Hello readers, this chapter was a killar, I had writers block for a lot of it. I have over 500 hits! too bad they're not reviews, cries. I've kinda noticed that whenever I get to Fang's pov he always seems to be when he wakes up...I'm gonna change that, anyway heres chapter 12.


It was five in the afternoon, and at this time of year the sun was already half set, casting bright topical colours on the horizon before bleeding into a deep indigo blue that was spotted with pinpricks of stars.

Fang, however, was suspended in an infinite blackness, and it was total bliss. The night before had been hell, physical and mental torture had left him completely exhausted and he struggled just to open his eyes. Even when the torture was over, the horrifying images that plagued his mind came back to haunt him in his sleep.

Fang had been taken back to his bed, he knew because he could feel the weight of his body sunk in the mattress and the rough cotton material against his skin. He could also feel the dampness his tears left on his pillow and the caked salt on his cheeks and eyes.

What was he to do now? If he didn't obey Kei, then one of the flock was soon to die…no, Max would never let that happen, she'll save them definitely. But what if was Max who was…shit! If he let Max die then he'll never forgive himself, he wouldn't be able to live with himself.

Fang began to shake with anger.

'Curse you Krad,' he hissed through his teeth, 'curse you Kei, DAMN YOU!!'

Kei watched Fangs episode through a small camera that was installed in his room. A small smile grew on his face. Fang's resolve was crumbling and Kei would make sure to chisel at the cracks.

'You still haven't told me why you're doing this,' a cold yet familiar voice stated from the open doorway.

'Perhaps I don't intend to tell you, Satoshi,' Kei calmly replied 'Krad told me about what you didn't do last night. Does that mean you're rebelling against me? How childish.'

Kei didn't have to turn around to know that Satoshi was clenching his fists in anger.

'Don't be a fool Satoshi, fighting for his fate is pointless. You should know that very well.'

'Just because I can't escape my fate, doesn't mean I have to watch others pulled into your power hungry schemes. That fate is the burden I bare, not his.'

'Oh,' Kei drawled, 'and how do you plan to stop me, Satoshi.' Kei made eye contact with his son and a staring match began, neither blinking nor moving and refusing to give in to the other. It went on for half a minute and Kei smiled in triumph when no words of defiance left Satoshi's lips. Kei swiveled on his chair to face the monitor once again, showing a visual of Fang straining to lift himself from the bed.

'Go entertain Fang, Satoshi. No doubt he'll need something to take his mind off last nights punishments.'

With one last glare at his father, Satoshi left the room, his anger evident with his swift strides.

Kei hit a button on the keyboard and the image playing on the screen minimized so he would be able to do some work and keep an eye on the suffering winged mutant.

Hours passed and Kei had shut off the camera shortly after Fang and Satoshi left the room. That mutant sure heals fast if he's walking around already, that could mean that he could set his plan in motion earlier than intended. Either tonight or tomorrow night, Kei can start Darks downfall.

Finishing off some file work on a police case, a messenger popped up and began flashing to get his attention. He opened it and recognized the email address, instantly opening it and reading its contents. Slowly a deep rumble vibrated through Kei's chest, and then he was chuckling lowly which became loader and harder until he was cackling evilly. Kei took a deep breath and tried to cease the waves of laughter that was seeping through his throat so nothing but odd bursts escaped.

'So, this is the flock you're trying to protect…Fang.'

On screen was a page of photos, most, by the look of them were taken from a far distance. The photos were of children and of young adults; there were six of them in total and their picture had been repeatedly taken while they were unaware. One was of a teenage girl with blonde hair and blue eyes, she was slim and had a pretty face but there was a fierce predatory aura about her that Kei immediately speculated her to be 'Max.' In the pictures she was dressed in slim jeans, a red hoodie and very worn trainers and appears to be carrying a bungle in her arms. In one of the photos he could just see a small childlike face among the blankets. So that's the little one, Angel, the one Krad has mind snared, Kei thought. Kei browsed through the photos, identifying the other members of the flock and memorizing their faces. Kei was frowning as he browsed through, noticing another figure who was with them but wasn't part of the flock.

Kei had all the facts, there were a total of six within the flock, the one called Fang, who he already has in his custody and the other five he has acknowledged from the photos. So this other person was either a passerby or he is assisting them. Kei really couldn't see his face properly as his hair and cap kept shadowing his face. Kei soon concluded that this 'unknown' was an accomplice; he was in many of the photos and was even linking arms with the dark skinned mutant.

Further down the photos seemed to jump from a park area to a cliff, and that is where Kei made a shocking realization. Dark!! That 'unknown' is Dark!! In the photos the flock was in the air, wings out and in some kind of flying formation and then Dark joins them! The can be no mistake about it! Who else can summon black wings on a whim? It has to be!

Kei couldn't have been happier, this just makes thing all the more easier. Right at the end of the photos, were images of a household taken at different angles and then there was a map of the city with a little red circle on it, locating the building.

'The Niwa residence,' Kei muttered to himself.'

Suddenly his phone goes off and he answers it irritably.

'Hai?'

'Is this Kei Hiwartari chief of police?'

'And you are'

'My name is Erwin Fletcher, I'm a representative of International Trading Express, and I would like to report a kidnapping concerning a child of one of our employees.' The caller said emotionlessly.

'Is the parent unable to report this themselves?'

'They are currently distraught,' was the simple reply.

That seemed to be the only details he was going to get. Kei didn't like it; there was something suspicious about this call.

'May I have the name and description of the child?'

'That will not be necessary Mr. Hiwartari.'

'What!?'

'You already have him in your custody'

Kei froze, they knew about Fang, but how? What would a trading company want with…wait a minute, International. Trading. EXpress.

'You're Itex' said Kei gaining back some composure.

'Very good, Mr. Hiwartari,'

'What do you want?'

'If you are aware of us, then it should be obvious to what we want.'

'You want Fang.'

'Not exactly,'

'Then what do you want' said Kei confused.

'We are willing to make a deal, Mr. Hiwartari,'

Kei paused for a moment.

'I'm listening,'

'In our recorded history none of our attempts to contain the flock have been successful. We have discovered your capture and detainment of Fang and currently you are the only one, who has kept any of them in confinement for this long,'

'And your point is?'

'We are curious to know how you have acquired the means of capture and if you would, for a considerable price, share that information.'

'No,' was Kei's calm yet immediate answer.

'We had predicted that would be your answer, so here's an alternative deal. We ask you to get custody of the Avian-hybrid Max and hand her to us.'

'Not the others?'

'The others are irrelevant.'

That's interesting.

'So if I were to attain the other flock members to keep for myself, would you object to that?'

'You may do that, if that is what you desire, we would only ask that you will not liberate them, for they would undoubtedly try to attack and penetrate our head quarters to retrieve Max. Our advice would be to retire them.'

'Understood.'

'We will discuss the payment details at a later date. I will call you tomorrow at the same time to discuss these matters.'

The line went dead and Kei hung up his phone.

'Itex…just how stupid do you think I am? I am after something much more significant than money. And I'm not that easy to exploit.'

Honestly, this is like one of those crime movies where someone gets offered a big load of cash, and as soon as they've done what was asked of them, they get killed for it. Kei imagined that this is the kind of game Itex is playing, Kei wouldn't be surprised, they'd probably set it up so that he, along with the flock would be, how did he put it? Retired. It would have been less obvious if they had put a jolly person on the line saying 'WE'RE GONNA KILL YOU!' because then, he may have thought it was a joke.

Kei sighed and ran a hand through his hair. He was going to have to think this out carefully, Itex was obviously watching him but they haven't seen Krad, his 'means of capture'. Good, that gives him the upper hand should he need to go on the offensive and if he had more of the flock with those interesting powers of theirs, he would be unstoppable. Who cares about conquering Dark, Kei was going to conquer the world.


Despite Satoshi's arguments that he shouldn't be moving around, Fang walked along the corridor that lead to the dining room and through there, into the kitchen. Sleeping all day sure works yourself up an appetite, Fang thought dully. His body was still a little bit tired and his back felt like it had hot wires streaming across his back if he bent to far forward but other than that he was spiffy. Satoshi trailed behind him, ready to be his support if he suddenly collapsed and also to help him cook something for that massive pit of a stomach he has.

After filling himself with a large portion of spaghetti bolognaise with cheese and fried onions on top, then a scoop or three of ice cream for dessert, Fang pushed the bowl away and rested his head on his arms, forgetting about the lacerations on his back and winced when his back burned. Satoshi had long ago finished his meal and was sitting calmly with attention focused on the wall on the other side of the dining room, clearly deep in thought. His attention broke to land on Fang when he heard the scraping of china on wood.

'Ok, I kept my side of the deal in cooking you food, now it's time to keep yours, back to bed'

Fang didn't appear to have heard, as he didn't move from his position.

'Fang', Satoshi said sternly.

Fang sluggishly turned his head but still kept it rested on his arms. What Satoshi saw was the same as when he stepped into Fang's bedroom earlier. Fangs eyes were full of anger, uncertainty and fear, but the fear was not for himself and Satoshi knew that. But the thing that was worrying Satoshi was the fact that he could read Fang. Before, Fang had never let his true emotions show, keeping his eyes guarded and had that mask set firmly on his face. Now he could read him like a book and he looked…lost.

'Yes Satoshi?' said Fang woodenly.

'You know this isn't helping Fang.'

'What isn't?'

'You being like this, it's not going to help your flock and it's not going to help you, so PULL YOURSELF TOGETHER!!' Satoshi screamed.

Fang jerked his head up, ignoring the pain in his back and stared wide eyed at Satoshi, clearly shocked.

'This is what he wants Fang! This is exactly what my father and Krad want. Are you just going to give up? I thought you had more strength than that.'

Fang closed his eyes and lowered his head guiltily.

'I know it hurts…believe me. But you mustn't let him get to you; you can't let him use you. Otherwise there is no hope for you and your flock,' Satoshi said gently, 'and there'd be no hope for me.'

Silence was met between them for a few minutes. Fang was deep in his thoughts but no longer depressed. Satoshi was right, Fang can not show weakness, not even in the slightest, especially with so much at stake. With Satoshi's last barely uttered words, it dawned on Fang that not only did the flock need him to get out of this mess, but Satoshi as well. Satoshi has been living this nightmare for a very long time, if Fang can't get out of this then what hope in heaven did Satoshi have? Newly determined Fang eventually spoke.

'You're right…but I can't win this battle by myself.'

'That's why I'm helping, and I'm pretty sure that flock of yours is going to give up either.'

'Not with Max in charge, sooner or later, there will be havoc, you'll see,' said Fang confidently.

'In the meantime, we can wreck havoc of our own,' Satoshi smirked mischievously.

Fang leaned back in mock horror.

'Who are you and what have you done with the real Satoshi,' laughed Fang.

Satoshi rolled his eyes, took his spoon and threw it at him, missing Fang's face by inches.

'Ok, ok I give, now what kind of scheming, undoubtedly brilliant chaos brewing plan did you have in mind?'

Satoshi was about to reply when he suddenly shut his mouth, turning into a tight thin line and his eyes focused behind Fang, hard and cold. Fang didn't need to turn around to know what brought that reaction and automatically set his face into a passive expression.

Kei walked fluidly into the room, setting his sights upon Fang and Satoshi and made his way over to them. He noticed that they had stopped speaking as soon as he entered the room but unfortunately he didn't pick up what they were previously talking about. He gave them his best fake smile and proceeded to take a seat opposite them.

'Good to see you up and about Fang, you're quite a fast healer I see. I suppose that's part of your mutant genetics?' Kei rhetorically asked. 'Well, seeing that you are egger to stay out of bed, I have a proposition for you.'

Satoshi narrowed his eyes at his father while Fang looked on impassively.

'It doesn't necessarily need to be done tonight but there is something that I want you to do for me, and only you can do it'

Fang raised his eyes to meet Kei's and his posture raged defiance, Kei, who was used to such traits from his ice blue son, was not put off and instead, was laughing silently in his head in amusement.

'Still not co-operable? You know Fang, the sooner you complete this task, the sooner we can save Angel,' Fang's eyes widened at the mentioning of Angel and clenched his jaw in concealed anger. Kei continued 'and…the sooner you will all be reunited.'

Fang felt his nails dig into the palms of his hands as they curled into fists, sleazy bastard…

Satoshi was angry as well, although he didn't show it so openly, Fang's weakness was his family and Kei exploited it with no mercy. Just what was this task his father was using Fang for? What ever it is, it probably wasn't good for either of them.

'I will give you tonight to rest up, but tomorrow; you will complete this task, if you have any wish to see your flock again…alive.'

Fang and Satoshi watched Kei's every move as he rose from his seat and as he left the room, he retrieved his phone from his pocket and dialed a number, placing it against his ear as he strolled out of sight.

'Satoshi,' Fang eventually said, turning to face him, 'this plan had better put Kei in a lot of pain…because there is no way in hell I'm going to let Kei get his filthy hands on Angel...or any of the flock,'


Takeshi Saehara was bored. The young reporter-to-be hadn't found anything worth reporting since the Dark theft on Friday and to be honest, that wasn't really worth reporting either. The event had happened and passed so fast that no body knew any details, even the police and his dad didn't know what happened. Today was Sunday and he was disappointed to at not finding a decent story to give back at school tomorrow. He sighed and mused on how disappointed his readers are going to be when the first page article of the school newspaper will be on the hygiene hazards of eating anything made by Risa Harada with an exclusive interview with Daisuke Niwa, who has tasted Risa's awful cooking.

Saehara smirked as he imagined the look on Daisuke's face when he sees the article, Saehara didn't actually interview him, he just put together the comments Daisuke had made when they talked about it in casual conversation. Saehara laughed silently at the reaction that Risa would make when she sees who made such statements about her cooking, it's going to be hilarious. Sure it wasn't a proper story but it should gain a few laughs.

It was getting late and it was already dark, the street lamps glowed a florescent orange to illuminate the roads and walk paths and apart from the few late night walkers, the roads were deserted. Saehara lifted the camera that was hung around his neck and switched it on to look at the pictures. Nothing that would catch the attention of restless school students…unless they were complete nature lovers like Daisuke. A man playing with his dog, the wind turbines on the cliff with the sea in the background, the trademark fountain which is a popular romance spot and…an old man yelling at him when he was trying to get a good picture of a couple of cute girls, when the old coot suddenly jumped out in front of him and gave him a lecture on indecent photography.

'I'll give him indecent photography; his face almost cracked my lens,' muttered Saehara grouchily.

Just then Saehara heard a scream followed by the smashing of glass, it was faint and hard to locate where it came from, but another scream pieced the air and Saehara took off in the direction he thought it came from.

The thought never crossed Saehara's mind that he could be running into mortal danger, it didn't occur to him that he should have went for help, to someone who was more adult and used common sense. Nope, curiosity won over common sense and instinct on self-preservation.

Saehara ran through familiar roads and kept his eyes open for anything that was out of place or suspicious. Finally he reached the town centre with its vast flat cobbled area and passer-bys had formed a reasonable distanced ring around the main bank.

Was there a robbery going on?

Suddenly there was a gun shot and people inside and out began to scatter. Saehara ran into an alley between two buildings on the opposite side of the street and made sure he was in the shadows so he couldn't be seen. As the area cleared of people, Saehara took this opportunity to get a clear shot and yet stay at a safe distance. Putting his camera on half zoom he had a clear view of the whole building and the broken glass window on the left of the entrance doors. Taking a picture, he then waited to see if anything else would happen. He didn't have to wait long; slowly stalking out the broken window was a young male in black clothing but strangely wore no mask to hide his face. 'The thief!' Saehara thought excitedly but there was something off. Saehara nearly dropped his camera at the hauntingly familiar hairstyle and dress of the thief. No…it can't be…

Saehara pressed the photo button before he completely lost grip of his camera and watched in shock as the thief unfolded a pair of black feathered wings from his clothes and jumped inhumanly high before letting his wings carry him and his load into the sky. Saehara quickly got a hold of himself, raised his camera and took a picture of the thief's escape before he sharply turned and swept out of sight.

Saehara continued to stare at the empty sky, where he last saw the thief fly with a large bag of cash or something of value grasped in his fist. A grin began to grow across Saehara's face.

'That was so cool! I'm going to have a field day with this!'

Police sirens were echoing through the night air and coming steadily closer. Saehara almost had a heart attack and made a quick get away before the police got there. He did not need to be a suspect just because he was found at the scene of the crime and he sure as hell didn't want his camera confiscated.


Far away from the crime scene, the winged thief landed near a black van by the outskirts of town.

'Not planning on fighting tonight?' a cruel voice mocked in the darkness.

The thief drew his eyes towards the figure that the voice belonged, and with his sharp eyes, picked out a silhouette leaning against the side of the van.

'Disappointed?' was the equally mocking reply.

The shadowed figure chuckled and moved into the artificial light, white posh clothes, long blond hair, and a handsome face greeted the thief.

'I was hoping for a little scuffle but never mind, I suppose you've become smart enough to realise that you don't stand a chance.'

'Believe me, if I had any chance, you wouldn't be standing long enough to say those words.'

Krad chuckled and walked towards the thief and placed a finger under his chin lifting his face to meet his eyes.

'But you don't, my little Dark pet, and you never will.'

The thief's response was a backhand to the hand under his chin and a deadly glare. Krad was unfazed.

'But I'm glad you still have fight in you, otherwise keeping you would be boring, you did well Fang, you can sleep soundly tonight,' Krad smirked.

'How generous of you,' Fang replied sarcastically.

Fang dropped the bag of cash he swiped from the bank and grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled it off his overheated head.

'I hope Kei doesn't plan for another of these Dark impersonations, these clothes are way too tight for comfort and this wig itches.' Fang muttered to himself.


yes, it's another crazy bad guy with the big head idea that he's going to rule the world. theres a lot of jumping from characters pov, I liked writing it from Saehara's pov. I haven't really thought about this 'scheming, undoubtedly brilliant chaos brewing plan' that Satoshi has cooked up. If anyone has any ideas on the plan or have something they would like to happen in the story that they'd like to share, either review it or post me a message, it would help my writter's block and possibly make me write more, thank you!!