21: Star's back!
I flapped my wings down the stair case, and in a panic toward the window. The air was filled with smoke, choking my lungs. Even with my eyes, everything seemed a bit foggy. I smashed into the window and the glass shattered instantly.
Outside there was a number of fire trucks, ambulances and police cars lined up. I spotted the flock hiding by a tree nearby. All there were many stretchers of patients all scattered around the park. But none of them Star. Then I looked back at the flock hiding, there was a tall blond girl in a hospital gown walking toward them. She started talking to Nudge. Then Nudge gave her a hug. It was Star.
I started walking over there, but then I realized I had a few cuts on my skin, and it hurt to walk. I watched Iggy give her something. It was her backpack. "Thank you!" she said. "I think I need to get some real clothes on!"
I walked slowly to them and when I was close enough, Fang said, "Hey! Max! How'd it go with your clone?"
"Um...not so great, but I beat her," I said gripping my sore arm.
"Max..." I heard from behind me. I turned around, and there Star was. But I really wasn't sure what to think about her.
"What did they do to you?" I asked.
"I...I don't really know." she replied.
"They were going to do surgery on you! And I saw it, they were gonna cut you open, and it was so, so scary watching it..." Nudge explained.
"I knew that much, I think. But I don't think anything happened. My parents were in there telling me that you guy weren't real. Well, my fake parents. They said it was my imagination!" She looked pretty sad as she said that. "It wasn't a dream thought. You guys are real!"
"That may be true, but still. How do we know you're not going to turn into an eraser or go all evil on us?" asked Fang suspiciously.
"Well, I know I'm not evil. And I'd never turn on you guys!" She started tearing up bit.
"What's wrong?" asked Angel.
"It's just that...when I was in there...I had this strange dream. And then I was fighting that lady we met before. Um...Marian. And she was soooo strong!" Her voice quivered. "And then I woke up, and she was there. We talked about something, and then everything went blank again."
"It's probably nothing to worry about. We'll figure it out though," I replied.
"Okay. Ow! My stomach just growled and I just realized it's empty. Can we get something to eat?" Star asked.
"Sure, but I think we have to clean up and change those clothes first," I told her.
"I guess you're right. You're always right Max," she said.
"Can we get some Philly style food this time? Since we're in Philadelphia and all?" Total panted.
"Yeah, like a hot dog or hamburger!" said Gazzy.