"Good news everyone, the Meandering Cave is just a few meters ahead! Hang in there for a little longer."
"Urgh."
Is my sister human? It took us almost an hour just to walk out of the capital, let alone the time it took for us to travel north Gannet to get to Meandering Cave. Gene and I are completely exhausted, and I feel like I'm on the verge of collapsing.
"Hmm? Don't tell me you all are worn-out already. For a treasure hunter, this is but light work."
"Yeah, thanks for the encouragement, sis. Look, Gene can't even speak."
Gene's head is hanging at a downward angle as he sweats bullets from his face. Heck, this expedition so far is taking a bigger toll on him than me. Curse our lack of experience! I wish I could inherit our parent's experience right now–even Aisha's would suffice. I know that these skills are obtainable through time, but right now, my body couldn't care less. I want the experience without the painstaking effort!
"Fortunately for you, I prepared for this situation. Here, drink up!"
Aisha pulls out three miniature bottles from her pocket and tosses them to Gene, Lily and me. The drink has no label to identify it.
"Um, sis…what is this?"
"It's a special energy drink I got someone to make for me before arriving in the capital."
"Is it…you know…"
Whenever Aisha offers something for you to consume, it's a huge red flag. If she can eat it, then that means no normal person can!
"Oh don't worry, those drinks weren't made for my body. The bar guy made a special version for me, and I can testify that it's effective. Or you could continue the journey in exhaustion…"
"Hold it, you got a bartender to make this? Is it alcoholic?!"
"Sigh, who cares about that? It's edible and that's all that matters. Let's drink it and be done!"
"O-okay…"
We open the bottles, then look at each other. After a 4-second invisible countdown, we close our eyes and chug the energy drinks. Actually…it tastes really good.
"Whoa!"
I can feel it! An outburst of energy radiates throughout my body, making me feel fully rejuvenated.
"Gene, how do you feel?"
"Spectacular! Completely recharged!"
I turn towards Lily to see how the drink has impacted her. Hopefully, it's effective for demi-humans too. We can't have our ticket to the oasis be messed up.
"Lily, how about you–"
Lily tosses an unopened drink to me.
"Lily doesn't need it. Lily isn't very tired yet."
"What? If Gene and I are tired and we are older than you, then surely you should be beyond tired! Are you trying to act tough or something?"
There's no way a demi-human kid has more experience than me!
"..."
"Relax, Thena. She probably has gained experience doing long traveling to some extent. Besides, she's a cat demi-human, so she's bound to have more stamina than an average human."
What does Gene think he's doing? Why is he taking this demi-human's side over his close friend's?
"Fine, then I'll help myself to more!"
"I wouldn't do that, dear sis. The bar guy told me that drinking too many will make your head explode."
"Did he mean that figuratively or literally?"
"Who knows? Would you like to find out and tell us?"
"...I'll pass. Catch."
I toss the drink back at Aisha. I'm not taking dumb risks today if it's not for the treasure.
"Now that that's all taken care of, we are here at the cave. Thena, would you like to take the lead again?"
"Again? Ha, I never gave it up. Come on everyone, let's enter the cave. Make sure to follow my lead!"
At long last, we enter Meandering Cave. Its entrance is small and narrow, but the interior is wide and spacious. The walls and ground are made of smooth black obsidian.
"A cave made completely of obsidian. Amazing, I have never seen anything like this before in my years as a treasure hunter! What do you think, Thena?"
"I think that this place better live up to the hype for all the hell we had to endure. More importantly, the further away from the entrance we go, the darker it will get. I mean, I can hardly see anything in the distance! Gene, did you bring a light source?"
"Yeah, I think so. Hold on a second…"
Gene takes off his backpack and shuffles inside of it. From the looks of it, he prepared a lot for this expedition. Wonder where he put his secret little weapon?
"Aha, found it."
Gene pulls out a weird device that looks like a head accessory. He places it around his head.
"What is that nerdy-looking thing?"
"It's a headlamp, for your information. Not just any headlamp, mind you, but it's a special edition from brand–"
"We get it, Gene. Just turn it on already!"
"Hmph, no need to thank me…"
At least it's good to know that weapons aren't the only "tools" Gene prepared.
"Whoa, the light is making the cave turn purple. Amazing Gene!"
Lily, a girl who has said only a few words since joining our party, reacts excitedly towards Gene.
"Thanks, Lily. It's no big deal, really."
"You're so cute when you are bashful, Gene! I know my sister thinks so too."
As Gene rubs his head bashfully, Aisha sneakily winks at me.
"Aisha, what are you saying?! That's not even remotely true."
"Sooo, do you think he's not cute? You think your friend looks ugly?"
"No, I didn't say that!"
"Then how do you really feel? He's not a mind reader, you know."
It's not that I don't appreciate Gene or that I think lowly of him, I just prefer to express my feelings with actions rather than simple words. For some reason, Aisha has been adamant about me being more "direct" with Gene just as I am with her. The truth is, I am expressing how I feel truthfully, so what else is she expecting? I don't want to play into her teasing games, and I hate being pressured to do something.
I'll express how I feel in my most monotone voice!
"Sigh, Gene, thanks for the special light. There, happy sis?"
"Of course I am. I already got what I wanted inside me. How about asking–"
"Anyway, let's pick up the pace, we are moving too slowly. Gene, you lead the way and Lily should follow right beside you."
"Got it. Come on Lily, I'll guide us with light, and you can guide us with your nose. Let's do it!"
"Okay, Lily's ready!"
"Teehee, yes ma'am."
After traveling down the narrow path for a few minutes, I pull Aisha aside, whispering to her.
"Sis, whatever I did to you, I'm sorry, okay?"
"Eh? Whatever could you mean?"
"Don't play dumb! You're trying to embarrass me in front of my friend, aren't you?"
"Me embarrass my baby sister? Why would I ever do such a thing?"
AAAAaah! She's even using her innocent tone! She's for sure getting back at me for something. Our family can hold a grudge for a long time, even several years, and not seek revenge until we feel the time is right. Among our family members, Aisha is one of the most cunning. She will be subtle and play innocent until the very end. I think that's too cowardly–it's much better to get back at your offender directly!
"Whatever. Just don't interfere with my role, okay? You should probably focus on controlling your digestive system or something."
"Whatever you say, sweetie."
"Uh, Thena, it looks like we have a problem…"
"?"
A problem? Whatever it is, I hope there aren't any wild creatures blocking our path. I don't mind killing some fresh meat, but dealing with hoards of critters with limited lighting is no fun. Besides, it'd just delay us further. I want to at least get to the secret area first!
I step in front of the party with Gene.
"So what's up? Something dangerous?"
"Not necessarily. Look."
Gene points to the path ahead. Or more accurately, the paths ahead.
"I see. So there are four branching paths and they all look identical…"
"What should we do? Split up?"
"Splitting up would be the worst thing for us to do. We need all of our abilities to navigate this cave, especially Lily's. Getting lost here could be a death sentence."
"Good point. Phew, I was worried that I'd have to be by myself for a second!"
"Your dearest friend is right here to support you, buddy!"
I pat Gene on the back. His back straightened out a bit upon contact, even though I thought I used as little force as possible. Surely, he's not that weak?
"So, which path should we try first?"
"Dunno. There's no way to visibly distinguish them. Lily, this is your time to shine. What is your nose telling you?"
Lily lifts up her nose and sniffs the air.
"Lily smells a sweet scent…it's coming from there."
Lily points to the second pathway. She somehow is aware of a sweet scent, yet I can smell nothing.
"The second path? Okay then, let's try that one first. But before that…"
Splat
"There. I placed some goo by this entranceway. That way, we can keep track of which paths we've already entered."
"Impressive thinking, Thena! You really are a genius outside of school work."
It's true, so I'll consider that a compliment.
"That's my sister for you! Mom and dad would be proud."
"That's nothing, just wait until we actually find the goddess' oasis. Gene and Lily, if you'd please."
The two nod in agreement, leading the way down the second entrance.
___________________________________________________________________________
"Gene, do you see that? Look at the walls!"
Lily points excitedly at the cave walls, sort of as if she were at a candy store. At least, that's what I would imagine Kira behaving…
"I see it! The cave walls are embedded with sparkling minerals that lightly glow. The illumination isn't much, but that doesn't take away from its natural beauty."
The name "Meandering Cave" initially intimidated me when I first thought of the idea of exploring it, but it's actually rather serene. I'm sure that for someone with the heart of an adventurer and thrill seeker this is rather boring, but this is right up my alley. So far, this cave has felt like a dark hallway, but as a student, that feeling is comforting.
I take a quick moment to look at Aisha and Thena behind me, using my peripheral vision to avoid shining my bright light in their faces. It looks like they are casually chatting, displaying their strong sisterly bond. I know that Thena and I are doing this for the sake of a school project grade, but I am content at this moment. Just hanging out with friends brings me joy; even spending time with Lily, whom I just met.
"Sniff sniff, Lily thinks that the sweet scent has gotten stronger."
"It has? Nothing has changed according to my nose, haha. Perhaps the end of this path is shortly ahead."
Demi-humans are truly amazing specimens. They have the versatile abilities of various animals, yet have the form and intelligence of humans. For some reason, I've gravitated towards Lily in particular. Perhaps because I feel bad that we essentially coerced her to join our party, so this is an attempt to reconcile.
Heh, reconciliation? Redemption? As if I could even utter those words…
"Hey Gene, how's it looking up there?"
Using a slightly elevated voice, Thena yells out to me from behind. She's not even that far behind me, so there's no reason to yell. Oh well…
"Lily said that the scent has gotten stronger…"
I turn around again, looking at the area ahead of me. I think I see it!
"...there, up ahead! I see a wide room!"
"Great, we are one step closer to that 'A'!"
We finally arrived at the end of the path and into a spacious area. I feel like I'm getting deja vu, but it's a dark cave, so that's bound to happen.
"No way…"
Thena catches up to me, making note of her own observations. I have a feeling I know what she's gawking at…
"No way there are four MORE branching paths to choose from! Just how deep do we have to go?!"
"Calm down Thena, did you expect it to be that easy? Besides, we still have Lily's excellent nose."
"Sigh, yeah yeah. Getting an A takes too much effort. Lily, which one should we choose this time?"
Lily closes her eyes and sniffs–even her tail is responding to the smell. The more I see her doing it, the more…strangely cute it becomes.
"Hmm…the fourth path? It smells sweet…"
Lily's facial expression doesn't seem as confident as before. Is she unsure about something?
"Lily, is there something wrong?"
Lily shakes her head. She turns her attention back to me and puts on a small grin.
"Un-un. It's fine."
Splat
"!"
Suddenly, slime splatters on the ground near the pathway's entrance, nearly grazing my feet.
"Hey Thena, you almost hit me, you know!"
"My bad, but it wasn't gonna hurt you anyway. Anyway, you heard the girl, let's go down the fourth path everyone."
Once again, just as before, we walk down a corridor-like cave pathway. Strong emphasis on "just as before". I know that I like peaceful explorations such as this, but it's been a little too mundane and repetitive thus far, even for me.
"Aaah, more sparkling minerals!"
"Yeah, that's right…"
Even the minerals are losing their appeal to me.
"Gene, everyone! Lily smells a strong scent ahead!"
"It'd better be the secret oasis room this time!"
"Well, we'll have to see about that, Thena."
I have the same wish for this part of the journey to end. Though as a glance at the area ahead, my hope diminished.
"Thena, you're not going to believe this, but…"
"What is…oh come on! Four more pathways, AGAIN?!!"
"I'm afraid so."
"But how could this be? I never even heard of caves being so deep, with seemingly infinite branching paths!"
Actually, we have learned about various deep caves in geography class, though of course, she never retained any of that information. Even so, her sentiment is still right.
"Sis, do you have an explanation for this? Have you ever experienced this kind of phenomenon before?"
"Hmm, can't say I have. Sorry, but this beats even me."
"Then it must be…"
Thena diverts her attention away from Aisha and towards Lily. Lily braces for her approach. I can already tell where she is going with this…
"Lily, are you sure you are leading us down the right path? Like, really sure?"
Thena questions Lily in a calm, but assertive voice. Knowing her, she is trying her hardest not to unleash her frustration onto Lily. She has never mentioned it to me before, but I can tell that she's been trying to be more considerate of how she approaches people. It is a slow process, but small progress is still progress. What normal person could change so easily?
"I don't…I don't know."
Lily looks utterly bewildered. Something is really bothering her!
"Is your nose broken? Only someone like you can detect the scent to the oasis, so we are all counting on you. Seriously, do you need to blow?"
"Wait Thena, I need to check something."
"Hey, where are you going Gene? We still need your headlight!"
"Be back in a sec!"
I turn around and make my way back towards the path we took to get here. If my feelings are correct, then…
"Aha, just as I figured!"
A bright natural light seeps through a small opening. I take a step through the opening.
I'm outside of the cave, right where we entered.
"I need to tell the others!"
I rush back inside the cave, using the most stamina I have ever used outside of PE class. Note to self, take off the backpack next time.
"So Gene, care to explain what's the big idea or are you gonna keep us in the dark?
"Haaah, I will…haaaa….explain after…haaa…"
"Okay okay, catch your breath first!"
I take a canteen out of my bag and drink some water. Finally, my heart rate is starting to return to normal.
"Guys, you're not going to believe this but…"
Despite the dimly lit cave, I can see the eyes of the girls twinkling like gemstones as they look at me with anticipation.
"...I figured out the reason why this place is called 'Meandering Cave'."
"???"
"We are looping."