Chapter 9
The boys were downstairs eating breakfast as Dave was watching the news on the TV. "Do you think that Freddy got to Eleanor since he went after Brittany and Jeanette?", Theodore asked. "I'm sure he did Theodore. You know how he is", Alvin replied. "I'm scared for her", Theodore said with fear in his voice. Simon says, "If something terrible would have happened to Eleanor, you know Ms. Miller would have called Dave." Dave, overhearing this said, "If it would make you feel better Theodore, I can call Ms. Miller's house and let you talk to Eleanor." "Okay", Theodore said.
"Hello?", Ms. Miller said on the phone. "Hi, Ms. Miller. Theodore wants to talk to Eleanor because he's worried about her. Could you put her on please?", Dave said. "Sure", Ms. Miller responded. Dave then hands Theodore the phone. "Hello?", Eleanor says. "Hi Ellie. I wanted to know, did Freddy attack you last night?", Theodore said. "Yes he did, but he obviously didn't get me. Thanks for checking on me", Eleanor said. "Did he hurt you?", Theodore asked with great concern. Eleanor says, "Yes, he cut me, but I'll be okay." "I'm glad you'll be fine", Theodore said. "I'm glad too", Eleanor responds. "Okay I got to go, see you at school", Theodore says. "Okay, bye Theo", Eleanor says. They then hang up. Simon says, "See, Eleanor is okay. Ms. Miller would have said something if something bad would have happened to any of the girls." "I know, but I was still concerned about Eleanor", Theodore says. "I know you were and that's really nice", Dave says. He then looks at the clock and says, "You boys need to finish your breakfast or you'll be late."
At the school, the boys and girls arrive only minutes apart. Theodore sees Eleanor and goes over to her. "Hi Ellie", Theodore says. "Where did Freddy cut you?" Eleanor says, "Right here", and shows him her bandaged arm. "Oh my!", Theodore says with great concern. Eleanor says, "Don't worry, I'm fine. But Freddy is still a massive creep!" "Couldn't agree with you more", Alvin says. Simon then says, "Look at the time. We better get to class before we're late." Theodore then says to Eleanor, "See you at lunch." She replies, "Same here."
The school day is going well for the Chipmunks and Chipettes as they go over material in their classes that will be on their upcoming final exams. Later on at lunch, the boys and girls discuss what has been going on in their classes as well as Freddy's activity. "At least we have study hall to get some extra studying in", Jeanette says. Alvin then replies, "True, but will these exams matter if we're dead?" Simon then says, "Alvin, that was pretty ridiculous what you said. What did you mean by that?" Alvin answers, "I'm talking about if we don't stop Freddy and he kills us." Simon says, "I know you're worried about Freddy killing us or other people, but we still have to think about the exams." Theodore speaks up and says, "True, but it's still scary what Freddy has done and easily could do. He attacked Eleanor last night and killed Caroline a couple of days ago. I don't want us to be next." Eleanor then says, "I agree. After what he did to Caroline, me, and the rest of us, the exams, while still important, shouldn't be the only thing to worry about." Eleanor then continued, "In my dream, I actually hit Freddy a number of times in the head with a pipe and he just smiled at me like I didn't even hurt him!" Alvin says, "That's because we can't hurt him! No matter what we do, he can't be hurt. But we still have to find a way to stop him, especially before he can claim another victim."
Ruth, overhearing them talking, comes over to their table and says, "Whoever this Freddy supposedly is that you're talking about, I'm gonna make him sorry for what he did to Caroline. Where is he?" Brittany answers, "He attacks you in your dreams. I know it sounds crazy, but it's true. Also, you shouldn't try to fight him because he will overpower you and kill you." Ruth replies, "It does sound crazy, but after what happened to Caroline, I want someone to pay. Caroline was like a sister to me and the monster who killed her needs to pay for what he has done." Alvin says, "That's tough talk, but I hope it doesn't lead to you and Freddy crossing paths in a dream."
Later on, the boys have study hall in the library with the girls. However, Bobby and Derek are also in their study hall group. Fortunately, the librarian is keeping her eye on the two bullies. As Bobby is studying for the upcoming final exams, he gets bored and falls asleep. Suddenly, a book hits him on the back of the head and he jolts up angrily. "Who's the wise guy who threw that?!", Bobby says loudly. He looks around and sees Alvin and knowing how Alvin can be, goes over to him and says, "Was it you punk? Did you throw a book at me?" Alvin ignores Bobby, which infuriated him even more. Bobby then says, "Hey! I asked you a question! I want to know, did you throw a book at me?" The librarian comes over and says, "I need you to quiet down, this is a library." Bobby responds, "I want to know who threw a book at me and hit me in the head." The librarian then grabs Bobby by the shoulder and says with a strange look on her face, "Looks like I'll have to resort to other methods to get you to be quiet." She then grabs Bobby by his shirt and he then shouts, "Hey, what are you doing?!" Bobby then tries to get free from her grip, which is very strong when he looks up and sees Freddy's ugly, burned face looking back at him with a demented smile. "One of those methods is death", Freddy says before letting out a raspy evil laugh. Bobby screams and kicks Freddy in the leg and is able to get free from his grip.
Freddy chuckles evilly and says tauntingly, "What happened to Mr. tough guy? Looks like he has left the building and left behind a pathetic whiny brat who is getting a lesson in true fear." Freddy then runs and tries to slash Bobby with his knives, but Bobby is able to avoid the blades and runs through the library doors. Bobby looks around and says, "I don't remember the school looking like this." He was in the boiler room. He then sees Freddy walking down a flight of stairs, scraping his knives on the railing. Bobby is irritated and scared by the screech the knives are making. Freddy then disappears behind a boiler and Bobby then says in fear, "Where are you, you creep?" Freddy appears behind him and says, "Right here." Bobby turns around and Freddy slashes him on the left side of his chest. Fortunately for Bobby, the cuts aren't very deep. Bobby, holding his wound, runs through the boiler room. He hears Freddy's raspy voice echo through the boiler room saying, "You can run, but you can't hide!" Bobby then sees a group of young girls jumping rope while singing:
One, two Freddy's coming for you
Three, four better lock your door
Five, six grab your crucifix
Seven, eight gonna stay up late
Nine, ten never sleep again
Bobby is gripped by fear as he hears the girls singing their song and turns to run again, only to run into Freddy. Freddy then grabs Bobby by the throat and picks him up and pins him against a boiler. "Sweet dreams", Freddy says as he pulls back his right hand to slash Bobby. Bobby is able to find a really hot part of the boiler and puts his arm on it.
Bobby wakes up and screams in pain and fear. Derek and the librarian immediately run over to him. "Are you okay?", Derek asks his friend. Bobby looks at his burned arm and then his chest and sees the cuts on his chest. "I don't know. I fell asleep and now I have these cuts on me", he says. The librarian says, "You need to get to the nurse right now. Those cuts are still bad no matter where they came from." Derek and Bobby then head out of the library to see the nurse.
The Chipmunks and Chipettes happened to hear the commotion and saw Bobby's cuts before he and Derek walked out of the library. "That was Freddy's doing, I know it", Alvin says. Simon adds, "That was just like what happened with Derek. It definitely was Freddy." Brittany then says, "What are we going to do?" Simon responds, "I'm not sure right now. I'm actually not sure."
After the boys get home from school, Alvin tells Dave what he, Simon, Theodore, and the Chipettes saw in the library during study hall. After Alvin finishes, Dave says, "That's the second time you've told me something like this. I wonder why things have been so strange lately." Alvin says, "Freddy is looking for another victim, I know it!" Dave responds, "I still have yet to see this Freddy, but I will agree that whatever is going on is not normal." Alvin then says, "You shouldn't say that Dave. That's just asking for Freddy to come after you." Dave says, "Aren't you taking this a little far Alvin? I know you, your brothers, the Chipettes, and students at school that you know have had bad nightmares and they are far from typical, but this is getting pretty out there in terms of strangeness with your worries." Alvin then says, "I know I have been out there with monster stuff, but you have to agree that I was right about Theodore and Mr. Talbot years ago. I know I'm right again. Freddy will come for anyone." "Okay Alvin, that's enough right now", Dave says. He then continues, "I've already told you, I'll do everything I can to protect you and your brothers from harm. I'll admit I'm still a bit skeptical about this Freddy guy being real, but I'm not denying that the events as of late have been very strange. Now, you and your brothers need to go study for a while because your final exams are approaching." The boys do as Dave says and study for an hour and a half.
At the Miller house, the girls have told Ms. Miller about what they and the Chipmunks saw in the library. "Oh my! It happened again?", Ms. Miller says. "Yes, we saw it actually happen. Bobby was asleep and cuts suddenly developed on his chest", Jeanette says. "I'm still not 100% sure this Freddy guy you've told me about is real, but either way, I'll do the best I can to keep you safe", Ms. Miller says to the girls. "Thanks Ms. Miller", Eleanor says. "Alright, you girls need to study for your final exams for a while. The more you study, the better the chance of you getting high grades on those exams", Ms. Miller says. The girls then go and study.
At the Seville house, the boys play video games after studying and doing homework and have lasagna for dinner later on. During dinner, Alvin says, "That girl, Caroline who died recently. Her friend actually heard us talking about Freddy and said that she wants to take him on." Dave says, "That is dedication to finding someone's killer, but she would probably have a hard time getting her hands on Freddy, even if he is real and is the person who killed her friend. Besides, she should just let the police take care of finding her friend's killer." Theodore says, "After what we've seen, I'm sure Freddy is real. I just hope Ruth doesn't end up like Caroline." Dave replies, "Theodore, don't worry. With what had been going on lately, I'm sure someone took advantage of the strange events and killed that poor Caroline girl in the chaos to try and make us think these strange events had something to do with the death. Also like I said, as long as I am here, I'll look to protect you." Alvin thinks, "I know you'll look to protect us Dave, but I don't think even you can deal with Freddy."
Later in the night, Dave tucks the boys into bed. "Goodnight boys", he tells them. "Goodnight Dave", they respond. Dave then heads to bed himself. Several hours later, Dave hears footsteps coming to his room. "Dave", he hears Theodore say. "I'm scared. I had a bad dream. Can I sleep with you?", Theodore says. Knowing Theodore occasionally still asks to sleep with him after a nightmare, Dave says, "Sure Theodore, come here." Theodore gets under the covers and quickly falls asleep. Dave later does the same.
Dave later feels something sharp poking him in the side. He thinks it's just Theodore's nails and thinks nothing of it. It keeps happening though. Dave then sits up and as he grabs and pulls back the covers says, "Theodore you need to cut your nails." When Dave fully pulls back the covers, he doesn't find Theodore under the covers. Instead, he finds Freddy. "How about I cut you instead?", Freddy rasps before swiping at Dave with his knives. Dave is just able to dodge the blades as he jumps out of his bed. Freddy laughs as he crawls out of the bed. "What a pleasure to meet the father of the chipmunk boys I have gotten to know", Freddy snarls sinisterly. Dave gasps and says, "You're Freddy?! The same Freddy that's terrorized my boys and their friends?!" Freddy smiles evilly and says, "You got it!", before laughing evilly. Dave then says, "You're just a dream, you aren't real!" Freddy then slashes Dave's arm and says, "I'm as real as those cuts. Now, time for you to get to the eternal sleep." Dave runs down the stairs and tries to open the front door and finds out it's locked. The doorknob also burns his hand and he jumps from the pain. Dave immediately runs to the kitchen, grabs a butcher knife and hides behind the fridge. Freddy has come down the stairs and heads to the kitchen. Dave runs out and stabs Freddy repeatedly in the chest and the neck. Freddy looks shocked and seems to be in pain. Dave thinks he has hurt Freddy, only to see Freddy smile and wave his arms over himself. The wounds disappear and Freddy says, "Well look at that. Too bad that won't happen with you!" Dave charges at Freddy again with the knife, but Freddy knocks the knife out of Dave's hand and says, "That's the best you can do? How weak." Dave, seeing Freddy's abilities, then goes to run out the back door and is able to get out.
Dave turns around and sees he is in the boiler room. "Oh boy, Alvin was right, Freddy is real", Dave says to himself. He then hears the screech of Freddy's knives scraping on pipes and turns toward the sound. Standing right there is Freddy, smiling evilly at Dave. Dave runs and hides behind a boiler. He thinks he is safe when he hears the metallic clicking of Freddy's glove and sees Freddy right beside him. Dave goes to run again, but Freddy quickly catches him and pins him against a wall. "This is it for you. Don't worry, after I'm done with you I'll send you your boys", Freddy rasps evilly as he raises his glove up. "Time to meet the eternal sleep. Sweet dreams", Freddy says just before he goes to slash Dave.
Dave wakes up in his bed and screams. The boys, hearing this, run to Dave's room. "Dave, are you alright?", Theodore asks with great concern. Dave looks at his arm and sees the cuts that Freddy gave him. He then looks at Alvin and says, "I'm sorry I doubted you. Freddy is real." Alvin then says, "See? I was right." Dave then asks, "Do any of you know how to stop him?" Simon replies, "Sorry, we have nothing." Dave then sighs and goes to the bathroom to clean and bandage the cuts on his arm. A few minutes later, Dave returns with his arm bandaged up and says, "Freddy is a massive creep. You boys were right about that in addition to him being real." Simon asks, "Do you want us to sleep with you? If you do, we'll do it." Dave answers, "That's nice, but I'll be okay. Go back to sleep boys." "Okay, but tell us if you change your mind", Alvin says before he, Simon, and Theodore go back to their room. Dave lays back down and tries to go back to sleep, but is unsuccessful and is awake the rest of the night.
At the Clapton house, Ruth hears something hit her window and hears a whisper calling her name. Ruth gets up and goes outside and asks, "Who's there?" "Ruth", the voice whispers out again. She goes around to the side of her house and sees a figure standing there. It's a girl with her back turned to Ruth. The girl says, "Hey Ruth, wanna hang out?" Ruth recognizes the voice as being Caroline's voice and says, "How can this be? You're dead." Caroline then says, "Come on, let's hang out. I've been dying to hang out." Caroline turns around and Ruth screams at what she sees. Caroline's chest is slashed and bleeding and her neck is bleeding also. Bugs then start coming out of the holes on Caroline's body. Ruth goes to run away from her dead friend, but the ground swallows her and she falls into the boiler room. Ruth looks around in fear and hears an evil laugh from above. She looks and sees Freddy standing on a walkway above her smiling evilly at her. "Heads up", Freddy says before dropping something down to Ruth. She catches the object and is horrified when she realizes she's holding Caroline's head and screams.
Ruth runs and looks to hide behind a curtain. She finds two pipes on the floor and picks them up. Freddy peeks through the curtain and says, "Found you", before Ruth starts hitting him on the head with both pipes. Ruth tires and Freddy just looks at her with an ugly, twisted sneer. "You killed my friend, you're a monster!", Ruth shouts at Freddy. Freddy responds, "I know, and you're about to join her!" Ruth goes to run again, but Freddy points with his gloved hand and makes a wall of fire erupt from the floor, cutting her off. Freddy suddenly appears by Ruth's side and cuts open her throat. Ruth drops to her knees holding her throat as Freddy evilly smirks at her. He picks her up and slashes her from her chest to her abdomen and plunges his knives into her eyes. Freddy then tosses Ruth's lifeless body down and says, "How sweet, two good friends together again...in eternal darkness!", before letting out a raspy evil laugh. In reality, Ruth is in her bed with her throat cut, her chest and abdomen slashed, and her eyes gouged out, dead.
Dave has finally met Freddy face to face and Freddy has claimed another victim. How many more will Freddy claim? Please review!