Left, right, right, left; the endless maze almost drives them to insanity. The sweltering cavern walls appear identical all over.
Hoof pounding unexpectedly turns to splashing as Aurarius finds himself running through a steaming stream of spring water. They emerge in a glittering gemstone cave, with water spouting from the walls.
"Wow..." Laurel says breathlessly as he takes in the beauty of it all.
What are they? Aurarius asks, gesturing his snout to the far end of the cave.
Near a glittering waterfall, the spring is populated by a number of strange sparkling beings. In the mystic cloud of light, a man with a fedora crouches ankle-deep in the hot spring.
"Come on, Yousef!" Ally's voice calls from within a tunnel. "I can hear people coming!"
"It's only Laurel!" Yousef calls back without taking his eyes off the wondrous sparkles.
Laurel and Aurarius approach the spring as quietly as possible. "What are they?"
"These, my friend, are fairies." he whispers excitedly, then whips an empty bottle from behind his back. He traps one of them inside and screws the lid tightly. "They have many useful medicinal properties, and can cure diseases which potions cannot. However, once they've done their magic, they're gone forever."
Laurel is mystified by the dazzling light encased in the glass bottle before Yousef deposits it back into his pocket.
"I'm afraid I must go." he nods politely. "There is still a race to be won."
Yousef returns to the tunnel leaving Laurel regretful that he lacks an empty bottle of his own. He and Aurarius choose a different path and continue on their quest for the exit.
After circling around for a few more minutes, they eventually arrive back at the underground lake with the floating stone disc. Opposite them, they are met by Ally and Yousef looking rather frustrated.
"No matter which path we take, we always arrive at this goddamn lake..." Ally huffs.
"Perhaps there is more to this lake than meets the eye..." Yousef suggests.
Their reunion is abruptly ended by a sharp whistle. Laurel turns and sees Antonio and Newton standing boldly at the centre of the floating disc.
"Hey Laurel!" Antonio beckons him with his spear. "You think you're quite handy with that sword? Why don't you come over and prove yourself against us?"
"Two against one?" Ally sneers. "That's not fair!"
"Why don't you come and join us then, princess?" Antonio teases.
Ally grits her teeth. "I'm not your princess. Come on Yousef."
"But Ally-"
"Now!"
Yousef obeys his sister without further question and directs Timor onto the circular platform.
Laurel we can't... Aurarius brays.
"We have to." Laurel replies, and joins the arena out of obligation.
The five of them stand at opposite ends of the circle. Antonio and Newton brandish their matching spears while Ally readies her canon. Laurel unsheathes his sword and the battle commences.