So everyone, I had a bit of a mishap with my computer. My account wouldn't let me update my stories so even though this chapter was ready probably a month ago, I couldn't update. So I'm really sorry about the wait, but I can update freely now and the next chapter is here!

A big thanks to everyone who reviewed!

STALLION OF THE CIMARRON

Throy567

kompletely-kaley

Fly On Maximum Taylor Ride

CoffeeHouseGirl274

kingdomhearts4evar

I don't own Maximum Ride...frowny face

Enjoy! Smiley face!

Fang's pov

Her wings. They are a perfect example of pure beauty. Amber feathers mixed with speckled white. They had a large wingspan, and cast an enormous shadow over the audience. They beat through the air gracefully and her body contorted to ride the sir with ease. Her loops and tumbles were carefree and effortless.

I replayed her opening flight in my head. Iggy snapped me back into reality. He was jabbing my side frantically as he gapped at the act currently in the center ring. Some kid, who didn't look over 16, was contorting his body into a pretzel shape. It looked really painful and was a good example of why I avoided yoga. I blinked as the kid pulled his left foot around and through the opening his left arm made. And then all of a sudden his entire body was standing erect and perfectly straight. Not a knot in sight. I whispered to Nudge.

"Who's that?"

She didn't turn to look at me, but answered anyway.

"They introduced him as Flatz, their residential pretzel. He's kinda cute, dontcha think?"

Of course, Nudge wants to hook-up with one of the circus freaks. Then again, I think I do too. Iggy scoffed at Nudge's comment.

"Not as hot as me. "

He winked at Nudge. She giggled and smacked him. I sighed wishing they would just get together and leave me out of it. I turn my attention back to the ring just in time to see "Flatz" squeeze himself into a medium sixed box that should only fit a cat. He then pulled himself out and bowed as the audience, including the three of us, applauded loudly. It seems as though his act is finished. My suspicions are confirmed when he backs up and runs through the curtain at the back of the tent.

Charlie's loud and obnoxious voice comes out of a loud speaker as he introduces the next act.

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Give it up for Flatz the Human Knot! And now...it is my pleasure to introduce our next Freaky but True Circus resident, Jordan! Don't be fooled by his seemingly ordinary name. He is actually a real hothead. Please welcome our very own Dragon!"

The lights dimmed and most were shut off except for a select view of red, yellow and a rare white. The large tent was suddenly given a glow of red and it gave the impression of a cave on fire, which I assume was the desired effect. The temperature was steadily rising and my legs began to sweat. Suddenly a teenage boy, around my age stepped calmly out into the ring. He had a red light following him and every once in awhile he would smirk towards the stands. I heard Nudge sigh next to me.

"Now, forget cute. That guy is hot!"

Iggy stiffened and he bent his body to glare at the new comer. His smirk pissed me off so my eyes formed a glare as well.

He reached the center and took out two batons. He flicked them and they ignited. He began with simply twirling them around and above his head. Suddenly he lowered one to his mouth and he blew. It caused a giant ball of fire to engulf a nearby scarecrow. He then sent off a flurry of fireballs at neighboring scarecrows and targets. The rest off his act followed in a similar style. He played with, blew and swallowed fire for another 15 minutes or so before he finally bowed. I clapped, mainly because I wouldn't have to see his pompous mug anymore. Nearby girls seemed to be sad to see him go and I rolled my eyes at them. This is why I don't date. Girls are so hopeless when it comes to a handsome face.

The idiot ringleader came on again to announce the next circus freak.

"Yes, yes. Thank you Jordan. And ladies, he's single!"

A loud chorus of screams from one of the back rows caused Charlie to go silent for a few moments.

"Hahahaha, looks like Max has some competition. But anyway, please welcome Cherry. Our lovely, and captivating Mermaid!"

Again the lights dim to only blue and green spotlights are left, focusing on the giant curtain. A bunch of stage hands in black uniforms appeared and pushed out a giant tank of water. Seaweed was stuck inside and flowing along with other fish. A giant, not doubt plastic, clam was centered in the middle of the giant fish bowl. A soft sea melody started playing as the clam began to open up. A redheaded girl sat in a bright turquoise mermaid costume, tail included. Her stomach was bare and her top barely covered her chest. Her bikini was covered in fake jewels and sparkles. Her tail was covered in similar decorations and was extremely tight. Her hair was braided and twisted in several places and ribbons were sewn in. The girl's face was heavily coated in make-up. Blue eyelids clashed with bright green eyeliner and dark blue mascara coated her lashes. Her cheeks are pink and fake and her foundation was caked on so it would float away in the water. Overall, Cherry the mermaid was completely fake.

Cherry blinked a bit, adjusting to the spotlight, and then spread her face into a wide, sensual smile. Her eyes fluttered and she bent forward. Her tight top causing her bulging breasts to spill almost out. She continued to pose and wink at the audience. The guys were going wild and a few brave men, with no wife or girlfriend most likely, whistled. Iggy was completely hypnotized by the red-haired "mermaid" and Nudge looked ready to bite his head off.

I knew Nudge was about to explode so I, reluctantly, intervened before Iggy could be killed. I placed a hand on her shoulder and shook my head slightly. She sighed and took a deep breath and settled with just smacking Iggy upside the head. I gave them a small smile as they began to argue. They really were perfect for each other. So why, did they have to keep getting me involved?

My attention was turned back to the ring by a large flash of light. "The Mermaid" had apparently pulled a Disney stunt and turned human. Her tail was gone and in its place a small, tight, short mini-skirt took its place. She hopped out of the giant fish bowl and began to...dance? I guess you could call it dancing. A couple of mothers and fathers covered their children's eyes. One mother even left, shouting over her shoulder to call when the flying girl came back, her son being dragged behind her.

Iggy, having been distracted by Nudge, didn't see this transformation and wasn't further hypnotized. I was glad for that, didn't need another situation to break my careful shell of stone. Geez, some might see me as soft.

Finally, after another torturous 5 minutes, Cherry's horrific act was over and done with. This time I was ready for The Ringleader to tell us who was next. A loud whistle infested our ears as Cherry was rolled away.

"Wowie! Isn't she something? I think she's like a siren, watch out guys! Any-whoo, we have a great performer up next. He even gets my bones shaking. Please welcome, to the center ring, the magic voodoo king himself! Vin the Magic Man!"

Vin? Really. Vin the Voodoo Man. Honestly, these people are just strange. I look up, expecting the lights to dim like they have for the past three performances. Instead, they go out. It's complete blackness and the room chills significantly, a small amount of light leaks through the edges of the tent. Even with this little amount of light, smoke is visible and it has a purple tint to it. Nudge is grasping Iggy's arm tightly and their teeth chatter. I was pretty freaked out myself, but of course, I don't show it.

A flash of light alerts me to action happening in the ring. A tall, lanky man stands between three drums and begins to beat on them furiously. His movements create shadows on the walls that twist and turn with the light behind him. I look slightly beyond him and see that is light is a roaring fire that licks at his ankles. I'm unable to make out his face, since his tangled hair obscures it. It hangs unkempt and stringy out of his scalp and it completely covers his face. A small microphone is just visible on his ear. Murmurs are heard through the speakers at the top of the tent. Their volume is too low to be recognizable. Just as suddenly has he starts, he stops drumming. He begins chanting. Loud, clear and unrecognizable as human language.

I'm beginning to think that this guy is just making it up until a cloud of purple smoke appears and envelops the voodoo man. It twists and forms around the lean man to create a sort of doll shape. It has short arms and legs and virtually no neck at all. I realize with a shaken thought that the smoke created a voodoo doll. A mouth forms and two eyes create slits that glare at everyone in the stands.

"Greetings! My name is...Vin. But you already knew that didn't you?"

His voice is silky and charming, not at all how he appeared. But his words leave an edge to his speech.

"What you don't already know, is that I have the power, to kill all of you in this room right now. It would be so easy. Just a snap of my fingers and all your souls would go into my hand. But I wouldn't do that, oh no. I would much rather prefer you suffer before you die."

Smoke ran off the doll's arm and licked at our faces. The doll's mouth morphed into a sadistic smirk. Iggy gulped and then grimaced as Nudge's grip tightened. I gulped as well. This guy was just plain sketchy. Definitely someone who should be in an insane asylum.

"Now, would one of you step forward? Just one. Just one and I'll spare the rest of you."

No one stood, no one moved, no one even said anything.

"Come now, don't be selfish. Would you really sacrifice all these people? Just because you don't want to be chosen. All right then, if no one will volunteer, I'll choose."

A wide, menacing grin spread onto the voodoo doll's face. It's eyes widened at the idea of someone to torture. Finally people began to move. Boyfriends clutched their girlfriends, friends grabbed friends, and wives clung to their children and husbands. Nudge tackled Iggy and I and started shaking. Iggy wrapped his arms around her and I looked down at her sadly.

Suddenly my legs began to lift. I reached out to grab something and latched myself to the bleacher I was previously sitting on. Smoke blocked my vision and the force kept tugging at me. Suddenly I was freed from the stronger force and I scrambled to regain my footing. My head was reeling and I tried to understand what had happened. I turned my head to look at the ring only to see a terrified looking man stuck to a chair. I blink, finally able to put the pieces together. I was almost in that sorry chaps spot. I breathed a sigh of relief and looked back at the circle. The man looked terrified and I began to feel guilty. What if he has kids? Or a wife waiting for him?

Vin chuckled. His smoke doll was gone and he was back to his previous state.

"So it's you I have chosen. Do you have a wife? Kids? Girlfriend?"

The man started to stutter.

"Come on man! Speak up!"

"Y-y-yes. A girlfriend. "

"And how old are you. Come on tell me. I really would like to know. "

"I-I-I-I-I'm 22."

"Good, good. Now, what are we gonna do with you?"

The man stiffened and began to shake. His head whipped around to many faces in the crowd. His eyes even landed on me. The look in his eyes, well, scared me. I never wanted to feel that way. I never wanted my eyes to show that kind of fear or hopelessness. My hand reached out and I opened my mouth to apologize or try to make amends for what I may have caused for this innocent man. But I was stopped however by one of his eyelids closing over one eye. A wink? His gaze passed over me and on too the next person. I see, this man was in on the act. I sighed relieved that my actions hadn't caused some poor man's certain doom. I glance at my friends, Iggy can't tear his eyes off of the scene before him and Nudge was hiding behind Iggy.

Vin abruptly clapped his hands and began chanting a spell. The man whipped around in feigned fright and began to thrash against his restraints.

"Please stop!"

Vin stopped his chanting. He looked around and slowly turned 360 degrees.

"Very well. I won't kill you yet. Be mindful of my kindness. So long, ladies and gentleman. Have a terrifying night."

He bowed, spun and in a puff of smoke, was gone. The drums, fire and man. Gone.

Silence filled the tent as the lights came back on. Since I knew about the trick, I stood up and began to clap my hands together. Iggy and Nudge gapped at me.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?"

I shrugged and sighed.

"The guy was obviously in on it. It was all an act."

My voice grew louder as I said the last sentence. People slowly began catching on and began clapping too. Soon, all of the audience gave Vin the voodoo magic man a round of applause, because, damn, that was convincing.

"Thank you, Thank you, ladies and gentlemen. Now, we've said hello and goodbye to the pretzel, the dragon, the mermaid and the magician. And now, Ladies and Gentlemen, please get ready to meet, the Angel of our little circus. The Amazing Maximum Ride!

Somewhere near the front row, one person called the mother in who had left earlier.

Max Pov

I meet up with Flatz coming to the tent for his act on my way to Linda's. I high-fived him and ran off to get ready. Just as I was arriving at Linda's costume trailer I heard a voice call out to me.

"Max!"

Ugh, it was Jordan. I really didm't have time for him to try to "woo" me right now. So I walked faster, hoping to avoid an awkward conversation with him trying to ask me out and me, flat out turning him down. I assume I've turned him down at least 20 times by now. Honestly, his persistence was starting to get on my nerves. Tragically, he caught up to me. He put one hand on my shoulder and turned me around. His smile widened and he gazed down at me.

"Hey Max."

"Hi Jordan."

He continued to stare at me as I awkwardly twitched in place. I finally huffed and snapped my fingers in front of his face. I gritted my teeth in annoyance when I realized I had to stand on my tiptoes in order to reach his face. Stupid height. I'm tall for being of the feminine species but really? This guy was a giant and again it was annoying me greatly. This guy just annoys me.

"Jordan? Jordan! What do you want?"

He snapped out of his obvious daydream. He blinked a bit before his cocky smirk took over his face once again. My fist clenched at my sides.

"Oh right. Yeah, Henry's looking for you. Something about a new addition for you to take under your wing."

He shrugged and I gapped at him.

"What? But the show has already started! Why are they bringing in a new act right after the show starts?"

"Beats me. I'm only the messenger. But I recommend you hurry up. He has to go help with the fish in Cherry's bowl soon."

I run a hand through my hair quickly and sigh.

"Yeah, your right. Thanks for telling me. Bye, good luck. Hope it isn't a tough crowd!"

Before he can respond I run in the direction of Henry's stables. Henry keeps all the animals we use for the show there and he's also in charge of new recruits. I sprint off and enjoy the brief moments of air blowing in my face. Soon the stables come in to view and I begin to dread who the new recruit was. I hope it isn't someone too young, or innocent. For some cruel reason Charles likes to break them in all ways possible. I slow to a walk as I go through the entrance. I stop to glare at Beatrice, the resident Elephant that hates me. I hear a short soft giggle and whip around to see Henry twirling a young blond girl around in circles. I cautiously approach and wince when my boot crunches a stray piece of straw on the ground. They both turn to look at me.

"Hey Max. I'd like to introduce you to the newest addition to Freaky but True circus and your new performance partner, Angel"

He puts her down and I cock my head. Performance partner? How-

"Whaaaaaaat?"

The little girl had turned around a clutched onto Henry's shorts. She buried her head. But I couldn't be distracted by her cuteness. Because after turning her back was in full view to me.

This little blonde girl, this Angel, had wings.

Sorry about the cliffy, but I just couldn't resist! I said we would have Angel, but she's like six/seven right now, so she is going to be really cute and non-manipulative.

I'm gonna introduce all the other characters I made up next chapter. And we learn a little about Max's past...

I'll be back soon!

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