ALLO, MATES. SO, THANK YOU FOR REVIEWING MY LAST CHAPTER, AND THE TWO OTHER STORIES I HAVE POSTED. I AM EXTREMELY DISAPPOINTED TO HAVE TO TELL YOU THAT BOTH OF MY OTHER STORIES ARE ON HAITUS UNTIL FURTHER NOTICE. NOT CANCELLING THEM, JUST WRITERS BLOCK. WHOEVER INVENTED THAT NEEDS TO BE LYNCHED. SO, YEAH. HERE'S MY NEXT CHAPTER, ENJOY!
DISCLAIMER: STILL NOT JAMES PATTERSON. I PROMISE. DARN.
Why I Make Hell Freeze Over – Chapter 2
I had stayed with them for a full month, and for some reason that to this day I don't understand, Ella had decided to throw me a birthday party. The day I was born wasn't nearly as significant to me as it was to my family, but I would play along to make them happy.
"Max, ZOMG! You look so great in blue! Why do you always wear black? It makes you look depressed." It was getting easier to listen to my sister's rants without really paying attention now, and I almost had it perfected. I shrugged in answer to her question, then turned to look in the full length mirror.
In all honesty, I wasn't sure exactly what made a person pretty. Most of them just looked the same to me, and it wasn't as if I'd been around the town gossips enough to have their opinions of me. I really couldn't care less what they thought. But the girl in the mirror couldn't have been me. She just looked too different. Her hair was in loose waves around her shoulders, curling in on the bottom by her waist. She had a light dusting of sparkles around her eyes, which were the only thing I could confidently claim as mine because of their cold stare. She wore a deep royal blue dress, which tied behind her neck like a halter-top. It clung to her form, leaving no room to run.
"Ella, do you mind if I make a few... alterations?" I asked quietly. She looked the dress up and down, then nodded her consent.
"If you want to. A dress has to display the character of the person. That's the only way it works." Sighing, I carefully ripped the seam on the side until there was a cut up to my mid-thigh. It gave me more room to walk, and made it much more comfortable for me. I had no qualms about showing skin. The Whitecoats had run too many tests on me to make me nervous in a dress. Ella squealed, and led me out into the yard.
It was sunny again, and I could enjoy the feel of the heat on my skin. Dr. Martinez had set up a feast on the picnic table, with a large chocolate cake in the middle. On the cake were candles shaped into the number fourteen. The words Happy Birthday Max were scrawled across the bottom in purple icing. As soon as we were all sitting down, my mother and sister both stated singing Happy Birthday, and I just had to smile. I was supposed to cut the cake, and I made sure that they both got big slices before getting any for myself. We were all eating and laughing when I heard it.
The sound of two dozen paws hitting the ground in synchronization. Huge, panting breaths. Fast paced hearts that were just like mine. The Whitecoats little guard dogs. How had they found me? I was an idiot, that's how. My blood was like a beacon to them, and I had injured myself in this very yard. I felt myself stand and take a fighting stance.
"Max? Are you alright?" Ella asked, her voice portraying slight fear. I shook my head, and motioned for them to go inside. They tried to comply when they saw the dogs, but by then it was too late, and the snarling hybrids had grabbed them both before I could do anything.
"What have we here, boys? Looks like that little run-away we were sent for. Maximum, right?"
I didn't move a muscle as the leader stepped forward, shifting to a somewhat human form to speak to me. He smirked, shaking his head. "Come on, Max, don't you remember me? We were friends back in the cages." I narrowed my eyes. Oh yeah, I remembered this guy.
"Go to Hell, Ari."
"Too late. Already there. Well, if you won't cooperate, I guess my boys here will just have to cut these girls' pretty throats." My eyes widened. He was serious? He would kill innocent people to get to me? What was wrong with him? I didn't move as he stepped closer to Ella, as he pulled a knife from his belt. But when he put the blade to my sister's jugular, I knew he would really do it. I had to stop him.
"Wait!"
He turned to me, expectantly as I lowered my fists.
"I'll come back. I'll do whatever you want. Just let them go."
The smirk on his face widened into a grin, and he lowered the knife. Ella let out a sigh of relief, then looked up at me in shock. She knew what I was doing.
"What? Max, no! You can't!" I gritted my teeth together, knowing that this was not a good way leave them.
"Be quiet, Ella. Go inside." But Ari didn't release his grip on her, I noticed. "Ari. Let. Them. Go."
"Escort the woman inside. We're taking the girl with us," he said, ignoring me. Faster than he could see, I had him by the collar, a foot in the air.
"No!"
"Ah, ah, ah. You don't want me to slip, do you Maxi?" Slowly, reluctantly, I dropped him. He gave me a look that clearly meant he was laughing at me, then motioned for the rest of the dogs to do as he'd ordered. I hated that sniveling, repugnant, wretch worse than I hated his father. Our father, I realized. How strange that I'd never noticed it before.
"Ari, she's your sister too. Please," I whispered, low enough that only he would hear me. Something flickered in his eyes for a moment, so fast I wondered if I'd imagined it, but then it was gone.
"I'm following orders, Maximum. Like you should have been doing all along. Maybe then you wouldn't have gotten them involved in this mess. If you feel like blaming me for this, fine. but remember – you led us to them." I hated him even more, because, face it, he was right. It was completely my fault that my sister was about to be taken to the most terrible place imaginable, that my mother was about to lose both her daughters for the second time. At least if they had Ella, they wouldn't physically hurt her. They'd use her as leverage so I would work. Ari looked at me with disgust in his gaze as I gave up, snarling at his minions to take us away. And I let them.
"Max? Are you okay?" Ella whispered in my ear as I caught her. Those slobbering mutts had thrown her into the back of the truck with me, using the same force they would have for an enhanced, dangerous mutant like myself. Honestly, she was only a little girl! She was a defenseless human! Harmless! I shook my head, despondent.
"Don't worry about me, Ella. I've been through all of this before. You focus on you, and make sure you stay alive, hear me?" She nodded, frightened but trying not to show it. She was already learning how to survive amongst monsters.
Three hours later found us in a somewhat military-like base, packed full of the lupine (wolf) hybrids instead of camouflage-clad soldiers. We were roughly shoved out of the truck, me shielding Ella from all of the blows, and into a gray building surrounded by an electrified chain-link fence. I knew where we were, as this had been my next target, before I found my family. It's amazing how much such a simple event can change a person.
"Maximum! So nice to see you again! It has been much too long." I stiffened reflexively to hearing the voice, pulling my sister even closer to me and wrapping one sharp-feathered wing around her so she was hidden from view. I had to be very careful to make sure it didn't accidentally brush against her shoulder, but I managed. "And who have we here? Another pretty little gem like yourself? Do let us see."
"I have a better idea. Why don't you take that cheery attitude of yours and shove it. You want to see her? I dare you to come an try to pry my feathers away," I snarled. I was truly hoping she would, too. But that she-devil just laughed and continued on.
"Now, Maximum, why must you be so harsh? And here I've so generously allowed you to keep your precious sister, and this is the thanks I get? You should be ashamed of yourself. But I'll let it slide, this time. You have a mission to complete. We won't hurt the girl. All you have to do is follow my orders. She'll even be provided with her our very best care. Do we have a deal?"
I thought about it for a long moment. I didn't want to give her up to them, but there was no way I could get her out of here unscathed. And I knew that the Whitecoats, Anne in particular, were smart enough not to break a deal with me. They would die very slow deaths for harming my family in any way, shape, or form. So, as much as I hated to admit it, I had no choice but to deliver my own sister into the hands of my enemies. I sighed, glancing down at the girl in question.
"Ella, listen. If I behave, you'll be okay. You have to be strong, understand?" She nodded, determination shining in her eyes. She was tough. She would live long enough for me to get her back to her mother. I bit my lip, turning back to Anne Walker. "You promise that no harm will come to her, or her mother?"
"Why of course, Maximum! Don't you trust us?" I gave a short, scathing bark of laughter.
"About as much as I trust myself. That pretty much puts you at the top of my hit list. But I do know you well enough to know you aren't stupid. If you cross me, I will kill you. Count on that." At her terrified expression, I smirked before gently releasing my sister. A woman clad in green scrubs hesitantly stepped forward and led her away. I watched her go, analyzing the wolves that eyed them, but obediently parted for them to pass. Then I glared at Anne.
"So, you said you had a mission for me? Something good, I hope."
"Only the best for someone of your skill, Maximum."
And that, my friends, is how I ended up in this mess, at some underground nightclub hunting five other escaped experiments. And by underground, I don't mean subway level. No, I mean the kind of underground that kidnaps innocent children and using them for cheap labor and the pleasure of sick, twisted adults who like to see people squirm.
Now how could I possibly enter such a place without causing suspicion, you ask? Why, going undercover and pretending to be one of those scared, witless, and don't forget human, children who get caught by the underground. Sounds fun, doesn't it? Note the heavy sarcasm there.
I was currently whimpering like a pathetic child as I allowed some huge oaf to think he was shoving me through a small door. Said door was made of steel, and led to a set of rooms that I could tell were occupied, even though the occupants themselves were further in. As soon as the door slammed shut, I straightened up and started scouting out the exits.
"Sucker," I muttered under my breath. There were three exits in this particular room. The steel door, which would be absolutely no problem for me, was in the northwest corner, facing a worn-looking red couch and several small bean-bag chairs. There was a barred window high on the south wall, low enough that someone with my talents could easily jump to it. Then there was a skylight, about twelve feet above my head. Um, hello! I have wings! I mean, no offense or anything, but duh! How stupid can you get? Wait, don't answer that.
I heard whispered voices from one of the back rooms, along with faint breathing and five different heartbeats. Making sure to tuck my wings in very tightly, and keeping my talons carefully concealed, I slowly made my way through the 'house,' cataloging escape routes the entire time. By the time I reached the door that would lead me to my new roommates, I ha the layout of the building memorized. The voices quieted down as I opened the door, and I almost jumped as I was attacked by mocha skinned girl that was slightly shorter than me.
"OMG! I didn't know we were getting a new roomie! I'm so excited! Hi, I love your hair! Did you do it yourself? Those little streaks of blonde look absolutely gorgeous! Oh, I'm Nudge, by the way. It's really nice to meet you. What's your name?" I raised an eyebrow, my sign for complete shock, but replied to all of the girl, Nudge's, comments.
"Yes, I'm happy for you, thank you, it's natural, also thank you, nice to meet you too, and my name's Max." There was silence for a second, then –
"I didn't know it was possible to keep up with her." And several of them burst out laughing. How they could find anything funny in the situation they were in, I had no idea. Then again, I also couldn't understand how someone forced to work against their will could have so much energy. Says the mutant freak who doesn't sleep. I mentally sighed, glancing around at the five people whom I would be bedding with.
There was Nudge, obviously, who looked to be about twelve at the most. She kept brushing her wild curly hair out of her eyes while she chatted animatedly with another girl and boy her age. These two were most likely twins, I thought, taking in both of their pale skin, blond hair, and bright blue eyes. They couldn't have been older than ten. Then there was another boy about my age sitting on a sagging loveseat, focusing intently on something with a bunch of wires that looked suspiciously explosive. He had pinkish-blond hair that I thought was called strawberry spiked up in random places all over his head. His eyes, which were half closed in concentration, were a slightly lighter shade of blue than the twins'. Then there was the other one.
He seemed out of place amongst the other four, relatively cheerful people in the room. He might have been a month older than me, but no more than that. He was dressed in clothing similar to my dark attire, black from head to toe. The only spot of color on him was his skin, which was a French-looking olive tone. I briefly wondered if he had an accent, but banished the thought almost immediately, deciding I didn't care. This one's eyes were almost black, they were so dark, and they portrayed absolutely no emotion as he stared back at me. I knew he was doing the same thing I was – scoping out threats. He was a smart cookie, to instantly deem me dangerous. And to think, I used to mass murder poor kids like these in cold blood. No wonder Anne was afraid of me. Heck, I was afraid of me. Although that was probably a medical condition. Eventually, however, I got tired of this boy's scrutiny, and I opened my big mouth.
"Take a picture. It'll last longer." I really don't know where I picked up that particular line, but it was pretty far off. I mean, take that picture of me as a baby. By the time I was dead and gone, that photo would have been deleted from the Itex mainframe to make room for more information on some other unfortunate child whose life will have been ruined by evil scientists and slobbering mutts. Morbid, I know, but it's the truth.
Goth boy didn't say anything, just shrugged and looked away. Coward. Now though, of course, I had the attention of the rest of the group. Nudge motioned for me to sit with she and the twins, so I walked over slow enough to pass as human. Sinking onto the roughly carpeted floor and crossing my legs, I glanced back at the boy. He was still staring at the wall.
"That's Fang. He doesn't talk much. To anyone. Don't take it personally." I looked up to see that the female twin had spoken. She smiled. "I'm Angel. This is my brother Gazzy, and that over there is Iggy. It's nice to meet you." I nodded in response, then cast a pointed glance at the contraption in Iggy's hands.
"He's making a bomb, right?" Angel snickered, and Iggy looked at me, startled, before nodding sheepishly. I frowned, remembering somewhat painfully all of the places – and people – I had destroyed with those things. "Do me a favor, and don't let me near that thing. Explosives and I were never on very good terms." This statement earned me a few curious glances, I ignored them, instead striking up a conversation with Nudge about the place I was now being 'held.'
I made sure that everyone was asleep before I snuck out. This was pretty easy, and not noticeable at all, because all I really had to do was jump out the skylight. From there I flew to the nearest payphone, and made my report.
"Phase one complete. I have successfully integrated with the system."
"Very good, M470r415. As promised, your sister is unharmed."
"I want to speak with her."
"I'm afraid I can't allow that, M470-"
"Cut the crap, Walker. My name is Max. Now put Ella on the phone or I swear to god I will come down there and kick your big white-"
"Fine. You may speak with her."
"Thank you, Anne."
"Max?"
I sighed in relief. She sounded good. Alive, if a bit scared. But I couldn't blame her for that, now could I?
"Hey, sweetie. You doing okay? Those mutts are feeding you, aren't they?"
"I'm fine Max. Yeah, I'm getting plenty to eat. That Ari guy creeps me out though. He keeps looking at me and frowning, like he wants me gone."
"Tell Ari I said to watch it."
"Okay, sis. What about you, how are you holding up?"
"Alright. Kind of bummed that I'm not allowed to beat the crap out of these pigs, but I'll survive."
"I miss Mom." I paused.
"Ella, I'm going to get you out of there. You will see your mother soon, if I have to turn Hell into and ice rink to ensure it. Do you hear me? You j u st have to hold on a little longer."
"Okay, Max. I'll be okay. Anne says I have to get off now. I miss you."
"I miss you too, sweetie. I'll see you, soon. I promise."
With that I hung up the phone, leaning heavily on the glass of the little booth. I had to get her away from those monsters. Which meant that I had to find these five experiments and take away any chance they had at freedom. I hated it, but I would do it to save my sister. I couldn't let the Whitecoats hurt her. Shaking my head, I silently made my way back to the tiny house, slipping through the skylight as if made of mist.
I had learned from Nudge earlier that I didn't get a bed until I proved to the big boss that I could make him money. Fine with me, considering I had no need for one. Instead, I curled up on a low rafter, thinking and planning my next move. I sat like that until morning, when I heard sheets ruffling, and muffled yawns which signaled the group was waking up. I didn't bother moving, knowing that my perch was low enough not to be suspicious.
"Hey, guys, where'd Max go?" Gazzy asked suddenly, and all of them jumped up. Huh. Didn't know I was that important. Should I feel special of freaked out?
"Chill. I'm right here." They looked up and let out a collective sigh. Seriously, what was up with these people?
"Morning Max. Want some breakfast? They should be delivering our food any minute now." Angel said. I shook my head.
"Nah, you guys can have mine. It's probably drugged." The last part was muttered under my breath, and I didn't think they heard it.
"Come on, you have to eat something! Keep your strength up, you know?" I glared sharply at Nudge, effectively shutting her up, and jumped down from my perch.
"I'm not hungry. Thanks anyway." Now I noticed Fang staring at me again, this time with his eyes narrowed in suspicion. I shot him the bird, slightly miffed. So, what, now a girl's not allowed to not be hungry? Guy probably thought I was anorexic or something. Well, let him think what he wanted, as long as he didn't bug me. That wouldn't end well for him.
I turned around, examining the little microscopic cracks in the drywall, for no other reason than boredom. After all, I couldn't accomplish anything in this room, and I couldn't get out of this room until either the others left, or I was put to work. Which apparently wasn't going to happen today, based on the Nudge Channel. Suddenly the hairs on the back of my neck stood up, alerting me to the presence of someone behind me. I whirled around, most likely a bit too fast, to come face to face with Fang.
"Can I help you?" I snarled at him. He didn't even flinch, just stared me down. It made me mad that I had to actually look up at him, since he was so much taller than me. I mean, don't get me wrong, I'm pretty tall for a fourteen year old, standing at about five-ten, something like that, but this guy was a giant compared to me! He was an easy six-four, maybe five. If I was anyone else, he would have been rather intimidating. But I wasn't someone else. I was the invincible Maximum Ride.
"I said, 'can I help you.'" And then I shoved him. With much more force than necessary. Which would leave a normal person peeling themselves out of a personal-sized dent in the wall, but for some reason, only made Fang stagger back a few steps. Huh. Maybe I'm losing my touch. Right. I went to shove him again, harder, but he caught my arms.
"Don't push me." I smiled. Look who found his voice. It was a pretty nice voice, too, very masculine. Deep, but not Lupine-mutt gravelly. I liked this guy already. I twisted around so that I was behind him, holding his arms behind his back, and stood on my toes so I could speak in his ear.
"Don't tell me what to do. Now, what did you want?"
"To know why you came back last night." I froze. He knew I'd snuck out. Darn, this meant I had to shut him up. He was so interesting too!
"If you tell anyone about that, I'll have to kill you. Got it?"
"You gonna answer me?"
"Are you going to rat me out?"
"And miss the fun? Why on earth would I do that?"
I hesitated, then let him go. He was serious, despite his sarcastic remarks. Besides, if I deemed him a threat, I could always make him disappear. It wouldn't be too hard.
"Alright. Later, when the kids are asleep."
I really, really hoped this wasn't going to come back to bite me in the butt.