Chapter 8
The first thing the Royal Guardians saw after the wall collapsed is the pure dark environment ahead. The different scenarios on what's behind the dark environment started crossing their minds with wondering expressions plastered on their faces. It had led to hesitation on whether or not, they should go forward.
"So, we passed Bashiri's test, then Billie's and then, I faced mine. Now, it all comes down to you and Rover. What's going to happen behind the pure dark environment?" Intellizo asked Leo.
It took Leo a few moments before answering, "I'm not sure, but it's only one way to find out."
With that being said, the group walked their way through the pure dark environment. Every step they took, the environment was starting to get darker. It had crossed their minds to think it could be another test. A test that could help them feel and use other senses to breakthrough. Not just their eyes.
But for Leo, just as he was about to think he and the others would not make it, a light shone in his eyes. This forced his left fist to shield his eyes from the rays going directly in them. It took a few moments before the light started fading away.
Once Leo opened his eyes and laid his left arm to his side, his face plastered in confusion, then in a brief moment, it turned into an examined expression. Right before him was a pool of lava with a cave-like entrance on the other side. Farther ahead of him. From his feet to the cave-like entrance was a zig-zag-shaped path.
Leo could hear multiple footsteps behind him. Once he realized they're still walking, his arms were stretched horizontally in front of them.
"Everyone, stop! There's a pool of lava before us! We need to cross the bridge in order to make it to the other side!"
"How can you see a pool of lava? In fact, we can't see anything, but darkness," stated Intellizo.
"That's true. Even as a ninja, I can't sense anything related to what you have said," said Bashiri.
"I'm not sure, Bashiri. I just saw all this for some reason," said Leo.
"Hang on a minute.."
Everyone turned around to see Billie with his right index finger on his chin with his elbow laying on the other hand. His eyes narrowed as realization hit him.
"If we can't see anything and Leo's the only one who can see the pool of lava with a bridge that leads to the other side, then that means... "
Their eyes shot wide open as they now knew what it means. This is a test of Leadership.
You can hear Rover stomping his right foot, then his arms started to cross. "Oh, great. How come I'm the only one not having a chance to face a test? I'm great. I'm ready for anything."
"I know you are, Rover. You just need to be—" Leo started.
It was cut off by Rover's growl, then a proud cry escaped his mouth. "It's Nixue, Leo!!! I repeat! Nixue. Spage!!!"
"Alright, alright. If you insist," Leo said with a jokingly smirk on his face. Then, his face turned into a serious and determined expression. "Okay. Now, follow my voice, fall in line and be careful not to bump to each other."
Leo could see the others falling in line like he just said. A few bumps were involved, but they managed to get through carefully. First is Rover, then behind him is Intellizo. Bashiri was behind him and what was almost leaning her back was Billie's stomach. Once they're all in line, Leo knew their visions see nothing but darkness, so he asked them, "Everyone in line?"
The words "Yup," "Affirmative," "Yeah," and "I think we all are" bounce off the walls.
"Great! Now listen carefully and follow my directions to the other side of the lava pool."
With that being said, Leo turned to the path again to look at its details. The first five steps led to his diagonal-left corner, then three steps on his diagonal-right, two steps on the left and finally, ten steps on his right. And that leads to the other side.
As his words guided him across the path, they finally made it through.
As Billie took the first step at the end of the bridge, you can hear Intellizo telling Leo, "It's a good thing your leadership got us through."
"It's nothing really. I was just helping us get through this obstacle."
"Sure, you did," said Rover with a hint of pouting in his voice.
Before anyone could say anything to Rover, Intellizo's voice grabbed their attentions. "Look, guys! It's daylight!"
They both turned to the cave-like entrance. Farther ahead of them wads indeed daylight.
"Could this be it?" asked Bashiri.
"I don't know, but it's now or never if we wanna get through this," answered Leo.
With that being said, the Royal Guardians sprinted towards the daylight. And once they got through the light, they found themselves back where it all started.
"Wait, we're back?! To where it all started?!" asked Rover. Rage started occurring in him causing a roaring yell to go up onhis throat, then out of his mouth. "Grrraaaaaggghhh!!!"
That roaring yell had caused the other Royal Guardians' attentions to turn to him. And to his reaction, he was angry.
"I've been preparing all my life for this obstacle, yet they didn't give me one?! Why does everyone always forget my reputation?! Not even a name?! I hate being invisible!!!"
Words from Rover sent arrows of sympathy through them. A force was dragging them to go comfort him, but they held themselves back until he finally cools off.
"Why would we forget you, Rover?" Billie asked him. "We're always on your side."
"I TOLD YOU: IT'S NIXUE SPAGE!!!!!" he said now fully enraged. Tears were filling his eyes as they sparkle with proud.
Once Leo heard his words and his yell, realization finally hit him. "Actually, I think it's been here the whole time."
"So?" asked Rover.
"So the whole obstacle course isn't just to make you worthy. It's to teach you a lesson. And the overall lesson is about humility."
Rover's facial expression turned into wonder. "Are you serious about this?"
"Yes. I could tell you always wanted to face your test and how much pride is igniting inside of you, so instead of waiting long enough to face your own obstacle, you just have to be humble and be happy for them."
Just as Rover was about to open his mouth to object, a deep and smooth-talking raspy voice was heard.
"Well-well-well. If it isn't the first group of Royal Guardians who finished the obstacle course challenge on time."
When everyone turned around, right before them was none other than Pound the Tiger.
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