Chapter 19
Lux could feel that something big was coming in the near future. He tried, but he just couldn't figure out exactly what he was feeling. There had to be some move from the enemy on the horizon, but he had no way of determining when or where. It felt as though he was flying blind, and that was the thing that worried him most. He had no choice but to continue their plans as normal.
As the group continued westward atop their four risastor, Lux worked through all of the information he had just been given. First, if the Alpha did possess the Watcher ability, he could be certain that he knew all about their plans at this point. Secondly, the Gammas weren't allowed the more sensitive information, but they had heard rumors of a girl that was being held prisoner. He couldn't get any exact locations, but he did manage to figure out one really important thing. That was: The general location the Gammas mentioned was very close to the rumor for the portal they had been seeking. That seemed to Lux that they were very close to finding Fira. The third thing that came to his mind was the issue of the Gamma's safety. The Alpha would surely not allow their betrayal to pass unnoticed. He hoped they would be safe where he sent them, but he resented the fact that he felt powerless to protect them.
After Lux had finished his conversation with the Imperials, he sent them away from the battlefield. He entrusted their safety to Taida who had retained his nature energy and was still capable of defending them. Lux told them he would come get them when he could, but for the next few days they could stay at a house he knew about toward the north.
Lux was quickly forced out of the inner thoughts of his mind when the group suddenly entered the shadow of two great mountains. One to the left and one to the right, the mountains formed a perfect valley between them. The strange thing was how they merged at some point in the middle which created a sort of roof over the valley. As the group continued, this odd formation turned into what was clearly just a large cave. They stopped near the entrance and dismounted their respective risastor.
"Is this the place?" Thaddaeus questioned somewhat nervously. He tried not to let it show, but he was a little worried. This quest Lux dragged him into was already a bit larger than life, but it was beginning to hit him just how far out of his depth he had gone. It was safe to say he had learned a bit of humility.
"I believe it is the place we have sought," Lux said. He looked around nonchalantly. "These are the formations we were instructed to find. They would certainly stand out to anyone who happened to witness this location. In which case, it is unlikely we would be led here by two separate parties by sheer coincidence."
With Lux' confirmation, they set the giant risastor free. They didn't plan to need them after succeeding in their mission. After gathering their things, they began their journey into the heart of the cave.
Even though the cave was dark and cold, they would periodically pass incredible, natural sculptures and beautiful lights which shined through from the surface.
"We are in a strange place, and it is enemy territory. Everyone should be on their guard," Lux said. "I do not know what we will encounter in such a place. That should be enough to keep you concerned and focused. We will retrieve Fira, and we will not leave without her." As Lux finished the last part, he turned to look at Ignis. He nodded his head as he spoke and placed his hand on the large warrior's shoulder.
"Just out of curiosity, I mean, I'm not worried," Thaddaeus started, "But, how strong are you guys really? I mean, in general, where do you match up in an evaluation of all the powers on Atlas? Just roughly, where would you land?" His voice did nothing to help him conceal his concern so he cleared his throat as if that would help.
The others looked at one another almost like they were quietly deliberating on the issue.
Solis smacked the back of Thaddaeus' head, "Ah, dear boy! How could you ask us such a thing? We are, of course, the very best soldiers in existence."
Thaddaeus furrowed his eyebrows as this information was clearly in contrast to things that even Solis had said in previous conversations. Lux began laughing at the relationship that had formed between the two and Thaddaeus' obvious confusion.
"I believe the fact that Solis is referring to is our potential. You see, our people are unique in a lot of ways, but in fighting power, we possess a potential that, to our knowledge, has never reached a limit. However, we certainly cannot boast a level of strength that is currently the most powerful on Atlas. We are decidedly weaker than both the Alpha and his Betas, especially in this weakened state. There are surely still more beings we have yet to witness in this age which could defeat us in battle." Lux finished his speech as if he didn't have a care in the world which bothered Thaddaeus.
"So, you're saying that we could easily run into something that can kill all of us down here?! Not only that, but you don't seem to be alarmed about it!"
"Well...certainly we could be defeated. Thaddaeus, there are no guarantees in life. You must willingly approach the negative if you wish to attain the positive. However, if we are to be defeated in battle, whomever the victor, they will most certainly never forget that battle." Lux answered, once again with a somewhat care-free attitude. Only this time, Thaddaeus felt the intensity of Lux' words and his will. For some reason, he was actually comforted by this answer.
After they had finally laid Thaddaeus' fears to rest, they were able to turn their attention back to their exploration of the cave. They thought they were moving farther into the depths, but they began approaching a section where the walls and the roof widened out. A faint light was shining in the distance.
Telu reached for Lux' arm, "Do you see it, My Light? How could this be?"
"I am unsure, this is unlike anything I have witnessed. Solis, are you able to see it?"
"Not this time, Tempestas. The dark makes everything unclear."
Lux smiled, and glanced over at his friend, "Very well, we will make our way over carefully."
As they approached the strange phenomenon, they realized it was not what they had expected. They weren't deep inside a mountain at all. They had reached an opening in the cave which was leading back outside. Lux' suspicion was that the Alpha would hide Fira somewhere in the dark cave, but now that it turned out to be a tunnel, he felt that they were closer than ever. He believed that a tunnel such as this one existing naturally was extremely unlikely. The Alpha most likely created it to conceal his secrets.
They moved more quickly toward the exit, but as they emerged from the cave, they stopped in their tracks. A giant figure slammed the ground in front of them, a cloud of snow and dust settled between them. Suddenly, in front of them loomed a figure larger than anything they believed possible.