Joseph Stephens and the Hallows End part 4 of 4

    Joseph Stephens, Jaye Williams, Bob the skeleton and Lynara the magic user all stood staring up at Gujia Ironspine, the boss of the Devil’s casino in Hallows End. Gujia held his giant iron club out, ready to strike the group. Lynara was preparing her next spell and Joseph was trying to come up with a plan on the spot.

    Jaye began to chug his bottle of maple syrup. He then pulled out his claw hammer and stood ready to fight. Jaye eyed the situation and Gujia. The large skeleton boss was so big that the four friends were child sized in comparison. Any melee attacks would only reach Gujia’s hip at best. Jaye decided to act first and charged forward.

    Gujia was preparing to swing his large club. He moved into a sweeping motion, hoping to take out the whole group in one shot. Jaye jumped over the giant club and tumbled forward, closing the gap between them. Joseph jumped backward, barely missing the end of the club. Lynara grabbed Bob the skeleton and floated up above the strike. “Bob, go get help. We are outmatched. We both know a fight in the streets won't get much attention in this town unless we give them a reason to care” Lynara said then launched Bob with her magic. Bob went soaring down the road and crashed through the eye window of the Grinning Jack Inn.

    Lynara dropped from the air and launched shadowy fireballs at Gujia. Each flame burst into smaller flames upon impact. Gujia took a step back as he tried to pat out the flames. Jaye took this opportunity to attack. He swung his claw hammer and struck Gujia’s bulky kneecap on his right leg. Joseph Moved quickly towards Gujia as he recoiled from the attacks. Joseph brough his sword up and went in for the strike but before he could blue energy erupted from Gujia’s body.

    The bluish green aura exploded outward, which pushed Joseph backwards and threw Jaye several feet. Gujia charged forward and slammed his club down at Joseph. Joseph narrowly rolled out of the way as the giant iron kanabo club struck the earth. Gujia then stomped his giant foot down at Jaye. Jaye had enough time to stand up then swung his claw hammer at the giant foot. The hammer struck and knocked off a chunk of Gujia’s middle toe. The large oni skeleton reared back in pain. His anger surged causing flames to spring up from all around him.

    “I think we are a little out of our depths with this one” Said Joseph as he pumpkin sword transformed into steel armor with a pumpkin look to it. Jaye pulled out a handful of autumn leaves and looked down at them with nostalgia then put them back into his ratty, green hooded sweatshirt. Jaye then took his claw hammer and chucked it. The hammer went soaring through the air and lodged itself into Gujia’s eyehole.

    The giant skeleton recoiled in pain as he tried to unhook the clawed hammer from his eye socket. Lynara used the opportunity to caste her biggest and most exhausting spell to use. She closed her eyes and stretched out her arms. In her left hand she held a wand with a pumpkin on the bottom and her right hand was stretched into an open palm. She moved her right hand through the air, drawing invisible symbols with each strike of her palm. The end of the pumpkin wand bounced up and down in a playful manner. Once the spell was finished, Lynara’s eyes shot open then changed shadowy purple and black. A dark portal to another world opened up in the ground by Gujia’s feet. Long purple tentacles sprung out from the shadows. Each tentacle hooked into the ground and a large spherical creature pulled itself from the depths. This all took place in a matter of moments and by the time Gujia realized what was happening, it was already too late.

    The orb like tentacle monster grappled onto Gujia and attempted to wrestle the club from his hands. The two monsters wrestled for control of the weapon as Joseph and his friends were given a slight reprieve. “How did you do that?!” Joseph shouted in amazement. Lynara couldn’t move or respond, she was frozen in place as the shadow monster fought with the giant skeleton boss. “New plan we run and let the monsters deal with their crap” Jaye said clearly tired of cleaning up after others. “No, we promised Bob we would stay” Joseph retorted. “Bob is gone just like we should be. This skeleton guy is no joke” Jaye replied.

    Bob could be seen running back towards the battle just as the two friends conversation became more and more heightened. “I am back, my friends!” Bob replied. He ran clumsily along the road then tripped over a rock in his path, causing him to fall on his face. When he stood back up his mustache was stuck to the road. He quickly picked it up and stuck it back on, luckily for him no one had even noticed his arrival or his de-mustaching.

    Joseph and Jaye turned to see Bob standing ten feet away petting his mustache and whispering. Behind Bob was a whole group of monsters from town. Pumpkin Jack lead the charge of angry townsfolk. Each monster from town had weapons drawn, teeth bared and claws out.
    Lynara began to struggle with her magic as her shadowy avatar pried the Kanabo club away from the mad skeleton boss. The shadow monster began to flicker like static as Lynara’s legs began to tremble. Gujia was pushed back and separated from his weapon just as the shadowy tentacle monster blinked from reality. Lynara regained consciousness as he eyes returned to normal. She stumbled and fell backwards completely out of strength.

Once the shadow beast vanished Gujia was free to reclaim his weapon. Lynara had stalled the skeleton boss just long enough for  half of the town to show up to the fight. The angry mob arrived right before Gujia could claim his precious kanabo club shaped like a spine.
“Gujia! You have some crimes to answer for! Bob here told us all about your plans. Then we were able to extract a similar story out of a skeleton henchman who works for you” Pumpkin Jack shouted. The scarred man was brandishing a long, jagged cutlass. The sword that had slain the Necromancer of the Haunted forest.  Next to him were the Czars of Halloween, two humans from the Autumn Forest who loved Halloween so much that they fight the dangerous Lich to save the town and then moved into the town as heroes. These heroes were backed by werewolves, ogres, ghosts, trolls, zombies, banshees, witches, grizzled veterans of the Haunted Forest and worst of all Bob the skeleton. Bob was still singing a sweet, soft lullaby to his mustache.
Gujia turned to the group. “This is personal business. I am not involving the town” Gujia lied. “You are trying to take over the town with an army of skeletons. We arent dumb” Rebuked The deadly Pumpkin Jack. “You corrupted skeletons with greed and false promises!” Lynara added as she slowly gathered her strength.
Gujia stopped walking towards his weapon and put his hands in the air. “Alright, so now what? Is this a fight to the death?” Gujia asked, a threating challenge in his tone. “No, because we would clearly win. You need to leave Hallows End and cause no trouble. Your casino goes to Bob the skeleton. It will be converted into a club hall and community center” Jack shouted back.
One of the Czars whispered something into Jack’s ear. “We will keep the black jack and poker tables” Jack added. The town cheered.

    Gujia was forced from town. He claimed his weapon and headed off into the densest part of the Haunted Forest. The town cheered then dispersed to get drunk.

Lynara smiled at a job well done then turned to leave. “Wait, aren’t you going to say goodbye?” Joseph called out as he ran to catch up with her. “I think you are incredible and I know you probably aren’t interested in me but if you are, I’d really like to go out for coffee or something” Joseph said, immediately nervous about how she would reply. Lynara chuckled. “I am interested, at least a little” She said with a wink. “But you barely know me. I’m also not even human” She explained. “I figured you were some kind of witch or something. But I don't mind. And we can get to know each other over coffee” Joseph replied. Lynara let out a long drawn out sigh. Then snapped her fingers. Her human form changed in a puff of violet smoke. A second later the true form of Lynara stood before Joseph. She was a female, magic user, skeleton in black robes. “I’m a skeleton who can use magic and illusions. I didn’t mean to trick you but I was worried that whoever was changing skeletons bad would go after me. So I hid my identity. I assumed you would have figured it out though, why else would I want to help skeleton kind so much?” Lynara explained.

Joseph’s expression never changed. “I am still very interested in coffee, regardless if you are a human, a witch, skeleton warrior or even a skeleton magic user” He told her as he grasped his hand gently over her skeletal hand. “You really are persistent” Lynara said with a laugh that echoed into her skull.

“Well since we saved the day, maybe we can collect that reward and do a little sight seeing!” Jaye said. Then looked at Bob. “OH! Yes of course. I have your rewards. Magical potions that the old hag of the forest made. They let you transport to any realm of your choosing! Just drink the stuff and you will have the power to realm jump. Also the Czars of Halloween have agreed to show you around town” Bob explained as he handed Jaye the two bottles of realm jump potion.
The two friends had once again saved the day and were rewarded with new powers and a wonderful Halloween. The whole group celebrated at Hallows End through the rest of October.
The town slowly returned to normal. Bob was put in charge of the newly remodeled casino/skeleton club center/town community center. He was truly an expert organizer and the community center was the best run organization in Hallows End.

Joseph and Jaye eventually returned to their normal lives and decided to give the adventuring a break for a little while. Joseph and Lynara started a relationship together, whether she was a skeleton or was in human form, he loved and cherished their time together.

The moon hung up high in the night sky. Peace drifted over the land and ever so faintly the sound of laughing could be heard. The sound of the laughing pumpkin echoed over Joseph’s quiet home.

Joseph Stephens and the Hallows End part 3 of 4

The boss of the casino sat at a towering fifteen feet tall, he was the largest one in the room, he was dressed in expensive clothes and had guards surrounding Joseph and his friends. The only hope for the group was Bob the skeleton. Joseph was already thinking of a plan B.

“I will be direct, as you seem to be a businessman like myself and we both know how things go around here” Said the skeleton boss. Bob nodded his skull with such forceful agreement that his mustache almost fell off. Bob stood a menacing five feet tall, he wore an old suit he found in the forest years ago and his ‘bodyguards’ were a couple of friends from the human world. Bob felt a little out of his depths but played along anyway.

“Your employees said that you had an offer for me. I am interested to hear it. But first, My name is Bob, nice to meet you. I run many very successful skeleton related clubs and I used to be an accountant for a tavern in the Autumn Forest” Bob told the monstrous skeleton. The skeleton boss nodded “Yes, I have heard of you. I do my best to keep track of all the skeletons in the Haunted Forest. In case you were not aware, my name is Gujia Ironspine. I own this casino. I also like to watch over my skeleton brothers and sisters. We have such a negative reputation that most skeletons do not have a voice in this town and even less so outside the Haunted Forest” Gujia explained. “THANK YOU! This is what I’ve been saying!” Bob declared. He was so happy to have someone agree with him and his cause that he completely forgot that they were in danger. “Hmm, well yes. So as you were saying. You had an offer for me? As we are so like minded, I am very interested” Bob said as he straightened his suit and tie.

Gujia gently places his hands together as he spoke. “I don’t ask for much more than what you are already doing. I want you to go out and champion the cause of skeletons. With my resources and your specific skill set. I believe we can make a difference in this town” Gujia said in a sweet and calm voice. Bob really liked the sound of all of this. “Uh, excuse me. SIR. Maybe we should find out exactly what Gujia wants” Joseph whispered to Bob. This snapped Bob back to reality. The Mustachioed skeleton raised a single finger bone. “This all sounds wonderful Mr.Ironspine. But how exactly am I supposed to help?” Bob asked.

The skeleton boss adjusted his large frame in his equally large chair. Then calmly took his hat off and placed it on his desk. When Gujia removed his hat he revealed two horns that grew from the top of his forehead and curved upward. His horns were six inches long and easily concealed by a wide brimmed hat. “You are very direct. I respect that. I need you to go out into town and recruit more skeletons. I want you to bring them here so that I might offer them jobs as well. If my men approach the skeletons it might look suspicious but if you do it, people will assume it is club related. We need every skeleton in the Haunted Forest to band together and you bringing them here will hasten this goal” Gujia explained. “What exactly IS the goal?” Asked Bob as his excitement began to faulter. “The goal is to take over the town and establish skeletons as the dominant citizens” Gujia said very bluntly.
Lynara was still invisible and had been sneaking around the room as the skeletons spoke. She pickpocketed the guards, she looked for possible exits and made a startling discovery. When Lynara walked behind Gujia’s desk, she spotted an iron Kanabo club. This club was made of solid iron, it was in the shape of a spine and was as long as Gujia was tall. It looked massively heavy and dangerous. Lynara quickly and quietly made her way back to Joseph and Jaye to warn them of what she had seen. Lynara realized that Gujia must have been an undead Oni by his size, horns and weapon of choice. Oni were incredibly dangerous, they had the size of an ogre but larger and with the powers of a demon.

Lynara whispered in Joseph and Jayes ears and told them of the danger. Unfortunately she wasn’t able to tell Bob before he blurted out the first stupid thought he had. “You can’t take over the town! Thats wrong! I think we both agree on wanting to empower skeletons but we disagree on the method. I do appreciate the opportunity but I am sorry, I must decline” Bob said with a respectful tone. Gujia twisted his head sideways which made a series of cracking sounds all down his back. He pushed his table forward and stood up, revealing that his sitting height was fifteen feet but his standing height was even bigger. “By this point in the conversation, this wasn’t really an offer you could refuse” Gujia said his voice turned cold and bitter with each word.

“Time to run” Jaye loudly declared as he grabbed Bob by the back of his collar and made a break for the door. The casino bouncer, Handsome Johnny, stepped in to prevent Jaye’s escape. “Clawwww Hammmaaahh” Jaye shouted as he brought trusty hammer down on Handsome Johnny’s face. The Handsome skeleton was now less handsome with a cracked skull. The bouncer collapsed to the ground and Jaye darted through the door with Bob.

Joseph ducked under the skeleton ogre bouncer and then used his pumpkin sword to slash across the bouncers legs. The pumpkin delivered an attack that cracked the ogre’s leg bones. The ogre skeleton stumbled as he slammed his bone hands down to crush Joseph. Dark tendrils tore out through the fabric of reality, ripped up through the floor and began to assault the dozen skeleton guards inside Gujia’s room. Joseph looked over and saw a half invisible Lynara focusing on her spell. “Run idiot!” Lynara snapped. Joseph was in love.

Joseph ran for the door. Once everyone was out Lynara turned invisible and made her escape. The dark tendrils vanished the moment Lynara dropped her focus. Gujia had picked up his Kanabo club and turned to attack with it but in a matter of seconds everyone was gone and his guards were dazed by the sudden magic tendril attack. “Worthless!” Gujia roared as he swung his club in a sweeping motion. Half of his guards exploded into piles of broken bones upon impact with his iron club.
Gujia walked to the back of his office and opened a hidden door that revealed a giant doorway to Hallows End. The skeleton boss exited out to the back of his casino, he loosened his tie, unbuttoned his dress shirt and removed his expensive suit jacket. Blue and green flames began to swell within his skull as he took off into a sprint in pursuit of his prey.

Joseph and Jaye huffed and puffed as they ran. “We are out of shape” Joseph said between breaths. “Maybe YOU are!” Jaye replied equally out of breath. “Shouldn't we be in better shape after all the fighting we do?” Joseph added. “Maybe YOU are” Jaye repeated. Bob ran alongside his new friends but didn't have breath and could run indefinitely.

The group made it past the bright lights, slot machines, shady dealers and skeleton bouncers. They burst out of the casino sweating, out of breath and shouting about Oni. The people on the street didn’t pay attention and continued walking. Joseph stopped to catch his breath.  “I think we made it” Jaye said between gasps. Gujia appeared from behind the casino just as Jaye finished speaking. “Please never say ‘I think we made it’ or ‘what's the worst that could happen’” Lynara said the only part of her that was visible was her frustrated expression.

“What's the worst that could happen?!” Jaye shouted as he turned to see Gujia fast approaching.
    “Don’t you guys have magic weapons and armor from the Autumn Forest?” Bob said in a panic. “No! We did at one point but when you summoned us all of our stuff was left in the Autumn Forest. All I have left is the pumpkin sword and Jaye has his claw hammer” Joseph rebuked as he readied his sword for a fight.

    Gujia charged at the group like a runaway train barreling down the tracks. He was quickly within range to use his fifteen foot club. He swung it down at the group with immense force, Bob and Jaye were able to dodge the attack but Joseph wasn’t quick enough. The club came hammering down on top of him. He braced himself only to realize that the club never struck. He looked up to see the oni club had struck a magical shield above him. Lynara had once again broken her invisibility to use a spell. She held the shield in place, her face strained as she if she had been holding the club with her bare hands. “Please get out of the way now” Lynara said. Joseph nodded and quickly scrambled out of the way.

    Gujia was furious that his first attack was blocked by such a small witch. He reared back, lifted his club and slammed it down again. At this point Joseph was out of the way and Lynara had dropped the shield. The club came down threatening to crush Lynara but just before it struck, she blinked out of this world with a little flash of light. She then reappeared next to Joseph and Jaye with a casual expression on her face. “If you were hoping I was stronger than this guy, you are incorrect. If I were stronger, I wouldn't have tried to recruit you guys to help me come to the casino. So you really need to come up with a plan” Lynara said frankly.

    The battle with Gujia Ironspine had arrived and Joseph felt woefully unprepared. Lynara stood with the group, an annoyed expression on her face and Joseph couldn’t decide which emotion he felt stronger, fear of Gujia or love for Lynara.

Bob was worried.

Jaye was eating.

Joseph Stephens and the Hallows End part 2 of 4

Joseph Stephens and Jaye Williams stared in amazement at the town before them. The mustached skeleton, Bob, had led them to Hallows End, the town dedicated to Halloween and misfits. “This is totally worth almost dying” Joseph said as his eyes were alight. Jaye’s excitement matched Joseph but he kept a watchful eye on his surroundings. His expression was guarded as he examined every monstrous villagers. “Where do you want to go first?” Asked Joseph with child like glee. Jaye’s serious expression melted away to form a silly grin “Anywhere that looks like the most fun” Jaye exclaimed.

Bob led the two friends down the main street. Along the street were the townsfolk, they ranged from skeletons, ogres, trolls, ghosts, imps and vampires to name a few. Joseph also saw a number of creatures that he couldn’t name. The creature whose body was made of ooze, with a snake-like tail for legs, five long tendrils instead of arms and a head with five screaming faces, was a new sight to Joseph.

Along the Road there were many kinds of structures, some were simple brick buildings with strings of lights along their exterior while others were large, brightly lit and in the shape of pumpkins, skulls, bats and trees. The one casino in town was in the shape of a devil’s head, with windows for eyes and a large mouth for a doorway. The entrance was covered in sharp ‘teeth’ and bright yellow lights shined from the ‘eyes’ of the building. Two large horns jutted up from the top of the casino, each horn was over fifteen feet high. Joseph immediately walked towards the casino but was stopped short by Jaye. “We could win so much money, I just know it!” Joseph protested. “Or lose our heads in the process”

Bob had continued to obliviously march down the street. Joseph and Jaye quickly caught up to the skeleton before he even noticed they had left. Ahead of them was the popular tavern, “The Grinning Jack”, a structure in the shape of a Jack-O-Lantern, with a large crooked grind carved into it. The eyes, nose and mouth had sharp edges and light poured from each hole. The tavern was both eerie and welcoming at the same time, which was how most of Hallows End felt.

“This town is really well lit for a town full of monsters” Joseph commented. Bob coughed, or made a coughing noise to signal his displeasure. Skeletons can’t cough. Or grow mustaches. “That is racially insensitive, not all monsters lurk in dungeons and caves. Some do, and we actually have a part of town where lights are banned, but still. Please do not assume things” Bob lectured. “Ok, ok. Sorry. Jaye and I have fought our share of aggressive beasts and are used to a certain atmosphere. But this place really shows that everyone can live together in peace” Joseph said. “Well almost everyone. We are here because of unruly skeletons right?” Jaye added. “Yeah, thats true. Apparently not skeletons” Joseph commented. “Not all skeletons, ok? Not all skeletons, just some are unruly” Bob shot back.
The troop entered the Grinning Jack tavern, inside was decorated with orange and black, it was rustic and had strings of lights along the ceiling and around the stairway railing. The bottom floor was an open room with a bar, bar stools, tables, chairs and a more private corner with a booth. The upstairs was reserved for rooms for staying the night. The door to each room was partially visible from the bottom floor and was decorated with a pumpkin and each pumpkin had the room number printed on it.

Bob led the group to the bar. “This is the best place to start. Everyone is very chatty when they drink. Also the bartender is a nice guy” Bob explained. Behind the bar stood a man with an orange cloak, a green and black shirt, black pants and a jagged looking sword on his belt. His face was covered in scars and scars that ran along both sides of his mouth and around his eyes made him look like a human Jack-O-Lantern. “Names, Pumpkin Jack. how can I help you?” Asked Jack. The two looked at eachother “Well do you have pumpkin beer? Or would that be an insulting generalization?” Asked Joseph. Jack laughed “No, we do have pumpkin beer, thats the theme after all” He shrugged and poured two pumpkin beers.

“We also are looking into this skeleton problem. I guess all the skeletons are acting up and committing crimes?” Jaye told Jack. “Not ALL skeletons” Bob piped up. “Yeah, some skeletons have been breaking laws but this is a town of monsters and criminals, we arent worried about a few skeletons. I can assure you I’ve faced worse” Jack replied as he traced the scars on his face with his index finger.

Joseph turned to Bob. “Are we here to save the day or are we just running errands?” Joseph said, his tone turing less friendly. Bob was startled by this shift in his new friend. “Many townsfolk dont take it seriously but I am worried that this is a sign. The skeletons were peaceful and now most of them have gone and started attacking people and stealing things. I am not only worried about skeleton reputation but ALSO worried that the dreaded Necromancer is returning to power. He is the only one who has such sway over the undead” Bob stammered. Jack rolled his eyes and went about his business.

    Joseph and Jaye considered what Bob said but before either of them could speak, a female voice chimed in. “It has grown worse. Your friend with the fake mustache is correct to be afraid” The group turned and saw a woman with raven hair and pale skin approach the group. Her piercing green and blue eyes looked over the group as she spoke. “I have heard that skeletons who go to the casino come out in a frenzy and no longer care for the laws and rules of Hallows End” She added.
    “My mustache is actually real. Skeletons can grow mustaches, its a real mustache” Bob protested. Joseph was not only enraptured by the beauty of this stranger but also excited that they now had a reason to visit the casino. “SO, I guess we are heading to the casino!” Joseph said. Jaye was about to protest but decided to quietly go along with it. He took a healthy swig of maple syrup and readied his claw hammer for the inevitable trouble they would find themselves in.

    Joseph began to leave the tavern but stopped short. “I’m Joseph by the way. It is a pleasure to meet you. What is your name?” Joseph asked the raven haired woman with his most charming smile. “My name is Lynara. It is very nice to meet you, Joseph” She said with a smile. When she smiled her mouth moved but her eyes stayed intense and concerned. “I could help you if you wish. I know a little magic and am also concerned about the threat to this town” She added. “Of course! The more the merrier!” Joseph replied without discussing it first. Without another word Joseph raced towards the casino with the new girl in tow, Jaye following cautiously behind and Bob scrambling to keep up.
    The group raced to the casino, Lynara’s long hair and dark black and purple robes blew in the wind as they ran. She had a black, leather belt tied around her robes and tucked into the belt was a magical talisman, Joseph hadn’t noticed any of this.

    The group arrived at the casino shaped like a devils head and Joseph quickly walked in. The inside was awash with bright lights, sounds and smells. Food and drink flowed from table to table, the games and tables were decorated with flashing lights and buzz words like “Winner” and “Cash”. “Time to investigate” Joseph declared with a determined look in his eye. The group made its way through the busy casino. Joseph kept a watchful eye out for a skeleton of any kind. His keen eyes scanned the room for skeletons. He completely forgot Bob was a skeleton.

    “I don’t know if I should be in here. What if the evil magic of this place turns me into a lawbreaker?!” Bob said nervously as he rubbed the ends of his boney fingers together. “Oh, that is a good point! We could use Bob as a guinea pig” Jaye suggested. “T-that wasn’t the point I was trying to make” Bob protested. “Just sit down and play one of the cheap slot machines and we will watch. If you start to change we will stop you” Joseph assured the mustached skeleton. “Yeah, by force if we have to” Jaye said clutching his claw hammer. Bob returned to being nervous.
Bob sauntered over to a slot machine and sat down. Put a coin in and began to play. He lost. Then he tried again. Then he lost again. With each loss he looked at the two friends with a pleading expression. Then on the third try he won, coins began to spill out of the machine and lights flashed from the machine. “Ahh! I broke it!” Bob cried. “No, I think you won” Joseph replied. “OH! Right! Of course I did. I am of course a very successful business skeleton” Bob retorted as he groomed his mustache with confidence. Jaye scooped up the coins and dumped them into a large cup, then handed it to Bob.  “Do you feel evil yet?” Jaye asked. Bob gave the question some serious thought. Then replied “No, I feel the same”

As Bob played the slots a pair of casino bouncers appeared from the shadows. Both were skeletons, one was the skeleton of an ogre and one was a human skeleton. Both wore flashy suits and carried clubs. “Greetings, friend” Said the human sized skeleton. “My name is Handsome Johnny and this is my associate Grux” Replied John the handsome skeleton. “SO Handsome!” Jaye said with a smirk. If Johnny had a face he would be scowling.

“We have a very special offer for you. Something to seriously consider” Johnny told Bob. Bob was sceptical but nodded “Alright, I will listen to your offer. I am after all a very good business skeleton” Bob replied. Johnny nodded “right, right. So, who are these humans. Are they your servants or something?” Handsome Johnny asked. Joseph and Jaye looked at eachother then Bob spoke up quickly. “Yes! Of course. So if you want to offer me anything, I will be bringing my SERVANTS” Bob replied looking at Joseph and Jaye. “As you wish, sir” Joseph and Jaye said reluctantly. The two friends didn’t want to get separated from Bob at a time like this.
Lynara at this time was watching from the back. Her form was translucent as she moved and the skeleton bouncers never once noticed her presence. Even Joseph had a hard time keeping an eye on her lovely figure.

The skeleton bouncers then escorted Bob and the group away from the slot machines and through the casino. They walked past the loud, blaring machines, the cheers of winners and the sobbing of losers. They finally arrived at a red door marked private. They pushed the door open. The doorway led to a very swanky hallway that was somehow even more expensive looking than the rest of the casino. The hallway had several doors on the right and left but the bouncers continued down straight until they reached a golden. They pushed open the door and led the group into a large room where the owner of the casino sat.

A large skeleton sat behind a very expensive desk. The casino boss was almost fifteen feet tall and towered over his skeleton ogre henchmen. This monstrous skeleton wore a tailor fitted suit and fedora. The room, his chair and desk were all large enough to accommodate his size. Joseph, Jaye, Bob and invisible Lynara were now all faced with a room full of thugs and a giant skeleton in a suit. The threat to their safety was rising and they had to rely on Bob to talk them out of this situation.
Lynara was concerned, Joseph was worried and Jaye was eating.

Joseph Stephens and the Hallows End part 1 of 4

               The evening was cool and damp, trees rustled in the wind and the full moon hung up high in the sky. Joseph Stephens and his best friend Jaye Williams layed on the cold earth, sprawled out and surrounded by piles of fallen leaves.

      Previously Joseph Stephens and Jaye Williams had an adventure to save the magical Autumn Forest from the destruction caused by the ice and fire brothers, Ignitious and Glacius. They accomplished their task and set out to return home but before they could go home, they were whisked away by a mysterious force. The two friends vanished in a gust of wind and brightly colored leaves.
Joseph and Jaye found themselves on the outskirts of the brightly colored Autumn Forest and on the border of the sickly gray and green colored Haunted forest. The Haunted Forest came to be when a necromancer used his foul magic to in an attempt to become immortal. The evil magic cursed the surrounding section of Autumn forest, changing it into the dangerous Haunted Forest.
Joseph stood up and brushed the dirt from his pants. Jaye stayed on the ground and stared up at the break in trees that separated the beautiful Fall foliage and the reaching, menacing branches of the Haunted forest. “Two very IN tourist destinations. But which to choose?” Smirked Jaye as he moved his arms and legs to make snow angels in the dense layer of leaves on the ground.
“Well I’d say we could go back to the Autumn Forest but this spooky looking forest looks neat” Joseph said as he stretched out his back. “Yeah and maybe I’ll get lucky and you will die from a monster attack” Jaye said smiling and still laying in the leaves. “Luckily for me, you aren’t lucky” Joseph said giving Jaye the side eye.

     The two friends began to investigate the edge of the Haunted Forest. Joseph was looking at the gnarled trees, each one had bark so twisted that it looked like a screaming face. Jaye was filling his pockets with leaves from the Autumn Forest.

    As each friend carried on their somewhat important tasks, a figure emerged from the Haunted Forest. The figure approached Joseph and Jaye with a brisk stride. Joseph turned around to see a skeleton with a mustache, wearing a suit.

   “Don’t be scared, I come in peace” The skeleton quickly declared. Joseph stood unflintching. “I’m not scared, you aren’t very intimidating. You are also shorter than me and are wearing a fake mustache” Joseph pointed at the skeletons face. “It’s real! Ok, it is a real mustache. Skeletons can grow mustaches, I shouldn’t have to keep explaining this” the skeleton replied suddenly flustered. The skeleton then collected himself, straightened his suit and tie, rubbed his skeletal hands together and decided to start over.

   “Hello, my name is Bob. I am a skeleton, I live in the Haunted Forest. I run many very successful skeleton related clubs and I used to be an accountant for a successful tavern in the Autumn Forest. I am also responsible for summoning the two of you here, and I apologies” Said Bob the long winded skeleton. Joseph sighed “I need to get a second phone dedicated to all the magical creatures, elementals, seasonal entities and humans that need my help on a regular basis. Right Jaye?” Joseph said then called over to Jaye Williams.

   At this point Jaye was very busy not paying attention. Instead he was crushing Autumn Forest leaves into a powder. He then used the end of a knife to form lines of crushed leaf powder and proceeded to snort each line of autumn leaf powder. Jaye’s head shot back “Ohhh, shhhhii...Ok, ok ok” He muttered then reached into his bag and pulled out an amber colored glass jug of pure uncut maple syrup. Jaye took a long healthy swig of his maple syrup jug, then closed it back up and stashed it away.

   Joseph sighed “are we ready yet?”. Jaye bobbed his head and fidgeted with his clothes. “Yeah, yeah yeah, lets do this” He said, not knowing or caring what he agreed to. Bob was horrified.
“So whats the problem Bobert” Joseph asked casually. “Just Bob if you please” Bob said as he absent mindedly touched his mustache then straightened his tie.
“So, I heard you helped Patches with a band of ruffians and now I need you to help me. This is a nasty band of skeleton thugs that don’t care about rule OR order! I can reward you for your efforts of course” Bob explained as the thought of disorderly skeletons gave him a nervous fit.
Joseph Stephens reached into his bag and pulled from it a sword with a pumpkin on the pommel. “Just point the way and we will instill law and order”. “At least as long as its fun” Jaye commented. “Yes, as long as its fun” Joseph agreed. Bob’s concern grew.
“Ok, well. Follow me gentlemen…” Bob trailed off as he watched Jaye wipe crushed leaf powder from his nose. “Follow me, uh, comrades” Bob walked forward into the Haunted Forest with Joseph and Jaye in tow.

   The forest was dense and gray, twisted branches grew together, blocking out the sunlight above. Skeletons could see in the dark but Joseph and Jaye needed to light a torch.
The forest floor was made of dark gray and black dirt, green moss and pieces of previously alive creatures. Tree branches slowly reached out to grab Joseph and Jaye as they walked. One branch snagged Joseph, so he retaliated with a slice from his sword. “I forgot to mention, the Haunted Forest is super dangerous to anyone who isn’t already dead. A safe path opens on the eve of Halloween, but it isn’t Halloween yet so stay close and hopefully the forest will leave you alone” Bob said calmly.
“We should have asked for half of our reward up front” Joseph muttered.

   The route was covered in blocked passages, improvised short cuts, walking in circles and the occasional near death experience. As they walked they came across a Jack-o-Lantern sitting on a rock. A warm glow was emtted from the holes carved in the shape of a face. Joseph’s first reaction was to touch it and admire. Bob turned around and saw his new companions interacting with the mysterious pumpkin. “Please don’t touch that!” Bob shouted.

   Joseph touched the Jack-o-Lantern and nothing happened at first. “It’s just a pumpkin” Joseph said. “This is the Haunted Forest. Everything is Haunted, nothing is safe” Bob explained. Just as he finished speaking the Jack-o-Lantern’s light began to glow brighter and brighter. The light changed a sickly green and howling laughter could be heard echoing through the air. Then the laughing suddenly stopped and the light from the pumpkin went completely dark.
Joseph and Jaye stared at each other in silence as the now lifeless, Jack-o-Lantern sat. “Lets try not to think about that too much” Joseph said. “I am pretty sure you’re cursed for life now” Jaye said. “More cursed than your normal bad luck” He added.
After an hour of walking and great effort to forget about the laughing Jack-o-Lantern, the group finally arrived at Hallows End. This was a town for monsters, humans, undead and any creature who didn’t fit in anywhere else. It was also the number one best place for a Halloween party and at that moment was being plagued with a crime wave from unruly skeletons.

  Joseph Stephens and Jaye Williams looked in awe at the wonderfully spooky town before them. It was here that their adventure began.

Joseph and Jaye save Autumn part 3 of 4

            Night had settled over the Autumn lands and our two (sort of) heroes were resting under the stars to prepare for their battle with Ignitious. The cool air of the night blew through the forest making the grass sway and dance. Joseph and Jaye slept on their backs, wrapped in blankets as they stared up at the night sky. Their bodies left person shaped impressions in the grass.

            Joseph was slowly drifting off to sleep when he heard a soft crunching noise that resembled the sound of someone eating nuts or chips. Jaye was wrapped up tightly in blankets, he was most immobile from the blankets being wrapped so tightly but he had one free hand to sneak round candies into his mouth. The candies had a semi-hard crunch shell that tasted like a sweet biscuit or cookie and on the inside was sweet goo that tasted like maple syrup. Jaye would wiggle his arm through his blankets, grab a few candies from a pouch that he had tucked into his blankets and then slowly roll each candy into his mouth. The night was so quiet and peaceful that the muffled crunching of candies could easily be heard. Joseph grumbled to himself then slowly drifted off to sleep as he listened to the soft sound of crunching.

            Joseph dreamed of a dark battle between heroes and villains. Three people wielding weapons stood ready to fight as they stared up at the sky at an insane wizard casting spells down at the ground below. Skeletons huddled in fear around the battlefield a giant laughing pumpkin sat in the distance. The air was cold, the only light in the sky was a sliver of a moon and the twinkling stars. Pine and maple trees surrounded the group, all of the trees were devoid of life yet seemed to grow anyway. The dark gray husks of trees grew into twisted shapes to the point that they barely resembled their former selves.

            Morning arrived on the backs of a peaceful breeze, a gentle autumn mist and the sound of chirping birds. The two friends were curled up deep into their blankets and were so sound asleep that Ignitious himself could have walked up and kicked them several times without much notice. Joseph woke up first, his head groggy and stomach sour. He felt a sense of unease and as he tried to recall his half forgotten nightmare. Jaye woke up pretty easily and was eating again. He had stashed a box of donuts in his backpack and had eaten most of the donuts before offering one to Joseph.

The Jaye and Joseph packed up their little camp and set off deeper into the forest toward the little cottage they spotted when they first arrived. The two friends had been following a dirt path through the forest. Along the path the trees were sparse but if they walked off in any direction they would have quickly ended up in thick forest and been lost in minutes.

            The dirt road branched off into a split, the full sized dirt path went one way and the smaller cobblestone path led to the cabin. The friends walked along the nicer but smaller path until they reached the cottage in the woods. Wood smoke puffed from the chimney above and the smell of burning wood mixed nicely with the cool air. Joseph knocked a few times on the large wooden door, which had small, stenciled leaves painted on to give the appearance of falling leaves.

            The door slowly opened, a hunched and hobbled figure greeted the friends. “Joseph and Jaye! I knew you would make it. I am glad the wisps found you” Said the stranger. The man was tall and thin, he wore rural styled clothes, and had all of his skin covered by his warm clothing, farmer gloves and shin high boots. The strangers head was a burning flame and his face was glowing yellow energy. He was smiling ‘brightly’ at the friends. “Its me, patches!” Said Patches weakly.

            The two friends gasped. “what happened to you?” Joseph asked. Patches waved for the friends to come inside then limped to a chair and sat down. “those elemental brothers! They swear I owed them part of the autumn forest. They say I lost a bet, but I would never gamble the forest away. You both know I can fight when I need to, but they took me by surprise and they attacked me together. Then they smashed my pumpkin head and left me to watch as they carved up my forest for themselves!” Patches explained, his weak voice was stirred up with anger but he didn’t seem to have the energy to get any louder. Patches was always a lively spirit who danced and flew in with the Autumn wind at his back. Joseph didn’t know how, but the fire and ice brothers must have seriously injured him. Patches was a spirit made of straw with a pumpkin head. His soul and ‘brain’ were made of magical flames. Patches having his pumpkin head smashed would be like breaking open a human skull and leaving the brain and eyes intact. A human wouldn’t survive that but spirits were sturdier than most humans.

            “Is there anything you can do to help us fight Ignitious? We beat Glacious with the help of that warming drink, but we don’t have anything that protects us from fire” Jaye asked. “No, all the treasures I had were sent with the wisps. I am sure you will figure something out. Wind wont defeat him but it should be enough to deflect his fire attacks” Patches replied with a heavy sigh.

            Joseph was sitting across the room in a comfortable country style armchair. His face looked serious. He was normally a cheerful person but he felt that Glacious and Ignitious had gone too far. The renegade spirits not only threatened his favorite time of the year but severely injured one of Joseph’s friends. The injustice of it all boiled in his guts. Joseph realized he was grinding his teeth and was giving a lampshade the death eye. He quickly faked a smile and tried to ease his tension.

            Jaye knew something was off about Joseph and he also knew that they couldn’t stay and chat while Ignitious was out there burning down the forest “Hey buddy, you wanna get going?” Jaye used his softest voice while addressing Joseph. “Oh, yeah of course. Lets kick it” Joseph replied trying to sound cheerful but failing. His act fooled no one but the others ignored it for now. Patches smiled and waved at the two as they left “be careful! Also don’t worry about me, I will recover from this, just make sure you stop Ignitious” Patches called after them hoping to ease their worries. The truth was he would probably recover, he was a tough spirit, but he also had never been this severely injured before.

            Joseph marched ahead, his eyes set forward and his mind ready for battle. Jaye followed closely as he gripped the claw hammer that rested in his jacket. He wondered if he should be more worried about Joseph or worried about Ignitious when Joseph finds him. As the friends traveled back along the dirt path they felt warmer. The cool air turned to a warm breeze and the friends had to remove their coats and roll up their sleeves. It felt like a summer day in the autumn forest and this only added heat to the fire in Josephs guts.

The battle with Ignitious was ahead and the two were ready to end this adventure.

Joseph and Jaye save Autumn part 2 of 4

Joseph and Jaye stepped through the spirit gate that was placed before them. Both friends pushed open the little gate door and walked through only to find that they hadn’t been transported anywhere, they were still in the field. The spirit giggled in a squeaky voice. “Just a joke guys, ok ok. Here you go” said the spirit who then snapped its fingers and the two friends were whisked away to the spirit world. Joseph felt like he was riding a roller coaster through an endless number of loops. Joseph then felt like he was free falling at one point, gaining speed as he hurtled toward the ground like an meteor.

Two green streaks of light flashed across the sky over the autumn land deep in the spirit world.  The two green meteors crashed hard into the ground below, shaking the surrounding area. Joseph and Jaye shakily climbed out of the crater they created. Joseph didn’t know how he survived the fall but was glad the ride was over.

The autumn land was beautiful. Golden sunlight lit up the forest, each tree had various colors of autumn. Different shades of orange, red, and yellow, every shade from bight shining color all the way to the deep rust color the trees get at the end of Fall.

The grass that spread over the land was different shades as well, deep green, pale green and yellowish. In front of the friends was a stream that sparkled with reflective sunlight, the water looked cool and fresh. The air was chilly but not overly cold. The smell of wood smoke lingered in the air and a cute little cabin sat in the distance. 

“I thought this place was under attack?” Joseph said. “Maybe they took a break from destruction to get a coffee” Jaye suggested. “Or the spirit sent us to one of the few remaining locations in the autumn land that haven’t been destroyed yet” Joseph said. “OR! The spirit was lying about destruction and the special relics he gave us are just junk he found” Jaye said with a sly grin.

Joseph held his staff out in front of him, pointed it at the water and focused on trying to use it. A burst of wind shot from the top of the wooden staff shaking the little autumn leaves that grew from the top of it. The wind rushed forward several feet and stirred up the water before disappearing into the air. Then the staff let out a little burst of flame, small and mostly harmless. “Ok, so I have to work on this. At least we know the staff is real” Joseph said proudly.

The two friends began to talk through the autumn forest, listening and watching for any signs of fighting or destruction. Clouds began to form, blocking out the sunlight. Rain started to fall on the land transforming the bright and colorful forest into a sleepy rainy forest. The friends could hear the sound of rain hitting the trees and splashing into the river. Their hair and coats were damp from the rain. The air felt a bit chillier and Joseph wished he had brought a heavier coat.

The rain continued and the friends were getting cold. “Hey how about a swig of that flask we got?” Asked Jaye Williams. “You are always looking to eat or drink something! But yeah, it might warm us up” said Joseph. Joseph opened the leather water skin and took a small sip then handed it to Jaye who took a sip and gave it back. The liquid tasted like hot chocolate or coffee, or a mix of the two with some kind of Fall spice in it. Whatever it was, it tasted good and the two immediately felt warmer.

The air continued getting colder as the friends pressed on and soon each breath was visible. Joseph spotted frost on the tops of the trees and some of the Fall trees even looked like they were dying from sudden frost shock. “Get ready, this can’t be natural to this area” Joseph said. Jaye nodded and pulled out the pumpkin and concentrated. The hand sized pumpkin transformed into a large one-handed sword. The blade was jagged and curved like a cutlass, the handle was black with a leather grip and the hilt was made of an orange metal and had little pumpkin shapes at each end of it. The pommel of the sword was also a pumpkin shape. “Whoa! I wonder if I would offend anyone if I carved a pumpkin with a pumpkin sword” Jaye said with a quizzical look. “Focus” Joseph replied.

The air was icy cold and each breath in felt like tiny daggers in their lungs. Two trees collapsed on each other, then an icy figure approached from behind the trees. “If the Patches just came out to settle his debt, we wouldn’t have a problem!”  Yelled Glacious the ice spirit. “Hey! Stop destroying the forest! Some of us love autumn. Take your grudge somewhere else!” shouted Joseph as he aimed his staff. The rain continued but all of the rain falling in the radius around Glacious was turned to snow. Snow and rain littered the soon to be battlefield as the two friends held their weapons out, ready to fight. 

“The coward sent fighters in his place?” Glacious howled, his voice was loud and furious like a blowing winter wind that shakes the house and slams the shutters. Before another word could be exchanged Glacious put out both of his hands and launched a beam of frozen energy.

Jaye held out the golden maple leaf, which conjured a shield around the two friends. The shield was translucent and made of rushing wind. The winter blast hit the shield. Part of the blast was absorbed into the shield but the rest of it went right through and hit the two friends. “You cannot stop the fury of winter with wind. Whoever sent you, has sent you to your death” Bellowed Glacious as he marched closer to the friends.

Joseph and Jaye crumpled to the ground from the shock of the ice blast. Their skin felt like it was burning and their hearts raced. “I’m glad we took a sip of that flask before. Otherwise this might feel worse” Jaye said as he struggled to stand. “Maybe a little more will help!” Joseph added as he tried to regain his balance. Joseph pulled the flask from his bag and took a big gulp, then handed it to Jaye who also took a large gulp. 

The feeling of cold and the threat of frost melted away. The air felt like a pleasant Fall day and the snow falling around them felt no colder than tap water. “alright, now that we are warmed up, lets give Glacious a little warmth” Said Joseph as he pointed his staff at Glacious and let loose a flame blast with all of his might. A flamethrower like flame erupted from the staff scorching everything in its path and engulfing Glacious.

The flames died down and Glacious was still standing. He had an icy wind shield flowing around him but he looked injured from the fire. The ground was scorched in the wake of the flame attack.

“My turn” Jaye said as he charged forward. Glacious let loose another arctic blast. The freezing air did nothing more than make Jaye feel a little cold and the wind wasn’t enough to do anything but slow him down. Glacious gave a smug grin assuming Jaye had died in the usually fatal arctic blast. When the wind and ice died down, Glacious saw Jaye charging forward unhindered. Jaye slashed with his sword like a maniac. Each cut from the sword left these glowing blue wounds on Glacious. Since the sword was enchanted and not a physical weapon it could harm spirits. Jaye didn’t know any of this, he just wanted to slash someone with his new sword.

Glacious realized his cold powers wouldn’t be enough this time, so he formed sharp icicles all along his arms and shoulders then swung his icicle covered arm at Jaye. Jaye Williams jumped back, his sword disappeared from his hand and transformed into armor. The enchanted pumpkin could sense its owners intentions and could transform back and forth in a moments notice. Jaye was hit full force by the strength of Glacious and his dagger like icicles. The attack sent Jaye flying but the armor protected him from being impaled. The armor was orange and black with a little smiling pumpkin face on the belt buckle.

Jaye slowly got back to his feet. As Joseph charged forward with his staff he launched earth tremors under Glacious’ feet causing the spirit to stumble. Then while he was off balance Joseph launched a whirlwind from his staff then followed it up with a flame burst. The flames engulfed the whirlwind and flew straight at Glacious. The icy spirit didn’t have time to react, once the tremors died down he looked up to see a flaming whirlwind come straight at him. The wind hit Glacious and whirled around him for several seconds inflicting massive fire damage against him.

Joseph Stephens collapsed from exhaustion. The staff had drained his energy and he was out of the fight. Jaye stood between Joseph and Glacious. The ice spirit was severely injured and looked like a human ice sculpture. He was more solid than before and lost his appearance of being a being of floating ice and snow. 

“Give up! You can’t attack me without being impaled on my spikes and your friend is down” Glacious yelled, his voice strained light a dying wind. “I brought something with me. Something I keep around for when I need to wreck fools. It’s the weapon that hurt the spirit of winter itself, the kingslayer, the one and only, CLAW HAMMAH!” Jaye yelled. He pulled an ordinary looking claw hammer from the inside pocket of his jacket and lunged at Glacious. 

Glacious turned both arms into spikes and stabbed them out at Jaye. Jaye swung down at the ice spikes and shattered them with his majestic hammer that he bought on sale at Tuscany Sam’s hardware depot. The hammer shattered the spikes. Then Jaye swung again, this time the hammer striking Glacious on the head. The attack sent cracks through Glacious and caused him to fall backward. The spirit hit the ground, his blue aura began to fade and his brittle icy body looked like it was one strike away from shattering completely. “I give! I will never bother you or Patches ever again” Glacious pleaded.

Jaye’s eyes went dark as he stood ominously over the fallen ice spirit. Jaye’s shadow was cast over Glacious as Jaye spoke with a deep grumbling voice “There will be no mercy for those who oppose Autumn” Jaye said as he lifted the claw hammer above his head. Glacious prepared for oblivion but then nothing happened. “Juuuust kidding, Boyo!” Jaye said with a goofy grin. “HA! I took a picture of your stupid face with my phone. Now get outta here or I’ll show everyone how much of a big cry baby you are!” Jaye said then walked off to check on Joseph. Glacious was stunned by the turn of events. He had never met anyone like Jaye Williams before nor anyone as strong and dedicated as Joseph Stephens. Then a single frozen tear slid down Glacious’ face. “I’m not a cry baby” he said in a pouting voice.

The day one won and Glacious was defeated. As the ice spirit disappeared, escaping back to the winter lands, Joseph was slowly waking up. “I have to be more careful with this staff, it knocked me out” Joseph said. “Thaaaats what she said” Said Jaye. Joseph grimaced at Jaye before letting out a small smile. 

The air grew warmer and went from winter winds back to a pleasant Fall day. The two friends knew they had to fight Ignitious next but decided they should rest first. They set up a small camp where they could regain their strength, eat and prepare for the next fight. The day had turned to night, the rain had stopped and a cool breeze lingered in the air. The autumn trees swayed in the breeze and the falling leaves danced in the air as they drifted slowly to the ground.

Joseph and Jaye save Autumn part 1 of 4

            Joseph Stephens sat on a large rock in the middle of a field. The field was covered in green grass that was slowly changing shade from the cold autumn air. The wind blew through the field, shaking the grass and mess up Joseph’s hair.

            Jaye Williams walked through the field wearing a thick fall jacket that was gun metal gray and had too many pockets. He made his way to the rock where Joseph sat. the last few rays of sunlight shone down on the field as the day gave way to night. The air was crisp and the lingering smell of wood smoke wafted through the air.

            Joseph wore a slick rain proof green jacket and sported a pile of messy brown hair on his head, bushy eyebrows and brown eyes that showed ages of experience. “Hey Poncho man Jones” Said Jaye as he approached. Joseph’s contemplative look faded into a grin “What IS up, Jim Jams the Jam man?” Joseph shouted into the air without turning to greet his friend.

            Jaye laughed then sat down on the rock next to Joseph. The two friends sat back to back on the rock. “So why are we here?” Jaye asked, trying to shout over the increasingly loud wind that blew past them. “Usually weird stuff finds me when I try to live a normal life. THIS time, we are out to find something weird first. Then we can get more normal life stuff done without the distraction. Make sense?” Joseph explained, shouting into the wind and still face away from Jaye. “No it doesn’t, but I like the part where we find weird stuff. I got a few ideas already. Eheheheh” Jaye said with an alarmingly evil chuckle. Jaye patted the breast of his coat. Hidden away in the inside pocket of his coat was a surprise that he kept with him in case of emergencies or weird events, or when he was bored.

            The two friends talked by facing away from each other and shouting into the wind, this strained their voices and hurt their throats. But instead of turning around and trying to save their voices, they ignorantly continued shouting like apes.

            As the two baboons howled into the wind a streak of light was seen flashing across the sky. It was a bright green light and only was visible for a second. Then a few seconds later the light was seen again but closer. The light grew closer and closer until the two friends realized the source of light was hurling towards them like a meteor from space.

            Though they weren’t smart enough to save their voices, they were smart enough to move away from the impact zone of the green light meteor. The light shot straight at them. The two friends ran for cover and escaped just in time to watch a blast of green light hit the rock they were sitting on and explode into rubble.

            The ground shook and a large locked treasure box rose up from the crater made by the green light. Green wisps burst from the ground and surrounded the treasure chest. They wisps carried the chest to solid ground then dropped it with a loud thud. Then the wisps swirled around like a mini tornado until they formed a human shaped creature made of green light.

“I’ve seen weirder” Jaye said casually. “No way yo-“ Joseph started to say, then remembered that they both had seen weirder things in the past. The two friends stood up from behind the mound of dirt they were hiding behind and approached the green light being. “I got a letter telling me to come here, it was signed a ‘friend’. Is that your doing?” Joseph asked.

“Why didn’t you tell me about the letter?” Jaye asked faking a sad expression. “Would it have changed your decision to come to the field?” Joseph asked. “No, probably not. I didn’t have anything going on and my favorite show “baby clubbers” isn’t on till tomorrow night” Jaye replied.

The green being spoke, its voice was soft and quiet. It sounded completely harmless and a little silly. “Listen you guys, I’m very serious about what I am about to tell you. Like really really serious. So listen” said the Green light being in his silly little voice. Jaye and Joseph tried not to laugh.

“I sent you the letter because the spirit of autumn is being attacked in his own land. In the spirit world we all have a little kingdom of our own design, its really really cool you guys. Anyway the elemental brothers Ignitious and Glacious are wreaking havoc in the autumn lands. They are spirits of fire and ice and I guess they got into a fight with the spirit of autumn over a card game or something” the green spirit explained.

“I don’t normally like helping but I see you have a treasure chest. Maybe you could use that to bribe us with?” Jaye said bluntly in his best attempt to be subtle. He failed at subtly. “Y-yeah man, totally. I was actually already going to give you the stuff in the chest. Just slow your respective rolls, if you please” said the green spirit, its tiny voice trying to sound serious but worked as well as if a kitten tries to act tough.

“Since the autumn lands are in huge disarray I took several of the Fall relics and brought them here so they wouldn’t be destroyed” Explained the green spirit. The humanoid green light pointed at the treasure chest, its hand broke off from the writst, turned into a green light wisp and went into the keyhole of the lock. The lock broke open and the treasure chest creaked as the lid was floated open by the wisp which was now in a hand shape again. “Still not the weirdest thing” Jaye muttered.

Joseph ran over to the treasure chest and looked inside. The relics of the autumn land included the following: A golden maple leaf the size of a catchers mitt, a pumpkin the size of a base ball, a staff made from the branch of an oak tree with orange, red and yellow leaves decorating the top of the staff, and last was a leather water skin filled with warm liquid. Joseph gathered all of the items into a large sack and walked to the green spirit. “This is great, but what does this stuff do?” asked Joseph.

The spirit replied in a very excited soft little voice. “The golden leaf can create a temporary shield of wind that can block most physical objects. Anything that can be swept away but a rushing hurricane wind will be repelled by this wind shield. The staff can shoot fire, send out controlled bursts of earthquakes and send out blasts of wind that can send spirits and creatures flying. Both the leaf and the staff will tire you out to use. They are magic and drain your energy. So don’t use them all the time or you will be too tired and warn out to fight. The Pumpkin doesn’t consume your energy but it can turn into armor or a weapon at will and the Water skin has a hot beverage that keeps you warm against even the harshest cold” The green spirit explained.

“Dibs on the destruction staff!” Jaye shouted. “NO!” Joseph shouted back in alarm. He didn’t want to think what would happen if Jaye got something that could shoot flames. He would probably burn down the forest then exhaust himself and collapse before they even found the elemental brothers.

After several games of rock-paper-scissors and much arguing, Joseph ended up with the Staff and the flask and Jaye took the pumpkin and leaf. With their equipment settled and the two ready for adventure the green spirit opened a gateway to the spirit world. A literal metal gate appeared out of thin air. The metal was polished steel and the gate was about three feet tall and had a swinging door. It looked like a little steel garden fence. “This is it? To the spirit world?” Joseph asked hesitantly. “Of course!” Said the spirit in a pouty voice “Come ON guys this is serious business. Like super serious you guys!” The spirit added.

The two friends tried not to laugh as they delicately opened the swinging gate door and stepped through it. Adventure, battle and autumn scenery lay ahead of the two friends. All they would have to do is fight and stop two ancient elemental spirits set on destroying everything. Luckily they have a small pumpkin and a leaf.

Joseph Stephens and the final day part 3

     Joseph Stephens and Jaye Williams ran down into the subway, the air was cool and the small lights built into the ceiling didn’t provide much light. They were drenched with rain and wind blew into the subway entrance from outside. A mysterious storm was brewing in the city of Ales and the two friends were on the hunt for a 5 foot tall mouse woman with sharp claws and fangs. The Mouse lady ate humans and lived in the subway, she was quiet about her business though and a few disappearances a year never alerted the larger population.  

     Joseph pulled the Serpents dagger from his gray coat, Jaye was pulling candies from the pockets of his hoodie. The two friends walked down the stairs slowly as they listened for any unusual noises. The normal buzzing of people talking all at once while they waited for their train. The subway trains screeched and rattled as they zoomed by. Joseph realized he wouldn’t get anyone by listening for the Mouse lady, they had to hurry and find her. She was a giant mouse and would stand out in a crowd.         

          Joseph took off running through the subway corridors as his eyes scanned through the crowds of people for anything unusual. A shriek was heard and Joseph went running to find the source. A woman was screaming and a man was quaking in fear. “what happened?” Asked Joseph. The woman pointed at the train doors as they were closing. Jaye pulled out a crowbar and wedge it into the doors while Joseph squeezed onto the train. Jaye went to enter the train but the doors snapped shut and the subway train took off without him. “Ya lousy subway! You’ll hear from my lawyer!” Shouted Jaye, who then threw his claw hammer at the train as it took off. The hammer dented the back subway car and then fell into the tracks.

          Joseph readied his weapon as he walked through the subway car. All the seats were empty and everything was quiet except for the screeching of the metal wheels as they zoomed along the tracks. As Joseph walked closer to the driver’s car the screeching grew louder. This was the loudest subway train Joseph had ever been on and the emptiest one too.  The driver’s door flung open as Joseph approached it. The driver was dead in his chair and the mouse lady was covered in blood. She was screeching as she chewed on the severed arm of the driver. The train was making normal noises but the loudest noise was not the subway cars wheels but the mouse monster as it fed on human flesh.

       

          Joseph sprung forward with his serpent dagger. The mouse lady charged forward as well. When the two collided the mouse lady easily trampled over Joseph. The mouse monster wasn’t larger than Joseph but her strength and speed were super human.

   

          Joseph was knocked to the ground but held his dagger tightly. The mouse lady let out a blood curdling shriek, her yellow eyes flashed with a murderous glare, her fangs dripped with human blood and her claws were raised up ready to strike. Joseph had to moved quickly but the mouse lady was faster than he was.

          Joseph charged at the mouse with his shoulder out, keeping his dagger low so she couldn’t spot it. Joseph tackled into the mouse lady and the creature bit down onto Josephs shoulder. Blood spilled out over Joseph’s shirt and down his neck. Pain shot through him and he wanted to collapse from shock. He tried to bear the pain and gripped his dagger tightly. The mouse creature’s fangs sunk so deeply into Joseph’s shoulder that he could feel the fangs scratch his shoulder bone. His vision went dark and he began to tremble. He used all of his strength to push his dagger forward into the mouse monster. 

          Joseph stabbed the mouse lady with the serpent dagger using both hands. The poison of the dagger entered the mouse lady’s veins immediately. Joseph was released from the deathly bite and he collapsed to the ground. He dropped the dagger and tried to stop the bleeding by ripping his shirt to make a bandage.

 

          The poisoned mouse lady twitched and fell to the floor. Joseph slowly stood up and stumbled over to the drivers seat and pulled the emergency break. The train screeched to a halt and Joseph was thrown forward and hit his head on the console.

          Joseph woke up to the gentle voice of his friend Jaye Williams “You have all of the grace and finesse of a dead cow” He laughed. Joseph rubbed his head and slowly stood up. “How did you find me?” Joseph asked feeling woozy. “Your subway car was on a track, I followed the track. Also I had to get my claw hammer” Jaye replied.

 

          The mouse lady was dead and the only foe remaining was the half man, half dog, swordsman, known as Dishonored dog. Joseph was relieved and needed time to recover from battle. Jaye was tired from walking and needed a donut to recover from exercise

Jaye Williams and the dangerous road

Jaye Williams stood surrounded by a gang of bandits, each one with a weapon branished. The hood of Jaye's dark blue cloak covered his eyes as he looked down at the floor to concentrate. "You sure you wont reconsider?" Jaye said in a low voice. "You aren't getting out of this alive. anyone who stands in our way ends up dead in the dust" Said the leader of the gang. A merchant with a sweet top hat stood terrified behind Jaye. "T-thank you for stepping in to help me, but now we are both dead" The Merchant said.

"Enough!" Jaye shouted, his voice echoed through the air like a clap of thunder. "Stand back, I got Wizard shit to do" Jaye said to Merchant.

Electricity began to sizzled in the air around Jaye as he slowly walked closer to the leader of the bandits. "You'd think more people would run from the guy surrounded by lighting" Jaye said to the bandit leader. The leader gestured to his men, who then switched their melee weapons out for crossbows. Each bandit shot their crossbow bolt at Jaye. the shots were fired from different directions and were impossible to block and were moving too fast to dodge. Jaye sighed when he heard the crossbows fire. Electricty jumped from the air and struck each crossbow bolt, striking them each mid air. The Crossbow bolts were reduced to harmless dust. Jaye looked up with electricity radiating out of his eyes. "this is the part where you run" He said with a cocky smile.

two bandits ran away leaving the bulk to stupidly charge the wizard. "Come on lads he can't hit all of us" Shouted the leader. Jaye sighed and held up his hands, pointing them at the on coming bandits. Lighting magic gathered in his palms as the electricity in the air leapt out and shocked the bandits as they drew closer to to the wizard. The lighting shield that filled the air wasn't enough to stop the bandits so Jaye had to use a little more energy than he cared to use. "Thunderbolt!" Jaye shouted, releasing energing up into the sky. Clouds formed around the bandits and lighting struck down on all of the bandits, each bandit had a bolt just for them. Lighting struck the bandits, then Jaye snapped his fingers and the clouds flashed and sent down smaller bolts that followed the path of the first bolts. "I think I've finally mastered the timing on that spell" Jaye said with a big smile.
The bandits were all rendered unconcious or paralyzed from the lighting. "You are lucky you caught me in a good mood" Jaye said as he began to walk away. The Merchant was trembling but seemed relieved. "The gods look kindly down on me to have sent a wizard to my aid" Said the merchant. "I don't know about all of that, but I am glad you are safe. Also I like your hat. Give it to me" Jaye said. "W-what?" Said the Merchant. "Listen I am not robbing you or anything, but I did just save your life and your gold from bandits, I will take that sweet hat as payment" Jaye replied. "Anything you wish, sir" Said the merchant as he removed his hat and gave it to Jaye Williams.
Jaye Williams let out an excited laugh as he put on the hat. it was a black top hat with an orange feather stuck in the brim. "Joseph would love this" Jaye said fondly. "Look out!" cried the merchant. Jaye turned around just in time to see an arrow flying toward his head. He ducked and the arrow shot through his new hat and pulled it off of his head. The bandit leader was not only still alive but tenacious enough to fire a shot at Jaye when his back was turned.

"Bad decision" Jaye said with clenched teeth "SHOCKER!" Jaye shouted. a giant bolt of lighting split open the skies, ripped through the clouds and hit the bandit leader. The blast shook the ground, brightened up the air and made a loud boom that could be heard for miles. When the dust settled the bandit leader was a skeleton stuck in the position of a man holding a bow and arrow.
Jaye turned around to get his hat and noticed the Merchant had run off. Jaye pulled the arrow out of his hat, dusted it off and placed it back on his head. He was tired from traveling, his mana was drained and he was getting tired of traveling alone.

Jaye continued down the road, his journey dragged on. Jaye's feet grew tired of walking and his eyes were tired of staying open. "Its been a long day" Jaye said with a sigh. Night crept in and Jaye was still miles from a town. "I should have asked for more than a hat" Grumbled Jaye, who was hungry, tired and needed a serious sugar fix to restore his mana.

Jaye Williams was dead on his feet when he heard rustling of bushes and a swordman emerge from the shadows. Jaye didnt have the energy to fight another enemy. Thinking back he realized he shouldn't have used such a powerful spell to take out one enemy bandit. Jaye's vision focused on the swordsman and realized it was his friend Joseph Stephens. Jaye stumbled forward with his eyes half closed. "Great, its you. And I was having such a good day, then you decide to show up" Jaye said with a big smile on his face. The last thing Jaye saw before passing out was his friend Joseph with a matching smile.