To BUDDER

Chapter 2

Sky slept for most of the day, having Deadlox as leader for a while. When he woke up and started to get ready for night patrol, he had a small headache. He quickly disregarded it and focused on the task at hand. But when it came to waiting for the rest of the patrol at the entrance of the city, it was pounding. His shining budder armour didn't help with the constant slamming in his head. In fact, the helmet just made the pain worsen. Sky knew this whole thing was a bad idea, even without the headache. Well, he knew something was going to happen at least. But, it was just a gut feeling, nothing more and nothing less. After Sky stood for a while, suffering in pain while he spun his sword, Jerome decided to come through the entrance from his patrol.

"Sky!" Jerome greeted Sky, once he saw the general. He walked over, a smile present on the bacca's face.

"Hello, Jerome," Sky stated, sternly. "Report."

"Hunting went well," Jerome declared, looking back at the members of his hunting party. They were filing into the city, game in their packs. Sky smiled, it was always nice to know food was running well. "The forest is still populated. Lots of animals and prey. It's nice."

"Any squids?" Sky inquired.

"No sign of them anywhere," Jerome reported. "It's like they've disappeared." Sky sighed, discouraged. Hope was fading in the army, Sky had to find a sign of their hideout soon. Normally, there was at least a scent to follow. What or who was making the squids better?

"Agh!" Sky exclaimed, a rush of pain flowed through his head. He brought his hand up to his temple.

"Are you okay, dood?" Jerome quickly questioned, bringing his hand near Sky's arm. Sky exhaled, pain still in his eyes, but he brought his hand down.

"Fine," Sky muttered, groaning slightly. Fluffy brought his hand back, but kept a wary eye on the leader. "Just a horrible headache.

"Are you sure about patrol? Deadlox really wants something to do and all,-" Jerome started.

"I'll be fine, Jerome," Sky retorted. "Besides, Deadlox is playing leader, I don't want to mess up his mojo. Also, I did promise Jason."

Fluffy sighed, knowing Sky was all too stubborn. He noticed his hunting party was still hanging around. Pausing the conversation, Jerome turned his head back to them and called out, "Go home you guys! I'll see you all tomorrow!" Once the group had dwindled off, Jerome turned back to Sky. "Jason would understand about your absence because of a medical condition."

"I am perfectly fine, Jerome," Sky stated, firmly. "I haven't gone on a patrol in forever." He fake smiled, hoping Jerome would buy it. Though Jerome was wary, Jerome didn't question any further.

"If it gets any worse, tell Jason," Jerome ordered. Sky nodded, slowly, not wanting to agitate his headache anymore. "Immediately." Sky rolled his eyes. Jerome just sighed and walked away. Sky sighed, noting that his friends were so overprotective. They were so worried about him, he wasn't acting that weird. Dawn did just up and leave him... NO! NO, no, no, no, he promised to himself that he would never think of...her. Heart-broken and alone, that's all he was now. He even promised himself that he would never fall in love again. Sky's eyes and throat started to burn. NO CRYING! He yelled to himself. Thinking about love and heartbreak was making Sky gloomy.

"Sky!" Sky heard Jason yell over to him. Sky blinked away the burning and tears. He had no time to feel sorry for himself and cry; he had an army to lead. He turned to see Jason and three other guards walk up. Their armour clanged as they ran up, causing Sky's headache to worsen.

"Good afternoon, Jason," Sky addressed back, hiding his pain. He smiled at Jason's small wave and returned with a tiny wave of his own. "Hello, you three."

"This is Logan, Jordan and Dane," Jason informed, pointing to each of the men while he said their name.

"Hello, General Sky," They stated in unison, nodding curtly towards Sky. Sky smiled and nodded back.

"So, where are we starting?" Sky questioned, his eyes shifting to Jason.

"Well, get ready to get wet," Jason answered, throwing Sky a small boat. "We are going to check some rivers and lakes."