20 minute later
Layla and Michael gaze out over the vast expanse ahead of them. Although Michael feels hesitant, they have already come too far to turn back now. His stomach grumbles in agreement with his resolve to press on.
As he glanced at Layla, he could sense the tension emanating from her stiff posture. He felt a sense of relief knowing that he wasn't the only one feeling anxious. However, he couldn't help but worry that their shared unease could hinder their progress.
Michael focuses on his objective, taking in their surroundings. They're currently positioned behind some large rocks, facing the entrance to the nest. The Alma fruit is within reach, and it's abundantly stocked, ready to last the moster through the upcoming winter. He reminds himself that the fruit can last for quite a while.
The frog's eyelids gradually begin to droop, signaling its readiness for slumber. Normally a daytime sleeper, the Boniha frog's internal clock is somewhat askew due to the surrounding temperature. Nonetheless, exhaustion sets in and it succumbs to rest, its eyes now fully closed.
"Let go"
Michael leans in to whisper to Layla, carefully strategizing their next move. The large nest is surrounded by shallow water, and the slightest sound or ripple could awaken the sleeping frog. They must be careful. Michael suggests they move quietly, making their footsteps sound like droplets falling from the stalactites overhead. Layla nods in agreement, and they begin to stealthily make their way toward the nest.
Michael hold his breath and took the first step. He slowly lowers his foot into the water and watches for the frog's reaction.
"..."
Nothing happens, the frog didn't notice the sudden ripples in the water. Michael had read in a book that the Boniha frog is really sensitive to their surrounding so he couldn't let his guard down yet. Next, he lowers his other foot into the water and watches the frog. There's still no reaction.
He heaves a sigh of relief. The front doesn't know that he's down here. He gestures for Layla to follow him. The alma fruit here is quite big and they need 2 people to carry it. The duo processed forward very carefully.
Everything is smooth so far. Both Michael and Layla sneak past the Frog and successfully arrive at the alma fruit. Michael signals for Layla to go to the other side. They both squat down and insert their hands below the fruit.
3
2
1
They silently count to 3 and slowly lift the fruit up at the same time. Michael takes a quick glance at the Boniha frog. It's still sleeping! the operation was a success. They proceed to bring the fruit out.
Splash!
A slightly louder splash sound came from Micahel. He can't see very clearly in the water so, he unexpectedly steps into a hole. Layla and Michael reflect and turn their head to check the Boniha frogs. Luckily the monster is still sound asleep. But hey can't heave a sigh of relief yet. Michael Process forward carefully while Layal gives him a death stare.
5 minutes later.
They're finally out of the large room. the atmosphere in there felt very suffocating. The Boniha frog is right beside them and they almost got caught. Layla is furious about this.
"Michael!"
"I..m S...Sorry."
"That's not enough! we almost got killed!"
"Then what do you want me to do? Go in there and get another fruit?"
"..."
Layla wants to say something but, she stops. She gestures to Michael to stay quiet. The sound of the wind could be heard over the sound of a downpour. Normally, this would be an issue, but the wind's sound has an unnatural cadence. Furthermore, the sound is drawing nearer and nearer.
It was so noticeable that even Michael notice it. They look out into the dark sky and see a large figure approaching. Long dark wings span through the sky. It flying directly at them!
"What is that!?"
"Micahel....."
"What!?"
A drop of water also touched Michael's neck at that exact moment. He slowly rotates his head to face the source. Behind him, a tall, menacing figure is seated. As soon as Michael sees what is behind him, the temperature immediately drops.
His mind race at an impossible rate trying to find a solution to get out of this. But no matter how much he thinks, he could come up with anything. They were too close to this monster. Streght agility and durability, they don't have any advantage. And Michael didn't have any time to set any traps.
A sense of dread craw into his mind. At this point, he could think of anything. Similarly, Layla didn't dare to make any move. The frog is still staring at them and hasn't made any move yet. She fears that if she ever does anything the frog would eat them instantly.
KARRRW
A scream pierces both kids' heads. The source is nonother than the thing that they saw in the stormy rain. As the shadowy figure gets closer, its entire body is covered in a grey feather. Its main body is about 4 meters long, and its wingspan is more than 12 meters. The creature has an aggressive appearance thanks to its sharp facial features and eyes.
Its body is that of an avian making it speed through the air.
Pah!
It crashes into the cave pushing the frog away. Michael and Layla dash off narrowly avoiding the collision. What the heck is going on? This question pop into both of their mind.
KArkkkk
The cave shakes violently from the scream. The bird did not give anyone a breather and started attacking the Boniha frog. It claws legs that are as shaps as a knife slice at the frog that still recovering from its impact.
Graww
The Boniha frog lets out a loud scream. The bird's claw accomplished what Michael believed to be impossible—it drew blood from the Boniha frog! It stager and answer the claws with its own attack. A tongue lashes out and sticks to the bird's body. the bird attempts to cut off the tongue with its claw, but the frog swiftly turns its head away, sending the tongue and bird crashing against a cave wall.
Bang!
Once more, the entire cave trembles, but this time it appears as though the cave is about to collapse. Michael is unsure of his thoughts as he admires the ongoing struggle. Layla, on the other hand, is so terrified that she hurriedly pulls Michael out of the cave.
Whoever wins the fight doesn't matter to her, she would be dead either way if they remained here!
She quickly ordered Michael to go down the mountain. every second here sped here increases their chance of death. She carries Mciahel on her head and decent the mountain.