The day I tried to live was the day the dead took my hand and pulled me into the living nightmare, that eternity of terror. ~•~•1•~•~ Johnathan Farrow’s skin prickled as he stepped from the light of the bright Ecuadorian morning into the tarry dark of the ruins. Excitement, he told himself though his racing heart bespoke a greater unease. Johnathan had leapt at the opportunity to join this expedition, having received a call from head of the French Institute of Andean Studies this past February. His expertise in pre-Columbian South America with emphasis on the Valdivian culture had drawn the attention of Captain Marissa Monet, and an opportunity in the field of his study and imaginations and away from his cramped and tired office was a dream come true (if only he had known that in *truth*, it would be a nightmare). Monet cleared her throat of the dusty tomb now and turned to the cast of archaeologists, their local guide, and Jonathan, the scholar. “Alright team, listen clo-“ Marissa was cut off by a sudden and terrific rumbling from the earth. Jonathan pitched and stumbled before finding his feet. He saw Quinn, the youngest member of the party clutch onto Thomas, lead archaeologist, and suspected a closeness between them. That closeness would provide a modicum of comfort when they faced what was already on its way to the unknowing, apprehensive but hopeful party. Marissa, feet wide and arms out for balance scanned the group and began again, her voice sonorous and low, the French accent making the English words flow musically. “Everyone is well, yes?” Heads bobbed around in their tight circle. “I expect Cotopaxi which is a mere 80 kilometers from here has had a small… bit of indigestion, shall we say? Nothing to fear my dears. Now!” Her slender and angled face lit up in the lantern-light with a brilliant smile, “Our adventure is upon us! Remember- do not under any circumstances separate from your buddy. Samuel and I are to advance directly forward. Thomas and Quinn, you shall follow this chamber to the right.” Jonathan saw the young woman stifle a smile as her adoring eyes darted to her handsome “buddy”. “Jonathan, you and Arturo will steer the left-hand course. If you find anything of interest- any artifacts, tombs, hidden rooms- anything at all! Share it with the team on the talkies and of course as we’ve discussed, document *everything* on your temple blueprint. We have the great honor to be the first living humans in this space for perhaps thousands of years!” The emphasis on living would be remembered with dread by the hour’s end. “Alright intrepid explorers… let’s explore!” With that she wheeled toward Samuel who was also an archaeologist with the Institute, and with their heads together, lanterns and blueprints in hand, they departed into the darkness ahead. Quinn and Thomas shuffled off to the right and Jonathan turned to face Arturo. Arturo was a compact and well-muscled man Jonathan guessed to be in his early 40s, maybe ten or so years older than himself. Arturo’s brows were raised high on his face, eyes curious and wary, and Jonathan realized he himself mirrored the expression. He took a deep breath and let it out loudly through pursed lips, sweeping the hair back that had fallen across his forehead and into his eyes. “You are ready?” Arturo asked, a bemused expression on his face. Jonathan took another deep breath, filling his chest and closing his eyes. With another great exhale he squared his shoulders and gave a curt nod. “I am”.