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Bright Falls
Saga (V.O.): The Dark Presence is vulnerable against bright light. At least that makes sense.
Saga (V.O.): I assumed Wake escaped the Dark Place. Is it possible he’s still there?
Alan (V.O.): The Big Apple in an ocean of darkness. Gone diving. Note from my editor: you are using the wrong tense. Trapped in a loop. My friends will meet him when I’m gone.
Saga (V.O.): Wake is still trapped in the Dark Place. Maybe he always was.
Saga (V.O.): Wake is trapped in the Dark Place. He’s been reaching out, communicating with me in the Overlaps.
Saga: Scratch is Wake’s double. He tricked us. He almost got the Clicker from me. The whole plan’s gone out the window. How did we get this so wrong?
Estevez: Textbook boondoggle.
Casey: You said it, Anderson. It’s a shit show. So what’s the plan?
Saga: The FBC usually handles stuff like this, right? Any thoughts?
Estevez: Hold up. You brought a paranatural object in here without telling me, and then almost handed it over to a hostile entity.
Saga: I didn’t know if I could trust you. That was a mistake. So was believing Scratch. But it’s not too late. I just need to understand more.
Estevez: You got that right. Let’s start acting like we’re on the same side, yeah?
Saga: The horror story’s changing reality. It’s made it so my daughter died here, even though she’s supposed to be back home, in Virginia. Do you know if that’s…
Estevez: AWEs are localized distortions of reality. The area outside town may not be affected. Sometimes they expand, sometimes they fizzle out. If we can make sure it’s the latter, your kid might be fine.
Saga: The whole thing is a nightmare. I can’t let my family be torn apart.
Estevez: Having family isn’t easy in this line of work. The late nights, travel, alternate realities threatening their existence. My ex-wife couldn’t take it.
Casey: Kiran, you’re better off without her. I know I am.
Saga: So tell me what I’m missing. The FBC must know something.
Estevez: Good news, we have Bureau intel on all of this. Bad news, it’s highly-classified. Good news, consider yourself deputized into the Federal Bureau of Control. Here’s a key to the cell where we keep the files. Happy reading.
Saga: Okay, uh, thanks. Go team.
Estevez: One more thing. The Lake House. I didn’t give you all the details earlier, but now that you’re part of the team, I can really let loose. Misery loves company.
Saga: Scratch pretended to be Wake to trick us.
Casey: He almost won me over. I should have trusted my gut. Had a bad feeling about him when we found him at the lake. When that insane monster cloud came at me in the woods, I saw a face inside it. Wake’s. I think he was always a monster. Always Scratch.
Saga: You really don’t remember Logan living in Virginia with me and David?
Casey: I remember you and David were having problems. You needed a break. You and Logan moved to Watery. And then Logan… That awful thing happened. After you came back to work, I thought you’d be the perfect partner for this case, if you were willing to return to the area.
Saga: Okay. That’s enough. The story is changing your memories. What you’re remembering is fiction. Logan is alive. I’m not divorced. We never moved here. I remember the truth.
Casey: Wake, Scratch, whoever that was, said the story could be used to attack us. We all need to question what’s real. With that said, how do we know the story isn’t giving you false hope?
Saga (V.O.): I can’t convince them. I just need to change the story.
Saga (V.O.): I know what is real, and what isn’t. A megalomaniac writer can’t make me doubt that. I have more family that I even knew, and I need to protect them all. Investigating the story’s lies led me to a family I didn’t know I had. Or was finding them part of the story too? Maybe it doesn’t matter.
Saga (V.O.): Scratch was pretending to be Wake. Manipulating me. What does he want from me?
Scratch (V.O.): The Clicker.
Saga (V.O.): No, I’m in control here. It’s my Mind Place. He’s powerful. Too powerful. Just his presence here makes me feel sick. Like a wave of terror through my head. I feel his single-minded drive to get the Clicker.
Estevez: This is the kind of case my ex hated. The ones that might kill me.
Casey: That’s funny. The cases that might kill me were my ex’s favorite.
Saga (V.O.): The lake is a gateway to the Dark Place… What the hell is a “parautilitarian”?… The Cult didn’t trust Wake. Or is it Scratch?… Wake isn’t the first person the Dark Presence disguised itself as.
Saga (V.O.): I need to know what information I can still trust. The Clicker amplifies any changes to reality suggested by a piece of art — makes them permanent.
Saga (V.O.): Wake told me the Clicker would fix this, but Wake was actually Scratch. How can I trust anything he said?
Tor (V.O.): The artist must conclude his work. He rides a storm on your peace, wakes up and smells the danger. We told you already, kiddo. What Tom said about the light switch is true. Don’t let the story confuse you. You need him to write the ending you want. The Clicker can make that ending come true in the flick of a switch.
Saga (V.O.): But we don’t have Wake. Everything we knew about the Clicker was true. He wasn’t lying.
Saga: Scratch told me the Clicker can be used to change the story. Does that match your understanding of this thing?
Estevez: The light switch is a paranatural item, maybe even an Object of Power. We have verified reports that Alan Wake was in possession of it during the AWE here back in 2010. It definitely has power, we know that much.
Saga: I can come up with a plan. I always do.
Saga (V.O.): The Clicker can fix this, but I can’t use it without Wake. Tor knows about this stuff, maybe he can help.
Saga (V.O.): Wake is still in the Dark Place. How do I get him out?
Tor (V.O.): We live and breath rock n’ roll! From the silence of screams. From the fever of dreams. The Clicker can amp up other works of art, not just Tom’s writing. Anything created with passion. The dark power of the lake will make it creep into reality. But if the holder of the Clicker believes in the art, they can make it all come true in the flick of a switch.
Saga (V.O.): I can use the Clicker without Wake. Only Wake’s writing can change the horror story, but I can use the Clicker to change something else. Like getting Wake out of the Dark Place.
Saga (V.O.): I will use the Clicker to change reality and bring Wake back at Cauldron Lake. I’ll need the right work of art, but that won’t be a problem.
Saga (V.O.): I’ve got it now. I just need to tell the others what to do and fix everything. For good.
Saga: So we need Wake to fix the story, right? That hasn’t changed. So here’s what I have. Wake’s still trapped in the Dark Place, under the lake. I think we can use the Clicker to get him out. But first we need a work of art, something other than his story, and that’ll get him here.
Casey: I’m not filling out the paperwork for this one. Wouldn’t know where to start. But I’m sold.
Estevez: Okay. This feels like something that once we get the ball rolling, there’s no turning back. Are you sure you have it all figured out?
Saga: Not just yet. Give me a moment.
Estevez: Okay, Anderson. Let me know when you’re ready.
Saga: I’m sorry about your brother, Ilmo.
Ilmo: Jaakko was all heart. He always went along with my ideas, no matter how stupid they were. Always happy to help. I got carried away. I never think things through. It’s my fault.
Saga: I realized it’s a bad time, but I need you to tell me everything about the Cult of the Tree.
Ilmo: The Cult is my craziest idea that ever worked. Look, what kind of cult calls themselves a cult? Exactly. We protect Watery and Bright Falls. We’re the good guys. A secret neighborhood watch. That was the idea anyway… Look, we’ve always known about the horror inside the lake. When any Taken come out, we kill ‘em.
Saga: You don’t turn people into Taken, you kill the ones who already have. How long has the Cult been around for?
Ilmo: Certain folks around here have always known about Cauldron lake. Before us, it was the Torchbearers. When I inherited the mission, I wanted to call it a “cult”. It was genius. just the name did half the work. Made people too scared to go in the woods at night. Business 101. Fear is a great motivator.
Saga: You were trying to kill Alan Wake. Why?
Ilmo: Nothing good has ever come out of Cauldron Lake. The nightmare that hit Bright Falls in 2010 was because of his writing. Ever since then, pages of his stories are floating up from the lake and monsters keep popping out. It’s all him. Wake. And if we don’t stop him, no one will.
Saga: Wake’s evil doppelganger, Scratchg, is the threat we’re facing. Not Wake. And I will stop him.
Ilmo: I’ve never heard of anyone called “Scratch”.
Saga (V.O.): The Cult of the Tree is just the Koskela brothers’ slightly misguided solution to the Take problem.
Saga (V.O.): Ilmo said the Cult kills Taken. Is he telling the truth?
Ilm (V.O.): Surplus deer masks, buy in bulk. We’ve got a floater. A Taken on the shore. Call the gang, Jaakko. We’re going hunting. Cult of the Tree. Keeping the town safe since 2013.
Saga (V.O.): Ilmo is telling the truth about the Cult. They really were fighting the Taken. We’re on the same side. If the Cult is killing Taken, then why did Nightingale turn into one?
Ilmo (V.O.): Private party, invitation only. Wrong time, wrong place. Time to go, Jaakko. A job half done isn’t done at all.
Saga (V.O.): Nightingale became a Taken because the Bookers interrupted their ritual.
Saga: I’m going to deal with the situation, Ilmo. But the town will need protecting until we sort this out. I could use your help.
Ilmo: Right. Right. I’ll round up the gang, whoever’s left. We won’t let these fucking monsters hurt any more of our people. We’ll do my brother proud.
Saga: Thank you, Ilmo.
Ilmo: (Vittu saatana.)
Townsperson 1: Anybody see what all that commotion was about?
Townsperson 2: Who knows? If it’s not one thing, it’s the other.
Townsperson 3: I think they’ve got the Koskela brothers locked up in there. I saw them go in earlier.
Angler: Oh dear. Probably got them for what happened to poor Mocha the Moose.
Townsperson 3: Whatever all that was about, it sounded real fishy to me.
Townsperson 2: Yep. A lot of fishy stuff happening around here recently. Haven’t you noticed?
Townsperson 1: Oh I’ve noticed. I notice a lot of fishiness, believe me.
Angler: Maybe they’re practicing for a light show for Deerfest in there? You know, like a surprise?
Townsperson 1: Ooh, I love a good firework display!
Townsperson 2: Or maybe it’s lasers! That’d be so cool.
Townsperson 1: I’m still seeing spots from those lights! What the heck was that about?
Townsperson 2: Can anybody see inside? Are they still there?
Townsperson 3: Every time something exciting happens in this town, I miss it. Darn it.
Guest: It’s empty. There’s nothing there. Just darkness.
Riley: Uh, I think you may be right. Might’ve been a mistake to come here. I don’t think Marcie’s coming back.
Jules: Fuck, Riley. This is so messed up.
Riley: I know. I’m sorry.
Jules: Hey, it’s not your fault. We all knew what we were signing up for.
Riley: Well, we better be heading out. Nothing left for us here anymore.
Jules: Agreed. Who knows, maybe she’ll come and haunt us sometime?
Riley: I hope so.
Float Builder: I don’t like all this chaos right before Deerfest. Maybe I should just stay here for the night and make sure no harm comes to my creation.
Assistant: I’m sure it’ll be fine.
Float Builder: What do you know! You’re just an apprentice. You have no idea the pressures a professional like me is under! If one more thing goes wrong, I swear to fucking god…
Assistant: Whoa. Are you okay?
Float Builder: Just keep working, will you.
Watery
Townsperson 1: And now the Sheriff’s Station! Did you hear?
Townsperson 2: Hear what?
Townsperson 1: Apparently they locked up that crime writer, you know, the one who disappeared in Bright Falls years ago? And then, they find him, and boom — all hell breaks loose.
Townsperson 2: Big city folk, the FBI, famous writers… They’re all bad luck if you ask me. So is everyone alright down there in Bright Falls?
Townsperson 1: I just don’t know. There’s a lot of good folk in that town. A lot of friendly folk.
Townsperson 2: And it used to be such a nice, quiet place too, like Watery. Before certain people came to town…
Sauna-Goer 1: Some real strange news I hear.
Sauna-Goer 2: Best to keep your head down and mind your own business.
Sauna-Goer 1: Hmm, I suppose you’re right. As long as they don’t come and disturb our sauna-nights, we’ll be fine. So you don’t think there’s anything to worry about, with all that’s going on around here these days?
Sauna-Goer 2: I think worrying is a fool’s game.
Sauna-Goer 1: Huh. I wouldn’t have taken you for a philosopher. So, more ‘löyly?
Sauna-Goer 2: More ‘löyly.
Saga (V.O.): The Dark Presence leeches onto artists, manipulates their art. What power does it have by itself? The Dark Presence uses people’s weaknesses to corrupt them. Their guilt, fear, even their love. For every answer, I have a thousand more questions. But I know enough now. Enough to finish this case and stop the Dark Presence.
Bright Falls
Estevez: Ready to go?
Saga: I’m ready to head to Cauldron Lake now. Let’s get the plan started.
Estevez: Okay. Here we go. We’ll be there for you. What do you need from us?
Saga: I’ll head to Cauldron Lake with the Clicker.
Casey: Scratch will try to get you, Anderson. You’ll need back-up.
Saga: I can tell there’s no talking you out of coming, Casey. Estevez, is there a way to get that light array to the lake?
Estevez: I’ve got you covered, so good news there. And we’ll bring our mobile containment unit. It’s specially built for entities like Scratch.
Casey: And this work of art, Anderson? What’s the plan for that?
Saga: I’ll make some calls on the way. Just meet me at Cauldron Lake.
Estevez: Alex, it’ll be easier on you to ride with us. We’ll have waterfront parking.
Casey: I like the sound of that.
Saga: Tor? I need the Old Gods of Asgard. I need a very special song.
Tor: Hell yeah! The tour bus is already loaded and we’ve said our goodbyes! Ready to hit the road, just like old times, baby!
Saga: You saw this coming, huh. Of course. I need a song about Alan Wake, about bringing him out of the Dark Place.
Tor: A writer, a lake of darkness, bringing him into the light. It writes itself!
Saga (V.O.): I hope they’ve still got it.
Saga: Pick up, pick up. David. Please pick up.
David: David.
Saga: David! It’s me. Where have you —
David: Stop. For once, you need to listen. You left me. You took my daughter away from me. Then you let her… She’s dead because of you and I don’t ever want to hear your voice again. Stop calling me.
Saga: David. Jesus Christ. It’s getting worse. It’s spreading. I’m running out of time.
Cauldron Lake
Estevez: We’re incoming with the lights, Anderson. Where do you want ‘em?
Saga: Set them up on the shore. We need to be ready if Scratch shows up.
Estevez: We’ll be ready. Estevez out.
Saga (V.O.): That must be Tor and Odin. Maybe I should check in.
Tor: Kiddo! We’re almost at the gig! And Odin’s run over four minions of darkness! The bus is our hammer!
Odin: I’m driving with one hand!
Saga: I need you to meet me at the shore. Is the song ready?
Tor: Almost! Odin’s got a killer chorus! “Come save your soul, awake new and whole, by name I will summon him. It’s a dark ocean coming.” Bro, tree! Tree!
Odin: What tree? There’s no tree in the song! Who the fuck puts a tree in the middle of the road?
Tor: We’re not on a road!
Saga: Drive carefully, grandpa!
Tor: Pedal to the metal, bro!
Odin: Metal to the pedal!
Tor: Yeeaaah!
Odin: Woohoo!
Saga (V.O.): Very rock and roll way to drive.
Casey: The lights and the containment cell are good to go, Anderson.
Saga: Great. Are Tor and Odin there yet?
Casey: The two golden oldies? They’re here and they brought moonshine. I love them already.
Saga: They’re a lot. You wanted to know what art we would use, well, that’s them. I’ll be there soon.
Tor: One, two, one, two. How ya feeling tonight, Cauldron Lake? Been awhile since we played on this shore! Testing, testing. Gonna need more reverb.
Odin: Crank it up to eleven!
Tor: I’m getting no bounce out here.
Odin: Hey! Where are my chimes?
Tor: I threw ‘em out! Chimes are not rock and roll!
Odin: Yeah they are, if you know how to use them!
Saga: Hey, I’m here. I’m here. Let’s get ready.
Estevez: Anderson, we’ve set up a control center up here, overlooking the area.
Casey: Hey Anderson, I can drop more gear down for you if you’re running low.
Estevez: I’ll use the lights to hit the Taken when they come, light them up for you. Bad news is, we were in hurry, the power supply is spotty. Your partner here will try to keep it running.
Casey: I’m not a damn mechanic. I was your tech guy was here, Kieran.
Saga (V.O.): Tor and Odin’s song is our best bet at getting Wake out of the Dark Place. Scratch will come for us. We need to be ready to protect them.
Odin: We’re ready when you are! Just like old times, right, bro?
Tor: Fighting the forces of darkness with heavy metal!
Saga: Grandpa, you signal me when the song is done and I’ll use the Clicker to bring Wake back. Hit it!
Odin: Hello, Cauldron Lake! Great to see so many federal agents here tonight!
Tor: Prepare to experience a soul-searing, mind-frying, act of black magic and sorcery!
Odin: This song goes out to our favorite tortured writer. Let these sweet tunes guide you out of the darkness! It’s called “Dark Ocean Summoning”! Aaaaaa- kaff kaff.
Tor: You’re making me look bad in front of Saga, bro.
Odin: Let’s try that again.
Estevez: A whole lot of paranatural crimes happening right now. But it’s fucking awesome! I want a t-shirt!
Casey: The show’s drawing a crowd!
Estevez: Taken incoming, Anderson! I’ll blast them with the light! Anderson! Trouble on the way! More Taken on the way! I got them for you, Anderson.
Casey: Anderson, there’s more gear waiting.
Estevez: They are coming! Anderson, on the right.
Casey: A delivery for you, Anderson.
Estevez: I’ll get them into the light. Anderson! Head up!
Casey: Anderson, stock up on ammo.
Estevez: I’ll light them up.
Casey: The Taken are going for the old guys.
Lyrics:
I name the stars over your cauldron
And all that lies beneath your waves
Throwing my voice into your shadow
The underworld, the darkest place
The onyx kiss of inky waters
The jet black undertow of fright
From the cold depths now I will conjure
The spiral madness of his mind
Once more the ocean’s a lake
So alike a land awake
Come save your soul
Awake new and whole
By name I will summon him
From the silence of screams
From the city of dreams
It’s a dark ocean summoning
The horror story falsely claiming
Naming you servant of the night
Now rise up by the name I’m calling
Your soul returning to the light
Once more the ocean’s a lake
So alike a land awake
Come save your soul
Awake new and whole
By name I will summon him
From the silence of screams
From the city of dreams
It’s a dark ocean summoning
For silent lies that which colors the night
And it may ride in your step from the other side of the moonlight
Come save your soul
Awake new and whole
By name I will summon him
From the silence of screams
From the city of dreams
It’s a dark ocean summoning
Casey: Fucking hell! Yes!
Estevez: The power of rock and roll.
Saga: There! A connection to the Dark Place. Like the Overlaps. That’s the place to use the Clicker. This is it! What happened? Why didn’t it work? I did everything right. Art to bring him back and the Clicker to make it real. So where the fuck is he?