Chapter 13: Outlandish Antics of a Most Inauspicious Nature
"Hey Zaí!" Iris said.
"Oh hey Iris what's up?" I asked her as she was carrying some goggles...or goggle?...they only had one eye so...Oh forget it!
"I was just about to go flying? Wanna come?"
I remembered Skull Boy warned me about Iris pulling people into her adventures but how could I know whether I liked them or not if I didn't try?
"Sure, sounds like fun" I replied.
"Great, follow me!" she said heading for the door. I wondered if I would regret this decision or not, oh well, guess I'll find out soon enough.
As soon as we got outside, Iris lead me to a large black and red flying worm.
"Zaí, I'd like you to meet Squig, he's super fun." Iris explained.
"I didn't know worms could fly or be that big" I said half in shock.
"Me neither but it's better not to question it, so, wanna go for a ride?" she asked me.
"Sure, why not" I responded, I knew I was probably asking for trouble but since arriving here I haven't had any excitement. Well back home I had some, but I don't think fighting for your life against witches counts as enjoyable fun. So I climbed up on Squig.
"Any instructions I need to hear?" I said quizzically as I sat behind Iris.
"Just hold onto me, it might be a bumpy ride, you ready?"
I took a deep breath and swallowed my fear "Ready".
We took off rising into the sky "Hold on tight" I heard Iris say, I followed her instructions, then we zoomed away into the sky.
At first I was a little nervous and I had my eye closed as we ascended, but as we got higher up I thought about how I should conquer my fear. I slowly opened my eyes and saw the most beautiful view I have ever fathomed.
We were above the clouds with the sky was clear, I hafta say it was breathtaking to say the least. For the first time in almost a decade I felt free.
"This is amazing!" I said to Iris.
"I know right, when I'm up here I dont even feel the wind, I just feel...
"Alive?" I assumed.
"Yeah, how'd you guess?"
"Let's just say it's a certain feeling I haven't felt for a long time".
Iris looked concerned for me, then her face lit up like a bioluminescent jellyfish, "well I think I know how to help with that, hi-ho Squig!" Squig then began to do some aeriel loop-de-loops and barrel rolls, I held on tight but I no longer felt afraid, as a matter of fact even I began to smile and laugh as I found it dare I say, Exhilirating!
After a good solid flight, Iris landed Squig back beside the house.
"Thanks, I needed that" I answered honestly.
"No problem, if you wanna go again, just ask." Iris answered sincerely.
"If I ever feel bored, you'll be my first choice" I finished.
"Sounds great, catch ya later Zaí!" Iris said before taking off once more into the sky. I decided I needed a bit of down time after that rush so I headed back inside.
I knew Skull Boy had warned me about Iris' antics but given how long I had gone without any leisure I think I had now grown a deep and lasting degree of respet for Iris, and somehow I could tell that she felt the same.