The Late Detour ( A Story Inspired from various Quibi Original TV Series )

PART 1 : PROLOGUE
Who doesn't love a good folk tale? To be honest I grow up watching horror movies. Among them it's interesting to watch if it's based on a folk tale or may be urban legends. I like them even though most of their plotlines begins with a family or may be a group of friends from town moves to a country side either for staying or for exploring to ultimately face their horrors in the end. Even though the beginnings are all the same, the presentation of it makes that flick a watchable or an exciting one. What I have in store for you isn't different from any of that.

Willmore - A town abandoned over the years due to some infection that has its wake during past three years. The Settlements there are on the verge of their decaying stage. No one over the years has cared about that town and it's people. They know of its consequences if they dare to step foot in there. Years of loneliness has made that town dark.

James and Taissa are on their vacation back in Arkansas. They had to cut shot their trip as James has an unexpected business meeting to attend to. The last minute rush was of no habit in both of their lives in the last few years. When it happened all of a sudden, their ways began to change which leads to arguments and shouting and atlast they reconciled. After refreshing themselves they packed their bags for an early checkout from the Lakeview resort. They rushed to their car. Had to catch this flight. It's already late James mumbled with the steering at hand. You'll miss it for sure if you'll keep on doing like this. Taissa argues with James. Do what Tessy ? Now..I am the one responsible? Is that what you are about to say..then say it. James crossed her. Anyways try to be on the road, careful...Taissa opens up a peaceful solution.
On reaching the Air Port after skidding their way through the heavy traffic. They came to know that the flight is late for hours. So they finalized on their journey by road. There's nothing to worry...james..I've packed all the essentials...thank god...now it has come in handy. Alright..Alright..I know you'll take care of it... after all...you are my resourceful tessie Bear. James smiles at Taissa. Taissa chuckles. Don't make me do it..dear hussy..please don't. They are both sharing their precious moments from their early marriage life. They want it to be delightful. They are trying to use the most out of it whatever chance they get.

PART 2 : THE TRAIL

The Long Journey has tired both of them. They decided to take a rest. They look into the map. The nearest town is willmore. They decided on the Willmore Motel at the The Firefly Lane. Moving along the path mentioned in the map leads them to a rusty board showing direction to the Firefly Lane. FIREFLY LANE - I am wondering how this town got this name. James said. It's complete darkness all around there is no sign of a single human being anywhere. I am afraid. We'll get lost in here and there's no service too. Taissa seems concerned. There's nothing to worry about..we'll reach the motel soon and everything will be alright. James pats at Taissa. Taissa put out a fake smile at James. They reached the motel late night. And after parking the car, the couple steps into the motel. Welcome to Willmore Motel..How can I help you.. a dark stout man in the reception counter inquired. Well..We need a room for the night. We'll checkout early morning..James said in a haste. The receptionist at the counter grabs a pair of key from the wooden board with hooks behind him. It's room 107 sir... it's just over there...Have a good night and a safe stay. The receptionist showed them a room at the corner. Feel free to call for any assistance it's 001 for the reception.. James thanked him and they both went into the room. Both were tired of the long drive and after having a brief bath of them falls into bed. When alarm blares at 5 in the morning. Taissa wakes up and try to wake up James. James slowly wakes up. How's the sleep James asks Taissa. Nothing much..but it's okay.. Come on we have to be quick before the traffic is at its peak...Taissa encourages James. James rushed into bathroom followed by Taissa and they both brushed their teeth. After a bath and when they finished getting ready , they locked the room and went into the counter. When they reached the office they were shocked to see a pool of blood there..and a trail of something leaving into the woods caught Taissa's attention.. James..James..here... look..Taissa poked at a shocked James.. WHAT? WHAT IS IT? james looked at Taissa with an angry face. After seeing what Taissa has shown him James came into his senses and spoke There's something wrong here... let's leave.. Let's have a look first...Taissa said. Look arou..? Are you out of your mind? There's something probably out loose there. I suggest we scoot. James stopped Taissa. They both went out and a have a look at the motel and surroundings. It was all covered with overgrown moss and other creepers and is surrounded by a dense forest. The path they took is the road that ends at the motel. They rushed to their car. James turn in the key. The engine sputters and fails. James acted awkward with the whole situation going out of his hands. There must be a way out for sure...Taissa consoled him. No Tessy..we are trapped in this god forbidden place.. All other rooms seems to be empty. It's Just Us here. They both sat in the steps at the motel entrance.

PART 3 : THE PATH OF THE BUTTERFLIES.

Let's walk...Taissa suggested. Wait.. let me check the car once more... James moves to the car. Damn..the tires their punchured...let me see if there's any spares left..But there is nothing at the back...which leaves James in a dilemma. You're right.. let's walk. James surrendered. They both started walking. As they walk some distance through the dusty road with both sides covered with heavy vegetation most of which where dry but the flowers..they were bloomed. Taissa noticed. After they covered some distance they stopped at a fallen tree that blocked their path forwards. Let's find some other way..Taissa said. Through were? James asked. Taissa looked at the vegetation. Really? You want us to walk through that? James exclaimed. What else idea do you have...it's already getting dark.. Taissa asks. Let's get back to the motel. James replied. Okay dear husband..lead me the way then...Taissa shrugged. They started walking back to the motel. When they reached the motel..they tried the motel office landline but of no use. It's going to be a long night...James sighed. They both went to their rooms. The next morning Taissa wakes up early and decides to take a walk. She saw some butterflies flying above the flowers which were all bloomed overnight. They are all grown in some pattern. Taissa decides to have a look. She walked towards the flowers. If I follow these patterns may be I can find something. Taissa figured. But Taissa was reluctant to do anything without James. She rushed to the motel and wakes James. James yawns as he wakes up and goes to the bathroom to finish his chores. Taissa tries to look for any eatables in the bag. May be if there's any canteen here then I can cook something. Taissa thought and went out. Taissa reached a closed door labelled entry restricted. Taissa breaked the lock and entered the room. There's amble food here. Taissa rejoiced. Taissa go up to the room to inform James. James followed Taissa to the room Taissa found. They ate at the table there. Oh! I was about to tell you...I had a roam around earlier and found flowers with full life in contrast to the remaining vegetation. I think if we follow them it could help reach out for someone to help. James looked at Taissa. Tessie how come you gained up all this courage..I have told you earlier..it isn't good. James..not now..Right now..we have to focus on how to get outside this horrid place. Alright then, let's have a stroll after this. James accepted. Taissa sighed. The couple pack their bags with enough food and water and went on to have a look. They followed the butterflies on the flowers which leads them to a hut near a waterfall. When they arrived at the hut , James knocks at the door. There was no reply at first , but when repeat the knock. An voice probably from a gas mask replied. "Leave..Leave this place..if you want to live."

PART 4 : THE MAN IN THE MASK

Can you help us get out of here? James asked. What is going on in here? What's the reason behind all this. James joined. Taissa noticed some unusual rustling from far ahead. Listen...she poked James. James looks around. Taissa grabs james. James called out Who's there? Hey, be silent. The resident of the hut opened his door and invite them in. Come get in here quickly. The couple rushed inside the hut. They are asked to stay low by the man in the hut. Distant screeching and growling followed which is growing in closer. After making sure the creature has left. The man in the hut opened his mouths. Listen, if you want to get out of here. Do as I say. There is a place called Ravenstown not far from here. If you managed to reach there, you'll be safe. But journey through will be difficult. You'll have to as quit as possible to evade the creature's attention which can sense your movement miles away. I know now you'll have lot of questions to ask me. But now it's not the time. James turned his neck to saw a man tied in the bed. Who's that. he asked. It's looks like the man we saw at the reception counter. He inquired. It indeed is him. It's my brother. He had been experiencing some mental issues lately and needs to be chained. I have been taking care of him for months now. But last night when I was out. He escaped to the motel and that's when you saw him. The man with mask explained. But..he looked all normal when we met him. Taissa expressed her doubts. See, that's his problem he used to be a receptionist and the motel was ours. But with the tragedy befalled on us after the infection brought by these creatures made him loose his senses. We occasionally go there to clean up. That night I was supposed to be there to get you settled. But when I was out at the John he took up the counter. That's when the creature attacked him. I managed to protect him the creature somehow. With these creatures roaming around how come you open the motel. James asked. Look, it's our only source of livelihood and I know to get those creatures away. It's these flowers. We call them talisps. The man in the hut showed them a bunch of flowers kept in a vase near him. The fragrance of it drive them mad. Here, take some it'll help you in your journey. Here's a map for your journey. You can leave early in the morning. You can both stay here tonight. The man in the hut showed them beds. Thank you for your generosity. Taissa thanked him. The next morning the couple after thanking the man in the hut once again begins to leave. Why are wearing these masks when we don't? Taissa asked. It's just that I am exposed to the creature's fluid , which is infectious. So I have to inhale in the gas made by boiling talisps petals in water. By the way I am Oliver and that's my brother Jack you just saw back in there. Here's the map. Oliver hands them a map. I have marked places to avoid and places that are safe to travel. Thanks a lot. James said.

The couple sets out to the wilderness as instructed by Oliver. The forest was dense, the trees gnarled and twisted, their branches clawing at the sky. They moved cautiously, clutching the talisps tightly, their hearts pounding with every snap of a twig beneath their feet.

Hours passed without incident, but the tension was unbearable. Then, as they approached a narrow ravine, they heard it — a guttural growl, low and menacing. Taissa froze, her eyes darting to the shadows. Slowly, she turned her head and saw it: a creature stalking them from the trees, its glowing red eyes fixed on them.

The creature was grotesque, its body a horrifying amalgamation of sinew and bone. Its skin glistened with a sickly green hue, and its mouth was filled with razor-sharp teeth that dripped with saliva.

 “Don’t move,” James whispered, his voice barely audible. The creature crept closer, its movements deliberate and predatory. Taissa clutched the talisps, her fingers trembling. Suddenly, the creature lunged. James yanked Taissa to the ground, and the two rolled into the ravine, tumbling down the rocky slope. The creature snarled, its claws raking at the earth as it tried to follow.

At the bottom of the ravine, the couple scrambled to their feet. James pulled out a handful of talisps and crushed them in his hands, releasing their pungent fragrance into the air. The creature howled in agony, clawing at its face as it backed away.

“Run!” James shouted. The couple sprinted through the forest, their lungs burning and their legs aching. The creature's howls echoed behind them, joined by others. More were coming.

PART 5 : THE FINAL STAND

As night fell, the couple stumbled into a clearing. In the distance, they could see the faint glow of lights — Ravenstown. Relief flooded through them, but their joy was short-lived. The howls were growing louder. The creatures were closing in. 

James and Taissa spotted an abandoned cabin on the edge of the clearing. They barricaded themselves inside, piling furniture against the door. James lit a fire in the fireplace and tossed in the remaining talisps, filling the room with their protective fragrance. 

The creatures arrived moments later, their grotesque forms pressing against the windows. They clawed at the walls, their screeches piercing the night. But the talisps held them at bay, their howls turning to shrieks of pain as they tried to breach the cabin. 

Just as the couple thought the creatures would break through, the sound of gunfire erupted outside. A group of armed men from Ravenstown had arrived, driving the creatures away with fire and bullets. The couple was rescued and brought to safety, their ordeal finally over.

In Ravenstown, the couple found temporary refuge. They were offered food, medical care, and a way to return home. As they prepared to leave, James turned to Taissa, Thank God. Now that we have our lives back, what do you need.. James looks at a flushed Taissa. Hmmm...Let me think...No Detours... Before she could complete the sentence, James hugs Taissa. 

But as they boarded the vehicle that would take them back to their hometown, James noticed something strange. A small scratch on Taissa’s arm, almost unnoticeable, but tinged with a faint green hue.

 “Taissa…” he began, his voice trembling.

She turned to him, her eyes wide with confusion. “What is it?” 

James didn’t answer, his stomach sinking as the vehicle pulled away. The infection was insidious, and as Ravenstown faded into the distance, he couldn’t shake the feeling that their nightmare was far from over.