Waiting for Amber Skyy

Chapter 53

CW // Gore, blood

TW // Killing

"That went well," Fang spat out some blood.

He and Maya were soaring back to where the rest of the gang was, a little winded from what they just went through.

"At least we got some names," Maya pointed out, her voice thick from her split lip. "And it's lucky we're headed to Colorado anyways."

Fang quietly agreed as he pumped his wings. When they reached the place, he couldn't bear to walk in. It reminded him so much of the School despite it being in ruins. Maya was the same, though her trauma wasn't as extensive as his. She took the lead as they tiptoed in to see a large group of DGers in the middle of what used to be the cafeteria. Their discussion was just that of the DGer's mantra, but something was different. They talked of a "second stage" which they didn't get the full details on but caught a few names and a place called Telluride before things got crazy. He still couldn't put his finger on how they spotted them, or how those kids jumped them from behind.

"We should call up Nino again, before they get on to us," Maya suggested, though her tone was more commanding. She paused before adding with a slight blush, "I mean, I think we should."

"Good idea," Fang assured her, relieving the tension. "We'll do that once we land."

The air sang in their ears for a moment before she asked, "Do you think we can help her? You know, after..." She glanced at him, "We already know who her brother is, so why even meet up? Why don't we just tell her and be on our way?"

Fang didn't respond or react, as he was deep in thought. Maya only echoed his own thoughts back at him, in which he still had no answer to. Why was he still going through with this? Did he do this because they were just more lost kids that needed people like them? Or was it because they reminded him of a life he once left behind? Every time he pictured her face from news reports, he could easily transpose Iggy's right onto hers. Their eyes, nose, hair and skin, they were identical to some degree. But what if it was all a farce, like when the flock exasperated their lives to find their parents? He shivered, remembering meeting up with Iggy's parents and how they wanted to expose him to the world. He wondered if Amber knew of them too, since they said nothing about a second kid.

On top of knowing so much, he also knew so little. How in the world was she still alive? The last few times he crossed kids with animal traits were months ago, maybe even a year ago. She mentioned having wings, a tail, and scales, and the look in her eyes of her picture screamed School damage. But she wasn't there when he was – if she was there, she wouldn't be living now. Not to mention Speck, who he had no information on, which made him more antsy about meeting them. Where did they come from, and why are they just now reaching out? What happened to make things align this way?

He finally shook his head, "Let's hear them out. They might know something we don't."

"But, will they stick with us?"

"Not sure," he glanced up at her, admiring her powerful wings. "We'll just have to see."

"Ratchet would strangle you if he heard that."

He smiled, "They all would."

They continued in silence until Fang spoke up again, "I think you and I should go there first, so they don't get spooked by the rest of the gang."

"Sounds like a plan," she smirked at him. "Leader."

His cheeks reddened as he tried to ignore her.

𓆩 ────── 𓆪

"We're here."

I somewhat-gracefully landed just on the edge of a cliff and leaned forward, hoping to avoid slipping off. I stopped a few feet inwards and unhooked Speck from my backpack straps. She moved her hands to copy me, and I felt her skin flakes brush onto my skin. I narrowed my eyes at her, and her face flushed. "You said you would be fine before we left – look at you!" I picked off a piece from her wrist and she shuffled away.