Chapter 2
Max's POV
1 Year Later
I always thought I would be the good guy, but I would do anything to guard the flock. That is why I have started doing the school's bidding, doing their dirty work, all to protect the flock. Although, what I am really afraid of is that I am becoming bad through and through. I am scared that if I do meet the flock I will turn them into the school, but I need to see them, just once more. So, I am heading to say goodbye to them one last time. I knew from the school that the flock was in a cabin nearby, they were once again trying to find me, I wasn't surprised though, because that is all they had seemingly done for the past year. I had been thinking about what to say the whole flight to the cabin, but I knew the hardest part was going to be convincing them to let me go again. It was getting dark but I just got to the cabin. I took a deep breath, and knocked on the door. A few seconds later the door opened, and I was face to face with a tall guy, and then I realized it was Fang. He just stared at me for a moment and then he silently rushed forward and held me. The look in his eyes told me more than any amount of words ever could. While we embraced he said, "You don't know how bad we have missed you." Then he called the rest of the flock over, and the situation ended up becoming a hug fest. After a little bit Fang asked, "How did you escape?" and I said, "I didn't." Fang looked at me for a second and then said, "Explain." So I told them how I wasn't going to stay and I just needed to see them again and how I had to go back to the school to ensure their safety. Right after I finished explaining my situation Fang said, "Sorry Max, but we're not going to let you go that easily." I told the flock to sit down and I said, "You guys don't understand, the school has in a way been manipulating me, I'm not trustworthy anymore. I could turn against you guys and turn you in at anytime." After around a minute Fang said, "We trust you Max, we are going to give you time, we know you can pull through." I gave them a concerned smile, but I knew that there was no point in arguing. That night I had the privilege to enjoy Iggy's amazing cooking once more, and then the flock and I sat down and talked for around two hours. Afterwards everyone but me and Fang went up to their rooms, I wanted to talk to Fang about me leaving again. So I started out by telling him, "Fang please listen to reason, I am not trustworthy and therefore if you let me stay you are putting the flock in danger. You have to put the flock's safety first." Then Fang said, "I am putting what is right for them first, but more importantly I am giving you another chance, it's never too late." Then Fang gave me a quick but caring smile. For a moment my world lightened and I thought maybe I could do this, but then I felt this strange feeling in my stomach. Then I realized the feeling was that of being tempted to turn the flock over to the school. Then I told Fang as if in a trance, "Fang, I have this overwhelming urge to turn you guys in all of a sudden, please I need to go, if I turn you guys in I will never forgive myself." Then Fang turned to me and said, "Let me help you through this, if I let you go back to that living hell hole I would never forgive myself." Then he moved forward and just held me, and I felt the feeling in my stomach begin to dissipate, and eventually the feeling was all but gone. Then I fell asleep in his arms.