Banner by: RiaAndMia

Dedicated to: -Aphrxdite-

Wingmen to the end. That's what they promised each other. They would never leave one another and would fight for each other until the very end. A bond like no other, strong as a soulmate or a familial bond. Despite having their own families, Captain Pete 'Maverick' Mitchell and Admiral Tom 'Iceman' Kazansky bond only grew stronger. During their years at Top Gun, they had formed a flock bond. A bond that signified family and a bond that wasn't easily broken. It grew to the point that their little flock had grown in size with Slider, Wolfman, Hollywood, Sundown, Chipper, Sarah, Carole, and little Bradley Bradshaw. And despite being separated due to different missions, they always had a home to fly home to.

Very few people in the world were born with supernatural abilities. Oftentimes, if said people didn't join the army or any government position, they were hunted down and either killed or sold in the black market. Too many people saw an opportunity with the gifted, as the superpowered people were known as. Either an opportunity to get some quick cash, an opportunity for a powerful weapon, or an opportunity for family. Though, the last option was almost never an option. That is, until Maverick and Iceman took a stand.

Together Captain Mitchell and Admiral Kazansky stood up and created a safe haven for young gifted. It was a beacon of hope for so many. But alas, nothing good ever lasts forever. When an enemy nation finds out, they launch secret attacks and send spies. It's up to the US Navy and other military branches to help save their best assets. But, not everything is as it seems.

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Miranda ran as fast as she could. Her heart pounded in her chest and blood roared in her ears. Her wings hurt as she lifted off the ground to hide in an elevated position. She curled up and clamped a hand over her mouth. Eyes wide, she watched as men in all black and in masks flew by her. She didn't know how long she hid there, but night had fallen and she needed to keep moving if she was to find the Sanctuary. Getting caught would mean she would be put through hell.

Each step hurt her bloody and blistered feet. A cool breeze blew and Miranda tried to warm herself up by rubbing her arms. The sign she had passed read 'San Diego' so Miranda knew she was close. Miranda kept her head down and her wings were eerily still against her back. Night was easily the safest and most dangerous time to travel. She looked out at the water and blinked back tears. It was beautiful. Just like the stories her mother told her.

No, she didn't have time to miss someone who was gone. She had one mission and she was so close to accomplishing her goals. Soon, she'd be free and finally have a safe place to call home.

"Got ya!" A muffled scream erupted from Miranda's throat as a gloved hand clamped over her mouth. Another arm pinned her arms to her waist. She struggled to fight her captor off, but weeks without a proper meal or sleep made her even weaker than she started out.

"This one's a beaut," Miranda heard a man whistle. 'NO, not when I was this close! Help me! Please!' She was roughly dragged away from the waterfront, all the way she wiggled. She screamed against the hand covering her mouth, praying for someone to come save her.

"Didn't your mother teach you any manners?" a new voice full of arrogance quipped. "Let the child go." His voice dropped to a low growl. The group raised their guns and aimed at the newcomer. Miranda squeezed her eyes shut. She didn't want to see another person die.

The guns clicked but no bullets came. The man tsked. "That's just pathetic. You can't even shoot properly. How unlucky." The man's green eyes flashed red before he rushed the armed men. One of the guns exploded in a man's hand and he screamed. The newcomer in quick succession took down the other three armed men. He clapped his hands together to get the sand off of them. He shook his head. "People really don't learn how to fight properly these days."

Miranda fell to the ground, grunting as she hit the sand. She kept her eyes closed and tried to curl in on herself. Grunts and the sounds of fists making contact filled her ears until it all went silent. "Shh, it's okay," Miranda heard a soft, kind whisper. "Everything is okay now. What's your name?"

"Mi...Miranda," Miranda stuttered, opening her eyes to see a man with large, black wings with deep crimson tips and soft green eyes. Her eyes widened. "Are...are you him? Are you Maverick?" Her mother had told her stories of Maverick, her description matched the man who had just saved her.

Maverick smiled widely. "What do you think?" He reached down to help her up. "Come on, a safe place is close. Let's get you fed and in some new clothes. Come meet the family. That is, if you want to stay with us."

"I do!" Miranda nodded eagerly. "I have traveled so far to get here!"

"I can tell," Maverick observed, sadness evident in his voice. "You won't have to worry anymore." He gently picked her up and flew into the air. Miranda held on as tight as she could as Maverick flew home.

Miranda allowed herself to close her eyes and she was pulled into a dreamless sleep. The last thing she remembered was Maverick's comforting smile.

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I hope you all enjoyed this chapter! I am having so much fun with this au! Comments and kudos are appreciated! I love hearing from you all!

Have a wonderful day!

~Kat