GOOD MORROW THE READERS OF IT'S ALWAYS THE QUIET ONES
Sorry for the lateness (and possible multiple editing errors); but life changing exams keep coming back and biting me in the butt...yet on the bright side...
I DID IT! YOU DID IT! WE ALL DID IT!
There are now a total of 50 wonderful bookworms following the comings and goings of all my waffling!
XD
And, although the site thanks you if you review, I'd like to thank all of you, personally; I hope you all aspire to be 30cm rulers and/or metamorphic rocks cause you all rule!(and/or rock, depending on your chosen inanimate object) - that made little sense, so moving on...
AND SO MAY I PRESENT THE ROLL CALL OF WHIZ-BAND PEOPLE DOING STUFF AFTER LAST CHAPTER!
The Remarkable Reviewers;
InMyOwnWorldAgain
Emzy75
Guest
winged wolf 2
The Fabulous Favouriters;
Emzy75
Angel5899
Lolo1999
And the Awesome Alerters;
Emzy75
Angel5899
Loganb1107
Lolo1999
Read on you radical people of fan fiction…!
Chapter 21:
Some Cream, A Clone, One Cranky German, and A Few Cooped Up Bird Kids - For Added Flavour
(100% Reliable, Recipe for Disaster; That Works, Every Time)
Max POV
The week after Bridget's party wasn't actually as bad as I'd thought it would be - scary, I know.
There was the small hiccup of Dylan, Sam, Bridget and Lissa becoming the coolest clique around; but Sam was less clingy, Bridget was less moody, Lissa was less bitchy and Dylan...well he was just Dylan - worryingly silent and unpopular (and, yeah, I still felt kind of sorry for him; but since their little friendship group popped up, out of nowhere, my Maximum Ride alarm has been going haywire - so it didn't bother me as much as it used to).
For once, everything didn't seem to be blowing up in my face - which was slightly worrying, but I wasn't going to complain. In fact everything seemed to be playing into my hands for a change; because, the first day after we returned to school (from half term), I walked into form period to find Fang waiting for me - which is nice on any old day, but it didn't end there. After I'd spewed enough small talk (about the renowned topic of oddly shaped cupcakes), Fang brought up a rather interesting subject of conversation; asking me out on our first ever date - if you exclude the little beach trip at the end of the summer.
Amazing, heart stopping, stomach flipping, and panic worthy this may be, I did have a slight problem; I had to dress myself accordingly (because my dearest sister didn't have time to dress me up, as she was otherwise occupied *nudge-nudge-wink-wink*).
Therefore, for once, I was my own 'fashion guru'…there are so many things are wrong with that sentence.
After some serious thinking, I resisted the temptation to wear one of my many faithful old t-shirts (although, only after much internal struggle with my sloth-like personality), but dressing myself turned out to be even more difficult then I had expected. I had to look nice, feel comfortable, and hide my wings all at the same time; but if anyone can do impossible it's me, am I right? (speaking as the girl with wings, super speed, a voice in her head, multiple personalities to chose from, and apocalyptic stalker (who probably wants my head on a stick)...oh and I'm also blonde, and not dead - which helps).
Anyway (after spending more time then I'd like to think about, simply to dress myself) I left the house on the first Saturday morning of November, wearing jeans, boots, and a fashionably-cut shirt; with my hair lying over my left shoulder, in a plait, and all the shorter strands clipped back. I had a feeling it would all be more trouble then it was all worth (if anything cropped up involving genetic engineering, I would undoubtably be getting slapped in the face over and over again, by my own hair, whilst kicking some ass and/or running for my life) but for today I didn't particularly care.
I mean, yes, it was only Fang; but that's the entire point - it was Fang...
At the cinema we watched the very latest action comedy; because I think one of us might've fallen asleep if we watched the latest sappy rom-com. From what I actually paid attention to, I gathered the two hours were very funny; problem was, I was sat hand in hand with Fang for those few hours - best feeling in the world (granted) but it did have the side effect of making me feel a hell of a lot more self-conscious, then any amount of Ella's 'training' could ever get me used to...
When the film finished Fang took me into a cute little café; filled with couples, bright wallpaper, and the smell of freshly baked brownies - typical of a charming tiny town, in the middle of no where. We took our seats and Fang ordered ice-creams for us both; telling the waitress exactly what I was going to ask for without batting an eyelid.
We sat in the corner, furthest from the window, and closest to to the door of the kitchen (so we'd have an emergency escape route - as getting kidnaped on a first date would be a bit of a mood killer). There was a perfect cushy corner sofa seat, with enough space for one person to sit on each arm, and it gave us each one side of a small square table each; so we could sit almost side by side, and one of my feet could interlink with his ankle.
Barely a few minutes later two a milkshake glasses slid their way onto our table; crammed with ice cream, chocolate sauce, a turret of whipped cream, and topped off with a large (cliché) cherry. We thanked the waitress and Fang started on his cream; where as I, prized the cherry from the top of my ice-cream, pulled the stalk from the fruit, and presented it to Fang (with one elbow on the table),
"Bet ya can't do this..." I put the stalk in my mouth as he looked up, wiggled it around with my tongue, and pulled it out with a loose knot in the middle. His expression was as impressed as his macho-streak would allow him to look, and I sat back triumphantly.
He raised his eyebrows challengingly, and made a big show of plucking the cherry off the top of his ice cream; pulling the stalk from the fruit, and popping it in his own mouth. I watched him squirm around (his brow furrowing with concentration) and after ten seconds he produced a cherry stalk with a knot exactly at the centre. I looked at him plainly, still lent back in my seat (but not feeling quite as cool),
"Please tell me you spent years practicing." A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth,
"Beginners luck." I face palmed (muttering under my breath),
"I don't believe it…"
"And you?" He asked (a hint of humorous curiosity etched into the indentations on his forehead). I frowned and made a start on my own whipped cream, before answering carefully,
"Longer then I care to admit…" He raised his eyebrows and I said quietly, "...three weeks." He laughed at me and I rolled my eyes, feeling my ears goes red as I started to eat. He smiled at me but apparently noticed the red tinge to my cheeks (and asked in slight disbelief),
"You honestly spent three weeks in front of a mirror practicing?" I shrugged and held my spoon in air eloquently,
"I am, but a retard; who had a lot of time on her hands back in the summer of 04." He smirked (prodding at the ice cream in his glass, and muttering),
"No wonder you're so insane." I dipped my spoon in my whipped cream and splodged a small dollop on the end of his nose; giving him a challenging glare, then digging back into the rest of ice cream. I'd barely gotten a spoonful inside my mouth when I felt something cold on the end of my own nose. I jabbed my spoon in his direction (jokingly),
"Don't start with me brick-face; we'll end up burning the place to the ground." He smiled at me and carried on eating; as I did - though I was trying to eat more slowly (with some form of ladylike...ness). I just reached my ice cream layer when Fang held out a chocolate loaded spoon,
"Wanna try some?" I smirked,
"As long as it isn't spiked." The corners of his mouth twitched a little but his expression was partly serious,
"Not funny." I grinned back (estimating there was around a 30% chance that I was about to go through death by chocolate) but leaning over anyway. After just about dodging Fang's attempt to smush it in my face, I offered him some of my own - managing, to paint a thin vanilla mustache on his upper lip. He wiped it away with a small smirk on his sleeve, and frowned down at me,
"You've got some on your face."
"Where-abouts?" I asked tentatively. He gently pulled my chin up at an angle, and pressed his lips down on mine. I smiled, sinking into him gently, and wondered how he managed to keep the Mr Perfect thing going 300% of the time (without even trying). He pulled away, and I opened my eyes to see him inches from my face and properly smiling (as he said slowly),
"I got it." I laughed lightly and slid my spoon-free hand into his easily.
"Oh, look at the happy couple!" I snapped my head around, sharply, at the sound of the familiar voice; and found myself looking up into two familiar faces - both standing at the opposite corner of our table. Sam and Georgina, hand in hand, were smiling sweetly at us; and, for one blissful moment, I think I could've start breathing fire on command. Fang's thumb smoothed over the back of mine under the table and (feeling a wave of confidence wash through me), I seamlessly rolled my sarcastically-bored expression down a plain looking face.
"What do you want?" Fang asked coldly. Sam shrugged,
"Oh we just spotted you two over here, and just felt like dropping by - fellow competitors and all that. Good luck for the competition by the way; I have a feeling it's about to get interesting...we're all gonna have so much fun!" He bounced his shoulders a little too happily, as Georgina beamed at the both of us. I frowned at him slightly (a smidge of 'not-that-I-care' thrown in for good luck),
"And how would you know that?" He grinned at me, quickly looking me over (from head to foot),
"I know the right people…" He shoved his free hand in his pocket and sighed, "anyway...we'd better get going - you two enjoy yourselves...and we'll see you, at the second round!" Georgina led him away proudly but he made a [pint of looking back over his shoulder (winking at me) before they left. I watched them push through the door and walk down the street; chatting about anything and everything that would probably make me feel nervous. I glanced at Fang solemnly and muttered,
"Well he seems creepier then usual." Fang looked at me calculatingly,
"You think he's with them?" I shrugged darkly,
"Wouldn't surprise me but I wouldn't say for sure - the books don't give me much on him."
The door opened and a christmas-cool winter breeze wafted through the shop as another couple entered. I shivered as goosebumps prickled down my spine; and I hesitantly looked back out the window (checking they were really gone). Thankfully there was no sign of Georgina or Sam, but I felt my jaw drop as I clapped eyes on pair of familiar pedestrians.
Anderson (in human form) walking arm in arm with none other then Max II (my very own clone); both strolling down my small-town high street, arm in arm, and looking through the window at me. They waved, sporting slightly demented expressions, and laughed in unison at my horrified expression.
"Max?...what's the matter?" I didn't answer Fang but scrambled from my seat, just as they walked out of sight of the window. I ran past staring eyes and wrenched the door open, skidding to a halt on the pavement.
The street was as vacant as it had been before, with maybe 20 or so people around at best; but no sign of either of them or possible escape routes. There wasn't a trace that either of them had even been here.
A horrible thought struck me, as my train of thought pulled back to Sam (walking down the street seconds just before hand)...I couldn't have imagined them could I?
Some one grabbed my arm and I yelped; whipping around with a fist raised. I only had just enough time to stop it's momentum, when I recognized Fang's worried expression looking down at me,
"What was that all about?" I blinked at him, not totally sure what to say ('sprinting out the door of an isolated café, to see if some imaginary (deadly) friends were in town', didn't sound as sensible when you said it out loud). I looked back down the street, scanning the length of pavement where they ought to have been, and saying slowly,
"I thought I just saw Anderson and Max II out here, they waved to me but...I can't see them anywhere."
"Wait, Max II?" I bit my lip but didn't turn back to Fang as I answered,
"My clone." He pulled me around gently, one hand on each shoulder,
"And having a clone didn't sound like something you should've mentioned before?" I shrugged guiltily,
"Well there's only similarities between us and the books; and she looked pretty identical. I mean, I do have one in the books...so I'm pretty sure she exists…and I'm sure I saw them...but…" We both jumped feet as Fang's ringtone burst into life (with what sounded like an air raid siren for a ringtone). He answered it calmly (as only he would), but his tone changed after his first few words,
"Hey Ig….Whoa, whoa, whoa slow down. What's going on?...Right...we're on our way - get to the place." He flipped his phone case shut and grabbed my hand, setting off at a run. I knew better then to stop him from pulling me on, but curiosity fell out my mouth before I could catch it,
"Why are we running?" He didn't look over his shoulder, but his voice was carried back to me on the wind,
"They've got Angel."
All thoughts of Anderson and Max II vanished from my head; both replaced by a disarray of random quotes and mental images from the first book. My stomach started burning as I picked up the pace; a mixture of fury, worry and determination spinning around my head like a jet propelled roundabout.
Hand in hand, we raced down the high street, heading for the town square. Instead of heading for the nearest field, a mile away, Fang swept me off my feet and leap into the air invisible - throwing me from him when we'd reached a high enough altitude to look like passing pigeons. Without a word I followed Fang as we traced the route back to the cliff face where I'd first learnt to fly…
Everyone arrived a few minutes after Fang and I had already landed; but in those few minutes we'd already formed a plan. While Fang packed camp bags, I changed into my spare training gear (taking my hair out of it's plait), and spent my time explaining the outline of our plan to the others,
"Now I know it sounds crazy but I think I know where they took her. I have a feeling they just want us to go and get her, so they can get us in without too much of a fight, but it's not like we've got a choice. Point is; we get in, and out, as fast as we can - it's gonna be a long flight, but we should make it by nightfall if we're fast; we'll attack in the morning." Fang slung a small back pack over his shoulders, and handed one to Iggy, as Nudge asked worriedly,
"But where is she? Where are we going?" I clenched my hands tightly, not wanting to voice it aloud, but the others got what I didn't want to say.
No one said a word after that .
No one wanted to.
No one needed to.
The furious beating of heartbeats said it all.
Swiftly and silently we grabbed out packs and jumped out the hole in the wall; heading for what I'm sure is possibly hell on earth…
We flew for six hours straight, and I'm not entirely sure how we actually managed it, but we all practically crash landed on the dull green landscape of (what I'm told was called) dartmoor. Personally; my landing consisted of bouncing along the forest floor, like a kids cartoon character, and coming to a stop by smashing into a pine tree - but (considering it's me) I'm not exactly surprised.
We set up for the night in what Fang told me was called the Yarmer woods; and after we cleaned out half our food storage, everyone but Fang and I crept up into the trees (trying to get whatever sleep we could manage).
Fang sat against the tree, legs pulled up to his chest but spread apart cooly, barely a foot away from the fire. I curled up in the gap between them, and he pulled me into his chest.
Still neither of us said a word. Still neither of us wanted to. It was enough to just breathe, let each other know that we (at least) were still alive.
Every now and again, the cool breeze whipped around us and the fire danced as it wiped past; casting shadows on the tree life around us. I curled myself into Fang, not wanting to think about how I'd started today thinking about fashionable clothes, and Fang drew his wings around us both.
Fang's chin lifted from the top of my head and I looked up at him questioningly - expecting him to signal he'd seen an Eraser. But his brown eyes were looking back at my own with warmth; yet the shadows, cast by his eyelashes, gave me the impression that even Mr Macho-Leader-of-Humanoid-Avians was a tiny bit scared about what we were attempting to do tomorrow. I grimaced and buried my head back under his chin; feeling the breath rise up his throat as he whistled a short bird tune. I readjusted my head again, and looked up at him confused. But his expression mirrored my own, as he said unsurely,
"Errr...I didn't mean to do that…" But before I could ask him what he meant, I heard rustling in the tree tops. I was about to jump to my feet (and get into combat mode), when several woodland birds dropped down into the clearing. They looked harmless and pretty realistic, hopping around on the leaf strewn floor, but I kept my guard up (as I stayed in Fang's arms). I looked back up at Fang, almost wanting instruction, but he drew back his wings slightly to watch, as more sparrows and blackbirds dipped into the clearing; skipping through the air and in graceful circles.
More gathered on the ground, like moths to a flame, landing or plodding towards the warm light; and hypnotizing the whole flock, still above us and (from small sounds of awe) obviously awake. When they got close enough, a few perched themselves on top of us; hanging on to the ridge along the top of Fang's wings and skittering down my arms.
I looked up at Fang, just in time to see a tiny little fledgeling make an unsteady landing - flapping his wings around in an attempt to regain balance (and hitting him in the eye in the process). I laughed ever so slightly and he glared at me jokingly; as the birds on his wings started to take to the air again (including Fang's new unbalanced hat).
It was one of those moments when it feels like the world has stopped moving; and everything and everyone just watches the scene unfold. I breathed a sigh of relief. And as more birds gradually left the clearing, I tilted my head up and kissed Fang - going with the flow (as the voice was so insistent on).
When we broke apart, most of the birds were retracing their route home, fluttering loosely between the thickly interwoven branches. I frowned up at him dazedly,
"So what was all that about?" He stuck out his bottom lip slightly,
"No idea, I didn't even realise I was doing it. It was almost...like there was some…" He trailed off and my eyes widened (as I caught on to his train of thought).
It was almost as if someone had made him do it. Or rather something.
'Fang will be the first to die'.
Holy crap. Was the experiment tired of waiting? Was it trying to give me a warning? Calling a load of birds didn't seem that evil to me, but then again maybe it was just showing it could get inside your head - anyone's head. Fang gave me a look saying 'not in front of the others' and I tried to drop it (failing spectacularly). I hugged him closer and hid my head under his chin again, closing my eyes and shutting out the world…
The next morning Fang and I got up first, and drew up a basic plan - with some help from my 'mental Maximum Ride survival guides'. Once everyone had eaten, Fang announced our plan of action.
And after a few minutes of bickering (at the volume of your average ninja), Fang, Nudge and I took off - leaving Iggy and Gazzy behind.
Personally I really didn't want to leave them out of this (this was an all or nothing kinda mission), but last time they were the only reason Max got out alive - so I'm gonna go with the safer and/or sensible option (just this once)...
The school was apparently on the edge of dartmoor, hidden almost completely in a line of tree life. We landed on the flat roof, silently, and carefully entered the house of horrors through the conveniently placed fire escape.
I led the way, Nudge following, and Fang brought up the rear. We got down the stairs and into a deserted corridor without anything going wrong; but after a few minutes of searching we moved on. Once we'd found our way down three completely empty corridors, without detection, I started to get a bad feeling in the pit of my stomach - either they weren't here, or we were about to be surprised (and I wasn't quite sure which I preferred).
As we turned into another corridor, I thought I caught sight of something; a flick of long chestnut coloured hair, disappearing around the corner and out of sight. Without really thinking about it, I ran in sneak mode to the other end of the corridor.
As I rounded the corner I saw the flick of hair round the far end of the hallway ahead of me. I followed it (still in sneak mode); trying to push away the stupid thought that I was in fact following the voice of my head, as I chased after a suspiciously Val-styled head of hair…
I rounded another corner but stopped in my tracks as someone rounded the corner. But it wasn't the Val wanna be looking over her shoulder as she ran towards me. It was a little blonde headed girl.
She suddenly looked back ahead of her and clapped eyes on me, stopping dead; her hair flying out behind her (like she was in the air already). I broke into a run, not waiting for her shocked expression to disappear as I shouted in relief,
"Angel!" Her little heart-shaped face suddenly brightened and she spread her arms as I ran for her (beaming),
"MAX!" I heard the others shout and quickly follow in my foot steps; I was a few steps away from her when an Eraser stepped out of a room to her left and stood behind her (unnoticed). I got ready to launch myself into the air,
"Angel behind you, run!" She carried on smiling, glanced behind her for a second then turned back to me; dropping her hands to her hips and making me skid to a halt a few feet away,
"Oh him, yes, Max I'd like you to meet my newest best friend. Anderson tells me he knows you very well." her words slammed into me like a concrete bowling ball to the stomach; and with a horrible sinking feeling, I realised (too late) that Angel was wearing her normal clothes instead of a hospital gown.
I'm sorry, I shouldn't have...
VAL?!
Anderson barked with laughter, and I refocused on him (flanking Angel from behind),
"Oh Maximum..." He gave another bark of laughter, his small yellow eyes settling on something behind me. I turned around to the others. Again, I was too late to realize that the sound of their footfalls had stopped short; as they were both on their knees, motionless and staring at the floor. Not bothering to waste time in thinking this through I turned back to Anderson (bracing myself for an attack), and nodding gravely,
"Nice to see you baldie." Barely a second later they hadn't moved, so I instinctively span on my heel and launching myself at one of the Erasers standing behind Fang. I got one clean roundhouse in, swinging it back for a gender tailored kick, plus a punch to the snout, before Anderson came up behind me with a taser.
As far as my experience with electric shocks go it was a little ticklish, but still defiantly enough to get me on the floor. Groggily I turned over and got into a low position on all fours. Determined to get to my feet again I tried to push myself up on my palms, but my new found double vision wasn't having it anymore then Anderson.
Unfortunately the fastest I could manage was pretty pitiful; and a pair of clawed hands had pulled my hands behind my back before I could even balance on my knees. Knelt on the hard floor, I struggled against the claws wrapped around my wrists; but Anderson grabbed a hunk of my hair and pulled my head back - so all I could see was the ceiling. Trying to struggle out of his hold (even with my muscles on standby thanks to a couple hundred volts) I made a furious but clearly pointless attempt to get free; but a claw placed itself on my throat and I froze up, Anderson purring,
"One more move and little blackbird will pay big time." The claw was withdrawn from my throat and I regretfully fell back onto my heels - letting the plastic ties slide on and the tape roll over my mouth. Usually logic doesn't bother me so much; but between my reactions switching to standby, Anderson's range of ammo, and plan B waiting to back us up, I thought it was best to act defeated for now - plus I didn't want Fang to pop his clogs just yet.
They kicked me over, so that I fell at Anderson's feet; and I watched them bind Fang and Nudge. Worrying as that may have been, that wasn't what was bothering me about the situation; neither of them appeared to be fighting - not even Fang. The both knelt zombie like in hypnotic silence. This really worried me; I knew they couldn't have been drugged (it's was all or nothing if you're part bird, knock us out or fight, we don't go down easy). So if it wasn't drugs...
"Clever isn't it, what the right friends can do for you." I turned away from Fang and Nudge to look up at Anderson, but before I could try and work out what he meant he yanked me to my feet; pushing me around to face the flock-free side of the corridor. I felt something circular gouge the spot were my wings met my back, and for a second I almost started laughing.
A gun? All you pull out is a freaking pistol? Bitch please, I've got a voice inside my head - the least you could do is come up with some sort of ray gun that spells checks your homework, and kills everyone (over the age of 25) in that particular room, at the same time! Get it together man!
As I hadn't moved yet Anderson pushed me forwards roughly, and (with Fang and Nudge in such a weird state) I started walking along the corridor politely - white coats starting to refill the hallways as we went.
After a few minutes Anderson tugged me to a stop and walked in front of me. As he slid a card into a slot on the wall I chanced a glance at Fang and Nudge behind me - both of had their eyes on the ground and looked as lifeless as ever.
Flight and fight were now out, spontaneous combustion was all I had now - and I wasn't 100% for that (at least not until Plan B went up in smoke). Before I could start to plan anything though, Anderson's clawed hand pulled me sideways; catching me by surprise I tripped over my own feet, falling backwards through the newly opened door.
I landed painfully on a white tiled floor behind the threshold, and Anderson smiled at me as the door began to close. I yelled for Fang to get off his ass and beat the crap out of him (but it was muffled almost completely by the tape) as I scrambled to my feet. I kicked the door as hard as I could, but all I managed to do was overbalance slightly.
I will not lose him, I will not lose him, not now, they are not going to let The Experiment take him out.
I kicked the door harder; so hard the force rebounded and I fell to the floor again.
I jackknifed back to my feet and took a few steps back, taking the door at a run. I rammed my shoulder into it but I might as well have head butted 20 times over. Ignoring the logic starting to break through in my head, and the pain scattering down my shoulder, I took a few more steps back; and was about to run at it again, when a voice from behind me said,
"I think we both know you're not getting out of here until someone lets you out - those ID locks are purposefully strong." I turned around to see none other then Jo tilting his chair back - eyeing me almost curiously, "it's nice to see you again Maximum…" I glared at him. Silence hung for a few seconds, before being broken by a creepy little ding (from what sounded like a microwave). Jo gestured to the metal chair opposite his own,
"You sit down, I'll bring over the hot chocolate." Something clicked in my head and I suddenly realized where this was all going; school, hot chocolate, I'm here for a reason lecture number 394 - I know what's going on here...
Jo stood up, and he and his white coat swept over to the microwave; withdrawing two steaming mugs, complete with marsh mellows. He set them on the table, and looked up at me (still stood resolute and stoney faced). He sighed wearily, "would it help if I took off your restraints (seeing as you can't get out)?" Thinking that it would be easier to beat the crap outta him with my hands free, I gave a small nod.
He picked up a pair of scissors and chopped me free; then walked back around the single table and gestured for me to take my seat. Feeling bound to give him half a minute of my time, I took my seat; but left the hot chocolate stationary in front of me, because I'm not as stupid as they all seem to think (close, but not quite).
I casually glanced at the door again, wondering if I could smash it open with my chair, and Jo laughed in a tone suggesting we were having a high tea at Buckingham,
"You'll see them safe and sound again Maximum, they're on their way to floor 3 section 2 as we speak - for now I'd like your attention focused on what I'm telling you." I turned back around and fixed his sad smile with a bored expression (as he tapped his fingers on the desk), "are you going to drink up, it'll get cold..." I raised my eyebrows at him and he shook his head knowingly, "right, of course. I guess you know why you're here then." I rolled my eyes; peeling the tape from my mouth in one fluid motion and sticking it down over my heart, on my hoodie. He gave me a serious look and I crossed my arms defiantly,
"Oh cut the crap. Just tell me how special I am, so I can get out of here." He smiled at me warmly and I glared, wishing he would stop with that look (as he lent his arms on the table),
"Well if you don't want me to explain everything to you then fine but I would've thought the flock would've wanted to know where their parents are - maybe even where your father is." I fell silent - debating on whether he would possibly give me any sliver of truth that I could give the flock. Apparently my thinking took to long, because he took my silence as a prompt,
"Alright then; I will come back to that, but first I want to clarify just the one point." I looked around in amazement, pulling the at the sides of my eyes restlessly, muttering quickly,
"Oh for fucks sake..." as Jo talked over me (oblivious to my disinterest),
"First is about you saving the world. What I said at the beach is key; you are not like anyone else in the world. Your DNA ratio is unlike anyone else on this planet and that's the only thing that will matter in the end - I'm sure she'll tell you but you need to know. Now you said about Flock relations. I did-"
"I'm sorry but is that all you were going to say?" I blurted out, interrupting him. He raised his eyebrows cautiously,
"Yes?" I shook my head, flapping my hand carelessly,
"Nothing, go on..." He sighed, a smile tugging at the corners of his mouth,
"Like mother like daughter…" I stared intently at the edge of the table, singing meaningfully,
"Don't push my patience." He tilted his head tiredly,
"Maximum we've been over this; I'm not the bad guy." I raised my eyebrows,
"Oh so you can say it out here now? Lenny's not on standby?" He smirked,
"We're in the coffee room, as I thought you'd realised, there's no cameras in here." I rolled my eyes in disbelief, and he fixed me with a sad look for a second before carrying on,
"Anyway; as I was saying…the flock's family; I thought it was about time they knew - now if ever. When they entered into the foster system the GPS foundation found out - the company trying to help you." I stopped him,
"Shouldn't that be CMS not GPS?" He looked at me pointedly,
"I believe you've been told before that those books contain similarities - it is not a bible." I shot him a threatening look and he quickly continued,
"Anyway, I knew they'd have to be adopted by the right sort of people - just incase they found out about all their...talents. I searched everywhere and after a month of searching I managed to find some blood relations - just as I did for you and your mother, all those years ago. Not all of them turned up, but I found two mothers and one father - and after talking to them (explaining the...situation) I found they were more then happy to take them on. I then sent them to the flock's foster home to pick them up - giving them three rules;
1)they couldn't reveal that they were their parents - it would be too suspicious
2)they had to find a way of accidentally finding out about, and then accepting, their abilities - so they could have a sense of freedom
And 3)they had to keep them together - for obvious reasons.
Fang and Nudge now live with Fang's mother (after I was unable to find Nudge's parents) and Iggy, Angel and Gazzy live with Angel and Gazzy parents. Sadly the books were right to say that Iggy's mother is deceased." He paused, possibly waiting for my view on all this, but I sat looking bored (torn between distrust and disbelief in his neat little story). After a few seconds of silence, I pressed coldly,
"And how exactly did you find them?" He shrugged,
"I have advanced technology at my disposal." I glared,
"And why only find the mothers, not the fathers."
"The only DNA evidence I had left was of the mothers, there was no specimens of any of the male parent's to scan in." I swallowed, hoping he wouldn't say what I thought he would,
"You said you found one father, how did you find him?" He smiled warmly,
"I didn't need to look for your father - you know why that is." His eyes softened, and I switched to autopilot (as all the emotions I had available were currently dissolved in a muddy puddle of shock and horror). I heard myself snap at him bluntly,
"Well, Daddy dearest, it's a bit of a let down to be told your long lost parent is a complete wack-job, on top of being held against your will...it's no wonder they call me crazy!" He winced and stuttered,
"Max, you don't understand I-I can't..no...I..." His entire head twitched to the side, and for a second I thought he was going to morph into an Eraser or something; he almost looked like he was trying to resist possession (now physically shaking in an attempt to get the words out).
After a few seconds of physical stuttering, he abruptly cocked his head and smiled at me creepily; just like those small children in a horror film (having the whole manic glint in the eye and demented expression going on to top it all off). As this had all been in the space of around five minutes, I really wanted to just curl up and hide, but my semi-conscious mind seemed to be working on some sort of logical level; as I clenched my fists, ready to attack in seconds.
Chills ran down my spine as he spoke, what with his words grating between the hands of a deadly familiar voice,
"You know the deal here Maximum; this is where we take over… this is where your story ends, tragically - alongside your flock's." I rolled my shoulders, convincing myself that that wasn't the experiment sat in the chair (regardless of it's voice),
"One step too far Daddyeo."
Without even thinking about it, I threw my whole weight behind my fist as it flew towards his head. My punch landed on his forehead with a wonderful smack, and his chair tipped over backwards (it's passenger still glued to the seat).
I stood up, throwing the table to the other side of the room in the process, and stepping closer (to stand over him). I stared down at his insane expression - still in horror movie mode but thankfully unconscious. I swiftly removed his white coat and glasses, carrying on our conversation,
"You know what? I think I'm gonna re-write that last part." I peeled the duct tape from my jumper and stuck it over his mouth, buttoning up the front of his lab coat, "What can I say? I'm a sucker for happy endings." I spun on my heel and ID card in hand made for the door's release. I heard the maniacal locks draw back from inside the door and, not looking back at my demonic father, I trod carefully over the threshold and closed the door behind me.
Sliding into snooty white coat mode, I started to stalk down the corridor (even with everything distorted, thanks to the glasses) - hoping no one would noticed my converse, jeans, or badge labeling me as a middle aged man.
Thankfully everyone seemed to be too engrossed on their workings of Satanic doom, as I found and climbed the stairwell with no problem; heading for level 3, section 2…
I climbed six sets of stairs and covered several corridors before I reached a door labelled section 2. I slid my card into the slot and pulled the door open.
Beyond the paneled door was a wide corridor; hallways staked at every few meters (on both sides), and a large window lined room at the far end. I took the glasses off to see the door hanging open at the far end - and zooming in, I saw a balding Eraser beyond the doorway. Clobbering time.
With around no one to stop me I sprinted for Anderson - trying to channel Fang's talent for silence, as best as a clumsy-part-bird-lamp-post can. Thankfully Anderson was too engrossed in chucking my fellow flock members into crates, to notice the teenage mutant ninja bird-kid behind him; and I sprang into the air without him even noticing - landing on his back (and, caught up in the moment, yelling in my very best English accent),
"EVENING!" My hands crashed down on his ears before Anderson could react, and I heard a faint pop. He whined pitifully and fell to the ground, leaving me to jump free and land at a crouch in front of Nudge and Fang.
I found the latches on their crates and felt my heart sink; no metal or key pad this time (for once the white coats learn from their mistakes), now a heavy duty plastic lock clamped Fang and Nudge inside - both of whom I saw were back to themselves. Not really knowing what to do, I gritted my teeth and grabbed the lock on Fang's crate in both hands, trying to pull it off (with my feet holding the crate still). Just as it started to weaken a little Nudge yelled,
"MAX LOOK OUT!" And I felt something thick and hairy loop around my waist. Before I could react Anderson had swung me around like a shotput and I flew head first into the wall. I made impact with a sickening crunch, and my double vision came back with a vengeance as bile started to rise up my throat. Damn I hate when the bad guys get up again - it never happened to Bruce Willis...
I staggered back up, but hadn't found my feet fast enough, because two paws wrapped themselves around my neck and slammed me into the wall (improving my vision tenfold),
"Oh I have enjoyed getting to know you Maxie." I tugging against the hands around my neck and tried to find an escape route (whilst remembering the importance of breathing),
"Oh Baldie you're not the worst person in the world, but don't worry; until one comes along, you'll do just fine." His grip tightened on my neck, and I let out a quiet sound of discomfort as he scraped a claw along my cheek,
"Don't make me angry Miss ride - you wouldn't want to see me angry." As my oxygen started to reach an all time low, I had to leave it to my auto-sarcasm-pilot (as I focused on pulling against his grasp),
"I'm not sure I like seeing you anyway." He grinned maliciously, his face an inch from mine, up close and personal,
"Trust me, you really wouldn't want to see me angry!" I would've laughed if I'd had the breath spare,
"Yeah, well I really don't like seeing you anyway." He bared his teeth but loosened his grip slightly as there was a crash from behind him. Fang's crate was now on the floor and he was still ramming himself against the bars; attempting to save the damsel in the choke hold - what a romantic.
"You know if you were as quiet as your boy friend you'd be such a pretty little birdie." He grinned back at me sweetly, and that's when I knew I had him; kill me any day (the world won't be fond of you, but that's not the point), threaten my friends, family, or particularly my boyfriend, and that's when the demon comes out.
The comment kicked me into Max-the-mother-bear mode 6.9, and I focused all my strength into one kick where it counts.
By some miraculous act of the cult of the uni-tards, it worked and I fell to the floor gulping down a good few lungfuls of air. Even on all fours, all degree of balance had now obviously left me (without a sick note), and all I could manage now (on an oxygen starved mind-set) was to somehow wriggle over to the opposite wall; hopefully towards something I could pull myself up on.
As luck would have it, my bad guy got up again and wandered over to kick me in the head - solving my need for a wall support, by taking me out entirely. How thoughtful…
"GET UP SUBJECT 1!" My eyes snapped open and I was immediately blinded by a harsh overhead light - a classically cosy evil (science)room of doom. I rolled over on the rubber gripped flooring and the world swam in front of me; and one side of my head pounded painfully with each heart beat. I got to my feet, ignoring the protests from my muscles, and looked around.
I recognized the layout of the room I stood in; small (with what I'm sure was a concealed treadmill instead of flooring beneath my feet), decorated with just the one, one way window; reflecting a tall, blonde, teenager, in a hospital gown that opened at the top to allow a pair of wings to fold into her back.
All seems nice and familiar (all apart from the annoying female voice behind the speakers).
"You have ten seconds until the trial begins, I'm sure you remember what to do." I smirked,
"Isn't Dr Cyco taking over this one?" The speakers crackled,
"No, but I'm sure you'll remember me Miss Martinez." My heart stopped. Not literally. Almost. On a metaphorical tangent.
"3...2...1." The treadmill started rolling and I was jolted forwards into a face plant. My nose took the brunt of the blow, but didn't feel broken, so I got to my feet as pretty fast but in a slight state of shock.
"Begin." Said my dear old maths teacher (Mrs Ellis) over the speakers…
I'm sure it'll come as no surprise that I passed out and was put through three more 'tests'; only stopping because I got to the point that I couldn't physically move all that much (from pure exhaustion). And when that little detail got through the white-coats thick skulls, I was 'laid' in my crate and wheeled back to the room - falling asleep almost immediately.
When I opened my gluey, sleepy, eyes I found that the lights were being switched on and a flock of white coats (shepherded a few Erasers) were entering through what I thought might be the door. I did my best to roll over, but had hardly energy left - having only eaten yesterday morning.
I heard a crate door opening and something pricked the skin on my hand; secured in place with a bit of tape. I blearily opened my eyes to see what I thought might've been an IV tube sticking out my hand; but I was too exhausted to care, closing my eyes again. The white coats left the room, leaving me to lie there with whatever filtering into my system, and after a few minutes I started to feel more alert - and the longer I waited the better I felt.
After a few minutes more, I was sitting with my knees pulled up to my chest (having already clarified the necessities with Fang and Nudge - who was awake and still in their own clothes). I reckoned I had just about enough energy to kick the first face that came through my door, but after half an hour passed I was feeling (a little beaten up, but) mostly back to normal.
Finally Anderson walked back through the door, wheeling a trolley wide enough for two crates. He swung each of us on the trolley; Fang and Nudge on the bottom, and me on top; securing the crates in place to stop us tumbling into the nearest white coat, and pulled us out the door behind him.
Fang and Nudge, on the bottom level, only had a view of the kneecaps of passing white coats; I however, could see through the windows showing experimentation rooms beyond. It was only when I saw a brain on a stick walk by, when I started to really pay attention - I got the impression that whoever wrote those books was trying to send me a red flag.
True to the pages, I saw the genius baby, the muscly terminator toddler, and a few board rooms emblazoned with the letters GPS on the doors; now those first few examples were all very well (there was no cookies involved, but I guess life sounds better on the paper), but the GPS rooms I found odd. Hadn't Jo said that GPS were the company trying to help me? Not that Jo wouldn't be lying, he did soon after turn into a psychotic (young) axe-murder-to-be, but I had a feeling that GPS meant something; and if it makes me suspicious, then it's defiantly something to worry about (I'm not exactly the most observant person in the world).
The conference and experimentation rooms seemed to cut off after so long, and a long corridor stretched beyond; paneled with a small, long window that ran along it until the end. The room beyond wasn't so much a room as a sort of cavern; maybe 30ft across and made out of dull rock. At first glance, it looked completely empty; but my raptor vision picked up on something at it's centre, maybe the size of a normal 12 year old.
I zoomed in on it and saw that it was a kid, sitting meditatively in a hospital gown with his/her back towards me - a faint glow spanning out around it. And the longer I looked the more the sickening feeling in the pit of my stomach concentrated. And after a few seconds it turned around in my direction.
That's when all hell broke lose. I yelled in surprise, throwing myself against the back of my crate, as the experiment's white eyes locked onto undesirable number one.
The rock beneath it's feet cracked, spidery bolt-like crevasses shooting across the floor, and it raised one of it's arms in my direction as metal screens began to slide down the windows. Anderson stopped, noticing the movement behind the glass, and my vision started to blur. When the screens shut fully, I felt a physical weight lift off my forehead, and I was left curled in one corner of my crate - panting furiously.
"Interesting…." I wiped my head around in alarm to see Anderson's thoughtful gaze on me, "I'll have to give them a report on this…" He grinned at me, pleased, then took hold of the handle of the trolley again.
I really wished I could've looked at Fang, or even Nudge, anything to hold onto the reality I knew and loved - because with everything they were telling me, everything I thought I knew seemed to be falling apart…
We were wheeled into an elevator and the eery voice announced our decent to the ground floor. The doors dinged cheerily and we were wheeled out into another pristine corridor; in the direction of a set of double doors, which lead outside. I sat tight, wondering what they were planning on doing with us, as the doors hissed and opened to reveal a freezing waft of fresh air.
I gasped as winter smacked me around the face, and instantly inhaled the moorland air. It was dank, mostly made up of damp and car smog, but still better then the antiseptic behind us. A few birds flew overhead, and the thought of whether it was still the weekend faintly crossed my mind. I squinted at them, wanting more then anything to join them and watched a flock a long way off soar through the air.
But, much to my surprise, I zoomed in to see that the group of birds was much larger then I imagined. In fact it looked like a flock of maybe forty was flying in formation, lead by too very big birds at the front. My heart leapt into my throat.
Iggy and Gazzy were winging their way towards us, followed by the woodland birds of Yarman, and I quickly diverted my gaze (just in case one of the white coats followed my gaze). With difficulty, I wedged my index and middle fingers through the bars and waved them at Fang - my personal special signal for be ready to U&A (so trivial, that no evil scientist would ever dream of it's meaning).
Something tapped on the underside my crate and took that as Fang's 'message received' signal. I waited, still being wheeled along the non-existent pathway (to God knows where), but I didn't have that long to wait. 30 seconds in fact.
30 seconds until they spotted Iggy, Gazzy, and the birds a long way off.
30 seconds until they drew out guns.
30 seconds until they began shooting.
30 seconds before the birds retreated and Iggy and Gazzy started to dip precariously to the ground 100 meters from us.30 seconds until they landed and were dragged back unconscious.
30 seconds until they were put in their own crates, on their own trolley, and we were all wheeled back to the room we'd started in - knocked out with bubblegum coloured gas.
Worst 30 seconds I have ever had to just sit and watch everything unfold. This time, I'm glad we didn't have a personal flock film crew. I never wanted to relive the those 30 seconds ever again…
A chill ran down my spine as the wind whistled, and I opened my eyes groggily.
"Gut. You be avake." I snapped to attention as my stomach fell through the floor. A familiar face looked down at me and I felt the electrons start to spin around my head for the first time in over 6 mouths. My favorite einstein-wanna be chemistry teacher Mr Keinsberg was looking down his nose at me through the bars.
I'll admit, the first thought in my head was that I was glad we'd attacked his hair with polymer (and I was also slightly disappointed by the fact that she'd shaved it all off), but I parked back into smart-ass mode as he clicked his fingers once over his shoulder.
Another familiar face scurried up to him and handed him a clipboard, and my head was yet again filled with pictures of decaying bunnies as Mr Keinsberg snatched the clipboard and scanned down it's contents, then threw it back at him. My biology teacher quickly took this as a dismissal and scurried back into line with all the other white coats; and while Ter-Einstein was busy watching him go I check behind me to see the rest of the flock sitting with their backs to each other but conscious. Glad we were all ready to go, I turned back to the German dude (and his army of teachers) as he carried on snottily,
"You prove to be only a hindrance in dis cause, and I am under orders to exterminate you." I scoffed,
"I gotta say sir, I like the Darlek version much better then the old 'retired' - can't you just see it? Dalek Keinsberg, green instead of gold obviously, but I think you'd need to put an einstein cut in there somewhere - I really miss the old you." He looked as if he'd barely registered my comments and simply squinted at me,
"I've forgotten quite how pathetic children be." I smiled at him dopily,
"And I'd forgotten just how shiny your forehead is - but it's nice to look back on the old times." His jaw tightened,
"I'd use your time visly if I ver you subject vun, you don't have much of it left."
"Considering my homework record, do you think that's likly‽"
"You should really know better sir!" I heard Iggy shout from behind me. I smiled, Darlek Ter-Einstein squinting back malevolently,
"Dis is vhy I don't like children; you never comply with the rules." I tapped my chin,
"You know I think that might be to do with the cage you went and locked me in, if you let us out we could have a civilized conversation over a large afternoon tea - do you supply cakes in evil warehouses?" Fang joined in,
"Nah; I don't think Erasers like Battenburg." I turned around jokingly and gaped at him (saying loudly),
"How can you not like Battenburg, is marzipan that lethal?" He nodded sadly and I turned back to a now red Darlek Ter-Eintstein saying in a disapproving tone (as the timer on his personal patience bomb ticked down faster and faster),
"Now where was you brain when you decided to mutate DNA into coding for deadly marzipan, eh? I mean, I'd understand if they had a weak area underneath their armpit or something, but marzipan - frankly that's just a little too cruel, denying someone marzipan, I bet-"
"ENOUGH! I vill NOT stand vor dis...dis…"
"Shenanigans?" I supplied, and he turned on the spot,
"You have five seconds to say your goodbyes!"
"GOODBYE."
And Now It's Time for the Chapterly Dose of Vaugley-Pointless-Possibly-Useful-Fact (brought to you by Mandy's planner)
Nerve impulses to and from the brain travel as fast as 170 miles per hour
But, being the friend that gets the joke five minutes after everyone's stopped laughing, I doubt if mine's that fast (I'd like to think they just stop for a little tea break before trekking the rest of the way - but maybe I'm just quirky like that)
And so, as always;
Review
Fly on
M