The Church In The Woods | CreepCast

32:10I'm always a sucker for, and I like that they kind of did this weird, you know, usually I think the dream trope thing can be kind of overplayed. but what I enjoyed about this was how detailed and kind of like haunting, just like a home invasion is, you know, no, I mean, like, obviously there's like the murder stuff, but just the idea of like breaking into somebody's house and this kind of thing and being just a base, like an ethereal fly on the wall and watching not only yourself get killed, but like your parents and then it unveiling to be you is sick, but I do think it sets it up to like, you know, is he going to get indoctrinated by this like church is there because there's a little bit of religious symbolism with like the upside down cross stuff.

32:48on this guy's like cloak or whatever but kind of cool i'm hoping that this goes into and i think i'm you know i i love me a cult give me a cult if i had to guess it seems like he has been eyed by the cult and now they're coming for him in some way right so maybe since he was a baby maybe that's what maybe this is like what would have happened if his mother didn't like get in the way of the gun or sacrifice her life to save him. Maybe the Colts wanted him dead for a while or something. Uh, who knows? I will say the story saved itself for me because I was about, I kept reading and sure enough, it correct.

33:26It got better. I thought what it was implying is that he was having a vision in that dream of what actually happened that night. And then when he pulls off the mask and it's himself and like his younger self gets shot, that was better because I thought it was saying that, uh, that Christmas night in 1991 is when his mom died and his dad was going to show the family, the recording of it. Oh yeah. No, no. You know, it's kind of weird too, is the Christmas aesthetic stuff can be so creepy. What was that one story we read about a house that it's Christmas forever? That was one of a Ligotti's, right?

34:04Yes. Was it? Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. Yes. That was a great story about how like it's the grandmother with the eternal Christmas. Yeah. it's like a dimension you go to yeah that was very surreal but i agree yes there's something so it's like just the colors and stuff it's like a vomit of green and red and stuff and everything's just like overly lit a lot of like weird uh imagery of like jesus in the nativity scene and there's just a lot of like interesting visuals that are like very happy it's like whenever something's like uncannily happy around you like everything's smiling and it's just a very like uh like over overstimulating, like, I don't know, like family happiness, uh, vomit of just shit.

34:49You know what I mean? I have like these memories when I was a kid, cause my dad would always, um, like do the nativity scenes and the Christmas lights at Christmas. So I have all these memories of being a little kid and like the woods around the house painted in these reds and greens and, like it's it's a very different time right it's a unique time i think you get a lot of interesting stuff out of it well should we should we move on to part two part two the congregation room i was particularly excited about this on-site job later on that evening my boss called again and filled me in on more details about the request he told me that traveling to the church would be quite a drive and that its location was in the countryside secluded from most towns gave me strict instruction to abide by their basic rules and to not offend them by any means.

35:39Apparently, they had paid handsomely for the service, and he wanted to be sure our company kept every dime. He did note that I only had to respect their rules and not necessarily buy into any of their religious activities or anything. He told me to stop by the office in the morning for the necessary equipment. He promised that the company would reimburse me with the cost of travel and reminded me to call daily with any updates. I wasn't a big fan of religion, but I wasn't going to complain if they were providing food and a room for sleeping. Again, it was a change to get out of the office for a few days.

36:12That night, I quickly packed up enough items for two weeks into two big suitcases. After preloading my car, I set my alarm early, knowing that I would need to compensate for the drive. It was strange. My night was dreamless, and it was quick. It felt as if I had closed my eyes for a second before I heard my alarm go off for the next day. What struck me even odder was the fact that I could not recall what had stirred me up the night before. I had a disturbing dream when visiting my parents. That much I knew, but of what specifically evaded my memory. I dismissed the thought, believing it to be for the best.

36:46Despite being tired from the early rise, I was up without a struggle and ready to embark. The outside air was cooler than I usually preferred. The sky was starless, almost like a dark veil was across it. I hopped in my car and kept the windows up this time with the heat at full blast. There were a few times where my eyes rolled back from the tiredness, but the radio helped keep the temptation at bay. I made the quick stop by the office to gather up all the necessary equipment needed for the job. My boss already had it packed and ready to be loaded upon my arrival. He wasn't there himself, but with the help from the third shift crew, I was able to load everything into my trunk.

37:20afterwards they provided me a set of GPS directions provided by my boss once I thanked the crew for helping I made my way on the road further I drove the more scarce the streetlights and other cars became for long the Sun had fully emerged giving sight to the endless oceans of green pastures and cornfields eventually though even the pastures came to an end and soon I found myself swallowed by the dense patch of trees my car barely managed to remain on the thin rough patch Below, I could hear the rocks and twigs crunching under the wheels. I held my breath a few times, slowing my vehicle down, hoping to not incur a flat tire, which was the last thing I needed.

38:01After what felt like ages, I finally came across a fairly large building ahead. The building itself was an old structure, standing tall and stretched far back into the woods. Its appearance was withered, made of old wood, pale, and decayed. it swayed a few times as the course of the wind letting off a most disturbing groan as if suffering wishing to be put out of its misery truly it was amazing that such a building had already collapsed it didn't need to approach i could make out more of its structure building appeared to be two stories its front was rather plain aside from the monotonous row of windows a row of three that ran across the second floor the windows themselves were elongated running along the sides of the building as well I was thrown off by the side of the structure.

38:45I was sure my boss had informed me that this was to be a church. I was much of a churchgoer, but the building before me looked more like an old warehouse or boarding home rather than a place of worship. The rugged path led up its entrance. In the front of a set of double doors, I could see a lone figure standing, waiting for my approach. It was an elderly man in his mid-fifties in a gray suit and black tie. He immediately made his way to me when I parked. His walk was hobbled, but elegant and poised. A little hesitant, I gradually let down my window, greeted by his big toothy smile. Afternoon, son.

39:19Said in a strong country accent. You our technician we've been waiting for? I was taken back by his overpowering cologne. It smelled like a poor concoction of baby powder and sunflower seeds. He was balding towards the top of his head while his snowy white hair grew around the edge like a crescent. Teamed wrinkles were pressed across his face and seemed to grow in number with a smile. Slightly stuttering, I answered. Yes, sir. Pleased to meet you. He gave off an old man's chuckle, still housing his tooth here. This don't need to be shy, son. I'm Reverend Gary Gooden. You can call me Gary. Welcome to the Peach Hub County.

39:57He said, extending out a hand. Nervously, I shook it. I'd like to personally thank you for coming all the way out here. I know it must have been something for you, and I hope you didn't get too lost on your way over. For some reason, I couldn't find my voice and only shook my head. That's good. Look here. Why don't you swing your car right around to the other side, and I'll get one of my people to help you get your stuff settled in. You don't have to lift a finger, understand? He gestured to the right-hand side of the building. I nodded and drove around as instructed and parked. Before I could even vacate the car, I jumped when stared ahead.

40:33or i jumped when stared ahead what is that oh oh when i stared ahead okay there okay there's some random like uh grammatical errors in here i'm just gonna put in like this sentence says they're a man standing in front i imagine it means to say there was a man standing in front there was a man standing in front i hadn't even seen him approach couldn't lie he was much younger than the reverend but clearly older than me he had slick black hair combed over to the side and wore a dark vest resting over a white button top with gray dress pants he gave a slight wave while approaching my car i exited and was greeted with a firm handshake parents crow his accent wasn't as strong as the reverend's welcome to peter i could tell that his smile was forced even his eyes looked annoyed but i thanked him yeah have any luggage on you Yeah.

41:27It's in the back. I unlocked the door. Before I could turn around, the man quickly swooped over to the passenger door, opened it, and pulled out both suitcases. He began making his way towards the front, gesturing me with his head. You'll have to forgive my impatience. I was in the middle of something important before the Reverend had me polled to assist you. That's all right. I know the feeling. You'd be surprised how often my boss does that to me. I sometimes wonder if he actually wants me to get the job done. I joked, hoping to lighten the mood. He didn't laugh. I could hear his grunts as he struggled to carry the weight of my suitcases, occasionally swaying to the side.

42:01I felt guilty for letting him do so, but didn't want to impede on their hospitality. He led me around to the front, through the double doors. I have expected to find the Reverend waiting for us with this grin, but he was nowhere to be seen. Inside, we came into what looked like a lobby area. It was much nicer than I expected, completely different from the outside appearance. Inside, the air was cold, borderline comfortable perhaps it was the hint of honey and sunflowers in the midst made it bearable the lobby was a simple room everything around held a calm pearl white it was filled with a few tables and chairs up against the wall a golden chandelier hung from the ceiling giving the bland room a more elegant feel a red carpet led from the entrance to a set of closed double doors ahead Two other doors sat at the left and right walls, both closed.

42:53The man led me inside, setting down the suitcases, took out a handkerchief from his vest pocket to wipe away the sweat from his brow. This here is the lobby, he finally said, tugging the handkerchief back into his pocket. I chuckled to myself as if that wasn't obvious. Through the left door, you'll find a hallway leading to the dining area, and to the right is a staircase leading to the living quarters. Y 'all be staying in room six. If you give me a minute, I'll fetch your keys. What about those? I ask, gesturing to the main double doors ahead. Where do those lead to? Blaine starts the doors as if now, realizing their presence.

43:27Those lead to the congregation room where we conduct our services. Y 'all find we conduct those on a daily basis. Daily? That's a bit much. Whatever happened to once a week? Again, he didn't laugh. His face turned and saw it. Mr. Pale. Marcus Pale. Sorry. I never did introduce myself. Right. Mr. Pale. This is a church. I'm sure where you're coming from once a week will suffice, but here it is our life. He paused, peering into my eyes. You do attend church, right? My eyes must have truly given it away. He smiled, shaking his head. You're not much of a religious man now, are you, Mr. Pale? The tone of his voice matched his face.

44:10I shrugged slightly, taking offbeat at the question. No, I guess not. I see. Please forgive me when I say this then But maybe you should just keep your mind on your job then That is the reason why you're here Understand? Yeah, sure Good I'll be back with your keys I just stood there The nervous feeling I had earlier had subsided Now what I felt was awkwardness What was the guy's problem? There was no need for his rudeness The pity I felt for him earlier was no longer present and I shook it off remembering that my boss said not to offend these people by any means. Five minutes went by and I still found myself standing there.

44:53What was taking so long? Made it sound like the keys were right behind the door. My eyes began wandering, bouncing from one side of the room to the next until finally settling on the double doors. It had a symbol, an emblem of some kind, and printed down the middle of them. Curious, I walked over to them to get a better look. The emblem on the white doors was golden, almost looking imperial-like. It resembled a face. No, maybe it was a flower? It was surrounded with what appeared to be a wavering cloak of some kind. Did it have to do with their religion? Still curious, I glanced over the door where the man had disappeared behind.

45:33Finally, I returned my eyes back to the double doors. They had fairly large bar handles acting as the knobs. I was hesitant, but I slowly reached out to one of them. When my hand made contact with it, I felt a hint of warmness. This was peculiar because the room was cold, so how was this likely? The handle felt as if some had held it just recently, perhaps minutes ago. I jerked back on it, but the door didn't budge. I jerked a few more times, but it was unsuccessful. It was locked. I looked around it to see if there was a keyhole. Maybe I could peek inside. Instead, I found a small indent next to the handle.

46:10and it was no bigger than a quarter maybe this be the lock i'll look closer to see it had a similar design as the emblem engraved on the inside feeling defeated i made my way over to one of the chairs and sat hopefully the man wouldn't be any longer it was probably for the best that i didn't open though my first day on the job and i was already snooping around i was actually glad the man didn't catch me attempting to break in like that that stunt could have had my ass sent home, especially since he already seemed to be an uptight jerk. If that had happened, my boss would have had a field day on me for blowing such a high-paying opportunity.

46:47The man eventually returned from the back with a large ring of keys in his hand. He hastily ushered me to follow, grabbing my luggage, and proceeded to the door on the right. Just as he had mentioned, there was a staircase on the other side. This area appeared more on par with the outside appearance of the building looking pale and decayed every step we took was followed by a long winded creek i was sure that at any moment they would give out on either of us but they never did we reached the top and came to a long dimly lit hallway with another red carpet except this was long enough to run to the end the doors in the hallway appeared adjacent and parallel to each other electric candles illuminated the area from the walls in between the doors the man led me halfway down before halting at the door on the right this your room he said unlocking the door the door produced a loud creak as he opened braced myself expecting to find a poorly conditioned room but was met an agreeable site instead it was similar appearance to the lobby plain with pearly white walls large king-sized beds set neatly near the window blanket and sheets and even a pillow were already provided in the corner sat a sturdy wooden desk with a brass lamp on its stead a tall bookshelf leaned against the wall, empty of books, with a small dresser to its side.

48:00The room looked very comfortable. The thought of staying in it for a few days was very appealing. May I place my luggage near the dresser? You can put your clothes up in here. Breakfast is at eight. Lunch at twelve and dinner at six. Shop. You're welcome to wear whatever pleases you to the meals. Just make sure you're not late. We don't start eating until everyone is present. Eight, twelve, and six. Got it. By the way, Mr. Pale, I'm interested to know how you propose to conduct your work without any of your supplies. Oh yeah, sorry. I forgot to mention all my equipment is in the trunk of my car.

48:35He gave an unsettling glare and held out his hand. Your car keys, please. I returned him an unassured look, quickly handed them over when I saw his glare tied in. I will return your keys once I have acquired everything that you'll need from your car. The Reverend informed me that you will not have to conduct any work until tomorrow, so please enjoy the rest of your evening. I will move your supplies into the office downstairs. You can find the office after heading through the door on the left. It's on the way to the dining area. We'll see you at dinner. He said, shutting the door behind him. With that, I was left alone once again.

49:08The quietness of my room left me with a dull numbing sense. For a second, I was lost in its trance until the moan of the building from the wind awakened me. Once out of it, I turned my attention back to my room. Clearly, it must have been recently refurbished. I turned my fingers along the surface of the desk. Just from sight alone, I could tell its history dated back with the building. Even so, it felt like it truly belonged despite its age. I made my way over to the window, looking below. I could see my car, but no sight of the man. I shrugged it off. It could take as long as he wanted, as long as he didn't break anything, I thought.

49:47I smirked at this and returned my attention back inside. My eyes fell on the bookshelf. Although it was empty, several imprints from books could be seen in between the dust. The size of the imprints indicated they must have been fairly large books. Near the edge of the shelf, I could see dragging marks as if someone had removed all the books. Maybe in anger, perhaps in a hurry. That was probably done on purpose. Couldn't blame them. These people here seemed like the secretive type. They probably didn't want me looking through any of their text. My eyes floated over to the bed. It looked very tempting.

50:23I wanted to just crash on it, but I knew I had to call my boss first. I promised him that I would inform him of any updates. Even though I hadn't started yet, I could at least inform him that I had arrived on time. I pulled up my phone and checked the signal bar strength. It was hovering between one bar and none. This wasn't a surprise considering where I was. i played around with its positioning first raising it higher and then side to side i had no luck though i even tried holding it closer to the window but still was unsuccessful it was possible that it was just the room blocking the signal so i made my way out into the hallway keeping my phone stretched out with my eyes fixated on it i moved around the hallway aimlessly still changing its position eventually i realized how pointless it was i decided to see if i had better luck outside i went downstairs and into the lobby checking my phone along the way feeling the frustration build up i aimlessly swung it around threatening to just toss the useless junk without warning i was thrown off by a loud scream following it came a voice that yelled out hey watch it i was stunned almost jumping out of my skin the voice belonged to a young woman quite attractive one to say the least the green eyes flared at me in anger she had auburn hair that curled around her face and over her eyes.

51:41She wore what appeared to be a black and green Victorian-style dress. The most eye-catching part about her was that she was pregnant. She had to be at least eight months by how much her stomach extended through her gown. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to. I was trying to find a signal and I was getting... Her glare softened and a smile formed. She eventually let out a light giggle at my attempt to explain myself. Okay, okay, it's fine. You're forgiven already. Her voice? She had a British accent. I wasn't sure why. God damn it. What? I fucked that up. Does that? Oh, the voice. I thought you were saying that that ruins it for you.

52:18It does too. Disgusting. Okay. Yeah. You're like an attractive woman, but she's British. Get it out of here. They don't exist. They don't make them. I wasn't sure why, considering everyone seemed to have a country one. You must be the technician I've been hearing about. Yeah. You've been hearing about me? Well, of course. They've been talking about you for weeks. Reverend Gary's especially excited. I'm Victoria Ruin. Victoria Ruin? The Victorian character's name is Victoria Ruin? I'm a Victorian dresser. My name's Victoria Ruin. Slip inside the eye of your mind. But you know you might find a better place to play.

53:04It's funny because now I'm imagining that she just started singing that. Yeah, that's exactly what happened to you. Today's gonna be the day that they're gonna throw it back to you. By now, you should have done how I realized what I got to do. I don't believe anybody feels so I ought to about you now.

53:29Wonderwall? Oh, okay. I'm bored. Sorry.

53:37she said, holding out her hand for me to shake. I couldn't stop my blushing even when my hand met hers. It was smooth and felt frail to the touch. Well, aren't you going to tell me your name? Oh, yeah, of course. It's Marcus. Marcus Pale? Well, Marcus Pale, it's a pleasure to meet you. I'll have you know that the cellular reception is very poor in these woods. You can, however, use our telly. it uses a landline connection that shouldn't give you any issues at all I'm not going to take you to if you'd like yeah sure I'd appreciate it I replied finally collecting myself she began making her way to the hallway beckoning me to follow with one hand I caught sight of a beautiful large silver ring on her ring finger I guess she was married of course she was woman that beautiful ought to be married I thought to myself he's down bad for this British woman he's either down bad or my psychopath theory is like correct like that him just being completely you may think you have an idea of what Marcus pale is you may look at me he's like kicking his feet and he's like blushing and shit she's like hey how you doing I'm Victoria he's like you've been talking about me she's like well I mean they said that you were showing up today okay it's like Marcus you you kind of fucking suck dude and she's pregnant with a ring on at church and he's like oh she's married.

55:04What was your first clue, dude? Crawling around her guts.

55:11Yeah, dude. I wish that was my baby's fingernails clawing at her intestines and her gutty works. Oh, gosh. What?

55:23Yeah, that's what guys think about pregnant women. They're like, yeah. Let my little raccoon dig for some trash. gross okay whatever I'm sorry everyone I can't I'm not responsible for him she led me through the door on the left where I originally saw the man retrieve the keys led to a long hallway similar to the one upstairs this hallway was narrower housing fewer doors all shut tight So tell me, Marcus, where are you from? From Arlington. And where is that?

56:02Sorry, it's Northern Virginia. Why did you read it that way? He says, sorry, he's blushing. He's being a fucking lame piece of shit. Sorry, it's Northern Virginia. It's quite all right. I've never been up north before You're lucky to be able to travel around All my life I've been here Stuck here That is I've always wanted to Venture out But what No it's nothing Oh read that She said Oh flirtatious Victoria She wants her to I mean she's probably a prisoner Also too I've been here forever and i'm like you have a fucking british accent liar uh and her name's victoria ruin once again we need to remember this it's true i'd also be like i'm also dr mustard if we're playing make pretend that i'm ruthus mustard phd is what i would say oh i thought you were making a clue joke colonel muster yeah probably that's probably the connection was in my head.

57:14I'm going to kill you under the stairs. Under the stairs with a rope. She's like, you're talking about the game, right? He's like, sure. Sure. Whatever you say, Scarlet. Just don't go in your room because I have a candlestick in there and I'll beat the hell out of you with it. No, whatever you do, don't go to the observatory. There's definitely not a knife in there with Professor Plum. We're having fun, right? Oh, yes, Victoria. Oh, yes. I'm the it guy. This is what he yells at her. She's like, okay. Yes, Victoria. There's nothing wrong. Do you want to follow me alone to this room? I don't have a gun.

57:56I want to be that child. Hello, pregnant woman. I just met. Do you want to come alone with me over here? I'm blushing. I'm smiling. And I can't tell again. I'll look in the mirror and realize I'm smiling. I could, I hope you didn't notice that I was smiling and drooling, Looking at your pregnant belly. I definitely don't want to eat your child who's clawing away at your gutty works. You're pregnant? Yeah. Great. Bummer. I thought you were just fat. She's like, hey, Marcus, you started to scare me, Marcus. He's like, no, don't be afraid. I'm just the IT guy.

58:40do you like being pregnant i love see i'm unironically gonna ask that to a pregnant woman sometime what's it feel like to be pregnant do you like it i don't know it's okay can you feel him crawling around in there you know in your gutty works Thanks.

59:02who did that to you that's another good hey who did that and point at it can i see i bet if you lifted up your shirt and you showed me your belly it would look like a bald man's head i'm the it guy i help run it

59:21i'm happy you're pregnant

59:28i'm happy you're pregnant it's a good one too a man fully blushed i'm the it guy sweating profusely, rolling his fingers around his hands, like clenched hands. I love you.

59:47I love that you're pregnant. I love your pregnant belly. You're pregnant and I'm the IT guy. I'm going to go fix a phone. Do you have a phone? You're pregnant. I can't wait to set up a search. rack. No, it's nothing. Hold on. What? Oh, you're back in the story. I didn't realize if we were still doing the bit or not. I've been staring at the camera just saying those things. Oh, there's going to be a lot of love for that. He looked right at me and said that he loved my pregnant belly, my little preggers belly. I'm glad that you're pregnant. You know, I'm the IT guy. My favorite thing to say to a pregnant woman is, I can't wait to boop your snoot.

1:00:34I can't wait to touch what's inside of you. Oh, my God. Creepy, huh? Good Lord. That's a freak one. I'm going to hold you from the inside. Huh?

1:00:52You're pregnant? Can I see? Yeah. Cough twice. Okay. I could do it. If we stay here, I'm going to keep going. So just do the line. No, it's nothing. She said, biting her lip. She came to a door on the left and opened it. Here we are. You can use this phone. I thanked her and entered. The room was tiny, just an upgrade from being considered a pantry. Inside it was a small wooden table cramped back with an old phone. A single door set on the side of a small window. A strong collection of breads coated the air, making the cramped setting feel even more stuffy. A collection of breads? I was legitimately wondering if it was like, is he like literally saying that it's like there's a bunch of rye, white and sourdough bread around him?

1:01:40That's what that's what it sounds like to me. Right. I don't know. Bread's being used to be something else. I want that to be what it is. Do you like bread and being pregnant? You shouldn't eat that while you're pregnant. Oh, you're pregnant as a man. It's my job. Looks like that's for me as a man. It's my job to tell you what you should and shouldn't put inside your body as a pregnant woman. And trust me, marble rye bread, sweetheart. isn't the thing to put in your body. Preach King. I love walking up to pregnant women that I see on the street and being like, I wouldn't know. Don't do that. And they try, they try to act like they try to hear me.

1:02:15And I say, Hey, sweetheart, not that. Or like, or like if I'm at like lunch or something, there's a pregnant woman, like setting it like a table across from me. Every time she like order something else on the menu, I'm very loudly. Like, well, I'm gagging for the first five minutes. I'm there. Hmm. that's gross. Well, I I'm sorry for that guy inside of you or girl, whatever it is inside of you. I'm sorry for that person inside of you. They have to put up with that. Yeah. I'm just loudly like, I need a basket. Actually. That's not even, I need a basket. That's not even related to food or anything like that.

1:02:51That's just like seeing a pregnant woman. Yeah. A single door set to the side of small window, strong collection of breads. I quickly dialed up my boss and informed him of the situation. He was glad to hear that I arrived alright and went into a speech about ensuring that I represented the company in the best manner possible. Afterwards, he told me to keep up the good work and to call him tomorrow. After hanging up, I was surprised to find Victoria still waiting for me in the hallway. You didn't have to wait for me. Well, honestly, I have nothing better to do. I've been cooped up in my room for the longest time because of this bloody baby.

1:03:26Oh. Couldn't think of any response to this. you don't talk much do you I shrug sheepishly what can I say I'm a quiet guy

1:03:44didn't that just feel appropriate I didn't like it come on that was perfect what can I say that is perfect but every extra noise made me uncomfortable let me reread it Say I shrug sheepishly again. I shrug sheepishly. Okay, well, let's try that again. Okay, I didn't musham out that one. My bad. I shrug sheepishly. What can I say? I'm a quiet guy. Ew. I like that. I feel like then when he went, I'm a quiet guy, he like squatted down and said it to the baby. Yeah, he put his lips under belly button and talked that way. I'm a quiet guy. Well, it's a change for sure You're different from all the men around here All they do is talk and lecture She's just looking down at him Kissing her stomach like, well, it's a change for sure Well, this is a change for sure You're different from all the other men around here All they do is talk and lecture Expect all the women to just listen It's quite maddening at times Are all men of the north like you?

1:04:50I blushed at this Are you the only woman here? I asked attempting to change the subject She scoffed. Of course not. I don't know what I'd do if I was. There are two others. My Aunt Margaret and cousin Sophia. You'll meet them later at dinner. You are coming, of course, yes? Her emerald eyes gleamed into my own. I could feel my heart rate slowly increase. My face must have been bright red from my head. Yeah, of course I will. Her smile widened. I've been bored for the past few days. You want to go on a little adventure? adventure yes I could give you a tour of the place I'm sure you're wondering where everything is at can I get a tour of the baby do you think it's the pheromones is it pheromones that women exude from their honeycomb that's making this man be a ravenous bee I don't like anything you just said I thought it was kind of creative that was rough that was their honeycomb yeah what I really hadn't thought about that place as a whole the only area that vaguely interested me was the room behind the double doors but I didn't feel comfortable asking about that place as a whole but figured it'll work

1:06:12sorry sorry that was terrible I hate myself you have a line thank you but I didn't feel comfortable asking you already said that no then you say surely why not oh my bad sorry I got hung up on the whole thing. Sure, why not? Sure, why not? Good. Thank God. It took long enough. She said, wrapping her arm around mine. Where do you want to go first? Her perfume engulfed me, smelling of sweet berries and honey. A smell that was perfect for her. You want me to decide? Yes, of course. I don't want to bore you. I'm showing you every nook and cranny. I don't like some of the wording here. She's getting all horned up, dude.

1:06:52I don't like it I could tell she was reading my face because she added Come on I know there's a place you're dying to Explore See dude come on she's fucking I don't like this She's a pregnant lady She's a married woman Would you like to take a look at me beaver What My minge You make it worse Everything that you say becomes worse dying to explore. She's basically, he says, well, okay. Even if that's where we're getting into everything's like, Oh, you're dying to explore every nook and cranny. Like there's still like, like sexual like tension to it or something to just be like the beaver. That kind of kills any nuance.

1:07:37I'll have it shaved. It looks like, uh, okay. See what I mean? You're doing it. You're doing it right now. Well, yes. Just spill it already. I did kind of want to see what was behind those doors in the lobby. I replied, rubbing my neck in shame. Doors? You mean the congregation room? If it can, I understand. No nonsense, let's go. She said, yanking my arm, pulling me until we reached the lobby again. Victoria? I asked as she made her way to the doors. Yeah. The symbol on the doors, what is it? She glanced over at the doors. That is a symbol of our religion. Well, their religion, anyway. I've grown tired of all the prayers and the sermons.

1:08:18It's all rubbish, really. Rubbish? If you don't care for it, then why are you here? No, you're right. I don't. I never was into it. Ever since I was a little girl, my father forced me to be a part of it. All I've ever known has been Herb Peach County. Well, apart from brief stay in the UK, I'm sure you can tell I don't exactly sound like I'm from around here. Yeah, I noticed. I said rubbing my neck. You have my aunt to thank for that anyways. I've grown really tired of all of it Like I said earlier I want to venture out and see the rest of the world At least my home country I can't even remember it anymore So your aunt brought you here?

1:09:01What about your mother? What did she have to say about all this? She juggled off

1:09:23this implied

1:09:32are you giggling in a british accent

1:09:38Sorry That's nasty It actually got me pretty good I have no memory of my mother My father told me she died after I was conceived I was mainly raised by my aunt Oh I'm sorry I know the feeling My mother died when I was young too

1:10:04this story hasn't jumped the shark or anything it's still fine like the tension's still it's still okay and everything but you you have ran it i'm also a little tired which is why i think i had the giggle fit earlier about the guy running up the sidewalk um but i don't let me let me read I don't think the story applies that she starts giggling that far. No, no, no, no, no. She chuckles. I don't want you to read it. No, I'm going to keep bothering you. No, no, no. My father told me she died after I was conceived. It was mainly erased by my aunt. I'm sorry. I know the feeling. I'm going to die without you, too.

1:10:45Oh, oh, oh, oh, oh, oh. Okay. Now that that's Cliff's unusable, we're good to go. We went quiet for a minute. Why don't you just leave? I suggested breaking the silence. You're not a little girl anymore. You don't have to stay here now. It's a little much emotion, I think. Come on. You're not directing this. I gotta read it however I want. I'm directing it now because you have taken this under your own reign. You're not a little girl anymore. You don't have to stay here now. He didn't just explode into that level of emotion. Why don't you just leave? I suggested breaking the silence. you're not a little girl anymore you don't have to stay here now we have to keep the previous lines too so everyone can see what you're trying to do to this story that it's completely it's not earned that yet you're acting like they've played ACDC I'm not I'm just reading it she smiled if only that simple Marcus I'd love to leave but some things are not that simple she said looking down rubbing her belly

1:11:55I'm sorry I didn't mean to I felt like a complete idiot My talent of making awkward moments worse was starting to emerge I was bad at this kind of thing and even worse at comforting someone It was mainly the reason why I remained quiet Come on! Let's not ruin your tour with my story She interrupted making her way over the door Yeah I said still feeling guilty Not even thinking I asked How do we even get in? It's locked, right? Smile returned to her face. She turned to me giving off a jokingly suspicious expression. How did you know it was locked? She's fucking with you. See, you're doing it. Well, she's a jokingly suspicious expression.

1:12:39How did you know it was locked? No, that's like a how did you know it was locked? How did you know it was locked? Sure. I shrugged pathetically giving off a sheepish grin. I don't know. Aren't those doors in this place locked? It was a poor excuse. I knew it. Oh, you're more audacious than you make yourself, Marcus Pale. She said, placing her ring into the small indent. She twisted her wrist to the right, which prompted a soft click. Your ring is a key? I asked it as a son. What? Does the North not have keys like these? Come on. I followed her behind the door. Inside, the room was huge. The sweet aroma from the lobby seemed to fall flat, sucking out when the door shut.

1:13:23Instead, a singe of smoke and ash filled the air. The lighting was very poor. What little light was present came from the cracks of the doors behind us. The room had long queues for seating lined in rows. The rows made their way to the front of the room, where they stopped before an altar. From there, a small set of stairs ran up to a large podium. Behind it was a flat table with an altar. The table itself was covered in a white cloth Near the walls stood tall columns of rigged rocks As if crudely carved Connected to the ceiling In between them stood small marble pillars Each housing a brass bowl What was this place?

1:14:02I must have spoken the question out loud Because Victoria answered me It's the congregation room, silly! Is something burning in here? Yes It's from the candles It's what we use doing our services due to the poor lighting Why not just install lights? Well, candles are also an important part of our service. She said, almost as if I was supposed to know this already. I dismissed it, though, and went further in. I climbed up the stairs of the altar, noticing a figure standing behind the podium. It's hard to make out in the shadows. If it wasn't for the strains of light behind us, I wouldn't have even noticed it.

1:14:38I took out my phone and held it up to the figure using its backlight. What I saw almost caused me to tumble down the stairs. In front of me, I saw a tall white statue depicting a strange figure well over my height. Its upper body was of a very fit man, bearing a strong chest and arms. The arms of the statue hung low, sweeping at its ankles. It only had three fingers. The legs appeared inverted, its knees caving inwards like a goat's legs. The more disturbing was the head of the statue. It was a hard sight to bear. the head looked like a sick crossbreed between a dog and a man wasn't like the typical depiction seen like in egypt no this head was like a dog and a man simultaneously had a long narrow snout that seemed to morph into the mouth of a man other parts of its face appeared human-like while in others indescribable the eyes were small and beady staring firmly off into the distance it held a third eye larger in comparison to the other two in the middle of its forehead long wild hair ran down its face ending at its shoulder with horns protruding from its back statue as a whole stood in a confident pose as if knowing its presence was significant victoria i felt my voice squeak i could feel an eerie chill fall down my spine unable to tear my eyes from the horrid view what the hell is that walking to me her eyes carried over to the figure.

1:16:08She seemed unfazed and calmly stated, That is our god, Lanius, the white eye of time. That is the end of part two. Excellent. Nice. Sick. I'm in. I'm so in. We just need a Jamaican guy and like an Armenian dude What are you doing? I'm just saying, they have like one British person there, so I think to even it out Why'd you make it in our opinion specifically? They're just different accents. Could be a Spanish accent. Okay. For all I care. Is Lanius a god in any culture? I'm not aware. It's the name of the guy from Fallout New Vegas. I don't think, I mean, obviously the imagery is very demonic.

1:16:58Like, you know, like pagan god, half human, half man. but I don't see anything about there being a lanius god interesting okay anyway with that oh hello my wife's at the door hello yes with hunter hey wait wait while you're here Kayla says hi hunter he says hey can you can you be a doll and get me something to drink call her toots toots can you get me like a perhaps a Dr. Pepper Diet Coke may have she didn't like the use of toots that did not go to my favor say you say you look so much prettier when she comes back with the drink in a second I will hit her with that just say you know honestly you walk around the house like this you'd just be so much prettier if you smiled and lost the shorts right Or just, you know, just like makeup.

1:18:03It's a friend to everyone. Something like that. Now that one would get me in a dog house. I could get out of it. You're going to get slapped pretty hard on that. I'll do the first one, but that's where I draw the line. Can I just say something? Yeah. Just like while we're waiting to get into part three. I think this might be like my favorite story we've read. What? I think this might be my favorite story we've read. This one? Yeah. Okay, so you're messing with me. No, I'm serious. No, you're not. This isn't how you seriously describe things. No, I seriously, I fucking love this story. No, but you don't.

1:18:43Dude, stop laughing. Seriously, I fucking love this story. You do not love this story. No, I do. Stop. I really do. This is my favorite. I'm putting it down right now. This is my favorite. You would be so much prettier if you smiled. She did not like that, Hunter. That was a bad move. That was the bad pull. She slammed the door on her way out. I won't play out. Well, all right. Well, part three, it's called the book part three here. And I just want to say, this is my favorite fucking story. Whatever. Part three of the book. I think it's fine. I, I, I'm vibing with it. It needs to, I do. I mean, you're talking to me like that.

1:19:24This is my favorite story we've ever fucking read. It needs to pick up a bit. Like I kind of like the, direction with lanius and stuff like that i feel like it's been a little slow on the setup but i need to see it go a bit more but yeah i like it so far it's got potential uh for my review so far no complaints nothing what's this attitude you're approaching this with i just well i just i don't know man like you're throwing it needs to pick up like what the fuck are you talking about just read what's wrong marcus toria asked you absolutely pale are you frightened live from the cell phone I dropped reflected back into my face Even with this light in my eyes I could still make out the horde figure Looming before me Did you say You're god You worship that thing

1:20:15The looney tunes Lead in was unnecessary What man That's how it's read No it's not It's not in there anywhere

1:20:29That's how I'd be If I saw a giant satanic statue I'd do oh my god And I'd do

1:20:41Let's get out of here And I'd run off But I'd run in place for three seconds And I'd run off It's what would happen this story is not that bad how actually how much better would it be if it was seriously like jesus christ be a pretty good read honestly all right sorry go ahead flawless love it what's up it doesn't deserve it yet i i will unironically say this is my favorite story so oh my gosh okay whatever i took a few steps back losing my balance in the process instantly i fell back slamming into the seating pews behind me sharp pain erupted from my back as i could feel the rush of air painfully forced its way out of my mouth i guess we don't do that gosh i guess it was true that the wind could literally be knocked out of you i remained still filling the pain surged from my back.

1:21:43Marcus, are you alright? Victoria asked rushing to my side. Are you hurt? Instantly, there was a loud slam from a door behind us, flooding the room with bright light. What the hell is going on in here? Victoria popped up. Nothing! We were doing a little touring when Marcus had a tumble. She said, addressing the voice. Marcus? The voice responded in surprise. You brought an outsider into our area of worship? I could hear the voice's footsteps moving at high pace until they halted next to me my eyes hadn't completely adjusted to the light yet so all i could see was a partially lit figure a man at least didn't matter who it was though it sounded angry regardless this could be the moment i was going to be sent home he fell i'm not sure if he's injured himself or not the man sighed he does look pretty banged up hey can you at least move yes looking down at me i hadn't tried yet but i attempted to move my arms and then my legs despite the stop moaning despite the lingering pain from my back nothing appeared to be broken i think i'll be all right i slowly began to stand feeling the man help me up are you sure you're all right marcus he'll be all right man said helping me towards the light of the door When my eyes eventually adjusted, I could finally make out his...

1:23:06Okay, here's what I'm going to do. So there's long sections that I can read. So if I go into Discord and I mute him... I'll stop by... I'm just trying to do the thing that he was... I'll stop doing it. But I was just supposed to be like, he's hurting. He's like... So now that he's muted, I'm going to read until it comes to a quote. And then... So I can't hear him until I get to a point where there's a quote. Then I'll unmute him. When my eyes eventually adjusted, I could finally make out his face. It was Terrence. After reaching the exit, he shut the door to the room behind us. It felt good to be out of there and back in the coolness of the lobby.

1:23:44Apparently, I'd been sweating because I could see the large spots across my bed. Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! Ah! did you hear it i came back and unmuted to because it's your turn and it was very distorted over the microphone but it sounded it sounded like the noise when like you step on a dog toy really hard that like sweeps it's like the entire time you're reading i was just like

1:24:33now look here i know y 'all guess no but i'm gonna need you to end your little exploring

1:24:46we cannot we cannot read this late in the day i'll tell you that right now the only other time we've read after like 4 p.m. was uh the dynia house which became eat me like a bug so historically our track record for doing stuff later in the day not great oh uh and like and like introducing a pregnant woman to us after this time bad idea we're immediately gonna make the guy weird he's gonna have a lot of weird bits he said to me before turning his attention over to victoria as for you y 'all know better matter of fact you should be resting we're lucky that didn't happen to you now with that baby no more exploring else things like this happen it felt like we were both being scolded as if we were his children just remember you're here for a job said returning to me.

1:25:45So if you just stick to that, you'll be fine. Now you best go wash up. Dinner'll be ready soon. Bathroom's at the end of the hall on the left. Just make sure you knock before you enter. Gone! I nodded weakly, catching Victoria's apologetic eyes as I turned to leave. I wasn't mad at her for what had happened. How could I be? It was my own fault for clumsily falling like I did. I made my way back upstairs, cleaned up. By the time I finished, the time was 6.03 p.m. I knew Terrence had told me not to be up late, but I didn't want to be the first one to show up either. I'd cut it too close, though, and hastily made my way back down, heading through the door on the left in the lobby.

1:26:28Coursing through the hallway, I caught the hint of food in the air. The smell gradually increased the closer I drew to the other side. By the time I'd reached the end, my stomach was beginning to growl in protest. even my mouth began to water. I approached a pair of double doors and could see light coming out through its cracks. Behind them, I could make out murmuring voices. This was it, I thought. Took a deep breath and pushed open the doors. The dining room on the other side was big, like fancy big. The vibe I felt reminded me of the formality back in the old days, early 1900s maybe. Several antique cabinets stood up against the walls.

1:27:04They had glass doors with the insides filled with priceless looking treasures. Portraits ran along the walls, portraying the faces of people, possibly ancestors of the sort, their eyes firmly staring down as if a silent audience to the event. In the center of the room, a large table sat filled bountifully of plates with mountains of food and drinks. The other residents of this church could be seen standing around the table, chatting amongst themselves. However, their chatting ceased when the door shut behind me. They all gazed at me silently. My nerves were through the roof, so I just stood there like a deer caught in the headlights.

1:27:38what now i thought finally one of the women spoke out to me ah you must be marcus welcome my dear she had a british accent like victoria's and i quickly assumed this had to be her aunt she was most likely in her mid-forties with a face slightly stained and wrinkles she had dark hair tied neatly in a bun or dress similar to victoria's but with more red in it I'm Margaret. Pleased to meet you. She said, walking up to me. After shaking my hand, she guided me over to the others around the table. There were four others. One was the woman she introduced to be Sophia, apparently the cousin Victoria had mentioned.

1:28:17I was surprised to hear she didn't exhibit the same accent as either of the two, instead having the same country one as the Reverend. She was much younger than Margaret and probably a few years older than me. The next person was Terrence, who I'd already met. From him was another man about the same age as him named Jesse Lastly, she showed me Victoria I couldn't hold back my smile when I saw her She returned one as well Margaret caught sight of this I've taken you've already met my niece She stated with a teasing smile Well I started, beginning to blush Yes I was showing Marcus around earlier Trying to get him familiar with everything for when he starts to work Oh, I see Well, come now, dear.

1:29:01You sit over here. She led me to an empty chair near the end of the table next to her. Everyone else made their way behind the respective chairs, too. Toria stood behind the chair across from my own. I was ready to pull out the chair and sit when I caught sight of her eyes beckoning not to do so. I quickly corrected myself, realizing that everyone was still standing as well. When the Reverend arrives, we can begin eating soon. please excuse him he can run a little late sometimes i chuckled a little to myself thinking of terence's words from before however it wasn't long until everyone's attention turned to the door opposite the end of the table i hadn't realized it was there i was curious to where it led possibly to the reverence quarters the door opened and the reverend came walking through still had his hobbled walk from earlier his face still pressed with the same toothy grin when he came through everyone spoke in unison evening reverend smile grew wider at which he replied evening everyone pulled out his chair and sat down gesturing everyone to join him they all followed suit the food before us was truly a sight there was many dishes flooded gracefully with food rice dishes freshly looked vegetables like corn and baked potatoes sliced breads and even three roasted meats a large silver plate sat before everyone along with rows of forks and knives around it.

1:30:24I noticed the many wine bottles spaced along the table. The food looked simply amazing, and I couldn't wait to eat, but was hesitant to make a move unsure of their manner of etiquette. I decided to follow any and all actions of Victoria. It was probably the reason why she sat across from me. Let us bow our heads for prayer. My eyes shifted over to Victoria. She bowed her head with one eye open, pressing a finger to her lips while looking at me, and she placed her hands together i nodded and did so too from then the air was silent i wasn't sure how much time had elapsed but it felt long at least five minutes i would want to check to see if everyone was still praying everyone including the reverend still had their eyes shut i could see all of them mouthing something silently to themselves margaret i could see was holding tightly to a charm from her necklace up to her forehead i could only make out partial amounts of it, but I was sure it was the same emblem as the congregation room.

1:31:19I also noticed that everyone had a similar ring like Victoria all on their ring finger. The rings each withheld the same emblem engraved within it. This made sense since apparently they were the keys to the room itself. I noticed Terrence didn't have a ring on his finger. Instead, I saw it hanging from a necklace. I looked at the reverend and I saw he had two rings. One was the same as the others, but the second one was different. The tailed the symbol wasn't the same, but the way his hands were positioned made it so I couldn't distinctly make it out. Amen. On command, everyone's eyes opened. Let us eat now.

1:31:55He said, raising his hands out. Everyone began grabbing at a bowl or plate, passing it around, feeling their plate at their leisure. I was glad it was finally time to eat. I don't think my stomach could have taken another minute. I could feel my mouth watering even more, but I sat patiently, occasionally glancing over to Victoria for guidance. So Marcus, parents told me you had quite a tumble today. Hearing his voice gave me a little jolt, snapping me out of whatever hunger trance I was in. Uh, yes, sir. Oh dear, are you all right? You didn't hurt yourself too bad, did you? No, I'm fine. A little sore, but I'll be all right.

1:32:31That's good to hear. Where was this? Wouldn't want anyone else to do the same now. I swallowed a little, not wanting to explain I'd been somewhere I wasn't supposed to be. Somehow my eyes guided over to where Terrence sat. The glare from them felt unsettling as if his look alone was punishing me. He was in the congregation room. He said sternly without removing his gaze upon me. Say what now? How did he manage to get in there? He was helped by Victoria. Terrence answered without hesitation. The way he said it though, felt like he was dying to get it off his chest. It was like he was reporting a crime or something, expecting a reward.

1:33:08My eyes fell to my plate, unable to meet anyone else's. I was unsure what would happen next at this point. Oh, dear. Did you not have a candle on you, hon? I quickly looked up, surprised at her response. Victoria, you took him in there with no proper lighting? It's no wonder he banged himself up. I couldn't believe it. Here I thought I was going to hear a mouthful about invading their sanctuary, and instead they brushed it off like it was nothing. He placed over at Terrence, who appeared to be just as surprised by his reaction. Steady grumpily turned his attention to his plate, unable to look at me in defeat.

1:33:41He looked over at the Reverend, and he too seemed unfazed, still smiling. No, I wasn't thinking when I did. However, we were doing fine without a candle. It was more from the statue that startled Marcus. Margaret and the others laughed at this. Oh, I was dreadfully frightened too when I first saw that thing as a child. It is quite a sight at first, Marcus, but I assure you, when you learn about Lanius, you've got to truly understand him and what he is. I swallowed a little more at this. And what is he? I asked, leaning in a bit. Now, Margaret. The Reverend interrupted, chuckling a bit. We didn't bring the young man all the way up here to teach him a sermon.

1:34:25Give the young man a chance to eat. Oh, of course. Eat up, Marcus. we don't want to waste anything around here. She said, passing a bowl of potatoes. Felt my stomach growl again at the side of them. Couldn't believe I had forgotten about my hunger. I thanked her and added it to my plate. Planced over at Victoria, who gave me a slight nod of approval. A smile then began receiving the other dishes being passed around. I will say, I like that. I like the Reverend, like, keeping the demeanor up, and when she starts to say something about Lanius, he's like, oh, well, let the boy eat, like a casual way to keep it quiet for now.

1:35:00Yeah. there's like these slow manipulations happening right the rest of the mill went by smoothly there was chatter amongst everyone I listened as they went on about their everyday occurrences it was funny to hear them bicker at each other a few times too occasionally one of them would ask me a question or two about where I was from or what I did then though I didn't feel nervous anymore after dinner the reverend dismissed everyone on the way to my room Victoria caught up with me Marcus Marcus, I just wanted to apologize. For what? For how Terrence acted in there. It's fine. I was just happy everyone else didn't feel the same way.

1:35:41Yes, well, Terrence has always been that way. I just saw he tried to call you out like that. I'm fine. Zed, blushing a little, trying to brush it off. He did the same to you, too. Went back upstairs, stopping when we arrived at my door. Well, good night, Marcus. today was truly a pleasure good night washer continued down the hallway stopping the door on the left three away she glanced my way where she saw that i was staring immediately i snapped my head towards my door locking it closing it behind me inside i smiled to myself he smiles to himself quite a bit and also i don't like his implication that he's keeping track of what room she's in we got our marcus here is already like maybe i can be the dad that stepped up maybe that'll be me.

1:36:30That's Marcus pale for you. It's Marcus pale. Every night I dream about killing my family and myself as a kid. That's just me. Marcus pale. Do you like being pregnant? I like that. My mom's dead. Is your mom dead? Did you do it? I wish my mom would have shot me in the womb as a baby when she was pregnant. You know, when this kid's born, if I kill you, then your kid will be like me, a ghost. You'll be dead. I'm Marcus pale. You'll be dead. and he'll be like me. He'll be like me, dead and beautiful. Is it a girl? Does she look like my dead mom? She can. I quickly got dressed down into some shorts and a tee and sat on my bed.

1:37:12I decided to look for any new messages on my phone. The screen lit up, revealing a surprising no-signal message. Of course, I thought sarcastically, how could I forget? This place was a damn dead zone. Fell back, lying completely on the bed. before I knew it I was out. I awoke suddenly blinded by light. Apparently I'd forgotten to turn off the lamp on the desk. Last thing I needed was them to complain about wasting their electricity. Slumped over to my feet to turn it off. After doing so I caught sight of something outside. Below I could make out my car in the moonlight. I could see that a clump of leaves had been blown over a lot on its roof.

1:37:49However that's not what caught my attention. I could see a figure standing next to my car. Even with the moonlight, I could not make out who it was. It did appear as if the figure was trying to enter my car. I tried to focus my eyes better, but it still didn't help. I wanted to blame it on my tiredness, but my mind instantly thought about Terrence. Perhaps that jerk was still sore about dinner. Could have been trying to sabotage my car or something. Ran for my door, ripping it open, and bracing down the hall to the stairs. When I reached the lobby, I stopped. The entire lobby was dark. In the air, I could smell a hint of something burning like candles.

1:38:29I noticed a thin line of light coming from the congregation room's double doors. Completely forgetting about my car, I made my way to the doors. I'd hear the slight murmur of voices from inside the closer I got. I pressed my ear up against the door to get a better listen. But I still couldn't make out what the voices were saying. I could hear one voice speak out loud. When it did, the other voices would speak in unison, same rhythm. It was clear they were repeating the message of the lead one. The tone and manner they spoke sent a chill down my spine. It was clear that this was the church conducting their worship upon whatever the horrid image was I had seen earlier.

1:39:10I didn't understand how they could worship such a thing, but then I didn't know how any religion could worship anything as they did. I decided to let them be and made my way back upstairs. they did seem like bad people so how could i judge them based on what their belief victoria was a prime example of someone good from it when i entered my room i glanced out the window one last time expecting to still see something below however nothing was there shrunked it off it's possible that there never was slipped back into my bed fell asleep the next day i was awoken by knocking at my door i was surprised to find terrence on the other side he apparently was ready for me to begin my work as soon as possible when I checked my phone the time read 6 30 a.m this was a real dick move by him I didn't even wake up this early for my job back at home reluctantly I bit my tongue and told him I'd be ready in 10 minutes after getting ready he led me to the room where he had placed all my equipment the room had several old computers inside like late 90s old I hoped they didn't expect the best performance on these dinosaurs nonetheless I had a job to do I immediately began setting up my equipment I was even lucky to have company the whole time Karen saw to that seriously what was this guy's problem eventually though the time went by and even he got bored and left me I was too happy when this happened the day went by fairly quick once I really got into my work of course when mealtime came around I attended them a few times out of the day Victoria came by to check on me she would force me to take a break by walking around with her which I didn't mind at all days continue to pass as i worked each one becoming more routine but which by the way before we get into victoria uh me and you are of the opinion right that she's pregnant by some means within the cult like it's not a husband or anything and the kid's probably going to be a sacrifice or whatever it's a monster baby for sure 100 okay make sure we're on the same page throughout these days i found myself spending more time with victoria i always looked forward to those break times I had with her.

1:41:13We'd walk around just talking and laughing. Most of the time we did so outside. I never thought I'd meet someone like her in a place like this. It made each day more doable. It was almost like our friendship was becoming more. I didn't mind if it didn't, but if it did, that was better. There was something that bothered me, though. Every time we were together, it felt as if someone, or something, was watching us. Couldn't shake the feeling, even when I looked around only to find nothing. I wanted to think nothing of it until one particular evening, after dinner, came back to my room to find that someone had gone through my stuff.

1:41:49I had transported any of my clothes from my bags to the dresser, feeling too lazy to do so. One of my bags had a Velcro strap to accompany the zipper for reinforcement. I knew I always kept the Velcro fastened. I was rather OCD about it. However, the Velcro was clearly unfastened and hanging loose. The first thought that ran through my mind was Terrence's doing, but I had no proof. it was possible that I was just looking for someone to blame I never did confirm who it was by my car if there really was someone so I couldn't prove that it had been Terrence at all I decided to look through the bag to be sure nothing was missing I went through to find that everything appeared to be there I could tell my things were moved around a bit but other than that nothing clearly whatever the culprit was looking for they didn't find it the beats feel so familiar to me the story beats like the yeah I don't know which one because I'm bad at remembering the stories but literally it was the guy who was at like a summer camp uh camp oakwood I think it was camp oakwood the one where it's like hard ass uh guy like like some like hard ass roommate or like camp guard and people start going through his shit there's also like I think like a love interest in that as well it just like the the beats feel so familiar don't they yeah I don't think there was a love interest in camp oakwood he had his roommate he liked that turned out to be a part of the cult but there was like the hard-ass camp counselors assistant guy that's really mad yeah but then not like if i had to if i had a guess with this terrence is going to be like end up being a good guy yeah or something or or something like that but then also i i sense this feeling i mean like also sorry to derail as i just had to say it while it was on my mind also the idea of like his the the the baby is his somehow and that he like i have been here before but i never remembered or something weird they have kind of painted that idea with the dream of the person who shot his younger self being him yeah so it could be his could be his kid also the person that killed his mom was probably somebody from the cult etc i think so also that part about the dream where he's or sorry he always feels like someone's watching him while he's with victoria could be referenced to while he was in a stream he was in that place but no one could see him could be similar like him from the future seeing himself or something like that i couldn't lie i was angry that someone had gone through my things was it really terrence's doing did he really have something against me that much that he do all of this maybe i should confront him thought no the last thing i wanted to do was start accusing people which never looked good i decided to let it slide just this once i got into shorts and collapsed onto the bed.

1:44:26When I did so, I felt my head hit something hard. I felt around the pillow, and instead of the usual fluffiness, I felt a hard texture. Someone had stuffed something. I reached inside and pulled out the object. It was a thick, old, leathery book. I brought over to the lamp on the desk to see it better. The cover looked hand-stitched to the spine. In the light, I could see a symbol engraved across it in gold. It was the same one I had been seen everywhere. Hands began to tribble at the sight of this. How did the book get there? Who put it there? Why? I was hesitant, but I slowly opened it. It gave off a peculiar scent, smelling of wet leaves and old tree bark.

1:45:07Pages were old and rather fragile. They were filled with text written in black ink. I couldn't comprehend the words. They were written in some strange language. I didn't even look like a language that should have existed. I continued to turn the pages though, seeing the text flood each one A few pages in, I came across a picture It was hand-drawn with limited details The picture depicted what looked to be a star Around the stars stood several figures looking like people One appearing slightly bigger than the others I turned the page to find more text I continued to turn it until finally I came across another picture This one showed one of the human-like figures standing on what looked like a pedestal another human-like being stood around the main one again i flipped it till i came across the next picture this picture showed the star from before it looked bigger but with squiggly marks shooting away from it human-like beings appear to be cowering in fear kneeling down at the star even the big one from before picture after depicted human-like beings falling from the sky faces drawn in fear when i turned to after showing them drawn in a dark place your faces twisted in despair it then showed the human-like figures began to change into hideous deformed like creatures they had teeth and horns protruding out different parts of their body biggest one even worse than the rest with eyes drawn angrily with sparks coming from its fang filled mouth despite appearing like the drawing of an eighth grader the images were really disturbing something about them made the hairs on my neck rise i wanted to stop but my hands kept turning the pages despite my mind's wishes the next one showed one of the hideous beings stray from the others similar compared to them creature came across a man and the next one it appeared to reveal a swirling looking symbol to the man the man appeared to walk through the swirl when he did creature followed small child stood in front of the man in the next one it was weird the two look similar somehow creature appeared to possess the child's body and it did the man fell to the ground presumably dead now the child's body child grew up as it did it showed the creature leave the man's body depicting it underground possibly sleeping the man was seen surrounded by many people with others joining eventually like before it showed the creature awakening next to the man showing him another swirl again the man walked through the swirl creature following appearing in front of a child.

1:47:41Once again, it possessed the child, and the man died. The images repeated. Each time as they did, I noticed the creature's size growing bigger. Finally, I skipped further into the book to see where they led. The images revealed something different this time. Now, it showed the man with a woman, the creature standing behind her. When I flipped where the next image would appear, I found its page stuck tightly together to another. I tried to part them, but a tear began to form, threatening to ruin both pages altogether. Decided to skip it and move on to the next image. Heart dropped when I did. This time, the image showed the woman pregnant among a group of people from before.

1:48:22Images later, which is showed the woman in labor, giving birth. The man appeared to have delivered the baby. However, it looked like no ordinary child. Depicted to have large black eyes with long teeth. horns poked out in many directions of the child with its legs and arms disproportionate to each other man was holding the child in the air almost like he was glorifying it at that moment i couldn't take anymore and slammed the book shut tossed it to the other side of the room i could feel my heart pounding in my chest my arms and face sweaty shook my head in disbelief there's no way i thought what the hell was all of that even about after seeing those images i couldn't sleep for most of the night all I could see was the horrid inked images of that creature I thought of the woman depicted being pregnant I couldn't help but think of Victoria there's no way it could have been her could it a lot of women can be pregnant it was just a coincidence had to be so the that stuff from the book some of that imagery is like seems explicitly religious like all of the people things like one of them puts themselves on a pedestal and then it shows all of them falling to earth and then like one of they become deformed and monstrous and then they go to man that's like the biblical account of the angels rebelling against god the angel the fallen angels fall to earth become demons that's all like christianity lore right um the star thing could be in reference to wormwood unless it's i mean it could also say a star like just a pentagram like the pentagrams used but in the book of revelation there's talk of a star called wormwood that falls to the earth during the end times.

1:50:01So maybe then if we're going off of in time stuff, this cult is trying to bring about the antichrist. And it seems that the way they do that is this demon Linus or Linus or ladies, whatever his name was. Um, yeah, Lanius, it approaches man and it shows them a swirl and they travel back and then they become themselves. So it sounds like Marcus is in a time loop where he keeps going back with Lanius and he possesses his younger self. He lives for years, possesses his younger self. And then each time the demon gets stronger, eventually allowing the demon to insert his child, maybe literally made it, maybe spiritually into a woman that brings about a child that might be the antichrist or the equivalent thereof.

1:50:48Yeah, I think maybe who knows. Yeah. I mean, definitely Victoria got banged by the demon. And now the demon is going to come back and, uh, and, uh, bear the child. What I'm wondering is, is our boy Marcus pale Linnaeus? He could be, he certainly could be, or at least he's the man that is, um, making Linnaeus more powerful by continuing the cycle. What we might be reading about now is Marcus near the end of his cycle, right? Before he has to make that decision again, to go back to his younger self. perhaps the next day i worked sluggishly from the lack of sleep at breakfast i made no eye contact with victoria nor did i talk to anyone else they asked i simply blamed it on a headache or tiredness while working i pleaded to myself hoping victoria would not come by as she usually did that despite my eternal pleas she came marcus are you feeling any better she asked entering the room.

1:51:46I didn't respond. I didn't even look up. Marcus? Are you alright? My silence caused her to press on. What's wrong? Why are you ignoring me? She asked. I could hear a hint of annoyance in her voice. Still, I gave her no answer. What can I say? All I could think about was... Fine! She yelled and proceeded to leave the room. That child. I asked her without looking up. I could hear footsteps come to a halt. What? Who's the father of your child? Who? Is that what this is all about? I stood up, finally facing her. It was direct, but I had to know. My face along with my silence was to set it all for her.

1:52:27I see the look of confusion in her eyes. Why does it matter? I need to know. I wanted it to be from her boyfriend, or even her deadbeat husband. Any of these were better than what I was thinking. Yet the entire time I had been here, I had not seen him nor had there been any mention of him. She just stared at me with her mouth open as if trying to find the words to speak. Tears formed in her eyes. They were gazing at me angrily and with sadness simultaneously. She shook her head softly, never taking her eyes from me. Finally, she spoke. You stay away from me, Marcus. Never come near me or speak to me again or I'll have you send home.

1:53:06She swarmed out, leaving me dumbfounded. My plan had backfired. I wanted to call out to her, to stop her and apologize, but again, I was at a loss for words. Like an idiot, I just stood there and let my head fall down in grief. As the day continued on, Victoria never returned to see me while I worked. The old times, she never made eye contact with me either, keeping her eyes focused on her plate. I felt horrible for what I did. I had no right to put her on the spot like that. I cursed at myself. After dinner, I attempted to talk to her as she was leaving her room. She ignored me, though, when I did.

1:53:38I don't know why I thought knocking on her door would be any better. All I received upon at opening was having it immediately slammed to my face. Besides, truly feeling utter regret, made my way back to my room. When I did, I sat on my bed, staring off into space. I wished I had never found that damn book. Then everything between her and I would have been normal. I miss seeing her already. Her smile, hearing her laugh, just being around her. Let my hand slide to my pillow to check for the book, only to find it missing. stunned i poured out the pillow's contents finding only feathers and cotton i was sure i'd put it back after i left each time was somebody messing with me i angrily began searching for the book checked my suitcases tossing clothes around as i did i checked the dressers under the bed and even behind the desk where was it my eyes met the window when i came from under the desk when i looked down i saw the same figure from all those days before standing next to my car this time it appeared to be looking up at me anger filled me I assumed it was Terrence again this was a bad time for him to be messing with me I raced out of my room and downstairs I ran around to the side of the building to where my car was the moonlight was stronger than ever illuminating my way as I did I reached my car no one was in sight I'd finally reached my boiling point you picked the wrong day to fuck with me come on out now If not, leave me the hell alone!

1:55:08My voice echoed into the air before dying in the wind. The building gave off one of its unsettling moans. The leaves from the trees in the distance shook, rattling against their branches in the wind. There's no one out here. Feeling my mind grow at ease and realizing how much of a fool I looked, started to make my way back. However, my nerves froze when I heard the snapping of a twig behind me. My heart began beating fast. I slowly turned around to see a figure gradually rising from behind my car The figure was wearing a cloak with the hood over its head In the light I could see pieces of twigs and leaves sticking out of its cloak I opened my mouth to scream but the figure quickly darted over to me covering my mouth with its hand It shushed me softly The voice was clearly of a woman's She slowly removed her head from my mouth and made her way to the back of the building Before disappearing behind it she gestured me to follow her.

1:56:04I didn't want to, but my legs began to move on their own in her direction. When I reached the other side, I saw her remove the hood from her head. The moonlight lit her face. She was an elderly-looking woman, possibly in her early fifties. She had ragged black hair mixed with gray strands that ran untamed. Her face was depressed with wrinkles, with dry patches of dirt. The scent from her was rank, but familiar. It smelled like wet leaves and old tree bark. Did you see it? She whispered. Her voice was cracking and rasped. You saw it in the book, right? You have to help me. You have to help me save my daughter.

1:56:41Interesting. Does it seem like that might be Marcus's mom? That's a thought I had, but then... Unless the dad is in on it, which I don't get the vibe he is. I don't think it is. I think she was in the same position. Her daughter is maybe like they killed Marcus's mom for whatever reason. Maybe because the attempt to kidnap him was unsuccessful. And now Victoria is an example of like a successful kidnapping where they did kidnap someone, bring them into the cult and like, what was that line randomly? Like, Oh, they're cousins, but they don't have the same accent or whatever. Um, yeah. Implying that they're not actually related, not actually a family.

1:57:24I was thinking it would be freaky if it was his mom. With the time travel stuff, I had the thought to myself, what if Victoria is his mother? Yeah. I'm trying to find... Because it's setting up all these different things. And I think that it's like... Obviously, first-time reading, so you don't know. But it's definitely trying to set up signals and signs of just trying to tell you what's up. But I do think that either at this point in the story, I think it's either a sister or I think it's the person that I think that Marcus still might be the, the person that may be impregnated her or something like, I don't know.

1:57:59Or just, just something lends itself to that, but I'm not sure. Or because of time travel wonkiness, that is him inside of her. He is the baby. Oh, you think that's like his mom? Could be potentially. Wouldn't that be messed up if, I know this is a real thing people have, but wouldn't that be messed up if like you never knew what your mother looked like? I mean I guess most people have pictures of their mother even if she passed away when they were young right um and Marcus does too like he saw the home video earlier wouldn't that just be messed up alright the church of the woods the ritual part 4 who the hell are you I asked backing up from the woman please she begged me grabbing at my arm smell from her was more unbearable up close get off me old hag I yelled pulling myself free she shushed me loudly Her eyes appeared wide, scanning the area with paranoia.

1:58:50You want them to hear? Who will hear? What are you talking about? It had only been a few minutes with her, and I was already beginning to become irritated. Damn. I could see the whites of her eyes gleam in the moonlight at her weak attempt to scare me. I shook my head unmoved. I don't have time for this. I'm really tired, and I gotta get up early. Honestly, I don't care what you do out here, but just stay away from my car. I don't want to catch you near it again, or else I'll report you. Nope. Please don't! She begged ready to grab at me again. However, I was able to avoid her clawing hands this time.

1:59:24Fine. Just don't touch me again. I'm leaving now. As I turned to leave, I could see the woman's head sulked to the ground. Normally, this would have been the part where I felt sorry, but right now I didn't care. I was too tired with my mind overwhelmed with the events that had transpired throughout the day. Besides, she was clearly deranged in the head, possibly homeless, or maybe one of those people who lived off the land. I started to walk away when it hit me. I thought about what she had said earlier. I looked back to still see her eye on the ground, almost appearing in a trance. I was reluctant to go back, but I had to know.

1:59:58What did you mean, your daughter? But how did you know about the book? I asked, approaching her. Without looking up, she answered. My daughter. I need your help to save her. Your daughter? Who's your daughter? You already know of her. Why do you ask me? She replied, looking up at me. Her eyes relayed a look of solemn. I need to hear it from you. I was sure I knew the answers she mentioned, but something inside me wanted to hear those words come from her. I wanted to be absolutely sure. Say her name. Why, it's Victoria, of course. Shook my head in disbelief. But how? You're her mother, but you're supposed to be...

2:00:35She said you died when she was just a child. Is that what she told you? It'd be like Gary to tell her such a lie. What? Yeah. He took her from me. When I didn't want to submit to his religion, he banished me. This couldn't be possible. Toria's mother was dead, right? But how would I know otherwise? I did notice when I listened closely. I could hear her accent hidden behind a raspy voice. Wait. This man you're talking about? I started. It couldn't have been the same person. Do you mean the Reverend? She didn't answer me immediately. Instead, her eyes wandered off into the trees beyond, but eventually her head gave a soft nod.

2:01:19Look, you said you wanted to help your daughter, and that the Reverend took her. Why didn't you just go to the police or something? She chuckled to herself lightly, turning her eyes to mine. You don't know these people. I don't know anything, because you're not telling me everything. My impatience had elevated to annoyance. All you need to know is that these people you think you know are liars. the reverend is the worst of them all they need my daughter they made her a part of their revolting ritual I should have never brought her here I was so weak minded back then I didn't know what to do but then I saw you arrive at first I was unsure what to think of you yet while watching you with Victoria I knew it would be you who would help me to do what I couldn't and take her away from all this okay so it's not gone as bad yet but much in the tone of Camp Oakwood this is becoming the scene where a character since unrevealed to us in the fourth act of the story gives a needlessly long explanation of everything and the same thing I said then if that ever happens to you while writing don't I don't think it will be as obnoxious long story short kind of meme for sure but uh i don't know what it is so far about like people who write basically camp-esque like basically x location in woods where it's placed in the woods sanji neon given evangelion character uh is like thrusted away by like women who desperately want to have sex with him and then opposing forces in the forest is is like the template it feels like for these stories i don't know why i it actually reads a lot better if you go i don't know anything because you're not telling me everything because you're not telling me everything that's but we're not there yet no no no it's not yet no no but you i get the feeling i could smell it i could the the meat is on the grill isaiah and it's yeah it's getting to the point where i'm like you should probably turn the meat you should probably take it off the grill yeah right yeah you're burning it i'm like i'm in the next room over i've been to a few barbecues in my time i know what burnt meat smells like what the what the hell yeah exactly so i'm just i'm just calling it now and like the story had some great stuff in the setup again similar to camp oakwood yeah it had some great stuff in the setup with like uh him having the dream of his younger self and you know the pregnant lady being part of the ritual that was all really cool i also like the aesthetic of like a demonic cult that has the exact same aesthetic of like a southern church wait and that's what he also had a dream about himself no no no no no i'm saying similar to camp oakwood there's cool stuff in the beginning yeah i really enjoyed yeah i'm just and i'm just calling it now that i'm getting a little getting a little scare this is a lot of real horror begins last night when we ended we ended because i was like look i can't take this seriously i'm going to make jokes about we now have this character to narrate a lot of the unforeseen stuff because there wasn't a better way to show that um but now i realize that that wasn't just me being tired and hypercritical that may actually be worth the story that just me may be our death sentence is what you're saying That might be the inevitable.

2:04:53Yeah. Yeah. Okay. It all started to come together. All those times, it felt like something or someone was watching me had been here. Yet, I was still confused. Janet really answered my question and only contributed to the pile of others. That's a lot to believe. Especially about the others. They don't act the way you make them out to be. Besides, what ritual are you talking about? You're very fond of her, aren't you? Yes, ignore my question. Oh, Victoria. What? I blurted out I could feel my cheeks reddening. I'm glad that you are. It does my heart good to see another care for Victoria as I do.

2:05:28This is the reason why I knew you'd help me. But I had to show you first of what they plan to do and what they've already done. I left that book in your room as proof. You saw it, so you now know too. I was thrown off again. I couldn't believe she was behind the placement of the book as well. Wait a second. I don't even know what I saw in the book I couldn't even read the words You don't need the words You saw the pictures didn't you What you saw has been done Okay alright Alright alright So here we go We figured out she was the one who placed the book Booked those in his room that showed him And we already saw visual symbols of stuff That was if anything too much Explained what was on the page To be fair I did think it was Terrence That left the book so my bear trap is disarmed but now we know now we know that the book was left by her someone trying to help him and we already got descriptions of images that i theorized about earlier and theory is all you need for a story to understand enough to move forward right questions are a good thing so if the neck i see a bunch of i'm not reading them i see a bunch of paragraphs underneath this if she goes on to just explain what those drawings are we already had described the story has crashed out for me.

2:06:49And I will start doing the Shinji voice. That's fair. Okay. I didn't know what to think. The images on those pages were indeed horrific. I wanted to believe, but another part didn't want to accept it. You mean to tell me that's what's growing in Victoria? What can you expect from me then? It seems a bit too late now. There's one thing we can do. I can dispel the ritual, stop it before it is ever completed, and that evil is born. Why haven't you done it already? Because I need to access the room of worship And last I checked I lost my key She held up her hand for me to see I can make it a small stump where a ring finger used to be What the hell?

2:07:31The rings are more than show I'm sure you know that by now They are keys But there's a darker secret behind them They're also a symbol to show your You're the allegiance, okay They are also the symbol to show your allegiance to the faith by permanently clamping onto the wearer's finger. The only way to remove it is by removing the finger entirely. When they banished me, I was so torn that I bit off my own finger. I didn't want anything on me that was associated with them. That's crazy!

2:08:10are you pregnant too i noticed your belly's kind of rump as well can i see me thinks me heard a kick is that a pregnancy yeah your belly sounds like a war drum please do you like that i want to play donkey conga on your belly I couldn't fathom I couldn't fathom someone wanting to risk their finger Do you like the GameCube? Okay, sorry, go ahead I love the Wii It's my favorite I love the Wii I love the Wii I love Nintendo Yay I can't wait for another le donkey kong game to come out can i get pregnant with nintendo i would like that mr nintendo impregnate me can i be pregnant too i wanted to put his power glove in me all right well we didn't need to get we were like alluding to something nefarious we didn't need to go to detail with like you just did they were talking about things going into people that's not what i wanted that's really popular i don't know his name but that guy he's like the american guy yeah he was the CEO of America Nintendo and people liked him I want him to make love to me I think his name is Reggie Reggie make love to me Reggie okay I made a mistake bringing the pregnancy come out of retirement I should have known that was a hot zone for you and fill me with your chum see there we go there we go I'm a chum bucket okay okay that's enough I think chum bucket Where do you get a mom?

2:10:00It's a fish thing. Also, it's where Plankton wants to steal the Krabby Patty. That's a good impression. Thank you, crabs. I couldn't fathom someone wanting to risk their finger or any part of their body on the basis of their faith or anything. I've heard of tattoos. This was way beyond that. I couldn't help but picture the woman clamping down on her finger until it snapped and spitting it out. The very thought made my stomach churn. Yes, but it was only after so that I wish I hadn't. I could have ended this nightmare years ago, yet I let my anger cloud my judgment. But you're here now, which means there's hope again.

2:10:39Me? I don't have a ring either, though. I know, but the others do. Do you know Terrence? Gritted my teeth. How could I not? A prick.

2:10:54i'm gonna i'm gonna be honest like seriously the chest has been open the chest has been opened and the fedora and scarf have come out yeah that that like it was bad enough him earlier being like i noticed i was smiling and we kind of made jokes or whatever but now like this whole fucking time has been beet red this whole time between and he's also like there's been i haven't called it out but like similar to the boat in the middle of the ocean one there's a lot of whatever that one was called um there's a lot of screaming and almost screaming and a lot of holding in screams yeah yeah yeah i i've been trying to be a good sport and not i have to but it's it's getting a little rough because like he goes from like huh what and then one sentence later i gritted my teeth How could I not?

2:11:44How could I not? How could I not? The prick! Make love to me, Reggie! No. Terrence is a lapdog when it comes to the reverend and the faith. But he's too much of a pansy to wear the ring like the others. He keeps his on a necklace he wears. I've seen it. I replied, recalling the times at dinner. How am I supposed to get it? If it's on him. Two things. one the less important one do you remember the beginning of the story there was that guy i was cracking up about because i'm like he's gonna come sprinting down the street and kill him yes yeah i remember the get out guy yeah the get out guy um in hindsight the description and sentences that were given to that character related to absolutely nothing there's no way that guy comes back into the story correct by morning by morning um okay the second point haven't we had multiple pair like sentences to himself where he says he doesn't believe in religion he doesn't believe in faith he doesn't know how any religious group could worship a god and then this lady comes up to him and says the woman that you know is going to birth the antichrist and he's like what do we do to stop it there's not even like a what i think that immediately buys into the supernatural one of the other parts he needs to have had a confrontation with this person and like been skeptical to like remain true to like like what he has said in the story which is like oh i don't really buy into the religious thing i mean even like to victoria he's like this is kind of he hasn't really said it outright but i think like there should have been more of him being like i don't know and then there should have been some kind of evoking instant that happened that like reveals that he's like oh shit like his skepticism starts coming out and he starts being like well fuck well maybe this is real yeah so but right now it's just like it's easy like you could just go to this guy and be like give me your bank information okay okay okay six two eight yeah one four nine need anything else stranger do you like being pregnant do you want to be this is where you I meant perfectly.

2:13:59Probably don't see much of everyone throughout the day. That's because there are chores to be done to keep the place up and running. Terrence is a working man. He normally chops up wood or fetches game for the meals. When he bathes afterwards, he takes off the necklace. I know this because he used to do the sheets around the living quarters and would see his ring just lying there. That's the best time to do it, for he never locks his door at that time either. If you can take his ring at that moment, bring it to me, and I'll do the rest. I bit my lip thinking on it. I don't know. It seems a bit risky.

2:14:34If I get caught, I'm finished, and he'll have me sent me home instantly. Then don't get caught. You're the only one who can walk around easily. If I could do it, I would. But they'd see me on first sight. I was barely able to place the book in your room. Please, you have to do this for Victoria. Also, I just want to say, if you were fucking able to place a book in a room, you're able to grab a ring. You can get the necklace that is apparently always unlocked. Yeah, it's always unlocked. He always takes it off. And then also, it's like, she also already said, well, people will be doing chores and no one's going to be around.

2:15:11So it's like, well, why don't you fucking do it? Then you'll bird. Goddamn. Yeah. What do you mean he goes out and hunts game for the meals? Are you on like a... That's what I mean, too. I was like, you're telling me those motherfuckers don't have just like frozen steaks or whatever. Like, are you like, yeah, they have a lot. They have an it guy. They're running computers. Yeah. The fiber internet is a guy who's like hooking up fiber and stacking computer racks. You're telling me the guy's just like, well, yeah, I don't know. The deer just weren't Roman today. It's like, what are you talking about?

2:15:45Why don't you door dash some fucking red Robin or something like that? You're close enough. What the fuck? they were like every time he goes hunting he reliably gets food for like 40 people yeah every time god damn yeah good good fucking lord i mean you know what it is maybe he tells people he's hunting game but really he's just going to like a walmart and he's getting uh that that would be funny he comes back and they're like you're truly the nimrod of these woods and he's like yeah and you can see like the great value sticker on it yeah don't i put that there myself. I'm getting into graphic design.

2:16:19I already cleaned and stripped the meat on all these. Don't look for where I did it at. This is trustworthy. I gave off another long sigh before conceding. With that, a smile formed wider than it ever had on her face. I could see the many crooked rows that were blackened and yellow teeth. Good. He said, leaning close to me. I've been watching Terrence for a while. He's already chopped off a round of logs good for now. Well, he'll be ready, but he'll need to do so again. He does it every two days. So the day after tomorrow, you'll have to make your move. He explained that not it. Once I get it, how will I contact?

2:16:54How will I contact at you? Where will I find you? She paused for a moment before answering. Your lamp. If you're able to get the ring, then turn your lamp on and leave it on. I'm always watching, so I'll see it. Then what? Then bring the ring down to me, and I'll conduct my ceremony in the room. At that time, I want you to get Victoria out of here. Wait. What about you? I'll be fine. I've survived this long, so don't worry about me. You should go now. We don't want anyone catching wind of you out here. Also, you've been out there for how long? Just talking in the wide open? Doesn't matter. Yeah.

2:17:36Right. There's one more thing I need you to do. What is it? I need you to promise I never mention this meeting to Victoria. She must never know you've seen me. What? Victoria would be thrilled to know that you're alive. I know she would, which is why she cannot know that I am, or else she will not want to leave. Now, can you do that for me? It's a really dumb reasoning, but sure. Because if she's not leaving, like, the country, she's just leaving the building that the church is also inside of. Also, they banish this woman, and she's just living in the woods adjacent to the property. for like 20 years you know they didn't even cut off her finger she bit off her own finger yeah that one i was kind of like um all right but now you need a ring really bad so why not just well it's just like uh it's it's one of those even if you want to cut off the finger why did you throw away the ring with the rest of the finger if you needed the ring later why did you not just take off the ring like i it's this thing if she's just like well they said it's permanently attached to them oh okay okay yeah yeah so to get it off you had to cut your finger off but even if you're like i'm so disgusted i want to cut it off that's fine but keep the ring if you need it for a ritual yeah i would have kept the finger in the ring for sure i heard her voice quiver off her eyes became glossy in the moonlight i swallowed hard and nodded he returned a grateful nod and faded until i could no longer see her among the shadows shivered a little the chill of the wind was finally getting to me so quickly ran back inside and back up to my room the following day i started the day as usual for my work throughout it i thought about the plan regardless of how i felt i knew i had to make it work i also knew i had to stall the overall progress of my work so i made sure to inform terrence that i would need a few extra days to complete it my boss didn't pick up when i called so i left him the message i made up a bs excuse about needing more time to set up and ensure the system was functioning correctly this is really funny how he just without informing us or any real change a woman just told him the supernatural exists and he has to stop this so now he's changing his entire plan how long he's out there and stuff like that to stop the devil yeah um after lunch i proceeded to save victoria his the woman of his dreams of course of course the pregnant woman he fell in love with immediately after lunch i proceeded to head to my room to take a nap normally i would have spent this time with victoria when i unlocked my door i heard a grunting sound the noise was subtle at first and appeared to be coming from the end of the hallway i paused for a moment unsure if i'd actually heard something i was ready to shrug it off until i heard it again but a little louder curious i made my way down the hallway listening as i did stopped at the door i presumed it came from and pressed my ear up against it i heard it again took my ear away this was victoria's door Hesitant, I knocked on it lightly Hey, are you alright in there?

2:20:32There's no answer Victoria? It's me, Marcus I could hear rapid breathing from inside sounding almost like hyperventilating It didn't sound good Crantic, I knocked on the door with a little more force Victoria? Are you alright? What's going on in there? Can you let me in, please? Go away! I heard her say in between guests. Go away!

2:21:02I mean, does it sound like she's in the middle of a sexual situation? See, I didn't like that. I was trying to be subtle. You had to make it like that. I mean, that's just, it is what it is. It sounds like some... No, no, no. You know what it is? I sighed pressing my... I would have done this. I would have... Marcus should have pressed his ear against the door and all he heard was

2:21:33Amarillo of the morning In the jungle The mighty jungle The lion's leaves tonight And then Get out of here In the jungle The mighty jungle Yeah, that'd be sick That was good that was actually a better direction you took that than whatever I thought you were going to do I sighed pressing my head softly up against the door look I understand you don't want to talk to me and I don't blame you I had no right to I was a jerk I was a jerk back there I shouldn't have been prying as I did in truth I don't care about the baby or who the father is I never did I just wanted you to know that I The words again failed me I could see them in my mind but I couldn't push them out I'm sorry Okay so is she giving birth?

2:22:33Is that what's happening? Is that what the hyperventilating is? No I legitimately think that she's getting She's getting fucking Mike Tyson punch out I don't think so I wanted to tell her something else About how I felt about her About everything but the timing didn't feel right I turned to leave but stopped when I heard the door open behind me. She had it half-cocked to allow her face to peer through. She stared at me for a moment as if analyzing my eyes for truth. Finally, she opened it fully, walking back into her room. I followed her, closing the door behind. Her room was nice. Unlike mine, which was bland and almost empty, her room was more cozy.

2:23:07She had a desk filled with books, some open journals, others, maybe novels. Her mini-dresser was complemented with a vase filled with several flowers clearly well cared for. The scent of her perfume lingered in the air. I embraced its smell, scent I longed missed. What was that noise I heard earlier? I thought something was wrong. She walked over to the bed and sat, making a painful face as she did. I'm fine. It's just this bloody baby is all. Joined her on the bed. I meant what I said out there. I don't care about it You don't have to tell me about it all either She kept her gaze away from me But I could see tears forming in her eyes Just shut up Marcus Said with a quivering lip Just Shut it She broke down in tears Cumping her face with her hands I was bad at handling these kind of moments They always left me feeling awkward But I gradually reached over to her shoulder To comfort her She immediately threw herself on me bawling her eyes out on my chest After a good solid five minutes she had finally stopped Her eyes were redden and her nose slightly runny You said your mother died when you were young How did she die?

2:24:26She was killed I answered after a long pause Some guy broke into their apartment and shot her I gotta read that She was killed Some guy broke into their apartment Some guy broke into their apartment And he shot her Marcus I'm so sorry That must have been devastating for you Yeah well I don't remember when it happened Like I said I was too young There you go There he is I could feel her sob a little more This is also by the way Like the level of like oh there's a beautiful woman at this cult she's immediately in love with me she forgives me instantly and now she lets out all of her womanly emotions on my chest exactly exactly that's what happens to me that's what's always just an average IT experience I suppose yeah

2:25:31another score for the IT department yeah take that for jocks i stopped the world from being killed by the devil and get with the pregnant woman and i got a total awesome hug one day we're gonna this isn't it but one day we're gonna step into a story that's just fetish content you think so statistically it has to happen in a way these are all it may have already happened these are all kind of daydreamy fetish content in a way is what it feels like. I wouldn't say all of them. Almost. The moth one, yes. Absolutely. I could feel her sob a little more on my chest. It was my father. Ooh. Finally said, leaning on my shoulder.

2:26:13Little inbred baby. Father? Yes. He did this to me. She said, looking down at her stomach. My eyes widened as I pulled away. Your father did this? Who is he? Who do you think? She said, harshly wiping her eyes. I thought about it for a second and immediately my eyes flashed. The Reverend? Wait, the Reverend is your father? I couldn't believe it. Her mother said he took Victoria from her, but mentioned nothing of him being the father as well. Victoria nodded, but then shook her head. Well, he's my stepfather. My mother met him after my real father died. if he did this why didn't you tell anyone because I could not prove it he drugged me or something okay okay first off is that funny to you you tell me there's no way there's a DNA sample also it's like he's just like I don't know you drugged me like I don't know what happened because I could not prove it he drugged me or something I don't know at first I did not want to say anything but when I started showing signs of the baby, we went on to tell everyone that it was a miracle.

2:27:27That it was a gift from Lanius. And like aimless sheep, they questioned nothing. Taking in his poison words. But I knew the truth. Because he was the only one else there. Some more tears fall down her cheek. I bit my lip when she said this. He bites his lip all the time. It's so weird. It's so fucking annoying. Also, I want to say this. imagine a girl telling you that she her father impregnated her and you're just like well yeah because i bit biting your lip is like what like you're like almost like seductive or something like right doesn't mean like no it can but it can also be nervousness like i don't know you know yeah if anything i think it should have been something more like my lips curled or something where you're like holy shit you know well he describes lips quivering a lot he uses Why aren't we reusing that instead of biting lips?

2:28:22Jeez. It should have been. I didn't know it, but I had a giant smile on my face. Why are you smiling, Marcus? Oh, sorry. I didn't know. Or he describes like, I put my hands out equal on either side, and I lifted my shoulders and gave a sarcastic smug gesture and went, well, what are you going to do? He's your dad. Oopsie. Oopsie. you're pregnant from your dad i'm sorry oh do you like being pregnant even though the whole dad thing this part sounded all too familiar i thought about the book and the image of the man standing with the woman that horrid figure behind her was it all true though she had no memory of the event was it possible that this sick action was all just the reverend's doing regardless of which victoria's mother was right these people were monsters not that ignorant is he uh saying that is he saying that he is like questioning he's like well did the reverend really do it is that what he's saying well this every time in the story he learned something else he's like could it really be and then he just does it so i think he's like could it really be that the reverend did this and then i just thought it was gonna be fucked up if he was like i don't know if the Revan could have done that, but he immediately believed that the homeless woman outside was like, you gotta save my little baby.

2:29:45I left a book under your mattress or whatever the fuck. And he's like, okay, I'm part of your plan now. I just didn't know. Got it! Yeah. At this point, I wanted to cheer her up. I thought about telling her everything about her mother, but remembered the promise I made. Said I lifted her chin up so that her eyes were looking into my own. Oh, don't worry me. The big buff IT man will save you. Yeah.

2:30:19I can take you away from all Oh my god! This is so gay! Alright, alright I can take you away from all this All we have to do is jump in my car and leave You'll never have to see this place again Now this is becoming like Gay! well i don't know about that um you're not really but you know middle school gay where it's lame yeah yeah yeah it's lame it's it's becoming lame and it's like i i don't know man it's it feels it's weirdly going to like a white knight like oh this poor pregnant woman needs my help and i can stop the devil it's fantasy stuff whenever i read this kind of stuff i always like i can just picture i can picture the author like smiling and like they're they're living out their own fantasy but this whole thing of like i even all the smile stuff i didn't realize i had a smile that's the that's the person writing this the person writing this is like oh my god my cheeks hurt well yeah you've been like this roommate's like yeah you've been smiling for four and a half hours while you've been writing have i i didn't know i could see a mixture between happiness and fear in her eyes.

2:31:30But how? Where would we go? You can stay with me. I have my own place. It's safe. Trust me. Marcus? She spoke softly, a smile gradually formed on her lips. Yes. Let's do it. She said, rendering me a tight hug. We should leave tonight. Tonight? Yes. After dinner. Any earlier and they'll become suspicious. They always hold their sermons late at night, which gives us enough time between them. We can leave then. I looked away, trying to find a way to convey my thoughts. I didn't want to reveal the plan or her mother. What's wrong, Marcus? How about tomorrow night? Tomorrow? Why? Why do we have to stay here another day?

2:32:16Let's just leave tonight. No, it has to be tomorrow night. I shot back without thinking. Marcus I don't understand Is this something you're not telling me I place my hands on her shoulders Firmly looking at her in the eyes Look you have to trust me I have a plan with A friend They're willing to help But it has to be tomorrow okay Do you like being pregnant I keep mimicking like The hands on the shoulders thing You're pregnant God I'm in hell I hate this I'm not going No actually you know what Thinking about it this is actually my favorite story There you go thank you That's the attitude Her eyes were full of so much confusion I knew she thirsted for answers but luckily she simply nodded Okay I'll trust you For a second we began to lean in for a kiss When we were both startled by an abrupt Knocking at the door I answered it to discover Sophia on the other side Mr.

2:33:19Pale We were beginning to worry about you when we didn't find you in your workspace. Her eyes shifted their gaze between me and Victoria. I trust I wasn't interrupting anything. No. Said, trying to maintain my composure. I was just checking on Victoria. Turned back to give her a wave and slid past Sophia. Heading down, I glanced down the hall to still see her in Victoria's doorway. I didn't want to raise suspicion, so I continued on back to the room I was working in. for one victoria has no reason to trust him also so what i said earlier still stands i like the idea of like a demonic cult or like you know pagan cult that has the aesthetics of like a southern christian church that's cool um but why would they like if your whole thing's like say or not sadism like um hedonism like doing whatever you want as in line with a lot of satanic stuff why would you be like i trust nothing was going on or everyone being so prim and proper like they should be having weird orgy rituals and stuff like that that would be more in line like that would be way cooler they wouldn't they wouldn't have the same morality like maybe the aesthetics are fine but they wouldn't have the morality of like southern baptist churches yeah yeah well there's no reason to put on i guess and like this front facing thing all the time whatever i don't know yeah you'd expect once they get inside like the the mask would slip but it doesn't they just act like that for some reason maybe where he's an it guy maybe they don't want outsiders know it so they're doing it around him maybe let's see this is what this story would redeem itself if like everything was a lie and victoria was in on it and the mother was in on it and like you know a rage from the start kind of thing that would be cool but i don't think it's going there i think it's going we're gonna save we're gonna save the princess and get out and she's gonna love me forever and we're gonna have five kids i think that's where it's going yeah it's it's a pregnant fetish fantasy stuff yes yeah yeah i was glad i had patched things up with victoria the feeling helped ease my thoughts on the plan i wondered if we could really pull it off leaving the place was one thing but stealing the ring from that jerk was another something broke this mood though i was heading back to continue my work when i caught sight of terrence walking outside with an axe over his shoulder that was strange there was probably nothing to worry about the old woman said he chopped every two days he would still need to do it tomorrow he probably needed it for something else i assured myself though the thought wasn't that very reassuring i decided to keep my eye on him while i worked just in case i looked towards the trees hoping to maybe catch sight of the old woman but didn't see anything i didn't actually believe i would since she had been able to keep herself invisible for years i was sure though that she too was watching everything.

2:36:08I continued working until Sophia came to me. She informed me that my boss had called and was waiting on the phone. Great. Perfect timing as always, I thought grumpily. What did he want anyway? She led me back to the phone where I found it sitting off the hook on its side. Apparently, he was following up on the message I left and wanted to ensure I was making progress. I told him that I would have everything up soon, hoping to end the phone call quickly. i noticed a small window in that room and peered out of it stretching the phone line as i did i gazed out into my horror i saw terrence making his way back his shirt was fully soaked in sweat while he was pushing a wheelbarrow full of chopped logs after dumping the logs off he made his way around to the front felt my heart leap into my throat in my ear i could hear my boss go alan into another one of his speeches about representing the company screw the company right now i thought I had a small window of opportunity and I was about to miss it.

2:37:04We were completely wrong. I could already hear Terrence slam the front door and proceed to the stairs. I quickly thought of a way to let my boss allow me to hang up, a line that one of the clients had asked for my help. Once over, I raced out of the room, nearly smacking into Margaret on the way. Goodness me! You're running as if a fire spurred! I apologized frantically, my eyes looking down the hallway behind her. Is everything alright, dear? She asked with a puzzled look. Yeah, I just need to use the bathroom really bad. Oh my, I shouldn't keep you then. She replied, holding a hand up to her mouth.

2:37:39A thank turn raced towards the stairs, stopped immediately before reaching the top. I cautiously peeked down the hallway. No one was in sight. Where was he? Was he still in his room, or did he already enter the bathroom? I crept up the last remaining steps, slowly eventually making my way down the hall. I could hear the sound of water running in the background. Yes, he was in the shower. For how long? Knowing I didn't have much time, I sped up my pace until I reached his door. I opened it quickly, shutting it behind me. Surprisingly, his room was a lot like mine. There wasn't much in it. It was bland and almost empty.

2:38:13Anything he did have, like books, were nicely organized in its place. I began looking around, making sure to return anything I moved back to its original place. I could feel my heart pounding in my chest. Every sound I heard, whether creak or thump, I associated it with being Terrence. It felt like my senses had amplified. I found myself constantly looking towards the door in paranoia, thinking he could barge through at any minute. I looked through his dresser and all around his bookcase, but found nothing. I started searching the desk, pulling open drawers to see inside. When I opened the last drawer, I froze.

2:38:49Inside, I could make out a familiar object. A gun. It was a revolver. I didn't know the specifics, but it had a very long barrel I could see the dust that had formed over it Clearly, it hadn't been touched in a while I shut the drawer and continued searching around In the end, I couldn't believe it The ring wasn't here How could that be? I wanted to check over everything again, but a feeling inside urged me to leave I listened to it and left the room gently closing it behind me I started to head back to my room until I heard a voice call out Oi! I heard, freezing my nerves almost shouted in complete terror out of shock.

2:39:25I turned to see a half-robed Terrence dripping in the hallway. A towel was wrapped around his waist soaking up with little water dripping from his wet body. His sweaty clothes were tightly gripped in a ball in one hand while the other held his shoes. What you doing down here? My heart was now knocking against my chest as if wanting to burst out. I just needed to use the bathroom. I didn't realize someone was in it until I got down the hall. Terrence squinted hard at me as if trying to figure me out, but finally gestured to the bathroom with his head. Well, it's free now. I thanked him and made my way past him.

2:39:57I pushed to open the door to the small bathroom and immediately my eyes lit up. There, sitting on the sink, was the necklace with the ring attached. He had it with him all along. I was close to reaching for it until I heard someone behind me. There's the blasted thing. Taren said, moving past me and grabbing it. It's all yours for real now. I couldn't believe it. The plan had failed. I wanted to punch a wall or something, even scream out loud. Yet when I really thought about it, there was no chance of getting away with it freely. Even if he had left it in his room, he would have immediately noticed.

2:40:28There wouldn't have been enough time to give it to the old woman and leave with Victoria, especially if we planned to leave in the evening. I sighed and began my long walk of defeat back. What could I tell the old woman now? We didn't have an alternate plan. I continued heading downstairs and decided to get back to work. Maybe I could think of something while I did so. Dinner eventually came by and still I had no idea what to do. I was sure the old woman had seen my lamp was still off to relay the failure of the plan. I wondered if she would possibly come up with a solution of her own. Marcus, how far along are you with your work?

2:41:01Margaret inquired, pulling me from my thoughts. I heard there were minor delays. Well, I should have everything up and running by tomorrow. Oh, there's a dreadful thought. We're going to miss having you around. You're almost like a member of the family now. She said, giving off an unsettling giggle. I've actually been meaning to ask why you needed the service anyway. Doesn't seem like you really need it. Oh, on the contrary, my boy. Our faith is a rare breed. But that doesn't mean that there aren't any other inspiring souls out there. We want to be able to reach any and all potential followers.

2:41:34With your help, we can do that and upload our Simmons for all to see. Oh, okay. So, okay. When we did IT at our church and hooked up the cameras and mics and all that so we could record videos and post them to YouTube, it took maybe two hours. Okay. Was the IT technician obsessed with the pregnant woman who he was getting harder? I hope not. I hope not. I don't even know. That's probably why the work I've done so fast. What would have been this day? But it's literally just like set up a camera and a mic. Why is this a multi-week job? where he doesn't have to go into the actual congregation room.

2:42:18He's just in a back office. He's just downloading OBS to one computer. That took weeks. He's been hanging out with Victoria. Whatever. Okay. The mere thought of them uploading footage of them worshiping made me feel uneasy. Plus, it brought you to us, Marcus. Having a young lad such as yourself has truly been a pleasure. I smiled sheepishly and glanced over to Victoria. She appeared to be squinting in pain. Are you alright, my dear? Margaret asked when she caught sight of this too. Tori appeared to be suppressing the pain. Yes. I think I just need to lie down for the evening. Do you need any help?

2:42:59No, I'll be fine. Please, there's no need to worry about me. Instead of excusing herself from the table. I just need to rest. I could see her gripping her stomach as she did. I wanted to leave the table as well, but my legs remained frozen. and numb to the commands from my brain. I just sat there watching her leave. For some reason, I could not shake the feeling of discomfort. After dinner, I made my way back to my room. In the hallway, I glanced down towards Victoria's door. Where were we going to now? The plan had failed, and tomorrow was the day I promised would be our last here. I entered my room, almost slamming it shut.

2:43:33I could feel tears of anger growing in my eyes. Why did it all have to go to hell? Why did the bastard have to ruin everything? And why? Why did I have to screw it up so badly? I must have eventually passed out from my rage fit because I just imagine him like pacing around the room like, oh, oh, passed out from my rage fit because I was soon awakened by the sound of voices and footsteps. The footsteps sounded urgent, rushing from one end of the hallway to the next. That warning, a blood curdling well filled the air grew so loud that I had to put my hands over my ears. It sounded like a woman's voice victorious.

2:44:10I raced to my door to rip it open, but immediately I stopped myself. I could hear a sound worse than her well. It was so eerie and frightening that it sent an icy chill down my spine. What I heard was the low chanting of voices. I spoke in unison, reciting words I couldn't comprehend. I could see a dim light flicker across the door's bottom crack. While it did, I could hear victorious moans of pain. The voices grew louder, passing by my door eventually fading into the distance. I cracked open my door to look out, which let out its signature creak. I was sure it would alert them. It halted in at mid-swing.

2:44:45I could see the hallway was still quiet. I opened the door fully, taking a step outside. It was dark and absent of light. Under my shoe, I felt something wet. I took out my phone and, using the backlight to get a better view, it was some kind of liquid. Maybe water? I was ready to believe the thought until I accidentally dropped my phone in it. I quickly grabbed it in a panic, wiping it off. The liquid seemed to only smear. I took my phone back into my room to see in the better light. It wasn't water, it was blood. My heart skipped at the realization of this. I went back in the hallway using my phone's light again over the liquid.

2:45:20I could make out more of it leading to the stairs. The other end of the hallway showed the trail led back to Victoria's room, which had its light on. I swallowed hard and walked towards it, trying to mentally prepare myself for the worst. I reached it and slowly etched my way back in. There was blood everywhere. trail of it ran from the door up to her bed the sheets were completely doused in red I could smell her perfume mixed with smoke and the metallic smell of blood I felt my stomach give in at the sight immediately I vomited all that I had eaten I felt my a woman's giving birth and you just walk into the room and throw up same brother I felt my knees weaken and give away as well falling to the ground and dropping my phone in the process I must have blacked out for a few seconds before regaining awareness.

2:46:10When I regained consciousness, I noticed my phone's backlight about to turn black. I quickly got up, horrified that I had been laying next to blood. What had happened in here? I grabbed my phone and glanced at the bed. A puddle of red soaked the lower half of the sheets. However, I noticed there was another spot, much smaller, forming near her pillow. I slowly reached for it, unsure what I was about to see. I couldn't imagine anything worse, but I was wrong. To my dismay, I found a finger. It was clearly cut off with the tip of its bone sticking out of the red covered flesh. It appeared to be victorious.

2:46:45It had to have been. Next to the finger was a small knife with its tip covered in blood. Why did she cut it off? I observed the finger closer and realized the ring. She had cut off her finger so that I would have it, the key to the congregation room. She must have done so out of desperation. I thought about the pain she had shown from her contractions at dinner. She must have felt it was time for the child. Those sick bastards were going through with their ritual. They didn't care about Victoria. The old woman was right. I had to do something. I promised her that I would get her out of here and I was going to keep it.

2:47:20I hesitantly picked up the finger. It was still warm. I cringed as I placed it in my pocket with care. Afterwards, I raced out of the room, halting when I remembered the gun kept by Terrence. It was something I was probably going to need. His door was locked when I tried to open it, but I didn't care. Didn't have time to waste. I just like kicked at it until the handle came in. I pushed it open, running to the desk drawer where I had last seen the gun. I opened it and smiled. It was still there. I grabbed it, feeling its weight fall into my hand. With my thumb, I popped its wheel open to reveal six bullets lined in their chambers.

2:47:55Perfect, I thought. I tucked it in the back of my pants and then ran out of the room. I got to the bottom of the stairs and noticed that the lobby was dark The scent of candles in the air The trail of blood from earlier could have been leading to the congregation room I pressed my ear up against the double doors to listen It was silent, no voices or wails from Victoria Something wasn't right I tried the handle only to find it locked as always I reached into my pocket, pulling out the finger I checked for the small indent on the door, placed it up against it and twisted it to the right the way I remembered Victoria doing so Instantly, there was a soft click from the door.

2:48:32I pulled out the handle again and could feel the door move. This was it. I placed a finger back in my pocket and peeked through the small crack. All I could see was darkness. I opened the door wider and was met with a warm breeze to my face. With it open, I could see a dim light flickering from the sides. I poked my head in first before completely entering. The light was coming from the candles mounted on columns near the walls. With it, I could make out the room even more than I had the first time. The entire area looked older in the light. The walls appeared worn out and decayed, almost blackened as if burned.

2:49:06The columns appeared ancient in nature, broiled with cracks and fungus throughout. A deep scent of ash and moisture filled the air. I could now see the seating hues were carved from stone similar to the columns. A few were split in areas, almost falling apart. The place looked like it had been there for centuries. The building must have been built around it. In the corner of my eye, I caught sight of a dark figure off to the side. The candlelight flickered across it, producing a vague outline of it. I swallowed hard, peering towards the thing with frightened eyes. Something was there, and it was watching me.

2:49:39Hello? I called out softly to it. I feel every hair standing up on my neck. Hello? I said again, my voice quivering. The figure gave no answer in return. I slowly walked to it, watching as the light flickered across it. With the distance closing between us, I could see its pale face in the light. My heart plummeted. Empty black holes were present where its eyes were supposed to be. The mouth of it escaped wide open, almost like it was screaming in terror, but no noise came out. So I imagine that's the mask or the same kind of face he saw in himself in the dream at the beginning. That's what I'm thinking.

2:50:16I was ready to bolt out of there until I noticed that it did nothing. It didn't even move. Cautiously, I approached the figure with my hand stretched out. I eased cautiously, half expected it to lash out at me at any moment. Finally, I touched its surface. When I did, I took a deep sigh of relief. It was only a mask. I picked it up, revealing its disturbing features even more up close. I looked back at the wall to see the figure was in fact a black cloak of some kind. Pulled it off, releasing it from the hook, brought both objects into the light. It was a cloak and mask, all right. Thank goodness.

2:50:51Was this what they wore for their ceremonies? I looked back at the wall to see several other empty hooks lined up. Glancing back at the cloak, I noticed a faded image running across it. It was a symbol, but not like the one on the door. I recognized this one, though. It was an inverted cross. It had chains attached as well, hanging from its waistline. It must have been victorious. Without warning, I was startled by the faint echo of a woman's wail. It was coming from further back in the room. I followed the noise which brought me up to the altar. At the top, I could make out a familiar sight behind the podium.

2:51:26It was a statue from before, still horrid to the eyes as ever. As I climbed the stairs, the image of the statue became more apparent. Still brought an eerie feeling to me, right down to my bones. I couldn't stand the sight of it and looked away as I passed. Behind it, I saw the mouth of a cave. Reaching it, I could see it stretch deep into the darkness. It was dimly lit by a few candles mounted on its walls. Stone steps descended with it. Still a warm breeze flowing from it like the breath of a large beast. Every so often a whale would echo from its steps, sending my heart into its own with it.

2:52:02This was crazy. How could all of this be in here? It was clear that this, that all of it, was way over my head. I wanted to turn around. God knows I wanted to. But with each whale, I thought of Victoria. I couldn't leave her to suffer. I glanced down at my hands to discover that I was still holding the cloak and the mask. It was a long shot. i thought if i wore it would help me blend in even if it bought me only a few minutes i could use whatever edge i could get threw on the cloak and place the mask over my face i took one last breath and began making my descent that is the end of part four part five last part five part five the white eyes so predictions for this uh the demon's gonna like send him back in time and he is going to be the one that shoots his younger self to say victoria or something like that that's the dream he saw or something yeah something along those tracks to me yeah the stairs felt like they would never end i pressed onward though passing by one of the mounted candles ever so often in between them i was left in utter darkness at the whim of my own footing i took my time walking down them adding to the anxiety to reach the bottom voices began to echo from the abyss below, bouncing off the walls.

2:53:16Once again, I could hear their monotone words being spoken in unison, still incomprehensible to me. In the darkness, the words were even more nerve-wracking. It almost didn't sound human. The last of the stairs brought me to a large chasm. A few candles were mounted on these walls as well, but they weren't of much help. I could see their light reveal a set of different tunnels pointing in diverse directions. From here, it looked like I had to choose a path, but which one was right? If I chose wrong, I knew it would be nearly impossible to retrace my steps, especially in this darkness. The voices from earlier began to echo once again.

2:53:53Among the cave walls, they bounced all around, amplified by the acoustics. I focused on the sound, trying to pinpoint their origin. Finally, after several minutes, I was able to determine that they were coming from the tunnel on the left. So I headed in that direction. The tunnel was completely dark, absent of candles. A few times I tripped on the rocky surface, but using the walls helped to maintain my balance. It continued to stretch onward. All I could see was an endless void in front of me. As I walked, I felt the urge to stop, feeling as if I would smack into a wall or something. All the while, the voices continued their chanting growing louder the more I pushed forward.

2:54:33Finally, I reached an opening. It was glowing all the while, producing a wave of heat. I came to a rocky perch on the side. I could see another set of stone stairs curved down to the area below. I didn't need to take them because the best gave a good overview of everything below. I crouched and moved closer to get a better view. What I saw would forever be burned in my mind. Below, I could see four individuals standing in a square formation, each facing inward. Four bowls containing an intense fire was set in between each of the individuals, forming together some sort of diamond. There were markings in red producing an arrangement of symbols and designs behind each of the figures.

2:55:16I noticed how all of them donned the same cloak and mask I was wearing. Each of them was slowly bobbing their heads, their hands clasped as if in prayer except one. The one was holding up a camcorder to film it all. Standing in the center, I saw a fifth person. this one wore a different cloak it's pale white and more loosely fit than the others the mask horn was black instead of white almost as dark as the tunnel itself if not for the light from the bowls it would have looked like a faceless being it had to be the reverend each time he spoke out that strange language the others would repeat it in unison my eyes widened when i saw what was behind the reverend there was a stone table covered with a white sheet and on it i saw Victoria, clenching her stomach in pain.

2:56:01Every so often, she would let an intense wail to feel the air. The white sheet underneath was half-soaked in blood. Now what? I didn't know what to do now that I was here. Without warning, I was pulled from my thoughts when I felt something touch my shoulder. I spun around, almost screaming out loud, however my eyes recognized the figure crouching behind me. It was the old woman, Victoria's mother. How did she get in here? I don't know She had followed me down here Oh, okay, well I guess there's my explanation Whatever She held up a finger to her lips and slowly crept past me to look below We must stop this before it's too late She whispered over her shoulder How?

2:56:42What can we do? We can't just rush down there without some sort of plan She nodded in agreement I know We need to sprinkle this within their inner circle She said, pulling out a small glass of vial It was filled with a clear liquid At this stage she's in now, Victoria will need some of this on her as well. That's it? That's the plan? Yes. She replied, returning her gaze below. Once this is sprinkled, I will need to recite my own incantation to cancel out the effects of the ritual. Only then will Victoria be saved and the rest of the world. I shivered a little. The world? You never did mention that.

2:57:22What would happen if that child was born? Nothing good, I assure you. But that will not happen. Listen, I have a plan. I was all ears to hearing it and leaned close. We need to draw them away from here so that I can conduct the incantation. How are we going to do that? A distraction, of course. She replied, producing a twisted smile. We'll need their undivided attention. I need to conduct the ceremony. So for that, we have to lead them away. Wouldn't it be the opposite of an incantation? Because an incantation is a summoning ritual. Yeah. So wouldn't it be like an anti-incantation? Right? Is that correct?

2:58:03An incantation is summoning? I think an incantation is just a spell. I could be wrong. An incantation intended to evoke a magical or supernatural effect. Okay, so it could be an incantation. I was wrong. Never mind. I sighed deeply. I really didn't like this plan already, but it seemed like the only other option. After taking a few breaths, I stood up to announce my presence. Hey! I yelled out. It was all I could think to say. Immediately, they went silent below, staring up at me. The light bounced off the faces of their twisted masks. Not one said a word until the reverend spoke out. Ah, Marcus.

2:58:41Is that you? What a surprise it is to see you down here. What the hell is going on here? What are you fucks doing with Victoria? You bastards better let her go. Or I'll get the police involved. Reverend chuckled, his mask bouncing a little. Marcus. He said softly, almost in a joking manner. When you first arrived, I'll admit I thought I understood everything about you. Just from my first conversation. And at the time, you looked like you were nothing more but a stammering piglet that had gone astray. You couldn't even get your words right. I could see the others slowly moving away from their spots, edging their way to the stairs.

2:59:22But then you surprised me with your bold antics. You sneaked into our congregation room, attempted to steal one of my members' rings. Yes, I know about that. My eyes lit up. How could he have known? You even warmed up to Victoria. You're venting her to leave all this and her family behind. Now that, my boy, is something. Tell me. I know you're sick of seeing everyone suffer, like your grandfather or even your mother that passed away from when you were young. I was dumbstruck. How did you know all this? Couldn't have. All those people out there in the world as well, suffering. Doing so unnecessarily.

3:00:01And for what reason? For what he wants? He said, pointing upward. With Lanius, though, we can reshape this world. will reshape everything in his image and erase all that pain and that suffering. Everything will be set right, the way it should be. Why not be willing to join him in his transformation? So, this isn't as bad, but this is very similar to Camp Oakwood, them trying to bring back the reincarnation of that guy or whatever because he would bring about world peace because when he died, Archduke Ferdinand was assassinated. Yeah. This is better, to be clear, but it's very, like, world peace.

3:00:49We just have to kill first. I can see the other members drawing closer up the stairs. Think about it, Marcus. Are we really that bad of people? Look at yourself. What have you really believed in that you could hold on to? Join us down here. Be a part of the new world, a new direction. You're already halfway there. You got what you need on right now. So why not come on down the path fully? He said, lifting up his hands. Victoria's suffering right now. But when it's all over, she won't anymore. You can even be with her in the new world. It's what you want, isn't it? Miles glanced over at Victoria, still gasping in pain.

3:01:32Her eyes clenched painfully shut. I listened as she let out horrific wail. I see could an impression of something moving around in her, pressing upward against her skin. My voice was lost. I was unable to say anything. This bastard was crazy. They all were. However, if that was truly the case, why was I so hesitant? Is there a part of me that wanted this? That believed in this? Immediately, the old woman stood up to reveal herself too. Poisonous words never fail to excrete from your mouth, you sniveling snake. Who is that up there with you, Marcus? Who do you think you fell bastard? Carolina? I must admit, I'm a bit shocked to see you still living.

3:02:17I must have asked how you managed to escape the gaze of Lanius. Hmph. Wouldn't you like to know? You're not the only one who can conjure up a spell or two. Oh, God. Right. Yeah. Always were an unpredictable one, Carolina. I truly was heartbroken when I learned you weren't fully on board with us. So Marcus, what will it be? I glanced over to see the old woman's eyes gleaming at me from the shadows. She shook her head in dismay, mouthing something softly. I couldn't hear the words, but I could make out the last word escaping her lips. Lies. No. Come again? I said no, you satanic fucks!

3:03:13it always gets it always gets it always gets to the point where they'll have like an interesting thing or stuff but they they always write these like world ending supernatural cult or whatever as like i hate that they're also snappy reddit voices yeah it's yeah it's never just like a a Marvel movie. It's like the worst thing ever that could happen in this one person who's like a nobody has to solve it. It's up to me now. It's so cringe. They always talk, like both sides, the evil and the good, always talk like Saturday morning cartoon villains. I would say just extremely extra. It's very theatrical, very big.

3:04:00like very very big but not not super realistic but just like big almost like it's a stage play you know yeah yeah it's always everyone's very dramatic oh everyone always says their stuff out loud there's never nuance or stuff like that we are reading stories people made when they were young for free on the internet so for sure that's why that's why they're the best give us some context it was to give us some perspective and the one time that we read a published like fancy the author on this channel people got really upset at that so i guess this is what they want so is it he sighed dropping his arms that's too bad son he gestured with his head to the others we immediately spring up the stairs move it the old woman yelled bolting down the tunnel we had entered from i was surprised she was even able to move at such speed that wasting time i quickly hurried behind her i could hear their footsteps echoing following us i didn't know where i was going.

3:04:57There was nothing but endless void before me. I felt my feet trip again a few times as I went. My lungs were burning, begging me to stop, but the adrenaline pumping through me must have kept me going. Eventually we reached the original chasm with all the tunnels. We need to split them up. Try to lose them in the best manner you can. I was half out of breath myself, barely catching what she said. Without hesitation, she ran off to the tunnel on the left. I took the hint and darted down the nearest one to my right. they're doing like a scooby-doo hallway chase like yeah uh on the inside i hoped that i had not chosen the one with the dead end tunnel itself was very tight i felt the sharp edges of the wall scrape against my arms a few times but i pressed onward thinking quickly i pulled out my phone until it's light to help guide the way ahead of me my eyes made out what i dreaded would happen i'd reached a dead end shit there's no way i could turn around not if they were following me however i was surprised to find that the wall wasn't like the tunnel's uneven texture looking closer it appeared to be a type of door still made of stone but it was smooth and had markings engraved on it couldn't make them out but the phone of my light revealed a familiar sight see a small indent with a symbol etched within similar to the one from the congregation room stores the finger i thought out loud i reached in my pocket trying to find it behind me i could hear the clapping of footsteps scanning on me i struggled to pull the damn thing out when i did I pressed it up against the end and it twisted.

3:06:22At first, nothing happened, but soon the door began to move. Loud moan was produced from it as it slowly lifted upwards. I could hear the footsteps getting closer, but the door was still at my ankles. I yelled and cursed at the damn thing to hurry until, at last, it was up to my chest. It was good enough for me. I was ready to bolt through the opening when suddenly I was tackled from behind. Force from the tackle sent me forward along with my attacker. We both rolled into the room, sliding away from each other. I landed crudely, banging my knee and elbow in the process. it wasn't until i looked up that i caught the scent of something putrid in the air the room we had entered was colder than the other areas and seemed to be darker my impaired vision had been amplified my sense of smell because i completely appalled by it it was as if something had been decaying or rather many things had under my hand i felt something hard poke me i couldn't see the object clearly but i felt how smooth it was almost too perfect around it i felt other objects with the same feeling I wanted to use my cell phone, but I couldn't find it, clearly dropped from the fall.

3:07:21I did, however, hear a man grunting, apparently my attacker. You little shit! I knew you'd be in trouble from the start! The voice sounded like Terrence. I could hear him standing up, his breathing was still rapid from the chase, my heart leapt in my throat, I tried to be extra careful when I rose to my feet, hoping to not draw his attention. If he was like me, then it was impossible to see anything of the darkness. If quiet enough, I could probably sneak past him. He started moving forward, taking small steps while I listened for him. The Reverend told me about the ring. You thought you were slick about it all, huh?

3:07:56Yelled out as his voice echoed. You see, the Reverend knows all and sees all. I could hear his footsteps pacing around. The acoustics of the room made it hard to pinpoint his exact position. Then you stole one of our tomes, but I found it. I was glad you did, though. You get to see what's coming to that bitch. Hope you enjoyed every last of it I didn't know what came over me after that After hearing those disgusting words I somehow managed to find and pounce on Terrence In an immense range Don't call her Don't call her that I'm gonna change my plan from sneaking To I'm gonna kill you with my hands You're gonna die Cause I'm so emotional over this woman I love I didn't hesitate and swung Where I thought his head was striking a hard surface He just punched a wall I yelled out in pain it was his mask that I'd struck oh okay he laughed rendering a strong blow into my stomach felt the wind painfully rip its way from my mouth afterwards he pushed me away which sent me falling on my back I felt the sting from something hard press itself beneath me I reached behind for the object and my eyes lit up immediately after his hands grabbed at my legs to pull me close still in pain I kicked at him pulled out the object from below I cocked it aimed in his direction and pulled the trigger a flash of light lit up the entire air for a split second followed by a loud bang.

3:09:16The noise echoed throughout the chasm and beyond. The flash of light was enough for me to locate my phone. I grabbed at it, pushed a button, and aimed it in front of me. I could see Terrence in the illumination gripping his arm in pain. The blood from his wound dripped to the ground. You little... He started, but croaked in pain. The gun shook in my hand. This was the first time I'd ever shot one before, let alone at a person. I didn't get... Oh, this is also where he gets the gun to go back and shoot himself when he was younger. I see. Gotcha. I think he's going to have to shoot. I think he's going to have to shoot the baby.

3:09:49I think he's going to shoot Victoria and the baby or whatever. Yeah. And that's like what it meant by himself or whatever. The, I'll also say that they, you like, we've joked about it with like the smiling or the biting the lip, but they also, he keeps using the same things to describe the same actions. like earlier in the story when he sees the dream and he sees himself in the mask, shoot his baby self. Um, it's like, uh, the bullet, there was a loud flash and then the sound followed. And it's like, well, I mean by milliseconds, but there, you know, if you're at the same distance, it's perceivably at the same time, that's a weird way to describe it.

3:10:27And then sure enough here, it says there was a loud flash followed by a sound. It's like, okay, those are really at the same time if you're there like unless you're using like a super high speed camera audio device they're the same thing like he's just using the same like things to describe stuff it gets a little repetitive but the gun shook in my hand this was the first time i ever shot one before let alone a person i didn't get time to decide what to do next there's a deep growl that filled the air and echoed all around us the ground almost felt like it was trembling further back of the room i could hear something twisting around us its movements were crackly and heavy the odor from earlier grew stronger flooding my nose even more than before shit it's awake i heard terrence scream out he turned to leave yet before i could even blink i felt a large rush of wind race past me smell of its odor lingered behind it whatever it was it was fast and it was huge the next thing i heard was it pounding on terrace i could hear it ripping into him and tearing pieces apart his screams flooded the air a blood-curdling shrill so intense that it brought tears down my eyes i could hear the thing continue to tear at him cracking bones as it did somehow i managed to find the feeling in my legs and bolted out of the room behind me i heard the thing let out a frightening roar i didn't stop running though pushing as hard as i could through the tight walls i could hear its heavy footsteps pounding behind me sorrows from its breathing grew closer in my ear.

3:11:52It was gaining quickly. Without thinking, I aimed the gun behind me and fired off a few rounds. It wasn't until after the third round that I heard another loud roar. The footsteps behind immediately came to a halt. I continued running until I reached the open area once again. I was out of breath, but I knew I couldn't stop. That thing was sure to continue its pursuit soon, so I couldn't waste any time. Before I could fully gain my composure, I heard footsteps heading in my direction I weren't from the tunnel behind me but ahead I quickly readied my gun ready to fire again three figures emerged from the darkness racing frantically it was the other church members I'd already fired four bullets which meant I only had two left wait what did he fire did he just fire he fired one and then he blankly fired three behind him okay so he shot Terrence and then yeah he was just running away and he was like whatever wait he's never shot a gun before but he knew how to like get the cylinder open on the revolver whatever there were three of them so i would have to decide carefully who i wanted to shoot they came to a halt in front of me hello marcus i heard margaret's voice speak out from the three have you finally stopped running back the fuck off i yelled the gun still pointed at them if i have to i will kill you crazy bastards i heard one of them giggle must have been sophia they slowly began edging their way towards me i backed up a little keeping the gun trained on them i started to shift to the side hoping to align the next tunnel to my back it was clear this gun was doing nothing for me yeah because you keep firing it and the one time you used it correctly it it killed terrence effectively that was a good shot now you're okay i just think it's going to be because at the beginning in his dream also by the way his dad was shot on the ground being like i think that that reminds me of terrence getting shot being like ow and i think uh he's not gonna shoot the gun here i think that it's going to be saved for victoria and the baby or the reverend and the baby maybe i'm thinking it's that i probably would only have enough time to shoot one before the others rushed in i would need to be quick so i could make a run for it come now marcus have you realized it yet you really think we invite you all the way out here just to install some silly computers?

3:14:06I was stunned when I heard this. What the hell are you talking about? Why else would I be here? We need a legitimate reason to get you out here, and here you are. You don't even know who I am. She was clearly talking nonsense. Is that what you think? I'm surprised none of this appears familiar to you. You have, after all, been down this path before. My hand slowly lowered the gun. I don't know why, but a small portion of me believed, even if it did sound ludicrous. What do you mean? It's Lanius. He's always had a fascination with you. Something about you, he... He started to say, betrayal in her words.

3:14:50What about me? Before she could answer, a large figure bolted from the shadows, pouncing on Margaret. It was that horde creature from earlier. It had caught up. now among the dim candlelight I can make out more of its features I really wish those candles weren't there through the poor lighting I could see its thin elongated arms with sharp talons for fingers massive horns extended from its back its loose wild hair fell across its crude sin out of the face its blood colored eyes glowed piercing the darkness I watched as it began tearing into Margaret as it had tearing with each new sound of splitting flesh came a loud shrill from her her loud cries bounced off the walls extending through the tunnels.

3:15:32The others attempted to flee, but they didn't get far. The creature was merciless, pouncing on them and tearing into them in the same manner. Suddenly, I felt a harsh tug on my arm pulling me down the tunnel behind. It was the old woman. I didn't know where she came from, but I didn't question her. The tormenting screams of the others continued to resonate in the air. The burning pain in my lungs returned as we turned and ran. The old woman yelled back not to stop. I could hear the struggle in her voice as well to maintain the pace. There seemed to be no end to the tunnel. It felt like we were running in place, making no progress.

3:16:04In the midst of my exhaustion, I felt my foot drag, causing me to lose my balance. Fell hard, slamming onto my already injured knee. Get up! Get up now! I tried but struggled to do so. Caught in the blend of pain and exhaustion, I tried to pull myself up using the wall. Behind me, I could hear the rapid thumping of large footsteps once again. I could feel the old woman help me up. She threw my arm over her shoulder and began assisting me forward. However, it was too late. We could feel the gaze emanating from the creature behind us. Our eyes must have fully adjusted in the dark because I could clearly make out its massive form.

3:16:41Its hot breath blew across our faces. The smell of fresh blood lingered in it. The old woman pushed me away. Run! Now! What? No, we have to stick together. No, you must go. I will hold it off but go her voice startled me quickly turned and began hobbling away behind me I could still hear her you fell demon you think you've won he turns around and she like in a single swipe just gets vaporized just like straight into the cage ceiling the creature read it a harsh snarl in return I could hear her begin to recite strange words in another language the creature sounded defected screaming loud roars of pain.

3:17:27Whatever she was saying it was clearly working. I paused to look back just making out their faint outlines in the dark. I wondered if what she was doing was actually going to stop it. However I saw the creature swing one of its long arms to her. Her body flew against the wall producing a loud crack. Her words instantly died. Wait I was right it just one hit swung an arm and she just like straight against the wall instantly just like

3:18:00I'll hold it off not long after I could hear the thing ripping away at her the blow must have been enough to kill her because she didn't heal in pain I went from hopping aggressively on one foot to a full-fledged run I ignored the pain from my knee feeling fear and adrenaline engulfing me up ahead I could see a light from the end I knew I didn't have much time until that thing would continue its pursuit for me I reached the opening revealing the original ritual area I had first come across I was hesitant at approaching the perch but I did so looking down Victoria was still down there based on her increased wells it wouldn't be long before she gave birth I saw no trace of the reverend I made my way down the stairs approaching the symbols surrounding Victoria up close I could tell they were made from blood bowls were still blazing the heat from them was intense forcing sweat down my face when I approached Victoria her eyes fell upon me I could see the fear returning in them Stay The fuck away from me He yelled struggling with words I was taken back at this Then I remembered I was still wearing the mask I quickly removed it and was relieved to see her eyes Light up upon seeing my face Marcus Yeah I'm here Victoria Tears formed in her eyes Marcus Please She stopped amidst it Rendering another well She continued screaming.

3:19:22I could hear her vocals become wrasse from strain. I didn't know what to do. A massive lump moved around her stomach uncontrollably, pressing up against her skin. I didn't think it was possible, but her screams were even louder. It felt completely useless right now. Just when I thought it couldn't get any worse, I heard a familiar roar from above. The creature from earlier had returned. I could see its burning red eyes beaming down from the perch. It leapt from the top, landing with a thud. Its disturbing form was hunched over, breathing a rapid rhythm exalting a snarl in between. Now fully in the light, I felt my stomach tighten at its appearance.

3:19:56The thought of the statue came to my mind. This thing was almost a spitting image of it, but only worse. Its face was more disturbing in person with its blackened human dog features. The nose atop its snout appeared caved in, flaring with its breathing. Its eyes were beady, completely dyed a crimson red. Atop its forehead, it held a large, closed eye. I stood in between Victoria and the beast it wasn't going to let this thing do anything to her I raised the gun up ready to fire waiting for it to make a move yet that was it it did nothing I just stood there breathing come on I yelled trying to provoke it do it come at me you sick fuck it did nothing still instead the edge of its lips curled up into a twisted smile I felt a shiver roll down my spine the damn thing was smiling at me I was ready to fire the gun but then I noticed the bullet holes on it from where it had been previously hit.

3:20:50Two of the bullets had managed to hit it, but they stuck out of it, its wounds barely penetrating it. It was useless. The gun did nothing to it. Realizing this, I lowered it, eventually letting it drop to the ground. When I did, its smile grew wider. What the hell are you? That, my boy. I heard the Reverend's voice answer out loud. Is Lanius the wide eye of time? I could hear it behind me, but I didn't dare break my eyes away from the creature. He will become this world's new master. I was speechless. You will witness his rebirth into this world, Marcus. He will reshape it into his image. Now witness it.

3:21:32As if on cue, the creature began to roar into the air. I could see the rows of its blood-covered teeth extend deep back into its throat. It felt as if the whole room was rumbling. Suddenly, it collapsed into the ground, lying motionless. I was confused. Did it just die? If it did, what killed it? Victoria broke the silence, screaming at a level a human shouldn't have possibly reached. The form within her moved around vigorously, eventually tearing its way free. Blood flew in all directions, some splattering across me. My eyes turned to see a blood-soaked creature wallowing around in the remains of Victoria.

3:22:09It looked to be the size of a dog. i could see the sharp talons from one of its lanky arms clinging to the side of the table curling horns protruded from its head entangled in the wild strands of its hair it sniffed the air for a while before turning its attention to me i felt tears forming in my eyes immediately i felt my stomach give in curling to the side it hurt because i had already done so earlier there was nothing left to give leaning over the mess i produce i could only think of one thing victoria i whispered in the end i couldn't do anything but watch her suffer she trusted me to save her and i failed her creature looked like a miniature version of its previous self however its third eye was open this time it was completely white void of pupil blinking asynchronously to its smaller ones despite having no pupil i could feel its wide eye gazing upon me my head began buzzing or starting as a simple vibration the vibration escalated to an immense outpour of pain see images in my head they were images of places in the world of people people were screaming for their lives the sky above them was black streets littered with thousands of bodies lying lifeless and torn to pieces fires were brewing over damaged cars with half-burnt corpses sitting in their seats faces of horrendous beings too atrocious to describe were seen everywhere tearing away at those unable to escape.

3:23:29They were just flooded my head. As at the mercy of them as the pain increased the more they appeared tears fell endlessly from my eyes. Why was I being shown these horrible things? Just when I thought I couldn't take any more they stopped. I slumped over still feeling my head throb. I could still see their faces, hear their screams. Did you see it Marcus? Did you see the dream he reduced in your mind? The reverend asked. He walked from the shadows into the light. Solar removed the mask from his face. What the? What the hell was that? I could still feel lingering amounts of the pain. It took many years to prepare this revelation.

3:24:06First he had to get stronger and do so. He needed a vessel to use. I too was frightened when I first laid eyes upon him. But he showed me his intentions. From then, I was enlightened. He speaks to me with his wide eye. That's how I knew everything about you back there. I'm sure he gave you a glimpse of the paradise to be. Paradise? Is that what the fuck you're calling it? Yes. Lanius will reshape this world into his image. Imagine sweet blue skies. In this green pastures with trees flowing abundantly with scrumptious fruit. No more pain. No more suffering. A true renewed Eden. I know it's hard to conceive all this.

3:24:54could we in this current world we live in? His power is beyond our understanding, but it can open the ripples of time. He can alter what he likes, insert what he likes. With it, he can return to the past of the vessel he chooses. Each time, he possesses the younger self, grown with them until they become of age, doing it repeatedly making him stronger. When he finally reaches fruition, he needs to be born of human flesh. Victoria? Correct. Now is that time, Marcus. Once he does it again, this will be the last. He will permanently be infused with the new vessel. He answered, revealing his twisted toothy smile.

3:25:41You? I asked, still feeling the throb in my head. Come now, Marcus. I've merely been a humble servant, ensuring everything was arranged properly for his rebirth. Lanius has always been interested in you. You recall the pages of the Tome, yes? Who do you think that was with, Lanius? I shook my head in disbelief. It didn't make sense. There's no way it could have been me. You're lying. That's impossible. If so, why me? Well, you see, Marcus, Lanius sees all aspects of time, all possibilities. Out of everyone, he saw you to be the best candidate to lead into the outcome he desired. He should be honored.

3:26:24I don't understand. You said he's always been using me, but I don't recall any of those times at all. Well, of course you don't, Marcus. Each time, Lenius removed your memory after transmitting to your younger body. Believe it or not, we've already had this conversation before. I only recall because he allows me to. You see, I'm the one ensuring everything goes as planned accordingly. you'll go back as if you'd done before but this time it'll be for good i'm sorry to say though what is left of marcus pale will be no more do you remember how i how this is everything i said in part two right yep i said he's probably in a time loop and that's what the swirling is and he keeps going back through the time loop okay the story conveyed all of that to us with pictures and if i was a little off that's fine i can be a little off um this you remember how earlier i was like we're we're getting dangerously close to explaining what the pictures are in detail yeah this this is the pictures being to explain to me in detail yeah well i i wrote down some thoughts while you were reading as well that i want to say at the end when it's done but okay all right we're close we'll just keep doing this thing i'm gonna continue to set at the bottom of my chair like this in the bottom of the frame i found myself shaking my head again i couldn't believe it i don't want to believe it please marcus each time we go through this little charade i try to give you a little chance to let you willingly come forward but as always you fight it how about switching it up for a chance and give in is inevitable regardless what will it be marcus actually hold on i can't think of it i just had this thought so the and what made me think of it if some stories there will be exposition that i read because it's the character internally figuring it out or putting it together but there's other exposition that you read because the characters within the story are telling each other but why would you if it is a story where a revelation is being made why would you write it to where the characters have to explain it to each other especially when one of the characters like the reverend already knows all of this he knows the religion.

3:28:40You could just have Marcus figure this out internally. So it's almost like it's not just exposition for the sake of getting the story across. It's exposition that the characters are speaking because normally when you watch TV or movies, that's how expositions delivered. They have to do it in movies and TV because it's a visual format, but it's almost like just taking monologuing from movies and stuff and throwing it into a story. I think that the argument can be made here that since this is like an ongoing charade with Marcus and the Reverend, that I feel like he might be saying this in an attempt that instead of fighting this time, that Marcus will just willingly give himself over.

3:29:23Like he's trying to present the information in this way. But I mean, it is an outlet to exposition dumps to make sure that readers understand what's going on. But I think that's like the argument you could make. Yeah. Yeah, maybe. I suppose I remained in silence trying to absorb everything it was too much how could it all possibly be true there's no way of telling otherwise seemed like a lose-lose situation I think you're full of shit oh god oh god Jesus fucking Christ man good lord this is some anime levels of bullshit bro I said rendering a light smirk here uh you i'm i'm gonna render i'm gonna render a light smirk and then i want you to look right at the camera blank stare and then render a light smirk

3:30:21there you go i mean just like yeah it's the end of the world i'm part of a time loop and stuff i think you're full of shit wait okay his eyes seem to twitch with dissatisfaction how very disappointing he said turning his back i could see his hand move into his cloak he turned around producing a gun in his hand fired the weapon missing me quickly threw myself to the ground grabbing my own gun i pointed and shot off around just as he did his shot grazed my side only piercing my cloak my shot however had hit him in the leg he fell to the ground immediately he proceeds to lift his gun struggling to aim it at me i walked over to him keeping my My own pointed at him.

3:31:04Standing over him, I held it to his face. He smiled at me before dropping his own feet. You think this hasn't already happened, Marcus? It's inevitable. The smile grew wider on his face. I didn't answer and simply pulled back on the trigger. His body immediately went limp. I remained over him with the gun still pointed at it. I never thought about killing someone. Would be so satisfying. What? I didn't like this thought, though. There was something about this place. whatever it was i was ready to leave it unexpectedly i felt the same painful pulse from early fled my head i fell to my knees gripping my head when i turned i could see the creature crawl from the table dragging its deformed legs it snarled at me moving close in speed i held the gun in my hand and pulled the trigger but it only clicked i repeated the action only to receive you know there were six rounds i repeated the action only to receive the same result it was empty quickly i reached over with my other hand and grabbed the reverence gun yet it was too late thing pounced on me its slimy hands gripped my neck i could feel its hot putrid breath on my face and see pieces of flesh clung to its jagged teeth i wanted to throw the damn thing off but i could feel the pain in my head amplify it's hard to describe but i could feel its presence within my mind it was like it was searching for something it wasn't until the last minute that i could visually see what i had found immediately we both were engulfed to a blinding light out of nowhere okay so it's they're going to be back and they're going to be back in his apartment christmas day right um in 91 um yeah i also just realized so earlier in the story victoria is like oh well i lived in the uk for a brief while that's where i got the accent and i thought that would come into play like oh maybe in the uk she like became a part of the cult but now with this much left in the story where we're at i realize that she only was in the uk for a while because uh the author wanted a pregnant british woman in the story nothing like a nice like i said it's it's it's a pregnancy fetish content and then she explodes the demon comes out of her and she just dies it's just cannon fodder but to call it fetish content's a little rude to the author i feel like he thought it would be more interesting to make her british so that detail was thrown in but it feels like it seems like a cheap way to to subvert people of like it doesn't really tie in so then your mind is kind of like oh well i wonder wonder what like maybe she like it makes you go down a like a false road you know to only amount to nothing so yeah like why is she british that's interesting that doesn't go anywhere yeah when the light cleared, I found myself lying in something cold.

3:33:52When I stood to my feet, I realized that it was snow. There was snow everywhere. Where was I? I looked, seeing cars covered in snow as well. Several buildings loomed around me, all with something in common, decorations. They all had wreaths and lights either on their doors or around the buildings. Christmas? How could that be? It was July. Something about this area was familiar, but I didn't know why. The building before me was fairly tall, maybe four stories. Something about it drew me towards it. Through the glass, I could see my reflection i could see that horrifying mask over my face how did it get back on my face i also noticed both of the guns still in my hands i can't describe it but i felt lightheaded i could hardly recall what i had been doing prior to arriving here in fact i didn't even remember where i got this cloak from i felt the urge to enter the building i tucked the guns away and entered inside i noticed several closed doors along with a staircase to the side this must have been an apartment building i could wait he's gonna shoot his mom okay hold on yeah i know that i know that he's about to go kill his mom or whatever but wait do you remember how earlier i'm like okay i like that the dream was representative and symbolism because that makes it make more sense as to why his dad would show the christmas tape but if this is literally what happened it's a literal time loop that he goes back in and kills himself that mean his his dad just has a vhs video of his wife getting shot in the face and decided to play that in front of his step in front of his wife and son so and and just by chance he's like oh the tape was busted it must have not recorded he was just gonna play his wife's execution video he just has that i guess because if it's all literal then he was you could hear the knock on the door that was the killer about to come shooter wasn't there like a static bit like are they trying to say like oh we don't see the the shooting because he's like oh i gotta turn it off before it gets to this one part no no no no remember that's not what it said because it said that uh they're watching it and then the screen goes staticky and you hear a door knock and the dad gets frustrated and says, oh, it must have like gotten corrupted.

3:36:04It must have not have copied over. So until that moment, the dad thought he had a video of his wife getting shot in the face for a home video and was just showing that on desk. Would be a pretty cool home video though, to be fair. That's a really, oh, let's sit around and watch your mom get shot. That's such a cool, oh my gosh. Cause it made sense when it was like, oh, well, he's having a dream where he's back in that scenario and it's representative of him being there and like blah, blah, blah, whatever. But no, it's all literal. He literally went back in time and shot himself and his dad had a recording of it for some reason, whatever.

3:36:43Also, my wife just texted me, who were you yelling at? So that's how, that's how I'm taking it. I could hardly recall what I've been doing prior to arriving here. In fact, I didn't remember where I got this cloak from. I felt the urge to enter the building. I took the guns away and entered inside. I noticed several closed doors along with the staircase to the side. This must have been an apartment building. I couldn't pull myself from this feeling, letting it take me to the stairs. I began climbing, passing more doors on each floor, each time with their own set of reeves or anything Christmas related.

3:37:11With each floor, I tried searching for some head of why I was here. I continued upward until reaching the third floor. I was led to a door on the left, marked 3A. Why was I brought here? I felt my hand lift as if it had a mind of its own. No matter how hard I tried, I couldn't gain control over it. it banged on the door inside i could hear someone moving towards the entrance next i felt my hand reach back into my cloak pulling out the revolver fear filled my eyes was i grabbing the gun yeah this is because it says that the demon possesses him every time in this cycle whatever i wanted to warn the person inside not to open the door but my mouth wouldn't obey either to my whore i listened as the bolt unlocked and the door opened my eyes could not comprehend the sight before me the person in front of me was my father he looked very young more so than the last time i saw him but it was him how is this possible without warning my hand struck him across the face next my leg kicked him back the woman inside gave up an ear splitting scream in shock it was the young face of my real mother she was alive but how oh my gosh catch up the apartment was heavily decorated to suit the christmas atmosphere it was a tree nicely decorated with presents piled underneath i couldn't help but felt a sense of familiarity to what was transpiring before me again my hand moved without command shutting the door and locking the bolt.

3:38:25It pointed the gun at my parents, fear engulfing their eyes. Why are you doing this? The father asked, gripping his head. What do you want? I wanted to answer, but could not. To my side, I heard a soft voice. I looked over and saw a young child playing with a book. It was me. I was actually in the presence of my younger self. I felt a strong force vibrating through my head, feeling it filter out. It was odd, but it looked almost like the fumes of gasoline flowing towards my younger self it suddenly hit me i felt a partial memory return i recalled the words of the reverend this was happening to me because of that thing lanius it was inside me controlling my actions it needed to take over my younger self or its vessel i could feel its presence vacating my do what just unnecessary to say it's like kind of just yeah it's like we get it we put i put i said i think i said all this back in part two like the drawings were enough it's now been explained three times i could feel its presence vacating my body watching it flooded to my younger self my parents probably couldn't see it only me i couldn't let this happen i was not about to become one of this thing for the rest of my life concentrating i attempted to move my hand the one with the gun was solid and unmovable finger that hand began moving in its own accord i could feel it tighten on the trigger the gun was still aimed at my mother why was it doing this why was it trying to kill my mother in the process i made every attempt to stop my hand but it wouldn't listen.

3:39:48I was ready to give in until my mind had another lapse in memory. I recalled having a dream. It was similar to what was happening now, but slightly different though. I tried to focus, attempted to recall more of the dream. For some reason, it was hard to do so. I didn't know why, but I felt it necessary to remember it. More pieces began to come together. In the dream, I saw myself fire the gun, but it wasn't at my mother. No, I shot myself, the younger me. It's puzzling that I was dead this. Another piece of the dream came to me. There was a bright light and in the light was a face. I could recall the face this time.

3:40:19It was the smiling face of my mother. She was completely encased in the light as if the source of it. At that moment, I understood everything. I knew what I needed to do. I attempted to concentrate on my other hand, focusing on the image of it moving onto my command, hoping the thought would render it. I could gradually feel my control returning. Somehow, the more the creature left me, the more I gained feeling in my body. I concentrated on moving my arm, feeling its mobility. With it, I reached down into my cloak and felt around until I recognized the object. Pulled out the second gun, aiming it at my younger self.

3:40:49My mother, before me, let out a loud shriek when she saw this. I could feel parts of my arm waiting to drop the gun, but I fought against it, aiming at the child. The creature must have picked up on my plan because it started to flood images through my head again. This time, they were of people that I had known or would come to know. My friends, my loved ones, everyone. It was like it was trying to get me to understand the consequences if I continued my action. I could see its fumes attempting to pump faster into my younger body. Finally, I saw the last of them completely enter my younger self.

3:41:19My one-year-old self stared at me innocently. This moment had made sense now. I could picture the dream that brought me into all this. The foul creature had controlled me for the last time. All this time. It had been me who had been the executioner of my own mother. I was the monster, the crazy loon that had broken in all those years ago. No, he made me that crazy loon. He altered time. I was the closest person to help him realize his plan. however the creature probably saw in all the infinite possibilities of time that my mother was the only threat to its plans i laughed to myself it was why it was ironic that even in death she found a way to warn me providing an escape route lanius's own tearing through time and space and had backfired in its own attempt to fulfill its ambition it ended up creating its own demise couldn't stop the human spirit it was powerless to love my it's my mother's interference was like what the reverend had said verbatim inevitable i smiled to myself squeezing back on the trigger a bullet pierced through the child's skull instantly drop it that's a crazy sentence instantly dropping him now dead i could feel the control of my body return it was as if a heavy aura of weight lifted from me sign deeply i dropped the gun to the ground slowly i removed the mask from my face looking over at my parents they were silent with eyes still fixated on their dead child finally shot of infant in the head finally my mother turned her gaze to me i smiled at her watching her eyes grace watching her eyes grow wide at seeing my face with tears forming in my eyes i could feel a hint of pain growing across my forehead Something warm began to run down my nose.

3:43:00My eyes looked deep into my mother's as I spoke several words. I'm sorry. I had to. I did you a favor. Forgive me. Story ends. So here's, I'm just going to go into this while it's fresh in my brain. One, this is not by, you know, this has the bones of a pretty fun idea. Granted, I will say, out of all the stuff that we read, I do think that like earth ending demon, satanic monster that comes alive and kill stuff is becoming a bit repetitive and old, which you're going to find whatever. It doesn't mean that like, I like the ideas and themes of like, you know, those are religious kind of weird ideas.

3:43:43I just wish it was approached differently. The biggest thing through the story that I seriously feel like it would have helped a lot is there's a cardinal sin. not cardinal sin, But there's a thing that a lot of authors do in these stories that I think is important to, if you're wanting to like write something or like make, make something feel more cohesive is Marcus's job should have had something to do with like, like his job shouldn't have been it. It is completely irrelevant. And that's like a huge negative. there's nothing about his him being an it that helps him in any way versus the whole time i was thinking i was like if he was a nurse or if he would had something to do with like being able to like check up on a baby and like maybe he's like a part of a hospital unit that goes to people that don't want to come to the hospital and he like checks on a child or whatever him being able to do that and find this revelation and like his actual practices or like you know maybe even in his character arc maybe he's a doc maybe he's this kind of doctor because he realizes he can't have kids of his own or he's afraid of the thought of having children whatever that kind of thing and it haunts him and it plagues him that could have been more cohesive and tied in also by doing so and being more a part of victoria's like pregnancy also don't make her british just make her normal like like she can exist in the area normal you know like british people are millions i mean more so correct it makes her the right way it makes it just make it seem like she can it's not like just such a weird out-of-pocket thing like giving her a fucking rastafarian accent or something that makes no like doesn't make any sense just make her a local or whatever but that way if he's able to like check on her they can form a bond that way and he can like maybe she can just show him the like the beauties of having a child and ease his fears and they grow romantic that way.

3:45:35But like, as it stands, it's like he sees her and because she's beautiful, he's immediately drawn to her. And that's just like not satisfying. There's not an emotional level there at all. It's just him being like, okay, this is a hot pregnant chick. I think I want to fuck her. And then that's like his connection to her. And I just think that like having something where what he does in life connects, even into like the parallels of like, you know, it's like these hunting like he keeps like kind of being reborn and stuff and like that's like a base level fear that is also based around the career that he has chosen for himself or whatever um and i just think like that was like the one thing that i was thinking the whole time through that last act i was like i just feel like him being an it guy it just does absolutely nothing and there's other things too like just the british thing unless we just missed it but it just felt like the british that it just wasn't any there was no connection besides like i guess like the family got bought in by a cult for the reverend or whatever that maybe they they met overseas or something like that but they just felt unnecessary it felt unnecessary and convoluted and you know you go through and you get all these things of like repeating yourself like the another thing that the story i think was doing poorly was not trusting that the viewer understands what's happening that like the information they're laying out isn't sufficient enough you see that a lot in like movies and stuff like that uh sometimes too where it's like they really beat something over the head and you kind of like roll your eyes because you're like dude i know i've seen i've seen this before so those are just two of like the largest things that i just wanted to make sure and say at the end but like i don't think that this story is particularly bad i think it's bloated and i think that like the ideas there's some cool ideas there of like basically your life is predetermined for you and you've been like basically reborn again and again to be the uh to be the sacrifice or the shell for this like greater being and like not and having no control over that is pretty interesting um but it just goes about in a way that is a bit too formulaic a bit too predictable and like by the end of it you've we've gone through four hours of basically reiterating things that we already know you know what i mean versus i feel like if this was like an hour hour and a half this could have been a very strong like just punchy thing of like guy shows up to help pregnant woman he's kind of weirded out he's not a religious guy um but i think like you know cutting the mom of being like you have to save my daughter and she's like you're not the only person that can cast spells and shit it's like get rid of that too much there's too much little things that don't amount to anything and like even our character marcus just completely buying in to this person he talks to her one time and he buy he's just completely bought into what she's saying it's just like strip all these characters out and if anything you could have had it even if it wasn't a church it could have been like a house in the middle of the woods and it's just one family and then you can have that weird thing where it's like wait what there's like an incest thing going on of like my father did this and you think it's incest but really it's like you know a fucking devil's growing inside of it's not like he actually had sex with her or something i think that it's just you strip all that down like in a way kind of like what stolen tongues did stolen tongues very minimal cast of characters but you're able to do a lot with that you know we're focused on one thing and we're on a very straight ahead road versus this thing's kind of like pigeon pigeoning around all these different ideas um and there's like a thing in writing i don't know if it's how popular it is but it's a thing called like kill your babies is what's called where it's like you might really love an idea kill it yeah also called kill your dar darlings yeah yeah and it's like you might really love an idea but it just does not fit in the story and you have to be able to remove it from your story to make the story better and just like pocket it doesn't mean you you can never use the idea but it's just like remove it from the story even though you you're like oh i love this idea though sometimes it's better to just like take out that extra fat, even if it's cool to just make it be, to make it make more sense.

3:49:48And this is just a case of that, where I think there was too many, there was too many extra darlings in there that I think could have been removed, but all in all, like I said, I mean, like, you know, I appreciate the attempt of, uh, I, or I, I just appreciate the kind of like creativity that went into the story, but I just think like the dialogue tends to be, I think that that's like one thing that I'm finding more and more that people have a hard time writing natural dialogue like writing an actual conversation and like reactions and stuff that doesn't go too theatrical and too big um yeah so that's those are my final thoughts but all in all yeah definitely not the worst thing we've ever read i'll say that i uh i talked about most of my issues it mostly comes down to like the way information was given was annoying i feel like This feels like the first draft of a story down to like the grammar mistakes and spelling mistakes in some parts.

3:50:42It needed to cut a lot of the fat, needed to be shorter, needed to get rid of some of the details. I thought it would have been really interesting. Like it could have saved a lot of itself if the author was lied to at any point. But despite being within a cult, he did not understand every bit of information that was provided to him was accurate. Everything that Victoria said was true. Everything the old woman said was true. Everything the reverend said. so all it is is as the plot happens the people within the story explain to him and therefore the reader what is happening and there's no twist there's no like new information turns anything like that it is like well no no there's new information turns but it does nothing to disregard the last thing that we learned exactly it's just like development of information yeah yeah everything everything's just like oh well we're doing this now and there's no reason to doubt it we're doing this another service and i kept being like well maybe it'll be interesting if you know he's being lied to or there's a twist or the old woman uh has it out for him but none of that came true so it was just like things being explained as they were happening there was never like a development or something so because of that i was just kind of flat i feel like there needed to be a lot of fat cut there needed to be like i think it'd be interesting if the old woman was a part of the cult and also at the end like all that there was a bunch of stuff that didn't go anywhere that sure was red herrings but it got to a absurd point like stuff like the british woman or whatever but then like at the end when the old woman's like oh if i can get this clear liquid on the ritual i can stop the incantation and then she just dies so that doesn't go anywhere yeah so and i i don't know like i really liked part one with the home invasion thing because that was just that was cool we haven't done a home invasion thing really before so it was cool Cause that's just, that's just such a fucking horrifying concept of someone breaking in and, you know, just invasion of privacy and you feel defenseless and all this kind of stuff.

3:52:33And I think that the ending of this story, even of having go back and you kind of reiterate of like, yeah, I remember that dream. This was the dream. I kind of wish it like in my own opinion, I like subjective thought or whatever would have been like, just don't even go back to it. And then like, let people, when they reread it, be like, Oh shit, this is fucking him. You know? Like, I don't think you have to go back and show all those things. I think that like you already get the cloak and everything. And all that stuff. I think like, I think allowing your viewers to piece some of these things together and like give them just enough information to like have fun with it and run free with it, I think is where the story could have shined a lot more.

3:53:17So, but yeah, I mean, you know, church in the woods, this is a fucking like heavily requested episode too, or like a story. So I'm glad that we, at least we got to read it. And, you know, I'm, I have a feeling it's going to be one of those stories too, where our audience is like, Oh yeah, I remember reading this way back in the day. Cause it's almost a decade old by this point. So wait, wait, wait, I just had another thought not to keep harping on it, but if, if all of this happened because it's a time loop and that's why they need him, because there was a time loop created with Lainia. So I understand why after Lainia's possesses his younger self, they have to keep getting the it guy back even if it's a time loop so it's technically only happened once but for him it happens multiple times whatever um if that's the reason he's important because he was picked then why did they pick a random it guy the first time why not one of the people in the cult why not why anyone okay whatever whatever it doesn't matter uh we read the story you read it let us know what you think in the comments as always it's always nice kind of seeing what you guys have to say about the story as well just want to be sure to thank all the audio listeners right now on Spotify and Apple podcast who gave us a chance there.

3:54:24And as always wanted to give a good shout out to our patrons as well. Thank you so much for hold on. Okay. Let me, let me say this because I need to clarify. I was reading a little bit about the author and he was really into creepypastas when he first saw them. He's probably around our age. This story was made eight or nine years ago, which means he probably wrote this when he was in high school or just out of it. So this seems like something he was passionate about. One of his first stories and since then he's wrote a lot of other stuff and i have to say if i wrote a story in high school which i did uh they were not as good as this they were not as well put together as well thought out as certainly not as long able to keep cohesive characters and stuff so i mean i don't think that we i don't think we have to lie i mean the story i mean we just had critiques on the story that isn't to say too with anything that we say or do i mean like we might meme and do that kind of stuff and joke but at the same time we appreciate people writing these stories and like they're just criticism and thoughts these are also all subjective you know like yeah people can also listen to what we say and completely disagree or people could be like this is fucking great so just know that like i like i guess because i see some people to i guess just hop on that is they're like well i'm afraid that people aren't going to like it they're just going to have to deal with that that's just like people are when you make something you should make it for yourself and for you know it's just like an expression of what you think is cool and if people there's going to be people that like it there's going to be people that fucking hate it and that's just like fuck them you know it is what it is at the same time this is a story that's online we read it we gave our thoughts about it and it's just it's i i love that it has become in the uh collection of our episodes so then years down the road it's just going to be rediscovered again even if like this show doesn't exist anymore you know so in my opinion it's just a way of bolstering and bringing stories even if they aren't perfect because no story is perfect but at least it creates discussion for people who are writing even myself writing stuff as well it's nice just reading stuff and being like okay that's good to know to maybe not do this or to be inspired and be like that was awesome i like how they weave this together so you know i i don't think we're ever shitting on someone and being like give up because that's not the case of course yeah i'm just saying this seems like early on an author's career and they had they had fuel there there was stuff to work with so i would be interested in covering one of their more recent stories seeing how they've got along in the last decade this isn't indicative of the author as a whole just this one story needed a few more drafts i think yeah and also i mean as as always we'll leave a link to their profile so you can see more of their other stories and be sure to check those out as well one story doesn't isn't uh indicative of an entire person's catalog you know someone can also write a banger story and then they write absolute dog shit after that too that happens as well it is what it is but as i was saying before too just want to give a giant shout out to our patrons Thank you so much for the support there.

3:57:11And I hope you enjoy the extra episode this week. That's going up. So thank you so much, guys. This has been church in the woods. We appreciate you watching and we'll see you next week. Bye-bye. Don't go looking for pregnant British women at a cult compound, I guess, unless you really want to or something. I don't know, man. Bye.

3:57:44in the jungle the mighty jungle the lion sleeps tonight and then get out of here in the jungle the mighty jungle eee eee eee eee eee eee eee eee eee

3:58:07eee We go up in the jungle