“AaaaaaAAAAAAGH!”
Zaron charged through the Labyrinth, roaring out at the top of his lungs as he swerved and weaved through the tunnels relentlessly.
“This time! This time! This time!!!” He repeated to himself in rhythm, fuelled by hopeful adrenaline.
Chasing him from close behind, Veena observed his every movement warily. She knew there was no progress with his current approach, considering numerous alternatives whilst her partner charges aimlessly to break their predicament. However, her patience with his aggression was wearing thin. She suggested a different approach to him on numerous occasions, hoping to simmer his heightened frustration before he faced the consequences of his recklessness. She even resorted to him to stop, grabbing his shoulder or arm as she attempted to reason with him. And yet, her efforts were futile as her calls to him fell on deaf ears.
The two Draiken followed the route through the Crystal Labyrinth like their previous attempt, albeit deciding to take an alternate direction at the last split in the path. Internally, Zaron had one plan in mind: attack every route until he found the exit. Even he knew it was a moronic plan. And yet, there was no patience left in his body to rationally think of a preferable idea. He desired nothing more than to break through the labyrinth. At first, he believed the idea was working in his favour, noticing an odd change in the tunnels as they rushed down a flight of mineral-coated rocky steps. Although the steps were slippery on descent, neither Draiken lost their grip. As they reached the bottom, Zaron sped through the tunnel immediately, oblivious of Veena behind him as he rushed around the far-left corner. Consumed by his own adrenaline, Zaron was optimistic that they had chosen the correct route.
Crumble...!
He was wrong.
“AH DAMMIT!!!”
Skiiidd...!
Upon hearing her partner’s doomed yelp, Veena slammed the breaks the moment she passed the corner. Her toes were at the edge of a deathly pitfall, overseeing the ominous pitch-black darkness below. Beside her feet were a pair of hands and talons, latched desperately onto the edge of the pitfall. The disgruntled Zaron hung for dear life below her, his body hanging for sear life over the bottomless pit. Letting out a frustrated sigh, Veena helped him back to solid ground.
***
“Come oooooOOOOOONN!!!”
With his legs powering through at full velocity, Zaron sprinted through the tunnels on what was his third attempt to defeat the Labyrinth. He was roaring his heart out, refusing defeat against the eternally winding corridors. Once again, he was adamant that he was following the correct route, expecting to see the end at any moment. And once again, Veena was trailing close behind him with her expression filled with irritation.
“Zaron, could we just stop and-!”
“Not happening, Veena! We'll conquer this damn Labyrinth even if it takes us the entire day!” Zaron yelled back in definite denial, far too absorbed in the impending destination to listen to reason.
With her shoulder drooped and her eyes cast half-open in boredom, Veena continued to watch Zaron needlessly repeat the same mistake without any attempt of further persuasion. As much as she wished to knock some sense back into him, she had no choice but to follow his lead. Meanwhile, she counted down.
(Three…)
They rushed up a rising path.
(Two…)
They swerved around to the approaching left turn.
(…One.)
“Wha-?! WHY?!?!”
SPLOSH!!!
Zaron's roaring voice echoed throughout the corridors as they were met with another dead-end, overwhelmed with spite as he faced the consequences of his decision. Incidentally, a trap consisting of an unidentifiable blackened ooze appeared before the two Draiken, rippling as the untouched substance was disturbed from its eternal peace. Of course, it was Zaron who had fallen unknowingly into the pool without due care and attention. As she heard the predictable commotion, Veena slowed to a gradual halt. She then proceeded to stare at the ominous ooze blankly, lacking any sense or sympathy for her fallen comrade. However, as the seconds passed, Veena grew anxious as Zaron had yet to surface.
“Za-!”
SPLASH!
“UGH! This ooze is disgusting!” Zaron complained as his head finally surfaced, shifting himself hastily to the edge of the pool. “It stinks, it burns ... and I feel like it’s giving me a rash!”
He leapt out of the ooze, shaking and sweeping off the excess liquid from his clothing and skin – praying he avoided any permanent stains. Veena was speechless, losing any faith she had for him as she helped brush him down.
***
“And … we’re back at the beginning...” Zaron grumbled with a half-open, disheartened stare. “...again.”
After another three attempts, Zaron and Veena’s path were reset at the entrance of the Labyrinth once again – thanks to the familiar indent on the floor. The duo fell for trap-after-trap, showing no signs of progression whatsoever yet received plenty of humiliation with every attempt. Breathing out a helpless sigh, Zaron switched and proceeded through the tunnels for the seventh attempt.
“This time for sure!”
With a forced declaration of confidence, Zaron leapt into a charge.
Grab!
“URK-!”
However, before he could commence with his next attempt, an unexpected hand clasped onto the grip of his Artoria blade. Zaron lurched back in an instant, almost losing his balance entirely as he was grounded against his will. Soothing the minor whiplash on the back of his neck, he switched back awkwardly and met eyes with a distraught Veena. Her piercing glare and narrowed brow expressing with enough to convey her current displeasure of the situation, especially regarding Zaron’s extreme recklessness.
“Sit down.”
Hearing her brief yet definitive command, Zaron complied without a word. He released the Artoria blade from the magnet holster and slotted it conveniently into the indent. He then perched himself on the floor, leaning against the flat of the blase foe extra comfort. Veena perched opposite him with a stern expression, sitting cross-legged whilst refusing to divert her irritated gaze from him.
“You know what I’m going to say, don’t you?” Veena pursued to question.
Staring back at her, Zaron shrugged.
“My plan didn’t work.”
Veena nodded in agreement.
“Yep. What else?”
Zaron then hesitated.
(What? Now you’re my teacher...?)
“...It was a stupid idea.” He then admitted as his gaze wavered, crossing his arms awkwardly.
Veena shook her head.
“I was thinking more ... ‘reckless’ than stupid.” She murmured in correction. “Anything else?”
Zaron twitched reactively, finding the interrogation inconvenient.
“Okay, I’ll bite.” Zaron responded moodily. “Where’re you going with this?”
Veena continued to gaze at Zaron momentarily, her lips sealed tight. Zaron grew anxious with her, fidgeting in his seated position. Finally, Veena answered him with another question.
“Remember our discussion with Master Chrom?”
“Yeah, of course I remember what he-!”
Zaron then froze as realisation set in.
“...Oh.”
In that moment, he recalled the time he and Veena sat in the Battle-Sim Dojo, facing Master Chrom as he reviewed their performances. Chrom switched to Zaron, uttering the very words of criticism that would continue to haunt the young Draiken to present day.
(“…you need to control your emotional nature.”)
Veena then smirked, noticing the stiffness in Zaron’s expression.
“I’m assuming you just remembered.” She assumed as she read him like an open book.
Zaron nodded bitterly, feeling as though he was caught red-handed.
“Yeah ... I got carried away.” He admitted in difficulty, avoiding her gaze due to the looming guilt. “…I’m sorry.”
“*Pfft…!*”
In that moment, Veena’s serious aura dissipated as she was overcome with unapologetic amusement.
“Oi! Don’t laugh!”
Zaron held a dissatisfied pout as he watched her snort and giggle away, his expression full of fluster.
“Are you two enjoying yourselves down there?”
Just then, their conversation was interrupted a familiar voice echoing through their earpieces. The two stood up, pressing their fingers against their earpieces as they returned contact with the surface.
“I'm sure you've listened in long enough to know the answer already.” Zaron responded playfully, hoping to shift the conversation before he could be further humiliated. “So, Lucas. Is it your turn on the comms now?”
“I've ... temporarily placed Tobi on break.” Lucas informed bluntly, his tone wavering in brief distraction. “...at least until he learns how to use it correctly.”
Bzzt! Bz-bzzt...!
Zaron was then caught off-guard by the sudden static noise, rubbing his ear to dislodge any potential obstruction instinctively. After a few seconds of static, a second – immensely loud – voice interjected into the conversation.
“Buzz off, Old Man! I claimed this job! SO I'M GONNA-!!!”
The feed in their earpieces then cut off abruptly. The clueless Zaron switched to Veena, both equally confused by the commotion behind-the-scenes.
“*Bzzt-Bzzzzzt-Bzt...!* ...Sorry about that.” Lucas apologised as his voice returned to the speaker, his voice muffled and stuttering as he spoke. “Before I was rudely interrupted, I assumed that you two were stuck.”
As though in perfect sync with each other, Zaron and Veena slumped their shoulders depressingly.
“Hit the nail right on the head...” Veena murmured solemnly, feeling the strain of failure.
“Yeah ... we're struggling a fair bit.” Zaron confirmed with a pained expression, shaken in defeat.
“Hm-hm-hmm...! Somehow, I'm not surprised.” Lucas chuckled in amusement, acting as though he expected the outcome.
They both shuddered at the damning words, reality striking them in the heart. Lucas proceeded obliviously.
“Do you two remember what Tobi told you?” He asked curiously. “...about the ‘eternal labyrinth’?”
“He said: ‘A sense of determination is what separates the strong-willed from the weak. A feel for the prize guarantees the goal.’” Veena answered in reflection, quoting Tobi’s description perfectly down to the exact tone.
“Yeah ... what she said.” Zaron muttered awkwardly.
Next to him, Veena snickered cheekily as she read him like an open book, finding his reaction typical.
“And how have you perceived this...?” Lucas then questioned, acting as though he was a teacher to his students.
“Err ... well...” Zaron murmured as he struggled to find his words.
He glanced to Veena in desperation, hoping she could save him from his dilemma. At first, Veena eyed him back with a blank expression, acting as though she was processing his silent call for help. She then winked, showing him the ‘two thumbs-up' signal as a response. Her indication to him:
(You made the bed ... and now you’ll lie in it.)
Zaron stared at her in bewilderment, screaming internally as his one chance for redemption was dashed.
(YOU BACKSTABBING TRAITOR!!!)
“‘Well’, what?” Lucas echoed blankly, finding the wavering answer odd. “Zaron? Veena? Are you two still there?”
“Y-yeah! ... Sorry, got distracted.” Zaron responded back frantically, thinking of an excuse. “We – I mean, I... – took the quote literally and thought we we’d find our way through the labyrinth in no time ... as long as we were determined enough.”
For a moment, there was an awkward silence from Lucas' end. During this time, Veena was fidgeting in embarrassment as she predicted the inevitable response. On the other hand, Zaron stood like a statue, waiting intensely as he wondered if their reception cut out.
And then, Lucas responded in an empty tone.
“...I appreciate your optimism.”
(Failure.)
The damning word struck Zaron through the heart, echoing through his mind as he fell to his hands and knees in dramatic descent. He was overcome with humiliation, believing he had no right to bear the title of ‘Adventurer’. Veena rolled her eyes at him, feeling his needless overreaction was pointless. Whilst she understood his frustrations, she accepted their current approach through the Labyrinth was hopeless. However, a brief realisation then crossed her mind.
“Lucas, why do I have a feeling you know how to beat the Labyrinth?” She questioned curiously as she pressed her earpiece.
“Oh? How very perceptive of you, Veena.” Lucas then complimented playfully, acting as though he was always a step ahead of them. “I can’t guarantee it’s correct, but ... I do have a hunch.”
“Well, would you mind telling us what you're thinking?” She pursued adamantly; a hint of scorn hidden within her calm tone.
“Ahh ... if you insist.” Lucas sighed out nonchalantly. “After reading over it again, I believe the ‘key’ wording wasn't what we initially assumed.”
“Get to the point.” Veena then demanded, her patience non-existent.
Based on the brief silence that followed, Veena believed she caught Lucas in a corner.
“You two need to focus on-...!*Bzt-bzt-bzzzzzt...!*”
And then, Lucas was cut off abruptly from the conversation.
“What...? No...! No! No! You've got to be kidding me!” Veena yelled out hastily, removing the earpiece from her ear as she inspected for damage or obstruction. “Why did it cut off at the most important part?!”
“I swear, this damn thing’s been playing up since Tobi blasted out our eardrums.” Zaron growled as he stood back up, removing his own earpiece in the process. “All this buzzing is getting bloody annoying.”
Bzzzzzzzzzzzt...!
The two Draiken froze in an instant, their eyes widening in sync as their ears picked up the unmistakable sound.
“It's not coming from our earpieces.” Zaron muttered dauntingly, his focus switching towards the tunnel ahead. “So ... where is it coming from?”
Following his gaze, Veena stepped forward, focusing her hearing on the continuous buzzing. Her ears were in full effect, closing her eyes entirely as she relied on her sense of sound to locate the source. As she closed in, she concluded that the buzzing was not an interference – but a valuable hint.
Crack...! Swing!
Watching her step onward, Zaron followed cautiously. He picked up the Artoria blade along the way and hoisted it over his shoulder in one swift motion, acting defensive as he was cautious of sinister intentions behind the noise’s source. He held his silence, trusting both Veena's intuition along with his own sense of hearing.
BzzzzzZZZZZZZZT...!
The further they travelled, the closer the buzzing could be heard. The prolonging noise was irritating for the two, yet the prospect of finally breaking through the Labyrinth was all too great to mull over such inconveniences. On the other hand, they were conscious that the noise would lead them to another trap or anything worse. All they could do was prepare and pray for a positive outcome.
In that moment, the duo reached the wall spanning the entire left side of the tunnel, leading predictably to the first part of the confirmed path for the labyrinth. Coated in the familiar crystallised minerals, the Draiken assumed that the wall was the cause of the noise as it emulated a mysterious aura. Overcome with curiosity, Zaron then turned to the opposite wall.
“Veena, stay here for a moment.” He requested before stepping away, his gaze set on the right wall with a curious eye.
“Oh, sure.”
Veena watched him as he stepped over, wondering what he had in mind. Placing a hand along the right wall, Zaron felt for any notable anomalies – from vibrations, distortions, and other abnormal kinks. He kept his ear close, listening for any sign of the familiar buzzing. After some patience, he found his answer: there was nothing.
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(‘A sense of determination is what separates the strong-willed from the weak. A feel for the prize guarantees the goal.’)
Tobi’s statement replayed in his mind, breaking it down to the core.
(A sense of determination ... A feel for the prize...)
Zaron then broke statement down once more, resulting in two remaining words.
(‘Sense’ ... and ‘feel’.)
“Veena, feel the crystals on your side of the wall.” Zaron directed the oblivious Veena instantly, his expression filled with a renewed sense of pride.
“Okay...” She complied with a single nod, warily placing her hands and ear flat against the crystallized wall.
BZZZZZZZZZZZZZZT!!!
Rumble...!
“Whoa! That’s amazing...!” She gasped out in a sudden lurch, switching back to Zaron. “The wall’s giving off so much vibration. In fact ... I think it’s the crystals.”
“T-that's...” Zaron murmured underneath his breath before following with an immediate beaming smile. “That’s it. That’s it! Veena! That’s how we conquer the Labyrinth!”
“Wait...? What?” Veena responded in abrupt bafflement, staring at him as though he had lost his mind. “A-are you sure?”
Zaron rushed over to her excitedly, acknowledging her uncertainty.
“Yep! I mean it this time!” He assured her ecstatically. “I felt no vibrations on the right wall. So, if we follow the vibrations, we’ll finally conquer this damn Labyrinth.”
Veena's eyes widened as her expression lit up in renewed optimism, understanding the method behind the odd puzzle with a confident nod.
“No time like the present!”
Dash!
Without warning, Zaron raced off down the tunnel, gliding his hand along the vibrating left wall.
“Oh, for the love of-!” Veena grumbled as she was left in his dust. “ZARON! STOP RUNNING OFF AHEAD AND THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU’RE DOING FOR ONCE!”
As she yelled out at the top of her lungs, Veena chased him hastily from close behind. The two took no time to pass the first fork in the path, following the left tunnel without second though. Zaron refused to slow his feet, committed to his new plan as the vibrations rumbled through his fingertips. On the other hand, Veena was silent and cautious as she matched her partner’s pace, exhausted mentally by constantly warning him of his boundless enthusiasm yet feeling optimistic they had found the solution to the Labyrinth. And then, as they proceeded down the lengthy corridor, the two felt the vibrations dissipate from their fingertips.
“Ah! Veena! Switch walls!” Zaron called out in haste, pushing himself away from the left wall.
Veena followed his lead upon hearing his words, immediately shifting walls mid-sprint. As they transitioned to brush their hand against the opposite wall, they felt their fingertips reconnect with the vibrations.
BzzzzzZZZZT...!
(Got it!)
Zaron was beaming from ear-to-ear, believing his efforts were finally paying off. They took the right tunnel at the next fork and dropped down a level with a swift leap, expecting to approach the notorious descent after repeating it five-times over. After that, they reached the next fork, following the second left as what was described by Tobi and what they felt from the wall’s vibrations. They were on the right track.
Eventually, after the long path down and subsequent ‘zigzag’ section, Zaron and Veena arrived at the one fork that stumped them on their initial attempt – the three-way fork.
“The moment of truth...” Veena muttered as the two slowed on their approach.
“Was it here where we went wrong?” Zaron wondered openly, feeling unexpectedly tense.
During their initial attempt through the Labyrinth, Zaron decided on the central route, rushing forward in full belief that he had the right answer. With the vibrations as the key influence on the decision, he had casted doubt that it was ever the case. As the thought plagued his mind, the two proceeded to check each tunnel before them. Zaron chose to investigate the middle immediately, placing his remaining faith on his initial decision. Alternatively, Veena chose to investigate vibrations in the right tunnel, a rising sense of expectation that they were wrong the first time. Both placed their palms on the crystallized walls, refusing to speak a word until they had full confirmation of the correct path.
Silence consumed the halls, awaiting their answer.
And then, Veena spoke out.
“Zaron, I've got the vibrations.”
“AAAAAAARGH! THIS LABYRINTH IS A PISS-TAKE!”
SLAM!
Crumble...!
An overwhelming burst of emotions overwhelmed Zaron in an instant, slamming his fist into the crystal wall without hesitation. The impact was strong enough to cause a small crack to form, shards of crystal crumbling from its source.
“Zaron! Did our earlier conversation mean nothing to you?!” Veena yelled back in bafflement. “You seriously need to reign in your temper.”
“I know that! I'm just sick and tired of being wrong all the time.” He answered downheartedly, stepping over to the right tunnel with a low-bearing sulk.
“I wouldn’t say ‘all the time...’” She murmured quietly with a sigh.
As both Draiken continued their inaudible mumbles between each other, Zaron and Veena pressed on through the correct tunnel without further delay. Everything seemed fine to them from that point onwards. They were back on track and felt inkling of hope at each step they took.
However, the crack caused by Zaron’s burst of temper continued to crumble away.
***
Zaron threw up his arms in overwhelming triumph as he bellowed out:
“FINALLY!!!”
After the constant twists, turns, leaps, and falls of the Crystal Labyrinth: The Draiken pair were met with a captivating sight of the cave’s natural hall. Crystal pillars and dazzling minerals spanned its never-ending walls like galaxies spanning throughout Xaphire’s night skies. The enormous hall gave then the impression that they had reached the heart of the world, dwarfing Zaron and Veena entirely as they felt microscopic to the underground world.
“I’m so happy, I could cry!” Zaron laughed out in joy, his arms falling to his side as the building frustrations and emotions were wiped away.
The smirking Veena placed her hand on his shoulder, feeling his relief yet also conscious of the road ahead.
“Don’t go celebrating just yet, Zaron. At least save it until we retrieve the Dragon’s Eye.” She warned him casually.
“Heh-heh…! I know, I know.” He waved off coolly, acting all giddy as he returned to his feet. “At least let me have this.”
Veena then stepped forward.
“Well, we can walk and celebrate at least.”
Zaron nodded cheerfully and followed suit, a prideful kick in his step as the two proceeded with their quest. They trekked along the singular path through the ginormous crystal hall, a prideful kick in their step as they anticipate the journey ahead. At the same time, they were absorbed by their surroundings, their eyes dazzling at the cosmic sight throughout the cave.
As time passed, the rocky path warped into an elongated bridge that crossed over an endless chasm. With the route thinning out and no barrier between the path and the drop either side, the two Draiken were conscious that one false step would be the end for them. As they stepped onto the bridge, the curious Zaron peered over the drop. His eyes widened with immediate awe, shuffling his feet slightly to gain a clearer view.
“BWAH!”
Lurch!
“WHOA! SHI-!!!” Zaron lurched in abrupt fright, thrown off-guard by the unexpected shove. “VEENA! WHAT THE HELL!”
“Ah-hahahaa...! Sorry! You’re such an easy target.” Veena snickered as she had her hands locked on his shoulders. “Don’t worry, I wouldn’t let you fall.”
“Tsk...! I could’ve died!” He complained with a disgruntled tut, believing his trust in his partner was tested.
“What? From falling?” Veena questioned as she peaked over his shoulder.
“From a heart attack!” Zaron yelled out in a bewildered response.
“Ahh, you’re just exaggerating.” Veena then waved off.
“Oh, you think?” Zaron challenged as he glanced back at her. “Fine, take a look yourself.”
As Zaron stepped aside, Veena took a curious glance over the edge.
“O-oh...!”
Veena froze up instantly, realising the extent of the abyss below. The chasm underneath the two Draiken was endless, glowing with a strong, bluish-purple heavenly aura that descended into the black nothingness below. It’s dazzling aura was the core source of light for the cave system, illuminating all the way up to the overbearing ceiling – and even then, it was impossible to determine where the rising walls ended and the ceiling began. It felt as though they had entered another world entirely, uncharted from the rest of Humesa.
“T-that’s ... a big drop.” Veena muttered in horror, shifting back to the safety of the bridge.
“Understatement of the century, right there.” Zaron stated to her with an anxious chuckle, his gaze fixated on the heavenly abyss. “The Cobalts are missing out.”
Veena blinked.
“Speaking of whom…”
The oblivious Zaron reminded Veena to check in with the surface, returning the earpiece to her right ear as she reopened communications.
“Lucas! Tobi! Can you hear me?” She called out in a clear voice, hoping for a response.
There was silence.
“Lucas! Tobi! It’s Veena! Can you hear me?” She repeated once more, waiting patiently for a familiar voice. And yet, outside of the occasional static, there was still only silence.
“Nope. Nothing.” She sighed out in defeat, pivoting her steps as she attempted to regain signal half-heartedly. “I wonder if the cave’s blocking the signal.”
“Didn’t Lucas say the earpieces were ‘able to transmit far into the depths of the cave’?” Zaron pointed out from memory, feeling evermore sceptical in the older Cobalt’s words. “I don’t want to knock his quality control, but ... surely he would’ve checked them before handing them to us?”
Veena shrugged back, “I’m sure Lucas wouldn’t overlook something this important – especially after proclaiming how strong they are. Maybe it’s just the type of cave system we’re in.”
Zaron was silent as he considered the possibilities, swaying his head at the thought.
“Or ... maybe they’re just busted.” He then suggested.
Veena stared at him before letting out a long sigh.
“Maybe...”
Fiddling with her earpiece, she glanced forward as the two continued their trek along the bridge. The further they crossed, the narrower the bridge became. Albeit peaking over the edge constantly, the two were confident in their centre of gravity. In fact, after the headache-inducing Labyrinth, the duo felt they were at ease.
However, their moment of relaxation was cut short.
“Zaron! Wait!”
Lurch!
“Wha-?!”
As he heard Veena yell out abruptly, Zaron felt a firm hand grab his arm. Her voice was loud enough to echo throughout the hall, bouncing from wall-to-wall as it travelled into the far-off abyss. Almost losing his balance entirely, Zaron hopped back a few steps as the hand locked him down safely. The moment he halted his feet, he caught a glance of the hazard before him. The two Draiken were standing at the edge of a gap in the bridge, one too large to simply leap across.
“T-thanks.” Zaron mumbled in a blundering stutter, imagining the worst had Veena not intervened.
“That was a close call.” Veena commented in relief yet refused to release his arm. “Maybe now you’ll be more observant.”
Zaron let out an awkward chuckle in response.
“Hahaa...! Yeah, you’ve got that right.”
To add to their inconvenience, an odd wall was positioned beyond the large gap opposite them. It was suspended entirely in mid-air, as though a foreign essence was levitating it from the far-off ground. There were no signs of illusion nor logical tricks hidden from their view, just a floating wall above the never-ending abyss.
“Another wall to climb.” Zaron deduced with a casual sigh, stretching out his limbs eagerly in preparation for another ascent.
Veena glanced at him with a curious eye.
“You seem rather chill.”
“Of course I am.” He expressed nonchalantly, grinning away as he shook himself off. “The Labyrinth had vibrating walls and we’re currently standing over what looks like the planet’s heart: I think we’re passed the point of surprises. I’m just going to appreciate the pretty visuals and focus on the Dragon’s Eye.”
Without second thought, Zaron powered his legs and leapt over the gap effortlessly.
“Hup!”
Snatch!
He caught an available hold on the levitating wall upon immediate impact, wasting no time in the climb as he ascended hastily.
“Round Two! Let’s go!” He yelled out energetically as he raced up the levitating wall.
“NO! I am NOT falling for that again!” Veena spat out in refusal, launching herself onto the wall in a frantic rush.
They were swift in scaling the wall, climbing and traversing across as they aimed for a usable ledge. The excitable Zaron lead the charge, weaving and darting from one hold to another. Close behind was an irritated Veena, throwing herself onto hand holds and visible ledges frantically as she attempted to catch up – even though she was refusing the race adamantly.
…Crack!
“Uh-oh!”
As she grabbed a handhold close to Zaron’s left foot, it crumbled away automatically. She lost her balance in an instant, breaking away from the wall as her other hand slipped out from its hold. Zaron switched to her and threw his arm out in haste, his expression engulfed in horror.
“VEE-!!!”
Clink! Scrape…!
Before Zaron could finish his fearful yell, Veena twisted and struck her left wing's talon into the wall’s rocky surface.
Screeeeeeeeech...!
Although she was attached to the wall, her talon scraped downward with an ear-piercing screech, her expression contorting as the strain ripped through her wing muscles. And then, just as her feet passed over the edge towards the empty abyss below, her talon latched onto a secure dent and prevented her fall permanently. Realising she was secure, the frantic Veena scrambled to lock herself onto the wall, climbing up a few holds before halting to catch her breath. With her body trembling immensely, Veena struggled to move an inch further from her position.
“Ah…! A-haha…! That w-was scary…!” She muttered shakily; all her strength focused on clutching the wall for dear life.
Consumed with relief, Zaron sighed out before checking on his close companion wellbeing.
“Are you holding out okay, Veena?”
Realigning herself into a comfortable position, Veena responded to him bitterly.
“No thanks to you, idiot! You made me rush and slip up!”
Zaron jolted unexpectedly, guilt consuming him as he was taken aback by her scathing words.
“Erk! S-sorry…!” He acknowledged in an apologetic squeak. “We can forget about the race.”
“I swear to Enva, if there’s ever a round three...” Veena grumbled underneath her breath, consumed with scorn.
The two continued their ascent and traversal in complete silence. Veena refused to speak another word until they reached a stable platform, focusing solely on climbing at her own pace. Alternatively, Zaron was left to repent for his reckless actions. They climbed and climbed, avoiding various gaps and severe cracks that could disrupt their progress. With their endurance and willpower on the line, they eyed ahead constantly whilst praying they were near the end of the climb. Thankfully, their prayers were answered.
“I see a ledge!”
Zaron was the first to spot their endpoint, calling out in a burst of anticipation as the previously looming guilt dissipated from his mind in an instant. Veena stretched herself outward from the wall to peer up towards where Zaron indicated, noticing a large ledge poking out from far above. Neither Draiken had any idea whether the ledge led the way to the Eye or was just a simple feature to throw them off course, yet they were both optimistic they were on the correct track. Regardless of the possibilities, the Draiken were certain they could at least use the upcoming ledge as a valuable checkpoint.
“We’ve got this, Veena!” Zaron ushered in determination, shifting himself across the wall in swift traversal. “Just one last push!”
“Right behind you!” She confirmed with a firm nod, matching his pace as she climbed.
The two Draiken leapt and swerved across the wall, showing no hint of overall fatigue in their movements. They avoided any features that indicated weakness in the wall during the ascent, earmarking them thoroughly as the two passed. Within moments, Zaron and Veena reached the ledge and hoisted themselves onto solid ground, not a sweat breaking between them.
“Fwah! Made it.” Veena breathed out in relief, lying flat on the floor in bliss.
“Oh, sweet merciful ground, I’ll never take you for granted again.” However, Zaron was standing firm, peering ahead at the new path before them.
“This is it.” Zaron expressed excitedly, his eyes lit up with joy. “We’re on the right track.”
Recovering to their feet, Veena clocked the path ahead instantly. The path ahead led towards an established tunnel, large and covered in the familiar crystallised aesthetic.
Veena then questioned with a smirk, "Do you think if we take that path, we’ll end up at the beginning of the Labyrinth again?”
“Do not jinx us!” Zaron warned her in retaliation, unable to comprehend the idea of restarting the Labyrinth once again.
After Veena finished her laughing, the two set off towards the path ahead. In their minds, the two Draiken were certain that the Dragon’s Eye was close. Although neither could explain the sensation, they felt as though a sixth sense had awoken inside them, persuading them to push on and accomplish their objective. With hearts racing, muscles tense, and minds flying wild: the Eye was soon in their grasps. And then, as they took a step towards the approaching tunnel.
Rumble…!
“Wha-?!”
“Eh-?!”
Zaron and Veena froze as they stabilised their feet, caught off-guard by the sudden rumble emulating from the rock beneath them. And then, the two Draiken switched back instinctively, peeking over the edge of the bridge as they as searched for the source of the daunting interruption.
Growl…!!!
Mumble…!!!
Shivers ran up the Draiken spines horrifically, goose bumps forming on their skins as they were met with the ferocious source: Monsters. Blood-thirsty, relentless blackened monsters of various shapes and sizes emerged from the far-off tunnel – the same tunnel the two Draiken recently exited from. Although difficult to determine from where they stood, the black-furred beasts were unbelievably muscular. Similar in size to silver-back gorillas, tigers, and even as husky as elephants and rhinoceroses: the beasts could crush the Draiken pair based on outward appearances alone. Additionally, the plethora of beasts were equipped with overbearing fangs and claws, sharp and long enough to strike through its prey with devastating depth. Overall, they were grotesque and horrifying with their glass-like glowing red eyes, searching endlessly for their target with frightening precision.
These things proceeded to sniff and listen as they tracked down the location of their next meal, executing low rumbling sounds as a form of communication. They had a lock on a specific aroma, fresh in potency and distinct from anything they have smelt previously.
“Oh … that’s not good.” Zaron whispered underneath his breath, hiding any sound from his voice as he prayed not to alert the new arrivals.
“Where did they come from…?” Veena questioned as she trembled, her hand hovering over Kurama’s grip.
Zaron gulped back fearfully, “W-we’ve got to go … now.”
The two Draiken leapt into action, drawing out their weapons as they scuttled away from sight.
RUMBLE!!!!
The moment they entered the tunnel, Zaron and Veena felt the rocky ground underneath grow abruptly violent, emulating a moderate quake. The walls around them were breaking apart, rubble crumbling all around them as they raced through the crystal-filled corridor.
“““SCREEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE…!!!!!!”””
The two winced at the high-pitched, ear-piercing screams that echoed the corridor.
“Zaron! They’re onto us!” Veena yelled in heightened panic.
“Just keep running, Veena! Don’t look back!” Zaron responded in a yell, racing as fast as his legs could sustain.
With their position compromised, all they could do was run and avoid the destruction chasing them from close behind. With weapons drawn and set to retaliate, they were prepared for the worst.
CRACK! CRACK-CRACK…! CRUNCH!!!
““GROOOOUUUUUGH!!!””
Suddenly, the walls separated ahead from the Draiken duo's position, ripping open relentlessly like a fresh laceration. Emerging from the openings were more of the monsters, lashing and thrashing through the gaps as they attempted to break away from their restrictive prison. It was as though they were being birthed from the cave itself. And yet, their glazed sights were set on the two Draiken heading their way.
With a spark of adrenaline surging through his veins, Zaron approached the flailing beasts with the Artoria blade over his shoulder set to strike. He refused them from breaking through, considering the trouble he and Veena would face had they simply rushed past them. He was adamant to clear the path.
Whoosh! SWING!
“GET OUT OF OUR WAY!!!”
Zaron roared out at the top of his lungs, his fury ripped through the atmosphere whilst arching Artoria into a widened swing.
SLICE!
“URAAGH-?!”
The Artoria blade cleaved through the incoming monster’s body with ease, splitting the beast in two with one powerful swoop. However, as the section of its body broke away, Zaron was caught off-guard. He expected to witness plenty of blood, guts, and meat from the raging beast – as with all living organisms on this planet. And yet, the beasts were filled entirely with crystal, identical to the crystal found in the walls around them.
Slice! Slice! SLASH!
““EYAAAAH…!!!””
“What … what are these things?!” Zaron bellowed in disgust, sprinting and slicing his way through more of the monsters that stood in their wake.
Fwip...! Slice! Whoosh…! Slice-slice-SWING!
“W-whatever they are … they’re a pain in the arse!” Veena responded bitterly, cutting up the beasts on her side like ribbons.
The two charged on, refusing to hesitate for even a second as they sensed the horde of crystal monsters chasing them at a staggering speed. To further complicate the issue, the monsters continued to increase in numbers as dozens were birthed from the walls at every turn.
No matter how fast the beasts were disposed, triple the amount replaced their numbers.
“They were set off by something – *guh...!*” Veena deduced hastily whilst lunging into another beast, her teeth clenched as she struck. “...something we did!”
Veena continued to brainstorm amongst the bloodshed, considering the idea of the crystallised monsters not attacking the Draiken pair out of sheer coincidence. It was clear that they were riled up purposely, acting vengeful as though they had awoken from their slumber without warning.
As she slayed another three crystal beasts, Veena’s eyes widened.
“Wait a minute...” She murmured as she switched to Zaron, her expression wild as realisation dawned on her. “Zaron! This whole thing happened because of your temper tantrum!”
“HUH?! What are you talking about?! Why would that cause them to-?!”
Zaron halted his words mid-sentence, eyes frozen in horror as he remembered the very moment where he struck the cave’s walls in furious outburst.
“Oh, crap … my bad.”
Veena’s eye twitched irritably.
“Fantastic ... now he admits it.”
Vroosh!
The chase led the two Draiken into a large open area of the tunnel, circling them like an elongated disc. There were mounds, crevasses, small bridges, and crystallised pillars of plenty dotted around the area, emulating the vibe of an underground playground. Its sheer openness could house hundreds of the crystallized beasts and other organisms, the surrounding circular walls forever expanding with new ferocious occupants. Whilst their priority was to escape their pursuers before they could be overwhelmed, a sense of admiration caught both Zaron and Veena upon witnessing the new area – wishing they had the chance to truly appreciate the beautiful scenery. Instead, the duo felt they had entered an expanded arena, set specifically for the fight against the crystal beasts.
“Over there!” Veena then called out in haste, pointed ahead as she noticed another entrance.
The approaching corridor was their chance to escape the crystal beasts, knowing they had no other choice in the matter. Sprinting, swerving, and evading various obstacles in their path, Zaron and Veena’s hearts raced exponentially whilst the exit was close in their sights.
…Crack!
“Wha…?!”
“What was…?”
SLAM!!!
In an instant, a hidden slab slammed shut over the exit before the Draiken were able to pass through, forcing both Zaron and Veena to collide against the slab unexpectedly.
Wham-wham! BANG!
“NO! DAMMIT, WHY?!” Zaron yelled out furiously, slamming his fist against the immovable slab.
“I swear, the cave’s toying with us!” Veena grumbled agitatedly in response.
Crack…! Crack-crack! CRUNCH!
…Crumble!
Just then, Zaron and Veena staggered back in unmitigated horror, staring in shock at the crystal walls nearby breaking apart from the immediate impact of the slab. Numerous cracks were violently splitting from the core, widened immensely as the familiar, black-furred muscular limbs and piercing blood-red eyes emerge from the darkness. Without a second thought, the two Draiken swivelled and retreated from their desired exit.
“Oh–! Maybe not!” Zaron blurted out as he halted their escape attempt, grabbing Veena’s arm in the process.
The Draiken duo were met with large quantities of their monstrous pursuers fast approaching them, all gathering to create a blockade and prevent any possibility of escape. With monsters appearing from every known direction, the two Draiken were trapped. Sensing no other option available, Zaron and Veena charged to the centre of the arena with weapons close to their side, assuming the central location based on the position of the hefty, robust crystal orb poking out from the ceiling far above.
Skid...! Swoop!
Now situated back-to-back underneath the humungous orb, Zaron and Veena set their weapons in hand as their plethora of beastly opponents surrounded them from every visible direction. The duo dropped their bags within a hidden gap underneath their feet, allowing them free range of body movement. Praying that the bags would survive the impending onslaught was their only plausible option.
“““Grrrrrrrrrrgh...!!!”””
As the two Draiken were overwhelmed by the surrounding horde of crystal beasts, time felt as though it froze over. Every beast had locked their beady blood-red eyes on the two targets before them, hunched together and edging forward gradually. And so, the objective was clear: to survive and slay the monstrous horde of crystal-beings. Zaron and Veena tightened their grips on their weapons, their hearts and minds racing as they held their unbreakable stances. Yet, despite the perceived odds against them, they were both smiling with excited confidence – anticipating the oncoming battle.