- 5 AM: 6 DAYS EARLIER -

It wasn't long before Fred returned – holding the box and the girls' luggage.

"Fred, you didn't have to do that!" Velma said as she hurried over to him. "I only needed the box."

"Well, you guys aren't sleeping in there again, that's for sure," Fred muttered as he set Daphne's large suitcase down with a heavy THUD. "Besides, it's better if we stay together tonight."

Velma nodded slowly, her gaze drifting to the couch. Shaggy sat slumped forward, his head in his hands. Daphne was beside him, whispering reassurances. But it was clear Shaggy wasn't listening. Scooby still hadn't come back.

Fred lowered his voice. "We should try to get some sleep."

Velma shook her head as she gestured towards the bedroom. "Fred, I need to talk to you."

Fred frowned. "About what?"

But from Velma's expression, he could tell she didn't want Shaggy to hear. Without a word, Fred followed her into the bedroom.

Once the door was shut, Velma spoke in a harsh whisper. "I think he has rabies."

Fred scoffed, crossing his arms. "Oh, come on, Velma. Scooby's vaccinated!"

"How do you know that?"

"Because Shaggy takes Scooby to the vet every year. How could he have rabies?"

"It can happen," Velma said. "It's rare, but possible."

"I think it has to do with the curse," Fred said. "I mean, who would have the ability to mess with Scoob like that? Nothing about this makes any sense."

Velma clenched her fists in frustration. "Will you please stop with this! There's nothing supernatural going on!"

"Well, explain the disappearing wildlife your dad talked about. Something could be affecting Scooby as well! We need to tell your dad."

Velma's stomach twisted. "No. Let's just wait until morning."

"But Velma –

She was already out the door, headed to join Daphne and Shaggy.

IIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII

- 8 AM: 6 DAYS EARLIER -

Shaggy woke with a start, his body aching. He was sprawled across the couch, his long legs draping over the armrest. He took in his surroundings as he remembered where he was. Velma was lying on the floor, snoring; her glasses were still propped on her nose. Fred and Daphne were curled up on the other couch, both fast asleep.

Shaggy's mouth was dry. His head was foggy.

What happened last night?

Despite his protesting muscles, Shaggy brought himself to his feet. He wandered to the kitchen to grab a drink of water. But as he turned on the faucet to fill his glass, he remembered.

Scooby.

The glass nearly slipped out of his fingers as he began to tremble. His heart began to race.

Scooby hadn't come back.

Panic rose in his chest.

But then, as if on cue, a rapid scratching sound came from behind the front door.

Shaggy nearly threw his glass into the sink as he dashed to the door, nearly tripping over the doormat. He flung it open.

"Sc-Scooby?"

Scooby was there, swaying on unsteady legs. He let out a weak whimper as he collapsed into the snow. Blood matted Scooby's fur, deep gashes covering his front and back legs. A large wound on his head was bleeding profusely, the blood trailing down his face.

A strangled sound escaped Shaggy – something between a gasp and a sob. He turned to the others and shook them awake.

"GUYS! It's Scooby! He's hurt – bad!"

Velma jolted awake, nearly flying to her feet. She fumbled with her glasses. "What? What happened?"

Fred was already at the door, his face paling at the sight of Scooby. Scooby's sides were rising and falling as he struggled to breathe.

"We need to get him to a vet. Right now!" Fred cried as he knelt beside Scooby.

Velma reached for her phone and ran to the bedroom. "I'm calling Dad to see if the Mystery Machine's been fixed yet – do not let Scooby bite you. This could be rabies!"

"WHAT?" Shaggy's hands were now pressed against Scooby's bleeding wounds, trying to stop the bleeding. The blood seeped between his fingers.

"Ignore her, Shag!" Fred cried as he crouched beside them.

Daphne's tears streamed down her face as she grabbed some towels from the kitchen. She handed them to Shaggy, but they were quickly soaked through.

"We've got to get him to the Mystery Machine!" Fred commanded as he grabbed Scooby's hind legs, careful to not disturb the wounds. "Shaggy, take his front."

Shaggy did as he was told, gripping Scooby by the arms. He and Fred stumbled through the thick snow, struggling against the weight of the ninety-pound dog. Daphne sprinted behind them, clutching a heap of towels to her chest.

Velma's voice rang out from the doorstep. "Dad says it's fixed! Get Scooby help!"

Thankfully, the Mystery Machine wasn't too far from the cabins. Daphne grabbed the keys from Fred's pocket and unlocked the doors. Shaggy and Fred carefully placed Scooby into the back of the van, their heartbeats pounding in their ears.

Fred turned to Shaggy. "Do you know where the nearest vet clinic is?"

"It's back in town," Shaggy panted, watching Daphne climb into the back of the van. She began placing towels over the wounds. "But I – I don't think we'll make it –

"We will!" Daphne cried as Scooby's blood trickled onto her hands. "Let's just go!"

"Daph, you're staying here!" Fred said. "Let Shaggy go –

"No! I'm going! Scooby needs someone back here with him! You stay here with Velma and figure out what's going on!"

Fred hesitated, but quickly agreed, knowing there was no time to argue. "Just be careful, okay?"

Daphne nodded as she tossed the keys to Shaggy.

Fred's eyes met Shaggy's. "He'll be okay, Shag."

Shaggy didn't answer. He just jumped into the driver's seat, started the engine, and sped away – hoping to God Fred was right.