Crimson

by Grevin Hades

Alternate Universe. Jaune Arc is a simple young man. He has just come of age and has shown that he can handle large responsibility. So when his father took ill, his parents knew he could take their goods to market in the town several days away without worry. Except things didn't go as planned.

10. Chapter 10

Crimson

Chapter 10

By

Grevin Hades

Previously:

Ruby gently pulled her hand back and rested it in her lap as she sat back and stared at him. She watched him carefully as he eyed the tent flap then darted back to her. Finally after a few minutes of silence he spoke. "…Why..?"

"Why what?"

"Why are you here?"

Ruby smirked and reached out lightly touching his chest. "I told you before, you're my pet. You belong to me and my brood. I won't let you be taken from us. We care about you too much to let that happen."

He tried to pull away from her touch a scowl coming to his face. "Your brood nearly killed me. I was bleeding out."

She sighed and nodded while crossing her arms. "Yes, that is true. It is unfortunate that Nora fell to the effects of the phase of the moon which caused her to lose control. To be honest with you, she is extremely upset and worried for you. When you return she will most likely refuse to leave your side. You've made quite the impression on her."

"What makes you think I'll come back."

She lets out a small sigh. "I'm sorry, did I give the impression that you had a choice? It's like I said before Jaune, we own you. You belong to all of us and as such your place is by our side."

"I could still yell, and then it'd be you versus all of them…they have you out numbered."

Ruby rolled her eyes. "Intimidation tactics? Jaune you should know those won't work on me. I could dispatch all of them with ease but I'm not alone. Pyrrha is here…as is Yang…and Winter."

He deflated a bit a scowl forming. "Am I really that important to all of you to put forth such effort? It seems to be overkill."

She smirked and ran a tongue over her fang. "Never underestimate just how important you are to someone Jaune. Why do you think I am here myself? You mean quite a bit to us and clearly, I don't wish to kill the knights otherwise you would be back at the manor by now. Now, be a dear and co-operate with me. Just tell the knights you're comfortable with Winter and I taking over your care and all will be well."

"And you'll let them live…no one has to die?"

She nodded. "I give you my word."

He hesitated. If he agreed the knights would be safe, if he didn't they could be killed. What about his freedom though…what about his family? When would he get the chance to run again? He gave it as much thought as he could before looking back over at her and opened his mouth to speak.

Now:

He had reached his decision, hardened his gaze and took a deep breath opening his mouth wide. Ruby's eyes widened at this a hint of worry gracing over her face before she sprang into action.

"AAAAAWWWWWWWOOOOOOOO!"

Both Ruby and Jaune froze, her hand just above his lips while he held his breath. Their heads turned, and they focused on the entrance to the tent where the shuffle of footsteps were most prevalent.

Ruby glanced back down at the young man a scowl coming to her lips. "We'll talk about what you just tried later but for now, stay here." Before he could respond she was out the front portion of the tent, the flap barely moving as she brushed past.

Jaune blinked a moment and simply shook his head pushing back the covers and doing his best to get to his feet. "Like hell I'm going to stay put."

He hastily gathered his clothing and throwing them on but upon noticing the large bloodied stain on his ripped shirt he let the cloth fall and instead ripped the blanket from the bed tying it around himself in a kind of makeshift cloak. He then looked down at the herbs and other items in the trunks and after taking a quick glance over his shoulder he quickly rummaged through what he could and picked up various vials, salves, and other ingredients not taking the time to read any of them before stuffing them into his pockets. He then moved to the back of the tent lifted the back edge and slipped underneath it.

Darkness greeted him, the dim glow from the camp fire giving him just enough light to see the nearby wagon used by the knights as well as their horses grazing close by. Hearing some heated voices behind him coming from the camp he hated what he was doing but he had no other choice. Moving as silently and quickly as his body would allow he located a nearby saddle and picked the calmest horse he could find. The brown mare gave a soft whinny as he began his work. "Shhh, it's alright, it's alright. I'm not going to hurt you. I need your help. I have to get away, please, please be a good horse and help me."

The beast simply snorted and shook its head before flicking its tail. Before he could say anything further another bone chilling howl echoed out from the forest making both he and the horse shift uncomfortably.

"AAAAAAWWWWWWWOOOOOOOOOOOO!"

Throwing caution to the wind he climbed into the saddle and gently nudged the horse into motion doing his best to keep it at a slow, silent pace. "Come on, lets go, I'll get you away from those wolves."

*Meanwhile back at camp*

The moment the howl occurred, all heads turned to look out at the forest, all hands instinctively going for weapons while Wiess' hands moved into a proper casting position. Coco glanced at Velvet for a moment. "Vel, was that what you-"

"Yes, now shush."

Winter let out a small breath that she was holding and glanced over at Ruby as she exited the tent. She held out a hand telling her 'apprentice' to halt before taking another step. "Don't move, we have visitors."

Ruby frowned "No kidding…what's the plan?"

Cardin scoffed as his hand moved towards the mace hanging from his belt. "Easy, we kill them all."

Winter glared at him and shook her head. "No, we may not need invoke a slaughter."

"What's the point of avoiding it. They want our guest, we kill them, everyone wins. "

Ruby frowned. "And what if you get killed."

He smirked. "Then I die in glorious service to my nation and as a giant pain in the ass to those creatures."

Coco smirked and shook her head. "Winchester you're a funny S.O.B. I'll give you that, but I don't want your death on my soul when I get to the pearly gates so just be quiet and wait."

Winter took a slow step forward her face showing no emotion, a solid mask that revealed nothing, easily showing years of training in a single instant. "Alright, we hear you, come forward and speak like a civilized being. There does not need to be bloodshed this night."

After a few seconds a long figure slowly began to move into the light from the edge of the forest. Slowly Yang in her wolf form moved in, taking several careful steps but still kept her stance aggressive, ready to move if needed.

The knights and mage gawked at the Werewolf attempting to take in what they were seeing. She was clearly female but her face was changed showing a snout, her eyes a glowing red all framed by long golden locks of hair. Her body was larger than normal and bristling with muscles, her hands elongated, fingers slender and drawn out ending with razor sharp claws. She snorted and let out a loud growl as she shifted lightly on her feet. "Where is he?"

Velvet narrowed her eyes and spat at the ground her body language becoming far more tense. "In our protection. He is no longer yours, now leave this place before you are hurt."

Yang smirked and tilted her head to the side taking a long slow sniff of the air. "I see…and you think you'll be able to take him from me little rabbit? I could make a snack of you in an instant. You may be quick, but wolves still eat rabbits…and you do look tasty."

Velvet began to pull her blade when Winters hand shot out signaling her to stop. "Wait…surely we can come to an agreement. There need not be loss of life."

Cardin smirked "Won't be any loss of our lives…say the word and the she wolf is done."

Coco frowned "Cardin…shut. Up."

Yang held back a smirk, she liked that one. "I'd listen to her…I'd prefer not to sully my hunger with your vile blood. You stink of demonic taint, I bet your grandfather made a deal with pit fiend," She ignored the soldiers glare and turned her gaze back to Winter. "Return the man to me and I will leave you alone, all I wish is to have his return, no death, no pain, no bloodshed."

Winter shook her head. "No, he escaped your brood, located us for help and is in our care. I suggest you look elsewhere for your meal."

Yang let out a roar which caused Weiss to wince and take a small step back. "No! He is no meal, he is my mate, he is my soul! Return him to me! All I want is for my mate to be returned to me!"

Ruby began to reach back to her scythe narrowing her eyes as she took a stance. She quickly pulled the scythe from her back and spun it in a quick flourish. "No, he isn't your property, not anymore."

The she-wolf snorted giving a crude laugh. "And I suppose you're claiming him for yourself little reaper? What joy could a child like you give a man like him? With me he'll be father to dozens, with you…well you'd break under him."

Ruby's cheeks went red, but she didn't change her stance. Winter took two careful steps forward. "Enough, the point it that he is under our protection and will not be allowed to leave. He was nearly dead when he arrived here. He was covered in his own blood. If you care for him like you state, then let him go so he can live. You as well as I know that there will be other males."

Coco smirked as she glanced over at the large man nearby. "Yeah you could take Cardin as a trade…I'm sure he'd happily father all kinds of kids."

"Screw you Adel"

"You know you'd love it."

"…Yeah…"

Yang rolled her eyes and let out another snarl. "You stole what belonged to me…but you speak truth. If he is injured he as you claim then he is of no use to me. Very well…I…accept your proposal. Now leave my hunting grounds and never return. I simply wish to find a proper mate and live in peace with my pack."

Wiess blinked and shook her head in disbelief watching as the she-wolf stalked off into the darkness disappearing from view in an instant. "Wait…so just like that? It's done and over with?"

Winter nodded. "Yes sister, just like that…not every encounter with them need end in bloodshed. She wishes to be left alone as do we. Now…I suggest we take advantage of the kindness lest she return with more of her kin."

Ruby quickly replaced her scythe on her back and glanced back at the tent Jaune was in. "We'll help you all pack up and get your cart loaded then we'll take him to a safer location to heal up some more."

Wiess shook her head and began to pace slightly. "But…it makes no sense. The books I've studied never stated that anything like this could happen. Why wouldn't they just outright attack?"

Winter placed a gentle hand on her sister. "Sometimes one simply wishes to live. They aren't mindless monsters' sister, you have to remember that. Some of them used to be human, used to have families and some wish to reclaim only that. It's not something that it shown in the books. Experience is a wonderful teacher too. "

"But…but…"

Ruby rolled her eyes quietly before shrugging. "I'd say we just had a bit of good luck, after all, one shouldn't look for battle lest they meet their end by it."

Velvet smiled at those words but before she could say anything Ruby had disappeared behind the flap to the tent. She had been curious about that phrase, she could have sworn she had heard it or at least read it before but she couldn't place where. However, before she could think about it any further a loud cry of anger shook through the camp and nearly made her drop what she was holding.

"NOOO! NO! DAMNIT!"

In and instant Ruby had darted out of the tent, a look of pure, unadulterated anger in her silver eyes. "He's gone! He must have slipped away while we were talking to the Werewolf!"

Cardin growled and darted for the cart letting out his own frustrated cry as he shouted back over his shoulder. "The little bastard took one of the horses!"

Winter took a slow breath before steeling her nerves. "Alright, you four clean up your camp and clear out, Ruby and I will go after him." She Turned to face Wiess a sad smile coming to her lips. "If I catch up to him I may not see you for another long while dear sister. Please do take care of yourself."

Wiess scowled and shook her head. "No, I should come with you. I can be useful to you out there."

Winter shook her head. "No sister, you have to pack up your equipment and need the cart to carry it properly. Ruby and I will move faster on our own. Besides, your team needs you."

"No we don't."

*Smack* "Shut it Cardin!"

Both Wiess and Winter rolled their eyes before focusing on one another once more. Wiess sighed and gave a small nod. "You're right, they'd kill one another before they'd make it back…but once they're home I'm coming back out for you. I'll be in the village two days south from here in two weeks' time. You better be there."

Winter smiled as a small sense of relief washed through her. "I'll do my best, now get to work, I have an injured young man to catch."

*Jaune*

He couldn't see straight, partially due to his injury but also because he had never been on a horse like this one and was being all but thrown from it as he flew down the path at break-neck speed. He leaned forward and kept his head down as best he could despite the pain in his side and his rump, his arms struggling to pull the blanket around himself a bit more to block out the cold with little use.

He didn't dare look back, he knew it could be any moment they would discover his disappearance and if he glanced over his shoulder he just knew he would see one of them behind him and he couldn't risk that. He needed to escape, needed to get home. He knew they would never believe his story and he would have to do extra work in the nearby town to pay for the cart and horse but it beat the alternative of never seeing his family again.

He kept the horse going full run as long as he could, praying that the sun would rise giving him some reprieve but after a half hour of hard galloping and another two of a slower paced trot the poor creature was beginning to tire. As he slowly urged it to a halt, Jaune let out a small, nervous sigh as he began to look around trying to find anything of use. He glanced down at the horse and gently patted its neck. "You're a good steed and I really wish I knew your name. I hope you don't end up like my last horse. So…I'm going to defer to you. Any tasty grass or hay nearby for you or maybe a stream you can drink from?"

The horse snorted and stared at him giving no real response after that other than the occasional flick of its tail. Jaune glanced around a bit more before slowly dismounting from the horse letting his grip hold onto the reins lightly. He took a few shaky breaths as he felt the grass crunch under his feet. Much to his joy he could see a hint of daylight in the horizon, sun up would be soon…he would be safe sooner rather than later.

With the sun coming up he knew he would be able to sleep and he would also be able to put more distance between himself and the brood…but he couldn't do both at the same time. Placing a hand to his side where his wound once was he sighed knowing he had to make a decision. Did he feel healed up enough to continue to travel or should he risk being caught and rest some in order to let himself recover a bit more. While magic was a wonderous thing, wounds still needed time to heal properly…but if he slept he would be caught…he knew what he needed to do.

Clicking his tongue to get the horse to follow him he began to lead it further down the path, taking a medium walking pace while straining his eyes to see if there were any patches of grass or hints of streams nearby so he could tend to the beasts needs…as well as his own. A drink of water would be most welcome.

After an hour of walking luck seemed to smile on Jaune once more. The area was beginning to fill with more daylight easing his travel and much to his joy, the soft trickle of water reached his ears. There was water nearby. He froze where he stood and glanced back at his new companion whose ears were flicking as he too heard the most welcome sound. Within seconds the steed moved forward pulling Jaune along with him quickly closing in on a small stream that seemed to blend perfectly into the flat plain that would have easily been missed.

Both Jaune and his horse moved forward and brought their lips to the water, drinking the cool liquid down with loud gulps and slurps with the former pulling back after a few moments to sit back on the ground with his elbows on his knees. "Thank god…I didn't realize just how thirsty I was."

Letting his head fall forward a bit he felt a wave of exhaustion wash over him and at the same time the comforting warmth of the suns rays washing over his back and neck. Perhaps he could just close his eyes…for just a few moments.

*Ruby*

She said nothing as she walked into her room instead opting to draw the scythe from her back and throwing it across the room burying the blade deep into the stone with a solid thunk. She moved to her window as she removed her cape from her shoulders and stared out at the looming forest gritting her teeth as the light of the sun began to slowly wash over the tree tops. She turned away as the window shutters slammed shut behind her and faced the four who had followed in behind her. "I'm most displeased…what happened!?"

Pyrrha lowered her head, her hands clasped in front of her. "I'm sorry mistress, I failed in my duties. I was so concerned about the knights I failed to see him slip out from the back of the tent. The fault is mine."

Blake lightly cleared her throat. "We could have just gone in and killed them all without a second thought, why didn't we?"

Ruby ignored the pained and angered look that appeared on Winters face and instead moved forward placing herself directly in front of the succubus. "While you are an age-old being Blake, you still fail to pull away from your old ways. We didn't have to kill them. One of them was a sister to one of our brood. To kill them would only cause grief, it wasn't necessary."

Blake stood unwavering under Ruby's gaze. "True and while I wouldn't wish harm on them, it would have been more efficient, and he would be back with us. Also, they need not be killed, we could have turned them. The rabbit Faunus would make an excellent apprentice to myself and I could find something for the knight captain to do."

Winter shook her head and cleared her throat. "I think we need to get back onto topic. What do we do now that he has evaded us?"

Yang smirked and patted Winter on the shoulder. "Oh, don't worry, we haven't completely lost track of him. We know his general direction and Nora and I can track him during the day. We'll find him soon and bring him home."

"No."

All eyes shifted to Ruby who had stunned them to silence. Yang was the first to react, cocking her head to the side as her hands slid to her hips. "I'm sorry? What do you mean no? We're the best trackers in the brood."

Ruby reached up and pinched the bridge of her nose while shaking her head slightly. "I know, and I don't disagree, but we need to consider his behaviors. He hates me with good reason and therefore may have a stronger dislike for vampires. Nora caused him to be injured which may result in him being more afraid of werewolves than before."

Yang let out an animalistic growl as she pounded a fist against her palm. "That was with Nora, not me. He knows me! He knows I'm not going to hurt him."

Ruby gave the blonde woman a sad look before walking over and placing a gentle hand on her shoulder which made her visibly relax. "I understand Yang, truly I do. I could say the same thing about Pyrrha or even Winter but the issue is that he has had quite a bit of interaction with both Vampires and Werewolves…and as such, if he makes it to a village he may cause difficulties."

Pyrrha frowned and held her hands to her chest shaking her head. "So…if I understand what you're saying you're suggesting-"

Ruby nodded as she turned to look at the rest of the group. "That he could out us to the public there and force us to possibly relocate. We have no choice…"

Blake smirked as her wings began to flutter behind her, her form almost shaking with anticipation. "Ohhh…you mean it?"

Ruby rolled her eyes but nodded. "Yes, Blake you're going to go out and bring him back."

Blake developed a sultry smirk and licked her lips her amber eyes taking on a mischievous gleam. "Oh, I'll be happy to escort him home. I'll make certain to keep him happy."

Ruby again moved in front of the succubus a venomous glare in her eyes. "If you hurt him in any way you will be killed by my hand. Am I clear."

"What if he likes it when I hurt him a bit?"

Yang turned to address the woman but Pyrrha moved in front of her a dark growl coming from her own throat as she stared at the demon. "Do not harm a hair on him, if you do I will see that you suffer immensely."

Blake simply smirked and gave a polite little curtsey while bowing her head. "I understand, and I will obey. I shall depart directly and update you the moment he is in my custody."

As those words left her mouth, she sank down into the shadows of the floor disappearing within seconds leaving the others alone with their thoughts. Yang was the first to move, pacing a bit as scenarios of the Succubus seducing her mate ran through her mind. "Damnit, what am I supposed to do now? Nora is going to go stir crazy and I'm not going to do much better."

Ruby walked across the room to her desk deciding to sit on the top of it rather than in the chair behind. "Relax Yang. I have a feeling you and Nora both will have plenty to do in the near future."

"What do you mean?"

Ruby smiled slyly "Well…if Jaune misses his family that much, perhaps we should see about a visit."

*Jaune*

Jaune set down the bale of hay he had just carried into the barn, a content sigh escaping him as he wiped the sweat from his brow. He turned and looked out at the setting sun, the bright light peacefully falling across the fields giving a truly beautiful sight. This…this was pure contentment, without a doubt.

"Jaaauuunnnne? Jauuuunnnee!"

He was pulled out of his thoughts when he heard the familiar sound his sister Julie calling for him. He walked to the barn entrance and squinted raising a hand to his brow trying to block out some of the sun so he could see her better. "Julie? What is it?"

"We have guests for dinner, some new neighbors! Mama said to come help her get dinner made."

"Alright, I'll be n soon."

Guests for dinner? When did they get new neighbors? Oh well, if his mother needed him to help, he would do as requested. He made his way into the modest farm house, the smell of fresh meat and bread cooking wafting to his nose making him smile. Fresh stew and rolls.

He made his way into the kitchen where his mother was busy tending to the stove, stirring a large pot of bubbling liquid. "You needed some help?"

His mother turned, her blue eyes twinkling at her son and she smiled with a nod. "Yes, gather up the plates and set the table. Our guests will be here any time now and we need to be ready for them, you especially."

Jaune began to gather up the plates and silverware a questioning look washing over his face. "Especially me? What do you mean?"

His mother brushed her hands off on her apron. "Well when they came by earlier today to introduce themselves, they seemed very interested in meeting the only boy in the area…you know how it is with girls. When you're the only male in the "neighborhood" They tend to get curious."

Jaune blinked a moment before shaking his head and taking the armful of plates into the dining room. Girls, it just had to be girls…why was he cursed with being the only boy in their area? It made no sense. Was there something in the water where they lived? So now he was going to have to deal with being ogled by his new neighbors and at the same time make peace between them and his overprotective sisters. This was going to be a hell of a night.

Before he knew it, the sun had set, and the house had been filed with dim light from candles set around so they could see and just was he finished with the last of the silverware, there was a soft knock heard from the front door.

"Oh, that's them, go let them in Jaune."

Deciding to ignore the tone of his mother's voice he begrudgingly moved to the front door and opened it revealing a group of six figured bathed in shadow. He could barely make out their forms making him squint to see better in the dark. "Um…welcome, please come in."

His breathing paused as he felt an odd pressure wash across him, just for a moment and he could have sworn he saw flashes of red in the shadows where their eyes should be. As they moved past him, the shadows didn't leave their forms and seemed to swirl around them, brushing lightly against his form as they did.

The next thing he knew he was sitting at the table with the six female figures all sitting across the table from him however, the rest of the table was unoccupied. His father was gone, his sisters were gone, the only family there was his mother who brought in the large pot of stew and set it on the table. "There we are. Now Jaune, you're not being a poor host to these lovely women, are you?"

He shook his head. "No, of course not. We just haven't had much to talk about since they came in. Would you like some help in dishing out the food?"

She simply smiled and shook her head as she reached out and took the bowl of the nearest shadow girl to her and began to ladle her concoction into it. In that instance a faint smell began to waft to Jaunes nose. Something subtle at first, something he didn't recognize.

His mother began to dish up another bowlful, then another, then another and with every ladle of liquid, the smell became worse. Finally the scent became so heavy that it began to make his stomach roll, a wave of nausea washing over him. He looked up at his mother then at their guests all of whom were now staring at him.

"Mother, forgive me but I am not feeling well. Do you not smell that odor? What is it?"

She smirked and rolled her eyes. "Oh silly boy, it's just blood stew."

He felt his breath catch In his throat. He shot to his feet and moved to stand over the pot to get a better look at its contents. As he did he could feel bile begin to rise up the back of his throat. It was indeed a stew but it was far from normal. Instead of the usually thick broth, it was red and reeked of copper…inside were bits of blood red meat and…was that skin?

He tore away from the sight covering his mouth as his stomachs contents tried to escape him. "Gah! What is that! What is that meat?!"

His mother tilted her head looking at the pot then to him. "What do you mean? It's your sisters. They were young, tender and had the freshest taste for the stew."

No, this was wrong, this couldn't be true. His mother wouldn't, couldn't do such a thing. His thoughts were interrupted though by the clear sound of slurping coming from behind him. Slowly he turned and to his horror he saw each of the shadowy figured raising their bowls to their lips slurping down the blood, comping at the bits of flesh that came to their lips, eating it with a disgusting vigor but what was worse was that his mother was doing it along side them.

He could only stare as he watched her slurp down the vile mixture, dribbles of it falling over he cheeks and down onto her apron. Her eyes seemed to become dulled as she pulled the bowl from her lips, the crimson staining her face as she gave him a soft smile. "Jaune, dear you should eat…otherwise we won't get our dessert."

He glanced to his left to see the girls all staring at him now, their eyes pupil-less and red standing out against the dark. He could see their teeth now as well, sharp as razors gleaming brightly despite the dim light. He glanced at his mother who had begun to move towards him, hands outreached, her nails looking like claws her smile sickening. She was pale skinned now her blonde hair sharply contrasting with it, her eyes dulled even further. "Dessert? What do you…no…no!"

Jaune tried to pull back but it was too late. The ghoul that was his mother had taken hold of his arm, the force of her grip causing enough pain to force him to his knees his free hand struggling to pull her relentless grip from him. "Gah! Mother, no!"

"Now, Now Jaune…don't be a bad host. The girls are hungry and just dying to get a taste of you…"

He shuddered at the twisted demonic sound of her voice. He looked up and found himself surrounded now by the shadows. He could see their mouths open, drool dripping from their razor-sharp teeth, long, slimy tongues hanging out of their maws twisting and coiling around as they prepared to strike. They moved closer and closer, the rancid breath from their mouths washing over his form making him shiver in terror. Finally he looked up to see his own mother staring down at him, her own form twisted completely now, her tongue dripping with drool and twisting in midair. She grinned down at him and cooed. "Ohh, my dear son you look good enough to eat…give momma a taste!" She let out an unearthly screech as she opened her maw wide and swooped down filling his vision with teeth.

*Field, Mid-afternoon*

"GAAAAHHH! NOOO!"

Jaune sat up quick, too quick, jerking to the side and bumping to the middle of the horse which gave a strong neigh and snort turning to face the young man who was now sitting on his rump on the ground.

He held his head and groaned as the horse turned and leaned down giving him a small nuzzle as if to ask if he was alright. Jaune grumbled and shook his head as he gathered his wits. It had been a nightmare, a terrible nightmare. He reached up and patted the horse's cheek then slowly rose to his feet. "I'm ok, I'm ok…it was just a bad dream."

He blinked as he slowly began to look around noting that the sun was beginning to descend for the evening leaving him with mere hours of sunlight left. "Speaking of nightmares…we need to get moving. How about it, feel up to another run? If we can make it to a village I promise, I'll get you some oats and a few apples to enjoy."

This seemed to cause the horse to perk up a bit, flicking its tail with a bit more force now. Jaune took that as a good omen and climbed on. "Then lets get going. I need to find my way home."

As he rode off into the sunset, he failed to notice a pair of eyes watching him from the distant tree line. "Hmmm, this will be fun."

-To be continued.

Authors Notes: Hey guys, guess what? I'm still alive! I know I'm surprised too. So…this chapter was a bit awkward for me to write for more than a few reasons.

First and foremost, I was really debating how to handle the Wiess situation. Change them, kill them, scar them….so many choices, and then, I realized I didn't have to do anything. Why kill them or change them. They could bring plot in later chapters. I don't want to cause an overflow of characters in this thing…it's going to get hairy enough as it stands.

Secondly, between life, kids, two jobs both being in their busy seasons, I haven't had much time to do any writing. It certainly wasn't a lack of wanting too.

As always, I thank you for taking time out of your day to read my work and I hope you enjoyed it. Also, as always, feedback is welcome. Your reviews give me fuel to write give me that fuel…PLEASE!

Thank you again and have a great day.

-Grev