Avian

Taken

It was morning in the vast display of branches and leaves. The wind beneath Avas wings calmed her aching heart.  There was something wrong with the forest... the birds and bugs had ceased to exist.  She. rested on a branch overlooking the fern covered forest floor. 

"Ava." Jordan's voice filled her mind. 

She looked around the forest trying to find him.  A hand touched her shoulder.  "Ava." He said

She turned around, shocked.  It was Jordan.  He was Avian.  His wings, black as night glistening in the soft rays of sun. 

Ava embraced him in a hug that felt so natural and perfect.  His wings folded over her frame perfectly and his beating heart rang in her ear.  Ava soaked in the love that was ever so strong. 

Then like a call for help, "Ava!" Warrens voice shattered her dream.  She woke in an instant.

The whole car was filled with blinding light.  Ava tried to make out what was causing the intense luminosity. There were several vehicles that were parked in the front of the vehicle.  A shadowy silhouette appeared in front of the car.  Peter was no where to be found. 

Uncertain by what was happening, Ava quickly pounced on Jordan's face who was still resting peacefully, unaware of the danger ahead.  "Jordan! Wake up!" Ava yelled tapping his forehead with her palm. 

His eyes cracked open, startled to see Ava draped over his face. He became fully alert by the cars outside.  He sat up quickly, unbothered that Ava plopped right into his lap.  Noticing that Peter was gone, he instantly grew worried.  "CRAP!" He spat.  "That traitor!" He growled as he attempted to start the engine.

Kanza awoke from her slumber,  jumping onto the cars dash.  "What's going on?" She asked confused.  Jordan's breathing became more erratic as the engine failed to start. 

"Leaving so soon, are we?" A voice called from outside. 

Ava's whole body quivered.  It was Dr. Howard... He had found her.

"Oh no... Kanza! Get down!" Ava ordered.  She gasped and jumped down.  Jordan reached for both of the Avians with hands.  Shoving us close together in a protective shield.  "Who is that?" Kanza asked frantically as she resisted the palms around her. 

Howard's footsteps began to grow closer.  Other humans in black uniforms started to circle the vehicle.  His soldiers pointed guns at Jordan.  Ava couldn't see much, and was paralyzed with fear. 

Ava could feel the tension mounting as Jordan's palms became sweaty.  Then with no warning, he removed one hand to open the car door, bolting out of the car with us in his spare palm.  Kanza and Ava were thrown off guard as a last ditch attempt to get us free from Howard's grasp was made.  Jordan threw the two Avians up into the air! "GO!" He shouted. "Fly!" As he was tackled to the ground.

As Ava and Kanza beat their wings frantically, a spotlight blinded them both.  They had no idea which way to go, or how to even think.  Shortly after the blinding lights they were hit be a web of ropes, which nocked them to the ground. 

"NO!" Jordan pleaded as Howard's men had bonded his wrists behind his back and held him at gun point.  Jordan struggled to resist.  Ava could hear the pain in his voice as he began to cry "I'm SORRy Ava!"  Kanza and Ava lay in a tangled heap and
was swept up by one of Howard's men, and transported to Dr. Howard.

"Finally." Howard sighed with a crooked smile.  "My little treasure is back where she belongs." 
Ava was so scared, and angry! She struggled to break free from the rope but it was no use. 

"...and what do we have here?" He said, as he stared at Kanza.  "A wonderful addition to my collection, no doubt." He chuckled.  "Secure them in the cage."  He ordered his men. 

Kanza and Ava couldn't help but hold each other close as a small metal box opened and they were placed inside.  The entrance shut quickly behind them.  The only window was made of a metal grate. 

They struggled out of the tangle of nets and peered out of the grate only to see Peter running into view, and stopping dead in his tracks, as a feeling of dread washed over him.

"Well, well." Howard said as his solders contained Jordan and the Avians were being placed in an armored vehicle.  "It's a roach." 

"Please." Pleaded Peter. 

"That will be all." Said Howard as he turned and signaled one of his men.  Something sharp pierced Peters shoulder, and he crumbled to the ground.  Howard and  his men left as quickly as they had arrived, leaving Peter to die.