"Shit." He just knew it was a bad idea to take that left turn. And who to expect but two Speeders.

Fang was running through the forest and night was going to fall soon. If he didn't find a place to rest, they'd find him again. There was a yellow blur to his right so he stopped and panted for breath. They were already here.

[Reader's Help: Speeder - a cheetah/human/bat hybrid. Just when you thought it couldn't get any worse. Can fly, run up to 100 mph and used for capture and torture. Sleek and yellow with leathery black wings and sharp fangs. Hunts in pairs.]

He quickly dodged its first attack as it sprung at him from the shadows. Another one lashed at him with its tail, catching him on the back of the knee and sending him crashing to the ground. Almost immediately, the one from earlier jumped back on him. Its fangs prodded out from its lips and were aimed for him. Fang rolled over and tried to escape but the other one quickly struck him. It missed barely but gave him the time to rise.

He quickly glanced around for a weapon. Rock. Twig. Flower. Squirrel? Ah, large branch. He quickly snatched it and hung it out in front of him, swinging it their way. One hissed at him and dove towards him but he quickly smashed it to the side. It landed on its back a few feet away unmoving. The other one quickly roared angrily and dashed towards its fallen comrade. Fang didn't want to but he quickly smashed its head in while it was distracted. With both of them dead, at least he hoped they were, he dropped the branch and sunk to his knees, gasping for breath.

There was another roar not to far away so he bolted up away from it. But he heard whines and angry cries and he paused. So...there was another fight going on. Huh. Who would've known? His curiosity got the better of him so he went to check it out. He was surprised it was a pack of Erasers. And..a girl? Wow, she was doing a pretty good job. She swung a hard kick to one of their heads and smashed it to the ground. He wanted to help but that would mean revealing his location...and he wasn't ready for that. He almost called out when she charged at a small black one but he quickly stopped himself. There was a spurting sound and he almost gasped at the blood coming from her side.

Fang almost charged in when she fell but something strange happened. Her eyes slowly shut and she seemed at peace. Then the Erasers stopped moving and he could hear their whines of protest and confusion. Without warning they exploded and blood flew everywhere. There bodies quickly disintegrated without a trace and she sighed, slumping to the ground. That's when he made his appearance. She froze at the sound and tilted her head up lazily.

She slowly staggered to her feet. "Whar you wan?"

Fang cautiously approached her so as not to scare her. She suddenly vomited blood and he quickened his pace. She looked young and had slightly wavy chestnut colored hair. Her eyes were slightly brindled which seemed to fascinate him for a moment as he neared her. She jumped back gasping for breath and eyed him warily as he came closer.

"You gonna make it?" He asked trying to sound worried. She laughed a little as if it was ridiculous.

"Oh, I just fought a pack of mangy animals that were very intent on killing me. Don't worry, I'm only bleeding to death 'cause it's oh sooo much fun." She gasped a little and one of her hands clapped over her mouth.

He chuckled. This girl had some spunk. "Need a hand?"

"As- " he quickly caught her as she fell to her knees, unconscious.

"Jeez," he muttered. But Fang knew he couldn't just leave her there. Someone was most likely hunting her down and if she was caught, he didn't want it to be his fault.

Fang already knew this girl probably wouldn't like to be tied up with the ropes he found in a heap of trash but he couldn't have her running off while he went to get some air. And she'd probably strangle him so he laid her to rest next to the fire he built. And if she woke up she might just knock him unconscious.

"Wonder who's chasing her..." Fang whispered to himself. Erasers were sent to kill. And if she was on the to-die list then she must either be a failed experiment or an elusive experiment that was too smart for Speeders. He moved a strand of hair from her face and blinked. The girl was...just..pretty. Underneath the grime and dirt, he could see her ivory skin with little or no flaws. The curve of her lips seemed soft and he found himself leaning forward. "I gotta go."

He stood and shook his head. What was he thinking? He was about to kiss a random strange girl! That wouldn't make a good impression. He sighed and went to a nearby stream. Getting some cool water, he went back and took a crumpled napkin from his pocket. She was covered in dried blood on every exposed part of her skin. He dipped the napkin in and start to wipe her clean. She murmured curses under her breath every now and then and kept turning as if uncomfortable. Then he set back and just took a moment to himself. He quickly got up and took a walk.

Today's events were unsettling. It was the first time he'd ever seen another runner like him. Alive anyway. Most were...dead before he could save them. And it was a girl nonetheless. It's not like he was sexist but a girl held off a pack of Erasers. That was a pretty big feat. But he didn't know her name. And it was probably best if they split off before they got any feelings for each other. Fang snorted. Love? Or even friendship? That wasn't going to happen to him. Love didn't get you anywhere. It was a useless emotion.

He glanced at the smoky sky. The dark shadowy branches overhead swayed in the wind, scattering its leaves and bugs and crap. Yeah, pretty wonderful, right? There was a chill coming and he knew it. Winter would be coming fast so he'd better find a place to hide. He wasn't going to be caught dead out in a blizzard.

In fact, he didn't want to be caught at all. And he most certainly didn't want to be dead either.

A sound of struggling was heard and he turned around. She certainly made a lot of racket for someone on the run. With a sigh, he jogged back to camp and slowed as he watched her wriggle in the ropes. As she heard him, she started to whimper. He knelt down and reached for her hands but she quickly pulled them away with a shiver. He sighed and looked into her eyes.

Comfort. Safety. Me. Your hands.

She got the calm look and her hands came forward again. Sending more comforting waves to her, he untied her legs. She stretched them and he sat next to her. She pulled her knees to her chest and didn't run. Of course it was only because he was controlling her but hey, how could you blame him? On the run, gonna starve and being hunted were pretty important now. He relaxed and in that moment she bolted. He sighed and reached out to her with his mind again. She was pretty strong mentally as well as physically. Wow. That was...interesting. But he was still curious.

Don't run. Come back. You're safe here.

It took a moment, but she eventually returned and sat down again. He turned to her.

"What're you running from?"

"Erasers."

He nodded. "Who are you?"

Her eyes slightly widened but she said, "Max."

He smiled. "Fang."

Max nodded and looked at her hands. "What are you running from?"

Fang looked up at the sky. "Speeders."

She followed his gaze. "Hm."

Fang sighed inside. Another one like him. He wondered what she could do. Erasers just randomly exploding wasn't natural and he was dying to find out why.

[A/N] So..umm..did you like it. My last chapter was sort of bad 'cause I was trying something knew and I'll fix it as soon as I finish this story. Two reviews on opening day...yay! They really made me happy! Thanks a lot for the lovely support there. I really love getting reviews...makes me feel appreciated and pretty damn good about myself :D If I have any errors, just tell me 'cause I usually overlook them. I told Fang's part of the story..don't worry! I'm sure it'll get more interesting soon. My beginnings always seem so horrible...and boring. Sorry! I'm also trying to write long chapters AND update fast. So yeah..there you have it. Eat a cookie.

Thanks to:

volleychik12

JealousMindsThinkAlike