Unit 4 Draft 1

(align:"<==")+(box:"===XXXXX==")[**Lost and Found**] [[START]]

**Canadian Wilderness--Mid February** 4:00 pm --- You stop your truck at the end of a small dirt path that you've been driving on for hours. Stepping out, the brisk and windy air tears at your jacket and gloves. The snowfall is light but steady and creates a beautiful backdrop that one would expect from Northern Ontario. Your two best friends Chelsea and Julian emerge from the backseats of your truck. Chelsea begins to unload the camping gear from the back of the truck while Julian loads your packaged food into his backpack. They were the first friends you really made at university and the tight-knit group the three of you formed was your saving grace on many sleepless nights. Despite this, Chelsea and Julian have an awkward silence between them. They recently broke up after a six-month relationship which leaves you in the middle of their complex sulkiness. This was a driving factor to spend a weekend camping. Nothing like a stint in the beautiful wilderness to relinquish any feelings of bitterness. "Let's get going guys." Chelsea says as she hands you the packaged tent. "We should set up camp before it gets dark." Julian mumbles something and the three of you begin to hike towards the camping site. --- [[Campsite]]

4:30 pm --- With Chelsea leading, the three of you walk down a petite man-made path through the snowcovered forest. The usual sounds of the woods are overcome by a rushing wind that blows snow from the tips of branches. Chelsea pulls her coat a bit tighter to her body. "Um, you do know where the hell we're going, right?" Julian says. "Of course I do," Chelsea snaps back. "I checked google maps like three times yesterday. This is the Northern ridge of Belrose National Park. Campsite 5 is just a bit further up." "It's so...deserted." You say. "Well, it's a remote part of the park." she says. "aaaand, there may have been a few bear attacks last year." You and Julian turn to her horrified. "Hey, we brought plenty of bear spray!" She says quickly. "Plus it's winter, they're all hibernating. You guys do know bear attacks are pretty rare if you take the right precautions. Plus we're on the ridge, the website said most bear activity is spotted down in the valley towards the river." Before Julian can protest, you notice a wooden sign that says **Campsite 5**. Looking around, the site looks abandoned and the only tracks you can spot are your own. "Okay boys," Chelsea says. "Let's set up camp." --- [[Camp]]

5:30 pm --- For the next hour, the three of you establish a rough campsite. Julian and Chelsea seldom talk to each other unless it's to ask the other for tools or water. Once the campsite is set up, you all sit around a pre-established firepit; staring awkwardly at each other. Sick of the silence, you stand up and suggest going for a walk before it gets too dark. "I think there's a set of trails that heads North that we could walk on." Julian says. "It would be cool to check out the entrance of that old mine-shaft I read about online. You can see it in the valley from the ridge." "Or..." Chelsea says quickly. "We can go into the valley and look at the river. It seems like a really dumb idea to go into the woods as it's getting dark." As she says this, she rolls her eyes in Julian's direction. Why are you always caught in the middle of their bickering? --- [[Lake]] | [[Woods]]

**The Lake** 6:00 pm --- Chelsea's right, it might be a better idea to be in open wilderness as the darkness sets in. Julian looks visably hurt that he's been outvoted but doesn't say a word. As the three of you take a small path down into the valley, you notice hooved tracks in the snow. Chelsea also seems to notice. "Deer tracks," she says. "Good thing we're not in a hunting area." Doing a double-take, something seems off about the tracks. They look...off somehow. You're no expert on deer but they seem too big or disfigured to be left by a stag. The others don't seem to notice however and you continue to walk to the lake. Once at the lake, Chelsea pulls out her phone and starts snapping photos. Julian sits down on a rock nearby, watching her. Despite the obvious tension between them, you notice the look Julian has in his eyes, you've been friends with him for too long. You also take your phone out to snap pictures but the sun is rapidly setting. As the wind begins to pick up, a sudden howl breaks the silence between the three of you. It's a noise you're completely unfamiliar with. It sounds more like a scream, something completely primal. "Wolves." Chelsea says. "I've heard they avoid people at all costs." But she seems unsure of herself as she says this. "Okay guys," you say. "Let's get back to the camp before we can't see where we're going." Something about that howl unsettles you. It didn't seem to come from an animal, even if you're not an outdoors expert. --- [[To Camp]]

**Northern Trail** 6:00 pm --- It would be cool to see the old mine-shaft, even if tourists aren't allowed inside. Chelsea exhales loudly as you suggest this but doesn't say another word. The three of you begin walking down the trail, into the woods. Pleased that you've took his side, Julian walks up next to you, leaving Chelsea trailing a few steps behind. "Wait a minute," Chelsea says. "I want to get a picture for Instagram. Let's stop by these pretty trees over here." She walks over to a slight clearing and begins to pose but Julian looks at her alarmed. "What the hell is that?" he says. Looking, you notice the limp body of a small animal underneath the trunk of a large pine tree. You inch towards the small body with Chelsea. Looking down, its the carcass of a wolverine. It's spine has been ripped from its back and the jaw looks ripped off. The animal's blood drowns the white snow that it lays on. The stomach is also ripped open and small pieces of entrails spot the ground. Besides these contusions, the body seems relatively unmauled. The fur and tail are intact as are the feet. It's like a vaccum sucked out the inards of the animal and left the shell of the creature laying out. "What the hell did this?" Chelsea asks. "Predators don't usually leave the body lying about. It's winter after all." "Maybe another wolverine?" Julian says. "Like they fought and this one obviously lost." Taking another glimpse at the animal, something doesn't feel right. The scene is too brutal. "Well, whatever it is let's keep going." Julian says. "I want to see this mine-shaft before we can't make our way back." But Chelsea looks too freaked out. You can tell she's too uncomfortable to keep going. --- [[Walk back]] | [[Keep going]]

**Camp** 7:00 pm --- The three of you hastily make your way back to Campsite five. Once there, it's decided that you can eat in the morning. No one really wants to go search for firewood at this point. You notice the sun is almost completely set at this point and the wind is beginning to rapidly pick up. The three of you climb into your tent, huddled together. "Hand me my portable charger, please." Chelsea says bluntly to Julian. He looks back at her with hurt on his face. "Damn, someone's got attitude tonight." He says. "How did I piss you off this time?" "Did I say you pissed me off? I just asked a fucking question." She says. "You always have an attitude, maybe start acting like we're friends once and a while." He snaps back. "Okay! Okay!" You say. "Stop fucking arguing with one another. We're supposed to survive a weekend here together. Let's just go to sleep, please?!" Chelsea turns on her side in a huff. Julian is shaking his head, still fuming. You think he has tears in his eyes but it's too dark to see properly. Sighing, you lay back on your pillow and try to fall asleep. --- [[Sleep]]

(goto:"To Camp")

**The overlook** 6:30 pm --- After a half-hour of walking, the three of you reach a small overlook over the valley. The snowfall has really picked up by this point and it's getting difficult to see. Julian pulls his binoculars from his bag. "Look!" he says. "You can see the entrance down there. We should check it out!" "Dude, it's off-limits for a reason." Chelsea says. "The park clearly says to stay on paved pathways." Julian ignores her and begins carefully descending down the slope towards the small cave engrance. Your curiosity is getting the better of you, but you can tell that Chelsea is really starting to have doubts at this point. Maybe it would be a better idea to call Julian back up and head to the camp. Looking up, the snowfall is getting worse by the second. --- [[Go back]] | [[Mineshaft]]

**Tent** 9:00 pm --- You wake a few hours later to the sound of the wind blowing against the tent. It's obvious Julian is also awoken because you can see he sits up to grab his water bottle. Unfortunately, he knocks it over close to Chelsea, which wakes her. "What the hell?" She says, sleepily. "Dude, you're killin me." "Ok, I'm really sorry this time." He says. "I didn't mean to." Chelsea sits up this time, rubbing her eyes. "No, it's okay. I'm sorry I snapped." She says. "I've just been on edge lately." "Then let's talk about it." Julian says. "Chelsea, I really regret what's happened between us." "Julian..." she says. "We can't have this talk right now. I really think we're better off as friends. I don't understand why we've become so awkward. I'm trying to be mature about this but you don't seem to be." "I'm being very mature," he says. "I just don't understand why we can't work out. We were so happy together." "I was so happy with you." Chelsea says. "But I feel like we can be happy as friends. I just can't show you the feelings that you have for me. You're my best friend and I can't hurt you by pretending to feel something that I don't. I'm so sorry." Julian stands up suddenly and walks out the tent flap. "What the hell dude," you say sleepily. "Where are you going?" --- [[Go outside]]

**Camp** 9:15 pm --- You exit the tent after Chelsea. The wind is howling at this point and the snow makes it almost impossible to see. Looking around, there's no sign of Julian. Chelsea turns to you and lightly slaps you in the face. "Was this whole trip planned so you could set me up with him again?" She asks. "You know how I feel and you also know how difficultly he's taking this." "Of course not!" You say. "I'm tired of how coldly you two have been acting lately. I thought a camping trip would bring us back together. He told me he's over it!" "Well clearly not!" She says. "We need to go find him, he's obviously really upset." After grabbing some basic supplies, you and Chelsea set out to find Julian. With the snowfall so thick, however, you can't spot any recent footprints. "Where do you think he went?" Chelsea says. "I don't know!" You say. Chelsea looks panicked at this point. "I didn't mean to make him upset! What the fuck! Where do we look?" --- [[The lake]] | [[Northern trail]]

**The Lake** 9:30 pm --- You and Chelsea reach the lake a few minutes later. Theres no sign of Julian anywhere but the snowfall makes it difficult to spot anything. "What the hell do we do?" Chelsea asks. "I can't see anything!" She clasps your hand and for some reason, you feel yourself squeeze her hand back. A sudden howl breaks through the wind. Not unlike the scream you heard previously. Walking further, you realize that you're at the edge of the lake. You can barely see the sheet of water that stretches out before you. "Look!" Chelsea shouts. "There's a structure over there!" You turn but can't see what she's talking about. The storm is too thick. Deciding you have no better option, the two of you wander towards what she's talking about. Sure enough, after a three minute walk, you see what looks to be a ranger tower. Undoubtedly used by park employees to keep watch over this section of the forest. "Maybe he went up here!" Chelsea says. --- [[Tower]]

**Northern Trail** 9:20 pm --- You and Chelsea clammer down the trail. The snow is staring to pick up at this point but you don't have much choice but to keep going. "Where could he have gone!" Chelsea says. "I have no idea, and to be honest Chelsea, I'm not sure why he'd go this way anyway. It's a pretty dark path. If I needed to blow off some steam, I'd have gone to the lake." After a few minites of walking, there's still no sign of Julian. For a second, you consider yelling his name but think better of it. After all, there are predators out in these woods. You continue to walk but there's not much sign of human activity. Somewhere in the distance, an howl hoots its cry. It's the only noise that breaks up the wind. "Look!" Chelsea says suddenly. "Footprints...or tracks?" Looking down, you see she's right. Something has moved through the snowdrift but it's going in the opposite direction, back towards the lake. "You were right," Chelsea says. "He's going back towards the lake?" But something doesn't seem right. Are those really human tracks? They look more deer-like. Chelsea seems to have made up her mind already and is following the tracks back to the lake. You have no choice but to follow. --- [[The lake]]

(goto:"To Camp")

**Mineshaft** 7:00 pm --- Despite Chelsea's apprehension, the three of you make your way to the mine entrance. It's clear that the park doesn't want anyone near here. There are signs about that read **Caution** and **Do not enter**. Strangely, the entrance of the mine doesn't appear to be boarded up. You'd think there would be some level of physical restriction to keep visitors out. As the three of you enter, Julian takes his phone out to start recording. The cave is damp and dark as you'd expect it to be. Old remnants of human activity are scattered about like wooden pillars and metal pipes. You can even see old tracks that are buried beneath years of gravel and soot. Seemingly from outside the cave, a sudden howl breaks the silence between the three of you. It's a noise you're completely unfamiliar with. It sounds more like a scream, something completely primal. "Wolves." Chelsea says. "I've heard they avoid people at all costs." But she seems unsure of herself as she says this. Something about that howl unsettles you. It didn't seem to come from an animal, even if you're not an outdoors expert. Looking forward, you can see the cave breaks into two seperate directions, left and right. Both paths are seemingly identical and the only light is coming from your smartphone's flashlights. --- [[Left]] | [[Right]]

**Mineshaft** 7:30 pm --- You take the left pathway deeper into the mine. The wind is really starting to pick up now. The flurries of snow begin to cake the entrance of the cave. Down the path, the scenery is much of the same, with decaying wooden pillars that provided a sense of structure at one point in time. Every so often, you can see discarded mining tools laying with clumps of soot. "What is that?" Chelsea says while pointing at something lying a few feet away. Upon inspection, you see that it's a small [[leather journal]] hidden beneath one of the numerous wooden pillars. Venturing further along, the three of you begin to hear echoes coming down the path. They sound like the pattering of hooves. Some sort of animal no doubt. "You think deer managed to get in here?" Julian says. "That's what it sounds like," you say. "Probably a good way to keep out of the cold." "Guys," Chelsea says. "Why are we going even deeper in? You just wanted to check out a bit of the cave and then go back. We really shouldn't get lost in here." "Chelsea," Julian says. "Do you see that storm? There's literally no way we can make it back in that. I might be a little dumb but I'm not completely stupid. Let's just check out a little more of the cave." Looking back, you can't help but agree with Julian. It was dumb to not walk back when you had the chance. Chelsea matches your gaze and bites her lip. You both know that there's not much choice. --- [[Keep walking]]

**Mineshaft** 7:30 pm --- You decide to take the right path which seems to lead deeper into the mine. Chelsea and Julian walk cautiously behind you, almost anticipiating some foreign creature to jump out from hidden shadows. The creaks and moans from the ancient pillars send shivers fown your spine. It's so quiet that you can even hear the droplets of water hitting the gravel floor. As you're walking, your foot hits something squishy. Looking down, you see the mangled body of a small boar. The animal appears to have been gutted. The stomach has a gaping hole which exposes rib. The entrails and innards are nowhere to be found and you assume there's a pool of blood, but it's too dark to see detail. "What the fuck!" Chelsea exclaims. "How did that happen?" "Isn't it obvious?" Julian says. "Some animal got to it. Probably a coyote or something." You frown, Julian's explanation could be true. However, the wound looks too...precise to be any predatory animal. There's plenty of meat on the legs and neck, why wasn't that eaten? There's not much to do so the three of you continue to walk down through the path. The carcass bothers both you and Chelsea but Julian seems unphased. He even appears relaxed. --- [[Keep walking]]

(bg:#b1875d)[ Entry 1-January 10, 1958 I've found myself bitterly prepared for this new occupation. My friends warned me that the mining profession would be too labour intensive for me but of course I did not listen. It's not all terrible, though. I've made great companions over the course of a few days. Most of the men with me are mining veterans so I very much feel safe in their presence. After all, the Hover Mining Company hasn't had a single incident in their long grand history. Although the pay is minimal, I look forward to earning just enough to head back to college by next semester. For now, however, my homework involves sifting through dirt and grime to load coal into great wagons. That's all for now, I hope these shifts become more bearable the more I work. -Paul Sparks] [[Finished]]

8:30 pm --- As the three of you continue to walk, a strange odor begins to fill the air. It smells similar to decaying flesh that you know from roadkill. "What the hell is that?" Chelsea asks, holding her nose. No one answers but you bring your shirt up to your face. Julian, however, seems occupied. He's stuffing his face with the chocolate bars in his backpack, the only food the three of you thought to bring. "Dude," you say. "The rest of our food's at camp. We should really try to ration those out in case the storm doesn't let up. "You guys should've brought your own food. I bought these snacks with my own money." He says. Before you can protest, however, you see light at the end of the tunnel. It looks to be artificial, like a lamp. Sure enough, you come to the mouth of the cave and see that the lamp is illuminated from a small cottage just outside. It's clearly inhabited due to the chimney emitting puffs of smoke and more lamps being scattered about the property. "Who lives all the way out here?" Chelsea says. "I suppose they might be able to shelter us for a bit though?" "Maybe it's a park ranger." You say. --- [[Outside]]

(goto:"Left")

**North Woods** 9:00 pm --- Your trio steps out into the blizzard and makes the small trek to the cabin. As you step through the snow, Chelsea suddenly grabs your arm. "Guys watch out," she says. "This yard is like a fucking minefield." Puzzled, you look down and your horror, discover a huge beartrap inches away. Looking around, you can see other bear traps lying in wait, dusted with snow. "Wow!" Julian says. "Serial killer much? Are we sure this is such a good idea?" "You want to go back to the cave?" Chelsea says. "Be my guest! That sounds stupid." Once again, you're forced to be the tie-breaker. Even being lost in the woods can't prevent the these two from bickering. --- [[Cabin]] | [[Cave]]

**Cabin** 9:15 pm --- Chelsea's right, it seems like suicide to go back the way you came. There's no way you're going to spend all night in a damp cave. "Julian, you're more than welcome to go back but Chelsea and I are knocking on that door." You say. Biting his lip, Julian falls in line after you. You rap on the large wooden door, shivering in the frostbitten air. Inside the windows, you see movement and a figure appears to look out the window. After a few moments, the great door creaks open to reveal an old woman peering out at you. She's brandishing a shotgun in one hand. "Well get inside, you three." She says in a gruff voice. "It's a miracle you haven't been torn to shreds yet." Not seeing much of a choice, the three of you hastily enter the house. --- [[Inside]]

**Cave** 9:15 pm --- The three of you go back into the cave, despite Chelsea's protests. Over the next couple of minutes, you huddle at the entrance, watching the now fall. "Julian this might have been one of the dumbest things you;ve ever suggested. There's a house literally two-hundred yards away." She says. "Maybe you were right." Julian sighs. "I don't think before I do things, guys. I'm really sorry for being the runt of the group." "No, it's okay. I'm sorry I snapped." Chelsea says. "I've just been on edge lately." "Then let's talk about it." Julian says. "Chelsea, I really regret what's happened between us." "Julian..." she says. "We can't have this talk right now. I really think we're better off as friends. I don't understand why we've become so awkward. I'm trying to be mature about this but you don't seem to be." "I'm being very mature," he says. "I just don't understand why we can't work out. We were so happy together." "I was so happy with you." Chelsea says. "But I feel like we can be happy as friends. I just can't show you the feelings that you have for me. You're my best friend and I can't hurt you by pretending to feel something that I don't. I'm so sorry." Julian looks away, clearly hurt. He doesn't know what to say. "Look, I know you don't think most guys are good enough for you..." he says. "But maybe once in a while, give one of them a chance." "Stop being immature!" Chelsea yells. "I just explained to you why we can't be together!" Before he can respond, a figure appears at the cave entrance, startling all of you. Looking up, you see it's an old woman, dressed in hunting gear and brandishing a shotgun. "Okay you three," she says. "Enough with all this racket. I saw you all as soon as you stepped foot on my property. Now are you gonna come in and warm up or not?" --- [[Follow the woman]]

9:30 pm --- Sitting down on the old woman's couch, she brings you a pot of tea and a plate of pastries. She places the shotgun up against her table opposite you. Sitting across from your trio, she begins to chuckle and shake her head. "So what's your story you three?" She says. "It's a goddamn miracle the wraith didn't get you. Ever since the accident in the mineshaft, people have been going missing around these woods. Of course the rangers didn't believe me. They want to kick me off the land and put me in a mental asylum. I'm the only one who knows the truth about these forsaken woods." "Uh...wraith?" Chelsea says. "What's that supposed to mean?" "Of course," the old woman says. "Where are my manners? My name is Greta, I consider myself the keeper of this forest." Ask about Greta about: [[The wraith]] | [[The accident]] | [[Missing people]] --- [[Continue]]

"Well, that's not its real name." She says. "That's just what I call it. I try to avoid speaking its name when possible because it supposedly makes one more vulnerable." "It's...an animal or something?" you say. "No no, not at all." She says. "The Wendigo is not any sort of animal. Some don't even think it's alive. It's a being that preys on the greedy and resentful. Those attributes can corrupt a human soul in these woods. It can turn one into one of those...things, a cannibalistic horror that roams the coldest forests." The others look skeptical but you lean in for further information. "So how are you safe in this house then?" you say. "Wouldn't a...Wendigo attack you here?" "Oh I highley doubt that." Greta replies. "My concious is clear. I burn old native incense that keeps the wicked spirits at bay. The only way I can truly be in danger is if one carrying the curse were to enter my home." "So...how does one kill this Wendigo?" Julian says. "Stop saying that name!" Greta says. "It's a cursed word that you throw around too lightly. Of course you city kids wouldn't know anything! You can only end the thing with fire. Firearms slow it down, but that's about it." [[Done]]

"Yes yes, terrible tragedy." Greta says. "It happened many years ago. A group of miners were doing what they normally did. Except for one day, they had dug one too many times and the cave collapsed in. Those that weren't killed were trapped in the mineshaft for weeks." "For weeks?" Chelsea says. "Didn't anyone help them?" "Oh they tried." Greta says. "The cave was collapsed too badly. It took a great deal of effort for any rescue party to make it to the survivor." "The survivor?" You say. "One guy made it? How did he survive for all those weeks?" Greta's face goes dark. She seems to be contemplating her next words. "No one knows for sure but I have a pretty good idea." She says. "When they found him, he was delirious and talking about how much his feet burned. He was talking about how hungry he was. When they asked how he managed to survive all that time without food, he refused to tell them. All they found in the coming days were pieces of human spinal cord scattered about the cave." "Isn't it obvious what happened then?" You say. "The police seemed to think so." Greta replies. "They were holding him at the local ranger tower for questioning but he got out one night. They searched and searched the forest but never found him. Son of a bitch probably went back to the cave to hide out." [[Done]]

"Plenty of missing people over the years." Greta says. "Hikers and such. They all think it's a good idea to come hiking in the remote parts of the park. Especially campers, the wraith rarely comes out during the day." "What about the bears?" Chelsea says. "Doesn't the bear population cause most of these...dissapearences?" "Ha!" Greta laughs. "There hasn't been bear around these parts for decades! They all moved South to different areas of the park. What you people think are bear attacks is something much worse. All those maulings, shreddings, and fatalities are idiots who don't read warning signs and travel into dangerous areas. The wraith looks for any opportunity to feast." "Don't the rangers know what's going on?" You say. "Oh some have their suspicions." Greta says. "But what else would maul a human other than a bear or wolf? No one wants to believe the senile old woman living in the woods." [[Done]]

(goto:"Inside")

10:00 pm --- The three of you contemplate Greta's words carefully. "So if this...thing is roaming the woods at night," you say. "Then how come we're not dead?" "That did cross my mind..." Greta says. "I assume it's because it's roaming the other side of the lake by the ranger tower. There tends to be more animals that way." "But we heard things in the cave!" Chelsea says. "And we saw a dead animal earlier!" "Then how..." Greta begins. Suddenly she shoots up from her chair. "You there boy!" she points to Julian. "What the hell's wrong with you!" You turn to see Julian curled in a ball besides you. He's shaking back and forth, moaning. "My whole body feels like it's on fire..." he groans. "Did I get bit by something? What's going on?" "Heavens almighty." Greta says. "The spirit's latched onto him. What the hell did you do out there?" "Nothing!" Chelsea says. "What is going on? What's happening to him?" "I told you!" Greta says, picking up Julian. "You stupid kids did something you're not supposed to and now we're all in trouble!" "Don't hurt him!" Chelsea yells. "We'll call the police!" "Dumb girl," Gret says. "Of course I'm not gonna hurt him. But if you don't help me, he's as good as dead." Standing up, the three of you head for the door, unsure of what Greta's intentions are. --- [[Follow Greta]]

**Tower** 10:00 pm --- You and Chelsea climb the stairs of the tower. At the summit, you see there's no one in sight. The two of you enter the office to escape the wind. Once inside, it appears that this particular tower hasn't been used very often. The walls and floor is decaying and bits of the roof are coming off. "He's not here..." Chelsea says, dissapointed. "I don't understand what's wrong with him. It's not like I can lie to him about how I feel. I know he's hurt over our...realtionship, but I really didn't see any other way to handle it. I'm ready to move on, but you two wanted to bring me out here to mess with me." You give her a warm embrace. Somewhere outside, the wind picks up even more. "Chelsea," you say. "I seriously didn't mean for it to go down like this. You two have been annoying the hell out of me lately with the constant hostility. It didn't get better on its own so I honestly thought a weekend outting would help." "Look!" she says. "There's a headset and radio. Probably for the park rangers! We have to contact somebody, I rally am starting to worry." Looking up, you see she's right. The table indeed holds a radio, old but usable. You run over to the radio set and turn it on. Now which frequency works? [[Channel 5]] | [[Channel 72]] | [[Channel 8]] | [[Channel 22]] ---

All you hear is static. No one's answering. [[Again]]

10:15 pm --- You switch to Channel 8 and hear the gargled talking of someone of the other end. "Hello?" You say. "Can anyone hear me?" "**...hear you.**" A voice says. "**I...you.**" "Hello! Hello!" You say again. "I'm at the Northern Bridge of Belrose National park! I have a friend missing! We need help now!" "**...breaking up.**" The voice says. "**Belrose park?**" "Yes!" you shout. "The northern ridge! I need help!" "**anyone hurt...**" the voice says. "**..ow many people?**" "There's a blizzard and one of my friends got lost." You say. "How soon can you be out here?" "**too stormy...helicopter**" the voice says. "**...until storm lets up. Stay...ere you are. Sending...on foot.**" The radio chatter suddenly ceases. Looking outside, you think the storm has let up a bit but its hard to tell. "Whoever that was said we should stay here I think." Chelsea says. Agreeing, the two of you sit down on the wooden floor and try to make small talk. You can tell, however, that Chelsea is distracted. You've been friends with her for too long to know that she's terrified. Before you can say something, however, the glass on the leftside window shatters. Screaming, the two of you jump back. Something big moves outside the shattered window. The only thing you see for certain is the antlers of whatever's outside. "What the fuck is that!" Chelsea screams. Without thinking, you get to your feet, grab Chelsea's hand, and head towards the door. --- [[Run]]

All you hear is static. No one's answering. [[Again]]

(goto:"Tower")

All you hear is static. No one's answering. [[Again]]

10:30 pm --- Practically dragging Chelsea, the two of you rush down the metal stairs of the tower. Whatever's behind you is also clammering down the stairs but at a slower pace. Reaching the ground, you and Chelsea dash off across the snow covered landscape back towards the lake. Whatever was behind you seems to be much more interested in Chelsea. The creature tears and slashes at your legs. As you're running, you realize that you're beginning to outrun Chelsea, who's not as good of an athlete as you are. You think that if you fight the animal for a few good seconds, Chelsea will undoubtedly be able to get away. You know that your next decision tests your morality versus survival. --- [[Fight beast]] | [[Leave Chelsea]]

**Outside** 10:15 pm --- You and Chelsea are right on Greta's heels. She carries Julian's shaking body in her arms, trying to keep him warm with a blanket. "Where are we going?" you ask. Greta doesn't respond but your question's answered quickly enough, she's heading toward the mineshaft. Chelsea grabs your arm as the two of you try to keep up. "But isn't the...beast roaming around out here?" you say. "No no, you don't understand." Greta says. "The wendigo spirit can only attach itself to one soul at a time. Whatever's weighing on your friend's concious, it made him vulnerable enough for the wendigo to pass over from its previous host." None of this makes sense to you but it's clear Julian is in tremendous pain. Right now, this old woman appears to be your only option. Upon reaching the mouth of the cave, you notice that Greta veers off down a small cavern that you hadn't noticed your first time through. It's barely big enough for you to pass through, being the largest figure out of the entire party. --- [[Keep following]]

**Mineshaft** 10:30 pm --- After what feels like hours, the small cavern path opens to a circular chamber. It's naturally formed but somehow still feels artificial. Greta goes to the center and places Julian on the ground. He appears limp at this point, drifting in an lut out of conciousness. "Good lord," Greta says. "His body feels like it's burning up. We have to hurry!" "What are we going to do?" Chelsea asks. Without responding, Great draws a great knife from her belt and begins to etch a circle around Julian's body. You're not very familiar with rituals but it looks like this is one. Then, she draws blood from Julian's hand and smears it on the ground. "Wait what are you doing?" Chelsea says. "You're fucking crazy! He just has frostbite or something! You're hurting him!" "I'm not hurting him!" Greta says. "I just need to remove some parts for the ritual. It requires sacrifice." "You old hag!" Chelsea screams. "You're fucking crazy." Chelsea turns to you for help. What else can you do? Julian is your friend. --- [[Attack Greta]]

10:45 pm --- You lunge at Greta, knocking the knife out of her hand. She screeches as you pin her on the ground. She's not very big compared to you, so this is fairly easy. "Now tell us really what's wrong with our friend!" Chelsea demands. "Take us back to your house and let us use a phone or something!" "Nooo!" Greta screams. "You don't understand you stupid kids! He's turning!" Before you can respond, however, Chelsea lets out a great scream. You turn to see Julian's body is convulsing, his skin has turned a mushy grey and his limbs are stretching and expanding. His face is masked with blood and two sets of antlers are portruding through his skull. He's screaming in agony but there's little you can do. Then you notice his screams become muffled as his face contorts and expands into a snout. Razor-like teeth and a snake-like tounge has sprouted from where his human jaw once formed. You let go of Greta and jump back in horror. What was once your friend clearly no longer exists. Without warning, the beast lunges at you but reaches Greta first. Its great claws dig into the old woman's shoulders and rip both limbs clean off. She screams in agony and begs for help but you and Chelsea stare stunned. The beast opens its jaws and begins to tear into the woman's chest. It snaps through rib and tears at innards. Greta is feebly kicking with her legs but it doesn't do much. You can see she's struggling to stay concious as the monster takes a chunk out of her neck. Snapped out of your frozen-state, you grab Chelsea's arm and begin to run. --- [[Run away]]

(goto:"Inside")

11:00 pm --- You and Chelsea tear down the small cavern back to the entrance of the cave. "Whay do we do now?" she says. "Where do we go?" The way you see it, you have two options. You could either go back to Greta's house and risk running through the open snow, or you could run through the maze of caverns to try and make it back to your campsite. "Hurry up!" Chelsea yells. "We might be able to lose it in the caves!" --- [[Caves]] | [[Greta's house]]

11:00 pm --- You grab Chelsea's hand and run into the cave. If you remember correctly, it seemed that both passageways met up at the same place. Now that you're coming from the opposite side, the paths would be reversed. Was there something on one of the paths that would distract the beast? You don't have much time to think, you can hear the terrible screeching behind you and the pattering of hooves. --- [[Left path]] | [[Right path]]

**Outside** 11:00 pm --- Without thinking, you chose to run out into the open towards Greta's house. Chelsea is right beside you, running as fast as she can. You know the shotgun is still in the house, ready and loaded. The clumps of snow make it hard for you to run but you push through, filled with pure adrenaline. You're about fifty yards from the house when you're tackled from behind. You recieve a facefull of snow and feel sharp claws dig into your spine. You try to move but realize the sheer might of the animal makes it impossible to even breathe. You lift your head to scream at Chelsea to run just as the creature opens its jaws around your head. The searing pain of teeth in your temples is followed by prayers that it will all end soon. --- (text-colour:red)[The end]

11:00 pm --- You tear down the left-side path with Chelsea right behind you. You come across the body of an animal, which you pick a piece of up from the ground. Looking back, you see the creature is gaining on you. You throw the chunk of flesh back behind you. For a moment, the wendigo stops and rips its claws into the piece of meat. It's just enough time for you and Chelsea to reach the mouth of the mineshaft. You remember the way this time. Rushing out into the snowdrift, you help Chelsea up the small cliff onto the trail. The two of you run faster than you've ever run down the path. Glancing back, you realize that the beast is no longer chasing you. For a split secondou can see the shadowy outline of the creature at the mouth of the cave. A terrible howl pierces the night as you and Chelsea make out the outlines of your campsite. --- [[camp]]

11:00 pm --- You tear down the right-side path with Chelsea right beside you. Looking around, there's nothing to distract the beast with. The momentary pause allows Chelsea to get ahead of you just barely. You see the mouth of the cave but before you can run out, you're tackled to the ground. You recieve a facefull of gravel and feel sharp claws dig into your spine. You try to move but realize the sheer might of the animal makes it impossible to even breathe. You lift your head to scream at Chelsea to run just as the creature opens its jaws around your head. The searing pain of teeth in your temples is followed by prayers that it will all end soon. --- (text-colour:red)[The end]

**Campsite** 11:30 pm --- The two of you reach the campsite but don't stop for long. You turn to see Chelsea is crying but you can't be bothered to comfort her at this time. You grab your essentials and make your way down the small path back towards your car. You have just enough strength to haul Chelsea with you, knowing that you'll need all the help you can get in the nearest town. --- [[Car]]

12:00 am --- The two of you silently enter your truck. Chelsea is still crying but try to ignore it the best you can. starting up the car, you hear the terrible howl once again. This time, it seems further away but it still shakes you to your core. Somewhere out there, your friend Julian is in trouble, and one day you'll go to rescue him. Back in town, the first place you go is the police station. A detective sits down with you in an interrogation room to ask you questions. Chelsea is hauled away into another room. Over the next few hours, you recount the details of the entire night. The detective asks you to recount the story multiple times, end to beginning and beginning to end. It's obvious he's skeptical but agrees to send officers out to the campsite first thing in the morning. For now, you anc Chelsea have had a brush with supernatural forces and have lived to tell abou it. --- (text-colour:green)[The end]

10:30 pm --- You whirl around the face the monster. You realize that is stands around 7 feet tall. It has the head of a stag's skull and great antlers portrude from the top. Despite it's tall size, the animal's form is skinny and decayed. It looks lanky but also has tufts of fur patched around the greying skin. You take a giant swing at the stomach which does little. In the distance, you can hear Chelsea scream but you yell at her to run. The beast throws you on your back and digs its claws into yout face. You can feel your jaw being torn off as you try to scream. The blood drowns your body and you can see the monster devouring the torn pieces of your face. As you drift out of conciousness, you recognize your sacrifice has allowed your best friend to get away. --- (text-colour:red)[The end]

10:30 pm --- Thinking of your own survival, you push your legs until you can't even feel them. Out of the corner of your eye, you see Chelsea get thrown to the ground. She's screaming for you to help her but you just keep running. Her shrieks and cries are echoing in your ears as you reach the lake. The snow has died down by now and you can see clearly. You don't dare to look back, however, as you can still hear the intertwined yells of human and beast. Still running, you're able to find the campsite and grab your car keys from your sleeping bag. As you do this, a strange feeling falls over you. You should feel bad for leaving Chelsea but for some reason, you don't. In fact, you almost find it kind of funny. She should have been a faster runner, then maybe you would have died instead of her. For a few moments, the brisk air seems to go away. You feel a fever-like sensation come over you. No time to think about that now, it's time to find your car and get out of here. --- [[car]]

11:00 pm --- As you reach the truck, you throw your remaining gear into the back seats. Only a few hours ago, those seats were occupied by your friends. It's strange how un-bothered you are by the nights whole ordeal. In your mind, it seems almost poetic that the two friends who couldn't stop bickering about each other, both must have met similar fates. As you drive down the dirt road back to civilization, you know that it's probably the best idea to find a police station. But that idea can wait as a sudden rush of hunger begins to fill you. Maybe there's a burger stop on the way. --- (text-colour:green)[The end?]