Tales of the Tides

Ted Brown sat on his bed, surrounded by stacks of old comics. Each story he read followed the same tired trope: a weak, nerdy protagonist gaining supernatural abilities and transforming into something extraordinary. Ted was different, though. He wasn’t the awkward kid who struggled through high school. He was active, physically fit, and confident.

He tossed one of the comics aside, the cover flashing with a masked hero standing triumphantly. "Why is it always the same?" he muttered. Every story had a protagonist who started off scared or too nerdy to stand up for themselves. They got their powers, and suddenly everything changed.

But Ted had never been afraid. He wasn’t a genius or a bookworm, but he wasn’t clueless either. He had friends, was well-liked enough, and spent his free time working out or hanging out with the few people he could actually stand. And now, for some inexplicable reason, something strange was happening to him.

It all started inside the cave. He shouldn’t have taken the dare from his friends, but his pride wouldn’t let him back down. He could still hear Barry’s taunting voice, telling him to go explore the cave, daring him to be the brave one. Looking back now, He knew he should’ve stayed on the beach, surfed like the others who ditched class that day.

Hulport was known for its stunning beaches, but there was one hidden gem that Ted and his friends treasured above all the others. Nestled away from the bustling crowds, this beach was a secret they were introduced by Barry's older friends, through getting there is quite difficult, long trek deep into the thick forest.

Ever since they discovered it, they had made the hidden beach their go-to spot. They would hike through the winding trails, the sound of leaves crunching underfoot, anticipation building as they approached the shoreline. It was worth every step, especially when they arrived and were greeted by the sight of college girls surfing in tight bikinis, gracefully maneuvering across the water.

Ted and his friends would settle on the warm sand, watching in awe as the girls laughed and cheered each other on, completely absorbed in their passion. They felt a mix of admiration and excitement, reveling in the thrill of being around older girls in tiny clothes.

Because of Kyle’s father—the police chief of the city—no one ever bothered them for being high schoolers at the beach. They had a sort of unspoken protection, which made their visits even more enjoyable.

Long ago, the land had belonged to a strange man who had settled in Hulport after journeying from the west. He was an enigma to the townsfolk—an outsider with peculiar habits and an even stranger way of speaking. Sometimes, he would mumble in a language that no one could understand, which only added to his mysterious reputation.

The older residents of Hulport, including some of Ted's friends' grandparents, remembered the man with a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Whispers floated around town about his odd rituals and the strange symbols he etched into the trees surrounding his property. Children would tell tales of eerie shadows dancing in the forest at night, and how the man would sometimes appear and disappear without a trace.

When he passed away, the property was left to his descendants, as stipulated in his will. But time wore on, and no one ever came to claim the land. The beautiful beach and the thick forest slowly faded from memory, becoming a forgotten corner of Hulport, untouched and undiscovered until recently.

Ted still vividly remembered the day they played Truth or Dare on the beach, a day that felt like a dream. Normally, he was the type to shy away from silly games like that, but the atmosphere was electric. With older college girls laughing and splashing around in their swimsuits, it was hard not to get caught up in the excitement.

As the game began, they all circled around, the sun glinting off the water and laughter echoing off the shoreline. Ted found himself eagerly participating, enjoying the thrill of asking the college girls about their secrets. Each revelation seemed daring and fun, from silly crushes to embarrassing moments that had everyone in stitches.

The highlight of the day came when Barry, emboldened by the game, successfully kissed one of the girls after a particularly daring challenge. The cheers that erupted from their friends echoed in Ted’s ears, mixing with the crashing waves. Ted felt a pang of envy—he had never had a girlfriend, and the thought of a kiss from one of these beautiful girls seemed almost unattainable.

As the game progressed, Ted’s heart raced with the possibility. Maybe, just maybe, he could summon the courage to take a chance himself. The idea of kissing a girl in this carefree setting became a tantalizing thought, igniting a spark of hope within him.

The bottle spun, gliding across the sandy ground, before slowing to a stop. Ted held his breath, his heart racing as the mouth of the bottle pointed directly at him. A mixture of anticipation and excitement surged through him. He had expected a typical dare from Barry—something light-hearted, maybe even a challenge to kiss one of the college girls who were part of the game.

But then Barry’s smirk widened, and everyone leaned in closer, eyes glinting with curiosity. “I dare you to go into the cave,” he announced, his voice dripping with playful challenge. The moment those words left his mouth, a stunned silence enveloped the group.

Ted's heart dropped. The cave? The very place that everyone avoided? The one filled with whispered rumors of what lay inside? He stood there in shock, unable to process Barry's dare. It felt like a cruel joke, something straight out of a horror movie. Even the most adventurous college boys steered clear of that cave, choosing instead to enjoy the beach’s beauty from a safe distance.

“Are you serious?” Ted finally managed to stammer, glancing around at the others, who were equally taken aback. Laughter echoed in the background, but it was tainted with nervous energy. No one wanted to admit it, but they all shared a fear of the cave and what lay hidden within its dark depths.

“C’mon, Ted! You can’t back down now!” Barry teased, nudging him playfully. The encouragement from his friends only made Ted feel more cornered. He thought about the girls watching, the thrill of the game, and the pressure building from Barry’s challenge.

Ted swallowed hard, knowing that refusing would be admitting defeat. Yet, the weight of the dare felt heavier than he could bear.