The Nibiru Effect

Memory 90

Saying goodbye is never easy, but it's especially difficult when you know you will never again see the person you're saying farewell to. That's the situation Korrigana is in as I prepare myself to lead her children to safety. I have memorized the directions and reaching the outside world should take no more than fifteen minutes. With any luck, I can be back on my way up the Mountain of Fire within the next half hour. And, now that I have a plan I'm confident will work, Jonn and Kara's future is looking much brighter. For that matter, so is mine.

"Don't worry," I tell Korrigana as I lead her children toward the exit. "I'll return to let you know they're safe." I'm not sure if she understands, but she growls softly at the sound of my promise.

The baby dragons seem oblivious to the fact that they're leaving their mother for the final time. To them, we're merely going on an adventure. I guess it's better this way as it will make it easier for me to lead them to freedom.

The journey is short and boring. After a few turns and a lot of walking, we reach our destination. As it turns out, the tunnel merely ends. From the looks of it, we're halfway up a massive cliff, but I can't be one hundred percent sure as I only peek out of the hole before ducking right back in.

The first two dragons barely even hesitate before leaping out of the tunnel. They plummet for a second, then open their wings and soar away. Only the injured reptile remains. It seems hesitant to take the plunge, no doubt worried its damaged wing won't be able to support it.

Don't worry, I tell it moments after I have replicated its appearance and pressed my snout to its face. You'll be fine.

The animal doesn't answer, but I can sense its confidence grow. It pulls away, turns toward the exit and leaps into the air. It flaps its wings and, within seconds, rises up and out of sight. I wait a few moments to make sure he's all right, then head back the way I came.

The return trip is uneventful. On the way there I pass by the tunnel which will lead me to the summit of the Mountain of Fire, but I ignore it and continue. I could never live with myself if I broke my promise to Korrigana.

"Don't worry," I tell her as soon as I emerge from the tunnel. Your children are safe, I add once I have replicated the injured dragon's appearance and pressed my head to hers.

Thank you, she says.

You'rewelcome, Ianswer. Moments later, I'm reverting to my human form. I press my palm to Korrigana's muzzle in a gesture of farewell then pull away. Next stop: Avalon's tower.