Pretty Boy Psycho

The last month of the year goes by ever so fast. We’ve been kept busy learning our perimeters, getting in tons of combat practise, and flight patterns. The masters put me central for when we take long journeys seen as I’m a hindrance with my hysterical tendencies despite me being the fastest flier.

I feel as though I live at the training arena as I trudge through a biting wind to get to the first class of the year. It’s going to be terrible. Me and Geordie have to fight Danny and Charlie. We’ll lose because of me. Danny’s got real skilled with his katanas. Geordie sometimes has trouble keeping up with him. Plus Danny works slick with Charlie because they cover each other really well. They must have worked on a system between themselves.

“Ahhh!” A gang of first years hurtle straight through me.

“You really are pathetic,” comes Max’s taunting voice from behind me. “Even the new kids sense you’re bottom of the food chain. Not to worry you’ll be dead as soon as they send you on a proper mission. Henley can’t protect you forever.”

Those first years loop round rushing right through me again. “You’re a big bully,” shouts their ringleader. He’s got his hair tied back in a short black ponytail. His blue shirt suits him as though the colour of the material was made personally for him.

“Big bully,” chant his comrades.

“Shut up,” snaps Max.

“Corey’s good. You’re bad.” Whack their ring leader hits out at Max’s shins with a practise sabre.

Whoa I just realised who their ringleader is. It’s Don looking a lot less pasty than when I first saw him. Looks like a different person after only four weeks.

“Only bad people end up in recruitment where they snatch healthy kids away from their families.”

“I’ll un-recruit you.”

“My tutor Master Zel won’t let you. She says I’ve got potential so there. You’re just jealous of Corey because he’s stylish.” Don flicks a dainty scarf he’s wearing. Oh wow they’re all sporting scarfs tied in the same style as I do mine.

“He’s not stylish he’s gay.”

“Stylish!” yell Don’s friends.

Don turns to me. “What colours are in this season?”

“For you blue. Definitely blue.” This is new having someone asking me advice on fashion rather than calling me weird. These first years crowd round me meaning Max gets blocked out.

“Have we tied them right?”

“Sure. Where’d you get them?”

“A girl called Ashley fetched them us from a village near here.”

“Ooo beware of Clover she doesn’t believe in accessories. One time she was in a foul mood and confiscated my favourite scarf.”

“How did you get your sleeves up to the elbow like that?”

“I altered them.”

“Can you alter ours?”

“Pleeeaassse!”

“What’s this a fan club?” snickers Geordie as he walks up the hill, gives Max evils on the way.

Don gives his nearest friend a nudge. “He’s the hardcore one I was telling you about.” The whole group gaze in admiration at Geordie. “Told you he had blue in his hair.”

Geordie smirks at me. “Come on we’ve got Charlie and Danny to beat.”

“How?”

“Easy. I do the work, you back me up looking pretty. Sorted.”

“Will looking pretty help?”

“Just try deflect blows from me if you notice any coming. Stay close. I wanna see if I can defend ya.”

“Sorry for being crap.” I rub my forearm where I keep a switchblade concealed. I’m not too shabby when paired with Ashley. Have managed to win her a couple of times. “You three are amazing strong.”

“You gotta learn to lash out. Get angry.”

“Is that how you manage to perform so well by being angry?”

“Angry at this place. Jim’s drinking. Charlie looking down his snooty nose at me.”

Before we get to the training ground I tap at Geordie’s shoulder. “Your technique is real sad. I never feel your sort of angry.”

“Yeah you do. When I fixed your leg remember? I pissed you off and you disarmed me. Won.”

“You’re wrong. I was humiliated not angry.”

“Ha so humiliation is your trigger.” Geordie shoves me right into the middle of the training arena. “Envision the pond then come at me. Give me everything you’ve got.”

I shake my head.

“The pond. Being pushed under that dirty water. Muddy water flowed into your hair and scuffed up your clothes. Everyone saw.”

“Geordie no.”

“Yeah. You’re remembering. Use it.”

Remembering and shuddering.

“Come on let the negative energy loose.”

“You can be so mean Geordie Henley!” I shriek on throwing my sabre into the sand. I run over to Danny who’s stood chatting to Charlie beside Master Hugo’s shed. Out of control I clutch hold of him. “Geordie’s being real mean.”

“Un-cool,” groans Danny as he tries to shake me off.

“You’re being a sissy,” calls Geordie as he flips up my sabre using his foot, catches it in his hand then goes through some attack manoeuvres.

Sissy. I can’t breathe. Being a sissy is a terrible thing to be. Now Danny’s really shaking me. I back away from him then run over to Sunshine who’s just landed on the training ground. I throw my arms round his neck, giving him a hug. He doesn’t mind. Purrs.

“You get weirder,” snorts Geordie.

“Tell Master Hugo I’m flying in the sun.” I swing myself onto Sunshine.

“But you’re supposed to be covering my back against those two.”

I tuck my hair behind my ears. “I’m sure you’ll manage without me. I’m useless with a sabre.”

“Al quit being over-dramatic.” Geordie thrusts my sabre into my hands.

I shove it right back. “You don’t need me.”

“Are you crying?”

“I’m a sissy of course I’m crying. Max bullied the life outta me and I’m having flashbacks. Maybe you’d cry if someone tried to drown you in a pond with the whole world watching, then your friend decided to describe the scenario to you.”

“You’re blowing this way outta proportion.”

“Not that anyone would ever try drowning you in a pond. You’d roar at them then they’d leave you alone. If I went roar they’d laugh and push me.”

“Ever tried not taking stuff to heart all the time? You might quit being an over-dramatic coward if you did.”

Sensing I’m working myself into a twisted emotional state Sunshine runs hard then leaps. Takes me away from the horrid training ground.

After an hours flight my stomach starts to ache. Feels like I’ve eaten ultra dodgy meat. I wanted to have a whole day flying in the open blue sky. At least my emotional state has past. I’m calmer. The tears have ebbed away. Best find Geordie so I can suck up to him. Tell him I’m truly sorry for being silly. If I widen my eyes and look cute he might let me get away with my moment of spoilt brat behaviour. It’s not exactly my fault I get in a state when Max and pond are mentioned in the same sentence.

Owie my poor stomach gives a strange gurgle. “Shall we go home?” In answer Sunshine gently drops a few feet taking his time. It’s amazing how in tune with my feelings he is. It’s as though we were destined to meet each other.

By the time we reach Cloud High I’m sure my stomach must have twisted in on itself. Seeking forgiveness will have to wait until I’ve had a little sleep. A couple of hours sleep and the pain will disappear.

BANG. BANG. BANG. Goes a fist against my door.

What time is it? Oops. Think it’s morning. A couple of hours has turned into a whole afternoon and night. I try sitting up in bed then flop. My stomach’s still churning.

BANG. BANG. BANG. “We’ve got our first solo perimeter checks to do.”

“You’ll have to tell Master Hugo I’m sick.”

Geordie punches my door open. “You’re doing your patrol. Hugo said if you don’t bother with today he’ll have us all running to Watch Post and back without a break. I ain’t doing that ’cause you’ve not had enough beauty sleep. Quit being soft in the head, get up and out, with that scraggy chicken of yours.”

“Don’t call Sunshine a chicken. He’s the cutest griffon ever.”

“What you waiting for? Get up. I’m not joking around.”

Oh boy my episode yesterday really riled him up. He’s using his hardcore don’t mess with me voice which would have me laughing if my stomach wasn’t hurting. Best do as he says before I get the glare. “Alright I’m coming. Give me ten minutes.”

“Sissy chickens,” grumbles Geordie as he slams my door on his way out. The bang makes Sunshine wince.

I want to curl up in a ball under the covers and pretend I was never rudely awakened. Can’t or Geordie will be mega narked at me. Gonna do my patrol for him. He only wants our team to be successful and stay outta trouble. Would be awful if the other three had to run to Watch Post because of me.

I grope round for my uniform. How unlike me to drop clothes on the floor. They ought to be hung up neatly in the wardrobe to avoid creases. Well I guess when you’ve got a stomach upset, and want to get to bed, the state of clothes rush from your mind. While putting my shirt on I notice a few grey patches on my chest. Sunshine blinks at them.

“We’ll deal with those later ’kay? Flying through the clouds at full throttle might kill me off this morning.” Sunshine nudges my hand in understanding.

Right up and out. I stumble through my door. From my stumble I try walk without slouching. Can’t give Geordie any more reason to growl at me. Get a lot of stares off other recruits on my way out. Oh yeah I forgot to sneak Sunshine out. He’s right behind me. Hope we don’t come across Clover. We don’t. Get to reception without incident. My three team mates loiter round reception, waiting for me.

“You’re always late,” sighs Charlie. “If Thunders invaded we’d have missed them.”

“Sorry I over-slept. You could have gone without me.”

“And left your zone unprotected. If I’d not given you a wakeup call it’d have gone unprotected all day.”

“Are you alright? You look pasty mate,” says Danny.

“He’s fine. Just woke up, didn’t he? Is being a bloody pest as usual causing unnecessary drama.” Geordie makes a sharp exit, smacking through the double doors.

Danny hands me my sabre. “Here you might need this.”

“You do remember your patrol area?” Charlie sounds sceptical.

I smile and nod. “I’ve done it a gazillion times with Geordie.”

Charlie taps at his sheath double checking he has his sabre. “Back here for midday. Report to Master Hugo if you see anyone dodgy hanging around.”

“Mentally noted Charlie.” I give my most playful salute as we get outside. “See you here at midday on the dot.” Before I leave I grab Geordie’s arm. “Group hug for our first proper mission yays.”

Geordie swats me away. “Get gone before the urge to give you a fat lip takes over my fist.”

“Okay. Thought it’d be... never mind. Fly safe.” I struggle onto Sunshine, trying my best to keep smiling instead of grimacing and wailing owie. Manage to take off without anyone noticing I’m having difficulty.

Patrolling is boring going around and round the same circuit seeing the same dying foliage. Occasionally dipping into the clouds to check no Thunders are lurking in them. This patrol thing was much more fun when I had Geordie to talk too. There is absolutely no one around. A large part of me wants to turn back to Cloud High and crawl back into bed. Knowing my luck Thunders would decide to invade from my patch if I abandoned my patrol then I’d feel way guilty. My stomach sure does hurt and I’m getting cold. Oops forgot to bring my cloak along with me. Haven’t brought any water either and missed breakfast. Urrrgh breakfast. The thought has a glob of vomit explode into my throat. I manage to swallow it down. Ewww.

How many times have we been round now? Feels like hundreds but it’s nowhere near midday. I slouch forwards, leaning right into Sunshine’s neck. He slows right down for me. I’m getting drowsy. Can taste that glob of vomit in the back of my throat. Should have brought some water with me. I groan as my stomach tightens. I’m going to explode with sick any second.

“I need to land,” I wail on the verge of screaming because I hate sick. It’s un-natural having bodily fluids and digestive stuff spurting out your mouth. The thought of it happening is working me up before it’s happened.

We land. I slide off Sunshine onto my knees. Retch. Retch. Retch. Nothing’s coming up even though I feel sooo very sick. Oh, here it comes. Ew ew ew. Horrid horrid horrid. When it’s all up I take some deep breaths. Ot-oh it’s not all up. There I go again. What’s happening to me? The sick keeps coming making me even more drowsy. Bile burns my throat. I crawl round shivering and spewing.

“Help,” I yelp in-between puking.

Sunshine darts off into the trees. I think he might have gone to fetch help. Problem being his sense of direction is rather poor.

Alone I crawl round some more before I lay on my stomach heaving. Nothing’s coming up. My body goes fuzzy. Think I might be sweating. No more sick, please. I roll onto my back. My eyes droop. Sleep could help. Swallow down watery spit that is trying to be sick. Sleepy sleep. Swallow a fraction more. Sleepy sleep...

… “Al mate? Alex!”

Hurh is someone there?

“Lay him on his side.”

“I’m gonna crack him for ... No way. Not Al.”

Part of me thinks about trying to get up but a wave of dopiness takes over. All I want is to sleep off this icky bug. Now I’m on my side gunk dribbles out my mouth.

“Fuck. Fuck. Fuck. I thought he was over-dramatizing.”

“I told you we should have gone looking straight away when he failed to meet up with us.”

“I figured that one out.”

I moan as Geordie makes me sit up. He pushes my head against his shoulder then gives my arm a rub. “It’ll be okay.” Hope I don’t drool down his sleeve. I’m sure he’ll smack me if I do. Comfier against his shoulder than the ground. “Sorry I made you do your patrol. I’ll let you tap me for as long as you like.”

“Hrm?” My eyes flicker as my concentration drifts far away...

... When my concentration comes back I wake up hazy. Find I’m laid on my side underneath someone’s cloak. Aww cute they even made a pillow for me out of one of their jackets. I sit up slow. Try being quiet because everyone else is sleeping. It’s barely dawn. Cool Sunshine’s found his way back to me. My stomach still hurts but I don’t feel like being sick at the moment. Now’s probably a good time to round up the stray parts of my soul. Would be way too scary to stay getting grey any longer. I tiptoe over to Sunshine. Manage to get onto him. Hold tight because I feel icky.

That fast ride that usually makes me go hyper has played havoc on my already bad stomach. Shakily I get down from Sunshine. Grey free I crawl under the cloak. Think it’s Danny’s. Sunshine sits right by me. Rests his chin gently on my shoulder in concern.

“Don’t worry it’s just a nasty bug. I’ll be better in a few days you’ll see,” I whisper then drift off for a moment. A narked voice makes me stay in the land of conscious people.

“It’s wrong.” Sounds like Geordie’s woken up.

“I know. Tragic,” that’s Charlie trying to remain calm.

“Fates screwed up,” says Danny.

“Deffo. He’s the best person I know so doesn’t deserve what he’s got. Should be me if anyone.” Ot-oh Geordie’s on a rant. “I mean he’s a good person, really good. Always smiled no matter what. Can’t smile now can he? I should have done more to help.”

“You couldn’t,” says Charlie.

“Sure I could. Should have given him all the reassurance in the world. What did I do? Told him to do this bloody pointless patrol. Bet he was freaking on his own.”

Now who’s being over-dramatic? I slouch myself up. Lose the cloak. No one notices I’m awake. They’re too busy talking amongst themselves.

“He’s like a little brother.”

“Big,” puts in Danny. “Had his birthday last week. Is fifteen already.”

“Great I missed it. On my birthday he like drew me a picture of cake for some weird reason, told me to make a wish, then burst into this birthday song. You ever heard of a birthday song? Must be a rich kid thing. Point is I didn’t bother.”

I edge over to Geordie. Tap tap at his shoulder. “It’s supposed to be real cake; I couldn’t find any.” He turns his head to stare at me. I wipe my mouth with the back of my hand wondering if I’ve dribbled down myself.

“Al?”

“What?”

“Are you coherent?”

“I think so. Ah!” Geordie’s like gone and flung himself on top of me. A Geordie hug this is new. “Don’t squeeze me too hard or sick might come out.”

“We’ve still got time.”

“Time... what you talking about? Has something bad happened?”

“I don’t wanna scare you but you must know you’ve... forget I said anything. You’re gonna be fine. However bad you get I won’t abandon you I promise. Charlie wanted to let you wander mindless, but I won’t let that happen.”

“I didn’t mean it like that. I was stating he’s going to wander.”

Crap, somehow they found out about my condition. How? Oops I think some spots are showing through on my nails. Yikes I forgot to check them yesterday morning. They were due a polish too. How careless of me. Poor Geordie must have had a terrible night thinking the worst especially with me being so icky.

“Sorry for calling you a sissy the other day. You’re not. You’re sentimental and that’s not a bad thing it makes you...”

“Compassionate,” says Danny as he sits with me and Geordie.

“Can we do anything for you?” Charlie joins us to.

“Yeah you can stop worrying because I’m not a proper afflicted sufferer.”

“Going into denial won’t help. We know it’s come on un-naturally fast, we saw the grey patches, but I’ll help you through it,” says Geordie.

“I’m not in denial. Me and Sunshine have my condition under-control. When I start going grey he seeks out the lost pieces of my soul.” I lift up my sick stained shirt showing them my grey free chest. “See gone. I’m afraid my nails are damaged for life.”

“This doesn’t make any sense. We’ve never seen you with spotty nails before,” says Charlie.

“That’s because I use contraband nail varnish to cover them.”

“How long?”

“Since I left home. I had to leave. Kids who develop the affliction in my neighbourhood get killed. That’s how Jess died. Her parents murdered her because she had white spots.”

“That’s sick.” Charlie sounds shocked. “No wonder you ran away. There is something that doesn’t add up. You didn’t have Sunshine when you first left home.”

“I know was totes scary up until Sunshine came along. I was petrified someone would see me going grey, report me to Clover, then I’d get kicked out of Cloud High. Now Sunshine’s here I have a manageable condition. I only start going grey on average once every two months and I never get forgetful. You weren’t supposed to see me getting grey.”

“How much nail polish you got left?” asks Danny.

“Only quarter of a bottle.”

“Right.” Danny gets up. Goes over to Honey. “Where can we pick some up?”

“The thing is it’s pricey. Hard to get hold of. Mister Hans sold me a bottle. He got it from the Black Market.”

“No worries, I’ll find you some.” Off rides Danny to find me some nail polish. He’ll have a hard job finding some. I’m causing everyone so much trouble.

“I won’t lose you?” Geordie looks at me as though I’m about to combust into fluid. I might. My stomach’s still gurgling.

I shake my head.

“Hell Al, I should have realised you were living with the affliction.”

“It’s okay I didn’t want you knowing.”

“I should have clocked. What kind a person am I if I cannot even notice when...” Geordie trails off and growls at himself.

I want to tell him something to make him feel better only sick spurts instead. I hold it in my mouth for a second, murmuring as I dash away from my friends to let the gunk loose in a bush. Stupid noises come out with the sick. Something’s shifted in the air. Geordie’s rubbing my back. “Urrrgh.”

When I’m all puked up Geordie pulls me away from the bush. Gives me a canteen of water. “Drink. You need to keep hydrated. Madness, leaving for an eight hour patrol without taking any water with ya. Suppose that’s my fault for rushing you and not believing you’re sick. The sick is a separate issue to your affliction thing?”

“Yeah the sick’s me being ill.” Shivery cold I lean into Geordie. He puts a supportive arm round me. Charlie assists Geordie in helping me up. This is what you call co-operation. They deposit me by Chunk who narrows his eyes at me. Looks as though he wants to headbutt me in the face.

“Al’s our passenger today because he feels crappy. You’re gonna let him ride with us and be a gentle flier. Get me?” says Geordie, as Charlie gives me a leg up onto Chunk. Scary. He’s way taller than Sunshine. Stockier too. His muscles flex against my knees.

Geordie gets on behind me. “Be gentle. I mean it.” After those words my skin’s left behind as Chunk leaps. I place a hand over my mouth and choke down bile. I knew what to expect but physically taking the experience is a different dimension.

When we’ve gained altitude Chunk suddenly jolts down several meters.

“You did that on purpose.” An arm twists loosely round my waist to keep me from falling. “Sorry. I swear I’m nothing like him.”

Unable to speak in case I let loose sick I focus on watching Sunshine soaring above us. He’s in a world of his own as he tumbles about the sky performing aerial tricks for his own amusement.

We land with a crash rather than the bounce I’m familiar with. Queasy beyond what I thought I could be, I get light headed as I slip down from Chunk with Charlie’s help. Keep using his help until he sits me on my bed.

“Where’s this nail polish of yours then?”

“My wardrobe. Right at the back in a coin pouch.”

While Charlie digs round for my nail polish Geordie places a canteen on my bedside table then shakes a bucket at me. “In case you’re sick again.”

“Hands please.” Charlie covers up my spots for me.

“You’ll be alright now. Keep hydrated, get some sleep, and take as much time off as you need.”

“Sleep on your side,” adds Charlie.

“I’ll see about getting some meds from Hugo. You’ll be okay on your own for a bit won’t ya?”

I smile and nod. Get under the covers. Drift off for a while until Geordie shakes me awake. Makes me swallow a pill then I’m asleep again. Must have slept a whole day away. When I wake up it is morning. My stomach rumbles rather than aches. Neatly placed next to the canteen is a brown paper package. A message in Danny’s hand is on top.

Hey Al

Hope you feel better soon. Here’s some nail polish. Keep it safe.

Wow he actually found some. I open the package. There’s five bottles inside. That’s like five years of coverage. How awesome of him to get me these.

Feeling a lot brighter today I get up. Go to the bathroom to sort myself out. I’m in there ages but that’s okay because it’s real early and no one else is around. When I finally finish cleaning myself up I stick round my room, experimenting with one of my scarfs, using it as a head bandanna. Is kind a cool but doesn’t really go with my style so I ditch it.

Halfway through combing my hair into place my room is bombarded.

“He’s got his colour back,” says Danny.

“Thanks for my nail polish. How much do I owe you?”

“Nothing. I took the polish from the Black Market.”

“You mean you stole it?”

“Well yeah. You need it so I took it. No worries no one saw me save for Mister Hans. He pointed me in the right direction.”

Charlie presses a hand against my forehead. “He’s cooled down.”

Geordie pushes through the other two. “How’s my Al this morning?”

“Much better. Urrr your Al?”

“Yeah. Don’t go scaring me like that again. You two know what you’re doing this morning; get to it. You’re coming with me.”

“Don’t we have a class this morning?”

Geordie snickers. “Clover’s caught whatever bug you had. She’s in no state to teach today.”

Geordie takes me to Watch Post. We sit back to back trying to enjoy the view. Chunk lounges on Watch Post’s roof while Sunshine wanders, nudging rocks with his beak.

There’s an awkward silence between me and Geordie. I’ve no idea why he’s brought me up here. I rub at a switchblade. Master Hugo told me to keep them secret. Wants me to be the element of surprise. Is trying to turn me into an infiltrator like Cain. I’m nothing like Cain.

“I’m sorry I demanded you go on your patrol. I don’t get you sometimes. Like if you’re being over-dramatic or serious. You’re hard to work out. I shouldn’t get mad at you though. I try to be a better person.”

Me and Geordie are un-balanced. He is super strong with his hardcore attitude. How does a pretty boy like me compete with that? I doubt he’ll stay friends with me much longer if I keep getting hysterical crazy on him. He’ll get infuriated with me despite trying not to. Need to balance us somehow. “A few months ago did you say I need to take a few knocks to improve my combat skills?”

“No, I said you need to dish some out. Us three can take them.”

“Do you like secrets?” Master Hugo is going to have to forget about making an infiltrator out of me because I will not hide what I can do. Cloud High is a game and I’m on Geordie’s side not my tutor’s.

“What sort a secret?”

I put down my sabre then stand up. “Take a strike at me and you’ll find out.”

“After last time that doesn’t sound like a good idea. Besides my blade isn’t blunted.”

“If you trust me you’ll strike.”

“You’re un-armed.”

I tilt my head to one side smiling.

“Fine but if you get hurt I’m not explaining to Hugo why you gotta sabre jammed into your shoulder.”

Only Geordie doesn’t aim for my shoulder he gives an un-enthusiastic jab at my chest. Well sort of. He’s way off. I retreat fast. He jabs again. I shoot to my right. Back back, right left, forward forward, in quick succession. Duck. Up. Super sleuth. My arm winds round Geordie’s back onto his chest. Swish.

“What the fuck?”

I giggle. “Switchblade.”

“Yeah Al it’s a switchblade. What the hell? You float round like some ditzy fool then go all gangster on me.”

“They’re cute don’t you think? Master Hugo has been giving me extra tuition every midnight. Run, get caught, kill. That’s what they want me to do. I’d rather back you up. Do you think you could use me? I’m lame at attacking head on but was thinking maybe I could draw enemies away. Give you three relief. Relief is what I do.”

“Wait why would Hugo keep your extra lessons secret?”

“I think they’re trying to turn me into an infiltrator like Cain.” I draw my blade away from Geordie. “I probably should have told you sooner.”

“They do use us,” grumbles Geordie as he kicks a rock.

“Sorry. I should have told as soon as Master Hugo started training me.”

“It’s not your fault they’ve been trying to manipulate ya. Turning you into someone like Cain is bloody dangerous. You’d get killed fooling about with infiltration. You’re too kind for deceptive crap. Next time you have a lesson tell him to shove the secrecy.”

Creeeeak. Crack. Crack.

I slant my eyes onto the cabin. Chunk tears away at the roof; ripping through tiles and timber.

“Whoa Chunk!” yells Geordie. “That’s a bad thing to do.”

And the cabin caves in. We’re in heaps of trouble. Geordie winces as I explode into giggles. My giggles soon have Geordie laughing.

While still laughing Geordie gives me a look of observation. “Yeah I can use ya. We can use each other. With my attitude and your cuteness, we’ll figure out a yeah battle strategy. Show me everything Hugo teaches you and we’ll work summat out between us.”

“I’ll do my best.”

“Use a short practise sword instead of a sabre. You’re more comfortable with a shorter reach. Don’t ever use a sabre again it’s a waste of your time. Let’s get outta here before someone sees what my griffon did to a world famous cabin.”

Chunk stamps through the wreckage. He sure takes pleasure in breaking things. Looks proud of himself on batting away the remainders of a chair. Glares at his rider as though demanding his actions be acknowledged in a positive light.

“I wish I knew what you wanted.” Geordie gives Chunk’s beak a pat. “You clearly hate Thunders and get irate at most aspects of Cloud High.”