Jacob had jumped into the nearby lake. The cold water turned salt as he swam through the water. When his head came up, he saw a great red barn. He could see the flames licking it, and the smoke filled the air, burning his nostrils, but, that was all.

It was clearly on fire, but it wasn't burning. It was like time had stopped at this precise moment.

Well…He launched himself out of the water onto the banks of the lake.

Jacob went into the barn. There were lots of girls there in old-timey dresses, and baby-doll masks. Mary (the only unmasked one) was playing the piano. But she looked like Kuri, and Jake was deceived.

Jake stepped forward. "Kuri?"

"You came for me!" Mary smiled happily.

"There you are." Jake smiled. "Let's hurry. This smoke is really bothering my nose." He sneezed.

"First," Mary looked in his eyes. Something was wrong. "Tell me about me."

"Huh?" Was all he could say.

"My face." Mary pressed.

"What…do you mean?"

"Tell my how my eyes sparkle with intelligence and power." Mary smirked. "How my lips are pouty." She pouted. "How my—"

"Stop. Just stop." Jake snarled, anger mounting. "You AREN'T Kuri. She's shy about herself, even though I think she's beautiful. Where is she?!"

"I am Kuri." Mary grinned. "Aren't I beautiful?"

"You aren't Kuri." Jake growled. "Where is she? What…" He got into a position to launch himself at her. "Did you do to her?!" He was trembling, ready to shift.

"There's only me."

The creepy girls surrounded him and removed their masks, revealing that they didn't have faces. Was this going to happen to Kuri? No, he wouldn't let it. This time he WOULD protect her.

"So." Jake stared at Mary. "You stole her face. Give it back!"

Mary put the mask back on, as the smoke filled the room. Time was starting again. Mary started to play the piano again. Jake had to hurry or they'd both burn.

"If you can find her…" Mary cackled. "Then take her."

Jake looked around. "Kuri!" He looked everywhere for her.

He calmed and looked at all of them. "No. None of you are Kuri." Jake saw a large box and went to it.

Mary laughed and the flames leapt. "Take her. She's ugly. She has no faaaaace!"

"Jake…" Kuri's voice was shaking. "I-I'm scared…"

Jake pulled her out of the box and hugged her tight. "Don't worry. I'll get you out of here."

He turned to Mary. "You. Have no face. You don't deserve Kuri's face. It's not yours."

Mary kept playing, a manic smile twisted her face.

That was it! Jake lost all control. He quickly got away from the trembling Kuri, and leapt at Mary, about to phase, when two trembling strong arms grabbed his waist and pulled him back. Jake hesitated.

"Don't!" Kuri cried. "Don't! Please! Jake please! Me! Protect ME!"

Jake was too far gone. He snarled and snapped at Mary, wanting to phase.

Kuri held him, her mask going askew. "Jake! JAKE! I'm your imprint! Try to think! Remember! Remember who you are! A PROTECTOR!" Her grip tightened, and her voice started to break. "Why did you come here? To save me, right?Well my face is melting away! P-Please…" Her voice faltered.

Jake stopped. "Kuri…"

He grabbed her and ran with her back to the Lake of Tears. He jumped with her into the lake.

Kuri clutched him close, reveling in the fact that he overcame his fury for her, basking in the glow of his love.

Jake held her close, walking out of the lake. His hands found her mask. "Now let's…"

"No!" Kuri grabbed the mask. "I'm scared."

"Please?" Jake looked down at her."

"You take it off." Kuri demanded.

Jake removed her mask.

"Am I…ok?" Kuri asked shyly.

Jake grinned. "You look amazing!"

Kuri held him tight. "I do not! I don't!"

They both laughed.