Air Kingdom

Chapter 4-Just A Typical Day With Chaos

The Grand Hall was a mess. Maids were running around still holding baskets of materials in their hands, butlers were talking with each other but they had anxious and worried faces, and the guards had their weapons out. When I entered, the whole room quickly fell silent and the staff curtsied and bowed, but it soon exploded into chatter again. I left and went to the Dining Room for breakfast and to ask what in the world was going on.

I promptly arrived at 7:20 am. I sat down at my seat and the butlers swiftly served me. It was clear that they had something else on their mind. My siblings soon entered, lacking the energy they always had. That was odd. Usually, my parents would reach the Dining Room before them. The twins loved to sleep and usually ate breakfast at lunch. They were also the most positive members of the family. But now, they seem to be extremely depressed. Something must be really wrong if they aren't their usual self.

When they sat down, I instantly started bombarding them with questions. "What in Air is wrong with the palace today? Everyone is going nuts and everything was fine yesterday. What's wrong?" I demanded. 

They exchanged grave looks and said in unison, "Haven't you heard, the last raid went wrong and the humans escaped. They broke into homes and killed 15 Airians before the royal guards hunted them down." I stared at them, trying to process what they just told me.

Raids were how we got supplies. Once in a while, an airplane would pass by Air and we would have an elite team break in, kill the humans, and take all their food and resources. Humans usually don't expect strange flying people to loot everything, but it catches them by surprise and it makes our jobs easier. We couldn't risk the airplanes seeing us and we needed supplies, so raiding them works out for us. Then we would send the plane crashing down on Earth. The humans would think the engine failed and everyone died from the explosion. The humans won't be suspicious at all. However, for this raid to go wrong is unexpected. We had the advantage, what went wrong? The worse part is they even got away and went on a killing spree.

"How did they escape?" I asked, desperate to know all the details. Before they could answer, my parents walked in, making a very dramatic entrance. They looked elegant as they were wearing their best clothes and they even matched each other. However, they were wearing black which was uncommon as they had multiple outfits to choose from. They also had their crowns on which was rare. They only wore them on special events. There even was a small breeze that lifted their hair a bit as they glided in. It was so cliche. I rolled my eyes at their arrival. We all stood up and bowed or curtsied. They waved at us to sit down and the butlers came to serve their food. We didn't talk because the atmosphere was too tense. Mother was picking at her food, not eating anything and Father was looking around, seeing if anything dared to attack him. Tamara and Tristian were fighting each other with the silverware.

"Ok, ok," I said, finally breaking the silence, well the clinking of spoons and forks were pretty loud. "I understand that this situation is no joke, but why is this such a big deal?" I asked. I hope I wasn't too informal. Father sighed and Mother looked down thinking about something else. 

"This incident means a great deal, Emma. The humans had weapons and killed the whole elite team before they could attack. They probably knew about our existence and were planning to strike us down." Father said.

"Wait. They killed the ShadowWolfs too?" They were a well-known family. They were the best of the best and their entire family and ancestors were dedicated to protecting the royal family. Since the Depression War, their services weren't needed anyone more and they helped in raids instead. They still taught their children fighting techniques from almost a thousand years ago. The only ShadowWolfs left are Marco and Katie ShadowWolf with their 3 children. The eldest is Seiro ShadowWolf and he has twin sisters. Their names are Chise and Chiho ShadowWolf. They were all very nice and kind but Seiro rarely talks. Chise and Chiho were more outgoing and they got along well with Tamara and Tristan. I rarely saw Marco and Katie but they were good friends with Mother and Father.

Mother had tears in her eyes but she didn't say anything. Father slowly nodded. I looked down, thinking about them and how they were always nice to me. Seiro and the twins must be going through a lot...... But for them to die seemed impossible. I've seen them train. They were never surpassed by anyone in Air. But, even the best eventually falls.

"After that, I thought that it would be better to have someone to keep an eye out for you Emma," Father suddenly said. "Since Seiro ShadowWolf is around your age, I had assigned him to be your protector. He will also attend Air Mackenzie Academy with you today." I thought it over, taking in his words. 

"Hold up, you mean as my bodyguard?!" I asked in outrage. 

"Yes," My father said ignoring my outburst. "As next in line, you cannot be hurt. You have a duty as a princess and soon you will rule all of Air." 

"But, but," I started in protest. 

"Emma," My mother said, finally having the words to join the conversation. "You know that we wouldn't do this if we didn't have to and we also know what you are well capable of with your bow, but there will come a time that you will need someone to help you. Yes, I understand that you are only 17 and that is a bit unusual but not everything can be accomplished by yourself. Everyone needs help at some point and that time is coming near my daughter." She commented. Mother had a point but I liked to think I can do anything on my own.

I sighed and muttered something in agreement. Father looked a bit happier than he was this morning. 

"So it's settled." He said. Father waved a butler over and told him, "Please bring in Seiro ShadowWolf along with his sisters." The butler bowed and he left. We finished our breakfast and we patiently awaited the arrival of the ShadowWolfs. Well everyone else was, I was fiddling with my dress, dreading to what was about to come. I was about to ask what was taking so long but then the doors opened.

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If you are reading this, thank you for trying out Air Kingdom. I hope you enjoy reading this as much as I love writing it!!<3

This chapter is longer than usual, but I had a lot of details I wanted to put in and cutting it out for the next chapter would be too choppy.

I didn't add a note at the end of my chapters like I am doing now, but after a friend's suggestion, here I am.
Thanks to TwoDespairs for creating the idea of The ShadowWolf family.

Have fun and enjoy the next chapter!!!!!