Journal Entry #42 - Loutit District Library

May 24^th, 2013 - 7:53 Pm

I’m very glad I decided to visit the library today. It turned out to be quite fruitful.

The Loutit District Library has been around for quite some time, and invites everyone to wants to sit back, relax, and have a good read.

I went to the front desk and asked if they had a microfiche.

“I’m sorry sir,” she told me, “the microfiche is unavailable to the public.”

I leaned closer to her. “And why is that?”

She bit her bottom lip and replied, “I actually don’t know sir. Manager’s orders.”

“Might I speak with the manager?”

She called him in, and out came the manager, Mr. Morder VanTepp.

“Hello,” he said, with a deep voice that surprised me at first. “How can I be of assistance?”

“Well, I was wondering about your microfiche. Is there a chance I could take a look at some old newspapers?”

Mr. VanTepp looked around, then said, “What dates would you be wanting to look at?”

“January 14^th, 1996.”

“Ah yes, the dates for Glenn Eaton’s death, and the disappearance of the west gate keys. I’m sorry; we don’t have a copy of the newspapers from those dates sir. We’re not sure where we could find them.”

I leaned in towards his ear. “Or perhaps maybe you just don’t want me to look at them? Hm? Could that be why you don’t have a copy?”

Mr. VanTepp straightened his back. “Absolutely absurd! What on earth makes you think we would hide those articles? It’s history!”

“Maybe because you’re scared someone will find out how the gatekeeper died?” I was totally poking into the darkness here, seeing if what I just said actually rung some truth to it.

Morder was frozen. He didn’t know what to say. “You are no ordinary civilian, are you?”

I looked at him straight in the eye. “I am not working for the government. I am not an inspector. I do not have a badge showing proof of who I am.” I revealed my badge to him, then once again whispered in his ear, “and I do not wish to see the requested newspapers from the dates previously discussed about.”

Morder nodded rapidly. “Of course sir, of course. Right this way…”

Yes ladies and gentlemen, there are times when I find myself in a completely absurd situation, and find myself cocking my head at previous events, and what I did to cause them. Trust me, though when I say this: the insanity often leads to the sane.

Within five minutes, I was sitting down, looking at old newspaper clips, and being offered sodas, snacks, and free books. All of which I declined. He eventually left me alone, and I continued to read the “missing copies”. I would be lying if I said that I didn’t enjoy the expressions made on Mr. VanTepp’s face as he flustered about.

January 9^th, 1996, Glenn Eaton missing.

I stopped at that one. I continued to read the article. It went:

On January ninth, the Duncan Woods’ gatekeeper, Glenn Eaton, disappeared. Officials were called by the city to investigate, and upon entering his home, found out quickly that Mr. Eaton was not there. Officials searched high and low for him, but found no trace whatsoever.

I continued on with the dates for a little longer, until I reached one that sparked my entrance.

January 14^th, 1996, Glenn Eaton found dead in Duncan Woods.

I didn’t move for a moment. The woods. Duncan Woods. A place almost everyone has been, including me and Edward. I read the article.

On January 14^th, Glenn Eaton, Duncan Woods’ gatekeeper, was found dead in the woods. Officials found him on the ground with multiple holes in his body. The County Sheriff had this to say: “After a complete examination of the body, we have concluded that Mr. Eaton was stabbed by a knife multiple times, each aimed for a specific organ in his body. Once stabbed, the organs were pulled out, put in plastic bags, and placed around his body. I have never seen such a gruesome murder in my entire life.” The Sheriff then proceeded to leave.

Officials made a wide search of Duncan Woods, but found no leads to Eaton’s killer. The case was dropped one week later.

How frightening.

I walked out of the room where Mr. VanTepp was waiting for me. “So,” I asked, “why the deception?”

He looked at the ground, then looked me in the eye with fear. “We were told… no, threatened, by two men dressed in black to never show those specific dates. They had also been going around town, covering up the strange things that happened to Mr. Eaton, or so I’m told.” He leaned closer. “Sir, as far as anyone knows, Mr. Eaton wasn’t murdered.”

I nodded. “Well, thank you for your cooperation.” I gave him my card. “Call me when things start getting weird, or if you see those men in black again. Kay?”

He nodded quickly. “Yes of course.”

I left the library feeling quite… dissatisfied. I needed more answers. Obviously, Glenn Eaton was murdered, and according to research, he died almost exactly the way the Slenderman would kill someone.

A shiver went down my spine as I walked through town. I need to find someone who knows more about what happened on that fateful day in Duncan Woods.

Off for more answers…

Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #38 - The Encounter

May 18th, 2013 - 1:39 Pm

So, I'm sure your wondering what happened yesterday, and if I saw the Mothman or not. To answer your question simply, yes. I did. But I'll start from the beginning.

I walked out of Fred's hotel room a bit nervous, but very excited as well! This was it, I was going to see who or what was behind the phone calls. Though everyone says it's the Mothman, you can't ever be sure that that's who's calling.

The address the mystery man gave me was about fifteen minutes driving distance. When I pulled up, I saw a neat, homely little house. I knocked on the door to see if anyone lived here. Surprisingly, there was.

The door opened and revealed a woman. She was short, with blonde hair that went almost all the way down to her hips. From what I gathered, she looked about 40ish. She smiled at me as she said, "Well hello! Come on in Gregory!"

Cocking my head, I complied. As I walked in, I asked "How do you know my name miss?"

She turned her head over her shoulder as she walked into the kitchen. "My son told me! He said you and him were going to meet out in the barn. He lives out there you know."

"No, I don't."

"Well now you do!" She placed two hot plates of chicken onto the table. "Hungry?"

I was. "Why thank you." I sat, and cautiously sniffed my food. For some reason, I decided to trust her.

For a bit, we ate in silence, but then she piped up again. "So you're an Inspector eh? We need a good one these days. World's full of rotten creatures you know."

"Actually, I do." I said, nodding.

She nodded back, knowingly. "M-m-m. I do love chicken." She finished and took care of our plates. "He's out in the barn, like I said. I'm sure you'll want to go see him now."

I thanked her and started to head out. Then I slapped my forehead. "Um, miss, what's your name?"

She smiled that warm smile yet again. "Name's Juliet."

I tipped my hat and walked outside.

The sun was just starting to set... right behind the barn. I headed that direction.

I stopped in front of the barn doors. I had no idea what to expect, but that's always the thrilling part for me. You never know what's behind closed doors.

I pushed the door open and walked in slowly. I darted my eyes left and right, up and down. "Hello?" I called, but no answer.

I walked to the ladder leading to the loft. Dare I climb it? Heck yah!

I climbed it quickly, and looked around. Absolutely nothing. "Hey," I called, "you want me or not? Who are you, the Mothman? If you don't mind, I'd like to see your face!"

I was rewarded with a growl that sounded like it came from Hell. I was so startled I fell backwards. I started scurrying back, but stopped when I noticed I was at the opposite edge of the loft. I quickly stood back up and ran back over. "Okay, I think we're getting somewhere."

All of a sudden, a giant, furry blur zoomed upwards right in front of me. This time I stood my ground. I kept my eyes on the giant creature, as it slowed to a stop in the air, and dropped violently behind me. I whipped myself around and stared into the eyes of it.

I was now face to face with the Mothman.

It had hideous red eyes, and yet they looked like they were filled with some kind of peace. It's wings were massive, about an eighteen feet span. It's body was muscular, not big, but not skinny either. And it's face... it was incredible. It was a mix between a furry moth's head, and a man. Just human enough to call man, and just bug like enough to call moth.

I breathed slowly, as I watched it's eyes look me over. The eyes stopped at my hip.

My gun. Whoops.

I slowly reached over for it. As my hand clasped the gun, the Mothman sat. I pulled my gun out and threw it in front of it. This was when I saw his huge arms. They were tree trunks! If he grabbed me, I was done.

He picked up the gun, and then slowly reached it over to me. I nervously took it back, and placed it into it's holster.

I had gained it's trust.

I decide to be bold. "What is your name?"

It didn't speak, but I heard the same voice I heard over the phone in my head, like a whisper almost. "Prometheus".

I was about to say something else, but he continued to speak in my head. "I am the warner. I am not the executioner. I am your conscious, not your demon. I am the Mothman. You and I are allies."

I nodded, understanding what he said. "Why did you want me."

His arm reached bind a haybale. He retrieved three pictures. "Kornelson... you must finish what you started." He handed the items to me.

Without even looking, I knew what these items would do for me. "Thank you."

Prometheus stood quickly. "There is a war. There is an enemy. We must be freed." He rose his wings, lifted his head, and gave a mighty shriek. He bolted from the loft, and flew out the barn window. And just like that, he was gone.

I sat down and looked over what he gave me. I won't talk about one of them, but I will show you the other two...

 

 

There he was, the Slenderman. Almost in clear sight too! He looks just like I saw him in my pocket mirror. Tentacles and all. Now, the picture above doesn't show it, but there was a date on the bottom right corner of the picture: 5-16-13. Only the day before. This meant the Slenderman was still in the woods. What's really strange, is that I know that exact spot. It's just past the lake in Duncan Woods.

 

The next picture was what made my heart stop...

 

KAYLE! There she was... with really short hair. But that's besides the point. The fact is, she's ALIVE.

 

You know what this means? The case is on. Goodbye New York, hello Michigan.

 

HERE WE GO!!!

Inspector Kornelson

 

Journal Entry #31 - Cold Case

May 8th, 2013 - 6:48 Am

Well, I have some okay news, and some bad news. I'll get the bad news done and over with.

Edward Strausen's case has gone cold. I've hit a dead end. I have no choice but to postpone it. Not end it, just end it until I get a lead of some sort.

The okay news is that I've been asked to start a different case by someone in a different area of the agency. Here's the letter I received via email last night:

Dear Inspector Kornelson, there has been some strange happenings here in New York, including a few, “Accidents”. There have been sightings of a large, furry, flying creature, and I’m hunting it down. I have come no closer to finding it, after weeks of tracking it. The people who claim to see it are getting strange phone calls, and many of them are ending up in the hospital. I have personally interviewed one person. He said he saw the creature fly above his house, and the next day he got three phone calls. From what I have gathered, these calls are whispers of nonsense. Then, the man ended up in the hospital, but from something normal, something that couldn't really be planned out. A car crash. I personally,have never encountered the creature, but I have heard a monstrous screech at times.

The reason I let you know this is because I feel that there is more to this than meets the eye. Something more sinister. I believe this is your area of expertise, Gregory, so I wanted to let you know. Would you be willing to take this case and help out a friend in need?

Sincerely,

Fredrik Daniels, Official Government Exterminator

 

Wow. when I read this I was quite interested indeed. I immediately started packing up to get goin'. In fact, I'll be heading to the airport in about twenty minutes or so.

 

I'm disappointed and somewhat heart broken. Kayle and Edward have disappeared, and I believe they're still alive. May God watch over them, and let us trust the He has a plan in mind.  I'm pretty sure He knows what He's doing.

 

In God we trust...

Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #30 - Dead End

April 30th, 2013 - 7:23 Pm

For the past week I've been trying to find the whereabouts of Edward Strausen, but I just can't seem to figure this out. It's like all of a sudden everything's back to normal, save for Edward's disappearance. The police have given up, the family's have put it behind them, and a funeral is being scheduled for next week.

What can I possibly do except wander around the woods again? It got me nowhere last time, and besides that incident I have no leads of the slightest manner. It's quite frustrating.

I don't know how much longer I can stay, having stated the above. Unless I get some good leads, I'll have to leave the case alone. At least for now.

Until next time...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #29 - Kidnapped!

April, 22nd, 2013 - 5:15 Pm

Edward has been kidnapped! A friend of his, Keon, posted a Missing Person report on Edward's blog (I guess he hacked  into Something Sinister). Here it is...

MISSING PERSON.

Hi, this is Keon. Yesterday, Edward said he needed us to come to Duncan Woods; I guess he had something to tell us, but he never showed up to tell us what was going on. Today I went to his house, but Edward wasn't there.

The name of the missing person is Edward Straussen.
He's 5 foot 11, has short brown hair, brown eyes and a scar on the underside of his left arm. He would appear to be in his late teens/early twenties and is usually clean shaven. He usually wore a brown jacket and an English cabby driver's cap (grey). Is of a rather burly build, and was last seen at around 3:45ish.

His address is **** ******** street, Grand Haven, Ottawa County, Mi.
If you happen to see a person matching this description, please call: ********** for his home or ********** for me.

[Picture redacted]

 

POSTED BY KEON ORUSAN

To tell you the truth, I'm a bit depressed. I should've been watching him more closely. I feel like it's my fault, even though I know it's not.

I have nothing more to say...
Inspector Kornelson


Journal Entry #26 - Edward's Decision

April 2nd, 2013 - 7:27 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

I just woke up from the worst dream of my life. The things—I didn’t understand most of what I saw, but it terrified me. To be perfectly honest, now that I'm awake, I don’t feel any better.  I am going to tell someone—I don’t care what they said, I have to tell someone. I am going to go crazy if I don’t. but, then again, who would believe this? My sister certainly didn’t. I don’t know…

POSTED BY EDWARD STARUSEN

Which is what I don't get. Obviously, something weird is going on, Edward being in his friend's closet for who-knows-how-long and all. And Cat just doesn't seemed phased at all by it, nor does she seem to care for her brother's fears.

I worry about Edward. The dreams, the man outside his window, the crazy instant traveling... it's going to end up being really bad.

Now of course, the instant traveling could all be in his head. After all, they did find him waking up in a closet. He could have been in some form of a coma or something.

Okay. It's time to find some answers. I'm going to the woods Saturday, and I'll update you the following Monday.

Pray for me guys...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #25 - Where's Edward!?

March 30th, 2013 - 8:52 Pm

Um... WOW.

I left you hanging in the last post there... probably freaking out and all. Well, your questions will be answered.

I left right away to Edward's house. After his parents answered the door, I showed them my badge and asked them where Edward was.

"He's upstairs on his computer I believe..." Mr. Strausen said.

I ran.

Busting open the door, I soon discovered that Edward was gone.

I rushed back downstairs. "Your son is gone Sir. I have reason to believe that he's been kidnapped."

Mrs. Strausen gasped, and then sat down quickly in a nearby chair, placing her hands on her mouth.

I ran to the door. Throwing them my card, I said, "I'm going to search for him. If you find out any information, call me." I closed the door behind me, but then remembered something. I quickly opened the door and said very sternly, "And whatever you do, don't go into the woods." And then I left.

For the next two days, I searched everywhere possible. The church, Leroy and Bard's place, the park, and other places. All except for the woods. I feared that that's where Edward was.

I searched everywhere again today, but ended up where I started. Absolutely nothing. Until, that is, I got a call this afternoon from the Strausens.

I'll let Edward explain to you his side of the story, which he wrote in a blog post on Something Sinister:

I have been officially grounded. I don’t know when or if my parents will ever ungrounded me. And honestly I’m kinda glad that they have, this way if He tries to take me again, someone will know. On Wednesday day I got on my blog to try to put something up that now seems more like a waste of time, when I saw the post from thealias. I knew one thing—there was no way on earth that I was going to let an angry fairy kidnap me without a fight. I mean, I can’t just walk up to my friends and say “Hey guys, I got kidnapped and punished by a fairy,”—UNDIGNIFYED!

So I went to my closet and grabbed my Colombia saber knife and put it on belt. I hesitated for a moment but then went back to my closet to get another knife. I reached out to grab it when something hit my back that knocked every ounce of wind out of me. I turned to see what had hit me and saw that it was a bed. I had been hit by the bed but I’d fallen onto it and the mattress was really old and stiff, I sat up and just them I realized that it wasn’t my room at all. First, it was dark and there was an old chandelier on the ceiling, second; what light there was came from a full moon reflecting off of the snow outside the house, but as you all know there is barley any snow on the ground in Grand Haven today.

I got up and walked over and tried the door. It didn’t open. I was about to walk back and sit on the bed again when I heard a noise from the far corner of the room. I don’t know what was there, but what I did know, I didn’t want to find out. I ran to the door and twisted it furiously until something cracked on the inside and the door finally came open. I ran through it and shut it behind me. It hadn’t occurred to me that there might be something on this side of the door as well until I was already on the other side. My sighs of relief quickly turned to panicked breaths and my hands began to shake quite violently, for a moment, but then I thought. I had no proof that there was anything in here, why should my bones quake inside me?

And just as I began to relax I heard noises coming from the other end of the hall, which was full of doors, and in the very dim light that the hall offered from the two small windows at either end I saw a the figure of something unnatural that walked as if it’s legs were broke. My stomach began to lurch inside me again. I ran for the other end of the hall where I could see a banister. When I reached it, began to go down the stairs when I saw that whatever it was had gone. It probably went into one of the many rooms in the hall. I stood half on the stair case and half off looking down the hall as hard as I could, as soon as I would decided that it was safe to go back into the hall I would hear something from there, but I knew that I wasn’t going downstairs if I didn’t have to.

I don’t know how long it took me to notice but the landscape outside of the window I was next to was almost nothing like the one I’d seen from the bed room window, there I’d seen a yard with a forest of pine trees and all of it covered in snow; the one outside this window had no trees in any direction that I could see it was flat and open and snow covered. I decided that if there was a door, I could to that field and I would be able to see anything before it could get to me. So I went down stairs. I found a window that faced in the same direction but I couldn’t believe my eyes when I looked through it. There was a forest of oak trees I think. “Am I supposed to take this seriously?”  I muttered to myself. I had no more than finished when my text alarm went off. It was from thealias, and it read; “It doesn’t matter to us whether you believe us or not, it’s not our business.”

A few seconds later another text came, “Don’t look back.” At that time I’d turned with my back facing the window. My pulse rose. I didn’t know if there was something out there, but if there was I didn’t want to break the rules, not in there anyway. I walked into another room, and noticed that for a house of its size it was rather clean, but it was clear that no one lived there.  As I continued from room to room, I stepped on a floor board that squeaked quite loudly, I grimaced but kept going. I was no more than two paces from the spot when I heard it again, and my heart dropped. There was something behind me. But I kept walking. I went around a corner and through the corner of my eye I saw that whatever it was, was wearing a white lab coat, at least that’s my best guess. As I continued to walk the footsteps fell harder and harder behind me and whatever was following me began to wheeze audibly.

By the time I reached the kitchen I was at my wits end, trying everything not to look at it, but it would walk first to one side of me, then to the other. I almost wanted to blind myself, but not quite enough. I saw a pantry on one wall and I took a mad dash for it and shut myself in. facing the door I listened as that thing came closer, it’ wheezing growing louder and louder. It seemed like hours. It was walking so slowly and deliberately, my teeth started chattering. “Stop it!” I yelled at whatever it was. Who was I kidding? The footsteps stopped, but the wheezing turned into a hiss of maniacal laughter. I felt it grab the door knob and begin to turn it. My mind raced. My pulse beet like a hammer in my ears. My legs gave out. I couldn’t stand. I slumped forward onto the door.

When next I knew, someone was feeling my throat and my wrist. I would have said something, or moved, but I could not. I heard ambulance sirens and someone shouting “he’s in here!” but they never came. When I was able to move again, I rolled over and saw that I was in my bed room, on the floor, next to my bed. Evidently, I’d been missing for three days. My parents thought that I’d run off. When I fell through the door onto the ground I had been in Keon’s house. My parents thought I’d run off and broken in to Keon’s house. His parents didn’t press charges. But my parents are “very surprised at me” and I just don’t know what to do.

I have this feeling that Keon will want an explanation soon.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

And there you have it folks. Edward was kidnapped, and then brought back safely to his home.

I've been putting off visiting the woods for too long. I have to go soon, or not go at all. It's time to man up.

See you there...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #23 - Edwards Mistake

March 20th, 2013 - 8:47 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Today I went out, which is to say that mom kicked me out for the afternoon. So I went to Pottawatomi bayou Park. There is a nice board walk with a couple of benches that face the water. I sat there trying to figure out the latest riddle from thealias. It doesn’t seem to matter what I do, he invents ways of communicating with me. I purposely don’t go to my own blog to avoid seeing he messages, so he goes and sends me texts with no number behind them. I turn off my phone, so he writes messages in word documents that he leaves opened on my computer—what’s next will he start taping notes to my computer screen?

‘Hello, Edward Strauβen

Staying inside will not help you. You fear those who seek to Free you. You seek to hide from us in your house, but even here, you are punishable. Find the key and follow us, we can help you.’

Whatever that means.  I was trying to figure it out when Bard came down the boardwalk. “Hey! Where have you been?” but the way he said it made me think that he was surprised that I was here. I sighed, and told him that he wouldn’t believe me if I told him. He sat down on the other bench and said “Try me.”

So I said, with another sigh; “After my cousin’s funeral, I had this suspicion that she hadn’t just been murdered. And I couldn’t shake it off. And now weird stuff is happening and no one except me notices.”

Bard thought for a moment. “Do you mean weird, like when you turn on the faucet at the kitchen sink and then you get sprayed by the hose-thing?”

“No, weird like; people breaking in to my house, this guy leaving messages on my computer and in my texts, and some abnormally tall guy following me around. I’m just trying to figure out how to deal with it.”

“Oh, good!” he said.

“Um—not good, this guy isn’t a guy…really…” I paused because I just could not believe the words that I was about to say. Just typing it out isn’t the same as actually saying it, and to be honest it almost made it feel scarier when I said it, “it’s… some kind of… thing-monster.” I sighed; again, I could not believe the words that had just come out of my mouth.

“let me see, what kind of peppers have you been eating before bed?” I was relieved to see that he was trying to rationalize the situation.

“You don’t believe a word of it.” I said.

He didn’t answer for a couple of seconds. “Well” he paused, “It does sound a little farfetched, even for you.” And I don’t blame him, If the man disappeared tomorrow, and never came back, I would be given to wonder if it wasn’t all some convoluted dream.

“All I know is what I think I saw, and what I think I saw is scaring the living daylights out of me.” We talked for a little longer and then he had to go home, and so did I. I wonder if telling him wasn’t the best idea.

I still don’t understand though, what was thealias talking about? What key? Follow them where?

POSTED BY EDWARDS STRAUSEN

Edward made a grave mistake. But a fair one.

He told someone about his problems.

Now, don't get me wrong, I firmly believe that you should always consult with someone about your problems. But in this situation, telling someone about what's going on can put you in danger. At the most, tell the authorities. Of course, they don't really help that much. In fact, sometimes they make it worse.

"I wonder if telling him wasn’t the best idea."

Me too Edward. Me too.
 
Think before you make your move...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #21 - The Game...

March 15th, 2013 - 5:45 Pm

Here's today's really long corresponding post from Something Sinister:

This week has been weird to the point where I’m wondering how Cat hasn’t noticed.  I’m hope this summery will suffice for now.

Monday: On Monday I stayed in my room all day except for when I needed to leave (chores, lunch, bathroom) and just before dusk something reminded me about the post from thealias and I turned and looked out the window, and looking back, I wish I hadn’t. On the periphery of the woods there stood that same tall man that was in the organ loft. I picked up a pair of binoculars because I couldn’t believe that I would never see this guy facing me. I peered through the binoculars and saw the breast of his suit and a tie. I was confused at this as he had been turned around just a few moments before, so I looked up at his head. What I saw simultaneously horrified me and intrigued me. The man’s skin had not a drop of melanin (if melanin comes in drops) in it. His head was cocked on one side as if he were confused or perplexed by something. But most curious of all, he had no face, or well not no face but no features on it.

I turned and tore through my hopelessly cluttered desk and found a piece of scrap paper on which I wrote a tally mark. When I glanced up again he was gone. I began to wonder if he would come back. Until he did I decided to go back to the library and research.

Tuesday: I followed my plan from the day before and went to library to do research into whatever that person I saw my back yard was. I typed in “faceless creature” in to Google.

 I picked out a snippet that looked interesting. “Scottish folklore” I opened the page and at the top of the page there was a heading. “Fear Dubh,” I read on “A malevolent being that was said to haunt the woods. It was created to scare children in to staying inside after dark.” And that was it the writer hadn’t said anything more. Why I wonder? Perhaps it was not very in portent. So I went over to the help desk and asked if they had any books on Scottish folklore, the lady was very helpful and told me exactly where it was.

The article that I found read, “Fear Dubh—the black man,

Fear Dubh is a spirit that was generally thought to be malevolent. It was said to haunt the Highland forests at night. People who crossed paths with it were haunted by and eventually killed by it. If someone managed to elude the spirit without dying, it would exact its revenge on his (or her) descendants.

Fear Dubh has often been described by people who claimed to have seen it as a gentle man or a nobleman dressed in black, exceedingly tall, and pail. It was also said to lack facial features but, by far its most interesting trait were the many snake-like arms that grew out of its back.”

And then it went to talk about something else. I felt disturbed, the guy at the table next to me was blaring music on his iPod and it was loud enough to be heard.  But I also felt disturbed because except for the one ancestor I have who was German, my family is very Scottish, I felt a chill go up my spine and decided to leave.

On the way home I decided to go and practice the organ. So I went up in to the organ loft and Mr. Snoew was standing there. Something felt wrong. It wasn’t that Mr. Snoew was in the organ loft—he practically lives up there; there was something about the way he was standing. It just wasn’t right, and on top of that he was holding his hands in a position that I didn’t think he would have been able to at his age. He started talking in a way that was creepily monotone. “Hello, Edward Strauβen (German accent), we are waiting for your score.” I asked him what he was talking about, but he went on saying, “If you do not follow the rules of the game, we will have to punish you.” Who is we? But again no answer, “why do you question us?”

“If you tell me who you or “us” is then I’ll be more than happy to comply.” I said more disrespectfully than intended. He began to look past me. I waved my hand in front of his face but he didn’t flinch even once. I turned to leave because I was feeling severally creped out and that thing was standing there, and this time I was close enough to see the snake-like arms waving and writhing around.  The sight of it was more than I could handle.

 I very nearly passed out, to the point that I fell over. But when I hit the ground, there was snow on it I looked around and saw that I was in the woods. The woods that happen to be behind my house. I don’t know how I got there, but I didn’t want to be there, so I very quickly went back to the house.

Wednesday: There were several things that I did not want to do that day, for instance feeding the chickens or anything outside really. The woods felt dangerous and I didn’t want to be the brunt of some slighted fairy’s wrath. So I did everything that had to do with outside very quickly.

Thursday: 5:35. My phone buzzed the text message sound and I looked at it. It was from thealias.

thealias: “What is your final count?”

Me: “Who the heck are you?”

thealias: “We are those without eyes that see. What is your final count?”

Me: “fine then; 7. Are you Mr. Snoew?”

thealias: “No, we are not. Congratulations. You have answered correctly. Come and claim your reward in the woods.”

Me: “which woods?” I sent that text twice but both times it came back as unsendable. I am pretty sure that he meant the woods behind my house.

Friday: I don’t remember exactly why I went, because I’d resolved not to but for some reason I wandered out into the woods behind my house I walked for quite a while. Usually a walk through the woods Is very relaxing to me, but this was altogether different my muscles were so tight that if anything had touched me I think they would have snapped. I came to a place in the woods that I had never been to before, and I suddenly became aware that the sun was setting. I began to panic. And just when I was about to totally lose it, I saw a note.

 On one of the trees there was a note. I looked around, and in the ever dimming twilight I saw lost of notes on the trees. I picked up three or four of them and tried to read them but it was now too dark to see.

My heart began to race again and I realized just how dead silent it was. I turned to walk home. Every footfall deafening me, and I heard a sound. It was a very little sound and it was behind me. It was the man, Fear dubh. One second he was there and the next he was gone. But so was I.  I woke up this morning on my bed. And I have never felt this kind of fear before.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Well, this has just gotten a lot more interesting. The Slenderman reveals himself! It's quite obvious that it is indeed a Slenderman. The tentacles, the height, the faceless... uh, face, it all points to him.

What's strange to me is the suddenness of going from one place to the next. One second he was in the church, being stared at by the Slenderman himself, (which is a whole other story. Is Mr. Sneow somehow involved in this mystery?) and then all of a sudden he finds himself in the woods. And then from there to his bed, the next morning.

Upon thinking further, I realize that Thealias and the Slenderman are probably not the same person. But who the heck is Thealias? Is he trying to help, or is he trying to cause more trouble? Or could it be... Kayle?

...

No. It couldn't be. One, she's only 7. Two, how could she get a hold of a computer to post stuff like that? Three, being young, she would have wanted to go home right away. Four, it just doesn't add up. Young children like that aren't as... educated as Thealias sounds.

Edward is now able to see the Slenderman outside his window... sound familiar?

I think I'll be visiting those woods next week...

See you there...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #18 - A possible lead?

February 26th, 2013 - 8:34 Pm

Here's today corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Now I'm not sure but, I think that I saw that tall guy at the Meijer. Mom and I went grocery shopping and while trying to rack my brain as which spices I needed for cooking I think I saw him pushing a cart, but only out of the corner of my eye. But I do have good news; Mathis is starting to get through his depression. I have to say that I am very impressed by the speed of his recovery.

The police have found a possible lead, but unfortunately I cannot say anymore than that they are looking into it. And as for me- nothing weird or strange has happened in the last 24 hours! I have also decided to play recorder for church again next month on the 15^th. Although I think I’ll play something more liturgically correct.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Heh heh... whoops.

Um, ya... that was me.

I was keeping an eye on Edward, and he and his Mom went to the Meijer (a grocery store). I figured that since I was going to be staying in Ottawa County for a while, I'd go to the store too. I probably should've worn something other than black... sorry, I just like that color. Is that so wrong? I feel professional! Of course, I am kind of a professional...

ANYWHO, I just had to chuckle when I checked his blog and read that he noticed me.

I did talk to the police force. That wasn't very fun. Until I showed my badge. That was funny.

They told me that they did have a lead, but it wasn't a strong one. More like... a possibility. They thought that perhaps the kidnapper snuck through some woods that were near Kayle's house, and then took her back through. Taking a long trail, he could shake off anybody's scent.

Sure. That's reasonable. But I doubt it. Let me explain myself. If the kidnapper is who I think he is, then it's a lot more sinister than that.

It's perfect really, the kidnapper's plan. He appears in Kayle's backyard while she's playing, introduces himself, then comes across as the nicest person in the world. Add on the possible physco-babble stuff and you've got the perfect situation for kidnapping. Some of it still doesn't make sense though, not being able to see it unless it wants you to see it. Gah, my head hurts and I'm tired. I'm going to bed.

 

Goodnight all...

Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #17 - Second Apearance

February 24th - 3:45 Pm

Here's today's post from Something Sinister:

Well, that went better than expected. After I finished playing some one even clapped, but was shushed by an usher. My parents were very impressed and as usual my sister didn’t say anything. I find it curious that I saw that tall guy in the narthex standing by the coat rack, but as before he had his back to me and so I couldn’t his face.

Mr. Snoew gave me his congratulations and wanted to know why I’d never told him about the recorder. I explained that I didn’t think it was worth mentioning at the time. I feel really good about this. Perhaps I should play for church more often.

 POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Again, we see the appearance of the tall man at the church. Why? What draws this guy to a holy place? Obviously not even ultimate good scares him. But the question still remains: Why is he drawn to the church? And why that church? So many questions to be answered! I am thoroughly excited about it all, but at the same time, my heart hurts for the family of the missing girl.

People take it too far when they kidnap a sweet little child. It's just pure evil. I really have no words for it. Someone really has to be sick in the head to actually think about doing something like that. And then to dare show his face at the funeral!? Okay, so maybe the tall guy might not be who I think he is, maybe I still need some more proof that it was him at the funeral.

For Kayle's sake, you can be sure as heck that I'll get that proof.

May God be with you Kayle...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #15 - Dreams

February 18th, 2013 - 7:34 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

Lately I started having dreams. Really weird ones. Not weird because of random things that happen in them, but because nothing random happens in them. They're usually about Kayle and me walking through the woods somewhere or going to a play ground. They take place somewhere new every night. In the dreams we would just talk for a while then she would start acting scared of something and everything goes black.

It really is funny what grief does with your mind. I can’t help but wonder if it’s this hard for me to get over, how hard is it for Mathis? I haven’t heard from him since the funeral.  I have to say, some fire light inside my aunt though. She turned into wonder woman, I’m not joking. She took up carpentry and she is awesome at it.

Tyrone is still missing and I have to say I honestly I almost don’t care anymore; the only thing she was good for was chasing ‘coons away. But for my sister’s sake, I will keep looking for it.

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN

Poor kid. Seems like he and his cousin were close. But something worries me.

Before Kayle disappeared, she had troubling dreams, and she saw a man outside of her window every night. Now, Edward is having dreams. It could be grief, as he stated in his post, but I still wonder about it.

From what I'm getting, it seems that this... person, I guess, has some kind of psychic power. I'm not sure how, but these dreams just can't be coincidence. It's that, or just his presence has an impact and an effect on those around him.

I think I'll be driving by the woods eventually. Maybe I'll find a dog.

Hopefully alive.

Until then...
Inspector Kornelson

Journal Entry #14 - The funeral

February 13th, 2013 - 9:45 Pm

Here's today's corresponding post from Something Sinister:

I didn’t want to go to the funeral, but I did. I didn’t want to talk to the people that would be there, but I did. And I don’t want to write the things which I am about to, but for some reason I feel compelled to out of incredulity and alarm.

This morning I got up feeling as depressed as one can without losing the ability to feel hunger. I went to the kitchen to eat breakfast. I poured myself a bowl of cereal and proceeded to enter the dining room. I did so and nearly dropped my bowl in surprise; my parents were still sitting there eating their own breakfast. I glanced at the clock. It was 7:10. I always sleep late, usually stayed in bed until at least 8:00.

I sat down and ate as quietly as I could, my dad across the table was scowling at the table, or was it his bowl; I couldn’t tell. So suddenly that it gave me whiplash, he looked up at me and asked, “So, are you as unready for this as I am?”

“I'm not ready at all.” I just hate myself for not writing sooner. Why didn’t I? It wasn’t like I had a great deal to do, honestly, I just didn’t do it. I wouldn’t take the time to write to my little cousin until she was about to be kidnapped? How am I supposed to feel?  I didn’t say this, but I wanted to.

I finished eating and put my dishes to be washed. I went over to my chair and stared out the window. I really wasn’t looking at anything, just thinking about what I might do at a funeral. In truth, I had never been to a funeral. I wasn’t sure how to act or if there was some protocol other than wearing black or what.

The clock chimed 9:00; this would be my only chance to try to talk my way out of going. However, my efforts were fruitless. “Your aunt has been hit hard by this, she needs to know that we care enough to come.” Was my dad’s reply. Sometimes I hate having a conscious to make me feel guilty.

I dressed up into my black and red suit and by the time I was done with that, it was time to go. The ride there was boring and uneventful so I’ll spare you that part of the day. The Church service started with a bang. And by bang, I mean Johan Sebastian Bach’s fantasia and fugue in g minor. It was great, and spidery, and rich for a bit. Then it toned down into a sweet, melancholy fugue. (Sorry music geek.)

The service was shorter than I expected it to be, but the sermon was surprisingly more hopeful than the prelude. The last hymn was “Abide with me,” and during it I caught a glimpse of my aunt. Not that I have ever seen her really sad before but, it looked to me like she was less sad than angry.

As the postlude played the whole congregation made its way into the fellow ship hall, which at this point was to act as potluck buffet sort of place. It was, in my opinion, a bit too large for my extended family, as it’s pretty small (my family; not the room).

We all sat down to eat after the pastor said a brief prayer, and my cousin Mathis sat down next to me. Mathis is, or was, Kayle’s older brother. He was really… er… not himself. He looked like either he’d been crying a great deal, or not sleeping well or both.  For the sake of trying not to put any problems into his mind, I asked him what happened before she disappeared. As he began to answer I felt guilty for asking. This is what he said.

[Mathis]: “for a while, she hadn’t been sleeping well, she said that was having bad dreams. My parents kept telling her that they were just dreams and they subsided after a while. *sigh* but at the end of January, she started complaining that someone was outside her *chuckle* window. My dad started sitting with her until she fell asleep at nights, and until she did she would keep pointing and complaining about a man outside. None of us ever saw anything out there. And then one morning, she wasn’t there.”

[Me]: “So, what did the police find?”

[Mathis]: “nothing that they thought they would find, from the forensics, they claim that she opened her window, removed the screen, closed the window from the outside, and reinserted the screen. After which she played on the swing set in the back yard, and then; not even their dogs could find a trail. *sniffle*

After that he started crying. I felt kind of disturbed and I wondered if perhaps there was more to the story, but I didn’t ask. After lunch was finished, we (my nuclear family) took our dishes and went out to the car, and we would have left then if mom hadn’t accidentally forgotten her purse in our pew. I went back into the church and grabbed it. On the way back out I saw in the organ loft, an extremely tall man. I wondered who it was because Mr. Snoew usually plays for everything. I didn’t see who it was as his back was turned to me, and my parents were in a hurry and so I didn’t go check.

The whole rest of the day has been pretty quiet. But I wonder if, and if there is than what, the rest of the story is. 

POSTED BY EDWARD STRAUSEN 

I was there at the funeral. It was sad really. Such a young age for a girl to die at. She sounded like such a sweet heart.

I almost cried actually. If it were my little girl... well, I'd like to not think about that.

Are you thinking what I'm thinking, concerning the man in the loft? Yup. First suspect. Of course, I didn't see anyone there. Yes, I was sitting in the very back of the church when Edward walked in to grab his mother's purse. I watched as he stared at the organ loft, an extremely confused look on his face. Then he walked off.

I'm going to be doing a bit of research.

Until then...

Inspector Kornelson