Chapter 3: Ugly Truth

At last I could say to Rosie 'I met Thunder Hawk today!' Dreaming would be a thing of the past thanks to these two. We entered the border between Babylon and the Main World, which is where Jet and Storm lived. Ever since a piece of our land plummeted to the Earth we've found it scary to leave the city. Yet some daring avians thought nothing of the outside world and saw it as an opportunity to start over.

The city was bustling with birds from all around the world; some I didn't even know existed! In the dead center was Extreme Gear Inc. They obviously got a huge kick out of the industry as almost everyone was riding one.

"If we're not too late my old man will still be in his office. But if we are we might not see 'em for a long time…" stated Jet.

"I can wait." I told him.

Jet sped ahead a little further until he reached the gate and as he was about to enter something nicked his board and sent him flying.

"Whaaaaaaaaaaaaahhh!" he shouted, flailing his wings.

The door creaked and someone appeared before Jet. She was a hawk just like him, except her feathers were bluish-grey. As Jet's face was about to hit the wall she caught him.

"Gotcha!" she exclaimed.

Jet started to moan. "Ma! What are you still doing here?"

"I'm here to tell you off, mister!" she said sternly.

"That goes double for you Storm!" roared an unfathomable voice.

A larger albatross came from behind the gate. "Why'd you trip Jet?"

He came up to me. "And who are you little hatchling?"

"Uh…" I was terrified of this 6 foot giant.

"Jet and Storm know how busy boss is, and they also know it's against the rules to ride extreme gear in the gate!"

Jet grinned uneasily to appease his mom but she didn't return the gesture.

"Jet, I'm not laughing. Not only did you disobey our curfew and bust in here but you brought an outsider without our permission. What do you have to say for yourself?"

"Ma, this girl wanted to meet dad…and she even fixed our boards for us. They hold more air now."

"I don't care she doesn't belong here and that's the point! But lucky for you I'm too tired to deal with this. I going to take a nap and when I wake up I'm sending her back home."

She then dropped Jet on the ground; his bottom painfully scraping the surface.

"Stay within the area. Tornado will keep an eye on you three."

"Okay, Rayne. You go rest."

Putting her wing against her head she mumbled something and walked back inside.

Tornado escorted the three of us to the streets were we, not by choice, viewed the area. This place filled me with excitement.

"Storm go get this." Tornado handed a slip of paper to his son.

"Aw, again…" groaned Storm.

"Don't get no attitude with me. Just do it!"

His head down, Storm did as he was told and went into an odd-looking building. It was kind of familiar; like I'd seen it somewhere in Babylon before. When he came out he carried a package in his wings. I don't know why but whatever was inside gave me chills. Bad vibes were inside my gut and I had to ask what he was holding.

"What's that?" I asked.

"None of your concern," snapped Tornado.

I glanced at Jet who had his head down. Something was wrong with these guys and being nosy by nature I had to know what.

Back at Extreme Gear Inc. a distress call had come in from Babylon! I started to worry about my parents' safety. Rayne Hawk was in the lobby gazing at the screen that floated above her. A green hawk head was on the monitor! Thunder Hawk was here! Sort of…

"Sorry about the interference Rayne. It's going to be a while before I come back."

"Well what's keeping you? My headaches have come back and I need some medication."

"It's these natives of Babylon. They won't agree with our requests! And they are the only ones who have the knowledge of the treasure I seek!"

We had come through the hallway when he'd said those words and a spark set off inside my head. Jet ran up to his mom.

"Is pop on his way home?"

She sighed. "I'm afraid not. He can't come to terms with the natives…Tornado?"

"I got it right here." He took the box away from Storm and gave it to her.

"Good. If they don't wish to compromise then they don't have to. It'll only be harder on them."

The way she smiled, I will never forget it. Her eyes showed wrongful desires yet were somewhat sad as well. But while Thunder Hawk was in my presence I couldn't pry into it. Nervously I stepped up to the monitor; he glanced down at me.

"Um, hi there Mr. Hawk. I couldn't help but hear you talk about the Treasure of the Babylons and I could tell you were it is."

Thunder squint his eyes at me. "You're the daughter of the mechanic, Tsunami Swallow!"

"That's so cool you know my dad! But I don't think he quite remembers who you are. He said something ridiculous to me before I came here."

"And that was…" he crossed his wings against his chest.

"That you were a criminal and that I can't trust you. But it's obvious that he's mistaken you for someone else."

"Well…I wouldn't go as far as criminal," he said with a huff, "but more like a common thief."

I was taken back by his words. He called himself a thief? What was he trying to prove? "What are you talking about? Why are you interested in something that's impossible to get?"

He completely ignored me and focused on Tornado. "Come to the ship immediately."

"Yes sir."

Jet and Storm remained silent and I was still in the dark. "Guys, what's going on?"

"Let it go, Wave. My dad's always right when it comes to the treasure of the Babylons. Best not to argue with him."

"But you don't even know were it is! And you need the key to-"

"We already have it, but all we need is to get to it and-"

"This is all wrong! You'll anger the gods again and the whole cycle will start over!" I was nearly to tears.

"…You're very smart, girl. But if luck is on your side then we'll get what we want and no one will get hurt."

"Hurt? You wouldn't-"

"Jet, I'll ring your neck if I return for bringing this native to my headquarters! And Rayne don't you worry. This will all be over soon."

She coughed and nodded.

Dozens of thoughts oozed into my mind at once and I was starting to lose faith in my idol.

I don't know what I've gotten myself into but I really want out! And what will dad think…

Note: Summer is here! I'm out of school and that means nonstop updating! -!