~=Red Riding Hood=~

The Baskerville Siblings Capture their Wolf

"Big Bad Wolf"

*Pandora Hearts

Jun Mochizuki


Deep violet eyes looked right into him, probing, clawing, and shredding him right to the core. They were...appraising, soul shredding, impenetrable eyes. It took every single ounce of willpower just to stand his ground as those eyes violated him, making him feel suddenly gutted and splayed open, as if he could hide no secret from this man. It bordered on painful in some strange way, still his smile never faltered though heart surely had. Being this close was unpleasant but he could endure it. Jack's chest dropped a bit as the nameless man looked away once again, finally able to breathe. The muscles in his chest felt so thick and tight it seemed hard to take even air intakes. Heaving a sigh would be telling though.

Despite every single instinct and warning blaring beneath his skull and bringing chills up his spine, the tall agile blonde forced his body ahead. His stomach was already protesting thanks to a case of nerves. Even without one word it felt as if this man knew what he was and he was simply doomed already. It annoyed him that one person could fill him with this much apprehension. The fact was, he was just a human so he would be no match for a creature like himself. Why should he fear this man? There really was something off about him though, something dark but intangible. It was like walking near a poisonous snake, never being sure where it might try to strike or if it would at all.

"What brings you out here, good Sir?" The lack of answer or even acknowledgement forced him to continue on as if he did not notice the blatant cold shoulder, "I was on my way to see the Nightray's on behalf of my master," a chuckle that sounded far too nervous rose from him before he continued to fill the awkward dead air, struggling to keep his legs moving beside the man rather than away, "I was just cutting across... though I suppose it is ill advised to walk out here alone considering what occurred. It makes these woods seem more ominous when you don't know what's lurking about."

Ever so slightly, those hypnotic chasms turned his way to glance at him, but not enough to offer encouragement for further conversation. Straight charcoal hair swayed over the man's eyes, hood still covering most of his head. He gave no indication at all of any plans to ask for clarification. Some part of Jack had to question whether or not this man could be deaf. If he was hearing a word of this he was not reacting in any way. The chill from him was rolling off his aura like needles nearly screaming for him to be left alone. If there was a choice in this the werewolf would gladly avoid this so called talk. It was easy to see why people felt ill at ease around this person.

Arms folded neatly behind his back, pleasant smile plastered onto his lips, he strolls causally in step with the other, "I suppose that you have heard about the strange incident, the deaths, at the Nightray house last night?"

The man's steps hitched slightly, attention caught at last, "No," his dark, thick, but silken voice clipped.

Finally, he said something! So he could hear, and speak too! What a rude sort of person this one must be. Ignoring him like this was considered rude, he believed. It really was not looking good for getting him to talk very much, but still, he needed to do this regardless of how much he could draw from him. It was not a chat he desired anyway.

Jack nodded and simply continued, "Well, the way I heard it, two or three of the house servants were killed mysteriously and the first son was nearly killed as well. The daughter is missing without a trace. No one knows what happened... the young master has yet to awaken. It is still early though."

That brought on a full stop and Jack halted his steps as well. As the hooded stranger turned to face him those eyes nearly crippled him. Had he no willpower he would have stepped away from the taller, looming figure. That red cape curled in on an otherwise dark clad, lean body, somehow so elegant in his fluid motions it could nearly put his own to shame. The difference in their height was only a few inches but it was more than enough to make him feel dwarfed.

For the first time those dark eyes seemed more quizzical than ominous, "When did this occur?"

He gave an eloquent little motion with his hand, one that well-to-do and well-bread individuals used rather than the more commoner way of shrugging, something he picked up from long stints of watching humans, "I heard it happened very late in the night when they were returning home from a party. Tragic, really."

Placing a hand over his heart, he feigned regret at the tale he was telling, though the motion was really an attempt to quell the insanely fast beating of his heart. It simply would not be calm no matter how much he willed it. The vibration of it was nearly rattling his chest and it greatly vexed him. Acting calm was difficult when ones heart was about to beat itself into abyss. Walking with him and telling lies to his face was proving to be more than slightly oppressive.

Twin voids narrowed further as he stared, "Is the culprit known for this act?" What eloquence he spoke with, every word sliding from his lips like fine wine, "Have they any idea what reason brought about this attack?"

Already thinking, this one, trying to conjure up the logic! It was plain to be seen he already had a few rival families in mind even if he said nothing of the kind. This man was indeed shrewd. Not that he had any way to guess the truth, that it was nothing political, nothing hired, simply a distraction. Trying to seek out the logical conclusions was normal though. As adept as he was frightening, this man, though perhaps a little too trusting. Taking his word, the word of a mere stranger, that was naive. Lacie was right; humans did trust people that looked like him rather easily.

The spun gold plait swayed down the center of Jack's back as he shook his head, "No, I am afraid not. No one has any idea about any of that. It could have been anyone for any reason."

Charcoal tresses swayed as he nodded slightly, "I see," there was a horridly long pause as he seemed to consider the information, mind a whirl, no doubt. "Please, excuse me." Turning sharply on his heels, he walked swiftly back in the same direction he had come.

That was the most polite this guy had been, the golden wolf mused, counting it likely no one but the useful earned a thing from that person. Jack crossed his arms over his chest, watching his strange forest partner leave rather swiftly the way he had come, previous mission forgotten. That would be the last visit from him Lacie ever got. He bowed his head to be sure to hide the smile on his lips, in case the hooded man looked back, as he relished his victory. As fun as that was he was glad to be done with it. At last he could breathe again! That foolish human finally made it easy for him. Surely he was off to inform that master of his about the development, and in turn, he would have to go see for himself how accurate the information had been. The blonde could have danced right then and there but he would save that till later. Glad would have been an understatement to how pleased he was to be rid of that one and put his plot into motion.

Earlier, before he even attempted action, he took the time to learn about the mysterious Baskerville's. Humans were so easy to get talking. It was not hard at all to get people to speak about the Baskerville's considering they were a topic of intrigue. No one knew a great deal about them but everyone had their own personal opinion on the family. In all his skill, he managed to catch one of the house maids and flirt his way into her good grace. All it really took was timing. Biding his time, waiting for an opening, he made his move at the end of her early morning shopping when her arms were full. Since it was so early, shops only open a short while, she probably was a bit sleepy yet anyway. A few slight-of- hand tricks was all it took to trip her, and of course, he was there to play the kind gentlemen that caught her. Furthermore, he carried her packages, like a good sort of man he was. Maidens tended to trust men that helped them for seemingly no reason other than the goodness of their own heart. Playing the kind stranger was easy considering he had an innocent sort of face, bright smile... and since they did not know him it was not as if he had ever lied to them before. Humans were rather easy to fool and this was not his first time playing such tricks. Normally he was simply trying to find a free meal but this time he was after information.

It was true, she had not given him much more than the majority of people he spoke with, but he had learned that the man always visiting Lacie was the second in command around the house. She said his name but Jack had not deigned it important enough to remember or file away. The man called "Glen" was the first head. From what he gathered, those men were like a two headed dragon and just as dangerous. The house had quite a few servants too. There was no hope at all of him taking them all at once, but if he could at least split the party his odds increased. With how close the Nightray's were with this family, well, he knew just how to go about separating them. Upon hearing about what happened, that Glen was sure to send his trusted second to investigate. Servants would go along to assist, thus splitting their forces beautifully. He could kill those in the house and then wait for the others to return. They would never see it coming.

He had been quite careful to ensure himself time to be the one informing that house. He was very careful to hide the bodies away in that elegant covered carriage they came home in, putting it away in with the other two the family owned. No one would find the gory horror hidden within that dark space until the stable hand went to clean it. Leaving it dirty ensure they would be found, but not right away. The young man he left alive was in no condition to make noise even if he awakened, he ensured that. After he left the maid, he waited on the fringes to see when they were found. Before the stable hand found them it was rather certain that the two children had been noticed as gone, but the parents were sure to assume they never returned from the festivities. They would be brooding over the potential shame of it and carefully sent someone to ask the Baskerville's to see if their wayward children were still in the house. Being given a negative, they would begin to worry, not sure what to think of it... a bit worried but still mainly angry. But of course, when the carriage was found to be in its place they would be puzzled... until they opened those doors. The werewolf waited for just that, waited for the screams.

Hurting those sickening noblemen would not cause him any loss of sleep either. He rather enjoyed that part! Seeing the shocked expression on the face of the young Nightray when he sprang at him… Priceless! The hunt had been the last time he had seen that ugly face, but he enjoyed their second encounter. It would have been more pleasing to kill him right away, but he needed someone alive, it made things more pressing. Taking the girl was a nice touch too even if he was the one saying so. After he knew the bodies had been found he knew he had to be swift but he timed it quite perfectly, timed it where they were most likely to be found before the man in the red hood went to see Lacie, but not far enough away that a message could be sent by the Nightray's themselves. It had to be him to give the message so that Glen himself would not go, sending his second to check on the situation first. If it was not confirmed, Glen would remain at home. The girl just ensure the Baskerville's had no choice but to come running the moment they heard. What friends would they be if they ignored that poor missing maiden? Live bait really was best since it created a press for time.

Anyway, that done, he just had to wait. Once he spotted the Baskerville rescue party leave, then he would swoop in to kill those remaining. It was all going perfectly. Timing was everything! He had to have the bodies found before the hooded bunch arrived so they would not leave to return to Glen. Good old void eyes would send a messenger back to Glen to inform him of the situation, but one person would be easy to kill.


Humans were too stupid and he was just too good! His shoulders squared, tail lashing with pride, sleeking down hallways. The floor was cold and slick under his paws, not like the ground he was accustom to. His claws clicked on the floor if he was not careful. The high, high ceiling loomed over him as he passed under a thick, rosewood archway. The multiple levels and overly done stair cases seemed quiet. Most of these houses had giant pictures hanging from the walls but not this one, though the dull taupe walls could have used a bit of decoration. The blood red curtains on the windows were all drawn to shun the outside light. It was teaming with unseen ghosts from past inhabitants. Had he not known differently he would have thought this mansion vacant.

Nostrils tingled as he took in the smells of this old, dank place. They kept it clean but no one could ever rid a house of its aged scent or all the ills done behind its walls. The Baskerville's surely had done their share of evil if the smell of old blood was any sort of indicator. The smell of metal in all forms clung to every wall, so thick and suffocating. Everyone in this house had to carry a weapon, that was the only way it could be this thick. There were other scents too, odd ones like birds feathers, a badger, some form of dog, and quite a few he had no way to identify. His emerald eyes rolled up in search of trophies to indicate hunting but he found none. That left him questioning exactly what these humans had in here.

Birds and dogs he could understand, but not the other animals. These humans were strange but as long as he completed his tasks he did not care. After this it would not matter anyway. Dear Lacie would be free of them and she could do as she wished and go as she pleased. There would never be a cage around her again. If she liked, after the blood was cleaned, she could move into this house herself. It was a tad large for one person but it did not really matter. Maybe... she would allow him to live here with her.

As he stared ahead his eyes narrowed, annoyed at how endless this place seemed, nothing but stairs and hallways. How was he supposed to find anyone in this devilish place? It was dark and eerie like they were expecting him. Not that they could be but it felt that way, making him edgy. This place made the skin under his fur crawl. It was strange his senses were off in this place. He tried to push away the feelings of dread as he turned another corner, following a fresher scent of human. Not knowing how "Glen" smelled put him at a disadvantage. If he were to guess at what that person might smell like, this would be it. The scent was a collusion of sickly sweet cologne, vermouth, bleach clean, toxicity, gold, ink, paper, and silk.

Stepping lightly, he stalked down several more halls, careful to avoid a slender little maiden with short white hair and wild eyes. Passing her was like passing a creature that was crazed from hunger, knowing they would attack anything that moved. That girl was far from sane if her breathy muttering was any indication. There was a high chance he did not want to know who Duldum might be, though it was rather likely to be a creature in her own mind. Either way, that girl alone proved this house was full of terrible humans. He would not regret ending her life one bit, but Glen still had to be first. When dealing with a diamond-back, you had to deal with the offending head first, never the tail.

Most of the house was gone, having ridden away in a mass of red hoods and glory like some band of knights ready to do battle. It was irritating how much attention those underhanded Nightray's could get. How he did hate them! Humans were filth. It made him want to kill them after he finished this task. It was unlikely that he would get his fill from just this, not when he hated the Nightray's on a personal level. Killing off this family group was for Lacie, going any farther would be for his own peace of mind. Just the tiny taste of revenge might not be enough for him.

The golden wolf shook himself to drag his mind from those thoughts. He simply had to stay on task and worry over other things later. This time was dedicated to Lacie. The floor was growing warmer under his paws, which meant someone was heating up a room very close. His green eyes scanned the multiple closed doors before coming to rest on one with light filtering under it. The way the light danced indicated it was from a fire. His back arched as he padded ahead. Glen, it had to be him! Behind that door was the snake's head. It was just a bit unnerving. He could feel blood pounding in his ears from the sudden distress.

Eyes narrowing in determined resolve he carefully nosed the dark wooden door open. There was no loud creek to announce him, well oiled hinges working to his advantage. These rich people always kept their doors well oiled because it was unsightly for the doors to squeak every time they moved about. They had no real understanding of what a protection that sound could be for them. An announcement could be a saving grace if they thought into it. They were stupid and pampered though so they did not think.

Without a further motion, he silently took in the room and the person within it. A large fire was indeed blazing in a lavishly created hearth place, protective looking stone beasts standing watch beside it with unseeing eyes. The curtains were drawn so no one on the outside could see in. Shelves upon shelves of books lined most of the walls and a huge desk sat at the center of it all. The desk chair held up an occupant, relaxing, book held close before his eyes, but the wolf could tell little about him past his long white hair from behind. He had to roll his eyes at the insanity of the wealthy, never even considering they should be watchful, always thinking a servant would do that for them. They all made it so easy for him. The Nightray servants had not been any too helpful to their masters, a few tried but others simply tried to run before they were cut down. So much for all servants being loyal!

Glen sat ever so still, one leg crosses over the other comfortably, both illuminated and hidden by the flickering light jumping on and off the walls. What struck him about this man was his long platinum hair. It was so pure looking, like the first snow of the season. What Jack could see of his face bore no obvious signs of age, but what humans had such a color without age? Was it normal? Some wolves were born white or turned light during winter, but it was not typical for humans. Though why he bothered to waist a moment on the thought was beyond him. It would be red very shortly anyway.

He crept forward silently, careful to distribute his weight just so no wooden floorboards would give him away. His lithe body slid up behind the chair back to edge to the side where he could spring straight for that exposed neck. His muscles rippled as he crouched for the pounce. It would be over instantly, his powerful jaws sinking into the jugular while snapping the neck all in one motion. The kill would be humane as possible and as soundless as possible. His tail made a single lash, his tell for a pounce.

The wolf let out a yelp of surprise as he crashed into a bookshelf, volumes of books falling to the floor as he hit the ground with a hard thud. Dazed, he looked to the human, not at all sure how it could ever have been possible for him to move that quickly, but his eyes met with something quite inhuman. Emerald eyes widened, mind forgetting the pains from his impact as he stared into huge round red eyes and jaws riddled with sharp teeth. His mind had nothing to compare this otherworldly monster with. It's flaring black feathers, scaly body, lashing tail, and clawed feet itching to strike. Its head tilted, long neck bowing in an "s" form before it let out a chilling shriek like a demonic eagle.

Too frightened and stunned to growl or move, he simply stared. It looked like... a demon, bird, moth, snake mixture. Glen snapped his book closed and stood, a hand moving to rest on the beast's side as he stared at the intruder, neither shocked nor afraid. The man's skin was light, and a little gray, unhealthy looking, but the demented grin on his face made him look livelier than anyone Jack had ever seen. His eyes were different from his second in command, much lighter, but somehow more devilish and sinister. Looking at him now, he did not look innocent at all, more like a devil in pastel clothing.

"Hnn! How did a bad pup like you get in here?" Lavender eyes flashed with perverse amusement as he moved forward together with the huge monster, "Jabberwock, did you bring home a toy to play with?"

Jack snarled, long and deep in his throat, lips pulling back to reveal every tooth in his skull. His ears flattened against his head as the fur at his shoulders stood on end. His tail was stiff but he did not allow it to fall between his legs no matter how much of a reflex it was. They were standing at the door to block his way out and if he did not move quickly the window would be blocked too. He needed to run and he needed to run now! Werewolf or not, he had no way to fight something so large and so powerful. One thing about being a wolf that survived was knowing when you were outmatched and this was one of those times. He had not come prepared for a beast more than twice his size. Without another second of though he bolted full force toward the window, back feet kicking out as he sailed into the air, glass shattering behind the closed curtain as he dove into it.

He felt the strong force of wind around him but knew instantly it was not simply thanks to the force of falling, that thing was flying for him. His side burned as one wing cracked against him. A howl was all he had time for as a clawed foot tried to catch hold of him. Instinctive motion was all he had left for, eyes unable to focus and mind dizzy, his body was all he had left. It moved on its own, shifting and twisting and clawing his way between those three clawed toes to allow himself to drop once more, landing on all fours. The foot came again and he snapped his jaws onto what he could catch with all his strength. The second ground was under him, he began to run, heart pumping faster than it ever had, terror so strong it made him delirious. There was only one thing in life he wanted at this moment, and that was to get away from that monster.

Jack ran, ran for the trees where it was narrow and would be harder for that thing to follow. He was already panting hard, legs burning at the rate he was forcing them to move, but he did not notice. There was nothing on his mind but escaping at all cost. The beating of wings sounded over his head but he did not look up, his eyes stayed on the forest, desperation consuming him. That long tail shot down beside him and he jumped high to avoid it, though not really sure how he managed it, but not caring either. Relief pinged inside his head the second he entered the tree line but he knew he could not stop running, even as the trees blurred past him, he ran even faster. That thing could fly so it had the advantage. His paws kicked up dirt and rock as he veered to the side where he knew the trees would be thicker, cringing as it screeched above him. He had to get away, had to go somewhere safe, had to shake that beast. If he could shake it, he could get to Lacie, she would know what it was.

If he shifted, maybe it would lose his trail but he did not have to time to shift right now. He had to run and run fast, and humans were not the right body for that. If it lost sight of him, then he would shift to confuse it. He had a few sets of clothing stashed in various places if he could not get to Lacie. But he had to get to Lacie!


It took a lot of back tracking, circling, and wild movement, but he had finally lost it. All four legs felt like they would fall off any second, but he was still running, running to get to her. Now that it was gone he could go to her, hide with her, tell her everything and hope she could tell him what to do. Now that he thought about it, he should have asked her what ways would be best to kill Glen but he worried she would forbid him from the act. He wanted to free her without dirtying her hands but it did not look like that would be possible. There was no choice but to tell her everything and seek out her help... perhaps her protection as well. His heart was still pounding, body still shaking, mind still spinning with fear. There had been many things he encountered in his life, even he was a creature defined as a monster, but he had never encountered such a thing as that!

Times like these, he longed for a pack again, for monsters he could understand. The luxury of calling for help would have been quite a comfort. The security of knowing his own kind would come to his aid regardless of danger would have been wonderful. Those were not things he possessed in life and they never would be. Calling for help was useless and she was the only security he had in this pitiful world. That house was the closest thing to home he had.

This self made mission was a total failure, as total as any failure could be. Everything he had done to get close to Glen was worthless. His chance at surprise was finished and he could never get it back. No matter what he did now, he could never get that close that easily again. They would be watching for him from now on even if they had no idea what he was or why he had gone in.

Gasping for breath, his burning lungs resisted in a nasty sounding cough as he fell over the stairs of the house. For a glorious moment he stayed there still as a stone. His whole body was shaking both from remaining terror and exertion. It took him a few moments of lying still before he felt even close to ready to change. Shifting was not something he could do on the run. Changing back to his wolf form, yes, but not changing to a human form. He groaned as he began the shifting, his overly stressed body not prepared for even one more thing. It did not normally hurt but it did right now. For a minute he simply sat, naked, and not even caring how cold he was. His bruised and battered fingers took some time tugging his clothing on, limbs shaky and hard to work with. He had to talk to Lacie though, had to be sure that thing would not find him again, had to get inside. He dressed in a daze and stumbled to the door, opening it himself this time, not seeking her permission.

For once, he was making no requests. He would go to her, explain everything, all his deeds and reasons, and then he would hide here. She would let him if he explained it all properly. She saved him once so she would do it again. She would understand his reasons, surely! He had done it for her. His back and side ached, feet screaming at him from the punishment of walking up the steps. He had gotten shoes with these clothes and they normally did not bother him. His paws had taken a beating though so his human limbs were no different. It felt like his legs could not carry him up each step, the top seeming so far away. He could hear her mumbling about something but it was not that strange for her to do that. When living alone it tended to happen.

Gripping the railing he dragged himself up the final steps, eyes landing on her as she strolled to her mirror. The sight of her after coming so close to never returning to her again nearly brought him to tears. She was only in a soft looking chemise and silk corset. There was not even a petticoat or frock to cover her slender, but curvy figure. Paying attention to how thin the material was or how easy it would be to see through if she walked in the right light never entered her mind. It was so very like her, still wearing her night cap, long black hair hanging effortlessly in place down her curved back. Those ugly reading glasses were perched at the narrow bridge of her perfect nose. Seeing her so very normal was beautiful. Her crimson eyes traveled to the stairs as she heard him moving forward. While she did not look pleased he did not really pay attention. He needed her so badly!

"L-Lacie..." He fell to his hands and knees at her bare feet, gasping and panting, "Lacie, I... I've done something foolish," he sank the rest of the way to the floor, exhausted, face down against the cold stone; "I'm in trouble."

"I know," she said blankly, kneeling beside him to place a delicate hand on his head, "Oswald has been telling me about the Nightray's."

Jack's half closed eyes flew open as he jolted into a near sitting position, terror driving his senses into activity. It took him less than a second to notice a figure placed like a king in a chair, red hood pooling around his shoulders as the cape hung over the chair arms. Before the wolf even knew it, he was on his feet, backing away, horrified. Those eerily dark, deathly eyes stared, drinking in his fear. It stole away the breath he had been gaining back as those chasms held him pinned, too afraid to move for fear it would bring that dark haired man to action. What he had seen from one of the Baskerville heads was enough but he was starting to understand why he feared this one all along; he sensed it from the very beginning, that man could never be human; he was a monster that controlled other monsters, like Glen.

"He told me how he learned of it, told me of the stranger that spoke to him and I knew it was you." Lacie continued, calmly standing, "I should have seen it coming with how much you hate the Nightray's."

He hardly heard her at all, mind too busy considering what sort of monster this man in the red cape could be hiding. Glancing at her, he wondered if she too kept a beast... was that... did she plan on making him one of them? Is that why she helped him? Not that he would mind belonging to her, but what exactly was Lacie? Did he know? Was she a monster just like he was?

Without intending to, he let out a whine when the man stood, startled even though he should have expected it. He took a few steps closer to Lacie for protective reasons and those of seeking the security he felt at her side. He could not fight those beasts alone, but if she lent him one of hers, he could. Whatever she had would be enough. Of course, that could be why she never escaped. Maybe that was why they could keep her locked away, caged with the threat of those beasts. His brow knit together as the thought came to him, stirring more anger than fear. He could shift now but if the strange man did not know about him yet he should save that for a surprise attack. Either way, he would defend her from this person and whatever ills he hid.

Ignoring the pain in his joints, Jack stood up to his full height, meeting those void eyes head on with a deathly glare.

Lacie smoothed back her hair before slipping her arms over the top of his as she settled herself against his back, "Behave, Jack."

He did not alter his expression in the slightest as he stared at that expressionless face before him, "Who is he? Why were you talking about the Nightray's?"

The dark voice met the wolf's ears for the second occasion today, "The Nightray's are a family friend. It is natural that we would speak of these events." Black hair tipped out of his eyes as he took a step a stride length closer, "Speak of what you did to them."

Jack's body tensed but his expression relaxed, Lacie slipping her fingers down his arms to coil into his in an openly affectionate motion the other man did not seem to notice, "What makes you think I played a role in their misfortune? I was only passing by."

Ignoring his comment, the man named Oswald let his eyes travel to the mirror, "And she is my sister so we speak of everything… though she told me about you only today."

The blonde's eyes widened in surprise at the casual revelation, letting her draw his hands back behind him, his fingers resting on her stomach gently. What had she told him? How much did he know? Why had she never told him what relation this man was to her? His mind was spinning to understand but not drawing forth many answers.

"That suggests she wished to protect you." The red cape swayed around his long legs as he took another step, "Which interests me."

"Oh?" Where was he trying to go with this, the wolf really had to wonder.

"Oswald is not interested in very many people, Jack, so you should be honored he said so." She pressed firmly against his back to prevent him from taking a much desired step back.

Jack was starting to fell ill at ease, unable to read the current situation, attention divided too many ways.

"Lacie has told me of your hate for the Nightray family." He paused long as he took a few more steps, nearly closing the gap, so close Jack could look deep into those frightful, penetrating eyes, "And I have only one question for you."

It was hard to act cocky when looking into those knowing eyes, but Jack still tried, lilting his voice to mock the man, "And what question could that be? When you lost your manners or how you can find them again?" He gave a sneer, "I mean, you are rude, no matter how I look at it, never even introducing yourself properly." He made every effort not to say anything that would tip his hand, no human jabs, nothing.

Oswald slowly reached a hand up as if to touch his hair, making Jack flinch, "No."

Two fingers pinched a pointed ear, tugging at the tip. Jack froze, his eyes wide with fear, shock, and dread. The stoic face of the man before him did not change. He forgot, forgot everything, forgot about his ears and tail, and forgot he had a handicap. This man knew from the start, the minute he walked in. No human had these. He tried to twist away but Lacie locked her arms through the crook of his bent ones to grip his chest, holding him still. A shock of confusion chased by fearful understanding ran through him in precession as he first realized he could not move his hands, then realized why. Lacie... she –

Oswald took advantage of his vulnerable expression, catching the soft point of his chin before allowing him the chance to utter the name on his lips, his sister's name, "Where did you hide the girl, you pitiful creature?"

Jack's face twisted with the sensations of horror and betrayal, knees weakening for a moment, body dipping before he caught himself, "Lacie, why?" He payed the other's question no attention, jerking his head away from his grip with a growl.

Her nails traced his chest through fabric to send chills up his spine, "You left me no choice. Granny can't protect you when you do such bad things, my big bad wolf."

"Lacie... please..." his eyes were stinging with an unfamiliar heat, "let me go. Let me explain!"

The mildest flash of irritation glinted in those violet eyes, "Answer me and you might spare yourself a good deal of suffering! Where is the daughter of the Nightray family?"

The werewolf hung his head, plait sliding off his shoulder to hang down his front. His wrists already burned from the touch of the coated bindings. Lacie had done this, and the two of them distracted him long enough for her to tie his wrists behind him. He let his body go slack, her small frame forced to let go as he became too heavy. His knees stung with the impact but he did not notice it. His chest hurt, ached, burned, and stung. She gave him up and that was all that mattered. She did not want him anymore and she was throwing him to the humans and this man. She used what she knew against him to ensure he could not fight. He whined her name once again as strong hands jerked him to his feet.

"You... Jack," he said it as if that name was bitter tasting, "should be wise and tell us what we ask." Fingers tightened even further into tender shoulders hard enough to make Jack flinch, "Before things become unpleasant. Give us the girl and I promise to kill you swiftly."

Lacie circled her arms around Jack's back again, lip jutting out in a frowning pout, "Nii-sama, you are horrible at negotiation. The incentive has to be better delivered and give him reason to comply."

Her fingers traced one nipple under the green drape at his shoulders suggestively, making Jack draw in a sharp breath through gritted teeth in spite of himself. What was she asking? What did she want him to do? His tail edged between her legs through the thin fabric, seeking redemption in any way she wanted it, any way she might offer it to him. He did not understand any of this nor what she wanted him to do, but he would try whatever she seemed to want. If she would not throw him away, he did not care what she wanted.

AN: Fine, so I'm straying from the original story. I kept some of the general ideas but strayed from the main line. It is AU of the AU story.