Short Stories of the Inspired

Disclaimer: The characters of Rick and Evy O'Connell and Ardeth Bay belong to Stephen Sommers and Universal Studios. No infringement intended. All other characters belong to the author. The character of Frank Donovan belongs to Shane Salerno and NBC Entertainment, no copy infringement intended. Feedback is welcomed, email Mommint@msn.com

Over a period of time, I've posted various snippets involving Ardeth Bay and Frank Donovan in some interesting situations. Some of these short shorts were done totally off-the-cuff, inspired by the movies, TV or another writer's story. Gotta love when inspiration strikes and if I've learned anything, it's when my muse smacks me along side the head, I should listen. LOL

Hope you enjoy these brief glimpses into what might have been or still could be...and yes, I am working on Hero's 4. It's coming but very slowly so thanks for the patience and your emails. Special thanks to Deana who has inspired more than you realize and Patty, who has been more than patient for word on Nabil.

So now, if you dare, take a brief glimpse of what goes on in my mind.

~*~

Bother

"Wish I was too dead to cry

My self-affliction fades

Stones to throw at my creator

Masochists to which I cater"

~*~

"You don't have to leave," she whispered heart broken. Eyes luminous with unshed tears, words seemed to fail her at the moment as she watched Ardeth move stiffly around the room. For the past three weeks she had come to associate him with this room as she nursed him back to health. He had been found outside on the orphanage steps one night, sick, his body shaking with fever from a recent wound in his side. No questions were asked; no answers could be given as they took him inside and cared for him.

The entire time he was ill, she had stayed by his side, fighting for his life as ferociously as a warrior would fight an enemy. During this time he had somehow become part of her for his masculine scent clung to the bedclothes, her hands and her soul. His presence filled every dark corner of her world and had somehow seeped into the farthest recesses of her lonely heart.

~*~

"You don't need to bother

I don't need to be

I'll keep slipping farther

But once I hold on

I won't let go 'til it bleeds"

~*~

"I have no choice," Ardeth replied tonelessly, his movements mechanical as he packed up what meager possessions he could claim as his own. He set his jaw against the feelings he felt blossom in his beleaguered heart over the past several days and kept his eyes averted, knowing he would be lost if he were to gaze up at her face.

~*~

"I wish I had a reason

My flaws are open season

For this, I gave up trying

One good turn deserves my dying"

~*~

She took a step forward, a small cry of protest bubbled up from her throat, one hand poised in mid-air to touch him. She stopped, knowing all too well considering the short time she had spent with what he planned to do. He would sacrifice himself and take those coming after him away from here. He had to protect the children but who would protect him? "They'll kill you," she whispered and instead wrapped her arms around her trembling body as a chill raced down her spine.

~*~

"Wish I'd died instead of lived

A zombie hides my face

Shell forgotten with its memories

Diaries left with cryptic entries"

~*~

"They will come after me but in leaving," Ardeth finally turned to face her, his voice hoarse with emotion. "You, the good doctor and the children will be safe." Fully clothed and armed, he lowered his eyes once more, the heartache reflected in her face more than he could bear.

She met him at the doorway, hands reaching out to touch him, eyes silently pleading not to go; each gesture a mute appeal to think his rash plan through more thoroughly. All of it not making one bit of difference. They both knew it; she just couldn't accept it and her hands dropped uselessly to her sides.

"You should not have saved me," Ardeth whispered, tilting his head slightly to gaze at her hands. He noticed they were shaking as she held them clasped in front of her.

~*~

"You don't need to bother"

~*~

"I had no choice," she whispered back, her eyes glancing down at his torso, knowing the white bandages underneath his robes might be tinted red from his wound tearing a few stitches.

~*~

"I don't need to be"

~*~

"I will do what is necessary to protect the weak and innocent," Ardeth stated quietly and impulsively reached out, cupping her chin and making her look up at him.

~*~

"I'll keep slipping farther"

~*~

"I will honor my oath," he said, his dark gaze sweeping over her hair, face, body as if committing it all to memory. His fingers trailed down her cheek in a light caress then he moved away.

~*~

"But once I hold on"

~*~

"Come back to me," she couldn't stop the sob of despair escape from her heart. She reached up and tried to capture his hand, to place a kiss on the palm but he moved away from her too quickly.

~*~

"I'll never live down my deceit"

~*~

She followed him through the doorway and out into the courtyard, trailing behind his tall dark form as he walked toward his waiting horse. With a practiced critical eye, she watched as he mounted, his body already faltering from weakness. It was too soon...too soon.

Ardeth gathered the reins in one hand, should have kicked the horse into a gallop but instead, he turned to look at her one last time.

"You don't need to bother," he whispered and gave a nod of farewell. The horse suddenly lunged forward from Ardeth's command and sprinted away towards the open desert.

She stepped behind the horse, ignoring the cloud of dust left in its wake and whispered in reply, "But I need you to be."

~*~

Side note: words taken from a simple yet powerful song called "Bother" by Stone Sour. It seemed to fit.