Coby and the Mysterious Museum

Part 1: Coby Goes to the Museum

Once upon a time, there was a boy named Coby, who lived in Erebonia with his parents. One day, his parents took him to the magnificent Imperial Museum, which contained the empire's turbulent history.

However, Coby was too young to understand and thought the museum was an old, boring place with old, boring artifacts. His mother gave him a warning: 'There are many people inside the museum, so don't let go of my hand, okay? Kids and their families who become lost inside the museum will be devoured by demons!'

But Coby didn't listen to his mother's words.

'Yeah, whatever,' he muttered under his breath.

Several minutes later, Coby grew bored with the museum and wanted to go exploring. While his parents were distracted by an exhibit, Coby let go of his mother's hand and wandered around the museum.

He waded through the sluggish crowd and ended up in an open room. There was a large mural on display with a winged dragon and powerful beasts. Coby was moved by these mythical creatures, but soon felt disappointed upon realizing that they couldn't possibly exist in real life.

There was an old painting hanging next to the mural. It had lots of small, sealed caskets painted in a variety of sharp, vibrant colors. Coby stared at this painting and soon felt uneasy. One of the caskets in the painting had its lid ajar, and the paint on the casket was peeling.

Coby wasn't sure what the painting meant, but he was drawn to it nonetheless. He continued to stare at the painting until someone spoke to him from behind.

'You like this painting?'

Coby whirled around; there was a girl slightly older than him standing there with a warm smile. The girl continued without waiting for Coby's answer. 'Museums are so quiet and only have old stuff lying around, which is boring. But I really like this painting.'

Coby was drawn to the girl for having the same thoughts as him. 'I feel the same way! And look how this casket is open here. It's like the color just popped out of it.'

The girl's face brightened, and she took Coby's hand.

'We really get each other! I found something else cool. Wanna come see it with me?'

Coby's face also brightened at having a companion, and he agreed to go with her.

The two walked around the museum together, exploring the different rooms and exhibits. Coby loved what the girl showed him, and he completely forgot how bored he had been with his parents.

'I've been stuck in a hospital up until now,' the girl admitted. 'I'm really glad I can explore the museum with you,' she added, blushing.

'Thanks. I like being with you way more than being with my parents,' Coby confessed. The girl looked concerned and asked him where his parents were.

'I left them at some exhibit,' Coby said, shrugging. 'I got bored being with them.'

The girl nodded. 'I see..'

They finally finished exploring the museum. 'Wait!' the girl said. 'I wanna show you something super special before you go.' Coby didn't question the girl's words, and she took him by the hand again.

The museum crowd began thinning out, and the pair soon found themselves in an empty room. There was an ancient door before them; Coby felt as if the door was staring ominously at him.

'It's past here. But the door's too heavy for me to open,' the girl said. 'But that's why you're here! You're a strong boy, aren't you?' She ushered Coby closer to the door. 'You can open it!'

Coby placed a hand on the door's handle as the girl kept encouraging him to open the door.