Flying truly was an amazing experience. Of course, it would take some getting used to. The town wasn't far away, so our journey was short. Everything in this kingdom was beautiful! We flew lower so that Vi could land.
I’d been so busy staring at the sights, that I'd forgotten to look ahead.
“Niva, DUCK!” Rye shouted. That caught my attention. I just barely ducked in time to avoid hitting a string of lanterns. I need to pay more attention to my surroundings.
I looked around me. Paper lanterns were attached to string that tied onto trees that lined the street leading to the main entrance of the town. To the right of the street, right in front of the town, stood a sign that said:
“Welcome to Anashia!”
Colorful flowers grew at the base of the sign. In fact, each side of the road was covered in all sorts of flowers. This kingdom was a rainbow when it came to its color.
Lanterns covered the place as well. No wonder I had almost crashed into one. Rye saw me gazing at all the lanterns and giggled. “Those are wishing lanterns! The fairies burn wishes in them and put them up so they come true!” He spoke. “I’ve put a few up before!”
“Interesting beliefs they have.” I replied, intrigued by the fact. We wandered around for a bit, exploring the shops. Rye seemed to be a self-proclaimed fairy, despite not having the iconic wings. There was a particular shop I enjoyed because of the free samples. It was a baked goods shop, and it seemed to be one of Rye’s personal favorites too. Rye was a ball of sunshine, and I was glad I’d joined him. He was the excitement I needed in my life, for it had been pretty boring, selling my scammy wares day after day. I smiled at him, and he smiled back.
Next thing I knew, Rye was dragging me over to a shop stand with various creatures in a pen beside it.
“Magical pets for sale! Guardians! Some may lead you to treasure!” The stall owner proclaimed. He turned to look at us with a greedy glint in his eyes and a toothy grin that screamed con-man.
“Uh, Rye,” I said, tapping his shoulder. ”I don't trust this guy. Why don’t you find a different stall to browse at?” Rye must not have heard me. I noticed he was intently watching the animals. I released a sigh. “Rye, this guy is a con artist and is running a scam. Those are just normal animals with additional painted features.”
Rye heard me this time. ”Why do you say that?”
“I would know what a scam looks like. You could say I have experience in that area. Now, come on. Let's go.” I said, turning away.
“Mmmmmm, fine.” Rye said crossing his arms. “I’m so sorry about my friend sir.” He apologized to the man and followed me with a huff. “You were rude.” He said, shooting me a nasty glance. “I was just being cautious.” I replied, giving him one back. “I guess.” He replied, and dropped it.
We had been walking for a bit when we saw a man running down the road screaming “The prince is gone! The prince is gone!” Fairies stood shocked everywhere. Rye lost his posture and his breathing quickened.
“Do you think...he’s telling the truth.” Rye whispered, clutching himself. I felt pity, and had the odd urge to comfort him.
“Well, he could be some crazy man.” I joked, trying to make him feel better, but it didn’t work.
Rye kept on shaking. “He...he has royal clothes on, b-but you could be right. Hopefully.” We kept walking together, but Rye looked sick. “What if...what if he was kidnapped. Or murdered and taken away?”
This wasn’t the Rye I had gotten used to. “Come on, the castle is too secure for that.”
“But he’s gone!” Rye turned to look at me and had tears in his eyes. He really liked this guy, huh?
“Hey, that guy seemed pretty strong. I’m sure wherever he is, he’s fine.” I patted Rye’s back as he sniffed. Vi nuzzled Rye in the cheek.
I’m not heartless; I was concerned about Andrew as well. However, I didn’t know Andrew nor my concern wasn't at the same level as Rye. Poor Rye.
“I think we should go look for him. All the more help they can get to find him means a higher chance of him getting home safe.” proposed Rye.
“How on Asterial are we going accomplish that?” I asked, doubting that we’d be able to find Andrew by ourselves.
“Weeell by flying on Vi?” Rye suggested.
I sighed. This man was too cheerful for his own good, even when a life was at stake. “Fine. We can try, but don’t get your hopes up.”
Rye celebrated and jumped around, a bright smile on his face. “I’m coming Andy.” He said to himself, holding his heart. He hopped on Vi, with me in tow. I still couldn’t understand how Rye so easily got on the humongous monster. Vi leapt into the sky and glided around, his large, leathery wings riding the wind easily. It amazed me how dragons could fly.
We rode around for a bit, looking for any suspicious activity when we saw a man in a dark hood running around in the parts with more fauna. “There!” I said, pointing at him. “Black hood, always suspicious.” Rye replied, veering down to the ground and landing as the stranger disappeared. We jumped off Vi and searched around. There were a few overgrown alleyways the perpetrator could be hiding around.
Suddenly, Rye was grabbed by a cloaked hand and a shadow came out. Rye screamed and I turned around, but the shadow had covered his mouth and whispered something in his ear, which cause relief to wash over his face. That’s when the shadow took of their hood, and was revealed to be Andrew, green eyes shining bright under the sun and a frown still set in place of his mouth. He let go of Rye.
“I’m sorry for startling you, dear friend.” Andrew said, bowing his head. “Oh, it’s fine! What happened? Were you kidnapped?” Rye asked. I was glad to see them talking again, and to know Andrew was safe. Rye looked so happy around him. I was a bit jealous.
“My parents had gone away to another kingdom to find me a suitor, and they found one, but I don’t want that. I don’t want any of this. I wanna stay with you.” Andrew lamented.
“I- Well,” Rye blushed. “I wanna stay with you too.”
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