CHAPTER I

Arizona

"MAX! You're going to be late for school!!"

Ugh. My mom. "OKAY!! I'M ALMOST READY!!"

I shoved my books into my backpack and ran downstairs. "Jeez, I'm ready." I said. My whole family was waiting for me at the door. I have five siblings, all adoptive. There's Fang, Iggy(who're my age), Nudge(eleven), Gazzy(nine), and Angel(seven). Angel and Gazzy are actually related. And yes, those are in fact our real names. Don't even ask. I don't know.

So we headed out the door towards school. It was only a few blocks away.

"I hear we're getting a new student in our class today," said Iggy.

"Really?" I replied, "I haven't heard anything."

"Well, I heard someone talking about it. I don't know if it's true."

"I guess we'll see."

Boston, Massachusetts: one month earlier…

"Come quickly, girl!"

I ran to catch up to the mysterious man who'd insisted I follow him. He ran into a small alleyway, and I followed.

"Listen to me! You must find these kids-" He handed me a picture of five average-looking kids. A dirty blonde with brown eyes who looked about fifteen. A tall, dark-haired, dark-eyes brooding guy of about the same age. A somewhat taller strawberry blonde guy with cloudy eyes. A small African-American girl with crazy hair. Two blonde, blue-eyed little kids who looked to be brother and sister.

"-and you must tell them who they really are! Their memories have been erased and their wings -yes, wings like yours, you are another experiment just like them- tagged with a chip that makes them invisible. You must give them this pill somehow. It will fully restore their memories." He handed me a bag of small clear pills.

I looked up at him. "Wh- who are you?" I asked.

"A friend." he said vaguely. "Now you must go! And hurry! Time is of the essence!"

I started running and pushed off the ground. I soared into the air, leaving Boston behind me. I glanced back and saw the strange man looking up with anxiety. Now, I was told these kids were in a small town in Arizona. This will be a long trip, I thought. Oh well, you're strong, Elizabeth, you can make it.

So I set my path for Arizona and put my earbuds in my ears. Escape the Fate's My Apocalypse started playing. Might as well have some entertainment.