Story written for "Gloves Up | A Multi-Genre Smackdown Contest", Round 4.1 (November 2022). Genre: Action-Adventure. Inspired by the following image.
Oops! This image does not follow our content guidelines. To continue publishing, please remove it or upload a different image.
Story word count = 3994
If anything, she was predictable. Under the full-moon's light, a dark figure crept across the project yard, keeping to the shadows between the excavating equipment and supplies. Not that stealth mattered much, because the security guard snoozed at his post. In the darkness, I leaned against the rocks at the cavern entrance and waited for her to come to me.
As the footfalls neared, softly crunching gravel, I switched on a lantern and said, "Figured you'd come here."
With a startled yelp, she jumped, nearly falling backwards. "Damn you, Seth!" Quickly regaining composure, she issued an ultimatum. "I'm going, and that's final."
Dr. Nova Jones was a smart, confident, and successful woman. An anthropologist, taking after her father, she was a leading authority on ancient American cultures and known for her contentious theories. But as she said, "Anthropology was only controversial if you do it right."
With full lips, long dark hair, and model-like lithe figure, she also drew other kinds of attention, but she was, well, how do I say this... difficult. Specifically, headstrong as a charging bison, and stubborn as a mule. I knew, because we dated until it became her way or the highway. She didn't expect me to choose the highway.
I sighed. "I'll give you two options. Option one: I hogtie you and drag your arse to the security office."
She placed hands on her hips and struck a defiant pose. "You wouldn't dare!" As I crossed my arms and glared into those deep brown eyes, she gulped. "You would, wouldn't you... Okay, what is option two?"
My expression lightened. "Option two: I come with you."
Nova rolled her eyes back. "Fine — option two. But don't get in the way."
"Wouldn't think of it," I kinda lied. "So, did you bring the artifact?"
"Yes."
Rummaging through her bulging backpack, Nova extracted a shiny metallic sphere about the size of a volleyball from a black canvas bag. Dozens of strange markings like ancient script etched its surface. Humming softly in her hand and emitting a pale blue glow, the object seemed otherworldly.
Perhaps it truly was otherworldly, by Nova's estimation, and further proof of ancient aliens. While a monumental discovery in its own right, the sphere paled to what I found nine months ago deep within this cavern — a portal to another world. Nova believed these things were connected.
I was a geologist, part-time prospector, and outdoor adventurer. Backpacking in the Secret Mountain Wilderness near Sedona, Arizona, I came across this cavern and did not resist the temptation to explore it. Soon after reporting my discovery, I met Nova and her father.
