Leyland Adventures Chapter Nine: Part Two

The two began to walk together, soon encountering a sizable store crafted entirely out of wood. The store gave off a Viking vibe with examples of the powerful weapons that were plastered outside the shop. Entering the building, shelves suppling a various of weapons such as swords, axes, and hammers was seen. They explored the shop with boundless curiosity. One particular item caught the attention of the princess, a small golden ring containing a crystal emerald. The description of the item went as follows.

"This ring allows the wearer to come back after a fatal blow. Thus named Second Chance. This only works once and it cannot be refilled."

She called for him, he stared at the ring. The light was shining radiantly.

"A second chance if something kills me...yeah that could help. Let's get it."

Aradressa nodded, purchasing the item for one thousand silver coins and walking out the store. Tysashi placed the ring on his finger and before a thought could enter his mind, a woman hosting a questionnaire came into view.

"Hello there, I'm giving away a ticket for two at Trinity's Volcanic Hot Springs if you can answer a series of questions right."

"Umm...sure, I guess I'll give it a shot," said Tysashi.

"Okay then, question one: What is the furthest planet from Leyland in our solar system?"

"I don't know."

"Question two: What is the name of the comet that orbits Leyland every two years?"

"No clue."

"Question three: What type of flower has adapted to the cold?"

"Huh?"

"Question four: What year did the Reconstruction Period of Leyland occur?"

"I don't know the answers to any of these questions!"

"Maybe the lady would like to participate."

Aradressa nodded as she prepared her mind.

"Question one: What is the closest planet to Leyland?"

"The fireball planet, Satine."

"Correct, question two: What is the brightest star in our solar system?"

"Mega-Gulpx D28."

"Correct, question three: What is the name of the comet that orbits Leyland every two years?"

"The White Angel."

"All right, this is the hardest one, final question: How many moons does Satine have around it?"

"That's a trick question, Satine only has several stars of various brightness and color around it!"

For her unmatched memory and intelligence, Aradressa was rewarded with the ticket for the hot springs they would soon visit. As she was given the ticket, Aradressa saw yet another game that requires focus and attention. Tysashi decided to sit it out and allowed her to participate on her own. His eyes wouldn't stay put as he searched for the next activity, just as the thought circled around his mind, he could see a familiar trio walking towards Crystalline Cavern.

"Those guys are here as well? No no, I shouldn't worry about them. Today is about me and Aradressa having fun."

Suddenly, he felt a finger tap his shoulders. His eyes viewed a brown journal complete with a black pen to write down his thoughts, five hundred pages.

"This was one of the available prizes. Please write down your findings and thoughts about Leyland within it."

He happily placed his hands on the book and suddenly all the entries he thought about adding came rushing at him. "Thank you."

She suggested a walk towards the central tower which was immediately accepted. She was constantly flooded with prizes along the way. Once inside the tower, they rushed towards the highest point. Staring out the window to gain an impressive view of the area. Tysashi could see Nate and friends finally entering the minecart. Aradressa shared his vision, she could feel a terrible action would occur today. Though she did not want him to worry as whatever danger would approach, the mighty princess would fight through it all.

"I'm telling you guys, the views are amazing," said Nate.

Taj and Lincoln stared at each other before Lincoln fired back with "You sure, the last few activities have been... boring as hell."

"Lincoln I swear, you nor Taj won't regret it, besides... I came here for a reason."

Rolling their eyes, the two just had to believe him.

The trio were taken into the starting area with wondrous waterfalls and light shining above. Taj and Lincoln were impressed by scenery though Nate only came for one object. The mine cart brought them to the resting place of the humongous beast, Spriya. Again, Taj and Lincoln were astonished by the size, as for their friend, he was amazed by the crystals that poked out from the nest. Nate flew out of the cart to retrieve the crystal, managing to return to the cart.

His friends frantically questioned his actions, though Nate gave a mellow response.

"Relax you two."

The three went silent for the remainder of the ride, it wasn't they got off would they have a conservation. Nate hid the crystal in the hoodie of his outfit, stuffing it into a certain area to lower suspense.

"Look, I'll explain later, let's just have some fun. I promise that there is a logical explanation for all of this."

His friends took another glance at each other, choosing whether to trust him or do the complete opposite.

"Okay," they said in unison.

A smile grew on Nate's face before becoming a fierce look as he stopped Tysashi and Aradressa departing from the central tower. His allies noticed this, asking if he wanted to engage.

"Nah, let him go for now. I came here for what I needed and I don't need any distractions. Besides, Aradressa probably took him on the most boring rides imaginable, he's been through enough already. Come on, let's go ride a rollercoaster."

The rest of the day exploded with merriment and unmatched glee. The sun began to fall, the stars were visible. Neon lights infected the entire park. Now was the time for the best experience of them all, riding the ferris wheel. Aradressa took control of his movements, guiding him towards the colorful colossal ferris wheel which was where those with a premium pass could enjoy a nice dinner.

"Wait...this...is a restaurant?"

"Indeed. The most glorious attraction here." A smile loomed on her face. The two entered the attraction, giving their items and prizes to the staff. Aradressa flew him to a vacant area, complete with a small wooden table, candles, and a menu ranging from seafood, meat, and other dishes. Drinks followed a line of water, soda, and alcohol.

Tysashi stared out the window, the neon lights reflected into his own windows.

"Mother considers this as a reward."

"That's really nice of her, everything looks amazing."

With full capacity, the ride was set into motion. A solid meal of spaghetti and water was requested, their order came in no time. As they consumed their food, their eyes could only focus on each other's. The distracting screams of others could be heard near the Crystalline Cavern.

Tysashi and Aradressa looked out the window to see Spriya destroying structures and screeching at others. Even worse, Nate attempted to fight the beast. He threw one of the tiny knives he had on him, scratching the left wing of the bird. Spriya screeched harshly at Nate before slapping him with that same wing. He crashed into a nearby metal pole, immediately feeling shattered glass in his back. Taj and Lincoln flew to check on his well being, asking if he was ok.

"Yeah, but I feel shards in my back...oh shit!" He swore, removing his hoodie, and saw the shards of crystal in his hoodie and some through his now crimson white shirt.

Spirya let out a thunderous screech as the creature took flight. Spirya opened its wings, revealing the three yellow stars on its wings. The stars began to glow as yellow energy beams escaped.

As the creature went on its rampage, it spotted the necklace Aradressa had worn. It let out another screech as it flew towards the ferris wheel, shooting more energy beams towards the area Aradressa was in. As the attack hit, the others screamed in fear as the ride violently shook.

"That bird is going insane, I wonder what caused it."

Just then, her eyes popped. "Tysashi, the crystals that were her nest, one of those must've been removed, thus the combined sound wasn't enough to keep her asleep!"

"Seriously!? Who would remove them!?"

The ride shook again, forcing Aradressa to take Tysashi's hands and gently descend to the ground. The beast continued to attack, Aradressa efficiently dodged the attacks the bird threw at her. A fireball roasted part of its feathers, she turned around to see Nate standing tall with his friends. The three began to duel with the beast as Tysashi and Aradressa took the time to discuss a battle plan.

"Tysashi, we have to find the missing crystal. Please use your stopwatch so that I may find its location."

"What? You'll be frozen!"

"I'm part psychic, I have a slight resistance to the effects of that item. My speed will only be reduced."

"I understand. You should get a running start. I'll get Nate and his friends far away from this thing."

She nodded, once again smiling at him. He returned that same smile. With Aradressa out of his field of vision, he obtained the stopwatch.

"Stop!"

Time froze once again. He moved Nate and his friend to a protected area, behind the weapon shop where they could easily equip themselves with armor. Now for the info on Spirya.

Creature Name: Wind Spirya

Habitat: Woodlands

Diet: Fruits

Bio: This magnificent yet extremely dangerous bird is just one of its family, The Unibirds. These creatures vary in elements, ranging from fire, ice, water, etc. Spirya has a short fuse and gets aggressive fairly quickly. Its best feature are the three golden stars underneath its wings that launch energy beams that withdraw from its own energy. Hardly breeding, there are few of them. Once Spirya is enraged, only the death of her target will calm her down or twenty Harmony Crystals, these items will emit a sound that will sooth the great beast. The number required depends on the element. Her weakness are fire and poison attacks however it takes intense power to even harm her.

"Harmony Crystals...there must be some around here that I can use. I'll have Aradressa search for them, she should know what they look like. I'll hold off the bird. But then again, she attacked Nate...and then me and Aradressa...unless...Nate took a crystal...with that logic he should have the fragments and that should be enough to calm it down! I gotta find Nate!"

With that plan in mind, before time returned to its normal speed, confusion drowned Nate and his crew while Tysashi dashed towards the building he moved them to. With time moving again, Spirya arose to the sky to search for her kill.

"Nate, I know we dislike each other and had some issues in the past but now we need to let that go and focus on the present, show me the crystal!"

His eyes moved frantically as his body shook. Nate showed him the shattered fragments. "What are you going to do with, Aerosmith? The thing is practically useless if it's broken."

Tysashi inspected the fragment...the shine, the luster, and the texture...could it be that Aradressa's new necklace is made of Harmony Crystals?

"Aradressa's necklace...that's it. That's why we were attacked. Maybe that necklace has enough mini Harmony Crystals to replicate a full one! Alright, Spirya is looking around for you and Aradressa, go inside the store."

The three nodded, going inside the shop for safety.

Spirya let out a screech that emitted powerful sound waves that ruptured his eardrums and the ground beneath him.

"I can't let her see me." Tysashi told himself.

He knew his movements were limited as Spirya was watching over the land. Step by step, he felt more attached to Aradressa's nearby aura and soon, she felt him as well. She called for him, peaking out of the entrance of Crystalline Cavern.

"Tysashi, I was unable to find the crystal."

"No no, that necklace, it's made of Harmony Crystals, I was thinking that the mini crystals would be just as effective as a normal one."

"Yes, that could possibly work." She unequipped the necklace to place it in his hands.

"Ok, now we needs its attention." Just as the sentence escaped his mouth, Aradressa shot a fireball spiraling through the air, exploding like a firework. Spirya gazed at the two and charged at them. With an absent smile, Aradressa picked Tysashi up and began to fly over the minecart track with Spirya uncomfortably behind them. She remained focused and strong, like her mother told her, a queen must remain strong emotionally in public. Entering the section with a Spirya's nest, he chucked the necklace which landed on a stick poking out. Suddenly, smoothing sound waves emitted from the crystals completely changed Spirya's mood. She had fallen into a great slumber, snoring comfortably.

The two emerged from the cavern, safe and sound. Nate and friends caught up with them.

"Nate, you have some explaining to do." Tysashi crossed his arms as a hint of anger ran across his face.

He sighed. "Listen, my mom has trouble falling asleep so I just needed one so she can fall asleep properly. I know that there are some potions that handle that situation but I didn't want to repeatedly spend money on them. She's a single mother and it's really tough for her. I just wanted to do something special for her, as her son."

"I believe such an item of similar properties can be found in the Orchtune Area within a shop."

"I...don't have enough money to purchase it." He ran his hand through his straight brown hair with red cheeks.

"It should cost around five thousand dollars, correct?"

"Y- yeah."

Just then, she handed the exact amount, no hesitation. The staff that took their items happily returned them and even their bill was on the house. She even allowed the boys to keep most of her prizes. 

"Let us go home now, Tysashi." She only left Nate and his companions with a gasp as Tysashi followed right behind her.

Finally arriving at the castle, they both skipped dinner with Tysashi showering and Aradressa writing in her diary.

Diary Entry #9

"I went to the fair with Tysashi today and I had such an entertaining time with him. I won a variety of prizes. I also received the chance to relive my childhood again. Turns out my prediction of something uneventful happening came true as Spirya was awakened from her slumber. Nate was the one who removed one of the Harmony Crystals that set her off. Luckily, the necklace I wore was made of that very same crystal and it was just as effective as a normal one. Tomorrow, we are planning to collect the next gemstone in Jisastu Forest. I'm aware that my fate has a low chance of coming sealed however...that doesn't mean my soul will be temporarily lost. We  bought a ring that would allow him to take one fatal blow. I hope it comes in useful."

She held on to the box containing his new necklace and within minutes, he came.

"This is for you, please enjoy."

The ruby red box was now in his possession, he opened the box to reveal the Diamond Eye Necklace. The silver chains and emeralds shined magically.

"That necklace will increase your eyesight while also predicting incoming attacks and events. Your reactionary speeds will also increase. My mind was so occupied that I forgot it was purchased."

"Thank you, this combined with the ring will definitely give me an edge in battle."

"The stars shine bright, let us allow our minds to rest."

"Yeah, tomorrow will be stressful. Good night, Aradressa."

"Good night, Tysashi."

Just as their bodies finally became relaxed and their minds cleared, the Luminous Mushroom began to squirm and vibrate. Whatever is inside of it...could be either friend or foe.