The Cipher: Locks and Keys

Lockey stood at the window, staring at the city skyline as the sun began to dip. The weight of Glacier’s request still lingered in his mind. Steal a vault. A Universal Vault. He rubbed his temple, trying to make sense of it all. Why did Glacier even care so much about the Beta Vault? And more importantly, why should he?

Power, he thought, it’s always about power. Lockey had learned enough from his own past and his dealings with Glacier to know that. But even though he felt conflicted, something tugged at him—the idea of unlocking something as monumental as a Universal Vault. He wasn’t sure if it was curiosity, ambition, or just the fact that he didn’t trust Glacier to handle it alone.

As the time approached, Lockey geared up, sharpening his Key abilities in his mind, recalling every detail about the traps and dangers they might face in the Cavern of Winds. He visualized the map, thinking about the best routes and strategies. The vault wasn’t going to be an easy take—especially if it was as dangerous as Glacier implied. But Lockey wasn’t the type to back down.

Pinnochi approached him, breaking his concentration. “So… how’d you meet Glacier, anyway?” Pinnochi asked, his tone casual but his eyes curious.

Lockey smirked slightly. “Let’s say fate.”

Pinnochi scoffed. “Fate, huh? Guess fate really loves you. I’m older, but it feels like you’ve been around longer. Don’t know why Zino gave you the role.”

Lockey’s brow furrowed. “Who’s Zino?”

Pinnochi paused mid-step, visibly surprised. “You work for Glacier, and you don’t know who Zino is? Luck’s on you, buddy.”

Lockey leaned back. “I don’t work for anyone. Now tell me who this Zino is.”

Pinnochi sighed, shaking his head as if amused by Lockey's ignorance. “Zino’s the one who brought us all together. When things got rough, he found each of us, gave us purpose. He’s the reason Glacier is who he is today.”

Lucien, standing near the hangar, gestured toward a sleek, black private jet. “This is the aircraft that’ll take you close to the location. The place is far too hidden for any airport to handle. The pilot will drop you off mid-flight, and you’ll have to make your descent on foot. No parachutes.”

Lockey raised an eyebrow. Typical Glacier. He wasn’t surprised by the lack of ordinary protocol.

The inside of the jet was small, designed for speed rather than luxury. As Lockey and Pinnochi settled in, Pinnochi adjusted the straps of his gear, grumbling under his breath. “Still can’t believe I’m risking my neck for this,” he muttered.

Lockey, arms crossed, stared at him from across the cabin. “You could’ve said no.”

Pinnochi shot him a glare. “Glacier doesn’t understand the meaning of ‘no.’ He forces you into everything.”

Lockey smirked. “Sounds like Golden Boy for you.”

Pinnochi snorted. “Golden Boy, huh? I’m definitely calling him that from now on.”

The jet flew silently over the dense forest below, the towering mountains coming into view. The pilot’s voice crackled over the comms, “We’re nearing the drop zone. Get ready.”

As the plane’s doors slid open, Lockey and Pinnochi approached the edge, holding nothing but their gear and the map. Pinnochi hesitated for a moment. “No parachutes, no safety nets—just like old times.”

Lockey grinned and jumped, Pinnochi following behind him. The wind roared in their ears as they plummeted through the sky. The thick forest canopy raced toward them, but neither of them flinched. With a perfectly timed move, they landed gracefully, rolling to disperse the impact.

Pinnochi groaned, getting to his feet. “My legs hurt. Are you even human? You jumped from that high and landed like it’s nothing.”

Lockey stood straight, brushing the dirt off his clothes. “Let’s quit the chitchat and get this done.”

Pinnochi unfolded the map, scanning it carefully. “According to this, the Cavern of Winds should be located somewhere around the tallest mountain in this area.” He pointed in the direction of a massive peak in the distance, its snow-capped summit glowing in the fading sunlight.

Lockey nodded, his eyes fixed on the distant mountain. “That way, then.”

They trudged through the dense forest, the air growing colder and the wind sharper as they neared the mountain’s base. After hours of hiking, they finally reached the towering rock face. Pinnochi looked around in frustration. “What the f**k? There’s no cave here. This is just solid rock!”

Lockey remained calm, scanning the area. “You expect a legendary cavern to be out in the open?”

Pinnochi scowled. “Then how the hell are we supposed to find it?”

Lockey moved closer to the mountain’s surface, his hand brushing against the cold stone. There has to be something hidden here… His eyes narrowed as he noticed a faint line etched into the rock, barely visible in the fading light. “Here,” he said, pressing his hand against the marking.

The mountain began to tremble, a deep rumbling sound echoing through the air. The rock shifted, revealing a narrow, jagged entrance that seemed to lead deep into the mountain’s heart. Cold air rushed out of the opening, carrying with it a strange, otherworldly sound.

Pinnochi stepped back, wide-eyed. “Guess that’s our way in…”

Lockey stared into the dark tunnel. “Let’s go.”

And with that, they stepped into the mouth of the cavern, the entrance closing behind them as if swallowing them whole.