CHAPTER TWO

"Pancakes for breakfast!" Iggy shouted. We went into the kitchen together.

"You . . . Cook?"

"Very well." He cracked some eggs in a bowl.

"Ah. I can't cook at all. I've only ever eaten mush." We laughed.

"That's why I learned to cook." He flashed one of his stupid grins and I giggled. I suppose I still had a small crush on him, nothing big.

BREAKFAST

"God, Iggy, you weren't lying! These are delicious!"

"Oh, well." Iggy said, in an embarrassed fashion. Fang elbowed him, "Dude! Why?"

"So, Ig." I said between bites. "You me and Gazzy, ultimate crime trio."

"Uh... I dunno if I like the idea..." Gazzy said, a chocolate chip falling out of his mouth.

"Max?" Nudge said,

"Yes, Nudge?"

"Where is Xanthee going to stay? We can't just dump her out! Not after all she's done for us!"

"OK, OK. But we're all out of room, you're going to have to stay with Iggy."

"Wh--What?" Iggy said, spitting out a mouthful of OJ. I turned deep red, and Fang burst out into laughter.

"You know for well, Iggy, we have no room! My room's a closet, Fang shares with Gazzy,"

"Windows open 24/7!" Gazzy interrupted

"and Nudge shares with Angel. You know that."

Iggy mumbled something, like 'Can't I trade with Gazzy?'

"Aww, come on. You don't wanna share a room with your best buddy?" Gazzy cleared his thought, I'd accidentally offended him again. Crud.

"Well. It's not that.." He mumbled

"Aha! So you admit! She's your best buddy!" Gazzy said, tears in his eyes.

"Oh! No, no no! We're partner in crime! Best buds forever!!" They fist bumped. I was alone feeling dejected when I said "Good excuse for me to show you my powers."

"What?" Gazzy.

"Just like you can copy voices or fart mushroom clouds..." That's when Gazzy ripped one. He giggled.

"Gas... Mask..." Iggy said, falling over.

"I'm out." Fang said

"Sorry," Said Gazzy.

Angel said "Why don't we get some fresh air? I know where a wonderful wild strawberry patch is!"

"And I'll make strawberry shortcake!" Iggy said

"Perfect," Max said "Let's all go."

We gathered up all sorts of buckets and pails and headed out. We merrily chatted and picked the berries, most of which going into our mouths, until we were sore, but upon turning back, faster than I cold comprehend, we were rushed by a pack of Erasers. I was fighting, just like they taught me. I threw a roundhouse kick, kicking two in the face at once. Iggy was on the ground. I saw one eraser kick him in the side, Hard. I ran over and cupped my hands around his ears, not before kicking him Very, VERY hard. "You OK, Ig?"

"Hell--urk... yeah. That can't-Ow- stop me!"

I smiled at his broken enthusiasm. I heard Angel yelp, I spun around, and I was punched in the face. I kicked him in the stomach, and then I saw Angel being lifted into a chopper. "Oh no you don't!" I said flapping up. I landed in the chopper, but the wind was brutal. "Ari!" I yelled, and he pushed me out.

"I gotcha!" Fang yelled.

My wings didn't work. I fell, and landed into Fang's arms. "Remember, we're the good guys!"

We watched the chopper zoom away. "We have to get them." I said.

"But they have a chopper," Gazzy said, sad. "They took my sister away in a copper!" He fell to his knees.

"It's okay," I cooed, giving him a firm squeeze on the shoulder. "We're gonna get her." Max said.

" I know where they tare taking her... To a sub-base in California or Florida. I can't remember which... I—don't know he exact location... but--"

"Good enough." Iggy.