Chapter 9 – Max and Brigid and Fang

"...Hell?"

Nothing. We stood there, staring at completely empty rooms.

How very anti-climactic.

I felt my body begIn to relax, and so did the others; well except for Fang, who still stood tense next to me.

"Something doesn't seem right." He whispered, I turned to look up at him expectantly (still not fair that I actually have to look up now. "This seems way too easy... Angel, see if you can hear anything. Nudge check out the walls" He whispered, still tense next to me,

"Stealing my job... jackass." I muttered. He grinned, but it was short lived as Angel soon began talking.

"I can't hear anything... at all. The only ones I can hear are us." Strangely enough this worried me more than it comforted me. I turned just to see Nudge tear he hand away from the wall and cradle it to her chest as if it was just an open flame she held her hand against. The look on her face was one of pure horror and I immediately found myself reaching for her and pulling her closer to the rest of us,

"Nudge... what did you see?" she turned to me with terrified eyes.

"Max... They were everywhere... You couldn't see them... You couldn't hear them... You couldn't fight them... But they were tearing them apart..." I pulled her tighter against me; trying to shush her whispered sobs as my eyes scanned the room. Everyone seemed to be unconsciously huddling together; then tears began to follow down Nudge's face as she began to continue. "Max... There was blood everywhere... Pieces of flesh were flying... You could hear their bones cracking... And their screams... The screams... Max... I'm terrified..." I let go of Nudge and let her rush into Iggy's waiting arms, knowing he could do a better job at calming her; I then stepped closer to Fang almost – almost – unconsciously.

"Max... what're we supposed to do? You heard her; these things can't be seen or heard, and are apparently unbeatable. What the hell are we supposed to do?" I sighed,

" I dunno Fang, heck, for all we know they could be standing right in front of us listening now. All I know is we need to get you and the Flock through that door—"

"What do you mean me and the Flock? What about you? Max we're not leaving you – that's an argument you lost before it even started."

"Fang... haven't you noticed it yet? In all of the other rooms; whatever's coming at us comes at me first. I don't know whether it's because they know I'm the leader, or whether someone is controlling them and aiming for me, but I believe it's the latter. And for some strange reason, I kind of have a feeling it's Brigid"

-----Brigid-----

Fuck. She knows.

The Stupid Bitch knows.

I don't know how or when she figured it out. I just know that that woman has been living way too long.

Nineteen years too fucking long.

So what do I do?

I give the command for my "Silencers" to end her.

I can deal with the rest later; and Fang will be my obvious trophy.

See how I'm making the world a better place?

I can't believe they honestly think that they can make it through here; much less Russia, Japan, Britain and Egypt.

Oh, would you look at that, one of my Silencers just smashed a foot into Max's face.

How entertaining.

Can't talk now, things are getting good.

-----Fang-----

As if on cue, something smashed into the side of Max's face.

And it hit with enough force to send her flying away from us with and into a wall. The sound of her head cracking against the wall resonated through the once silent hallway; making me physically sick and sending all of us rushing towards her in a frenzy. I barely suppressed my horror as I looked down at her; her helmet was shattered and left in splinters on the floor, and blood was running down the side of her head. I immediately cradled her against me, checking her breathing and seeing if she was okay.

"Max! Are you okay?!"

"Ow... That hurt like a bitch" She mumbled, I let out silent sigh of relief. She was okay – well, okay as she could be in the circumstance. After gently placing her back down again (feeling slightly embarrassed by my sudden impulse) I was immediately on the defensive again, with Iggy beside me and the rest of the Flock behind me, trying to tend to Max's head. I scanned the room for signs of anything – anything and everything – but found nothing. Whatever just hit Max was on a whole new level, and it didn't help that we were surprised by the attack. I don't know what I can do against it but—

"Well, well, well, looks like the Flock are finally back together. How sickeningly sweet." My head jerked up, trying to locate the sound but finding no source. I knew that voice, and I knew it too damn well.

"In case you guys didn't notice, this is the amazingly talented Brigid Dwyer here. You saw what our new Silencers just did to... Max," She spat out the word as if saying it made her dirty, pissing me off even more; "with one hit at half of its full strength; so I'm here to offer you a proposition." I didn't want to hear it, but couldn't complain about it either. "It's very simple really, leave Max behind to play with my new toys and I can let the rest of you go through. Although, I can't guarantee you anything after you're inside." The room fell silent and I could almost here the idea turning inside Max's head. "You can take all the time in the world to decide; however I'm a busy person, so if you do take too long my new toys may just have to give you a few reminders. Toodles." And with that she was gone.

"Guys—"

"No Max. We're not leaving you behind"

"Fang—"

"No!" I turned to look down at her as she stood and faced me, her blood beginning to dry in streaks on her face. I wouldn't leave her behind, I couldn't.

"Fang, Brigid obviously really wants to kill me, do you honestly think she'll let that honour go to one of her toys? I'll be fine; you guys go on ahead and finish the mission. I'll catch up later."

"Max" Don't do this to me.

"Fang, I promise you I'll catch up." Please, don't do this to me.

"You guys... you don't think we should leave her do you?" Don't let her do this to us.

"... If that's what she wants" Don't let her do this to me.

"Max... I still don't think you should..." Please

"Fang! I'll be fine!" Please

"... If that's really what you want..." Please Max, I'm begging you

We started heading towards the door, Max hurriedly pushing us along so nothing would happen to us. I only took my eyes off of her to scan the room, trying not to imagine how many of those... things could be watching her as we speak, waiting for us to leave her alone. All the others were through the door, but I lingered next to Max, not willing to move.

"Fang. I promise, I'll see you guys later!" She beamed up at me in that way she does, and I could feel my heart breaking.

"Max..." I pulled her into a tight bear hug, so I could gently whisper in her ear. "I love you. I always have." And with that I let go and walked through the door. Before she could reply, the door slammed shut, separating her from us completely.

"Come on guys..." I mumbled, urging them away from the door. As we kept on walking the doors kept slamming behind us, each time crushing my heart that little bit more. I though it couldn't get worse...

Suddenly, and ear-splitting cry echoed through the hallway behind us... it was Max's.

Before any of us could do anything the last door slam shut behind us.

I just knew I was making a mistake, I just wish the cost wouldn't be so high.

Wooh! That took longer than expected. Sorry it took so long to update it guys, but here it is! Good or Bad? Anyway, hope you enjoy it!