They made it three steps toward the gate before Pebble reminded them he existed.
The Guardian had been exploring the Cavern's deeper reaches, sniffing stalactites and scaring slimes into corners, and the commotion of the group moving toward the exit had excited him in ways no one could quantify.
He came bounding back at his reduced size with six eyes blazing and his tail section wagging hard enough to rattle loose stone off the walls, planted himself at Kaiden's side with a stomp that shook dust from the ceiling.
"Well..." Kaiden set a hand on the armored crown. "We're home."
The crown pressed into his palm and rumbled.
Aria studied the Guardian from across the group for a quiet moment, then walked over to him.
She stopped before the dense, dark snout and folded her hands in front of her the same way she had on the white plain when she'd asked him if he was prepared to die for Kai.
