Disclaimer: I do not own Maximum Ride.

Max Pov

When Angel and I hit the ground, we quickly made our way towards some overgrown bushes that were

big enough to use as coverage. Okay. Were okay.

"Angel, can you hear the rest of the flock?"

"Fang and Nudge. They think they're the first ones here. I'll tell them where we are."

I let out a breath of relief. Fang and Nudge are safe, excellent.

"Alright, that's goo-"

"Where are Gaz and Ig?" a quiet voice asked from directly behind me. Bad idea.

Without thinking a whirled around, kicked his legs out from under him and held him in an elbow lock all

in one swift motion, my muscles tensing.

"What the hell!" my captive let out. I knew that voice. Crap. It was Fang.

"Oh. Oh, I'm sorry." I released him immediately. Nudge was now kneeling next to Angel. It was Nudge

and Fang. They got here faster than I thought. Fang looked pissed at first. He was sitting up, lips pressed

firmly together. I could tell he was about to tell me off.

"Sorry." I apologized again.

Without responding he just looked at me. After a second of studying my face he gave a quick nod

deciding to let it go for the time being. Lord bless him.

"Gazzy and Ig will be here in 2 minutes." Angel spoke. "The Flyboys in about….4."

Fang and I exchanged a look. We both knew 2 minutes wasn't enough time to make a clean escape. If

we took to the sky, they'd spot us for sure. If we went on foot, we wouldn't get far enough and they'd

see us from the sky. I sighed. I didn't like this at all.

"Alright listen up, we have to stay here. We can hide, hope they won't see us, but chances are they will.

So be prepared for a showdown. I know it's been a while," I said with a small smile. "but I'm sure we can

give them a run for their money."

The flock looked determined now. That's right; even though we're retired we can still be bad ass.

"Angel, fill in Gasman and Iggy."

"Total! Come out of there." I wriggled my shoulders and then Total stuck his head out.

"All clear?" He asked.

"Come here. " He leapt down. I walked a little ways away from the group so as not to be overheard.

Fang was watching us intently. I turned my back to him so he wouldn't read my lips.

The boys just landed and Angel and Nudge ran over to greet them.

"I need you to do something for us." Angel wasn't going to like this…

"I need you to circle around on foot, erm, I mean paw…and make it back to Dr. Martinez's house. Tell

her what's happened but don't tell her where we are. Tell her that for now, we've moved on." I felt

numb. I never thought I'd have to say those words again.

"You want me to stay with her? I won't!" Total looked stubborn.

"No, your coming with us. We'll be back late tonight to pick you up. She just can't know that. She..she'll

try to convince me to stay."'

"Oh…I see." Total said quietly. I nodded.

"If you can, without being seen, try to round up some of our stuff. My emergency money, I have mine,

but gather all of the flocks packs and anything important. Try to get it all in my room. That's the window

I'll use to come and get you. And remember Total, they can't know where we are. You have to act as if

we've already left. Tell my mom that we saw some flyboys scouting and didn't want to lead them back

to the house so we took off for a while. That's it."

"Alright, got it." He said.

"Total, it's too dangerous!"

Angel had apparently started listening and now made her appearance known.

"Angel, it's a good plan. They'll be distracted with us while Total leaves."

"What if they go after him instead?"

"Angel, he's just a dog,"

"Hey!" Total protested. "I resent that!"

"Do you really think they'll skip out on a chance of capturing 6 experiments for a dog?" I asked her

Coaxingly. She still didn't look convinced. I wouldn't do this if I didn't think I had to, Angel. I thought to

her. She looked scared again. Please? She closed her eyes and reached her hands out. Total jumped into

them.

"I'll be fine, kid. I'll be back before you know it." He licked her face. Angel grinned.

"Max, company's here." Fang hollered.

"Alright Total, now's your chance. Be safe. Don't take to the sky unless your 100% sure you're not being

followed." He nodded.

"Max." Fang said again.

"Go!"

Total gave Angel one last lick, then hopped down and took off, making his way back through Chelsea

Park.

"Max, normal pairings?" Nudge asked. We were all used to fighting side by side with a certain person.

Nudge with Angel, Gasman with Ig, and Fang with me.

"Yes." I replied. Fang was instantly at my side. There were 10 less flyboys than there were before. Looks

like us splitting up really did throw them off. Still, it was 6 rusty bird kids against about 15 metal, killing,

robot machines. There's no way I like those odds. Not even with 10 less.

"Stay close, stay alert, and think smart," I said to my flock.

"We can do this." I told them. The Flyboys landed about 20 feet away from us.

I can do this. I told myself.

Alright, fight scene is next, I promise. I've been dragging it out long enough. Lol. What do you guys think should happen? Thoughts? Suggestions? REVIEW