They Say She's A Screamer You Don't Want To Meet

A few years later Krystel had just celebrated her eighth birthday and had received many pumpkin themed gifts again as the obsession did not go away even if Halloween had passed. Her room had recently been decorated to fit the theme as well and many of her gifts now reside in this orange room. The only thing that felt truly missing was a pumpkin themed bed! When night had arrived her mother brought her to bed and had her pick out a bedtime story to read. She and her mom would take turns reading so the little one could get some practice in before school started for her. Naturally they chose a book about a pumpkin creature that would steal folks away if they didn't behave nicely to others! The parents had assumed the book might have been too scary but apparently Krystel loved the design of the creature though it's believed that's because she likes the fruit! They hade just about finished the book when a ear-piercing alarm started sounding in the distance. Both jumped up to look outside the window and were met with an awful sight. A blazing fire was heading their way and they had to evacuate immediately. Krystel didn't quite understand what was going on but found the orange fire very pretty. She really wanted to go touch it! Her mother frantically grabbed their emergency bags and begun packing up their car as quick as she could. Her father was grabbing non-perishable foods and water bottles to tuck in the car as well. It took about ten minutes tops to complete these tasks and as the mom was about to grab her daughter, Krystel was nowhere to be found.

"Baby? Baby!? Where are you?"
"..."
"Oh no, oh no no where could she have gone?"

It didn't take long for her to find her answer as she looked out the window to see Krystel walking on the sidewalk towards the flame. She gasped and tore her way through the house and outside, calling out to Krystel but her little girl did not answer as she was entranced by the dance of the flame. She didn't have a chance to pull her daughter away as her husband grabbed her by the arm and told her they had no time, they had to leave now or perish. Even after telling him she would rather die with her baby, he forced her into the car and drove off. Krystel's mom looked through the rearview mirror and watched as her little one slowly disappear into the raging flame.

When the fire died down and all was quiet again Krystel would slowly open her eyes. She would slowly look around as it seemed she was laying flat on the ground, moving her head from side to side to get a better idea of where she was. She was still within the confines of Coalfell, that much she knew. Everything was covered in ash and some type of black tar substance that she'd never seen before. The wind blew gently and caused the remains of buildings to creak and the sound made her very nervous. She tried to stand but found she wasn't exactly herself anymore. She had been holding onto her pumpkin themed plush wolf when she had wandered outside to look at the glowing orange fire earlier and now seemed to have become one with the stuffed toy. She was very confused about this as she had no idea how she'd merged with the toy. Krystel tried calling out to her mom but only a sharp squeak came from her mouth. With this she began to cry and panic, a series of deafening squeaks filling the air in a cacophony of despair. She cried and cried but no one came. Soon she had gotten tired of crying and felt very tired. She couldn't figure out how to move anyway so she just decided to sleep where she was. She didn't even notice someone slowly approaching her...
Krystel was awoken by the barely audible sound of scissors being used. As she lifted her head to find the source she noticed she was in a different place entirely. It was a cozy little home that had quite a bit of damage but the bones of the house seemed stable enough for shelter. This time she was able to figure out how the legs of her new plush body worked though it was still hard as she stumbled her way to the sound. In the next room over she saw a huge table and a large chair that was stacked with cushions. There was a little brown rabbit sitting in the chair and was the one making the sound with the scissors earlier. The rabbit soon turned it's head to face Krystel and the little one noticed that the bunny had emerald green button eyes. She was even more surprised to hear the other one speak.

"Hello there."
"Um. Hi."
"Feeling better?"
"Kinda. I miss my mommy."
"I don't know where your mommy is but you can stay with me for now."
"Okay."

The rabbit introduced herself as Harebell and informed Krystel that she was one of a few that still lived within Coalfell. Those that remained were not human and instead had turned into toys or or some object of affection, which is what Harebell assumed had happened to the pup plush. Krystel still didn't quite understand but the rabbit told her but that was okay! She would do her best to keep a positive outlook! These days Krystel helps Harebell in creating plush toys for visitors that happen upon their home. She hopes one day that her family will be the ones that come visit and take her home.

credits

Lea

Character/Story by Glory

Overlay by dalice

Lower Art By Nayona

Background by Wallpaper Cave