Author's Note

This story takes place in an Alternative EqG universe, before EqG 4 but after EqG 3. For the sake of this story, Spike is not the usual dog you know him as.

Please enjoy!

Chapter 1 - Into the woods

The Everfree forest was beautiful this time of year. The green canopy of the trees went as far as the eye could see, they melted into a green sea bathed in warm sunlight. I’d always been a city boy myself, so leaving the concrete jungle to have a drive around the countryside? Can’t deny it. It filled my lungs with some much needed fresh air.

For kilometers, I’d been driving my old Jalopy of a truck down the country-side highway, but fortunately, the road wasn’t lonely for me. Spike sat on the passenger side, looking out the window and barking at any cars that we passed by.

I’d need him if I wanted to get to the bottom of this. At least with him on my team, I wouldn’t be going in empty-handed.

An abrupt sound coming from the pocket of my jeans caused me to break my train of thought. I reached in with one hand while I kept the other on the wheel, quickly darting my eyes down at the screen and not diverting too much of my attention from the road. The name of the contact, which I still haven’t had the guts to change ever since the divorce, proved that despite everything that happened to us, she was still kind at heart. No one else would have called me.

I really didn’t deserve her, but I was glad she called. I hadn’t heard her voice in ages.

“Hey-” I accepted the call and brought the phone up to my ear. “Um- Hi- Cadey.”

“Hi Shining.” It was almost instantly soothing. “It’s been a while. How’re you holding up?”

“I’m good. Still um, trying to get my footing, but I’m getting there.”

Ever since Lawson fired me, I had to scrounge for work. But I get it, I understand why people wouldn’t want to take in a complete screw-up like myself. Except for the owner of a library, this sweet old lady who managed to pull some strings to get me to work the security night job there. Pay sucks, but at least it's better than nothing at all, and plus, not much happens there anyway, so it’s pretty simple. “Kinda feels weird not having you around anymore.”

“I get that. It’s kinda weird for me too. But you got Spike, yeah?” Without her, our room felt so empty. The entire house really but I guess it’s not really our room if she’s not there anymore... “So, what’ve you been up to recently?”

“I, uh… joined the search party. For the missing kids.” When I saw the online post looking for volunteers, I immediately jumped up from my bed, thinking I could finally do something useful. It was better than doing what I did every day: lying motionless in bed, staring blankly at the moldy ceiling, wondering where it all went wrong.

The only thing keeping me sane was Spike.

“You mean those that went missing in Everfree? Weren't they Twilight's friends?” Cadence added.

“Yeah.” I replied. “Me and Spike will make a hell of a team, so I’m bringing him along too.” More like I needed him more than he needed me. Hearing me say his name got him to bark and wag his tail in excitement, I took a hand off the wheel for a second to give him a pet while muttering a ‘good boy!’ under my breath.

Cadence chuckled at first, but her laughter died out with a sigh.

“You don’t have to do this Shining… No one will think any less of you if you don’t.”

“No, I do have to do this. I can make things right.” I’m finally getting somewhere again, I can’t just let this go. I have to do this. I’d expect her out of all people would understand this. “Be happy for me, why don’t you? I’m getting my life back together.”

“Stop blaming yourself Shining, if you keep going down this path it’ll only get worse.” Oh this again. I’d heard it countless times, way too many. I’m not blaming myself, I’m fixing my mistakes. “She's gone, Shining.”

“Yeah- But her friends aren’t! They’re missing!” The police haven't found them yet, even after a couple of days of searching. But I’m sure, I’m so sure of it, they’re alive, somewhere out there.

Twilight would’ve wanted me to do this.

“Look- I can handle this, I don’t need someone biting my ear off for it.”

“Yeah. Of course you don’t.” Wait!

“Wait! Nono! I meant that-” Before I could finish my sentence, I was interrupted by the dial tone… I can never say the right things, can I? Fuck me… I slammed my head against the wheel with a sigh followed by a groan.

I mean I just thought she’d be proud of me. I was doing something worthwhile for once, I was doing it for Twily, I thought that… Whatever, it didn’t matter. I needed to keep my head in the game.

After another while on the road, we passed by a road sign telling us to exit on the next right to reach camp Everfree, turning into a random dirt pathway that cuts off from a highway is hardly ideal. And as soon as we pulled up ahead, we saw a much more welcoming sign.

‘Welcome to Camp Everfree’ Etched into wood, staked to the ground.

We stopped at a small dirt parking lot marked by some half-cut logs where a couple of police cars were parked already, including some other cars which I could only assume were from the families. These poor kids…

Just up ahead was a large cleared out camp area.

I remembered that place from my childhood. Remembered the creepy ghost stories, the swimming competitions on the lake, and even the time I got lost, and how that weird guy from the woods helped me back to the camp.

“C’mon Spike.” I took the keys out the ignition and grabbed the backpack I had packed with some essential supplies. Flashlight, some food and water for me and Spike, A compass, Rope, a map of the forest, among other things. I don’t expect to spend much time here, but Twiley always said it’s better to be safe than sorry.

Spike turned to me as I was opening the door to leave, tilting his head with a whine and perked ears. I knew that look on his face, so I simply sighed.

“Look buddy, I know you didn’t want to be taken out of retirement, but we got a job to do. Alright?” Poor dog, he doesn’t deserve what’s happened to him... We’re kinda similar in that regard. I’m more than glad to have him on my side. “I promise I’ll give you as many treats as you want once we’re done with this.”

The word treat activated his senses, as he got up from the seat with a bark and began wagging his tail, tongue sticking out with that pleading look in his eyes. I gave him a nice pet before reaching for one last thing: The jewel hanging from my front mirror.

A purple gem encased in a golden ring— it glowed under the moonlight. But right now it’s just refracting the sunlight and giving it a nice purple glow. Twily’s last gift to me before the accident… It keeps me safe, at least, she said it does.

I’ll make this right. I’ll do for them what I couldn’t do for you Twily. I won’t screw up again, I promise.

“Heel!” With that one word, Spike jumped out of the passenger’s seat and onto the driver’s seat, before hopping off to the ground. I closed, then locked the car door.

We stepped through the gate and into the open field where a few wooden shacks were. This place hasn’t changed one bit, has it? I can see a familiar face dawning a white cowboy hat and a badge, not to mention the uniform that hugged around his dad bod. The Sheriff seems to be talking to a man and a woman, probably parents of one of the victims. And from what I could hear from the shouting, they weren’t very patient. I couldn't blame them. I took careful steps with Spike, we didn’t want to interrupt anything.

“Sir- I understand you’re worried, but our team has been searching the forest for almost three days non-stop. We want to help, but we’re still humans. Trust me, if we could stay the whole week here, we would. But most of these guys are volunteers, I can’t force them to stay.” Sheriff Lawson tried to reason with the angry couple, but the words went in one ear and out the other.

“STILL HUMANS!? YOU KNOW WHO ELSE IS HUMAN?! MY DAUGHTER RAINBOW DASH! SHE’S- SHE’S DYING! WHILE YOU’RE SITTING HERE ON YOUR FAT ASS- ‘Taking a break’-” The husband spoke in a mocking tone with air quotes. “SHE’S OUT THERE, DYING OF STARVATION, HYPOTHERMIA, THIRST, SHE COULD BE DEAD BY NOW FOR ALL THAT WE KNOW BECAUSE OF YOUR INCOMPETENCE!”

The woman was calmer than her husband, but she was still on the verge of tears.

“C-Come on Honey, yelling at them won’t make them go any faster. All we can do is wait…” She stepped between the husband and the Sheriff, laying her head on his chest, both her hands on him, it almost reminded me of my mother. Save for the apparently healthy relationship between them. “Please… Let’s just head back to the canteen and get you something… You haven’t eaten anything since lunch yesterday.” Reluctantly, the man huffed and puffed while his wife guided him with words of care and tenderness.

Sheriff Lawson watched the two head back to some picnic tables where another family sat at. Underneath his cold and expressionless sunglasses, I knew he was just as tired of this as the family was. Lawson is a good man, I’m sure he wanted to find them as much as they did.

“We’re grasping at straws here, Shining…” That’s one way to start a conversation. “Please tell me you bring some good news.” Finally, he faces me.

“Me and Spike are joining the search team.” Spike seems excited to see Lawson, wagging his tail. But Lawson’s brows curl with a groan, he’s clearly not a fan of the idea.

“I don’t know Shining… I don’t think it’s good for you to be out here.” I could see him scanning me up and down. I knew that look. He doesn’t think I’ve got what it takes, does he? Like at the academy. “Especially with your condition.”

“No- Sir, I can do this. Please trust me.” He has to let me in. What other help does he have anyway?

“I know you want to help, but 6 missing kids is enough for me. I don’t want to have to find you too. Spent enough time in these woods already.” I won’t. I can’t. I won’t accept standing here, I just can’t. “And plus, with your history, I’m not sure you should even be out here to begin with.”

“Sir- please. I have to do this.” I was practically begging him. If he didn’t let me, I’d simply walk in there myself. “Please. These are all Twilight’s friends. I know she would’ve wanted this.”

Must’ve been my puppy dog eyes, or Spike’s. Whatever it was, it had worked, he felt pity on me, and groaned with a sigh while tipping his hat, before rubbing his eyes with the same hand.

“Still mulling over your sister I see… Fine.” He reached for his holster then handed me a walkie talkie, it looked brand new. “Just… Stay behind, check the areas we’ve already gone through to see if we missed anything.”

“Yes!” I was brimming with excitement, more than glad he allowed me in. I took it from his hands with a smile. “Thank you- Sir! I just-” But he interrupted me.

“Just- Stay close, Shining. Make sure Spike gives you company. This damn forest messes with your head. The others are already up ahead, you should go.” He pointed in the direction of a small pathway leading into the forest. I nodded, then checked the time on my phone: 9:21 A.M

Maybe I could search until noon, take a break, and have a look at where we could go next. I’m sure Spike could seek if he picked up a scent of something as well. We headed out into the direction the sheriff pointed us in, going into a dirt path and passing through the camp’s perimeter outlined with rickety old wooden fences, but as I stepped through the wooden archway that gave way into a much larger forest, I noticed something on top of a nearby tree stump.

As I approached it, I examined it more carefully. It looked like a thick branch that had been carved into something, like a rudimentary shape of what resembled a human? Or a girl perhaps? It had a blocky wooden head and a torso that transformed into the hips, which then transformed back into the circumference of the branch, and it had been clearly painted yellow. It looked creepy as hell. Did the search team not see this?

I lifted it into my hand, and almost immediately felt a sudden feeling on my stomach, accompanied by the gentle glowing heartbeat of the gem on my neck.

Despite my mind telling me not to, for some reason I put it in my backpack. I don’t know, maybe it could serve as evidence or something. Or maybe one of the students had made it as a prank for old geezers like me. Either way, Spike and I continue down the path and finally enter the Everfree forest. An eerie feeling presides over me as the Sun slowly gets blocked out by the tall canopies and snaking branches.

Me and Spike jumped down a small ledge and onto a long clearing where the floor was littered with fallen leaves, broken branches, the trunks of most of the trees had been wrapped with a black and yellow tape, likely marking the areas the police had already explored.

Spike walked by my side, scanning the surroundings, if anything passed unnoticed by me, he would’ve seen — Or smelled it — and if I ever found some kind of physical evidence, he would be the first I could consult. If Spike could pick up the scent, we could find them, or atleast where they’ve been and at this point, any clue at all is going to help.

But since this silence is only broken by the sounds of the crunching leaves under our footsteps, I decided to turn on the walkie talkie to see if anyone was on. Break the ice a little, introduce myself to my partners. Some of them probably know me already though.

I flip the channel switch and bring it up to my face, pressing the orange button on the side to speak.

“Uh Hello, this is… Shining Armor, and I’ll be joining the search. I’m staying behind to check if you guys missed anything, I’m probably south of your position.” The machine beeped after I let go of the button.

Another beep, and a voice came through. A female voice.

“Oh you gotta be kidding me. You? Seriously? I know we’re accepting volunteers but c’mon Lawson.” What the hell’s that supposed to mean?

“Look- I’m not incompetent. I brought my dog with me, Spike, if he catches the scent on something, we might have a lead.” Spike looked back at me once I mentioned his name. I took a second to lean down and rub him behind the ear before continuing.

“Spitfire, I suggest you worry about doing your job. Sides, more the merrier. We’ve been searching and still nothing.” Lawson spoke over the radio after a beep.

“What have you guys found so far?” They’ve been searching for three days already. Surely, they must’ve found something?

A different voice spoke, a young man’s voice.

“We found fuck all, that’s what we found. Searched almost 4 square kilometers of forest and still came up empty handed. I’m starting to get tired of this…” I continued passing caution taped trunks as I went along. They really did search everything, didn't they. “We had some ideas, but there’s not a single piece of physical evidence we can point to.”

“Wow, 4 kilometers? Impressive. But don’t worry, I’m sure we’ll find something soon enough.” I spoke one last time on the channel, before something caught my eye up ahead. Spike was snout deep into a pile of leaves, he’d caught onto something. I knew it! That’s my boy! I approach with a smile wide across my face. “What’d you find, boy? Huh? Let me see, c’mon.”

I dug through the pile and found… An empty plastic bottle. Must’ve been left behind by the search team. Not only are they leaving behind misleading evidence, but they’re also polluting the forest. Spike leaned his head at me with perked ears.

“No buddy, this is the search team’s.” I gave him a good old scratch behind the ear. “Good job, but these are not the people we’re looking for.” He barked in agreement, and we continued the search.

This is after 3 days of searching. They’ve come up empty handed after three entire days. But I’ll find them, there has to be something, we’re talking about 6 girls, at least one of them must’ve left something behind.

“Hey uh…” I reached for the radio again, lifting it close to my mouth. “Any of you guys know if they left anything behind? Like a message, or sent someone a video or something?”

“Couldn’t have.” The young man’s voice replied again. “None of their relatives or friends reported anything unusual, nobody has come up with any kind of message or call from them, and plus, this place has terrible reception, cellphones act weird around the deeper area of the forest too.”

I lifted my own cellphone from my pocket and turned it on, it seemed to be working fine. I don’t remember that being an issue when I was young, but then again, we had flip phones back then, maybe they’re different or something? I don’t know.

Now that I thought about it, what were they even doing out here in the first place? At least when I visited for the first time, I didn’t go out into the forest. We stayed around camp most of the time, and even when we did leave, it was under the supervision of the camp counselors. Why would they be so deep in the forest?

I’d understand if a younger kid got lost here, but 6 teen girls? Hopefully they at least have some food or find some water to survive on for a few days, they couldn’t have come prepared. Just hold on for a bit, I’m coming.

Me and Spike continue our search for a few good minutes, but this area’s been searched already. Most of what we find are things left behind by the search party. I gripped tight to the straps of my backpack with a sigh. I have to find them. A beep from the radio caught my attention once again.

“He shouldn’t be here.” An older man with a raspy voice speaks. “You remember that gas station incident from a few months ago?” What? Why are they bringing this up? That’s been settled already.

“Yeah. I don’t know why Lawson let him join us. He’s clearly out of it.” Another man replies.

They’re talking about me. In an open channel where I can fucking hear them. If you’re going to talk behind my back, actually do it behind my back at the very least.

I picked up the radio and pressed the button, speaking after the beep.

“I can hear you two, assholes.” I added.

“So what?” The raspy replied after the beep. “You shouldn’t be here. Deal with it. Let the real professionals do the job unless you wanna shoot up another kid. Hell, maybe you’ll kill them once you find ‘em.” He let out an irritating chuckle, if he were in front of me I’d have punched him in the face.

“Hey fuck you okay!? I’m here to help!” Who the hell do they think they are?! To talk about me like that!? “I’m trying to make a change for once, I’m trying to be useful! Fuck you!” They don’t know anything about me, I’m not the same person I used to be, I’m better, I’m more mature!

“Shining!” Lawson cut our conversation. “If you’re not gonna add anything useful, don’t get on the channel! And let go of the damn button when you’re not talking to someone on the radio!”

The hell he means don’t get on the channel? They started it!

He’s gonna let them speak to me like that? And I can’t defend myself?! Whatever. Whatever, I gotta keep my head in the game. I’ll focus. Lost my cool again, but I Won’t let them get to me. I won’t let them.

“WOOF! WOOF! WOOF!” Spike barked at me from up ahead, his tail wagging with excitement. I didn’t rush over this time, I had little faith that we’d found something useful.

He seemed to be next to a small entrance, one hidden by branches and leaves fallen over what looked to be a small hole on some rocks. I couldn’t even see what was inside, But Spike sniffed something and was eager to get in there. It didn’t look too dangerous so I suppose it’s fine…

“Alright Buddy, go for it.”

I opened the leaves and branches that blocked the entrance like a curtain, allowing him inside. It took him a second or two but he did come out with something. I was half expecting it to be just another plastic bottle, but it was something more interesting.

A Hairpin, in the shape of a blue gem that glistened with the sunlight. It was very extravagant to say the least, who would wear something like this out to a forest? Maybe it fell out of one of the officers from the search party, but as far as I remember, we had dress codes and I don’t think we’re allowed to wear something as flashy as this. Even then, this doesn’t look like something an adult would wear. It’s worth a shot though, if Spike can catch a scent he could lead us right to them.

“Good boy!” I take it out of his mouth.

“WOOF!” He barks in excitement, wagging his tail. Looks like this old dog still has a few tricks with him.

“This is important, think you can figure out where they went?” I get down on one knee, holding onto my backpack with one hand while the other extends out for Spike to take a good sniff. Come on, this is a hairpin. I can’t expect much from him.

“WOOF!” He gave me a bark before he turned around and headed in some direction, deeper into the woods, It put a huge smile on my face. He actually found something! He got a scent!

I quickly get up and run after him as he goes deeper, finally we have something! I knew I would be useful, I knew it! I reached into my pocket to grab the radio, it’s probably a good idea to warn the others too.

“Hey-” I press the button with a beep and continue running after Spike. “He- Spike found something! A hairpin! In the clearing, North of the entrance, behind some rocks.”

“What? In the clearing up north? But we didn’t find anything there, we investigated that whole area” Lawson added. “That’s great news! Hold on, stay where you are and we’ll be on our way!” No!

“I-I can’t! If I stop now, Spike will lose the scent!” It was difficult to speak as I ran after Spike through bushes and branches, huffing and puffing with the sudden exercise. It's been a while since I’ve done this. Spike is old but he’s still got it in him, and we can’t stop now. Sure maybe it was a little lie that Spike would lose the scent, he probably wouldn’t, but what’s the problem? “I’m heading uh-” I desperately reach for the side pocket of my backpack, grabbing my compass and taking a look. “East, once you get to the clearing head East. Got it?”

“Wait! No! Shining you can’t just!-” Sorry Lawson. But I’m the one who found the hairpin. I turn off the radio for now and keep on the chase, I have to be one to find them. If I can find them, I can finally fix things. Not my problem you didn’t spot it.

Suddenly, Spike jumped through a wall of bushes, It was difficult to see past it, and as I jumped in after him, my foot got caught on a branch, I tried but failed to regain control and ended up tumbling down a small dirt hill, kicking up dirt and small pebbles, groaning with pain as I rolled down. My gem almost goes flying off too.

I’m dirty, slightly bruised, but nothing too serious. And as I recover and bring myself back up, my eyes scan the empty forest for Spike.

“Spike!” I called out, cleaning some of the dirt on my clothes. Where is that dog?

The scenery around me was barren. Tall trees stretch into the endless sky, the Sun had trouble getting down there. A thin fog descended, carried by the wind which rustled the leaves and broke the eerie silence of the forest. I called out to Spike again, my voice pierced the surroundings, and when I heard his barking in the distance, I instantly headed towards it.

It feels claustrophobic. I’m in a small maze of what are almost like trenches in the dirt, and it seems the more I try to look for Spike, the more I get lost… No. I won’t get lost. I can’t. I turn corners and corners, following the barking in the distance, A sudden feeling grows in my stomach. It makes me sick, it makes me take deep breaths and sighs.

One turn after another, I pass some tree overgrown with moss, and then I do it again. I turn the opposite way I came, and yet again I find the same tree. I can feel a tightening sensation on my chest, everything feels everywhere all at once and yet I’m still standing in place, but I keep on. I need to find Spike, he can help me, I need him, I need Spike.

God fucking damn it, why does it feel like I’m going in circles? I call out to him again and run in that direction, but something’s not right. Something feels wrong. That feeling keeps growing, and all I can hear in the silent forest is my heart beating faster and faster, my breathing getting shallower, quicker. Not now, this can’t be happening.

Where the hell is Spike?!

“SPIKE! WHERE ARE YOU?!” My voice pierces the forest and his barks continue to taunt me, no matter which way I go, it feels like I’m running and getting nowhere. It feels like he’s distant, while still being close enough to give me hope. I need him, I can feel that fear coming back to me already. This can’t be happening right now, this can’t be happening.

Bent steel frames, her voice… God her voice… Screams of terror, blood running down our bodies, I can see her eyes even in the flashing and blinding sunlight, which hit me like the headlights from a truck.

“Spike… Please…” This isn’t the forest, is it? Blurry visions of lights coming my way cause me to jump back in surprise, gasping with terror, I’m reliving that night again. It’s- Not real, it’s not real. I try to tell myself that, but it always feels so present, so close, a memory which I want to forget but never can.

I fall on my knees to the ground, my hands are shaking and my legs feel like noodles. My whole body- It’s giving in. This isn’t real. I remind myself, but it’s useless. Those memories come back to me, they haunt and taunt me, the trees were replaced by light posts, the rocks were pieces of rubble and metal, the leaves turned into cracked glass, a puddle of water turned into a dark oily substance.

It’s not real. It’s not- real. It’s all in my head. Snap out of it. Snap out of it!

I can’t think- I can’t breathe, I can’t talk, my body’s shutting down. God she didn’t deserve it… She didn’t deserve any of it, it was all my fault, I did it to her, I killed her. My right hand grips my shirt, almost ripping it, trying to hold the amulet tight, it’ll keep me safe, I’ll be okay. It continues to glow gently.

This isn’t real. This isn’t real. This isn’t real. This isn’t real. But I can’t stop, my vision is blurred, I don’t even try to speak anymore, my mouth can only make the sound of whimpers, I hate myself for this, for being like this, for killing her…

Then, another bark, and a warm, slimy sensation on my skin. Spike?

As I lifted my head, a comforting sight washed my worries away in just a couple of seconds. Spike licked my face and glanced at me with curiosity. Good boy, good boy…

Slowly I could feel myself focus bit by bit, the gnawing feeling on my stomach becoming easier to handle, how I slowly regained control of my trembling hands, how I took deep breaths to recover myself. Okay. Once I was back in control, I found myself laying on the ground in a fetal position…

Alright. I’m okay. I’m safe. Everything’s fine. It was just another episode. I sat up and took a good look at Spike’s eyes, it was almost like he knew what was happening. He always knows. He’s the only one I can always count on. Yeah I’m okay now.

Enough sitting around like a crybaby.

“T-Thanks buddy.” I sighed, before giving him a hug. A tight, warm hug. He couldn’t hug me back of course, but if he could, I’m sure he would. I caressed his warm and fuzzy coat before patting him on the back gently.“Thanks. Okay. Okay, let’s go.”

Warm sunlight had long been replaced by a colder moonlit glow that barely illuminated my path, strange, given how just a couple minutes ago it was still early morning. Did I pass out? Either way, the encroaching darkness forced me to whip out my flashlight to light the way. I should have at least a couple of good hours of battery, so I’d be fine. And with the way things are going, I’ll definitely need it.

These woods looked creepy as hell during the night too, I couldn't shake off the feeling there was something watching me. I remember ghost stories about a witch in these woods, and I unfortunately also remember how I’d shit my pants every time I was in the forest and heard a tree branch crack.

Still, it was as if me and Spike weren’t alone in there. As if something was just waiting, in between the tree trunks to pop out and take me. Some monster, or some terrible evil spirit. But I got Spike, I know he’ll protect me, and I’ll protect him. We got each other's backs. I tightly gripped my glowing amulet.

But maybe the forest’s just messing with my head. I mean, it could very well be, but after what happened in Canterlot High, is it really that weird to imagine something magical or mystic could be stalking my every move? Ugh… Maybe it was better not to imagine it at all. The simple idea already made every hair on my body stand on its end.

As I got up and continued following Spike — And at a normal pace this time — I kept thinking back to my episode just now. It’s like everytime I tried to push these thoughts away, the more they clawed their way back. The weight of everything, the things I want to forget but can’t, hung heavy. I told myself I’d be strong for them, for Twiley, for Cadance, for the Sheriff, but there I was. Laying there like a cry baby on the ground of the forest.

I wanted to give Cadey a ring, to apologize for earlier. But maybe I shouldn’t. I reached into my pocket and even opened up the list of contacts, but my finger lingered and hovered around her name but never quite pushed the button, but it was only then that I noticed there was no signal. I was partially thankful I didn’t have to make the call, but partially worried too. I hadn’t gone that deep into the forest yet, had I?

Whatever, I shouldn’t be worrying about that Cadance right now. I should just be focused on doing my job, and doing it right. As long as I have Spike with me, I’ll be okay. He’s the only one who’s always at my side. Deep breaths.

Yeah. I can do this. I can do this.

I followed Spike for some more minutes along the bed of a small water stream, the forest was almost suffocating. It’s like the trees bent into my path and wrapped around it, despite being in such an open space it was still claustrophobic with nowhere to run, shrouded in a dense darkness that only made things worse.

And once again this uneasy feeling, like I’m being watched… Every time I thought about being watched I did a 360 with my flashlight, finding only contorting branches and vaguely-humanoid shapes in the shadows. ‘Just my brain doing some pattern-seeking’ is a sweet lie I told myself so I didn’t freak out. I can only hope I’m alone here.

I didn’t really have much time to ponder on the question as something else caught my attention, Spike was barking up ahead, and that can only mean trouble. I quickly grab my swiss army knife and open the larger blade, ready to stab at anything, flashlight in one hand and blade in the other.

Hopefully I won’t have to use it…

Slowly I approached, hearing Spike’s barking grow louder, deep breaths, and as I lifted the flashlight I saw- nothing..

“What’re you barking at, boy?” There’s nothing in the way except for a hanging bundle of sticks.

But he kept barking, so I stepped closer and shined my light on the hanging bundle.

Four sticks. Two of them mirrored, placed diagonally. One horizontally, crossing the two. One additional one placed vertically, making the vague shape of a stick figure with a triangular torso, tied together poorly with some vines. Really? That’s what he was scared of?

“It’s just some sticks boy. Come on.” But he kept whimpering, refusing to step forward. Spike is a retired police dog, a german shepard even, I doubt there’s many things that would scare him. And yet, this did. Can’t say I didn’t feel an eerie feeling on my stomach either, maybe he’s just-Shining...

Wait, what?

Another 360 around the area, and I didn’t see anyone. Yet I could still hear it carried along the wind, hearing it speaking my name. No, there’s nothing here. I’m fine.

“Here, I’ll help you out boy.” I’ll break it.

But as my hand reached out to grab it, a nervous jolt went down my spine, one that made every hair on my body stand on its end, an unnerving sensation washed over me in a simple second, I don’t know why, or how…

Still, I grabbed the bundle and crushed it with my hand, it broke down easily.

“There there, it’s all good. It’s gone now.” Poor dog. After some petting, we continued on our way up the stream of water, where we walked through the darkness while Spike continued leading the way, our footsteps made the leaves crunch with each step.

It was dark as hell, you couldn’t see anything even with the moonlight partially illuminating the way. I heard a sound, a creaking sound, it made me quickly scan my surroundings for anyone or anything, and there was nothing. Lawson was right. This forest has a tendency to mess with your brain.

“WOOF! WOOF!” Up ahead Spike was barking at me, looking at me with a wagging tail as he waited. I could see something, just beyond the bush that was behind him.

My hands parted the bush and I stepped through, and my eyes lit up. We found something.

A campsite. 6 Tents were set up around an unlit fireplace. The place had been left in a hurry evident but how there were still things left behind, like the pink and yellow bag that had been left behind leaning against one of the tents. Spike didn’t waste a second though and quickly snuggled his way inside a purple tent, laying stomach down with a bark. Guess he deserves the rest.

“That’s it! Good boy! You deserve a treat!” Finally we have something! I reached into my bag and pulled out a small packet with some snacks, Spike barks and lets his mouth hang open while huffing, his tail wagged in excitement. He practically bit my hand off when he went to grab the snack. “We can help the others with this!”

These were their tents, they have to be. Six of them too. Maybe there’s something here that can help us go even further. I decided to start with the backpack on the floor as I desperately reached for my walkie talkie to warn the others.

“Lawson? Lawson, come in!”

“Shining!? God damn it, we’ve been trying to reach for hours! Where the hell have you been!?” He was less than happy to hear me.

“Hours? I- Look- I’ll explain it later, you need to come to me. I found a campsite, 6 tents, it must be the girls!” Some protein bars, a flashlight, a bottle of water, plenty of batteries, a phone with a cracked screen and… A camcorder? I think my dad used to own one of these way back in the day. “I’m uh- East of the main clearing, just a couple kilometers deep. I don’t know if I’m too deep, but I shouldn’t be at least.”

“What?! East of the clearing? We searched that whole area, there was nothing there either. Shining, are you sure you’re in the right place?” I’m sure. I know it. I reached into my backpack and grabbed my compass and unrolled the map of the forest just to double check.

“Yeah! I’m sure, I-” What? My compass, it was… Going crazy. Spinning around in circles. What? But there’s no… “But- But I- I’m sure I…”

“He’s sure he’s lost, that’s what he wants to say!” A male voice breaks into my conversation with the Sheriff. “Great! First the kids, now this dumbass!”

“Fuck you asshole! I got more done in a couple of hours than all of you did in three days of searching!” I’m being useful! I’m doing my best! Who the hell are they to tell ME off!?

“You know what!? Fuck it! I'm done with this crap, and I'm not about to be told off by Shining Armor of all people!” Yeah! Go on! As if I cared! “Lawson, I’m out of here!”

“Cut that out! Both of you! Shining, hold it together and stop letting your emotions get the best of you! And you Lenny, if you're so butthurt about Shining being here that you can't do your job, then you can go screw off for all I care and have your childish meltdown somewhere else!” I sighed, rubbing my head with the palm of my hand. Lawson was right. I got to keep my head in the game. I keep saying this but I never do it. “We have 6 missing girls to find, and we won't find them if all you guys do is argue!”

“Screw this, I already told you Lawson, I’m heading home! Goodbye!” Good, that’s one less asshole in the search party at least.

“No one’s keeping you here Lenny. Leave your stuff with Poppy when you leave camp. Now Shining, are you 100% sure you headed east? Any landmarks we can use to find you?” Landmarks… Landmarks… Uh, yeah, I know.

“Yeah. Yeah I'm- Positive.” I tried to find my location on the map, but it was difficult to gauge just how much I'd walked. “Just uh… You’ll reach a river, just keep going up the river. It’s not really a river, it’s like a very small water stream. But I'll keep looking and let you guys know if I find anything.”

“Copy that.” Lawson replied and I turned off my radio.

Maybe it was just stress from work that had gotten me like this. I really shouldn't have let something like that get to me. Again. But I’m not about to let him shit talk me. For once I'm trying to make things right but everything around me seems to bring me down.
And as I lifted my head up from the map to look at the surroundings, I cracked a smile once I saw Spike looking at me with an attentive stare and tilted head, before giving me a yawn. At least I have you buddy.

Back to the important matter at hand. After packing my things away again I took a look at the bag left behind. The phone was my first option, but as I clicked the button and waited, it didn't turn on. Broken? Out of battery? I wasn't sure, but it wouldn’t work. Then the camera.

An old Sony Camcorder, so old it still used 8mm tape. This thing must be from the very early 2000s. The batteries inside the bag looked like they were for the camera too, and plenty of them, probably could last a couple of days. But why would they bring cameras like these?

I changed the battery and tried to power it on, flipping out the screen from the side. The quality w asn't half bad and there was already a tape in there. I walked over to Spike and layed down next to him, might as well watch the tape.