fan Novella set after the events of Saiyuki Reload. Join the boys on a powerful, original new story arc after 12 months on the road, that sees them crossing the Himalayas as they enter the magnificent land of Nepal en route to the far West.

‘There is something dark and foreboding hidden in the recesses of the valley. Its omnipresent insidious aura travels through the land twisting and infecting all in its path. When the Sanzo party find a dying woman on the road, they make a choice to save a life amidst the threat of suffering and violence.

Nothing could prepare them for what’s coming.

This one act of mercy could be their final.’

|| Saiyuki: Shambala is intended to be read by adults 18+ It contains: Strong Graphic Violence, Course Language, Strong Sexual References & Sex Scenes ||

Click Here To Read Chapter One Now!

The Official Saiyuki // Shambala Trailer

|| Fan Published Novella - 29 // 11 // 2020 ||

// Original Artwork in this Trailer © Jessica Woulfe, Softyrider62, Kazuya Minekura, Warner Bros. Pictures. Design & Production - Small Fortunes Publishing. Music by: Nick Road. Song: ‘Octane’  - Trailer designed for entertainment purposes only. Not for profit. No copyright infringement intended. //

     Know Your Roots

                                                One Last Temple

capitalism is fucking scary because it will commodify literally anything. it commodifies the rebellion culture that is supposed to strike against the system but capitalism turns it into “punk rock”. it commodifies spirituality to make you buy self help books that teaches you to stay away from capitalism. it commodifies minimalism and makes you buy things to maintain your minimalist aesthetic. it commodifies global warming, one of the deadliest consequences of capitalism itself and guilt trips you into buying “green products”. it commodifies itself and creates the idea that vanity is fashionable. it will eat everything up.

Black is not a colour.

It’s a tone I’m told.

Any artist or photographer would agree.

So, what are we to do with all these black flowers in my garden?

Devoid of colour and full of tone.

Full of life

And growth...