Evergreen Mountain Academy

Chapter 5: Honor the Dead

I don't understand. Basil stands under the open arched door of the academy, listening to the cool Autumn breeze whistling through the branches of the willow tree out in the courtyard and staring beyond it at the woods, which seemed quite frankly, the exact opposite of someplace mysterious and knowledge-giving and very much the place she did not want to go, especially on All Hallows Eve night... Students disappear in the forest, what could possibly be out there?

I'm afraid you'll have to find out for yourself.

Nova, I don't like this. What do you mean? You can't... talk to others.

The jraxon faces Basil, standing out in the moonlight. Her light blue sweatshirt falls over her shoulders, the only sweater she ever wears, and her eyes reflect none of the lantern light blazing out of the academy windows. She leaves no trace of shadow on the courtyard gravel; the light of the full moon passes through her like she doesn't exist. Her face is twisted into that of sympathy, eyebrows knit together and raised as if to tell Basil, "that's where you're wrong."

Basil's ears draw back and she flashes Nova a reluctant look. What aren't you telling me?

It's not my place to say. But I can show you. Your fear surrounds you; it's consuming you, I can see it clearly. Fortunately, it's the simple case of not knowing, and that I can fix. I thought maybe you could move past it, but this has gone on for too long. I'm sorry for not realizing sooner. Nova reaches a paw out towards Basil, beckoning her towards the woods. I'm afraid you may need to overcome some fears on the way, but I believe you can do it, and I promise the answers are worth it.

Music blasting from through the academy halls floats through the air all the way to the door. Its rhythm beckons Basil, promising a good time if she returns. Its melody creeps along the floor, seeping into the cracks in the ground like a threat. "Go, leave. You will never belong here. Whatever atrocities lay awaiting out there are no worse than the repudiation that will follow you forever if you stay."

All right, Nova. Basil clenches their fist. Show me.

----------------------------------------------------------------------------------

The woods had seemed ominous and mysterious enough from the dorm window. Turns out, the rustling of the wind, colorless flora, and chilly, damp soil made it all the more less welcoming while wandering in the middle of the night. Loose branches creak overhead, threatening to fall and trap Basil in an endless maze of spiny bramble forever with only the light of the full moon for company. And Nova, of course.

Just a little farther.

Where... are we going, exactly? Basil asks, stepping over a bush and snagging the raggedy trim of her costume.

I'll explain when we get there.

It isn't exactly out of character for Nova to speak vaguely, but the dark, dreary scenery alongside her friend's mysteriousness makes Basil shiver. She takes another step and finds the ground is soft and vegetation-less as her paw sinks into a shallow divot.

Stop.

Basil freezes. Right where her next step would have been, a snare triggers, tightening around empty air and flinging against a nearby tree with scratched bark.

How did you—

This forest is dangerous. I'm sorry for bringing you here, but I think it's time for you to learn the truth. About Jraxon High. About what happened that day. About you. About me...