Flight from Within

Chapter 14 - We're off

Chapter 14

Sky

*Three months later*

There was a loud knock at the door(way). Nervously, I stepped away from the pot I'd been cooking with and I stood on the porch, hands crossed over my chest.

"General." I said. I nodded once, praying my terror didn't show.

"Hello, miss. I've been commanded to get one man from each family to go and fight."

My lower lip quivered.

"W-why?" I said.

"The humans... They've gone past the border..." He said solemnly.

"What...?!" My eyes bugged. "How is that possible?!"

"We don't know, miss. But we have to defend."

"But this will start another Great War!" I argued.

"We don't intend to purposefully kill any humans. We will only do what is necessary to make them go back to where they came from. And stay there." He said. Tanix walked out, drying his hands on a leaf.

"What's going on?" Tanix looked at the early tears forming in my eyes. We had to send Tanix. Theus was not qualified as a man.

The General explained everything to Tanix. Tanix's face darkened.

"Yes, Sir. I'll will prepare right away." Tanix nodded gravely. The General nodded and flew off. I knew there was no point in trying to convince Tanix to stay. He was forced by law to go. I took deep, shuddering breaths, trying to calm myself down.

"Sky." Tanix said. He held my elbows. "The General flew to Daniel's hut." My eyes widened. "Go." He said. I flew quickly to Daniel's hut, waiting until the General had left. I stumbled into the structure, blinded by tears. Daniel rushed to me, steadying me.

"H-he..." I choked on my sobs, collapsing on the floor. Daniel knelt beside me, rubbing my back.

"I know. I know." I slowly lifted my head to look at him.

"You have to go... don't you..." Daniel pursed his lips.

"No. I am not certified as a family since it's just me, but because they desperately need troops, I am going." He said.

I nodded, letting the tears flow. I knew that is what Daniel would decide. He is too loyal to sit around and do nothing while Nix is attacked.

"But the General only wants me for a little while after training while he get more soldiers. I'll only be away for 9 months." I nodded. It wasn't much, but I'd take it.

"I have to go pack..." He said reluctantly. "I'll say goodbye before I leave, okay?" I nodded, and flew back to the hut.

---

Three hours later, we all stood out on the porch. Tanix and Daniel said goodbye to Theus first, and nudged him inside. They came to me next. Tanix pulled me against him as I hugged his neck. I heard thunder in the distance as it started to rain. I breathed deeply as Tanix flew off the porch. Daniel stepped closer to me, caressing my face. His arm snaked around my waist, pulling me to him. I buried my face in his chest.

"I will come back." He said, tilting my chin up to look at his face. "I promise you."

I felt our faces getting closer and closer to each other. I kissed him bitterly, knowing this very well may be the last time I ever see him.

A/N

You have no idea what I have planned...