AN: Here's another one. I should be doing my homework, but I'm on a writing high, and couldn't stop. :P Enjoy!

Chapter Four

"Max? Max; wake up!"

I opened my eyes slowly, quickly shutting them again as I got blinded by the sun above me. I felt a pair of strong arms slip under me, lifting me up. I leaned my head against the chest of the boy holding me, trying to shield myself from all the voices around me.

"Fang?" I asked, looking up into the face of the boy who held me, whom I had immediately assumed was Fang.

Iggy glanced down at me quickly before responding. "No. We couldn't find him."

"No! The Flyboys!" I cried, struggling in Iggy's hold.

"Max, calm down. The Flyboy's are gone; there's nothing we can do right now. Just relax," Iggy replied in a soothing voice. I didn't want to hear Iggy's soothing voice, thought. I wanted to hear Fang's. I closed my eyes, exhausted, and allowed Iggy to carry me back to the cave where the younger one's were waiting.

Maximum Ride, wake up.

I groaned as a quick jolt of pain rushed through my head; apparently Jeb had installed a new wake up call in my brain.

What do you want now, Jeb? In case you haven't noticed, I'm a little busy sleeping here. And what's with the whole 'Maximum Ride' business? I thought we had gotten it down to Max.

You need to get up. Now. You've rested enough.

Another jolt of pain rushed through my head as Jeb spoke.

Urgh. Lay off the jolts, Jeb, jeez. I'm up, I'm awake.

Good. You and the Flock need to get out of there. Head to Iowa.

Why Iowa? Is that where Fang is?

No.

Then it's not where I need to go.

Forget about Fang, Maximum Ride. He's just a distraction.

A distraction? He's my right-hand man! I need him! I lo–

You what? Love him?

Wow, did I almost say that? I didn't love Fang, though. Did I? No, I must have just hit my head in the fall. I love him as a brother, nothing more.

Stop denying it, Maximum Ride. The sooner you accept the fact that you love him, the sooner you can get over him.

When I understand that logic I'll go to Iowa, 'kay?

Listen to me!

Another jolt ran through my head, this one much more painful than before. I let out a quiet whimper, bringing my hands to my head. I heard Iggy get up and walk over to me, but I paid him no attention.

Why are you doing this, Jeb?

You must understand. Saving the world is much more important than your stupid little crush. Forget Fang.

Being the stubborn person I am, I had to refuse, even if it made it sound like I really did like Fang.

No!

Then you leave me no choice.

A shooting pain erupted in my head, a million times worse than any other brain attack I'd ever had before. I screamed, clutching my head for dear life. Iggy quickly crouched down, wrapping his muscled arms around my shaking body.

As the world began to fade to black, I couldn't help but wish that it were Fang's arms around me instead of Iggy's.

AN: There you go. Two chapters in a row where I've ended with Max passing out. :( Sorry it's so short. Also, there will be NO Miggy in this story! His actions are strictly brotherly. Just wanted to clear that up. :P Also, I might type more tonight (depends on how long my homework takes,) so keep an eye out for the fifth chapter, okay? But if you want it, I need reviews. Lot's of them. :P