Setting - Namapeau

An intense sense of dread lingered about the entrance, seemingly warding off intruders. The only light that filtered in was through two orbit-like holes in the mouth of the cave. After that, anyone seeking light was out of luck--not a single ray of light could enter past there. The mouth’s bottom jaw jutted into the sandy ground, fangs curving around the small walkway made for tours.

Clenching the camera in my hand, I swallowed my fear and entered. When the light faded, I fumbled around, grabbing my phone and turning the flashlight on. The cave had turned the dark, ruddy color of raw flesh, with teeth in different stages of decay hanging from the ceiling. Every once in a while, I popped my camera out to film various aspects of my surroundings, making distinct note of the teeth and the blood dripping from it. As soon as I got good footage, it was on--

The floor collapsed under me, and I slid down a flesh-covered ramp. Once I hit the ground, I took a second before getting up to collect my thoughts. To my absolute horror, when I looked back at where I was standing, the floor regenerated and looked as if nothing had happened. What sort of hellhole did I land myself in this time?

Standing up, dusting myself off, and picking the camera up, I turned around to look for a path. Worst case scenario, I could maybe climb back up. This recess seemed to continue further onward, with even ghastlier walls and floor. Turning the camera on once more, I recorded blood clots the size of my fist (along with comparison, of course) and skulls that must’ve belonged to some large animals. As I passed by one unusually large clot, it slid off the wall and plopped on the ground, excess blood splattering onto my leg. After gagging (a knee jerk reaction), I snapped a few pictures of the destroyed clot, as well as a few shots of my now red-tinged pants.

The path before me was split into two passageways. I couldn’t even see where they led, as they both faded into darkness despite the best efforts of my phone light.

Deciding my path with a rousing game of eeny meeny miny moe, I took the left passage. At first, it was more of the same: Blood clots and bones. The monotony ended, however, as soon as the tight foramen opened up to reveal a pool of clear liquid. Compared to how garrish the rest of the cave looked, this new slough was breathtakingly beautiful. I could see fangs and molars lining the ceiling, with muscles contracting and…

...and muscles contracting. The muscles on the ceiling were moving, and I could hear very faint breathing. My camera shook with my hands, and soon the rest of me began to tremor. The rumors were true, after all--Namapeau Cave was alive and well.

After getting over myself and stopping the fear-induced tears, I took a deep breath and began to rationalize. This cave’s been here for years. There is no reason for it to suddenly get up now, of all times. I’m fine. I should head back. Trying to fool myself into thinking I was safe and failing miserably, I ran back to the crossroads.

Taking the right path this time, I started to listen to the breathing more. It seemed labored, as if this...creature was in immense pain. This path was certainly drier, with its blood clots being hardened and crusty. Dried, dead algae lined the crease between wall and floor, adding to the cave’s horrible stench. Where the trail narrowed, my dread expanded. I muscled through the sinewy barrier, shuddering as it broke loose and fell to the ground.

Not seeing a steep drop, I fell into what felt like water. Thrashing in the liquid, I took solace in its familiarity. Of course, that sense of security was short-lived when I realized that the liquid certainly was not water. I was covered in blood plasma, and I scrambled up to the cliff. I didn’t feel safe enough to complain, so I walked back to the crossroads again.

At least, I think it was the crossroads? I saw a turn, and hopefully it was the right one. Regardless, I’d find something.

The narrow tube ended in a dead end, but what lay on the wall horrified me more than the idea of turning back.

Something...someone was hanging on the wall. Their arms were stuck above their head, and they expressed pure fear on their face.

That’s enough cave exploration for today. I turned tail and ran, charging through what remained of the sinew. There seemed to be more turns than before, making my adrenaline rush even more extreme.

As I crossed another pool, I dropped the camera. Stopping, I went to grab it, but some...ghastly beast roared. Abandoning the useless trinket, I sped up and headed for the exit. Finding the regenerated cliff from earlier, I tried feebly to climb the flesh, only to slide back down. I tried again, and again, and again...in vain. I couldn’t even get to the top, let alone break it back open.

Battering it and screaming, I cursed myself for going in alone. This living cave adds another soul to its repertoire.