Dead By Daylight: The Series

by Jtstill423

A dark and mysterious creature known as The Entity creates a mystical fog that transports those caught up in it to a place where familiar places become trials of slaughter. The Entity kidnaps survivors and killers alike creating trial grounds from memories in order to have the ultimate game of Cat and Mouse. Survivors must power generators and survive long enough to open the gates.

3. Episode 1: Into The Fog

DEAD BY DAYLIGHT: THE SERIES

EPISODE 1: "INTO THE FOG"

Air Date: February 2nd, 2024

Network: TBS Network

Streaming Service: HBO Max

Television Rating: TV-14

Little white specs started showing up on the screen as the camera starts to swirl around them with each one being brighter up close or duller when they are further back. Each spec seems to reside in a realm that is void of any life or any color except pitch black. The darkness makes up the majority of this realm as the specs are the only protruding presences within this abyss. However, large dark claws start to appear from the shadows as they start ripping themselves from the walls. Slickly black mist go down each arm as each claw starts to move the specs closer and closer together to make them more compacted. Grumbles from the abyss could be heard as the fingers of each claw fiddle with a random spec each as if casting a little darkness into the light of the orbs. Red and orange pupils started appearing in the vast void of the dark shadows as each pupil stared deathly down on each spec. The monster that resides in the shadows filtering this barren realm scooped up some of the specs in his claw bringing them closer for inspection.

"Shoom me na….," The monster finally spoke as it seemed like it had it's own language to speak and the specs lit up in it's claws like diseased pimples on bare human skin.

The monster then covered the specs with both hands as his claws appeared to be crushing the specs into nothingness. When the claws retracted, the specs of light were no more, but the creature thrusted it's left claw forward as it scrunched the fingers in order to restore those same specs back into reality. This creature had demonstrated the power of bringing organisms back to life and yet, this already showed the true potential of power this creature acquired. What other dark magic would it possess? The creature would then push the specs out of it's dark realm before staring into the blackness of it's domain.

"Ellis no ret tome me na…." The creature uttered in it's unique language.

There is no translation for this language, but it seems simple enough that this creature has power that on the surface may be unmatched. That no human or other creatures could begin to understand. To begin to fight. The creature reached it's right claw into the shadows of the nearby wall and pulled out one spec of light. It let it float daintily in the palm of it's claw as the pupils studied it closely. It seems this spec is of great interest to the creature. The Entity looks at it carefully. The camera zoomed in on the glow and aura of the orb that radiated in the dark realm. An otherworldly humming noise emanating from it as the bright blue light enveloped the screen and a new scene would faze in.

"They say there are two stages of the endless cycle we call life: living and death. Most people fear death as it is sudden and it is unpredictable. You can cross the street and have a car hit you to end things on a bleak note. Natural causes could take you in your old age. You could be stranded in the ocean just delaying certain death from when you began your descent into the big blue water."

A tall lean man with a little muscular frame had started revealing himself as he walked into the scene with his head nervously dilating everywhere. He had disheveled black hair, stumbling glasses that looked like they could fall off any moment, a jet black blazer with a white dress shirt underneath and a black orange-striped tie tucked in, black slacks with a belt attached around his waist, and black dress shoes. He carried a black computer bag that hosted his own MacBook laptop and a few pieces of important documents that included his detailed resume, references, and criminal background check. It seems this young man is about to have a job interview. Multiple tall buildings passed him by as people and cars went about their own business getting around him. Palm trees swayed in the wind and honks could be heard from the streets as traffic was backed up badly on some lanes. The man paid them no mind as he reached a big glass building with "PEAK 22" plastered on the top right corner with the letters being in bold white and the numbers being in bold red. The suited man slumped his shoulders and took a deep breath using the metal rails to hang onto as he ascended the steps to get inside the building.

"You might be wondering who is that on your screen. That's me. Dwight Fairfield. Not too impressive, but I like to think I can fit in. At least that was the mindset in high school."

The next few scenes were a montage of Teen Dwight getting bullied around as he wore a red polo shirt, blue jeans, and black sneakers. A couple of kids shoved him into a blue locker, they pushed over his textbooks when they passed him in class, and the same bullies dunked his head in the toilet for a classic swirlie.

"Don't you guys have anything better to do?!" Teen Dwight protested as one of the bullies pulled his head out of the toilet holding him by his soaking hair.

"Not really! This is a highlight of the day! Get back in there!" The main blonde bully exclaimed as his brunette and obese friends cheered him on as Teen Dwight's head went back in the toilet getting flushed.

Teen Dwight was pulled back out and he looked down in horror as his glasses were flushed down the drain entirely. He was let go and pushed on the floor coughing.

"Whoops! Looks like the nerd lost his glasses!" The main blonde bully teased as he slapped fives with his friends on their way out of the bathroom as the lunch period was coming to an end.

"Not even my football career saved me. Didn't make star quarterback like I was going for."

Teen Dwight would be next dressed in a yellow jersey with "37" in the middle in bold black lettering and the same number on his back with "FAIRFIELD" just on top. He also wore green athletic pants and white shinguards with white sneakers. The rival school team wore black and red as Teen Dwight would be on defense. The scoreboard read 35-28 with only a few seconds left in the last quarter. The play started and Teen Dwight backed up trying to stop the player with the ball, but he got battered out of the way as he hit the ground hard as the crowd groaned heavily. Teen Dwight's football coach would be shown to put his face in his hands sighing as he wore a yellow cap, a yellow polo shirt with a green gorilla symbol on his left side, white pants, and black boots.

"Alright, I don't know what I saw in this kid, but I got to make the call. I'm drinking this sorrow hard tonight," The coach stated as he blew his whistle. "Fairfield, on the bench! You're out of the game!"

Teen Dwight just laid on the grass and plopped his yellow helmet on the ground looking off into the distance in disappointment.

"Yeah….my teammates let me know their true opinions as well."

Teen Dwight would have his head dunked into the toilet yet again as his teammates started berating them for his horrible skills on the team.

"Since I never had any luck on the football team, it was pretty much focusing on studies until graduation. My grades were subpar and not what you would expect from a geek like me. Most people would think I'm a smart cookie, but my bullies always ruined my confidence. Bs and Cs mostly and there wasn't much use in going to college. No college meant my parents just sent me on my way."

A red door could be seen on screen as Teen Dwight was trying to plead with his father before a green camping bag dropped at Dwight's feet and the door slammed in his face. Dwight had on a grey t-shirt, black shorts, his glasses, and black dress shoes as he sighed utterly in defeat before grabbing the bag to step off the front porch.

"I got myself a rusty apartment just in Angeles square and started applying for jobs. I worked at Pizza Palace as a delivery boy, the next week would be a dog walker, three days later, I became self-employed as a snake oil merchant until the LAPD picked me up and I was found guilty on selling fake products where I opted out of serving time so I had to do community service and pay back my victims, I worked as an attendant at Phil's Petrol and got "Employee of the Month" for August, September, and October which came with a nice Halloween bonus, I dressed up as a elf for the mall Santa to pay off credit card debt, and did a side job as a party clown for kids birthday parties which was just painful as you can imagine."

A montage of Dwight's jobs is shown as he wore a red and green Pizza Palace uniform delivering two supreme pies to a family, he was pulled by five dogs as a Rottweiler decided to chase a squirrel which riled up his friends and they dragged William screaming on the sidewalk as he held an empty blue poop bag in his left hand, he could be seen on Sunset Boulevard talking with customers before red and blue lights filled in his vision and he had handcuffs slapped on his wrists as he was shoved into a squad car, he worked under a car trying to change the oil as inside the gas station would be a wall with pictures dedicated to the employees that became favorites of the month, he was seen dressed up as an elf calling on parents and their kids, and he was seen dressed up in a colorful clown costume with white face paint and a red wig as he made a ballon dog for a little blonde girl before she sucker punched him in the family jewels causing him to puff his cheeks as he went down on the ground.

"Now, here I am. Peak 22, a dot com advertising company. My first big job in awhile. I hear the boss is a real work, but the pay is too good to pass up. Now's my time."

"Congratulations, son, you're hired!" Dwight's boss, Lazar, exclaimed as he could be seen being bald and wearing a black blazer, buttoned up blue dress shirt, black slacks, and black dress shoes.

"Thank you so much, sir! I promise that your vision is in safe hands," Dwight promised as he accepted the handshake from within Lazar's office as the boss nods his head.

(The main Dead by Daylight theme starts playing as a forest is shown with a dense fog coming out of it as it swallowed up the screen starting to play a special pilot opening for the television series.)

(Dwight could be seen trying to unlatch Meg's right leg from the bear trap as a dark green freeze frame appears on his face and his actor's name appeared in blood red lettering.)

William Ashworth

(Meg could be seen going on a jog in the forest as a freeze frame happens.)

Meiyun Lai

(Claudette backs away from a closed bear trap before freeze frame.)

Teuila Masina

(Jake lays in his yellow hammock before freeze frame.)

Jake T. Austin

(Laurie is shown running away from Haddonfield Memorial Hospital as she constantly looked behind her before freeze frame.)

Harmonia Edelstein

(Other moments from the episode would be shown before the fog would engulf them entirely showing a distant clearing in the forest. The normal logo for Dead by Daylight would be shown, but a colon and The Series would be added to the bottom all in bold white lettering. The four white tally marks crossed would show up before the camera entered the forest again ending the intro.)

"INTO THE FOG"

*All people responsible for production credited*

The first scene shown is the surprisingly quiet address of 45 Lampkin Lane located within the small town of Haddonfield, Illinois or that's where it would be normally. An eerie fog surrounded the town and the trees swayed in the light breeze casted through the town as this would be the sight of excited children going door-to-door in costumes either bought or handmade created as adults praised the children for their creativity giving them the candy they sought after. Teenagers would also take this night as a time to play little tricks on the townsfolk like throwing toilet paper on the houses or making their pumpkins explode inserting fireworks in them. Now, it was a desolate abandoned street that once brought peace to the families, but now, darkness envelops the once normal suburban neighborhood. The camera would settle on the street as a tattered leaflet for the recent harvest festival could be seen as feet would soon stomp on the paper.

"Oh shit! How did the fire not kill that bastard?" Laurie Strode asked herself as she looked behind herself and widened her eyes trying to gain more ground as the empty houses passed her by.

Laurie could be seen in a rusted denim buttoned up t-shirt with white buttons, blue jeans, and brown shoes as they clattered across the street pavement. A familiar tune started up as black boots started walking across the street as the camera peered up to see the navy blue boiler room suit and familiar mask worn by Michael Myers. The emotionless stare he gives as he walks after Laurie and establishes himself as a man on his mission to go after his obsession.

"Mom? Mom? Shit, what the hell is wrong with this damn phone?" A female voice cursed to herself as it caught Michael's attention as he peered to see a teenage girl standing at a payphone surrounded by a glass box.

The girl had short blonde hair as she wore a hot pink t-shirt, a sparkly black jacket, blue jeans, and white sneakers as she tried pressing buttons on the phone and even dug in her jacket pockets for extra change.

"Come on! I need a ride home!" Lily Piper asked as she tried inserting more coins into the machine to get her mother's connection back.

Michael started turning his attention to Lily as he came onto the sidewalk and opened the door as Lily turned around screaming, but Michael started choking her with his massive hands. The phone dropped hanging off the cord as Michael started strangling Lily and she couldn't get a word out before Michael took her head and bashed it on the glass with blood splattering every few seconds. Michael puts Lily's head through the glass as a sharp piece pierces her skull and he looked at his bloody hands before he wanders out of the phone box. A lowly police car could be seen with everything shut off as an obese white cop with brown hair and an African-American man with short black hair could be seen in full uniform.

"10-4. 10-4. Can we please reach the chief? There has been some power outage in the local area," Officer Scotty Marcus requested as he tried the dispatch radio and he was the driver.

"Stop trying, Scotty. We ain't getting anything here," Officer Earl Jones stated as he waved off Scotty's attempts.

"Son of a bitch. Stuck on patrol duty on Halloween and we have a neighborhood wide power outage. This really sucks," Scotty complained.

"I told ya we could've gotten Chinese. Those egg rolls make everything better," Earl retorted with a chuckle.

"I'm on a diet. My wife is not so thrilled with my junk food binge so I'm trying to cut back. Add in more proteins and vegetables," Scotty joked.

Suddenly, the screaming from Lily caught their attention as they saw the aftermath of Michael killing her and they saw the blood on his hands. Scotty started turning serious as he exits his police car slamming the door. Earl came out of his car bringing out his gun from the holster.

"Hey fella! You got a killing spree planned?" Scotty asked.

Michael looked up at them as he just stood on the street staring blankly through his mask and his heavy breathing being the only noise he uttered.

"Can't be killing, buddy! It may be Halloween, but that stuff ain't tolerated. On your knees, hands behind your head, you're going downtown for booking!" Scotty ordered as he drew his own gun.

"Listen well and we all get out of this okay," Earl added as he aimed his gun.

Michael didn't listen to the officers as he started walking towards them and this made the officers back up as Earl leaned against the squad car for cover. Scotty kept a narrow glare on Michael raising his gun trembling slightly.

"One more chance! I'll start shooting if you don't comply! You're under arrest, punk!" Scotty warned.

Michael started walking faster as Scotty started firing off rounds at Michael and he jolted slightly as the bullets pierced his skin. However, Michael barely flinched as he grabbed the wrists of Scotty as Scotty tried for another shot, but the bullet went high in the sky. Michael turned the gun on Scotty pointing it to his forehead before the camera shifted to Michael's mask as Michael pulled the trigger and blood splattered on his mask as Scotty dropped dead. Earl was breathing heavily as Michael then approached him and he tried pleading.

"Look, do what you want! I'm not going to try and get you. You clearly have freedom of expression and I love the Constitution!" Earl begged as he got back in the car, but Michael still pursued him punching the glass window open as shards went flying.

Michael reached through to choke the fat cop as Michael's heavy breathing could be heard as Earl grunted and gurgled getting choked out with only one hand. Soon enough, Earl succumbed to the torture and his eyes rolled up in his head before Michael released him. He then opened the back door of the squad car seeing a black lock box down under Earl's seat. He retrieved it as Michael slammed the box on the street breaking it open as multiple pieces of evidence started flying around the place. One piece of evidence in particular caught Michael's eyes as it was a sealed plastic bag with a butcher knife in it covered in dry blood. Michael went up to it picking it up and opened the bag reaching in to grab the knife by the handle. He dropped the bag and inspected the knife as he had his weapon of choice. Michael then had his eyes trained on a blue bus just down the road.

"This is Officer John Blud and I'm the current driver for the transport of prisoners to the penitentiary. Haddonfield seems to be suffering some power outage and I'm awaiting orders to investigate further," John explained as he was trying the radio and shown to be an elderly man with short white hair and a white mustache.

Michael started making his way down the street as he held the knife in his right hand as John just sat on the bus bored out of his mind. The prisoners he was transporting were just wondering what was going on as their hands were bounded by handcuffs.

"Where the hell are the kids out here? I haven't seen a person here since I reached this street," John muttered to himself.

Michael appeared outside the door to the bus as he just stood staring inside the vehicle as John happened to look over. He wondered what this man wanted and saw he was wearing a mask so he must've been taking part in festivities. John opened the door and looked at the masked man.

"Having a good Halloween, mister?" John asked with a friendly smile.

Michael never said a word as he climbed the steps into the bus grabbing John's head and bashing it on the steering wheel as John's police cap went off his head and he screamed for his life. Michael then stabbed the gut of John as John went lifeless instantly as Michael pulled out the knife and wiped it off with his left hand.

"Holy shit!" A muscular brunette prisoner from the back screamed.

"The guard's out. Everyone make a break for it!" A bald prisoner called as all the inmates started getting up causing a bit of a ruckus.

The prisoners shifted past Michael and the dead officer as they huddled down the stairs making sure not to cross the killer. The bald guy came up to Michael as he would smile at the masked madman.

"Thanks for freeing us, pal. This will be a Halloween I won't forget!" The bald guy praised as Michael just stared emotionless at the prisoner.

As the bald inmate turned to go down the steps, Michael grabbed the orange jumpsuit bringing him back up as he tried getting out of Michael's grasp. Suddenly, the knife went into the innate's back as he was released to fall to the street lifeless as Michael started stepping off the prison bus.

Meanwhile, Laurie had looked behind her trying to scout where Michael could've been and she reached the edge of her street making a break for the woods and passing by multiple bushes.

"I need to hide before he gets to me!" Laurie yelled.

(Scene Break)

Lazar showed up on screen slamming four vanilla files filled with papers and documents on Dwight's mahogany desk as Dwight was shocked a little bit. Lazar wore a beige vest, grey dress shirt with white buttons, black slacks, and black dress shoes and Dwight wore the suit he wore to his job interview. This is Monday which means his first day at Peak 22.

"Welcome to Peak 22, Dwayne!" Lazar greeted.

"My name is Dwight," Dwight corrected.

"Cool beans. Anyway, you'll be in training for a week. I normally would take the reins in teaching you my incredible method of influential greatness, but I need to meet with my ghostwriter on my new book coming out. I'll have Rose train you," Lazar explained as a blonde woman in a pink blouse with a white t-shirt underneath, pink skirt, and black dress shoes approached the desk.

"This is a wonderful opportunity to work in this company, Dwight. Mr. Cricket's excellent invention of Story-Hook has led this company to greatness for five plus years," Rose praised as Lazar comically held his hands up.

"No more applause, Rose. You'll embarrass me in front of the new kid," Lazar joked.

"Story-Hook?" Dwight asked as he tapped his chin. "That's what I'm supervising?"

"The writers that write the campaigns. They're your responsibility and you're also our social media manager. Writing stuff and promoting my vision," Lazar stated.

"There will be modules that you'll be going over that will explain the process," Rose added.

Dwight understood as he nodded his head and a green-suited lawyer came by tugging at Lazar's arm as he was whispered something in his ear before he nodded.

"I have to take this," Lazar said before he and his lawyer went down the hallway entering into Lazar's personal office.

The office space shared by many of Dwight's new co-workers has multiple people working at their own desks just separated mere inches from each other. That was the bottom floor as the upper floors could be seen through glass-plated windows showing many rooms for the creative team, marketing team, board meetings, and upper offices. The Peak 22 logo was plastered high on the far right wall as many clients came through the doors.

"Good grief. I never thought he'd leave. I almost upchucked praising him," Rose stated as she cleared her throat and smiled at Dwight.

"You could've fooled me," Dwight said with a confused look.

"Nothing more, nothing less. He's a bit of a jackass if you don't follow his every word. Luckily, I'm training you so you can skip his lectures on his "revolutionary" invention," Rose replied.

"This is as good as it gets?" Dwight asked.

"You better hope for less," Rose replied as she walked past Dwight's desk.

(Scene Break)

It would only be a few days later that Dwight actually got to work on something after Rose had him go through several modules and a few presentations in an upstairs boardroom. Dwight's computer would be seen as he was typing stuff on the company's Twitter page and then he switched a tab over to Instagram dropping a promotional picture for a new upcoming ad campaign.

"This is such an easy task. Just supervising people and updating social media. I can't believe I didn't find this place sooner," Dwight muttered to himself as he typed away on his desktop computer.

"Argh! You always ruin the fun!" Lazar exclaimed as he threw the lawyer out of his office.

"I'm just telling you what the law says. You can't take a concept already created and pass it off as yours. Releasing that book will be a direct violation of these circumstances," The lawyer explained to the CEO.

"It's all bullshit, Michael. It's not even a well-known process. I'm taking it and making it even better. Making it into something extraordinary," Lazar retorted as he outstretched his arms in a circle.

"It's a lesser known concept in high school textbooks, Mr. Cricket. You can't expect publishers to divulge in your fantasy," The lawyer explained further.

"Don't give me that crap! I need believers on this team and I think you are just trying to set the sails in the wrong direction," Lazar said with a narrowed glare.

"You can't be serious. I'm only trying to tell you not to violate copyright law," The lawyer retorted with a grimace as he got on his feet.

"Well, I hope this isn't a violation. You're fired. I don't need my own lawyer doubting my vision," Lazar scoffed as he closed his door in his former lawyer's face.

"You'll regret that, Lazar! I'll sue you for everything you got! I'll stand against you when you are the defendant!" The fired lawyer screamed as he went left adjusting his tie.

Dwight happened to look behind him as several workers just kept to themselves, but occasionally looked and some even just sighed with grumbles. Dwight gulped and felt a lump in his throat as he patted his stomach.

"Don't worry, new guy. Lazar is not that hard to please. You're only in trouble if you don't kiss his ass," A black-suited man with glasses patted Dwight on the back.

That didn't settle Dwight's nerves as he just tried continuing his work and typing away on social media. His stomach growled and he just got up and started running for the bathroom.

(Scene Break)

Lazar ordered an all hands meeting for the next morning as he wore an expensive white and red suit with a nice red tie tucked in. The writers, creative team, supervisors, marketing team, campaign managers, and Rose all started filing in as Lazar looked sternly and competently at each person settling into a seat or preferring to stand. The large boardroom was filled to the brim and Dwight adjusted his black suit jacket and straightened his tie taking a seat at the far back.

"Thank you all for coming on such short notice. I understand we've all been on edge. Peak 22 prides itself on cracking down the words needed to attract advertisers and clients to our company. I appreciate all your hard work and helping me expand my vision for Story-Hook. It goes without saying that I'm a proud owner and I'm glad to have a serious team on deck to keep having a brighter future for us," Lazar explained as he put on his best smile.

"We appreciate your vision, sir. We know you work hard at inventing something that most companies never capitalize on. I would say Peak 22 becomes more unique by the day," Rose popped in with her two cents although she clicked her tongue in disgust having to say it.

"And Rose, you hire the best workers to help broaden horizons for Peak 22. You are the best woman for this job and I'm happy to have you here," Lazar praised as Rose blushed and put her hands up in modesty.

"He's such a big joke," One man whispered in the crowded room.

"You think he practices kissing his own ass five times a day," A woman smartly remarked.

The tension in the room was there even if unnoticed by Lazar as whispered remarks were passed around the room and silent laughter could be heard. Dwight just kept his focus on Lazar's words for now, but did have to think to himself what he actually signed up for.

"To reward hard work, I'm announcing a team retreat in Armond Woods next Friday. I think the good vibes of nature and the wildlife around us could help us bring more cohesive teamwork and precision to our already amazing team. A break from the desks and the Internet and building more genuine relationships to help us for our future challenges," Lazar announced.

"That's a wonderful idea, Mr. Cricket," Rose added with a clap of her hands turning to the people in the room.

Everyone started mimicking Rose with applause as Lazar smiled at his crew and Dwight clapped his hands as well not wanting to draw attention to himself, but he could see the tension wasn't lifted in the slightest from Lazar's words.

"Make sure to pack your essentials. I'll have company funds shelled out for this retreat and the cafeteria will start packing lunches for us so you don't have to worry about that much for the weekend. We take the entire weekend to enjoy nature and each other. Build some team spirit and roast marshmallows by a freshly lit fire. I can even dust off my scout skills for this trip," Lazar explained.

"Freshly lit my keister…..you'll just use a damn lighter," Rose scoffed to herself unheard.

"This is going to be an interesting camping trip," Dwight stated to himself.

(Scene Break)

Dwight had never been camping before and he wasn't sure what to really wear so he just wore casual work clothes. He had other clothes packed in the black backpack underneath his seat along with bug spray, a s'mores set, a red rain jacket, and a flashlight. He was in a rush and he didn't even pack extra batteries for the flashlight which he cursed himself endlessly and he left behind his phone only telling a small group of friends about the trip. Dwight straightened out his khakis hoping this would be a light breeze of a trip and he could relax for a little bit. The tour buses parked just outside Peak 22 were large in size with a black color on top and a white color on the bottom. The name Forest Enterprises with a sleek grey coloring would be on the sides of the buses and inside would be rows upon rows of seats with video screens to show off many channels for passengers to watch. Each pairs of seats had a small remote control that only changed channels and increased volume.

"Anybody sitting here?" Rose asked Dwight, who was just staring out the window and got startled, as the new hire quickly shook his head.

"Oh no….nobody I was saving it for," Dwight replied as he saw Rose sit down in a green dress shirt, blue jeans, and red sneakers.

"Thanks. I want nowhere near Lazar," Rose stated as she shoved her purse and a black tote bag under her seat.

"Wow, second week here and already a camping trip. This is truly a good experience," Dwight spoke to break the ice with a friendly smile.

"This is just damage control for everything Lazar has done. I even got a complimentary copy of his new book. What a pompous jackass," Rose replied as she reached into the tote bag pulling out a book titled The Billion Dollar Idea Inc. as she reached over opening the window to throw the book into LA traffic.

"Was it that bad of a read?" Dwight asked as he closed the window and adjusted his glasses while Rose crossed her arms.

"I skimmed it. He talks about his "creative" mind and how more people can stand to learn like him. He even said he'd make a good politician. Which I actually agree with him on. He's a good two-faced boss and a notable liar," Rose complained.

"I keep hearing he's not unique as he thinks he is. I don't dwell on hearsay, but is it true?" Dwight asked.

"Five years that Peak 22 has been in business and although we had interest from clients, Lazar drove them away by insisting he would write and direct the campaigns himself. He got writers, but that was only after removing the big stick up his ass," Rose replied with a whip of her blonde hair. "Before he created Peak 22, he used to be a conspiracy theorist and thought the government made satellites to keep track of everyone in their homes and thought aliens truly existed. He even made a web series about an alien computer that takes over the world and humans were exiled to outer space, but one human survivor stays on Earth and builds a time machine to go back in time to prevent the invasion. A lot of "haters" as he called them said it was an overwritten plot and had a little resemblance to Terminator."

"A conspiracy theorist? That's who is running our company?" Dwight asked with a raised eyebrow.

"You're just seeing it front and center. His massive ego can't take criticism and he often thinks he should just be running the company by himself. I've had my job on the line three times before because my attitude couldn't take his shit," Rose replied.

"So, we're pretty much just under an egomaniac's thumb?" Dwight asked with a saddened expression.

"The amount of times I've wanted to spike his coffee should say that not all of us are having a good time. I'm certain I am not the only one thinking that," Rose replied.

"But you keep in it for the pay?" Dwight asked.

"Pay's good. I just got to keep myself under the radar. I've got a little one so I can't just quit and think I'll have an easy time finding other jobs. My dad is a baker and he wouldn't pay much. My mom is accountant and I'm not standing behind a desk counting bills all day. This is all I have for now," Rose replied.

"I get it. I've had to go through multiple jobs before I found my footing. Kids birthday parties were killer," Dwight stated.

"Entertaining little brats. Yeah, I'd still take that over Lazar. At least the kids are understandable in their own little minds," Rose retorted with a smirk.

"So, getting kicked and punched is your idea of good pay?" Dwight asked with a teasing smile.

"I have a 3-year old son. I'm trained well," Rose replied with a giggle.

"Alright, ladies and gentlemen!" Lazar announced as he climbed aboard the back bus and clapped his hands together for attention. "Feels like a school field trip, huh? Anyway, I hope you all are ready to be taken care of by nature for a change. Scenic woods, lots of character, and great grass. We have a lot of activities planned, but it's a two hour drive and even another hour to the campsite. So, the bus came equipped with Netflix so you can binge or I even hope you brought good books to read. No need for the electronics. Nature calls us forward!"

Lazar would be seen in a beige ranger hat with a black band wrapped around, a white t-shirt, a sleeveless padded tan jacket with pockets, tan cargo shorts, and dark brown combat boots. He had a clipboard counting off heads and then nodded to the driver to close the door as he took his seat. Rose sat back and relax looking at Dwight.

"Let's try to have a good time. I'm sure we'll have an escape plan if we need it," Rose whispered.

Dwight chuckled a little, but cleared his throat as the buses started moving out from their parking spaces and into the busy streets of Los Angeles. Many hours went by as scenes of the buses enter the more remote part of the woods were shown.

(Scene Break)

A montage of activities is shown as people were seen getting off the buses after arriving on the gravel pathways and people were enamored by the scenery taking pictures with their cameras. Lazar lit a cigarette staying by the bus as he took a drag and blew out smoke as Rose shot a glare at him and Dwight just ushered her forward. There would be the building of tents, an hour trying to catch fish, playing card games, pranking Lazar as an African-American worker named Cecil attached a toy snake to Lazar's shirt and he was encouraged to turn around as he did screaming upon seeing the snake running off into the woods to try and dispose of it. The other workers had a belly laugh at Lazar's expense and he would later come out of the woods with dry leaves and mulch all over him, but he just chuckled it all off despite a bruised ego.

"See, I think we all had a fun time today. Hiking, fishing, practical jokes, it doesn't get much better than this," Lazar stated as he threw more sticks in an already burning fire as the scene showed many Peak 22 workers mingling about or already in their tents sleeping just trying to get through the night settling in.

There would be six workers with Lazar as they sat around the campfire on planted logs and the names would be Dwight, Rose, Damian, David, Malcom, and Trish. Lazar brought out an acoustic guitar from behind his log putting the black strap on as he strummed a few notes.

"And nothing like a little music to enjoy this all with," Lazar stated as he played a nice melodic tune.

"If it shuts him up," Rose whispered to Dwight.

"Doesn't music make you all feel invincible or amazing? I just feel powerful when I get to play this old thing," Lazar wondered with a cheeky smile.

"Ego trip," Trish sang to herself as she threw two more thin sticks in the fire.

"Well, I know something that can help us relax further," Lazar suggested as he grabbed a brown paper bag from near him and pulled out a large round bottle.

"What's all that?" Rose asked.

"Moonshine. Nothing says the outdoors better than this stuff in your system. It's a family recipe. Passed down in many generations. It helps me sleep before hard days at the office," Lazar replied.

Lazar started opening the bottle and took a whiff humming to himself with a smile before he took a huge sip and let the liquid feel his mouth before passing around the bottle. Rose would soon get the stuff and immediately passed it to Dwight opting out before Dwight smelled the liquid. It had honey in it and definitely smells like it has quite the thick taste to it as Dwight started taking a sip. He's not known for consuming much alcohol, but maybe this could calm tensions and get him through the weekend. It is a fun way to end his second week on the job.

"Wooooo! That stuff went right through. It works the charm in just a few seconds," Lazar informed as he was passed the bottle after everyone had their drink.

"You ain't kidding….," Malcom stated as he coughed to himself. "The hell is in that stuff?"

"Oh, lots of honey, a hint of ginger, and some other secret stuff. I can't let you know all the family secrets," Lazar replied.

"Well, it's very good, boss," Dwight complimented as he lapped his tongue around his mouth.

"See? I knew it could help us relax," Lazar stated as he started up another song.

Dwight started fading in and out with his eyes growing heavy as reality around him started becoming a hard blur for his vision. He only heard faint grumbles and even didn't notice Rose trying to shake him awake. It wouldn't be long before he fell back as the night sky with stars all around it became his last look as calamity broke out across the fireplace. Dwight closed his eyes before succumbing to his sleep.

(Scene Break)

"Shoom me na…deus tu bra…..orm me shoom…."

Red and orange eyes started filling the vision of Dwight's mind before he felt his body start to come to and darkness enveloped his vision for the briefest of seconds. He saw dark claws reach out from the darkness going for him as he started gasping and groaning. Dwight screamed as he sat up opening his eyes looking around the campsite and saw that the fire was completely out with only a brief smoke trail seeping into the dark sky. Crickets could be heard nearby as Dwight looked around as he didn't see any of the tents around. He raised an eyebrow in confusion as he straightened his tie getting up, but his legs felt weak and he took a few minutes to himself before making his first move.

"Ugh….what a weird nightmare. Boss! Rose! Where are you guys?!" Dwight shouted as he tried looking around the campsite bewildered there were no tents or any other sign of people around.

Dwight felt his legs coming back to their normal sense so he got up and stretched them out properly rubbing leaves off his slacks. He tried looking in the thick brush of woods, but it wasn't any use with how dark it was. Dwight looked up at the sky wondering where his co-workers went and how long he had been out. He decided to sit back down and hopefully wait out the night if that was his only option.

"No co-workers. They wouldn't just leave, right?" Dwight asked himself as he adjusted his glasses.

"No time for guessing yourself, partner," A sinister elderly voice called out as an elder man stepped out of the woods crunching the soft grass under his boots.

Dwight got startled tripping over the log he sat on as he got back to his feet keeping his glasses steady on his face. He saw the elderly man come over to his spot as the man just looked at him with cold, neutral eyes before seeing the fire pit. He saw a few long sticks on the ground grabbing them up throwing them into the empty pit. The clearly man dug around in his pockets for his lighter as he leaned down to light the sticks and effectively started the way to another fire.

"Was this your pit? I'm sorry. I was here with my company and I guess I must've fell asleep. I didn't mean to stay for too long here," Dwight apologized as he fiddled with his fingers.

"Don't stress yourself, boy. It's alright," The elderly man stated as he took a seat.

"As long as that is understood. So, how are ya? What's your name?" Dwight asked as he kept his distance while the elderly man took a longer look at the fire.

"1975," The elderly man began. "I was on a hunting trip with some friends in a state park back in Kansas. Nobody could've known what was going on. I bagged me a good elk. Was about to skin it for meat. Then, the fog took my friends. I've been searching for so long. Call me Jacob. That's all you need to know."

"Um….you doing a spooky scary time?" Dwight asked.

Suddenly, an ear piercing wail came from inside the woods as Dwight shifted up his head looking in all directions. Jacob remained unfazed looking deep into the fire before he nodded his head slightly to the woods.

"Might want to go get that," Jacob stated, tossing another stick beside him in the fire letting it burn through the wood.

Dwight started inching his way closer to the woods as he made a beeline into the forest running through the grass and the mulch paths. He had no idea where to go as he just tried different trails that led him around. Sometimes, he swore he saw a familiar rock or maybe just an orange trail marker someone else left behind. A cool breeze started picking up through the place as Dwight shivered tugging his arms around him to try and keep warm. Dwight didn't see a hidden rock in the bushes as his foot accidentally hit it tripping over onto the grass with a hard grunt. His glasses fell off his face and he groaned as he could faintly hear female whimpering. Dwight raised his gaze before his vision blurred on him, but he could make out a woman struggling to get something off her. He grabbed his glasses and made out a redhead brunette woman wearing a sleeveless hot pink buttoned-up vest with a dark blue trim, ripped jean shorts, and red and black sneakers with bright red laces. The woman had a bear trap stuck to her right leg as she was crying out in pain evident by the tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Get the hell off me! Shit! Fuck!" The woman cursed to herself as Dwight got up and stumbled over dropping near the woman.

"I got this!" Dwight exclaimed as he scrambled around to the leg and started placing his hands on the bear trap trying to pry it open.

"Careful! Don't get yourself….ngh….stuck as well!" The woman warned as Dwight nodded and used his muscular strength to start prying the metal jaws open.

The sharp edges started becoming removed from the woman's leg as she gave a slight grimace to the feeling as her leg was bleeding profusely. Dwight managed to reset the jaws letting the woman take her leg out and start feeling it as she whimpered some more. Dwight rubbed his head not sure how far an infirmary or even a hospital could be, but his eyes rested on a random chest near an oak tree. He raised an eyebrow before heading over to it.

"Is it really the time for treasure hunting?!" Meg exclaimed with a glare at Dwight leaving her side.

"At least let me check for anything useful!" Dwight shot back as he propped the chest open and saw a red first aid bag as he smiled grabbing ahold of it. "See! Medicine! We can fix your leg!"

"Ain't that convenient. Get over here then!" The woman demanded as Dwight ran back over and started setting the box on the ground.

Dwight wasn't trained the slightest in health and medicine, but there was a doctor on his high school football team that would always tend to injuries in a short amount of time. He checked out the woman's leg and it was impaled badly through much of the skin. Dwight sighed and unzipped the box seeing medicine bottles, white rolls of bandages, gauzes, tongue dispensers, an ice pack, and cotton swabs. He grabbed the ice pack and handed it to the woman.

"Just keep it on your leg wounds until I can figure this stuff out," Dwight stated.

"I'm clearly not dealing with a medical student," The woman sarcastically responded.

"Just let me work here!" Dwight argued in panic as he started searching around for the appropriate stuff.

Dwight noticed the sides of the box had holsters for other things as he looked on each side finding a small bottle of rubbing alcohol. He went to work grabbing the cotton swabs and started tending to each wound slowly going around the edges and making sure not to hurt the woman further. The redhead brunette groaned and groaned at each wound that Dwight tended to, but she knew he at least meant well and wouldn't hurt her further. Dwight finished after what felt like 20 minutes as he placed the items down in the grass before grabbing a long roll of bandages. He started at the lower base and wrapped the bandages around the wounds as the woman tensed up at the pain she was currently in. It wasn't much right now, but Dwight did his best.

"How's that feeling?" Dwight asked.

"Argh….could be a lot better, but I can feel the stinging start to lessen," The woman replied.

"At least there's that. I'm Dwight," Dwight greeted.

"Meg. I don't feel comfortable out here. I don't know what set this bear trap, but it's clear this is private property," Meg stated as she looked out to her right and Dwight stared off at what she looked at.

They saw before them some kind of connection of buildings as there would be a large storehouse located to their left with a rectangular shape. It seemed to be abandoned judging by the boarded up doors and glass shattered windows that were left. There also seemed to be a foundry further down as Dwight got up and stroked his chin.

"All of this in a state park. That's weird. I thought the park owners would at least raise a fit about an industrial company trying to claim land here," Dwight stated.

"Whatever the case, I just want to get inside somewhere. My leg is killing me and I can't run from guards. You'll have to carry me," Meg urged.

Dwight nodded as he bent down to grab Meg's hands helping her up before turning around to let her jump on his back. He looked at the storehouse being the closest place to set up base camp for themselves as he ran as quick as he could to the dilapidated building. Dwight went to a broken window sill on the bottom floor letting Meg slowly climb in and then he hopped the barrier as his work shoes touched broken shards that he swept away. He looked around the place really having to see in pitch blackness and the storehouse was a massive building mostly filled with shelves upon shelves stacked with metal parts and iron poles. Dwight stroked his chin looking over the place as Meg stumbled over to a work desk and took a seat in the tattered black swivel chair.

"I'm going to explore some," Dwight stated. "I'll try not to go too far."

"Just don't leave me to die," Meg retorted as she rested her chin in her right hand.

(Scene Break)

Dwight took steps around pieces of metal and glass shards to avoid slipping or tripping which could've been horrible for him. He figured this place was a storage building for iron and metal parts that were created over at the foundry. Maybe it's also a place where more chests would spawn and have extra resources should Meg really need them. Maybe this is where his co-workers ran off to and the thought of this being private property kinda scared him. If this estate is heavily guarded, that's going to be some awkward explaining to the police and he already has had his fill of being in a LAPD holding cell. He also didn't want to get Meg in trouble as well even though he's not sure why she's out here herself. Hiking? Taking a stroll? Maybe her dog got off the leash and she was chasing them? He at least pleaded it was something innocent. Dwight made a note to ask her later for details.

"Chests, chests, give me a chest," Dwight whispered to himself stepping over a metal grate before stumbling into a random aisle.

Upon coming into this aisle, he came across an old television set. Dwight stared at the turned off device and didn't see much around it or any buttons that he could potentially press so he figured it was best to move on. However, the TV unleashed a flickering of bright light as static filled the screen briefly startling Dwight. Dwight rubbed his eyes as the light blinded him and color started fading in on the television showing quite the scene unfolding. Reporters and spectators were shown outside a courthouse as an embarrassed Lazar dress in a brown suit jacket, white dress shirt, and red tie would be seen as he tried shielding himself from cameras as police led him in the building.

"That is the current scene outside the Los Angeles County Courthouse as Lazar Cricket, Peak 22 owner and CEO, is led inside to begin standing trial for attempted murder of a few of his employees. The victims themselves have told police that one of the new hires named Dwight Fairfield fell unconscious after trying some moonshine offered to him and several other employees from Mr. Cricket. Mr. Cricket himself admitted in his interrogation that the moonshine is a family recipe so there is confirmation that the drink was brewed by himself. His hiring manager, Rose, was worried for the safety of everyone and contacted 911 even though Mr. Cricket tried to stop her. LAPD were on site and the body of Dwight was immediately transported to the hospital although his current status is currently unknown with doctors saying he appears to be in a coma. Other workers were transported to the hospital developing high fevers and facing nauseous episodes. Rose and one other worker were not experiencing any symptoms of poisoning and thus they were sent home, but were contacted by District Attorney Kevin Mace to be witnesses for the prosecution after he gained ownership of this case," A blonde blue-suited female reporter for KYTV3 News had explained as she started the evening news broadcast.

"What the hell? Mr. Cricket poisoned me? Does that mean….?" Dwight questioned himself as he leaned further in to listen to the broadcast.

"Mr. Cricket's wife, Maryanne, will also be testifying as her police interview revealed that she was with her husband when he made the drink. Maryanne noticed interesting ingredients that Mr. Cricket put inside the bottle and the prosecution wanted her to clarify anything in court. The recipe for the moonshine was also taken in as evidence for the trial. When asked for comment, Mr. Cricket denied any allegations and will plead "not guilty" when proceedings start. He hired Claire McSkall of McSkall Legal Services to be his defense representation in the courtroom today and Ms. McSkall stands by her client as she stated in her own interview that the prosecution needs to prove there was poison within the bottle to begin with and there was an intent to kill before any reasonable results can conclude Mr. Cricket's guilt. She also says that his workers have always had a negative impression of him so any testimonies are going to be rigged with bias although these comments are only based on what her client told her," The female reporter continued with her news report.

The television screen went back to static as Dwight was confused before the news broadcast returned seeing Lazar testify about his character in court as Dwight shook his head.

"I'm a caring man and I wouldn't do this. Maybe I've been a bit harsh in the past, but I've taken anger management classes to try and control myself. I'm a creative mind. I have everyone's best interest at heart at Peak 22," Lazar explained as he pleaded his defense.

"Your hiring manager stated that your previous female managers reported that you verbally abused them when they rejected your ideas. I have to wonder if she was an intended victim you wanted to silence for seemingly not going along with your direction of the company," Prosecutor Mace recounted as he is shown as a short grey-haired, teal blue-suited man that looked to be in his early 40s and wearing glasses.

"Look, we disagree sometimes, but that's any business. You have your supporters and you have those that simply see it another way. I welcome all views at Peak 22," Lazar stated.

"That's not what we hear, Mr. Cricket. We hear from workers who have testified that you always threatened their jobs. I'm starting to see the picture of that resentment building which could have easily led to an undeniable motive," Prosecutor Mace retorted.

"Objection! Your Honor, the prosecution is willing to try to defy my client's right to not testify against himself. This is a testimony about Mr. Cricket's character and he has the right to not be heckled like this!" Attorney McSkall argued as she stood up from her seat at the defense bench.

"I raise my own objection, Your Honor! The police took multiple statements from workers of Peak 22 and we even heard testimony this morning that even those higher up with him had problems with his attitude behind closed doors. I'm simply trying to understand those words and getting Mr. Cricket to open about these discussions," Prosecutor Mace retorted with his own protest of words.

"I agree that these testimonies of verbal abuse need to be explored, but it remains that the defendant has his right to not testify against himself or incriminate himself. Using his words to establish a motive without evidence simply will not do, prosecutor. Objection sustained for the defense," The bald judge declared.

"The courtroom seems to be heating up and we will have more details as the trial continues throughout the day. However, we do have some unfortunate breaking news out of Washington State," The female anchor stated with a sad tone.

"Huh?" Dwight asked as he listened further in.

"The MacMillan Estate, the most notable mining operation site in the state, is currently the site of one of the most gruesome mass murders in the history of the United States. According to witnesses and a brief investigation by the FBI, explosion devices were found within the mines and the charred bodies of multiple miners were found laid about after the smoke was cleared out. The leading investigator tells KYTV3 News that there were wooden barriers blocking the entranceways into the mine and they had to work at cutting through the wood in order to access the mines. When they were able to enter, black smoke started filing out and overwhelming them so they had to also work at clearing out the smoke that had been trapped inside from the explosions. About six investigators needed to be rushed to the hospital alone for smoke inhalation and a bomb defusal squad had to be called in to help locate the devices," The anchor explained as Dwight adjusted his glasses widening his eyes at the report.

"The worst mass murder in history….and I'm supposedly…..dead? This isn't making any sense," Dwight muttered to himself.

A crash started happening at the front of the building as the sound of doors scraping across the floor were heard and Dwight's eyes turned to see through the shelves as a far away figure stepped inside the building. The hulking body of a masked figure is seen as his arms are the only body parts visible as he wears a bronze dress shirt with ragged white buttons and a solid brown apron. His leather black pants had three brown patches down the legs and his brown boots clunked on the floor. The man had a hard white mask on his face with black eyes and a neutral mouth that hid his true features as he turned his head looking around the premise. A bloody cleaver is seen in his right hand as Dwight saw how long and custom it looked. The metal looked very sharp with big spikes protruding from the sharp end and fresh blood donned the blade. Heavy breathing is heard as the masked figure looked around walking into the building further and Dwight still heard the television box going on about the news.

"In other news, the high school cheerleading team is holding a power puff charity football game this Saturday…," The female anchor droned on in the background, but Dwight tried punching at the television and shaking it to get it to shut off.

Dwight looked for any cords it may have had, but the box didn't even looked hooked up so he just lifted it off the shelf and slammed it into the floor which seemed to break the glass and cease the noise. However, the masked figure turned his head and looked through the shelves seeing Dwight. Dwight held his back to another shelf as the figure went after him going to the right as Dwight started running and making his way back to Meg. Meg hadn't noticed the television going off or the figure entering the building as she seemed to be caught in a nap, but she was shaken awake by Dwight as she screamed loudly.

"Dwight! What the hell is it?!" Meg demanded with a heated glare.

"He's here!" Dwight exclaimed as he pointed behind him to the masked figure grunting as he neared the duo.

"Who the heck is that?!" Meg panicked as Dwight sprung into action loading the track star on his back and making a break around the killer.

The masked killer growled coming for the duo swinging his cleaver as Dwight had a hard time running having to step over pieces of debris and other metal parts. He tripped once again falling on the ground grunting as Meg fell on her back screaming as the killer came near the both of them. The cleaver is raised as Dwight had to think quick grabbing a large metal wheel and lifted it up to take the brunt of the cleaver's swing as the killer grunted in annoyance. The figure raised his left leg to kick the wheel out of Dwight's hand and used his other foot to kick the supervisor down on his back as Dwight and Meg feared they were about to meet their end. The masked killer loomed over them raising his cleaver ready to deliver the final blow, but footsteps could be heard rapidly approaching from behind.

"Look out from above!" A male voice screamed as a wooden beam is hit across the back of the masked fiend as Meg felt her arms being lifted as she saw an African-American woman behind her.

"Come on, let's get moving!" The woman urged as she helped Meg up and Dwight got back to his feet as the killer turned to the other man aiding the fellow survivors.

"Whatcha got, bro?! Didn't get me earlier and I bet you're still fuming having to take that L!" The other man taunted as he held a medium wooden beam on his hands as a weapon.

The killer grunted in anger swinging at the hero as the man ducked and weaved through the attacks using his beam to hit the killer in the gut. The masked killer snapped his head at his enemy using the cleaver to trip the man and kick the wooden beam away. The other man looked up in terror as the cleaver is raised high only for Dwight to take the metal wheel from earlier throwing it like a frisbee to hit the masked fiend in the back making him stumble over the other man. The black woman dragged Meg along, but her cries of pain due to her leg stopped them briefly before Dwight turned to let the track star back on his back.

"Jake! We need to get going!" The black woman called to her friend.

Jake gets to his feet and makes a break for the exit doors with the others as the masked killer growls giving chase. Jake happened to see a wooden pallet on the side of the wall near some broken windows as he tipped the pallet over blocking the way of the masked killer. The killer grumbled and shook his fists in anger as his prey escaped out the doors. The cleaver would be sent through the wood as the masked killer started chopping at the pallet in anger making sure to fuel his rage more.

(Scene Break)

After some more running out in the grass, the four survivors finally made their way into the foundry as the black woman and Jake started pulling the metal doors close with a long creaking noise and then the sound of the doors slamming shut. Dwight panted dropping to his knees and letting Meg fall on her butt as Jake whistled turning around to face their new friends.

"Had a little run-in with Trapper, huh? Yeah, those bear traps are everywhere," Jake stated as he placed his hands on hips.

"Like I didn't notice," Meg retorted with a sarcastic attitude.

"At least both of you are safe. We have soon learned that the masked killer isn't exactly a slouch in hunting," The black woman stated.

"Anyway, I'm Jake and this is Claudette," Jake greeted as he introduced his friend. "As you can see, this isn't exactly your normal night on the town. We got a cranky hunter out there and he isn't really a social guy. Unless he cleaves you then he's pretty much your best friend."

"I'm Meg and this is Dwight. What the hell is going on here?" Meg asked.

"This is going to sound super weird and feel free to not believe me, but….we aren't exactly in our world anymore. I'm not particularly sure what kind of world it is, but it's a dangerous one. Killers roaming forests and streets looking for us. Trials to be filtered through. Survival being a key priority and outcome. Me and Jake met during one of these trials," Claudette replied as she walked around and used her hands in different motions to express her points.

"I don't remember the killer, but we've managed to stick it out even when others weren't so lucky. Always settled down with a nice nap at the campfire afterwards," Jake added as he crossed his arms and leaned against a metal pole.

"Excuse me….not our world? I'm so confused. I was suppose to be on a company retreat," Dwight stated.

"And now you're not. This is the MacMillan Estate, a bloodshed land as the host of this fickle mass murdering that happened. I heard about it on the news back in the real world, but I never thought I'd be here," Jake explained.

"The MacMillan Estate? That's where we are?" Dwight asked.

"Yep. This is the main foundry where they produced most of the iron," Claudette replied with a nod as Dwight looked around seeing ran down machinery, catwalks, and boiling pots attached to the ceiling.

"And Trapper….he stalks these grounds. He knows them the best. Probably attached to this place," Jake figured.

"So, Trapper was that guy back in the storehouse?" Meg asked with a raised eyebrow.

"One of many. There's many other realms within this world all controlled by one being," Claudette replied.

"I can't believe it. So, are we dead? Is this some kind of purgatory? I heard about my boss potentially poisoning me on the television," Dwight asked as he stood up wobbling.

"Huh? How did you watch TV? Electricity isn't a thing here," Jake replied with a raised eyebrow.

"I just ran across an old television set and it just started playing the news towards me. I heard my boss got arrested on suspicion of poisoning me and several of my other co-workers. Also, there was a report about this place," Dwight explained as best he could.

"Hmmmm….probably was a purposeful thing then. I found a book in one of the realms that seems to have a documented encyclopedia of the many trials in this world. It belonged to Benedict Baker, but his journal has no personal details on who he was," Claudette stated.

"Well, I think the best thing is wrap up things here and make our way out. There's one generator left to fix and that will power the gates on the other side," Jake explained as he outstretched his hands to wring them out.

"If you two want, the main office is up on the catwalks," Claudette suggested as she pointed up at a square-shaped skybox that overlooked the whole foundry. "It's probably the best hiding spot and it's where I left the book and my bag up there if you wanted to learn more about this realm. Also, Meg can heal her leg better up there."

"At least we can probably be away from that idiot," Meg stated as she scooted closer to Dwight and he helped her up on his back.

"Entrance ladder is in the back. Have fun chilling!" Jake called as he started walking to the metal doors and Claudette waved goodbye joining her friend.

(Scene Break)

Jake and Claudette entered the woods as they were searching for the last generator that would help them achieve another successful escape. They could hear it as Jake helped Claudette step over a log until a light lingered in the distance. Claudette passed Jake a black flashlight as he held it up turning it on to see through the woods as both survivors kicked up leaves. Jake searched the ground for any bear traps as he spotted one in a bush so he and Claudette went into the opposite direction.

"So much peace in these woods, but this guy can't just eat roadkill," Jake stated.

"It's not like he has much choice. We know something runs the operations around this world," Claudette retorted.

"I'm just saying. It wouldn't hurt to have some barbecued raccoon. It hits the spot when you're paranoid. Cover it in some pepper…..mmmmmm, that's pure heaven!" Jake explained as Claudette rolled her eyes.

"I need to know this why?" Claudette asked with a disgusted look on her face.

"I forgot vegans hate survivalists," Jake replied with a sarcastic tone.

"I told you I was a botany enthusiast and you sum me up as a vegan?" Claudette asked with a raised eyebrow.

"Likes plants. Hates animals being eaten. Yeah, that's vegan!" Jake whispered sarcastically as they headed out on a trail. "You probably liked Finding Nemo growing up. Fish are friends, not food."

"That's besides the point, you jerk," Claudette scolded.

The last generator is seen just down the path as a wooden perch held a single lit lantern over it as Jake turned off the flashlight to make them both hidden.

"There's the generator. There's no sign of that creep burrowing around here so I say we have time to fix this thing," Jake ushered.

"Don't count our chickens before they hatch, Jake. That freak knows these grounds better than we do," Claudette retorted.

"Who's the alpha survivalist, though? That would be me. Stick with me and we'll be out of here before he even bats an eyelash," Jake promised with a friendly wink and pointed at himself.

Both survivors ran for the generator as they crushed crinkled grass under their shoes, but Claudette felt her left foot trigger a device as she tripped straight into the grass. The bear trap went off as Claudette managed to move her right leg out of harm's way as she turned on her back gasping and screaming backing up to Jake's legs. Jake turned the flashlight on and saw the enclosed bear trap with the metal shining in the light. Jake shut it off and shrugged his shoulders.

"I guess he figured we'd be out this way. We're all good," Jake stated before he turned around seeing The Trapper staring him down.

Jake screamed in terror tripping over Claudette onto his butt as he scooted back and Claudette gasped as Jake tried throwing the flashlight at Trapper. Trapper deflected the device with his cleaver knocking it further into the woods as Jake started sweating down his forehead knowing it was curtains for them this time.

"Alpha survivalist, huh?" Claudette asked with a glare right at her partner.

"If you want, have a crack at Claudette! She's way too sassy for my liking anymore!" Jake called out to the killer.

"I swear I'm haunting you if there's a way to do that here!" Claudette promised as she adjusted her glasses backing up.

The Trapper inches forward as Jake could only grasp at the blades of grass knowing that he and his partner were done for on this trial. They came so far from the other ones and he couldn't believe their luck was about to run out right here at the finishing line of this one. Jake narrowed his gaze as Trapper held his cleaver with an iron tight grip as he inched his gaze on Jake more knowing the forest dweller caused enough trouble for him first.

"I guess that's a no then. I guess I deserve it after disrespecting you. I just hope this can be more of a mercy kill," Jake stated as he closed one eye looking up at his possible tormentor.

Jake felt Trapper's shadow inching closer on him as Claudette could only watch in terror as Jake would become the latest victim for this deranged psycho's master to feed on and potentially make himself even more powerful. That would be the case had Laurie not burst through the other side of the woods blindly running into Trapper making him drop his cleaver in the ground and making the big man stumble. The Trapper grunted eyeing Laurie as the Haddonfield native opened her eyes seeing what she really bumped into. The Trapped swung his left fist at her causing her to drop back as Jake went for the cleaver, but Trapper lifted his right foot to swing into his gut launching him back first into a tree as Jake falls on the ground groaning and closing his eyes as he held his gut.

"Who are you?" Claudette asked as she rose to her feet and confronted Laurie.

"I don't think now is really the time for questions," Laurie replied with a panic in her voice as The Trapper walked to his cleaver picking it up and giving a passing glare at Jake through his mask mentally saying it wasn't over between them.

Trapper turned to Claudette and Laurie as he had a new target of ire as he grunted going for both ladies causing them to run screaming back into the forest. Trapper followed them into the woods and sliced into trees with his cleaver to turn the paranoia up as all the noises seem to fade away from Jake's location. Jake looked back as he had to wonder where that Laurie girl came from, but it was a welcomed distraction as he could now get to working on the generator. He mustered the strength to get up wincing as he stumbled over to the machine and reached inside starting to play with the wires.

"Keep him busy long enough. I need time to cross wires," Jake muttered.

(Scene Break)

Dwight and Meg had made it into the main office of the foundry as Meg sighed to herself rubbing at her injured leg as she saw the blood seeping through the bandage with certain red spots seen. The Peak 22 supervisor had been in a swivel chair reading a brown mahogany journal he found in Claudette's bag and it had a red tassel acting as a bookmark inside. This was the journal Claudette had mentioned earlier. The one that belonged to Benedict Baker, a survivor that went through these trials, and the writings on each page depicted his journey into the unknown with these trials. Each killer and realm he crossed documented which meant that Dwight had really been transported to another plain of existence. His co-workers were gone, he's somehow in a coma or even worse….just plain dead and this is a cruel purgatory, and there's more people in this new dimension that he hadn't crossed paths with before. It's hard to believe if you aren't a believer in supernatural phenomenons, but it seemed there wasn't much choice here if these pages told the whole truth. Dwight closed the book taking in the knowledge he obtained as Meg looked up from the floor.

"Anything interesting?" Meg asked as she nodded at the book.

"Lots. It just tells me about all these realms and all the killers that are supposedly trapped here just like us. Forced to play a sick game of cat and mouse. This thing….I guess it runs this world. It takes anything with high emotions and sees it as a unlimited feeding source. There doesn't seem to be a page about an exit either. We kinda just stumbled in," Dwight replied as he flipped through pages again.

"Damn it. I regret going for a jog in the woods now. I just wanted peace of mind," Meg stated.

"Are you some track star or something?" Dwight asked as he closed the book.

"I could've been. I was a pretty hyper kid. I didn't like being told what to do and just tried flying solo as much as possible. I didn't drink or do drugs that young, but I never really had an authority figure in my life to calm my toes. My dad left when my mom had me and it's been very touch and go. My mom's pretty much on her death bed and I had to give up a scholarship to CSU to take care of her. It was a tough decision, but you can't abandon the ones that raised you into who you are now. My athletics coach told me it was probably for the best. He wanted my mother to be at my races and to cheer me on. Not have me grieve, because I couldn't be there for her and I got stuck focusing on the track. Family comes first and that's where my mind was made up," Meg replied.

"That's honorable. Well, maybe not now since we are stuck here," Dwight stated.

"It just…..life isn't fair. It throws you opportunities, but puts in so much to stand between you and those chances at what makes you happy. I want my mother to be able to see the girl she raised become a great racer. Ngh….now, I don't even know if I'll see her or maybe even say goodbye," Meg explained as tears began to well up in her eyes.

"That's tough. I've been through similar. I tried out for football. Thought it would help me make friends better. It only made me more enemies when it turns out I sucked. I just could never fit in. I got kicked out of my house and had to fend for my own. You're pretty lucky to have your mom at least," Dwight recounted his own upbringing.

"Kicked out, huh? I guess you've been out through your own trials," Meg figured as she placed her legs on the chair.

"I couldn't bring my grades up enough to try for a good college. My dad had me on the porch and slammed the door in my face," Dwight added.

"That wasn't nice. You may have had lackluster grades, but I'm sure you could have still applied to some great schools. My mom went to community college," Meg suggested as she held a finger up to make her point.

"Yeah, my father looked down on those that never went to real school as he put it. Ugh….just the normal lifestyle of parents always pressuring you to follow their paths or maybe ones they wished they could've followed. It's never an easy discussion," Dwight stated.

"Well, you're wearing nice clothes so you must've found something special," Meg observed as she pointed out Dwight's formal clothes.

"I worked for an advertising company. Well, I work there, but if I'm dead, then I don't anymore," Dwight replied.

"I'm not sure what to make of this place. I don't think I did anything to piss God off, but if this is Hell, I definitely blew my chance at the pearly gates," Meg joked about as she chuckled to herself and it got a light chuckle out of Dwight.

"Nah, I can tell you're a good person. Just unlucky," Dwight corrected with a friendly wink.

"Unlucky….word of both our lives it seems," Meg teased with a smug smile.

The metal doors to the foundry were bursted open as Claudette and Laurie screamed their way into the workshop trying to duck and weave in the field of machinery. The Trapper entered the foundry and looked around grunting before going forward slamming his cleaver on some old pumping devices making his presence known.

"Huh? What's going on?" Meg asked as she turned to the door to the office as Dwight slumped his glasses and adjusted them going outside on the catwalk.

He would see Claudette and Laurie start hiding behind some old cranes as Trapper made his way into the field slamming his cleaver around to lure out his victims. Laurie backed up as Dwight saw a bear trap covered in darkness right behind her.

"Look out!" Dwight called out.

Laurie perked her ears up looking up to see Dwight as Trapper also looked up narrowing his eyes under his mask.

"Oh crap….get to the ladder!" Dwight urged to the girls pointing to the entrance ladder up to the catwalks.

Laurie nodded as Claudette made a run for the ladder jumping to start climbing frantically and Laurie soon joined her looking back to see Trapper making his own run for the ladder. She widened her eyes getting up the steps as fast as she could behind Claudette.

"Hurry!" Dwight urged.

"Crap! He's following us up!" Claudette realized as she widened her eyes seeing Trapper start to climb slowly with his bloody cleaver ready to use. "He's just going to slaughter us where we stand!"

"There's nothing up here I can use to knock him down!" Dwight called out.

"I got this! This isn't my first rodeo with a deranged killer," Laurie decided as she saw the Trapper gaining ground on her. "Maybe Michael wouldn't stay down from a large fall like this, but there's always the smallest chance you will. Fuck off!"

Laurie screamed out as she turned to launch her right foot in Trapper's face bouncing it off his mask as Trapper stumbled. Laurie did it again and made Trapper slip down more. Trapper quickly regained focus and growled climbing the steps faster. Laurie gritted her teeth and kicked the face again making Trapper teeter just beneath some wooden boxes of iron parts left to rust over. Laurie saw her chance and launched one last kick into Trapper's face as the killer started screaming in terror falling off the ladder. His body went straight down in a line colliding through several of the wooden boxes and his back injured horribly by the metal parts that dwelled inside. Trapper remained unmoving and unresponsive as Laurie panted and tried shaking out her painful leg.

"I don't see him moving. It's the best thing going for us!" Laurie called.

Claudette nodded as she continued moving and Dwight helped her up on the catwalk and then helped Laurie up as all three survivors checked out the fallen body of Trapper. He wasn't moving an arm and Dwight could only hope that was enough to kill him or at the very least render him unconscious so they could escape.

"Is he dead?" Claudette asked as she looked at her two friends.

"Don't take any chances. We wait until we come with an escape route," Laurie replied.

Back in the forest, Jake had finished crossing some wires and turning some knobs as he was able to start twisting all three knobs on the machine. He then pressed a yellow button on the generator that redirected it's power and he stood up with a big grin. Off in the distance, alarms could be heard as two metal gates were suddenly green lit and the motion of them opening started up as the gears moved one side of the exit gates to fulfill the opening meaning that the survivors just had to get out and they were free from this trial.

"Oh yeah! Jake wins another one!" Jake exclaimed as he pumped a fist in the air.

The alarms could be heard at the foundry since it seemed to be a lot closer to the exit gates as Claudette perked up with a genuine smile.

"Jake must have fixed the last generator. We can leave this trial!" Claudette cheered.

"Trial? What's going on?" Laurie asked as she scratched the back of her head.

"We'll have to explain and discuss this when we get out. I'll get Meg," Dwight stated.

(Scene Break)

"It took you guys long enough. I woke up, made the kids breakfast, and had them on the school bus while you slackers dragged your toes," Jake teased as Claudette held her bag on her back rolling her eyes and Dwight cleared his throat. Everyone was currently at the exit gate to the estate.

"Nice to see you too, Jake. Thanks for the help," Claudette stated with a little wave of her left hand.

"What happened to our pursuer? Gave him a surfing vacation?" Jake asked.

"Maybe one to Hell," Laurie replied with a small giggle.

"I'll take it. Hey, you're the girl that saved my bacon back in the forest. Even if a little accidentally, but I appreciate it nonetheless," Jake praised as he stuck his left hand out to which Laurie shook it firmly.

"Not a problem. Oh, and call me Laurie. I never did say my name earlier, but then again, I had to leave from home cause I was having an interesting and horrifying Halloween night," Laurie explained.

"Halloween?" Claudette asked.

"Yeah, we got a lot to talk about amongst us," Dwight replied.

"Regardless, I think it's for the best to find a place to sleep. I don't know if there's day in this world, but I'm wicked tired after just running around all evening. Plus, I need to rest my leg more," Meg added.

Each survivor nodded as they started heading out of the exit gate proud of themselves for surviving this first of many trials for their time together. They knew much awaited them in this world and the journal told them much of what was to be expected. They had strength in numbers with each other and they had watchful eyes that allowed them great perception. It would be tough transversing in this new world and the trials, but they had to do what they could to survive.

(Scene Break)

The Trapper laid in the wreckage of the wooden crates groaning hoarsely as a point of view shot through his mask is shown revealing a hazy vision. A red funnel cloud started appearing within the foundry as the Trapper locked his eyes into it. It seemed he knew what this phenomena was as he felt his arms and legs tense up. Trapper started moving and stirring to get up, but a booming voice stopped him in his tracks.

"Ich ka ma wooha….."

(Roll Credits)