Blackwater Ridge
Lost Creek, Colorado
EXT. FOREST – NIGHT
Two tents are set up near a fire ring. Crickets chirp. Inside one tent, two YOUNG MEN, BRAD and GARY, are playing head-to-head handheld video games.
BRAD
Dude, you're cheating.
GARY
No, you just suck.
Something growls outside. In the other tent, a third YOUNG MAN, TOM COLLINS, records a video message on his cell phone.
TOM
Hey Haley, day six, we're still
out near Blackwater Ridge.
Something dark flicks behind the tent wall behind Tom, too fast to be identifiable as more than 'something dark'; the screen on Tom's phone, displaying the video as Tom records it, caught it.
TOM
We're fine, keeping safe, so
don't worry, okay? Talk to
you tomorrow.
Tom stops recording and sends the message.
Brad closes his game system and tosses it aside. Gary stares at his system for a moment, then turns to look at Brad, who is getting up and unzipping the tent.
GARY
Hey, where ya goin'? My moment
of victory.
BRAD
Nature calls.
Brad goes outside and zips up the tent behind him. He goes to stand against the tree to relieve himself. The fire crackles. Something snaps a stick. Brad looks towards the sound and sees the trees rustling. Brad shakes his head and returns his attention downward, then looks up sharply. Something growls.
Inside Tom's tent, Tom, who is reading Joseph Campbell's The Hero With A Thousand Faces, hears Brad scream. Inside Gary's tent, Gary hears the same and rolls over.
GARY
Brad?
Tom sits up.
TOM
Gary, what's goin' on?
Gary opens the tent and sticks his head out to look around. He sees nothing. Growling. He looks up. Something pulls Gary out of the tent. He screams.
Tom turns out the lantern he had on. Shadows move very quickly around the outside of Tom's tent. Tom looks around, his eyes following the shadows and growling. Silence falls. Something slashes open Tom's tent. Tom screams.
ACT ONE
Palo Alto, California
EXT. CEMETERY - DAY
Birds chirp. SAM, wearing a suit and tie and carrying a bouquet of various flowers excluding roses, walks through a cemetery.
Sam sighs and stops next to a gravestone. It reads "JESSICA LEE MOORE", "Beloved Daughter" "January 24th 1984 - November 2nd 2005". There is a small picture of a grinning Jess set into the stone above her name, a black-and-white picture of her leaning next to the stone between a white teddy bear and a wooden box with a crucifix leaning on the picture, a small American flag next to the box, and three candles standing on the gravestone; one is of the Virgin de Guadaulupe.
Sam looks between the gravestone and the flowers.
SAM
I, uh...
Sam laughs.
SAM
You always said roses were-
were lame, so I brought you...
uh...
Sam looks at the picture set into the gravestone, then looks away, choking back tears. He steps closer to the gravestone.
SAM
Jess... oh god...
Sam kneels to set down the flowers. He pauses, staring at the gravestone. It now reads "DEAN HENRY WINCHESTER", "Beloved Son and Brother", "January 24th 1979 - November 2nd 1993".
Sam drops the flowers in shock and recoils, paling.
BOBBY'S HOUSE
INT. BOBBY'S HOUSE, SAM'S ROOM - DAY
Sam jerks awake. It is the 10th of November, 2005. He is asleep in a GUEST ROOM, empty aside from a bed, a desk and a dresser.
Sam blinks and rubs his eyes. The cemetery visit is days behind them, if it ever occurred. He sits up and steadies himself, taking a look around the room and pressing a hand to his head. After a moment, he stands up and grabs his duffel from beside the bed, tossing it up onto the bed and unzipping it.
INT. BOBBY'S KITCHEN - DAY
ADAM is sitting at the table nursing a beer and flipping through JOHN'S JOURNAL. A mug is set down in front of him, presumably holding coffee; Adam looks up to see BOBBY SINGER, an old hunter friend of JOHN and MARY'S. He takes the beer from Adam.
BOBBY
Don't think you need to be
killing your liver yet, boy.
Drink some of that.
Bobby tilts the beer toward the mug.
BOBBY
(cont.)
You look half-dead, anyway.
At this point, Sam's getting
more sleep than you.
ADAM
Yeah. Well, he needs it.
BOBBY
(skeptically)
And you don't?
Adam stares at him for a moment, contemplating. He cracks a smile and leans back after a few seconds, reaching out and curling his fingers slowly around the handle of the mug. He sniffs at it, and makes a face, sighing. Definitely coffee.
ADAM
Thanks, Gramps.
BOBBY
Call me that again and I'll
wring your neck. You're welcome.
Adam smirks, taking a sip. Bobby sits down across from him.
BOBBY
(hesitating)
So how bad is he?
ADAM
Scale of one to ten? Eleven.
Adam swishes the coffee around in his mug and Bobby frowns, contemplating that. Adam sighs, tilting the cup toward him.
ADAM
I should have stayed here.
Bobby gives him a chiding look.
BOBBY
Adam.
ADAM
I'm serious. I shouldn't
have dragged him out on
this stupid wild goose
chase in the first place.
He's probably right and
Mom and Dad are just fine.
But he was out. He was happy.
He had a girlfriend, he was
getting a job. It's not fair.
Bobby sighs, raising his eyebrows slightly. Adam shrugs.
ADAM
Yeah. I know-
Bobby and Adam speak in unison.
ADAM and BOBBY
Life's not fair.
Adam smiles dryly and takes another sip. A ding is heard; Bobby stands up and walks over to the stove. Adam puts the mug down and peers inside, dipping his finger into it carefully. He winces slightly, but otherwise doesn't react. Steam rises and curls up around his hand. It's obviously hot.
BOBBY
Look, you can't go beatin'
yourself up about all of this.
It's the life. Sam knows that.
You know he doesn't blame you.
ADAM
(scoffing)
Of course he doesn't blame me.
It's Sam. He probably blames
himself more than he blames me.
Adam pulls his finger out of the mug and sticks it in his mouth for a few seconds, holding it there, then pulls it back out.
ADAM
I mean, I know it's not my
fault. Technically. I didn't
know this was going to happen,
I didn't kill Jessica. But I
still can't help but feel just
a teensy tiny bit responsible.
If I hadn't shown up, she'd
still be alive right now.
BOBBY
Of course you feel responsible.
Bobby scoops some scrambled eggs off of a frying pan.
BOBBY
Thus is the Winchester way.
I'm sure it's gone back for
generations upon generations;
you always find somethin' to
blame yourselves for somehow.
You still on that vegetarian
kick, or do you want bacon?
ADAM
Save the pigs. Also, that's
a little bit insulting.
BOBBY
It's the truth, ain't it?
Adam opens his mouth, then frowns and shuts it. Bobby puts two pieces of toast on the plate and turns away to hand it to Adam. He takes it, but not before giving Bobby a death glare.
ADAM
Thanks.
BOBBY
Don't mention it, idjit.
Bobby fixes himself a plate, consisting of eggs, bacon and toast, and takes his seat across from Adam at the table again.
BOBBY
Speakin' of wild goose chases,
about those coordinates...
ADAM
Right, yeah.
Adam taps the journal and slides it toward him, scooping up a forkful of eggs and taking a bite while Bobby reads it.
ADAM
Sam said those are coordinates
to Blackwater Ridge, Colorado.
Thing is at this point I can't
tell whether Dad left it for me
to keep me off their trail or not.
But knowing him, I don't really
expect to see their faces
when I actually get there.
Bobby grunts.
BOBBY
Real piece of work, your
old man, you know.
ADAM
You're telling me?
Bobby cracks a grin and Adam smirks back at him, looking amused.
BOBBY
So I guess that's where you
boys should be heading next.
But you ain't going alone.
Adam nods, understanding.
ADAM
Yeah, honestly, I... I
think it's a good idea, for
you to come along, I mean.
Like I said, he's not...
BOBBY
I know. Don't you worry
about all that nonsense,
your brother'll be just
fine. He's... (a pause)
Well, he's seen a lot worse.
I'll worry about Sam, you
worry about finding your folks.
Adam falters. He falls silent, poking the eggs around with his fork before stabbing it through one of the pieces of toast, ripping a piece off and grabbing it with his fingers to eat it. Bobby scans the journal again, sighing, and slides it back.
BOBBY
So have you talked to him
about this? Heading off?
ADAM
(shrugging)
What do you think?
Bobby grunts, picking his beer up and taking a sip.
ADAM
You know. I...
BOBBY
No.
ADAM
Okay, but hear me out-
BOBBY
Nope.
ADAM
You don't even know-
BOBBY
You're gonna say that
you can handle going off
on your own lookin' for
your parents by yourself
and I can stay here with
Sam to distract him from
the death of his girlfriend.
Adam looks up at him, frowns, and looks back down. Stabs the toast with his fork again, this time more forcefully.
ADAM
Hell, if they're even
there at all. And there's
a good chance that they're
not. I can go, take a look-
BOBBY
Adam. Not happening.
ADAM
I'm not a little kid!
BOBBY
(snorting)
You're sure as hell about
to throw a tantrum like one.
Adam pauses. He looks up again, eyebrows raised faintly, mouth open - then deflates, sighs, and sinks back in his chair again.
ADAM
(carefully)
I'm fourteen.
BOBBY
So was Dean.
Adam looks up without raising his head, then looks back down.
BOBBY
Look, son, I get it. I do.
You feel bad, don't wanna
put anything else on Sam's
shoulders when he's already
dealing with this. But you
wanna give him one less thing
to worry about? Don't go
gettin' yourself killed. The
last thing he needs right now
is to lose someone else.
Adam grimaces, sighs.
ADAM
... yeah. You're right.
Bobby nods and takes another sip of his beer, looking out the window. He glances back at Adam, arching an eyebrow.
BOBBY
Your brother better hurry
up and get him some breakfast,
though. Rumsfeld's eyeing
that bacon.
Adam turns to look; Bobby's DOG, RUMSFELD, has his front paws against the window and his nose pressed to the glass, his tongue sticking out of his mouth as he pants, looking toward the stove. Adam laughs, and snatches a piece of bacon from Bobby's plate.
BOBBY
Wh- hey-!
ADAM
Sorry. My lord commands it.
Adam finishes off his coffee and gets up, heading for the back door. He leaves just as Sam enters the kitchen from the hallway.
BOBBY
(under his breath)
That idjit.
SAM
What'd he do this time?
BOBBY
Feeding the dog bacon.
He won't even eat bacon,
but he's fine with giving
it to the dog. Of course.
Bobby shakes his head and looks up, studying Sam.
BOBBY
Mornin', Sleeping Beauty.
Breakfast's on the stove.
SAM
I'm not hungry, but-
BOBBY
Yeah, I figured as much.
Still, thought I'd ask.
Sam snorts and sits down, running his fingers through his hair. Bobby finishes off his beer and looks back out the window, watching Adam toss the piece of stolen bacon to Rumsfeld.
SAM
So I think we're gonna
go ahead and head off soon.
Bobby glances up, surprised.
SAM
(cont.)
To Colorado, I mean.
BOBBY
Great. I was just talking
to your brother about that.
Figured I'd come with you.
SAM
Oh, you don't have to...
BOBBY
Obviously. Just wanna give
your daddy a stern talking to
once we find the bastard.
Sam cracks a smile, tired.
SAM
... right.
Bobby looks back out the window.
BOBBY
... so, how are you holding
up, Sam?
SAM
I'm...
Sam hesitates, staring at him for a moment. He looks down just as Bobby glances back over at him, rubbing his face.
SAM
Hanging in there, I guess.
Just... trying to focus on
finding Mom and Dad. Y'know.
Bobby grimaces while Sam's not looking; neutral expression when Sam looks back up, reaching out to pick up the journal.
SAM
I'm gonna go get packed.
BOBBY
(snorting)
Get what packed?
Sam pauses. He shrugs, holding the journal up.
SAM
This. Few other things.
BOBBY
Be sure to pack up your
conversation-ditcher excuses
while you're at it. Not that
they're doing you any good.
Sam huffs out a laugh.
SAM
Right.
He leaves. Bobby stares after him, smile dropping to a frown.
HELL
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
DEAN, still possessing LUIS, follows another MAN down a long hallway lit with SKULL-SHAPED TORCHES. Dean stares at a statue as they pass, a DISTORTED FACE with DEVIL HORNS. He frowns.
MAN
Great Lucifer, it's been
forever. Feels that way...
Dean rolls his eyes. The man stops and turns to him, grinning. It's JOHN WINCHESTER - but he blinks, and his eyes turn white.
Dean leans his head back a bit, staring at him. ALASTAIR.
ALASTAIR
Doesn't it feel good to
be back home, Dean-o?
DEAN
Yes, sir.
Alastair gives him a toothy grin and turns away again, sweeping his gaze around. His eyes flick back to normal when he blinks again, continuing down the hall. Dean breathes in and follows.
ALASTAIR
So, Azazel tells me you've
been acting a little naughty.
Gotta say, I wasn't too happy
to hear about what you pulled
over that human girl... oh,
what's her name? Sammy's girl?
Dean opens his mouth, but thinks better of it, biting his tongue.
ALASTAIR
Jess! That's right. Darling
little Jessica. She was a
pretty one - shame we had
to kill her. But, orders
are orders, even for me.
Dean rolls his eyes again.
ALASTAIR
Now, then; your punishment.
DEAN
Let me guess, I have to
torture some poor, innocent
soul on the rack again. Or,
wait, no, I get back on it.
ALASTAIR
Well, don't give me any
ideas now, sweetheart.
Alastair opens a door and steps through. Dean follows.
DEAN
I'll admit, I had a... a
brief lapse in judgement.
That's all. Azazel was right,
I let my attachment to the-
ALASTAIR
But, that's the problem,
don't you see? The fact
that there was even an
attachment to begin with. I
didn't send you to Earth to
make friends. First with...
Alastair rolls his eyes, looking briefly disgusted.
ALASTAIR
That human girl, the one
you met in Minnesota. I'm
sure you remember her name,
don't you? Go on, tell me.
DEAN
(quietly)
Sir-
ALASTAIR
Now.
Dean winces. He comes to a stop as Alastair turns to face him again, a cold expression replacing his amused, cruel smirk.
DEAN
... Emily.
ALASTAIR
(croons)
Yes, Emily. Oh, you were
so caught up with her,
weren't you? Your first
night on Earth and you
choose to spend it with
a human. In bed, no less.
It's awful enough having
to interact with those
wretched creatures - but
to lie with one, Dean?
I was just ashamed.
DEAN
Emily wasn't-
Dean stops and bites his tongue, looking up at Alastair. He breathes in and looks away again, trailing his gaze around the room. They've entered ALASTAIR'S CHAMBER, an otherwise empty room be it not for the sharp tools and chains and hooks scattered around. Dean fixes his gaze on a twisted BLADE at his feet while Alastair rolls his eyes, suddenly looking amused.
ALASTAIR
That, right there. That is
what I need to beat out of
you. What I was hoping I
already had. After everything,
they continue to hold you back.
Alastair sighs. He walks to the other side of the room, looking over a display of SCALPELS, KNIVES, and other sharp objects.
ALASTAIR
Your weakness is humanity.
Dean breathes out slowly through his teeth, looking up.
DEAN
Alastair-
ALASTAIR
And you know how I feel
about weakness, Dean.
He picks up a scalpel. Dean stares at it, swallows. A flicker of fear enters his gaze; his pupils shrink just slightly, watching.
DEAN
I was wrong. I know that.
Please, Al- it won't happen
again, I promise. It won't.
I- I won't- I'll do whatever
you need me to do, whenever
you need me to do it. Don't...
ALASTAIR
Come here, Dean.
DEAN
(desperately)
Alastair, please.
ALASTAIR
Relax.
Alastair looks up and grins, flicking the scalpel in his direction. He doesn't let it go, but Dean still flinches.
ALASTAIR
I just wanna talk.
SAM'S TRUCK
INT. SAM'S TRUCK - DAY
Sam is driving down the road, with Bobby following behind in his truck. Adam sits beside Sam in the passenger seat with Sam's laptop opened in front of him, typing away with a frown.
ADAM
Man, this is weird. This
'Blackwater Ridge'. There's
nothing but woods.
He pulls up a webpage with a map, leaning forward a little.
ADAM
Of course he sends us to
the middle of freakin'
nowhere. This is just like...
Adam pauses and sighs, glancing at Sam, who hasn't looked away from the road. He looks back down at the laptop after a moment, then up at the road. They pass the sign that says "RANGER STATION Lost Creek Trail, Lost Creek Colorado National Forest".
Adam raises an eyebrow.
RANGER STATION
EXT. RANGER STATION - DAY
SAM (V.O.)
So Blackwater Ridge is
pretty remote.
INT. RANGER STATION - DAY
Sam and Bobby look at a 3D map of the national forest, paying particular attention to the ridge labeled 'BLACKWATER RIDGE'. Adam wanders around, looking at all the decorations.
SAM
It's cut off by these canyons
here, rough terrain, dense
forest, abandoned silver and
gold mines all over the place.
Adam looks over at them, but pauses when he hears growling; he turns to look at Rumsfeld. The dog is lying on the floor, whipping his tail back and forth. He seems calm at first, but his eyes are focused on a framed photo of a man standing behind a much larger bare, jaws clenched and throat rippling in low, quiet growls. Adam spares a look at the photo, walking over.
ADAM
Aw, it's okay, Rumsy.
He crouches down and pets the dog's head. Rumsfeld stops growling to press his head into Adam's hand.
ADAM
It's just a picture. I won't
let any bears get to you, buddy.
Bobby pauses and glances back at them, raising his eyebrows.
BOBBY
Is he even allowed in here?
ADAM
He's not hurting anybody, and
he's not destroying anything.
Rumsy's a good dog, aren't you?
Yes you are. (croons)
Rumsfeld wags his tail again, licking Adam's hand.
SAM
Well, he's not gonna like
Blackwater Ridge. There's
about a dozen or more grizzlies
in that area alone.
BOBBY
(grunting)
No nature hike, that's for sure.
ADAM
Hell, I don't know about that.
If I ever go hiking, I'd be
pretty damn disappointed if I
didn't see any bears around.
Adam scratches Rumsfeld's ears and stands up, watching a forest ranger, RANGER WILKINSON, approach them. Bobby and Sam whip around when he speaks, clearly startled by his appearance.
RANGER
You boys aren't planning on
going out near Blackwater Ridge
by any chance, now, are you?
Adam looks down at Rumsfeld, watching the dog put his head on his paws and yawn. He relaxes, looking back up at the ranger.
SAM
Uh, no sir. I'm an environmental
study major from UC Boulder,
just working on a paper.
RANGER
Bull.
Adam snorts. Sam's eyes flick to Bobby; he shrugs.
RANGER
You're friends with that
Haley girl, aren't you?
Adam pauses, considering that, and beams.
ADAM
Yeah, you caught us.
RANGER
Well, I will tell you
exactly what we told her.
Her brother filled out a
backcountry permit saying
he wouldn't be back from
Blackwater until the
twenty-fourth, so it's not
exactly a missing persons
now, is it?
Sam and Bobby exchange a glance while Adam contemplates that. He shakes his head at the ranger, who seems satisfied.
RANGER
Now you tell that girl
to quit worrying. I'm
sure her brother's fine.
ADAM
We will, Ranger... (a pause)
Wilkinson.
Adam smirks.
ADAM
Well, that Haley girl
is quite a pistol, huh?
The ranger snorts, chuckles.
RANGER
That's putting it mildly.
ADAM
Worried siblings, you know
how they get. My big bro
over here himself-
Adam gestures to Sam, who raises his eyebrows.
ADAM
-well, I'm sure if it were
me he'd be throwing a fit
right about now. But, you
know, maybe if we could see
that backcountry permit?
Maybe bring her a copy so
she can see her brother's
return date? It might help
put her a little more at ease.
The ranger eyes Adam. Adam just smiles.
EXT. RANGER STATION - DAY
Adam cackles, following Sam and Bobby out with Rumsfeld trotting at his heels. Adam holds up the paper, waving it like a flag.
ADAM
Victory is mine.
SAM
You're not cruising for
some kind of hookup, are
you? Because this girl's
a little too old for you.
Adam snorts.
ADAM
Ageism, but no. Whaddya mean?
Bobby opens the passenger door to his truck so Rumsfeld can hop in, shutting it behind him. Adam and Sam stop on either side of Sam's truck while Sam fiddles with his keys, frowning slightly.
SAM
The coordinates point to
Blackwater Ridge. I just
think we should go there
and find Mom and Dad- I mean,
why even talk to this girl?
ADAM
(dryly)
Gee, I don't know, Sam,
because her brother went
missing and maybe we should
know what we're walking into
before we go down there?
Besides, if this is where
Mom and Dad disappeared,
then you know something big's
going on. And isn't talking
to grieving people kind of
your thing, with the job?
Sam considers that for a moment, puffing his cheeks out. He sighs.
SAM
Yeah.
ADAM
Well, I did my job.
Adam smirks and gets in. Sam climbs in after a few seconds.
ADAM
Now you do yours, 'ranger'.
He hands the paper to Sam and buckles himself in. Sam's lips twitch slightly, glancing over at him, and he tucks the paper into the dashboard before buckling himself in and starting the truck.
COLLINS HOUSE
EXT. COLLINS HOUSE - DAY
Sam and Bobby are standing at the door to a house. The door opens to reveal HALEY COLLINS.
SAM
You must be Haley Collins.
I'm Sam, this is Bobby,
we're, uh, rangers with the
Park Service. Ranger Wilkinson
sent us over, he wanted us
to ask a few more questions
about your brother Tommy.
Haley hesitates.
HALEY
Let me see some ID.
Sam pulls out a fake ID with the name "Samuel Cole" and holds it up against the screen. Haley looks at it, then Sam, who smiles. Haley opens the door.
HALEY
Come on in.
SAM
Thanks.
MOTEL
INT. HALLWAY - DAY
Adam walks the length of a corridor with rooms on either side. Rumsfeld keeps pace with him, wagging his tail at people passing by on the way to their rooms. Adam smiles at a few people who stop to pet him, but remains silent, twirling a pack of cigarettes. He waits until they're alone again before he takes one out and puts it in his mouth, pulling out a small lighter.
Rumsfeld whines. Adam lights the cigarette.
ADAM
Don't worry, I won't get
lung cancer. Haven't been
doing this long enough.
He takes a puff and blows the smoke out, sighing. He reaches the room they'd rented earlier and pulls the key out, unlocking it.
ADAM
I think it's about time I
do a little bit of digging
on my own, huh? Maybe Sam
and Bobby will actually let
me come along on this one.
He opens the door. Rumsfeld bounds inside and Adam follows, shutting the door behind him. He takes another puff off the cigarette and walks forward, shrugging his duffel off of his shoulder and letting it drop onto one of the empty beds. Unzipping it, he pulls out John's journal and Sam's laptop.
COLLINS HOUSE
INT. KITCHEN - DAY
SAM
So if Tommy's not due back
for a while, how do you know
that something's wrong?
Haley comes back into the room with a bowl she places on the table. BEN COLLINS, sitting at the table with his laptop, briefly looks up at them, but turns back to his screen again.
HALEY
He checks in every day
by cell. His emails, photos,
stupid little videos- we
haven't heard anything in
over three days now.
BOBBY
Cell reception?
HALEY
He has a satellite phone.
BOBBY
Well, maybe he's just out
there having a little fun.
Forgot to check in.
BEN
No. Tommy wouldn't do that.
Sam glances at Ben. Ben looks away. Haley puts more food on the table.
HALEY
Our parents are gone. It's
just my two brothers and me.
We all keep pretty close
tabs on each other.
SAM
Can I see those pictures?
HALEY
Yeah.
On a laptop, Haley pulls up the photos.
HALEY
That's Tommy.
Haley clicks twice and another picture comes up, then the still frame opening the last video Tom sent.
TOM
We're fine, keeping safe, so
don't worry, okay? Talk to
you tomorrow.
Sam spots the shadow flicking past. He glances at Bobby, who offers a subtle nod in his direction, eyes on the screen.
BOBBY
Well, we'll find your brother.
We're heading out to Blackwater
Ridge first thing.
HALEY
Then maybe I'll see you there.
Sam shoots her a confused look. Haley sighs.
HALEY
Look, I can't just sit around
anymore waiting. That's my
brother out there. So I hired
a guy. I'm heading out in the
morning, and I'm gonna find
Tommy myself.
Sam's expression softens. He nods.
SAM
I think I know how you feel.
He glances at the laptop, pausing.
SAM
Hey, do you mind forwarding
these to me?
HALEY
Sure.
MOTEL
INT. MOTEL ROOM - NIGHT
Adam's still flipping through John's journal and scrolling through the laptop. He's sitting next to the giant glass window leading to the balcony now, cracked open to let the smoke go through. There's a cigarette in an ashtray, lit but untouched.
He reaches for his phone when it starts ringing, flipping it open and answering as he clicks on another tab.
ADAM
Hey, Sasquatch. Figure out
anything useful yet?
SAM
(over the phone)
Well, you were right. Something
weird definitely is going on.
Haley showed us a video that
Tommy sent her a few days ago,
there's a shadow in the background.
ADAM
Tale of the killer shadows...
Adam smirks, and clicks on something else.
ADAM
Well, I figured something out,
myself. Apparently two people
went missing just this April.
And Blackwater Ridge doesn't
exactly get a lot of traffic.
SAM
(over the phone)
You've been researching?
ADAM
Yeah, a little. It's pretty
cool, the kinds of things
you can figure out just by
doing a quick internet search.
And, hey, get this - in 1982,
eight different people all
vanished in the same year.
Authorities said it was a
grizzly attack. But then...
Adam scrolls down a little.
ADAM
It was the same thing in
1959. And again, in 1936.
Every twenty-three years,
just like clockwork. (a pause)
But enough about that. Tell me
about that shadow thing.
Sam chuckles, and sighs.
SAM
(over the phone)
You're pretty invested in
all of this, aren't you?
ADAM
Uh, no shit, Sherlock.
SAM
(over the phone)
I'll forward the video to
you. We're on our way back.
ADAM
Oh, no you're not. I got
once more thing you're
gonna wanna stay out for.
SAM
(over the phone)
What?
ADAM
Remember those 'grizzly
attacks' in '59? Well,
one camper survived it.
Just a kid. Barely made
it out of the woods alive.
A pause. Adam picks the cigarette up, takes a puff.
SAM
(over the phone)
... you got a name?
SHAW HOUSE
INT. HOUSE - NIGHT
An old man, MR. SHAW, talks to Sam and Bobby while leading them inside his house. Shaw has a cigarette in his mouth.
SHAW
Look, rangers, I don't know
why you're asking me about
this. It's public record. I
was a kid. My parents got
mauled by a-
BOBBY
(interrupting)
A grizzly? That's what
attacked them?
Shaw takes a puff of his cigarette, takes it out, and nods.
BOBBY
And the other people that
went missing that year,
those bear attacks too?
(a pause) What about all
the people that went missing
this year? Same thing?
Shaw looks at him, narrows his eyes, and looks away again. He takes a longer drag from the cigarette, frowning.
SAM
(gently)
If we knew what we were
dealing with, we could stop it.
Shaw scoffs.
SHAW
I seriously doubt that.
Anyways, I don't see the
point. You wouldn't believe
me if I told you anyway.
Nobody ever did.
Shaw sits down. Sam exchanges a look with Bobby, then sits down across from Shaw, his expression sympathetic, gentle.
SAM
Mr. Shaw, what did you see?
Shaw pauses.
SHAW
Nothing. It moved too fast
to see. It hid too well. I
heard it, though. A roar.
Like... no man or animal
I've ever heard before.
SAM
It came at night?
Shaw nods.
SAM
Got inside your tent?
SHAW
Got inside my cabin.
Sam blinks. Bobby steps forward and frowns, listening.
SHAW
I was sleeping at the
fireplace when it came in.
It didn't smash a window
or break the door. It unlocked
it. Do you know of a bear that
could do something like that?
I didn't even wake up 'til I
heard my parents screaming.
SAM
It killed them?
SHAW
Dragged them off into the night.
Shaw shakes his head.
SHAW
Why it left me alive...
I've been asking myself that
ever since...
A pause. Shaw's hands go to his collar.
SHAW
It did leave me this, though.
Shaw opens his collar to reveal three long scars. Claw marks. Sam and Bobby look at them, then exchange another glance.
SHAW
There's something evil in
those woods. It was some
sort of demon.
MOTEL
EXT. PARKING LOT - NIGHT
Sam and Bobby pull up in their trucks, getting out. Sam walks around to the back of his truck and grabs his duffel bag.
BOBBY
Spirits and demons don't
have to unlock doors.
SAM
Nope. Whatever we're dealing
with, it's corporeal. What
are you thinking?
Sam opens the duffel, putting a few guns in.
BOBBY
The claws, the speed that
it moves... could be a
skinwalker, or a black dog.
Don't really matter, honestly.
Whatever it is, it's corporeal.
Which means we can kill it.
SAM
Yeah.
Sam sifts through a few more weapons, stuffing them inside. Bobby leans against the side of the truck, contemplating.
BOBBY
Sam. We can't let that
girl go out there.
SAM
We can't exactly stop
her, Bobby. I mean, her
brother's missing. I
wouldn't want to just
sit by and do nothing.
BOBBY
No, but this is dangerous.
And she's not an experienced
hunter, you are. Something
goes wrong out there, it's
more than just her brother
on the line.
Sam sighs and frowns, pausing for a moment. He shakes his head.
SAM
We'll stay together.
Bobby grunts.
BOBBY
And what about Adam?
SAM
What about him?
BOBBY
Come on, Sam, you know
what. Kid's been working
his ass off trying to
impress you. Either that
or he's just trying to
take some of the load off.
Whatever it is, you know
he's gonna ask to come along.
Sam stops and looks over at him, frowning.
SAM
You think I should let him.
BOBBY
Hey, we're letting an
inexperienced girl come
along. Might as well bring
your brother. He knows the
dangers and he knows what's
going on is serious. And...
Bobby glances toward the motel, making a face.
BOBBY
If I'm honest, boy, I'm
more worried about what
trouble that idjit'll get
into if we leave him alone.
Sam sighs, relents.
SAM
Fine. But if anything
happens to him, Bobby...
BOBBY
I know, Sam. (a pause)
Like you said, we'll
stay together. It'll be fine.
Sam grunts, zipping up his duffel and shrugging it over his shoulder. He covers the rest of the weapons up again and turns away.
BOBBY
... so, you doing alright?
SAM
Fine. Just wanna get this
over with and find Mom and
Dad. Bobby, I think...
Bobby looks up at him, listening.
SAM
... that demon that...
that Dean made his deal
with, I think it's the
thing that... that killed...
Bobby grimaces.
SAM
But Mom knows more about
it than I do, and- and
if we can't find them...
or if they're...
BOBBY
Alright, now, none of
that nonsense. Your
folks are fine, boy.
Sam shakes his head.
SAM
You don't know that for
sure, though, Bobby.
BOBBY
Sure I do.
Bobby snorts.
BOBBY
John and Mary Winchester?
They're too stubborn to die.
Sam snorts. After a moment, though, he cracks a tiny smile.
SAM
Yeah. Maybe.
FOREST
EXT. FOREST - DAY
A MAN, ROY, talks to Haley (who is wearing shorts) and Ben while checking a shotgun. They're all carrying full backpacks.
ROY
I'll tell you again. I
don't think Ben should
come along.
HALEY
Roy-
ROY
Look, you're paying me
good money to keep you
safe. All I'm saying is
that Ben's safer at home.
Sam and Bobby's trucks pull up. Roy, Haley and Ben stare. Haley shakes her head. Sam and Adam get out of Sam's truck and Bobby climbs out of his own, stepping aside to let Rumsfeld out.
SAM
Room for three more?
ADAM
Ah, ah. Four.
Adam crouches down and scratches Rumsfeld behind the ears.
HALEY
(skeptically)
Wait, you wanna come
with us?
ROY
Who are these guys?
HALEY
Apparently this is all the
park service could muster
up for the search and rescue.
Adam glances up and quirks an eyebrow.
ADAM
Mrrrowr. Feisty.
Haley looks taken aback; Sam groans, quietly, and shoulders his duffel, turning and walking past them while shaking his head.
ROY
You're rangers?
BOBBY
That's right.
ROY
Uh huh. And who's the kid?
Adam straightens up, watching Rumsfeld run ahead after Sam. He flashes a grin at Roy and turns, grabbing his duffel from the truck.
ADAM
Not a park ranger, but
a fiddle of gold against
your soul says I'm better
than you.
Adam hefts his bag over his shoulder and follows Sam. Roy stares.
ROY
What, you think this is
funny? It's dangerous back
country out there. Her
brother could be hurt.
ADAM
Oh my god. I never even
considered that. That's
why we're going into
the woods with weapons!
I thought we were just
gonna be hunting you
guys for sport!
ROY
Alright, listen here, you-
SAM
Okay, enough.
Sam turns back, shooting Adam a look. Adam shrugs, smirking, and slows to a stop, glancing over his shoulder. Sam looks up.
SAM
Believe me, we know how
dangerous this can be.
We just wanna help them
find their brother, that's
all.
Sam turns and walks off again. Adam grins at Roy, then turns and follows. Bobby heads after them, shaking his head slightly. Roy narrows his eyes.
ROY
Freakin' kid...
HALEY
Oh, give him a break. He's
spunky. I kinda like him.
Haley follows them with Ben in tow. Roy grunts, and follows.
MINE
INT. MINE - DAY
A mine shaft lets in light. Tom and Gary are hanging by their wrists from the ceiling. There are assorted corpses with them.
Growling.
Gary spots a tall skinny shape and starts yelling. Tom does his best to turn away and does close his eyes tightly as Gary yells.
ACT TWO
FOREST
EXT. FOREST - DAY
The group hikes through the forest, Roy in the lead, then Sam and Bobby, then Ben, with Haley, Adam and Rumsfeld bringing up the rear.
BOBBY
So, Roy, you said you did
a little bit of hunting.
ROY
Yeah, more than a little.
BOBBY
Mhm. What kind of furry
little critters did you hunt?
ROY
Mostly buck, sometimes bear.
Adam makes a face, patting Rumsfeld's head.
ADAM
Yogi and Bambi ever hunt
you back? (quieter) Ass...
Sam grabs Roy suddenly, halting him.
ROY
Hey, what the h-
Sam grabs a stick and pokes the bear trap Roy had almost stepped in. Haley looks annoyed and worried, watching them.
SAM
Watch where you're stepping.
Sam lets go and keeps walking. Roy shakes himself and follows. Adam smirks slightly as they hike on. Haley falls into step with him again, hanging back slightly and watching the other ahead.
HALEY
You didn't pack any provisions,
you're carrying duffel bags -
they're not really rangers.
Adam glances over, then looks ahead, thinking.
HALEY
So who the hell are you guys?
Adam sighs. He offers her a dry smile and raises his eyebrows, then inclines his head toward Sam.
ADAM
Sam and I are brothers, and
we're looking for our parents.
Bobby's an old family friend,
he's helping us out. Our parents
might be here, they might
not, we don't really know.
We just figured that we're
all in the same boat, so we
might as well go in together.
HALEY
(irritated)
And they couldn't just tell
me all of this from the start?
ADAM
Lying's kind of in the job
description. I don't like to
lie if I can help it, really,
only if it's necessary.
Adam pauses, glancing over at her.
ADAM
You seem like a nice person.
You deserve to know the truth.
Haley stays silent for a moment, then offers a small smile.
HALEY
Thanks.
ADAM
Yeah, no problem.
He pauses, glancing ahead, and steps closer to her as they walk, leaning in and lowering his voice slightly.
ADAM
And, trust me, we have
all the provisions we need
right here in these duffels.
He pulls away and grins, then heads forward to catch up with Sam and Bobby with Rumsfeld beside him. Haley waits a moment before following.
LATER
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Roy leads the way, followed by Sam, Bobby, Adam, Rumsfeld, Ben, and Haley.
ROY
This is it. Blackwater Ridge.
Sam heads past Roy.
SAM
What coordinates are we at?
ROY pulls out a GPS, which reads N 35o 45.383, W 111o 00.55.
ROY
Thirty-five and minus
one-eleven.
Bobby comes up to Sam. They listen.
BOBBY
You hear that?
SAM
Yeah. Nothing but crickets.
ROY
I'm gonna go take a look
around.
ADAM
Oh. Stupid. Splitting up
in a forest knowing there's
some kind of killer animal
on the loose. Go ahead, Roy.
SAM
What he means is-
Sam shoots Adam a pointed look. Roy glares.
SAM
(cont.)
You shouldn't go off
by yourself.
ROY
That's sweet. Don't worry
about me. Just watch your
own backs. Rangers.
Roy waves his gun and pushes between Sam and Bobby to retake the lead. Adam rolls his eyes and glances back as Ben and Haley catch up to them, stooping down to pat Rumsfeld's head.
BOBBY
Alright. Well, everyone else,
who actually have a brain cell,
stays together. Let's go.
CAMPSITE
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Sam, Bobby, Adam, Ben and Haley are looking around near a large rock. Rumsfeld is lying nearby, head on his paws.
ROY
Haley! Over here!
Haley runs toward Roy's voice, followed by the others. They come to a halt.
HALEY
Oh my god.
The tents are torn open and bloody and all the supplies are scattered. Sam steps forward, looking around.
ROY
Looks like a grizzly.
Adam shakes his head. Rumsfeld comes up beside him, tucking his tail between his legs with a whimper. Adam pets his head carefully as Sam and Bobby look around, assessing the damage.
HALEY
Tommy?
Haley takes off her backpack and goes through the campsite.
HALEY
Tommy!
Adam moves to catch up with Haley. Rumsfeld follows.
ADAM
Shh.
HALEY
Tommy!
ADAM
Shhhhh!
HALEY
Why?!
ADAM
Something might still be
out there. We need to be
quiet and careful. C'mon.
They head back to the others. Sam and Bobby are crouched near the ground. Adam leaves Haley to go to them, looking around.
ADAM
You find anything?
SAM
Their bodies were dragged
from the campsite. But here,
the tracks just vanish.
Sam stands up, grimacing.
BOBBY
I'll tell you what, that's
no skinwalker or blackdog.
Adam makes a face, looking at the ground for a moment, then turns and makes his way back to the campsite. Haley picks up Tom's CELL PHONE; it's bloody. Haley cries. She turns the phone over and the back is open. Adam crouches next to her.
ADAM
He could still be alive.
Haley looks up at him. He nods.
ADAM
No body. Blood is to be
expected. We don't really
know what we're dealing with
here, whether it just dragged
him off and kept him somewhere
or whether maybe he got away.
He could still be alive.
HALEY
What kind of animal...?
Adam looks at her. She stares back for a moment and sniffles, shuddering as she takes a breath.
HALEY
... what are we dealing
with here, Adam? What the
hell is going on?
ADAM
I don't know. (quieter)
But I will tell you with
certainty, Haley, that it
is not an animal.
SOMEONE
Help! Help me!
Adam looks up and pushes himself to stand, alarmed. Sam whips around and takes off with Bobby in tow. The others follow.
SOMEONE
Help! Somebody!
They find no one.
HALEY
It sounded like it was
coming from around here,
didn't it?
They listen. Adam shakes his head in disbelief, realizing it.
SAM
Back to camp.
Back at the campsite, all the supplies are missing.
HALEY
Our gear!
ADAM
(impressed)
It's smart. It wants to
cut us off so we can't
call for help.
ROY
(disbelieving)
You mean someone, some
nutjob out there stole
our gear.
ADAM
No. I mean something out
there just stole your gear.
Adam shrugs his duffel off of his shoulder. He never put the bag down. He smirks at Roy as he unzips it.
ADAM
Because you were stupid
enough to leave it behind.
Roy glares at him.
ROY
And what kind of creature
could have pulled that off?
Adam ignores him. He pulls out John's journal and flips it to a specific page as Sam comes up beside him. Sam reaches out and stops him on one of the pages and points to a First Nations-style drawing of a figure. Adam traces the claws with a nail and grins, suddenly looking excited.
SAM
(mumbling)
Of course.
ROY
What?
Adam hands the journal to Bobby for him to look at, glancing up.
SAM
Nothing. We need to go,
things just got a lot
more complicated.
HALEY
What?!
ROY
Kid, don't worry. Whatever's
out there, I think I can
handle it.
Sam finally looks irritated. Adam watches him as he takes a step closer to Roy, furrowing his eyebrows.
SAM
It's not me I'm worried
about. If you shoot it
with that thing, you're
just gonna make it mad.
We have to leave. Now.
ROY
One, you're talking nonsense.
Two, you're in no position
to be giving anybody orders.
Sam's starting to look angry. Bobby glances up.
BOBBY
Alright, relax.
SAM
No. Bobby, we should have
never let them come out
here in the first place.
Sam turns back to Roy, looking frustrated.
SAM
I'm trying to protect you.
ROY
(laughing)
You protect me? I was hunting
these woods when your mommy
was kissing you goodnight.
SAM
Yeah? It's a damn near perfect
hunter. It's smarter than you,
and it's gonna hunt you down
and eat you alive unless we
get your stupid, sorry ass
out of here and back to safety.
Adam looks startled, staring at Sam.
ROY
You know you sound crazy, right?
SAM
Yeah? You ever hunt a wen-
BOBBY
(warningly)
Sam.
HALEY
Roy!
Bobby makes his way over to Sam. Sam backs down, looking embarrassed, but still frustrated. Adam watches him, silent.
BOBBY
Calm down.
HALEY
Stop. Stop it. Everybody just
stop for a second, alright?
Look. Tommy might still be
alive. And I'm not leaving
here without him. That's it.
A long pause. Adam finally looks away from Sam, nodding at Haley.
ADAM
It's getting late. This thing
is a good hunter during the day,
but it's an unbelievable hunter
at night. We'll never beat it,
not in the dark. We need to
settle in, stay close, and
protect ourselves. And each other.
Haley nods.
HALEY
So how do we do that?
Adam grins.
ADAM
Fire.
ACT THREE
CAMPSITE
EXT. FOREST - NIGHT
The group has built a campfire, and Bobby draws something in the dirt around the campsite while Haley pokes at the fire. Adam sits with Rumsfeld at his feet, gently stroking the dog's head.
HALEY
So one more time, those are...
BOBBY
Anasazi symbols. It's for
protection. The wendigo
can't cross over them.
Roy laughs, gun over his shoulder. Adam rolls his eyes.
ADAM
Nobody likes a skeptic, Roy.
Haley shakes her head in disbelief, looking up at Adam.
HALEY
How are you so calm about
all of this? I mean, I...
wendigos? Monsters? This...
ADAM
It's kind of our thing.
Adam picks up a stick and pokes the fire with it.
ADAM
Sam and Bobby hunt these
things for a living. I'm
not allowed to join in
too much, but, uh...
well, recently, I've-
Adam glances at Bobby, waiting for him to get a little further.
ADAM
(cont.)
I've been doing a few odd
jobs myself now and again.
I told you our parents are
missing? They're usually gone
doing this kinda stuff all
the time. Sometimes I stay
with Bobby. And sometimes I
get wind of an interesting
case, tell him that Mom and
Dad want me to catch a ride
to wherever they are, and go
take care of it by myself.
HALEY
By yourself? You're...
ADAM
Fourteen.
Adam looks up at her, raises an eyebrow.
ADAM
But this- what we do, I
love it. I need to do it.
HALEY
(disbelief)
Why? Why don't you just
go be a kid, go live a life?
ADAM
A lot of people ask me that.
But the thing is, I do live
a life. My life. I go to school,
I've got friends. Hunting isn't
everything. But it's something.
They fall silent for a moment. Adam catches the end of the stick on fire and tosses it in completely after a moment.
HALEY
(quietly)
How do you stand it? Knowing
that these things are out there?
Hurting people, killing people?
ADAM
Because I know that because I
know, I can stop it. And maybe
on the way I can get a few
more people to help me do it.
Adam looks over at Bobby again, then Sam, who is sitting at the edge of the campsite.
ADAM
I told you lying's part of
the gig, but knowledge is
power, right? The more people
know, the more we don't have
to protect them. They can
protect themselves. And I
think- as much as it might
suck- that knowing is better
than not knowing. Which is
why I don't walk away from
a hunt without making sure
that I'm walking away from
people who know so that they
don't get their throats or
hearts ripped out as soon
as I leave the damn country.
HALEY
Yeah.
Haley sighs.
HALEY
Knowing sucks.
ADAM
Dying's worse.
Adam gets up and goes over to where Sam is. Rumsfeld lifts his head and whines after him, but he stays put. Adam sits down.
ADAM
Hey. You wanna tell me what's
going on in that head of yours?
Sam sighs, shaking his head.
SAM
Adam-
ADAM
Hey, I'm not taking no for
an answer. Actually, I'm not
even asking. You're not okay.
You're like a ticking time
bomb. This isn't like you.
Sam peers up at him through his lashes. Adam raises an eyebrow.
ADAM
(cont.)
I'm supposed to be the
belligerent one, remember?
Sam, I'm not equipped to be
the voice of reason here.
A pause.
SAM
They're not here. I mean,
they would have left a- a
message, a sign, right?
ADAM
Yeah, maybe. Truth be told,
Sam, I don't think they've
ever been to Lost Creek.
SAM
So we're here for nothing.
ADAM
Not for nothing.
Adam inclines his head toward Haley and Ben. Sam looks over.
ADAM
For them. For all the poor
bastards that this thing
mauled. For all the poor
bastards it'll maul in the
future if we don't stop it.
Nothing we ever do, or ever
done, has been for nothing.
SAM
Dad sent us here on a hunt.
And I can't... I can't even
focus on this. On them. I
can't focus on anything except
finding the damn thing that
killed Jessica. It's not...
ADAM
Sam, I promise you we'll
find them. And I will kick
Dad's ass to hell and back.
But you can't do this to
yourself. It'll destroy you.
Sam looks down, nods.
SAM
I just wanna get it over with.
ADAM
Hey, I know. I'm on your side.
But for now we need to keep moving.
A twig snaps. Adam turns his head as Rumsfeld jumps to his paws.
WENDIGO
Help me! Please!
ADAM
Stay!
Rumsfeld snarls and growls, staring toward the sound, but he doesn't move. Sam grabs his gun and gets up. Adam stands and makes his way back over to the fire, glancing around.
WENDIGO
Help!
Sam shines a flashlight around. Bobby readies his gun.
BOBBY
Damn thing's trying to
draw us out. Stay put.
ROY
Inside the magic circle?
ADAM
(distractedly)
Careful, Roy. He'll shoot you.
WENDIGO
Help! Help me!
Growling, not Rumsfeld. Rumsfeld howls.
ADAM
Hush, boy.
Rumsfeld stops. The growling continues. Roy aims his gun toward the sound and frowns, looking uncertain for a second.
ROY
That's no grizzly.
Adam scoffs. Haley talks to Ben.
HALEY
Hey, it's okay. You'll
be okay. It's okay.
Something rushes past. Haley shrieks. Adam grabs his duffel and puts John's journal away, sifting through his things.
SAM
It's here.
Roy shoots at the rustling, then again.
ROY
I hit it!
Roy goes to see what he hit. Adam drops his stuff, alarmed.
ADAM
Roy, you idiot! No!
SAM
Nobody move-
Haley's holding a stick, burning at one end, as a weapon. Adam looks at her, then grabs another stick and lights one end of it.
ADAM
Rumsy!
Adam follows Roy. Rumsfeld darts after him, snarling again.
SAM
Adam! Hey!
Sam and Bobby follow.
ROY
It's over here! In the tree!
The WENDIGO reaches down from the tree and snaps Roy's neck. It pulls him up; he disappears just as Adam gets there.
ADAM
Roy! Shit-!
Adam skids to a stop. He grabs Rumsfeld's collar to stop him as Sam and Bobby come up behind him, shining the flashlight around.
ADAM
(quietly)
Baaaad news...
ACT FOUR
CAMPSITE
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Adam is sitting near the tents with Haley and Ben, holding John's journal. He plays with a lanyard attached to the journal.
BEN
So Roy's dead?
ADAM
I'm pretty sure, yeah. I
think I saw it snap his
neck before it took him.
(a pause) But, hell, he
could be alive. I don't
know. It was dark.
Adam twirls the lanyard around his finger, looking over at Ben.
BEN
Do you think Tommy's dead?
ADAM
I think there's a damn good
chance that he isn't. See...
Adam glances back down at the journal, pauses. He makes a face. Ben leans forward a little, looking worried.
BEN
What?
ADAM
You're not gonna like this.
BEN
Tell me. Please.
Adam looks up at him, holds his gaze for a second. He softens.
ADAM
Well, wendigos know how to
last long winters without food.
It hibernates for years at a
time, but when it's awake, it-
it stores food kind of like a
squirrel collecting acorns.
That way it can feed whenever
it wants. So if Tommy's alive,
it's keeping him somewhere dark,
hidden, but safe. So what we
need to do is track it back there.
HALEY
And then how do we stop it?
ADAM
Fire. Knives are useless and
guns piss them off. That's
probably why it killed Roy
instead of just taking him.
Ben ducks his head and closes his eyes, looking dismayed. Adam watches him for a moment, then nudges him with the journal.
ADAM
If your brother's alive, we'll
get to him. I've got an idea.
BEN
Yeah?
ADAM
We don't have anything here
to use. I've got a lighter with
me, but chances are if I've
gotta get close enough to use
it I'm as good as dead anyway.
Adam pauses. He looks toward Rumsfeld, who's curled up beside Sam's leg while the hunter scratches his head, talking to Bobby.
ADAM
Right now, we're hunting that
thing, and it's hunting us.
BEN
(carefully)
So what are you thinking?
Adam turns back to them. He smirks.
ADAM
'The opportunity of defeating
the enemy is provided by the
enemy himself'. We need to find
it; we need to figure out where
it's keeping your brother and
the rest of our supplies; we
need to find its hideout.
Adam lets the lanyard dangle again, pulling his duffel closer and tucking the journal away. Haley and Ben exchanged a look.
ADAM
'In the midst of chaos, there
is also opportunity'.
BEN
The Art of War.
Adam looks pleased.
ADAM
You've read it?
Ben's lips twitch into a small smile.
BEN
Yeah.
ADAM
Awesome. That's awesome. So
then you know what I'm thinking.
BEN
Yeah. (a pause) I wanna help.
Adam pauses. He looks at him for a moment, tilting his head, then turns toward Haley. She looks confused, but uneasy.
HALEY
What are you thinking?
ADAM
We need to get close. Let
it take us back to wherever
it's holding Tommy, maybe
Roy, and the supplies.
HALEY
What if it kills you?
ADAM
We haven't pissed it off.
Haley still looks uncertain.
ADAM
(cont.)
Besides...
He looks back toward Rumsfeld, and grins at Haley.
ADAM
(cont.)
We won't be gone long.
HALEY
I don't think Ben should...
BEN
I want to. I wanna help.
Adam looks contemplative. He stares at Rumsfeld, tilting his head slightly, then ducks his head and narrows his eyes.
ADAM
I'm gonna be on a timer. Sam
and Bobby would never let me
go through with this, so I
can't just go off and tell
them what I'm trying to do.
Adam glances at Ben.
ADAM
She's right. You should stay.
BEN
Are you sure?
ADAM
Yeah. Tell you what, once
I head off, give it about...
Adam shuffles through his stuff and pulls a watch out. He holds it out and Ben takes it, looking down.
ADAM
Ten minutes. Should give
the thing enough time to nab
me and take me back to its
place. If things go as planned
then Rumsy should be able to
track my scent and point you
guys in the right direction.
HALEY
Are you sure you'll be okay?
You're-
ADAM
Trust me. This isn't the
first time I've had to dangle
myself in front of a monster.
BEN
(irritated)
I still want to...
ADAM
I've got a better job for you.
Adam stands up, dropping his duffel in front of Ben's feet. Ben looks down at it, then back up at him, raising his eyebrows.
ADAM
(cont.)
Guard my stuff. And when it's
time, make sure Rumsy doesn't
get himself hurt. I'm gonna
need you guys to make sure
he stays near Sam and Bobby.
Ben nods.
BEN
Be careful.
Adam winks at him. Ben smiles slightly, flustered.
ADAM
Always.
FOREST
EXT. FOREST - DAY
Adam walks through the forest, in the direction Roy had run off in. He twirls his lighter in one hand, a cigarette in his mouth. He's following a trail of trees with claw marks and blood.
He takes a puff of the cigarette and stops to put it out on one of the trees, dropping it and kicking up some dirt over it.
ADAM
(sarcastically)
Golly, I'm so glad these
tracks are so easy to follow.
A drop of blood falls onto his shirt. He looks down at it.
ADAM
... that's... nice.
He looks up, eyes widening, and jumps back. Roy's corpse lands where he'd been standing under the tree. He winces.
ADAM
Ohhhh, you poor, innocent
asshole. I'm so sorry...
Adam steps forward and crouches down, examining him. His head is twisted at an odd angle; broken. Adam sighs, genuinely upset.
ADAM
You didn't deserve this.
He closes Roy's eyes. Growling. Adam narrows his eyes.
ADAM
(mumbling)
I'll be back for you.
He stands up, twirling the lighter. He looks around, then turns toward the growling. It stops, then starts again, closer now.
Adam walks toward it. His hands shake slightly.
ADAM
(loudly)
Where are you, you freak?
Huh? Come out and face me,
motherfucker. You want
some of this? (a pause)
Come on. I'm all alone.
The wendigo drops down from a tree, standing in front of him; Adam jumps and gasps, flinching back slightly in surprise.
ADAM
(quieter)
Damn. Damn, okay. Okay.
This is fine. Good.
He steadies himself, glaring at the wendigo.
ADAM
You're one ugly bastard.
The wendigo growls. Adam lifts the lighter and flicks it on; the wendigo snarls and steps back. Adam waves the lighter, taunting.
ADAM
What? Awh, are you scared?
Don't worry, buddy.
Adam flicks the lighter off and drops it.
SAM (O.S.)
Adam! ADAM!
The wendigo growls. Adam spreads his arms out and smiles. His hands are still shaking, but he steps forward.
ADAM
All yours, freakazoid.
ACT FIVE
FOREST
EXT. FOREST - DAY, LATER
Sam, Bobby, Haley and Ben are walking through the forest. Rumsfeld trots along beside Sam, hackles raised and growling. Ben has Adam's duffel over his shoulder and is holding his lighter, twirling it.
SAM
Dammit. Dammit! I knew we
shouldn't have let him come!
Bobby looks guilty, but he shakes his head.
BOBBY
Well, I didn't think the
boy would use himself as bait.
SAM
I know. I-
Sam cuts off, sighing. He scowls.
SAM
Dammit, Adam...
BEN
I think he'll be okay. He
seemed to know what he was-
SAM
He's fourteen.
Ben and Haley share an uncomfortable look. Everyone pauses when Rumsfeld suddenly barks and runs forward past one of the trees, sniffing at the ground. He takes off.
BOBBY
What in the- Rumsfeld!
Ben lights up.
BEN
He's following Adam's scent!
Come on!
They follow Rumsfeld. They come to a mine entrance marked with a sign that says "WARNING! DANGER! DO NOT ENTER EXTREMELY TOXIC MATERIAL!" Rumsfeld starts to go inside, but Bobby grabs his collar as Sam, Haley and Ben come up behind him, wide-eyed.
Rumsfeld growls.
BOBBY
Hush. Shh.
BEN
We'll stay out here with
Rumsfeld. You guys go.
Sam and Bobby exchange a glance.
HALEY
Go.
They nod.
SAM
If it comes, yell. And run.
Ben and Haley nod. Bobby and Sam exchange another glance, then pull out their flashlights and turn away, walking inside. Above the entrance is a sign that reads "KEEP OUT NO ADMITTANCE"
MINE
INT. MINE - DAY
Sam and Bobby shine the flashlights ahead of them. Growling; they shut off their lights and flatten themselves against the wall. The wendigo comes toward them. They keep quiet, exchanging a glance. The wendigo takes a different turn at the crossing. Sam and Bobby keep going. The floorboards creak and Sam and Bobby fall through the floor; they land in a pile of bones. There is another pile nearby of skulls.
ADAM (O.S.)
(strained)
About time.
Sam looks up; Adam is hanging by his wrists from the ceiling. There are claw marks across his face, down his jaw to his neck.
SAM
Adam! Oh my god, Adam-
Sam scrambles to his feet and rushes over to him. Bobby gets up and walks over to Tom, who is still hanging a few feet away.
SAM
Are you okay?
ADAM
I'm fine. Get me down, would'ja?
He tugs on the ropes. Sam reaches up to cut him down as Bobby checks Tom's pulse; Tom's head jerks up and Bobby jumps, then exhales sharply and starts cutting him down.
BOBBY
Alright, take it easy.
You're alright.
Sam helps Adam over to an empty patch of floor and gets him sat down, checking the claw marks. Bobby helps Tom over.
ADAM
Where is the bastard?
SAM
He's gone for now. Are
you sure you're alright?
ADAM
Dude, I'm great. Hey.
He nods toward the pile of stolen supplies in the corner. Bobby drags them over and picks up flare guns, looking up at Sam.
SAM
Flare guns. Those'll work.
Adam gets to his feet, wincing.
ADAM
Let's get outta here.
They head down the tunnel, Sam in the lead with a flare gun and Bobby supporting Tom, who is limping. Adam is also limping. They hear growling.
ADAM
Chowtime...
BOBBY
Balls. We'll never outrun
the damned thing.
Adam shakes his head. He stops walking and loops an arm around Tom's torso to steady him, taking him from Bobby.
ADAM
We don't need to. We need
to stay together and keep
going. If we see the thing,
you guys shoot it down.
They keep going. Bobby brings up the back with Sam in the lead. Growling; Sam points his gun at it, then lowers it.
SAM
Get them out of here.
BOBBY
Sam-
SAM
Now.
Adam looks at Sam. He grimaces, nods at Bobby. Bobby curses under his breath and leads Adam and Tom along the mine tunnel.
Sam holds his gun ready to shoot, looking down the tunnel.
SAM
Come on. Come on.
EXT. MINE - DAY
Ben is still twirling Adam's lighter. Haley is pacing. Rumsfeld stands at attention, facing the mine. He howls; Ben and Haley whirl around. Ben tucks the lighter away and tugs him back.
BEN
Shh- shh-
Adam appears at the entrance with Tom. Haley gasps.
HALEY and BEN
Tommy!
Haley rushes forward to take Tom. Adam limps forward and takes his duffel from Ben. Ben looks up at him, wide-eyed.
BEN
Oh my god- are you okay?
ADAM
Peachy.
Adam looks back as Haley helps Tom sit down, then looks down. Rumsfeld has grabbed his sleeve between his jaws, tugging him to sit; Adam braces himself against a rock, sitting down slowly.
ADAM
Heya, boy. You found me.
Rumsfeld licks his hand as Ben rushes over to Haley and Tom.
BEN
Tom? Tom? Are you okay?
TOM
(raspy)
Ben...
Haley sobs, hugging him. Adam goes through his duffel and pulls out a bottle of water, handing it to Ben. He takes it.
BEN
Here. Here, drink this.
He uncaps the water, helping Tom drink it.
HALEY
Where's Bobby and Sam?
ADAM
Sam stayed behind. Bobby
went back in to help him.
HALEY
(worried)
Is it in there?
ADAM
Yeah. (a pause) Don't
worry. I think they have
it handled.
INT. MINE - DAY
Sam turns down a tunnel; the wendigo is right in his face. Sam shoots and misses, and takes off back the way he came.
SAM
Shit, shit, shit, shit-
He turns down another tunnel and stops. Dead end.
SAM
Shit.
Sam whirls around. The wendigo appears; Sam braces himself. The wendigo approaches, taking its time and growling.
BOBBY (O.S.)
Hey, freakshow!
The wendigo turns. Bobby shoots it in the stomach. The flare goes off and the wendigo goes up in flames. Sam groans in relief and sinks back against the wall, looking up at him.
SAM
(breathless)
Not bad, Bobby.
Bobby huffs out a laugh.
EPILOGUE
EXT. RANGER STATION - NIGHT
An ambulance loads up Tom. Two POLICE OFFICERS interview Haley; Sam and Bobby stand behind Haley.
OFFICER
And the bear came back again
after you yelled at it?
HALEY
Yeah. That's when it circled
the campsite. It was big-
maybe eight hundred, nine
hundred pounds or so.
Sam and Bobby nod.
OFFICER
Alright. We'll go after it
first thing.
Ben talks to Adam, who has already been patched up.
BEN
I, uh- I don't... really
know how to thank you.
Adam huffs out a laugh.
ADAM
No thanks necessary.
BEN
You put your life on the
line to save my brother.
ADAM
I took a calculated risk.
BEN
Well, still. What you did
was really... really brave.
I won't forget it.
Adam smiles slightly at him, leaning back against Sam's truck.
BEN
Oh! I also have...
Ben digs around in his pockets and pulls out Adam's lighter, wrapped in a small strip of paper. He hands it over. Adam takes it and unravels the paper with a grin; Ben's phone number is written across it.
BEN
... give me a call sometime.
ADAM
Oh, you bet I will.
Adam smirks at him and Ben grins back. Haley calls out for Ben, following a PARAMEDIC to the ambulance.
HALEY
Ben! We're leaving!
Ben glances over, then turns back to Adam. Adam smiles.
ADAM
See you around.
Ben nods, blushes. He steps forward and kisses Adam's cheek, the unscarred one, and pulls back with a shy smile. Adam grins.
BEN
Good luck finding your
Mom and Dad, Adam.
Adam nods, smiles. Ben heads after Haley, nodding at Sam and Bobby. Adam looks down at his lighter, pocketing it and the paper.
BEN
Thanks, guys.
Ben and Haley climb into the ambulance with Tom, who is shirtless and bandaged. Adam watches until the doors close, and looks up when Sam and Bobby walk back over to him, smiling.
ADAM
(cheerfully)
What a day, huh?
Sam smacks the back of his head, lightly. Adam winces.
SAM
If you ever do anything that
stupid again, I will kill you.
ADAM
Okay, yeah, alright.
SAM
With that being said...
Sam's expression softens, sighing.
SAM
You were pretty great out
there. You're a good hunter.
Adam stifles a smile, nodding. He grins to himself when Sam turns back to Bobby, and slips away, walking over to Bobby's truck. Rumsfeld pokes his head out the window.
BOBBY (O.S.)
So, where you headed...
Their voices fade out. Adam pets Rumsfeld's head, scratching him behind the ears. Rumsfeld leans into it, whining slightly.
ADAM
You did pretty great out
there yourself, Rumsy. You
and me, we both make pretty
good hunters, now, don't we?
Adam takes his head in his hands and presses a kiss to his nose.
SAM (O.S.)
Adam, you coming?
ADAM
Yep.
Adam pulls back.
ADAM
See you later, boy.
He walks back over to Sam's truck, walking around. They get in at the same time, closing their doors almost in sync.
SAM
Oh, one more thing.
Sam holds his hand out. Adam blinks.
SAM
Cigarettes.
Adam pauses.
SAM
Hand 'em over.
Adam stares at him for a moment, then sighs and digs in his pocket for the cigarettes, handing them over. Sam takes them and tucks them away, shaking his head slightly.
ADAM
Buzzkill.
SAM
Yep.
Sam starts the truck. Adam smirks, looking out the window.
ADAM
... hey, Sam?
SAM
Mhm?
ADAM
You know we're gonna find
Mom and Dad, right?
SAM
I know.
Sam backs out of their parking space.
SAM
But until then, we keep moving.
He drives off.