SJ watched in shock as the beast lumbered away again. The ground tremors slowly lessened as it disappeared again into the chamber's depths. Kibble squeaked, pulling SJ's attention, who hurriedly bent down by his side.
"Are you okay?" SJ asked, lifting him carefully.
Along his leg was a jagged tear where the dweller had caught him as he had tried to fly.
"Damn," SJ cursed as she called one of her tonics to her hand. Carefully, she poured the liquid onto his wound. Kibble let out a squeak in protest until the soothing sensation calmed him, and she watched as the wound closed over. Initially, scabbing occurred, and then the scabs slowly fell away as the wound continued to heal. It hadn't been a deep wound, thankfully, and the small pool of blood was more from where the crystalline salt surface had absorbed the colour rather than a pool itself.
Fas came and crouched by his side, checking him over. "He will be fine now," he said, smiling at Kibble.
"How can you remain so calm after what just happened?" SJ said, continually glancing in the direction that the gila beast had gone.
"I wouldn't say I am calm. That was probably the closest I have come to absolute terror in my life," Fas smiled.
"You didn't show it."
"I'm not sure how else I could have expressed my fear apart from not even being able to move."
"Good point," SJ sighed as she placed Kibble carefully back on the ground. He hopped cautiously on his leg a few times before squeaking in appreciation. It was obvious his wound wasn't that bad in the scheme of things.
"I think we need to follow it," Fas said.
"It was the whole point in coming here," SJ replied reluctantly. "And the salt dwellers appear to be scared of it."
"I'm not surprised. That beast is ancient. I could feel its age in its eyes."
"It is exceptionally high-levelled as well," SJ said.
"What level?"
"116."
Fas choked as he spluttered a response. "What?"
"Yeah. It's level 116."
"I have never in my life heard of a beast with such a high level?"
The statement about the beast's level left them both silent. The unfathomable and unbelievable consequence of finding themselves with a beast that was level 116. A beast reaching level 116 in a region where level 50 was the maximum seemed illogical.
"It has to have been here since before the transition," Dave said. "There is no other explanation. I have never heard of such a high-level beast, and I don't even think the system records will provide me with anything either. That makes this beast even older than Amathera."
'But how? How could the system not know?' SJ asked.
"Ha. I can't possibly answer that," Dave said.
"Don't gila beasts exist in other regions?" SJ asked.
"Yes. There are Gila's in others, but I have never seen one that size. When I mentioned influencing a gila beast, I had something half that size in mind," Fas said.
"Kibble. Do you think you can influence it?"
Kibble let out a low growl, followed by several sharp squeaks and a chirping sound. It was the longest and most varied response SJ had ever heard him say before.
"He doesn't think he could ever influence it, but he feels a strange pull to it. He can't explain why or what, but he wants to investigate," Dave said, translating his response.
"I think Kibble wants to go and find it also," Fas said.
"Yeah," SJ said, unsure what good it could do following such a powerful and ancient beast further into the cavern. "I suppose it should keep the salt dwellers away from us." As she attempted to find something positive to focus on.
They slowly and cautiously walked in the direction from which the behemoth had come.
The cavern continued for what felt like an age as its floor slowly dipped downwards before curving to the left and dropping at a steeper gradient. The path the beast had taken was easy to follow; the freshly crushed crystal print and gouged ground from its claws were clear evidence of its passing. As they followed the beast into the depths, the cavern's expanse was unnerving, its sheer size as paths broke off into a maze of massive tunnels, taking them further into the earth. As they descended, the temperature was getting colder, and for the first time in days, SJ shivered.
The air also changed, and moisture was now present. The glistening, crystalline walls slowly receded as they moved further from the surface, and the first signs of moisture appeared on the cavern wall. They followed along the edge, reaching another huge semicircular chamber, and were treated to the sight of fluorescent crystals, which cast a natural light onto the surroundings. In the centre of the chamber, the light-absorbing blackness of an underground water source was visible; the water in the pool rippled gently, as though the chamber breathed.
The coolness was pleasant, and Fas carefully approached the water before dipping his finger into it and tasting it. SJ supposed that if anything could be certain of not being poisoned easily, it was a green dragon, whose main ability was poison, after all.
"The waters are clean," Fas said. "It appears drinkable."
Kibble hopped from where he had taken his usual position on SJ's shoulder and sniffed carefully at the pool's surface before slowly lapping at the water. Then, with gusto, he guzzled.
SJ knelt by the pool's edge and scooped some of the cool water into her hands before bringing it up to her lips, cautiously sipping it. It tasted divine, cool and fresh like the water from a mountain stream, unhampered and natural.
As they rested at the poolside, a rumble sounded from deeper in the earth, the echo carrying through the tunnels sounding like a monstrous yawn. SJ felt the tremor as the cavern they were in seemed to vibrate in response. The beast may not be in view, but its presence was being felt.
"Let's keep going," Fas said as he stood after refilling his canteen. SJ had done the same, applying the stopper, before returning it to her inventory.
Stretching off Kibble let out a low growl before again clambering onto SJ's shoulder. He purred in her ear. She reached up and scratched his little head. Her companion was something special that she could never have fathomed needing so much, from the small knobbly egg they had discovered at the necromancer's cabin to what he was now. Never mind what he was going to try to do.
The tunnels in the cave system were vast, the walls so far apart that the beast and its massive form would never have an issue traversing them. The ground was almost smooth in parts, where either the beast had crushed the surface in its passage, compressing the rock even further, or time had long since created this system. There was nothing that appeared to be being made in the depths as they continued their journey, descending further.
Occasional luminescent rock formations provided additional light alongside the torch that SJ carried, accompanied by mosses, which, as they descended further, became more vibrant and green. The air was now filled with moisture, as though all the moisture the plains above absorbed had been drawn deep into the earth below.
They travelled for another hour before they reached the central chamber. SJ had no idea how far underground they had ended up at this point, losing track in the depths, but it had to be significant.
Fas led the way as they turned a corner, to be met by a view which amazed SJ beyond belief. The chamber ahead of them was brightly lit. The light wasn't provided by anything other than natural light from the triad of plants that grew in the depths. If SJ hadn't known better, she would have believed she had just entered the Amazon rainforest. Moisture filled the air with a humidity that caused her dress to stick to her immediately. It wasn't oppressive, though; it was more cooling and drew you in deeper.
The cavern ahead was vast, beyond vast in fact, and stretched further than she could see. Huge trees, which shouldn't be able to survive underground, stood proud, their thick trunks and brilliant canopies holding almost every colour imaginable. It was a beautiful and awe-inspiring vista of vibrancy. There was a call, and SJ watched as a brilliantly coloured bird flew from a tree above and swooped down across the cavern. A rustle in the brush caused SJ to turn, and a creature no larger than a hogling walked out into their path. It was no hogling, though, and SJ stared in amazement at its brightly coloured green fur and elongated snout. It looked more like an anteater than anything else.
"How can so much live down here?" SJ asked.
"No idea. I have never seen anything like it before. Legends speak of deep sanctuaries, but to discover one..." Fas said he was at a loss, even for his 500 years of age and the travel he had performed in Amathera.
The central path that led through the twisting trees of the underground jungle was easily wide enough for the gila beast to travel. Its large prints were clear in the now soft earthen surface.
"This is unbelievable," Dave said, his voice dripping in amazement. "This is an unknown world below Amathera. There are again no records of such a place ever existing. It's as though this has been trapped away from the world above. A personal time capsule."
SJ didn't respond as she turned and followed the sounds that the cavern held. Birds called, beasts moved in the trees, and insects buzzed around. It was indeed a world within a world.
As they followed the path that the gila beast had clearly taken, a sound unlike any other started. It began as a low humming sound and slowly increased in pitch and intensity until SJ and Fas both had placed their hands over their ears. Kibble was trying to block his ears by burying himself in the nape of SJ's neck as much as possible. It dragged on for what felt like an age before suddenly stopping again.
"What was that?" SJ asked.
"No idea. I have never heard anything like it before," Fas said, looking around at the otherworldly forest.
The animals and birds in the area didn't seem to be affected by it and continued as if it were a normal occurrence. They continued cautiously down the trail, which eventually opened out as the trees thinned and a small hillock came into view. It was covered in luscious green grasses, and wrapped around its base, the massive form of the gila beast could be seen. That wasn't what drew the attention of SJ. It was the glistening pearlescent egg that sat atop the hillock. It was as large as she was, and its surface shimmered as it changed colour. Every colour imaginable pulsated across its surface, unlike anything SJ had ever seen before.
"There's an egg?" Dave said.
'Stating the obvious,' SJ thought sarcastically.
"Yes. But an egg that the Gila Beast is protecting, by the looks of it."
'And what do you think would ever try and combat a beast as large and as powerful as this Gila Beast? I think it's pretty safe.'
"Fas, do you have any ideas on what to do?"
Fas turned to SJ, where they stood looking out over the area.
He shrugged as he replied. "None whatsoever. This is definitely a first." He sounded as awe-inspired as SJ felt.
Kibble had poked his head back out from SJ's hair and was looking at the hillock and the egg. His little head tilted quizzically as if he were gauging something.
"What is it?" SJ asked.
Kibble squeaked and hopped from SJ's shoulder, landing on the ground in front of them.
"He is going to investigate," Dave said.
SJ watched as Kibble slowly hopped through the grass towards the hillock. His little head poked above the tall blades before disappearing again. The only sight of his movement towards the hillock was caused by the grass moving as he passed. He didn't hurry; instead, he slowly approached.
The Gila Beast was facing away from them, and as Kibble continued to hop nearer, it lifted its monstrous head from where it was resting and faced his approach.
SJ's heart was in her mouth as her companion continued his journey towards it. The Gila Beast didn't react, apart from watching as the wyvern closed the gap. It's a steady gaze, not moving.
As Kibble reached the start of the rise, he came into full view and crawled towards the beast. Kibble then halted. His whole body froze, his wings opening outward, his neck perfectly straight up in the air, as though he were taking flight. Then, with amazement, SJ and Fas watched as he bowed. His little head touched the ground in front of the beast in an almost reverential pose.
The Gila Beast opened its mouth, its black, forked tongue flicking outwards as it tasted the air, while Kibble remained prostrated in front of it. Then, without warning, a voice spoke.
SJ jumped from the shock of hearing the voice. It was deep and gravely, ancient beyond years. It wasn't hostile; it was more curious.
"It's been many a year since any being has visited my enclave. May I ask your reason? I sense no hostility, and your companion has shown his grace."
Fas replied before SJ could gather her thoughts. The Gila Beast's mouth hadn't moved, and she did not know how it had spoken.
"Great beast. I wasn't aware you could speak," Fas said as he bowed, his fist clenched over his heart, not taking his eyes off the monster.
"I speak all tongues, although none speak mine," the beast responded. "What is the purpose of your visit?"
SJ's mouth was as dry as a bone, and she swallowed before she replied. Her voice was a little squeakier than usual, as though she might have been in her miniature form.
"We came searching for a Gila Beast to help our town," SJ said as she dropped her head.
"There is no need to bow in my presence," the beast said. "I'm not sure what help I can give to any. I live to protect my sibling; that is all."
"Your sibling?" Fas asked.
"Yes. The egg you see before you is my sister, the last of our line. I have stood guard over her for more than several millennia now, and will continue to until the time is right."
"What time?" SJ said.
"When the worlds align and the path is opened. Only when a true seeker attends this chamber will my sister hatch."
"What do you mean by true seeker?" Fas asked.
"One whose heart is true, untainted by the chaos and malevolence of this world that has been created around us."
SJ's eyes were as wide as saucers as she listened to the ancient beast.
Kibble let out a squeak followed by a deep growl that drew the beast's attention.
"Kibble just said your heart is true," Dave said.
"Indeed, I see," the beast said.
Kibble again squeaked and hopped up and down excitedly.
The egg pulsed a deep orange colour, vibrating as the light erupted from its core and bathed the hillock in its light.
The Gila Beast turned its head and looked at the egg. It pulsed again, this time a blue that grew in intensity, its brilliance too strong for SJ's eyes, and she covered them.
"It seems my sister is stirring," the beast said in a serene tone. "Why did you seek help?"
Swallowing hard, SJ spoke. "Our town has fallen foul of the draconians and their followers. We are under siege, and they have brought lizards, which are at a level too high for us to deal with. It was Fas here who suggested that a Gila Beast such as yourself could be our saviour."
The beast tilted its head again, its tongue flicking out towards them.
"Saviour, you say. I haven't needed to save anyone in a very long time. Not since our masters left this world millennia ago. I am the only true remaining example of my kind that lives. Only my sister will replace me when the time is right."
"But I thought Gila Beasts were in various regions of the world?" SJ said, not sure who she was asking the question of.
"There may be kin of mine across this world, but none are like me. They are merely echoes of a time long since lost. I existed before any of the changes to this world occurred. I lived a peaceful life with my masters. This world has changed since, and now it is unrecognisable."
"We found some ruins where we saw some of your history," SJ said.
"You have? What history did you see?"
SJ removed the tablet from her inventory, holding it carefully in her hands. The glyphs that covered its surface glowed. The ancient tablet felt alien and alive, as it pulsed sporadically like her heartbeat.
The Gila Beast suddenly moved, its speed causing both SJ and Fas to stumble backwards as SJ let out a yelp in shock. It streaked towards her. Its head stopped just before she believed she was about to be eaten or crushed.
"You have indeed found something I haven't seen in a very long time," the beast said. Its tongue flicked out again towards SJ and the tablet she held in her hands. "Do you know what it is?"
"I don't," SJ stammered from where she stood, terrified at the speed this giant creature had moved. Fas was no better.
Kibble growled and hopped towards SJ, not paying any attention to the monstrous form that was now in his path. SJ watched as he flapped his wings, taking off before coming in to land on her shoulder. He stood upright on his legs, his neck sticking forward towards the beast, whose jaws were mere feet away from him, before lightning crackled across his jaws.
The beast opened its jaws slightly, its tongue flicking towards Kibble.
Kibble, without warning, shot a bolt of lightning at the beast's tongue.
SJ froze in shock, and Fas gasped as the blue lightning raced over the surface of the beast's tongue; the black surface cascaded in a series of brilliant blue flickers. The beast closed its gigantic eyes as the lightning raced over its surface before slowly opening them again.
Kibble hadn't moved. His head still held high as he looked at the giant beast threateningly.
"I'm so sorry," SJ spluttered to the beast.
The next sound that reverberated around the enormous cavern was something that SJ could never have imagined. It was laughter. Deep and bone-jarring bass-filled laughter. The beast nodded its head as though in acknowledgement of what Kibble had just done.
"There is no need to apologise for your companion. He was only showing that he is your protector. The folly of youth. I once might have done similar if I thought my masters threatened."
Kibble let out a triumphant squeak. Standing proud, before letting out a guttural growl.
That made the beast laugh again.
"I'm lost for words," Dave said. "I have three adjudicators currently and a system consort presently viewing your feed."
'Viewing my feed,' SJ thought.
"Yes. They felt the anomaly in the system as we entered this underground world and arrived at my pod to view the feed. I'm not recording, and even though I also wished to, I have prevented them from doing so."
'This is possibly one event that I wouldn't mind recording if one day we get the chance to view it. I'm not sure that anyone would ever believe me if I tried to explain what we have witnessed here.'
"So you're okay with me recording this?"
'Yes, but only this. You say they are with you now?'
"Yes. My pod is a little overcrowded."
SJ had images of small robotic beings all crowding around a screen, watching what was unfolding in the cavern.
'One of these days you will have to describe what you look like,' SJ thought in response.
It was Fas's turn to speak. "Great beast. I have seen many things in my time, but never have I met one as ancient or as powerful as you."
"Not many have seen me, and fewer in my domain," it replied. "Now, let's get back to what you hold in your hands." The beast said as it turned its head to look at the tablet SJ still held.
SJ hadn't realised that her hands were shaking until she looked down at the tablet again.
