* * * * * * * * * * *

Alonna sat next to Chain, holding a bag of ice on the boy's bruised forearm. He cringed as she applied it to a new spot on his bicep, and she recoiled in fear. "I didn't hurt ya, did I?"

"Naw..." Chain tried his best to give her a big smile. "You're a big help, 'Lonna. Ya could never hurt anyone."

She was hesitant, but set the ice back on his arm after a moment. "Good." They sat in silence. No one had told the young girl exactly what had happened. Just that her brother and his friends had gotten hurt and any help she could give them would be appreciated. "You seen Gunn?"

"Up on the roof." One of the older boys called from his guard post at the door.

Chain indicated that he would be alright, so she headed up for the roof, taking the rusty metal stairs two at a time. Arriving on the roof, she glanced around until she finally spotted him crouched near the ledge. "Hey Big Brother."

Gunn didn't answer, continuing to stare out blankly over LA.

"I'm gettin' ready for bed. Wanna tell me a story?"

No answer.

"Gunn?" She was genuinly concerned now. "What's wrong?"

You'll die alone... "Nothin'. Just go to bed, 'Lonna. I'm busy."

"But we was gonna have another story tonight, right?"

Gunn shook his head. "No more stories. Time to grow up."

Alonna stood still in shock. Whatever had happened today was far worse than she had ever imagined. Quietly, she turned and headed back down the stairs, a single tear coursing down her cheek.

"I'm sorry." Gunn said to the silence around him. "But I can't promise ta always protect ya anymore.... not with Ty out there. Even I can't stop 'im. This is two times now. Next time it might be you, Sis." He hung his head. It was the first time in Charles Gunn's life that he had ever felt completely helpless.