The Test Begins

[Naotaka Reiji]

Two-toned gray eyes stared hard at each of the young Genin that stood before Reiji, all looking a little apprehensive, now that they had reached their destination. They'd followed him from the quarry where they had met the day before, all in silence. Which was just as well, for again, Reiji was in no mood for chit-chat. It was still early yet, and today was supposed to be a day for complete seriousness.

Now they stood on a wide stone ledge, perched upon the walls of the bluff that lay a decent trek from Suna's main road. Before them, a cave loomed, like a snake stratching its jaws before it's strike. Reiji stood directly in front, blocking the mouth of the cave from any curious eyes, his thick arms folded over a broad chest. Still, he stood in silence, looking to each of the teens with a detached, apathetic gaze.

"Split up, all three of you. Kazuma, face right. Tatari, turn around. Yes, so your back's to me. Good. And Kawazoe, you face to the left. Now each of you take a dozen steps forward. And don't take those baby steps or I'll throw you as far away as I want you to be." Reiji spoke without moving, arms remaining folded solidly against his chest and eyes remaining hard as they moved from student to student. "And don't even think about turning around. I want you all looking straight ahead at all times."

When each Genin had gone as far as he wished them to, the Jounin gave a barked command to stop. From there, he unshouldered his pack and moved towards where Miura stood. He held a quick whispered conference with the boy before nodding his head and shifting off toward Krail. It was the same with the young woman; a short, quiet conversation, a nod, and then Reiji moved to Seishuku. Her meeting with him was no different. The students were only meant to hear what had been said to them, the rest would remain a secret.

"Turn around, face me. And listen." Reiji growled, throwing his pack over his shoulder again before turning to face them. Again he stood before the mouth of the cave, still blocking the view of what lay inside. "This is your test."

"Inside this cave, two precious stones are tucked away. The ones you are aiming to retrieve are red, so do not be fooled by a stone of any other color. In order to pass this exam, you must enter the cave and return with one of the stones. If you come out with wrong one, you will only be allowed to go back in once, after that, you fail automatically." The Jounin's face remained as stony as the scenery that surrounded the small group.

"As easy as that may seem, there are a few catches. You are given no light source. The most you'll get is from the occasional torch that has been lit at random intervals within the cave." Reiji paused momentarily to watch the faces of the Genin closely, before he continued. "Also, the gems are not the only things that reside in the cave. A large number of snakes and scorpions have taken and claimed it as residence, and you are expected to go in despite that fact."

Reiji frowned slightly at the three Genin. "I can truthfully say no Genin has died during this exam... But if you feel it's too dangerous, then you do not have to enter. But keep in mind that if you refuse, you fail. Simple as that."

"I will not follow you in, I will not offer any help. If anyone has any objections, voice them now. If not, you're free to begin." With that, the Jounin shifted to the side, eyes locking onto each of his pupils one by one before they moved. With a soft grunt, Reiji moved off to the side, to lay claim to a large slab of rock that rose over the others, still holding the mouth of the cave in sight. "You have until night fall. Good luck."

[Seishuku]

Sei walked behind the group cautiously, her good eye focused on Rei's back. She stayed as far back as possible, not wanting to be part of a group of strangers. Her hand stayed on Itoe's head, him nudging her side in comfort. She had no idea what to expect, and it seemed Rei wasn't going to blab about it just yet. It only made the young one more nervous, though she didn't show it.

As they neared a cave, Sei gave it a questioning glance. But Rei was in front of it before she could examine it properly. Staying silent as her Sensei barked orders, she gave him a small look before following them. She was never one who liked recieving orders from another, but she didn't feel like getting on his bad side for now... Not a good first impression that was. Itoe stayed by her, staring blankly up at her as she walked as ordered. The dog had no idea what was going on, and why she had such a determined yet nervous expression on her face.

As Sei waited for Sensei to bring out more orders, she kept her gace on Itoe, patting his white fur and grinning slightly on the dog. Itoe, however, was glancing over at Rei and the two students, sniffing at the air as he tried to figure out what was going on. Sei gave him a look, and the dog brought his attention back to her.

As Rei finally came to her, her eye widened at the information he gave her. This was rather unexpected. Her small heart started to beat fast at this information. This wasn't sounding too good at all... She immediately turned at Rei ordered them too, her thoughts trying to figure out what this test was supposed to be exactly.

Sei nodded as Rei finished his instructions, staring at the cave. Scorpions and snakes.. Well, she did have an advantage at this. She slept outdoors every day, she was used to darkness and poisonous creatures. She had to help Itoe battle a snake once that slithered up their tree. Though, trying to fight them in the dark would be rather difficult... Sei sighed, and straightened her posture. She would show no fear in this group. She would uphold her reputation as a strong looking yet distant character, who could deal with anything.

As she started towards the cave, Itoe whimpered and ran to her side and perked his ears up at her. Sei shook her head, holding a hand out to him. Itoe's ears backed down, and he stepped away, glancing up at Rei. The dog could come, right? But Sei wouldn't have it, she already walked into the dark cave before the dog could notice.

[Miura]

Miura watched as Reiji left his vision, thinking it was probable that the man was conversing with his other students. His devil-may-care and whimsical attitude from the previous day had all but disappeared, and his youthful face was set in an expression of sheer concentration. This was a serious situation and that left no room for the little fox's innate mischievousness; Miura would have to stay determined and concentrated.

It wasn't the darkness that the boy feared, for he was a lover of night, but it was what awaited him in the cave that left Miura feeling hesitant. Reiji had mentioned the various creepy crawlers that took up residence in the ominous cave, and though Miura was not deathly afraid of snakes; scorpions were another matter entirely. They reminded the boy of bugs-- huge, shiny, icky looking bugs. Miura suppressed a shudder and grimaced at the mere thought. He'd have to suck it up though, lest he make an utter fool of his self.

Miura's lizard twitched its tail, tickling at the genin's ear. Miura gave a soft smile as he gently grasped the green anole, bringing it to eye level. "No, baka, you can't come with me," He admonished quietly, placing a gentle kiss on the scaled creature's head. " You stay out here and wait for me -- you can keep Oc-chan company," Miura said, smiling. He then set the reptile down, watching as it scurried off into the shade of a boulder.

Reiji had given them the choice of throwing in the towel if they chose to refuse to go into the cave. Miura bit his lower lip and reached his hand back to grasp the hilt of his father's sword. His eyes slid shut and he exhaled a long, shuddering breath. Miura opened his gaze, a grim look of determination settling over his face. Failure was not an option. He'd honor his father and make his mother proud to have him as a son. (Not to mention he didn't want to look like a total and incompetent fool in Reiji's eyes.)

The jounin's voice jarred the youth back into reality. The test had begun. Swallowing down his trepidation, the fox turned towards the cavern, glaring into its serpentine mouth.

"I will beat you," Miura pledged as he neared the opening. The boy breathed in one last lung-full of desert air before plunging into the abyss.

[Kosetsu Akina]

Krail narrowed her sharp purple eyes as he ledge them to the cave. A dozen thoughts wandered through her head as she kept in toe with him. From the scrowling look he seemed to always bare since her arrival, the genin could guess he wasn't a good humored guy. Quietly sighing her dissapointment, she took a moment to glance at her other teamates who she had yet to receive names from.

Miura seem to have a more spunku personality then Seishuku and the wits to annoy their teacher. Someone worth talking to later if he indeed carried that personality she liked.

Her eyes rested on the other girl, Seishuku who walked with her large white canine. Ran had shown no interest in meeting the other dog, much too interested on his owner's actions. A quiet girl but undoubtably smart from her eyes. Krail kept that in mind a well as they came to a halt.

Purple eyes flashed with rebelion as he barked orders to turn in their proper directions and walked. While she made no vocal complaint, the unwillingess in her eyes was all to present. Ran followed her quickly, tail down as he glanced back at Reiji. When he spoke quietly with Krail, the genin only gave a simple nod of understanding.

At his command she turned around to face him. She barely glanced at her teamates now, taking in the full importance of the test. Krail's eyes became harder, intense like if she were to fight for her very life. This was really her life. If she failed now, it would only shame her clan even more. A red stone.. she mumbled in her mind, setting a clear image and plan ahead of her.

The scorpians and snakes did not scare her. One who lived in the desert learned at early age to be weary and learn how to deal with such creatures. She glanced at her faithful dog knowing very well her sensei might rise a complaint against his company with her into the cave. She gave a clever smirk before starting her on walk into the cave. Ran sensed her clever scheme and bared his fangs at the others before rushing in after her.

[Naotaka Reiji]

A heavy sigh escaped the sensei as he watched the last genin head for the cave entrance... canine companion included. Calloused hands raised to rub rather forcefully at forehead and temples. The other two had been wise enough to leave their pets behind, or risk them being killed... But that damned Tatari girl. Whatever he'd heared about Miura had been overshadowed by the things he'd heard concerning Krail.

That girl was nothing but trouble. It figured as much that Reiji would be blessed with her as one of his three students. Though he could not help but allow the faintest of smiles curl at the corner of his mouth. She was too much like Riichi for it to be considered anything but eerie. That boy had been more than his share of hell in his younger years... Reiji knew, because he'd been right there with him.

When her companion followed her inside, Reiji made no move to stop it. If she wanted to risk the canine's life, then she could... He was not trying to pass the pets, he was trying to pass the rather hopeless looking bunch of gangly teens that the academy had thrusted at him with the barest amount of ceremony as possible. They left the final, official test up to him. It was entirely his to plan...

All right, so maybe it was a little harsh and a little dangerous, but Reiji had taken all the neccessary precautions in order to make certain that things would flow smoothly. And besides... they needed to learn what it felt like to be in danger. From here on out, they would be succeptible to any dangers that their missions included. If they could not learn to protect themselves to some extent, there was no use in him teaching them anything..

Looking over at the two remaining pets, Reiji sighed yet again. "Sorry 'bout that...Best you two stay out of there though. I'd hate to have your owners actually try to put their academy lessons to use on me..." He smirked a little and rummaged around in his pack yet again, only to draw out his own lunch and throw a good portion of it to Sei's pet, and leave a small portion on the rock for Miura's lizard.

The Genin would be in there for a while... No harm in feeding their pets for them. Just this once it wouldn't hurt, anyway. Besides, he had other things to do. Like read... or play a good game of chess by himself... There was an idea...

[Seishuku]

Itoe wagged his tail, taking the portion of the man's lunch happily. He munched on it for a bit, then glanced towards the cave. Food forgotten, his ears perked down as he whimpered towards the entrance. It wasn't like him to stay away from Sei's side, whether she liked it or not. He always watched over the girl. Golden orbs peered at Rei. Itoe wouldn't wait out here forever. If Sei took too long, he would go after her, whether her Sensei liked it or not... He couldn't lose his only family.

Sei kept to the walls of the cave, fingers sidling along the rough walls, feet stepping cautiously on the ground. Holes were everywhere, making it easy to trip should one go too fast. She cursed out loud, her echoe stretching far as she stumbled yet again. This was impossible, how could anyone come through here in complete darkness and expect to see a stone? Grumbling, she regained her posture and set on again.

Two ways.. Shit she thought to herself as she could feel the two paths of walls. Which way...? Hmm, well... she would rely on luck then. Right eye was her bad side, bad luck.. Left then.. She turned, fingers still reaching out blindly as she moved on. Suddenly, she yelled, falling down. A splash echoed out as Sei fell into a rather large puddle that slipped down a few ways. Her good eye twitched as she punched the water furiously. "Damnit!" she yelled, getting up. Great, now she was blind, stumbly, and wet. What could possibly get worse?

Well, it seemed it wouldn't get worse... Sei gasped as light lit up ahead, and she scrambled towards it. A torch! Just her luck.. finally. She grabbed it, thinking to hell with it for the others. If they wanted to see, they could get their own damn light. Now being able to see clearly, she was able to move a bit faster through the seemingly endless tunnels, always going left whenever she came to a fork.

Now, seeing that she might actually win this thing for sure now, it was of all reasons bad luck had to find her. She didn't notice the slippery rock she hopped on, and slipped. Her torch went out from the dampened soil, and she felt a slither by her, followed by a hiss. Her eye widened as she let out a yell...

[Miura]

Miura was instantly struck with how cool the temperature within the cavern was as compared to the desert outside. The air had a musky and earthen scent to it, and tasted strange and foreign on the young boy's tongue. Miura cringed at the sound of crunching beneath his feet and didn't allow his imagination to supply his mind with images as to what exactly he was stepping on. The boy's hand blindly reached out within the inky blackness and found purchase against one of the cave's walls. The rock beneath his hands felt damp and cold, which to Miura was rather curious. The air grew close and the darkness that surrounded him felt almost tangible. He could feel a cold sweat beading on his forehead, the cool droplets running down his face to drip off of his chin.

He swallowed and pushed down the raw fear that was gnawing at the pit of his stomach, threatening to grow and overcome Miura. The boy breaths became shallower as the air grew heavy and almost humid even out in the middle of such an arid region. This cavern of trials was a realm all it's own. Miura could forget himself if he didn't stay concentrated. He walked on for a long while, tripping several times but catching his self before he fell. There was no way he'd allow himself to touch the cavern floor; he had no idea what manner of venomous creatures were just waiting for a chance to strike.

He continued on and was met with nothing but darkness and began to worry he had got turned around somehow. Miura hadn't noticed the two paths within the pitch black of the cave and ended up taking the right. As he was about to give into panic, Miura caught sight of a faint, flickering light. Out of sheer eagerness to be rid of the dark, Miura raced forward, foolishly abandoning all caution just to reach the source of light. Miura's foot caught in a crack in the floor and he was jarred forward, ankle twisting painfully. The boy stumbled but managed to stay on his feet and heaved a few, frightened breaths.

"Way to go, idiot!" Miura growled to himself as he glared at his injury, tentatively pressing his foot onto the ground. He winced. It was painful but bearable. The boy limped lightly towards the torch and reached out to grab it. Just then a scream echoed off the dense rock walls. Miura froze and looked back in the direction from which it came. He gnawed on his lower lip and was faced with a decision. Someone was in danger, or so Miura surmised, but would he risk victory to backtrack and help them?

Miura's brows furrowed and he looked down. He wanted to make his mother proud, and to do that he needed to win, right?

"No.." Miura thought and raised his head as he came to a realization. His mother would be ashamed to know that her son had left someone in danger just for the sake of getting ahead. That was it then. With a determined frown on his lips, Miura gave it no more thought. He backtracked and with the help of his newly acquired torch, he was able to see what he had missed earlier. Two paths.

Miura took the left, carefully avoided the puddle and rushed down the winding tunnel. Though the light he bore revealed the insects and other creatures, Miura paid them no heed. He came upon Sei and stumbled to a stop. When his wide-eyes settled on the snake, Miura didn't take the time to think; he acted out of instinct.

A clever hand reached to one of the kunai strapped to his belt and with a flick of his wrist, the snake was pinned to the ground through its head. Miura panted lightly as he held out a hand, motioning with his fingers for Sei to grab a hold. The torch flickered, casting an orange glow across the boy's face. He breathed out a breath he hadn't known he was holding, and spoke.

"Are you okay, Sei?"

[Kosetsu Akina]

Krail slowly dipped her head as she entered the darkness of the cave. A plan was being devised in her head as each step was taken with more caution as she entered the deeper recesses of the cave. He hand't lied about one thing, it was pretty dark besides the last whisps of sunlight from the entrance. Not that light mattered much, one would only need to rely on their senses a bit more.

She slowly reached out with one hand, fingers twitching tentively as they brushed up against the wall. Carfully gripping the rough wall with her finger tips, she continued ahead. Every now and then, he food would bash up against a lose stone making her hiss. But a little pain wouldn't deter her from the goal.

Farther into the cave she found to no avail any torches. Krail gritted her teeth as she silently cursed at her teamates. Yeah, like she could even consider them that. But afterall, there was only two stones to be found here, one of them was garunteed to fail. The genin closed her eyes for a moment, trying to overcome her fustration.

A furry form bushed up against her hand by her side. Krail didn't flinch knowing the only other furry creature who had entered this gave was her own dog. She reached out and brushed her fingers through his deep ebony fur. He was more then just a simple pet but her partner. Krail could have raised an argument with him back outside but she knew that even her threats would not keep the shiba from following. Ran was there for her and she for him. If she were to enter the cave and hold her own life, he was there as well. Screw what the others thought. They were foolish yes, but loyallty always seemed that way.

"Keep close to me Ran, just growl with you see anything. I'm sorry to drag you down here but please be my eyes." She whispered softly before continuing her walk. Ran gave a soft whimper of comply and followed beside her.

Krail gave a sigh after a few long minutes had passed. No torches could be seen nearby, given her a gloomy feeling that her teamates had already found them and the stones. They were probably sitting out there and joking about how late she was. Gritting her teeth, she shook her head. No, giving up that easily would only make the shame worse.

When a scream echoed in the cave, the genin froze. A shiver ran down her back as memory of the snakes and scorpians hit her. Purple eyes looked in the lost void of darkness as Ran began to growl beside her. She could hear footsteps of someone else heading towards the scream, heavier footsteps so it must have been Miura. Ran began to whine beside her, starting to inch foward again before looking back as his master refused to move.

Krail lowered her eyes before rushing off towards the scream. They might have taken the torches and probably even had the stones. But it still wasn't right to leave them there if they were hurt. Afterall, they had been teamed up together. Why not show that even though she could be late, Krail wasn't a deserter.

"Sei? Miura? Are you two alright?" She called out, still fumbling in the dark to find them. Ran caught first sight of the torch and bounded over to the pair with Krail following not far behind.

[Naotaka Reiji]

((Just informing you that you each get to go two times, this round. Two posts each, then I'll go. Makes it a little easier to get through this at a reasonable pace, and more for you three to do.))

[Seishuku]

Sei's body froze as the scream left her, her eye wide as the hiss rang in her ears. She at first had no clue as what to do, the shock of what may possibly be a dangerous animal was right by her. Then she kicked herself mentally. This was just a small reptile, there was no need to fret over it! But, the shock returned as the hiss was even closer.

A light filled the area behind Sei's sitting self, her good eye glancing over, almost forgetting the slithery serpent that was so close to her. As something whooshed past, she caught sight of the now dead snake. Her body immediately started to calm itself, her shock disapeering as she realised she was alright now. Then.. another shock hit her, and she felt disgusted.

She appeared weak to the boy now. Wet, cold, and weak. She couldn't even defend herself against one small snake. She cursed mentally, realising how utterly stupid she must have appeared in the other one's eyes. She ignored the hand that reached down to her, pushing her shivering self up and started to ring out her dampened shirt.

"I'm fine.." She said almost bitterly. Her violet pupil glanced up to him. "Thanks.." she mumbled. He wasn't hoping for a overlyjoyed thank you was he? That was not like her... Her pride was already shot enough. She kept her gaze down, shaking her legs to get the water out and stared at the dead snake.

Sei almost groaned as Krail ran into the scene. Why the hell did she have to yell so loud? Turning her back so they wouldn't see her fustration, she gave a light sigh.
"We're fine... Just a light startle in the darkness..." she mumbled.

Itoe's ears perked up and stared at the mouth of the cave. His golden eyes were wide as he sniffed the air. His master was in trouble, he could feel it. Ever since that incident that happened to him and Sei, that day she lost everything, he had always promised to himself to protect his little master. She was the only thing that watched over him, and he would do the same. Without a second thought, the large white canine dashed into the cave, not caring if Sei's Sensei liked it or not. He couldn't just sit there and wait like the man.. Keen eyes allowed him to move swiftly in the cave, wary of the loose rocks and holes in the ground.. He soon neared the light of Miura's light as he growled defensively to help Sei.

[Miura]

The boy withdrew his hand as Sei made to stand on her own and took a step back, sighing quietly. She really was an obstinate girl, wasn't she? Miura fought the urge to roll his eyes and shook his head in exasperation. If Sei thought Miura considered her weak, she had a lot to learn about Miura's character. The boy scowled as she shot bitter words at him but offered a disarming smile when Sei thanked him.

He shrugged and shook his head, "I'm sure you would've done the same thing for me." At the sound of Tatari's voice, Miura leapt, nearly dropping the torch. He chuckled a little and smiled sheepishly, feeling the fool for being so clumsy. Miura waited until Tatari came into the light and nodded towards the girl.

" Fancy seeing you here," He grinned, teeth flashing orange under the fire's glow, " and we're fine." Miura wasn't too sure how much truth his statement held, but he wanted to reassure the others as much as he wanted to be reassured. He shifted his weight to his other foot and tilted his head as he looked between his teammates. "This place is pretty freaky in the dark, isn't it?" Miura observed with a small smile playing at his lips.

It was no small wonder how Miura found their current situation slightly humorous. The three genins who were competing to win the trial were now holed up in the same tunnel. Then again, Miura often sought out something amusing during moments of fright or bouts of nervousness. And Miura was feeling more than a little on edge.

"So...what now?" Miura questioned, glancing between the two girls. Would they split up again and go their separate ways, or would they choose to stick together, only to duke it out after they found the stones? The boy frowned. He didn't much like the sound of either of the choices, and was wondering what was going through each of his teammate's minds.

[Kosetsu Akina]

(( ._. sorry guys for being late to post))

Krail slowed her pace as her teamates frames came into view in the errie glow of the firelight. She noted the snake pinned to the floor, glad for some measure that she had not yet run into one of them while stumbling around in the dark.

The genin starred between her two teamates, feeling an uneasiness among them. Her eyes fell as Sei didn't look on bit pleased to see her. Even if it was only out of concern. Crossing her arms, Krail took a step forward so she could see them better. No one had grabbed a stone yet by the looks of things. Something she could count herself lucky for at least. Ran came to her side as Itoe came to his master, ear perked forward as Miura spoke to them.

Krail rubbed her arms as if she were cold, nervously looking around at the looming darkness that only the torch kept away at a distance. She had a feeling that the next thing slithering by her feet would send her screaming. Purple eyes looked back to Miura and Sei as she tried to show a confident smile. "Same goes for you. Glad you two are alright, it would be a shame to lose you guys so quickly." She laughed softly and nodded about it being freaky.

Ran began to nudge her arm, reminding her of what they were really here to do. Krail sighed, shifting from one foot to the other over their dilema. It seemed Miura's thoughts about this weren't only shared with himself. Looking back at the tunnel where she had come from, the genin rolled her shoulders. "To be honest, I'm not really sure. If you two feel like splitting up, that's fine with me. I'm fine own my own..." She said more softly, trying to hide the little bit of fear in her voice.

[Seishuku]

Sei turned back around as she heard Itoe's growl. Giving a small smile, she outstretched an arm towards the dog, who came to her side immediately, noticing the snake as he did so. As he was near her side, nudging her in a comforting manner, Sei listened to the two converse. It seemd they were going to get no where if they just keep talking. Frowning, she took a step forward.

"Well, seeing how we're opponents in this wouldn't the best decision be to break up? We can't exactly group and tag along with each other if there is only two stones... I'd rather win the stone on my own.." She crossed her arms, staring hard at the two. Whether they liked her decision or not, she was going with it.

Sei glanced down at Itoe, shaking her head towards the cave she was walking in before her sudden trip and encounter with the snake. Giving a wave to the two behind her, Sei and Itoe walked off into the darkness. Itoe gave one last glance to the kids behind him, baring his teeth at them before stalking off with Sei.

Didn't think we would become instant friends now did they? Sei thought to herself darkly as she stumbled in the dark, seeing how her torch had become drenched when she tripped. She kept one hand on Itoe as she trudged on, letting her companion be her eyes. She couldn't tell him to go back now, not after he saw that snake. Itoe was too stubborn of a protector for that sort of thing. Bah.. Sei was considered an outcast in the village, no one spoke to her... She was just fine with it too, and had no intentions of that changing, yet..

[Miura]

((a million aplogies for how late this is))

Miura watched with a slight frown as Sei ambled away, vanishing into the darkness. At least she had her canine companion with her, but the young man couldn't help but worry. How would she fair with only a dog to help her? The genin shook his head and heaved a sigh. That girl was just too eager to do things on her own. Miura was determined to convince her one day that it was okay to trust others, and that accepting help didn't make you weak.

"Well... be careful!" The boy called out after Sei, hoping that'd she'd make it out okay. Acquiring one of the stones started to become less and less crucial. Miura was more concerned with getting out alive, and making sure the others did as well. His mother would be shamed to think that her son had abandoned his team members.

Miura breathed in softly and shifted his attention to Krail. He looked at her questioningly through the light of the torch, wondering if she too would decide to go off alone. He hoped not... Miura wanted the comfort of having someone there to face the dangers with him. His expression faltered a bit, but he offered a hesitant smile to the girl.

"So... are you going to go off alone too? I mean... we could do this together... but I'm not going to force you to stay with me, if you don't want to." The boy spoke at a normal volume, but his voice seemed bigger in the earthen tunnel. Miura glanced around, eyes lingering on the dead serpent. There was no doubt in his mind that more dangers awaited them deeper within the cavern.

...he had a feeling something really bad was going to happen.