#fafnirinktober day 26: PART 1 (PART 2 in the comments) • All had turned to darkness. Or, had all turned to light? My head throbbed as I tried to make sense of my surroundings. I was both floating and falling, spinning and grounded. At last, a single call pierced through the chaos, “ Fafnir, is that you?” • My eyes popped open. It was Griswold and Scarlett. Without hesitation, I leapt forwards and embraced them, “I was so worried about you! Are you alright?” My enthusiasm was met with sullen faces. I took a step back, “Leechwyrm stole the Ash, didn’t he?” They both nodded. “And now we’re trapped here. Forever.” • “Only if you believe you are.” A magnificent white fox pranced toward us, her fur glittering like starlight. “I am the keeper of this realm. I see all, and hear all. My task is to withhold all those who seek to harm the world and taint her goodness.” • Griswold jabbed an accusing finger, “Lady, you’ve got the wrong folks. We’re the good guys!” The fox collapsed on her back in glee, “Don’t make me laugh! Each of you are selfish, short-sighted hypocrites. The rat king seeks vengeance. The forsaken princess only wants to spite her father. And the wizard frog? Well, he’s just afraid he’ll die of boredom.” Our urge to protest was cut dead. She had spoken true. None of us could dare look her in the eyes. • I hung my hands down, “You’re right. I used to feel that way, once. But things have changed. I’m not the frog I once was. I’ve done so much good since then!” • “Such as destroying a circus? Waging war against a king? Bartering a stolen tortoise?” • “I know I’ve made mistakes, but I’ve never compromised my integrity. I fight for that which is just.” • Continued in the comments: https://www.instagram.com/p/B4MNj6fjJ30/?igshid=19vhxjzeot3yd