The Tree was huge, titanic, all-encompassing — at least, it seemed so to her. To the Serpent it probably would be of an adequate size, since it can coil around its trunk and branches while it climbed. From every corner of the Sanctuary, she could see the tree looming over everything. The leaves shining gold and silver above the mist and clouds. Within them, the Serpent coils and uncoils leisurely, gliding through the many paths even in its slumber, like a scaly vine that bonded with the Tree itself.

Under the Tree’s roots was a lake, a wide expanse of water that collects the life-giving sap of the Tree before gushing out into as the mighty rivers. On the back of the Wolf, she clung on tightly as it raced toward the entrance.

The vast grasslands and tumultuous waters were no challenge for it. With powerful leaps and bounds, it crossed the terrain with no difficult. The air and wind flowing past it was so strong she couldn’t help but to duck into the fur to breath.

Even though she couldn’t really see anything, the sensation of the ground giving away and the powerful muscles under her was exhilarating. The rhythmic thump of the heartbeat beneath her, the sound of grass, stone and dirt parting before the absolute speed of Wolf — it was pure and free.

However, it didn’t take long (or at least it seems so. Time was difficult to tell) for the two to arrive at the roots. Above them the branches and leaves casts a light so bright it was as if the ground itself had became living flames, dancing in the gale brought along by the Wolf. Fields of gold and bright crimson, billowing like waves upon water.

It was hot, the heat shimmering in the air.

Slowing down, the Wolf padded softly as steam gushed out of its mouth. With a grumbling voice, it uttered, “We’ve arrived, young one.”

Tentatively, she lifted her head up from the silkiness. Her hair was in disarray, having been exposed to the wind, sticking up in all sorts of strange shapes. With little effort, she climbed down the forearm of the Wolf.

The grass was soft under her feet, bending. Warm, like that of a sun-shone meadow.

Before her was the entrance to the Underground Lake. It was a pathway made of roots, intertwining into a corridor that lead even deeper underground. Little glowing bulbs lit up the path in a dazzling display of blue and yellow, hanging from the walls and growing from the tall stalks along the ground.

The transition from the brightness of the leaves to the dark underlayer of the roots was jarring, leaving her momentarily blind despite the glowing bulbs, needing to lean against Wolf for support.

The Wolf stayed silent as they progressed along the path, heading deeper into the heart of the Tree. On the ceiling were countless bats and other critters, chirping and buzzing with activity, scrabbling as the Wolf entered.

Gradually, the wood gave way to dirt and stone, which gradually turned into fine black sand, peppered with dark pebbles that glinted blue. Above them, the ceiling gradually rose higher and higher, before disappearing into the gloom. Silvery water gushed from above, seeping around the dangling tendrils and forming a waterfall that fills the silvern lake.

The beach extends far and wide, a circle of black surrounding the glowing lake like a basin. The four sides of the beach formed into massive channels of wood and stone, letting the lake water out as the source for the rivers beyond the tree.

She did not visit the Underground Lake very often, though it was a good place for rest as the ever-present light of the Tree was not present, the darkness and quietness allowing one’s mind to think easier while the lake water cleanse the body.

However, as of the moment that she arrived, the surrounding was anything but empty. Massive Guardian Beasts circled around the lake agitatedly, conversing among themselves in voices that echoed through the cavernous underground. Even the one that fly or those that dislike water was present.

She recognised them one by one: that’s the Owl, the Scorpion. Over there was Bear and Spider. Oh, even the Tortoise came. Wait, hold on...

She was stunned, having never seen such a sight before in her life. The Guardians, although being relatively interspecies social, generally lived on their own, seldomly gathering for trivial matters.

And now, it seemed that every Guardian Beast that she had ever seen before was here. Beasts of all shapes and sizes, from birds to hulking monstrosities, from fish to insects, all could be seen at the grand cistern. Each brought along an aura, a presence that dominates all that they surround. With all of them here, the air seemed to shimmer and quake, even her bones seem to involuntarily shake in the waves of power.

She was brought out of her awed revery when the Spider spotted the duo entering. “Ah, Wolf. You’ve arrived. What brings you so to summon us in such a haste, friend?” The Spider hissed, it’s quiet voice somehow having carried across the sound of water and other Guardian Beasts.

With that too, the Guardian Beasts settled down in their own respective spot on the beach, while the water-dwelling ones emerged from the luminent lake.

“I am glad to see that you are all well, friends. I apologize for having gathered you here in a hurry, but I believe that I have a request that must be shared among you before the answer to be given,” said the Wolf, nodding to each member solemnly, “but be at peace, it something that is threatening.”

“Then why would you summon us so, Wolf?” the Tortoise said, harrumphing as great blasts of steam erupted from its nostril, “If it's not urgent, then it does not require all of us.” Some of the other Guardian Beasts gave their agreement.

“Indeed…” the Crow uttered.

“There is no need for so many of us if it were not urgent…”

“Please, do listen. The topic had yet to be announced,” said the Wolf loudly.

“Of course. Do speak, friend. Tell us what drove you to need us so.”

Taking in a deep breath, the Wolf spoke, “A long, long time ago, after the Ancient Ones left with our kins and descendants to the Outer World, do you remember what happened?”

“Our master, Kung’ar’a had reached the end of his life, against this very tree. Of course we remember, Wolf. We all were there,” The Serpent spoke from the alcove where it shoved its giant head in, the beach having been a bit too small to house all of the Guardian Beasts if it were to join in directly with its full length. Therefore, only its head was present, burrowing in from the ceiling.

In truth, the Serpent was the root of the Tree

“Then, you must remember the pledge that we gave, too look after the Child,” said the Wolf, prodding her with its nose in front of it, so that the other Guardian Beasts may see her.

“Of course we remember. We treat her as our own, and raised her to the best of our abilities,” the Panther spoke, before remarking, “Though it seemed that she had yet to be able to compete against you, Wolf.”

“Bah! Get to the point, Wolf. There is no need to remind us of then. We will never forget,” the Bear complained, “Is there something that the Child requires? Let her speak for herself.”

At that, the Guardian Beasts turned their eyes ( or whatever sensory organ that they use ) unto her. Suddenly nervous, she found herself unable to speak despite being among friends and families.

“You’ve scared her too much, Bear,” the Crow chastened, “Let the Child speak when she is ready.”

“Ah, I - I am fine,” she spoke abruptly, her voice squeakier than she had liked. She glanced behind her, at which the Wolf prodded her encouragingly. Taking a deep breath and steeling her nerves, she spoke out loud, “I wish to explore the other world.”

There was a moment of silence.

Each Guardian Beast had a different, complicated expression. Some incredulous, some surprised, some seemingly expectant. The moment passed quickly and voices filled the air, echoing about as each spoke their mind at once.

“Certainly not—”

“-I had been expecting this—

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“What drove you so?—”

Barks, hisses and various gurglings conversed heatedly, having dissolved into pandemonium, voices echoing loudly off the cavern walls. Helplessly, she could only glance at the Wolf, who glanced at Spider, who then glanced at the Serpent.

If snakes can raise eyebrows, the Serpent certainly did so.

Sighing, the Serpent hissed loudly, dominating everyone within the Underground Lake, “Silence!”

Jarred by the sound, the dozens of Guardian Beasts fell silent, obeying the Serpent’s position as the Eldest among the Guardian Beasts.

Satisfied, the Serpent spoke, “Peace, friends. There is no need to be so agitated. We must speak and converse calmly.”

Meekly, the Crow said, “However, you must realize that this is foolish? The Ancient Ones had left so long ago, and yet not one of them came back!”

The Guardian Beasts gasped, as the Crow had just brazenly spoke one of their fears. Indeed, since the expedition led by their master’s son had left, nothing had ever shown up by the tunnel. Not one of the Spider’s eyes had spied anything beyond her extensive webs. It was as if the Ancient Ones had simply disappeared beyond.

“Then they must have found something that they stayed behind for,” The Frog uttered with certainty, “The Ancient Ones can survive the times back then, and can certainly face whatever’s outside!”

However, it was evidently that everyone was worried. It was simply strange that the Ancient Ones had disappeared, or had never returned. Despite their doubts, the Guardian Beasts had pledged to defend and manage the Sanctuary in their absence, and would stay behind no matter what. This meant that so far, none of them, including their descendants were allowed to leave to find out what happened out there.

The pledge was sacred. Mere curiosity was not an excuse to neglect their duty.

“No, Frog. Crow’s worries were well founded. If the world was as dangerous as the times before, it would be foolish for the Child to explore,” the Serpent admitted.

“However, none of us could really know!” the Wolf spoke, “We too had never set foot outside the Sanctuary. Perhaps they had only been lost, waiting for us to lead them back?”

“This discussion is pointless,” Panther declared, “Only the Child could leave the Sanctuary, as she did not swear to the pledge. She is free to do as she pleases, as it was our duty, both as her guardians and family.”

The other Guardian Beasts muttered their agreement, acknowledging the fundamental fact that none of them were permitted to leave the Sanctuary as they had pledged to the eternal service of the Ancient Ones. That, of course, extends to the child in their midst. She might as well be the last of her kind, for all they knew.

“You speak truly, Panther,” The Serpent conceded, “...We hold no dominion over her. If she truly wish to leave the Sanctuary, then we must give her our full support and advices.”

She could see that not everyone here was too pleased at that, even though they knew it was irrefutable. She also knew that in the Underground Lake, everyone was only worried for her sake. A moment of decision struck her — does she really wanted to leave?

“Let her choose her path, then,” Wolf said resolutely. It turned its attention back to her, tilting its humongous head at her, “There, speak your wish. Would you embark on your journey to leave? To travel into the unknown without us?”

Why would she wish to leave? The Sanctuary provided all: comfort, food, family, peace — nothing was lacking. The world was friendly to her, the Tree’s presence calming and soothing. All that one could want could be found here, in this shelter provided by her forefathers.

But yet, she felt that she should not stay in the Sanctuary forever. A strange emotion bubbled in her chest, as if there was a fire lit inside her. She understood that one day she must leave, to discover what was outside, as a bird must leave its nest and fly.

There were many questions burning in her mind, where were her forefathers? Why was she born? Why was she left behind? What was the world outside? Should I go outside?

She could stay here, in the Sanctuary, but for what? She had lived and breathed for an uncountably long time, but yet nothing around her really changed or progressed. There must be a reason for her to be, something that she could do and achieve.

All these puzzles and their answers, she realized could never be found here. She knew nothing of the world outside, she knew nothing of the fate that came across her forefathers.

I wonder, was this how they felt? She thought to herself, thinking about the expedition that the Guardian Beasts spoke of. Maybe her ancestors too, felt the drive to go out there, to explore the world outside.

She calmed herself with deep breathes, forcibly unclenching her fist. She decided that she must speak her mind now, or her chance to work up her confidence will be gone.

But… That meant I will have to leave everyone I know behind.

But is it going to be worth it? This place is her home, that much she doesn’t doubt. She had spent her entire life in here, being friends with all the creatures within, the thought that she might not see them again made her knees go weak. Especially now, since all of them were practically staring at her, waiting for her to respond.

I suppose, I could just go out, take a look, and go back?

That’s enough hesitation! She told herself.

It is now or never.

Working herself up, she spoke in a slow but clear voice, “Y-yes. I have made my decision. I - I will travel to the outer world.”

At that, the Serpent gave a solemn nod, “And so, it is decided. You may leave as you wish, young one.”

The Guardians Beasts gave their assent, some happy and some dejected by the decision, but no one objected.

“However, I urge you to bring preparations. The outside world was harsh and untamed as we knew,” the Serpent continued, its echoing voice rumbling, “As the Ancient Ones once did in their time, you must bring a part of the Tree with you, a tool fashioned from it’s branches, fruits from its peak and the water from the lake. Be cautious, for we cannot protect you there. If there were to be danger, return at once to our fold.”

“True…”

“Yes, preparations. Tools, she must bring…”

She could only nod mutely, eyes wide. She never expected that they would actually agree to let her go outside, she thought there might be more objections, as they’ve been very productive.

“And so it is decided,” the Guardian Beasts echoed.

“Then I declare this meeting concluded,” the Serpent said with an air of finality, nodding its giant head solemnly, slowly retreating back to the ceiling and disappearing into the gloom.

Without a word, the Guardians Beasts too departed, one by one, exiting through the other entrances and tunnels. Some stayed behind, having wanted to give a word or two to her in private— they traded irate glances with each other before leaving themselves.

Overwhelmed, she sunk onto her knees, staring out at the deep water. She felt the auras of power drifting away, the underground lake slowly returning to its serenity.

Oh, what have I done?

Her chest hitched, her senses tingled. Her mind raced in disbelief, unable to comprehend the enormity of her actions just now.

I just asked to leave all of this behind.

Apprehension filled her, leaving her too weak to do much at all.

She felt her mind wander in an effort to refute what she had just done. She found herself to be irately aware of the sensation of the black sand under her flesh, the peaceful drip of water droplets and the strangely muted waterfalls.

She inhaled and exhaled heavily, feeling each breath rushing into her lungs. The air was rich with the aroma of greenery, of citrus and rot from the Tree above, but yet seemed to be inexplicably stale and thin.

Ah, I’m in denial, she observed as she felt her knees gave away, slumping down into the black sand below. She hugged her own arms — they were shaking despite her attempts to quell her shivering.

She idly made a note on how it was always at times like this her mind would seem to try its best to wander off, jump off a cliff and die.

The Panther bounced over, its sleek black fur seemingly felting into the dark sand of the beach, revealing only a pair of luminous eyes. It tutted, “Now, you have some preparations to do, child. This is not the time to sit and panic.”

The Wolf sat stoically next to her, acknowledging the Panther’s approach. It said, “Let the child rest. She can go climb the Tree and gather the fruits at another time.”

“Time?” the Panther tutted again, “Time was the reason the child wishes to leave, Wolf. In here, there are no day or night. Unlike us, she had never seen the long dark, or felt the heat or frost of the world’s fury. The child needs to leave to feel what it means to live.”

“... Indeed. I fear that our time spent here had dulled out perspective. The child needs to go and see the world,” The Wolf reluctantly agreed, “However, she needs a moment to regain her peace. It is not an easy decision to make.”

“If you say so… Hmm, I suppose that the least I could do would be helping her to gether a good sized branch,” the Panther humoured, sitting on its hunches.

She looked up, staring at the two Guardian Beasts that were blatantly discussing about her. Weakly, she muttered, “Why would I need a stick?”

The Wolf raised a brow, which was an action it had somehow learned from the Ancient Ones, “Because you are smaller and weaker than us, young one. You do not have the claws of Panthers, Serpent’s reach nor my teeths. The Ancient Ones fashioned these things called tools to help them build their stone structures and defend themselves from the wild. You, youngling, must bring one.”

“I-if you say so.” She said, uncertain as of how a stick could help her.

The Wolf announced, “I will gather the water for you. Now, you must go with Panther to climb the branches.”

Numbly, she nodded.

With a grin and a movement too fast to be seen, the gigantic feline grabbed her by her midriff and bounced away in a black-coloured whirlwind, leaving a swirl of black sand in its wake.

The Wolf sneezed away the sand as it entered its nose.

Just like that, for the second time in a very short time period, she was hoisted off. The Wolf was not feeling sorry at all, for at this rate, it knew that she would have sat here contemplating on her life choices for a very, very long time.