Cautiously peering into a hole in the broken wall, Cassius stumbled backwards quickly, his lantern blowing out as a white gust of air flew out of the hole and past him, screeching like a banshee as it went. It disappeared into thin air; silence left behind. 

Cassius shook himself off, feeling silly for overreacting to a mere ghost. He walked back over to the group, Atlas laughing to himself. 

“Big strong guy afraid of ghosts! Never would I have imagined that!” He doubled over like it was the funniest thing he’d ever seen. Sasha was quick to pinch the young boy in correction, causing him to quickly jump up back into proper posture. 

“We’re all a little frightened of something Atlas, no need to cause a big scene.” Sasha said, falling back to walk with Cassius. 

The two leaders smiled at each other; one more broken than the other. “I’ve jumped plenty of times in my adventuring life.. heck I’ve jumped more times than I can count in just life. Nothing wrong with it, shows you have emotions.” Sasha exclaimed, trying to brighten the gloomy giant. 

Cassius broke eye contact and looked ahead at the other two, Atlas taunting Lopey and Lopey baring their teeth like a silly dog, “I know I know, I just don’t like appearing weak in front of the younglings. I’m supposed to be a role model for them.” 

Sasha laughed, “You have absolutely nothing to worry about Cass, especially as you’re literally a legend in the town.” She playfully winked.

“A legend?”

She nodded, “Yes a legend! The townspeople adore you, some even think you’re a myth.” She giggled, gently shoving into him, “You’re a highly skilled adventurer that lives in the middle of nowhere; you’re like a secret celebrity.” 

It was Cassius’ turn to laugh now, “I am most definitely not a celebrity Sasha. People just enjoy indulging in the unknown; we would know that best with these dungeons.” 

“Do you ever wonder what else is out there? If we’re just here to wander the dungeons forever.. or if there’s more?”

Cassius hummed, thinking the question over, “I’ve never really considered anything else to be honest. Being in the dungeons just feels.. right; like I was born to do this. I’m not really sure what else I’d be doing if it wasn’t for this.” 

Sighing, Sasha glumly put her head down, dragging her feet a little, “I just.. it doesn’t always feel right for me I guess. I feel like deep down I’m supposed to be doing something better with myself.. helping people perhaps. I’m just endlessly walking around these creepy passages almost killing myself in the process.. is that really all that life has to offer?” 

“It sounds like you’ve answered your own question Sash.” He smiled gently at her, “Your life is your life for a reason, you have power to change anything and everything, and I’m not saying you wouldn’t be missed because you’ve been my partner in crime for years now, picking me up after.. you know who, but I will always be your supporter and I’ll always have your back.” 

Glancing over at the curly haired man, she felt her heart twinge, “Thank you Cassius, it means a lot to me. I will forever and always be your supporter too, you’ll never have to be alone.”

The passage ahead suddenly became very narrow, causing everyone to walk in single file. The walls slowly got closer, stone pressing into everyone’s sides. 

“Not sure if anyone’s realised but I think we’re about to very stuck.”