Hey guys. So this was my entry for the Nevermore fanfic competition. Tell me what you think please (:

I sighed softly, leaning my head against Fang. He stroked my hair gently as I watched the two Flocks together. Ella, with her new wings, was sitting nearby stroking Total while Angel and Star were having at each others' faces . . . again. Iggy and Gazzy were deep in discussion, recounting the last bombs they have set off—the ones that pretty much saved the world—and Nudge was chatting with Kate. Maya and Dylan had realized that they were made for each other—literally—and now couldn't keep away from each other for a minute.

Only one person was missing.

Fang raised his eyebrow at me, and I knew without him saying anything what he was asking me to do. "Alright, guys," I said, raising my voice slightly above their conversations. They stopped and looked at me expectantly, most with confused expressions. Angel, of course, knew what was coming. So did Maya and Ella; the three of us had bonded these few days, realizing that if we tried, we could get along quite well. Of course, Maya and I were too alike to be in the same room alone for more than five minutes, and that's where Ella came in.

Fang cleared his throat. "I just wanted to say a few words for Ratchet." He swallowed hard, and everyone stilled as he spoke. "As you all know, Ratchet was the first to join my gang... well, Angel's Flock now." I tuned him out, lost in thought. The boy with the amazing senses had been the only one to see the missile headed our way—he saved all of our lives and sacrificed his. "Ratchet may have been one of the most annoying kids on the planet, but I think we all grew to respect him. At the end, he showed us how truly brave he was," Fang finished, eyes full of sorrow.

A glance at the two Flocks showed me that I wasn't the only one fighting back tears. One by one, we each stepped forward and spoke. When it was Dylan's turn, he sang a soft, sweet melody. You could hear the sadness in his beautiful voice. We all listened breathlessly, eyes glistening.

Ratchet had truly died a hero.

I had done what I was meant to do. I'd saved the world . . . from the very ones who had told me to save the world in the first place. So here we were. Two awkward Flocks unsure about their next step.

Angel walked over to me. "Hey, Max. My Flock's gonna go to that school up in Canada—check on the Gen 77 kids." I couldn't help but notice the way her eyes glinted when she said "My Flock." However, I didn't doubt her loyalty anymore. She had always been on my side, just a little misled.

"Sure, Ange." I winced slightly as Kate and Star entered the helicopter, remembering the last helicopter experience . . . but they were safe now, I reminded myself. They'll always be safe.

"I'll see you soon, Max."

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