The little darling burrows up against Rue, almost disappearing into their feathers and fur and overwhelming tulle, as the owlbear coos above the blushing shark, running a gentle paw over it's slippery body.

And whatever that had been - the affection, the kindness, or perhaps just the offer of food - it appears to have met the requirements Thirteen set for them. The way free appears and they are free.

"Take care, sweet shark. We'll come visit you again soon." Sorry, Javert, but you are signed up for shark visiting duty too. "Here, enjoy the rest of my macarons." They dump the rest of the bag into the water as Rue untangles from the shark and moves to Javert's side, a paw resting at his forearm. "I'll have my husband bake more for you the next time I visit."

And then to Javert, "I'm ready. Let us return."