I gasped for breath, as I stumbled through the forest.
Branches scratching my face and tearing up my clothes, my heart
pounded in my chest, threatening to pop out of my rib cage at any
moment behind me. I could hear her, or rather, the
thing that had been posing as her sprinting through the
undergrowth with an inhuman, speed and Grace.
It had all started so innocently, my girlfriend and I
had wanted to get away from the city and spend some time in
nature. So we had planned a camping trip
in the Appalachian Mountains. Yes, we had hiked for hours to
reach a secluded spot deep in the woods where we set up our
tent and started a campfire. We talked laughed and shared
stories, under the Starry Sky enjoying the peaceful Solitude
of the Wilderness, but then something had changed.
It was subtle at first tiny details.
That didn't quite add up the way she moved the way she spoke, the
way she looked at me with dark uncanny eyes, that seemed to
reflect something other than human emotion.
I had tried to Push it off to convince myself that I was just
being paranoid. But as the night wore on the
signs became more and more obvious, and then As We Lay in
our tent, she had shifted her bones, popped and twisted, her
skin tearing and reforming into something.
That was no longer human a skinwalker, a mimic, a creature
that had taken on the form of my girlfriend to lure me in and get
me, it looked like a human stripped of their skin leaving.
Only the muscles tendons, visible with two.
Empty eye. It's to backward bending
appendages. Under its arm pit.
I had barely managed to escape with my life.
I had grabbed a knife beside the sleeping bag and slashed at the
creature, giving me enough time to scramble out of the tent and
run blindly into the forest, freaking out and looking for an
escape. Now, I was lost alone and
terrified as I stumbled through the undergrowth, my mind, raced
with thoughts of what I had seen.
What I had experienced was this real was I imagining Things that
I lost my mind but the sound of its paws.
Pounding on the forest floor was all the confirmation.
I needed, I had to find my real girlfriend.
I had to get out of these Woods. I heard a twig snap behind me
and my heart, leaped into my throat.
I didn't dare turn around, but I picked up my Pace running faster
than I ever had before. My breath was ragged and my legs
burned with exhaustion, but I pushed myself harder willing
myself, to keep moving, that's when it hit me merly.
Sure, that day we were back at the car with my real girlfriend
Eames. When I left first to look for a
camping spot, she hadn't followed me but at some point
what I thought was her stepped out into the trail saying, she
had caught up to me. That thing had stalked me from
the beginning, finally, after what felt like hours of running,
I saw a light in the distance. It was faint, but it was enough
to give me. Hope I stumbled toward it, my
heart pounding in my chest, as I drew closer as I emerged from
the woods, I saw her. My real girlfriend in the
parking lot and sitting in our sedan, looking up at me with a
mixture of relief and confusion. Thank God.
She said, running towards me. I've been so worried.
What happened to you? You've been gone for hours.
I nearly called the police. I collapsed into her arms tears,
streaming down my face. I tried to speak to tell her
what had happened, but my words came out and choke sobs.
She held me. Soothing me with gentle words
and a warm embrace. It took me hours to calm down as
we sped out of there to tell her everything that had happened.
She listened patiently, her expression growing increasingly
horrified as I recounted my encounter with the skinwalker
when I was finished, she hugged me again, her eyes full of
understanding. I nodded feeling a sense of
relief wash over me. I was safe for now, but I knew
that the memory of the skinwalker would haunt me for
the rest of my days. Something would always be
watching from the woods. It had been A few hours later
when I heard from a Camping Buddy that Park Rangers had
discovered a humanoid creature exactly matching the description
of what came after my girlfriend.
Something had eliminated it. Let me preface this by saying
that I am by, no means a believer in the occult or the
mystics. I'd like to believe that I am of
a sound mind and to an extent, see myself as more rational and
logical than of a particular creative.
Stature I work at an old Historic Hotel in a large Danish
City, it's by no means ancient. It was built in the 19th century
and is only historic because of its old age and because it was
used by the Nazis as headquarters during the 1940s
occupation, it is a, So, tell though, when I do enjoy working
here it is beautiful. In a very luxurious 1950s way
and goes a long way to give off that Vibe.
I only work every second weekend and the graveyard shift allows
me to focus on my studies while getting paid to do.
So, the job is pretty straightforward, man.
The reception for 10 to 12 hours, welcome guests perform
light administrative tasks, open and close doors for a late-night
arrivals. And once every night, I tour the
grounds as I said, Straightforward.
Of course every now and again you get the annoying drunkard
spewing, they're intoxicated ramblings, the aftermath of
futile attempts from couples trying to salvage their
marriages strange requests and odd guests.
Nothing extremely unusual or terrifying.
I don't think I have ever felt scared, or creeped out.
I once got super stressed, when there was a local power outage
and emergency protocols kicked in, but as a Danish saying goes,
you got to take this hour with the sweet I am certain, there's
a fitting English expression but that's not my strong suit last
night. However something made me
reconsider. I am left grappling with the
unnerving possibility that my once sound mind, maybe faltering
or that the world of the occult maybe more real than I ever
dared to believe and I'm not sure which is worse.
I feel like I must make something clear before I
proceed. I don't like leading people on.
I am writing this to get advice clear my mind and make sense of
my experience there. Won't be a huge.
Crescendo at the end of this, nothing like that happened.
It is more the accumulated collection of WTF moments and
the unsettling feeling that something far more Sinister is
looming. Either perceived or very real
last night began like any other with just one more guest to
check in before the Clock Struck midnight, I looked forward to a
quiet evening of studying, thanks to a national holiday.
Our bar and restaurant were closed, it felt as though the
entire Hotel was fast asleep. Even though a You can see was
that 91% this was great because it meant more time for my
studies and with exams. Looming it was almost perfect.
I midnight people had emerged in the younger crowd, went to the
city and I was almost done with all the administrative work,
which meant eight hours of studies ahead finally settled
with my laptop I opened visual studio and began typing.
When the phone rang typical, I launched into my standard
greeting, but before I could finish the voice on the other
end. And me it was a rough in hoarse
voice. That met me, it was as though
the sound of stones cracking had found a voice of its own but
whatever was said was unintelligible to me.
I said something along the lines of connection issues.
But again before I could finish, I was cut off but not by that
voice instead the most enchanting velvety, female voice
came back to me and perfect Danish but not Modern Danish.
It was old speaking in an Antiquated Danish dialect run,
Ascent of 1920s, radio broadcasts asking if I could
come and help with the heat as it was unbearably freezing cold
in the room. Mesmerised, I answer that.
I'd be right on my way. I felt drawn to the voice and
honestly I wanted to see whatever Beauty inhabited that
voice. Surely.
She had to be like an angel, Angelic is perhaps the most
fitting word to describe that voice.
It made me forget all about the devilish counterpart, which had
initially met me. Now, I would have I rushed to
the room, I actually did, but was caught on the stairs, the
doorbell rang and I had to open it.
I let the guy in and went back to my desk.
I usually wait until whoever I let in disappears into the
elevator he took forever. This drunken idiot couldn't have
walked slower even if you tried it was only during this
agonizing. Wait that I realized the room
number. The beautiful voice had given me
413 didn't exist. There were only 12 rooms on the
fourth floor. I can't explain why but a wave
of embarrassment and disappointment washed over me as
if I had let down someone truly important.
I was determined to find her and make it right since room. 313
was vacant, I deduce that she must be in room 213.
Sure enough the named Cecilia appeared on my screen. 48
amazing off. I went off to help Cecilia Angel
Cecilia all jolyon with an extra blanket.
Ingot and an electrical heater in my hand.
I turned the corner and saw 213. I knocked on the door, as the
door turned something, hit me like a wall.
I don't have the words to describe it.
The stench. It was like nothing I've ever
felt like before it had a certain strength to it.
Like when you enter a sauna instead of heat, it was a wall
of smell uncooked meat. My stomach instantly turned and
Cecilia are whatever that woman was Far from Angelic.
She wasn't necessarily ugly but just ordinary or resembling a
picture, come to life were something else like an AI had
created her and she just kind of spawned into the world very
uncanny valley. She didn't say anything, just
motioned, me to come inside every fiber of my being
resisted, but I had to I walk through that thick wall and she
closed the door behind me, I suddenly became very alert, my
mind instantly. He turned on fight or flight
mode. The room was fine for me at
least he'd wise, maybe even a bit too hot and I said, so very
fast. I didn't look at her.
I just went back towards the door.
Again, I put the blanket and electrical heater on the floor
and muttered. Some excuse, and fled, I
practically sprinted down to the reception through the lobby and
straight outside into the fresh air.
I don't know for how long I stood there, but I didn't return
inside until another guest arrived.
I sat down by the computer again and decided to research.
I put in 213 and found Cecilia. I looked at the booking and saw
a note from my colleague guests checked out at 7:47 in the
evening. Work thing, my entire body
froze, whoever occupied that room was not the Cecilia who had
made the reservation under normal circumstances.
I would have headed straight to the room or called security, but
this time, I hesitated, I I want to be scolded by security for
not handling. The situation myself nor did I
want to face whatever was in that room alone, admittedly it
was selfish. But at that moment all I could
think was this is a job for housekeeping, not me for the
next hour. I remained rooted to my seat at
the desk, unable to muster, the courage to do anything else.
I was genuinely terrified and I know you might think it seems
stupid or responsible but there was something in that room
something with Cecilia that Just wasn't right on the flip side.
I was now wide awake and alert to understand this next WTF
moment, I need to give you a clear understanding of the
hotel's Lobby layout upon entering the hotel.
You're greeted by the reception area to the left.
You'll find the bar accompanied by a Cozy Lounge that seamlessly
extends into the restaurant, and dining hall on the right side.
Another Lounge area stretches towards the lavatories and
eventually leads to the rest of the hotel.
To access the rest of the hotel. You can either walk up the
stairs or continue past the restrooms toward the ballrooms
conference rooms and fitness center.
The only indoor entrance to the basement is situated.
Discreetly beneath the stairs. Anyone entering the lobby from
the restaurant, descending, the stairs or coming through the
main entrance will be seen from the reception.
There is no way around it. So now you can understand my
utter astonishment. When the basement cameras motion
alert was triggered. I was A wide awake sitting in
the reception, no one had walked by her past me.
I turned on the surveillance software to get a complete view
of the basement. Through the camera Network
nothing there a glitch probably it was almost time for me to
tour the grounds. So why not just start in the
basement? Usually I take that last but I
wasn't exactly excited to go up those stairs again.
So down, I went the basement is designed with these tunnel like
Pathways, we have some offices down.
There and the tunnels were once intended to facilitate
housekeeping. Luckily, you can walk the
basement in one large Circle, but it gets intersected by all
these paths. That crisscross thankfully, the
basement routine only takes me through the circle.
As I walk the circle, I was hauntingly aware of my
surroundings like the uneasiness you feel when walking alone in
an unfamiliar city at night, sensing unseen eyes on you and
feeling out of place naturally. I was aware that the heightened
sense was Bleah due in part to the whole Cecilia incident and
The Unexplained camera alert, but still, there was something
else as well, it was, as if there was a distant humming,
most likely because of the Machinery in the basement, but
it all felt. So out of place gradually, I
noticed that I was becoming lightheaded, it made sense to me
as I hadn't had anything to drink.
Since before, the Cecilia encounter deciding that a
refreshing glass of water would be a welcome change from the
numerous cups of coffee. I typically consumed.
His shift I aim to deter into one of the basement restrooms as
I turned the corner to take the next Crossway, I was confronted
by the source of the earlier movement there in the dim light
a set of animalistic eyes, floated, they were locked on me,
completely still, I could slowly make out a shape behind the
eyes. It was akin to a cat's posture
when hunting waiting to pounce, but the outline was rough with
no fur as I stood there, staring it seemed almost like it was
smiling back at me. Me, I can't explain it.
It was a sort of DreamWorks like grin unnatural and always, but
trying not to be like an imitation.
It stood there with its cat eyes and Cat posture.
Just four times as big with its rough shape and C shaped mouth.
Observing me like I was a pet, I broke my staring off and once
again I just nope the F out of there.
I have never considered myself a coward or particularly afraid of
anything but honestly, I think everyone.
Would have done the same luckily it didn't move behind me.
Nothing. Followed me.
Not even a single sound in truth.
It was as if I had been enveloped in a thick blanket of
deafening silence. Like there were no more sounds
left until I shut the door behind me hard.
I think under normal circumstances, I'd allow myself
time to adjust to secure the door behind me to come together
again. I think anyone would, but it was
not allowed as if If On Cue the third WTF moment of the night
came, I glanced out of the lobby windows and saw the first rays
of sunlight beginning to peek in between the beams linking.
The glass, it felt disorienting like a severe case of jet lag my
mind struggled to comprehend what was happening.
And is if my body wasn't a tuned correctly, the sun emerging
meant, I had been in that basement for hours, either
circling or staring. I actually don't know what
happened from that moment until housekeeping came into work.
I think I must have been walking in circles in the lobby.
I didn't think straight for that hour in between completely lost
in thought. But terrifying events of the
night had left me feeling. As though the very fabric of My
reality, had unraveled and my distress must have been palpable
the housekeeper sensing, my unease didn't argue what I asked
her to accompany me to room 213 to check up on a guest.
My disheveled state must have been enough to convince her.
That something was off the last WTF moment.
Came when we opened the door to room 213.
There was nothing. Absolutely nothing.
The room was spotless. No sign of Cecilia.
No, menacing creature. No repulsive.
Odor of raw meat, even the blanket and heater had vanished
grasping at straws. I made up some dumb, excuse of
not getting enough sleep the night before and dozing off on
the job only for my subconscious to conjure this horrifying guest
scenario the housekeeper gave me a look.
That was equal parts, disbelief and pity.
She ultimately decided to let the matter rest and headed
downstairs, feeling completely drained after a thorough
scolding from my coworker for failing to do my job properly.
I headed home sleep seemed like the only Refuge from the
nightmarish events I had experienced.
I tried to sleep and I believe I did.
But throughout my attempt at sleep, I was tormented by
visions of Cecilia, her looming unnatural presence in a series
of Dreams, was this merely a recurring nightmare at my light.
To my coworker actually been the truth.
There is some solace in that thought, I feel like my own line
between reality and my subconscious has become blurred.
I am now back at work in writing this.
I'm hoping some sense of control will return by doing.
So for now I am just sitting in the reception happily surrounded
by people in the bar Lobby and restaurant.
But I'm dreading the entire scenery once the clock, strikes
midnight and the bar closes, please help me. and,
I was a seasoned pilot with over a decade of experience under my
belt, as I prepared for takeoff in Los Angeles, I felt confident
and at ease knowing that this was just another routine flight.
The weather was clear in the flight plan was uneventful but
about halfway through the flight.
As we crossed over the Rocky Mountains, the plane suddenly
hit turbulence at first, it was just a few bumps but then the
shaking became more violent and the plane started to lose out
attitude. I tried to maintain control of
the plane, but it seemed like everything was happening so
fast. I could hear passengers
screaming and fear and the sound of things crashing around me
before. I knew it, the plane had hit the
ground and everything went black.
When I regained Consciousness, I was surrounded by wreckage and
debris. I felt the pain in my head and
arm and I knew I was injured. I tried to move, but my body
felt heavy and week as the reality of my situation say.
Can I felt a wave of fear and Desperation wash over me?
I looked around and realized that there were no other
survivors, the plane had crashed in a remote mountainous area and
I was completely alone. All I had was a pocket knife, a
small amount of water, and the clothes on my back, I knew that
I had to act fast. If I wanted to survive, I
quickly assess my injuries and tended to the ones that were
most pressing. Then I search the wreckage for
any useful supplies and found a first Aid kit a flare gun and a
map of the surrounding area I realized that I had to rely on
my own survival skills. If I was going to make it out of
this alive, as I stumbled through the dense forest, my
head was spinning with confusion and pain.
I was disoriented from the crash and my injuries were worsening
by the minute. I clutched at my abdomen feeling
a sharp pain, that seem to radiate throughout my entire
body. I tried to focus on my
surroundings but my mind was foggy from the trauma.
That's when I first noticed the crow, it was perched on a nearby
tree branch staring at me with its Beady black eyes.
As I looked around, I noticed the sun glinting off the pocket
knife on my belt, and I realized that the crow was eyeing,
something shiny? I remembered something I had
read about crows that they were attracted to shiny objects at
first, I thought it was just a coincidence, but as I continued,
I realized that the crow was following me, the birds seem to
be tracking my every move And whenever I tried to head in a
certain direction, it would swoop down and fly in front of
me calling loudly. It was as if the bird was trying
to lead me astray to prevent me from finding my way back to
civilization, despite the crows persistence.
I continued using the map and my survival skills to guide me, but
the bird continued to follow me and I couldn't help.
But wonder why as the days went on I started to realize just how
dire my situation was I was running low on food and Water
and my injuries were becoming increasingly severe the birds
seem to be tracking my every move and whenever I tried to
head in a certain direction it would swoop down and fly in
front of me, calling loudly. I tried to shake off the feeling
of paranoia that was creeping up on me, but I couldn't ignore the
fact that the crow seem to be actively working against me.
It was leading me away from sources of food, and water, and
seem to be trying to keep me lost in the wilderness as I
stumbled through the forest. Trying to On my way back to
civilization, the crow continued to follow me.
It seemed to know exactly where I was going and was doing
everything in its power to prevent me from getting there.
I couldn't shake off the feeling that the bird was somehow
connected to my predicament. And I knew that I had to find a
way to outsmart it. If I was going to survive the
more I thought about it, the more convinced I became that the
crow was following me for a reason.
It wasn't just a coincidence that it had been tracking me for
days. Leading me away from sources of
food and Order, I started to develop theories about why the
bird was so fixated on me. One theory was that the crow was
simply Scavenging for food and have learned that I was a
potential source of sustenance. Maybe it had seen me struggling
to find food and water and had decided to stick around in case
I passed. So it could Feast on my remains.
Another theory was that the crow was somehow connected to the
plane crash. Perhaps it had witnessed the
crash and was now following me as a way of guiding me to safety
or maybe it was some how involved in causing the crash
and was now trying to prevent me from getting back to
civilization and revealing the truth, as far-fetched as these
theories sounded I couldn't shake off the feeling that there
was something more going on with the crow.
It was too persistent and too intelligent to be just a random
bird. Following me around.
I knew I had to be careful and find a way to outsmart it.
I remembered reading somewhere that crows are one of the most
intelligent birds in the world. They are known to recognize
individual. And faces and remember them for
years. In fact, some research suggests
that crows may even have a form of Consciousness and
self-awareness. I recalled how crows are capable
of problem solving. And even using tools, for
example, they have been seen dropping nuts onto hard,
surfaces to crack them open and using sticks to extract insects
from crevasses. They are also known to be able
to solve complex, puzzles and tasks in order to obtain food
rewards with all of this. This in mind I couldn't help but
wonder if the crow following me was somehow aware of my
situation and actively trying to prevent me from finding help, it
seemed to intelligent and purposeful to be just a
coincidence. As night fell, I heard the
distant howling of wolves in the distance.
I knew I had to find shelter fast but as I stumbled through
the darkness I realized that the crow was still following me and
then it hit me. The bird wasn't just following
me. It was leading the Wolves to me
panic. Soon, as I realized the gravity
of the situation, I had to find shelter and fast before the
Wolves caught up to me, but the crow seemed determined to make
sure that didn't happen. Every time I stumbled across
what seemed like a good hiding place.
The bird would fly ahead and call loudly.
Alerting the Wolves to my location.
I was running out of options and the realization that I might not
make it out of this situation. Alive began to set in but I
couldn't give up, I had to keep fighting keep Searching for a
way to outsmart, the bird and the Wolves.
Despite the fear that was gnawing at me, I forced myself
to think logically. I knew that crows were highly
intelligent creatures, capable of complex problem-solving and
even using tools, if I was going to survive, I needed to use my
own intelligence to outsmart the bird.
But first, I needed to find a way to escape the Wolves.
I knew that they would be able to track me by scent, so I
needed to find a way to mask my own scent and throw Off my
trail, I grab some dirt and leaves and rub them all over my
body. Hoping to mask my scent with the
smell of the forest. I waited anxiously in the
darkness listening for any sign of the Wolves, the crow caws
loudly overhead. And for a moment I was sure that
I was done for but then after what felt like an eternity, I
heard the distant sound of the Wolves howls, growing fainter
and fainter relief, washed over me as.
I realized that, my plan had worked the Wolves had lost my
scent. And the crow had been foiled,
but I knew that I couldn't let my guard down yet, the bird was
still out there and I had a feeling that it wasn't going to
give up easily. I woke up early in the morning,
feeling a little more rested, but still on edge from the
events of the previous day. As I sat up and stretched, I
glanced over at my backpack and froze.
My map was missing. I searched through my backpack
again, and again, hoping that maybe I had just misplaced it,
but it was nowhere to be found. I couldn't believe it had the So
really stolen, my map part of me thought it was ridiculous.
How could a bird possibly have the intelligence to steal,
something like a map? But then again, after everything
that had happened, I couldn't rule anything out.
I started to feel a surge of panic.
The map was my lifeline. It was my only chance of finding
my way back to civilization without it.
I was completely lost. I began to question whether I
could trust anything around. Me was the crow really just a
bird? Or was it something more
Sinister? Had it been leading the astray
from the beginning. I couldn't shake off the feeling
that I was being watched and that everything around me was
somehow connected to my predicament.
I knew I had to keep my wits about me and stay focused if I
was going to survive, but with every passing moment my paranoia
grew and I couldn't help but wonder what else the crow was
capable of later in the day? I found myself looking for food.
Once again, I had managed to find some berries and a few nuts
but it Enough to sustain me for long, as I sat down to eat the
crows, suddenly swooped down and gobbled up the last of my food
before flying off to a nearby Branch.
I stared at the bird in disbelief wondering how it could
be so Brazen as to steal my food right in front of me.
But what really caught my attention was the way it locked
eye contact with me before taking off.
It was as if the crow was trying to communicate with me or at
least trying to make a point, I couldn't shake off the feeling
that there was some sort of diligence behind its actions.
And yet as the day wore on and the sun began to set, I still
hadn't seen any sign of the wolves that the crow had led me
to the previous night. I began to wonder if the bird
was simply playing with its food, enjoying the power, it had
over me but the nagging suspicions remained in the back
of my mind. Was there something more going
on? Here was the crow.
Truly just a bird or was it something else entirely?
I knew I had to stay alert and be prepared for anything as the
night fell. I realized I had nothing left to
eat. The crow had taken all of my
food and I was left to face the Wilderness with nothing but my
wits, the silence around me was unnerving and I couldn't shake
off the feeling that something was watching me the absence of
the crow, only heightened my paranoia and I couldn't help but
wonder what it was planning next.
I tried to get some rest but my empty stomach kept me up.
The night was quiet too quiet. I couldn't hear any animals or
insects and the absence of noise only added to my unease.
I knew that the Wilderness was full of dangers and being alone
and hungry made me vulnerable to attack the longer.
I lay there in the darkness, the more my mind began to play
tricks on me. I started to see shadows and
hear strange noises. And I couldn't tell whether they
were real or just my imagination.
I had to fight to stay awake and alert knowing that any laps and
my concentration could mean the end of me.
Eventually I succumb to my lethargy and close my eyes.
I woke To find the crow perched on my chest.
Squawking loudly in my face startled, I instinctively
grabbed it by its wings causing it to struggle and squirm.
I heard the unmistakable howl of wolves in the distance as I was
about to deliver the Fatal blow to the crow, my rage boiled
over. I felt a primal urge to
eliminate the source of my suffering and take control of my
situation. The crow had been playing with
me, leading me astray and stealing my food and now it
seemed as though it had led the Irv's to me yet.
Again, I couldn't let it continue but my Fury was
short-lived as the sound of the Wolves shattered.
My focus, I turned to face the source of the sound and saw
three enormous beasts emerge from the darkness.
Their size was intimidating and they're glowing eyes seemed to
reflect an inner ferocity that chilled me to the Bone.
The wolf's fur was matted and their teeth were bared.
Ready to tear into their prey as they closed in, I could see the
muscles Rippling beneath their fur, their movements almost
fluid in their gate. I knew that I had no chance of
fighting them off and that my only option was to run with the
Wolves fast on my heels, I ran as fast as I could through the
forest there, growls and howls, filled my ears, and I could feel
their breath on my skin. The fear inside was overwhelming
and I could feel my legs giving out from the exhaustion,
whatever, healing occurred to my abdomen had been torn open and I
was bleeding fast, finally. I came to a Cliff's Edge and had
no choice but to jump the Wolves snarling.
Charles echoed through the air as I plummeted down and I landed
with a sickening thud. My body was battered and bruised
and every movement sent waves of pain through me.
Despite my injuries. I knew I had to keep moving the
Wolves were still out there and I had to find a way to stay
alive. I stumbled through the forest,
my vision, blurred with tears of pain, and fear until I collapsed
under a tree. As I lay under the tree, my
mind, raced with thoughts of survival, I knew that I had to
stay mobile. But with my injuries and the
constant threat of the crow, it seemed like an impossible task,
that's when I spotted it in the distance.
A thin column of smoke Rising into the air.
Indicating the presence of a cabin, my heart left with hope,
but then I heard it allowed, Squaw, corrupted through the
forest, as I locked eyes yet again with my adversary, the
Wolves howled in the distance, responding, the crows call.
I couldn't trust the bird to leave me alone.
Not after everything that had happened.
I knew that I had to either eliminate the bird or outsmarted
if I had any chance of reaching that cabin alive.
But how does one outsmart a bird?
I pondered this question for what felt like hours until an
idea. Finally came to me, I remembered
the crows fondness for shiny objects and quickly rummage
through my backpack. Pulling out my pocket knife, as
I continue to catch my breath, I realized that the crow had
disappeared. I looked around cautiously but
there was no sign of it. I wondered if it had given up
the chase. Ace or if it was planning, its
next attack. That's when I heard a rustling
in the bushes, my hand raised the pocket knife and I slowly
approach the source of the noise, as I peered through the
leaves, I saw the crow perched on a nearby Branch watching me
intently. I took out my pocket knife and
held it up to the crow. Catching its attention with the
glint of the blade. It swooped down towards me.
But this time, I was ready. I lunged forward and caught it
in. Mid-flight holding it tightly in
my hands. As I looked into the crows eyes,
I realized that we were both intelligent creatures trying to
survive in this harsh world, I couldn't help but feel a sense
of respect for this bird even though it had caused me so much
trouble as I held the crow in my hands, feeling its warmth and
the fluttering of its wings. I couldn't help but be amazed by
its intelligence and cunning this bird had almost taken my
life. And yet, I found my self
respecting it for its tenacity and perseverance.
I look deep into its eyes. And for a moment, it was, as if
we had formed a connection it was like the crow could sense,
my thoughts and emotions, and I could sense its own.
I could feel its fear in its desire to live and I could also
sense its understanding of the world around it.
As I held the bird. I thought about all the times it
had outsmarted me. How it had been one.
Step ahead at every turn, it was a worthy adversary, and I
couldn't help, but praise it for its cunning.
But even though, I had formed this strange bond with the crow,
I knew that I had to kill it. It was a matter of survival and
in this harsh world sentimentality could get you
offed. So, with a heavy heart, I raised
my pocket knife and ended the crows life.
As I buried it under a pile of leaves, I said a silent prayer
for its spirit. I knew that I had to do what I
had to do to survive, but I couldn't help.
But feel a Pang of sadness at the loss of another living
creature though. With the Krogan.
I felt a newfound sense of freedom.
I made my way towards the cabin, my body aching.
And my mind we Rebut with a renewed sense of purpose.
I knew that I had survived this far and that meant that I had
the strength to face whatever lay ahead.
My name is Henry Thompson, and I was a former detective for my
Police Department. I've been a detective for about
seven years and throughout my time, working at the agency.
I have many disturbing stories about the cases, me and my
partner solved. I've spent countless sleepless
nights on these bizarre cases. I've cracked a lot of disturbing
cases that the faint of heart could never solve, but I had my
limits or so I thought my very first case almost made me.
Quit the agency ever. Since I was young, I always
knew. I wanted to be a detective.
Seeing all the TV shows of detective.
Solving cases, always inspired me in some way.
My father was a former detective for our City's Police
Department. He was a well, respected
detective, and he was even awarded key to the city by our
mayor, but when there's good, there's always bad with my
father being a detective, he was hardly ever home.
So I barely saw him and even if he was home, he would be knocked
out on the couch with his detective papers.
A turd across the living room table.
I could go on about the absence of my father but the problems
only got worse once I got into the academy since I joined the
Academy, I was always a mere shadow of my father, no matter
what I did, I could never become my own person, no matter how
hard I tried. I was always a shadow of my
father, a part of me, actually resented him for it, even though
it wasn't his fault. I work so much during my time at
the Academy I was never handed anything during my time at the
Academy, Academy if anything they always pushed me harder
cause of, my father and his legacy, I used the frustration.
I had built up inside of me as motivation, the lack of his
presence. And seeing my mother basically
raised me on her own, drove me to work harder.
I spent a couple of months training at the Academy and was
top of my class. I passed with flying colors and
I eventually graduated from the academy as one of few Cadets
with high marks, the ceremony had a lot more people than I
expected it would I stood? Up on the steps of the stage
waiting, for my name to be called up.
I studied the crowd and my face slowly turned into a small
frown. I couldn't see my parents, they
wouldn't miss my big day. What they?
My thoughts were interrupted by a Stern voice.
Snapping me back to reality Cadet Henry, Thompson of Class
10. A thunderous Applause came from
the crowd. As I walked across the stage as
I walked toward one of the captains behind the podium.
He handed me my certificate and extended his hand for a
handshake. Jake, I shook his hand and grab
my certificate and started walking off the stage.
I Heard a Voice from the crowd that put a smile on my face
before I headed off stage, that's my baby.
I turned my head and saw my mother jumping up and down
almost falling out her chain with excitement and right
beside. Her was my father after the
ceremony. My mother basically rushed over
to me and hugged me tightly while congratulating me, once my
mother was finished with hugging the life out of me.
My father grabbed me And pulled to the side, his face, had a
serious look to it as he looked me dead in, to my eyes.
Henry, listen to me. And listen carefully, I want you
to know that the job isn't what you expect.
It's not normal. Trust me.
His voice was low and he spoke with a tone.
I haven't heard him use since I was a child.
I would be lying if I said, I wasn't a little bit taken aback
by his words. What are you talking about, pop.
I sounded confused and a little disappointed as I thought, he
didn't believe in me the This fear got a little heavy as he
stood there, without saying a single word, the silence.
Lasted. What seemed like an eternity
before he placed his hand on my shoulder.
Listen son, I'll support your decisions, you make in life,
whatever you choose to do. But heed my warnings, this job
isn't what you think it is. It will either make or break
you. His tone was serious and his
eyes were cold and expressionless.
I felt my body run cold. As he started walking away
before I could respond to his statement.
I cut the In short, as I felt my body start to feel weird.
The drive to my apartment was long and quiet, my thoughts were
racing through my mind as I tried to process what my father
had told me earlier. After some time, I got inside my
apartment and took a shower. Before I started my search for
an agency. I spent about a few hours
searching on my laptop for agencies to work for it, but I
didn't fit their requirements. I was about to shut my laptop
growing more and more tired as it was beginning.
NG to hit midnight. I reached for the power button
for the laptop until a green pop-up.
Had flashed across my laptop screen application for arara and
big bold words. I stared at the pop-up ad for a
couple more seconds before I tried to click the X, my heart
dropped, as my icon started, moving on its own and clicked on
the pop-up ad. I tried turning my computer off,
but it didn't do any good. As the pop-up ad took me to a
website, a website with a couple of boxes loaded onto My screen
with a man holding a badge, rra the badge, read some text popped
up on my screen. A couple of seconds later, I
inspected the website looking to be employed as a detective.
Well, look, no further here at our ra, we look for detectives
far and wide to help us solve cases with no tests involved.
All you have to do is sign up and come to the address after 24
hours and we'll do the rest. As I took a moment to process
everything that has happened in the past.
Past few minutes, an application form slowly started to appear on
my screen before I could do anything.
My mouth started, moving on its own again and started filling
out the application form. I tried again to press the power
button, but nothing happened after a while.
The mouse stopped and submitted the application and addressed
appeared on my screen. Mere seconds.
Later 609 night. I Street, I said to myself, that
was only 30 minutes away from my apartment.
I might We'll go there and check it out.
If it's a fraud. I'll leave morning came quick.
I woke up around 6:00 and turned on the news to see what the
weather was going to be today. As I started brushing my teeth,
I heard the sound of an emergency broadcast on the TV.
The news reporter sat at his table with his papers and His
Hands. His facial expression.
Shook me as his face, had a look of pure Terror on it.
As I feared, another disappearance happened in the
early morning. This has been the seventh
disappearance Sarah. Carter has disappeared from her
home. It seems like it was no sign of
forced entry. We will be back when we get more
information from the police chief.
His voice trembling as the broadcast turned to a commercial
break his face. God, the expression on his face.
Stuck with me, what is happening?
How could seven people go missing within such a short time
frames of each other. As I got dressed the sympathy of
the families affected, wouldn't leave my mind, no matter how
hard I try to not think about it, it Look me around 30 or so
minutes to get ready? I grab my coat and headed out of
my apartment. The drive to the agency wasn't
long as there was little to no traffic today.
That was a blessing in itself. I got to the agency and parked
my car in one of the parking spaces and started walking
toward the entrance of the building arara sat on the clear
glass door. I pulled the door open and
walked up toward the front desk and saw a woman with light, red
hair and black glasses on her Freckle filled face, Face.
She looked like she was in her mid to late 20s.
Definitely looked a little older than me.
Oh, hello there. I filled out the application
form on your website and I was hoping I could possibly get an
interview. I said while trying to be
professional, but I stumbled on my words, a little, she looked
up from her computer as she looked at me, giving me a warm
welcoming smile. Jessica, my name is Jessica.
And of course, right? This way, follow me, she said,
while getting up from behind the desk, she was sitting In started
walking toward an elevator, I followed behind her eventually
stepping into the elevator. We went up about four floors and
she led me to an office door. I hope it goes well for you.
She said, while walking back Henry, my name is Henry and
thank you, Jessica. I said while giving her a little
wave, she gave one back and she stepped back onto the elevator.
Leaving me up there by myself. I took a deep breath before.
I opened the office door, a man with a black top hat.
Hat and a black and white polka-dot suit, sat behind the
desk with a small smile on his pale face.
There was also a slight Burly, man with long blond hair tied,
into a ponytail sitting across from the man.
In the top hat, Henry, my boy have a seat.
The man in the top hat said with excitement in his voice.
Treating me, as if we knew each other for a long time.
I took a seat next to the man in the long coat and place my hands
onto the desk, giving the man in the long coat, a quick glance
before turning my attention. Chin back to the man with the
top hat. Good morning, sir.
I'm glad to be here today with you both.
I extended my hand for a shake and waited for him to do the
same. No need for that.
Henry, my boy, just call me Sidney and you already got the
job. His voice had so much enthusiasm
as he grabbed my hand and gave it a firm Shake.
I was a little bit skeptical of how easy it was to achieve the
job. My face must have caught his
attention as he looked with a surprised expression.
What's Wrong Henry, you don't want the job.
He said his voice, had some disappointment behind it as he
waited for my response. No, I stammered.
It's not that sir. It's just that.
I thought it was more to it. That's all I said.
While trying not to make myself sound stupid mr.
Sydney let out a small chuckle before going into his desk
drawer, pulling out a black vest and a small badge, the same
badge that has the are our initials on it.
But this one was different. This one also had my name on it.
Here you go. Henry.
This is all you would ever need mr.
Gordon Truman will be your partner from now on.
If you ever need anything, don't be afraid to ask him mr.
Sidney said, while going through a file cabinet and grabbing a
somewhat thick file and placing it onto the desk in front of us,
this is your very first case and joy Henry my boy and Henry be
careful. And listen to your partner at
all times his voice deepened almost sounding a little
demonic, his face quickly turned into Into the same friendly
expression. He showed back when I first
entered the office mr. Truman got up from his seat and
headed toward the door, waiting for me to follow him out.
I followed behind him as he leads me to another office.
Welcome to our office Henry, don't make yourself too
comfortable. We're going to be heading out
soon. Mr. Truman said, while taking
off his coat and sitting down at his desk, while examining the
case File, I sat down at my desk and watched as he examined the
case files for a couple of Minutes, he finally broke the
silence as he motioned for me to sit down at his desk.
I promptly got up and walked toward his desk.
Taking a quick glance at the file myself, it was files on all
the people that have went missing for the past few weeks.
There was even a small file for the recent missing person, Sarah
Carter. I'm aware that you've heard of
the people that have went missing.
He said, while taking some of the files out of the folder and
placing them in front of me. Yes, mr.
Truman, I've heard of the recent disappearance Appearances.
And it's a shame honestly. Their families must be
devastated by it. All I said while holding my head
down in sympathy. It truly is a tragedy.
Having a family member go missing the longer.
We take here is the shorter to find these people in one piece.
That is mr. Truman said, while standing up
grabbing the files and a pair of car keys?
Let's go. The clock is ticking and time is
not on our side. He walked over toward the door
and I followed behind as we got out the building.
Bright red, Dodge Charger, sat there parked next to my somewhat
beat-up, Toyota, my car would be the better option and I have a
little welcoming gift for you. You walked up to the trunk of
his car and rummage through his trunk, he eventually walked up
to me and handed me a Smith & Wesson Model. 29, a true beauty.
I accepted the gift and inspected it, as it was in
perfect condition as we got into the car, I decided to take a
look over the Case Files again. Mr. Truman started to drive to a
somewhat unfamiliar. Your location to me.
Where are we going? I asked with a hint of worry in
my voice going to the scene of the crime.
Obviously he said, while gripping the steering wheel, a
little tighter, it seems like he was a veteran of such as he
instantly got straight to the case without procrastinating,
how long have you been working at the agency?
For? I asked trying to make small
talk as we were driving a bit far about 12 years.
I've been thinking about hanging it up though.
I just want to take the wife to the beach and spend more time
with Kids, you know he said while breaking contact with the
road and gave me a look. Yeah I know I know this job will
have you away from your family and 12 years.
How many cases have you solved? I asked, as I was surprised by
his response to many to count. I've seen countless things.
People shouldn't know about. I truly disturbing thing, he
said, is his face, was expressionless, my curiosity,
got the better of me and I asked a question, I shouldn't have
asked. What was one of The worst cases
you were a part of I asked hoping to learn a little more
about what kind of cases the agency gives to the detectives.
A lady about mid 40s was complaining.
She saw eyes watching her from her backyard cops didn't believe
her. So she called our agency me and
my former partner were. He paused in his speech.
His face showed an expression of distraught.
We were too late. We found her a red Heap on her.
Kitchen floor, being mauled. By a bunch of small grey hellish
creatures. My heart was racing Crazy.
But my partner had got them before I could even React to
what was going on. He said while keeping his eyes
on the road. My eyes widened, his story and
felt a chill, run down my spine. Hellish creatures that couldn't
be possible. Could it monsters?
There is no such thing. Are you sure that's what you had
seen that day? I managed to blur out.
My voice is visibly shaken up by what?
I just heard. Mr. Truman gave a small smile
before he spoke. His next words, you might as
well. Well, know what you gotten into
this job, isn't about solving human cases, it's about solving
monster or otherworldly creatures.
His face lit up a bit as he looked over at me, my heart felt
heavy like it weighed down the rest of my body.
I felt Terror form on my face as I put the pieces together, I had
felt the same feeling you're going through right now not
knowing what I had signed up for until I saw firsthand.
He said while focusing on the road, my mind was racing all
over the place. It couldn't be.
That was this what? My father was talking about
before I could come up with any more accusations, the car
finally came to a stop outside of a small blue house.
Caution tape was everywhere, and even a few police officers were
still lingering, we're here. If you want a chance to find the
missing people alive, then you better pull yourself together
and start acting like a detective, you get it.
Mr. Truman said, while grabbing the case File and getting out of
the car, I was still in the car with My mind racing a million
miles per hour but he was right if I wanted to help find the
missing people. I'd have to pull myself
together. I got out of the car and
followed behind mr. Truman a police officer who was
guarding the front door of the small house moved aside when mr.
Truman flashed his badge at him once we got inside the home.
Mr. Truman started walking around, observing the crime
scene, I headed back to the front door and started observing
the locks. Even though the report file
says, there was no forced entry, Tree.
The culprit had to have got in somehow.
I inspected the door but found nothing no scratch marks.
No broken locks. I made my way back to the living
room Henry. I Heard a Voice call from the
other side of the house. I rushed to where the voice came
from. Once I got to the room, I saw
mr. Truman on one knee, inspecting
something on the ground, a faint trail of red was emerged into
the carpet and it was leading toward the back door, mr.
Truman, followed the trail to the back door where the Faint
Trail ended. So she was taken out the back
door. That's a start.
I guess I said, while trying to take a step forward by mr.
Truman's hand stopped me. Wait, he said, while pulling out
what looks like a flashlight from out of his coat pocket, he
turned it on and started shining it around the back door as he
shined the light on the door frame, I felt my heart drop all
the way to my stomach and my knees got weak even mr.
Truman was shocked as his eyes widened to little the door frame
and the nearby wall. Covered with red handprints and
faint, scratch marks, how could this be possible?
Why couldn't we see the scratch marks and red hand prints
without the flashlight? I said while I felt my heart
beating faster mr. Truman regained himself as he
stood up and opened the back door before he let out a loud
gasp. As I followed him out of the
back door, a shiver ran down my spine as I braced myself against
the door frame as my knees were about to give in the backyard.
Had Crimson splattered all against the fence along.
Large chunk of the grass was dug up and dirt covered a part of
the backyard. A chunk of the fence was
destroyed in part of the fence was in the forest nearby.
The atmosphere felt heavy, I felt my mouth, get dry and numb,
I couldn't process. What was going on, mr.
Truman inspected, the backyard with the special flashlight and
managed to find more scratch marks and hand Prince, Henry,
pull yourself together and come take a look at this.
Mr. Truman said, while standing in front of a half broken part
of the Hence, I struggled to stand, but as I could stand, I
made my way toward mr. Truman, avoiding all the red
stains on the ground. Once I got over to him, he
shined the flashlight. And what I saw made my heart
drop all the way to my stomach, a massive hand Mark was on the
fence. The claw print was just as big
as the handprint, mr. Truman put the flashlight back
into his pocket and pulled out a small notepad and started
writing down something. No more leads.
This is all the evidence. We We've got so far, he said,
while putting the notepad back into his coat pocket.
I'm starting to have doubts. That the missing people are
still alive. I said, while taking another
look at the yard, I would be lying to you.
If I told you to keep Faith, this is real life Henry.
There's no fairy tale endings to some stories.
He said while turning back around and started walking back
toward the house, he was right. There was no chance in hell that
girl would have survived whatever had got to her, there
was too much Crimson spilled. And by the looks of it.
Whatever attacked Sarah was huge.
I eventually followed behind mr. Truman back into the house.
And lingered around for a little making sure we didn't miss
anything. All the police already left by
this point. If you ask me, I would rather
not have. Let them seen what me and mr.
Truman saw those poor people. If they are still alive, they
must be scared out of their minds.
It's still unknown. What exactly took them?
But it's our job to find out what happened and to put an end
to it as we reviewed the evidence.
Since mr. Truman's phone started ringing.
Once he answered, I slightly Heard a Voice on the other end.
I watched as mr. Truman's face, went from normal
to his eyes, widening, and shocked before I could ask, he
grabbed me and started rushing toward his car.
He basically jumped in the car. As I got in as well.
He jammed his keys into the ignition and pulled off with
such Force. I almost had hit my head on the
dashboard. What's going on?
I asked while trying not to sound too shaken up, but by the
way, he He's acting. It made me terrified, as he
started speeding down. The almost empty road.
He quickly turned to me with a shaken.
Look on his face, a man called the agency.
He said, there's banging and Loud growling at his back door.
It has to be our culprit. He said while turning his
attention back to the road, I felt my body sink in.
As his words, hit my body, like a truck.
I felt the sweat. Run down my forehead.
I didn't want to face whatever was taking people, but I knew if
we didn't, it would keep happening.
Going. After some time, we pulled up to
a mailbox and a little farther. In the forest, you can see a
house in the distance mr. Truman quickly got out of the
car and ran toward the trunk and started rummaging around Henry,
hurry up and get down there and make sure the man inside the
house is. All right, we can't afford to
let this man pass. He said, still rummaging around
my heartfelt week but it was no time to chicken out, I pulled
the Smith & Wesson from my hip and started running to the
house. I would be lying if I said I
wasn't scared. I made it to the house and
started knocking on the door. Hello, sir.
I'm an agent from arara, my partner and I were sent to make
sure you were safe. I said while leaning against the
front door, I heard low pitch, growls and screaming from inside
the house and felt my heart. Stop beating I quickly snapped
out of it and started kicking the door.
After the fourth, kick the door fell.
And what I saw scared me to my core a grayish humanoid creature
stood about eight. Feet tall, its claws, were sharp
and big. Its face was split by its sharp
teeth running down its face. Its legs were long and twisted,
its tail was long and had marks running down.
It, it looked over toward me, but kept walking at the man who
was huddled in the corner, shaking with fear, my arms felt
weak as I tried to raise my weapon up, but my arms didn't
budge. I stood Frozen with fear.
The creature was about a couple of feet away from the men.
The man screams brought me back. I raised my Smith Watson and
pulled the trigger. As I shot my weapon the creature
let out a loud, curdling scream as it spun around and locked
eyes with me. Oh God its eyes.
They were completely red with hatred for me.
Causing it pain before it could do any thing.
I pulled the trigger two more times sending the creature into
a screaming frenzy, I tried firing at the creature again,
but my weapon jammed. It got back up and started
running toward Me Knocking the into the wall.
It felt like I was hit by a freight train.
Rain my ribs felt like they were hit with a metal rod, as it was
harder for me to breathe the creature managed to slash me
with its claw across my back. Ripping my code.
As I tried rolling out of the way, it's claw was sharp and I
felt something warm, run down my back.
The creature slowly started moving toward me.
I started crawling away frantically trying to find my
weapon without breaking eye contact with the creature.
It knew, it had me where it wanted.
It was toying with me as it was about to pounce a loud.
Boom came from behind Creature, making the creature run past me
and through the back door, screaming in pain.
It was mr. Truman, and he had a 12-gauge,
shotgun in his hands as he ran out of the back door and Chase
of the creature? Are you okay?
Young men. The man said while leaving from
the corner. He was hiding in do to our car
and wait for us there sir, it's not safe.
While that thing is still alive, I said while holding my side, I
attempted to get up but fell back down.
Clenching my ribs, the man walked over toward me and help
me up to my Feet. He handed me my weapon.
I made my way through the back door and quickly looked for mr.
Truman, I heard multiple shots and a loud.
Yell, not too far away from the house.
I started running in the direction where the noise came
from the pain. In my ribs was slowing me down,
but I kept running. I heard another yellin saw the
creature on top of mr. Truman slashing at him with its
Long razor-sharp. Claws.
I took aim, and once again pulled the trigger, the creature
turned its attention from mr. Truman on to me, as Once again,
the creature is eyes. Locked on to me.
It started charging at me and I started squeezing the trigger
until I heard clicking, but the creature was still standing.
It was like, it was unfazed by my bullets.
The creature was about 10 feet away from me.
I tried to reload my weapon and I managed to drop some of the
bullets onto the ground. I felt true fear.
As the creature was only a couple feet from me, my body
shook with fear when I raised my weapon up, it was already in the
air and pounced on me. I felt its weight on my body
almost crushing me. It tried to bite me with its
sharp teeth, but I managed to grab a stick, I hold the stick
to give some space between us. It's breath was rancid.
I used all my strength, keeping it away from me, but it's slowly
started overpowering me my ribs went completely numb as I
couldn't feel them. Is this how I go to a creature
on my first case? What would my mother do?
If she had to burry me? My heart was pounding?
As I started losing my strength. It was going to eliminate me an
ear. Deafening noise rang out from
behind me as I felt the creature go limp and fall to the side.
I managed to look up and saw an injured mr.
Truman with the 12-gauge shotgun in his left, arm his face, had a
long gash in it and he took a step closer to me and extended
his hand out to are you. All right, Henry, he asked while
dropping his weapon on the ground.
I held my side with my left arm and accepted his help.
I think I broke my ribs, but I think I'll live Liv I said,
while wiping the Crimson from my face.
I took a look at the creature as it laid there in the grass.
What do we do with it? I asked while looking at mr.
Truman waiting for his response. We don't do anything with it.
The police will get rid of it for us.
He said, while walking back to the car, we managed to get back
to the agency. Mr. Truman said he would finish
the summary part of the case and turn it into mr.
Sydney, for me, I checked myself into the hospital for my
injuries. I later.
Found out. I broke four of my ribs.
I was able to leave the hospital, a couple of hours
later. I decided to go home and rest.
Once I got home it was clear that the missing people were no
longer here with us. They were never found.
It's still disturbs me. Even all these years later
looking back at my time as an agent, Ferrara nightmares,
plagued my mind since I first joined the agency.
All I could dream about was the monsters.
I encountered, they still frightened me to this very day,
even After all these years later.
After all these years later.