Chapter 3

Jade looked down at the makeshift saddle, it looked kinda sad.

He had stolen an old horse saddle from a farm a few miles away and had removed the bridle part. There was a weird square handle he was pretty sure he was supposed to hold for balance.

Ryuu chirped behind him, he was laying down in the few rays of sun that filtered through the cold mist that covered his town. Jade went over to him and patted his head. It was time for him to go pack his stuff, luckily his “Uncle” should be at work by now. Jade went down to his apartment and into his room.

He packed a few days worth of clothes and his bank card, he was pretty sure he still had some of the Kingdoms currency he hadn't exchanged yet on it.

He needed to bring food in case it was a long trip.

He pulled on his black jeans and his favorite laced work boots.

He debated between a blue or a camo hoodie.

Camo of course, he thought.

He pulled the hood over his shaggy hair and went to bring his bag up to Ryuu.

The dragon opened an eye at his approach but didn't move otherwise.

“Guard the bags.” He asked nicely.

Ryuu's tail swished around to block the bags from view.

Jade nodded.

“I'll bring you some jerky!” Jade yelled as he went through the door.

He had 30 dollars in his pocket and was going to raid the sporting goods store for food. He ducked around a corner and listened as he padded down the street for anyone that would bother him. It was very quiet, maybe the pack of jocks that liked to run around town were still passed out. It was around noon so it seemed unlikely.

He nervously quickened his pace.

Jade slipped inside the gray building and the doors bell jingled, announcing his arrival.

The clerk looked at him and then away, completely ignoring his existence.

Jade was fine with this, better than being thrown out the store.

He wiped his boots, afraid he would track dirt and upset the man.

Jade quickly picked out a few bags of jerky, fruit bars, and a big bag of chips.

He found a small water filter in the camping section and a tiny pot big enough to cook ramen in. He went back to the food section and picked out a couple packs of chicken flavored ramen. He went up to the store clerk and paid for his things. The man didn't look him in the eye during the exchange. Jade didn't even try to make conversation with him, he bagged his things and left the store.

“Heyyy!! ITS HIM! Get him!”

Jade heard feet pound on the concrete sidewalk and he bolted towards his apartment.

So they were awake after all, he thought.

Jade hadn't had time to look behind him to see how many there were but by the sound of their feet he guessed there were about five. Jade was not a good fighter all he could do was run.

He was usually pretty good at escaping, but they were football players fueled by testosterone so they caught him after a pretty long chase.

His bag skidded down the street as he was tackled by one of them and held down.

He squirmed in frustration as he was flipped over to face a good amount of the towns football team.

Jeremy the star player grinned down at him with a scary smirk.

Before Jade could react a loud smack filled the air, startling several pigeons down the street. Jades cheek felt numb for a second before his eyes watered and it began to hurt.

The boys laughed.

“Do it again! Maybe he will cry!”

Jade was angry and scared. He knew there was no meaning for what they were doing other than it gave them entertainment. Anger flared in him, and he felt pressure push against his head until it throbbed.

He looked at the laughing boys and their features faded out.

There was a tiny ball of light inside each of them.

If….he ... could just….

Something moved deeper inside of him, something ancient.

“Stop this at once.”

The boys froze in sync and all looked at him.

“Release me and leave, NOW.”

The boys stood up and left without saying anything.

The power inside of him trembled and relaxed.

Jade felt bad, really bad.

He was still laying on the cracked sidewalk.

He covered his face with his hands, even though it hurt.

“WHY DID I DO THAT?!”

Jade curled up on the sidewalk, trying to convince himself that what he did was right.

He really hated to use his weird magic thing, he got enough bad looks just by existing.

Jade slowly pulled himself up and retrieved his bag. He fixed his tinted glasses and rubbed his nose, they had smacked painfully against his face when he fell.

He made it back to the apartment and went up to Ryuu to finish packing.

The young dragon rubbed his face with his snout and chirped mournfully at him.

Jades cheek ached from where he had been punched, at least none of his teeth had been knocked out. He tested his jaw and it cracked painfully, holding it in his hand he looked at the concrete ground angrily.

He was really happy to be going on a trip out of this place.

If he could get across the border that is.

He finished packing and had saddled up Ryuu who was turning in circles trying to look at all the stuff that was on his back. Jades computer case, the stuff he got at the store, a bag of clothes and toiletries.

He was ready.

Jade got into the saddle and did the best he could to strap his legs in with leather roping.

Ryuu walked to the edge.

His wings flapped, splicing the air and he took off over the ledge towards the trees.

They floated up, higher and higher they climbed. Jade looked down at the town, feeling a bit lightheaded because of the height.

“SCREW ALL YA’LLS!” Jade yelled hoping no one would hear.

He used his body to shift Ryuu towards the border as they flew. Once they were close enough Jade made him stop in front of it. He looked closely at the see-through red tinted wall. If he couldn't cross then he really hoped no one heard him yell just now.

He tilted his body so Ryuu drifted closer. Jade reached out a hand and it passed through with no resistance. They crossed the magic field, it rippled and flashed brightly before dimming again.

Erm ok, Jade thought.

Jade turned Ryuu to the side and they drifted forward, trying to get their bearings.

As they moved up into the air Jade pulled off his sunglasses and put them into his pocket.

He was afraid they would fall off and he would never find them again.

A loud roar in the distance startled Jade, making him regret his decision slightly.