Fallen

Chapter 17 "Labyrinth"

Asag had a torch that lit up the front. Of course, Arion had his trusty, mystical sword with the blue flames. And, I had my iphone, which I used the heck out of, lighting every crack and crevice. We were venturing into uncharted territory. With the constant dripping sounds and the dank air, every shadow was a potential threat. But this was our only way out!

"At the end of this tunnel, we'll reach the opening of the Labyrinth," said Asag.

"—Wait a minute!" snapped Arion, abruptly stopping before he continued, "Buer didn't mention anything about the Labyrinth."

"For us to cross Hade's Corridors, we must enter the Labyrinth," said Asag.

"Then we go back—She can't make it!"

"Excuse me," I snapped, standing my ground. "I can't make what?"

"There's got to be another way—We go back to the Cathedral," said Arion, grabbing my arm, ushering me in the opposite direction.

"We don't have time!" yelled Asag.

"The Labyrinth is guarded by mythical creatures—Your kind!" spat Arion, glaring directly at Asag. "I knew I shouldn't have trusted you."

Asag turned away in shame.

"What are our options?" I protested, shielding Asag from Arion's wrath.

"We go back—regroup—return to the city the way we came," said Arion, reaching his hand out for mine. "This route is too risky."

Reverting my gaze back toward Asag, I whispered, "Is this too risky?"

Asag timidly shook his head and turned away.

I nodded at Arion. But not even a few yards away, we have stopped abruptly.

"Buer gave me the responsibility to watch out for you two—Yes! It's dangerous. But you have an army waiting for you at the Cathedral—There's only one that guards the Labyrinth," shouted Asag.

"—Only?" scoffed Arion. "What are you planning to do, little one?" Then, he shot a glance at me, "What is she going to do?"

"I'll fight to the death," snapped Asag.

"Useless—We head back!"

Just as Arion was about to reach for my wrist, a high shrill scream bellowed, reverberating through the corridors.

"What was that?" I gasped.

"Too late," hissed Arion. "Stay behind me!"

Arion pointed his sword in the front, guarding me with his free hand, inching forward.

"Looks like you're going to get your big shot to prove me wrong, demon!" spat Arion.

"AAAARGH!" a roar exploded several yards in front of us.

Shrouded in darkness, I could only hear its footsteps and growls; it was coming closer. Although I couldn't see it, I could smell a pungent odor, and its breath reeked of death each time it let out a roar. Heat emitted deep within the shadows accompanied by smoke.

"What is that?" I screamed.

"—Chimera!" scowled Arion as he gripped his blade with two hands, preparing for battle. "Get her to safety!"

I felt a hand reach for my right wrist, tugging me away further into the tunnel as I continued to scream.

"Arion!" I bellowed with all my might.

The tunnel lit up, and I could see the silhouettes of two figures engaged in combat. I crept closer to get a better view. Arion leaped over this monstrous shadow with two heads. There was a hissing sound as the beast whipped its tail directly at Arion. Dodging just in time, Arion missed the venomous secretion as the poison sizzled against the surface. Pushing off, Arion completed a triple back flip then leaped into the air. Wings sprouted in mid-flight as Arion drew his sword again. Hovering over the beast, he was out of its reach as it lunged for him. With each miss from its massive claws, Arion made it pay, swiping his sword down, nicking the creature.