The Cursed Cave

Yes Warning: This book contains classified information on the events of Mission 2315.

THE CURSED CAVE
E.J. Rowe
To Owens Class of 2024, you inspired me to write this.
To Ask Castledown staff in 2024, you helped me so much when it comes to what I do today.

Chapter 1- The Crash
Colossal waves had been hitting the coast of Hastings for months. Shops had been abandoned and now lay water-logged with no one going near them. Pavements were filled with potholes and people now resided on West and East Hill in buildings either already inhabited by families or schools out of use. Food was running low and everyone was hungry but not willing to go near the seafront. Only 6 people: Victor, Tommy, Beau, Eryn, Zoe and Lilly were not scared to investigate and set up a team to do so safely. They were going to travel into the ocean under mission command of Kelsey, Caleb, Jade and Araz. They called it Mission 2315.

In the ocean, the disturbances were getting worse- the submarine kept crashing into injured sea creatures fleeing for their lives. Everything seemed to have been warped, obliterated by these god-like waves. They seemed like they were sent by Poseidon. It wasn't suprising, as it has built up over months. At the moment, it was at the base of West Hill. The sea bed had been scattered and the coral (previously embedded in the depths of the ocean) was being shoved towards the shore. However, there was something still buried deep within the ocean floor and when Victor was it, he screamed, "MUMMMMMMMMMMMMMYYYYYYYYY!!!" . The boys all looked out the window and started to freak out. They hid behind the girls: Tommy behind Eryn, Victor behind Zoe and Beau behind Lilly. A voice came through the radio, "Oi, Beau, Victor," It was Kelsey. " They're taken. " The girls let out a sigh.
"Honestly, do you ever read the reports from missions?" Eryn questioned. "Mission 2303, Amber, Penelope, Jake and Martin were sent out to investigate. On the next mission, Summer reported seeing their corpses in this exact area. These are their corpses. " The boys were shocked. Why were they so stupid? But also, could that happen to them?

As they travelled further through the water, Victor started to notice shadows swimming frantically through the ocean. They seemed to be watching them, spying on them. But why? What was so special about them? He decided to further investigate. After discussing it with the others, it was definite he was going to be researching these shadows' appearance. It was tough to lure them out, however they eventually
found one of them. Their eyes widened and they blinked as if it was a dream. Terrell stood in front of them, his eyes glistening with malice. The same Terrell they went to primary with, the same Terrell that had been missing for the past 9 years. Shocked to be found, Terrell went on a frenzy. He started dismantling functions on the submarine, making everyone go into a panicked state. As for Victor, he sliced the tube feeding him oxygen. Everyone was saying their last goodbyes, thinking about their imminent death. "Eryn, if I don't survive this..." Tommy told Eryn, " Tell Sophie that I-I love her. "


Chapter 2- The Missing
Their eyes opened to damp surroundings. As their eyes adjusted, they saw Lilly crying, seemingly grieving beside numb, cold bodies. As Beau, Tommy, Zoe and Eryn approached, they recognised the still bodies of Kelsey, Caleb, Victor, Jade and Araz. Eryn bent down, no warm breath heated her face. She checked their pulses, there wasn't one for any of them. "They're dead. " she blurted out. Lilly let out a wail. Beau's eyes widened and he seemed to go numb. Zoe sobbed and fell to her knees. Eryn stood in shock and put her head in her hands. Beau went over to comfort Lilly, while Eryn stayed back to comfort Zoe. Tommy just stood there, unflinching. Sure, his friends' deaths were sad, but more important things were on his mind. Who was causing this. Surely all this damage wasn't only caused by Terrell. No, he must have had help. But from who? Why was he acting so differently? He had clearly recognised his old friends, so why did he attack them? What did this have to do with the Missing Incident? After all, Terrell went missing and he is here.

Through a camera, E could see her pathetic victims. She had to reveal herself soon, according to her boss, ------. She decided now was the time. She turned on her microphone and voice changer. Her voice, deep and soothing, boomed around the cave. "Well, well, well... if it isn't my old friends. " They all turned their heads towards the microphone. As soon as she had their attention, she decided to scare them, show them her power, make them quiver. The ground began to shake and the floor beneath them split with a massive CRACK! They looked down. A huge river had formed; their submarine drowning in it. "No! "they screamed, drowning in misery with it. E giggled to herself, 'How pathetic of them. '

In the midst of the defeat he felt, Tommy felt a spark of hope as an idea came into mind. He ran alongside the river, urging the others to follow. Before he could go far, a wail and a groan sounded behind him. Turning around, he saw Lilly standing there, eyes wide as blood oozed from a black hole where her heart was. She fell to the ground, her eyes clouding as she did so. A shriek came from Beau, "NOOOOO-" and was promptly cut off as a knife slashed down his back and blood dripped onto the floor. Tommy was astonished. He glanced behind them. The familiar shape of Terrell along with another recognisable shape stood there, grinning. 'Eleni!' Tommy thought to himself. As Terrell readied his knife, Tommy realised what they were doing. "Run! " he shouted at the girls.

Chapter 3- Terrell
As he ran, his heart beating in his throat, Tommy began to grasp an idea of what happened. There were few ideas about what happened and very little evidence for his claims.

In his memory, Tommy was walking out of primary school for the last time, when he saw a ginormous, get black van with four people inside it: Eleni, Maia, Neem and someone who he didn't recognise. A man was standing outside the van, and as soon as he saw us, he reached for Terrell. He thrust him in the van, and drove away. None of them were seen again until today.

After being taken, they must have come here. Around that time, there were signs of radioactivity in the sea, so a team went to investigate. 'Makes sense they never came back. ' Tommy thought to himself. The radioactivity must have come from them, genetically mutating themselves. After all, how else could they breathe underwater? The radioactivity must have caused the waves to become that destructive, combined with the effects of pollution and climate change. But there was still one thing that didn't make sense. Motive. After all, they did recognise them, judging by the fact Eleni said 'old friends'. After all, Terrell was his best friend. He wouldn't do that to him, right? Eryn's voice broke into his thoughts, "Tommy, stop contemplating and keep running. "Before he could quicken his pace, he heard footsteps...

Terrell's footsteps...

"I knew you couldn't hide. "he sniggered.
"I know you recognise us, Terrell, so why are you doing this? You just murdered Beau, our friend. Victor is dead too. Is this what you want? To lose all your friends and family? " Tommy gave Terrell a hard glare. Everything he said was true, if only a bit exaggerated to scare him. But it seemed Terrell took this very seriously. His eyes seemed to flash with a mix of guilt and sadness, but then solidified into anger. "How dare you act like you know anything about friendship? You abandoned me, left me to die along with several of our friends because you were too cowardly to do anything. "Terrell accused.
"I was trying to find help but there wasn't anyone there. I still regret that day. "Tommy responded, hot anger bubbling up inside him. They continued arguing until Eryn raised her voice over them. "Enough! Terrell, just because you feel h ad his eyes changed? He searched the area briefly, before turning around to face them. "You need to leave now. "Terrell whispered.
"Why should we trust you? "Tommy huffed.
Eryn ignored him. "Is something going to happen that could cause great destruction? "
"Yes, "he reponded. "Be careful who you trust. "
"What is going to happen? Who shouldn't we trust?"Zoe panickedly questioned. Terrell opened his mouth to answer, but no words came out. Instead, his eyes clouded and rolled to the back of his head. Blood dripped from them, and he collapsed to the ground. Spasms echoed through his body. Each finger was crooked, twisted the wrong way, as if he had arthritis. You could see each organ as his skin stretched thinner and thinner. Zoe ran to his side, screaming in terror. The other two held back, their hearts racing and eyes widening. It was something never seen before. Behind them, a shadow slunk by, unnoticed thanks to the distraction. Suddenly, everything went black.

Chapter 4- The Escape
Tommy awoke, bleary eyed. He strained to walk, but he realised his feet were not touching the floor. He desperately strained to touch the floor, but his chains held him back. As he went back to thinking, he felt something clasp around his neck. He glanced up to see two chains dangling from a hole in the wall above him. A voice whispered from beside him: "So, what do you remember?". Tommy jumped and whipped around to see Eryn chained up beside him, struggling. "I remember Eleni, that bastard Terrell and them killing Lilly & Beau. "Tommy responded. "I do remember something else, something I didn't tell you. "Eryn whispered, staring at the ground. "As I was fading out of consciousness, I remember seeing three figures grab Zoe and it couldn't have been Terrell. "
"Why couldn't it? I wouldn't put it past him. "Tommy grunted through gritted teeth.
"Don't you remember? He was busy, dying on the floor, after telling us important information. "Eryn responded. "It's no grounds to forgive him on, but it's a start. "Tommy couldn't help but bite back a sharp retort. He thought that was bull crap. Before he could respond, he heard a brutal shriek from below and looked down to see Zoe, pinned down against the stone floor.

Tommy was frozen in his chains. What were they doing to Zoe? Eryn seemed to tighten, attempt to shrink into a small ball. Tommy remembered how close she and Zoe had been. "Why is this happening? All the death, injuries and danger that everyone is having to witness and participate in. We've lost so many but we remain. How are we surviving all this? Do you have any idea why this is happening? "Eryn blurted out. "Eryn, now's not the time. We need to help Zoe. You two are good friends, right? "Tommy soothed as briskly as possible.
"But how? When we're chained up here, that is practically impossi-imposs..."Eryn's voice died away. Tommy's nose twitched. Pale gas was drifting from what were seemingly air vents. Tommy held his breath to avoid inhaling the strange gas. It blurred his vision, blocking his view of what was happening to Zoe. The last thing he saw of her was her pinned to the floor by Maia, another victim of the Missing Incident. A whisper came from above him, and he saw the silhouette of Eryn beside him be harshly pulled up from her place. He felt a hand grab his wrist, and closed his eyes as he was pulled up by this mysterious figure.

Once Tommy opened his eyes, he saw a man with long brown hair and hazel eyes, wearing a Chelsea football shirt. "Tommy? "the man asked. "Why were you chained up down there with Eryn? "Tommy didn't answer. He was too busy, trying to think who this man was and how he knew him. "Hello? Tommy? "the man asked, his eyes shining with worry.
"Who are you? "Tommy finally managed to spit the words out. This man had practically kidnapped him and Eryn, noticing the silhouette of Eryn beside the man. "It's me, Bertie, from primary. Before you ask, I was the other victim of the Missing Incident, the one that went unnoticed. "Bertie spoke, his voice quivering. Tommy felt a pang of sympathy for his old friend, knowing that he also had not noticed his disappearance, when the van was right in front of him. "Anyways, "Bertie briskly moved on. "I saw your submarine sink. We're going to need to fix it. I think I have an idea. "
"What is that idea? "Tommy questioned.
"Well, I was thinking that we use these charms to give ourselves cover. From what I understand, they are what stops them," Bertie pointed to three immobilised figures. "From being detected. And I was thinking we could use these straws as a snorkel for one of us to go underwater to fix the submarine. And then we can all swim underwater to the submarine and escape. "Tommy took a few minutes to process the plan Bertie had made. "Alright, but I have 3 questions. "Tommy mentioned. "1-How are we gonna get Eryn there when she's knocked out on the floor? 2- Where are we going to get tools? 3- What about Zoe? " Tommy's heart was pounding. How would Bertie answer these questions?
"The answers to questions 1 and 2 are obvious. We can get all the supplies we need from here. As for Zoe, I say we leave her. It's too risky!" Bertie answered. "No! We have to save her! I'll never forgive myself! "Tommy exclaimed.
"But it's a waste of time. "Bertie soothed. "You want to get out of here as soon as possible, don't you? To safety? "
"That's not the point! "Tommy shouted.
"Then, what is the point? "Bertie spoke through gritted teeth. He was clearly agitated now.
"The point of this is that she's a friend! "Tommy screamed.
"SHE'S WORTHLESS! AND SO ARE YOU! "Bertie screamed, losing his patience. Tommy took a step back, hurt showing in his eyes. Was he really thought of as worthless by his old friend. "Look, I'm sorry. "Bertie whispered. He seemed to have regained his composure. "I lost control and shouldn't have said that. However, it still stands that Zoe cannot be saved. If you want to save her, you no longer have my support. "Tommy thought for a moment. Was this worth it? Tommy shook his head to clear it. "Fine. "he answered. "You gather the supplies and prepare it all. I will wait there. Then we will execute your plan. "

"Okay, place her in here. "Bertie instructed Tommy. Tommy obliged, placing Eryn in the casket, the emerald green necklace around her neck glittering. "Let's get started. "Bertie said, picking up the straw snorkels they made. Tommy dropped the tool box into the water and grabbed his snorkel. He placed the snorkel in his mouth and dived into the chasm that formed the river where the submarine had sunk. The water penetrated his skin and the cold was felt to his bone. He was struggling in the water, not having a clue where Bertie or Eryn's casket were. Finally, he saw the outline of the crashed submarine, the tool box open beside it. As he swam closer, he noticed Bertie re-plating the outside of the submarine with Eryn beside him, motionless as ever. They worked for hours, fixing every little detail. Eventually, they loaded Eryn inside and followed suit. At the sound of the engine's groan, they set off back to the surface.

Chapter 5- Hastings
Tommy swam through town. The buildings were smashed, all the rotten food spread out across the floor. Traces of blood lingered on the pavement, forming a path. The water got more and more shallow. Soon enough, Tommy was able to wade through the floods with Bertie at his side. "Do you think someone is hurt? "Tommy asked. "I mean, look at this trail of blood. "
"Probably not. Anyways, let's go to the base. I've already sent Eryn's body up the cliffs. "Bertie answer him, dismissing his idea with the flick of his hand.
" Sorry, you WHAT?! " Tommy exclaimed, rushing back towards the cliffs. His heart was beating out of his throat, growing more fierce as the minutes ticked by. A voice echoed above him, sharp, strong and sturdy compared to most people: "Hands up or I shoot the woman. " Tommy jumped at the sound. Muffled screaming came from the same direction. He looked over. A dark skinned woman with luscious, black hair in a long plait was holding a knife to a fair skinned woman with wavy, dark brown hair and icy blue eyes' throat. "Eryn! "Tommy exclaimed, feeling a mix of relief and fear for his friend. "You're awake! "
"Wait, is this Eryn Rowe? "the woman asked, looking down at her victim and removing her hand from Eryn's mouth. Tommy peered closer at the strange woman and realised that Eryn had described a friend of hers and this person matched the description perfectly. "Are you called Darya? "Tommy asked.
"Yes. "she responded. Eryn rushed forward, enveloping Darya in a hug. Tommy felt uncomfortable. He did not know this woman and only recognised her from Eryn's description. "Why did Bertie send you up the cliffs? "Tommy questioned, furrowing his eyebrows in confusion.
" That's not important right now. "a cold voice echoed from behind him. Tommy whipped around to see Bertie standing behind him holding a mangled body. "Wait. DEXTER? "Darya exclaimed, slapping Bertie and rushing towards the heap dripping with blood. Tendons were sticking out, split in some places. It's eyes flicked open, bloodshot but still with a glimmer of humour. "Heh. I guess Chloe didn't do it after all. It was..."Dexter's eyes closed again. Speaking seemed to have absorbed his energy like a sponge with water. "Dexter! "Darya shrieked, holding on to her old friend like her life depended on it. "Hold on, "Eryn said, pulling a weird bracelet out her pocket. "I managed to salvage a teleportation device from that casket. Hold on everybody. "The bracelet turned an iridescent green and a glowing blue rope tied them together. Suddenly, they were gone.


People bustled around the former primary school. On a hospital bed, Dexter lay with Darya sat beside him, worried sick. Eryn was watching from the edge of the room, staring at Dexter as Brooke worked over him, her long, brown hair swishing as she did so. "Thank you for helping him, Brooke. It means a lot. "Eryn whispered in her ear, giving her a kiss on the cheek. "Of course. He has always been kind to me, made me laugh as well. "Brooke responded, gazing at Dexter fondly. "I've got to go discuss the mission with Sophie, Tommy, Bertie and Sam. Darya, can you watch over Dexter while I'm gone? "Eryn asked, looking pleadingly at Darya. "Of course I can. "Darya responded, gazing back at her.

Tommy arrived at the planned meet up. Eryn's flat was strangely desolate. Eryn was sitting on the sofa, next to Sophie. He saw their gazes were worried. "Hey, "he called over. "We need to discuss the mission. "They beckoned him to an armchair. "First, let's wait for Sam and Bertie to arrive. "Eryn spoke, a calm expression on her face. Tommy was confused and he could see his feelings reflected on Sophie's face. "Who's Sam? "they asked in unison, locking gazes with eachother. "Oh my god, you two have not grown in intelligence since primary school. "Eryn sighed. "Mr Henham. Sam is Mr Henham's first name. "Tommy felt like smiling for the first time in days. He was finally seeing Mr Henha- Sam for the first time in years! "Wait, why are you calling him Sam? Like, what is this? Sam and Colby? "Sophie asked, scratching her head. Bertie's voice called out from the hallway, "Sorry, we're late. "In he came, followed by a wrinkled man with grey streaks in his brown hair, and his maroon jumper had folds in. Their eyes widened. Where was the strong, young man that had taught them in Year 6? "Hello, "his voice rasped, as if worn out by age. "I heard we were here to discuss a mission. "
Tommy and Eryn described what had happened and why the others hadn't returned. Finally, Sam spoke: "Well, what are we going to do? I have an idea but I don't know if you'll want to hear this. "The others all gazed at eachother, asking eachother if they should hear him out through glances. "What's your idea? "Tommy chimed in but promptly shut his mouth after the others glared at him. "I think we should have a gathering by Hastings Castle. We could celebrate the lives of those lost and be glad that Bertie has arrived home after a decade with you two, safe and sound. "Sam spoke, his eyes gleaming. Eryn blinked thoughtfully before answering "Yes, that would be nice. "The others nodded in agreement. "Okay, then let's start planning. "Eryn spoke, her voice high pitched with excitement.

Chapter 6- The Gathering
Everyone was dancing around her. Brooke was startled at how many people were there. It looked like everyone in Hastings had come to celebrate. People were chatting about their achievements and the rumours about the mission. Brooke glanced towards the castle and saw Eryn, Poppy and Bobbi talking and looking at maps formatted by Tommy of the cave. They noticed her and beckoned her over. "Wow...y-you look beautiful. "Eryn stuttered, blushing at the sight of her.