A/N thanx fro the reviews, every little helps. And to settle someones mind if my friend loses the bet she has to pay half for my first car (cause she is soooo rich), take my brother out on a date and kiss my pet dog (who slobbers a lot) the forfeits are similar but different in their own way.

But still she shops like how I breath.

Chapter 9

The plane ride was one very, very long ride. Something like twelve hours seeing as the sardine can- I mean the plane needed to land halfway to refuel.

We were somewhere flying over Germany (I think), Brigid was talking to my mom, and the little toy car racing game had been modified so Nudge was making it look like a proper street race, the roads and ramps were made out of white so Iggy could see it. Nudge was currently making six metal cars go extra slowly over the finish line. Total and Akila were curled up together in the corner fast asleep. Angel, the Gasman and Iggy were crowding around a quickly constructed bowl, Nudge was twirling her finger around and around making the cars look like blurs. Fang was still on the sofa, silent. Shocker.

Jeb was reading a magazine, I didn't know they had 'Mad Scientists Weekly' on government planes. Please notice the heavy sarcasm.

And I was doing what I was doing best pacing back and forth like a caged animal. After my recollection of my first time flying. I got so angry with myself. I had fixed up all my mental barriers so why was my mind reminding me of these things. It's as if I am deliberately trying to make myself go crazy. If memories are just going to pour in like that, then I'm doomed. Angel might be reading my mind during one of the truly horrible ones. I didn't want to subject her to that.

Why though? That was the important question. Was this all happening because of that stupid dream? And I still didn't know how I got a bullet wound from dreaming of being shot. Unless it was……

Argh! I cannot take it in this plane anymore. It's giving me too much time to think about things. I'm use to living on my toes not contemplating painful things like this. Answers where always simple to me. I would kill myself in a heartbeat to save my flock. I would try my best to save the world because I felt it was right. I wouldn't do drugs because I didn't want to fry my brain cells. I would rebel against the white coats because they were evil, I was taught to never give up and because I got a kick out of it.

But to try and find the questions and search for the answers to my past? That was one question that could be very wrong or good, but will always be painful. And I was undecided on the whole topic.

"I hate this!"

Oops. Did I just say that out loud? By all of the weird looks I'm getting from everyone, apart from the sleeping dogs, I'd take that as a yes.

"Max, honey?" My mom asked.

Angel looked like she was concentrating, in fact she and Jeb had the same look on their faces. "Both of you stay out of my mind." I glare at them.

I needed an excuse. Think Max think. Aha.

"Sorry, I'm just feeling a little anxious and claustrophobic."

Angel frowned, but she couldn't call me an outright liar. It was partly true after all. With various comments like 'quit worrying' and 'take a deep breath in and take a deep breath out', I decided to join Fang on the sofa. The minute I sat down his arm was around my shoulder. I leaned against him and I could feel his breath tickle my hair.

"What's up?""Us." I answered honestly.

He laughed quietly and smoothed his hand through my hair."Whatever, if you want to talk about it, I'm here."

"I know." I smiled and relaxed against him.

And get this. I, fell, asleep.

I woke up when the plane hopped twice when it landed. I opened my eyes and noticed everyone was gathering their stuff. Me and Fang got up holding hands.

We had landed in Cardiff airport. Cardiff is the capital city of Wales. We got off the plane and into a council estate limo. No I am not kidding you a freaking LIMO. The Welsh government were pulling out all the stops for welcoming us into their country. We had also been given rooms in the Angel Hotel on the outside of the city's centre. It was a modern white hotel that was kitted out with every technical thing you could need, imagine or want. Well that's what I was told by my mom in the ride over there.

Nudge nattered all the way there, so when she paused for breath I jumped in. "Mom why isn't Ella with us?""Oh, did I forget to tell you? One of her friends birthday's today and she had a test that was important to her final grade. So I sent her back home and she'll join you tomorrow at the show."

Oh. Poor Ella, she had to go home. Well at least she had a home. Unlike the flock. They deserved a home, more than some people I could think about.

How could I get them a home though? And the real question was, could I settle down with them?

I had been running my whole life, so far, always on the move. Like a bird constantly migrating. If they found somewhere they really wanted to stay and belong, could I give up my freedom to be with them. I liked to think that I could, though a selfish part of me would always be waiting for a weak moment for when I would give in and leave.

Angel looked at me with happy eyes.

Don't worry Max, as long as we're together we'll be okay. If there is a problem then we'll sort it out. Right?Of course Angel. There isn't a problem we can't fix. Not when we're together. Is there?

As we walked into the lobby of the Angel Hotel, the real Angel at my side who was nodding her head vigorously. Nudge was beginning to take a resemblance to an old granny chatting. All she needed now was a pair of knitting needles.

That question plagued me as we said goodbye to Mom, Jeb and Brigid. Apparently they were staying at another scientists house, lucky us they trusted us to behave ourselves. If Iggy and Gazzy blew anything up, I wasn't paying for the damage.

This is just a filler till the next chapter. Which will have one of the characters you helped me name.

Review people. And thanks so far to everyone who's reviewed. So far I've had no flames. Lucky me, you people must like this story.