The Eden Projects (EDITING)

Chapter 15. Group.

- Ace -

The moon slowly crept across the sky like some slow prowling beast. A twisted grin pulling at its face as it chased the stars. Gobbling up the ones that crossed its path like a wolf with snapping jaws. Even the largest houses seemed to cower in the trees, shaking with fear at each stars passing. Ace and his flock flew through the night, their large wings and muscles carrying them with effortless fluidity across the blackened sky. Feathers vibrating in the wind as they went. 

Ace at the head, couldn't help but smile. As did the few flying wing to wing with him. They landed on a rooftop just within Old Michigan's walled territory. 

Are you sure this is a good idea?" Fog tried to fold his large wings, the sound of his feathers rustling was loud and messy. The tips of his clawed toes tapping against the roofs pitted surface. 

"We'll have to wait and see." Ace let his wings droop past his waist. "I don't think I'll be able to keep this up for much longer. I wasn't made for distance."

Fog didn't respond. 

"Having them closer will benefit all parties." 

Distance, Ace surmised, was the enemy of scheming. The longer at which you held something, the easier it was to let that something slip. These boys however were more like bucking broncos and the tighter he held their reins, the harder they fought for release. He rubbed his sore shoulders with a grimace. He could already feel his grip loosening on the situation. "Where's Rook and Toph?" Ace looked over his resting flock. Tightening the ties around his ankles. He didn't mind the mutations. In fact, the more birdlike he became, the more comfortable with himself he grew. He was the longest standing infected in the group, so he was that much more "bird" than human. The wind tossed his dark feathery hair in wisps. 

"They aren't here yet. Must still be working on that drop." 

"Why does it always have to be such a hassle. You'd think people would be more than willing to form alliances to stay alive. What a bunch of fools." He sighed. 

Fog lowered himself, joining Ace at the edge of the building. "Why'd you tell Kasper we wouldn't be here if we still need to gather informa-"

"-because, as far as both parties are concerned, neither knows the other is still alive... at least in a conscionable way. As a plus, they're paying pretty well for us to track whatever's left of Kasper down so I want to draw this out."

"Do you really think he doesn't know?"

Ace sighed heavy in his bones. "They still think he turned. Those bozos didn't even bat at eye at my "misplacing" of that booster strain. What a world we live in."

"Have you thought about what happens if this backfires?" Fog pulled a few of his broken feathers, straightening the strands. "I'd hate to be caught in either of their teeth." 

"It won't. Everything is playing out nicely." Ace fiddled with a knife. "-and it's always been high stakes. Like I said before Fog, if you want to leave, you know the rules. I understand you want to see your family." Ace could sense in Fog a weak apprehension. The thought of him losing such a powerhouse like him was a scary thought. But he understood. If Ace had a family, he wouldn't be playing such a risky game. "I can make it quick." 

Fog thought for a moment before the large claws on his wings pressed into the ground, helping him to his feet. "I just hope you don't run out of moves."