Me: Fast update O_o xD AND LONG CHAPTER?! Alright, I don't own Maximum Ride or the song April Rain by Delain, I do own my lovely characters =D Oh, and my reviewers are the best EVER. Happy reviews make this writer happy :3 xD Alright, on with the chap before I shed a tear. Dr. ter Borcht's dialogue was hard to write D: Can I get props?
Chapter 26: April Rain
Max's POV
Time: 08:09
I remembered him.
I remembered everything about him now.
I remembered his smile that made my heart sing. I remembered his angry expressions that always got me mad with him. I remembered his mournful expressions that always made that one cliché tear fall down my face. Not really, but my point was…
Fang was my mate and I loved him.
I sat up and breathed in, feeling better than I ever have. I stretched and started thinking about the Flock. I was going to tell them everything now, this was just so AWESOME.
Then I frowned.
There were some blank spots in my memory. Ugh, I needed answers to all of this!
I looked around and realized that I was on a bed and that my shirt was off. Ah, now this is when I realize my creepy surroundings. Nice job Maximum.
Then I saw Fang lying on the floor. My heart stopped for a good 2 seconds.
"Fang!" I yelled, jumping and landing beside him. I picked up his head and started fanning him. That's all I needed, just as I get my memories of him back, he dies. Just. Freaking. Great.
My heart fluttered when Fang's eyes fluttered open. That idiot. My idiot.
"Fang?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady. The last thing he needed to know was how much I cared about him. He'd use it against me like the big freaking jerk he is.
God, I love him.
I couldn't help but feel disgusted at all the mushiness going on in my head. I could practically hear Shadow saying, "All this sweet shit is giving me a cavity."
That's when something struck me. There's something about Shadow and Fang; something really important. I scanned Fang's face and really couldn't help but think of Shadow. Olive skin, black hair, medium size ears, angular facial features…
"Maximum?" Fang rasped, the corners of his mouth twitching upwards. I smiled and a warm feeling spread throughout my being. My mind totally threw out what I was thinking of and just thought of Fang and how he always knows what I was thinking and how he always gave me that feeling that I'm not a genetically enhanced freak.
And that's a pretty good freaking feeling.
"Fang," I said back. For the first time that I can remember, I was genuinely excited. My mouth ran before my brain could process what I was saying. "Fang, I remember you and I love you."
I was immediately embarrassed. C'mon Max, you're totally throwing yourself all over him, give him some space!
He didn't seem to mind though.
In the next moment his warm, firm lips were against mine.
How could I ever have lived without this?
Hunter's POV
Time: 09:18
I put Shadow's pancakes in front of her and sat down right next to her. She glared at me and I shot her a sideways glance.
"What?" I asked, stuffing the pancakes in my mouth. Ari, the Gasman, Lies, Iggy, Ghost, Shadow and I were sitting at the kitchen table, eating breakfast. The vibes were fairly normal even though Fang was missing. Though, there was a bit of tension between Shadow and everyone else. 'Cause, you know, she's here against her will and all…
"How do you expect me to eat this?" her voice was sharp and angry, as if I had done something incredibly stupid.
"Easily, Iggy made it soft just for you princess," I snapped back. Iggy snorted and the Gasman giggled. Shadow glared at them which made the Gasman shut up but Iggy continued eating. Because he couldn't exactly see the death glare.
Shadow rattled her handcuffs and glared at me. I looked at them, which were tied to the back of the chair and then looked at the table.
Oh.
Ghost snickered and cut up her pancakes into pieces. He stabbed one with her fork and put it up to her mouth.
"Say 'ah'," Ghost said, smirking.
I think if it was possible for Shadow to dismember him with her eyes, she would. She lashed out against the chains and growled. Ghost chuckled and held up the keys.
"I'll ask your boyfriend to open up those cuffs if you promise not to kill me."
Shadow huffed and settled in her seat. "Fine. Correction first, Hunter's not my boyfriend."
"Oh really? Then who is?" Ghost asked, unlocking her hands and her feet. She massaged her wrists and rubbed her ankles together.
"I don't have one."
"Aw, well a pretty girl like you should have a boyfriend," Ghost said, smiling.
Ghost? Smiling? Sweet? Flirting?
Oh no.
"Ghost is getting his game on," Lies muttered to Iggy. Iggy chuckled and then glanced in my direction.
Shadow looked completely lost. She looked at me and then stuttered, "Thank you." She stuffed pancakes in her mouth and kept her eyes downward. I couldn't help but feel a little victory from her reaction.
I don't know why though.
"Um, Shadow?" Ari asked, uncertainly. I looked at my little brother and smiled, trying to encourage him to step up. He smiled back and looked at Shadow.
"Yes Ari?" Shadow said her voice softer than normal. I think she likes Ari but I have no idea why.
"How's Angel?" I looked at him remembering the time at the supermarket. He was with the little girl from the Angels. I could tell that he really liked her. There was something really mysterious about that little girl.
"She's doing fine. Her leg is healing up just perfect. She'll be as good as new in no time," Shadow said in between bites.
Ari looked as if Shadow announced that Christmas was tomorrow. I smiled. Ari was a really good kid, with a kind heart. I remembered the night before:
"Hunter?" Ari called. I walked into his dark room and tucked him in.
"What is it?" I asked.
"Why are we trapping Shadow downstairs? It's not fair. You always told me to be nice to people but I don't think she likes this," Ari said, frowning. I sighed and sat down, patting his dirty blonde hair.
"Ari, things aren't always that simple. It's just like…you know how Lies and I always tell you to share and to keep your voice down and how not to hit people? Well, I'm sorry that I'm such a hypocrite, because I do those things everyday unfortunately. The thing is that the world is different than the little bliss land that I try to keep you in and protect you in."
"Yeah, b-but Angel is going to be sad. She loves Shadow," Ari said, his big hazel eyes going wider as he looked at me. "I'll do all the chores for a week if you let Shadow go back to her family."
Those words made my heart break a little bit. I may act like big heartless leader of The Fallen, but my little brother is just sweet sometimes.
I ruffled his hair and said, "Sorry buddy, but no. Now go to sleep."
I sighed and ate the last bits of my pancakes. Shadow was staring at her plate, with a somber expression on her face. Something was wrong, but before I could ask what Jeb…Marcus BURST into the room.
And when I say BURST, I mean door flying open, running, tripping over the Gasman's and Ari's remote controlled cars and absolutely everyone in the room grabbing their utensils and bracing themselves to use it as a weapon.
"Sorry guys…and gal for scaring you like this, but this is URGENT!" Jeb yelled, opening his small laptop and turning it on.
"Does he always come in like this?" Shadow said her knuckles white from clutching her fork.
"I guess he forgot his pills today," I muttered, rolling my eyes.
"Hi daddy," Ari dared say quietly. Jeb paid no attention as his fingers moved impossibly fast for a human over the keyboard. I felt angry and put my hand on Ari's shoulder. Stupid Jeb and his stupid non-existent fatherly instincts…
I saw Shadow looking at Ari and me, her eyes widening slightly. She caught my gaze and pointed at Ari and mouthed, "Brother?"
I nodded and then Marcus started speaking, "I discovered today that Itex had planted a chip inside Hunter, Shadow, Iggy, the Gasman and Ari when you were born. Now, this chip has served absolutely no purpose in you other than to say that you were made by Itex. Then I was studying your bodies and your minds and I found that the chip travels, and it has embedded itself inside your brain."
"Great," Iggy spat, voicing my thoughts and roughly sitting down in his chair and shoving his plate to the side in disgust. The Gasman turned pale but stood standing like trooper he is. Ari hugged onto my arm tightly and squeezed. I ruffled his hair reassuringly, trying not to curse in front of him. That's not something I'm trying to teach him. Lies and Ghost exchanged an uneasy look. I knew that even though they were jerks some…most…a lot…99 percent of the time, they still cared for us. I saw Shadow stiffen more than I thought possible, but she showed no reaction other than that.
"So what does this mean?" I asked, finding my voice. Jeb moved away from the screen and it showed me, Shadow and Iggy. A movie came up and it showed our insides and the chips moving from our arms up to our brains and doing…something?
This is so weird.
"Itex's plan is to distract you from your mission to destroy them. They're playing on the fact that you have no memories. They have moved the chip to each of your brains and are putting in 'memories'. These are fake images. Do not believe them," Marcus said, massaging the bridge of his nose.
I stood there in shock. So, the things about Shadow and Max in my past were fake? But, what about…?
"Marcus," Shadow spoke up, her voice soft yet strong. "My…cousin, she's seven and she's a hybrid herself. She told us that these memories are real. She possesses a super power and it has never been wrong before. Are you positive about this?"
Marcus smiled sadly at her. "Yes Shadow, I'm sure. I know these 'memories' are pleasant but look at the data. Look at the facts. Itex created you all, and they have powerful enough technology to create this as well. They're trying to brainwash you. I am sorry, but your cousin is incorrect this time." Shadow looked down at her feet, probably rethinking everything. Marcus closed his laptop, patted my shoulder and stepped out of the room. He suddenly shuddered and turned around.
"By the way," he said his voice robotic. "One of the people in the Angels is a traitor and it is definitely no one in this room." He turned back around and left, shutting the door behind him.
Shadow looked as if someone punched her in the stomach hard and sank into a chair. I went over to her, put a hand on your shoulder and kneeled to her eye level.
"Do you know who it is?" I asked, trying to keep control in my voice.
Shadow's eyes narrowed. "I think I have an idea."
-
Max's POV
Time: 10:57
I smiled as I watched Fang play with Angel and Nudge. Right now, I was way past cloud 9. I was at cloud 939485, maybe?
No, that number is way too small for how I was feeling right now.
The rest of the Angels took everything I said to heart and rejoiced. We were steps closer to regaining our memories. The others didn't get anything off of Fang's wings and he didn't get anything off of theirs. It was a bit of a disappointment but it didn't matter.
I was determined to get our memories back now. Nothing can deter me of that goal. And later, I was going to tell The Fallen and everyone would be a happy Flock again.
The house with the white picket fence is optional.
Suddenly Jeb's car pulled up. I could feel my heart beating a bit faster when some weird dude came out of the car. He had dark brown hair and tan skin. He turned around and I saw his big blue eyes. His face looked like it was moved around and his facial features were just…wrong?
"Hello Max!" he said cheerily, approaching me. I couldn't help but gawk. Who was this and what did he do with Jeb?
"Wha-?" But before I could say anything else, Jeb went over and held out his hand to Fang.
"Hello, my name is Giovanni and I am the Head of the Angels," he said. Fang looked at his hand and then looked at him, his face saying 'Do you really expect me to shake your hand?'
Everyone, Jeb wants us to call us to call him Giovanni around Fang, Angel said in my mind and most likely everyone else's.
Why would he want us to do that? I thought to Angel. Something smells fishy and it's not the fish sticks that are burning in the oven right now.
He doesn't say but I agree, Angel said. The others are thinking the same thing.
"Everyone, come inside! I have great news!" Jeb, or should I say Giovanni, ushered all of us into the living room. Man, even his walk was different. What the fish sticks was going on!?
Sorry, I'm hungry and food is on my mind.
Anyways, I sat on the sofa next to Fang and his hand slid over mine. I smiled at him and looked at Jeb, narrowing my eyes. He was acting really fishy…
"Chris, I think you should get those fish sticks out the oven. They're burning and Max can't get her mind off of them," Angel said, smiling brightly. I stuck my tongue out at her and I heard Fang chuckling. I looked back and him and smiled, feeling the urge to lean on his broad shoulders and take a nap.
Jeez, Fang was just making me into a marshmallow.
Yum…marshmallows…
"So," Jeb-Giovanni said, with a chockfull of pep. "The great news that I bring you today is that you guys are regaining your memories!" I squeezed Fang's hand. "I think I've found something that can help get the rest of your memories back. BUT, I need to put the finishing touches on it. Expect it soon." Giovanni smiled and Fang squeezed my hand.
Answers, finally!
I can't wait to tell Shadow
-
Outside POV
Time: 15:06
Dr. ter Borcht sat down at the head of the table with a smile that matched the Cheshire Cat. His plan was coming to its greater stages and he finally made IT.
"Ladies an' Gentlemen please sit down and prepare for your eyes to be blovn," he announced in his thick German accent. The group of people sat down and concentrated on the screen that the doctor was presenting on. They ranged from very important members in the black market, to the world's greatest scientists. Two of the most notable guests were the 'Wonder Boy', Omega and Head of Itex Corporation, Dr. Marian Janssen.
"Please, everyone sip up, dis is going to be a pleasant presentation," Dr. ter Borcht said, his voice uncharacteristically cheery. Everyone except Omega picked up their coffee and drank. Dr. ter Borcht looked at the boy and frowned. If he was going to be a problem then he would have to be eliminated. Permanently.
"Vhat is vrong Omega? You do not like coffee?" Dr. ter Borcht asked, trying to keep any maliciousness out of his voice.
Omega looked at ter Borcht in the eye and said, "No, I don't need coffee and I'm not thirsty. Caffeine makes me nervous." Dr. ter Borcht was annoyed but tried keeping it in. This boy was going to ruin everything. He watched as Omega straightened out his papers. The Super Boy hissed and put his left index finger in his mouth.
"Ugh, paper cut," Omega hissed. He looked up when the doctor cleared his voice and spoke.
"My most esteemed colleagues, I haf gathered you today so you can vitness history! I, along vith many others, haf finally created de vorld's smallest super computer! This computer von't be used as a commercial product neither as a vay to one up the government-"
Did he just say one up? Omega thought, and shook his head, trying to pay attention. This speech was boring since he already knew what was going to happen. He traced his left index finger around the rim of the cup, trying to beat the boredom. Dr. ter Borcht smiled and continued, pointing at the video as he spoke.
"'Dis machine is like a firus. No, it is a virus. It infades the system like a firus does and goes straight to de brain. Vhen inside the brain, it spreads around and vhen I press a button, I can control de infected person, to put dis simply."
There were many gasps around the room and an important mafia boss interrupted, "So what does this have to do with our plan of world domination? I bet this virus is very hard to spread."
"It has to do vith de afian hybrid called Angel. Subject Eleven. She possesses a certain power vhere she can read and control minds. Dis firus has an alpha mode in dis particular person so vhen she is around ANYONE, it spreads from her mind to de next person. It is absolutely amazing but I still have a few kinks to vork out." At this point, several people in the room stood up to interrupt and ter Borcht raised his hand. "I'll inform you all vhen it's done. Meeting dismissed! But Omega, I vant you to stay, we must speak," The scientists and the criminals filed out the room, talking excitedly to one another. Dr. ter Borcht sat down at a seat opposite of Omega and glared.
"There are no kinks to work out. There were viruses in the coffee," Omega said, his voice angry.
"Smart yet not so smart Omega," the doctor said, reclining in his seat.
"How so?"
"Here is de thing you and Valencia seemed to haf forgot. Vhen you have emotions, you are not perfect, you slip up. You knew dere vere firuses in the coffee. Yet, you traced de rim vith your cut finger. Boredom is an emotion Omega, and it vas your end," Dr. ter Borcht laughed and stood up. Omega felt everything in his body go cold.
I just ruined everything I've strived for…
-
Max's POV
Time: 22:56
"Ugh, this is so not cool! Why is it raining? The weathergirl didn't say it would rain! I-" I could hear Nudge complain from under the trees.
"Well, the only reason they hired her is because she's all boobs and no brains," Chris said. I turned around, glaring.
"Hush! Don't scare them away!" I hissed. The last thing they needed to think is that I brought my mafia or something to put them six feet under. Fang put his arm around me and held me closer.
"Don't sweat it. It'll go perfect," he whispered. I put my arms around him and squeezed him, looking up at his face even though his eyes were covered by his wet, black hair. Fang leaned over and kissed me.
The next part I didn't anticipate at all.
I heard a bunch of footsteps running in our direction. I jumped away from Fang, and looked in the direction of the sound. Everyone in the Fallen was headed in our direction. I saw Shadow, in the front of the herd slide to a stop and looked at Fang, then at me.
"WHAT THE FREAKING HELL IS GOING ON?!" I heard Hunter yell, voicing Shadow's look. He slid next to and somehow almost managed to bang into her. Shadow had her hand on the belt of her pants. I knew what she was headed for.
That's when I knew that this was not going to end well.
"Why is Fang kissing Max?" the Gasman asked Iggy.
"Hi Angel!" the little kid-Ari, I believe his name is-said.
Hunter whirled around and barked, "Lies, get Ari and the Gasman out of here. This is not going to end well." He turned back around glaring at Fang. "I want an answer Fang. What the FREAKING hell is GOING ON?"
"Hunter, I've gotten my memories back," Fang said carefully. Every muscle in his body was tense and I stood next to him as silent support.
"No, they are not memories. They are made up movies by Itex to trick you," Shadow said, keeping her eyes on me and Fang. Wait, what? Where did she get that crap from?
"What? What do you mean?" I asked, feeling a bit hurt. Does she think I can't tell real from fake or something?
"Itex planted chips in us when we were born. They gave us fake memories from these chips," Hunter said slowly. "What, did they make you think that you and Max were together in a past life or something?"
"Yes, they did," Fang said stiffly. "And they're real."
"Yes, they are. Listen to us," I said, taking a step in front of Fang.
How does it feel when all you're counting on is scattering?
Hunter crossed his arms, ready to hear us out. Shadow stiffened and gritted her teeth.
"Shadow, Angel confirmed it and even j- Our Head confirmed it! What more do you want?" I said.
"I want actual facts. Proof. Logic. Pictures," Shadow said.
This was tougher than I imagined it would be.
Every wind that you have sailed upon, a hurricane
"What about the feathers, huh?! That's tangible!" I exclaimed. I pulled out a black one from my pocket. "This is Fang's feather. I saw his wings with my two eyes," I said, stomping.
This was totally dampening my evening more than the rain had done to my hair.
Every summer you have seen was filled with April rain
"What do you mean that you saw his wings?" Hunter asked, a deadly tone in his voice. I glared at him.
"I saw them and it was no big deal since it led to us discovering great things!" I exclaimed, waving my hands in the air probably looking like a crazy person.
This was not fair. We've already been through a lot! Why was it getting hard now when this was supposed to be the easiest part!?
It doesn't get easy, don't you know
"Guys, Max is telling the truth, I mean, if Angel can see it-" Chris began.
"Angel is seven, she'd love for everyone to love each other and be happy," Iggy said.
Fortune smiles on you
"So what if I'm seven!?" Angel said indignantly. Hunter's face was slowly turning a tomato color and he looked up at Fang, his golden eyes on fire.
You're not watching, dig that hole deeper
"Fang, I cannot believe you. YOU, out of all of us, EXPOSING THEMSELVES?! TO HER! BECAUSE OF SOME HALF ASSED VISION!" Hunter exploded, taking a step towards Fang. Shadow grabbed his arm and pulled him backwards.
"Calm down Hunter," she said quietly. He yanked his arm back.
Fortune smiles on you
"I WILL NOT CALM DOWN! I CANNOT BELIEVE HIM!" he yelled again, throwing his arms in the air. I couldn't believe Hunter right now. He was totally flipping out right now when he hardly ever even raises his voice.
You're not watching, create your own fate
"Do you want your little brother to watch you like this?" Shadow said quietly. That immediately seemed to calm Hunter down and he massaged the bridge of his nose.
"Okay," he said, his voice calm.
Count your blessings and prepare to change your point of view
"Listen, Hunter, everyone can have a good life finally. No fighting off Erasers and such. We've already wasted our lives for who knows how long fighting this fight that can't be won!" I said, putting my hands at my hips.
All those days that you spend waiting won't come back to you
"Our lives won't be so dreary anymore, where we get up to survive every morning. It doesn't have to be that way," Fang said quietly, clenching his fists.
Take off the glasses that have treated your world black and grey
"So you expect us to kick back and relax while Itex is taking over the world?" Hunter said with a hint of cynicism in his voice.
"We can work together to take them down Hunter," I said, trying to keep my annoyance out of my voice. "It doesn't have to be my group versus your group versus Itex."
Silence.
It doesn't get easy, don't you know
Shadow looked up at me, her eyes cold and she slowly held up the gun and pointed it at Fang.
"Traitor."
Fortune smiles on you
You're not watching, dig that hole deeper
Everything in me went cold. "What do you mean, traitor? He's not a traitor!"
Fang put his hands up and Hunter looked at Shadow. "What do you mean?"
"He showed his wings to Max on purpose, because he knew it'd activate whatever Itex put in her brain. There is no way Max could possibly be this stupid," Shadow hissed.
Fortune smiles on you
You're not watching, create your own fate
"NO! It's my decision! No one's controlling me!" I yelled running in front of Fang. Shadow looked at me in the eye and slowly put the gun down.
There was something wrong.
"So, you made a big deal and didn't really believe me when I told you about Hunter, that the kiss just happened, but you believe Fang and …you know who?" Shadow's voice was dull and her arms dropped to her sides.
"No, I didn't know at the time but I know now! Please Shadow, stop being unreasonable!" I pleaded. But I already knew that look in her eyes. The blank look.
She was closing herself off.
Crap.
It keeps raining
"This is all shit Fang. Absolute shit. Thanks for always being behind us a hundred percent," Hunter spat.
Keeps raining
"Why are you not trying to under-" Fang started.
"Because your logic is BULLSHIT. You're a freaking TRAITOR, and THAT'S the only thing that makes sense," Ghost yelled. I looked at Iggy and his reaction mirrored the rest of the Fallen.
They didn't believe us.
Keeps raining
"C'mon guys, let's go," Hunter said, turning around. The Fallen boys turned around and started leaving.
"YOU GUYS!" Fang shouted. Ghost shot the bird and they continued walking.
It keeps raining ('cause we are blind)
Shadow looked behind her and then looked at us, her expression hardening. I felt my heart sink into my stomach. No, why?
"Shadow, please don't go," Angel pleaded, stepping next to me and grabbing my hand.
Keeps raining ('Cause we are tired)
"Have fun with your new second in command Max," Shadow spat, whirling around and walking with the Fallen. I can't believe this is happening…
"SHADOW!" I yelled, running towards, trying to grab her shoulder and pull her back.
She turned around, eyes blazing and shot the ground in front of me.
Keeps raining ('Cause we are blind to fortune's guidance now)
I slid to a stop. The Fallen all turned around, expressionless. Zombies.
It keeps raining, cause we are blind
"I never miss Maximum. Never," she said coldly. I scanned her face, trying to look for answers. I'm losing my best friend…
It will keep raining, cause we are tired.
I found my voice. "I know Shadow." We stared at each other. To me, she looked unfamiliar. Black hair covering her eyes, clothes too big for her figure, and her demeanor was colder than usual.
It keeps raining, 'cause we are blind oh
I was in complete denial right now. This was not happening…
It will keep raining 'cause we are tired.
She turned around and started walking away. The rest of the Fallen resumed walking as well.
Fortune smiles on you
You're not watching, dig that hole deeper
"I can't believe this," I muttered, feeling numb. Angel buried her face in my shirt and I started to rub her hair, trying to comfort her. So this was how it was going to be…
Fortune smiles on you
You're not watching, create your own fate
I sighed. "Let's go guys, there's nothing for us here."
Me: Nice, cool reviews fuel me to type faster :]