They were gone. By they I meant my WINGS. I couldn't believe it. No, it could not be true, this must be a dream. 14 years with wings, why lose them now?

I panicked silently to myself. Fang, Iggy, Angel, Gazzy, and Nudge went off to go find some food for us. They had to steal since they were broke. But that didn't come as much of a surprise saying that we're sort of like fugitives. More like mutant fugitives.

I felt my back one more time before I decided for sure that they were gone. I pinched myself. Oww! It hurt. So I wasn't dreaming that this was happening. That's just great. How would I tell the rest of the flock that my wings were gone? would they leave me? Find no more interest in me since I wasn't one of the anymore? I really didn't feel like finding out. Maybe I'd go out on my own. Start a new life. Move in with my mom and my half-sister, Ella.

No. that wasn't even a possibility. They would find me. The flock would know where I would have gone. of course. I guess I would just have to takw whatever they have to say. I mean, its not like I can climb down from a cave that's fifty feet off the ground.

I didn't understand why this had happened. I needed to know. The flock would help me, I was sure of it. They wouldn't leave me high and dry, would they? Not in a million years. Not even if I asked them to. They'll always be loyal to me, Maximum Ride.

It was dark out. I still had my super good eyesight. What I didn't get is, how could I lose my wings, but not lose my see-in-the-dark specialness?

I could hear wings beating up and down. Five sets of graceful wings.

I felt my heart flutter.

"weeeerrrr'eeeee baccckkkk!" Gazzy shouted, obviously wired up on sugar. He came to a landing at the cave entrance with a huge wicked grin on his face.

"whoo hooo! We should do that more often!" nudge shouted as she came into the cave entrance. I felt trapped. Like I didn't know what to do.

Its ok Max. everything will be ok. I know your wings are gone. I could hear you panicking from m iles away. Angel thought to me.

Angel, how do you know its going to be ok? I don't know what to do! 'Im scared!

I would be too Max. Just stay calm and we'll figure things out. God angel was smart for a six year old. She never ceases to amaze me.

I faught with my mouth for the words until after about 30 seconds later they finally slipped out.

"uhmmm…guys…I have some strange and bad news for you. My wings are gone. I don't know why or how, they just are." I said extremely quicky. I wasn't quite sure if they got it until I had 6 sets of surprised faces staring at me with wide eyes.