⸻Emily and Matt hurried through the path, their breaths visible in the frigid air. The unfamiliar screech that echoed through the woods sent a shiver down their spines, and their hearts raced with fear.
"Oh my gosh! Oh my gosh, Matt, what was that?" Emily's voice trembled with a mixture of panic and anger.
"I don't know. Let's keep going," Matt replied, his tone urgent but steady.
Emily glanced around nervously. "I swear if this is a prank, they are so going to get it."
Matt didn't respond, his mind racing as he tried to make sense of what they had just seen. The image of the pig's head impaled on a stick, with the ominous note reading "Welcome Back," was seared into his memory. The simplicity of the message only made it more chilling.
He couldn't shake the feeling that this wasn't something Josh or Chris would do. It was too grotesque, too sinister. The idea that someone else might be on the mountain with them gnawed at his thoughts. Sure, the mountain was vast and isolated, but Josh had assured them that no one ever come here since the Washington family had owned it. Matt wished he had that kind of money, the kind that could buy an entire mountain.
"If I had known this, I would've stayed in the lodge," Emily muttered, her voice tinged with regret and fear.
"Oh, you think?" Matt thought to himself, resisting the urge to snap back. He knew better than to bicker with Emily, who had a knack for turning arguments into full-blown fights. He bit his tongue and kept his thoughts to himself.
"We'll be there soon," he reassured her, though he wasn't sure if he was trying to convince her or himself.
As they pushed forward, Matt couldn't help but hope that nothing was amiss at the lodge. He prayed that everyone, including Mike and Jessica who were off at the guest cabin, was safe and sound. The sense of foreboding hung heavy in the air, and every crunch of snow underfoot seemed to echo with the promise of more horrors to come.
The darkness of the woods closed in around them, and the path seemed to stretch on forever. Matt's thoughts were a whirlwind of fear and determination. They had to get to the lodge. They had to warn the others.
⸻Kida's breath came in shallow gasps, her body pressed tightly by the cold, unyielding earth. Darkness enveloped her, and the air was thick with the scent of damp soil. She tried to move, but the weight of the dirt above her held her fast.
Suddenly, a crackling sound filled the confined space, followed by the mechanical click of a tape recorder coming to life.
"Welcome, Kida," the psycho's distorted voice began, dripping with theatrical flair.
"Our stage is set, the curtain has risen, and you, my dear, are the star of this harrowing act."
Kida's heart pounded in her chest, her fists clenching with a mix of fear and anger.
"WHO ARE YOU?" she demanded a response but it was ignored by the continuation of the psycho's voice.
"Imagine the audience, watching as you struggle for breath, for survival. How riveting it must be for them," the voice continued, each word laced with sadistic amusement. "But this isn't just any performance. No, this is a re-enactment tribute to the night you couldn't save your friends, Hannah and Beth."
Kida's eyes widened in consternation. How did this fucker know about her and her friends? Was he responsible for the twins going missing?
Her world started crashing down as the sound of saw blades whirring to life echoed through the small speaker, followed by desperate screams. Kida felt her eyes streaming with tears. That sounds like Chris and Ashley!
What was the psycho going to do with them?! Is everyone else alive? Sam? Josh? Emily? Matt?
And what about Mike and Jess?
How did she even end up in this closed-off space in the first place?
"Stop! Please, stop!" Ashley's voice pleaded, her words choking on sobs.
"Why are you doing this?!" Chris yelled, his voice cracking with terror.
Then came a blood-curdling scream-
Josh's scream-as the unmistakable sound of blades cutting through flesh filled the air.
Kida's heart wrenched at the sound, a wave of nausea washing over her.
"NO!" she screamed, her voice hoarse.
"You sick piece of shit! You won't get away with this!" She began beating the container that held her captive, to escape.
The tape recorder crackled again, the psycho's voice now adopting a mocking, melodramatic tone. "Oh, the passion! The raw emotion! But alas, dear Kida, your performance will go unseen. You are powerless, just like you were that night. Enjoy your new perspective."
Rage bubbled up within her, stronger than the fear and despair. "I swear, when I get out of here, I'm going to make you pay for this! You hear me?! I'll tear you apart, you psycho!"
The tape recorder fell silent, the only sound now the faint hum of the blades and the muffled cries from above.
Kida's breath came in short, panicked bursts as the walls of the coffin pressed in on her from all sides. The thought of Josh's screams, the sound of the saw blades, and the terror in her friends' voices fueled a burning rage deep within her. She felt the sting of tears in her eyes, but they were tears of fury, not despair.
Her fists pounded against the lid of the coffin, each blow fueled by the memory of Josh's agony and the horrifying realization that her friends might be next. She screamed a raw, primal sound that echoed in the confined space, her voice cracking with a mixture of rage and grief.
Kida's punches grew more frantic, her knuckles bruising with each strike. "LET ME OUT OF HERE!" she cried, her voice filled with defiance. She could feel the walls closing in, her claustrophobia threatening to overwhelm her, but she refused to give in.
"Josh! Chris! Ashley! Hold on!" she screamed, her voice growing hoarse. Each cry was a plea for her friends' safety, a desperate attempt to break free from the suffocating darkness.
She continued pounding the coffin, her breath hitching in painful sobs as the panic and rage mingled within her. She felt the cold, unyielding earth around her, the weight of her helplessness pressing down.
"LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT! LET ME OUT!! HELP! HELP ME PLEASE!" she whimpered as her cries stifled as she continued pounding.
"Matt!! Somebody please!"
In the blackness, she let out another piercing scream, a cry that carried all the pain, rage, and determination she felt. The psycho had underestimated her. She would not be trapped forever. And when she found a way out, she would make him pay for every scream, every drop of blood, and every moment of terror he had inflicted on her and her friends.
⸻Emily and Matt made their way through the gate of the lodge, relief washing over them as the familiar structure loomed ahead. The prospect of the lodge's warm interior was a beacon of comfort against the biting cold that nipped at their exposed skin.
They trudged up the hill, the snow crunching beneath their boots, each step bringing them closer to the promise of warmth. Matt's mind wandered to what everyone else might be doing since he and Emily had left. It had been an hour, maybe more. He wondered if Kida had found the pillows and blankets for the fort she planned to build for one of tonight's activities. The thought of them all bonding like old times was comforting, but a gnawing worry about the lurking dangers tempered his anticipation.
As they reached the front door, Emily tried to open it, but it was locked. She huffed in frustration, her breath visible in the cold night air. "Very funny, you guys. Now let us in!"
Matt joined her in calling out, his voice carrying a hint of urgency. "Kida? Ash? Josh? Anyone there?"
Emily's irritation grew. "Great. Not only did we come across that horrible gesture, we're stuck outside freezing our asses off too?"
"Maybe they're sleeping?" Matt suggested, though he sounded doubtful.
"And they'd lock the door knowing that we have to return? Such a dick move," Emily snapped.
She began banging on the door, shouting the names of everyone in the lodge. "Sam! Ashley! Chris!"
Matt placed a hand on her shoulder, trying to calm her. "Maybe we should go around. Who knows, they might be out back."
Emily glared at the door, then at Matt. She knew she didn't have a choice but to follow him. With a reluctant nod, she gestured for Matt to lead the way. They made their way around the lodge, the silence of the night punctuated only by the crunch of their boots in the snow. The cold air stung their faces, but they pressed on, determined to find a way inside.
As they rounded the corner, the back of the lodge came into view, dark and seemingly empty. Emily shivered, pulling her coat tighter around her. Matt led the way, his eyes scanning the surroundings for any sign of their friends. The silence was eerie, the usual sounds of laughter and chatter conspicuously absent.
"Do you think they could be playing some kind of prank on us?" Emily asked, her voice tinged with unease.
Matt shook his head. "I hope not. This isn't the time for jokes."
They reached the back door, and Matt tried the handle, but it was locked as well. Emily let out an exasperated sigh. "What now?"
"Let's check the windows," Matt suggested, moving toward the nearest one. He peered inside, trying to see if there was any movement. "I can't see much. It's too dark."
Emily stomped her foot in frustration, her cheeks flushed from the cold and annoyance. "This is ridiculous. They have to be here somewhere."
Matt moved to another window, cupping his hands around his eyes to see better. "Well, the fire's out. It's dark in there."
Emily huffed, her breath visible in the cold air. "Great, so now we have to break in."
"Looks like we don't have a choice, do we?" Matt replied, his tone resigned.
Emily smirked. "Looks like someone is learning to play by the rules."
"Huh?" Matt raised his eyebrows in confusion.
"Rule number one: Emily is always right. Rule number two: nothing else matters because Emily is always right," she declared with a playful grin.
Matt stared at her, his emotions a tangled mess. He disliked the emotional rollercoaster she was putting him through. The exchange at the picnic table had solidified his resolve—he was done being Emily's toy.
Before he could respond, a light flashed on a path to their left. Emily and Matt exchanged puzzled looks.
"I see that they want us to come that way," Matt spoke out.
Emily rolled her eyes. "Seriously, you guys. A note would suffice."
"Come on, let's go find them. I'm sure they're expecting to scare the pants off us," Matt said, starting towards the light.
Emily followed, her skepticism evident. "Hmm, we'll see about that."
They followed the path, both on edge about what might lie ahead. As they walked, they discussed their theories, a semblance of warmth creeping into their interaction as they bantered.
Just as they were about to turn onto the next path, they heard cries and screams echoing from their left.
"Do you hear that?" Matt asked, his voice tense.
Emily nodded, her face paling. "Yeah...that sounds like Ash, doesn't it?"
"Come on," Matt urged, picking up the pace.
They hurried toward the sound, the sense of foreboding growing with each step. The path twisted and turned, the cries growing louder and more desperate. Emily's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of fear and determination driving her forward.
As they rounded the final bend, the sight that greeted them was one of pure horror. Chris and Ashley. The sight of their friends, bloody and disheveled, sent a shiver down Matt's spine, and he felt a surge of panic rise within him.
"Chris! Ashley!" Matt called out, his voice tinged with alarm.
"Blood! Blood! Whose blood is that, Ash?" Emily exclaimed, her eyes wide with horror as she took in the sight of her friends' injuries.
"Are you okay?" Matt asked, his concern evident in his voice.
Chris, his breath coming in ragged gasps, struggled to find the words to explain what had happened. "J- Josh..."
"Josh what, dude?" Matt pressed, his heart pounding in his chest.
"He's dead-" Chris choked out, his voice trembling with shock.
"Wait, what?" Matt's mind reeled at the news, unable to comprehend the gravity of the situation.
"There's a maniac -" Chris continued, his words tumbling out in a frantic rush.
"Maniac?" Emily's voice rose in disbelief, her eyes wide with fear.
"Oh my god. We gotta get outta here," Matt muttered, his thoughts racing as he tried to process the horrific scene unfolding before them.
"I don't understand what happened-" Emily's voice was filled with confusion and terror.
"There's a maniac! And... he was- there was a saw... and it was either him or Ash and I didn't know what to do!" Chris's words spilled out in a torrent of anguish.
"What!?" Emily's voice cracked with horror, her hands trembling at her sides.
"Cut right through him and- spilling out fucking everywhere-" Chris's voice trailed off, the memory of the gruesome scene still fresh in his mind.
"OH GOD!!" Ashley's anguished cry pierced the night air, her face pale with shock and horror.
"I-I killed him!... I-I killed him..." Chris's voice was filled with despair, his words barely audible over the sound of his own ragged breathing.
"Whoa, Chris-" Matt reached out a hand to steady his friend, his mind reeling with shock and disbelief.
"It was my FAULT, Matt-" Chris's voice wavered with guilt, his eyes filled with tears.
"No. No, this is insane. We need to go get some help," Emily's voice trembled with urgency, her mind racing with thoughts of escape and survival.
"We're gonna figure this out, man," Matt said, his voice firm and resolute despite the chaos unfolding around them.
"I don't know I don't know I don't know..." Chris's words were choked with emotion, his hands trembling uncontrollably.
"Matt, we need to go get help now," Emily urged, her eyes pleading with him to act quickly before it was too late.
"Em, we should look for the others--" Matt's voice carried a note of urgency, his brows furrowed in concern.
"Mike and Jess are off 69'ing each other and who knows where Sam is," Emily retorted, her tone impatient and tinged with frustration.
"I think she's in the lodge--" Chris interjected, attempting to offer a practical solution.
"Fine. Fine. You're right. Get everyone else together. But if there's a maniac running around I think we need to get some help, too, right? Not just wait around?" Emily's voice quivered with fear, her eyes darting nervously around the darkened forest.
"But what about--" Matt started, his concern for Kida pushing him to speak up.
"What about Kida?" Ashley's voice trembled with genuine concern, her eyes wide with worry.
Matt's heart was relieved at Ashley mentioning Kida's name for him, his thoughts immediately consumed by thoughts of her safety. "Yeah, what about Kida? We can't just leave her out here--" he interjected, his voice urgent.
Emily's expression darkened, her patience wearing thin. "Kida should be fine. She's probably hanging with Sam or something," she snapped, her annoyance evident in her voice.
Despite Emily's dismissive tone, Matt couldn't shake the gnawing sense of worry that settled in the pit of his stomach. He exchanged a concerned glance with Chris and Ashley, silently communicating his unease.
"Chris, Ashley, let's go find them," Matt declared, his voice determined as he turned to lead the way back down the path they had come from.
But before he could take a step, Emily's voice cut through the night air. "No, Matt. Chris and Ashley are going to the lodge. We need to stick together," she commanded, her tone leaving no room for argument.
Matt's shoulders sagged in defeat as he reluctantly turned back to face Emily. He wanted nothing more than to go with Chris and Ashley, to ensure Kida's safety himself. But Emily did have a point – safety in numbers was paramount, especially with the looming threat of a maniac in the woods.
Reluctantly, Matt nodded his acquiescence, his heart heavy with worry for Kida. "Alright, let's stick together," he conceded, his voice tinged with resignation.
Emily gave him a tight-lipped smile of approval before leading the way forward. As they walked, Matt couldn't shake the feeling of helplessness that settled over him, his thoughts consumed by fear for Kida's well-being.
⸻Emily and Matt continued down the path, hurrying to the cable car station. The doubts they had about being pranked had vanished completely after seeing Ashley and Chris, traumatized and covered in blood. The sight left no room for denial—someone was on this mountain, systematically hunting them down.
Josh had been the first victim. Who knew who would be next? Emily's decision to find help off the mountain had been a smart one, but Matt couldn't shake the feeling that they should have stayed with Chris and Ashley. Maybe it wasn't the most logical choice, but at least they would have safety in numbers. Together, they could have been resourceful. Chris might have devised a defense plan, Ashley could keep watch, Emily and Sam could gather supplies in the lodge, and he and Kida could protect them. He hoped Mike and Jessica would avoid crossing paths with the killer.
The crunch of snow underfoot was the only sound as they walked, the oppressive silence of the mountain heightening their anxiety. Matt's mind raced with possible scenarios and strategies. He tried to reassure himself that splitting up might not have been a terrible decision—they were covering more ground this way. But the nagging doubt wouldn't leave him.
They finally walked out the gate that led to the cable car station, a glimmer of hope surfacing as the station came into view. Suddenly, Matt heard a click and turned around. The gate, which usually glowed green to indicate access, was now a solid, forbidding red, locking it shut.
Matt raised an eyebrow, puzzled. He headed back to the gate and pressed the button to change the light from red to green. Nothing happened. It stayed stubbornly red.
After a few more clicks with no result, frustration grew on Matt's face. "Damn it," he muttered under his breath, banging his fist against the unyielding gate.
Emily looked around nervously, her breath forming white clouds in the cold air. "What's going on, Matt? Why isn't it working?"
"I don't know," Matt replied tersely, pressing the button again with increasing urgency. "It's supposed to change. It's not supposed to lock us out."
The reality of their situation sank in deeper with every failed attempt to open the gate. Matt glanced back at Emily, seeing the worry etched on her face. "We'll find another way," he said, trying to keep his voice steady.
"We have to," Emily agreed, though her voice trembled. "We can't stay out here."
Matt nodded, taking a deep breath to steady himself. They couldn't afford to panic. They had to think, had to stay sharp. The safety of their friends and their own survival depended on it.
Matt trailed behind as Emily continued along the path toward the cable car station.
"I can't believe Josh is dead," Emily murmured, her voice trembling.
Matt nodded grimly. "I can't believe how he died..."
Emily shook her head, her eyes wide with uncertainty. "No, I mean, what if they were wrong?"
Matt glanced at her, puzzled. "What?"
"Maybe we should've checked the shed to see if it was really true," she suggested, her voice barely above a whisper.
"I don't know, Em. There are some things that once you see them, you can never un-see them," Matt replied, his tone heavy with dread.
Emily bit her lip, torn between fear and curiosity. "Yeah. I guess... but some things you have to see for yourself."
"I'll take their word for it," Matt said, shuddering at the thought. "I don't think you can fake an act like that. Knowing Ash, she's definitely hysterical."
Emily wrapped her arms around herself, trying to ward off the biting cold. "I'm surprised that we aren't on the verge of hypothermia from being outside this long."
"I'm definitely getting close to that state," Matt admitted, his breath visible in the frigid air.
"The sooner we get out of here, the better," Emily declared, her voice firm.
Matt paused, a look of concern crossing his face. "Em, you're not actually about to have us leave and not get the others, are you?"
Emily stopped and turned to him, her eyes blazing with determination. "Of course not! I'm going to find help and let the rescuers do the rest. After all the creepy shit going on around here, I'm not coming back on this mountain."
Matt and Emily finally made it to the cable car station, a step away from freedom and the chance to get help. The worn, familiar structure stood ahead of them, casting long shadows in the moonlight. The wind howled through the trees, chilling them to the bone.
Emily moved forward, her eyes scanning the scene for any signs of danger. Matt, feeling a surge of determination, began to trudge around the area. His eyes caught sight of a bucket of paint overturned in the snow, the vivid red color stark against the white backdrop.
"Paint? It's still fresh..." Matt murmured to himself, his breath visible in the icy air.
His gaze shifted to the left, where he noticed a pile of wood planks, a hammer, and some nails scattered on the ground. It looked like someone had been working there recently. His pulse quickened at the thought.
Suddenly, a sound caught his attention. It was faint but unmistakable—thuds, rhythmic and deliberate. Alarmed, Matt's grip tightened around the hammer he had picked up. The thuds seemed to be coming from just beyond the station.
"What if it's the killer?" Matt thought, his mind racing with possibilities. He knew he had to be cautious but also that he couldn't ignore the sound. It could be someone in need of help or the psychopath making his next move.
He followed the sound, each step crunching softly in the snow. The darkness seemed to close in around him, the only light coming from the pale moon and the faint glow of the station. His breath came in short, controlled bursts as he tried to remain silent.
Matt's heart sank as he heard a faint, desperate voice. He strained to listen, his pulse quickening. "Kida!" he shouted, his voice echoing in the cold, still air.
"Oh my God," he whispered, the realization hitting him like a punch to the gut. The psycho had gotten to Kida too. He could barely hear her muffled cries.
"Kida?!"
"Matt?! Matt, get me out of here!"
"I'm coming! I'm coming!" Matt sprinted towards the source of her voice, his breath visible in the frigid night.
Emily, startled by Matt's frantic shouts, hurried over. "Matt? What's going on?"
"Emily, come help! Kida's in trouble!"
Whether Emily fully understood the urgency in his voice or not, Matt was focused on one thing: rescuing his friend. Tears pricked at the corners of his eyes, a combination of the harsh wind and the fear that they might have walked right past her, leaving her to suffocate underground.
Emily reached him, her face pale with worry. "Help me dig!" Matt commanded, his voice cracking with emotion. "Hurry!"
Without hesitation, Matt dropped to his knees, clawing at the snow with his bare hands. His fingers were numb, but he didn't care. Adrenaline surged through his veins, driving him to dig faster and harder. He couldn't bear the thought of Kida suffocating, trapped beneath the earth.
Emily followed suit, her hands joining Matt's in the desperate excavation. The snow was cold and unyielding, but Kida's muffled cries spurred them on. "Hang in there, Kida! We're going to get you out!" Matt assured her, his voice trembling with determination.
As they dug, Emily stole glances at Matt. His eyes, usually calm and composed, were now wide with panic and fury. She recognized that look all too well. It was the look of someone who cared deeply and was terrified of losing someone they loved.
Scoop after frantic scoop, their hands met something solid. They uncovered a brown coffin, its surface barely visible beneath the dirt. Matt's heart pounded in his chest, rage boiling up inside him. Kida had been buried alive. If they hadn't found her in time...
With a surge of adrenaline, Matt tore at the latch, his fingers scraping against the cold metal. He yanked the coffin open, revealing Kida inside, gasping for air. Her once strong and determined eyes were now wide with fear and torment.
Matt pulled her out, cradling her in his arms. Kida clung to him, sobbing uncontrollably. "Matt, something happened to Josh! There's someone on this mountain!"
"I know," Matt said, his voice choked with emotion. "I know. You're okay, Kida. Don't worry, we're going to get help."
As they held each other, Matt fought back tears. The weight of everything that had happened pressed down on him, but he forced himself to stay strong for Kida. Emily, meanwhile, cautiously inspected the coffin, looking for clues. Her eyes fell on a tape recorder lying inside.
She picked it up gingerly, eyeing it with suspicion. The device had played a message that Kida would never forget, a message that still echoed in her mind. Emily turned it over in her hands, wondering what other horrors it might reveal.
"Come on," Matt said, his voice steadying. "We need to get out of here."
They helped Kida to her feet, supporting her as they made their way back to the cable car station. The night was far from over, but at least now, they had a chance to escape and bring help back for their friends. The dark, foreboding forest loomed around them, but together, they were determined to make it out alive.