Broken Wings

~11~

Haze was the last to kneel down, head bowed staring at the dirt as he grieved for his friends. Phoenix had his wing around Star, who continued to cry, while MCA placed the final sword.

In front of each grave, the swords of the Fallen has been dug into the ground, standing so that they would never be forgotten.

Nothing was said for some time, other than the quiet words from Haze and MCA as they paid their respects.

~~~

The rest of the day was blank, the final four grouping together in the barn. Haze had tried to leave for Grounded, while Star had insisted on everyone leaving her be. Phoenix refused however, saying that would give the murderer perfect time to strike.

After some talk, MCA finally convinced Phoe that Star could be left to herself. After all, time alone was what she needed...

Phoenix turned away from the exit, unwilling to leave the map.

"Phoe, come on, she needs time..."

MCA insisted, but he shook his head.

"I'm going to keep an eye on her."

"But Phoenix."

Haze continued.

"No, you guys go on ahead. I'm staying here."

The two looked at each other, and Haze shrugged.

"I guess it couldn't hurt to have someone look after her. Alright Phoe, make sure she's okay."

~~~

Phoenix sighed, having been standing guard outside the barn. He was seated on the porch of a smaller shed to the side, watching both entrances carefully.

Something rustled in the direction of the barn, and Phoe watched as Star exited. The feathers on her wings were all messed up, and her hair together in clumps. The poor angel looked as if she was withering away in her sadness.

Not wanting to disturb her, Phoenix watched her leave, deciding that she'd find the other two quick enough.

However, his curiosity was getting the better of him. Though he knew he shouldn't pry, Phoenix couldn't help himself.

He stood up, racing over to the barn, and glancing over his shoulder. He was alone.

Phoe climbed the ladder quickly, but barely managed to dodge the sharp point sticking out through the floorboards.

Upon reaching the top, he found that Star's sword had been driven into the floor, a torn scrap of blue fabric tied around the hilt, but her bow and quiver were missing.

She probably took them with her

But wait.

He remembered his suspicions, and froze.

What if Star was the killer? With a bow she could easily kill someone...

How could I let myself get completely lost like that?! I need to find them!

Phoenix turned quickly, completely disregarding the fact that a sword almost skewered him down the ladder, and sprinted out of the map. He pulled the bow over his head, prepared to grab an arrow. He then looked around.

Grounded, that's where they'd be. He pulled out an arrow, readied it, and went in...

~~~

The abandoned section of airport was covered in vines, grass growing everywhere. Phoenix wasn't sure what could possibly be bringing Haze back here. He looked around him, finding no one in sight, but a couple vines had been used for target practice.

They had arrows straight through them, pinning them to the wall. Some vines were missing their lower halves, sliced clean in two.

This must be why he came here so much! Haze was practicing to defend himself. No wonder he hasn't been attacked yet. The killer's afraid of him!

He found a broken window, climbing out and jumping down. The airplane was surrounded by trees, practically growing into it. If anywhere, they'd be here.

He quietly crept up to the door, opening it and peeking inside. There was nothing there at first, but that all changed as he went in...

The first thing he saw was the brightly colored headband, it's neon yellow and glowing purple lying discarded on the floor. But then, he saw the real crime.

Phoenix didn't want to know how, but MCA had been arrowed to the ceiling like a butterfly in a collection. There were arrows piercing each of his limbs, multiple in his chest, and a final one in his head.

Phoenix backed up, holding a wing over his mouth. No one deserved do die like this, hung up like some kind if sick art piece! This was just... wrong! In so many ways!

It was then that he heard one of the plane doors open...

-----------------------------------------------
What?!

I'm not dead?!

Yes! I am finally back! I'm so sorry for not updating this book in forever but I promise I'll keep up with it again now! Thank you guys again for reading!

~ Alice