King Of The Skies

Chapter 8

Jackson, Flight Ring 5, Base Nidus, 2: 30 pm

"This is starting to be predictable," Jackson mumbled to no one.

For the past four days, Kage had trailed them to each class and silently stood outside the door. He met them very morning at Mess Hall 7 on Floor 8 and followed them to classes. No one questioned it but they were starting to get mad that the Royal Guard hadn't walked in to analyse the cadets.

Currently, the entire second year cohort had gathered in front of Flight Ring 5, all were waiting patiently for their teacher to arrive. Jackson saw Kage linger at the staircase, he didn't intrude on any lessons but always stayed close by. It kept Jackson on edge all day.

"Why the hell is First Colonel Gold so late," Jasper complained, swinging his bare arm over his face to avoid the scorching sunlight. It may have been leading into winter, but there were so many random hot days. Their Flight Training gear was different to the combat training uniform. Instead of a skin tight padded leather suit, the Flight Training uniform was a sky blue cotton tank top, grey camouflage pants and the usual army issue sturdy leather boots.

"Because she's probably busy?" Jackson answered.

"No problem with waiting," Angelica was facing the sun, soaking up its warmth.

"Yes, yes there is," Lyn said, she had gotten so hot in her leather jacket she had to take it off, she didn't look happy about it.

Jasper groaned and collapsed down to the floor, lying dramatically next to Eva who was sitting with her long legs outstretched. Jackson was always intrigued by Eva's out of proportioned body structure.

Nathan walked up to them, he was the last to get changed, "We still haven't started?"

Jackson shook his head, Nathan sighed and scanned the crowd that was waiting outside the Flight Ring. The placement of training facilities in Base Nidus also made Jackson mad. Why did Wind Tunnels have to be on the lower floors? Why were there domes and rings on the roof? Why was there a wave pool when everyone could literally fly? Why have an obstacle course when, again, everyone could just fly away?

Everything about the army made Jackson mad, and the worst part about it was he couldn't do anything to get out. He was stuck here, stuck with his twin and a group of orphans who nobody liked. And he hated every inch of Base Nidus.

"Alrighty little fledglings! How are we feeling today?" First Colonel Gold swopped the crowd and landed on top of the entrance to the Flight Ring.

The crowd cheered as Jackson rolled his eye. First Colonel Chrys Gold was as energetic as she was tough. She could take on half of the army and have enough energy to circle the entire city. Her breed as a Golden Eagle made the religious cadets worship her, and Jackson hated that the most.

"Now, today I have decided to spice things up a bit. You ready to rumble?" Her voice energised the crowd, the cheering got louder.

"Today cadets, we are doing a bit of a battle Royale!" Jackson saw Lyn, Angelica and Jasper perk up at that statement.

"What's the reward for winning?" A cadet called from the crowd.

"Reward? Hmm, lunch with the Royals? A few good words to the Royal Guard?" First Colonel Gold pondered. Another thing Jackson hated about her, First Colonel Chrys Gold's father was the Priest for the Royal Family.

"Oh joy of joys," Jackson grumbled, Nathan struggled to hide his smile as the crowd erupted into louder cheers.

"Alrighty everyone! Line up and file in, we got a tournament to get started!" First Colonel Gold cheered and opened the large doors to the Flight Ring.