The Curse

Bye doom?

The next day, Anthony, Filip, Mr Williamson and Jillian set off for the cave. With the baby alien, of course, who by the way had needed another shot of the concoction to keep quiet. It did take them quite a while to find out the right path. Even though Jillian had several supernatural powers, unfortunately her sense of direction was as poor as it had been when she was alive. In the end, a very red faced and flustered Jillian calculated a route along the west which, she presumed would lead them safely out of the forest.

It was actually a bit lighter today as compared to the other days. Maybe it was a good sign? Probably it signified success or something. Conceivably, they would escape. Or they would get eaten. One shouldn't count ones' chickens before they hatch, after all.

The leaves rustled as the wind blew through the branches. But today, it seemed as though the trees were cheering them on. Cheering them to get out of this place and return to their world. Because that wasn't a place meant for human beings. Everything here worked on the principle of 'Survival Of the Fittest'. And humans definitely weren't the 'fittest' out here.

Surprisingly, they didn't meet any aliens on their way. It wouldn't have been a pretty sight for them anyway, seeing one of their kind captured by 'puny' human beings.

After hours of walking, they finally (and to Jillian's relief) got out of the forest. In front of them lay a path, covered by red sand. The wind blew even more fiercely here, which lead to a mini sandstorm.

"Ok let's get things done with," Jillian began," Inside the cave lives that monster. Now as I can see, our baby alien is waking up, although it's still groggy. First, we will let it loose inside the cave. And we will hide. That alien will serve as a distraction. Then you all just need to go and grab that box...."

"What if it's not there?" Filip asked.

"It WILL be there. Trust me, important stuff like that won't go amiss."

"What about you?"

This was the question Jillian was afraid of. "I uhh.....uhhh......I kind of have to stay here."

Everyone knew this was coming, but no one could hold back their tears.

"We will miss you....and everyone else," Anthony's voice was cracking.

"Me too," Jillian said, two shiny droplets of tears leaking out of her eyes," But you have got to go. Save yourselves. Don't worry about me, I might just find out where the others are." She gave a watery chuckle. "Bye Filip,bye Anthony....Bye....Dad."

There was a very emotional father-daughter goodbye. Each of them hugged each other. They wouldn't be seeing her anymore. No spell could awake the dead.....neither could any power.

"Now go on," Jillian urged them," Take care of mum," the bottom of her lips throbbed.

They let the alien out at the mouth of the cave and hid in some bushes nearby. Thankfully, there weren't nettles in the bush. The alien trudged about like a drunkard and gave a little wail. And the effect was instant.

There seemed to be a mini earthquake as the monster came running out of the cave. It took one look at the alien and ....and....kind of scrambled it. And the scene was not one to behold. The alien's mutilated body lay separated from the face. Green blood oozed out, colouring the earth a sickly green. Its face was completely slashed, its features deformed. Its body still quivered a bit, as if to complain for the injustice that had been rendered to it.

Pulling themselves together, Filip, Anthony and Mr Williamson ran past the monster into the cave. But alas! The monster turned round just in time to see three trespassers in his 'abode'.

It ran after them, emanating a roar that shook the entire cave. Some of the icicles broke and fell on the monster, who didn't seem to mind. The three of them had a narrow escape as they dodged the thin, yet pointed icicles.

And there it was.

Like a pearl in the ocean.

Filip was the first one to reach the box. They held hands together and Anthony did the honour of opening the box. There was a bright flash of light. And then, darkness. They felt like they were being sucked into a whirlwind - one that seemed to have no end at all.

HEY everyone! I know it's a very late update. I was sick, you know, and since my exams are approaching I am filled to the brim with studies and assignments. Nevertheless, we are just one chapter short of the end. If you liked the story, do vote and comment down below. HAVE A NICE DAY!!