Cassia PoV
Kite sighed. "True. We should probably head out now. Before the dragon comes back for us."
Cassia sighed. "Yeah. So, where are you guys off to?"
"To Auroria! Kite wants to learn more about the prophecy he heard about from those two strangers he said he met," Liliana said.
She glanced back at Kite. Neither she nor the others had seen the two strangers, only Kite.
"Are you sure those two weren't just setting you up?"
"I'm sure. Going to Auroria will reveal some answers to my questions. Plus, that's not the only reason we're going there. We wanted to check the situation in Aurora's kingdom too."
She gasped. "Wait, you came here to help me reunite with Aurora?"
Elian grinned. "Yeah! You always wanted to see her again, right? Now is your chance. Pretty sure you're worried about her. "
Ludo and Sylvana nodded.
Cassia lowered her gaze to the table. "Yeah, I am. But I haven't had the chance to travel to Ald Town, much less across the sea to the Continent of Light."
Liliana placed a comforting hand on Cassia's shoulder. "You won't be alone, Cassia. We're all in this together. We'll make sure you get to Auroria and find Aurora."
Cassia felt a lump form in her throat, touched by their unwavering support. "Thank you," she whispered, her voice filled with gratitude. "I don't know what I'd do without you all."
Kite smiled warmly. "We're friends, Cassia. We look out for each other. Remember?"
Cassia took a deep breath, gathering her resolve. "Alright. Let's get ready and head out. The sooner we leave, the sooner we can find Aurora and help her."
The next morning, Cassia said bye to her family while the rest of the group quickly gathered their belongings.
Together with Cassia, the group made their way out of the town, and flew eastward on Sylvana's phoenix and Griffin. They were still a long way away from Auroria. And Aurora's kingdom laid in the east of said continent, making for an even longer trip.
As they flew, Cassia found herself sitting behind Kite on the phoenix. The once scrawny boy had gained more muscle. He had even become a bit handsomer.
Normally, Cassia didn't find herself having much interest in boys. If anything, she found herself more drawn to cute girls like Sylvana. Yet, there was something about Kite that drew her to him.
"Kite," she began, her voice tentative, "do you really believe in this prophecy?"
Kite looked at her, his expression thoughtful. "I do. I don't fully understand it yet, but I believe it's connected to our journey and everything we're facing. And I believe that finding Aurora is part of that."
Cassia nodded, her heart heavy with worry and hope. "I just hope we're not too late."
Kite stretched his arm over his shoulder to pat hers. "We'll find her, Cassia. And we'll make sure she's safe."
Cassia felt her cheeks warm as Kite's hand lingered on her shoulder. She was grateful for his reassurance, but the unexpected tenderness in his touch made her heart race. She tried to focus on the landscape below, but her thoughts kept drifting back to Kite.
As the phoenix soared gracefully through the sky, Cassia couldn't help but steal glances at Kite. The way his hair caught the wind, his focused expression as he guided the majestic bird, and the quiet strength he exuded—all of it captivated her in a way she hadn't expected.
Kite seemed to sense her gaze and turned his head slightly, offering her a gentle smile. "You okay back there?" he asked, his voice carrying a warmth that made her feel safe.
Cassia nodded, her voice shaky. "Yeah, I'm fine. Just... thinking."
Kite's smile widened, and he glanced back at the horizon. "It's a lot to take in, I know. But we'll get through this, together."
Cassia felt a surge of affection for him, a mix of admiration and something deeper she couldn't quite name. She had always seen him as a friend, a reliable companion, but now she wondered if there could be something more to it.
The phoenix dipped slightly, causing Cassia to tighten her grip on Kite's waist. She felt the warmth of his body through his clothes, and her blush deepened. Kite chuckled softly, his voice teasing. "Hold on tight. Don't want you falling off."
Cassia laughed nervously, trying to hide her embarrassment. "Yeah, wouldn't want that."
As they continued their journey, the silence between them became comfortable, filled with unspoken understanding. Cassia found herself leaning closer to Kite, drawn by an invisible force. The rhythmic beat of the phoenix's wings and the gentle sway of their flight created an almost hypnotic atmosphere.
Finally, unable to contain her feelings any longer, Cassia spoke up. "Kite, I... I just wanted to say thank you. For everything. You've always been there for me, and I don't think I ever properly thanked you."
Kite turned his head slightly, his eyes meeting hers. "You don't have to thank me, Cassia. We're friends. We look out for each other."
Cassia took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. "It's more than that, Kite. You've always believed in me, even when I didn't believe you."
He laughed. "I feel like deep down you have believed in me. The two times you visited Ald Town, you encouraged me during training. I have to thank you for tutoring me. Your tips really came in handy against the dragon."
She blushed again and lowered her head. "I-I'm glad."
Kite chuckled softly, his voice filled with genuine warmth. "You know, Cassia, for someone who acts so tough, you have a pretty big heart."
Cassia's blush deepened, and she quickly turned her face away, trying to hide her embarrassment. "W-Whatever. Don't make such a big deal out of it," she mumbled, her tone defensive yet tinged with affection.
Kite's laughter was like a soothing balm to her frayed nerves. "Alright, alright. No big deal. Just wanted to let you know how much you mean to me."
Cassia's heart skipped a beat, and she felt a surge of conflicting emotions. She wanted to keep up her tough exterior, but Kite's sincerity was breaking through her walls. She took a deep breath, trying to steady her racing heart.
"Fine," she said, her voice softer now. "Just... don't go getting any funny ideas, okay?"
Kite grinned, his eyes twinkling with mischief. "Wouldn't dream of it."
The rest of the flight passed in a comfortable silence, with Cassia occasionally stealing glances at Kite. She couldn't deny the growing feelings she had for him, but she wasn't ready to fully admit it yet. For now, she was content to enjoy the closeness they shared.
As the sun began to set, casting a warm golden glow over the landscape, Sylvana signaled for them to land. The group descended gracefully, their mounts touching down on a grassy clearing near a bubbling brook. The air was cool and filled with the scent of wildflowers.
Elian and Liliana quickly set to work setting up camp, while Sylvana tended to the phoenix and griffin. Cassia found herself helping Kite unpack their supplies, their hands occasionally brushing against each other.
"Here," Kite said, handing her a water flask. Ludo had gone earlier to get them some fresh water from the local stream. "You must be thirsty after the long flight."
Cassia took the flask, her fingers grazing his. "Thanks," she muttered, trying to hide her flustered state. She took a sip of the cool water, feeling it refresh her.
As the campfire crackled to life, the group gathered around, enjoying a simple meal of bread and cheese. The warmth of the fire and the companionship of her friends made Cassia feel a sense of peace she hadn't felt in a long time.
Liliana looked up at the stars, her eyes sparkling with wonder. "It's so beautiful out here. It almost makes you forget the troubles we're facing."
Cassia smiled, feeling a sense of peace despite the looming challenges. "You're right, Liliana. Sometimes, it's good to take a moment and appreciate the beauty around us."
Elian nodded in agreement. "We need these moments of respite. They give us the strength to keep going."
She nodded and smiled.
Liliana hugged Cassia and laughed, causing Cassia to blush slightly.
Cassia glanced back at Kite. She couldn't quite put her finger on why Kite was the only boy who had ever interested her. Maybe it was the way he carried himself with quiet confidence, or perhaps it was the way he always seemed to understand her, even when she put up her tough exterior.
Regardless, Cassia felt herself drawn to the once scrawny wimp she used to tease as a kid. She laughed. Maybe she was attracted to soft people.