Halloween Special

    Hi! I'm prefacing this short story with: I am not much of a horror fan/writer. My closest experiences with horror are living in the US and watching others play horror games or watch scary videos. Though, since it's Halloween, I wanted to take a stab at it (ba-dum-tss). Puns aside, enjoy the first(?) Halloween special... Mwa-ha-ha-ha-ha!

    On the night of a blood moon, a lone man walked through a graveyard. He wore a pointed hat, leather garb that covered him from head to toe, and metal boots. On his hips were hatchets and on his back, a metal bat. His gaze and stride were predatory, as he never averted his gaze from the tombstones at his feet. The only sounds permeating the graveyard were the crunching of leaves under the hunter's feet and the whistling wind.

    The wind itself seemed to beckon the ethereal... What leaves were left on the disrobing trees were being rustled. The rustling seemed to extend to the energy itself, crawling along the skin like ants. Feeling this, the hunter stopped his prowl and stretched and limber himself up for the trial that was to follow. Eventually the wind stopped, but the feeling didn't. It went from the feeling of ants crawling on your skin to being engulfed by centipedes. The hunter wasn't unfamiliar to this sensation but he involuntarily shivered nonetheless. Though as the feeling seemed to become unbearable, it suddenly stopped. With the sudden lack of that sensation, his senses sharpened. The hunter took a wide stance and brought his focus to the ground. Everything had become still. Far too still for those who sharpened their intuition. Still to where you could hear a pin drop in the distance... Or notice the movement of stray ant going about its business...

    Suddenly a hand grabbed the ankle of the hunter. He reflexively kicked that hand and yanked the undead from his once resting place. As he kicked, he unsheathed the hatchet from that same side and chopped off its head. It flopped on the ground, but attempted to get up despite the lack of its head. The hunter then swiftly stomped on its head and its body went limp. Though that was purely the start of the horde he faced. Soon, the once still environment almost buzzed with the groans and shamblings of the undead. Seeing his foes, he unsheathed his second hatchet.

    He started his assault on a group of three farthest from him, throwing a hatchet at one of their necks. The hatchet buried itself in of one of them, though did no lasting damage. Though the small hesitation and distraction from their stumbling allowed the hunter to chase them down. With the hatchet still in his hands, he cut the heads off of two of them while at the same time retrieving his other hatchet and beheading that undead. As soon as the heads hit the ground, he took stomping steps to be rid of them. Following this pattern of dashing around the graveyard, attacking the farthest foes, he drew the attention of all those who had risen.

    He had become surrounded on all sides. At this point his breathing was a bit more labored, dashing across the graveyard, though it led to the outcome he sought. He wiped the blood off the hatchets before sheathing them and slowly brought out his bat. Metal bats were usually hollow, allowing for baseball players to better swing them. Though our hunter's bat was not, making it severely heavier, denser. His arms began to shake. Not because of the weight. Not because of the horror of being surrounded by the undead who would devour him alive. He shook with excitement and adrenaline.

    The simplest part of this trial was about to transpire.

    Before the zombies could make their first move, he struck first. He swung his bat across numerous undead, causing their heads to pop like over ripe fruit. Following the momentum of the bat, his assault on the zombies resembled a violently rushing river. His wide, whirling offensive also acted as a solid defense, keeping zombies off of him. Following the momentum also allowed for him to fight longer without tiring...

    The hunter's battle carried out until daybreak. Around him was a mishmash of bodies, blood, and guts. His whole body heaved with his breaths as he still clutched his bat. Eventually, when it was clear there were no more enemies to knock down, he leaned on his bat. As a way of removing weight, he took off his leather jacket. He then made his way out the graveyard, swaying/shambling, with another night survived, and another won.

Haunting Hook

    The year is... of no consequence. Not with the current state of things. Creatures only dreamt up by the disturbed roam the earth. The buildings that once distinguished the land have been reduced to rubble. The indomitable nature has become malformed and treacherous. Though the remaining humans are even worse...

Resurrection

    Four people were surrounded by a horde of demonic creatures. While three of the four remained standing, they were all in poor shape. Bruised, bloodied, and in tattered clothes. All breathing heavily, exhausted from the seemingly never ending battle. Meanwhile the one on the ground was unconscious, on the precipice of death. Of those standing was a mage, a rogue with twin daggers, and a man with a broadsword.

    "These monsters just keep coming," the swordsman panted.

    "This ain't looking too good..." the rogue chimed in.

    The mage looked at their surroundings, only seeing enemies. She then glanced down at their fallen comrade. The look in her eyes was desperate, her willing to do anything to bring him back. Though she looked away from him, not being able to. A section of the horde then parted, making way for a demonic looking man. He towered over everyone there with slit pupils and deep rouge skin.

    "You all have been a pain in my side. A splinter in my foot. A fly in my presence," the behemoth went on.

    "It was our pleasure," the rogue commented. The behemoth snarled.

    "Your hero lays dead on the ground, like a mutt on the street. While you three may be stronger than my minions, you are maggots to me," the behemoth countered. The swordsman glared at the behemoth while gripping his sword tighter. "Hell, you are only still living because I will it."

    "All that big talk sounds like your compensating for something. Is there still a tiny man in that oversized body?" the rogue retorted. The behemoth scowled at the rogue.

    "I tire of your pitiful insults. May at least your deaths amuse me," the behemoth concluded.

    "Oop, did I hit a nerve?" the rogue gibed. The behemoth gave him one last stare, though the rogue stared back with a smirk on his face.

    "You know what... I'll have the pleasure of killing you myself," the behemoth stated, raising his hand. The demons hissed and snapped the party, ready to devour them. The swordsman sighed before lifting his blade off of the ground. The rogue brought up his blades and while he had a cocky grin plastered on his face, his eyes showed his exhaustion and uneasiness. The mage brought up her staff and a magic circle appeared around her, though her eyes filled with fear and worry. The behemoth then clenched his raised hand, signaling the party's end.

    Though right before the last stand commenced, a brilliant light shone from the hero and he started to float off the ground. The light blinded everyone, halting the demons assault. Though upon regaining sight, all those around him became slack-jawed viewing this sight. The behemoth looked incredulously at the floating body. The hero's body then turned upright with him facing his would-be killers. His party was frozen with awe, hope reviving within them. While those against the hero were frozen with shock, horror bubbling up from within. The hero's head lifted and eyes popped open, light illuminating from them.

    "Kill him now!!" the behemoth yelled, unable to hide his fear. Before the two groups could make contact, the hero released a wave of light, eliminating eighty percent of the enemies. Those left standing gawked at their emptier surroundings.

    "Haha! I knew he wouldn't stay down!" the rogue cheered, smiling from ear to ear. A satisfied smile crossed the swordsman's lips while a relieved one crossed the mage's. With hope and confidence rising within the party, they went on the offense, slaying the remaining monsters. The rogue darted by monsters, opening their sides, while flipping over the others monsters, cutting their throats. Being surrounded only by enemies, the swordsman took broad swings hacking away at all around him. The mage cast several spells, holding nothing back. Lightning tore through several monsters at one, icicles impaled, and fireballs scorched those they made contact with. "Leave the small fry to us! You get that ugly bastard!"

    The behemoth went wide-eyed seeing his biggest threat seemingly come back from the dead. The hero then landed back on the ground. "Let's finish old man!" the hero shouted, energy coursing through and around him. The behemoth gritted his teeth.

    "You wasted your time coming back! I'll return you to the grave...!" the behemoth shouted back. "Maybe give you the family reunion you desire!" The hero's eyes flared and a burst of energy erupted from the hero. He then charged toward the behemoth. While he was ignoring the lesser demons, his aura effortlessly dispensed those in his path. Once in range, the hero threw a powerful haymaker. The behemoth caught it, but not without being pushed back. The hero then swung his other fist and the behemoth caught that. The hero pushed further, taking a step forward. The behemoth was pushed back a bit, leaving a trail of moved dirt in his path. The behemoth pushed the hero back, forcing the hero to take a step back.

    The hero gritted his teeth and switched his hold to grab the behemoth's arm. He then proceeded to repeatedly swing the behemoth overhead and slam him against the ground. After a few swings, he tossed the behemoth into the air. He cocked back his arm, and when the behemoth got into range, he slammed the behemoth with another haymaker. The behemoth was sent flying from this punch and the hero chased. He almost instantly appeared in front of the behemoth's trajectory, hopped up, and axe-kicked the behemoth into the ground.

    The behemoth, having had no time to catch his breath, laid beaten on the ground. The hero loomed over the once towering behemoth. "This went on far longer, farther, than it should have." The behemoth spat out blood.

    "I am..." the behemoth coughed up more blood, unable to finish his sentence. The hero simply stared down at the behemoth. Without another word exchanged, the hero cocked back his fist and slammed down upon the behemoth's chest.

Showdown

    The tension in the air crackled like electricity. Within a grand stadium sat thousands of fans, creating a buzz of excitement. Everyone in the stands differed from one another, being from different backgrounds, cultures, and creeds. Nonetheless, all their focus and excitement were on the event that was about to unfold before them. Near the bottom of the stands sat a puffed up man with a mic in his hand.

     "Welcome one and all to the event of a lifetime!" The crowd cheered, their anticipation bubbling up. "We have all been waiting for this fated day! The day of clashing titans! A day that will be spoken of for years to come! A day that will mark this very stadium!" The crowd's cheers thundered throughout the city.

    "First to the arena is our challenger! While he is young, he has proven to be a capable contender in this very arena having never lost a bout. Always coming out on top despite the challenge!" Cheers sounded through the stadium, while boos sounded in kind. The announcer paused, letting the crowd bare their feelings. "...Except for rumored losses outside this arena..." Chatter spread throughout the stands.

    "Ha! Sounds about right."

    "What is he talking about? He'd never lose!"

    "I've never heard about him losing..."

    "I think I heard about one of them..."

    "Oh! I know what he's talking about...!"

     "One of these rumored losses being to the very one he is now challenging..." the announcer continued. Tension and thrill bubbled further. "With all that said! Here is the challenger!"

    From one side of the coliseum stalked a young man, his stride full of purpose. While short in stature, his body spoke of numerous battles fought, scars dancing across his lean, sculpted figure. He wore his hair short, leaving his view clear. Within in eyes, laid a thousand daggers, cutting through any in front of him. Once he was in the center of the arena, he stood tall, glancing at the crowd. Those who met his gaze, had shivers sent down their spines.

    "Next is a man needing of no introduction! He has single-handedly crushed a hundred opponents with zero defeats! Once taking on thirty opponents at the same time! It is rumored he travels the world, challenging nature itself in search of worthy contest. Swimming up waterfalls and challenging the mightiest beasts." The cheers seemed to get louder, the excitement and anticipation bubbling further. "Without further ado. Here is your champion!" The whole stadium seemed to quake as excitement officially boiled over. Arms went flailing, people shouted, and people all around grabbed each, friend and stranger alike.

    From the shadows of the entry appeared a towering figure. The first thing you notice about this opposing figure was his colossal height, casting a shadow on everything before him. Then your eyes drift to his sculpted physique. Every muscle rippling across his body. And focusing on his face didn't make him any easier to face. The only way to describe his maniacal smile was demonic. His long hair flowed to his shoulders, reminding his opponents of an executioners hood. Every part of him was intimidating. The confidence he exuded as he strolled towards his opponent crippled normal foes. When he reached his opponent, he stared him down and cast a shadow, the height difference obvious.

    Though his foe didn't shirk from the champion's gaze. He stared up at the champion unflinchingly. Determined to seek victory in their bout. The tension between the two of them could be felt like the heat from an oven or the pressure before a storm.

    "Phew! It's a good thing none of us are between those two. Something tells me we wouldn't come out in one piece," the announcer interjected. The two were unfazed by what the announcer just pointed out, making his statement all the more true. "Alright... Let's get this battle started!"

    The challenger immediately threw an uppercut, the swing too fast to be seen. However, the champion narrowly dodged and swung on his challenger. The challenger barely brought up his guard before being launched through the arena, skipping across the ground. The crowd cheered at the display of power. The challenger groaned as he sat upright before shaking his head and barking in frustration, punching the ground as he did so.

    "Whoa! Blink and you would have missed the first interaction of the fight, folks! The challenger immediately threw a swift uppercut, only for the champion to dodge and counter with a devastating right hook, sending the challenger flying!"

    The champion took his time as he stalked towards the challenger, the same demonic smile on his face. The challenger growled before taking a deep breath. He then launched himself at the champion.

    "What?! The challenger can't be thinking of taking the champion head-on. The size and weight difference almost makes this an unfair fight!"

    Once the distance was closed between the two of them, they struck. The champion threw a mighty uppercut and the challenger took his opportunity. He grabbed hold of the champion's arm mid-swing and swung the champion over his head.

    "Incredible! The champion threw an uppercut on his smaller adversary, but was countered by the challenger! He used the champion's weight and momentum to his advantage to slam him!"

    The champion smirked before flipping himself to land on his feet.

    "Oh! But of course, our champion wouldn't fall for such a move, even if well executed."

    The champion continued his momentum and catapulted the challenger, who was still holding onto the champion's arm. The challenger was sent flying once more, however this time, he was able to gain his bearings and land on his feet. The champion's smile grew larger and he charged the challenger. The challenger stared down the charging bull of the champion.

    "Uh oh. The image that is before us is that of a wolf chasing down his prey."

    Once the distance was closed between them, the champion swung down upon the challenger with great force. The challenger hopped away, from the swing, dodging it. With the swing missing its target, its impact on the ground sent up a large dust cloud.

    "Whoa! The champion's sledgehammer of a swing missed the challenger by a breath and launched dust and debris into the air! Let me tell you, if you aren't watching this live, you are missing out!" The crowd cheered at the spectacle of a fight.

    The challenger stood before the dust cloud with his guard up, scanning for any movement within. Though to everyone's surprise, there was none.

    "There seems to be no movement in the dust, but the champion couldn't be anywhere else!"

    Suddenly, a large fist emerged from dust cloud and the force of the punch cleared the cloud away. The challenger's eyes went wide as he scarcely dodged the punch.

    "Whoa! The champion - or rather his fist - emerged from the cloud, launching a sneak attack on the challenger! Though the challenger just barely dodged it!"

    The challenger then bobbed under the champion's arm and unleashed a flurry of punches onto the champion. The rapid succession of punches first hit the champion's solar plexus five times before hitting the champion's face twice. After the barrage, the challenger hopped back twice.

    "Whoa! The challenger has landed not only his first hit, but a barrage of hits upon the champion! And the champion almost looks to have felt it!" Cheers erupted from the stands.

    The champion took a deep breath before staring down the challenger. The smile that was on his face was still there, but his eyes spoke of a different emotion than smug confidence. The challenger smiled at this. The champion slowly, intently, stalked towards the challenger. The challenger squared himself, ready for what was about to come.

    "Ladies and gentlemen, I do believe the fight is about to heat up!" Cheers sounded all around.

    The challenger observed his keen opponent. After seeing the champion maintain his slower approach, he leapt to action. The champion swung down on the challenger, though the swing was more controlled than before. The challenger spun out of the way of hook, landing two hits on the champion's side while doing so, and appearing behind the champion. He took advantage of being in the champion's blind spot and kicked behind the champion's knee, causing it to buckle. Though the champion let himself fall and went for an upside down straight punch at the challenger. The challenger dodged it and used the champion's positioning to roundhouse kick him in the head. The blow causing the champion to spin and fully knocking him to his knees.

    "The champion is on his knees ladies and gentlemen! The never-before-seen is before our very eyes! The challenger made full use of his advantage in agility, staying just outside the reach of the champion to land solid blows!" Cries of surprise rang through the stands.

    The champion shook his head and barked in frustration before hopping up and dashing toward the challenger.

    "Uh oh. Looks like the challenger has enraged the champion, who is now taking the offense. Will the challenger be able to handle what's next?"

    The champion quickly closed the distance and unleashed a flurry of punches of his own. The challenger was able to dodge most of the punches, but not all of them. The two that struck him knocked him to the ground.

    All of the audience cried out. Some gasped, some cheered, and some groaned, feeling the blows the challenger just took. "The challenger is down! Is this where the fight ends?!"

    The champion then raised his leg straight into the air to finish off his opponent. Though before he brought it down, the challenger snapped out of his temporary daze and rolled out of the way of the axe-kick. Once on his feet, he took three hops away from the champion. The kick left a crater in the ground where the challenger's head was. Seeing this, an electric strike of fear traveled through the challenger.

    "The challenger evaded the destructive axe-kick, though didn't get away unscathed, instead taking psychological damage."

    The champion stalked toward the frozen challenger.

    "What's this?! The challenger is frozen, defenseless, as the champion advances upon him!"

    The challenger then grit his teeth before barking out the paralyzing fear. While defiantly staring down the champion, the challenger took deep breaths, steeling himself. After a few, he neared the champion. While both had ironclad determination, their body languages spoke differently from each other.

    The champion menacingly scowled at the challenger, his previous smile gone. He leaned his body forward as he marched towards the challenger. His fists were balled so tight, they looked capable of punching through steel. You could almost see the heat emanating off his body and his view staring a hole through the challenger. Each step filled with the intent of ending the challenger.

    Meanwhile the challenger, defiantly stared at the champion. While he was being careful, vigilantly observing his opponent, his body flowed. He kept his guard up while regularly switching it. He kept his fists open, but ready. As well as keeping his feet light.

    "The challenger has regained his nerve and is now approaching the champion while the champion approaches him! Looking at the countenance of these two, this looks to be the point of no return, the climax of the fight!" The fans cheered on, believing themselves to be ready for the height of the fight.

    Once the two met, the flurry of fists began. The champion endlessly swung his fists, holding nothing back, each swing set to end the challenger. At the same time, the challenger evaded and parried every punch while taking every opportunity to land a blow on his opponent.

    "This is an incredible spectacle to behold! These two top-class combatants are holding nothing back as swing at each. Though... Looking closely at it, no blows are landing on the challenger... Am I seeing this right? Not only are none of the champion's swings connecting, but the challenger is flawlessly evading - and redirecting - all of the champions swings...!" Exclaims of awe rang out from the audience, from those for and against the challenger.

    Sweat began to pour from both combatants and the champion began to bleed and bruise from the numerous points on his body. Though while blood was coming from the champion, the challenger stopped swinging as frequently. The challenger's eyes and reflexes were as keen as they ever were, while the champion's madness kept him swinging. Everyone was on the edge of their seats, announcer and spectator alike. Right as it looked that this fight could go on forever, it happened.

    The only one who saw it was the challenger, the one closest to and deepest in this duel. In one of his opponent's swings, it took a fraction of a second longer to pull it back. A minuscule amount of mass more was put into it. Seeing this opportunity, he mustered everything he could into a hail mary haymaker across his opponent's jaw. The punch jostled his opponent's skull, rattling his brain. The cracking noise the impact made echoed throughout the coliseum. People all around either dropped their jaws or scrunched their faces upon seeing and hearing the punch. The punch resounded through the champion's body and dropped him. The once towering champion now laid still on the ground.

   The crowd went silent. The announcer had nothing to say of the sight before his eyes. The challenger - now champion - took deep, ragged breaths. You could see his body inflate and deflate with each breath. His whole body was shaking, adrenaline still pumping through him. He balled his fist and raised it. This seemed to break the trance on the event and the crowd soon cheered.

    "Ladies and gentlemen...! The previous champion is down! Taken down by one decisive blow! Everyone who has witnessed this historical moment will be retelling this story for years to come! To their children, their grandchildren! With all that said... We have a new champion!" the announcer proclaimed. The cheers thundered on, sounding the victory of the challenger, now champion.