AN: Wow, hello A.I. it has been a long time.

Sorry for the major lack of activity but I am going to try and finish this bad boy, life and stuff got in the way but I'm coming up to the end of my first year at uni so I'm going to dust of the plot and whack out the rest of the chaps :) Also might need to reread the first 4 books haha

I hope those of you who started reading this many years ago come back to it now and enjoy the story

Voice speaking
Thoughts/Dreams/Flashbacks
Angel speaking

Warning: Some language and one use of the F word, sorry if it offends you

Disclaimer: I don't own Maximum Ride

Chapter 3

Max P.O.V

Over the next two weeks Nudge's health started and continued to improve. Although, even though her fever broke she did not regain consciousness. Angel had tried to read her mind so many times, but all she could hear were scrambled thoughts. I'm really worried about her.

Fang kept an almost constant watch over her; he's as worried as I am. The voice hasn't spoken up for a while, and to be honest, I really want it to; then it could maybe tell me what the hell is going on!

My internal rant was cut short as Gaz ran into the kitchen screaming "SHE'S AWAKE!"

It only took a second for those two words to register before I bolted up the stairs and in to Nudge's room. The sight I was met with was a disorientated, but awake, Nudge and a very relieved Fang.

"Max, why does my head hurt?"

I laughed as I sat down by her side, slinging my arm around her shoulders and filled her in on what had happened. She sat there looking gormless as she heard about how she had had a high fever and had been unconscious for more than two weeks. She laughed however when Gazzy, Iggy and Angel showed up and proceeded on telling her how Fang and I had practically been having heart attacks waiting for her to get well.

Urgh…the embarrassment…I actually blushed. Unlike Fang, who just sat there looking indifferent. I hate it when he does that…it just brings more attention to me.

"Ok guys, I'm going to go help mum with lunch and tell her you're up Nudge." I said as I got up and turned to leave the room.

"Woah woah woah…if you help Dr M with lunch, it will be ruined." Sniggered Iggy as he got to his feet, his clouded eyes turned in the direction of me. "I'll go help with, and finish, lunch while she comes up her to give 'wittle Nudgie' a check-up" He laughed as 'wittle Nudgie' chucked a pillow at him as he made a mad dash out the door.

I sat back down and proceeded to watch as Gazzy and Angel chatted and joked around with Nudge. It brought a smile to my face to see her awake; I glanced over at Fang and saw that his lips were turned as the corners. I think that qualifies as a smile, I thought to myself as I watched him lean back on the chair he was sat on. This was the most relaxed I had seen him in a while, it was nice, no Max no, bad thoughts bad thoughts. I heard Angel giggle, I shot her a look.

Can you please refrain from listening in to my thoughts please sweetie?

Sure Max, but they're just so funny

She giggled again as I huffed and looked out the window. However, my observation of a VERY interesting tree was cut short as mum entered the room holding her medical vets bag thing.

"Right, Gaz, Angel I think you two should go down stairs and help Iggy with the lunch." I said as they both got off the bed and made their way to the door.

Fang had stood and got some pillows to prop Nudge up a bit so that she was more comfortable. It was this movement that brought my attention to Nudge, she had become very still. Just sat there. Staring. I followed her gaze to mum and frowned, why is she afraid of mum? However, I then realised that it wasn't mum she was looking at, it was the syringe in her hand.

Nudge's P.O.V

I was still giggling as Angel and Gaz left the room, even though I was tired and had just been unconscious for like two weeks, they always brought a smile to my face. I focused on Dr M, she was currently rummaging around in her bag, probably searching for a stethoscope or some other medical device. I smiled at Fang as he pushed a pillow behind my back to make me more comfortable, he's like a dad to me, and Max is like my mum. I mean it's so obvious that they like each other, why don't they just come out and get it over and done with?

My gaze drifted back to Dr M, she seemed to have found what she was looking for but whatever it was, it was still hidden behind her bag. If it's a stethoscope then I hope that she warms it up before she comes near me with it, those things are always freezing.

My whole body froze as she lifted up a syringe, Oh God, I couldn't take my eyes off it. Memories flashed in my mind from the school. Memories from a long time ago, flashes of whitecoats and cages, the Director, a table. Blood, oh god, so much blood.

I screeched and pulled away towards the wall, I would not let that whitecoat put that sedative in my veins; I would not let them take me away to that lab room. I faintly heard Max shouting for Iggy as her and Fang grabbed my hands, but I was too far gone, too absorbed in the memory flying through my head. I felt something in my head, something had been let loose.

Max's P.O.V

A screech penetrated the air. I froze as my gaze snapped to the bed. The sight that met my eyes shook me to the very soul. Nudge had curled in on herself, forming her body into a ball to protect her from any threat. It took me a moment to realise that the threat … was us. I shouted for Iggy before turning and nodding to Fang.

I started to slowly make my way towards the bed, placing my feet carefully, trying not to spook the already petrified girl. I could sense Fang doing the same as he moved silently towards the other side of her.

I knew she couldn't see us, her eyes were glazed over and she was murmuring to herself. I looked at Fang, noticing the crease on his forehead that only showed when he was worried or very angry. We both gently took her hands, holding them loosely.

"Nudge, it's us. I promise nothing is going to hurt you while we are here. Please, come back, come on sweetie." I softly murmured. Her eyes were constantly flicking towards mum and the syringe in her hand. That must have been what set her off, shit. I should've warned mum.

"Nudge, come on, you don't need to think about that. They will NEVER hurt you again." Growled Fang from across that bed, I looked up and saw his eyes had darkened. He never did forgive himself for what they did to her.

We had never told the younger two what had happened to Nudge before we had escaped the school, they never knew, and to an extent neither did Nudge. Sure she had the odd nightmare where she remembered flashes of what happened but she was never consciously aware of it.

However, now I'm not too sure.

Nudge's P.O.V

I could feel something, just in the back of my mind. It had been let loose from where it had kept dormant. I could still see that syringe in the whitecoat's hand, the clear liquid mocked me. I would not allow myself to be drugged and experimented on again. Something surged up inside of me; I couldn't hold on to it or pull it back before it exploded out of me.

x.x.x.x.x

The room was deathly quiet; the only sounds were rapid breathing from the panicking girl on the bed and the soft murmurings from the couple by her bed. Dr Martinez was stood near the back of the room still holding the syringe, keeping still as if the Nudge's gaze had frozen her in place. Iggy silently stood in the doorway, listening to what was happening.

x.x.x.x.x

Max's P.O.V

I jumped as I heard my mother scream from the back of the room, I turned to find her hanging, no pinned, against the wall with the syringe floating in front of her. The long needle was just millimetres from her neck, almost touching the skin.

Nudge had sat bolt upright, her eyes were fixated on the hovering syringe, concentrating. Her chest was heaving as if she had just flown a great distance and her eyes had enlarged in fright. Her pupils were fully dilated, but as I looked closer I could hardly tell the difference between her pupil and iris. The colour had darkened so much that it was almost black, showing no light. Just like an empty abyss. She was mumbling the words were barely audible, even with my enhanced hearing; all I got were a few words.

"Whitecoats…no…death…pain…whitecoats…not me…no…"

Suddenly, her eyes faded to their normal colour as her hands cradled her head. She keened in pain before collapsing backwards onto the bed. I checked her over, making sure that her eyes were back to normal and that she was still breathing.

Iggy was help mum up from where she had been dropped on the floor alongside the syringe. Fang was by my side looking at Nudge on the bed. Hang on, is that a smile?

"Why are you looking all proud?" I whispered to him as Iggy, supporting mum, came over.

He turned to me, still smiling, and said "I think 'Wittle Nudgie' has a new power."

x.x.x.x.x

"I can't believe it, I mean I suspected that she may get more abilities because of what happened at the school…but I didn't think that it would be as…powerful as that." I sighed as I slouched in my seat at the dining room table.

The smaller kids and Elle had gone to bed, and with Nudge still unconscious we had all moved downstairs.

"Well the whitecoats did want to make us 'stronger and more powerful'" came the venomous reply from Fang. He was staring with the table with disdain; I knew that he still thought that it was his fault that Nudge had to go through what she did.

You see, he was the one that the whitecoats were going to test the procedure on. However, The Director changed her mind, saying that he too old and too hard to control.

I reached over and grabbed his arm, "Hey" I said softly, "That wasn't your fault and it certainly wasn't your fault that they picked her instead of you. If it's anyone's fault it's the fucking Director's fault 'cause she's the ice hearted bitch who wanted to recombine more DNA into older 'experiments'"

I hadn't realised that I had raised my voice until both Iggy and Fang put theirs arms around my shoulders. I sighed and looked up into both of their faces.

"Sorry guys."

"There's nothing to be sorry for Max, I mean even I want to rip her spine out and beat her to death with it for what she did to Nudge."

Me and Fang both stared at Iggy as if he had grown a second head.

"Where the hell did that come from dude?" laughed Fang.

Iggy just shrugged before giving me a gentle squeeze before letting go.

"Well, you two aren't the only ones who get pissed off and over protective in this flock. I also want to rip apart anyone who hurts our family."

Mum was just sat silently watching our little exchange, I think she was still in shock from what happened before or something because she hadn't really said anything since the incident. I didn't know what she was thinking, or if she had even taken in what we had been saying.

I sighed and turned in Fangs arms so I could rest my head on his chest, I know I hate been weak but all this with Nudge and old memories had really worn me out.

"Telekinesis"

I raised my head to look at mum, "What?"

"I think that's what Nudge's new power is." At our blank looks she continued with her explanation. "It's where you can move things just using your mind, I think it might be what Nudge now has. The memory flashback that she had must have caused her emotions to go into turmoil which in turn helped to unlock this power."

Dr Martinez P.O.V

The room was silent. They were just sat there staring at me; I'm not sure if they believed me to be honest until I saw Fang and Iggy nodding their heads.

"It does make sense, I mean how else would she have been able to pick you up off the floor and hold a syringe to your neck without moving." Said Fang as he moved his arm from around Max's shoulders and stood up.

"So Nudge can now move things with her mind, this is going to be interesting."

I looked at my daughter; she had a small smile on her face. I could tell that she was proud of her little flock.

"Right guys, I'm gonna go to bed, this has all tired me out." Said Iggy before he walked up to Max and Fang and stacked fists, once they had finished he started towards the stairs. That boy still amazes me. He can find his way around this house without anyone helping him and he hasn't been here very long.

"Well I'm going to bed as well, I'll just check on Nudge before I turn in. Don't worry," I said as Max shot me a worried look, "There won't be a syringe in sight."

x.x.x.x.x

Max P.O.V

There was no way I could get to sleep now. I was too hyped up, my brain going over everything that had just been said. Telekinesis. Hmm, seeing Nudge learn how to control her new powers will be very interesting.

I sighed as I moved towards the back door; maybe a night flight would help to burn off some stress.

"Do you want some company?"

I looked round to see Fang leaning against the wall. He looked exhausted but, like me, I think his mind was still too active to rest. A small smile touched my lips as I unlocked the door.

"Yeah, I really would." I said as I walk through the door into the back yard.

I heard his soft footfalls behind me as he followed, making sure to lock the door. I looked up at his face as he stopped beside me.

"Thanks, for before."

He just looked at me with, I don't know, something in his eyes.

"It's ok, sometimes everyone just needs to let out some stress." He chuckled a bit before saying, "Even you 'Mother Max'."

I gaped at him as he took a running start and took off into the night sky, Oh he is going to get it! I took off after him, using some of my super speed to catch up and smack him on the head.

"Well if I'm the Mum. Then you're gonna be the cranky Uncle."

I banked hard to the left, cackling as I got a glimpse of his mortified face. Soon a name calling and tag game developed. It was so much fun to just let everything go and just…fly and have fun. Not having to worry, just letting it all go.

x.x.x.x.x

I grinned manically as I perched on a tree branch and leaned against the trunk. I could see Fang speeding towards me, dodging the trees and the occasional low lying branch. He was so graceful, must be from when he spent that time with the hawks, so long ago.

I sighed, no Max, don't bother going there, he probably doesn't feel the same and you don't want to split up the flock.

What if he does feel the same way and you do nothing about it?

And then what if something happens?

Take this chance Max; some good may come out of it.

Yes, thank you Voice! Did I ask for your opinion? NO! I don't believe I did!

Although, as much as I hate to admit it, The Voice may be onto something. As I watched him draw closer, I knew that I should at least broach the subject. If he didn't feel the same then I could settle with been his friend, I don't want to lose him after all and this might just be a stupid crush.

Yeah right.

I took a deep breath as he glided down and gracefully landed on the branch. My enhanced senses allowed me to pick up his unique musky scent and hear the slight groans of the branch from the extra weight. A shiver ran down my spine in anticipation for what I was about to do. The moon highlighted his features, his eyes glinted in the light as he regarded me with a smirk on his face.

"Well, somehow I think you are now 'It'." He chuckled as he stepped closer.

I smiled and leaned back against the trunk, looking down at the branch we were standing on. "Fang," I said softly "I need to tell you something."

He stopped his advancement and gave me a quizzical look.

"I…well…you know that we are really close and you know that I care about you?"

He nodded, eyes widening slightly in confusion. "What is it Max?"

"What if…what…" I stuttered, not able to look at him I turned and looked out over the tree tops.

"What if…I…cared about you…in more than a sisterly way?"

Silence.

Shit, now you've done it Max!

"I…mean…I…I really care…" I turned and looked him in the eye "…about you."

Fang P.O.V

I stared wide eyed at her. Did she just say what I think she said?

For god sake Fang say something!

"Max…"

I couldn't say anything. Inside I was so ecstatic, but I think I was still in shock.

She closed her eyes and turned away, all I wanted to do was wrap my arms around her and tell her I felt the same.

"Max I…" I tried to tell her but she cut me off.

"You know what? It doesn't matter." What! "Just ignore what I just said." But! "Just…forget it"
She jumped off the branch, spreading her wings to catch an updraft, before soaring away.

"NO!" I shouted as I jumped after her.

I pumped my wings as hard as I could to catch up with her, "Max, MAX! Just wait a second!"

I grabbed hold of her shoulder as I flew near her, hovering just above her body."Max, please listen, you didn't get to hear my answer."

Max P.O.V

I tilted my head to the side, not letting him see my eyes which I'm positive have started to water. Why won't he just go away? I've just made a fool out of myself. What else does he want?

I could feel the heat radiating from his body, creating a warm blanket all along my back, wings and legs. His hand had a tight grip on my shoulder, probably doesn't want me speeding off. I thought to myself.

"Max…I also feel that way…about you"

Ho-ly shit

I did not see that coming.

"What?" I said softly, my heart was pumping furiously in my chest.

Please, please, please be telling the truth.

I felt him move closer until he was practically lying on my back, our wings moving in synch.

"I said," He whispered in my ear "I feel the same about you."

I gasped and broke into a huge grin. Well what do you know, the Voice was right.

I dived towards a clearing, hoping he was fallowing me. Snapping my wings open so I could land on the hard ground, stumbling a little in my haste. I spun round to face him as he landed in front of me. His eyes dark as he surveyed me, before slowly walked over.

My legs trembled in anticipation, my heart thumping so hard in my chest. I hesitantly gripped his shoulders as he grasped my hips.

I closed my eyes as his forehead touched mine. Our breath mingled with the close proximity. He closed his eyes and moved slowly forward, my eyes also fell closed as I felt his lips on mine; we tentatively kissed, gently moving lips against each other.

Oh.

My.

God.

I'm kissing Fang.

Well this is certainly something I didn't think was going to happen today.

Fang P.O.V

Inside my head I was jumping for joy, finally, I'd come clean about my feelings for Max.

Just the feel of her lips against mine was pure bliss, I slowly opened my mouth.

The kiss was so much better than I had imagined it could be, her lips were so soft and smooth, I just got lost in her.

It seemed to go on forever before we broke apart to breathe in some much needed oxygen. I smirked at her flushed face, I could feel her breath on my chin.

I leaned back in but then pulled back.

"Fang, what's …."

"Shhhhh!" I hissed

I strained my ears, hoping to catch the sound I thought I had heard.

There.

A soft humming filled my ears. I turned to Max, "I think we should get out of here." She nodded in agreement as we untangled ourselves from each other's arms and spread out our wings to take off.

As we rose above the tree line, a shot sounded out.

I felt a sharp pain in my right shoulder as the bullet hit, the force and stinging pain caused me to momentarily forget to flap. I struggled to bring myself back up as I dropped in altitude.
I heard Max's shout of surprise and fear, looking up I saw that we were surrounded by Flyboys.

Max's P.O.V

My heart constricted in fear as I saw blood leaking out of the bullet wound in Fang's shoulder, that fear changed to anger as I wheeled around to face the mass of Flyboys in front of me, many of them had guns and two of them had a large net.

Crap.

"Fang!" I shouted glancing down to where he was slowly regaining altitude, "I think it would be better if we got out of here."

The 'lead' Flyboy moved forward, and to my surprise, spoke.
"You will not be going anywhere; the male has an appointment with The Director."

AN: And we leave it there, hopefully the next chapter won't take as long to do.