The Cave

Chapter One

***Thanks for reading this story. I'm new at science-fiction writing. However, I enjoy this genre a lot. These next chapters will probably be short as I explore what I would like to accomplish with this story. Please be patient and comment. It would be nice to know how I'm doing. Thanks again.***

The game has begun. Panic has ensued. It's time to play.

Chapter One

A group of three individuals break away from the group.

"I don't know why we are here, but someone has to step up," Marnie says quietly.

"I agree. But who really is qualified to lead?" Gabriel, with his arms crossed, questions the other two.

"Let's base it on profession. I think that will be our best option, don't you?" Ricco suggests unsure of himself.

"I agree. Certain professions require certain skills and abilities that could help us get out of here quicker," Marnie agrees with a thoughtful nod.

"Okay. Let's pitch the idea to everyone," Gabriel replies.

Marnie calls out to the others, "Everyone come over here! We have an idea!"

The others walk over to the left side of the cave curious as to what they were discussing.

"We were thinking.. We need a leader. No way are we getting out without a plan," Ricco states to the group of strangers.

"The person with the best qualifying job should be the leader," Gabriel starts slowly. "Certain jobs have high qualifications."

Sequoia quickly steps up to the three. "Who says you all get to decide what we need to do?"

Marnie takes a deep breath and responds to Sequoia, "We're not trying to call the shots. We just know we need a plan. If anyone has a plan, please speak up. We all want to get out of here."

Clarissa also steps up and faces Sequoia, "I don't see YOU trying anything! Maybe you should cut them some slack. All YOU have been doing is fussing!"

Sequoia getting upset responds defensively, "I CANNOT BELIEVE you! You do not know me at all! How dare you?!"

Arguments and tempers flare up within the group once again. Tristan decides to try and defuse the problem.

"Before we go any further... We don't even know each other's names. Let's start with that. And we can figure out the rest as a group."

They introduce themselves and realize all they know are there names. None of them can remember anything other than that. What their life is like, if they have family, what they do for a living. All of that information is gone, out of reach.

Before another panic ensues, Harmony initiates the group to start making decisions. "We have time to worry about that later. Let's focus on the most important thing: escaping this nightmare of a cave. Instead of putting the responsibility of this mess on one person. We need to work together. We all have skills and abilities. We need everyone working together."

"You know what. You're right." Marnie nods in agreement.

Clarissa looking around this small entrance of the cave notices that it is starting to get darker. "I totally agree with everyone. But we need to start moving. Isn't it getting darker in here?"

Everyone looks around the cave. A chill of eeriness blankets their bodies.

Danny with a quick nod speaks up, "Let's grab the supplies and move on. Check to see if there are any flashlights."

Marnie, Harmony, Jerome, Melody, and Danny grab the backpacks and look for flashlights. They grab the flashlights and turn them on.

"I guess we'll carry the backpacks." Marnie says. "I'm guessing whatever we need will be in here. We don't really have time to look through them."

"Well, it's now or never. Let's go. Which way does the map lead us?" Gabriel asks not understanding the map.

Jerome who has been quiet the whole time walks next to Gabriel and grabs the map to analyze it. "Basically, this map is not a map. It's looks more like an intricate maze. Most maps have the whole area mapped out with paths and landmarks. This 'map' has too many ways that lead to the end. And the symbols aren't anything I've seen before."

"He's right. It looks like the creator of the map wants it to be more of a choice. Pick the safest way. I'm assuming these symbols mean that something is there," Ricco says analyzing the other map. "We'll have to determine what it means as we go along."

"But what do you mean SOMETHING is there. What's something?" Clarissa clammers anxiously. "Maybe it's best not to go. What if there IS something out there?!"

"Clarissa! Now is not the time for fear. Staying here is not an option. We are all here. We can work together to get out. We may not exactly know who we are or why we are in this dreadful cave. But what we CAN do is find a way out," Tristan replies.

"Clarissa kind of has a point. Not to be a downer, but do you remember what that man said. 'Always left behind is one man.' What are we really getting ourselves into?" Gabriel mentions hesitantly.

The group quiets down and looks at each other. The cave grows darker by each second.

"If you want to stay, it is up to you. But I for one, don't want to be in a dark cave not knowing what is going to happen to me. Why be a sitting target, when you could be putting every effort in to save your life," Melody, a quiet brunette, speaks up.

"All right. Let's get organized and get going. We should pair up so no one will ever be by themselves," Sequoia suggests to the group.

They leave the entrance in pairs. Marnie and Ricco are the lead pair of the group. They are followed by Harmony and Gabriel, Jerome and Tristan, Melody and Clarissa, and lastly Danny and Sequoia. AS the last group leaves the entrance, the entrance goes black.