Ma: Lighting incense Ancient rituals... always so dramatic, aren't they?
You know, Ma, sometimes I wonder if this all this mystical bullshit really matters in the grand scheme of things.
Oh, Gaterner, you always had a way of questioning everything. But that's what makes you curious, isn't it? The unknown, the possibilities.
sighs Well, I've seen enough shit in my life to know nothing is set in stone.
smirks You've certainly had your fair share of adventures, haven't you? But tell me, Gaterner, have any of those adventures led you to believe in something beyond the ordinary?
chuckles Beyond the ordinary? Now that's a tall order, Ma. I've fought beasts and bargained with demons, but beyond the ordinary? That's a whole different ball game. Why do you ask?
leans in closer, voice low Because, Gaterner, I have seen things that go beyond the ordinary too. Things that make you question your very existence.
And what might those be, Ma?
grabs Gaterners hand and leads him to a hidden room Come, Gaterner, I'll show you something that will open your eyes. opens a dusty old chest and pulls out an ancient book bound in dark leather
eyes widen What the fuck is that?
smiles mysteriously This, my dear Gaterner, is more than just a book. It holds the secrets of the ages, knowledge that has been lost to the world for centuries.
whistles Well, I'll be damned. Since when were you into this stuff, Ma?
nods I've always had an interest in the mysterious, the unknown.
So, what's next? You gonna make me drink the blood of the vampire lord or some shit?
laughs heartily Oh, Gaterner, you always had a way with words. But I assure you, this is not some exaggerated tale.
scoffs Yeah, yeah. I'll bite. Let's see what this shit can do.
starts flipping through the pages of the ancient book, muttering to herself Ah, here it is. The ritual of the shadow realm.
Shadow realm? Sounds like a real twist. What's it supposed to do?
As Ma and Gaterner perform the ritual, a portal to the shadow realm opens, revealing dark and twisted creatures that feed on negative emotions.
gasp Holy hell, Ma! What have you gotten us into?
grabs Gaterners hand tightly Stay close, Gaterner. These creatures feed on fear and uncertainty. We must remain calm and united.
grits teeth Alright, alright. Let's play nice. Just remember what I taught you, okay? Keep your head low and your fists up.
stands tall and authoritative Gaterner, we may be facing twisted creatures, but we have something they don't - unity and determination.
snorts Determination, huh? You always had a knack for finding the bright side in shit. Alright, Ma. Let's cut the crap and get out of here.
raises an eyebrow Cutting the crap, huh? Well, Gaterner, you know I never liked wasting time on unnecessary drama.
rolls eyes There's the Ma I know. Alright, lead the way, but keep your eyes peeled. These fuckers aren't going to give us a free pass.
holds Gaterners hand firmly and leads him through the dark forest, her eyes scanning the surroundings Stay close, Gaterner.
grunts Fine, fine. Lead the way, Ma. But if any of these bastards try anything, I'll personally kick their sorry asses.
pauses and looks at Gaterner with a mischievous glint in her eye Oh, Gaterner, you underestimate my abilities. A simple kick won't suffice for these creatures.
chuckles Oh, really? And what makes you think you can take them on, Ma? You're not exactly the fighter type, are you?
pauses, a determined look crossing her face You may underestimate me, Gaterner, but I assure you, I am more than capable of defending myself.