Chapter 2: Hummingbird Riding Goes Wrong

"You'll do fine," Nod said, grinning. I gripped the halter of my hummingbird so hard my knuckles turned white. I took a few deep breaths. You can do it, M.K., I told myself. Nod and the other leafmen were having Hummingbird Riding lessons, but somehow Nod convinced Ronin, the general of the leafmen, to let me train, too.

The thing about riding a hummingbird: It's easier said than done. Imagine riding a full-grown horse. Riding the bird was twice as hard. Hummingbirds move really fast, no kidding, and they seem to have a mind of their own. They follow our orders but they follow their instincts sometimes. Let's hope it doesn't happen this time.

"Alright, leafmen-," One of the leafmen, Joseph, started but seemed to remember that I was there, too. He continued, "And M.K., get ready. GO!"

One by one, the hummingbirds flew away with their riders on them, instructing them. I whispered to my hummingbird, Carina, "Okay, girl. Let's fly."

We were supposed to fly alongside with Nod and his hummingbird but Carina seemed to have other ideas. All of a sudden, she jerked to the right. A squeal escaped my lips. Carina chirped, maybe excitedly, I don't know because I don't speak hummingbird. I pulled the halter Crash-landing.

"Carina!" I yelled, panic replacing my confusion. She had to be somewhere near me. What if she was hurt and couldn't get up? Oh god.

Chirp, chirp. Where was it coming from?

"Where are you, girl?" I said.

"She's here," replied an unfamiliar masculine voice. Wasn't this place deserted?

I found them a few minutes later.

Them being Carina and a figure crouched next to her.

I rushed over, desperate in finding out what happened to my hummingbird. "Carina!" I said as I sat next to her. She was moaning. There was a huge gash on her right wing. A scary pool of blood was forming underneath it with bits of feathers scattered around it. Oh, no.

"She'll be fine, if that's what you're worrying about."

I turned my attention to the source of the voice. When I was just about to say something, I froze.

He had messy jet black hair, with bangs that were long enough to cover his brows. His eyes were a stormy shade of gray, with flecks of gold around his pupil. His lips were uneven, not too thick but not too thin either. He reminded me of those bad boys girls fall for. In other words, he was hot.

"I-" I started. Quit stuttering, I said to myself.

"Wh-what do you mean she'll be fine?" I choked out.

He smiled and replied, "I know how to fix it."

"Do you?" I asked him curiously. Was he a doctor? What was a doctor doing here?

"I do. Her name's Carina? What's yours?" Was it safe to tell a complete stranger my name?

It wouldn't hurt, right? "Mary Katherine. Call me M.K."

"That's a nice name. I'm Jason. Jace, if you will."

I smiled at him and scooted nearer to Carina so I can take a better look at her injuries. "So, Jace," I started, not familiar with his name, "You can fix her?"

He nodded in reply. I looked up, catching Jace's stormy eyes. Was he Oh god, I wonder if he was looking for me right now. He must be worried.

Jace raised an eyebrow. "Nod?" he questioned.

"He's my.." I began. What was he to me, exactly? We weren't really in a relationship. But for some reason I feel this strong connection with him. "My friend," I continued.

"Alright, then. Let's fly home," Jace said.

And we did.

Author's note: I'm so sorry it's been what, 3 weeks since I updated? So that's why I made this chapter EXTRA long. I spent my whole afternoon doing this, guys, so you better like it, or else. Anyway, follow, favourite and review (More reviews, guys?) And email me your ideas or suggestions of what you want to happen next to my email. Love you xx