cover by cloven
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Raincoats and Rolling Pins, by Aosora Hikaru (青空ヒカル) *
The Other Monster, by Juou no zen (女王のザン)
Teind, by Iron Eater *
The Vector, by T.F. Grognon
Tent Shenanigans, by Yuriko Toru (百合子 亨)
Definitions of Descent, and the Question of Recovery, by L. Rae *
Rites of the Witch Boy, by H.P. Lovecock (力。下。愛ちんちん)
The Height at Five Nights, by TK Hoshikuzu (TK 星屑)
Logging in old Algonquin, by Hyakunichisou 13 (百日草 十三)
We Disappoint, We Disappear, by shukyou (主教)
Mad Dog, by Akirako ( 明るこ)
Tam Lin, by Grassy Mud
Mystery in the Adirondacks, by Okamoto Shin (岡本辛) *
* illustrated
~*~
In any city, in any country, go to any coffee shop or shared office space you can get yourself into. When you reach the front desk, ask to visit someone who calls themselves “The Holder of Shousetsu Bang*Bang”.
Should a look of equal parts intrigue and terror come over the worker’s face, you will be taken to a computer in the building. It will be in a deep hidden section of the building. All you will hear are the sounds of keys clattering in the halls. They are writing things you cannot see, but you someday will. They are writing them for you.
Should the typing stop at any time, STOP and quickly say, “I’m just here for the porn.” If you hear silence, flee. Do not stop for anything, don’t go home, don’t check Tumblr, just keep moving and sleep when your phone battery dies. You will know in the morning if you’ve escaped.
If the sound of the typing comes back after you utter those words, continue on. Upon reaching the computer, you will see a website with an issue containing wonderful stories and beautiful artwork. It is there on the screen, in a language you understand, warm and inviting. It is cradled in the arms of the editors, who have prepared it for you. It is all for you.
The editors will only respond to one question: “Where’s the new issue?”
The editors will stare into your eyes and answer your question in horrifying detail. They will tell you of thirteen chilling tales of monsters and mayhem, of forests and frights, of trysts and terrors. They will tell you to pay tribute to the forces behind the keyboards and tablets, begging you to leave those tireless contributors your offerings of praise and thanksgiving. Many lose themselves there, some disappear soon after meeting, and a few become contributors themselves, joining the eternal typing. But most do the worst thing, and that is remain silent. Be warned that if you do, what follows will be a fate of cruelty and unrelenting horror.
Your doom will be in that room, unless you tell another of what you have seen, thereby saving your soul from the curse.
The issue is 1 of 63. It’s been waiting for you all along.
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