Shiro Bara
Last chapter of Shiro Bara. Thanks for all the reviews and support.
Ch. 6: First Flight
A week after Pharaoh Akunumkanon death Atem had pulled himself together enough to continue life normally. He was still rather depressed though and still sometimes cried at night. All I could do was hold him and comfort him.
One day I thought of the only thing that would hopefully help Atem. I knew it would greatly damage my pride but I didn't give a damn about pride at that point! Atem was more important than pride.
"Atem." I looked down at Atem. He glanced up at me through teary puffy red eyes.
"Would you like to go for a flight?" I asked.
"Huh?" He looked at me curiously.
"A flight. You and me." I smiled.
"How?" He asked as he wiped the tears away.
"Ride on my back, Atem." I encouraged. His eyes widened slightly.
"Y-Your back? But you allow no one to ride you!" He exclaimed.
"You are an acception, Atem." I smiled and he nodded slightly then I hopped off of the bed and waited for Atem to follow. He sluggishly crawled off the bed and walked over to me. I lowered my body so he could climb onto my neck and sit at the back near my wings.
Once seated, Atem looked for a way to hold onto me.
"Wait, Atem." I said. Atem looked down at me.
"...You will need something to hold onto." I hesitated. Atem nodded and looked around the room for something to use. He then found a strong cloth that would keep his hands from hurting and keep me from feeling uncomfortable.
He then walked back over to me and tied the cloth around my throat.
"Too tight?" Atem asked.
"No. Now get on." I said. The prince resumed his position on my back and neck and I walked over to the balcony. I then spread my wings and felt Atem squeeze his legs to the sides of my neck. I then backed up a bit and took a running start before diving over the edge of the building.
I swooped low and nearly crashed into the palace gate guards but made a sudden thrust upward and arched my back in an upside-down U and my back paws grazed the wall of the palace barely and we were off.
Atem continued to cling to me for dear life as I glided smoothly over the village and then smirked back at my human passanger. I then dove into the village and Atem gasped in surprise.
Villagers looked up when they saw us and children gaped while pointing. Some even ran under my shadow. I glanced back at Atem and saw that he had eased up a bit. He stared down at the scene below and I saw his eyes shining with joy.
We soon left the village and I flew up higher then swooped low again. I then heard that beautiful sound again. His laughter. Atem was laughing with pure joy. I smiled then became so excited myself I spun around in quick circles-like a dolphin-and laughed myself.
"How do you like it, Atem?" I called to him. There was no responce and I looked behind me to my back. Atem wasn't there.
"Atem?" I looked below and suddenly saw him falling.
"ATEM!" I roared and dove after him. I went faster than I had ever gone before and wrapped my arms around him then hugged him to my chest and swooped up again. I then snapped my wings open again and flew back to the palace.
I landed on the balcony again and let go of Atem.
"Are you alright?" I asked genuinly concerned. Atem took a minute to answer but then a wide grin appeared on his face.
"That was awesome!" He said. I stared at him.
"Can we do that again some time?" He asked excitedly. I smiled.
"Any time you want." I replied, "But we need to find a better way for you to hold onto me."
"I'll think of something." Atem said. I nodded and Atem removed the sash then I went to lay down a bit.
Little did I know, this was only the tip of the ice burg.
So there ya have it. Book 1; White Rose. Next up is the story about Dreamer and Atem's lives when Atem is Pharaoh.
I thought it would be interesting if Atem wasn't one of the lucky ones and almost didn't survive when he was born. It gives Dreamer a reason to become Atem's friend, because she saved his life and was titled Guardian. Plus it would explain his hair and his eye color.
Book 2 is called 'shukketsu Bara'(meaning Bleeding Rose).