Maximum Ride: Unforgettable

Chapter 12

Death.

That single word hung in the air. Its the only possible outcome of all of this.  That's what they've always wanted, maybe it is my destiny. Angel is right after all.

I most definitely felt like death. Every breathe I took, I felt an agonizing pain in my chest.  Almost unbearable, but they wouldn't let me die, not yet. They'd hold me trapped in a cage while Max pays an unreachable ransom for my escape, her complete obedience. Her being a slave to them was even worse then anything I could imagine.

Why would she even try, so we could be together happy, free? That was impossible. She should fight against them, save the people she could. Even if that meant my death, at least it was better then being trapped in here forever.

She's too stubborn to give up. I couldn't help, but think of her laugh, the way she fought,  how she would never give up. The thought almost made me smile, almost. It was too much pain to even do that.  I can't remember a time when I wasn't in pain. 

Click. Click. Click. 

The door opens and a comparatively young woman walked in the room, alone. 

"Fang, right? You don't look very well. Don't worry, though, you'll be in a better place very soon." She said in a casual manner. None of the white coats ever referred to me by my first name.  She's different. "I can't let my guard down." I remind myself. 

"Its okay, Fang, we have always just tried to help you." She rested her hand on the metal bars of the cage. 'We've' as in she's one of them. I have to stop every urge in my body to jump up and snap her fingers. I remain still not saying a word.  If shes hoping for a reaction from me she's going to be disappointed. 

"I'm not like the rest of them. I promise."  She says with a haunting smile.

Then the next thing she did, I never would've expected. She unlocked the door. 

"I was never here." She nodded at me with her same eerie smile.

Something's wrong blared in my head over and over again. One thing a knew is that if there was the slightest chance of escape, I couldn't stop to ponder about it. I can't waist time. I managed to get down and limp towards the door. I have no idea what this place actually looks like other then this one room.

Row and rows of computers filled the room, at the very end was a staircase. Up and out. Except, only one problem, someone stood in my way. The same person who stood in the way between me and Max. He always seemed to be in the way.

"Move out of the way, unless you want my shoe slammed into your face." I said. Annoyingly, he did nothing. This is my only chance of escape and here is going to ruin it. I balled my fist in anger. 

"You can't escape." He said in a monotone voice. It wasn't until then that I noticed something off about him. I'm not talking about his sickly face  or the bruises on his wrist. His eyes were glazed over and he showed no emotion. 

I might hate this kid, but they did something seriously wrong to him. I felt pity for him. Its not like there is anything I could do now to help him. 

I jumped up quickly and shoved him onto the floor and climbing up the stairs. I'm sure later Max will have some crazy mission to come and rescue him, but right now I need to escape.

Half way up, I could here Dylan climbing after me. Hes too fast.

His hand latched onto my ankle and with a thud he started to pull me down the stairs. I yelled as my shoulder slammed into each step. Finally, I gained enough strength to dig my fingers into his bloody and bruised wrist. 

He released, but we were already at the bottom floor again. I'd have to fight him, no other options. I kicked him in the chest, but he quickly got right back up. He slammed his fist into my face over and over. I couldn't tell if blood was dripping from my nose or my lip, probably both. Nows not the time to worry about injuries. As he raised his fist up for a final blow, I rolled out from under him. Then with all of my strength, I slammed my foot into his chin, knocking him unconscious. 

The last thing I remember is a  syringe sunk into my neck from an unseen enemy. 

I woke up in the back of a semi truck. Dylan lay in a slump against the other side. Plastic ties held both of our hands tight behind our backs. I moved over to stand above his unconscious body. Thinking of all of the possible things I could do to him.

He suddenly jerked awake and looked up at me. "Where are we?" He said with undeniable fear in his eyes.  

"We could be outside right now if it wasn't for you." I murmured.

"What're you talking about?" He said innocently, as if he had no idea what happened.

"SH." I told him, motioning my eyes to the drivers seat. In reality, I just wanted him to shut up.

I looked through the rear-view mirror and saw the same young, dark haired girl from before. All I could think of was the one phrase that she said, 'You're going to a better place.'

That's what they always say about people when they die.