Magic Spawn Origins

Magic Spawn: Chapter 9

by Meredith Skye

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As the sun set, the sky began to cloud over. Still the full moon hung over the town of Millersfield, Nebraska. The wind had picked up and the night had turned chill.

Children dressed as witches, zombies, ghosts, terrorists and Lady Gaga meandered along the dark streets, holding bags or old pillowslips full of candy korns, suckers, home made cookies, very small candy bars and other treats.

Rian watched the scene with satisfaction. One concerned gnawed at him and that was his little brother. Kyran was so touchy. It didn't take much to set him off. And Rian knew what Mom would say if she knew Kye had run off to the graveyard alone on Halloween.

Rian got out his walkie-talkie. "Westin, this is Rian, do you copy?"

After a few moments, he got a response. "This is Westin, go ahead."

"Where are you? Did you find Kyran?"

"He showed back up at the camp, just a few minutes ago."

"Oh, good." Rian felt relief.

"I'm headed back that way. Don't worry. I'll find him," said Westin.

"Okay, thanks Westin. Rian out."

"No problem," said Westin.

He sighed. So far all had been quiet. A few people had offered Rian candy. He wasn't trick-or-treating, of course, but there was no sense in turning it down, after all.

A cute seven year old girl in a ballerina costume skipped past, followed by her two older brothers, one dressed as a werewolf and the other as a fireman. Rian waved. He pulled out a candy bar and took the edge off his hunger. He should have had some dinner before heading out. He decided to head back to the campground in about a half an hour and check in with them. No doubt Grandma Baggins had a stash of food there.

Then Rian noticed an older kid headed towards him in a truly amazing skeleton costume. Rian puzzled over the truly realistic look it had. If they gave out awards for scary costumes, this guy would win. He even carried a long spear that looked like it could do damage.

The seven year old girl stopped right in front of the skeleton, who came to a halt. She pulled on his tunic. "I just love your costume," she smiled. The skeleton just looked at her and said nothing. She skipped off and her brothers followed her.

"I am definitely going as a that next year," said the kid in the fireman costume.

The skeleton appeared to be looking around. Probably hard to see through that mask. Then he saw Rian and began walking towards him. The figure raised its spear and aimed it at Rian.

"That is a great costume!" said Rian, heading over. He wanted to get a closer look at it. From here, it looked like a real, walking skeleton. A great effect.

The figure threw the spear directly at Rian, who ducked aside but the spear still glanced off his right side. Hard. And the thing was real.

"Hey, you moron!" yelled Rian, getting up. But the skeleton was close now. Close enough that a chill of panic went through Rian--it was no costume.

Now the creature drew a long wavy dagger and came towards Rian again.

Instinctively, Rian drew his bamboo-ratan sword. Despite all his training, he'd never fought anyone for real—only in tournaments.

But this creature ... how was this possible?

At least the skeleton wasn't fast. It plodded forward until it was within range, then attacked Rian with its dagger. Rian parried the blow and then rebounded with a solid hit but the ratan sword did little against this monster. Again the creature attacked Rian, and again Rian managed to parry, retreating a little.