fiction
Horror fiction that delivers on its promise to scare, startle, frighten and unsettle. These stories are fake, but the shivers down your spine won't be.
Hauntings at the Graveyard
All the neighborhood kids say this will be the best Halloween in years. The stores kept selling out of their candy, and the big decorators and party houses are said to be going hard this year. At twelve years old, Mike will be finally able to go out on his own for trick-or-treating. This year he was so ready, he had all five of his pillowcases to carry this year’s haul. He spent two months planning his vampire costume right down to the fangs. Staring at himself in the mirror, Mike was even surprised that he could see his own reflection. That was how good his costume was.
By Callum Summers2 years ago in Horror
The Scarlet Siren Of Sorrow . Content Warning.
“Get away from me you sick human gargoyle” A lady said with a voice taut and strained, she stepped back bumping into a grave, which cracked her sense of balance. “now look what you’ve gone and done,” the thing moved before the lady, hovering over the ground, her body stiff and her fingers lifeless and bent — she was slighted.
By Caitlin Charlton2 years ago in Horror
The Legend of Hachishakusama: The Eight-Foot Phantom of Japanese Folklore
Hachishakusama, meaning "Eight Feet Tall," is a terrifying figure from Japanese folklore and urban legends. Known for her eerie presence and sinister actions, she is said to target and frighten children. Imagine an unnervingly tall woman, eight feet in height, draped in a ghostly white dress. Her face is hidden in shadows, and all that escapes her lips is the chilling whisper, "Po...". This mysterious figure has become a symbol of fear in modern Japanese legends, leaving countless people terrified by her story. Appearance Hachishakusama gets her name from her towering height—eight feet tall. She is often depicted wearing a long, flowing white dress and a wide-brimmed hat that hides her face. Her long arms and legs only add to her frightening appearance, making her look even taller and more menacing. Though different versions of her appearance exist, the core image remains the same: a figure that blends horror and mystery. Her face is rarely seen, either cloaked in darkness or covered by long, dark hair. Some stories describe her with glowing red eyes or pale, ghostly skin. What makes her even more terrifying is her ability to change form. Witnesses claim she can take on the appearance of loved ones or ordinary people, making her hard to recognize until it's too late. A Lonely Spirit Unlike many mythical beings who have family ties or connections to other spirits, Hachishakusama is often seen as a lone figure. She carries out her haunting and abductions on her own. However, some interpretations link her to other famous female spirits in Japanese folklore, such as Kuchisake-onna, the slit-mouthed woman, or Teke Teke, a ghost with only half a body. These comparisons suggest a common theme of female spirits who seek revenge, but it remains speculative. Other Names and Connections Hachishakusama is known by various names, including "Hasshaku-sama," "The Eight Feet Tall Woman," and "The Tall Woman." Each of these names highlights her striking height, which is her most distinctive feature. In some regions, she’s even referred to as "Yubaba," drawing a connection to the towering witch in *Spirited Away*. Others compare her to "Nopperabo," a faceless spirit from folklore. These different names show how adaptable the legend is, with slight changes in each retelling. Powers and Abilities Hachishakusama’s supernatural powers are as frightening as her appearance. One of her main abilities is shape-shifting, allowing her to take on the form of a trusted relative or friend, tricking her victims into believing they’re safe. She’s also said to have mind control powers, pulling people toward her with an eerie whisper—her trademark "Po..." sound. Most of the stories about her describe how she preys on children, using her hypnotic voice to lure them away. She is incredibly fast and strong, able to capture her victims in an instant. Some tales also suggest that she can make people forget their encounter with her, erasing their memories to keep her presence a secret. Influence in Modern Culture In recent years, Hachishakusama has become a well-known figure in Japanese horror. Her story is told and retold in online forums, horror films, and even video games. As new versions of her legend surface, her eerie presence continues to grow in popularity, ensuring that her legacy lives on. Hachishakusama’s influence reaches beyond just horror stories and internet threads. She has also appeared in manga, anime, and even cosplay events. Her terrifying image is recreated by fans, spreading the legend further. In some regions, she has even become a part of local festivals and folklore, blending fiction and reality in fascinating ways. A Modern Urban Legend Despite her relatively recent origins, Hachishakusama has firmly established herself as part of Japan’s rich tapestry of urban legends. The internet has played a huge role in keeping her legend alive, with countless people retelling her story in their own words. Each new interpretation adds to her myth, ensuring that she remains a relevant and evolving figure of fear. Whether shared online or whispered about in small towns, Hachishakusama continues to captivate and terrify. Her enduring appeal lies in the mysterious nature of her story and the fear she instills. Whether she is real or simply a product of imagination, Hachishakusama reminds us of the power of storytelling and the hold that the unknown can have on us.Start writing...
By Viru Chauhan2 years ago in Horror
The Legend of Huggin' Molly and the Charm of Abbeville's Iconic Restaurant
The legend of Huggin’ Molly has been a part of Abbeville, Alabama’s culture for generations. For mothers, the tale of the witch-like figure was a useful way to get their kids home before dark. But for children, Huggin’ Molly was a source of real fear. While no one knows exactly where the legend came from, it’s been passed down over time, becoming a unique part of the town’s history. One person who grew up hearing the story is Jimmy Rane, founder of Great Southern Wood Preserving, widely known for its product YellaWood. As an Abbeville native, Rane embraced the local lore and even named his restaurant after the famous phantom. The restaurant, Huggin' Molly's, has become a popular family-style eatery in the heart of downtown Abbeville, decorated with vintage signs and movie posters that Rane has collected over the years. The restaurant has not only become a tribute to the town’s history but also a way to help revitalize the downtown area. “Anyone who grew up in Abbeville heard about Huggin’ Molly,” Rane recalls. “If your parents didn’t want you out after dark, they’d tell you Huggin’ Molly would come and get you. And you believed it, too.” The legend goes that Huggin’ Molly would only appear to children at night. She was said to be a tall woman, dressed in dark clothing and a wide-brimmed hat, standing as much as 7 feet tall. She would grab children, give them a tight hug, and scream in their ears. While she never physically harmed anyone, her sudden appearances were enough to leave a lasting impression, especially with the ringing in the ears from her scream. There are different versions of the story. One suggests that Molly was the ghost of a woman who had lost her baby and hugged children to cope with her grief. Another version claims she was a professor at the old Southeast Alabama Agriculture School, trying to keep kids safe by getting them off the streets at night. For Rane and his childhood friend Tommy Murphy, the story felt real when Murphy’s father shared his own experience. He told the boys that he had been hugged by Huggin' Molly himself when he was a kid. That was all they needed to hear to believe the legend was true. Huggin' Molly's Restaurant: A Tribute to the Legend Today, Huggin’ Molly’s restaurant allows both residents and visitors to experience a piece of Abbeville’s past. Located at 129 Kirkland Street, the cafe is styled with an old-fashioned soda fountain serving ice cream and malts. The space is filled with vintage advertisements and jars, giving it a nostalgic feel. The menu offers Southern favorites like pimento cheese, fried green tomatoes, and dishes named after Rane’s father, Tony Rane, who was a well-known businessman in the area. You can even order “Molly’s Fingers” with their signature “Come Back” Sauce. On the dining side of the restaurant, which also offers a private event space, walls are lined with original movie posters collected by Rane. These are not reproductions but real vintage posters from his personal collection. Rane, a film enthusiast, says his love for movies goes back to his childhood. “I have great memories of going to the Archie Theatre on Saturday afternoons,” Rane shares. “Back then, stars like John Wayne, Roy Rogers, and Gene Autry were larger than life.” Among Rane’s most cherished posters are those from classics like *To Kill a Mockingbird,* *The Searchers* (one of his favorite John Wayne films), and *Casablanca.* He also treasures posters from Roy Rogers and Gene Autry films. Another prized item in his collection is the prop gun from the movie *Old Yeller*—yes, the same gun used in the unforgettable, heartbreaking scene where Old Yeller is shot. Beyond movie posters, Rane also collects classic cars connected to films. His collection includes a car from the 1973 film *American Graffiti* and several from *The Godfather* series. Chamber of Commerce President Pam Ward hopes to someday display Rane’s cars in town, though for now, they are in storage. One of Rane’s most special items is a personal car that once belonged to John Wayne. “As a kid, I really admired John Wayne,” Rane says. “Having anything of his is very meaningful to me. Over the years, I’ve also become close friends with his family, which has brought me so many wonderful memories.” Through his passion for preserving history, whether it’s local legends or vintage memorabilia, Rane has helped keep the spirit of Abbeville alive. Huggin’ Molly’s restaurant serves not only as a nod to the town’s unique story but also as a gathering place where the past meets the present, inviting visitors to experience both the charm and the mystery of Abbeville.
By Viru Chauhan2 years ago in Horror
The Rat’s Tale Part 1
"Damn Di, you know I'm tender headed! Can you chill?” My weavologist and childhood friend, Diamond Douglass has been doing my hair since we were 14 years old. She knows better than to be snatching and tugging on my poor little scalp, but I doubt she can relate to my pain. I’m convinced she exchanged her soul for the ability to grow lace fronts right out her scalp. Every week it’s something new. It’s been like that since we were kids, except then it was braid styles she was changing. For some reason today though, whatever was on Faux 10 News was more captivating than the condition of my head.
By scaldingblktea 2 years ago in Horror
The Possessed Girl
"This happened when I was around 12 years old. My mom took my siblings and I to visit her mom in her home town in Mexico during our summer break. As soon as we got there we were told not to wander close to the neighbor's house; strange things seemed to be happening there.
By Jasmine_112 years ago in Horror
