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Chapter 45: A Promise, an Escape

The great blue dragon loomed over his captured prey. He held a stern and stoic expression, tail gently swishing behind him as the others squabbled. Beneath his rigid scales swirled a maelstrom of adrenaline and vengeance, churning and building, waiting to be released in a glorious crescendo. It was all the dragon could do as he searched the undead mage below him to not crush him to paste. He compromised as his growl thundered down his throat. He only kneaded the wizard's chest.

How many years had his existence hounded him? Haunted his waking moments? Made sure to keep the dragon up late in the night, wondering if he would return? How he'd dreamed of this moment, mere moments from his final triumph, dozens of souls finally put to rest, the monster answering for his numerous crimes. Even now Storm could hear their whispers in his ears, insisting that he put it to an end, but he resisted. To do so would only aid the lich if his phylactery could not be located. He'd simply reform far from here, slipping from Storm's paws.

Into the twin pits of blackened abyss he stared, meeting the emptiness within with a silvery flame of his own. Whatever magical fear the lich even thought of using, burned away by the dragon's ferocious glare.

“Have you thought of a way to get out of here?" Storm demanded, averting his gaze to the others behind him.

Arcturus crossed his arms, glancing to the honeycomb of vaults around them. “Unless we know how to work the controls, I don't see us getting out of here anytime soon."

“He wouldn't happen to have a manual would he?" Krotos gestured to the controls with a wing, “Most I can do is get us to another vault."

“Even if there was, I doubt he'd share it with us now." Nivra sighed, pacing behind them, a lock of her hair curled around her finger. “It would seem there was a flaw in our plan."

Veledar placed a paw to his chest, head raised and filled with pride. “Cease your eyes upon my scales, defeating the lich worked just as I intended… With him removed I imagined we'd have all the time in the world to figure out a means of escape."

“Not many of us share your prodigious lifespan." She sighed as the dragon adverted his gaze with a heavy huff, thumping his tail against the stone.

How his frills fluffed, deepening red, his nostrils flared. “You can't expect me to think of everything!"

Voidwing rubbed his beak, eyes traveling to them all before resting on where they'd arrived. “What about the wizard we found? Florimel? He helped us get here, I imagine if anyone here knows how to get out it would be him!"

“But at what cost?" Arcturus shook his head, “He'd get us lost at least ten times in getting out."

The gryphon splayed his ears sheepishly, “But what other idea do you got?"

“Fair point."

“But can we trust him?" Veledar remarked, the dragon resting upon his belly, eyeing Nigel with utter contempt. “We don't exactly have a good track record with wizards."

Nivra gasped, crossing her arms and flashed the dragon a steeled look.

“Oh, don't give me that, you don't count. You're one of the good ones."

“What about Shandalar?"

He tilted his head, scratching the top with a wing talon, “Her friendship I wished to have, but I'll add she was far too annoying for my tastes."

Krotos nodded in agreement. “She never did like my puns…Or jokes."

“Well, you are an ordeal."

“You're one to talk!" The gryphon's feathers fluffed as he, thrust a wing to the dragon's scaled chest. Sparks flared, great huffs where had. Whatever came next was overshadowed by a bout of wrestling and gnawing at each other limbs as they carelessly rolled around the platform. It was brought to an abrupt end as Storm savagely growled.

“Could we not tarnish our presence in front of the lich?" Silver seas of disappointment rested upon the red dragon as he unwound himself from his gryphon companion with a reserved chirp. “You're a dragon, cease that foolish behavior and act like one for god's sake."

As the red dragon's frills flushed in embarrassment and his snout sealed itself shut, Krotos could only plant down his haunches and tilt his head. “Don't you like to wrestle with Fremra when you think no one's looking?"

To the now shivering gryphon, Storm's attention did turn, accompanied with a most threatening growl.

“Not that there's anything wrong with that!" Nervously laughed the gryphon.

Storm huffed, diverting his attentions back where they needed to be, on Nigel himself. “Not in front of our enemies to be sure. But to put an end to this foolish squabbling, I agree with Crimson Sky in this, who knows what other problems this wizard might bring."

“But if we can't trust him…Then who can get us out of here?" Arcturus replied, turning to the others and shaking his head, “Trust or no, I agree with Voidwing. He got us here alright, and it's the closest avenue we even have. Unless Nigel's heart here is changed by chance or spell."

“Which you can't do." Storm growled, kneading the rotted chest below him. “Undead such as he are immune to such things."

“Then we truly are with limited options." Nivra sighed, “And where did you say you found this man?"

“Back in a strange library, forest of books, stacks like trees, was terrible cluttered." Voidwing replied, “Beakers of potions, wands, paintings, think there was a few cats. He did this thing with his hands that rebuilt the place after we demolished it, yea I know, we tumbled around by accident an-"

She silenced him with a wave of her hand and a sigh, “And he just…disappeared?" Hey brow rose before traveling to Arcturus' as well, seeing the conflict within each of their eyes. “So for all we know, he could have been a figment of your collective imaginations?"

The silence that came was thick. Gryphon and human scrunched up their faces, pondering everything they've seen. Heat flushed to their cheeks as down came Veledar's snout, wondering if his beloved had gone crazy in his absence without him. Again, Storm's heavy growl brought an end to such foolishness.

“Real or not. We should find where this one's phylactery is." Storm gestured to Nigel's relaxed form, “I'll not see this venture go to waste."

“And give up our potential only way out of this strange place? Even if we find the exit, I can only speculate on the spell home! If it's anything like what got us here, it might be quite elaborate, the slight deviation fatal!" Nivra rounded on the dragon, her gaze stern, “So listen here Storm, I'll not see you're petty need for revenge residing our fates to spend the rest of our natural lives wandering about!"

Storm's growl radiated down his throat; his glance was daggers. When he spoke, his voice was laced with the numerous years he'd suffered. “You think I care about your wishes little human? Beneath my paws rests a mockery of life, filled with nothing but pain, suffering, bleak nothingness that he's spread to others who've met him." His tail lashed, the coming snarl left no room for debate, his mind was adamantine on the subject. “I have an oath to keep, run, contemplate your escape, but this man is not escaping my clutches again."

Her cheeks flushed as she advanced upon him, hands curled into fists. “And I'll not have a stubborn sack of scales, no matter his age, reside us to death! If you don't remember, we have countless loved ones, not to mention the draconic orb back in Struport. Should we drop everything in a misguided attempt at vengeance?"

The princess stilled her tongue as the grand dragon snapped his jaws, pressing down to shatter a few of Nigel's ribs with a series of cracks. Many a year had it been since one such as she held such disregard for his stature. Sparks seemed to fly between them as neither seemed ready to back down in their convictions. “Careful princess. I haven't forgotten about how your pirate friends nearly blinded me."

“Alright, alright. Lets put an end to such foolishness. Both of you need to calm down." Arcturus placed himself between the dragon and mage, drawing both their iresome looks. Without batting an eye he held his ground, soon joined by the armored bulk of his Umraadi, wings spread wide. “We're on the same side, lets not let this filth divide us, surely that's what he wants."

Veledar merely coughed, “And princess, I didn't think this needed to be said, but it's most unwise to hurl baseless insults at a dragon to boil his blood. Especially when he is so large and you so small…and fragile."

“You think that gets beneath my scales young one? Only one as hot tempered as yourself would be drawn into such a petty slight." Storm huffed, averting his gaze, hating to admit that it indeed had been so. How could he make them understand? “Nivra, I've known this man for many years. The bridge you once shared is rotten and crumbled. I to once was useful to him, but once my usefulness was expended, I was discarded. Nothing more than an obstacle to remove." When he returned his gaze to her, he only saw confusion painted across her brow. “He must be destroyed this day."

She shook her head free, “At the moment he's the only lead we have. Until we know how to escape, we need him around I'm afraid."

“And he will twist the situation to his favor! Can't you see the only price will be his escape? This could be the sole chance we have of ridding the world of him. Countless souls finally given the justice they deserve!" He clenched his tight muzzle, grinding his teeth. “No, I will not give him the satisfaction. Challenge me on the subject if you wish Nivra, but do so at your own peril."

The others gulped, the coming choice weighing heavily on their shoulders. They gathered, chatting among one another in hushed whispers as Nigel's eyes gleamed in delight. One by one their heads sunk, not coming to an answer they particularly liked.

“I may despise the circumstances, but I agree. Until we have another avenue to teleport home, he must-“That's when Florimel bust in through a door, arms wide, clutching a gnarled walking stick, a smile stretched from ear to ear.

“Did someone mention teleporting home?" Hobbled to the edge of his platform, adjusting the hood of his now navy robes. He coughed as they looked to him in silence, dusting off the silver trim of his sleeves. “Oh dear, your probably broke…I did mention it was free did I not?"

“Nothing's ever free." Veledar searched the man from hand to beard, his snout wrinkled. “What's the catch old man?"

“That's not my name! It's actually…um…" He stroked beard, “Um…My gosh, what was that thing again?" He started to pace for a moment before Voidwing called out to him with a happy chirp. “Of course! It's Florimel!"

Storm shook his head as the others stared in bewilderment over such a statement. Perhaps this man was an old fool. “They say you left them before entering, why did you do that?" Storm glared at the man, recalling when he too had trusted a kind old wizard. “To bring them into the clutches of your college here?"

“Me a colleague…of his?" Florimel scoffed at Nigel, “At best he was a room-mate with far too much stuff! Before you even voice that growl dragon, I wasn't privy to what he did. We did enjoy our privacy you know."

“You avoided the question!" Storm lashed his tail against the stone, avoiding Voidwing's sudden pounce, trying to capture it with his talons. “Why did you depart?"

“That curiosity we share." Arcturus stared heavily, “Your spells could have aided us versus Nigel."

With a wave of his hand, Florimel dismissed their skepticism, proceeding to float his way down to their platform. “And have me face such a creature in my pajamas boy? Come now, I can't go anywhere like that! People would think I was crazy! So of course I went back to change, not sure why you're so bent out of shape-“ His arms went to his waist as he scanned around the battle scarred platform, “You seemed to have handled it quite well without me!"

Arcturus could only shake his head as the others groaned, “You expect us to believe such nonsense?"

“That I do."

Storm rolled his eyes, already having enough of this nonsense. “Put up a zone of truth paladin, let us question him of his intentions. If he resists the spell, I'll just kill him where he stands." As their eyes widened in shock over his bluntness, the dragon could only growl, “I've been in a situation like this before, never trust strange magicians."

“What happened?" Krotos inquired, splaying his ears as the blue dragon gestured to the lich below him. “Ah."

Without any reservations, Arcturus did as the dragon requested. A brief glimmer of light encased them all, binding them all to only speaking nothing but the truth. They looked to Florimel with their questions, he didn't seem troubled or phased in the slightest. He rolled his palm, openly inviting their questions.

“I have nothing to hide of course."

“Where do you hail from?' Storm growled.

“Well…Except that."

“That's the answer of trust you give us!" The dragon slammed down a paw with a flaring of his wings, “For your sake, your next ones better be superior, or I'll make good on my threat!"

“Then ask a better question! You want the truth, and that truth is I cannot tell you that!" The old man readjusted his hood, “Besides, I don't think I remember it anyway. It's been so long ago."

“Which is better, dragons or gryphons?" Krotos tilted his head.

“Gryphons of course, far more entertaining." Florimel casually remarked. “Plus at dancing? Please there is no comparison."

“And when it comes to relations, which one do you say is better at-“

“And I do believe you're done." Storm remarked with a growl, pushing the gryphon away with a paw. “Now is not the time for such foolishness."

“We all know what he was going to say_!_" Krotos huffed, slamming his haunches down a distance away proceeding to preen his feathers. “And I think you're all just jealous!"

“Anyone else with stupid questions?" Storm snapped to the others, eyes narrowed. Thankfully no one was interested in pushing his scales further. “Florimel, you wish to convince us of your sincerity. There is only one thing I care about, and that is if you call this lich friend, and if you know where his phylactery rests?"

The wizard only scoffed at the question, “You think I wouldn't know about someone just shoving random balls into any of my empty spaces? What sort of hedge mage do you take me for?" When everyone exchanged silent, judgmental looks, he sighed. “Of course, I know. Down the bottom of here, three lefts and fly over a chasm. You can't miss it."

Just as Axton had told him. Storm's paws trembled as he chastised himself for doubting the boy's intentions. He heaved a labored breath, years of troubles were about to be put to an end. Storm could nearly sing. “Very well." He snorted, “You've earned my trust." With a warble to burn away his sorrows, Storm crushed the lich beneath his paws.

“What have you done?" Florimel blurted out, cutting through the stunned silence. “Have you realized what foolishness you've done? Why did you go about doing it now of all things?"

“Do you expect for me to weep?" Storm growled, “I only weep that it should have come sooner."

“No not that!" The mage looked to the others, gesturing over his shoulder to where he'd emerged. “With haste we must flee! Before...It happens."

“Before what happen-“ Veledar began, cut off by a shrill, metallic shriek that pierced their ears like a sharpened blade.

“INTRUDERS HAVE TERMINATED THE MASTER'S PHYSICAL FORM, STARTING PURGING PROCESS. LIVING BEINGS PREPARE TO BE EXTERMINATED….HAVE A NICE DAY."

“Just that." Coughed Florimel, dusting off his shoulder, “We have about thirty minutes to depart before we find ourselves…well…exterminated."

The others blurted out their concerns with shaky voices, their reservation of this wizard seemingly forgotten. Storm couldn't blame them; it wasn't like they had an alternative. They went to flee upon the backs of their friends, but the blue hadn't moved, only staring at the exit down below.

“Come on Ramakox!" Florimel stomped his foot, “Now isn't the time for a staring contest! We must fly you fool!"

“Not before I kill him." Storm growled, “Go on, I'll catch up."

“Unless you're faster than any dragon I've ever known, your wings won't deliver you to safety in time!"

Would it be worth it though? Storm asked himself, feeling the sympathetic looks of the others upon his scales.

“I know you want to get him for what he's done, but we can do it another day." Said Arcturus, “Fate was not on our side this-“

“I've said that many times before. Again, and again, he escapes my grasp to terrorize or kill countless others." Storm shook his head, “Not a single time more. Arcturus….Veledar….Nivra…This is where we part. Return with this wizard, find Fremra-“ He gulped, a sliver of doubt stabbing his heart. “She'll know why it had to be done…Tell my family I love them with all my heart…I wish there was another way…The boy Axton, there is a dragoness in this world he loves dearly. Infinity is her name, her title Night Rising." He stared to Arcturus with great weight, “Swear to me you shall reunite them. It's the least I could do to mend the life I failed."

Arcturus nodded, “By my word it will be done."

The dragon returned the gesture before turning to his destiny. He took a deep breath and galloped, leaping from the platform with a great roar. Around him the network of machinery seemed to quake and shiver, held in reverence by this passing legend. He whirled around through the beams and steel, never glancing back. He had an oath to keep and there was nothing more precious in the cosmos.

*

Why on this earth were they following this crazy wizard through the halls of the mechanism of strangeness? Veledar tried to listen to Arcturus' explanation over the vibrant humming cascading through the air like a swarm of angry cicada. He caught every other word but could sense the feeling of trust and desperation in their need to escape, so he didn't squabble over the semantics of this blue wizard currently holding out his first and propelling himself with magic through the air.

Despite Veledar's mental image of these tight quarters that Nivra led them through, he was shocked to find these hallways were wide enough for his wing flaps. Had it resized itself to aid in their escape? Who had built this place? The dragon grumbled as he wheeled through the air, joined by the two gryphons behind him. Without prompting, Florimel peered back, insisting that she wanted them to escape. Could he read their minds? Veledar held Arcturus closer against his segmented chest, thankful that the man he loved wasn't squirming.

“Why did you forget your harness? Arcturus shouted as they banked hard at a hallway's fork, Veledar's wingtips nearly grazing the wall.

“Why didn't you demand they come find me?"

“You were hiding in Nivra's satchel, that's why!"

“And you didn't know that. Nor did you come looking for me! Trust me, when we get out of this, we're having a talk."

“Whelp, honeymoon phase is over! That didn't take long!" Krotos quipped from behind, his coming laugh hiding the fear painted on his beak. “And here I thought it was going to drag-on"

The dragon rolled his eyes, “Don't make me come back there and bite you." He peered back to the Voidwing. The princess was pale faced, clutching onto the onyx feathers of her beloved for dear life. “How about you Voidwing, how do you fare?"

The gryphon pushed forward without a word, his heart threatening to leap from his chest. He didn't mean for it turn into a race, but the gryphon was swiftly to the front of the pack, nipping at Florimel's slippers. “Florimel, how far do we have?" The gryphon's ears splayed as the droning voice of the facility reminded them their doom was imminent. “And can we make it?"

“Course we can make it! Do you think I wish to die?" The mage scoffed, “And how far are we? Now isn't that the question." He stopped mid-air to stroke his beard, losing himself in deep thought.

Veledar nearly snapped his hood off right there and then, even if they'd emerged to a large hall teeming with life, filled to the brim with a multitude of moisture sprinkled plants. Now wasn't the time for intense contemplation! His coming growl was only halted by Arcturus, insisting upon the dragon's thoughts, albeit in a more polite manner. What would he do without him?

“Ah, but we're here!" The mage happily blurted, thrusting his hand to an alcove engraved with a pentagram, suspiciously of the same design that Nivra had forged back home. This one however was far fancier, with gemstones instead of coal. “And Krotos, no dusting of you feathers! We haven't the time!"

Down the gryphon swooped, grumbling to himself, not even questioning how this strange man knew about his vexes. He landed with a fluffing of his wings, a heavy lash of his tail. He was more than ready to be rid of this place. “Well, lets get this over with. Some of us have other plans this evening. I'll remind you were rudely interrupted." The moment his front foreleg crossed the edge of the pentagram, the floor below shook with hidden power. Squawking in alarm Krotos just managed to return to safety as a metal cube thrust itself from the floor, sealing off their escape with a dull thud. “You've got to be kidding me! This can't be happening!"

“What did you do?" Veledar asked sternly, landing behind the gryphon with a harsh huff. “This is why we can't take you anywhere."

“I didn't do anything!" Krotos snapped to the wizard, who was calmly landing behind them, already curling his bead in interest. “Flowerell, tell them I didn't do anything!"

“Florimel, but you did do something!" The mage chuckled sweetly, “You activated a trap! Clearly!"

“Aha!" He snapped to Veledar, “Just as I though-“ His ears splayed as the dragon growled, “What did you say about a trap?"

The dragon set Arcturus down with a flick of his tail, “See? This is what you get for not paying attention and thinking of lewd things and puns all the time. I'm going to increase your fine to me if we escape this."

“I don't do that…All the time." He tried to avert himself from Arcturus' judgmental gaze. “Oh, both of you can get mounted! I think there's far more important things to focus on!"

“Like finding a way out of here, agreed." Nivra grimaced, folding her arms, staring intently to the cube, in silence she curled a lock of her hair.

“Here I get my first chance in a tome like environment, and we blunder into a trap same as Cordenth." Veledar grumbled, sliding to the cube, offering it a curious sniff. It smelled of oil, metal, and hints of vanilla. “No one is to speak of this, should we survive…Everything went according to plan…Agreed?" Whatever this was made from it was incredibly valuable. If only he could drag it back- He shook his head, he needed to focus on survival.

Arcturus, being the only one without keen eyes, incredible smell, or magical detection, was right at Florimel's side. He politely coughed, “Florimel…If you know how to remove such an obstruction, now would be the opportune time to reveal it. I believe I speak for us all when I say we have no wish to meet death."

“Well of course not, death is a terrible host! “The kind old wizard waved him off, focusing on how Krotos and Voidwing were curiously tapping their talons across the smooth, metal surface. He snapped to Arcturus, eyes lighting up. “My boy, would you perchance categorize yourself as a quote unquote, strong fellow?"

Arcturus rose a brow, brushing off his gambeson, “I would, explain how that would-“

“Excellent!" The mage cut him off, “Then would you try and lift it off so we can leave? Hopefully before we're all killed."

He couldn't be serious. Arcturus looked to the cube, finding it at least the size of a small cottage. Perhaps if it were made from a lighter material, but steel or adamantine? As the mage stared to him, he shook his head, Florimel threw up his hands.

“They say they want to be a part of the team, but they lack magic to be useful! Bah!"

Veledar returned as the mage wandered by, muttering to himself. Down went his snout, resting so only Arcturus' could hear. “Has the wizard broken in my absence? He reminds me of that man from the gate."

“That's because it is." Replied Arcturus. “But it matters not. I know, don't give me that look. Story for another time alright?" With a heavy sigh he explained the insane idea told to him. Veledar only rose his head, laughing as a forepaw made its way to his scaled chest.

“Well of course he's mad. Clearly he didn't intend for you to move it! He instead meant me! I can see your error though Arcturus." The dragon gently pat him on the head before wheeling around, approaching the cube with a sense of urgency. Swelling his chest in pride he rose up, placing his mighty paws against its cool surface. Peering back to Arcturus he gave a wink and a cocky grin, “Just need a little enhancement to my strength Umraadi and this will be rid from our troublesome sight."

What did they have to lose? Arcturus followed, applying a spell to do as Veledar had requested. Arms crossed the human retreated, resting by Krotos and Voidwing's sides. The gryphons had taken to cheering the dragon on.

“Alright doors, prepare to be Veledared." Veledar snarled, doubling his size with a flick of his tail. Muscles bulging and enhanced, his claws dug thick lines through the floor beneath his paws. All his strength was thrust into his forward motion, he would not be denied. Yet as he huffed and puffed, eyes clenching in herculean effort, the cube didn't budge. Even when his head grew lightheaded, it remained, much to his growing ire. Why hadn't it moved?

The dragon panted and heaved, ignoring the defeated looks of his companions. “Alright…It's just stuck…Give me a moment to catch my breath, no problem. You will be in awe in a moment."

“What are you even doing?" Florimel scoffed, tugging at his beard. “It was never going to work! You think brute strength can solve this problem?"

It was Arcturus that sighed, fingers squeezing at the bridge of his nose. “Then why did you suggest it if it wasn't going to work?"

“To make you two feel important in such an endeavor! Give me time to think!"

Veledar turned to the man, eyes icy cold, blood close to boiling. “And what did you learn in the time we wasted?"

Florimel furrowed his brow, crossed his arms. “That I'm missing my hat of course."

The dragon's eyes flicked to the blue, worn, pointed hat now resting comfortably on his head, “The one atop your head?"

“Oh my!" He reached up, a proud smile spreading across his face. “Why it is!" He washed his hands, “Good job everyone, the mystery of the missing hat is solved!"

The dragon almost struck this abysmal excuse for a wizard. Here he was, acting as if their deaths were not imminent. His snout snapped to him so fast, he was almost certain flames were left in his wake. The dragon's gaze narrowed, “Listen here you sorry excuse for a hedgemage, I've not come all this way, orchestrated the defeat of my nemesis to be hamstrung by some senile old fart that doesn't recognize their hat is still on their head!"

Silence fell as the whole facility shook with power, the metallic voice announcing they had but five minutes before they were to be reduced to a fine power of ash. Florimel coughed, dusting of his hat nonchalantly, “Well you didn't have to be rude about it. Seriously, you've got to be the worst dragon I've met today!"

“Why I-“ He rose his head, the coming rant only stopped by Arcturus kind hand and soothing voice, an anchor in this terrible storm.

“Krotos, keep looking for a secret compartment." Arcturus spun around, “If Florimel forgets it's up to us. Veledar, I'll need your nose to search out if there is magic hiding such a thing-“

“You need Krotos' critical eye?" Veledar grumbled, swishing his tail, “You're well aware that dragons have superior-“

“Which has a nose which is needed to sniff out the illusions if there are any." Arcturus replied flatly, “Trust me, you're superior in other areas, now's not time to be squabbling." As the dragon purred and bounced his way to the cube, the man gestured to Nivra, “And you'll disable whatever spell we find."

“You think there is one?" She rose a brow.

“Knowing our luck today?" The man grumbled, “I expect three traps and a sudden twist. Maybe even a world ending terror if we're truly unlucky."

“What if it's Veledar has a cousin or something?" Voidwing tilted his head, “And has black scales with a multitude of spines?"

“I wouldn't put it past today."

With a kiss of good luck from his Umraadi, Veledar was spurred to action. Even if Florimel couldn't be bothered to lift a finger, he'd get them out of this predicament! He sniffed around the flat surfaces for any slight trace of magic, ignoring the miasma of dread lingering all around them. With a peering back he observed the abysmal wizard, casually watching with interest. The dragon growled, “Useless wizard." That's when he caught the tell tale hint of strawberries, the sign of illusion magic. “Up above, at the top!" His frills on either side of his head flared.

“Who even puts it up here?" Krotos asked as Veledar grabbed Nivra and lifted her up to the roof. “Some sort of ma-“ The gryphon looked back to Florimel and his ears splayed, “Ah, why did I even bother asking?"

“Someone who wanted to annoy us." Veledar growled, moving aside so Nivra could weave her magic with her healed fingers, disabling the illusion before them. From the smooth surface came a small indentation adorned with runes around it, at its center a simple keyhole.

“Did you happen to find anything up there?" Florimel shouted as the facility counted down to two minutes. “We're running out of time! I'm not certain you were aware!"

“Yes, a keyhole you old fool!" Krotos squawked, running a talon along the innocent looking key slot. The gryphon's eyes lingered, doubting that it was so. “Do you happen to have a key? Or perhaps a spell to solve the problem?"

“Like the spell knock?" Nivra shouted.

To that Florimel shook his head, scoffing at such a notion. “Does it look like I know every spell imaginable? Honestly, ask the dragon, for one so great, why doesn't he have the answer?"

Veledar's nostrils flared, eyes sparking. “I swear to Bahamut, if we're to die, this man dies before this facility ends us."

“What was that?" Arcturus asked.

“Nothing!" Veledar replied innocently, showing off his shiny whites. “Just talking about how handsome and alluring you are!"

The man's cheeks blushed, “I don't think now is the time!"

“It's always the time!"

Krotos hadn't diverted his gaze, his beak held tight as he opened his pouches and extracted a pair of lock picks. When the others gulped, his ears splayed rightly so. “Lets all hope this is the story about how I save our sorry haunches."

“And despite the crazy mage hindering us."

“Working title of course, lets think of a better one shall we?" He stuck in the picks, his face scrunching up in focus, his survival resting upon his feathery wings.

“And no pressure." Veledar swished his tail, “Don't focus on us dying if you fail."

“Not helping." He muttered softly, jiggling the lengths of wire, hoping to fool the tumblers. His eyes dilated, his breathing grew shallow, even the booming voice reminding them of his death didn't pull his beak. Thinking back to his practice with Lyndis, the gryphon remained calm as a summer's breeze.

“Find anything up there?" Florimel shouted, “You've been awfully quiet! You're not throwing me a surprise party, are you? I hate those…Wink Wink."

“Our skilled gryphon is picking the lock you old coot." Veledar replied with a growl, “Something in dire need of silence and concentration!"

“You think that you can pick an interdimensional lock?" Florimel scoffed with a shake of his head, “One of the oldest facilities in the cosmos? I've heard of dragon arrogance, but this takes the ice cream cake!"

Krotos' chirp of delight rang through the hall, almost as if to despite the man's words. “I got it!"

“What?" Florimel stumbled back, his hat sliding off. “How in the worlds-“

“Take that old man!" Krotos sprung up away from the now trembling cube, landing in a flurry of feathers as it retracted into the floor behind him with a resounding clunk. The gryphon made sure to puff out his chest, milk each second of this triumph. “What do you have to say to that? I bet your stunned."

“That the last thousand years or so have been in a haze of delusion."

“Did you just say a thousand?" Tilted Veledar's head.

The mage dismissed him, “Course I didn't you ungrateful lizard." He gestured to the others to the pentagram. As his arms went up to cast the spell, he suddenly halted, the voice announcing they had only thirty seconds remaining. “Before we go-“ He turned to Veledar, eyes narrowed, “An apology."

“Now? You want one now?" The dragon snarled, lashing his tail. “For what?"

“For being rude and hurting my feelings. I'm not made of admantine you know."

Veledar rolled his eyes, “We're going to die! More importantly, Arcturus and I are going to die!"

Florimel averted his gaze, pretending to peer at his wrist.

Arcturus only sighed as a look of panic spread across the others. “Florimel, don't tell me that you have a pride greater than even dragon kind, that you'd risk all of us dying over a minor slight?"

“I might." The man folded his arms as the voice announced but twenty seconds. “He has no respect for his elders!"

“Perhaps if you deserved-“ Veledar snarled, silenced by Arcturus' no nonsense stare. He flicked to the others' noting the paleness of their faces. Oh, how his soul nipped at his thoughts, brought him back to his senses. “Fine." He grumbled, averting his gaze from the old man. “Florimel, I'm sorry. But we will be talking about this later."

The mage pat him on the shoulder with a smile, “Alright, works for me. Care to discuss it with drinks tomorrow at six?"

“FLORIMEL!" Voidwing shrieked, “WE HAVE TO GO!"

The man blushed, eyes wide, then composed himself with a chuckle “Well of course I knew that! I was merely waiting for proper, dramatic moment!" He closed his eyes and flicked his wrist, activating the circle without even a hint of a magical phrase. With a series of pops the adventurers were gone, denying Nigel his vengeance as the facility shook and quaked, red lightning lancing out to consume those already departed.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

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