II: Hidden Power
Francis had made his way through the crowd unnoticed as his mentor was confronting the Princess. "The hidden entrance to the palace should be around here somewhere." He taps on a boulder hearing a hollow spot. "Got it. Now to wait for Favre and Gale." He turns back to observe the confrontation.
Blaze was on guard facing the stag. "You're wasting your time. My father's inhumane projects have all been dissolved or repurposed."
Favre let out a small chuckle. "You really never knew your father as well as you think. Did it ever occur to you that he kept his work hidden, even from his own followers?"
Cinder was scanning the trajectory of the arrow as he conversed with them. "Any strongholds he has left were cleaned out. I had made sure of it during my prison sentence."
"All except one." He claps his hooves.
Francis would then draw his sword slicing through the hollow boulder revealing the entryway to another stronghold.
Several royal guards would attempt to stop him only to be met with a barrage of arrows.
Cinder then grabbed his weapon and threw it in the direction of where the arrows were coming.
Gale would catch his weapon and attempt to throw it back only to feel someone grab her wrist. "You always were able to sneak up on me, Marshall."
Marshall held her as he took the sword from her hand. "Still working for that egotist?"
"He's our mentor."
"Your mentor. He stopped being mine a long time ago."
The bear would then leap down from the pagoda and rush towards the hidden entryway where Francis would follow her inside.
Blaze was locked in a hand to hand with Favre during this. "Whatever you're looking for, it's most likely too dangerous for anyone."
The stag kept them locked in a stalemate. "That's exactly why our client wants it."
"I won't allow you to take it."
"Just try and stop us." He kicks her off as he makes his way to the entryway only to be cut off by Marine. "So you're the Coconut Crew Captain. Wasn't aware there were still creatures like you left."
Marine held her cutlass to his throat. "Excuse me?"
"Hydrokinetics. Last I heard your kind was extinct."
"What?" The raccoon began to lower her weapon.
Francis contacted the stag via communicator. "Sir, we're entering the stronghold. How long before we expect you here?"
Favre responds. "Proceed without me. I'll bait their defenses to buy Gale more time."
"You mean Gale and I."
"Keep telling yourself that, Fran." He then leaps past the entryway.
Blaze ran up to her. "You alright, Marine?"
Marine nods a bit. "Favre is drawing away the defenses. You and Cinder follow the bear and wolf. I'll find him."
"Affirmative. Let's go, brother."
Cinder would follow her into the stronghold as the raccoon follows Favre.
Marshall ran over to the entrance as he stays behind at a distance. "What could be in here?"
Francis would come up to Project Eternal itself in the stronghold. He was more or less confused. "What even is this? All that's down here is a large torch with black fire."
Gale inhaled deeply as she grew worried. "Sulfer,… Carbon monoxide,… It can't be."
"What is it?"
Gale turned towards the torch. "The Dark Flame."
