Hey everyone! Welcome to my first fanfiction story! Well, semi-first. I've written mini stories all my life but this is my first time publishing something online. On my profile I talk a little about myself and where I got this account so if you were subscribed to SilverSkyline than this isn't her anymore. She's not writing anymore but I'm a good friend of hers so she gave me this! And I promise I'm a good writer! I'm also in an advanced English class so I can promise few to no punctuation issues (unless I'm in a rush) just in case any grammer junkies were wondering. :)

Anyway, this story is set in the future, not the too far future though - nine years. In the summary it says that the By-Half Plan did occur. There are no mutant kids. The flock doesn't exist like in the books. It's an AU! Fang is called Nick and Iggy is James (for now!). Angel and Gazzy are about the same age just not as mature as they are in the books. Ella I made older for certain reasons which you will read a little about in this chapter; it'll be explained more later on in the story. I like using every character ever mentioned in the books so I don't have to make any OCs so be ready for some unfamiliar names (but not many).

This story has a lot to do with science fiction (which I LOVE) and some politics (more monarchy stuff, you know Kings and Queens). There will most definately be FAX but it's gonna be a little while until we get any but I promise it's gonna be good! I know this is long so I'm just gonna stop here for now. If you have any questions feel free to Private Message me or leave a review! I always respond back as soon as possible and I just love getting feedback on my work! Thank you and please enjoy!

Wings

Chapter 1: The Boy

10 March 2020, Virginia

"Breaking News: For the third time this week, fights have broken out between rebels and the Germanian Army. This time the terrorist attacks were focused between the border of the city and downtown area of Virginia. The casualties thankfully were a lot less than last week's number of fifty-two known hurt civilians…More footage has just been sent to us of some of the fighting. Remember, these scenes can sometimes be extremely graphic so if young children are watching, please turn them away."

The screen turns black for a second before the video begins. It's very shaky meaning someone was probably standing very close to the battle, most likely standing on one of the roofs to get a better view. The images are grainy but anyone with a brain can see guns and smoke forming around the streets. There are screams and yelling of panic everywhere. People are running away, some with kids hanging from their arms, trying to get as far as possible from the horrific fighting.

A boy with side swept black hair suddenly grabs the remote and clicks the TV off. He breathes heavily through his flared nostrils, his lips in a tight line. He's been watching way too much news. All that's ever on is stuff about the Germanian Army conquering over 'Terrorists'. The boy dryly laughs, "Terrorists? More like heroes. They're the ones fighting for what's right; for freedom without that Gunther-Hagen guy sadly known as our Emperor." He shakes his head and throws the remote control on the other side of the couch, cursing.

"Nick," a small, delicate voice calls from the door way that connects the living room with the hall way.

The boy snaps his head toward the voice, his softening from its original harsh glare that was intended for the TV. "Angel," Nick says softly, relaxing more into the couch. "How long were you standing there?" Now shame enters Nick's body. He didn't mean for his innocent younger sister to hear or see such things. He's never meant for her to see or hear any of it but sadly…that's just the world they live in.

"Long enough…big brother, are you mad?" Angel comes closer, leaning against the arm rest of the couch. One of her arms is held against her chest while her other is currently twirling a lock of golden hair. Her bright blue eyes seem to moisten a little, causing Nick to caress her cheek.

"Of course not, Ange… I'm just a little frustrated." The young girl's eyes widen in curiosity. "Not towards you or Gazzy or Ella, but towards myself."

Angel takes Nick's hand into hers and holds it tightly, "Don't be brother! You're perfect! Don't be mad at yourself!"

"What's going on? Why are you yelling?" A little boy with disheveled blonde hair wonders as he comes down the stairs, rubbing his eyes to get rid of the sleep.

"Big brother is mad at himself," Angel informs her twin, looking between the two. She walks around Nick's legs and sits next to him on the soft couch, snuggling into his side, still holding onto his hand for dear life.

Gazzy, also known as the Gasman, steps into the spot Angel once was and looks up at his older brother, "Why are you mad? Do you have a tummy ache?"

Nick faintly smiles, the closest thing he ever does to a full on smile, and pats Gazzy's head, "Don't worry about it. You and Angel need to go get ready for school; just like I need to be going soon."

The Gasman smiles toothily and nods, "Oh right, school! I almost forgot! Today we're going to be learning about science and chemicals today! I'm so excited!"

Nick continues to hold the phantom of a smile on his face as he nods and listens to all the exciting things his younger sibling will be doing today, putting aside the fact that he's going to be late for his own classes. Secretly, Nick enjoys moments like these where it's just him and his siblings, talking and being together peacefully. There's no worry of a terrorist attack, no talk about politics, just two brothers and one sister having a heart to heart conversation about their day.

"Nick, what are you still doing here? You need to get to school," a woman with long brown hair in a pony tail exclaims as she walks into the living room, eating a granola bar before leaving for work. "And you two," she motions towards Angel and Gazzy, "go get dressed, I'm leaving in fifteen minutes for work. You guys should've been ready ten minutes ago."

The twins nod and head up the carpeted stair way, leaving just Nick and the woman.

She sticks the remaining piece of granola in her mouth before grabbing a gold earring off the counter, sticking it into her ear. As she does this she continues to stare at Nick, waiting for a response, "Well?"

He smirks, "Nice to see you too, Ella. Have a nice sleep?"

She scoffs and laughs lightly, "I didn't get in till midnight." Once the earring is in place she begins smoothing out her blue scrubs, "Now tell me, why can't you get a job again?"

Nick gets off the couch and grabs his black messenger bag, "Because I'm a student and it's illegal to hire a minor."

"Oh yeah, you're still only seventeen. Well," she starts as she grabs her purse, "don't think all those illegal poker games are going to pay the bills. They may have gotten you that cell phone but my being a nurse is the thing that got us this house."

"How could I possibly forget that?" Nick questions as he heads for the door, "I might be home a little later today. James wanted to hang out for a while. We'll probably just go to the mall for an hour or two."

"Okay, but be sure to be back soon to get Angel and Gazzy. I'm thankful their friends' parents understand our situation and let them stay over until one of us gets some time to take them home."

Nick nods and walks out the door. He heads down the few cement steps, holding onto the metal railing before landing on the concrete walkway. He follows the short path through the trees and bushes which are so over grown they almost cover the entire front of the small town house. He continues down the side walk until he sees a large, three story reddish brown colored stone building with lavish roads and paths with freshly groomed foliage and flowers along them.

Of course no one is around because first bell already rang. All the teachers were used to Nick being late so it didn't really matter. They know Nick is one to take his time at things, and if that means missing the first ten minutes of class, so be it. Nick is still one of their best students even if he's very quiet and tends to speak in fragments or one worded sentences. He can still write three thousand worded essays without repeating a single line, give a flawless speech in a debate and give and take directions perfectly.

At eight twenty-five, Nick opens the door to his English class, gaining only a few stares as he heads for his seat. Also like the teachers, students are used to Nick's silent demeanor. Very few have ever even spoken to him. They figure to just let him be because he seems pretty intent that way.

"Is Maya here? Has anyone seen Maya this morning?" The teacher asks but no one speaks up. Mrs. Hodges scribbles down something on her clipboard and murmurs to herself, "That's the third time this week she's been out. She must be pretty sick."

Class begins from then on with the usual reading, writing and analyzing process of an English class. It's the same way across the world. Teachers have a specific guide for teaching students and they have to follow it exactly.

Every student has four core classes: English, Science, Math, and History. They also have an activities period which is intended for exercise such as swimming or basketball. After that is the study period where every student spends about an hour a day either studying or doing homework. They are free to roam campus and be with whomever they like as long as they do something productive. At the end of school is when clubs are held, which range from Drama to Student Council. Every child must be in a club every school year until High School where they only have to be in at least two clubs those four years.

"Hey Nick," someone calls from down the polished hallway, causing the tall, dark haired boy to stop in his tracks. He turns around to see an even taller, lanky boy with strawberry blonde hair and pale blue eyes running through the halls even though a few teachers have already told him to slow down.

"James," Nick nods as his friend reaches him breathless, "Tired?"

James cracks a wide smile, "Oh Nick, you always have a way with words. No, I was just looking for you everywhere! I heard there was some stuff happening in the city and I was going to ask if you wanted to skip today?"

Nick raises a thick, caterpillar black eyebrow, "What kind of stuff?"

His tall best friend looks around cautiously before leaning down slightly and whispers, "Rebel stuff. Apparently the Germanian army is cracking down on some groups of them as we speak."

Nick rolls his eyes but James continues.

"And apparently if we get good enough footage, we can sell it for big bucks to a news station. What do you say?" James waits anxiously as he watches his best friend ponder the situation. He knows it's illegal for civilians to get anywhere near a Germanian mission like one of these but to actually hear about one of these things is a once in a lifetime chance! The money would be huge as well and James knows Nick has been trying to save enough money to get the twins a birthday present. It's a win-win for the both of them.

"You got a camera?" Nick asks as the two walk down a different hallway than their regular one.

They pass by a few students but they pay no attention, they're too busy conversing intently about how comfortable and cute the new uniforms are. The girls are now required to wear khaki skirts that flare out at the end that are at least finger tip length. The boys have not as clingy khaki pants now but must still wear them with a classic brown leather belt. All students must also where a white blouse/button up shirt on top with a red and gold striped tie or a red cardigan that has the school logo on it in gold. All shoes have to be nude, black or brown as well.

The two boys look both ways before crossing an intersecting hallway, to be sure no teachers are still outside their classrooms, and head for one of the many floor to ceiling glass doors. The second they're out they break into a sprint towards James's Peugeot Sum Up scooter.

"I thought you were getting a new one of these?" Nick asks as gets on the back of the scooter.

James shrugs as he turns it on, "You think I can afford a new one? I got this thing cheap from my father when I was like ten and this thing was made in 2011! Now they're like ten grand and I barely have one hundred dollars in my back pocket."

Nick nods and stares off expressionless as James continues his rant on having to pay his own father for an old bike as he begins to drive away. The ride is completely silent except for the vibrating hum of the engine and the passing cars next to them.

"Hey," James finally says after a while.

Nick turns his head towards his friend but keeps his eyes everywhere else except the small side mirror where James can see him.

"I'm sorry about the father thing…I know you don't…you know. It's just-" James tries awkwardly. He's never been completely capable of understanding Nick's situation when it comes to his father and mother. He does know that the twins, Angel and Gazzy, are the world to Nick. He also cares for Ella, his older half sister very much as well and even worries about her from time to time, thinking she's working way too much. James knows that if it were legal, Nick would've gotten a job a long time ago. He just wants to see his family happy, that's all.

"It's okay," Nick answers monotonously.

James stares ahead consciously, "I mean it. I really do. It's just; you know how hard it is for someone to understand what you're going through." James pauses before smiling evilly, "Especially since you don't talk all too much."

Nick swiftly punches James in the arm.

"Hey," he yells out, "don't hit the driver or you'll kill us both!"

Nick chuckles and quietly apologizes for putting their lives in danger like that; even though he's pretty sure falling off a scooter on a practically empty street wouldn't put their lives into too much turmoil.

Soon, after turning down a couple more streets and almost getting completely lost twice, the two boys notice two soldiers wearing the typical uniform of Germanian soldiers – simple tan shirts and matching pants with combat boots and a hat with the griffin symbol in the front – marching down the street towards an abandoned building.

James and Nick glance at each other cautiously before getting off the scooter and hiding it behind the nearby dumpster in one of the many back alleyways. They notice for the first time this actually where the boundary is for the downtown area and city area. Knowing this, they become even more cautious. They are in an extremely dangerous part of Virginia. It's so treacherous here that many buildings on the boundary line have been abandoned completely; even crack heads don't come around these parts anymore.

Before following the officers, they both look around, marking anywhere that looks like a suitable escape route. Worst case scenario, they either get killed or have to get out as soon as possible and that's why they reposition the scooter for an easy getaway.

"Nick…I don't know about this," James says warily as the two follow the army men down the side walk but about thirty feet behind them. Suddenly the two soldiers stop causing both boys to duck onto the side of the closest building. They duck their heads around after a few minutes to see the door open and close. The two hurry to grab it in case it automatically locks and sneak inside.

The lights are off and the air is thick with dust, making it hard to breath. The boys are standing in what use to be a nice lobby but it's now empty with wooden floors that are thickly coated with dirt. There are a few chairs and tables stacked up against the wall with white sheets over them, probably to protect them but what's the use?

Further into the lobby there are two hallways, one on each side. Nick and James play Rock, Paper, Scissors to decide which way to go. Thanks to James consistency, Nick wins so they go right. After ten minutes of walking and checking out random rooms which are all empty, James begins to worry.

"Which way did we come in again?"

"Opposite way we came," Nick says flatly.

"It seems like we've been here for hours, maybe we should go back."

"It's only been ten minutes," Nick says a little more annoyed.

"Why are we even here anyway? We could be at the mall or something where there are witnesses…"

Nick sighs, "James, you were the one that wanted to come so we could videotape some of the action up close and personal. And what do you mean 'witnesses'?"

James shrugs under Nick's stare, "Well you do realize we could be killed if we're caught, right?"

The tall, dark haired boy rolls his obsidian eyes, "Now you want to go? After we came all this way," he says shaking his head.

This time James sighs, only ten times louder and more dramatic, "Fine, I'll just be the good best friend and follow you to our impending doom."

Nick smirks. He's actually a little relieved. He won't ever tell this to James but when he first saw this building, he had this strange urge to come inside. To find whatever these army guys are trying to find first…whatever IT is. "Follow me," he says quietly, "I think I saw a light down the hall earlier."

James nods and the two continue even deeper into what seems to be an endless corridor. But Nick was right; at the end was a large EXIT sign in glowing red letters. Below is a heavy metal door that only opens from the inside. James side glances at Nick, wanting to commute somehow that this is probably not a good idea. Sadly his best friend doesn't get the message when he suddenly pushes open the door.

The two seventeen year old boys walk outside onto the dry gravel courtyard, mouths hanging open – Nick's only slightly – as their eyes roam over what looks to be a barren waste land. Everything is grey. There is no life. No birds, no plants…no people. Or at least they can't see any people. There very well could be rebels hiding behind the large cement wall to their right.

The once tall and lavish buildings are now crumbling from mismanagement. Most windows are broken, dirty and torn curtains hang outside, blowing with the wind. Pieces of debris are everywhere. There are holes in everything, obviously caused by fighting between rebels and the army.

"This is downtown alright. The aftermath of war leaving nothing behind but broken promises," Nick says finally as he pulls himself together. James quickly follows suit. He dryly laughs, "They said we'd all be safe, that nothing would change." His fists tighten, "The jerks. Those lying, filthy-"

"Nick," James hand shoots to his best friends shoulder, "look! What's that?" He points in the direction of a tall, thin figure running at the far end of the open clearing.

The two watch intently as it comes closer and closer, its hands appear to be linked together by thick shackles which are connected by a long chain that reaches up to the metal collar around its neck. The boys strain their sight to see that it isn't an 'it' but a girl. She has medium length blonde hair that's straggly and dirty looking. Her face is just as grimy and her clothes look to be just simple white shirt and white pants.

Soon it clicks in Nick's mind that those aren't regular clothes. He knew they looked familiar! Thanks to all the news he had been watching lately, these outfits were seen often, especially on rebels. The clothes may look normal but…the people that wear them are, "Criminals and delinquents."

"Hold it right there," a voice suddenly booms from the boys left, "You are under arrest for the suspicion of conspiracy and the violation of Germanian Law. We here by command you to put your hands up or we will shoot."

Ooh, cliff hanger on the first chapter? Meh. Do Nick and James get arrested? You'll see. ;)

So, what do you think? Should I continue this story? Does it sound interesting in the least?

Please leave a review and tell me your thoughts!