Episode 2: A Hard Earned Beginning (Part 2)

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(3 Days Prior)

Atalanta's wasn't able to comprehend what was happening. It felt like she was being pulled towards something completely unusual and it was starting to push all of her panic buttons. Her father was unusually jumpy and nervous. It was like he was trying to read a book in another language then repeat it in another. Atalanta wasn't used to that. Even Aurora was nervous. The clock ticked again in the quiet room. Sat across the room, sipping a cup of tea a western chimera, looking like it wasn't casual meeting.
The children were upstairs in the second level of the office which had an opening that they could see everything from a bird's eye view.  The chimera had a voice like a river, smooth and gentle. "I suppose you wonder why I'm here."
"I suppose not for idle chit-chat." The king replied
"Getting right to business," he leaned forward, giving Atalanta a good look at his different colored wings, "I'm here for one thing, the human."
Atalanta's blood went cold.Victoria breathed in sharply, grabbing Nick's hand. "Why?" The king asked sharply.
"You know why," the chimera grinned, "but only she and you know truly know why I need her."
"You'll destroy Mirage," The king shouted
"A noble sacrifice for the start of a new world." The chimera looked directly at Atalanta.
He'd been aware of our presence the whole time, Atalanta thought.
"Princess Atalanta do you have anything to say on the matter of the Forbidden Spell." The chimera's words echoed off of every wall.
"I would never," Atalanta said loudly, jumping from her post, "There is a reason the spell is forbidden. I swore to protect Mirage when I became a Dracon"
"Sad to hear that you won't come willingly Princess," He raised his arm.
Atalanta ducked instinctively. Aurora had jumped down to shield Atalanta's body, smoke and ash filled the office. She couldn't see passed the end of nose. Aurora lead her to a secret passage. Victoria and Nick had made it as soon as they saw. The group ventured slowly into the tunnels.
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The group eventually got to Cabera, a border town about 8 miles from the castle. Unspotted as they'd been underground during the journey. They had it made it to a safe house and grabbed some money and were currently arguing about where to go. "Let's go to Simonin," Atalanta argued.
"No way," Aurora argued back, "Too public, we need to go west to Capital City."
"We go south to Mirage City," Victoria said, "Very big city and I have property down there."
"I agree with Tori," Nick said finally piping up. Nick looked like he was going to be sick.
"Mirage City is too big, too public," Aurora said, Atalanta had never seen her as nervous.
The next moment was a blur of arguments. They'd all stormed out. Atalanta heading for Simonin.
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(Present Day, Capital City)

Kora had left the Roost. It felt like ages since she had left. Princess Atalanta had crashed to the floor after she talked about the incident. Poor girl, Kora thought.
If Aurora was in Capital City, it would be hard to find her. Kora supposed that it would be easier to hide for the princess to hide. Still extremely dangerous though considering the Fates and Western Dragons that lived. Taylor, the dragon that came with Kora, walked behind her mumbling something to herself. The two walked into a bar on the west side of town.
"What can I interest you into?" The barkeeper asked.
"Information," Kora said
"You'll wanna go upstairs to the boss," Barkeeper pointed up with her chin.
Kora nodded. The door led to an office with a younger woman, sat behind her was a larger man with sharp claws. Taylor gulped. It was rare to see a western dragon. Kora sat at the table. "I hear you give information."
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(Presents Day, Simonin)
Atalanta was physically exhausted. Not helping were the pounding screams of 'die' in her head and the thunking of knives going on outside her room. You know that you can't suppress me so your ignoring me The voice rattled off it's usual banter
The creak of a door broke her out of another self screaming match. Theo had brought some food and blankets. Atalanta sat up and greeted him. "Princess? I have some stuff. You said you felt ill so I brought you some bread."
"Thank you Theo," Atalanta accepted. She was starving.
"If you need anything else, I'm right next door," he set down everything else at the foot of the bed.
He left. Atalanta reached for her communicator. One message:

Tori and I made it to Mirage City. Remember keep communication minimal. Stay safe Lanta and stay east. ~~Nick

No message from Aurora yet. Atalanta sent out a message to Prince Lee.

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