copyright Stephen Baum
Reality Bestiarius
I crouch, trembling, in the storm drain. I can hear the hunter slavering outside—almost feel his hot, stinking breath. He’s been pursuing me for days. I am terrified and bone-tired.
I sniff weakly around the storm drain entrance, my desperation for food bordering on panic. I have not eaten meat in days. I wonder if my little ones have already died of starvation.
“Welcome back to Day 6 of the Predator/Prey Showdown! We’ve seen some surprises but it’s all going to end soon for one contestant. Remember to text 684833 to place your bets on the winner. Call now!
Note: the title is actually a misnomer, since a bestiarius refers to a person who is forced into a combat with an animal. I could not find the Roman term for two animals who are forced to fight each other, as this story intends.
The Green-Walled Tower 
July 8th, 2015 at 9:48 pm
I figured you would go a pseudo-“Running Man”, Richard Bachman type of theme here.
It fits and works. 🙂
July 8th, 2015 at 10:14 pm
Yeah, I could see that working.
July 9th, 2015 at 12:26 am
touching! the world of predators is really tough!
July 9th, 2015 at 9:31 pm
Yeah, hard for both sides. I was watching something on predators before and it’d be difficult to be on both sides of the food chain.
July 9th, 2015 at 1:26 am
Moving and disturbing take on the prompt David.
July 9th, 2015 at 9:30 pm
Pretty much. I’ll have to do a funny one next week to make up.
July 9th, 2015 at 2:31 am
A cruel habit.. the POV of one of those poor animals destined for death is haunting to say the least, and the cynical speaker at the end really says who is the real beast in here.
July 9th, 2015 at 9:30 pm
Thanks, Bjorn. Yes, that’s what I was going for. I was thinking of calling it “Ping pong sympathies” but that seemed a little too blatant.
July 9th, 2015 at 5:33 am
Sounds like hunger games… literally. Interesting take!
My #FF
July 9th, 2015 at 9:29 pm
I was going for that sort of thing, yes. Thanks.
July 9th, 2015 at 5:54 am
Multi perspectives 🙂 nicely done.
July 9th, 2015 at 9:29 pm
Thanks, KT.
July 9th, 2015 at 7:20 am
Very emotional and disturbing. Great post.
July 9th, 2015 at 9:28 pm
Thank you. 🙂
July 9th, 2015 at 2:21 pm
Dear David,
Perhaps the term for two animals forced to fight each other would be “Pit Bull.” Sorry I had to go there. You always bring something unique to the arena, sir. Nicely played.
Shalom,
Rochelle
July 9th, 2015 at 9:28 pm
You know, I never realized the meaning of the name pit bull before you said that. 🙂 I was trying to find a cool Latin term, but alas. Thanks for the comments.
-David
July 9th, 2015 at 9:15 pm
We will have come full circle from the days in the roman coliseums.
July 9th, 2015 at 9:26 pm
Hopefully we’ll never get back there, but sometimes I wouldn’t be surprised.
July 9th, 2015 at 11:59 pm
I can easily see this happening at some time in the future. This is a really novel idea. I like the concept a lot.
July 10th, 2015 at 1:26 am
I found the term for two animals forced to fight each other: nature.
Good piece.
July 10th, 2015 at 4:59 am
Nice take on the prompt
July 10th, 2015 at 6:00 am
I assume they are both predators since the hunted eats meat as well. In my version it would be a carrot stalking Bugs Bunny. 🙂
July 13th, 2015 at 8:45 pm
I like your version better Russell. Next time…next time.
July 10th, 2015 at 6:10 am
Loved your format 🙂
July 13th, 2015 at 8:45 pm
Thanks Helen.
July 10th, 2015 at 3:15 pm
First of all, Bestiarius is a great name for a cat…and is this a Friday Fictioneer? You are too funny. Again…compile them…PUBLISH
July 13th, 2015 at 8:44 pm
I’d love to have a cat named Bestiarius, at least maybe have a character with a cat named that. Easier to clean up after when it’s in print. Don’t worry, I’m working hard on getting published. It’ll happen, I promise.
July 10th, 2015 at 4:03 pm
I harbor a deep hatred for the predatory nature of reality shows. You do a nice job of portraying this here.
All my best,
Marie Gail
July 13th, 2015 at 8:42 pm
Thanks, MG. Reality shows, especially American ones, tend to feed off conflict and drama. Not my cup of tea either.
July 10th, 2015 at 11:39 pm
A horrid “sport” indeed!
July 13th, 2015 at 8:41 pm
Yeah, really. Hardly sport at all.
July 11th, 2015 at 5:27 pm
Nature is wonderful, but cruel. To make a sport of it is beyond cruel, and you show the cynicism well. I also loved the perspectives of both the hunter and the hunted. If we are honest, we all only live because other creatures die. Great thought-provoking take on the prompt.
July 13th, 2015 at 8:32 pm
It’s easy to start rooting for either the prey or predator, based on which side the nature documentary takes, which is why I wanted to show both sides. Glad you picked up on all the aspects I was going for.
July 11th, 2015 at 6:13 pm
That certainly is apropos for this day and age! Great story.
July 13th, 2015 at 8:31 pm
Thanks. 🙂
July 12th, 2015 at 12:23 pm
This is one show I don’t want to watch, David. People have watched worse for entertainment through the ages, haven’t they? Excellent work.
July 13th, 2015 at 8:30 pm
Thanks Amy. Hopefully reality shows don’t go this way eventually.
July 13th, 2015 at 7:07 am
I love the use of the three different viewpoints. Very well done. 🙂
July 13th, 2015 at 8:29 pm
Thanks. It was fun to try like that.