The Fifty State Nightmare

6

"We're all killers," Slender explains. "Just like you."

"So, you want me to kill for you? Why do I have to be here to do it?" You ask him.

"It's easier if you're present for me to give you your assignments. You're still allowed to kill whoever you please but I can give you easier access to people. The only catch is I need you to kill people for me," Slender explains.

"I'm not a contract killer," You tell him. "I told you this."

"In exchange for your for cooperation I'll give you a place to live and ensure your safety from police," He tells you.

"No thanks. I'm going home," You growl, shoving past him and trying to go out the door.

"I can tie you back up until you agree," He says, causing you to pause. "It's in your best interest to agree."

"You honestly think I'm going to tell you yes? You kidnapped me, killed my friend, and I don't even have my supplies!" You snap at him.

"Oh, I got your bag. Pretty stupid to keep it in the front seat with you," The monochrome clown giggles, tossing your black bag at your feet.

"It's easiest to grab quickly in case I have to run," You tell him in annoyance.

"Look, I get it's sudden. We didn't make the best impression but this is in your best interest. You can freely kill and have a safe place to go," E.J. tells you.

"I like the travel. I enjoy getting to visit the different states," You tell him.

"You can do that," He tells you. "Slender, mind if I take them?"

"Are you certain?" Slender questions.

"If I don't come back find them again," He says, a grin evident in his voice. "Put on your mask and follow me."

You sigh but do as told and hurry after E.J. The two of you walk in silence through the trees, your eyes looking around to try and figure out your escape route.

"It's about to change so don't bother," He tells you, the two of you stepping out of the dark trees and into bright sunlight.

Your eyes widening at the fact the pine tree now gave way to towering white oaks. The two of you walk through the woods and pause when the trees split to open up to houses. You both look at the kids playing in their backyards and the people out enjoying the summer air, confused as to how you got here. Had you guys gone that far back in the forest? It felt like hours but based on the sun it had only been thirty minutes. Where in Wyoming was this? You try to wrack your brain to figure it out but nothing comes to mind and you're stuck following E.J. back into the woods. You two walk about a mile and step out again, massive farmland in view outside of the trees.

"Wait a minute?" You say in disbelief as you look around.

"Once more," He says, walking back into the trees and walking another mile before you two step out into nothing but forest again. "They're portals I guess you could say. We're at the barrier of the forest. That's how we all kill so often without getting caught."

"But what about people who aren't you?" You ask him confused.

"That's what the proxies are for. When a human stumbles into the forest and can't find their way out your job is to get rid of them. Then you drag their body back to where you came from and leave behind Slender's mark if you're not seen," He explains.

"And if you are seen?" You ask him.

"It'll be a long road back depending on where you end up," He tells you.

You can't help but smile in amusement at that, the two of you returning to Slender forest.

"Where are we mainly?" You ask him.

"We're not really anywhere," E.J. explains. "We're everywhere and nowhere at the same time."

"Wait! So that means?!" You ask in surprise.

"We can go to different countries, yes," He tells you.

"That's amazing," You mumble softly, following him back through the trees.

"So, it's not all bad. You'll be leaving your old life but that's why we kidnapped you. Makes it easier to just go missing," He tells you. "Although, most of us are leaving worse lives behind."

"And I'm not. Did you really just stumble across me?" You ask him.

"Surprisingly, I did. We've all been following you for a while. It was your quarter kill that got us interested," He tells you. "We were impressed you had avoided getting caught. We knew you weren't just your standard killer."

"I can't explain how it happened to be honest. After almost killing a high school bitch I wondered what it would be like to watch them take their last breath. I wanted to see that light drain from their eyes. My first kill I did everything by the investigation shows. I made sure they wouldn't be able to find me. I was a random person in all the places I visited but I wasn't memorable. Just your average passerby so they'd never think of you twice," You explain.

"When Slender couldn't figure out who you were we got excited too. We waited for news on your next victim," He tells you. "It was interesting to see a seemingly human person murder people without being caught. You almost screwed up though."

"I let my pride get the better of me. Jim told me he could find me in a week. I wanted to test it. See if I could kill closer to home," You explain. "That was my mistake."

"You are right there. The police might frame you you know," E.J. tells me.

"You guys made my car crash and dragged me through the dirt. They'll be able to dub it a kidnapping. I didn't leave anything behind after all," You tell him, referring to your backpack. "I'm not taking credit for Jim's murder."

"We didn't expect you to," E.J. says with a shrug. "And now we're back. I'll give you the chance to leave but we'll be hunting you down again. I wish you luck figuring out how to get back."

"It's evident I don't have much choice doing this," You sigh with a roll of your eyes.

"Perfect. Slender! I have her on board!" E.J. calls as he enters the mansion.

You take one last look at the forest before you enter the mansion as well. There was no getting out of this was there?