CYOA Wednesday 2025 #16 [Beyond the Woods 16]

This fantasy CYOA story continues today. Synopsis below:

When Derek, Jade, and Clara go camping, they stumble upon a portal to another dimension filled with strange creatures and sexy seductresses.

Our heroes communicate with the Wanderbeast and discover what they must do if they hope to get back home. Now what? You decide.

https://www.patreon.com/posts/126820370

Read the sixteenth segment below:

16 – Communication

The Wanderbeast halted its approach, its undulating segments slowing to a stop. The snapping of its pincers grew less frantic, and its eyestalks angled toward Aethera, their writhing motion becoming oddly still. Jade held her breath, her eyes locked on the creature. Derek remained wary while Clara, ever the curious one, took a cautious step forward, her wonder overpowering her fear.

“It’s responding,” Aethera murmured, her voice nothing but a whisper over the faint hum of the crystalline pillars. “It understands we mean no harm.”

The Wanderbeast lowered its massive head, the eyestalks dipping as though in acknowledgment. A low rumble filled the cavern, a sound that reverberated through the ground and hummed in Clara’s chest.

“I will allow it to speak through me now,” Aethera said. “You’ll hear me and the Wanderbeast’s thoughts as two different voices for a bit. It may sound a little weird at first, but you’ll get used to it. Listen carefully and remember to keep your voice low when you wish to intervene, okay?”

“Sure,” Clara said.

“Very well. Great Wanderbeast, it’s good to see you again. It’s been a while.”

“Indeed, it has, Aethera. I never thought I would see you again after the last time you were here. Who are your friends?”

“There are humans from planet Earth – Clara, Derek, and Jade. They were brought by a portal and seek a way out of this prison.”

“And so you led them to me.”

“Greetings,” Clara mumbled. “Yes, that’s happened. Aethera said you could help us. We humbly beg for your help.”

“Greetings, human. I’ve seen one of your kind a long time ago. You are brave to venture so deep inside the Undercroft. The paths are treacherous. Many who have entered here never returned.”

“Luckily, we have a good guide,” Clara continued. “Can you tell us the way to go back home?”

“You’ll need another portal, but the Ripple is unstable. I can tell you what you need to do, but not offer any guarantee of success.”

“We understand, but we can’t stay here. This zoo will eat us alive if we do.”

“Yes,” Derek muttered. “We’ve already been attacked several times, and we’re lucky to still be alive. We need to go home, the sooner the better.”

“Everyone who gets trapped here yearns to be free once again. I understand how you feel, but it won’t be a simple task,” the Wanderbeast said.

“We know, but we need to try nonetheless,” Jade said.

The creature emitted a series of strange, almost melodic clicks, its pincers flexing in a motion that might have been some sort of nod. It took a step closer, its massive form casting a shadow over them. Despite its fearsome appearance, there was an air of solemn dignity to its movements, as though it understood the weight of its responsibility.

The Wanderbeast adjusted its stance, settling its bulk upon the cavern floor. Its eyestalks turned inward, as if contemplating some distant memory.

“Many believe that the portals are random, but that’s not true,” it said. “They are interconnected, a network spanning this world and countless others. To reach your home, you must understand their purpose.”

Aethera cocked her head as the massive creature’s thoughts flowed through her lips. “There’s a network of generators spread throughout the planet. These machines sustain the very fabric of reality itself. Without them, the portals would crumble into nothingness. If you can trigger it, you may find your ticket back home.”

Clara’s eyes widened at the revelation. Derek and Jade exchanged skeptical glances, unused to dealing with such far-fetched notions.

“If these generators are so vital,” Jade ventured cautiously, “surely they’d be well-guarded?”

“They are,” the Wanderbeast confirmed with a solemn hiss. “But one lies concealed deep within these very catacombs. If you can reach it and trigger its power…” The creature trailed off, leaving the unspoken implications hanging in the air.

A heavy silence descended upon the group as they contemplated the enormity of their task. The cavern seemed to close in around them, the weight of untold ages pressing down from every side.

“So what’s our plan?” Derek asked finally, his voice strained but determined. “We’re not exactly equipped to take on a suicide mission like that.”

“We’ll need supplies,” Aethera said thoughtfully. “Food, water, weapons, if we can find any that work down here… But first, we have to locate this generator.” She turned back to address the Wanderbeast directly.

“Do you know where it is? Can you guide us to it?”

“I can show you. I’ll take you as far as I can, but there are Guardians lurking nearby. You don’t want to be caught in their sights.”

“You’re right,” Clara said. “Once was enough.”

“What happens then?” Derek asked nervously. “Will triggering this machine restore our portal link?”

“There are no guarantees because no one has ever done it before. “But it’s our best chance so far.”

“You know this place better than any of us,” Jade said. “Can you procure us some supplies for the additional trek?”

“If you don’t mind being on your own for a while, yes,” Aethera replied.

“Why do we need to be left behind?” Derek grumbled.

“Because I’ll cover ground more quickly if I transform into something else. Dragging you back and forth will only slow things down.”

“That makes sense,” Clara scratched her chin. “Will it take long?”

“I can be back in a couple of hours. You should have no trouble if you stay here.”

“I’ll look after your friends if they’re okay with it,” the Wanderbeast said.

“But we won’t be able to communicate without Aethera here,” Jade said.

“We won’t have to. All you need to know is that I’m here watching over you.”

“That’s the best offer you’ll ever get,” Aethera said.

“Then there’s no room for debate,” Clara tapped her foot. “We’ll wait for you.”

“Agreed,” Derek said, followed by Jade.

And so, the group reached a decision that would determine the success of their mission. Once they were on their way, there would be no turning back.

To decide what happens next, head over to my Patreon (you can join for free), and vote on the poll there until next Sunday. 

If you’re new to these CYOA stories, here are the basic rules:

1) You can only choose one option;

2) If there’s a tie at the end of the poll, and the competing options can be combined somehow, I’ll do that. If not, I get the deciding vote to keep the tale going.

3) The process continues every Wednesday until the story runs its natural course.

Have fun.