It's that time of the year again, and this town is going strong with the Halloween spirit. Though this morning we bring sad news, as it appears local legend Casper is back at it for the fourth year in a row.

For those unaware, Casper is the name given to an unknown assailant responsible for at least 14 murders, spanning the past three years. All cases linked to this masked man occurred within a few days of Halloween, so understandably law enforcement is on edge this weekend.

A body was discovered early this morning and is believed to be victim number 15. Police have issued a curfew of 7pm, so it may be a good idea to relocate any party plans to your homes tomorrow night. It does appear though that the Carnival is refusing to close down, so there may be some hope for the festivities yet.

"Will you turn that off? I told you my car radio is specially reserved for Panic! only, and on occasion, slightly catchy pop music." Abby reminded her friend, turning the volume down. "It's always the same anyway. 'This just in, the world is still going to shit. Weather at 5.'" she added.

"Hey, we might actually reach 'shit' status one day, and I for one would like to be a witness to such an event." Maddie retorted, "Besides, you didn't let me stop for coffee, so I need something to keep me awake."

"And you picked the News Station?" Abby questioned, "Is my Spotify really that bad?"

"You play the same songs over and over. By this point, Brendon Urie is basically a lullaby for me." Maddie responded, flipping through radio stations.

"Oh, is that so?" Abby returned, "Shall I enter your playlist into evidence for the court?"

"Sabaton is a different story entirely, I'm studying history and jamming out at the same time." Maddie explained.

"Lot of history in all 5 songs, is there?" Abby asked rhetorically.

"Yes, yes there is. A lot." Maddie answered unconvincingly.

"Ladies and gentlemen of the Jury, I rest my case." Abby declared jokingly.

The two girls laughed softly at their ridiculous banter as Maddie read over the flyer once more. Abby had found the ad in question, which displayed a photo of an unusual looking suit head. It was advertised as a Sergal head, and definitely looked the part.

An emerald green wedge-shaped face with a pointed snout and long floppy looking ears, and a white jaw fixed in a permanent, mischievous looking grin.

In basic shape it looked like an average Sergal head, the unusual part, and the reason it warranted Abby's enthusiastic interest, was the overall macabre theme of the head. One eye was painted bright red while the other was milky grey, and several spots all over the head were stripped of fur and sculpted as though bone was showing.

"So why are we going to see this thing again?" Maddie questioned, looking at the photo.

"Look at it, it's perfect for tonight! Plus, that price is an absolute steal, do you know how much these usually cost??" Abby explained as their car entered the parking lot of an abandoned looking strip mall.

Three of the four store fronts were partially or completely missing their signs, the windows dusty, moldy or some combination of the two. Following the address, Abby pulled the car up to the last store on the line, arguably the most underwhelming of the line.

Maddie glanced up, the old looking pawn shop only adding to her unease. The two girls got out of the car, Maddie checking the address before they entered. The interior of the tiny building was somehow even more unsettling than the outside.

The place looked at least a few centuries old and had the layers of dust to prove it. Piles and piles of old trinkets and atrocious looking items covered most of the floor space and shelves. Grimy, worn furniture could barely be seen among the clutter stacked over it.

A gramophone sat near the back of the single room store, turntable spinning slowly as a somewhat haunting violin melody played softly. As soon as the tainted glass door slowly opened, the girls found a conversation taking place between an uptight looking businessman and a withered old woman.

"This is the last time I'll tell you, stay away from me, my family, and my property," the old woman declared. Her vision snapped to the two as she heard the door creak open, lingering for a second before returning to the man before her.

"I will have what belongs to me, even if I have to wait for you to keel over." the man responded harshly, trying to be hushed as the sound of the door and the woman's darting glance told him the conversation now had witnesses.

"I have a store to run, if you don't mind." the woman responded slyly, fully aware of the social immunity she now had, "Have a good day, Mr Craine."

The man stood still for a second, his mannerism indicating he had more to say, though he nodded flippantly and turned to head for the door. He side stepped to let Maddie and Abby pass him by, giving them a far more respectful nod before exiting the store. Abby glanced back, watching as the man got into his vehicle and drove off.

"What do you think that was about?" she whispered to Maddie.

"Simply a business exchange, nothing to worry over," the woman answered her question, speaking with a slight Romani accent.

Both girls returned their attention to her, Abby fumbling over an embarrassed apology before the woman stopped her with a gentle wave. "It's alright, young people are naturally inquisitive," She moved over to meet them in the middle of the room, limping lightly on her left steps, "I'm Nadya Valarys, what can I do for you?"

"We saw the ad, wanted to stop by," Abby answered, taking the flyer from Maddie and holding it up for the woman to see. The old woman took the paper from her and looked it over briefly before returning it.

"Ah, you've come for Syth," she mumbled, smile growing.

"Yeah. Is she still up for sale?" Abby questioned.

"Yes, yes. Come," the old woman beckoned them, shuffling her way to the far side of the small room. Abby followed her, Maddie looking around. Mrs Valarys pushed open a door that sat ajar, revealing a side room and waving Abby in.

The cramped room was entirely empty, aside from a single table that housed only one object. The suit head. Maddie attempted to follow her friend, the two of them barely able to stand in the tiny room at the same time.

She backed out and watched from the doorway as Abby picked up the head and examined it. Instantly she was enthralled in the creature's design, resting the head in one arm so she had a free hand to run her fingers through the fur of its snout, across one side and down to its jawline.

While her friend was completely infatuated, something immediately caught Maddie's attention. The suit head was shockingly well-kept compared to the rest of the shop. Its long fur was neatly brushed, soft and smooth to the touch as if it were regularly tended to, even the table it rested on was perfectly clean and dusted.

"Isn't it wicked looking?" Abby looked to her friend for a response. Maddie stared at the head, something about it just seemed off. It was different from any other suit head she'd ever seen, not just in the macabre theme. As she stared into its eyes, which eerily appeared to return the gaze, a heavy feeling of discomfort set in. Something just didn't feel right about it.

"So, the ad said 50 bucks, right?" Maddie asked, blinking a few times to break the staring contest with the suit head and turning to face the old woman. Mrs Valarys watched Abby for a moment before replying.

"Call it 15." she answered.

"15??" Abby echoed. The woman nodded to verify her response.

"Syth will love you. In fact, I think she already does." She smiled, stroking an ear of the head gently before shuffling over to the glass counter at the back of the store and sitting down. Abby and Maddie exchanged glances before returning to the center of the room. Maddie stepped over and placed the predetermined amount of cash on the counter before joining her friend in exiting the building.

"Take good care of her, young miss," Valarys called to Abby as they left.

"I plan to, don't worry! Thanks again!" Abby replied. The old woman watched as the two girls drove off with the suit head. When the car was out of sight, she sighed softly.

"I told you I would," She murmured to herself.