《Monstrous Short Stories》


 The Golems Purpose

    They said I would protect the temple. That when the day came I would push the enemies back from the steps and tread on their bones. They said from earth I came and to earth I would send them. That is what they said.


    So day after day I stood sentry over the temple. I slept and waited for my time to arrive. For the enemies to come against the city and try to take from us. I waited.


    Soon I was forgotten as the enemies never came. I stood my ground and kept my vigil. I held my post and watched as all passed me by. I watch the sun rise and set. The stars expand and shine and at times wink out. I watched.


    I never complained. Never spoke. Never moved. I did not tire in the traditional sense but I rested. I was nothing if not patient. It was not until the city I called home turned to dust and the temple fell to ruin I began to wonder. Do I stay?This story has been taken without authorization. Report any sightings.


    My purpose was to guard the temple from the enemies but none came. The city fell to time. Not even I could fight that. But time was not the enemy. So I waited.


    The land began to fight itself around me as the days blurred. The land shook and soon the city sunk. The temple with it, with me at my post. It is my purpose. I would stand and never flee.


    After the land swallowed all I once more stood my guard. Kept at my post by the words of those who created me. From dust and mud I came and from such I would return on the day my name is erased from my mind. The rituals of the Kabbalah were not to be denied.


    It was my duty. My purpose to stand sentry through the ages till the world turned to dust. But I grew tired. So I rested and waited. And then they came.


    The Defilers entered the city after digging through the land. They tore the earth from the ruins and went to explore my home. They searched any house that stood and dug through debris until they found the temple. Until they saw me.


    I knew my purpose. And a Golem was nothing if not true to their purpose.


    I fought

 Mimics of Amazon

    It had only one purpose in life, to eat. The creature was a master of stealth and camouflage and made sure the prey never knew of its presence until it was too late. They have had many shapes through out the centuries. Their kind living prolonged lives as long as they adapted to better entice pray into their traps. First wondering monsters would be lulled by their unthreatening forms until the creature devoured them. Then Adventures fell pray to them due to false promises of treasure. Some very creative creatures disguised themselves as doors, chairs and even tables to ensure a meal would find their way into their jaws.


    These creatures were called Mimics. Their adhesive slime cause anything that touched it to stick. Their jaws were strong enough to bite through steel and in rare cases, Mythril.


    They were vicious adapters. They were smarter than they seemed. Through out the centuries as time went by, new tactics had to be chosen. New shapes and forms had to be taken to trick their pray into touching them and adhering the mimic onto them before they were devoured. Even now none could be sure the last mimic ever found, was truly the last.


    "Oh come off it!" Darren shouted. He and his friends had been drinking up at the cliffs where kids would sneak off to drink without authorities finding out. The others laughed and ribbed each other for getting too lost in the story. Jess, Taylor, Darren, Michael and Francis had known each other for ages. Growing up together they knew what twisted the others sense of fear and danger. But everyone knew mimics were products of fantasy and D&D nonsense. Francis laughed. "But I had you all going didn''t I?" He had a cheeky grin and the ribbing continued.


    It was getting late and they needed to get home. Each gave their goodbyes and went home. A few days later a rumor began circling around their school. Tales of a website that if you put in your address you will recieve a free package with wierd or maybe creepy things. It was like ordering mystery boxes on the dark web.


    Of course the friends found out and began dareing each other to try it out. In the end they all placed their names and addresses and walked off, forgetting the event as just another hoax that was being passed around. Weeks went by and the memory of the mystery boxes faded away. Everyone believed it was a hoax and even the rumors died. The story has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the violation.


    Late one Saturday afternoon there was a knock on Darren''s door. He was the only one home and answered, only to find a medium sized amazon box in the patio of his house.


    Darren checked the postage and saw it was addressed to him so he brought it inside and closed the door.


    His friends arrived to school the next morning and each of them noticed Darren was running late. It was unlike him but they did not think anything of it.


    The next week Darren was reported missing and believed to have run away. His friends were questioned but they had no idea what was going on.


    Jess was next. He recieved a small amazon package and did not show up for school the next day. Then Michael. Then Taylor. Francis grew afraid as he was the last in his group of friends to be left. The police began to think he had something to do with their disappearances. Investigators questioned him, family and friends, everyone knew how close the kids were to each other.


    Slowly people began believing that Francis was lying and that he in fact did something to them. No matter his denial they began suspecting him. Fearmongering led to threats or assaults. The families begged to have their kids back.


    Francis began to mentally decline and was soon institutionalized for his safety. The kids were never found. Francis never learned what happened to the people he grew up with and cared about.


    It was years later while still in the Asylum when a package arrived for Francis. It was unusual. On one of his better days he was allowed to open the box. But the moment his hand touched the box, he was stuck to it like glue. His eyes went wide and he breathed quickly. The amazon box began to crack open. The edges led to rows of razor sharp teeth. Eye opened between the lines of the A and O of Amazon and looked at him.


    "Been looking for you." It said roughly. Its tongue slide from between the teeth to wrap around him. Francis began to scream.


    "MIMIC! MIMIC!"


    His cries went unheard when with a slurp and a crunch, his voice died away. The mimic burped and closed back into looking like an average Amazon box. The shipping and receiving address changing on the box to be shipped somewhere else.


    Maybe even shipped to you.

 Hunting Windigo

    The hunters and I have gone out in search of food to bring back to the village. The game has been much more scarce than in recent years. The Chief and the Medicine Man do not know of the reason of why such things are happening, only that we must search farther afield.


    Our paths spread wider and wider. The moon chasing the sun many times as the distance grew. At times, small game would leave trails for us to follow, but nothing would come of it.


    It wasn''t until the moon rose for the eighteenth time that it all began. At first it was the sounds of movement in the brush. Other times it was the sound of another of our party calling out to the one on watch though the source of the voice slept not feet away.


    We decided none would be alone. On watch we were in pairs. While we hunted none strayed further than what was safe to shoot bow or throw spear. The forest was no longer our home and we were afraid. Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    We did not know what was stalking us as we traveled the lands. It was not until the youngest of us, S?t?uw? spoke from the fire one night.


    "I have heard tale of the Windigo. Told to me by the Medicine Man. Told me it is an evil spirit that can steal your voice and feasts on flesh. With the strength to rip a man from his limbs."


    The others laughed of wives tales. Things to scare the women folk and small children who misbehaved. I did not laugh. I felt truth. But it was he who was first to die. By morning his body was not found. He was young. But wise.


    The next night we stood closer watch. Our thoughts of the hunt long forgotten. We were the prey now. It got A¨²g¨°n¨¬ next calling to him using S?t?uw?''s voice to call for help.


    A blur lifted him into the trees with ease and we knew we were next. One by one we were picked off. Arrow and spear were used to defend us without success. One died from the loss of his head. Removed with a single clawed hand without a care or hurry.


    By the end of our trip only I survived. Well my voice did. I am sorry I distracted you.


    Now you are dead too.

 The Fae Wilds

    There was a little girl who lived by the ocean. A girl who laughed and sang and danced till her heart was full of joy. She would play in the waves and sang a silly little song to the sky.


    "I am little bumble bee. Watch me dance and hear me sing. I will laugh to the sky. I will dance until I dry."


    She danced on the shore and the wind and sun dried her over time.


    "I am little bumble bee. Watch me dance between the trees. I will sing a little song and be free all day long."


    She ran to the nearby trees of a bordering forest and danced around them as she repeated her silly song.


    As she ran back to her home others took sentry at the edge of the forest as they watched the dancing, singing little girl. These were the Fair Folk. Each a man of sturdy height. Each with colored grasses tangled in their hair and each with wooden crowns on their head.


    These were the Fae Kings. Their black eyes watched the little girl and each of the five stoic figures looked unmoved.


    The little girl rushed home and met her parents. They laughed and held her with all the love they had.


    "Little Bumble Bee, so happy and so free.


    The world is dark and full of fright, but you would be the worlds last Light. It''s ok to be afraid. You have love that can''t be weighed."


    The little girl and her parents prepared for the end of day and left a saucer of milk and bread by the window sill. The little girl was curious and asked about the saucer.


    "In the forest deep there lies, the Fae kings in disguise. Hidden behind the thick leaves, fairies dance on the breeze. Milk and bread to keep them fed, to show we wish to keep our head."Unauthorized usage: this narrative is on Amazon without the author''s consent. Report any sightings.


    The mother slapped the father as he chuckled.


    "Listen little bumble bee. Promise to hear me. Never in the forest roam, or you will not ever come home."


    The little girl looked on in fear but nodded her agreement. On the edge of the woods the Fae Kings stood. They watched the house silently before turning and disappearing as one.


    When they next returned the girl was just outside the forest and danced around like a rabbit. One made a bird song to try and lure the girl in. Another whispered on the wind to tease her to sing. But the girl listened to her father and refused to enter.


    "I am little bumble bee, come on out and play with me. The forest I can not roam. I still wish to go home."


    The Fae Kings watched her and then looked to each other. They could not leave the forest. But others of their ilk could.


    "I am Birch and I wish to see. Why you are so lovely. Little Bee who dances by. Would you only wish to try?" He beckoned to the forest.


    "I am Sage and I want to play. Could we meet at end of day? We can sit and sing songs. Play together all night long."


    "I am Creek and heard you sing. Would you repeat the song to me?"


    "I am Hare and love to run. You and I can have great fun. A game of tag we could play. It could not end until next day."


    "I am Stag and I would dance. The world our stage, audience in trance. Join my court and by my side. There''s no reason you should hide."


    The little girl saw the five strange men and listened as they spoke with promises. They sounded like fun but her father warned her to stay away from the forest.


    "I am Little Bumble Bee. I can not for you see. Father said to stay away. He would be sad if I''d disobey. Come out and play with me. To sing and dance like we''re free."


    The five looked at her and shook their heads. They could not leave the forest. She decided if they could not go to each other then she would play with them there. She danced and laughed and sang silly songs. The five watched till Hare joined. Just on the edge of the forest the Fae King danced and sang silly songs and laughed.


    The other four stared. At his laugh the world seemed to breath a sigh of life. Critters and small animals came and grew strong. Then Birch joined. The air became fresh as trees danced in a breeze. With Stag the large animals came to life. Creek gave the scent of fresh water.


    Sage tried to resist but in the end he joined and the plant life grew vibrant and healthy. The six danced and sang like children just on the boarder of the two worlds. Just at the edge. Just unable to touch.


    (To be continued.)

 The Yule Cat

    In winters cold chill the Yule Cat makes its home. Slipping and stalking its prey it moves from window to window, alley to shadow. Its eyes ever on the move for those unfortunate enough to catch its ire. On the night of Christmas Eve the Yule Cat stalks those clothed in the trappings of old and forgotten their new cloths at home. Such poor souls are the favorite feast to a creature without spite.


    On this night of Christmas Eve little Jonny walked from the church and headed home. His tattered shirt and hand me down pants ill fit his small frame. The winters bite was deep on his fingers as he walked through the snow half dazed. It was then the Yule Cat spotted his prey and began to move closer to his target. Jonny blew into his hands, his mind not paying attention to his surroundings. Just as Jonny was half way home, the Yule Cat charged and pounced on the boy. Enjoying the story? Show your support by reading it on the official site.


    It was then Jonny was not seen till the morning. His lips blue as the Yule Cat had his fill and left. Jonny was not the first meal for the Yule Cat. And he will not be the last.


    Time and again the large Yule Cat hunted the small town where Jonny used to live. The only survivor being the town drunk who escaped by waving new mittens on his hands. The Yule Cat left him for better meals, maybe the alcohol didn''t agree.

 My Persephone, Lord Hades

    When I am gone they will never miss me. They would never mourn my absence as I will be forgotten. They can not mourn or miss someone who never existed. They can not remember someone they never truly knew.


    They only know what I wish them to know of me. The false image they expect on first meeting. The preconceived ideal that is the one who is meant to rule the Underworld. But you. You, I have allowed to know the true me. The true self I have hidden in my solitude. But you also will never miss me.


    I have tried so hard to free you from the silvered words made chains around your neck. The silvered lies of your mother who drips the poison into your ears and eyes blocking me from your sight and hearing. My image and voice dilutes and twists in the poison so you see only what your mother wishes of you to see.


    For the time I have you, the time mortals call winter, your mother has prepared you to be a self-made prisoner. During the mortal times of Spring and Summer, Cerberos waits and whines at the doors of Tartarus awaiting your return. My Halls empty without you.


    Hermes, kind messanger he is, delivers unto me reports of your heart while away. Though I do not understand the persona presented before me I rejoice in your bliss at being home. So I have taken to walk the mortal world while apart, sure that Charon would handle things.


    I begun to travel the mortal lands just to enjoy the Spring, wanting to be closer to you, Persephone. I wanted to watch you as you are. To revel in your beauty. But I kept my distance to keep you from losing your joy. I understood my less than lively reputation causes you distress. But all that lives must at some point die. Even we gods are not eternal on our own.


    It was on one of these forays into the mortal world, during my times of great loneliness that I came to find comfort in another. Kindness in one who might be a friend if fate was kind. Minthe, is her name. A nymph I crossed paths with in a small valley near Athens. I had just left my position watching you. Glad you were happy and well.


    The weight in my heart bore me down and I sat on a stone to rest. It was then Minthe came dancing as nymphs are want to do. She saw me upon the stone and greeted me in a manner uncommon. She seemed as happy as ever and for once I felt I could return the feelings.


    "My lord Hades. How down you seem today. What has such as you low on such a fine morning? Do you need a change in pace? A little affection from another? Allow me to fill such needs." She smiled and laughed and I was rather suprised.The narrative has been stolen; if detected on Amazon, report the infringement.


    "It seems you are correct. I am rather down. I miss my wife and have months still before she returns to me."


    Minthe seemed to really look at me. Passed the shadows I wrapped myself in to hide and protect my heart.


    "My Lord Hades. Why not go visit her? Maybe I should go to her side and bring her to you. Nymphs, after all, come and go as we please."


    "No. That will not be required. She would not wish to see me early. It is enough to know she is well."


    "My Lord Hades. You have a kind, hidden heart." Her voice dropped and was quieter. Like she was feeling my own emotions.


    She was right. In front of anyone else I would have blustered and sulked to appear aloof and uncaring. But Minthe made me feel unjudged. I could be honest and speak to another the secrets I kept hidden in my heart. I wanted my wife. Always. But not if it sacrificed who she was.


    "Lord Hades. Forgive me. You are the one who controls the Underworld. Thanatos answers your call. Cerberus at your heels lays quietly. Souls pass at your heed. I am but a nymph. Nature is all I know. But your heart is not natural. It is not as it should be. Allow me to comfort you."


    She approached me but I begged off. I moved from the stone and looked at her. "I must return below."


    Seasons passed and her words haunted me. I came to you and spoke my fears. I opened to you and as before, my words were changed by your mothers poison but I kept trying.


    When you left me again I returned above and once more Minthe found me. We talked and were just together. It felt like I had found a friend who didn''t judge me. It was good and I felt myself becoming lighter. Spring after spring we would meet and talk. She would tell me of you and I would listen. I would speak of below and she would listen.


    I felt myself growing a little and soon I felt myself growing closer to her. Minthe made no overt gestures. Made no promises or declaration. But one Spring we did not talk. Just were together in silence. Then she kissed me. Of her own free Will and Desire. It was a quick and fleeting thing.


    I put it to her Nymph nature and nothing more. She blushed such a color that I had not expected. But before anything could be said she ran from me and I was too stunned to stop her.


    Someone must have seen. Must have told you. The next time I saw Minthe you were there. And you were angry Persephone. Before any could explain you cast your hand and Minthe disappeared. In her place was a plant.


    "Let it be known as Mint. Abrasive and strong in odor and taste. Much as her choice in men." Persephone, for the first time you seemed jealous. Your action saddened me but it gave me hope yet. If you could be jealous then the silver collar could be lifted from your neck.


    I stood before you and kept my tongue. I wanted to rant and yell. It was an innocent fancy of a young girl. The nature of a Nymph to be promiscuous in nature. She only wished to heal my heart and did so by giving her life. I will always be grateful to Minthe. She gave me hope there was still a future for you and I.


    Persephone left me then and I do not blame her. I returned below to Cerberus and spent my time with them as I waited for your to return.


    My Persephone