Dizgaia ~ The Dreamfinder's Daughter

Chapter 14 ~ The Mad Hacker

Mia tried to feel reassured by Blair and Figment's promises not to let her fall, but riding a giant flying dragon bareback for the first time didn't exactly inspire confidence. As Figment's large wings beat the air, sending dust and bits of debris up around them, Mia closed her eyes and buried her face against his scaly neck. She could feel them lifting off the ground and began to scream the way one might on a roller coaster ride - in a mix of fear and excitement.

At first, Mia was too afraid to look, but eventually curiosity won the battle against fear and she took a peek. They were quite high now, but Blair's arms were wrapped securely around her and there was such an amazing view that she was too distracted to give into fear again. Mia gazed about her in wonder. Yes, this was most definitely better than riding the monorail. From this bird's eye view - or dragon's eye view, as it were - she was able to see the entirety of the expansive, futuristic metropolis spread out below her. She could see almost everything, even the castle in the distant mountains.

"This is amazing!" she shouted over the rush of wind.

Soon, they were soaring over the geodesic sphere, the facets of which sparkled in the morning sunlight. This was the first time Mia had been this close to it. Not only was it much larger than its counterpart in Disney World, but Mia noticed it gave off a curious humming sound.

"What is that thing anyway?" she asked, shouting above the wind. "In Disney World it's an attraction called Spaceship Earth. But what is it here? Why is it humming?"

"That, Miandra, is a gift left to us from the very ancient past, to help us build a solid future. It is something of an energy source, meant to help us pave our roads to the future and help bring worlds together - almost literally. It's been here longer than even Cerenopia has existed as a kingdom!"

"I... see."

What more could she say? She didn't entirely understand what he'd just said; though it almost made sense, but in a very vague way. It seemed to her like he either didn't know the details or, for some reason, didn't wish to fully explain. From what he did say, it sounded like this structure must house the necessary means of connecting Earth and Dizgaia to form the utopia the ambassadors had been trying to create. But as for how was anyone's guess. Perhaps she would drill him more on it later.

They continued to soar over Epcot. Mia gazed down at the city in all its luxurious splendor. Beyond were mountains, rivers, and valleys and all manner of natural beauty, but that was quite a way off. Here, she was soaring over the heart of Cerenopian civilization. Gradually, the futuristic metropolis gave way to a more contemporary city, something that simultaneously possessed the charm of small-town America mixed with bustling New Orleans and a smattering of modern technology combined with a distinct Renaissance vibe. This was Main Street, the capital of Cerenopia, and it was a stark contrast from the metallic and glass structures of Epcot.

Below, Mia could make out cobblestone streets and another jazz marching band passing by a familiar block - the same, in fact, where Tiana and Naveen's restaurant sat. But now Mia was granted a much broader view of Main Street than the brief glimpse she'd been given during her escape from the Tremaine sisters. It was quite the cheerful, bustling little city. However, though it was busy, no one ever seemed to be in any sort of real hurry. Traffic moved at a leisurely but steady pace. And foot traffic below was just as relaxed - at least until Figment began to descend over a rather populated section of a strip mall.

"Whoop! Woah! Watch out, folks!"

"Figment, do be careful!"

People gazed up in alarm and leapt out of the way as Figment touched down on the cobblestone walkway, sending everyone scattering.