The Watcher V: SKYFALL

Chapter 7: Take Flight

The day had finally arrived. Jonathan, Ruthy, Gape, Chloe, Tony, Angel, and Jane stood on the tarmac, the sleek, white private jet gleaming in the morning sun. The excitement was palpable as they prepared to board the plane that would take them to Los Angeles. Their luggage was being loaded into the cargo hold, and the crew welcomed them with warm smiles.

"Can you believe it? Our own private jet!" Jane exclaimed, her eyes wide with wonder.

Chloe laughed, squeezing her daughter's shoulder. "I know, sweetie. It's pretty amazing, isn't it?"

Jonathan took a deep breath, looking around at his family. "Alright, everyone, let's get on board. We've got a lot ahead of us."

They filed up the stairs and into the luxurious cabin, where plush leather seats and wide windows greeted them. Ruthy and Tony marveled at the spacious interior, while Gape settled into a seat near the front, already looking through the in-flight menu.

Angel, however, had other concerns. He clutched his backpack tightly as he followed the others inside, his mind racing. The creature he had named MinFlay had grown rapidly over the past few days and was now the size of a newborn baby. He hadn't told anyone about MinFlay yet, unsure of how they would react.

As soon as they were settled in and the plane began to taxi down the runway, Angel excused himself. "I'll be right back. I need to use the bathroom."

Chloe gave him a distracted nod, too caught up in the moment to notice his nervousness. Angel quickly made his way to the small bathroom at the back of the jet, locking the door behind him. He unzipped his backpack and gently lifted MinFlay out, placing the creature on the counter.

MinFlay blinked up at him with its large, luminous eyes, emitting a soft, chirping sound. Angel couldn't help but smile, despite his anxiety. "Hey there, MinFlay. You okay, buddy?"

The creature cooed in response, wriggling slightly but seeming content. Angel checked the makeshift nest he had created, making sure MinFlay had enough food and was comfortable. "We're gonna be in the air for a while, but I'll keep you safe. I promise."

He reached out and stroked MinFlay's smooth, leathery skin. Over the past few days, he had grown attached to the little being, feeling a strange sense of responsibility and protectiveness. He couldn't shake the feeling that MinFlay was somehow important, though he couldn't yet understand why.

A knock on the bathroom door startled him. "Angel, you okay in there?" It was Jonathan.

"Yeah, just a minute," Angel called back, hastily zipping up his backpack and making sure MinFlay was secure. He took one last look at the creature, whispering, "Hang in there, MinFlay."

He flushed the toilet for good measure and then opened the door, stepping out to face his uncle. Jonathan raised an eyebrow, but didn't press the issue. "Everything alright?"

Angel nodded, forcing a smile. "Yeah, I'm good. Just nervous, I guess."

Jonathan put a reassuring hand on his shoulder. "I get it. This is a big deal for all of us. But we'll get through it together, okay?"

"Okay," Angel said, feeling a little better. They walked back to their seats, and Angel stole a glance at his backpack, hoping MinFlay would stay quiet and hidden for the duration of the flight.

As the jet soared into the sky, leaving their hometown behind, Angel couldn't help but wonder what adventures—and challenges—lay ahead. The journey to Los Angeles was just the beginning, and he knew that the secrets he carried would soon come to light. For now, though, he was surrounded by his family, and together they would face whatever the future had in store.