August 2012

⸻Josh remembered the first time he met Kida back in high school vividly as if it were yesterday. It was one of those chaotic mornings where everyone seemed to be rushing through the hallways, eager to start their day. He was weaving through the crowd, his mind preoccupied with thoughts about the upcoming weekend, when he collided with someone.

"Oof!" The impact knocked the wind out of him momentarily, and he staggered back, his hands instinctively reaching out to steady the person he'd run into.

"Watch where you're going!" a voice snapped.

Josh blinked, taking in the sight before him. Kida, the new student, was glaring at him, her eyes blazing with irritation. She was wearing white shorts and a black cami, with a camo jean jacket thrown over it. Black Converse completed the ensemble. But what really caught his eye was her purple hair, which framed her face in vibrant coils . He couldn't help but be intrigued by her vibrant appearance and fiery attitude.

"Sorry about that," Josh said, flashing a disarming smile. "Didn't see you there. You must be new."

Kida folded her arms, her gaze still sharp. "What gave it away? The fact that I'm not invisible like you seem to think?"

Josh chuckled, unfazed by her hostility. "Yeah, something like that. Name's Josh, by the way. I'm the resident guide for lost souls like you."

Kida rolled her eyes. "Lucky me."

Josh grinned, leaning against a locker. "So, what brings you to our lovely institution? Witness protection?"

"Parents' work," Kida replied curtly. "And I'd appreciate it if you'd keep your bad jokes to yourself."

Josh put a hand over his heart, feigning hurt. "Ouch. Tough crowd. I'll have you know, my jokes are top-notch. You'll warm up to them eventually."

"Doubt it," Kida muttered, but a reluctant smile tugged at the corners of her mouth. Josh noticed it, feeling a small victory in cracking her tough exterior, even if just a bit.

"You know, you remind me of someone," he said, his eyes twinkling with mischief.

Kida raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? Who?"

"Twilight Sparkle," he said with a grin.

Kida blinked. "Who?"

"Twilight Sparkle. From My Little Pony," Josh explained, clearly enjoying her confusion. "You've got the same hair color."

Kida shook her head, incredulous. "You're weird."

Josh shrugged. "I get that a lot. But hey, weird can be good. Keeps things interesting."

"Whatever," Kida replied, but the edge in her voice had softened slightly. Josh felt a flicker of satisfaction. He liked her spirit, her refusal to be easily charmed or intimidated.

"Since you're new and all, how about I show you around? Save you from getting lost in the labyrinth that is our school," Josh offered, his tone a mix of sarcasm and genuine friendliness.

Kida eyed him skeptically. "I don't know if I should trust someone who compares me to a cartoon character."

Josh laughed. "Fair point. But I promise, I'm not as bad as I seem. Well, mostly."

Kida smirked. "Alright, fine. But I need to pick up my schedule first."

Josh nodded, pointing down the hall. "Front office is that way. Tell you what, meet me by the gymnasium in ten minutes. It's just past the science wing, can't miss it."

"Got it," Kida said, turning to head towards the office.

Josh watched her go, a smirk still playing on his lips. "See you in ten, Twilight Sparkle."

Kida looked over her shoulder, rolling her eyes but unable to hide a small smile. "See you, weirdo."

As Josh walked away, he couldn't help but feel a strange sense of excitement. There was something about Kida that intrigued him. Her fiery attitude, her quick wit, and the way she stood her ground were refreshing. Most people either laughed at his jokes or got annoyed, but Kida challenged him. She was different, and he liked that. He couldn't wait to get to know her better.

Josh leaned against the wall near the gymnasium, glancing at his watch. It had been ten minutes since he told Kida to meet him here, and he was starting to wonder if she would actually show up. He spotted her walking towards him, her camo jacket and purple hair making her easy to recognize.

"Nice shirt," Kida called out as she approached, eyeing his "Daddy's Man" shirt with a smirk.

Josh grinned. "What, this old thing? It's a classic. Figured it'd be a conversation starter."

Kida rolled her eyes. "Well, it worked. What kind of person wears a shirt like that?"

"The kind who's confident enough to pull it off. Ready for the grand tour?" Josh replied, pushing off the wall.

"Lead the way, weirdo," Kida said, falling into step beside him.

As they walked through the hallways, Josh found himself stealing glances at her. "So, new girl, where are you from?"

"Florida," Kida said, looking around at the bustling hallways. "Parents got a new job out here, so here I am."

"Florida, huh? I've heard it's a bit of a hellscape. Hot, humid, and full of alligators," Josh teased, his tone light.

Kida laughed, a sound that caught Josh off guard. "Yeah, pretty much. But it's home."

"Well, welcome to our little corner of the world. It's a bit colder and less gator-infested," Josh said, his sarcasm evident. "Plus, the people here are more... interesting."

Kida raised an eyebrow. "Interesting? You mean like you?"

"Exactly," Josh said with a wink. "You're lucky to have met the most interesting person on your first day."

They made their way through the halls, Josh pointing out various classrooms and introducing her to a few teachers along the way. He pointed at the gymnasium and smirked. "That's where Coach Winston reigns supreme. Ironically, the guy looks like he'd be more at home in a donut shop than a gym. Short, stout, bald head, straggly beard. You know, the perfect picture of health and fitness."

Kida snickered. "Let me guess, he's got a thing for yelling at kids to run faster while he's munching on a candy bar?"

"You got it," Josh said, laughing. "It's like watching a sitcom. The irony is just too good."

They passed by the cafeteria, and Josh leaned in conspiratorially. "And this, my dear Twilight Sparkle, is where culinary dreams come to die. If you're lucky, you'll find something vaguely edible among the mystery meat and soggy fries."

Kida made a face. "Great. Guess I'll be packing lunch."

"Smart move," Josh agreed. "Survival tip number one: avoid the meatloaf. Always."

They continued down the hall, stopping outside a set of double doors. "And here we have the auditorium," Josh said, pushing the doors open with a flourish. "Where all the magic happens."

Kida snorted. "Magic, huh? I'll believe it when I see it."

Josh led her to the stage, and they sat on the edge, their feet dangling. "So, what's your thing, Kida? Sports? Clubs? Secret underground fight clubs?"

Kida chuckled. "I'm into acting, actually. Drama club back at my old school was my life. I want to be an actress."

Josh's eyes lit up. "No shit? That's awesome. I want to be a filmmaker. Direct movies, tell stories, all that jazz."

Kida looked at him, surprised. "Really? That's pretty cool. What kind of movies do you want to make?"

Josh shrugged, his expression turning more serious. "I like dark stuff. Thrillers, horror, things that mess with your head. There's something about exploring the darker sides of humanity that fascinates me."

Kida nodded, understanding. "Yeah, I get that. I love roles that challenge me, push me to places I've never been. There's something exhilarating about stepping into someone else's shoes, even if it's just for a little while."

Josh smiled, feeling a connection forming. "You know, I think you and I are going to get along just fine, Twilight Sparkle."

Kida laughed, shaking her head. "Still not over that, huh?"

"Never. It suits you," Josh said, nudging her shoulder playfully.

Kida rolled her eyes but smiled. "Well, I guess I can live with that. So, what about you? Any embarrassing nicknames?"

Josh smirked. "Not that I'm going to share. But stick around long enough, and you might find out."

They continued talking, sharing stories and finding common ground in their love for storytelling. Josh's dark humor and sarcasm matched perfectly with Kida's sassy personality, and by the time they left the auditorium, they were both laughing and joking like old friends.

"So, acting, huh?" Josh said as they walked back through the hallways. "Got any favorite roles you've played?"

Kida's eyes lit up. "I played Lady Macbeth once. That was intense. But I think my favorite was Juliet. There's just something about that balcony scene."

"Ah, the classic tragedy," Josh said, nodding. "You know, I've always thought Romeo was kind of a wimp. I mean, who kills themselves over a girl they just met?"

Kida snorted. "Says the guy who wants to make horror films. But I get what you mean. It's all about the drama, though. The stakes are so high, it's like a pressure cooker for emotions."

Josh looked at her thoughtfully. "You ever think about what kind of stories you'd want to tell if you were behind the camera instead of in front of it?"

Kida considered this. "I think I'd want to tell stories about real people. Not just the glamorous stuff, but the messy, complicated parts of life. The parts that make you question things, make you feel uncomfortable."

Josh grinned. "I like that. Real, raw, and unfiltered. Maybe we'll make a good team someday, you know? You act, I direct."

Kida smiled back. "Maybe we will. But for now, I'll settle for not getting lost on my first day."

Josh laughed. "Fair enough. Anything else you want to know before we continue?"

Kida thought for a moment. "Just one thing. Why 'Twilight Sparkle'?"

Josh smirked. "Your hair. It reminded me of the character from My Little Pony. Plus, you've got that spark."

Kida rolled her eyes but couldn't help but smile. "You're something else, you know that?"

"Yeah, I get that a lot," Josh said, leading the way. "Come on, let's see if we can't find something else to amaze you with."

As they continued the tour, Josh couldn't shake the feeling that he'd just made a friend who would change his life in ways he couldn't yet imagine.

Present Day

⸻Kida strode through the underground tunnels with Matt, Mike, and Sam. Tonight had been one hell of a birthday. Usually, her birthdays were just basic days, coming and going without much fanfare. But this night was a stark contrast—a night of horror and survival that would be etched in her memory forever. Her nineteenth birthday had turned into a thriller she never anticipated, marked by claustrophobia, surviving a collapse in the fire tower, confronting Wendigos, and navigating a creepy sanatorium. She couldn't help but consider herself lucky to be alive.

Dawn was approaching; it was probably around 5 a.m. Kida knew that help was on its way for her and her friends. She was eager to reunite with everyone at the lodge and learn about their experiences throughout this nightmare. Her curiosity piqued with questions of how their night had gone.

As she walked, she noticed Sam and Mike talking ahead of her. She saw a spark of genuine friendship between them, realizing that Mike wasn't just the womanizing douche he often portrayed himself to be. Her gaze then shifted to her left, where the person she vowed never to separate from again was walking. Matt.

Their eyes met, and in that silent exchange, Kida understood everything he felt. They had made a firm promise amid the chaos to stay together. She gave him a smile, which he admired, then lifted her hand to brush it against his lips.

"How are you holding up?" Matt asked, concern evident in his voice.

Kida smirked, her signature sass shining through despite everything. "Oh, you know, just your average night out. Wendigos, collapsing towers, the usual."

Matt chuckled, the sound a balm to her frayed nerves. "Only you could make light of this situation."

Kida shrugged, a playful glint in her eyes. "What can I say? I have a flair for the dramatic."

Kida couldn't keep the question bottled up any longer. "Did you know about Josh being alive?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Matt's jaw tightened, and he glanced at her, his eyes hard. "Yeah, I knew."

Kida's eyes widened. "How are you holding up?"

Matt clenched his fists, his anger barely contained. "How do you think I'm holding up, Kida? Our friend, put you, me, and everyone else through hell just to get back at us for a prank. He hurt you and put everyone's lives in danger."

Kida reached out to touch his arm, trying to calm him. "Matt, I know you're angry. I am too. But Josh is hurting. He's been hurting since Hannah and Beth disappeared. It doesn't excuse what he did, but..."

Matt cut her off, his voice low and fierce. "But what, Kida? But nothing! This was too far. This wasn't just about revenge. This was about him putting innocent people at risk. You, Sam, Chris—you guys shouldn't have been involved. And even for those of us who were guilty of the prank, this... this is beyond traumatic."

Kida nodded, feeling the weight of his words. She understood his anger because she felt it too. But she also knew the pain that Josh carried. "I get it, Matt. I really do. But we all played a part in what happened to Hannah and Beth. We're all responsible in some way."

Matt shook his head, his expression stormy. "Not everyone. You didn't do anything. Sam didn't. Chris didn't. And yet, here we all are, fighting for our lives because of Josh's twisted idea of justice."

Kida swallowed hard, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Whether we dislike him or not, whether we love him or not, Josh deserves to live as much as the rest of us. We can't just leave him to die out here."

Ahead of them, Sam and Mike had paused, overhearing their conversation. Sam turned, her eyes soft with understanding. "Kida's right. As much as it hurts, we can't abandon Josh."

Mike nodded in agreement, his usual bravado subdued. "Yeah, he's our friend. Even if we want to kick his ass. We've all made mistakes, but we need to stick together. We're stronger as a group."

Matt sighed, running a hand through his hair. "I know you're right. It's just... it's hard. I'm so damn angry."

Kida stepped closer, her voice gentle. "We all are. But anger isn't going to help us survive this. We need to focus on getting everyone out of here alive, including Josh."

Matt looked at her, his anger slowly ebbing away, replaced by a determination to protect those he cared about. "You're right. Let's find him and get the hell out of here."

They found themselves back in the mines as the tunnel led to an open clearing with water along with a water mill. The air was damp and cold, and the sound of dripping water echoed off the walls, creating an eerie atmosphere.

Matt looked around, his flashlight sweeping across the cavern. "Is this... where you fell?"

Kida shook her head, her eyes scanning the dark water. "No. It was someplace else."

Sam looked at Kida with concern. "It must've been horrible for you."

Kida sighed, a hint of a smile playing on her lips. "Yeah, sometimes love can make you do the most craziest things," she said, glancing at Matt.

Matt chuckled, shaking his head. "Nah, you're just crazy."

Sam smiled warmly at the banter that was never-ending . "You two are cute together."

Kida smirked as Matt placed a kiss on her forehead. "Tell us something we don't know."

Mike, who had been quietly surveying the area, chimed in. He absentmindedly moved his jaw around as the pain still lingered. "Both of you sure pack one hell of a punch, that's for sure."

Matt's curiosity was piqued. He faced the coily haired girl with both astonishment and bewilderment. "Wait, you punched him?"

Kida shrugged nonchalantly. "I thought he was the guy who was the suspect of Hannah and Beth. Besides, it's Mike. I didn't feel bad."

Mike feigned a hurt expression. "Hey, I thought that we were becoming best buds."

Kida gave him a teasing smile. "Getting there Mikey, but that doesn't mean you're exempt from a good punch now and then."

Matt couldn't help but let out a chuckle. "Sucks that I wasn't there to see it,"

Sam rolled her eyes, but there was a fond smile on her face. "Alright, lovebirds, let's focus. We need to find Josh and get out of here."

Mike nodded in agreement. "Yeah, let's keep moving. This place gives me the heebie-geebies."

Sam and Kida trailed to search one side of the clearing while Matt and Mike kept watch. The tunnel seemed to stretch on endlessly, the walls echoing with the distant sounds of dripping water. The air was cold, and their breaths formed small clouds in the dim light of their flashlights. Sam glanced at Kida, noting her friend's unwavering focus and determination despite the harrowing circumstances.

"So much for a fun time, huh?" Sam said, trying to lighten the mood.

Kida let out a short laugh, though it was tinged with exhaustion. "You have no idea. Don't know about you, but I'm stuffing my face with the greasiest food I can find once we get out of here."

Sam smiled, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I don't know about greasy, but I'm definitely famished on my end."

Kida chuckled softly. "Fair enough. I just need something that's going to remind me that I'm alive and not stuck in a nightmare."

They moved cautiously, their eyes scanning the area for any signs of danger. The weight of the night's events pressed heavily on both of them, and Sam couldn't help but feel a pang of sorrow for everything they'd lost and endured.

Kida glanced at Sam, her curiosity piqued. "So what's your story?"

Sam sighed, her expression reflecting the weariness she felt. "Basically tried to fight off a killer maniac in a towel."

Kida's eyes widened in surprise. "Oh shit!"

"Yep, not my proudest moment," Sam admitted, shaking her head. "But once I figured out that it was Josh... it all made sense."

Kida's expression darkened. "Yeah... it kinda does. Just can't believe that he'd make us believe he was willing to forgive us and move on from this."

Sam's voice was filled with a mix of frustration and sadness. "I just don't understand how he fooled me for all those months. I knew he was grieving, but I didn't know he was mentally crying for help."

Kida paused, considering Sam's words. "You think this is a psychotic breakdown? I mean, I've seen those antidepressant bottles in his bathroom cabinet. I just never pried about it."

"If this isn't giving you a sign, then I don't know what is," Sam replied, her voice somber.

"Fair point," Kida acknowledged, her thoughts heavy with worry.

They continued their search in silence for a few moments, each lost in their own thoughts. The weight of their shared experiences hung between them, a testament to the trauma they had endured and the bond that had formed as a result.

Sam broke the silence, her voice quiet but firm. "I just know that once everyone is off this mountain, we won't be the same, you know?"

Kida nodded, her eyes reflecting the depth of her feelings. "Definitely. But at least we will all mutually share something in common."

Sam was about to respond but her foot stepped on something. She stopped in her tracks to see that she and Kida were at the end of the path and spotted a dug hole. Beneath her feet, she picked up an object which was a tiny wristwatch, caked with dirt but unmistakably familiar.

Kida's heart clenched as she stared at the watch. "Is that...?"

Sam's voice was hushed, filled with a mixture of sadness and confirmation. "Beth's? Yeah."

Kida clutched herself tightly, her eyes fixed on the hole. The reality of what they were standing above washed over her, sending chills down her spine. "That must've been where she was buried."

Sam nodded, her own emotions bubbling to the surface. "I'm guessing Mike had filled you in..."

Kida nodded again, feeling the weight of her friend's final resting place. Sam sighed. "Emily thinks they fell down here."

"It's evident now," Kida murmured. "Maybe we can inform the police so they can close the investigation. I also found her phone while tagging along with Matt and Emily. And now to think of it... we came across a cliff."

Sam's heart grew heavy as she tried to imagine the sheer terror and pain Beth and Hannah must have felt. She took a deep breath, trying to remain strong for both of them. "At least we know now..."

Kida turned around and placed a hand on Sam's shoulder, her eyes brimming with unshed tears. "I felt like I was so close to them, you know? Close to saving them. I-I wished that I didn't turn back in fear."

Sam's eyes softened, her own tears threatening to spill. "You did all that you could. Okay? If I had known that night was their last night, I would've been after them too. But we have to survive."

Kida nodded, swallowing the lump in her throat. "Of course."

The two stood there for a moment, the silence of the mines enveloping them. The weight of loss and the reality of their situation pressed down on them, but so did the need to keep going, to survive, and to ensure that no one else would be lost to these horrors.

Sam squeezed Kida's hand, a silent promise of solidarity. "We'll make it through this. For them."

Kida squeezed back, finding strength in their bond. "For them."

Matt and Mike trailed behind them as they were curious to what Sam and Kida had found. To the two young men's luck, they didn't find anything.

"Found any buried treasure?" Mike asked, his voice echoing slightly in the cavernous space.

Sam, still holding Beth's watch, shook her head. "No, but we found this."

Mike grabbed the watch and glanced at it, recognizing it immediately. He had gifted it to Beth for her birthday. She had valued it deeply, wearing it every day. A lump formed in his throat as he cleared it, trying to keep his emotions in check.

"Umm... what else did you find?" Mike asked, his voice strained.

Kida took a deep breath. "We found where she had been buried."

She stepped aside, revealing the shallow grave. Matt looked at it somberly, his jaw tightening.

"We know that she's gone," Matt said, his voice low. "But who could've dug her up?"

"Could be Hannah," Kida suggested, her voice tinged with a mixture of hope and sadness.

"Or that old guy..." Mike muttered, referring to the stranger they had encountered earlier.

Kida raised an eyebrow, confused about whom he was talking about, but Sam and Matt understood.

"Let's keep looking," Sam urged, trying to push past the grief that threatened to overwhelm them.

Mike sighed, running a hand through his hair. "There's nothing else on our end."

"So what now?" Matt asked, looking between Mike and Sam.

"Well, there's no other place to go that leads us to the mines. Looks like our only way to cross is..." Mike's voice trailed off as he gazed at the water.

Kida shook her head in disbelief. "Uh-uh, there's no way we are going through that nasty-ass water."

"Listen," Mike said, his tone exasperated. "I get that your hair is precious, and so is mine. But unless you want to chat with the wendigos at the sanatorium, this is our best bet."

"It's not about my hair," Kida shot back. "It's about what's in the water."

"Scared of sharks?" Mike teased, trying to lighten the mood.

"Want me to give you the right hook special again?" Kida retorted, her eyes narrowing.

"Okay, okay. Geez... calm down, baby hulk," Mike said, placating his hands.

Sam stepped in, her voice calm but firm. "I do agree with her. What if it's infested?"

Mike looked at the water, then back at the group. He could see the fear and hesitation in their eyes. He took a deep breath, trying to find the right words to reassure them.

"I know it's risky," Mike admitted, his voice steady. "But it's our only option. We've come this far. We can't turn back now."

Matt looked at the water, then back at Kida. "You can go in after me, okay?"

Kida took a deep breath, her resolve hardening. She nodded, taking Matt's hand for support. "Alright. Let's do this."

The group approached the edge of the water, their hearts pounding with a mixture of fear and determination. Mike stepped in first, wincing as the cold, murky water touched his skin, submerging him gradually.

"Come on in. The water's just fine," Mike called out, his attempt at humor not quite masking the unease in his voice.

"You don't seem so sure," Sam replied, hesitating at the edge.

"I'm not dead yet," Mike shot back, his tone a mix of bravado and nerves.

"Famous last words," Sam and Kida muttered in unison, sharing a glance.

Sam was the next to step in, gasping as the icy water enveloped her. Matt followed, pulling Kida in last. Kida grasped Matt's hand tightly as the cold water seeped into her clothes, chilling her to the bone.

"Not so bad... not the type of cleanse I want, but to hell with it," Matt said, trying to keep the mood light despite the dire situation.

"This was the reason I changed clothes in the first place. Now it defeats the purpose," Kida grumbled, shivering.

"My jacket looks great on you. Best fashion sense of the year," Matt teased, giving her a playful smile.

"Boy, please. But you're right, I make it look better," Kida shot back, managing a small smile despite the circumstances.

"I see that you got jokes," Matt chuckled, squeezing her hand.

"It's freezing. I can't feel my fingers," Sam said, her teeth chattering as she pressed on through the water.

"Holy shit," Mike muttered, his breath visible in the cold air.

"Wait a minute. I thought you'd reach the deepest part," Sam said, eyeing the water warily.

"I didn't say that. I said it was okay, meaning like there weren't any sharks or anything in here," Mike clarified.

"Sharks. Great! Thank you," Sam retorted, rolling her eyes.

They continued through the water cautiously, each step sending a chill up their spines. Sam peered ahead, spotting two paths. She decided to take the left one, while Mike trailed to the furthest point.

"Hold up, there's something over here," Sam called out, her voice echoing slightly.

"Will it be our ticket to get out of here?" Kida asked, her voice filled with a mix of hope and skepticism.

"I'm not sure, but let's check it out first," Sam replied, leading them to the ledge.

One by one, they climbed out of the water, dripping and cold. The air felt even chillier against their wet clothes, but they pressed on. Kida's heart pounded as she glanced at Matt, who gave her an encouraging nod. She knew they had to stay strong, for each other and for their friends.

They came across a small opening and saw something through the ground. It was brown and looked like a book. Sam was the first to pick it up.

"Doesn't look like an exit," Kida observed, her voice heavy with frustration.

"What is that, Sam?" Mike asked, his curiosity piqued.

"Hold on, I'm trying to figure it out," Sam responded, her brow furrowed as she carefully examined the book.

Kida watched intently as Sam read with deep concentration. As she flipped through the pages, Kida noticed how Sam's expression grew increasingly distressed. Her face turned pale, and her body trembled slightly.

"Oh my God!" Sam exclaimed, her voice a mix of shock and horror.

Kida rushed to her side, concern etched across her face. Sam handed the book to Kida, her hands shaking. "You need to see this," Sam said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kida took the book and began to read, her eyes widening with each word. The journal detailed Hannah's harrowing survival after the fall, her days spent in the mines with Beth's lifeless body. Hannah described how she broke her leg, buried Beth, and endured the ominous loneliness of the mines. The worst part was yet to come. Kida's hands shook as she read the next portion, where Hannah confessed her desperation and starvation, leading to the unthinkable. The word "hungry" was scrawled across the pages, growing increasingly distorted and frantic.

Tears welled up in Kida's eyes as she processed the horrific reality. Her voice trembled as she tried to speak, but the words caught in her throat. Matt rushed to her side, his arm around her shoulders, offering silent support.

"She..." Kida began, her voice barely audible.

"What?" Mike urged, his patience fraying.

"Oh god... It makes sense..." Sam said, her voice filled with dread.

"Hannah dug up Beth. It was Hannah!" Sam's voice cracked with the weight of the revelation.

"No, that's - that's ridiculous -" Mike stammered, his denial evident.

"Michael... Michael, it has to be. It's the only thing that makes sense- Beth died in the fall," Sam explained, her tone urgent.

"So what... what does that mean-" Mike asked, struggling to grasp the implications.

"So Hannah must have buried her," Sam said, her voice firm despite the tears streaming down her face.

"Goddammit... God-dammit," Mike muttered, his fists clenching in anger and sorrow.

"Hannah was down here... for..." Sam's voice trailed off, unable to finish the thought.

"I don't believe any of this!" Mike shouted, his frustration boiling over.

"She would have been starving... she would have been desperate-" Sam continued, trying to reason through the horror.

"So... so what? What does that mean? Did she kill her, too? Her own sister?!" Mike's voice was desperate, searching for any other explanation.

"Let me get this straight... Hannah ate Beth?!" Matt's voice was filled with disbelief and disgust.

Kida nodded somberly, the reality settling in. Matt's face turned green as the nausea overtook him. He stumbled to the side and vomited, the sound echoing through the cavern. The acidic taste burned his throat as he heaved, his body reacting violently to the gruesome truth they had uncovered. He felt a sickening knot tighten in his stomach, a mixture of sorrow, guilt, and revulsion churning within him.

Matt coughed and wiped his mouth with the back of his hand, his mind reeling. The thought of Hannah, someone he had known and cared about, resorting to such desperate measures was almost too much to bear. The image of Beth's lifeless body, buried by her own sister, haunted him. He couldn't shake the horror of it all.

"We got to get the fuck out of here," Matt said, his voice shaky but determined. The strength in his voice belied the turmoil he felt inside.

Kida placed a comforting hand on his back, her eyes filled with understanding. "Let's find Josh so we can leave," she urged, her voice resolute despite the terror that gripped her heart.

⸻Josh woke up to the sight of himself no longer being in the shed. Instead, he saw himself inside an office. The room was dim, and the surroundings were desolate. A gnawing headache throbbed in his temples, and a groan escaped his lips. The rhythmic sound of a pendulum swinging filled the air, along with the sterile scent of disinfectant. The air around him felt dry and suffocating.

He clutched his head, trying to orient himself. He realized he was back in a place that had been haunting him for the past year—an office that existed only in his mind. This was where his nightmares converged, where his fears and regrets came to life. He heard a voice, one he had desperately been avoiding. The voice of Dr. Alan J. Hill, a well-trained psychiatrist who had become the personification of his guilt and self-loathing.

"Welcome back to your session, Joshua," Dr. Hill said, his voice calm and measured.

Josh gripped his head tighter, mumbling incoherently. He tried to wake himself from this nightmare, to escape the hallucination that tormented him. He couldn't face another session with this man, a man who seemed to see through his every facade.

Dr. Hill took a sip from his mug, his eyes never leaving Josh. He placed the mug down with a satisfying sigh. "I wonder how much these 'sessions' are of any help to you now. You just won't listen to me, and things seem pretty... fucked up."

Dr. Hill stood up and turned his back to Josh. "So, I'm going to leave you now, Josh. It's time you learned there is more to be afraid of than can be dreamt up by the unhinged imagination of a self-indulgent, spoiled little brat!"

Josh's whimpering grew louder as he rocked back and forth on the ground, his breaths coming in short, panicked gasps. Dr. Hill's words cut through him like a knife, each one a reminder of his failures and the chaos he had caused.

Dr. Hill continued, his back still turned to Josh. "You had so many people who cared about you... who were willing to help! But at every turn, you chose to push them away... And now, you're all alone."

Josh's mind raced with images of his friends—his sisters, Hannah and Beth, gone because of his neglect. His friends, terrified and tormented by his elaborate scheme for revenge. He remembered the looks of betrayal, the fear in their eyes. He had wanted them to feel his pain, but in doing so, he had lost everything.

Dr. Hill's voice grew softer, almost sympathetic. "Though by the sounds of things, you won't be alone for long. No, you won't be alone for long. Deep breaths, Josh. Deep breaths..."

As Dr. Hill walked away, Josh felt the weight of his actions crushing down on him. He lay on the ground, his body trembling with sobs. He knew this was all in his mind, a manifestation of his guilt, but it felt all too real. The echoes of his past mistakes reverberated in the empty room, a constant reminder of the darkness that now consumed him.

He moved to get up, but his limbs felt heavy, as if the weight of his guilt was physically holding him down. He thought about the night he had caused—the terror he had inflicted on those he loved. He had wanted them to understand his pain, but now he realized he had only spread his suffering to others.

Josh's thoughts were a chaotic swirl of regret and self-recrimination. He thought of his beloved sisters. He thought of Kida, who he had buried alive, and how his need for vengeance had nearly cost her life. The faces of Matt, Sam, Mike, Emily, Jessica, Chris, and Ashley flashed through his mind, each one marked by the terror and trauma he had inflicted upon them.

As Josh finally managed to sit up, his breaths came in ragged gasps. He knew that he had to face the consequences of his actions, but the thought of it was almost too much to bear. He had become the monster he had feared, a man consumed by his own grief and anger. And now, he was left to face the wreckage of his own making, haunted by the voices and images of those he had wronged.

Voices begin to echo above him, familiar and haunting.

"Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques. Dormez vous?"

Josh's heart pounds faster. "No. No. No. No."

"Frère Jacques, Frère Jacques. Dormez vous?"

The nursery rhyme grows louder, the innocence of the song twisted by the situation.

"Dormez vous? Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines! Ding dang dong."

Josh's hands fly to his ears, trying to block out the sound. "No. No. No."

"Dormez vous?"

Josh's voice trembles with desperation. "No. No. No. Not again!"

"Sonnez les matines! Sonnez les matines! Ding dang dong."

"Ding, dang, dong."

Josh screams, his mind fracturing under the weight of his guilt. "Not again! Get away! Get away! Get away from me!"

"Ding, dang, dong."

Josh stands up, his body trembling, covering his ears. Laughter rings out, cruel and mocking, surrounding him.

Josh's voice is a broken whisper. "No! You're dead!"

Dr. Hill's voice, calm and dispassionate, echoes in his mind. "Sorry."

Josh shouts, his voice filled with anguish. "You're dead!!!"

Dr. Hill's voice continues, relentless. "You can't change what happened last year."

"Josh."

Josh squeezes his eyes shut, his hands still pressed against his ears. "Shut up!"

"We miss you, Josh."

Josh's heart aches. "No! You're dead!"

"Come with us."

"Josh, I was sleeping too!" Kida's voice cuts through, filled with pain and betrayal.

"A goddamn murderer is what you are!" Mike's voice, filled with anger and disgust.

"It's not ready..." Josh mumbles, trying to escape the onslaught of voices.

"You manipulated us!" Chris's voice, sharp and accusing.

"No, they're gonna love it." Josh's voice, desperate to justify his actions.

"You're a coward! Are you insane?!" Chris's voice, echoing in his mind.

"I just want us to have a good time. They're gonna love it when it's ready." Josh's voice, trembling with delusion.

"Josh! I don't know what's going on!" Ashley's voice, frantic and fearful.

"Hello there." The Psycho's voice, sinister and mocking.

"I don't take orders from you. You can't tell me what to do." Josh's voice wavers, trying to reclaim control.

"How does it make you feel?" The Psycho's voice, prying into his deepest fears.

"You can't tell me what to do anymore..." Josh's voice, filled with defiance.

"Time has run out for Josh." The Psycho's voice, a cruel reminder of his reality.

"Okay... okay..." Josh mutters, his resolve crumbling.

"Come with us." The voices of his sisters, pulling him deeper into his torment.

"I trust you..." Josh whispers, tears streaming down his face.

"We're out of time." Dr. Hill's voice, cold and final.

"I trust you..." Josh repeats, his voice breaking.

⸻Kida, Matt, Mike, and Sam made their way to the other side of the water, their shoes squelching against the damp ground. In front of them loomed a massive steel door, rusted and ominous, each step they took echoing with the weight of their fears and the hopes that dawn might bring some semblance of safety.

Mike gave it a once-over. "What lies behind this door? Who knows. Hey, Mister Muscles, come assist."

Matt stepped forward, his face set in determination. He and Mike pushed against the door, grunting with the effort.

Sam and Kida stood side by side, their eyes wide with curiosity and apprehension. As the door creaked open, water began to spill out, carrying with it a severed head. The sight sent them all into a state of alarm and stumbling.

Kida's scream echoed in the confined space. "OH JESUS!"

Sam jumped back, her eyes wide.

"WOAH!"

Matt turned pale, his stomach churning.

"SHIT SHIT SHIT!"

Mike looked horrified, his mouth agape.

"THE FUCK?!"

Matt fought the urge to vomit again, swallowing hard. Sam and Kida struggled to catch their breaths, the sight overwhelming them. Mike stood there, stunned.

"Jesus hot sauce Christmas cakes!" Mike exclaimed, shaking his head.

Kida glanced at the others, her face pale.

"We don't have a choice but to go through, do we?"

Sam shook her head slowly. "No..."

Kida moved closer to Matt, gripping his waist tightly. He wrapped an arm around her, drawing her close.

"Let's go," Kida said, her voice shaky but resolute.

They all entered slowly, their steps cautious and their nerves on edge. Just when they thought things couldn't get worse, they found themselves in a chamber filled with corpses. Bodies hung from the ceiling, decapitated, lifeless. The stench was overpowering, causing a few of them to gag or hold their breath.

Matt's voice trembled. "D-Do you guys see...?"

Sam's eyes were wide with horror. "B-bodies..."

Mike shook his head in disbelief. "Looks like victims and miners."

Kida's face was ashen. "I don't like this at all."

Sam pointed shakily. "Look! There's that old guy!"

Matt nodded, his face grim. "I remember it all too well... his death."

Mike's voice broke the eerie silence.

"Okay, can we all focus on getting the flipping fuck out of here?"

Kida nodded, her grip on Matt tightening.

"Ditto."

Suddenly, whimpers echoed from their far right, causing the group to freeze in their tracks.

"Wait, wait, wait! Hold on. I think I saw something..." Mike whispered, peering between the wooden boards.

They spotted Josh, standing in the opening muttering to himself.

"No... no no... no no no... I don't ... I don't take orders from you..." Josh's voice trembled with fear and defiance.

"Josh!" Sam called out, her voice a mix of relief and concern.

Mike and Sam found a door to access Josh, while Kida and Matt trailed behind, their hearts pounding with a mix of fear and hope.

"So he is alive..." Kida whispered, her voice tinged with disbelief and a flicker of anger.

Josh continued his erratic muttering, "I don't take orders from you, you can't tell me what to do..."

"Hey... Hey Josh!" Mike called out, trying to reach him.

"You can't tell me what to do anymore!!" Josh shouted, his eyes wild and unfocused.

"Josh? Buddy?" Mike's voice softened, trying to reach through the haze of Josh's delusions.

As they slowly approached, Kida clutched onto Matt tighter, her emotions a whirlwind of anger, confusion, and sorrow. She saw a side of Josh she wasn't familiar with—a broken, desperate man.

"You can't tell me what to do!! Okay... okay... I trust you... I trust you... I trust you..." Josh's voice wavered, filled with desperation.

"What's the matter with him, Mike?" Sam's voice was laced with concern and fear.

"He's tripping or something," Mike replied, his brows furrowing in worry.

Suddenly, Josh's screams filled the air, startling them. His behavior grew more erratic, his movements frantic and uncoordinated.

"LEAVE ME ALONE! WHY ARE YOU DOING THIS?!" Josh's voice cracked, his eyes darting around as if haunted by unseen specters.

Kida stepped forward, but Matt grabbed her arm, his grip firm. "Don't even go near that lunatic—"

"Matt, come on, he needs help!" Kida pleaded, her eyes burning with determination.

"No! I'm not letting you near that fucker!" Matt's voice was sharp, filled with protectiveness and anger.

Kida snatched her arm away from his grip and pushed through Sam and Mike. Without a second to spare, a loud echo boomed throughout the mines as Kida's hand connected with Josh's cheek in a resounding slap.

Josh's screaming subsided, his stressed eyes relaxing a bit as the sudden shock of the slap brought him back to reality. His hallucinations disappeared, and he saw four familiar faces staring at him. His eyes met Kida's first, her brown eyes filled with emotional pain and fury.

"K-Kida..." Josh's voice trembled, recognizing her.

"Hello, Joshua," Kida said, her voice dripping with sarcasm and hurt. "Nice to see you again."

Josh's eyes welled with tears as he looked at her, his mind still trying to process the reality of their situation. "I thought... I thought you were gone."

"Yeah, well, I'm not. And now we need to get the hell out of here," Kida snapped, her voice cracking with the weight of everything they had been through.

Matt stepped closer, his eyes locked onto Josh with a mix of anger and betrayal. "Do you have any idea what you put us through? What you put her through?"

Josh hung his head, unable to meet Matt's fierce gaze. "I didn't mean for any of this to happen. I just... I just wanted you all to feel what I felt. To understand."

"Understand?" Matt's voice rose, trembling with rage. "You buried her alive, Josh! You put us all in danger. This isn't about understanding. This is about you losing your fucking mind!"

Mike shook his head, his eyes filled with a mixture of pity and frustration. "You were deep in it, man. Full mental jacket."

Sam nodded, her voice tinged with sadness. "We didn't think we'd get you back..."

She turned to Josh, her expression softening. "Josh... Hannah was down here for... weeks... a month?! She dug Beth up!"

"Sam..." Mike interjected, his tone urging her to stop.

"Mike..." Sam's voice was resolute, her eyes locking onto his. But the pain and exhaustion in her eyes made her relent.

Mike took a deep breath, looking around at the darkness that surrounded them. "Let's just get the fuck outta here."

Sam nodded, the urgency to leave overriding everything else. "Okay... Josh, do you have the key for the cable car?"

Josh, still shaken, fumbled in his pocket before producing the key. "Uh... Y-yeah... Here."

He handed the keys to Sam, his hands trembling. Sam took them, relief washing over her face. "Oh good..."

Kida watched the exchange, her heart heavy with the weight of their ordeal. She stepped closer to Josh, her eyes searching his face for the boy she once knew. "Josh, we're getting out of here. Together. But you need to stay with us, okay?"

Josh nodded, his eyes filled with remorse and gratitude. "I... I'll try."

Matt moved to Kida's side, his hand finding hers. "We all will. Let's move."

They trailed back through the bodies as Josh watched in horror. He whimpered to himself, his eyes wide and filled with terror. Sam stayed close to him, offering words of comfort, her hand on his shoulder to guide him through the gruesome scene. Kida and Matt walked slightly behind, their eyes never leaving Josh. They were still on edge, wary of what he might do next given his erratic state.

Before they walked back into the clearing, Kida's eyes caught sight of something to the left. She saw a flamethrower lying on the ground, partially buried under some debris. Without a second thought, she darted towards it, her determination clear.

"Kida, what are you doing?" Matt called out, a mixture of exasperation and concern in his voice.

Kida struggled slightly as she tried to pick up the flamethrower. "Help me put this on!" she demanded, her voice urgent.

Matt sighed, shaking his head. "Fine," he relented, moving to assist her. As he helped her strap the bulky device to her back, he couldn't help but chuckle at how absurdly oversized it looked on her. Not because of her stature, but because her makeshift outfit—a mix of Matt's letter jacket and scavenged clothing—made her look like a warrior in a mismatched armor.

Kida noticed his amusement and gave him a mock glare. "What? You think I can't handle this?" she teased, adjusting the straps.

"No, you just look... like a badass," Matt admitted, his chuckle turning into a warm smile.

Kida smirked, strutting past him with a playful swing of her hips. "Damn right. Let's move."

They quickly caught up with Sam, Mike, and Josh, who were cautiously making their way through the water. Matt made sure to let Kida get in front of him, covering her from behind, his eyes scanning their surroundings for any signs of danger.

Mike was suddenly pulled into the water.

"Oh fu-!"

Sam, Kida, Matt, and Josh gasped in horror. Matt instinctively pulled Kida close to him, his protective instincts kicking in.

"Mike!" Kida screamed, her voice breaking with panic.

Josh's voice trembled. "Oh no no no!"

Suddenly, Sam was pulled underwater, her screams turning to gurgles. The sound was gut-wrenching.

"Sam! Fuck!" Matt shouted, his voice raw with fear and desperation.

"Josh! Come back this way!" Kida called out, trying to keep her voice steady despite the terror gripping her heart.

Before Josh could move, a figure lunged out of the water—a creature Matt and Kida remembered all too well. Kida had flashbacks of her and Matt in the mines with it: the first flashback containing Matt being dragged away from her, and the second flashback of them running for their lives, which ended with Kida sacrificing herself. Matt had those memories too, but he also remembered trailing with Chris and the stranger to find Josh in the shed.

The Wendigo grabbed Josh, shrilling at him. Josh felt the creature's saliva on his face, smelled its rancid breath, and saw how disturbingly terrifying the monster was up close. Could it be another hallucination?

"No, you're not real! No, you're not!" Josh screamed, his voice cracking under the weight of his fear.

The Wendigo eyed him, sending chills through his spine. Josh felt his end nearing as the creature squeezed him tightly, making him scream in piercing agony. His eyes caught something familiar on the Wendigo's right arm—a tattoo he knew too well. Tears streamed down his face as he looked into the monster's eyes.

"Hannah!" he choked out, his voice filled with despair and heartbreak.

Meanwhile, Matt and Kida were coming up with a plan."Matt, grab the tank and try not to get it wet," Kida instructed, her voice trembling but determined.

"On it!" Matt responded, his voice tight with urgency.He adjusted the tank and gave Kida a nod.

She adjusted the nozzle, latching onto the trigger while targeting the Wendigo.

"Time to send you back to hell," she muttered, her voice steely with resolve.