The gang's triumph over Dr. Spookyman's robot turned to horror as they stared, wide-eyed, at the lifeless metal shell on the floor. Before they could fully process the danger, cold, metallic wires shot out from the shadows, wrapping around each of them. With a forceful yank, they were hoisted off the ground, their backs pressed against the cold, stone wall, arms pinned tight. Their flashlights clattered to the floor, casting twisted shadows as they dangled a few feet in the air, helpless.
"W-What's happening?!" Riland's voice quivered as he struggled against the wires digging into his arms.
From the depths of the dark room, slow, deliberate footsteps echoed. Emerging from the shadows, the real Dr. Spookyman stepped forward, a sinister grin spreading across his face. His eyes gleamed with a feverish glow, and his voice was smooth, almost taunting, as he addressed them.
"Well, well," he crooned, eyeing each of them with eerie satisfaction. "You've stumbled far deeper into my plans than I had anticipated."
"What do you want with us?" Cristena demanded, trying to keep the fear out of her voice.
Dr. Spookyman chuckled, shaking his head slowly. "It's not what I want with you, dear. It's what I want with your souls."
James thrashed against the wires, teeth clenched. "You're insane!"
"Oh, perhaps," Dr. Spookyman replied, a glint of excitement in his eyes. "But insanity and genius are close friends, you see. And tonight, I shall become master of life and death itself."
He raised his arms, and the wires tightened, their metallic coils humming with a strange, eerie energy. Slowly, a faint, shimmering light began to pull from each of their chests, tiny wisps of their life force starting to drift through the wires toward Dr. Spookyman.
Riland's vision blurred as he felt the pull on his soul, a numbing sensation spreading through him. He struggled against the wires, but his strength was fading fast.
"Once your souls are drained," Dr. Spookyman continued, "the power within each of you will be mine, and with it, I shall call forth every spirit from the depths of the graveyard. Their wrath shall revive under my command, and this town—no, this world—shall know true fear!"
Cristena's eyes darted to the others, fear plain in her gaze. They all looked as pale and terrified as she felt, suspended helplessly, their energy slowly draining. She closed her eyes, feeling herself weaken, her heartbeat growing faint.
Just then, a loud crash came from the entrance of the lab. In a flash of light, a figure barged into the room—none other than Tom, wearing an oversized trench coat and wielding a... broom?
"Let go of my friends, you creepy old ghoul!" he shouted, rushing forward, brandishing the broom like a sword.
Dr. Spookyman whirled, his expression turning to fury. "How did you—?!"
Before he could finish, Tom swung the broom with surprising force, smacking Dr. Spookyman right across the face. The mad scientist stumbled back, momentarily losing his concentration, and the wires around the gang weakened.
"NOW!" James yelled, using the last bit of his energy to break free of the weakened wires. One by one, the others dropped to the ground, breathless but free.
Dr. Spookyman snarled, regaining his composure, his gaze snapping back to the gang. But they were already scrambling toward the exit, Tom leading the way.
"Run, you fools!" Tom called, not even pausing to look back.
As they stumbled out of the haunted mansion and into the night, the gang glanced over their shoulders just in time to see Dr. Spookyman's furious glare from the mansion's doorway.
"This isn't over!" he shouted into the darkness, his voice echoing through the night. "I will have those souls!"
Though exhausted and shaken, the gang kept running until the mansion was far behind them, their breaths fogging in the chilly night air.
For now, they were safe. But Dr. Spookyman's promise hung heavy in the air, chilling them to the bone. They knew they'd have to face him again—and next time, they'd have to be ready.
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Adventures with Friends Fanmade (HALLOWEEN! 44-48)
Adventure! ORIGINALLY WRITTEN BY RJ ! In the quiet town of Oakside, four friends-James, Cristena, Jack, and Riland-embark on a series of extraordinary adventures that test their courage, creativity, and the strength of their bond. When a local bully named Gu...
