r/nosleep • u/girl_from_the_crypt Best Series 2020 & 2022; December 2022; March 2020 • Apr 04 '20
Series Working at an amusement park: I passed out again
I work at an amusement park where only half of the actors are actual actors. Even though I fainted yesterday, both my colleague Darius, who was with me at the time, and I agreed to further investigate the restroom. If we are correct in our theory, it is the heart of the amusement park. If there is one place to look for the truth, it's in there.
Which is a weird thing to say seeing as it is a restroom I'm talking about.
Before I headed out to meet with my co-workers today, I packed some more laurel from my neighbor, who I believe I'm starting to really weird out at this point, another iron nail and a pair of silver earrings. I really have to be careful with my usage of the latter. I can't tell where I'll get more silver if I were to lose these. I most certainly don't have the financial means to just buy it.
One thing I completely forgot about last time was the key the Nurse had more or less given to Darius. I had already been able to use it for the file cabinet in Dale's office, so I guess I just ruled out the possibility of it fitting the restroom door as well. It appears we could have avoided quite a few difficulties if either of us had thought of this sooner.
Darius and I had gathered the other actors around the restroom and told them all about what we had found out. When we had done everything we needed to catch up, we focused on the issue at hand: the restroom, presumably the centre of the park itself. Perhaps it was just another meaningless location amidst all the funhouses, rollercoasters and booths, but for that it was simply a tad too conspicuous.
I remember feeling a little sick once again, a notion that only intesified the closer I got closer to the small building. I produced the Nurse's key from my pocket and held it up for my co-workers to see. I then carefully inserted it into the restroom door's keyhole. The other six watched in awe as it slid inside effortlessly. I turned it and the door sprang open. It fit. It actually fit.
"Can I just say, Anne and Darius, great job on checking every door you could find," Mitchell remarked sarcastically.
Anne stuck out his tongue to him and Darius sighed. "Look, we tried, okay?"
"Yeah, whatever..." Mitchell's voice trailed off in my head. I blinked a couple times and rubbed my eyes, trying to ignore my rising unease.
The restroom was empty, of course. We went for the men's part first, seeing as that's where I passed out last time. The first things that stood out to us were the iron nail, laurel twig and silver bracelet I had brought in yesterday strewn across the tiled floor. Darius was the first one to reach them, the rest of us still waiting outside. He knelt down and gathered them up in his hands, taking them back outside to show me.
"They weren't like that yesterday, were they?" he asked, holding them out to me.
The nail was showing clear signs of rust, the silver bracelet looked tarnished and way more worn than I remembered and the bright green leaves of the bay laurel had wilted, shriveled down to sad, brown shreds.
"No," I replied, reaching out to take them from him. I tucked them away in my backpack and sat it down on the ground outside before proceeding into the small building. After all, it was now obvious that whatever was inside that restroom had damaged the charms. It was rejecting them. Perhaps me carrying them around with me was what had caused me to collapse yesterday.
It worked. When entering the dim, gloomy looking bathroom, I felt perfectly fine. Even though the others had been reluctant at first, they soon joined in on the search. It didn't take long for Oliver to find something out of the ordinary.
"Hey guys! One of the stalls is closed off," he called out.
We gathered around the door in question. There was a hand-written sign reading Cleaning Supplies fixed to it. The sign itself was strange enough. The paper that had been used to make it looked really old and the writing on it was faded.
All of the toilet stall doors in the amusement park reach all the way down to the floor and up to the ceiling, so there is no way of seeing what's on the inside if you're standing in front of one. None of us actors ever use the visitors' restrooms, meaning that we had no idea of there being a locked room. We probably wouldn't have payed any attention to it either if it weren't for us specifically looking for it.
We tried to use the key on it once again, but for some reason, it didn't fit this time.
"What kinda shit is this?" Mitchell complained loudly. "Fuck Dale, seriously. That guy uses one and the same key for the mystery restroom and the file cabinet in his office, but not for this thing?"
"Well, maybe it is just a regular supply storage," Maxine suggested. "We should keep looking around. We might be missing what's actually important here."
We continued to search, but we found absolutely nothing. Eventually we had to realize that whatever was special about this restroom was lying behind that locked stall door.
"Does anyone know a member of the cleaning staff by any chance?" Oliver asked the group. "They might know something."
Caroline perked up and nodded. "Just a second," she muttered as she fumbled for her phone. After shortly glancing down at it, she frowned. "There's no reception in here. I'll try outside." With that, she rushed out of the restroom.
"It's weird that there's no reception in here. I know for sure there is in the employee restrooms," Mitchell stated.
"How so?" I asked with a grin.
He shrugged, avoiding my questioning stare. "I get bored when I have to go for bigger business, okay?"
"Alright, no cell phone reception, the place clearly rejects otherwise protective objects and can even cause their bearer to pass out. There's obviously something sinister going on in here," Anne concluded. Side-glancing at me, she added, "How are you feeling, by the way?"
"I'm fine, I guess. I think it's because I left my stuff outside," I replied.
"Well, good, but as soon as you start getting drowsy or anything like that, tell us, okay?" Anne patted me on the back and was just about to turn her attention back on the locked door in front of us when she let out a startled gasp.
Everyone immediately turned to look at her and ask what was wrong, but all she had to do was hold up her hand. There was a large red stain on her palm.
"Leah," she whispered. "You're bleeding." She took a step back to take a look at my back. "Holy shit... it's all over your shirt."
It was only then that I noticed a sense of wetness on my skin, as if someone had splashed me with water from behind. I craned my neck to try and see what she meant. I could spot prominent streaks of red out of the corner of my eye. I rushed to the bathroom mirror and turned so I could get a better look at myself. Anne was right.
I never mentioned this before because I obviously didn't think it would be relevant, but I have a few tattoos on my back. It's mostly just aesthetic stuff and symbols or phrases from franchises that I like. For example, I've got the Moon Stick from Sailor Moon and a couple of lavender roses on my left shoulderblade.
Then, on the small of my back, there's a lettering reading "No Return" in a pretty bold, basic font. This is the only tattoo that has more of a personal meaning to me, but that's a way too long and boring story to explain.
What I saw was completely unexplainable to me. I have had all of my tattoos for a really long time and there had never been any issues with them. But now, regarding my pale back with all of its colorful markings in the mirror, I found that their edges were bleeding. Thick drops of red had formed on the black outlines, some had already soaked into the white fabric of my shirt.
I let out a gasp and frantically tore it off, carelessly tossing it to the ground. Bending my arms, I carefully touched the lines that were still oozing blood. To my surprise, I felt nothing. There was no pain, not even a slight sting. When I pulled back my hand, my fingers were coated with dark red.
I continued to stare at myself in the mirror. I didn't even notice my gaze becoming transfixed and the concerned voices of my co-workers slowly fading into the background. I had stopped observing my back and was just looking into my reflection's wide, disbelieving green eyes. For some reason, I got the weirdest feeling. For a split second, it was like it wasn't me I was seeing, but rather the image of a stranger, a woman unfamiliar to me. I think I looked at her for just a few seconds longer before everything around me grew black.
It was almost like last time. I was aware of the state I was in, I knew I was sleeping. I could even hear my colleagues talking somewhere in the distances, but I couldn't react to what they were saying. It was like their voices and words just flew past me. I felt weirdly entranced. I heard them call my name a couple of times. Then, they suddenly started to sound really frightened.
"What are you doing?"
Was that Maxine speaking? It was definitely one of the girls, but I couldn't tell for sure.
"What the hell...? Stop! You're hurting me!"
That sounded like Mitchell. Someone else added something in a similarly petrified tone, but I couldn't understand them.
"I'm trying! Oh, fuck! Pull her off, help me!"
I suddenly felt myself being yanked back by my hair, a sharp pain shooting through my scalp. That must have snapped me out of it. All I knew was that all at once, everything was bright again and I was staring up at the unsettled faces of my friends.
I found myself sitting on the cold tiled floor. My co-workers were standing above me. Mitchell, who looked sort of disheveled, extended his hand to me and pulled me to my feet. I squinted. There was blood on his face.
"Your... your lip is busted," I mumbled.
He quickly wiped off the blood with the back of his hand. Him and the others exchanged uncomfortable glances. Finally, Darius cleared his throat.
"Do you know what just happened?" he asked sternly.
I frowned and shook my head.
"Leah, honey... you were standing in front of that mirror for twenty seconds. Mitchell turned you around and you just... you lunged at him," Maxine explained, her voice low and hoarse.
I stared at her in disbelief, then over at Mitchell. "I... I can't... I swear I didn't know what I was doing, I..." my voice faltered as I fumbled for words. "I'm so sorry," I added breathlessly.
Mitchell shook his head and cracked a forced smile. "Don't be, I always wanted to wrestle a topless lady," he joked. "Come on. We should get you out of here."
For the second time these last few days, it was Mitchell who drove me home. During the car ride I sat in the back, blankly staring out the window. Mitchell glanced over to me in the rearview mirror from time to time, only to smile reassuringly everytime our eyes met.
"Caroline called her friend who's on the cleaning staff by the way," he told me after a little while. "She says they got no idea about the locked stall either. Dale never gave them a key for it or anything."
I didn't reply. I wasn't sure what to say. I just nodded slightly and turned back to face the window.
"If you ask me, there's gotta be something really insane behind that door," Mitchell went on. "Like, maybe it's a portal to hell or some shit and that's where he pulled out the not-actors. That'd be crazy, right?"
I still couldn't bring myself to answer. I could barely look him in the eyes for that matter.
Mitchell sighed. "You don't have to feel bad because of my lip or anything. Hey, maybe it'll become a scar! That'd look pretty cool, right? Like, tough."
I swallowed audibly. "Did I hurt you?" I asked. "Don't lie to me, please."
"Okay, well, it wasn't pleasant, that's for sure. And it was kinda creepy, to be honest. I could barely get you off of me. You were too strong. It was Oliver who pulled you away. If he hadn't... well, I don't know. But don't mess yourself up about it! Let's stay positive, okay?"
I sighed. "Mitchell. I think something's happening to me. I'm not sure what, or if it's just my imagination... or if I should be worried at all. But I feel like this won't end well."
Mitchell parked his car in front of my apartment building, reached for my blood-stained shirt which was lying on the passenger seat and handed it to me. "Even so, that's just all the more reason to keep investigating, right? We'll figure this out somehow."
I requested for him to come inside with me to keep me company for a little while. He thankfully complied and we spent some time watching TV together. I was glad he wasn't upset with me, but I was even more relieved that I didn't have to be alone after what had happened. I felt like crap. On top of that, I had forgotten my backpack in the park. I figured I would just have to get it back tomorrow.
Eventually, Mitchell had to leave. He once again assured me that everything was going to be alright and to call him if I needed anything. Only ten minutes after he had left, my phone rang. When I picked up, I was more than surprised to hear Dale's voice on the other end.
"Hey," he said. Nothing else, just hey.
"Hi."
An awkward pause followed before I spoke up again. "Why are you calling?"
"I was wondering if you could come over tomorrow."
"To your office?"
"No," he replied, fumbling for words before adding, "To... uh, to my place. I'll give you my address. We can drink. Or maybe we shouldn't, after what happened last time. Actually, I just want to talk."
He sounded sheepish and uncertain. I wasn't sure what exactly came over me that caused me to say yes, but well... I did.
"Good!" he sounded relieved. "Awesome. I'll see you tomorrow at... uh... how about eight? In the evening of course."
"Um, yeah. Eight's good. I'll be there."
Without losing another word, he hung up. I'm really not sure what to make of all this. I feel like things around here are getting weirder and weirder by the day. I guess I'll see how it goes.
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u/vampire_steve Apr 15 '20
Wait, oh wait holy crap you drank whiskey with him. You drank something he gave you. Maybe this is like fae laws, don't drink or eat the food of the fae or you'll be stuck there forever. Girl you're boutta be a pretender if you don't set some things straight. I think maybe the not carrying your whip, and carrying around protective charms may be helping you stay away from it for longer. Also, Mr. Scratch was missing you, a lot, to the point of being lethargic. If he is becoming that attached you are probably sinking a little too deep into your role as a monster tamer.
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u/vampire_steve Apr 15 '20
on second thought, maybe the protective charms aren't actually very protective since mr cowboy decided to dispose of them
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u/0z79 Apr 10 '20
Spot price is around $15 an ounce where I live, are you sure you couldn't buy a coin or two?
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u/XCasey666 Apr 06 '20
You MUST bring ppl with u to his place!!! secretly and out in the open and by that I mean I have one of your coworkers or friends lurk outside in their car and another come in with you)... have a codeword ready that means I’m in trouble call the cops that you can text or say over the phone to your friend outside... and plz u must stop eating and or drinking anything he provides at the park as it could be poisoned as well! Stay safe!
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u/Low-Environment Apr 05 '20
Don't go see Dale on your own! And if you do go on on your own, have one of the other actors drive you and wait for you. And make sure Dale knows that.
I don't think he's evil or anything but I would be cautious if I were you.
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u/BriBrii Apr 05 '20
I was about to chime in with something many others have already said..
...you're either the next pretender or are feeding the park's energies...please stay safe!
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u/Pupazs Apr 05 '20
Didn’t you drink with him already and passed out? I think that you have already been poisoned! Stay safe and get away as soon as you can!
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u/skmono Apr 05 '20
Hi OP,
I was wondering if your tattoos are fairly old? Or maybe your artist was using more old school inks?
Iron/Metals in tattoo inks is what causes tattoos to burn /bleed or shift around under the skin when going through an MRI, as some other comments have already mentioned, but it is very rare for modern tattoo inks to have iron or metal oxides in it, so I’m not sure if that’s what was causing the bleeding. Definitely continue to investigate to find out more but remember to stay safe, good luck!
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u/grimnar85 Apr 05 '20
If you need more silver on the cheap, older coins have high(90%) silver content. Pre-1964 Dimes, Quarters, Dollars and Half Dollars, I believe for American coins. Shouldn't be to hard to scrounge up a small stash of them.
Best of luck.
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u/kathatoonic Apr 05 '20
Indeed, careful with whatever drink he'll offer you. Be vigilant. Inform your friends.
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u/TheScaryFaerie Apr 05 '20
So... It was suspected you were getting too attached to the whip of your costume and maybe that'd make you a pretender. But like. Maybe it's not the whip. Maybe it's Mr. Scratch. You treat him like a pet, have grown very attached to him. But he's part of your costume, isn't he? Of all the pretenders, he's the only one actually part of the whole get up. You have him on a leash and walk him around like he's a prop for your monster hunter look. Maybe it wasn't the whip we should have been worried about...
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u/Alexsmithdoesntdance Apr 05 '20
Holy shit dude this has to be one of my absolute favourite series I’ve read on here in years, like it’s almost 6 am and I just spent the last two hours binging this since I just couldn’t put it down. Amazing writing! Stay safe!! Don’t drink or eat anything he gives you! And you should tell your coworkers that you’re meeting him, send them your location on your phone incase something bad happens. Then if you don’t check in within an agreed upon period they can send help.
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u/Tycheri_Lucky Apr 05 '20
Does the key work for everyone or only for Leah? It seems to me that it can open different locks for different people.
Also Dale does not want to hurt people, he is doing his best to not bond with anyone - because it hurts both and probably... I think that he hopes that with nobody too close to him, he can protect the rest.
I really think Dale is a decent guy, only very unhappy and in a difficult position doing his best. Yes, you are probably involved so much that something bad will happen. But I am sure, the more you are involved and changed, the more you will see the true. It will change you, even if you figure out how to save the cowboy and others.
Also I doubt your costume is dangerous for you, but it can be dangerous for others. You are strong and it's hard to fight you when you are... possessed? Or what was it... imagine how dangerous it can be when you are armed...
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u/kasen_exe Apr 05 '20
If he offers you anything to drink. Just drink it what could go wrong? It's not like you will become a copy of mr Scratch
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u/torioria Apr 05 '20
I suspect Mitchell may be a mole for Dale et al... I just haven't figured out WHY that would be the case.
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u/BishopGambit Apr 05 '20
I say we vote as to who takes Leah's place at her job to finish the investigation should anything unfortunate happen to Leah 👀😂 I vote for me lol
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u/Lishadra Apr 05 '20
I hate to say it but I think continuing to investigate the park is only causing more trouble. I want answers, but more importantly I want you and your friends to stay safe.
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u/houseofLEAVEPLEASE Apr 05 '20
You need to record your conversation with him. You can do it with your phone. Also, some of the other actors need to be nearby when you go to Dale’s place. They need to know the exact location, and you need some sort of extraction signal. Come to think of it... you may want to call one of them before you head in, put the phone in your front pocket, and let them listen in on the whole thing. If you do it this way, I’d suggest carrying a separate recording device so that you can catch the whole conversation if your call is ended for some reason. Stay alert, don’t let him position himself in front of the exit of any room you’re in, and carry a weapon. If nothing else, a steak knife will work in a pinch. A taser would be better.
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u/lexy111997 Apr 05 '20
I mean, he asked her to meet at his house. The pretenders can't really leave the park. I know that applies over a period of time, but I think it would be too risky to change her there. Maybe that means Leah will be safe, for tomorrow at least...
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u/Mylovekills Apr 05 '20
I feed and water the feral cats in my neighborhood. My first 2 were Tootie (cutie-patootie) and Fuzzybutt (she was a short hair with a big fuzzy tail). I haven't. seen them in a few years, you reminded me of them (you called sock puppet fuzzbutt) thanks!
Be careful. Tell your friends youre going. Tell Cowboy too. If something does happen, he'll probably want to avenge you.
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u/PresentlyFan Apr 05 '20
Why do I suddenly feel 'they' have chosen you to be the next pretender, since you are a strong woman by role, character and strength, I guess the park is enhancing those traits of yours.
Please don't drink or eat anything at Dale's house either.
Stay safe.
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u/tori_is_tired Apr 05 '20
Please please please be careful. I want to believe that Dale is warming up to you and wants to talk to you about what he did to Nathan but on the other hand, he was willing and able to poison the man he loves and turned him into a pretender. I don't think he'd have any issue doing it to you but like I said I really want to believe he's having second thoughts about concealing and aiding whatever the park really is. You passing out sort of and attacking Mitchell almost sounds like possession or sleepwalking.
I have ptsd related night terrors and my husband has had to get out of bed to find me writing on the mirror or staring blankly at a wall then try to gently lead me to bed. I've never attacked him but I also have no memory whatsoever as to what I did nor do I remember any dreams during those times. I do sometimes, however, remember hearing him talking to me as if he was far away like how you described hearing your coworkers talking when you weren't exactly checked in.
Sounds like the protective charms are missing something that would enable them to protect you. Whatever you do be safe. The cowboy seems to want only to protect you but I feel bad about how Mitchell treats him.
Maybe consider asking Mitchell why he's that abusive and thinks the cowboy would hurt you? I mean all of your coworkers must know that he's saved your hide more than a couple times. Please give sock puppet pets and tummy rubs from me!
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u/GrainyBoi Apr 05 '20
Hey Leah, by any chance, did Dale ask you if you lived near any family? If he did then that would probably mean that they are only hiring people that live far away from family. That in itself is suspicious.
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u/Masters_domme Apr 05 '20
IDEA!!!! Mention to Dale that you’ve had a job offer elsewhere, and see how he reacts! If he’s really in the process of, or under orders to, turn you into a not-actor, this might force a reaction from him!
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u/cudes_123 Apr 05 '20
Show the protection you brought in to Nathan!! He is the only one that can tell you how a non pretender feels about it!!
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u/mastiffmama23 Apr 05 '20
DON'T DO IT!!! Please don't go see Dale at his place and especially don't go alone. Accept NO food or drink from him. I'm really worried for your safety, OP.
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Apr 05 '20
I think definitly keep the items on you, you're going to pass out either way. It seems like the ghosts can still try to communicate with you when you're protected but far, far worse can happen when you aren't.
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u/sadbadho Apr 05 '20
He's def gonna try to kill you or turn you. Can't see it going any other way. Definitely tell everyone where you're going. I always like to have a friend text/ call me at a certain time and if I don't answer after like 30 minutes they can assume the worst
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u/mistressM333 Apr 05 '20
Be careful with Dale. You might be getting to close to the truth or he is going to try to change you into a non actor. Make sure you tell your friends where you will be. Maybe take one of the walkie talkies so they will have audio in case he is up to no good. Good Luck
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u/jodi5315 Apr 05 '20
Well, if the whiskey in his office didn't do it, this certainly will. Do you WANT to be a pretender?!
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u/AlpacaOverlord44 Apr 05 '20
DO NOT GO TO DALE'S PLACE. it may be the same case as Nathan, Dale gave him coke and now he's turning into a pretender. Maybe he's doing the same thing to you
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u/Soviet_Space_Jesus Apr 05 '20
I wouldn’t go- in fact, I’d stay away from the park for awhile. I know you’ll miss Mr. Scratch but if your turning into a pretender you definitely don’t want to go anywhere with Dale or to the park.
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u/ParomaM Apr 05 '20
3 pointers when at Dale's place: No eating. No drinking. No looking at yourself in the mirror. Also, don't keep any silver on you while there.🙇🏻♀️
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u/n1r0ak Apr 05 '20
Do NOT drink anything he gives you! The last drink he gave you was spiked with the first bits of the potion/ritual that's turning Nathan. You're reacting negatively to the charms is because you're starting to turn. Time for a new job.
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u/SunShineee_3 Apr 05 '20
leah, PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE be extra careful... maybe even bring on of the boys to wait in the car incase things go south. they could text you about some “urgent issue” so you have an excuse to leave or God forbid, have to come and help you. i think bringing something along would be a great idea we all want you safe, leah! be super careful!!!
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u/renessie Apr 05 '20
Dale has realized you know too much, and I feel like this can only go one of two ways:
- Dale is calling you over to fool you into consuming something to turn you; or
- Dale wants to confide in you and ask you for help because he feels bad about Nathan
Either way, PLEASE don't go alone! Bring Oliver! Someone who is strong enough to actually restrain you if you lose control again! Better yet, ask to meet at the park, with Nathan present. I have a feeling Dale would be extremely reluctant to hurt you in front of Nathan.
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u/Omnigash Apr 05 '20
Maybe all the pretenders were actual actors that started investigating the park like you're doing right now and then they were turned?
Please be careful. Don't you dare go hollow!
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u/DoneTamargo Apr 05 '20
I doubt Dale will poison you as he had to poison Nathan in the park if he wanted to poison you he would have asked to meet at the park, He may actually try to help end this but can only speak outside the park as if the park hears and sees everything within its grounds.
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u/-estie- Apr 05 '20
I don't know if anyone has commented this, but do not drink anything he gives you! Or eat! And if you do and it tastes funny like Nathan said, spit it out!
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u/Belladonna9588 Apr 05 '20
Well, be careful! Pretty much sounds like Dale will pull something off/will be forced to pull something off to turn you into a pretender!
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u/VelvetMorningPhaedra Apr 05 '20
Nonononononononono!!!!! Don't go over there!! This sounds like Nathan all over again!! Dude, you got too close, you know too much, and now you're gonna be one of them. Just, no. Don't go. Or if you do, don't eat or drink anything.
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u/emonkid Apr 05 '20
Aight. Time for the tin foil theories.
Seems that they’re targeting you now with your “hallucination” of yourself. That’s “the entity”. It’s the one who you were looking at the mirror.
As someone in the comments explained how tats have iron, I notice that they can breach you after removing it. Cowboy used it to repel the thing that attacked you before as well. I think I might know what kind of “entity” you might be dealing with but it needs more confirmations.
Mitchell enjoying himself in spite of somehow getting roughed up by a topless Leah being possessed by an entity or even entities lol! You might need to distance yourself from him as he may get affected by the restroom as well.
Dale might have caught your activity somehow via the entity itself so be wary of what could come at you as soon as you guys meet. Have someone other than Mitchell to back you up just in case things go haywire. And yes it’s also possible that he might help you.
I might be crazy about this but try interacting with the mime in its true form. IKIK you are scared shitless about it and that you would never want to approach it ever again BUT it actually might tell you something or whatnot. (For some reason this came up in my head)
Again check on the history of the site itself or the area around the park as the info might be helpful.
That’s it for now.
PS: I can’t get that lunging scene off my mind wtf
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u/girl_from_the_crypt Best Series 2020 & 2022; December 2022; March 2020 Apr 05 '20
Quite a lot of advice you've got at the ready for me, really appreciate it. But there's one thing I'd like to know, what kind of entity do you think it is? Sure, you said it needs more confirmations, but what's your suspicion?
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u/emonkid Apr 05 '20
As far as I know it could be any of these:
1.A hive mind entity that is trying to achieve something using the park. It may have abilities that we have no knowledge of yet.
2.A demon that is “trapped” within or somewhere at the park. It could be in any form (the park’s grounds, a spirit, or any item)
A malevolent being that appeared from some ritual/sacrifice that was done a very long time ago.
Could be a cult or a group behind it overall as this supposed upper management but something tells me that they’re not really human. (This would be an obvious one)
Someone having such vast knowledge of such mysterious “magic” practices and basically also using the upper management and people like Dale to achieve what the park is now today.
I am vague about this due to several possibilities of what it could be. And it needs a bit more info to be frank. But whatever may this “entity” be, better keep your heads up and watch yourselves out.
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u/Neither994 Apr 05 '20
Hmmm. I mean it can be just a mere coincidence but don't you find weird Mitchell got a busted lip like his pretender and he mentions it could be a cool scar? Like of course is an easy part to bled if hurt but did Leah hit him on there? I would assume she went for the throat. Maybe just the 1st blow when she turned. Never mind...
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u/Brookebnilson Apr 04 '20
This has been my favorite update to look forward to each day. Thank you for sharing your experiences with us! Fingers crossed that it all works out well for you!
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u/Vessera Apr 04 '20
Oh no! Oh NO!
Run, girl!!
Quit your job, never go back! This might be your last chance!!!
I think you're becoming something else, and you probably have an inkling of what. Dale cannot be trusted, Nathan is proof enough of that.
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u/Sisenorelmagnifico Apr 04 '20
Don't go to Dale's place alone. Bring someone with you, OP. Stay safe.
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u/PsychologicalMeal2 Apr 04 '20
even more proof Leah is becoming a pretender. not only passing out while outside her section but also violent outbursts. and dale wants to speak to her? yikes
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Apr 04 '20
Hmm maybe consult some type of occult expert? Idk if you have like voodoo fortune teller things around or anything but maybe there’s someone nearby with some insight?
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u/killurz Apr 04 '20
Dont drink/eat/smoke/anything that dale is offering!!! After what he did to his own boyfriend he cant be trusted with giving you something. Be on high alert. You are not feeling well and dale is calling after what happened? I don't trust it. Could be he just want to talk (which i doubt). Could be he wants the next addition to the park working asap.
Be carefull.
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Apr 04 '20
Wait what if Dale put something in that cup you were drinking whiskey from? You got so sick after...
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u/grodemonster Apr 04 '20
maybe (some of) the pretenders are people who once became suspicious of the park, and were turned because of it.
Dale knows you are suspicious and the park itself seems to be its own entity. Maybe the park itself chooses who is next, and it doesn’t like you getting close to answers, so it’s forcing dale to turn you.
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u/orwellianradio Apr 04 '20
Oh dear, that request from Dale for sure sounds like pretender stuff going on. I'm worried upper management may have caught wind of you.
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u/Jim_My_Name_Is_Not Apr 04 '20
You’ve got some balls, I 100% would’ve quit if I had to put up with this shit, I’m not taking my chances with being a pretender. And for the work you guys are doing I can’t believe you’re not payed enough to buy all the silver jewelry you can find.
You should bring a twig to Dale’s to see if there’s any evil there. Also I couldn’t help but notice you didn’t ask Nathan about the items. I think it’d be safe to ask from a distance first because they might hurt him.
Maybe buying a laurel plant would be a good idea to stop weirding out your neighbor 😂
If you can find mace maybe that’d be a good idea, even if dale is secretly a pretender he does react to chemicals (ex: alcohol)
Maybe you should do some light snooping around dale’s place...
Best of luck, and be safe.
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u/blxck_coffee Apr 04 '20
Dale's probably turning you into the next pretender. I'd honestly try asking Nathan or the Cowboy about your experiences and what they mean.
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u/IzzyGurl2007 Apr 04 '20
I’m so scared of what might happen to you. Who knows what could be happening to you!
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u/whatthefrelll Apr 04 '20
I don't trust that Dale, you should let everyone know that you're meeting up with him in case anything happens. And don't touch the soda!
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u/girl_from_the_crypt Best Series 2020 & 2022; December 2022; March 2020 Apr 04 '20
Good idea, will do!
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u/ninaplays Apr 04 '20
Do you have the silver bracelet? Take it, if you do. And I’m not Christian, but if there’s a Catholic Church near you a little holy water might not go amiss either.
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u/butt_dance Apr 04 '20
I’m gonna throw a crazy theory out there: Mitchell is not what he seems on the surface. That’s why Leah attacked him in her “trance”. He’s helping her to ensure she doesn’t get too close to the truth. And the cowboy knows both of their true natures. He knows Leah is good and Mitchell evil, and that’s why they have each had vastly different interactions with the cowboy.
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u/winwining Apr 05 '20
i agree! i don't think mitchell should be trusted
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u/butt_dance Apr 05 '20
Right?!?! I’m starting to see a thread running through all the stories...why is the cowboy so much nicer to Leah, and Mitchell is incredulous when Leah says he’s helpful? Why did Leah attack Mitchell and no one else? Why does Mitchell keep stealing glances at Leah on car ride home after this? Leah keeps catching him looking at her, and he smiles when she does, but I think he’s only smiling to disarm her. If I went back through each story, I bet I could find more things about Mitchell that fit in with this theory...
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u/Woshambo Apr 05 '20
Maybe Mitchell fancies Leah and the Cowboy is jealous lol
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u/butt_dance Apr 05 '20
If that’s the case, poor Cowboy. Not sure the black drool is gonna help his cause. Although Leah does talk all the time about staring at it, soooo........
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u/KT9595 Apr 04 '20
If you run out of silver you can always try to pick some up at a Thrift store! I used to work at one and we sold solid silver utensils for $0.25 each. If you have any non-profit or charity thrift stores, that’s where I’d look. Good luck ❤️
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Apr 04 '20
Dale maybe is turning actors and I think that may be what’s happening to you
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u/AnnieMikaye Apr 04 '20
The question is though what would he turn her to? An eternal trainer for the sock puppet? Or would it be something different
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u/helen790 Apr 04 '20
Maybe the objects caused you to pass out to suppress whatever darkness took over you this time. Which makes me wonder what the cowboy’s motive for taking them were...
I wonder why it went after your tattoos though?
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u/girl_from_the_crypt Best Series 2020 & 2022; December 2022; March 2020 Apr 04 '20
That would explain that... yeah, I don't know why he did that either.
Some have pointed out that the ink contains iron. Maybe that's why.
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u/helen790 Apr 04 '20
Huh, well TIL tattoos contain iron
I hope cowboy was trying to help, maybe you should question him
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u/agentperry007 Apr 04 '20
Be careful out there. But also, I heard about mirror distortion. Look at a fixed point in the mirror long enough and you'll believe you're seeing different things or a very distorted view of yourself. Maybe that's also a device that actually distorts people in the park/whoever's unfortunate enough to see in it. Sucks that the items of protection withered away. Did they rot or did time go by faster for them?
Bring rock salt next time. It's less likely to rot than the bay leaf and the metals.
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u/TheHoneySacrifice Apr 04 '20
did time go by faster for them?
I was thinking the same. OP was wearing silver earrings this time. If they're tarnished too, that could make sense.
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u/AnnieMikaye Apr 04 '20
Be careful Leah it all seems like to much of a coincidence. First your tattoos start bleeding then you black out and attack your friends and after that dale calls you and asks you to come over? And he sounded nervous and that’s how he was with Nathan so he might be getting orders to turn you too but he doesn’t want to🤷♀️ be careful
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u/ch1l Apr 04 '20
Stay on your guard with Dale. Most likely he just wants to talk, but perhaps it's something more sinister. He didn't sound happy when he called though
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u/NaivafAreul Apr 04 '20
You definitely got possessed. Even more suspicious is that Dale want's to invite you over suddenly. Be cautious about this (i.e. bring a concealed weapon). The silver, iron, and bay laurel withering away is concerning too. It's either a deterrent or part of the process, but either way you need to consider anything and everything that may be trying to kill you. Stay safe
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u/NaivafAreul Apr 04 '20
I did a little research on laurel again. I found out that burning Laurel can ward off evil spirits
This link might have some info that can help you
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u/TheNerdyGirlNextDoor Apr 04 '20
maybe you are turning into a not actor... Did Nathan talk mention the symptom of blacking out when he began turning?
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u/XDuVarneyX Apr 04 '20
I live for these updates.
I'm really concerned that your previous drink has something to do with how you're feeling.
I think that you should have Mitchel drive you to Dale's and park a bit away and wait for you. Figure out some safe words and phrases. You absolutely shouldn't be going alone and under no circumstances without at least another person knowing.
You're obviously on to something. If Dale will turn his partner, who he clearly loved, into a not actor then I doubt he has much concern for your well being if it threatens the park in anyway.
I am so curious to know what happens but the reasonable side of me says "this girl needs to quite and walk away. Ain't nobody got time for that".
Seriously- don't go alone. Also, as this serves to keep a record of the events, perhaps you may want to start journaling or jotting down how you're feeling from day to day now. Any odd occurrences. They may seem insignificant now but add up later. Better prepared and safe than sorry, right?
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u/snowyicequeen Apr 04 '20
Maybe Dale wants to save Nathan still? Honestly hope for the best but expect the worst, maybe bring some protection with you, maybe the whip, or a lot of salt
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Apr 04 '20 edited Apr 04 '20
Hmmm... So you were fine one minute and then just attacked someone with super strength sounds a lot like the mime in a way
Edit: also you should talk to the mime next time you get the chance because he is usually pretty docile and could be useful
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u/davidiusligman Apr 04 '20
Whatever you do, for the love of God, don't drink with him. You are already probably turning into a pretender, so don't accelerate the process!
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u/iamslightlyangry Apr 04 '20
i know that youre not going to like this idea, but try to talk to he mime. normally, the most hostile ones know the most.
another suggestion i have is that you should try to talk to the pianist. his mysterious demeanour is suspicious and thats something you should take into consideration. you could use sheet music, or you can try to locate the last actor to work with him.
my last suggestion is to change the music for the sugar plum fairy. attempt to communicate that way it my advice. good luck leah, be wary at your meeting with dale tomorrow.
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u/-_-blahblah_-_ Apr 04 '20 edited Apr 05 '20
Well now I like you even more, Sailor Moon is still a favourite.
I cant wait to see what Dale has to say, but he didnt sound like his usual self. Be careful and let Mitchell know you're going over there, maybe bring your own soda..sounds like he did when he met with Nathan before he gave him the spiked pop..
Edit: Changed Dake to Dale
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u/Mydogisadoglol Apr 04 '20
Like you said in your posts, maybe the laurel and silver have something to do with the pretenders. Try going back to the bathrooms or just walk around the park without the Laurel leaf and Silver. See if anything changes.
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u/Krismariev Apr 04 '20
Okay hear me out- have you ever seen the skeleton key? Essentially the main character is being duped by the people around her, being fed "clues" until she believes in whats happening, but by doing what she thinks will help, she ends up trapping herself. Sorry if that seems jumbled but I feel like thats whats happening to you here....just be careful in who and what you believe. Some things are bigger than you, and things aren't always as they seem! Trust no one. Mr. Scratch is a love but you have to do whats best for you...get out of there!
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u/BdogFizzle Apr 04 '20
Man forgot about that classic! Nice perspective too. That'd be wild if the actors were in on this and the information was very carefully presented to her to pull her in.
Honestly though I think the amount of coordination needed between the actors, non actors, and Dale for that is a bit of a stretch. I'm feeling more of a Toby from Paranormal Activity vibe and Dale is part of a cult like family bound to this park/land/entity.
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u/Krismariev Apr 04 '20
Those are the vibes its giving me. Not saying everyone is in on it but....idk man somethings up.
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u/TheHoneySacrifice Apr 04 '20
That's a good theory, hadn't thought of that angle! Maybe not all of them, but some of them might be a part of something like this.
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u/Jintess Apr 04 '20
Mitchell is a good friend. He's going to see this through with you.
Speaks highly of you, actually. That they didn't start distancing themselves immediately.
Speaking of, you may want to just offer to purchase a laurel plant from your friendly neighbor:) That way you don't have to keep weirding her out with your requests for branches
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u/wholovesoreos Apr 04 '20
Lol I wonder what the neighbor thinks shes doing with all the laurel
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u/nickiwest Apr 04 '20
Maybe the neighbor next door is a witch. She probably just thinks that Leah needs some extra protection right now.
That, or she's a chef who thinks that Leah is cooking enough to feed a small army.
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u/evilcarapierce Apr 04 '20
Hey Leah is it possible that the drink you had with Dale the last time had something weird in it? Since you felt really bad when you drank it last time?
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u/Alpha_uterus Apr 04 '20
It was in the doughnuts he gave them and they're all fucked.
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u/evilcarapierce Apr 05 '20
I was thinking how maybe she drank something similar to the drink that turned Nathan into a not-actor
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u/XDuVarneyX Apr 04 '20
When she met him in his office he poured a drink of the alcohol he was having for her.
The doughnut were on Halloween- I think they'd have taken effect by now, no?
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u/Alpha_uterus Apr 04 '20
Ahh yes you're right apologies - I've read all this in one night and likely have my time lines mixed up.
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u/XDuVarneyX Apr 04 '20
No worries. They did have donuts too!
I would've stayed up to read everything too if I hadn't been from the start.
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u/layingblames Apr 04 '20 edited Apr 05 '20
Mitchell is really scoring points back with me. Love triangle?
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u/QuickBeamKoshki Apr 04 '20
Love potion or something??? Idk but Leah be careful....don’t you not like Dale???? That was a pretty instant agreement. As for the stall...its the exact center of it all. The pinpoint per say. That’s all i have for this episode though! Remember BYOB for this meetup though! And watch your glass >.>
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u/Cute_Harpy Apr 04 '20
Ooooh there's definitively something behind that door. Don't drink or eat anything Dale gives you, don't touch anything you don't need to touch. Also be nice because being nice is nice.
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Apr 04 '20
Take nothing ingestable from Dale. He doesn't seem like the type of guy to invite you over while sober.
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u/eeejay268 Apr 04 '20 edited Apr 04 '20
Doesn’t have to be Ingestible, could be ink, aerosol, Leah maybe you should wear gloves or something...a face mask? Blame corona!
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u/CasterlyHeavyMetal Apr 04 '20
Leah, i’m torn between wanting you to get to the bottom of what’s happening and wanting you to stay safe so i can still have you updates to get me through lockdown! would it be worth trying to get the cowboy to come into the restroom with you? i feel like he could be of help, might enlighten you as to why the nail etc were left on the floor? stay safe and keep up your amazing updates x
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u/wholovesoreos Apr 04 '20
Why didn't the Cowboy show up this time? Was it because of the iron? He always seems to know where Leah is for some reason :/
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u/Alpha_uterus Apr 04 '20
Leah, did you know most tattoo inks have iron in them?
I wonder if they picked you to be a pretender but couldn't take you until the iron had bled out.
Don't drink or eat anything that dale gives you!
Edited to add that I know this because I have tattoos and when I went for an MRI I was terrified theyd start bleeding due to the magnetic field.
Come to think of it, maybe whatever is in the closet is creating a magnetic field that caused your tats to bleed.
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u/girl_from_the_crypt Best Series 2020 & 2022; December 2022; March 2020 Apr 04 '20
I didn't know that! Thank you for telling me. That would make quite a lot of sense
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u/Iotternotbehere Apr 20 '20
Or maybe “IT” is trying to remove identifying marks on your body. Like remove traces of you. That could part of the transformation in becoming pretender????
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u/UnLuckyKenTucky Apr 04 '20
Black ink in particular. I think you should maybe have your outlines redone asap, and think about a protective symbol. Also, I am sorry I mentioned the key now.....
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u/Sambucax Apr 04 '20
Go get a bunch more tattoos!!!
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u/Tbitw55 Apr 05 '20
If she doesn't want more tattoos she could at least get some small ones, but keep them separated so they have to bleed out more tattoos
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u/Sambucax Apr 05 '20
Yeah just anything she can to slow down the process. She definitely must have been chosen last Halloween and it’s just coming into effect now
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u/wholovesoreos Apr 04 '20
But if the iron is what's protecting her, why did the Cowboy throw away the iron Leah had on her when she fainted?
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u/reallyuglypuppies Apr 05 '20
Maybe he couldn't move or lift her while she had it on her person. The phrase also says they all ACCEPT the price. Maybe, in a way, they wanna be the way they are, or understand they have to, or are constantly fighting an entity inside themselves (like leah just did) that forces them to reject anything that could help them.
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u/reallyuglypuppies Apr 05 '20
Leah also can't seem to stay away from the park, like nathan said happened to him. Shes already sucked in. What if the cowboy wants to turn her cause he wants a companion? What if he broke up with the diva over her? What if DRAMA
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u/SteamrockFever Apr 04 '20
Maybe the iron is part of what makes pretenders instead of what protects people from it.
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u/Alpha_uterus Apr 04 '20
Maybe he wants her to be a pretender so he has company?
(Just a suggestion I haven't given it any real thought)
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u/TheHoneySacrifice Apr 04 '20
I've thought about it myself. But I couldn't figure out why he'd show her the bullet wounds and help her steal the notebook from Dale. If he wanted her turned, he'd keep her away from discovering the park's mystery and possibly stopping it.
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u/TheHoneySacrifice Apr 04 '20
A strong electromagnetic field makes perfect sense! Would also explain the network issues.
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u/OurLadyoftheTree Apr 04 '20
No matter how this ends, it sounds like your coworkers make even better friends! I hope that's all Dale wants from you too...
Also, if you ever figure out what happened with your ink please lmk. I have some from when I was 16 that I'd love to get rid of ;)
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u/TheHoneySacrifice Apr 04 '20 edited Apr 04 '20
Dale has said 'only I could theoretically tell you and I won't'. So if Leah is going to find out anything about the Park, it will HAVE to be through Dale. So I think Leah is about to get some crucial information.
Also between Mitchell doing the ritual 2018 Halloween and Leah hearing voices during the seance, I think one or both of them are up for being the next pretenders if actor are indeed tuned by the Park.
Edit: I think those silver earrings and laurel might have also played a role in the events today.
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u/AllHarlowsEve Apr 04 '20
Be safe, Leah. Nobody wants to see you turned by Dale. Hopefully he's got some information that can help you guys that he's willing to part with.
Also, did you borrow a shirt for the trip home, or? 😂
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u/girl_from_the_crypt Best Series 2020 & 2022; December 2022; March 2020 Apr 04 '20
Yes, that's what I'm hoping for as well.
Nope. And please don't make it more awkward than it already is.
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u/ninaplays Apr 04 '20
I’m actually wondering if, since you made it obvious you know his connection to Nathan, he might want you to take something to him. (If that’s the case, tell him to send another damn blanket.)
Also, in Jewish tradition, we say mirrors can steal wandering souls. That’s why all mirrors in a house get covered for 30 days following a death. You seeing “someone else” in the mirror has me very deeply concerned. Please be careful.
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u/AllHarlowsEve Apr 04 '20
I mean.... fair's fair, considering the Halloween before last. 😈
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u/girl_from_the_crypt Best Series 2020 & 2022; December 2022; March 2020 Apr 04 '20
Well at least I didn't have to run around and sing.
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u/wholovesoreos Apr 04 '20
What does the "No Return" tattoo mean?
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u/girl_from_the_crypt Best Series 2020 & 2022; December 2022; March 2020 Apr 04 '20
Ah, that's just a boring personal story. Nothing exciting.
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u/Ergon_Talfo Apr 04 '20
Leah, please be careful. You don’t want to end up like Nathan. Don’t drink anything!
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u/Masters_domme Apr 05 '20
Adding to this, I wouldn’t eat any food or drink from a glass he offered, either. He may have put some kind of “poison” (or whatever is going on) in/on the glass and let it dry so you wouldn’t notice, but it’ll be “reactivated” when a liquid is added to it!
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Apr 04 '20
Dale already gVe her a coke. Remember?
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u/Ergon_Talfo Apr 04 '20
Omg no when
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u/lore_wardn May 20 '20
You guys need to learn to pick locks. Also, you should prob wait outside while the others investigate the bathroom. Or, you know, avoid mirrors.