Fatigue began to envelop Mr Major, accompanied by a persistent ringing in his ears. His attention shifted to his companions, landing on Timmon struggling to steady Ben. Both seemed to tread unsteadily, like inebriated individuals. Did Timmon twist his ankle? Wait! A realization dawned—could the ringing in his ears be the cause of why they all were suffering? If It's sound base, then water. If we could only dampen the sound some more.

As comprehension of the situation became more clear to Mr Major, a surge of urgency electrified his voice. "Get behind the waterfall. NOW!" he bellowed, his arm slicing through the air to direct the team toward the kid goat standing safely and unbothered before a gap in the cascading waterfall.

Stumbling and disoriented, the team scrambled to follow his direction, their eyes darting between the precarious path alongside the abyss and the kid goat, which seemed to beckon them to safety. The wet, uneven ground beneath them threatened treachery with every step, the abyss beside them a gaping maw ready to swallow the unwary. Each member moved with a blend of haste and caution, their hearts pounding in a synchrony of dread as the water at their feet became even more disturbed.

Suddenly, an abrupt gust of wind surged from the abyss, carrying with it a guttural, echoing screech that reverberated through the cavernous space. The sound was a physical force, disrupting the already troubled water they stood in. Their movements were slow and mechanical, like a robot turning to see and locate the source of the otherworldly cry.

Their eyes widened in horror as they eyes first discerned four immense silhouettes skittering across the cavern floor below them. Shadows stretched and warped against the flickering light, and as they raised their gaze, the true nature of the beasts was revealed. Wings as dark as night, fur matted and glistening, and tentacles writhing like serpents in a nest. These creatures were an amalgamation of bats and squid-like tentacles, a grotesque fusion pulled from the deepest recesses of a nightmare.

"To the waterfall!" one of them yelled, desperation cracking their voice. The team sprinted as best they could, the clamour in their ears intensifying as they raced for refuge behind the cascading veil of water. They fumbled and fell, each misstep a frantic bid for survival, eyes darting between the grotesque creatures above and the kid goat below.

"Keep moving!" Ben shouted, breathless. "Don't look back!"

"Where's the kid goat?!" Timmon asked, panic edging his voice.

"There, by the gap! Focus!" Mr Major pointed, urgency driving his every word. "Stay together! And run!"

Determined not to lose track of the flying creatures, they watched as the airborne abominations struggled in their erratic flight patterns, colliding with each other and the surrounding waterfalls. The beasts screeched in frustration, their monstrous forms twisting in chaotic attempts to regain control.

"We need to move faster!" Timmon urged, his voice barely audible over the cacophony.

"Just a bit more!" Mr. Major shouted back. "We're almost there!"

Even as the gallons of water slammed the creatures to the boulder flooring, they pursued Team Uno relentlessly. The beasts pulled free from the water, taking to the air again, careening under the rainbow dome. Despite the confusion, the ringing in their ears never let up, their muscles loosening as fatigue set in.

"Watch out!" Ben cried as a tentacle whipped past him, narrowly missing his head.

The creatures, desperate to attack Ben and Timmon, became their own worst enemies. They collided with one another, creating precious moments for the team to dodge and slip through. Tentacles lashed out wildly, often striking another creature instead of their intended targets. The chaos among the monsters gave the team the openings they needed.

"Keep it up!" Mr. Major encouraged. "We're almost there!"

It felt like forever to get from point A to point B, the C-shaped space deceptively vast in their terror-stricken state of mind. As the creatures fought among themselves, three of them fell back into the abyss, their screeches fading as the ringing in the team's ears lessened.

But one persisted, fluttering hesitantly as if grappling with the nuances of flight itself. It hovered, eyes gleaming with malevolent intent.

"Don't even think about defence or offence. Just keep running!" Mr Major urged, pushing the team forward.

With a collective effort, Team Uno squeezed through the narrow aperture leading behind the waterfall. The roar of the cascading water drowned out their ragged breaths, and the adrenaline of their recent escape left them trembling.

Ben: What in the work was that?

Timmon: I don't know, but that was close. Could you imagine after surviving for so long these bats killed us. Plus i didn't lose the box so its a win win.

Ben: Your behaviour right now is very Smeagol-like.

With the box in his hand, Timmon leaned to catch the water streaming down from the back of the waterfall. The frigid liquid splashed onto his face as he gulped greedily, the sensation serving as a stark contrast to the recently hushed ringing in their ears. In the midst of this refreshing interlude, the team's moment of respite was short-lived.

Mr Major: Dammit man! Why would you stand there? Look out!

Suddenly, two tentacles shot through the watery veil, snatching the box from Timmon's grasp.

Timmon: "Oh NO YOU DON'T! NOT YOU! NOT TODAY!" Determination surged in his voice as he gripped the box. Engaging in a meaningless tug-of-war against the creature's tenacious appendage, despite his efforts, the bat yanked the box along with him through the waterfall's dense torrent and into the beyond.

Ben: They made it look so easy. What should we do? No, I mean, what can we do? We can't go out there and fight those things. They don't even stay down after getting slammed but thousands of gallons of water.

As Timmon was yanked through the waterfall, the weight of water slammed him and the box to the ground. The water's pressure pinned him, his face submerged in the flat plunge pool. If it wasn't for the bat dragging him free, he would have drowned in seconds, the air in his lungs knocked out by the falling water. Before he knew it, Timmon found himself in the grip of the bat-like creature, airborne and carried toward the brink of the abyss.

It felt like history was repeating itself, leading him toward yet another tragic end. His life. What was it worth? What was it to him? Here he was, putting something else before his life. Why? He wasn't stronger than the beast, so why would he take part in a fight he couldn't win? He was going to die, and for what? A box? Unnatural trash found in the forest? Timmon's mind began to spiral as he realized he was no better than Ben. No, even worse than him. Ben learned from his actions, and he clearly couldn't.

However, fate intervened in the form of Mr. Major, who boldly emerged from behind the watery veil, his senses assaulted by the ringing once more. Through the gap and following him from behind the waterfall, he came with a spear in hand. He latched onto the creature's appendage, fiercely determined to halt its retreat even though it was a pointless gesture at most. Maybe he could slow its ascent to the chasm if that was its goal.

Mr. Major: Hold on, Timmon!

His voice was barely audible over the roaring waterfall and the screeching creature. His muscles strained as he pulled against the creature's strength, his feet slipping on the wet rocks. Ben quickly rallied, joining Mr. Major. He grabbed onto Timmon, forming a human chain to anchor their leader's desperate effort.

Ben: It's just a box! Let it go.

Timmon: It's more than that. It's hope.

Ben: It could be Pandora's box for all we know.

Mr Major: "Shut up and pull!" His voice struggled to be audible over the water and ringing. "If not, save yourselves before we all fall. Focus! If this box can give humanity a chance for something better, however small it may be, then I'll get it back one way or the other. And if I die and it's trash, the weight will be on your head, team leader."

Ben: Dammit, alright!

With a surge of determination, Ben and Mr. Major heaved with all their might, their combined strength beginning to gain ground against the creature's pull. Timmon's grip tightened around the box, his knuckles white, his resolve solidifying with every second.

Timmon: I won't let go!

As Mr. Major's tenacious hold took effect, he wrestled the box from the creature's grasp using his spear to cut away at one of the tentacles which had a serious burn injury on it, liberating the box with swift precision.

But the sudden cutting of the tentacle caused the creature to retaliate. Its hold on Timmon became spastic, and he and the box were thrown free. With the ringing louder than ever in his ears, Timmon didn't notice he was falling toward the abyss. The box, surprisingly acting like a heavier object, was travelling faster and further.

Stolen novel; please report.

This was it. All their hard work was about to be flushed down the drain. Literally, as Timmon staggered toward the abyss, his perception of depth and distance affected by the relentless ringing, he dove for the box, which was plummeting downward.

Mr Major, showcasing why he was the most dependable teammate, swiftly released his grip on the creature and jumped toward the abyss. In a remarkable display of athleticism, he intercepted the box mid-air and propelled it toward Timmon, who had fallen but was getting back to his feet just a few meters from the edge. The additional momentum from the box sent Timmon hurtling toward a collection of sizeable rocks at the abyss's edge, where he managed to land, regaining some balance despite the off-kilter ringing.

Meanwhile, Mr. Major's valiant rescue came at a cost—he couldn't save himself from the inevitable descent into the dark abyss.

Mr Major: "I guess this is the end for me and my spear. Lord! Watch over my son, hallowed be Thy name. Be with the only woman I will ever and could ever love. If it's Your will, give us more life, more strength, more opportunities. Be with the team and provide them away. Hold my soul after this cold descent that I may one day be reborn in the land of milk and honey."

As Mr. Major fell, Timmon, grappling with the slippery rocks, noticed the box was floating on the water despite its earlier heaviness. As the water spilt over the ring of roots and vines surrounding the abyss opening, the box gently sailed to the edge. Lunging for it, he then sprinted back toward the shelter behind the waterfall.

Once again, a gust of wind brushed against him, accompanied by a triumphant shout. Swivelling around, Timmon's eyes widened in disbelief—there was Mr Major astride, one of the bat-like creatures. The beings that had threatened their lives had saved Mr. Major from the abyss. How? Why? It was a sight to behold as if Mr Major had become a master of these creatures, directing their movements with an almost magnetic connection.

Mr Major: "Get to the waterfall. I think I've got this."

The scene escalated as Mr Major's mount collided with the remaining bat, a collision that seemed strategic. With a daring leap, Mr. Major soared from one creature to the other, wielding his carbon fibre spear like a seasoned warrior. He plunged the weapon into the second bat's neck, deftly evading the probing tentacles. Employing swift manoeuvres and calculated slashes, he safely disengaged from the wounded creature and sprinted toward the refuge behind the waterfall, successfully vanishing behind the cascading veil of water.

The team stood in awe, watching Mr. Major's fearless display. His commanding presence brought a renewed sense of hope and determination.

Mr Major: "We need to move quickly. These creatures won't stay down for long, and we need to find a safer location to regroup and plan our next steps."

Timmon, still clutching the box tightly, nodded in agreement. "Let's go. We can't afford to waste any more time here."

Ben: "Bitch! Where are we going? This is a cave behind a waterfall with monsters at its entrance. We are basically wet food for them."

Mr Major: "Let's just try to move back farther into the cave for now and think of something in the meantime."

Ben: "I must be the only person using his head right about now. We are in the dark. In a cave. Running from bat-like creatures that can withstand the weight of gallons of falling water. Bats have the ability to navigate and track things in the dark. And you want us to just get in the back as far as we can?"

Timmon: "If you have a better idea, say what it is or shut up."

There was a moment of silence before Ben pushed himself toward the front of the party and said, "Whatever, man. Maybe you, your box, and goat can get us out of this mess. Speaking of the devil, where is that goat? Did the bats get it? Was that the reason why they haven't tried to come after us? Damn, I guess it did come in handy after all."

As they moved deeper into the cavern, the sound of the waterfall gradually faded, replaced by an eerie silence that heightened their senses. The air grew cooler, and the darkness seemed to envelop them. They knew that whatever lay ahead, they had to face it together, drawing strength from each other and the hope of the mysterious box that had nearly cost them everything.

However, As the team venture deeper into the caves the bats on the other hand were still agitated and out for blood. Awaken by a purple light that brought a quick and sudden heat mixed with pain they needed to find out what could have caused that and how they could put a stop to it which caused them to rage from within the abyss in search of the source.

Although the bats lives were now waning, they were still driven by an insatiable rage accompanied with hunger, dragging and clawing their ailing body through the opening the strange small creatures used the bats quietly walked along the cave floor with an unsettling resolve.

Once fully behind the waterfall the bat gave off one low toned echo location pitch and waited to the information on where the target was. As the terrain lit up in the bat creatures mind its screeches, a symphony of suffering and menace, pierced the air.

For Team Uno, the fleeting illusion of safety shattered, replaced by a grim recognition that in this brutal world, danger was an ever-present companion.

Following Ben into the narrowing confines of the cave, they pressed forward, putting distance between themselves and the relentless pursuit of the bat creature.

Yet, even as they distanced themselves, the haunting echoes of the bats' cries reverberated through the cavern, the ringing once again was stirring waves of nausea within them.

As they ran in the dark, feeling their way through the scattering sound, they quickly got closer. Timmon, in particular, found himself grappling with a sense of accomplishment, having achieved his objectives of locating water and securing a goat. Well, that goat part was not true since the goat might be dead right about now, but In his mind, he could already envision himself as a potential saviour of his people, hailed as a hero upon their return.

Yet, the stark reality of their situation remained: drenched, chilled, fear-stricken, fatigued, aching, and plagued by hunger. Strangely, growing dizziness was beginning to encroach upon them, more disorienting than even the effects of the bats' dissonant assaults. Was illness beginning to take hold? Amid the persistent echo of the bats' crawling, another sound pierced the cavern's frigid darkness.

A low, rhythmic thrum echoed through the chamber, different from the bats' cries. It resonated with a deep, almost hypnotic cadence that seemed to vibrate through the walls themselves. The team halted, exchanging uneasy glances as they tried to pinpoint the source of this new sound while the sound of the bats nearing was speeding up.

"Do you hear that?" Timmon whispered, his voice barely audible above the pervasive noise.

Ben nodded, his eyes narrowing as he tried to focus on the direction of the sound. "It's coming from deeper within the cave. We need to be careful. We might be sandwiched between a rock and a hard place. Lets hope its not more bats or worst new alien creatures."

With quick cautious steps as the path began to get narrower, they continued their journey, guided by the mysterious thrum. The air grew colder, the darkness more oppressive, as they ventured further into the unknown. Each step was measured, each breath shallow as they navigated the treacherous terrain.

Mr Major: what the hell!? I heard my name!

Ben and Timmon quickly joined in. "Some here! I can hear my name also. How is that possible."

Mr Major: Shit! No time for that! The bats are here!"

Stabbing and slashing at the dark path behind him, Mr Major couldn't see the bats, but he could feel the tentacles against the spear. With all the narrow twists in the cave, it was also used as a cover, which made it easy for them to attack but hard for Mr Major, who couldn't even see the creature's body. The ring had stopped, but the tentacles didn't.

Ben: What should we do now? If it gets any narrower, two cows won't be able to pass through here.

Timmon: I know that sound! I can't believe it.

Initially dismissing the sound when the bat's attack was upon them, they eventually tapped back in when Timmon noted its familiarity; this time, it captured the team's attention, prompting them to recall the newfound companion in the form of the goat. With cautious steps, they followed the sound, they once again were seeing light at the end of the tunnel. Their path illuminated by a faint blue glow up ahead.

Racing toward the light as the path got too narrow for the bats to chase, they were met with a sight of such breathtaking beauty that it stood as a beacon of hope in the midst of their dire circumstances. In that cave, the walls and ceiling were akin to glimpsing the expanse of a clear night sky adorned with bioluminescent plants casting an otherworldly glow. In the centre of this natural cathedral stood the goat, with its low variant of goats bellow. The team paused, their fears momentarily quelled by the serene beauty of the place.

Timmon: "This... this is incredible."

Mr Major: "We need to keep moving. Let's take a quick rest here and then figure out our next steps."

Ben: "Yeah, but we can't stay long. Those bats will find us eventually."

Yet, this momentary reprieve was swiftly shattered as the environment shifted once more, introducing the ominous presence of two-horned bears, Green in fur colour.

Ben: What is this life? Our journey resembled the challenges of an ill-conceived video game level, devoid of coherent story progression. The Fuck."

The harshness of their reality drove tears down Timmon's face while Ben and Mr Major retained a composed demeanour, seemingly unperturbed by the looming creatures and ready to engage in battle if needs be.

The stark contrast was evident: one of the bears lay in slumber, oblivious to the intruders, while the other exuded an air of curiosity upon encountering the unexpected visitors.

The goat, who was now in the lead, went over to the horned bear and then continued its leisurely journey along the cave's winding path, the gentle flow of water casting reflective patterns of bio-illumination upon the ceiling. Oblivious to the tense atmosphere that had enveloped the team, the goat, being in good spirits, jumped effortlessly from one rock to another, with the team trying to keep up with the kid goat that seemingly was unfazed by the perils that could be lurking in the shadows.

Venturing deeper into the cave for many minutes, they encountered more of the slumbering bears. Yet, an unmistakable stench tainted the air in this particular area of the extensive cave, a pungent reminder of the harsh realities of their environment. With cautious steps, Team Uno shadowed the goat's movements with the precision of skilled hunters, mimicking its nimble leaps from one rocky surface to the next.

Ben: I'm pretty sure we will die dew to lack of fresh air or some toxic gas from all this stick.

Mr Major: Its a possibility but at this point why even worry about the same things over and over. Life or death all things that were always out of our reach and out of our control. Lets live like this carefree kid goat and maybe be God might bless us with a little luck of natures.

Their progression was met with an unusual sight: the silky strands of slime hanging from the cave's ceiling grew longer and more substantial as they delved further into the subterranean depths. The previously noxious air had turned frigid, biting into their skin with an unexpected chill. Their surroundings were not the only peculiarities; the very bodies of some of the slumbering bears were covered in the radiant, glowing slime.

Observing the goat's curious behaviour, Mr Major honed in on its consistent pattern—every so often, the goat would indulge in licking the luminescent slime. Acting on an impulse, Mr. Major decided to emulate the goat's peculiar activity. Covertly collecting a sample of the slime on his fingertip, he dared to taste it, disregarding the potential consequences of his impulsive decision. At that moment, the circumstances seemed to overshadow any rational consideration of risk, for survival had a way of distorting priorities.

The slime had a surprisingly sweet taste, like honey, with a hint of metallic aftertaste. Almost immediately, Mr. Major felt a rush of warmth spreading through his body, counteracting the biting chill of the cave. His senses heightened, and a newfound clarity washed over him, sharpening his awareness of their surroundings. The faint, luminescent glow of the cave walls seemed to pulse with life, casting eerie shadows that danced and flickered.

While Timmon remained vigilant, his gaze fixed on the slumbering bears. A sense of unease crept over him as he observed Ben approaching one of the resting creatures, his hands tentatively exploring the tension in the bear's jaw. Timmon's heart raced, and his breath hitched in his chest. He exhaled, surrendering the weight of his concerns to the universe, thinking, If he dies, he dies. It's not my problem right now. The Lord helps those who help themselves.

Moving with a heavy and forlorn stride, Timmon continued along the worn path of the cave. The air grew colder, and the shadows seemed to close in around them. Eventually, they encountered a fork in the winding depths. Pausing to take stock of his surroundings, Timmon perceived a subtle pull drawing him further into the cave, an inexplicable sensation that seemed to beckon him onward. Turning his attention back to his companions, he shared his conviction that they were ascending the crater wall at an astonishing pace, the journey itself becoming a disorienting blur of movement.

The options before them were clear—a narrow descent to the left and a straight, chilly, and shadowy passage to the right. Timmon entertained a theory that the right path might lead them outside the confines of the crater while the left could potentially delve into the territory of the bat creatures. The collective gaze of the team shifted toward the goat, their silent hopes pinned on its animal instincts to guide them to safety.

In an unexpected turn, the goat's body stiffened before it rolled with an odd grace upon the cave floor, a response that left them more puzzled than before. As for Mr Major, his demeanour was far from helpful; his grin stretched from ear to ear, radiating a euphoria that bordered on intoxication or the effects of some obscure substance as he moved about in whimsical circles.

Ben's mind raced with questions, pondering whether the strange behaviour stemmed from poisoning, oxygen deprivation, or some other unforeseen cause. Standing in a haze of confusion, they observed Mr Major's stumbling dance, his limbs swaying in a bizarre rhythm.

As the unsettling spectacle unfolded before them, they cautiously approached Mr. Major, whose contorted foot only heightened their discomfort. Ben's intuition bristled with apprehension, sensing that the situation was about to take a dangerous turn. With urgency in his steps, he lunged toward Mr. Major, grappling to seize control of his flailing legs.

Meanwhile, Timmon's awareness gradually returned, and he took in the peculiar sight. A focused intensity gleamed in Mr. Major's eyes, capturing Timmon's attention as he inched closer. Just as Mr. Major's foot swung downward, striking out in an erratic motion, a stone beneath it shifted. The impact sent the stone hurtling toward its target, striking the bear's left eye with vicious accuracy.

The implications of Mr. Major's impulsive action dawned on them all: a sense of incredulity mixed with dread. Here was Mr. Major, often one of the team's most level-headed members, yielding to a reckless instinct—a single, ill-fated stone launched into the eye of a bear, forever altering the balance of power in their dire circumstances.

The sharp impact of the stone against the bear's flesh reverberated through the cave, triggering a cacophony of anguished cries that filled the air. The howls of pain mingled with the growls of the awakening bears, their territorial dispute erupting into chaos within the narrow confines. The cave's unique acoustics magnified the tumult, turning each roar into a resounding note in an unsettling symphony, like the dissonant chords of a pipe organ played with discordant fervour.