Chapter 3

Fang's POV

I woke up around 9 to s sound of something scraping on bark. Curious I got up and peaked outside, but not enough to be noticed. I did not expect to see what I did.

I saw Max getting out of a tree. With a pillow and a blanket. She must have slept there, but why? Then I remembered her asking Dr. M if she could paint her room. Hhhmmm I guess she must have done it last night. That's why she didn't go to bed till 3 am! Not that I was watching her or anything…

Ok ok you caught me, I was watching Max last night. What?! I was curious! The girl talks less than I do! And that's saying something! I barely say 20 words per a day!

I saw Max go back inside silently. Damn that takes skill right there. I saw her come back outside 15 minutes later. I was able to get dressed in that time. By the looks so did she. She had something in her hands though. I was trying to think of what they could be, but I was interrupted by Max swinging back into the tree and entering the woods. What the heck?! Why was she going into the woods at 9 am with something in her hands?!

Rather than ignore it and ask her later and most likely not get an answer I followed her. No! I was not a stalker! I rather her not get lost and then have Dr. M have a panic attack. And ok maybe I was just a little curious. Ok maybe a lot curious. And I would be lying if I said I didn't care about Max. I don't know what it was but I liked her a lot. She was cool and wasn't like all the girls at school who swoon at me.

God, this girl has been here for 1 day and you already can't get her out of your head. Great Fang.

Well, here we go.

Max's POV

I was walking in the woods, trying to find a suitable pot, like a field or something.

About 10 minutes later, I found it. You have to go through some undergrowth or in my case swing across from a branch. But it was worth it. There was a flat cliff with a cave on one end of it. Then it dipped slightly to revel a large field and a lake. Perfect.

I walked over to the end of the large field and put my targets there. Then I climbed back onto the cliff. There I took out my guns. No I am not a mass murder or anything. Quite the opposite. But anyways I lined up with one of the targets. I took my handgun and aimed it at the target. I quickly took aim and shot. Bulls- eye. I did this repeatedly. And every time I hit it straight on. I smiled slightly, I haven't lost my touch.

And I was pretty close to the house to hear Dr. M calling me but far away enough not to hear the gun shots. Sweet. Leaving my guns back in there place. Aka my hip. I took out on of my knives and took aim. Whoosh! I heard as it cut through the air. Dead in the middle.

I collected my bullets and reloaded. After securing my stuff in the cave along with a couple more weapons I decided to head back. It was about 10 is and everybody would be up and the paint should be drying.

I quickly climbed the tree and swung over the undergrowth. Making my way back to the house, oblivious to Fang who was watching me this whole time.

Well crap.

Fang's POV

What. In. the hell.

So we knew Max could handle a fun, but like that?! And where did she even get a handgun?! I figured out what she had in her ands where targets and that she was armed!

What kind of foster child is armed?! Or can shoot a bulls-eye with a gun? Or a knife?! What the hell?!

I watched her enter the cave and she came out and headed back. Well she isn't getting away that easily! I need to stop her if she intends to hurt Dr. M or anybody else in that matter. But I don't think that's the case. I mean she set up targets and just shot there. Maybe she likes to practice?

Ugh. Why are girls so confusing?

Well I want answers and I am going to get them.

Even if it kills me and that's a high probability. But I am strong and she isn't the only one that knows how to defend herself. After all my mom is in the FBI. Anne Walker, head of the FBI, hence why she's never home and why we're rich. So yes I knew how to defend herself and use a gun.

So maybe I won't die. But it's still likely I will.

Sigh. Here we go again.

I walked up to Max and made a point of walking on a stick and snapping it. I was right, she whipped around, hand on her hip. Smart girl not to draw yet. But I already knew.

"Max." I said. She narrowed her eyes at me.

Max's POV

Snap.

I whipped around, my hand whipping to my hip where I left my favorite handgun is. I didn't draw yet because that's pointless, if they didn't know I had it.

As soon as I whipped my head towards the sound, I saw Fang. I could feel the suspicion from him. I recognized that he knew, he saw me. He followed me and saw everything. Great, and I don't think I could kill him…

Joking chill. I told you I'm not a murder! What?! Such little faith?!

Wow. Great ego booster there guys. Thanks!

"Max" he said, I narrowed my eyes at him. What's this guy's deal? Blackmail? Murder? Turn in? He can't know who's after me though… not yet. Even if his mom is Anne Walker.

"That's my name, don't wear it out" I said, smirking slightly. What? I am Maximum Ride, I have to be sarcastic!

"No jokes." He said, dead serious. Wow way to ruin the mood. "I want answers." Oh so specific. Well I want a normal life, did I ever get it? No.

"Way to be specific. Care to elaborate, buddy? And I wanted a puppy, but I didn't get it. Life always disappoints, doesn't it." I said. What? Did you actually think I would listen to him? If you did, just stop reading now. Tsk, tsk.

"Where did you learn to shoot like that? To handle a gun. For that matter, where did you get a gun? And the knives? Targets? What are you hiding?" he demanded. Pfft. What was I hiding? Um my life, maybe? And he thinks I'll tell him this because….?

"And you think I'll answer that because…? And the gun? Don't worry, I didn't do anything illegal. And no I don't plan on hurting anybody." I said. I gave him the answers that were pressing, he doesn't need to my history. And I was telling the truth, I don't want to hurt anybody. Ever. And illegal? Seriously? This dude really doesn't trust me.

"You might want to answer my questions." He threatened. I laughed. Seriously? Him threatening me? Laughable, honestly. If his mom couldn't catch me, why could he? Oh whoops, I didn't mean to let that slip. Forget that. I demand that you forget that. Never thought that. Anyways…

"Why is that?" I asked, mock-innocence in my voice. He smirked at me, nice and smug. I narrowed my eyes at him, what card was he playing now.

"My mom's the head of the FBI. I suggest you answer, or I will find out answers myself." He said, smugly. HA. Really? His mom never told him? Pathetic. Does he really think I would leave our info on their data? Whoops, didn't mean to let that slip. Um, forget that.

"Good luck, you won't find squat in there. And your mom's Anne Walker? Sorry to break it to you, but she can't do squat either. And that's the truth. But as much as I was enjoying this conversation, I must get going." I said, honestly. He won't find answers. But I won't do well here. Not if Anne is here, on the rare occasion she does come home. I can't stay.

"Why? And where do you plan on going? Why don't you met my mother? She just got home last night" he said. My blood froze at his words. Shit. She's home? Scratch that, I really need to go now.

"Anne's home?" I said, shifting uncomfortably. He noticed, and I swear his suspicion spiked, if that's even possible. "Ya, what's wrong Maximum?" he said, knowing I prefer Max. But I didn't noticed. I needed to leave now.

I didn't answer his question. "Shit" I swore. And I did what I do best. Ran.

Thank god I am wicked fast. I got to the house in no time, and climbed the tree quickly. I grabbed my stuff and threw it into my bag. I had left most it unpacked, I never stay too long in one spot. Zipping it up, I ran back outside, running towards my targets. I refuse to get caught. And if I don't want to be caught, I never do.

Fang's POV

"Shit" she cursed. I was about to tell her to watch it, when she ran. I mean high tailed the fuck out of there. Right after I mentioned my mom too. My curiosity and suspicion confirmed, I quickly ran after Max and called my mom. I asked her if she knew Maximum Ride.

Her response was instant.

"Fang? Did you say Maximum Ride? The Maximum Ride?"

"Yes, mom. Dr. M just adopted her, and when I mentioned you, she ran right back to the house. I was wondering of you knew why." I replied. The Maximum Ride?

"She's next door?" my mom yelled. I winced, ow my eardrums people! "Finally after all this time… I am not losing her again. Thanks hon. Talk to you later." And with that the line went dead. Well then. Nobody wants to give me answers huh?

As soon as I entered the yard I saw Max, climbing back outside with her bag all packed. She ran, on the tree branches. She looked like a ninja! Right then I saw my mom, burst open Max's balcony door. And did she look pissed.

"Fang, where did she go?" she demanded. I pointed towards the woods and said "there's a field a little ways. She had targets there." Anne was out into the woods in an instant and Dr. M and the rest of the flock was right on her heels.

"Fang! What the heck is going on?! Where's Max?!" Dr. M asked. I shrugged and went after my mom, with the flock right on my tail.

Max's POV

I heard Anne behind me. Well crap.

Fang must have told her. Great, if I ever get the chance, I'm so kicking his ass.

I grabbed my weapons and quickly strapped everything on. Knife on ankle, guns on hips, bow on back. Yes I have a bow and arrows. My most prized weapon.

I came out of the cave just in time to see Anne run into the clearing. Her eyes narrowed in on mine in less than .3 seconds.

"Maximum Ride, how nice to see you!" she exclaimed. I tensed.

"Anne Walker, what a surprise" I replied, no emotion was in my voice. Anne narrowed her eyes and I saw her hand move to her hip. At the same time we both whipped out our guns.

"Yes, well it took forever to track you down. You're just too good, Maximum." She said coldly. "The maximum, huh?" she asked.

At that moment the whole hang came in. Fang saw me and his mom going wide. I knew Anne would keep going. Well my history is coming out here.

"The maximum. Maximum Ride. The maximum agent too. You and your parent were the best agents I ever had." She said. I saw everybody's eyes go wide. I tensed, great. Here it comes.

"Had. That's the key word, Anne. I don't belong to you or the agency anymore. You can't force me to do anything. I haven't done anything wrong. Nothing illegal. My weapons are in my possession legally. You can't force me back in. right now you are breaking the law, if I recall correctly. And I knew I do. Put the weapon down, Anne, you don't have the power here. "I ordered. She has no power. She can't force me to do anything. Not anymore.

"Damn it, Max." she hissed, she knew she was beaten. "You were my best agent! Why the hell did you go?!" she demanded, putting the gun down.

"I would still be. But that's my business and my decision." I said, putting away my own weapon. Anne didn't look happy with that answer.

"Really? Still would be, huh? How about a test. Beat, my son Fang in combat and I won't press you or tell your history. I'll leave you alone. He beats you, you show me your skills." she said. Fang looked surprised. I evaluated him, strong and fast. Anne would have trained him to her best. But I was the Maximum. It wouldn't be easy, he looked like my match.

I was torn. Pure freedom? Or give away my secrets? If she found out my skills, well she would have to have me back as an agent. She was going to catch me sooner or later. But she can't force me to do anything. I wasn't at a big disadvantage.

"I agree then." I said. Ii stripped off my weapons but kept them far away from them. Fang got into a fighting position. I knew he would be able to keep his emotions in check, so I needed to do the same. Lock them in the box and hide the key. His fighting position was flawed, his core too open and too solid in one spot. I got into my own position.

Fang made the first move, lunging at me and doing a quick roundhouse kick. My brain analyzed the situation in to time flat. Cant dodged. Can't back step enough. Can't jump high enough. One solution, block and catch.

His foot neared my side, right near the top of my ribs and the bottom of my lung. Smart. I quickly squatted and put up my hand. I caught the quick dead on, right in my palm. I quickly twisted it and yanked him towards me. He used the momentum and launched another kick at me, this time my jaw. I quickly arched into a backbend, dodging it. I did a back handspring and moved away from him. He AGAIN came at me and threw a punch towards my stomach. I quickly side stepped and launched my own attack. The kick caught him right in the jaw and made him stumble back, surprised. I threw a punch towards his core and he doubled over. I launched a kick at his back, before he could recover. It landed right on his spine, but I held back, no need to break his spine. He fell on his stomach and I sat down and pinned his arms to the ground along with legs.

"Beaten" I said, simply. I already injured his pride, no need to kill it, right? I got off of him and gathered my stuff. Everybody was watching me shocked, wow I guess nobody has beaten him. Guess it doesn't help his pride that I didn't break a sweat.

Anne looked shocked and angry. "No! I won't lose my best agent! You will join back and be the very best again!" she cried at me. I shook my head. "You already have Anne" I said.

I heard a click as I turned around to retrieve my stuff. I quickly snatched my gun and spun around to face Anne. A gun greeted me. "If you won't join again, then you won't live." She said simply. And she gazed at me determined. She would pull the trigger. "Make your decision" she demanded.

I looked over and saw that most faces were horror, but Fang's was determination. He was going to try to make his mother see reason. No. he can't.

I needed to distract him. I looked levelly at Anne. "I remember you saying that to my parents. A while ago. In fact, 10 years ago." I said, calmly. It was true, Anne had killed my parents. They wanted to leave the agency, but she didn't want to lose her top agents. She refused to let that happen.

Everybody froze in shock and recognition at my words. Anne shot me a death glare, which I returned. The difference? She flinched.

"Mom, that's not true right? You didn't kill her parents, right?" Fang demanded, his voice shaky. Anne looked at him, incredulous.

"Of course it isn't! She is just lying, trying to get me to lower my guard." She countered. I laughed, but it was empty, devoiced of emotions.

"Yep that's it. That's why you're threatening my life, just to join the FBI again. And that my parents tried to leave and you didn't want that to happen. Yep my parents were never FBI agents, that's why I was never an FBI agent, right? Or weren't we your top agents? The top trio? And why you tried to track me down? And why I ran away?" I asked. She is seriously trying that card? How is this lady the FBI chief again?

"And that you didn't delete all info about us off the database. That we never existed. We never were agents because you can't be labeled as a murder. Isn't that why you couldn't track me? Tough choice, huh? Losing your best agent or convicted of murder? We all know which one you chose." I deadpanned.

Anne glared at me. "You'll regret that! Since you know too much and you reason with me, guess that I will have to remove you." She smirked slightly. A bullet clicked into place. I dove and rolled out of the way. Anne locked onto me.

"I should tell you, your parents' last words, huh? 'Max…'" she smirked. "Why could you save them Max?" I knew her plan to unleash my emotions. I held them back. I wouldn't lose now.

I ran at her, avoiding another bullet. She tried to shoot me but I ducked again. I was used to being shot at, sad really. I disarmed her with a swift kick. She lunged and I dodged going around her. I unclipped her handcuff- most likely for me- and locked them on her. I raised her arms so they were above her head and kicked her down to the ground. I took my knife and slammed them into the middle of the chain.

Pinned.

I went up to a tree. I climbed it- ignoring curious looks from the flock- and grabbed the camera. I finally had all the evidence, I needed. Everybody looked shocked. Well Anne looked murderous.

I called in the FBI and Anne was led away.

She was due in court ASAP. She was an FBI agent, she was taught on how to escape these situations. I went back to the orphanage, without telling Dr. M.

Court Case: The murder case of the Ride parents

Victims: Jeb Ride and Victoria Ride

Convicted suspect: Anne Walker

Case Summary: Jeb and Victoria Ride were FBI agents under Chief Anne Walker. Both parents decided to retire away with their daughter Maximum Ride. 3 days later, Jeb and Victoria were declared dead by unknown sources. Their daughter Maximum Ride was supposed to be charged to Anne Walker at the FBI base. Maximum chose the orphanage instead. All files are deleted off the FBI database of Jeb and Victoria. Maximum was approached by Anne Walker in the woods. Witnesses include Nick and Monique Walker, and the whole Martinez family. There Anne threatened Maximum and admitted to murdering Jeb and Victoria. All evidence is shown on video

Final decision: Anne Walker is convicted guilty of the murder of Jeb and Victoria Ride

Anne Walker is subject to 2 lifetimes in prison in Russia. She will be under constant watch due to her background.

Maximum Ride will be discharged to Valencia Martinez upon request of Valencia.

Nick and Monique Walker will also be discharged to Valencia upon request.

Case Closed

Wait what?

I finished reading the case again. I was being discharged to Dr. M? Upon request? Yes I participated in the trial. But I left after my hearing and before the final decision. I didn't want to be near Anne anymore.

Guess I am going back…

But this is only a chunk of my past. I got the scars and memories to prove it. Not to mention the enemies…

Welcome to the maximum ride and my worst nightmare.

Thanks guys!

I know this was a lot and a lengthy chapter. Heck this was more than my research paper for English! And way better I might add…

Anyways! Thanks for reading! And don't forget to review! Positive, negative, random just review!

U and A

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