Long Hollow Peak

[n0vice]

Long Hollow Peak is a 13 Chapter thriller. I'll be posting the chapters to this thread as I complete them. If you saw any previous threads of Long Hollow Peak that is before the remastered edition. The old edition received valid criticism resulting in a full rewrite. The story has not been reviewed or edited.

== Prologue ==​

Cries of agonizing pain went ignored on that cold and starless night! Grey clouds smothered the night sky and even though it was not raining now, the stone alleyway lay moist. A puddle of scarlet red slowly crept across the stones as she huffed and jerked! A mother of a fatherless child she did not want to be… or so she thought.

As the years went by the young boy was frequently reminded of the pain his mother endured alone that night. Life in the medieval ghetto was difficult and receiving recognition for any amount of hard work null and void. But even so he still tried to cheer her up now and again by drawing pictures of his fantasies. She barely even noticed them half of the time as she tried to keep the tiny room they rented. It was all that she could afford by selling herself. Thus the boy commonly bared witness to the men she entertained for quite the desperate penny.

The sounds they made annoyed the boy and he didn’t want to hear it. Minding his own business he tried to paint an imaginary forest using her lipstick across the dirty wooden floor. There was not a penny for paper or pastilles. The smell in the room was awful to those who newly entered and even some barbaric customers would not dare stomach it. It was the smell of sweat, lust, and even urine. The black trench-coat of her current customer hung against a hook on the wall.

The boy briefly looked back to the ‘customer’ painting his mothers face and chest in his golden stream and immediately regretted it. Eagerly she leaned forward smiling with her dirty teeth and held her hands forward so humbly. The man snorted and pulled up his pants, he got what he came for, a ‘service’ even though it was not on par with the quality he expected. Realizing that he was not going to give her a penny she went into a blind rage wrestling the snickering man out of their room! He did not even get the time to grab his coat by the time he was outside! She was considered frail and vulnerable and such a shame to the ghetto that no one could even respect her. But her shrills and shrieks were enough to send any low class businessman packing.

Angrily she hurled a pillow at the snickering man as he slipped out of the yard. She was huffing with rage as she roughly wiped the piss and semen from her face and chest. The boy gently tugged on her arm wanting to show her the picture he drew. So annoyed was she that she tried to rid him with a single swipe of her hand. It worked. The boy fell back onto the ground onto the mess of lipstick on the floor.

“It is all YOUR fault!” she cried out. “If it was not for you, your father would still be here! You are a little piece of a shit and I am ashamed to even call you my son!” She turned her back to her petrified boy who now crawled backwards to hide between some dirty laundry and a broken cupboard in plain sight. Reaching for her lipstick she expected to paint her thin lips red but there seemed to be none of it left in the tube no matter how much she twisted it. Tossing the useless thing aside she slammed her hands onto the dressing table causing the boy to shudder.

Slowly she turned around to face him but her eyes first caught the glimpse of red on the ground. It reminded her of the red in that dark alleyway six years ago! The blood! Her blood! Losing herself in a fit of rage she leapt at her son grabbing onto what she could to keep him close as her hand lashed at him again and again!

Once his screams silenced the only sound that remained was her huffing as sweat dripped from her face. Leaving the pathetic pile of shame on the floor. She finally looked to the picture that now consisted of mostly smudges and dirt. However, she could still make out the feint form of trees. Perhaps his fantasy could be hers too... There was a forest a couple of miles out of town. She could rid herself of his constant whimpering, pestering, and she would no longer have to suffer the glances of their neighbors when they see just how thin he is.

Throwing him onto the bed in agitation she knew she couldn’t just drag him outside in his shorts and blouse. The nosy neighbors might become suspicious! Roughly she pulled on his shoes without even bothering with socks. Not having a jersey for him she grabbed her recent customer’s coat and roughly threw it over the boy’s shoulders. Confused and afraid he couldn’t do much but walk as she forced him forward with a hand behind his back. They hurried down the flight of stairs that lead them out of the yard.

Most of the town were asleep and no one even noticed her rushing out of town. The little boy looked back to a sign that read ‘Welcome to Rosewood’ a sign he would probably never see again. The hours ticked by but it remained dark and dreary. They were nearing a forest and some wild shrubbery as the first droplets began to fall. She braved the unknown forest dragging and shoving her exhausted child along. She was taking him to the peak. The peak of Long Hollow Creek.

A heavy weight lifted from her shoulders as she laughed with joy. She didn’t have to take care of him anymore. This was finally the end of her suffering! She made him stand on the edge of the cliff, trembling, frightened as she took one last look at him. Her eyes were wild and so were his as his tiny heart pounded in his chest. Rushing forward she was going to ram him right down the peak but where her hands were to slam his chest he cowered into a bundle leaving her nothing to stop her momentum!

Atrocious screams and cracks were the last sound he heard from her before he looked down the edge of the cliff. Her broken body lay still in a pool of blood as her pain came to an end...

 

[n0vice]

Chapter 1 - Years Later

The chirping of the birds outside was more than enough nature for Heinrich McMillan. He was standing in is neat and cosy room enjoying the serenity the great indoors brought him. The room was themed with creams and white and everything was in order and marked with Braille. A laptop stood open on the small smooth wooden desk and books were arranged from A – Z in an orderly fashion. A chubby girl with spots and red hair fell back onto his bed bouncing a bit.

“If I were you I would be excited.” She teased with a smile.

“You are enjoying my suffering aren’t you?” He scoffed as he zipped his backpack shut. He was only somewhat looking in her direction. His pale blonde hair was neatly combed and his baby blue button shirt and neat jeans made it look like he was going to church instead of a camp. His eyes were gray and pale and upon first glance one would perhaps not even notice that he was blind as a mole. A friendly looking lady with her blond hair in a rough ponytail entered the room.

“Are you all done?” she asked cheerfully. Heinrich sighed and fell down onto his stomach beside the red head. “Oh come on Heinrich it is going to be fun. It’s your first year in University and a camp to make friends might just be what you need.”

“I don’t need any more friends than Sammy.” Heinrich groaned as if in pain. The red head smiled at the compliment.

“Now Heinrich… you were the one who was adamant in attending a ‘normal’ university. And if they go camping at a normal university… all that I can say is, when in Rome do as the Romans do.” She picked up his backpack and handed them to Heinrich’s father as he entered the room all smiles. This was the first time in forever that he was going to have some time alone with his lovely wife. Heinrich dragged himself to his feet and would grab his sleeping bag under his arm. Sammy hugged him goodbye before his parents drove him off towards the Rosewood University. It was on the edge of the town and traffic was something that the McMillan family was not prepared for given that it was around 10 a.m.

“I don’t see a bus.” Father said worriedly as he pulled into a parking bay.

“Oh stop Henry. He is going to be just fine. Our boy is all grown up he can take care of himself.” Mother tried to comfort Father. Heinrich sighed and got out of the car. He had never gone camping before and he wasn’t particularly excited about it either. While everyone enjoys the beautiful scenery he can only daydream about what a tree actually looks like. An old overweight man with round glasses and a ribbon tie came hurrying closer with open arms and a smile.

“There is my prized piano student!” he smiled. A sticker on his chest read Mr Pitts. “Are you all set to go?”

“Where is the bus?” Father asked after shaking Mr Pitt’s sweaty hand.
“Oh, the bus? There is no bus. The students with driving licenses offered to do the driving. Didn’t Heinrich arrange for a lift?” Mr Pitts asked concerned. Shit! Heinrich had forgotten about that detail… he avoided it at first knowing his parents would be too worried to send him off with strangers, but then he actually forgot!

Passing by a guy in torn blue jeans and a white tank top stroked his hand through his pitch black hair. His green eyes were sharp and daring and his body a clear indication of a fit lifestyle. He was around Heinrich’s age, perhaps a year or two older. Mr Pitts held up a finger as he called to the passerby.

“Oh, Shephard!” Mr Pitts beckoned the daring guy closer and placed an arm around his shoulders. “You have another space in your truck. Why don’t you let Mister McMillan here be a passenger? All the other cars are full.” Shephard didn’t seem so keen but didn’t want to appear to be as disrespectful as he was to the concerned on-looking McMillans.

“My truck is actually full Mister Pitts.” Shephard protested. “We are already five.” Mister McMillan stroked Heinrich’s back while Henrich was smiling internally; perhaps he could skip the disgusting camp after all!

“Oh nonsense!” Mister Pitts picked up Heinrich’s luggage and shoved it into Shephard’s arms. “That big damsel of yours can easily carry six. No need to be shy, Heinrich is a nice boy.” Shephard frowned, he wasn’t shy! Rolling his eyes Shephard headed towards his truck. A sexy girl in jean hot pants and boots had her buttoned shirt tied around her waist. Her lavish brown hair hung loose over her tanned shoulders and a cowboy hat made her look like she was going to a rodeo instead of a camp.

“Well then...” Mother said somewhat worried about the rough and raggedy look of Heinrich’s carpool partners. There were two more guys around Heinrich’s age. One with dirt brown hair and hazel eyes that had one ear-pod in his ear and the other dangling against his football jersey, he was hanging on the side of the truck and would take the bags from Shephard to throw them onto the top of the truck where the other baggage was strapped down. The other guy had dirt grey hair combed up to a short Mohawk with expensive looking sunglasses on his face.

“Well, you should probably go.” Father said parsing his lips with worry. He placed his hands onto his hips and sighed. Heinrich uncomfortably hugged his parents before Mister Pitts took him to get into the ‘party’ truck. Heinrich got in and sat down next to one of the girls in the back; Shephard closed the door and would get in at the front. The music playing made Heinrich feel like this was probably the jock truck, the last place he would want to be! The sexy red head next to him wore a low cleavage blouse and mini skirt with sandals. She looked at Heinrich and smiled greeting him with a kind ‘hey’ but when he looked towards her she jerked and screamed in shock which made him frown and look away.

“Oh my god! Are you blind?” the red head asked.

“Fuck sake Jesse...” Shephard grunted. The red head looked apologetic even though Heinrich couldn’t see it he could pick it up in her tone of voice. “I am so sorry...”

“Name’s Alan.” Dirt brown held his hand to Heinrich who didn’t take it.

“He can’t see your hand you dumb ass.” Cowboy hat rolled her eyes as she chewed on some gum.

Feeling awkward Heinrich decided to mind his own business, the jocks seemed to forget about him quite easily apart from the red head whose large breasts rubbed up against his arm every now and again. He wasn’t even sure if it was an accident or on purpose after the third time.

“What are we gunna do?” Dirt grey asked. Heinrich didn’t pay much attention.

“I don’t know Stephy.” Shephard groaned.

“We can’t take him with us.” Steph almost asked.

“Oh come on. It will be fun. I am sure he won’t mind. Will you hot stuff?” the red head asked Heinrich.

“I won’t mind what?” Heinrich asked.

“Hot stuff? Oh please, he doesn’t even have an inch of muscle on that bony body.” Cowboy Hat said in disgust.

“We got to either dump him at a bus stop or something or we don’t have a choice but to take the mother fucker with us.” Shephard frowned.

“There aren’t any bus stops anywhere on this road until we hit camp… and since we are turning off early there really aren’t any.” The last girl said. She had two blonde pig tails and seemed to be wearing a cheer leader uniform. A map was flattened out over her lap.

“Wait, hold on. What are you guys talking about?” Heinrich asked wanting clarity.

“Camp fucking Hufflepuff
This is a piece of shit place. There ain’t anything to do there. It’s just for a bunch of losers and granny fuckers. So we’re going to turn off early and make out own camp.” Shephard cleared some of the confusion.

“Whoa. Whoa. Is that even in the rules?” Heinrich panicked. He wasn’t sure why he even asked that, this was the jock truck after-all! His question was only met with laughter and Shephard turning the music up louder.

“Why won’t you go on our camp? Are you a momma’s boy?” the red head teased.

“Sounds like a pussy to me.” Cowboy hat folded her arms and looked out the window.
“I’m not a p-.” Heinrich frowned. His parents raised him better than this. “I’m not a coward!” he tried to sound confident.

“Yeaaah! My man! Then we don’t have any problems!”

"There is a reserve if you turn left up front called Hollow Peak." pigtails called to Shephard.

"Hollow Peak! Hollow Peak!" Alan started to chant as he popped open a beer and took a couple of large gulps.

Heinrich sat with his hands on his lap as the jocks seemed to start their party early. Pigtails climbed on top of Steph so that they could start making out. It was soon clear to Heinrich that they never intended to go to the Meet & Greet camp because they wanted to drink beer, smoke weed, and probably fuck. Feeling her breasts brush up against his arm for the fourth time Heinrich jerked away, perhaps it was too sudden for the red head noticed it and he could feel her eyes on his face.

Shephard turned up the shrubbery and rocks with his truck going off road. There were some excited shrills and screams from the girls as the truck shook up the off road ‘track’.

“You fucking idiot! Isn’t there a road here?” Cowboy Hat scolded!

“Are you insane? This is not a camp ground; it’s like a reserve or something. There ain’t no roads here.” Shephard grinned probably feeling good about establishing his dominance and rough edge. They eventually stopped where the earth was somewhat flatter. Tire tracks subtly marked the way they came into the place. Shephard got out and grabbed some stuff from the roof that he tossed to his friends before he hurled Heinrich with his tent bag. Heinrich didn’t expect it and got knocked over causing some entertainment for the others as they walked off.

“Assholes...” Heinrich muttered under his breath before getting up and trying to follow them. He could hear quite well but there were a lot of noises in the forest he hadn’t heard before. It seemed somewhat peaceful. As the time passed the guys finished setting up their tents but none of them seemed keen to help Heinrich who was struggling.

“Having trouble soldier?” Jesse asked as she approached. Heinrich was too embarrassed to admit it; he had never set up a tent before.

“Stop being such a dick, Alan. Come help out.” She called Dirt Brown who reluctantly helped setting up the tent.

“Thanks...” Heinrich said grumpily.


Later that night Heinrich sat in front of his tent, it was cold and he never felt more alone. The jocks were enjoying themselves around a fire they made from some possibly endangered flora. He could hear them cracking down cans of beers and he could smell the weed they smoked. He could only imagine Shephard toppling over Cowgirl and stealing her hat as they made out with the glow of the fire highlighting his rough features. Surely he didn’t know what Shephard looked like but he could only imagine him as the rough type. Heinrich bit his lower lip why the hell was he thinking about Shephard like that?

“Hey baby, doing okay all out here by yourself?” Jesse asked as she approached. She held her beer to Heinrich. Heinrich smelled it and would take it before taking a sip; he also wanted to look as if he could fit in with their wild crowd. However, the beer tasted bad and was somewhat warm he had hoped she wouldn’t notice his frown but her giggling told him otherwise. “Come on, don’t be such a grumpy cat.” she would lean down and he could feel her breathe on his cheek as she nipped his ear. He jerked slightly as she tried towering over him to kiss his lips. He was trying to accept her kiss but his body was automatically pulling away. She remained adamant and soon enough their lips touched and he could taste the beer and smoke in her mouth, he had never tasted something so disgusting! He shoved her away and would quickly get to his feet. “Hey!” Jesse scowled as she hit the ground. “What the hell was that for?!” Cowboy Hat couldn’t help but laugh at Jesse as Shephard was ravishing her neck with his lips. “Fucking dick.” Jesse cussed at Heinrich in embarrassment as she grabbed back her beer and headed back towards the others. Heinrich was huffing as his agitation with them grew. He grabbed his phone and would head into the forest feeling his way around. He was going to call his parents to pick him up right now!

Shephard just grinned making no attempt to stop Heinrich. After all, there was no signal at Long Hollow Peak.

 

[n0vice]

Chapter 2 – Paranoia

He sighed loudly annoyed at the screen reader continuously telling him that there is no signal. The sound of his parents’ voices would’ve given him some comfort… Being angry he stomped off quite far and didn’t take note of everything he passed. Hearing some shrubbery crumble he halted and listened. Dead silence. He could almost hear his heart pounding in his chest. Wasn’t this some kind of reserve? What if there were wild animals there? Surely the jocks wouldn't have been ‘that’ stupid. He tried to shake off his fears but as he took one more step he heard another ‘step’ of crumbling shrubbery. His throat suddenly felt dry as the thought dawned on him. What if they weren’t there alone? The shrubbery crumbled again and he found himself running for dear life!

The trees made odd creaking noises and around every turn he stumbled past and over rocks and bushes! He could hear the footsteps of something following him! Something heavy! Something aggressive! Perhaps it was a bear! What if it was a grizzly bear?! The darkness of the cold night was beginning to creep in between the trees. He bumped into something squishy and solid and would scream as he felt it clawing at him! He fought his way free and ran again! He was too young to die! The footsteps were beginning to catch up to him and a sharp light passed over his face and fearful eyes before something grabbed his shoulder! He flung around and scratched and smacked trying to defend himself!

“Wha-what the fuck man?!” Shephard growled!

“Shephard!” Heinrich cried out in sweet relief! He never thought he’d ever be happy to hear the jocks’ voice.

“Are you fucking stupid? You can’t go walking off on your own like that. You can’t even fucking see. You bloomin’ retard!” Shephard scolded Heinrich. Heinrich would normally have been annoyed but somehow he just remained relieved that there wasn’t a grisly chasing him, but he was sure he heard footsteps…

“You could’ve at least said something, dickhead.” Heinrich frowned.

“What?” Shephard scowled as they were busy heading back.

“How long have you been running after me?”

“I didn’t run after nothing, you came running past me.” Shephard frowned. Heinrich froze in fear, what the hell? Was there something else out there?

“I don’t think we are here alone...” Heinrich gulped.

“Paranoid cowardly fuck!” Shephard shoved Heinrich forward. “Keep walkin’. There ain’t nobody else here.” Shephard was so agitated and annoyed he didn’t even notice the tip of a boot slightly poking out beneath some larger bushes as they passed by. Realizing that he must’ve come across as foolish Heinrich just shook his head.

“Whooo!” Alan cried out as the two emerged from the forest and headed for the ‘camp ground’.

After the jokes and dancing passed it seemed everyone was settling down, except for Pigtails and Steph who were beginning to fuck each other shamelessly in their own tent. A shadow passed by their tent but they were too busy tongue smashing to notice it.

Heinrich turned onto his side trying to get some shut eye. He was still uncomfortable about his strange surroundings. A blunt object slowly trailed across the side of Heinrich’s tent as something was passing by. Heinrich paused and listened intently. Hearing the clear footsteps he sat up.

“Shephard?” Heinrich managed to ask faintly. The footsteps slowly paced to the front of his tent before it came to a halt. “Shephard…?” Heinrich repeated fearfully. Once he heard the sound of his tent’s zipper being pulled down he screamed! Something big leapt onto him and the two wrestled wildly in the tent but Heinrich only had adrenaline and no strength! He could feel the big hands grabbing around his throat beginning to strangle him! He was beginning to pass out when the strangling suddenly stopped. He felt in a daze as he got smacked through the face. He could hear the mocking laughter, it sounded like Alan.

“You really are a pussy!” Alan looked at Heinrich’s bag and noticed a couple of snacks his parents had packed.

“What the fuck Alan?” Cowboy Hat asked as she hurried to the tent. Pigtails and Steph also approached half naked.

“Just having a bit of fun.” Alan teased and took the snacks from Heinrich’s bag. Heinrich was still trying to recover from the shock. Steph laughed at the odd sight.

“I’m surprised he didn’t piss himself.” Cowboy Hat shrugged before leaving to go back to where Shephard sat in his boxers. She lowered herself onto him so that they could begin making out once more.

“I heard you think there is someone running around in the bushes.” Steph snorted at how ridiculous that sounded.

“Yeah, you cried to Shephard that there was a boogyman in the forest. Are you like ten years old?” Pigtails added laughing.

“Fucking kid.” Alan said as he exited the tent with his loot. “Of everyone why did they have to shove this fool into us?”

Heinrich wasn’t sure when it had become silent. It seemed just seconds ago that they were there teasing him but the fire had already burnt out and his tent still stood open when he regained his senses. He pulled himself up and would zip his tent shut before falling back down.

Pigtails and Steph were lying naked beside one another after a couple of hot steamy sessions of love making.

“Say… what if there is something out there…?” Steph asked with his arm around Pigtails.

“Oh shut up!” she giggled and smacked his chest before snuggling in and pulling the sleeping bag over their heads. Steph just smiled although he felt slightly paranoid.

 

[n0vice]

Chapter 3 - Fear

As morning came Heinrich hadn’t slept for a minute. He was tired, thirsty, and hungry, but most of all he needed to take a piss. As he exited his tent he could hear the jocks were up already. It sounded like they all had some good sleep as they were busy sharing Heinrich’s snacks for breakfast. Knowing he was powerless to gain any sort of control over the situation Heinrich shrugged it off. He approached them not wanting to get shoved and smacked about again for heading off without notice.
“I need to take a piss.” Heinrich stated.
“What?” Shephard asked before biting down on a biscuit.
“I need to take a piss.” Heinrich repeated annoyed.
“Then go, the fuck you telling us that for?” Shephard frowned as he looked at a hesitant Heinrich. “Go, you’re pretty good at going in there all by yourself.”
Feeling the heat of embarrassment press into his cheeks Heinrich tore himself away and began heading towards the creaking trees. He’ll be sure to never ever go on a camp again after this passes!

Pigtails jumped up shortly after Heinrich disappeared between the bushes and trees. She started heading after Heinrich.
“Where are you going?” Steph complained.
“Come on Jess. I know you are dying to see his dick.” Pigtails giggled with her hands on her hips.
“Ah come on...” Steph just groaned sinking his head into his hands.
“He’ll notice us.” Jesse said somewhat hesitant.
“What is he going to do? Look at you?” Pigtails teased pulling at one of her eyes and sticking out her tongue. After a moment more of hesitation Jesse got up. She was curious after all.
“He’s probably gay.” Cowboy hat said as she spoke with her mouth full before chomping down on another biscuit that she was sharing with Shephard.
“Well that is nothing that I can’t fix.” Jesse smirked to herself before following Pigtails into the bushes.

“This doesn’t feel right.” Jesse whispered after some time. They had managed to find Heinrich and were now hidden behind some bushes as they peaked at him. Jesse bit her lip with anticipation as she watched Heinrich unzip his pants and pull forth his member. Pigtails let out a loud gasp of laughter before Jesse smacked her. Heinrich jerked and would zip his pants back up looking back.
“That isn’t funny you know!” Heinrich called out! He couldn’t believe how childish they were!
“But it’s so small…!” Pigtails giggled lowly.
“Fuck you.” Jesse frowned and shoved Pigtails before she left heading back to ‘camp’. Pigtails remained watching a confused Heinrich who wasn’t sure where the laughter had come from.

“Hey! Heinrich, you have a pretty small dick.” Pigtails grinned wickedly as she began coming down the rocks. So obsessed with her teasing was she that she didn’t notice the shadow she left behind where she had just stood. A beast of a man standing 6,6ft tall. The rock she slipped down with effort he scaled with one confident stride before grabbing onto one of her pigtails!
“What the fuck Jesse!” Pigtails squealed before she got flung around. Looking up at the rough figure with his dark trench coat and dirty brown flour bag over his head she screamed in pure horror!

“You guys need to grow up seriously!” Heinrich glared before beginning to stomp back towards the camping area.
“Help me! Help me!” Pigtails pleaded in agony! Heinrich continued to walk away leaving Pigtails at the mercy of the wild brute! Pigtails screamed some moments longer before all sound ceased with a twist and crack of her neck.

Heinrich was stomping towards the cheerful conversation the jocks were having.
“You guys need to stop your fucking bullshit right now!” Heinrich threatened! “I swear to god I will beat the living shit out of you!”
“What are you talking about?” Jesse asked with her arms folded across her chest.
“That fucking prank you just played back there! Do you think it’s funny because I can’t see you?! Do you know how fucked up you all are?!”
“Calm down, Jesus, we didn’t play any pranks on you.” Jesse argued.
“You just pretended to kill that bitch in the woods! That is called a fucking prank!”
“Don’t you dare call ol’ Sal a bitch!” Steph punched Heinrich to the ground with a single blow to the face.Luckily for Heinrich Alan grabbed Steph before he could hurl another punch!
“Woah man!” Alan tried to soothe Steph. Heinrich slowly wiped the blood from his nose as he realized he might’ve crossed a boundary.

Some time later... “She hasn’t come back yet.” Jesse said worriedly as nightfall was creeping in once again. Shephard had made another fire for them to keep warm but Heinrich was keeping his distance by sitting as far away from them as he could, but he too sat at the fire for some heat.
“It must be like minus bloody sixty degrees here.” Alan shivered in his blanket that he had wrapped around his shoulders.
“If Sal doesn’t come back she’s going to freeze out there.” Steph frowned rubbing his own shoulders.
“I say we go look for her.” Cowboy hat suggested. They were all busy heading into the bushes when Heinrich realized that they were leaving him alone at the camp.
“What about me?” Heinrich asked unsurely.
“You sit right there so that I can fucking strangle you to death if something had happened to her.” Steph threatened.

The minutes ticked by and nothing but the eerie sounds of the forest echoed around Heinrich as he sat at the fire that was now beginning to burn out. It was dark, but he never minded that before. Finally hearing some foot steps he felt the need to apologize.
“Listen… I’m sorry. I was perhaps out of line with what I said earlier.” Heinrich tried to make amends. No response came as he heard a sleeping bag being dragged past the fire. “I know you guys don’t really like me… perhaps we just started off on the wrong foot.” He tried again but was yet again met with only silence. He heard the foot steps coming his way. “Tomorrow you can just pack me back into your truck and drop me off at the side of the road. I’ll call my parents to come and get me and then I’ll be right out of your hair. Sounds good?” Heinrich tried to sound hopeful. He heard a soft sound like a groan or a growl he wasn’t sure before there was a sudden jerk and he could hear some heavy duty boots making their way past him and into the forest.
“We couldn’t find her you sick fuck! What did you do with her?!” Steph called as the group of friends emerged from the other side of the clearing. There was a sudden agonizing scream as Jesse cried out!
“Sally! Sally!” Jesse cried as the group fell into a state of chaos and despair! Heinrich couldn’t see it, but he was sitting right beside the corpse of Pigtails stretched out nude and painted with cuts and blood as her broken neck had her head hanging upside down.

 

[n0vice]

Chapter 4 - Degeneration

Heinrich wasn’t sure how long Jesse was screaming but it sure felt like an eternity. Hearing the loud foot steps rushing his way Heinrich jumped up in confusion. He tried to hold up his hands in a defensive manner but it was futile against the brutal beating Steph had in store for him!
“Stop! Stop!” Heinrich pleaded pulling his arms over his head as he was kicked and stomped on! “There was someone else here! I swear on my life!”
“Guys, guys!” Alan tried to pull Steph and Shephard away from their victim. “You’ll go to prison!” Steph took one last kick at Heinrich’s jaw before tearing himself away, he was seething with emotions as he cried out in sorrow.
“We are getting out of here right now.” Shephard said as he started packing up their things, the other young adults soon followed suit. Heinrich slowly staggered to his feet and would head over to his own tent trying to gather the loose items. “You aren’t coming with you sick fuck!” Shephard growled. Heinrich paused, they weren’t actually going to leave him there? As he heard them walking past, he realized that they were serious, they really thought he did something to Sally!
“Please, guys, don’t leave me here! I didn’t do anything I swear!” Heinrich begged but he was only met with a hard shove from Steph sending him to the ground!
“You should be glad we aren’t bashing your skull in you sick fuck!” Steph warned dangerously. Feeling powerless Heinrich couldn’t do anything but stand there as they left him in the eerie forest alone.

Alan carried most of Steph’s belongings as Steph carried Sally’s limp body in his arms. He finally let go, shedding a couple of tears at the loss of his girlfriend. Once they got to the truck Shephard helped load the bags to the top of the truck before they all got in. No matter how hard Shephard tried the truck wouldn’t start up. He got out and cussed under his breathe once he noticed the deflated tires and oil spill below the truck.
“We’re gonna have to walk...” Shephard said as he unloaded the bags once again. They took what they could and left the tents behind as they followed the tire tracks leading out of the forest, but it would take them quite some time before they would reach the road.

Everything caused Heinrich to jump. He was breaking out in a sweat of panic! He was sure there was someone else there now. Was he being watched? Was he next on the killer’s list? Surely, if this was a prank it had gone far enough hours ago. Feeling unsafe in his tent he decided his best bet would be to try and get out of the forest before he is found… alone. The unfamiliar noises of the forest fueled his adrenaline and desire to get out of there as soon as he could! He managed to feel his way through the forest until he reached the truck. However, once he realized no one was there he couldn’t help but call out to them in pure desperation. Unknowing to him his desperate cries for the other young adults echoed far and wide through the silent forest alerting all in range of his whereabouts...

“What if he was telling the truth?” Jesse eventually asked as they could no longer hear Heinrich’s cries.
“Surely he couldn’t have killed Sally so easily… she’s a fit girl she would’ve fought him.”
“I don’t give a shit right now. My girlfriend is dead and the only one that was around her at the time of her death was that sick mother fucker.” Steph sniffed.
“I don’t think he had blood on him… or that he possesses the physical strength...” Jesse continued with no confidence. It didn’t take much more than that to flare up and argument between Steph, Shephard, and Jesse. Cowboy Hat’s agitation grew as their argument became louder and louder.
“Will you all just SHUT THE FUCK UP?!” Cowboy Hat called out. “Go fucking get him if you’re so into him! … Jesus.” Cowboy Hat growled.
“Why don’t you? Since you are so hardcore and badass? Are you afraid of the boogy man?” Jesse taunted. Cowboy Hat grinded her bubble gum between her teeth, she was directly being challenged and couldn’t back down. Backing down would be cowardice and she surely wasn’t afraid of Heinrich. To her, he was just some pathetic queer kid who won’t fit into society. Dropping her bags Cowboy hat shoved past Jesse and began walking back towards the last area they heard Heinrich's calls.
“You’re fucking mad Claire! Claire!” Shephard tried to stop her, but she was too headstrong to listen to listen to anything except her ego.

As the time ticked by Shephard was leaning against a tree. He made sure to let Jesse know that he had no confidence in her judgment and that taunting Claire was messed up. None of them wanted to head back. Even though none of them were saying it, they knew that Sally’s murder was suspicious and they couldn’t help but wonder how Heinrich pulled it off. Jesse was looking at her watch before she stepped towards Shephard.
“It’s been nearly thirty minutes...” she reminded him even though he was keeping track of the time himself. “You should go look for her… what if he did something to her too?” Jesse tried to convince Shephard worriedly.
Shephard pulled his fingers through his hair then tore himself away from the tree that he was leaning on.
“If he did something to her, I’ll kill him. I don’t give a fuck about prison, nobody will come looking for anyone here.” Shephard would begin heading after Claire leaving the others to wait by the luggage.

The whole idea of the run-away camp was shit Shephard had to admit as he brushed aside bush and branch to force his way through the forest. Once he got to the camp site he found it empty and there was no sign of Claire or Heinrich for that matter. He called for her and even for Heinrich but was only met with silence and an eerie wind whistling through the tree tops. Noticing footsteps heading into the forest he entered and continued to call for Claire. The hide and seek ‘game’ only ensued for ten minutes before Shephard became highly agitated. Once he heard some crackling and sprinting he paused to listen. Something was running through the forest like a wolf hunting it’s prey.
“Claire?” He asked as he noticed the bushes rustling here and there seeming to come his way. “Claire!” He cried out in relief but as the figure emerged from the branches and leaves he was upset to see that it was only Heinrich slamming into him at full speed! Shephard grabbed Heinrich by the shoulders and shook him trying to make him stop screaming.

"Stop man!" Shephard growled.
“Shephard!" Heinrich cried out in relief that only lasted half a second. "There is someone else in here! You have to believe me!” Heinrich latched onto Shephard with fear written all over his face!
“Where is Claire?” Shephard had no intention of taking anything Heinrich said seriously.
“Shephard! There is someone else here! I am not making this stuff up!” Heinrich tried again.
“It was Claire, she went looking for you because Jesse didn’t wany you to be left behind.” Shephard said in a mocking voice. “Get out of my way!” Shephard shoved the frantic Heinrich aside. “I need to go find Claire.” and with that Shephard braved the woods, alone and fearless.

Shephard wasn’t spooked by the odd sounds of the forest, the creaking tree tops, or the whistling wind. He wasn’t going to loose his mind like the others. He paused to call her name one last time. If anything, he was annoyed. Annoyed that Claire was so easily taunted and now they had to look for her. He also felt angry that they couldn’t punish Heinrich more for what he had done… or could they? Rubbing his temples he pressed on again but came to a halt once he noticed smears of blood across some branches and leaves. He followed the signs of a struggle until the figure in the dirt came into view. Claire was dead.

 

[n0vice]

Chapter 5 - The Stranger In The Woods

Crack! Shatter! Crush! The blows kept coming even though Heinrich couldn’t even stand anymore! His blood painted the branches and leaves all around them! Shephard was convinced. Heinrich was the one responsible for the murders and he was picking on the girls because they were easier targets! Shephard wouldn't have been surprised if Heinrich had done it to try and rape the girls either. Once Heinrich fell for the last time he rolled onto his side. He had no strength left. He couldn’t even push himself up to sit. A stream of fluid splashed against his face and gaping lips. Mortified once the stench of piss penetrated his nostrils Heinrich jerked and cried out in fear! Steph and Alan were walking about looking for Shephard and calling for him, but their calls barely reached the raging young adult. Once they heard Heinrich’s cries they were relieved that Shephard was probably close by as they hurried that way.
“I bet you are loving that you fucking pussy!” Shephard kicked Heinrich back onto the ground once he tried crawling away. “You’re gonna wish you were never here...” Shephard zipped up his pants before jumping onto Heinrich and grabbing his throat in a vice grip! Heinrich gasped, kicked, and grunted as he struggled for his life!

“Woah!” Steph called once the horrific scene came into view. Both men ran closer trying to pull Shephard off of Heinrich.
“Stop man! He’s not worth it!” Alan tried to encourage Shephard to let go. Shephard’s grip didn’t loosen no matter how hard they pleaded. Heinrich’s face was becoming pale and his struggling soon ceased. His arms dropped into the dirt and blood no longer able to fight.
“We don’t have time for this! Jesse is waiting back there!” Steph yelled.
“What?!” Shephard let go of Heinrich’s limp body as he suddenly looked back at Steph. Steph took a step back as he noticed Shephard’s wild and furious eyes. “You left here alone back there?!”
“Y-yeah...” Alan replied hesitantly.
“Are you out of your god damned mind?!” Shephard jumped up and began heading back in a hurry. Alan looked at a hesitant Steph before following Shephard. Steph looked down at Heinrich’s limp body. He wasn’t sure if Heinrich was dead… but he sure wanted him dead too. Perhaps Shephard ran off to Jesse because there was a slight possibility that there was someone else there with them. But that was mad talk. It must’ve been Heinrich.

Jesse screamed at the top of her lungs when she spotted the large bulky man behind one of the trees! She was sure that he was coming closer.
“Jesse!” Shephard called out as he came sprinting towards her! “Jesse! Jesse!” He latched onto her shoulders as she pointed into the woods.
“I saw him!” Jesse was crying as her petite body trembled in fear.
“Who? You saw who?!” Shephard asked as Alan was looking around in paranoia unable to spot the so called man.
“There is someone else here...” Jesse whimpered as she looked into Shephard’s eyes. Shephard looked around himself but were also unable to spot the man who seemed to have vanished into thin air.

/// The shrubbery, bushes, and branches were no problem for him. He knew the forest like the palm of his hand. Taking large confident strides he was quickly pacing through the forest. He knew all the short cuts and the loud noises of the disgusting teens notified him of their every move. The girl was safe for now... He was sure he saw two men run after the sounds of murder, however only one of those two returned with Shephard. ///

Shephard was knelt down as he looked at the large boot prints left behind by someone… someone certainly bigger than them.
“Shit…” Shephard cussed under his breathe. Jesse was leaning against Alan who stroked her shoulder. “There is someone else here...”
“We left him alone back there!” Alan huffed in worry.
“We have to stick together from now on.” Jesse urged.
“Let’s go get them and get the hell out of here!” Alan panicked. With that they all hurried up the track they came from. They were racing against the killer but they had to encourage each other to stay close and keep their eyes peeled. There was no sign of the mystery brute as they went around and about to get back to Heinrich.

/// Steph holding up a rock, ready to bash in Heinrich’s skull, came into clear view. From his sleeve the mystery man slipped his dagger accompanied by a chain dangling from his fist... ///

The men felt a sigh of relief as the clearing came into view. The blood caused Jesse to squeal in panic and shudder as Steph’s lifeless body came into view. Alan gagged as he turned Steph onto his back, his entire face was bashed in leaving trails of brains and oozed eyeballs bare. Shephard blocked out the puking sounds coming from Alan’s jerking body. He looked around but there was no sign of Heinrich's body only his blood.

 

[n0vice]

Chapter 6 - Distrust

As the night crawled in through the tall creaking trees Shephard Alan, and Jesse huddled around a small flickering fire. The cold fire took forever to light as Alan’s lighter ran low.
“What are we going to do?” Jesse looked around fearing the madman might be close. Alan was stroking his own arms trying to keep warm as he too kept looking around. Shephard’s eyes slowly scaled from Jesse to Alan. What if one of them had something to do with it? Different scenarios played out in his head. Maybe there was no stranger? Perhaps Jesse had seen Heinrich and was startled by him. Jesse and Alan suggested that they each take a turn to stand guard while the others get some rest. Shephard offered to do the first round. He stood idle mostly, sweat running down his face. Alan’s watch ticked on minute by minute until those ran into hours. One hour. Two hour. Three hours. It was Alan’s turn. Four hours. Five hours…

Jesse wiped her eyes as she yawned and sat up. She jerked noticing the open tent and occasional sun rays dancing at the feet of their sleeping bags.
“Shephard!” She called leaning forward. “Shephard?!” She leapt out of the tent and looked around grabbing her hair! Alan quickly crawled out of the tent as well.
“What the fuck?!” Alan hurried past Jesse to Heinrich who was limping from the woods. “God! Sit down!” Alan and Jesse would hurriedly help Heinrich sit down on one of the logs around the dead coals.
“Did you see Shephard?” Jesse asked urgently. Heinrich seemed out of it as he swayed gently, he seemed exhausted, perhaps he hadn’t slept at all. After some more attempts they could still not get a word from the swaying young man.
“We don’t have time for this! We need to find Shephard!” Alan argued. Jesse looked at Heinrich. Realizing that he was just going to be a liability she took Heinrich’s shoulder.
“Stay here.” With that she left with Alan into the woods. They had to find Shephard.

Thud. Thud. Thud. Heinrich struggled to hear what was going on around him. His own heart beat drowned out all other sound. Hours must’ve passed for the darkness seemed more black than before. Or perhaps it was a shadow? He tried to focus. He could hear something. Was it Jesse? Alan? His lips trembled as he softly reiterated their names, questioning. When a response finally came an audible pitter patter and low growl made Heinrich crawl backwards. A bark made him turn and run! There were wild animals there?! The deranged wolf set chase! Foaming from it’s maw it couldn’t focus on anything else but the prey! It was quickly upon him snapping at his heels and calves! The snapping of it’s teeth and cries of Heinrich’s pain were numbed by the thickness of the forest! Their sound seemed heavy and drowned into the bloodied soil! He managed to smash it’s face with a rock once it pounded him to the ground! It yelpecd and retracted for a brief moment, just enough for him to limp on again! He wouldn’t be ahead for long! He could hear it! It was closing in on him! The thundering of its paws ceased as it leapt for his throat! He could feel it’s stinking breathe gasp over his face before another yelp invited silence.

Everything felt surreal. Where was it? He turned and turned but could no longer hear it. A strange sound caught his attention. Something was dripping nearby. Drip. Drip. Drip. A metallic smell crept into his nostrils before the smell of death overpowered it. He could hear breathing. He was not alone. He screamed at the top of his lungs before he ran again! His left leg kept giving way! He had to limp as fast as he could! He heard a loud thud before it set chase! Heavy duty boots were pacing after him! He kept crashing into tree after tree but he would not slow down! He climbed up some rocks which seemed to be only a step or two to his pursuer who seemed slower for the first couple of steps but as they proceeded his speed grew to match Heinrich’s! Even though screaming was of no use Heinrich couldn’t help but cry out in agony! He didn’t want to die! Forcing his body to it’s limits he continued to run on his brutally injured leg! He tried to keep his weight off of it by shifting most to his right leg but as his foot came down to propel him ahead, there was no earth to meet it. Unable to stop his momentum his body followed. For the moment lie occurred in slow motion as his mind spurred to make the conclusion. He was falling. With arms flailing he tried to grab onto anything but there was nothing. A rough feeling scraped across his hand from thin air. Instinctively he latched onto it freezing as it latched back. He felt himself being yanked out of slow motion and back to reality before being hurled across the pebbles and leaves! Gasping for air he slowly pushed onto his palms. It was over. He was frozen in absolute fear, panting. The heavy duty boots crushed the dead leaves step by step, fading slowly, the killer was walking away...