Ben narrowed his eyes as he studied the dim cavern ahead. Shadows flickered against the damp walls. “There’s sothing up there,” he murmured.
Kaya stepped beside him. She looked up there. “I see a faint light,” she added.
“Then let’s check it out,” Zala said as she cracked her knuckles, ever eager to press forward.
Ben gave a short nod before calling over his shoulder. “Nojiko, keep Lexie steady and follow us.”
Nojiko smirked as she adjusted the controls. “Got it, Captain,” she said, smoothly shifting Lexie into position.
The group ascended further into the cave, their steps careful against the uneven terrain. When they reached a steep ledge, Ben extended his hand to Robin, offering assistance. She accepted with a graceful ease, smirking as she landed beside him. “Such a gentleman,” she mused.
“Only for you,” Ben teased.
Mikita stretched out her hand expectantly. “Mind helping too?” she asked.
“Might be a bit heavy for him.” Zala chuckled, tilting her head in amusent.
Ben rolled his eyes before effortlessly pulling both Mikita and Zala up, gripping their waists and making the jump with practiced ease. As they landed, he exhaled. “You two always make work harder,” he teased.
“That’s what sisters do,” Zala smirked, dusting off her sleeves
“Besides, what kind of crew would we be if we didn’t test your limits now and then,” Mikita replied.
“Ben, look there,” Kaya said.
The crew looked up and saw a breathtaking natural scene. There was a radiant lighting emanating from the top center, casting a warm glow over the landscape. The background was filled with dense, lush greenery, accompanied by vibrant pink and orange flowers. There was a large pond, sitting in the foreground. There were scattered rocks gently breaking the water's surface. There were large tree trunks in the background.
“It is beautiful,” Kaya said.
“Very stunning,” Marianne agreed from Lexie.
“I cant believe sothing like this exists here,” Raki said.
“Not the strangest we have seen,” Mikita said.
“That is true,” Ben remarked.
They looked at the rocks. They were sculptures of animal-shaped figures scattered throughout the side of the water. There was an elephant, deer, beaver and other animals drinking water.
Then there was a large duck with an elongated beak, standing majestically among the other figures. The beak itself is exaggerated in length, curving slightly at the end. The duck's eyes were round. Its posture was upright, with two webbed feet.
Mikita glanced around the cave. “So, what exactly are we supposed to do here?” she asked.
Robin stepped toward a large, weathered stone, tracing her fingers over its rough surface. Her expression sharpened as she read the faint inscriptions carved into it. “There’s sothing more here,” she murmured. “It’s part of the song,” she added.
Kaya’s curiosity flared. “The Sway Sway Song?” she asked.
Robin nodded but didn’t take her eyes off the markings. “Yes, but there’s an additional verse,” she replied.
“More? What does it say?” Zala asked as tilted her head, intrigued.
Robin recited the words “A blue jug of water. When it’s dry, lightning strikes in the green forest. Swaying, swaying,” she said.
“Blue jug of water... that must an the pond. So, we need to dry it?” Kaya thought out loud.
“That was my thinking too,” Zala said.
“Okay, but how exactly do we drain it?” Mikita said as she glanced toward the water.
They looked at their Captain. “Well,” Ben said. He looked at the large duck. “Is that duck not suspiciously bigger than all,” he said.
Ben’s body surged with raw power as he transford into his hybrid form. Black claws glead under the dim light, sharp as blades. His back stretched, sprouting massive, midnight-black wings. A long, sinuous tail lashed behind him, flicking like a whip of pure shadow. Two small horns erged from his forehead. His eyes, devoid of pupils.
Without hesitation, he launched into the air, the sheer force of his wings sending gusts spiraling outward. He looked at the massive stone duck’s leg. He clenched his fist as it crackled with dark, pulsing power. “Demon Fist,” he said.
Ben struck with unrelenting force. His fist collided against the stone leg, the impact sending shockwaves through the structure. Cracks spider-webbed outward in an instant, deep fractures splintering across its surface. Then it collapsed. The massive stone duck failed under the overwhelming force. The beak plumted downward, striking the surface of the lake with a powerful splash. Water erupted into the air before it was violently sucked downward, swirling like a vortex. The lake twisted and churned and drained out.
Marianne’s eyes widened.“Wow, Ben,” she remarked.
“Quite the clever approach, Captain,” Robin added.
Mikita crossed her arms, watching the last remnants of water spiral away. “It was definitely unexpected,” Mikita said.
The drained pond revealed a foundation of massive, carefully arranged stones. Between the cracks and uneven formations, a hidden entrance lay partially concealed. Its edges were worn.
Robin wasted no ti. She leapt down, landing gracefully beside the entrance. She ran her fingers across the rough stone, studying the details with a sharp, analytical gaze.
“Ben, can I investigate this further?” she asked. “Sothing about this doesn’t feel right. I think there is more to this mystery,” she added.
Ben thought there was for sure. He could tell the girls however it is sotis better for them to find themselves. He knew they would all join up. Also, he knew they were more people coming here so they needed to act fast.
“Go ahead,” he said. “We need to cover more ground. Whatever’s here, we should figure it out now,” he added.
Turning toward Zala and Mikita, he added, “Zala, Mikita can you both go with Robin. Make sure she’s got backup,” he requested.
“Sure thing, Captain,” Zala responded.
“As you wish. Might be fun,” Mikita added as she stretched her arms.
“Everyone else will stay with . My gut feeling is that there is more here,” Ben said.
“Sure Captain,” Raki agreed.
“Robin, Mikita and Zala, we will et outside,” Ben stated.
“How do you know that?” Mikita teased.
“Captain knows,” Robin responded.
“He does for sure,” Mikita replied. The three ladies walked inside the secret entrance.
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