Chapter 4 – Makua Cave
The dragons explored the cave as they began their search for the Gumshoos that await them when they reach the Great Chamber. The caverns were large and expansive, and they seemed to evoke a mysterious atmosphere.
"Look at this place!" Lily exclaimed in awe. "It's just as pretty a Captain Akoni!"
"Yeah, it does look very impressive," said Torden. "Now, let's hurry up! I wanna fight that creature as soon as possible!"
"Have some patience, Torden," said Jakkin. "It's still a long way to go, so we better take our time and also tackle this place one baby step at a time."
"I know, but the thrill of fighting tough opponents always gets me excited," replied Torden. "It's the same kind of thrill I get from playing heavy metal music."
"That's understandable," said Cynder. "But like Jakkin said, we're going to have to wait while we explore, as the fight will come before we know it."
As the group continued exploring the cave, Percival felt a sudden chill.
"Um, guys, I think I sense something up on the ceiling," he said.
The dragons looked up, and saw that the cave ceilings are teeming with Zubats. Draco flinched as he remembered his previous experience with them, and he was hoping that none of his friends would sneeze like how Darky did before.
"Zubats," said Cynder, quietly. "We must be in their territory at this point, so let's try to get past slowly and quietly without making a sound."
The rest of the group nodded silently and together, they slipped past quietly and cautiously, unaware that several pairs of eyes were watching them from inside small dark openings that surround the cave. Halfway through the Zubat chamber, they became certain that they would be able to make it through, when suddenly, a Yungoos popped out from one of the holes and dashed through to the other side.
"Yikes!" Percival squeaked so loud that his voice echoed throughout the cave, awakening the Zubats into such a startle that they began flapping their wings loudly.
"Not again!" cried Draco.
"Percival, look what you done!" fumed Jakkin.
"I didn't mean to!" stammered Percival. "That little creature that zipped by caught me by surprise!"
"No time for arguing, guys," said Cynder. "We need to get out as quickly as we can! They're raining down on us!"
"Run for it!" shouted the dragons, and they hurried through the chamber with the swarm of Zubats pursuing behind them.
As they continued running for their lives, the dragons soon approached an opening up ahead, and Cynder could sense a hiding place nearby.
"Towards that opening, quickly!" she hollered.
The dragons dashed into the opening and hid behind a large crevice, watching the Zubats continuing their pursuit. They waited until the noise the Zubats were making subsided.
"Okay," panted Cynder as she looked out. "I think the coast is clear."
The rest of the dragons came out of their hiding place feeling very relieved.
"Man, that was close," remarked Percival.
"I think we should try to stay calm whenever somethin' unexpected appears before us next time," said Jakkin. "Better keep that in mind, Percival."
"I'll try to," said Percival.
"I don't like bats," shuddered Lily. "They look so creepy!"
"Are you kidding!" laughed Torden. "I think they're so cool, at least when they're not in such a rampage."
Cynder checks out their current location and saw that now they have to make a choice as there were two tunnels, and only one would possibly lead to the Gumshoos. The other dragons wondered which one could be the correct path.
"Which way should we go, Cynder?" asked Draco.
"I have no idea," said Cynder. "It could be either one of them."
"Psst!" whispered a voice. "Stuck on figuring out the right tunnel to take?"
"Huh?" the dragons looked around in confusion, as three figures appeared from an outcropping in the cavern. They looked like ordinary dragons in regular clothing. One was a female, while two were male, with one being short. They also looked strangely familiar, yet they were unrecognisable for the dragons.
"Who are you?" asked Cynder.
"We are trial guides," said the tall male dragon. "We give out to hints to trial-goers who are having trouble trying to pass the obstacle courses."
"Do you think you can be able to help us?" asked Draco.
"Of course, we will!" said the female dragon. "That's what we trial guides are here for, right boys?"
The two male dragons sniggered. "That's right!" they said.
"So, which is the correct path?" asked Percival.
"If you're looking for the quickest way to reach the creature you have to fight, it's this way," said the small male dragon, pointing at the right tunnel.
"Well, in order to save up some time, let's go there then," said Torden. "Thanks for your help you three."
"Anytime, chump – uh, I mean, champs," said the tall male dragon, grinning devilishly behind their backs and he with his partners disappeared.
"I wonder what he meant by that," said Draco, feeling very uneasy.
"Those three look very suspicious to me," said Cynder. "I don't know if they're being honest with the path they suggested to us."
"Who cares if they are or aren't?" snorted Torden as he rushed into the suggested tunnel. "Let's hurry up and battle the Gumshoos! I'm itching for a fight!"
"Torden, wait up!" called Cynder as she and the dragons followed him.
Presently, they reached what seemed to be a dead end. There was no Gumshoos in sight, leaving the dragons feeling very bewildered.
"It probably must be hiding in one of those small indentions," said Torden. "Hey, Gumshoos!" he shouted. "Come out! Come out, wherever you are!"
There was still no response, except for the echoing of Torden's calls.
"Hold on a second," said Cynder, feeling something is amiss. "I don't think this is the Great Chamber."
Just before anyone could answer, the dragons felt a sudden push from above, and then, they found themselves caught inside a huge net.
Author's Note: Uh-oh! Looks like our heroes are caught in a trap! How will they escape their jam? Find out soon!
