100 Drabbles of 2012 #11-20
11) day trip
Time Period: Pre-Chapter 6 of "Secundus" (when the parents show up)
Notes: I thought I'd do a couple of prompts about the Van Dorts and Everglots -- here's the short version of how the Van Dorts convinced the Everglots to accompany them to Secundus.
“You want us to accompany you to Secundus?”
Finis and Maudeline Everglot stared at the Van Dorts as if they’d lost their minds. “It’s your son that’s been kidnapped,” Maudeline continued. “Why do you want us there?”
“To show him what he’s giving up – an excellent marriage to an excellent family,” Mrs. Van Dort replied. “Not that I believe he actually means what he’s writing in those letters, but in case he’s been brainwashed. . . .”
“I’m sure we won’t be there for long – a day or two at most,” Mr. Van Dort said. “I can certainly make it worth your while.”
“. . .We’ll pack.”
12) jump
Time Period: Any
Notes: Pity this Alice, who does not work by video game logic and thus is bound to normal human jumping. Whether this makes the Secundus Alice more or less badass than the canon version is up to you. And yes, the Alice of "Alice: Madness Returns" basically gets a full-on quadruple jump.
Some days, Alice really wished she could jump higher.
She knew she was already a pretty damn good jumper (you had to be, to avoid things trying to take out your legs), but she thought that if she could get more height, she could conquer so many problems – from attacking enemies taller than her to getting things off high shelves. If only there was a way to jump while jumping – to leap again in midair to get even more altitude. . . A double jump, she supposed you’d call it. She’d take that in a heartbeat.
A triple or quadruple jump, even faster.
13) tan
Time Period: Chapter 1 of "Secundus" -- what Marty and Doc were doing while Victor was stumbling upon their ride
Notes: Doc and Marty's visit to Burtonsville, right before they go back to the train. I figured it was worth exploring -- and it felt more original than doing a prompt about Victor's pale skin. Because, really, everyone in Burtonsville looks just like him, skin-wise (though I maintain he is one of the palest people there).
“Cripes, being around these people makes me feel like I’m from darkest Africa.”
“They are a bit pale,” Doc admitted, looking at the people passing by.
“A bit? They’re like ghosts. I mean, I know I’m used to seeing people with farm tans, but sheesh.”
“I’m sure they’re perfectly nice, no matter how pale they are.”
“Maybe to each other – we’ve been getting a couple of odd looks. Maybe it’s time to cut and run, Doc. After all, it’s been a successful experiment, right?”
Doc beamed. “It has indeed. You’re right – let’s see if the return trip goes as well.”
14) bird
Time Period: Post-"Secundus"
Notes: More Ferdy! This one's just a bit of silliness, based on the fact that butterflies can be tasty snacks to certain bigger creatures.
Victor lifted his head, enjoying the slight breeze in his face as Ferdinand flapped above the trees of Wonderland Park. “Ahhh. It’s such a wonderful – AAAAHH!”
Out of nowhere, Ferdinand suddenly started darting and weaving wildly, wings flapping like mad. Victor clung tight to the saddle to avoid being thrown off. “Ferdinand?! What’s the matter?”
Moments later, he spotted the source of the trouble himself. “Ooh – Ferdy, you are ten times as big as that bird! You don’t need to panic! I swear it cannot eat you!”
Ferdinand still didn’t really calm down until they were a few yards away.
15) raft
Time Period: Post-"Secundus 2," young children era
Notes: I had no idea what to do with this one until I came up with the idea of the kids playing in Wonderland Park. Dunno why they're pirates, it just felt right. Vincent's line is a paraphrase of what the Dodo says on his first appearance in the animated Disney Alice In Wonderland -- I thought it was funny.
“Arrr! Forward, mateys! The wild seas await!”
“They wouldn’t be awaiting if you’d help paddle!”
“I’m the captain – I steer, not paddle. And try to sound like a pirate, Lorina!”
“Arrr, yes me captain.”
“Ahoy! And – other – nautical expressions.”
“. . .You’re not very good at this, Vincent.”
“Sorry, Chest – Ah!”
“What? What is it? Her Majesty’s royal navy?! Ready the cannons!”
“No, it’s a waterfall!”
“Oh! Well – it’s just the little one into the Pool of Tears. We could try going over.”
“And if we don’t drown, our parents will kill us. Think it’s time to make port, oh brave captain.”
16) popsicle
Time Period: Post-"Secundus," few days after "74) A woman's lips holding a melting ice cube"
Notes: A case of "a sequel to a later prompt has an earlier number" -- quick sum up of "74" is Alice sucking on ice cubes to beat the heat and Victor getting inspired. Granted, Victor's little invention doesn't have sticks, but I think it captures the spirit of the famous treat.
“Whew, it’s warm!”
“I know,” Victor said, then smiled. “Would you like a cold treat?”
“Whatever you got,” Marty said gratefully.
“All right, just a moment.” Victor disappeared into the house for a bit, then returned carrying a small bowl. “Here, try these.”
Marty peered inside. “They’re – reddish ice cubes?”
“Frozen juice,” Victor explained with a grin. “I got the idea a few days ago. They’re good.”
Marty curiously popped one into his mouth. A nice coolness spread over his tongue, coupled with the taste of apple juice. He smiled at his friend. “Think you hit a winner there, Victor.”
17) sink
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus," the Hill Valley days
Notes: This was my 88th comment when I posted it to their LiveJournal, so naturally it had to be about Doc and Marty. :D This one was inspired by Doc's little speech about how he came up with the flux capacitor in Part I: "I was standing on my toilet, hanging a clock. The porcelain was wet -- I slipped, hit my head on the edge of the sink -- and when I came to, I had a revelation -- a vision! A picture in my head -- a picture of this! This is what makes time travel possible -- the flux capacitor!" I figured the method of discovery deserved a little ribbing from Marty, and this resulted. Originally I had a modified version of the speech in there, but I couldn't get it under wordcount.
“You know what I always found hilarious about your ‘flux capacitor’ story, Doc?”
“Er, no,” Doc said, frowning at his young assistant. “I wasn’t aware there was anything hilarious about coming up with a viable time travel device.”
“You seriously got an idea by falling off the toilet.”
“I was standing on the toilet, Marty, not sitting on it. There’s a difference.”
“I know, but it’s still kind of funny,” Marty said, giggling. “I’d just tell people ‘I slipped and hit my head on the sink.’”
“I’ll be sure to tell that version to any other teenagers I meet, yes.”
18) stars
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus 2," Clara before Hill Valley
Notes: Hey, a Clara-related drabble! I was looking for inspiration when I saw this prompt and remembered Clara's astronomy hobby. Her comment about diphtheria is from BTTF Part III -- she tells Doc the story when he comments on her being quite knowledgeable about lunar geography.
Clara Clayton loved the night sky. She’d said more than once that the one upside to getting diphtheria was being introduced to the wonders of the stars and moon. Perhaps astronomy wasn’t a usual hobby for women, but it was her passion. She spent hours at night gazing through her telescope, admiring those bright points of light.
The trouble was, she was always admiring them alone. Most people considered her strange for having any interest in science at all. She itched to share her thoughts with someone, but there was no one to listen.
Until Emmett Brown entered her life.
19) sundress
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus," the Hill Valley days
Notes: Jennifer makes an appearance! I wanted to use her and Clara a bit more in these drabbles, since they're sequel characters and we know how slow I am in writing that. Her dress here is supposed to invoke her main outfit from the trilogy. (Incidentally, she's a Claudia Wells Jennifer.)
“Hey, Jennifer – wow, that dress looks great! New?”
“Yup,” Jennifer said with a smile. She did a little turn to show it off to best advantage. “Just got it the other day. I told Dad I desperately needed some new summer clothes. The old stuff was just way too hot.”
“I like it,” Marty said, looking over the light blue dress with multicolored flowers scattered over the skirt. Then he smirked at her. “Makes you look too hot.”
“Oh stop it,” Jennifer said, giving his arm a light, playful whack. “If my dad hears that, he’ll make me return it.”
20) shades
Time Period: The summer post-"Secundus"
Notes: Just a little shoutout to the sunglasses Marty wears at the very beginning of Part I. I thought it was funny, anyway. (Marty's ending line refers to England's reputation for cloudiness.)
“Hey, Victor, check out my new glasses.”
Victor looked up – then blinked in confusion. “Marty? Are you – wearing mirrors?”
“Sort of,” Marty said, grinning. “They’re glasses designed to protect your eyes from the sun. Guy down the street was selling them from a cart. Said they’re mirrored on the other side to provide a handy way to check your appearance. I thought they looked pretty cool, so I bought a pair.”
“Do they work?”
“They seem to. Sun’s not bothering me today.” Marty chuckled. “Granted, I know they’re probably not gonna be that useful here, but I still think they’re neat.”
Time Period: Pre-Chapter 6 of "Secundus" (when the parents show up)
Notes: I thought I'd do a couple of prompts about the Van Dorts and Everglots -- here's the short version of how the Van Dorts convinced the Everglots to accompany them to Secundus.
“You want us to accompany you to Secundus?”
Finis and Maudeline Everglot stared at the Van Dorts as if they’d lost their minds. “It’s your son that’s been kidnapped,” Maudeline continued. “Why do you want us there?”
“To show him what he’s giving up – an excellent marriage to an excellent family,” Mrs. Van Dort replied. “Not that I believe he actually means what he’s writing in those letters, but in case he’s been brainwashed. . . .”
“I’m sure we won’t be there for long – a day or two at most,” Mr. Van Dort said. “I can certainly make it worth your while.”
“. . .We’ll pack.”
12) jump
Time Period: Any
Notes: Pity this Alice, who does not work by video game logic and thus is bound to normal human jumping. Whether this makes the Secundus Alice more or less badass than the canon version is up to you. And yes, the Alice of "Alice: Madness Returns" basically gets a full-on quadruple jump.
Some days, Alice really wished she could jump higher.
She knew she was already a pretty damn good jumper (you had to be, to avoid things trying to take out your legs), but she thought that if she could get more height, she could conquer so many problems – from attacking enemies taller than her to getting things off high shelves. If only there was a way to jump while jumping – to leap again in midair to get even more altitude. . . A double jump, she supposed you’d call it. She’d take that in a heartbeat.
A triple or quadruple jump, even faster.
13) tan
Time Period: Chapter 1 of "Secundus" -- what Marty and Doc were doing while Victor was stumbling upon their ride
Notes: Doc and Marty's visit to Burtonsville, right before they go back to the train. I figured it was worth exploring -- and it felt more original than doing a prompt about Victor's pale skin. Because, really, everyone in Burtonsville looks just like him, skin-wise (though I maintain he is one of the palest people there).
“Cripes, being around these people makes me feel like I’m from darkest Africa.”
“They are a bit pale,” Doc admitted, looking at the people passing by.
“A bit? They’re like ghosts. I mean, I know I’m used to seeing people with farm tans, but sheesh.”
“I’m sure they’re perfectly nice, no matter how pale they are.”
“Maybe to each other – we’ve been getting a couple of odd looks. Maybe it’s time to cut and run, Doc. After all, it’s been a successful experiment, right?”
Doc beamed. “It has indeed. You’re right – let’s see if the return trip goes as well.”
14) bird
Time Period: Post-"Secundus"
Notes: More Ferdy! This one's just a bit of silliness, based on the fact that butterflies can be tasty snacks to certain bigger creatures.
Victor lifted his head, enjoying the slight breeze in his face as Ferdinand flapped above the trees of Wonderland Park. “Ahhh. It’s such a wonderful – AAAAHH!”
Out of nowhere, Ferdinand suddenly started darting and weaving wildly, wings flapping like mad. Victor clung tight to the saddle to avoid being thrown off. “Ferdinand?! What’s the matter?”
Moments later, he spotted the source of the trouble himself. “Ooh – Ferdy, you are ten times as big as that bird! You don’t need to panic! I swear it cannot eat you!”
Ferdinand still didn’t really calm down until they were a few yards away.
15) raft
Time Period: Post-"Secundus 2," young children era
Notes: I had no idea what to do with this one until I came up with the idea of the kids playing in Wonderland Park. Dunno why they're pirates, it just felt right. Vincent's line is a paraphrase of what the Dodo says on his first appearance in the animated Disney Alice In Wonderland -- I thought it was funny.
“Arrr! Forward, mateys! The wild seas await!”
“They wouldn’t be awaiting if you’d help paddle!”
“I’m the captain – I steer, not paddle. And try to sound like a pirate, Lorina!”
“Arrr, yes me captain.”
“Ahoy! And – other – nautical expressions.”
“. . .You’re not very good at this, Vincent.”
“Sorry, Chest – Ah!”
“What? What is it? Her Majesty’s royal navy?! Ready the cannons!”
“No, it’s a waterfall!”
“Oh! Well – it’s just the little one into the Pool of Tears. We could try going over.”
“And if we don’t drown, our parents will kill us. Think it’s time to make port, oh brave captain.”
16) popsicle
Time Period: Post-"Secundus," few days after "74) A woman's lips holding a melting ice cube"
Notes: A case of "a sequel to a later prompt has an earlier number" -- quick sum up of "74" is Alice sucking on ice cubes to beat the heat and Victor getting inspired. Granted, Victor's little invention doesn't have sticks, but I think it captures the spirit of the famous treat.
“Whew, it’s warm!”
“I know,” Victor said, then smiled. “Would you like a cold treat?”
“Whatever you got,” Marty said gratefully.
“All right, just a moment.” Victor disappeared into the house for a bit, then returned carrying a small bowl. “Here, try these.”
Marty peered inside. “They’re – reddish ice cubes?”
“Frozen juice,” Victor explained with a grin. “I got the idea a few days ago. They’re good.”
Marty curiously popped one into his mouth. A nice coolness spread over his tongue, coupled with the taste of apple juice. He smiled at his friend. “Think you hit a winner there, Victor.”
17) sink
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus," the Hill Valley days
Notes: This was my 88th comment when I posted it to their LiveJournal, so naturally it had to be about Doc and Marty. :D This one was inspired by Doc's little speech about how he came up with the flux capacitor in Part I: "I was standing on my toilet, hanging a clock. The porcelain was wet -- I slipped, hit my head on the edge of the sink -- and when I came to, I had a revelation -- a vision! A picture in my head -- a picture of this! This is what makes time travel possible -- the flux capacitor!" I figured the method of discovery deserved a little ribbing from Marty, and this resulted. Originally I had a modified version of the speech in there, but I couldn't get it under wordcount.
“You know what I always found hilarious about your ‘flux capacitor’ story, Doc?”
“Er, no,” Doc said, frowning at his young assistant. “I wasn’t aware there was anything hilarious about coming up with a viable time travel device.”
“You seriously got an idea by falling off the toilet.”
“I was standing on the toilet, Marty, not sitting on it. There’s a difference.”
“I know, but it’s still kind of funny,” Marty said, giggling. “I’d just tell people ‘I slipped and hit my head on the sink.’”
“I’ll be sure to tell that version to any other teenagers I meet, yes.”
18) stars
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus 2," Clara before Hill Valley
Notes: Hey, a Clara-related drabble! I was looking for inspiration when I saw this prompt and remembered Clara's astronomy hobby. Her comment about diphtheria is from BTTF Part III -- she tells Doc the story when he comments on her being quite knowledgeable about lunar geography.
Clara Clayton loved the night sky. She’d said more than once that the one upside to getting diphtheria was being introduced to the wonders of the stars and moon. Perhaps astronomy wasn’t a usual hobby for women, but it was her passion. She spent hours at night gazing through her telescope, admiring those bright points of light.
The trouble was, she was always admiring them alone. Most people considered her strange for having any interest in science at all. She itched to share her thoughts with someone, but there was no one to listen.
Until Emmett Brown entered her life.
19) sundress
Time Period: Pre-"Secundus," the Hill Valley days
Notes: Jennifer makes an appearance! I wanted to use her and Clara a bit more in these drabbles, since they're sequel characters and we know how slow I am in writing that. Her dress here is supposed to invoke her main outfit from the trilogy. (Incidentally, she's a Claudia Wells Jennifer.)
“Hey, Jennifer – wow, that dress looks great! New?”
“Yup,” Jennifer said with a smile. She did a little turn to show it off to best advantage. “Just got it the other day. I told Dad I desperately needed some new summer clothes. The old stuff was just way too hot.”
“I like it,” Marty said, looking over the light blue dress with multicolored flowers scattered over the skirt. Then he smirked at her. “Makes you look too hot.”
“Oh stop it,” Jennifer said, giving his arm a light, playful whack. “If my dad hears that, he’ll make me return it.”
20) shades
Time Period: The summer post-"Secundus"
Notes: Just a little shoutout to the sunglasses Marty wears at the very beginning of Part I. I thought it was funny, anyway. (Marty's ending line refers to England's reputation for cloudiness.)
“Hey, Victor, check out my new glasses.”
Victor looked up – then blinked in confusion. “Marty? Are you – wearing mirrors?”
“Sort of,” Marty said, grinning. “They’re glasses designed to protect your eyes from the sun. Guy down the street was selling them from a cart. Said they’re mirrored on the other side to provide a handy way to check your appearance. I thought they looked pretty cool, so I bought a pair.”
“Do they work?”
“They seem to. Sun’s not bothering me today.” Marty chuckled. “Granted, I know they’re probably not gonna be that useful here, but I still think they’re neat.”