Yo,

Sorry for taking my time to post this chapter. Internet has been down at home. And no this is not one of those 'My dog ate my homework' excuses, the internet WAS DOWN. So anyone who doesn't believe me can go dump their heads in mad bath.

Hehehe.

Anyway. Topic of the chapter. The greatest quotes of all time. 'Imagination is worth more than Knowledge' ~ Albert Einstien. 'You see things; and you say 'Why?' But i dream things that never were and i say, 'Why not?' ~ George Bernard Shaw. Those are probably my two favourite quotes in the world. They can be quotes on anything people. War, crime, justice, Ponies, Geoge bush, Mars... you get the picture.

But if you're going to send in a quote, you should also make one up.

"The art of writing never reading any book that is called 'Angel' and never dating a guy called Dylan." ~ Heart of Diamond

Fly On...

Heart of Diamond

xoxoxoxoxoxooxoxoxoxo

Fang: The Black Hawk

Chapter 36: Breathing

Max POV

It's the most beautiful thing waking up with someone you love watching over you. You can never feel safer. Happier.

That's exactly how I felt.

As I eased out of my sleep, I began to feel a hand slowly stroke the hair that outlined my face. My eyes fluttered and I shifted slightly, even if my knee and head was killing me. I looked up.

Fang met my gaze with a smile.

I didn't say anything, but the last bit of worry that was stuck in my chest vanished instantly. I smiled and nuzzled Fang warmly.

"How's your leg?" I whispered.

Fang sighed, shrugging. "Painful. I'll get over it. I always do."

There was silence between us. I didn't mind. I haven't felt this relaxed since… actually since the milli second before I found out I was pregnant, I guess that was really when all this mess started (not that I'm saying Indi is the cause of all this, because she isn't). And that was nearly a year ago.

I was now in the 16-17 area.

"Are they gone?" Fang whispered. He almost sounded like he didn't want to hear the answer.

I knew exactly who he was talking about. "I killed Night. Dr. Mandock dissolved in the flames of his own rocket."

Fang let out a sigh of relief. His head fell back onto the pillow and his eyes closed. I took the opportunity to tell him everything. Fang listened without interruption.

When I finished, Fang let out a hum. I wasn't sure whether it was in agreement or in deep thought because his face gave away nothing. After a while, Fang sighed. "I'm sorry. None of this would have happened if I wasn't so stupid. I should've worked out earlier that you were falling into a trap."

I nuzzled into his neck. "Your right none of this would have happened."

Fang didn't meet my gaze. I smiled slightly. "But I don't think it could have turned out better any other way. You're alive. Angel and Blaze are alive. Dr. Mandock and Night are dead. Nathan is disabling nuclear bombs under the major cities in the world right now and… Mum hasn't thrown a fit at you for leaving yet."

Fang chuckled. "You said yet."

I sighed. "I said yet."

Fang glanced at me wearily. "You're not angry at me?"

I rolled my eyes. "Trust me. If you weren't attached to that IV and didn't have that pipe thing under your nose, I would have strangled you by now. You were stupid to leave."

Fang looked away.

"But," I emphasized, getting him to look back at me again. "I love you and as long as you promise to never do that again, I'll forgive you."

Fang smiled. Naturally, I guessed this was Fang's way of saying thank you. Subtle, but just his smile said enough.

It was a silent promise.

"So what now?" He whispered.

I opened and closed my mouth. I suddenly realised something. I was finished. Done. I had saved the world. That was my soul purpose of my existence and I had done it in 16 years. What does that mean now? I had nothing to move forward too. No goal. No… job really.

I felt… a little meaningless.

Fang looked at me carefully. I stuttered a response. "Well… I guess we could find that Island now… raise Indi up, home school her maybe…"

My voice faded out. An unexpected lump appeared in my throat. It was like I was actually going to miss… saving the world.

Fang suddenly looked blank for a few seconds. He gave a sharp intake of breath. I gripped his hand worried slightly. "Fang?"

"Shh," Fang whispered, keeping his eyes closed. I freaked again after he didn't answer for another ten seconds.

He finally released the air he was holding. His eye opened slowly as they caught mine, a slow smile appearing on his face. "I got a power when Night stabbed me. The pain must have set it off."

…

Ok. That was unexpected.

"A power? Really? What is it?" I asked curious.

Fang kept his smile on his face. "I can sorta… feel the future."

Oh. My. God.

"Feel the future?" I said in disbelief but also in confusion. How could someone feel the future?

Fang nodded. "Just a mass of feelings. Emotions really… I think that's how you put it. I can feel people's future emotions? The stronger I seem to care about someone the more of their future I can see, I think."

Well, to be honest. It's quite odd. Mr No emotion feeling other people's emotions.

"How does that work?"

Fang thought for a few seconds. "I get this rush, but the amount of emotions depends on the amount of people in the situation. Just all these emotions from all different people in the situation. But, if I think it through… I can sorta get what's happening. I feel… it's too hard to explain in words. I just suddenly get all these jigsaw pieces of emotions and if I sort it out, I can create a picture I guess. But only really when someone is really pushing for something to happen or something big and drastic that would change a lot of lives."

"Ok?" I said slowly. That really made no sense, but I couldn't believe Fang had said so many words. Even though his voice was emotionless, I could tell that he was proud of his knew power. "What was that feeling just then?"

Fang smiled again looking quite pleased with himself. "A very, very good future. You're going to make a big decision, once Nathan… I can't tell you all of it otherwise it could change. But… I know one thing."

I was getting annoyed with all his resisting. "Tell me," I warned.

Fang eyes turned soft. "You can't let go of the need to save the world."

I was silent. Can I let go? Of course I can. We can get away from the cities and find an island and…

There was that lump in my throat again. I have to let go. I have to.

But I can't.

Saving the world was my entire existence. Throwing it away was like… leaving my soul behind.

I could only whisper. "Saving the world. It's… it's me, Fang. I… it's the whole purpose on why I exist. I don't think I can let go, even if I wanted to. The rush. The adrenaline you feel… It's unlike anything in the world."

Fang cupped my face and made me look at him. "Then don't let it go. I can feel it in you Max. In your future. You can't let it go, or you'll lose yourself."

I frowned slightly. "You're asking me to keep saving the world? I thought you just wanted to go to an Island?"

Fang smiled. "That was before I could see what it would do to you if you were forced not to save the world. The emotions aren't pretty. Besides, you can save the world and live in paradise."

I snorted. "Impossible."

Fang raised an eyebrow questionably. "It wouldn't be wise to bet against me."

"Wow, the emo has become a prophet."

Fang chuckled at that and kissed my forehead. "I just see the decisions that could be made and what there is to look forward to in life."

I snuggled into him closer. He lifted up my partly bandage left hand admiring the ring on my finger. "You wore it?"

"Of course," I whispered. "I love it."

"Are you…?"

"Sure?" I finished. "Fang, you are my life. Why not make it legal?"

"But we're 17."

"You're the one who gave me the ring!"

"Because I didn't know if I'll see you again," Fang whispered. He looked away, guilt rising up onto his face again.

I didn't say anything for a while. "I don't want a wedding."

Fang frowned looking back at me. "Why?"

"Me? In a dress? I don't think so."

"What if I take you to Las Vegas? Will you marry me then?"

I stared at him. "Vegas? Isn't that a little cliché for 17 year olds like us?"

He smiled. "You, me, the kids, you parents… maybe, if I could find Mum… she could come too."

I smiled and sighed. "I'll think about it."

That night, she came.

Everyone was asleep, but I woke up at the presence of someone there.

I saw her. She didn't look as I expected. She was beautiful. Long wavy red hair with a striking pale face. She looked as if she only turned 25 today. Her expression was emotionless, but you could see in her eyes, the pain she had witnessed in the past as if it was engraved into the back of her mind.

I watched her run her hand over Fang's hair. Her eyes flickered to me.

A small smile crept across her face. Defiantly Fang's smile. Without a doubt. Soft, gentle, caring.

"He loves you, Max," She whispered. "He loves you so much."

She wasn't human.

I could smell it in her sent.

But I wasn't scared of her. For some reason I felt more relaxed.

"I know," I whispered.

The Mother took her son's hand. Fang remained asleep, breathing steadily into my hair.

"Who are you?" I breathed, talking more to myself. But she seemed to have heard me.

"My name is Nicole Field," She said warily, glancing at me. "But those who know me call me the invisible women." She chuckled to herself at a private joke. "I would quite call myself invisible though."

I stared at Nicole. She spoke again.

"I don't age, Max," She whispered. "Not anymore."

"Don't age?" I said a little too loudly. That's impossible.

Nicole looked at me and nodded.

"I'm forever 24," She murmured. "I don't know how it happened but to stop it, you'd have to kill me. That is why I had to hide. George couldn't find me. He would just about be indestructible if he did."

"Does Fang know?"

Fang's Mother looked up at me. "He knows."

I didn't say anything. Nicole didn't age. There is no way that can happen.

"Can I ask a question?" I said carefully.

She smiled. "Ask away."

"You gave him the Black Hawk right? Where on earth did you get that?"

She chuckled lightly, instantly reminding me of Fang. I was glad to see that Fang had more of his mother's personality, rather than his father's.

"Ah, Max. I've been to many places and helped many people, as I will probably do for the rest of my life. People give you gifts in thanks, but some, like weapons, I refuse to make use of. I was in India when I was given the Black Hawk. A fine piece of weaponry that I thought would better suit Fang than it would me," She said kindly.

It seemed strange to hear Nicole speak. It wasn't quite the same tone as Fang, but there was a guarded edge to her voice.

"Take care of him Max," She whispered. "For when I'm unable too."

I just stared at her.

"I will be gone for a while," Nicole murmured glancing to all corners of the room as if inspecting for cameras. "It's still too dangerous on this land, but when the time comes… I show myself again."

I nodded slowly, my head resting on Fang's shoulder.

Fang's mother smiled and took my left hand. She touched the ring carefully. "You have my blessing Max."

I felt my heart warm. "Thank you."

Nicole's eyes shone motherly warmth. "No Max. Thank you. You have protected me in ways you couldn't imagine."

I didn't know what to say.

"Please don't tell Fang I was here," She breathed. She said it like she was going to turn and walk towards the door, but she made no move.

"Wait," I whispered. "Will you be there? At the wedding. Fang wants you to be."

Fang's mother chuckled. "You won't have to search for me. I'll be there."

I nodded and closed my eyes slightly.

When I opened then a second later, I saw Phoenix in the place of Nicole. I frowned slightly as I watched Phoenix ruffle her feathers.

She caught my eye and clicked her beak. I smiled. I swear she was smiling back.

All this time.

Phoenix jumped up onto the railing of the bed. She gazed down at both Fang and I, forever guarding us.

It seemed we all had our secrets.

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo

Arn't i just awesome? I'm sure that answers a lot of you're questions. :) REVEIW PLEASE!