Making their way into their home. A waft of cheese, lavender and their two children already running around their house dominated their senses“Hey! Don’t forget to wash up now!”Rey yelled, chasing after the two Tasmanian devils, they both yelled, “Get Noa away from us!!! He’s mad!!!” And in fact he was. Not only because they locked him out of the house, but because of the genuine embarrassment he was. “She was so weirded out, I just know it…” He slouched saddened at his potentially besmirched image. Shamefully he began walking upstairs, though as he did, a heavy hand gripped his shoulder.“Kanoa, do me a favor and stop slouching.”Ave said,with the same annoyed yet firm tone, Kanoa’s back stood erect though his arms pressed to his torso closely, keeping the pills in place while also making the imprint less obvious.

  As Rey led the two toddlers to the bathroom, Ave leaned closer, lowering her voice. He braced himself. “Your father and I are working overtime. You know this, I know this. I'm aware you know this given that I’ve told time and time again, all week. Because MurrowsBrow will be in celebration of hitting the King and Queens workers status quo tomorrow, your father will have to work much harder, he may even collapse from exhaustion.”Kanoa cringed at the thought of his father kneeling over, his.”I’m sorry…” He whispered sincerely, Ave continued,”Your job, your only job is to take care of your siblings, and to make life easier for us both, correct?” Quietly Kanoa nodded.”Then why aren’t you taking them to wash their hands? Why aren’t you playing with them to keep them busy? Why did you hold us with that pointless fish show, when your father only wants to rest before work? But moreover, what are you hiding to act like this?” Staring into her eyes Kanoa could barely register the giggling of his siblings and father in the background. His mind had been too preoccupied with the probing of his brain. He opened his mouth, prepared to spill everything on Ms Friends and the pills.

  “I…” He paused, before seeing himself subtly in his mothers eyes. He imagined the interrogations of why he would go behind their back, why he would try to alter himself, only to have the one thing he feared worse be reinforced more than ever. He shook his head, from the thought of that fear, and from his mothers accusations. “Nothing mom… I promise you. I’ve just been real inconsiderate. Inconsiderate and trying too hard, pretendin’ everythin’ is totally normal when it isn’t. I should be in the sky, but I'm not because I’ve been acting incompetent. I’m sorry. I'll fix my behavior, neither of you deserve any more work.” He kept his head down while closing his eyes, his memory not failing him as he recalled the dozens of times he’d repeated similar lines. Satisfied, Ave pet Kanoa, playing with the tufts of his hair.

  “You’re right about that… If you flew we could get out of this volunteering foolishness…” “I know…” Kanoa agreed, still looking down, swallowing some of his leftover words.. “You have such beautiful red hair… You know that?” She then cupped his face, bringing his eyes to hers. “You’re a good son Kanoa, don’t think otherwise. Though calm down with the jokes. They look up to you, the energy you give them, they respond, making it harder for your father…. More than anything you know he can’t take too much pressure.” “Of course. I’m sorry mom.” He said, giving a more subdued smile. “Good boy…” The laughing died down as they all exited the bathroom, Rey yelled,”Hey Ave! Get in here so we can have that mandatory nap, let’s not break that habit, kay!?” “Just a moment.” She replied, a noticeable amount of cheeriness in her voice. She leaned in one last time. “Go to your room and please, don’t make a sound. Your little cheese can ferment, but do not feed it to anyone but yourself. Understand?” Once again, Kanoa nodded though more cheerily, he replied,”Course! I’ll be sure to let you two get your beauty sleep, promise!” Ave stared at him for a few moments, before planting a light kiss on his forehead, then left.

  As Kanoa sat at the foot of his bed by his vibrant lamp, a swift girl with blond streaks, yet dark brown hair caught his eyes. Upon further examination, everyone was coming back from work today, which meant, of course, each star gazer with their fun and adventurous lives were returning as well. Great. Kanoa thought, feeling bad over his envious thoughts.

  He fell back, laying on his soft comforter while holding the pill case above him. Kanoa had always put on a smile when things got rough. This morning it was obvious Ave and Rey had been stressed about him flying, even if he didn’t see it, he knew yesterday they were only tolerating him. He only wanted to make them laugh, wanted to be the kind of son, and brother that could make life brighter. But no. He needed to be more stoic, if he couldn’t be, what kind of example were he setting?

  He stood up, staring at the mirror across from his bed. Slowly he narrowed his eyes, and sat up straight, smoothing the messy edges of his hair. “Stop that.” he reprimanded, putting up a finger in defiance. “Enough. No. Not in this house. I am your older brother.” He paused at the word brother staring at his finger nail. In contrast to his Sammy or Jessy, he noticed a clear difference, although he had a lunulua, his siblings nor his parents had neither. The absence of the white mark infuriated him. “I’m… Your brother…” He repeated doubtfully, as even the shade of his skin, hair and eyes resembled nothing of them. He grit his teeth. “Is that why? Maybe mom-”

  “Hey there!”

  Kanoa’s body and hair shot itself up towards the raspy voice; A boy with frizzy hair, loose fitted clothes, large black wings extending up to Kanoa’s low roof, and hadn’t bothered to wear any shoes, showed himself hanging onto Kanoa’s ceiling

  “What the heck is wrong with you!? I thought I told you to ring my door like a normal person!” Quickly he covered his mouth now aware of how loud he was being. Suddenly the boy dropped onto the floor, causing a loud quake to travel through the house. Quickly Kanoa grabbed him by the collard, shaking him angrily,”MY mom and dad are tyin’ to sleep for work! Why did you do that!?” “Hey! Hey! Chill man, I’m not even that heavy, they’ll be fine!”

  Although elated to see a friend, Jack wasn’t a kid like his parents saw him to be. Both of them would assume their friendship would be a bad thing. His father would likely think Jack made him feel unconfident, whereas his mother would surely believe He’d be holding Jack from his responsibilities.

  “You know what my parents are like!” He retorted, still hanging onto his collar.“Man You’ve always got such a stick up your butt with your parents! Until you get a landing I’m never using a door! I earned these wings!” He raised his voice proudly, his wings stood erect. “Shh!” He pestered, tightening his grasp onto his collar.“Besides, Lazy bums don’t deserve privacy!!! Deal with it!” “Yeah?! Well loud smelly people who can’t afford shoes don’t deserve basic rights!”Kanoa said, Jack laughed heartily. Tempted to join him, his lip quivered, though he still tried to to keep a poised demeanor. “It’s a style for the sky- for space even! So don’t hate just because you’d be too homesick to fly!” “And when have you brought anything by yourself? I’m assumin’ tomorrow you’ll be on that stage durin’ the festival with all of those people presentin’ your findings? Right?” Jack sweated at the idea, his stage fright overtaking him. He grabbed onto Kanoa’s hand, peeling him off his collar with brute force,”Alright know it all! When’s the last time you’ve been up there?! HUH?” Kanoa stammered, trying to think of a rebuttal, Jack mimicked him. “That’s what I thought!” He let go of him, Kanoa rubbed his hand, amazed by his strength, though it made sense, he was older, he thought, a light bulb appearing over his head.

  “I’m ten- You’re twelve! It took you forever to fly, longer than it’ll take me, little finch!”Being called little finch would have normally made Jack mad with anyone else. It was a more offensive term, less offensive with adults, but among kids who hadn’t even put their life on the line amongst the stars, it was incredibly disrespectful. But the words being said with Kanoa’s voice, hearing it come out his mouth? It was a total disconnect considering he very well was the softest person he had ever known. Any insult it should’ve brought on was buried under a pile of laughs.

  “Man, shut up before I knock your block outta this stratosphere! Y-you can’t ever say anything mean or teasing ever- You’re too innocent…!” His before slicked hair gave out, the shagginess returning.“J-just shut up!”The laughter died down slightly, though Kanoa could still tell Jack was still in an excitable mood as wings began to lower.“But seriously, what's up? You just down here, staring up at us, or what?” “No. I went to get some stuff checked out today- I’ll be flying soon, but it may take a little bit.” Kanoa replied, still staring at himself in the mirror. He groaned as nothing could be done about either his appearance or personality, he groaned plopping himself on his bed. “Hm. How much is a little bit, huh?” Jack asked, raising an eyebrow. “Y’know! A little- not so long that’d you start getin’ impatient, but enough time to where you might mature a bit mentally- Maybe start usin’ a door for once. ” He answered tiredly, his hands over his eyes.

  “What is up with you and doors!? They’re a waste of time for someone like me!”“Right, right… Someone like you…” Annoyed by his deadpan response, Jack grabbed him by the collar, shaking him intensively. “Just! Tell! Me! WHEN!” “Agh! Get off of me!” He pushed him off, now sitting up. “Why do you even care!? Don’t you have Sheila Sombody, and Clif whatshisname to be around!?” He grimaced, a montage of presumably bad memories coming into the forefront of his mind.“No! I don’t hang around those guys. I only go up there to do my job, then go home. I’m not friends with anyone up there- especially lately with all the fighting.”

  He said with a more hushed, yet annoyed tone.

  “They’re all just too… much. We were up there, trying to get this metal for some of the scientists down here- Apparently it was a special request thingy, or something, but they all just raced to explore some abandoned planet. We got chewed out for not bringing enough minerals or whatever…” Noticing his downcast expression, Kanoa’s tone quickly altered, dawning the soft gentle tone he wore whenever addressing one of his hurt siblings. “You didn’t do anything wrong. And It’s not like they can do anything to you anyway…” Which Jack knew. Everyone was aware of this fact. If any adult attempted to severely disciple a Star Chaser, they could simply leave the planet and live somewhere else. Not to mention the fact that each child had extraordinary abilities, items and weapons from space. There were no serious threats on the adults' part in that regard.The only thing keeping the balance of power in Murrows Brow together, being the love each child held for their family on Earth as well as their community. Without either, the vacuum of space may offer them a permanent home.

  “Well yeah, but that’s the thing. If we stopped fooling around we could start getting more supplies. More supplies, less work, less work equals more hanging out like they always wanna do! Then flying wouldn’t have to be such a big deal, the adults could lay off and let us just… Be. But no, nobody wants change!” Tempted to agree, Kanoa felt the conversation couldn’t go anywhere if he had. Because that world hadn’t existed, and was likely never going to. “Right…” He replied. “What do you think? About change? Ever scare you?” His eyes darted away from Jack to his mirror. “I don’t… Change is gonna happen no matter what. I know that. I’m not scared of it, but I’m also not excited for it.” He said honestly, surprised by his own clarity at this moment. “And why’s that?” Stretching out his hands towards the ceiling, staring at the lunula only he had, he sighed, saying somberly,” Because I don’t have anything to look forward to…” His hands plopped beside him. “I’m not like you… I don’t think I’m like anybody. My mom and dad probably always felt safe around each other. Because one’s direction always went together with the others, they were built for each other." Hovering over him, Jack said passionately,"Do you actually believe in soul mates??? That stuff is so corny!” “Not like that! I just mean that when people are alike you can at least tell where they’re gonna go statistically and stuff! But where does a no friend having, jobless, flightless boy go at my age?” Stroking his chin while taking in the question, Jack shrugged. “I don’t have a friggin’ clue!” He chuckled about it.

  Kanoa sighed a bit disappointed. “I just wish… I had some sorta meaning…! Like a job from birth so I’d know what to do with myself… If I’m different, fine! But lemme have some use… I’d do anything to be useful to them…” Quickly Jack flicked Kanoa on the forehead,”Ow… What was that for?” “For sounding desperate, it’s annoying! But also never wish for something like that ever again.” Surprised, Kanoa sat up, the genuine concern in Jack’s voice taking him aback. “Why?” “Becuase… Wishing to be more than you already are is a bad thing. And I’m not saying don’t go- I dunno, get really shredded and sexy (like me). I just mean that if you’re always wishing someone was different about yourself, it’ll start feeling unnatural to be you, then you’ll be stuck forever” Kanoa tilted his head. “Is this that “late teens” wisdom you keep braggin’ about? Cuz whatever it is you're trying to say isn’t gettin’ through at all.” “Yes, it is you idiot! Ugh… Lemme dumb it down for you. If you keep trying to change everything about yourself, how will you become a Kanoa that can be all stiff and serious and a cornball? How can you ever be friends with people?” Kanoa paused, processing those words. “... That makes sense.”

  Jack shook his head. “Nah, you heard me, but you don’t get it, people that get it always sound like “Phoenix Almighty! You’ve got years of wisdom stored inside of you! Thank you! Thank you Jack, come, embrace me!” He then wrapped his arm around Kanoa’s neck, holding him hostage while giving him a noogie, the two laughed manically, “You and your ego! I’d never say anythin’ like that… But seriously I think I- ""Hey Noa!” His thoughts couldn’t be expanded on however, as Rey’s voice derailed Kanoa’s thoughts. “We’re leavin’ now!”“Yeah. We’ll be back soon.”Replied Ave, straining herself to put on her shoes. “Don’t invite anyone over… Especially any flyers…” “A-alright!” Jack gave a bright eyed smile, retrieving something from his pocket, he whispered. “Your gift for lying!” A Vibration then shot into Kanoa’s Larnyx as Jack held him against his will, he wrestled against him, as Jack held back his laughter. “OH! And Noa! , ya mind takin’ that cheese you’ve been fermentin’ outta this bowl!? Smells worse than that one time I got that sore in the crevice of my-""I GETTTTT ITTTTT!” He yelled, his voice switching between high and low. The oddity of his voice caused a brief silence, though shrugging them off, Rey instructed further, “Anywho bye, we love you! Read the kids a story or somethin’, thanks a bunch Noa, we love you!” He said tenderly.“UHhhhhHhhh- Yeah alright! Love you Dad, love you mo-!!” The door slammed abruptly before Kanoa could finish his sentence. “M…” The vibrations stopped, Jack laughed manically, finally pulling off of him, Kanoa then grabbed him by his nose.

  “What the heck was that!?” “A gift! A gift, nothing to worry about…” He retorted nasally. Jack watched as Kanoa’s parents first spoke amongst themselves, and then headed in the direction down the street in the direction Claudia would live in/ “Man! I forget how you guys don’t look much alike!”

  He chuckled, finding it a bit odd but endearing Kanoa turned out the way he did. Though as he turned his attention back to him, Kanoa’s vice grip loosened greatly, his face shifted to a more uncomfortable, almost angry expression.

  “Eh… My bad… Here. As an apology, or something…” He then offered a small strawberry red rock into Kanoa’s hand. “It's a… Muscle relaxer. I actually came here to give it to you. If you’re ever feeling weird about your wings coming out and you feel like a poking or whatever on your back, give it a try… It’s what I used before I could… Y’know… If it worked for me, it can work for you. We’re not so different.”A bit standoffish about sharing that remark, Jack turned his attention back to Kanoa’s window. Kanoa drew near. “...” Immediately he rammed into him, slamming the device onto Jack. “Y-you- AHhAHAhaHAhhhh!” The two rolled around the floor for a while struggling between the devices, until eventually Kanoa stood his ground, figuratively and literally, declaring,”You’re right! We are alike! That’s exactly why I’m gonna use this every time you come in here bein’ loud for no reason, stinkin’ up the place with your filthy geet!!” Jack laughed at Kanoa’s pettiness. “See this is who you are! At your core!” Jack stood up, towering above Kanoa.

  Reading on Amazon or a pirate site? This novel is from Royal Road. Support the author by reading it there.

  “And smelly!? You’re the shrimpy little kid who’s always stinkin’’ like cheese and who’s got the IQ of a toddler! But yeah. Poor me, right?” Kanoa chuckled a bit. “Oh whatever… But thanks for this. He shared a smile with Jack. “Trust me when I say this, all those other kids up there- even the ones my age aren’t mature or doing much of anything, they’re just kids up in the air, you’re just one on the ground is all… So promise me this. When you do get your wings out, promise me we’ll take off together. I’ll show you the ropes of everything!” He extended his hand out to Kanoa, he flinched slightly, not expecting the proposal. “I dunno… Do you really-""Oh stop with the questions!” He interrupted, still holding out his hand “It’s fine if you don’t fly in a year or two, even ten! But when, huh? When will you stop holding yourself back?”

  Kanoa looked down, Jack's furrowed brows reminding him of his mother. “I… I dunno… I’m wasting my potential, aren’t I?” Jack tilted his head, confused,” What? I don’t care about any of that! I just want you to see space, I want you to feel what it’s like to fly once. How else are you gonna know?” “Know… what?” He questioned, the answer on the tip of tongue yet distant. “Ah, forget it! Just shake!” Staring at his slightly soft hand, Kanoa clasped it shaking firmly, a bit of nervousness swelling in him, but also pride. “A choice…” He whispered under his breath, smiling. “Good boyyyy!" Kanoa then yelled, “Get out of my house you jerk!” He said, followed by Jack's boisterous laughter as he jumped out of his window. “Later land lubber!”

  After a little while walked downstairs to deal with his cheese. His siblings had been left in the living room playing with their toys. “You guys… Didn’t hear any of that upstairs, did you?” He asked, desperately hoping they wouldn’t tattle. “Yes. And if you don’t want me to tell mom, unlock the backyard so we can play later!” Jessy protested whereas Sammy seemed to invest in his imaginary story lines to care. “Fine… But you’d better not use that against me to get in moms good graces, Jessica.” “Whatever you say, Kanoa.” She said, sticking out her tongue, Kanoa sighed as if not even then he could be properly enforcing, “I just can’t win…”

  He plopped onto the couch, watching the two. Jessica had always held a sort of strong dislike over playing pretend or using her imagination. Kona guessed it was because between the two, she disliked having to divide her attention into so many parts. Thus she preferred playing with her connecting bricks. The set she had was an extremely simple one, as there were only a handful of blocks to create a house, though something about following simple instructions to make something appealed to her, or rather, it was the thrill of not having to share the spotlight of her next construction. Regardless, her excitement was to the point of bringing about ear shattering squeals of excitement.

  As for Sammy, he was the complete opposite. Making a spectacle out of his stuffed animals was like his calling. Despite not being able to formulate the best sentences, everyone in the family knew he had a talent for developing stories with them. Stories he’d retain and continue. It was almost scary to Kanoa how much he could keep up with despite only being three, though his parents found it amazing.As Kanoa snuck past the two, not wanting to disturb them from their fantasy, he had his own toys he had desperately wanted to get to himself! Although to Ave and Rey who rarely saw him in the kitchen, mainly from responsibilities, Kanoa had made it his mission to become well versed in the kitchen- Particularly on days of hard work. Today he would be making his parents his favorite, Cheese stuff baked potatoes- plus with some bacon!

  The Jones never kept cheese in the house, unless Kanoa had directly asked, and they wouldn’t dare touch it seeing as it was so smelly. This however, only made Kanoa more determined to show his parents just how well cheese could compliment pretty much anything! They would be home likely in an hour or two which gave him plenty of time to prep and cook!“Alright, let’s get to work!” He said adjusting his apron with a great big grin akin to his father

  A group of adults, men and women alike wearing hard hats, and gloves were kept clattering their heaps of iron against the moist rocks of a cave. A separate group of adults were kept towards the warmer, more cramped side of the cave. Their bodies were each packed into a tight space with only a towel hoisted across their lower bodies. As the sea of sweat continued to trickle down their bodies, a huge vapor cloud rose above them. As it continued to rise, some moisture eventually latched onto the tips of a large group of stalactites above them, dripping back down into those suffering to create such a seemingly miniscule action.

  Among these adults of course, included Ave and Rey. Unlike the other group of miners who, like any human being, sweat when building up enough heat in their body, Ave, Rey, and the rest who were forced into this position however, were special. As the heat circulated from within, building rapidly, it rained from every inch of their body, the murky water dribbled from their faces, their sight obstructed. The air between them began to thicken- hordes of indignant, tired bodies gasped endlessly, choked by not only the sweat clouds, but the congestion of each other. Despite this, their bodies stayed glued to the floor regardless of the shivering and discomfort on their end. Ave clutched Rey’s hand in an attempt to remind him of her presence, he clenched her hand twice as fierce, easing him a bit.

  Soon enough, a group of masked figures showed themselves, nodding. Permitting each and every person to disperse for a break. Ave holding tightly to Rey’s hand was the first to rush out of the smog of bodily odor and moisture. As they both sat down, bridging the gap between the sweaters and miners, they began huffing down their air completely wiped. “H-how…” Before Rey could talk however, his body nimble figure toppled over by the mere vibration of his vocal cord, at first stirring fear in Ave, he let out a thumbs up, whilst forcing himself to speak again. “Long til-?”

  “Fourty… five…” Ave responded, knelt over while her body as well contemplated letting herself throw up, her brain taking her out of it, forcing her to suppress the urge.“O-oh God…”As the sweat trickled into his eye, Rey let out a dramatic yell- Though not from the pain, from the pure lack of confusion.

  “They say carve a path for our kids kids- The world they’re gonna inherit I get it- But what do growing stallactites have to do with ANYTHING!?? There are no wars to fight in anymore! AH…!”

  Ave stooped down, holding Rey, while wiping the sweat out of his eyes, wishing his pain was hers as well. As his eyes were beginning to roll to the back of his head, she effortlessly forced him to sit up, hitting his back.“Well… Look on the bright side. This energy is in case of a war, or threats beyond us, so stay awake. For Sammy and Jessy, we’re almost there.”The light strikes combined with her rock solid presence lifted Rey’s mind from his fatigue, if only for a few moments. Ave stopped, her attention drawn to the miners, some struggling, though many other well built men and women, clawing through their rocks with much more ease. She looked down at Rey, although exhausted, though his body didn’t look much different from the others. She focused on Rey’s quick breaths, her gaze shifting towards each miner who could afford to make small talk, who could afford to drain their body on something actually productive. She turned to Rey, only seeing red. Her thin brows followed her eyes, furrowing. “You should be over there. It’s not fair.”“Life isn’t fair- Now let’s stop talking, we have to get back in there soon… And… I don’t wanna collapse…” Even if he had a point, she knew she felt herself to be even more in the right. In a world where people received what they had deserved without fail, Rey would be the most fortunate person in the world, to her. With those rules only being a fantasy she just couldn’t help but protest her seething rage.

  “Just think what we would’ve been able to do, if they didn’t measure wing depth shed for worth, strength, or intelligence, just think! Our bodies and what those wings have done to us are the only thing they see in us- It’s sick.” Wanting to muster up as much energy as Ave kept, Rey’s voice strengthened.“Ave… Please… we’re getting paid well- Well enough for Kanoa and- ""But not well enough to keep them safe- Jess and Sammy would be next, you know that don’t you?”

  “I know!” He replied tiredly, wiping more sweat from his eyes. Despite his attempts to lay on the cool floor and regain his strength, he somehow felt even warmer than before. Although the floor had been less rigid- In fact something of an entirely different material as far as Rey could tell, dragging his hand against the bare floor, something had been warm from below. Perhaps something bubbling up, similarly to the upsurge of energy Ave displayed, her slight fatigue fading altogether, she stood, her black eyes pulsating with eagerness . She stared Rey down, offering a hand.

  “If you know, then let’s at least try speaking to them about putting you on the miners side! Come on Rey!” Just as she was about to forcibly grab his wrist Rey moaned tiredly in opposition. “I’m not leavin’ you for one… For two…. They’ll never hear us out… you know why…” Shocked to see his submission she finally caved kneeling beside Rey to comfort him.“I Just… I want you to be happy.”He shook his head.“Nah,nah,nah. This situation is unhappy, I’ll say that much, alright? But we’ve got a house fulla snot-nosed little kids who love us, and we love ‘em. How could I ever be sad?”

  He said, a smile returning to his face as he grabbed hold of Ave’s tanned hand. Expecting to meet with eyes which shared the same opinion, she instead sat dejected, his words not so much as grazing her thoughts. He frowned.“Hm? Ms Jones?” Another masked figure approached them. She was tall with long reg curls pouring from her mask. At first Ave couldn’t conjure any reason on why the woman's nasally voice sounded so familiar- though it then hit her. A past lab assistant.“Wait- It’s you! It is you, isn’t it!?” At first her tone sat on confused, though boarded on concerned, unsure the position her old teacher had been caught into. “Oh wait…” An airiness came through her voice. “How could I have forgotten- Avery and Avery! The cutest couple in the South!”

  They both cringed, sure they had the same name, but must it be made into a spectacle? They thought, memories of countless colleagues making the same joke irking them endlessly.“Y-yeah… Good to see you too, Louise.” Taking off her mask, the girl's face was young, noticeably so compared to Ave or Rey’s.The dark coat covered her wings, though the incessant flapping made obvious her genuine excitement. Her features were soft, though still mature enough to pass for someone in her mid twenties, though her fuller cheeks and bright eyed grin made obvious the immaturity she still held onto. Holding her lengthy fingers over her mouth and onto her pointed nose, she giggled incessantly, clearly out of her childish incessancy to turn everything into a fun event, though to them, it felt like a sort of mocking.

  “You and your husband's wings have shed, haven’t they?!” There was an odd amount of enthusiasm put into her words, something that at best slightly annoyed Rey, though Ave could feel her hurt ego gnawing at her. “Uh… yes… It’s good to see you too, how have you been Louise? How’s that little brother of yours? The parents?” As if waiting for someone to ask her about her life, her mouth gasped for air before running on.”Ohyes!Thanksforaskingthey’regreatactually,mylittlebrother,theonenamedMarvin?YouknowMarivnRight?Hefinallystoppedwettngthebed!OHMyparentsarejusttheworstthoughsoannoyingAmiright?You know how parents are, right Mr Jones?”

  He paused upon hearing that, not anticipating all of the words he couldn’t possibly remember, sure, though the mention of parents caused a lapse in his speech, he sat and thought of the face of his parents, why couldn’t he think of his- “Aren’t you meant to be supervising us? Did you need something or not?”“Woah! Calm down there! I didn’t mean anything bad by it…” She said, rubbing the back of her neck, feeling a bit bashful by her rudeness. “I just think it’s crazy, Y'know? One minute you’re above me, the next I’m the one- Uh- above? I guess?” She trailed off, realizing how arrogant she sounded, looking away out of shame for not choosing her words well enough.“Above us? Well you can’t be that far above us.” Rey replied, closing his eyes from the constant sweat, while Louise stood, still perfectly dry.“Well…!” Her grinning intensified, the glee piercing through. Ave’s brows descended, she clenched her teeth. “I am in charge of this side of MurrowBrow’s army! Know what that means!? I help out when stuff gets really bad! And uh… Ahem, get paid a lot?” She chuckled, proud of herself, the shame wearing off, as now they’d congratulate her! (Obviously.) Rey chuckled awkwardly along with her, as Ave rolled up her lips trying to keep her bad thoughts at bay. Soon enough, she snapped.

  “Wow. They really left you in charge of that? I’m surprised… You were always so… jumpy. I wonder how long until your boss realizes that side of you, huh?” “W-wait, she doesn’t mean that!” Her smile faded, a bit embarrassed by her past memories, though more upset Ave would bring it up. Sifting away from herself, her tone darkened.“Yeah? Keep up that tone with me and maybe I’ll put in a word to let you both stay here… I dunno, an hour or more? Sound cool guys?”

  Still considerate of Rey, Ave shut her mouth, though frankly she wanted to shut this girl's mouth more than anything. She was tormenting them, and only because their wings- their stupidly meaningless wings determined this future. Feeling a bit self conscious of abusing her powers, Louise attempted to return to cheerier her side, though her words still rang as insincere, as her mouth continued to run as fast as possible in a way that ended the conversation. “Avery and Avery…So cute! It’s good to see you two at least have each other. I remember during expeditions you two would always joke back and forth, like real friends. You two were just perfect for your jobs. Oh well. This is better than nothing, right? I couldn’t imagine living like thar! What's a life without planning? AHahahahah, Right? Hahahaaa…Wings are everything so y’know I couldn’t afford-”

  “Y-yeah right… Uh… Could you just bring us some water?” He asked, cutting her off while curling his toes furiously. “We’re fine to talk and all- but it’s not much of a conversation if it’s one-sided, is it? How’re we s'pose to talk when all the moisture has been sapped outta us?” Replied Rey, sitting up, highlighting his glossy body. “Ah right! Sure thing Mr. Jones. I’ll bring you a lot!”With that she trudded along, a feather falling behind her while leaving Ave glaring at her back, and if her mind could manifest her will, the woman would have been burnt asunder right then and there.“Why do you just sit there and take it!?” “Take what? She always ran her mouth thinkin’ the future isn't gonna come for her… she’s probably lookin’ down on us because she’s unhappy. They probably put her in that role since her wings are sheddin’. It’s what they do, toss you around, make you think you’ve got a few more years in you, then you’re done. Replaced.”

  “That’s not what I meant! I mean why… Why is it that when people act like her, act like we’re stuck together, why do you take that? We’re not!” Before replying Rey thought for a moment. He knew his reasoning, though words had never been his strong suit when Ave was holding onto an especially high temperament. “I’m not. I could call them out on it but I mean…”He paused, sweeping his shaggy locs behind his ear. “What?!” “Are you? Like- Even a little bit? I- I obviously know you love me, and I love you, that’s not what I mean. I’m just asking… Are you happy? I can speak for myself, but lately, when I see the way you look at Kanoa- and sometimes me, I just-""Rey.” He stopped in the middle of his sentence, his eyes turning focus to Ave’s lips.

  “There is nothing that makes me happier than science. That is true. But. You are a thousand times more fulfilling to be around.” “... But… if you could-”

  “Alright! Enough! All of you, back to your spots!” Their attention swung ahead to a tall lanky figure. The sweaty individuals they had been grouped with all groaned in frustration, some looking tempted to cry. “... We’ll talk more later…” Helping Rey up, Ave walked ahead of Rey clenching her fists and teeth- As she searched for the girl with the brown curls she found her yet again, talking it up with a group of other people. Not even bothering to acknowledge Rey’s weariness. In response, Ave stared her down coming close behind the people she were talking to, though remained stealthy enough as to not cause alarm. Her pupils grew commanding, becoming more narrow like a feline. As the girl caught a glance of her demeanor she quickly ended the conversation, retreating further into the cave. As Rey looked on at the two, Ave walking towards his direction, he could feel a smiling rising up his face, his chest fluttered with memories just like this. Ave smiled back, though at the corner of her eye, the miners caught her attention, re-directing her adoration entirely, returning to frustration.

  —-

  As Kanoa was waiting for his chicken and potatoes to finish preparing, he became enraptured in playing with Jess and Sammy. Normally the two would share Kanoa as a playmate given their drastically different play styles, but tonight both were feeling possessive! He had tried to say no, but it was almost impossible for him. Not because he was a pushover, but because he would always get caught up in the playing.

  “H-HEY! NO BITING MY EAR! C-c-come on guys we could share can’t we!?”Cornered on the couch cushion both children with their sharp teeth and maniacal laughs had Kanoa cornered. As he pretended to be completely scared and helpless, he couldn’t help but laugh. “AHhhhh!!! No!!!!” The two of them jumped on kanoa, Tugging, toppling over but ultimately embracing in a solid hug the other refused to let him escape from. All to establish their dominance. It was all good fun at first, however, time flew by and before Kanoa could come down from the rush of fun, a faint burning smell lingered from the oven.

  His eyes shot open as his heart skipped a beat.“Oh SHOOT!” He lunged from the couch leaving the ferocious duo on the couch, as he stopped the stove, revealing the chicken, he was met with a huge black spot on the head of every thigh, leg and breast. Though the potatoes were likely a bit crispy, Kanoa couldn’t help but howl in pain! His siblings, still convinced he was joking, ran toward him, making a mess of his hair and jumping on his back. He took a deep breath staring at his failure in the face, then smiled. “At least I got the potatoes right… I think they’ll still like it… Right guys?”They stared at each other.“Mmmmmm…. Nah.” Both of them replied followed by bellowing laughter. Kanoa, while not annoyed, was irked, yelled- “Y-yeah well I wasn’t the one who wasted all my time playin’! You guys helped in making this!” “NO!”Jesse yelled back.

  “If you weren’t playing with us you woulda never gotten there so slow!” The two argued back and forth,overwhelming Sammy. He covered his eyes, shaking his head.“It was my fault. I’m sorry….!"

  Kanoa and Jessy paused, hating to see Sammy so distraught. Kanoa shook his head, head, tired.

  “It’s not one’s fault… Don’t worry, I’ll make it better guys. Right after the table had been set, the tired couple erupted from the door in a surprisingly loud fashion. Both began to laugh coming in, though it quickly died down as their eyes laid on the… mostly delectable mean standing in front of them.

  “S u r p r i s e! ! !” The three of them yelled near the top of their lungs. “Hey, hey, hey! We have neighbors!”Ave replied, still chuckling a bit.“Weren’t you two just laughing super loud though?”

  “Yeah but…. Whatever- Noa, what is all of this? Where’d you buy it?” Rey asked his eyes wandering across the nice silk furnishings on their small dining table. Normally it looked quite bare, excluding special occasions between Ave and Rey, although Kanoa somehow made it extra special! Even going as far as to add candles and those little mints Rey couldn’t help chewing every five seconds!

  “Buy? Oh no dear father… I cooked it!” They paused looking at the meal carefully. Although some parts of the chicken were burnt, they could tell from the faint smoke rising from it that Kanoa was being honest. “Kanoa…”Ave’s eyes began to water a bit, unsure of why she felt so intensely, she forced the tears back, refusinging for Kanoa to see her. “There’s no way… No way you could be so thoughtful so… Thank you Noa…. Thank you…” As Ave whipped her eyes Kanoa could feel a warmth lifting from within. “Well? What are we waiting for? Let’s eat! You guys look hungry!”