The dense forest buzzed with life, a cacophony of chirps and rustles. J's blade sliced through vines and branches, his muscular arms glistening with sweat. The air was thick, humid, clinging to his skin like a second layer of armour.

  "You're going to dull that blade," Hollow hissed, his scaly tail swishing with irritation.

  J flashed a grin over his shoulder. "Worth it if we find those ruins. Can you imagine the treasures waiting for us?"

  Hollow's golden eyes narrowed. "I can imagine many things. Most of them unpleasant."

  J chuckled, continuing his assault on the foliage. His heart raced with anticipation. What secrets lay hidden in this jungle? What ancient treasures could they uncover that had been untouched by the ages?

  "Come on, where are you?" J muttered, scanning the greenery.

  Hollow's clawed hand brushed J's shoulder. "Perhaps we should—"

  "There!" J exclaimed, spotting faint stone outlines through the trees. His pulse quickened. "Hollow, look!"

  In his excitement, J lurched forward. Vines ensnared his legs, wrapping around his boots. He stumbled, arms windmilling.

  "Careful," Hollow warned, reaching out to steady him.

  J laughed, the sound rich and full. "No need to worry. I've got this under con—" His words cut off as he toppled forward, face-planting into the loamy earth.

  Spitting out a mouthful of dirt, J looked up at Hollow. The lizardfolk's expression was unreadable, but J could have sworn he saw amusement flicker in those golden eyes.

  "Under control, you said?" Hollow's voice was dry as he extended a clawed hand.

  J grasped it, allowing himself to be pulled up. "Just giving the ground a little kiss. You know, for luck."

  Hollow snorted, a rare sound that made J's heart skip. "Your optimism is... puzzling."

  As J untangled himself, he couldn't help but wonder. What other walls might he be able to break down in his stoic companion?

  J's excitement covered up his stray thoughts as the new emotion bubbled over, his icy blue eyes practically glowing as he struggled against the vines. "Hollow, we're so close! Can you believe it? Come on, help me out here!"

  Hollow sighed, his clawed hands already working to untangle J's legs. "Patience would serve you well, J. These ruins have stood for centuries. They won't vanish in the next few moments."

  J wriggled impatiently, his muscular frame straining against the vegetation. "But think of the treasures waiting inside! The ancient scrolls, the forgotten artefacts..." His voice lowered to a conspiratorial whisper. "Maybe even some forbidden texts."

  Hollow's golden eyes narrowed, vertical pupils contracting. "Be careful what you wish for, J. Such power often comes at a great cost."

  Finally free, J bounced on his toes, grabbing Hollow's arm. "Let's go, let's go!"

  They pushed through the last stretch of jungle, emerging into a small clearing. Before them loomed the crumbling remains of what must have once been a magnificent structure. Moss-covered stones jutted from the earth, while vines snaked around broken columns.

  J's breath caught in his throat. "It's beautiful," he murmured, his usual bravado momentarily silenced by awe.

  Hollow remained silent, his tail swishing slowly as he surveyed their surroundings. J glanced at his companion, wondering what thoughts lurked behind those inscrutable golden eyes.

  Hollow's scaled fingers brushed against the hilt of his weapon as he scanned the perimeter. His nostrils flared, catching the faintest scent of decay beneath the heavy perfume of vegetation. "Something's not right," he muttered, eyes darting from shadow to shadow.

  J, oblivious to Hollow's unease, had already drawn his sword and begun hacking away at the thick vines obscuring the ruins' entrance. "Can you imagine what's inside?" he called over his shoulder, excitement colouring his voice. "Treasures untouched for centuries!"

  "J, wait," Hollow hissed, but his words fell on deaf ears.

  The stocky man continued his assault on the vegetation, driven by an almost manic energy. Sweat beaded on his brow, his icy blue eyes practically glowing with anticipation. "We could be the first to set foot in here since... well, who knows when!"

  Hollow's tail twitched nervously. "There are signs of recent activity," he said, crouching to examine a barely visible footprint in the soft earth. "We may not be alone."

  But J had already moved on to clearing away debris, his thick hands now coated in dirt as he threw aside handfuls of soil. "Help me clear this, Hollow! There could be an entrance right beneath our feet!"

  Hollow straightened, torn between his instinct to flee and his reluctant loyalty to J. "Your enthusiasm will be the death of us both," he grumbled, but made no move to assist.

  J paused in his digging, looking up at Hollow with a roguish grin. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure? Think of the stories we'll have to tell!"

  "I prefer stories where the protagonists survive," Hollow retorted dryly. He leaned against a nearby tree, arms folded across his chest. His golden eyes narrowed, watching J's frenzied digging with a mixture of scepticism and reluctant intrigue. The lizardfolk's scales glinted in the dappled sunlight filtering through the canopy.

  J's enthusiasm was infectious, even if Hollow refused to admit it. He observed the necromancer's muscular arms flexing as he cleared away centuries of overgrowth, a small part of him admiring the human's determination.

  "Hollow!" J's excited shout broke through the forest's quiet. "I think I've found something!"

  The lizardfolk's tail twitched, but he remained rooted to his spot. "Is that so?" he replied, his voice cool and detached.

  J scrambled to his feet, brushing dirt from his hands onto his black cotton pants. "It's an entrance, I'm sure of it!" He gestured wildly at a partially uncovered stone archway. "Come on, help me clear it!"

  Hollow's clawed fingers tightened on his arms. He wanted to help, to share in J's excitement, but years of caution held him back. "And what if it's trapped?" he asked, his words laced with concern he couldn't quite hide.

  J's icy blue eyes locked onto Hollow's, a playful smirk dancing on his lips. "That's why I need you, scales. Your keen senses could save my hide."

  Despite himself, Hollow felt a warmth spread through his chest at J's words. Still, he didn't move. "Your flattery needs work, human."

  J chuckled, his eyes glinting with mischief. "Ah, but you love it," he teased, then turned back to the entrance. His thick hands dove into the dirt, scooping away clumps of earth and tossing them aside.

  Hollow watched, conflicted. J's enthusiasm was palpable, filling the air with an electric energy. The lizardfolk's tail swished, betraying his growing interest.

  "Come on, you stubborn lizard!" J called over his shoulder, not pausing in his frantic digging. "Think of the treasures waiting for us!"

  Hollow's scales bristled at the nickname, but he couldn't deny the pull of adventure. He took a step forward, then hesitated. "J, we don't know what's down there," he warned, his voice low.

  J paused, looking back at Hollow. His face was streaked with dirt, but his smile was radiant. "That's the fun part, isn't it?"

  Hollow sighed, finally relenting. He approached the entrance, eyeing the larger rocks J had been struggling with. "Move aside," he grumbled, reaching for a boulder.

  J's eyes widened as Hollow effortlessly lifted the rock. "Now that's what I'm talking about!" he exclaimed, clapping Hollow on the back.

  The lizardfolk tensed at the contact but didn't pull away. As he worked, he kept his senses alert, watching for any signs of danger. Despite his caution, a small part of him thrilled at the prospect of exploring the unknown with J.

  The entrance slowly took shape as they worked in tandem. J's nimble fingers cleared away smaller debris while Hollow's strength tackled the larger obstacles. Sweat beaded on J's brow, his blonde hair darkening with moisture.

  "Almost there," J panted, his voice strained but excited. He squeezed his broad shoulders through the opening, testing its size. "Just a bit more!"

  Hollow grunted, shifting another rock. "Your enthusiasm is... infectious," he admitted reluctantly.

  J flashed him a grin. "Admit it, you're having fun."

  "I wouldn't go that far," Hollow replied dryly, but there was a hint of amusement in his reptilian eyes.

  With a final push, they cleared enough space for both to fit through. J straightened up, wiping his forehead with the back of his hand. His chest heaved with exertion, but his eyes sparkled with triumph.

  "We did it!" he exclaimed, turning to Hollow. "Ready for an adventure?"

  Hollow eyed the dark opening warily. "As ready as I'll ever be," he muttered.

  J chuckled, clapping Hollow on the shoulder. "That's the spirit! Just think of the stories we'll have to tell."

  J's icy blue eyes met Hollow's golden ones, catching the flicker of apprehension in their reptilian depths. The Lizardfolk's scales seemed to bristle slightly, his clawed fingers twitching at his sides. J's jovial smile softened, understanding the need for reassurance.

  "It's safe; we'll be fine," J said, his voice low and soothing. He reached out, his calloused hand hovering near Hollow's arm without quite touching. "I've done this dozens of times. Trust me."

  Hollow's vertical pupils dilated slightly. "Trust isn't my strong suit," he muttered, but his posture relaxed a fraction.

  J chuckled, a warm sound in the humid air. "I've noticed. But hey, we've made it this far together, right?"

  Hollow's tail swished, disturbing the leaf litter at their feet. He glanced at the dark opening, then back at J's encouraging face. "I suppose," he conceded reluctantly.

  J's heart quickened. Was Hollow actually considering it? He held his breath, not wanting to push too hard.

  After a long moment, Hollow let out a resigned sigh. "Fine. But if we die down there, I'm holding you personally responsible."

  J's face split into a wide grin. "Deal! And if we survive, you owe me a drink."

  "Don't push your luck," Hollow growled, but there was no real heat in his words.

  As they approached the entrance, J felt a familiar thrill of excitement. But this time, it wasn't just about the potential treasures awaiting them. He squeezed through the narrow opening first, his muscular frame barely fitting. Dirt and small stones cascaded down, coating his shoulders. "Watch your head," he called back to Hollow, his voice echoing strangely in the darkness beyond.

  Hollow followed, his scales scraping against rough stone. As they stepped fully into the ruins, the air changed – cooler, thick with dust and the musty smell of ages past.

  "By the gods," J breathed, his eyes struggling to adjust. The vastness of the space before them was almost palpable. Fallen pillars and crumbled stonework created a jagged landscape in the gloom. "This place hasn't seen a living soul in centuries."

  Hollow's tail swished nervously. "How can you be sure?"

  J ran his fingers over a nearby wall, leaving trails in the thick dust. "Feel this. Untouched for... maybe a thousand years? More?" His voice held a mix of awe and excitement. "Just imagine what we might find!"

  "I'm imagining all the ways we could die," Hollow muttered, but his golden eyes darted around, taking in every detail.

  J chuckled, the sound swallowed by the cavernous space. "Always the optimist. Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"

  "I must have left it outside with my common sense," Hollow retorted, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

  J fumbled in his pack, producing a torch and flint. With practised movements, he struck sparks until the torch blazed to life. The sudden flare made Hollow flinch, his scales glinting in the flickering light.

  "That's better," J grinned, holding the torch aloft. "Shall we explore, my scaly friend?"

  Hollow's eyes narrowed. "We should proceed with caution."

  J winked. "Where's the fun in that?" He strode forward, beckoning Hollow to follow. "Come on, I promise I'll protect you from any ancient curses."

  As they moved down a long hallway, J's torch illuminated intricate carvings on the walls. Geometric patterns intertwined with flowing script, telling stories lost to time. J's fingers itched to trace them, to decipher their secrets.

  "Look at this craftsmanship," he murmured, his usual bravado softening with genuine wonder. "Can you imagine the skill it took to create these?"

  Hollow's gaze swept over the carvings, his expression unreadable. "They are... impressive," he admitted reluctantly.

  J's heart quickened. Was that a hint of interest from his stoic companion? He pressed on, eager to maintain the moment. "I bet there's all sorts of hidden messages in these. Maybe even clues to long-lost magic."

  "Like what?" Hollow's voice held a hint of disapproval.

  J shrugged, unfazed. "It could be anything. But hey, knowledge is knowledge. It's what you do with it that matters." He flashed a disarming smile.

  Hollow snorted. "Let's hope we don't trigger any of those kinds of magic."

  J laughed, the sound echoing off the ancient stones. “I’ll break that pessimism one day, Hollow.”

  Not entirely listening any more, Hollow's clawed fingers traced the contours of a particularly intricate symbol, his golden eyes narrowing in concentration. "This one," he said, his usually brash tone softened with a hint of uncertainty, "I've seen it before. In old texts about creation myths."

  J leaned in closer, his shoulder brushing against Hollow's scales. The lizardfolk tensed but didn't pull away. "Really? What's it mean?" J asked, his voice low and eager.

  Hollow hesitated. "It represents... rebirth. Cycles of death and life." His tail swished nervously behind him. "But I don't know much more than that."

  J's eyes lit up, a grin spreading across his face. "Rebirth, huh? Sounds right up my alley." He winked at Hollow, who rolled his eyes in response.

  "Don't get any ideas," Hollow muttered.

  J's mind raced with possibilities. "Just think of what we might find deeper in," he said, excitement bubbling in his voice. "Ancient artefacts, forgotten magic, maybe even-"

  "Traps?" Hollow interjected dryly.

  J laughed, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "Always the optimist, aren't you?" He patted Hollow's arm, ignoring the lizardfolk flinch. "Come on, where's your sense of adventure?"

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  "I left it at the entrance, along with my common sense," Hollow retorted, but there was a hint of amusement in his eyes.

  J's heart soared. Was that the ghost of a smile on Hollow's face? He'd take it. "You’re good at repeating yourself. But never mind that," he said, gesturing grandly down the corridor, "shall we see what other wonders await us?"

  J forged ahead, his torch casting flickering shadows on the walls. The passage narrowed, forcing them to squeeze through gaps between fallen stones. Hollow's scales scraped against rough-hewn rock as he followed.

  "Watch your step," J called back, his voice echoing. He hopped down a small ledge, landing with a grunt.

  Hollow's golden eyes darted left and right, ears straining for any sound. A pebble skittered across the floor. He froze.

  "What is it?" J asked, turning back.

  Hollow held up a clawed hand for silence. His tail twitched nervously.

  J's heart raced. Was it danger, or just Hollow being paranoid? He wasn't sure which he preferred.

  After a tense moment, Hollow relaxed slightly. "Nothing. Just... stay alert."

  J nodded, trying to mask his relief with a cocky grin. "Always am, partner."

  They pressed on, navigating a maze of crumbling pillars. J's foot caught on a loose stone, sending him stumbling. Hollow's hand shot out, steadying him.

  "Thanks," J murmured, hyper-aware of Hollow's touch on his arm.

  Hollow grunted in response, quickly withdrawing his hand.

  They came to another drop-off, steeper this time. J peered over the edge, gauging the distance.

  "I'll go first," he declared, sitting on the ledge.

  Hollow's tail lashed anxiously. "Be careful," he hissed.

  J winked. "Aw, you do care."

  He slid down, landing with a thud that sent dust billowing up. "Come on," he called, "it's not so bad."

  Hollow hesitated, then followed, landing more gracefully beside him.

  J couldn't help but admire the fluid motion. "Show-off," he teased.

  Hollow's expression remained neutral, but J swore he saw a glimmer of pride in those golden eyes.

  As he looked around, J's eyes caught a glint in the dirt. He crouched, brushing away debris with calloused fingers. A rusted hilt emerged, attached to a long, curved blade.

  "Well, hello there," J murmured, excitement bubbling in his chest. He grasped the hilt, pulling the weapon free.

  Despite the tarnish, the craftsmanship was evident. Intricate etchings adorned the blade, hinting at its former glory. J ran his thumb along the edge, careful not to cut himself.

  "Look at this beauty," he called to Hollow, who watched with guarded interest. J stood, testing the weight in his hand. It felt right, balanced.

  He couldn't resist giving it an experimental swing. The blade cut through the air with a satisfying whoosh. J grinned, his icy blue eyes glowing slightly in the dim light.

  "It's got a good weight to it," he remarked, twirling the weapon. "Satisfying swing, too. Bet this baby's seen some action in its day."

  Hollow's eyes narrowed. "Be careful. Old weapons can be treacherous."

  J laughed, the sound echoing off ancient stone. "Always the worrier, aren't you? It's just a bit of fun."

  He gave the sword another swing, imagining battles long past. Who had wielded this blade? What stories could it tell?

  With a regretful sigh, J slipped the weapon into his belt. "Might come in handy," he said, patting it affectionately. "You never know what we might run into down here."

  Hollow's tail twitched. "I'd rather not find out."

  J flashed him a roguish grin. "Where's your sense of adventure?"

  "Back on the surface," Hollow muttered, but J caught the hint of amusement in his tone.

  J's torch flickered, casting dancing shadows on the weathered stone walls as they ventured deeper into the ruins. The air grew thick with the scent of dust and decay. They passed through a crumbling archway into a vast chamber, its ceiling lost in darkness above.

  "Well, would you look at that," J breathed, his eyes widening in wonder.

  Before them stretched a series of rooms, each seemingly dedicated to a different aspect of the ancient civilization. Hollow's golden eyes darted from one entrance to another, his tail swishing nervously.

  "I... I'm not sure where to begin," Hollow admitted, his usual bravado faltering.

  J clapped him on the shoulder, grinning. "That's why you've got me, my scaly friend. Follow the expert treasure hunter!"

  He strode confidently towards the nearest doorway, calling over his shoulder, "Come on, let's see what secrets this place is hiding!"

  Hollow hesitated, then followed, his clawed feet scraping softly against the stone floor.

  J's excitement grew as he entered a room filled with shelves and pedestals. His torch illuminated row upon row of exquisite pottery, their surfaces untouched by time.

  "Jackpot," he whispered, carefully setting down the torch and approaching the nearest shelf.

  His fingers hovered over a delicate vase, its surface adorned with intricate patterns. "These must be thousands of years old," he mused, gently lifting it to examine the base.

  As he turned the vase in his hands, J's mind raced with possibilities. How much would these fetch in the right market? More importantly, what stories did they hold? What secrets of the past might be unlocked by studying these relics?

  "Hollow, come look at this!" he called, his voice tinged with childlike wonder. "Have you ever seen craftsmanship like this?"

  Hollow grunted in acknowledgment but seemed more interested in exploring the room's perimeter. His golden eyes scanned the crumbling walls as J's enthusiastic chatter about the pottery faded into background noise.

  "The glaze on this one is simply exquisite," J rambled, carefully turning another vase in his hands. "I wonder what techniques they used to achieve such vibrant colours?"

  As Hollow's clawed hand brushed against a section of the wall, he felt a slight irregularity. His brow furrowed as he leaned in closer, squinting in the dim light. There, barely visible beneath years of grime and decay, was the faint outline of what appeared to be a hidden compartment.

  "J," Hollow called out, his normally gruff voice tinged with a hint of excitement. "I've found something."

  J's head snapped up, his eyes widening with interest. He set down the pottery he'd been examining and hurried over, torch in hand.

  "What is it?" J asked, holding the flame closer to illuminate the section of wall Hollow was indicating.

  "Not sure," Hollow replied, running his claws along the edges of the outline. "But it doesn't look natural. Some kind of hidden compartment, maybe?"

  J's face lit up with boyish enthusiasm. "Oh, this is exciting! A secret hiding place – who knows what treasures it might contain?" He leaned in closer, his breath warm on Hollow's scales as they both examined the wall.

  "Any ideas on how to open it?" Hollow asked, stepping back slightly to give J room to work.

  J ran his fingers along the edges, probing for any hint of a mechanism. "Not yet, but we'll figure it out. Two heads are better than one, right?" He flashed a grin at Hollow, who responded with a sceptical snort.

  As they worked together to unravel the mystery, J couldn't help but feel a surge of affection for his companion. Despite Hollow's gruff exterior, moments like these reminded J why he enjoyed the Lizardfolk's company so much.

  J's fingers probed the rough stone, searching for any hidden catch or lever. His brow furrowed in concentration. "Damn, this is trickier than I thought."

  Hollow watched, tail swishing impatiently. "Let me try something," he said abruptly. "Give me your boot."

  J blinked, caught off guard. "My... boot?"

  "Yes, your boot. The left one."

  Puzzled but intrigued, J tugged off his left boot and handed it to Hollow. The Lizardfolk struggled to fit his clawed foot into the human-sized footwear.

  "What exactly are you planning?" J asked, amusement creeping into his voice.

  Hollow didn't respond. Instead, he drew back his leg and delivered a powerful kick to the wall. Once. Twice. On the third blow, the stone crumbled, revealing a dark opening.

  "There," Hollow said, matter-of-factly. "Sometimes brute force is the simplest solution." He pulled off the boot and tossed it back to J.

  J caught it, grinning widely. "Well, I'll be damned. Remind me never to get on your bad side."

  They peered into the newly revealed passage. J's heart raced with excitement. "After you," he said, gesturing for Hollow to go first.

  As Hollow squeezed through the opening, J couldn't help but admire the view. "You know," he quipped as he followed, "I'm rather enjoying the rear perspective here."

  Hollow's only response was a low growl, but J could've sworn he saw the Lizardfolk's tail twitch in amusement.

  Once J had followed him through the hole, they found themselves in a vast, unexplored section of the ruins. J's eyes gleamed in the torchlight as he took in the crumbling architecture and scattered artefacts.

  "Can you believe this?" he breathed, running his hand along an ancient column. "We might be the first people to set foot here in centuries."

  Hollow nodded, his usual stoic expression softened slightly by curiosity. "It's... impressive," he admitted.

  As they delved deeper into the hidden chambers, J lost all sense of time. Every new discovery filled him with childlike wonder. He chattered excitedly about each artefact they found, sharing theories and speculation with Hollow.

  For his part, Hollow listened more attentively than usual, occasionally offering his own insights. J felt a warmth in his chest that had nothing to do with the stuffy air of the ruins. These were the moments he would come to treasure most – just him and Hollow, exploring the unknown together.

  J's excitement came to an abrupt halt as he turned down yet another identical corridor. A cold sweat broke out on his brow as the realisation hit him. He grabbed Hollow's arm, his icy blue eyes wide with panic.

  "Hollow... we're lost," J stammered, his usual jovial tone replaced by rising hysteria. "Gods, how long have we been down here? Which way did we come from? We're going to die in these ruins and become part of the artefacts!"

  His voice echoed off the ancient stones, growing louder with each passing second. J's mind raced, imagining their bodies withering away in the darkness. He'd faced danger before, but being trapped underground was a new kind of terror.

  Hollow placed a clawed hand on J's shoulder, his touch unexpectedly gentle. "J, calm yourself," he said, his gravelly voice low and steady. "Panicking won't help us find our way out."

  J whirled on him, his blonde hair wild in the flickering torchlight. "I'm not panicking!" he shouted, even as his chest heaved with rapid breaths. "This is a perfectly reasonable reaction to being hopelessly lost in ancient, possibly cursed ruins!"

  Hollow sighed, his golden eyes gleaming with a mix of exasperation and something softer – was it concern? "We're not hopelessly lost," he stated firmly. "We can mark the walls to track our path. It's a simple solution."

  J blinked, his panic momentarily forgotten. He hadn't expected such a practical suggestion from his usually taciturn companion. A sheepish grin spread across his face. "Hollow, you brilliant lizard," he said, his flirtatious tone creeping back in. "This is why I keep you around."

  J's eyes darted around the dimly lit chamber, searching for something useful. He thrust the torch into Hollow’s clawed hands and crouched down, running his own hands over the scattered debris. "Aha!" he exclaimed, snatching up two jagged pieces of stone. The rough edges bit into his calloused palms as he stood.

  With a determined set to his jaw, J approached the nearest wall. He pressed the stone against the ancient surface, dragging it downward. A pale line appeared in its wake. "Not bad," he murmured, admiring his handiwork.

  J turned to Hollow, holding out the second stone. "Care to join me in some artistic vandalism?" he asked with a wink.

  Hollow hesitated, his scaled hand hovering in mid-air. "I'm not sure defacing these ruins is wise," he said, his voice low and gravelly.

  J chuckled, the sound echoing off the stone walls. "Come on, it's for survival. Besides," he added, his voice dropping to a sultry purr, "I bet you've got a steady hand."

  Hollow's eyes narrowed, but he took the stone and handed the torch back. "Your flirtations are wasted on me," he grumbled, but there was a hint of amusement in his tone.

  As J continued marking the walls, he couldn't help but sneak glances at Hollow. The Lizardfolk moved with surprising grace, his markings neat and precise. J's thoughts drifted, wondering what other hidden talents those clawed hands might possess.

  "You're staring," Hollow said without looking up.

  J grinned, caught but unashamed. "Can you blame me? It's not every day I get to admire such... meticulous craftsmanship."

  Hollow's tail twitched, the only sign that he'd heard. J sighed inwardly, both frustrated and intrigued by his companion's stoic demeanour. As they worked in silence, J found himself longing for a deeper connection.

  As they continued walking, J's torch flickered, casting dancing shadows on ancient stone walls. The air grew thick with dust and the musty scent of forgotten knowledge. As they rounded a corner, J's eyes widened.

  "Holy shit," he breathed, taking in the room before them. Shelves lined the walls, sagging under the weight of countless scrolls. "Hollow, look at this!"

  J thrust the torch into Hollow's clawed hand again, barely registering the Lizardfolk's surprise. He darted into the room, fingers already reaching for the nearest scroll.

  "Careful," Hollow warned, following more cautiously. "These may be fragile."

  J nodded absently, already unrolling a scroll. His eyes skimmed the faded text, heart racing. "This is incredible," he murmured. "Some of these symbols... I've never seen anything like them."

  Hollow examined a nearby shelf, his golden eyes narrowed. "Many are damaged beyond repair," he observed, voice tinged with disappointment.

  J glanced up, noticing the way Hollow's tail swished in agitation. "Hey, don't worry," he said softly. "We'll find something worth saving."

  As J continued his search, his mind raced with possibilities. New magic? Untold secrets? Tales of a lost civilisation?

  "Found anything interesting?" he called to Hollow, desperate for distraction from his own thoughts.

  Hollow shook his head. "Nothing legible," he replied. "Though I admit, my knowledge of ancient languages is limited."

  J grinned, unable to resist. "I bet your tongue is skilled in other ways, though."

  Hollow's scales seemed to darken slightly. "Your persistence is... noteworthy," he said, voice dry.

  Chuckling, J turned back to his task. After careful examination, he selected five promising scrolls, handling them with reverence as he tucked them into his pack.

  "These could be worth a fortune," he mused aloud, excitement building. "Or contain lost knowledge. Either way, Mum's gonna flip when she sees them."

  Hollow raised an eye ridge. "Your mother shares your enthusiasm for exploration?"

  J's smile softened. "You could say that. She enjoys the things I bring her when I visit home." He said, giving his companion a grin as they left the room and continued their wandering.

  The torchlight flickered across crumbling stone as J and Hollow entered the vast chamber. Fallen pillars lay scattered like broken teeth, casting long shadows that danced in the wavering light.

  "Jackpot!" J exclaimed, his eyes glimmering with excitement. He rushed forward, ducking under a half-collapsed archway. "This place is a treasure trove!"

  J's hands ran over ancient stonework, searching for hidden compartments or loose tiles. His fingers trembled slightly, a mix of anticipation and the excitement about what else they might find in these ruins.

  Hollow lingered at the entrance, scales prickling. Something felt... off. He raised the torch higher, sweeping it in wide arcs.

  "J," Hollow called, his usually stoic voice tinged with unease. "We should exercise caution."

  J glanced back, a crooked grin on his face. "Aw, come on! You’ve said that five times! Where's your sense of adventure?"

  "Likely where I left my self-preservation instinct," Hollow muttered, edging into the room. “And you’ve likely asked that five times.” His golden eyes darted from shadow to shadow, searching for threats.

  J chuckled, continuing his exploration. "You worry too much. Think of the stories we'll tell after this!"

  Hollow's tail twitched nervously. "Like I said, I prefer stories where the protagonists survive."

  "Then it's a good thing you've got me to keep you safe," J winked, patting the swords at his hip.

  As Hollow moved deeper into the chamber, the air grew heavy, almost oppressive. He fought the urge to bare his teeth, instincts screaming danger.

  "J," Hollow hissed, "something isn't right. We should-"

  J turned, his jovial expression softening at Hollow's obvious discomfort. He stepped closer, placing a reassuring hand on Hollow's scaly shoulder.

  "Hey, it's alright," J said, his voice low and soothing. "We're just exploring history here. Nobody's been down here in ages, except us."

  Hollow's muscles remained tense under J's touch. "You can't be certain-"

  "I am," J interrupted, flashing a confident smile. "Trust me, I've explored dozens of ruins like this. It's just old stones and forgotten treasures."

  Hollow exhaled slowly, his posture relaxing slightly. J's proximity and warmth were oddly comforting, despite his reservations.

  "If you say so," Hollow conceded, still unconvinced but willing to trust J's experience.

  They left the chamber, J marking the walls with practised strokes as they ventured deeper into the ruins. Hours passed, each new corridor blending into the last.

  J wiped sweat from his brow, his earlier enthusiasm waning. "Whew, didn't realise how long we've been at this."

  Hollow nodded, his own steps becoming heavier. "The air is growing thinner. We should consider turning back soon."

  J's stomach growled loudly, eliciting a chuckle from both of them. "Maybe you're right. One more room?"

  "One more," Hollow agreed, a hint of fondness in his voice.

  As they pressed on, J found his thoughts drifting to his companion. Despite his initial reservations, Hollow's presence had become... comforting. It was an unfamiliar feeling, one that both excited and terrified him.

  Hollow's tail swished, kicking up small clouds of dust. He glanced at J, noting the fatigue etched on his companion's face. "We should rest," he said, his voice a low rasp in the stillness. "There's a fallen pillar over there."

  J nodded, relief washing over him. He slumped onto the ground, leaning against the stone next to where Hollow's legs rested as he took a seat on the fallen stone. The cool floor beneath him was a balm to his aching muscles.

  Hollow's eyes flickered to J's sword. "Your blade. It's likely dulled from all that hacking earlier. I could sharpen it for you."

  J's eyebrows shot up. "You'd do that?" he asked, a mix of surprise and warmth colouring his voice.

  "Unless you'd prefer a blunt weapon," Hollow replied dryly.

  Chuckling, J unsheathed his sword and handed it over. "I'm touched, truly. Didn't think you cared about the state of my equipment."

  As Hollow produced a whetstone from his pack, J watched him with newfound curiosity. The assassin's clawed hands moved with surprising gentleness over the blade.

  "You know," J mused, "I don't let just anyone handle my sword. Guess you've earned my trust, scales."

  Hollow's golden eyes met J's, a flicker of something unreadable passing through them. "Don't make me regret earning it," he muttered, but there was no real bite to his words.

  J leaned back, listening to the rhythmic scraping of stone on metal. In the dim light of the ruins, he found himself studying Hollow's face, tracing the contours of his snout, the glint of his teeth. It was an oddly intimate moment, one that made J's heart beat a little faster. His icy blue eyes sparkled with mischief as he watched Hollow work.

  "You know, there's something incredibly alluring about a man who knows how to handle a blade," he purred, his voice low and honeyed.

  Hollow's clawed hands didn't falter, his focus unwavering on the task. The rhythmic scraping of stone against metal echoed through the chamber.

  Undeterred, J continued, "I bet those hands of yours are good for all sorts of things, eh?"

  A soft snort was Hollow's only response, his golden eyes fixed on the sword.

  J shifted, inching closer. The cold stone floor beneath him was forgotten as warmth bloomed in his chest. He leaned in, his shoulder brushing against Hollow's leg.

  Hollow jerked, his tail whipping around in surprise. The whetstone clattered to the ground.

  "Whoa, easy there!" J exclaimed, quickly pulling away. His heart raced, a mix of excitement and embarrassment coursing through him. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to startle you."

  Hollow's eyes narrowed, his posture rigid. "Personal space, human," he growled, but there was a hint of something else in his voice. Uncertainty? Vulnerability?

  J held up his hands in surrender, a sheepish grin on his face. "My bad, scales. Won't happen again." But even as he said it, a part of him longed to close that distance once more.