The Mantis's Curse

    By Bonnie

    The Mantis's Curse cover image

    22 Jan, 2024

    a drawing of a person sitting at a table with a book in front of them and a cat on the floor

    Late one afternoon, Emma, a curious young girl, stumbled upon a peculiar item hidden in her grandmother's attic. It was a figurine, a mantis carved from an unknown stone, its eyes glowing ominously.

    a drawing of a girl with a cell phone in her hand and a city in the background with buildings

    As Emma held the figurine, a chill ran through her spine. Despite its small size, it felt surprisingly heavy. Suddenly, she felt as if the mantis's eyes were staring right into hers.

    a drawing of a girl with long hair and a dress on, looking down at her face, with a bird flying overhead

    That night, Emma woke up to a strange sound. It was a scuttling noise, almost as if a large insect was moving around her room. She felt a sinister presence in the darkness.

    a drawing of a girl holding a cell phone to her ear and looking at her reflection in a mirror

    When she turned on the light, she saw the mantis figurine on her bedside table, its eyes glaring fiercely. Her heart pounded in her chest as she realized the mantis figurine was alive.

    a drawing of a woman with a cat in her lap and a bird in her hand, with a red background

    Emma tried to ignore the mantis, but the figure haunted her dreams. She dreamed of a massive mantis, its exoskeleton gleaming in the moonlight, whispering ancient curses.

    a drawing of a man and a woman sitting together in a room with a brick wall behind them and a window

    The next day, Emma confided in her grandmother about the mantis figurine. Her grandmother's face turned pale as she heard the story, realizing the ancient curse had been awakened.

    a drawing of a girl sitting at a table with a plate of food in front of her and a bird flying overhead

    Emma's grandmother explained that the figurine was a curse bearer, a vessel for an ancient evil spirit. It was the Mantis, a creature known for its insatiable hunger for human souls.

    a drawing of a person sitting in a room with a ceiling fan hanging from the ceiling and a person standing in the doorway

    The only way to break the curse was to return the figurine to its original resting place. Emma knew she had to undertake this terrifying journey, or else she would be consumed by the Mantis.

    a painting of a woman walking through a forest in wintertime with snow on the ground and trees on either side of the path

    Emma embarked on her journey, armed with her courage and her grandmother's guidance. The Mantis, however, was not going to let its prey escape easily.

    a drawing of a person sitting in a room with a tree behind them and a bird flying over them

    Emma faced many challenges on her path. The Mantis tormented her with horrifying nightmares and illusions, trying to break her spirit. But Emma's resolve remained unbroken.

    a woman in a forest holding a bird in her hand and looking at something in her hand with a forest background

    After days of travel, Emma reached the resting place. It was an ancient stone altar, hidden deep within the forest. She placed the mantis figurine on the altar, praying for the curse to be broken.

    a drawing of a person sitting at a table with a clock and a candle on it's side

    As soon as she placed the figurine, the ground shook violently, and a bright light engulfed the altar. When the light faded, the mantis figurine was gone, and the curse was finally broken.

    a drawing of a woman sitting on a bench in a room with a cat on the floor and a man standing next to her

    Emma felt a wave of relief wash over her. The sinister presence was gone, and she could finally breathe freely. She had conquered her fear and defeated the Mantis.

    a drawing of a woman holding a child in her lap while sitting on a bench in a train car

    Upon her return, Emma's grandmother embraced her tightly, tears of joy streaming down her face. Emma had not only saved herself but also protected her family from the ancient curse.

    a drawing of a woman with a hat on her head and a tree branch in the background, with a building in the background

    From that day onwards, Emma was no longer a normal girl. She was a hero, a brave soul who faced an ancient curse and emerged victorious. She had truly grown beyond her years.

    a drawing of a woman in a coat and a tree in the background with a building in the background

    Emma's story spread throughout her small town, becoming a legend. The tale of the brave girl who faced the Mantis's curse and emerged victorious filled everyone with awe.

    a drawing of a girl sitting in a field of grass with her head down and her hands on her chin

    Despite the fame, Emma remained humble. She knew that her journey was not one of glory, but of survival. She had faced her fears, not for accolades, but for her life and her family.

    a drawing of a woman with long hair and a coat on her head, with a handwritten name on her forehead

    Emma's experience had changed her. She was stronger, braver, and wiser. She was a living testament to the power of courage and the will to survive against all odds.

    a drawing of a girl smoking a cigarette in a city street, with a building in the background and a tree in the foreground

    Emma grew up, but she never forgot the mantis and the terrifying journey she had undertaken. The figurine was gone, but the memories stayed, a constant reminder of her courage and resilience.

    a drawing of a girl looking down at her phone while standing in front of a fenced in area

    That was till one day... The Mantis returned. Not for her soul. But to Instill fear into Emma's heart. Suffering and pain always haunting Emma due to the monster known as. MANTIS