Falling

By: RebekahWSD


Some people have a knack for finding strange things. Strange things always seem to find Zane Legends. Then again, that was Zane's job, wasn't it? Exploring the unknown, finding new and exotic things and people, and bringing them back to civilization for his benefactors to enjoy and pay him for? Not that the pay was all that great, but the publicity was excellent, as were the non monetary perks.

If only the actual adventure part was easier, and less filled with sudden sink holes into deep, underground caverns.

Zane sighed, picking himself up off the dirty, dark floor, checking himself out for cuts and broken bones. Luckily, he seemed to be mostly safe, other than a few cuts that he patched up quickly.

Looking up, he frowned at the hole in the ceiling that had led him to this predicament. He had been exploring the jungles, but he supposed he'd have to explore this cavern for awhile until he found a way out, or at least some extra rope or anything that would let him climb out of this hole.

Turning on his flashlight, he blinked as he looked around. This was no ordinary cavern it seemed, filled with cobwebs and spiders. This appeared to be some kind of ancient temple, the floor and walls were smooth, covered in intricate patterns. His reverie was broken as he looked around as he heard footsteps.

Turning around, he swung his flashlight at the approaching creature, fumbling to pull out his knife, the only weapon he carried.

The person stopped, shielding their eyes from the bright light.

"Who are you?" Zane said, swallowing, nervous at the fact that it was another human, and not just some wild animal. Animals were predictable, humans were not.

"I'm Lo-ath, leader of the Benzoate tribe. Who are you, and how did you get here?" the human said in heavily accented common, arm still over his eyes, but hand holding the spear Zane only just noticed.

Zane frowned, trying to remember the Benzoate tribe. His eyes widened as he remembered they had supposedly gone extinct some time ago, but there were always those pesky rumors about how they had just gone underground to preserve their culture. He didn't realize the rumors were quite literal!

"I'm Zane. I uh...got lost here. Through the hole," Zane said, waving the flashlight at the hole in the ceiling. Lo-ath looked up, frowning.

"Dangerous. You could have been hurt. I'm assuming you'd like to get back up there. We can bring you some stairs, if you'd like."

Zane frowned, shaking his head. "I'd...uh, rather explore a bit down here first. Yes, that's it..." he said, ignoring the confused look on Lo-ath's face.

"...if you're sure. Come with me, we can have dinner instead, and talk about the world above for a bit before letting you go. It's quite dangerous down here for exploring, but if you think you'll be safe..." Lo-ath signed as Zane seemed to zone out after the mention of food, sheathing his knife as he got closer to Lo-ath.

Who knew ancient underground cities would have such excellent food in them? Zane sighed as he fell asleep on the floor of Lo-ath's house, having eaten almost all the food he possibly ever could.


Genre: Adventure
Setting: Underground
Character: Political leader