• “Owww…” my cries of pain go unheard as I chose to come walking alone. The only problem with these woods is that there are so many large roots and loose stones to trip over. I pull myself up off the mossy ground and look around. I come to these woods often, but this is one part that remains unexplored. My eyes come to rest on a bush that is covered with big blue berries. I edge over to the bush, being extremely careful not to trip over any more tree roots. Having gone to nature camp this past summer I immediately recognize them as blueberries. I reached out to grab some and loose my balance. I brace myself, expecting to hit the rock wall behind the bush, but much to my surprise I fall straight through and into a hidden cave. I pick myself up off the floor and look around. I suddenly feel an ominous wind and strange chill in the air that makes me wish that I had brought a sweater. I listen closely and can almost hear a maniacal cackle that must have been carried on the strange wind. I look farther into the cave and see a strange glowing coming from up ahead. My curiosity getting the better of me, I press on. After walking for what felt like about 10 minutes in a gentle downward curve, I find a section of tunnel that seems to glow. I examine the walls and notice what seems to be a pulsing liquid behind a section of clear crystal. There are patches of this luminescent liquid all along the wall in various shades of blue, red, purple, orange, and green. The wall itself seems to be a rusty copper color. I cautiously make my way deeper into the cave. As I go farther there is a musky scent whenever I breathe in that reminds me of death and decay. Feeling tired I lean against the wall to take a break. As soon as I touch the wall a chill runs through my body. The walls are surprisingly cold and rough to the touch despite the warm looking liquid behind the crystals. The floor feels much the same as the walls only slightly smoother. I consider going back, but my brother always tells me to get my head out of my books and become more adventurous and now does seem like as good a time as any to start. I continue on my way and some time later find myself in a cavernous room. I realize that the tunnel must have lead farther down than I thought. Here the walls are made of pure crystal with spires of the glowing liquid in random spots along the floor. I move closer to the wall on my right and gaze intently at the crystal, trying to make out a shape. I realize it acts as a mirror of sorts. I examine my white blonde hair and the tear in my jeans that must have happened when I fell. I see a flash of movement across the crystal. I whirl around and start cursing both my luck and my brother. The creature that stands before me is easily 7 feet tall with bits of rotting flesh hanging off exposed yellowing bone. My scream is lost as the mutilated humanoid creature lunges at me aiming directly for my throat.