King Of The Skies

Chapter 17

Kai, Sector 4, Outer City, 9:30 pm

Kai wasn't sure if he should be terrified, grateful or angry about the current situation. So he settled for being obedient and wary of the powerful avians around him.

He knew of Jaspers skills and strengths, so he automatically thought Jackson was the same level. Kai wasn't afraid or cautious of the owl, Eva, she wasn't very lively during the day and didn't seem very strong or athletic. Angelica was tall and stocky, he knew if he stayed out of her range he would be fine. Kai knew he didn't stand a chance against the crow, raven, in a fist fight, but he knew he could outfly any of them.

Nathan was most likely his biggest threat, besides Kage, he was fast and as agile as Kai. Kage was the other problem, out flying him might not have been a problem, but he would dead if he was caught.

Kai hated himself more and more whenever he thought of escaping to flying off. He hated that it was instinct to analyse every person he came in contact with and how to survive a fight against them. He hated how he counted exists every time he walked in a room. And he hated how he let himself be in this situation.

"Now listen here darling, you'll be safe with them. Jas might be snarky but he'll be good in a brawl," Miss Noc had hugged him tightly before he left.

"Thank you Miss Noc, your gratitude knows no limits," Kai said, he didn't know if he was happy or repulsed that she didn't say 'Your Highness'.

He stepped out onto the open balcony and few up to meet Lyn, Angelica and Nathan. He looked down at the buildings and streets below, for the whole time he was away from the Palace he had a mix of unease and delight rolling around in his stomach.

"Don't look so down Princey, we ain't dead yet," Lyn cawed.

Aren't. "I'm not worried Lyn."

"Convincing," Lyn said, she turned to Angelica and started up a conversation.

Why is she so persistent on interrogating me? Kai didn't hate Lyn, but something about her told him to be careful when talking with her. One of the things he hated about this rag tag team of orphans was how nonchalant they were. Either they chose to be this ignorant of the reality of this situation or they really didn't care.

Eva and Jackson flew up next, Eva wrapped her scarf closer around her neck and Jackson had buttoned up his jacket. Kai didn't understand why Lyn was so adamant when finding a yellow scarf for Eva when Miss Noc let her get clothes for Eva. Kai knew better than to pester a raven.

Kage flew up and counted heads. Kai respected Kage more than the rest of them, the only one with authority in this group.

"Jasper?" Nathan asked.

"Coming, Miss Noc must be very attached to him," Kage said over the soft wind.

"Must be," Jackson mumbled, a vacant look on his face.

Jasper finally emerged from the building and flew up to meet them. Kage didn't hesitate in flying off, they all knew they would draw unwanted attention if they were in the skies for too long.

Kai hesitated for too long when he noticed Kage was flying in the direction of the Inner City. Jackson had grabbed his arm and pulled him forward harshly. Kai hated how touchy Jackson was, Kai would have preferred being in a locked room with Jasper then having Jackson touch him again.

Kai lost his balance as the sparrow pulled him forward, he flapped around harshly, ripping in arm out of Jacksons grip. Jackson fumbled for his arm again.