Trufellas

 “The name was your mistake,” I growled.  “Arrogant.  ’Bottom Shelf Goods?’  What are bottom shelves if not low racks?”

“Yes, very clever, Onceler,” he responded.  “But nobody needs you.  Not anymore.  I’ve got what they need.  I’ve got what everyone needs.”

“Well, I’ve got this.”  He didn’t react to the gun, but I could tell he was surprised by the tilt of his mustache.

“We were almost finished here anyway,” he said.  Then he simply picked himself up and carried himself away.  I didn’t shoot.  I didn’t dare.

After all, one day the Lorax and his friends might come back...

The Trail Behind, the Trial Ahead

"We're well out of that," said Professor-Doctor-Master Bartolomeo, removing his armored cap. "No more venom monkeys."

Vittri, who had doffed his own the moment they floated above the treetops again, forked another morsel of vaporgrass up to Gordo, their bloatfrog. Gordo's prehensile tongue snatched it up, and they lost a bit of altitude as he farted happily. "We got away clean, sir, and clear sailing ahead. Nought but ocean now."

Bartolomeo froze in polishing his glasses. "Ocean, did you say?"

"Yes, sir."

"Quick, lad! The fender paddles!"

"Why, sir?"

Bartolomeo pointed down, where needlelike forms leapt amid the waves. "Pokefish!"

The War of Endless Night

"I don't know... I just don't know..." the Captain muttered.

"Captain's dithering again," said Private Nightlight to Sergeant LED.

"That's the problem with these compact fluorescents," LED said, nodding. "Always back and forth, back and forth. They've got all kinds of toxic issues right under that cold facade they put up, too. It's how they're raised, I think."

"ENOUGH TALK!" came a shriek from behind. "ONWARD TO GLORIOUS DEATH!" Someone hurtled past them. There was a whistle and a pop.

"Incandescent went over the wall, Sarge."

"Can't say I'm surprised. He's been on the edge of burning out for weeks."

The Most Dangerous Grain

He twisted the cap off the milk carton and hesitated. This was the most hazardous part. No way to tell where was safe. Today he poured from the left. The cereal crackled as the milk hit it. He cringed. Nothing.

He relaxed and picked up his spoon. It was only after the first bite sent tingling numbness shooting down his neck and shoulder that he realized his error.

He scrabbled for the med-kit, but he was already losing motor function. The box wavered before him, his vision narrowing. The brightly-colored letters taunted him: “You never know when you’ll find it!”