Ace: Who's pumped for Chapter 3? (Awkward moment of Silence…) Okay… Anyway, feel free to state your thoughts and your opinions into your reviews. I'm always listening to my readers.

Iggy: Oh really, Ace? Then you better do something with me. When am I going to appear? *Crosses arms angrily*

Ace: Eep! Oh, hi Iggy! Don't worry, you'll appear soon. *Smiles happily*

Iggy: You better keep your promise.

Ace: Don't worry, I will.

Disclaimer: I do not own Maximum Ride.

Chapter 3: Explain yourself

Max

"So you are part of a clan of ninjas in the middle of Japan?" I asked Ichiro. We were in another room in the fortress, and I was asking a Titanic boatload of questions. I'm surprised that Ichiro hadn't yell at me to shut up.

Ichiro nodded. "Yes, I am. Our clan is dates back to ancient times. I'm surprised our clan is still around, and that we utilize bot magic, stealth, and technology."

A ninja clan with iPhones and Androids. That's new.

I paused for a second. "Who was that man who kidnapped my sister Nudge?"

Ichiro cursed in Japanese. "He's a demon. His clan of ninjas keeps threatening to wipe out my clan constantly. They made a deal a long time ago with a demon, and now they use demonic powers. To make things easier for us, we call them 'Onis", or demons, instead of ' The man with demonic powers.' Isn't that a mouthful to say?"

"You're right. Where is he right now?"

" Another mountain range. There are two ways to reach that mountain: a portal or a perilous journey across the underside of Japan. To use a portal, you need the Elders' permission first. And that is not an easy feat."

"Why did the man kidnap Nudge?"

"Because you look like Mana, Sensei's daughter, and they thought she was your friend they could torture," Ichiro replied softly. "Mana died last spring when a wolf man came up and killed her. Our clan was too slow, and he took her body."

That hit me like a stone. That's why Ichiro was staring at the wall earlier. He was thinking of her. But something bugged me.

"Why did the wolf man look like?"

Ichiro sighed. "He looked like a regular person, but fur covered his body in a split second."

"Erasers," I hissed. My blood began to boil at the mere thought of them. "Half men, half wolf hybrids. They normally kill on sight, but they do kidnap people. But I thought that they got replaced by the Robotic Flyboys some time ago…"

Ichiro perked up. "How do you know?"

I sighed. "Because I spent a good chunk of my life there at the School, where they are created. I was born there. And… I'm a hybrid too. I'm 98% human, 2% human."

To prove me point, I spread my wings out. Ichiro's eyes widened.

I didn't know how Ichiro would react, but he reached forward and touched my wings. Possibly to see if I was telling the truth.

"Whoa," was all he managed.

After a few seconds, he asked," Where is this 'School' located?"

"Death Valley, CA," I said with a shudder. I hated that place. "But there are other places too. Like New York."

Ichiro stood up quickly and walked towards the door. "Where are you going," I asked as I folded up my wings.

"To talk to the Elders," he said without looking back.

"What about the other info I need?"

"I'll give you-"

At that very second, the fortress began to shake.

Nudge

How long have I been here in this dungeon? It seemed like years. And why was I kidnapped? My captors didn't talk much, so I don't know. And considering all they did was lock my in the dungeon after I enter their stronghold had me worried (and slightly relived). Maybe they were plotting my demise.

I felt tears in my eyes as I remembered Max's bloodied body. Max, I thought softly. I'm sorry for failing you.

My mind began to drift. Why did the man try to kill Max? Why did the ninja scare him away? Was Max fine?

I struggled against my chains. It was useless. The chains were to strong. At least I still have my kimono, I thought dejectedly.

At that very second, the chain surrounding my right hand split apart.

Ace: That's chapter 3. I'm sorry it's so short. Next chapter will be much longer. I promise.

Iggy's fans will be happy to know he'll appear next chapter. Dylan will appear later, and so will Project X. And Angel. And Gassy. I could go on and on...

Don't forget to follow/favorite/review.

Ace