A/N: Wow, the support I've recieved, even after I was so neglectful... Thanks everyone, you guys make my day! :)

I'll be updating a chapter a day until I finish, but keep in mind that I'm going on a cruise on the 19th, so there'll probably be a lag in chapters for a week or two after that. 'Course, I might be done by then, so you won't have to worry, if that's the case. :P


The School

Chapter 9

Fang sighed impatiently, running a hand through his dark hair. They were in a McDonalds, wolfing down as much food as they could before they started to cross the Mississippi River and work their way west. It was late, probably around six or seven at night, but Fang knew that the flock would be able to fly until probably about midnight. Then they would be forced to stop for food and rest once more.

The last day had been a swirl of frustration and anxiety. The whole flock was completely willing to rescue Max; Fang doubted that even the great leader herself had ever thought up a plan met with such enthusiasm. Unfortunately, they had to rest before they left, and then, after a few hours of flying, they had to stop and eat, which is where they were now.

Guilt was gnawing at Fang's stomach as he swallowed a bite of his Big Mac. Here he was, sitting with his family and best friends, enjoying a nice meal together. Then his thoughts drifted to Max, who was probably lying in a cage at the School, starved half to death (literally), alone, and—though she'd never admit it—terrified. He swallowed his last bite of burger and washed it down with a long chug of Coke.

The other members of the flock were almost done as well, and Angel was looking at him curiously.

"You know, Fang, we do have to eat. There's nothing that can change that," she said in her sweet little voice.

He looked wearily at her, "I know. Sorry I'm being kind of pushy, everyone. I know flying across the country wasn't something on your to-do list for this week…"

"We'd fly across the world for Max," Gazzy stated firmly, and Nudge nodded.

Iggy glanced in Fang's direction, "We miss her as much as you do, but she wouldn't want us to starve trying to get to her. You know that better than anyone."

Fang chuckled dryly at the idea, remembering how pushy she could be when she was insistent on getting her way. She was so stubborn that she could get anything she wanted in life, much better than Angel's Bambi-Eyes.

He sighed and glanced out the window, wishing that he could just blink and he'd be in front of the School. He'd storm right in, knock anyone who tried to stop him out of the way, and barrel straight to Max. Then he'd scoop her up and fly away, back towards the awaiting flock, and they'd do something horrible to the School together, like set it on fire.

But no, Max wouldn't agree to that. There were innocent mutants in the School, and she would most definitely insist on saving them before she even considered burning the building down. Because that's just the way she was. Always trying to help out another in need.

Hang tight, Max, Fang thought, because we're coming for you.


A/N: Sorry for the boring break, but I had to keep you all updated about the flock's whereabouts. :P It'll go back to Max next chapter.