'The itsby bisty spider was said to be in doubt...'

The sweet melody and accompanying lyrics rang throughout the grounds of Malum Creek, ridding of the familiar silence that usually dominated the manor's confines. However, its delicate traces were quickly outweighed by the sound of boots beating against wood.

'Then came the prey, and drove the spider out...'

Kalibus Zachiari marched down the unlit corridor, his features hardening in an unpleasant scowl. The feelings of annoyance surged through his entire being, making his whole body appear stiff. Tense, almost. Still, he continued along his way, pushing through the shadows which hovered, tainting the very air around him.

'Out came the fangs, which sucked up all the—'

'Jorōgumo!'

He reached the balcony overlooking the downstairs lobby and brought his hands down against the wooden railings, creating a dull echo that was soon snatched up by the darkness, but not before catching the attention of the source itself.

A large spider stood below, although its bulging stomach and prolonged appendages were barely visible beneath the sea of shadows. It stopped what it was doing and inclined its head up, waving one of its many legs in greeting.

Still, the gesture failed to supress Kalibus' animosity, especially when he noticed the tip of the biwa sticking out from underneath one of the the creature's legs. 'What have I told you about singing in the middle of the day?' The spider's multiple eyes blinked and its great pincers clicked in a response of some kind. 'Don't be sarcastic,' Kalibus snapped. 'You know perfectly well that I don't approve of singing! Yes, you do have a lovely voice, but that's beside the point. Anyway, what was so important that you had to start singing?'

Another click.

'What do you mean "a visitor?"'

A pause. Then the Jorōgumo moved back, seeking refuge from the shade in the far corner of the lobby. The creature's hasty retreat caused Kalibus' eyes to narrow, but his features softened somewhat when he looked down and saw the dismembered, half-devoured remains of a human scattered below.

A visitor...

A sense of confusion emerged, pushing aside the feelings of anger that had previously consumed him. Kalibus stepped away from the edge of the balcony and descended the wide staircase, ignoring the various steps which groaned under the strain of his weight. The Jorōgumo shrunk into the corner, observing its master from afar.

Kalibus made his way over to the remains and knelt down, examining the ripped out flesh, hanging guts and puddles of freshly spilled blood. The confusion was short-lived, however, replaced by another rush of anger that arose when the realisation of what had happened finally sunk in. 'Malakai! he called, eyes wandering about the dim, spacious open. 'Malakai!'

'Might I ask what you're crying about, Master Zachiari?' a clear-cut voice inquired from above.

Kalibus looked up in time to see the head of his loyal manservant pop up from behind the balcony railings. 'I missed it, Malakai,' he said, his voice shaking as he fought to maintain his composure. 'I missed the holidays, the killings, the traditions,... the New Years Eve tradition! I actually missed it!'

Malakai's brows knitted together. 'What are you talking about? It's only the twenty-seventh of December.'

'W-what...? But we had a visitor! We never get visitors. Only when New Years Eve falls do the human scum dare come knocking!''

'That is odd,' Malakai confessed. He leaned over the balcony, causing his body to topple forward. Kalibus stood up and backed away in time to avoid the other man's physique as it came plummeting down from above, slamming into the floor with a sickening thud. However, seconds passed before Malakai stood up and casually brushed himself down. 'It's a well-known fact that Malum Creek is desolate for three-hundred and sixty four days—'

'Three-hundred and sixty five during the leap year.'

'—with News Years Eve being the prime exception. That's when the humans arrive in another attempt to come and kill you.'

Kalibus smiled. 'It's so sweet the way they try,' he mused. 'Ohh, I do love this time of year. The holidays are truly a wonderful time.' The familiar clickings reminded him of the Jorōgumo's presence. He looked round, his gaze narrowing, his smile faltering. 'I knew it was a mistake purchasing you off of eVil,' he added, directing his words to the cowering creature. 'That's the last time I listen to Indigus Sycorax. That old witch, telling me to invest in these modern-day Inter-core-net inventions...'

He pushed past Malakai and disappeared into the sitting room. The darkness fell forward, encompassing his form like a dense blanket, though his voice called from beyond the black fog.

'Jorōgumo, clean up this mess! Hurry up now, we've only got four days until the people arrive!'

* * *

'So remind me again, why are we heading up to an old house on New Years Eve?'

'Eh, like I know. Ask Finn. He's the one who's been Googling crap for the last couple of days.'

Finnigan Parker looked round, casting his two friends a look of discontent. 'It's not crap,' he said. 'And Malum Creek isn't just an old house, you know. It's said to be the home of Kalibus Zachiari, an immortal psychopath.'

Mattias gave a stifled laugh. 'You've not been doing weed again, have you, Finn?' He exchanged looks with an equally amused Reuben, whose gaze wandered in search of an answer.

But Finnigan gave none. He simply scowled, reached into his pocket and dug out his phone, which he then handed to Mattias.

'What's this for?' the other boy asked.

'Google Malum Creek and go on Wikipedia.' A knowing smirk pulled at Finnigan's lips as he continued through the woods, forcing his way through the overgrown foliage. In his hand was a torch, which he aimed towards the path ahead, relying on the white spotlight to guide him through the night. 'Well?'

'I still think it's a load of crap, Finn,' he heard Mattias confess. 'A manor that only receives visitors on New Years Eve? I mean, really...?'

Finnigan rolled his eyes and groaned. 'What's it going to take to convince you guys that I'm not on drugs? Look, I'm telling you, it's real!'

'Just because it's on Wikipedia, doesn't mean it's true. Besides, nobody believes in immortality anymore, Finn. Only the nut jobs and druggies.'

'That's right,' Reuben said. 'It supports our weed theory.'

'I've never done weed!' Finnigan exclaimed. When he saw the two boys struggling to contain their amusement, he shook his head and gave in with a sigh. 'Okay, what about that guy who disappeared four days ago? He was said to have gone to Malum Creek, but he never returned.' He looked back, seeking a response.

Reuben simply shrugged. 'So? It's just a coincidence. Maybe he was murdered along the way.'

'Then why didn't they find a body?'

After exchanging looks with Mattias, Reuben replied, 'Maybe he forget that he was actually a vampire and melted when he looked into the sun.'

'Hah!' Mattias slapped him playfully on the arm. 'Dracula!'

The two boys came to a stop and burst into hysterics, but Finnigan persisted onwards, walking with quick, determined steps. Frustration clawed at his stomach, pushing aside the combined feelings of nervousness and excitement that came with embarking on such a risky venture. Why couldn't they just believe in him for once instead of dismissing what they didn't know?

Yes, it was highly unlikely that the stories and rumours surrounding Malum Creek were true. But then again, there was evidence to support its unusual claims. Bloggers, YouTube nuts and even daredevils were reported to have mysterious vanished after heading out to Malum Creek in search of evidence that could guarantee them fame and fortune.

Coincidence? Finnigan scoffed. I don't think so.

'Oi, Finn!' Mattias called out from the distance. 'Wait up!'

'Yeah, come on! We were only messing around! Hold on, will you?'

* * *

Kalibus stood in front the window, gazing out at the darkness that lay beyond the feeble panes while patiently awaiting the arrival of his prey.

The night of News Year Eve was his holiday, and although it was a short – lasting less than twenty-four hours – it was satisfying nonetheless. It was a time where he could let the world know of his continued existence and unleash the ultimate price on the humans whose curiosity forced them into entering his abode.

'Such crimes must be punished,' he said.

It was then that he noticed the dancing beams of light break through the shadows in the far distance. Kalibus' thin lips curled upwards in a callous grin, and he gave a humourless laugh when he realised what it was.

'The holiday is about to begin. They come,' he noted, turning away from the window, 'and so I follow.'

* * *

They soon arrived, with Kalibus eagerly observing from afar. He sat amongst the gathering of wooden beams which ran along the ceiling above the lobby, confiding in the darkness to shroud him from view.

The front doors opened with a low, reluctant groan to disclose the identities of the three men whose curiosity had brought them here tonight. Kalibus couldn't resist a slight chuckle as he examined the three strangers, taking into account their dishevelled appearances, modern attires and many accessories.

He closed his eyes and inhaled, absorbing their youthful scent. 'Adolescents,' he murmured under his breath. 'How wonderful.'

'Huh...' One of the teenagers looked about the spacious lobby. 'I told you it'd be empty, Finn.'

The man known as Finn shook his head, dismissing his friend's words. 'Don't be so quick to judge, Mattias,' he said. 'We've only just arrived!'

'Yeah, but look around! It's dead. Nothing can thrive in these conditions.'

Such assumptions shall cost you dearly, Kalibus thought, his lips twitching.

Finn allowed his gaze to wander, taking in the soot-stained floors and darkened walls of dim-lit lobby. Frayed webbing dangled uselessly from the ceiling above. 'Reuben, you bring the gun?'

The third man appeared to hesitate for a moment. 'Uh-huh.' A broad pack had been slung over his shoulder, but now he shrugged it off, opened it up and reached in, unveiling a small weapon from within. 'Dude, I've gotta be careful with this,' he said. 'It's my dad's favourite revolver. If I break it, he'll kill me.'

That made Kalibus giggle. Not before I do...

'Okay, guys.' It was Finn who spoke up. 'Let's just, you know, have a look around. Reuben...' He gestured for the other man to go on.

Kalibus watched as Reuben proceeded ahead, leading the other two men into the sitting room, and leapt forward in pursuit. He easily covered the distance between each of the beams, though he was careful not to make any noises that might draw the humans' attention. They were easy prey, and so the last thing he wanted was to scare them into retreating.

Not that they would get beyond the door in time to avoid his wrath and escape with their lives.

Jumping from beam to beam, Kalibus made sure to keep a fair distance. Even though the shadows could guarantee his protection, he still couldn't risk being spotted by one of the men's light-emitting objects.

What are they called again? Ah, yes. Torches.

'Over here!'

'What? What'd you find?'

Kalibus shook his head. Stay focused, you fool!

He looked down and saw the three men standing before a closed door on the far side of the sitting room. Kalibus' lengthy nails dug into the wood beneath his feet whilst he watched, intrigued as to what they would do. Would they let their curiosity get the best of them and open it, or would they wander elsewhere?

'Oh, for goodness sake.' One of the men – Mattias – pushed forward and reached out, seizing the handle. 'I've had enough of this crap!' he said. 'The sooner we learn it's just an old dump with nothing to offer, the sooner we can leave. I mean, I could be down the pub getting wasted right now.'

Neither Finn nor Reuben objected, even as Mattias opened the door and wandered into the curtain of darkness beyond. Kalibus' eyes widened and his lips twisted up in a hideous grin.

Go on, Jorōgumo.

The familiar melody started...

Get him!

...and the screams began.

Moments later, a bloodied arm broke through the black veil, with Mattias' upper torso following close behind. Finn and Reuben reached out, desperately grabbing and clawing at their friend's body in an attempt to pull him from the darkness' embrace. Eyes wide with terror, a huge gash running down the length of his face, Mattias opened his mouth, though it took an eternity for the words to emerge.

'T-the stories...!' he gasped. 'It's...real! They're real!'

The known clickings of the Jorōgumo rang out and Kalibus watched, a satisfied smile etched across his face, as Mattias was dragged back into the arms of the shadows, taking Finn and Reuben with him.

'Mattias!' Finn screamed, nails cutting into the man's blood stained flesh. He leaned back, doing everything to keep himself from being devoured by the ink coloured mist. 'Hang on! Please, just hang—'

The Jorōgumo finally pushed forward, unveiling itself. Its many eyes pierced through the blackness and it reached out in hopes of grabbing the other two men, who, in a quick bid to ensure their own survival, jumped back. Mattias' body slipped through their fingers, and they both looked ahead in time to watch their friend disappear beyond the darkness.

Seconds later, the screams finally came to an end.

'Mattias!' Reuben attempted to run towards the door when Finn reached out and grabbed him from behind, stopping him in his tracks. 'Let go!' he screamed, twisting and thrashing, doing everything in his power to escape Finn's iron hold, but still the other man refused to let go. 'He might still be alive!'

'He's not!' The truth of Finn's words were quick to sink in. Reuben's listless body fell forward and Finn released him, allowing him to collapse in a disorientated heap against the floor. 'He's not...'

Reuben took a deep breath. 'Are you happy now?'

'What?'

'Mattias' death.' He looked round at Finn, who tensed under his accusing stare. 'Did it—'

'Don't you dare act like I wanted that! I didn't want any of this! Look, Mattias was my friend too, but staying here isn't going to bring him back. Now, are you coming with me, or are you going to stay and let yourself be killed by that...that thing?'

Kalibus sat, observing the man known as Reuben whilst he considered what few options he had left. To die a hero and a fool, or to die a coward? Something wicked flashed before his eyes. Choose wisely.

A few moments passed before Reuben struggled to his feet, and Kalibus, having witnessed the human make his choice, shook his head.

A coward you are. The grin he donned vanished, replaced with a look that reflected the brief sadness he came to experience. However, seconds passed before Kalibus retreated into the darkness, dismissing the burden of disappointment which clung to him.

'Malakai.' His voice was but a faint whisper as he moved, quickly leaping from beam to beam, pushing back towards the lobby. 'Cut off their escape,' he said. 'It's time to end this.'

'Of course, Master Zachiari,' came a hushed reply.

He came to a stop and peered down in time to see the two men making their way across the lobby and towards the front entrance on the other side. Light seeped through the open doors, reminding them of how close they were to escaping.

Not that they would make it.

They were steps away from reaching the doors when Malakai's form materialised, seemingly from the crevasses of the light itself, blocking their path. Finn and Reuben came to a halt, their faces twisting in a combination of fear and confusion.

Malakai thrust his arms out, emitting a cold breeze that shot outwards in a quick circle, forcing the two men back and causing the doors behind him to slam shut. 'All those who enter dare Malum Creek shall not escape,' he said, feigning a raspy, overdramatic tone. 'And Kalibus Zachiari does not take kindly to trespassers.'

Reuben's arms shook with great reluctance as he raised the revolver, aligning the barrel with Malakai's chest. 'This is for Mattias, you psychotic bastard!'

But before he could pull the trigger and send the bullet flying, Kalibus let go of the wooden beam and leapt down, allowing himself to plunge through the shadows. Finn and Reuben both looked up in time to witness his descent, though they could do nothing to defend themselves from the wrath of the talons which came slashing down, tearing through the flesh and bone of Reuben's arm. Another agonising scream rang out as the revolver, along with the torn appendage, clattered uselessly to the floor.

'Such a pity.' Kalibus landed in front of Reuben and twisted round, driving his hand straight into the man's stomach.

'REUBEN!' Finn's voice was but a hideous shriek.

The man's eyes widened and a strangled gasp escaped him as Kalibus' enlarged nails punctured his flesh. Kalibus smiled when he felt the warm blood oozing down his fingers, staining his bare flesh. He then retracted his hand and watched as Reuben toppled back, collapsing in a bloody heap against the floor.

His gaze then wandered up and the smile he wore faltered when he caught sight of the cowering, white-faced man standing before him. 'Whatever is the matter?' he asked, almost soothingly. 'Ohh, you poor boy. You looked like you've just seen a ghost...'

'I-it's true...' Finn whimpered. Beads of sweat trailed ceaselessly down his blanched face, drenching his skin and soaking into his hair. 'Malum Creek...it's all true...'

Kalibus offered the terrified man a look of sympathy. 'Yes,' he said. 'Unfortunately it is. And what better way to commemorate the end of another year than with the spilling of human blood? Now, come, boy.' He raised his hand, displaying the collection of blood stained talons. 'Let us celebrate the end of this precious holiday together.'

'N-no! I can't do it...' Finn's eyes fell and he reached down, seizing the revolver with trembling fingers. 'I can't. I can't. I can't...I can't! I can't do it anymore!' But instead of shooting Kalibus or Malakai, he twisted the weapon round so that the barrel was facing him and pressed the muzzle against his own head.

'I CAN'T!'

Finn pulled the trigger, unleashing a deafening bang that echoed throughout the entire manor. The screams of the lone bullet were soon seized by the darkness, making way for the dull thud that followed. Kalibus' features softened as he stepped forward and peered down at Finn's sprawled out corpse, examining the look of frozen fear plastered across the human's colourless face.

'Foolish humans,' he said. 'Don't you understand? The chapters to my story are truly endless, and regardless of what happens, year after year, I will always prevail...'

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