The Hovering Ingress: The Hidden World

Chapter 13

Denial

Two Sune Cycles Later

Favi rushed through the greenery, her paws thundering on the ground as she sprinted. She had to complete this challenge. There was no way that she couldn't do it, it seemed too important! As she trekked up the mountain side the lynx recited things to herself, prepping herself to speak to the king and queen. As much as it was rude to just leave Merit in Warrior's Valley, she had to head out to Royal's Cave. She knew exactly how to complete this challenge she was given. The issue is, who gave her the challenge? Who was that ophoris? After a while of walking the sandy female slowed to a stop, her legs tired, for she had been moving ever since the previous sune cycle. A small sigh escaped her as she sat down on the ground, turning a tired gaze toward some of the trees around her. The breeze was nice and cool, perfect weather for a resting point. All she did was sit there as she took her rest before getting back up again. She turned her gaze over toward the mountain and spotted the cave just up ahead. With a groan she rolled her head around before heading back up toward the mouth of the cave.

It wasn't long before she reached it, Favi letting out a puff of air as she stopped and leaned over. Maybe it would have been a better idea to ask one of the ophoree to take her there, since they were literal walking houses and could make it to the cave in the span of a minute. With a fist up in the air, she let out a sigh before letting her hand fall to her side. The lynx then took her first few steps into the cave, staring into the pitch-black expanse in front of her. It would be better to call out instead of stumbling through blindly. If only she had an actual lynx's eyes, maybe she would be able to see through the darkness and find Manipi and Maliki with ease.

"Manipi? Maliki?" The yellow marked lynx called out in echo language, standing up on her toes.

She didn't hear much other than the shuffle of paws. Maybe at least one of them was there. A small sigh escaped the female, for she was relieved to know that she could finally give the speech she had been preparing for so long. Quietly Favi looked ahead as light furred paws slowly stepped out from the cave's black void.

Maliki stared down at the small feline, tilting her head a little before looking out and about outside.

"Favi, how are you doing?"

"Good, in fact, I'm great! I just wanted to say that I've been given a challenge after my test," the lynx spoke proudly, her tail wagging.

"I presume that you have been chosen to join the Warriors ranking?"

"Yeup! And I ran out of that place as soon as I could to get over here."

"Strange... Normally Merit makes new warriors take a battle test. I guess you were too small and fast for her to catch you," the queen rumbled as she held a paw up to her snout.

"She didn't really make an attempt to capture me, so I guess her mind wasn't on that."

"Alright then... You said you had been given a challenge, by who?"

Favi went quiet as she rocked back and forth and looked around her. Then, with a mischievous smile, she leaned forward a little.

"I'll tell you if you allow me in Royal's Cave," she purred.

A small chuckle escaped Maliki as she shook her head a little.

"Alright, but remember, it's only because you have something to tell me."

A sharp toothed smile spread on the female lynx's face as she nodded.

Maliki then turned around and they both headed into the cave' darkness. With a dip of her head, the cream horned ophoris made her markings glow so the lynx could see her surroundings. This place still makes me stare at everything. And I've been here for only a little over a ninth now! Favi thought as she stared up at some of the stalactites in the ever-growing cave. She then looked back at Maliki as they continued forward before suddenly stopping, the lynx looking ahead expectantly. Manipi then slowly crept out from the shadows and stared down at the lynx, who smiled and bowed a little.