distorted dreams

chapter seven;

Once again, the trio had come together in Hope's bedroom to research.

Hope had claimed a corner to herself, scribbling things down on an array of color-coded sticky notes. She flipped open all the books she'd previously marked, mumbling to herself, and then going back to taking notes.

Maxwell sat a few feet away, his face inches away from the computer screen before him. He wasn't taking notes or anything, just reading some article intently.

Jay was also on their computer, putting together all the notes they'd received from Hope and Maxwell. They were actually rather pleased with the information, and it made them determined that they could solve this problem.

"Guys-" Maxwell said suddenly, breaking the semi-silence.

Hope looked up, squinting slightly. Jay continued to stare at their screen, but they were listening to Maxwell as he spoke.

Maxwell cleared his throat, before beginning to read. "When portals for another realm break open, they're usually found in secluded areas such as forests or caves. This gives creatures a quiet place to lurk.."

Hope stood up, looking down at the other two. "The woods! We never even looked for things there!!" She exclaimed.

"We have to go-" Jay murmured, hopping to their feet.

"Guys..it's like midnight-" Maxwell huffed, standing up as well. "We can't just go out in unknown woods-"

Jay tapped their foot for a minute, thinking. "The forest is right by your house, right Max?"

Maxwell glanced from side to side. "Well, yeah but-"

"Soooo-" Hope began, already picking up what Jay meant. "We can get flashlights and stuff from your house and use it as la sort of base!"

Maxwell sighed, seeming nervous. "I mean, my family is out of town this weekend..again-"

Hope was already putting her shoes on. "Perfect-"

Jay nodded in agreement, putting their shoes on as well.

Maxwell made a distressed noise, but he didn't protest anymore. He already had his shoes on, once again, so he walked out of the room with the other two following silently.

Hope walked towards the front door, unlocking it quietly. She glanced around, checking for signs of life. Nothing stirred in the practically pitch-black room, and she pushed the door open.

Jay walked out first, exhaling softly. They turned to face Hope, who pulled the door closed and locked it once again. Maxwell shuddered, fiddling with his fingers anxiously.

"Calm down dude-" Jay muttered. "We're just sneaking out. Normal teenage things-"

"We're hunting a monster!" Maxwell whisper-shouted. "That is far from normal!"

Hope punched Maxwell's arm, glaring. "Shut up Max, seriously. You got yourself into this."

Maxwell fell silent, holding his arm with a frown. He began walking towards his house, sighing quietly to himself. Jay and Hope trailed behind, steadily growing more nervous as they approached the woods.

Maxwell unlocked his front door cautiously, looking around the living room with a tiny frown. He waved his hand, signaling it was all clear, and let his friends inside.

Maxwell flipped on the light, looking at Jay and Hope. "Okay so, we need flashlights and defense, correct?"

The two nodded, shifting nervously. Maxwell shuffled off to some unknown room, and returned three minutes later with five flashlights.