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I wrote my haibun, A Familiar’s Tale, in response to Melissa’s Fandango Flash Fiction Challenge #285. To write something inspired by this photo below.

A Familiar’s Tale

The casting call is early. It’s the crack of dawn and night has just gone to bed. I yawn and scan the long lineup of actors. I hadn’t expected to see so many familiar faces. They were wasting their time—because I’m certain the role is mine!

I see an old rival, Onyx, watching me. ‘What is he doing here? He can’t act for toffee!’ Onyx’s eyes stare at me. They narrow and form two luminous yellow slits—their gaze piercing through me like a knife.

He is remembering the last time we met. The Head witch of the Pendle hillocks and her coven were dancing in the woods.

whispering leaves,
in secretive wicca woods,
singing enchantments

The ceremony was to help her choose a cat to be her new familiar (her last one fell off the broomstick from a great height).
The choice was between me, Sir Eclipse, most noble Knight of the Eclipse, and Onyx, Knight of the Dark Alley.

We fought like cats and dogs. The battle raged on with unrelenting fury and brutality; and it was all to gain the favour of Elowen Nightshade, the most powerful high priestess of the wiccan witches. My eventual victory was a close call.

Onyx moves. His resentment of our last confrontation (culminating in his ignominious defeat) is palpable. He arches his sleek back, the shoulders ripple, and his stare is unflinching. He yowls and spits at me with menace.

The hairs on my back rise…

I notice an ugly scar that stretches all the way from his left ear, over his eye, to under his chin. It is where I wounded him. My coup de grâce.

catfight on the wall,
claws swashbuckling like sabres;
I win Elowen

I never want to go through a dual like that again!

Elowen Nightshade, (my hard won mistress), comforts me and strokes my thick black fur, calming the doubt that is entering my thoughts. She assures me I need not worry about Onyx. My position at Elowen’s side is unassailable. To quote a strange metaphor, I am the top dog! I bring her luck and she promises I shall fulfil my lifelong dream to be a film star. My mistress is renowned for her extraordinary psychic abilities and feared for the strength of her witchy powers. She understands how important the role in the Disney movie is to me. To play the role of a powerful and immortal black cat. I am perfect for the part! The role is mine for the taking. I relax. And purr with a languorous contentment.

The other auditionees do not suspect a thing. They don’t stand a chance of winning the part. My mistress is not the head of the coven for nothing.

under the full moon,
silver shadows pave my path
my route to stardom



Lesley Scoble, September 2024

Onyx’s eyes stare at me

…and yowls with menace

CREDITS
Thank you, Melissa Lemay, for your inspiration.
The prompt’s photo is  is from the Los Angeles Times Photographic Collection.
Thank you, dear reader, for reading. 🐈‍⬛🖤

Lesley lives in the City of London Square Mile. An artist, actor and sculptor (her first ceramic sculpture won the V&A inspired by… Award). Scenic artist & book illustrator, playwright (her musical play, Rapscallion performed in inner city schools and theatre school); TV dancer; Animator and illustrator for TV production. Set up Pinecone Studios Ltd and IIMSI Ltd drama and filmmaking workshops in London – producing award-winning films made by children.