Ashton Flare

The majestic blue bird of steel wings and electrical nerves is name aptly, the Evercrest Bluetail. It is something I have seen before, the same one from our Air Fleet in Kerthia while we visited the prison. It used to be utilized to transport weapons, armies and prisoners, I have no idea how they got to it.

But I do know it one of the deadliest in the country. It can go higher than the clouds, providing a perfect camouflage. It is weaker at the wings, one hit and they may come off, but it is well equipped with long range missiles made to not let anyone or anything get close.

I do not know whether to be happy or sad that it is not one of the special ones made for our family which can not be controlled by anyone from house Metallica from the outside. If we are intercepted my any Unscathed soldiers, they could try to bring the plane down and we could end prisoners. I can not decide if that is better than staying with Wanderers any longer.

I have gotten much familiar with this place, and by that, I mean I can make my way to my room, the sparring room and the Civilian room where Arieon is without any incident. I smirk as I stride towards where Arieon is to annoy him further. He sits along with Katrin, Leona and Luca, laughing along with them about something Kartin says. .

"Lovely." Luca murmurs, he looks like he is about to gag at any moment. Which ends in them laughing even louder. It has been five days since Rory died, four days since I watched a young boy offer his life to a cause his sister died fighting for, and three days since we were named traitors by our own brother.

After a long time he looks truly happy. I watch him lean into the feeling, greetings it with open arms hoping it never leaves. But I know it always does.

I step away from them, leaving alone the gentle reminder that happiness can exist in this world. Maybe it has been too late, but I have learned happiness is nothing but a drug. If you have a taste of it, you are bound to crave for more.

Just like power, I suppose. But you can not have more than one drug, else it is bound kill you. I chose power, I hope Arieon does too. It is rather selfish of me but I can not live a life straying away from the only person who truly knows me.

~~♡~~

I forgot how much I loved flying. The clouds outside the Bluetail provide a calming distraction. Arieon on the other hand, puked at least twice by now. I presume the view would be better from the passenger seats instead of the cargo bay, but I am not complaining as long as we fly.

It is funny how Arieon and I are so different, the only thing we do seem to have in common are our brunette hair and amber eyes. And our undying duty of holding the crown high of course.

I squint to see what Leona is carrying in her bag but she pulls it away before I get a good look. As much as I hate to say it, the Lone Shadow is really organized. The Metallica guard and Rory's body was burnt and let in the deadly current of the Dark Creek, yet we are moving to a different base.

I look outside the window to find the old Flare castle. It was abandoned years ago but still had adequate electric supply and working runways. The only thing missing were people, or so we thought.

"You guys waiting for an invitation?" Leona snaps as soon as the plane hits the ground. She starts walking towards the door before the plane even rolls to a stop. I suppose she hates flying as much as my brother does.

The Cargo door opens downwards, letting the harsh sunlight in, blinding us for a moment. Everyone but Leona groans, who just squints her eyes as a sign of discomfort.

Small battalions of soldiers march together in mismatched clothing, the only thing in common being the black jackets marking them as Shadows. Today has been quite uneventful, with a little luck, it will stay that way.

Most of the civilians and soldiers move the weapons and baggage into the west side of the castle, we join Leona along with Luca and Katrin instead. The single backpack Arieon and I each have, it not worthy enough to waste the precious time we have in which we can find information instead.

A scarlet haired man walking towards us is different. He can the same pin Colonel Agnor had on his jacket, but for once, he is not scowling or trying to maintain a stoic expression. He is grinning ear to ear. "Captain Agnor, pleased to meet you." he says moving to hug Leona.

Captain... Agnor? Arieon's confusion is visible on his face. His eyes narrow on Leona but she does not notice him. She can not be related to the monster who smiles when he talks about killing each one of the Flares, can she?

Leona side steps instead of hugging the man back. "It's Leona." she hisses, "Are the plans in order Colonel Astra?"

Colonel Astra pouts like a teenager being scolded for having fun. He rolls his eyes dramatically and says, "Had a fight with your father again, kid?"

Leona sighs, visibly tired for whatever family interrogation he has planned. I relate to her and I hate it. Talking about feelings has never been my strong suit, besides, father liked it that way.

"Just a little fallout with the Colonel. We are tired after that long flight. Do you mind asking someone to show us to our rooms Colonel?" Katrin cuts in, coming to Leona's rescue.

I glance at Arieon to find him looking at Leona. His expression matches the one I threw at Neo Dalton years ago.

I wish our hearts could stay connected just a little longer, for they will be broken when time comes. How I hoped I could deny time just a moment longer, only to have it break my withering heart until I wanted it no more.