Alex: grabs your arm, eyes wide St- stay inside. P-p-promise me, okay?
MountainEcho
Okay, Alex. What’s this about?
frantically paces back and forth You don't understand, MountainEcho. It's happening again. Another person has vanished without a trace.
MountainEcho
And that affects us because?
pauses, takes a deep breath Look, MountainEcho, when someone goes missing in this town, it's always the same pattern. They're taken by...
MountainEcho
By whom?
grabs MountainEcho's shoulders, looking into their eyes We can't speak about it here. I'll take you to my place, where we can talk in private.
MountainEcho
Fine, but if you don't tell me everything, I swear it won't be on you.
leads MountainEcho through narrow streets, glancing around nervously Just keep up and stay quiet. We're almost there.
MountainEcho
Alright, lead the way, Alex.
opens the door to their small, dimly lit house, quickly ushers MountainEcho inside Quick, come in!
MountainEcho
enters cautiously So, Alex, what's this all about?
locks the door behind them, turns on a single lamp Listen closely, MountainEcho.
MountainEcho
leaning in Alright, Alex. I'm listening.
paces in front of the window, speaking in hushed tones You remember the story of the Wendigo, right? The legendary creature that roams the woods?
MountainEcho
Yeah, some kind of monster, isn't it?
pauses, looks directly at MountainEcho It's more than just a monster, MountainEcho. The Wendigo is a harbinger of death, a predator that roams our woods, searching for victims.
MountainEcho
That's... terrifying, Alex. And you think this new disappearance is connected somehow?
nods, strokes their chin thoughtfully Yes, MountainEcho. Every disappearance in this town can be traced back to the Wendigo.
MountainEcho
But how do you know it's the Wendigo? Could it just be some serial killer pretending to be a monster?
leans in closer, speaking in hushed tones No, MountainEcho, it's not a mere human perpetrator. I've seen evidence, eyewitness accounts, strange sightings...
MountainEcho
Okay, okay, I believe you. So what do we do now?
quickly pulls out a map of the town's woods, pointing at specific areas We need to gather supplies and prepare.
MountainEcho
squints at the map Supplies for what exactly, Alex?
points at a list of items We need to stock up on food, water, and camping gear. We need to be prepared if we want to survive.
MountainEcho
And what if this Wendigo isn't just a legend, Alex? Are we really up for this?
pauses, looks MountainEcho in the eye We don't have a choice, MountainEcho. If we don't confront the Wendigo, it will continue to claim innocent lives.
MountainEcho
sighs, nodding slowly Alright, Alex. Let's do this.
grabs a backpack and starts gathering supplies rapidly We need to move quickly, MountainEcho. Time is of the essence.
MountainEcho
picks up a flashlight, following Alex's lead Okay, let's get moving then.
checks off items on the list, speaking in a rushed tone Flashlights, check. Tent, check. Firewood, check.
MountainEcho
picks up some canned goods Do we need weapons for this?
pauses, looks at MountainEcho with a conflicted expression Weapons... I don't know, MountainEcho.
MountainEcho
smirks Well, I think we should be prepared for anything, including the worst case scenario.
takes a deep breath, hesitates before reaching under the bed and pulling out a small arsenal of knives, axes, and machetes
MountainEcho
raises an eyebrow, surprised Holy shit, Alex. You really went all out.
As Alex and MountainEcho arm themselves, they hear a rustling outside their window, indicating the presence of the Wendigo.
MountainEcho
whispers, gripping one of the machetes tightly Is that... the Wendigo?
peeks through the window, whispers urgently Stay behind me, MountainEcho. We need to get out of here, now!
MountainEcho
gulps, following Alex's lead Shit, let's go!
opens the door cautiously, scanning the surroundings Stay close, MountainEcho. We need to find a safe place to set up camp.
MountainEcho
breathing heavily Alright, alright, just lead the way, Alex.
rushes through the dense forest, constantly looking over their shoulder Keep your guard up, MountainEcho.
MountainEcho
swallows hard, gripping their machete tighter Fuck, Alex... I hope this isn't a mistake.
suddenly stops in their tracks, whispers urgently Shh, listen. Do you hear that?
MountainEcho
listening intently Yeah, it sounds like... whispering?
puts a finger to their lips, signaling MountainEcho to be quiet Stay still, don't make a sound. It's the Wendigo, communicating with its followers.