Fourth part! I also can't say how much that the fact that people take the time to review means to me. So here's a personal thanks to all those that did! I tried making this a little longer than it previously was, 'cause it was short haha. Hope this part is good once more. Uhm…. Next part will be up as soon as I can manage. Carry on reviewing please everyone who read as I said earlier it does mean a lot to me! x.

Disclaimer: Shock horror, I don't own Maximum Ride.

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My head was spinning. Why did they all like her so much? Usually they weren't this trusting of strangers. I'd taught them not to be. It was all I could do not to scream when I saw her fitting right in. We'd flown to a nearby cave, pretty cool as caves go, and get this: she had dark purple wings with what looked like slightly blue tinted ends. I mean how cool?! I saw Fang's eyes light up when she shook them and saw him smile at her graceful flying. Rage shook me and I put on the gas to arrive at the cave in about 10 seconds. I kicked some sticks out of the way trying to regain my usual cool composure. Just as I thought I had it under control she flew in with Fang just behind her. My eyes narrowed.

I took the chance to glance over the flock, checking everyone was okay. Nudge looked like she was fit to burst. I guess she had a million things she wanted to ask to Phoeno, which made me even angrier. I was the one who Nudge was always questioning, that was in my job description as leader. I sighed, rubbing my forehead. She looked fine, all of her scrapes and bruises healing quickly. She was getting really cute as she was getting older, and she had a smile that could light up any cave. Which is hardly an achievement since it's a cave but you get me right? Gazzy looked unbelievably tired but still managed to have that cheeky, mischievous look on his face that all 8 year olds have. Except his seems like it's firmly screwed on. He'd already got dirty and he'd had a shower this morning. What had he been doing to get that filthy? You got me. Iggy was slumped against the side of the cave with his arms up behind his head, his eyes were resting quietly and I think he was focusing on where everything was in the cave by listening to the vibration of our voices. Otherwise he was snoozing his head off. I hadn't noticed before but he had a long gash up one of his arms. I guess that was a Flyboy. Concern flooded me, I guess sometimes I forget he's the same age as me, what can I say: I look after these guys. I glanced at Fang who looked cool and calm with his knees brought up to his chest and his arms behind him. I wouldn't have been bothered apart from the fact that he was murmuring softly to Phoeno and they were both smiling and she was giggling. Okay, would have been nice to be filled in on these current events. Something like, newsflash! Fang's started acting comfortably around strangers and laughing with them! You know, like a little heads up, guess I wasn't worth it though, unlike Phoeno.

Angel sidled up to me and I quickly locked down all my thoughts about Phoeno so she couldn't read them. The nosy bugger. Well, I didn't mean that really, I mean Angel's like my little girl, but whatever, I was in a bad mood. Had you guessed? Anyways, back on track: I focused my thoughts on her. She was growing up so fast! And she looked amazingly gorgeous after that shower. No kidding. She smiled sweetly "Thanks Max! You do too! And I'm not the only one who thinks so!" She grinned cheekily.

I frowned. Who did she mean? Before I could ask her she ran over to Total and Nudge by the fire. I blinked and found it a struggle to open my eyes up again. I was beat. That fight really took it out of me.
"Okay guys, I'm really tired. Shall we get some R and R?" They grumbled, obviously wanting to speak some more to Phoeno. Too bad. I put my fist in to stack it with the others. Phoeno looked confused when the others followed me. Fang leaned towards her and whispered to her. He must have invited her to join us, as that's what she did. My blood almost boiled. Whatever. Shrug it off Max. I tapped the back of everyone's hand. Purposefully missing Phoeno's. So what? She'd have to deal. She wasn't ever going to be part of my flock. Ever. Fang nominated himself for first watch. Quelle surprise! But I silently thanked him. As I lay down to sleep, just before I closed my eyes, I saw him hand her his jumper to use as a pillow. Forget that thank you. Screw him.

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