A monster emerges from the shadows. He is followed by another, and another, until the world is inhabited by new beasts of its own creation. This anthology incorporates stories from various genres and timelines, exploring what makes us who we are.
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They had to face the creature. Deep in the woods, Michael unzipped the suitcase. He laid it at his feet now, and he and his brother Tim gawked at it.
Within that open piece of luggage, stairs wound down into blackness.
"I guess we have no choice." Michael trembled, fists clenched. "This is our responsibility."
Night fell, bathing the world in shadow.
Tim closed his eyes. "I love you, man. Don't forget the pact."
His brother smiled.
"You first?" Michael asked.
Under his sleeve, the cut on the back of his wrist where the ritual knife had journeyed now leaked blood that dripped from his fingers and dotted the ground under him, evidence of the oath.
Tim had the same wound.
"Quick," urged Michael.
He palmed his fist and gulped.
Bracing, Tim climbed down into the suitcase, descending the creaky stairs within. He must've known this could be the end of his life, but he seemed ready to do anything to make peace with the creature far below.
Just behind him echoed Michael's steps as if they belonged to a guardian angel. At least this wouldn't be a lonely death for the siblings. They had each other.
Did they need anything more than a pact of faith and love?
In the basement at the bottom of the stairwell, Tim squinted, tensed, and whimpered, engulfed in nearly absolute darkness.
The creature there with him was heard before seen. It grumbled and crept into a ray of moonlight shining down from the world above.
Now Tim froze. "Hey."
Before him stood a monster that had immense veiny eyes and what looked like razor wire for teeth—overflowing from a mouth crinkly as leather and shredded raw, a mural of punctures and gashes. This abomination towered over the brothers and roared so loud, their hair blew back.
"Dad," whispered Michael, tears streaming down his face. "We're not here to upset you. Let us help this time."
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