Part Six: Precipice

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The following morning was heralded by the laments of sore muscles and aching bones. The dragonets had discovered their limits for the first time in their lives the day prior, not even the most rigorous training session sapping their stamina like so. From flying across the central continent, to facing down one of Pyrrhia's fiercest leaders, they had not accomplished much else after their meeting, taking the rest of the day to appreciate the first real reprieve offered to them since escaping from under the mountain. 

Glory looked on in amusement as the misfit group of fabled heroes ambled around the room half-awake, stretching their protesting limbs.

"Morning, sunshine," she called to a weary Starflight shuffling her way. His eyes had just enough strength to open halfway, and he offered only a meager grunt for a reply. Glory felt her grin creep just a little further upwards. It was gratifying to see for all his powers and unshakable confidence, even he wasn't exempt from the debilitating grip of fatigue.

"Glad you're enjoying this," he mumbled, responding to her thoughts.

"There's a difference between enjoyment and vindication," Glory mused. "I guess you destined saviors aren't so far apart from the rest of us mortals."

"What?!" Something flashed in Starflight's eyes like lightning. It was all too brief, but potent enough to snap his eyelids fully open. "What did you just say?!"

"Woah! Easy! I'm just joking," Glory startled at his sudden change in demeanor, all levity vaporizing like steam.

Starflight merely stared at her with a distant, hollow expression, lips mouthing silent words as if possessed. She couldn't quite make them out, but she swore one of them read an awful lot like 'slaughter.' Just as her pulse began to quicken, and her instincts readied her for danger, he snapped out of it.

"Sorry," he exhaled forcefully, as if he'd been holding his breath. "My powers have been a little...unwieldy as of late."

"Is that right?" Glory eyed him nervously. Just when she thought she had a read on their situation, a new ingredient gets thrown into the mix. The implication that Starflight could lose control of his abilities was worrisome to say the least.

"It sounds worse than it is," he said quickly, sensing her concern. "I'm fine, really. Nothing more than mild discomfort."

"I'll say," she muttered in agreement. Starflight appeared to regain his composure, even looking a little more awake, but part of her wondered if he was just putting on a front. When she thought about it, the monotony of living in a cave likely didn't put a ton of strain on someone with future sight. She could only imagine how he was adjusting to the real world.

That went for all of them, she thought, casting a glance at Clay and Sunny conversing to the side.

"I was hoping you'd help with that, actually."

"Stop it," Glory snapped, focusing back on the NightWing.

"Sorry," he smiled apologetically. "Force of habit. But I do need a favor."

"Seems to be all I'm good for," she sighed apathetically. "What do you need now?"

"This one's simple, I promise," he started. "Just take Clay and Sunny to the markets for the afternoon. Wander around, explore the city, nothing too demanding. I know they'll appreciate it."

"And be ready to thwart any assassinations attempts?" She raised a doubting brow.

"Nothing like that," Starflight shook his head. "Scarlet won't make any moves, at least not yet. I just want to get their minds off our...predicament for a while."

Glory had been quick to agree. Tsunami and Starflight may well be two of the most dangerous dragons she knew, and she could easily see them being suited to a life on the run. It wasn't as if she thought less of the other half of their merry band, but it had been evident yesterday that the ordeal they continued to endure was starting to take its toll.

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⏰ Last updated: Oct 18 ⏰

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