TBATE- A force to be reckoned with

The End

After spending some amount of time on the runic trap of the ancient mages, we were finally in the cavern.

The cavern was large enough to hold a small town, and the various tunnels that led out of the cavern reminded me of highways. Running through the entire expanse was a wide stream that glimmered under the light-orbs. There were several multileveled structures on either side of the stream and bridges that crossed the width of the stream at various points throughout the cavern.

In the midst of all this, however, my attention was drawn to a flickering light that I spotted coming from within the second level of one of the buildings just by the stream.

Sylvie and I exchanged glances, understanding each other with just a thought. I turned back to Bairon, who was still taking in the sight in front of us, and Virion, who was catching his breath.

I waved to catch their attention and pointed to the building with the light. Their expressions both grew fierce, all signs of fatigue wiped away in the face of a potential intruder into this place, our last sanctuary in Dicathen.

I took the lead as we descended a set of stairs leading to the ground. We weaved silently through the empty stone structures. I took a mental note to explore these buildings later on. There may be clues hidden about regarding the identity of these ancient mages. However, our first task was to find out who had lit a fire this far below the ground in a secret location.

Arriving at the building, I could hear the quiet muttering of several voices, but the windows were covered by glass, and even with enhanced hearing, I couldn't make out how many voices there were.

Gesturing for everyone to lean in close, I whispered, "I hear at least three different voices, but we should assume there are more than that."

After receiving a nod from Sylvie, Bairon, and Virion, we circled the perimeter until we found the entrance to the building. There wasn't a door, so we inched closer, keeping our backs against the wall until we were just beside the opening.

I held up five fingers and slowly counted down. Once my last finger fell, I pivoted to face the entrance, mana coiled around my body.

I had expected to meet a guard keeping watch, and I was right...

My eyes widened and my jaw fell slack, "Boo?!"

Boo must've been thinking the same thing I was, because the thousand-pound bear charged at me on all fours, letting out a happy grunt and tackling me. Looming over me, Boo revealed a toothy grin before slobbering all over my face with his long, soft tongue.

I struggled under the mana beast's weight as he pinned me down to the ground and slathered me with affection, "Boo—Ack! Stop! Okay! Enough!"

"I think he's had enough, Boo," Sylvie said, her voice calming the excited beast enough for me to escape.

"I feel violated," I groaned, wiping off the thick, slimy mask of saliva that had accumulated over my face. Then it clicked. If Boo was here...

I grabbed Boo's large, furry head and turned him to face me. "Boo! Is Ellie here? What about my mom? How did you get here?" I asked, the questions pouring out of me before I could think them through.

Virion suddenly pushed past me and the bear, and I heard his voice call out, choking with emotion, "Tessia!"

Letting Boo go, I immediately followed after Virion. I didn't have to go far before I was able to see four figures at the base of the stairs near the far wall of the building. It was my mom, sister, Tessia and...Elder Rinia.

My long and hurried strides skidded to a halt. I have to tell them. I was conflicted about it, I wanted to spare them the pain. But giving them false hope would be even worse.