⸻Kida looked at the map, her eyes tracing the lines and pathways that sprawled across the page. Matt guided with the pickaxe in one hand and the lantern in the other, casting a warm but eerie glow that cut through the darkness. He kept his eyes forward, but his ears were tuned to Kida's directions.
"The mines are huge," Kida observed, noting the intricate network of tunnels. They had only traversed a small portion. She spotted the exit on the map, but the "You are here" dot marked their current position far from it. The exit was in the farthest corner on the left, indicating a long journey ahead.
The realization hit her like a wave, and she felt a rush of overwhelm swallow her. She couldn't afford to give in, not after the panic attack she'd just endured. She had to stay strong, for both of them. She needed something to anchor her, something to get her through this ordeal.
"Matt..." she began, her voice wavering slightly.
"Yeah, Angel?" Matt responded, his voice a soothing balm in the oppressive darkness.
Her heart fluttered at the nickname. Matt always called her that, claiming it suited her. But Kida knew there was more to it than that.
She took a deep breath, knowing the next question would bring tension but needing to ask it nonetheless. "What exactly happened that night?"
Matt froze in his steps, the suddenness of Kida's question catching him off guard. He hadn't expected her to press him about that night, especially not in their current predicament.
Kida, sensing his hesitation, squeezed his hand gently. "It'll distract me from the claustrophobia," she explained, her voice trembling slightly but determined.
"Are you sure?" Matt asked, concern lacing his voice. "You don't want to talk about anything else?"
Kida shook her head, her eyes pleading. "I'm sure. Once this is all over, I want to leave and never come back. So before I do, I need to find some sense of closure to move on from this."
Matt took a deep breath, nodding slowly. "Well... okay." He adjusted his grip on the pickaxe and lantern, readying himself to delve into painful memories.
Washington Lodge - A Year Ago
⸻As Matt and Ashley trailed toward the guest room, they overheard the animated conversation between Jessica, Emily, Sam, and Mike. The tension in the air was palpable, a mixture of excitement and something more that Matt couldn't quite place.
Jessica's voice rang out, tinged with anticipation. "It's almost time for the plan to unfold."
Sam, her curiosity piqued but also tinged with apprehension, asked, "Plan? What plan?"
Emily's eyes sparkled with mischief, her excitement barely contained. "We are going to play a little prank on Hannah, that's all."
Sam noticed the mischievous glint in Emily's eyes, a warning sign that whatever they had planned wasn't going to be lighthearted or harmless. A sense of unease settled over her.
"Prank?" Sam echoed, her voice tinged with skepticism and worry.
Jessica, eager to share the details, whipped out a piece of paper and thrust it into Sam's hands, cutting off her questions abruptly. Jessica's voice overlapped Sam's reading, explaining the plan with a gleeful malice that made Sam's stomach churn.
"We're going to write a letter," Jessica began, her tone dripping with excitement. "It'll be from Mike, asking Hannah to meet him alone in the guest room. When she gets there, Mike will act like he's into her, you know, lead her on."
Emily jumped in, her laughter echoing in the hallway. "And once she undresses herself, we all jump out and surprise her."
Jessica beamed with pride as she watched Sam look at the note. "Not too shabby, if I do say so myself. I tried to mimic Mikey here's handwriting, but I figured why not use mine to add a bit of magic."
Sam's brows furrowed as she read the note aloud, her voice laced with disbelief. "Hannah, you look so damn hot in that shirt. You'd probably look better out of it. Meet me in the guest room at 2 am. Xoxo Mike."
Sam scoffed, unable to hide her contempt. The note was ludicrous. She couldn't believe they'd try to reel Hannah in with such a blatant fake. The language was so stereotypical and contrived that any sensible person would see right through it. But Hannah, sweet and naive, might not. She was vulnerable, especially when it came to Mike, her long-time crush.
Sam glanced around the lodge, wondering where Hannah had wandered off to. The thought of her friend falling for this cruel prank made her stomach churn. She shoved the note back into Jessica's chest with a look of disgust.
"Unbelievable," Sam muttered, her voice shaking with anger and frustration. She turned her glare towards Mike, who was standing with a smirk that made her blood boil. "You are seriously not going along with this, are you?"
Mike's smirk faltered for a moment, but he quickly regained his composure. "Come on, Sam, it's just a joke. She'll get over it."
Jessica chimed in, rolling her eyes. "It's just for the fun of it, Sam. Lighten up."
Sam stood her ground, her frustration mounting. "Just for the fun of it? Don't you guys think this is a little bit cruel?"
Jessica rolled her eyes, clearly annoyed by Sam's persistent objections. "Oh, come on, she deserves it."
Sam's brows furrowed in confusion and anger. "Deserves what exactly? It's not her fault that she has a huge crush on Mike!"
Jessica's lips curled into a smug smile. "Yeah, but after what happened during that truth or dare scheme. She seemed to enjoy herself too much."
Sam crossed her arms, her voice rising slightly. "That's not fair. You guys dared her."
Jessica shrugged nonchalantly. "The point overall is that Hannah needs to know her place. I'm just looking out for my girl Em."
Jessica walked away, heading towards the guest room with an air of determined mischief. Emily, Mike, and Sam followed her, the tension thick in the air.
Emily's voice cut through the silence. "Just because he's class Prez doesn't mean he belongs to everyone... Mike is my man."
Mike raised an eyebrow, his tone exasperated. "Hey, Em. I'm not anybody's man."
Emily rolled her eyes, a hint of possessiveness in her voice. "Whatever you say, darling!"
Sam, trailing behind, caught a glimpse of Matt and Ashley standing off to the side, watching the conversation unfold. Relief washed over her; she needed to vent about the absurdity of the upcoming prank. She quickened her pace, catching up to Emily, Jess, and Mike as they made their way down the hallway.
Jessica looked back at Matt and Ashley, her eyes gleaming with excitement. "Five minutes till showtime."
Sam stared at her friends in disbelief. "Please tell me that you two aren't really going along with this."
Ashley stammered, her discomfort evident. Matt tried to find the right words, looking conflicted. "Well, umm..."
Sam shook her head, frustration boiling over. Without another word, she turned on her heel and hurried towards the stairs, determined to find Hannah and warn her before it was too late.
Matt looked at Ashley, who was fidgeting nervously. He let out a resigned sigh. "Let's just get this over with."
Ashley sighed, her nerves showing. "The sooner we get this done, the better, right?"
They continued down the hallway, the guest room door looming at the far end. Matt pushed it open, seeing Emily and Jessica, their giggles filling the air. Mike, looking less enthusiastic but resigned, stood towards the left of the room. Jessica closed the door behind them, her eyes gleaming with anticipation as Ashley trailed in last.
Matt scanned the guest room, trying to figure out the logistics. "So, what do we do now?"
Jessica's eyes sparkled with mischief. "Isn't it obvious? We are going to hide."
Emily chimed in, directing Ashley. "You can hide behind that partition right there. And Matt, you can hide in that wardrobe. I'm sure it could fit you and your muscles."
Matt eyed the large brown wardrobe in the corner of the room, then glanced back at Emily and Jessica. "Okay, but if I hide in there, how am I going to hold the camera without Hannah noticing my hand?"
Jessica paused, realizing the flaw in their plan. She quickly rummaged through a nightstand drawer, pulling out a selfie stick and handing it to Matt. "This should do the trick."
Matt adjusted the camera on the selfie stick, ensuring it was angled perfectly to capture the room. He turned on the record button and it captured everyone who was participating. He felt a knot in his stomach, a nagging sense that they were crossing a line they couldn't uncross. What would happen next? How would Hannah react, and what would the fallout be?
The faint sound of footsteps echoed from the hallway. Emily and Jessica scrambled to get into their hiding spots under the bed.
"Places, everyone, places," Emily sang softly, suppressing her laughter. She turned off the light.
Matt hurried into the wardrobe, his height making it a tight fit. He closed the door slightly, leaving just enough space for the camera to peek through. He could hear giggles, one unmistakably belonging to Ashley, followed by hushed whispers.
Trying to remain as still as possible, Matt focused on keeping his breathing quiet. The confined space of the wardrobe felt stifling, but the camera's lens was his only view into the unfolding scene.
The door creaked open, and Matt heard the soft, innocent voice of Hannah echo through the room. He saw her enter, holding a candle, which puzzled him. The electricity was working fine; perhaps she brought it to set the mood for her and Mike. He then realized that it'd blow their cover if she had turned on the lights. He had mentally facepalmed himself.
"Mike? It's me, Hannah," she called out softly.
Hannah's voice trembled with a mix of anticipation and nerves. She stepped further into the room, the candle casting flickering shadows on the walls. Matt's heart sank as he realized just how vulnerable she was, walking into what she believed was a romantic encounter. She placed it on the nightstand where Jessica gave Matt the selfie stick.
Matt heard the door shut as Hannah was now in the room "alone" with Mike. He strained to see through the narrow gap in the wardrobe, catching glimpses of Mike's composed demeanor. Mike's usual charming confidence was on full display as he approached Hannah.
"Hey, Hannah," Mike said smoothly, his voice soft and inviting.
Hannah's eyes darted nervously, her shyness evident in every gesture. "I-I got your note," she stammered, clutching the piece of paper as if it were a lifeline.
Mike took slow, deliberate steps toward her, his gaze never wavering from her anxious eyes. "I'm glad you could make it," he continued, his tone warm and sincere. "I felt the need to be honest with you."
Hannah's heart raced, her mind a whirl of emotions. "W-what do you mean?" she asked, her voice barely above a whisper.
Mike's expression softened, a hint of vulnerability breaking through his usual bravado. "Hannah, I couldn't stop thinking about you. After that kiss."
Matt mentally shook his head in disbelief, despising the sight of Mike toying with girls' feelings as always. Although it was a prank, he couldn't help but gnaw at the feeling of discomfort growing inside him.
"You..you liked it?" Hannah's voice was a soft whisper, her shyness evident as she took a tentative step back.
Mike trailed closer, a confident smirk on his face. "Liked it? Hell, I've been longing for it ever since I met you. I have always admired your looks and personality, which are both a hot combination. And I..."
Hannah's back touched the wall beside her, her cheeks turning a deep shade of red. Matt could see the innocence in her eyes, the hopefulness that this moment might be genuine.
Mike leaned in, his voice dropping to a seductive whisper. "I think we should keep it between us. This meetup. I just want to feel your touch again."
Hannah's breath hitched, her heart pounding in her chest. "Mike... are you sure about this?"
Mike nodded, closing the distance between them. "Absolutely. You have no idea how much I've wanted this."
The room seemed to close in around them, the atmosphere thick with tension. Matt's grip on the selfie stick tightened, his mind racing with thoughts of how to intervene without blowing the prank wide open.
Hannah hesitated, her eyes flickering with uncertainty. "But... what about Emily?"
Mike's expression faltered for a brief second before he regained his composure.
"Emily doesn't matter right now. This is about us, Hannah."
Hannah's eyes filled with a mix of longing and confusion. She had always dreamed of a moment like this, but something about it felt off. "I... I don't know, Mike."
Mike reached out, gently cupping her face in his hands. "Trust me, Hannah. This is real."
Hannah leaned into his touch.
Mike's voice carried a playful tone as he stepped back, giving Hannah space. "Maybe we should start with a little, you know, making out, and see where it goes from there. Clothes are optional."
Matt grimaced at the words. Seriously. He uses that line with every girl in the past. Even Emily. He saw how eager Hannah was, unable to hide her anticipation.
Hannah began to unbutton her black shirt, her hands trembling slightly. Each button loosened the fabric, revealing more of her skin.
Matt couldn't bear to watch. He wondered what Ashley thought, or how Josh would react when he found out. He questioned why he was still holding this damn selfie stick, recording the whole humiliating scene.
Mike's voice was low and anticipating. "Oh, hell yeah..."
And there Hannah was, exposed and vulnerable, baring herself to what she believed was a private moment, not realizing the world she was unwittingly sharing it with. Matt shifted his head away, unable to stomach the sight of Hannah's innocence being exploited.
Suddenly, a voice pierced through the silence. "Oh my God, she took her shirt off," Jessica exclaimed, her tone filled with a mix of amusement and shock.
Hannah gasped, instinctively pulling her shirt closed to cover herself. Her heart raced as she scanned the room to find out who was spying on her. She turned the lights on.
"What?! Oh my God! What is going on here?" Hannah's voice trembled with a blend of embarrassment and anger.
From under the bed, Emily and Jessica emerged, their faces painted with mischievous grins. Hannah's eyes widened in disbelief. Before she could fully process their presence, Ashley stepped out from behind a partition, her expression one of guilty pleasure.
Hannah's voice cracked with confusion and hurt. "What are you guys doing—?"
Before she could finish her sentence, Matt sighed heavily, stepping out of the wardrobe. He held a selfie stick, the camera still rolling, capturing every moment of Hannah's humiliation. Remorse flickered across his face as he met Hannah's eyes, which were now brimming with tears of betrayal.
"Matt?? What are you doing here?!" Hannah's voice broke into a raw mixture of shock and heartbreak.
The tension in the room was palpable, the air thick with the weight of unspoken words and hurt feelings. Just as the situation threatened to boil over, the door creaked open. Sam entered the guest room, her presence a sudden, unexpected shift in the unfolding drama.
Her eyes darted around the room, taking in the scene: Hannah's mortification, the guilty faces of her friends, and the lingering sense of a prank gone too far. Sam's arrival added another layer of complexity to the already tangled web of emotions, her expression a mirror of the confusion and concern that hung heavily in the air.
Sam rushed to Hannah's side, her voice gentle yet urgent. "Hannah! Hannah, hey, honey... Don't... it's just a..."
But before she could finish, Mike stepped forward, his expression wrought with regret. "Hannah, I'm sorry—things had gotten out of control.."
Hannah's eyes widened, her voice a mixture of anguish and disbelief. "Mike!"
Unable to bear the humiliation and betrayal, Hannah pushed past them all, her face streaked with tears. She bolted from the guest room, her footsteps echoing down the hallway.
Sam turned to the others, frustration, and anger evident in her tone. "Stupid prank."
Mike ran a hand through his hair, a groan of frustration escaping his lips. "Ugh... damn!"
Sam shot a glare at the group, her eyes filled with disdain. "You guys are jerks. You know that?"
Without waiting for a response, Sam hurried after Hannah, her voice calling out desperately. "Hannah!"
Mike hesitated for a moment, torn between his guilt and the need to make things right. Finally, he ran after Sam, his voice joining hers in calling out for Hannah.
Emily and Jessica, oblivious to the gravity of the situation, exchanged a smug high-five. Emily grinned, her eyes glinting with satisfaction. "I think she gets the message now."
Jessica laughed lightly, nodding in agreement. "Totally. Let's go see what's happening."
They moved towards the door, their steps light and carefree, completely unaware of the emotional storm they had unleashed.
Ashley approached Matt, her voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and disappointment. "Well, that was something else."
Matt shook his head, regret etched into his features. "We need to go apologize to her. I felt dumb for doing this stupid fucking prank..."
He placed the camera on the bed, its lens pointed away from the unfolding drama as if symbolizing his desire to turn away from the mistake. Without another word, he followed after the others, Ashley close behind. They could hear Sam's voice echoing through the lodge, calling desperately for Hannah to come back.
Outside, on the back patio, Sam had managed to catch up with Hannah, grabbing her arm gently but firmly. "Hannah, please come back inside..."
Hannah's eyes flashed with hurt and anger. "Why? So I can be humiliated again??"
Sam's voice was earnest, trying to soothe her. "They were jerks, yes. But—"
"Just stop it, Sam! I need to clear my head. I don't want to be around these assholes!" Hannah's voice cracked with emotion as she slipped from Sam's grasp, running off towards the dense woods that bordered the lodge.
By this time, Emily, Mike, Matt, Jessica, and Ashley had all hurried out the door, converging on the spot where Sam stood, her face pale with worry.
Jessica called out, her tone dismissive and flippant. "Hannah, don't be so dramatic! Come back!"
"It was just a prank, Han," Emily called out insensitively.
Her laughter, joined by Jessica's, rang hollow in the cold night air. Mike's frustration was palpable as he looked between them. "Guys, come on..."
Emily sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "You put on such a performance, hun."
Sam's voice cut through their chatter, raw with desperation. "HANNAH! Hannah, please come back!"
Mike tried to reassure the group, though his voice lacked conviction. "She should be back any minute now..."
As if on cue, the sound of approaching footsteps broke through the tense silence. Matt turned, his eyes meeting the curious gazes of Beth and Kida. Beth's expression was sharp and inquisitive, while Kida, still shaking off the effects of her earlier inebriation, looked both puzzled and concerned.
Matt sighed inwardly, knowing that the next few moments would likely involve a stern talking-to from the duo. Both Beth and Kida were known for their no-nonsense attitudes, and their disappointment was already palpable.
Mines - Present Day
⸻Matt concluded his story, his voice echoing softly through the damp, narrow tunnels of the mines. Kida walked beside him, her face a mask of concentration as she processed everything he had just shared.
"So yeah... that was it," Matt finished, his tone subdued.
Kida felt a whirlwind of emotions swirling within her—anger, sadness, confusion, and a faint trace of acceptance. Anger threatened to boil over as she thought about the prank and its cruel consequences. Yet, she questioned if holding onto that anger meant she could never truly forgive Matt or the others involved. The empathy she felt for Hannah was overwhelming; their bond had always been strong, and she knew Hannah's gentle nature didn't deserve such a betrayal. Even though Hannah's obsession with Mike could be exasperating, it didn't justify the humiliation she had endured.
Kida's thoughts drifted to the irreversible past. The prank had set off a chain of events that had led to Josh's tragic demise. She couldn't help but wonder if things would have been different if Josh were still alive, had that night never happened. But she knew that dwelling on these thoughts was futile. The past couldn't be altered, and every moment they spent now was crucial.
Matt's concerned voice broke through her reverie. "Kida... are you?"
"I'm fine," Kida replied, her tone clipped, her emotions tightly reined in.
Matt didn't seem convinced. "Are you sure? You don't seem—"
"I SAID THAT I'M FINE!" Kida snapped, her voice ringing sharply against the cold, stone walls.
Silence fell between them, heavy and uncomfortable. Matt's face showed a mix of hurt and confusion, but he didn't press further. Kida took a deep breath, willing herself to focus. They had more pressing matters at hand, and there was no time for personal turmoil. The weight of the past would have to wait; for now, survival and the task ahead were all that mattered.
The silence between Matt and Kida stretched, punctuated only by the occasional drip of water echoing through the mine's labyrinthine passages. Kida's heart pounded in her chest, a mix of lingering anger and the pressing urgency of their current situation.
Matt finally broke the silence, his voice tentative. "We should keep moving."
Kida nodded, her outburst still echoing in her mind. She wanted to apologize but couldn't bring herself to do it just yet. Instead, she focused on the task at hand, pushing her emotions aside. They navigated through the narrow tunnels, their flashlights casting long, eerie shadows on the damp walls.
Kida and Matt navigated through the dimly lit tunnels, their flashlights casting long, eerie shadows on the damp walls. The oppressive silence was broken only by their footsteps and the distant, sporadic drips of water echoing through the mine.
Eventually, they stumbled upon a more developed section of the mine. To their surprise, the area was illuminated by flickering lights. In front of them stood an elevator, a clock-in station, and an upper deck overlooking the cavernous space.
Matt surveyed the scene, his brow furrowed. "Someone has been here."
Kida nodded, her eyes drifting to the empty elevator shaft. "And the elevator is gone..."
Matt let out a frustrated sigh, rubbing his temples. "Guess we are at square one. Damn it!"
Kida scanned the area, her eyes settling on a lever by the elevator shaft. "Hold on," she said, striding over and pulling the lever to call the elevator back down.
Matt watched as the machinery groaned to life, gears clanking and grinding. "Seems like it'll be a while before it comes back."
Kida nodded, the faint hum of the elevator in the background. She turned to Matt, her expression softening. "Matt, I'm sorry for snapping at you earlier."
Matt shook his head, his face weary but understanding. "It's fine, Kida. Really. This whole situation with Hannah, Beth, and Josh is still fresh. Maybe you're not ready to forgive me 100%."
Kida sighed, looking away for a moment before meeting his gaze. "I'm not angry at you, and my forgiveness hasn't changed. What if we had come back today and the psycho was still lurking out there? It wouldn't stop anything from us possibly falling victim."
Matt leaned against the wall, crossing his arms as he considered Kida's words. "You may have a point."
Kida looked around anxiously, her eyes darting to the empty elevator shaft. The elevator still hadn't arrived, and the waiting only added to her unease. She moved to the desk near the clocking machine and sat down, her hands trembling slightly. Matt followed her, taking a seat on a nearby crate.
"I think I'm ready to tell you about what happened," Kida said, her voice steadying as she spoke.
Matt nodded, leaning in to listen. "Well, I'm all ears."
Kida took a deep breath, gathering her thoughts. "After you and Emily left to find her bag, Josh and I started talking about his disappearance. You know, catching up."
Matt listened intently, his expression thoughtful.
"Something about him... I couldn't shake the feeling," Kida continued, her eyes distant as she recalled the conversation. "There was a look in his eyes."
"Depression? Loss?" Matt suggested.
Kida nodded slowly. "That, but something else... I couldn't shake it off."
"Maybe he's still upset with us," Matt speculated. "Well, not you, but those who were involved in the prank. Like Ash, Jess, Em, Mike maybe."
"Yeah," Kida agreed, her voice soft.
"But it wouldn't make sense," Matt mused. "Why would he invite us back here if he still feels animosity?"
"I wondered that too," Kida admitted. "Not just that, but why did we come back to the place where the past haunts us all?"
Matt sighed, shaking his head. "I wish I had the answer."
Kida took another deep breath, her hands gripping the edge of the desk. "As I was saying, Josh, Ash, and Chris thought about connecting to the spirit realm, which I said hell no to."
Matt let out a chuckle, the sound echoing faintly off the mine's damp walls. "Scared of a little ghost?"
Kida nudged him playfully, a small smile tugging at her lips despite the eerie surroundings. "Not scared, just... cautious."
They continued to wait for the elevator, its slow approach marked by the distant grinding of gears. Kida took a deep breath, trying to gather her thoughts.
"I got hungry and decided to head into the kitchen to find some grub," she began. "And I came across Josh. He left me a gift. Remember that Jeremiah Cragg bottle?"
Matt nodded, his curiosity piqued. "Yeah, I remember."
"Well, he got me that and left a note," Kida said, reaching into her pocket. "Wait, I have it here."
She pulled out a slightly crumpled piece of paper and handed it to Matt. He unfolded it carefully and read aloud, his voice low in the dim light. "Let's bury the hatchet—and nothing else—tonight. Enjoy the trip down memory lane."
Matt looked up, a thoughtful expression on his face. "Seems like he wanted to move forward after all."
Kida nodded a mixture of relief and sadness in her eyes. "I guess so. But it still feels like there's something unresolved, something more beneath the surface."
"I went to the room to settle in because I got bored, and I was... well, expecting your return."
Matt chuckled, the sound a brief respite from the surrounding darkness. "Aww, I knew you couldn't stay away."
Kida giggled, the sound lightening the mood for a moment. "Shut up," she said playfully. Then her voice grew serious and somber. "But I remember drinking the bottle, and then everything went black..."
Her words hung in the air, the gravity of her statement pulling them back to the seriousness of their situation.
Matt's expression turned concerned. "And when you woke up...?"
Kida swallowed hard, her voice trembling. "I heard it... his voice."
"Josh?" Matt asked, his brow furrowing.
Kida shook her head, her eyes distant and haunted. "No. That fucking sadist. He was talking in such mannerisms, saying how this was a re-enactment of Hannah and Beth..."
Matt's confusion deepened. "What does that even mean?"
Kida's voice wavered, her fear and pain evident. "I-I'm not sure... I think maybe because Hannah and Beth were out there, vulnerable and lost, where no one could find them. I think that was his purpose with me when he..." She choked up, her voice breaking. "When he buried me."
Matt's eyes widened in horror and anger. "That sick bastard... he wanted you to feel the same fear and helplessness."
Kida nodded, tears welling up in her eyes. "Yes. It was like he wanted to relive that night through me, to make me suffer the way they did."
Matt wrapped his arms around Kida, pulling her close in a comforting embrace. "And I'm guessing that's when he played the tape of Josh, Chris, and Ash..."
Kida nodded somberly, her eyes reflecting the torment she had endured.
Matt stared down at her sympathetically. He couldn't imagine the emotional torment she had gone through, being buried alive with no type of escape. He had seen the coffin being latched and felt the weight of the earth pressing down. She could have died, and Matt would have lost a piece of himself. No, not just a piece—half of him.
He gently lifted her chin, staring into her weary brown eyes. His thumb brushed her left cheek, wiping away a tear. "Kida, I promise you with my life that no matter what, I will protect you. Even if it costs my life. I know this is too soon, but when we get off this mountain, I want us to get away. Anywhere you want to go, I'll take you."
Kida's eyes widened slightly, a mixture of hope and disbelief crossing her face. "You'd do that?"
"Yes," Matt replied firmly, his gaze unwavering.
Kida's lips curled into a faint smile. "I could kiss you right now."
Matt's eyes sparkled with affection. "What's stopping you?"
Kida leaned in, her heart pounding with a mix of emotions. Just as their lips were about to meet, a loud squeal echoed through the mines, startling them both. They looked up to see the elevator arriving, its gears grinding and metal creaking as it came to a stop.
Matt sighed, a wry smile tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Timing, huh?"
Kida chuckled softly, her tension easing a bit. "Yeah, seems we're not meant to have a moment."
They rushed into the elevator shaft, their breaths quickened by the urgency of their escape. Kida pulled the lever, her eyes meeting Matt's with a hopeful smile. He returned her smile with one of his own, filled with determination and reassurance.
The elevator began its ascent, the gears grinding and the metal creaking as it slowly carried them upward. The ride was tense, each moment stretching out as they listened to the eerie echoes of the mine around them. Finally, the elevator clanked to a stop, the doors creaking open to reveal the passage ahead.
Exiting the elevator, they found themselves at a fork in the path. The dim light from their flashlights barely penetrated the oppressive darkness, casting long shadows on the rough stone walls.
"Which way?" Matt asked, his voice steady but tinged with urgency.
Kida glanced at the worn map in her hands, trying to make sense of the unfamiliar layout. The lines and symbols blurred together, offering little clarity.
Matt looked over her shoulder, assessing the options. "Let's go left."
Kida nodded, trusting his instinct. "Okay..."
They trailed in the left direction, the darkness enveloping them once more. Kida clung to Matt, her grip tightening as the walls seemed to close in around them. The oppressive air pressed down, and Matt could feel her breaths growing shallow and rapid.
"Breathe, Angel," Matt said softly, trying to keep his voice calm and steady.
Kida shook her head, panic creeping into her voice. "I can't, Matt..."
"Yes, you can. You're Kida Sinclair. You can do anything," Matt encouraged, his tone filled with conviction.
Kida nodded, her voice shaky. "Okay... okay... okay..."
Matt kept a close eye on her, guiding her through the narrowing tunnel. The walls seemed to pulse with an oppressive energy, and the darkness grew thicker, almost tangible. Every step felt heavier, each breath harder to take.
Suddenly, Matt halted, his body tensing. He heard a strange, squelching sound ahead of them. The uneasy feeling that had been gnawing at him intensified. He held up a hand to signal Kida to stop.
Kida's body went rigid, her whisper barely audible. "What is that?"
"I-I'm not sure," Matt replied, his own fear creeping into his voice.
He shone her flashlight ahead, the beam cutting through the thick darkness. The light revealed a silhouette standing in the path ahead, motionless and foreboding. The figure was just out of reach of the full beam, shrouded in shadows that made it impossible to discern any details.
The ominous presence sent a chill down Matt's spine. He tightened his grip on the flashlight, his other hand moving protectively in front of Kida.
They both froze in their steps as the figure emerged from the shadows, towering and unnaturally slim. Its presence was menacing, its movements slow and deliberate. The flickering light barely illuminated its eerie form, making it all the more terrifying.
Matt, not taking his eyes off the creature, whispered urgently, "Kida, I'm going to need you to run on three."
Kida's voice was barely a whisper, filled with fear but also determination. "Okay..."
The figure continued to move in a haunting manner, its head turning slowly in different directions as if sensing their presence. The sound of its movements echoed through the tunnel, a chilling reminder of their peril.
"One..." Matt's voice was steady, but his heart pounded in his chest.
Kida let go of his arm, preparing herself to sprint. Her muscles tensed, ready for the command.
"Two..." Matt took cautious steps backward, mirroring Kida's movements. Each step felt like an eternity, the tension almost unbearable.
Suddenly, the figure turned its head sharply towards them, letting out a bone-chilling shrill. It began to move towards them, its pace increasing, closing the distance with horrifying intent.
"RUN! Go! Go!" Matt shouted, his voice breaking the oppressive silence.
Kida and Matt darted in the opposite direction, their feet pounding against the rough ground. The creature chased after them, its strides long and swift, the shrill echoing behind them.
They ran as fast as they could, their athletic skills put to the ultimate test. The mine's narrow passages blurred past them, each twist and turn a desperate bid to escape. The air was thick with fear and adrenaline, every breath burning in their lungs.
Matt glanced over his shoulder, his heart dropping at the sight of the creature gaining on them. Its grotesque form seemed almost otherworldly, a nightmare come to life.
"SHIT! Shit! Keep running!" Matt cried, his voice filled with panic.
They turned onto the other path, retracing their steps from their earlier decision point. The shrills of the pursuing creature echoed ominously behind them, spurring them forward with renewed urgency.
As they ran, they spotted a cluster of barrels along the tunnel wall. Acting quickly, Matt knocked them over, oil leaking out and pooling on the ground. Kida, thinking fast, lit a match she had found earlier and threw it into the oil. The liquid ignited instantly, flames roaring to life and filling the tunnel with a deafening explosion. The sudden blast knocked Kida off her feet, and Matt's lantern fell from his hand, shattering on the ground.
"Dammit!" Matt cursed, the broken lantern adding to their plight.
Kida scrambled to her feet, glancing over her shoulder. The creature, undeterred by the explosion, was still coming. However, the wall of flames now blocked its path, buying them precious time.
"Let's go, Matt!" Kida shouted, grabbing his hand and pulling him along.
They sprinted down the dark tunnel, the flickering light of the fire slowly fading behind them. The air was thick with smoke and the acrid smell of burning oil. The walls seemed to close in, and the uneven ground threatened to trip them with every step.
"What the hell even is that thing?!" Kida yelled, her voice echoing through the tunnel.
"No idea! And I sure as hell don't want to find out!" Matt replied, his breath coming in ragged gasps.
The tunnel eventually opened into a larger chamber, and they found themselves facing a series of old wooden planks that spanned a deep chasm. The gap yawned below them, a dark void that seemed to stretch endlessly into the earth.
Matt took a deep breath and jumped across first, landing safely on the other side. He turned back to Kida, extending his hand. "Come on!"
Kida nodded, gathering her courage. She lunged forward, but her foot slipped on the edge of the plank. She fell short, her body slamming against the opposite ledge. Her hands scrambled for a hold, and she managed to grasp the edge, her legs dangling precariously over the abyss.
Kida screamed as her fingers slipped, but Matt lunged forward, his hand grasping hers just in time. Their eyes locked, filled with fear and determination.
The shrill sound of the creature grew louder, echoing through the narrow passage and sending waves of panic through both of them. It was closing in, each second bringing it closer.
"Let me pull you up," Matt urged, desperation in his voice as he tightened his grip on her hand.
Kida glanced over her shoulder, seeing the shadow of the figure growing on the rocks behind them. It loomed closer, a menacing silhouette ready to pounce.
"Let me go," Kida said, her voice trembling but resolute.
"What?! Hell no!" Matt's eyes widened in shock, his grip tightening even further.
"Matt, there's no way we are both going to survive if you waste time," Kida insisted, her voice cracking with urgency.
"I'll take that risk, Kida! I promised to protect you!" Matt's voice was fierce, his determination unwavering.
Kida's eyes softened, filled with a bittersweet resolve. "I want you to go and find the others. I want you to live your dreams away from this place."
"I'm not leaving without you! Kida, don't do this to me! I just got you back. I don't want to lose you again!" Matt's voice broke, tears welling up in his eyes.
The creature's steps grew louder, and it was now just around the corner, its shadow casting an eerie, monstrous shape on the rocks.
"Matt... just listen," Kida pleaded, her voice a whisper.
"No! I-I failed to save Emily! I am not repeating that mistake with you. I'm not letting you go! Do you understand me?!" Matt's voice was a mix of rage and sorrow, tears streaming down his face.
The figure finally rounded the corner, its eyes locking onto it with a predatory gaze.
"Now or never," Kida said, her voice filled with a heartbreaking finality.
Matt's voice trembled as he confessed, "I never told you this. But I love you, Kida! From the moment I saw you in the front office."
Kida's tears flowed freely, her heart breaking at his words. "I love you too, Matt. Thank you for being my person."
In one swift motion, Kida forcefully moved his hand, breaking their grip. She fell into the abyss, her scream echoing through the chasm as she disappeared into the darkness below.
"NO!" Matt screamed, his voice filled with anguish. He reached out in vain, his heart shattering as Kida vanished.
The creature's eerie eyes bore into him, but Matt was paralyzed by grief, unable to move. The loss of Kida was a gaping wound in his soul, and he felt as if the world had crumbled around him.
The figure advanced, its presence a chilling reminder of the relentless horrors they had faced. But Matt, driven by a surge of raw emotion, stood his ground.
"You took her from me," he whispered, his voice filled with a dangerous resolve. "But I won't let you take anyone else."
The creature lunged, but Matt, fueled by the memory of Kida and his promise to her, dodged to the side. He picked up a nearby rock and hurled it at the creature, buying himself a precious few seconds to escape.
Matt turned and ran, his heart heavy with grief but his resolve stronger than ever. He would survive this, not just for himself, but for Kida. He would honor her sacrifice by living, by finding the others, and by ensuring that the nightmare ended here.
As he sprinted through the mine, the path ahead seemed to blur with his tears. The memory of Kida's last words echoed in his mind, and he vowed to live up to her final wish. He would find the others, and together, they would escape this place.
The creature's shrill cries faded into the background as Matt focused on the light ahead. The tunnel began to slope upward, and the air grew fresher. He pushed himself harder, his legs burning with the effort, his lungs aching for breath.
Finally, he burst into a larger chamber. The oppressive darkness of the mine still surrounded him, but the air was different here—cooler, with a faint hint of the outside world. He collapsed onto the ground, gasping for breath, tears streaming down his face.
"Kida... I will never forget you," he whispered, his voice a vow.
With a heavy heart, Matt stood up, the weight of his loss pressing down on him. But he knew he had to keep moving. He had to find the others and honor Kida's sacrifice by ensuring their safety.
He wiped his tears away, took a deep breath, and began his journey through the winding tunnels. The path ahead was uncertain, but his resolve was clear. He would survive, and he would carry Kida's memory with him, a beacon of strength and love in the face of darkness.