So far so good" Gale said through heavy breaths as the squad continued the climb down.
"Don't think that it's going to be this smooth sailing" retorted Lee. "A cave is up ahead or rather down below" Okuagu called out. Proceeding into the cave was a rather complicated affair for if they didn't get it right, it could result into a deadly and ghastly fall into the abyss below. Eventually the entire squad made it into the cave in one piece their hands covered in painful scratches and bruises. The cave in contrast to the rest of the labyrinth was beautiful with numerous fire torches and strange blue flowers adorning the place. "That's strange I wonder why we didn't notice the light from the cave earlier" Gale wondered for it occurred to him that the labyrinth was really indeed a strange magical place. The squad sat down to rest while they refreshed themselves with water and a little dried meat they had packed with them for their journey.
After some time of eating and drinking the squad went to sleep in the two respective tents with Okuagu taking the first watch as he sat on the floor outside thinking.
Okuagu's mind wandered back to almost a year ago, back then when he had no friends and was travelling solo through the forests; hunting and practically living wild. Now he had friends and squad mates, people who could trust him and those he could also trust in return.
A rather strange voice however interrupted his thoughts. "They sure look tasty am I right? The voice snickered as it came closer. Okuagu scanned the area with heat signature as he tried to pinpoint the location of the owner of the voice.
Okuagu growled in rage as he observed the silhouette of a lion that slowly appeared out of the surrounding shadows. "Hello little mouse "the shadow lion said as it appeared out of the shadow to reveal a massive jet black lion with wings that were folded to its side.
Okuagu noticing this gave a wolf like howl that immediately jarred the other squad members from their slumber. The lion roared in obvious dismay as it observed the now assembled group of humans before it. The two factions were in an obvious stare off as they tried to size their opponent and determine its strength.
The lion however seemed to be fed up with this staring contest, as it flew straight at them it's silver claws and teeth shining in the light of the cave.Boaruss summoning all his strength swung his axe at the lion in a bid to slice it in half. The lion's body turned incorporeal as the axe passed through it's body leaving it unfazed. Okuagu with an outstretched palm sent a huge fire ball at the Lion, Gale using his wind gifts strengthened the attack as the fireball grew in size as it rushed toward the charging lion. The fire ball passed through the lion's body causing it no harm as it continued it's way further in the cave lighting it. The lion at this point had already reached the rest of the squad members and it attacked with a swipe of its silver claws.A massive ice shield rose up from the ground successfully blocking the attack. The lion with a savage grin disappeared into the shadows. Lee at this point looked at Okuagu who simply nodded as he understood what he had to do.Okuagu with a huge burst of energy erupted in flames as he lit up their surroundings leaving the squad in a circle of light. The squad members stood in a tight circle as they waited for the lion to make its next attack.
The lion however kissed its teeth in annoyance as it circled them looking for an opening to strike. Gale had not fired any arrows due to the fact that he did not want to create an avenue for more shadows which the lion could use to get closer. Boaruss with a frown whispered: "How do you suggest we kill that thing; it seems that even light from Okuagu's flames don't harm it. " Its also a lot stronger than the shadow leopards that I have faced " Okuagu added with a sigh. Diamond with a smile whispered: "I might be able to harm it, but we must not let it know that I have a light gift".
Okuagu and the rest of the squad understood immediately what Diamond meant as they got ready to take action with the lion on the outside grinning mischievously.