FALCON

FALCON

"Storm supposed to roll in tonight. It's going to be the biggest storm ever." The Weatherman said, pointing at the screen to where it was already forming.

"You can already see the storm before the storm. The weather has dropped to below zero and roads are iced over. I gravely insist that you stay indoors and not on the streets unless you have to and if you're on the streets take it slow."

The Falcons were making their way home in the dark from Grand Rapids when golf ball- hale size ice started falling from the sky. The Falcons made it home in one piece but the same could not be said of their car. The car although dodging drops as best as it could and an almost hit and run on a young deer came home with battle scars and almost no tires. When the Falcons dodged the deer they quickly veered left slipping and sliding on the ice being close to clipping a few cars. The other cars had to swerve and ended up in the ditch but not the Falcons.

"Is everyone okay?" Mrs. Falcon asked after she stopped the car.

"Yea!" Was the word that rang out and Joey happily said, "Let's do it again," to which Peerigen slapped his elbow.

"Mom, she hit me," he yelled."

"Settle down. We're not home yet," she said starting the car and making it home with no more adventures done under the hood.

Wind and the trees were madly shaking around and tossing to and fro so the family sat inside the car staring at their door waiting for the right moment. When it came they all bolted inside.

Nothing could be worse; right? Wrong! It could and would. While the family was watching tv a loud screech was heard outside and the power went out.

"Peerigen!" Her dad yelled.

"What!"

"Can you please go outside and check the spare heater and turn it on," Peerigens mom asked when she got to the bottom step.

"Fine," Peerigen said, forgetting what she had on and went outside only taking a flashlight with her.

Peerigen closed the door and when she did she heard her mom and dad start to argue again. She quietly closed the door and leaned against it to listen in.

"Why do you do that?"

"Do what?" Her dad said.

"Yell at her."

"I don't yell."

"Yes, you do."

"When have I ever."

Silence so Peerigen knew her mom was giving her dad the stare.

"She doesn't listen sometimes. That's all. Who knows what goes on in that head of hers?"

"Remember, she was adopted and still talks to her parents and was old enough when we adopted her. I'm just saying she has been through a lot and yelling doesn't help. Her parents always did. Just, next time try to be calm."

"Okay."

Peerigen inched her ear closer to the door for a little while longer but nothing was said.

She released her grasp on the door as a smile came on her face. They still didn't know who she was and never would. Joey almost figured it out by sneaking into her room and finding her diary but she got to him before he could use the key to open it. All he saw was the picture on the front. A skull with wings colored in with pretty beautiful vibrant colors. With force and bribery, she got Joey to forget all about the experience.

It seemed that the storm instead of residing was only getting stronger. The wind was not her only worries at the moment. Her mind was racing so fast to get the power back on that she had forgotten her coat. She didn't have a heavy shirt on either or boots but they had to do.

Peerigen grudgingly and slothily raised one foot then the next towards the shed. With every step, her boots would sink into the soft snow all the way up to her ankles.

She looked up at the scrawny shed with rustic paint and relief came on her face. Although the roof was caved in and a whole was seen on the backside, big enough to where rain and small animals could make it in if they squeezed she was happy to find warmth.

"My savior," she said, pulling on the doorknob.

"I said, 'My savior," she said again, pulling even harder until she was off the ground latched arms and legs onto the door.

She stepped to the ground and saw the lock looking back at her almost as if it were laughing in her face.

It was cold outside and she did not need this. Her body was shaking and shivering all over. She was bouncing up and down trying to get warmth to her body and stuck her hands in her pocket for added warmth.

She looked up at the sky as if praying for a miracle to happen. Her fingertips touched something thin and rectangular shaped with a pointy end object. Could it be? Peerigen pulled her hands out and yes......it was. The key.

She was so happy and elated. She was jumping around getting more excited with every jump and almost flew the key from her grasp. Nimbly she insterted the key and to her surpirse and by some miracle it worked. She was in.

It wasn't extremely warm in the shed but compared to outside the shed seemed like a sonna. She switched on her flashlight casting a dim low glow and headed to the back.

"I give you...life!" She said proudly, flicking the switch and restoring power to her house.

She closed the lid door and stepped outside. The snow was glistening and the storm had ceased to the point where now it was only mad wind and not anything else. The sun started to come up; the reason why the snow glistened. The snow was almost asking her to come into its fresh blanket-soft fluffiness hiding what was underneath. She was ready.

She followed the same procedure as she had going to the shed. She picked up her left foot, sinking it into the snow, then her right. She only made it three steps when she saw it. The wind and lightning had knocked a ginormous dead tree off of its roots and was making its way to topple on her. She covered her eyes and tried to scream but it came too fast. Life flashed before her eyes. She thought it was over. She couldn't move. Her feet were stuck in the snow and her muscles started giving out and wouldn't move. It looked like the end.

Wolf

"I'll show him that I'm trustworthy. He can't turn his back on me now," a boy was saying to himself as he turned the corner and was walking down the Falcons street. He was dressed all in black with a hat stretched over his face. He looked over and saw a girl trapped in snow about to be turned to dust as the full weight of a tree was crumbling down on top of her. Faster than you could blink he raced over, hopped the low fence and crouched over Perigen's body shielding her from the tree taking the full brunt of the tree on his back.

He closed his eyes shutting out the world and pain but he himself didn't utter a single word and was rewarded when his eyes opened. There lay in his hands' life, the most precious and perfect it could offer. Her golden hair surpassed any of Goldilocks and her radiant face although with eyes closed and covered in bits and pieces of leaf shards she was amazing. No, beautiful he thought. She was the hottest girl he ever saw.

Perigen saw the tree, closed her eyes and felt the blast but not the force. Instead, she felt herself lifted up effortlessly and flying through the sky. She looked up and all she saw was nothing. She blinked again and still nothing. Is this what the end looked like? She opened her eyes and looked closer. It was a black shirt. She couldn't see the face. A hat clouded her view then moved and Perigen saw him. He was a fit boy with a ravishingly good appearance. Scale factor of hot ummmm....seven is what Perigen thought.

Without moving her eyes she looked down his body and saw that his shirt was torn in the middle. One side of his shirt was blowing in the wind revealing underneath an American flag with a skull on it and a rose in its mouth.

"Oh no," Was all she could think about before passing out again.

The boy was about to say something to her but before he could spew the words forward that's how long it took for Perigens eyes to open, check him out then close again. He stood up, picked her and up and carried her like a baby he was rocking to sleep in his arms, to the front door. He held her like air. Weighing less than a sack of feathers.

Mrs. Falcon sat drinking her evening tea happy that Perigen had found the lights but worried why she hadn't been back yet when all of a sudden the doorbell rang and a knock was heard on her door. She looked at her husband on the other couch, at the door, then got up and made her way to it all the while thinking.

"Perigen would never ring the doorbell. She would just come in and anways she went out the side, not the front."

She opened the door and was about to scream and backed up upon seeing a tall dark hooded boy with a full dark outfit on and the showing of a skull rose tattoo under his heart but closed her mouth and stopped when she saw the tired body of Perigen in his arms.

Mrs. Falcon didn't bother to ask the boy his name or age or what had happened. All she did was stretch out her hand and touched Perigen's head. She was cold. She was cold all over. She set her tea down, picked up Perigen out of the strangers' hold which he let her grab and Mrs. Falcon closed the door with the back of her foot not bothering to say thank you.

"What happened?" Perigens' dad yelled from the living room getting up and walking towards the door.

"Splash a towel in hot water," was all Mrs. Falcon said hastily.

Mr. Falcon raced off to the bathroom and dipped the first towel he saw into the sink, turning the hot water on as he did so. It was a pink towel with flowers and polka dots everywhere. In the meantime, Mrs. Falcon cleared a place on the couch since Mr. Falcon's food still sat lying everywhere, then gently set Perigen down.

Mr. Falcon was back as fast as he could leaving pools of water from the bathroom to the living room and just stood there next to his wife with a dripping towel in hand. He could clean that up later and would because Mrs. Falcon would make him.

Mrs. Falcon sat now on the couch trying to best support Perigens head and stroking her long hair seeing that Perigen was slowly opening her eyes but couldn't because of the ice and dirt that covered them. She tried to say something but the words were unformable. Mrs. Falcon quickly grabbed the towel and started dabbing Perigen to get all the gunk off of her. She started at the neck and then her face.

"Another soak," she said, handing the towel to her husband.

He grabbed it, dunked it, hurried back and they repeated the process again, this time covering more space on Perigen until all the gunk was completely off.

"There she is," Mrs. Falcon said happily, grabbing up Perigen in her arms and clutching her to her chest tightly."

"Did you have fun playing in the snow?" her dad asked sarcastically, trying to lighten the mood.

To that, he got an elbow to the side from his wife and a little smile on Perigens face.

"Who is he?" Perigen whispered in her mom's ear.

"That's the first thing you think of. Out of all the things you could've asked and said. Wow! Just wow. Might I ask why you asked that?" Perigens' dad said.

"I'm just saying. I know that I've seen that tattoo before. I swear I saw it before.

Her parents looked at each other, to Perigen, back to each other, then to Perigen again. Mr. Falcon wanting to break the awkward silence blurted out, "They're bad people." He started breathing heavily afterward.

"Ken!" Elisa said, slightly nudging him. "She is only sixteen."

"So!"

"Go clean up the water you spilled, starting from the bathroom."

"But."

"Go!" Elisa said louder and pointed to the bathroom.

When he left and was out of site Mrs. Falcon started.

"It's true. They are bad people. They are a group of boys that terrorize people, specifically girls in one area 'specifically.' They do whatever they want when they want and however they want to do it. They think what they do is right. They don't have the yellow border around the flag or the eagle because they believe they are the 'saviors' of the world. I'm sure the one that 'helped' you, his name is Wolf. No one knows his real name. From what I've heard I think that they're after a book titled CHCS Christians vs. Outsiders. Two books in one. I have no idea why. I haven't even seen or read the book."

No one saw the slight tingling and uneasy gulp in Perigen's body and voice.

"Here in Plcon?" Perigen said halfheartedly.

"Yes." Mrs. Falcon said.

She quickly rushed upstairs to her room not saying another word. She grabbed her diary and key then walked to a painting of a rose that was on her wall. She gently took it off, put her hand against the wall tearing a square section off revealing a safe. She put her things in there, closed it, replaced everything, and walked away.

The rest of the day went by smoothly and was even better when her parents said that they were going away for the weekend which meant that she would be the only one home. Joey even was going with them which meant that she had ample amount of time to plan, strategize, and execute a day to day walk-through but above all have fun with being home alone. If the terrorizers did come back then it would most likely be twenty against one but she was ready even though she was scared.

HAWK

Perigen woke up completely forgetting last night's events. All she knew and cared about was that her fam was gone and the house was all hers. After watching TV for hours she decided to go to the store because they were out of eggs. The store was within walking distance so it wouldn't take long. She went to the garage and got out her bike. She was a big girl and threw the helmet over the side of the bike and pedaled off.

She only made it to the yard when she was hit in the head with a paper airplane that was flown from over the fence. She got off her bike, first looked to see where it came from and upon seeing no one bent over and picked up the paper airplane. She unfolded it and read silently to herself.

"You have to get out of here. The Hawk is on your tail. He has talked with other classmates and has figured out the writer. After much force and strain, he has found out from them telling him that the writer is you. They know who you are. What they don't know is where you're. Although it has been several years since you know what they want the book stopped and destroyed. They think you may have the book but they're not sure. Even if you do or don't have the book you have to get out of there now. They burned the few books that were in existence, even down to the two you gave Shae to safe keep. They may not know where you live but I do and I can protect you. Once the Hawk finds you then you're dead but I rather he find us together so it's more of a fighting chance. Instead of signing with his name, he signed with a tag. I GOT YOUR BACK and a picture of two stick men one with no back and the other holding his back.

Perigen knew who it was from but didn't take it seriously by any means. She rolled the paper up, shoved it in her pocket, and pedaled away. Along the way to town, she saw cars on the left and right side of her either in the ditch or completely rolled over. Some were even tipped on their sides.

The town was worse still. Yes, there were cars in diverse places but on top of that trees toppled on restaurants, houses, stores, and power lines. Perigen saw the store then she saw the thugs. There was nowhere to go. She was encircled by them.

There was nothing nice about them. They were street thugs pure as blood.

"Been a long time since I saw your pretty face," one of the thugs said, advancing on her.

"Skull, your dirty face has not changed a bit since I last punched it. Why don't you get out of my way and while you're doing that show these kids the massive scars above your eyes and neck. Explain that to them," Perigen said blasting back.

"You want to go little pony. I can take you right here right now," Skull said, flicking Perigen on the shoulder.

The crowd uproared.

"I wouldn't waste my time on you. You sure you want me to kick your but again? Where's Hawk or does he now send in the dogs first to do his dirty work?"

"Hawk wouldn't waste his time on poor minuscular you," Skull said, pushing Perigen hard in the chest with his hand but Perigen although wavered back kept her balance.

"I beat all you thugs before and I'll do it again."

"Where's the book?" Skull said angrily, picking Perigen up with two hands from both shoulders.

"Even if I knew I wouldn't tell you," she said, with no amount of fear in her voice.

"Perg! What happened to you? Hawk and I thought you were dead. We all did. You don't turn your back on family. Please don't do it again."

"You turned your back on me, remember? The day you brought me in or did that slip your mind?"

"Don't do this. Not now. I saw you when you thought no one was looking. I know your secret and if you don't stop I'll tell Hawk."

"Mind if I care cause I don't. You know what you did and can never take it back."

"I'm sorry. Deeply. Please don't turn now," Skull said with a hint of sadness in his voice meaning that he meant every word.

"I got a new family now and they don't change unlike you. What happened to the great times we had together. You all changed to the point I don't even recognize you. I may have been gone but I always found times to keep tabs on you all. What happened to that?"

Skull took a deep breath then spoke.

"The world is changing. You can either change with it or it will change you. Adapt or die."

"This is not adapting. What you do is not adapting. You all are punishing the people that made you who you are and taking a girl as your prize. I can no longer call you brother," Perigen said, taking her hand away from the grasp Skull had on it.

"I'm never going back to you guys."

"Fine. If that is the way you want it to be," he said, motioning to the rest of the guys. "If you're not my friend then you're my enemy. You're disowned and your name will no longer be spoken of again," Skull said, advancing and throwing punches at Perigen.

Perigen dodged, ducked, threw a hard punch back to Skull's gut knocking the air out of him, and then grabbing his arms and twisting them around until she was holding him tight from behind.

A skateboard flew through the air and the moment it hit Skull in the chest Perigen slid lower to the floor, released, and stuck her knee up, sending Skull flying over her.

A hooded figure jumped in the ring next to Perigen and this time had on more black than before completely covering his face as well.

The two stood back to back throwing punches left and right. Perigen ducked as an onslaught came and he went over Perigen over to the hooded figure where he finished him.

"Who are you?" He whispered to Perigen.

"Seriously, you ask that now? Not a good time or place," she said back.

"Then let's make the time and place."

"Perigen didn't have enough time to say anything before Wolf picked her up as effortlessly as he did before, swung her over his shoulder and raced down the street as fast as he could. He swerved off into the woods and in no time at all, he stopped at an old worn down cabin. When he went inside it looked the same as any cabin would but you can never judge a book by its cover for at the end of the hall lay an empty room with only one closet leaning against the back. He opened it, set Perigen down and they walked in together."

"I don't think we can hide in here. Too obvious and cramped this space is," Perigen said, climbing in close to Wolf.

"We're not hiding here silly. We're hiding lower than here."

Perigen looked at him confused when all of a sudden Wolf yanked on what looked to be an ordinary shirt hanger but it secretly was linked to a button which brought the closet elevator down leaving the clothes and everything else at the top.

"Stay here while I finish up," Wolf said, laying Perigen on the couch.

"But," she started, as she sat up but Wolf held a finger to her lips.

It felt warm.

"Fine," she said lying back down.

"One more thing. Don't dirty this place up with your girliness and aroma."

"Clean freak," Perigen shouted from the living room to Wolf's bedroom.

"No, I'm not," Wolf said, taking off the last of his outfit and changing. "Just don't break anything," he said, exciting. Closing the door and leaving up the elevator.

"Wai.." Perigen started before she saw Wolf disappear.

She stood up and looked around. There were minimal pictures on the wall. Only bright abstract paintings. No pictures of him. There was no fireplace and no extremely long hallways. Why did she not just make a run for it? She knew where the exit was. What was keeping her back? She thought all of this as she was looking around the room.

Was it his looks? Was it his muscles or the fact that there was nowhere to go? Either way, she couldn't just stand around doing nothing. She reached in her pocket and of course, her shopping list was gone. Maybe he is going shopping for me? That's a ridiculous question. Why would he do that? I know he likes me but he wasn't even around when I was with Hawk and the others? What will he think of me now if I tell him who I really am and sue to be their sister? Should I tell him? Wait, if he is going to his brother Skull will tell Hawk to put a hit order out on me who then will tell Wolf so when I tell him I have no idea how he will react. I don't know. I don't know. Why is this so hard?

She thought all of this as she paced around the room. She thought about going into Wolf's room to snoop but knew she shouldn't. It wasn't the fact that he might find out it was more for respect. He may not have been around when she was but either way, he was her brother well adopted into Hawks family and family doesn't snoop into each other's problems unless asking so she just stood there. She grabbed a bowl of cereal, poured herself a bowl, sat down on the couch and watched Tv until Wolf's return.

Wolf returned within the next hour carrying a bag of groceries in each hand. He walked to the kitchen and set them on the counter.

"What did you get me?" Perigen said, turning the Tv off and turning on the couch to look at Wolf.

A sorta open window was cut out of the wall to which you could watch TV from the kitchen and where the counter sat.

"I got your eggs," he said, holding up two cartons of eggs then put them in his refrigerator.

"I also gave you a letter to which I see you took no heed of. I saw the way you talked to my boys. Although I didn't hear what was said I have my ideas. You have changed since first I saw you. You should not be this nice to me unless you know me and do not fear us. And from the way you acted, there is more to you than just being the writer so I bought supper which I'm going to cook and you can tell me over a plate."

"Or I can tell you now and help you cook," Perigen said, walking to the kitchen.

"Sounds like a plan and I didn't go to my brother to find out about you. I know you're thinking that but I didn't. I want to hear your side first before I compare it with his."

"Fair enough. There is not much to tell anyway. When I was four my parents were shot down before my eyes and I was abandoned. I left out on the street struggling to find anyone who would take me until I did find somebody. Your brother found me and took me in. Back then he was just starting out so he was a whole lot nicer and for a few years, he was nice to be around. I bonded closely with all of them to the point where I thought that they were my real family. Then one day I heard Hawk and Skull talking and Skull say, 'Heh, you told me to kill her parents. I didn't know they had a kid. What do you want me to do with her since you didn't know either?' He wasn't able to say anything more before I bolted into the room. He had said too much. That is how Skull got his scars. I took them both down but not before seeing a small section of whom Hawk really is. I saw tiny wings sprout out his back helping him to fly around. I only stayed with them a few more days before Hawk kicked me out. There was a time though that I didn't think anyone was looking and I started to change into my ultimate. I had done it once before and it was a little freaky but I was calmer. I got halfway when I heard the door creak and quickly turned back just in time to see Skull's head pop in but he already saw enough so I take it now he is on his way back to tell Hawk that he is not the only special. A secret he kept so long will now be revealed. Then I was taken in to live with the Falcons at age thirteen and am now here talking to you at sixteen. Anymore you want to know?"

"He can't find you here, don't worry. No one can. You're safe with me," Wolf said with a reassuring calm in his voice.

"The Hawk you know today is not the same as I knew; especially when you get on his bad side and he wants something. There is no building he will not look in, no rock he will not uncover and no leaf he will leave unturned. If a place is big enough to hide someone he will look there, trust me."

"What do you mean by you saw Hawk's special and Skull saw yours? What are your specials?"

"Last question. Hawk used to go to CHCS and everyone there had a special. That is where you came from if I'm not mistaken. The specials you might find out for yourself. Enough questions for the day. You make me tired with all your questions plus I'm like you half adopted younger sister so there's that and I'm hungry so hurry up," Perigen said, giving Wolf a love tap to the side and smiling small but just enough to where Wolf saw her cheeks turn color than they were gone and Perigen was back.

BROTHERS

"Where have you been?" Hawk angrily said as he saw Wolf walk through the door.

"Why do you care?" Wolf shot back.

"I worry about you. You're my brother," Hawk said smiling and opening his arms in a friendly gesture.

"Last I checked you were only my half brother."

Hawk sensed a disturbance in his words and knew that he knew more then he was letting on about him but he didn't urge it.

"I went out to clear my head and do a little shopping."

Hawk stared at him for a few quick seconds which felt like an eternity of not saying anything, and a small trickle of sweat formed from Wolf's hair but Hawk being satisfied with the answer responded with something Wolf knew he would say.

"You'll never guess who we ran into today. Come on. Guess!" Hawk said, picking his pencil up from his drawing and getting the rest of the people in on it.

Skull and the rest of the family stopped what they were doing as well and looked at Wolf as if seeing into his soul to the other side.

"I have no idea. Who?" Wolf said, trying to still the droplet from showing on his face and stuttered every word almost as if asking a question back to Hawk.

The family didn't buy it and you could see it in their faces.

" Our girl Perigen is back. You remember who she is. The one we've talked briefly to you about?"

Wolf combed his hair with his hand and spoke.

"Umm, yeah." He cleared his throat. "Yea, I remember her. That tiny thing."

"He shouldn't have said tiny because he could sense everybody's muscles tense up and Hawk shoot an imaginary fire dart at him with just his stare.

"No one here has ever mentioned that she was young let alone tiny. Where did you get your information from?"

Wolf saw everybody slowly reach for the closest weapon near them with only the slightest bit of motion.

"I...call everybody a little person!"

Everybody picked up their weapons but only held them and didn't do anything with them.

Hawk knew that Wolf wasn't lying because he did always call people little person, but he had used the word tiny not little. Hawk was going to keep an eye on him from now on.

"She's in town. Doubt you know anything about that?"

"Not a clue. Why? What did she do?" Wolf said, straightening himself up so that he looked taller and didn't have something to hide.

"It's not what she did. It's what she didn't do and how she did it. She disowned us......right to our faces," Hawk said, taking a step forward.

"You know what that means now don't you Wolf. Can't have a traitor roaming our streets, especially one who was supposed to be dead." He stressed the word dead as loudly and as long as he could as everyone's eyes quickly looked down but only for a second and they went back up. Everybody shifted their weight a little.

"So tonight we're going to find her and make sure she is completely dead. Break her from limb to limb and then........feed her to my dogs outback." He said all of this getting up in Wolf's face to the point that Wolf could smell Hawks' breath on his face.

Wolf kept leaning his head back every time Hawk did an impression with his hands to follow his words and the last part he whispered so only Wolf could hear and anybody who was within two people of them.

The closest guy smiled and laughed at this to which all the guys laughed after as well.

"She turned her back on us. Her familia," he said raising his hands in the air indicating all in the room. "She deserves what she gets, and don't go off telling anyone, you hear?" To this Hawk pushed on Wolf's chest hard enough to make sure he got the point.

Wolf mumbled the words, "You turned your back on her first," but he forced his mouth to stay shut.

"What was that? I didn't quite catch that. You're too soft-spoken. You need to speak up."

"Nothing. I said nothing," Wolf said, maybe a little too fast.

"Umm sir," a new 'recruit' spoke up.

"Who said that," Hawk said, slowly getting his face and breath out of Wolfs, and then turned around to face his boys and men. "Didn't I tell you not to speak unless spoken to?" He yelled.

"Yes, yes, you did but there is a reason why we couldn't snatch her this morning. Someone got to her first."

"Tick, my loveable brother," Hawk said, putting a hand on Tick's shoulder. " There damn best be a good reason for you not snatching her or I'll snatch you myself and feed you to my dogs as well. Do you want that?

"N..No Sir. I'm just saying. The reason we didn't catch her was because a mysterious dude dressed head to toe in a black outfit stepped in and snatched her up.

"Snatched her, you say? Just like that? Huh," Hawk said pondering in his mind, this time giving Tick an unsettling feeling.

"Well, I guess it was for the best. He deserved her. He must have been some quicky and a strong one if he was able to get through my 'dogs' I sent out, and drag her away."

Y. Yes, he was strong. Really strong. Although my guys threw a lot of punches he didn't go down sir. He picked her up like she was the air itself. She weighed nothing and then he sped off."

"Speed off! What? Are we trying to catch Superman now? How fast was this man you say?"

"Sir, he was no man. He moved like a creature. Like a wolf or something. He sped away quicker than lightning.

"A wolf. Couldn't be my Wolf, who is a part of my guys. He was off clearing his head from his misfortunes. It would have been stupid of him to interfere with my quest after what he did. My Wolf is stupid but he's not dumb."

Ticks mouth quivered a little.

"He was riding a skateboard, and Wolf rides a skateboard."

Hawk turned.

"Ripstick. I ride a Ripstick," he said as fast as Hawk turned and loud enough so everyone could hear. "Not a skateboard. There is a big difference between the two."

Hawk turned back to Tick and whispered so only he could hear and no one else.

"Tick, you ride with Wolf. If anything sniffy comes up and you think is going down you have my permission to kill him on the spot. Clear?"

"Tick shook his head and pulled out away from Hawks looming over him. He made his way to Wolf when Wolf started to complain.

"Not the little guy. He is too young for this. Why him? Anyone but him. If you're going to surveil me at least give me a challenge like Macho here," Wolf said pointing to a giant of a man."

"Okay. Fine. Tick! Macho! Both of you watch him as if your life depends on it because they do. He escapes you don't.

"Uh, Hawk. I take back my choices. Can I go with Neal instead? One is too young and I don't think the other can keep up with me."

"Oh yea, that's right," Hawk said smiling although he knew what he was talking about."

"The reason you left yesterday was because of your fight with Tick. I'll make sure Macho doesn't let you two girls hash out again when there is an actual girl that's the mission. Once the mission is done then you too can fight."

"He's still too young."

Hawk having enough, shouted out, "Were you not young when I took you in and put you in the field. Were you not all young once?" He said this so that all could hear but no one responded."

He turned back to Wolf and had fire in his eyes and disappointment on his face. He was in the mood Perigen had told him about.

"Get out my sight."

Wolf knew not to argue with that and from the wise words of Perigen to not get on his bad side because he was close so he turned and left without saying another word. Macho and Tick followed him out closing the doors behind them.

RUN

Wolf exited the front door and was about to make a mad dash to his spot; Twisted House but Macho knew what was coming. The moment he saw Wolf break in a run he reached out, grabbed him, and held him tight as Tick delivered a series of punches to his gut and face bruising him up and knocking the wind out of him.

Wolf fought back by kicking his legs at Tick, which was a struggle, injuring him only a little. Every time Wolf fought back Tick would deliver a blow more severe until Wolf fell to the ground cut and bruised struggling to get up.

He had to warn Perigen or whoever her real name was. Hawk always called someone he brought in by a new name to the point where they forgot their real name and believed that the name Hawk gave them was the one they had at birth. Perigen was in trouble and Wolf couldn't do anything to stop them. It wasn't of who she was or that she might've written the book anymore. It was out of love and love binded all making people do immensely crazy things for it even if it meant turning your back on family for it.

He looked now exhaustedly up at Tick, blood dripping from his mouth, and his eyes barely able to open.

"Warn your girlfriend now," Tick said, then followed up with a hard kick to Wolf's face which sent blood pouring up out of his mouth and down his shirt. Wolf fell backwards unconscious and unmoving.

"What do we have here?" Tick said, seeing a piece of paper sticking out of Wolf's left pants pocket.

"One twelve dozen eggs," Macho said, lifting the paper out of Wolf's pocket; reading it and giving it to Tick.

"Looks like he has been shopping all right," Tick said, crumbling up the piece of paper.

"Wait, there is something else in his pocket as well," Macho said, taking a small crumpled up paper airplane out of Wolf's pocket and giving it to Tick.

"Clear his mind all right!" Tick said uncrumpling it and reading it. He gave it to Macho to read and with one last hard kick to the gut to Wolf from each of them they got in their car and set off. They knew where they had to go.

Wolf waited till the screech of the tires hitting the gravel was heard no more, then he slowly got up. With every push, pain ensued throughout his body. He couldn't think of pain at this time. He had to fight past it to warn Perigen more now than ever. The fight between him and Tick was about Twisted house. Tick had heard him talking to himself one day about it and Tick told Hawk that Wolf had a secret hideout where he would go and 'escape' his family. Hawk got mad and that is why Wolf was sent out to clear his mind and choices. Decide who his true family was; being with himself or being with others.

All he knew was that he loved Perigen and couldn't let himself see her come to harm. Too many people got hurt under his care and he didn't want to add her name on the list. He used this strength to help get himself wobbly up and walk as fast as he could. He wished he could run as fast as he used to but although his body healed faster than most it still had to heal so no running for him.

He figured Thick and macho would take a direct route to the house so he took the woods nearest him. He knew the quickest shortcut. It took him a while but after breaking down branches, scraping knees on rocks, and letting out a few cavemen screams he made it to within eye distance of the house. Good. No one was there so Wolf had time.

"I can't go seeing her like this even if her life is in danger," Wolf said, looking down at his worn-out beat up blood-stained body.

He knew just where to go. A cabin stood on a hill, overlooking the house only a few trees and hills away. He could wash up, clean, and still look out the window to keep an eye on the house. That is where he headed, passing the house on his way.

He was singing in the shower, on his third chorus, when he heard a crash. He looked out the window and saw them. He turned the water off, dressed quickly, and raced to Perigens aid.

Perigen sat at the table in Twisted House with nothing to do. All her shows were now reruns and she was bored of watching those. She tried building cards to take her mind off of things but after five failed attempts in a row, she gave up. She looked around the room and thought of playing I spy with herself but I spy with one person was hard and intensely boring.

Her head fell down to the counter and she was about to go to sleep then and there when all of a sudden a crash was heard and she saw what looked to be a part of the roof cave in, in the darkness. They were in.

She was ready, although she had no idea what to expect. She started to hear voices; one old and one young, telling each other directions, then two red dots were on here.

She froze and slowly raised her hands.

"You boys really want to do that? There are only two ways this can go down. I die or you die. So what's it going to be boys?" She said with a little hint of a quiver in her voice but assurance in most of it.

Tick looked at Macho and neither having any idea who Perigen really was or bringing her back to Hawk they opened fire.

For that split second while the bullet was traveling through the air she thought if she should go to her ultimate now or wait, in the case she lost. She decided on using a little bit of both, having her acrobatic training be the star. She was top of her class.

She backflipped out of the way, letting the bullet's speed through midair hitting nothing, While using that same smooth motion she grabbed her cereal bowl and threw it as hard as she could only to have it bounce off of Macho's chest severing only a slight blow. She had not thought that through.

Macho staggered back letting off a few shots outside but caught himself with his back foot.

Wolf heard the shot, stopped, saw the birds take off from the ground, and picked up his feet faster forcing them to run to his house.

You guys don't play nice," Perigen said as she grinned and her eye color turned dark blue and red.

She latched onto the side of the wall jumping from wall to wall and ceiling dodging bullets left and right. She midair kicked Macho as hard as she could in the chest, using his weight as a cushion, falling on top of him as he hit his head on the wall. A struggle ensued over the gun while Tick had no idea what to do. He froze out of fear.

Macho had the gun pointed at Perigen trying his hardest to squeeze the trigger but Perigen wouldn't let him. She grabbed onto the barrel of the gun as tight as she could and swung it around making it face the open air to the kitchen.

Macho had his finger on the trigger and it looked like the end for Perigen but was it? Macho got a shot off but Perigen used her ultimate's strength and crushed Macho's gun with her hands and threw it aside.

Terror was seen in Macho's eyes Macho never had terror and fear in his eyes. She was only sixteen. No way was she that strong. While Perigen was choking him he used his outsressed arm that was away from Perigens view, and ran down his pants to where his knuckle knife was kept. He slid it out making the fewest amount of sound and motion but Perigen wasn't fooled. The knife was raised and Perigen without looking, grabbed it with her hand and stabbed it through Macho's eye. She repeeated it until there was no eye left then as Macho wrapped his hands around her body attempting to squeeze life out of her there was no luck. Perigen stabbed the knife through his heart and was relieved when she saw Macho breathe his last. She fell down on a heap in Macho's blood that covered his chest, exhausted. She heard the 'cha-ching' of a gunshot next to her head and the shaky hands of a young boy merely fourteen years old holding it.

"I don't want to hurt you but you killed my brother and I won't forgive you for that. You have to pay," he said shakily, quivering every word and stuttering them all until they came out. He still had a look of fear on his face but with a bullet, he could kill anything. Right? All it took was one shot.

"Kid. Give that gun to me. You don't want death on your hands," Perigen said, rising to her feet with hands raised. She quietly slid the knife into the back of her pants.

The boy did nothing. He just kept the gun aimed at Perigen but slowly backed up.

"Don't come any closer or I'll. Trust me," he said, but the words were futile as he kept backing up to Perigens slowly advancing as she had her arms still raised.

He touched the back wall and stopped. Perigen slowly took her right hand down until she grabbed onto the gun and pulled it from his grasp.

"It'll be ok," Perigen said, hugging the boy not caring that she passed Macho's blood onto him.

"You don't know who I am but I am the good girl. Now shh. Shhh. shh." Perigen said as the boy reached in closer and wrapped his arms tighter around Perigen.

"What's your name?" She quietly asked him.

The boy still shaking responded.

"Tick, but my real name is Silver."

"Allright Silver. It'll be ok. No more need to hide behind the name that Hawk gave you. He's no good. Trouble is what he is."

"You know about Hawk,"

"Yes. He's my bro...," she wanted to say brother but couldn't bring herself to saying the words.

"He was a really close friend of mine once," was all she could force herself to say.

"You okay down there Perigen?" Wolf asked as he came huffing and puffing to the edge of the whole.

"Yea, all good."

Wolf couldn't beliebe his eyes at what he was seeing.

"Why is he with you?" Wolf said, with a little anger in his eyes.

Tick looked up but not in a challengin threat way. His eyes were still moist from crying.

"Wolf. This is Silver. He's scared. You remember going out in the field when you were this young. We all went out young."

"Yea, I know who he is allright." Wolf said, jumping down onto the ground below."

He walked towards Perigen and Silver looking as if he was about to inflict some damage to both of them and their fight could reammerge. Tick and Perigen both felt uneasy about it even though they knew they could've taken him.

Wolf stared at Tick and saw Tick slowly breath in and out, showing his neck muscles.

"He's a close friend of mine," Wolf said happily as he wrapped the two in a big bear hug.

Relieved, Silver dried his tears.

"Did you just take a shower?" He asked, sniffing Wolf's shirt.

"Why yes. Can't go on smelling all dirty when I come back to meet my girl.

Perigen smiled and they all released from the hug.

"You smell like the ocean." Perigen said.

"Why yes. Hoped you would notice. It's called Ocean Breeze," Wolf said, as he approached Perigen and wrapped his arm around her in a side hug.

"Umm Wolf. Sorry about beating you up earlier and exposing you and everything else that happened.

"It's all good man. I let you beat me up. You could never beat me in a one on one fist fight. See, not even a scratch," Wolf said but Perigen poken him in the side making Wolf flinch a little from the pain.

"Yea, sure old man. Whatever you say!"

"Guys. Although it is great and all for you too to chit chat we can't really..chit chat now when our big bro is on our tail so we have to skedaddle fast.

"Wait, bro!" Tick said, to Wolf as Perigen left to go to the kitchen to grab a few things.

"Yes, it's true. She's the loveable Perigen that Hawk adored. The one and only girl he ever brought in but lived to regret it. I'll tell you the story later.

While the two were still talking, Perigen was by the refridgerator trying to decide what food to bring and what food to not when she settled on bringing the whole refridgerator by just picking it up and knocking it on it's side.

Both the boys looked and Silver had his mouth opened as wide as it could and drool came out. His eyes were as big as baseballs as he stared at Perigen, unable to believe his eyes.

Wolf took one hand and closed Silvers mouth.

"Yes. She is incredibly strong too," Wolf said, as Perigen walked to them holding the refridgerator as high as she could.

"I couldn't decide on what to bring so I brought everything. Wolf, can you round up all the snacks and Silver, round up all the clothes and anyting else we may need. We're going off the grid," she said as she set the refridgerator down.

"I love you," Wolf said walkign up to perigen and kissing her on the cheek before he walked away to grab the stuff.

"Don't think about it," she said, pointing at Silver who had his arms open wide.

He closed them and went off to do his assignment.

"Within no time at all the boys came back carrying huge sacks of everything they could find pertaining to their assignment.

"How are we going to get out of here especially with all of this?" Silver asked, confunded.

"Watch and learn my little friend. Watch and learn. Perigen, how much space do you need?" Wolf asked.

"You two might want to go to the kitchen."

"Allright," Wolf said, taking Silver with him.

"Wait, why? What is she going to do?"

"You'll have to wait and see." Wolf said, as he took Silver to the spot where the refridgerator used to be.

Perigen arranged all the stuff in a row one next to each other, putting the refridgerator in one bag then spewing ice from her hands until she filled the bag. Then made sure that the boys were safely out of harm's way before she turned into a ginormous falcon. She transformed before their very eyes and again Silver's mouth was ajar.

Perigen spread her wings. Cracked her claws and landed on top of all the stuff.

"You haven't seen anything yet," Wolf said to Silver, as he had to close Silver's mouth again.

"There is plenty more where that came from. Come on," Wof said as they both stood up and made their way towards Perigen.

"Can you turn into a falcon?" Silver asked Wolf, to which all he got was a smile from him. They hopped on Perigens back and flew off.

SILVER

"I like it up here," Silver said, breathing in a big gusp of warm fresh air.

"The sky looks awesome, Perigen looks awesome and the clouds look like cotton candy. Can I test if the theor is real or if they really are made from smoke."

"Be my guest," Wolf said, tapping Perigens' side slightly after he had said this.

Silver reached out his hand hoping to touch candy but instead his hand went straight through and came out wetter than before.

Wolf broke out laughing and hit Silvers shoulder in the process almost making him fall off of Perigen. Luckily he held on and Wolf caught him.

"Boys," Perigen thought, and both of them could tell.

"No, clouds are not made from candy or from smoke from factories. The density of the atmosphere is thicker than on earth so stuff falls slower and seems to float in the air. Clouds! They're made up of tiny hundreds to thousands of water droplets all collected in a group. You know how in pop all the water foams up at the top?"

"Yes."

"Well clouds are the same way. Water droplets mixed with the density of the atmosphere; the fizz of the pop; form together to make a transparent white cloud. But foam always dies out and gets smaller. It can either shrink in the cup or in the case with Mentos or shaking the bottle too much it blows out the top and pours over. Clouds are the same. When too much friction is happening in the sky it is too much for clouds to handle and then they get bigger and bigger, darker and darker, until they pour."

"Ooh. Guess clouds aren't made from candy. I thought when it rained that it was just God peeing over the side.

Wolf couldn't control himself and burst out laughing again, this time having snot and water come out his nose and mouth. He snuffed it back in then wiped the remainder off.

"What, so you think lightning is just God taking pictures of us? Thunder is just gladiators in heaven fighting. Hale is His people playing golf and the balls falling over the side. Earthquakes are just people in heaven dancing. Floods are just....." Here he stopped trying to think of a synonym. "What are floods?"

"Floods and Tsunamis are when God is filling the water in His bathtub," Silver said, looking at him as if saying you were supposed to know that.

"Right right! Let me guess, you know where babies come from as well?"

"In fact, yes I do. Babies are born on these magical islands filled with flowers and fairy dust. Once the baby is formed a Stork picks up the baby in a basket and delivers it to the family that wants it. Why. You know how babies are really born?" Silver asked.

"Umm, well. You're too young for the answer. Perigen, swoop down and you'll see a car junkyard. Land there." He turned to Silver. "I told you where my house was but not where everyone's house was."

You can't miss it. I call it the Lemon repair because that is what all sits there and yes, that's what it is called. Here you go," Wolf said, touching Perigen again but this time what looked like electricity passed through his body and his fingers onto Perigen turning her and them both invisible.

"Get there as fast as you can. I can't sit and listen to another why from Silver. Know it'll be something about the Easter bunny or tooth fairies or what Santa does when it is not Christmas.

"You know, tooth fairies, although small, used to be evil bad creatures. They were once the bone doctor of teeth. They could fit anywhere, do anything and not get caught. I forgot why they stopped but just know that if you wake up one day and you're missing a tooth then you know why. A tooth fairy came in last night, was short of cash so it ripped your tooth out, grabbed the money and flew away.

Wolf cowered a little backwards as Silver was explaining using hand motions that got closer and closer to Wolf.

"I thought you were an innocent little boy. I wonder what goes on in that head of yours?"

"You don't want to know. Looks can be deceiving. Take Santa for example. He gets fat on Christmas from eating all his cookies.....heh," Wolf chimed in.

"Oh, sorry. Pudgy or thick. Santa has a fire suit on and During Christmas Santa has a fat incerator he uses called chimneys but when he is off duty he still has to lose weight somehow. You can see him in stores a lot mostly in the produce department. Best rolemodel ever. Tells you to eat healthy and then your reward for it he brings you a present. That's what he uses to decide naughty and nice.

"So he lets kids get away with being actual naughty to each other and hey. That's discrimination. What about the pudgy kids or kids who have growth disorder and can't get in shape."

"Umm. I'm sure Santa figures that out."

"I'm sure he does. You know, I don't know if I liked you in the beginning. You were a friendimie. I thought you were this shy little kid that Hawk brought in. You were a wall hugger, never butting into anything or sniffing your nose into anything. I liked that about you but I still didn't see you a lot which was weird come to think of it. I think when we got in a fight that was only the third time I saw you and the second time we said hi to each other lasting more than two minutes. Now I'm glad to say that you're more than just a friend. You're a brother." Wolf said no more and Silver knew to drop it. They flew on the rest of the way in silence until Silver happily pointed out the junkyard and Wolf had to hold onto him to prevent him from falling off.

PUHME

"Wolf, what exactly are we looking for?" Perigen said, after she had set everyone down in the woods a little distance away then transforming into a person.

"A car!"

"Duh! What type and why?"

"Well, although you got two strong mighty backbreaking boys here to protect you, Hawk has an army so; we need an army as well and you should remember most of these faces. Some are new though but don't freak out.

"That was great flying back there," Silver said to Perigen as all three started their walk towards the junkyard.

"Uuh, you guys go on ahead. I'll catch up with you later," Silver said all of a sudden even though the shop was within sight.

"Why? Is there something we should know?" Wolf said.

Silver didn't say anything and although melting under the stares of Wolf and Perigen he still didn't say anything.

"Okay. I did hear a little about you and after you left Hawk upped his safety measures so he wouldn't have any more runaways. I wanted to say something earlier but couldn't. I'm sorry.

"Sorry for what?" Perigen said.

"Every time Hawk brings in a new recruit he first send them to the infirmary where they're cleaned up and are supposed to be injected with a dosage that helps fight bad stuff in them but I saw Hawk one day while I was sneaking around and there was a massive computer in front of him and a few kids were seen walking outside of the house. I knew cameras weren't out there so there had to be another way that he was able to tab them. Then I looked at my shoulder and knew. He tags us with tracking devices." Silver said, hanging his head.

"What! You knew and didn't say anything? I oughta rip your big fat head off because it's got no brain in it anyways. What could it hurt," Perigen said, going on the offensive and holding Silver up by his shoulders and squeezing.

"That's enough. I said that's enough," Wolf said, butting in. He wrapped his arms tightly around Perigen but she was no longer light as a feather. She was using her falcon strength to resist and even with Wolf using his added strength he had to really dig deep.

He pulled her off and she flew to the ground in a heap.

"Let me at her," Silver said, although Wolf was in the middle of the two and holding Silver back.

Perigen got up and came at Silver but Wolf was in her way. She started throwing punches which were aimed at Silver but Wolf blocked. They hurt more than the tree that he took for her. Girls were his weakness but no one knew that and he would make sure no one ever did and would.

"You, take a chill pill," Wolf said, pushing Silver away and he stopped.

"Just keep your girlfriend away from me next time." Silver said to which Perigen started hitting again and trying to make it through Wolf. Wolf pushed her off of him and held her back with one hand pushing on her bra.

"Go take a hike," He yelled angrily at Silver and was satisfied as he watched him go a few ways away up a hill to think about what he did.

He had pushed Wolf's buttons and knew he shouldn't have since it was extremely hard to push his buttons.

"And you," he said, looking at Perigen.

"I thought better of you. Be the older person in the room. Start acting your age and not your shoe size."

"But Wolf. He led Hawk straight to us. He could be here now!" Perigen said, pointing in Silvers direction.

"We can handle that when it gets there but in the meantime that is no reason to lash out at him. He is a kid for goodness sake. Although Hawk is evil Hawk rn is all that Silver knows and he can't just turn his back on him like that. I saw you on the curb a few times looking at the door wondering if you made the right choice and thinking if you should come back and walk through that door. We're not going to do Hawks work for him. We're sticking to the plan. Can we do that without any more distractions?

Wolf looked intentively at her for a few seconds.

"Yea, we can go. You do know that I love you and had no intention of hurting Silver. Just wanted to teach him a lesson.

"Well you did hurt him. Hurt him bad. He's just a kid staring out his walk in life. Silver!" Wolf shouted. "We're headed up to meet some old friends. Want to come?"

Silver said nothing and just raised his hand waving them off.

"He needs time," Wolf said.

"I can't tell you to do it but next time you see him try to forgive."

"Okay."

"I think I can cheer you up," Wolf said as they started walking again into the lot.

They walked for a while until they saw a yellow car that looked just like the rest but it had a minor difference. Above the back tire was a small white paint blotch.

"This was my first car. Now we use it as a hideout. The yellow paint was airbrushed and painted on just for side-effects."

"Milady," he said, as he opened the hood and stepped aside.

Instead of car parts on the inside, they were removed and steps were seen leading down to darkness with a small shimmer of light at the bottom coming from who knows what.

Perigen, still a little angry couldn't help but smile.

"Why thank you gent," she said, curtsying to him then walking down the steps.

She got halfway down the steps when Wolf followed her and closed the hood behind him.

"You little devil. I didn't think you would make it let alone still be alive," a young man said, with open arms extended.

"Couldn't be more happy to see you again Shae," Wolf said, letting go of Perigen's hand and giving Shae a hug.

"Gang, Perigen. Perigen, I want you to meet my family. We got the infamous, strong and mighty; Daddy Longlegs! What is better than one mighty machine? Two! We have his little bro Tank. Who needs brains, brawn, and beauty when you have all three in one. Beauty over brawn. Yes please, Both of them pack two things of brawn each. Next to him we have Mr. Freeze. Imagine being able to keep your body temperature even if temperature is spiked. Imagine being able to stay cold wherever you go. Being able to survive anything. He can do just that. Wanting to steal the spotlight without even being seen we have The Thief. Imagine if you could clone yourself. Although there are many dangers in that there are also many good things in that, who would you go to too have it done? One person and one person only who can not only clone himself but anyone else he wants and so pleases. I give you Double U. He's big, he's mighty, he speaks his mind and can tell you about anything and anyone. You want information, he is the first man you call. He's Mr. Input. What good is brawn when you have no brain. A leader, a warrior, a shield, a beacon of hope. I present to you.....Major. If sleeping is the cure to everything and can make you look ten times younger then this kid has done just that. He not only can sleep himself but with one snap of his fingers he can put you to sleep as well. I give you....Sir Naps a lot. I said...........Sir Naps a lot."

Loud snoring was still heard filling the room.

"I said..........SIR NAPS A LOT!"

"Huh, a midddle aged boy said groggily, waking up and standing up at the ready. "Oh, how do you do milady?"

Perigen couldn't help but smile which Wolf saw and only the wolf in him growled. He couldn't be mad at her.

"Behind the counter displaying all these lovely weapons, give it up for Loose Change and Python! You already met our next sister. The loveable, the charming, the one and only.....Freight Train," Wolf said, as Shae put her hands up in an ecstatic gesture, right beside Perigen.

"Our band of misfits and survivors couldn't survive without the help and leadership of our coach the artist himself..........Artist!"

The whole room clapped and cheered as Wolf was bowing left and right then all was silence. Then the ground shook from an enormous beast that had touched down. The hood of the car opened and even though it was sunny no one could see anything. The hood closed and the floorboards creaked. Although Perigen was stronger then Wolf, at this moment she squeezed his hand as tight as she could and everyone waited. Not a soul moved.

"Guys and girls. I know this is not ideal but we can't do this without his help."

Everyone gulped and an unknown anger resounded up within them all.

The last of the floorboards were heard and the shadow stopped at the bottom of the steps, still hidden in darkness.

"Who's there?" Artist asked the unforeseen darkness.

"We're many. You're but one."

That voice reminded everyone of someone. They all secretly shook in their boots and their insides did a leap.

Artist not knowing anything besides what people told him for he had arrived after to escort people to safety breathed in and spoke with authority.

"Show yourself you shadow," Artist demanded.

All was quiet then the shadow took a step forward. Artist knew he had made a mistake.

Shadow slowly walked forward, fire showing in his eyes and step. His coat flowed freely as if he were a ghost himself and he stopped and stood by Wolf. No one breathed.

"Where were you?" Shae said, walking up to Shadow and giving him a slap across the face.

"I was in hiding. I couldn't just come out whenever I pleased. You would have killed me.

"That's no excuse. You could have come out and you knew it. I was worried about you. Were you alive. Were you dead? You don't want to know how many nightmares I had of you dying. You could have let me know that you were alive and not letting me suffer in silence," Shae said, hitting Shadow again but this time repeatedly.

"Stop! Stop! Stop!," Shadow said finally getting a hold of Shae's hands.

"I wanted to see you but I couldn't. I was always there though watching you. I wanted to make sure you were okay. Now that I know you're I can sleep better at night as well.

Shae teared up and rested her head on Shadow's chest. Shadow took her in close and hugged her tight.

"Are you crying," Perigen asked Wolf as she saw a tear drop from his eyes down his cheek.

"I'm not crying. It's just dusty in here that's all," Wolf said, drying his eyes.

"Why are you crying?" He said and Perigen didn't even bother hiding the tear that fell from her eyes. Wolf took his finger and dried it away.

The room still stood, speechless. This same man who brought about the destruction of more than half the population and killed so many people and Shae is treating him as if he were an old friend. What's going on?

One man didn't like the silence one bit.

While Shadow was still hugging Shae an arrow simmered through the air and hit him square in the heart.

"You can't just walk in here after all that you've done," Magician said as he stepped out of the shadows besides Python.

Before anyone could react Shadow shot a volley of fire at the Magician. It wasn't strong enough to kill him but it sent him backwards into the wall hard. He got up and readied another shot.

"This time I won't miss," the Magician said, aiming his arrow at Shadows head.

"Stop! Stop! Stop!" All of you," Shae said, standing between Shadow and the Magician.

"That's the Magician. He doesn't take kindly to Shadows killings," Wolf whispered to Perigen.

"I would've never guessed," Perigen whispered, sarcastically back then saw Shadow lying there on the floor and knelt down to help him, with Wolf too.

"Shae move. I don't want to shoot you but I will if I have to."

"Magician stop please. You don't know the whole story."

"Enlighten me then."

"Shadow is not the bad guy you think he is. Yes, it looks like he killed all those people but he didn't. I can prove it."

"How?"

Shae took a small DVD disk out of her back pocket and slid it on the floor over the Magician. Without losing stance the Magician looked down. On it was written in big letters. CHCS

"What. How can this be," Magician said to himself.

"You're bluffing. No one was there who could've recorded everything. This is not real," the Magician said, stepping on the disk and crushing it with his shoes.

"I was going to be nice on you but that was the last one in existence and you just destroyed it," Shae said, getting anger in her eyes and lunging at the Magician.

The shot went off and zoomed by Shadow's ear. Mr. Freeze saw the two lunge and instantly froze them both in midair where they lay.

"Shadow. Is this true," Mr. Freeze asked him.

Wolf held Shadow down while Perigen pulled the arrow out of him and stood him up.

"Yes, it is true. I am no monster. It was all a game. None of it was real. Shae was in on it. Not at first but after I talked to her she got on board. If you want to factcheck me then ask the Artist what happened.

All eyes turned to him.

"What is he talking about?" Mr Freeze asked, confusedly.

"It is all true. When I wasn't coaching you I was using my prior experience as a film director to help Shadow with his movie. He came to me one day with a plan on what he wanted to do. Although skeptical at first the more he talked the more I realized how brilliant of an idea it was. There were no weapons, no crime, no killing and no real bombs except one. The one that blew up the school was real. He added that one in on his own just because he wanted to. For more special effects."

"Then where is everyone?"

After someone was "killed" I sent them to my mansion where they partied and were over elated."

"How did you get all the people?"

"I told you. I'm a film director. You don't think I don't know how to find my own cast. Shadow helped.

"So all of this really was a game!"

"Yes," Wolf said. But the real "family, a band of misfits just like us have been piecing together the puzzle of what really went down there all those years ago and they think they have it. They are on their way here as we speak so we need to go." Wolf said, motioning to Shadow.

Shadow walked over to the frozen bodies, tapped the ice and they both melted, the people falling to the floor in an array.

"No hard feelings?" Shadow asked, picking up Shae by the hand.

"No hard feelings," Shae said, picking up the Magician then slipping a knife inside Shadows pocket.

"Okay. Okay. So who is your girlfriend," Daddylonglegs said, jokingly.

"She's not my girlfriend".....Perigen looked at him as in a thank you.

"She's just a very close friend of mine. We both were raised on the outskirts by Hawk; the skull leader. Perigen here is the writer. Artist put the game into a movie and then Perigen put the movie into a book. Thanks to the Magician for destroying the last "movie" copy of the game we have one copy left. Perigens. Now Hawk and his men. Boys he brings in from the street spend their life eradicating all existence of Christianity and those books and movies. They have done a pretty good job at it but that ends today! Hawk may not know who Perigen really is but I do. She is........I AM RUMOUR!" Rumour said, stealing Wolf's spotlight and yelling for all the world to know.

"How'd you know that I was Rumour?" Rumour whispered to Wolf.

"I always knew from the moment I met you to even before when I first saw you. You almost fooled me," Wolf said, grinning.

"Wait, I didn't film the game. Someone else did and I didn't tell her to get a written copy as well but I'm glad that she did. We need to retrieve the book then go find the person in orange. No one knows her real name but I think I know where she might be. If it is a fight Hawk wants it is a fight he will get. Shadow! Take Perigen to wherever she needs to go to retrieve the book and hury. We don't have much time. The rest of you arm yourselves!

THE ARMOR OF GOD

Bibles were nicely aligned in a row from one end of the counter to the other.

"Loose change, will you do the honors?" Artist asked

Loose Change nodded his head.

"Wait. How are Bibles going to help us defeat an army? Just asking. We can't necesarrliy say a prayer right as we're about to die then God comes in and saves the day there on the spot," Mr. Input said.

"Why not? Why shouldn't He?" The Thief asked.

"Uhh...I..." Mr. Input closed his mouth.

"Good Idea," Artist said.

I hope I have enough Bibles," Loose Change said to himself but loud enough for others to hear as he surveyed the counter.

"We're missing one for Rumour. The Lord will supply. Patéra, parakaló akoúste tis anánkes tis kóris sas kai tis dóste ó, ti chreiázetai," Loose Change prayed. Instantly a Bible appeared on the corner of the counter. That was never there before. Everyone was focused on Loose Changes lips then once he was done they turned and it was there.

"Kind of cool," Wolf whispered to Perigen.

""Yeah!" Is all she could say for she never saw anything like it and had never believed in any religion. Still hadn't.

"Now that I know that we have enough we can proceed. There is nothing better you can fight an army with then with the Armor of God. Python, try this on," Loose Change said, handing him a Bible.

The moment Python touched the Bible to his heart he was quick as a flash covered in a knightly suit of armor.

"As you can see with the Spirit we are prepared for everything. We got Zóni alítheias, the Belt of truth," he said pointing to the belt. "We got the Pláka tis Dikaiosýnis, Breastplate of righteousness. This is super strong. Can't go anywhere without good shoes. We got shoes equipped with the readiness of the Gospel of Peace. Evangélio tis eirínis. Keep God in your sights all time and you'll be able to run forever. You got the Helmet of Salvation. Krános tis sotirías. Extra sturdy."

He walked away and stepped behind Shadow to grab a few things. He opened a drawer that looked to be like it was part of the wall then he grabbed out two Bibles. He walked back to Loose Change and handed him a Bible. Loose Change touched it and a massive shield rounded and formed in front of him guarding his whole body.

"We have the shield of faith; aspída tis Pístis, and the Sword of the Spirit; Xífos tou pnévmatos, " he said, handing Loose Change the last Bible in his free hand.

Loose Change touched it and a super sharp edged sword extended from his hand. It wasn't heavy but boy was it sharp and long

"Don't see that everyday," Wolf said.

"Question. Again how does this help us all? I mean why do we even need this because we all have powers of our own?" Mr. Input asked.

"Double U! Shadow!" Loose Change said, as he stepped aside and let them walk forward.

"Can you all please stand by your Bibles."

No one said anything. They just did it.

"Put them on," he said, standing in front of his own Bible.

Everyone put their Bibles on and knights stood before Shadow.

"Close your eyes and count to three. ONE.....TWO.....THREE....." Two seconds later. "Open them," he said as everyone opened there eyes and clones stood opposite all of them.

"You may release now," Double U said, and everybody took their armor off.

Double U had one last thing to do. He went to Pythons' clone, touched the shield and sword then moved his hand in a wave motion down the board until all the clones had a shield and sword.

"Shadow," he said, stepping aside.

"I baptize you all in the fire of the Spirit. Arise and ascend," he said making fire come out of his hands and dozing all the suits.

Nothing happened.

"What? What did I do wrong?" He asked Loose Change.

"You didn't say it right. You have to speak the language."

"The language of Jesus. Jesus primarily spoke Aramaic.

"Yes, but I don't know that."

"It's a little like Hebrew but a tiny bit harder. So what language do you want me to speak in?"

"Greek. That's what I did.

"But... okay. Jesus was born speaking Aramaic then learned Greek and finally Hebrew although all of those are widely disputed as to if he really did speak those languages." He turned to the suits. "Egó sas vaptízo sti fotiá tou Pnévmatos. Sikóste kai anévete!" The moment he said this everyone could see life in the suits and bones and tissue start to form. It didn't take long and all the suits were alive. They were moving and they were active. The only problem was that since they were of the spirit they all spoke Aramaic which no one knew or could understand."

"THEY'RE COMING. THEY'RE COMING," were the words repeated that everybody could somewhat make out, coming from outside.

"What did he say?" Mr. Input said.

"RUUUUUUN. BROTHER!"

"We left Silver outside," Perigen and Wolf said to each other at the same time as the rest looked at them confused.

"Shadow, weren't you told to get Perigen out of here? Go. Get her out now. It is her who he is after. The rest of you. This is where we make history.

NAMES

The Thief turned the lights off and "Who's there?" Silver said, looking at a row of cars and hearing a scratching rumbling sound resounding on the ground.

"Show yourself."

Silver stood there with his mouth open and head raised to where it would crack as he looked up and saw the Behemoth rise up out of the ashes.

"He's new. Never seen a magical beast before. He's never seen anything other than a human or an animal now that I think about it," Wolf said.

The ground started to shake above them and small patches of sand seeped through the ground onto them.

"Please tell me those are your dogs," Art nervously said.

"I already sent out my dogs with Shadow. Those aren't mine. They're Hawks and yes it is true. When Hawk says he will feed you to his dogs he is not lying. That is their breakfast, lunch, dinner, appetizer, and midnight snack. Hawk and his dogs have changed a lot since Perigen was with them.

"Way to spread fear. Thanks alot, Wolf," Mr. Input said.

"Heh, I'm not scared. I'm just relaying facts and...........Silver," he suddenly said, making his way as fast as he could towards the stairs.

Noooo! Don't do it. He's safe out there. The Behemoth is with him," Tank said, using all of his might to hold onto Wolf and keep him back.

"Behemoth? You have to get him out of there.

"It's too late. It's safer in here," Tank said, hearing the dogs reach their spot and the shake of the ground above them indicating the Behemoth and the three dogs were fighting.

Biting, scratching, clawing, and howling was heard and everyone had to only imagine what was happening above them.

"You sure your dogs went with Shadow! Plus, the Behemoth can take care of himself. Why should we get him out of there?" Daddy Longlegs asked.

"Our Alphabet is not just random letters and vowels strung together to make our speech. A stands for Adam, the first man created by God on this earth and Z stands for the last man God created that will be on this earth. If you look at history and the Bible you will see a pattern. All big significant people died in a significant order; a to z. You can't kill someone whose name starts with a b before you kill someone who's name starts with an a."

"That sounds like hogwash. No where in the Bible does it say that and even if it did we have Artist standing right here in the room with us. See! Right beside me! A for Arrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrrr...tiiiiiiiii.st! Don't know what you heard but you can't believe everything you hear kid," The Magician said.

"Easy for you to say Zach," Wolf said, pointing at Zach.

"Hold it! Hold it! Hold! What are we doing here guys," Double U said, standing between the Magicians arrow and Wolf's claws as he spoke.

"Your information could be right and it could not be right but there is more important information that is one hundred percent truth. 'Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go."

Wolf backed up and so did Zach.

Truth or not I put those words in Hawks mind and he believed me so your welcome. If we all say our names loudly one after another then he and the rest of his boys will think he has to kill us in order."

"You know, kid. You're not half as bad as I thought you were. I don't want to know how you put that in his head but that could work," Artist said.

"It was easy. He'll believe anything you tell him. All you have to say is random words; say it's from the Bible or this is from the Bible and he'll believe it just like that without factchecking others. Like Candy and a Baby my brothers. Candy and a baby!

Their discussion was cut short when all of a sudden a thud was heard on the hood of their car signifying something huge hall fell.

"Everybody, stand back," Python said loudly, as the whole crew saw sand pouring down from the ceiling faster and faster.

The Behemoth fell to the floor at their feet....unmoving. Scrapes, scratches, and cuts littered his body. Gashes were seen everywhere and blood poured out.

A faint cry for Wolf was heard but coming from where.

"Wolf!"

The Behemoth didn't sound like that plus he's dead.

"Wolf!

"Where's that coming from?"

"Please."

The room stilled and everybody looked around to try to find the source of the voice then they turned back to the Behemoth and knew. Silver!

"Help! he almost whisperdly cried out.

"You three on that side. The rest of you over here and pick up the slack where you can."

"We're coming lil bro. Don't move."

"So this is what it feels like when you have Perigen pushing against your chest."

Everybody stopped and looked at Wolf in shock and their minds started playing tricks on them and inserting disturbing images.

"He's fine. He didn't mean it. He's probably daydreaming most likely. He's.... woohoo."

"Probably! I hope he didn't mean it whatever it meant. Loose Change said.

"Just help me pick this beast up. One.....two.......three."

The Behemoth rolled over on his side and the people on that side barely got out with all their limbs attached.

"I got you," Artist said, pulling the kid out by the arms.

"What happened out there?" Art said, dusting him off, and the rest crowded around.

RISE

Silver opened the hood of the car and the first thing he saw was the head of a dog and bloody eyes staring back at him. It shocked him a little bit but he regained his composure.

"What do you see?" The thief asked, from where he was at the bottom of the stairs.

"Clear. It's all clear. Those were just Hawks dogs. You all can come out now."

When everybody did come out it was not pretty what they saw. Cars were toppled over in any way imaginable even in ways unimaginable. Debry layered the ground and sand was upturned everywhere. They were not the first things the Christians faced.

A strong pungent odor consisting of dying flesh filled all their nostrils. The smell of the three dogs lingered in the air unable to escape elsewhere.

"I'm beginning to dislike this Hawk fellow you call your brother. Sorry, you had to live with him," Art said.

"Sir, if I may. He may not be the prettiest person in the world. He may not even be the most peaceful person in the world but either way, he is my brother. He is the one that found me and took me off the streets. He gave me a place to stay so if it comes down to me vs. him and I have to take him out I don't think I will be able too. Sorry, sir."

"No need to be sorry. It's okay. If I had it my way I wouldn't use any violence either but resolve in hugs. Like a good ol game of basketball."

"Basketball!" The Thief said out loud while the rest looked at him confused.

"Basketball! We'll beat them with basketball. We have more than enough to form two teams including our suits. Huddle. Here's what we're going to do."

"Everyone formed a basketball huddle and The Thief began.

"We're no longer on Hawks playing field anymore. We are on ours and we have a home-court advantage. Here's what we're going to do. I'm going to turn into a massive panther and lead you all out. After I'm done roaring to get Hawks attention you all one by one say your names loudly as if announcing them then we'll tip-off. We'll run Up a Creek then box. You swerve off right; while you go left. We'll run Loose Change in the middle. Then once Perigen gets here we'll run.............WOLF." Everyone stopped as his name was heard out loud but they didn't know from whom or where.

"I know you can hear me. I know you're out there. Come home to me brother. Come home to your true family," Hawk yelled then signaled his men to stop on a big hill that was a ways away. The trees filled their sight from the Christians and visa-versa.

Wolf nodded his head at his other fellow Christians then he turned to face the forest and empty darkness.

"Back to you! Back to what? There is nothing to go back to. I'm home. I found my true family.

"Family! You call those little things family. Does your 'family' know who you really are?"

Hawks men took cover, doused their arrows in fire and waited at the ready, arrows pointed towards the junkyard.

"Keep him talking. I can locate him from there," Magician said, squatting on top of a car."

"Wait," he and Hawk both said to their bowman.

"I am no longer of darkness but of light. DaddyLonglegs, Mr. Freeze, Artist, Double U, The Thief, Tank, Loosechange, Mr. Input, Sir Naps a lot, Major, Python, The Magician, and Freight Train are my family. Them I know. You, I don't know.

"You see. He's a liar. He was born that way and will stay that way. No one ever truly changes. When I took you in you weren't just another abandoned child. Without me, you would not be you. You would not be here. You would not even be alive."

"Wolf, what is he talking about?" Artist asked, walking up to Wolf.

"Ooh! He hasn't told you. Typical. Your boy is not who he says he is. Yes, I'm cruel. Yes, I can be mean. Yes, I can be heartless. Yes, I can be hard and on and on and on but one thing I'm not is a fraud. I'll tell you who I am and not hide behind it. I won't say one thing then do the other like yo boi Wolfy over here. He not only wears two masks but hides in plain daylight. He even warns you of how bad he can be if he is in darkness but no one listens so when he does what he says he will do everyone is in shock like they had no idea. I have to give it to him though. With his easy talking, soothsaying, nice listening, and fun personality I know it would be hard to not fall under his spell but look at what happened when someone truly did. Goes to show you that not all shy guys are nice when their true colors are revealed. He may speak in metaphors but what he plainly talks no one heeds his advice even if it is a warning about himself. This is your true family. I am your true family. You found your true calling. The reason why I brought you in was that your family kicked you out after what you've done. How evil you were. When you turn there is no going back. Just go all in. You're halfway there anyway. When you say people are slow, stupid, and little I wholeheartedly agree. Join me and we'll not only rise above the rest but we'll be a god to them. If they don't bow down then we'll make them kneel lower than the earth. Isn't that what you were made for? What you always wanted? To destroy and replenish the world and if people disobey your rules then they'll wish they hadn't.

"That is where you're wrong. I've changed. The old is gone and the new has come. I'm reborn. There is only one God and He can never die unlike you who I'll love killing over and over again," Wolf said, then motioned to the Magician who put three shots in his bow and let 'em rip.

The first two bounced off of trees and Hawks men hid frightfully behind trees, shrubs and anything that could give them shelter. Hawk finally came into view of the Christians and smiled as everyone saw the arrow zoom towards Hawk then he dispatched his particles like Shadow would do causing the arrow to get stuck deep into the tree behind him, then he reformed.

"You guys were never in the game," Hawk said, as a cloud of dust left his body and formed into a man. Christians couldn't believe their eyes. It was Shadow.

"I told you. Once you turn you never truly ever change again." Hawk snapped his fingers and a girl was thrown on the ground. She slowly crawled to Hawk as the other men kept kicking her to move faster.

"So this is what all the fuss is about," Hawk said, holding up the book and grabbing Perigens hair by the ponytail and pulling harder and harder as the Christians heard her screams echoing in their ears.

"If you touch her I'll........You'll what? Fight me," Hawk yelled, cutting him off.

"Love. One simple four-letter word that defines all. People will go leaps and bounds to find it and through the impossible to keep it. The only thing that is closer than a family or a brother is love. Now, with love, you can't turn your back but you do turn your back on family and friends for it. Strange. I wonder who thought up the word love? Skull!" Hawk said, and he came forwards.

"Sister, I love meeting up with you again and sorry that we had to cut our date a little short but.....yea. We have to cut our date a little short." He threw Perigens's bloody body and head back into Skull's open arms which caught her and took off.

The Christians saw him coming and The Magician was going to fire at him but Wolf lowered his bow. There was no use. Shadow was probably hidden in Skull now.

Skull walked up to Wolf, looked him in the eyes then dumped her body at his feet.

"I believe this filthy little thing is yours," he said, giving Perigen a hard kick then simply walked away.

Wolf and the rest didn't move. They couldn't. They stood there and watched Skull walk away until he rejoined Hawk at the top of the hill."

NO MERCY

"You can come out now," Wolf said and turned to face the Christians.

"Good. I can't stand that guy. Sorry about Perigen," Silver said, coming out from behind Daddy longlegs.

"What do we do now?"

Wolf didn't say a word. He just knelt down and dried the blood off of Perigen with his own hands while the rest gathered around. Her eyes were sealed shut and as black as night.

"Check her pulse," Artist said.

Wolf undid Perigen's shirt a little and then placed his head on her heart. The anticipation intensified as silence engukfed all.

A smile came on Wolf's face and he knew.

"There's a heartbeat. Faint but there. She's alive," He said excitedly and swooped Perigen up in his arms.

In return he got a gooey throwup of blood splattered all over him. He didn't care.

"You're squishing me too tight," Perigen said, then smiled as Wolf let her go and the rest cheered.

"Again, what do we do now?" Silver asked.

Wolf stood up with Perigen, they each looked at each other and spoke almost in sync.

"We show him no mercy........His reign on this earth ends today......... Long has he taken in abandoned kids on the street and used them as his personal fighters......... His harsh ways and style will long be over. He doesn't kidnap children. He preys on the weak ones.........the ones that aren't confident in themselves........He kills their parents then takes them in as his own 'family'.....He's not just. He's just another snotbugger that we'll wipe from our noses as easy as we do with any other booger ............There's no mercy for a demon. He's an animal so we'll treat him as one. Who's with me?!"

"Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

The word resignated throughout the crowd.

"I said, whos' with me?!!!"

"Yeaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaaa!"

"Who are we?"

"Panthers!!"

"What do we want?"

"Blood!"

"When do we want it?"

"Now!"

"Time to pay the piper all that he is due. Swords in."

"All swords and hands joined in in forming an invisible circle in the air.

"Goooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo team!"

"Let's murderlize them. CHARGE!!!!!"

They were as one. Like a stampeed of Elephants being chased by a Lion. The ground shook and quaked. Roars rose out of the abyss and swords clanged. Their steps were mightier than the roar of an earthquake and louder than the mightiest storm.

Hawk grabbed Wolf's gaze and Wolf grabbed his. From far away their eyes still met and furowed.

"D'iAB,aA!!!!!!!!"

LooseChange smiled and thought, "Shadow may not know Aramaic but Wolf sure does.

"SOKO!!!" Hawks beaming voices yelled and you guessed it. Hawks and Wolves alike streamed in dozens from both sides to join forces with their tribe.

"Hello old man," a voice whispered in Artists head.

Artist knew who it was. He turned and saw the Person in Orange riding on one of Wolfs many wolves.

"Wolf. BOX AND ONE. BOX AND ONE," He yelled as the rest formed into postion creating a box with Perigen and the Person in Orange in the middle.

Everyone grabbed a wolf and charged.

"Light em up." Hawk said, smiling big.

Archers aimed their fire arrows at the sky and shot. The battle had begun.

WAR

Arrows zizzed and zipped through the air like angry birds.

"Shields up," Artist yelled.

He lept from his wolf and blocked an oncoming arrow that was aimed at the girls. What he didn't see was the second arrow that roared through the sky and crashed through Perigen's heart making her fall off her wolf to the open ground beneath.

The whole brigade stopped their wolves and turned in horror.

"Perigen, nooooooooooo," Artist said, putting his hand over Perigens heart.

"I'll save you." He was barely able to speak before an arrow stuck into his body and came out the other side almost piercing Perigen as well.

Artists' last words "It was an honor coaching you all," resonated in everybody's hearts as he breathed his last and fell backward.

"Nooo. Please don't go. Please don't leave," Wolf said, crying as he cradled Artist's head.

It was still warm but getting colder by the minute fast.

Wolf layed Artist's head on a soft pillow of dirt and closed his eyes. Then he went to attend Perigen.

"I'm going to pull this arrow out very slowly. Just remain calm and........." He beckoned for Mr. Freeze. "Try not to move too much."

"Ready!"

"Ready!"

"Ready!"

Wolf ever so slightly pulled the arrow out while Mr. Freeze directed ice and spray on the infected area.

"Wolf may have won your heart but how can he when I am guarding your heart.

Wolf laughed a little on the inside but kept it together on the out.

"That's the worst joke ever."

"Perigen liked it," he said as he looked down to see Perigen smiling and she stopped wiggling around.

Wolf pulled the arrow and he was surprised as everyone else that it turned to dust immediately.

The same name was thought of by all. "SHADOW"

He was the mastermind. He was the brains behind the brawn and the brawn behind the brains. Everyone wanted a piece of him but none wanted it more than one. Freight Train. She looked at the arrow as it disintegrated, mounted her wolf, and took off with freight speed. The Hawks couldn't catch her and the others when they mounted their wolves struggled to keep up. She shot off like a rocket. She had questions and she needed answers yesterday.

It was no use catching her and Daddylonglegs webs only reached so far. Hawk saw the determination in Freight Train's eyes and took this moment to remember. He charged.

"That's not good!" Wolf thought.

It was like a sea of starlings all coming down as one. It was a storm.

"I'll take the high ground," Magician said, jumping off of his wolf and grabbing onto the legs of a flying hawk then using his momentum to swing off and ride atop another passing hawk.

The Magician had Hawk in his crosshairs. He just had to hope that Shadow wasn't in him which thankfully he was not. He was on his own. Magician fired. For Magician the arrow zoomed through the air but on Hawks end he had time. He heard the sound of the arrow and time slowed as the arrow flew towards him. Hawk reared his step and dodged out of the way as the arrow hit one of his comrades in the heart instead.

"Drats. I forgot. Hawks have increased eyesight than a man. They can see in slow motion. I have to get in for a closer shot.

He steadied his bow, embedded his arrow, did a quick breath, and was ready to shoot when all of a sudden one of the hawks rammed into him, toppling him over and threatening his aim. He fell to the ground but now before he got an arrow off. The arrow dug in deep and pierced but who's heart? Not Hawks. The Hawk had shifted Magician's aim so when he shot he killed one of his own.

On the ground, Daddylonglegs sped up his Wolf and jumped from his wolf but not in time. An arrow stuck through him and instead of falling down on top of an enemy, his limp dead body plumped to the ground. The ground pummeled as The Magician fell to it, then rose. He was between Hawks men and his and he wasn't going to miss this time. Determination was in his eyes.

He took an arrow from his satchel, put it in his bow, and fired.

"Try slowing this down!"

The arrow sizzled and crisped against Hawk's shoulder drawing blood but he stayed on. Wolf sped up and snatched the Magician up.

"You shoot, I steer!"

"Sounds like a plan. Thanks, but my arrows are low," he said tugging the satchel on his back.

"Your faith is failing. The stronger the faith in Father the more you won't have to worry about anything. He'll provide all that you need.

The Magician closed his eyes and breathed in. When he opened them he reached in his satchel and was amazed that his fingertips touched arrow tips. He was back in action.

"Thanks for that," Magician said, disappearing and floating in the air high above everyone else.

"There are too many of them," Hawk said, firing madly and using his slow motion to take down foes he thought were the Christians but only to find out that it was a duplicate.

"Skull. It's time to bring in reinforcements. Remember, everything is yours but the girl is mine. Don't forget."

An evil grin came on Skull's face and he quickly sped away to call in aid.

TURBULENCE

"Catch him."

"Already on it!"

"Hawk, you want a fight?"

"A fight you shall have," Wolf said, as he jumped in the air and the rest of his wolves lept from the ground and drifted in the air towards him.

The others got the memo. Each one of them turned into their Ultimate so when Wolf touched the ground not only his feet shook the earth but the feet of all his brothers and sisters as well.

Loose change disassembled into mist, Tank turned into Rock, Python molted into a giant anaconda and Sir Naps a lot. Well....Sir Naps a lot slept through the whole entire thing.

"Double U. Duplicate us!" Wolf yelled.

"Not this time," Hawk said under his breath.

Before anyone could take another step he slowed time down and jumped through the air. All his hawks latched onto him and he grew bigger and bigger with more hawks. He found Double U and scooped him up taking him for a ride, ripping up the dirt with his body, crashing him through trees then finally flying away high in the sky and using his talons to rip Double U's body in two; then dropped his pieces seamlessly to the earth as time returned to normal.

Blood drained from the sky and pieces of skin cells and fabric along with it. The moment his parts hit the ground all the duplicates vanished away. His read reached the ground last and an eyeball was missing. The Christians looked up and all they saw was what looked to be a wing and an eye hidden behind a group of clouds before it vanished again.

Wolf spread his wings and took to the sky.

Shadow was about to disappear and go into another body before he was stopped by a familiar voice.

"Shadow stop! Please!" Freight Train said, getting off of her wolf and looking at Shadow.

Amidst the fighting and shouting that was happening all around, Shadow stopped and turned around.

"Shae, I'm sorry. I really am. When we talked I meant every word but I was born a creature of dust. I can't leave that. It has a hold on me. I didn't have a choice."

"You may have not had a choice then but you do have one now. You always have a choice."

"I know. I've changed and I am truly sorry. Bring it in. From now on I'll fulfill what I was made for," Shadow said, coming in closer to Shae.

"That's the spirit I want to hear. Wait....what...what did u........"

Before she could say another word Shadow squeezed tighter so she couldn't move, grabbed the knife out of his back pocket, and stabbed it through Shaes' spine as she crippled and clung onto him all the way to the floor."

"Why?" Shae sputtered out, her hands failing to keep hold.

"I'm sorry. I really am, but Hawk has a hold on me now. I really do like you. Just sorry."

And Shadow was truly sorry. He forced back tears that were trying to escape his eyes and watched as Shae slowly died away her fingers clutching onto him the whole way and blood going all over him. He wanted to help but it was too late. Hawk was always watching so even if he wanted to escape now he couldn't. So he just stood there watching his best friend cripple at his feet.

Another win for the dust but Shadow didn't feel it. He bent down and held Shaes' head in his arms until her dying breath. He didn't care if Hawk saw or not. He was loyal to Hawk one hundred percent but this....he couldn't control. He told him he had to kill her and when the time came he had to be strong but killing his best friend. Nothing could prepare him for this. He cried. The tears fell down in puddles onto Shae's limp, cold, desolate body.

He was mad. He looked up at all that was around him. His men were dropping like flies. Blood was spilled left and right. The sky was covered in it. This is not what he wanted. He didn't want this. This was so different from acting with Artist. But he said he wanted to step up and Hawk offered him a job. A "job", not a gig. A "job" Nonetheless he couldn't just stand by and watch Hawks men fall like water. He had to do something.

Dust particles were racing through the sky faster than anyone could see and his men dropped so fast. He knew who it was. Loosechange! He was coming for him. The hunt was on.

"Shadow," Shae sputtered, turning his thoughts back on her.

"Yes, dear sis."

"You really do love me?"

"Yes, I do. From ashes to ashes, from dust to dust. You'll rise again in this I'll trust. You're in our hearts, till the end. We will meet again, depart my friend. You may be gone, but I know you're near. In my heart, I hold you dear. My only hope, in peace you'll rest. I still miss you, I bet you guessed. I'll see you soon, it's a must. Ashes to ashes and dust to dust.

Shaes face lit up, she smiled and breathed her last. Her last thoughts were of thanks that Shadow was still the same Shadow she knew and loved.

Shadow disassembled and disappeared. The hunt was on.

AFTERLIFE

Hawk and Wolf flew high above the skies, their wings fully extended, pounding on the air as if it were the enemy itself. Teeth slashed and claws bit. Blood and feathers alike fell from the heavens to the deathly battle below.

People moved around as if an invisible force was controlling them to move involuntarily. Silver was about to hoe his sword down onto Skull's head when his sword was grabbed from his hand and floated in the air.

Loose Change searched high, low, and all around for a dropped anything on the ground that he could use as a weapon and made the painful mistake of turning back into a human. He saw it too late. A fire arrow ran across the wind and pirced hsi heart as he was turning around. Shadow ignited in flame and flew through LosseChange, cutting him in half then reassembling on the other side. Mr. Freeze stood by in shock and watched the whole thing.

He saw Shadow get up and let him have it. He shot ice ball after ice ball after ice ball at Shadow until he trapped him in an ice shell then made a ice wall to seperate the two. Seconds ticked then the ice ball and wall shot back forcefely at Mr. Freeze knocking him straight on his bum.

Shadow, inflamed in fire, walked with confidence over to Mr. Freeze, crushing ice under his feet with every step. Mr. Freeze tried getting up but he was stuck. All he could do was spray ice which he did now but it did nothing to deter Shadow. He kept coming and Mr. Freeze's face was melting a little more and more. Shadow jumped, burning the ground underneath him and scaring Major who got a little too close to the flame before he reached Mr. Freeze and stuck his hand into Freeze's chest. His hand burned and Mr. Freeze melted faster and faster.

"Stay off of him," a voice said, taking his sword and attempting to strike Shadow on the back.

Shadow seperated and Mr. Input stroke Mr. Freeze, delivering the final blow. Freeze melted in front of his eyes and Input went down with him. A big section of his back was burned out and you could see his insides.

Shadow felt a strong bite on his leg and stumbled a little. He looked down and he couldn't believe it. A tiny gardner snake was holding on as tight as he could to Shadows leg, drawing blood. Shadow shook it off then stomped as hard as he could on the snakes head, killing it and decapitating the head.

He was walking away when he realized fully what he just did. He turned and saw the head crawling its way towards him. He froze. Python latched tighter onto Shadow's legs and was happy to see a nice stream of blood this time pouring out. Shadow looked down and burned the head with his eyes.

He stood and made sure the head fully disintegrated before stepping over it to the tail. He was on his way when he stopped again. The tail was molting and a snake came out bigger than the other.

Python rose and stood. Shadow got nervous and backed up. Python showed his teeth and hissed. Shadow backed up once more and Python advanced. Sweat trickled down Shadow's face, but he had too. He let Python have it. He shot fireball after fireball at Python, relieved to see his bottle shrivel up and head fall off. The tail again molted and another snake came out this time different than the rest and more venomous. Shadow kept firing madly left and right until twenty heads and tails were slowly slithering towards him. Shadow was freaked. He had killed people in the most gruesome ways imaginable but they were human. Never had they ever come back to life. He was scared and took off and ran, with the heads in hot pursuit. Shadow decided to not go invisible because he had no idea if a snake could fly as well. He had no idea what they could do at all but he had to think of something. He got it. That split second is all it took. Shadow looked back at the snakes, forgetting his footing making him trip on a log. His foot was stuck and the last thing he saw was the beety deathly eyes of the snakes as they climbed all over him and sucked their long tongues into his juicy delicate body, whole. Python crushed him and sucked him down like candy. His body reformed but it was too much. The last thing Shadow did was inflame and roast Pyhton from the inside out, killing them both.

RESSURRECTION

Sir Naps a lot woke from his long nap, rejuvenated, and ready for battle. He yawned and in so doing a wind flew over the battle and put the whole enemy to sleep. The Christians used this and went on a killing spree. Tank went to town singlehandedly killing the most. He pillaged and plundered, dropping Skull, a few of Hawks men and Silver accidentally to the ground where they ruled under his feet. He felt a knife go into his back and turned around and without thinking pulled it out and stabbed Silver in the eye and heart before realizing what he had just done. Sir Naps a Lot opened his eyes but it was for the last time for he looked up to see an island breaking through the sky and crashing down on him sending him falling to middle earth. Tank struggled to live on but the cut in his spine was too deep. He sluggishly stumbled to where Python lay to rest and searched. He saw something but he didn't know what. He felt around and yes. He had it. The book. He picked it up and threw it as far as he could, watching Perigen catch it, then he died.

Wolf stomped on the ground then he, Perigen, The Person in Orange, and The Thief made their way cautiously to the giant whole.

"Thief, no," Wolf yelled, sticking out his hand but it was too late.

Thief stood at the hole, peering inside to the abyss that lay below. He saw nothing. He turned around and that is when it happened. A hand came up, grabbed him, and pulled him into the darkness within. His screamings and cries were heard all the way down until it suddenly stopped. It all happened so fast that Wolf and the girls didn't have time to move a muscle.

They now stood at the ready Wolf and Perigen holding hand in hand.

"You need to get out of here," Perigen told Orange."

"Why?"

"This is not your fight," Wolf chimed."

"And why hell not?"

"Please," Wolf pleaded. " We need someone to tell of what happened here today. Tell it to the world. Can you do that for us? Please?"

"Fine. Just don't go dying on me before I can get away."

"No promises."

A massive hand came out of the pits and dug into the earth.

"Go!" Wolf and Perigen both said as they handed the book off to her. Orange didn't have to be told twice. She took off and ran.

"Whatever happens I just want you to know that I love you. I always have and I will never stop."

Hawk rose. Wolf and Perigen looked like miniature ants standing in a field of trees.

"Remember. He can see in slow motion. I can take a hit if you can land one." Wolf told Perigen.

"I would do the same for you."

The Battle began.

Perigen and Wolf charged. Hawk punched and barely knicked Wolf's nose as he slid feet apart underneath it and Perigen lept through the air, landing a roundhouse kick to Hawks temple. Perigen misjudged where the hole was and almost fell in. She held onto the opposite side of the ground and struggled to pull up and escape the singes of fire that were spraying up at her from the fire geyser underneath.

"Hold on," Wolf shouted, although Hawk had him firmly in his clutches.

Wolf wasn't going down without a fight. He kicked and scratched pitifully at Hawk but no matter how hard Hawk squeezed his talons Wolf wasn't breaking. Hawk squeezed and Wolf started growling. He howled as loud as he could as Hawk was oblivious to his cries. The ground shook and Hawk didn't have time to stop it. A humongous Wolf jumped through the air and tackled Hawk, toppling them both over rolling and releasing Wolf.

The Wolf transformed into The Magician and he came to a stop, using his hands as hooks. Hawk shook his head and stood back up. The Magician dug his heels into the ground and jumped off. He turned back into a Wolf and powed Hawk right in the chest then crushed Hawk, extended his wings, and took to the sky.

"Hang on Pergie," Wolf said, sliding to the aid of Perigen.

"Who is that? I thought we were the only ones?"

"That..............is our knight in shining armor. Now hang on."

Perigen extended her hand and Wolf took it firmly in his.

"One...Two...Three."

He pulled and the geyser erupted with Perigen barely rolling out of the way.

"Thank you," Perigen said, hugging Wolf tightly.

"Don't thank me yet. The Magician might not be able to die but he can't fend Hawk off forever. Come on."

Wolf and Perigen raced to help Hawk and flew through the sky as their ultimates to the Magician's aid.

Hawk needed help and he had it. Hawks rushed to his aid but the Christians were ready. Blood sweat and tears capsized the next few moments I tell you. There was clawing. There was screeching. There was biting and yes there was a lot of blood. From both sides. The Magician got pretty scratched up and Wolf was chewed through. Literally. Two hawks held him down while another one took a huge chunk out of his hide. Wolf roared and screamed painfully as Perigen came to his aid and fended the hawks off. Things weren't looking good for either party, especially The Magician. He was taking blow after blow after blow and wasn't giving much back. He was done. You could see the sweat and fatigue in his face. With every ounce of life left in him he fought to the very last. He left everything on the table. It was both sad and heart-filling to watch as he struggled.

He wrenched and squirmed under Hawks mighty talons. He squished like butter, but that was not his form. He melted and disappeared then reappeared high in the air, coming down hard with a blow on Hawks head. Perigen, Wolf, and The Magician got their fair share of punches and kicks in but at the end of the day they were still outnumbered by an overscore. The battle was heating up and I'm not just talking about fire. Wolf burned, literally. Hawk came at Perigen and he stepped in front only to be masked by Hawks talons and grip. Hawk squeezed and life left him. He had found the sweet spot. He pulled Wolf's left leg off and he succumbed, helpless to all. He flapped around madly and tried to pull free but Hawk just squeezed and was happy when he heard a pop and Wolf's head came off. He dropped his body and it fell along with the rest of him..........In pieces.

Perigen barrel-rolled into Hawk, knocking him spinning but he quickly recovered and charged. She just stood there. He came at her and at the last second she dodged and hidden from view The Magician struck a blow. He landed and connected hard to Hawk's head but Perigen couldn't get out of the way fast enough.

Hawk fell on her and they fell to the soil below. A struggle of clawing insured between the two until they both became unrecognizable.

"Stop. Please!" The Magician said, landing on the ground and coming slowly towards Hawk.

"You take another step she's dead," he said, holding Perigen tightly and holding his sharp claw at her neck.

"How do you know she is not already? I know of all your friendly kills. Come on. How hard is it to miss? I'll even give you a big target."

Magician fidgeted with his bow and struggled as he lowered it then raised it then lowered it again and pulled the string back. He couldn't do it. He didn't want to hit Perigen.

"You don't have it in you. You're weak. See, I kill for a living. That's my superpower. I'm good at it. Let me demonstrate."

Perigen squirmed but Hawk held her. He leaned in, licked her face then delved his claw in deeper until a drop of blood poured out of her neck.

Magician went at the ready, pulled his arrow back, and aimed his bow. Perigen winked and he knew.

"I'm not going to miss you."

Perigen took hold of Hawk's hand and stomped as hard as she could on his foot and Magician shot. She sideswiped and the arrow went cleanly through Hawks heart. He fell back and darkness welcomed him back. Magician released his hold on his bow and stared.

A small trickle of blood started emptying out of Perigens' neck and she collapsed. He raced to her and picked her up.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I don't know what came over me today."

She sputtered and coughed up blood but kept her gaze.

Between blood she spoke. "It's okay. I'm so glad I got..........to meet.........you." She died in his arms then and there and the Magician closed her eyes.

He went in to kiss her forehead but he too collapsed. His eyes gave out and he fell on her chest......dead. Smoke left him and disappeared. A pair of eyes looked on from the covers of the bushes and when they saw what happened, they took out their notebook, wrote it down, then closed the brush back to normal.

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