The edge of the woods.... [Final Results Up!]

[fuiuki]

Hike, start!
Username: fuiuki
Link to roll call post: Boop
Link to previous form: Here!
Prompt response:

Lucas was very relieved to see that there were quite a lot of people going on the hike. He was sad that Aamon had been caught outside (although he had no idea why he WASN'T, maybe they noticed how scared he was and was nice to him...), it did mean he didn't have someone brave with him to go on the hike with... but if they were a lot of people, it wouldn't be so scary after all! Safety in numbers and all that.

Feeling a bit more at ease than he did earlier that evening, he looked around to see how many of his friends were there. Thankfully quite a lot were still on, but sooo many had chickened out! Not that Lucas didn't understand that though, he was almost going to drop out of this too! Almost. He wouldn't be able to look himself in the mirror if he was a chicken though! There was no two ways about it, he had to go on the hike! Seems a lot of kids weren't as brave as him though. Maybe that's for the best... if they couldn't handle the hike before it even started, they might've outright FAINTED on the hike itself! Nobody wanted to carry passed out chickens around on a hike, no sir...

Lucas was starting to feel confident, the hike would probably be really fun! He'd impress everyone with how brave he was! His confidence took a nosedive however, as it became increasingly apparent that a lot of kids were determined to go solo and not stay in groups. Oh no! Who would he go with now!?

Thankfully, just as the hike started, he spotted some of his friends huddled together and getting ready to leave. He quickly made his way over as they started moving.

"Hey, hey guys! Wait up!"

[Takk]

Hike, start!
Username: Takk
Link to roll call post: Here
Link to previous form: Spooks!

:Prompt response:
Looking out at the dark forest, Nala felt a little discouraged at the acres of forest that spread out before her. She carried a small, over the shoulder bag with lemonade, a flashlight, some snacks and a can of spray paint in case she got lost. It could also be used to start a fire or scare off bugs, so she was happy to bring it along! Around each of her wrists were two friendship bracelets she'd made in arts and crafts; four total. Thinking of the fun she had all day would distract her from this looming darkness.
Joining the other kampers, she gazed around wondering if Ajax would be here. A good handful of other kampers got caught breaking rules the night before, she hoped he wasn't one of them. The idea of not getting caught gave her a rush, like so many times before she'd evaded the law or rules. Nala wasn't always proud, but she loved the feeling of doing something you weren't supposed to... Fueled by her memory, she walks fully up to the woods and peers down the path.
It was swallowed in shadows a good ten feet in, probably couldn't see three feet in front of your face once you entered. A test of courage, she was the bravest girl in her family (by default)! Her hand tightened around her bag feeling ready and happy. Even better, standing here a bit away from the group, she could see pale, lime green fur decorated with black stripes. A blush fell over her face knowing his fur in an instant. She was going to be brave, she had to be.
Taking a breath, she keeps a stern look on her face approaching Ajax and his group of friends. Boys, laughing as always about who knows what. Nala would feel a lot safer if she had friends here. Perking her head up, she loudly clears her throat so the group is now focused on her. Tail flicking back and forth, she points her finger against his nose. "You're going to be my hiking partner..!" She stampers, not willing to admit this was easier than facing the forest.
His eyes are wide for a moment, blinking in surprise before letting out a burst of laughter. "You scared too huh? That's cool, safety in numbers." His laugh made her flush red again, almost completely forgetting about the dark, nightmare hike they were out to go on. What a lame first date she picked out... Not a story for the grandkids; if she survived.

[Lepid]

Hike, start!
Username: DoubleInfiniti
Link to roll call post: oof
Link to previous form: boop
Prompt response:

Anabiel kept checking her watch as she began to pack a few things for the Test of Courage. She shoved some pepper spray, a flash light, and of course her sock full of peanut butter into her backpack. It was nearly time for them to start their hike! Anabiel rushed as she ran up right before it had started. She had almost been late but she would’ve freaked out if she had to sit with a ton of Kampers while anticipating the dark forest. Anabiel half believed that this was going to operate like a haunted forest, with all the counselors jumping out and scaring everybody and leaving booby-traps our everywhere. She also half felt like there really was something in that forest...

She gulped as she slowly made her way towards the front. She had seen too many horror movies where the people in the back get taken and scared the most. Besides, all the really crazy brave kids were up front. They already made Anabiel feel safer but just in case, she took her pepper spray out and a flashlight as her group slowly began to walk into the forest. The kids behind her were anxious but the kids by her were already yelling and running off. Anabiel felt a small boost of confidence as she turned her flashlight on. She was ready for what the forest had to give her.

[Avisowl]

Hike, Start!


Username: Avisowl

Link to roll call post:

Link to previous form:

Prompt response;

Light flooded his eyes, blood rushed up to his paws. Paxon lurched out in fear and surprise the of a terrible dream. He screamed out, hair standing on his neck. Kalons around him snickered “We’re going on the Test Of Courage, with that wimp?” Paxon flinched at the hurtful words, his fur rising. “I am hiking myself! I will do the Test Of Courage alone!” Paxon screamed, causing the whole cabin to hunch over in silence. They continued to pack in silence, Paxon felt a wave of awkwardness push against his sides. With all the nerves jittering through his system, he packed messily. Paxon forgot his flashlight, food, and a coat. He picked up his bag and marched out of the cabin. As soon as the door slammed behind him, he heard the cabin laughing and whispering. Paxon could pick out his name in almost every comment they said. He felt tears starting to pool up in his eyes, but he wiped his eyes and continued to move forward with his oddly light bag on his back.
Paxon heard Beni’s voice announce the beginning of the hike. Paxon felt his anxiety spike and started to run trying to catch up. He snuck into the group bumping into a few kalons trying to squeeze in. “Oof”, “ow!” “Hey watch it!” Paxon stood staring up at the counselors, Iphis’s cold eyes bore into him for a second, and the conversation continued. The counselors were spouting off rules, Paxon felt a prick of excitement and danger.
Sleathily the kalon snuck out of the group. He started to head up the trail alone, he could do this, and he could be brave! Paxon started to get cold, the trees curved over him creating a tunnel like trail. He felt a small bit of doubt in something, he heard rustling in the bushes and trees...the same noise from last night. Paxon knew in the back of his mind that he had not caught the creature in the woods last night. What if it was following him? Paxon started to move forward faster his backpack was slapping wildly against his back. The rustling stopped and Paxon sat on a rock. Paxon felt his breath sting his throat. He reached into his backpack he was so cold. There was no coat... there was no food.. no flashlight! Paxon felt pale and buried his head into his paws. “This is going to be a crazy hike..”, he murmured, bemoaned about his decisions.

[7-25-18 edited for spelling mistakes and grammar errors]
415 words

[dox.]

Hike, start!
Username: whizzer.
Link to roll call post: here
Link to previous form: here
Prompt response: after the morning meeting, cody was waiting for beni or iphis to come pull him from the group- after all, who could have scraped their shins and hands in the cabin all night? luckily, his baited breath was for naught and as he sat next to his pal beau, he watched kids get pulled from the pack. he normally appreciated this time with the older camper, where there wasn't awkward small talk to fill the silence and he was able to think, but today it felt... off.

maybe it was the nerves from almost being caught breaking the rules (which he didn't mind, it's just that he was looking forward to the test of courage), or maybe it was the creature from last night still plaguing his thoughts, but he couldn't shake this feeling of dread. it hung above him like a dark cloud, and it seemed as the day went on it worsened. cody couldn't seem to do much more than drag his feet whilst following beau to their daily camp activities, rarely looking up other than to scan the treeline for something to prove last night was real, that he wasn't going insane.

as cody nocked an arrow, something in the woods caught his eye. it was similar shape to the creature from last night and, seeing it look out into the light, it had the same eyes. he missed the target in his excitement, but his excitement for tonight was rekindled. he was grateful that the last activity of the day was archery as he carelessly flung his bow, ignoring the cry from newt to be more careful.

his legs took him to the meeting area as quickly as they could and he nearly slid into beni, who laughed it off and ruffled his hair as he apologized. seeing beau near the outskirts of the clearing with michael, cody moved to them and sat on the ground, looking up at both of them without an explanation as to his excitement.

"ready for tonight, kiddo?" michael nudged him with his foot, obviously teasing.

"you have no idea."

[349]

[rnirai]

Hike, start!

Username: rnirai
Link to roll call post: uwu
Link to previous form: uwu
Prompt response:

[Neon sparks]

Hike, start!
Username: Lieutenant sparks
Link to roll call post:
Link to previous form:
Prompt response:

Ferris was eager to get on the move, it had been to long a wait for his taste. though the darkness and the cold reminded him of the creature he had sighted the night before. it made him shiver to imagine the bright red eyes watching him from the trees as he was brought inside. he felt his courage drain a little, he didn't want to see it again. even if it had been rather docile at the time. the other campers seemed just as spooked, but he wasn't sure if that was about the creature or the sheer pitch blackness that lay before them. he was surprised at how many ladies had joined the group. he was sure a lot of them would have cowered away in the cabins instead of facing the darkness. perhaps it was a good thing to be proven wrong sometimes. the thought at least distracted him from his earlier fears. he was however reminded of a can of bear spray eh had hidden in his pack. his father had insisted on him bringing it even though they weren't supposed to have it in camp. he was grateful now. this stuff would be useful if the creature actually did decide to come and get him. it helped him relax some feeling it through the pocket on his backpacks shoulder strap.
he had been sure to pack thoroughly, he was always an over packer. he just couldn't risk anything with his always racing mind. he ended up bringing along everything from rope to a first aid kit and granola bars. as well as a rather old paper folding map of the area. he would be sure to be the one with the supplies if they actually ran into any emergencies. he wished he could say that it would be doubtful but these counsellors didn't seem the most responsible pair. he gave a muffled sigh, feeling like he would need to be the one who takes care of these kids. while he usually would stay well back away from everyone this time he stayed closer, more in the group while still being behind most everyone. with a final gaze up at the sky that the forest would soon block out, he gave a deep breath. he was determined now, this was going to just be a simple hike after all.

[Gladis]

Hike, start!
Username: Gladis
Link to roll call post: click!
Link to previous form: click!
Prompt response:
"Val, I get that you're angry at whatever disturbed your sleep that night, but isn't a spiked club a little too much?" One of Val's fellow kampers eyed her medieval styled wooden club with suspicion.
"You think so?" Val stared at the weapon for a quick second before wiping the disappointed look off her face, "guess I'll just use my metal bat instead. Good thing I packed it!"
"No Val that's not what I meant"-
"You're telling me to beat that monster by hand?" Val felt her ego grow. They really think I'm THAT strong? Cool!
"No! That's not what I meant! What if you hurt someone? Seriously?" Oh.
"Then I'll go myself," Val replied apathetically without missing a beat. Her blunt response had her peers in shock.
"Yourself? Really? How are you like... Not afraid at all?" Val shrugged as she inspected her metal bat. No dents. Good, she thought to herself as the crowd surrounding her stared at her as if she were some kind of specimen.
"I didn't come here to chicken out. Now can you guys leave me alone as I check my items?"
"She's crazy." Val heard someone in the crowd murmur as the kampers dispersed like flies. That's right honey. I'm everything crazy. Val's excitement peaked as she heard Beni's announcement. She was more excited than when she signed up. To be honest, Val was a bit disappointed when she found out that she probably wasn't going to be putting her life on the line during the test of courage. But now, she was excited again because now she had a goal, & that goal is to find whoever disturbed her that night. It also meant that there was a possibility where Val would have to risk her life. I hope it's a big scary monster living in the woods. Hopefully, it'll have big claws or maybe spit venom. That'll make one hell of a fight. Val grinned to herself as she dug through her bag. Flashlight? Check. Handy baseball bat? Check? Guess I won't be needing that club anymore so that's off the list. Gum to chew & look badass as I beat that monster up? Check. Food & snacks? Check. My entire collection of throwable daggers & various knives? Firecrackers? Flamethrower? If only my parents let me bring my mace to kamp... Oh well. Check I guess. My smokin hot looks? Check.
"I'm ready to go! See you guys! Don't die!" Val called out as she swung her bag across her shoulder & walked towards the forest.
"You're not serious about going alone, are you?... Val?"
Val threw a peace sign behind her as her figure was swallowed by the dark forest.
"If you're out here to hunt me, this is your final warning! Because if you don't succeed on your first attempt I'm going to make you regret it like the night monster after I find him." Val called out as she stepped into the woods. She wasn't here to screw around, she meant business (or... Her definition of business).
I'm not afraid of the forest, it should be afraid of me.

[cherrydoge]

Hike, start!
Username: cherrydoge // Link to roll call post: xxx // Link to previous form: xxx

Prompt response:

The dark blue hues of dusk lay over the Kamp like a suffocating blanket. Uncertainty and unease swept throughout the remaining Kampers chosen to continue on the Test of Courage. The sun could just barely be seen as they trekked into the forest, going farther and farther into the ominous pit. There was no turning back. Something told Enrico a few Kampers wouldn’t survive. Not in a death sense, rather, the anxiety of what was to come at them at any given point in time would send them wild, and have to be escorted out of the forest.

The unknown; the folly of man.

A feeling in Enrico’s gut stirred. His gaze swept across his fellow Kampers, settling on a few who seemed particularly nervous, or appeared to have a steel gut, unafraid and willing to fistfight any crypid that dared to tussle with them. Enrico wished he had their confidence. Perhaps he wasn’t nearly as anxious as a handful of others, but something inside him told him to turn back now or else. He gulped, his hand trembling ever so slightly.

Enrico had just thought about what would happen to those who’s nerves got the best of them, surely it wouldn’t happen to him, now? At the beginning of the trip. He gave himself the mental image of punching his brain to stop the problematic things he was thinking.

It helped ever so slightly to tell your brain that it was overthinking.

He knew it wouldn’t last for long.

When all is over, at the end of the day, or rather, at the end of the night, Enrico would run the other way at the face of immediate danger. Not the occasional spook, no. If something genuinely proved great threat, he would without hesitation leave his things and fellow Kampers behind. Survival of the fittest, right? Natural selection? Surely he shouldn’t feel bad for something that came natural, a primal instinct buried deep within one’s subconscious. The subconscious desire to keep yourself safe, without regard to others?

Birds of a feather flock together, until the cat comes. And when the cat came. . . Enrico would fly.

He opted to be in the middle of the group. If something attacked, he’d best be safe as everyone scrambled to get away.

Enrico’s mindset was getting rather dark, wasn't it? He scolded himself for thinking of the horrid things that would happen to them outside in the forest. . . exposed. But maybe that was good, going through your options if the worst were to happen?

No. Think of something else.

Something . . . else. Some. . . thing . . . e l s e. . .

Where did the group go?

Enrico’s heart pounded wildly in his chest as he realized he managed to get separated from the group so quickly. He ran through the forest, only to find himself bump into someone.

“Watch it! You’re not gonna scare us if you run around headless chicken.”

“I’m. . . sorry?” Enrico apologized. He moved back to the center and rubbed his head, trying to figure out what happened. Safety in numbers seems to be the best bet judging from what happened. One minute he was in the group, the next gone, and then back in the group?

. . . What was in this forest? What power did it hold? Whatever it harbored, it knew how to pick off the weaklings. Enrico wasn't going to lose, so God help him.

[582 words]

[husky.]

Hike, start!
Username: husky.
Link to roll call post: boop
Link to previous form: doop
Prompt response:
*crunch crunch* ... *rustle* ... *crunch*
Rannoch peered into the bottom of his chip packet as he munched away, eyeing off the last chip. He reached in and grabbed it, the loud crinkle of the package the only sound in the empty cabin. Everyone had moved out for the night hike already, but Rannoch was feeling particularly guilty and downtrodden by the reprimand from Beni and Iphis.
He wasn’t sure he should go on the hike. He hadn’t been kicked off the list in the end, however he had broken the curfew in his valiant effort to investigate the strange noise the night before. This left him in an odd position, one which needed a moment alone to think about.
On one hand, Rannoch was still eager to go on the hike. His feelings in that regard hadn’t altered all that much. He had been in the forest already, though he couldn’t claim to be knowledgeable about its depths, and this abated some of his childish anxiety about monsters and getting lost; after all, he had found his way back last night with little difficulty. To add to this, Rannoch revelled at the thought of spooking other campers while on the hike, by jumping out at them or making scary sounds.
The only thing tarnishing his anticipation and holding him back was this guilt that hung over him. Did he even deserve to go on the hike since breaking the curfew? Should he hand himself in and confess to Beni and Iphis? Rannoch was spinning with all these ideas and emotions, and clutched his head with his hands.
He wound his fingers through his thick hair, leaning his elbows on his knees.
‘I should do what my gut says,’ he said quietly to himself, staring at the floorboards in front of him. ‘That’s what Mum always tells me, anyway. I think my gut says...’
Rannoch pondered for a moment. His head was often overwhelmed by conflict, but his gut had only one feeling.
‘I’ll go.’
He picked up his light pack, laden with some snacks, a single spare battery, and his torch. Shrugging his warmest coat onto his shoulders, Rannoch stepped out into the dusky evening to catch up with the other hikers.