Woah, so it's been a ridiculously long time since I update…a year I think. So what are the chances of me finishing this story….probably only 50-60%.
So here's the deal you guys, until the end of April or Mid-May I will try to put up as many chapters as I possibly can. After that, I will put this story up for adoption.
So after this chapter, there should be only ten more; cuz like I mentioned in an earlier chapter, I have everything for this story planned out, it's just a matter of actually writing it.
If I do put it up for adoption, I hope the next writer will continue my story plans, but if you want to branch off, extend the story, write a sequel, yadda yadda,you have my blessings. So let me know if you're interested in adopting. There might be a small test.
Chapter 8
"Wait, so let me get this straight . . ." Fang began, his face scrunched up in disbelief. "Last year, a vampire named James made his prey and hunted you for your 'sweet' blood and bloodsucker here managed to save you at the last minute and kill this James guy . . ." he repeated incredulously. I raised an eyebrow; Fang was never usually this talkative. But Iggy then picked up the conversation for him.
"Now James's 'mate' Victoria wants revenge for him. So she killed a bunch of civilians from Seattle and turned them into her own personal new born vampire army." Iggy too said in a tone of disbelief.
"So the Cullen vampire clan and the Quileute's werewolf tribe, who used to be sworn enemies, formed an alliance to fight Victoria's armies, who in the end were truly after you?" Gazzy concluded, sarcastic and reckless in tone.
"Well . . . you boys certainly have grown mature in the last three years," I finally reply in shock. Were they really the same three that always gave me a hard time about leadership? Gazzy and Iggy especially seemed more grown up.
"Don't be fooled Max," Angel shook her head sadly. I cocked my head to the side in wonder, and then I noticed the look in Gazzy and Iggy's eyes.
"That is so fnicking cool! So what's the rest of the story?"
"Is it going to be made into a movie?"
"Oh Max, can we also add robots into the mix?"
"I can see it already! Vamps, werewolves, bird kids, and cyborgs unite to destroy the plague that has been brought upon thee! VICTORY WILL BE OURS!" Iggy and Gazzy shouted throwing high fives; Fang nodded in approval. Edward and I glanced at each bewildered by the turn of events. Nudge angrily pounded the two on their head.
"You two have no creativity what so ever! Can't you see that this is a love story! Edward fights and army of a hundred vampires all to protect his princess Maximum Ride! Ooooh, I cannot wait to start filming!"
"Why can't I be the hero?" Fang sulked. I glared at my flock as they began planning their movie and costumes.
"Guys, shut up!" Angel shouted, and shot me an apologetic look. I thanked her and glared at my stupid flock.
"You need to take this more seriously! Humans are dying because of Victoria! And if we go through with this fight, the chance of one of us dying is highly probable. Why can't you see how dangerous this all is?" I shout at them. Edward slipped his hands into mine, trying to calm me down. The Flock looked like they wanted to say something, but Fang silenced them with a look.
"Well how did you expect us to react Max? Vampire covens and Werewolf tribes? It's all too surreal. Iggy, Gazzy, and Nudge are only trying to cope with this idea the best they can." Fang responded evenly. I glared at Fang. I couldn't stand it . . . the way he seemed to understand the flock even better than I. It was a bitter feeling, but I wasn't too blind to not see it. The Flock needed a more level headed leader like Fang. And they were doing well with him. Edward suddenly pulled me closer.
"Max, he's telling the truth. The flock believes you, and wants to help you. Calm down for a moment, and think things through," He gently urged. I nodded and swallowed all venomous feelings. I looked at each of my flock members in their eyes. Their eyes were burning with determination, they wanted answers, they wanted the truth, and they wanted a leader to lead them once more.
"I'm sorry," I sigh, hanging my head in shame. "Fang's right, this is bit surreal. But compared to everything we've been through till now, vampires and werewolves shouldn't surprise you guys so much." I snorted, but paused and back tracked my words. "I won't tell you not to fight; I know you guys can hold your own in a fight. (I can't even stop the werewolves from fighting) You need to understand now though, this is a dangerous situation. Some of us will not survive" I impressed upon them.
Upon until now, we've fought other experiments, albeit failed experiments strong as they were, they were not perfect. The flock and I had always survived because we used our brain AND brawn to our advantage. Besides experiments, our other enemies were human; they had weapons and came at us in large numbers. We could easily take them out with our superhuman powers. Vampires and Werewolves on the other hand . . . I began to think that the flock may have finally met their match.
Fang, obviously the leader at the present, looked deeply in thought. I took a moment to take in his changes. For starters, there were a lot of very visible but nearly faded scars on his face, as well as the rest of the flocks. Their lives in my absence (completely their fault by the way) must have been hell. But seeing as their still livin' and breathin', I think they might have deserved it. But Fang suddenly smirked, the most emotions I've ever seen on that guy's face in like forever.
"Okay, we're in. How do you kill a bloodsucker?" Fang grinned. Behind him, Iggy and Gazzy "whooped" and "cheered." Nudge cracked her knuckles and Angel smirked almost deviously. Haha, that's my . . . Fang's Flock. They know how to get excited about a real fight.
"I'm afraid that's the gruesome part," Alice frowned as she replied in her soft dainty voice. She looked to Edward to explain because such "gruesome" words, as she puts, are not right for a lady. Never stopped me from sayin what I wanted.
"You rip their body apart and burn the pieces," I cut in; those inelegant words should not have to come from Edward. Edward frowned at my word choice but otherwise looked revealed he didn't have to be the one to explain it.
"Le gasp! That is so gory," Nudge gasped in horror. Even Fang looked a bit disturbed. Gazzy and Iggy were only thinking about the fire, I wonder what happen if I reminded them that we were BURNING FRIKKEN VAMPIRE BODIES! Edward continued my explanation.
"It's as Max says, in more or less words, there is no true way to kill a vampire since we are already the living dead then to burn the body. We are strong, and our bodies are all but resistant to all physical attack. The only way to disable us of movement is to rip off parts of our bodies, and burn it before we put ourselves back together." Edward replied in monotone voice. I could tell it was hard for him to speak about killing Vampires in front of bird kids, who were VERY capable of killing a vampire.
"But to rip a body part away from the body . . . we've never fought like that before," Gazzy brought up uneasily. Iggy put a hand on the Gasman's shoulder.
"We fought mostly to defend ourselves, but fighting to kill…" Iggy's voice trailed off. He didn't need to say it, because we all knew it. The flock had never fought with the intent to kill before. I'm not saying we haven't killed before, because we did, and we weren't sissies about it.
"You needn't worry about that," Alice said suddenly chipper. "My husband and mate is . . . err knowledgeable about fighting vampires. Especially new born ones."
"Yeah, so the Cullen's and the Werewolves are gonna meet up in a clearing, about two miles north of here later tonight. Jasper, Alice's husband, is instructing everyone how to fight. Don't worry, you aren't the only non-human creature that needs to adapt their fighting style," I grinned to hopefully bring just a bit of peace to their minds.
"Wait!" Fang threw his arm out preventing Iggy or Gazzy from carelessly running towards me. "What do we get out of this?" He smirked.
"Excuse me?" I placed my hands on my hips and dutifully glared down the arrogant, pig-headed, emo-istic, hot bastard. Oh god, did I just think that? Fang's smirk grew wider until it melted into a mirthful grin.
"Relax Max, I just wanted to say….that if we help you….I want you to consider coming back to the flock. And I mean seriously consider it," Fang shook his head playfully. I blushed; gosh, I was such a child for letting his taunts get to me. I glanced at Edward and Alice, my new family, and then back at my flock. They all stared at me with expectant and hopeful eyes. The flock hoped I would return to them, the Cullen's hoped I'd stay with them. The crushing pressure was a bit much….but consideration is an awfully small price to pay for risking your life right?
"Yeah…I'll think about it. Now scram! I expect to see you sissies in the field at midnight," I agreed. Fang nodded and signaled the flock to do an up-and-away. I leaned into Edward's side and watched my old family take away. I would have been the one commanding the up-an-away, I thought almost remorsefully. Almost! I would never, and have never regretted my life as Bella or the beautiful man that now stood beside me.
"I'll race you to Carlisle's place!" I whispered in his ear. I didn't wait for a response and took off into the sky.
"Max! Edward! I don't want to run in these shooooooes!" I heard Alice's screams fade into the distance. I grinned brightly into the soft drizzle of rain.
# # # # #
"New born vampires generally tend to fight with instinct. They're all brawn and no brain. Normally that would be a very disadvantageous skill to have on battle field but…their brawn is great and their instinct to kill is so predatory…it makes them extremely dangerous. So the only way to kill a new born vampire before it kills you is to fight with your brain." Jasper instructed as he circled around Emmitt and Edward. The Wolves kept to their corner watching Jasper with excited eyes. Sissies, I rest my case. They were vary of my-the flock who stood in the opposite end of the field, watching almost uncomfortably.
"When you fight a new born vampire, you must aim to snap of their necks. Don't let them bite you. It will hurt and will kill you," Jasper warned. He then began demonstrating how to commence an attack on a new born. Emmitt was the best example since he was, in my opinion, all brawn and no brain. The wolves howled in laughter when Edward announced this. Well most of them did. The flock watched Jasper and Emmitt fight, their fight animalist and wild.
"Ugh…this is sick…Max, we don't have to fight like that do we? I can do without all the growling and snapping." Nudge whined. I glared down at her.
"You need to take this seriously Nudge. Lives are stake here. New born vampires are not like Erasers, or mutilated reptiles or cyborgs or whatever the hell else Itex threw at us." I reprimanded. Nudge blushed furiously and stared at her feet. I felt a cold tap on my shoulder.
"Max dear…" It was Carlisle. "We, Esme and I, have been around for hundreds of years, and yet we have never once heard of Itex…would be so kind as to fill us in?" The handsome blonde doctor asked, as he wrapped his arm around his wife's waist pulling her closer towards me. I sighed.
"I don't know what to say Carlisle. You saw my memories. Your guess is as good as mine. Itex is…was a secret even within the U.S government. Only those who worked for Itex even knew of its existence. At least that's the way it was until a couple of bird kids decided to bring it to the press." I chuckled at the memory. Out of the corner of my eyes, I watched Fang and Iggy trying to fight Edward…and failing miserably. It was hilarious. Those two should know by now how stupid it was to fight a mind reader. Idiots, I thought endearingly.
"I see…may I ask why you brought your existence to the attention of the world? I understand how to happened; I would just like to know why?" Carlisle, ever the curious man, asked. I shrugged in response.
"Itex needed to be taken down. We couldn't do it on our own, so we went public. I mean…you've seen what they do to children Carlisle. When I know I can do something to change that, to prevent something like what happened to us from happening to others…why do nothing?" I asked. But then my eyes narrowed at him as a new thought occurred to me. "Tell me Carlisle. You and the Cullen's are virtually immortal beings…why haven't you ever tried to make a difference in the lives of the innocent? Why haven't you ever tried to reach out to them?"
Carlisle looked abash. "You know why Be-Maximum. Our existence must be kept a secret. If the wrong people found out, then the…ability can be abused." He defended himself. I glared my famous Max Ride glare, you know, the one that stares daggers into your soul? Yeah that one!
"We don't exist either Carlisle. The Flock and I are all test tube babies."
"Yes but your power-" I cut Carlisle off.
"Can be abused as well." I finished for him. "Do you even know how many times we've been hunted because someone to use us as weapons? We're no different from you Carlisle. Except that we don't hide in the cover of our, err, abnormalities. We use them to benefit others." Carlisle narrowed his eyes as though he were thoroughly reprimanded, and then angry. But I've seen too many angry faces and faced too many close encounters to death to be shaken by that. By comparison, Carlisle was like an angry old alley cat.
"If I recall correctly, Maximum, you fled your flock because they no longer wanted to help others," He snarled under his breath.
"Carlisle!" Esme hissed and jabbed him in the side. Then she looked at me tormented eyes. No, she looked at me like I was a stranger, as though she didn't know me anymore. But they weren't without compassion. I think Esme saw through me. She saw through my anger and frustration that was of my two lives colliding. Geez, just when you think I'd come to terms with the whole ordeal.
"Max, sweetheart," She whispered softly. My breath hitched in my throat. She sounded so much like my mother in that moment. My mother…the only person whose advice I'd ever really been able to depend upon. "You must realize it is different for us. Your flock and yourself were born with those wings; you didn't have a choice in the matter. But to be a vampire…there is a choice. Our venom, although it can't be extracted from our body, it can be transferred to others. People could be changed for all the wrong reasons.
"You're a smart lady Maximum, think about it. Since the beginning of time, men have seeked to become immortals…and here we are. You must also take into consideration that not all vampire drink animal blood like we do. If there were too many of our kind in the world, the human population would have to live constantly in hiding and in fear. It is different sweetheart." Esme patted my hair down as she spoke and eased away my earlier frustration. I frowned.
"I-I'm sorry. I-I didn't think. I'm sorry Carlisle…that was out of line," I apologized, heat rushed up to my cheeks and colored them pink. Carlisle's features settled into a jovial smile.
"It is pardoned." He said almost cheerily. I smiled, I forgot how understanding Carlisle could be. He was a good man, a good man through and through. "Although Maximum…I think the real question here is why you want to save the weak?" His golden butter colored eyes narrowed as he stared intently at my face. My jaw dropped multiple times, trying to come up with some explanation. I drew blank. I took a deep sigh and said the words I wished to never say.
"I do it for me." I whispered. Carlisle knew…he knew. "Your implications are correct Carlisle. I do this for myself." I continued and pause to catch my breath when a sob racked up my throat. Tears sprang in my eyes, and the world around me faded as I could see nothing…nothing but the faces of the children whose lives I had taken.
"I've killed…so many, Carlisle. I've killed children for God's sake!" I threw my hands in the air, my breath suddenly hitched in my throat and the hyperventilation began. "No one is innocent, Carlisle, don't you see? No one is innocent. We've killed to survive and we've killed to kill. So many have tried to use us as weapons…for the earlier part of my life…I truly believed I had no other purpose then to kill." As I spoke the flock edged closer to me, and the fighting ceased in the background. No one dared to interrupt my rant.
In that moment, I felt so weak and vulnerable. I felt like all the emotions I'd kept simmering in kettle cam boiling to the surface and spilling out for all to see. I felt like my walls were stripped bare till I had nothing but naked raw emotions. I think my body was shaking with sobs but my mind was too far away, wrapped in memories of the past. Two sets of warm arms wrapped themselves around my torso. Angel and Nudge buried their heads against me and…I gave in. I missed them…so, so much. They shared my pain, they shared my past. They felt what I felt and understood me in way the vampires or the werewolves could never truly understand.
"But then I realized…we don't have to destroy. We can save. We have the power, we have the ability…why not save lives? Why not save this planet and all that live on it? I just…I can't let go of this dream, Carlisle. It makes me, me. It makes me human." I smiled through tears and looked at Carlisle expectantly. He was smiling, proud and humbled at my words. He didn't need to say so in words, the serene, understanding expression on Carlisle's face told me everything. Another set of hands came down on my shoulder. Iggy and Fang looked apologetic and guiltily into my eyes.
"We're sorry Max…we were just so sick of killing to survive. We wanted to forget everything and pretend it never existed." Iggy explained.
"But you choose the harder path, Max. You wanted to atone for our sins by saving as many lives as possible." Fang added.
"We were all so sick of the same thing and…we just never took the moment to understand each other," Nudge shook her head at the irony. We had split apart for the same thing we were both against. It was ironic. It was stupid. It was hilarious. I smile broke out on my face.
"You guys….since when did you become such weak saplings?" I leaked sarcasm in my voice. I got a whole boat load of indignant and frankly, threatening glares. "Haha, just kidding, group hug," I say nervously and pull them all into my arms for a big embrace.
Stupid sappy emotions…this is why the flock never talks about these kinds of the things. It always gets us sappy and makes us have all these hallmark-y moments. Never again, I thought to myself and relished the warmth from my family. For now…all my secrets were Revealed.
So this chapter isn't so funny, I swear, this is the MOST angsty I'm going to make this story. I wanted this story to be a little more on the light hearted load. So yeah…hopefully It'll get there. Anywho, I'm real excited because this is the first story I've written, purely in first person. It's kinda refreshing.
I understand if I don't get many reviews for this chapter since it's been a YEAR since I updated but hey….the more you review the more I put up.
P.S This chapter has only been lightly edited, if you want to temporarily BETA this story (Temporary because by mid-May it will be up for adoption) please recomend yourself to me :)
Kiki1770 out….(yes, I changed my username.)