[The Storyteller's Tale]
Night.
The sky stretches wide—a sea of stars flickering like whispered secrets.
A bonfire crackles, its golden light flickering against the faces of gathered villagers.
Children sit on the grass, leaning in, eyes wide with wonder.
The storyteller—**an old man with a voice like rolling thunder—**sits on a weathered log, his cane resting beside him.
His voice carries through the night air, weaving a tale they've all heard before—
Yet somehow, it never loses its magic.
---
STORYTELLER (voice steady, rich with mystery)
"Once, long ago, before our fathers and their fathers—"
"There was a cave."
"A place not made by man. Not carved by time. But born from something else entirely."
---
The fire pops.
A hush falls over the children.
The storyteller's smile is small, knowing.
He leans forward, his voice dropping lower.
---
STORYTELLER (lower, like sharing a dangerous secret)
"They say it lies deep within the forest."
"A doorway to a world beyond our own."
"A place of magic. A place of wonder."
"But those who seek it—"
"Never return."
---
The wind shifts.
A few of the younger children huddle closer together.
Others—**the braver ones—**grin, excitement flickering in their eyes.
The storyteller's gaze sweeps over them.
Because he has told this tale a hundred times.
And every time—it sparks something new.
Curiosity. Wonder.
The kind that makes young minds dream of what might be waiting beyond the trees.
The storyteller leans back, spreading his arms wide—
---
STORYTELLER (grinning, letting the words settle)
"And so, the legend remains."
"A story whispered in the dark."
"A tale told beneath the stars."
"Nothing more… or perhaps—"
"Something waiting to be found."
---
(The Idea That Changed Everything)
---
[Walking Home]
The night air was cool and crisp.
Fireflies blinked lazily along the dirt path, weaving between the trees, their glow flickering like tiny stars.
The village lay ahead—a handful of houses with warm, welcoming lights glowing through the windows.
But the real adventure wasn't in the village.
It was behind them.
In the woods.
In the story still fresh in their minds.
---
Seven kids walked together—their voices full of energy, still caught in the storyteller's web.
Some whispered.
Some laughed.
Some couldn't stop thinking about it.
And some—were already planning something.
---
FINN (grinning, practically bouncing with excitement)
*"I'm just saying—what if it's real?"
"Like, what if the cave actually is a gateway?"
---
KING (rolling his eyes, unimpressed)
"And what, you think it just lets people in?"
"You heard the story. No one ever comes back."
---
AURORA (thoughtful, glancing toward the treetops)
"Maybe they don't come back because they don't want to."
"What if they found something better?"
---
That made them all pause.
Because… what if?
Jake shoved his hands into his pockets, frowning.
---
JAKE (skeptical, but intrigued)
"Or maybe they found something waiting for them."
"Something that doesn't let them come back."
---
FINN (grinning, unfazed)
"Yeah, yeah, spooky ghosts, monsters in the dark, we get it, Jake."
"But seriously, what if the old guy was right?"
"What if there is something in that cave?"
---
SALLY (raising an eyebrow, arms crossed)
"And what exactly do you plan on doing about it?"
---
Finn grinned wider.
Jake immediately groaned.
Because he knew exactly where this was going.
---
FINN (dramatic, throwing his arms out like he's revealing a grand plan)
"We go, obviously!"
---
Aurora laughed under her breath.
King rubbed his temple.
John, who had been silent until now, finally spoke—
His voice calm, considering.
---
JOHN (quiet, but curious)
"How would we even find it?"
"No one in the village knows where it is."
---
That didn't stop Finn.
If anything—it only fueled him more.
---
FINN (grinning, undeterred)
"Then we look for it."
---
Jake groaned louder.
Sally shook her head.
King gave Finn a deadpan look.
---
KING (flat, unimpressed)
"That's the dumbest thing I've ever heard."
---
FINN (beaming, unfazed)
"And yet, you're still standing here, listening to me say it."
---
JAKE (grumbling, arms crossed, frustrated that Finn had a point)
"Ugh."
---
John glanced between them.
He didn't shut the idea down.
Because a small part of him—**a dangerous part—**was wondering, too.
---
JOHN (low, thoughtful)
"The storyteller said it was deep in the forest."
"But… not where."
---
Aurora smiled slightly.
Because John wasn't rejecting the idea.
He was thinking about it.
And if John was considering it…
It meant it wasn't impossible.
---
AURORA (playful, nudging John slightly)
"You're not saying no."
---
John shrugged.
A small, almost hidden smile flickered at the corner of his mouth.
---
JOHN (calm, teasing back, but still unreadable)
"I'm not saying yes, either."
---
But that was all Finn needed to hear.
Because now—the idea was real.
The legend wasn't just a story anymore.
It was a possibility.
And that was dangerous.
Because possibility turns into plans.
Plans turn into choices.
And choices—
Change everything.
The stars above them shining bright.
---
The village streets were quieter now.
The warmth of the bonfire lingered in their minds, the storyteller's words echoing in their thoughts.
But the night was ending.
And one by one—they parted ways.
---
Finn stretched, letting out a loud yawn.
---
FINN (grinning, stretching dramatically)
"Welp. That was a good night, huh?"
"Storytime, spooky legends, potential life-altering discoveries—classic evening."
---
KING (deadpan, unimpressed)
"Yeah. Thrilling."
---
King rolled his eyes but didn't argue further.
Sally nudged him with her elbow.
---
SALLY (smirking, teasing)
"Aw, come on, King. Don't tell me you're scared."
---
King huffed.
---
KING (grumbling, crossing his arms)
"I'm not scared."
"I just have better things to do than chase fairy tales in the middle of the woods."
---
Jake snorted.
---
JAKE (grinning, raising an eyebrow)
"Like what? Sitting at home looking grumpy?"
---
King genuinely considered this for a second.
Then—without a word—he turned and walked away.
---
FINN (laughing, waving him goodbye)
"Yeah, yeah, we love you too, buddy!"
---
Sally shook her head, but she was smiling.
One by one, they left.
Sally. King. The others.
And finally—John.
The night was over.
Or so he thought.
---
John had just settled in.
He sat on the edge of his bed, pulling off his boots, ready to let the night fade into memory.
And then—
A knock.
John stopped.
He stared at the door.
Another knock—louder this time.
Then—
A voice.
---
FINN (way too cheerful for this hour)
"Joooooohn~!"
---
John closed his eyes.
Because of course.
He sighed, rubbing his temple.
Then—without standing—he called back.
---
JOHN (flat, exhausted already)
"No."
---
A beat.
Then—Aurora's voice.
---
AURORA (sweet, but completely ignoring his refusal)
"Come on, open up!"
"We have things to discuss."
---
John stared at the door.
Then, very deliberately—he flopped back onto his bed, arm over his eyes.
---
JOHN (muffled, into his pillow, still refusing)
"Still no."
---
Silence.
Then—Jake.
---
JAKE (sounding like he'd rather be in bed too, but committed to the cause)
"Alright. Guess we're coming in anyway."
---
John lifted his arm just in time to see the door open.
Finn. Aurora. Jake.
All three of them.
Standing there.
Like they owned the place.
John exhaled sharply.
---
JOHN (flat, unimpressed)
"You know, normal people wait for permission before breaking into someone's room."
---
FINN (grinning, unbothered)
"Good thing we're not normal!"
---
Jake clapped a hand on John's arm, already hauling him up.
---
JAKE (grinning, deadpan)
"C'mon. We know you're not sleeping yet."
---
John sighed deeply.
Because he already knew how this was going to end.
Aurora linked arms with him, leading him toward the door.
---
AURORA (sweet, teasing)
"We're just borrowing you for a bit."
"Besides—"* (she grinned) *"You want to hear what Harry found, don't you?"
---
John stopped.
Because, unfortunately—she was right.
He did.
He wanted to know.
And they knew it.
John exhaled, dragging a hand down his face.
---
JOHN (deadpan, resigned)
"You guys are gonna be the death of me someday."
---
FINN (grinning, throwing an arm around his shoulder)
"But, here you are. Walking with us."
---
John grumbled.
But he didn't stop walking.
Because this was how it always went.
---
[Knocking on Trouble's Door]
Harry's house was one of the tallest in the village.
Not because it was grand or extravagant, but because it had layers.
An old brick foundation, a second floor built on later, and an attic that probably wasn't supposed to be there but was anyway.
The lights were still on.
Which meant someone was awake.
Finn, ever the fearless, knocked loudly.
Jake stood a step back—just in case Harry threw something at them for showing up unannounced.
Aurora bounced on her heels, amused.
John?
John sighed deeply.
Because he did not want to be here.
And yet—here he was.
---
The door creaked open.
And instead of Harry—
A woman stood there.
Tall, dark hair pulled into a loose braid, arms crossed.
Harry's older sister.
Madeline.
And she did not look impressed.
---
MADELINE (flat, raising an eyebrow)
"Do you people ever go home?"
---
JAKE (grinning, completely unfazed)
"Ehhh, home where?"
---
MADELINE (deadpan, unimpressed)
"Anywhere that isn't here."
---
Aurora smiled sweetly.
---
AURORA (tilting her head, innocent)
"Come on, Madeline. Can't we borrow your brother for just a little while?"
---
Madeline snorted.
---
MADELINE (dry, amused but pretending not to be)
"You don't borrow Harry. He gets involved, and then suddenly you're all in the woods building explosives or something."
---
Finn perked up.
---
FINN (grinning, intrigued)
*"Wait, are we making explosives? Because I am so on board—"
---
JOHN (tired, cutting him off)
"We are not making explosives."
---
Madeline sighed dramatically, stepping aside.
---
MADELINE (waving them in, grumbling)
"Fine. Upstairs. Just don't break anything."
---
Finn walked in like he owned the place.
Jake gave Madeline a casual salute.
Aurora flashed a grin before stepping inside.
And John?
John nodded politely.
Because someone had to have manners.
Madeline rolled her eyes, shutting the door behind them.
---
The second floor was covered in books.
Stacks of old papers, half-written notes, maps pinned to the walls.
The air smelled like parchment and candle wax.
And at the center of it all—
Harry, hunched over a desk, flipping through a book.
He didn't even look up when they entered.
---
HARRY (calm, dry)
"Took you long enough."
---
John paused.
---
JOHN (blinking, raising an eyebrow)
"You were really waiting for us?"
---
Harry finally looked up, adjusting his glasses.
---
HARRY (flat, as if this should be obvious)
"I assumed you'd come. You always do, john."
---
Jake grinned.
---
JAKE (nudging John, smirking)
"See? He gets us."
---
Harry closed the book he was reading and gestured to the table.
---
HARRY (calm, but serious)
"Sit down. If we're doing this, we need a plan."
---
That caught John's attention.
Because Harry wasn't asking if they were doing this.
He was asking how.
Aurora leaned over the table, eyes scanning the open pages.
And there it was.
A sketch of the cave.
Old, worn ink, scribbled notes in the margins.
Aurora's breath hitched slightly.
Because this wasn't just a legend anymore.
Harry had found something.
---
AURORA (soft, impressed)
"You really were looking into it."
---
Harry shrugged.
---
HARRY (matter-of-fact)
"Of course. I was curious."
---
Finn grinned, nudging Jake.
---
FINN (smirking)
"Told you we could count on him."
---
Jake rolled his eyes.
---
JAKE (grumbling, arms crossed)
"Yeah, yeah, you're so smart, congrats."
---
Harry ignored them, flipping through his notes.
---
HARRY (focused, scanning the notes)
"The cave isn't just some fairytale. There are mentions of it in old records. Nothing concrete—just bits and pieces."
"But enough to suggest that it's real."
---
Aurora traced a finger over the map.
---
AURORA (curious, thoughtful)
"Does it say where?"
---
Harry hesitated.
Then—he tapped a spot on the page.
---
HARRY (low, considering)
"Somewhere deep in the forest. Near the cliffs, past the old river bend."
"No one's mapped it properly. But there are mentions of strange occurrences in that area. People hearing voices. Lights in the trees. Shadows moving where they shouldn't be."
---
Jake dragged a hand down his face.
---
JAKE (groaning, unimpressed)
"Great. Haunted woods. That's exactly what I wanted to hear."
---
FINN (grinning, clearly enjoying this too much)
"Oooh, creepy! I love it."
---
John leaned against the wall, crossing his arms.
---
JOHN (calm, skeptical)
"And you think it's connected to the cave?"
---
HARRY (nodding)
"I think it's worth investigating."
---
A pause.
The room felt different now.
The excitement was still there.
But now—there was something else.
Something real.
They weren't just talking about it anymore.
They were really going.
---
FINN (grinning, determined)
"Alright. Sounds like a plan."
"We get the things we need then—tomorrow we head out at night."
---
John exhaled slowly.
---
JOHN (flat, resigned)
"You're really committed to this, huh?"
---
Aurora smirked.
---
AURORA (teasing, nudging him)
"Yes sir."
---
John sighed.
Harry closed the book, meeting their eyes.
---
HARRY (serious, reminding them of the stakes)
"Should we do this, we have to be prepared."
"If it isn't just a story."
"If the cave is real—"
"Then whatever's inside… is real too."
---
Silence.
Then—
Finn grinned.
---
FINN (lighthearted, shrugging)
"Well. Guess we'll find out."
---
Aurora smiled.
Jake rolled his eyes.
Harry sighed.
John shook his head.
Tomorrow night.
It begins.
---
The morning came slowly.
Golden sunlight stretched across the rooftops, warming the quiet village.
It was a normal day.
No legends. No plans. No adventures.
Just life.
---
John hauled a wooden crate onto the cart, wiping sweat from his brow.
Jake?
Jake was sitting.
On the cart.
Eating an apple.
And very much not helping.
John shot him a look.
---
JOHN (flat, unimpressed)
"You know, these crates don't magically move themselves."
---
JAKE (taking another bite, leaning back lazily)
"I mean, they could. If you believed in them enough."
---
John let out a slow breath, setting the next crate down a little harder than necessary.
---
JOHN (dry, muttering)
"If I throw this at you, will you magically move?"
---
Jake grinned, completely unbothered.
---
JAKE (cheerfully, raising his apple)
"Only one way to find out!"
---
John grabbed the nearest crate.
Jake immediately sat up.
---
JAKE (quick, grinning nervously)
"Okay, okay! Joking! No need to commit murder."
---
John rolled his eyes.
Jake hopped down, finally helping—though mostly just to dodge anything John might throw next.
And that was how it always was.
Not serious. Not deep.
Just bickering, teasing—brothers being brothers.
---
Finn had exactly one goal today.
Avoid responsibilities at all costs.
Which is why he was currently convincing Aurora to sneak pastries from the bakery.
Aurora crossed her arms, skeptical.
---
AURORA (raising an eyebrow)
"I don't know about this finn—"
"You want me to distract the baker again so you can steal food?"
---
FINN (grinning, hands on his hips)
"Steal is the wrong word."
"We're only borrowing."
---
Aurora tilted her head.
---
AURORA (flat, unimpressed)
"You can't just 'borrow' food, Finn."
---
FINN (shrugging, unconcerned)
"Not with that attitude."
---
Aurora sighed.
Then, to Finn's complete delight—she smirked.
---
AURORA (grinning, playful)
"Ugh, fiine. Let's do it."
---
Finn beamed.
And just like that—they were off.
---
Harry sat at his desk, quill scratching softly against parchment.
His room was a maze of books and notes—half-organized, half a disaster.
He liked it that way.
At the moment, he wasn't working on anything particularly urgent.
Just… reading. Taking notes. Thinking.
He liked understanding things.
Even if no one else ever asked the questions he did.
Madeline passed by the door, peering in.
---
MADELINE (leaning on the doorway, amused)
"You know, most people take breaks, Harry."
---
Harry didn't look up.
---
HARRY (calm, turning a page)
"Breaks are inefficient."
---
Madeline rolled her eyes.
---
MADELINE (snorting, teasing)
"You are inefficient."
---
Harry just smirked.
Because she wasn't wrong.
---
Sally sat on a wooden fence, kicking her legs idly.
King stood beside her, arms crossed, watching the village like he was its personal bodyguard.
Sally glanced at him.
Then—without warning—she flicked a pebble at his arm.
King didn't react.
She did it again.
Still nothing.
Sally grinned.
---
SALLY (teasing, playful)
"You know, you're really good at standing there looking all serious."
"Do they teach that, or is it just a natural talent?"
---
King sighed.
---
KING (flat, unimpressed)
"I choose to ignore you."
---
Sally beamed.
---
SALLY (grinning, proud)
"That's progress! Usually, you threaten to throw me off something by now."
---
King gave her a long, tired look.
---
KING (deadpan, considering it)
"…There's still time."
---
Sally laughed.
King shook his head, but even he couldn't hide the small smirk creeping in.
---
(The Day in Full Color)
The village was alive.
Not in the way cities were, with crowded streets and endless noise.
But in the way a place filled with familiar faces always was.
People moved through the dirt roads with purpose but never in a rush.
There was always time to talk, to laugh, to share stories.
Because in a place like this—
People knew each other.
And for the seven kids at the heart of this story—
This was home.
---
John had spent most of the morning helping out.
Fixing a broken fence. Carrying supplies for the baker.
He wasn't asked—he just did it.
Because that's who he was.
The village was small, but full of people who trusted him.
And for the most part?
He liked that.
---
"John!"
He turned, already knowing the voice.
An older woman, waving him over.
She ran the tailor shop, her arms full of fabric.
---
TAILOR (huffing, shifting the weight)
"Be a dear and carry these inside for me, will you?"
John smiled slightly.
---
JOHN (good-natured, nodding)
"Of course."
He took the bundles, following her in.
The shop smelled like fresh linen and warm candle wax.
John set the fabric down carefully.
The tailor watched him, smirking.
---
TAILOR (teasing, amused)
"You're always helping someone, aren't you?"
"One of these days, you should ask for payment."
---
John chuckled.
---
JOHN (grinning, shaking his head)
"I don't mind."
---
The tailor huffed, shaking her head.
---
TAILOR (playful, but fond)
"That's your problem, dear. You never mind."
---
John just smiled.
Because that was fine with him.
---
The bakery was bustling.
Warm bread lined the shelves, the smell drifting into the streets.
The baker—**a stocky, balding man—**was handing out loaves, talking to customers.
And at the far end of the shop—
Finn and Aurora were absolutely up to something.
---
AURORA (muttering, low)
"You do realize he's watching us, right?"
---
FINN (grinning, unconcerned)
"Oh, I know."
---
The baker narrowed his eyes.
---
BAKER (firm, pointing at them)
"I swear—if either of you so much as touch something without paying—"
---
Aurora beamed, innocent.
---
AURORA (sweet, smiling)
"Sir, I am deeply offended."
"Would we ever do such a thing?"
---
FINN (nodding solemnly, hand over his heart)
"Truly, we are model citizens."
---
The baker looked absolutely done with them.
---
BAKER (deadpan, flat)
"You literally stole a whole pie last week."
---
Finn grinned.
---
FINN (cheerful, unashamed)
"Borrowed. Temporarily."
---
The baker sighed, rubbing his temple.
---
BAKER (grumbling)
"If you're gonna stand here, make yourselves useful."
"Finn, go carry those flour sacks."
"Aurora, stop touching things."
---
Finn clapped his hands together.
---
FINN (grinning, to Aurora)
"That's a no on the free pastries, then."
---
Aurora sighed dramatically.
---
AURORA (playful, teasing)
"Tragic."
---
Still—they did as they were told.
Because for all their mischief—they liked the bakery.
And they liked being part of this place.
Even if it meant working for it sometimes.
---
(The Day Rolls On, and So Does King's Patience)
The village well was the usual meeting place.
A small group of girls gathered there every afternoon—talking, laughing, sharing the latest village news.
Sally was right in the middle of it.
King?
Very much not supposed to be here.
And yet—somehow, he was.
Leaning casually against the well, arms crossed, bored but present.
Which was a mistake.
Because Sally noticed.
And that meant trouble.
---
MIRA (grinning, excited, practically bouncing in place)
"Did you hear?"
"Thomas from the tannery finally asked Elise to walk with him after supper!"
---
The girls gasped.
Sally smirked.
---
SALLY (smug, arms crossed)
"Called it."
"Took him long enough."
---
OTHER GIRL (laughing, nodding)
"Right? He's been staring at her for weeks!"
---
King, who had been tuning them out entirely, made the mistake of snorting under his breath.
Unfortunately—Sally heard it.
Her eyes lit up like a predator spotting prey.
---
SALLY (grinning, turning to him)
"Oh? Got something to say, King?"
---
King tilted his head slightly, unimpressed.
---
KING (flat, shrugging)
"Nope."
---
Sally leaned in, clearly enjoying herself.
---
SALLY (teasing, sing-song)
"Ohhh, come on. I know you have opinions."
"You always do."
---
King exhaled, rubbing his temple.
---
KING (grumbling, muttering to himself)
"Why am I here."
---
The girls laughed.
Sally, sensing victory, turned back to the group—grinning.
But that?
That was her mistake.
Because King saw his opening.
And he took it.
He tilted his head, watching her for a long moment—then, casually—
---
KING (calm, completely unreadable)
"You sure do love gossip, Sally."
"Tell me, when are you going to take your own advice?"
---
Sally blinked.
The girls paused.
Then—Mira's eyes widened in delight.
---
MIRA (grinning, suddenly interested)
"Wait—what does that mean?!"
---
OTHER GIRL (gasping, eyes darting between them)
"Sally, do you like someone?!"
---
Sally froze.
Then—her expression twisted into a very different kind of smile.
The forced kind.
The "I walked straight into that, didn't I?" kind.
She slowly turned back to King—who was smirking.
The worst part?
He said nothing.
Just let the others go wild with the idea.
Sally tried to recover, shaking her head.
---
SALLY (grinning, but now nervous, waving them off)
"Pfft—what?! No! That's not what he meant!"
---
MIRA (laughing, leaning closer)
"Oooooh, but what if it was?!"
"Come on, who's the lucky one, Sally?"
---
The girls crowded in, delighted.
Sally forced a laugh, waving them off, trying to change the subject—
But King?
King just smirked, arms still crossed.
Not saying another word.
Because he didn't need to.
He'd already won.
---
The bookshop smelled like parchment and candle wax.
Stacks of books lined the walls, some neatly arranged, some threatening to topple over.
Harry sat at a wooden desk, quill scratching softly against parchment.
He wasn't working on anything particularly urgent.
Just reading. Thinking. Listening.
The shop was quiet, save for the soft rustling of pages.
Until—
A small voice.
---
KID (shy, hesitant, standing near the shelves)
"Um… excuse me?"
---
Harry looked up.
A young boy, maybe three or four, clutching a book a little too tightly.
Harry tilted his head.
---
HARRY (calm, neutral)
"Yes?"
---
The boy hesitated.
Then, voice quiet but certain—
---
KID (nervous, but determined)
"I want to learn to read."
---
Harry blinked.
Something in his chest shifted.
He glanced at the shopkeeper, who was busy stacking books, not paying attention.
Then back at the boy.
He wasn't sure why the kid had come to him—
But he didn't hate it.
Harry leaned forward slightly.
---
HARRY (thoughtful, studying him)
"That's a good thing to want."
"Where do you want to start?"
---
The kid lit up.
And for the next hour—Harry taught him.
Just a little.
Just enough.
Because for all the books he'd read, all the things he wanted to understand—
This moment?
It mattered too.
---
The village streets were quieter now.
Lanterns flickered in windows, casting long shadows on the dirt paths.
Most people had gone inside.
But John?
John was walking.
Because soon—he wouldn't be here anymore.
Soon—they'd be gone.
He adjusted the strap of his bag, steady, focused.
Then—footsteps.
Soft, easy, familiar.
Sally caught up to him.
Not rushing. Not calling his name.
Just walking beside him.
And John?
He let her.
Because that was how it always was.
---
SALLY (casual, glancing at him)
"So. You're actually going through with it, huh?"
---
JOHN (small chuckle, nodding)
"Guess I am."
---
Sally smirked.
But it didn't quite reach her eyes.
She didn't say it—didn't have to.
She wasn't sure how she felt about this.
She nudged his arm lightly.
---
SALLY (playful, but quiet)
"And here I thought you were the smart one."
---
John laughed under his breath.
---
JOHN (teasing, raising an eyebrow)
"And here I thought you didn't care."
---
Sally paused.
She didn't answer right away.
Because maybe—just maybe—he wasn't wrong.
She exhaled softly, looking up at the sky.
---
SALLY (thoughtful, quieter now)
"You ever wonder if there's more than this?"
"Not just the cave. Beyond it. Beyond… all of this."
---
John glanced at her.
She wasn't looking at him.
But he could tell—she wanted an answer.
---
JOHN (quiet, honest)
"Sometimes."
---
Another pause.
And then—she smiled.
Not teasing.
Not playful.
Just soft. Warm.
---
SALLY (grinning, nudging him lightly)
"Guess you'll have to tell me what it's like when you come back."
---
JOHN (raising an eyebrow, smirking slightly)
"Oh? Not coming to see it for yourself?"
---
SALLY (laughing, shaking her head)
"I like hearing your stories, not living them."
---
John chuckled.
But he didn't miss the way she looked at him.
Or the way King—walking a short distance behind them—was watching.
Because King knew.
Had always known.
And Sally?
Sally wasn't ready to say it.
But she didn't have to.
---
The clearing was already alive with energy.
Finn was balancing on a fallen log, pretending it was a tightrope.
Jake was throwing small rocks at him—trying to knock him off.
Aurora was laughing, sitting cross-legged on the grass.
Harry was going through his notes, double-checking everything.
They were just regular kids for now.
King arrived first, nodding at the others.
Sally and John weren't far behind.
---
FINN (grinning, spreading his arms like a showman)
"Ah, the final members have arrived!"
"Welcome, welcome. We were about to start without you."
---
JAKE (deadpan, arms crossed)
"We were not about to start without them."
---
FINN (winking, nudging him)
"That's what you think."
---
John rolled his eyes, but he was smiling.
Harry looked up, adjusting his glasses.
---
HARRY (calm, focused)
"Everything's ready. We leave tonight."
---
The words landed heavier now.
Because it wasn't a vague plan anymore.
It was real.
Aurora adjusted the straps of her bag.
Jake exhaled slowly.
Finn?
Finn grinned wider.
---
FINN (grinning, stretching his arms)
"Great. That gives me exactly one hour to pack everything I don't need."
---
AURORA (smirking, raising an eyebrow)
"You mean like last time when you brought seven pairs of shoes?"
---
FINN (offended, pointing at her)
"You never know when you'll need options!"
---
JAKE (deadpan, unimpressed)
"You don't need options in a forest."
---
FINN (shrugging, unconcerned)
"Tell that to fashion."
---
Sally laughed.
John sighed.
But this was them.
A little chaotic. A little reckless.
But together.
And tonight?
They'd walk into something none of them were ready for.
But right now?
Right now, they were just friends beneath the stars.
---
[The Last Normal Moment]
The night was alive.
Crickets hummed in the grass.
Lantern light flickered behind closed windows.
The village slept.
But seven kids were very much awake.
The clearing was quiet now.
Not because anyone was scared.
But because the moment had finally arrived.
Bags packed. Supplies checked.
There was nothing left to do—except go.
Aurora glanced around.
---
AURORA (soft, adjusting her pack)
"Alright. Everyone ready?"
---
A pause.
Not hesitation—just realization.
Because this was it.
After tonight, things wouldn't be the same.
Finn clapped his hands together.
---
FINN (grinning, easygoing as ever)
"No time like the present!"
"Or in this case, the very dark, slightly terrifying present."
---
JAKE (grumbling, arms crossed)
"Still not too late to not do this, by the way."
---
Harry adjusted his glasses.
---
HARRY (calm, steady)
"It would be pointless to turn back now."
---
Finn nodded sagely.
---
FINN (serious, nodding)
"Exactly. We've come too far."
"By which I mean, we already packed, so we might as well go."
---
Jake dragged a hand down his face.
John exhaled slowly.
King crossed his arms, scanning the treeline.
And then—
Aurora stepped forward.
Not rushing. Not hesitating.
Just moving.
She turned back one last time.
---
AURORA (soft, certain)
"Let's go."
---
One by one, they followed.
And just like that—
They stepped into the woods.
Leaving behind the only world they had ever known.
---
[Wait, What Are You Doing Here?]
The trees stretched tall above them, blocking out most of the sky.
The group moved in a quiet, steady line—lantern light flickering against the dirt path.
No one spoke.
Not at first.
And then—
King suddenly stopped.
---
KING (flat, unimpressed)
"Oh, for crying out loud."
---
The others turned.
King wasn't looking at them.
He was looking behind them.
At Sally.
Standing there, arms crossed, clearly caught in the act.
Finn blinked.
---
FINN (grinning, delighted)
"Well, well, well! Look who changed their mind!"
---
JAKE (raising an eyebrow, amused)
"Didn't you say you weren't coming?"
---
Sally huffed.
She wasn't flustered.
She wasn't nervous.
She just shrugged.
---
SALLY (casual, like this wasn't a big deal)
"Yeah, well. Someone's gotta make sure you idiots don't die out here."
---
John tilted his head, amused.
---
JOHN (smirking, raising an eyebrow)
"Oh? And that someone is you?"
---
SALLY (grinning, arms crossed)
"That's right, yours truly."
---
King exhaled slowly, shaking his head.
---
KING (dry, unimpressed)
"You're so predictable."
---
Sally shot him a look.
---
SALLY (mock-offended, hand on her chest)
"Oh, I'm predictable am I? You followed me here."
---
King rolled his eyes.
---
KING (grumbling, turning back toward the path)
"Whatever. Just don't slow us down."
---
Sally smirked, falling into step beside John.
Finn threw an arm around her shoulders.
---
FINN (grinning, dramatically wiping a fake tear)
"Sally, this is beautiful. I always knew you secretly loved us."
---
SALLY (deadpan, shoving him off)
"Ugh, I change my mind."
---
Jake laughed.
Aurora shook her head, smiling.
Harry just sighed.
And like that—Sally was one of them.
Like she had been all along.
---
The deeper they walked, the quieter the forest became.
No crickets. No wind.
Just shadows stretching between the trees.
And somewhere far beyond them—waiting—
That cave.
John adjusted the strap of his pack.
Aurora stepped forward.
And as the last flicker of village light disappeared behind them—
They walked into the unknown.
---
The forest was alive.
Not with voices or movement—but with something else.
Something quiet. Watching.
The trees stretched high above them, blocking most of the moonlight.
The deeper they walked—the more the air changed.
Still, they kept moving.
Seven kids.
One path.
A journey they didn't understand yet.
---
Finn was the first to break the silence.
Which was not surprising.
---
FINN (grinning, nudging Jake)
"So, what's the over-under on us getting horribly lost?"
---
Jake glanced at him, unimpressed.
---
JAKE (dry, raising an eyebrow)
"Why would you say that out loud?"
---
FINN (shrugging, unconcerned)
"I like to set expectations!"
---
Aurora rolled her eyes, but she was smiling.
---
AURORA (teasing, smirking)
"You mean low expectations?"
---
FINN (grinning, pointing at her)
"Exactly! That way, if we do get lost, it won't be a shock."
---
John sighed, adjusting his bag.
---
JOHN (deadpan, muttering)
"We just got here."
"Let's try not to jinx it."
---
Finn huffed dramatically.
---
FINN (grinning, dramatically throwing his hands up)
"Fine, fine. No more jinxing."
"I'll be very serious from now on."
---
Jake snorted.
---
JAKE (flat, not buying it)
"You? Serious?"
---
FINN (grinning, nodding)
"Yep. Completely serious."
---
He took exactly three steps forward—
Then tripped over a root.
He caught himself, barely, before faceplanting into the dirt.
A beat of silence.
Then—
Aurora burst out laughing.
Jake smirked.
John sighed.
Sally shook her head.
And Finn?
Finn grinned like an idiot.
---
FINN (grinning, brushing himself off)
"Okay. Maybe not completely serious."
---
HARRY (adjusting his glasses, calm as ever)
"Maybe try watching where you're going."
---
FINN (grinning, shrugging)
"Where's the fun in that?"
---
King exhaled slowly.
KING (muttering, unimpressed)
"This is going to be a long night."
---
The trees pressed closer together.
The path wasn't as clear now.
The village felt far away.
And for the first time—it hit them.
This wasn't just an idea anymore.
They were really here.
No houses. No lanterns.
Just them.
Jake ran a hand through his hair, glancing around.
---
JAKE (muttering, thoughtful)
"So… how do we know we're going the right way?"
---
Harry didn't look up from his map.
---
HARRY (calm, precise)
"I've been keeping track of the landmarks."
"We're still on course."
---
John nodded, satisfied.
Aurora peered through the trees.
The deeper they went—the more it felt like something was waiting.
Not bad. Not dangerous.
Just… waiting.
---
Finn hopped over a fallen log, hands behind his head.
FINN (grinning, confident)
"Y'know, this whole thing is kinda perfect, if you think about it."
---
AURORA (raising an eyebrow, smirking)
"Oh? And why's that?"
---
Finn gestured broadly to the dark woods around them.
---
FINN (cheerful, matter-of-fact)
"One: We find the cave."
"Two: We take a look around."
"Three: We're back home before dawn, and nobody knows we were ever gone."
---
Jake snorted.
---
JAKE (dry, unimpressed)
"Oh yeah, flawless plan."
"Except for the part where you get lost and die in the woods."
---
FINN (grinning, nudging him)
"Yeah, good one jake."
---
Jake rolled his eyes, smiling.
---
JOHN (calm, reasonable)
"Finn's right about one thing—we're not moving in."
"This is just a look. Nothing more."
---
HARRY (nodding)
"As long as we keep track of our path, we'll be fine."
---
SALLY (mocking, grinning)
"See? Fine. Totally nothing to worry about."
---
King glanced at her.
---
KING (deadpan, muttering)
"That's usually when things go wrong."
---
Finn ignored him, still smiling.
---
FINN (mockingly serious, hand over his heart)
"Have a little faith, King."
---
KING (flat, unimpressed)
"I don't do faith."
---
Aurora smirked.
Jake sighed.
John shook his head, but he was smiling.
It was just an adventure.
A few hours of fun.
Then—home.
That was the plan.
---
But then—
The wind shifted.
Soft at first.
Barely noticeable.
But the torch flames flickered—not backward, but forward.
Like something was breathing from behind them.
John frowned.
Aurora paused mid-step.
---
AURORA (soft, uncertain)
"Did you see that?"
---
Jake glanced at her.
---
JAKE (grumbling, rubbing his arms)
"Oh good, now we're questioning physics."
---
Harry narrowed his eyes.
He turned, scanning the path behind them.
Something about the trees—felt off.
Like they weren't standing where they should be.
Like the path had changed.
But that was impossible.
Right?
---
HARRY (low, focused, to himself)
"That's… odd."
---
Sally snorted.
---
SALLY (grinning, trying to brush it off)
"Oh no. Not odd. Definitely completely normal."
---
Finn grinned, throwing an arm around her shoulder.
---
FINN (cheerful, teasing)
"See? Even Sally believes in the power of denial."
---
Sally rolled her eyes.
John kept looking back.
His gut twisted.
Something wasn't right.
But still—
They kept walking.
---
The forest felt different now.
Not wrong.
Not dangerous.
Just… watching.
Like it had been asleep for a long, long time.
And now?
It was stirring.
Because of them.
---
[A Shift in the Air]
The torches flickered.
Finn paused mid-step, watching the flame on his lantern shudder.
Not backward.
Not side to side.
But toward them.
Like the air wasn't pushing—but pulling.
---
FINN (blinking, tilting his head)
"Huh, again?"
---
Aurora glanced at him.
---
AURORA (curious, raising an eyebrow)
"Not again."
---
Finn lifted his lantern slightly, watching the flame.
It leaned forward.
Not toward the wind.
Toward him.
---
FINN (amused, waving his hand through the air)
"Is it just me, or does it feel like the forest is breathing?"
---
Jake groaned.
---
JAKE (dragging a hand down his face, muttering)
"I hate that sentence."
---
SALLY (grinning, nudging him)
"Why? It's poetic."
---
JAKE (grumbling, flat)
"It's ominous."
Finn ignored them, watching the flame curiously.
Then—he exhaled.
And the moment his breath touched the flame—
It snapped back to normal.
The pulling force was gone.
Like whatever had shifted—had settled.
For now.
Finn tilted his head.
---
FINN (muttering, smirking slightly)
"Weird."
---
John exhaled through his nose, adjusting his pack.
---
JOHN (calm, moving forward)
"Come on. We're wasting time."
---
They kept moving.
But the forest did not feel the same.
Not anymore.
---
The forest was different here.
Not wrong.
Not unnatural.
Just… old.
The air was still.
The dirt path beneath them felt untouched.
And as they walked, they all felt it—
They were stepping somewhere forgotten.
---
Aurora slowed her steps first.
Not because she was afraid.
But because she was taking it in.
She ran a hand along the bark of a tree.
The grooves were deep—more than they should be.
Like they had been left undisturbed for decades.
Jake noticed it too.
He nudged a fallen branch with his boot—
Instead of snapping, it crumbled.
Like it had been rotting here for far too long.
JAKE (muttering, thoughtful)
"No one's been through here in years."
Finn tilted his head, intrigued.
FINN (grinning, nudging Harry)
"So, does that make us explorers? Or grave robbers?"
Harry gave him a look.
HARRY (flat, unimpressed)
"That depends—are you planning to steal something?"
FINN (grinning, shrugging)
"Not unless we find treasure!"
Sally rolled her eyes.
SALLY (dry, arms crossed)
"Oh sure, that'll end well."
"Nothing bad ever happens to people who steal from ancient places."
FINN (grinning, patting her shoulder)
"That's the spirit!"
John exhaled through his nose, shaking his head.
Then—
They saw it.
The ground sloped downward.
The trees thinned.
And past the last row of tangled roots—
A dark opening carved into the earth.
---
They stopped.
Not in fear—
But because it was real.
The cave was real.
Half-hidden beneath overgrown roots and jagged stone.
Like the world itself had tried to swallow it.
Like it had been waiting to be uncovered.
Finn let out a low whistle.
---
FINN (grinning, impressed)
"Well, well, well."
"Would you look at that."
---
Aurora stepped forward, eyes scanning the entrance.
It was massive.
Not just a hollowed-out space in the rock—
But a gaping mouth.
Like something had cut it into the mountain itself.
John ran a hand along the stone.
It was smooth in some places, rough in others.
Like it had been carved—then forgotten.
Harry knelt near the entrance, brushing away the dirt.
Beneath the dust—there were markings.
Symbols, too worn to read.
But still there.
Still waiting to be understood.
---
HARRY (quiet, focused)
"This is older than I thought."
"Much older."
---
Jake let out a slow breath.
---
JAKE (muttering, glancing around)
"So… what now?"
"We just—walk in?"
---
Sally smirked, nudging John.
---
SALLY (grinning, teasing)
"Oh, you're the leader, aren't you?"
"Make the call."
---
John exhaled.
He stepped closer.
The entrance was pitch black.
Cool air drifted from inside, carrying the scent of stone and time.
He lifted his lantern.
The light barely touched the darkness ahead.
John looked back at the others.
His voice was steady.
---
JOHN (calm, certain)
"We came this far."
"We go in."
---
And like that—
They stepped forward.
Into the dark.
---
They stepped forward.
Deeper into the unknown.
The lanterns flickered, casting long shadows against the stone walls.
No one spoke.
Not out of fear—but out of awe.
This place was untouched.
Silent.
behind them—
Something shifted.
At first—no one noticed.
The air remained still.
The only sound was their footsteps against stone.
But slowly—the light behind them dimmed.
The entrance, once wide and open—began to vanish.
Not all at once.
Not with a sound.
Just gradually—like it had never been there at all.
Jake was the first to feel it.
A flicker of something in his gut—a sudden awareness.
He turned.
And his stomach dropped.
JAKE (sharp, uneasy)
"Uh—guys?"
John paused.
He followed Jake's gaze—and his chest tightened.
The cave entrance—the last sliver of moonlight—
It was disappearing.
Like the walls were slowly pressing in.
Like the cave was swallowing them whole.
Aurora spun around.
Her breath hitched.
AURORA (low, tense)
"What—"
"It was right there."
---
Finn took a step back, eyes widening.
---
FINN (half-joking, but uneasy)
"Okay, what's going on here."
---
Harry furrowed his brows, stepping closer.
He ran a hand along the stone where the entrance should have been.
It was solid. Cold. Unmoving.
Like it had always been this way.
Like the outside world had never existed at all.
A silence fell over the group.
For the first time tonight—the weight of what they had done settled in.
They were trapped.
King exhaled slowly, crossing his arms.
He wasn't panicking.
But his voice was low. Unreadable.
---
KING (quiet, steady)
"We're not leaving the way we came."
---
No one argued.
Because he was right.
Aurora swallowed, tightening her grip on her lantern.
Finn ran a hand through his hair, shaking his head.
---
FINN (muttering, glancing around)
"So, uh… new plan?"
---
John turned back toward the path ahead.
There was only one way to go now.
Forward.
His grip on his lantern tightened.
His voice came out steady. Certain.
---
JOHN (low, firm)
"We keep moving."
---
No one argued.
Because there was no other choice.
And so—
They stepped deeper.
And the darkness took them.
---
The tunnel stretched onward, curving just slightly as it widened again.
Their lanterns cast flickering light against the stone walls, revealing more of the strange markings.
Not words.
Not symbols they recognized.
Just faded remnants of something lost.
They had been walking for a while.
Too long.
And that was the problem.
Aurora slowed first.
Her eyes narrowed, scanning the walls.
---
AURORA (thoughtful, frowning slightly)
"How far down does this go?"
---
Harry checked his notebook.
Ran his fingers lightly along the stone.
Then—he frowned.
---
HARRY (quiet, analyzing)
"We should have hit a natural dead end by now."
"Or at least, a chamber of some kind."
---
Jake exhaled sharply.
---
JAKE (grumbling, shifting his bag)
"So what you're saying is, we're just walking forever?"
---
Sally smirked.
---
SALLY (grinning, nudging him)
"Oh no. Poor Jake. Trapped in an adventure."
"However will you survive?"
---
Jake shot her a look.
---
JAKE (deadpan, flat)
"By complaining. Constantly."
---
Finn huffed a small laugh.
---
FINN (grinning, stretching his arms)
"Hey, at least we're not dead."
---
King glanced at him.
---
KING (dry, unimpressed)
"Yet."
---
Finn blinked.
---
FINN (laughing nervously, rubbing his neck)
"Wow. Thanks for that confidence boost, King."
---
AURORA (ignoring them, glancing at John)
"What do you think?"
"We've gone deep, but if this just keeps going… maybe we should turn back."
---
John was silent.
Not because he disagreed.
But because something wasn't sitting right.
This cave had been untouched for years.
That much was obvious.
But why was it so open?
So deliberate?
Like it had been carved for a purpose.
Then—
Something shifted.
A sound.
Distant.
Low.
Like water lapping against stone.
John turned his head slightly.
Aurora and Finn heard it too.
---
FINN (blinking, tilting his head)
"Was that—water?"
---
Aurora nodded slowly.
---
AURORA (soft, focused)
"I think so."
HARRY (murmuring, thoughtful)
"That would explain the air down here. It's not damp, but it's not dry either."
---
Jake crossed his arms.
---
JAKE (grumbling, unimpressed)
"Great. So we're trapped and near an underground lake."
"What's next, cave monsters?"
---
FINN (grinning, wiggling his fingers)
"Ooooh. Maybe it's ghosts."
---
Jake shot him a glare.
---
JAKE (deadpan, flat)
"Not. Helping."
---
Sally snorted.
But John?
John wasn't laughing.
Because he wasn't sure that was just water.
He turned toward the tunnel ahead.
Then—
They heard it again.
But this time—
It wasn't just water.
It was voices.
---
A pause.
---
Aurora's breath hitched.
Jake froze.
Harry's brows furrowed sharply.
Because that wasn't possible.
They were alone.
Right?
John exhaled slowly.
Then—he moved.
Toward the sound.
Because whatever was down there—they needed to see it.
And as they stepped forward—the ground sloped downward.
The tunnel widened.
And then—they saw it.
---
[The Edge of the Drop]
The path vanished beneath them.
Not in a sudden fall—
But in a massive, gaping drop.
Like a hole carved into the earth itself.
Aurora's eyes widened.
Finn let out a low whistle.
---
FINN (soft, impressed)
"Whoa."
---
Harry moved closer to the edge.
He lifted his lantern.
The light flickered, stretching down, down, down.
But it didn't touch the bottom.
Aurora leaned over slightly.
And then—
She heard it again.
Water.
Slow, steady ripples.
And voices.
But not clearly.
Like they were being carried from somewhere else.
Somewhere deep below.
John narrowed his eyes.
Sally frowned, stepping forward.
---
SALLY (thoughtful, tilting her head)
"You think that's… people?"
---
Jake shifted uneasily.
---
JAKE (grumbling, shaking his head)
"How? No one comes down here."
---
Harry nodded, agreeing.
---
HARRY (calm, certain)
"No one should be here but us."
---
John's fingers curled slightly.
They had two choices.
Turn back.
Or find out what was below.
Jake looked at him.
Then at the others.
Then at the massive drop beneath them.
He let out a slow, painfully resigned breath.
---
JAKE (deadpan, muttering)
"I already hate where this is going."
---
Finn grinned.
Sally smirked.
Aurora exhaled, steadying herself.
Because they all knew.
There was only one way forward.
But not yet.
Not immediately.
Because jumping into the unknown—that wasn't something they could take lightly.
John stepped back from the edge.
His voice was steady.
---
JOHN (low, firm)
"We need to think about this."
"Whatever's down there… we have to be sure."
---
The group nodded.
Because this wasn't just an adventure anymore.
This was a choice.
One they couldn't undo.
And as they stood at the edge of the drop—
The voices below did not stop.
They only waited.
---
The group stood at the edge.
Looking down.
Listening.
The voices below had faded.
But the water—it was still moving.
Slow. Steady.
Like something was waiting.
---
Finn picked up a small rock.
Tossed it in his palm.
Then—he flicked his wrist.
The stone sailed over the edge.
And then—
Nothing.
No impact.
No splash.
No sound.
Jake blinked.
---
JAKE (frowning, uneasy)
"Did… did that just keep falling?"
---
Aurora tilted her head, watching the darkness.
---
AURORA (low, curious)
"It should've hit something by now."
---
HARRY (thinking aloud, focused)
"Either it's deeper than we thought…"
"Or something about this place is… off."
---
Jake ran a hand through his hair.
---
JAKE (grumbling, exhaling sharply)
"Oh yeah, love that second option."
---
Finn grinned.
---
FINN (grinning, nudging him)
"Adds to the mystery."
---
Jake shot him a glare.
---
JAKE (flat, deadpan)
"I hate the mystery."
---
Sally smirked.
But she didn't disagree.
John remained silent.
Because in his mind—the choice had already been made.
---
[The Choice]
King crossed his arms.
His voice was steady.
Unbothered.
KING (low, calm)
"It's not like we have many options."
Harry nodded slightly.
HARRY (murmuring, thinking)
"The entrance is gone."
"This might be the only way forward."
Aurora bit her lip.
Sally glanced at John.
Because he hadn't said anything yet.
And then—
John took a breath.
Stepped forward.
Turned to face the group.
His voice was calm.
Certain.
---
JOHN (steady, looking at them all)
"I'll go first."
A pause.
FINN (blinking, raising an eyebrow)
"Wait, what?"
John exhaled slowly.
JOHN (calm, reassuring)
"If there's a way down, I'll find it."
"If not… we'll know it's not safe."
Jake frowned.
JAKE (muttering, unimpressed)
"Oh, great. Our one rational guy just volunteered as tribute."
Aurora tensed slightly.
But she understood.
Sally crossed her arms.
She looked at John for a long moment.
Then—
She smirked.
SALLY (grinning, shaking her head)
"Well. No one ever said you weren't dramatic."
John huffed a small laugh.
Then—he turned back to the edge.
The others watched.
And without another word—
John jumped.
For a second—there was nothing.
No weight.
No air.
Just—falling.
The lantern in his hand flickered—but didn't go out.
The sound of water grew louder.
And then—
He was gone.
The others stared.
Aurora gripped her lantern tightly.
Jake ran a hand down his face.
Finn grinned.
FINN (grinning, stepping up beside the edge)
"Well. Guess that's our cue."
Sally exhaled slowly.
Then—
She jumped.
Aurora followed.
Finn went next, laughing as he fell.
Jake cursed under his breath—then leapt.
King didn't hesitate.
And finally—
Harry closed his notebook.
Tucked it away.
Stepped forward.
And let go.
The moment they hit the air—they were gone.
And the world above—vanished.
---
[END OF EPISODE 1]
[TO BE CONTINUED IN EPISODE 2]