LAST TIME-

"I don't think you understand, Victor," Alex spat out furiously. "I am your Alpha and God help me, you will listen to me and get my daughter out of there! What I want is as simple as a new pair of sneakers," Alex fumed, his hazel eyes swirling with anger. "What I want is my daughter out of there alive!"

"Look. My job is to secure everyone's safety, Alex, and that is what I intend to do." Victor locked eyes with Alex, a firm hand resting on the Alpha's shoulder. "If you want Gabriella to get out alive, you have to let me do my job. Otherwise," he shrugged and turned his eyes back to the school, "we leave her in there, wait for the gunfire to die down, and send in the paramedics."

If someone had told Troy Bolton that he was about to experience the worst day of his life, odds are he would've smiled slightly and disagreed.

But the sound of gunfire brought him to the startling realization that he was having the worst day of his life. If that wasn't enough conformation, the bloodcurdling scream from Gabriella was.

"RHYAN!" the raven-haired girl yelled desperately, her eyes finding the still form of her cousin on the floor. Reid was growling and curses flew from his mouth in at least three different languages.

"Shut up wolf." Landon snarled, leveling a gun to his forehead. "She's not dead."

A burly werewolf behind the small group nudged Rhyan's stomach, making her groan and roll over. One of her hands was clasped painfully tight over the small bullet hole in her shoulder, her eyes closed in silent agony.

Landon gave a mocking smile. "See."

Reid let out a body freezing growl, crouching, but the werewolves behind him tightened their hold on his arms, wrenching them backwards up his back. He still tried to get free, Troy could see his shoulders flexing, the muscles in his arms growing with effort. But the force on the joints of his shoulders was too much and with a sickening 'pop' both dislocated out of their sockets.

He was let go almost instantly, disgust and horror plastered on both faces of the werewolf's that had held him. Reid was out before he hit the floor, his arms hanging uselessly at his sides. The small group of werewolves paused for a moment, silence passing before they turned to Bruce and Blaine, soft murmurs circulating.

The two were circling each other. Blaine eyes were dark, but sharp, ready for anything. His face was blank and Gabriella knew that he was in trouble. Bruce on the other hand, was enjoying every minute of his little standoff with the traitorous Walker.

"You know Blaine," he started, his teeth growing longer and sharper every second. "It's been five years since I've changed. I really hope you're up to it."

Blaine stayed silent, serious.

"Oh, come on, Blaine," Bruce's shoulders were doubling, his shirt ripping across the back. "Don't you want to have some fun before you die?" The last part was a snarl through the long mussel that had formed where his mouth had been. Bruce stretched his arms out wide, joints cracking, before he stood up to his full height. The Alpha's ears skimmed the ceiling, his body taking up more than half the space in the wide hallway.

Blaine swore under his breath and took a step back. His green eyes flashed to Gabriella, panicked that she was still there and he mouthed the word 'go.'

Bruce struck forward when Blaine was preoccupied with Gabriella, but he wasn't fast enough. Blaine shifted at the last second, dropping to all fours and racing forward, sinking his teeth into Bruce's leg.

"You cannot protect two things at the same time, Blaine." Bruce let a feral grin spread across his face. "If you don't make a decision, you will lose both your life and Gabriella."

If someone had told Troy Bolton that he was about to experience the worst day of his life, odds are he would've smiled slightly and disagreed.

If someone had told him he was living his last day on earth, he would've laughed at such an outlandish thought.

But when Bruce ripped Blaine away from his leg with as much effort as it took to walk, Troy knew that things were going to go downhill, fast.

Blaine regained his footing and with a howl, launched himself back towards the werewolf. Bruce caught him around the throat and threw him at the closest wall. Gabriella turned her head to the side when she heard the sickening crack of Blaine's body slamming against the concrete.

Blaine shifted as he slid down, his concentration gone because he was unconscious and a blood trail followed his limp body. Bruce stepped forward, nudging the unconscious Walker with his massive foot. Satisfied that he was down for the count, the werewolf turned and surveyed his handiwork. His eyes flashed to both Rhyan and Reid. "Both Murdock's taken care of and now even the famous Blaine O'Connell," he laughed the name," is done for. I'm telling you, this Walker race is getting weaker by the generation." The group of werewolves around their Alpha snickered.

Gabriella clenched her teeth at the insult.

"That only leaves," Bruce turned slowly, dramatically, and faced the small group of teens at the end of the hall. "Gabriella Montez." His face then turned serious, dangerous as he spoke the next words, "I will not let you escape again." He crouched suddenly, ready to leap forward.

Troy grabbed Gabriella's elbow and yanked her to her feet. He wasn't thinking about anyone else but her when he started running. Taylor, Chad, Sharpay, all his friends were forgotten because Bruce wasn't coming after them, he wanted Gabriella, and Troy would be dammed if he was going to let that filthy werewolf get his hands on his girlfriend. "We need to get out of here!" He roared. "C'mon!"

They sprinted down the hallway, feet sliding on the linoleum floor. "This way!" Gabriella shouted, pulling Troy at the right angle down a back hallway. They ran, hand in hand, trying to escape.

"Where are we going?" Troy yelled, and he risked a glance behind them. Fear shot through his veins and his pace picked up. "Faster!" he yelled desperately. Bruce was right on their heels. He was three paces from the exit door when Gabriella ripped his to the side, down another hallway.

"What are you doing?" He yelled in annoyance.

"I'm not running away from this." She growled under her breath.

He mentally yelled at her stubbornness. "What are you talking about? You can't beat him, Gabriella! Did you see what he did to Blaine? You can't win!"

She didn't answer, but her eyes were searching frantically around their surroundings. Her grip tightened around his hand for a second and he finally realized what she was doing. "You don't intend to win, do you?"

She gave him a soft smile. "This is all my fault." She said through sharp intakes of breath. "The least I can do is save the rest of my family the trouble of having to deal with him."

He locked his jaw and glared at her, anger surging through him. How could she be so goddamn stubborn at a time like this? Why wasn't she thinking about him? For the first time in his life, he wanted Gabriella Montez to be selfish and think about herself. How did she think he would live without her? Choosing death was a selfish option.

"Be selfish." He pleaded. "For once in your life, Gabriella Montez, please, be selfish and think about yourself."

She stopped running and turned to him. Seeing his anguished look made tears come to her eyes. Walking forward, one of her hands found his cheek. "Being selfish isn't who I am, Wildcat. You of all people should know that."

He grabbed the wrist of the hand that cupped his cheek. "But it's not fair." His voice came out strained, raw, and he mentally swore to himself not to cry.

She laughed through her tears. "When has it been fair? Especially for us?"

He tried to change the subject because if they got to a goodbye, his heart would break. "What's your plan?"

She looked at him, wiping the corners of her eyes. "Get him up into the science rooms, turn on all the gas valves and then—"

"—Boom." Troy finished for her and she nodded grimly. He glanced over his should, but Blaine wasn't there. He stopped instantly. "Where did he go?"

Gabriella looked surprised. "I don't know." She sniffed the air. "It still smells like he's following us."

The hairs on the back of Troy's neck stood on end, and he was caught in the sinking realization of the moment. Gabriella felt it to and she pushed Troy away from her, the two teens going to the linoleum as the ceiling above their heads burst open. Bruce Fury dropped down from the second story and instantly went into action, flying towards Gabriella.

Troy slammed into his stomach, and they both went down in a ball of fur. Troy jumped to his feet and bared his teeth at the older werewolf, who took his time in getting up. "Mr. Bolton," his voice was dangerously level, "I do not want to kill you. I am only here for the girl. Get out of my way and I will not hurt you."

Troy tilted his head at the older man and shifted. His electric blue eyes met black as he stared down the werewolf. "You do realize what you're asking me to do, Bruce."

Bruce relaxed a little. "I know how you were dragged into this against your will, Troy. You will have to live with your decision for the rest of your life, however short or long, that's your decision."

Troy took a quick glance behind him to Gabriella. Get up to one of the science rooms; I'll hold him off for as long as you need.

No. She shook her head.

Damnit Gabriella! His fist clenched at his sides. Let me do this for you! She shook her head again. I've always been used against you, please, let me do this.

I love you, Wildcat. She locked her jaw and blinked her eyes to get rid of the tears. Don't you dare die on me, Troy.

I wouldn't dream of leaving you, Gabriella. He gave her a small smile and then turned back to Bruce.

"You've decided then, Troy?" Bruce's eyes flashed only slightly when Gabriella shifted and ran down the hall. "Be careful. I don't, necessarily, want to do this."

"There are those I'd live for." Troy said, turning his full attention to the werewolf. "Those I'd kill for." He crouched slightly, his eyes turning sharp. "And those I would die for."

A disgusted look crossed Bruce's face. "If you want to throw your life away for her," he said the word like it was poison on his tongue, "then so be it." His massive shoulders moved in a shrug. "Just another casualty in this senseless war."

Troy evaluated his opponent. Bruce was lax, he was underestimating Troy. The older werewolf figured sheer power would be enough to outdo a young Walker. The blue-eyed teen had to admit that he had no idea how to fight, but there was a strong sense of self preservation crawling up his spin. His body, mixed with the Walker's power, would know how to defend itself.

Troy waited for his moment.

In an instant, Bruce was all over him, cussing in a blend of Italian and old Latin. His right arm snaked around Troy's throat. He was interrupted when Troy jammed his right thumb straight back into his mouth. The older man was too dumbfounded even to try to bite. Then the opportunity was gone as Troy's thumb started stretching out his right cheek.

Wishing that he had long nails for the first time in his life, Troy dug his fingers into Bruce's fury face with all his strength. The old man howled in agony. Then Troy put his hip into Bruce's legs just below the hip and threw him over his shoulder.

He went forward, perusing the dazed werewolf, and landed a strong kick to his stomach. He then shifted, eyes growing sharper and skin sprouting black fur. Troy opened his mouth and without hesitating, bit down on Bruce Fury's neck.

In the next moment, Bruce let a harrowing scream. Troy cursed his ears because the instant the note left Bruce's lips, the blue-eyed wolf's ears were ringing. His head split in two and his teeth slackened from the neck of his opponent.

Bruce thrashed from side to side on the ground, his massive hands grabbing Troy around the stomach. He was ripped away with such power that the breath left his lungs. The claws around his stomach kept tightening and Bruce held Troy at eye level.

"Now that," the alpha werewolf's eyes were like black pits of hell and they drilled a hole into Troy's heart, "was not a very nice thing to do."

Troy's eyes went wide, the strongest fear he had ever felt ran up his spin, seeping into his bones. Bruce let a sinister smile cross his face. "I really didn't want to hurt you."

"Am I really supposed to believe that?" Troy growled, his voice shaking more than he would have liked. "You've killed people and you're smiling."

"Troy Bolton, you cannot spell slaughter without laughter," the werewolf's voice gurgled slightly from his bitten throat, but Troy could tell it was already starting to heal.

"You're a monster." Troy spat in his face.

Bruce's expression dropped instantly. "I really wished you hadn't had said that."

Before he knew it, Troy was flying through the air. His back hit something sold, but the solid object didn't stay solid for long. The force of his flight smashed right through it, and splintered wood rained down.

Troy couldn't breathe. He couldn't move. His head was pounding and anything that he could see through his barreled vision was blurred. He tried to move his hand, but only the tips of his fingers responded. He tried to take a breath, this time succeeding in drawing in a small amount of air. It wasn't enough and his greedy lungs ached for more. He began to cough, anything to get his lungs to work.

A hazy figure appeared at the corners of his vision, and his slow mind instantly recognized Bruce. His subconscious snapped into focus and his eyes hardened into a glare. Troy lifted his head to say something but only a groan escaped.

Bruce crouched at the entrance of the broken doorway. "I'm sorry I can't stay and play some more, but I have to go torture and kill your girlfriend." The werewolf showed his fangs with a smile and then was gone.

Troy's chest burned, but the realization that the monster was going after Gabriella was enough to get his voice to work. "NO!" he got to his hands and knees and crawled out of the classroom he had been thrown into. "NO!" he roared again as Bruce paused at the end of the hallway.

"It's really a shame you didn't get to say goodbye."Bruce smiled.

"If you touch her." Troy threatened through ragged breaths.

The older werewolf's eyes brightened. "Race you there." He took a step and then was gone around the corner.

Troy straightened as best he could, swore, and staggered after him.

-XxX-

There was an urgency running through like she had never felt before. Everything was too slow for her liking. When she turned the last gas valve on, the metal seemed to twist just a little too slow. The only thing that didn't seem to be moving in slow motion was her heart. She took a deep breath, trying to calm the rabbit like beating of her heart. She had to get control of herself if she was really going to take on Bruce.

With one last look around the familiar science room, so many memories flying through her head, she exited—right into the chest of Bruce Fury. He acted before she could and she was pushed back into the science room.

He took one step into the classroom and paused, tilting his head. "Gas?" he said in a mocking tone. "You do realize that I could tell right where you where with this little stunt."

She didn't answer and shifted, trying to get away. His massive hand found her tail and he yanked her backwards. A surprised yelp escaped her mouth as pain shot up her butt and spine. The force of his tug sent her backwards and she smashed into the white brick wall on the right side of the room.

She shook her head from side to side and got to her feet. The werewolf was nest to her in seconds, and something solid found her stomach, making her breath escape from her lungs.

"I am not going to kill you quickly, Gabriella Montez," the palm of one of his hands latched onto the top of her head and she was lifted off the floor. "You have been such a pain in my ass that I am going to show you that you cannot run away anymore." He gave her a crooked smile and she snapped at his face, just barely missing his nose.

He continued without noticing her small rebellion, speaking as if he was having a normal conversation. "I'll break your legs." He shook her with such force that her body shifted by itself, and her fist punched out at his face. He tilted his head to the side and let it pass without concern, countering with a fist of his own. Another blow to her stomach and her had spun.

He dropped her to the ground where she struggled to stay on all fours. She waited for his to relax and jumped into action. She kicked out at his stomach, but he blocked and backpedaled. She followed his retreat and lashed out with a high kicked aimed for the side of his face. He leant backwards and she caught a violent motion in her peripheral vision.

She dropped her head desperately, feeling Bruce's fist pass just over her head. On her heals, she pushed forward, letting her momentum carry her into Bruce and slammed him with shoulder and hip. It knocked him sprawling, not off his feet but staggering drunkenly into one of the garnet chemistry tables.

More by instinct than anything else, Gabriella ducked sideways as Bruce threw a small glass graduated cylinder at her head. He charged and she kicked straight back with her left foot, felt her heel connect with the muscle of his chest, heard the sound of expelled breath.

Her training and experience were sufficient that her body could fight by itself; she blocked and struck without conscious intent. Indeed she had to in a swirling fight with Bruce fury. Her mind raced, trying to spin out a plan. Because no one was skilled enough to survive long against these odds.

"I thought you mentioned something about killing me, Bruce?" She couldn't help at the cocky smile that crossed her face.

"I did." For some reason, the insult she had thrown at him made him smile. Her eyes narrowed when he continued. "I said I would not kill you quickly. Which is more than I can say about your boyfriend."

At the mention of troy, her Blood boiled. "Liar!" She launched herself forward. "Troy is not dead!"

Bruce sidestepped her and sent out a fist towards her face. "I couldn't tell when I last left him, but he wasn't moving."

"Shut up!" Her right foot moved on its own accord, flying towards Bruce's middle. Through her anger, she felt his hands catch her ankle, and iron grip crushing her bones.

With a jerk, the werewolf pulled her forward, inched form his body. "It's a shame you didn't get to say goodbye." Bruce's grip around her ankle tightened and he twisted. Gabriella heard a small 'pop' and pain like she had never felt before laced up her leg "Whether Troy is dead, I'm not certain. But, there is one thing that I do know, your time is up."

With the cost of her balance and out of sheer desperation to get away, Gabriella threw her left leg in between the werewolf's legs, feeling her back crashed onto the cold and unforgiving floor of linoleum. He let go of her throbbing ankle and she rolled backwards and to her feet. In one swift motion, she jumped on his bent back—because Bruce was too occupied with the pain shooting through his groin to notice, let alone care about her movements—and jumped towards the exit of the room.

She landed hard and tears instantly came to the corner of her eyes when her right ankle shifted. She screamed in pain but forced her body to move. She limped to the doorway and froze.

In that instant, chocolate eyes met electric blue.

Troy stared at her and she stared back, not believing that he was really at the end of the hallway. Both teens smiled at the same time and Gabriella took and half step towards her boyfriend.

She watched, as if she were in a dream, as the smile of joy slipped off of troy's face and his eyes grew wide in horror.

"You bitch!" She turned to see Bruce Fury, his right arm raised with a small black handgun leveled at her. "You are not getting away this time." His finger cocked the gun and her mind snapped instantly to the smell of gas that had filled the chemistry room.

"What are you—" She didn't get to finish her sentence. Troy's voice broke through her foggy mind and she turned just in time to see him start running towards him.

A dark laugh filled her ears and something small and sharp sank into her back from behind.

Her vision turned four colors one after the other.

White.

Red.

Grey.

Black.

-XxX-

If someone had told Troy Bolton that he was about to experience the worst day of his life, odds are he would've smiled slightly and disagreed.

If someone had told him he was living his last day on earth, he would've laughed at such an outlandish thought.

If someone had told him he was going to watch Gabriella Montez die before sunset, he would've taken offence. He would've said, "I'd never let anything happen to her." Then he would've stormed off to find her, determined to prove she was safe and sound and was going to stay that way.

It was nice to ponder what he would've done, wonder the "what ifs", secretly wishing things had turned out differently. Yet they hadn't. What's done cannot be undone. Tragedies cannot be rewritten into fairytales where everyone lives happily ever after. Troy knew this.

Feeling the rush of musky filled air fly at him from the collapsed science room, the fire and flame forgotten, the image of Gabriella's body in the doorway only seconds before the explosion, the sound of the gunshot, he knew. Feeling the fear crawl up his spine, the desperation setting into his lungs and breaking heart, he knew. Hearing the creaking drywall above his head, the force from the explosion in the science room making the roofing above him weak, he knew. Hearing Taylor and Sharpay calling his name, Chad screaming at him to move, he knew. The shocked and fearful expressions, oh God, he knew.

Troy took one step forward before something heavy slammed onto his shoulders, sending him to his knees, his vision blurred, his mind and body going numb. Falling pieces of the ceiling came closer. Suddenly, it all became silent. Troy couldn't hear his friend's panicked voices anymore. He was pushed harder into the linoleum as more drywall and concrete fell on him, and he gave up trying to move because he knew it was futile. Everything was futile. He hated it. Tears gathered at the corners of his closed eyes, not from pain, but at the realization; he knew. Somewhere deep inside, he'd known all along.

That once he fought fate, he was destined to lose everything.

.-.-.- Insert Dramatic Music -.-.-.

Author's Note: Okay, I don't even think an I'm sorry covers it. You guys deserve so much more for staying with this story. So, I'm going to say I'm sorry xinfinity and hope to God that this never happens again. I think I've gotten over my huge writers block and can finally finish this story. I think Dreamwalker will be my last story because I don't think that it's fair for me to have stories and have these long updating gaps. So review, please, and I'm sorry again.

Also, if anyone would love to make a cool banner for this story and any artwork regarding it, that would make me insanely happy!