Three Cross - Time Youths

New Hope, Dr. Alina

A cool morning atmosphere enveloped the edge of the forest. The leaves swayed in the gentle breeze, while the seeping sunlight broke through the tree canopy creating a dramatic scene with its shadows. At the edge of the forest, a large cave with its mouth wide open seemed to be waiting.

Dr. Alina, in research clothes and a helmet with lights, seemed ready to guide the three. "We have to be careful. This cave has not been explored much, and we do not know what we will encounter inside" he said while adjusting his helmet.

Mado, with a burning spirit, said, "This is our chance to return. We should try it."

Jayak nodded, "Right, we have to find out."

When entering the cave, the atmosphere became silent. Only the sound of water drops from stalactites and the echo of their footsteps could be heard. The wet walls of the cave glittered as they were illuminated by their helmet lights.

Kunta, feeling tense, whispered to Mado, "Do you feel that there is another presence here?"

Mado tried to calm herself down. "We need to stay focused" he said. Then, to distract and excite, Mado began singing an ancient song from their time. Unfortunately, his false voice caused a herd of bats that were hibernating to be startled and started flying everywhere.

Jayak, who was shocked, shouted, "What are you doing, Mado?!"

Dr. Alina, who looked panicked, shouted, "Head down!"

The four of them lowered their heads, while trying to avoid the bats flying wildly. After a few minutes, the bats finally calmed down and returned to their original place.

Mado looked embarrassed. "I'm sorry, I just want to raise my spirits" he said, looking down.

Dr. Alina smiled lightly, "I see your point, but we should be more careful here."

The three nodded in agreement.

Carefully, they continued on their way, inspecting every nook and cranny of the cave. Jayak, with sharp eyes, found a relief on one of the cave walls. "Look at this," he said, pointing.

The relief looked like a portal with ancient symbols all around it. Dr. Alina looked excited. "This may be the lead we're looking for!" abugn.

Kunta approached and touched the relief, "This is similar to the old story told by our ancestors. Maybe this is the portal we're looking for."

Dr. Alina nodded, "We should do some more research. There may be a special way to activate it."

With hopeful hearts, they leave the cave, ready to begin the next stage of their adventure. Despite some obstacles, their spirits never go out, and they get closer to their goal of going back in time.

Against the backdrop of the sun starting to sink, they gathered in front of the cave. The sky is purple orange, giving a mystical feel to the atmosphere around. The sounds of crickets and owls begin to sound, creating a mysterious background of sonoras.

Dr. Alina opened an ancient book containing various rituals. "According to this record, there is a special ritual to activate the portal in this cave. We need some special material for that" he said, pointing the pages of the book to others.

Kunta, with brilliant eyes, said, "Let me gather them. I remember some plants around here that might fit the description in the book."

Jayak patted Kunta on the back. "Do well, my friend. We're counting on you."

While Kunta goes to collect the ingredients, Mado and Jayak help Dr. Alina prepared the ritual area. They arranged large stones in a circle and lit candles around it.

After some time, Kunta returned with a number of ingredients. However, surprisingly, among the pile of leaves and flowers, there was a large bottle of soda.

Kunta looked confused. "Oh, I think we need something frothy for the ritual. Didn't we?"

Mado and Jayak tried hard to hold back the laughter. "Cunta, maybe you misunderstood. Soda is not part of the ancient ritual" Mado said with a laugh.

Dr. Alina, although looking slightly comforted, said, "It's okay, Kunta. Let's continue with the materials we already have."

When the ritual begins, Dr. Alina started chanting ancient spells. Jayak and Mado seriously followed his every move. When it came time to pour a special liquid into the vessel, Kunta, still thinking the soda was necessary, opened the soda bottle.

With a loud 'pssst' sound, soda foam splashed everywhere. Some droplets fall onto the candle, creating sparks that create a dramatic effect. The effects of foam and sparks make the ritual seem like a magical scene in fantasy films.

Mado, with wide eyes, said, "What is this? Is the portal active?"

Jayak, who was slightly wet from the soda, laughed. "I think this is just a side effect of Kunta soda."

Kunta, with a flushed face, said, "Sorry, I really think it's necessary."

Dr. Alina, who was also laughing, said, "Although not part of the plan, the effect is indeed amazing. But we have to focus and continue the ritual properly."

After the funny incident, they went back seriously and continued the ritual according to the instructions in the book. All hope the ritual will bring them one step closer to their goal: activate the portal and return the three men to their time.

The night's deck was getting thicker, embracing the cave with a deep grip. The sound of nature sounded silent, as if waiting for something significant to happen. However, inside the cave, Dr. flashlight. Alina provided enough illumination for them to continue the search.

Mado, who looked disappointed, sat on a large rock. "Maybe we can't go back, guys," he said in a heavy tone.

Jayak patted his shoulder, "We can't give up. There's gotta be a way."

When Kunta examined the cave walls, he found something interesting. "Friends, look at this!" yells.

They all approached and found a symbol engraved on the cave wall. The symbol is complex, consisting of several intertwined circles, stars, and lines. In the middle of it, there was an eye-like shape.

"I think this is the key" said Dr. Alina, check the symbol carefully. "This may be a clue as to how to activate the portal."

Jayak, with sparkling eyes, said, "I know this! Similar to the fast food logo we visited a few days ago!" The vigorous movements of his body, as well as his expression of a face filled with enthusiasm, contrasted with the seriousness of the situation.

Mado turned her head with a puzzled expression, "Fast food? Jayak, we're talking about an inter-dimensional portal, not burgers and fries."

Kunta, who could not help herself, started laughing out loud. "Imagine it, this ancient portal was activated with a burger order!" his laughter echoed in the cave.

Jayak, realizing his mistake, blushed. "I'm sorry, I just remembered something familiar. But, who knows? Perhaps the fast food founder was inspired by this ancient symbol!" he said trying to defend himself, his sincere face making it hard for others to get angry.

Dr. Alina smiled faintly, "If you guys have a unique look, I think there's a point. Ancient symbols are often the inspiration for many things in modern times. But we have to focus and figure out the true meaning of this symbol."

They decided to photocopy the symbol and take it to a symbolist for analysis. As it exited the cave, a cool night air enveloped them. The star-filled night sky, with the moon peering out from behind the clouds, gave them new hope.

They walked together to Dr. Alina, with a new determination to unravel the mystery that has baffled them. Although they were already far away from the cave, their laughter still echoed, signaling that their spirits remained high despite facing the obstacles.