The Achievement Junkie

After some time passed and Lunara was finally letting go of more stress, another knock came from the door but Jack didn't immediately let them in.

'Who is it?' Jack sent out a general telepathic message, like sending a chat for the world to see.

'May I come in?'

Recognizing the voice, Jack chuckled, 'Hurry up while there's still food!'

Raztol then entered the private abode and bowed before saying a word. 'Please, let me thank you for protecting my people.'

'There's no need to--'

'Jack, I must do this,' insisted Raztol, keeping his head and torso bowed. 'With humility, please accept my gratitude as the hydra head for the security and peace you've allowed my people to maintain during the visit of deities. It is something that we could never accomplish while so many deities have arrived to possibly threaten our existence.'

'Mom, did you get him worried too?' Jack asked.

Raztol continued, 'No, I'm doing this of my own accord. If there is anything that I can offer you in return for your aid, please make it known. No matter the cost, I must thank you for keeping my people safe.'

'Hurry up and grab a platter!' shouted Jack. 'If you don't join us for some food, then I'll kick you out.'

'... Very well…' Sighing, Raztol sat on the opposite couch as the only one in hydra form. Despite his size, he began to carefully select small portions of a few dishes.

'That's it?' Jack laughed. 'I'm a human and I eat more than that. Come on! Fill up! If you're so happy about peace at the moment, then be happy and enjoy the moment!'

Taking that to heart, Raztol chuckled and allowed himself to indulge in his hunger.

'Hey Mom, did you know we're friends now, me and Raztol?'

Looking at her daughter, Lunara was surprised. 'Really? And why's that?'

'When you challenged the elders, Raztol kept everyone from trying to bother me and crowd around me,' replied Lina. 'He may be old but he's a good guy.'

'Thank you, Raztol. I appreciate you helping Lina like that.'

'N-no, Lunara, there's no need to thank me for that,' Raztol nearly stammered. 'Why wouldn't I care for her as such?'

'What do you mean?'

Realizing what he had said, Raztol backtracked, 'Well… as the hydra head how could I allow Lina to be mistreated? She may be hiding it, but she's still a hydra, after all.'

Sensing the strange tension of the room, Jack wanted to know more. While Lina was distracted with food and Lunara was busy either chewing or conversing with Raztol, he saw an opportunity.

Silently, white illusory energy glazed over Jack's eyes. He inspected Raztol closely for only a moment but nearly dropped his jaw on the floor as a result. Forgetting to disband the energy in his eyes, Jack was motionless as he stared and blinked at Raztol.

'Jack? What are you doing?'

Immediately releasing the spell, Jack coughed and stuffed his mouth with some fish meat. 'Hmm? What do you mean, Mom?'

'Jack…' Lunara lifted one eyebrow and tilted her head. Staring at Jack like any mother would to a guilty toddler, Lunara asked, 'That energy in your eyes… Was that Eedaj's spell?'

'Umm… maybe.'

'Since when did you have that? With that, you wouldn't need to wait for me to share my memories. So why use it now?'

'Excuse me, what's going on?' Raztol asked, trying to understand the sudden development.

Caught redhanded, Jack shrugged. 'It's nothing, really. I recently learned a skill that lets me read people's minds, that's all.'

The hydra head's smile vanished into thin air. 'Read… minds?'

'Yup… Sorry, but I couldn't help myself,' Jack nervously chuckled and scratched his head. 'I didn't think I'd get caught, so I thought it wouldn't cause any harm if no one knew better.'

'At least ask beforehand, Jack. You know that...' scolded Lunara. 'Can't you at least apologize properly?'

'Yes, Mom…' Standing up, Jack bowed to the nervous hydra head. 'I'm sorry for reading your mind, Head Raztol.'

'I get it… But please keep my thoughts to yourself, Jack… Please…'

'That's fine. But maybe we can talk sometime later when we're alone. Is that alright?'

'Of course, of course… Anyway, I should get going. There's still something I must do before I retire for some rest,' stated Raztol, getting off the couch. 'After I finish with my errand, I'll return to--'

'Wait… We should head to Glacier Keep first.' Jack rushed to the door and unlocked it. Holding it open for everyone, Jack waved his arm to get the others moving. 'Come on! They're finally making a move!'

*****

The Flood Dragons were curled up and resting their heads on their tails. Kylon was the only one fully alert of their surroundings as her mind was a jumbled, restless mess. Having a nightmare now of all times would only make her shaky mental state worse, so Kylon decided not to rest until after exploring Glacier Keep. Otherwise, her conflicting feelings and orders would leave Kylon unable to lead her fellow Flood Dragons and gods.

Suddenly, Kylon's head jolted from side to side. Bright flashes of purple light dotted the area as one figure after another teleported into the entrance of Glacier Keep.

Disappointed and worried, Kylon shouted, "What's going on--"

A hand reached out and covered Kylon's mouth. The same person pulled Kylon's arms and locked them behind her back while forcing her chest into the ground. Kylon's legs were then pinned by a strong, heavy tail.

Biting the hand, Kylon shouted, "Grixor! What are you doing?!"

"I'm sorry Kylon, but he's just following orders," Troian spoke loudly, turning to the agitated Flood Dragons. "Don't worry, Kylon won't be harmed. We're only making sure she won't get in the way of our orders. Look, your fellow Flood Dragons are also cooperating."

Those irritated dragons then noticed the three Flood Dragon's usually assigned to guard Kylon's Palace. Seeing those three Flood Dragons nod and look away from Kylon in silence, those that had been waiting at the keep were speechless and confused.