Eerie Indiana fanfiction: Falsely Accused

[froodle]

"D'you ever feel sorry for bears?" asked Syndi.

Across the scarred wooden tabletop of a workdesk scavenged at great personal risk from the Eerie Art Gallery, Performance Space and Municipal Disposal Site, her brother stared at her.

"...what?" he asked.

Syndi folded back the cover of the manila file folder in her hand and slid it across the cluttered space between them. One storm-grey nail tapped at the grainy images printed on cheap cartridge paper and neatly stapled to a thin sheaf of typed pages.

"Seems like they get the blame for every man-eating, property-destroying horror this town can throw at a person,” she said. “Marjorie Bate is claiming a grizzly made off with the Chimpbee diorama she'd made for this year's Honey Festival, but look at these stills from the security camera on Lewton-Tourneur.” She rolled her eyes.

Marshall selected a mid-sized magnifying glass from amidst a crowded desk caddy stuffed with them and held it over the picture thoughtfully.

“Probably not a bear,” he agreed.

“Probably? It’s got tentacles!” She addressed the photos. "Tentacles, Marjorie! Maybe if you got your eyes checked, your shoebox dioramas wouldn't have extra dimensions that drive onlookers insane!" She thought for a moment. "Of course, then everyone would notice how shoddy her decoupage is, so maybe it's deliberate."

Marshall decided he would ignore this latest development in the rivalry between his sister and Marjorie Bate. He didn't want to be on the wrong side of history if it turned out to be a crush.

“There’s suckers all along the underside,” he told her instead. “If it was tentacles, they’d just be at the ends. Technically those are arms.”

A cold wind rustled the pages in his hand and raised gooseflesh on his skin. He glared at his sister.

“It’s an important distinction,” he insisted.

“Not to an armless, tentacle-free bear falsely accused of crimes against idiots with glue-guns,” said Syndi.

Marshall sighed.

“Syndi," he said. "Did you actually want to help out while Simon's taking Harley to juvenile court, or did you just come here to complain about all the ways Marjorie Bate sucks?"

Syndi hesitated. Marshall closed the folder in front of him and carefully unfastened one of a dozen watches from around his wrist.

"Twenty minutes," he said. "And you owe me a black cow every day for the rest of the month."



Ongoing Verse: Teller Family History



First Date by froodle, in which a young Edgar Teller shows off one of his earlier inventions

Breakfast Conversations, in which Syndi and Marshall are very small, and very much themselves

Under the Bed, in which Syndi has a friend over

Popcorn by froodle. Friday night is always movie night in the Teller household.

The Toll, in which a parcel arrives and there is a fee to pay

Charitable, in which there is fundraising for... something?

Door Prizes, in which here is a cake tin

Fountain, in which Marshall has an excuse, and Edgar does not agree

Belt Match, in which Algernon the Invincible saves the world

Volun-Told, in which Marshall takes preparation very seriously

Shears, in which Edgar is concerned for the contents of his garden shed

Parking, in which Marshall makes a hasty exit

The Teller Home for Displaced Youth by froodle, in which Edgar harbours some doubts about his new home town

Lawn by froodle, in which Marilyn Teller contemplaces some yardwork

Back to School, in which Marilyn visits the Eerie Mall

Distractions, in which Simon and Marshall walk home from school

Product Testing, in which Marshall and Syndi have input in the latest Things Incorporated invention

Film Festival, in which there is breakfast at Tiffanys, and much carnage

Cake Day, in which it is Marshall's birthday

Prestidigitation, in which Syndi poses as a fortune teller

Camoflage, in which Fifi has a plan to infiltrate the Teller household

Preventative Measures, in which Syndi and Marshall clash over a facemask

Gallery, in which Syndi and Marshall clash over art

Tornado Day, Revisited by froodle, in which Syndi learns exactly what it means to be Miss Tornado Day

Induction, in which the role of Miss Tornado Day comes with yet another hidden catch

Classes, in which Syndi trains for her new role

Competing Traditions, in which Dash and Marshall wait out the Easter weekend in the Teller's garage

Easter, in which Marshall receives a note

Truth in Advertising, in which Marshall is in trouble, and Radford is confused

Shampoo, in which Syndi is troubled by soapy residue

Wildlife by froodle, in which Simon and Marshall go to the beach

If You See Something, Say Something, in which Marshall is questioned by Sergeant Knight

The Party Fowl, in which Marilyn goes to some lengths to ensure Syndi keeps to curfew

The Party Fowl Cometh, in which the titular beast makes an appearance

Return of the Party Fowl, in which Syndi makes it home safely

Capability, in which there are Bigfoots

Nursemaiding, in which Syndi is much put-upon

Culinary Delights by froodle, in which Syndi's terrible cooking may or may not have been an accident

Confectionary, in which Syndi has been baking again

Pirates, in which there are pirates

Rules of War, in which there is a waterfight

Exterior, Garden, Night, in which there is camping

Camping by froodle, in which Syndi cannot sleep

Co-Defendants, in which Marshall seeks revenge

Artist in the Family by froodle, in which an immortal creature takes a liking to Syndi

Virtual Reality, in which Things Incorporated branches out into the realm of home entertainment

Dressed for the Occasion, in which Syndi's weather goddess duties require a certain look

Without Due Care and Attention by froodle, in which Syndi finally becomes mobile

Road Safety, in which Marshall does not

Typewriter, in which a familiar peacock logo makes an unwelcome reappearence

Golf Course, in which a reseeding does not go well

BBQ, in which the Tellers have a bonfire

Giveaway, in which Marshall buys a milkshake

Spa Day, in which Marshall has a gift for his sister

Prognostication Engine, in which horrorscopes are insufficiently detailed, and Marshall is cross

Hangover, in which Marshall drinks too much and makes a terrible enemy

Castle, in which there is unexpected architecture in Eerie

Concealment, in which there is a costume party

Party Guests, in which a costume party is attended

Waiting In by froodle, in which there is an ice-storm and a handyman does not arrive

Harmonic Resonance, in which Syndi's craft table is disturbed

Spoiled, in which the Tellers are menaced

Postal, in which there is gunfire, and letters

Drive, in which Edgar has a convertible, and is filled with fear

Food Aggression, in which Lisa-Marie comes to visit, and the Tellers sibling dynamics have not changed

Statistically Possible, in which Marshall has the figures

Misdirection, in which Syndi is a cunning and treacherous foe

Targeted Marketing, in which here are illuminated signs on taxis

Rare Appearance, in which there are egg rolls, and also ghosts

Brunch by froodle, in which Marilyn does not appreciate Edgar's help in the kitchen

Winter Picnic, in which there is snuggling

Corn Critters 7: Rise of the Super Crop, in which Marshall makes a grave mistake

Advent Calendar, in which Marilyn prepares for Christmas

Weaponised, in which Simon, Syndi and Marshall prepare for Christmas

Handmade by froodle, in which the Tellers receive a Christmas package from Marilyn's mother

Window Paint, in which Harley helps Eerie Elementary decorate for the season

Pantomime, in which the Tellers enjoy some traditional Christmas entertainment

Decorative, in which Eerie's wildlife get into the spirit, and Marshall is worried

Dinner Conversation, in which Marshall and Syndi revive an old argument

Poor Life Choices by froodle, in which Syndi loves her brother anyway

Public Spaces, in which there is a vampire, and Mayor Chisel appreciates municipal art

Lillian by froodle, in which Marilyn's mother has concerns

Visitor by froodle, in which Marshall's grandma comes to stay

Nap by froodle, in which Marshall has a quiet moment in the Secret Spot

Underwater, in which Lillian travels to another timeline, and has a much-overdue conversation

Cygnet, in which Lillian and Harley visit the lake

Auction, in which a clear-out is happening

Hand Me Down/Keepsake, in which the clear-out continues

Administrative, in which Things Incorporated's latest invention is very sad

Sickbed, in which Marshall has an upset stomach

War Zone, in which Marshall is sad, and Syndi is a good big sister

Salvage Rights, in which Lillian and Harley return to the lake

Housekeeping, in which there is a cult, and things get awkward

Hostage, in which Syndi is captured, and is very displeased

Hometown by froodle, in which Mars and Syndi visit New Jersey

Deterrent, in which there are pigeon spikes

Crafting, in which Syndi is about to graduate from college

Mixed Media Messages, in which there is glitter

Fresh Sheets by froodle

Product Testing, in which Things Incorporated's newest beverage is... something.

Tradition by froodle, in which Dash and Marshall decorate a Christmas tree

Civic Duty, in which the Ladies Society for the Beautification of Eerie take up their posts

The Craft, in which the Ladies encounter the all-female wolf pack from Trick 'r Treat

A Time for Giving, in which it is Christmas, and Danielle comes back

Eww... in which Simon is making bad relationship choices

Freelancing, in which Sara Sue does graphic design

At the Dinner Table, in which an invitation is extended, and Dash is suspicious

Presentation, in which the Mayor has an edict, and Simon has a plan



Ongoing Verse: Weather



The Storm, in which Mayor Chisel has a very specific job for Eerie's resident weatherman

Still, in which we find out there are far worse things than Old Bob

Wally, in which a certain weatherman doesn't lose his temper, but is sorely tried. Podfic by EviinsaneMonkey is here.

Vacation, in which Weatherman Wally visits a tropical paradise without ever leaving Eerie city limits. Podfic by EviinsaneMonkey is here.

Vacation Part 2 by EviinsaneMonkey, in which Howard and Wally go on holiday, actually out of town for once

Sisters, in which we visit Normal, Illinois

Squall, in which Wally and Old Bob have a disagreement

Sick Day, in which Wally does not go to work

Waiting In, in which there is an ice-storm and a handyman does not arrive

Blood Rain, in which the weather forecast gives Marshall pause

Setting the Scene, in which Weatherman Wally prepares for Christmas

Holidays Are Coming, in which something else prepares for Christmas

Concert, in which there is a canine singalong

Garden, in which Wally eats ice-cream

Stormfront, in which Wally takes a hands-on approach to fire-fighting

Midsummer, in which the Eerie Express returns, right on schedule

Castle, in which there is unexpected architecture in Eerie

Strawberry, in which there is unauthorised hubbub in Eerie

World Chocolate Day, in which there is a heatwave

Statistically Possible, in which Marshall has the figures

Induction, in which Syndi becomes a member of a very exclusive club

Classes, in which Syndi begins her lessons

Dressed for the Occasion, in which Syndi must attend a gathering, and plans her outfit accordingly

The Beautiful Day, in which Marshall has misgivings

Replacement, in which Marshall stakes out the Eerie Bus Terminal and Supper Club

Absent Friends, in which Wally gives Simon some advice

Inevitable, in which the weather is spiteful, and the manticore is indifferent

Rain Day, in which Marshall takes a stand

Changeable Conditions, in which the weather gains the upper hand

Event Appropriate, in which Simon watches a video and gets a scare

Trash Day, in which Marshall takes the rubbish out

Early Finish, in which there is a commotion outside Simon's office

Obsolete, in which Sara Sue gets reaquainted with her home town



Ongoing Verse: Trusted Associates Inc



Licensing, in which the Mayor hands out some bureaucracy

Light Pollution, in which there is a newcomer in town

Pressure Tactics, in which there are ravens

Food Hygiene, in which Simon stays after school and Melanie and Janet do the same

Maybe, Even, in which Tod has a dream

Belt Match, in which Algernon the Invincible saves the world

Exterior, Garden, Night, in which there is a camp out

Administrative, in which there is a new Things Incorporated product being tested

Inevitable, in which there are moles

Brand Loyalty, in which there are Sky Monsters

Stonewall, Mud Walls, in which Harley is a brutal negotiator

Persuasion Tactics, in which Marshall has an itinerary, and Simon is tired

Unsuitable Substitute, in which there are changelings

Greenery, in which there are hanging baskets

Growth Spurt, in which there are crysanthemums

Temper, Temper, in which Marshall has strong opinions about the World o' Stuff's stock of reading material

Well, in which there is fishing

Swimming Pool, in which there is marine life

Follow Through, in which there is a rag doll

Public Interest, in which Marshall is a concerned citizen

A Credible Threat, in which there is an embarrasment happening at the Eerie Mall

Timeloop, in which Circular Road lives up to it's name

Misdirection, in which Syndi is a tiny bit evil

Downturn, in which there is a Farmer's Market

Concessions, in which there is theatre

Capability, in which Marshall is determined

Euclid by froodle, in which we meet Mr. Daganfort

Construction, in which there are strange goings-on at the Eerie Cemetary

Tagged, in which there is graffiti

Uprising, in which there are zombies and the Bob brothers and one is worse than the other

Water Burial, in which Mr. Daganfort does some landscaping

A Greeting, in which something has a message for Eerie's groundskeeper

The Paper Witch, in which something would like a word with Sara Sue

Finish, in which there is wood stain

Corrective Lenses, in which Marshall takes eyecare into his own hands

Distractions, in which Marshall and Simon walk home after school

Class of '89, in which we visit Eerie Elementary

Infestation, in which there are pixies

BBQ, in which the Tellers build a bonfire

Dark Messiah, in which there are witches

Refurbish, in which there is dumpster diving

Guardian Spirit, in which Marshall and Simon visit the town dump

Staged, in which Harley is uncooperative

Festoon, in which it is October, and Marshall gets a fright

Trick or Treat?, in which there are teacakes

Display, in which Radford enters the spirit of the season

Haul, in which there are cupcakes

Halloween by froodle, in which Mars and Simon celebrate a Von Orloff-free All Hallows Eve

Fine Print, in which Simon and Marshall walk the shores of Lake Eerie

Corn Critters 7: Rise of the Super Crop, in which Marshall makes a grave miscalculation

Signals and Signifiers, in which the Eerie PD is baffling

Safety Checks, in which there are reindeers

Decorative, in which there is wildlife

Surveillance, in which the boys must pick their moment carefully

Robin, in which Simon is startled by the local birdlife

Animatronics, in which the boys go to the Eerie Mall

Concert, in which Eerie's canine population temporarily set aside their struggle in favour of a singalong

Visiting Santa, in which Simon and Marshall take Harley on a trip

Weaponised, in which Christmas is a-coming

Pantomime, in which the Tellers take in some traditional Christmas entertainment

Frost Spiders, in which Eerie's winter decorations are possibly a little too beautiful

Surprise by froodle, in which Mars tries to make sure Simon's birthday goes a little better this year

Informed Shopper, in which Simon contemplates a purchase

The Glade by froodle, in which Simon and Mars visit a place that only exists on February 29th

Mostly Void, Partially Stars, in which we see the Space Thing prior to it's arrival in Eerie

Parking, in which Marshall does not want to help with the yardwork

Road Trip, in which there are aliens

If You See Something, Say Something, in which Marshall is questioned by Sergeant Knight

Postal, in which there is gunfire, and letters

Drive, in which Edgar has a convertible, and is filled with fear

National Garlic Day, in which there are vampires

Stormfront, in which Simon and Marshall eat takeout

Confectionary, in which there is baking

Blue Apron, in which the Mayor contemplates expanding a town by-law

Egg Hunt by froodle, in which Simon and Mars partake of some traditional Easter activities

Truth in Advertising, in which Marshall has buyers remorse

Lost Sock Memorial Day, in which there is solemnity

Cooking Class, in which there is baking

Rubber Duck, in which there is a race

Blood Rain, in which it is Beltane

The Flower Beds, in which there is gardening

High Speed Sanitation, in which there is glitter, and garbage

Litterbug, in which Marshall gets even

For Charity, in which there's a bubble run

Rules of War, in which there is a water fight

Targeted Marketing, in which Syndi works a summer job

Spoiled for Choice, in which there is ice-cream

Ecosystem, in which there are mudsnakes

Municipal Maintenance, in which there is a fresh coat of paint

Lady in Red by froodle, in which Simon experiments on the old-fashioned radio in the Secret Spot, and horror ensues

Boardwalk by froodle, in which Simon and Mars are swayed by radio advertising

Fowl Deeds, in which there are ducks

Ducks on a Lake, in which there is Nick and Eddie

Grocery List, in which Marshall is a bad son

To Serve Birds (Right), in which Marshall and Harley have a bonding moment

Charitable, in which there is a pop-up shop and Marshall is suspicious

Dish of the Day, in which there is an old playground

Summer Vacation, in which fun in the sun requires some preparation

Foghorn, in which there is limited visability

Tour Group, in which costumes are worn and menus are hand-lettered

Upgrade, in which change is afoot at the Eerie Library

Hungry, in which the Mayor is unimpressed

Cheese, in which there is a continental market

Research, in which science requires sacrifice

Waiting In by froodle, in which there is an ice-storm and a handyman does not arrive

Seafoam by froodle, in which Simon and Marshall go to the seaside

A Night at the Circus by froodle, in which a carnivale comes to town, and Marshall and Simon do not enjoy themselves

Taking a Break by froodle, in which Simon and Marshall enjoy some much-needed R&R

Vacant, in which there is a store front

Model Railway by froodle, in which a new business prepares to open in Eerie

Shoreline by froodle, in which Simon and Marshall investigate strange happenings on the shores of Lake Eerie

At the Seaside, in which there is a storm

In the Bleak Midwinter, in which there are goings-on at the lake

The Lake at Night, in which it is midnight

Precipice, in which there are seals

Parade by froodle, in which Mars takes issue with the Eerie Beekeepers Association's choice of mascot

Marketing, in which Eerie's honeybee population grow their brand

And Introducing... in which Dash X makes a powerful ally

Untouchable, in which much dismay is caused by Eerie's fauna

Drive In, in which there is a movie screening

Nature Study, in which there are dusk sprites

Homestead by froodle, in which Marshall finally gets something useful out of shop class

Hound by froodle, in which Simon makes a friend

Slyboots by froodle, in which a certain corporal of the infernal regions comes to Eerie. Crossover with Johannes Cabal the Necromancer.

Sugar Rush, in which there are baked goods

Usual Suspects, in which there are things in the duck pond, and nobody is surprised

Festival by froodle, in which Eerie's local businesses celebrate the summer

Strawberry by froodle, in which there is unauthorised hubbub in Eerie

Not Welcome, in which there are gremlins

Sundae, in which the World o' Stuff has a new menu item

Read the Sign, in which the City Council means it when it says no swimming

Shrubbery, in which there is greenery

Prohibited, in which there is dairy

World Chocolate Day, in which there is a heatwave

Wildlife by froodle, in which Simon and Marshall go to the beach

Cookout, in which Marshall and Simon go camping

Facilities by froodle, in which the Eerie Bus Station and Supper Club has a problem with the men's toilet

Phonebooths, in which a call must get through

Anticipation by froodle, in which Simon and Harley look forward to the Equinox

Castle by froodle, in which there is unexpected architecture in Eerie

Budget Restraints, in which Simon and Marshall's disguises are somewhat lacklustre.

Concealment, in which there is a costume party

Party Guests, in which the costume party is attended

Dressed for the Occasion, in which Syndi needs help

Disaster Recovery, in which Marshall is a late bloomer

Art Lovers, in which Marshall has questions

Bag for Death, in which Radford is a born salesman

Observations, in which there is activity on Wolf Mountain

Prognostication Engine, in which horoscopes are frustratingly vague

Visitor in which Marshall's grandma comes to stay

Reading Room, in which Marshall infiltrates the Loyal Order of Corn

Crafting, in which Syndi graduates from college

The Hut by froodle, in which Simon takes on the forces of Eerie solo

They, in which Marshall leaves for college, and Simon is left behind

Milestone, in which Tod McNulty turns 21

Mail Theft, in which the Eerie Postal Service ups it's security

Neighbourly, in which Marshall does a good deed, possibly

Errands by froodle, in which Simon has a to-do list

Long Awaited, in which the Sorcerer's Bible finally makes an appearance

Rain Day, in which there is weather

Waterlogged by froodle, in which Eerie experiences heavy rainfall

Riverbank, in which there are kelpies

Househunting, in which there are realtors

Housekeeping, in which there is a cult, and things get awkward

Hostage, in which Syndi is the sister, not the sidekick

Realtors, in which there is househunting

Mixed Media Messages, in which there is mail

Replacement Service, in which Marshall visits the Eerie Bus Terminal and Supper Club

Presentation, in which Chisel has an edict, and Simon has a plan

The M-Word, in which the cone of shame must be used



Ongoing Verse: Holmes Brothers



Castle, in which there is unexpected architecture in Eerie

The End by froodle, in which Simon reads Harley a bedtime story

Drains by froodle, in which clowns are evil, murderous sacks of shit, and Simon is having none of it

Bathtub, in which the Holmes' have further problems with their plumbing

Communication Difficulties, in which there are barriers to understanding

Playground, in which Simon and Harley should maybe come back another day

Dish of the Day, in which Simon and Marshall return to the playground

Stonewall, Mud Walls, in which Harley is an implacable foe

Biters, in which there is screaming

Riverbank, in which Simon encounters a kelpie

Kaleidoscope by froodle, in which Simon has cause to regret buying cheap toys at the World o' Stuff

Festival by froodle, in which Eerie's local businesses celebrate the summer

Strawberry by froodle, in which there is unauthorised hubbub in Eerie

Drive In, in which there is a movie screening

Staged, in which Harley visits a building site

Distractions, in which Simon and Marshall walk home from school

Class of '89, in which they collect Harley

Unsuitable Substitute, in which there is a changeling

Anticipation by froodle, in which Simon and Harley look forward to the Equinox

Informed Shopper, in which Simon contemplates a purchase

Infestation, in which there are pixies

BBQ, in which the Tellers hold a BBQ

Door-to-Door, in which it is Halloween and there are trick-or-treaters

Sentinel, in which it is Halloween and there is hot chocolate

The Stand, in which it is Halloween and there is a war

Dark Messiah, in which there are witches

Ruminant, in which a rescue is mounted

Good to Eat, in which Dash and Simon fill Marshall in

Gridlock, in which Harley encounters one of Eerie's many cults

Common Ground, in which one of Eerie's local youth organisations would like Harley to join them

Persuasion Tactics, in which the recruitment drive becomes aggressive

A Kings' Ransom, in which Harley goes to the beach

Competing Traditions, in which Dash and Marshall wait out the Easter weekend

Advent Calendar, in which Marilyn is making Christmas treats for all her children

Window Paint, in which Harley helps decorate his elementary school for Christmas

Pantomime, in which the Tellers enjoy some traditional Christmas entertainment

Visiting Santa, in which Marshall and Simon take Harley on a trip

The Tree, in which Harley helps Simon decorate for Christmas

KrampusNacht, in which the Holmes household has a visitor

Cygnet, in which Harley and Lillian go to the park

Tagged, in which the Bob brothers go to the park

Defacement, in which the Eerie PD investigates a terrible crime

Read the Sign, in which the city council was serious about that fountain

Salvage Rights, in which Harley and Lillian return to the lake

To Serve Birds (Right), in which Marshall and Harley bond

Sneakers by froodle, in which the latest Sky Monsters are released

Hangover, in which Marshall has a little too much to drink, and an innocent sandcastle pays the price

Brand Loyalty, in which MArshall's new shoes are a disappointment

The Hut by froodle, in which Simon takes on the forces of Eerie solo

Shattered Dreams, in which there is a space whale

They, in which Marshall leaves for college and Simon is left behind

Good Secrets Are Hard To Keep, in which Marshall submits a story to his college newspaper

Reception by froodle, in which Simon has problems with his mobile phone

Bulk Buy, in which Simon's desk tidy isn't suited for the job, but he's still better off than his office mates

Incendiary, in which Marshall reads a situation and reaches completely the wrong conclusion

Divergent, in which Dash and Harley talk

Workaday, in which Simon encounters one of Harley's old enemies

Presentation, in which Simon has a plan

Children Are Strange, in which Eerie's local Black Eyed Kids take an interest in Simon's dog

Comments

[friendof_dorothy]

‘Do you ever feel sorry for bears’ is a pretty great opening line :) also Harley.....what did you DO!?

[froodle]

They do get blamed for every bit of non-giant movie monster mischief, though. Is bear racism a thing?

I think with Harley it's best not to ask questions and just chastise him for the things you know he's done, rather than risk learning something even more terrifying!

[deifire]

Marshall decided he would ignore this latest development in the rivalry between his sister and Marjorie Bate. He didn't want to be on the wrong side of history if it turned out to be a crush.

Wise, Marshall! Very, very wise.

I love the multiple wristwatches and yes, that is one of the best opening lines in fic history!

[froodle]

Marshall has either fallen into that trap before, or he's been the one inadvertently putting other people in that position. Either way, lesson learned!

Thanks! I'm glad you liked it :D Poor bears tho.