Hellkrash

Painting of SCP-XXXX, recovered by foundation agents on (0█/██/20██)

Item #: SCP-XXXX

Object Class: Keter

Special Containment Procedures: Due to the nature of SCP-XXXX, containment is focused on locating it and isolating it from all human contact. SCP-XXXX materializes during the summer months in hot deserts. Once the summer is over, usually 2-3 months later, SCP-XXXX dematerializes. SCP-XXXX can materialize almost immediately in a different desert, but may not appear from several months. The reason for this is currently unknown; investigation is ongoing to define a pattern of SCP-XXXX's appearances, if any exists. Deserts which revive the majority of their precipitation though snowfall are excluded. Following incident 185763, SCP-XXXX has the potential to manifest on any desert on earth, regardless of precipitation type, as long at said dessert is in its summer months. Satellite surveillance of dessert environments during their respective summers is to be maintained until SCP-XXXX is located. Once the summer of the dessert that SCP-XXXX has materialized in is over and SCP-XXXX has dematerialized, surveillance is to be re-initiated until the object can be located once again.
Once SCP-XXXX is located, the nearest containment personnel are to be notified and mobilize to set up a containment perimeter of at least 2km, in order to limit visual exposure. This perimeter can be extended if necessary based on terrain, lines of sight, and proximity to local ares of human habitation. Locally approprite MTF teams are to be put on call for rapid response, to assist in evacuation, if any human habitation exists within 10km of the latest appearance of SCP-XXXX. Except during testing procedures, no personnel are to approach within 1km. Under no circumstances are any humans under the age of 12 to be allowed to remain within 5km. With the exception of D-class personnel, No physical contact is to be made with SCP-XXXX at any time.

Description: SCP-XXXX appears as a peculiarly shaped tree with twenty /fifty /Eighty-seven protrusions resembling human arms reaching upwards and intertwined with each other. Despite the appearance of SCP-XXXX as a twisted tree, testing has determined that it is made up of modified human cells. SCP-XXXX's primary effect occurs when a human makes contact with SCP-XXXX. They become bound to the object, and unable to move. All physical contact causes this effect, gloves, boots, and even the most advanced bio-hazard suits do not prevent the bonding process. The effect does not trigger when contact is made though a secondary devices, such as drills or axes. Samples collected in this manner are difficult to analyze, as they decay completely within three minutes.

If one or more humans remain in contact with SCP-XXXX past sunset, SCP-XXXX's secondary effect manifests. Subjects bound to SCP-XXXX become shrouded in a “veil” of darkness, and invisible to all know forms of detection. Testing with the most advanced infrared and thermal cameras and radar cannot detect the presence of SCP-XXXX or bound subjects within the "veil" until sunrise the following morning. When the “veil” lifts, all human subjects bound to SCP-XXXX are gone, and the appearance of SCP-XXXX has changed. The number of arm-like protrusions of SCP-XXXX will have increased, relative to the number of humans that were bound to it at sunset.

The bonding of humans to SCP-XXXX is, as of yet, impossible to reverse. However, amputation is a viable method; once the bound limb is removed, SCP-XXXX primary effect ceases. This is not usually fatal, unless contact is made by an indispensable part of the human body(head, torso, etc). Any limbs that were boned to SCP-XXXX immediately fall to the ground once severed, and decay at an extremely accelerated rate.

When any children below the age of twelve approach within 1km of SCP-XXXX, its vocalizations become audible, usually consisting of screams of great pain, and on two occasions, [DATA REDACTED]. These vocalizations, despite their extremely disturbing nature, serve to attract the effected children. The compulsion to approach and touch SCP-XXXX is extremely powerful, effected children, if prevented from reaching SCP-XXXX become violent beyond reason, using any and all mean at their disposal to break free and sprint towards SCP-XXXX. The compulsion also appears to dull or eliminate pain receptors; in some instances effected children have been know to run on sprained or even broken legs in their attempt to reach SCP-XXXX.

Test Log 001

Researcher: Dr. Jones
Test subject: D-3478

First Foundation test of SCP-XXXX, attempting to determine if SCP-XXXX "consumes" all humans, or only compelled children. D-3478 has been equipped with fire-retardant gloves, to test if the bonding of SCP-XXXX occurs via flesh only, or through protective gear.

Dr. Jones: D-3478, please approach the tree and place your hand upon it.

D-3478: Oh, HELL no! I am not touching that thing. You people drag me out here to middle of this god-forsaken desert,and now you want me to touch the fucking creepy, hand-tree thing? No. Way.

Dr. Jones: D-3478, need i remind you of the consequences of your refusal to obey orders? Security personnel are standing by.

D-3478: Fuck you people. Fine.

D-3478 tentatively touches the "trunk" of SCP-XXX with his right hand

D-3478: Whew. Well, at least i didn't burst into flames or something. Hey, wait a sec. My hand is stuck!

Dr. Jones: Please try to remain calm. Efforts will be made to free you.

D-3478: oh great. now that got me stuck to this goddamn thing you want to help? The hell kind of show you running?

[Extraneous dialogue removed]

At this stage, attempts are made to free D-3478. However, this proves impossible short of amputation. D-3478's hand has partially fused with SCP-XXXX on the molecular level, even through the gloves. Amputation remains feasable, but D-3478 is left fused to the tree. Foundation personnel retreat to a safe distance two hours after D-3478 makes contact with SCP-XXXX, at dusk.

D-3478: Oh C'mon! You guys said your were going to free me! this is bullshit!

D-3478 continues to shout and protest, becoming increasingly panicked, until sundown thirty minutes later. At sundown, SCP-XXXX becomes increasingly difficult to perceive, and becomes enveloped in a veil of shadow. Dr. Jones and the research team are unable to observe SCP-XXXX during this time. Night vision, infrared and x-ray cameras all prove useless.

The following morning, D-3478 is gone, and SCP-XXXX has an additional protrusion, intertwined with the rest.

Testing Concluded. All further direct contact with SCP-XXXX is forbidden per order of Dr Jones.

Test Log 002

Researcher: Dr. Jones
Test Subject D-4673

Second Foundation test of SCP-XXXX, Attempt to retrieve a sample of SCP-XXXX in order to determine what exactly it is composed of. D-4673 has been equipped with a core drill, both to gather a sample and to determine if secondary contact though a tool will or will not cause SCP-XXXX's primary effect to manifest.

Dr. Jones: Okay, D-4673, approach the tree and use the drill to collect the sample.

D-4673: This better not kill me doc. This thing is creepy as hell. Though at least i didn't get assigned to SCP-███.

D-4673 approaches SCP-XXXX. Research teams are standing by in a nearby tent, ready to analyze the sample as quickly as possible. Dr. Jones has theorized that any sample taken from SCP-XXXX may decay or dematerialize once removed. D-4673 begins drilling; The core drill was designed to cut through solid granite, but is barely able to penetrate the surface of SCP-XXXX. Despite this, a small, 2 gram sample is successfully retrieved. The theory that secondary contact will not trigger SCP-XXXX's primary effect is also proven true.

D-4673: Got your sample doc. That was easier than expected. So glad there wasn't goddamn tentacles or some shit. Hey, look at that, the hole is almost gone already.

This observation is accurate. The moment the drill was removed the small hole began closing almost instantly.

Dr. Jones: Good work, D-4673. Bring the sample to the research area quickly and carefully. We don't want to have to go through this all over again.

D-4673: You got it boss. I'll take jobs like this any day.

The research team begins to analyze the sample. It is composed of modified human cells, inconsistent with normal mammalian anatomy. The cells have become "hardened", with thick plant walls of the type found in trees. Successful attempts are made to collect a DNA sample from within several of the cells in the sample, and are quickly tested to determine their nature. When compared to each other, each cell has different human DNA. No two cells are identical, even in this small part of SCP-XXXX, which contains thousands of cells. Before more than a handful and be analyzed, the sample breaks down completely and becomes useless.

Sample acquisition and testing successful. Test concluded.

Incident log 185763

Legends from Desert communities all over the world showed similarities, all referenced "The Shadow Tree". All legends warned children to stay far away from it, or risk the anger of the "shadow ones". The following was recovered from a journal left behind in an abandoned camp of the Tuaregg people. The signature on the first page identifies the author as Rezkou ag Ahmedu

April 20

This was a hard winter. It is good to able to have time to write again. Aitarel had the baby in thee fall, She almost didn't make it, birth is always risky in the depths of winter. It is also always dangerous for the little ones in winter. We named her Bella ah Ahmedu. She is the most beautiful sight i have ever beheld. We have set up our summer camp in part of the desert that is as warm and wonderful in the summer as it is bleak and cold in winter. Bella's brothers are even starting to warm up to their new sibling.
There is much to be done. Our summer camp must be established, traps must be set, and riders must be sent out tot he other nearby settlements. I have high hopes for this summer. This land has always been good to us, and this should be a plentiful summer.

June 28

Summer is finally here, and she proves to be as hard as the winter. I have never seen anything like it. If was not for Aitarel's embroidery and beadwork, we may have starved. Trade has been our salvation. The traps have caught barely anything this year, and hunting remain largely scare. this is usually a fertile part of the desert, I do not know why this year has been such a struggle. My sons, Ahmed and Khemidou, are doing well. They have learned the art of the hunt and trap making from me, and are quickly picking up skills from the others in the village. I could not be more proud of them. they do well in the eyes of Allah. I have not even caught them skipping their prayers, as i shamefully did a handful of times as a child, before I knew better. Hopefully our people's fortunes will change, and Allah will answer our prayers for water.

July 3

I never believed the old legends. I am a devout man, we all are, but some of the old tales were clearly invented to keep children in line. To keep them from wandering too far, or being too foolish. Surely the monsters and shadow creatures of Myth were just that. Myths. There is no god but god.

I was wrong. One week ago the most terrifying tale my grandfather ever told me became all too real. The shadow tree. As a child, I had nightmares of it coming for me, reaching into the tent to take me away. I have not thought of the story in years. Ahmed and Khemidou always obeyed me, i never need scary old tales to make them obey. Until now. I should have passed down the tales. Should have warned them. Maybe then Ahmed would not be dead…or worse. At night the shadows came for Ahmed and the others. We could not stop them. No one can.

I can hear Khemidou right now, chained to a stout post in the spare tent, screaming for me to let him out, that he as to leave, he has to run. I dare not. No one dares let the children run free anymore.

It started a few days ago. I was one of the first to see it. A tree where none had been the day before, as it had appeared during the night. I stopped and stared, certain it was a mirage. How i wish it was. I saw Goma's son, Amjer, sprinting towards the tree. At first I was impressed, it seems like he had only learned to walk a few months ago. My smile faded when I realized he was screaming. Screaming an inhuman screech that should never come from the mouth of a child. He slammed into the tree, and knocked himself out. It was then i remember the old tales. Knowing Amjer was already lost, I ran home and caught Ahmed and Khemidou leaving the camp. I…I could only catch one of them. I was not quick enough to dismount my horse. the tree was not far from the camp. I tied up Khemidou, and took off after Ahmed but i was too late. He had knelt in a evil perversion of our faith, and placed both hands, his forehead between them, on the tree. I shall never see him again and his soul will not go to heaven. I will do anything to protect my remaining son and daughter. Anything.

July 10th
We are beginning to lose hope. we moved a few kilometers away from the tree, but it has not helped the children. they scream and curse all hours they are awake, constantly trying to escape, begging us to take them to the tree. Bella cries almost constantly. Aitarel cries just as much. It seems that we are doomed. Two children escaped last night. One of them, Badjhoud, a unruly ten year old, the son of my friend, had a broken ankle. He stepped on one of the animal traps when the tree first appeared. His father, Souri, and I tracked him all the way back to the tree. He ran on that broken ankle more than 5 kilometers. I have seen the impossible become real. How many of the other old tales are true? If the tree is real, then what about the most ancient demon of all the old tales, [REDACTED]? When will he break free from his chains?

July 15th
This is the end. Bella slipped away while we were sleeping last night. She is gone. there is no hope. I have prayed to Allah for salvation and forgiveness. this will be my last day on this earth. Death is better than letting the shadows take us. There are barely any children left. Children are very good at escaping when they are possessed and feel no pain. The other men of the village and I traded away most of what was left for explosives. We will become martyrs. We will end this. Our children will be the last taken by this unholy thing.

God is Great.

The last pages of the journal are unreadable due to extensive blood stains. The journal is over 1█ years old, predating Foundation knowledge of this anomaly by several years. NO evidence of what happened to the surviving villagers and women has been found.