I Hope You Dance
I hope you never lose your sense of wonder
You get your fill to eat but always keep that hunger
May you never take one single breath for granted
God forbid love ever leave you empty handed
Angel stood in the doorway of the once occupied bedroom, leaning against the faded white frame. Her weary blue eyes took in the neatly made up bed, the dust covered floor, the little particles of light that danced in through the closed window frame.
With a sigh she closed her eyes.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
"Angel? Angel?" Angel gave a start as a gentle hand touched her shoulder. She turned and saw her brother standing behind her. "Oh, sorry I didn't' hear you."
Gazzy frowned but gave a slight nod. He glanced inside the room and his eyes flashed as his face fell slightly. "Come on, Angel. Iggy and Nudge are waiting."
"Just a minute," Angel promised, kissing her brother's cheek before he disappeared down the hall.
Angel watched him go and then moved into the room. Her shoes made the first tracks in the dust in years and she winced as it billowed into the air. Angel ignored this however and moved to the small night stand that stood beside the lonely looking bed.
The night stand was covered with picture frames and a few random items: key chain for Hawaii, a paper clip, a penny and two dimes plus a nickel and a ring.
Angel picked up the ring and turned it in her fingers. The she slipped it into her pocket and looked at the pictures.
Promise me that you'll give faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Nudge looked up as Angel jogged quickly down the stairs making her golden halo of hair bounce on her shoulders. It was longer now, about shoulder length, and straightened. Briefly Nudge had a memory of the day so long ago when Angel had been kidnapped. Her hair had been short and curly then. She'd also been much younger. Now things were so different….
"Are we ready to go?" Iggy asked. He wore a pair of blue jeans and a green t-shirt. At his neck hung a silver cross Nudge had given him last Christmas. He'd said then he'd wear it always. So far, Nudge hadn't seen a day go by that it wasn't around his neck.
WIth a small grin that vanished almost immediately Nudge glanced around at the others who nodded solemnly. Nudge turned to Iggy and tapped his hand once.
Iggy took her hand and lead the way to the door and once outside he spread his sandy brown wings before leaping into the air with Nudge on her wings and Angel and Gazzy following close behind.
Together the Flock pumped their wings and flew high above the clouds. They angled their wings and coasted on the cool morning breeze. The sun was not yet up so it could not provide any warmth. Therefore the Flock flew quickly, beating their wings in longer strokes in order to keep the blood pumping as much as possible.
The usual games of stacking, air tag and making figure eights were held suppressed deep inside of them. Iggy flew in the lead with Nudge on his right and Gazzy and Angel flying close to his right. Their wings beat in rhythm as they coasted for a moment.
Nudge looked down but the clouds coupled with the pre-dawn sky made it difficult to see. She glanced at Iggy and shook her head. It was just another reminder of how lucky she was.
Angel glanced over at her and Nudge turned her head towards her. Iggy sees a lot clearer now than he has before, Nudge. After Max…well you really helped him.
I can't fix everything unfortunately. Nudge thought back, thinking of Iggy's blind, blue eyes.
You've done what you can, Nudge. Nobody, even Max, could ask for more. Nudge looked away from Angel and concentrated on the space ahead. Then she thought out, Thanks, Angel.
I hope you dance
I hope you dance
Gazzy tilted his wings and dove down towards the mouth of the cave. From the air it looked the same as it had some 20 odd years ago. Minus the hawks. He'd been disappointed to see his once partners in crime had moved on. From the look of the destroyed nests it had been a long time.
Gazzy ran forward as his feet touched down and turned to see Nudge landing a second later. She folded her caramel brown wings in and nodded. Together they crept forward and peered into the cave.
The sun had yet to rise and there were only faint traces of the tinniest bits of light in the Eastern sky. It was about an hour before the sun rose.
Gazzy blinked as his eyes adjusted but he still couldn't make out anything from the darkness. A glance at Nudge showed him that she was having the same trouble.
I hope you never fear those mountains in the distance
Never settle for the path of least resistance
Gazzy reached into his jacket pocket and pulled out a small, silver ball. He nodded at Nudge who looked at it curiously. He clicked a small button at the top and a red dot sparked. Gazzy drew his arm back and tossed the ball into the cave.
It landed with a small thumping sound and rolled about four feet before stopping. Then it popped open and a brilliant, white light lit up the entire cave. "Scccchrrrrreeeeeecccchhhhh!"
"AHHHH!"
Nudge leapt back and nearly jumped down into the canyon as she ducked and threw her arms over her head as about thirty bats came screeching out of the cave. Gazzy laughed as he walked over and offered Nudge his hand. She glared at it for a moment before taking it and squeezing it hard as he pulled her up.
"Ouch," Gazzy muttered, rubbing his hand. Nudge stuck her tongue out at him. He glared at her but it melted away as Angel and Iggy flew down and landed beside them. "Where those bats?" Iggy asked. He was holding his ears and Gazzy figured the sonic waves the bats made had hurt his ears.
"Yeah, they flew out at us when Gazzy lit up the freaking cave! They flew right at my face! OMG is one in my hair! I feel something! Get it out! Get it out! Get. It. Out!"
"I would if you would hold still!" Iggy shouted, his hands fluttering uselessly as Nudge danced around.
Gazzy and Angel were bent double with laughter and had tears entering their eyes as Iggy finally caught up to Nudge and felt through her hair as her feet danced up and down as if they couldn't control themselves.
"Nudge there is nothing in here."
"LIAR!"
Iggy threw his hands up and gave Gazzy and Angel a withering look. They straightened up after a moment and Angel said, "Nudge, seriously, you're cool."
"Yeah, don't spaz out on us," Gazzy added with a grin.
Nudge glared at Gazzy and combed through her hair with cautious fingers. Iggy groaned and walked towards the cave, his nose twitched. "Gazzy did you use the Ultra Bomb?" Gazzy opened his mouth to reply when Angel turned and practically yelled, "You set off a bomb? Here!"
"No, I'm not stupid. Don't you see the light? It's a new bomb. It only makes light."
"Oh." Angel said, looking abashed. She rubbed the back of her neck as she flexed her wings. "My bad."
Living might mean taking chances but they're worth taking
Lovin' might be a mistake but it's worth making
Iggy paced along the back wall of the cave, the sound of his steps and his thoughts the only things reaching his ears. Iggy's mind was somewhere else. Though he felt the presences of the others sitting along the wall talking quietly he just couldn't bring himself to concentrate on what they were saying or take interest in it. Right now, he had his own internal conversation going on.
Do I tell him?
No, let one of the others.
I'm the oldest. I should be the one to tell.
You didn't see it all. You don't know the details.
Angel's shown me.
It's not the same.
Does that matter?
Maybe.
What do you mean maybe?
There was no response.
Iggy rubbed his palms against his eyes and stopped. "Iggy why don't you come sit down?" That was Nudge. Iggy could hear her hand patting the space next to her on the cold, stone floor.
He glanced her way though he couldn't see her and could imagine her pretty, brown eyes looking at him softly. Iggy loved the way she looked at him. It made him feel cared for. Like she actually understood him. All of him. Even his blindness. Not that the others didn't but with Nudge, it was different. Like she revered him for it. Thought he was so brave and strong. Maybe that was the guy in him coming out but Iggy didn't care. And apparently Nudge didn't either.
Don't let some hell-bent heart leave you bitter
When you come close to sitting out reconsider
Iggy had just turned to go sit by Nudge when the sun finally broke over the top of the cave casting the ledge a brilliant white and the sky beyond a light pink. Iggy blinked and realized Angel must have been projecting the image to him. He wondered why, not that he minded, when Angel's voice entered his mind.
Everyone quiet.
When Angel says be quiet, you get quiet fast. It was a written rule. Like when he or Gazzy said 'duck'. That meant get the freak out of the way fast.
Iggy shut his mouth and allowed Angel's mental video to hold his full attention. He savored the moments. The air seemed to sparkle and glitter as the small rays of the rising sun slanted down across the front of the cave. Out on the horizon the sky was cast a light pink with red mixed into it and a sprinkle of purple.
A glance at the sky showed him that a few stars remained glowing defiantly in the morning sky.
Give the heavens above more than just a passing glance
Suddenly, from across the sky, a black speck came into view. At first Iggy thought that his eyes were playing tricks on him. He knew the reason for coming here just as well as the others. The proof was kept firmly in his back pocket. But until that moment he hadn't thought that it'd actually come to this. And now, as he watched the speck getting larger and taking form, he realized what he had to do. He wasn't looking forward to it.
Iggy felt a hand close around his and then another. He looked to his right and saw Nudge. Her brown eyes held slight tears but she forced a smile at him realizing he could see. Iggy hated how forced the smile looked. But he didn't blame her. He knew his smile back looked even more forced.
Looking to his left he saw Angel holding his hand with Gazzy clutching her other. Gazzy stood a good six inches taller than Angel and about 4 more than Nudge. Iggy was the tallest of them all. He stood at just shy of 6'3.
The sound of beating wings drew his attention and Iggy sucked in a breath. The time had come.
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Fang's wings beat backwards as he attempted to slow down enough to land. Years upon years of flying made this task easy to him, second hand, like breathing. No sooner did he think of pulling back to land did his wings stretch out further, all 19 feet of black glory, and begin to act as a giant parachute.
Within seconds Fang's feet touched down on the worn stone of the Hawk Cave. A small, almost unnoticeable grin lit his lips as he folded his wings in. He'd done it. He'd made it.
Fang blinked against the rising sun which covered the mouth of the cave. The light blinded him and left the contents of the cave concealed.
Fang shook his head and when he looked up he saw movement inside the cave. His heart leapt with excitement and nervousness. He wasn't sure what to do. It had been twenty years after all. What if she'd moved on? What if she was mad at him? Well, Fang thought, of course she's made at me. I did leave her after promising I wouldn't.
He had had this argument with himself a thousand times and refused to have it again. He shook his head once more then took a step forward.
From out of the light a hand emerged followed by a foot then another hand and foot. "Max…." Fang sighed but his eyes widened as a clearly male voice that sounded completely familiar said, "I'm not Max." Iggy stepped out of the cave and stopped in front of Fang.
Then he drew his fist back and punched Fang in the face knocking him off the ledge and into the canyon from the sheer force of it. Fang's wings spread out after he recovered from the shock of seeing Iggy and the blow he'd received. He'd fallen halfway towards the small river at the bottom before he recovered.
Rubbing his face, Fang soared back up and hovered out side of the cave. Angel, Gazzy and Nudge were now surrounding Iggy and looking at him with mixtures of so many emotions Fang didn't know what to interpret.
"That's for leaving." Fang glanced at Iggy and saw him glaring right back at him. Fang rubbed his busted jaw and carefully folded his wings in as he landed once more. Iggy didn't move towards him though his fists clenched and his eyes narrowed.
"Okay, I deserved that." Fang muttered. Gazzy's eyes blazed and he stepped forward. "You deserve a hell of a lot more than that you ass!"
Fang's eyes widened and he took a step back though he was mindful of the ledge this time. Angel moved to block her brother who had his fists raised like he wanted to lash out at Fang. Gazzy glared at Angel then at Fang over his sister's shoulders.
Fang realized how much older he looked along with the others and briefly he wondered how much different he looked in their eyes. But instead of asking he looked behind them and into the cave, craning his neck so that he might see better.
"Where's Max?" Fang couldn't help the hopeful note that lingered in the way he said her name. Every night he'd whispered her name as he fell to sleep, praying that she would be waiting for him. And as the days wound down he prayed harder. He just had to see her.
When the others didn't answer Fang looked back at them. Gazzy's face had fallen and Iggy's too. Instead of anger they held suppressed grief. Nudge's eyes had tears in them and as Angel turned Fang saw tears fall down her cheeks.
Fang closed the distance between them and looked at each of them. Finally his eyes landed on Iggy's face. "Iggy?" Iggy looked at his face, they were the same height, and his blue eyes locked with Fang's nearly black ones.
"Max is dead."
Fang's whole body felt numb as he sat down in the middle of the cave. Angel, who had lead him inside, sat down beside him on one side while Nudge occupied the other. Both girls leaned on him comfortingly as Iggy sat down beside Nudge facing Fang and Gazzy sat by his sister.
Fang only had eyes for one of them though. And that was Iggy. "What happened?" He choked out after a moments silence.
Iggy glanced at Angel who nodded. Iggy said, "Angel can show you. If you want. I could tell you, but I only know what she's shown me and what I heard." Iggy shuddered and wouldn't meet Fang's eyes.
Fang looked at Angel and nodded slightly.
Angel squeezed his hand comfortingly and nodded that he should take Nudge's. Soon they were all sitting in a tight circle with their hands held tightly. With a last look around Angel closed her eyes and her head bowed. She fought against the barriers she'd built up to keep the memory shut away and forced it to resurface. She'd tried to bury it deep, so she'd never have to see it happening again. But she knew Fang deserved to know. Maybe then he could understand.
(Flashback 19 years ago)
"Iggy come on!" Angel looked up from one of the many fashion magazines Nudge kept on at least every table in the house and grinned. From up the stairs Iggy bellowed something unintelligible and from her spot on the couch Angel could see Max rolling her eyes.
Finally, after some crashing and a groan, Iggy appeared at the top of the stairs. "What?" Max frowned at the annoyed tone in his voice but decided to ignore it however because she said, "You're in charge."
Iggy's eyes narrowed and he ran down the steps. He paused at the bottom step, his hand on the rail, and looked down at Max who Angel noticed had her pack on her shoulders and her wings halfway spread.
"Where are you going?" Max looked at Iggy disbelievingly and shook her head. She glanced at Angel and then looked back at Iggy. "You know what day it is. I've been doing the same thing on this day for 18 years. Today is 19."
Iggy's eyes sparked with comprehension, then, narrowed. He took the final step and stopped right in front of Max, consciously blocking her site of the door. Not that it mattered, Angel thought. If Max wanted to go she'd go. And nobody, heaven or hell, was gonna stop her.
"Max, you know he's not coming." Max' s body tensed and her mouth twisted. She shoved past Iggy, then, turned back and gave him a hug before coming over to Angel and hugging her as well. She moved to the door and Iggy and Angel turned to look after her.
"I'll be back at dawn tomorrow!" Max called over her shoulder. She waved at Angel and Iggy before giving Nudge and Gazzy who had come down to see her off, hugs. Lastly she looked back at Iggy and though he couldn't see she threw him a frown.
Then she opened the back door, walked out onto the deck, and leapt over the side. A few seconds later her body shot upward at over 300 mph and she was gone. Leaving a small trail of white smoke behind her just like a jet….
Angel blinked and looked around at the others who were rubbing their eyes. She saw that Gazzy and Nudge were smiling softly while Iggy seemed stricken. Fang was taking in their expressions accordingly. Finally his eyes rested on Angel's face.
"After that we went on as normal. Iggy made breakfast, we ate, watched TV, listened to music etc. Then we went to sleep. But," Angel paused and licked her lips. Fang's eyes narrowed. "In the morning, Max wasn't back. We waited until about 8:00 a.m. Then we got worried. Max always, always came back on time. Usually she'd be in her room…reading your letter."
Angel and the rest of the Flock glanced at Fang. His hands clenched and he looked at his knees. "But when she wasn't there we decided to go look. It was a eight hour flight. But we knew it took Max less than that because she always took off so fast. She always left before dawn. She wanted to make sure that if you came you wouldn't miss her. So she stayed all day and night. Then came home."
Now Fang's face looked guilty. Angel felt no sympathy for this. It was his fault. This part at least.
"When we got to the cave…." Angel stopped talking and closed her eyes once more, shivering at what she knew she'd see.
(Flashback)
Angel knew that something was wrong even from the air. So did the others.
From the air smoke billowed up from inside and out side of the cave. It blended together as it rose but when you looked closer individual smoke stacks could be separated. Each batch of smoke seemed to be coming from some lump on the ground. The smell of charged hair and burning metal came at them on the wind and Iggy winced, his heightened senses picking it up on a whole different level.
"Gazzy have your bombs ready. Angel, be ready to mind control somebody if you have to. We're going down. Follow me." Iggy waved his arm and swept down towards the ledge where several puffs of smoke billowed upwards. Angel sent him a picture so that he could see where to land and together they came to running stops outside of the cave.
Nudge gasped as she landed next to one of the lumps and the others turned to see what it was. Angel felt bile rise in her throat and she, too, gasped. A Eraser, or what was left of it, lay half hanging over the ledge of the canyon. It's fur was scorched black and it's eyes stared sightlessly down into the canyon.
Flies hadn't yet begun to attack it but the image Angel produced in her mind was enough to make her gag. She looked away quickly but immediately saw three more on the ledge. She put her hand to her mouth and leaned against Gazzy who's eyes were wide.
"What the hell happened here?" Iggy whispered, leaning down to examine one of the more intact Erasers. Nudge and Gazzy knelt down next to them and in that moment, when Angel's line of sight into the cave was clear, she saw that the cave was littered with bodies. One of which stood out against the rest.
Angel let out a scream and the others shot up before parting as she ran past them and into the cave. She leapt over robots and Erasers and a few mutants she couldn't guess at what their DNA held before sliding to a stop beside a dirt covered, blonde haired girl.
Angel lifted the girl's head in her arms and sobbed at the cold touch of her skin. "Max!"
By now the others had rushed into the cave and knelt beside the two girls. At the sight of all the blood on her clothes and skin Nudge bit her knuckle while Gazzy tried to look anywhere else and Iggy checked for a pulse.
The others waited anxiously. But at Iggy's fallen face theirs fell as well as they realized she was already gone. "What happened here?" Iggy whispered again, stroking Max's bloodied hair. He looked around the cave and Angel followed his gaze.
About fifty robots and Erasers along with a few odd mismatched mutants lay limp around the cave. There wasn't a space left open. Except where they knelt in the middle of the cave. With Max held in between them.
"They must have known she was coming…alone." Nudge whispered. She glanced at the others and Angel nodded. "She's been coming here for 19 years. Why now?" Gazzy asked the question they were all thinking. But to this they had no answer. Besides….
"Fang! He was supposed to come back next year!" Angel cried out. "What does that matter anyway?" Iggy muttered bitterly. He stroked Max's hair. "If he hadn't left in the first place none of this would have happened. What did he accomplish leaving anyways? Besides killing her."
The others flinched at Iggy's words, like knives cutting into their skin. He pressed on angrily. "She'd still be alive if he hadn't left, maybe. She saved the world 15 years ago when we tracked down Gunther-Hagan and got him taken into custody by the FBI. I mean sure, Dylan got shot and died but Max didn't. We didn't. Why not come back around then?"
"The note said twenty years," Angel pointed out. Iggy huffed. "Some excuse."
"The note…." Everyone gave as start at the familiar voice. "Max!" They cried in unison and pulled her closer. Max's eyes blinked open and she sucked in a pained breath. Angel could see the pain in her eyes and hear her rasping breath. She imagined she could hear her heart beat.
Bump…bump….bump bump…bump….bump.
It sounded so soft. Like it was struggling to keep beating. Angel looked at the others and saw that they thought the same.
"The note." Max rasped again. Her eyes flickered to her clenched fist and Angel realized there was a piece of paper in it. Iggy reached over and took the note in his hands which trembled slightly. He passed it to Nudge and she said, "It's here, Max."
Max nodded, the action so small it was almost missed by them, and whispered, "I wrote…back. Give it to Fang….for me."
"Max you can give it to him! You have to! It won't mean the same thing if we do. You've only got a year."
Max's eyes glanced at Gazzy's pale face and she smiled. Something in Angel broke that she could smile now.
"Look after each other. I love you guys."
Bump….bump….…bump…*
(End of Flashback)
Angel blinked once more and dropped her hands so that they fell into her lap. Mutely she stared at the spot that 366 days ago where Max had died. It turned out she'd been ambushed as soon as she got there and had fought for hours trying to beat them. She'd had openings to leave but was afraid she'd lead the Erasers and robots back to the Flock.
So instead she'd fought. And fought. And fought. Until eventually she collapsed, though not before taking out every single one of the mutants and robots. The mutants had been burnt because she'd made many of the robots explode with one of Gazzy and Iggy's bombs she'd had stored in her pack just in case.
In the end she lived a full day after collapsing just waiting on them to show up so she could say good bye. But she also had to make sure someone gave Fang his letter back, with her own on the back.
Angel looked across the circle at Iggy, and, sensing her gaze, understood that it was time. Slowly, he reached into his back pocket and fished out the crumpled, wrinkled, tear and blood stained letter.
Iggy handed it to Fang as Angel reached into her pocket and fished out the ring. She handed it to Fang who's eyes widened. He held it tightly and everyone watched his face as he unfolded the letter with shaking hands and began to read out loud. Just as Max had 20 years ago.
Dear Fang,
You know, it's taking a lot for me to put this down on paper. All these years I've tried to keep my emotions bottled up. I've tried to be the strong one and though I failed a lot of times I did my best. But I guess being strong has it's different definitions, huh?
You can be strong physically, mentally, emotionally. I guess I'm two of those at least. Well, I'm strong physically (doubt me and find out) and mentally (Jeb said I was incorruptible and strong willed a.k.a hard headed). But emotionally? I used to be. But you changed that.
You see, I used to be the invincible, butt kicking, indestructible Maximum Ride. Not anymore. You broke me. I hate to sound frank. But it's true. You broke me. Broke me down to the bare minimum. Not, the Maximum.
Which is ironic I guess. My name being Maximum Ride and all. But all it takes to make me minimum is you. I'm not saying that's a bad thing, Fang, don't get me wrong. If you hadn't broken me down I imagine someone else would have and it wouldn't have been nearly as easy.
The way you broke me down wasn't physically or mentally. It was emotionally. My weakest link. You latched on and never let go. Until that day twenty years ago. That' s when I broke.
I tried to hide it from the others but I don't think I was successful. At night I cried myself to sleep and in the day I just plain cried. Then, when I couldn't even freaking cry anymore, I got up and pretended to be the old Max, the invincible one. The one that kicks Eraser butt and doesn't bat an eye at life or death situations.
Sad thing was, I only had two things keeping me going. One: the Flock, they still needed me to lead them. And I wasn't about to abandon them. Two: You.
Your letter said twenty years. But every year I came back to the Hawk Cave. Hoping against hope that you'd be there. That way I could punch you in the face for leaving me and then kiss you and never ever stop.
I've missed you so much you stupid idiot. I miss your half smile, the way your eyes light up when they look at me, the way you read me like a book and the way I read you even though you don't always think I can. I miss your black hair and black eyes, the way you used to look at me. I miss your hugs, your kisses, your terrible emo fashion sense. I miss waking up and seeing you on your blog at 3 freaking o'clock in the morning. I miss the snarl on your face when you knock the lights out of some poor sap. I miss your wings brushing against mine as we fly. I miss your chuckle. I miss you….
And, Fang, since I know you'll find this someday. I just have to say this.
I. Love. You.
Yep, I said it. I'm emotionally broke, spent out, but I managed to write this letter and say those three words to you even if I can't say them to your face. I wish I could. But I'll never get the chance.
The truth is, Fang, my numbers came. Yeah, I know. I nearly lost it when I pulled my hair into a pony tail and saw the edges of the tattoo in the mirror. But I held it together. The Flock never knew. Actually, they still don't. It's a good thing Angel can't read my mind anymore. After you left she couldn't. It was weird but I'm not complaining.
RIght now she's on the couch reading one of Nudge's magazines about fashion. (Yuck) Gazzy and Nudge are asleep on the couch and floor and Iggy is sleeping in his room. He's gotten to doing a lot of that lately. He won't be thrilled when I wake him up. But I've got to tell all of them good bye. I don't know if they'll get to the cave in time. If I can last that long.
But I've got to! I've gotta make sure they get their letters, I put them in my pack guys, and make sure they give you yours. It's so important. I mean, this is my good bye.
The numbers say I'm going to die today. But somehow I'm oddly numb. Maybe it hasn't sunk in yet? Or maybe I"m just more emotionally whacked than I thought. That's probably it.
I"m a wreck without you, Fang.
But not for much longer. The sun is about to rise outside, it comes up faster now it seems since this is supposed to be my last day. I'm determined though. I want to go where maybe I'll see you in a year. Maybe, if I die there, my spirit can wait for you there? I don't know. Maybe I'm going delusional…?
I know the Flock will look for me soon. It's only a matter of time. I hope they find me alive. If not alive…then hopefully they'll at least find the letter(s).
The sun's coming up. So I guess this is good bye? Sigh. I'll miss you Fang. And I'll love you until my heart stops beating and I take my final breath. Heck I'll love you wherever or whatever I am after that.
You were my first and only love. I waited as long as I could. I don't know if you did too. It's okay If you didn't I'd understand that now since I won't be around. But I never promised you that I'd never leave you. I wish I had. Maybe it would have made a difference….
I love you, Fang.
Fight on,
Max
Angel rubbed her eyes but felt tears continue to cascade down her face. She heard someone suck in a sharp breath and the pattering of tears. Fang was crying, his tears dropping onto the letter and staining over countless older tears.
Angel glanced at the others and saw that tears lined their faces as well. They'd read the letter several times, and their own which were heart wrenching in themselves, but Fang's letter was by far the longest and most thought out. Max had poured her heart and soul into that letter just as Fang had 19 years before. And she'd done it knowing she'd never get to see him read it.
"Where," Fang took a deep breath and cleared his throat. "Where is…." Angel understood what he meant and said, "In a separate letter she said she wanted to be cremated. So that she could fly free. So we held a private ceremony here." Angel nodded at the ledge. "Doctor Martinez and Ella came. Jeb came and Total, he's at Doctor M's now."
Fang nodded and looked back down at the paper. Tears continued to fall.
For a moment no one spoke. Then Fang said, "One year. I was one year late."
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
Max stood behind Fang, looking down at him with warm, brown eyes. She saw the letter in his lap, fresh tears staining the paper, and smiled softly.
Around him the rest of the Flock cried silently. Their shoulders were hunched and they cried freely. Their eyes shut tightly, hands clasped together comfortingly.
Max knelt down beside Fang and spread her wings so that she covered the entire Flock. As her wings brushed against them they stirred slightly but otherwise did not move. Max wrapped her arms around Fang and he stiffened. She whispered, "You are right on time."
Fang's head shot up and he looked around. The others didn't notice, lost in their own grief.
"Max?" Fang's eyes darted back and forth. Max smiled and said, "I'm here."
Her breath stirred past Fang's face lifting his hair slightly as she whispered in his ear. He shivered and said, "Max."
"Fang."
Fang's eyes closed and he said, "I miss you so much. I have missed you so much. I should never have left. I was so stupid. I thought I was doing what was best for you but I was wrong."
Max shook her head and pressed her body against his. "No, Fang, don't blame yourself. I don't blame you. I never did."
"I feel so alone." Fang looked up at the ceiling of the cave. Max pressed her cheek against his neck. He shivered again.
"I'll always be watching over you. I'll always be your guardian angel. I'll wait for you no matter how long. And then, when you get your real wings, we'll be together again."
Fang gave a small nod and looked down. Max kissed his cheek and Fang felt something brush across his face. He reached up to touch the spot and knew she really was there and it wasn't just his mind imagining things.
A bright light shown in through the cave entrance. The Flock turned to look at it then at Fang who was staring at something sitting beside him.
Max glanced at the Flock and said, "Look after them now, Fang. They missed you, even Iggy." Max laughed softly and Fang chuckled. "I will." Max smiled and touched her lips to his for a brief moment. "I love you Fang," she whispered as she pulled away and stood up.
Fang stood up as well and said, "I love you, Maximum Ride." Max smiled at him then turned and walked towards the light. She paused on the edge, smiling back at her Flock who were staring after her in shock, then she spread her wings and leapt out.
I hope you still feel small when you stand beside the ocean
Whenever one door closes I hope one more opens
Promise me that you'll give Faith a fighting chance
And when you get the choice to sit it out or dance
Dance
I hope you dance
(Dance)
I hope you dance
(Time is a wheel in constant motion always)
I hope you dance
(Rolling us along)
I hope you dance
(Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder)
I hope you dance
(Where those years have gone)
Tell me who wants to look back on their years and wonder
(Dance)
Where those years have gone
(Dance)
This has been an Avenging Angels Production. Please R&R whether you liked it or not. Believe me it'd mean a lot. I started this at 7:00 P.M and it is now 4:15 A.M of the next day. But I just had to do it. I've had the idea for a while (didn't expect it to be so long) and just had to get it out. So, now that it is, my fingers are majorly killing me!
Ugh, anyways. If you liked this one or even if you didn't please check out my other one-shots: Walmart Madness and The First Thanksgiving. Also, if you like the long ones, one of the longest and most reviewed (760 and counting) stories on this site for Maximum Ride, my story: Avenging Angels.
So, thanks for listening and reading if you made it this far. There's a button at the bottom you could press that would definitely earn you a virtual cookie when I get around to baking some.
Oh! And, also check out my announcement document on my profile under stories called: Angel: A Maximum Ride Novel Actual Chapters! Major info on that an the 8th book! You heard me right! So click it!
:)
This is Avenging Angels,
That's all folks.
(Note: The Song: I Hope You Dance, is by Lee Ann Womack not me. Also, all of the above characters belong to James Patterson, not moi. I also do not own Maximum Ride or cliched endings. Thank you.)