Chapter Text
Another unsuccessful trial, screams echo through the cornfield as Jake is sacrificed. Claudette finds herself hiding in the top floor of the Thompson house, just barley finished from tending to her wounds. Crows perched on the ledge eye her with intensity. From afar black spider-like tendrils spawn from the sky collecting Jake's body; the sacrifice is complete.
She doesn't have much time left.
She quickly descends down the staircase and makes her way scouting the map for the hatch. They didn't have a chance at escaping all together with only 3 generators completed. One mistake led to another, resulting in a complete massacre.
Jogging through the cornfield, Claudette's eyes dart left and right frantically searching for the hidden exit. Terrified crows flock to the sky as she passes by. Her heartbeat starts to rush, thumping against her ears. Shit. She can only hope the approaching jungle gym might be her lucky break as her captivator gains distance. A loud roaring chainsaw can be heard behind her, followed by a guttural roar dashing at high speeds. She just barley makes the corner, avoiding being mauled by the chainsaw. Just as the chainsaw starts revving Claudette spots the hatch meters away. She doesn't have much time to think; she's tunneled vision towards the loud hum. Running with her all, she forces herself to keep pushing through her exhaustion. She's arms length away before being cut down by the roaring mammoth.
Her face hits with the ground hard, eating dirt from the impact. She lays there limp, a meter away from the escape. Its no use crawling, he'll just pick her up and squash any hope left in her. Bracing for the pickup, Claudette waits with bated breath only--for nothing to happen. Looking back, she sees the disfigured menace staring at her with hitched breaths. She couldn't believe her eyes, a killer hesitating for a kill? Perhaps he's just toying with her, but just maybe--what if?
"...Are you letting me go?"
He nods in approval, his stance nor expression flinching once. There's just too many questions rushing through her head, but she knows better than to take this opportunity for granted. She crawls hastily towards the luring hum, glancing back to mutter something before slipping into the black fog.
"Thank you."
Claudette free falls as the black fog encapsulates her entire being. Its not long before a loud THUD, making contact with the ground face first. Groaning from the fall, she flips herself on her back--taking deep breaths of relief. Gods, that trial certainly took a lot out of her. Footsteps approach her, too tired to even acknowledge who it might be.
"You look like shit," Dwight comments.
With a simple grunt, Claudette makes no attempt at socializing before being dragged to the campfire.
Dwight tends to her wounds as they both sit in front of the warm embrace of the fire. His patchwork isn't the best but he's improving from the lessons she's taught him. It's not long before the rest of the sacrificed survivors appear from the forest fog. Ace walks in, then followed by Jake and Meg. Not much words are exchanged as the trio just slump into the campfire spots, collecting themselves. It always feels like a piece of them dies with every sacrifice. Memories are hazy at first from being just brought back from the dead. It never gets easier each trial, the pain still as fresh the first time.
The calm fickle fire lulls Claudette's attention. Despite its faint warmth, it always felt empty sitting next to it. With her only refuge being in the flora, its not long before zoning out; analyzing each plant found in the pit of hell. Living things somehow thrive in this grimy and wicked place. Perhaps they're-
"Claudette!"
The dazing botanist is brought to attention, her gaze snaps to Meg. It seems the redhead has finally regained her spark.
"How'd you manage to escape? You look torn up!" she asks curiously, eyeing her bandaged back. Claudette freezes for a moment, debating whether or not to tell the truth. She's unsure of how to break the strange news, a killer being merciful? It's unheard of given ever since she's been trapped here. Plus, there's-- she's starting at me-- I've been monologuing far too long in my head.
"I-I've been lucky is all" was all she could muster for her answer. Meg doesn't look to pleased with the answer but doesn't push for more. She could sense something bothered Claudette during that trial. Despite Claudette's social awkwardness the original four have developed a bond through countless trials. She still struggles socializing with the newcomers, rather staying recluse in her own botanical world. It was better to fixate on the familiar rather than being forced into awkward conversations.
Staring deep into the woods she notices a figure hiding among the shadows. White dots linger in the darkness before vanishing. This is the first time anything appeared outside of the woods, it's unheard of. Curiosity gets the better of her, not much to lose out here considering death isn't an escape. Her head glances around seeing if anyone took notice of the strange sighting. No one seemed to be sharing the same reaction, busying themselves through idle chatter or silent stares as to remain sane.
She picks herself up and starts making her way towards the direction of the figure. Her mind filled with endless questions. Perhaps someone has found a way out? What if there's more to this campfire? Her pacing quickens with hope before slowing down. What if the killers had found their campfire. Has the entity devised another terror waiting for them after trials? Dread quickly fills her heart, she hesitates to take another step before being determined to trudge forward. Either way she's spent far too long stuck at the campfire, she's desperate for change.
Claudette takes note of the flora changing around her as they change to a yellow hue. The thick forest starts to dissipate as the first sign of sunlight shines through the thick leaves. Surprised by the sudden discovery, Claudette sprints, hopeful she may have found a way out of here.
Only to be disappointed by the familiar scenery of the Coldwind Farm. Yet the realm seems to be far more intact than during the trials. The property stretches far with all the familiar landmarks being in sight. Past the cornstalks lays the meat tree, adjacent to it is the cowshed and the rancid abattoir. In the middle lies the infamous Thompson's House surrounded by corn. One concerning note being the lack of pallets or windows to be found here. Without any resources to protect herself, it's best to remain stealthy and return back to the campfire.
Yet when she heads back towards the direction of the campfire, the fog ends up bringing her back to the farm.
Claudette's heart starts to race, realizing she can't leave the realm. Unsure of how to proceed, she keeps on walking, hoping to find anything new to help her escape. Even though it's not a trial, perhaps the hatch may still be here. Worst case scenario she ends up dead and returns back to the campfire, nothing new in that regard. One can hope she'll be killed quickly rather than being tortured to death. Taking steps into the tall cornstalks, Claudette continues on as the vile stench of carcass lingers in the air.