Whoever wrote the 'review' using the pseudonym 'Longer!' should not jump to conclusions about age nor experience. I assume 'Longer' means young by not a legal adult, and I, believe it or not, fit that description. But don't attribute age to lack of experience - if you've actually read this story you'd see how much experienceI have (except for writing lemons, so sue me) and if you want longer chapters go read 'Heartstorm' or something. and maybe I like short chapters Short chapters let me update more often, so I can write in more comments and have my story moved to the top of the list whenever someone's looking for fics by update dates. I also enjoy leaving people hanging... squirming in their seats... waiting for the next chapter to appear. I also like reviews and updating. Where's the fun in never updating? And If you think short chapters are annoying, maybe you should've left your e-mail adress so I can send you the full manuscript. I would tell you to go to hell except that's where all the bishies are. And if you're reading this and you're not 'Longer!' I'm sorry for my... whatever.

But I've actually surpassed my review quota... Wow. So now I'm happy.

Unlike previous times, there appear to be two chapters here. the one entitled 'VI 2' is really the original chapter, and the one called 'VI' is the other one I did when I thought the first one sucked. But then I decided that the first one didn't suck, so I posted it anyways. Read and review - tell me which one you like the best and why you like it.

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XI

He sat on the bed, the boy still and silent in his arms.

After all – how would one expect a dead child to be?

The hunter shuddered.

His eyes were still open – a washed out purple that still held the expression of shocked pain. Blood left a stain near the corner of his mouth.

The hunter raised his hand to wipe the blood away, but only succeeded in smearing more of the stuff onto the boy' s face. He looked at his own hand – sticky and sanguine(1).

Tears.

Blood and tears.

He clutched the boy to him; shaking; sobbing. He sought comfort from one who would always give it, but who now – thanks to him – would never.

"No more…" The Hunter murmured.

No more. Never again.

"Never."

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He stood on the sill.

The sun rose outside the window and he cradled the boy in his arms.

He stepped forward.

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(1)disregard most dictionary definitions. I am using this to mean as in or pertaining to blood.

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This ends the alternate 'chapter'. Keep reading if you want to see the original. However, if you are looking for closure, you won't find it there, either. Remember to R&R!

XI 2

"Ruler."

He looked to his hunter from the throne.

"The deed is done, I see."

The hunter said nothing. Instead, he held the lawbreaker closer to his stained shirt. The boy was cold… as cold as when they first met, that fateful, rainy night. Blood stained the floor where he stood.

"Congratulations on a job completed," Said the Ruler, "You are excused."

The hunter remained where he was.

"Did you not hear me?"

The hunter nodded.

"Then leave!"

He shook his head and caught his breath. Stared. Sighed…

"Why?"

"Beg your pardon?"

"Why?"

He leered at the hunter.

"Because." He siginaled a servant for a glass of wine.

"Because."

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BTW...no matter whatthisIS NOTthe last chapter. Just 'cuz someone's dead doesn't mean they're gone.
This time, I'm not putting review requirements. I actually need to write the next part.