Flight Without Wings

Chapter 13

                                                                                     Told by Rey

       Zyara and I had trouble falling asleep that night, or, I assumed she did. This whole ordeal was far more personal for her.

       I woke up earlier than Zyara did the next day. I painfully raised my back, giving my wings just barely enough breathing room. Looking over at her, she was curled into a ball, and her dark hair covered her dark face. I brushed the hair from her face.

       Soon, she was awake, and the countdown until the execution of our brash plan began. How in the world was she gonna make a big enough distraction? Well, I trusted her, she could shoot dark lightning and hold people with her mind, and she was super cool in a lot of other ways too.

       The sun rose higher and higher, and the both of us kept track of it as it rose. I used the seeds that I kept with me to grow us a few berries for breakfast in the meantime. Then, only a couple hours after the sun had fully risen, Zyara looked at me.

       "It's time, we've got to do this. I'll rush head on and hopefully distract them." Zyara said.

       "Alright, I'll do my best to free the wingless prisoners." I replied. Even if this plan went well, she would have to face most of the guards. I couldn't decide if she was being brave or stupid or both.

       "Thank you, Rey." She said. Then, we broke free of our bush.

       "Zyara, one more thing." I said.

       "What is it?" Zyara asked.

       "I love you, so please, don't try to get hurt, okay?" I requested.

       "I'll do my best, Rey. You stay safe too." Zyara said.

       "Promise!" I said. Zyara began stepping towards the city.

       "And another thing, Rey. I think I love you too. If we make it past this... let's do something fun together, okay?" Zyara asked.

       "Yes!" I replied. Then, Zyara charged towards City Proper, all on her own. I waited a moment before taking to the sky.

        I had the privilege of being winged, and thus able to blend into plain sight, at least once I'd ditched these tattered clothes.

       I could hear loud shouting from guards all over, likely prompted by Zyara. But, I flew into City Proper without any issue.

       I tried to be subtle, hiding beneath overhangs and behind taller buildings. Even with wings, I still stood out among City Proper. Thankfully, with flight, I was able to get to my house within five minutes.

       I flew in through the window into my room. It had a bed, some small bookshelves, and paintings all over its walls. But, my attention was focused on the wardrobe.

       I opened the wardrobe and threw off my tatters before putting a much better looking dress on. It had a knee length skirt and floral embroidery across it. The backdrop behind the embroidery was fine, pale cloth.

       Then, I tucked the tatters beneath the bed, I didn't want anyone to know I'd been there.

       Then, I flew out the window, this time not bothering to hide. I made a beeline for the prison before landing not far away from it. I'd forgotten how much easier it was for someone with wings to navigate City Proper.

       How had Zyara and Jade taken it for so long?

       I could see two guards above the prison in two extremely high towers. They hadn't seemed to notice me. While I could blend into plain sight alongside the other locals, this was a prison in broad daylight. I would have to do a much better job of hiding.