Disclaimer: Craig Bartlett is the creator and he and Nickelodeon have the rights of the show.


3. The lady on blue

The third day came quickly. Just like the previous days, the bells woke everyone up as soon as the sun had risen on the horizon.

- Damn it... another day without real food! - Harold yelled, earning a shower of pillows from his companions.

Gerald decided to go ahead to the bathroom to start his morning routine of combing, but upon arrival, he noticed how all his companions left the cabin silently.

- Hmm, this doesn't look good...

Suddenly, a snort appeared behind the brunet's left shoulder and made him turn in great surprise.

- Hello. - Said the boy after a couple of breaths.

- Oh damn Brainy, bro you almost scared me to death! Now I understand Helga a bit. - He turned back to the mirror to continue his hard work, but his partner took the spray from his hand.

- We must leave. - He took a breath once more to finish the sentence. - Surprise activity.

- Oh no! The rumors were true, let's go before it's too late!

The boys went up for their team bandanas and tried to get out without attracting the attention of their roommates, who were still somewhat occupied with the young Berman drama, almost going unnoticed, if it weren't for Eugene.

- Hi guys! Why do they enter so stealthily? - Said the redhead with one of his big smiles.

- They must want to use the bathroom because... - But suddenly, Sid understood everything... - It's brand day! I repeat, brand day, it is not a drill!

All the males in the cabin changed as quickly as possible, some even leaving half-dressed.

They hurriedly stumbled down the stairs, until they arrived and joined the rest of their team.

- And done, finally we are all! - Connie made fun of the young campers.

- I love the day of the brand... It brings back bad, horrible memories. - Henry added. - It's more fun when you're not a camper.

- Good morning students! - Miss Meyer suddenly appeared, in her hand was the table with leaves that would define the fate of the teams. - According to the timer... the last team to reach the garden was...

The atmosphere was filled with tension, everyone was terrified to hear the result, until the teacher finally declared.

- The blue team...

Following the announcement, the other two teams celebrated their victory.

- It's not fair Meyer! - Helga spoke. - The yellow team is incomplete. Curly did not return after the race yesterday.

- It's true!- Gerald supported his best friend.

- It's not fair Miss Meyer, Curly is nuts, he could be in Vegas right now. - Harold complained.

- I'm afraid that Mr. Berman is correct Pataki, he is already out of his team, therefore, that team is complete and his team has lost, therefore, the blue team will be in charge of the toilet and kitchen cleaning. The others, to the lake!

The teacher smiled with satisfaction, an act that did not go unnoticed by the girl with the pink bow.

- I'm sorry angel, I'll see you later. - Arnold said goodbye to his furious girlfriend and walked with the others.

- I can't believe that we lost! We were the only ones who knew about the brand day tradition! - Gerald complained.

- I'm not going to wash anything at all, it doesn't go with my style.

- Oh calm down Rhonda, I thought you learned a thing or two last year at the cafeteria.

- Oh yes Helga, I learned that it is really hard work, and that it is definitely not for me.

- Well, if it's not for the lady imitation clothes, let alone for me, Angela Santana doesn't wash dishes and much less latrines, I don't even know what that is... Come on Penny, to the kitchen!

- But Angela, I...

- I said to the kitchen! - The girl snapped her fingers and her friend followed her, resigned.

- What a nightmare! Imagine that your best friend treats you like a slave! - Helga bellowed, then Gerald's intense gaze made her look up.

- Does it sound familiar to you?

- Those were different times Geraldo, Phoebe and I have changed and matured. Well let's start with breakfast, before the stupid "I make the rules I want" teacher comes over. I don't know what he has against me.


The yellow and red teams enjoyed swimming in the lake, especially enjoying the idea of not having homework for a day. Even though it was a beautiful day, Arnold could feel a strange feeling in his chest…it was like a bad feeling. Suddenly, he saw some bushes moving. The boy decided to stand up and approach slowly, to his surprise, he found the teacher Meyer on her knees, picking up some rare blue flowers, and putting them in a basket.

- Shortman! What are you doing here? - She asked scared.

- Nothing teacher... it's just that I heard noises and I wanted to make sure it wasn't Curly.

- Don't worry, I just was making a... bouquet, yes a bouquet of flowers, now come back to your team or I'll send you to clean.

The strange woman brushed off her hands and walked into the depth of the forest.

-Arnold? Everything 's fine? - Connie's sweet voice that suddenly appeared scared the young Shortman again.

- O Connie! Why do they all come out of nowhere today? You scared me.

- I'm sorry, but you know the rules, you shouldn't be separated from the team and your leader, but don't worry, I won't tell Erika anything. - The girl winked at him and showed him the way to return.

Arnold followed her in silence, but for some strange reason, the image of the teacher's basket did not disappear from his mind... A blue candle, some strange stones and those flowers that he was collecting.

- Ready young Shortman, back with your team!

- Thanks Connie, I'll see you later.

The boy forced a smile and sat down on the edge of the lake.


All the guys were sitting, enjoying the delicious dinner that the losing team had prepared with annoyance and served it with the same feeling.

- Hey Helga... Could you serve me more? This is really good!

- Hurry up Sid, you're behind the line and I want to get out of here now! - Helga threw the burger on her partner's plate, and he almost ran away.

- Oh Arnold, friend, good luck taming your beast.- The boy with the big nose said as he went to the table with his friends. Arnold sighed and stood up, lined up and when he got to his girlfriend, he greeted her with a sarcastic smile.

- Hard day, huh?

- I'm not in the mood for your football head sarcasm. It was a hot day, I'm exhausted and I smell grease.

- Oh really? Because even then you look beautiful. - He smiled mischievously.

- Oh criminy Arnoldo, let's go sit down with the guys before he starts to hyperventilate.

- What you what?

Helga took his arm and dragged him to the table where Gerald was eating alone, looking sad and lost in thought.

- Is everything okay Gerald?

- I don't see Pheebs around here, that's part of the problem, right? - Said the blonde taking a seat next to Arnold and in front of the brunette.

- She's the problem. He's been avoiding me all day, and now he's just with those girls.

Stunned, the young couple looked at Phoebe as she sat chatting with Angela and Penny, though the latter only nodded to what her friend said.

- I have to admit bro, you're absolutely right. She hasn't spoken to me either... and I'm her best friend forever! Here's a cat locked up!

- Guys, what if it's just a phase? You know, new school, new friends, being popular.

- I don't know Arnie, I could expect that from the other girls, but my girl isn't like that... that's one of the reasons why I like her so much.

- Guys, I think...

- Let us guess it Arnoldo, the best thing would be...

- Let's talk to her . - Said his friends at the same time, imitating his voice.

- Well, no... I was going to suggest something else!

- Really? Come on Football Head, surprise us...

- Well... I... Well, yes, I was going to say that.

- Predictable. - His girlfriend made fun of him.

- Well I do have another idea, we should follow her. Maybe that will make us see what's got her so weird. - The brunette said, looking toward his girl with concern.

- See Arnold? That's a good idea and before you question us with your inflexible ethic, I think we should do it... I have kind of a bad feeling.

- Okay, fine, I guess we'll have a few hours off until...

- Guys, campers, attention please! - Connie cleared her throat in the middle of the large dining hall, drawing the attention of all the teenagers. - Now it's my turn to present the activity I designed myself! - She smiled proudly.

- It doesn't involve cleaning anything this time or fishing, does it? - Stinky asked with trepidation.

- Not this time. What we are going to do is a competition! "The three-legged treasure hunt"! - The young woman presented proudly as the others looked on curiously.

- The what of what? - Harold asked, confused.

- I'll explain it to you guys, it'll be great! The teams will be divided into two groups of three people, they will have to answer riddles that will lead them to the treasure, which is a prize, plus a day off from chores and points for their team.

A cheerful murmur of young people filled the dining room and quickly Mrs. Meyers stood next to the captain.

- Excuse me, according to my math, we now have 20 students, how will the teams be formed?

- That's right! But I know! we will have three judges, the first one, we will be the three captains and the other two, the students who wish to go out voluntarily? That way we will be evenly matched.

At that very moment, the hands of Helga, Gerald, Phoebe, Arnold were raised almost instantly.

- What enthusiasm you guys! I chose Phoebe and Helga!

- Sorry Constance. - interrupted the teacher. - I think you'd better just take Heyerdahl and pick one of the boys.

- I see, gender equity! Perfect, then Arnold, join us!

- Damn it! That stupid teacher ruined everything! - Helga bellowed in annoyance.

- It's all up to you my man! Please... take care of Phoebe...

- Don't worry Gerald, I'll be with her and Connie all the time. - Smiled the blond, trying to calm down his best friend.

- I know, I know I can trust you. - Gerald sighed.

- All right guys, form into teams to start dividing them up. - Henri called his troop with his whistle.

Arnold, Gerald and Helga gave each other one last knowing look and split up ready to take care of their friend.

- You are late Pataki!- Her leader said.

- I know, Barret. Be thankful I'm here... - The girl rolled her eyes in annoyance, as her leader tried to ignore her.

- Well Pataki. - Said the boy emphasizing the girl's last name so she would notice he played along. - Since you have so much energy and desire to fight, you'll work with Gerald and Penny.

Both friends smiled in complicity, finally something was going well.

All the trios, already tied up with their respective classmates, walked to the starting point of the race, where each leader would give them the first clue, they all hurried to go, and to dodge Eugene, who had thrown Rudy and Harold to the ground at least four times.

- This guy will kill us before we find the first clue! - Harold shouted in complete desperation.

- Well... Let's get going. -Said Erika, placing herself in front of the campers and next to her fellow jurors. - Everyone has the first clue, if they get it right, that will lead them to the other two, the first one to arrive with the treasure wins. You will be able to turn your clue in 3...2...1... Now! - The sound of the whistle alerted the teens, who began to murmur among themselves. Some began to try to run in a hurry, while Arnold watched everything from above, watching as the sun set and a strange reddish color tinged the sky.

- Everything alright Arnold? You look a little... pale. - Pointed out their leader.

- Yes Connie, everything is fine, I think it's just that I had dinner too fast.

- If you get sick, let me know and I'll take you to the Nursing.

- Thank you, I don't think it will be necessary. - She smiled sweetly, trying to hide her concern.

- Perfect! Let's keep an eye on your classmates.

Like his friends, the blond saw something strange in his friend, he didn't know her as well as Gerald and Helga, but he recognized something in the girl's look... that managed to disconcert him. In addition to the discomfort caused by his thoughts, he noticed that Miss Meyer, who seconds before was behind him, had disappeared.

- I think I'll have to be more alert with her.

A few feet away, Helga and Gerald were muttering things, which young Penny couldn't understand.

- Could I have said something to upset her?

- No Gerald, she didn't say anything to me, and believe me, when you've upset her, she always tells me.

- Guys... - Said her new companion timidly. - I don't know what you're talking about but... the competition has already started. Shouldn't we read the clues?

- We should at least pretend. - Replied the brunette. - It says: "Even if you see me here now, I will soon help you enter, resistant I am not, but as Abies know me better" ... I don't understand a word of this stuff.

- I least of all.

- Oh my gosh guys! It's the fir tree, it's not hardy, they make door with them and shamelessly put their name on there.

- Well, well sister, let's go then. And then we attend to our business.

Both boys started to walk away, when Helga stood still in her place. Watching in the distance as her friend was led by someone she didn't recognize, in the opposite direction.

- Mmm, Helga, to move, we must all move.

But the blonde continued without saying a word.

- Is she all right? I don't think she even heard you.

- Gerald... Phoebe... she's gone. - She said with her voice trembling, pointing to the empty place where her friend should be.

- What! But we haven't moved for a second!

- Someone took her... but I didn't see who was with her, I only saw that the guy was taller.

- We must follow them!

The boys tried to walk as fast as their bound feet would allow, even Penny joined their struggle without quite understanding what was going on.

- Guys, aren't you going the wrong way? - Eugene's familiar voice caught their attention.

- There's no time, we have to catch up with Phoebe. - Helga said, stifling her cry of concern. - She went that way.

- Really? How strange, that area of the forest is closed, we mustn't go in there.

- Yes? And why? - Gerald began to feel terror.

- I don't know if it's just a coincidence, but it's the area of the legend we were talking about, but I don't think it's real. - Said the red-haired man seeing how the terror took over the boys' faces.

Armed with courage, Gerald dragged them to the front where Arnold was, watching them crawl towards him.

- What's the matter, guys?

- Where's Phoebe? - Gerald was beyond frustrated, a wave of panic swept over him.

- She's about to... - The green-eyed man turned only to find that the girl was gone, only the leaders, who were watching their teammates. - She was here a second ago.

- I have no doubt now... she is in danger. - Gerald said, almost in shock.

- We'd better follow her. - With that said, the boy bent down to free his girlfriend, his friend and his frightened companion, but no matter how hard he pulled on the rope, it would not budge. - It's too tight. - He said with effort.

- We'd better go like this, it's better than losing sight of her. - the blonde declared. - Gerald, Penny, we must be in sync, Arnold, if we see that she is in danger, you will take action, now, let's go!

The boys started walking as synchronized as possible. The path became steeper and steeper and a thick fog began to surround them, as they progressed along the path.

- What about me? How can I help?

- By not getting in the way Eugene!

- Helga! - Her boyfriend scolded her. - You say this area is forbidden, and that it's part of the local legend, what do you know?

- Well, it's the story we were talking about Agnes Blake. She lived in this area until she was burned alive. But still, multiple mysterious accidents occur in this area. Landslides, disappearances, mysterious earthquakes... things like that. And there are the other rumors...

- What other rumors? - the big-headed boy asked doubtfully.

- Well, this is no longer verifiable, but many say that this area is known for doing, well, witchcraft. But we know witches don't exist, don't we? - He said sheepishly, before falling to the ground and taking his companions with him. Suddenly, a scream of terror from Helga forced them to look at her. She pointed to the sky, where they all watched in awe as the moon turned red.

- We must find her... I had a dream, where the moon was red... and she was in danger.

- Don't worry, we will, I have my flashlight, let's keep going up, there is only one path so it must have gone this way.

The boys helped each other up, and with Arnold in front of the group, he continued to lead them up the path. Suddenly, a rope came out of the bushes, tying the 4 teenagers together, and making them fall back to the ground.

- Let us go! I have to find her! - shouted Gerald in desperation.

- I'm warning you, my boyfriend knows Karate! - Helga joined her friend.

- Miss... Miss Meyer? - Eugene said in shock.

- I knew it! You're behind all this!

- Are you with them? It's not possible! - Said the teacher, stunned to see Helga with her classmates.

- Who did you expect to see? - asked the blond with genuine curiosity.

- Well, her friend Phoebe. I thought she... Oh no... It wasn't you then... - The teacher's countenance paled completely.

- I wasn't what? Speak up!

The teacher sighed wearily. She pulled something out of her pocket and Eugene noticed with terror that it was a razor. The teens tensed and were about to scream once more, only to open their eyes and discover that their feet were now free.

- I don't understand, what's going on here?

- Mr. Shortman, you guys shouldn't be here. This area is prohibited, government orders.

- We saw that someone took my Phoebe, she was coming up this way... We must help her! - begged the brunette.

- It's almost 10... I must find her, I will help her! You guys go back to camp.

- Why does it matter that it's 10 o'clock? What's going to happen? Tell me! - Gerald demanded, facing the teacher, who didn't flinch at all.

- Agnes Blake... that's the problem. Tonight he will return, she will return for a young soul tormented by pain, to consume her to restore her youth...the ritual is about to be fulfilled... I thought I had chosen Pataki, but I was wrong.

- A ritual?... Are you serious?...

- I've been following her, I still don't know what she looks like now, I just knew it was going to happen tonight... that's why I signed up for this stupid camp.

- Why didn't you avoid it?

- Because Eugene, if you guys can't believe me, the education department would never believe me. Listen, this is dangerous, she's going to try to take us down so we don't avoid the transition, go back and I'll take care of it.

- No way... I will never leave her behind! - The look in Gerald's brown eyes showed his determination.

- None of us will, you don't know that, but we're not normal guys. Just cooperate Meyer and we'll do what needs to be done.

- You are stubborn Pataki. The only way to break the ritual and save the victim is to find the object she gave you for the transition and cover her with the petals of these blue flowers, it inhibits her power.

- That's why I saw her cut them the other day.

- That's right, Shortman. I'll go up in front of you, you'll be the surprise factor. Eyes open and walk quietly.

The five students, guided by their teacher, finally made it to the top of the hill.

The fog was at its thickest. The boys slowly peered through the bushes surrounding a huge boulder. There lay Phoebe, as if asleep, in a trance, and in front of her, there was a woman in a blue silk cloak, sitting in the shape of a lotus, with her eyes closed and two candles in front of them. The teens watched as one of the candles was about to melt.

- We must stop the candles from melting or it's all over. - The teacher took out the petals and handed the bag to the students. - You guys go around it with this. I'll go after Agness and...

- You never give up, do you Carol? - A deep female voice appeared behind the teacher, taking her by surprise. - First you surprised me, but now it's gotten annoying...

- This time I didn't come here to let you win... No more! Now guys!

The teenagers ran off in different directions, trying to reach the sleeping girl, ignoring everything around them.

- You won't be able to stop me!. - Shouted the hooded girl, throwing herself against Gerald, but the teacher stopped her, attacking her with a dagger.

- Just go ahead with the plan! - She shouted as the two clashed. Penny froze in fear and watched as they both had similar daggers, but one in red and the other in blue.

Arnold and his companions began to surround Phoebe with the blue petals and watched as the candle stopped burning.

- It's working! - shouted the unibrow girl hopefully.

- We'll follow with this, Helga, you look for what has them connected. - Shouted the brunette as loud as he could. The girl nodded and started checking her friend, not finding any kind of amulet on her, after all, it's hard to find something when you don't know what you're looking for.

Meyer was getting more and more tired, the evil woman was much more agile, and now that she was consuming Phoebe's life energy, she was making her even stronger.

- Our third encounter Carol, and I see that you are still not getting better, you are old...weak...I definitely chose the right sister 20 years ago...- She smiled mischievously behind her cloak.

- What you did to Carrie has no name!

- And neither does what I'll do to you and those brats!

The lady in blue wielded the dagger in the teacher's side, making her fall to the ground.

- Now you're next... you'll pay the price for wasting my time...

The lady started kicking the petals, while chasing Arnold and Gerald, they tried to dodge her, but she was too fast for them. Finally, when she was about to catch up with them, Eugene came up to try to help.

- Calm down guys, I think I... - But before he could finish the sentence, the red-haired man fell to the ground, taking Arnold, Helga and the hooded lady with him. Gerald took advantage of the moment of distraction, looking for what might be taking his girl away from him.

- Let's go, let's go... what is it! - he said in desperation - Let's go, let's go... what is it! - He said, trying to stifle his scream so as not to attract attention.

The teens were somewhat stunned by the blow and looked at their aggressor, when her cloak fell.

- Connie... Was that you? - Arnold said in surprise, once the girl's face was exposed.

- Boy, did I underestimate them... You turned out to be better than that resentful old woman, it will be a pleasure to join you to the list of people I've disappeared these hundred years...

- No more! - Gerald shouted at the top of his lungs. - Arnold, long throw! - his friend pointed to the floor. The blond looked at the dagger that the teacher had dropped and threw it fearfully to his friend, who miraculously and agilely managed to catch it in his hands. - This ends today and now... go to hell! - declared the dark-haired man. Gerald ripped the necklace from his girlfriend's neck and split the blue gem with the red dagger.

- What did you do, you bastard! - Agness screamed in a mixture of horror and terror. A great gust of wind began to blow, dissipating the mist and covering the tormented young woman, who screamed in terror. Arnold and Helga hugged each other for protection, while Gerald covered Phoebe and Eugene and Penny clung to a tree.

Finally the strong wind died down and the terrified young people saw the empty cloak on the ground.

- It's... it's over? - Eugene asked in terror.

- It seems to be. - Arnold said, not quite understanding what had happened. Suddenly a faint whimper caught everyone's attention.

- Phoebe! Babe, you're finally awake! - Gerald helped her sit down, looking at her as the most beautiful thing in the world.

-Gerald? What... What happened? Where are we?

- It's... it's you! - He squealed with joy and gave her a long kiss and covered her with his arms.

- I do not understand...

- It is better that you do not ask Pheebs, there are things that we must take care of.

Arnold and Helga went to the teacher, seeing that she was conscious again and helped her up.

- Are you okay, Miss Meyer?

- Yes, Shortman... thank you... I'm sorry to have left you alone with that monster. She...

- She left, miss, you don't have to worry anymore. - Arnold put his hand on her shoulder to comfort her. - We'd better help her get back to the camp now that the fog is gone. Do you believe you can walk?

- Yes, the wound is not deep, it's just that I hit my head when I fell, but if I can, let's go.

- What really happened Meyer?

- Well Pataki... that was Agnes Blake, the girl from the story. Every ten years she appeared in this forest, stealing the energy of a girl with great suffering in her heart. I knew the story and I couldn't believe it... until in a family camp... she... took my sister... - She said with a broken voice and a deep look at the moon, which little by little returned to its original color.

- But now she's gone... hopefully forever.

- That's right Gerald... And all thanks to you! - Eugene shouted euphorically.

- I just hope we don't have to see her again.

- Are you telling me that I almost died at the hands of a dead woman? Really?

- I'm afraid so Babe, but don't worry, you're safe now.

Gerald smiled sweetly at her, sighing quietly at last. Although he was aware that his work was not yet finished. "Agnes was on a quest for young hearts tormented by grief," that line from the legend still echoed in his head and he knew he would have to work it out.

- Can you believe I just experienced the next best urban legend in town? - Eugene was excited, although he felt the adrenaline was still speaking for him.

- I would have preferred not to, but don't worry, we won't have to see Agnes Blake ever again. - Arnold sighed in relief. He took Helga by the hand and they continued down the hill and looked after the teacher. No one present noticed Penny's sly smile on her face and how her eyes suddenly turned blue and back to brown in a second. No doubt high school sure was going to be interesting.

THE END


Well guys first of all, I've to say thank to all of you for reading this first sequel of Hillwood Tales, I'm really sorry for the long waiting, but I had some health problems, and a lot of work to do in the last weeks and now that everything is going better I decided to finish the story, because to be honest with you, I decided to wait for feeling in the mood to write than give you a quick bad story… so I hope that you enjoyed it! Inspired me in the Scooby doo Movie of zombie island where the bad guy was actually not a guy with a mask and in the rugrats, all grown up, when they were in an enchanted camp. Well but this isn't everything… In a couple of days I'll start the new sequel: Hillwood tales II, when you'll read the adventures of the guys at middle school… So see you soon!