Note: Prepare yourselves, dear readers, a wild ride lays ahead!
If this is nearly as fun to read as it was to write, then I hope you take the time to let me know.
Now enjoy~!
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Harry stared with a dead-pan expression up at the ceiling of the cabin. His nose filled with the scent of well-worn leather and cologne. A warm weight pressed him down into his seat, a stark contrast to the cool air from the air-conditioner. Purple hair tickled his face as he tried to wiggle into a comfortable position. It merely resulted in the grip on him tightening.
Opposite him Fon hid his grin behind the sleeve of his suit jacket. His eyes were laughing as he watched Harry's struggle. They were a coal black since his Flames had completely retreated. The Storm Flames would have been unnecessary and even counterproductive now, considering the Cloud situation.
As if the Cloud had heard his thoughts, the body above him shifted, tightening its grip. Harry grimaced as he was being squeezed like a teddy bear. Fon softly chuckled.
"Is this really necessary?" Harry asked, exasperated.
Fon frowned in empathy, while his eyes still laughed at Harry's expense. "It was the most effective way, Harry-san." He said while calmly sipping a cup of tea. "It would have been even better without clothes-"
"No," Harry quickly disrupted him. "Just no."
Fon inclined his head. "Then this is the best option. Direct contact of Flames, ideally combined with as much skin to skin contact as possible is the easiest way to calm most Flame Actives. Especially an Inverted Cloud like Skull."
Harry huffed, straining his neck to take a peek at Skull's expression. The purple haired man's face was deceptively relaxed, even as he was draped over him like a blanket, arms firmly wrapped around him. His irises still had a faint purple pulsing light in it.
"Inverted Elements have some of the typical characteristics associated with their Element inverted. Skull, for example, likes being near people and being touched. Something highly unusual for Clouds."
Fon looked at his tea cup thoughtfully. "We can be glad about him being Inverted. In a closed space like this that could have been...messy." Taking a long sip he paused. "Clouds tend to be hard to predict. One of the reasons they are the second rarest Element after Sky Elements. They usually die in conflicts before adulthood."
"Common in both kinds of Clouds though is their instinctive inclination to want to bodily shield those they see as worthy of protection. Though a Classic Cloud would have skipped the warning snarl Skull gave me. They would have immediately attacked instead."
Harry gulped. His gaze darted to Skull. "No harming anyone close to a Cloud, understood." Then indignation took over. "He does not know me!" Harry whisper-shouted. Unwilling to set the Cloud off again.
Or to cause more touching. It was hard enough on Harry as it was. Too often touch had been used as a punishment in his childhood. A whole body shudder went through him as he remembered the one time he accidentally spilled milk over Uncle Vernon's work contract. He shifted putting less weight on the scar on his lower back. Sometimes he still dreamed about the beating that followed.
"You are a strong unbonded Sky." Fon stated matter-of-factly as if that explained everything. "So what?" Harry could not help but ask.
"Skies are rare, Harry-san. Strong ones even more so. And unbounded Skies, even close to your power level? Unheard off." Harry frowned. "Why?"
Fon put his cup down. "Because while other Elements want a bond, seek it on a subconscious level from the moment they activate their Flames," Fons leaned forward slightly. "Skys need bonds."
Harry tilted his head in confusion, "Why?"
"Because, Harry-san, the very nature of a Sky is Harmony. Therefore being in tune with others, their surroundings and themselves. They are constantly instinctively seeking and trying to keep balance. Taking and giving Flames as required.
"If they are bonded, ideally with a full set, that is no issue. Their Elements help with balancing out the Flame intake and outage. Unbonded Skyes, however, have to do it on their own." Fon sighed. "If they remain unbonded for too long, it becomes too much and they turn unstable."
"Like me?" He asked with trembling hands.
"Yes and no." Fon leaned back in his chair. "Your situation is…unique. As far as I have been told, you are the first person, who has been hit by two killing curses throughout his life and survived. As of yet, the full consequences of that are unknown." Harry laughed bitterly. Unique. What a nice way to put it.
Fon's expression softened, his eyes losing some of their amusement. "I apologize, Harry-san. I did not mean to trivialize your experiences. I understand that it has been far from easy for you."
Harry sighed, feeling a mixture of frustration and resignation. "It's fine, Fon. I've come to accept that my life is anything but ordinary."
Fon nodded sympathetically. "Indeed, it seems that fate has dealt you a challenging hand. But despite the difficulties, you possess a remarkable strength within you."
Harry looked at Fon, his gaze searching for sincerity. "Do you really think so? Sometimes it's hard to see anything but the scars." He hesitated. "And the sea of corpses." He saw all the dead bodies littering his life, flash through his mind. Cedric, Sirius, Fred, Remus-
Purple Flames snuggled up to him and a soft whine sounded in his ear. Long gloved fingers gently patted his head, like one would a trembling kitten. When he looked up, he met Skull's soft gaze. A shaky smile made its way onto his lips.
It was strange how being touched could feel uncomfortable and still comforting at the same time. It made him feel a little warmer inside that someone cared. Even if it was only a stranger. Inconspicuous he leaned into the touch.
"Captain," Came a slightly strained voice from the speakers, making Harry blink out of his reverie. "Would you be as kind as to return to the cockpit?" Harry looked at Skull, who was still patting his head, clearly out of it.
"Skull-sama?" He carefully tried. No reaction. "Hm." He carefully wriggled one arm free and caught the man's hand mid-pat. Purple eyes narrowed. Gulping, he gently put his hands on both sides of Skulls face. Seeing no further reaction, he focused inwards.
From opposite them, he heard the shifting of clothes, but he ignored it. Fon was most likely readying himself to intervene just in case.
Suddenly, a loud siren blared throughout the cabin, startling Harry and causing Skull to snap out of his daze. The intercom crackled to life again, but this time the voice carried a sense of urgency.
"Attention all passengers, we are under attack! Please fasten your seatbelts and brace for impact!"
Harry's heart skipped a beat as panic coursed through his veins. He quickly released his grip on Skull's face and struggled to free himself from the tangled embrace.
Fon, his expression now serious and focused, swiftly unbuttoned his suit jacket revealing a pair of slender, silver guns holstered at his sides. However, instead of reaching for the guns, he clenched his fists and closed his eyes, channeling his Storm Flames.
"Skull, we need to get to the cockpit. It seems we have an unwelcome guest," Fon said, his voice steady despite the chaos unfolding around them.
Skull blinked rapidly, his eyes shifting from purple to their natural vibrant violet color. He nodded, the seriousness of the situation sinking in. With surprising agility, he untangled himself from Harry, giving him a reassuring tap on the shoulder before moving towards the nearest exit door.
Harry followed closely behind, his mind racing with a mix of fear and determination. As they reached the door, the sound of gunfire erupted outside the aircraft. The plane jolted violently, causing everyone to stumble and grab onto anything within reach for support.
When he opened the cockpit door, Skull's outraged voice could be heard. "You actually let them hit us?! What are you doing?! I taught you better than this!"
"But, Skull-sama-"
"I am taking over! Be quiet, I need to focus."
"Yes, Skull-sama." Came the meek reply from the co-pilot.
Fon turned to look over Harry's shoulder, determination etched on his face. "Protect the cockpit at all costs. I will handle the incoming shots. Harry-san will be in your care."
Startled Harry turned around, to see the stewardess stand right behind him. Her polite smile and professional demeanor are still in place. Though her hair was now loose, shadowing her eyes. It enhanced the battle-hungry gleam in them. She gave a swift nod.
Harry felt shivers go down this back. Mafia, his cousin had said. Apparently not even a stewardess was a dangerous foe with this kind of company. He gulped as he realized that this was the same woman he had screamed at earlier. He took a cautious step back, just in case.
Fon closed his eyes once more, this time producing a light red sheen around his whole body. As the bullets came hurtling towards them, Fon extended his hands towards the barrage, manipulating the air currents with his Flames. The shots seemed to slow down, their trajectory altering as if caught in an invisible vortex.
With precise control, Fon made the bullets stop mid-air, floating in suspended animation. He glanced at the captain, "Skull."
Cloud Flames began multiplying the projectiles, creating a swarm of purple energy around the motionless bullets. Fon smirked, a mischievous glint in his eyes, a sharp smile on his lips. "Ah, how thoughtful to provide us with such a gift. We kindly return the favor."
With a swift motion of his hands, Fon unleashed a gust of wind, propelling the bullets back toward the jet. The enemy pilot, caught off guard by the unexpected turn of events, engaged in evasive maneuvers to avoid the redirected firepower.
"Oh my, how ungrateful." Fon said, serenely.
The jet still shook and Harry clutched the captain seat to keep his balance. His gaze wavering between Skull's wild smile and Fon's amused eyes. A look at the stewardess revealed her still having that damnable polite smile. Obviously he had been wrong. There were people out there lacking even more common sense than the wizarding world. They just happened to be part of the Mafia.
Merlin's beard, the Muggles were more terrifying than Voldemort. He knew his Potter Luck would strike. He was stuck in a plane with insane people while being shot at by some unknown force. Morgana be with him!
Harry's heart pounded in his chest as the plane continued to shake under the assault. The combined efforts of Fon and Skull had temporarily turned the tide, but the enemy jet was still a threat, unleashing a barrage of projectiles toward them.
Skull's laughter filled the cockpit, an eerie sound that sent shivers down Harry's spine. It was a blend of excitement and wild joy, a testament to the unpredictable nature of the Cloud Guardian.
With a fierce determination, Skull took control of the plane's controls, his Cloud Flames swirling around him in a vibrant display. He tapped into his innate piloting skills, honed through countless battles and daring escapades. The aircraft responded to his touch, becoming an extension of his will.
Skull grinned as he expertly maneuvered the plane through the tumultuous skies, dodging incoming fire with incredible precision. He utilized sharp turns, barrel rolls, and daring dives, using the plane's agility to his advantage. Each movement was executed flawlessly, showcasing his mastery of aerial combat.
Harry desperately held on as the airplane was jolted this way and that. His finger knuckles white, too busy holding on to even consider taking out his wand. Sweat dripped from his forehead as he nearly lost his grip. His muscles were straining beneath the strain, unused to such strenuous activity. Blood was sipping out from his mouth from where he had accidentally bitten his lip, unprepared for Skull's daring moves.
"Watch out!" He screamed, as bullets from the enemy jets peppered the plane's fuselage.
Skull's Cloud Flames surged forth. With a wave of his hand, the damaged sections of the aircraft were enveloped in a radiant purple light. The Flames seamlessly melded with the structure, reconstructing the damaged areas as if they were never harmed. With the other he made the jet take a sharp turn, causing Harry to cry out as his arm hit the exit door.
The stewardess, her Lightning Flames crackling with power, focused her attention on protecting the plane from further harm. She extended her hands outward, channeling her Flames into a vibrant green shield that enveloped the aircraft. The shield crackled with electrical energy, repelling the incoming bullets with ease.
Harry gaped at the woman, who was casually holding her steady footing. "How-?!"
His shout was interrupted by the attacks intensifying. A relentless barrage of firepower was unleashed on them. However, Skull's expert piloting skills and the stewardess's impenetrable Lightning shield held firm. The bullets struck the shield, only to be used as ammo by Fon.
Fon, with a flick of his wrists, sent the redirected bullets hurtling back towards the enemy jet. The projectiles pierced through the enemy's defenses, causing explosions and sending the jet spiraling out of control.
With a triumphant grin, Fon leaned back against the cabin wall, watching as the enemy jet plummeted towards the ground in a fiery descent. The threat had been neutralized, but the plane still faced the aftermath of the intense battle.
Skull eased the plane into a steady course, his face relaxing. His Cloud Flames calming and receding as the danger subsided. Harry sighed with relief, realizing he had narrowly escaped disaster. Then his sigh deepened as he realized he regularly did that.
The stewardess released her Lightning shield, her expression softening as she assessed Harry. "Are you okay?" she called out, her voice laced with concern.
Harry, still holding on for dear life, managed to find his voice. "I-... I am fine," he replied, his voice shaky, slightly incredulous but determined. "Thanks to all of you."
Fon nodded, his gentle gaze meeting Harry's. "We are a team, Harry-san. We protect each other."
Skull, who had regained his composure, turned to Harry with a sheepish smile. "Sorry about the rough ride, fluffy Sky. But you did great. You held on." The Cloud Guardian's eyes sparkled with genuine pride, a stark contrast to the chaos that had just unfolded. "I told you, you are safe with me." He said with a disarming smile, almost making Harry forget being tossed around.
Harry let out a breath he hadn't realized he was holding, feeling a mix of relief and a strange sense of accomplishment. He had survived yet another dangerous situation, this time with the help of these extraordinary individuals.
Despite the chaos and uncertainty, he couldn't deny the sense of belonging he felt in their presence. His body still held some of the warmth Fon had given him earlier, by disintegrating the excess of the corrupted Sky Flames within him. The phantom feeling of Skulls fingers still fresh in his mind. His hand shook slightly as he rubbed his chest, where he now knew his two cores lay.
As the plane stabilized and he began to calm down, the stewardess approached Harry, her demeanor shifting from battle-ready to composed professionalism. "Is there anything I can get you, sir?" she asked, her voice steady and calm.
Harry blinked, momentarily taken aback by the sudden shift in atmosphere. "Um... just a glass of water, please," he replied, his voice still slightly shaky.
The stewardess nodded, offering him her typical smile before making her way down the aisle. Fon shifted into a relaxed posture, his eyes scanning the surroundings, ever vigilant even in the aftermath of the attack.
Skull remained at the controls, his focus steady as he guided the plane towards its destination. Harry couldn't help but feel a surge of gratitude towards these extraordinary individuals who had risked their lives to protect him.
As he turned to leave the cockpit on trembling legs, he halted as he heard Skull's stern voice, "Fasten your seat-belts? Really? Just before we were hit too!"
"But Skull-sama, the manual said-"
"The manual said-?!" A smack could be heard. "There is no manual for a situation like this!"
"Actually-" The co-pilot tried again.
"Are you seriously trying to tell the great Skull-sama you could have done this with all the fighters except me casually waiting this out!?" He sounded incredulous now.
"But-" The man's voice had a desperate edge now.
"Ah, Skull, I think it would be a good idea to retrain your co-pilot."
There was a pause, then Skull hummed thoughtfully. A brief glance towards the now profusely sweating and stammering man made up his mind. A wild grin split Skull's face as he exclaimed, "Be honored! The great Skull-sama shall put you through his special training once more!"
As Harry, still trembling from the rest adrenaline, made his way back to his seat, the air was filled by Skulls booming laugh, Fon's soft chuckles and the loud screams of denial from the poor sod, who had probably done his best.
"Well," he said, as he let himself fall into his seat. "He probably knew what he was getting himself into."
"That he did." The Stewardess said from right beside him, nearly making him jump out of his own skin. "Your drink, sir."
"Thank you," He murmured and robotically took the water. Blinking as she handed an ice-bag over next.
"What…?" His confused gaze met hers. "For your right arm." She promptly put the bag right where it had hit the exit door earlier. When he still remained silent, she added gently, "Your cry could be heard even over the shooting. It was why I intervened with my Lightning shield. Fon-sama and Skull-sama were both too distracted by your cry to react to the follow-up bullets."
Harry frowned, "They-"
The woman put Harry's arm in such a position that it would hold on its own and let go. "That is a good thing, young Sky. It has been a long time since I have seen either of them show honest concern for anyone outside of their group."
Then she took a step back, cool professionality back in place. "Please feel free to call me if you need anything else. I hope you continue to have a pleasant journey." Harry nearly choked on his water gawking at the stewardess as she walked away.
"Scary Muggle," He whispered even as he enjoyed the sweet relief the ice bag offered.
Feeling emotionally drained, he leaned back in his seat and decided now was the best time for a good long nap. Dreams were safe at least and less confusing. He determinedly ignored any memory suggestion otherwise. Nightmares were still an all too common occurrence. Not to mention the visions he used to have. He tiredly shook his head, focusing on the lulling background sounds of distant conversations instead.
Feeling sleep tugging him down, he relaxed completely, the glass slipping out of his hand unnoticed, shattering on the ground beside his seat.
"Sleeping is safe…" He murmured to himself, letting himself drop into the dream world.