A/N: So, without further adieu, here's chapter 14. We did our first performance of Beauty and The Beast today, so it's not as hectic now. I'll probably have chapter 15 posted sometime this weekend. Thanks to all who've read this. Enjoy!

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Annie's P.O.V.

She looked over to where the rest of the flock stood, an uncommonly kind look in her eyes. "I'm Annie. I'm a friend." She took off her jacket. Then, she slowly unfurled a pair of bright, tawny wings.

I blinked – my version of complete astonishment.

Well. That was unexpected.

Angel walked forward, and stared at the girl. "Explain."

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The young girl looked up at me, curiously. I knew that she had mind reading powers, and could hear everything that I was thinking. The dark one was still looking at me with distrust, standing defensively, Max's unconscious form behind him. The younger blonde boy was standing a little ways behind the young girl, in a fighting stance as well. The mocha-colored girl was standing tense beside the tall, blonde boy, who was looking in my general direction, listening intently.

Jen had said that this wasn't going to be easy. All the undercover work, all the hiding, fighting against flyboys– all of it was going to add up to this. I couldn't help them if they didn't trust me.

I took a deep breath, and began. "I've always been here at the School. I can't remember never being here. My earliest memories are of me in a cage." I couldn't help but shudder at the dreadful memories.

"Then, one day, a good scientist helped me. Her name was Jen. She taught me how to fight. How to read. How to write. She's like my mom in so many ways. She got me out of here, nearly getting herself killed in the process. She's my best friend."

I didn't feel particularly uncomfortable telling these strangers this. I trust easily. "But she told me of Itex's plans. I didn't like them. I didn't want innocent kids to go through what I've been through. So we made a plan. A plan to bring Itex down. And we can't do that if everyone's locked up in a cage, sentenced to die." I looked over at the flock, who looked surprised. I knew that they weren't used to getting help.

"No, we aren't," The little one –Angel, I believe – said in response to my thoughts. "But why would you want to help us?"

My eyes widened a little in surprise. Wasn't it obvious?

"Why would I not?" I asked. "It's what's right. And part of me knows that I would want someone to help me if I were in the same situation."

After a moment of reading my thoughts, Angel smiled in earnest. "Thank you." Then, she turned back to her waiting flock.

"She's okay. She has a caring mind. Annie just wants to help us. She's on our side," She assured them.

The flock relaxed. "Can you help Max?" The small, blonde boy asked me. I could tell that he was trying to be strong, but his façade was slipping slightly. He was scared for Max.

Walking forward slowly, I moved to bend down next to Max. Fang lay her gently back down on the floor, holding her hand. I looked up at him. I knew that even he was a little worried, even though he wouldn't admit it.

I felt of Max's pulse, which was very slow, even for a hybrid. Then, I spoke to the flock. "Stand back," I cautioned.

They did as they were asked, and then I took a deep breath. Then, I placed my hand on Max's head, and my palm warmed. My body lit up with a golden light, and I heard someone gasp. Then, slowly, the gold light transferred from my body into Max's. She glowed for a moment, and then she was still.

I stepped back. Angel said, "She has healing powers!"

I nodded yes, watching Max. She should be opening her eyes in a few moments.

Max coughed, and then her eyelids fluttered. Then, as if it was instinctual, she immediately sat up and got to her feet, stumbling slightly. Her flock crowded around her, and she assured them that she was fine. Fang went up to her and held her close. She held him close, too. I smiled. They must really care about each other.

I felt Angel's presence in my mind. She giggled, and thought back to me, You have no idea!

Max stiffened when she noticed that I was here. I immediately backed away even more, not wanting to startle her. "Who are you?" She asked, standing defensively in front of her flock.

"Max," Fang whispered. "She healed you. She's on our side."

I stood there, and held out my wings a little to show her.

Her eyes widened a bit. After she had collected herself, she said, "Um..Thanks."

"You're welcome. I'm Annie, by the way," I said politely. Her brown eyes looked at my deep blue as she said, "I'm Max."

"Well, now we know that Max is saved, blah blah blah…exactly how do you suppose that we bust out of here?" The one named Iggy said, slightly rolling his eyes. I realized suddenly that he was blind.

I laughed a little. "Well, assuming that you have wings, I think that this will be fairly simple. All we need to do is distract the guards, cause a diversion, sneak past the security systems, override the sensors –"

"Or, ya know, I could just get one of my oh-so-fabulous bombs out and blow a hole in the wall. Would that work?" Iggy interrupted me in serious tone.

I was startled. Bombs? Angel giggled.

"Um..," I said weakly, trying unsuccessfully to hide my surprise, "that could probably work, too."

The whole flock laughed at my expression.

Iggy grinned. I was surprised when my stomach did a little somersault. "Stand back, then," He warned to everyone. Then, he pulled a little capsule out of his zipper pocket, and threw it at the nearest wall.

They all ducked. I, having no bomb experience, merely stood there ignorantly. I wasn't used to having things explode, quite frankly.

There was a beeping sound…5…4…3…

"Annie, you might want to get down!" Iggy yelled, running towards me, and dragging me down to the floor.

2…1…

BOOM!!

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-Soccerislife14