WEBVTT 1 00:00:00.160 --> 00:00:03.680 Greetings, fellow seekers of the unknown. It's Brian and I'm 2 00:00:03.680 --> 00:00:06.480 here today to share something truly extraordinary with all of you. 3 00:00:06.919 --> 00:00:09.279 As you know, my journey to uncover the truth of 4 00:00:09.320 --> 00:00:12.080 all things strange has taken me on a wild ride 5 00:00:12.160 --> 00:00:15.599 filled with incredible experiences and encounters with the unseen, and 6 00:00:15.679 --> 00:00:18.039 today I want to share that journey with all of 7 00:00:18.079 --> 00:00:21.440 you by introducing you to Hanger one Publishing. Hanger one 8 00:00:21.480 --> 00:00:24.519 Publishing is the premier destination for books on all things 9 00:00:24.559 --> 00:00:29.079 strange and mysterious, from Bigfoot to Cryptid's UFOs and the paranormal. 10 00:00:29.359 --> 00:00:31.760 They cover it all, and let me tell you, the 11 00:00:31.760 --> 00:00:34.840 books in their catalog are simply amazing. One book that 12 00:00:34.840 --> 00:00:37.920 I'm particularly excited about is The Freeman Bigfoot Files by 13 00:00:37.960 --> 00:00:41.479 Michael Paul Freeman. This is no ordinary book, my friends. 14 00:00:41.799 --> 00:00:45.520 This is an immersive experience unlike any other. With Hanger 15 00:00:45.560 --> 00:00:49.479 One's proprietary immersive book technology, you can see and hear 16 00:00:49.560 --> 00:00:52.920 audio and video in the printed books. You'll get exclusive 17 00:00:52.960 --> 00:00:56.600 access to the highest resolution, full color premium print pages, 18 00:00:56.799 --> 00:01:00.000 over one hundred full color photos, and dozens of exclude 19 00:01:00.039 --> 00:01:02.759 jusef audio and video clips that have never been revealed 20 00:01:03.000 --> 00:01:05.560 until now. It's a one of a kind experience that 21 00:01:05.599 --> 00:01:08.519 will take you deep into the world of Bigfoot. Another 22 00:01:08.599 --> 00:01:11.280 book that I simply can't recommend enough is The Bigfoot 23 00:01:11.319 --> 00:01:15.879 Influencers by Tim Halleran. This book features candid, compelling conversations 24 00:01:15.879 --> 00:01:18.400 with the biggest names in the Bigfoot community and it 25 00:01:18.400 --> 00:01:20.200 will give you a behind the scenes look at what 26 00:01:20.239 --> 00:01:24.159 they really think about this mysterious creature. You'll hear from researchers, 27 00:01:24.319 --> 00:01:27.359 scientists and investigators and get a glimpse into the inner 28 00:01:27.400 --> 00:01:30.519 workings of the bigfoot world. And finally, for all of 29 00:01:30.560 --> 00:01:33.560 my fellow British Bigfoot enthusiasts, I want to mention Beast 30 00:01:33.680 --> 00:01:36.879 of Britain by Andy McGrath. This book is a must 31 00:01:36.959 --> 00:01:40.200 read for anyone interested in the cryptids of the British Isles. 32 00:01:40.439 --> 00:01:43.359 McGrath has spent over twenty five years researching and obsessing 33 00:01:43.439 --> 00:01:46.439 about these unknown creatures, and in this book he shares 34 00:01:46.480 --> 00:01:49.599 his findings in current research. It's a journey into the 35 00:01:49.719 --> 00:01:53.159 darkness where nobody ventures into the woods anymore and where 36 00:01:53.200 --> 00:01:56.120 the many yet to be discovered Beasts of Britain lie. 37 00:01:56.480 --> 00:01:59.239 So if you're ready to take your journey into the unknown, 38 00:01:59.280 --> 00:02:01.599 to the next level. Then you need to check out 39 00:02:01.640 --> 00:02:05.040 Hanger one Publishing. These books are more than just books, 40 00:02:05.439 --> 00:02:08.479 their gateways into a world of mystery and discovery. And 41 00:02:08.560 --> 00:02:11.280 the best part, you can find their entire book catalog 42 00:02:11.319 --> 00:02:14.199 and Hanger one Publishing dot com. So what are you 43 00:02:14.240 --> 00:02:17.840 waiting for? Visit Hanger one Publishing dot com today and 44 00:02:17.919 --> 00:02:19.159 let the journey begin. 45 00:02:19.439 --> 00:02:22.360 Now are you reporting? Ah? I got a screen going 46 00:02:22.400 --> 00:02:25.520 on here. Something just kidding my dog? Something killed your dog? 47 00:02:26.240 --> 00:02:28.360 My dog. We're applying through he or over the trade. 48 00:02:28.400 --> 00:02:33.000 I don't know how it did it? Okay, damn, I'm 49 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:35.280 really confused now. All I thought was my dog coming 50 00:02:35.360 --> 00:02:36.840 over the fence and they would have dead. And when 51 00:02:36.879 --> 00:02:39.319 you hit the ground, I entertaining cars. All I thought 52 00:02:39.360 --> 00:02:59.599 was my dog coming over the fence. Reporting. We got 53 00:02:59.680 --> 00:03:10.680 some understuffing brawling around out here. Did you see what 54 00:03:10.719 --> 00:03:13.719 it was? I'm out here, look, I'm new the one 55 00:03:13.759 --> 00:03:15.439 now now and I don't need anything. I don't want 56 00:03:15.439 --> 00:03:23.360 to go outside. He is quite Kara, Hello, hit the 57 00:03:23.439 --> 00:03:26.360 boddy out here? Quo. I thought of a bit of 58 00:03:26.439 --> 00:03:29.840 about text nine. I don't know. Do you see announce there? Yeah, 59 00:03:29.919 --> 00:03:30.840 I'm walking right head. 60 00:03:31.919 --> 00:03:35.719 Hello everyone, and welcome back to the show. Today's episode 61 00:03:35.759 --> 00:03:39.120 is a little bittersweet, but it's also an exciting milestone. 62 00:03:39.879 --> 00:03:42.439 As many of you know, I've been narrating chapters from 63 00:03:42.439 --> 00:03:46.759 my new book, Born Wild, Coda's Odyssey here on the podcast. 64 00:03:47.560 --> 00:03:50.159 Originally the plan was to share the entire book with 65 00:03:50.240 --> 00:03:53.560 you chapter by chapter, but as we've been preparing Born 66 00:03:53.639 --> 00:03:56.840 Wild for publication, I've made the decision to release it 67 00:03:56.879 --> 00:04:01.000 as a full audio book instead. This means today's episode 68 00:04:01.039 --> 00:04:03.879 will be the final chapter I share on the podcast. 69 00:04:04.439 --> 00:04:07.840 The good news later this year, the entire story will 70 00:04:07.840 --> 00:04:10.879 be available as an audiobook, so you can dive into 71 00:04:10.879 --> 00:04:16.360 the adventure in its entirety, uninterrupted and fully immersive. That said, 72 00:04:16.639 --> 00:04:19.439 I couldn't leave you hanging without sharing this pivotal moment 73 00:04:19.519 --> 00:04:23.160 in the story. In this final chapter I'll narrate for you. 74 00:04:23.480 --> 00:04:27.120 We rejoin the Klan in the aftermath of two devastating events. 75 00:04:27.879 --> 00:04:31.240 Idanoah has been captured and Varro has been killed by 76 00:04:31.279 --> 00:04:35.720 the humans. The clans now face a critical decision. Should 77 00:04:35.720 --> 00:04:38.600 they stay in the place they've known and loved despite 78 00:04:38.600 --> 00:04:41.800 the dangers, or should they risk everything to set out 79 00:04:41.800 --> 00:04:45.000 in search of somewhere safer. It's a turning point for 80 00:04:45.079 --> 00:04:48.680 the characters and for us here on the podcast, So 81 00:04:49.360 --> 00:04:53.199 let's dive in and see what they decide. The arrival 82 00:04:53.240 --> 00:04:56.000 of spring swept through the forest, bringing with it the 83 00:04:56.000 --> 00:05:00.959 familiar sense of fresh pine and blooming wildflowers. Sunlight filtered 84 00:05:00.959 --> 00:05:04.639 through the budding leaves, and the streams surged with melted snow, 85 00:05:05.199 --> 00:05:09.920 filling the air with a soft, constant hum. Coda, now seven, 86 00:05:10.199 --> 00:05:13.839 darted between the trees, his energy boundless as he explored, 87 00:05:14.319 --> 00:05:17.120 picking up stones and marveling at the fresh blossoms that 88 00:05:17.160 --> 00:05:20.839 painted the forest floor. Omaki watched him with a mixture 89 00:05:20.839 --> 00:05:24.839 of pride and sadness, knowing that this forest, this mountain 90 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:27.439 they had called home through the winter, would soon be 91 00:05:27.600 --> 00:05:31.600 left behind. Her heart weighed heavy with memories of Adinoa 92 00:05:31.680 --> 00:05:36.040 and Varro, whose sacrifices had enabled them to survive. But 93 00:05:36.120 --> 00:05:38.879 she was resolute to give Coda and the young ones 94 00:05:38.920 --> 00:05:41.680 a chance at a safer life. They had to go east, 95 00:05:42.199 --> 00:05:45.639 away from the reach of human eyes. She felt someone 96 00:05:45.680 --> 00:05:48.720 behind her, and she turned to see Koboda, his gaze 97 00:05:48.720 --> 00:05:52.879 filled with understanding. The mountains have sheltered us, he said, 98 00:05:53.079 --> 00:05:55.920 as if reading her thoughts. But it's time we sought 99 00:05:55.959 --> 00:05:58.959 a place humans do not know, a place where Coda 100 00:05:58.959 --> 00:06:03.199 and the others can grow without fear Omachi nodded the 101 00:06:03.240 --> 00:06:06.720 strength in his words, steadying her. I've thought of nothing else, 102 00:06:06.720 --> 00:06:10.959 She replied. Our family deserves peace, and perhaps we'll find 103 00:06:11.000 --> 00:06:14.439 it there. As Coda ran up to them, proudly showing 104 00:06:14.439 --> 00:06:18.920 a stone he'd found, Omaki's heart softened. She knelt beside him. 105 00:06:19.199 --> 00:06:21.759 We're going on a journey soon, Coda, she said, gently, 106 00:06:22.360 --> 00:06:26.879 farther than you've ever gone before. Coda's eyes widened with excitement. 107 00:06:27.360 --> 00:06:32.360 Will there be more forests, new animals, Omaki smiled, placing 108 00:06:32.360 --> 00:06:35.839 a hand over his Yes, little one, we'll find new 109 00:06:35.879 --> 00:06:40.240 places and make them our own. Two days later, the 110 00:06:40.360 --> 00:06:43.199 leaders of the five clans gathered in a quiet, secluded 111 00:06:43.240 --> 00:06:47.439 grove near stone Ridge Territory. Omaki of the Hoe clan 112 00:06:47.600 --> 00:06:52.199 arrived with Koboda, Asha, Coda, Rayla, and Mikah by her side, 113 00:06:52.759 --> 00:06:56.079 while the others, led by Jarek of Stone Ridge, Marla 114 00:06:56.079 --> 00:06:59.519 of Red Valley, Tyrek of River Bend, and Laura of Mistwood, 115 00:07:00.079 --> 00:07:03.519 took their places in the circle. Each leader's expression was 116 00:07:03.560 --> 00:07:07.480 marked by a somber determination. The weight of recent losses 117 00:07:07.560 --> 00:07:10.879 lingered like a shadow over them all. The silence that 118 00:07:10.959 --> 00:07:14.360 begins the meeting is somber, and each leader seems reluctant 119 00:07:14.360 --> 00:07:19.680 to speak, first, feeling the weight of responsibility to their clans. Finally, 120 00:07:19.720 --> 00:07:23.600 Tyrek steps forward. We cannot ignore the truth, he begins, 121 00:07:23.959 --> 00:07:27.120 his voice steady but filled with tension. The humans have 122 00:07:27.199 --> 00:07:31.639 seen us hunted, us Ata, Noah is gone, and Vara. 123 00:07:32.399 --> 00:07:36.959 He pauses, visibly struggling with his emotions, before continuing. The 124 00:07:37.040 --> 00:07:40.519 humans are dangerous and they're relentless. If they could track 125 00:07:40.600 --> 00:07:45.279 us here, what's to stop them from returning? Omaki nods slowly, 126 00:07:45.720 --> 00:07:50.199 her gaze shifting to meet Tyres. It's true, Tyrek, We've 127 00:07:50.240 --> 00:07:54.040 lost so much, and every moment we remain risks more loss. 128 00:07:54.839 --> 00:07:57.639 Her voice grows softer. But there is more to this 129 00:07:57.680 --> 00:08:01.079 than just survival. This is our home, the lands our 130 00:08:01.079 --> 00:08:05.439 ancestors protected, where our young ones learn to thrive. She 131 00:08:05.519 --> 00:08:08.839 looks over to Coda standing beside her, his young face 132 00:08:08.879 --> 00:08:14.439 filled with worry and determination. Leaving means abandoning that. Jorrok, 133 00:08:14.639 --> 00:08:17.800 who had been listening in silence, speaks up, his voice 134 00:08:17.800 --> 00:08:22.199 deep in commanding, Omaki, I hear you, but as much 135 00:08:22.199 --> 00:08:25.639 as I wish it weren't true. Tyrek is right. We've 136 00:08:25.639 --> 00:08:29.000 been here for generations, and humans have always known of us, 137 00:08:29.519 --> 00:08:32.759 since us, even if they hadn't yet seen us. But 138 00:08:32.919 --> 00:08:36.320 now this is different. They've taken one of our own. 139 00:08:37.279 --> 00:08:40.879 The clan members shift, nodding to show their agreement. They 140 00:08:40.919 --> 00:08:44.240 remember the day Adinoah was taken, his strength drained by 141 00:08:44.320 --> 00:08:48.919 human weaponry, his capture witnessed with horror. His absence has 142 00:08:49.000 --> 00:08:52.360 left a void that none can ignore. From the edges 143 00:08:52.399 --> 00:08:56.200 of the gathering, a voice rises. It's Raylah, a younger 144 00:08:56.200 --> 00:08:59.399 member of the Hoe clan, her voice edged with anger. 145 00:09:00.279 --> 00:09:02.480 And what's to say that it would be any different 146 00:09:02.519 --> 00:09:07.360 anywhere else? She asks, her tone bold. We move east 147 00:09:07.440 --> 00:09:10.519 or north, maybe even deeper into the mountains, But what 148 00:09:10.639 --> 00:09:14.080 happens when the humans come there too? Will we keep running? 149 00:09:15.159 --> 00:09:17.840 Rayla's words hang heavy in the air, and a tone 150 00:09:17.879 --> 00:09:20.600 of agreement echoes from some of the younger clan members. 151 00:09:21.320 --> 00:09:24.600 They are weary of hiding, weary of abandoning places that 152 00:09:24.679 --> 00:09:28.679 feel like home. Omaki turns to her, her expression a 153 00:09:28.720 --> 00:09:32.639 mix of sadness and understanding. You're right, Rayla, there's no 154 00:09:32.720 --> 00:09:35.759 promise that moving will give us peace. The humans are 155 00:09:35.759 --> 00:09:39.200 expanding their reach, searching in places they never dared to go. 156 00:09:40.000 --> 00:09:42.840 But if staying means more lives lost, is it not 157 00:09:42.960 --> 00:09:46.600 worth considering? If moving could spare us, even for a time, 158 00:09:47.200 --> 00:09:50.559 is that not a chance we should take. Rayla frowns, 159 00:09:50.919 --> 00:09:54.480 her fists clenched at her sides. But our strength lies 160 00:09:54.519 --> 00:09:58.320 in knowing this land. The caves, the rivers, the trees, 161 00:09:58.960 --> 00:10:01.919 they're all a part of us. Us we leave and 162 00:10:01.960 --> 00:10:06.639 we become strangers, always on the edge of survival. Marla, 163 00:10:06.720 --> 00:10:09.840 the Red Valley leader, raises a hand to silence the others, 164 00:10:10.200 --> 00:10:13.399 her voice calm yet filled with the wisdom of experience. 165 00:10:14.320 --> 00:10:17.919 Rayla makes a fair point. She says, our ancestors chose 166 00:10:17.960 --> 00:10:21.279 these lands because they offered protection. We are hidden here, 167 00:10:21.519 --> 00:10:24.200 and if we move to new lands, we may be vulnerable, 168 00:10:24.639 --> 00:10:28.080 unfamiliar with what dangers lie there. Moving could place us 169 00:10:28.120 --> 00:10:32.440 at greater risk. Tyrek shakes his head, his expression pained, 170 00:10:33.039 --> 00:10:36.200 greater risk than what Marla. We've already seen what they 171 00:10:36.240 --> 00:10:39.320 can do. If the humans know our ways, there's no 172 00:10:39.440 --> 00:10:42.919 telling how long before they track us here again. Each 173 00:10:42.960 --> 00:10:46.360 member of the clans, remembering the human machines, the drones, 174 00:10:46.440 --> 00:10:49.679 the firearms, and even stranger devices that emit sounds and 175 00:10:49.799 --> 00:10:53.639 lights designed to disorient them. Those who were near during 176 00:10:53.720 --> 00:10:56.960 the attacks had witnessed first hand the human's cruelty and 177 00:10:57.080 --> 00:10:59.679 fierce simmers in their eyes as they recall that day. 178 00:11:00.679 --> 00:11:04.600 Laura steps forward, her presence, calming the crowd. There is 179 00:11:04.639 --> 00:11:08.080 truth on both sides. Leaving feels like a defeat, but 180 00:11:08.240 --> 00:11:11.600 staying could mean another tragedy. I believe we owe it 181 00:11:11.639 --> 00:11:15.320 to ourselves to weigh both choices. If we stay, we 182 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:18.519 risk another encounter with the humans, but we retain the 183 00:11:18.559 --> 00:11:22.080 advantage of knowing the land. If we leave, it must 184 00:11:22.120 --> 00:11:24.480 be to a place so remote that even the humans 185 00:11:24.519 --> 00:11:28.840 cannot reach us. The conversation grows more intense, with each 186 00:11:28.879 --> 00:11:33.639 clan leader contributing their perspective. Jorrok, who had initially sided 187 00:11:33.639 --> 00:11:38.240 with staying, begins to see the sense in Tyrek's argument. Laura, 188 00:11:38.360 --> 00:11:42.480 he says, nodding respectfully, I hear your wisdom. A new 189 00:11:42.559 --> 00:11:45.519 territory could offer safety. But where could we find such 190 00:11:45.559 --> 00:11:49.679 a place. We would be abandoning our defenses, our familiarity 191 00:11:50.080 --> 00:11:55.639 for an unknown land. He hesitates, clearly torn, But perhaps 192 00:11:56.120 --> 00:11:59.519 their strength in numbers. If all our clans went together 193 00:12:00.039 --> 00:12:01.840 we might be able to survive in a place no 194 00:12:01.960 --> 00:12:06.240 human would dare to go. Omaki watches the leaders, her 195 00:12:06.279 --> 00:12:09.279 heart heavy with the realization that the decision might mean 196 00:12:09.360 --> 00:12:13.519 dividing the clans. She looks to Coda, Koboda, Asha and 197 00:12:13.559 --> 00:12:16.960 the younger ones watching in silence. Their future is uncertain. 198 00:12:17.679 --> 00:12:20.799 A fierce resolve fills her, and she addresses the clans. 199 00:12:21.600 --> 00:12:24.679 We cannot let fear drive us, she begins, but we 200 00:12:24.759 --> 00:12:28.039 must also acknowledge that we're no longer hidden here. We've 201 00:12:28.080 --> 00:12:32.440 lost Adaoah, Varro and others to this struggle. If moving 202 00:12:32.480 --> 00:12:36.200 east deeper into unknown territories could give us even a 203 00:12:36.200 --> 00:12:40.200 few seasons of peace, I believe it's worth trying. Her 204 00:12:40.240 --> 00:12:43.320 eyes meet each leaders. I would rather see our young 205 00:12:43.320 --> 00:12:46.000 ones grow up free than live in the constant shadow 206 00:12:46.039 --> 00:12:50.320 of fear. The silence that follows is thoughtful, the clans 207 00:12:50.360 --> 00:12:55.039 absorbing Omaki's words, some in agreement and others remain uncertain, 208 00:12:55.519 --> 00:12:58.480 but the tension slowly shifts into a sense of resolution. 209 00:12:59.440 --> 00:13:04.720 Marla speaks again, her tone more conciliatory. Perhaps perhaps those 210 00:13:04.720 --> 00:13:06.879 of us who wish to stay can hold this land, 211 00:13:07.360 --> 00:13:09.720 guarding it in the event we ever need to return. 212 00:13:10.519 --> 00:13:12.840 The others could seek a safer home to the east, 213 00:13:13.120 --> 00:13:17.279 one far removed from human paths. Laura nods in agreement. 214 00:13:17.919 --> 00:13:20.679 This way we remain unified, even if we are not 215 00:13:20.759 --> 00:13:24.120 physically together. Those who go may find a new land 216 00:13:24.159 --> 00:13:27.240 for us all, and those who stay may protect the 217 00:13:27.279 --> 00:13:31.399 memory of those we've lost. Omaki feels a surge of 218 00:13:31.440 --> 00:13:34.960 gratitude for Marla and Laura's willingness to consider both paths. 219 00:13:35.600 --> 00:13:38.960 This compromise could mean that her clan, the Hoe, might 220 00:13:39.039 --> 00:13:41.799 venture east in search of a safer land, while the 221 00:13:41.879 --> 00:13:45.200 others maintain their presence in the mountains, ensuring that the 222 00:13:45.240 --> 00:13:50.159 legacy of their territory is not entirely lost. Tyrek adds 223 00:13:50.200 --> 00:13:54.519 his voice, nodding to Omaki. Then it's decided. We'll part 224 00:13:54.559 --> 00:13:57.120 ways for now, some to remain and some to seek 225 00:13:57.120 --> 00:13:59.759 a new home. But our bond as clans will not 226 00:13:59.799 --> 00:14:02.720 be broken. We will stay in contact and come to 227 00:14:02.759 --> 00:14:06.679 one another's aid if ever needed. Joor Rok steps forward. 228 00:14:07.320 --> 00:14:10.120 We will protect this place, Omachi, and if your clan 229 00:14:10.200 --> 00:14:13.159 finds a new haven, you will always have our support. 230 00:14:14.279 --> 00:14:17.200 The meeting concluded, and the clans gathered to bid farewell 231 00:14:17.279 --> 00:14:20.720 to those who would be leaving the whole clan, joined 232 00:14:20.720 --> 00:14:25.879 by Tyres, Riverbend and Laura's Mistwood, prepared themselves for the journey, 233 00:14:26.000 --> 00:14:29.759 their hearts heavy yet filled with a quiet resolve. Omaki 234 00:14:29.799 --> 00:14:33.559 embraced Jarrek, her voice thick with emotion. Thank you for 235 00:14:33.600 --> 00:14:36.679 standing by us. I wish you strength and peace and 236 00:14:36.720 --> 00:14:40.240 the high places you will call home. He nodded, his 237 00:14:40.360 --> 00:14:44.559 gaze filled with respect, And to you, Omaki, may you 238 00:14:44.600 --> 00:14:46.919 find the peace you seek in the east, and know 239 00:14:47.000 --> 00:14:51.000 that you have friends here always. Marla stepped forward, taking 240 00:14:51.000 --> 00:14:54.120 Omachi's hands. You carry the hopes of all of us 241 00:14:54.159 --> 00:14:57.000 with you. May your journey be safe, and may we 242 00:14:57.080 --> 00:15:01.559 meet again one day. Tyrek, standing with Laura, took a 243 00:15:01.600 --> 00:15:05.840 deep breath, his voice firm. We will travel with you, Omaki. 244 00:15:06.440 --> 00:15:10.000 Together we will find new places, a home beyond the 245 00:15:10.039 --> 00:15:14.440 reach of the humans, and stay tuned for more sasquatch 246 00:15:14.399 --> 00:15:20.960 otta see. We'll be right back after these messages. With 247 00:15:21.000 --> 00:15:23.279 one last look at the mountains that had sheltered them 248 00:15:23.279 --> 00:15:27.360 for so long, Omaki gathered her clan, a mixture of 249 00:15:27.399 --> 00:15:30.960 hope and sorrow filling her heart. They had shared so 250 00:15:31.080 --> 00:15:34.720 much with these clans, and though their paths diverged, she 251 00:15:34.799 --> 00:15:38.559 knew their bond would remain strong. As the sun set, 252 00:15:38.720 --> 00:15:41.759 casting a golden light over the forest, the whole clan, 253 00:15:42.120 --> 00:15:46.200 River Bend and Mistwood began their journey eastward, each step 254 00:15:46.279 --> 00:15:49.120 taking them farther from the familiar and closer to an 255 00:15:49.200 --> 00:15:53.399 unknown future. The memories of those they had lost guided them, 256 00:15:53.840 --> 00:15:56.519 a constant presence that reminded them of the strength that 257 00:15:56.639 --> 00:16:01.919 lay within. The clans moved quietly in the the Olympic Peninsula, 258 00:16:01.960 --> 00:16:06.360 shrouded in the familiar hush of morning fog. Trees towered 259 00:16:06.399 --> 00:16:10.480 over them, their branches stretching skyward like sentries watching over 260 00:16:10.519 --> 00:16:15.159 their departure. Omaki, standing with Coda by her side, took 261 00:16:15.200 --> 00:16:17.960 one last solemn look at the landscape that had been 262 00:16:18.000 --> 00:16:21.960 their home for generations. The young ones, like Coda, wore 263 00:16:22.000 --> 00:16:26.200 expressions mixed with excitement and worry. For them, the forest 264 00:16:26.279 --> 00:16:29.360 was as familiar as the faces of their family. Leaving 265 00:16:29.440 --> 00:16:33.320 it felt like losing a part of themselves. Omaki, who 266 00:16:33.360 --> 00:16:36.840 carried the weight of their ancestors legacy, turned to her people, 267 00:16:37.200 --> 00:16:40.919 her face resolute. We go forward to find a new place, 268 00:16:41.399 --> 00:16:44.320 a place beyond the reach of humans. But no matter 269 00:16:44.320 --> 00:16:47.080 where we go, the spirit of these forests will be 270 00:16:47.240 --> 00:16:51.279 with us. With these words, the clans moved eastward, leaving 271 00:16:51.320 --> 00:16:54.639 behind the coastal pines, cold beaches, and memories of those 272 00:16:54.679 --> 00:16:58.279 they had lost. Kaboda and Tyrek led the way, with 273 00:16:58.440 --> 00:17:02.519 Laura and her Mistwood clan walking close behind. The terrain 274 00:17:02.639 --> 00:17:05.640 was dense, the trees growing thicker as they climbed toward 275 00:17:05.720 --> 00:17:09.200 the Cascade range. Each step away from the coast felt 276 00:17:09.279 --> 00:17:13.440 like leaving behind pieces of themselves, but necessity drove them onward. 277 00:17:14.359 --> 00:17:16.799 By the time they reached the foothills of the Cascades, 278 00:17:17.279 --> 00:17:20.720 exhaustion was beginning to weigh on the clans. The rugged 279 00:17:20.799 --> 00:17:24.559 terrain forced them to move slowly, climbing through steep inclines 280 00:17:24.599 --> 00:17:29.880 and navigating narrow paths surrounded by thorny underbrush. With every movement, 281 00:17:29.920 --> 00:17:33.440 they took care to avoid leaving tracks, erasing footprints in 282 00:17:33.480 --> 00:17:37.720 soft mud, and brushing away bent foliage. Staying hidden required 283 00:17:37.799 --> 00:17:41.240 constant vigilance, especially in the presence of human trails and 284 00:17:41.279 --> 00:17:45.440 logging roads that cut through the woods. Like vanes, Omaki's 285 00:17:45.440 --> 00:17:49.640 sharp eyes scanned the surroundings, noting every movement. A rustle 286 00:17:49.680 --> 00:17:51.799 to her left turned out to be a family of deer, 287 00:17:52.160 --> 00:17:55.400 but she kept her guard up. The cascades were alive 288 00:17:55.480 --> 00:17:57.279 with creatures more dangerous than deer. 289 00:17:57.839 --> 00:17:58.319 Wolves. 290 00:17:58.480 --> 00:18:01.319 Mountain lions and bears were known to patrol the area, 291 00:18:01.720 --> 00:18:04.440 and even the scent of a Sasquatch clan could provoke 292 00:18:04.480 --> 00:18:08.279 these predators. One night, as they set up a temporary 293 00:18:08.319 --> 00:18:12.240 camp near a freshwater stream, Kaboda heard distant howls echoing 294 00:18:12.279 --> 00:18:12.960 through the trees. 295 00:18:13.720 --> 00:18:14.200 Wolves. 296 00:18:14.880 --> 00:18:18.680 He motioned to Tyrek and Omaki, signaling the need for silence. 297 00:18:19.440 --> 00:18:22.720 The wolves howls grew closer, but the clans remained hidden, 298 00:18:23.039 --> 00:18:27.279 camouflaged in the thick underbrush. Hours passed before the wolves 299 00:18:27.319 --> 00:18:31.680 moved on their calls, fading into the distance. Omaki listened 300 00:18:31.680 --> 00:18:35.440 to the stillness, return, grateful they hadn't been discovered. The 301 00:18:35.480 --> 00:18:39.880 clans faced hunger too. The mountain vegetation was unfamiliar and 302 00:18:40.000 --> 00:18:43.640 edible plants were scarce. They relied on Koboda's knowledge to 303 00:18:43.680 --> 00:18:47.279 find roots and berries, but their reserves grew thin and 304 00:18:47.359 --> 00:18:52.039 the clan's strength waned. Moving quietly through the mountains required energy, 305 00:18:52.440 --> 00:18:55.400 and with food hard to come by, tempers began to fray. 306 00:18:56.319 --> 00:18:58.799 The elders took less food to save rations for the 307 00:18:58.880 --> 00:19:03.200 young Maki noticed the toll it was taking on everyone. 308 00:19:03.240 --> 00:19:06.200 They traveled mostly by night, a tactic that kept them 309 00:19:06.279 --> 00:19:09.519 hidden but increased the risk of stumbling across human settlements 310 00:19:09.599 --> 00:19:12.880 or campers. As they skirted close to a small logging 311 00:19:12.920 --> 00:19:15.799 camp one night, the glow of firelight and the smell 312 00:19:15.839 --> 00:19:19.440 of cooked meat drifted through the trees, a cruel reminder 313 00:19:19.480 --> 00:19:23.799 of the comforts they had sacrificed. Coda tugged on Omaki's arm, 314 00:19:24.039 --> 00:19:27.400 his eyes wide with hunger, and she gently pulled him back, 315 00:19:27.920 --> 00:19:32.039 her heart heavy. Soon, Coda, she whispered, We'll find a 316 00:19:32.039 --> 00:19:35.359 place where we can rest and eat. After days of 317 00:19:35.400 --> 00:19:39.039 traversing the rugged cascades, the clans finally descended into the 318 00:19:39.079 --> 00:19:43.400 high plains, leaving behind the safety of forest cover. Here 319 00:19:43.599 --> 00:19:47.119 the landscape stretched into vast open fields and rolling hills, 320 00:19:47.319 --> 00:19:50.599 where trees grew sparsely and shelter was difficult to find. 321 00:19:51.519 --> 00:19:55.240 Staying hidden became a greater challenge. With no towering forests 322 00:19:55.279 --> 00:19:58.640 to conceal them, the clans were forced to travel under 323 00:19:58.640 --> 00:20:01.559 the cover of darkness and huddle in tall grasses during 324 00:20:01.559 --> 00:20:05.359 the day. The winds were strong, and though they masked sense, 325 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:09.680 they also carried the risk of exposure. Jorok grumbled at 326 00:20:09.680 --> 00:20:13.240 the constant wind, his eyes narrowed as he scanned the horizon. 327 00:20:14.000 --> 00:20:16.920 We're as exposed as prey here, he said. If a 328 00:20:17.000 --> 00:20:19.480 human were to look, they'd see as clear as day. 329 00:20:20.640 --> 00:20:23.160 The lack of shelter made it difficult to rest, and 330 00:20:23.240 --> 00:20:26.480 the clans moved with a weariness that grew heavier each day. 331 00:20:27.279 --> 00:20:31.039 Food was even scarcer here, they relied on finding small game, 332 00:20:31.440 --> 00:20:34.920 such as rabbits or prairie dogs, which they hunted carefully, 333 00:20:35.440 --> 00:20:38.519 ensuring not to leave behind any blood or remnants that 334 00:20:38.559 --> 00:20:43.759 could attract predators or worse humans. One night, as they 335 00:20:43.759 --> 00:20:46.799 crossed a field, they heard the roar of an approaching vehicle, 336 00:20:47.279 --> 00:20:52.039 a truck, its headlights slicing through the darkness. Amaki motioned 337 00:20:52.039 --> 00:20:55.480 for silence, and the clans dropped to the ground, remaining 338 00:20:55.519 --> 00:20:59.000 still as the truck rumbled past. They stayed that way 339 00:20:59.039 --> 00:21:02.440 long after it disappeared, knowing that one wrong move in 340 00:21:02.519 --> 00:21:06.160 these open plains could cost them Dearly, after weeks of 341 00:21:06.200 --> 00:21:10.079 exposed travel, the clans reached the dense forests of the Midwest. 342 00:21:10.799 --> 00:21:14.680 Here the trees stood tall and close, offering a sanctuary 343 00:21:14.759 --> 00:21:18.440 of sorts, but with new challenges. The region was filled 344 00:21:18.480 --> 00:21:22.160 with human recreation areas, from camp sites to hiking trails, 345 00:21:22.519 --> 00:21:25.960 and the clans had to navigate cautiously. The smell of 346 00:21:26.000 --> 00:21:29.680 campfire smoke and the faint sounds of voices frequently reminded 347 00:21:29.720 --> 00:21:33.680 them of the humans who ventured into these woods. One evening, 348 00:21:33.839 --> 00:21:36.799 as the clans passed through a thickly wooded area, they 349 00:21:36.880 --> 00:21:40.480 encountered a small group of campers. The humans were laughing 350 00:21:40.519 --> 00:21:43.440 and unaware of the silent figures watching from the shadows, 351 00:21:44.079 --> 00:21:48.160 but a crackling sound a branch breaking underfoot alerted one 352 00:21:48.200 --> 00:21:52.160 of the humans, who froze and glanced around. Flashlight in hand. 353 00:21:53.119 --> 00:21:56.559 Did you hear that? The human whispered, scanning the darkness. 354 00:21:57.279 --> 00:22:00.960 Omaki held her breath, motioning for everyone to stay perfectly still. 355 00:22:01.720 --> 00:22:04.759 The humans shone their light through the trees, pausing near 356 00:22:04.799 --> 00:22:09.000 where Coda crouched behind a log barely concealed. After what 357 00:22:09.119 --> 00:22:11.960 felt like an eternity, the human shrugged and returned to 358 00:22:12.000 --> 00:22:16.480 their campfire, unaware of the eyes watching them. The clans 359 00:22:16.519 --> 00:22:20.160 moved swiftly, putting as much distance as possible between themselves 360 00:22:20.160 --> 00:22:23.240 and the camp site, but this incident served as a 361 00:22:23.240 --> 00:22:27.279 reminder that the wilderness, though familiar, was never completely safe 362 00:22:27.319 --> 00:22:31.119 from human presence. After months of travel, the clans reached 363 00:22:31.119 --> 00:22:34.880 the rugged terrain of the Appalachian Mountains. Although the thick 364 00:22:34.960 --> 00:22:38.839 forests and valleys provided more shelter, they encountered new dangers. 365 00:22:39.400 --> 00:22:42.599 The Appalachian trails were popular with hunters and hikers, and 366 00:22:42.680 --> 00:22:45.079 it was not uncommon to see drones or hear the 367 00:22:45.119 --> 00:22:49.880 distant crack of gunshots. They carefully avoided marked trails, moving 368 00:22:49.920 --> 00:22:53.920 through ravines and shadowed forests, relying on Caboda and Tyreck's 369 00:22:53.920 --> 00:22:58.039 knowledge of survival tactics to stay hidden. The mountains, however, 370 00:22:58.119 --> 00:23:01.640 were challenging. Steep inclinees and rocky ground made the journey 371 00:23:01.680 --> 00:23:05.039 physically taxing, and the clan members grew weaker with each 372 00:23:05.119 --> 00:23:09.240 passing day. One night, as they navigated a narrow cliff 373 00:23:09.279 --> 00:23:13.680 side path, a drone buzzed overhead, its bright light sweeping 374 00:23:13.680 --> 00:23:18.319 the area. Omaki ordered everyone to freeze. Crouching low among 375 00:23:18.359 --> 00:23:22.640 the rocks. The drone passed, but their fear lingered. They 376 00:23:22.640 --> 00:23:27.599 were close to their destination, but the danger had only intensified. Finally, 377 00:23:27.759 --> 00:23:30.920 they began to see changes in the landscape. The forest 378 00:23:30.920 --> 00:23:34.359 canopy thickened and the ground softened underfoot. As they neared 379 00:23:34.400 --> 00:23:39.200 North Carolina, the mist laden mountains, reminiscent of their homeland, 380 00:23:39.559 --> 00:23:44.319 gave them hope. The clans shared quiet conversations about rebuilding, 381 00:23:44.680 --> 00:23:47.680 of resting, of finding a place where they might live 382 00:23:47.799 --> 00:23:51.559 without constant fear. As they approached what would become their 383 00:23:51.599 --> 00:23:55.400 new sanctuary, a feeling of unity filled them. They had 384 00:23:55.440 --> 00:24:00.319 faced hunger, exhaustion, and the unrelenting presence of humans. They 385 00:24:00.319 --> 00:24:04.880 had traveled far, but they had endured together. Omaki looked 386 00:24:04.920 --> 00:24:09.839 around at her people, Tyrek, Caboda, Laura, and the young ones, 387 00:24:10.400 --> 00:24:14.519 including Coda. They had lost much, but had gained resilience, 388 00:24:15.160 --> 00:24:17.799 and as they stepped into their new land, they felt 389 00:24:17.799 --> 00:24:20.839 the weight of their journey lift, replaced by the hope 390 00:24:20.839 --> 00:24:23.519 of a fresh start, a place where they could live 391 00:24:23.559 --> 00:24:25.880 in peace and honor the memory of those who had 392 00:24:25.920 --> 00:24:29.799 sacrificed to protect them. As they began to explore the area, 393 00:24:29.839 --> 00:24:32.759 they found a series of caves carved into the hillsides, 394 00:24:33.240 --> 00:24:36.880 tucked behind dense thickets and surrounded by tall pines and 395 00:24:36.960 --> 00:24:41.039 ancient oaks. The caves were cool and deep, and large 396 00:24:41.119 --> 00:24:44.640 enough to provide shelter for all three clans. There were 397 00:24:44.680 --> 00:24:48.640 even smaller side caverns, perfect for storage or quiet spaces 398 00:24:48.640 --> 00:24:52.559 where clan members could retreat. For Omaki and the other leaders, 399 00:24:52.839 --> 00:24:55.599 this network of caves was a discovery that seemed almost 400 00:24:55.599 --> 00:24:58.640 too perfect, like an answer to the quiet prayers they 401 00:24:58.680 --> 00:25:02.240