Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports

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"You just got here," Mom said, teary eyed again.

"I know," I told her. "But we'll be back. Promise."

"Why do you have to go?" Ella wailed.

"I have...responsibilities," I said. "You know, a world to keep saving and all that."

We each hugged Mom and Ella about a hundred times. Total peed on their sage bushes and gave Magnolia a dirty look.

Then it was just me and Jeb, facing each other. I knew he wanted a hug. I also knew that my hugs didn't come cheap.

"So, why me, Jeb?" I asked. "How come I'm supposed to save the world, when I'm not even the most evolved experiment?"

"You're evolved enough," he said. He swallowed. "Max, you're the last of the hybrids who still has...a soul."

I thought about how empty and expressionless Omega had been. Hmm.

"She doesn't have soul," Gazzy scoffed. "Have you ever seen her dance?"

"Not soul, Gazzy," I said. "A soul."

"Oh."

One last good-bye, and then Fang and I looked at each other.

"Okay, let's hit it," I said, just as he said, "Up and away, guys."

I gave him a little smile. I turned to the others. "You heard 'im. Up and away!"

Then we were flying again, rising above the confusing and troubled Earth, into the simple, perfect, clear blue sky, where everything was peaceful and made sense.

"You know what?" Total said conversationally. Iggy had him in a carrier thing on his back that Mom had found in her attic. It made flying with Total much easier. Okay, basically it was a baby carrier, but for God's sake don't tell Total.

"What?" I asked.

"Your mom isn't so bad."

"Gee, thanks," I said dryly, and the others laughed.

And finally, as we fly off into the sunset, so to speak, there's only one thing for me to add:

Hopefully, we'll be back.

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Maximum Ride Book Three - Saving the World and Other Extreme Sports