Dear Flock,

Hey guys, if you're reading this it means that I'm no longer with you. I'm so sorry you had to find out this way. Hopefully I was able to speak to you one last time before I went. But if I wasn't there's a few things you should know.

One, I love each of you so much. You guys, without a doubt, were the best thing to ever come out of my life. I wouldn't trade you guys for anything, heck I'd probably give up my wings just to be able to stay with you a little longer.

Second, in my pack beneath where you found this letter there are eight more letters. One for each of you, Jeb, Ella and my Mom, Total and Fang. I know you guys might have mixed feelings about him, but please give him his letter back. Yes, I used his original letter, I wrote my own and now I'm giving it back to him. Well, I'm hoping you guys will.

Third and last, I want to be cremated, here, on the ledge of the Hawk Cave. I figure maybe if I'm cremated they can't clone me like they did before. Also, I like the idea of my ashes flying free. In a way it's like I'll never stop using my wings. I'll be able to fly free forever.

This may be my last goodbye, guys, but I know we'll meet again. Someday, hopefully a long time from now, you'll join me wherever I end up. Heaven, I hope, I did save the world after all. That's gotta count for something in His eyes.

One year from now, come back here and meet Fang. If he comes, give him his letter, if he doesn't….

You'll think of something.

I love you all with all my heart,

Maximum Ride

Angel stood looking out at the setting sun as it cast the desert sand a bright scarlet and shown brightly against the pink and blue sky. A light breeze lifted her hair and Angel turned her face into it feeling the coolness of the coming night caress her skin.

A soft hand touched down on Angel's shoulder and she turned to see her brother looking down at her. "Angel, I said your name three times already. Are you okay?" Angel's mouth quirked in one corner and she turned back to watch the dying sun. "I'm fine."

She could read Gazzy's unbelieving thoughts and knowing this he didn't speak. Still the unsaid words were clear and as he turned back to the cave Angel thought about what her brother hadn't said aloud.

Nudge finished dumping the last of the robots into the pit Gazzy had blown into the side of the canyon and watched as it slid down the side before settling against a mutant Iggy had flung in. After Max…died, they'd found a letter in her pack asking that she be cremated so that her ashes could forever fly free. They'd read this letter first, then, found their own. Each member of the Flock had a letter and there was even one for Total, Jeb and Ella and Doctor Martinez.

However, they'd all agreed not to read their letters until they'd done what Max had asked them too.

"Hey Nudge will you help me set this charge?" Iggy called from above. Nudge looked up and saw the strawberry blonde nailing a hole in the canyon wall above the pit before sticking what looked like a wrist watch inside. The watch was wrapped with wires that attached to another hole with an old camera in it a few feet away.

"Hold on Iggy," Nudge called as she spread her wings and flew up to join him. Iggy's brow was covered in sweat and dirt but his fingers worked tirelessly as he attached wires together and ran lines to various rigged objects.

"Okay, just hold this button down, do not, I repeat do not let go of it until I say so. If you do we will both be sent to kingdom come." Iggy said, his eyes boring into hers. Nudge nodded and was about to say okay when Iggy surprised her, "You nodded."

"Did you see that?" Nudge asked, her voice a gasp. But Iggy shook his head as he frowned and turned back to the wires. "No, I've just come to expect that when I ask a question and don't get a response someone nodded and forgot I couldn't see it." Iggy's frown deepened. "Max used to do that all the time."

Nudge's wings faltered for a moment and she dropped a foot before stroking down hard and joining Iggy once more. "Sorry," he said. "It's fine." Nudge muttered stiffly, already she could feel the tears stinging her eyes again.

"There," Iggy said, surprising her. He pushed back from the rock wall and motioned for Nudge to follow him as he flew out across the canyon before stopping above the small river which wound it's way far below them. "Do the honors."

Nudge glanced down at the car remote and let go of the button.

BOOM!

The side of the canyon where the bombs had been exploded outward sending dirt and rocks cascading downward into the pit before overflowing and burying it deep underground. Normally this was the point where Iggy slapped a high five with Gazzy and boasted about how big the explosion had been. But not this time. This time, no one was cheering.

"I'm going to fly Jeb up," Gazzy said, nodding at Iggy who had just landed with a bundle of large, stripped branches in his arms. Iggy nodded and set his load down before walking over to the ledge where Angel was busy setting up the platform.

"How's it going?" Iggy asked.

Angel didn't bother looking up at Iggy when she said, "Good, I guess. That load you brought should be enough to finish." Angel let her hands fall to her side and dropped her head. "I wish I had more time. Max deserves better."

"Hey," Iggy said, kneeling and placing a hand on the young blonde's shoulder. "Max would be proud of you for working so hard. Heck she'd of probably been fine with us just laying her on the ground! You know how she was."

Angel smiled at the mental image of Max rolling her eyes at all of Angel's work just for it to be burned. Then she felt tears play at her eyes. When it was all over she'd never again be able to see Max. There'd be no grave to visit, just this lonely cave with it's nightmarish memories to haunt her.

"Angel?"

Angel looked up and frowned at Iggy. She hadn't realized he'd still been standing there.

"Yeah, Iggy?" Iggy hadn't been looking at Angel and for a moment didn't say anything. Then his blue eyes locked with hers. "Max would have wanted it to end this way."

And with that he got up and spread his wings. "Nudge and I are going to get Doctor M and Ella. They called and said they were almost here with Total. See you in a few." Iggy took a running dive off of the ledge and for a moment disappeared. Then his sandy brown wings spread and he shot up into the sky before flying away from the canyon and back east. Angel watched him go with wide eyes.

As the sun crept slowly down on the horizon the Flock, Jeb, Ella, Doctor Martinez and Total all gathered around the pillar. On it lay the girl they'd all loved and for four watched die. In those four's hands, gripped tightly in white knuckles, were goodbye letters.

"We talked it through," Iggy said, as he stood facing the small congregation with Max behind him, "-that since I can't read my letter myself and someone would have to read it to me that we might as well all read ours, out loud. These letters, are Max's goodbyes to us. Jeb, Ella, Doctor M., you guys have one too."

Iggy reached into his jacket and fished out three small envelopes before handing them over. "It's your choice whether you read them aloud," Iggy said, noting the devastated look on Jeb's face and the tears running down Max's mom's face and half sister's cheeks; Total was bawling on the ground.

Iggy turned to Nudge who stepped forward and stood so that she could see both Max and the Flock.

"Dear Iggy,

Hey pyro, I know you weren't expecting to get this sort of thing. Really I wanted to get this to you some other way. Like on a tape recorder or something similar that way you could hear it for yourself and not through somebody else. Unfortunately I ran out of time.

Iggy, my numbers showed up, the expiration ones. I didn't want to tell you and the Flock because I knew you guys would just worry yourselves sick over it and then my last days would be spent watching all of you suffer. I didn't want that Iggy and still don't. Even if I'm gone, which if you're reading this then I must be, I don't ever want you or the Flock to feel sad over me.

You guys have been through way too much to have to deal with more pain. And that's why I'm here by electing you leader of the Flock. Yep, Iggy, you heard right. You're the boss man now. I know this is a lot to take in. I'm sorry for just dumping it on you like this. But the fact is the Flock needs someone to look after them. To guide them and keep them safe. And, Iggy, I know that person is you.

You may be blind, Iggy, but you see so much more than people or yourself thinks. You know exactly what to say to lighten the mood whenever one of us is feeling sad. You know what to say when I'm feeling lost. You know what I need to hear to keep pushing on….

I'm gonna really miss you, Iggy. You were like the older/ younger brother I never had. But you know what? I'd trade a million blood brothers for you any day. Because I know you'd always be there for me. Always look after me. And always keep the Flock from starving because even after all these years I still can't cook worth a damn.

Please look after everyone Iggy and keep them safe. I know you can do this, you're the best.

Push on,

Max

Nudge folded the letter gently and passed it to Iggy who's eyes were wide. A single tear dropped down his cheek and his shoulders shook slightly. The Flock gathered around him and hugged their new leader. Max's hair stirred in the breeze behind them.

"I'll read mine now." Nudge said, breaking away from Iggy and the others. She moved back to where she had been before and with shaking fingers opened her letter.

Dear Nudge,

Hey sweet girl, by now you've probably heard what happened, about my numbers and how I've gone, but I hope you can forgive me for not opening up to you and the rest of the Flock. I just didn't want to see the looks on your faces and put you guys through that. At least while I was around. I guess that makes me a coward. So be it, I know what I'm doing is right.

Nudge, I'm sorry. I'm sorry that I wasn't able to give you the normal life you deserved. Lord knows you deserve it. You're the sweetest, kindest, nicest, funniest chatterbox I've ever met. I couldn't have asked for better sisters, you, Angel and Ella were always there for me. And though sometimes I didn't agree with your fashion sense I have to admit you have style.

I regret that I wasn't able to help you with your dream while I was alive. I know that you wanted to be a fashion designer. But maybe now I can help you. At home in my drawer by the bed there's a small lock box. The key is in your envelope. In that box is enough money to help you go to school and do whatever you want. I've been saving up since I saved the world. I was going to use it for something….but now that won't happen.

Take the money, Nudge, and use it to fulfill your dreams. I know you'll be the best fashion designer in the world. You're so bright and amazing. I wish I could see what you come up with. Maybe I can, someday.

Look after the others, Nudge. I know it's up to Iggy to pick second in command but I know he'll pick you. I've seen the way you two look at each other. Fang…, well we used to act like that. I just want you to know that I think Iggy and you are perfect for each other and I hope you find happiness together.

Dream on,

Max

By the time Nudge had finished reading tears were cascading down her cheeks dotting the parchment which she clutched in shaking fingers. Iggy walked over and Nudge lay her head on his shoulder as she cried. He led her away as Gazzy took her place. His blue eyes were wide and his shoulders shook.

Dear Gazzy,

My little trooper. You know, no matter how old you get you'll always be my little soldier. When you were younger you acted so strong. And you've only gotten stronger over the years. I couldn't be prouder of you, Gazzy. You've become quite the pyro and you've been such a good role model for your sister. I know now that I'm gone you'll still look after her. She'll say she doesn't need looking after now that she's older but she does. Everyone needs someone to watch over them. Even me.

But I guess that's my job now. I'm not gonna be around to see you find that special someone, Gazzy. I won't see you marry the one who will make you happy. I won't see you move out. I won't see you at all. If Nudge and Iggy haven't told you my numbers came up. That's the reason I'm writing this letter. I don't want to tell you or the others because I know you would grieve for me. I didn't want to see that.

Man, I wish you could see how much you've grown. You're not the mischievous, blonde haired, blue eyed boy you used to be. Now you're a man, and I couldn't be prouder of you.

Gazzy, I want you to promise me one thing. Promise me that you never stop blowing things up. I know how much you and Iggy love it. And I know how I used to get mad when you did. Like the time you blew up my favorite (and only) pair of non-thrift store jeans. But the only reason I got mad was because I was always afraid you guys would blow yourselves up. But now that I'm staring death in the face I realize that what ever happens happens. And no matter what, what's destined to be will be.

I trust you, Gazzy, and I trust Iggy too. I trust you guys to keep the Flock safe. Look after them, keep them strong and keep them together. You're so much stronger and braver than you think. You have the heart of a lion, Gazzy. I know you'll never stop protecting those you love. And that's why I'm leaving you the second half of the money I kept. It's in a separate lock box right by the first in my drawer at the house. Nudge has one key, you have the other. Use the money however you wish. But, Gazzy, I hope you use it to follow your dreams. You could save a lot of lives.

Pyro on,

Max

Gazzy let his hands drop as he rubbed under his eyes. Tears fell slowly as he cast a glance back at Max before shuffling away. The others glanced at Angel but she wouldn't meet their eyes. Doctor Martinez and Ella glanced at each other. Ella gently grabbed her mother's arm and guided her towards the pillar. There mother and daughter stood close together as the doctor unravelled the letter addressed to both of them and began to read.

Dear Mom and Ella,

I'm sorry. I'm so sorry you had to find out this way. I wish I could have told you, wish I were that brave. But I'm not, or, I wasn't. I wish I could have seen you guys one more time. As soon as I found out I should have flown to you. But I doubt I could have kept my pending doom a secret. You guys by now know how good I am with emotions. Exactly, I'm not. So to me this was the easiest way, but it's still hard.

I didn't have time to write you individually. The sky outside is getting lighter as I write so I figure I've got time for three more. I won't hurry though. I'll take my time on them and on this one because I know it's the last time I get to 'speak' to you. And it's the last time you'll hear from me.

Ella, I never thought I had any real family, let alone a half sister especially one as cool as you. When I was flying to save Angel and saw you on the ground I knew right from the start that you weren't just some girl. The way you stood up to those bullies even though they out numbered you and had weapons? It reminded me so much of me. I'll never forget the look on your face as I ran up out of no where and punched that guy in the nose. I think I told you to run and I guess you did since you got home. Good thing you did too. Who would've guessed out of all of Arizona I'd show back up at your house for help? And then I find out that you're my half sister? What are the odds?

You know the odds have never been in my favor. But on that day they were. Ella, you are the best half sister a girl could ask for. You always knew what to say to cheer me up and make me smile. Listening about school and the boys you liked may not have been my thing, but I'll never regret those nights we stayed up in your room just talking. I never felt so relaxed as when I was able to talk to you. Well, listen, seeing as you were the one with all the things to say. But that was fun too. I'd never had someone I could really open up to before. With the Flock I always had to act so tough and strong. I had to be the leader. But with you I was just a sister. Something I wouldn't trade for anything….

Mom, I know right now you're probably crying, and I would be too. But please don't cry for me. All my life I knew that someday this might happen. I've actually kinda been expecting it. Of course I never wanted it to happen but since it has I just wanted to say that you are the best mom in the world. Kids say that all the time but mom, I really, really mean it. You're the bravest, strongest, most understanding, best chocolate chip cookie making mom in the world. When you were kidnapped I beat myself up over it because I knew I'd brought you into my world and you could be killed. But then Fang pointed out to me that since you were my mom you had to be tough, had to be a fighter and that there was no way you'd let them get to you. He was right.

I felt a connection to you from the beginning and over the years I've only grown closer to you. You have no idea how special you are to me. Before I met you I never even considered having a mom. But once I realized I must have one I prayed that it would be you, and, I guess God answered my prayers for once.

Mom, Ella, I love you both and I hope you live long and happy lives. Now that I'm gone no one will dare go after you. They have no reason to. Good bye, mom and sis.

Live on,

Max

Ella and Doctor Martinez held each other tightly as they shuffled away. Tears cascaded down their faces and Ella lay her head against her mother's shoulder as she sobbed.

Total glanced at them as he padded up to the pillar. There he looked up at Max before turning to face the small congregation. His fur lifted in the breeze and his small body trembled as he dropped the note from his jaws and rolled it open with his nose.

Placing his paw on top of the paper to keep it flat Total cleared his throat and began to read in a choked voice.

Dear Total,

Hey big guy, I hope you are doing great and are having fun at my mom and Ella's. I know you've been having a hard time since Akila died, she was your soul mate and I know it might sound terrible to say this but I know how you feel. I lost my soul mate too, once, and unfortunately I probably won't get to see him before I die.

But enough about me, killer, this letter is for you. For the dog who came into my life and that of my Flock and changed us forever. You're like a little shining light, Total. You're funny, smart, and a heck of a culture whiz. I know you thought our lack of cultural upbringing was a bit (okay a lot) of a disappointment but you gotta admit you know enough for all of us.

I remember the first day we met. I'll admit I wasn't too excited. Now I had to look after five kids and a dog? And to top that off a mutant dog! What was the world coming to! But then at that FBI woman's house you spoke to me. Honestly that was probably the biggest shock I'd ever gotten. It sure did make life a lot more interesting.

I know I sometimes acted annoyed with you but Total I wasn't. I never, ever was. You're the best Canine American anybody could ask for. Ha, even if you do look like Todo from the Wizard of Oz.

You know, the dog in that story had a happy ending. He got to go home and be with his family. And I really hope you do too Total. I know how much you talked about trying to find your parents. You know, the dog ones. So I did a little research on the side.

Total, I'm sorry. But your mom and dad died about ten years ago. They weren't mutants, like you or us, so they didn't have unnaturally long life spans. I'm sorry to be the one to tell you this, Total, I just thought I'd save you the trouble.

But you know, there's always a light at the end of the tunnel. You may not have been given the chance to 'live fast, die young, and leave a beautiful corpse' but you did get to live a life beyond that of any Canine American and live it with a family who loved you without a shout of doubt. We love you Total. I, love you.

Look after mom and Ella, Total. They'll be upset for a while and though I know you will too I just have to ask that you protect them. They trust you just like I do. I know you'll keep them safe.

Guide on,

Max.

Total wiped his paw across his muzzle and watched as tiny tears cascaded onto the sandy ledge. With a hiccup he rolled the letter up and gently took it in his jaws before padding away with his head raised high.

Jeb watched him go with barely concealed tears but as he glanced around he realized that it was his turn to speak. Angel still hadn't moved from where she stood alone by the ledge. Gazzy, Iggy, Nudge, Total, Ella and Valencia were gathered together in a tight group. Max's body lay lifeless on the unlit pillar.

Jeb moved so that he stood looking over his only daughter. His fingers gently skimmed over her no longer blood stained face but the cool touch of her skin made him wince.

Turning so that he stood sideways yet still facing the congregation he unfolded his own letter. Pushing his glasses up on his forehead he sucked in a breath and began to read.

Dear…., Dad,

Yep, you heard right, I called you dad. I guess you could say over the years I've gotten a bit more mature. I'm not the same kid I was when I saved the world. I'm older and stronger and wiser. Too bad that's all gone to waste. But you know about this, Jeb, because out of everyone I invited to my own funeral you're the only one I told about the numbers.

Yes, I didn't tell the others like you suggested. I kept it secret, and I'm glad you kept your end of the bargain and did as well. I'm sure you know what my motives were for keeping my impending doom a secret. I wanted to spend the last few weeks I had with my Flock in a happy state of mind. Not a full out grief fest like I imagined in my head. Okay maybe I'm being a bit dramatic; but you get the point.

I'm glad you got back to me, though, about what I asked you to do. It's probably the reason I called you dad at the beginning of this letter, it's probably also the reason why I can say that I forgive you. I forgive you for everything I ever blamed you of. For letting me get tested on as a kid, for leaving Ari behind, for leaving us alone and letting us think you were dead, for letting Ari get Eraserfied, for trying to kidnap us over and over again, for being a confusing, self centered white coat….

Okay maybe I'm still a little bitter, but I'm not holding onto any of those bad memories of you, dad. All I'm holding onto is that piece of paper you slipped me two days ago. You know the one. On it you were able to take my DNA and make a anti-vennum of sorts for Expiration dates. Un-fortunately it's too late for me, I could see that in your eyes as you handed it to me. But that's okay, because now I know that when I die none of my Flock will.

Dad, give them the anti-vennum and save their lives. I know you said that the dates might not even activate for years but don't take the chance. And if, in a year from now, Fang comes back, give it to him too. I'd say track him down but even I don't know where he's at. Otherwise I would have hunted him down myself a long time ago.

Dad, I want you to know that I'm not afraid and that I don't regret what's happening. Being given the chance to fly, it's worth the pain. But being given the family that would love me and stick by me no matter what? Well that's worth every single test I went through at the School, worth every bloody nose, needle, bite, they're worth it all. And because I know I never said thanks for introducing them into my life I'll say it now, thanks.

I just want to say one last thing, before I go. Dad, no matter what's happened between us over the years, I wouldn't trade you for any other dad in the world. You made me who I am, who I was. You led me to save the world, put me on the right track, and for that the world and I thank you.

Love on,

Max

Tears fell freely from Jeb's face as he removed his glasses and bit his knuckles as sobs racked his body. Doctor Martinez stumbled towards him and threw her arms around his neck as she cried into his shoulder and he pressed his cheek to her hair. The Flock and Ella looked on in silence as they moved away from their daughter and Angel took their place.

Her body was tense and her eyes hollow as she stood before the tear filled congregation. Already tears played at the corners of her eyes but she forced them back. She would be strong, for Max.

With one last glance at the girl who for so long had looked after her Angel turned and unfolded her letter.

Dear Angel,

Hey sweetie, please forgive me for not telling you and the others. I wanted to, you have no idea how badly I wanted to, but I just couldn't. I didn't want to live out my final days with you all in pain. I didn't want to see the glances at the clock as my life ticked away, it's so unreal.

Angel, my God what can I tell you here that I haven't said aloud? You know I always thought of you as my baby. You know I love(d) you like my very own. I practically raised you since you were born. I guess that makes me like a guardian to you. Granted a guardian who half the time can't look after herself let alone you but I think I did an okay job. You're reading this aren't yah?

I'm assuming you are reading this, but you know what they say about assuming. It makes an ass out of you and me. Ha.

Sweet, sweet Angel, I knew you were special from the start. Not just your mind reading or white wings, but you're personality. You've always been like a little light in the midst of a storm. You always knew what to say to sum up my feelings far better than I ever could and you were so gentle about it. You didn't push your way more than I could handle and when you did you always came back to the light eventually.

That's what I love about you, Angel. You are true to your name. You stand up for those weaker than yourself, you fight for what's right, you are compassionate and quite the soul reader, I imagine the mind reading helps a bit lol.

The light is coming up outside, Angel, I can hear movement downstairs. Yours was the last of the Flock's letters I wrote. After this there's just one more. I know this one will take me the longest, there's 19 years worth of love and anguish I've got to wrap into a tiny page; but I'll do it.

Angel, when the time comes, I want you to make sure the Flock comes back to the Hawk Cave to meet Fang. He just has to get my letter, and I know this might be asking a lot but could you please show him what happened here today? I hate to make you relive such a thing but Fang deserves to know. He does….

On my dresser, next to the pictures, is the ring Fang gave me. I'm entrusting you with it, Angel. When the time comes give it back to Fang for me. I won't be needing it where I'm going and if for some reason he won't take it burn it or sell it. It won't matter to me and if he won't have it it doesn't to him either.

One last thing, sweetie. I want you to know that no matter what, I love you and always have. You will always be my baby and I'll always watch over you and the others. Never forget that.

Carry on,

Max

Angel folded her letter and put it away in her pack as the Flock moved to stand beside her facing Max and the dying sun. Gazzy handed Angel a torch which he had fetched from the back and lit with his lighter. Nudge and Iggy held similar torches and with nods they reached out and touched the flames to the pillar.

Flames immediately erupted and sparked as they leapt upward and enveloped Max's body. Smoke billowed in the breeze and the flames intense heat forced the Flock to back away. But as they moved Angel thought she saw something standing upon the pillar, gazing out at the sunset with glistening white wings spread wide for flight.

Angel blinked in shock but when she looked back the girl had gone. So now they were left with just each other and the burden of grief to bare. But as the Flock watched the flames crackle and ripple like waves they knew that this wasn't the end for them. Max might be dead but they would live on and carry out her wishes. A year from now they would see Fang again and deliver Max's final letter. A year from now, they would see her again. A year from now…they would be whole.