IMAGINATION'S PLACE
FICTION
FAMILY
By; Speaker Gerald A. Polley
THE ANCIENT ONE was hunting far south of his home, but
his efforts were frustrated. He was about to turn homeward when the
repeat of shots below caught his attention. He and his companion
altered their course to see what was afoot.
Below them two young people fled through the jungle with several men
pursuing them. One got close, raised his weapon to fire when something
shot out of the jungle, knocked him off his feet, gave him three quick
blows, then disappeared.
"That damned thing's back!" one of the other men screamed. They began
to fire wildly in all directions, trying to hit the small figure that
flashed in and out of view.
The Ancient One signed his companion to take the three men to the far
left. he descended and took those on the right. In a few moments the
young people escaped as their pursuers were rendered unconscious or
dazed. Having had enough those who were still standing gathered their
fallen comrades, and fled through the night. The small figure appeared
and went to take up pursuit, but the Ancient One called out "Cupid!"
Startled, the small figure turned, ran towards The Ancient One crying
"Old One!" he stopped, threw wide his arms, and the Ancient One knelt
spreading his arms. Soon they were embracing warmly.
"Father!" the little man cried, "Long time no see!"
"Well, if you'd let people know where you are," The Ancient One
answered, "I'd drop in once and a while. But not even your mother knows
where you are."
Cupid laughed joyously. "Precisely!" he answered.
The Ancient One's companion approached and Cupid looked up. "Who's
the walking tin can?" he asked.
"This is The Ax Man," The Ancient One answered. "he's an Aesir. Mind
your manners!"
Cupid walked over and extended his hand.
"Well met, Ax Man!" he cried. "Any friend of Father's is a friend of
mine."
The Aesir took Cupid's hand and shook it strongly. "He's your father?"
he asked.
Cupid shrugged.
"I thought Ares was your father," the Aesir continued.
"Oh, mother had a thing with him at the time," Cupid answered, "but
father kind of distracted her. He was a young, bold warrior at that
time. Of course mother didn't know what ELSE he was! And I was a bit of
a surprise! Speaking of mother, you seen her lately?" Cupid asked,
turning back to The
Ancient One.
"Only when I can't avoid it," The Ancient One answered. "I think it's
been about seventy-five years."
"Can you believe this guy?" Cupid remarked to The Ax Man. "The most
desired woman on Earth and he avoids her like the plague! What are you
doing
here anyway, old man?"
"Looking for some blood drinkers," The Ancient One answered, "lost
their trail."
"Beat you to it," Cupid remarked. "When those two young people get
to the authorities it will be taken care of. They are interfering with
my spreading of joy, so I made that young fella fall in love with their
next victim. He'd just been initiated into the group and fully didn't
understand what they were about."
The Ancient One laughed. "We do things different but we get 'em done!"
"We sure do!" Cupid answered. "Remember Germany and the witch hunters?
Oh, that was fun! Well, I gotta go!" Cupid continued, "I'm not as
powerful as you, old man. Can't be away from my body as long. He's
heard of you,
by the way. Doesn't like you too much right now 'cause your teachings
mess
up some of his favorite ideas, but he'll come around. Maybe we'll have
fun
together again!"
Cupid motioned The Ax Man aside.
"Take care of him," he whispered, "he's not as young as he used to
be. I mean a million plus is old, even for one of Their kind!"
The Aesir nodded. Cupid returned to The Ancient One for one more hug,
then soared skyward. The Ax Man walked over to The Ancient One,
chuckling. "You're Cupid's father!"
"Don't make a lot of it!" The Ancient One warned.
The Ancient One rose after him shaking his head.
"I'm never going to hear the end of this," he muttered, "NEVER!"
THE END
HAVE A SAFE AND HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
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