Fight or Flight

Here we were…waiting to figure out what exactly to do. "What's the plan Max?" Angel asked innocently. We sat outside the building branded with a branch of Itex logo.

"Give me a moment, I'll think of a plan." I pressed my fingers against my temples in hope of an idea. What would we do once we got inside the building? Who's to say how many M-Geeks were waiting? Not to mention, Ella, other experiments, the works.

Still could find an island, it's not too late.

Or we could end this all so we could find a better place.

Why risk us dying?

No one's going to die.

Then what do you honestly plan on doing Max.

Beat them up and let the rest of the world take care of them.

Max…look at them.

My eyes went to my flock sitting around the clearing along with Fang and I. Nudge was leaning against Iggy's side, her hand in his. Gazzy was sitting against a tree with Angel. They were playing with plastic horses and army men that they had made sure to pack when we had left my mother's house. I suddenly wondered where she was and if she was safe.

They were so peaceful but all of them had the look in their eyes that they were stressed. There were so many outcomes and thoughts to what could happen.

Fang, what if they follow us?

What if they kill us?

What if we have to keep running?

What if they capture us here and now and spend the rest of our lives in cages?

Fang.

Max.

I'm serious!

So am I.

Maybe we should ask them.

We never do. It may be a good idea.

"Guys," their sad, tired of running eyes, lifted up to stare at me. "Fight or Flight? I want to know what you want." For a moment, they just looked at me. I never really asked them before. I always told them what we would do but today, the situation was different.

"Fight or what-?" Angel asked.

"We stay to end this or we go and hide," Fang informed them. He had his hand holding tightly on to mine. Suddenly, it dawned on them. It was their choice for once. This was no longer Max's decision. Have I turned into a big softie or what?

"Fight," Iggy announced. His eyes narrowed as he looked just over the bushes to see the back of the gray building. Just one walk down a hill and through a door, we could face off our enemies for possibly the last time.

"Flight," Nudge announced. Iggy turned to stare at her, for an explanation. "Do you want to risk dying?" For a moment, I knew they were having a conversation in that one look just like Fang and I could do. They had gotten better at that.

"Flight," Gazzy announced. He began putting away his small toys into his backpack as if he had already determined we would be leaving. All eyes were on the last member of the flock who hadn't answered. Angel's wide blue eyes observed all of us.

"Flight," Total murmured. He was sitting next to Angel with his stomach facing the sky. He was zonked from our long fly here.

She stood up and stretched her wings out a bit. Her blonde hair was pushed off her shoulder by a gentle breeze. "I have a feeling we should go see your mom Max. Maybe, we'll get our answers there…" I narrowed my eyes in question. Angel's innocent eyes were staring at me. "I'm serious Max, just trust me."

So, do we go?

Going back to your mom's house knowing Ella might be there. They won't expect it.

So, we're choosing Flight?

What? You think this makes us weak or something because, all we're doing is finding a place to hide. We'll find a better way to bring them down.

All right but since was Angel making the decisions?

"U and A guys, we're going to my mom's house." We all stretched out our wings and began to fly. As a warning, I led us over the building that was completely secluded on the outside except for a few shiny cars. I almost asked Iggy to blow them up but held back.

***

I flew in through my open window and stepped on the soft, plush carpet. I headed down the stairs quietly. I heard the sound of running water from the kitchen and the clanking of dishes. There was a faint humming. I stepped in, "Mom?" She jumped and turned around. Her breathing was out of place and she held her chest, getting her blue shirt all wet.

Her eyes went wide with recognition. "Max, oh honey. How are you? There's food in the fridge guys if you want some." I nodded my head and the rest of the flock except Fang and I went to grab something to eat. The fly had been long.

"Fine Mom, just…Angel said it would be a good idea to come here." My mom looked at the flock before heading into the living room. Fang and I followed.

"Sit, please." We listened to her. "How much do you know? Besides your sister being an experiment."

"Brigid's one too," I announced. My mom nodded her head. "How did you find out?"

"Jeb talked to me after you guys left. Ella, I never knew she felt that way. I loved her no differently than my other daughter. What are you here for?" She eyed both Fang and I. She got the answer quick and fast from the look we gave her. "You're looking for a hideout. Well, that's also what Jeb expected you guys to need. Let me get something."

My mom walked off. When she returned she was handing me a map and a key. "Jeb bought this ski home years ago, when he was living with your guys. It's under a different name so no one will know and it's secluded enough that you won't ever be bothered."

I looked closely at the map, "Canada?" All right, I thought positively, it wasn't that far of a fly. "Fang, what do you think?"

"Better than fighting," he responded.

"Max, give it time. I know Jeb keeps telling you to find the bigger picture but, just live your lives." She ran a hand nervously through her hair. "I'll keep watch for your sister. Something tells me, it's not Ella who's truly after you Max. I think they did something to her."

"Mom," I sent her a doubtful look, "How can you be sure?"

"I know my own daughter Max. Besides, if she contained so much hate for you why would she wait for so long? Also, it's not like they haven't done anything to change people's lives." We sat in silence in the acknowledgement."

I stood up, "Maybe we should go soon." Fang stood beside me.

"Max- the truth is. Stop trying to save the world, you've done it enough times. From now on, consider your bigger picture being happy and taking care of your family." She smiled at me. She opened up her arms and I instantly went to hug her. She wrapped me tightly in an embrace. "Don't think I didn't notice the ring," she whispered. "I just didn't want to make a big deal and embarrass you." I laughed.

"Thanks," I replied giving her an extra squeeze.

"I'm happy for you Max," she continued. "Just keep going with that." Then, we stepped back. No one gives advice like my mother, which is why I loved her so much. I watched then as she turned her attention to Fang. She held out a hand, "Take care of Max for me." Fang nodded his head and gave me a smirk.

"Ready to go?" I asked Fang. He nodded his head. I was relieved to be heading out soon but it wasn't rushed or panicked like the last time. I headed into the kitchen. "All right guys, we've got a place. We'll finish up on some eating then pack a few things of food before heading out all right?"

They all agreed. Fang and I sat down to eat a little with them. We had a lot of flying to do. We were in the middle of a light discussion on which show was better Bones or CSI. In the minutes, it felt as if we had no wings again. Just then, the front door burst open.

"Mom?"

"Run!" My mother ordered.

But it was too late, Ella was in the kitchen staring at all of us.

She was not happy.

Sorry for the long update. Computer problems. I'm guestimating about 2 more chapters plus an epilouge for this story. As it is, this is a very long story and my ideas are running thin. Plus, I'm interested in my other stories as well.