Chapter 27: Taking Flight
The next morning, the group stood at the entrance of Fiumicino Airport, watching the steady stream of travelers moving through the terminals. The hustle and bustle of the airport was a stark contrast to the ancient, magical worlds they had known. Rex stared wide-eyed at the massive glass windows showcasing the various planes lined up on the tarmac.
"Those are... planes?" Rex asked, squinting at the metal birds. "They're... huge."
Darius chuckled, adjusting the backpack he had "borrowed" earlier. "Yeah, welcome to the modern world, big guy. We'll be riding one of those all the way to London."
Rex frowned. "We're supposed to fly in one of those? But they're... metal. How does something that heavy fly?"
Azaymos looked at him calmly. "I suppose we'll find out soon enough."
Nox, standing beside them with her usual cool demeanor, rolled her eyes. "Let's just hope no one mistakes Rex for a werewolf from a movie again. It's bad enough we keep getting stared at."
Rex shrugged, still baffled by the planes. "I don't understand how humans trust these things. They seem... unnatural."
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As the group made their way through the terminal, it quickly became clear that airports were not designed for people like them. Nox's intimidating presence drew stares, while Rex's towering frame made navigating the narrow lines at security awkward.
They arrived at the security checkpoint, where the staff eyed Rex suspiciously.
"Sir," a security officer said, gesturing toward Rex's bag, "you're going to have to take off your shoes and belt for the security scan."
Rex looked down at his boots, confusion written all over his face. "My shoes? Why?"
The officer sighed, clearly having dealt with stubborn travelers before. "It's for security. Everyone has to do it."
Nox couldn't help but smirk. "Go on, Rex. It's all part of blending in."
Grumbling, Rex bent down and awkwardly began unlacing his boots. He glanced up at Nox. "This is ridiculous. What do shoes have to do with security?"
By the time Rex finally got through security—after much confusion over what "liquids" were allowed—the group was ready to head to their gate.
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Once they boarded the plane, Rex stared at the small seats, clearly uncomfortable with how little space he had. He squeezed himself into a window seat, his knees nearly touching the seat in front of him.
"This... this is not meant for someone my size," Rex muttered, trying to shift his legs without hitting anyone.
Darius, seated beside him, laughed. "You're lucky, big guy. Imagine if we had gotten economy seats."
Azaymos, seated across the aisle, glanced out the window. He wasn't particularly concerned about the plane or the flight; it was simply another strange invention of this world. But as the plane started moving, the vibrations and noise caught him off guard. He glanced around, watching the other passengers' calm expressions as the plane accelerated down the runway.
Rex, on the other hand, gripped the armrests tightly as the plane took off. "It's not natural!" he growled under his breath, glaring at the window as the ground rapidly disappeared beneath them. "We're flying in a metal box!"
Nox, seated beside Azaymos, chuckled. "Relax, Rex. You're not afraid of heights, are you?"
"I'm not afraid," Rex muttered, still looking out the window with wide eyes. "I just don't trust this thing."
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After takeoff, the group tried to settle into their new surroundings. Darius had quickly made himself comfortable, browsing the in-flight entertainment system and showing Rex how to use it.
"Here, try watching something," Darius said, handing Rex a set of headphones. "Maybe you'll forget we're in the air."
Rex reluctantly put the headphones on, his massive hands fumbling with the small device. He selected a random movie—some vampire flick—and stared at the screen. "What is this? Are humans really that obsessed with vampires?"
Nox leaned over, smirking. "You're not exactly doing a great job of disproving that obsession."
Meanwhile, Mara, seated next to a rather talkative human, was politely nodding as the woman rattled on about her love for travel. "It's just so wonderful to meet new people! Are you all traveling for business or pleasure?"
Mara, who had grown tired of trying to explain their situation, simply smiled. "Pleasure."
The woman beamed. "Well, you all look so... unique! I've never seen a group quite like yours before. Are you models? Actors?"
Mara laughed softly, glancing at the others. "Something like that."
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After what felt like an eternity to Rex, the plane finally began its descent into London. As the wheels touched the ground, Rex let out a relieved breath.
"Finally," he muttered. "Never again."
Darius patted his shoulder. "You did great. Maybe next time we'll get you a parachute."
As they stepped off the plane and into Heathrow Airport, Nox surveyed the new surroundings. "So, we're in London now. Where to?"
Azaymos, focused as always, pulled out the map they had marked earlier. "Stonehenge is our next stop. The energy there could be just what we need to recharge the dagger."
Rex, still shaking off the discomfort of the flight, grumbled. "Let's just hope it doesn't involve more of those... flying boxes."
Nox smirked. "Welcome to the modern world, Rex."
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End of Chapter 27