Tale of Panthera Regina (Remake)

Chapter 32: The Challenge

POV: Rex

Rex, Swamp, Cursor, and Serai left the cave system, as per the Swamp Monster's pleads. However, what was standing before him as they reached the exited lift was a pit in his stomach.

The sun was shining, and culumus clouds were roaming the pale blue sky. The wind was a calm breeze, which shook the trees slightly. Rex was surprised that the exit lead them to close off the meadow within the cave.

His mother, sister, Aunt Bamboo, and a red fox he had never seen before were in chains. Some purebloods held the end of the chains. It was like they were treated like pets.

*Note: that the term pets on the island mean the same thing as slaves.*

There were dragons, Griffins, Phoenix, Sphinxes, Elves, Fairies/Pixies, etc. However, it was noted that no Angels in the crowd. Well, none that the Prince noticed as it was rumored that Angels could hide their scents.

That's when the odor of blood filled his nose. It was familiar.

The black, white wings Griffin wicked grinned as he looked at Rex. The Prince noticed that his wings were healed from an arrow. There were more scars over his body. However, if it was healed in time by an Angel, it probably wouldn't leave a scar.

*So, it is true that Physical Strengths can handle serious injuries.* Rex thought then wondered what weakness would be then. *But what happened to Elfie. I thought she said her arrows could take down Beasts bigger than him?*

"I guessed you picked the scent of blood, Runt." The Griffin hissed with a grin that made Rex even angry which he didn't know was possible. "Too bad that the pink mix breed only talent was shooting bow and arrows, or she might have survived longer."That is when he realized what Volatus meant.

*Elfie is dead.* The brown tiger thought as his eyes went wide with disbelief.

Rex felt his eyes thin and started to feel something on his shoulders. He couldn't believe it. Someone died trying to protect him. It was his fault. No, it was Volatus fault.

The Prince was starting to move forward but stopped as he heard voices. He looked behind him to see it was Kadupul, Currere, the 'Gems,' and a black dragon coming from the tunnel.

Rex started to walk towards them ignoring Volatus. Swamp was right next to them even before the Prince got there.

"Good job Pestis and Kadupul. You found the Roy..." Swamp stopped as he noticed the dragon following close behind them. "Who is the black handsome dragon following you?" Swamp Monster voiced as Rex turned his head to see a black dragon with golden veins along his body.

The Bengal Tiger thought it was cool looking.

"My name is Zagi, and I am with the King." The dragon expressed with an odd accent that Rex never heard before.

It was different from Bamboo and Mason, as well as Mainlanders having a deep tone. Zagi's voice was like a reptile mixed with a bird. However, it felt off, somehow like Zagi didn't belong in this world but somewhere else.

*Note: Yes, this is a hint.*

"What is going - MOM!!!" Kadupul barked as she sniffed the air. Her eyes went wide as the smell hit her nose.

*Kadupuls mother must be in the crowd.* The Prince assumed, but only a minute later, he learned he was mistaken.

"Rex, please tell me my mother is not a chain?" The Darwin's fox whines as she placed weight onto his left paw.

Rex gulped, and he couldn't say anything as he felt guilty. It felt even worst that he had to say something. The Bengal tiger hated whenever Kadupul was sad.