Suddenly, a loud voice was heard. "You've got to be FUCKING kidding me!" Max stared at the both of them in disbelief and rage in his eyes. "Shadow is just way in over his head! We ALL know how he gets!"

  Rose lowered her head. "Max....this is dangerous." Zack looked at him and back down. Suddenly, Shadow showed up with fists clenched.

  Zack felt the intensity of Shadow's wrath, and backed away, feeling anxious. Rose sighed.

  "I'm not exaggerating, I think you're making a big mistake." Shadow declared. Max growled furiously, and turned to face him. "Oh yeah? What makes you so sure?"

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  Zack then butts in. "Let's settle down before things get worse."

  But neither boys listened.

  Shadow shook his head. "Max, I'm not the only one with problems here. I'm deciding that I wont be participating." The blond then turned to face Zack and Rose. "What about you two?"

  Rose nodded. Zack then said. "We stand with you, Shadow." This answer made Max angrier. "So this is what it comes down to? You guys have absolutely no faith in me..."

  "Max, that's not what we're trying to say." Rose pleaded.

  Max scoffed. "Oh, I get exactly what is being said."

  Zack tried to put a hand on Max's shoulder, but the scarred boy socked him instead. Shadow changed and looked up at Max with hackles raised. "Don't you DARE cross that fucking line!"