First Book

[thebravestone]

A; 1446 Mitchell Road
[The silence was the first sign he wasn't at the boarding school. Madeline was never the first one awake, especially since she was often the last to fall asleep, and when she sat up and found a very pink, very empty-except-for-her bedroom, she wasn't sure what to think.]

Hello? Hello?

[Creeping out of bed in a nightgown,

Comments

[striped_biceps]

[Cyuss is just walking down the street on one of his police patrols. That means there's a shirtless, striped man with a tail just waiting for Madeline to meet. He ignores her as he walks by, though, just thinking she's a little drone child.]

[thebravestone]

[Madeline can't help but stare a bit. That's not something you see every day.]

You have a tail!

[striped_biceps]

[Well, that meant she wasn't a drone.]

Yeah. I do. I've always had it.

[And the awful reality that a girl who is obviously like six is in Mayfield sinks in. Even Cyuss's stomach hurts at that.]

...What's your name, kid?

[thebravestone]

[She is eight okay she's just small and there's nothing wrong with small.]

I'm Madeline. Who are you?

[striped_biceps]

I'm...uh. Officer Cyuss. [He points to the badge clipped on his pants. That is the only time he is ever going to refer to himself as an officer.] Are you lost, or just looking around? It can be kinda dangerous out here.

[thebravestone]

Oh, you are a police officer? I have been kidnapped, and I'd like to get back to Paris.

[She says this rather matter-of-factly.]

[striped_biceps]

[He squats down.]

Did you talk to the people at your house about this place? 'Cause we're all kidnapped here, even me. I'm just...keepin' the peace since I can't go home, either.

[thebravestone]

I was hoping that wasn't true. [Hmm, she'll need to come up with a new strategy, then.] How long have you been kidnapped, monsieur?

[striped_biceps]

...Monsieur? Uh, I've been here since October, by their calendar. Not gonna sugarcoat it for you, but this is my ninth month here.

[thebravestone]

...That is a very long time... [Her voice tips into concern.] I do not think I want to be here for nine months.

[striped_biceps]

I don't blame ya. It's not the best place to be. But...I'm sure you'll find something to like here.

[thebravestone]

I will make friends here. [She nods.] But I would like to go home as well.

[striped_biceps]

Tell you what. Once we find a way home, I'll make sure you go first, okay?