The Bones of the Matter
Pay It Forward!
This is the next installment in The ShambElla Saga. We've learned Colt's secret, and now the companions prepare for their journey into Hell.
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The Bones of the Matter
The companions were huddled around the EYEGOONS when the scene faded to black.
They all backed away and turned to look at Colt.
The skeleton let its jaw drop open and then fall to the ground. Then it put its hands on its nonexistent stomach and shook its shoulders as if laughing.
Sam picked up the jawbone. Colt reattached it and gave Sam a thumbs up.
“So Doose the Ghost is Colt the Skeleton!”
Colt held up its right index finger and then pointed to itself. The only one.
“And these are your friends, from The Rusty Barrel?”
The other goons gathered around Colt and gave the all-horn salute.
“There’s so many things I wanna ask you,” Sam said, but the skeletons all pointed to the place where their throats used to be. No vocal chords. Colt shrugged. And what does it matter now?
“Should we call you Colt or Doose?”
Colt pointed at the horseshoe on its shirt. Colt will do.
“How can we ever repay you?”
Colt shook its head side to side and waved away the notion, then pointed at each companion in turn, and then pointed at the path ahead. You don’t. We just keep going. It pulled the finger back and shot it forward again with more emphasis. We end this! We pay it forward!
With that all the companions, the goons and the humans, moved into a circle. They leaned down on one knee, stacking hands upon hands. David came last, adding a paw and a mew of approval.
All for one. One for all.
They turned in for the night with a lot on their mind, but they had no trouble sleeping, for their hearts were at peace.
***** * *****
For an introduction to the art and wisdom of Doug Hoppes, check out my review of and links to the Shadowmyths site. Buy a print from this guy! Support a real artist in this wasteland of AI!
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About the Creator
C. Rommial Butler
C. Rommial Butler is a writer, musician and philosopher from Indianapolis, IN. His works can be found online through multiple streaming services and booksellers.
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Comments (8)
Love the upbeat tone and rallying together focus of this scene! Definitely some bones, but a whole lot of heart too
Like Dharrsheena said. I never saw that coming! Great continuation! Onward and downwards! 😳
I would have never thought that Doose and Colt are the same person. That was an awesomeeee twist!
Colts. It's where you're from. Get it. Nice touch. I'm with Mother Combs. Bring on the next.
Oh, I love how David stuck his paw in and mewed too <3 Love this chapter, eagerly waiting the next
This installment it seems to be bringing everything together in one way, good job.
This story's getting interesting. I like how Colt's revealed as Doose. The idea of them all coming together like that, with the 'All for one, one for all' moment, is cool. It makes me wonder what challenges they'll face in Hell. And I'm glad you're promoting a real artist instead of just relying on AI. How do you think their journey into Hell will change the characters? And what kind of obstacles do you think they'll encounter there?
Whimsy and scary at once--and I had a vision of dancing skeleton! Great call, Charles!