Sorry I don't really write about the Flock in this chapter. It's necessary and I promise I'll make up for it though. Hope you like the chapter anyway.

Chapter 20

Lucky gazes at the sky as the Flock flies overhead. They're high in the air so they appear as little black dots in an ocean of baby blue and puffy, white clouds.

'They sure seem to be having fun up there,' he thinks to himself.

Lighthearted laughter causes his attention to drift to those on the ground. It seems like ages since he's heard so much happiness when realistically it had just been yesterday morning.

Lucky leans against a tree in the nearby forest as he watches Hunter's puppies. He's mainly been the one taking care of them. He hates to think that he'll become a sort of replacement for their father in raising them. Possibly their mother as well since Angie hasn't been seen since yesterday when…

The thought makes Lucky shut his eyes tightly when he feels them sting. His throat has that familiar lump in it. He has to be strong for everyone. He's the one they'll be looking up to now. Still, Lucky can't help but feel at fault in a way. He should've noticed the signs and prevented this from happening to begin with.

Lucky looks up at the sound of wings to realize the Flock has returned from their brief flight. He takes in their behavior. They don't seem as troubled on the outside as he feels, but he can sense the underlying suffering. Everyone except Fang that is. However, Lucky is fully aware of why Fang's emotions seem nonexistent. He can easily control that power, but he needs some work with directing shadows.

He watches as Fang throws a snowball at Max and the two get into a little argument. Max chases after him while Fang taunts her. He continues running when Max stops to catch her breath. Lucky watches as Fang emerges from the shadows on a tree branch. Max is using the same tree for support as she catches her breath. A smile graces Lucky's features as Fang makes snow fall on top of the girl below him. Fang calmly drops down from the tree and stuffs his hands in his pockets as Max yells at him. He silences her by giving her a quick kiss before walking away, leaving Max stunned.

Lucky shakes his head at their childish performance and observes the others. Nudge is clearly talking Iggy's ear off as he stands there with an uncomfortable expression. He keeps shifting his feet and Lucky notices that the snow around him has melted.

"Odd," Lucky murmurs under his breath.

He senses a slight change in the atmosphere and looks back at the puppies. They're talking quietly amongst themselves and he's sure it's about their father. They're probably remembering the good times to try to soothe the pain. Lucky wonders how they will be able to move on.

He also wonders how everyone will get over this. Lucky never realized how important his brother was to him. The sadness is so overwhelming that it's frightening. He's lost his hero, someone who could give him advice for any situation, an experiment like him, and more importantly, a precious family member.

Lucky shifts against the tree as he hears someone ask "Are you okay?"

His gaze drops to the ground at Star's question. "What do you think?"

Star comes out from behind the tree he's leaning on to face him. She gives him a concerned look which he responds to by shaking his head. Lucky can see in her eyes that she doesn't fully understand which is to be expected. He never talked about his bond with Hunter because he never really took the time to consider it. Now it's too late. The only one who Lucky could completely relate and connect with no longer is around to help and guide him. Hunter won't be able to help him understand anymore.

Lucky tears his gaze from Star's to stare at the ground. She takes a step forward, but he shakes his head once more. His eyes come up to meet hers and she comprehends his desire to be alone for a while. Without another word, Lucky leaves her company and ventures into the forest.

As he walks through the woods, Lucky doesn't realize where he's going. A part of the forest calls to him and he unconsciously goes there. Before long, he stops and looks around. It's their old training grounds. Lucky's heart sinks as he drops to the snow-covered ground. He slips into his dog form and curls into a ball. He drapes a paw over his eyes in hopes to block the memories, but it doesn't help. This place is depressing yet he can't bring himself to leave.

Sound the bugle now - play it just for me
As the seasons change - remember how I used to be
Now I can't go on - I can't even start
I've got nothing left - just an empty heart

Hunter had always said he would be there no matter what. Lucky can't help but think his brother broke his promise. A gaping hole seems to have formed in Lucky's heart. It brings so much pain that Lucky isn't sure he will ever act like his normal self again.

Hunter was loved by all and Lucky always looked up to him. He dreamed of some day becoming as impressive as his big brother. Leading their family and protecting them was a goal Lucky strived for. But now that the time has come, he isn't ready. He doesn't know what to do.

Snow from a tree branch overhead slowly falls and covers Lucky's body. He just can't get a break. Why can't he just be left alone? Why can't he just lie here for the rest of his life?

I'm a soldier - wounded so I must give up the fight
There's nothing more for me - lead me away...
Or leave me lying here

With a heavy sigh, Lucky stands and shakes the snow off. He examines the training area. Hunter taught him so much here. Lucky can practically see his younger self punching a tree until his knuckles were raw and bleeding.

Sound the bugle now - tell them I don't care
There's not a road I know - that leads to anywhere
Without a light fear that I will - stumble in the dark
Lay right down - decide not to go on

A drop of water hits Lucky's nose causing him to look up. There's an icicle above him, but Lucky takes notice of the sky which is mainly grey. A gap in the clouds allows the sun to shine through.

The rays appear to only be brightening the area around the house. It feels like the light is calling to Lucky, begging him to do something. It's almost like Hunter's telling him to be strong. Like Hunter's telling him to remember his duty and fight.

Then from on high - somewhere in the distance
There's a voice that calls - remember who your are
If you lose yourself - your courage soon will follow

So be strong tonight - remember who you are

Lucky suddenly remembers the others. They're all counting on him now. Whether he's ready or not, his family needs him to step up. Even though his mother will remain the true leader, he's now a permanent leader in their family and has a significant role. Lucky must be the rock of the family now that they're in a weakened and sad state.

Anger builds within him as he remembers that it was Rex who brought this upon them. It was Rex who tore his family apart. And it's Rex who will pay for what he's done. They must have their revenge and Lucky must be the one to do it because he has taken up Hunter's role.

Lucky's anger causes him to automatically form a sphere of energy in his hand and strike a nearby tree. The noise is loud and the tree starts falling toward him.

Ya you're a soldier now - fighting in a battle
To be free once more -Ya that's worth fighting for

Lucky quickly jumps out of the way of the tree and lands a few feet away. He stands, ready to defend everyone. He will free them from Rex's torture even at the cost of his life.

He looks at the tree that's lying on the ground where he was standing just a moment before. He raises his hand slightly and looks at it before turning his attention back to the tree. Did he really do that?

Lucky stares back at his hand as he forms another white sphere with black swirls. This time, it's smaller and only fills the palm of his hand.

The sudden sound of a twig snapping makes Lucky close his hand into a fist, stopping the energy sphere. He strains his ears to listen closely to his surroundings and calmly scans the area for anyone.

A familiar scent reaches Lucky's nose to announce the individual's presence. Lucky can hear the muffled crunching of snow as Rollo walks toward him from behind. He's approaching cautiously and it makes Lucky's senses go on full alert as he keeps his composure on the outside.

"I have news, sir."

"Not now," Lucky states with his back still to Rollo.

"Trust me. You need to hear this," Rollo responds.

Lucky lets out a sigh before saying "What?"

The world seems to have come to a halt the moment the words leave Rollo's mouth. Lucky's vision becomes blurry as he thinks 'It can't be true…'

Rollo remains silent and Lucky forgets he's there. His eyes are wide as he drops to his knees.

"This can't be happening…" he mutters as he places hands on the ground for support.

He hasn't seen Valencia lately and assumed she was with Jeb. He didn't even consider that she was…

Lucky jumps from the ground and sprints back to the house, leaving Rollo alone. As he races passed the Flock and his family, Olivia calls out to him. He ignores her and keeps running. She follows shortly behind. She continues to ask him what's going on the entire way to the emergency rooms.

He had woken up to tears falling on his hand. Any other way would have been better than that one. He had fallen unconscious from blood loss, but was awake once more. Valencia has been in and out to check his condition. His readings had been normal the last time she checked.

Now, he's been left alone to recover. It's as boring as hell and he's starting to wonder why no one's come to visit him. He can sense that the atmosphere in the house is dense with sorrow. Every so often there are tiny bursts of cheerfulness and they bring him hope that the grief will diminish. However, the joy is extinguished as quickly as it appears.

Besides letting depression consume him, all there is to do is stare at the ceiling through drooping eyes. It's currently what he's doing now. Eventually, he groans and feels a headache coming on.

"3…2…1," he grumbles.

The door bursts open and yelling can be heard as Lucky barges in with Olivia close behind.

"Relax! Let him rest, you idiot!" Olivia yells.

"Don't tell me to relax!" Lucky responds angrily.

The two continue to argue and don't give the room's occupant another glance. He brings a hand to the bridge of his nose and shuts his eyes tightly.

'If they really cared, they'd shut up,' he inwardly groans.

His head is pounding and his chest is starting to hurt. His monitor is starting to make uneven beeps as the two continue to argue. Listening to them can't be good for his health.

"Would you guys just SHUT UP?!?" he yells making the room go silent except for the beeping of the machines which slowly return to normal.

Hunter massages his temples as his siblings take seats beside his bed. They mumble apologies before they throw themselves on him. Hunter holds back cries of pain and begs them to let go despite his pride. Eventually, he's released only to have questions flung at him.

"One at a time," he pleads.

"What happened? Everyone thought you were dead?" Olivia rushes before Lucky can speak.

"I slipped unconscious from blood loss and extreme pain. I woke up a few hours later and Angie was crying. She wouldn't tell me why though and I now realize the reason," Hunter explains.

"Why didn't anyone tell us?" Lucky demands.

Hunter shrugs before replying "I dunno. Angie, Valencia, and Mom have been in and out. I would've thought they'd mention I'm alive. Perhaps, they didn't want to give everyone hope only to have it ripped out from under them if I should die."

Olivia and Lucky exchange a brief glance. Of course, Hunter thinks logically even after a short recovery time. They wouldn't expect any less from him.

"That would make sense I suppose," Olivia admits.

Hunter snorts and says "No it doesn't. They should know better." He gestures to his bandaged torso before adding "You'd think they'd know me well enough to know I wouldn't die from something as minor as this."

"Yeah, minor," Lucky mutters as he rolls his eyes.

The comment earns Lucky a smack to the back of the head.

"What was that for?" he yells.

Hunter glares at him before responding. "First of all, don't underestimate me. Second, I didn't like your attitude while you thought I was dead. Its okay to feel sad, but you shouldn't have gone into a depression. You're supposed to take care of everyone if on the tiny chance that I should die."

Lucky realizes that Hunter was able to read his thoughts while he was thinking in the forest. He bows his head in shame for letting Hunter down. A gentle hand on his shoulder makes him look up.

"Don't worry about it though. You weren't ready, but you will be should the time come. I have no doubt in my mind that you'll make me proud," Hunter says with a smile.

Hunter chuckles before adding "Besides, you didn't to all that bad. Your advice to Max last night was very good. You helped Max and Fang through a fight which made everyone a little happier."

Hunter stops laughing when Lucky stands and slams his fists on the table beside him. He watches as Lucky's teeth grind together and he raises an eyebrow. He feels Olivia rise on the other side of him and turns to see her glaring.

"You were conscious since yesterday!" Lucky and Olivia yell making Hunter cover his ears.

He massages his temples as another headache forms. "Yes and I'm fully aware of what has happened over the past several hours. Mom took the Flock to Chicago, Max and Fang had a fight and made up, and Fang has powers. Give me a break! I was bored as hell and no one came to visit. I had to listen to everyone's thoughts to keep from going insane," he whines childishly.

"If you weren't hurt, I'd kill you," Lucky mutters before sinking back into his chair.

"By the way, I think we should keep an eye on Iggy," Hunter says as he sits up.

"We'll keep that in mind. What are you doing?" Olivia asks as Hunter pulls out his IV and throws his legs over the side of the bed.

"I hate just sitting here and I've recovered enough to go for a short walk," he replies as he stands unsteadily.

Lucky sighs and leaves the room. Olivia mutters curses under her breath as Hunter starts walking after him. Lucky soon returns with Valencia and Jeb behind him. Hunter mumbles incoherently as Valencia starts scolding him.

Lucky leans against the door frame and Olivia mouths "thank you." He nods understanding that she didn't want Hunter to push himself to hard.

Unfortunately, Hunter ignores Valencia's orders and grabs a crutch for support before heading towards the door again. He stops and stares at Lucky who's standing in his way.

Eventually, Lucky gives in and steps aside. Hunter pats him on the shoulder as Olivia yells at them. Hunter looks over his shoulder at Valencia, Jeb, and Olivia. He smiles at them before saying "Sorry about slashing you yesterday, Jeb. I'll make it up to you."

With that he leaves with Lucky walking beside him. When they're far enough away from the room, Hunter speaks up.

"Now that we're out of the company of two specific individuals I should mention something," he says nonchalantly. Lucky turns his head slightly and it's enough for Hunter to know he's listening.

"We should be observant of Max and Fang's behaviors. They're teenagers with hormones after all and I did just tell Jeb I'd pay him back for hurting him."

Lucky laughs and shakes his head. His laughter soon dies down as he remembers why Hunter hurt Jeb.

Meanwhile, Hunter's thinking about how great it is to be walking. He finally got out of that dull room and can see everyone again. Now, he can show everyone he's alive. Hunter tries to imagine the looks on everyone's faces when they see him. The thought brings a smile to his face.

"I'm going to kill Rex," Lucky says darkly interrupting Hunter's thoughts.

Hunter stops walking and Lucky looks over his shoulder questioningly at his brother.

"Do you not know me at all?" Hunter asks as he stares impassively at Lucky.

"What do you mean?"

"We'll take the long route to dinner so you can think about what you just said. Maybe then you'll understand," Hunter says as he brushes passed Lucky.

As Hunter walks down the hall, Lucky doesn't move. He's left alone in the hallway until Valencia, Jeb, and Olivia come up to him. They ask him what's wrong and he shakes his head. The four start walking to dinner together while Lucky tries to understand what Hunter meant. Soon, he gives up and decides to ask later.

Yeah, Hunter's alive. I just couldn't kill him. Anyway, I used the song "Sound the Bugle" by Bryan Adams. It seemed to fit with how everyone was feeling so I threw it in.