WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.040 --> 00:00:01.600 Today, I want to tell you about a journey that 2 00:00:01.600 --> 00:00:03.879 I've been on for most of my life. Ever since 3 00:00:03.919 --> 00:00:05.799 I was a kid, I've heard tales of bigfoot and 4 00:00:05.839 --> 00:00:08.320 wild men while spending time with my friends and family. 5 00:00:09.039 --> 00:00:11.439 As I grew older and read more about the paranormal, 6 00:00:11.599 --> 00:00:14.679 my interest in encryptids and other things strange only deepened. 7 00:00:15.240 --> 00:00:17.160 That's why I'm so excited to share with you what 8 00:00:17.199 --> 00:00:21.640 I've personally become involved with the Untold Radio Network. The 9 00:00:21.719 --> 00:00:25.280 Untold Radio Network is a live streaming podcast network that 10 00:00:25.359 --> 00:00:29.359 airs a new show every day across all podcast platforms, YouTube, 11 00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:32.119 and more. They have eight different shows on all sorts 12 00:00:32.159 --> 00:00:36.119 of exciting topics such as bigfoot, cryptids, UFOs, aliens, and 13 00:00:36.200 --> 00:00:39.479 much more. I even have my own show called Weird Encounters, 14 00:00:39.479 --> 00:00:42.439 where I talk about all things strange. This is more 15 00:00:42.479 --> 00:00:45.280 than just a podcast network. It's a community that allows 16 00:00:45.320 --> 00:00:47.759 me to meet so many amazing people who share their 17 00:00:47.799 --> 00:00:51.520 stories and experiences with strange. If you're interested in hearing 18 00:00:51.560 --> 00:00:53.880 more of these stories and learning more about the paranormal 19 00:00:53.960 --> 00:00:56.679 and encryptids, make sure you check out the Untold Radio 20 00:00:56.759 --> 00:01:00.640 Network for all kinds of exciting shows. It's free to subscribe. 21 00:01:00.679 --> 00:01:04.439 So what are you waiting for Visit www dot untold 22 00:01:04.519 --> 00:01:06.560 radionetwork dot com today. 23 00:01:06.680 --> 00:01:10.480 The following episode contains descriptions of violence and mature subject 24 00:01:10.560 --> 00:01:13.439 matter that may not be suitable for younger listeners or 25 00:01:13.480 --> 00:01:17.280 those sensitive to depictions of death and violence. Listener discretion 26 00:01:17.439 --> 00:01:18.599 is strongly advised. 27 00:01:19.439 --> 00:01:22.799 Reporting. I got a screen going on here. Something just 28 00:01:22.879 --> 00:01:26.159 kills my dog. Something killed your dog? My dog? What 29 00:01:26.239 --> 00:01:28.200 applying to he? Or over the tree? I don't know 30 00:01:28.280 --> 00:01:33.480 how it did it? Okay, Damn, I'm really confused. All 31 00:01:33.519 --> 00:01:35.280 I thought was my dog coming over the fen and 32 00:01:35.359 --> 00:01:38.079 they was dead when you hit the grolic id atening cars. 33 00:01:38.120 --> 00:01:39.920 All I thought was my dog coming over the fen. 34 00:01:57.079 --> 00:01:57.640 Are reporting? 35 00:01:58.640 --> 00:02:09.599 We got some wonder company crawling around out here? Did 36 00:02:09.599 --> 00:02:12.719 you see what it was? I'm out here looking them 37 00:02:12.759 --> 00:02:14.520 near the window now, and I don't need anything. I 38 00:02:14.520 --> 00:02:22.639 don't want to go outdight. He just fight? Hello, hit 39 00:02:22.719 --> 00:02:25.000 the boddy out here? What went on out there? Let's 40 00:02:25.000 --> 00:02:27.719 got up a bit of about Sect nine. I don't know, 41 00:02:27.960 --> 00:02:30.919 easy announter, Yeah, I'm working right head uh. 42 00:02:31.000 --> 00:02:33.759 As Coda entered his second year, the mysteries of the 43 00:02:33.800 --> 00:02:37.560 forest continued to unfold around him, and with them, the 44 00:02:37.680 --> 00:02:42.280 curious and sometimes unsettling presence of humans. He had grown 45 00:02:42.319 --> 00:02:45.439 accustomed to hearing about them from the older Sasquatch, who 46 00:02:45.479 --> 00:02:49.159 spoke of humans tools and strange habits, and the odd, 47 00:02:49.240 --> 00:02:53.120 clumsy ways that they moved through the forest. Encounters with 48 00:02:53.199 --> 00:02:56.879 humans were rare, but were always treated with caution and respect. 49 00:02:56.919 --> 00:03:00.520 Within the klan, Omaki and Tarin taught that the humans 50 00:03:00.520 --> 00:03:03.680 were not to be feared outright, but they were unpredictable 51 00:03:04.120 --> 00:03:08.280 and their presence warranted vigilance. But Tokoda and the rest 52 00:03:08.280 --> 00:03:10.759 of the younger members of the clan, these tales of 53 00:03:10.840 --> 00:03:15.199 humans stirred a mixture of curiosity and trepidation. They wondered 54 00:03:15.199 --> 00:03:18.719 about these strange beings who left unnatural trails through the woods, 55 00:03:19.080 --> 00:03:22.840 who sometimes made loud sounds and shined lights that disturbed 56 00:03:22.840 --> 00:03:25.520 the night. As much as they were taught to avoid 57 00:03:25.599 --> 00:03:28.840 the humans, Coda and the other juveniles couldn't resist the 58 00:03:28.879 --> 00:03:33.680 little fun at the human's expense. One late summer afternoon, 59 00:03:33.919 --> 00:03:36.960 Michah led Coda, Rayla, and Paka to a narrow trail 60 00:03:37.199 --> 00:03:40.759 where the humans occasionally passed. She explained that her father 61 00:03:40.879 --> 00:03:44.080 Terran had shown her the art of misleading humans to 62 00:03:44.159 --> 00:03:47.680 protect the clan, confusing them just enough to keep them 63 00:03:47.680 --> 00:03:51.879 away from the clan's primary territory. Coda's eyes widened as 64 00:03:51.919 --> 00:03:54.360 Micah described a few of the tricks that she had learned. 65 00:03:55.280 --> 00:03:59.439 First lesson, Michah said, with the grin leaving a single footprint, 66 00:04:00.360 --> 00:04:03.319 she lifted her large, hairy foot and placed it firmly 67 00:04:03.360 --> 00:04:06.639 into a patch of soft soil, pressing down to leave 68 00:04:06.680 --> 00:04:11.120 a clear, deep impression. She then carefully stepped back, using 69 00:04:11.120 --> 00:04:15.360 a nearby rock to avoid leaving a second footprint. Humans 70 00:04:15.360 --> 00:04:18.600 get so confused when they see only one print, Micah said, chuckling, 71 00:04:19.439 --> 00:04:22.839 they think it's some kind of a ghost creature. Paca 72 00:04:22.879 --> 00:04:27.120 and Ralli giggled, eager to try it themselves. Coda watched carefully, 73 00:04:27.519 --> 00:04:30.600 then he carefully pressed his foot into the soil, pulling 74 00:04:30.639 --> 00:04:33.480 back to admire the single footprint he had left behind. 75 00:04:34.240 --> 00:04:38.399 The mark was faint, but Micha nodded approvingly. They'll spend 76 00:04:38.519 --> 00:04:41.199 hours just trying to figure out where the other footprints went. 77 00:04:41.560 --> 00:04:45.720 Rayla added, her eyes shining with mischief. Next to Micah 78 00:04:45.720 --> 00:04:48.720 showed them how to make tree breaks. Small but visible 79 00:04:48.759 --> 00:04:51.959 cracks are bends and saplings that humans would see as 80 00:04:52.000 --> 00:04:56.120 peculiar or unnatural. She gently twisted a young tree trunk 81 00:04:56.160 --> 00:05:00.639 until it splintered, creating an audible crack. These marks make 82 00:05:00.680 --> 00:05:04.319 the humans think they're being watched, Michael whispered. They don't 83 00:05:04.360 --> 00:05:06.800 know it's us, but it gives them a little scare 84 00:05:07.319 --> 00:05:10.800 enough to make them cautious. Koda felt a thrill run 85 00:05:10.839 --> 00:05:13.720 through him as he practiced making his own tree breaks 86 00:05:13.720 --> 00:05:18.000 along the path, imagining the humans' reactions. Though he hadn't 87 00:05:18.040 --> 00:05:20.639 had another encounter with them since the incident with the fishermen, 88 00:05:21.000 --> 00:05:24.279 he felt the weight of their presence. They were intruders, 89 00:05:24.680 --> 00:05:27.600 but strange ones, moving through the forest and ways that 90 00:05:27.680 --> 00:05:30.600 didn't make sense to him. Yet he was fascinated by 91 00:05:30.600 --> 00:05:34.160 the humans, especially the effect that they had on his klan. 92 00:05:35.199 --> 00:05:37.079 The four of them spent the rest of the afternoon 93 00:05:37.199 --> 00:05:40.879 playing their tricks along the trail, carefully weaving between the trees, 94 00:05:41.399 --> 00:05:44.600 leaving footprints and tree breaks in just the right places 95 00:05:44.639 --> 00:05:48.120 to make their marks clear but cryptic. By the time 96 00:05:48.160 --> 00:05:51.000 they made their way back to the clan's territory, Coda 97 00:05:51.120 --> 00:05:53.720 was exhilarated by the idea that the humans would be 98 00:05:53.759 --> 00:05:57.439 stumped by the signs that they left behind. The next 99 00:05:57.439 --> 00:06:00.759 time that Coda found himself near humans, the situation was 100 00:06:00.839 --> 00:06:04.639 far less light hearted. It was late one autumn evening 101 00:06:04.839 --> 00:06:07.600 and he had gone with Micah, Rala, and Paka to 102 00:06:07.680 --> 00:06:10.720 explore a stretch of forest by the river. They had 103 00:06:10.759 --> 00:06:12.800 intended to meet up with Eric and Varro, who had 104 00:06:12.800 --> 00:06:16.120 gone ahead to scout the area, but as twilight began 105 00:06:16.199 --> 00:06:19.360 to descend, Eric and Varro were nowhere in sight, and 106 00:06:19.439 --> 00:06:23.279 the young Sasquatches were left near the water's edge. Coda 107 00:06:23.360 --> 00:06:26.920 felt a faint unease as the shadows deepened, casting an 108 00:06:26.959 --> 00:06:30.279 eerie stillness over the forest. Just as he was about 109 00:06:30.319 --> 00:06:33.639 to suggest that they head back, a strange, distant sound 110 00:06:33.680 --> 00:06:37.600 echoed through the trees. It was a long, drawn out howl, 111 00:06:38.199 --> 00:06:41.560 followed by a series of knocks against the trees. The 112 00:06:41.639 --> 00:06:44.680 sound was foreign, chilling, and it was unlike any call 113 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:47.959 Coda had heard from his clan. Micah motioned for them 114 00:06:48.000 --> 00:06:52.720 to crouch down. Her face tents humans, she whispered, they're 115 00:06:52.759 --> 00:06:57.040 trying to mimic our sounds. Coda's heart hammered as he listened. 116 00:06:57.639 --> 00:06:59.480 The sounds were close enough that he could hear a 117 00:06:59.480 --> 00:07:03.079 faint mark of human voices, broken by more howls and 118 00:07:03.160 --> 00:07:05.959 tree knocks. It was clear that the humans were trying 119 00:07:06.000 --> 00:07:10.279 to communicate or lure them out. The younger sasquatches huddled together, 120 00:07:10.879 --> 00:07:14.920 unsure whether to stay or run. Suddenly, a beam of 121 00:07:15.000 --> 00:07:18.720 light cut through the trees, illuminating the underbrush with a strange, 122 00:07:18.839 --> 00:07:23.279 unnatural glow. Koda's eyes widened in surprise. He had never 123 00:07:23.360 --> 00:07:26.279 seen anything like it. It was as though the humans 124 00:07:26.279 --> 00:07:30.519 had brought daylight into the night. What is that, Raylah whispered, 125 00:07:30.600 --> 00:07:35.160 shrinking back. They're using tools, Mica said, her voice laced 126 00:07:35.199 --> 00:07:38.720 with worry. I've heard my father talk about this. They 127 00:07:38.720 --> 00:07:41.720 have lights that let them see in the dark. Coda 128 00:07:41.800 --> 00:07:44.040 felt a shiver of fear, but he also had a 129 00:07:44.079 --> 00:07:48.120 strange fascination. These humans seemed to possess a kind of magic, 130 00:07:48.800 --> 00:07:51.800 a way of bending the forest to their wheel. The 131 00:07:51.839 --> 00:07:55.399 beam of light swept across the ground, scanning the forest floor. 132 00:07:55.920 --> 00:07:59.959 Coda held his breath, hoping the darkness would conceal them. 133 00:08:00.079 --> 00:08:02.519 But as the voices grew louder, he realized that the 134 00:08:02.560 --> 00:08:05.600 humans weren't staying in one group. They were spreading out, 135 00:08:06.160 --> 00:08:09.279 moving around the young sasquatches in an attempt to flank 136 00:08:09.360 --> 00:08:13.480 them they were being surrounded. Micah gestured for them to 137 00:08:13.560 --> 00:08:16.399 move up, signaling for silence as she led them away 138 00:08:16.439 --> 00:08:19.040 from the river and into the dense thicket of bushes. 139 00:08:19.680 --> 00:08:22.480 They moved as quietly as they could, their senses on 140 00:08:22.600 --> 00:08:26.000 high alert, but Coda could feel the human presence closing 141 00:08:26.040 --> 00:08:28.800 in on them. Another beam of light swept over their 142 00:08:28.839 --> 00:08:32.159 hiding spot, and for a heart stopping moment, Coda thought 143 00:08:32.200 --> 00:08:35.120 they had been spotted. We need to keep moving. Micah 144 00:08:35.120 --> 00:08:39.080 mouthed her eyes wide with urgency. She motioned for Coda 145 00:08:39.080 --> 00:08:41.720 and the others to follow her lead. Crouching low and 146 00:08:41.759 --> 00:08:45.720 weaving through the underbrush, Coda's heart pounded as he crept forward, 147 00:08:46.240 --> 00:08:50.240 every sound amplified in his ears. The humans howling and 148 00:08:50.279 --> 00:08:54.360 tree knocking continued echoing through the trees with an eerie persistence. 149 00:08:55.320 --> 00:08:57.879 They made it a few more yards before they heard footsteps, 150 00:08:58.360 --> 00:09:02.000 heavy crunching footsteps that were coming from all directions. The 151 00:09:02.080 --> 00:09:05.679 humans had split up into smaller groups, methodically sweeping through 152 00:09:05.679 --> 00:09:08.960 the forest in search of them. Koda felt a rising 153 00:09:09.000 --> 00:09:11.679 panic as he realized just how close the humans were. 154 00:09:12.360 --> 00:09:16.200 He could smell them now, a strange, unfamiliar scent that 155 00:09:16.360 --> 00:09:20.679 set his nerves on edge up the trees, Michael whispered urgently, 156 00:09:21.279 --> 00:09:25.320 motioning for them to climb. They never look up Codin. 157 00:09:25.360 --> 00:09:28.600 The others scrambled to the nearest tree, their claws digging 158 00:09:28.639 --> 00:09:30.759 into the bark as they ascended into the safety of 159 00:09:30.799 --> 00:09:34.720 the branches. From his perch, Coda watched as two humans 160 00:09:34.720 --> 00:09:38.240 pass directly beneath them, their faces illuminated by the glow 161 00:09:38.279 --> 00:09:41.440 of their strange devices. One of them held a small 162 00:09:41.519 --> 00:09:44.879 object that emitted a red light, scanning it back and 163 00:09:44.919 --> 00:09:47.360 forth as if searching for some sign of their presence. 164 00:09:48.200 --> 00:09:51.480 Coda held his breath, pressing himself against the trunk. As 165 00:09:51.519 --> 00:09:55.320 the humans moved beneath him. The red light flickered, passing 166 00:09:55.360 --> 00:09:59.679 over the ground before disappearing into the darkness. After a 167 00:09:59.720 --> 00:10:03.480 few tense moments, the humans moved on their footprints, fading 168 00:10:03.480 --> 00:10:07.759 into the distance. Coda exhaled, slowly, glancing over at Micah, 169 00:10:07.879 --> 00:10:11.000 who gave him a reassuring nod. But just as he 170 00:10:11.039 --> 00:10:13.720 thought there were safe, another beam of light appeared on 171 00:10:13.759 --> 00:10:16.679 the other side of the tree, illuminating Rayla, who was 172 00:10:16.759 --> 00:10:20.240 hidden just a few branches away. The light paused, as 173 00:10:20.240 --> 00:10:23.799 if the humans had seen something unusual Coda felt a 174 00:10:23.799 --> 00:10:26.919 surge of panic as he realized that Rayla was partially exposed, 175 00:10:27.600 --> 00:10:30.639 her hair blending into the shadows but just faintly visible. 176 00:10:30.960 --> 00:10:34.200 He knew they had to act quickly or risk being discovered. 177 00:10:35.120 --> 00:10:37.840 Without a word, Mikeel motioned for them to climb higher, 178 00:10:38.240 --> 00:10:42.279 using the thick foliage to shield themselves from view. Coda 179 00:10:42.320 --> 00:10:44.960 followed her lead, moving silently as he ascended up to 180 00:10:44.960 --> 00:10:48.639 the higher branches. Rayla did the same, her small form 181 00:10:48.720 --> 00:10:51.159 blending into the shadows as she moved out of the 182 00:10:51.200 --> 00:10:55.320 light's reach. The humans hesitated, their voice as tense as 183 00:10:55.360 --> 00:10:58.320 they scanned the area, but after a few moments they 184 00:10:58.320 --> 00:11:01.840 seemed to lose interest and moved on on. Koda felt 185 00:11:01.840 --> 00:11:04.600 a wave of relief wash over him, but he knew 186 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:08.399 they weren't safe yet. The humans were still close and 187 00:11:08.440 --> 00:11:10.519 they would need to stay hidden until they could find 188 00:11:10.559 --> 00:11:14.080 a way to escape. They waited in silence, listening as 189 00:11:14.120 --> 00:11:18.399 the human's voices grew fainter. Finally, Micah signaled for them 190 00:11:18.440 --> 00:11:23.440 to climb down, her expression tense but determined. One by one, 191 00:11:23.480 --> 00:11:26.879 they descended from the tree, landing softly on the forest floor. 192 00:11:27.679 --> 00:11:30.720 Coda could feel the adrenaline cursing through him as they 193 00:11:30.759 --> 00:11:33.919 crept through the underbrush, moving as quickly and quietly as 194 00:11:33.960 --> 00:11:36.960 they could. When they were far enough from the humans, 195 00:11:37.159 --> 00:11:40.000 Michael led them to a small, secluded clearing where they 196 00:11:40.000 --> 00:11:43.799 could catch their breath. Coda glanced around. He felt a 197 00:11:43.840 --> 00:11:46.759 surge of relief, knowing they had evaded the humans without 198 00:11:46.759 --> 00:11:50.759 being seen. I can't believe they looked up, Raylah, whispered. 199 00:11:51.480 --> 00:11:55.320 Paka nodded, his eyes wide with fear. I've never seen 200 00:11:55.399 --> 00:11:59.200 humans like these before. They were they were hunting us. 201 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:02.039 We made it out because we stayed calm and used 202 00:12:02.080 --> 00:12:06.159 everything we've learned. Remember that, Coda, the forest is our home, 203 00:12:06.519 --> 00:12:09.000 but it can be dangerous too. You have to be 204 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:13.279 ready for anything. Coda nodded, feeling a new found respect 205 00:12:13.279 --> 00:12:16.519 for Micah and the others. The experience had been frightening, 206 00:12:16.840 --> 00:12:19.960 but it also taught him a valuable lesson. The forest 207 00:12:20.039 --> 00:12:23.440 was a place of beauty and danger, and he needed 208 00:12:23.440 --> 00:12:26.679 to rely on his instincts, his courage, and the support 209 00:12:26.720 --> 00:12:30.080 of his clan to navigate it safely. As they made 210 00:12:30.080 --> 00:12:32.840 their way back to the clan's territory, Coda felt a 211 00:12:32.879 --> 00:12:35.120 deep sense of pride in his skills. He had learned 212 00:12:35.559 --> 00:12:37.679 and the strength that he had gained from his family. 213 00:12:38.480 --> 00:12:40.919 The forest might be filled with threats, but he knew 214 00:12:40.960 --> 00:12:43.879 he was never alone, and with each encounter he grew 215 00:12:43.919 --> 00:12:47.720 more prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead. By the 216 00:12:47.720 --> 00:12:50.799 time Coda and the others returned to the clan's main territory, 217 00:12:51.039 --> 00:12:54.360 the sky had darkened, stars twinkling faintly through the gaps 218 00:12:54.360 --> 00:12:57.799 in the trees. The young Sasquatches were exhausted from their 219 00:12:57.840 --> 00:13:00.840 close call with the humans. They knew that the Klan 220 00:13:00.919 --> 00:13:03.320 elders would want to know every detail, and as they 221 00:13:03.320 --> 00:13:07.320 approached the main clearing, they saw Amaki, Tarin, Koboda, and 222 00:13:07.360 --> 00:13:11.720 Asha waiting for them. Amaki stepped forward, her expression and 223 00:13:11.840 --> 00:13:15.519 mixture of concern and relief. You four were gone longer 224 00:13:15.519 --> 00:13:20.159 than usual, she said gently. Are you all right? Codin nodded, 225 00:13:20.279 --> 00:13:23.039 though he could feel the trembling in his limbs. He 226 00:13:23.080 --> 00:13:25.519 took a breath, trying to find the words to describe 227 00:13:25.559 --> 00:13:30.279 what they had experienced humans. He said finally, his voice hushed. 228 00:13:31.159 --> 00:13:35.039 They were different this time. They had strange tools, lights 229 00:13:35.080 --> 00:13:38.200 that could see in the dark, and they they were 230 00:13:38.200 --> 00:13:43.639 making our sounds, howling, knocking on trees, Taran exchanged a 231 00:13:43.679 --> 00:13:47.720 worried look with Koboda. They're getting bolder, he said, and 232 00:13:47.799 --> 00:13:51.600 more dangerous. I just said to the group of youngsters, 233 00:13:51.919 --> 00:13:54.480 you did well to get back safely. All of you 234 00:13:55.200 --> 00:13:59.399 tell us what happened in your own words, taking turns, 235 00:13:59.480 --> 00:14:02.799 the young said. Masquatches recounted their ordeal and vivid detail, 236 00:14:03.440 --> 00:14:06.440 describing how the humans had split up, used lights to 237 00:14:06.480 --> 00:14:09.399 search the dark, and even managed to get close enough 238 00:14:09.559 --> 00:14:13.399 that Coda thought he had been spotted. O'machi listened intently, 239 00:14:13.799 --> 00:14:17.759 her gaze focused and thoughtful. These humans are learning, she 240 00:14:17.799 --> 00:14:21.240 said softly. They've come to understand that we are here, 241 00:14:21.879 --> 00:14:25.120 that we leave signs, and now they're using what they 242 00:14:25.159 --> 00:14:28.159 know to try to find us. We must be more 243 00:14:28.159 --> 00:14:32.240 careful now. Coda felt a shiver as he considered the implications. 244 00:14:32.879 --> 00:14:35.399 He had always seen the humans as clumsy and unaware, 245 00:14:35.879 --> 00:14:40.000 but the experience tonight changed that view. These humans were hunting, 246 00:14:40.679 --> 00:14:43.480 actively searching for his clan, and it made him feel 247 00:14:43.559 --> 00:14:46.639 vulnerable in a way that he hadn't before. But he 248 00:14:46.720 --> 00:14:49.519 also felt a surge of pride that they had outsmarted 249 00:14:49.559 --> 00:14:52.080 the humans, using the skills that he had learned from 250 00:14:52.080 --> 00:14:54.879 the Klan to stay hidden and make it back to safety, 251 00:14:56.399 --> 00:14:58.759 and stay tuned for more sasquatch ott to see, We'll 252 00:14:58.799 --> 00:15:05.200 be right back. After the the messages, Omaki placed a 253 00:15:05.279 --> 00:15:07.720 hand on his head, ruffling his hair in a rare 254 00:15:07.759 --> 00:15:12.279 show of affection. Coda, you're growing quickly and learning much, 255 00:15:13.159 --> 00:15:17.639 but also remember curiosity has its limits. Stay vigilant and 256 00:15:17.720 --> 00:15:21.159 listen to your instincts. They'll guide you as much as 257 00:15:21.159 --> 00:15:25.159 the forest will. Kaboda and Asha shared a glance, nodding 258 00:15:25.159 --> 00:15:29.120 an agreement. Kaboda knelt to look Coda in the eye. 259 00:15:29.240 --> 00:15:33.399 Every encounter you have, every close call, teaches you more. 260 00:15:33.240 --> 00:15:33.679 Than you know. 261 00:15:34.759 --> 00:15:37.960 One day you'll be the one protecting this clan. Coda 262 00:15:38.000 --> 00:15:40.799 felt his chest swell with pride at his father's words. 263 00:15:41.480 --> 00:15:44.240 He understood that tonight's experience was one of the many 264 00:15:44.320 --> 00:15:48.080 lessons he would carry with him. It wasn't just about surviving, 265 00:15:48.759 --> 00:15:52.720 it was about being strong, wise, and united with his family. 266 00:15:53.639 --> 00:15:56.159 In the days that followed, the clan convened to discuss 267 00:15:56.200 --> 00:15:59.320 the increasing human presence and how they could avoid detection. 268 00:16:00.080 --> 00:16:03.519 Omaki and Tarian emphasized the importance of leaving fewer signs 269 00:16:03.519 --> 00:16:07.279 and trails, creating an atmosphere of caution and teamwork that 270 00:16:07.399 --> 00:16:11.159 Coda hadn't experienced before. The elders and the older clan 271 00:16:11.240 --> 00:16:13.799 members took the time to teach the younger ones new 272 00:16:13.840 --> 00:16:17.279 ways to remain hidden, especially from the humans lights and 273 00:16:17.360 --> 00:16:22.240 strange tools. Cooda found himself particularly fascinated by Omachi's teachings 274 00:16:22.240 --> 00:16:26.000 on camouflage and silence. She explained that the humans relied 275 00:16:26.039 --> 00:16:30.279 heavily on sight and sound, often overlooking details in their hurry. 276 00:16:31.039 --> 00:16:34.120 They had practiced these skills as a family many times, 277 00:16:34.360 --> 00:16:36.919 but now they focused on the specifics, like blending in 278 00:16:36.960 --> 00:16:41.200 with the shadows and moving without disturbing the underbrush. Always 279 00:16:41.240 --> 00:16:43.960 move with the rhythm of the forest, Omachi instructed them 280 00:16:43.960 --> 00:16:47.039 one misty morning as she led the young Sasquatches through 281 00:16:47.039 --> 00:16:50.519 a dense part of the woods. If a branch creaks, 282 00:16:50.840 --> 00:16:54.399 let it pass before you move. If you hear a rustling, 283 00:16:54.799 --> 00:16:58.120 pause and listen. This is how we keep the forest's 284 00:16:58.159 --> 00:17:02.919 secrets safe from prying eye. Kota took these lessons to heart, 285 00:17:03.200 --> 00:17:05.599 applying them each time he ventured out with the other 286 00:17:05.680 --> 00:17:10.680 juveniles or his mentors Varro and Eric. He felt himself 287 00:17:10.680 --> 00:17:14.400 becoming more attuned to the forest's sounds and movements, finding 288 00:17:14.440 --> 00:17:16.920 comfort in the way he could move without leaving a trace. 289 00:17:17.640 --> 00:17:20.319 It was as if he were merging with the forest itself, 290 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:25.279 a silent watcher within its depths. Despite their efforts to 291 00:17:25.319 --> 00:17:28.000 avoid the humans, there were many times when they still 292 00:17:28.079 --> 00:17:31.799 encountered them, particularly near the river. The humans seemed to 293 00:17:31.839 --> 00:17:35.119 be drawn to the water, their paths criss crossing along 294 00:17:35.160 --> 00:17:38.759 the banks where the clan often foraged. During one of 295 00:17:38.759 --> 00:17:42.279 these excursions, Coda, along with Micah and Paka, were collecting 296 00:17:42.279 --> 00:17:45.559 wild mushrooms near the river when they heard the unmistakable 297 00:17:45.640 --> 00:17:50.680 murmur of human voices approaching. Koda froze, glancing at Micah, 298 00:17:50.799 --> 00:17:52.880 who quickly signaled for them to move up the heel 299 00:17:53.119 --> 00:17:56.640 away from the trail. They scrambled through the underbrush, staying 300 00:17:56.680 --> 00:17:59.720 low as the humans passed, their voices filled with laughter 301 00:17:59.759 --> 00:18:04.200 and care curiosity. Cooda forced himself to stay calm, remembering 302 00:18:04.240 --> 00:18:08.960 O'maki's advice. When the humans finally moved on, Coda exhaled 303 00:18:09.000 --> 00:18:11.880 in relief, sharing a grin with Paca, who had been 304 00:18:11.880 --> 00:18:15.880 crouching beside him. We did it, Paco whispered, his excitement 305 00:18:15.920 --> 00:18:19.640 barely contained. I don't think they even noticed us. Mike 306 00:18:19.680 --> 00:18:23.240 had nodded approvingly. See the humans may be getting smarter, 307 00:18:23.720 --> 00:18:27.799 but we're still faster, quieter. We know this forest better 308 00:18:27.839 --> 00:18:31.720 than they ever could. Koda felt a renewed sense of confidence, 309 00:18:32.119 --> 00:18:35.319 realizing that their training was paying off, but he also 310 00:18:35.400 --> 00:18:38.880 understood that these encounters weren't just games. Every time they 311 00:18:38.920 --> 00:18:42.680 avoided detection, it was a small victory, a reminder that 312 00:18:42.720 --> 00:18:45.480 they were not only surviving, but thriving in the face 313 00:18:45.519 --> 00:18:49.720 of the strange and unpredictable presence. One evening, as dusk 314 00:18:49.839 --> 00:18:53.279 settled over the forest, the clan gathered around the main clearing, 315 00:18:53.640 --> 00:18:57.319 sharing stories and enjoying the calm night air. Cooda was 316 00:18:57.319 --> 00:18:59.640 with Paca, recounting the time that they had seen a 317 00:18:59.720 --> 00:19:02.799 human fall into the river, splashing and struggling as they 318 00:19:02.839 --> 00:19:05.880 tried to regain their footing. They laughed, amused by the 319 00:19:05.920 --> 00:19:09.160 memory of the human's clumsy movements. When they were interrupted 320 00:19:09.200 --> 00:19:12.759 by a strange flash of light in the distance, everyone 321 00:19:12.799 --> 00:19:15.920 fell silent, turning their attention towards the source of the light. 322 00:19:16.920 --> 00:19:20.160 It was a series of bright flashes, piercing the darkness, 323 00:19:20.480 --> 00:19:25.160 illuminating the trees in short rhythmic bursts. Koda's hair prickled 324 00:19:25.200 --> 00:19:29.640 as he watched, his curiosity mixing with growing unease. What 325 00:19:29.839 --> 00:19:33.079 is that, RelA whispered, moving closer to Micah, who looked 326 00:19:33.279 --> 00:19:37.359 just as perplexed. A mocky stepped forward, her eyes narrowed 327 00:19:37.400 --> 00:19:41.599 as she observed the lights humans. She said quietly, it's 328 00:19:41.599 --> 00:19:44.960 some sort of signal, but it's different from their usual lights. 329 00:19:45.839 --> 00:19:49.319 Coda felt the surge of curiosity. The humans tools and 330 00:19:49.359 --> 00:19:53.640 behaviors were becoming more intricate, more confusing. He had seen 331 00:19:53.640 --> 00:19:57.440 their lights before, but this was something new, something deliberate. 332 00:19:58.440 --> 00:20:02.079 Tarreen motioned for the younger one's to stay back. They're searching, you, 333 00:20:02.119 --> 00:20:06.359 said to Koboda. They're getting closer each night. The adults 334 00:20:06.359 --> 00:20:10.359 decided to observe from a distance, positioning themselves at various 335 00:20:10.440 --> 00:20:14.039 vantage points to monitor the human's movements. Koda felt a 336 00:20:14.079 --> 00:20:16.720 surge of frustration. He wanted to be a part of this, 337 00:20:17.440 --> 00:20:20.400 to see these strange lights up close, but he knew 338 00:20:20.440 --> 00:20:23.319 better than to argue, so he stayed back with his friends, 339 00:20:23.559 --> 00:20:26.759 watching as the elders faded into the shadows, leaving them 340 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:30.799 to wait. A few nights later, Coda, Micah, Raila, and 341 00:20:30.880 --> 00:20:34.400 Paka found themselves in an unexpected encounter that would test 342 00:20:34.480 --> 00:20:37.279 every skill they had learned. They had ventured out to 343 00:20:37.359 --> 00:20:40.039 forge for late season berries near the edge of the river, 344 00:20:40.359 --> 00:20:44.000 staying within the shadows of the trees, careful to move quietly, 345 00:20:44.319 --> 00:20:47.359 But as they filled their handfuls with berries, a noise 346 00:20:47.400 --> 00:20:50.559 cut through the air, a distant shout, followed by the 347 00:20:50.680 --> 00:20:54.759 unmistakable crack of a branch breaking. Coda's heart sank as 348 00:20:54.759 --> 00:20:56.920 he realized they had wandered too close to a group 349 00:20:56.960 --> 00:21:01.960 of humans. They were surrounded without hesitation. Mike has signaled 350 00:21:01.960 --> 00:21:04.960 for them to move, motioning towards the thicket nearby, where 351 00:21:04.960 --> 00:21:08.759 they could hide the crowd, slow blending in with the shadows, 352 00:21:09.079 --> 00:21:12.240 their hearts pounding as the humans grew closer, But this 353 00:21:12.359 --> 00:21:15.400 time the humans were using their flashlights, sweeping the beams 354 00:21:15.400 --> 00:21:19.240 across the forest floor in a deliberate search. Cooda tried 355 00:21:19.279 --> 00:21:24.319 to steady his breathing, remembering o'macki's advice stay still, listen 356 00:21:24.359 --> 00:21:27.079 to the forest, but as the lights approached, he could 357 00:21:27.119 --> 00:21:31.200 feel the instincts urging him to flee. The humans moved slowly, 358 00:21:31.519 --> 00:21:34.759 their footsteps heavy and clumsy, but their lights made it 359 00:21:34.799 --> 00:21:39.559 impossible to escape. Undetected, They scanned the area, Their voices 360 00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:42.920 hushed and tense, and Coda realized with a jolt of 361 00:21:42.920 --> 00:21:47.319 fear that they were getting closer, too close. Mike had 362 00:21:47.359 --> 00:21:50.000 gestured for them to separate, each of them moving to 363 00:21:50.079 --> 00:21:53.440 a different spot in the underbrush. Koda crawled towards a 364 00:21:53.480 --> 00:21:56.559 fallen log, pressing himself against the cool bark. As the 365 00:21:56.640 --> 00:21:59.880 light passed over him. He held his breath, hoping the 366 00:22:00.119 --> 00:22:03.119 humans wouldn't spot him. Just when he thought they might 367 00:22:03.200 --> 00:22:05.359 be safe, a second group of humans appeared on the 368 00:22:05.400 --> 00:22:08.960 other side of the clearing, effectively trapping them. The young 369 00:22:09.039 --> 00:22:13.519 Sasquatches exchanged panic glances, Realizing that they were surrounded on 370 00:22:13.559 --> 00:22:17.759 all sides. Coda's mind raced, searching for a way out. 371 00:22:18.160 --> 00:22:21.759 Then he remembered one of Varro's lessons, when all else fails, 372 00:22:22.279 --> 00:22:25.359 move up without a sound. He began to climb the 373 00:22:25.400 --> 00:22:29.799 nearest tree, motioning for the others to do the same. Micah, Rayla, 374 00:22:29.839 --> 00:22:33.319 and Paka followed their movement, swift and silent as they 375 00:22:33.359 --> 00:22:37.880 ascended into the branches. They waited intense silent, perched high 376 00:22:37.880 --> 00:22:40.680 above the humans, watching as the beams of light swept 377 00:22:40.680 --> 00:22:44.279 beneath them. The humans muttered to each other, frustrated by 378 00:22:44.279 --> 00:22:47.799 their inability to find anything, unaware that their quarry was 379 00:22:47.960 --> 00:22:51.759 just overhead. After what felt like an eternity, the humans 380 00:22:51.799 --> 00:22:55.640 finally retreated, their lights fading into the distance. The young 381 00:22:55.720 --> 00:22:59.559 Sasquatches waited until the sounds of their footsteps had completely disappeared, 382 00:22:59.599 --> 00:23:04.599 before the descending from the trees. Their relief palpable, Coda said, 383 00:23:04.680 --> 00:23:08.240 still shaken by the experience, They're getting better at tracking. 384 00:23:08.319 --> 00:23:12.079 Ess Mika gave him a determined look. As long as 385 00:23:12.079 --> 00:23:15.279 we stick together and remember what we've learned, will always 386 00:23:15.319 --> 00:23:19.000 be one step ahead. In the days that followed, Coda 387 00:23:19.000 --> 00:23:21.400 and the others shared their narrow escape with the clan, 388 00:23:21.960 --> 00:23:25.160 each of them recounting their terrifying experience with a mixture 389 00:23:25.160 --> 00:23:29.240 of fear and pride. Omachi listened carefully, nodding as they 390 00:23:29.319 --> 00:23:31.799 described how they had used the trees to evade detection. 391 00:23:32.680 --> 00:23:35.359 She commended them for their quick thinking, but she also 392 00:23:35.400 --> 00:23:38.880 reminded them that the human's presence was growing stronger. We 393 00:23:39.039 --> 00:23:42.319 must be vigilant, she warned the clan. This forest is 394 00:23:42.359 --> 00:23:45.559 our home, but it is changing and we must adapt 395 00:23:45.599 --> 00:23:48.680 with it. Koda took her words to heart, feeling a 396 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:52.279 renewed sense of responsibility. The encounters with the humans had 397 00:23:52.279 --> 00:23:55.200 taught him the importance of staying hidden, of blending with 398 00:23:55.279 --> 00:23:57.839 the forest, and using every skill he had learned to 399 00:23:57.880 --> 00:24:01.400 protect himself and his clan. He knew that the humans 400 00:24:01.400 --> 00:24:04.200 would keep coming, but he was determined to face whatever 401 00:24:04.319 --> 00:24:07.720