CYOA Chapter 13: At the Door

It had been a while since Luke had called to let you know he was on his way to Hearthway Hollow; but since then he’s been strangely quiet. He should have been here hours ago, and yet no sign. You weren’t sure if you should be pissed or worried. Not to mention you hadn’t seen Remi at all that day.

“I’m not exactly excited to see him myself, but this isn’t like him.” Ebal came and sat beside you on the sofa.

You turned away from the window, looking at him as he gave you a sympathetic look. “No, it isn’t.”

Ebal glanced back out the window with a sigh. “I’d go looking for im, but I promised the goat I’d stay here and watch you.”

You took out your phone, checking to make sure you hadn’t missed any calls or  messages. You made sure you hadn’t turned on the ringer, then you sat back and contemplated if you should call him or not.

“Just call him.” Ebal leaned over into you. “See what the asshole is doing that’s taking him so long.”

You pouted.

“We’re both upset with him. Trust me I get it. But you’re not going to get anywhere waiting on him making the first move. Trust me.”

You glanced at him. “What do you mean?”

Ebal gave you a look like you should have been in on the joke. “Luke never makes the first move.”

You furrowed your brow.

He let out a laugh and smirked. “C’mon! You’ve not noticed that? Okay, so like, when you first met Luke, how did it go down?”

You thought for a second and remained quiet.

“You approached him, right?” Ebal bounced. “Same for me. I’d been eye fucking him for ages before I got up the nerve to just walk up to him and start talking.”

“Me too,” you murmured.

“Luke doesn’t like going for things. May explain why he doesn’t share with the rest of the group.” Ebal crossed his arms then leaned his head back on the couch. “So, how did you first meet him?”

You sighed. “One night stand.”

Ebal got excited, sitting up then holding up his palm. “Me too!”

You looked at his excitedly raised palm and smacked it. “I’m not surprised.”

“Oh come on. I am full of surprises,” Ebal chuckled. “What you don’t know is I didn’t look like this when I met Luke.” He flourished his hand down his body.

“What’d you look like?”

Ebal stood up and spun around. When he came to a stop, he looked much more feminine and petite. His clothes hung from him and he had a certain cuteness that he didn’t before. You sat up in alarm as he threw his head back laughing, which even his voice had a softer, smaller, cadence.

“You should see your expression.” Ebal placed his hands on his waist. “Right? I look completely different don’t I?”

He did, but you would still be able to pick him out of a crowd. His white hair and pale complexion hadn’t changed, nor had his pretty ruby eyes. “You look like some creepy doll. Then again, you did before too.”

Ebal posed before you, tossing his hair and smiling coyly. “What do you think? Do I look like the kind of girl who would catch Luke’s eye?”

You looked him up and down, although it was hard to take in most of him through his now baggy clothing. “You look like the kind of girl who's into Ariana Grande a little too much.”

Ebal pouted at you. “I’m cuter than she is!”

You smirked and held back a laugh. “So you presented feminine with Luke?”

“Not all the time,” Ebal huffed. “He liked me in whatever gender I wanted to appear.” He strutted over to the sofa then sat down in your lap. “What about you?” He cooed as he put his arms around your neck.

Your cheeks grew warmer despite yourself. “You’re still Ebal.”

Ebal leaned in, pressing a kiss to your lips that was surprisingly soft and warm. He moaned softly, pressing his body into yours. You felt his small breasts under his clothes, and you imagined the cute nippples he must have.

“I taste it,” he pulled back with a moan. “I just made you horny.”

You scoffed. “We’ve established that it isn't hard to do. Remember? Child of Pan and what not?”

Ebal licked his lips. “True, but it’s my favorite meal.” He came in for another kiss but you pressed your finger to his lips.

“Slow down, we were worried about Luke; remember?”

“Ugh, fine,” Ebal scoffed. “Give the jerk a call, see if I care.” He stood up and walked back towards the bedroom.

You took out your phone and called Luke. Even if you had to make the first move this time, there was a reason.

“Hello?” The voice that answered wasn’t instantly recognizable.

“Hello?” You responded back.

“Oh, it’s you!” they replied. “Everything going okay with Ebal watching you? I suppose Evander should be getting off work eventually if you’re sick of him.”

“Remi?” You asked. “What are you doing with Luke’s phone?”

“I took it from him,” Remi stated simply.

You’re quiet for a few moments. “Is here there?”

“Yeah! We’re just waiting on something. Oh, and don’t leave the house. Members of the Cult of Pan are making their way into town. You’re gonna want to hide out until we can get there.”

“What?” You blurted.

“Don’t worry, it shouldn’t be long. We’ll be at the house later this evening or by morning. I promise, I’m going to keep you safe. You’ve got Ebal, they’re probably your best bet right now. Evander is a big, scary guy, but Ebal knows how to handle the Pan fans.”

“Remi-” You wanted to say something but everything eluded you at that moment.

“I can contact Mero too, but I think the less people we involve right now, the better. I’ve got some special help coming in, so just wait okay? You can contact us whenever you need, but just stay home, lock all the doors, and keep yourself hidden.”

“Okay,” you murmured.

“I promise, this will be taken care of soon. I’ll update you when I can.” Remi hung up and you set your phone back down on the table. You stood from the sofa, brushing your hair from your face. “Ebal?” You called out.

You went down the hallway and to the bedroom, there you saw Ebal on the bed, completely naked and using your vibrator on themselves.

“What are you doing?” You snapped.

Ebal panted an turned off the vibrator. “Oh come on. Don’t be that person.” They sat up on the bed and patted it. “You can come join me if you’d like.”

You scowled.

“What? Did you get Luke? Is the asshole alright?”

“I got Remi.” You walked in and sat beside the naked Ebal. “Apparently the cult is here and he and Luke are dealing with it.”

Ebal’s eyes got wide. “You’re joking.”

You shook your head and looked at Ebal. “What am I supposed to? Remi told me not to leave the house.”

“And we won’t.” Ebal stood up. “I’ll go and check the doors. You stay put right here.” He knelt over and kissed you softly. It was oddly reassuring. “I’ll take care of you, don’t worry.” He then scampered off.

You took a few deep breaths and clutched your hands over your chest. Despite the nerves growing inside you, the image of Ebal masturbating was lingering more than you wanted. He had been laid back, legs splayed open, showing off the cute bright pink lips between a soft, plump mound. He had been dripping wet and the scent of him still lingered. The vibrator was still sitting on the bed beside you too. You picked it up, looking at it.

“Everything looks good.” Ebal came back into the room. “I even put some charms on the door, just to be safe.” He saw the vibrator in your hand and smirked. “This is a dangerous situation and you’re getting turned on? Tsk, tsk.”

You scoffed. “Says the demon I just caught buzzing their clit.”

Ebal took the vibrator from you and kissed you again, pressing you down into the bed. “So you do like this form.” He stroked his hand down your body. “It was written all over your face.”

You pushed back against Ebal. “I don’t think now is the time.”

“The better fed I am, the stronger I am. We don’t have to, but now would actually be the perfect time.” Ebal took your palms and forced them over his small, cute breasts. “What do you say?”

You swallowed, squeezing your hands to feel Ebal’s chest. He let out a soft moan that sizzled through your body. You nodded and Ebal’s eyes flashed bright red. He leaned down to kiss you, breathing against you skin as he let out a chuckle.

There was a loud pounding at the door and Ebal sat up in alarm. He glared and stood from the bed, snarling as we went towards the bedroom door.

“What is it?” You gasped.

Ebal growled. “The charm isn’t setting off. That’s strange.”

You got up from the bed and walked into the hallway. You peered around the corner, hoping you could see from the window to the front door. But you couldn’t see anybody, especially with how dark it had become.

Ebal came up behind you, strutting naked through the house to the door. He threw the door open, poised to fight. But there was no one there. He looked around confused until a light began glowing at his feet. He stepped aside, revealing a lit jack o lantern was sitting in front of the door.

“What the fuck?” Ebal whispered.

You came forward, kneeling down to look at the pumpkin. The face was carved in a distinct fashion, so that the smile and eyes were quite thin. The eyes were droopy, but the smile was wide and sharp. You recognized it.

“Who the hell would leave a pumpkin?” Ebal stepped outside too look around.

“Your butt naked, get inside!” You hissed.

Clothes appeared upon Ebal’s body and he wandered out further while you picked up the pumpkin. You brought it inside and sat it upon the table.

Back at the carnival, there had been a section devoted to scares and frights all year round. It was called Scarebrooke and it was where you and your mother lived while traveling with the carnival. You lived in the home of the couple who ran it and they were like your family. Coraline and Bram were strange, but they were loving and helped your mother tremendously after she gave birth. It was during her postpartum that Coraline and Bram took care of you the most.

To you, they were Pawpaw Bram and Nanny Coraline. This pumpkin was the work of Bram.

“I don’t see anything outside,” Ebal huffed as he came back in. “What the hell did you bring that dang pumpkin in for? Are you mad?”

“My Pawpaw made it,” you said dreamily.

Ebal stared at you with concern.

“From the carnival,” you tried to explain. “He must be here, maybe the carnival found out about what’s happening.”

“A carnival?” Ebal balked. “Look, I know there are some weirdos in those things. But the Cult of Pan isn’t some sideshow attraction.”

“You really have no clue about the carnival? Do you even know who Mr. Faire is?” You laughed.

Ebal sighed. “His name is Mr. Faire, and he runs a carnival. Isn’t that a bit hokey? Like…a lack of creativity?”

You rolled your eyes. “Don’t be the person, okay?”

“Okay fine,” he shrugged.

“The carnival is filled with all sorts of monsters and creatures. Powerful ones too, like Bram and Coraline.”

“And just what are Bram and Coraline?” Ebal asked.

You looked at home ith excitement. “Living dolls.”

“Living dolls-” he was stunned. “Living dolls?” He busted out laughing. “You think living dolls are gonna have any effect or power over the Cult of Pan what so ever? What are they going to do? Blink repeatedly at them? Are they even jointed?”

“I’m serious!” You snapped. “They are powerful. Bram is an expert magician and Coraline is able to-”

Ebal is still snickered. “Living dolls? What even is that?”

You glared hard at him. “You may find it funny, but the carnival is just as frightening as this cult.”

“Oh I’m sure. As long as we have some possessed teddy bears and carousel horses to help us out, I think we'll be great!” Ebal continued to laugh.

You just glared. “You’re a dick.”

“I know,” he wheezed. “But you can’t just say living dolls to me and expect me to react with shock and awe.”

You took the pumpkin into your arms. “You’ll see.” You went back into the living room, setting the pumpkin into the window.

“Once long ago, the Jack O Lantern was used to guide a lost soul through the darkness of night,” Coraline told you.

“What lost soul?” You asked.

Coraline’s painted sile grew. “You can’t tell? Why, his name was Jack.” She turned the carved pumpkin to face you. “But, as time grew on, and the legend of Jack with it, people began using pumpkins and the lights within to help lost souls find their way home on dark nights.” She placed a candle inside the pumpkin and lit it.

“Is that why we have so many here?” You asked.

Coraline stroked the top of your head. “In a way, I suppose we do. This carnival is filled with all sorts of the lost and the wandering. These lights do help us find our way along the path, don’t they?”

You smiled at her and nodded.

“We’ll put this one out for Pawpaw Bram, so he can find his way up the steps tonight when he comes back home.” Coraline lit the candle inside and gentle placed the top back onto the pumpkin.

“Do the faces mean anything?” You asked.

Coraline smiled softly. “If you were lost, wouldn’t you want to see a smiling face?”

You giggled and followed her outside to put the pumpkin on the stoop.

Now, you faced the glowing pumpkin into the window so it could be seen from the front of the house. You slouched down on the sofa, looking out as the world began to grow dark. You heard Ebal shuffle into the room behind you.

“Should you try Luke again?” He asked.

“Remi said he would update us.” You glanced back at him. “I don’t like you laughing at my family.”

Ebal pouted. “Sorry.”

You looked back out the window. The carnival protected me and my mom. I just never knew that’s what they were doing until recently. But they’ve always been protecting us from the Cult of Pan. So if anyone is able to help, it’s them.”

Ebal sat down on the sofa beside you. “I never knew much of what went on outside the cult,” he grumbled. “I was just happy to be around.”

You turned and looked at him. “Really?”

He shrugged. “I had no interest in anything aside from getting fed. Fucking was all I wanted to do, and Pan indulged that.”

You turned to face him. “When did that change?”

Ebal frowned. “I guess when I met Luke.”

You wanted to ask more, but your phone rang at that exact moment. The number was Luke’s, and a wave of relief went over both you and Ebal. “Hello?” You answered.

“Hey, it’s me,” Luke said weakly. “Sorry about today.”

“Are you alright?” You asked.

Luke chuckled. “Yeah, I guess. I mean, it’s weird, but I’m fine so far.”

“That’s good,” you murmured. “So, what is going on?”

“At the moment, not much. But the Cult of Pan is starting to come into Hearthway Hollow. Remi and I came across a couple earlier today. He called in help from somewhere, we’ve just been waiting on them to come in.”

You glanced towards the pumpkin in the window. “From the carnival?”

“Oh uh, yeah. I think so.” Luke replied.

You smiled and took a relieved breath. “I thought so.”

“Huh?”

You chuckled. “Nothing. I am relieved to hear from you though. Where are you at right now?”

“In my car,” Luke replied. “Remi is outside waiting, we’ve just been pulled over into the woods waiting on whoever is coming.”

You started to pace around the living room. “How long?”

“Long enough for me to want to cry myself to sleep,” Luke chuckled. “I had been looking forward to see you and…well, talking like we planned.”

You came to a stop in the middle of the living room. “Yeah, I was hoping for that too. But, I guess that’ll have to go onto the back burner for a while.”

“Yeah,” he murmured. “Is Eabl with you?”

“Yeah, he’s here. He’s in his girly form right now.”

Luke clicked his tongue. “Pretty cute right?”

You laughed. “Yeah. yeah, I guess he is.”

“I’m glad someone is there with you. Even if it’s Ebal. I’m glad you’re safe, that’s all that’s keeping me from eating my shoe right now.”

“Don’t do that, promise?”

“Promise,” he laughed.

You opened your mouth to say something and there was a loud knock at the door again. Ebal jumped up, his eyes glowing bright red again.

“The charm is setting off,” he breathed.

“What’s going on?” Luke gasped. “What was that?”

You swallowed down the lump in your throat. “Someone is knocking at the door. Ebal put charms on them and he says they’re going off.”

“Stay on the phone with me,” Luke whispered. “Stay with me, okay?”

“Okay,” you breathed.

Ebal made his way to the door, standing in front of it with a strange expression on his face. He snarled and looked back at you. “Go and hide. Now!”

You turned and left, heading for the bedroom. You shut the door and stepped back from it. You heard the pounding of the door outside and Ebal shouted.

“What’s going on?” Luke asked.

“Not sure,” you whispered.

“It’s okay. Remi’s giving me the okay to get there as fast as I can. You and Ebal try to hold the fort down as best you can.”

Ebal roared and it made you jump in place. “Luke, I’m scared!”

“I’m coming! Just wait for me!” Luke said with urgency.

You heard the front door bang open and Ebal yell out loud. You hit the floor, crawling under the bed. You held your breath, listening as something came down the hallway.