#good slightly spooky atmosphere on this one

[simplygojo]

"Double the Pleasure, Double the Pain"

a.n. ⸺ Hey y'all, I've been excited for this short fic, requested by the lovely @takuma-talkz! I hope you enjoy this, and thank you so much for requesting! <3

Spooky Szn Masterlist

Pairing ⸺ Ino Takuma x f!reader x Kento Nanami

Word Count ⸺ 2K

Kinktober Taglist ⸺ @nanamisrighthand @simplyyyuji; @megumisdivinedogs; @lovleyredheadfairy

Warnings ⸺ 18+ SMUT, MDNI, threesome, spanking, face-fucking, hair pulling, nicknames, brat taming, rough sex.

The night had begun innocently enough, the three of you hanging out at Nanami’s apartment, but as the hours passed and the wine flowed, a simmering tension coiled between you, ready to snap. 

Now, you found yourself sandwiched between the two of them, heart racing and anticipation building as the atmosphere shifted from playful banter to something far more charged.

Ino leaned in closer, his breath warm against your ear as he whispered, “You really thought you could tease us all night without consequences?” 

His fingers danced along your thigh, tracing the delicate fabric of your skirt. The thrill of his touch sent shivers down your spine, and you couldn’t help but bite your lip, daring him to continue.

Nanami’s expression was a mix of amusement and discipline, his piercing gaze locked onto yours. 

“You’ve been quite the brat tonight, haven’t you?” He said, his voice low and gravelly, sending a delicious thrill through you. You smirked, defiantly meeting his eyes, but the challenge didn’t go unnoticed.

In one swift motion, Nanami’s hand gripped your chin, pulling your gaze upward to meet his intense stare. 

“You think you can test our patience?” He asked, a hint of a growl in his voice, his grip firm but not painful, just enough to assert his control. His other hand moved to his belt, expertly unbuckling it with a practiced ease that sent a thrill of anticipation through you.

“Let’s see how long you can keep that mouth shut,” he murmured, the promise of discipline lingering in the air. He pulled the leather strap free, holding it up as if it were a weapon of seduction.

“Good girl,” Ino purred, leaning in closer. “I think it’s time we remind you who’s in charge.”

As Nanami’s hand tangled in your hair, tugging gently but firmly, your breath caught in your throat. 

He maneuvered you so that your wrists were presented before him, the cool metal of his belt buckle glinting in the dim light. 

“This will help keep you in line,” he said, wrapping the belt around your wrists and securing it snugly, leaving you helplessly restrained. 

The soft leather felt rough against your skin, and the rush of being bound sent a thrill coursing through you.

Your breathing quickened, a mix of excitement and arousal flooding your senses. 

“What if I like being a brat?” You challenged, trying to sound confident despite the vulnerability you felt. 

But as you glanced between the two men, the heat in their gazes sent another wave of anticipation rushing through you.

Ino chuckled, the sound low and intoxicating. 

“Oh, you’ll like it even more once we’re done with you.” His palm connected with your ass in a sharp smack, sending a jolt of pleasure and pain through you. 

“Now, how many times do you think we’ll have to remind you to behave?”

Nanami’s grip on your hair tightened, forcing your head back. 

“I suggest you take this seriously. We both know you’ve pushed your luck.” His voice was a steady murmur, as if he were simply stating a fact, and it made your stomach flutter with excitement.

Ino’s fingers danced over the exposed skin of your thighs, drawing circles that ignited flames of desire. 

“You like that, don’t you? Knowing we can do anything we want with you?” His voice was silky, laced with a hint of danger. 

“I can’t wait to see how you react when we really push you.”

With that, Ino's fingers ghosted higher, teasing just at the edge of your heat, while Nanami's grip on your throat tightened slightly, a reminder of just how much control he had over you.

You could feel the heat pooling in your core, and you fought the urge to grind against Ino’s hand, desperate for friction.

“Please,” you whimpered, the word escaping before you could think.

“Please what?” Nanami challenged, his voice dropping an octave as he tilted your chin up, forcing you to meet his gaze. 

“Use your words.”

“Please... I want more,” you gasped, the heat in your cheeks deepening as you let the vulnerability wash over you.

“Good girl,” Nanami said, satisfaction colouring his tone. 

“You’ll get what you want, but only when we decide.”

Ino chuckled, and you could see the gleam of mischief in his eyes. “You’re going to have to work for it, though.”

As Nanami’s hold on your throat eased, his fingers trailed down your neck, over your collarbone, while Ino’s hands explored the curves of your body, squeezing and pulling in all the right places. 

The dual sensations left you gasping, your body arching toward their touches, wanting nothing more than to be completely consumed by them.

“Let’s take this to the bedroom,” Nanami suggested, his tone commanding.

Without hesitation, they guided you down the hall, the anticipation buzzing in the air as you entered the dimly lit room. 

Nanami pushed you gently onto the bed, the cool sheets contrasting sharply with your heated skin.

“On all fours,” he instructed, his voice firm yet enticing.

You obeyed, getting onto your hands and knees, heart pounding with anticipation. Ino knelt behind you, his hands gripping your hips, positioning you just right as Nanami moved closer. 

“You’re going to feel so good,” he promised, his breath fanning over your back.

Ino’s fingers danced along your spine, teasing you as he spread your legs wider, exposing your desperate cunt fully to them. 

“Look at you, so eager,” he taunted, a wicked grin on his face.

Nanami stepped forward, his hard length just inches from your face, a sight that made your mouth water. 

“Remember to keep your hands behind your back,” he reminded you, his tone darkly playful. You nodded, the thrill of being so vulnerable only heightening your desire.

With a swift motion, Nanami gripped your hair, pulling your head back slightly as he pressed his cock against your lips. 

“Open up for me,” he commanded, his voice low and filled with authority. You gladly complied, taking him in your mouth, feeling the heat and weight of him as he pushed deeper, touching the back of your throat.

“Such a good girl,” Nanami praised, his grip on your hair firm as he began to thrust, setting a rhythm that was both deliciously intense and overwhelming. 

The warmth of his skin against your tongue, the taste of him filling your mouth—it was intoxicating.

Ino positioned himself behind you, teasing your entrance with the tip of his cock. 

“You’re going to love this,” he said, his voice thick with lust. He pushed in slowly, filling you completely, stretching you in a way that made you moan around Nanami’s shaft, causing.

The combined sensations were overwhelming. 

Nanami pulled your hair, guiding you to take him deeper, while Ino thrust hard and deep, the two of them working in sync to bring you to the edge of ecstasy.

“Tell us how it feels,” Ino urged, his breath hot against your ear.

“Y-you feel so good,” you managed to gasp, the words muffled around Nanami’s cock.

“Good girl,” Nanami replied, his thrusts becoming more demanding as he drove into your mouth, forcing you to take him fully with each movement. He pulled your hair harder, and the mixture of pleasure and pain had you trembling, completely at their mercy.

Ino’s hand came down hard against your ass, a sharp smack that sent shockwaves of pleasure racing through you. 

“You like that, don’t you?” He taunted, his pace quickening as he buried himself deep inside you.

A stifled moan escaped your lips around Nanami’s length, the words swallowed by the delicious pressure of him filling you completely. 

Tears of pleasure pricked at your eyes as you fought to take him deeper, the intensity of the moment overwhelming you. 

The heat radiated from your cheeks, your body alight with desire as you revelled in the sensations. 

Every thrust, every slap of Ino’s hand against your skin heightened your arousal, pushing you closer to the edge.

The dual stimulation was overwhelming. Nanami’s grip on your hair was a tantalizing reminder of your submission, pulling you just right, guiding you deeper onto his cock as you struggled to breathe. 

The taste of him filled your senses—salt and heat—overwhelming you with every thrust. You felt like you were floating in a blissful haze, completely consumed by them.

Ino’s pace increased, his thrusts deep and forceful, each one sending pleasure spiraling through your body. 

You could feel every inch of him as he filled you from behind, stretching you in ways that made your head spin. 

The sensation of being filled from both ends was exquisite; it was as if you were being split open, filled to the brim with pleasure that was both dizzying and deliciously intense.

“Such a good little slut,” Ino breathed, his voice thick with lust as he leaned closer, his hands gripping your hips. 

The way he filled you completely, thrusting deep and slow before picking up the pace, made you whimper in response. 

You could feel the wetness pooling between your legs, dripping down your thighs as your body reacted instinctively to the raw, primal urges surging within you.

“Look at you,” Nanami said, his voice low and steady, contrasting with the chaos of your emotions. 

“So eager, so desperate. Just for us.” His thrusts grew more insistent, each movement pushing you closer to the brink, demanding everything you had to give.

With every stroke of Ino’s hips against yours, the pleasure built like a coiled spring, ready to snap at any moment. 

The rhythmic slap of skin against skin, the heavy breaths that filled the air, and the intoxicating heat radiating from both of them enveloped you in a cocoon of bliss.

“Don’t you dare come until we tell you to,” Nanami growled, his grip tightening on your hair, sending a shiver down your spine. 

The tension in your body became almost unbearable, your thighs quaking with the effort to hold back the impending wave of pleasure.

The thrill of submission sent waves of warmth flooding through you, and you felt alive, pulsating with need. 

A muffled sound escaped your throat, a blend of desperation and desire as you felt the pressure building within you. Tears brimmed at the corners of your eyes, each thrust driving you closer to a peak you could taste but couldn’t reach.

“Good,” Ino replied, a dark grin spreading across his face as he thrust harder, the force of his movements sending shockwaves of pleasure radiating through your body. 

“Just keep taking it, and we’ll reward you.”

You could feel the heat building deep within you, your body desperate to release, yet every time you got close, the control they exerted over you kept you teetering on the edge. 

Each thrust, each slap, and every harsh pull of your hair drew you further into a haze of lust, completely lost to the sensations.

“Look at you, all flushed and needy,” Nanami taunted, his voice a deep rumble that sent shivers coursing through you. “You want to come, don’t you?”

The only response you could muster was another stifled moan, a sound filled with desperate longing that echoed around Nanami’s length. 

The pleasure coursed through you, thick and suffocating, and you felt as if you were drowning in the overwhelming sensations.

“Then just hold on a little longer,” he urged, his movements becoming more rhythmic, driving deeper, pushing you closer to the precipice with each powerful thrust.

As they worked together, the world around you faded into nothing, leaving only the heat, the pleasure, and the intoxicating dominance of both men. 

You were theirs, completely lost in the overwhelming sensations of being filled from both ends, caught in a whirlwind of pleasure that you never wanted to end.

[callsigns-haze]

I love your writing! I really love the protective Tyler/Reader stories. With fall approching I have a request, if you would like to write it.

What if Tyler and Female Reader are dating and he takes her to a haunted house or haunted woods. She is really scared and he's making fun of her kinda, but once they get in there, he realizes something's not right and it's not a 'safe' haunted house, so he has to fight for her and protect her or something. Use your imagination, just a general idea.

Spooky

Pairing: Tyler Owens x Reader

Summary: Tyler and Y/N’s haunted house date turns into a fight for survival when they realize the danger is all too real.

Warning: Contains intense scenes of danger, violence, and peril.

Tyler had always been the brave one, the one who thrived on adventure and the thrill of the unknown. When he suggested taking Y/N to the most notorious haunted attraction in the area, she hesitated but eventually agreed. She trusted him, and besides, it was just a haunted house—nothing she couldn’t handle.

As they arrived at the entrance to the Haunted Woods, the atmosphere was already chilling. The moonlight barely pierced through the dense canopy of trees, and the air was thick with the scent of damp earth and decaying leaves. Eerie sounds echoed through the woods—distant screams, rustling leaves, and low, ominous groans.

Tyler, always the tease, glanced over at Y/N with a smirk. “You’re not scared, are you?” he asked, his tone light and playful.

Y/N forced a smile, clutching his arm a little tighter. “Of course not,” she lied, though her heart was already racing. “It’s just a bit spooky, that’s all.”

Tyler chuckled, clearly amused by her nerves. “Don’t worry, babe. I’ve got you. Nothing in here is real, remember? Just actors in costumes trying to give us a good scare.”

But as they ventured deeper into the woods, Y/N couldn’t shake the feeling that something was off. The scares seemed too intense, too realistic. The actors were a little too convincing, their screams more desperate than playful. The darkness felt suffocating, and the path seemed to twist and turn in ways that made no sense.

At first, Tyler continued to make light of the situation, joking about the overly dramatic performances and the fake blood splattered on the trees. But as they stumbled upon an abandoned shack in the middle of the woods, his playful demeanor began to fade.

The shack was old, with its wood rotting and vines creeping up the sides. A dim light flickered from within, casting long, eerie shadows that danced across the clearing. The door creaked open slightly, as if inviting them inside.

Y/N tugged on Tyler’s sleeve, her voice trembling. “Tyler, I don’t like this. Can we go back?”

Tyler frowned, glancing around. The usual trail markers were nowhere to be seen. The path they had come from had seemingly vanished into the dense forest behind them. “Yeah, let’s head back,” he agreed, his voice more serious now.

But as they turned to leave, the door of the shack slammed shut with a loud bang, startling them both. Y/N gasped, her fear spiking as she clung to Tyler. “Tyler, what was that?”

He didn’t answer immediately, his eyes narrowing as he surveyed their surroundings. The eerie silence that followed was unnerving, and a chill ran down his spine. Something wasn’t right—this wasn’t just part of the attraction.

“We need to move,” Tyler said quietly, his voice low and tense. He took Y/N’s hand, leading her away from the shack and deeper into the woods, hoping to find another path.

But as they walked, the forest seemed to close in around them. The trees grew thicker, the branches hanging low like twisted arms reaching out to grab them. The sounds of the haunted attraction faded, replaced by the unsettling silence of the woods. The only sound was the crunch of leaves under their feet and Y/N’s quickening breaths.

Suddenly, a figure emerged from the shadows ahead of them—a man, tall and looming, his face obscured by a grotesque mask. Y/N froze in terror, gripping Tyler’s hand so tightly that her knuckles turned white.

Tyler instinctively moved in front of her, his protective instincts kicking in. “Who’s there?” he called out, his voice strong and commanding.

The figure didn’t respond. Instead, it started moving toward them with deliberate, slow steps, the leaves crunching ominously beneath its feet. Tyler’s heart pounded in his chest as he realized this wasn’t just an actor—it was something far more dangerous.

“Run,” Tyler whispered to Y/N, keeping his eyes locked on the approaching figure. “Go back the way we came. I’ll hold him off.”

Y/N hesitated, fear rooting her to the spot. “Tyler, no—I’m not leaving you!”

“Go!” Tyler insisted, pushing her gently but firmly in the direction they came from. “I’ll be right behind you!”

Y/N’s eyes filled with tears, but she knew there was no time to argue. She turned and ran, her heart pounding in her chest, the dark woods closing in around her.

Tyler squared his shoulders, ready to confront the figure. But just as he prepared to defend himself, the man lunged at him, revealing a flash of something metallic in his hand—a knife. Tyler dodged just in time, narrowly avoiding the blade. He fought back, using his strength and agility to fend off the attacker, but the man was relentless.

The struggle was brutal, Tyler’s every move fueled by the need to protect Y/N. He managed to land a few solid hits, disarming the man and sending the knife clattering to the ground. But as he turned to follow Y/N, he heard her scream—a blood-curdling sound that made his heart stop.

Tyler sprinted in the direction of her voice, adrenaline surging through his veins. He found her not far away, cornered by another figure who had seemingly appeared out of nowhere. This one was smaller, but no less menacing, with a wicked grin that made Tyler’s blood run cold.

Without a second thought, Tyler charged at the assailant, tackling him to the ground. He fought with everything he had, his sole focus on keeping Y/N safe. The assailant struggled beneath him, but Tyler’s determination was unbreakable. He delivered a final, powerful punch that left the man unconscious on the forest floor.

Panting and battered, Tyler turned to Y/N, who was trembling and pale. He rushed to her side, pulling her into his arms. “Are you okay?” he asked, his voice rough with concern.

Y/N nodded, but tears streamed down her face as she clung to him. “Tyler, what is this place? We need to get out of here!”

Tyler nodded, realizing the severity of their situation. “We will. We just need to find the main path again.”

Supporting Y/N, Tyler led her through the woods, trying to stay as calm as possible despite the fear gnawing at him. Every rustle in the leaves, every shadow that shifted in the corner of his vision set him on edge.

After what felt like an eternity, they finally stumbled upon the main trail. In the distance, they could see the faint glow of the exit and hear the muffled sounds of other people—the real haunted attraction, far safer than the nightmare they had just experienced.

Tyler tightened his grip on Y/N’s hand as they hurried toward the exit. Relief washed over them as they emerged from the woods, the familiar sounds and lights of the attraction grounding them back in reality.

As they caught their breath, Tyler turned to Y/N, his face pale but determined. “I’m so sorry, Y/N. I had no idea…”

Y/N shook her head, still shaken but grateful to be out of there. “It’s not your fault, Tyler. You protected me. That’s all that matters.”

Tyler pulled her close, pressing a kiss to her forehead. “I’ll never take you to something like this again, I promise.”

She leaned into him, finding comfort in his embrace. “I think I’ve had enough haunted houses for a lifetime.”

They walked back to the car, both shaken but incredibly thankful to have made it out together. As they drove away from the Haunted Woods, the adrenaline began to wear off, replaced by exhaustion and a deep sense of relief.

Tyler reached over and took Y/N’s hand, squeezing it gently. “I’m just glad you’re okay.”

Y/N looked at him, her eyes filled with love and gratitude. “I am, thanks to you.”

They drove in silence for a while, the tension slowly melting away as they left the horrors of the night behind them. It had been a terrifying experience, but it had also brought them closer, reminding them both of the strength of their bond.

By the time they arrived home, they were both exhausted, but safe. Tyler helped Y/N out of the car, wrapping an arm around her shoulders as they walked inside. They didn’t need to say anything; the way they held onto each other said it all.

That night, as they lay in bed, Tyler pulled Y/N close, his arms wrapped protectively around her. They both knew they had faced something truly terrifying together, but they had come out the other side stronger.

And that was all that mattered.

tagging some:

@senawashere

@saviorcomplexrry

@cevansbaby-dove

@saynotononsense

@missdottie

@willowisp7

@taorislover94

@eloquenceinpurple

@86laura11

@rosiahills22

@jessicab1991

@kmc1989

@shanimallina87

@eternalsams

@teen-antisocial

@katiemcrae

[edsbug]

I just realized I don’t think I've ever requested a fic from you and I'm???? appalled???? Please forgib 🥺🖤 I'd love to see how Eddie x reader deal with a big storm coming into Hawkins; currently holed up bc of Hurricane Beryl at the moment. 🌀🌩

hii steph!! i hope you made it through the hurricane alright. thank you so much for requesting this, it was so fun to write! i hope you like it<3

thunderstruck

pairing: eddie munson x gn!reader.

summary: eddie and reader prepares for a storm. (wc. 1.1k)

contains: horror films, uncle wayne makes a cameo, pure fluff.

The first rumbles of thunder rolled through Hawkins as the sky darkened, heavy clouds gathering in an ominous, bruised mass. You looked out the window of Eddie's trailer, watching the branches of the old oak tree sway in the rising wind. Eddie sat at the small kitchen table, fiddling with a string on his acoustic guitar, his usual energetic demeanor subdued by the approaching storm.

“Hey,” you said softly, stepping away from the window. “Need any help with that?”

Eddie looked up, a small smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “Nah, just trying to get this thing to stay in tune. But thanks baby.” He set the guitar aside and reached for your hand, pulling you gently into his lap.

As you settled against him, the first drops of rain began pounding the roof of the trailer. “Looks like we're in for a big one,” you remarked.

Eddie glanced up, a mischievous grin spreading across his face. “Perfect night for a horror movie, don't you think?”

You chuckled, shaking your head. “You're impossible. But yeah, sounds good.”

The two of you spent the next hour fortifying the trailer for the incoming storm. Eddie found a stack of old towels and you helped him roll them up, pressing them against the bottoms of the doors to prevent any water from seeping in. You checked the windows, making sure they were securely latched, while Eddie double-checked the flashlights and gathered some candles and matches, just in case the power went out.

As you worked, the wind picked up, howling through the trees and rattling the metal siding of the trailer. The sky was almost black now, flashes of lightning illuminating the landscape in brief, eerie bursts.

You and Eddie settled on the worn-out couch, a stack of VHS tapes and snacks spread out on the coffee table in front of you. The opening credits of Nightmare on Elm Street had just started when the phone rang. Eddie jumped up, nearly tripping over the coffee table in his haste to answer it.

“Hello?” he said softly. “Oh, hey, Wayne.”

You could hear Wayne's voice faintly on the other end, his tone filled with concern. Eddie glanced at you, his expression softening.

“Yeah, we're okay. Just getting ready for the storm,” he said, his voice reassuring. “I've got everything under control. Don't worry about us.”

Wayne's voice rose slightly, and you could make out the words “stay safe” and “call me if you need anything.” Eddie nodded, even though his uncle couldn't see him.

“Thanks, Wayne. We'll be fine. You stay safe at work, okay? Yeah, talk to you later.”

Eddie hung up the phone and turned back to you, a sheepish smile on his face. “My uncle wanted to make sure we were alright. He's stuck at work until the storm passes.”

You smiled, feeling a warmth spread through you at the concern in Wayne's voice. “That's sweet of him.”

“Yeah, he's a good guy,” Eddie said, plopping back down beside you. “Now, where were we? Ah, yes. Freddy Krueger.”

As the movie played, the storm raged outside, the sound of rain pounding against the thin roof and thunder cracking in the distance creating an eerie soundtrack. You and Eddie huddled together under a thick blanket, his arm wrapped around your shoulders. The flickering light from the TV cast strange shadows on the walls, adding to the spooky atmosphere.

Every now and then, the power would flicker, the screen going black for a few seconds before the backup generator kicked in. Each time, Eddie would squeeze your hand, his touch reassuring.

“I've got you, sweetheart” he'd whisper, as he pressed a soft kiss to the top of your head.

As the last credits of Nightmare on Elm Street rolled off the screen, the exhaustion from the night caught up with both of you. Eddie's arm around your shoulders felt warm and comforting, and the rhythm of his breathing lulled you into a peaceful state. The flickering TV screen provided a gentle glow as you and Eddie drifted off to sleep on the couch, wrapped in the warm, thick blanket.

Outside, the storm continued to rumble, but it was a distant sound now, more soothing than threatening. The rain had lessened to a gentle drizzle, and the occasional flash of lightning was just a dim flicker on the horizon.

The first light of dawn seeped through the clouds, casting a soft glow over the drenched landscape. Wayne pulled his truck up by the trailer, the engine’s low rumble mixing with the distant sounds of birds starting their morning calls. He stepped out, stretching his tired limbs after a long shift, and glanced at the trailer. The sight of it standing unharmed brought a sense of relief.

Wayne quietly let himself in, careful not to make too much noise. He walked into the living room, a smile creeping onto his face as he saw the two of you on the couch.

Eddie's head was tilted back, mouth slightly open, one arm draped protectively around you. You were curled into his side, your head resting on his chest, the blanket cocooning you both. The TV was still on, a static-filled screen casting a dim light over the room.

Wayne shook his head fondly, moving to switch off the TV. The sudden silence was almost jarring, but neither of you stirred. He then picked up the empty snack bowls and soda cans, placing them quietly on the kitchen counter.

He stood for a moment, just watching the two of you sleep, a sense of pride and affection filling his chest. Eddie had always been a handful, but seeing him like this, so caring and protective, made Wayne’s heart swell.

When you woke up, it was to the smell of coffee and bacon. You blinked, momentarily disoriented, before realizing you were still on the couch, nestled against Eddie.

Eddie stirred next to you, his eyes fluttering open. He gave you a sleepy smile, his hair a wild mess. “Morning,” he mumbled, his voice rough from sleep.

“Morning,” you replied, stretching. “I think your uncle's home.”

As if on cue, Wayne appeared, a mug of steaming coffee in hand. “Morning, kids,” he said, a twinkle in his eye. “Hope you two slept well.”

Eddie sat up, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. “Yeah, we did. Thanks, Wayne.”

Wayne nodded, a satisfied smile on his face. “Good. There's breakfast in the kitchen. Figured you'd be hungry after a night like that.”

You and Eddie exchanged a grateful look before getting up and heading to the kitchen.

“Think it's safe to say we survived?” you asked, a teasing note in your voice.

Eddie chuckled, pulling you closer. “Survived Freddy Krueger and a thunderstorm. Not bad for a night in Hawkins.”

[chillinglyadventurous]

Spooktober Day 9 - “I can’t die! I haven’t even had my first kiss yet!”

The forest of Gravity Falls was eerily quiet as you, Dipper, Mabel, and Ford ventured deeper into the unknown. The air around you was cool and thick with the scent of damp earth and pine needles. You could hear the occasional rustle of creatures moving in the underbrush though it was impossible to tell if they were harmless animals or something more sinister.

Ford walked close beside you. His hand brushed against yours as he walked and you two exchanged a brief, reassuring smile before returning your attention to the path ahead. You trusted Ford with your life and you knew he trusted you with his no matter what.

“We should be getting close,” Ford said, his voice low as he glanced down at his compass. He held it up to the faint light filtering through the trees, its needle wobbling slightly as it pointed toward a distant ridge. “The cave of the Oracle Goblins should be just over that ridge.”

Dipper sighed, walking just ahead of you and Ford with Mabel at his side. “I really hope they’re as friendly as the book says.”

“Oh, I bet they’re cute!” Mabel chimed in from up ahead, her voice full of optimism as usual. She skipped a little, her colorful sweater and beaming smile standing out starkly against the ominous atmosphere of the forest. Why was it that the woods were always so spooky even in broad daylight? “Maybe they’ll help us find that magic artifact thingy without any trouble! I mean, who could say no to a little help, right?”

Ford chuckled, though his eyes remained sharp as he scanned the woods around him. “Well, they do guard the Amulet of Oracleness, so I wouldn’t count on it being too easy. Goblins aren’t known for their generosity.” You noticed the grimace he gave. You wondered if he had tried this before, much like with the unicorns.

Mabel seemed undeterred, humming a cheerful tune as she continued to walk ahead. You found yourself smiling at her endless enthusiasm. It was the kind of brightness you needed in moments like this, even though you knew the danger was real.

Just as Mabel was about to make another cheery comment, there was another rustle in the bushes. The sound was sharp and deliberate. You froze in your tracks, your heart beginning to race. Ford’s hand immediately reached for yours, a protective instinct you’d come to rely on.

You ordered for Dipper and Mabel to get closer to you. They obliged quickly, scampering to stand just in front of you and Ford. You placed a hand on each of their shoulders to hold them in place.

From the shadows of the trees, a group of grotesque, green-skinned goblins emerged, their beady red eyes gleaming with malice. There was nothing cute about them much to Mabel’s disappointment. Each one stood about three feet tall with jagged teeth that glinted in the light. Their skin was pimpled and rough, covered in patches of dirt and grime. They carried crude weapons, makeshift clubs and spears fashioned from sticks and bones.

“We smell fresh meat!” One of the goblins hissed, licking its cracked lips with a forked tongue. “Humans! We haven’t had humans stew for years!”

Your heart lurched as the goblins began to close in, surrounding your group with hungry, predatory looks. They brandished their weapons menacingly and their eyes glinted with hunger.

Ford immediately stepped in front of you and the kids, his body tensing as he assessed the situation. You could feel the intensity of his thoughts as he calculated your next move. His mind was always racing, always strategizing even in the face of danger.

“Not the best time for a stew, wouldn’t you say?” Ford called out, his tone calm, but firm, trying to reason with the goblins even as his eyes darted around for any possible escape route.

The leader of the goblins cackled, his voice raspy and high-pitched, “It’s always a good time for human stew.” He pointed his gnarled spear toward you, his grin full of malice. “And you’ll make a fine feast. Tender and juicy!”

Dipper’s eyes widened in terror as he took a step back. “I can’t die! I haven’t even had my first kiss yet!”

“Seriously, Dipper? Now?!” Mabel shouted, pulling him closer protectively, though her face was pale with fear just as yours surely was.

You squeezed Ford’s arm, your own heart racing. “What do we do?”

Ford’s eyes flicked from the goblins to you then back to the creatures surrounding you. His mind was working fast, analyzing every possible angle, every exit. You could hear the wheels in that beautiful mind turning, “When I say ‘run,’ head for that ridge. There’s a cave up there they might not follow us into. Get the kids to it as fast as you can.”

Your pulse quickened. “What about you?” You whispered, your voice barely audible. There was no way in hell you were leaving him behind.

“I’ll be right behind you. Trust me.” Ford gave you a reassuring smile, one that sent warmth through your chest despite the fear clutching at your heart.

Before you could respond, Ford reached into his coat and pulled out a small device, something you’d seen him tinker with earlier that week. It was a makeshift flashbang, one of his many inventions.

His eyes shone with determination and affection for you, accepting small kiss you placed to his shoulder before he stepped out from in front of you, “Cover your eyes!”

A blinding flash of light exploded in front of the goblins, and they screeched in agony, stumbling backward as they clutched at their eyes, disoriented by the sudden burst of brightness.

“Run!” Ford yelled, his voice urgent.

You didn’t hesitate. Grabbing Dipper and Mabel by the hands, you sprinted toward the ridge, your heart hammering in your chest. You could hear the goblins shouting in confusion behind you, but the flashbang had bought you some time. Ford was behind you in an instant, his hand gripping the hem of your t-shirt as you climbed the steep incline toward the cave.

Just as you reached the mouth of the cave, you heard the goblins recovering, their furious howls growing louder as they charged after you. Their footsteps pounded against the forest floor, getting closer with every second.

“They’re getting closer!” Dipper panted, glancing over his shoulder in panic.

Ford’s sharp eyes quickly scanned the area. He spotted a large boulder near the cave entrance, “Help me push this!” His voice was commanding, steady.

With adrenaline coursing through your vein the four of you rushed to push the boulder into place. It was heavy, but the you all heaved with all your strength.

The creatures howled in frustration, clawing at the boulder and shrieking, but it was too heavy for them to move. Their ugly, twisted faces pressed against the small gaps between the rock and the cave walls, but they could do nothing more than glare at you through the narrow cracks.

Breathing heavily, you all slumped against the cave wall, your muscles burning from the effort. The air inside the cave was cold and damp, but it was a welcome refuge from the chaos outside.

Mabel, still catching her breath, turned to Dipper, raising an eyebrow. “So, uh, about that first kiss thing-”

“Don’t even start,” Dipper groaned, hiding his face in his hands.

Ford chuckled softly, the sound filled with both relief and amusement. He turned to you, pulling you close against his side as you all settled down, catching your breath in the safety of the cave. His arm wrapped protectively around your shoulders and the warmth of his touch eased the tension in your body.

“We’ll need to find another way out,” Ford said quietly, glancing at the cave walls. “But for now, we’re safe.”

You smiled up at him, your heart swelling with gratitude. “I’m just glad we didn’t end up in a stew.”

Ford’s eyes softened as he looked down at you, his hand squeezing yours gently, “As long as we stick together, we’ll always find a way out. That’s a promise.”

“Gross!” Dipper whined.

Mabel’s laugh echoed off the cave’s walls, “Almost as gross as your internet search history! Ayo!”

[iamgonnagetyouback]

Hiiiii!!! I recently found your acc and I absolutely love your fics!!! Your writing style is absolutely beautiful and has be giggling and kicking my feet like it’s just so cute!!! I had a request about Remus x reader where like Remus is not really into the whole dressing up for Halloween deal because he’s self conscious about his scars and stuff and reader doesn’t push him to dress up but she knows he loves David Bowie so she surprises Remus by dressing up like Remus even puts on fake scars and stuff but with the David Bowie star on her face with red and blue makeup??? With like lots of fluff?? I hope that was a good explanation 😭

remus lupin x reader who dresses up as him and david bowie

Halloween was always one of your favorite times of the year. You loved the thrill of finding the perfect costume, the atmosphere of spooky decorations, and the endless possibilities for creativity. However, you knew that Remus didn’t quite share the same enthusiasm. Halloween wasn’t exactly his favorite day, and while he’d never said why outright, you could tell it made him self-conscious—his scars, the whispers they might bring up. So, this year, you made sure he wouldn’t feel pressured to dress up.

But that didn’t mean you weren’t going to dress up. And if you were going to dress up, you had an idea that just might make him feel included without forcing him into anything he wasn’t comfortable with.

The Halloween party was buzzing with energy when you arrived, music pumping, laughter echoing through the common room. Lily looked effortlessly cool as she adjusted her witch hat, James was in full Quidditch gear, broom over his shoulder, and Sirius had somehow convinced Peter to dress up as “Cereal Killers”—each holding a spoon and wearing cereal boxes taped to their robes.

James spotted you first, his eyes going wide before a huge grin split across his face. “Look at you!” he laughed, nudging Remus, who had been sipping his drink quietly. “You’ve got to see this.”

Remus turned, and you could see his eyes widen, taking in your costume. You’d gone all out to transform yourself into his hero: a mix of David Bowie and Remus Lupin himself. Your face bore the iconic red and blue lightning bolt, your clothes an eccentric mix of stripes and colors, but the part that you’d put the most thought into was the addition of the fake scars—a gentle mimicry of his own, scattered over your face and arms. You hoped it would make him smile, feel understood, maybe even a little less alone.

“Dove…” he breathed out, staring at you, a flicker of awe in his eyes. “Are you… are you Bowie? As me?”

You grinned, twirling for dramatic effect. “A little bit of both, love. Bowie-Lupin crossover, exclusive for tonight.”

Remus bit back a smile, but his eyes softened as he took you in. “You didn’t have to…” he started, but there was no hiding the warmth and appreciation in his voice.

“Oh, but I wanted to!” You stepped closer to him, giving him a playful look. “Besides, I look incredible, don’t I?” You struck a dramatic rockstar pose, making Remus chuckle.

“Understatement,” he replied, his cheeks slightly pink. “But—why Bowie?”

“Because you love him,” you replied simply, reaching for his hand. “And maybe because you’re a bit like him. Strong, unique, a little mysterious. It’s… it’s how I see you, Rem.”

There was a flicker of surprise in his eyes, quickly replaced by a soft look that made your heart squeeze. He gave your hand a gentle squeeze back. “You’re something else, you know that?”

James, grinning ear to ear, shouted, “Oi, lovebirds, save the romance! It’s Halloween!” He nudged Sirius, who nodded vigorously.

“Yeah, come on, Lupin! Kiss her already!” Sirius yelled, earning laughter from everyone. Remus turned an even deeper shade of pink, glancing at you with a smirk.

“Guess we should give them what they want?” you teased.

He laughed softly, leaning in, and pressed a warm kiss to your forehead, ignoring the whistles and cheers from the others.

“Oh, come on! The lips, Moony!” Sirius pouted dramatically.

“Shut up, Padfoot,” Remus replied with a laugh, slipping an arm around you.

Peter, looking at the lightning bolt on your face, tilted his head. “You should keep the Bowie look more often, Y/N. It suits you!”

“Maybe I will,” you laughed. “As long as I get Moony to be my rockstar sidekick.”

Remus chuckled, letting his fingers brush gently over your Bowie-inspired face paint. “I think I can do that.”

Hi!!! Oh my goodness, thank you so much!! Knowing my writing has you giggling and kicking your feet—ahh, you’re the sweetest! I’m so happy you found my page! 🥹💕

Also I am not kidding when I say that I blushed (a lot) while writing this 😳

[mattatouilletkachuk]

haunted house with quinn

49. “If you get scared, don’t come crying to me.”

October was the best part of the year in your opinion. Autumn was amazing but it was only around Halloween that certain activities were available. Last year you and Quinn went to a corn maze, bobbed for apples, and even went to a fright fest. You had to leave the last one early because as much as you enjoyed the spooky atmosphere you might have been a little too frightened to finish it.

Earlier in the month you had gone to a pumpkin patch and picked apples and you had even gotten Quinn to wear matching costumes with you.

It had taken you months to figure out how you could possibly top last year's fun and when you finally thought you had found it you brought the idea to your boyfriend.

“You want to do a haunted house?” Quinn looked at you quizzically.

You pushed your phone into his space a bit more as if he couldn’t see the information clearly enough.

“Yeah, it’ll be tons of fun.” You said, excitedly. “Afterwards they have a scary movie marathon starting with Child’s play and ending with Nightmare on Elm’s street. They even have another corn maze that we can do if we go early enough.”

“It took us forever to get through the one last year.”

“Yeah, but this one has people in costume chasing you through it,” you pointed to the screen and finally he took your phone to scroll through the website you had up.

“Don’t you think this might be too scary for you?” He asked as he handed the phone back to you.

You frowned at him and crossed your arms over your chest.

“I’m a big girl, Quinny, I can handle it.”

He only raised one of his dark eyebrows at you and said, “I’ll go but if you get scared don’t come crying to me.”

A large smile split across your face as you jumped in excitement. You kissed his cheek and when you pulled back you nodded your head enthusiastically, “Deal!”

-

You had made it through the corn maze successfully, beating last year's time by two minutes. Quinn claimed it was the man dressed as an evil clown chasing them but that didn’t matter to you because you still beat your personal record.

You were practically bouncing as the two of you waited in line for your turn to enter the haunted house. Lights were strobing and loud scary noises were playing and it only made you more excited. You didn’t miss the exasperated but fond looks Quinn was giving you and when it was finally your turn to enter you grabbed his hand and tugged him behind you.

You refused to admit that Quinn was right. You lasted all of two minutes before you were too scared and were let out of a side entrance. The people working there were understanding and despite Quinn’s claim that you couldn’t come crying to him, you were wrapped up in his arms as tears fell down your face and you got your breathing to even out.

“I really thought I could do it this year,” you mumbled into his chest.

Quinn ran his hand through your hair and sun circles into your back as you shook.

“Maybe we can go home and watch Halloweentown or something. That always puts you in a good mood.”

You perked up at the mention of one of your favorite childhood Halloween movies. Pulling away slightly to look up into your boyfriend's eyes you smiled slightly. “We could even have hot chocolate?”

“Of course,” he said simply as he wiped the remaining tears from your face.

It wasn’t until the two of you were back in his car that you finally said what you had been thinking about since exiting the haunted house.

“Maybe next year will be the year that I finally make it through that place.”

Quinn looked at you in surprise before finally shaking his head and chuckling. “I don’t know what I’m going to do with you.”

[thepaperpanda]

Spooky Encounter || Kirishima x f!Reader

Summary: Kirishima and you made the decision to explore an eerie, abandoned mansion, well-known for its haunted reputation

Warnings: None

Word count: 1421

Author: Bear

Kirishima Eijiro, the tough and sturdy hero from Class 1-A at U.A. High School, had always been a guy who loved a good challenge. Kirishima and his girlfriend were eagerly anticipating Halloween. You decided to spend the evening exploring an abandoned mansion that had long been rumored to be haunted. The dilapidated structure was said to have a dark and eerie history, which made it the perfect setting for a spooky adventure. As the sun dipped below the horizon and the moon began to cast eerie shadows on the mansion, Kirishima and his girlfriend, Y/N, arrived at the foreboding place. You approached the decrepit entrance, vines and thorns curling around the wrought-iron gate. Kirishima, always the fearless one, flashed a grin and said, "Ready for a spooky adventure, Y/N?"

You nodded, your heart pounding with excitement and a hint of trepidation. The rusty gate creaked open, and you ventured into the dark property.

As they stepped through the gate, Kirishima couldn't help but notice how the wind seemed to whisper in eerie voices. The old mansion's windows were shattered, and the overgrown garden was filled with skeletal, leafless trees. Cobwebs adorned the dilapidated entrance, and the air was heavy with the scent of decay.

"Kirishima, this place is seriously creepy," you whispered, rubbing your shoulders. Kirishima, trying to appear brave, put his arm around you and reassured you, "Don't worry, I'm here to protect you, babe. It's all for fun. Plus Ultra, right?"

Inside, the atmosphere was even more foreboding. Cobwebs hung from the ceiling inside as well, and the wooden floorboards creaked beneath your feet. It was as if the house itself groaned in agony.

You led the way, a small flashlight guiding your path. The dim, flickering light created eerie shapes that seemed to come to life.

"Why did I agree to this?" Kirishima muttered under his breath. He couldn't help but grip his girlfriend's arm a little tighter.

The couple explored room after room, their hearts racing at every unexpected sound. It was in a dusty, cobweb-covered library that you made your first chilling discovery. A book lay open on a lectern, its pages filled with strange symbols.

You picked it up, your eyes alight with curiosity. "This is amazing!" you exclaimed. "I wonder what it says, I don't know ancient Japanese unfortunately..."

Kirishima, being a protective and loyal boyfriend, couldn't let you dive into the unknown alone. He scanned the pages, his crimson eyes catching a passage that sent a chill down his spine. "The souls of the damned haunt this place, seeking release. To banish them, one must sacrifice something of great value," Kirishima read aloud.

The words hung in the air, and the room suddenly felt colder. Your eyes widened, and you looked at Kirishima with a mixture of excitement and trepidation. "Do you think it's true?" you whispered.

Kirishima, although typically the fearless one, felt a lump in his throat. He was a hero who had faced villains, but this was something entirely different.

The realization that the abandoned mansion might hold something more than a simple spooky adventure began to sink in. Kirishima and you exchanged uneasy glances, their flashlights casting eerie shadows on the old library's walls.

"You don't think we stumbled upon something supernatural, do you?" you asked, your voice shaking slightly.

Kirishima took a deep breath and squared his shoulders, determined to protect his girlfriend. "I'm not sure, Y/N, but let's be cautious. If there's something here, we'll face it together."

With that resolve, you decided to continue your exploration of the mansion, keeping the mysterious book with you. As you ventured further into the dilapidated building, the air grew colder, and you could hear faint whispers again, like faint echoes from a distant time. The oppressive atmosphere weighed on you as you descended deeper into the darkness.

In one room, you discovered a dusty portrait hanging crookedly on the wall. It depicted a family from another era, their faces etched with sorrow. The longer Kirishima and you stared at it, the more you felt like the eyes in the painting were following your every move.

"We should get out of here," you suggested, unnerved by the strange sensation.

Kirishima nodded, but just as you turned to leave, the door slammed shut with a deafening, echoing thud. Panic surged through you both as you realized you were trapped. Kirishima tried to open the door but unfortunately, the doorknob stayed in his hand. "We need to find another way out," Kirishima said, his voice steady despite the mounting fear. He led you to other door in the room, and using them you went out on another long, narrow corridor.

You continued through the mansion, trying doors, but each one led to a new disturbing discovery. In one room, you found a collection of old dolls, their lifeless eyes staring blankly into the abyss. In another, you stumbled upon a room filled with forgotten letters, each one chronicling the tragic history of the mansion's former occupants.

As you explored deeper into the mansion, seeking the exit, the whispers grew louder, forming words that sounded like cries for help.

"Dark and cold...."

"Bastard!"

"No peace...."

Kirishima and you could feel a presence around you, a force that seemed to feed on your fear.

Your flashlight beams fell on a narrow staircase leading to the basement. Hesitant but driven by the need to escape, you descended into the darkness. The basement was even colder, and your breaths turned to mist in the air.

Suddenly, you came upon a room filled with chains and shackles, remnants of a dark history that sent shivers down your spines. In the center of the room, you found a peculiar-looking stone altar, and next to it, a small, ancient-looking box.

You reached for the box, your hand trembling. "This must be what the book was talking about. The sacrifice."

Before you could open the box, the room's temperature dropped drastically, and you heard a mournful wail, echoing through the basement. A spectral figure began to materialize in front of you, its presence dark and malevolent.

Panicking, Kirishima and you realized that, in some way, you had awakened something ancient and vengeful. The ghostly figure reached out toward you, and in that moment, Kirishima knew he had to act.

With a determined expression, Kirishima pushed you behind him, shielding you from the ghostly entity. "We can't let it consume us, Y/N. Whatever this thing is, it's our greatest challenge yet!!"

You nodded, your fear replaced by determination. You opened the box after some struggles, revealing an old, golden key inside. With it, you managed to unlock the shackles in the room, and as you did, the ghostly figure's form began to waver.

With a final, powerful blast of courage, you used the key to unbind the spirits trapped in the mansion, releasing them from their torment. As the ghostly figure dissipated into the shadows, leaving behind an eerie silence, a wave of relief washed over Kirishima and you. But at the same time, the adrenaline and fear that had been coursing through your veins caught up with you. Trembling, your shoulders slumped, and tears welled up in your eyes.

"It's okay, Y/N," he whispered, his voice filled with genuine concern. "You're safe now. I've got you, and we're getting out of here."

His soothing words and the strength of his hug began to calm your racing heart. You clung to him, allowing the fear and anxiety to ebb away as he held you close. In Kirishima's arms, you felt protected and loved, and that was all you needed at this moment of vulnerability.

As your sobs slowly subsided, Kirishima continued to hold you, his touch a source of strength and comfort. He didn't rush you or push you to speak; he simply held you close, allowing you the time to process the intense emotions. "Whatever it was, it's gone. Don't worry, babe."

The oppressive atmosphere began to lift, and the whispers faded away. The mansion, once so foreboding, seemed to sigh with relief.

Kirishima and you knew you had faced a truly supernatural challenge and come through it together. You exited the mansion, hand in hand, knowing that your bond had grown stronger through this spine-chilling Halloween adventure.

As you stepped out into the cool night, you couldn't help but share a relieved and affectionate smile. You might have uncovered a dark secret, but you had also proven that love and courage could conquer even the most haunted of places.

[rainbowfey]

12 "This is spooky." - "Really?"

@flufftober

The big sign loomed over him menacingly and Tanjirou felt a shiver run down his spine. The red blinking letters seemed to follow him like bloodshot eyes when he hesitantly walked closer, diving into the shadow of the enormous building. Had he not agreed to meet Muichiro here, he would have turned away and walked off right now. Something about the atmosphere of this place felt eerie and he would rather not find out how bad it would get when they went inside. However, he would rather cut his arm off than to stand Muichiro up and thus, he straightened his shoulders and headed towards the entrance.

When he finally got there, Muichiro was already waiting for him. He leaned against a wall, looking at the black roses that lined the fence surrounding the mansion and its majestic garden. Tanjirou’s heart jumped when he walked towards Muichiro, a happy smile forming on his face. When he had almost reached him, Muichiro looked up and his face lit up.

“Tanjirou!” he said and pushed himself off the wall to approach him. “I’ve got our tickets already.”

Tanjirou’s heart sank and he nodded, putting on a brave face. If he could not backtrack, his new mission was to not show any sign of fear in front of Muichiro. Instead, he pulled the surprised Muichiro into a hug and he instantly felt calmer when, after a moment of stunned stiffness, Muichiro wrapped his arms around him.

“It’s good to see you,” Tanjirou said when he finally let go of Muichiro and a swarm of butterflies started fluttering in his stomach when he saw the soft blush on Muichiro’s cheeks. They had not seen each other since the harvest festival a few days ago and suddenly, Tanjirou was glad that Muichiro had asked him if he wanted to go to this place together even though he still felt slightly unsettled by the whole area.

“Have you ever been to a haunted house before?” Muichiro asked curiously when they started walking towards the leaf door that marked the entrance to the building. Tanjirou took a moment to process his question as he stared at the red letters smeared over the door that said ‘Get out’.

“Uh,” he said and quickly turned his attention back to Muichiro. “No, I haven’t. I don’t think we even have those where Nezuko and I grew up.”

Muichiro nodded and said, “My brother and I have been to one a few years ago. Yuichiro didn’t like it though, so we never went again.”

Tanjirou paused for a moment. He had met Yuichiro for the first time at the harvest festival and while he had not gotten to know him well yet, he could not imagine Yuichiro being easily intimidated. Perhaps he just had not liked the idea of a haunted house itself, Tanjirou thought to himself and silently, he agreed with Yuichiro on that. Demons were one thing but a whole house full of ghosts and monsters sounded like a nightmare come true.

Almost without noticing, he moved a bit closer to Muichiro when they reached the leaf door that opened as if by magic, revealing the dark, gaping maw of the building.

“You may enter,” a hoarse voice floated through the air but when Tanjirou looked out for its owner, he could not see anyone. A shiver ran down his spine and it took him a bit of effort to follow Muichiro into the haunted house.

When they had passed through the door, it fell shut behind them. The loud thud almost made Tanjirou jump and when Muichiro turned around to him, he quickly put on an unfazed expression though he was not sure how much of his face Muichiro could see in the dim twilight of the entrance hall. “So, what do we do now?” he asked, trying to sound calmer than he was.

Muichiro thought about it for a moment before he said, “I think the tickets said something about having to find the exit. I suppose we’ll have to make our way through the mansion to find it.”

Tanjirou swallowed and glanced back at the door behind him. “We can’t just take that door?”

Muichiro chuckled and shook his head. “That would kind of defeat the purpose, don’t you think?”

And since he could not come up with a good answer, Tanjirou put on a brave face and nodded. He slowly followed Muichiro as he walked across the hall and towards the stairs leading upwards. While walking, Tanjirou eyed his surroundings. Most of the hall was veiled in impenetrable darkness and two rows of thin, tall candles lined the path from the leaf door to the broad staircase. When he looked at one candle more closely, he noticed that it had a dark red color, making the thin lines of wax running down the candle look like bloody tears. He shuddered and quickly looked away, fixing his gaze on the staircase and the intricate patterns along its railing instead. But when they came closer, he scrunched up his nose when he realized that the silvern decorations were not beautifully crafted art but rather a mass of silky spider webs.

“Bleh,” he muttered and quickly put on a smile when Muichiro turned around again, looking at him curiously. “Uh, seems like they have a spider problem here.”

Muichiro followed his gaze and looked more closely at the spider webs, his face lighting up. “Those are beautiful,” he said and Tanjirou had to forcefully keep his mouth shut before he could vehemently disagree.

Together, they walked up the stairs and Tanjirou gave his best to stay in the middle, keeping his distance from the spider webs on both sides of the stairs. At least, so far nothing had jumped at him from the darkness which was more than he had expected. With a sigh of relief, he leaned against one of the thin black columns at the top of the stairs – and froze when he noticed that the column was covered in hairs. And when it suddenly started moving, he jumped back with a loud, “Eugh!”

Muichiro turned around just in time to see the gigantic spider that now lowered its body down to them. “Run,” he shouted and when Tanjirou did not move, staring at the spider frozen in place, Muichiro grabbed his hand and pulled him through a gap between the spider’s legs.

Together, they ran towards the closest door and Muichiro quickly slammed it shut behind them, barely making it before the spider had reached them. For a moment, they both stared at the door, panting. Something hard hit the door twice before the house fell eerily quiet again. Tanjirou turned to Muichiro, expecting to see his own horror mirrored on his face – but Muichiro grinned at him and said, “That was fun!”

And for the first time in a while, Tanjirou asked himself whether Muichiro had an entirely different understanding of fun than him. With a sigh, he turned back to the room and shuddered when he saw the dozens of mirrors hanging on the wall, all of them reflecting their pale faces back to them, contorting them to terrifying grimaces. He wrapped his arms around his body uncomfortably while he followed Muichiro through the room, glancing at the mirrors every now and then. The hair on the back of his neck stood on end when he occasionally caught glimpses of eyes following him from the mirrors where there should only have been reflections of the backs of their heads. He nervously moved closer to Muichiro and tried to ignore the malicious grin a reflection to his left bared.

“Can you see the next door yet?” he asked urgently and Muichiro tilted his head, looking back at him.

“Yeah, I think it’s over there,” he said and pointed towards a narrow passage, both walls lined with mirrors that reached from the floor to the ceiling, so close to each other that they would have to squeeze through.

Tanjirou shuddered and he had to force himself to follow Muichiro towards the passage. He hunched up his shoulders and tried to blank out the mirrors closing in on him. But suddenly, a hand shot out of a mirror and grabbed his wrist, pulling him towards the mirror.

Tanjirou screamed and Muichiro whirled around. He did not hesitate for a second before grabbing Tanjirou’s other arm and pulling him through the narrow passage. Meanwhile, Tanjirou flailed around with his other arm, trying to free himself from the icy cold grip. He yelped when nails dug into his skin and with a burst of energy, he finally ripped his wrist from the pale hand’s grip.

Almost stumbling over each other, they scrambled into the next room, shutting the door behind them. Tanjirou was panting and he pulled up his sleeve, studying the claw marks on his arm. They did hurt but when Muichiro looked at him slightly concerned, he quickly hid the marks under his sleeve again before Muichiro could see them.

“Everything okay?” Muichiro asked softly and for a moment, Tanjirou thought about being honest. But then, he quickly shrugged the thought off. It seemed like Muichiro was having fun and he did not want to spoil his experience. So, he shot him a smile and nodded, hoping that this would be enough to convince him.

Muichiro looked at him for a little bit longer, searching for something in his face, and Tanjirou felt warmth creeping up his neck. For a moment, it looked like Muichiro wanted to say something but then he only nodded and turned back to inspect the room they were now in. Tanjirou followed his gaze – and grimaced when he saw the blood. It was everywhere, flowing over silver tables, countertops and giant knifes, forming red pools on the floor. He retched when he saw two gurneys that were covered in body parts. And when he looked up, a giant figure stepped out of the shadows and stormed towards them, wielding an enormous butcher knife.

“I’ll cut you open,” the man thundered and with a yelp, Tanjirou dodged his attack, dragging Muichiro with him.

His heart raced in his chest when they scurried through the silver counters, only barely dodging pools of blood. Heavy footsteps echoed behind them when the butcher chased them through the room, getting dangerously close. Tanjirou gagged when he grazed one of the gurneys, accidentally knocking a severed leg off it. His blood rushed in his ears and the red around them starting blurring. With a desperate sprint, he managed to dodge the butcher knife once more and dove through an open door at the end of the room. He quickly pulled Muichiro through the door as well and jumped against it just when the butcher reached it. With a satisfying thud, the door closed in the man’s face and Tanjirou pressed his back against it when the butcher slammed into it at full force. Muichiro hastily came to his aid and together, they held the door close until the banging from the other side subsided.

“That was close,” Muichiro gasped out and tried to wipe away some blood from his face, only smearing it over his cheek.

Tanjirou looked at him and shook his head. “Wait,” he muttered and carefully wiped away the blood with a corner of his sleeve. “There you go.”

“Thank you,” Muichiro said with a soft smile and Tanjirou’s cheeks blushed. He quickly looked away and eyed the room they had rescued themselves to. His heart sank when he saw rows upon rows of gravestones, each of them more weathered and lopsided than the other. And between the vines covering the ground of the graveyard, mist started to form, rapidly growing denser, dancing in little swirls around their ankles.

“Oh no,” Tanjirou whispered. He desperately searched for another door but he could not see anything but the endless graveyard around them. And since he would rather not take his chances with the butcher again, they had no choice than to head into the depths of the graveyard.

With a sigh, he braced himself and took a first step, when suddenly a hand gently touched his wrist. Surprised, he looked up – and froze when he saw the concerned look on Muichiro’s face. “What’s the matter, Tanjirou?” he asked softly.

Tanjirou could not meet his eyes and instead nervously glanced down at the mist that had now worked its way up to their knees. “This … this is spooky,” he reluctantly admitted.

When he looked up, he saw that Muichiro’s eyes had widened. “Really?” he asked in surprise.

Tanjirou sighed and his shoulders sank down as he nodded. He averted his eyes and stared at his hands. “I know this isn’t real but … it feels real.”

Muichiro paused for a moment. Then, his face softened and he gently grabbed Tanjirou’s hands and intertwined his fingers with Tanjirou’s. “I’ll protect you,” he said with a smile that sent a warm shiver down Tanjirou’s spine.

Thankful, he leaned against Muichiro and for the first time since they had entered the haunted house, he felt like he could breathe again. “I’m sorry, I didn’t expect it to be this creepy.”

Muichiro firmly shook his head and ran his thumb over the back of Tanjirou’s hand. “No, I’m sorry,” he said quietly. “I should have noticed you were feeling uncomfortable.”

Tanjirou looked at him and laughed softly. “How could you? I’ve been putting on a brave face the whole time and I’m quite the good actor.”

Muichiro chuckled and pulled him closer. “Well, you certainly fooled me. How about we try to find the exit now? And if anything jumps at us, I’ll beat it up.”

This made Tanjirou laugh and as he nodded, the knot in his stomach began loosening. He looked down at the mist that now floated around their hips but this time, his fear only slightly stirred instead of overwhelming him again. “Sounds like a deal. But we should probably hurry before we get eaten alive by the mist.” When Muichiro returned his gaze, he saw amusement sparkling in his eyes. “I’m the Mist Hashira, don’t you know?” Muichiro said with a smile. “I’ll get us out of here in no time.”

And when they started walking again, Tanjirou’s hand safely in Muichiro’s, he felt comfortable for the first time this evening.

[the-fiction-witch]

As The Snow Falls

Media - Love Actually / Red Nose Day Actually Character - Sam Couple - Sam X Reader Reader - Y/n Rating - 12 Word Count - 870

Fictional Advent Day Twenty Three

Y/n stood wearing her boots, jeans, large winter coat and hat keeping one hand in her pocket and her heels moving as she stood and tried not to shiver. As she stands to the side of a small trailer decorated to look like a small wooden cabin with tinsel and festive lights. Every so often Y/n glanced at the time making sure she was keeping on schedule.

“Here you are Darlin’s” The man smiled as he handed down the small paper holder with three hot chocolates,

“Thank you,” Y/n smiled as she took them, “What do we say?” she asked, as she turned to Penny.

Penny stood in her warm little boots, shiny tights, dress, large puffy winter coat, mittens, scarf, hat and earmuffs with her long blonde pigtails down her shoulders. “Thank you Hot Chocolate Man!” she smiled,

“You’re welcome,” He laughed back at her, “Merry Christmas,”

“Merry Christmas.” Y/n smiled back as she tugged Penny’s hand towards the tunnel,

“Going down the tunnel, the tunnel, the tunnel, going down the tunnel wherever shall we go!” Penny sang as they went down the steps to the tunnel below the river,

“You know where we’re going, Penny.” Y/n laughed handing her the small cup with her hot chocolate in it,

“I know, but I like to sing it.” she cooed,

“Alright then.” Y/n chuckled as they walked through the slightly spooky tunnel still very cold before reemerging on the other side of the river,

Y/n kept Penny close as they walked finding themselves a nice spot just outside the gated-off seats for the stage that had been set up beside the water. They of course weren’t alone as many tourists and locals had gathered just beyond the paid gate to watch and listen to the performances. Luckily people were kind when they saw Penny so let Y/n and Penny go near the front of the crowd so close that Y/n lifted Penny to sit on the metal street railing.

“There we go? Nice view?” Y/n asked her,

“Yeah!” Penny cheered,

“Good, you get comfy then.” Y/n smiled having a sip of her hot chocolate to try and keep herself warm, making sure to give Penny cuddles to make sure she was warm too.

They stood and watched the various performances by whatever acts they had set up, each one being given an iconic Christmas song, having to watch through the camera crews broadcasting it for those across the country. Often if things got a little loud she made sure to push Penny’s earmuffs a little tighter to her head even if she already had earplugs in under them anyway.

“You all having a good time out on this cold Christmas Eve!?” The host called out,

Getting cheers of approval in return,

“Now for our final performance!” He cheered, “Please welcome The Edge Of Everything!”

Penny and Y/n cheered as loud as they could probably looking a little insane, Penny almost jumping up and down as they took the stage.

As the first notes of the song resonated through the air, Y/n and Penny exchanged excited glances, their faces lighting up with joy. They cheered enthusiastically, their laughter mingling with the music, and couldn’t resist joining in a playful dance, their arms swaying gracefully as they waved in the crowd.

As the duo launched into their performance, the heavy, snow-filled clouds that had hovered ominously over London for days began to release. Flurries of soft, white snowflakes started to drift lazily from the sky, swirling down like tiny dancers drawn to the rhythm of the melody. The enchanting sight of the snow twinkling in the lights created a magical atmosphere for everyone present.

Despite the chilly air and the snow falling around them, the band continued to play on, Until the last note which received howls of cheers from the crowd.

The band came out from their instruments to take a bow and then their eyes met, Sam who had been on drums with his hand spotted at least his wife and daughter blowing the girls a kiss as he took his bow with his band.

The crowd soon disbursed disappearing into the snow,

As Sam finished up with his band mates and bolted out coat and bag in hand over to the girls picking Penny up and giving her a spin, and peppering Y/n’s head with kisses,

“Hi Girls!” He cooed, “Did you enjoy the show?”

“Of course we did.” Y/n smiled,

“Yeah? You have fun Penny?” he asked,

“Yeah!” she yelled,

“You think daddy did good?”

“Daddy did Awesome!”

“Awesome?” He chuckled, “Humm did I? Did I do awesome?” He asked Y/n,

“You did indeed,” Y/n smiled kissing him, “Hot chocolate,” She smiled handing his cup over.

“Ummmm! You angel!” He cooed setting Penny down to take the cup,

“Now come on let's get home, or Santa won’t see you’re in bed.” Y/n laughed,

Penny gasped in shock realising she needed to be asleep or she wouldn’t get gifts, “Come on Daddy we gotta go!” she yelled trying to drag his hand with her little mittens,

“Alright, come on let's get you home and tucked in bed so Santa can come.” He laughed taking one of her hands,

Y/n took Penny’s other hand and they happily began the talk back home as the snow falls.

[drwhomstvede]

October 2nd - Lisa Frankenstein (2024)

I meant to catch this film in cinemas but forgot so I was SO glad to be able to pick up a copy for spooky season!

I really enjoyed this film. As soon as I heard it was written by the same person that wrote Jennifer’s body I knew it would be good but holy shit was it so much fun to watch! I love that they decided to go full camp with the acting, Carla Gugino as the evil step-mom character was particularly incredible and honestly so iconic already. Plus so much of the dialogue was genuinely funny, especially from Taffy.

Another thing I really enjoyed was the art direction, all the black and white gothic stuff was super effective and then the colours and lighting in the rest of the film really pop and serve to add to the slightly unhinged atmosphere which I absolutely love.

If I had one criticism, I think it would’ve been better to leave the ending more ambiguous? But the fact I can only think of such a small detail shows how great of a film it is tbh. Go watch it!

[nitrateglow]

Spooky Season 2024: 23-31

House (dir. Nobuhiko Obayashi, 1977)

A teenage girl nicknamed Gorgeous and her friends travel to her aged aunt's house for the summer, not realizing the aunt is a people-devouring ghost and her house is one giant supernatural booby trap.

House reeks of the '70s with its psychedelic visuals and rock soundtrack, and yet it never feels "dated" to me. Okay, maybe I'm not the best person to judge that considering I binge nickelodeon-era one-reelers for fun, but House is so bizarre and uniquely its own weird thing that it transcends its original disco-era milieu. Beyond the goofball humor and erratic editing, House is concerned with the usual in gothic stories, mainly how past traumas linger on into the present (in this case, the aunt's grief over a fiance who went missing during WWII, and Gorgeous longing for her deceased mother).

Invasion of the Body Snatchers (dir. Don Siegel, 1956)

A small California town is overtaken by an alien species who replicate and replace the humans living there. Transformations result in soulless beings devoid of all emotion.

The original 1956 version of Invasion of the Body Snatchers is often boiled down to being a Red Scare allegory. Both of the times I've seen it, I feel it is so much richer than that. You could read it any number of ways and I think that openness to interpretation is what has made the story so ripe for retelling over the years.

While slightly overshadowed by the 1978 version these days, the 1956 adaptation remains a damn great horror movie in its own right. I usually don't care for the alien invasion movies of this period, but this one is genuinely chilling with a minimum of tension-spoiling cheese (not that I'm against cheese). The camera angles become more tilted as the situation grows more dangerous and the perspective more warped. The filmmaking hits harder because the earlier scenes are filmed in a blander, more straightforward way too. Good stuff.

The Sitter (dir. Fred Walton, 1977)

This creepy little short film take on the babysitter urban legend was later expanded into the feature When a Stranger Calls by its director Fred Walton. Aside from the opening 20 minutes, I find When a Stranger Calls a dull trek and so I tend to just revisit this tight little short film instead. However, it does lack Carol Kane... maybe I should just rewatch the opening of When a Stranger Calls every year?

Regardless, this is still an effective movie and worth seeing. You can find it free on YouTube.

Dracula (dir. Tod Browning, 1931)

Count Dracula-- a suave, mysterious nobleman who happens to be a bloodsucking member of the undead-- moves to modern England to snack on the populace.

Dracula is not my favorite of the Universal horror classics. Part of me sympathizes with its critics, who find the narrative clunky once it leaves Transylvania. I'm also not fond of Helen Chandler's rather vapid Mina-- not just because the book's Mina is a fabulous heroine and deserves better, but because the character herself seems little more than a breathing prop. Being slowly turned into a soulless, bloodsucking monster should be horrifying, but neither Chandler's performance nor the film hammers home that urgency.

Still, there is much to admire about Dracula. Its primitive qualities enhance the horror, particularly the lack of soundtrack and the sense of stillness in much of the blocking, Dwight Frye being a little freak extraordinaire, and Lugosi's performance. He truly appears uncanny, his deliberate speaking and gestures adding to the sense that Dracula exists outside of the present, that he should have been in the grave long ago. Few films capture that classic gothic atmosphere so well, the decay, the tattered decadence.

Wait Until Dark (dir. Terence Young, 1967)

When a shipment of heroin hidden in a doll is inadvertently brought into her possession, a recently blinded housewife named Susy Hendrix engages in battle of wits with a trio of dangerous criminals out to get the drugs back. Complications include: Susy not knowing where the doll is, the criminals turning on one another, and Susy having to work out her own psychological vulnerabilities. The conflict escalates to violence, especially when it becomes clear the criminal ringleader Harry Roat is willing to torture Susy just for his own entertainment.

I think anyone who follows this blog knows what I think of this film-- I adore it beyond all reason. I have written a lot about it (if you're interested, I recorded an entire commentary track for it two years ago), so I'm not going to repeat too much. It's a great one-location thriller with engaging characters, a slow-burn sinister tone, dark humor, and one of the best final confrontations between a hero and villain in movie history. It feels like a movie specifically designed to appeal to me. Come to experience Audrey Hepburn being badass, stay for evil beatnik Alan Arkin racking up a body count.

The Lighthouse (dir. Robert Eggers, 2019)

Two lighthouse keepers descend into madness when stranded on a remote New England island. Homoerotic tension, disintegration of identity, seagull's pooping in inconvenient places, mermaid sex fantasies, and lots of possible gaslighting ensue. And what of the mysterious light inside the lighthouse, an entity that seems to be almost supernatural in its pull?

I rewatched this with my youngest sister who usually doesn't like horror at all. We both had a really good time though! The film is undeniably creepy, but there's a lot of dark humor present too. It doesn't take the edge off the chilling scenes, but it does prevent the experience from getting too grim, I think. Of Eggers' current filmography, it's definitely the closest to being a comedy, if only because Robert Pattinson and Willem Dafoe have a sinister odd couple dynamic.

A Page of Madness (dir. Teinosuke Kinugasa, 1926)

When his wife is committed to an asylum, an old man takes a janitor job at the institution. The wife's mental condition strains his relationship with his daughter and future son-in-law, and then the janitor's own mind begins to lose track of the line between delusion and reality. Trippiness ensues.

I first saw this film on TCM in the middle of the night, which may be the ideal way to view this surrealistic silent classic. It was designed to be experimental compared to conventional Japanese movies of the time. There are no intertitles at all, so following the story can be confusing, even before the protagonist starts to lose control of his perceptions. However, it's like nothing else and worth seeing for those who want a movie that marries 1920s surrealism with expressionistic dread.

The Phantom of the Opera (dir. Rupert Julian, 1925)

A mysterious "Phantom" is haunting the Paris Opera, blackmailing, bribing, and even murdering to make sure Christine Daae, an aspiring singer and the object of his obsession, will be the ultimate prima donna.

The Lon Chaney POTO is a weirdly nostalgic watch. I was obsessed with it as a teenager and watched it often. I still adore it. Chaney's performance is nothing short of brilliant and the gothic sets remain spectacular. I love Chaney!Erik's lair and the sense of size it has.

SPOILERS FOR THE ENDING

I used to dislike the ending to this version, where Erik is unredeemed and there's a big chase through the Paris streets. While I would have preferred the ending as originally filmed, in which Erik releases Christine and dies of a broken heart, I admire the direction of that last chase and Erik's final, memorable gesture of contempt to the mob about to claim his life. It's perfection.

Castle of Otranto (dir. Jan Svankmajer, 1977)

Maybe counting this as "horror" is a stretch. It's an odd beat of a short regardless. It's framed as a mockumentary in which an academic argues that the events of the seminal gothic novel The Castle of Otranto really happened, but not in Italy (as in the original text), but in Czechoslavakia. This mockumentary is intercut with animated segments depicting key episodes from the novel, such as an oversized helmet falling from the sky to crush the villain's heir to death (yes, that actually happens) and all the quasi-incestuous drama between the characters.

Most reviewers come to this film because they're fans of the director Jan Svankmajer. They know nothing about The Castle of Otranto. I'm the opposite: I know nothing about Svankmajer, but I have read the gothic lunacy that is Otranto. I enjoyed seeing it adapted in some form and the metafictional elements of this short ape similar conventions throughout gothic literature in general, only in a very '70s way.

[adhdnursegoat]

Arkham Shadows

cw: just fluff 😊

word count: 797

It is a crisp autumnal evening, and the forested grounds of your home are alive with the vibrant hues of fall. Leaves in shades of amber, gold, and crimson carpet the ground, creating a picturesque setting for a rather unusual activity for the good doctor: pumpkin carving.

Jonathon Crane, known more for his sinister schemes and fear-inducing antics, is surprisingly focused and meticulous as he sits cross-legged on a blanket spread over a pile of fallen leaves. Next to him, an assortment of pumpkins, ranging from small and lumpy to large and perfectly round, are set out, ready for their transformation into spooky lanterns.

You, sitting beside him, have your own pumpkin in your lap, its smooth, forgiving surface caressing your fingertips as you eviscerate it. The air is filled with the earthy aroma of spice and the crisp scent of autumn. Jon’s usual intensity is softened by the relaxed, festive atmosphere, and he seems almost at ease as he carefully wields a small, serrated knife.

“You know,” Jon begins, his voice lighter than usual, “I’ve always found something oddly therapeutic about carving pumpkins. It’s a good distraction from more… pressing matters.”

“It’s nice to take a break from the usual chaos.” You chuckle, scooping out the stringy insides of your pumpkin with a gleeful grin. “Besides, it’s not every day you get to carve pumpkins with The Scarecrow.”

Jon’s lips curl into a rare, genuine smile as he carefully carves an intricate design into his pumpkin. His movements are precise, almost artistic, as he brings his chosen pattern to life. The soft glow of the dusky sun highlights the concentration in his eyes, adding a touch of warmth to his usually cold demeanor. Right now, there are no shadows, no harsh lights to glint off his glasses. You see his glacial gaze unencumbered, and part of you has difficulty finding the Scarecrow within him.

As you carve away at your pumpkin, you can't resist sneaking glances at Jon's progress. His movements are precise, deliberate, as his knife makes delicate cuts in the thick orange flesh. Bit by bit, a spooky face begins to emerge—intricate and hauntingly detailed, yet somehow charming in its own way. You find yourself admiring his skill, but also the surprising gentleness in his touch. While Jon carves with the finesse of an artist, you, on the other hand, are viciously hacking at your own pumpkin, determined to make it scream.

After what feels like hours, both pumpkins are finally done, sitting side by side like quirky representations of their creators. Jon, ever the perfectionist, carefully places a candle inside his pumpkin and lights it. The flickering glow brings his creation to life, casting sharp, dancing shadows through the intricate cuts. The forest around you, now cloaked in the deepening twilight, takes on an almost mystical quality as the lanterns’ warm light mixes with the darkening sky.

You lift your own jack-o'-lantern, its jagged grin and crooked eyes practically bursting with chaotic energy. It's messy, a little wild, but undeniably cheerful. "What do you think?" you ask, holding it up proudly with a playful twirl. The pumpkin wobbles in your lap as you grin at Jon.

He glances at your creation, his lips quirking into an amused smile. “It’s… charming,” he says, a note of approval threading through his words. His usual stoic expression softens slightly, revealing a rare warmth. “Certainly more interesting than the usual, predictable designs.”

You laugh, setting your pumpkin down next to his. “Charming, huh? I’ll take it. I think yours is pretty impressive, too. It’s got that signature Jonathan Crane flair—subtle, but sinister.”

A soft chuckle escapes Jon’s lips, the sound low and genuine, a rare gift that makes you smile even wider. “I suppose that’s one way to describe it,” he replies, his voice tinged with humor.

When the last traces of daylight vanish, you light the candles inside the rest of the pumpkins. The soft, flickering light casts a playful glow, transforming the clearing into something almost enchanted. Shadows dance among the trees, and for a moment, it’s as if the world outside the circle of light no longer exists. The two of you sit side by side, basking in the peaceful, whimsical atmosphere created by your handiwork.

Jon breaks the silence, his voice quiet, almost reluctant to disturb the moment. “Thank you. It’s... nice to step away from the usual darkness for a while.”

You glance over at him, your heart warming at the rare vulnerability in his words. “Anytime, Jon,” you say softly, your smile full of understanding. “Sometimes we all need to carve out a little light in the darkness.”

The two of you sit in comfortable silence, watching as the lanterns’ flames flicker and dance, illuminating the forest around you.

[theadventurerslog]

Quest For Glory IV: Shadows of Darkness | Part 1

The Adventurer's Log

Release Date: 1994 (CD version)

It's time for Quest for Glory IV after the cliffhanger of III. What happened to Cinder Win? Where did he end up? At least we saved Tarna, the Simbani and the Leopardmen? Was that indeed the missing Ad Avis in the end screen? What about the hooded figure? Or vice versa?

Unlike the past games in this series, this is a blind playthrough. I pretty much know nothing about this entry except we have voice acting now. John Rhys-Davies is the narrator which is kind of wild to me. I didn't know he'd done anything for games.

The only other thing I saw from checking forums for any set-up things is there needs to something done at night by a certain point or you can hit a dead-end? Or there's a bug that'll result in a dead-end? I don't know the details, but I'll be attempting a night thing for that reason at some point.

I'm excited and weirdly a little nervous, but if there is a series from Sierra in which to tackle a game blind, Quest for Glory is the kinder choice.

The game opens by swooping over mountains before focusing on the above title screen with wolf (werewolf?) howls. They're getting fancier! And really setting the tone here for something Transylvania-esque.

Yeah okay, just to nail this home we've got a zombie looking hand cursor going here.

While I'm then met with the dulcet tones of John Rhys-Davies telling me to import my character and welcoming me to Shadows of Darkness, which was making me giggle a bit because shadows of darkness is hardly welcoming sounding. I'm enjoying this game's version of the main theme though. Got kind of a slightly spooky-edged rock thing going here https://youtu.be/ZBOYz851_mY?si=e2X-lq9qvNtBMMfs.

I imported but my stats were all boosted. I guess I wasn't at the base levels expected in... anything? They're all higher than where I left them except communication is the same at 228. I guess whatever happened to Cinder did some boosting too! I'll go with that explanation. I'm not entirely sure how I feel about this. I mean yay better stats but he's suddenly a lot stronger and dodgier than my wimp. I also had 100 points to spend.

After spending my points here's what was I sitting with.

Time to see what the hell has happened to us.

I woke in a spooky skeletal place...

I lost all my stuff! I have armour and one crown--the new currency. I was left with questions:

Where are you? How did you get here? Who brought you here? And how in blazes can you get out of here?

That gave me a laugh and I'm sure curious to find out!

Large cave... with half petrified skeletal corpses embedded in the floors and walls. And my look icon is a big ol' eyeball. We're definitely getting the dark spooky atmosphere here. I should have tried to get this game started closer to Hallowe'en.

I found an altar to the Dark One. And I got a torch, a magic torch. Inventory!

I decided I needed to brighten things up with a little light-show.

I mean it didn't do anything, but shiny! Keapon will always be with me...

The door out was controlled by a kind of valve thing that I couldn't make out in the dark. But I could use my good old trusty flame dart to light the sconce then light my torch.

Mmm spooky green flames.

But then I needed something sharp to pry open the valve. I found some flint and some money around the bones. Crowns and Kopeks are the new currency for this game. The flint didn't work either on the valve. Then I remembered I'm a wizard dammit and tried my open spell... to failure. The door was bound by magic. More hunting around netted me more money and a dagger though. (I later also realized the dagger and flint is probably the solution to lighting the torch if you don't have magic.) The dagger worked on the valve opening the door.

Leading me to another charming room. And me hoping I found everything in the previous.

I had more stone valve doors, an altar and an exit to the south.

There was also another corpse and a square of canvas sheet. I took the cloth and more money off the corpse... They won't be needing it.

I couldn't enter through the doors... "Perhaps this isn't the right time." I'm getting a sort of trial vibe to this. Like go do other stuff and they gradually open?

As I was trying to investigate the third door, bats came from the south and attacked. And I was thrust into yet another new combat system.

And after an accidental retreat I somehow won?? Because I was having trouble seeming to do anything.

"In a bitter battle, you were better than the Badders." Thanks game.

I retreated to the manual to go see how to do this, something I should have looked at before starting, but I just kind of assumed it'd be the same as QFG III... I'm still not sure I get it but we'll see how it goes in future combat.

The altar was covered in stains like blood--presumably blood--and was creepy. I moved on southward.

There was a rope to take, test, or try flying but I didn't have a fly spell as the game oh so kindly pointed out, but also pointed out I just had levitate which only goes up and down but if there was a way to use some wind...

When I got too close to the edge, I got my first death!

A big tentacle came out and grabbed me.

Sadly the death messages are not voiced... I'm a little bummed about that.

I tried levitating anyway and got another message about the wind, but that I needed a way to catch it. So, cloth like a sail and levitate.

Whee! And escaped the tentacle! And I've already gotten to use magic other than flame dart! Wizarding!

I did do a quick reload to see if it'd let me take or cut the rope. No such luck, though I did accidentally clean and cut my fingernails with a misclick on myself. "Neatness counts!" So that was fun.

I escaped the cave! Jaws snapped shut behind me! A creepy place? A creepy place with a spooky altar and three sealed doors? Is this gonna be a place I return to repeatedly or a place to build up to toward end-game...

There was a woman outside and she was surprised to see I had escaped alive. Only one person had done that.

I would also like to know how, lady, but at least I got a where now. Mordavia. Yeah, that, that's a name that tracks.

She told me there was a town north of here and to be careful as many bad things are wandering around here. No shocks there. She introduced herself as Katrina, hoped we would meet again and left. You could have taken me with you! I mean I wanted to poke around a little out here first anyway but!

Admittedly, joining with a strange man who walked out of a scary cave that apparently has killed most people probably isn't a good idea, but still. And joining a strange woman outside a cave also probably not a great idea, but I'm lost and alone and a little scared!

It's okay. I had stuff to examine.

There was an arch with symbols.

Things that make up life? Bringing something to life?

And an eighth...

Bringing an eldritch horror to life?

Regardless of what this is about, I'm sure it's nothing concerning at all! Nosiree. I was able to take that symbol off though and was told I had the feeling I may need this "sign". It's the 'Dark One Sign' in my inventory. Hm. Is this really something I should be carrying around?

I carried on.

That dark one is getting around. (the eyeball is my look cursor)

Part of the tree looked like a club ready to hit someone. The path was slippery with slimy goo and sure I escaped the cave, but kind of landing in the frying pan it seems.

Okay, the branch left me alone, but I did go sliding down while squinting at that tree the entire time.

But at least I made it. I kept waiting to be clubbed, or fall off or in some way get killed.

So, anyway, with a dark sign there and a dark sign in my possession I had to try using them together.

This was probably a bad idea! But as an adventurer game protagonist I obviously had to try. It was safe for now anyway. Ish.

As I kept examining things it was making it very clear this place is gooey. And slimy. And greasy. Goo galore.

There was however an out of place bonsai plant caught in the goo and rock. I had to knock the rocks loose with a couple of force bolts. Maybe one would have worked if I'd aimed better. Then I could fetch it. Do I know why I need it? Not a clue, but it was there therefore I grab.

It's a rescue plant!

So. much. goo.

Empowered by my magicking I decided to try detect magic on the pillar and of course there was magic. So naturally I tried Trigger, expecting it to blow up in my face or something if it did anything. It actually knocked the pillar over. So I did something I should have? But it still scared me. I wasn't expecting that.

Given the slippery path I slid down I realized this was my way back up. I tried and yeah, couldn't use the path to go back but could climb the pillar. A pillar with the sign of the Dark One is totally bridge-material I guess.

Seriously though, the amount of magic I've gotten to use already is making me so happy after feeling so held back for so much of QFG III.

I'm doing a lot of "I hope I got everything!" but after some fumbling around to find the path to the next screen I got to a swamp.

Hands were coming in and out of the water...more spooky... I didn't find anything here, and the next screen was much nicer.

But I was worried that I didn't do or find anything at the swampy area so I went back to double-check.

I didn't find anything but a detect magic revealed the hands and floating balls of light--what floating balls of light?--are magic as expected.

The forest was nicer...

And punny! "The red bush looks 'reddy' for anything." "Large deciduous trees make their stand among the pines--they know how to leaf well enough alone in the Fall."

The prettiness continued.

I drank some water and picked some flowers. There were several forest screens and I probably should have been mapping. Definitely getting more Quest for Glory I vibes here, which I am very okay with. I prefer this over the attempted overworld map of QFG III. I'm sure there'll be time enough for mapping later. Despite Katrina's warning I didn't run into anything dangerous yet either.

I was also getting concerned that a message about my lack of food popped up...but could only press on.

Teehee

I eventually found myself at a castle gate which isn't the town Katrina mentioned, but there was a gatekeeper to talk to.

I chatted up the gatekeeper naturally.

He welcomed me to Mordavia adding that it was nice to have some fresh blood around. They seldom see strangers. Not happy with that phrasing in this particular environment I gotta say. Though it did turn out they don't get many visitors thanks to the swamp that formed a few years ago. He had lots of information:

The castle is that of the Boyars, the rulers of Mordavia's title. They're like Barons, own the castle and protect everyone within their domain. The castle had belonged to the Borgov family, but the last Borgov has been dead for many years. He disappeared at the Time of Darkness. Mordavia was a safe and lovely land before that time. Much has changed for the worse since.

Mordavia is the name of the valley, town and inn. It means Dark Valley. Delightful.

He seldom sees anyone from the castle, so not certain of who all lives there. There is the Master, a strange foreigner, the Master's daughter and strange guards he thinks may not be quite human. He hasn't seen the daughter, just knows the Master is proud of her. Katrina? Someone/something else?

The Master desires privacy and he respects that wish. As he always says, "The Will of the Master is the Shall of the Servant." Then he chuckled a bit because he came up with that himself and seemed very proud of it, heheh.

The foreigner is unpleasant with a short beard and mustache and funny hat. Rude when giving orders and has a habit of staring at people and licking his lips. Ad Avis? Vampiric Ad Avis? Demonic Ad Advis?? Someone else?

At night the gate's guarded by Necrotaurs whatever those are. Sounds like something to be avoided.

He also gave me directions to the town which I really needed to get to. So off I went again and a few screens later I found the gates.

Thank goodness.

I am a player who will happily talk to absolutely everyone I can and exploring new towns is great. However, it was kind of a nice change of pace to have some immediate puzzle solving and exploring to do. And, it has made getting to a town all the more relieving. So, good start here, good start. I'm happy so far.

Next time is town exploring time!

[ask-sibverse]

T1D Reader- Halloween Party (Bad Sanses X Reader)

I was hoping to get this out yesterday but shit happens. Halloween costume probably looks like this. Honestly while doing Killer and Horror is so much fun, this time it's Dust's turn.

Note to self: never underestimate Killer's persistence. When that skeleton wants something he can be incredibly stubborn about it.

And what he wanted was for everyone to get a "day off" to celebrate Halloween. Why? You weren't sure at first until you noticed all the sexy costumes pulled up on his computer.

Note to self: never underestimate Killer's persistence. When that skeleton wants something he can be incredibly stubborn about it.

And what he wanted was for everyone to get a "day off" to celebrate Halloween. Why? You weren't sure at first until you noticed all the sexy costumes pulled up on his computer.

But you agreed to come along, if only to keep Killer out of trouble. Cross seemed to agree for a similar reason, although you weren't sure why Dust came along. Horror was staying home, which made sense. A party would probably be hell on his sensory issues.

Killer somehow managed to talk you into a fairly revealing "witch costume." You were just hoping it wouldn't be too cold in the AU you were going to, although Killer probably wouldn't register it was too cold for you.

Lazy ass usual, Dust was just using his knife as a "serial killer" costume. Killer used one of those axe headbands and (probably, hopefully) fake blood to be a "murder victim." Killer, asshole that he is, picked out a cow costume for Cross that was *immediately* denied, and the former royal guard ended up wearing a soldier costume instead that Killer complained was "so boring."

You all went to a surface AU, obviously, because monsters underground did not know about or celebrate Halloween (honestly you wondered if some monsters found the holiday insensitive.) A neutral AU, one with some tension between monsters and humans, but nothing so bad a couple monsters couldn't attend a Halloween party.

Once arriving you remembered one reason you never went to parties- alcohol. You never drank, couldn't figure out how to manage it and your diabetes. You'd heard how you behaved low was how you would act while drunk, but different sources said to bolus for it or not bolus. Some said you'd spike, others said you'd drop, it was just too unpredictable for your tastes and not worth the risks. Killer respected that, sort of, after telling him "no" several times. You... Really couldn't tell if Killer was *actually* drink or just liked acting drunk. Dust seemed to have a beer or two himself while Cross was with you in the "100% sober" category.

At least the food was good. The host had fun making "spooky" snacks that were still recognizable enough for you to dose correctly. At least it was human food, monster food still needed a whole other layer of guesstimating.

Somewhere later into the night you grabbed Dust and dragged him into a dance. Maybe the atmosphere, maybe your outfit, but something had you tired of being a wallflower and wanting to *do* something. You weren't an amazing dancer but you were at least coordinated enough to avoid tripping over yourself or Dust. It wasn't a Dancetale so your skills weren't that important anyways.

It wasn't long before Dust's face was flushed, whether from exertion or something else you weren't sure. The skeleton often kept to distance attacks in fights and teleported everywhere, so you weren't sure.

Even still, seeing him blushing made you feel... Something. You were *definitely* feeling bold tonight because before you knew it, you leaned in and kissed him.

You've kissed other humans before, but kissing a skeleton was such an incredibly different experience. Despite your lips being pressed directly to teeth, it wasn't uncomfortable at all. Honestly, it felt amazing, even more so when Dust's mouth opened slightly and oh stars okay ecto tongues felt *great.*

You both ended up off the dance floor for a rather steamy and handsy makeout session that had both of you flushed and panting afterwards. Dust grinned at you. "Wanna continue this back in my room?" You nodded eagerly.

Dust got Cross to tear a portal home for you both, although he was staying behind to make sure Killer got home eventually.

The two of you barely made it to Dust's room before he was making out with you again, tearing at your clothes with a passion and energy you hadn't seen in the lazy skeleton before. Honestly, sex with him was incredible.

And totally worth the look you got from Nightmare the next day. And the teasing from Killer.

(I know you guys probably want the sexy times, but honestly diabetes + sex is something I had planned for it's own one shot, so pls be patient. If you have any prompts or ideas for T1D, shoot me an ask!)

[horizon-series-details]

This week we’re looking at “Restless as the Weald”, an ambient track heard in a Relic Ruin. Despite the name, this track actually plays in The Daunt Relic Ruin, not the Restless Weald Relic Ruin.

This piece is very synth heavy. It makes sense, as the synth adds to the slightly spooky atmosphere a lot of music for Relic Ruins has. What caught my attention though, is at (0:08) we hear what I can only assume are synthetic strings, which are then followed up by what I’m assuming is a woodwind of some kind at (0:17). This helps set the whole tone for most of the piece, and is a great way to lead into the main melody at (0:21).

At (0:40), things speed up in preparation to lead to something bigger. We can hear the percussion that’s been backing this whole track speed up, intensifying slightly. There’s some more synth at (0:50), which while short, is weirdly similar, though far from identical to a diminished chord, which is often used in scary music. This helps keep things slightly intense, without straying too far from the general genre of music used for the soundtrack.

The strings start rising in a crescendo at (1:00), in an uplifting manner, which helps offset the mildly ominous vibes given off earlier in the track. At (1:17) we pick up on a second melody being used to help support the strings. This one is in a higher octave, so it also helps to provide a more uplifting feeling. At (1:38) the synth is here again, though like the other melody, is in a higher octave, but this time it’s being used to build up to the climax of the track at (1:46).

Once things have slowed down a bit, at (2:01) we hear a flute. This carries the melody for a few seconds until percussion hits at (2:06) and things start to go back to how they were closer to the start. Once again, woodwinds are doing the main melody for this section, but this time, flutes are backing them. The positive tone has faded though, and it’s gone back to the softer, yet mysterious and ominous vibe from the start. By (2:40) the track has begun to slow down, and it’s quiet by (2:48) despite ending at (2:54).

This has been an interesting track to analyze. Not because of how beautifully intricate it is, but because as it’s an ambient track, it’s harder to pin down where exactly it plays. I feel this will be a recurring struggle, and yet, it’s one I will look forward to as it gives me a good challenge, as these tracks are not always where I’d expect.

[sophisticated-creepy]

Dessert was brought out to the diners of a rich tiramisu paired with the house version of a Goodnight Kiss cocktail (or mocktail), the specialty nightcap’s colored liqueur glinting almost sinisterly of ruby bloodstone in the tall, fluted glasses. The dining room was filled once more with conversation and laughter, as crooner’s music of days gone by lilted sweet serenades to round out the intimate atmosphere of opulence. Having been served, Lola reached for Stanley, turning off the tape recording feature, and stuffed it with her pen and notepad away back into her purse to fully enjoy the company of her friends.

“Well, no newspaper man,” she said with a slight shrug as she spooned into her dessert. “But still a good play nonetheless. For a moment there, they had me believing the chef was the one who committed the crime.”

          “That would have been a neat twist if two people attempted to plot against Fernsby in the same night,” Modesta said with a laugh.

          “What if all of them had tried to murder Fernsby?” Jack asked, the group responding in more laughter at the convoluted thought.

          “Although I am slightly disappointed none of you got to see Mr. Newspaper Man, maybe Jack got a shot of him at some point during the play,” Lola said, motioning with her spoon at the camcorder.

          “I’ll keep an eye out for him when I review the footage for editing,” Jack said, making a mental note of the idea. As the friends continued in their conversation, a woman with soft brown hair and eyes, wearing a gold nameplate secured to her black jacket lapel, approached their table.

          “Pardon me for intruding, but who among you is Mr. Glenbrook?” she asked, her smile sweet and charming.

          “I am. How may I help you?” Raphael asked.

          “My name is Annie, and I’m the Director of Hospitality. There’s no need to rush dessert, but when your party is ready, I’ll be guiding you on your stay tonight at the Manor House,” Annie said. “That includes a tour of the upper levels where you’ll be lodging.”

          “That sounds wonderful. Thank you, Annie,” Raphael said.

          “My pleasure. Whenever you all are ready, come find me at the hostess stand located where you first walked in.” Annie gave another brilliant smile to the group and then departed.

          “Ooh! My stomach just got filled with so many butterflies,” Lola announced with a shiver. “I still can’t believe we’re all staying the night. This is honestly the best thing you guys could have ever done for me. Thank you.”

          “The night’s only just getting started,” Modesta reminded.

          “Plenty of time and opportunities for you to get your spooky on,” Lazare added.

          “I can’t wait!” Lola exclaimed, nearly vibrating in her chair with excitement to explore the old Manor House and its potential spookies. The friends enjoyed the remainder of dessert relaxed in one another’s conversation and company whereupon gathering themselves, agreed it was time to meet up with the Director of Hospitality at the hostess station, eager to get the rest of their night underway. Annie greeted them with her award winning smile as the cluster of five congregated in the main foyer outside the dining room.

          “All right, is everyone ready to get started?” she asked, collecting a clipboard of papers and a packet full of specialty room keys from the hostess podium. “Did you enjoy dinner?”

          “Everything has been terrific,” Lola said. “We also really enjoyed the play. It was so much fun and so clever. Real quick, could you tell us who the director is? I’d like to tell them how much I enjoyed the show, if I could.”

          “Certainly. He’s right over there.” Annie raised her hand to flag down the play’s director who lingered somewhere behind the group of friends. Lola turned, expecting to see Mr. Newspaper Man walk in their direction, however, it was instead Detective Babcock who swaggered forward.

          “Oh! Detective Babcock is the director?” Lola asked, her jaw dropping open from surprise.

          “He is, as well as the writer of the play,” Annie replied. “Detective Babcock, these guests wished to congratulate you on tonight’s performance,” she said once the actor reached the podium.

          “Ah! That’s always nice to hear. Thank you,” Detective Babcock beamed, his eyes bright and smile cheerful as he faced the others.

          “Yes,” Lola stammered, recovering from her initial shock. “As I told Annie, it was indeed quite the clever show.”

          “I’m glad you enjoyed yourselves,” Detective Babcock said with a slight bow of appreciation.

          “I have just one quick question,” Lola began, ignoring the confused stares from eyes she felt penetrating the back of her head from her friends. “All the cast members were in the play tonight, yes?”

          “They were,” Babcock answered, a small wrinkle of question forming between his eyebrows as his head canted to the side.

          “I mean, not their characters, but the actual actors themselves? How many actors are normally in your plays?”

          “We’re a small troupe,” Babcock said. “There’s only just the five of us.”

          “So, then, who was the actor waiting in the---.”

          “Sweetie, I think you’re confusing your murder mysteries,” Raphael interrupted, placing his hands on Lola’s shoulders. “Remember? There were characters staged in the wings at the show we saw last weekend.”

          Lola looked up into her fiancé’s face, his eyes silently pleading for her to read his unspoken thoughts. “Oh…that’s right,” she drawled. “You’re right,” she said again, adding more confidence to her tone as she nodded along with Raphael. “Silly me, last week must have slipped my mind. Sorry, Detective, for getting confused.”

          “No need to apologize,” Babcock said. “I’m glad you enjoyed the show. Have a good rest of your night,” and he tipped the brim of his hat in farewell before departing.

          “Let’s get started, shall we?” Annie asked, stepping out from behind the podium. “Let me first show you to your rooms. Follow me, please.” With a beckoning wave, Annie led the group to a set of thickly carpeted stairs inside the foyer that ascended towards the upper levels, but as Lola took her place first in line, she felt her arm tugged backwards, and turned to find Modesta holding her sleeve.

          “Is there a particular reason why you felt the need to make that man uncomfortable?” Modesta asked, her voice a whisper so their tour guide didn’t overhear.

          “He wasn’t uncomfortable,” Lola said, matching her friend’s whisper. “I was trying to find out more information about newspaper man.”

          “I’m beginning to think there is no ‘newspaper man’.”

          “So am I,” Lola agreed, oblivious to the dripping sarcasm of Modesta’s comment. A gentle tug at her hand had Lola turning once more to the front of the line as Raphael led her up the stairs with him, at which point the friends gathered close on the second level landing so Annie could begin her official tour.

          “These rooms were once the dwelling spaces of the Northcott family members. Each room has been curated and furnished to personify each individual’s personality, based on what we know of their lives. Here, is young Edgar’s room, the only child of Cornelius and Lillian.” Annie stopped at a large paneled door of oak halfway down the long hallway as she rounded the banister, using one of the fancy keys from the packet at her clipboard to unlock the room, and swinging the door wide open, she gestured for everyone to enter. Edgar’s room was painted a soft, butter yellow with plush carpet covering the floor, while a full bed plumped with blue brocade and golden damask accents drew the focus as the main focal point of the splendid room. Decorating the walls were oil paintings depicting ocean scenes of large ships in calm seas. A fireplace of white painted brick boasted a sturdy mantle with vintage children’s toys resting on its top, and a toy chest with its contents spilling out of even more toys, was tucked against one side of the hearth. A bookcase displaying child-like trinkets was centered on the opposite wall of the fireplace next to a thick clothes closet and a small en suite.

          “Although Edgar followed in his father’s footsteps of the cannery business, we wanted to give his room that essence of youthful wonder, given he was the founders’ only child,” Annie explained as she watched the group “ooh” and “aw” over the space. “Now, this room will be Lazare Pyrite’s for the night,” Annie said, looking at her clipboard to find the guest’s name.

          “That’s me,” Lazare spoke, raising his hand, and Annie smiled as she passed along the room keys to him.

          “Let’s move on to the next room, shall we?” Annie said, continuing the tour. She led them next to the end of the hallway, where a cozy sitting area was furnished and staged with leather wingback chairs and a table set with items for teatime in the nook of bay windows overlooking the front of the grounds. A door was to the left and right of the setting, and Annie took them to the left, unlocking the paneled oak door with another ring of fancy keys from her clipboard packet.

          “This is Mr. Northcott’s room,” Annie declared as the door swung open on silent hinges. The chamber was a vast contrast to that of his son Edgar’s dwellings, for this room had painted walls of deep, hunter green, adorned with cherry accented furniture upholstered in vibrant tapestries. The bed was much larger as well, also dressed in deep, hunter green to match the walls, and dangling overhead was a gold, three-armed chandelier. Three pillows were propped against the sturdy headboard, as well as only three chairs placed in front of the fireplace between a large closet and en suite, and three paintings of hunting scenes decorated the walls. The room was grand, to be sure, and carried a weighty presence despite its minimalistic aesthetic.

          “Mr. Northcott was a studious, no nonsense man, especially in his business affairs, so this room reflects the dedication he had for the cannery,” Annie informed. “This will be Jack and Modesta’s room for the night.”

          “That’s us, thank you,” Jack said, taking the offered keys.

          “Perfect. That leaves Mr. and Mrs. Glenbrook’s room next. This way please,” and Annie ushered the group to the last bedroom available across from Mr. Northcott’s room. “I present to you, Lillian’s Suite,” and Annie held the door open for Lola and Raphael. Lillian Eleanor Northcott’s room was the personified breath of fresh air, with lilac painted walls decorated smartly with gilded framed paintings of delicate ladies with mischief behind their eyes, while antique lace hung from the windows in floor to ceiling curtains. The furnishings were sleek and polished, every detail executed down to the finest touch, including a vase of freshly cut roses sitting in the middle of a table between two chairs in front of the white brick fireplace. The large bed, dressed in a dusty rose duvet and mauve linen sheets, had a chandelier above it, dripping in clear cut crystal and glass beads. A massive armoire, vanity, and chest of drawers lined the walls appropriately, as well as several fully stocked bookcases, the slender tomes locked behind glass panels to preserve the brittle spines and pages. A special detail to the impressive suite, one that did not go unnoticed, was a silver tray on the davenport at the end of the bed with an ice bucket chilling a bottle of champagne, two fluted glasses, and a notecard in gold filigree which read “Happy Birthday” attached to a single long stemmed rose.

          “Lillian exemplified love and femininity, which we tried to recreate when furnishing her room. There’s also a claw footed soaker tub in the en suite, original to the home, as well as a delicacy ahead of its time,” Annie shared. “What do you think?”

          The moment Lola first walked into the room, she instantly fell in love. It was as if Lillian’s spirit still lingered in the lavish bedchamber, living her days in the routine of her life before tragedy ended too soon her existence. Lola could easily imagine the lady of the house going from one piece of furniture to the next, perhaps humming to herself while pinning her hair at the vanity, or spending countless nights reading while in front of a cozy fire. Little fragments of Lillian’s essence filled the space with warmth and life despite her being cold and dead.

          “Well, Lola?” Raphael asked, coming to stand by her side. “Is the room to your liking?”

          “It’s absolutely perfect,” Lola breathed. Her eyes continued to roam the walls and tables, unable to stay focused on one particular thing for too long before darting to the next enticing, pretty object, until eventually landing on the amused and handsome face of her beloved. “It’s perfect,” she repeated. “Thank you.”

          “Happy Birthday,” and Raphael leaned down to kiss her sweetly.

          “Now that everyone has had a chance to see the upper rooms, let’s continue on our tour,” Annie said, and the group of friends assembled in the hallway as the pleasant guide led the party towards the staircase.

          “Can you tell us what kinds of spooky things happen up here?” Lola asked. “It’s no secret this place is haunted. Surely there’s some type of paranormal activity happening up here, right?”

          “You are correct. From what I’ve learned based off the haunted guided tours, not much ‘ghostly activity’ happens specifically in the bedrooms,” Annie answered, “however, guests do tend to hear footsteps walking above them on the third floor at all ends of the night.”

          “What’s on the third floor?” Modesta asked.

          “That would be the old servants’ quarters,” Annie replied.

          “Are we able to tour the servant quarters?” Lazare asked.

          “Unfortunately, no, access to that area is closed to the public at the moment while renovations are taking place.”

          “What’s behind this door?” Lola asked, stopping at the top of the landing before following Annie down the stairs.

          “Oh, that’s Lillian’s library,” she said.

          “A library? Can we go in?” Lola grabbed for the crystal doorknob on instinct, but the knob wouldn’t budge beneath her hand.

          “I’m sorry, but the library is closed as well due to renovations, and not open to the public at this time.”

          “Come along, Lola, all that means is we have more reasons to come back at a later time,” Raphael said, his tone laced with humor while he twined their fingers together with one of his large hands to gently coax her down the stairs with the rest of the group. She gave a small pout, turning over her shoulder only to watch the door grow further out of reach, not that she was able to enter the library anyway, but thoughts of being free to investigate the door later that night chased away her frown, replacing the downturn of her lips into an upturned quirked smirk, no doubt wrought with mischief, and, consequently, trouble.

          “Have you had any personal experiences dealing with the ghosts while working here?” Jack asked.

          “I’ve heard the classic knocks and occasional banging every now and again, but I’ve grown so accustomed to it, I hardly even realize it’s happening,” Annie replied with a light laugh. “Though, one time, I believe I saw the Gray Lady.”

          “You’ve seen Lillian?” Lola all but shouted in excitement. “Where?”

          “I was in the basement getting the event space ready for a large dinner party. I heard footsteps coming down the stairs, and when I turned to see who it was, I saw what looked like a gray cloud move from the bottom step go into the kitchen. It was only brief, but I could distinctly make out a high-neck collared dress, with hair styled in the period of Lillian’s time, and just the briefest glimpse of her profile.”

          “That’s so wild,” Lola stated, in awe of Annie’s story.

          “What makes it even more startling, is that I was the only one in the Manor House at that time, and no one was due to the house for another three hours. So…do you folks want to see the basement?” A resounding “yes” was made by all, Annie laughing at the obvious exuberance and delight of the group, and took them to the lower level that housed the restaurant’s kitchen as well as the private event space, where a side door led partiers to the outer grounds, opening to the gazebo and carriage house as well as the sprawling landscape of the backyard edged by the Dead Forest.

          “Since you all are staying the night, let me go ahead and give you some basic rules,” Annie said, her statement gaining everyone’s attention. “This space, as well as the main level, are open for you to explore. I must insist that you please refrain from taking any bottles from the bars, and if a room is locked, that means it is unavailable to the public, so please don’t force your way into any secured space.”

          Lola felt the tingle of eyes turning to her at Annie’s last comment, but she ignored the feeling, contributing the sensation to her zealous imagination and halfway guilty conscience at plotting to revisit the off-limits library.

          “An hour after closing time, myself and the rest of the Manor House staff will depart. We will lock the front doors, but you are more than welcome to explore the grounds using this side entrance. Your room keys have an extra key that go to this lock. In the morning, simply lock the door on your way out and drop your keys in the return box against this outer wall.”

          “What time is check out?” Raphael asked.

          “The cleaning crew comes in at 8:00, so we advise guests to be gone by 7:30,” Annie said. “Are there any questions?” When none were spoken, Annie smiled. “Great! I hope you all enjoy your evening.” She looked to her watch, then back to the others. “It’s closing time now. Happy slumbers, everyone.”

~*~*~*~*~*~

It's my birthday today!!

What a better way to celebrate a birthday than by getting a new chapter? It's my birthday treat to you all! This story is unfolding in so many new layers I hadn't expected, so get ready for a wild ride!

Hopefully everyone is enjoying the story so far, even if there has been quite a bit of a lag in posting. I appreciate everyone out there reading this, so thank you from the bottom of my heart! You're the best!

Have a great day, and until next time, happy reading!

~Melissa