Ticket to Freedom

Earthland and Beyond

Page 16, post 383

***

Rose Garden was one place Indra didn't expect he would go to. The entire city was one big tourist attraction. Even Midi's own imperial capital wasn't as lavash. It wasn't just the grand buildings, fancy shops or gardens-- but the sheer amount of magic that buzzed in the very air around them. You couldn't turn anywhere and not see someone riding a flying carpet, or buying a magic sword that conjured wind, or children chasing an animated teddy bear. Everything in this city revolved around magic. It was almost gaudy by the sheer amount, from Indra's point of view.

He always preferred a more simplistic atmosphere, like Hosenka, but this was where he had to be. Tailong, on the other hand, was enthralled by the surroundings as the little dragon looked around eagerly at all the different sites.

WC: 139

"Aww... " Tailong grumbled as he saw a bunch of cool stuff they passed by. "When we are done with this, can we get something to eat. Oh-oh, I wanna go over there. See the moving magic movies! Oh oh, how about the magic fountain gardens!" he went on, like a kid through an amusement park.

Indra sighed as they approached the epicenter of the town-- the square that offset the metro transit that connected the rest of Fiore. "Honestly, could you get a hold of yourself. Really, it isn't that great here. There are so many lights my eyes hurt from it all." Indra grumbled as he found the office-- the place they would have to get the passport from.

"Its just there is so much to do here. Even you, Mr. Grumpy-pants, can appreciate how great this place is," Tailong chirped as he now hopped off his shoulders and hovered around the surrounding space where Indra was. They were now on a line into the office, and Indra sighed at the tedious nature of this waiting.

"Well i hate to admit it, but anything is better than just standing here." Indra added as he saw the line crawl. He would of just stole one, but it had to have his information on it to get the pass. Even with trade in FIore open-- it didn't bother him. He came and go as he went and he would pity anyone stupid enough to stop him.

WC: 247

At the same time, because Fiore was a more guarded country, he had to get the stupid thing, so there he was. He waited in line as he saw it crawl along. Even he was starting to rather do anything else among Rose Garden than being here.

Tailong picked up on it quickly and fluttered in front of Indra. "hey, don't look so grumpy. How about if you wait here, I'll go pick us out some ice cream. Not a bad deal, right?" the little dragon said.

"And how do you plan to pay for it without money." he asked.

The dragon paused, but only answered with his usual, big-eyed pleading look which Indra knew all too well. He rolled his eyes as he dug a hand into his pant pocket. "Fine, fine. Take the gold and get us something good. " he said, now half way through the line.

"Okay, dokey," The little dragon chirped and fluttered off with the coins that Indra tossed him, as easily as he was a dog catching a treat mid-air. "I'll be right back. "

WC: 182

Indra soon reached the end of the line, where he was asked to take a picture before a lacryma. He let it happen, the picture coming out like a mug shot as he wasn't happy nor cared regardless. He began to wonder where his mouthly little friend went as he signed his name and information. Now he just waited for the pass to be given.

At that time, he heard a sudden series of shout as a giant object shoved in. Indra turned around in alarm-- and looked embarassed at who it was. Tailong-- now in his larger dragon form, came in holding something small in his larger paws. The dragon clearly couldn't carry what he wanted in his smaller form, so he was causing a bit of chaos as people ran or fled from the dragon's larger path. As casual as pushing through a crowd, Tailong stopped in front of Indra with two small objects in his claws. "Take a look!" he said aloud, his voice thunderous in his joy. "Ice cream with an enchantment that snows on it-- giving you more ice cream as you eat it! Isn't it great!"

"That's... great, Tailong. Thank you," he said, trying to be sincere despite the ruckuss he caused. He just ignored the stares of the others as he took his ice cream. The moment he did, Tailong began to shrink back in size-- clutching his own ice cream cone with both his front and rear claws. He happily began to lap at the butter-pecan flavored ice cream.

Holding on to his, he waited and soon got to the desk where his own passport was. Reluctantly, he signed the final piece, and took his new passport, enough to show he was now able to cross the boarders without issue. With the small paper in his hand, he finally relaxed and took a lick of his chocolate ice cream.

"For a mouthy dragon, you got good taste," Indra commented, enjoying the icy treat.

"Pfft. like you should doubt me, sparky," The little dragon said as he sat on his shoulder again, licking his treat as well. However, mid lick he fidgeted a bit as he felt an odd sensation. "Ahk! Brainfreeze!"

Indra just chuckled to himself and headed into Rose Garden to enjoy themselves. There had to be something they could do after all this waiting around...

WC: 396.

Mission complete