Alouette

10 (Max pov)

She was kidnapped.

She was walking here and someone came by and hit her.

The signs are obvious on the ground. She tried to save herself, grabbed the branch but failed.

Ugh. Where is she.

"Max." Fang's voice. His oh so comforting voice. He knows me so well. Knows that, I need someone. Even after all these years he still knows I'm not as strong as everyone thinks.

"What?" Ehh, snappy tone. I don't like that.

"We'll look together. I already sent the flock out looking."

"Ok, but we need to split up."

It was agreed. I went where the signs of struggle pointed towards and Fang went opposite.

Who knows how long this will take. It's already getting dark.

***

A cave.

I see it in the corner of my eye.

Where did that come from?

Well let's do the smart thing and check it out. Alone. And unarmed. I see no flaws in this plan.

I walk in to the smell of death, and certain doom.

Progressing the walls get more structured, smooth. And the lighting is artificial.

This isn't a regular cave, its clearly an evil lair where demons come to plot out their maniac schemes.

"Didn't expect you so soon. I thought I his this place well." Speak of the devil and he shall appear. Dylan. Behind me at seven o' clock.

"Where's Alouette?" He's directly behind me now. Twirling my hair in his fingers.

I take that as the cue to kill him. Or at least kick him in the junk.

But just as I lift my foot a centimeter off the ground, "Ah ah ah, Max. I wouldn't. You obviously underestimate me. The minute- no, no- the second I'm injured my army of erasers will not hesitate to kill you, your daughter, and your sister.

"Soon enough after that, they will go after everyone, and I mean everyone you care about, hell even who you don't.

"So be smart for once and cooperate." He tugs on my hair with his last syllable.

He has Ella and Allie.

"If you have all this power then why don't you kill us already?"

"You and I are meant to be together. I don't want to see you hurt if you don't have to be. So as long as you come willingly that won't have to happen."

"I'd rather die than be with you."

"That's a shame. I'll guess your daughter will make due than."