Carson Fang and the Graveyard Markets (demo)

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/uLtEjQa.png" /> [[Click to begin your adventure]]

Meet Our Heroes. (Rule #1 Never meet your Heroes) <img src="https://i.imgur.com/4E57rKh.png" /> Carson's twelve and would rather talk to books then people. A self-reliant nerd who once got grounded for reading too much. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/1R5OHGJ.png" /> Kyle's twelve going on eighteen in his heart. Patrol leader of the Scouts. Carson Fang and Kyle Symons hate each other. They hate that they're in the same grade seven class. They hate that their parents want them to spend more time together and 'bond'. They hate that they're now officially stepbrothers. [[ Ghosts in the Graveyard ]]

<h2>CHAPTER ONE: GHOSTS IN THE GRAVEYARD</h2> Carson Fang, twelve years old, dressed like a mini adult, approached the graveyard. He hovered by the entrance. Iron graveyard gates creaked. Low fog above the ground. Carson glanced at the Gargoyle statue perched atop the stone wall. Its stone wings were massive and intimidating. "Yeah...this feels like a trap," Carson said. He pulled out his phone. A text from Kyle Symons read: "Meet at Cemetery. Unless you're scared..." <audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/87/87805_856783-lq.mp3" autoplay/> [[Do you go into graveyard?]] [[Do you turn around and go home?]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/567/567338_97550-lq.mp3" autoplay/> Graves. Leafless trees. Dead leaves on the grass, waiting to be raked. Carson's feet crunched over the fallen leaves. He pulled out his phone, turning the flashlight feature on. "If the Scooby Doo Kids were real, they definitely got murdered..." Carson said. Phone light scanned over the fog. Carson's shoulders tensed, a feeling of unease nestled between his shoulders. He felt like something was watching him. Goosebumps went up his arm. He was spooking himself. However, he could not see anything amiss every time he checked the perimeter. A SCREAM in the distance. A terror-filled 'danger' is near scream. Carson's flashlight scanned the graves. No living soul in sight. Crows were flying overhead. They were startled by the scream. Carson looked back to the gargoyle above the cemetery gate. "I don't suppose you want to go check that out," Carson said. Silence. "Didn't think so," Carson muttered to himself. [[Run out of the graveyard screaming?]] [[Do you run towards the screams?]]

"Yeah, I don't feel like dying tonight. Sorry," Carson said to Gargoyle. He strode away from the cemetery. Each step was bigger than his last. Thinking that the bright side of getting home before Kyle meant he would have dibs on video games. He could play Alien Invasion without mercy instead of button-mashing during NBA 2K23. Carson didn't notice the Gargoyle turned its head. It watched him walk away. [[Carson continues talking to himself as he walked]]

Carson bolted. "Sorry, Kyle! Good luck!" Carson said. He's past the gate. The gate slammed shut with an echoing creek. Carson kept running. Never looked back. [[Run Carson! Run!]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/567/567338_97550-lq.mp3" autoplay/> Carson ran past graves. Phone in hand--dialing. He put his cell on speakerphone. It rang into the night. Each ring offered no answer. "You know who leaves voicemail messages? Psychopaths." Kyle cheerily said over his voicemail. Carson ran faster...[[searching]]

"Kyle!" Carson yelled. "Kyle! This isn't funny." The only sound in the graveyard billowing wind and crows. Carson stopped running. Scoured area. Each footstep crunched. Each step louder in the quiet of the night. His own breath sent little white ghosts of air into the wind. A quiet "Help..." is heard. [[Investigate]]

Carson's head whipped to the right. That "Help..." sounded close. Too close. He bolted towards the "Help." "Kyle! I'm calling the police. Don't worry." Carson yelled. Kyle emerged from the dark with a smirk. His blonde hair shone in the moonlight, and he leaned against the trees sinisterly. "Why would you call the police? That would ruin all the fun." Kyle said. "Fun?" Carson said. His throat choked on the ridiculousness of the word. "Look at you. Running into a graveyard to help. I bet the Wilkensons you wouldn't make it past the gate." [[Does Carson say something clever back?]] [[Does Carson take a step back. This is getting creepy...]]

"You sound like a cheeseball villain." Carson said." It'd be scarier if you just said nothing." Kyle's face darkened as he stepped forward. The trees' shadows added a menacing quality to his face. "You know what the best part of you being a freak is?" Kyle said with venom. Carson stepped back. Kyle inched closer, sauntering slowly like a fox hunting a rabbit. Each step suggested danger. Carson could feel his nerves yelling at him to run, but his feet weren't listening. Kyle lunged forward. Carson tripped. He fell into an open grave... Carson yelled as he disappeared into the darkness. Kyle stood above the grave. [[Follow Carson]] [[Follow Kyle]]

Carson stepped back. Kyle looked menacing in the moonlight. Shadows fell over his eyes, making him almost look demonic. "You know what the best part of you being a freak is?" Kyle said. Carson took another step back. "Aw...are you running away?" Kyle taunted. "No. I'm walking backward nervously, you idiot." Carson rebutted. Kyle lunged. He grabbed Carson's shoulders. "You always have to get the last word," Kyle says. Carson's oblivious to the fact that he's by an open grave. Kyle lunged forward and pushed him. Carson fell, yet he never hit the grass or grave...he fell into darkness. Gone. Kyle stood over the open grave. "No one's going to care when you go missing..." Kyle said, catching his breath. [[Follow Carson]] [[Follow Kyle]]

Kyle waited. Expecting to hear Carson crying for help. He would let Carson freak out for a bit and say nothing. Maybe take a video of the freak out. That would stop Carson from always insulting him at every opportunity. Eventually he would step in and apologize. He had a rope in his backpack. Part of being patrol leader for his scout group meant he had to be prepared for any situation. He'd offer a cinnamon apple granola bar as a bribe for Carson to say nothing to either of their parents. He had a plan. It was all going to work out. Except there were no tears. No begging for help. No sound at all from the hole in the ground. Kyle leaned over the grave, curiosity getting the better of him. It was library level quiet. Aside from the wind. "Okay, Carson...you're tougher than I thought." Kyle said. Defeaning silence. "Dude...Look I meant to scare you but--come on..." Kyle pulled out his jumbo flashlight from his bag. It brustled against his first aid pack. He turned the light on. He focused the path of light into the grave. Please don't be unconcious or actually hurt, he thought. His eyes closed. Not ready to deal with consequences. He opened his eyes and saw nothing but blackness. No bottom to the grave. No sign of Carson. Just shadowy blackness/ Wherever the bottom of this grave was the flashlight couldn't find it. [[Do you flee the scene?]] [[Stay and investigate to make sure Carson is okay?]]

<h2>CHAPTER TWO: LOST SOUL LANE</h2> Carson woke up. His hands gripped his backpack like he was never going to let go. His mouth dropped open. No witty comment could reach his brain as his eyes took in three full moons in the sky above him. Two silver-white and a ruby-red moon. He slowly picked himself up off the ground. Dead Autumn leaves stuck in his black hair. Thoughts raced through his mind…that feeling of falling through a black void, falling through nothingness to the point where he almost felt sick... The whoosh of the graveyard disappearing…The feeling of Kyle tricking him. Outsmarting him...lingered like an itch. Carson pulled out his phone; no signal. His eyes jumped open in wonder as he took in the flurry of silver ghosts zooming in the sky. Hundreds of ghosts. Bright silver ghosts. Flying. All traveling in the same direction as if on an unseen highway. Some of them chatted and laughed as if it were[[just a typical day]].

Ghosts...he thought with a shiver. It was time to find another distraction before his mind panicked. He looked around at ground level. Six obelisk stones around him like an otherworldy Stone Henge. Except on Earth’s Stonehenge, there would have been space between the rocks. This world’s version had strange doors between each stone pillar. <img src="https://i.imgur.com/zLjwyNc.png" /> “Did my stepbrother kill me?” [[ Carson looks to the sky ]]

Carson’s eyes flicked back to the sky. Hundreds of Ghosts from all decades across time flew above him. Knights. Pirates. Ghosts in togas, Ghosts in military uniforms, spirits in victorian dresses—all flew overhead having different conversations. Carson wandered away from the stone doors, away from Otherworldy Stonehenge. Up ahead, a dirt road led into a forest. Bones along either side of the dirt road. Beyond this path, across a small green field, was a river of souls. Its brightness lit up the earth with an eerie green and white glow. [[Calm down and get your bearings]] [[ Explore…that river looks like magic]]

Carson took a deep breath in. He closed his eyes. Focused on trying to calmly breathe in and out. His breath was shaky. He couldn't stop fidgeting with his hands. He could feel his hands getting clammy. He hoped if he kept his eyes closed long enough, maybe he would wake up, and this would all be a bad dream. He'd forgive the writer of his life for being a hack. He'd appreciate his bed's safety and the comfort his flannel pajamas would bring. He opened his eyes. Ghosts still in the sky above him. His breathing getting a little easier.r. [[ Walk around Stonehenge]]

Carson stepped over the very human-looking bones at the edge of the road. Two black sockets in a skull stared back. Just don't think about it, Carson thought to himself. Hoping the bones wouldn't start moving about on their own. He trudged through the grass. Getting closer to the glowing river. It spanned for miles. He made it to the river. Human whispers of help and promises were heard just above the water. [[ Carson inches closer to the river ]]

The river's white light offered a dull glow. Unknown eyes stared back. Noses and mouths contorted with the waves. Almost faces stuck in the current. Carson could practically make out faces, but each time a look almost formed, the eyes, nose, or mouth would vanish. No matter how hard he focused on the water's reflection... [[the face washed away]].

“Get me out?” a voice said. “Do you know who I am?” another voice pleaded. “Is my baby alive? Did they make it?” another voice begged. The river of lost souls. Hundreds of whispers traveled along the water's edge. <audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/257/257649_3865966-lq.mp3" autoplay /> [[Head back to Otherworld Stonehenge]] [[Touch the River]] [[Touch the River. What’s the worst that could happen?]]

“I’m Dead! I’m DEAD!" Carson reasoned. It was the only logical explanation. His step brother had killed him. He was right, his brother really was the worst. That time he threw a basketball at his head had just been the beginning. It was an 'accident' Kyle had insisted. Carson knew better though. "I’m never going to play Fortnite again. I’m…” Carson trailed off. In the sky, a Ghost with an axe in its head waved with a friendly smile. Carson screamed. The kind of scream that doesn’t stop for a while. “It’s alright. We’re all dead here!” the ghost yelled down. “Not helping!” Carson said. Carson focused on his breathing. “At least I’ll never have to deal with math again,” he said. [[ Walk around Stonehenge]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/257/257649_3865966-lq.mp3" autoplay /> The river called to Carson. It begged him for help. Asked him to be a hero. It needed him to do something. Something that could set them all free. Carson's hand reached out. His hand touched the glowing surface. Carson was engulfed in a white light. He disappeared from the shore. In the river, Carson's face screamed for help. Details of his face started to wash away. THE END

A wisp of gold hair moved out of the corner of Carson's eye. Familiar dirty blonde locks of evil if one ever asked Carson his opinion on the matter. Kyle stepped forward. "Dude, did we discover another universe?" Kyle asked, like nothing remotely psychopathic happened between them. His hands wrang with excitement as he took this world in. His hands touched the wet grass. His eyes looked to the sky in wonder. Kyle knocked his knuckles against the stone obelisks. Maybe I'll get lucky and a giant rock will fall on him, Carson thought. Kyle pushed against the strange doors. The Stonehenge doors were immovable. It didn't stop Kyle from trying. "Uhm… I'm not spending my afterlife with you." Carson said matter-of-factly. "Look, that prank got...out of hand," Kyle said. "But I did come here to rescue you." "Excuse me? Rescue?...I would rather be bitten by a thousand snakes than be rescued by you," Carson said. "What kind of Hero dies in the first chapter of a rescue mission?" "Don't think we're dead. I still have a pulse." Kyle said. One hand checked his pulse on his wrist for confirmation. "Well, you've always been braindead." Kyle's face glowered. "Really? Making me not regret pushing you into an open grave. I take back my apology." he said. "You didn't apologize." "I thought about it." [[A stone falls down overhead unnoticed]]

"You're only here because your dad will kill you if you come home without me," Carson said. "Gentlemen, if you could stop arguing," a voice said from above. Kyle and Carson looked around. No one or thing at their eye level. "Up here." They looked up. Atop a stone archway was the Gargoyle from the cemetery. He waved his stone claw. "I'm Gravely. Unfortunately, you're both in quite a bit of danger," he said. His gray eyes looked concerned for the boys' welfare. [[Carson and Kyle stared in disbelief.]]

That's right, this story has talking Gargoyles. This Gargoyle—goes by Gravely; he's three hundred years old. He can fly. He doesn't trust babies. Their tears freak him out. In the human world, Gravely can only move at night when no one is looking. Back to our story: "You're the Gargoyle I talk to…." Carson said. Gravely nodded. "Yes, I do enjoy hearing your stories about Grade 7," he said. "You talk to a rock," Kyle said. "He's a better conversationalist than you," Carson said. Tongue sticking out on reflex. [[Kyle looks offended.]]

"You did walk into that one." Gravely stated. "You must be Kyle...the incompetent bully that wouldn't know how to read if a book fell on your face." Kyle's mouth dropped open. Carson rubbed the back of his head sheepishly. A big smile emerged. "You insult a lot of people. Gravely could be getting his information on why you're a bad person from anyone." Carson said. "I'm not a bully. People look up to me." Kyle stated defensively. "Didn't you push Carson into an open grave?" Gravely asked. His wings almost shrugged. [[ASK GRAVELY WHERE YOU ARE]]

"You're in a waystation world for the dead known as Morden. And no, you're not dead. Yet." Gravely said. "Ha!" Kyle said, pointing at Carson with a face that said 'I was right.' Carson ignored this, turning to the gargoyle. [[“So, how do we get home?” Carson asked.]]

"Dude, we just got here. Let's have an adventure." Kyle said. "Adventures are how people die," Carson said. "Stop worrying for five seconds. Have fun." Kyle said. "Your definition of fun highly concerns me. I'd rather read about an adventure than become an obituary." Carson said. "GENTLEMEN!" Gravely yelled. It echoed around the stones. Carson couldn't help but smirk. Kyle leaned into Carson's ear. "You made your pet rock mad," Kyle whispered. Gravely jumped off of the rock and swooped down to the boys. "Carson. Kyle. You don't have to like each other. But to survive this world, you will need to respect each other and work together. " "Gross." Carson and Kyle said at the same time. "Living children in this world will attract a dangerous amount of attention. To get home—you need to open this door. " Gravely said, gesturing to a door covered in green moss behind him. Gravely puts a stone claw on the door. He pushed... Nothing happened... He pushed again… [[nothing happened.]]

“I was afraid of this. You’re going to need a skeleton key.” Gravely said. “Cool,” Kyle said with a smirk. “We’re definitely going to die,” Carson said. [[Gravely put a tiny stone claw on each of their shoulders.]]

"I recommend you follow those lost souls," Gravely said. His claw-stone hand gestured to the ghosts in the sky, all traveling in one direction. "They're heading to the Graveyard Markets." "The what now?" Carson asked. "The Graveyard Markets. Monsters have a truce three nights a month whenever there's a full moon. No harm to one creature or else harm to all. The graveyard markets are where creatures barter and trade their skills. It's the only time of a month a Warlock won't curse a vampire....or a zombie won't bite a werewolf…." Gravely explained. "This is so much better than going to school," Kyle said. Carson's face looked nervous. Worry lines settled in. He bit his lip. Thinking of all the ways this adventure could go wrong. The monsters have a truce, his mind reasoned. Did that truce apply to himself and Kyle, he wondered. Or did human children in Morden offer the creatures a dangerous loophole? "Head through the Forest of Fear. Once you've passed the forest, you'll reach the graveyard markets. I bet you'll find a monster there willing to give you a skeleton key. You'll need to think of something to trade." Gravely said. "What if we have nothing to trade?" Carson asked. "If you care to find your way home, Carson, you'll have to think of something...everything has a price. This rule applies to both my world and yours." Gravely said. "As a Guardian of both realms, I will remain here to guard the door between the worlds...if you return." Carson stared at the skeleton dirt path in the distance. The forest seemed to be getting further away. He noticed Kyle's attention was elsewhere. "Hey, what's that castle over there? Let's check that out." Kyle said. [[Start following Ghosts in Sky]] [[Kyle leads you to a castle]]

"You can check it out if you want. I'm heading this way." Carson said. Kyle looked at the castle longingly. Carson started walking towards the skeleton road. "Hey! Wait up," Kyle said. Carson couldn't help but be surprised Kyle was following him. He expected Kyle to do his own thing. Yet here he was, walking beside him. They looked at the ghosts in the sky above them. "Guess they're going where we're going," Kyle said. "Are you going to insist on talking the entire time?" Carson asked. "As long as I know it bothers you," Kyle said. "Greeeaaaatttt," Carson said. [[They enter the forest]] DEMO NOTE: CONGRATS ON CHOOSING THIS PATH. CHOOSING THIS MEANS YOU GET TO SKIP CHAPTER THREE...WHO WANTS TO DEAL WITH A WARLOCK THAT'S TOO NICE ANYWAY?

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/580/580374_2282212-lq.mp3" autoplay/> <h2>CHAPTER THREE: Warlocks, Castles, and Death Riddles</h2> <img src="https://www.irishshop.com/blog/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/MI-malahide-castle.jpg" /> The boys approached the castle. The red moon cast an eerie glow around the gothic stone walls. A feeling of unease found its way into Carson's mind. His breath started to quicken. There was nothing around. Yet the sense of impending doom nestled in his mind. He couldn't understand why Kyle wasn't the least bit suspicious of this place. He was several steps ahead of him—no fear in contrast to his own existence. If this were a horror movie, he's definitely dying first, Carson thought. Kyle knocked on the door three times. No one answered. The boys swapped a look. Kyle shrugged. He put a hand on the door and pulled. The castle door opened with a heavy creak. "There's not even any guards. It's probably abandoned." Kyle said. [[Carson and Kyle enter. ]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/468/468924_4361321-lq.mp3" autoplay /> The inside of the castle was like another world out of a storybook. It was bright as if nighttime didn't exist inside the castle. Colorful red carpets led off down a dizzying number of paths and staircases. Gold-trimmed paintings of a royal family hung along the walls. Every time the boys took a muddied step, their dirty footprints would disappear. Magic was clearly at work. Carson recalled how creepy the outside of the castle looked in Morden. The inside smelled of mint chocolate chip. A symphony orchestra was playing, yet no musician could be seen. "Can we go?" Carson asked. Kyle was already heading upstairs. "Hello?" Kyle called. Carson raced after him. Sure invite the monster to destroy us, Carson thought. "Hello?" Kyle called again. Carson and Kyle froze in fear. [[They heard a voice]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/453/453169_5121236-lq.mp3" autoplay /> "Who are you?" a voice bellowed. It sounded friendly and everywhere at the same time. The boys looked around. No one else was seemingly about. A bright flash of red smoke. Carson swore he could smell strawberry ice cream. His favourite. The "Who are you?" sounded like it was just above Carson's ear...his shoulders hunched. Warwick, the warlock, appeared in an emerald green cloak before them. Clean-shaven with dark eyes and teeth that sparkled white. "Children…" Warwick said, unable to hide his surprise. "We're almost adults," Kyle said. "I'll be thirteen…in ten months." Warwick took the boys in. One hand in the air spellcasting with malevolent hand movements. His other hand was calm, collected, and extended in a welcoming fashion. "I haven't had guests in the last century. Excuse my manners. Would you boys like a tour of the castle?" Kyle's expression glowed. Carson's eyes flicked the way they came. [[Let Carson suggest they leave]] [[Say nothing and let Kyle go on the tour]]

"Listen..." Carson said. His eyes watched Warwick's spellcasting hand. His hand shot off magical little sparks. The magic turned a vase into a sword and set a painting on the wall on fire. "You seem...nice. But we have to go see a Gargoyle." Carson said. He grabbed Kyle by the arm. The boys walked down the stairs backward. Their eyes were on Warwick. Warwick materialized in front of them. Too close for comfort. Some people have no sense of personal space, Carson thought. "By all means. You're welcome to stay. I can magic anything you want." Warwick offered. "He's really attached to his pet rock," Kyle said. "Gargoyles are...helpful to some...I suppose." Warwick said. Carson nodded. He felt it best not to upset a magical being with a hand that had a mind of its own. Carson reached back and opened the door. Warwick's good-natured hand waved. Carson and Kyle bolted and didn't stop running until they got to the forest. [[They enter the forest.]]

Warwick gave the boys the grand tour. Everything in the castle sparkled to a museum-level of clean. He showed them the view of tne Forest of Fear from the top of his tower. Carson thought Morden looked more like a spooky painting from the castle window. The ghosts in the sky and forest looked like they had been doused by water colours. The warlock brought them down the tower and into a dungeon. The royal orchestra and magic in the rest of the castle zapped away as soon as they started taking the dungeon stairs. Carson's face went pale. He spotted hundreds of human skeleton bones across the dungeon floor. <img src="https://3.bp.blogspot.com/-4VdWp11BY6k/WBUCplwHFuI/AAAAAAAACbk/6Sbtz_s9zNIqFrABGkuYO-rRIK_T239pgCLcB/s1600/the-skeleton-dance%255B1%255D.jpg" /> <audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/412/412459_4765074-lq.mp3" autoplay/> "These are the bones of my former apprentices," Warwick said casually. His one malevolent hand made a fist and shook towards the sky as if still angry about something. His other hand reached out and brought it down soothingly. "Cool," Kyle said. His eyes were on the bones. "We need to work on your definition of cool," Carson said. Warwick's hands glowed green. Carson gulped. Well, this can't be good, Carson thought. Carson saw Kyle's skin glow green. He looked down...realized he was also glowing green. Warwick [[teleported the three of them]].

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/442/442791_8061621-lq.mp3" autoplay/> Three green orbs zapped into Carson, Kyle, and Warwick. The Symphony music charmingly returned. The library smelled like chocolate milk and pancakes. They were transported to the Castle library; books hovered through the air, blank books floated in the air with feathers and floating ink magically self-writing, and a few books chased each other along royal red carpets like dogs (yeah, these floor books have teeth). Carson's mouth dropped open. "Reading. If you like that sort of thing." Warwick said. "You get to live here," Carson said. His eyes widened at the floating books. "I actually prefer books to people." "Yeah, it's pretty great. Minus the dead apprentices." Warwick says. "I'm going to ignore that," Carson said. [[He wandered off to explore the library]].

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/442/442791_8061621-lq.mp3" autoplay/> "Speaking of, Kyle… " Warwick said. Kyle had his backpack open. He stared at his compass. The needle spinning in all directions… "Woah," Kyle said. "Would you say you're brave?" Warwick asked. "I mean, I don't want to brag, but I've managed to eat a live cricket on a dare." "How would you feel about being my assistant?" Warwick asked. "Would I get to learn magic?" "You could turn your enemies into vegetarian dragons," Warwick said. [[Carson stopped eavesdropping]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/442/442791_8061621-lq.mp3" autoplay/> Carson wandered around the library. A book pulled itself off the shelf and dropped to the floor before him. The book was labeled 'How to survive monsters.' I wonder if this can help with my pesky Kyle problem, Carson thought. At this moment, Carson couldn't help but think of his mother. They shared a similar love of books. A love he hadn't seen in recent years since his father passed. Her smile for books had only recently returned since finding love again with Kyle's father. Carson recalled his mother asking him to treat Kyle like family. "He's not my brother; he's a moron," Carson would repeatedly say to anyone that would listen. Carson flicked through the first few pages. He appreciated how the magic of the library could bring you whatever you required. His finger trailed down a page... How to Survive Monsters, Volume 705, Page 5: Start a dialogue. Modern-day monsters get distracted by conversation. They like to get to know their prey before they devour it. It makes the monster/victim relationship feel more personal. Carson kept reading for a while. When he was done, he discretely placed this book in his backpack. His eyes flitted back to Warwick and Kyle high-fiving. "Well, they're bonding. This can't be good." Carson said. [[Carson returned to Kyle and Warwick]]

"Carson, so glad you're back to join us," Warwick said. Warwick snapped a finger, and a plate of fortune cookies appeared. "Misfortune cookie?" Warwick asked. "Do you mean fortune cookies?" "No. Everyone can have good fortune. Bad fortunes are what define a person. They challenge you. Ask you to grow and think outside of yourself." Warwick said. He offered the misfortune cookies again. [[Accept the cookie]] [[Reject the generous offer]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/511/511311_6627602-lq.mp3" autoplay /> "Dude, Warwick says I can stay and be his apprentice. I could have magical powers!" Kyle said. Warwick grinned. It sent a chill down Carson's spine. Carson couldn't smell the pancakes or strawberry ice cream for a moment. He smelled dank dungeon wetness and the smell of wet earthy rocks. Warwick smiled again. There's something about the smile, Carson thought. He thought his mouth was making the appropriate movements expected of a smile, but his eyes didn't match the rest of his face. "Uh-huh," Carson said. "The dungeon downstairs… doesn't tell you that maybe there's a reason this place doesn't have an HR department." "Those were all accidents," Warwick said "They flew too close to the sun," Kyle said. "Do you mind if Kyle and I have a stepbrother debrief?" Carson asked. "Not at all." [[Kyle and Carson argue in private]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/VARwBwJ.png" /> Warwick offers another cookie. [[Accept the second cookie]] [[Reject the generous offer]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/aqmWMnZ.png" /> Warwick offers another cookie. [[Accept the third cookie]] [[Reject the generous offer]]

<img src="https://i.imgur.com/zzA2Eym.png" /> Warwick offers yet another cookie but Carson's fed up. [[Reject the generous offer]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/511/511311_6627602-lq.mp3" autoplay /> “You’re missing the point. I’d have magic powers. MAGIC POWERS. I could give a basketball teeth!” Kyle said with a grin. “Why would you want to—” “The point is…magic powers. You don’t say no to that.” “Listen, I dream of a world where your bedroom is empty,” Carson said. His eyes flicked to Warwick at a library table down yonder. “But there’s something off about this. Warwick is too nice.” “You don’t trust anyone!” Kyle said. “You. Trust. Everyone. It’s naïve. And annoying.” “You told Mom you felt like the babysitter was watching you. That’s their actual job.” “I won’t go….If….” “Kyle said. Carson saw an idea forming in his eyes. “If what?” “If you admit you’d miss me.” “Sorry. Guess you’re dying,” Carson said. [[walking away]].

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/511/511311_6627602-lq.mp3" autoplay /> Carson knew instinctively at this moment that he couldn’t actually walk away. “Okay…what I’m about to say will sound gross. And I’ll deny it if you tell anyone. But...it wouldn’t be my life if you weren’t there to insult.” Carson said. “Woah, compliment of the year,” Kyle said with an eye roll. The boys exchanged a look all siblings across the world would know. They were going to stick together until they got out of this and then they could resume being each other's mortal enemy. "So we're going to leave..." Carson said with a sheepish smile. He had a feeling this conversation wasn't going to go over well. [[Carson pulled out monster book]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/511/511311_6627602-lq.mp3" autoplay /> "What makes you think I'll let you waltz out of here?" Warwick asked. "Page fifty-three," Carson said. He pulled out the book and showed Kyle and Warwick his reference point. "Warlocks can't back down from a challenge." "I despise children who read..." Warwick said. "I gotta start reading more," Kyle said. "I've been telling you." Carson said. "What do you propose?" Warwick asked. Curiosity getting the better of him. "Riddles," Carson said. Warwick nodded. A book of riddles floated down into Warwick's hands. "If you answer any of these three riddles wrong—you and your brother become my apprentices...until you retire..." "Fine. If I get all three right—you teleport us to the graveyard markets." Carson made eye contact with Kyle. That knowing look of 'I got this.' [[Warwick begins the first riddle]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/468/468219_5479102-lq.mp3" autoplay /> Who makes it, has no need for it. Whoever buys it won’t use it. Who uses it, won’t care. What am I? [[A casket.]] [[Time]] [[Money]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/468/468219_5479102-lq.mp3" autoplay /> "Correct You won't get this next one though!" Warwick promised. [[Warwick begins the second riddle]]

DEATH

WORSE THAN DEATH

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/468/468219_5479102-lq.mp3" autoplay /> Poor people have it. Rich people need it. If you eat it you die. What is it? [[Love]] [[Imagination]] [[Nothing.]]

DEATH

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/468/468219_5479102-lq.mp3" autoplay /> "Correct! But you're just delaying the inevitable...misfortune finds us all eventually..." "You talk a lot." Carson said. [[Warwick begins the third riddle]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/468/468219_5479102-lq.mp3" autoplay /> At the beginning of eternity, At the end of space and time, At the start of every end, At the end of every place. What am I? [[TIME!]] [[THE LETTER E]] [[WHAT IS AN 80'S POWER BALLAD?]] [[PAIN]]

DEATH

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/468/468219_5479102-lq.mp3" autoplay /> "Correct..." Warwick said in disbelief. "To the Graveyard Markets please," Carson said. Warwick's eyes turned red. His hands glowed bright green. Warwick's smile vanished. His teeth disappeared revealing a blackness that promised Carson nightmares. [[Carson and Kyle glow brighter and brighter.]]

DEATH

<h2>CHAPTER FOUR: FOREST OF FEAR</h2> <img src="https://i.pinimg.com/originals/f6/35/dd/f635ddb1868d575823a06f7aa99e94b1.jpg" /> <audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/353/353432_392324-lq.mp3" autoplay /> <audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/556/556791_5985747-lq.mp3" autoplay /> The Skeleton trail led through the dark forest. Trees and darkness on either side of the path. Silver ghosts endlessly fly above like an otherworldy nightlight. The boys spot another sign. SIGN: FOREST OF FEAR DO NOT WANDER OFF THE PATH FOREST HAS BEEN KNOWN TO OCCASIONALLY EAT PEOPLE. Kyle pulled out a flashlight from his backpack. “What do you think?” he asked. “I don’t know. The sign in blood seems a little on the nose.” Carson said. “Guess you gotta ask yourself, do you feel lucky?” “After today…no. But if we stay on the path...what’s the worse that could happen?” [[The boys continue down the path to the forest.]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/559/559389_2282212-lq.mp3" autoplay/> Carson and Kyle are zapped onto the skeleton road outside of the forest. A stone sign reads: TO THE GRAVEYARD MARKETS. "Well I guess he technically fufilled his end of the bargain," Kyle said. He laughed. "I hate loopholes." Carson said. [[They enter the forest.]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/556/556791_5985747-lq.mp3" autoplay /> With each step, the woods seemed a little darker. Ghost highway lights above the path were almost dim due to the sheer magnitude of the forest. Carson looked beyond the skeleton road, deep into the forest. The darkness in between the trees. Shadows seemingly moved on their own. He tried to ignore it. The feeling that something was just a little off. His mind was playing tricks on him. It was the only logical explanation. Kyle wasn't saying anything. [[Flashlight scanning.]] Not the least bit bothered.

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/253/253534_875457-lq.mp3" autoplay /> Carson heard laughter. Uncanny laughter. Big belly laughs. [[Carson isn't sure if Kyle can hear the laughter.]]

On Carson's next step, he heard his name whispered in the wind. He checked both sides of the forest. Everything appeared to be unnaturally still. Kyle raised an eyebrow. Carson heard his name whispered in the wind again. Kyle's mouth wasn't moving…so it's not Kyle messing with me, Carson thought. Carson kept walking. He tried to keep his eyes on the road in front of him. He felt compelled to look into the forest. He reaches out and grabs the flashlight from Kyle. The flashlight path showed….A GREAT WHITE SHARK swimming through the air. The shark CHOMPED at a tree. The shark spotted Carson and charged. <img src="https://cdn.pixabay.com/photo/2020/10/15/14/41/forest-5656930_1280.jpg" /> [[Carson freezes with fear.]]

The shark disappeared when it crossed the Skeleton border onto the path. “Did you see that?” Carson asked. “See what?” “The shark trying to kill me!” “Dude, you say the strangest things. Just chill.” “Chill?” Kyle grabbed his flashlight back. Carson knew from Kyle’s face that he wasn’t lying. He didn’t see the shark. [[The boys march forward.]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/619/619844_2522180-lq.mp3" autoplay/> <img src="https://i.imgur.com/Ot12uX0.png" /> Morden's red moon above them. Wolves howled as the boys trekked on. Carson reached out to grab Kyle's arm—but stopped himself. "Dude, you're starting to freak me out. What's up? Are you scared?" Kyle asked. "No….I just think you should go first and get attacked by anything dangerous." "I'm not dying first," Kyle said. "We're not going to get eaten by anything. Those markets mean there's a truce or whatever." "Okay. Then go march ahead. I'll guard from behind." "No. you go" "No! I insist." "No." "No" [["No."]]

The battle of ‘No’s’ went on for a while. [[Kyle speaks up.]]

“I’m waiting…” Kyle said. Carson took a tentative step down the path. Kyle clapped. “Very good.” Carson ignored him. When he looked back, he tried to steel his expression—unfortunately, Kyle saw the flash of fear in his eyes. “We could argue all night. I believe in us. Or…we could set up a camp for the night…get a fire going…maybe the path won’t look so ominous in the day.” Kyle suggested. Carson nodded slowly. Thinking it over. “That’s a…good idea,” Carson said. “Thanks.” Kyle opened his backpack. Six granola bars, a world war 2 book, a first aid kid, and a tent. “You just carry a tent with you.” “Scouts motto, dude—always be prepared.” He offered Carson a Granola bar. [[Kyle starts assembling a tent.]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/213/213804_3832471-lq.mp3" autoplay /> A small green tent was set up. A small campfire burned. The crackling sounds offered comfort. Carson couldn't believe that Kyle was able to do all this. The boys laughed as they looked up at the sky. Staring at the ghosts. "How do you think he died?" Kyle nodded to a silvery king flying overhead. "The people wised up and had a mutiny," Carson said. Kyle pointed to a silver man dressed from the Victorian Era. "I'm thinking pirates." Carson grinned. The forest was a little less scary in this newfound game. [[Carson points to another ghost]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/213/213804_3832471-lq.mp3" autoplay /> “You know, you’re actually useful,” Carson said. “You need to learn how to actually give a compliment.” “You still plotted against me so I would end up in an open grave….” The realization of this jumped across Kyle’s face. “Yeah…” he said quietly. Silver ghosts still flew above them. “I’m glad you’re not up there,” Kyle said. Offering a truce of sorts. “I’d definitely haunt you. Always knock over your tent.” They both laughed uncontrollably. [[ It’s been an insane day. Maybe it’s time to get some sleep]] [[Kyle seems less annoying, let’s keep hanging out for a bit]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/213/213804_3832471-lq.mp3" autoplay /> "It's been an insane day. Maybe we should get some shut eye." Carson said. "Cool." The boys listened to the crackle of the fire. Eyes still glued to the world around them. Carson a little less scared than when this adventure started. [[get some sleep]]

<audio src="https://cdn.freesound.org/previews/213/213804_3832471-lq.mp3" autoplay /> "So why do you think you saw a shark in the forest?" Kyle asked. Carson was quiet for a while. Kyle didn't press for an answer. He pulled out his World War 2 book and started to read. "I've always been afraid of Sharks. Even in swimming pools. I was convinced someone would push a button, a trap door would open in the deep end, and a shark would come after me." "That's…specific." "I know. It sounds insane." "Nah, I get it," Kyle said. "I wish I saw a shark. I saw mannequins." “Wait…you saw…” Carson laughed. He couldn't stop laughing. "You're scared of an inanimate object." "No need for judgement. Mannequins are creepy. Some of them lack heads in malls. Whose idea was it to dress up a decapitated faceless or headless thing." "So, you're scared of capitalism." Kyle and Carson laughed for ages. Okay we gotta move the story along, time to [[get some sleep]]

THAT'S ALL FOLKS. IF YOU MADE IT THIS FAR THANKS FOR PLAYING THE DEMO.

Carson burst through the front door of his home on Elm street. Finally catching his breath. "Mom!!" he yelled. "Mom!" "Don't scream. If you want to talk to me...come to talk to me," Carson's mother yelled from the living room. Still catching his breath, Carson locked the front door. He approached his mother in the living room. Calm. Collected. Eyebrows raised in a way that suggested suspicious behavior. "Where's Kyle?" his mother asked. "Screaming in the graveyard. Probably being hacked to death by chainsaws." Carson said matter-of-factly. THE END

Four blocks later, Carson felt he could finally relax. The familiar road of Elm drive. Houses on either side. Streetlights warmly glowing. He stopped outside his home, a red-bricked house, and pulled out his phone. He texted, "Yeah, I'm scared. I can admit it. Who cares?' THE END

THANKS FOR CHOOSING THE KYLE PATH. UNFORTUNATELY THE WRITER HAS BEEN SLACKING AND WHILE THE STORY HAS BEEN PLANNED...THE PASSAGES ARE NOT YET READY FOR HUMAN EYES. IF THIS DECISION HAS IMPACTED YOU IN ANY WAY AND YOU FEEL A GRAY RAINCLOUD HAS FOUND YOU...LET ME OFFER YOU THIS NUGGET OF KYLE WISDOM. "It's not raining in our hearts." -Kyle

Wrong Answer friends. Kyle and Carson are forced into an apprenticeship. At least they have each other. Maybe they can devise a way to escape. Maybe Gravely will Deux Ex Machina and save them down the line. Either way he's not saving them today. Bright side...maybe they'll get magic powers...maybe...