16 Reunion

An endless sea of green unfolded before my eyes. Soaring through the sky, with the cold wind hitting my face. I've missed this feeling. Kaisel was already fast, but Sylvia is on a different level.

It won't take long, until the first settlements should be in sight.

Mom. Dad. The Twin Horns. It's been a little over a month since the incident. They should have arrived at Xyrus by now...

I can finally see them. I hope they're doing well. My return will shock them for sure.

How will I explain all this? Yeah, soooo, I flew here on the back of a dragon that I've been living with for the past month.

Nah. That sounds ridiculous, even if it is the truth.

I could also just say that some merchants gave me a lift? Let's see...

...

We were already past several settlements, when I first saw Xyrus appear on the horizon. Xyrus City, also known as the floating city, was literally a floating city. I've never seen something like that before.

How does that even work?

Only as we got closer, did I realise the sheer magnitude of the city. It was huge.

"So this what one Xyrus looks like." I said.

I had the habit of talking out loud sometimes, since I felt like I could still talk to Sylvia.

We then started aiming for the city centre. I need to be careful, that as little people as possible see Sylvia.

"Sylvia, fly as fast as you can." This should make it harder to see us.

We approached the ground and just as Sylvia's head was about to reach the ground, I called her back.

I landed safely on my two feet. After an insanely fast flight, I had reached Xyrus City.

We landed in some sort of garden, with little to no people in it. Some might have seen something, but that wouldn't be an issue. I mean, who'd believe them...

I made my way towards a crowded street. It was lively. Unusual. It felt the same as a city in my old world.

All those people, just going about their day. It felt natural to me.

But how will I find the place my parents are staying at? That's actually quite the problem.

I wouldn't be able to sense them yet, and none of my skills will make it any easier. If I had a shadow army, I could just send them in for reconnaissance.

But I only have Sylvia for now, as the other shadow is still unavailable.

I headed for what seemed to be the marketplace. I could ask some of the people if they knew my parents, but that would be a hassle, and the chances anyone knows them are slim to none.

I decided to walk through town a bit, while I scanned my surroundings. I was hoping for some kind of revelation or some kind of cl...

*bump*

"Oh, I'm sorry little one. I didn't see you there." A middle-aged guy with some questionable fashion choices had bumped into me. The most questionable choice was, that he had a goatee. *shudder*

It didn't hurt me at all, but the man now stood in front of me, worried wether I was hurt.

"No, I'm fine. Sorry I didn't watch my step." I said, with an innocent smile.

The man looked sincere. He really did care wether I was hurt or not. Maybe I should ask him, if he had any idea what I should do.

"Excuse me, sir."

"What is it?" He looked at me with anticipation. He was curious about what I wanted to ask.

"Ehm, actually, I got lost and can't find my parents. I could really use some help."

"Oh no! That sounds terrible. No child should be left alone! Ever!" He seemed angry at the fact that I was alone. What a nice guy.

"We should first head over to the place I work at. I will let them know that I won't be there for a while."

"Thank you sir."

"Call me Vincent, little one. What about your name?"

"Arthur."

"What a cool name. I've heard that one somewhere before." Vincent led me towards a huge building, that was separate from normal buildings. It looked like a temple. No it looked like a palace."

"Are you a noble?" I inquired. Was this his 'workplace'? It's ginormous.

"Hahaha. That's not a palace, if that is what you're asking. Hahaha." He chuckled quite a bit before carrying on. "It's actually an auction house. I own the biggest auction house in Xyrus City."

"An auction house? Interesting." It really was. He must be quite the impressive guy, to own such a large company.

We took our first step into the building, which was just as big on the inside. The decoration and interior design was very opulent and palatial.

"Welcome to the Helstea Auction House." Vincent looked proud.

Several employees now gathered around. Vincent talked to some of them. They all eyed me with curious looks. They must be curious why I am walking around with their boss.

"Arthur I want you to meet someone. He will help us find your parents."

Vincent now pointed at a guy, walking in our direction.

"He's called R..."

Before he could finish his sentence, I rushed towards the man.

"Dad!!!!"

"Dad?!" Vincent was shocked.

"ART!!" The man, also known as Reynolds Leywin, now realised who came running towards him.

I jumped onto him, locking my arms around him tightly. Tears started to form uncontrollably and my emotions ran wild.

"Art, it really is you!" We were now both crying in the middle of the auction house. Vincent and the employees around us were clueless as to what was going on.

"But how...how? Is that really you?" Rey put his hands on my shoulders while inspecting me with his tear-filled eyes.

"It is dad. I'm-... I'm back." The words were hard to form, it was such an overwhelming feeling to see his silly face. My heart pounded uncontrollably. I felt alive.

"Reynolds, can you explain to me what's going on?"

Rey looked over to where the voice came from. we both forgot that there were people staring at us.

"Oh Vincent." A heavy smile formed on Rey's face. "This is my son. Arthur."

"But didn't he ..." Vincent stopped before he finished the question. He knew that the question was entirely inappropriate.

This will definitely take some time to explain.

"What about mom and the others?" I looked at Rey. He was still so caught up in his emotions. Understandable, I felt the same.

"Your mother! You're right!" He looked at me, and then at Vincent. Before I knew it, Vincent, Ray and I were running out of the auction house.

...

I followed them through the streets until we reached the gate of a beautiful estate. It was just as grand as the auction house.

"Don't tell me..." I looked at my dad, who smirked a little.

"Yep. This is where we live." He looked at me proudly. And then his facial expression toned down again. "Actually we really only live here. It's Vincent's place. He's kind enough to allow us to live there."

"Stop it with that flattery! Of course I'd let one of my best friends and currently my best employee stay with me. There's enough space anyway."

I looked at them both. They really did seem like good friends.

Anyhow! My mother!

We approached the main entrance and Vincent knocked on the door.

*knock**knock**knock*

The door opened. A maid was standing at the door.

"Welcome, Master Helstea. Welcome Mr. Leywin. Welcome,..." The maid looked at me in confusion.

"Elena, this is a new guest at this place. It's actually Reynolds' son. His name is Arthur Leywin. Make sure you take good care of him." Vincent gave her the speech.

"Welcome, Mr. Leywin." She bowed slightly.

"Alice!!" Rey's voice echoed through the entire mansion.

A woman appeared from one of the numerous hallways.

"What is it?!" She looked angry. But as soon as her gaze fell towards me, the anger vanished.

"Is t-that y-you, Art?"