A warrior strode down the battered earthen path that lead to the entrance of the cursed caves ahead. The short blonde hair of the warrior was mildly groomed and blue eyes glanced at every detail, committing each miniscule matter to memory. A large pack rested on their back and the plate armour that covered the top half of their body clinked quietly.

"Ah, finally some adventure!" Amaya sighed happily as she arrived at the entrance. She looked around and giggled. "The first one! All right! Score one for Amaya Tekeshi, Knight of Achleaic!" She dropped the pack on the ground with and "oomph" and sat against it after she adjusted her sword and hilt, waiting for her companions. The black stockings that covered her legs and thighs stopped a half a foot from her hips and from where her plate armour ended. A black jumpsuit cover her rear and protected her pale skin from rubbing raw as the plate moved on top. Gauntlet joints clinked as Amaya clenched her hand and released.

"Heehee, they better hurry and get here or I'll leave them behind!"

Horea, the gnome, walked across the desert-like land while passing rocks that he would have to climb over. Regular sized beings could easily step over these rocks. Horea would pick up pebbles along the way that were the size of his palm. Another person could carry these pebbles in between their pointing finger and thumb. Horea fiercly straightened his amber hair every few seconds as the wind would push it to the side. He also carried his beloved two-handed war-axe with him, but this axe was small just like everything else about him. A human would think this axe as a hand-axe to chop small logs with. He also carried a heavy pack for him, but for others it would be like picking up a basket of apples.

In the distance he saw a figure and he could already figure out that whoever it was, was taller then him... everyone was taller than him. After a few minutes and a moment of almost being knocked over by a strong wind Horea finally reached the caverns. Many people did not even dare go near the mouth of this cave, but Horea and his group will be going inside of it. Horea walked up to the figure which he found out was, indeed, a female. With his face only reaching her belly-button he spoke. "So... we the only ones here? I expected to be the last one here, oh well. I guess we wait then", Horea spoke to the girl. "So, the name's Horea. What's yours?", he said while having to take a step back to see her whole face for if he stood to close her chest would block his view.

Akumu slowly wandered on the path, his scythe resting behind his neck while his arms rested on the scythe. It wasn't really that much of an adventure. Yet. Every now and then he would jump up for a split second to see if there was anything interesting ahead. "Ha! I am going to have a new adventure AND meet new people at the same time!" A big grin grew on his face, he liked meeting with other people, especially if he did not know them yet. "I do wonder. Would this be a serious 'no time for fooling around' team? Or can I just fit myself in like a puzzle piece?" Akumu hoped it would be the latter, as he can't stand a serious attitude. Sure, there should be times where you can't fool around, but you can't have a adventure without taking the time to get some good old fashioned fun.

As he shuffled his feet he looked in the distance. A cave rose up and two vague figures, probably two members of the team that had been assembled. Had already arrived. The first figure would reveal himself, or rather. Herself as a knight, carrying pretty much nothing but an entire armoury of metal plates and weapons. Akumu was actually freaked out the way she let herself appear. An authoritarian look is what he choose for her appearance, he just hoped she wouldn't be 'that' kind of person. The other one was slightly noticeable, but if it wasn't for his hair colour to stick out so much, Akumu wouldn't have noticed him at all. He did not know what to think of him. Akumu slid his scythe down from his neck and tapped the blunt side of it on the ground. "Hey! I suppose you two are going to be my team mates huh? Sounds like fun, my name is Akumu. Pleasure to meet you both."

He stepped a little further, already curious about what could be inside that cave. "It's dark... I wonder if there is anything inside that could kill us in an instant." Akumu just stated as he carefully looked around the cave mouth. He did not exactly join for the treasure, but rather for his own selfish fun. And perhaps, make some new friends along the way as well. "I assume we ill be waiting for the rest?" He said to the other two as he made his way to a large rock to sit on. He jumped up and crossed his legs, letting his scythe rest on top of them. "So, are you two going to introduce yourselves or not? After all, I don't think this will be a one day job. Haha!"

A smallish figure was walking in the distance and Amaya leapt up, hoping it was one of her team mates. A gnome to the core, she never once thought that he wouldn't be useful.

"Good afternoon!" She cheerfully announced when he approached. The gnome was half her knightly height, or perhaps a little taller as his head was at her naval. When he backed up to see her face, Amaya smiled and looked him in his emerald green eyes. She didn't want to let off that she was becoming slightly annoyed at the fact they were the only two to have shown up so far but she was sure her soft blue eyes were becoming tinged with gold.

"So, the name's Horea. What's yours?"

Amaya sat back down, leaning against the pack that could probably carry this Horea, and looked over the gnome that stood before her. She crossed her stockinged legs and unshealthed her blade, setting it on her lap to examine the blue tinted steel for nicks or scratches.

"Amaya Tekeshi, knight of Achleaic. I graduted the knight academy at the top of my peers a few months ago so my grandfather offered me this adventure to begin my career. I hope you don't mind me having a serious bone most of the time, I like to get things done in a timely and efficient manner." A bit more than the gnome had asked for but Amaya felt it was right.

Out of the corner of her eyes, she could see movement. The knight stood suddenly, her plate armor clinked lightly as she did. Her sword was held in her right hand, ready for use, as Amaya looked the newcomer over. The sythe he carried was new to Amaya, they hadn't taught her to weild them at the academy. Something about his child-like face softened a bone in Amaya's body and the annoyance she once had was gone, leaving her eyes their normal, soft blue color. She relaxed as he approached, sure that he was part of the team. The first words from his mouth only reassured her judgment.

"Hey! I suppose you two are going to be my team mates huh? Sounds like fun, my name is Akumu. Pleasure to meet you both."

Tired of sitting then standing when someone new arrived, Amaya retreated to the wall of the cave entrance. He seemed... joyful to her. As long as he was serious when the situation called for it, Amaya didn't think she would mind him too much.

"As I just told our gnome friend here, I am Knight Amaya Tekeshi. You two are my team mates and therefore I don't want you calling me anything but Amaya." She winked and laughed a bit, influenced by this newest member of the team to resort to the little used part of her bubbly spirt.

Finally ...arrived at the Caves of Achleaic, probably people there I'm going to have to ...

The human stopped short a good ten yards from the cave, spying a small group that had already gathered at it's entrance. He thought he would have been the first one there, at least give him time to prepare, maybe have his lunch.

In a distance from the Knight, the Gnome and the young warrior, the figure of a man sauntered towards them. With his leather duster, no sign of a sword and a strange-looking contraption the gnome might have recognized. He seemed more like a seasoned traveller than the vicious warrior the Sage asked for, he had a discernable strength about him but still seemed a little ill-suited ...and pale.

Nonetheless, when he stepped up to the cave it was clear that he was to be part of the Expedition. Maybe they would not notice him until later, at least until after formalities among themselves were handed out. Life would be so kind if that were true, while they were busy he angled himself behind the Knight and took a seat on a convinient boulder. Listening to their conversation, maybe get some insight into who they were. If anyone were to notice him, he would utter a "Hi." and wave his hand a little. Giving them time to finish their business first.

The first thing he noticed about them was the Knight, an armor clad female who was suprisingly tall for her gender. What caught his eye was a certain portion of her wear, while most of it was practical there were some bits which made him question it's functionality. Maybe it made her more agile? Still, she seemed better equipped than all the rest, himself included, and anyone who was recognized by the Royal Guard had to have something noteworthy.

Then came the Gnome, who while the shortest member of the group, was just as stout. As far as he knew, they were long lived earth dwelling creatures and this one looked like a combatant, if not, his race were well-known guides to the subterranean world. His ancestors even made the weapon he had strapped to his back, if he needed repairs -he knew who to look for.

And lastly the boy, enthusiastic as he seemed, having heard his voice long before he even saw them, the lad looked barely half his age. Maybe the elaborately carved scythe proved a point but sending children into unexplored caverns was taboo in his books and a moral argument on the Sage's part. It was when he peered closely that he saw abit of point on the lad's ears, an elven?



The human man sat there slouching with his palm pressed against the side of his face, looking at the three of them, seemingly content with the company of his own thoughts for now.

"As I just told our gnome friend here, I am Knight Amaya Tekeshi. You two are my team mates and therefore I don't want you calling me anything but Amaya."

Akumu grew a big grin on his face as she laughed, he was satisfied with her response and reaction. It was obvious Amaya wasn't 'that' kind of person. At least, not one hundred percent of the time. It interested him, how would she react if he would dare call her Knight Amaya? Akumu IS that type of person, trying something, expanding his borders. Watching how people would react on different kind of attitudes. "I will try my best calling you Amaya. But don't blame me if my entertainment gets poked and I have the urge to call you lady Knight. Haha!" Even though she sounded like someone who just set foot into adult hood, she already looked like one.

"Well, if we are going for formal introductions. I don't have any, I don't even have simple reference. Well...." Akumu paused, he did have one. Although in his past it would mostly be used in a negative way. Hell, maybe it didn't even have another intention beside easy reference for an abomination. But he mustn't think about the past, as the future held more interesting secrets, and past is past. "Never mind. Seems I don't have any easy naming for me. Haha!" He jumped off the rock, his feet softly touching the gravel filled ground and his Scythe slung behind his head. "Judging from your positions it seems we are waiting for more members? That must mean they either have lost interest in this or are lost. Or are just too stupid to get themselves here on time." Akumu stated with a grin.

He slowly shuffled his feet on the ground, he wasn't impatient. Rather excited, if it wasn't for the fact that they needed to wait for other members. Or at least, to wait for everyone who is present to get ready. Akumu would have already jumped up and sprinted in the cave, not caring if he would get lost. He thinks it is part of the adventure. "No adventure without getting yourself lost in a dangerous and unknown place." Is what would be his reaction if ayone would ask about why he doesn't mind being lost.

Amaya watched carefully as another member of the group arrived. He seemed... odd to her and she wasn't sure as to why.

"Hullo," Amaya greeted, waving a hand. She was fully impatient now, eager to begin the quest that had been set forth by her grandfather. She was sure that the more attentive of the group could see the color change in her eyes. Instead of their soft blue, they now blazed amber.

"I will try my best calling you Amaya. But don't blame me if my entertainment gets poked and I have the urge to call you lady Knight. Haha." Amaya looked at the boy that dared call her 'lady knight' and stuck her tongue out, a childish thing to do for her age and stature. She walked to her pack, took out a lantern and a canteen of oil, and slung the rest onto her back. The knight took flint and steel from a side pocket and lit the oil lantern before returning her fire making items.

"I'm tired of waiting. Anyone else? We should get going as I'm sure there are obstacles set forth that we may need to overcome," Amaya announced, stepping into the entrance of the cave. Without going any further she could feel a horrible aura emitting from the depths before her. "Ngh, yeah. Lots of obstacles," she muttered under her breath as she walked in further.

Akumu just grinned at her negative reaction about the 'lady knight' thing. He laughed pointing a finger at her. "You should see your face, haha! Easy... I was just trying to have some fun!" Raising his hands near his head, making an 'I didn't do anything' expression. Even though Akumu is entertainted by the different reactions, good or bad. He still knows that when someone exerts a negative expression or response, he had crossed the line, no matter how far that may be. Reactions like that usually meant 'I wouldn't try that again if I were you.' And you never know what their next reaction might be if you dare try it again.

Akumu shook his head with a smile. I think this will be a very, very interesting adventure. Not only the quest itself, but the members of this group as well. He looked at each member once more, seeing how another one had joined them. A very... Odd human. Or, could you even call it a human with that grim appearance? Akumu stepped closer to the newcomer and nodded with a grin. "Pleasure to meet you stranger. I'm Akumu! What is yours?" Might aswell introduce yourself before you go running ahead. As Amaya was right, unknown area, unknown number of obstacles. He nodded at the stranger once more and ran off into the cave. "Haha. Why the sudden hurry? I thought knights were very patient? Or is that another one of those many stereotypical things for easy reference?"

He slowed his pace to a minimum as he neared Amaya. Even though I could care less about endless wondering. I think it would be best to follow her, she seems to know what she is doing. Akumu had lowered his scythe, using it as a walking stick. Not only for easy travelling, but you could never know when someone or something was going to attack you from an unexpected area. He took a quick look behind him, assuming the others would have jumped in already. But they were still standing there, as if they hadn't noticed Amaya walking in. "Maybe we should wait for the others? Of course we could go on, but I don't think this team has been assembled to split up upon entering..."

Horea just sat back and let all of the events unfold before him. He quickly gathered everyone's names. The first one there and the only girl was a knight. Apparently her stature in her business was pretty high, and her name was Amaya. Her luxirious blonde hair wasn't long like a princesses, but because she was a knight it would be expected for one to keep hair short. Below the blonde hair was a set of deep blue, no wait. Her eyes were now an amber color, what happened? Well forgetting the eyes now, she had a beautiful body that was definetly muscled. Horea, being the little pervert he was, noticed some spots where her armor was not covering. Mostly he was staring at her rear end half the time they were there, and had hoped she wouldn't notice.

The second character was a really young boy. He looked to be seventeen, and that was only 376 years younger than Horea. Horea noticed he wasn't full human by the dead give away from his ears. His ears were slightly pointed, and anime styled blonde hair sat above those ears. Last, but not least was the man that still remained unamed. He used Horea's brother's new invention. He had called it the combusting crossbow, but some idiot had bought some and dubbed it blunderbuss due to the idiot using it the wrong way and shot himself in the foot.

Amaya's eyes were still bothering him, and that's the only thing that broke his trance from Amaya's behind as she walked into the cave. Horea struggled to catch up them as fast as his little legs could carry him. "Sooooo, Amaya. What's with your eyes?", Horea said now standing behind her and waiting for her to turn around. He struggled to keep his eyes up, so she wouldn't notice what he was staring at.

Haha.

Apparently that was the elf's favourite catchphrase, Rey thought, as he looked at the lad from head to toe. There was a minute awkwardness to being in a large group, well, after living a good one or two years in solitude; three was plenty. But at least he knew who the life of the group was.

"Reynaud Grim," In a happy but not-too-happy kind of way, he smiled -it looked like he was munching his own lips.

"Rey will do, a Hunter. And pleasure's mine." His voice was hoarse and he actually did not mind as the boy ran off halfway to join the more popular members of the group, kids were like that, always energetic always looking for something to do. It was decent for the first conversation he has had in months.


Once Amaya, as the Knight called herself, suggested getting a move on while the day is bright. Rey seemed relieved, getting off his feet with little delay and moving into the darker sections of the cavern. Mud encrusted stones made the tunnel as tree roots hung limply from the ceiling, the clicking of insect feet could be heard on rare occasions but it was otherwise just another cave. But upon descent further into the cave, it became clear that there were others who had come long before they did, the hints of carved structure becoming more apparent the less the light could reach them. Limestone gilded the walls like a petrified veil, like an Antiquarian had thoughtfully wrapped each piece of the ruins as a testament to their perhaps once-glorious age.

The gnome mentioned something about her eyes earlier on but Rey noticed nothing in particular, not until he brought it up. The gnome's vertically challenged stature meant he had to move his legs times faster than the rest of them, which made Rey chuckle a little to nothing but his own amusement -kind of like he was crazy.

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"Maybe we should wait for the others? Of course we could go on, but I don't think this team has been assembled to split up upon entering..."

It didn't take long before the boy was talking again, this time though, Reynaud had an opinion.

"Yes ...at least wait for a Mage." Not that he knew any were coming.

Amaya laughed at the thought of waiting behind. They had a quest at hand that needed to be completed and she wasn't about to wait for those who couldn't get themselves to the meeting place on time.

"If they want a share of the treasure so bad, maybe they should have shown up on time. I am confident of our abilities as it is," Amaya stated, sure her eyes were becoming a hazel in color. Then again, with the low light no one would be able to tell the shift in her coloring.

She lead the group for a while before a crawling sensation began on her skin. Something was close, something dangerous. The knight unshealthed her sword and dropped the pack, carefully adjusting the lantern as she continued. She'd run back and pick up the supplies later, when she was sure it was safe.

"Be ready, something's coming for us already," she announced, eager to fight. Adrenaline began pulsing through her veins as she grew excited and time seemed to slow substantially. The natural lighting was still somewhat fair, until the first corner of the cave. Afterwards, the lanterns provided by Amaya would be essential unless someone wanted to let the group know they were talented in producing light magic.

Sure enough, after that first corner was a large and shadowed room. Amaya counted four exits to this room, not including the one they'd just came through. All in all, four possible pathways was a lot to consider, making it impossible to split into two groups.

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A pair of red eyes watched the group silently, poison dripping from the set of sharp fangs. Were they also after his treasure? Either way, he was hungry and just the sight of these delectable humans was causing him to inch closer and closer. Nearly in reach of the only female, he leaped out of the shadows, forcing this shiny clad girl to the ground. His vampire thinking took over and he struggled with her, forcing the sword out of her hand. Where should he bite first? The neck? No, it was clad in shiny. Her arm would have to suffice.

Akumu didn't like the sound of that response, not everyone would be here for the treasure. Sure, it was probably one of their reasons, so was his. Though there is a difference in reason and MAIN reason. Shrugging off the thought he gave a nod at Ray. He did realise the fact that four wouldn't be enough for facing an unknown spot, whether you were skilled or not. Unknown place, possible unknown enemies. From here on it was back to square one, confidence is good, as long as people don't get themselves too confident with their abilities. As Amaya stated that there was something present, already trying to attack the group, Akumu readied himself to swing his scythe at any given moment.

The fact that the knight stopped walking at some point made Akumu wonder, could it really be that dangerous? Sure enough not everything has to start out easy, but her body language did say something different. Something was indeed coming after the group, or at the very least, one of them. Or it could just be the surprise of finding a split path already. Giving his eyes the opportunity to absorb the room as a whole, Akumu could now state that whether the choice was to stick together, or split up, they would all have a long journey ahead of them. "What do you think? I am fine with either choice, but considering the odd feeling I have we should stick together for a tad bit longer, at least until we know who or what is spying on us."

Akumu stepped a bit further, allowing himself to breath more feely as he wasn't the type to keep himself in a confined space. "Well? What do you-" He couldn't finish his sentence as a shadowy figure leaped in front of him and forced Amaya to the ground. Not being able to see clearly was a disability, even for his half-elf eyes, given that elves are able to see better then a human being. Not hesitating one moment Akumu ran up to the fallen Amaya swung his scythe at the shadowy creature with incredible speed, not with the intention of hitting it, more an attempt to make it flee from its current position.

"I am confident of our abilities as it is." Amaya stated at the end of her sentence.

"Oh. I didn't know you were confident. I feel assured now." Rey quipped sacarstically, his eyes scanning the floor for anything they might trip over.

Soon the group had stopped, reaching a junction in the cave. The lantern provided much illumination, not enough for the four of them, but Reynaud didn't seem to mind the darkness. In fact, his eyes darted around inquisitively regardless, the smell of damp mold was a farmiliar thing. When she alerted them to one of her womanly intuitions, he shook his head and unhinged his blunderbuss, dropped a pellet into it's barrel and continued without much objection.

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Rey stepped ahead of the group, he sniffed the air and peered into one of the corridors, looking clues to anything that might lie ahead -maybe even the danger Amaya spoke of. There was no hard and fast way to tell which one was the best way, either was good a chance the other.

"We should stick together." He said, trying to banish any ideas of splitting up.

A sharp clang of metal echoed loudly as Amaya's body hit the floor causing Rey to spin around to see his team mate pinned to the ground by some creature. Barely, he could see the outline of something humanish but from it's jarring movement and unlikely stealth that it took to ambush them; it likely wasn't.

Taking actions, he immediately dashed towards the struggle but hesitated when Akumu's scythe nearly hit him, allowing the metal blade to pass just centrimeters from his chest, after which he quickly let loose a powerful stomp to the creatures face -and if the blow connected, he would unleash his weapon to it's skull shortly after.

Removing immediate danger to Amaya came first, but destroying what could threaten them all had to come right after that. He had little time to think up of any excuses not to.

Something landed on her back, knocking her to the ground. It swiped her sword from her hand and rendered the knight nearly defenseless. The creature smelled of rotting flesh and old blood which lead Amaya to believe it to be a vampire. She'd fought one before as a page during her knight training yet four knights had been there to help, one of which ended of dying.

Amaya arched her back up, attempting to throw the creature from her. At first she thought she was successful as it leaped off but when she looked up, Akumu's sythe seemed to be what forced it to release her.

"Thanks," she murmured, getting to her feet. She bent down and retrieved her weapon, holding the hilt with both hands.

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Damn, that had been a close one. The vampire bared his fangs at the boy who'd interrupted his meal and hissed. He'd have to try another approach. The smallest of the group? No, too obvious. Instead his eyes locked on the same boy and he realized he wanted revenge.

"You cannot win," his gravely and horrific voice echoed. The vampire charged the small gathering, his bloodthirsty eyes set on the seemingly youngest of the group.

The scythe swung alongside the creature. Making it leap off Amaya and hiss and showing his fangs, which let Akumu to believe they had encountered one of the ancient creatures. A vampire, naturally not a foe to underestimate. As its frenzy was its most deadly weapon, and it seemed this one had that weapon at its disposal. Akumu grew a grin on his face as Amaya thanked him. "Hey, it would be sad if a knight would be killed by a small fry like this creature. Not to mention, we still need you to guide us through these caves." He tried complimenting her, but that wasn't Akumu's strongest point which would led people to believe he was insulting them.

Ignoring the statement he just made Akumu stared at the vampire. He frowned at his hissing and couldn't resist but smile when it showed his fangs. It wanted a fight, well it could get one. Akumu readied his scythe for a decapitation, even vampires should die from losing their heads. Truthful, a slight feeling of fear rose inside Akumu, fear of getting bitten. Although a bite wouldn't make him a vampire, just another mindless ghoul, feeding on flesh. "Well, good luck to wherever it is you creature go to when you die." He stated with a smile. Launching his scythe and swung it at the vampires head the minute it charged at the group.

Two things could happen, he missed; resulting into endure whatever type of attack this vampire had in mind. Or they would win. And that is what Akumu counted on, but swinging your weapon doesn't declare a winner. Critical damage or death does. "You shouldn't have left the shadows, in the light you are at a disadvantage." Akumu yelled as both his scythe and the vampire were close to connecting.