You return to the strange house. Its still as odd as before with the orange peach light radiating from the windows and bats fluttering all around the eaves. The humming sound is stronger now, and that scent of old pumpkins has been almost entirely replaced by the scent of biting ozone. Your nostrils flare. That’s really not an appealing combination.
Still that pleasant spicy cologne with notes of green apple, cardamom, and cedar cuts through as a familiar figure leans out from the shadows. “Well, look at you! You’re back this fast?” Asher no longer carries a baseball bat. He’s upgraded to a gun.
“Looks like you’ve been busy.” You set one hand on your hip and indicate his gun with a small smile. “Monsters upgrade or something?”
“Eh, they’re always upgrading. Broke my bat. I’ve got another somewhere.” He gives a playful shrug. “You got what I need though?”
You hold up your book bag, packed to the brim with books. “I did you one better. I didn’t just get you a list of books. I tracked them all down. That’s got to make it more potent and save time, huh?”
“It sure does. You’re a regular miracle worker, aren’t you? Practically a mindreader.” He grins.
You pass the bulging bag over to him. He takes a look over the books with great appreciation, shaking his head and smiling. “This is incredible. Words aren’t enough. But I think I know what I’m going to call you.”
“Oh?” You look at him expectantly.
“Dugout Darlin’.” He gives a satisfied nod.
“That’s what you’re going to call me?” You raise an eyebrow.
“You don’t like it?” He shrugs, then studies you. “What about Curveball Cutie? Pretty Little Pitcher?”
“Come on. You can’t really think that that’s going to work as a code name.” You laugh good-naturedly. “By the time you’re done calling that, the monster will have eaten your face.”
“Fair enough.” He glances back at the house. “I’ve got to go take care of this though. This’ll save Halloween. So I’m in your debt. I hope we’ll see each other again. And then I’ll find the perfect code name for you.”
“It might be easier if we step away from the baseball theme,” you say.
“Never.” He shakes his head with faux grimness, then grins. “See you around. You might want to take that road to the north by the way. You’ve helped me get all settled for the night, but there’s loads of others out there who could use someone with your knowledge. If you feel so inclined, of course.”
“Thanks. I think I will.” You look toward that dark path that leads north and can’t help but feel a surge of excitement course through you. When you look back for Asher, he’s already disappeared along with all traces of his cologne. His advice is good though. You do have great knowledge of these stories. And if you can help save Halloween with it, well—that sounds rather appealing.
You dust your hands off and pick a path down the dark road, humming “Monster Mash.” Yes. This is a good Halloween, and you’re going to have a great time.
Have you completed Silver Stalkerbane’s Path in Our World?
What about Durak Iron Bane’s or Kya Truthfinder’s?
Also starting on October 20, make sure to check the main page for additional bonus quests for extra prizes and opportunities to win. There’s the scent of blood on the air and organ music coming from somewhere in the distance.
Access to the Our World Prize Room will be sent out via email after the event along with added details.