All right, let's do this-Dahlia thinks as she enters the broad stone gates leading to the ruined temple deep in the jungle. She's feeling excited about what she might find inside, but is aware of the many traps and monsters that likely haunt the place. Damp air from the underground dungeon caresses her bare thighs and stomach revealed by her short cutoff shorts and battle tanktop.
A few meters in, the daylight can no longer reach further into the temple and droplets of water fall from the ceiling. It's like a maw leading into darkness. It could be dangerous to continue without something to illuminate the surrounding area.
She shrugs off the dim light and plunges deeper into the dark temple, relying on her keen senses to guide her. Her nimble fingers fumble with the leather straps around her waist until they free her trusty machete. As the dripping echoes grow louder, she tightens her grip on the handle, ready to face whatever lies ahead.
As Dahlia takes a few steps further into the darkness, the floor suddenly collapes partially beneath her feet. The sound of crumbling rocks and bricks echeos through the darknesss, followed by wet splashy noises. Seemingly not very far from her is a water surface, even though one can't make out the depth of this body of water. The stones crumbling apart must have formed a bridge at some point.
With quick reflexes and surprising balance, Dahlia leaps across the fallen debris towards the bridge of broken stone, narrowly avoiding the water below. She lands lightly on the other side, feeling the give of slick moss underfoot, then whirls around, machete at the ready as she searches the darkness for threats. Her heart pumps with excitement and adrenaline as she faces yet another challenge in her quest for the fountain of youth.
The moss muffles her every step and emits a coldness due to the water contained in it. A sudden light source comes out of a hole in the ground, which gets illuminated more and more, before some creature floats out of said hole. I looks like a jellyfish without tentacles. But if it is like a jellyfish, it could be poisonous as well.
Dahlia lifts her sword with a roar, prepared to meet the strange floating creature head-on. "Come at me, you revolting beast!" she shouts, taking a defensive stance against the potential threat. Her eyes narrow as she watches for any signs of movement from the eerie glowing orb in front of her.
As she closes near, the light begins to pulse as if to warn the potential predator not to attack. The body convulses as if some sort of reaction could come.
Her fiery gaze never wavers from the light pulsating beneath the surface of the jellyfish's translucent body, but something about its movements makes her hesitate. With a snort, she lowers her sword slightly, feeling a mixture of frustration and confusion coursing through her. "Fine, float there all you want," she growls, keeping an eye on the beast just in case it decides to attack anyway. "But don't think I won't end your pathetic existence if you even twitch funny."
A set of screech emit in the distance as some bats fly through the cave in order to feed it seems. One rests on the jellyfish like creature, only for its convulsions to escalate and it detonates with a blinding light, causing the bat to drop to the ground, charred and burnt.
With a mix of surprise and relief, Dahlia watches as the jellyfish-thing explodes into light. She jumps back instinctively when the burst of flame catches the unfortunate bat, narrowly avoiding being singed herself. "Huh," she grunts, examining the smoking remains of the bat at her feet. "Guess that explains why it was so jumpy. Good thing I didn't try to stab it or I'd be toast right now."
Steeling herself for whatever other dangers might lie ahead, she continues onward down the dimly lit tunnel, machete at the ready.
However, the sudden outburst of light changed her surroundings as the plants in this temple gently begin to fluoresce. Maybe it would be brighter, if more of this ballons would pop, but as for now, the path in front of her is a bit clearer now.
"Well, well, look at that," Dahlia says with a grin, marveling at the strange luminescence that has suddenly filled the air around her. "Thought I'd be lost in the dark forever, but looks like mother nature decided to throw me a bone after all." Her confident strut resumes as she moves deeper into the tunnel, now able to see a little better despite the dim light. The warmth from her muscles and skin seems to heighten her senses, making her feel even more alert and prepared to take on whatever challenges may lie ahead.
After a while, Dahlia can hear a waterfall in the distance. Following a narrow tunnel, she soon returns to a rip in the mountain wide enough to leave some sunlight into the cave. This cavesystem sure seems vast. An underground river flows through this chamber. But just as she attempts to continue, voices are overheard and she spots a group of men down in the chamber floor. Among them is one individual she knows all too well: Grinko Borgoff, a Masar. A humanoid feline species covered in fur that's usually native in desert regions With 7 feet height, he towers over the human men he has with him. Grinko and Dahlia are rivals, even though he never harmed her and seems to have a soft spot for her. But him being here must mean she's on the right trail.
Grinning fiercely, Dahlia grips her machete tighter as she crouches low, creeping closer to where Grinko and his men are gathered around the underground river. She listens intently, trying to discern their plans and intentions as they converse in hushed tones. "All right, boys," she mutters to herself, "let's see what you've got." The adrenaline pumping through her veins gives her strength beyond measure, driving her forward like an unstoppable force of nature as she prepares to make her move against Grinko and his crew.
Grinko's ears twitcheven before Dahlia reveals herself. Standing up, the muscular Masar glares at her with a wide grin. "Dahlia Escobar... always so eager... but Missy, I don't think I should give myself to the next adventuress , just because she wants to have a little dance with me..." His men now point their guns at her and Grinko spreads his arms. "Put that machete away and my men will be good little boys as well. The hunt as just started, Missy! No need for violence, yet..."
Cocky grin not fading, Dahlia crosses her arms beneath her ample breasts. "Oh really? That's too bad, Grinko," she drawls, tilting her head to one side as she surveys him arrogantly. "Because I came here to kick your ass, take whatever treasure you were after, and hand it over to someone who deserves it. Like that poor old lady back in town who can't afford to heat her house this winter." She pauses dramatically. "So unless you want me to do that, you might wanna put those useless claws away."
Laughing loudly, Grinko then shakes his head. "Well, in that case you leave as empty handed aswe are. There were no treasures yet." Putting up his arms, he shook his head anew. As for my claws... I'm feline, Missy! Those are a part of my body. I can't just rip them out, so you feel safe around me. But you know that if Grinko Khassra gives his word, he gives it for good!" As he sees her put her machete away, he looks over to his men. "Lower your weapons! There is nothing of treasure that she could steal anyway." As his men lower their weapons one after another, he glances up to her. "Your move, Missy..."
Chuckling, Dahlia says, "Fair enough, Grinko. You win this round. But don't think I won't be back to settle the score. And next time, it'll be a little more... personal." She leans forward slightly, the movement accentuating her assets. "Just tell me where I should go to find the Fountain of Youth, and we'll call it even."
"The Fountain of Youth? Now why would a fine lass like you need something like that? If it's not just an old fairytail! Adventurers all over the globe have looked for this, long before we soiled our diapers. What even makes you think to find something like this here?"
"Oh ho! So coy all of a sudden," Dahlia drawls, giving him a teasing wink. "All right, fine. Let's just say that someone told me there was a good chance I might find what I'm looking for in these parts. And since you seem to know your way around here, I thought you might be willing to share that information with me. Just in case you change your mind, you'd better start talking soon, big cat!"
Her voice hardens suddenly, echoing eerily off the damp stone walls. There's no missing the threat behind her words as she narrows her eyes and takes a step closer, tensing her muscles in preparation for a fight if that's what it comes down to.
"Knowing myself around these parts? Missy, I just got here! As for me, I'm looking for something else entirely." He took something out of his pocket and held it up a small crystal shard of royal blue color. "This here... is worth 30.000 bucks, Missy. Just this little piece. I intent to bring home a ton of that stuff! They say that stuff can enhance bodily strength. Not that I need that, but the labcoats state that this stuff radiates some sort of energy they can't pinpoint. Can you imagine what the Army alone would pay for such stuff?"
"Huh," Dahlia says, blinking. "That's... actually kinda interesting, I guess. But we both know what I really came here for. You can keep your magic rocks. Just tell me where I can find the Fountain, and maybe we'll call it even." She folds her arms across her chest again, refusing to budge an inch.
Pointing over to some ropes at the entrance, he shook his head. "Again, Missy... We just got here. If you want to go further, just go! There are three pathways up that way. We haven't even explored the tunnels yet."
Dahlia purses her lips in annoyance. "Well, fine," she mutters. "But if you change your mind and decide you want to help, you know where to find me." With a last disdainful glance at Grinko, she turns on her heel and strides purposefully towards the rope ladder leading out of the chamber.
One of Grinko's men looks over to him. "Sir, do you think this is wise? She could sabotage us!"As Dahlia approached him, he eyes her with suspicion. "Shut up! If that little Missy is one thing, it's honorable." And as she passed him, he gave her butt a playful smack. "That and she got spunk! That's what I love on that beast of a woman... Let her be for now..."
Dahlia glares over her shoulder at Grinko's man before letting out an exasperated huff. "Pests," she mutters under her breath. "Just because they don't have anything better to do than ogle my rear end--" Suddenly realizing what she's saying, she snorts. "Whatever. They aren't wrong about me having spunk though." Shaking her head, she continues climbing the rope ladder, more determined than ever to reach the Fountain of Youth and prove herself to the world.
Yet Grinko followed certain unwritten rules when it came to the both of themwhich he never strayed from. Sure, he behaved like a pig, yetthe basic principles of honoring his word to her was there, despite their harshest rivalry. The thought of someone so fierce and powerful could have any sort of romantic feelings for her...
Her thoughts drift back to their history together as she climbs. It's hard to believe that this cocky tyrant could actually care for anyone besides himself. But there have been hints over the years... small gestures, mostly. A nod here, a wink there. And when she first realized she had feelings for him, well... things got complicated, to say the least. Now it's just part of who they are, this constant dance between allies and adversaries. She wonders if someday they might find peace with each other, outside of the game they play. For now, though, she focuses on reaching the Fountain first.
She climbed outside and followed a dried grassland as the ground suddenly gave in. She fell several feet until the coldness of water engulfed her. This was a still body of water and no current was present.
Cold, dark water envelopes Dahlia as she falls through the gaping maw in the earth. With a shriek, she hits the surface of the subterranean lake, kicking up a cloud of muddy water around her. As she struggles to regain her footing, her eyes adjust to the dim light filtering down from above, revealing that the pool stretches out in all directions, disappearing into shadow. With renewed determination, she begins to swim determinedly towards the far side, using every ounce of strength and agility honed by years of adventuring to make headway against the oppressive weight of the water. Her skin prickles from cold, but she refuses to let it slow her down. After what feels like an eternity, she finally reaches the shore, gasping for air and collapsing onto her hands and knees in the muck. The throbbing pain in her lungs reminds her how close to death she just came, but it also serves to fuel her rage. She glares up at Grinko's men, standing helpless on the edge of the water, their weapons useless here. "This is your fault!" she snarls through clenched teeth. "If you hadn't led me astray, I wouldn't be down here now."
Offering her his helping hand, Grinko shook his head. I told you there are three tunnels, now you come from one of them... You chose your own way, Missy? You are yourself to blame.
"Oh, shut up," she growls, refusing to take his hand as she pushes herself back onto her feet. "You know damn well that's not true. Now which path should I take?" She eyes him suspiciously, wondering if he might be leading her astray once more.
Her gaze flickers past him, taking in the surroundings. Up above, she can make out the dim light streaming through some distant openings high in the cavern ceiling, barely illuminating the rocky walls. The air feels heavy with anticipation, like something big is about to happen. Despite her irritation with Grinko, she finds herself trusting his word this time; he didn't lie to her before. But still, she can't shake the feeling that danger lurks just around the corner. Taking a deep breath, she squares her shoulders and readies herself for whatever challenges may await her.
Water drips down her body and Grinko sighs in faked longing, smirking as he does it. "Escobar... There I have you wet in front of me and still it's not the right situation... Just my luck.... Do you want us to accompany you this time or do you still not trust us? We have a spare torch you could have..."
"Fine," she grumbles. "But don't think this means we're friends now." Snatching the torch from Grinko's hand, she ignites it using the flint and steel she always carries on her belt. With a final glare at him, she turns away and heads down the tunnel she thinks looks most promising. Her men follow close behind, their unease plain even through the dim light cast by the torch. As they walk, Dahlia reflects on how much her life has changed since she first set out to find the Fountain of Youth. Back then, she was just an ordinary woman, content with her life but yearning for something more. Now she's become something else entirely - a legendary adventurer, hunter of ancient treasures, and one of the most feared women in the land. Despite everything that's happened, she can't help but wonder if she'll ever truly find what she's looking for.
Keeping up with her, Grinko at one point came to her side, his side for once serous and not joking around. "Now let's be frank here, Missy... What do you expect to find at that fountain? All of us adventurers look for something to take home with... What do you think you will get? Eternal youth?"
"It doesn't matter what I expect," she snaps, trying to ignore the concern etched on his normally cocky features. "What matters is finding it and proving everyone wrong about me." There's a moment of silence as she wrestles with her own thoughts before continuing, more quietly, "And maybe... maybe when this is all over, I'll have enough money to open my own tavern or something. You know, settle down somewhere warm and quiet and leave all this craziness behind." The words feel strange on her tongue; unfamiliar and almost dreamlike. But there's a hint of longing there too, buried beneath layers of pride and defensiveness.
Nodding, he looks at her. "Aye... I hear you, Missie. Most of us never live long enough to retire in splendor. There are rumors out there about you. But I never gave them that much attention. We may not always be on the same page... Well, almost never... But I know you're not a fake. Still have that scar you set me... A tavern, eh?I'll pay you a visit, if you make it that far."
For a moment, Dahlia allows herself to believe that he might actually mean it. That after everything they've been through, they could find some sort of common ground. And then she reminds herself of who he is - the tyrant, the rival, the enemy. Grinko's smile fades slightly, becoming more calculating as his eyes assess her reaction to his offer. She meets his gaze evenly, resisting the urge to return the predatory grin. "We'll see," she says finally, turning back towards the tunnel before him. "Let's finish this, shall we?"
Eying her, Grinko knows he got the mitten again and sighs in defeat, "What a pair we could be... Why on Earth must the woman I find most interesting be you, Escobar?
"Hmmph," is all Dahlia deigns to say as she disappears into the darkness once more, leaving Grinko to ponder the strange enigma that is Dahlia Escobar. The torchlight casts eerie shadows against the damp walls, making it hard to discern whether they are walking toward freedom or danger. But for now, at least, there is no sign of any traps or obstacles in their path. As she continues onward, her mind drifts back to Grinko's words about settling down, opening a tavern. It's not an idea she's ever seriously considered before, but something deep inside her heart begins to stir nonetheless. Perhaps, one day, when this is all over... perhaps there might be a chance for something different. Something better.