spacemutineer: (Default)
spacemutineer ([personal profile] spacemutineer) wrote2011-09-30 12:00 am
Entry tags:

Ficlet: Zoetrope

Title: Zoetrope
Author: [livejournal.com profile] spacemutineer
Rating: PG-13
Summary: Atop Reichenbach Falls, the conclusion of a meeting
Warnings: violence, death
Word Count: 221 (not a true 221B, sorry)
Author's Notes: This is the first part of a fill for [livejournal.com profile] methylviolet10b, for her prompt, "A four-hour rail delay." We haven't gotten yet to the train, but we will. Hope this is okay in the meantime!


The cigarette case dropped into its place weighting the letter and Sherlock Holmes lifted his head at last to stand, still and tall.

"I believe I have kept you waiting quite long enough, Professor."

"You have, indeed." Moriarty's fists curled tighter at his sides. "But no longer."

And he was upon him.

What happened after that felt to Holmes like watching a zoetrope spin too slowly, a series of single images stripped out of time.


Moriarty, clenched to Holmes' biceps, his yellowed teeth bared by feral, snarling lips.



Surprise and venom flashing across Moriarty's face as his hands are knocked away and go flying aside.



The crooked angle of Holmes' wrist as the heel of his hand connects with Moriarty's solar plexus, knocking him back.



The professor's eyes, wide then suddenly wider, his arms outstretched.



The tips of Moriarty's fingers, raking across the bone buttons of Holmes' coat.

Only then could he think again, and Holmes' decision was instant.

He took a single step back.

Moriarty's hands grasped into the air, fruitlessly seizing at nothing. With all his lungs he screamed, a primal howl of fury and raw fear. For long seconds, the professor flailed.

And then he was gone, over and gone. Only his voice remained, still raging even as it grew more distant.
methylviolet10b: (thinking)

[personal profile] methylviolet10b 2011-09-30 03:33 pm (UTC)(link)
*squees loudly* Oh, this has me on the edge of my seat. I'm tickled to death that you're using my prompt, and absolutely agog to see how you will fit it in with FINA! :-D

Can't wait for more!
hardboiledbaby: (Default)

[personal profile] hardboiledbaby 2011-10-01 08:30 am (UTC)(link)
Oh, love the zoetrope metaphor! Very nice :)
monkeybard: (dark goddess)

[personal profile] monkeybard 2011-10-07 04:57 pm (UTC)(link)
You've certainly got me intrigued to see what happens next and how the rail delay plays into it!