The Black Wings

Chapter 19

Chapter 19
~~~~~~~~

"Welp, it still smells the same." Junior comments as he steps out of the van.

"And what kinda smell is that?" Lana asks in curiosity.

"A lusting hatred for basic rights."

"That's deep Junior."

"Can we just go inside? I hope you realize that I spotted at least 6 wanted holograms of us on the way here." I interrupt their conversation while walking closer to the warehouse.

"I agree." Nadie joins in.

"You're right, I'm pretty sure the mayor wants you and your brother's heads." Lana chimes in while holding my hand.

"What about you? I bet they want your's too." Junior inquires while catching up to us.

She shakes her head in denial. "Nope, Triana told the authorities that you guys took Wy and I hostage. Don't take it personally."

"So that way Triana and Wy's parents wouldn't be tried for a process."

"Exactly."

"Smart."

Opening the walls to the warehouse, we're greeted by our familiar members. Triana pulls Lana in a tight hug, rubbing her hair and whispering sweet nothings in her ears. Nadie stands, examining the warehouse.

I notice Wy's parents behind everyone, I find hope glittering their irises.

Someone has to tell them and that has to be me, I remind myself as the heavy set man slaps my shoulder with a smile.

"Safe trip?" He asks in curiosity.

I nod and reach behind my back, grasping the crisp metal of my sword's hilt. "Finally got this."

"Oh Ace!" Triana exclaims as she makes her way over to me. "I'm so proud of you."

"The sword. You have the sword." Another voice speaks up.

Checking behind me, I find Wy's parents standing with an expression I could only describe as woe.

His mother closes her eyes, not daring to peek at it. They were informed of their son's tragic fate and what the sword means.

They know, he's dead.

"I thought we'd get to see him one more time." His father mumbles in a brittle tone.

My own face creases at the sight of them. I begin to form words when Junior takes a step forward.

"Your son didn't die in pain. He went peacefully and was very serious during my awakening."

"Dead serious." His mother cracks a pun as a reminder of him.

Junior gives a half-smile and blows air out of his nose. "Dead serious indeed. Ace has some stuff do to, let me tell you guys some stuff at the bar."

His parents nod, their faces lined with grief as the 3 of them head over to the bar. I remind myself to thank him later.

"The savior. All you have to do is find the red winged oracle." Triana remarks, distracting my thoughts from my dead friend.

"Talk about a struggle. When we return, our forces are going to push themselves towards the red winged base to try and locate them." I inform the 2 of them while shaking my head.

"It's a shame the man of truth was captured, he would have been valuable to your forces." She comments while snapping her fingers downward.

"Who is that?"

"The man of truth or woman of truth is a mortal laced with foreseeing powers granted by the black and red winged sage. The only one that's in this country has been captured."

"Perhaps he's the oracle."

"He is a red wing so it is possible." Nadie's neutral voice chimes in as she strolls inside with a bag.

"That's also probably how the king has been watching you and knowing when to inflict pain." Triana adds.

"He hasn't attacked my dreams in awhile." I mention to them.

"Dream attacking takes a lot of energy and power especially since he's controlling the sage. Hopefully we're draining him."

"Hopefully. Let's get settled in and then we'll talk."

Everyone nods and we move back to he van to unload, preparing to face the days we're here.