A/N

Finally, some plot. Don't worry, more Fax to come. But if you want a story with no plot whatsoever, find my 'Many Ties of Percy and Annabeth' story. Just fluff and fluff. Meanwhile, here, I have a plan for this tale. A tragic one, at that.

Enjoy, and review if you did enjoy.

Through the glass of the slot machine I spotted a familiar man in a lab coat, wielding a syringe directed at his own forearm. Was I hallucinating? Three wolfy faces then popped up in a row, their teeth bared menacingly. I startled, recoiling at the sight of them as Fang eagerly approached. Silver quarters began pouring out of the machine's opening and into a plastic cup held in Fang's hands. "Jackpot, Max! Jackpot!" Fang giggled hysterically, jumping up and down and seeming so excited he could pee his pants.

I stared at him. Blankly.

For those of you who have just joined us, Fang doesn't giggle. Ever. Especially hysterically. I shut my eyes, rubbing my temple and thought, What the feathers is going on here?

The next second I found someone shaking my shoulders and muttering to me, "Max? Max, you there?"

I jerked my head up to see I was in the same casino, only the three pictures were dollar signs and Fang seemed normal. One of his hands was curled around a cup overflowed with coins, but he didn't seem as thrilled by it. Thank God, he had really scared me with the sudden change of character.

Oh. And another thing.

Dr. Gunther-Hagen was still here, hypodermic needles poking out of his pockets. And I wasn't dreaming anymore.

Fang and I whipped around as Dr. Haagen-Daz said, his voice soft, "Max, Fang. Are you doing all right?"

"We were," I replied, glaring, "until you showed up." What was with the sudden expression of concern?

Dr. G-H studied me with a weird expression on his face, tilting his head to the right. Then he murmured, eyes widening, "Oh. Oh, no. I see you don't know yet."

"Know what?" Fang asked, his voice hard. Curiosity took root inside of me, along with a side order of fresh anxiety.

Dr. Gunther-Hagen frowned, scratching his chin. "Max, my proposal still stands. If you would cooperate, we could save so many lives. And imagine giving the gift of sight back to Iggy."

My jaw twitched at the mention of Iggy, but I snapped, "Ignore the question, much? What don't I know yet?"

"Where is the rest of the flock, Max?"

"They're in an arcade next door," I answered impatiently. "Now what don't I know yet?"

Dr. G-H averted his eyes, making sure not to look directly at me. "Has Dylan made progress? Under your coaching?"

My face flushed a bit at the mention of Dylan, and I said vaguely, "Yeah, he's doing dandy. He's becoming a better flyer."

"You're lying, Max," Dr. Gunther-Hagen still didn't look me in the eye, and his voice was oddly quiet. "About the flock, I mean. I know of the little incident, young yet precocious Angel was my informant."

"Angel told you?" Fang shot back angrily. "She's in league with you?"

Dr. Haagen-Daz looked at him, unfazed. "Angel believes my intentions are good. So, yes."

I sighed, hoping to address the creepy seven-year-old girl problem later. "Whatever, Dr. Creepy. Tell me this thing I don't know about before I make like a tree and leave."

"I will, if you agree to listen to what I have to say."

I crossed my arms while arching an eyebrow but nodded. Fang placed a hand on my shoulder.

"Max, if you allowed me to perform some minor experimentation, you could have so many new skills, features. If our testing proves stable enhancements, imagine how competent we can make other by sharing these in talents. A stronger generation to survive the apocalypse."

"You had me at experimentation. I am so in. Who doesn't have an irrational fear of needles and genetic testing that renders them a freak? Me, that's who!"

The doctor sighed. "I've told you, you will not be harmed during testing. We can make great progress."

"What you call progress we call mistakes," I replied, my voice steely as I remembered the horrific slideshow of mutants Fang and I saw back home on the computer. "We've seen what you've done to other 'experiments' already. Disgusting."

Dr. Gunther-Hagen frowned again, saying, "We've changed our tactics, truly. And Max. That 'thing' you don't know about. It's this: you don't have much time left. You could die at any moment. Why not make your last days count?"

I laughed bitterly, but Fang tensed beside me. "So that's the big news? Oh that's a new one, definitely. Threaten my life so I'll work for you. Totally original, Dr. G-H."

"That is not what I meant," Dr. Gunther-Hagen went on, and what disturbed me is that he wasn't exasperated, or angry. His voice was… sad. "Your time is coming, Maximum, and I'm sorry. Please make your remaining time worthwhile."

"I've escaped death more times than you can count. Always," I responded, an edge of uncertainty in my voice. I wasn't sure if I was trying to convince him or myself. He was giving off major scary vibes.

Dr. Gunther-Hagen simply shook his head.

Officially freaked, I began to sprint towards the casino exit, Fang close behind me. Dr. Haagen-Daz didn't seem remotely surprised, looking on with a wary expression.

Fang and I launched ourselves into the air, unfolding our wings across the dark night sky, but didn't leave quick enough to miss Dr. Gunther-Hagen's call of, "Don't forget my offer, Max!"

I wish I could.

Dun-dun-dun-dun! Have any idea what Dr. G-H is talking about? You will soon.

Also, how did he know they were in Vegas? (Okay, I'm too lazy to figure that out.)

Wait for more chapters to find out.