So this would have been up long time ago, but we had this ginormous ice storm that knocked out the power everywhere. So there was no heat for almost 3 days in freezing weather. It sucked. & ive been super busy with a huge basketball tourney that I was always at practice for and then I kinda forgot about it… opps. And then we got another big snow storm and they sent us home early and everything had been canceled. Then for the past couple days it's been twenty below zero F and I have extra time to finish what I already had done! Oh and sorry about jumping around from POVs but idk how else to tie things up right. Right. So… here's the last one!

Sterling POV

We waited until it was dark to make our move. If it had been up to me we would have been there and back with Max by now. The darkness wasn't that important; it would only conceal us when we weren't in the building. And being in the building was kind of the point of the whole thing considering Max was inside.

We flew silently until we were in sight of the schools grounds. Fang, Gazzy, and Iggy found a concealed spot in a group of trees to wait just in case Angel or I sent them a signal. It would probably be Angel if anything happened just so they wouldn't freak. None of them had realized yet I could project my thoughts.

The rest of us continued on and over the fence—even though I thought the group was bigger than necessary. That meant a bigger chance of getting caught or having problems.

Only Angel, Blade, and Peak were really needed but there was no way I was letting them go in alone. Tally was tagging along because she knew the place best, but on account of Angel being a mind reader and all it wasn't really an essential. Nudge was along in case we needed a computer whiz but I wasn't planning on being in there that long. Get Max. Get out. Hopefully it would be as simple as it sounds. Nudge being there would speed things up if she could find out exactly where Max was.

It was a nasty night with thick rolling clouds that seemed to hang ominously low. It was a little foggy too so that added to our cover. For some reason there was a man in a white coat taking a smoking break outside one of the doors. It was a good thing because the only thing we had planned was to break in; now we could get in undetected.

We landed and waited quietly until he started to head back inside. Before the door closed completely, it flew back open and shook at the hinges. I looked around startled and noticed Nudge grinning from ear to ear. It took me a second to realize she had done her magnetic thing to open the door so Peak could get a good look inside. He had to have seen the place he was teleporting to. We could have had someone just catch the door, but that might result in being detected if someone was around. After a moment, Angel scanned to make sure the coast was clear before Peak got us in.

We broke up into two groups; Peak, Blade, and I in one and Angel, Nudge and Tally in the other. The girls decided to head to the nearest computer while we headed the other way—towards the heart of the building.

Angel agreed to tell me where to find Max as soon as Nudge got it out of the computer. We would be the ones to actually get Max so the girls would be able to get out easier if something went wrong. We were going in the direction Tally had pointed us in so we would be able to get to Max faster. By the time Nudge figured out exactly where Max was being held, we would already be close to her.

I really wasn't sure what to expect. I hadn't come from this branch of ITEX and from of Max's stories, this place was a lot worse than the lab I came from. It had been over two days since she had been taken. It hadn't been that long at all, but I knew they could do a lot of damage in that amount of time. With any luck, Max would be perfectly fine and they had only stuck her in a room, preferably not a cage, and left her alone. I didn't really believe it, nut hoping for the best was the only thing I could do.

The halls were eerily quiet and deserted, this part of the building seemed to be abandoned. We crept foreword and the closer we got to the center of the school the more careful we became. The center was much more alive than the outer halls had been.

Peak wasn't paying much attention and almost walked straight into a white coat when we got to a corner. I managed to grab his collar just before they collided. The white coat had a clipboard attached to his face and was so busy muttering to him that he didn't notice the little boy that shouldn't be there almost run into him. I sighed in relief and sent a glare at Peak. He was looking at me with wide eyes and his mouth shaped in a 'O'.

"Sorry." He said more loudly than he should have and I sent him another look. "Sorry." He said again, this time at least he whispered.

Looking around I noticed most of the doors were closed and the only thing marking the rooms were numbers. I frowned; I was hoping somehow they would be labeled so it would be easier to figure out where Max might be.

Angel? I thought at her hoping they had the information we needed.

Huh? She replied right away

Do you guys have anything yet? I held my breath waiting for the answer.

Nudge just got the floor plan. Where are you? She asked and I looked around me to the nearest door.

Uhh… just passed room 173

You're by the offices. The holding chambers are in the 300's. Max should be there. I…AWWW SHOOT!! I froze, what did that mean? Just a second Sterling we got company.

Just then a blaring alarm filled my ears and I winced slightly at the sudden loud noise. Hopefully the girls would be okay. I wanted to contact Angel but didn't risk it in case it distracted her from whatever was going on. She would contact me as soon as she could.

Blade looked up at me with wide eyes. "Run?" He asked. I nodded and we took off.

"I think Max is in one of the rooms in the three hundreds. We'll go from there. I don't know if they know about the three of us yet."

Peak caught my meaning and looked up sharply. "Angel?" If it had been any other time I would have teased him about it.

"Will get back to me as soon as she takes care of something." I finished as confidently as I could. I'll admit I was worried about them. I knew Nudge and Angel could fight and with Angels mind control on their side they would be fine, but still I was concerned. I mean none of them are really that big. Angel just turned ten and all three girls were really skinny. Obviously they're stronger than they look, but still it could be bad if they ran into some big experiments. If it weren't for Max I would have been sprinting back to help them, but as it was we kept going.

Angel POV

It really didn't take long to find an open room with a computer. I mean they were all over the place. Nudge, Tally, and I ducked into a room that was open with bright lights on.

Nudge sat down immediately in front of the flat screen computer in the corner. Rest her hands on the keyboard she closed her eyes and tilted her head slightly. Her eyes flashed open a second later and she started typing. Different things were flashing all over the screen.

She was muttering so low under her breath even with mutant kid hearing, I couldn't make out what she was saying. "Here start out with this." Nudge said to me, shrinking the screen so she was still going through other files.

I looked at what she had pulled up. It was a floor plan of the building. I almost laughed when I saw it was divided into labeled sections. That would make it easier to find the right stuff.

Angel? Sterling's voice echoes in my head making be jump slightly.

Huh? I replied distracted as I looked at what the screen again.

Do you guys have anything yet? He asked quickly, his voice anxious.

Nudge just got the floor plan. Where are you? I asked trying to figure out where they would be by now.

Uhh… just passed room 173. I looked at the little screen quickly finding approximately where they were.

You're by the offices. The holding chambers are in the 300's. Max should be there. I…

"What the--?" A deep voice broke me out of my conversation and I spun around to find a man in a white coat staring at us from the door.

"What's wrong?" Another voice asked from the hallway.

"Gary, go raise the alarm. We've got experiments." The first man said and I heard a set of feet run down the hall.

AWWW SHOOT!! Just a second Sterling we got company. I sent him quickly and cut the connection. Seconds later an alarm filled the air.

"Nudge, keep looking Tally and I got this." I instructed turning to door. I could hear more footsteps coming down the hall.

"We got what?" Tally asked her voice slightly panicked as she stepped back until her back was against some file cabinets. "I can't fight."

Great, she was useless then. I ignored her and turned to the two men standing in the doorway. It was easy enough to get them to run out of the room to distract the incoming people, but if there got to be too many, I couldn't mind control all of them.

For the moment the room was clear except for the scuffling shuffles that could be heard from the hall. I turned around. "Nudge?"

She didn't reply, instead clicking a few buttons. Pausing she looked at the screen and plucked one last key and leaned forward. "Got it!! Room 374." Nudge said jumping up from the computer.

Room 374. We'll get away from these guys and meet you there. I told Sterling.

No. You go ahead and get out. Fang will murder me if anything happens to you. I frowned. We could handle ourselves and Fang wasn't here to make me do anything.

But it would... I started to argue but he cut me off.

They don't know we're here. If you lead them to us it will be that much harder. Just get out of here safe. If we need help, you'll know. Sterling told me and I sighed. He made a good point and made the most sense.

Fine. I agreed grudgingly. One thing goes wrong we're coming in after you. I threatened.

That won't be necessary. We're here. See you on the outside. He said then he was gone from my mind. I hope this all worked out okay.

"Okay let's go guys. The guys are getting Max so we're going to leave so they don't get tracked down." I explained as Nudge clicked things off the computer and stood up.

"Alrighty then, let's go. Hey Angel, how are we going to do this since Tally can't fight? I mean if she got caught then we would have to come in again and again and they might catch on and that would be bad. Do you remember the time when"

"NUDGE!" I said loudly, trying to stop her rant. "Let's just get out of here." She bobbed her head up and down but luckily kept her mouth shut.

"Ummm… okay. Nudge you take out whoever gets by me and Tally please stay behind us. Yell if something happens alright?"

Tally nodded frantically her hair bouncing wildly in her face. We weren't far from an exit so it shouldn't be too hard to get out. Once we were in the air, we were more or less safe. I took a breath and marched toward the door where more footsteps were rapidly approaching.

Max POV

I woke from my sleep to a blaring noise that filled my ears and hurt my head. I shivered and wrapped the disgusting blanket tighter to me. My stomach ached. I hadn't gone this long without food for a long time.

My ears pricked as I heard something in the hallway. Footsteps and voices. Closing my eyes, I concentrated and determined there was two, maybe three people coming toward my cell. It was the first time I had heard anybody even approach my cell. The footsteps stopped outside my door and with a huge BANG the door came off its hinges and landed on the floor with a puff of dust.

My eyes snapped open and my mouth dropped. A small figure stood in front rubbing his fist with two people behind him. My heart leapt. "Blade? Peak? Sterling?" I asked and winced as soon as the words left my mouth. My voice was all raspy and it sounded really weak, though I don't know why since I had been talking to Ryder. I coughed to clear my throat.

Ryder. God, if they were getting me out of here I couldn't leave him here. Even through all the stuff he had put us through and he was the reason I was here in the first place. I understood why he did it, the same reason I did what I did before the flock kicked me out. It was just to keep my family safe. And since his sister was free, he wouldn't be bound to the school anymore.

"Max!" The hurried forward and Blade barreled into me, my breath leaving for a second. He wrapped his arms around me and squeezed tight. His body warmth was much better than the blanket. When he looked up his eyes were sparkling with tears. "You're okay." He whispered burying his face in my shoulder.

"Of course I am. Now help me up." I demanded, sounding better than I had hoped. Blade reluctantly released me and stood up, still clinging to one hand. He looked at the cuff around my wrist for a second before snapping it easily off. Even though I was used to it, I was still in slight awe. I had messed with that thing for hours and it didn't budge.

Sterling pulled me up with my free hand and my vision clouded as my legs trembled beneath me. Sterling automatically snaked an arm around my waist to support me. Normally I would have protested, but if I wanted to stay standing that was probably the best thing.

Peak wrapped his arm around my middle, not noticing anything was wrong. "It's freezing in here." Was the first comment out of his mouth and I had to smile. Same old Peak. When he left go, Sterling pulled me into him, holding me close. He kissed the top of my head.

You have no idea how worried we all were. Sterling's voice popped into my head. Thank God, you're alright. Sort of. He amended the end.

I'm fine. I reassured him and even though he frowned and didn't believe me he let it go.

"Peak, get us out of here." Sterling said and Peak reached for my hand but I pulled back.

"Not yet. We have to get Ryder first." I said unwinding myself from Sterling's grasp and walking shakily to the door. My legs started to give out but Sterling caught me before I could hit the ground.

"Are you insane?" He asked. "You know he's the reason you're here right?"

I rolled my eyes frustrated. "Yes I know that. But there's stuff you don't understand."

"Than explain it to me otherwise we're leaving right now." He challenged.

"There's not time. I'll explain everything later. I promise." I said in exasperation. He was still looking doubtfully at me and I fixed my stare on him. "Look we'll all stay close and Peak can get us out quickly if anything happens." I said trying to convince him. Even though Ryder and I had our differences I wasn't going to leave him here.

"Max, I don't know. Nobody else will be very happy if we show up with him." He said tiredly and I knew he was close to giving in.

"Trust me on this. I can't leave him here, it's not like you think it is." I said softly looking up into his eyes. For some reason this reminded me off when the flock broke up the first time. When Fang was too stubborn to accept Ari wasn't all evil. If he would have just trusted me we would have never split up and maybe Germany wouldn't have played out like it did. It would have been easier together.

I shook the thought from my head and looked to see Sterling wavering. "Please. Just trust me."

He nodded solemnly. "Fine. But I swear one false move and he's gone." He threatened and I nodded, relieved he had believed me. "Where's he at?"

I paused unsure for a second. "I think I can find it again. At first I stayed with him." His jaw tightened but he didn't say anything. Without warning he swung me up into his arms. "Hey!" I protested. "What are you doing? Put me down." I hissed at him trying to wriggle out of his grip. If I actually got out of it though, I doubt I would have landed well.

"No." He said, his arms tightening around me. "You can barely walk to the door; don't tell me you can get all the way to Ryder's room easily." He said in a low voice.

"I could have." I said stubbornly crossing my arms as well as I could in my position. He made a good point though, so I didn't protest much more.

I pointed out the way I remembered and luckily we only went the wrong way twice. "It's that one." I said pointing to a door, not at all positive it was actually the right one.

Blade threw his fist at the door and it came off just like mine had. Ryder sat up from the cot he was sitting on, his eyes wide with surprise. The room was exactly how it had been before; luckily I had chosen the right one.

"Get up. You're coming with us." Sterling all but growled at Ryder. He slowly stood up.

"Why?" He asked cautiously.

"Because Max is too stubborn for her own good and refused to leave without you." Sterling replied shortly. That wasn't exactly how I would word it, but at the moment it was close enough. Ryder looked at me curiously, raising an eyebrow. I glared at him in response.

"Are you coming or not? I'll leave you here you know." I threatened.

"You're all staying here." We all whipped around to find another person in the doorway. The hulk was back. Dear god I thought he was gone. He grinned at me and I stiffened.

A growl rose in Sterling's throat and he carefully put me on the cot and turned back to the man that was about twice his size. Ryder stepped up beside him as Peak and Blade rushed to my side. Sterling and Ryder stared at each other a second before nodding at the same time. If they tag teamed him they could bring him down. We could have just left, but it seemed the boys wanted to knock the hulk out which was fine by me.

I would have been right there with them beating the snot out of the guy if I didn't feel so crappy. But I had a feeling if I tried to help I would get in the way and look like an idiot.

The hulk was the first one to move. He lurched forward awkwardly; his hugeness seemed to make him somewhat uncoordinated. I had never noticed it before, but now watching as his two targets stepped away easily it was obvious. He swung his arms wildly, most of his punches not landing properly on either of them.

Finally after Sterling sent the hulk reeling in Ryder's direction, Ryder landed a final blow to the side of the head that rendered the hulk unconscious.

"I've always wanted to do that." He muttered under his breath, a small grin sliding over his face. He nodded at Sterling who returned the gesture; maybe the two of them could get along eventually.

"Guys that was awesome!" Peak exclaimed, jumping up and waving his arms in the air.

I stood up slowly, trying not to sway, but failing. "Max?" Blade asked clutching my hand tightly.

"I'm fine." I said raising my hand to stop Sterling from coming and picking me up again. After a moment I felt a little better.

"Max, you can't even stand properly. That's not fine." He argued frowning at me.

"Look I don't really want to get into this, but Max let him help you until you feel better." Ryder added and I saw Sterling shoot him a surprised glance. Ryder saw it. "What?" He shot at Sterling. "It's true." He mumbled before turning to the door to leave.

"That's not how we leave." Peak piped up again and Sterling made a move towards me again as Ryder answered Peak, but I wasn't listening to them.

"No Sterling. It doesn't need to look worse than it really is. No unnecessary fussing." I pointed out, planting a hand on my hip.

"That's fine. I won't carry you then." He nodded calmly and I looked at him suspiciously before he twisted his arm around my waist, not giving me enough time to slip away. "But after just getting you back, I'm not going to let anything happen to you."

I frowned but didn't argue. I knew it would get me no where. His mind was made up. At least it wasn't as bad as him carrying me; that would be embarrassing to show up in front of the rest like that.

I sighed. "Let's get out of this place guys." Peak practically skipped over to us, Ryder in tow.

"Ready, set, GO!" Peak shouted and a moment later my knees started to give out on me and I was glad Sterling held me up. Falling right away wouldn't have looked too good either.

"Tally?" Was the first thing I heard and I whipped my head around. Ryder was staring at the girl with curly red hair. She turned around at her name.

"Ryder!!" She squealed and ran over to him, but after that I didn't know what happened because a little shrieking stampede came flying at me. Blade and Peak moved out of the way, making more room around me. Sterling loosened his hold, but stayed close.

"Max! Max ! Max! You're okay!" Everybody was around me at once dancing and hugging.

"Of course I am." I assured them and after a while thing calmed down. Tally came over me and gave me huge hug.

"Thank you so much Max. If it weren't for you, I'd still be in that horrible place and Ryder, well…." She trailed off and I figured he must have told her what he had been doing for her. "You know. And I'm so sorry." She gushed and I waved her off.

"It's fine. I'd do anything for my family too. Don't worry about it." I assured her and I felt her relax only to stiffen again when Fang's voice called out in a venomous tone.

"Why did you bring him?" Fang was glaring at Ryder and Sterling, who had finally left my side.

"Max insisted." Sterling shrugged the question off easily.

"And you went with it?" He snorted in disbelief.

"I trust her." Sterling answered shortly.

I stood up. After being warmed up and having something to eat I felt a little better. "I wasn't about to leave him there." I answered as I walked over to them, Tally behind me.

"You remember who this guy is right?" He asked incredulous. "I don't care if he had a reason or not. He's the whole reason you were in there." He said and I could feel Tally practically flinch behind me.

I rolled my eyes. "Of course I know that Fang. But if you remember right, some people would do anything for the ones they love." I snapped before turning away. I know I had hit a mark as he slipped into the trees, but at the moment I didn't care.

Fang POV

I sighed and rested my head in my hands. Ever since we had found Max again in New York, things hadn't been like I thought they would be. Everything was so much more complicated than I expected.

The trees rustled and I looked up to see Tally had followed me. "Hey." She said softly before sitting next to me on the ground. "Look, I know Ryder and I"

I cut her off gruffly before she could continue. "That's not the problem right now."

"Oh." She was surprised. "Max?" She asked and I nodded.

"Ever since the flock and I found her in New York, nothing has been like I thought it would be." I said, staring off into the darkness.

"You didn't expect her to have a family or to have Sterling." She was extremely perceptive.

"Well yeah, but it's not that. I'm glad she had some one these last four years. It's just we grew up together and were always best friends. We knew each other better than anyone else. And now it's like we never had that. We can't even talk without getting into an argument or something." I looked at her. "Sorry." I muttered an apology. "Didn't mean to unload all that on you."

She laughed softly. "That's why I came out here. I know it's not the same, but if I'm around, you always have someone to talk to okay? Now let's get back to everybody."

We stood up and walked back out to the group. Max looked up and stood. "Let's go home guys." Well if they were going home I guess the flock and I would be by ourselves again. I saw the faces of the flock fall. After getting Max back, we lose her again. She spread her wings and looked at me. "That means all of you." She said with a smile before jumping into the air, not leaving any time for protesting. Gazzy and Iggy whooped while the girls squealed. One by one, we took off into the night sky.

ummmm... the end. I know I know, he's not really all that Fang-y but that's how I wanted it…lol… sooooooo… that's it. Hope you enjoyed it and tell me how you liked it or hated it. Either way works for me! Thanks for reading if you stuck with me and got this far and thanks to everybody who reviewed.