Chapter 4: Arrival
"…bedo…up!" A voice called to me.
Huh…? Were angels coming to get me? I don't want to go yet…
The same voice continued to call me as I tried to ignore the voice and continue sleeping. Where was I again…oh yeah…searching for the…something…didn't it start with a Q? But whatever it was, it wasn't here…maybe I'll have better luck checking another place. A tavern maybe? Those drunkards usually have good information to tell…plus you can get it for free. "…rld? Come…ubedo…now!"
Come on…just five more minutes…I promise I'll return your donkey to you…I only needed to borrow him for a project assigned by the royal school teacher…he made everyone in the class laugh and got me an excellent grade…
"…gent!"
Stop bothering me…I need to find the legendary lollipop of life…
"…it!"
Something suddenly hit me incredibly hard knocking me back into the real world. My eyes saw nothing but darkness and blurred figures were spinning all around like a carnival. When I finally came to, I saw Allen holding me by my shirt, but more importantly…
"OWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!" My cheek was on fire. It was like someone had smacked me with a unicorn filled with hyperness from eating sour candies.
"Sorry, Prince Rubedo for interrupting your dream of finding the legendary lollipop," Allen apologized, as he let go of my shirt. Wait, he heard what I was dreaming about?
You always talk in your sleep. It's quite interesting the things you say...like the one with MOMO and her deli…
'I don't need to know what I said!'
It's probably for your own good.
I checked my clothes for any tears but luckily there weren't any. I have to look good for MOMO you know! I didn't want to show up in her castle looking like some kind of farm boy who had gotten in a fight with killer ogres. Allen moved towards the carriage door and looked out of the window. "But we have a little trouble outside."
That got me at attention. "What trouble? Don't tell me Shion led us to a den of dragons…"
Allen opened the door and revealed why he had stopped so suddenly, a horde of ogres. Speak of the devil…maybe I might turn out to be the farm boy after all. Allen and I quickly stepped out and tried not to look to menacing to encourage any type of violence, though for them, I doubt they could the same. The ogres were in a complete circle around us…seven in all. This didn't look too good.
I opened my arms in a way of peace and slowly took a step forward. "Hello, ogres…nice day we're having…" I began. I hesitated because they might not understand the language I'm speaking…from what I've read, ogres had really simple minds. I'm not calling them stupid…just education intolerant.
Why don't you tell that to them and see what they think? I doubt they know stupidity from complexity.
"We…uh…we come from the land of URTV. I am Prince Rubedo, son of King Yuriev," I announced. "We are trying to travel to Realias which is past this path you guard…would you be so kind as to let us through and forget that we were ever here?"
The ogres looked at each other and then laughed. One of the ogres took a step forward and pointed a huge finger at me. He had a lot of tribal accessories on so I assumed he was the leader.
"You no Prince Rubedo," The ogre started. "You too short."
Luckily, Allen grabbed me before I was about to go all Sword in the Stone on his big fat wonder butt. "I am not short you overgrown behemoth!'
Have you even measured your height lately?
'Stay out of it, Albedo! If I'm short, then you are too!'
The ogres including the leader laughed. "You funny little man."
"Prince Rubedo, stop," Allen whispered, struggling to contain me. "We don't want to start something out here…we could get killed you know! Then that would be the end of everything!"
Slowly, I stopped struggling and maintained my calmness. Just think of fields of flowers, pink bunnies, and a fairy dance…
Now it occurs to you to actually think instead of act…
'Shut up. I'd like to see you fight these ogres.'
As much as I would like to, I can't seem to get out of you and show them my impressive unsurpassable strength.
On one note, I felt like laughing at his comment, but on another I just wanted to put him in a cage…a big metal one to shut him up. Maybe add in some traps and some of these ogres. 'I hate you…you and your stupid excuses. They're always causing me trouble.'
That's my job!
Shion finally spoke up after being silent for some time. Her voice seemed to freeze every part of my body with uncontrollable fear. I was about to urinate in my pants. "You ogres are really a pain in the butt."
Allen and I looked to Shion strangely and then quickly hid behind the carriage. Somehow, if she was going to pull off the same stunt she did to get us out of URTV, then I'd rather not get in her rampaging frenz…way. The leader of the ogres stepped forward and raised his giant club right in front of her face. She didn't flinch nor did she try to retaliate in any way. I must say she keeps surprising me…
Only one possible reason that explains her reality-altering existence…she's a demon. It's the only logical conclusion. You know I'm right!
Shion reached for something in her cloak and it glistened in the moonlight…several alchemic potions with purple liquid inside. She threw one straight at the leader's face and then quickly threw several others in rapid succession. Every bottle hit each target and was enveloped with purple smoke at the impact.
Allen went up to Shion giving her a piece of his mind. "Shion! What in fairy's name did you do to them?! They may be trying to kill us, but that gives us no right to try and kill them first!"
"Just relax and look over there," Shion pointed at her finished product of her alchemic potion. The ogres were still there but they looked dazed, as if they were in another place. "All I did was reduce their mindset to that of a dog."
Allen sighed. "I thought you would turn them into a frog or something…"
"Now that I think about it…I haven't made a potion for that one…" Shion thought. Allen gave her a strange look but she merely waved signifying that she was just joking. "Well, we'd better get going before they return to normal…I don't know how long the spell will last."
"Agreed," I said as I got on the carriage. "I don't want to be here when they wake up."
"Ogres, you will get out of the way and start playing with flowers," Shion ordered. They leapt away leaving us awed at Shion's power of alchemy.
Allen stood fixated on his spot but then slowly entered the carriage along with me. We continued our way to Realias and I prayed that we would not have another encounter like that again. I started to engage in my nap again and this time it was for a good long while without any unnecessary interruptions. Maybe I could find my lollipop…
-------
I slowly came to the next day and was blinded by the sunlight streaming in down from the window. Allen was also sleeping soundly and I saw that we were passing a bridge suspended over two cliffs. It scared me a lot but I managed to keep calm and not scream like a girl.
You're a girl anyways.
'You know…if you were real, those comments would hurt.'
Oooh…nice comeback.
I saw a huge, bustling town looming on the horizon once we made it to the top of the cliff. I was completely freezing but seeing the city made me forget all about my body temperature. The town itself was completely eye-catching as I gazed at it. It was completely covered in pink buildings…an odd thing to paint buildings but none the less filled with happiness. "Is that Realias? It's as big as URTV!"
There was a huge wall surrounding the entire city, obviously a defensive measure for invaders. Towers were situated in strategic locations to warn the city of invasions. I could see the roofs of the houses and they were designed to actually look like one giant building when in actuality, there were several. There was also a big arch from one end of Realias to the other. It was painted in a rainbow color and caught my attention for the longest time.
"I should've come here for vacation!" Allen stammered. "This nation is just plain amazing!"
"Princess MOMO is at the castle on the hill," Shion pointed out. I saw the castle and was absolutely amazed by the sheer beauty of it. It was designed in such a way that could just catch your eye and keep you looking at it like a painting. It looked like something out of an old tale. It was colored purple with an occasional rainbow here and there to match with the arch.
We entered town and I quickly jumped out of the carriage to check out the sights. I was tired of sitting down and stretched my arms out big and wide. Man, did it feel good! The streets were bustling with people, going about their own business doing what they needed to. I went over to a candy stand and was amazed at the selections they had. Father would kill me if he found out I ate too much. Luckily, I managed to contain my appetite for sweets and continued to roam on.
My precious candy…!
"Rubedo, come on!" Shion called. "You want to go see Princess MOMO, don't you?" She was still sitting on the carriage waiting for me to come along. Was she impatient?
"Alright, alright…" I was about to head back until I bumped into a girl by accident. Her basket of items was scattered all over the market place. People that came by didn't bother to help her which made me a little mad. Then again, she did look like a peasant girl…
"Ah, sorry Miss…" I quickly helped her pick up all the things and we both looked at each other. My heart started to beat faster and for some reason I was feeling really flustered at the moment. Somehow, she reminded me of…
"Thank you for helping me, kind sir," She bowed solemnly. "I also apologize for not paying attention." She then quickly left and waved goodbye as she did, "Have a good day!"
I watched her as she left, wondering where I might've met her before. As royalty, you meet a lot of people whether from the upper or lower class. But she…she was a lot different from anyone else I met. It started to bother me as I got onboard the carriage and went to the castle. Where have I seen her before…?
We got to the castle in no time and they let us through quickly after I explained who I was for about ten minutes. Dense soldiers…they searched me completely from head to toe to make sure my assertion was right.
They told us to wait in the courtyard while they went to inform the King and Queen as well as the Princess of my sudden arrival. The courtyard was really captivating and was filled with many pink flowers. I wonder if the King, Queen and Princess wanted to look good for me? Then again, I look like I've been traveling through the country being attacked by rogues or something…oh…guess something like that did happen.
What are you memory incompetent?
'Shut up, Albedo…I'm not in the mood.'
Of course you're not. You're too busy thinking of ways to how to flirt with your woman and win her heart!
One of these days, Albedo…
A servant came up to us after a couple of minutes of waiting and did a solemn bow. He gestured toward the castle and said, "Their Majesties are ready to greet you now, Prince Rubedo."
"Alright," I replied as I got up. Shion and Allen followed close to me as we entered the castle. I was interested in its unique design seeing that it was a lot different than most castles I've seen. It was made out of a shiny metal which seemed to gleam brightly in the sunlight. The audience chamber was about the same as ours except they entire floor was carpeted. Not that I mind…it's really nice and feels great between the feet. I was wearing just a slight covering over my foot...kind of like a…shoe but not…like a shoe-al? Maybe a sandal?
Keep your head in the game, Rubedo…I doubt the King and Queen of Realias are going to talk about carpets and shoes all day…
I saw King Joachim and Queen Juli at the throne with a big blonde guy standing right next to the King. He scared the living daylights out of me with his stern face and piercing eyes. I could feel his eyes analyzing me, watching my every movement and was ready to attack me at a moment's notice. Somehow, I had a feeling this guy was a certain someone's bodyguard…
Ha! You are so pixilated! That bodyguard could snap you in two!
I stood before them and then knelt on one leg with my head down.
"Prince Rubedo! This is an honor!" King Joachim exclaimed. "To what, may I ask, do I owe you our visit today?"
I stood up and addressed them as formally as possible. "I have come from URTV to return the favor of you visiting our country for the banquet. My father has told me much about this beautiful land and everything has been simply amazing to me."
"Well, if you had notified us earlier, then we would've prepared you a nice sight-seeing tour…" Queen Juli said. "You would've seen…"
I stopped her before she could continue. "It's quite alright. I've done some sight-seeing myself before I came and I must say, I am quite impressed at the diversity and productions of this city."
"We are flattered that you have given us such a high and warm praise," King Joachim stood up and then motioned me to follow him. "Perhaps you would like to see MOMO as well?"
"If she is not busy," I replied.
"Nonsense! She is enjoying a peaceful time in the Gardens. She will be very happy that you came. She has done nothing but talk all about you since we came back from your banquet that your father threw for us."
Hot mama!
Really, Rubedo…you are such a child.
"You know, Shion and I will go back to town and pick up some supplies for the journey back," Allen said when I noticed that he wasn't going to follow me. "Gotta make sure we've got enough…"
"Alright," I said.
Shion waved to me. "You two have fun!"
King Joachim led me to their gardens and it reminded me of my own place back at URTV. Their hedges were trimmed perfectly into all kinds of different shapes. Looking at all of them, they seemed to go along with the other parts of the Gardens quite well. After turning a corner, I saw MOMO singing with some birds. I could feel something different from her…maybe it's because I never knew that her voice was so lovely…
You noticed it too? Just look at that b…
'Nuh uh! Don't you dare say it!'
You naughty prince! You already knew what I was going to say about her c…
'ALBEDO!!!'
"I'll leave you two be." King Joachim quickly left after saying that.
I quickly took a quick look at myself to make sure everything about me was perfect. Clothes check…hair ruffled…I'm clear! Hopefully she won't mind the farm boy look.
Maybe you and MOMO can have a makeover session this time!
I slowly made my approach to MOMO as not to upset the birds. She turned to me and gave me the brightest smile I had even seen. The birds all flew away when she approached me and gave me a warm hug. "Rubedo! It's great to see you again!"
Such a perfect body! I want to get out of this blasted body and find me one of my own!
I returned the hug and brought her into arms length. "I must say…I need to thank you for telling me to come here…your town is quite extraordinary…more so than I could imagine…"
She looked a bit confused for a second but then nodded. "Right, right…I also said I would take you on a tour, am I right?"
I nodded. "Yes. Shall we go then?" I turned to go but then stopped. "Uh…I guess you should probably lead."
MOMO laughed. "Indeed you should. We wouldn't want you getting lost." She offered me her hand and we began our tour.
What? You didn't flush from embarrassment?
'Of course not. I know how to handle myself.'
"Guess we'll start from outside the town and then work our way in."
"Alright, sounds good."
We started at the town square where all kinds of people greeted her. She was pretty popular among them, not a surprise to me. She seemed to be that kind of person: she was warm and friendly and would never turn away someone when they asked for her help.
Why don't you ask her for help? I'm sure she'd give you some "helpful advice!"
I ignored his perverted comment and traveled with MOMO to the 100 Series block. It seemed to be the main center of attraction; it had markets for items and shows for entertainment. I enjoyed watching some of the shows with MOMO. One of them was about an ogre who wanted nothing but to remain alone and another was about a girl and a glass shoe. It was pretty neat.
As soon as they ended, we decided to head back to the castle and finish the tour. She showed me the armory, the dining hall, the foyer, and lastly, her room. It was bigger than mine, than again, she told me that she was an only child so she could have anything she wished. She walked out onto her balcony and stared down at the city below.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
I stood right next to her and looked at the twinkling glimmer of lights down in the city. "Yeah, it is."
"So, now that we've gotten to know each other…" MOMO began.
Oh yeah, I totally forgot why I came here in the first place. "The marriage, huh?"
"Yes…" She looked a little hesitant about what to say next. "I think we should set a date…that is, if you still think we need more time…"
I looked at her and smiled. "I think this marriage will run smoothly…even if it is for territory dispute and the joining of two nations…I feel that we really have a connection."
MOMO turned away and I couldn't see her face. "Is something wrong?"
"Oh, nothing…" She stammered. "It's just…I never thought you'd be so forward…"
"Huh?"
"Forget what I said…" She looked up and then put her hands together quickly.
I looked at her strangely and then looked up into the night sky. A lone star was twinkling in the abyss of space. "Making a wish?"
She nodded. "Yes."
"About what?"
She blushed and then looked away. "You wouldn't be interested."
This piqued my interest. "And why wouldn't I be?"
"It's private!"
I moved closer to her trying to get her to tell me. "Oh come on, I won't tell anyone!"
She kept averting her face from mine, trying to dodge my puppy dog look. I call it the Alby face! Works every time…
That's because you got it from me…
We continued our game of cat and mouse until she tripped over her dress causing me to fall over as well when I was about to get her. I stopped myself with my arms and then opened my eyes. Her amber eyes were staring straight at my sapphire ones. I felt my heart beat faster and I could feel the adrenaline rush through every part of my body.
I could tell she felt the same way and we moved our faces closer together slowly. I could feel her breath upon my face and I closed my eyes.
Suddenly, there was a huge knock at the door causing both of us to split in a mere fraction of a second. Son of a…
The hard knocking continued on. "Princess MOMO? Are you in there? It's urgent!"
MOMO quickly went over to open the door and a servant girl was outside looking a little frantic. "You have to hurry with me to the audience chamber!"
MOMO looked at me and then back to her servant. She seemed a little hesitant to leave. "Why, Umi? What's going on?"
Umi grabbed her wrist and started dragging her down the hallway at top speed. I quickly followed after them.
"It's Queen Juli!"
"Is she sick?"
"No…" Umi said. "She was caught in an affair other than King Joachim!"
"Really?" I asked. "With who?"
"Sir Ziggy!" Umi replied.
That's a weird name. "Who's he?"
"He's a tall and strong man with hair of blonde. He looks serious all the time and has eyes that seem empty." MOMO explained. "So he was caught?"
Umi nodded. "Something like this means…"
"Oh no…" MOMO looked a little scared.
That description sounded familiar…a picture of the killer bodyguard when I first arrived flashed in my mind. Wait…him?!
Talk about strange…a bodyguard and a Queen…I want to see this juicy action!