My name is Nick

Fang's POV

I suppose you expected me to fly off to find Max…I was going to. But apparently, I have a "new" life and I'm being watched. I didn't expect Brigid to be 100% stupid but I had hoped for awhile when she didn't even know that the procedure had failed. I still had my memories of Max but they couldn't know that.

First, I was hinted at being watch was the microphones hidden above the fridge, under at least one lamp, and wherever else possible. The apartment was pretty nice. One wall was actually a window that stepped out to a balcony. The room was white, the couch also white and L-shaped. For the most part, everything was spacey. The kitchen had black countertops, more white cabinets and walls, and a stocked fridge. The bedroom was nice as well. At least they came through for me…being evil scientists and all.

I went through a wall I found by the side table when I woke up. My name was Nick Ziomek, born "eighteen" years ago back in September. I suppose with my tall, wiry appearance I could pull off being that old. Normal sixteen year olds could pull off being twenty-one when they tried. I sat up, my right arm feeling sore from the injection sight, bare-chested and wearing black pajama pants, and I went to stand. My bed room also had one wall of glass that opened up to the same balcony as the living room. Taking my first steps outside, I stretched out my wings. At least I didn't have to hide these, Brigid said I was suppose to know about them.

I wrapped my fists against the railings as a city of life passed down below me. Horns honked and the orange sky grew lighter over time passed. How would I get back to the flock when I knew they were watching every step I took? How is it that the experiment failed? Possible Brigid just messed up…or this was another test.

"Fang," I panicked and turned around. I narrowed my eyes and crossed my arms. The figure stepped next to me and stared out at the city. Dirty-blonde hair greased back with glasses perched on his nose. "I mean Nick…even though the traffics so loud that we can't hear you."

I felt my jaw tightened. I barely managed to whisper, "Jeb." He gave me a nod but didn't even look at me. "Care to explain?" Jeb laughed lightly and shook his head with amusement. Did I say something amusing?

"Always quick and to the point with you, ever since you were a kid." Was he trying to bring up the memories of when we were all one happy family, Max, Iggy and I at 12 years old? He was doing a good job at it. "Trust me Fang, you wouldn't be here if I hadn't given Brigid the wrong serum. Angel and Gazzy wouldn't have escaped if I hadn't unlocked their cages last year. I can't always get the flock out of trouble though, you're growing up."

"So can I fly away?" I asked, letting my wings back away from my back. I leant forward and stretched a bit. I cracked my knuckles in one quick motion. "Find Max," I whispered, hoping maybe Jeb wouldn't hear but he tilted his head as if he heard. Did he even know half of what Max meant to me? He was her father after all.

"No, pretend you're Nick Ziomek for awhile. I'll get in contact with Max, lead her here. If you left, Brigid would know and find a way to get you back. As for Ella, that's a situation that needs to be dealt with later…We didn't handle her situation very well." Jeb suddenly looked up at me. "Then again, there's no reason for you to know that."

We stayed silent for a moment. Before I watched as Jeb reached for something in his pocket. "Here," he said as I held out my hand. I watched as a chain dropped into my hand as well as the familiar ring fall into my palm. I closed my finger around the cool metal. "She'll say yes."

I suppose that was Jeb's way of giving his consent, which I will never tell Max about because she would hate that. "What makes you think that?" I asked while slipping the chain over my head and let it rest against my chest.

"Max-she sucks at normal as much as she wants it, she might not want the whole wedding tradition that everyone else does. If there is one normal thing she is capable of doing though, I believe that's falling in love and wanting to show people it's with you. She'll at least wear that ring. For love, we try to do everything once." Jeb smiled at me and patted my shoulder.

"What makes you think Max and I will last?" It's not that I had my doubts. I was just told that teens always say they're in love but it eventually doesn't last once the two kids grow up and change paths.

"Who else is going to understand Max like you Fang? Who will put up with her anger, her crying, and everything else about her and find somehow that he loves her more with each day that isn't you? I've seen you two grow together. Both of you loved each other, first connecting as two children who had gone through the worst experience of their lives together. Then as friends who needed someone to turn to when the going got tough. Finally as loves, when you both wanted someone to hold on to and never loose- someone to fight for above all others- to make saving this world a little more important." Jeb patted my shoulder.

"So, you're saying Max fights for me?" I asked. The sun was just peaking now over the horizon past the tall buildings, I could barely see it. I searched the skies for six figues (five shaped like human and one like a dog) hoping that I wouldn't have to wait for them.

"She fights for everyone, it's in her heart to do so. But when it comes to you, Max will always fight with every fiber of her being. Certain types birds are considered to have soul mates. I'd like to think my daughter has that in you. She'll be happy, Fang." Again, more silence. I supposed Jeb was repeating that last line to himself. Max would be happy…she'd be happy with me. That made my heart swell right up, I gripped the railing of the balcony and remained facing the sunset. Jeb patted my shoulder one more time before saying over his shoulder, "You shouldn't have to worry about work. Just go for a walk. Be normal."

I gave a small smile indicating my laugh. Be normal, which is something I couldn't be. But I'll pretend for now, keep myself alive and in well condition for Max to find me. Hopefully, Jeb would find her soon. There was a lot we needed to do (i.e. take Brigid down). I changed into black clothing (which every piece of fabric was) and went downstairs. I went out into the city.

I pretended not to have wings.

I pretended not to be in love.

I found it very hard to do.