Mysterious Ruins
The group was soon riding into the cave on the motorboat.
"So this is the place he was talkin' about." Chris said.
"That's the boat the woman used to get away." Sheva said as she stood up and pointed to the motorboat the Bird Lady used to escape from the Oil Field as they stopped next to the dock and got off.
To keep the team fresh, the group switched out. Laura was beamed back to the ship to get some rest after summoning so many Einherjar. Jin was currently swapped in along with Hitomi and Orie.
"So, you all are really gonna' go through with this?" Josh asked.
"We've come this far. You're askin' us to stop now?" Hitomi asked.
"This is not just about Jill, but the Uroboros Project as well." Sheva said.
"I guess there's nothing I can do to stop you all." Josh said. "I will call HQ and try to get the withdrawal order rescinded. I will also try to get you back up. Try not to get yourselves killed!" he said before riding out of the cave as he gave a two finger salute.
The five got moving into the caves, collecting whatever ammo they could along the way.
"Hey, that bastard irving said something about an Excella." Hitomi said. "Is she important?"
"She's the director of Tricell's African Division." Sheva said.
"Think she has a connection to Irving?" Jin asked.
"It's possible. But there isn't any solid proof." Sheva said.
"Tricell...if there is a connection, what does that mean for Africa?" Chris asked.
"Don't ask me. But we did see them camped out near the Oil Field working on the Type 3s." Hitomi said.
"But if we keep going, I'm sure we're bound to find out." Orie said.
They continued through the caves until Hitomi's ears perked up.
"Hold up. There's something undergound." Hitomi said throwing a rock at a patch of ground ahead of them as out popped a bunch of spider like BOWs. "Zombie Spiders."
"Not exactly." Kokonoe radioed in. "They're called Bui Kichwa. An alternative form of Plaga that ejects from the Majini's body to search out on its own. Similar cases of Plagas living outside of a host body were also reported in Europe. This species takes the form of a spider-like creature, with a pulsating abdomen that resembles a human organ. They'll draw near their prey and then spring, clinging with all their legs to ensnare their target. They always move in packs, and many will actually burrow under the ground, making them extremely difficult B.O.W.s to deal with."
"Not if their frozen solid!" Jin said stabbing Yukianesa into the ground, causing ice to erupt underneath the Bui Kichwa.
"Now, let's move before they break free!" Chris said as they sprinted past the Bui Kichwa. But more kept popping out of the ground.
"Thanatos!" Orie called as she summoned her armored ally as it quickly dealt with the incoming Bui Kichwa.
"There's no end to them…" Jin said.
"Keep your pants on, there's a door up ahead. They won't follow us through there if we close it." Hitomi said.
"The group quickly ran through the door as it closed behind them as they saw a jarring sight. Ruins of an ancient city underneath the caves.
"Who knew an ancient civilisation was hidden in these caves?" Orie asked.
"Looks like there's been some recent activity." Chris said, noting the wear on some of the ruins.
"I hope Irving was telling the truth when he said we'd find answers in this place." Sheva said.
"We'd better be careful here. Looks like some of this stuff doesn't last after a few thousand years." Hitomi said before they heard crumbling. "Case in frickin point… move!"
A stone pillar fell from its post as Sheva and Jin quickly got across the bridge, but Chris, Hitomi and Orie were stuck on the other side as the pillar destroyed it.
"Are you all okay over there?" Sheva asked.
"Yes, seems we'll have to find another route." Orie said as the three jumped down and kept going as a Wetlands Majini horde jumped out from behind a wall.
"These Wetlands jerks are down here too?" Hitomi asked as she saw some of them carrying shields. "And now they've got shields, perfect."
"Nothing some heavy fire power won't solve." Chris said blowing the shields away with his shotgun.
"We'll provide cover!" Sheva said as she and Jin laid down some projectiles of bullets and ice.
After they regrouped, they scavenged the area, opening any chests and getting any materials they could find. But one of them was booby trapped as they fell through the floor. This didn't stop them as they pressed on.
As soon as they got out of the maze, they saw a turning crank.
"Bet that opens the door." Hitomi said.
"Alright, leave it to me." Sheva said as she began turning it before large spiked balls with fire inside started rolling around. "What in God's name are those?! Better give em' a wide berth!" she said before the door started closing. "The doors closing!"
"I'm on it!" Jin said as he dashed towards the door as he sliced through the Spiked Balls before reaching the other side of it as he stood on a pad, causing them to stop and the door to open.
"I didn't know you could move so fast, Jin." Sheva said.
"It comes with experience." Jin said.
The group soon continued on and reached another area as steps leading to the exit were flat on the ground.
"There must be a way to activate it." Orie said looking at small statues that had levers.
"Maybe if we activate both of them, the stairs will ascend." Chris said.
The group did just that with the statues in both rooms, which activated the stairs.
"That did it." Hitomi said as they ascended the stairs and exited through the door.