A few words, from myself. This was meant to be the final chapter, but the reasons it's not are listed at the end. But I hope you enjoy this. Xx

Chapter 10

"And then Baloo had to sort them out, seriously, he had to do that…in the bar owned by his best friend…it was so humiliating".

"Humiliating…for you, or for Baloo?"

"Him, he had to be humiliated, I know he loves going there". Kit was still pacing across the room, a habit he had picked up, when he was in therapy. For some reason, the moment he tried to discuss his feeling, his legs just wanted to run, even though he knew everything he said, would be reported to Mrs Gold, so he exhausted himself by walking back and forth. Kit didn't realise that this was a typical reaction of most children, unable to cope with their feelings, and as such felt like a freak almost every time.

"And what about you?"

"Me? oh come off it, it was terrible, the guy does something nice for me, and I screw up his life, the way I've been screwing it up since day one". Kit stopped and collapsed into the overgrown chair, "All he does is nice things for me…and I screw it up".

The therapist, Mrs Istel was young, but an expert on this, and knew all the right things to say. "What nice things does he do?"

Kit looked at her, and struggled to explain "He lets me stay with him, he cooks for me, and he takes money from his wages so I can buy clothes…money I know he's trying to save to get the Seaduck back…because he trashed the original Seaduck rescuing me! I cost the guy his dreams, and he acts like he's all right about it...he even made sure Mrs Cunningham gave me an allowance for the map planning…he makes sure I'm feeling alright, he holds me when I cry and he saved me when Cummings Hill collapsed". Kit's voice was close to cracking, but he willed the tears away, he had got sick of feeling sorry for himself. "He asks nothing of me, and I still screwed up his life".

Mrs Istel had a gentle, yet commanding tone, which seemed to penetrate the entire office. "What you just described Kit, is the standard act of a father being there for his child, have you ever considered, Baloo asks nothing of you, because he generally cares only for your wellbeing?"

Kit scoffed, as the thought turned itself in his mind, for the hundredth time, "Seriously, he cares for me? Why would anyone care about me, a stupid, pathetic Sky Pirate, like me?"

"Kit", Mrs Istel reasoned, "You haven't been a Sky Pirate, for quite some time".

Kit almost laughed at the suggestion, sure he had bid the Iron Vulture a definite goodbye, but that didn't mean it was over just like that. He managed a grim smile and turned in her direction.

"I know, Mrs Gold said, I am too young to face criminal charges, so I don't even have a slate to wipe clean. In the eyes of the law, it never happened, I'm a victim and not a villain". Kit stated

Kit's new interest in books had increased his vocabulary to extreme volumes, Baloo realised, as he stood by the door unable to move, yet also unwilling to disturb what Kit had to say.

"Just because, the State, states my conscience is clear, doesn't mean it really is, as a Pirate I still hurt people, my age means nothing, I'm still as guilty as them"

"From what I've read, your actual participations in raids was rather limited, when compared to some of the others".

Kit shook his head, "Yet I was the one, who still planned the raids, I was the one who told them the right directions and how to strike as swiftly as possible". Exhaling slowly, he said something; he had been unable to say until that moment. "That's why I don't deserve any of this; I deserve jail, not someone like Baloo who's willing to take someone like me in"

The therapist, leaned forward, and picked her words carefully, in the weeks she had seen Kit, she had been hoping for a break-through like this.

"So, you feel guilty, over the people you hurt in the raids?"

Kit was silent for a minute, digesting the question, then said in a whisper, which Baloo struggled to hear.

"There is two incidents, I can't get off my mind" Kit begun, as he regaled his therapist, the time of his first raid, when he struck the man in the head with a gun, and his last, the moment he had encountered a boy about the same age as him, who thought he was going to hurt his little sister.

As he described it, Kit began to realise that the little girl had to have been the same age as Molly, and felt his stomach sink further. In the weeks, he had spent so much time with the four year old; he had begun to feel a brotherly protectiveness towards her, and hated himself some more. Finishing his story, Kit finally looked at his therapist, who was hardened enough not to break down at the child tragic tale…but only just, as she cleared her throat to recover.

"So Kit, your first and last raids, are affecting you, maybe because one opened your eyes, and the other brought you down to earth". There were more scientific ways of explaining it, but Kit was too young to understand them. "That's a natural reaction, Kit. It doesn't mean you're bad, nor crazy for feeling it".

Kit shook his head, and replied with full honesty, "It eats me, up sometimes, this pain in my stomach, after what I caused those people, how does that go away...you tell me?"

"Have you, ever considered contacting them yourself, to tell them you're sorry? I know the Police, would have details of both incidents if they were reported", and which she was sure was correct, a child assaulting an old man, and a case with child endangerment, didn't exactly go unnoticed by Police.

"What, I write to them, telling them I'm sorry I was a Sky Pirate, please forgive me?" Kit retorted, veering close to sarcasm. Mrs Istel ignored Kit's defensiveness, "Well it may be a good idea, just to let them know what happened, and why you left and how you're doing now". Kit, I know you must be scared of their reaction, but it's clear it will help…if you're unsure at what to write, maybe Mrs Cunningham or even Baloo could help you".

"How can I ask them to help with me this, it's like I'm begging for forgiveness".

"You're not asking for forgiveness Kit, you want to apologise to them", Baloo said, as he came into the room, he had heard his boys honesty and so had to act on that, he thought it was a fantastic idea, just as an attempt to bring Kit closure.

Kit turned towards the door, as Baloo walked in, immediately; Mrs Istel was on to her feet. "Kit, I am so sorry, I had no idea this was going to happen; Mr Von Bruinwald was not scheduled to come in today". Like any good therapist, she respected the patient, doctor confidentiality agreement and would never have set Kit up like this.

Kit looked at his therapist, and knew she was telling the truth, as he faced, Baloo, a familiar feeling of dread, filled his stomach, as he struggled to find his words. "How, can I ask them to forgive me Baloo, after what I did…and what if they don't, what if they hate me even more?"

Kit's voice was so small; it was a reminder to the adults, that no matter what he had gone through, he was still a child. All Baloo could do, was nod, "You don't Kit, and I can understand the reason, that scares you, but can you imagine feeling any worse, then you do now?" Baloo not having the benefit of the same education as the Doctor was, in total honesty pulling words from the sky, but from the look on Mrs Istel face, it seemed to be the correct thing to say.

Kit let the idea process through his mind, and felt emotionally torn, could he really do this? Both his therapist and Baloo thought it was a good idea. Kit really had no desire to keep going over his past, but his past it seemed, just wouldn't let him go. Eventually he nodded, "Yeah I'd like to do that", even saying it out loud somehow made it seem all better, then something occurred to Kit, "Baloo, what are you doing here?" This time it was Baloo's turn to look awkward, unlike Kit, who had been encouraged to talk about his feelings, Baloo didn't have the same luxury at his age. Thankfully sensing his discomfort, Mrs Istel motioned for him to sit down, even though Baloo hadn't been ordered to come to the sessions, she wanted to learn more about the man Kit practically worshipped.

Baloo as he accepted a drink, addressed the pair of them, it was strange that Kit and himself, had never discussed this at their home, but for some reasons it was easier to say outside the shack "You're not screwing up my life, Kit, I can't believe you think like that"

All Kit could go was shrug; it was a difficult question to answer. "It's just that you do so much for me and Louis…"

"Don't worry about that, their idiots, people consider me an Ace pilot, but that's because they're the competition. Don't worry about them, I never have" Baloo supplied.

"And you do so much for me!"

Baloo couldn't resist a small smile, even though he realised how sad it was, that he had to reiterate what Mrs Istel had stated. "Kit, I know this is hard for you to understand, but this is what parents do, until the courts decide otherwise…which we hope will not happen". He carefully stressed the last word, "I am your foster parent, this is my job kid, and this is what a parent does, I'm not going to get rid of you, because of some idiots in a bar, what type of idiot would I be?"

Kit, looked for reassurance, in his therapist face, and found it, as Baloo contained talking, "Kit, I've never been a parent before, and three months ago, I only had to take care of myself and I did a pretty lousy job at that, I'm constantly worried that I'm not doing the right thing and that you'll be better off living with Rebecca".

A look of alarm crossed Kit's face, so Baloo quickly pushed on, "I wouldn't and she wouldn't, but if it wasn't for her, I wouldn't have got this far" As Baloo was explaining it, it really began to hit home, how much Rebecca had done for him, well for all of them. Perhaps he should tell her more often, and then decided against it, she was egotistical as it was!

Then, Baloo found himself, revealing something he had kept secret for so long, "The reason I'm determined to keep you, Kit is that I was also raised in the foster care system, my parents died when I was five, and I spent eleven years in a home. The day I aged out, was the day I signed up for the Air Force, so I know exactly what's like and what you run away from, and I know if Don Karnage had come to me at the age of eleven, I would have done the same".

Kit's eyes widened, but Mrs Istel, knew all of this, so said nothing. "So that's why I do, what I do. You're not a burden to me Kit, you are my son".

What followed was silence, whilst Baloo mentally kicked himself, it was no secret he had begun seeing Kit like his own child, weeks earlier, but knowing Kit was in a fragile state, was adverse to even mention it. He knew, he had been betrayed so much by adults and didn't want to place any pressure on him.

Kit's mind reeled, Baloo as his father…for real, sure it's what had been hoping for, but to hear it vocalised. In his entire life, no one had ever said they wanted to be his parent. The more he thought about it, the more he liked the idea, at least he thought he did, then something else occurred to him, he knew his placement was only temporary, what if they changed their minds? Could he avoid it somehow?

He found himself nodding, as he tried to process the information. "Yeah, I'd like that", he said noticing Baloo's embarrassment at the announcement, and they both turned to the therapist, who had just glanced at the clock. "Forgive me gentlemen, but I have an appointment in the next five minutes, as the pair rose, she addressed both of them "Kit, you've made some good decision today, please act upon them, and Mr Bruinwald, thank you for coming in today, it's been wonderful to finally meet you", her smile was genuine, and both bears returned it.

As they left the office, both of them tried to find the words to break the silence "She's a good therapist". Baloo finally said as they were in the lift, Kit could only smile, "Yeah she's amazing"

Back at the shack, Kit knew what he had to do, though it took two days and dozens of sheets of paper until it was all written. He knew what he had to say, but to try to explain everything, was harder than he thought. With the help of Mrs Cunningham and Baloo, he finally had the letters written. They were brief, but honest, Kit explained the life, he had led and the actions he had taken to get him away from there, how those days had affected him, and how he was trying to apologise. The Police explained it was advisable for him not to use his last name, but through them the letters would be sent. Kit felt exhausted as he signed his first name, but felt another layer had been lifted from his shoulders.

In the meantime, there were still jobs to do and the company to run, even with Kit's map reading abilities, as he waved Baloo off in the mornings, his mind processed the idea of Baloo being his dad. He had tried to say it, but struggled in his own mind, as if saying the three letter word would jinx it somehow. As he threw himself into his schoolwork, determined to show the people who were deciding his future, that this was the best place for him.

He was surprised one day, to wake up with a large parcel addressed to him, tearing the box opened, it was a crate full of pots of some sort of oil, and ingredients he couldn't pronounce, let alone know their uses. In it was attached a note, which he read out loud "Master Cloudkicker, use once in the morning over the affected area, expect second crate in two months, my scientist have advised me, this will assist in the eradication of scar area, complements of Khan Industries".

Kit's emotions ranged from gratitude, to rage, if Khan knew about his scars, then who else did? Mrs Cunningham helped him compose a thank you note, as with Baloo's aid, he did as he was told and applied the oil everyone morning. He hated it, as it made his skin itch, but as the weeks past, he could see a slight improvement. He already knew most wouldn't disappear, as the cuts went too deep, but the superficial ones seemed lighter, almost unnoticeable. He knew they would never truly go away, but knowing that some would no longer be there, as if erasing the marks of Karnage's abuse made him feel better, and he began to sleep easier. He still had bad nights, but woke up relieved because he knew someone would be there for him, be it Rebecca or Baloo.

As time passed, at times Kit could almost forget about what happened, as he enjoyed fishing trips and picnics with the Higher for Higher staff during the quiet moments. It was one of those days, when he had come home from fishing to find, Mrs Cunningham, sitting there, holding an envelope addressing to him, containing two letters.

Neither of them had addresses or postal marks to indicate the sender, but Kit's heart sank, as he realised who they may be from, one was written in the cursive hand of a woman, he noticed, his hand trembling as he held it. In the end and with his permission Rebecca took it off him and opened it. "Can I read this out?" she asked the boy, who could only nod, suddenly feeling cold in contrast to the beautiful day outside. By this point, Baloo had come into the office, and pulled the boy to the couch whilst Rebecca cleared her throat.

"My dear Christopher", she read out loud. "Thank you so much for writing to us, my family remembers the incident so well, and as a parent, I was naturally concerned for their safety. As my son was recanting the incident, I do recall him telling us about a Sky Pirate, the same age as him.

At the time, I was angry, but later on I began to wonder, how could a child become a Sky Pirate? Your letter, explained, what happened, and I am so sorry that any child, especially you, went through an experience like that.

You enquired, about the health of my children. I am delighted to say, that both my son and daughter, are fine, this fateful day in your life, hasn't blighted them a single bit.

Christopher, in your letter, it was made clear, that it was written to ease your conscience. My family have never hated you for anything, and feel relieved you now have clearly found yourself a very wonderful and supportive family. My family wish you well, Christopher, from the articulation of your letter, you're clearly a bright young man, and I'm sure you will have a wonderful future.

Regards

Cassandra", the last name was missing; due to security reason's Kit realised.

All Kit could do, was just sit there as he digested the information, they didn't hate him, they really didn't. He hadn't been expecting that reaction, in truth he had been hoping, for it but not for a warm letter like that. Inspired by the letter, he took the other envelope and opened it, even though Baloo this time offered to be the one to read it out.

"Dear Christopher, thank you for your letter, as I know you are living in Cape Suzette, I would like to meet you in person to discuss the contents. Please have your guardian contact me.

Charles Adler".

There was a number listed, below, and Baloo hated himself, for the predicament he had now placed Kit into.

"Do you want to meet him?" Baloo queried, wishing he didn't have to ask.

Kit thought for a minute… he really didn't what would he say? Yet he found himself nodding, as Baloo stepped over to dial the listed number, Kit went and stood out on the pier, not wishing to be a part of the conversation in any way.

After a few minutes, Baloo joined him in the fresh air. "He said, he wants to meet at Walt's Diner tomorrow at one-pm, I said it wouldn't be a problem, he sounded sincere…you know we can cancel, if you don't want to do it". Kit's had his back to Baloo, so the bear couldn't see the boy's reaction, all he did say was "No that's all right", Kit's voice sounded hollow, and he struggled to sleep that night. He hoped morning wouldn't come, but the next afternoon, the pair of them were in Rebecca's car, driving to the Diner. Rebecca had wanted to come, but the business prevented it, and Wildcat had taken on the deliveries for the day.

They arrived early, slipping into a booth, Baloo ordered coffee and a milk shake for Kit, who could hardly taste it, as a familiar sight for Kit walked through the door. Immediately the boy tensed up, as Baloo turned round, slid from the seats and gestured Kit to do the same.

As the man approached them, Kit found himself inching closer to Baloo, who squeezed his shoulder in response, the three of them, exchanged pleasantries and introductions, and Baloo ordered more coffee.

For a brief moment, there was silence, as Mr Adler, took the letter Kit had written and placed it on the table, it was clear, it had been read, and re-read several times. Kit took the moment to raise his eyes and look closer at the man, there was no mistaken the scar on his forehead, courtesy of being pistol whipped by Kit, who stared at the floor again, feeling a wave of guilt.

Finally, Mr Adler cleared his throat. "You look different, from when I last saw you, how long was it, about a year?" Kit did some mental calculation, and decided it was about right, and nodded in response.

"So Christopher", "It's Kit", Baloo corrected gently, as his foster son was trying to find the right words to say. Mr Adler nodded, and gently smiled. "So Kit, you said in your letter, that you were recruited by Karnage when you were eleven, what happened to you for that to even happen?"

Kit groaned inwardly, whilst Baloo raised an eyebrow and took another sip of coffee, Kit had not desire to go back to his past life, but he owed this man, whose life he had changed at least the truth.

As he described the time on the Iron Vulture, several times, they had to pause for refills, as it was a very long story, Baloo noticed the man's reaction, and realised how much it matched his own. As Kit got to the end, Charles Adler, run his hand over his lips thoughtfully, before saying. "I knew it was bad, I never imagined it was as bad as that, damn kid", as he shook his head. "I can't believe Karnage does that to children".

All Kit could do was shrug, "Yeah, I was surprised too".

"If I'd had known, I would have done something more, to get you out of there".

"You mean, you don't hate me?" Kit said tensely, not expecting this reaction at all, "After, what I did to you?" he was almost confused by this.

Mr Adler, shrugged, "Sure I was in the beginning, all I had to do was make a delivery and instead I was captured by Pirates, but later on I began to wonder about this kid who barrel whipped me with a gun". Kit looked away at the reminder, "As I was near retirement age, anyway, and after speaking to the cops, since they already knew about Karnage recruiting process.

I decided to open a flight school for deprived youngsters…kids out of the foster system or on low incomes. They study planes and get their GED, at the same time. In fact some of the pilots I've trained, now work for Khan Industries". Both Baloo and Kit looked at each other suitably impressed, what began was a long discussion on planes, Charles Adler had five within his company, and Kit wanted to know more about them. As the day turned to evening, and more food was ordered, Kit's heart was gratified upon learning that even though he was unable to acquire a temporary pilots licence for four more years, he could still attend the classes, which Baloo was happy for him to do over the summer, if Kit was going to fulfil his destiny of being an ace pilot, he had to start early after all.

As the evening wore, on, and more food was delivered, Kit's tension having disappeared hours ago, Mr Adler suddenly looked up at the clock, and remarked. "Darn, I was meant to get to the store, to get some chocolate for the grandkids".

"Oh, I can get that", Kit stated as he run for the door, after Baloo has passed him a few coins. As the small boy, left the Diner, Charles's demeanour changed slightly. "That boy of yours is amazing, you've done brilliantly", he informed Baloo, who felt a swell of pride at this.

Then Adler's face grew more serious "Listen, I've trained pilots, there always coming round my airfield, and there talking, something is about to go down, and it involves Karnage!" Baloo leaned in closer, "What do you mean?"

Adler's voice dropped, "I'm saying, that the rumour is Karnage is heading back to Cape Suzette". Baloo's jaw grimaced; Karnage had been so quiet recently, as if he was a phantom rather than a real person. "A few of the Khan Pilots, have told me that when they were captured over the Atlantic sea, Karnage was more deranged than usual, saying how he was going to get his revenge, over someone. Now that I've met him and you…I'm here to tell you, I think Karnage is coming back for that boy".

Baloo was thunderstruck, he had spent so much time, protecting Kit, he never imagined someone, even Karnage having a personal vendetta against him, "Are you sure?", he urged Adler, who only shook his head. "I only know what my Pilots tell me, which isn't much, but as his guardian, I just want you to know. If Karnage is planning something, I can get Kit out of the area easily". Baloo sat back, processing the information. Could Karnage really be after the boy?

He considered Adler's request and felt grateful, if Kit were a target, maybe it would be best to get him out of the area, then he felt a pang of selfishness, he knew a good parent would do it, but Baloo really didn't have it in him, when he suddenly envisioned days without the boy.

Baloo made the decision, to contact the police the next day, as Kit came into the Diner brandishing the chocolate. Immediately both men snapped back to the jovial conversation they were having before, whilst they ordered dessert. It was late, as they left the Diner, with all the lamps illuminating the streets, Adler shook both their hands, and told them to come to his airfield anytime, wishing them both well.

Kit was in high spirits as they drove home, his smile so infectious, Baloo joined in, keeping his troubles to himself. That night as the boy slept soundly, after he had regaled Rebecca, at how awesome Mr Adler was, and how he was going to learn to fly planes, other than the Seaduck, Baloo confided in Rebecca, about the situation.

"Rebecca, I can't lose him, we've come too far for that to happen", Baloo continued, before Rebecca could get a word in edgeways. "I know it's wrong, as I'm meant to think of Kit, and what's best for him…but can you see this place without him?" Rebecca, never having known Baloo without that boy by his side, really couldn't imagine her life without the both of them. The concept of life, without her Pilot and adolescent navigator, suddenly scared her…what if Kit did have to leave, would Baloo go with him? Though she rationed it, rather unsuccessfully with the idea that Baloo would never abandon his plane, then she realised he actually would if it meant he had to protect Kit.

"Let me think, about it", she told him, trying to give him her most supportive smile, with that the tension lifted from Baloo, he was so new to being a parent, and dealing with a child of abuse, something he would never hold against Kit naturally. Rebecca having several years of experience, just seemed to know exactly what to do. The next day was the weekend, so Molly was playing on the pier, whilst Baloo, Kit and Wildcat, were doing maintenance work on the Seaduck, Rebecca placed a call to Cape Suzette Police, relaying Baloo's fear and the rumours against Kit, naturally she never named the source, as Pilots by nature were a talkative bunch. A few hours later the Police called her back, stating they wanted the family to attend the Police Station…but it was just a formality. As Rebecca placed the phone back on the cradle, she felt relieved, even though Kit would never face charges for his crimes. As she peered out of the window, to see her trio of staff working on her plane, singing along to the latest top ten, it really hit her how much of a family these individuals had become. Though she would never tell Baloo that, he'll think she was a pushover if she did. The next call that came in was from a company, who wanted their mink stoles, a day earlier than expected and were willing to pay twice the going rate, something no small business could turn down.

Reluctant as she was to take Molly with her, whilst she passed on the duties to Wildcat, she had no other option, when she announced the four of them, had to head to the police station, both adults exchanged a look, whilst Kit for once didn't feel concerned. The last few days had changed his outlook, though he was hoping that it might have something to do with Baloo's petition to adopt him.

When the four of them, were in the car the Police had sent to them, Kit who was looking out of the window, suddenly did some mental maths and realised they were driving away from the Police station, he immediately blurted this out to Baloo, who grew concerned.

"Where are you taking us?" he demanded to the driver "Someplace more secure", was the smooth reply. If it wasn't for the fact, he had three people he cared about sitting next to him, Baloo would have unleashed all moment of fury. He swallowed his rage, protective as he was; he knew any act of violence could be seen as a red mark against him, as Kit glanced at him.

"It's going to be fine Kit", he whispered, hoping he wasn't lying to the boy. As the car turned, the corner, they all looked up at the magnificent building in front of them, all of then barely had time to register it, as they turned into the car park.

Immediately, they were all out of the car, and swiftly escorted into an elevator, in the mind of four year old Molly, this place was a towering castle and she beamed with delight. Rebecca was just confused, whilst Baloo and Kit knew exactly where they were, but thought it ridiculous to voice it out loud. They hadn't seen the man in months…since that fateful day, and Baloo had hoped it would stay that way, even though technically Kit did owe him. As the elevator door opened, Rebecca and Molly practically breathed in the beauty and opulence of the room, created with the finest idea in taste.

She stepped out first, almost stunned as the men followed, they knew exactly where they were going, and they felt his presence, almost across the room. The only difference from before was a large table situated in the middle of the room, surrounded by the Chief of Police, the head of his own private air force and of course the man himself. Immediately Kit stepped behind Baloo, as the Bengal Tiger turned to face them, his face curved in what could only be a smile "Ahh the crew of Higher for Higher, thank you so much for joining us".

Right, so meant to be the last chapter, but thanks to an idea from the GroundedAviator, which was too good not to use. It became like this; also I love the idea, of Kit finally moving on with his life, erasing his demons via meeting the people he hurt and finding out they never hated him at all. But the next chapter is the last, and by writing it like this, I'm going to promise you all. I'm going to try to make it epic

Please review xxx