Hyrule.net Anthology Thread

[Felix Faust 4]

The Outer Limits, Twilight Zone and Tales of the Darkside are all famous Anthology Series. In the spirit of those great shows I propose a Collaborative effort among the various authors of Hnet. There is no off limit genre here, the only rule is that each story must be 100% original, or the very least original ideas based around established characters.

And with that I give you...

"Peeping Tom"

By. Hell Hound

There's a certain stigma attached to Simon Palmer's favorite hobby. While most people who partake of the Voyeuristic arts do so out of a Sexual need, for Simon it's purely mental. He craves the rush, spying on strangers most personal and intimate moments knowing that at any moment he could be caught.

On the cool evening of October 13th Simon felt the urge and so donning his black coat and stocking cap slipped into the night to prowl.

Slinking from house to house he was dumbstruck at how absolutely normal the neighborhood was. As the clock struck Eleven he was about to call it a night when his attention drifted to a house at the end of the block. An odd yellow glow drew him in like a Moth to flame. Creeping up to the window he peered in and saw a young child sitting on a red sofa cushion watching tv. Not far away was a teenage girl, his sister perhaps also watching tv. Moving around to the back he could see two adults in the kitchen, by the way they were going at it they must've been the parents. Simon moved closer trying to hear what they were shouting but the closed windows made it hard. Throwing caution to the wind he stepped up on the porch and moved to the open door.

"If you don't like it here Paul then maybe you should move in with your Whore!" The Woman shouted

"For the last time Jane there's no one else!" Paul shouted.

As Simon was transfixed on the conversation he felt a pair of eyes on him, the boy had noticed him peeping and turned to see who was intruding. Pressing his index finger to his lips Simon let out a soft "Shhh".

The Boy nodded and slowly walked over. "Who are you" he asked. "I'm Tom" Simon said lying through his teeth. "I'm Bobby." he said back.

"Is it always like this Bobby?" Simon asked. "Usually yeah, but lately Mommy's been really angry with Daddy." Bobby said.

"I've had enough Paul it ends now!" Jane shouted climbing the staircase.

Bobby watched his mom go upstairs and turned to Simon. "You better go now, things are gonna get bad."

Bobby returned to his couch cushion on the floor as Jane came back downstairs. She moved into the kitchen and a loud crack echoed through the house. She then moved to the Parlor and shot the Girl she then zoned in on Billy and shot him down too. She then turned the gun on herself and placing it in her mouth pulled the trigger.

Simon watched in horror as the back of her head exploded painting the wall beyond her in blood and brain matter. Simon pulled out his Cell phone and quickly called the Police.

"911 what's your emergency?"

"Oh my god...I just saw a murder suicide!"

"Sir where are you calling from." she asked

"I don't know the address...it's the House at the end of Breckenridge Road!"

"Sir this number is for Emergencies only, not pranks."

"This isn't a prank Lady I just saw a Woman..."

"Kill her husband, kids and then herself right? Maybe you should try some original material next time."

As the Operator hung up Simon's gaze fell upon the House again. The pristine colonial manor was gone, in it's place was an overgrown and abandoned hovel.

On the night of October 13th 1978 Jane Alcot the mentally disturbed wife of Paul Alcot killed her husband, Daughter Heather and Son Bobby then turned the gun on herself. Since that night every year on the Anniversary the events of that fateful night are relived. For Simon his life changed forever that night, he doesn't go out Peeping anymore.

[Otis McNutt 395]

Cool ghost story, but a little short wouldn't you say? That said it's a good premise.

[Felix Faust 4]

"The Devil You Know"

Part One

Let me get this out of the way right from the start...

Demons exist!

It's messed up isn't it? Imagine learning that fact when you're Twelve years old.

You see centuries ago The Butt King found a way for his minions to leave the pit. They routinely slip through the cracks of our world and attach themselves to people, those of influence of power.

You might be asking why, well I'll tell you...

Souls

Think of Humans as flesh covered Nuclear reactors and the soul is our Plutonium core. The Demons will try their hardest to corrupt as many people as they can to get at their souls to power the War Machine for the coming final battle.

Not one to sit idly by, Michael the Archangel charged two of his top Archangels with defending the Human race. These two Angels, Ronin and Jocosta shed their Angelic essence and became mortal. Ronin went East and Jocasta went west each to start a family.

That's where I come in, my name is Jack Levram and I am a direct descendant of Jocasta. And as such that tiny spark of the devine gives me "The Halo" a kind of Second Sight that shows me the evil that hides just below the surface.

When I told my father about that thing I saw inside my Principle he told me what I just told you. Before I could even process what he had said he was shoving a dagger in my hand. You see Demons are tricky assholes, when the bond with a person they play for keeps, they take control of a persons essence, memories and burn them up on the inside. They care for the meat they wear, protecting from injury and illness. Without a special weapon the only way to kill a Demon is by cutting off the head. But luckily for us we have special weapons.

They are called "Glave" and they are bad-ass. Think of a Glave as an Ice-pick on Steroids. A Square shaped dagger made of Concecrated silver with four sides of jagged razor sharp teeth and a single sharp point.

From that day on my Father trained me non-stop for my calling. Three years later he gave me my own Glave and I used it to end Principle Hickley's life.

On his death bed my father dropped one more huge bomb on my life. Not only am I a Hunter, I'm also a Convergence. My father's side from Jocasta and my Mother's from Ronin. It seems that on the eve of the Final Battle a Convergence will appear and he will lead the Sons and Daughters of Both clans in the final battle of Megiddo.

No pressure huh!

Well that basically sums up my rather odd origin, Angel descendant destined to lead an Army in the battle of the Apocalypse.

And if that wasn't tricky enough turns out that The Convergence (Me) is prophecied to find the Angelic essence of my forebears and use those powers to transcend, which is a funny way of saying get all Angelfied.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have much to do and less time to do it in.

[Otis McNutt 395]

Vanished

Reports of missing persons have increased sixfold in the past 25 years, from roughly 150,000 in 1980 to about 900,000 in 2011. The increase was driven in part by the Country's growing population. But the numbers also indicate that Law Enforcement treats the cases more seriously now, including those of "Marginalized" citizens.

An astounding 2,300 Americans are reported missing every day, including both adults and children.

More over, while 98% of disappearances can be attributed to crimes 2% are yet to be explained.

The thing I remember most about Beth was her smile. She had a tenancy to brighten up a room with a simple curl of her crimson lips. When she was happy she'd twirl a lock of her Strawberry Blonde hair and giggle and when she was nervous her leg would twitch. On Saturday mornings we'd sleep in and I'd always wake up first just so I could lay there and watch her sleep.

We were a contradiction Beth and I. When we first met we couldn't stand each other. I was a Los Angeles County Sheriffs Deputy and she was an Environmentalist protesting the Cutting Down of Old Growth Forests. I was her arresting officer and since I was a rookie I had to mind the prisoners until they could see the Judge on Tuesday, three days later.

The first day we traded contentful smirks, on the second day we began to get a bit more civil, talking about our families.

We had a lot in common, in that we were the exact opposite of what our parents wanted for us. Her Father was a high profile executive while mine was a 60's hold over anti-establishment Hippie. By the third day we were in love, and after she was released with a Warning I asked her out.

We dated for about Four months and I'm sad to say we broke up under less than stellar terms.

Five years past and I had left the Sheriffs department for my dream job in the FBI. One night I was out with co-workers when I herd a familiar voice behind me at the bar. She ordered a Sour Apple Martini her favorite drink ever. I turned around and my heart stopped when I saw her, five years later and she was still as amazingly stunning as ever. I quickly slipped to the men's room and gave myself a once over. After a little internal pep-talk I floated over to the bar and settled in behind her.

"Apple Martini huh?" I asked in a deep voice.

"Yeah it's my favorite drink." she said in her best flirty, breathy voice.

"I knew a girl who loved those things. She once drank six of them, got tanked and sang a showstopping rendition of "Lime in the Coconut" entirely in Esperanto."

"I did that once too." she said with a short chuckle.

It was then a tiny glimmer of recognition flashed across her face. She looked up from her glass and into the mirror across from the bar. That 1,000,000 watt smile lit up her face as she launched from her chair and wrapped her arms around my neck.

Sheb buried her face in my shoulder just like she used to and I took a deep breath of her intoxicating scent. Looking up we could tell all eyes were on us but we didn't care.

We slipped away from our friends and got a booth.

"Has it really been five years?" I asked.

"It seems longer doesn't it." she said putting her hand in mine.

She told me of her life since our parting. How a near fatal car accident caused her to talk stock of her life. She gave up her Militant Environmentalism returned to College and got a degree in Child Development which she uses in her capacity as a Gradeschool teacher.

"And what about you, are Armani Suits the new Uniform of the LAPD?"

"That was just the jumping off point for me, I've gone federal." I said pulling out my badge.

"Special Agent Milo Cross, Federal Bureau of Investigation Behavioural Analysis Unit...you're a Fed?" she asked.

"Criminal Profiler actually. When local law enforcement find themselves overwhelmed in certain cases they call us in to assist."

"Do you carry a gun?" she asked.

"All FBI Agents carry." she asked

"Are you carrying now?"

"Yes I have it right here under my coat."

After that chance encounter we started up again. And for a while it was like old times, as if there was no Five Year hiatus.

That's when things took a strange turn.

She called me Thursday to make a date for friday. When Friday night came round and she didn't show up I called to no reply. When Sunday came around and still no word I started to get nervous and Filed a missing persons report with DC Metro Police.

Days turned to weeks and weeks fed into months and still no word. Against the protests of my Superiors I personally got involved in the case.

When I started out I had no idea how much my worldview would change, how the impossible would suddenly be the norm.

And how my life would never be the same again.

[Otis McNutt 395]

The Time Lost by Tyrion Lannister

Based on Rip Van Winkle by Washington Irving

"Water...why do I hear Water"? Rick thought to himself as he opened his eyes.

As his eyes adjusted to the bright daylight Rick could tell something was amiss. What he had mistaken for water was infact the passing drone of Highway traffic. A quick glace of his surroundings indicated something was very wrong, he was bordered by thick bushes on all sides and the front windscreen was blown out. Forcing open the drivers side door Rick tumbled out and climbed to his feet. What he found shook him to his core, his Car a brand new 2003 Honda Accord was totalled. There was massive front end damage and the body had started to rust.

As Rick climbed up the grassy embankment he found himself sweating, how odd it is that he be sweating on November 21st. He made it up to the road and found himself stuck amid a sea of cars whizzing by so fast he would be lucky to get a ride.

Rick found himself trudging down the side of the Highway like some demented Cartoon Character holding his thumb out hoping for a ride. After a few miles of walking he found himself sitting on the side of the Freeway, tired and out of breath when a familiar "Whoop whoop" caught his ear. Looking up he found the familiar Green and Brown cruiser of the Connecticut State Troopers.

"You can't hitchhike here sir." The Trooper said to him from behind mirrored glasses.

"Sorry Officer, I had a bit of an Accident a few miles back and I'm just trying to get to a phone to call home."

"No Cell Phone?" the officer asked.

"Left it in the Dorm." he said thumping his head.

The Cop looked at the man, his tattered flanel shirt and faded Denim said drifter while his blue eyes and dimpled chin screamed innocent.

"Hop in, but don't make me regret this!"

"I won't, names Rick...Rick Warner nice to meet you."

"Officer Everson, Serenity." She said holding out her hand. "But everyone calls me Serena".

After a while Serena stopped at a Gas Station just off the Highway. "This is as far as I can take you Rick, I'm sorry." she said.

"No problem Serena, I live about two miles away. I can call home and get a ride."

Rick was about to get out until Serena stopped him. "Here's my card, call if you need help or whatever. My cell number's on the back just in case."

Rick got out of the car and watched her drive away. "That was odd!" he thought aloud.

He walked over to the phone and thanked god it was in working order.

"Fifty Cents...since when does a pay phone cost Fifty Cents!" he said fishing two quarters, all his pocket change from his jeans.

After several rings someone on the other end picked up. "Hello?"

"Oh Mom thank god you're there!" Rick said.

"Who is this?" she asked.

"Mom it's...it's me it's Rick."

"I don't know who this is or what sick joke you're playing but this is very rude! Don't call here again."

Rick looked at the phone as he hung it up. Why was his mother so angry, what had happened.

He found himself sitting on a bench outside the gas station, a newspaper sat beside him rustling in the soft breeze. A chance glance at the top headline smacked him in the head. July 18th 2013 in bold black print screamed at him.

He found himself transfixed at the paper, hoping for a typo but finding none. July was bad enough, he had left school November 20th 2003 and here was a newspaper claiming that ten years had passed. Looking over his shoulder revealed his reflection a fresh faced 19 year old Journalism Student.

Rick Warner found himself on his street "So far, so good!" he said to himself as he approached his house. He was a few yards away when the door opened and emerged a blonde woman about his age. "Where do you think you're going Young Lady?" an older woman asked.

"There's a party at the Quarry Mom, I told you this."

"Yes and what did I say, I said no!" The Mother shouted.

"I don't care Mom, I'm going!"

"Mary-Anne Warner you get in this house right now!" the elder woman shouted.

"Mary...it can't be!" Rick said.

Rick stood stone still as the girl stomped inside her mother following behind her. The last time he had seen Mary she was wearing princess dresses and having tea parties in the Treehouse.

"The Warner women at it again huh?" a voice asked from behing him.

"Huh?" Rick asked turning slightly.

"The Warners, The Daughter Mary is always duking it out with her Ma, I think the Mother's scared is all. Scared that Mary will vanish like he brother Rick. Ten years gone this November, no sign was ever found" The Neighbor said shaking his head.

Rick's head was on fire as he trudged up the Mason Stone steps, past a bed of Yellow Roses he helped his Mom plant the Summer before his Freshman year. He gently grabbed the brass doorknocker and slowly dropped it back down causing one dull clack.

The world seemed to slip away as an all to familiar voice wafted from beyond "Coming!"

Time slowed as the door opened and the girl from before answered.

"Can I help you?" she asked.

"Is it really you...Mar-Bear?" he said, the words falling from his lips.

All at once the color left the girls face and her eyes became wide saucers.

"Who is it Mary?" the older woman asked from within.

"Mom, I'm home." Rick said.

The shock of seeing her son after ten years was to much and Helen Warner fainted.

"Mom!" Mary shouted.

"Mary let me in!" Rick said from beyond the screen door.

Mary unlocked the screen door slider and Rick slipped in. "What happened to her?" Mary asked.

"I'm no Doctor but maybe seeing your supposed dead son returning after ten years has something to do with it."

Rick and Mary moved their unconscious mother to the sofa. "What do we do now?" Mary asked.

"Luckly she fell against the wall and not straight down. If she hit her head we might've been in trouble."

Mary watched as the Man who looked very much like her missing and presumed dead brother walk into the kitchen.

"What are you doing?" she asked

"Getting something to eat, I haven't eaten in about a day...or ten years...or something."

The young teen watched as the man knew exactly which cabinet to find a glass and which to find the stash of Trail Mix.

Helen Warner found herself on the couch, a damp washcloth draped across her forehead. From the Kitchen she could hear voices. Silently getting to her feet she tip-toed over to the doorway to listen.

"Where have you been...what happened?" Mary asked.

"I honestly have no idea. I left school yesterday and was driving home the road was slick and the leaves were wet. My car skidded off the road and into a heavily forested ditch. I climbed out thinking it was the next day only to find a newspaper saying it was 2013."

"This is freaky...some straight-up Paranormal crazy." Mary said.

"You're telling me, If I heard a story like this I'd be fascinated. But since it's me, I'm scared to death."

"Why?" Mary asked.

"I've been missing for Ten years and yet I haven't aged Mary. Look at me, when I left you were seven and now we're roughly the same age." Rick said.

"So that was you on the phone?" Helen said emerging from the other room.

"Mom thank God!" Rick said walking over.

"Can it really be you?" Helen asked placing her hands on his broad shoulders.

"Yes it is most definitely me." he said.

Rick found himself in his old room. Posters for bands and superheroes peppered the walls and action figures glared at him from shelves.

"We kept it exactly as you left it." Mary said.

Rick picked up a Spider-Man figure and blew off a layer of dust.

"I was gonna see the Spider-Man movie this weekend, how'd that do?" he asked.

"Killed at the Box Office, the sequel was better. Number three sucked hard so they rebooted it last year."

"Four...four Spider-Man movies."

Rick looked at the Shrine like room and his head sunk. "I...I need to be alone for a while."

Rick found himself in the shower, and as the soothing water cascaded over his body he found something odd on his side. Stepping out of the shower he found a four inch scar that started at his side and wrapped around his back. He looked himself over and found more injuries. Healed bullet holes and burns littered his body but it was a gash scar across his chest that gave him pause.

As he ran his finger across it a memory half forgotten came floating to the surface.

"This is crazy Rick, you can't go back." a Woman said

"I have to Lana, It's the only way to stop all of this."

"The next window to 2003 is in 12 hours, you can wait." Lana said.

"But 2013 is closer Lana, that's where I need to be." he said.

All at once the flood gates opened revealing Rick's missing time.

A car accident that would've killed him. A life saved for a purpose and the "Time Lost" people ripped from the Jaws of Death to become soldiers in a far off future war.

Rick found himself standing on the stairs looking down. "What's wrong Rick?" she asked.

"I remember." he said.

In the year 2030 the World in embroiled in a third World War. As Soldiers die in droves the government needed a way shore up the ranks. The solution was to mine the past for fresh bodies, snatch people from the past who were moments away from death. They download stolen people with Military knowledge and ship them off to battle. In the few months I was there I saw horrible things. Between firefights I found myself looking back at the history feeds, trying to find the cause of the War. After I found it I convinced my fellow soldiers that we could prevent the War. So we took over our Division Headquarters and using the Chrono-Arch I traveled back to stop the stop the Catalyst event from happening.

"What is the Event?" Mary asked.

"The Bombing of the UN in 2015. I have to stop it before it happens."

To Be Continued