Nether Region: The Author, #5

By Aaron Abilene

Arthur Quill sets out on a journey to rescue his friends who are trapped in the Cave of the Lost, but he gets lost in the jungle of Nether Region.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Syphon Creative
• Release date: May 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224144129

Book preview

Nether Region

The Author, Volume 5

Aaron Abilene

Published by Syphon Creative, 2024.

This is a work of fiction. Similarities to real people, places, or events are entirely coincidental.

NETHER REGION

First edition. May 14, 2024.

Copyright © 2024 Aaron Abilene.

ISBN: 979-8224144129

Written by Aaron Abilene.

Also by Aaron Abilene

505

505

505: Resurrection

Balls

Dead Awake

Before The Dead Awake (Coming Soon)

Carnival Game

Full Moon Howl

Donovan

Shades of Z

Deadeye

Deadeye & Friends

Cowboys Vs Aliens

Ferris

Life in Prescott (Coming Soon)

Afterlife in Love (Coming Soon)

Island

Paradise Island

The Lost Island

The Lost Island 2

The Lost Island 3

The Island 2

Pandemic

Pandemic (Coming Soon)

Prototype

Prototype

The Compound

Slacker

Slacker 2

Slacker: Dead Man Walkin'

Texas

Devil Child of Texas

A Vampire in Texas

The Author

Breaking Wind

Yellow Snow

Dragon Snatch

Golden Showers

Nether Region

Thomas

Quarantine

Contagion

Eradication

Isolation

Immune

Pathogen

Bloodline

Decontaminated (Coming Soon)

TPD

Trailer Park Diaries

Trailer Park Diaries 2

Trailer Park Diaries 3

Virus

Raising Hell

Zombie Bride

Zombie Bride

Zombie Bride 2

Zombie Bride 3

Standalone

The Victims of Pinocchio

A Christmas Nightmare

Pain

Fat Jesus

A Zombie's Revenge

The Headhunter

Crash

Tranq

The Island

Dog

The Quiet Man

Joe Superhero

Feral

Good Guys

Romeo and Juliet and Zombies

The Gamer

Becoming Alpha

Dead West

Small Town Blues

Shades of Z: Redux

The Gift of Death

Killer Claus

Skarred

Home Sweet Home

Alligator Allan

10 Days

Army of The Dumbest Dead

Kid

The Cult of Stupid

9 Time Felon

Slater

Bad Review: Hannah Dies

Me Again

Maurice and Me

The Family Business

Lightning Rider : Better Days

Lazy Boyz

The Sheep

Wild

The Flood

Extinction

Good Intentions

Dark Magic

Sparkles The Vampire Clown

From The Future, Stuck in The Past

Rescue

Knock Knock

Creep

Honest John

Urbex

She's Psycho

Unfinished

Neighbors

Misery, Nevada

Vicious Cycle (Coming Soon)

Romeo and Juliet: True Love Conquers All (Coming Soon)

Hunting Sarah (Coming Soon)

Random Acts of Stupidity (Coming Soon)

Born Killer (Coming Soon)

The Abducted (Coming Soon)

Broken Man (Coming Soon)

Graham Hiney (Coming Soon)

Paper Soldiers (Coming Soon)

Zartan (Coming Soon)

The Firsts in Life (Coming Soon)

Giant Baby (Coming Soon)

Table of Contents

Title Page

Copyright Page

Also By Aaron Abilene

Nether Region

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Also By Aaron Abilene

Nether Region

Written by Aaron Abilene

Arthur Quill's fingers danced through the air, tracing delicate patterns that left trails of glittering light in their wake. His room was an explosion of magical paraphernalia – a cauldron bubbled in one corner, shelves groaned under the weight of arcane tomes, and vials of mysterious liquids teetered precariously on every available surface.

Concentrate, Arthur, he muttered to himself. You can do this.

He was utterly engrossed in his task, determined to master the complex incantation before him. The spell was supposed to enlarge objects, a useful trick for any wizard worth his wand. But as sweat beaded on his brow, Arthur's concentration faltered, and the words that tumbled from his lips were not quite the ones written in the ancient book splayed open before him.

Amplio... uh, minu... umm, Reducto! he exclaimed with an accidental flourish.

The room shimmered, and then, with a pop that sounded like a bubble bursting, everything changed. Arthur blinked, and suddenly the spellbook loomed over him like a building, the ink on its pages a series of dark, swirling oceans.

Merlin's beard... he gasped, his voice high-pitched and tinny.

Arthur? What did you do? came a similarly squeaky voice. It was Penelope, Arthur's studious friend, now no taller than a thimble.

Ah, it seems I may have reversed the spell, Arthur admitted, sheepishly peering up at what was once a moderately-sized crystal ball but now appeared as a giant, foreboding orb.

Reversed? We're the size of pixie bites! cried Jasper, the group's comic relief, who had been lounging on the sofa and was now clinging to the fabric for dear life.

Could be worse, mused Beatrice, ever the optimist, though she couldn't hide the tremor in her tiny voice. We could be—

Let's not finish that thought, Bea, Jasper cut in, eyeing a spider that was now a terrifying beast from their new perspective.

Okay, everyone stay calm, Arthur said, trying to sound authoritative despite the situation. I'll reverse the spell.

As he reached for his wand, which was now akin to a log in his minuscule hands, he realized the gravity of their predicament. Their world had become a jungle of household items, each more perilous than the last. They were lost in a familiar land that had transformed into an alien terrain overnight.

Easy for you to say, Penelope retorted, pushing her tiny glasses up the bridge of her nose. But unless you've got a spell to turn that spider into a friendly kitten, we need to find cover!

Right, Arthur agreed, swallowing hard. Cover first, then... we'll sort out the rest.

Lead the way, oh great and powerful shrunken wizard, Jasper quipped, earning a nervous giggle from Beatrice as they scurried behind a towering stack of books, seeking shelter from the dangers of the newly gigantic world.

Think, Arthur, think! Arthur muttered to himself, his eyes scanning the spellbook that loomed over them like a skyscraper. The text was now an indecipherable blur, each letter the size of a dining table. There's got to be a counter-spell.

Perhaps if we climb up there, Beatrice suggested, pointing towards the open tome with a trembling hand, we might make out the words?

Or get paper cuts the size of swords, Jasper added, not helping the morale.

Wait! The potions! Penelope exclaimed, her voice high-pitched with urgency. One of them could reverse this!

With collective resolve, they maneuvered through the labyrinth of Arthur's room, dodging dust bunnies and navigating the vast terrain of carpet fibers. Their journey brought them to the shelf of potions, now a cliffside of colorful vials teetering precariously above them.

Up there! The blue one with the silver swirls! Arthur directed, squinting to remember his own concoctions.

Got it, Jasper said, leaping onto a protruding book spine and beginning a perilous ascent. The rest watched, their hearts in their throats, as he scaled the makeshift mountain.

Careful! Beatrice called out just as a tremor shook the shelf. A vial tumbled, shattering on the ground and releasing a cloud of sparkling mist.

Run! Penelope shouted, and they dashed away from the expanding fog.

In their frantic escape, they didn't notice the small fissure in the wall behind Arthur's desk—a crack usually hidden by shadow and trinkets. Now, however, it yawned before them like the mouth of a cave.

Into the crack! Arthur yelled, leading them into the darkness without hesitation. His heart pounded against his ribcage; the unknown was better than being turned into sparkly statues.

The air grew thick and cool as they pressed forward, the comforting chaos of Arthur's room fading behind them. It was replaced by an eerie silence, punctuated only by their heavy breathing and the soft whispers of the cave.

Where are we? Penelope whispered, her voice barely audible over the strange murmurs that seemed to emanate from the very walls.

Shh, Beatrice hushed, her eyes wide. Do you hear that?

Voices, Jasper said, his ears pricked. But not voices... echoes, maybe?

Or warnings, Arthur added, unable to shake off the sense of dread that clung to him like cobwebs.

They continued deeper, the light from the room shrinking to a pinprick behind them. Shadows danced across the uneven walls of the Cave of the Lost, twisting and contorting into grotesque shapes. The whispers grew louder, as if the cave itself was speaking to them in tongues too ancient and terrible for human ears.

Keep moving, Arthur urged, his determination to fix his mistake burning brighter than ever. We'll find a way out. We have to.

And so, they ventured further into the unknown, the weight of their tiny new world pressing down upon them, cloaked in whispers and darkness.

Panic clawed at Arthur's throat as they reached yet another dead end, the walls of the cave closing in like the pages of one of his spellbooks slamming shut. His heart thudded against his ribcage, a frantic drumbeat echoing the fear in his friends' eyes.

Arthur, there has to be an exit, Penelope's voice quivered, her fingers skimming the cool, rough surface of the cave wall. This can't be it.

Maybe if I— Jasper began, but Arthur cut him off with a sharp wave of his hand.

Last time you tried to help, we ended up this size, Arthur reminded him, though he couldn't mask the tremor in his own voice. They were a miniature band, lost within the bowels of a cave that seemed to relish their distress.

Let's backtrack, Beatrice suggested, but her words held little conviction. The cave was a labyrinth, and every turn felt like a step deeper into its belly.

Hello? Can anyone hear us? Arthur called out, his voice bouncing back at him mockingly. The whispers grew louder, mingling with their calls for help, forming a cacophony of despair. It was useless; the cave swallowed their pleas, leaving them with nothing but the sound of their own desperation.

Wait, Jasper suddenly said, his gaze locked on a peculiar section of the wall. Look at this. He pointed to a seam that seemed out of place—a fine crack sketched into the stone.

Is it...? Penelope started, hope flickering in her eyes.

Let's find out, Arthur said, pushing past his own trepidation. With trembling hands, they pushed against the hidden door, and it swung open with a reluctant creak, revealing a narrow passageway.

Could this be our way out? Beatrice asked, peering into the darkness.

Only one way to find out, Arthur replied, leading the way as they squeezed through the passage.

The corridor twisted and turned, guiding them away from the haunting echoes. And then, without warning, they stumbled into an open space that glowed with an otherworldly light.

By the stars, Penelope gasped.

Before them stood a portal, its edges rippling like water touched by a gentle breeze. Colors shimmered across its surface—blues and greens entwined with purples and golds, beautiful yet unnerving. It pulsed with a silent rhythm, drawing them closer despite the alarm bells ringing in Arthur's mind.

Is it safe? Beatrice murmured, her eyes reflecting the portal's mesmerizing dance.

I don't know, Arthur admitted. His gut twisted with uncertainty, but as he gazed into the swirling colors, a spark of resolve ignited within him. They had no choice but to go forward; the cave offered no sanctuary, only endless circles of confusion and fear.

Whatever it is, Arthur said, his voice steady now, it's better than being trapped here. We have to take the chance.

He stepped toward the portal, his friends flanking him, their collective breaths held in anticipation. Each color seemed to beckon, promising unknown wonders or untold dangers. Yet amidst the chaos of their situation, the portal offered a glimmer of hope—a hope that Arthur clung to as they reached out towards the unknown.

Arthur exhaled a determined breath, feeling the weight of his friends' anxious stares pressing against his back. With one final glance at their wide eyes, he turned resolutely toward the portal. Its hues twirled and dipped in an ethereal dance that seemed to pulse in time with his racing heart. The uncertainty of what lay beyond tugged at his insides like a siren's call—mysterious yet irresistible.

Here goes everything, he muttered under his breath. And with that, he stepped forward, crossing the threshold into the unknown.

The sensation was immediate and disorienting—a swirling vortex that tugged at his very essence, stripping away the cave's damp chill and replacing it with a rush of warm air. Time bent around him, stretching moments into eternity until, with a sudden snap, he emerged on the other side.

Arthur landed with a soft thud, his knees buckling beneath him. He dug his fingers into the ground, expecting cold stone but finding, instead, a lush carpet of moss that cushioned his fall. Blinking rapidly to clear his vision, he gazed up in awe.

He was no longer in a cave but rather stood amidst a jungle that defied all logic and reason. Towering blades of grass loomed over him like green skyscrapers, their tips lost to a canopy of iridescent leaves that filtered sunlight into a kaleidoscope of colors. Flowers as large as boulders dotted the landscape, their petals unfurling with slow grace, revealing centers that shimmered like jewels. The air itself seemed alive, vibrating with the hum of unseen creatures and the fragrance of sweet nectar.

Whoa, Arthur breathed out, the word barely a whisper. His heart hammered with the thrill of discovery, and for a moment, the peril of their situation was forgotten.

He rose to his feet, taking cautious steps as he adjusted to this new world. The Nether Region—it was a place of myths and whispers, where the fabric of reality grew thin and dreams could take root. Here, in the heart of enchantment, the rules he knew were rewritten by the whimsy of magic itself.

With each step, Arthur felt the surge of wonder and trepidation blend inside him. He could not let the awe overshadow his mission. His friends were counting on him, and he would not fail them. Gazing forward into the vibrant jungle, he knew the path ahead would be fraught with challenges—but with a steady resolve, he was ready to face them head-on.

Arthur's boots sank into the spongy undergrowth as he ventured deeper into the Nether Region, his eyes scanning the enormous landscape for any sign of his friends. They were nowhere to be seen, likely still trapped in the Cave of the Lost after the misfired shrinking spell. A knot tightened in his stomach—not only had he failed to prove himself a capable wizard, but now he was responsible for their predicament.

Focus, Arthur, he muttered to himself, pushing aside a leaf bigger than a banquet table. He needed to find a way back, to reverse the spell, to save his friends. With each determined stride, the foliage grew denser, the air thicker, and the sounds of the jungle more foreign. He trudged forward, branches snapping back like elastic bands, until—

Ouch! Something sharp pricked his finger. Arthur yanked his hand back, expecting to see one of the jungle's oversized thorns, but instead found himself staring at a tiny figure perched on a leaf, her translucent wings fluttering irritably.

Watch it, you oaf! Do you have any idea how long it takes to sharpen these? The diminutive creature scolded, shaking her minuscule fist which wielded what appeared to be a needle-like sword.

Sorry, Arthur stammered, I didn't see you there. He squinted at the fairy who was no taller than an apple. Her hair was a tangle of wildflowers and her eyes sparkled with a mischief that belied her annoyance.

Clearly. She crossed her arms. You're not from around here, are you?

No, I'm—

Arthur Quill, accidental tourist and bungler of spells. She finished for him, hovering up to eye level. Name's Faye, and thanks to your blundering through my nap spot, I'm now your problem.

Arthur's cheeks flushed with embarrassment. Actually, it's you who might solve my problem, Faye. I need to rescue my friends, they're stuck—

Let me guess, in the Cave of the Lost? Faye rolled her eyes. You wizards and your penchant for trouble, I swear.

Can you help me? Arthur asked, hope creeping into his voice.

Help? Me? Why on earth would I— Faye started to protest but paused, her gaze lingering on something unseen in the distance. Fine. I know the Nether Region better than anyone. But I'm not doing this for you. Consider it a personal interest to keep the balance. This place gets weird enough without extra wizards mucking about.

Thank you, Arthur said, relief washing over him as Faye led the way, zipping through the jungle with a speed that forced him to hustle.

Keep up, slowpoke! Faye called back, her sarcasm a stark contrast to her delicate features. And try not to step on any more fairies, yeah?

Arthur could only nod, his determination renewed by the unlikely ally. Together, they delved into the heart of the Nether Region, the fantastical flora and fauna a blur as they embarked on their quest to reunite him with his friends.

Arthur stumbled over an upturned root, his eyes wide as he struggled to keep pace with Faye's nimble flight. The Nether Region was a cacophony of vibrant colors and bewildering sights, a place where the impossible lounged in every nook.

Careful, Faye said, fluttering back with an amused glint in her eyes. Wouldn't want you squishing something important—like yourself, for instance.

About that, Arthur panted, dodging a low-hanging branch that seemed to swat at him like an irritable cat. You'll help me find my friends on one condition, right?

Sharp as a troll's wit, aren't you? Faye teased, hovering above a peculiar flower that snapped its petals like an ornery old man. Get me out of this oversized botanical nightmare once we're done, and you've got yourself a deal.

Deal, Arthur agreed without hesitation, ignoring the little voice in his head reminding him of his own abysmal track record with portal spells. But then, what choice did he have?

Good. Now watch your step, bigfoot, Faye smirked, zipping ahead once more.

Their path took a turn into even stranger scenery as they ventured deeper. Mischievous pixies, no larger than Arthur's thumb now, darted between the fronds of ferns, giggling and casting miniature illusions that made the air shimmer with fleeting images of wonder and horror alike.

Are they always so... playful? Arthur asked, swatting away a particularly bold pixie that had conjured the illusion of a second head atop his shoulders.

Playful is one word for it, Faye replied dryly, her wings buzzing with irritation. Annoying is another. They're like mosquitoes, if mosquitoes could conjure nightmares and daydreams with equal glee.

On cue, a group of pixies formed a mock-heroic parade in front of them, marching and playing invisible instruments while singing a song that sounded suspiciously like a jingle for a tavern Arthur once visited.

Charming, Arthur remarked, though he couldn't suppress a chuckle.

Keep laughing, Faye warned, but her lips twitched with a reluctant smile.

Further along, a sentient mushroom colony caught their attention, the fungi conversing in soft, sibilant whispers that rustled like leaves in the wind.

Can they help us? Arthur wondered aloud, squatting down to get a better look at the mushrooms, whose caps nodded ever so slightly in his direction.

Help? Perhaps, Faye mused, tilting her head. "But mushrooms are notorious gossips. Before you know it,