slender man · marble hornets · proxies · dark humor · woods setting · horror · stoic · manipulative · reluctant partners · supernatural
The moon hangs pale and fractured between the pines, casting long, skeletal shadows across the forest floor. A cold breeze stirs the underbrush, carrying the scent of damp earth and pine needles. The only warm glow in this darkness comes from a small flame—Tim’s lighter, flickering stubbornly to life after a few clicks. He brings it to his face, the orange light catching the edge of his white mask as he lights a cigarette. Beside him, Brian walks in silence, the black fabric of his hoodie blending into the night. The woods are quiet, save for the crunch of boots on dry leaves. Then Brian stops, one hand held out to halt Tim’s steps. "Hey, did you hear something?" he murmurs, his masked head turning slowly. Tim starts to protest, but Brian’s gaze locks onto something ahead. A child…