Elkay peeked out from behind a crate of fireworks. She and Ellie had attempted to fly to Cambodia, only to find that they had enough wingpower to make it to China before it became necessary to take a break. It was around noon, and the streets were terribly crowded. Elkay shrunk down and took the shape of a human.

"I think this calls for special maneuvers. Cover me."

She rolled across the ground before Ellie could stop her. When she was out in the open, she stood up and jogged over to a man playing the shamisen, which struck Ellie as odd, considering shamisens were from Japan and not China. In any case, the not-currently-a-dragon strutted up to his seat and smiled.

"Huà, huà, huà, huà, huà?" she asked.

"Shénme?" the man replied.

"Wǒ shuō zhōngguó huà." she insisted.

"Wǒ bù míngbái." he said apologetically.

"Bǎ nǐ de jiāhuo zài wǒ ěr biān." she instructed.

After a long pause, Elkay trotted back to Ellie.

"Yeah, I don't actually speak Chinese, so . . ."

Ellie rolled her eyes.

"Look, we have to find a way to get to Cambodia quickly. We could fly, but I don't know how much energy that'll take. Plus, I'll be using a tracking spell when we arrive. We need to locate this purple-haired girl."

"Who? Raven? Did you know that she's technically Robin's sister?"

Ellie blinked.

"How?"

"Long story. Anyway, are you sure she's in Cambodia?"

Ellie nodded.

"Where else would she be?"

Elkay shrugged.

"Right there."

She pointed to a purple-haired girl walking down the street. The teen had a phone in her hands and a wand tucked under her armpit. She didn't seem to notice them staring at her.

"Oh. She must be looking for us," Ellie guessed.

"What do we do?" Elkay asked.

"Kidnap her."

"Okay!"

Without warning, Elkay grabbed a frying pan from a nearby food stand and conked the teen on the head. She screamed and fell to the ground, placing her hand over the point of contact.

"Shit! I thought I'd knock her out on the first try!"

Elkay bonked the girl a few more times before she realized that she wouldn't pass out. Ellie slapped her forehead and flew over to help. After a brief struggle, they ended up carrying the girl into the sky by her arms and legs, leaving a dozen witnesses petrified in the process. Elkay changed back into a dragon to make the task easier, but promptly dropped the half she was carrying and let Ellie do all the work. The girl thrashed around as she was held by her legs, dangling like a plucked chicken.

"Let go of me! Who are you? Why do you have wings?"

"Because a bell rang!" Ellie snapped, "Just shut up and hold still."

The girl frowned.

"Oh, wait. You're Ellie Sattler, aren't you? Are you holding me hostage?"

"You'd better believe it!" Elkay grinned, "It's time to settle the score."

Ellie slapped her with one wing.

"Shush! This isn't about revenge. This is a bargain. We need to make sure that June is safe."

Elkay's jaw dropped.

"June? Why June? Shouldn't you be more concerned about Claire?"

Ellie shook her head.

"I promised Henry that I wouldn't let anything happen to his daughter."

Elkay rolled her eyes.

"I think you need to sort out your priorities. June is a monster. We can't fix her."

"That's what everyone thought about Henry when he first came back. June is only a child, and a very misguided one, at that. She's not beyond redemption. We can save her."

'Not if you continue to kidnap my daughter.'

Ellie winced as Neithhotep's voice entered her mind.

"You . . ."

'Give her back, or things will get a lot worse for you and your friend.'

"Nothing is worse than losing Zebil," Elkay whispered.

Ellie was surprised that Elkay could hear her too, and wondered if it had always been that way. Whatever the case may be, she wasn't about to give in to the ancient dragon's threat.

"We aren't going to hurt your daughter, but if you don't hear us out, I can't guarantee that she'll remain safe for very long," Ellie declared assertively.

'How would you feel if I took one of your adopted children?'

Ellie froze in fear. Her wings went rigid as she flew through the clouds.

'You can relax. I won't do it. I'm not a villain like you.'

Elkay snarled.

"Hey, we're the good guys!"

Neithhotep hummed.

'Let's examine the evidence, shall we? So far, you've blown up my fortress, killed several of my finest guards, and kidnapped my daughter. All I did was bring a date-rapist to justice.'

Elkay roared in fury.

"How dare you!"

'It's funny, Zebil committed several horrendous crimes, but he still managed to make it to Elliesium, whereas you were sent to a land of eternal pain and suffering. Before your granddaughter bailed you out, that is . . .'

"And where were you during all of this?" Ellie sassed.

'Minding my own business, of course. Did it ever occur to you that people who go to the Beneath belong there?'

Ellie shook her head.

"Everyone deserves a chance to redeem themselves."

'How many chances are you willing to give?'

"As many as it takes."

Neithhotep laughed.

'You're so naïve. People are inherently evil.'

"Then we must teach them to be good."

Elkay folded her ears back.

"All of this arguing is getting us nowhere. Why don't you come find us, Mother, so we can discuss this in person?"

'Very well. But first, you will let go of my better daughter.'

Ellie frowned.

"Make me."

'Fine. Have it your way.'

Suddenly, Raven shrunk and changed shape. Ellie looked down and found that she was holding a purple starfish. She gave a terrified yelp and dropped the creature. As it fell, Neithhotep shot out of a portal and carried it to safety. Elkay adjusted her speed, beating her wings furiously.

"Nice going, Ellie!"

"Hey, why didn't you catch her?"

"Oh, shut up and fly!"

They fell silent as they pursued the old, yellow dragon. She was fast for someone her age, and had no trouble outrunning them.

"Follow me, poor ignorant children. I'll take you on a journey to show you just what happens when you put your needs before the needs of others."

Elkay crinkled her beak.

"Yeah, well . . . Right now, I need you to shut up!"

Ellie turned her head and gave Elkay a sardonic look. She shrugged sheepishly.

"I couldn't think of a good comeback."

Ellie shook her head and sped after their target, not wanting to waste any more time. She had no idea what Neithhotep had in store for them, but she was certain that she wasn't going to like it.