Sitting by the metal cage bars, Norman sadly watched as the humans walked by left and right, going about their day. He knew in a matter of time the master plan would be set into motion. The young griffin cub had mixed feelings about it. He was excited to escape but he was worried he might not pull through with the plan. He feared he would ruin the whole operation. And there was a part of him that was scared about what might await him outside.

"Hey kid!" a new voice called. Snapping out of his thoughts, Norman saw a white rabbit and the weirdest looking fox standing in front of him on the other side of the cage. It had been the rabbit who had spoken first. Now it was the canine's turn as he asked, "Is Rooster around?"

"Right here Max," Rooster spoke, startling Norman. He hadn't even heard the shadow dog come over. He watched as the bigger mythical creature began introductions, "Norman, this here is Max and Snowball, they're friends. They're going to help us escape." Cracking his knuckles, the rabbit Snowball added, "Oh yeah. We'll help y'all escape. I'm gonna pop that cage open like a soda can."

"Snowball, they already have a plan on how to escape. Besides, you can't break the cage," Max muttered. The rabbit stuck his tongue out. Clearing his throat to get their attention, Rooster murmured, "Just keep the humans away from this part long enough so we can grab the keys." The two nodded their heads and slunk away. Turning to Norman, the shadow dog stated, "Once we hear the signal, it's time."

"Okay," Norman mumbled quietly. Sitting down beside the griffin cub, Rooster asked, "Something on your mind kid?" The youngster shook his head. Glancing up at the shadow dog, he could see the metal collar underneath the bandanna. He quickly averted his gaze when Rooster saw him spying. "Sergei put the collar on so I couldn't use my powers," he explained, "I can't teleport or shapeshift or anything. I'm surprised you don't have a collar yet. Your kind is capable of manipulating the weather."

"My dad hasn't shown me how to do that yet," Norman replied. "What about your mom?" Rooster asked. Lowering his head, Norman mumbled, "She's... gone. It's just me and my dad." Making a small oh noise, Rooster hummed softly to himself before he remarked, "Well, at least you have someone out there looking for you. I can only imagine how worried he must be."

"He's not looking for me," Norman spoke. One raised eyebrow from Rooster was enough to make the cub continue, "We had an argument before I was taken, we said some things. Hurtful things." Trembling as the memories came rushing in, he whimpered, "I told him I hated him and now I might not ever see him again! The last I saw of him he got shot!"

"Hey, easy there kiddo," Rooster rumbled softly. Giving Norman a gentle lick on the head, he went on, "Everything is going to be okay. Kids and parents fight all the time. But you'll make it up to him when we escape. You'll see." Wiping away a tear, Norman asked, "And what if we can't? What if he's gone like my mommy?"

"You will make up. And if he is unfortunately gone, you can stick with us. Remember, once a member of the Circus Gang, always a member of the Circus Gang," Rooster declared, ruffling the feathers on Norman's head playfully. At that moment, there was a huge crash outside, followed by a loud commotion of shouting and barking. Rearing up on his hind legs, Duke roared, "It's the signal!"