(Cyrus POV)
For a while, the lion did nothing. It just gazed upon us as if it was looking deep into our souls. There was no malicious intent, just curiosity. I slowly turned to face the large beast that appeared to be four meters tall. My father made his way over slowly, trying not to spook the creature. The majestic lion seemed unfazed by my father approaching. Then the lion locked eyes with me and pressed its nose toward my chest. It began sniffing aggressively, to the point it almost knocked me over.
I stayed still and slightly turned my head to make eye contact with my father. Over the several weeks traveling this side of the astral realm, we had learned to communicate with the smallest of gestures. He knew what I was planning, and I could see the twitch in his hands preparing to strike at a moment's notice.
"Don't worry, child," an unknown voice rang in my head. "I will not harm you. I just needed confirmation on what I sensed earlier." The voice continued. Immediately, I looked at my father, wondering if he heard the same thing I did. From the look on his face, I could tell he did, as the lion approached my father.
I couldn't help but wonder what this creature was doing. The last creature to speak to me like this was Rava. To my knowledge, astral behemoths don't speak telepathically, and this creature seemed to have more awareness and sentience compared to what I have seen. Then, to the surprise of my father and me, the lion laid down in front of my father and spoke.
"It is a pleasure to meet an heir of Solaris. I am here to serve," the lion said telepathically to my father and me, as I felt some type of link form.
"Serve… Serve us?" my father shot back telepathically.
"Yes. Since the days of old, I have been entrusted with watching over the sacred relic of the Solaris clan," the lion said back.
"Wait, so are you Solmane?" I asked excitedly.
The lion smirked. "That is correct, young one."
"So if you are Solmane, why are you here and not guarding the ancient relic? And how did it get stolen in the first place?" my father asked.
"The relic was stolen thousands of years ago, after I used all of my remaining energy to save the young prince at the time who was helping me defend it. I have only recently regained enough energy to manifest again."
"So I assume you tracked it out here then."
"Correct, my lord. My astral form is directly connected to the relic. So I was able to find it quickly, but whoever recently got a hold of it was very cautious in regard to who could get through the barrier. Since I was created through the power of the Solaris constellation, I have a signature that is not allowed inside the barrier. So I have been roaming this area, watching to see who comes and goes."
"So, Solmane, why didn't you attack the people who were going to and from the tomb where the relic was kept?"
"My lord, I am not capable at the moment. I recently was able to manifest again, and I am not at the power I once was before my sacrifice. I gain strength similar to you, my lord, but slightly different. I grow in strength by being submerged into the core of a starbound who is connected to the Solaris constellation."
"I understand. Well, we could always use another trusted companion. We were headed over to the tomb anyway. I also have more than enough cosmic energy at the moment to help you out. You could jump into my core if you want."
"Thank you, my lord," the lion said, but then he turned to me. "Young one, you have the blood of Solaris in you, but you have not connected to the constellation. Why is that?"
"It's complicated really. Might have to ask the Lord Pantheon himself one day. I still don't understand why either. I'm just rolling with the punches. But hey, on the bright side, I can go in there and retrieve it no problem. So there's a positive to it all."
The lion didn't say much in response. It just continued its deep stare for a few more moments. I could tell it knew more than it was letting on but chose not to say. I wanted to question the flaming beast but decided against it.
"Now that we are acquainted and have gotten rest, how about we get going then," my father said, breaking the silence. Solmane and I acknowledged my father's request and proceeded to leave the watering hole.
As we continued our trek through the hot and dry terrain, Solmane provided more information regarding the tomb and the barrier. Apparently, the tomb was hidden from plain sight. The barrier was invisible to the naked eye, hiding the tomb from plain sight from any traveler of the astral realm. Solmane said it caught him by surprise as he ran toward the source, only to be rejected harshly from it.
"To think the Slytharions had it this entire time is just a slap in the face," my father said.
"If it is any consolation, my lord, only people connected to the Solaris constellation can properly use it," Solmane quickly confirmed.
"Well, that's good at least. But it still doesn't change the fact how greedy this clan is. They'd rather control everything than allow the poor a chance at freedom," my father said as he kicked a rock forward.
"It is a shame, my lord. I would have thought civilization would grow in that aspect. It appears they didn't."
"They sure didn't, my new friend," my father solemnly responded.
We continued to walk in silence for a little bit longer, until Solmane asked us to stop.
"We are at the barrier now, my lords."
I thought he was joking at first, but then I activated my Gravisense.
With Gravisense active, I could feel the distortions that this large round dome created.
"He's right, Dad," I responded, glancing at my father and awaiting his commands.
"Well, I guess this is your cue. Find what is creating the barrier, destroy it, and wait for us."
Rolling my eyes, "Oh, don't worry. I plan on coming right back. I've been carrying this team of late. I meant it when I said I wanted to sit back for a bit," I said as I passed through the barrier.
"You got to be kidding me," I muttered to myself as I saw a giant man-eating flower resting on top of a mossy structure that was most likely the tomb we were looking for.