The Beast Beneath The Bluff

Chapter Four

That night, Tabitha returned to the bluff.

The forest was still and quiet, save for the occasional rustle of leaves in the wind and chattering of nocturnal animals. Her heart was queasy and her mind screamed at her to just leave. Her ego couldn't handle going in there and talking to Goch, even if it does make her feel better, the shame just weighed heavy on her consciousness.

Goch is the closest thing to a real friend I have, Tabitha knew. I'm not going to let him go.

She crawled through the gap and into the tunnel, the darkness consuming her. Without Reverie there to guide her way through, she felt daunted and scared, but the desire to see Goch again pushed through any and all anxiety. She had gone through these tunnels dozens of times, she knew her way around. Eventually, she dropped back into the cave Reverie first found her in, and she reached into the dress in her pocket to retrieve a small candle and some matches that she took from her home. She dropped the candle back into her pocket, opened the matches, and struck them. A tiny orange flame illuminated the cave and the heat seared her skin, something completely unlike the warm, comforting heat that Reverie held. She quickly grabbed the candle again and lit it up before dropping the alit match on the floor and stepping on it.

She navigated through the cave off memory alone, feeling both confident and scared, tired yet excited. Even if Goch was a voice, even if he was nothing but a figment of her imagination, this cave was her safe haven, and his voice was her anchor. Finally, she stepped into an all too familiar chamber and exhaled in relief. This was the cave, she knew from the irregular red spot on the furthest wall.

Tabitha stepped into the cave and settled the candle on the floor and sat down next to it. She took in a deep breath and breathed out, cooling her nerves.

"Goch?" she said.

No voice answered back.

"Goch, I know you're mad at me, and I just want to say I'm sorry. I never meant to hurt your feelings, I was just being stubborn," she said.

Still no voice. Fear rose like vomit in her throat, but she forced herself to keep cool. "I understand if you never want to talk to me ever again, but I just want you to know that you're the closest thing to a friend I have right now. I don't want me being stupid to push you away."

Silence.

Maybe I should just go, Tabitha thought, but then again, there was something off in the air. Something that pressed at her mind and changed the air. It was cold in here, but at the same it was warm. There was electricity in the air, like the shift before the storm, and yet she wasnt sure if it was because of the pressure against her brain.

Finally, a voice.

You don't hate me?

His voice was like a breath of fresh air, and Tabitha eagerly nodded her head. "I never could," she vowed.

I was afraid. I thought you hated me and never wanted to see me again. I was prepared to be alone for many more years, yet now I'm pleasantly surprised. Its wonderful to see you again, Tabitha.

Tabitha nodded her head and wiped some tears away from her eyes, this time not giving a care in the world if Goch saw them or not. "I missed you, Goch," she said.

I think I've finally come to a decision.

Tabitha frowned slightly. "What do you mean?" she asked.

The walls began to tremble and the ground beneath her shook, shaking the flame away from the candle and engulfing her vision in darkness. Alarmed, Tabitha stood up and immediately flung out her arms before she could overbalance and collapse onto the floor. "Goch!" she cried. "What's going on!?"