Claws of Truth

Taking Flight

A/N: Hope you all enjoy this chapter!

"This is like, a never ending tunnel! When are we going to reach the exit?" Luz asked still a little on edge from their quick escape from the long arm of the law.

Even though they had this escape planned for years, actually executing it brought on a whole new wave of emotions. When they had talked about running away from the house, it all seemed so distant, like many of the great "what if's" of the world. But here, now, knowing that they may never be able to live in Eda's home again, brought on a gut wrenching feeling in the pit of Luz's stomach.

"Just keep going. I designed this place to look like an endless tunnel in an attempt to deter pursuers. It'll stop soon." Eda replied.

"It better! I'm getting sick and tired of looking at Luz's butt." King said.

"Oh, please. There are plenty of people who would pay top dollar for the view you're getting now."

"Yeah, maybe a bunch of legally blind people." King prodded.

"Shut it you two." Eda interjected. "We're here."

Luz put a hand over her eyes, blocking the blazing sun which was coming from the tunnel exit. She placed her other hand in front of her as she moved from the darkness into the light. As she crossed the barrier between the two, the sound of rubble emanated from all around. She turned behind her and saw nothing but cliff face in front of her, towering high above her. The dark gray and burnt sienna of the monumental wall blended seamlessly together. With no opening in sight. Like she literally walked through a wall.

"Nyeh!" King cried out.

He was teetering over the edge of the narrow walkway Luz was standing on, which she was surprised she didn't walk off herself. Luz quickly grabbed the horn of his skull and pulled him back against the wall.

"Thanks..." King sheepishly said.

"Of course. That's what friends do." Luz smiled at him. Though they have their bickering moments, and plenty of them, Luz always saw King as family, and would never let any real harm come to him. It's just what she did. It's what they all did.

"I can't believe you almost walked straight off the side!" Eda snickered. "How do you miss a drop like that?" She pointed down to where a nearby waterfall was emptying into a large body of water, about ten stories below them. While the view was picturesque, what with the wondrous waterfall, lovely lake, and remarkable rainbows radiating all around, the deadly drop kind of took away from the feeling of awe. Especially since they were in the danger zone.

"You wouldn't be laughing if your life flashed before your eyes!" King raised an accusatory finger to her.

"Pft. If that ever happened it would be from something a little more frightening than a cliff; something which, by the way, I could just fly to safety from." Eda popped her staff out next to her and cracked a smile.

"If you two are done," Luz interjected "we're kind of running away from the Emperor's Coven." She pointed back towards the tunnel.

Eda chuckled. "You're right, kid. We'd better get going."

"Speaking of, where are we even going?" Luz asked. "You never actually told me anything beyond going through this tunnel despite me constantly asking you."

"You're lucky she told you that much." King prodded, side eyeing Eda.

"Well, if you must know," Eda began, fully ignoring King's attempt at pressing her buttons, "the whole reason I never told you was because I wanted to save this surprise for when we were running for our lives."