Stories in the Forest (IC)

[Islamic Republic e Jariri]

Marco

Carl

Carl heard what Marco had to say, though the state of him made Carl thought he was becoming a zombie. Carl immediately stepped to the side when Marco walked at his direction to get some coffee, also. "Someone needs to send him to a hospital. Or maybe his parents. The stress is already getting to people." Carl remarked, as he let Mr. Denson explain in his comfy red chair. When Carl heard about the Water Partner, he didn't know what Denson was talking about. He never heard of the things, but when he mentioned the zoo, Carl was still having the puzzle pieces in a different position. "IS that why no one outside of this town knows about the shit that's happening here? The forest holds a literal monster zoo and it still doesn't add up to something that I'm still wondering. Look, you better have a good excuse to what I'm about to ask next, because I get out of the state to call the FBI, if I need to!" Carl threatened, sipping his coffee, before gripping the cup handle. The tiredness in his eyes was visible.

''Yo I'm standing right here, Carl,'' said Marco. ''Frankly I think I'm the only one here who actually looked back to see that thing while the rest of you ran forward blind,'' he shook his head before spreading out his arms in a mocking bow: ''So sorry I'm having some trouble keeping my s**t together but yeah, we just ran for our lives from a f****g monster in the woods, so cut me some slack.''

They don't trust you Master Marco, they all look down on you, even the one you considered your friend shows his true colors when provoked through fear. And the woman, she knows your feelings but toys with them, she is insincere and deceitful, a serpent coiling around your heart. But worst of all, they have been infected by the worm, your adversary that conspires to turn everyone against you. The bastard Lucas.

Yes, it made sense. Lucas was responsible for this. That forest freak had poisoned Monty against him, now it seemed he had even influenced good ol' Carl sometime before the camping trip. What the hell was up with that nerd trying to cut him off from everyone he cared about? Why did he refuse to die back in the woods and come back to them? He was like a parasite feeding off his failures.

This was supposed to be a fun camp out, maybe even his chance to score with Monty. But she just had to invite that worm who ruined everything through his mere presence. Yes, Marco realised he never liked Lucas. More than that he despised him on a whole other level.

Look at him, meek and unassuming, relying on others to take care of him and recognising you as a threat, you who rightfully owned Monty as your woman whom he stole from you and gave to Donablain. You who had nothing but good will towards Carl who has now betrayed his allegiance to that worm, because they both feel the need to protect him from natural justice. You Marco must enforce the law, right the wrong that is his very existence and free their souls!

''So what's the plan?'' he asked turning to Mayor Denson, his eyes conveying a newfound sense of calm and determination.

[Harbertia]

Marco

Carl

Carl heard what Marco had to say, though the state of him made Carl thought he was becoming a zombie. Carl immediately stepped to the side when Marco walked at his direction to get some coffee, also. "Someone needs to send him to a hospital. Or maybe his parents. The stress is already getting to people." Carl remarked, as he let Mr. Denson explain in his comfy red chair. When Carl heard about the Water Partner, he didn't know what Denson was talking about. He never heard of the things, but when he mentioned the zoo, Carl was still having the puzzle pieces in a different position. "IS that why no one outside of this town knows about the shit that's happening here? The forest holds a literal monster zoo and it still doesn't add up to something that I'm still wondering. Look, you better have a good excuse to what I'm about to ask next, because I get out of the state to call the FBI, if I need to!" Carl threatened, sipping his coffee, before gripping the cup handle. The tiredness in his eyes was visible.

''Yo I'm standing right here, Carl,'' said Marco. ''Frankly I think I'm the only one here who actually looked back to see that thing while the rest of you ran forward blind,'' he shook his head before spreading out his arms in a mocking bow: ''So sorry I'm having some trouble keeping my s**t together but yeah, we just ran for our lives from a f****g monster in the woods, so cut me some slack.''

They don't trust you Master Marco, they all look down on you, even the one you considered your friend shows his true colors when provoked through fear. And the woman, she knows your feelings but toys with them, she is insincere and deceitful, a serpent coiling around your heart. But worst of all, they have been infected by the worm, your adversary that conspires to turn everyone against you. The bastard Lucas.

Yes, it made sense. Lucas was responsible for this. That forest freak had poisoned Monty against him, now it seemed he had even influenced good ol' Carl sometime before the camping trip. What the hell was up with that nerd trying to cut him off from everyone he cared about? Why did he refuse to die back in the woods and come back to them? He was like a parasite feeding off his failures.

This was supposed to be a fun camp out, maybe even his chance to score with Monty. But she just had to invite that worm who ruined everything through his mere presence. Yes, Marco realised he never liked Lucas. More than that he despised him on a whole other level.

Look at him, meek and unassuming, he relies on others to take care of him and see's you as a threat, you who rightfully owned Monty as your woman whom he stole from you and gave to Donablain. You who had nothing but good will towards Carl who has now betrayed his allegiance to that worm, because they both feel the need to protect him from natural justice. You Marco must enforce the law, right the wrong that is his very existence and free their souls!

''So what's the plan?'' he asked turning to Mayor Denson, his eyes conveying a newfound sense of calm and determination.

Mr. Denson put his pipe back on the end table, "The plan is rather simple, while I make arrangements for morning all of you shall have rest in the manor- as all of you where going to camp out for the night I believe such will be an improvement, and disrupt no one's schedule presently." he said glancing briefly at Evan, "Come morning my men shall leave to collect what they can of your campsite. Assuming you sleep soundly or unsoundly we shall pass the time awaiting their return, and with them the return of your belongings left behind. We'll then iron out the more personal elements of your employment- as it's apparent that each of you have priorities at home." He said taking hold of his cane and starting to stand, "Though I suppose before I leave you to Silas for escort to the guest rooms I should respond to an earlier question as a number of you remain fixated on the panther." He said mostly referencing Carl, "Firstly to Mr. Merrick here, there are influences at work you are not yet aware of. A history your mind may not yet be ready to comprehend. There are, beyond this town others aware of what lurks in our world. If you are wondering why no one else seems to know it's quite simple- we are not alone. That does not mean we have allies." he said looking at Carl narrowly before beginning his walk towards the threshold. He would call Silas to show them to the guest rooms.

[Pax Nerdvana]

Evan
Evan said,"Yeah, if ya knew about th' cameras, why didn't ya tell us?"

William, who had been cool and largely silent, rolled his head a bit; "I fuck'n did!"

Will

He looked at Evan and laughed a little before saying "All right there, first of all, nothing in these woods is going to fuck with a group of seven loud humans at night, second of all, if it is going to mess with us, unless you've got slugs that's just gonna make it angry, and third of all, you know a real good way to get your ass shot? Getting caught on my families trail cams with a gun, especially in the ghostwood. So why don'tcha put that away, and we'll have a grand ole time."

Will tossed the Bear Spray to Marco saying "Careful with that, home made stuff. Way worse than pepper spray. Ole Dicky down in the garage used to be a chemistry professor, makes all kinds of weird shit like that."

Monty

Monty stepped away from examining Evan's gun and turned to Will; "Wait, your family has trail cams in the Ghostwoods?" she asked with fearful concern, "Well shoot," she said looking at William about to say something before saying nothing with her arms held like one resisting the cold; a hand on each of her upper arms. She turned to Don then, well aware that it was too late to withdraw now.

"Unless they've added some, those camera's aren't everywhere." Lucas interjected, flipping in his notebook, "That is, of course, they just hid them VERY well, and haven't got me for trespassing."

Lucas ran a hand through his dark hair, smiling as he found the page he was looking for. It was a detailed drawing of one of the symbols, as well as a map detailing the location of all the trail cams that he had found in his explorations. Lucas turned to the group, suspicion crossing his eyes for a brief moment as he made eye contact with Monty, but a glint of happiness as he looked at the others, glad to be a part of the group for once. He hadn't realized just how much it had actually bothered him, being alone all the time.

"So," Lucas began, "Shall we?"

Will

Will walked over to Lucas, and had a look at the map he had pulled out. Briefly gazing over it he gave a bit of a chuckle and said "You're lucky my dad is one of the more merciful folks to have owned our land, you're missing about half of the ones I know about. Only my brother really knows where all of them are. But I agree, we should get moving."

Will began to walk off towards Grey's Peak, gesturing for the others to follow. It should be only a mile to the stream, and then into his familie's land.

"Evan, Marco, Lucas you remember? Then that strange guy showed up and Mr. Densehead here, ran off- if you had all just walked to the cars-" William put his hand to the bridge of his nose and leaned against the door frame.

Evan
Evan said,"Oh yeah, ya did. I ferget things sometimes."

Marco



''Yo I'm standing right here, Carl,'' said Marco. ''Frankly I think I'm the only one here who actually looked back to see that thing while the rest of you ran forward blind,'' he shook his head before spreading out his arms in a mocking bow: ''So sorry I'm having some trouble keeping my s**t together but yeah, we just ran for our lives from a f****g monster in the woods, so cut me some slack.''

They don't trust you Master Marco, they all look down on you, even the one you considered your friend shows his true colors when provoked through fear. And the woman, she knows your feelings but toys with them, she is insincere and deceitful, a serpent coiling around your heart. But worst of all, they have been infected by the worm, your adversary that conspires to turn everyone against you. The bastard Lucas.

Yes, it made sense. Lucas was responsible for this. That forest freak had poisoned Monty against him, now it seemed he had even influenced good ol' Carl sometime before the camping trip. What the hell was up with that nerd trying to cut him off from everyone he cared about? Why did he refuse to die back in the woods and come back to them? He was like a parasite feeding off his failures.

This was supposed to be a fun camp out, maybe even his chance to score with Monty. But she just had to invite that worm who ruined everything through his mere presence. Yes, Marco realised he never liked Lucas. More than that he despised him on a whole other level.

Look at him, meek and unassuming, he relies on others to take care of him and see's you as a threat, you who rightfully owned Monty as your woman whom he stole from you and gave to Donablain. You who had nothing but good will towards Carl who has now betrayed his allegiance to that worm, because they both feel the need to protect him from natural justice. You Marco must enforce the law, right the wrong that is his very existence and free their souls!

''So what's the plan?'' he asked turning to Mayor Denson, his eyes conveying a newfound sense of calm and determination.

Mr. Denson put his pipe back on the end table, "The plan is rather simple, while I make arrangements for morning all of you shall have rest in the manor- as all of you where going to camp out for the night I believe such will be an improvement, and disrupt no one's schedule presently." he said glancing briefly at Evan, "Come morning my men shall leave to collect what they can of your campsite. Assuming you sleep soundly or unsoundly we shall pass the time awaiting their return, and with them the return of your belongings left behind. We'll then iron out the more personal elements of your employment- as it's apparent that each of you have priorities at home." He said taking hold of his cane and starting to stand, "Though I suppose before I leave you to Silas for escort to the guest rooms I should respond to an earlier question as a number of you remain fixated on the panther." He said mostly referencing Carl, "Firstly to Mr. Merrick here, there are influences at work you are not yet aware of. A history your mind may not yet be ready to comprehend. There are, beyond this town others aware of what lurks in our world. If you are wondering why no one else seems to know it's quite simple- we are not alone. That does not mean we have allies." he said looking at Carl narrowly before beginning his walk towards the threshold. He would call Silas to show them to the guest rooms.

Evan wondered what the rooms would be like. Considering the house, they were probably really fancy, which didn't exactly bother him, but sort of did on some level.

[Harbertia]

Silas was standing in the hall way when Mr. Denson spoke; "Silas, show our guests to the rooms. They'll be staying with us for the night." Silas looked to the stairs, his expression stoic, "And what of you sir?" Mr. Denson tapped a finger upon his cane, "I have calls to make. In the morning, come day light, we shall have their belongings gathered from the campsite." He turned to William his son, "Will, do be sure to let Silas know where to search."

William scowled a bit, his eyes demonstrating some resentment at such a task as Mr. Denson moved into the dinning room. Silas looked the guests over and raised his arm to motion for the stairs, "Their are four rooms," he began as they made the trek up the stairs, "each with a double bed, night stand, wardrobe. The style may be a bit too Eastlake for your sense but the quilts are quite modern. Also, Ms. Strumvitner, while it escaped me before I noticed from my point in the halls your possession of a hatchet. Now, unless you would like me to ada-" Monty took a breath and began to unbuckle her belt to and handed the whole thing to Silas.

Silas sat it on the railing at the top of the stairs, "There are eight of you, he said- so pair up." he said, seeming just a tad bit agitated, "Each room is the same as any other, so no need to be selective." He stood waiting.

"I have a room." Will said in a matter of fact blunt manner. Silas looked at him stoic as ever while Will continued, "Let Monty have a room to her self."

Monty spoke, putting an arm around Don "I'd rather have company." She said.

[Islamic Republic e Jariri]

Marco

Silas sat it on the railing at the top of the stairs, "There are eight of you, he said- so pair up." he said, seeming just a tad bit agitated, "Each room is the same as any other, so no need to be selective." He stood waiting.

"I have a room." Will said in a matter of fact blunt manner. Silas looked at him stoic as ever while Will continued, "Let Monty have a room to her self."

Monty spoke, putting an arm around Don "I'd rather have company." She said.

She was audacious, it reminded him of Regina. He wasn't happy about it. How he wished she worshipped him the same way instead.

He looked over at Don, who might as well have been radiating with an aura of power attracting whoever he wanted without even asking for it. Life in Woodview just found a way to bend over backwards pleasing his smug self-entitled bloodline, not even bankruptcy could keep them at bay.

''They don't call you the D Man for nothing,'' Marco chuckled with a subtle bitterness at Don and Monty, letting the insinuation set it.

He turned to Mayor Denson: ''Unless you got a cot Capn' Marvel will be sleeping next to me. So who wants to share a room with a puppy dog, Carl?''

Anyone but Notebook who just made him livid. Even the hillbilly was better. Aside from Monty he felt most comfortable around Carl. There was also William but it felt super awkward to share the same room in his own house.

William scowled a bit, his eyes demonstrating some resentment at such a task as Mr. Denson moved into the dinning room. Silas looked the guests over and raised his arm to motion for the stairs, "Their are four rooms," he began as they made the trek up the stairs, "each with a double bed, night stand, wardrobe. The style may be a bit too Eastlake for your sense but the quilts are quite modern. Also, Ms. Strumvitner, while it escaped me before I noticed from my point in the halls your possession of a hatchet. Now, unless you would like me to ada-" Monty took a breath and began to unbuckle her belt to and handed the whole thing to Silas.

He remembered his stepfather had a hatchet, supposedly passed down for generations it was originally a tomahawk with a refurnished handle, allegedly belonged to some crazy Dorian who used it to scalp its original owner and later gifted it to a Forester ancestor. He had only just noticed Monty's weapon as Silas took it and the sight of it made him feverish.

Dutch Forester, flashback

''Them Dorians were in a league of their own, true rivals that balanced em scales 'gainst the Densons. Some may spew nonsense how Dorians were more sagely than the warrior clan Densons but that ain't true I tell you! Them hippies protesting the war used to chime something about there being no use in spilling blood since it ain't gonna grow nothing, but I tell you again that ain't true! I seen it for myself, the truth and I know how them Dorians and Densons got ahead of the rest and staked their claim to this town, down to its people and very soil from where we all crawled outta. It was power Marco! True power, the most potent and long lasting is grown from blood and their ancestors fed the fields crimson, securing everlasting prosperity for their damned descendants until the end times.''

Marco whimpered at the sight of the chopped up mutilated but still living man lying helplessly on the forest ground within the Ghostwoods. He had tried to yell for help but no one aside from them could hear him scream. Donovan had sworn to kill them at first, gravely intimidating him until Dutch stepped over to kick the man's teeth in, reducing the man to a sorry state as broke down apologising and begged for mercy.

Dutch responded with his hatchet.

While Marco wanted him hurt badly he hadn't quite been prepared to watch him die as Dutch told him on their way here. Watching Donovan get broken and beaten towards death's door didn't relieve him in the slightest and only served to frighten him further. The way that vile fiend still squirmed about in the mud mixing with his own blood bothered him, how he just wouldn't accept his death and croak, it somehow scared him.

''Finish it,'' Dutch ordered passing him the reddened hatchet. ''The blood you spill here will grow your power and make you stronger.''

''I think... I can't.''

''Then you're a worm ain't cha? One of the maggots always leech'n at others. Powerless and living only from permission of the true arbiters of justice who take charge. Just like this s**tworm right here, you ain't nothin' better!''

Marco gripped the hatchet in a frenzied rush and stared down at the half-dead Donovan completely disposed to his mercy. He had never understood the supposed virtue of mercy until this very moment - the realisation he held absolute judgement over the man's life. He was justice incarnate. The Judge, Jury and Executioner.

[Pax Nerdvana]

Silas was standing in the hall way when Mr. Denson spoke; "Silas, show our guests to the rooms. They'll be staying with us for the night." Silas looked to the stairs, his expression stoic, "And what of you sir?" Mr. Denson tapped a finger upon his cane, "I have calls to make. In the morning, come day light, we shall have their belongings gathered from the campsite." He turned to William his son, "Will, do be sure to let Silas know where to search."

William scowled a bit, his eyes demonstrating some resentment at such a task as Mr. Denson moved into the dinning room. Silas looked the guests over and raised his arm to motion for the stairs, "Their are four rooms," he began as they made the trek up the stairs, "each with a double bed, night stand, wardrobe. The style may be a bit too Eastlake for your sense but the quilts are quite modern. Also, Ms. Strumvitner, while it escaped me before I noticed from my point in the halls your possession of a hatchet. Now, unless you would like me to ada-" Monty took a breath and began to unbuckle her belt to and handed the whole thing to Silas.

Silas sat it on the railing at the top of the stairs, "There are eight of you, he said- so pair up." he said, seeming just a tad bit agitated, "Each room is the same as any other, so no need to be selective." He stood waiting.

"I have a room." Will said in a matter of fact blunt manner. Silas looked at him stoic as ever while Will continued, "Let Monty have a room to her self."

Monty spoke, putting an arm around Don "I'd rather have company." She said.

Evan
Evan said,"I ain't particularly picky 'bout where I bunk." He noticed they appeared to be confiscating weapons, so Evan continued,"An' I see you're takin' weapons fer the night? Do ya want me ta hand over my huntin' knife?"

[Harbertia]

Silas was standing in the hall way when Mr. Denson spoke; "Silas, show our guests to the rooms. They'll be staying with us for the night." Silas looked to the stairs, his expression stoic, "And what of you sir?" Mr. Denson tapped a finger upon his cane, "I have calls to make. In the morning, come day light, we shall have their belongings gathered from the campsite." He turned to William his son, "Will, do be sure to let Silas know where to search."

William scowled a bit, his eyes demonstrating some resentment at such a task as Mr. Denson moved into the dinning room. Silas looked the guests over and raised his arm to motion for the stairs, "Their are four rooms," he began as they made the trek up the stairs, "each with a double bed, night stand, wardrobe. The style may be a bit too Eastlake for your sense but the quilts are quite modern. Also, Ms. Strumvitner, while it escaped me before I noticed from my point in the halls your possession of a hatchet. Now, unless you would like me to ada-" Monty took a breath and began to unbuckle her belt to and handed the whole thing to Silas.

Silas sat it on the railing at the top of the stairs, "There are eight of you, he said- so pair up." he said, seeming just a tad bit agitated, "Each room is the same as any other, so no need to be selective." He stood waiting.

"I have a room." Will said in a matter of fact blunt manner. Silas looked at him stoic as ever while Will continued, "Let Monty have a room to her self."

Monty spoke, putting an arm around Don "I'd rather have company." She said.

Evan
Evan said,"I ain't particularly picky 'bout where I bunk." He noticed they appeared to be confiscating weapons, so Evan continued,"An' I see you're takin' weapons fer the night? Do ya want me ta hand over my huntin' knife?"

Silas' stoic expression took on a somewhat disappointed look as he said slowly, "Yeess."

[Main Nation Ministry]

Carl

Carl listened to what Mr. Denson, where Carl didn't say a word. If what Denson was confirming was that there were more than several other paranormal activity in the world, it could be possible that Benny could have still been at the Murder House when he disappeared. Carl felt his mind be full of clouds, but he didn't want to resist. "I'll stay, but I need to use my phone to give my folks some relief that I'm not heading home for a while." Carl said, where he waited till Mr. Denson let him use his phone, where he went over in the kitchen where he tried to call his parents. No answer. He left a voicemail, instead. "Mom? Dad? I know you're wondering about the camping trip, but I don't think I'm heading over back home in a while. You're fast asleep, but some stuff happened and I have to stay over at a friend's house. I can call tomorrow, if you tried to call me first, that is. It's best that I don't explain it, otherwise you won't understand. Love you, both. Bye." Carl finished his voicemail, where he sighed.

He went upstairs with Marco, where he entered one of the guest rooms. "Hey, Marco? You're ok sleeping by yourself? I need to sleep bad. It's best you too." Carl asked, where he sat down on the foot of the bed he was planning on sleeping on.

[Pax Nerdvana]

Evan
Evan said,"I ain't particularly picky 'bout where I bunk." He noticed they appeared to be confiscating weapons, so Evan continued,"An' I see you're takin' weapons fer the night? Do ya want me ta hand over my huntin' knife?"

Silas' stoic expression took on a somewhat disappointed look as he said slowly, "Yeess."

Evan
Evan said,"Ok, here ya go." Evan drew his knife from it's sheath, and flipped it so he was holding it by the flat of the blade, with the handle pointing towards Silas.

[Islamic Republic e Jariri]

Carl

Carl listened to what Mr. Denson, where Carl didn't say a word. If what Denson was confirming was that there were more than several other paranormal activity in the world, it could be possible that Benny could have still been at the Murder House when he disappeared. Carl felt his mind be full of clouds, but he didn't want to resist. "I'll stay, but I need to use my phone to give my folks some relief that I'm not heading home for a while." Carl said, where he waited till Mr. Denson let him use his phone, where he went over in the kitchen where he tried to call his parents. No answer. He left a voicemail, instead. "Mom? Dad? I know you're wondering about the camping trip, but I don't think I'm heading over back home in a while. You're fast asleep, but some stuff happened and I have to stay over at a friend's house. I can call tomorrow, if you tried to call me first, that is. It's best that I don't explain it, otherwise you won't understand. Love you, both. Bye." Carl finished his voicemail, where he sighed.

He went upstairs with Marco, where he entered one of the guest rooms. "Hey, Marco? You're ok sleeping by yourself? I need to sleep bad. It's best you too." Carl asked, where he sat down on the foot of the bed he was planning on sleeping on.

''Can't sleep, I see them panther eyes glarin' at me every time I shut my damned eyes...'' he said shaking his head in torment.

Marco walked towards the window and saw his dishevelled reflection against the pitch dark glass, the sickly yellow light from the room providing illumination. His once bright and handsome visage had drastically degraded from the stress, his forehead and temples clumsily patched up in bandages like a Frankenstein monster while his shining blue eyes had dimmed near grey and their sockets seemed to have caved inwards forming a shadow.

''Woodrow League of Wilson... some s***y night this turned out,'' he murmured with disgust from his hollow gaze.

Lucas had barely a scratch compared to him and Don might as well have been the son of Tarzan. Somehow he was weak as paper to water while those two seemed far sturdier. The latter was understandable, Donablain Dorian was just that kind of guy, women wanted him and men wanted to be him, he had the looks, charm and most importantly a celebrity physique. But to fall short against that loser with the notebook was completely unacceptable.

Did Monty know this - was that why she chose those two over him, did she invite him with those two knowing something supernatural would go down and he'd be forced to recognise his ineptitude compared to them? Did she want this to show him how weak he truly was?

''I heard em ya know,'' he told Carl.

''I shouldn'a been able to but somehow I did... I heard the voice of Big Bob (Robert Denson Jr) confronting Notebook (Lucas) at gunpoint when he made it here while we were in your truck. S**t maybe it was just a little dream or something, I dunno. But I can feel it... that forest is f***ing with me Carl and now we know its more than just protected woodland. I can''t leave, dammit, if I try I feel my bones just might melt like wax. What about you, do you really need to be here too... for Benny?''

Would Carl believe him? Would it matter? It seemed an outlandish notion that just might work given the strange circumstance, at this point he just really needed to talk to someone that wasn't Lucas, Monty or Don. So what if what he said sounded absurd, at best someone would believe him at worst it would be dismissed as a drug trip which it just might have been.

Captain Marvel waddled his way to the bed but was too small to climb up, causing it to wag its tail and pout.

[Main Nation Ministry]

Carl

"You should have brought some sleeping pills, Marco. I don't even think Denson has some." Carl mused, until Marco brought up Benny. Carl couldn't help, but sigh. "Fuck.. Of all things you remember, it's Benny. We need to get to the Murder House. If what Denson said was true, there is more than one paranormal thing in this town. I figured Denson had something to do with Benny, since that water panther could have attacked him, when he ran away. Yet, part of me wants to get back to that cursed house and probably burn it down again, even though it's still an empty shell that's under construction." Carl said. "All we can hope for is day to arrive. Maybe I can try to tell my parents to skip town with some random lie. Who knows?"

[Harbertia]

24th of October, 2018 - Morning (6:45 AM); The Denson Estate
A door rattled though out the halls as Monty shook the handle. She was locked in. Probably not the only one.

8:40 AM
Monty rubbed her face as she walked down the stairs still in the same cloths from last night- the rest of her things back at the campsite. As she reached the bottom she looked into the dining room- Mr. Denson, William, Robert jr.- where all seated at one end of the table. Mr. Denson didn't have anything on his plate, just a glass of what Monty could only presume to be wine. Will was the first to speak; "Morning." Monty nodded; "Mourning." William motioned for Monty to take a seat, and thus began a discussion....

[New Tussia]

Mikhail

Mikhail had borrowed an old friend's car and decided to go check out his old house since it was the morning.

He was looking around when, suddenly, he hit something metal with his foot.
"What the actual f*ck?"
He moved around some brush and found a metal door. A metal trap door to be more specific.

[Pax Nerdvana]

Evan Hunter
Evan Hunter had been up since 4:00 AM, which was when he usually woke up. His watch read 8:30. He had been pacing around for the last 3 and a half hours, periodically trying the door, which was locked. His stuff was all back in his truck, so he couldn't change. He had last checked the door about half an hour earlier. He also really needed to pee. He tried the door again at 8:40. This time it swung open. He walked out, and glanced down the hallway. He hoped he would be able to find the bathroom in this massive house. He walked around for a few minutes, until he found the bathroom. He stepped in to pee. After he was done in the bathroom, he walked down to the dining room, and saw there were several people sitting around the table, including Monty. He said,"G'mornin'."

[Harbertia]

Evan Hunter
Evan Hunter had been up since 4:00 AM, which was when he usually woke up. His watch read 8:30. He had been pacing around for the last 3 and a half hours, periodically trying the door, which was locked. His stuff was all back in his truck, so he couldn't change. He had last checked the door about half an hour earlier. He also really needed to pee. He tried the door again at 8:40. This time it swung open. He walked out, and glanced down the hallway. He hoped he would be able to find the bathroom in this massive house. He walked around for a few minutes, until he found the bathroom. He stepped in to pee. After he was done in the bathroom, he walked down to the dining room, and saw there were several people sitting around the table, including Monty. He said,"G'mornin'."

"Morn'n.", Monty said as Silas began serving blue berry pancakes to all but the man himself. William chuckled, "No one's allergic right?" Monty turned to William, "No bacon?" Williams older brother Robert shook his head, "Not even sausage." he said cutting into the cakes. Mr. Denson smiled with some curious twinge in his grin as he asked Evan; "I know it's been a long time Mr. Hunter, though I'm curious- your father's father had a very notable of girth swine that had won quite a number of prizes in the county fair bringing note to our town. After it was slain by a beast none like it have ever surfaced, has your family attempted recently to enter such a contest again or have they not yet recovered from the lose? I'd very much like to see Woodview take home another prize." Monty with a slight frown slowly cut into her berry filled pancakes while William and Robert casually did so- Robert having already taken a few bites.

[Pax Nerdvana]

Evan Hunter
Evan Hunter had been up since 4:00 AM, which was when he usually woke up. His watch read 8:30. He had been pacing around for the last 3 and a half hours, periodically trying the door, which was locked. His stuff was all back in his truck, so he couldn't change. He had last checked the door about half an hour earlier. He also really needed to pee. He tried the door again at 8:40. This time it swung open. He walked out, and glanced down the hallway. He hoped he would be able to find the bathroom in this massive house. He walked around for a few minutes, until he found the bathroom. He stepped in to pee. After he was done in the bathroom, he walked down to the dining room, and saw there were several people sitting around the table, including Monty. He said,"G'mornin'."

"Morn'n.", Monty said as Silas began serving blue berry pancakes to all but the man himself. William chuckled, "No one's allergic right?" Monty turned to William, "No bacon?" Williams older brother Robert shook his head, "Not even sausage." he said cutting into the cakes. Mr. Denson smiled with some curious twinge in his grin as he asked Evan; "I know it's been a long time Mr. Hunter, though I'm curious- your father's father had a very notable of girth swine that had won quite a number of prizes in the county fair bringing note to our town. After it was slain by a beast none like it have ever surfaced, has your family attempted recently to enter such a contest again or have they not yet recovered from the lose? I'd very much like to see Woodview take home another prize." Monty with a slight frown slowly cut into her berry filled pancakes while William and Robert casually did so- Robert having already taken a few bites.

Evan
Evan said,"Granpa Jim did recover from losin' the pig, seein' as we mainly raise dairy cows, an' not pigs." Evan began cutting up his pancakes with his fork. He took a bite. They were good pancakes, but not as good as his mother's homemade pancakes. Evan was also slightly ticked off at Mr. Denson for trying to dig up ancient history that wasn't really his business.

[Islamic Republic e Jariri]

Carl

"You should have brought some sleeping pills, Marco. I don't even think Denson has some." Carl mused, until Marco brought up Benny. Carl couldn't help, but sigh. "Fuck.. Of all things you remember, it's Benny. We need to get to the Murder House. If what Denson said was true, there is more than one paranormal thing in this town. I figured Denson had something to do with Benny, since that water panther could have attacked him, when he ran away. Yet, part of me wants to get back to that cursed house and probably burn it down again, even though it's still an empty shell that's under construction." Carl said. "All we can hope for is day to arrive. Maybe I can try to tell my parents to skip town with some random lie. Who knows?"

''Sounds to me like you're parachuting into a motorboat run'n full speed towards a tsunami you think you can avoid,'' he said before a sigh.

''This ain't the movies Carl, the only ones who can fight this are them Denson and Dorian clans. You really prepared to stake your life just to know whatever the hell happened to this Benny fool? I mean, you do know he's dead right, not like he's still out there living feral with that psycho Schizo Fritz, whose definitely also dead otherwise that panther was a complete pussy cat man, didn't kill or even scratch anyone of us, not even that nerd Lu-''

He stopped and felt his blood boil at the mere mention of his name. That insolent cockroach lurking in the back of his mind, refusing to disappear and asserting its ugly presence against his will. How did someone like Lucas who was left behind evade the panther and make it to Blackroof Manor before the rest of them? But more egregiously, the mere thought of all the time that parasite spent alone with Monty sicked him to the pit of his stomach.

Lucas... Don... Monty...

It would seem Carl simply dismissed his confession of clairvoyance as the delusion of a weed and stress induced fever dream. Of course it was absurd but given how other strange possibilities had been accepted as reality he had hoped to confine to at least one person but realised in that moment that he was alone.

Raindrops pattered hard against the window, he relaxed letting out a sigh before heading towards the bed, content for some much needed sleep. Lifting up Captain Marvel he gently nestled the animal beside him before curling up against the edge.

''Ya know Carl, I used to live in a circus before moving to Woodview, sure feels like a lifetime ago by now.''

Following morning

''Now that is what I'm talk'n about, motherf***ing pancakes, hell yeah!'' exclaimed Marco. ''Bring out the blueberry and maple syrup!''

He voraciously devoured his food, foregoing a fork and resorting straight to his hands and fingers and his eyes barely blinking as he tore apart and ground up the baked bread like a half-starved hyena.

"Morn'n.", Monty said as Silas began serving blue berry pancakes to all but the man himself. William chuckled, "No one's allergic right?" Monty turned to William, "No bacon?" Williams older brother Robert shook his head, "Not even sausage." he said cutting into the cakes. Mr. Denson smiled with some curious twinge in his grin as he asked Evan; "I know it's been a long time Mr. Hunter, though I'm curious- your father's father had a very notable of girth swine that had won quite a number of prizes in the county fair bringing note to our town. After it was slain by a beast none like it have ever surfaced, has your family attempted recently to enter such a contest again or have they not yet recovered from the lose? I'd very much like to see Woodview take home another prize." Monty with a slight frown slowly cut into her berry filled pancakes while William and Robert casually did so- Robert having already taken a few bites.

Evan
Evan said,"Granpa Jim did recover from losin' the pig, seein' as we mainly raise dairy cows, an' not pigs." Evan began cutting up his pancakes with his fork. He took a bite. They were good pancakes, but not as good as his mother's homemade pancakes. Evan was also slightly ticked off at Mr. Denson for trying to dig up ancient history that wasn't really his business.

'"Well ain't that a damn shame... hillbilly pigfarmers... you could make a TV show outta that,'' he grinned before snickering.

''Monty... you remember the day we first met?'' he enquired with his mouth still stuffed from breakfast.

[Harbertia]

Carl

"You should have brought some sleeping pills, Marco. I don't even think Denson has some." Carl mused, until Marco brought up Benny. Carl couldn't help, but sigh. "Fuck.. Of all things you remember, it's Benny. We need to get to the Murder House. If what Denson said was true, there is more than one paranormal thing in this town. I figured Denson had something to do with Benny, since that water panther could have attacked him, when he ran away. Yet, part of me wants to get back to that cursed house and probably burn it down again, even though it's still an empty shell that's under construction." Carl said. "All we can hope for is day to arrive. Maybe I can try to tell my parents to skip town with some random lie. Who knows?"

''Sounds to me like you're parachuting into a motorboat run'n full speed towards a tsunami you think you can avoid,'' he said before a sigh.

''This ain't the movies Carl, the only ones who can fight this are them Denson and Dorian clans. You really prepared to stake your life just to know whatever the hell happened to this Benny fool? I mean, you do know he's dead right, not like he's still out there living feral with that psycho Schizo Fritz, whose definitely also dead otherwise that panther was a complete pussy cat man, didn't kill or even scratch anyone of us, not even that nerd Lu-''

He stopped and felt his blood boil at the mere mention of his name. That insolent cockroach lurking in the back of his mind, refusing to disappear and asserting its ugly presence against his will. How did someone like Lucas who was left behind evade the panther and make it to Blackroof Manor before the rest of them? But more egregiously, the mere thought of all the time that parasite spent alone with Monty sicked him to the pit of his stomach.

Lucas... Don... Monty...

It would seem Carl simply dismissed his confession of clairvoyance as the delusion of a weed and stress induced fever dream. Of course it was absurd but given how other strange possibilities had been accepted as reality he had hoped to confine to at least one person but realised in that moment that he was alone.

Raindrops pattered hard against the window, he relaxed letting out a sigh before heading towards the bed, content for some much needed sleep. Lifting up Captain Marvel he gently nestled the animal beside him before curling up against the edge.

''Ya know Carl, I used to live in a circus before moving to Woodview, sure feels like a lifetime ago by now.''

Following morning

''Now that is what I'm talk'n about, motherf***ing pancakes, hell yeah!'' exclaimed Marco. ''Bring out the blueberry and maple syrup!''

He voraciously devoured his food, foregoing a fork and resorting straight to his hands and fingers and his eyes barely blinking as he tore apart and ground up the baked bread like a half-starved hyena.

Evan
Evan said,"Granpa Jim did recover from losin' the pig, seein' as we mainly raise dairy cows, an' not pigs." Evan began cutting up his pancakes with his fork. He took a bite. They were good pancakes, but not as good as his mother's homemade pancakes. Evan was also slightly ticked off at Mr. Denson for trying to dig up ancient history that wasn't really his business.

'"Well ain't that a damn shame... hillbilly pigfarmers... you could make a TV show outta that,'' he grinned before snickering.

''Monty... you remember the day we first met?'' he enquired with his mouth still stuffed from breakfast.

Monty chuckled gingerly using her fork to cut her pancakes; "I remember you leaning against a chain link fence, you had a black jacket, slicked hair, - sunglasses. You where seated three desks up from me to my far right- I think it was biology- we talked in the hallway."

[Main Nation Ministry]

Carl

Carl slowly opened his eyes. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, as Carl slowly helped himself up from the bed. Carl didn't recall dreaming that night. He must have let himself black out, so he can get some real sleep. He was still wearing his clothes from last night, but they were starting to reek from sweat. "Damn.." Carl said to himself, as he remembered that last night wasn't his imagination. He noticed that Marco had gotten out from bed early. They must all be downstairs. At least, the daylight will give some comfort to him. Heading downstairs, he let himself sit down at the table with the rest of the gang. "I'm glad someone made some breakfast for all of us. Blueberry pancakes are like diner quality. These do taste good." Carl said, as he helped himself to some blueberry pancakes.

[Islamic Republic e Jariri]

Carl

Carl slowly opened his eyes. The morning sunlight streamed through the window, as Carl slowly helped himself up from the bed. Carl didn't recall dreaming that night. He must have let himself black out, so he can get some real sleep. He was still wearing his clothes from last night, but they were starting to reek from sweat. "Damn.." Carl said to himself, as he remembered that last night wasn't his imagination. He noticed that Marco had gotten out from bed early. They must all be downstairs. At least, the daylight will give some comfort to him. Heading downstairs, he let himself sit down at the table with the rest of the gang. "I'm glad someone made some breakfast for all of us. Blueberry pancakes are like diner quality. These do taste good." Carl said, as he helped himself to some blueberry pancakes.

''Morn'n stranger,'' he greeted sarcastically with a hand wave.

''Sounds to me like you're parachuting into a motorboat run'n full speed towards a tsunami you think you can avoid,'' he said before a sigh.

''This ain't the movies Carl, the only ones who can fight this are them Denson and Dorian clans. You really prepared to stake your life just to know whatever the hell happened to this Benny fool? I mean, you do know he's dead right, not like he's still out there living feral with that psycho Schizo Fritz, whose definitely also dead otherwise that panther was a complete pussy cat man, didn't kill or even scratch anyone of us, not even that nerd Lu-''

He stopped and felt his blood boil at the mere mention of his name. That insolent cockroach lurking in the back of his mind, refusing to disappear and asserting its ugly presence against his will. How did someone like Lucas who was left behind evade the panther and make it to Blackroof Manor before the rest of them? But more egregiously, the mere thought of all the time that parasite spent alone with Monty sicked him to the pit of his stomach.

Lucas... Don... Monty...

It would seem Carl simply dismissed his confession of clairvoyance as the delusion of a weed and stress induced fever dream. Of course it was absurd but given how other strange possibilities had been accepted as reality he had hoped to confine to at least one person but realised in that moment that he was alone.

Raindrops pattered hard against the window, he relaxed letting out a sigh before heading towards the bed, content for some much needed sleep. Lifting up Captain Marvel he gently nestled the animal beside him before curling up against the edge.

''Ya know Carl, I used to live in a circus before moving to Woodview, sure feels like a lifetime ago by now.''

Following morning

''Now that is what I'm talk'n about, motherf***ing pancakes, hell yeah!'' exclaimed Marco. ''Bring out the blueberry and maple syrup!''

He voraciously devoured his food, foregoing a fork and resorting straight to his hands and fingers and his eyes barely blinking as he tore apart and ground up the baked bread like a half-starved hyena.



'"Well ain't that a damn shame... hillbilly pigfarmers... you could make a TV show outta that,'' he grinned before snickering.

''Monty... you remember the day we first met?'' he enquired with his mouth still stuffed from breakfast.

Monty chuckled gingerly using her fork to cut her pancakes; "I remember you leaning against a chain link fence, you had a black jacket, slicked hair, - sunglasses. You where seated three desks up from me to my far right- I think it was biology- we talked in the hallway."

''Yeah I 'member, our teacher was that hag with the commie name, Miss Kaspersky or some s**t. She was teach'n us that propaganda 'bout evolution after em local laws started allow'n it. Old Dutch even tried petitioning the school board to revoke it.''

This was nice. A hearty breakfast with just him and Monty (and a harmless Carl) with no Don or Lucas to steal his thunder. The sound of morning birds chirping coupled with her brief chuckling brought a smile to his worn down face. Satisfaction swelled in his chest at the realisation that she remembered their first meeting - that he was important to her after all and had a special place in her memory meant just for him.

Perhaps she could be his after all. A smile crept up, it was odd and disjointed.

''Woof! Woof!'' barked the puppy dog.

''I get it Cap, you ain't eaten since last night, here,'' he said now chuckling himself before placing down a glass of milk that the canine licked up eagerly.

''Thirsty rascal,'' he grinned before shifting his attention back at Monty.

''So Monty, I was think'n, 'bout last night and what we ran from. This town is cursed. Whether its divine retribution for the sins of our forefathers or the devil's playground... call it a premonition if ya will but... I just don't want something out there hurt'n you is all.''

[New Tussia]

Alban

Three In the Morning
He had nightmares of last night. He could hardly sleep so he walked down to the gas station to grab some melatonin really quick. It was a small walk and he though he saw shadows in the background.

He brushed it off as his schizophrenia and continued the walk.

After ten minutes he finally reached it and, luckily, it was still open.

The walk back was fairly uneventful. At least, until he saw something in the woods that caught his eye. Alban slowly walked back until he was hit over the head by a club and passed out.

[Islamic Republic e Jariri]

Alban

Three In the Morning
He had nightmares of last night. He could hardly sleep so he walked down to the gas station to grab some melatonin really quick. It was a small walk and he though he saw shadows in the background.

He brushed it off as his schizophrenia and continued the walk.

After ten minutes he finally reached it and, luckily, it was still open.

The walk back was fairly uneventful. At least, until he saw something in the woods that caught his eye. Alban slowly walked back until he was hit over the head by a club and passed out.

The Woodview Outlaws were a persistent scourge of the town. At least a generation old it was comprised of young delinquents who raged against the status quo. Eventually members left and new recruits took their place in a loose coalition of rebels without a cause, they lost and renewed their numbers like a self-sustaining organism that survived off the mass prevalence of the discontent disenfranchised youth, united under the shadow of the outlaw banner where they forwent restraint and discipline and opted to act on their hearts truest impulse.

''This Kraut's been strolling about our town like he own's the damn place, time we teach him a lesson, take his wallet and shoes!''

''Shoes? We don't need his stinky shoes, just his money.''

''No, they're fine leather, worn but worth something. Besides now he'll have to walk around in his socks and show everyone what a damn loon he really is.''

''I guess. What 'bout his watch then?''

''Yeah lets take that too.''

''I wanna draw on his stupid face!''

''Good idea. You know his pa or his pa's pa was probably some no good dirty Nazi, draw that symbol of theirs to remind him where he came from.''

''Damn, I dunno that's kinda -''

''Its justice! We're gonna set an example and - oh s***t, its the police girl! Scram!''

They snatched up his wallet and wristwatch and fled like a dispersing pack of animals fleeing a single predator, straight into the woods.

Rita Reynolds parked her police motorcycle to the side of the road adjacent to the forest area and hurried over to Alban's position. She scowled at the cowardly 'outlaws' whom she had hated for years since the incident with Marco Forester. But now was no time to pursue those free criminals, not when she had to tend to an unconscious man on the road.

''Dr Bahr?'' she said surprised. During her time at the police academy she had been made to see him on a few occasions to talk through her fear of closed spaces, specifically being surrounded by other people. He was a nice man, a good doctor who had helped her work through her anxieties which allowed her to graduate and make her grandfather proud. She hadn't heard of his arrival into Woodview however and realised that Dr Bahr must have been that German accented loner in the woods reported by her beloved Donablain and his associates.

[New Tussia]

Mikhail

He had stood around for about half an hour until he remembered something. He had a cross he found and stole from his dad before he went to live with his Uncle. He pulled it out and then realized that it looked a lot like a key. He moved some brush around and put found a keyhole and had found that the cross fit perfectly into the keyhole. He turned it, and it opened.

[Pax Nerdvana]

Carl

"You should have brought some sleeping pills, Marco. I don't even think Denson has some." Carl mused, until Marco brought up Benny. Carl couldn't help, but sigh. "Fuck.. Of all things you remember, it's Benny. We need to get to the Murder House. If what Denson said was true, there is more than one paranormal thing in this town. I figured Denson had something to do with Benny, since that water panther could have attacked him, when he ran away. Yet, part of me wants to get back to that cursed house and probably burn it down again, even though it's still an empty shell that's under construction." Carl said. "All we can hope for is day to arrive. Maybe I can try to tell my parents to skip town with some random lie. Who knows?"

''Sounds to me like you're parachuting into a motorboat run'n full speed towards a tsunami you think you can avoid,'' he said before a sigh.

''This ain't the movies Carl, the only ones who can fight this are them Denson and Dorian clans. You really prepared to stake your life just to know whatever the hell happened to this Benny fool? I mean, you do know he's dead right, not like he's still out there living feral with that psycho Schizo Fritz, whose definitely also dead otherwise that panther was a complete pussy cat man, didn't kill or even scratch anyone of us, not even that nerd Lu-''

He stopped and felt his blood boil at the mere mention of his name. That insolent cockroach lurking in the back of his mind, refusing to disappear and asserting its ugly presence against his will. How did someone like Lucas who was left behind evade the panther and make it to Blackroof Manor before the rest of them? But more egregiously, the mere thought of all the time that parasite spent alone with Monty sicked him to the pit of his stomach.

Lucas... Don... Monty...

It would seem Carl simply dismissed his confession of clairvoyance as the delusion of a weed and stress induced fever dream. Of course it was absurd but given how other strange possibilities had been accepted as reality he had hoped to confine to at least one person but realised in that moment that he was alone.

Raindrops pattered hard against the window, he relaxed letting out a sigh before heading towards the bed, content for some much needed sleep. Lifting up Captain Marvel he gently nestled the animal beside him before curling up against the edge.

''Ya know Carl, I used to live in a circus before moving to Woodview, sure feels like a lifetime ago by now.''

Following morning

''Now that is what I'm talk'n about, motherf***ing pancakes, hell yeah!'' exclaimed Marco. ''Bring out the blueberry and maple syrup!''

He voraciously devoured his food, foregoing a fork and resorting straight to his hands and fingers and his eyes barely blinking as he tore apart and ground up the baked bread like a half-starved hyena.

Evan
Evan said,"Granpa Jim did recover from losin' the pig, seein' as we mainly raise dairy cows, an' not pigs." Evan began cutting up his pancakes with his fork. He took a bite. They were good pancakes, but not as good as his mother's homemade pancakes. Evan was also slightly ticked off at Mr. Denson for trying to dig up ancient history that wasn't really his business.

'"Well ain't that a damn shame... hillbilly pigfarmers... you could make a TV show outta that,'' he grinned before snickering.

''Monty... you remember the day we first met?'' he enquired with his mouth still stuffed from breakfast.

Evan
Evan was getting ticked off at Marco, who seemed to think that Evan was just a backwards hillbilly. Sure, there was a grain of truth there, but it was a very tiny grain of truth. Evan turned towards Marco, and said,"We currently have 'bout 30 head of dairy cows, an' one pig. I ain't a hillbilly either, so would it hurt ya to stop callin' me one?"

[Islamic Republic e Jariri]

''Sounds to me like you're parachuting into a motorboat run'n full speed towards a tsunami you think you can avoid,'' he said before a sigh.

''This ain't the movies Carl, the only ones who can fight this are them Denson and Dorian clans. You really prepared to stake your life just to know whatever the hell happened to this Benny fool? I mean, you do know he's dead right, not like he's still out there living feral with that psycho Schizo Fritz, whose definitely also dead otherwise that panther was a complete pussy cat man, didn't kill or even scratch anyone of us, not even that nerd Lu-''

He stopped and felt his blood boil at the mere mention of his name. That insolent cockroach lurking in the back of his mind, refusing to disappear and asserting its ugly presence against his will. How did someone like Lucas who was left behind evade the panther and make it to Blackroof Manor before the rest of them? But more egregiously, the mere thought of all the time that parasite spent alone with Monty sicked him to the pit of his stomach.

Lucas... Don... Monty...

It would seem Carl simply dismissed his confession of clairvoyance as the delusion of a weed and stress induced fever dream. Of course it was absurd but given how other strange possibilities had been accepted as reality he had hoped to confine to at least one person but realised in that moment that he was alone.

Raindrops pattered hard against the window, he relaxed letting out a sigh before heading towards the bed, content for some much needed sleep. Lifting up Captain Marvel he gently nestled the animal beside him before curling up against the edge.

''Ya know Carl, I used to live in a circus before moving to Woodview, sure feels like a lifetime ago by now.''

Following morning

''Now that is what I'm talk'n about, motherf***ing pancakes, hell yeah!'' exclaimed Marco. ''Bring out the blueberry and maple syrup!''

He voraciously devoured his food, foregoing a fork and resorting straight to his hands and fingers and his eyes barely blinking as he tore apart and ground up the baked bread like a half-starved hyena.



'"Well ain't that a damn shame... hillbilly pigfarmers... you could make a TV show outta that,'' he grinned before snickering.

''Monty... you remember the day we first met?'' he enquired with his mouth still stuffed from breakfast.

Evan
Evan was getting ticked off at Marco, who seemed to think that Evan was just a backwards hillbilly. Sure, there was a grain of truth there, but it was a very tiny grain of truth. Evan turned towards Marco, and said,"We currently have 'bout 30 head of dairy cows, an' one pig. I ain't a hillbilly either, so would it hurt ya to stop callin' me one?"

''Hot damn, did you hear that Carl?'' Marco laughed playfully nudging his elbow at Carl's shoulder. ''I swear this guy cracks me up.''

''Hillbilly here says he ain't just a washed out pig farmer but a cowman, working up in them big green hills, milking em udders for a livin. I mean can you picture this guy just milk'n away like there's no tomorrow when - Boo! The ghost of Old Man Johnson comes over and says hello?''

He laughed out loud, slamming his fist against the table and completely dismissive of Evan's rightful protestations, whom he had only ridiculed and belittled since the start of the campfire last night.

''Man, you must have been scared s***less when you fled on the tractor like you said,'' he suddenly stopped laughing and looked at him with a serious glare. ''That what you're gonna do here, hillbilly? Run away first sign of something going bump at night? What can you do anyway?'' he resumed chucking as he shook his head.

''You're folks brewing up some moonshine you don't want no one to know 'bout? Why so prickly over being called what you are, you're a farm boy ain't cha'? Hence I say, you're a hillbilly, half literate and more knowledgeable on grass and milk than gears and Mercedes like yours truly.''

He patted himself on the chest with a self-congratulatory grin that was just asking to be punched.