Great Oak Gazette

Zahreen Danesh’29

Staff Writer

“Alright, we’re here,” Cypress announced as we hopped out of the car. We had to drive an hour out of Portland to investigate a creature from an abandoned amusement park, which hasn’t been done before. I’ve created this group called The Cryptids in order to explore and investigate urban legends and creatures. We got an emergency signal here, so we had to check it out. It was unusually cold out; the breeze became rough now and then. I rubbed my hands together as my fingertips were glowing pink.

“It says Thrill-Ville USA was a family-owned amusement park,” Oakley said, scrolling quickly on his phone. He was good at finding information online— the best hacker I’ve met. “Due

to finances, it shut down in 2007, and it was said that the rides were sold off.” I raised my eyebrows and looked up at the rides that were still there. You could see a light blue track ride over the fence along with big, yellow waterslides next to it. There were other rides, but I couldn’t see them as well from here.

“That’s weird,” Ash said. “They would’ve made a lot selling these.” I nodded at him. I trusted his word; he was good with finance.

Rowan snickered, “Maybe something was stopping it, or someone.” He whispered, acting like it was a big deal. He smirked at Cypress, who was shaking his head at him. “Cmon, you have to agree?” He reasoned with all of us.

I immediately typed out, “I hope not; that’s pretty cliché if it’s a haunted mascot chasing us down.”

Rowan snorted, “Wow, I didn’t know you would think anything was cliché.” He nudged me as he laughed, walking past me. I pinched my nose bridge as I followed the other in, hearing the crunching of the fallen leaves under their feet.

Oakley waited for me as he looked back at his phone. “Koa, I will say that on a Facebook group which we both know is very reliable for information.” He gave me a cheeky smile, which I snorted at. “It says that there was an unverified ride accident at the park,” he frowned. “Hate to say it, but it might be helpful.”

I agreed with him. I didn’t trust anything from social media about the supernatural or paranormal (especially those YouTube channels just wanting views). This was good information, as this might be as cliché as I expected it to be. Someone died and is now haunting the amusement park. It’s still an important case to solve; any case for it is interesting. It’s just a classic case of an abandoned amusement park that the media has been doing over and over again. I can’t blame them; places like this are eerie.

We made our way to the others as Rowan tried opening the door of the ticket booth before kicking it down. Ash went ahead to look around the parking lot. There were old papers on the ground that Cypress started to collect. They were tinted yellow and stiff, the paper easily crumbling. There were some old posters that were for advertising purposes. “Nothing,” he grumbled and threw them on the ground.

Oakley looked at the electronic iPad at the desk and it didn’t turn on when he  tapped the screen. “It’s dead,” he said, looking for any ports for a charger. He sighed, “I should’ve brought a charger.”

He moved out of the way for me as I hit the screen and it started up. Rowan snorted, “Seems Koa has the magic touch.”

I shrugged smugly as I let Oakley access it, “Hm, October 2007, November, December…” He squirted as he adjusted his glasses, “Odd. On December 8th, there were many tickets sold, then the next day…” he showed the blank screen, “Only a couple.” The buzzing monitor was the only sound in the room.. Footsteps suddenly got louder as it busted open the door. Rowan yelped as he grabbed onto Cypress, as I also bounced back, shocking myself. Oakley was the only one who remained calm.

It was just Ash who was surprised by the whole thing. “Whoa, relax, it’s just me.” He reassured as Cypress pushed Rowan off of him; he shrugged at him in response, getting him to roll his eyes. Ash then smiled, “I did find who sent the emergency signal,” he announced, presenting the biggest fanboy we have, Basil. He was an orphan boy who started following us around when he was younger. We thought of him like a lost duckling, but once he started showing signs of wanting to be a Cryptid when he grew up, I took him a little more seriously. The other boys didn’t take him as seriously as I did, saying, ‘He’s only thirteen.’ “Basil!” Rowan exclaimed as he came over and hugged him, “What are you doing here?” Rowan was the one who made me give Basil a tracker, saying it was good practice. I do agree; however, I’d rather not have the government gang up on a thirteen-year-old boy. “I called you guys here; I found this…thing,” he exclaimed, out of breath from running over here. He pulled up a picture; it was a big figure, but it was going behind the roller coaster as Basil snapped the photo. “Follow me!” He exclaimed, hurrying out as we ran after him through the parking lot. We ran through the entrance that used to have safety checks, but pushed through the gates as Basil pointed at the wooden wall. He had his lighter out to show us the painting better. It was a mural of the mascot on the wall. I was taken aback by just the look of him. It was a guy dressed in a USA outfit with a huge nose and a smile with missing teeth. If he were real, kids would run out of the park in fear.

“For a kids’ park, I don’t know what direction they wanted for this guy,” Cypress stated, looking visibly disturbed by the design.

Rowan, however, took a more creative look: “He looks like those dudes that get shot out of a cannon.” He stated in a matter-of-fact tone, like it was something important to remember . I held back a smile as I wanted to stay professional.

However, it wasn’t worth it as Cypress cracked a smile before adding, “Big Nose was never the same after that.” His deadpan voice made everyone snicker. I plugged my nose, stopping whatever snickering was making its way to me; I couldn’t laugh as it would hurt my throat. Basil pulled out the photo. “See, look,” he pointed at the figure, “About the same shape and head size.” He explained.

Ash sighed, “Looks like it’s our good friend Big Nose.” We looked up at the poster, and Ash looked at me. “Guess it’ll be cliché, right?” He gave me a half smile. I shrugged, “I guess so, but if it’s a threat, we need to bring it down.” The attention came on me, including Basil’s. “Oakley and Ash, you two try to find any security footage or files of this ‘accident’ we heard about from the Facebook moms.”

Oakley snickered as Ash saluted me. “Got it, boss, we’ll watch out for Big Nose.” He mentioned before they split off from the group.

I turned to the other three. “Rowan, Cypress, see if you can find anything around this place that shows signs of something that shouldn’t be here.” I then glared at Basil as he kinda shrank in his spot. “Basil, you’ll be following me.”

Rowan gave me an annoyed look. “Koa, please, you can’t just keep ordering him around; this isn’t the military.” He was right; it’s worse than the military. They might have the government on their side, but we don’t, making us easy targets.

I really didn’t feel like arguing, but Basil stepped up. “It’s ok, Rowan, I got this!” He cheered, looking at me with hope. I just nodded; I knew he didn’t have it at all, but I’ll tell him that when  time comes.

Rowan looked concerned but nodded. “Ok, we’ll tell you if we find anything,” he told me while I nodded at him. As Rowan and Cypress left, he yelled, “The hunt for Big Nose!” Cypress punched him in the arm. “Quiet down,” was what was left of their faint voices. I pulled out my device and turned on the tracker, pleased to see all of them alive and well.

The best spot to find Big Nose was the roller coaster that was in the photo. As I started typing on my device, Basil spoke up, “It must be hard being mute; why can’t you just talk?” I wouldn’t have cared if it was asked politely, as I understand those questions, but he sounded rather annoyed with me. It set my nerves on edge, so I quickly typed, “Because an incident left me unable to; I would if I could.” I get so many comments about it, and it’s annoying because it always reminds me of my childhood trauma.

He inhaled sharply before looking down. “Sorry…” He said softly. I nodded and motioned for him to follow me. He trailed a little behind me as I looked at my tracker. I hate how quiet it was; all you could hear were the leaves crunching and the wind howling. “Hey, do you have water? I forgot to bring some.” I nodded as I unstrapped my canteen bottle and gave it to him. He smiled, looking at my belt. “Cool,” He said as he drank from it.

I decided to ask Basil more questions, as he might have something I needed to hear. “What are you doing out here anyway?” I asked, sincehis foster home is pretty far from here. He shrugged as he gave me back the canteen. “I needed to get out; it gets so cramped and dreary. Why waste time in there when I’m not going to get adopted?” He reasoned, hopping onto a short stone wall to walk on top of it, holding his arms out for balance.

I felt my face soften; I never hated the boy, but I just wished he took his life seriously. “But you might; your parents might come back,” I reasoned back. It’s a bummer; his foster parents are nice people and seem to care for him, but he says they don’t give him what he needs. His parents weren’t stable enough to raise him; his mom left, and his dad was an addict. He quickly gave him up after she left. Rowan is also in foster care and is treated well; they get along well, and both have a fondness for animals, as Dr. Thatcher is a zoologist. I’m guessing Basil’s foster parents don’t like urban legends or cryptids. I do hope his dad gets better to take him back.

However, he huffed, “I don’t want my parents to come back; I don’t need them.” He jumped down and almost tripped. I felt my shoulders become heavy as I rested my eyes. I wish he never had to go through this; it’s not fun having any familial bonds to rely on. I have a family like that, as my mother is an alcoholic and my older brother had to step up to make a life for me; but he still resents me for becoming a YouTuber and my belief in the supernatural. So I really don’t have a family because I’m always alone. Maybe that’s why I wanted him to get adopted. I want him to be happy.

I decided not to say that to him: “I just know how it’s like being alone, it’s difficult.” He looked a little distressed by my comment.

He gave me a soft smile. “Yeah, that’s why I like to explore and hunt things down as you guys do,” he grinned. “I can’t wait to become a Cryptid!” He cheered loudly, causing echoes through the area. I flinched, not good- what if it heard us? I checked the tracker… something has woken up. There was now a red flashing dot, moving around the area, nothing close to the boys, luckily.

I started typing to him to calm down, but he gasped, “Hey, I have an idea! Follow me!” He started before I could realize he left. I ran after him; this was dangerous. You NEVER want to run if there’s a threat nearby. I ran past the yellow water slides that were dirty with grime; there were other rides like swings that were missing some seats and a slingshot ride I had no trust in, worn down for so long. I almost slipped into some gasoline that had spilled. I finally reached him next to the blue roller coaster; the sign The Ripper hung over the entrance.

I looked for him, only to be shocked to see him climbing the structure. I felt uneasy as the structure could’ve been worn down over time; it’s easier to break. I quickly typed as I ran under him, “Basil, get down, you’ll hurt yourself.” I was more annoyed at how I had to use a device to speak; it never sounded like I wanted it to when I was being urgent.

He grunted, pulling himself up on a bar. “Don’t worry, I know what I’m doing,” he beamed. He didn’t; you have to check a structure first before climbing, and standing on a high point for a view a better target.

I was typing when I heard a bar screech. I looked up in horror to see him struggling. “Basil, please?” I begged, for his safety and ours. He didn’t answer me; he looked around before jumping down to the last bar. It screeched as he leaped and caught the bar next to him by his hand. Oh my god, this kid is insane. I was breathing hard as I forced myself to snap back from my dizziness.

He finally reached the top and looked around. “Don’t see anything!” He yelled down. I checked my tracker; the red dot stopped and was coming toward us. “I do see Ash and Oakley, though; they seem to be heading towards us!” He yelled down to me.

I wanted to tell him to shut up, but I jumped at a sudden message from Oakley. I opened the link: “The urban legend of Henry Ricket, at ten, died from falling over the 52-foot water slide; it was never confirmed as true. It is still rumored that this boy is still alive in the park.” So we are dealing with a possessed being, good to know. I checked back to the tracker…there were only three dots…where did Oakley go? I tried sending him something, anything, but no response. I realized the red dot was now chasing Ash; I got a message, then watched his dot disappear from the screen. My gut dropped as I thought of the worst: losing two close friends. They couldn’t be dead; no, they can’t. I tried to push those thoughts aside, but tears pricked my eyes. I blinked them back as I needed to focus on the monster now coming towards us and put an end to this.

I heard Basil jump down with a grunt, “Well, didn’t see the monster, but that was a great idea, yeah?” My eyes widened as I inhaled sharply. I was afraid that if I faced him, I’d go berserk. I felt my hand squeeze the device as the red dot grew closer; I had to act fast. “You know, from how helpful I’ve been, you could make me a Cryptid, yeah?” He gave me a cheeky smile, but I had enough of his entitlement.

I spun around. “You will NEVER be a Cryptid,” I said to him. I didn’t want any comfort behind my message so he knows I’m serious.

I watched his smile drop to something kinda sad. “Huh?…” his voice cracked, but I grabbed his wrist, basically dragging him to a stall. I jumped over to hide inside a carnival booth, and Basil did the same. It was the attraction of throwing a ball at tin cans, but there were no cans or balls, not even hanging stuffed animals. Basil was quiet as I noticed his hazel-green eyes wide with shock, trying to grasp the words I’d said, “I don’t understand—”

I put a finger to my lips before typing out, “You just can’t. Now be quiet, he’s getting close.”

He got a burst of annoyance as he huffed, “What do you mean—” but it ended quickly as I hissed at him, making a snapping motion with my hand. He stopped talking, but his lower lip trembled, and he looked like he was about to cry. I sighed,as I didn’t want that, so I typed out why he couldn’t be a Cryptid. I heard stomping and heavy breathing as I typed; all we could do was stay quiet. I felt him scoot closer to me when he started hearing noises, and I showed him my device. “I just wish you understood how being a Cryptid will ruin your life if not prepared. You say you want to be a Cryptid, but it doesn’t seem like it. Yes, we are reckless and explorers, but also educated and problem-solvers. You might think this is fun, but I’ve been tracked by the government multiple times and ended up in jail a few times.” I heard the monster’s heavy breathing as it loomed over the game stand but didn’t seem to hear us. Basil was gripping my arm as it left, but I didn’t mind. He went back to reading my message. “You NEED to get back in school. Without an education, you’ll be dead on the first day; being loud and impulsive is dangerous as a Cryptid, meaning you aren’t fit. Every one of us is educated to the best of our abilities, as it allows us to adapt and survive. I’m only saying this because I want you to become a Cryptid, but you can’t do so if you’re not serious about the position.” He eyed me after he finished, the look of broken hope as he looked down in defeat.

He then looked up at the shadows reflected across the back of the stand. “I thought he would have heightened senses.” He stated…and that’s a very good point. Compared to how big Big Nose’s nose is, it would seem like he would have a higher sense of smell, but he didn’t seem to pick up any scent. Or maybe Basil and I just don’t smell. I watched as he lit up as he looked at me with big eyes. “Could I borrow your jacket? I have an idea,” he stated. I narrowed my eyes at him; I couldn’t tell if he was being serious or not. His eyebrows furrowed as he frowned. “I-I know what I’m doing; just let me try.” As much as I didn’t want him to, I was curious what his idea was. I started to type, but he stopped me. “Please, Koa, we don’t have the time to argue.” He begged. I sighed and gave him my jacket; I, for some reason, trusted him. The Cryptids are all about plans and organization; I’m hoping he understands that this is an important test.

He looked up over the booth and quickly ducked back down. Basil put on my jacket as he ripped one of the steel bars off the back of the booth. The monster’s shadow hit the back of the booth. The jacket was baggy on him, but he didn’t focus on that; he was staring at the shadow. He looked back at me one last time with some fear, but I nodded at him. He took a breath and jumped up to stab the thing in the nose. I watched the fabric and stuffing rip out from the nose as the monster bounced back. There was a chilling screech as Basil started running, and the monster stomped after him. I was left in silence, but I wasn’t going to stay there. I first sent my coordinates to Rowan and Cypress, who were still alive. I wanted them close, as we had already found it and had information. I jumped up and ran after the monster. I was worried I’d see Basil dead or worse…I couldn’t lose him; I couldn’t. I ran around a corner in time to watch the monster get set on fire, screaming and rolling around in pain. I ran past it as I didn’t want to think about Ash or Oakley or if we’ll ever find the bodies. I found Basil resting against another booth, wrapped in my jacket, taking heavy breaths and sniffling. When I approached him, he reeked of gasoline. A dread rushed over me as I quickly and carefully removed the jacket from his arms to throw it aside. I didn’t hear the monster anymore; no screaming or anything– good. “Are you ok?” he just nodded, but I knew something was off. “Basil, look at me,” I ordered, but he just frowned and looked further down. “Basil,” he grunted as he finally revealed his face. He had gasoline burns plaguing his cheeks and forehead. My eyes widened, I hated seeing him scarred.

I gently tried to cup his face, but he shoved my hand away. “Quit it, I-I’m fine,” he grumbled, but started breathing faster. I grabbed my canteen as I tried again; he let me this time. He whimpered as I poured the cold water over his burns; he blinked back tears but let a couple fall. His skin was dry and rough from the burn. I unfortunately ran out of water, so it wasn’t the best treatment for him. He pointed at my jacket. “I’m sorry about your jacket,” he sniffed. “I didn’t want to burn my arms as I ran through the gasoline.”

I quickly brought out my device. “Then how did it get on your face?”

He sighed. “I slipped.” He then gave me a weak smile. “I did get rid of the monster,” he beamed through the pain. I smiled under my mask. “Yes, you did. It was reckless, but it proved how observant and quick-thinking you are.” He grinned, but it died quickly as he touched his skin. “Oh my god!” I heard Rowan yell as he slid next to us; Cypress stopped to look but ran past us. He checked on Basil. “What happened? What did you do?” He snapped at me, his eyebrows furrowed in my direction. I was offended that he even considered me hurting Basil. I might be tough on him, but it helps build his integrity.

Basil spoke up for me, “Rowan, it’s okay. I did that; it was my plan.” he grinned. “I’m feeling a lot better anyways.”

Rowan looked between us, then scoffed, smiling. “Of course you are.” He ruffled the boy’s strawberry blonde hair as he jumped up from the ground and ran to Cypress. He looked back at me. “As for you,” I said, standing up and crossing my arms. He nodded at me. “You did good,” he said calmly as he patted my shoulder.

I just stared at him as he tried not to burst out laughing. “Wow, you’re so funny,” he said, quietly giggling as he used me to keep him from falling.

I heard a sigh. “Lord knows what you two are doing behind the booth, giggling and stuff, but you might want to check this out,” Cypress remarked as he walked back; his voice was off– it was strained. We exchanged eye contact as we quickened our pace to meet him. He apparently cut open the body to reveal Ash and Oakley inside. Basil’s eyes were wide with horror as he stayed silent. I flinched at the sight, as I didn’t expect to see the monster had eaten them, but Rowan ran forward and pulled their bodies halfway out. They were covered in a green slime that reeked of a horrid smell; it didn’t bother him as he cleared the slime off their chests. He held his ear to it before shooting back up, gasping, “Hey! Ash is alive!” he exclaimed. My mouth agape, “And Oakley is too!” He cheered, smiling back at us.

I sighed in relief as Cypress looked completely dazed. “Wow, it really shows their determination to live.” He smiled after that, also sighing in relief. Basil weakly smiled but stayed silent. We pulled out their bodies, which smelled horrible.

Rowan gagged. “Eugh, what is this stuff?” he asked, trying to rid his hands of the goo. Cypress hummed, “I’m guessing it’s digestive acid. We need to wipe it off their bodies. Here,” he threw us a pair of plastic gloves as he got to work cleaning off Oakley. Me and Rowan exchanged looks and decided to focus on cleaning Ash instead of that idea they were being slowly digested. Their skin was gummy and soft with a green hue. Their veins were very visible. Their bodies were stiff as their faces were frozen in time of a shocked and dazed look. Basil just walked around and observed, I couldn’t help from how distant he was from us. We scraped all the goo off as I asked the boys to bring their bodies back to the car; luckily, Rowan owns a truck, so I told them to wrap them up in blanket burritos and set them in the back. The blankets were for the skeletons we’ve found, which were quite a couple. Many were in the body we had to drag out, including the rumored ten-year-old boy who looked to be the oldest skeleton in it. When we all buried those skeletons to give their souls freedom, that was also when Basil finally spoke, “Who do you think died?” He asked softly; he approached me separately from the other boys.

I deleted my answer a couple of times before I finally said to the boy, “I don’t know; all I do know is Herny Ricket was the first one in there.”

He nodded slowly before looking at me, his eyes sunken. “Why didn’t you tell me I caused Oakley and Ash’s death?” He asked between voice cracks. I put a hand on his shoulder. “Hey, they’re alive; don’t worry.”

It seemed to be getting worse for him as he started to breathe harder. “But I will worry; I almost caused their death…it’s all my fault for being so reckless. I’m sorry.” he wiped his eyes. I finally understand what they meant by him being thirteen; he’s too young to see all these horrible things or be held accountable for this.

“I’m sorry too.” he looked up at me with a puzzled expression. “I should be protecting you; you’re only thirteen and have a life ahead of you. I don’t want to keep you trapped here.” He should be at home with his foster parents, not out here endangering his life for this. “I should be going easier on you.”

His eyes widened as he took a couple of steps back. “No…No, no, no, no, no no, no…no, NO!” He stomped his foot on the ground. “I WILL become a Cryptid, I will! I’ll work hard and get an education; I’ll learn tactics and planning; I’ll research urban legends, cryptids, anything weird found on the internet; the government will have nothing on me, as I’ll outsmart them and their fancy little gadgets” he announced. “I will prove you wrong. I do have what it takes; you hear me?” he smiled with an unwavering determination. “I am a Cryptid,” he stated.

I didn’t say anything for a moment, just stared at him as his confidence slowly died down into something more worried. He did yell at me, but I did like the exclamation. I heard the other ones approach behind me. “Hey, we heard yelling; what’s up?” Rowan asked, looking between the two of us.

I scoffed as I looked back at the boys, “Nothing, just telling Basil how I hope he becomes a Cryptid.”

Rowan grinned and nodded, “Hell yeah!” Cypress nodded at that idea.

I looked back at him. “Keep signaling us, study, and make me eat my words…however, don’t be too overconfident.”

He looked guilty when I said that and awkwardly smiled. “Then will I have a chance?” he asked.

I thought for a moment. “Tiny.” he seemed to like that answer as he cheered and ran over to hug me. I froze at his hold before I hugged him back. He backed away as I observed the burn wounds on his face.

He realized this as he waved it off. “I’m doing better now; I think I’m actually gonna go,” He stated, turning away from us.

“Hey kid, don’t you want a ride home?” Cypress offered, but Basil shook his head. “I prefer walking, thank you, but I have to go get an education, grow my hair long, and become a Cryptid!” He exclaimed before running off, waving us away.

He sighed, “That kid sure has some spunk.” Cypress looked at me. “You sure gave him something to fight for.”

Rowan nodded at that. “Yeah, growing hair is a big commitment.” Cypress nudged him as Rowan grunted. I scoffed at the statement. Yes, the boys and I have long hair, mostly down to our shoulders; it must be a statement to have long hair. Really does show his dedication.

“We need to head back; I don’t want Ash and Oakley to rest in the back all day,” the other boys agreed. As Rowan and Cypress were in the front, I kept thinking about what Basil said, and I do hope he does become a Cryptid. What he doesn’t know is that now I have full belief that he’ll surpass me and become a great member of the team. I mean, who else would I pass my work and YouTube channel off to when my reign is over?