The Island of Many Fates

While the previous headstone had elicited only raised eyebrows from Alistar, he scoffed audibly at this one.

"Love? Dead? I think not," he said. "Unless I'm interpreting that wrong."

Kasam toyed with the design on the hilt of his sword. He didn't look up as he spoke.

"This place isn't called the 'Island of Many Fates' for nothing. I'll wager that these are all possible fates for us. Consider them warnings. Once you're done considering, I say we see what that place holds for us."

He pointed. Kryoni followed the line of his arm and saw the mouth of a cave, inconspicuously placed at the edge of a clearing. She grimaced. Caves were generally disgusting.

"Well, if they are fates..." Artemis shook his head. No such luck for me, I wager. "Fine, let's go. I like caves. Dark, damp, dangerous..."

David began walking to the cave, wary of any stones that might take him down as well. He also kept an eye out, for any kind of ambush, or trap.

Axelle looked at the second stone and gulped. Her lips tightened and she followed Kasam and Kryoni, arms crossed. She muttered something, but it was muffled. It sounded something like, "Caves are creepy."

Vivienne, on the other hand, was brushing off the stone like they were nothing new. They were, of course, since she had never seen them nor this cave. Her posture showed how calm she was, but her eyes showed fright. She wasn't used to this feeling, but something about the atmosphere of the cave was stirring something within her. Axelle looked at her and faked a smile. Vivienne didn't return the gesture. She looked a little bored.

Artemis looked back at Axelle, opening his mouth to say something, probably something reassuring, but he noticed Vivienne. "What's wrong?," he asked her. "There's nothing to fear, I believe." She's a strange one.

Vivienne looked to Artemis. "What? No." She said with a laugh. "Just um, bored." I suppose. Whatever. This is exciting, in all honesty. I haven't been around this many humans since I was last in the city. Ahh, they smell nice...that reminds me, I should go hunting later...

Artemis nodded. He then leant in close to her. "You're a werewolf, aren't you?"

Vivienne cocked an eyebrow. "Whatever gave you that idea?" She asked. Aha, he's a smart one.

"The howl we heard just before we appeared. That was you." Artemis sighed. "I wasn't sure, but you just confirmed it. And that means..." Intriguing.

Vivienne looked him in the eyes. "How did I verify such a ridiculous question? And besides, werewolves aren't the only thing that howl."

Artemis laughed. "Actually, your defensiveness just verified it right now."

Vivienne smiled. "You're insane."

"Of course I am. If I wasn't, I wouldn't be me. Therefore, I'm glad I am. But it's still true. I find werewolves fascinating, truthfully. I've only killed a few...Wait, that came out wrong." Artemis frowned.

"You've killed werewolves?' Asked David to the man behind him. "Come now, you'll have to tel me the story." He carefully picked his way to the cave, still weary of more tombstones or, possibly, the thought occurred to him, an open grave.

"Ahaha! I'd like the hear the story as well!" Vivienne said, laughing. Axelle hadn't caught any of the conversation, so she was confused. "Whaat?"

"Don't worry," Artemis told David. "Both of you are fine, unless you attempt to damage, hurt or obstruct anything that is of my interest." He grinned maniacally, then turned to Axelle. "Nothing, m'dear. It's all fine. I do wonder when we'll actually enter this cave...aren't you as exited as I am?" Artemis smiled wickedly.

Vivienne smirked and pulled Axelle into her grip. Axelle let out a shriek, but Vivi grinned and held a firm hand to the woman's neck. "Like her?"

Artemis' hand went to the hilt of his katana out of instinct. "Let go of her," he bristled. "Actually...I don't think you would do anything to her, would you." Artemis moved close to Vivienne, smirking.
"Just let her go."

Axelle's eyes widened as Vivienne's grip tightened. "You sure?" She asked, smiling.

Artemis drew his blade. "Now," he snarled. "I won't take that chance, I guess. Let her go, or I'll tear her from your bloody carcass."

David let out a low, rumbling noise. "Clothe your blade, fool." Richard came up behind him, worried. Richard was not paying much attention, but he'd back David up, within Hell itself. "Vivi, let her go."

Axelle gasped as Vivi pushed her away with a grin. "I wasn't gonna do anything." She sang. "Just playing around. Sorry Axelle."

Axelle smiled. "That was kinda fun, actually."

Artemis' eyes glinted again. "Of course you weren't." His lips curled into a snarl. "You're interesting, girl..." he hissed. "But don't play with me. As you said, I'm unstable." Artemis looked away from Axelle, paling with his anger. He pushed past David furiously, muttering as he did so. "At least it shows I was right about you, werewolf. Something to be proud of, right?" He stood a ways from the group, silently raging.

David furled his lips, but said nothing. Richard though, spoke. "Kasam, is there any chance of anything that'll eat us in there?"