In the heart of the Guatemalan jungle, where ancient secrets intertwine with gnarled roots, Mary stood at the threshold of her past. The humid air clung to her skin as she recalled her grandmother's whispered warnings about Ek Chapat, the seven-headed guardian of their ancestral land. "He devours those brave or foolish enough to seek him," her grandmother had said, eyes wide with fear and reverence. Mary adjusted her camera, its weight a reminder of her purpose. As a documentarian, she had traveled from the country where she was born and raised to Guatemala, the land of her ancestors, to uncover the truth behind the legend. Although she had grown up far from these lands, this journey was more than just a film project; it was a quest for identity, an opportunity to connect with her roots and bridge the gap between her current life and her cultural heritage. As the jungle's shadows lengthened, Mary felt a shiver of anticipation. She was about to confront the mystery that had shaped her life from afar. But a nagging doubt gnawed at her resolve – what if some legends were better left unexplored? Hello, dear RoyalRoad readers! (＾▽＾) I'm thrilled to present my second fiction on this platform, a spine-chilling horror story that will keep you on the edge of your seat!  "Ek Chapat's Cave" is a gripping tale of horror and ancient mysteries, unfolding in four heart-pounding parts. Join a team of documentary filmmakers as they venture deep into the Guatemalan jungle, only to uncover horrors beyond their wildest nightmares. (°□°) Before we dive into the darkness, I'd like to extend my heartfelt thanks to my wonderful friend Elibeth for her early feedback and corrections. Your support means the world to me! (づ￣ ³￣)づ Get ready to question reality, face ancient evils, and discover the terrifying secrets that lie hidden in the depths of the earth. Will our intrepid explorers survive their encounter with the legendary Ek Chapat, or will they become its next victims? (⊙_⊙) Brace yourselves for a rollercoaster of emotions, shocking twists, and unspeakable horrors. Let's embark on this chilling adventure together! ヽ(°〇°)ﾉ P.S. In the spirit of transparency, I'd like to share a bit about my creative process. After writing the initial draft, I used AI to help edit and apply writing rules (spanish dialogues use —). This process also applied to my previous fiction. I then used AI for translation before sending it to Elibeth for her feedback and further corrections. Additionally, the cover image for this story was created using AI and then Canva for the book cover. While technology played a role in polishing the final product, the core story and ideas are entirely my own creation using the Ek Chapat mythology, born from so many found footage style movies I've seen (and perhaps a few sleepless nights). Enjoy the tale! (●'◡'●)