[youtube]4jimXeOh5sc[/youtube]

The path to the caves was just what one would expect from a shortcut. Muddy, rocky and completely desolate, it involved going up and down steep slippery hills. Puddles of murky water could be seen littering the ground like fallen leaves in an autumn forest. Unknown creatures called out, their voices harsh or high, making it hard to tell if they were meant to be bird-like or not. The forest surrounding the road was composed of dark purple trees, bare of any kind of coverage, twisting and curving in peculiar ways, as if they were alive. Wooden branches spread out, sometimes in the walkers' way, as if they were trying to reach them with their dead hallow hands. It was not rare for mushrooms to be spotted growing on the same sides of the trees. Shining in different colours, such as pink, blue and green, they offered the much needed guidance, seeing as the silent giants blocked most of the dim light offered by the welkin. Mist crept sneakily around. Low to the forest floor, it was like a mouse searching for prey in the tall grass. A buzzing sound could be heard once or twice and there were a couple of moments when shadows ran in the distance between the trees and above, in the canopy. The bizarre chirping was every present, only halting for several intervals before continuing anew. An eery place it was. 

[b]"The beauty of the great outdoors wouldn't you say?"[/b] Hakuren commented sarcastically as he jumped from rock to rock. 

The further they went, the weirder it got. The quantity of rocks increased as they traveled, until they completely dominated the path. It would have been dangerous for anyone unsteady on their feet, since the surface was slippery. It was as if rain had poured down on them only moments ago. Along with this change, another could be noticed. On the branches of the trees along the road pieces of cloth were tied. They were simple rags, torn from somewhere or someone, yet it was apparent that they were intentionally placed there. At first, they were a few, yet their concentration doubled and tripled the more the humans walked. The hikers soon found themselves surrounded by a parade of colour. Ribbons and laces could be seen among the common scraps. Old paper lanterns hung at a long equal distance from each other. It looked more and more like a sacred path. Combined with the current damp and dreadful atmosphere, a spooky essence was created, along with a pinch of astonishment and unease.

[b]"Need I remind you all we're on an investigation? This is work, so don't get side-tracked by personal needs."[/b] the young man in the midnight green coat told his companions, whilst standing on his toes on a high rock, looking at the distance. The caves were visible and not too far away. It certainly explained the decorations and stones littered all over. [b]"Watch your step and I do mean it. It's slippery."[/b]