Chapter 5

Max POV

We stayed around for a few more days until we were all rested enough to move on. Then, I announced my plan to a not-too-happy flock. I don't know why they won't accept the fact that we can't stay in one place; what about me being the LEADER do they not grasp?! Ugh, all this stress is making me like Nudge, how does she do this all the time? I mean really…

"But Max why can't we stay here? It's so warm even the birds are out! (A/N: I just realized that was a pun so, no pun intended)And you know how birds love warm weather, we should enjoy it just like them Max! Can we go somewhere warm like a beach? With sand and water and seashells please please please please pleeease M-"

"Thank you Gazzy, now if that's what you want then fine we can go somewhere warm. Anyone have any short suggestions?" I looked around. Everyone looked deep in thought. Fang though was just staring at me like Why don't you make the decision, smarty pants? I glared at him, he just smirked. I swear that boy… one day I just might kill him.

"How about we go to the Redwoods in California? I saw it on the nature channel Max they are really pretty, and tons of people visit them every day so we can even blend in and sleep." Angel looked at me her eyes were continuing to widen like a puppy… damn puppy eyes.

"Fine we can go there, if you all promise to stay together!" I look pointedly at Nudge. She always seemed to find her way to a sale wherever we go. They all nodded rapidly, I signaled for a U & A and we were off.

2 hours later

"Hey Iggy do know where we are?" I yelled since he was leading for some reason.

"Angel said it was in California so I'm going north!" I face-palmed, idiot.

"Iggy! California is west from Georgia!" Angel exclaimed. Well, based on our speed I'd say we will hit Canada any time now; Niagara Falls anyone?

"Max look! It's a waterfall, but it is not moving." Nudge said worriedly. Oh how my life is so cliché "Oh it's just frozen, race you down!" She did a nose dive and landed at the top of the waterfall. "It's okay the ice is really thick. Come down you'll enjoy it! It's just like sledding; remember in Colorado when we went skiing at that resort with the fireplace in the middle and the big fluffy bears? Do you remember?" I'm sorry, how high up is this again? How does she have enough air to talk like that, she amazes me every time she opens her mouth.

"Let's stop and take a break, I know this isn't warm but let's just try to figure out where we are and where we are going to go." I dived down followed by the rest of the flock. As soon as we landed Angel and Gazzy were racing each other down the waterfall. "Be careful!" I called after them. "Alright guys, hey where did Iggy go? I thought he wanted to be a leader?" He always skips out on meetings, he should not be even considered one to give advice plus, Angel and Gazzy are both more mature than Iggy will ever be.

"We should visit Greenland, there is a safe house there that the Agency doesn't use anymore. And we need more supplies and an actual bed." Fang reasoned. He was right we have been using a lot of energy just flying around searching for a place to land. "Max, hellooo MAX!"

"What?! I'm thinking, quit being so impatient. That's a good idea but, the Agency could still be monitoring the safe house. Shouldn't we go somewhere the Agency doesn't own like the woods?" I asked frustrated.

"Oh you mean like the Redwoods? Oh wait we already tried that and look where we ended up, freaking Canada!" Fang yelled. The sounds echoed off every inch of the frozen waterfall sounding like a crowd of angry protesters. I stepped back, Fang never yelled, ever. He was breathing hard like he just ran a marathon. "I'm sorry it's just so frustrating! Why can't anything be simple?!" I softened.

I grabbed his chin and tilted it towards me, "It is okay, I'm frustrated too. But we will be fine; now, about that safe house. Do you think they might have heating and food?" I asked, now so numb I just wanted to get anywhere warm as fast as possible.

"I think it will have everything except food, it was retired almost two years ago." Fang informs me.

"Great let's go. Angel, Gazzy, Iggy, and Nudge come here we're leaving!" I hear the sound of wings and Angel and Gazzy fly up looking a little blue. "Where are Iggy and Nudge?"

"I saw them go into the woods but, I haven't seen them come out yet." Gazzy says, worried about his best friend.

"Okay let's just go look for them in the woods, stay together no one else needs to get lost today." We all left searching through the woods, when I noticed the air in front of us become hazy. "What is this stuff?" I asked Fang.

"HOLD YOUR BREATH AND RUN!" Fang yells as my eyes widen in realization of what it is, sleeping gas. But it's too late; my last thought as my vision blacks out is stay safe Iggy and Nudge.

"Ow!" I rubbed my head as it recovered from a dog crate beating. Yes, that's right we were in the School, again. I looked around and saw my entire flock, even Nudge and Iggy. "Report" I say through my scratchy throat, ahh sleeping gas it not only knocks you out but also ruins your voice for up to 24 hours! Call now and you'll receive a free whack-job scientist!

Wow… just wow I actually thought that. Never mind, the flock murmured that they were "okay" and "good" but, they were just all disappointed to be back in this hell hole again. I bet real school isn't even this bad. The door opens and everyone's heads instantly snap towards the door. I glare when I see who it is, and I notice the flock do the same. We didn't want to believe it and I was still trying to convince myself, it wasn't true. But, that all went down the drain when he said my name.

"Why hello Maximum, fancy meeting you here."

Ooh it's a cliff hanger! Sorry about being MIA these last weeks, the end of the semester really bites. Hope you like the chapter! Please review and there will be lots of background information revealed in the next chapter!

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