21 APR 2024 · Story: Hiding From Dragonfly Story by: Gail Nobles ©️2024 Artwork by: Gail Nobles Ending music: Samplefocus.com Usage: Standard license Bombylias who Aneeyah called Marcus was a strong and courageous bee-fly that led an army. But this time he was afraid. He feared Dragonfly and his evil magic spells, and his army had turned against him. Bombylias moved from the sofa because it was squeaky, and he wanted to be as quiet as possible under the floor of the house while 3 men from his army searched for him and Aneeyah. He laid down on the basement floor worried and scared. Bombylias began to sweat and he took his shirt off. He dimmed the lights of his wings, his horn, and anteena. He would not dare to move. Aneeyah was not afraid, but she was concerned about Bombylias. She also sat quietly on the basement floor in indian style facing Bombylias. Then Aneeyah looked down at her phone waiting for the men to leave. When the men left, she turned off her phone, and her eyes fell on Bombylias. Aneeyah wondered about him because she had seen him turn into a bunch of scattered bee-flies and remembered how he disappeared. She also remembered the strength of Bombylias and how he had thrown her to the ground. Aneeyah was designing a costume for Bombylias in her mind.  Bombylias felt ashamed that he was so afraid of Dragonfly. He was ashamed the way Aneeyah kept looking at him. Her eyes would not blink, and Bombylias rested his head down on his arms. He began to talk in a low voice knowing the men were gone. Bombylias: I’m sorry for being such a coward. Dragonfly is more powerful than me.  Aneeyah: You don’t have to explain that to me Marcus Bombylias. You’re hiding, and I’m hiding too. Plus we are outnumbered.  Bombylias: So where do we go from here? Aneeyah: Far on the other side of the hill, I have an underground labatory. I think I can help you with your powers. Bombylias: No, I’m okay. I don’t need help with that.  Aneeyah: You can have more powers and abilities. That’s why Dragonfly wants to keep you down. He doesn’t want anyone more powerful than he is. Dragonfly knows you’re special. That is his fear. Let me help you. Haven’t I been helping you all along?  Bombylias: I think we should stay here and lay low a little while.  Aneeyah: We can leave tonight while the world is sleeping.  You're listening to Artful: The Story of Bombylias by Gail Nobles ©️2024

22 JAN 2024 · Story: Underground Escape Story by: Gail Nobles ©️2024 Art by: Gail Nobles Boom Sound by: Gail Nobles Tunnel and slam sound by: Pixaby.com When Aneeyah got back to Marcus, she tried to encourage him to leave his place. They talked about it as they ate. She wasn't about to convince Marcus to leave until she told him about the dragon she saw. And before she could say it was dragonfly, Marcus knew who she was talking about because he had seen the dragon before. He became full before he could finish his meal. Marcus began to shake and tremble. He felt like he was going to get sick on the stomach feeling nervous. Aneeyah knew, and she tried to talk a little bit off the subject. Aneeyah: So Marcus, what made you move way out here in the hills? Marcus: I have no life in the city. It’s loud, and I get called on all the time. I was ahead of an army of men. Suddenly, Marcus began to stop speaking. Aneeyah: And what Marcus? Marcus: Dragonfly turned them all against me and took over my army. Aneeyah: Are you afraid of him Marcus? Marcus looked at Aneeyah with dark circles around his eyes. Marcus: Why don't you fear him? Aneeyah: He’s nothing Marcus. He’s nothing to fear. But I got a feeling he knows you're here. If you're running from him, I wouldn't stay here. He’s near. Marcus knew of a secret that no one knew. Not even Dragonfly and all of the people that lived in the suburb of Diverse City. Aneeyah knew that living in the hills was great to live and hide. But Marcus knew there were underground worlds where he had never been and he dared to go. He was afraid to fully trust Aneeyah. Before he could speak again, Aneeyah said: You have a lot of fear inside of you Marcus. Let go of that fear. Let me help you. Marcus said: I should never trust a woman. Aneeyah: I promise I will help you get away from that dragon. I know what it's like to fear something. When you're scared, you're just scared. Marcus knew that there was one tunnel that connected from his house along the river to Aneeyah’s house. He told Aneeyah because he was feeling sick from fear, and he needed her help though he was about well. He was sick from a curse of the dragonfly. Marcus took Aneeyah behind a secret wall and took her in his arms down into a humongous underground tunnel. And it was a four-way tunnel. It was very dark, and Marcus had to watch his steps going down. And Aneeyah said: Marcus, mm-mm. Something ain't right. The wings of Marcus began to light up, and he said: There is a way not right, but the tunnel in the middle leaves to where you live. One tunnel leads to Diverse City, and there is one very well known of robbers and thieves. You’ll be lucky to get through and lucky if you make it back. The fourth tunnel, I have never been through it. Aneeyah: I suggest we take the way which leads to my place. Wait! We can't go to my place. Dragonfly knows where I live. Marcus put Aneeyah down slowly and stood in the opening of the fourth tunnel. He hated going through tunnels. It was dark, and he did not know what was ahead waiting. Aneeyah said: I have a place under the floor in my home. I can hide you there until you're fully well. And when Dragonfly comes to visit, he’!l never know you're there. There is a sofa. A place to lay your head or we could stay here behind the wall, but there's nowher to lay down when you're sick. So Marcus agreed, and they went through the tunnel along the river which led to Aneeyah’s backyard. And there was an entrance that led them down into the ground. They were under the floor of her home, but just above the floor, they heard tables and chairs being knocked over and voices. Aneryah could see above her floor on her phone. Marcus saw that it was some of his old army that worked with Dragonfly looking for him. Marcus began to shake nervously. He felt sick again. Aneeyah got him to the sofa for him to sit down and she whispered: It will be OK. Trust me. You’re listening to Artful: The Story of Bombylias by Gail Nobles copyright ©️ 2024. Today’s episode: Underground Escape.

5 NOV 2023 · Cover Art by: Gail Nobles ©️ 2023 Story: River Dragon Story written by: Gail Nobles ©️ 2023 Sound effects by: Gail Nobles Aneeyah knew her time was just about out before she would meet dragonfly again. She had four more days left. Marcus was still not quite well. She went to a Chinese restaurant located near the river she crossed to get to Marcus’ house. When Aneeyah walked into the restaurant, everybody’s eyes focused on her. Some people knew exactly who she was and some didn’t recognize her, but she looked familiar to them. Some knew that she had escaped from prison. People began to whisper. Aneeyah ordered shrimp and rice to go. When Aneeyah got her food, she quickly left the restaurant to get back to Marcus. Before she could get to him, she ran into a big huge dragon that came up out of the river. At first, Aneeyah was startled. The dragon came up tall looking down at Aneeyah. Soon they were face to face. Aneeyah looked boldly into the dragon’s evil eyes. The great dragon sniffed Aneeyah. Aneeyah was aggravated with the dragon. Aneeyah: What the heck do you want? You’re in my way! The dragon didn’t like it that Aneeyah wasn’t afraid of him. The dragon made a mighty and loud thunderous roar in Aneeyah’s face. She began to squint her eyes and turn her head from the dragon. Aneeyah was getting angrier by the minute. Static was in her hair. The dragon stood upright and tall away from Aneeyah and spoke. He said: I want Bombylias. Bring him to me. Aneeyah began to mock the dragon. Aneeyah: I want Bombylias. Bring him to me. The dragon spoke again. Dragon: Are you mocking me girl? Don’t you dare mock me! Aneeyah began to sass the dragon. Aneeyah: So what you gonna do about it Dragon Fly? The dragon began to shrink into human form for it was dragonfly. He was amazed that Aneeyah was not afraid of him. Dragonfly: Clever young woman. Aneeyah: I’m not supposed to see you this week and there is still no sign of Bombylias. Now leave me alone. Dragonfly continued to talk in his dragon voice: Fine, but you better know where he is when your time is up. We shall meet again miss lady. Then Dragonfly vanished from Aneeyah’s sight. Aneeyah then took a different direction to Marcus’ house. She was very familiar with the hills. Aneeyah knew a way to get to him without being seen. You're listening to Artful. Today's episode: River Dragon by Gail Nobles copyright ©️ 2023.

22 SEP 2023 · Story: The Healing Hand Story by: Gail Nobles ©️ 2023 Cover Art by: Gail Nobles Aneeyah thought long and hard about Bombylias. Before Dragonfly had came to her, she had given up on him. Aneeyah thought about the Bee-Fly man the whole day. Though he was far from her, she could feel him getting sicker from not getting help, and it was only because she cared for him. She thought: The man is messed up on account of something I did long ago. Aneeyah began to make chicken vegetable soup for Bomylias thinking she had time to help him before seeing Dragonfly again. She wanted to get Bombylias into her earth sheltered home where there was a secret room under her outdoor flooring tiles. There were also secret stone walls and secret passages. Bombylias was hiding far in the hills across a river where Aneeyah lived. But she had never crossed the River. She walked across stepping stones which was a trail to where Bombylias was after a few miles. When Aneeyah got to him, she found him in a cave house. She could see inside his front glass doors & windows from a distance. Aneeyah thought: Not good. Someone could spy and watch him. But when she got to his glass door, it was a beautiful place inside. His home was built inside a cave. Like Aneeyah, Bombylias had a second home away from Diverse City. His ceiling was made of rock and his walls and floors were made like those in a regular house. Aneeyah rung the Bee-Fly’s doorbell. She saw Bombylias coming to the door bent over and weak. He knew she had came to help him. Aneeyah wore a backpack. Bombylias thought it would be foolish to turn her away. Pitifully, he opened the door to let her in and quickly walked away to sit down. Aneeyah walked in. Closing the door behind her she said: “I know you’re not feeling well.” She sat down on the couch beside him taking off her backpack. Then she got down on her knees in front of Bombylias and looked into his eyes. They had dark circles around them. Aneeyah took his temperature to see if he had a fever but Bombylias had no fever. She said to him: You’re not sick. It’s the curse of Dragonfly. What did he do to you? When Aneeyah said Dragonfly’s name, Bombylias jumped up to run away from Aneeyah not knowing which way to go. He stumbled and fell. Bombylias was afraid. Aneeyah: What’s wrong Marcus? Are you alright? Aneeyah rushed to help Bombylias. He grew out his wings but he could not fly. He crawled to get away from Aneeyah. Aneeyah backed up from him. Bombylias: Leave me Aneeyah. You work for Dragonfly! Aneeyah: I don’t work for him, but he came to me looking for you. I did not tell him that you are here. Don’t be afraid. Let me help you. You can trust me. Bombylias laid still and cried because he felt sick, weak, and helpless. Aneeyah: C’mon Marcus. Let me help you back to the couch where you can lie down. Bomylias decided he would let Aneeyah help him back on the couch. Then she pulled a tall cup of soup out of her backpack and warmed it up for Bombylias to eat. He had no appetite and felt too weak to eat. When Aneeyah tried to feed him, he turned his head. Aneeyah: C’mon Marcus. You’ve got to get your strength back so you can move. Dragonfly can find you. Bombylias: I don’t trust you. You’re like a gypsy girl. No tell ‘em what’s in that soup. Aneeyah slowly removed the spoon from the Bee Man’s mouth. She put the cup of soup down on the table that was in front of them as they sat on the coach. She got up to leave. Aneeyah was kind of hurt. Bombylias saw that he hurt Aneeyah’s feelings. He quickly apologized because he did not want to be left alone. Bombylias: Don’t go Aneeyah. I’m sorry. Bombylias began to cry again. Aneeyah: You poor miserable wretch. Be nice or I will leave. I am not a gypsy. Now let’s try this once more. You’ve got to try and eat. Bombylias began to see Aneeyah as a woman that could help him heal. She put a giant patch dipped in medicine over his right eye that was swollen. Aneeyah stayed with Bombylias for three days until he got his strength back, but his sickness was still an unsolved mystery. You're listening to Artful. A podcast of short stories by Gail Nobles ©️ 2023.

11 AUG 2023 · Story: Aneeyah Meets Dragonfly Story by: Gail Nobles ©️ 2023 Cover Art by: Gail Nobles Anneyah went back to her earth-sheltered home. Waiting at her door, she met an evil African doctor named Dragonfly dressed in a cloak. Dragonfly: So Miss Neeyah, It's about time you returned home. Aneeyah: How do you know my name? Who are you? DF: I'm Dragonfly and oh! Everyone knows who you are. You're on the wanted list from escaping prison. You're wanted by the FBI with a 10,000 FBI reward for information leading to your capture. Aneeyah: You come to have me locked up? DF: Not if you can tell me where Bombylias is. Aneeyah: The last time I saw him, he was on the urban side of Diverse City. I haven't seen him since then. Now if you would excuse me. Aneeyah tried to walk past Dragonfly to get to her door. He grabbed her by the arm. DF: If you can bring him to me, I will not report to the FBI where you are. Aneeyah looked down at Dragonfly's hand holding her arm. Then Dragonfly took his hand away. Anneyah: Why? What do you want with Bombylias? Dragonfly began to lie through his teeth. DF: He's a very sick man, and what he has is contagious. I am his doctor, and the only one that can help him. I know you know where he is. You have a week to find him and to bring him to me. Aneeyah turned from Dragonfly to unlock & open her door. When she turned to face him, he had disappeared.

3 JUN 2023 · Story and Art by: Gail Nobles ©️ 2023 Voices by: Gail Nobles Based on true life, everyone fights a demon; sometimes more than one. Aneeyah: Bombylias! Let me help you! Forgive me for hurting you. I’m on your side. Bombylias: Leave me alone Aneeyah! Aneeyah began to call Bombylias by his middle name. Aneeyah: Marcus! You have a demon and he is many. Bombylias could hear Aneeyah speaking to him in his mind. With the mind, he answered her back. Bombylias: I have no demon! I am Bombylias! Aneeyah could see Bombylias in her mind and appeared to him in a vision. Aneeyah: You had love for me Marcus. I know your heart. I didn’t know it back then. You were a freshmen, and I was a senior in college. I was after the older guys. I never looked your way. I was also a gangster in college which is very uncommon. I moved up in the criminal world. Later, I spent time in prison. I have a demon too. We’re alike Marcus. Bombylias: Stop calling me Marcus! I never loved you! Aneeyah: You don’t remember or you’re lying. It was written in your photo book. I’ve seen the book. It was stolen and given to me. It was I that returned it. Bombylias hid his face in the dark. The tip top of his wings began to change in color to purple & red. Aneeyah knew what it meant. She knew Bombylias still had love for her. Bombylias: Stay away from me Aneeyah! I am no longer Marcus. Marcus has changed. You must not see my face again! A tear rolled down from Aneeyah’s right eye. She said … Aneeyah: It is my fault that you are filled with anger. It’s because of what I have done to you. Forgive me Marcus. But why did you attack my grandmother? Bombylias: I know not your grandmother! Bombylias had a poor memory. He would do things and forget them. Aneeyah: You don’t remember attacking an old lady one day on Broad Street? The Tip of Bombylias wings changed back to their original colors which were black & yellow. He began to remember. His Atenas began to move and his horn began to glow. Bombylias: How was I to know that was your grandmother? I was desperate and poor. Leave me Aneeyah. You just come to bother me with the past. I am sick Aneeyah! Leave me alone! Aneeyah vanished from Bombylias and he could no longer see her or hear her. He was left in the dark alone. You’re listening to The Artful Podcast. Today’s episode: The Angry Demon. Story by Gail Nobles ©️ 2023.

22 MAY 2023 · Electric shock effect: Pixabay https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/search/electric-shock/ Flies: Pixabay.com Usage: Free Windsound: Soundbible.com Usage: Free Artwork by: Gail Nobles Voices by: Gail Nobles Story: The Countless One & The Broken Mask Story by: Gail Nobles ©️2023 Aneeyah broke out of prison fooling the prison guards virtually. They thought she was one place when she was another. It took a while before they realized they were shooting at the outside building and air. By then, Aneeyah was already gone. When Aneeyah broke out, she did not go to the place where she lived. She went to an earth-sheltered home far out into the suburb of Diverse City. Aneeyah’s dwelling place was quite comfortable. It was her hideout. She had a small dark room where she slept. Aneeyah kept a picture of Bombylias on her wall and studied him through photo and video with artificial intelligence. She came to the conclusion that he was a countless one. Aneeyah studied his character. She figured that Bombylias needed love. That was one problem that he had, but not the only problem. After Aneeyah had beaten the insect man in the past, she found out about the crush he had on her. Someone from her gang had broken into his house and found pictures of her that he kept in a photo album. Bombylias made it his diary. He had written beautiful things about Aneeyah. She made a copy of his photo diary digitally and mailed the original copy back to him. When Bombylias received the original copy, there was no address from the sender. When he saw his photo album, he just stared at it without opening it. He knew it was his. Sadly, he took the photo album into the house to put it away. Aneeyah sat in a car parked far away from the home of Bombylias spying on him. It was her first time seeing him since she first saw him. He appeared to be a little older and handsome. Aneeyah wanted to see Bombylias a little closer. The next day, Aneeyah watched Bombylias leave his house and his appearance changed. She saw him change into the Bee-fly and followed him. Bombylias went to Aneeyah’s 1st house in Diverse City and watched to see if she would come out on her roof deck. He sensed Aneeyah behind him. When he turned to look at her, she said to him, “Are you looking for me Bombylias?” Bombylias grabbed Aneeyah by the throat and held her body in the air and said, “Yes! Leave me alone now!.” Aneeyah stared into Bombylias eyes choking with her blue WI-FI shades on. She began to speak to his mind with her mind. “I’m sorry Bombylias for what I did to you in the past, but I couldn’t let you hurt my grandmother.” Then Bombylias began to talk back to Aneeyah in his mind. “I should kill you!” Aneeyah: No, Bombylias! Forgive me!” When Aneeyah saw that Bombylias didn’t intend to let go, she got upset and shocked him. He tried to fight against her electrical power. She shocked him again so hard that she cut into his metal mask, and it broke in pieces from his face. Then Bombylias threw Aneeyah to the ground. He didn’t want Aneeyah to see his face. But Aneeyah saw. She saw the bumble bee and the fly in him, and she saw his body break up into many bee-flies and he disappeared.

20 MAY 2023 · Internet sound effects: pixabay.com https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/search/internet/ Story: WI-FI Face Mask Story by: Gail Nobles ©️2023 Voices by: Gail Nobles Artwork by: Gail Nobles Aneeyah was no robot, but she was not like the average person. In prison, she kept to herself. She had been in prison for five years. She had discovered she didn’t lose her cool as much before she first went to prison. Only once did she have a run-in with another female. Aneeyah nearly killed her for making a pass at her. After that, nobody bothered Aneeyah. She got lost in her secret work in her prison cell. In prison, prisoners were allowed to have the internet. Anneyah made herself a pair of WI-FI shades that almost covered her whole face except her nose, mouth, and forehead. She could see the outside world and every female prisoner in their cells. Aneeyah could choose music from apps and see playlists through her shades. Her shades were a camera, and she could make video calls and phone calls. Aneeyah was a technology genius. Aneeyah thought, “I’m calm with frequency. It relaxes my mind. I’m in my own private world with no one to bother me.” Aneeyah’s invention made her want to do more things. She watched Bombylias war crimes that he committed killing gang members in a diverse city. While he was sitting at home watching sports, there were strange noises and interference on his television screen. When Aneeyah appeared, Bombylias sat stunned. She began to speak to him. Aneeyah: You said you never wanted to see me again bylias? Well you’re seeing me. So what you gonna do? Then the TV immediately turned off, and Bombylias knew that Aneeyah was tantalizing him. He said, "Hiding in electronics won't save you from my wrath Aneeyah."

18 MAY 2023 · Radio Static effect: Pixabay.com https://pixabay.com/sound-effects/search/static/ Voices by: Gail Nobles Art by: Gail Nobles Bombylias did not become the bee-fly until after he was beaten by Aneeyah and her gang members. After being beaten, he had migraine headaches, weak eyesight, nausea, and dizziness. But when Bombylias became the bee-fly, his health improved. His eyesight was like the strength of four eyes. The insect man then had strong muscles and bones, and he had no more headaches or dizziness. Aneeyah was a beautiful young woman whom Bombylias had a crush on before she had beaten him for attacking her grandmother. Whenever he saw Aneeyah out in public, his eyes were full of resentment toward her. He knew Aneeyah was strong and had a lot of energy. When he became the bee-fly, he knew that there was something about Aneeyah that was like himself. She had superpowers too. Aneeyah had been mildly struck by lightning listening to music through her headsets. She was already intelligent, talented, and had spiritual gifts. Somehow the lightning increased it all after immediate treatment. Bombylias knew Aneeyah had another pair of eyes. She could see inside his private world. Aneeyah knew things about him as well. He could never look directly into her eyes. But every evening Bombylias would stand, stare, and look up for Aneeyah up on her roof deck. She was never there. Little did Bombylias know that Aneeyah was spending time in prison. Bombylias wore earphones while talking to his crew members on his phone. Suddenly he heard static noises and he heard Aneeyah speaking. Aneeyah: I see you Bombylias. Stay away from my home. Aneeyah’s voice caused Bombylias to drop his phone. He knew that she did not make a phone call to speak to him. Bombylias: Where are you? Aneeyah: I'm not at home at the moment, but I’ll be there shortly. Bombylias: Who cares? I wasn't looking for you anyway! Aneeyah: Well, I assume you have the wrong address every single day just standing there. Bombylias: Mind your own business! I never want to see you again! Bombylias picked up his phone and walked away while Aneeyah was lying on her bed starring at the ceiling with her shades on thinking.. Aneeyah: But you shall see me Bombylias. You shall see me again. You're listening to Artful. A podcast of short stories. Today's episode: Bombylias and the Static Voice. Story by: Gail Nobles ©️ 2023.

16 MAY 2023 · Song and Story: Aneeyah the Power of Static Song and Story written by: Gail Nobles Vocals by: Gail Nobles Art by: Gail Nobles This podcast features music created using Groovepad. Available on the App Store, https://apps.apple.com/app/id1454398991 Aneeyah was highly favored. The meaning of her name meant favored one. She had many talents, spiritual gifts, and hidden abilities. However, Aneeyah wasn’t always good on the outside. She appeared to men evil, but inwardly, she was full of love. Aneeyah had been chosen to fight and protect. She had joined a gang to be protected and would do bad things to get revenge. Bombylias was Aneeyah’s enemy. With the help of her gang members, she once beat him so badly and strung him up by his feet. Aneeyah almost killed him and left him to die for attacking her grandmother. She was the power of static in times of trouble. Aneeyah could soothe sorrow in music and turn things around. But sometimes, she was her own worst enemy because of anger. At the age of 25, Aneeyah ended up in prison for killing a drug dealer. She killed him for slipping something into her best friend’s drink. Her friend was never quite right again. Prison couldn’t really hold Aneeyah. She learned things about technology and knew how to escape virtually in and out of prison without anyone knowing. The prisoner was learning how to do it physically. She aimed at making the prison cameras and computer monitors receive static. You're listening to Artful; a podcast of short stories. Today's episode: Aneeyah the Power of Static. Song and story by: Gail Nobles ©️ 2023.