SHORT FILLER CHAPTER.

Yeah, I know.

I still don't own them.

CRAP!

First things first.

I slapped Brigid. I'll admit it: I've never been good with the mushy-gushy "I hate my life" crapola, but she had it coming. 1) She was scaring and depressing the kids even more 2) she was rubbing her face all over Fang's shirt like she owned him.

Excuse ME.

I put on my best tough face and glowered at her again. "Get your self together, woman." I growled out. Nudge jutted out her chin as if proving my point. Gazzy had his brave face on and all I could feel was pride. We were one bird mutant short and we were about to change that. "Call my mom. Get yourself a train ticket. We'll call you later. We have a family member to find." I called out to her.

"Fang, Gazzy, Iggy," I continued. "Perimeter check. Fang and Gazzy search for clues outside. Iggy, find Total." -insert supressed eye roll here- "Nudge, I need you to go with Brigid to make sure she doesn't get hurt again." Nudge shook her head, resting it on her knees. "Common, sweetie." I begged. She sighed, pulling Brigid's hand as they moved through out the door.

Brainstorming time.

I ran and jumped on the railing, throwing myself off and making myself airborne. I focused myself on the distant city, feeling myself go hyper-speed.

As I entered the city, the first thing that hit me was pollution. Ugh. Gross. I repressed myself slow enough to take it in. I scanned buildings and alley ways, not really sure what I was looking for. A big hulky guy carrying a baby golden Angel? Wouldn't someone notice that?

I remembered how Joseph had morphed back to human form. He was one weird, slobbery-kissing mutant. Or maybe I was just spoiled.

HA.

I observed everything, my heart sinking further into the pits of hidden depression. I wanted to balm my eyes out like Brigid for some crazy reason. I also wanted to pound Joseph's thick head into a wall continuously until he bled internally. I wanted to make sure he didn't kiss/torture any one ever again. Thoughts of my leg only made this blood lust more prominent. I ground my teeth together, still wanting something.

Common, GIVE ME SOMETHING! Right now, a nice little fortune-cookie answer would be amazing, but the Voice must still be chillin' in Hawaii.

And I felt completely alone YET again.

****

I headed back soon after that.

Fang and Iggy were talking while Gazzy was sulking next to them. I wanted to brush back his hair and tell him everything would be fine. "Nudge?" I asked curtly as I walked in, air flowing behind me and brushing back Fang's long hair.

"Helping Brigid pack." He mumbled darkly. His expression was down cast as his eyes met mine. I tried to hide how guilty I felt about everything. How am I going to tell him? I suddenly begged myself.

"What'd you kids find?" I asked, sitting next to Gazzy.

They exchanged glances, minus Iggy who was the only one who had seemingly good news. "I found Total. He tried to follow them, but they kicked him back. He's going with Brigid to get an x-ray. He wants to stay though." I sighed.

"He needs my mom." I whispered. What was I talking about? I needed my mom. And Ella. And Angel.

Crap.

I sighed. "What'd you guys find on the grounds?" I tried, hoping maybe they had something.

Fang gave me a long look that said 'absolutely nothing'. Gazzy's shoulders fell a bit and I had flashbacks to when we had gone after Angel and I had to leave him and Iggy behind. Never again were we going to separate. Ever.

I nodded. "I glanced around the city for some clues. No such luck." It was silent for a while. I was about to attempt to lift our spirits, but Brigid burst through the door.

Her cheek was still red as she gave us all a once over, lingering a bit too long on Fang. "I'll be staying at Dr. Martinez's." She said in a low voice. Then Total ran past her legs and jumped on the bed, attacking us all. He licked my face, but pulled away quickly, deciding he didn't want to die. "I'm going to miss you guys! But, please! Do not weep for me! We shall meet again..." He ranted, making me roll my eyes.

"There's no need to be drama..." I started, only to have Total cut me off.

"I know, Max. I'll miss you too, but until we meet again." He whispered, as if choking on tears. Nudge stood quietly at the door and worry for her well-being filled me instantly. She hadn't been this quiet since we had... Well, actually, since ever.

I pushed Total. "Later, Total." I said with a small smile. I hoped at least. Any one who can kidnap a mind-reading/controling, underwater-breathing, adorably misleading 7 year old could definitely kill a few measly bird kids.

Max. Hit the road. Please. A voice chimed in my head. Except, not THE voice. My heart stopped.

Angel? I asked myself. Oh crap! What if I have ANOTHER voice in my head?! It's already too crowded as is!

Max! You can hear me! She squealed in my head. Her happiness became my own and I could feel her little heart pounding with joy.

Of course, sweetie. Where are you? I felt like getting on my knees and begging her.

A hand rested on my knee and I looked up at Fang who's expression was confused. "The voice?" He asked in that secretive way that made my heart stop.

I shook my head. "Angel." Everyone turned towards me expectantly. I swallowed as Angel paused to think.

I don't know, Max. I'm in a building. Not high up. First level I think. Maybe a basement. She supplied, trying her best.

Thanks, sweetheart, for trying. I thought back, my heart sinking. There were quite a lot of those buildings around here. I bit my lower lip, thinking. "Does anyone have any buildings that have caught their eye? Looked suspicious? Anything?" I practically begged them. Everyone shook their heads. Except Brigid who just looked around at us, completely lost. "You should probably get going." I said to her, trying not to snarl.

She nodded and left, Total trailing behind her with big puppy eyes. He's so cute. Angel whispered in the back of my mind.

Right. Focus. Angel, did you see anything? Any insignias? Signs? Anything? I asked her, trying to think if I saw any evil, big-business residing monster buildings on the way in. Memory didn't serve me well sometimes, but I was leaning to a 'no'.

Well, there was a green and grey insigy thingy. It was kind of twisted like a cross except not that long. She sent me a picture and I blinked, trying to clear my eyes. I sighed. I had never seen it before in my life.

Good job, sweetie. We'll find you. Stay strong. I added sportively. For me or her, I didn't really know.