The Cindered (Anti)Hero || Book 1

Chapter 11 - The Rescue

Comet paced, scared to death about Ronin. "Why in the 3 moons is he taking so long?"

Jacques flicked his tail. "Ever thought that maybe he did something stupid and is now imprisoned?"

Comet looked at Jacques, worry written all over her face. "You don't think.."

"Knowing Ronin, I know."

"Well then I guess step 3B: search the dungeons for Cinder and Ronin." She took to the sky, landing in front of the dungeon entrance. Two SkyWing guards sat there, looking down at the dragons judgmentally. "What are you lot doin' here?"

Comet smiled, putting on her friendly demeanor. "Hello, good sirs, we were wondering if we could visit a relative." The guards huffed. "Queen said no visitors."

Comet frowned. "Please, sirs, only for a minute. This poor SeaWing is about to die and wants to see her mother one last time." She pulled Angel off her back, holding her up to the guards. Playing along, Angel made a face with big eyes. "Please?" She added a cough, Comet having to hold back a laugh.

The guards grumbled. "Fine. 5 minutes. That's all y'a get." They opened the gates to the entrance, leading them inside. They walked down a long hallway of rock, until finally, they reached the dungeons. No sign of an armored SkyWing or red-and-yellow RainWing anywhere. Comet began to worry. What if they've already been executed? she thought horribly.

The guards walked to the other side of the dungeons, blocking another tunnel. Comet tried peering past them, seeing where the tunnel led to. Jacques looked around. "No signs of Cinder or Ronin anywhere," he whispered. Comet sighed. "Plan 3C?"

"What would that be?"

"Fight the guards and demand they take us to them?"

"It's worth a shot."

Comet set Angel down on Jacques' back and lunged at the guards with a dagger. The guards were up immediately, trying to stab Comet. She swiftly dodged the spears, landing a deadly bite on one of the guards' arms. The guard yowled in pain, quickly passing out. The other guard spat fire at Comet, who spat fire back, managing to tuck and roll out of the way.

The guard growled, lunging at Comet. He was stopped by a stab in the leg from a stinger. He roared, falling to the ground. Comet looked up to see Jacques, smiling and flicking his tail. "Thanks, man," Comet chuckled. Jacques nodded. "He should be awake soon, so we'll be able to interrogate him."

Cinder awoke to a guard jabbing her. "Here's y'er food," they grumbled, leaving a tray of stale bread and a shot glass of water and walking away. Cinder sighed, looking at the tray, and resting her head. Ronin had gotten up, waving to her. She sat up. "What's up?"

Ronin looked around, then back at Cinder. "How in the moons are we gonna get out?" Cinder shrugged. "Beats me, but I would worry 'bout y'erself. I don't want out."

Ronin tilted his head. "Why?"

She shrugged. "Nothin' to live for."

"What about Comet? Aren't you guys friends?"

"I ain't no one's friend."

Ronin sighed. "You're my friend."

Cinder looked up at him. "Don't lie to me to make me feel better."

"I'm not. You are my friend. A-am I yours?"

Cinder sighed. "Sure, bud." 

Ronin smiled. "So as your friend, let me help you out."

Suddenly, a dragon burst through the doorway. It was Comet, with Jacques close behind her, Angel on his back. Ronin gasped happily. "Comet! Jacques! Ang! You're all here!"

"Told y'a we wouldn't leave you hangin'," Comet smiled. "Now how do we get you guys out?"

"I have an idea," a familiar voice hissed. Comet turned around, hissing. Cinder looked to see who it was, even if she already knew. It was Soot, with multiple guards behind him. "Oh, moons," Comet mumbled.