Random Short Stories

Clue Zero

Avery took a deep breath, contemplating giving up on her mission. But she knew that she wouldn't, not after coming so far. Cautiously, she positioned her shovel over the dirt once more. Digging her shovel into the dirt, she pulled fiercely, and toppled backwards. Exasperated, she stood up, ready to walk away, when she saw the hole.

Fearfully, she approached the hole, ready to run at the first sign of danger. Gently, she lowered herself into the hole. Hesitantly, she turned on her flashlight and took a look around.

It was a large tunnel, going both directions. Just as she started down her chosen way, a huge boulder crashed down and covered the hole she had come through.

Keeping her cool, she turned back to the tunnel and started down the path. Laughing, she realized that she was finally living her dream.

Maybe I'll even find some treasure, she thought, then shook her head.

"No, if you get hopeful, you'll be disappointed," she said to herself, as she continued down the tunnel. Occasionally, she would look back to make sure she wasn't being followed. Panting, she was about to take a break when she noticed a light up ahead.

Quickly, she approached the light, excitement filling her body. Raising a hand to block the light from her eyes, she cautiously looked into the cavern.

She gasped, as the cavern was full of jewels of every color. Taking her time, she went around the room, touching some of the jewels, and then going to the stone dial in the center. Uncertainly, she touched the dial, which caused the cavern to start shaking. Very alarmed, she stepped back and bumped into another dial that had just appeared.

"What do you wish to know?" a female voice boomed.

"Xanery, my father," Avery said, "do you know where he is?"

"Yes, and although I am not allowed to tell you, I can give you a clue," the voice replied. "Zero is where everything starts, and zero is where it all returns."