Chapter 3

Fang took the four experiments to a cave on the way to New York.

"I told you I'm F-"

"we know who you are" The 12 year old boy said, "We've heard of the flock"

"Yeah, well, I'm not with the flock any more" He touched his chest, where just near his heart was a brown and white feather, specked with black and the name 'maximum'. He'd gotten that with Max's gift. Around his neck was the necklace angel had given him. And in his pack was the group photo of the flock.

His only connection to them.

"What are your names?" He said.

"Mystery" The eldest girl said, "because no one, not even me knows what happens when I use my power"

"ok, good to know" Fang said

"sparks" The 12 year old boy said, "Because I can use electricity"

"tiger, because I'm feisty" The nine year old girl said.

The youngest, a 7 year old boy looked up, eyes wide, round and trusting, "starling" He said, and then vanished.

Fang blinked-his version of surprise.

"he can copy powers" Mystery said

"Interesting" fang said

"Why did you save us?" Tiger asked

Fang took a deep breath, then "To save the world"

***

"ig? Want to help me put food away?" I asked when we got home.

"I'll help" Dylan said "That was Iggy doesn't have to be bothered"

I groaned inwardly, but didn't complain. I looked over my flock, Total and Akila where curled up together, Nudge and Angel were playing cards, Gazzy was reading softly out loud to iggy from his history of explosives book. They looked so...much how they all were before the erasers kidnapped Angel.

We put away in silence for a few moments "Max, I know your hu-"

"No, Dylan" I said firmly, "no matter how perfect you are, you aren't my soul mate" The one who was, left.

"but we were made for each other" He said. But it sounded like he was trying to convince himself.

"you can't program the soul, Dyl" I said, "Certainly, we're attracted to one another, but they can't make us soul mates, our souls are our own"

He didn't say anything.

Sitting in the middle of the room, I looked at my flock, plus Dylan.

I took a deep breath "Alright, things have changed. I was thinking perhaps we could go to..well, away. Somewhere new"

"Can't we go to Disney land again?" Gazzy asked

"Yeah, last time we went..." Nudge trailed off.

"Disneyland?" Dylan asked

"Its a fun place" Angel said

"And on the way there, we can visit Mum and Ella, and leave Total and Akila there" I said "And then...well" I took a deep breath, "I think it will be time to perhaps figure out whose going to try destroying the world next"