Hunting Slenderman

[dont_turn_around]

In the mist and fog and silence, there is a cave. There is darkness within darkness there and nothing more and the faint whiff of something ... not right.

But there's a drawing stuck to the rocks that frame the opening, a childish grouping of trees and a tall, thin man, with the words TAMAN SHUD.

Here is the end.

"I think we should go here," says Jack.

Comments

[youngest_dragon]

Skysong holds still, not wanting to get her wings in the way. With those free she is able to use the tips of her wings to get the mouth binding off. A touch of color returns to her scales, a deep ruby red.

Step back please.

[a1enzo]

"But...? If you say so."

Not usually a good idea to ignore instructions to stand back. He does so.

[ami_imperfect]

Yeah, good advice, that. Which is why Dani is also stepping back a pace or two.

[youngest_dragon]

Skysong musters all of her pent up frustration and lets out a loud croak that causes the collar around her neck to explode.

The shards fly in every direction, adding to the marks she had already left in the cave. The effort turns Skysong's scales an exhausted gray. She slumps to the ground.

Thank you. Are you here to hurt the dark thing?

[ami_imperfect]

"We certainly are," Dani answers with as much confidence as she can muster.

[youngest_dragon]

I am sorry that I cannot help... I do not think I could be trusted.

Skysong bows her head. His voice called me here, and I could not stop.

[a1enzo]

"We understand. Can you get yourself out of here?"

[youngest_dragon]

Yes. Be careful? He is dangerous. The tiny dragon pulls herself up and starts to move towards the trees. She pauses. There may be at least one other further in. I could not tell exactly... it may just have been another little person. Their hair was blond though... not green.

[dont_turn_around]

Low, mocking laughter echoes from the cold stone of the cave walls.


He is nowhere to be seen.

no eyes


sees all

Nothing is.

[ami_imperfect]

Upon hearing the laughter Dani's expression darkens, and one hand clenches into a fist.

"We're coming for you, you sick freak," she mutters under her breath.

[a1enzo]

Enzo glowers along with her, and flexes his hands in the Ghost Gauntlets.

They head further into the dark.

[zodiac_rabbit]

It is easy to lose track of how far the cave extends. Sounds bounce back at unexpected angles, some dying suddenly others continuing long past when they should have faded.

It is there a small lump shivers. Scrapes show on his arms and legs. Raw skin peeks through rips in both shorts and blouse. His blond hair is tousled and filled with grit.

Momiji is crying.

[a1enzo]

"There! Dani, give us some more light!"

[ami_imperfect]

Dani obliges, summoning some ecto-energy.

[a1enzo]

"Aw, spam... Momiji!" Enzo rushes to his side.

[zodiac_rabbit]

Momiji picks up his head, revealing the leather ties around his ankles and wrists. Tear channels show cleanly through the dirt on his face.

"Enzo...?"

[a1enzo]

Enzo draws his sword again and kneels down to carefully slice through the leather. "Do you believe me now?"

[v_knidh8er]

It's a sad song that begins to quietly echo in the cave.
A sad song that slowly increases in volume.

[zodiac_rabbit]

Momiji rubs his wrists, and then wipes his eyes.

"I swear, I tried really hard not to go. I couldn't help it.". Fresh tears stream down his face.

[ami_imperfect]

"Don't worry; it's okay."

Dani tries to sound reassuring, even as the song sets her on edge.

[a1enzo]

"Yeah. It's totally not your fault. Can you walk? Do you need us to get you out of here?"

[zodiac_rabbit]

Momiji looks between Enzo and Dani. "Um, could you give me a hug?". He is looking at Dani as he speaks.

[v_knidh8er]

The singing is louder now, and there's a malevolent undercurrent to the tune.
They're coming for you.

[ami_imperfect]

Dani blinks in surprise.

"Why?"

[zodiac_rabbit]

Momiji looks into the darkness, then back at Dani. "I don't think I can move far right now, but um, it is weird, and easier to show you."

Before the singers arrive.