Ghost

[mark-2007]

Yep, another great chapter. Quite short, but action-packed and descriptive with it. I thought using the spine as a weapon was a bit odd, not sure if it's corny or not.

[The Unvirginiser]

For this chapter, I tried a little "method writing". I wrote this entire segment wearing my Leatherface mask, which is tight in places and very irritating. I was also incredibly thirsty and craving a cigarette, which I feel gave this chapter a more raw and aggressive feel.

 

 

You f*cking animal

 

Yeah... helped a lot... love where this story is going! Don't foget to add open ends which leaves possibilities of spin off stories

[Oblivionz]

Craigg.

f*cking amazing. Absolutely. Show more teasers, love.

[Rhoda]

Yep, another great chapter. Quite short, but action-packed and descriptive with it. I thought using the spine as a weapon was a bit odd, not sure if it's corny or not.

Yeah, I was worried about that myself but I couldn't think of anything as horrific unless I used entrails, which could get rather messy. On hindsight, I wish I'd have chosen guts instead of a spine. Called the chapter "Gut Feeling" or something...

 

Anyhoo, thanks for the feedback guys!

[Oxidizer]

Your method writing certainly paid off!

That was quite phenom, my friend, and I look forward to more of that twisted cutie named Ghost. Keep up the wicked work!

[Oblivionz]

I don't know how the hell this fell to the bottom of the second page, but dear god, hurry up with your next update, Craig.

[Rhoda]

Short chapter this time round, just to get me back into this writing game and to remind you (and me) where I'm up to.

 

Chapter XIV - Ring A Ring A Rosie

 

Each one of Ghost's steps felt more dramatic as he approached John's residence. After his most brutal but most deserved executions so far, Ghost clutched the most exciting object he'd ever laid his sweaty and cracked palms on; the wallet of one of his victims. Ghost didn't care much for money. After all, whatever he wanted, he took. The contents of this wallet were far more valuable than currency however, so much so Ghost's hands trembled at the thought of his master plan.

 

"Well?" John said quietly, gnawing on his knuckles. Clearly this stock was important, and greatly needed by people much larger than John.

"I got them."

Ghost threw the wallet on the desk where John sat, still mopping sweat from his brow. For a few minutes, they both sat still with a freshly opened can of cider in hand, Ghost panting heavily from his confrontation.

"I had to hide them."

John gave Ghost a look of slow realisation, before he dared to ask further.

"Hide who?"

"The theiving c*nts trying to make off with f*ck knows what you keep in these boxes. One's got no neck, so good luck trying to stand him up in the freezer."

John's eyes widened, but not with horror, more inquisition. Carefully placing his can down, John didn't dare to take his eyes off the terrifying masked murderer in front of him.

"Don't even dare reach for that gun, John."

Ghost seemed so aware of his surroundings that the next moves of anyone he wished to read were easily accessible. Never before had Ghost felt so free and unrestricted by his environment. From that moment, Ghost felt like he was no longer mortal, but energy itself.

"I am still on your side John, I'm not going to hurt you."

"And how do I know that? I'm glad they're dealt with but... killing them? How do I know I'm not next?"

Ghost rocked his head from side to side, seemingly distracted, before answering. John's fingers still twitched, aching to feel safe at the touch of a gun.

"You're one of the only friends I have, John. You understand me, as pathological and nonsensical I seem at times. You don't mind the fact I have this f*cking mask welded to my face. Besides, I need you more than ever now."

Ghost casually picked at a hole in his pants while John seemed to loosen up, finding comfort in his words. Clearing his throat awkwardly, John leaned over to Ghost who was now drinking heavily from his lukewarm can of cider.

"Well, you know where I am if you ever want help, or... I don't know... another can of warm, sh*tty cider."

Both laughed and Ghost straightened up, remarkably focused and reached for the wallet. Ghost reached for the wallet and experienced a sensation like he had just missed out a step going downstairs. It was excitement beyond anything a small child could experience on Christmas Eve.

"I found this in one of the bastard's wallets... I think he's married to an employee of the plant."

John seemed to spin on his feet, more excited about the news than Ghost was. Since becoming acquainted with Ghost, the pair of them had shared many a drunken night talking of experiences in the past, both good and bad. John was now all too familiar with the story surrounding Ghost's disfigurement and remarkable transformation.

Ghost sniffed and carefully removed a worn and slightly sepia stained photograph, featuring the man he had just removed the spine from and a woman, smiling as broad as Ghost usually did.

"I recognize the woman. She was a hygiene technician at the plant, responsible for the cleanliness. Rosie she was called, I think."

Ghost looked up at John, expecting a reaction, but John simply listened.

"If she had done her job, I'd be normal like any other in this city. Working for minimum wage and struggling to hold down a place to live."

John stood up, taking a deep drink of his cider and studied the photograph.

"Providing they were still together before you killed him..." John paused to burp, and then carried on, "...then she'd live at the same address given on his identification."

Ghost ran a finger down the photograph, tainted with coffee and sunlight. The couple were happy, despite the pouring rain bouncing around them as they huddled beneath a bus stop, perhaps returning from a night out. Ghost suddenly seemed to crave attention himself, some who would love him for what he was. If this thief without a spine could find a girl, why couldn't he?

"I'll help you find her."

John's voice cut through Ghost's drifting, and he itched his face hastily to hide his embarrassment. Ghost said nothing, fearing he would either scream with anger or cry with anguish if he was to open his mouth, so he simply nodded and croaked a simple thanks.

"We'll start tomorrow morning, I'll ring Gorm and tell him I want you for a job. If you're as ready as you were tonight, you'll do well kid."

Ghost beamed and took John's large and slightly sweaty hand in a firm handshake and was soon walking tentatively out of the door, carrying 6 cans of cider with his veins filled with alcohol and excitement.

 

I'll find you yet, Rosie.

[Oxidizer]

My sight's blurry on account of immense tiredness, so I had to skim this until I read it properly tomorrow. But! Your boy. Getting a girlfriend? EEE! If so.

[mark-2007]

Nice chapter. I sense something big is about to happen, so this is good that you've got out of writer's block and got somewhere so quickly. Looking forward to it

[Struff Bunstridge]

 

Both laughed and Ghost straightened up, remarkably focused and reached for the wallet. Ghost reached for the wallet and experienced a sensation like he had just missed out a step going downstairs.

 

This is a bit clunky, mate. Otherwise, good to see you back!

[Rhoda]

Thanks for pointing that out, I wouldn't have seen this. If anyone sees anything like this, please do point it out, it's the only way I can improve. Thanks for reading everyone, especially after such a sudden break. I hope to finish this over the summer, I do hope you'll be joining me until the end.

[Oblivionz]

Craig, here's an idea.

Write more, because I'm dying to know what happens, and then send me it on MSN so I can brag about it to everyone else.

 

[Rhoda]

I don't think I'll be sharing anything to anyone, bar a few teasers in Writer's Updates as we're getting into a serious turning point in the narrative now. Seeing as I'm feeling inspired, I'll write more tomorrow, but you aren't getting your mits on any of it Luke!

[Oblivionz]

 

Craig     says:

Dude, I have a present for you

Luke says:

Dude

Luke says:

GOT IT?

Craig     says:

Uh... what?

Luke says:

the mask

Luke says:

or did you impregnate my mother

Craig     says:

Yeah I have the mask, but that's not what I'm giving you

Craig     says:

I'm giving you the only copy of the draft of Ghost's ending

Craig     says:

Handwritten, with a little message and a drawing

 

 

This was posted because it needs a bump as well.

[Carbine23]

You people and MSN? I feel so lonely with my account. I have one school friend, and one gtaforumer on my list

I need more!

 

Oh and i should give this a read also. I remember reading the first chapter but i was always busy updating my story so i'll catch on at some point.

[Rhoda]

Thanks for that Luke, good timing too as I'm going away for a week come tomorrow night. I'll take this week in the sun as inspiration and start work on the final chapters and the backbone for the sequel. Keep your eyes on the topic folks, fans of Ghost will not want to miss this.

 

EDIT: Thanks Carbine, and if you want to add me, [email protected]

[Warplay3r]

Thanks for that Luke, good timing too as I'm going away for a week come tomorrow night. I'll take this week in the sun as inspiration and start work on the final chapters and the backbone for the sequel. Keep your eyes on the topic folks, fans of Ghost will not want to miss this.

 

EDIT: Thanks Carbine, and if you want to add me, [email protected]

Jesus! Finally! (I've been waiting.) But um, can't wait to read it. Also glad to see there will be a sequel.

[Struff Bunstridge]

I don't think I'll be sharing anything to anyone...you aren't getting your mits on any of it Luke!

 

Craig    says:

Dude, I have a present for you

...

Craig    says:

I'm giving you the only copy of the draft of Ghost's ending

Craig    says:

Handwritten, with a little message and a drawing

 

Way to U-turn, dude

[Rhoda]

Way to U Turn indeed, but where's the fun in whoring it all to yourself? I'm sure this won't be the only time I'll be giving away drafts and the like. Hell, I may as well make the sequel a full viral advertising campaign.

[Juice By Kayla Marie]

Way to U Turn indeed, but where's the fun in whoring it all to yourself? I'm sure this won't be the only time I'll be giving away drafts and the like. Hell, I may as well make the sequel a full viral advertising campaign.

Do it.

Btw, Great story.

[Rhoda]

What can I say? It's good to be back. I'm terribly sorry to have postponed this for as long as I have, really I am. I hope many of you still follow this and I also hope not one of you now thinks "what's Ghost?". I'm wearing the Ghost mask as I write, it seems only fitting that for these final few chapters I wear it.

 

Chapter XV - Number 433

 

It had happened so fast. Ghost counted the days with Gorm, almost ruing his company. Gorm had taken Ghost in at his most dire need but now things were tense. With the excitement of his latest allegiance with John, Ghost's temper was fluctuating, which was worse for Gorm now that household appliances would spontaneously combust and explode. Coupled with the lack of sleep Ghost was getting, this made Ghost more unstable than usual. Now preferring to sit on the windowsill than the sofa, Gorm's heart and nerves would twitch at every howl Ghost chose to emit at something barely humorous across the street. Earlier that week, Gorm's face turned a very unhealthy shade of purple when his nice personoo clock seemed to melt off his wall due to Ghost laughing uncontrollably at an elderly woman who had inadvertently dropped her shopping. Some days Ghost seemed positive and normal, such as when he would be washing Gorm's dirty dishes or even cooking. Other days were complete disasters, resulting in Ghost taking refuge in Gorm's garden, growling at cats. This happened for 2 tense weeks, until Gorm decided to confront Ghost.

 

Breakfast was a hasty affair. Rather than eat cereal out of the bowl, Ghost would be insistant that the pink grains were evil, but the yellow ones were well on their way to conquest. Gorm chewed slowly, being sure to have completely finished his mouthful before speaking; on one hand, stalling for time and on the other, thinking of something apt to say.

"What's wrong with the pink ones?"

Ghost swiftly turned his head towards the cereal box, startling Gorm, who gently lowered his spoon.

"It's a conspiracy, Gorm! Why do you buy such..." Ghost paused to grunt and lick his lips, "...clever cereal?"

Gorm again said nothing, and instead looked at the cereal box with Ghost, who's eyes had begun to twitch at the very sight of the overly cheery mascot grinning back at him.

"I'm not going to let my guard down, this so called Bran Bunny is waiting for the perfect time to strike!" Ghost grabbed Gorm firmly by the arm, like a child would grip his father's at a time of apparent danger, "I can see it! C-can't you?"

Ghost clicked his tongue against his teeth as if he was beckoning a playful kitten, while Gorm nodded and cleared his throat, clearly not wanting to get on the wrong side of the grumpy guest in his house.

"Oh! Erm, yeah, yeah I see it. Evil."

Gorm was eager to move on, so he turned the box away from Ghost so the chillingly cheerful Bran Bunny was facing the opposite wall. As Gorm left the kitchen, stifling a yawn, Ghost made a high pitched squeal at the amount of words peppering the rear of the box. Squinting, he began to read out loud and his concentration was only broken when the phone rang in the hall. For a few seconds it's shrill tone echoed towards him, and Ghost winced at every passing ring. Finally, Gorm answered and Ghost crept towards the door. Pressing a tentative ear against the door, he licked his lips once more and took large, excited breaths. Gorm's voice was clear as crystal on the other side of the cheap wooden door.

"Yes... yes I'm faring well. Ghost? Ghost is... Ghost really, haha. Yes. Yes he's fine."

Enough idle chit-chat old man, get to the point!

"Mmm? Sure, I'll go get him for you."

Ghost was sure to scurry away from the door at the pivotal moment Gorm's footsteps were heard approaching. Ghost feigned an interest at the amount of fibre in Bran Bunny's disgusting cereal as Gorm entered the room, phone firmly clutched in his hand.

"It's John, said he wanted to talk to you for some reason."

Ghost ignored Gorm's puzzled look and took the phone gently, cradling it against his face and picking at a loose bit of the mask's material.

"H-hello?" Ghost was clearly excited about using a phone in the first place, let alone be talking to the one man who understands him.

"Hey Ghost. Just wanted to invite you round today, I've got a plan. I think it'll tie up all your loose ends."

Ghost swallowed hard at the thought of being free. Free from guilt, hatred, anger, misery and confusion. At this point, all Ghost wanted to do was curl up and die, but there were things that needed to be done.

"Are you in? I'll come round now."

"Sooner the better."

Ghost wore a wide grin at the very mention of these words, a wider grin than he'd worn in Gorm's company.

"I'm on my way."

With that, Gorm entered the room once again armed with an empty cup of tea and half a biscuit. Chewing, Gorm took the phone much to Ghost's delight. Since the invite, Ghost felt one step closer to freedom and thanked Gorm.

"Someone's cheered up!" Gorm said, words muffled by the custard cream he was eating. Ghost simply smiled back broadly and slowly walked out of the room, grabbing his hooded top from the coat rack.

"I'm going helping John put some stock away, maybe have a game of cards later," Ghost lied. He had been going to John's all week for exactly that, but tonight would be different.

"Back for dinner?" Gorm popped the last of his biscuit into his mouth as he spoke, "I've got lamb in, I know you like lamb."

Ghost smiled. As much as Gorm was beginning to restrict him, he couldn't deny the evident generosity present. Here was a man taking time and patience to care for someone hell-bent on revenge, no matter what the cost.

"Yeah, I'll be back."

Gorm smiled back, and turned on his heels, eager to make another cup of tea to wash down his biscuit. As Ghost left the house, his eyes glistened under the early morning sun. Releasing the door handle slowly, every step taken across the path seemed progressively important. Things were going to change.

 

***

 

John was already stood in his doorway, his massive build dwarfing the frame. As Ghost approached, John's fixation on a lamppost across the street was instantly forgotten and he took a long draw from the cigarette balanced in between his large fingers. With a broad smile, John engaged Ghost in a firm handshake.

"Good to see you again, Ghost, tonight's the night. I'll explain in the van."

He then led Ghost to the beaten up pick up truck that had remained faithful for many years, despite years of abuse and hauling heavy boxes filled to the brim with killing equipment. As John climbed in, he offered Ghost a cigarette, who was already stroking the harsh texture of the dash board with his long fingers. John shook his head and slammed his gun down in front of him as a distraction, which worked well; Ghost snarled and recoiled like a wolf would responding to a bear trap.

"Sorry kiddo, but you've got to focus if this is going to work."

Ghost simply muttered an apology and began to stare intently, almost begging John for an elaboration at what was going on.

"I found the address for that woman you were talking about the other week. Technician or whatever. I took those forms of ID you gave me and found out where she lives."

Ghost simply sat there in awe, his stomach rolling around inside him, knots forming fast. John seemed to pick up just how speechless Ghost was, so he went on.

"I hope you're not going to be in such a shock when you finally meet this bitch, you're going to have nothing to say!"

John laughed as Ghost attempted to scratch an itch under his mask and said nothing. His thoughts and conscience were on overdrive now. With the chance to finally extract revenge, Ghost had a sliver of doubt that he could actually go through with this. With this fleeting though, his mask had other ideas and was quick to convince Ghost.

You've come too far now. Don't you miss being normal?

Ghost's eyes shone with a red hue as John fired up the truck, whistling to a common country-style tune on the radio. As his truck maneuvered the broken road, the gun on the dashboard rattled violently. Regardless of the amount of movement and harsh terrain the gun was experiencing, Ghost's smile was reflected perfectly in the cannon.

 

***

 

After a 20 minute drive filled with eccentric singing, smoking and road rage, John gently trundled down a well kept and serene suburban road. Ghost scrunched his face in disgust at how perfect it all looked and remembered similar houses on a catalogue he had found in the plant. He could almost see past the walls of each and every one of them, where a woman was no doubt kissing her husband goodbye, wearing a polka-dot dress and washing stubborn stains off plates. Then, the husband would tilt his brown trilby hat and drive happily to work, lunch kept safe his tin box. Ghost felt like taking a block of wood and delivering shattering blows to each and every mailbox that sat ever so prettily yet ever so proudly on the greenest lawns this side of America.

"Nice round here, eh?" John cooed, counting house numbers.

"Bit too nice. Where's the harsh realism? No-one has any problems around here... at least, not yet."

John grinned, knowing that polite negotiation was the last thing on Ghost's list, and slowly turned onto a lone section of pavement that wasn't occupied by a rubbish bin or a mailbox. John turned the radio right down and Ghost turned to face him, only to have a large finger pressed against his already closed lips.

"There's the house. Red station wagon on the drive, number 433."

Ghost tore away from the finger and pressed his masked face against the windscreen, which was laden with cracks and chips from over the years. The glass smudged repeatedly as Ghost exhaled deeply from his nose, excitement rising everytime he caught a glimpse of his target in the window, watering plants.

"Let's do this!"

Ghost snapped back round and found John already loading his shotgun, which had somehow been concealed for the whole trip. With a kick, the door of John's truck flew up offering no resistance and Ghost soon joined him, stood at his side while sunlight bounced off every car on the street. John's gun was now safely tucked under his vest, his large build easily concealing the gun which seemed puny by comparison. Walking calmly down the soothingly quiet and peaceful road, Ghost's nerves and emotions were running on pure anticipation. He expected big and beautiful things and John was there to ensure they occurred. Before Ghost had more time to muse, John had abruptly started to cross the well-kept lawn of number 433. Ghost followed closely, like a frightened dog would huddle it's master's ankles. The lawn seemed to stretch for miles, passing endless dog toys and sprinkler systems until the front door leading to the very thing Ghost had craved for months; answers.

"Are you going to knock or shall I?" John spoke slowly, in fear that any sudden sounds could kill Ghost. No reply followed. John was patient, eyes burning holes in the leathery skull of Ghost's head until a swift nod was delivered as if to say 'you do it'.

John didn't need more obvious indications; with a single barge of his shoulder, the door crumbled like biscuits under a hammer. Screws and door fixings on the other side flew metres down the hallway of the house and John displayed remarkable speed entering the house. Ghost curtly followed, energy now flowing through his veins. As his fingers traced patterns on the wallpaper, his stomach turned as pictures from every possible angle taunted him. Every smile on that woman's face was like a tooth pulled from his already aching and watering mouth.

"This ends now!" Ghost roared, suddenly regaining the energy to speak. A shrill laugh followed as Ghost tore through the thin walls of the hallway with his bare hands and arms. Like wet toilet paper, they fell revealing a large, clean kitchen... and a terrified Rosie stood at it's sink.

"Just like my f*cking vision, what a surprise!" Ghost whispered, loud enough to be audible and grabbed the woman by her wrist before she even had time to scream.

"You're coming with me, sweetheart..."

Rosie finally managed to fill her lungs with enough oxygen to scream, which were promptly muffled by Ghost's soft yet experienced hands. With a grimace, a punch was landed on the frankly gorgeous yet mature face of Rosie. With a sickening thud, Rosie instantly attempted to claw her way through the new doorway fashioned by Ghost. John then entered the room, his check on the house complete, not one drop of sweat visible on his body.

"Upstairs is clean, nobody home."

Rosie let out a whimper upon the realisation no-one would be home for hours. Ghost merely grinned at her vulnerability.

"Thanks John. I'll take it from here."

John began searching the house once again while Ghost lay down next to the already bruised Rosie. As tears rolled idly down her cheek, Ghost licked his lips and sniffed quietly.

"It's harsh. Harsh but true," he began, pausing to choose his choice words carefully, "I'm going to go right ahead and say this... do you remember me at all?"

Rosie's eyes met Ghost's own, which had turned an unhealthy shade of grey. As she swallowed hard, she proceeded to nod. Ghost let out a pleased sound, rolling his head like a woman in a hair salon would upon hearing juicy town gossip.

"Splendid!" he cooed, "I suppose that means we can get rid of that awkward introductory stage... well, here's something new."

Ghost rolled over, one hand supporting his head and one casually resting on Rosie's thigh and smacked his lips mockingly.

"I am going to kill you."

Rosie let out another whimper as more tears rolled down her cheek, more desperate this time.

"I will be stereotypically noble however," Ghost muttered, leaping to his feet like a gymnast fresh out of a roll and casually began playing with the leaver on the toaster. Rosie simply watched him from her spot on the kitchen floor; "I will let you say a few things to me, because I'm all for fairness. That's why I'm here."

Rosie said nothing, but instead struggled to her feet. Ghost took great pleasure in watching her struggle as he bit into a ripe apple that just begged to be eaten, sat alone in the fruit bowl nearby. As Ghost slowly chewed, Rosie straightened her hair and assumed a posture that was strong enough to be confident, but elegant enough to be sexy, even after her attack.

"Behind me is a picture. Look at it before you kill me."

Ghost stopped chewing instantly, a new flash of curiosity overtaking him.

"Picture, eh?"

Rosie simply nodded and fell to the floor in exhaustion and shock, hoping to find solace from Ghost when the picture had been seen. Ghost held the apple casually in his mouth as he walked through the kitchen into the living room, which was cleaner than the kitchen. John was already there, cigarette hanging loosely from his lips. He hadn't noticed Ghost until he reached the coffee table which held many contemporary and high class magazines. With shaking hands Ghost reached for the picture, kept comfortably in place by a simple, silver frame. Lips trembling and blood running cold, Ghost's eyes watered at the very sight in frame inches away from his face.

There, looking back at him, was the image of Rosie, Gorm and Trent, smiles shared through the group.

[Oxidizer]

There isn't a single word to express what I'm feeling about it this. Excitement doesn't even come close to covering it; not even sexual excitement. I'm so glad Ghost and his little gang of misfits are back! SQUEE!EEE!SOMETHINGELSETHATSEEEY!

[Rhoda]

I'm glad someone likes it; I have a strong feeling it's lacking because I've been out of the Ghost game for weeks. Thanks for your words though Andy, means a lot coming from you.

[Oxidizer]

Not a problem at all. I'm gonna re-read this when I'm 100% in the right mood, but I have read this to the best of my current ability, and it's certainly delivered thus far.

 

As for the others, I'm sure they'll eye this in no time. Just as soon as they get back from... wherever they are.

[Lochie_old]

Ghost gonna get fighted.

[Rhoda]

Yes indeed.

 

I would also like to point out that the next chapter will be the last and quite possibly the longest chapter yet. I hope by now the story hasn't dragged so long for it to be boring and predictable, but we'll see.

[mark-2007]

I quite liked this chapter, loved the oddball personality you've put into Ghost throughout it, it's sorta developed too.

 

Only one thing stuck out when reading it, there might be others, but I didn't notice them,

 

 

through the kitchen into the living room, which was cleaner than the kitchen.

Reptition makes it read weirdly. Maybe try just saying "through to the living room, which was cleaner than the kitchen." or something.

 

Wait, next chapter is the last!? I'm gonna miss this ol' fella.

[Oxidizer]

Wait, next chapter is the last!? I'm gonna miss this ol' fella.

Seconded to the max. I'm gonna be brokenhearted.

[Rhoda]

I just hope you won't be too disappointed to read the sequel...

[Oxidizer]

Disappointed? Impossible. The sequel? SQUEE!