Chapter: 3 Phantom-maze-ing
Sorry for the long wait. Family over during the holidays, new year's, and other things. But here to finally give the next chapter and the maze. Ready for fun inducing fear!
Enjoy!
Clay and Storm were hard at work providing the attending trolls with fun hayrides. Honestly Clay was impressed with Storm's endurance. She's pulled several wagons on her own since they started and hasn't even broken a sweat. Either way it wasn't long before her brother, Thunder returned from his rest to pull his share of wagons. With him strapped up and ready they got to get two rides going at the same time. Allowing the trolls to wait less for their ride. Thunder's first wagon was filled up, and he went to get started on one of the trails.
"You're pretty efficient!" Clay complimented Storm as she was stretching, clipping off her harness to move on to the next wagon.
"Thanks!" Storm replied, strapping the next harness. "Growing up with your brother, and helping Poppy keep things in check here kinda builds on itself I guess."
"Thunder seems to be getting more easily winded then you are though." Clay said.
"Well, he's been by himself on his own time for quite a few years." She answered. "Depending on how often a tragon rests, may determine how long they can go without getting tired."
"And being with Branch and Poppy for a long time keeps you on your toes?" Clay asked.
"You have met them, right?" Storm sarcastically asked.
"We heard that!" Clay and Storm looked to see Branch, Poppy, the others coming to join them, minus John.
"Like you two don't know you can be a bit much." Storm smirked at Branch.
"We can at times, yeah." Poppy admitted, elbowing Branch.
"Maybe a little." He agreed.
"You guys here to take the hayride now?" Clay asked them.
"Yeah." Floyd answered, looking over seeing Storm ready with the empty waiting wagon. "You saved a ride for us, right?"
"Don't be ridiculous." Viva started, everyone at first gave her a confused look. "Of course, he did!"
"Yeah, she's right." Clay snickered, putting up the clipboard for Storm and Thunder to use later.
"Then what are you guys waiting for?" Storm asked rearing to go. "I'm a strapped up and ready."
"She's right!" Poppy agreed, hopping in the wagon. "This hayride isn't going to ride itself." Branch climbed in with her.
"Well guys, shall we?" Spruce asked.
"I think we shall!" Viva jumped in next.
"Wait, where's John Dory?" Clay asked, as Floyd was getting in the wagon.
"Off trying to achieve something he can't." He told Clay as he got in.
"Ah, that makes sense." Clay sighed, following behind.
"Everyone ready?" Storm looked back at her passengers.
"Ready for you to get going already." Poppy bounced excitedly.
"Poppy, a hayride is supposed to be relaxing." Branch tried settling her down.
"But still fun." Viva added.
"A lot of words can describe one." Storm stated. "But we'll see what we can do. Here we go!" Storm took off running with the wagon full of trolls in tow. It was a pretty swift start. But Storm mostly just lightly trotted on one of the trails. A steady pace where the fam can just sit back, admire the scenery, and enjoy each other's company. All while the maze was being put together.
With Barb and Dub Skull
"So, you're done?" Barb asked Dub Skull, as they and Korn were making their way to the cauldron jacuzzi he brought for the festival. "Everything's been set on track?"
"Should be." He answered. "The putting together of the maze started out pretty well and was already halfway done by the time we left. It should be done by the time Branch, Poppy, and the others are done with their hayride." The three of them got to the hot tub ready for a soak. Barb had already changed into her swimsuit, whereas Dub Skull and Korn don't really wear anything to begin with. "I thought you hated water Korn?"
"Oh, I do" The tragon answered getting in the green colored water. "But hot tubs are the exception."
"Even he can't deny how awesome they feel." Barb commented, following him in.
"Fair enough." Dub Skull shrugged, joining them in.
"Just don't get my hair wet." Korn said plainly.
The three of them took the time to unwind, witch brew style. Korn simply sighed resting his arms on the rim of the cauldron and closed his eyes to chill. But Barb started getting bored sitting there in silence.
"So, you made some cool spooky addons to Branch's maze huh?" Barb asked, trying to strike up more conversation.
"Yeah." Dub Skull answered. "We worked out a few things. It should be a terrorific turnout."
"Wait, you both know what's going to be in the maze?" She asked. "That doesn't sound like you. You don't like anyone knowing what scares you've got planned. As you say, secrecy and surprise, not knowing what to expect makes it all the more fun."
"You're right." Dub Skull admitted, crossing his arms. "I don't like it. Which is why I'm glad those last minute changes are being made by Ve-" Dub Skull was interrupted by John Dory jumping out of the water with his goggles on, flailing around, and yelling. Obviously in another attempt to scare Dub Skull. Barb and Korn certainly jumped at the scare. Korn deflated from surprise when the water splashed from JD's jump and got his upper half all wet. Barb took a moment to catch her breath. Meanwhile Dub Skull didn't have any strong reaction at all.
"Well, I totally scared you right?" JD asked Dub Skull with high hopes, bringing up his goggles.
"No." Dub Skull answered plainly. "Not really." John stared at him, mouth-opened, completely flabbergasted at Dub Skull's unfazed reaction.
"Alright." JD sighed in defeat. "Normally I don't give up so easily. But you are a big enigma my friend."
"Thanks John." Dub Skull smile. "Are you done now?"
"He'd better be." Barb hissed.
"Yes, I am." JD got out of the caldron. "I'm gonna go dry off and meet with the bros, so we can get into costume and hit the maze."
"Sounds good." Dub Skull said. "I'll be headlining it, so I'll see you guys there."
"Be seeing you." JD waved. "Have fun stewing." Dub Skull and Barb waved to him bye; Korn just nodded.
"Just for the record-" Korn started, trying to fix his mohawk. "I'm totally getting him back for this." The two of them just laughed at his remark.
With Poppy, Branch, and Fam.
Storm was hauling the siblings along the end of the trail, finishing their hayride. Getting back to where they started. There was still a fair number of trolls waiting their turn for a ride. Thunder wasn't there, so it was safe to assume that he already took another wagon on a trail.
"Alright guys, hope you enjoyed the ride." Storm stopped and took off her harness, as everyone got out of the wagon.
"Thanks Storm." Floyd said. "That was a lot of fun."
"No problem." Storm responded, taking breath, stretching, and drank from her water. "It was my pleasure."
"It was also relaxing." Poppy commented. "You were right Branch."
"Also, interesting." Clay added. "I'll have to get back used to other ways to blend in this forest, besides rolling up like a golf ball I mean."
"And scenic." Viva remarked. "This forest is very pretty. It actually feels nice living in a natural setting again. Am I right Clay?"
"Yeah, it really does." He agreed.
"Seems like a lot of words can indeed describe a good hayride." Branch reference Storm, giving her a nod.
"Like amusing, social, and pastime." Spruce jokingly listed a few more adjectives.
"Okay Bruce, we get it." Branch huffed. "You're not a thesaurus."
"You guys done?" They all looked to see John Dory come up to them, wringing out his wet hair.
"Yep!" Poppy answered. "You missed a great hayride JD."
"But I won't miss our awesome costumes and Branch's haunted maze."
"Ah, that's right!" Viva exclaimed. "If we head back to our places and get around now, the maze should be up and running by then."
"Should be." Branch confirmed. "Let's get going."
"You coming with, Storm?" Floyd asked the tragon.
"I'd love too. But as you can see, me and Thunder still have a few trolls waiting for us to give them a fun and relaxing hayride." She pointed at the line waiting on her.
"You sure?" Poppy asked. "We wouldn't want you missing out."
"I appreciate that, Poppy. But I'm good." Storm assured her. "You guys can tell me all about it at the festival's closing show." She went over to put on the next harness.
"Alright then." Poppy sighed and hugged her furry friend. "Have fun!"
"Tell Thunder we said 'hi'!" Viva joined in.
"Sure will!" Storm squeezed them back. "You guys have fun too."
"Try and stop us." JD said, as he and his bros started to leave to get around at the Bunker.
"Don't do anything I wouldn't do." Branch said departing.
"I thought you said to have fun?" Storm joked. Everyone burst out laughing, even Branch couldn't help but chuckle.
"You can't be mad at the perfect comeback." Viva laughed, breaking off her and Poppy's hug with Storm.
"Just between us girls, I've been waiting to use that one." Storm whispered to them. The sisters snickered and gave Storm a wave 'bye'. The two of them headed back to Poppy's Pod where their costumes were waiting. Once they get dressed, they'll meet the bros at the spooktacular Phantom Maze!
Somewhere near the maze.
"Is everything ready?"
"Yep! I've got all our scary surprises set!"
"Do you guys remember the plan?"
"Don't insult me. Who's plan was this again?"
"Right, yours. Sorry. I'm just so excited!"
"That's okay, I am too! This'll definitely be a Hair-O-Ween Poppy, Branch, and their siblings will never forget!"
Phantom Maze Entrance.
Branch and his brothers had all gotten into their costumes at the Bunker. Afterward they went back up top and headed to where Branch and Dub Skull had the maze setup. Branch just decided to wear his vampire costume from last year. Floyd dressed as a ghost wearing white drapes, plus he went with the white still in his hair. Clay was mixed about it, but he eventually caved into wearing a robot costume. Given all the time Spruce spent living by the sea, he went for a pirate costume. JD wanted something simple, so he just went for a pumpkin costume, with eye carving goggles.
The five of them were nearing the maze entrance. They saw the massive crowd of trolls all attending the event. Poppy and Viva were already there in costume waiting for them. Poppy was wearing her favorite sparkly skeleton costume, and Viva was dressed as a jester. It did allow her to wear a cape like she likes.
"There you guys are!" Poppy hollered.
"We've been saving a spot in line." Viva said.
"Look who's thought ahead." JD comment.
"How'd you two get changed and here so soon?" Spruce asked.
"We had already chosen our costume and had them waiting for us to put on." Viva answered.
"Meanwhile we still had to choose and settle on what we wanted." Branch added.
"Well, are we doing this or not?" Clay asked headed to the entry for the maze.
"You seem eager to do something fun Clay." Viva teased, lightly elbowing him.
"No! I'm just-I mean… Let's just go." He sighed.
"Whatever you say bro." Floyd chuckled, following him as did the others.
"Branch." Poppy caught his attention, holding his hand.
"Yeah Poppy?" He smiled at her.
"I'm so excited to see what you and Dub Skull put together!"
"Totally!" Viva agreed. "I bet this maze of your is going to be-"
"Phantom Maze-ing?" The hooded figure standing by the entrance holding a lantern finished. Suddenly removing their hood, turned out to be Dub Skull with a freaking half-mask on. They all screamed at and started laughing at the trick.
"Great start so far Dub Skull!" Viva complimented. "And I sure can appreciate some creative word play. Especially of my personal favorite!"
"This is only the beginning." He replied eerily, gesturing for them to enter the maze. "Is your family brave enough to face the maze together?"
"I think we are." Branch rolled his eyes, crossing his arms. Since they designed the maze together, he was pretty sure what to expect. He was humoring it for the others' sakes.
"Think or know?" Dub Skull asked. Branch didn't respond this time, letting him continue. "Nonetheless, there will be no turning back. You will all surely meet a terrifying… end." They all flinched at the out of nowhere lightning effect over them. When they looked again, Dub Skull had disappeared.
"Woah, he's just really good at that." Spruce commented.
"Like he said, years of practice." Poppy said pulling Branch to follow. "Let's go!" Their siblings following behind.
The first section they went through looked like the halls of a dungeon. Fake but realistic torture machines set out, an iron lady to take pictures in, and skeletons hanging on the walls.
"Hey Poppy." Floyd said. "Can you get a picture of me in that?" He pointed at the iron lady.
"Of course!" Poppy got out her camera. "Get in."
Floyd went and stood inside making a face of impending doom, which Poppy captured.
"Haven't you been tortured enough?" Clay asked slightly kidding. Floyd just shrugged knowing it's still all good fun. The statue eyes on the iron lady's door started glowing and the door quickly shut closed with Floyd inside. The others gasped or were shocked by what happened and saw a red fluid pouring out the bottom of the door. Then it looked like something glowing was walking right through it. It looked like Floyd as a ghost! Like he literally became his costume. They all screamed at the sight.
"What?" His voice came from inside the tortured device. "What's going on out there?"
"So, you are still alive in there." JD sighed, of course he was. All a part of the show. Branch walked up and showed that the image of Floyd as a ghost was just a projection. Clay and Spruce came over and opened the iron lady, to see Floyd naturally unscathed.
"Well yeah." Floyd answered. He turned around and showed "These spikes are sure convincing, look like they're actually cold steel." He pressed his hand against one and it bent easily. "But they're really flimsy."
"Dub Skull even rigged the fake blood to be soaked back and reused for others to try." Branch explained, pointing at the liquid disappearing.
"Phew!" Viva sighed then laughed with Poppy. "Almost had me there for a sec."
After that scare they continued on their way. Next some of the bricks started sliding right out of the walls. Out slowly spewing from the walls was green ooze, and then tentacles extended from the holes trying to reach for them.
"Cool tentacles." Spruce commented. "Almost makes me feel like the octopi I've served at the restaurant was out for revenge."
"Does give off a good creep factor." JD agreed. One reached and snatched his goggles. "Hey! Give that back!" John tried taking back his goggles, but the tentacle just tossed it to another tentacle. Trying to get them back still, the tentacles just kept tossing it back and forth. The others laughed at the funny game of keep away. Then a tentacle threw it to Spruce.
"Finally!" JD sighed with relief. "I didn't think they'd ever stop." He reached his hand for Spruce to give him his goggles. That gave Spruce a funny idea, and a mischievous grin. He tossed the goggles over to Branch. "Wha-Bruce!" JD gasped. Branch and Viva joined in with Spruce, playing keep away with the tentacles. Eventually Viva ended up tossing it over to Clay.
"Okay Clay." JD panted, getting tired of chasing his goggles around. "Since I know the fun you is dead. Can you PLEASE give me my goggles?" He tried to ask nicely. Clay thought about it for a moment.
"Uhh… oops!" Clay threw it to another tentacle. JD just stared at him with frustration and disbelief. "Sorry, it's all slimy." Clay excused. Finally, a tentacle gently tossed it back to John.
"Sure, now you stop." JD complained. Floyd put his hand on John's shoulder, giving him some comfort. "Thanks." JD said to both his brother and the tentacle who returned it.
"Let's keep going!" Poppy encouraged.
As they all continued through the maze. There turned out to be a lot of different sections. Like a creepy abandoned robot factory. Machines and computers with layers of dust and grime. Not to mention the either incomplete or torn apart looking robots littered everywhere. Some things made them flinch, like a random part moving on its own, or a simple wrench falling off an assembly table. The scariest was one robot screeched and tried lunging at them through some bars, making them jump and or back away in fear. It ferociously trying to get them from what looked like a door blasted open, with bars put in its place.
"Friend of yours?" Branch jokingly asked Clay, referencing his robot costume.
"Ha, very funny." Clay responded sarcastically. Behind them, Poppy and Viva muffled their laughter. Miscellaneous robots were either missing a head, or an eyeball, and a jaw. Or several missing parts. It was more alarming to think if these were actual living creatures. That would have made for a far too gruesome sight.
Further in the maze, they came to a dark and sinister looking forest. The trees all had scary faces on them and like old trees, creaked in the eerie wind. There were flowers all along the trail too, but they were all closed. As they walked passed them, they started to grow further and bloom. When they did though, they didn't have normal flower anthers. The flowers bloomed bloodshot eyeballs with piercing pupils. All of the flowers did nothing but stare at them.
"Okay that's horrifying." Clay gulped, majorly giving him the creeps.
"Thunder would hate these." Viva said.
"Why are you so on edge Clay? JD asked. "You've had a ton of eyes watching you before."
"Yes, but those eyes are usually in someone's head where they belong." Clay explained, he looked back at them and shivered. "Not to mention they looked normal."
"Eyes can do nothing but look." Floyd reassured him.
"Unless they had laser eyebeams!" Poppy added, Clay looked at her with an unsettled expression. "Which I'm sure they don't have." She corrected, and he sighed. "Then again Dub Skull could have easily added that." Poppy continued, making Clay tense up again. "But they definitely wouldn't be lethal lasers!" She finished, trying not to get him further worked up. Branch put his hand on her shoulder to settle her down too.
"Let's just keep moving." He suggested, when suddenly something zipped pass them and scared him. "Woah! What was that?"
"Don't you know?" Spruce asked him, concerned.
"Not whatever that was." He answered. "Unless it was-" Branch was interrupted by three ghosts appearing out of nowhere, but they were not Dub Skull's. At first the others were amazed, thinking they were Branch's handy work. Till he said with a trembling voice. "Those are mine." They got instant frightened looks. The ghost also had a cold aura to them, indicating they were not mere holograms. The siblings all zipped, quickly making a run form the phantoms that began chasing them.
"What are those things?!" Viva asked in a panic.
"I don't know!" Branch answered frantically.
"I'm not standing around to find out!" JD said running ahead, motioning them to follow. "Come on!"
"Wait!" Branch warned. "Not that way!"
"Why not?" JD asked while he ran, running into one of the trees. The other got to catch up with him.
"It's a dead end." Branch answered, helping his big, dazed bro up.
"Do you have to call it that?" Clay complained. They all turned around, terrified seeing the ghosts approaching them.
"What do we d-AHHH!" Floyd started to asked till the ground gave way under them. They all fell into a pit at the truck of the tree. Each of them got back up, taking in their surroundings.
"What is this?" JD asked seeing the damp cavern tunnel they fell in. "Some kind of cave?"
Before anyone could response, they all saw the hole they fell through slowly get seal up. Leaving the siblings in darkness.
To be continued.
Well, that took longer then I wanted it to. A lot of life stuff has been turning up and I did not get to this nearly as much as I wanted too. This chapter is finished now. I actually wanted to keep going. But it was getting too long for my taste. And I realized that part I had planned would make an excellent cliffhanger. Hopefully, it won't take me forever to do the next chapter.
Please leave a review!
Purple-Eyes Out!