piratefiction Chapter 23: Family of Prey
Chapter 23: Family of Prey
Chapter 23: Family of Prey8:00AM—Day 4
The early morning air was crisp and cool. The soft rustle of trees and the distant call of birds painted a calm picture, but Kairon felt the quiet was too unnatural. As he stepped out of the tent, rubbing sleep from his eyes, only a few students loitered around the camp.
He stretched his arms slightly, his sharp gaze scanning the area like a hawk surveying prey. His footsteps made no sound as he walked towards Aria, who sat peeling fruit.
"Where are the others?" he asked calmly.
"They went to look for food," she replied without looking up.
He nodded. "I see."
"You woke up late," Aria added, a teasing smile touching her lips.
"Yeah," he replied, his voice low. "I wasn’t sleepy until late last night."
"I see."
FLASH!
Kairon turned sharply, eyes narrowing as a sudden burst of light flickered from the forest’s edge. Nothing. Just wind in the leaves. But he didn’t like it.
Soon, the fruit
Everyone formed a loose circle. Miya stayed by the tree.
He opened a small wooden box.
"What’s that?" Sena asked.
"Weapons for us Predators," Juro said, adjusting his glasses.
"Weapons?" Ivy blinked.
She picked up a gun.
"Is this real?"
BANG!
The trigger clicked, and paint flew toward Aria’s head.
KSSHH!
Kairon stepped in, a book raised. The paint exploded on its cover.
Ivy gasped. "I’m sorry! I didn’t mean to!"
"You shouldn’t pick up something you can’t use," Aria snapped.
"Well—I was just—"
"That’s enough," Kairon said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
Aria scowled and stormed into the tent.
Tears welled up in Ivy’s eyes.
"I’m sorry, everyone."
"It’s alright," Sena comforted.
"Don’t let Aria get to you," Yua added.
"Let’s not talk bad about each other," Riven interrupted.
"Why not?" Meira hissed. "You always defend her. What’s going on between you two?"
Kairon answered smoothly. "There’s no relationship. Aria doesn’t let emotions interfere with her goals. Everyone knows that."
Meira scoffed. "...I guess that’s true."
Riven picked up the box, carried it to the tent, and returned.
"We didn’t waste any points today. That’s a good result."
"Right! We can win this!" Caden said.
"Absolutely!" Torin agreed.
---
Miya stood.
"Why?"
Everyone turned.
"Why did you take me in?"
Riven stepped forward. "What do you mean?"
"You know exactly what I mean! I’m your enemy! This is a test! And yet... you helped me."
Riven smiled gently. "Because it was the right thing to do. That’s humanity."
"No one shows sympathy to enemies."
"I guess Class D is special. We’re kind of like... a family."
"That’s right," Juro added, adjusting his glasses.
Miya blinked. Then she laughed, softly at first, then louder.
"You’re all one stupid family!"
Laughter broke out around the fire.
Kairon remained at the edge, eyes on the fading sky.
"A family, huh?" he murmured. "I wonder... if that’s what everyone really thinks."
He closed his eyes. The wind brushed against his face.
He could still feel the tension in the air. Something was coming.