Chapter 14:

"She's gone." Kitt sobbed. "She's gone!"

Karr snuggled his head into Kitt's neck. He didn't know what to say let alone do. The shock washed over him just as much as it had Kitt. Only he just wasn't letting the tears or the feelings show. Not now at least. He had to stay strong for his brother. Right now he had to be Kitt's anchor.

"We have to go Little Brother." He said gently as he gave a soft nudge to Kitt's muzzle.

But Kitt didn't move. He couldn't move. Julie was the last person he had to truly remind him that humanity was still good. That there was still hope. That there was still love and kindness in this hellish world he got mercilessly thrown into.

She was that person that was able to sort of fill that gaping hole in his heart from losing Michael and his family. She was that person that made him push forward through the tough times…and remind him of the good. She wormed her way into his life so quick and easily. And he trusted her just as much. They both did.

And now its gone. All of it is gone. He's alone. Afraid. Lost. Hurt. Angry. Everything.

Sure, he still had Karr. But he only recently came into his life. Oh he loved Karr, but he could never affect him like she did. There was just something in those beautiful blue eyes of hers. The way she laughed or smiled of scoffed at certain things she said, always made him do the same. The way she held his head so gently and stroked him just the same, it always calmed him down. Made him feel safe….

He…he realized in that moment that he…undoubtedly…..loved her.

He loved Julie….

And he wondered, just for a plain moment, if she felt the same way about him….at some point.

"Kitt, please, we need to go." Karr said gently giving him a soft nuzzle.

"I can't believe she's gone." Kitt breathed as he looked up at Karr.

Karr pressed his head beside Kitt's, silently urging him that they needed to go. For their own safety.

"I know Kitt. I'm so sorry, Little Brother. I'm so sorry." Karr whispered.

Kitt closed his eyes and snuggled into the side of Karr's head. Wishing that this was all a dream. Wishing that this was all a cruel nightmare plaguing his mind with hurtful thoughts and images.

Karr could feel Kitt's warm tears trail down his cheek as his heart broken little brother cried yet again. Karr kept his head next to Kitt's the entire time.

"Shh, its ok. Its ok, Little Brother. I'm here. I'm here." He whispered softly.

After a moment, Kitt pulled away gently with a sniffle. He kept his gaze locked on to Julie's bloody body with sad tear filled eyes. He continued this for several moments before getting up. He nuzzled her still slightly warm hand lovingly before walking away past Karr and headed down the path without a word. Karr watched him go and followed after him. He came up beside him and tried to softly nuzzle his neck. But Kitt pulled away.

"Go in front please." Je said sadly, not looking at Karr and keeping his gaze to the ground.

"Kitt-" Karr started softly.

"I don't want to talk right now. Just please go in front."

Karr looked at his brother sadly for a moment. He carried his head in a depressed manner. His eyes weren't bright and vibrant and full of life like before. He kept his gaze to the ground the entire time as he walked. Never once looking up.

Karr then went in front only a short distance though. The two walked in silence for the rest of the time. Only the occasional sound of twigs and leaves cracking and breaking under their heavy weight emitted from them.

/*/

Kitt and Karr had been walking for few hours now. Karr gave plenty of breaks just like he promised. But every time they stopped, Kitt would just keep walking. As if his legs had a mind of their own.

But Karr knew the true reason of why. His little brother didn't care anymore. He lost everything near and dear to his heart. There wasn't a reason to care anymore….

But he did still have Karr.

Clouds began to gather overhead. Thunder then started and soon began to pour cats and dogs. Even with the tree cover, the rain still poured and came down in sheets. The brothers huddled close. Their ears back and eyes squinted as they got soaked to the bone in the cold rain. The dried blood on their hides, sliding off easily.

"Stay close to me." Karr said, his voice easily cutting through the pounding rain.

Kitt did as he was told and stuck close to Karr's side. They continued to walk down the trail until they came to what appeared to be a cave. Karr nudged Kitt and he looked up for the first time in a few hours. He saw the cave and the both of them made their way towards the cave.

Karr went in front to check it out and make sure this cave was truly vacant. When everything checked out, he called Kitt over. Inside the cave it was warm, dry and very cozy. Not too big. Not too small. Just the right size for a couple of over grown horses.

The duo went to the very back of the cave and lay down. Kitt curling up against Karr, shivering. Karr nuzzled Kitt lovingly, trying to comfort his little brother. He tried his best to keep Kitt warm by moving so Kitt now lay between the cave wall and Karr. Thankfully, the cave wall was a little warm and combined with Karr's body heat, Kitt found himself quite cozy.

He nuzzled Karr's chest before closing his eyes and falling asleep. Karr stayed up a little longer. Watching over Kitt and making sure that he was ok…

But in the midst of it all, he finally allowed his tears to fall silently. They truly were alone now. Only he and Kitt remained….

Like hell he was going to allow anything to happen to Kitt now.