Chapter 7

"Get your hands off her…" Huh? That is not what I expected to hear after waking up from a black out. What exactly was this?

Hello Maximum…

Umm- wait- what?

Did I just hear a voice in my head? I couldn't be sure, at least not really because it was gone as soon as it had come. Instead, I focused on the voices I knew I heard coming from around me.

"I said, get away from her," this was Iggy. Why was he saying this? Slowly, I opened my eyes to find myself staring into two dark eyes. I was resting on his lap. Fang. He was the one who caught me when I fell.

"Max?" There was Angel peering over me along with Ari, Nudge, and Gazzy.

"Let's go," I said, sitting up fast hoping to get past what had just happened. "I'm fine- just didn't get enough sleep," I lied. As I stood up, Fang was quickly following behind. His hand right there on my waist to make sure I didn't fall. I sent him a glare that showed him he could stop what he was doing. Somehow, he didn't believe it and kept his hand there for awhile.

Head to New York, find the Institute.

Who is this? No familiar, no male or female sound, not even a robot. It seemed more like words flashing in my brain instead of a Voice. I received no answer.

"Come on guys," I urged them. Seeing Iggy once again giving me a cold shoulder and Fang staring at me knowing that I had lied. "New York, like I promised."

***

Mid-flight, my head started to hurt again. My flight wavered a bit and I saw Fang watching me. He hadn't stop since my shifty take-off early before. We had been flying for long that from the looks of it, we would be in New York after a quick rest and a night of sleep.

So Max, trusting the enemy. Good plan, to keep your enemies close.

Fang isn't my enemy…at least, I don't think he is anymore. Why am I talking to you anyways? You could just be a sign that I am crazy. Tell me who you are!

…

Great, no answer from the voice in my head. (That line could not be taken as good in any way.) "Max," suddenly Iggy was flying up beside me. I was leading the flock to our destination, searching ahead for any areas to rest at. "Can we talk?"

"Guys, fly ahead," I waved my hand. I watched as Iggy and I slowed down while everyone went on ahead. "What's up Igs?"

"I don't trust Fang," was his simple remark. By then the flock should've been too far ahead to hear anything only for the fact that I saw Fang's body get tense.

"Why?" I asked casually. I couldn't honestly think of a reason to not trust Fang.

"Because, all of these bad things keep happening to us. Every since he's showed up. And, I don't like how he's-," Iggy's voice went down and I couldn't hear what he said.

"What?" I asked.

"I don't like the way he puts his hands all over you!" Iggy practically shouted. I swear, I almost stopped flying right there. WHAT?! Fang did NOT put his hands all over me.

Way to be alert Max, but Iggy's right and he's blind.

Oh really- thanks for the update…I should stop talking to you. You're just a figment of my imagination.

"It's not like that," I muttered, my eyes on the flock flying ahead. Iggy was almost bright red at the moment and he was facing straight ahead too. "He's protected us Iggy."

"Or is just trying to gain our trust before betraying us." Iggy muttered. "I can't believe you Max. You're acting so irrational right now. You must have the hots for him or something." I flew on ahead, not feeling like answering the question.

I flew up next to Fang, who was holding on to Ari. "Pass him over," I informed him. I flew underneath and careful so as not to drop him. Ari was now in my arms. "Hey," I whispered. He held on tightly- he had never taken to heights. "How's it going?" I was talking only to Ari but I could see Fang now adjusting his position so that he was flying next to me.

"Are we there yet?" Ari asked.

"Sorry, no," I told him. I looked over at Fang, "I hope your arms aren't sore." I got a shrug from him in return.

"Max? Can we please land?" Ari was scared, I could see it. Noticing a small clearing, I figured we could all use a break.

"Did you tell Fang you were scared?" I signaled for us to land.

"No," he whimpered.

"Why not?" I asked.

"Because, he doesn't know I'm a weakling. He thinks I'm brave," Ari rationalized in a child-like manner.

"Believe me, Ari, you're brave." I stated but I didn't know he believe me.

When we landed, I placed Ari on his feet and then stumbled adjusting to my own weight again. Hands again were at my waist and I looked up to see Fang behind me. "Careful," his deep voice whispered in my ear. He turned me around so we were facing each other.

"Thanks," I mumbled. For a second we were just staring and I was close to standing on my tip toes. He was leaning down. So close, so close.

Max, it's not just you and Fang here…

Oh did I almost just- umm. Awkward much?

I stepped away from him, wondering if that thought was me or that Voice that had suddenly appeared.

There was no way Iggy could be right though.

I did NOT have the hots for Fang.

I was just going to kiss him as a thank you for not letting me fall on my butt.

That's all...right?