Snuck By Well Enough

This isn't going to be an issue. The Caterpie was likely incompetent, as even projected from his own mutterings and complaints when lapping the lobby area. If he was so focused on his own cowardice, he wasn't going to be noticing you anytime soon. So like a shadow, you tail behind the Caterpie during his idle march, staying only about a meter from him. Yet, he was none the wiser. Though it was grating on you as you have to keep your eyes locked onto him for any difference in movement, or should he just turn his head and catch you in his peripheral. The worst of it was having to watch his tubby green ass wobble in his steps; the entire grubby hide to him just seems to want to jiggle, and your eyes are **** to keep a lock on him. The big cheeks smear one another, making your face twitch.

You follow him as best as you can around for half of the ring, all until he suddenly stops.

It was awkward to halt your pawsteps; crouch-walking was aching your knees and calves, especially when you lose your rhythm and pause midstep. For a moment you wonder if he actually heard you...which certainly encourages your hand to slowly extend off to the side, ready to surge your aura if need be. You were ready for an assured victory if it came down to a fight, however, alerting any and every guard currently in their quarters to check out the commotion of one didn't settle well in your mind.

The big tubby bug's arms raise up gently, all before the heels of his digitless hinds lift and his squishy back arches. "Hhhhhooouuarrhhh...ahh..." He yawns, giving a big forward belly stretch before the heels thump back down as he continues his walk. "...Hope lunch is soon. I could for something good, but they only ring it when the Queen eats first. Guh, I hope whatever she has, she chows down fast...I'm starved."

You wince at his complaint. You haven't heard any bell yet, or whatever tool this place uses; it was at least a good sign that Jackal and Gold were still safe.

The Caterpie begrudgingly continues his patrol for you to be graced with completing your step. Hunched down and quiet, you complete the track to reach the hallway as the Caterpie just keeps himself in the lobby. You hug the wall of the hall to be out of sight from the Caterpie's side, immediately hurrying away and counting the clay doors. Never did you think you'd be thankful to avoid a confrontation from such an unintimidating Pokemon.

From what you can remember of Razz's words, you needed to take the third door on the left. He spoke of some 'Valentina' Ariados and her workshop, though, it should be empty at this time. He was right about the guard lobby; you prayed he was correct again.

Finding the correct door, you see a spiderweb symbol has been carved into it, matching what little you knew of her. Still, if she was a trapmaker, you were going to have to be far more cautious about this than with the Caterpie. You press an ear to the door, listening for any signs of life. However, either the clay door was simply too thick, or no one was present in the room, because you get zilch for your efforts; the muffled molten sound of your blood and heartbeat is all you hear from flattening an ear to the rocky-like surface.

You exhale, steeling yourself for the unknown, and begin to creak the door open. Given a small angle, you peek with what little you can to see a larger space inside. The ceiling immediately grabs your attention of all things. The stretch of it appeared to be coated with silky white strands, blanketing across the whole thing. White curtains of the stuff hang down, one of which has a big hammock for its maker to lounge in. You trace the area and certainly see several spiderwebs...with no spider to accompany them. Unfortunately it's all you can see at your first angle. You'd have to throw caution to the wind and enter completely inside for the best look.

Swallowing an empty weight in your throat, you dare your way in...