A/N: There is mention of rape. I'm warning you. Nothing really bad, but it's there. Other than that please enjoy the chapter.
What Abrianna had told me followed me around for days. Slen still had not come around and I found myself half hoping he would not come back. I didn't want to have to tell him that I didn't want him in my life anymore. I mean I did, but I didn't. If he was going to make me choose between him and Jake I would have to go with Jake. I loved him. I don't think I was straying from a destiny in which I was Slen's mate. Slender and I just were not meant to be. I stared at the TV screen numbly. I decided to go see Jake. So I switched off the TV and I went over to Jake's apartment. He had told me to just let myself in whenever, though when I entered I had to make my presence known so I didn't wander in on him changing or something.
"Jake? I decided to come over." I called out.
"Alright, it's cool to come on in." Jake replied from the back of his apartment. I went towards his voice and entered his art studio. He was working on a painting for once.
"I went to France during college and got a picture of Notre Dome. I decided to paint it. How do you think it's coming along?" He asked, stepping away from the easel and allowing me to take a look. I studied the painting.
"Looks great. Are you going to sell it?" I asked. He shook his head slowly.
"It's going to go in my house once I actually move into one. How are you doing? I know what my mom said kind of spooked you." Jake said, putting down the paint brush and paint palette. I shrugged.
"Eh. You know, whatever." I lied. Jake shook his head.
"We've been dating long enough for me to realize when you're lying, Echo." He said, taking off his smock and throwing it onto a nearby stool.
"She was talking about someone I really care about. I don't want to kick him to the curb, but if he gives me no option…" I trialed off. I actually needed to see Slen before he completely lost his marbles. That dumb nagging voice in the back of my head said something about him already losing his marbles and that was why he wasn't around. I mentally kicked the voice in the ass and waited for Jake to say something.
"I wish you would let me help." He told me, leading me out of the room and into his kitchen. He put on some herbal tea. He and his mother shared a love of hot tea.
"No, that would just make him angrier." I said as Jake handed me my favorite mug.
"What is his deal anyways?" Jake asked. I gave a heavy sigh and closed my eyes.
"He thinks we were going to be together and I wasn't sure if I could commit to him and he threw a diva fit and broke everything off. Now that you're in the picture he's starting to have second thoughts." I told him. I guess I told the truth, I didn't exactly lie.
"Oh so this is about us dating?" Jake asked dangerously.
"It's a lot more complicated than that. And I don't have the energy to go through the whole thing with you. It's not that I don't think you can handle it…" I said.
"Tell me when you're ready." Jake replied softly. "It's not like I can't intimidate him away." Jake said with a wink. My eyes flew open and I gave him a worried look.
"Seriously don't try that. Not that you're going to meet him, just don't think about it." I said, my heart started to pound a little. Dumb love triangles. I had to tell Slen though. I heaved a sigh and shut my eyes.
"Don't worry, thing's will work out. You have this amazing ability to cope that I admire." Jake said. I nearly snorted. Yeah, I was coping real well a few months ago.
I stayed the rest of the day with Jake, only going home after we ordered Chinese and watched a movie. I kissed him goodnight and went back over to my apartment. Upon entering I nearly screamed and had a heart attack when I saw a Slenderbeing that wasn't Slen. He looked up at me and I stared at him.
"Hi there." He said simply. His voice was smooth like silk.
"Hello." I told him. He chuckled.
"I'm Maximus, 'Slen's' older brother." He replied.
"I'm Echo." I told him breathlessly.
"Okay, formalities out of the way we need to talk about my little brother." Maximus said. What a strange name. I wondered what Slen's name was.
"Alright, sit." Maximus politely ordered, gesturing to my couch. I didn't exactly appreciate being spoken to like a dog but I wasn't about to voice that. I obeyed and looked around, trying to keep from looking at the Slenderbeing.
"My brother has… well… regrettably he's gone insane." Maximus told me. I wanted to act shocked or surprised but I was able to muster the effort.
"I guess you already assumed that. We've locked him away in our energy plane but I'm not sure how long that's going to keep up. You should probably leave. Take your boyfriend with you." Maximus warned.
"Wait, so he's locked up but your people didn't put forth the effort to make it stuck?" I asked incredulously.
"Sweetheart, he's a Punisher. And one that's ready to mate. Forgive my bluntness." He told me. Despite the apology I still fidgeted.
"He wouldn't-" Maximus cut me off, as though being able to read my mind. Maybe he was.
"That's how it usually happens with my people so it isn't frowned upon." I swallowed hard, feeling my throat constrict.
"How long will I have to stay away?" I asked.
"A long time. You should probably move away. To a populated city. Somewhere like Seattle. There's safety in numbers." Maximus informed me.
"Wait if abduction and rape is something that's accepted, why are you warning me?" I asked.
"Because you aren't exactly his intended. My brother has already gotten a new one and if he hurts you then it is frowned upon. The worst the Operator would get is a slap on the wrist. But for you however… you'd be stuck with him." Maximus told me. I frowned, a life without Jake wasn't worth living.
"Exactly." Maximus said.
"Stop it." I told him. He laughed softly.
"No wonder. I'll hang around for a little while in case he breaks free. You get packed and convince your boyfriend to run away with you." Maximus told me.
"One more question." I said.
"What?" Maximus said with a small air of amity.
"If he would get a slap on the wrist, that's no big deal. Why are you doing this again?" I asked. Maximus sighed.
"I like you, alright? Plus we have an aunt. A lot like you. And she's miserable. She's taught herself to love our uncle and a learned love isn't enough. At the beginning, my brother let you free because he didn't want that for you. I'm doing this for the sane part of my brother. I intimidated my fledgling and I have a feeling she's going to turn out the same way. Happiness isn't something Slenderfolk have that often… but if you do end up getting stolen and once it's all said and done, my brother is going hate himself. Once a fledgling is claimed she can't be returned. I just want happiness for my brother. He's patient enough for Dawn but his instincts aren't." Maximus told me. Wow.
"You should start packing. Talk to your boyfriend tomorrow." He said. I nodded. I still had some boxes from my initial move. I just hoped Jake would be on board with this. I was glad that Maximus was around. I started packing.
I went over to Jake's apartment and knocked. Maximus followed me around kind of like how Slen used to. He was funny and kind of cocky. I took a liking to him once the whole 'my brother might end up raping you' thing over and done with. Jake answered the door and let me in.
"You know how we're going to your family gathering here in a few weeks?" I asked. Jake nodded.
"Maybe we could stay a little bit longer? Just keep the place nice and tidy again until Christmas comes?" I asked, finding my heart pounding.
"I said safety in numbers, Princess." Maximus said. Jake turned so I took the opportunity to send him a glare.
"I'd have to run that over with my family, but it is a possibility. I think it would be nice." Jake told me.
"Plus I've been wanting to paint the valley for years but I've never had the time with the family around." Jake continued as he turned around and poured some tea into my mug for me.
"Yeah, that would be great! I'm also considering moving…" I added on quickly. That caught Jake by surprise.
"How far?" He asked, sounding quite upset.
"Another state." I squeaked.
"What?! Another state? Why? Is it because of that guy you keep telling me about?" Jake demanded.
"No! I'm tougher than that! I was thinking a change of scenery would be good. I don't want to end our relationship. I just want to go somewhere different." I told him, the hot whips of panic starting to make me sweat.
"You're lying again." Jake said.
"Damn it, Jake! I love you and we're both in danger because of him. The police can't do anything. Restraining orders won't work. I have to leave before he gets the chance to know that I'm leaving." I said, tears coming to my eyes. He looked at me shock, grey eyes wide. He set the kettle down on the counter.
"I'll go with you. We'll look for a house while we stay at the cabin. This is a huge step but I think we're worth it. But have you thought this through?" Jake asked. I felt relief wash over me.
"Yes." I lied again, praying he wouldn't see through it. Jake nodded.
"I'll start getting my stuff together. I'll talk to my parents about staying in the cabin. I think my mom will let us though. Considering she's the one that scared you in the first place." Jake told me. I practically ran around the counter and hugged Jake tightly.
"I love you, too." He told me. I smiled so hard I thought my cheeks would split. I stepped down and went back to my apartment.
"Does he know that you're going to be in the mountains?" Maximus asked as we entered my apartment.
"Yeah, but there's a lot of mountains to cover." I said.
"He's a superhuman creature, Echo." Maximus clipped.
"You talk like it's certain that he'll get out." I replied, pulling my hair up and went into my kitchen to start putting dishes in boxes.
"I am because it isn't certain that the bindings will hold. There's one more thing I can do. It'll ward him away. He'll know where you're at, but he can't get within a certain distance of you." Maximus said.
"Well when were you going to tell me, how is it done?" I demanded. Maximus hesitated. I raised an eyebrow.
"Tell me!" I spat impatiently.
"You have to get a blessing from the High Council in my plane of existence. And my entry to the Slenderbeing plane of existence in the house that my brother is being kept in." Maximus said. As fast as my spirits rose they crashed and burned.
"It's the best option really. It lasts a lifetime. But like I said, you'd have to go to our home. The closer you get to him the stronger he gets." Maximus told me. I sat down on the ground. Life protection in exchange for a few minutes near my deranged best friend.
"Can Jake be protected?" I asked.
"It'll transfer to him as soon as you two bond." Maximus said.
"Bond?" I asked.
"Polite way of sleeping together. If you two are meant to be of course." Maximus said. I think it was a risk worth taking. I nodded.
"When can I do it?" I asked.
"Now if you like. Just go tell Jake you're leaving and we'll be off." I gave a shaky sigh and grabbed my car keys and messenger back. Had to make it look like I was going to town. Maximus followed me out of the apartment and once I told Jake to my car. We agreed to meet at the cliff. It was private and therefore safe. My heart pounded in my chest the entire time I was driving. I pulled over to the curb and got out of my car. Nervously picking my way through the woods I made it to the cliff and saw Maximus waiting. I approached him and he held out his hand.
"Got to have physical contact to get to my plane." Maximus informed of upon my hesitation and I trepidatiously put my hand in his. There was a giant burst of wind and I felt lifted off my feet, all the air ripped out of my lungs. It ended as quickly as it began as I landed on my back in a dimly lit room, the sound of fire crackling greeted my ears and there was a scornful gasp.
"Maximus! What are you doing!?" The voice was female and motherly. I struggled to get air back in my lungs and twin tears streamed down my face from the wind.
"A blessing from the High Council will fix this all. I've already spoken with them and they're granting it." Maximus said, he assisted me to my feet but I remained doubled over until I was able to breath again.
"But he's already sensed she's here." I looked at the woman, a human woman, a fledgling. She was lovely. A tall slim figure with a pleasant face, smoky grey eyes and brown hair cascading over her shoulders and down her back, looking like shimmering chocolate brown silk.
"Then we need to move, Echo." Maximus said, hurriedly pushing me out of the room before I could register any more details of the woman or the room we had been in. I felt the air crackle as we entered the hall.
"That's just him trying to slow you down, let's go." Maximus ordered as I nearly stopped. He grabbed my arm and pulled me along. Suddenly I realized that Slen getting out wasn't a matter of if but when. And precious time was ticking away. I almost broke out in a run but I let Maximus lead at his quick pace and the jog I had to use to keep up with him was getting the job done. My heart was breaking. I realized that I would never see Slen again after this. I stopped, our friendship was gone. Done. Tears came to my eyes.
"Echo we-" There was a deafening split of wood. Maximus grabbed me and ran.
"You stupid humans with your damn sentiment for the past!" Maximus spat. I was about to say something when the most unnatural feeling of something slicing through my stomach stopped me. Pain didn't even cover it. I heard Maximus shout and the animalistic growl in my ear. All I could manage was the gasp that passed my lips before everything went black.