Captain Destiny's Adventure

Chapter 14: Flight Check

"T-Taka?" Sora whimpered through his tears.

"HA HA HA HA HA HA HA!!" Slice hollered. "I TOLD YOU! I ALWAYS WIN!"

"YEAHHH SLICE!"

"WELL DONE!"

"BIRDMAN MEAT FOR DINNER!"

"RIBBONS GALORE!"

"WE'RE RICH!"

Hakku's fists and jaw clenched. He whipped his glare to the victor as she bowed and flipped her stiff hair.

"If I keep the leader distracted, then we can at least rescue Taka and Sora. Hawks and Aleta are rescuing their brethren. I trust they know what they are doing, especially since they found the correct key with ease."

"First Officer," he muttered over his shoulder.

"Yes, Captain?" she whispered back.

"New Order: get Sora and Taka to their parents. If you see the Flight Engineer, ask her to gather information on the technology these poachers used."

"We told her to stay behind."

"She's antsy, innovative, and independent. I have a hunch she'll be looking for us."

"Oh great. So now we're going to have to trek thr–"

"No. She'll come to us."

"Huh?!"

"Trust me, please. Right now–"

"Awww what's the matter!" Slice exclaimed.

She leapt off her bed of nails and sauntered towards the fallen Birdman.

Taka hacked and wheezed as he hauled himself to his hands and knees. Rivers of water and dirt flowed down his flushed face.

"You defended your little brother!" the poacher taunted, "So why are you crying?"

She stopped and looked at the owlet nearby. Sora immediately wrapped up his wings.

"Honey, don't be scared." Slice crooned, "Your brother was going to hurt you despite the agreement that outside parties weren't allowed to interfere. That's why I had to stop him. To rescue you. Do you understand?"

Sora peeked between his wings.

"N-no I d-don't," he stuttered.

Slice sighed.

"Honey, would I lie to you?"

"Ummm, I d-don't know?" Sora whimpered, parting his wings more.

"Sora," Taka wheezed, "*cough cough* please don't *cough* believe her."

"What a pathetic, controlling older brother," Slice mused.

Her cheeks pulled up into a smirk.

"Speaking of which, Takakei Takami. We still have our little deal, right?"

Taka dug his talons into the dirt and staggered up.

"Yes. We do," he hissed.

"Excellleennnt," she drawled, pulling out a long needle.

"What the hell's that for?" Taka seethed.

Slice put on hand on her hip. The other twirled the tiny javelin. Her sharp, dark eyes scrutinized its appearance.

"Not every feathered freak follows their deal."

"What does that have to do with me?!"

"Birds of a feather flock together, yes?"