This is my first fanfic, I'm so excited and nervous! Excited because I can't wait to see what people think about it. I'll take all criticism good or bad. I'm nervous because well I'm more comfortable coming up with my own stories, so I don't know how this turned out. XD

Disclaimer: I do not own Maximum Ride.

At first I was so shocked that I didn't believe that he was actually gone and then I was in pain. It felt like my heart had been ripped out of my chest leaving behind a dark hole. I wasn't sure if I was capable of moving on. I wallowed around my mom's house for a while before Jared came, his face purple with anger. I didn't care that he was yelling at me though. Nothing was going to make me get over it.

"You've sat around doing nothing long enough Maximum," Jared used my full name meaning he was serious. Oh well like I've ever cared about what he's said before.

"You have to be strong if not for you for the flock," his voice was now pleading. "Think about what you're doing to the rest of your family. Your mother, Ella, Iggy, Nudge, Gazzy, Angel."

My eyes flicked with recognition when he spoke their names; he saw that and pushed it further.

"They can't get on with out you Max."

"They have Angel," I finally spoke my voice barely above a whisper. I didn't have enough strength to speak any louder.

Jared shook his head his eyes saddened by what I had become, "It's not the same. It was you who were designed to lead this flock not Angel. It doesn't matter how much she wants to be the leader. If you don't lead who knows what will become of the world. You still have a mission to complete."

It has been a long standing battle with that girl. She has wanted to be the leader of our flock for a long time –constant arguing and betrayals- and now she gets her wish.

"You can't let this . . ." Jared struggled to find the words, "situation stop you. You have to move on."

"He's right Max."

I jumped up from where I was sitting. It has been a while since I've heard that voice.

What you aren't going to say hello first? I thought irritably at the Voice. I hated when the Voice spoke without warning. It has been a while since I've hear the Voice. I'm not crazy, okay maybe a little, but it's not like I hear voices; I just hear one voice, the Voice.

"The world needs you Max."

What does it matter if. . . F. . . Fa. . . Fang isn't here. There I said his name, not out loud but I said it.

"Max I'm sorry you're in pain." That was the first time I've ever heard the Voice be somewhat sympathetic. "But this is not healthy."

I thought nothing in response.

"Alright fine I give up! Do whatever you want. We should have known that you were too weak. You don't deserve the name Maximum."

I had never heard the Voice scream like that or what felt like screaming. It was always so calm and collected that it took me by surprise as did the words it spoke. They made me angry. The Voice had no right to say that. I am Max! I am strong! I can get over this and I will, even if it's the last thing I do.

Now it's time to save the world.

"It's good to have you back, Maximum."

Fin.