F.F.O.

Chapter Eleven

Flight of The Summoner

Escape.

“Quick!” Ron said as they ran down a flight of stairs “They probably know by now”

“They are probably going down the stairs, you mean!” Harry said

“Don't worry,” said Rapticon Sr. as they took the twelfth flight of stairs “We are like, miles down the castle now!”

“I still can't believe it!” said Hermione, following behind Harry “Sir Severus Snape plotted the death of the king!”

“Run now, mourning later” said Rapticon Sr. from the front “Anything we have to worry down here?”

“Apart from possible fiends and monsters? Nothing” Hermione said

The flight of stairs that they were descending had an awful atmosphere. It was a big contrast to the Majestic Hall's splendor and the fact that the secret passageway leads them to a dark and dirty stairwell almost made Harry feel confused.

“Does this ever end?!” Ron complained as they went down their fourteenth flight of stairs

It was a long way down. Harry could smell the unpleasant odor of rotten eggs, burned cabbages and an unclean toilet.

“Does this lead us to the sewers?” Harry turned to Hermione

“That I don't know” said Hermione “This is the first time I ever entered here”

They finally reached their seventeenth and continued down the eighteenth.

“At least we are going down” said Rapticon Sr. “Imagine if we went up… that would be a run”

Ron shook his head.

“I don't want to think about it” he gulped

Twentieth flight of stairs…

“Stop!” Harry announced in a sudden fashion

The whole party stopped and looked at Harry.

“What's wrong?” Ron asked

“I think I hear them…” Harry looked up

Rapticon Sr. closed his eyes and listened carefully… the only thing he can hear is the sounds of water dripping, the air traveling around the area and everyone's breathing.

“Well?”

Hermione looked up at the ceiling… if they were surely after them, would they be hearing footsteps by now?

Or maybe…

“Oh no…” Hermione gasped

“What?” Harry looked at Hermione

Hermione stroked her brown hair, looking worried.

“What is it?!” Harry asked irreverently, he had no time for dramatics

Hermione looked at Harry and said in a small voice

“They are going to the other side of the passageway, the exit”

Then with haste, the party ran the next flight of stairs. If Hermione's theory is correct, the Royal Guard with the Council might be in the end of this passageway waiting for them. Turning back could be a given but knowing the Council, someone might be there waiting for them.

Twenty-third flight of steps

And finally…

Twenty-Fourth.

“Twenty-Four!” Rapticon Sr. sighed as he fell to a wall and started panting “My knees feel weird…”

Harry, Ron and Hermione followed down and rested beside Rapticon Sr.

“That… was wicked” Ron said, panting

“What's next?” Harry asked

The four party members looked to their left and saw nothing but open darkness…

“Uh… should we see something in here?” Hermione asked

“I smell dirty water” Ron grimaced “Blimey, is this the sewers?”

“No,” Hermione shook her head “From what I read, the passage is not connected to anything to avoid any compromised situations against the king”

“Well, we need a light” said Rapticon Sr., climbing up the flight of stairs and grabbing the torch (more of these were positioned in every flight twenty-three flights above) and going back down again.

Ron picked up a small rock from the dusty ground and threw it to the darkness. To their expectations, the sound of rock falling into water rang their ears.

“That says a lot” said Harry

“Be careful” said Hermione “Monsters must've multiplied in here since the passage's use ten years ago”

“Then how did they get in here?” Ron asked

“Tiny monsters,” said Hermione “They probably entered here through some crack and then they evolve through time making them to stronger beings”

“We'll watch hold our asses on a tighter leash then” said Rapticon Sr.

Rapticon Sr. walked forward slowly into the darkness. He looked left, right and forward. He jumped back by a little bit when he stepped on a low platform which was filled with shallow water.

“Jesus!” he said as he shook the slimy water from his boot “That'll stink all day!”

“Sir,” said Harry “Look”

Rapticon Sr. looked forward and seeing that the torch lit a part of the dark area, he lifted it higher to give them a better lit view of the place.

Beyond them was a long passage into another great deal of the darkness. It was a half-flooded tunnel of murky and slimy water. A small boat with oars was resting on the side of the tunnel stealthily.

“Bingo” said Rapticon Sr. walking towards the boat and dragging it towards them

“Ew…” Hermione waved the smell from her nose

“My boots will be fine” said Rapticon Sr. as he took the oars out “Quick, get in”

“Me?” Hermione looked at Rapticon Sr. with wide-eyes

“It's a courtesy for a man to allow women to go first before he does” said Rapticon Sr. “Do you want lessons on male courtesy?” he added with an irate tone

“No,” Hermione shook her head “But…” she stared at the dark tunnel

“We'll be safe” said Harry “Trust us”

Hermione looked at Harry. For a second there, Harry thought he saw Hermione looking at him with a doubtful expression.

“I may have come this far” Hermione said “But am I supposed to know that you won't push the boat the moment I step in? Remember that I still have yet to sink in the recent events that has happened so my trust on the three of you is on a provisional basis”

“You're saying you don't trust me?”

“Yes”

“…” Rapticon Sr. gave Hermione a blank look “Harry, pamper her up”

Harry walked up to Hermione and said in a kind voice.

“Hermione, you have to trust us” he looked at the boat “I know that boat looks dangerous but you have our word, we won't hurt you in any way. Look, the moment you get in, I'll follow and watch your back, okay?”

Hermione gave Harry a halfhearted look, she sighed, gave a nod and with a quick step, she took a seat on one of the boats. Harry followed and sat beside her. Rapticon Sr. and Ron followed and sat on the opposite side of Harry and Hermione's seat. Rapticon Sr. saw a slot at the front of the boat and using common sense, he placed the torch inside the slot which has now serves as their light.

“Okay now,” said Harry, taking an oar and giving the other to Ron “Push gently”

Ron and Harry, at the same time, pushed the boat away from the wall with the oars. They moved slightly and with one last push off the wall by a boot of Rapticon Sr., the slow current carried them into the dark depths of the tunnel.

“Watch out for anything fishy” said Rapticon Sr. “Literally and figuratively”

Harry watched his side, he could only see his reflection on the surface of the murky black water which rippled gently as their boat began to pick up a little speed. He studied the face of Hermione, who looked calm. He had this urge to hold her shoulder and tell her that everything is alright but after what has happened, he still feels unready for anything but getting out of here.

“You know,” said Ron “During Dragoon training, our trainers would say that fiends would use the ceilings to their advantage in dark areas such as this place”

Everyone looked up and expected a large lizard to pounce them. Fortunately, no such expectation existed. Harry breathed deeply, he realized how hungry and sweaty he is right now. He checked the water again and saw his reflection.

“I see a jump” said Rapticon Sr. who has taken the duty of navigator “Hold on tight”

For a brief moment, the boat made a small drop from a low height and with a loud splash, they continued down the dark tunnel.

“This place stinks” said Ron “I can't see anything beyond the light”

Harry squinted further and noticed something moving within the edges of the light and dark. It looked long and slimy…

“I - I see something!” Harry said

As if Harry's voice was a signal, the long and slimy thing quickly slithered down to the water making a loud splash.

“I heard that” said Ron, turning behind him

“Watch the waters, Harry, Hermione” Rapticon Sr. said, drawing his hammer out

Harry and Hermione looked around the edge of the boat, they examined beyond the boat's ripples. If something was moving towards them, they would see ripples that took a different direction.

“Blimey, I wonder how many guards died here to protect the king during his escape” said Ron “For a secret passage, it is very dangerous”

“Let us say that the secret passageway isn't a very high quality job” said Hermione

“Sure but this is about getting the king out to safety!”

“When you are a national or world leader, you are never safe” said Rapticon Sr. “Everyday, someone around the planet is plotting your death or probably planning a way to get you out of office through means of harsh negotiations”

“Exactly” said Hermione frowning “That's why I dislike it when people tell me that I am fit to take the throne”

“Really?” Ron looked at her in admiration

“Yes,” Hermione looked down “I was considered the `Face of Royal Politics' since I would help the kingdom in any way possible”

“Do you like doing it?” Harry asked

“Yes” said Hermione smiling “It's a blast since I get to meet new people from different continents, I also get to put in my two gils on the current events”

“Voice of the youth?” Rapticon Sr. looked at Hermione

“Something like that” said Hermione “Though, the problem is… I am never allowed to walk freely to the other districts to meet other `same-age-kids' to get a genuine opinion from them” she smiled weakly

“Your father must be rolling heads right now” said Ron, looking up

“I wish I can tell him that I am not hurt” said Hermione “He always cared for me”

“You will when we get things settled” said Rapticon Sr.

Splash!

Everyone turned their heads to the right. A large set of ripples formed within the light range. Rapticon Sr. raised his hammer and looked at Harry, who drew his sword out. Ron turned around while he continued rowing the boat. Hermione looked around the vicinity while she hugged her knees.

“I think it's gone” said Ron

Harry lowered his sword and sat down beside Hermione. He shrugged to Rapticon Sr. who, in response, lowered his hammer.

“So Ron, did you see anything - ?”

Harry froze. Behind Ron, a long tentacle rose from the water. Before Harry could warn Ron, the tentacle whipped through the boat and whacked Ron to the water below. The oars fell to the murky water afterwards.

“RON!” Harry yelled trying to jump in after him

“Harry, don't!” Rapticon Sr. yelled “It will be useless if you get caught too”

“Then what do we do!?” Harry shouted

“AHHHH!!!” Ron yelled as he withdrew to the surface

A tentacle was wrapped around Ron's neck. Ron struggled to fight it back with his fist but everything failed for him for the tentacle's favor.

“Ron!” Harry looked at his best friend hopelessly

“We got to get closer to it!” Rapticon Sr. crouched down and using his wide raptor claws, he dipped his right hand to the water and started peddling towards Ron and the rogue tentacle.

“Get your damn sword ready!” said Rapticon Sr.

Harry withdrew his sword to a battle stance and with the current picking up fast. They were this close to catching up.

“We are coming, Ron!” Harry looked at Rapticon Sr. “Can you make it like the boat is facing the monster sideways?”

“I dunno” said Rapticon Sr., who stopped paddling “But this might -“

Rapticon Sr. dipped his hammer to the water and with a squishy `thud', the boat made an abrupt turn to the right, making it sail sideways.

“Here we go!” Rapticon Sr. said, going into battle stance “Hermione, we could use some help here!”

Hermione nodded and stood up. She summoned her rod from thin air and went into battle stance.

- - -

“Yumi, Yumi!” Moco shook the shoulder of Yumi

“What?” Yumi said, abandoning the cart

Moco pointed towards the square outside of the alley and to Yumi's surprised, a squad of seven Royal Guards entered with Royal Council members Vector Alonzo, Relo Perkins and Severus Snape.

“What in Bahamut's name are they doing here?” Yumi said

“I think they know about us, kupo!” said Moco “They must have!”

“Don't be stupid, Moco” said Yumi “By the looks of it, they are not searching… they are heading towards someplace else”

“Kupo, do you think it's related to the explosion?” Moco looked at Yumi thoughtfully

“Could be… but if Harry and the others did that…” Yumi rubbed her chin “Then the guards must be going to the exit of the secret passageway!”

“How are you sure of that?”

“Look, Moco” said Yumi “Rapticon Sr. told us that they will escape through the escape route of the king. The guards are here in the Citizen District, the place where we allegedly think the exit is and who could know about the exit better than us?”

“Council members, kupo?” Moco tilted his head

“Exactly!” said Yumi “Now quick, get on the cart, we'll follow them to the escape route's exit!”

“Kupo!!” Moco fluttered to Yumi's face “We can't do that! We'll be in big trouble!”

“We will keep our distance” Yumi said, riding on the cart's driving seat “Y'know, act casual”

“But we don't want to get in trouble, kupo!” Moco landed beside her

“Hey, Harry and the others need us” said Yumi “and if they caught, there is no way they can get out of this one”

Before Moco could speak, Yumi added

“And who knows? Harry, Ron and Rapticon Sr. would've done the same for us if we were the ones going towards the exit”

Moco looked down in disappointment of himself.

“Wow, kupo… I - I forgot about how Harry's a good friend to me” Moco looked at Yumi “He would buy me kupo nuts everyday, kupo!”

Then with a punch on his tiny little palms, Moco nodded to Yumi with determination to help Harry.

“That's the Moogle spirit!” Yumi smiled “Ready, Choc?”

“Kweh!” Choco squeaked

“Follow the Royal Guards, just keep your distance, okay?”

“Kweh! Wark! Cue!” Choco squawked in acknowledgement

The two were on the move towards the marching Royal Guards.

- - -

“Dammit!!” Harry swore as he nearly fell to the water below

“I got you!” Hermione said, grabbing Harry by the scruff of the neck

It's been one crazy battle, when Rapticon Sr. drew first blood by hammering the tentacle from its grasp of Ron, three to five tentacles popped out. The waves and strong current made the boat wobble wildly but thanks to the weight of Harry, Hermione and Rapticon Sr., they controlled the boat from toppling over. Now with sweat, dirty water and some small wounds (from offending tentacles), the three party members went into battle ready poses.

“Hermione, is it too much to ask for a summon?” Rapticon Sr. asked, looking at the tentacles

“I can't do that” Hermione said quickly

“At least I tried,” said Rapticon Sr. and raising his left hand, he yelled “FIRE!”

A ball of fire erupted among the group of tentacles behind Ron causing the tentacles to flail violently.

“You can learn black magic?” Harry looked at Rapticon Sr. in amazement

“Mercenaries are equipped with that spell only. Comes in handy at times”

“H-H-HARRY!” Ron yelled as he fought back the tentacles with his armored braces “THROWING KNIFE!”

“Sir!” Harry looked at Rapticon Sr. “Throwing knife!”

Rapticon Sr.'s eyes widened with realization. He took his last throwing knife from the back of his belt and with a fast throw, the knife pierced through the tentacle that held Ron in captivity.

“Ah!” Ron yelped as he dropped to the water below

“Harry!” Rapticon Sr. called “Try to protect Ron as much as you can, I'll take care of this bastard!”

“What will you do!?” Harry yelled amidst the chaos

“Just do it!”

Harry saw in shock as Rapticon Sr. peddled the boat towards the monster and when the boat was close enough, Rapticon Sr. coiled down and jumped towards the tentacles.

“PROFESSOR!!!” Harry yelled

“For the last time - !” Rapticon Sr. yelled as he landed on the base of the tentacles with a squishy landing “ - I am - “ he dodged a tentacle and hammered it down to death “ - not - “ he took a combat knife from his boot and stabbed one multiple times “ - your teacher - “ he then ducked as two were about to grab his neck “ - in this world!”

“Harry, Ron!” Hermione pointed

Harry saw Ron swimming towards the boat, Harry saw a tentacle going towards Ron.

“Ron! Behind you!” Harry called as he was prepared to jump it with his sword.

There was no need to.

The tentacle took a quick shot towards Ron but before it could touch him, a circular barrier with hexagonal shapes materialized between them. The tentacle flinched only to receive a fiery blaze from Rapticon Sr.'s fire magic.

“What?” Harry looked at Hermione

Hermione, who was standing up and raising her hands, was shining a white glow. She looked at Ron and with a stronger glow, she gave Harry the impression that she was protecting Ron with her white magic.

“Get him!” Hermione said to Harry

Harry reached Ron's hand and pulled him to the boat. Ron gasped for air as he lay on the boat's surface.

“Easy, buddy” said Harry, taking a potion and uncorking it. Like before, the bottle emitted strings of green light and circulated Ron letting him feel relaxed.

“Thanks, mate” said Ron

“You'd do the same if I were you” said Harry, smirking

“ARGH!!” Rapticon Sr. growled

Harry looked behind him and saw Rapticon Sr. struggling with the tentacles as the organic base rose up revealing the mastermind of the fiends.

“An O-Ochu?!” Harry looked at it “I thought that was a land creature!”

“It must've adapted to the environment!” Hermione said “Harry, we must do something!”

“Protect him” said Harry “Like you did for Ron!”

“I can't do it frequently since I am not a qualified White Mage! I only know a few white magic since a Summoner is a cousin to the white mage!” Hermione responded

“I could use a hand here, Harry!!” Rapticon Sr. shouted

“Can you at least summon - ?”

“HARRY, WE DON'T HAVE MUCH TIME!!” Rapticon Sr. yelled as he wrestled with a tentacle

“Then at least try” said Harry, looking at Hermione desperately

“But if I push my limitations, I might collapse!” Hermione cried

“PLEASE, HERMIONE!” Harry yelled, holding her by the shoulders

Seeing what he did, Harry quickly let go of Hermione and took a deep breath.

“F-Fine” said Hermione weakly “I will try”

Hermione turned to the Ochu versus Rapticon Sr. scenario and raised her hands to the air. Harry looked in slight guilt as Hermione gave a very faint glow. He saw her eyes were shut tight. It looked like she was pushing something very hard.

“BE QUICK!” Rapticon Sr. shouted as he bent backward to avoid a tentacle

Hermione started to glow brighter and brighter. Harry saw her looking up at the ceiling as her hair started rippling in the surrounding wind that was building up around her.

Then with a flash of light, Hermione lowered her arms as a jet of light flew towards the Ochu and with a direct physical contact, the Ochu started screeching as its tentacles started drooping. The Ochu's green skin started to turn slimy and blackened with decaying features. Harry saw in amazement the “Zombie” status effect affecting the Ochu as Hermione fell to her knees taking very deep breaths.

“Hermione!” Harry ran to her as he kneeled before her “I - I'm so sorry!” he hugged her tightly “I shouldn't have pushed you too hard!”

But Hermione didn't respond, she looked too drowsy and tired to speak. Harry looked at Rapticon Sr. who was now dropping a bottle of Phoenix Down (a reviving remedy) on the Ochu's head. The “Zombie” status effect reverses curing items and magic causing them to do damage than to heal. The move proved effective since the Ochu was now slowly sinking to the watery depths.

“Are you three, okay?” Rapticon Sr. said after he jumped from the Ochu's head and onto the boat

“I am fine” said Ron, sitting up

“I am too” said Harry “But I don't think Hermione is…”

Rapticon Sr. and Ron looked at Hermione. She was seated next to Harry. She wasn't knocked out nor was she asleep but her eyes were half-open and she was taking in slow deep breaths.

The raptor examined Hermione's eyes. He forced them open gently and examined it through the torch's light. He took a step back and said

“She just pushed her limit” he looked at Harry “You should've done something else”

“I - I know” said Harry in a panicked voice “I can't believe I made her like this!”

“Harry, Harry!” Ron said, raising his hand “Calm down, she's fine, she's just in a state that she has to go through”

Harry nodded slowly after reflecting on this. He sat down beside Hermione and looked at her. He bowed his head down in guilt and started pondering on what just happened.

“We better move” said Rapticon Sr. “That son of a bitch just gave the Royal Guards time to surround us”

A few minutes later, the boat caught itself to the current. The Ochu must've held up the current since after its defeat, they were riding faster now. Luckily, no fiends were in the way this time.

“Hermione?” Ron asked, snapping his fingers in front of her “Hermione?”

“Leave her alone” said Rapticon Sr., wiping his face with a face towel “Here, wipe your face”

Harry looked up as he saw Ron wiping his dirty face. He was able to smell everyone properly now that they are in the right circumstances. Harry wished they took a bath afterwards, everyone smells awful.

“Remind me to rent an inn with a private shower when we get to Skyld” said Ron, thinking the exact same thought as Harry

The journey down the tunnel went on. They started to see rays of light in the end. They must be near.

“We're here” said Rapticon Sr. “Harry, check if Hermione is capable of walking”

Harry looked at Hermione.

“Hermione?” he looked at her “Hermione?”

Hermione looked at Harry with a look that made him feel uneasy. She looked tired but she smiled and nodded.

“I - I am fine” she said finally but tiredly “I can walk”

The boat stopped to an abrupt halt. Rapticon Sr. jumped out of it and onto the bricked shores of another flight of staircases.

“Let's go” Harry said as he helped Hermione out of the boat

“C'mon” said Ron

Rapticon Sr. looked up at the set of staircase and concentrated on listening…

No sounds of footsteps or voices…

“I think its clear” said Rapticon Sr. “But keep a close watch on each other”

Harry noticed Rapticon Sr. talking quietly. He reckons the Royal Guard must be up there, wherever they are.

“Better get ready for any fights” said Rapticon Sr.

“I can walk, Harry” said Hermione in a hollow sort of voice “I am fine”

Harry let go of Hermione's waist and allowed her to walk. She looked numb but she could walk, at least.

“I pray it won't be another twenty-four sets of stairs” Ron said worriedly

“Let's just see then” said Rapticon Sr. and looked at Ron “After you”

Ron sighed and went up the stairs with Rapticon Sr., Harry and Hermione at his wake. The boat drifted away from the bricked shores and disappeared into the darkness as the torch extinguished itself as it reached its due.

Walking up the set of stairs, the party went up two flights of stairs. During the trip up another set of steps, Harry would turn to Hermione from time to time. She looks capable of walking but her tired look makes Harry wonder how she still has the strength to pull herself.

“Hermione, are you sure you're fine?” Ron asked from behind

“Yes… Ron is the name, right?” Hermione said looking at Ron

Ron gave her a surprised look. Obviously, in her current state, she doesn't know Ron at a personal level since their meeting at the trophy room until now hasn't merit them time to at least have a proper introduction.

“Yeah” Ron replied with a grim look in his face

“Guys,” Rapticon Sr. pulled to a stop “I think we're here”

Harry recalled climbing seven flights of steps. He looked in front of Rapticon Sr. and saw a solid wall. The darkness that surrounded them produced an outline of white lines around the solid wall. The outlines must be light protruding from the outside.

“Do we push or do we say `friend' in Elvish?” Rapticon Sr. looked at Hermione

“How should I know?” she said weakly

“Maybe…” Ron walked forward and examined the outlines “I can see what's on the other side”

Ron peeked through the outlines of the wall and shrugged.

“I can't see anything but light” said Ron “So what do you reckon, Harry?”

“Magic?” Harry looked at Rapticon Sr.

“Mercenary magic is weak and I doubt this wall will fall apart by magic” Rapticon Sr. said

“Why don't we push it?” Harry looked at the three of them “At least try”

The four walked towards the solid wall and, exchanging looks, gave the solid wall a push. To their surprise, the wall budged making a grinding noise of stone dragging on wood.

“It's working!” Harry gasped as he pushed the wall “Keep pushing!”

Harry noticed Hermione not pushing the solid wall but rather holding it while walking forward.

The pushing of the wall has ended. They realized it spun on a center axis making it spin around whenever pushed.

“Yumi's uncle was right” said Rapticon Sr. “The secret passage leads us to an old house”

They were at a living room of a dusty, old house. Everything from the moth-eaten sofas to the cobwebbed chandelier and the broken architecture just told them that this was the perfect place for the king to escape at. No assassin would think twice of searching this place.

“There are citizens outside” Rapticon Sr. looked through the dusty windows and started walking out of the living room “If we are fast enough, we can make our way to the square undetected and -“

“HALT!” yelled a voice as the speaker came from his hiding place beside the living room exit.

Hermione gasped while Ron and Harry looked on.

It was Vector Alonzo, the handsome faced member of the Royal Council. He looked at Rapticon Sr. with a piercing stare and aimed a brass pistol at the raptor.

“Uncle Vector!” Hermione said in a weak voice

“Hermione, stay calm” said Vector, looking at her “You are safe now, the Royal Guards are here”

“Uncle, you don't understand!” Hermione said “I - It's Sir Severus Snape! He's behind all of this!”

Hermione's voice was nothing but a croak. Harry wished he didn't tell her to use strong magic.

“Hamilton, I've got them!” called Vector

The sound of marching armor echoed the living room as seven Royal Guards entered. Three held their spears towards Rapticon Sr. while two held Harry and Ron while the latter stood by Hermione's side like guards.

“Take Hermione out of here” said Vector “Now”

“Listen to Hermione!” Harry said but backed off as a guard raised his spear towards his chin “Please!”

“That's Miss Grangeré to you!” said a new voice

It was Snape.

Harry, Ron, Hermione and Rapticon Sr. glared at Snape as he entered the room with his black cape following him.

“I knew they'd use the passageway” said Snape as he crossed his arms “My, my, my… you three has caused quite a lot of damage today, hmm?”

He walked towards Rapticon Sr. and looked at him.

“You broke into the castle premises without permission,” he went to Ron “Attempted to kidnap Miss Grangeré and…” he walked to Harry “assassinated two royal subjects! Do you have any idea what this means for you?”

“He's lying!!” Hermione yelled with every sound in her voice “I was there when he confessed! Please, uncle! I would never lie to you!”

“Calm down, Hermione!” Vector said, lowering his gun “We will get white mages to heal you from your confound state -“

“I AM NOT CONFOUNDED!! I AM AS SANE AS YOU ARE!!” Hermione yelled

“She's telling the truth” said Rapticon Sr.

“Silence!” Snape snapped “After your choice of the secret path of the king I find all of you the worst fugitives I ever heard of!”

“Easy there, Leroy” Rapticon Sr. muttered

Harry saw Vector walking up to Hermione as he checked on her. He noticed Hermione's weak state since her hands were trembling.

“Why are you hands shaking, dear?” he asked her

“I - I had to use magic” said Hermione, gulping

“Did they do this to you?” Vector asked

“I - I did it out of defense from the monsters that crawl below there” she looked at the secret passageway's exit “I used to much and now I am weak”

Harry felt a surge of relief and a drop of remorse when Hermione didn't mention that it was him that forced her to use magic beyond her skill.

“What's going on here?”

A new arrival has arrived. It was Relo Perkins, the stout Council member with glasses. He walked quickly to Hermione and looked at her.

“Is she alright, Vector?”

“She's fine, Relo” said Vector “Severus guesses she is under confound status”

“I am not confounded” Hermione snapped

“Hermione,” Vector said, not taking in a word she said “Before we left for this place, Diana Glacius has decided to tell your father about this. We think she told him that you are safe since she trust that we would get to you in time”

“Fortunately, we did” Snape sneered “It's only a matter of time that they will be brought to justice”

“LIAR!” Ron shouted

“Restrain him to a tighter leash, Beezo” Snape said to the bangaa guard

The bangaa guard took Ron by the scruff of his neck, dropped him to the ground and aimed his spear on Ron's forehead.

“Don't hurt them, please!” Hermione said

“Hermione, we know your terms on hurting prisoners” said Relo kindly “But remember that they kidnapped you and killed the king and Scipio at the same time!”

“Scipio is dead?” Hermione looked at Relo

“Yes, Hermione” Relo nodded sadly

For a fraction of a second there, he saw a glint of satisfaction in Hermione's eyes. The same look of satisfaction that came whenever she got a high grade on her homework, or when she read her favorite book and specifically, the same look that came when she punched Malfoy at the face during their third year.

“I am sorry” Hermione said apathetically

“It wasn't your fault, dear” said Relo, waving his hand “Scipio was a good man, but first, we need to get you to a white mage -“

“Before you move to whatever” said Rapticon Sr. “I think it would interest you that we have fire-starters planted around the castle right now”

Everyone looked at Rapticon Sr. and to Harry's surprised, he was smirking.

“Fire-starters?” Vector looked at him with wide eyes “At the castle?”

“You heard me right, sir” said Rapticon Sr.

Harry looked at Rapticon Sr.'s hands and expected to see a hidden knife or something but the way Rapticon Sr.'s fingers moved… it looked like he was pointing to something. He must've known Harry was looking at his hands since Rapticon Sr. was making unmistakable pointing gestures towards the window nearby.

Harry followed the direction and outside of the dusty window, he saw a cart with a Chocobo… the green cloth that dressed the Chocobo said that it was Moco's Chocobo, Choco.

Yumi…

“You are going to tell us where they are” said Vector in a threatening voice “Or else we will beat it out of you, as much as I resent such methods”

“Why would I?” Rapticon Sr. spat back “The king is dead there is nothing we can do”

“Is that a confession?” Snape snapped

“Nope,” said Rapticon Sr. “That was a diversion”

“The death of the king is a diversion?!” Vector aimed his pistol at Rapticon Sr. “What greater damage can you possibly achieve that can surpass the assassination of His Majesty?!”

“I didn't say any of that crap, Rizal” Rapticon Sr. mocked “I meant this”

Rapticon Sr. ducked all of a sudden. Harry wondered what was going on but after a few seconds, a black ball fell from above and emitted gray smoke.

“What?!” Vector looked on as a second black ball of smoke emitted from the other side

“YAH!”

The Council members saw Rapticon Sr. leg sweep the three guards that guarded him and knocked Vector of his feet as he disarmed him. He tossed the gun in the air and with a one swipe of his claws, Rapticon Sr. aimed the pistol at Snape

“HARRY!” he called

Harry took this time to his advantage, he drew out his sword and knocked the guard out with his large blade before he could retaliate. The bangaa guard that guarded Ron was now coughing as smoke thickened the room.

“Ron!” Harry called through the smoke

“I am here!”

“Don't let them escape!!” yelled Snape “Guards, don't let them take Miss Grangeré!”

“AH!!” yelled one of the guards

“Oomf!!” one of them groaned

Harry looked through the smoke and saw the familiar figure of Yumi Kusamari. She kicked the second guard with her foot and turned to Harry.

“Missed me?”

“I am so glad you're here” Harry gasped in relief

“Get Hermione!” yelled Rapticon Sr. “NOW!”

“Okay,” said Yumi

Harry ran towards Yumi's area and looked for Hermione, who was crouching behind a couch.

“Hermione, c'mon!” Harry said, taking her by the hand

“Not so fast!” yelled Vector through the smoke

Bang!

Hermione screamed. Harry saw Rapticon Sr. shooting above the ceiling.

“LET'S GO!” he yelled

The five party members ran out of the room and out of the house.

“The cart is this way” said Yumi, pointing to the right “Moco is waiting for us”

“Good” said Ron

Everyone ran towards Moco's direction. Momentarily, the cart came to view as they took a turn around the old house.

“What did you do?!” Hermione demanded from Rapticon Sr. while running “Did you shoot anyone?!”

“No” said Rapticon Sr. “I shot the ceiling so the three will think I am firing upon them forcing them to stand down”

“MOCO, GET CHOCO READY!” yelled Yumi

Harry saw a Moogle from afar jumping out of the cart. Moco looked at them in surprised and held the reins of the Chocobo.

“Get in, quick” Rapticon Sr. said, helping Yumi up the cart “Ron, next”

Ron went up then Hermione with the help of Harry. Rapticon Sr. followed suit.

“What in kupo's name happened?!” Moco asked

“We'll explain later!” Harry said “Just take us to -“

“The airship port” said Rapticon Sr. “NOW”

“Kupo, okay, okay, okay!” said Moco, whipping the reins “Let's go Choco!”

“Kweh!!” squawked the yellow bird as it gain speed and ran down the pathway while pulling its burden behind it.

- - -

“SHE IS WHAT?!?” yelled Jacques Grangeré

“Jacques!” said Diana “Before I could get into more detail, we must let you know that Severus Snape, Relo Perkins and Vector Alonzo are now heading to the place where they are. They must be there right now so I ask you to calm down!”

“Calm down?! My daughter has been kidnapped by the people, who you said, that killed the king! Seeing their capabilities, I think I am sufficed to not calm down!”

“Yes, I know that but we have to pull ourselves together and do what has to be done or else we'll never save your daughter and capture the criminals” said Diana “Olaf has taken control of all possible exits around the city. The city main entrance has been sealed off for any possible escape”

Jacques stood from his desk and looked out of the window looking lost. Diana sighed. She knew how worried and shaken he is… he loved Hermione so much and she was the only thing that meant to him right now.

“Jacques…” said Diana calmly “I know you want to do something about this but let Council and the Royal Guard handle this”

“But my daughter…”

“She will be fine” said Diana “You have to trust us on this. The only things you can do is hope for the best and get these classified documents to the kingdom of Dragool”

Jacques raked his brown hair. He didn't know what do anymore… his daughter is in grave danger.

“Jacques?”

“I - I am fine” said Jacques “I'll do it, I'll send the documents” he nodded to Diana

“I'll be checking how things are going” said Diana “Take care”

“Thank you, Diana”

- - -

“RIGHT!” yelled Yumi

Everyone held on tight as Moco steered Choco to the right of the road. Avoiding citizens as they passed by, Harry saw that there was a large squad of Royal Guards marching towards them.

“Is there any way we can get around?!?” Rapticon Sr. said

“Um - not to add to the misery or anything” said Ron “but they're here!”

The guards that have been chasing them from the square near Celes Hotel appeared from the last street they came from.

“IN THE NAME OF THE KINGDOM, STOP!!” yelled a guard

“How's Hermione, Harry?” Ron asked

“She's fine” said Harry

Hermione was sitting down while she covered her face.

The cart picked up speed as it ran down the street. Dozens of passersby dodge the runaway cart causing civil unrest within the area.

“Great! We're closer!” Yumi said, seeing a familiar shop pass by

Bang!

“Crap!” Rapticon Sr. said as everyone duck “They're shooting at us?!”

“Gunners!” yelled Moco as he started making slalom turns

Harry peeked and saw lots of Royal Guard gunners appearing from each of side of the streets.

Bang!

“Woah!” Ron crouched “I think they are trying to destroy the cart!”

Harry was about to stand but with quick reflexes, he dodged another shot of a gunner. The missed shot broke a part of the cart.

“Oh my god! They almost killed Harry!” Rapticon Sr. yelled in panic

“You bastards!” Ron shook a fist at them

“Uh, guys?” Yumi said in a worried voice

“What?” the three males looked at Yumi

“We got a road block ahead” she pointed

A few feet away, a line of Royal Guards were standing on the road with their spears at ready. A few gunners were behind the frontline with their guns at ready aim.

“Oh my Merlin” Ron gasped “What do we do now?”

“We think, that's what we'll do!” Rapticon Sr. replied impatiently

Harry looked around the area where the guards are. There were running citizens, a small kiosk of fruits and goods and a building that's under construction.

“Sir,” Harry called Rapticon Sr. “Will anything up there help?”

Rapticon Sr. looked at the construction site and up above around the edge of a low structure was stacked logs.

“Eureka” whispered Rapticon Sr. “Good job, Harry”

The raptor drew out Vector's brass pistol and aimed at the logs harness which kept the logs from rolling anywhere. It was almost impossible to accomplish but it had to be done.

Bang! Bang! Bang!

“AH!” Ron jumped

“It's only me!” said Rapticon Sr., he observed the logs. He missed.

“What the hell are you doing?!” Ron demanded

“I am getting us out of here!” said Rapticon Sr. “Yumi!”

“What?!”

“Are you good at throw sharp objects?”

“I - I can't say that I am -“

“Yes or no?” Rapticon Sr. looked at her

Yumi winced

“I guess so”

“Good enough,” said Rapticon Sr. “We don't have much time, use this -“ he drew out his combat knife and gave it to Yumi “ - and throw it towards the set of logs over there. Try to throw it to cut the harness, okay?”

“Okay” said Yumi “What happens if I miss?”

“Don't miss” Rapticon Sr. said “Or else we are totally screwed”

Yumi looked at the combat knife nervously. She gazed the distant construction site and line of guards. The set of logs were there waiting for her… it was now or never.

“Wait till we reach a good distance” said Rapticon Sr.

Bang!

“Yumi!” Harry yelled as gunners from behind started shooting again

“That was close!” Yumi gasped as she crouched a little

“YUMI!” pointed Rapticon Sr.

Yumi turn around and saw the logs. She raised her arms and aimed at the harness… thank the Sentinels the ropes were thick as a boa constrictor!

She remembered her training on knife throwing. It's every thief's job to use accuracy and precision at all times in knife throwing.

“Now!” yelled Rapticon Sr.

The young thief tossed the knife with a fast throw. The knife flew across the air and, with luck on their side, the knife's sharp blade cut the harness.

“Yeehaw!” Yumi cheered

The logs started rolling along the surface above. It continued rolling down the surface and with one full sweep, the logs started rolling down the streets causing the road block to disperse in panic as it started raining logs.

“Nice one, Yumi” said Ron

“Full speed, Moco!!” said Harry

Moco made a “kupo” sound and whipped the reins of Choco. The yellow bird ran so fast that the streets and cityscape were now blurred. Harry felt the wind whipping his face together with his companions.

“Another right here!” said Rapticon Sr.

The Chocobo turned right and crossed a narrow road. Then a left and another right and in a few minutes, they finally found themselves in BronzeWings Port.

“C'mon” said Harry as everyone got out “Hermione!”

Hermione followed Harry with everyone else towards the entrance of BronzeWings. The whole party stopped at the entrance gate.

“This is a public port, kupo” said Moco “What happened to the original plan?”

“Someone disrupted us” said Harry “We need to get out of this city and fast”

“Wait, wait!” Yumi said “Don't tell me you're just going to leave us here!”

“We won't because you're coming us” said Rapticon Sr. at once

“What?!” Yumi and Moco said in unison “B-but I thought -“

“If they catch you, they will try to link you with the assassination of King Bedeviere -“

“Assassination, kupo!?!” Moco gasped

“King Bedeviere?!” Yumi clapped her mouth “Did the explosion - ?”

“No, the king was murdered by his own Royal Adviser, Scipio” said Ron “We'll explain everything later!”

“This is kupo!” said Moco “You owe us an explanation”

“Deal” said Harry, looking around for guards “Let's just get ourselves out of here”

“But what about Choco?” Moco looked at his Chocobo “I - I can't leave him here! And my father too!”

“You father will be fine” said Rapticon Sr. “Besides, no one will know who you are. As for Choco, take him to this ship… it's on docking bay three”

“What is it?” Moco asked

“Before this whole mess started, I checked the schedules and I ran across a Chocobo transporter heading for Skyld. I want you and Yumi to get Choco in there and hide inside the ship. We'll meet you there” Rapticon Sr. said

Yumi and Moco looked at Rapticon Sr. with half-open jaws.

“Trust me, please” said Rapticon Sr. “We will work things out, I promise!”

Then with a nod, Yumi and Moco ran inside the entrance of the BronzeWings Port.

“Sir!” Harry pointed

Royal Guards were now approaching from afar.

“Get in!” said Rapticon Sr.

The party of four ran inside the entrance of the port. The port's interior was open with lots of chairs for waiting travelers. Rooms for offices, stockrooms and possibly, restrooms were around the place. Five hallways with labels of “1”,”2”, “3”,”4”,”5” for each stretched from the room they were at.

“We need to split” said Rapticon Sr.

“Who will take the gun?” asked Ron

“Do you know how to shoot a gun?”

“While I was training to be a Dragoon, there was an ex-Mercenary who taught me how to shoot a pistol during free times” said Ron

Rapticon Sr. looked reluctant but he sighed and said

“Fine, will settle this with rock, paper and scissors!”

“Rock, paper, scissors? Are you mad?!” Hermione said

“SHHH!!” Rapticon Sr. shushed “Ready?”

“Um… yeah” said Ron

“Rock, paper, scissors - “

Ron was a rock and Rapticon Sr. was a pair of scissors.

“Argh! God dammit!” Rapticon Sr. swore

“Now is not the time to be a sore loser!” Hermione said “Look!”

The party looked outside and saw the Royal Guard marching towards them. At this moment, Rapticon Sr. drew out his pistol and shot the door's edges. This caused the guards to run for cover as everyone inside the port started screaming and running.

“Harry, Ron, Hermione, run!!” said Rapticon Sr. “They are probably inside the building, find a place to hide and we'll meet each other on Docking Bay three!”

The three Hogwarts students ran inside docking bay two. After a trip down a long hallway, they entered a docking bay that made Harry see an airship for the first time in a closer range.

Atrynömunal airships were known to be massive, made of steel and fast. Harry remembered reading at Moco's library that airships were symbols of freedom in the land. Owning one for yourself is considered a great luxury even surpassing the treat of being a king.

“Down here” said Ron

Harry held Hermione's wrist and put her close to him. The trio passed by airships that differ in shape and sizes. It was at the fourth ship that a group of Royal Guards entered from the other end of the bay.

“Huh!” Ron suddenly dived behind a box of crates while Harry and Hermione backed behind the large airship opposite of Ron.

“That was close” said Hermione

“Ron!” Harry whispered loudly

“You guys go and find a place to hide” said Ron “I'll be fine behind these crates just go and hide in one of the airships! Don't forget, docking bay three!”

Harry nodded to Ron and escorted Hermione towards another port within the bay. The marching of the guards faded away when they reached the first airship they passed. A ramp of the airship was down for anyone who wanted to enter. Out of the pace of the recent events, the two entered the ship.

“We'll be fine here” said Harry, pressing a button that raised the ramp.

“I'll say” said Hermione

It was at this moment that Harry realized they took the wrong ship.

“Hello!” said a high pitched voice of a middle-aged lady

Harry jumped as Hermione remained calm. She must be used to all of the sudden greetings.

“Er - hello” Hermione replied calmly

“Oooh, you must be new arrivals!” said the lady in glee “I am Mrs. Otto and I'll be one of the many stewardess (or stewards) of the `Honeymoon Delight'!”

Harry and Hermione froze.

“Sorry, what?” Harry asked

“The `Honeymoon Delight'!” said the Mrs. Otto, smiling “It is a two-way trip to the best resort of the land! And you two are?”

It was Hermione who answered.

“Oh, this is Mr. Potter and I am Mrs. Potter” said Hermione in a playful tone

What the hell?

“Ah, the Potters” said Mrs. Otto “Is this your first time aboard the `Honeymoon Delight'?”

“Yes, and I am very, very excited!” said Hermione “Isn't that right, honey?”

Harry looked taken aback at Hermione's sudden mood swing. Awhile ago, she looked stoic but now she seems to be back to her normal cheery self.

“Yes, my little bon-bon” said Harry in a weak voice

The lady smiled

“I'll see if there is a seat for the two of you, I'll be right back”

“What are you doing?” Harry muttered under Hermione's ear

“I am making it look natural” said Hermione “Otherwise, there will be suspicion”

“Don't tell me we are actually going to ride this thing!” said Harry almost blushing beyond reason

“Hold the phone,” said Hermione “Harry, are you blushing?”

“It's the heat” said Harry, rubbing his face

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“Open up, this is the Royal Guard of Biestavale!” yelled the voice from outside

“Oh no…” Hermione said

- - -

Rapticon Sr. walked down the dark corridor with the pistol at aim. He looked behind him for any signs of the Royal Guard and fortunately, not a life in sight.

He walked a couple of steps forward and reached the end of the corridor where another corridor stretched from his left and right. Like before, not a sight of the Royal Guard.

“We'll check in here” said the voice of a guard from the right side

“Good” said another one “We have to be quick, Sir Severus Snape and the others will be arriving with reinforcements”

Rapticon Sr. took a step backward and swore under his breath. The marching boots of the guards approached towards him.

“Why do they always find me?” Rapticon Sr. muttered

The marches of the guards became louder telling the raptor how close they were. Rapticon Sr. observed the walls of the corridor and noticed pipes attached to the walls.

Those pipes on the walls might hold some steam in them…

The marchers were coming close, Rapticon Sr. could see their feeble shadows nearby.

One… Two…

The shine of guard's helmet gave Rapticon Sr. the signal to act now.

Three!

And with one swift move, Rapticon Sr. aimed the pistol and shot the pipes behind the guards. The shooting caused the pipes to emit steam of great amount towards the guards' faces. Rapticon Sr. walked between them and kicked them with a double split kick. He dropped on his two feet and knocked out a third one.

“Ack! Damn steam!” he said as he waved the steam away from him

Rapticon Sr. backed away and took a breather. He searched the area and to his relief, the left of the new corridor said

Docking Bay 3

“I hope they are there” said Rapticon Sr. as he ran to the bay on his two feet.

- - -

Knock! Knock! Knock!

“Open up!”

“What do we do, Harry?” Hermione said, tugging his arm “The pilot of the airship will come down any minute and open the airship! You're done for!”

“I know, we have to think of something!” said Harry

“They won't open up, send in the black mage!” said the guard from the outside

“Oh my” Hermione said

“What's wrong?”

Hermione looked at Harry

“They are going to use magic to blow the ramp up! I can't believe this!”

“Then looks like we have to do what we have to do” said Harry, drawing out his sword

Before Hermione could reply, they heard a struggle from outside. There were grunting noises, punching, kicking, slashing and the like.

“What's going on?” Hermione said as she reached for the switch

“Don't!” Harry said “It might be dangerous”

“We'll just have to wait and see” said Hermione pressing the button

The ramp made a “pssst!” noise and started descending. As the ramp descended, Harry and Hermione were shock to see the sight before them.

All of the guards were knocked out including two black mages who were supposed to be blasting the doors open.

“Who could've done this?” Hermione looked at the out cold people

“A Dragoon” said the voice of Ron

“Ron!” Harry said “I am glad you're alright!”

“Me too” he said with his goofy grin he always did

“But how… how did you manage to - ?”

“Beat them all?” Ron smirked “They were too distracted and I was able to attack the latter with quick Dragoon reflexes!”

“Enough with the chit chat and on with the escaping” said Hermione “We better go to docking bay three!”

“Let's go” said Ron “By the way, what were the two of you doing inside a honeymooner's vessel?”

“None of your business” said Harry

Ron rolled his eyes as they entered the next docking bay which was number three. The three looked around for Rapticon Sr. but there was no sign. There were only two ships in the docking area. The first one looked like a football shape with lots of jagged sides and a propeller at the rear. The second one looked different. It was wide, had sails at the back giving the ship a bird-like look. The second ship was larger than the first one.

“We've got to look for Rapticon Sr.” said Harry

“But where?” Ron said as they passed the second ship

For a second there, Harry thought he heard Chocobo “kwehs”

“Psst!”

“Hermione did you say something?” Harry asked

Hermione shook her head.

“Psst! Harry, Ron, Hermione!”

Harry, Ron and Hermione looked behind them and saw Rapticon Sr. crouched below a crate.

“Professor!” Ron and Harry said in unison

“For the last time, I am not your professor in this world!” said Rapticon Sr. irritably

“Yeah, yeah” said Ron smirking “So what now?”

“We are hijacking this Chocobo transport airship. Yumi, Moco and Choco are in it already albeit undetected” said Rapticon Sr. without further ado

The three looked at Rapticon Sr. with shocked expressions.

“You can't be -“ said Hermione but was cut off by Rapticon Sr.

“Listen princess, we've come this far to get our asses to safety. If we stay longer, Snape will do anything in his power to stop us from revealing the truth. Your name is valuable so anyone outside of Biestavale will listen to you and that is one of reasons why we are taking you out of here. So, hijack it or not?” Rapticon Sr. stared into Hermione's big chocolate brown eyes.

Hermione was speechless. She looked at Harry who nodded while Ron shrugged.

“Alright, fine!” Hermione said in defeat “Just make sure you don't hurt anyone unless it's really needed!”

“Don't worry” said Rapticon Sr., he checked his magazine clip for ammo check… three bullets. Rapticon Sr. reloaded it and armed the gun “Let's go”

Raising his clubbed claw, Rapticon Sr. knocked on the hatch door with three knocks. Much to their fortunes, the ramp lowered down and they were greeted by a Moogle.

“'Ello, poppet” Rapticon Sr. said and with a quick move, he whacked the Moogle square on the head with the handle of the gun.

“Oh my gosh!” Hermione squealed as she picked up the knocked out Moogle. Harry saw that it looked like a stuff animal with swirls for eyes.

Rapticon Sr. climbed up the ramp which leads him to a high-ceilinged bridge where the airship operations were held.

“Alright, folks!” Rapticon Sr. announced as he reached the landing

Harry, Ron and Hermione, who was carrying the knocked out Moogle, followed after the raptor and were amazed to see the room. It was wide, circular and had a wide window. Dozens of Moogles were there and looked horrified at Rapticon Sr. and the fact that Hermione is holding one of their friends.

“Kupo! Th-They got Mookie!” cried a fat Moogle

“He's not dead” said Rapticon Sr. “He's just dreaming of little old lady land - anywho, I am commandeering this vehicle for the sake of national security! - Hermione toss me the incapacitated one”

Hermione halfheartedly gave Rapticon Sr. the knocked out Moogle and showed the whole room.

“You see what I am capable of?!” he said in a mad-like voice “I can be a crazy-ass bastard for all care” he tossed the knocked out Moogle to Hermione who caught it.

“You are commandeering nothing” said a voice of slick and slyness

Everyone in the cockpit looked above where a man came out of a door which leads to the interiors of the airship. He was tall, had long dirty blonde hair which was tied to a ponytail, long bangs that arched his face and rough looking chin thanks to growing facial hair.. He had pilot goggles on his head, a dark brown jacket and tan cargo pants. Harry could guess that he is a Machina Master based on the tools that were sticking out of his many pockets. The man carried a two-barreled gun on his shoulder.

“Ah yes, and you are?” Rapticon Sr. asked in the air of a tea party host greeting his guest

“The name's Fenrir Skylar” said the man named Fenrir, he spoke in a very heavy southern accent of the Americans “I don't need your name, buddy because names are nothing when you got the character”

Fenrir walked down the center of the cockpit and looked at Rapticon Sr. eye-to-eye.

“Listen here, tongue-slither” said Fenrir in a serious tone “I don't like seeing my Moogles mistreated. You are outnumbered since these Moogles can fight. They know how to use magic, weapons, skills and the like. Hell, I even got a few gunners right here!”

Fenrir then sighed in a mock manner.

“So why don't you do everyone a favor and get the hell out of here, okay doc?”

Rapticon Sr. chuckled and looked at Fenrir.

“Son,” he said in a faint British accent as he aimed his pistol at Fenrir's forehead at pointblank range “Learn the math, three plus two”

Cue to this, Yumi and Moco popped out of from a hatch that was behind Fenrir. Yumi took out her dagger while Moco stayed on her shoulder.

“Right no time” said Yumi with a smirk

Fenrir looked at Rapticon Sr.

“Skyld” said Rapticon Sr.

- - -

Snape walked along the corridors of BronzeWings Port furiously. He never felt so insulted in his life! How could he let three fugitives slip from his fingers?! How?!

“Did you find them yet, Hamilton?” Snape asked a Royal Guard

“No, sir. We have yet to check the airships since we haven't issued a grounded travel warrant from the port's office” said the guard named Hamilton

Vector and Relo were also having their own humiliations.

“What will Jacques say!?” complained Vector “Hermione chose me to be her godfather and this is the result?! Her kidnapping?”

“Don't be too hard on yourself, Vector!” said Relo “We will find Hermione soon, you'll see!”

“Sir, sir!” said a guard who ran inside the room “You better come up to the viewing deck!”

Snape, Vector and Relo ran up the stairs and up on the rooftop viewing deck where they saw a flying airship drifting towards the South Citizen District below.

“Dammit!” Snape swore

“Ah, Snape!” said the voice of Rapticon Sr. from the airship's PA “I see you're sad to see us leave! You see, we wish we could stay but after how you treated us, we can't say anything but goodbye! We'll take care of Hermione, my dear council members, she's in safe hands! Just ask, Snape!”

“Get the Port's emergency airships to pin the vessel down!” demanded Snape to a guard

“Take care!” said the voice of Harry and Ron

“Sir,” a guard approached to Snape, Relo and Vector “The emergency airships have been disabled”

Snape bowed his head down in defeat as he saw the airship fly away to a great distance. He swore and rammed his fist on the railings as the airship descended to the lower levels of the kingdom to remain on good altitude.

“Damn them! Damn them!!” shouted Vector

“If we hurry, we can get the other ports to pin the ship down for landing!” said Relo

“They'd be gone by then” said Vector

“But it's worth a try!” said Snape “I don't care how you do it! Just do it!”

Snape glared at the airship that was drifting away from him. For once in the life of Severus Snape's time as Royal Council member, he had not one, not two, not three, not four but five fugitives slip from his hands.

“That's got to be the best group of fugitives I ever seen” muttered Hamilton, the guard, as he looked the airship flying above the Southern Citizen District.

They were flying on an airship… a sign of freedom… for now.

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