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Chapter Text

Danny Johnson (Ghostface) POV:

Another day another kill, and hopefully another win.

Not today though, since I haven't killed all the remaining survivors in time.

Oh well, I soothed myself silently, still slumping before going back to my own made abode, there's always next time. Though it will take a while before I'll be chosen again by the Entity.

It used to be fun. Whenever I ready myself for another killin' spree, I would always remind to make my result of the murders shine with passion making sure every detail of their bruised, fucked up body would be seen in the papers but since it's now the Entity's choice to pick me out of the blue I would sometimes experience a block.

But it still gave me life. After killing someone I would still make new stories, even when it's the same people all over and over again, it didn't really bother me since it brings me motivation to give them a more special treatment every time I see them.

Maybe it did bother me sometimes.

When you suddenly get pulled into a game without any free will in exchange for some abilities and immortality, the feeling kinda dulls.

Especially when I missed the fun of having the newspaper of myself being imprinted as one of the most feared serial killers in my neighbourhood (minus the other favourites outshining me).

While I still can walk around the surface, the limited time would wrap around my neck like a collar counting down until it's time to pull me back into my cage.

'Not dead but remained trapped'. Goes with the other ones here in the Realm.

It's never a win or a lose when every survivor and killers are stuck but it takes an amount of time until we're all used to it. It doesn't bother many of the killers since they would accept anything unnatural given to them, and there's the survivors who would do anything to survive.

Plenty of slashers would happily abide the new way of living, as long as they can torture their personal target. Then there's their prey trying to think of a plan on how to outsmart their predator.

It all didn't matter to me, I still have my trusty camera whenever I'm in the trial and make some interesting storytelling myself to pass the time, mainly to annoy the other guys. They're a bunch of killjoy sickos I tell ya'.

Besides me who is easily the life of the drad malicious town of trapped serial killers, there are a few noisy ones like Chucky, a man in a maniacal doll and Freddy Krueger, a dream demon with his annoying tongue remarks that I'm pretty sure he's being rowdy for the sake of pissing everyone off. While I do love teasin' the guys, Mr. Nightmare loves taking it too far as to appear in one of our dreams just talking shit and trolling. And that sometimes makes me satisfied to sit back and watch Freddy getting choked to death by Trapper, Adiris, Jason Vorhees, and even the Shape himself Michael Myers.

And by being here, the Entity had given all of us nicknames or titles to maybe make us sound more intimidating and there's those like me that didn't need one since the name 'Ghostface' still strikes fear.

_____________________

It was a usual evening when I returned back from the trials, although disappointed I swore I would come back not making the same mistakes. The wounds from the little chumps still stings on the sides of my chest but I do applaud them for leaving a scratch on me. It ain't everyday you'd hurt a killer and get away scot free.

I clamp my gloved palm on the bleeding wound clenching my teeth in pain.

It would be nice if the Entity would give me some pain tolerance, unlike the other guys like Jason or the boogeyman. I'm pretty expressive when experiencing this type of pain unfortunately.

A monster but still human, that's what I'm best described as. Same goes with all human beings. I'm no different, but I'm one of those guys who can see that we're all monsters more than any animal.

Those that lie and deceive, steal and kill, we all do those things for our best interest and I embraced that. We deceive to hunt, get and kill in more ways than one. But it's changed now that I'm with a bunch of wild sadistic animals.

It's like a neighbourhood of maniacs in the realm of the killers.

Everyone got the positions here.

I'm like the breaking news guy, except I publish newspapers to rub those goons' faces. And if I'm being thoughtful I would send selfies or full body pictures of my victims and distribute solid copies to them, pretty sure Freddy's really grateful to have Nancy's pale dead face pasted on those papers.

And while we can do anything we want in the Realm there are strict rules to maintain balance between the survivors and Killers, so any of those who dare disobey them will be heavily punished by the Entity itself.

Reaching towards my humble house, I step on the creaky steps before opening the front door. One of the rules all of us agreed on is not to pass into any of the killer's territory until permitted to, what I know very well living here is that many are sensitive to what's theirs in the boundary, be it grass or trees. As long as it's in the line of its owner, no consent needs to be pounced on the face, I learn it the hard way.

Once I walked inside I immediately placed the recent photos I took on the desk, fumbling with the other materials I didn't bother cleaning up, I watched some of my forgotten old photos from the surface falling to the wooden floor.

I shrug helplessly, eh I'll just let it stay there until I'm in the mood to pick them up.

Sighing quietly as I sat down on my chair, I flipped a page on a dusty newspaper glueing my eyes on the block and white picture of myself.

'GHOSTFACE BACK IN TOWN', 'ANOTHER POOR VICTIM FROM THE GHOST MASKED KILLER HIMSELF'.

Hah. I chuckled to myself. Good times.

I do really miss the time I had a reason for the killing. Instead of doing it because I have to feed the Entity, I used to have more compassion on my work.

The reason why Ghostface was born.

Now I'm picked up with all the rest of those monsters, trying to make me like them just because I'm one of those stories mothers tell their kids at night before they could piss themselves. A broken legend.

I grip the edge of the paper before resting my elbow to the arm of the couch not focusing on them anymore. Time really passes by really fast when all you do is the same damn thing. It's getting silly.

Before I can rest my eyes for another day I hear the shrieking sound of my doorbell ringing from outside.

Groaning, I tiredly place a palm on my forehead. So much of not going into anybody's territory. I decided to ignore it hoping that someone, be it Evans or Anna, would come by another time. Hopefully they would think nobody's home.

That didn't work as another doorbell rang again.

I really need to fix that shit, I don't want anybody to come in pressing that button, really sounds like an old lady giving birth.

After a couple of ringing continues I toss the newspaper that's originally on my hand to the paper covered floor finally standing up.

Kicking away the stuff blocking my way, I hesitantly open the door, caution seeping through my skin. On my side, I kept my palm holding the handle of my blade ready to attack.

Placing my face on the corner of the door I mumbled. " Who's there? "

I didn't hear any reply. Rude. Keeping myself still as possible I see the blue coverall jumpsuit covering my vision, wandering my eyes up. I was met with the heaviest sound of breathing as if someone in front of me is experiencing an asthma problem.

But I didn't act yet when I figured out who it was standing on the doorstep.

Ah, Michael fucking Myers.

The Shape or other known as the Haddonfield Boogeyman and one of my oldest projects on the journalism career. As dedicated to my job I do have my own leads on the relentless serial killer myself but since I am also a killer I did my best not to encounter the Shape personally.

You could say I was afraid, but who wouldn't be? Several rumours of him always getting back up even when shot multiple times, burned, stabbed and other things that can be considered death to a normal human being.

Out of all the monsters I accuse of anyone I ever lay my eyes on, He is the most monstrous of them all. Compared to those who are sickly grotesque physically, the fact that Michael has a form of a normal passerby is nerve wracking. Maybe that's why I admired him, because he doesn't even hide it even when wearing a mask.

And now all my years of avoiding the giant I manage to meet him face to face because we're both trapped in the Realm for all eternity, I'm surprised no one managed to kill each other once that happens. Yeah that's a lie.

There's no 'us serial killers stick together' bullshit. We all tried to kill each other sometimes and that wouldn't work because we're immortal thanks to the being itself.

Now thinking of this, my mood turned sour.

" What are you doing here, Myers? Sorry to say this but I got no pictures of Laurie Strode for you to jerk off to. " I said with no care of my words. Even if Laurie is actually the sister of Michael, that guy stalked her silently everywhere like a shy highschool girl.

Michael didn't say anything as usual, but I can see his fist tightening from my words. It's hard to tell if he's mad or just neutral since he always kept that blank look underneath the mask. I always find that about him menacing but I won't admit it out loud.

His shoulders going up and down as if to calm himself, the giant tilted his head. So killing me is not what he came for, good to know.

But it still unnerves me because never had Michael ever come up to me like this so I was oblivious on what to do in this kind of situation. Before the air around us became even more awkward I opened the door wide and stepped aside.

" Do.. you want to come in? " I ask, assuming that's what he wants.

The silent giant can only do much as he just stares at me for a few seconds before walking past me inside. Controlling my annoyance I grip the doorknob tightly before closing the door. Having the Shape himself in my messy home is totally normal.

I watch Michael carefully while kicking the objects I bother picking up out of the way, there are still scraps on the floor around the area but Michael doesn't seem to care as he steps on the crinkled ghostface newspaper.

Normally I wouldn't mind considering the papers are really out of date and meaningless at this point but seeing someone else besides me (the Shape nonetheless less) is like getting punched in the gut.

Sitting down on my couch I tap my finger impatiently waiting for Michael to explain his sudden visit, the giant indeed didn't waste any time as he makes himself comfortable, placing both his hands on his lap but one hand still holding his knife.

" Okay, I see you have gotten quite at home in MY own home. That's nice, now mind explaining to me what you want because I don’t do charades very well."

I scratch the upper side of my neck beneath the mask in irritation, damn I didn't manage to wash the mask properly after my last kill, my skin's gonna leave a rash.

Hearing my words Michael still didn't do anything, that was until he raised his hand that wasn't holding anything and pulled something out from his pocket, hearing the sound of crumpling I'm guessing it's a paper he then smoothen out the paper before showing it to me.

It turns out to be a picture, I lean closer to squint not getting the image at first, it looks like it came from a newspaper but was cut out by Michael himself. With an image as big as that, it must be a big deal.

" What am I looking at here? " I ask again, besides its distorted imagery there is a distant figure in the middle around the trees that it's pictured somewhere in the woods, a scary place for normal people.

As I got a closer look I noticed how tall the man was compared to the height of the tree beside it. It would freak me out if not for the bad capture of the photo.

" Let me guess, a supernatural being on the loose? " I started, hoping it's what Michael wanted to show me.

Michael didn't respond but he placed down the paper.

" You think the Entity is going to recruit more like us? "

It would make sense considering that's what the Entity has been doing, but it's kind of weird since it's been a while since there have been a newcomer.

The shape only hangs his head for a while as if what I said is something of a puzzle. I raise a brow underneath my mask, wondering what's inside the guy's head.

In truth, I had seen a picture like that a few days ago, but the last pictures were much blurry compared to the recent one Michael showed me, the same tall pale man that's been standing in the woods, it's always in the woods that the newspaper showed us he's in.

Digging through stuff was once my biggest hobby but all I can find about the recent rumours of the guy was just far away images of him, it didn't bother me since I wasn't interested in knowing every monster that pops up and because everyone who were notorious enough to be noticed by the Entity gets sent down here.

Michael shifts his position, grabbing my attention again. Thinking about something, he moves his head left and right in a slow manner to answer my previous question. He then stands up before walking towards me.

I quickly lean backwards from my couch, startled by the sudden movement. " Hey-..! I didn't say something wrong did I? "

I cursed myself for always having to be shown panicky around him, what else can I do, he's Michael fucking Myers. Everything around him just moves around his will, even normal air can become suffocating when you're near him.

Stopping abruptly, Michael kneels down and picks up an empty piece of paper from the floor and a marker that dropped from the corkboard of my marked victims. He then stands up and places the paper on the table in front of me before writing something and flips it over. Still holding on to the marker like how he held his knife, I silently lean forward to read it.

'IF ENTITY THINK ON NEW CHOSEN KILLER IN ITS GAME WILL KNOW'

After taking a look, I stare at the emotionless pale mask whose stare is looming down at me. Boy, does Michael suck at grammar.

" I know you're not into writing long paragraphs, but you should have put the 'I' before the 'will know' just in case I don't have to read again to get it, and the 'a' before 'chosen killer' would be great. I also think a 'will' would be perfect between the 'Entity' and 'think' just saying. Would you mind writing it all over again? An exercise. " I rambled on with the Jed Olsen facade habit before flipping the paper towards Michael.

The intimidating stare gives me enough that it's a no.

I shrug off quickly. " Alright no exercise, at least be thankful for my small lecture. "

Man does that guy know nothing of lightening up the mood. But even if it's either lazy writing or that Michael's still learning it surprises me that he chose to communicate with me instead of choking me. Not that I would enjoy the idea.

The giant gave out a small audible grunt that sounded like a sigh before tapping on the table beside the sheet of paper impatiently.

" Okay, so you think something's up with this tall figure? " Getting a short nod from the man I cross my arms demandingly. " And you came to me about this, why exactly? "

I do wonder why the Michael Myers came to specifically, not that I'm ever used to there being many killers out there he could communicate with, I have no interest with the topic whatsoever.

The giant raises his finger and points at my camera laying in the corner of my desk then towards me. I quirk my brow trying to figure out what he's trying to say, I know you can talk Michael please use your words. Should I try learning about ASL, does he know ASL? Looking back and forth at the camera and me I let out a long 'ahhh'.

" Oh, you want me to scoop out the rumours using my identity as Jed Olsen? "

Michael nods, finally putting his finger down. He really wants to murder me right now I can tell. It's amazing how he tries not to since he needs me to find out about some mysterious paranormal creature. Oh well, death doesn't sound much scarier than I originally felt as a young child.

Crossing my leg over my other, I ask. " What's in it for me? Besides money, what would you exchange to me for the updates? "

With no hesitation Michael quickly sprang towards me as if he already knew what to expect from my question, he placed his hand on my shoulder in a harsh manner before creeping down my throat. I immediately recoiled by the action.

" You really don't have anything you can think of besides not choking me to death if I fail?! " I freaked, smacking the hand away to which Michael retreated.

The giant can only cock his head thinking what else to reward me. If I were a survivor, Michael would definitely place an obsession mark or just kill me right on the spot. I tiredly rub my forehead. It's better to do what he says. Who knows how long he's going to stalk me until he gets what he wants.

" Fine.. Fine! Only because I have nothing else to find something to write about. " That seemed to satisfy Michael as he gave enough space for me to breathe sweet air. Ignoring my own sigh of relief I leaned back to fully face the blank masked killer. " When do you want it due, I can speedrun. "

'When I have enough connections' I internally add. But since the news can only collect many details of a new killer, it's going to take how many months until it dies down so I have a lot of time to dig. Michael's hands were laying on the side but his hand raises up in a small motion as if to say anytime. I didn't take it lightly so I figure about a few days like 3-5 and I'll be ready with a lot of leads. My experience as a journalist still seeps in through my blood and a new motivation appears even when it's originally not my idea.

" Alright then, give me a few days, if you want anything just go to me, do not stalk, just go to me and at least let me see you before you get near me. Otherwise I'll have a heart attack if you dare appear behind without me knowing. " Something inside me tells me that he really wants that.

Michael didn't let out any sound but he nodded, scrunching the paper he brought back into his pocket before turning around towards my door. It's one of the awkward moments of a visit since I'm the only one who does the talking of the agreement, it's also nerve-wracking that I tried to wrap my head around what that guy's trying to say otherwise he might threaten to tear my limbs off if I guess wrong which he'll do as an example.

Twisting the knob I receive a non-existent silent goodbye as he walks out of my cabin. I'm not surprised how he moves so silently, even the things he touches, be it creaking stairs or opening a car door but it still creeps me out. Glad not to be a victim.

Alright, I shake my thoughts away. I should get to work.

Stretching my limbs I turn to the clock checking the time I'll be going to the surface on my day career.

_________________________

3rd POV:

As Michael walks out of Ghostface's turf he hears a quiet sound of rustling from the bushes by the strong wind. It always gives an ominous chill to the bone how Michael convinces himself that the Entity can manipulate anything around him especially in the fog since it traps all of the killers in a specific area.

It never bothers him since he prefers this type of atmosphere, the woods would still be the woods since the normal ones are always suspicious. A place where you can get easily lost if you don't keep track of your environment. He always does, maybe that's why the survivors are wary of bumping into them.

Facing a killer, they really have to use the environment, either they'll side with them and use the advantage to hide as long as they're good at it or avoid it as it's always been a killer's best spot to either camouflage or stalk them.

Michael should have asked Ghostface to have a word with him before barging into his house so that he can be aware, the sudden intrusion made the shorter male bitter and it made Michael question himself if it's the right time since Ghostface wore a comfortable pair of bunny slippers and a bathrobe.

He could have ignored it but he's 'talking' to him about business so it is a bit awkward.

As he continues walking through the dark neighbourhood he hears another rustling coming his way, except it's not moving naturally. Michael grips the handle of his knife tightly but doesn't act yet since it could have been one of the slashers and he's not in a mood for a fight.

Suddenly a buff figure pops out from the thick fog. Michael relaxes but keeps his guard up. It's not everyday that he sees Even MacMillan strutting towards him, he tilts his head to the side and sees the Trapper not holding his signature weapon.

" Not surprised to see you going to Danny for the job on the newspaper shtick. '' Evan rubbed the back of his neck to squeeze the harsh spot one of the survivors struck him on. " You didn't tell him the whole thing about it didn't you? "

Receiving a blank look from Michael Evan let out a laugh. " Hah! Right you can't. The situation must be so awkward between you two, honestly anybody who isn't alright with you just staring during a convo would be downright uncomfortable. "

Inside his mask, Michael let out an eye roll even though he knew he's right. It's been so long since he has spoken so talking is going to take a while for him to make a perfect sentence, he really needs to learn ASL from Jason.

" Have you already contacted the Entity? " Michael faced towards Evan and just shrugged. The trapper looked at him unimpressed by the response.

Michael let out a sigh. He has, among the other killer he's not afraid to encounter the Entity by will and because of that the said being would always keep an eye out on the masked man. During his silent interrogation with The Entity all he can gather is that it's hiding something related to the recent killer, what he can know now is that the figure normally targets young victims unlike many killers here that targets older people.

Evan stared at the silent male and frowned, crossing his arms. " We shouldn't be worried right, until we get news from the being itself, if not then it would bring some questions. "

Michael raises a brow. If it's something the Entity can't control and take. If he could remember the only time he was in here is because of Laurie, and knowing that she can't actually die permanently he'll have to stay until he can think of a way around it.

He nods in response to the Trapper before walking away back to his own cabin. He ignores the stare Evan gave him as he just stands on his own spot giving him a silent message that they'll talk later.

Chapter Text

3rd POV:

Jeff let out a blow of puff hair as he swindled a stick he picked up from the ground. “Did Slendy say when exactly he’ll come back?"

The woods always gave him a negative vibe, not in a scary way hell no but he prefers walking around the streets where the people are. As he asked, his thoughts curved to his recent ponder, Slenderman was acting a bit strange before leaving the territory, he normally doesn’t pay attention to those stuff since he’s not one to pry but his suspicion is growing strong.

“He mentioned he’ll be here soon but not anything specific." Eyeless Jack replied, bored as Jeff is.

The latter sighed before throwing the stick far towards the tree metres away. “How have the guys been doin’? Been a while since I visited them."

“If you miss them you should go and see for yourself."

“Nevermind. Pass."

“Why not?" EJ asked no interest in the topic but decided to indulge in further. “They’re as insane as you are."

Jeff narrows his bulged out eyes at the humanoid entity. “Last time I remembered crazy mixed in with crazy isn’t a good combo. And I’m pretty sure they all hate my guts."

“For Jane it’s understandable. For the others it might be a personal preference." The said humanoid entity wipes his blood stained mouth before pulling his mask down to cover his whole face.

That earned an eye roll. “What happened to Jane is an act out of instinct and obsession; she should get over it."

“There it is. That’s the reason why she hates you." EJ points out.

“I made her beautiful!" Jeff raises both his hands up, suddenly feeling offended. “She should be thanking me!"

“Thanking you from ruining her normal life and killing her family then proceeds to burn her and turn her into the creature she is, yeah I’ll be waiting for that moment."

Letting out a sigh, the killer rubbed the back of his neck. “Say, want to go hunting again? Since the guy is still somewhere else we know nothing about and hasn’t been giving us orders, we’re free to do anything."

EJ stands up in cue on Jeff’s invitation. “Sure. Let me wipe my tools for a bit."

__________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Ghostface (Danny Johnson/Jed Olsen) POV:

I quickly leave my shack and the realm early in the morning for work.

While many killers are restricted to go up for more than a couple of hours (since most would pass time ending many lives out in the surface as possible), I am the few lucky ones that have a longer time blending with normal folks considering I am one of the killers who are the most human out of the group and have no problem restraining myself.

After all my killings are all thought out and planned, and my targets are naturally the survivors, I tend to play it safe letting myself be one of the most favoured of the Entity since I also did my job well feeding it.

Today I had a new goal in mind for the daily interview. I promised Michael I’ll snoop in some useful information I can find from my peers or suspects in exchange from being left alone.

Not a big deal but it’s very worth it when you're being stalked by the Shape himself.

Sipping my coffee I lay my head on my palm as I scroll through the history of the files in the computer. 

“These rumours are no joke." I can hear the clear conversation from the desk behind me. “Yesterday evening I got a call from my aunt that someone’s been trying to snatch up Darla when she was all alone in Mc Dee’s."

“All alone? Is your aunt crazy?"

“They were already done eating and she asked Darla to wait for her in the car. A couple minutes after she came back, she saw the girl standing outside the vehicle curling into a ball.“ The woman’s voice pauses before continuing. ''Didn’t say a word ever since, even covering both her eyes when she was asked about what happened, the poor girl must have been so scared."

“ Which Mc Dee’s did they go out to? “ Another female voice asked.

“I think the one near her house.“

A gasp was heard. “Really? I’m not surprised if there’s anything scary going on there. That area is really dark around the place. Why’d they even think building a restaurant near the woods is even a good idea?"

“Not sure myself."

I hummed by their conversation, leaning back I turned to the two women. “Sorry for overhearing you ladies but can I ask something, I just think it’s related to my new project."
The woman who’s been telling the story looked up at me and nodded, seemingly not surprised by my approach towards her. "Oh sure. Go ahead Mr. Olsen.“ 

I quickly raise up my pen and notebook. “About the uh one you mentioned, Darla didn’t say anything at all?"

“Well.. she was afraid to turn the lights off in her bedroom and cried that auntie turned it off when she thought she was asleep last night. She muttered a lot earlier this morning. I got a call from auntie complaining that she has to keep an eye on her since all she could hear is Darla talking about a man wanting to kidnap her."

“Did she describe what the man she saw looked like?" I pushed in wanting to find out more.

The woman sighed. “No. But there’s this whole problem going on with the new monster and all, the internet, making me anxious."

“It could be her being paranoid to strangers." The other woman beside her said. “People in your area always looked crafty. Especially those eating at McDee’s near the woods."

“Could be. I have to make sure Darla’s not going to bother auntie anymore."

While I was a bit disappointed since it could be anyone wanting to kidnap a child, it still gives me hope that the woods are brought up. I just nod while writing the important details in my notebook. I closed it before waving at the ladies.

“Thanks. Sorry for bothering."

“That’s fine." The woman said before tilting her head. “Are you asking me this because of the new killer going around?"

“Yeah. Noticed that it’s a big topic of conversation here lately."

“I understand. Many here are looking up about the mysterious man actually, though the pictures could be edited who knows." The woman shrugged while she picked up her cigarette. “There hasn’t been anything exciting going on around here for so long."

Because it’s going to give me another thing to cover since my original identity has been exposed, I don't want to stress myself while making the same mistake as another guy. I stared at her silently and nodded along.

“Hey Jed, someone’s here to see you."

I turn around to see Manny standing on the corner of the door outside.

“Oh alright." I greeted the ladies goodbye before walking outside the office, the pen and notebook are still with me. I followed Manny. “Is it someone I know?"

“No. It’s a local investigator from another town. Mr Smith is his name, said he’s come here to track down the blank faced figure. “

I raise a brow by his words. “ Then why’d you come for me, surely that guy hasn’t heard of me before."

“Boss suggests your right for the job on the interview, you're really one of the best in the office in scooping up some articles." Manny explained, strutting forward to open the door for me. “Just say what he wants to know, I’m sure you're familiar with paranormal, supernatural stuff. I saw many pictures you print on your desk, you didn’t study just for the projects the Boss assigned you huh."

I stiffened a bit. Letting out an embarrassed cough on my wrist I hear Manny chuckle. “You didn’t tell any of this to the boss right?"

“Your talent for digging good stuff I did tell him that though I’m pretty sure he’s aware, but don’t worry I didn’t say anything about your obsession with serial killers and monsters."

I let out a sigh, just the serial killers or any big talk that can influence the media. Many research I did are for all favours from the killers back in the realm because I’m really that dependable. Between me, Amanda or the Legion I am very thorough with the job assigned to me. 

I wasn’t that nervous of Manny’s words because It still puts me in a safe spot, if you’re in this place you can see how much of the people here are invested in this horror type of stuff. 

I rub the back of my neck sheepishly. “Sorry ‘bout that, it’s kind of my hobby."

“No worries, I used to be infatuated with horror movies so meeting an actual humanoid creature sounds kind of exciting."

Not really when you're living with a lot of them. I didn’t say anything but I did make a face of doubt, Manny didn’t notice since I turned away at the last moment.

“"Well, I’ll be leaving you here. Boss gave me more workload for me to work on." Manny groaned while saying that, earning my look of ‘sympathy’.

I gave Manny a wave and a grin before turning my back on the man who walked away. Placing my fist on the door I knocked on the wood softly and waited. It took less than a minute before the door opened and my boss, Mr Anderson, greeted me with his usual stern expression. “Thought you’d be arriving late but you’re just in time, I was having our guest with some coffee while we talked about his experiences in his career."

Turning my head to the man sitting on Mr. Anderson’s couch, he stands up and places his fedora on his chest to do a small bow as a greeting. His appearance is that of a person in his late forties, maybe early fifties, with a visible undercut and hair combed well in the middle. His suit also looked simple with a bit of class and cleanliness making me intimidated in a ‘first job interview’ kind of way.

“Good morning. Jed Olsen is it?" He spoke in a calm and distinguished manner. 
I place my hand on his, giving a handshake. 

“Yes, you're the one calling for me?"

“Mr. Stuart Smith is an active investigator coming from Seattle but moved around." Mr. Anderson introduced the man. “It’s a bit impressive to stay in a career for thirty years to still be going strong."

“It is." Stuart coughed on his fist as he smiled at me with no hint of genuinity. “I came here for the case of the missing children incidents and want to ask someone here that’s going to be a huge help for me. Mr Anderson called you because you’re good with your position is it not?"

I nod immediately. “Yes, I've just been passionate about working for the newspapers since I was a little boy sir."

Noticing through my talk I eyed the half finished bottle of beer on the man’s grip but quickly moved my gaze elsewhere towards his face. The Stuart guy really looks like he’s about to pierce my chest with just his eyes. In my years of working it’s my first time seeing someone, a human, staring at me with no effort at going through my soul and it’s bone chilling. I did my best to be oblivious.

“I’ll be out to find my secretary, you two can have your conversation here." Mr Anderson said before leaving his office. I have no opinion with that man besides being hidden in his workplace he seems more non-existent than the other employees I worked with. Aside from being MIA all the time he does have a good relationship with all of us.

As the door closed I turned my attention to the man who was eyeing at me like he’s waiting for me to perform something. The way he stares at my whole being in a straight line with no breaking contact makes the tension in the room more awkward, but I just keep standing still with both my hands in front not letting out a hint of discomfort. It’s nothing new to me.

After a small movement from the man he lays his head on the side as if he’s finished analysing me top to bottom.

“What are you doing standing over there? Come sit with me." Stuart scooted over the couch to make a space open beside him.

“Oh-."

I blinked, not expecting the sudden politeness from the mister. I thought he’s about to make some heartless comment about the clothes I’m wearing today or if there’s any proof of bedhead I just missed fixing up this morning.

Quickly apologising for my rudeness I walk towards the couch and plop myself down not wanting to cause any disrespect before the interview starts.

Propping my hands together I ignore the heavy feeling in my chest. “So, from Seattle, right?"

I must look like an awkward person but I managed to keep things professional. After all, with my experiences, bonus of my life as Danny Johnson, it’s easy for me to get the job done which might surprise most of my colleagues since they fell for my geeky and dorky facade.

After a small silence, Stuart responded. “Yeah, but I left during my twenties for the job. Many cases are happenin’ in other places and I had to move around causing me a little money to get by for moving in different areas, even when checking in on the cheap motels."

“Ah.. I feel you. I originally came from somewhere else too until finally settling in this town. The thing is, it's pretty peaceful here compared to other places."

“So I’ve heard until now right?" 

I smiled tightly. “Yeah, yeah. Um, do you want me to give you the papers of the missing people so far?"

“Go ahead." Stuart drank his beer and placed his empty bottle down on the table. 

I stand up and go to the desk where the boss keeps the recent news reports and place the files down the table beside the empty bottle. “While many posters of missing children are placed everywhere we notice that there are cases of adults disappearing too."

The man nods as he cock his head reading the front of the page. Flipping through the files while silently reading some of it he finally placed it all down. I closely watch him carefully as his face looks almost unreadable. Seeing his calm demeanour makes me think that he must have known everything written in there, or at least the main parts of the case.

“So do you have anything you want to ask me?"

“No, this is all I’m here for, thank you."

What. What? I opened my mouth but no sound came out. For the things I’ve been called for it turns out to be this. Confusion and puzzlement grows inside me wanting him to specify the things he said.

“A peek at the papers?"

“Not really. Just a confirmation." Stuart says idly leaning back in a relaxed manner.. “I don’t really need to ask for someone, I just had to ask this from your boss himself."

For some reason I feel like he’s playing with me.

I furrowed my brows confused. “Alright then. Guess I have to go if you don’t need me anymore."

“No stay, I want to talk more with you.“ The man chuckled, gesturing to me to come back. I just groaned quietly. “Say, I heard from your boss you managed to write stories of the incidents happening around somewhere else in your site, about murders and kidnappings.“

“That’s just most of it.." I didn’t sit back down but I kept myself comfortable standing up facing him. “While I’ve been around trying to research about strange occurrences in this town I found nothing out of the ordinary. That’s until I learned about the famous legends from other places."

Stuart listened with interest. "Other places?"

I try to act nonchalant in my response. “Yeah, you’ve heard of the cases of many killing sprees, all victims resulted with massive damage. It’s the talk of the century, no one in the papers, especially on the internet would stop discussing it."

And because of that, risky teenagers would tend to be themselves and test dangerous experiments just so they could meet Jason or whoever in person only to be left traumatised and forever scarred. Unlike some horror fiction that everybody loves, every killer who’s gotten the attention of someone curious will appear before them. At least what the media told us, in reality we just tend to sense out victims and play around a bit.

“So, since you got what you wanted, can I ask you something since you're an investigator and all?" I ask Stuart while preparing my equipment for my daily career. 

“Go ahead."

“Can you share your experience of solving cases? What are the differences and similarities you encounter? And what position do you play in each case?"

The man raised a brow and let out a deep chuckle. “You really ready yourself. Quite impressive you came up with the questions right away."

“It’s only the things I’m curious about, and important for my new story." I said immediately, using the pen to scratch behind my ear. 

“Of course." Stuart nodded and clasped his hands together leaning forward from his spot. “While there are differences in each case I encountered, there are some noticeable similarities. My position is not much interference but I helped through, like a past partner of mine with the name of Dr. Loomis, can say he’s a nice guy but he’s more focused on his goal so people might call him crazy."

I didn’t say anything about said partner but I took note of it.

“Aside from my main missions I do keep track of the rest of the dangers around the world, and in each location I know lies a monster laying on their respective territories."

“And can you specify those monsters Mr. Smith?"

“Like most other cases, the missing victims. Besides here, many things are happening in different towns, places that still have active killers. The same who has been terrorising many, especially the old folks who witnessed the past, casse of what happened in Camp Crystal Lake, multiple regions in Los Angeles, Kinglsand, then there’s the Haddonfield Boogeyman incident in Illinois but it goes by many names."

I perked up from my journal. “Yeah, Krueger, the cannibal who wears his victim’s faces, then the boogeyman Michael Myers right?"

“No. I’m talking about the Shape." Stuart quickly interjects as if I’m saying something incredibly wrong. “Michael Myers died when he was a six year old boy. But I don’t blame you for making the mistake. It’s like a demon possession you witness in movies, it might look like a normal passerby but it’s actually somethin’ else. You see, demons always resemble a human in broad daylight but are simply a walking manifestation of.. Evil. They cannot be reasoned with, cannot be bargained with, and won’t stop until it gets what it wants, and what it always wants is the sorrow of their chosen victims."

His words sounded like he had his own share of bad experiences in the past, I wonder what killer he encountered before to have that mindset. That immediately piqued my interest, he could be the main topic of my new issue.

I raise a brow, if anybody in this modern day era would mention ‘The Shape’ five percent of the people out of Illinois would be confused compared to the name Michael Myers. It makes me realise how many became familiar and aware of the monster he came to be. “So you think he’s a demon?"

The man lay his head down in thought before speaking up. “That or worse, he could be the devil himself. Like you boy, there're many investigators who targeted specific monsters in their homeland but never result in anything good. To anyone who tries to haunt them themselves, I say they’re digging their own grave and will be making their own tombstone. Just like someone as young as you, twenties, thirties, should have been married and have kids than do any of these.. hobbies."

I shrugged. “It’s just my passion sir, and I’m not really into the idea of being married until I have finally settled down with my cases."

That or I don’t want/need for a romantic life or have any sex drive.

The man leans forward, finding a comfortable area from his position to sit. “Who are you hunting now?"

“The one I’ve been hunting for a while now, Ghostface, the Roseville boogeyman." I answered while fidgeting with the pen underneath my pocket, I’m kind of itching to stab Stuart with it but refrained. "I lived in the town before and I can tell you that every week there’s always been a case of slaughtering from the killer.  Well.. there is another journalist who tried hunting him down years ago, Danny Johnson, but it was then revealed that He is the one behind the ghostface mask."

Like a reversed Peter Parker underneath the Spiderman persona, I joked internally. I do wonder when I'll be returning to Roseville while many are still healing from the past, I still want to make a surprise revelation that ghostface is still alive and just came from a long vacation. I just miss that part of my life. Now I only just haunt the survivors in the Realm and track other killers that come out on the surface.

The Entity should be thankful of my spectacular loyalty towards ‘her’.

“I see, sounds quite a scooby-doo." Stuart said with small amusement. “Before I go, do you mind if I ask your boss for your number just in case I need something out of you? I’ll be staying here for a while."

“Hm?" I pause myself from writing and look at the man in surprise. Did I say something about this? “Sure, I can give you mine straight away."

"Good." Stuart said simply before leaning back and settling down.

It’s pretty strange that the guy who has been an investigator for so long hasn’t been heard of by me, a journalist with a glorious amount of experience, until I met him, it really seems like he could be some half-assed man who didn’t do his job properly to still be alive but then again he was once associated with Dr. Loomis. I can say he’s really good at avoiding bad places, either way I can tell he’s up to something regarding the cases and I’m a bit relieved he’s focused on the tall pale man rather than other killers from the Entity’s realm.

Watching him closely again, this time with hidden suspicion Stuart flick his finger on the empty glass of beer before directly looking at me with a glint of something I can’t quite decipher. 

“Can you ask your boss for another one?"

_________________________________________________________________________

I groaned out of my tiredness as I placed the pictures I printed in my bag. 

“Why the fuck did I let them give me so many favours? This is going to be the last."

The talk with Stuart took longer than I expected but I managed to do the job that’s requested of me. Maybe when I get back I’ll ask Michael about him and his association with Dr. Loomis.

Letting out a loud yawn I make sure to immediately sleep once I reach home, hopefully the Entity would at least grant me that wish. It’s difficult enough to multitask but my love for my hobbies is too strong.

Going back to what the Shape requested of me, I didn’t dig deeper yet to the other pictures since I haven’t had much time but looking at the images again, it started to slowly look clear. During my discussion with Stuart, I learned some information about the sicknesses related to the tall pale man.

I wonder since this town has been void of any killers, that there is finally a boogeyman. If that’s the case I should make sure to keep my guard up because aside from myself the new case seemed to be more of a paranormal creature than a human obviously but it is strange that one of the images I printed shows something behind the pale man.

Like a tentacle or tendril, big black tendrils that can easily make little kids have nightmares especially how the man doesn’t seem to have any facial features. 

All those things really gave me a headache. Michael really owes me. 

I’ll try to research more once I finally settle in. Walking through the dark woods on my way to the fog I suddenly hear something behind me.

*CRUNCH*

I didn’t flinch but the hairs on my back began to stand up and that’s not good. Curiously looking behind I see nothing besides the dark figures of trees and bushes.

Could it be someone I know? Survivors? Killers? But if it’s any of them then there’s no reason why I’m feeling such uneasiness. It could be a new danger.

Could it be? 

My hand slowly creeps to the handle of my bag, slowly getting the handkerchief that’s hiding my knife and quickly grabs a hold of my weapon. 

“Is someone there?" I called out. If it’s the pale man then it’s possible I could be screwed since I know nothing but the rumours said on the internet. 

As expected I get no response but I can feel the creature getting closer. The sudden urge of running became more active in my veins but I just stayed and waited for the man to show himself.

Then to my surprise the creature did and holy hell he’s much taller in person. With the same description that’s shown in the pictures, he indeed wore a business suit giving the creature a distinguished look.

Cocking his head to the side, the tall pale man stared momentarily at me. I’m not sure if it’s a good or bad thing.

“Look at you." I laugh shortly to hide my nervousness. “You really are causing trouble in the neighbourhood."

That caused a sound of a child giggling out of the man causing me to be shocked and look around if there’s anybody else here besides us. Did that really come out of him? If he can mimic a voice like that then it makes sense why there’s so many missing children and adults that are possibly parents.

I exhaled out before flipping the handle of my blade ready to attack.

Seems like the rumours of those who tried hunting down for the tall man to be hunted too is true. clenching my jaw, my hand gripping my bag where my combat suit is. As much as I can’t actually die it didn’t erase the fact that my heart is suddenly beating so fast letting myself know that standing before me is the real deal.

The Slender Man, called by the voices of the newspapers. Sounds like a fitting name.

The pale man looked down at me. I always hate it when someone is so damn unreadable because to me it really seems like he’s mocking me. Seeing the tendrils on his back begin to stretch I immediately react and dodge the incoming attack.

I place my palm hard on the ground to keep me from falling on my ass. Going back up I aim my knife towards him with a sharp throw causing the man to easily dodge with a move of his head letting the blade hit a tree bark instead.

The slender man took his time to glance at the knife I threw and I used the chance to race towards him while grabbing another blade I hid somewhere towards him.

“!!!!"

A tendril that came out of nowhere suddenly grabbed a hold of my arm, the pale man glanced back at me slowly. Gritting my teeth I let my hand loose from the grip as my other hand grabbed the knife before it fell and stabbed the tendril causing it to jerk.

“Oof!" My body landed on the ground. 

As I try to get back up to fight a sudden pain shoot me on my back through my chest. I choked out a scream but blood soon began to spit out of my lips.

Not fair. A guy gifted with abilities against a supernatural isn’t a good recommendation. The tendril that pierced through my body then pulled out causing myself to react violently, I began placing my hand on the wound feeling the liquid warmth embedding my torn shirt trying to stop the rapid flowing.

My fist tightens as I try to steady my heavy breathing. It’s going to take a while for this to heal but not enough before I become a reviving kebab corpse.

Glaring at the man playing with his food, I shakily stood up straight still ready to at least get a hit on the man but other thoughts told me to run away. “Fuck! It really hurts to force myself like this.."

Wiping my bloodied mouth I quickly turn around and limp my way through the trees to find the other side of the fog. It’s really pathetic I know but it’s way smarter than dying. If I can just reach the Realm I can heal faster.

Someone can easily die with this kind of wound but I really wish it would happen to me, it hurts a fucking lot compared to getting stab on the arm, I can suddenly feel all the survivors I ever played with and never give mercy to laughing at me.

I tried ignoring the fact that the pale man was following me and forced my legs to move faster knowing I’m almost there. I'm pretty sure he won’t be allowed to go to the Realm without the Entity’s permission unless he’s like Michael Myers.

It hurts, my vision is getting blurry and my body hurts. I never had this kind of pain for a long time and it’s never a good experience, either it’s karma finally getting back at me. I cursed, I’m pretty sure there are other killers that deserve more torture than me.

Finally stopping, I look around my surroundings waiting for a passageway to open up for me.

Peeking behind me I panted frustratingly to see the creature was nowhere in sight. I steady my breathing while keeping quiet, I doubt the pale man would stop following me and keep my guard up.

That however didn’t work as a tendril caught up to my throat and squeezed tightly causing myself to drown with the incapability of breathing with the massive wound I have.

“Ngh..-!! Gk…!!" 

I weakly claw the tendril that’s a hold of me but of course it’s no use. 

Suddenly I’m met with an eyeless creature observing me silently, since he’s really fucking tall he raise his tendril up to get a look at me but the action didn’t help with my body as I feel myself going numb and helpless.

Opening my mouth I try to gasp for air through choking and swallowing the blood that’s been gurgling in and out but only lets out a small dryless sound. 

The pale man looked at me before dropping me to the ground.

I hissed, internally seething at how the man treats me so uncaringly while being aware of what I’m experiencing right now. 

I lay my body back grunting before crying out the feeling of getting dragged from the harsh ground of stones and sharp grass. I can’t feel anything much but the faint touch of the pale man's tendrils pulling my leg wasn’t ignored.

The creature began to walk in long strides as my body let out trails of blood.

I have to do something before I’d actually lose consciousness.

I look down, maybe I can warn someone from the realm. I unattached the sling from my waist to let my bag loose.

Clutching the object I’ve been carrying miraculously through all the pain I tossed it far to the side of the tree. As I watch it fall to the dirt a wave of hope wash through me, at least it’s near the boundaries of the door. I pray for the Entity to help me at least once. If it does appear on the realm it will take a while for anyone to see the bag.

The pale man doesn't seem to notice at all or care what I’m doing as he continues to drag me somewhere. I’m not bound to take in anything of the situation as I fall into a deep dark slumber. 

A sound of a child’s laughter echoed through the dark woods.

______________________________________________________________________

3rd POV:

Michael knew the exact schedule of when Ghostface normally go out and come back, while it is unusual since he never remember something like that from anyone he’s not interested in, it’s something he kept track of unintentionally like seeing a neighbour come and go.

“Amanda kept bothering me with updates. It's annoying."

During his time in the Realm he had to sit down and hear a lot of Evan’s complaining, he did try some ways to oppose it like giving silent but deadly threats but the other killer wasn’t frightened with him and it’s no use if he were to try to kill the man since he would heal quickly.

It was his fault for coming here with a set goal in mind not knowing the consequences of getting stuck, now he can’t come out to the surface without the Entity’s permission and it frustrates him.

Time passed by fast here so Michael originally didn’t worry about being impatient until right now. It felt like something was itchy around his skin.
He taps on his knee repeatedly while sitting on the stairs of the entrance of Ghostface’s shed with his back straight like a re-positioned mannequin while Evan leans on the dusty window sill. They both stayed like that for hours.

“I spy with my little eyes."

The killer beside him started and Michael stilled.

“Something tall and broody."

No answer came from the Shape and Evan let out a hoarse laugh from his hideous grin.

“Your right buddy, It’s you."

No answer again but Michael internally groans. Even when Evan is similar to Jason, a killer he deeply respects and who he would tend to attack at any given chance just because it's fun and amusing.The only difference and problem between Jason and Evam is that Evan talks, and that alone annoys him.

Pretty sure it’s not what Evan would usually do but to infuriate Michael, he’ll do anything. The trapper notices the frustration from the masked killer and feels a bit prideful assuming it’s about staying beside Michael even when he doesn’t have to.

Letting out an annoyed grunt Michael stands up from the stairs he’s been sitting on and tries to wait in another area. Suddenly he feels the other killer looking up as if to catch something.

Evan smirked before grimacing. “That fucking cunt never forgets to put cologne into everything he wears."

Michael tilts his head watching the trapper snorting out the strong smell of deodorant and vanilla. It’s been a given fact that out of all the killers, Ghostface is the only one that smells good and not of rotten corpses and dried blood. Michael himself does shower but not much.

The young adult keeps giving a refreshing scent considering he always washes his clothes to hide any evidence, the same goes when there’s no visible stains. Apart from being temperamental he’s aware that he’s more meticulous and intelligent than he’s being credited for given that his job involves being with many people on the day.

But sometimes it would amuse him that every time Ghostface shows up, Evan would tend to turn his head away and act dangerously grumpy. Sometimes there are regrets about having trained senses. 

“It’s weird. Did Danny attend some formal party, the smell is stronger than what he usually uses and it’s sickening."

He hears Evan mutter but there’s a sudden edge in the trapper’s voice and instantaneously  Michael can sense it too.

A dark and ominous feeling falling to the pit of his stomach. Something dangerous passing the borders of the gateway of the Realm and it’s obviously not someone that’s been here. Walking slowly with silent but heavy steps that he can’t help Michael look around through the thick fog waiting for some foreign thing to pop out.

He saw Evan walking forward, focusing on the smell like a wolf picking up a trail. Michael decided to follow him.

Stepping on dead twigs and looking through hollow sounds of no birds and crickets, the portal is close.

“I see something. Over there." Evan points his chin towards the direction of two trees covered by the mist, under it is an object lying down.

Michael bends down and plants his hand firmly on the ground until he can feel the leather. A bag, picking it up he hears something fall out of it, a notebook. 

He remembers the bag Ghostface always brought with him whenever he plays his facade as a normal everyday journalist and seeing it without its owner wearing it already gives that something is off.

Michael narrows his eyes suspiciously at the bag laying down on the grass, looking closely he sees that beside the notebook is a broken glass bottle filled with a strong substance.

“It’s more insufferable up close.." Evan’s muffled voice piped out from his covered mouth attempting to block the chemicals out of his nostrils.

Michael agrees with Evan as his nose crinkles, stepping back he opens the bag completely looking for some hint where the man could have gone, maybe some evidence about the mysterious pale man. He then felt something thin inside.

Picking up the ruffled papers from the bag, Michael unfolded it and flipped to see what images were probably printed by the younger killer. Although it’s pretty dark and the fog didn’t help with his vision it did help as he can see some visual aspects on the paper. His breath hitched.

Evan also frowned how his nose picked up another scent that smelled of iron. Blood.