Journey and the Lost Treasure of Killer Cove

Chapter 10

     As they ventured deeper into the eerie chamber, the air grew colder and the glowing artifacts cast an otherworldly light on their path. The ancient murals and carvings on the walls seemed to come to life, their eyes following the group as they moved forward. Journey's resolve was firm, but the weight of their situation was pressing on her. They were completely cut off from the outside world; whatever lay ahead was their only hope.

    "Stay close," Journey whispered, her voice echoing slightly in the vast chamber. Scout stayed right by her side, his ears perked up and alert.

     Max and Zella were behind her, their eyes scanning the surroundings for potential threats. The ground beneath them rumbled ominously, and the air grew colder.

     The ancient artifacts slowly disappeared as they walked, they came across a door. It was made of rusty metal, and it had a small window with bars on it, there was a keyhole but no key in sight.

     "I wonder what's in there?" Journey questioned getting closer. She looked through the window.

     As she peered over she saw a man! He had long brown hair and beard and he was sitting on the ground.

     "There's a man in here!" Journey exclaimed, tugging on the door, "We gotta get him out".

     The man heard them, "Who's there?!" He yelled, walking over to the window.

     "Hi sir, we're here to find a treasure, this is Max, Zella, and Scout, and I'm Journey," She said explaining themselves

     "Journey Thatcher?" The man questioned

     "Yes sir...how do you know my name?" She asked

     "It's me, your Father".

     Everyone gasped.

     "D-daddy..." Journey said not so formally "How... it's been years...how are you still alive...!?"

     "I'll tell you everything, can you three find the key? Or sometimes to break down the door with?" He asked

      They nodded and all immediately started searching for the key, or something to break down the door with.

     "Will this work?" Max asked, showing a metal bar, that was kinda like a crowbar.

     "That might work," Journey said immediately putting it into position to pry the door open.

     They all started pulling or pushing on the metal bar, and with their combined strength, the three kids were able to open it, all falling to the ground on top of one another.

     Journey immediately got up and ran over to him, giving him a giant hug. "Daddy!" She screamed. Her dad knelt and hugged her back.

     Zella and Max watched the wholesome scene. Scout happily wagged his tail.

     "How are you here? Where have you been for the past 8 years?" Journey asked

      "Well Journey, " Her dad started, "I came to find the treasure, my boat sank, so I made a house on this island, but I got trapped down here looking for the treasure, I've been here for I don't know how long, but I did learn the bugs do taste like chicken".

     Journey gagged a little at the thought of eating bugs, even though she was an outdoorsy girl, she could not eat a bug.

     Her dad stood up, " Max and Zella right? I'm Orion,"

     The two nodded, and Scout jumped up on Orion.

     "And you must be Scout," he said scratching his ear, "as nice as it is to meet you all, we better find a way out".

     They all nodded and started down the corridor. Journey holding her father's hand, not wanting him to leave again.