knights

Chapter Twelve: Memory's Past

Chapter Twelve: Memory's Past

"Hey Seph, I'm not too sure about this.. We can get into some serious trouble if we were to get caught.." I spoke nervously as my light grey eyes shifted upward towards what we locals call, The Forbidden Grotto, though its true name is The Synn Caves.

"Seriously Daren? Are you really going to chicken out after coming all this way?"

Trying to act tough, I crossed my arms over my chest before walking closer to the cave's entrance; a huge part of me scared out of my mind.. I mean, everyone knows that a huge hideous beast lurked inside, that's why it's known as The Forbidden Grotto.. Not to mention all the tunnels leading in every which direction possible.. If the beast didn't get us first, we'd probably get lost.. Never to be heard or seen of ever again..

"Sooo, are we going in or not?" Seph began as he slipped a hand through his dark reddish hair. "You're turning twelve tomorrow right? Your practically going to be a man, and to make it official, we have to venture through the grotto without disturbing the beast!"

"Um, I don't remember you ever doing this, and you're a year older than I.."

"That's why I'm doing it now with you! You see, I waited for you so we can go together! Killing two birds with one stone ya know?"

Why.. did I not believe him.. If there is one thing about Seph that people should know, it's how he can twist things to make it work to his advantage.. a really bad trait if you ask me..

"Alright.. But we can't stay in there too long. My brother is coming home today, and I want to be home before he arrives."

"Oh that's right! I completely forgot Alex was returning! Wow, it's been almost a year hasn't it?"

Nodding my head, I couldn't help but smile. I've missed my brother more than I can put into words.. Ever since he left for Knight Training in the capital city, I really haven't felt the same.. It wasn't till Mother told me that he was coming home for an entire month that I began feeling like my self again! I couldn't wait.. I wanted to run home right now and just sit and..

"Wow Daren.."

"Huh?"

Rolling his eyes, Seph began entering the cave; taking only a few steps inside before turning back to face me. "All you do is think about your brother you know that?"

"N-No I don't!" I stuttered slightly before turning red..

"Ah, yeah, you do. Are you forgetting I'm a mind gazer?"

"And I keep telling you to stop reading my thoughts! Thoughts are private you know? That's why they're called thoughts!"

Laughing, Seph continued on inside; his scrawny figure disappearing into the darkness. "Don't worry Daren, your secrets are safe with me."

Huh? W-What did he mean by that?

"H-Hey! Wait for me!"

Scurrying inside, the cave engulfed me like a hungry bear shrouded in darkness; the only light piercing through the cracks of the ceiling; giving the chamber an eerie yellowish hue.  

"It doesn't look so bad." Seph spoke while stretching and yawning; his squeaky voice echoing throughout the chamber. I couldn't help but quench my teeth at the sound.. It's one thing to just hear his voice, but completely another when you hear it bouncing off everything; intensifying it. 

"We should keep our voices down Seph.. We don't want to disturb the beast.."

"Tch, to be honest with ya, I don't think there is a beast in here."

"Yes there is, everyone knows that! That's why us kids aren't allowed in here.."

Rolling his golden eyes as always, Seph began running a hand through the patches of sunlight in a playful manner. I've never met anyone as easily entertained as him.. I swear if you give him a wooden spoon he would be beyond happy with it, and not only that, but find numinous ways to make something out of it as well..

"Those are just stories the adults make up so we don't go somewhere they think is dangerous.." The red head yawned. "You're going to hear all sorts of similar stories, no matter where ya go.."

"Well I think it's true!"

"Why?"

"Because my Mother said so.."

"Wow Daren, just wow.."

"Are you calling my Mother a liar?"

"Nope, just that you are gullible."

"Whatever, I am not.. There is a monster in here!"

Giving into a sigh, Seph grabbed my hand and lead me down the nearest tunnel. Weaving in and out of chambers, we saw nothing in particular, just the same thing.. Which was fine with me.. Maybe the beast was asleep? Or maybe it was out hunting or something? Whatever the case was, I was glad.

"You see, nothing. Just rock and nasty bugs."

"That doesn't mean there isn't a beast."

"There's no beast Daren! The only things large enough to be considered a beast would be the Forest Lions and the Honey Bears, and they don't like caves, which is weird, but ya know.."

I could already tell where this was going to go.. It would end up with us fighting over who was right and Seph would get all upset and not talk to me for a few days.. Ugh, why does he have to do this all the time? Always wanting to prove me wrong..

"You know what?" I began while stomping away. "I'm going to prove to you there's a beast and when I find it you're going.."

I could feel the ground under me give way, and at first I thought it was just loose soil.. However to me surprise.. it wasn't..

"DAREN!"

Reaching out to grab Seph's hand, I could feel our finger tips just graze each others as  I sunk into the sink hole; my eyes I'm sure reflecting the fear I felt as it took me.. and where it was taking me.. I wish I knew..