The arena for the next trial was grander than she had imagined. Towering columns surrounded the vast space, each decorated with intricate carvings that glimmered in the light. Teams from all over Zodiac had gathered, creating an atmosphere thick with excitement and anticipation.
"Welcome to the Trial of Unity!" boomed the announcer's voice, echoing through the arena, she recognized him as Clint Upstream, a famous host from Pisces. "This trial will test your ability to work with others, combining strengths to overcome challenges that require more than individual skill. Teams will be randomly paired, and together you must solve the ultimate puzzle to unlock the victory!"
Seventeen felt a flutter of nerves. They had trained hard, but now they had to rely on complete strangers to navigate this challenge. She exchanged glances with Draco, who stood beside her, a determined look in his eyes.
"Remember, we have to lead with trust," he murmured, his voice low but steady.
"Right," she nodded, taking a deep breath. "Let's stick together and keep communication open."
※※※
As the teams were paired, Draco felt a rush of adrenaline. Their group was assigned to work alongside another team led by a tall, imposing black guy with buzzed black hair, piercing grey eyes, and build in muscles. Orion Yang from Horn, a Taurus. His presence commanded attention.
"Meet Orion, the captain of the Taurus team," Clint Upstream introduced, Draco hated the guy's voice. "Together, you will face the first challenge."
Orion extended a hand, and Draco shook it firmly. "Let's make this quick and efficient," Orion said, sizing up their team.
Serena stepped forward. "We have a plan. Each team will take turns solving puzzles while the other provides support. Communication is key."
"Sounds good," Orion replied, impressed by her initiative, but Draco loathed the way his gaze ran her body up and down, how he licked his lips afterwards. It made him want to act reckless, to punch Orion's face. But he didn't, of course not, he's the Libra heir, he couldn't do that, it would jeopardize their team. "Let's see how we do."
※※※
The first challenge involved a massive maze filled with traps and puzzles. They had to navigate their way through while gathering tokens that represented unity.
Draco took the lead, guiding their group as they entered the maze. "Stay close," he instructed, his voice steady.
"Let's split up into pairs," Seventeen suggested. "Draco and I will go left, while Amelia and Hunter take the center. Sablina, Light and Claus, you cover the right side."
As they ventured deeper into the maze, Seventeen felt a strange mixture of anxiety and excitement. She could hear the distant sounds of other teams navigating their own challenges.
"Watch your step!" Draco called out, pointing to a concealed pit. "We can't afford any mistakes."
Seventeen noticed how the others rallied around Draco, trusting his instincts. It was a refreshing change; the dynamic of their group had shifted entirely. And thankfully, Draco had come around her, he had stopped with the brooding Prince with trust issues act. That was a massive progress.
As massive as the physical attraction thickening between them. Not like she would dare to address the elephant in the room.
※※※
As they maneuvered through the maze, Draco noticed how well Serena complemented his leadership. Her ability to think on her feet and adapt to challenges had become an essential part of their strategy.
They reached a junction with two paths, both lined with obstacles. "Which way?" Sablina asked, her brow furrowing.
Serena scanned the area, her instincts sharp. "I say we go left. There's less noise coming from that direction, which means fewer traps."
"Agreed," Draco affirmed, impressed by her assessment. "Let's move."
※※※
As they ventured down the left path, they encountered their first puzzle: a large, intricate door inscribed with symbols. To open it, they needed to solve a riddle.
"Let me read it," Draco said, stepping forward. "It says, 'To unite we must sacrifice one for all, but only those willing to stand tall will find the path behind the wall.'"
"I think it means we have to work together," Seventeen mused. "Maybe we need to step on the corresponding symbols together."
The group quickly analyzed the symbols, working in tandem. They found a series of buttons that needed to be pressed in unison.
"On three," Sablina directed, her voice steady. "One… two… three!"
As they pressed the buttons, a mechanism clicked, and the door slowly creaked open, revealing the next area. The thrill of victory surged through them as they crossed the threshold.
※※※
As they continued deeper into the maze, Draco could feel their teamwork solidifying. They were communicating effortlessly, anticipating each other's moves.
"Nice job, team!" he exclaimed, grinning. "Let's keep this momentum going."
They reached another challenge: a series of high walls that needed to be scaled. Orion and his team quickly jumped into action, showing off their impressive strength.
"Hunter, you go with them," Serena instructed. "Draco and I will handle the back. We can provide support if anyone falls."
["Always pairing us together. She ain't innocent,"] he mused.
"Got it!" Hunter shouted, bounding forward to join the others.
※※※
Seventeen felt a surge of pride as she watched the others work together seamlessly. They scaled the walls, their trust in one another evident as they shouted encouragement.
Draco and Seventeen positioned themselves at the base, ready to help anyone who might need it. As Orion and his team reached the top, Draco shouted, "You did it!"
"Now, let's grab the tokens!" Orion replied, his competitive spirit shining through.
※※※
After collecting the tokens, they pressed on through the maze, feeling the excitement build as they faced each new challenge together. They tackled obstacle after obstacle, from balancing acts to teamwork puzzles that required each of them to contribute.
Every success brought them closer as a team. Draco felt a sense of belonging, and with Serena at his side, he felt more grounded. The burdens he carried began to lift, replaced by a feeling of unity that made him realize they could take on anything together.
With her.
※※※
As they neared the final challenge, Seventeen's heart raced with anticipation. They faced a massive gate, adorned with symbols of all the Zodiac districts. The inscription read: "To unite all, one must sacrifice all. Only through collaboration shall the path be revealed."
["Hah, the irony."]
"What does it mean?" Sablina asked, confusion evident in her eyes.
"I think it means we have to offer our tokens," Seventeen suggested. "We need to show our commitment to teamwork and unity."
"We can do this," Draco encouraged. "Let's lay our tokens down together."
※※※
As they placed their tokens in a designated spot, the gate began to glow. Draco felt the energy shift around them, a tangible representation of their efforts coming to fruition.
"We did it!" Serena exclaimed, her eyes wide with excitement.
The gate creaked open, revealing the final chamber filled with shimmering lights. They stepped through, feeling victorious.
"Welcome, champions!" Clint Upstream proclaimed, making Draco struggle not to wince at his annoying voice. "You have proven yourselves in the Trial of Unity! Your teamwork and determination have unlocked the path ahead."
※※※
As they celebrated their victory, Seventeen couldn't help but feel a sense of pride in their accomplishments. They had come together as a team, overcoming challenges and growing stronger with every trial.
"I couldn't have asked for a better group," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.
Draco stepped closer, a smile brightening his features. "You were amazing, Serena. You really brought us together."
"Thanks, Draco," she replied, her heart racing at his compliment. "But we all played a part. I'm just glad we did this together."
As they exited the arena, Seventeen felt a newfound sense of hope for their mission. They were becoming a family, and together, they would face whatever challenges lay ahead.
As she exchanged a glance with Draco, she knew that this bond would be essential in the battles to come.
At least until they learned that Serena was but a fake to manipulate them.