This was it! Today was the day, the very first day he’d see the world outside the walls he had spent his life caged inside. Fayt had officially sneaked out without anyone finding out yet.

Well...anyone except one person. The other little boy who was trying his best to keep up with the rather fast pace his prince insisted upon. “Fayt...I really don’t think this is a good idea. What if we get found out?”

Fayt turned around to stare straight into the eyes of his companion, throwing him a bright smile. “Then we just have to not get caught!”

As if his cheeriness rubbed off on Axel, the other perked up and shook off his uneasiness. “Alright” Almost as if the moment of uncertainty disappeared, the boy reached for the blond’s hand and held on tight. “Follow me then, I don’t trust you to find your way around a place you’ve never been to.”

Huffing softly, Fayt grumbled softly to himself but accepted to be led away and towards the town. He was beaming with excitement. Who cared if he was to start off this adventure being led, he’d surely run off on his own to explore things along the way…

Which was exactly what he ended up doing once they reached the town. The prince was in awe at the bustling crowds, the smells, the sights.

Letting go of Axel’s hand, Fayt’s nostrils flared as an especially delicious aroma teased them. Quickly, he followed his nose, ending in front of the local bakery moments later. In awe, he gasped at all of the inviting choices in front of him. There were so many, just waiting to be eaten.

Reaching out towards one of the most circular loaves of bread he ever laid his eyes on, he lifted it up, completely unaware he was supposed to pay for things. His eyes searched for Axel to show off his good find.

Not even a few seconds later, the baker suddenly noticed him. “Oi kid!” he barked towards the prince. “Bring that back unless you plan to pay. Some of us are trying to make a living.”

The sudden voice made Fayt freeze in place. He looked back towards the baker, and then back at his bread. ‘But...I don’t have any money…’ The prince started to panic a little until a gentle hand was placed on his shoulder as Axel approached and held out a few copper coins for the baker to take in return.

“Hmph, least your friend is smart enough to understand.”

Fayt was about to shoot the baker a nasty look for that comment but a gentle yet firm hand on his arm pulled him away from the crowds with his spoils. And they didn’t stop until they were out of town, by a river and a small flower garden.

Once they did stop, Fayt yanked his arm back and huffed, pulling off the hood on the makeshift robe he had found the day before and placed his free arm on his hip. “I could have handled that myself! But...thank you.”

“Just don’t get distracted by food again, you’re just as bad as your sister.” This time in return Fayt stuck out his tongue towards the other. “Very mature, Your Highness.”

“His Highness, out here?”

At the sudden new voice, Fayt felt a body press him behind and step in front. “Who are you?” Fayt knew it was better to be safe than sorry, but the newcomer intrigued him and he poked his head out from Axel’s side to peek as the body of a boy their age appeared from behind a tree, not far from where they were standing.

Before them stood a boy whose height matched Axel’s - slightly taller than Fayt. He had beautiful raven hair and eyes to match. “My name is Kai, I’m the son of the local healer. I came here to pick some flowers for a few remedies Father was asked to make. I mean you no harm, Your Highness. I was just surprised to see you out here. I don’t think most of us have even seen your face.”

Straightening his back, Fayt stepped to Axel’s side, wanting to make his way closer to the newcomer but was stopped with an arm in front of him. “Axel lighten up, I’m sure he’s fine.” Still unnerved, but agreeing, Axel dropped his arm and moved it with his other to cross his arms while taking in all he could of this Kai person.

Now free to move, Fayt walked closer and held out a hand towards the other boy. “Fayt Arcadus, but you can just call me Fayt. Over there is Axel, my best friend, and knight in training. Oh, I know!” Letting out a gasp, Fayt caught the other off guard as he grabbed Kai’s hands into his own. “Why don’t we all be friends?”

“Fayt, I don’t think-” Axel started but was cut off.

“I think that’s a wonderful idea.”

“Oh! Why don’t we celebrate our friendship with this bread!” The prince grinned and pulled his new friend over to his other friend.

Unwillingly, Axel accepted it as the three of them shared a meal together and got to know each other until the sun was high in the sky.

“Fayt, I think we should leave soon,” Axel nudged the other to try and get them moving. A groan of sadness came in response.

Kai let out a chuckle at that and gently pat Fayt on the head. “Go on, you’re more than welcome to visit me whenever you wish. I enjoyed our time together.” That perked Fayt right back up. He nodded and let Axel grab him by the arm once again and drag him away from their new friend.

Needless to say, they were caught the moment they returned. Iris scolded them harshly, but to Fayt, it was more than worth it.