Prompt #45: Question
Title: The Fortuneteller's Woe
Author: Griddlebone (eggplantlady)
Genre: AU/Humor
Word Count: 300
Summary: At a traveling carnival, two children discover that some questions are better left unasked. AU.
“Do we have to? This place gives me the creeps.”
“What, are you scared, Naoki?”
Ami’s younger brother glanced around nervously, taking in the weather-worn tent and faded signs that promised palm readings, divinations, and revelations of past, present, and future. Ami had to admit it was creepier than the rest of the carnival, but she had always wanted to have her fortune told.
“I’m not scared!” Naoki insisted, striding purposefully up to the tent’s entrance to prove it.
Ami followed, grinning.
An older woman awaited them inside, introducing herself as Lady Clara, clairvoyant. A lame name, Ami thought, but she told the old woman that she wanted her fortune told anyway.
“I will tell two stories for the price of one,” the woman offered, indicating both children, “for they are closely intertwined.”
The siblings glanced at each other nervously, before Ami ventured, “Okay.”
The fortuneteller took the proffered money, leaned back in her chair, and began to weave her tale. “I see an illustrious life for each of you, lived five hundred years ago in Japan.”
She gave each of them a baleful glare for a moment, as if expecting them to protest, before going on. “You,” she pointed at Ami, “a slayer of demons and monsters. And you,” she gestured to Naoki, “a powerful monk.”
She told them of the hardships these past selves had endured, how they had helped destroy a monstrous tyrant, a man who would have plunged the entire world into darkness. She told of a great battle fought, and a great victory won.
Eager to hear more, Ami asked, “What happened after that?”
“They got married and lived happily ever after, with many children,” Clara told them.
“What?!” Ami shouted, horrified.
“Ew, gross!” Naoki made a gagging sound.
Clara shrugged, obviously irritated. “You asked.”
Author: Griddlebone (eggplantlady)
Genre: AU/Humor
Word Count: 300
Summary: At a traveling carnival, two children discover that some questions are better left unasked. AU.
“Do we have to? This place gives me the creeps.”
“What, are you scared, Naoki?”
Ami’s younger brother glanced around nervously, taking in the weather-worn tent and faded signs that promised palm readings, divinations, and revelations of past, present, and future. Ami had to admit it was creepier than the rest of the carnival, but she had always wanted to have her fortune told.
“I’m not scared!” Naoki insisted, striding purposefully up to the tent’s entrance to prove it.
Ami followed, grinning.
An older woman awaited them inside, introducing herself as Lady Clara, clairvoyant. A lame name, Ami thought, but she told the old woman that she wanted her fortune told anyway.
“I will tell two stories for the price of one,” the woman offered, indicating both children, “for they are closely intertwined.”
The siblings glanced at each other nervously, before Ami ventured, “Okay.”
The fortuneteller took the proffered money, leaned back in her chair, and began to weave her tale. “I see an illustrious life for each of you, lived five hundred years ago in Japan.”
She gave each of them a baleful glare for a moment, as if expecting them to protest, before going on. “You,” she pointed at Ami, “a slayer of demons and monsters. And you,” she gestured to Naoki, “a powerful monk.”
She told them of the hardships these past selves had endured, how they had helped destroy a monstrous tyrant, a man who would have plunged the entire world into darkness. She told of a great battle fought, and a great victory won.
Eager to hear more, Ami asked, “What happened after that?”
“They got married and lived happily ever after, with many children,” Clara told them.
“What?!” Ami shouted, horrified.
“Ew, gross!” Naoki made a gagging sound.
Clara shrugged, obviously irritated. “You asked.”