The creature grabs on to dry roots protruding from the walls of the cave, holds the girl’s scarf tight and begins to climb upwards. The girl, with the rabbit in her arms, feels the cold sweat on her forehead slowly disappear as soon as they start moving towards the light that must be somewhere far, far above them.

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The climb seems to last forever. The air is still, and apart from the sound of dry dirt crumbling and falling into the eerie gloom below there is no sound; all they can hear is the heavy breathing of the creature climbing the dirt walls.

Finally, the light is breaking through. The climb ends where the fall began, and everything is now shrouded in a morning mist.

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Thank goodness, that you saved us, the girl says finally having the courage to speak with her full voice again. Heaving for air, the rabbit lies flat on the moist ground trying to regain strength after being squished in the firm grip of the girl.

**

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Almost crawling through the forest, the fright only just loosening its grip of the three odd friends; everything returning to normal.

None of the three want to mention or question the unknown they met below ground.

You think you know something, but you really never do, ponders the girl silently. Her worldview having been dislocated.

**

They reach a lake in the dusk. Silent ripples break the otherwise still surface of the tar-like water.
It’s beautifully tranquil here, they agree in low voices, not wanting to disturb the peace. They stand still by the water’s edge for a while.

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Low splashes. The quiet is disturbed by dark shadows coming out of the water. Inky ridges appear from the water. Eyes can be seen in the dusk.

You’re finally here, almost whispering, layered voices seem to come from the obscure beings. We’ve waited for you for so long.

 

Come back later for part seven..

 

Read the story from the beginning