Late Night Scavanger Hunt (Part 1)

“This is a horrible idea; and you know it,” Riggs mumbled sticking his hands in his pockets and staring at his feet at they crunched through the autumn leaves.

“No, this is a fun idea, and you are just a chicken,” Violet replied skipping a bit faster even though she was already at least a foot ahead of Riggs.

“Remember last week when I said we were going to die because you really wanted to explore the cave that looked like it was going to collapse on us? And oh yeah probably had a bear in it?” He asked. Violet just rolled her eyes and continued joyfully skipping ahead.

“Well this time I’m pretty sure we are ACTUALLY GOING TO DIE,” Riggs added.

“You said that last week and guess what no death we are good,” Violet laughed. She turned around so she could face Riggs who was now giving her a very unhappy look. She skipped to him and put her arm around his shoulder, or as close to his shoulder as she could reach. They had always been an odd pair. Violet, standing, on a good day at 5 foot tall; always ready and searching for the next great (and usually dangerous adventure); and then there was Riggs. He was her dutiful sidekick, standing at 6’ 3” (everyone guessed he was probably taller than that, but that’s what he told people. He was always very reluctantly ready for an adventure.

“You know me Riggs, if it gets Dangerous or we’ll just leave,” Violet assured him. Riggs nodded knowing very well this was not true. It was never worth it though, at the end of the day Violet did what Violet wanted and Riggs was almost certain that if he did not go getting her to agree at the very last second to leave whatever she had come up with that week she would surely be dead.

They kept walking. The leaves crunching beneath their feet, Violet skipping occasionally glancing at the hastily drawn map in her hands. Riggs strolling behind her hands in his pockets staring at his feet; contemplating exactly what this could be.

“This is going to be so fun,’ Violet squealed as Riggs assumed they were getting very close. Unlike Violet who could glance at a poorly drawn map and show you the exact location with no hesitation; Riggs could not find the local grocery store with google maps. He had no sense of direction.

“Oh yeah, what isn’t fun about playing a game…. In the middle of the woods…. Because of a random invite you found in your mailbox.” Riggs exclaimed. Violet laughed, she was sure it would be a good time.

It was only a few more minutes before they reached the center of the woods where a small group of people were standing. Riggs stared at the group. At first glance they all looked harmless. Just an odd group of college age kids gathering in the woods. Riggs new better though, he had learned very quickly that 9 out of 10 people looked very harmless, that didn’t mean that they were.

“Welcome, welcome,” A tall skinny guy broke away from the group to greet them. Welcome the two of them. The rest of the group watched as he approached. “Don’t mind the stares we don’t get new members often, I’m Connor are you ready for the game?”

“Yes!” Violet answered excitedly for both of them. Riggs stood beside her silently.

“So, I assume you both know the rules,” Connor asked.

“Yes!” Violet answered again. This time Riggs shook his head. He had learned very quickly when to just go along with Violet and when to say something.

“Bold move, I like that,” Connor said a smile on his face. Riggs didn’t reply. He had also gained the knowledge that the less information you give the better off you would be.

“So I will tell you how it works; they are simple really,” Conner replied.

“First the goal of the game is to find an item. We work in teams, each team is given their own item. The game ends at midnight. You find your item you win. If you don’t find your item you lose.”

“That it?” Riggs asked.

“Well there are a few rules.” Connor explained. There was always a catch. Riggs nodded.

“Rule 1: If you lose you will not be invited back. If you find the item you win. The team who returns first is the ultimate winner and gets the money prize; but everyone else who returns with their item is the winner and may try again next week.

Rule 2: You must come back to this spot by midnight. Not at midnight; by midnight. Do not be a minute late. If you can’t remember where this spot is come back early. Do not pick up your item after 11:30, you will be late. I run the game. I will always be here. If you don’t see me you are not in the spot. It’s 8pm you have plenty of time. You will get to start as soon as we are done with the rules because its your first time. Returning players start at 9pm. You have plenty of time.

Rule 3: Do not touch anyone else’s items.

Rule 4: Do not interact with anyone but your teammates during the game.

Rule 5: If you lose sight of your teammate for more than a second do not talk to them either. In fact come right back here.

Rule 6: If you hear your name being called do not answer. If you feel someone following you do not look behind you. If you ignore your fears you will be fine.

Rule 7: Once you have your item, come right back here. It may seem further away than it was before. You found your way here, that means you can find your way back. Don’t listen to the voice in your head, you know where you are going.

Rule 8: Don’t ask questions you don’t want the answer for.

Rule 9: Don’t leave the woods. Even if you think you see the item outside of the woods. Even if you don’t find the item in time. Always come back here first. I will tell you when it is time to leave the woods.

10. This is the ultimate scavenger hunt. If you like scavenger hunts this will be a great time. If you do not, I suggest you leave. If these rules make you uneasy leave. If you think the rules are BS leave. If you think this is funny leave. If for any reason at all you want to leave this is your last chance to leave, so I would go. There are plenty of better ways to earn $1000 dollars. You should be here because of the game and the game only. Do you understand?”

Riggs let the words sink in. He had been a part of games like this before. He looked around him processing every word. He surveyed those around him and his surroundings. This was one of two things. Either every word he was saying was true, or it was a trap. After a few key observations he could tell it was true. Riggs stared at Violet who was ready and excited to go. He sighed, then nodded.

“Great,” Connor said. He had a wide grin on his face. He handed them a piece of paper and dragged them over to the crowd. He said some words Riggs did not know. Then he looked up and nodded. The game had begun.

Part 2 coming soon.