Eerie Indiana Fanfiction: Calling

[froodle]

"It wants me near it," said Simon, and his voice was full of tears. Briars tangled in the scratchy acrylic of his rapidly unravelling sweater, and his face was streaked with sweat and dust. "It's asked me to go to it and you're keeping me away. Why are you ruining this for me?"

Edgar Teller dug his heels deeper into the loamy earth and tightened his grip on the worn cotton ticking of Simon's hand-me-down winter jacket. It was at least three sizes too big, and thank God that whatever siren-song was luring people out into the forest was apparently affecting his other thought processes too, because if Simon had been thinking clearly, he'd have realised that he could slip out of his oversized clothes and be off and running before Edgar could grab him again.

Honestly, if a suspiciously-placed bramble thicket hadn't managed to snag Simon and hold him the second he strayed from the path, Edgar doubted he'd have caught up to him the first time.

Around them, various Eerie citizens pressed on towards the heart of the Eerie Woods. Many of them were in polished brogues or low heels in muted colours, indicating they'd been working desk jobs when the call went out. Others were barefoot or in slippers rapidly falling to rags as they marched through the thick undergrowth.

"Simon," he said, as calmly as he could. "I know you understand this. Last week all the rivers in Eerie turned red. Yesterday, the trees started oozing blood from under their bark. You and Marshall were going to go out here at the weekend to do some investigating, except in the middle of dinner you declared that the King in the Leaves didn't need to bother with something as petty as human understanding, ran outside, stole Marshall's bike and took off."

He paused.

"Borrowed, he amended. "You borrowed Marshall's bike. It's not stealing if you intend to give it back, or if you were hypnotised into taking it in the first place."

The clouded green receded a little from Simon's eyes, revealing more of their natural brown.

"I wouldn't steal from Marshall," he said. "I wouldn't steal anything from anyone, but I especially wouldn't steal from Mars."

Edgar nodded encouragingly.

"I know, son," he said. "You wouldn't steal, and you'd never do anything that would hurt Marshall. But that thing in the wood, the one singing to you right now? It's trying to steal a whole lot of people, including Marshall's best friend, and that would hurt him terribly."

He waited, watched green leaves dance in dilated pupils, searched for the comprehension he hoped would come.

"Yes," said Simon, slowly. "Y-yeah, that would... he wouldn't like that."

"He wouldn't," Edgar agreed. "In fact, he's back at the car feeling pretty upset right now. Maybe we can go tell him you're okay?"

Simon glanced back at the woods.

"What about whatever's back there?" he said.

Smoke rose above the treeline. Something screamed, the sound drowned out by the roar of a chainsaw.

"Mrs. Teller's taking care of it," said Edgar.



Ongoing Verse: The Children



Preparations by froodle. Winston Chisel, the morning he became Mayor.

Landmark, in which we visit the Eerie Woods

Eventide by froodle, in which the sun goes down, and Eerie's lost children gather

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

LTI, in which the Eerie Dairy has some bad news

Populace, in which we see just another regular day in Eerie

Whistle by froodle, in which Steve Konkalewski is unhappy about the way things turned out...

Dentin, in which Steve tries to get a message to the other side

Communication Difficulties, in which Steve finally makes contact, and is disappointed

Playground, in which Simon and Harley should maybe go to a different park

Advisor, in which Harley talks to a bird, and then to a ghost

Marys by froodle, in which Mary C. Carter takes on her new role

Milk by froodle, in which Marshall develops a completely cromulent fear of milk trucks

A Story About Devon Wilde by froodle. Devon Wilde walked through the Eerie Cemetery, and his feet made no sound on the gravel pathways.

Already Decided, in which Melanie has her own encounter in the cemetery.

The Listener, in which Devon has some things to share with Melanie

Disguises by froodle, in which Marshall goes to visit Devon Wilde

Three by froodle, in which Marshall and Devon discuss video games

The Arcade, in which Marshall just wanted to play some video games

A Different Approach, in which Marshall changes tack regarding Eerie

Heartless, in which Devon isn't the only one to leave a piece of himself behind

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

Cygnet, in which Lillian and Harley go to the lake

Similar Interests, in which Tod has a couple of strange encounters at the World o' Stuff

Dessert, in which Tod eats ice-cream

Hobbies, in which Bert and Ernie make up for lost time

Hereditary, in which the Bob brothers conduct an experiment

Email, in which Marshall is 29, and Eerie is never as far away as you think



Ongoing Verse: Harvest



Lifebringer, in which the seasons change and the people of Eerie wait.

Confluence, in which Eerie experiences a full moon on midsummer and takes full advantage of both

Preparations by froodle. Winston Chisel, the morning he became Mayor.

Harvest, in which it is 1979, and the full moon is rising

Tonight, just as every other night, in which Dash dreams

Still, in which there are worst things than Old Bob

The Neck, in which Eerie brings the harvest home

Sixty Minutes, in which Marshall eats breakfast, and Simon does not

Downturn, in which there is a Farmer's Market

Advertising, in which abandoning the Harvest King tradition has consequences

Sacrifice, in which Mars, Simon and Dash must ensure a successful harvest for the town, despite the personal cost

Jack-o-Lantern, in which the local pumpkin patch has a problem

Pest Control, in which Mayor Chisel is an unhappy customer

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



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: 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