You anons have magic, right? Couldn’t you have teleported me to him? Or teleported him out??
I’m coming, Max!!!!
*XD- the map leads deep into the woods, as Carlos gets closer, he notccies deep claw and burns marks on the trees and ground…*
*Carlos is so confused and scared by what he’s seeing. He takes out his field knife just in case as he gets closer*
*after abit more walking, Carlos found a ring of strange rocks, no sign of Max yet…*
*Carlos did not like this one bit. He referred to the map to see where he needed to go from there, trying to keep a distance away from the rock ring. Bloodstones were used in Night Vale, so he knew not to even touch a ring of rocks.*
*the map said he was only a few feet away from Max ? is it broken?*
*Carlos frowned and he wandered around, looking behind the trees and bushes for Max. No he wasn’t going into the rock ring.*
*one of the trees had some rope tied to a lower branch? what’s this doing here? oh wait, did the anon say Max was tied up?*
*Carlos scrutinized the rope and went to investigate it.* Max…? Are you anywhere near here, buddy?
*hanging from one of the higher branches hung Max, it doesn’t look like he was moving*
Max! Damn! *Carlos grabbed him and used his knife to cut him down. He quickly lay Max on the ground and made sure there wasn’t anything constricting his breathing.*
*he groaned quietly, there wasn’t anything around his neck that would be constricting…*
Max? Max, can you hear me? *he takes off his labcoat to lie it over Max like a blanket.* C’mon, buddy…
*he jolts awake, panic clear on his face as he pushes himself away*
Max – Max, stop, it’s me! *he takes Max’s shoulders and tries to hold him* Max, it’s okay – I’m here now, buddy.
*a few tears build in his eyes as he wakes up fully, lookikng up at Carlos* C-Carlos, what.. wh-where..?
We’re in the forest, away from any trails. Max, are you hurt?
… *he took a deep breath, drying his eyes* n-no.. i don’t think so
Okay…. okay. you’re okay, Max – I’m here. *He wraps the coat around Max’s shoulders* Lemme pick you up – we got to get you out of here.
*he hugged himself, nodding slightly as he looked around* .. d-did you go in the rock circle..?
What? No, of course not. Come here… *he put his arms around Max and then picked him up in a little bundle.* Let’s get out of here… *He walks by the stones to leave the little clearing and head back to familiar parts of the forest.*
*he leans into Carlos before looking over his shoulder, watching the area slowly fade away* … i’m glad you didn’t, they’re already angry and i don’t know what would’ve happened if you did…
I know enough about bloodstone rituals not to step into a strange stone circle. Also, Max, before you go any further… the ‘they’ you’re referring to: there isn’t a taboo on speaking of their existence, right?
not that i know of.. i think they get excited when someone talks about them… what’s a ‘blood stone ritual’? *he glances up at him*
It’s a common practice in Night Vale. Sort of… a mild occult practice that doesn’t really have any bad consequences. Unlike what I think you were just involved in.
Right now though, Max, I’m trying to get you to safety.
*he nods softly, hugging himself* …how did you find me? not even Solace really knew where we were… i hope he got lost in the forest and stays lost..
Grey faces. I… I don’t know who Solace is. *Carlos continued walking down the trail, recalling the map from memory since his hands were full. Luckily scientists had good memory.*
Solace is the guy that tied me up and made me go back there.. *he looks around* he’s weird and mean and i’m pretty sure he’s an alien, or just a weird looking demon..
Being an alien or a demon might not be a defining factor of one’s personality. Well… at least I did find you. You’re going to be alright now, Max.
… *he smiles softly, hugging himself again and looking ahead* … hey uh.. sorry for freaking out earlier… a-and thanks for calming me down..
Don’t worry about it, Max. I’m sorry for not addressing it immediately though… I was more concerned about your immediate safety. I didn’t want you to stay in that place any longer.
The Perfect Scientist 