Chapter 17 Struck by Lightning

Koji shuddered in fear as he peered out of the window of his vending machine. The rain was red, coming down in sheets, and the wind was so strong it felt like the whole world was shaking. The lightning illuminated the street outside, casting eerie shadows on the walls. The sound of the thunder was so loud that it felt like it was shaking Koji's very bones. 

Suddenly, Koji heard a sound that made his blood run cold. It was a scratching sound, coming from the metal wall of the vending machine. He strained his ears to listen and heard it again - a long, slow, scraping sound like something was dragging its claws along the side of the machine.

Koji's heart pounded in his chest as he realized that something was trying to get inside. He reached for his trusty sewing needle rapier, the only weapon he had to defend himself. He took a deep breath and crept toward the sound, ready to face whatever was out there.

As he approached the wall, the scratching sound grew louder and more frantic. Koji's hand shook as he raised his rapier, ready to strike. Suddenly, the wall burst open, and a pair of glowing eyes stared back at him from the darkness.

Koji froze, paralyzed with fear. The creature that emerged from the hole was unlike anything he had ever seen before. It was a twisted, gnarled, and grotesque monstrosity, with long, spindly limbs and razor-sharp claws. Its eyes glowed like hot coals, and its breath was putrid.

Koji backed away slowly, his rapier trembling in his hand. The creature stalked forward, its claws clicking ominously on the metal floor. Koji knew he was no match for this thing, but he refused to go down without a fight.

The monster lunged forward, its claws poised to strike. Koji closed his eyes and prepared for the worst. But just as the creature was about to make contact, a bolt of lightning struck the vending machine, sending a surge of electricity through the metal walls.

The creature screeched in pain and recoiled, its eyes rolling back in its head. Koji seized the opportunity and plunged his rapier deep into its heart. The creature let out one final, terrible scream before collapsing in a heap on the ground.

Koji breathed a sigh of relief, his whole body shaking. He knew that he had just survived the greatest horror of his life, and he would never forget the terror.

The sudden thunderclap sound woke Koji from his sleep, out of his dream. It was morning and the storm was raging outside.