Welcome. To|My Life.

[le Dawnz]

Title: Welcome To My Life
FanFic: Maximum Ride
Setting: Smack dab in the middle. But written after having read book #3.
Chapter: 1- Do you ever feel like breaking down?
Other: I suppose you could call some of it Faxness. Totally tragic. Awfully sweet. Nerve-wrenching, teeth-grinding, edge-of-your-seat suspense. This is the new and improved version, since I originally wrote the first 2 chapters but felt they could use some improvement. Oh, and the first chapter is kinda based off the song 'Welcome To My Life' by Simple Plain.


“FANG!”

So there we were, flying over what we assumed to be New Mexico, just minding our own business when WHAM! Flyboys… again. At first we’d been doing pretty well, even managed to send a few of them hurling toward the ground. That is, until they’d called for back up. There must have over 500 of those stupid robots dogs! Let see, six genetically enhanced adolescents vs. 500 almost indestructible mechanical Erasers. Is it me, or is something extremely wrong with those odds?

“Grab the dark one!” Someone cried through the midst of the fighting. And by fighting I mean, Flyboys kicking our butts. My head told me to jump in front of Nudge, which I did in a flash after wrestling away from another Eraser. Battling with all my strength, I snarled at any beast that dared come within spitting distance of the eleven-year-old, “You can’t have her!” But I soon realized that the Flyboys weren’t concerned with Nudge.

Before I knew it, more than half the army had turned and lunged at Fang. They grabbed him and Fang tried to twist out of their grimy claws, kicking and screaming –in that silent way of his– all the way. I admit, the boy looked angry enough to beat the crap outta each and every one of them. And I also admit, he gets scary when he looks like that. I rushed forward, but then one of those cretins held a gun to his head! Fang froze instantly. That’s when everything went quiet. The Flyboys were retreating now, all except the few who surrounded Fang. With a feeling of dread, I started toward them, my face twisted with rage and fear.

“Move and he dies!” I stopped in mid-step, torn. I wanted so badly to kill every single one of them (if it were possible to kill something that was actually alive), but they had a gun to Fang’s head for God’s sake! I heard the “whoop, whoop” beating noise of a chopper as if flew overhead, landing not a hundred yards away. I met Fang’s eyes. They were cold and determined, but I could see the fear that flickered beneath. That’s when they started dragging Fang toward the chopper. I made one of my infamous executive decisions - you know, the ones that usually don’t end the way I want them too - and sprinted after them. Then a Flyboy drew back his fist and pain suddenly filled my jaw, followed closely by blood and a hard collision with the ground.

Fang started up again, trying with all his might to get away, but they had the upper hand, and there was still that small gun issue to worry about. “FANG!” I shrieked again helplessly as the chopper began to rise and the Flyboys began to recede. I took a running leap and flew after them, but another dog boy pointed a second gun out the door at me. I knew I’d be shot if I kept after them, and what help could I be then? But how could I let them take Fang? I could see Fang still struggling against their hold. He caught my eye again. They said, “Get out now!”

Then, I couldn’t see him anymore. There was a bunch a movement inside, I could tell because the helicopter rocked back and forth a few times. They were getting further and further, and before I could decide if I should risk it and go after them, a gun shot went off. And then another. I flinched; trying to locate any new pain that hadn’t been there before incase they had shot at me. But they hadn’t.

“You idiots! They wanted him alive!” I could feel my throat swell up until I nearly choked, my aching jaw clenched tightly. “No!” I cried to no one in particular. The chopper was now a little speck in the sky. But I cried out again anyway. “Fang! Fang!” It was no use, they were too far away even if I flew at 250 mph. The flock was gathering below me.

“What happened?” Iggy asked as I landed with a thump in front of him. Angel hugged my arm tight, staring up at the chopper as it disappeared from site. There was hardly any evidence that it had been there at all except for our bloody appearances and the painful fact that Fang was gone.

“They took Fang.” I exclaimed quietly, practically gasping for air. “They took him, and… and they shot him.” My voice sounded scratchy and pained with tears not yet fallen. Iggy’s sightless eyes went wide with shock. The Gasman sniffed, trying not to cry, but was doing a poor job of it. I didn’t blame him. Nudge was already in tears, and Angel wasn’t doing much better. After a few moments, they all looked to me. You’re the leader. a small voice whispered in my head. So lead. I didn’t know what to do. I wanted to go after them. To find Fang, to kick all their butts. And to be sure he wasn’t… I couldn’t say it. He just can’t be dead! Not Fang. He was suppose to be the strong one! He had always been my right-hand-man. My confidant.

“We’ll find a hotel.” I muttered uncharacteristically after a moment. “We’ll clean up. We’ll come up with a plan tomorrow.” Iggy just nodded, his eyes on the ground. Gazzer rubbed his nose with the back of his sleeve and took Ig’s hand. Angel clutched my own hand tightly, and Nudge tried to wipe her tears away. This was going to be one hell of a long night. What was I going to do without Fang?

[Roxie !]

x.x Oh snap...I remember this story. I still don't think Fang is dead!You wouldn't kill him...would you?

[le Dawnz]

-smiles- You'll find out!

Title: Welcome To My Life
FanFic: Maximum Ride
Setting: Smack dab in the middle. But written after having read book #3.
Chapter: 1 and 1/2- Do you ever feel like breaking down?
Other: Extreame sweetness.


“No. No! Don’t shoot him! No! Take me! I’m the one she wants! Leave him alone! No! No! FANG!”

I bolted straight up in my bed gasping for air and lathered in so much sweat it soaked through front of my shirt and little beads dripped from my forehead off the tip of my nose. The images of Fang, the chopper, the Flyboys, all gone, and instead were replaced with the dark room the Flock and I had rented for the night. I’d manage to keep myself in control all evening. I don’t know how I’d done it, but I had. But I couldn’t keep it in any longer.

“Fang.” I whispered painfully. Laying back down on my side and curling into the fetal position. Pathetic, I know, but I couldn’t help it. “Fang… Fang Fang Fang…” Tears streamed down my face, blurring my vision. My throat was tight and I felt like I was going to hurl. He was dead. Fang was dead and I couldn’t do anything about it. There wasn’t anything I could do to bring him back. What was the point anymore? What was the point of saving the world, or flying, or being different from everyone else if I couldn’t have saved Fang? I cried softly, leaving a big wet spot right in the middle of my pillow.

I hadn’t heard the kids wake up, or approach the bed. Before I knew what had happened, someone lifted my arm and crawled into the bed next to me, snuggling themselves tight with their back brushing my stomach. Angel. My baby.

Next I felt the Gasman crawl onto my pillow, right beside my head, and put his hand on my shoulder. Nudge climbed up at the foot of the bed, curling herself so she would fit, and holding on to one of my bare feet. And finally, Iggy climbed up, fitting himself behind me and wrapping his arms protectively around me, breathing softly into my hair.

I took a shaky breath and my body, surprisingly, relaxed. I was suppose to be the leader, the strong one, the one who told everyone else it was going to be okay. Now my flock was doing it for me. All those times I’d comforted them when they’d been scared, disappointed, upset… well, now they were giving it back, and it was the greatest feeling in the world. I was at one of the lowest points in my life, but my heart lifted and filled with love for these kids. My kids. My family.

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[{ tessa }]

Awww! This is so sad! I never read the third book of these, but your story kinda inspired me to now XD

[le Dawnz]

You should cause it's AWESOME! I don't want to give too much away, but I can't help it. I MUST tell you. In the third book Fang actually KISSES Max!!!!!! -squeels-

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[le Dawnz]

Title: Welcome To My Life
FanFic: Maximum Ride
Setting: Smack dab in the middle. But I started this after reading the 3rd one.
Chapter: 2- Do you ever want to run away?
Other: The beginning of a revolution! NOT. But the beginning of SOMETHING.


The next morning I woke feeling tired and sore. For a minute, I didn’t recognize where I was, or the ugly wallpaper that stared back at me from across the room. Realization washed over me, and that sick feeling came back… but not as bad now. I felt a pair of strong arms enclosed around me, and noticed the little body wrapped in my own. I didn’t dare move. I was suddenly very aware of the Gasman’s hand clutching a lock of my hair loosely. I felt Iggy’s cheek, warm against mine, Nudge’s hand still lying on my foot, and Angel still hugging my arm.

I couldn’t help it. I smiled. I didn’t want the moment to end. It was a ridiculous thought, I know, because I of all people know that things never stay the same. But that didn’t mean a girl couldn’t wish.

Angel stirred, tipping her chin up to look up at me with those big blue eyes. I gave her a weak smile and she snuggled closer, closing her eyes again. That little movement woke Iggy. His arms tightened around me protectively, then relaxed when he came to. I shifted arm back a little, letting him know I was awake without words. I didn’t trust my voice. He lifted his head and looked down at me. Man, sometimes it was hard to believe the kid was really blind. “Better?” he asked quietly. I was about tell him that no, I wasn’t. I didn’t want to lie to him. But I realized that I really was. “Better.” I replied, my voice hoarse and wet. He gave me a small smile, before reaching up to shake Gazzy’s foot gently.

I heard the eight-year-old moan. He released his hold on my hair and sat up rubbing his eyes. They were identical to Angel’s. He looked at me with concern, and I gave him the same smile I’d given his sister. He smiled back. “I’m hungry.” He said rather bluntly. Iggy was already ahead of him. After giving my shoulder a light squeeze, he swung his long legs over the edge of the bed and felt his way toward the kitchen. When Gazzy stood to help him, I prodded Nudge with my other foot to wake her up.

“I’m ‘wake. I’m ‘wake.” She slurred, stretching her arms out and rolling off the bed. I couldn’t tell if it was on purpose or if it was just because she’d had barely any room in the first place. She sat up and rubbed the back of her head, then I got up too, crossing my legs and pulling Angel into my lap. I looked around at the morning activity, and felt a tug at my heart. It just wasn’t the same. But thankfully, no tears came this time. God I missed him. It’s alright. Angel’s voice infiltrated my head. I looked down at her. I’m sad too, Max. But it’s okay to cry. I smiled. Thanks sweetie. But I’m done crying now. Promise. She hugged me. Nudge stood up and moved to hug me too.

When all the sentimental hugging was over with, I set Angel on the bed beside me and got up to stretch. I didn’t know what we were going to do next. I felt so empty without Fang.

Forget about Fang, Max.

Great, Dad again.

I know how hurt you must be, but you have to move on wi-

No! I screamed back silently. No Jeb, I will not forget about Fang and just ‘move on’. You might not care, but I do.

But Max, your mission can’t be forgotten just because Fang is-

Screw the mission! Screw you! Everything else can wait because right now, my flock needs me. They need Fang. I need Fang. So do me a favor, Dad, and get lost!

That must have put him in his place because he didn’t answer. In fact, I didn’t hear from him again all day...

[le Dawnz]

Almost done with the next chapter! This one will bring back some major memories, and a little sadness. -thinks about scene to come- Hint: Think 'poor Iggy!'

[le Dawnz]

Title: Welcome To My Life
FanFic: Maximum Ride
Setting: Smack dab in the middle. But written after having read #3.
Chapter: 3- No You Don’t Know What It’s Like To Be Me
Other: Major sad sweetness. Love poor Iggy!


I can’t believe it’s been almost a week. A horrible seven whole days without Fang. We’d gone our separate ways before, but this was different. Everything was different knowing that Fang could be dead.

No. Not could be. He was dead.

We’d left the hotel that morning, covering miles and miles of ground before lunch. We had decided to follow the route that the chopper had taken the day before. The way Fang had been dragged off to. Was it possible that he could be alive? After all, I’d been shot in the shoulder before. Well, grazed across the shoulder. But that voice. He’d said that they wanted him alive. That could only mean one thing.

And who was they anyway? It couldn’t be ITEX. It couldn’t be the School, could it?

That settled it. I had to know. I had to know why they’d taken him. I had to know for sure if he was really dead…

I looked down at the red gullies below and was struck with a feeling of familiarity. We’d been here before. It seemed like ages ago now. I couldn’t help what happened next. “Hey guys! Follow me!” I called over my shoulder and took a nose dive toward the nearest cave.

Landing on the ledge, I gazed into the dark cavern, memories flooding in as the others gathered behind me. You guessed it. This wasn’t just any cave. This was the cave. The cave where Fang and I had kissed.

“Max?” I turned to look at Nudge. “What are we doing here?” Glancing back at the cave, I thought for a moment. What were we doing here? I honestly didn’t know, but I couldn’t let them know that. Besides, I wanted to stay, just for a little while longer. If I closed my eyes, I could see him there, standing in front of me. It made me feel safer.

“Let’s bunk down. Angel looks tired.” The little girl looked up at me and pulled her most believable ‘tired’ face. I don’t think she knew what was going on, but she knew I didn’t want to leave yet.

While everyone started exploring the cave, I ran my fingers against the cold stone wall, remembering every detail of that night. The fire in the center of the cave, roasting desert rat, sitting huddled against the wall and wishing things were easier. Feeling Fang’s lips, soft and warm against mine… It sent a shiver down my spine. I didn’t really like Fang that way, of course. I mean, it would have totally messed up everything! But when he kissed me… Uh! This was crazy! Even if it had been possible, it wasn’t anymore because Fang wasn’t there, and he wasn’t ever coming back.

I curled my hand into a fist and brought it back to my side. “Hey Max! Look out here!” I rushed toward Gazzy, who was staring up at something in the sky outside the cavern. A huge flock of hawks were flying above us.

“Can we go fly with them, Max? Can we?” Nudge asked sweetly. “Please?” Angel nodded eagerly and the Gasman was shifting from foot to foot, looking ready to take off right then and there. I glanced back, searching for Iggy, but he wasn’t on the ledge with the rest of them. He was standing further back in the cave, nearly invisible among the shadows. His back was hunched and his hands were stuck deep in his pockets.

“You guys go ahead. Ig and I’ll chill out here.” When they were gone, and slunk back towards Iggy. I couldn’t see his face, but the muscles in his neck were sticking out.

“Iggy?” He swallowed visibly. “Iggy man, you okay?” I asked, hooking my thumbs anxiously in my back pockets and stepping closer.

He took a shaky breath. “Yeah… yeah, why wouldn’t I be?”

“I don’t know. Why?” Reverse psychology, my secret weapon.

“Because… I don’t know…”

“Because…” I let the sentence dangle for a minute. “Because Fang’s gone?” He just took another trembling breath. “Ig… Iggy, it’s just me. You can say it.”

“Say what?” His voice turned icy, dripping poison. “Say that I wish Fang was still here? That he shouldn’t have been shot? Is that what you want to hear?” He rounded on me, glaring at me with those blue eyes of his as if he could really see me.

“It’s okay to be sad, Iggy.”

“No! No it’s not! Fang’s gone! I can’t be sad because now… now I have to take his place…” He closed his eyes and tipped his head back. He ran his fingers through his strawberry blonde hair, taking a handful and gripping as if he was going to pull it all out. I could see his Adam’s apple bob as he swallowed again.

“It shouldn’t… have been… him.” he choked out at last, each word strained. His hands slowly slid back to hang limply at his sides. Then he added more quietly, as if confessing something, “It should have been me.”

“No! Iggy no–”

“Yes! Yes, it should have been me! In case you haven’t noticed, I’m blind, Max! I can’t be Fang! I can’t be Mr. Responsible!” He shook his head, his eyes resting on the ground. “No.” he murmured, more to himself than to me. “No, I can’t… I won’t… n-not in front of them.”

“I only see us Iggy.” He tipped his chin back again. Then rolled it around, raising his hands to clutch his head. With a loud, angry shout, he turned and swung his fist at the wall with all his might. The stone curved with the force of the impact. Iggy inhaled sharply and laid his other hand flat against the wall. Then rested his forehead against it as well.

“What are we going to do without him, Max?” he asked, his voice cracking. I knew he was close to tears. This was the first time I’d seen Iggy cry since we’d been little kids back at the School. He hadn’t even cried after our search in D.C. came up dry. I gently squeezed his shoulder.

“He was my friend.” he said, his voice no louder than a soft murmur, giving me the feeling he was talking to himself again. “He was my brother.” Iggy and Fang had been best friends, in a weird, competitive way, for as long as I could remember. Iggy had been even closer to Fang than he was to the Gasman, his partner-in-crime. I had been blind in not realizing how much this might affect Iggy. He’d been holding out a long time.

I pulled my arms around him and rested my head on his back, wanting to give back the comfort he had given to me when it had first happened. After a few seconds he turned around and let me hug him. And after a few more, he was hugging me back. We stood there for a long time. I heard a sob every once in a while, but remained still and quiet, keeping my eyes fixed over his shoulder at the mouth of the cave. Iggy would be okay. We would all be okay eventually, wouldn’t we?

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[le Dawnz]

oh. my. gosh. This is THE perfect song for this! Listen to it after reading all the chapters and you will TOTALLY agree. Hmm... Total... I just realized I forgot about Total. Must add him in the next chapter. I need to re-read these books, and read the forth one. I reeeeally want to read all the kissing scenes and the scene where Max's flock comes back to the US and get back together with Fang's flock. Tis a very sweet moment. -tear- Oh my gosh I finally couldn't take having it in my head so long anymore so I decided, I don't care if I'm not done with it, I'm writing the very end of my book, so I did, sorta... I'm not done yet, but it's shaping up nicely!

Edit: Ahhh cool! I just made my first video, and I did it using pictures of who I think should play the Maximum Ride cast (well, not all of them but they work for now since I just couldnt' find 'the perfect' person to play them, much less the patience) because I was bored. Wish I could show you but I don't know how! lol So I'll just tell you the names so you can go look people up.

Max: Ellen Page (yes, I know her hair isn't blonde, but she's AWESOME)

Fang: Drew Fuller (definately not my first choice, but I couldn't find anyone else, besides, he looks too old to play a 14-year-old)

Iggy: Alex Pettyfer (anyone know who this dude is? I think if you dyed his hair black, he'd make a great Fang, I dunno, his face just looks like Fang, and then make Austin Butler Iggy instead)

Nudge: Paige Hurd (she just kinda looks like her)

Gasman: Cayden Boyd (maybe, but he's also the brother of-)

Angel: Jenna Boyd (sister to Cayden, so they look alike, and she's AWESOME and she plays Bailey on Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, she'd make a good Angel!)

Ari: Carter Jenkins (just had to include Ari! if I cast Ari, this kid would DEFINATELY be him!)

Now you know my choices (including the changes I'd make to make it better), anyone have an opinion or their own casting list?

Edit AGAIN:
Okay, totally scratch that last casting. Well, some of it. I found some people totally better. Such as:

Max- Still unsure. MAYBE Ellen Page, but only if we can't find someone else better.

Fang- Either Alex Pettyfer with his hair died, or Avan Jogia (TOTALLY PERFECT FANG I SWEAR!!).

Iggy- Okay, I haven't seemed to have grasped that Iggy is strawberry blonde, not blonde. So I thus change him from Alex Pettyfer or Austin Bulter toooooo... Tony Oller! Or if you can find someone better with more distinct strawberry blonde hair, be sure to let me know.

Nudge- Same.

Gazzy- Can't really think of any one better so let me know if YOU do.

Angel- LOVE the girl I have for her now. What's her name? Jenna... Boyd! Jenna Boyd is perfect for Angel, or maybe maybe (as my second choice) Elle Fanning (Dakota Fanning's little sister).

Ari- Same kid. Always always alway. Totally PERFECT Ari even more than Avan Jogia as the perfect Fang.


So yeah...

[Roxie !]

Okay, firstly: AWWWWWW Iggy!! -huggles him tightly- It isn't your fault!! Poor guy =(

Second--your cast list is awesome!! I especially love Ellen Page as Max...have you ever seen her in Juno? I LOVEEEE that movie. Your choice for Ari is absolutely perfect, too.
But Jenna Boyd, she's like fourteen! They could never pull her off as a six year old! Elle Fanning would be kinda kewl.

[le Dawnz]

I know, it's so sad isn't it? -huggles Iggy and cries for Fang-

I just saw Juno, and she proved that she can really pull of totally different styles of characters. I've seen her the X-Men movies too, and I agree, she's awesome! And I know, right? I saw him and I wasn't even LOOKING for Ari, I was looking for Gazzy, but when I saw his picture I was like oh my gosh it's Ari!! And yeah, I guess you're right about Jenna, but you have to admit she's kewl, especially in Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants. But I think Elle would probably be a better Angel. She looks younger and if she's anything like her sister she could totally pull off innocent yet haunted, and the whole 'evil' thing would be kewl too.

New chapter coming soon!

[le Dawnz]

I changed chapter 3 a little bit so it's even more dramatic, but only a tiny bit. I can't work on the next chapter till I get the first half of it off a hard drive that my dad has with him. He's gone till Friday, so I'll ask for it then and get the next chapter up soon.

I changed all the chapters a little bit. You know me, always have to improve my work! -rolls eyes at self-

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