Maximum Ride

If it had been right, I would have done it. I would have told him the truth, how I felt, how I longed for his company each and every day. I would have gazed into his dark, meaningful eyes, and explained how I was drowning in emptyness, a black water that grew deeper by the minute.

But it was wrong. My life, it wasn't about me anymore. It was about my flock. Those who I cared about. I couldn't let my desires interfere with their safety, distractions dangerous, mistakes fatal. I needed to focus on what mattered.

My feelings, they didn't matter.

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The sun was setting on the horizon, my eyes blinded by the warm colors that splashed against the surrounding trees. The sky glistened with a rosy mist, pink clouds floating through the air, clear and welcoming. Nighttime was arriving, shadows playing in the corners.

My flock lay splayed out on the rough, prickly ground, wings tucked in gently, eyes closed. We had been flying most of the day, heading north, the climat change obvious from up above. We had chosen to crash as we neared one of America's large national parks, hungry, and exhausted.

I watched my flock as they slept, also on the look out for any danger. ITEX's henchmen had followed us once before, so it wouldn't be much of a surprise if they did again.

The five of them rested silently, eyes closed. Angel was curled against Total, her expression calm and knowing, extremely strong for a little kid, while Gazzy and Nudge were sprawled out by the fire, faces lit up by the bright glow of burning embers. Iggy was stretched out close to my feet, and Fang lay crumpled in a dark corner, figure covered by darkness.

I sighed, placing my chin on my knees. They were counting on me to lead them, all five putting their lives in my hands. I knew we belonged together, our big, mutant family, but I couldn't help feeling a little overwhelmed with all the action that had been hitting us lately.

We had managed to stay alive, battling all that came our way, though I could sense there was more, the worst yet to come. It seemed as though our only purpose was to fight for our lives, instead of living like a normal human.

I didn't mind staying here, being this way, but I feared that the kids were missing out. They were meant to have better lives then what they had now.

My thoughts jumbled, I raised my head, peering at my family once again. They were all sound asleep, content, a scene that would have made me happy inside. But all I could feel was the hole in my heart, jagged teeth threatening to rip out of my skin.

"Hey," I was startled to see Fang settling down next to the camp fire, having been resting a moment before. It creeped me out, the way he was able to move so silently, undetectable by the human eye.

"Hey," I yawned, voice muffled. "Couldn't sleep?"

"Nah." Fang shook his head, sounding tired as well. "I figured it was my turn to stand guard, give you a break. You need rest to, you know."

"Thanks." I gave him a weak grin, and slowly sank to the hard ground, closing my eyes with relief. Tucking my wings in, I put my head on my arms, creating a comfortable surface. "G'night."

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"Sorry. About before."

Fang shot a sideways glance at me, his dark eyes insrutable, as always. He looked back out at the water. I didn't expect any more acknowledgment than that. Fang never-

"You almost gave me a heart attack," He said quietly. "When I saw you, and all that blood..." He threw a small rock as hard as he could down the beach.

"I'm sorry."

"Don't do it again," He said.

I swallowed hard. "I won't."

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I sat up, rubbing my eyes, letting the bright sunlight cover my face. It was morning, the sky a translucid blue, but most of the flock was still asleep, curled up as I had seen them the night before. Fang sat by the fire, solemn, staring at the clouds overhead.

"'Morning," I spoke aloud, to no one in particular. My stomach rumbled, reminding me of how long it had been since I'd had a decent meal. I slowly stood up, and shook out my wings with relief.

Turning to Fang, I raised my eyebrows. "Have any food?"

He nodded, his expression emotionless, like always. "Here."

I strode over to where he had been sitting, and accepted the crumpled paper bag that contained a dozen hot dogs, fresh, ready to be cooked. Impaling the meat, I nudged the kids with my hands.

"Up and at 'em." They groaned, tired faces exposing their sleepy eyes. They rose, reluctantly, but brightened at the sight of food.