The wind howled through the craggy mountain pass as Sai, Tai, Xei, and Amal approached the second base. The massive beast of legend lay motionless in a cavern below, its chest rising and falling with measured calm.
Xei crouched, eyes sharp. "It's sleeping," he whispered, pulling a rock from the ground. He flung it with precision—the sharp clink echoed in the cavern, a signal for attack.
Sai grinned, his flames flickering around his fists. "Let's show it what we've got." He leapt into the air, launching a fiery punch that lit the darkened cavern.
Tai hissed, transforming into his Snake Eternal Form. His body coiled, scales glinting in the low light, ready to strike. "No holding back!" he called, slithering forward with uncanny speed.
Shi's foot met the beast's flank in a powerful kick, the sound echoing like a cannon blast. Tai wrapped the creature's tail, yanking it high into the air, while Sai's flaming fists hammered against its massive body.
Amal raised her hands, channeling her energy. Her black ashes swirled, coalescing into a massive, dark sphere. "This… has to work!" she shouted.
Xei's eyes widened. "Amal! Turn it off! It's a trap!"
The cavern seemed to pause for a heartbeat. The beast's eyes opened—luminous, terrifying, aware. A confident, almost playful smile spread across its face.
It vanished.
"Look out!" Tai screamed, lunging to intercept, but she reappeared behind him. He spun, claws slicing through the air, but she was gone again—appearing in front of Sai and slashing with deadly precision.
Amal's voice cracked with urgency. "Stop her! Hold her with the ashes!"
The beast laughed—a deep, resonant sound that shook the earth. "Wow…" she said, her tone both amused and deadly. "You think you can contain me?