Into the Netherworld (Real Terror Universe)

"Yeah. We were lucky there was a lake to break our fall when we did that the first time," Thomas commented, feeling rather stupid for the first one doing that.

That suggestion also earned Hanyer a whack from Taryn, "You could die," she said, giving him a hard look. She looked at Thomas and said, "Oh come on, your Granddad's cool. No need to insult him."

"Yeah, I know. It was just a suggestion so Hanyer doesn't have to risk his life," Thomas told her sheepishly.

"Be careful, we can't lose anybody here." Lily reminded them
"Leave no man behind" She looked up into the sky.
"come on old man."

"Ok how about we anger some animal and leave me standing out in the open. Either you grandfather saves me or Taryn could come swinging down or something to pull me out of it." Hanyer rubbed his arm. He hoped this suggestion didn't lead to getting hit.

"Doesn't sound too bad and you could defend yourself if something goes wrong," Charlie said slowly.

"I'm pretty sure there might be a wild boar around here or something," Thomas pointed out, "Forests used to be full of them before they were all hunted and eaten."

"How's about you just squirm around on the ground like a dying animal, it could work." Lily suggested jokingly.

Taryn shook her head, smiling slightly, "And if that doesn't work, we could just look for one. Provided we can be sneaky enough so that it won't hear us until we want it to."

"Sounds like a plan. Let's do it," Hanyer said, adding mentally 'Before I regain my sanity and realize what I'm doing.'

Taryn nodded, "Alright. Well let's go find one. Quietly." She started off toward the forest, stepping carefully and treading lightly.

Thomas nodded, following her closely. After a few minutes of searching, they found the biggest wild boar Thomas had ever seen. He grimaced. Its horns looked sharp.

Taryn's eyes widened a bit as she looked at the boar. It looked to her like it could easily weigh 300 pounds and take down a tree with one hit. And look at those tusks... She looked at Hanyer, silently asking with her eyes if he really wanted to do this.

"We don't have to do this." she whispered to them remindingly

"Well let's get this over with."

Charlie looked at the boar with fear in her eyes. She didn't want Hanyer to die.

"Are you sure," she said, hoping he would change his mind.

"I'm....I'm positive."

Taryn bit her lip and nodded, "Okay. Do what you have to," she whispered, "And please be careful..."

Hanyer turned to Taryn and gave her a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry."

He started towards the boar, not exactly sure what to do. He picked up a rock and threw it at it, hoping it would notice him.

The boar's eyes widened and he snorted angrily before turning around and glaring at Hanyer. He snorted and gain and stomped threateningly.

"He's giving you a chance to leave," Thomas commented, "Incase you're not sure."

Lily's breath hitched, "Come on gramps, where are you?" She whispered

Taryn bit her lip, gripping the hilt of her knife so hard that her knuckles went completely pale. She started to sweat a bit, her muscles tensed. She was ready to pounce. Where is he?

The boar charged, only to be sliced in half by a figure that appeared from the shadows. An old man was glaring at the assembled teenagers.

"Reckless children. What did you expect to accomplish coming here?" he asked with a frown.

Taryn looked down, her face riddled with guilt. She did not answer him. She sheathed her knife and looked Death in the face, ready for some sort of lecture.

Hanyer closed his eyes ready to be hit. When Death spoke he opened them slowly, sighing in relief. But he couldn't answer Death. Only look at the ground guilty.

Charlie opened her mouth to speak, then shut it turning to Thomas. If anyone she was hoping he could talk to his grandfather.

"Well, we were sort of curious about this legend about an entrance here and, well, you know how these things happen," Thomas told his grandfather, looking at the ground.

"That's still not a good excuse," Death told him with a frown.

"Are...are we in trouble," Charlie asked nervously. She didn't want to cause any trouble.

"That will depend on your parents. I'll tell them I found you fooling around in an unstable cave," Death told him simply.

"Thomas' dad will know the truth, though," he added, seeing his grandson's hopeful look.

"Damn it," the boy muttered.