Chapter 23: Finding Parents

Muri

"Hear, hear! Let's keep going. We have to find Ryuu's parents! Ayumu, are you rested yet?" I said firmly.

"Yes, yes!" Ayumu said, putting a battle face on and pumping her fists. "I'm ready! Let's goooo!!!" She set off at a brisk marching pace which soon slowed to a walk, which came to a drag. Just a few yards from our previous resting place.

"Well, I think we all need a little more rest." Sari giggled as Charismi flew onto her shoulder, licking her face. "Besides," she tittered, smiling, "I'm hungry; aren't you?"

"Say, say; right you are!" Ryuu grinned.

"Speak of the pickle!" Hemu gasped, "She's right! My stomach is hungry!"

"The pickle?" I sighed. "I guess so." I picked up Ayumu who was already sleeping soundly, and carried her back to the resting area.

~|*_*|~

Sari

After a long rest and a hearty feast, we continued on, Ayumu sleeping on Ryuu's back. The boys were taking turns carrying her and soon it was going to be Hemu's turn, then Muri's again. I sighed, it was getting dark, and I was too getting sleepy. Soon my feet would no longer hold my weight, and I collapsed, unable to go on.

~|*_*|~

Ryuu

"Oh! You're awake!" I smiled, looking upon Sari as she opened her eyes.

"We took a break?" she asked, sitting up.

"Uh-huh! Oh! Speak of the cucumber! It's afternoon, and we told Muri we'd catch up!" Hemu trailed off, looking up at the sun.

"Cucumber? Muri? Catch...up?" Sari murmured, jumping up. "Oh-no! I'm so sorry, we gotta go!" And she ran off, waking up Ayumu and dragging her along, Charismi at her back, as she left us to clean up everything.

~|*_*|~

Muri

"No," I gasped, it couldn't be. I refused to believe it. Before me was a dragon. But not jusy any dragon. A HUGE one. And on top, were Ryuu's parents, laughing maliciously down at my gaping face. I was confused. Ryuu described his parents as fun and kind. but this was far from that. This was evil and dark. And they were laughing as if I was the world's funniest comedy. Just evilly.

I put on a brave face and puffed out my chest. I was not going to let Ryuu's parents get away. And I was not going to let them just sit there, laughing at me.

"Lol!" The mom said. "The little hero, trying to be brave? What foolishness!"

"It's not foolish!" I shouted. But I was beginning to admit that I could not take on a dragon that size by myself.

"Rotfl!" The dad said. "Tsk tsk tsk. What is it that you are hoping to accomplish all by yourself?"

"My friends are coming! And together, we will defeat you! Then Ryuu will have his parents back!" I shouted, frowning. Now it was their turn to gape.

"Defeat....Ryuu?" The parents whispered, confused.

They don't know? I thought to my self. They must have been brain washed or something.