THE MOMENT
Blake tumbled out of the darkness and into the sunny woods. He landed on his knees and got to his feet as quick as he could to start running. He didn't know where he was, he'd been downtown late in the evening moments before he was abducted and shoved into a black hole. But, he didn't make it very far before his captor appeared in front of him, emerging from another black hole. The stranger wore a black suit that had a fishscale pattern and round spectacles. He was an impeccably neat gentleman, and he sighed as he shook his head.
"Don't run, it's annoying," he said. "C'mon, we're almost there," the stranger raised his arm and reached into a small black hole that appeared in front of him. Then, he shoved, and Blake felt the push from behind as he staggered forward. He wasn't giving up yet, but for now, the only plan he had was to go along and see where the man was taking him.
"Why me?" Blake asked. Since he was cooperating on the surface, he felt entitled to some answers. There were plenty of other pedestrians around when the stranger showed up, but he immediately focused on Blake as his only target. He appeared in the middle of the street, looked around, and moved straight toward Blake. One minute later he was running for his life through the woods before being caught again.
"You're Unique," the man answered. "My Mistress has certain tastes, so I won't be able to give you more information without ruining her meal."
"Unique how?" Blake's mind refused to acknowledge the end of the sentence and focused on trying to get more information. Although, he was keeping his eyes open for the first opportunity to flee.
"In the only way it matters," the stranger answered. Shortly after that exchange, the forest opened up to a large lake. "Hold on," He said. Despite being several feet apart, Blake felt a strong hand grab his shoulder to keep him from walking further. As he wondered why, he heard giggling in the distance. He looked across the lake and saw a Jeep parked by the shore with four teenage girls changing out of their clothes.
"Huh," the stranger commented in obvious surprise. He stared at the girls for an uncomfortable amount of time, and then he chuckled.
"Well, I guess it's your lucky day," he said. "My name's Chip," he added as he offered Blake his hand.
"What the hell? You kidnapped me just to introduce yourself??" Blake asked without shaking hands.
"Of course not," Chip smiled as they both heard water splashing and giggling in the background. "You were meant to be a meal for my Mistress, but, it seems the universe delivered without my help," he added as he tilted his head toward the girls. "And, I'm gonna take that as an intervention on your part. I'll find someone else when she gets hungry again, you're free to go," Chip made a gesture at the air, and a black hole opened in front of Blake.
"Wait... those girls are going to get eaten??" Blake asked. Could he do the brave thing to stop it?
"Just one of them," Chip nodded. "There happens to be a Unique Soul in that group, the rest will be killed, Mistress Majicka does enjoy the occasional murder." Blake looked out at the girls frolicking in the water, and as they moved, he noted something. All four of them looked like they might be pregnant. If it weren't for that, he might have gone through the portal and gone home. But, he found his courage and shook his head.
"Take me instead, please," he said.
"Sorry, no can do," Chip shook his head. "I already told you you're a Unique Soul. She prefers her food to be uninformed."
"I don't even know what that is!" Blake answered as he watched the water for danger. He took a single step forward to see if Chip would stop him.
"Find a Mundo when you get back to your Earth," Chip said. "They'll explain it." The phrasing wasn't lost on Blake, but he had other things on his mind. He came up with an unusual plan; but, Chip had said he was free to go. Maybe he wouldn't give chase if Blake started running. As soon as his mind was made up he dashed forward waving his hands in the air like a maniac.
"HEEEEY!!!" he screamed at the girls. They shrieked at being caught naked and huddled together in the water too scared to climb out. "YOU'RE A UNIQ-," he fell into a hole before he finished the sentence, and landed on the ground behind Chip.
"Sorry, buddy. That was the wrong move," Chip said. As he looked down at Blake, louder, more urgent screaming filled the air. But, as Blake tried to get to his feet again, the ground gave out under him. He sank, but only partway until his head seemed to be growing out of the dirt. "It's unfortunate, now you've made me change my mind. You're no longer free to go, and Mistress Majicka will be along to deal with you after her meal," Chip said as he turned to walk toward the lake.
"You said she wouldn't eat me!" Blake yelled his own defense.
"She won't," Chip paused and turned around to nod at Blake. "But, I also said she still enjoys murder." The screaming had stopped; but, Blake could hear a sickening crunch as Chip walked away. He hoped it was only leaves and stones being stepped on.