Big Bad Wolf

    Ant sat apart from the group at another table, pretending to read. Story hour at the library was stupid. The lady never read anything good. It was all just boring little kid stories. Today the story was Little Red Riding Hood. Ant rolled his eyes when the children started singing Who's Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Naturally, his little sister, Amy was the loudest of the group.

    He hated taking Amy, who had just turned five, to the library every week, but it was this or chores. Sighing with boredom, he looked out the windows at the rolling green lawn and thought about the new kit he had bought yesterday.

    He had been walking home from school when the box caught his eye. It was on display behind the dirty window of Treasures, a rundown junk shop that usually held nothing of interest for Ant. The cover of the box showed a stylized drawing of a werewolf snarling in the moonlight. He knew at once that he must have it. He didn't even mind using up all of his allowance to buy it.

    Ant loved monster models. His friends were cool but they didn't share his hobby. They played Halo and Guitar Hero or shot hoops and played touch football. He didn't care about any of those things. Sure those activities could be fun, but nothing was more fun than building monsters.

    In his room, monsters of every type and description were carefully placed on shelves that his dad had put up for him. The shelves started above the top of his door and went all the way around the room. Posters of movie monsters hung on the walls below the shelves. He loved to lie in bed at night and look up at the monsters he had built with his own two hands.

    One of the few perks of being a big brother was that he got to stay up later than Amy. That night, after his sister was in bed, he got the box out of the closet. He had at least a couple of hours before bed. This was going to be fun! Tingling with anticipation, he sat down at his desk and turned on the lamp. Carefully, he opened the box and took out the pieces. The model looked pretty old, but it was in good condition. There was a tube of glue that was probably too old to use and some plastic containers of paint. He decided to use his own supplies instead.

    During the last couple of years, Ant used his weekly allowance to accumulate tools that were not part of any modeling kit. Now, he opened his toolbox and took out a small, battery powered drill the size of a pen. Glue didn't always bond well enough to keep the model together and sometimes pieces would fall off.  Since then, Ant had learned that using tiny screws worked well and they didn't change the look of the model.

    He began by gluing the feet to the base, which had been made to look like a grassy mound. Then he used the drill. When the feet were firmly in place, he set the drill aside and picked up a small piece of worn sandpaper. Using great care, he began to sand away the rough edges around the plastic feet. The sandpaper was very fine, and it was great for taking off tacky looking edges on his plastic models.

    Ant was leaning back in the chair and admiring his progress when he heard what sounded like a soft growl. He frowned and looked around the room for the source of the noise. Nothing. It must have been his imagination. He returned his attention to the model and by the time Mom came in to remind him that it was time for bed, he had finished with the lower half of the body.

    Leaving the partially finished model to sit overnight, he brushed his teeth and dressed for bed. After saying goodnight to Mom and Dad, he turned out the lights and got into bed. For a while, he stared sleepily at the model on his desk. It looked so real that he almost expected the tail to start wagging at any moment. Filled with satisfaction, he drifted off to sleep.

    In the dream Ant was lying in bed. His room was very dark. There was no light from the hallway and the curtains on his window blocked out the moonlight. He squinted in an effort to penetrate the inky blackness that surrounded him, but he was not able to see anything. Not even his hand was visible.

    Though he heard no sound, he knew that something was rushing toward him in the darkness. Faster and faster. Something was coming. Closer now. It reached his bed. Paralyzed with fear, he was unable to move. He could sense something bending over him in the dark. Hot breath washed across his face. He opened his mouth to scream and choked on the foul smell coming from the unseen creature. It smelled like rotting meat. If it touched him, he would die. Terror galloped through him, turning his blood to ice. The room began to spin, making him feel dizzy. Then he fell away into a deeper darkness. For the rest of the night he slept as still and dreamless as a vampire in its coffin.

    When Ant woke up the next morning, bright sunshine streamed through his curtains, making the floating dust particles in the air sparkle magically. He sat up and looked over at the model. It was on the worktable exactly as he had left it the night before. There was something about the model that made him think of last night's weird dream, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. Before he could identify the connection, Amy burst into his room chattering at him excitedly and distracting him from his thoughts. In the morning rush to get ready for school, he forgot about the strange dream.

    As soon as school was out, he hurried home, eager to continue the work on his new model. Luckily, this was Friday. Amy always stayed over at the Jenson's on Friday. It was also Mom and Dad's date night, which meant nobody would bother him for the next several hours. He was looking forward to the time alone. Even when he wasn't working on a model, he always enjoyed this quiet time every week.

    Once everyone was gone, Ant took a moment to savor the silence, then he got to work. He took his time and made sure each part was exactly right before moving on to the next piece. Just as he finished the shoulders, he heard the growling. It was louder this time. Startled, he turned in his chair. Nothing. When his heart stopped racing, he frowned, and his gaze fell on the unfinished model. He had been working on it when he had heard the growling last night. Was there some sort of connection?

    Ant shook his head. No. Impossible. Maybe the neighbors in the house next-door had gotten a new dog. There really wasn't any other conclusion that made sense. Just because he liked monsters didn't mean he should let his imagination run wild. Putting the weirdness out of his mind, he went back to work.

    When the model was finished, Ant looked at it from different angles. He loved the realistic details. Shaggy fur almost real enough to touch. Hooked claws that looked wickedly sharp. The miniature werewolf snarled up at an unseen moon, revealing gleaming teeth.

    Satisfied, he decided to go downstairs and make a microwave pizza while waiting for the paint to dry. He watched a couple of shows on TV while he ate. Then he returned to his room to check on the model. With the paint dry, it looked even better. Smiling and feeling pleased with his work, he flopped down on the bed and admired his new model. It would look much better once it was up on the shelf. He already had a great spot picked out for it. Suddenly, he realized that he didn't have to wait until Dad got home. He was old enough now to get the ladder from the basement on his own. Excitedly, he headed downstairs.

    When he reached the basement, he opened the door and flicked the switch just inside. Below, a single bulb flickered to life, casting patterns of light and shadow on the cement walls. Holding onto the handrail, he descended the steps. He had just reached the bottom of the stairs when he heard the growling again. This time it was much louder. Startled, Ant whipped his head to the left. His eyes widened and his face paled.

    Coming towards him from the shadows, was a massive werewolf. It looked just like his model, only way bigger! The thick fur was the exact same shade of brown. He didn't remember the claws looking quite this long, but the werewolf was not model sized anymore. Gleaming Ginsu knives passing for teeth filled the mouth of this monstrous beast. Saliva glistened on the lolling tongue. Glowing red eyes glared out at him.

    Forgetting to breathe, Ant backed up a step and felt blindly behind himself for the railing. His heart slammed against his ribcage like a prisoner in revolt. The werewolf issued a deep growl and dropped to all fours. Ant's questing hand found the railing. He gripped it tightly and began to ascend the stairs backward, unwilling to turn his back on the monster for even the few seconds it would take him to get up the stairs. The werewolf began advancing slowly, still growling. Its eyes glowed like evil twin lanterns.

    Ant was halfway up the stairs when he heard a creak from behind him. Daring to take his eyes from the werewolf, he twisted his head to look up the stairs. There on the landing, blocking his way, stood Dracula. The vampire looked like his Bela Lugosi model somehow come to life. With horror, Ant realized that he was now trapped between the two monsters and there was no way to escape. He froze. His last thought was, I'm so dead! and then Dracula came flying at him with uncanny speed.

    But the vampire was not interested in him. He passed over Ant's head and crashed into the werewolf. The two fought savagely. There was a lot of snarling and biting. They banged against a set of shelves containing jars. The jars toppled and fell with a loud crash. Shards of glass scattered across the floor. Ant knew he should use this opportunity to escape, but he remained rooted to the spot.

    After what seemed like an eternity, the werewolf fell to the cement floor in defeat. It looked up at Ant and its snout curled up in the beginning of a snarl. Dracula pounced on the beast. It howled as the vampire drained away its life. Ant watched in horror as the werewolf became still and silent. Dracula rose from the corpse and turned to look at him. When he saw Ant standing on the stairs frozen with terror, the vampire smiled, revealing bloody teeth and wicked fangs.

    "Do not be frightened young man. I will not harm you."

    Ant stammered and tried to speak. He had a thousand questions, but they were all tangled up in his head. Finally, he got one out.

    "Why?" He asked.

    "Why did I kill the werewolf? Why would I not harm you? Why am I here? Is this what you are wanting to know?" Dracula asked. It was as if he could see into the boy's mind and knew all his questions.

    Mutely Ant nodded. Dracula moved closer to Ant. It took all of his courage not to take a step back.

    "To answer your first question young master, that creature was not really a werewolf. It was an agent of chaos posing as a werewolf." Dracula guided Ant up the stairs. "In answer to your second question, you are my Creator. I could never hurt you. As to why I am here, I am here to protect you."

    They reached the landing and the vampire turned to look at him. "The agents of chaos want you dead."

    Ant's fear faded as his curiosity grew. "What is an agent of chaos and why do they want me dead?"

    The vampire explained as they headed upstairs to Ant's room.

    "You are a Creator. What you build becomes real. With your thoughts you create life. Unfortunately, there are those who wish to uncreate. They are the agents of chaos. There are some who choose to serve these agents of chaos. Such a person must have hidden an agent inside the model of the werewolf."

    Ant stepped into his room and stopped dead in his tracks. His mouth fell open and his eyes grew wide. All of his models were alive! The Swamp Thing. The Mummy. A group of zombies. A frail looking ghost. Frankenstein. They all looked happy to see him and expressed relief that he was safe. Then, one by one, they returned to their places on the shelves and became still once again. Only Dracula remained. Ant sat on his bed and tried to sort out everything in his mind. Dracula sat beside him. They talked awhile until Ant began to feel sleepy.

    Ant yawned and lay down. Dracula touched his forehead gently and smiled. "Sleep well young master."

    Ant closed his eyes and began to drift. Dracula's voice was very soothing. Then he realized that Dracula sounded more like Dad. How weird.

    When Ant heard Dracula say, "He looks pretty out of it. Anthony, are you okay?" He opened his eyes. It was Dad. He was leaning over the bed looking worried and stroking Ant's forehead. Ant shifted his gaze and saw Mom standing in the doorway. He sat up slowly and looked around the room. All the models stood silently on the shelves above. The completed werewolf model was still on his worktable. Everything was as it should be. None of it had really happened. He must have been dreaming.

    "Uh... yeah Dad, I'm fine. I guess I fell asleep." Ant replied. Dad smiled and Mom looked relieved.

    "Well," Mom said briskly. "I'm going downstairs then." She came in long enough to give Ant a hug and then left. Dad looked over at the desk and saw the model.

    "Hey look at that! You finished the new model. Looks good son! Do you want me to get the ladder so you can put it up on your shelves?"

    Ant smiled. "Sure Dad. That would be great."

 

Written by efoshee. 

Story idea: efoshee.

Have an idea for a spooky short story you'd like to read? Let me know in the comment section below. You could see your idea used in my next story with YOUR name in the credits!

 

Grandfather

    Grandfather was standing among the pumpkins, watching the people as they wandered the field. There were families and young couples. Children chased each other and laughed. The cool autumn air was crisp and smelled of wood burning in a fireplace. The afternoon sun powdered everything with a golden light.

    It wasn’t long before a young couple approached Grandfather. They invited Grandfather to come to their house. Because they seemed so nice, he happily accepted the invitation. They were so kind that they even helped him to their car.

    When the couple arrived at their home, they helped Grandfather out of the car and brought him inside. It was a very tidy little home. They sat him down at the dining room table and went into the kitchen to make coffee for everyone.

    Grandfather really had no idea of their evil intentions. Then the man came out of the kitchen with a cup of coffee, and a large serrated knife! Grandfather was horrified. He wanted to escape but he was frozen in place.  The man was followed by the woman, who approached Grandfather.

    “Please no!” He cried. His paralyses broke and he tried to get away, but the woman grabbed him before he could escape.  She held him in place as the man began to saw at the top of his head with the knife. The pain was horrendous! He screamed with agony and tried to struggle, but the woman held him too tightly.

    He heard a soft thunk as the top of his skull fell to the table. Liquid dripped onto the table. He could feel it pooling around his head. He couldn’t understand why they were doing this to him. His whole head throbbed with pain. There was no mercy. He was conscious the entire time and felt everything. His strength drained away. But the worst was yet to come.

    The man handed the woman a metal ice cream scoop. Grandfather was horrified but too weak now to move. He moaned weakly as the woman took the instrument and began using it to scoop out the inside of his skull. There was still no merciful darkness. Somehow, he was still alive, aware of everything as she emptied his head of all its contents.

    Finally, they left him alone. He stared emptily at his brains sitting on the plate beside him. He wanted to escape now that they were gone, but he had no strength. How was he still alive?

    He could hear the couple in the kitchen. They were talking and laughing, as if there were nothing wrong. He heard the sounds of running water and the clank of dishes. He tried to move, but there was nothing. Without his brain, how could he survive? How was he still aware of anything?

    Soon the man returned. He had another knife in his hand. This knife was smaller, but it gave Grandfather no comfort. The man sat down next to Grandfather. Then the man grabbed Grandfather by his head and began stabbing into his face. The pain was so intense that he tried to scream but nothing came out.

    After several minutes, that felt more like years, the man finished and set the knife down on the table. The woman came out of the kitchen and examined Grandfather closely.

    “It looks good honey.” She said with an evil smile. “Why don’t you set it out on the porch now? We can put a candle in later.”

    “Okay babe.” The man replied. He picked up the freshly carved pumpkin and set it out on the porch near the door.

Written by efoshee. 

Story idea efoshee.

 

Have an idea for a spooky Halloween story you'd like to read? Let me know in the comment section below. You could see your idea used in my next story with YOUR name in the credits!

Happy Howling

    "Oh Shaun! You're such a kidder!" Julie said with a giggle. Her dark blue eyes sparkled with mirth.

    "I'm serious!" Shaun protested. One large hand brushed through his shaggy blonde hair in frustration. "Every full moon I change into this huge hairy monster! This is why I didn't tell you at first. Now you think I'm crazy!" His full masculine lips turned down in a decidedly childish pout.

    Julie flipped her jet black hair over one shoulder and looked at him coyly from beneath her lashes. "Of course you want to tell me now, on Halloween night. I totally believe you babe." Another giggle floated into the evening air.

    Shaun sighed. "I'm just telling you the reason I can't spend Halloween with you Julie. I don't want to hurt you." He leaned back against the hood of his car.

    Julie climbed up on to the hood. She slid her hand around to his chest and leaned her small body against his back, hugging him from behind. He heard the smile in her voice as she replied.

    "I'm not afraid of your silly story. I'll make you a deal. You prove that your story is the truth and I'll tell you my secret." This announcement was followed by another little giggle.

    Shaun straightened up. "Really?" How long had he been trying to get her to talk about her secret? "You promise?"

    Julie hopped off the hood and came around to stand in front of him. She slid her hands up his body and caressed his shoulders as she smiled seductively up at him. "Yes, I promise."

    His head was spinning with excitement and the intoxicating nearness of her body. He pulled her closer and kissed her lips lightly. "Ok, you win. But we've got to think of a way for me to show you safely. I don't want you hurt."

    She snuggled into his warm embrace. "It's almost dusk now. The moon will be rising soon." Her voice contained a teasing tone.

    Startled, Shaun looked up and yes, it was getting dark. Sweat began to bead along his forehead and upper lip. How long did he have before the moon came up? Five minutes? Ten? They were up at Makeout Point. Where would she hide? In the car? That was a joke. Running away wouldn't work either. She wouldn't get twenty feet before he brought her down.

    He roughly pushed her away. "Run Julie! Go! Now!"

    Julie just smiled and stood there with one hand on her hip. "Tick tock!" She announced in a sing-song voice.

    Shaun was sweating heavily now, looking wildly at the horizon. The moon was just beginning to peek over the edge. Darkness began to spread across the city below. Lights twinkled like candles in the distance.

    "Run! Please! Before it's too late." He whispered hoarsely, knowing it was already too late. Then he clutched his head in both hands struggling fiercely against the moon's pull. That luminous orb rose higher in the sky, mocking his efforts. It was too late. His change had begun.

    Clothing ripped with thick tearing sounds and split at the seams as the muscles in his chest, arms and legs grew larger and more powerful. He began to scream. He fell to the ground, the tattered remains of his clothes clinging to his body. Hair emerged and covered his skin in a thick coarse fur. His hands and feet elongated. The human teeth were replaced by savagely pointed teeth made for rending and tearing flesh. Wickedly sharp claws tipped the ends of his fingers and toes.

    Oh how he hated this feeling. But at the same time he loved it. He always felt so free! Slowly he rose up on all fours and regarded Julie. She would die and he felt only the smallest pang of sadness. The beast in him was loose now and it was in control. With a low growl, he started towards her, saliva dripping from bared fangs. Each pointed tip gleamed in the moonlight.

    Julie did not scream or run. The beast was a little surprised to smell no fear, but this did not give him pause. He kept coming, picking up speed, readying himself for the killing leap. Her hands were coming up in a useless effort to defend herself. Then he was up, in the air, jaws open wide to take her by the throat. Julie let out a cry and spoke a word. He didn't care about words, only the kill. He would rip and tear. Rip and tear. Then he would eat. Eat!

    He was so hungry! He was -- he was falling to the ground with a heavy thud. His body was shrinking. He was becoming smaller. Smaller still. He sat up, his thoughts whirling in confusion.

    Julie giggled as the puppy sat up and looked up at her with bewilderment. She leaned over with her hands on her knees and looked down at him with a smile. "Well you proved that you were telling the truth so now I will tell you my secret. I'm a witch."

 

Written by efoshee.

Story idea: efoshee.

 

Have an idea for a spooky Halloween story you'd like to read? Let me know in the comment section below. You could see your idea used in my next story with YOUR name in the credits!