“She’s so small,” Ice sighed, looking down at the sleeping girl Maverick had rescued. Her arms, legs, and feet had been treated and bandaged accordingly. The two had set up a new nest for her. Being winged humans, normal beds weren’t very comfortable. Instead, beds looked more like nests with a large circular wooden structure filled with pillows, blankets, and any soft material. It looked like a bird's nest combined with a bed. And it was extremely comfortable. It came in all sizes. Mav and Ice had one that filled up a good sized room specifically saved for flock cuddles.

“I saved her from smugglers,” Maverick said, laying back onto the nest. “They got what they deserved. No, I didn’t kill anyone, Ice.” A smirk tugged at his lips. “I just called the base police and gave an anonymous tip about possible smugglers.”

Ice rolled his eyes. “Sounds about right. Are you ready for the new recruits tomorrow morning?” The two had become teachers at Top Gun and the newest batch of elite pilots started their training the next day. He glanced at Miranda and softly smiled. She looked so peaceful.

“You mean ready to give egotistical pilots a much needed ego check? Hell yeah, I’m ready!” Maverick laughed, wincing as Ice slapped him upside the head with his wing. Sheepish, Maverick nodded and silently promised to stay quiet around the sleeping children. Ice’s twin children, Adam and Derek were peacefully sleeping in another nest in the large room. Bradley, like usual, was in Maverick’s nest.

“You are a menace,” Ice scolded, laughing softly. “What are we going to do with her?” He tilted his head toward Miranda.

“Obviously we are keeping her!” Maverick snapped, feathers bristling. “She’s a child who came a long way looking for us, apparently. And…she feels familiar. I can't put my finger on it, but she reminds me of Charlie.” Ice tensed. Ever since Charlie left Maverick alone, he had a hatred for her. She abandoned the flock–abandoned Maverick. That was unacceptable. “It’s probably just me missing her, but I don’t know.”

“You’re tired,” Ice sighed, watching Maverick’s wings droop. “Get some sleep. We can talk about this tomorrow morning. Sarah’s waiting for me and Bradley is waiting for you,” Ice smiled at the fledgling who was faking sleep. “G’night, Mav.” Ice yawned and stood up stretching his limbs and wings.

“Night,” Mav yawned, crawling over to his nest and passing out when he hit the pillows, instinctively curling his wings around Bradley.

—

Morning came way too early for Miranda. She jolted awake after she heard loud clattering. Her head whipped around looking for any danger. To her surprise, she found herself in a comfortable nest and in a safe room. Her eyes locked onto wide icy blue eyes that belonged to a small blond boy with blue and white wings. He tentatively waved at her and rubbed his eyes. A second, identical boy but with blue and green wings perked up and smiled at her.

“He–hello!” the first one chirped. “I’m Derek and this is Adam. You must be the girl Uncle Mav brought back last night. Are you okay?” He tilted his head in birdlike fashion, eyes wide with concern and awe.

“Umm, I don’t know?” Miranda’s voice broke as she hugged her knees. After everything, would she be okay? “I’m Miranda,” she said softly. “Am I really at the Sanctuary? I made it?” She looked around. All her mother said was that an Iceman (who named their kid that?) and Maverick (his parents must have hated him to name him that) ran the safe space.

“Yeah, you made it!” Derek nodded enthusiastically. “The first outsider to make it. You must be special. So, what’s your gift? Mine is summoning cryptids and mythological creatures! See!” He opened his palms and a soft glow appeared and faded to reveal a flying lemur that resembled Momo for Avatar: The Last Airbender.

“Derek, she just woke up,” Adam reminded him. “Give her some space. ACK!” He yelped as Miranda appeared next to him and then back at her nest. “What the hell?”

“That’s my gift. I can teleport,” Miranda shyly smiled. “Mother said it was more than that, but she never got to tell me what else I could do.” She crossed her legs into a criss-cross position. “So, I’m safe?”

“Yep! Once Dad goes to the base and registers you as a part of the flock, you’ll be safer than mercury in a thermometer!” Derek confirmed. “How old are you? Bradley is about 14. I’m seven and so is Adam!”

Miranda looked over at the sleeping teenager. “I’m eight,” she smiled, opening up. "What about you, Adam? What's your gift?"

Adam looked a little scared. "My gift is being able to control any liquid. Yes, that includes blood and poisons. I'm still learning. All of us are."

"Are you expecting more like me to come here?" Miranda asked with wide eyes. "Do you think they'll make it?"

"I'm sure they will," Bradley yawned, waking up. "Morning. I'm Bradley Bradshaw. Mav's my adoptive dad. Ma is Carole. She's probably downstairs with Aunt Sarah and Uncle Ice."

"Wow, that's a lot of people," Miranda gasped. "How many do you think will live here? How many can live here?"

"They did a few modifications so maybe close to at least twenty kids and six more adults?" Bradley counted on his fingers. His red and brown wings stretched and folded behind his back.

"Woah," Miranda's eyes widened even more. "Cool."

"Where are you from?" Derek cut off Bradley.

"Washington DC. Mother lived there before…" she trailed off, looking down. "She told me to come here. So I did. Took a while."

"Damn, you didn't get caught? That's incredible!" Bradley exclaimed.

The door downstairs shut signaling that Ice and Maverick had left the house. Sarah and Carole were heard laughing with each other. Miranda found herself at a large table with a full hot breakfast in front of her. Mouth drooling, she dug in and ate as fast as she could.

Sarah and Carole shared a sad look that Bradley caught. He looked over at Miranda and took in her small frame. She was much too small for an eight year old. Sometimes he forgot how hard it was for gifted people. He never had to grow up with those fears of being caught.

Before breakfast finished, the phone rang. Sarah got up and answered it, putting it on speaker as Carole ushered the kids out of the room.

"Hello?" Sarah asked.

"Is this the Sanctuary?" A southern voice hurriedly and quietly asked.

"Why?" Sarah's tone hardened.

"Please, I need to help my baby brother. He's one of you. He isn't safe here!" The voice begged.

Carole took the phone. "It's okay, sweetie. Calm down. Is anyone around?" The voice quickly answered with no. "Then follow my instructions. Get to San Diego and to the beach closest to Miramar. Someone will be there to help you. What's your name, honey?"

"Seresin. Austin Seresin. My brother, Jake, he's the one that's gifted."

"Well, Austin, get here as fast as you can and stay as safe as possible. Traveling as a group is better than alone," Carole reminded. "If you find any more gifted on the way here, stay together. Rule One is to always stay together." Carole's warning sunk in.

"Yes, Ma'am. I will be there with Jake as soon as possible. Thank you. Thank you so much. Good bye." The phone clicked and the call was over. Carole prayed that another kid wouldn't be taken and would get there safely.

"I'll call Tom," Sarah said, already calling her husband.

Hey guys!

I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! Comments and votes are appreciated. I love hearing from you!

Adam, Derek, Miranda, and Austin are all my OCs. I don't own Top Gun, only my plot and extra details.

Have a wonderful day!

~Kat