F4: New Beginnings

Chapter 8: Paddywhack Revealed (alternatively, Misery Revealed)

//In the Greenhouse.

Jack tried to grab the doll back, but tripped in his panic, knocking into the Doctor. Reginald fell backwards, the banana shaped doll slipping out of his hand and flying through the air. The doll landed right in the open maw of the woodchipper, getting shredded in seconds.

An inhuman wail echoed through the greenhouse, followed by a creature appearing above the woodchipper. He was a thin duck, twice as tall as Bushroot, with long limbs and clawed hands. He wore black and white clothing that covered the top of his head, with a ruffled collar much like Jack's own. Glowing chains squeezed his middle, causing red eyes to open in what was either surprise or pain. A beakful of slimy fangs cracked open to release another screech of rage as he disappeared.

All was silent, everyone just staring at where the monster had appeared. A leaf blew, Reg blinked, a single spark crackled up Elmo's whiskers.

“Great, now I'll have to go home and sew another Banana Brain.” Jack grumbled after a minute, sighing and rubbing a hand over his eyes.

“What the hell was that?!” Dr Bushroot panicked, the plants around him reacting aggressively to his shock.

“An ancient demon named Paddywhack that feeds off misery and fear.” Elmo stretched. “He's lived in Jackie's doll since before I met him. Real troublemaker. Speaking of feeding, think he'll be strong enough to possess another doll, Jackie?”

“No, we'll have to get him some lunch; he hasn't fed in days.” Jackie shook his head, bouncing to his feet. “We'll bring Bushy and Drippy with us. I'm sure the four of us arguing can produce enough hurt feelings by the time I've made Whacky a new vessel.”

“You- You want-” Bud shook his head. “Sanity getting you down? Tired of not being possessed? No worries when you're friends with a lunatic!”

“Don't worry, Bud, we'll explain everything after we get to the warehouse.” Elmo started heading towards the greenhouse door.

Jack, having already forgotten the argument with Reg in the face of Paddywhack's plight, followed him. “Yeah, I'll tell you all about my history with Whacky. Now, where did I put his Jack-in-the-box again…?”