Tale of Panthera Regina (Remake)

Chapter 27: In the Lion's Den

POV: Rex

The cave was larger than on the outside. It was a system like any other. Rex could compare it to naked mole-rat burrows systems. If that is naked mole rat's burrows were made of stone and not dirt. It was dark inside with a few torches on the walls.

*Strange, why would Great Beast use torches.* Rex wondered as only Native People generally are the only creatures that used torches or fire for anything else besides just fighting.

It was erie of how few guards there were. It was almost too easy. The gang met a split path and they stopped. Rex looked and noticed there were two different paths. They were almost identical besides one smelling like an Elephant's backside and the others were like a wet dog.

"I think we should split up," Rex said, studying the paths.

"Are you sure that is wise?" Swamp started as the Prince looked at him. "Look, wherever they are keeping. The Royals will have the most guards, would it make sense for all of us here?"

Rex considered this. "That would make things easier, but we should also see if the Statue is here as well."

*Right, the Statue of Truth. The reason why I left my family in the first place.* Rex wondered as he turned around to looked Swamp and Mendax. *I wouldn't want my family being kidnapped, but I don't regret meeting them.*

Rex felt Kadupul shifting her weight on his back. "Look," he was looking at Swamp. "You, Mendax, and Currere. Take the left path and see if you can find the Statue or any sign of my family.." He paused. "Kadupul and I will take the right and see what we can find."

"Wait, why are you two going alone?" Mendax asked, but it came off ruder than usual.

"Because Kadupul says she can track the Queen and this less time instead of running in circles." Rex started. "Swamp, on the other hand, could find the way to the Statue as it gives us an energy that he could track." Then the brown tiger added.

It was true about Swamp's ability. The Swamp Monster could use his talent and knowledge to find the Statue.

"That makes sense, Prince Rex," Swamp said with a smile. However, the smile appeared forced in Rex's opinion.

It was like whenever Regina would force a smile just to show Rex she was okay. The Prince knew that wasn't it as she could never hide her feelings from him.

So far, Swamp still hadn't shaken the 'Prince' yet, but he guessed it's because of his upbringing. Mother always said some cultures can't be changed no matter what a Royal says or prefers.

With that, the group set off in different directions.

Kadupul remained on his back as the path was a lot more challenging than back at home. There were ledges, giant ravines, and sharp rocks. It also didn't help that the lighting never remained constant as just as Rex was adjusting to the darkness. A torch was placed that would throw off his eyesight.

"I guess flying does have its perks.l but that makes me wonder about how the non-winged creatures get around here." Rex said out loud, but Kadupul didn't answer.

After a few minutes of walking in the dark cave, more paths opened up. However, one of the paths held a shadow figure in the distance. Rex narrowed his eyes to see if he could get a better view, but he couldn't.

"Well, well. Who do we have here?" Said an unknown voice called from the darkness.

The figure begins walking toward the Prince, and he unknowingly started walking backward. Suddenly, Rex understood why the figure was so hard to see as black feathers covered his whole body besides his white wings. The brown tiger was in awe to see a Griffin before his very eyes as it walked out onto the center path. He was so close that Rex noticed that his eyes weren't black but a deep brown.

"Oh, and it looks like you brought me a snack if I like flowers, that is." The Griffin hissed. "This illusion is excellent considering there are no Magical Strengths within your little group. I guess the Elements of Water and Nature can go a long way. Who knew?" The Griffin smiled, but it appeared off like he wasn't mentally there.

Rex couldn't move. He was too scared to. However, wheels started to move in his brain as if it working overtime. *The Griffin likes to talk. I could use that to get more information.* Rex thought as the fake Kadupul sat on his back.

"I can't believe a runt like you is challenging me?" The Griffin growled with an uneasy amount of joy.

The black Griffin found it humorous that Rex had no idea what he talking about. Rex just kept on walking backward unsure what he just got himself into. The cave started to feel darker, and Rex was beginning to wish that they never split up.

"Runt? I am average size and weight for my age." Rex stated in a confused tone as his butt and tail meet the wall.

*I guess I can't back up anymore.* Rex thought as he really wish that Swamp or Mendax was here at this moment.

The Griffin laughed. "Oh, right. You animals learned off of Magical Strengths culture. Let's say that 'Runt' is a term for Physical Strenght to address untrained young." He kept gesturing his arms and opening and closing his wings like he was showing off.

The Griffin began to walk closer, which left Rex wishing he had more room. An awful pit in his stomach started to form, as the brown tiger was beginning to rethink his life choices up til now.

"When Azure told me that we were missing a Royal. I thought it was one of the younger ones." The Griffin said, looking at Rex. He grabbed the fake Kadupul and crushed it easily. "It's a pity that a Runt such as you is the rumor, Falsus Prince. However, you and I both know that you wouldn't have such great power if you weren't born of the royal bloodline."

*Does this guy ever shut.....* Before even Rex could be finished, the thought talons were at his throat.

"It is a pity. It really is." The Griffin said in a cheerful voice that doesn't match the vibe he was giving off. "My boss doesn't want royal blood to stain the ground, but I am sure he wouldn't mind me taking out the trash."

Author's Note:

I know its short, but I hope you guys like it.