Book Two Chapter Eighteen: Epic Airspace Showdown

Book Two Chapter Eighteen: Epic Airspace Showdown

Qube decided that she should perhaps keep her potentially dangerous discussions with Definitely Bad Guy for a time in which there wasnt someone else around to tell on her to the Chosen One. Said Chosen One, having reassured her that he wouldnt be reporting this conversation, and thus accidentally informing her that the devs werent, for whatever reason, capable or interested in directly observing her, went back to his favourite pastime: looting.

Having collected all the inner loot of the various bats, the Chosen One led the party through another dark archway and into a strange arena. The entire surface was littered with feathers and tufts of fur and, there in the middle, there was what Qube could only assume was the rejected griffin. It turned to look towards them and it took all of Qubes bravery not to flinch. Its eyes were filled with a maelstrom, black and silver swirling within its pupil. Rather than the rich golden fur of the griffins, or the shining feathers of the Flitter Folk, it looked like the ghostly child of both. The floor underneath it was covered in silvery runes that glowed as it moved.

You shall not disturb his quest, the spectral creature snarled. Small bolts of lightning snapped around its mouth.Updated from novelb(i)n.c(o)m

The Chosen One waved his hand through the customary Save Point, making sure to stay away from the others.

Boss time, the Chosen One cheerfully declared, rolling his shoulders. I think

But before he could finish whatever hed been about to say, the unadopted cat-bird roared. It spat out lightning and thunder, and launched itself towards them at top speed.

[Lesser Shield], Qube desperately cast. Neither the Hunter nor the Mage could get a shot off, it was moving so fast, but the Bard was already strumming.

Easy, easy, the Chosen One said, dancing out of the way just in time. He looked at the Boss, frowning slightly. Wait, you're just the lion! Or rejected griffin or whatever. Youre supposed to be after the Boss, arent you? Man, they really messed

The "lion" slammed into the wall just next to the Chosen Ones head.

I gave myself to the Storm! the rejected griffin roared, crackling as it moved. All shall be consumed!

Intense, the Chosen One said, which didnt seem to calm the so-called lion down much. He pulled out his goo gun and, sticking his tongue out slightly in concentration, fired off a glob of green.

The lions paw, which had just touched down on the wall, no doubt to use the momentum to launch itself into another attack, was splattered with the goo, sticking its paw down. It tugged at the goo, then roared angrily.

If it hadnt been for the life-threatening scenario, it would have looked almost comical, this massive beast made of elemental magic desperately trying to unstick itself from the wall. The Chosen One jumped over to the lion, his Sacred Sword glowing as it sliced into the beast.

Chosen One, wait! Qube cried out. The Chosen Ones sword was made of metal had he learned nothing from the bats? this could only end poorly. However, whatever spells made the sword Sacred were stronger than a mere manifestation of the Storm itself. He managed to get in several solid hits before the storm-lion broke free and shot off again, this time targeting the other party members.

Stop! Were here to help! Qube called to the beast only to realise that a) she actually wasnt sure if they were there to help or kill the lion and b) she was still invisible.

The cat-bird, having started zipping around the room again, revealed the sheer size of the arena with its lightning trails. It looked like the Chosen One was going to have to fly around the room, dodging its lightning-fast (literally) attacks, while carefully aiming and shooting with the goo gun. Then, in the few precious seconds of stillness while it unstuck itself, stab at it with his sword until he hurt it badly enough it could no longer attack. He would also have to either protect his companions on the ground or order them to join the aerial battle and potentially get rammed into by the deadly beast.

This was going to be an epic battle.

The Chosen One, however, seemed to have other ideas.

Here, he spun out of the way of another attack from the lion, and threw everyone a goo gun. Squiggles caught eight, and started happily waving them about, while the others all grimly armed themselves. Qube, naturally, was too busy shielding and remaining ready to [Heal] to arm herself.

I was born to them, and they rejected me. I was raised with them, and they rejected me. The lion bowed his head, mane and feathers intermingled. All I ever wanted was to be accepted. But the one thing I cannot change about myself is the reason that neither family will love me.

For once, the Chosen One was silent, as he stood and stared at his fallen foe.

The Storm promised me wings, if I could but bring it flight. I thought the feathers of the Flitter Folk would be enough, so I stole them. I know it was wrong, but all I wanted was to fly. To be loved. The lion heaved a massive sigh. He sat on his haunches, and looked at the Chosen One. I will accept your judgement. One of those feathers will make me into a griffin. The other, a Flitter Folk. Or you may decide that my crimes have been too great, and slay me. The choice is yours.

Woah, the Chosen One said. Three options? Now I see where all the manpower went for this place. They really broke the bank on this one. Man, this is way too serious.

He sounded on edge, not that Qube could blame him. What a terrible choice to have to make! A terrible, pointless choice!

Chosen One, she whispered, even knowing the lion couldnt hear her. She reached out and tugged on his arm. Chosen One, this is absurd!

Youre telling me, the Chosen One snorted. He blinked, as what she said sank in. Wait, what dyou mean?

He doesnt need to be either! Qube hissed. We should just talk to him, get him to accept himself. And to the griffins and Flitter Folk! They both sound like they need a good talking to. Imagine rejecting him just because he wasnt what they expected, and was different from them! That doesnt mean hes not useful. In fact, he could probably do things that neither group could! He could fit into smaller places than the griffins, and protect the Flitter Folk from bigger threats! He doesnt deserve to be destroyed, just because he isnt one or the other, he deserves to be his own self!

Qube puffed out her cheeks in outrage at the narrow minded stupidity that stopped the griffins and the birds from realising their own good fortune.

The Chosen One was giving her a look shed only seen a few times. A kind of fascinated pride that mixed approval with surprise.

I mean, yeah, that would be sensible, he said eventually. But thats not gonna happen.

Why not? Qube asked indignantly. We can talk to him or, well, you can talk to him, and make him realise his own worth!

I dont think hes capable of it, the Chosen one said. Qubes breath was taken away by his blunt brutality.

Of course he would be capable of it! she nearly gasped. The Chosen One grimaced at her enraged tone.

No, I mean he looked around the room, as if searching for inspiration. He must have found some somewhere, because he continued: I mean, it would take a really, really long time, right? To fix a lifetime of being treated like he was less than, yknow? And we have to save the world. So we dont have time to sit here and try to heal his inner wounds or whatever.

Qube drew herself upright.

What kind of Heroes would we be, if we let him suffer needlessly, just because we didnt want to even try? she asked, her words hard enough to have been chiselled in stone. If you do not wish to try, then please ask him if I would be able to [Heal] him, so that we may speak.

The Chosen One threw up a hand, as if to ward off her glare.

Okay, okay, he said, walking to the lions side. Hey buddy, he asked the lion, who was still awaiting his judgement. You wanna talk to my invisible friend?