Welcome to micro Terrors, scary stories for kids where it's always the spooky season,
full of chills, thrills, and spine tingling spooks. Micro Terrors are
family friendly frights for those ages eight and up, and while our stories are
for younger years, we are still talking about things that go bump in the
night, and some children may not be able to handle what others can.
Parental consent is recommended now for tonights micro terror. The Curse of the leshigun
written by Sarah Faith A light, steady snowfall had blanketed the ground. It
was Thanksgiving break Friday morning. The grown ups dropped off the kids at Grandpa
Joe's and went on a weekend ski trip. Grandpa Joe stuffed the cousin Crew
with leftovers, then sent them outside to have an adventure. Just be home
by supper. Calvin sat down on the bench next to the shed. We
could build a fort, Grandpa said. We could do whatever we want with
the woodpile over there. Maybe we could build a bonfire and burn these geeky
Cousin Crew t shirts here. Mom thinks we're still in preschool. They laughed,
Hey, Adele, you want to help us build an epic ford and
bonfire. She said, you two may be content to have an imaginary adventure,
but I'm not. She folded up a piece of paper and zipped it
into the front pocket of her backpack. See you clowns later, I'm going
for a hike. What was that, Hank demanded, What did you just
hided your backpack? I know what it is. Calvin swiped at Adele's backpack
and missed. It's Grandpa Joe's map with the forest. You aren't supposed to
have that. It belonged to our uncle who ran away when our parents were
kids. Hank frowned. Wait a second, our bob never told us she
had another brother. You must be thinking of somewhat on your Bob's side of
the family. Whatever, let's see that map, Adele, Not a chance.
Adele gladded, it was sitting on top of my backpack because he wanted
me to find it. Calvin dug the toe of his boot into the half
inch of snow that covered the leaves and argued with his sassy younger cousin,
that's a lie. He keeps that map lock in his office, so let's
see it. Hank said, he's probably a kid's venue from a seafood rest
to rut. Adele took out the map and held it up for them.
They saw generic drawings of kid's food and an ocean themed word search. Hank
slapped Calvin on the back and roared like a pirate. Ahoy, your treasure
map came from captive silvers. Calvin said, let's see the other side.
Adele flipped the menu over. On the other side was a grid with words,
symbols and an impressive hand drawn compass. Rose, here's your map.
Pank's classes fogged up. He took them off and pressed his nose to the
map. This is impressive. We learned to make these kinds of maps on
that boy scout trip. Remember, yeah, Calvin said, looks like he's
crossed off the boxes where he searched. So what's left here? Thank pointed
to the only open space on the map. High in the northeast corner was
a clearing with a tree symbol with an orange ring around it. Only place
it could be, Only place what could be, Adele asked. Calvin explained,
a great tree. You know the legend about the tree and the ambulet.
Hank interrupted, and the woods are haunted by the spirit of a powerful
medicine woman. The legend says there's a giant bird that guards the woods.
It stole something for the medicine woman. She cursed the bird, confiding it
to the forest for eternity. Calvin said, the only way to break the
curse is to return what he stole. Hank side, it's just a story.
Why would a treasure be buried in the woods behind Grandpa's house. I
don't know, Adele said, as she ran towards the woods, but I'm
going to find out. Not gone far into the birches. When the call
of a large bird echoed between the hills and shook the trees. Calvin gripped
Hank's arm gallery to stop. It's not safe. Look up, A bird
with silvery blue wings circled the tree tops at the edge of the forest.
Dude, let go. We've been playing these woods our whole lives. Let's
follow her and keep an eye on her. Nothing else to do, Calvin
let go of. Hank Man hurried after Adele, shouting for her to stop.
He wanted to run, but the snow had made everything slippery. He's
right, Hank yelled, come back. Adell was three years younger, and
the toughest. She pointed at the bird that flew in a tight circle above
them. It's just a vulture, flying kind of low. Thank's mouth dropped
open. That is the biggest bird I've ever seen. That's not a vulture,
Calvin said, in a low voice. It's big enough to carry a
cat and a goose in each claw. Adele whispered, Then, what is
it, Hank whispered, it's the less you could Calvin elbowed. Hank,
never say its name. It can hear you. Sorry, Hank teased.
I'll play along. This isn't a joke, you guys. I'm going inside.
Calvin ran towards the back door. Adele smirked, You clowns think I'm
going to fall for some campfire story. You're pranking me. You think my
map is silly. I think being scared of a legend is silly. Adele
waved her arms at the enormous bird that circled above. Hey, less,
you can are you lost? The great tree is that way? It was
a deafening pomp and a flash of light. Everyone jumped and covered their ears.
The birds swooped down past the tree tops, and swords tore them across
the clearing. It's great, silvery wings chopped the air like helicopter blades.
Hank grabbed a handful of his sister's puppy purple coat and steered her back towards
the house. I can't believe we're running from a bird. The trio clamored
through the door. Calvin quickly locked it behind them. Grandpa Joe stumbled into
the room fresh from a nap. What's all the commotion, kids? They
all spoke at once. Whoa, wha, whaa, one at a time.
Hank, you go first. A giant bird is chasing us. The
bird screeched again, sending tremors through the house. A framed photo of their
parents slid off its nail and fell to the floor. Grandpa Joe put on
his glasses and looked out the window in time to see the bird land in
the yard. It can't be. It paced in the fresh snow and extended
its massive wings. This is unexpected, unexpected, Adele repeated, Are you
friends with this bird? Hey? You could say that. He put on
his coat and boots. You go in the kitchen and warm up. He
pointed to the floors. Take off your boots first, Calvin said, you're
acting like this as normal. Grandpa Hank joined in, we can't let you
go out there. That bird could be dangerous. Instead of losing his patience
with his grandkids, he smiled at them. This bird isn't dangerous. He's
my son. They stared out the window as their grandpa crossed the snowy yard
and bowed his head to the bird. Adele whispered, look at its eyes,
they're huge. The bird bound its head at their grandpa and then enveloped
him and its wings. They all gasped. Calvin said, I'm going out
there. He hurried through the back door, with Hank and Adele close behind
him. Of him, Adele cried, we aren't gonna let the Luhikan take
you, Grandpa. The bird opened its wings and released their grandpa. I
told you to stay inside. I'm not in any danger. The bird opened
its enormous black beak and screeched. They covered their ears and fell down on
the snow. The bird turned and bounded for the woods. Grandpa Joe called
after it, you don't have to leave. They don't understand. They're just
kids. There was another loud pop. A second later, the massive blue
and silver bird was soaring above them. Grandpa Joe ordered them to go inside.
I have a story to tell you. At the kitchen table, over
cold pumpkin pie and hot chocolate, Grandpa Joe said, I know you've all
heard the legend. The Lushikin is a monster that hunts people. If it
catches you, it can keep you forever. If you look at its eyes,
something terrible will happen. But after what you saw today, it's time
you knew the truth. Rapa Joe looked at his grandkids with somber eyes.
He took a deep breath. When your parents were around your age, they
had another brother. He tried to mask his sadness with a smile. When
your uncle Ted was about fifteen, he told us that he'd found a map
to the oldest tree in the forest. We all thought he was being adventurous.
When he found the tree, there was an amulet hanging from one of
its branches. He thought he'd found a treasure, so he took the amulet.
Ted didn't know he'd made a huge mistake. The spirit of a powerful
medicine woman rested in that amulet, protecting the great tree. Your woman's spirit
haunted Ted. He went to the forest to return the ambulet. She accepted
the ambulet, but punished Ted. She turned him into the Lehigan, the
giant but gentle bird you just witnessed. Adele gasped, her hand covering her
mouth. You're saying the Luhikan isn't some evil creature but part of our family.
Yes, Grandpa Joe took off his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Grandpa
Adele asked, is Uncle Ted sorry for what he did? Wouldn't you be?
Calvin snapped. Grandpa pointed his fork at the kids. No squabbling.
We have to work together if we want to help Ted. Early the next
morning, Grandpa Joe unfolded the map on the table and outlined the best route
to the Great Tree. This is the only place left to search. There's
a cavern on the side of a ridge. It serves as a tunnel between
the forest and Great Tree. Can you come with us, Grandpa Joe,
He smiled at Adele and shook his head. And I'm too old to make
the journey. It's up to the next generation. Now bring your uncle Ted
home. Filled with purpose, the cousin crew ventured deep into the forest.
Remember, we'll know we're there when the forest gets so dark. We need
our flashlights? Is any what else? Scared? Hank asked, don't worry,
big brother, I'll protect you. The first snow of the season made
the ground slippery and slowed their progress. After hours of hiking, they crossed
over a creek. Calvin unfolded the map and confirmed it. The creek is
behind us, the valley between the two hills in front of us, and
this boulder is here on our right. Hank nodded. He told us to
change directions at the boulder. Looks like we're going that way. They walked
past the boulder into the dark, scrubby undergrowth. Although it was late in
November, the light was filtered green by the dense canopy. After a few
minutes, they emerged into a clearing. Did we step into a fairy tale?
Adele pointed to a stone hut a few yards ahead and squinted. Does
it look blurry to you, guys? Or do my eyes have frostbite?
Lights? Weird deep in the forest. Your eyes play tricks on you.
Let's get closer. Calvin strolled up to the hut. Before he reached it,
the dim light was drained from the forest. Take out your flashlight,
Hank said, we're here. Adele shone her flashlight on the hut. Did
he say it was a hut or a cave? Calvin crouched in front of
the low, dark entrance. I'd say, the closer I get to,
the less, it looks like a hut. Suddenly the darkness was interrupted by
the forlorn screech of the Lechigan. That's uncle ted. He followed us.
That must be the right place. Come on, Adele and Hank crouched down
and followed Calvin into the cave. What if some woods did here, Hank
whispered, Adele whispered, cavemen, trolls and bears. Oh my quiet.
Calvin hissed, Let's look for the ambulet. Get out of here. They
crawled on their hands and knees for several feet, then reached a chamber with
enough space to stand. The beams of their flashlights bounced off the walls of
the cave. Hank said, whoa, when his flashlight reflected off a row
of crudely shaped crystals strung on vines. Someone had lined the natural shelf formations
with more shimmering crystals and dried flowers. Calvin ordered Hank to search that area.
Aren't we looking for a passage to the Great Tree. Adele shown her
flashlight on the wall. We don't know the amulet is even in here,
thank pung back. I hope somebody brought a barf bag because it smells like
a squirrel dieded here. Suddenly, Adele squealed, what is that? Calvin
shrugged, and it looks like a pile of bones and fur. The splashlight
slipped from his sweaty grip. We need to find a way out. A
powerful gust damp air swept through the chamber, zapping their flashlights and plunging them
into darkness. A voice echoed through the chamber, warning them of the consequences
of their actions. Calvin put a finger to his lips, sh the medicine
woman knows we're here. Invisible arms squeezed the cousins and lifted them off the
ground. A thunderous, disembodied voice said, another member of your bloodline come
to steal from me. You may not believe it, but Hank pleaded with
the invisible force, but we're here to help our uncle. We want to
ask you to lift the curse. Adele's voice was thick with fear. He's
really sorry, He didn't know what he was doing. He was just a
kid having an adventure. Calvin said, we're sorry our uncle disturbed your resting
place. We want to make things right. She loosened her invisible grip and
the children fell to the ground. I acknowledge or sincere wish to help your
uncle. Becoming the Lechikan was not the curse. It was his wish.
There was a loud pop and a flash of blue light. In an instant
they were in a clearing that was home to a tall and majestic tree.
Calvin, Hank and Adele faced a misty shape of an elderly woman who spoke
to the tree in unfamiliar words. Seconds later, they heard the call of
the lushican as a swooped out of the sky and landed near the ancient tree.
No one spoke as the bird bowed deeply to the apparition. The misty
form moved toward the giant bird and placed the amulet around its neck. Bright
blue and silver light burst forth from the amulet. Seconds later, the bird
and the medicine woman were gone. In their place was a teenage boy and
a red coat and blue jeans. His niece walked over to him, Hi,
unkitat I'm Adele. Our mommy is your little sister. She gestured to
Hank. We're sorry we were afraid of you. We know better now.
Hank, emboldened by his sister's bravery, approached the bird. Hi, uncle
Ted, Now I know when Bob says, I've ACTI like her brother.
She needs you. They smiled at each other. Calvin approached, I'm Calvin.
My dad is your older brother. We're sorry that we couldn't help sooner.
We didn't know. Ted smiled at his niece and nephews. You three
remind me of a family photo. I can't thank you enough for coming all
this way to set me free. My dad sees it as a curse that
took his son. He's angry and determined. I missed my family, but
I chose this life. He walked over to the ancient tree and rested the
palm of his hand on his trunk. Can you do me a favor,
Tell my dad your grandpa that I'm happy guarding the forest in this sacred tree.
I can do more as the Lushigan than I ever could as a person.
Ted removed the amulet and hung it from the lowest branch of the tree.
There was the familiar pop, and he instantly was restored to his avy
in form. They waved goodbye as their uncle flew away. Adele grinned,
I can't wait to hike up here again and hang out with Uncle head.
With the help of the map, they determined which way was south and made
it home. Grandpa Joe listened to the cousins recount their adventure. He sighed,
Eh, your uncle Ted always had a curious and adventurous spirit. It's
fitting that he found solace as the Leshigan, as a guardian of the forest
and the sacred tree. Grandpa stood up from his chair and walked to the
window. I don't miss him as much now that I know he is happy.
I won't stand in his way. Grandpa Joe turned and smiled at his
grandchildren. You three showed a lot of courage. You braved the odds to
help your family. You trusted the map, worked together and stayed safe.
I'm proud of you. Adele ran to him and hugged him. What do
we do now, He looked at them with a glimmer of hope. Let's
keep this story in the family for now. Telling others could put your uncle
and the forest at risk. One day your children will venture into those woods,
and you'll know that they're safe because the Luhikan is watching over them.
She closed the scrapbook, and so the story the Lushikan became a cherished family
tale passed down through the generations, a reminder of the power forgiveness, acceptance,
and the enduring bond of family. A little girl with blonde hair and
glasses sat across with her cradling a cup of hot chocolate in her hands.
Aunt that dal, Is that a true story? She leaned across the kitchen
table and smiled at her niece. Come on a hike with me tomorrow and
find out. Thank you for listening to micro Terrors. Join us each Saturday
for another scary story. For more fun, visit our website at microterrors dot
com, where we will also have spooky games you can print out and play
like wicked word searches, mysterious mazes, and more. Microterrors dot Com is
also where you can find us on your favorite social media and even send in
your own scary story for us to tell. Plus, you'll learn more about
our author, Scott Donnelly, who has other horrors for both young and old
I hope you'll join me again soon for micro Terrors Scary stories for kids,