Hello Dudes,

This chapter is a little short, but the action begins here.

Heart of Diamond

xoxoxooxoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxxo

Max: The War Eagle

Chapter 25: Waiting on the World to Change...

Max POV

I made the others sleep. I tried myself, but firstly I couldn't find a comfortable spot that wouldn't hurt my head. And secondly, because I just couldn't sleep through all this worry I was feeling.

It was about 3 o'clock when we were over the Virginian border into Maryland. The others were looked like they had been knocked out. I stared out the window. I felt Geoffrey shift his gaze to me once in a while.

A mini-bus passed the car. It was a bunch of school kids. They were around my age. Smiling, laughing, throwing food at each other. They didn't have to worry about saving the world or looking after a daughter or dealing with a dad who was a traditor or fighting Shadows. Nope. Their biggest concern was homework, parents, whether they are going to pass school.

But then again. They don't fly. They don't know what 'fun' really means. They don't know how to care for a family. These are the things they will never experience. They're stuck in a strict and straight lined world where passing school is a top priority.

Would I give up my world to live in theirs?

My instant answer was yes. God, if I didn't have to worry about saving the world I think I would be in heaven.

But as I thought about it, things came to me. I wouldn't have my flock. I wouldn't have fallen in love. I wouldn't have had my beloved daughter. I... I wouldn't know how to fly. Or stab Shadows. I wouldn't have any of these things.

I couldn't imagine my life without my flock. Not after I'm so close to bringing them together.

"Maybe you should get some sleep," Geoffrey whispered. "By the sound of things, it seems you have a big night ahead of you."

I didn't say anything. I couldn't. Hollowness was filling me too much. I just shook my head.

Geoffrey was quiet for another minute. "I'm going to need to stop at a petrol station to refill. I'm expecting you'll be hungry."

I nodded still looking out the window.

More silence. "You know," Geoffrey whispered. "I don't blame you for wanting to go after your daughter."

I looked at him. Geoffrey didn't seem to look anything like Gazzy or Angel. He was dark browned haired and had darker skin. He wore glasses most of the time and was about Fang's height. His eyes were dark brown. The only thing that I thought resembled Gazzy and Angel was the face's he sometimes made when he was puzzled or disappointed. Other than that, I would of never of guessed he was Angel's dad.

Geoffrey continued. "If I knew where Angel and Gazzy were, I would have called up every mate I had and of taken down the place Angel calls the School, brick by brick."

I was silent. Geoffrey sighed. "When Angel told us about how Gazzy was in the Zoo... I didn't know what to think. I... I just hope you find him."

"We will," I whispered determined. And we'll find Indi... and Dragon I guess. He's part of the flock too.

Geoffrey looked at me, almost surprised I talked. "Angel spoke about you. A lot. She said you were the most determined and stubborn person you'll ever meet," He gave a short laugh. "She was right."

I smiled slightly. "You've got to be determined if you have to save the world," I said simply.

Geoffrey nodded. "True. Very true." He paused. "How are you meant to save the world when it hates you?"

I didn't say anything for a few seconds. I wondered if I should tell him. "There's a war coming," I whispered.

Geoffrey frowned, the Gazzy came out of him. "A war?"

I nodded. "The Shadows will be one side. I'll be the other."

Geoffrey looked at me in surprise, but I was quiet. Geoffrey was puzzled again. "How is that saving the world? Creating a war."

"We're not going to fight. We are going to protect everyone. I don't know what the Shadows want with people but, they're making plans for something big. And it starts at the Zoo," I said.

Geoffrey said nothing. He must have thought I wasn't a big talker. I just wasn't a big talker when I had lost the most precious thing I owned.

Geoffrey made a quick stop to fill up petrol and buy us food.

Iggy woke up and I gave him 2 boost bars and a can of coke. As the others woke up I gave them the same. We needed energy for tonight.

It was 6 when we were in New Jersey. I instantly became tense at the heavy traffic and amount of people. So did Nudge. We both knew if a Shadow spotted us, Iggy wouldn't be able to fly away like the rest of us.

We had all eaten, but we were all nervous. Even Geoffrey was nervous. We approached Allentown the town where the Zoo is meant to be. As Geoffrey turned off the highway, I saw the spot lights. Giant Hollywood ones that lit up the setting sky.

Geoffrey turned down a dirt road and parked the car on the side. He turned off the engine and killed the lights.

He sighed. "Here we are."

No one moved.

Geoffrey looked at all of us. "You don't have to do this."

"Yes we do," I said opening the car door and climbing out. I knocked my head somehow and pain erupted again. I scrunched up my face a put my head in my hands waiting for the pain and dizziness to disappear. God help me...

"Max?" Little Angel whispered as she climbed out of the car.

"I'm fine," I said through my teeth.

You're not fine Max.

"Shut up Jeb!" I shouted, wincing as more pain throbbed through my head. I felt like ripping my hair out.

Nudge came to my side and gently moved me around the car. I was shaking as Nudge handed me the empty pack without a word. Nudge had grown up a lot and seemed to be able to read signs better.

I helped Angel put on her little pack and slip her hammer into her belt. Angel took her crowbar. She looked like a girl on a mission.

I guess we all were.

I tied my knife around my waist. I cleaned it before we left, but there were still blood spots on the handle. I double checked the straps to make sure they were secure. I took my hammer and fixed it on my belt.

We were ready.

Geoffrey shock hands with Iggy and Nudge. "Be safe."

Iggy and Nudge nodded. Nudge wrapped her arms around Iggy and buried her face into his chest. Iggy wrapped her arms around Nudge and kissed her forehead.

Geoffrey went to his daughter next and pulled her into a hug. Total/wolf moved closer to give them room. "Please... please come back."

Angel hugged her father. "I will, I promise, Dad."

"Find your brother."

"I will."

Geoffrey let go of his daughter. I was beginning to guess that Geoffrey wasn't a big talker. Or very good at saying goodbyes.

He approached me. And took my hand. "Keep my daughter safe," He whispered, his voice shaking.

I nodded and he let go of my hand. We stood back to watch him climb into the car. He gave us all one last look before nodding his head and closing the door. We watched him drive off and turning into the next road.

I looked at the spot lights. Now that the world was quiet, I was able to hear the cheering and shouting. It sounded like a football stadium when it got a goal.

Nudge took my hand. I looked at her, but she had a smile on her face. She was actually excited.

I smiled back.

"Let's blow this joint," I said.

Total, who stood behind us, sat and raised his head to give and all mighty howl. The power that sung through the howl echoed hundreds of miles around.

Where the Hollywood spotlights were, a chorus of howls answered back.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxxox

Plz Plz Review