Hello! So, a little later than I usually post but don't blame me. Blame my spanish teacher. We are having food day friday and because I'm not gonna be attending school tomorrow I had to go to my friends house and make what we're bringing in early. We made cinnamon tortillas. I know, sounds kinda blah but it was really good. But, enough about me. Here's to all of the reviewers for the last chapter! Shout outs to: Keggy and Heggy, Abbylovesfangsosupermuch, Winged Reader, reald3d, julia78910! You guys are awesomeeeeee! :)

Maximum Ride 50 Touch Up July 9

(Arianna Pov.)

Arianna's feet touched down gently on the grassy field as her wings pumped backwards to keep her body upright. Slowly she pulled her wings in and glanced around. The others landed one by one beside her in the clearing. Mick gently handed Carrie to Ty who held her close to his chest. Her friend was unconscious but her face was still full of pain. Her broken wing stuck out awkwardly making it hard for Ty to hold her. He managed though without waking her.

Nikki landed and walked over to her brother. Bryce touched down and sat on the ground by Braden and Jordan who were crying softly. Alexandria landed off to one side and wiped a small tear from the corners of her eyes.

Arianna heard the sound of wings flapping and looked up in time to see Max. The eldest bird kid spread her beautiful wings wide and touched down like a bird of prey. She straightened slowly but Arianna couldn't see her face because it was shrouded in shadow. Slowly she walked across the clearing not speaking to anyone and disappeared into the woods. The others watched her go then returned to talking quietly in there small groups. Arianna glanced back at where Max had disappeared. Then she took off running after her.

It didn't take long before Arianna caught sight of her leader. Max was still walking but didn't seem to be going anywhere specific. It was like she was walking just to be moving. Arianna quickened her pace and ran up beside Max. The older girl didn't even seem to notice her. "Max, hey Max?" Max's eyes were dull as she stared straight at the ground, not really seeing it. Arianna frowned and went to stand in front of her. Max glanced up and the look in her eyes frightened the young girl.

Arianna flinched. She hadn't seen that look in someone's eyes since the day she'd first met Fang. It was the exact same. Pain, remorse, sorrow, grief, loss. All of these were clearly visible along with some emotions Arianna could not name. "Oh, hey Arianna," Max said. Her voice sounded calm but her eyes betrayed her. Small tears were just visible in the corners of her eyes. Arianna pretended not to notice.

"I was just wondering where you're going," she said. Max glanced around her and seemed surprised at how far she'd gone. She sighed. "I don't know," she admitted. She turned and sat down on a stump patting the spot beside her. Arianna sat down next to her and looked up at her face.

"I guess I'm just a little…overwhelmed, is all." Max ran her fingers through her hair and looked up at the sky. The sun was just barely visible over the trees and dark clouds covered the sky. It seemed to fit the mood, Arianna thought. "I am too. But it'll be okay. Fang can take care of himself and so can the others. They've taken care of themselves before and taken care of others. I know Fang would never have let me get hurt."

"You trust him a lot don't you?"

"Of-course…but I think you trust him more." Max smiled and her eyes took on a distant look.

"I've known Fang ever since I can remember. At the School our dog crates were stacked next to each other. At the E shaped house where we lived after Jeb, my father and an ex-white coat, rescued us Fang's room was next to mine. When we were on the run he was always by my side. We flew together, laughed together, cried. He helped me through some of my most impossible moments. And when I was dieing…he was right there. Looking down at me. I knew he'd take care of the others. Even if it wasn't in the way I'd thought he still made sure they got out of there okay and were able to leave me. He's saved my life so many times and I know he would have given up his own just to have me live. When I took that bullet for him I felt no regret. He'd of done the same I just know it."

Max paused and looked sadly at Arianna. "I love him so much. He's my best friend, right wing man, and soul mate. If I don't get him back I don't know what I'll do. When I was being held by BREAKING there were only three things keeping me going. One: self preservation. I was born a fighter. Two: I knew one day BREAKING would try to come after my Flock so I had to find them and make sure they were protected from those whack jobs. And third, I needed to see Fang again and let him know I was alive. I needed to tell him I loved him like I did just before I died."

Arianna listened in silence but when she was sure Max was done she gently reached out and took the older girl's hand. Max looked at her questionably and Arianna said slowly, "Fang never stopped thinking about you. Every morning he'd get up and look up into the sky. I didn't really know what he was looking for. But now I do." Arianna looked into Max's darker eyes and said, "He was looking for you."

Max's eyes widened. Then her eyes narrowed and her mouth set into a hard line. She stood up pulling Arianna with her. Arianna kept her hand and Max intertwined their fingers. She looked down at the younger girl and smiled. "And I'll never stop looking for him. Come on, Fang and the others are waiting on us."

(Nikki Pov.)

Nikki looked up as she felt a wave of determination sweep over her. She glanced over her shoulder and her eyes widened. Max walked into the clearing followed closely by Arianna who was holding her hand. Max's eyes were narrowed and she had a business like look on her face. Arianna looked determined but also a bit nervous.

Bryce followed Nikki's gaze and noticed the two as well. He stood up followed closely by Mick who towered over the sandy blonde bird boy. Nikki got up from where she had been sitting beside Ty, Alexandria and Carrie the latter of which was still unconscious and followed them over to meet the two bird kids. They stopped just in-front of each other. Nikki reached them and was the first to speak.

"Where have you been!" She whisper shouted. She didn't want to risk waking Carrie but she was angry at Max for walking off and for Arianna just disappearing. They'd already lost so many. She'd lost Iggy….

Max glanced at Nikki and said, "We'll get Iggy back along with everyone else. Trust me. I'm going to make BREAKING pay for what they've taken from us. You can count on it." Nikki glared at Max and said, "And how do you plan to do that? Huh? Gonna light the building on fire while they're still inside it like you did us? I'm sure that'll work out great!"

"If you think so. But I've got something else in mind."

"Do tell," Nikki replied sarcastically.

Max walked past Nikki and said over her shoulder, "You'll find out later."