Ray's discomfort clung to her over the next 2 days. It was off and on but painful, why'd it have to hurt that much. She really got the short end of the stick apparently.

Zack was as sympathetic as someone like him could be. He tried to help a little with meals. There was some leftovers in the fridge Rachel had cooked earlier; that he was able to heat up in the microwave following Ray's instruction.

"Zack! You have to take the foil off!"

"Quit nit pickin' me! What's the big deal?" Ignoring her he place the dinner into the microwave with the foil still on.

Bi colored eyes widened as the little blonde lunged from across the room to save them from disaster by turning the microwave off, sighing relief that she got to it before the metal sheet began sparking.

"If you put foil in there it will blow up!" her scolding did nothing to phase him, to her dismay it instead it lit a mischievous fire in his eyes.

"Really!? Then what'd ya turn it off for!" it'd been too long since he had been able to feed his destructive tendencies. Every Time he'd tried Ray had been there like some sort of parent catching their child redhanded in the cookie jar. "C'mon Ray. Ya have any idea how damn bored I've been?"

"ZACK! We have to leave as little evidence of our stay here as possible!" There was an unusual amount of venom in her tone. She stood with her arms crossed glaring up at him. She did NOT want to put up with any of his bullshit. Nope not today.

Zack gawked at her for a moment before covering his eyes releasing a snicker, "Ah right...girl stuff, seems like even an emotionless doll like you can get moody huh? "

His teasing did nothing to improve her mood. Yeah she was a bit irritable. She was tired from staying up late trying to figure out how to get them back to state redacted not to mention the cramps she got several times throughout the day.

It was probably better to not respond, she knew she was being silly for getting annoyed at him. She didn't feel quite herself. She just didn't feel like dealing with it. So she removed the foil heated up the food placed Zacks on the table then decided to take her own food to the a desk in the vacant guest room. Also as a precaution she snagged the box of foil from the pantry...she wasn't going to risk it.

Zack got the message resolving let her be for now. He decided he didn't like this period business. It hurt Ray and made her act all weird. He sprawled out onto the couch intending to distract himself with some slasher movie. He really got a kick out of blood and guts was nothing too impressive for someone who slashed people as a hobby.

He was hoping she'd be back to her usual self soon. Though he would be lying if he said he hadn't been slightly amused seeing her angry face for the first time. Just the thought made him chuckle a little to himself.

It was around 9:30 PM that the little petite blonde finally emerged from hiding. As she passed through the living room into the kitchen towards the fridge she said nothing to her banadaged friend; who was eyeing her warily from the couch. He made no move to say anything either. Though the silence agitated him. He didn't know what the hell to do so he kept his trap shut. It was tempting to harass her just to get a reaction, but he would probably end up regretting it.

Ray rummaged through the pantry, looking for something to satisfy this intense sweet tooth which seemed to come from nowhere. Sigh. Of course the only thing she can find is a box of brownie mix...which is on the top shelf entirely out of her reach. If she wanted her sweets she was going to have to ask for help. Which meant apologizing. She wasn't really mad anymore, just didn't want to be the first to break the silence. He had been the idiot earlier, she had a right to be annoyed. Her thoughts didn't really make sense. Did periods really affect her mind that much? She sighed aloud, debating….should she continue to nurse hormone driven pride? Or get her sweets?

Zack was laying on his back on the couch his arms crossed overhead behind his nape. Ray walked around the couch standing in front of him with her head down so her eyes hid behind her bangs. He kept his focus on the television. Damn it could be a pain. He actually had to stop and think about his words since he actually CARED how they might effect the little blonde in front of him. Because she meant so much to him. To his great surprise small weight suddenly occupied his lap.

"HEY! What the hell Ray?"

She was straddling him head still lowered. His skin was hot with embarrassment Yet he couldn't seem to bring himself to remove her. Ah shit….not now...She slowly looked up locking her gaze with his her hands clasped together. That same face and motion she would make every time she asked that freaking question. Shit I don't wanna deal with this 'please kill me' crap right now.

"Ray…."

"Zack….I'm sorry I snapped at you."

Well that was unexpected.

"I...uhh..it's okay Ray, I was being an asshole too." he placed his hands over hers and gave them a squeeze to reassure her. She lit up a little looking relieved.

"Its okay...also…"

Ah shit nevermind here comes the request he has heard ten thousand times.

"Zack... I want some fucking brownies...but they are on the top shelf...and I can't reach." Sapphire orbs bore pleading into his mismatched eyes.

Damn that was cute. He blinked. She cursed. Rachel Gardner just cursed and it was freaking adorable.

"Ray...you cursed!" Zack burst out laughing it had sounded so unnatural coming from her that it was funny. Her expression lightened a little into a small smile. He ruffled her hair. "But sure whatever the princess wants. Ya need ta get off me first though. The position your in is freakin' weird."

"Oh." It didn't seem to click with Ray why it might be weird. She had only done it to ensure she had his all of his attention. Rachel merely apologized, hopped off and followed Isaac to the kitchen. Eager to start prepping her sweets. "I guess sweets cravings is also a symptom."

"So next time you get all pissy just bring ya something sweet?"

The decadent aroma of brownies baking already permeated both of their nostrils; causing their mouths to water. They sat at the dining table while they waited for the sweets to finish baking.

"I guess you could try that. Errghh..." Ray clutched her stomach to endure another cramp. Sighing with relief once it passed she laid her head on top of her arms on the table.

"Damn...still hurts huh?" Zack pulled out the chair next to her and placed his hand on her lower back tracing circles with his hand. "That help?"

"Yeah it feels nice." She laid her head on the side so she could see his face. "Thank you Zack."

He averted his gaze but continued rubbing her lower back. "Yeah...no problem" it was the least he could do given the times she'd treated his wounds. Having someone around who cared, was something he'd not experienced since he had lived with that old man. It had really sucked when the old man died. However he felt closer to Ray than he did the old man. Her being gone, was painful to even imagine. Yet Zack had promised and he couldn't lie. Maybe he could negotiate a little.

"Ray...tell me, why do you still think you need to die? If you accepted yourself and God in no longer a factor...then why do you still want to die?" He couldn't keep that question to himself anymore. He needed an answer.

The oven timer went off before she could respond. " me get these out." She got searched for an oven mitt to retrieve her craving. She was going to try to dodge his question.

Ray didn't like thinking about it much less talking about it. She hated to recall the insanity within her. The greatest source of herself loathing. She grew up hated with little love. Especially not from the two people who were supposed to love her more than anyone else. No. They hadn't loved her they hated her. They told her so numerous times. She shouldn't be alive. She was insane.

"Ray...answer the damn question." Typical Ray...avoiding complicated questions. He knew she was uncomfortable speaking of anything that would remind her of her past. He felt the same in regards to himself yet after everything he felt he deserved an answer.

Sigh "Okay Zack." she pondered her thoughts while dipping up a serving for each of them.

"It's true I accept myself, you helped me do that. It doesn't change what I did though. It doesn't change what I can do. It doesn't change the fact that I have an insane side of myself. I accept it is there. But I don't want it, I don't want to worry about that other side. I don't want to snap again and wake up sewing something or someone together. That side of myself...it disgusts me. I am disgusted by myself and the things I did...even if i have accepted them."

So that was it...she was afraid of herself and was filled with self loathing. He wasn't sure why but it made him feel something...sad? Empathetic?

"But you have me now. I won't let ya snap, Rachel." Zack hardly ever used her real name. His eyes had a hint of desperation. "And if ya do...I'll be here to bring ya back to your senses just like before."

Rachel met his gaze, swallowing a chunk of brownie before answering. "Zack...are you saying...that you no longer desire my death?" Her expression was unreadable.

The bandaged man was selective with his words his eyes never leaving hers, "I desire to hold your life in my hands. When the day comes...it will be me who ends your life Ray. But...for now...I desire to have you in life. It's been...nice havin' ya around. I don't want to be alone again Ray. I want to have ya around for a long while…"

There he did it...voicing his feelings into words was difficult but he did it. He'd thought long and hard on how to convey what he felt through his words.

Rays eyes filled with tears her chest was warm. "Do you really mean that?"

Zack smiled pulling the young girl into an embrace. "C'mon Ray...you know me I don't lie."

"What if...i snap and you can't bring me back?" her question was serious.

"I'll bring ya back...I promise." he rested his chin on her blonde head while one hand stroked her hair. "Just..for now...please don't ask me to kill you just yet. For now just live Ray, ...okay?"

His soft voice and unexpected words made her throat tighten, her heart felt warm. A warmth she never had a taste of before knowing him. Maybe she could try...a little longer.

"Okay...I'll try my best to live for you, Zack."

"Good girl."

The following day had Rachel feeling much better not only physically but emotionally as well. It would take time to completely let go of her desire for death. However being desired in life...having Zack desire to have her alive held a lot more weight than she would suspect it to.

"Zack do you know how to drive?" she might have a solution that didn't involve them walking 1800 miles across the country. She doubted he would know though. Luckily the home had a computer and she was able to print out a map with a route to get back. If they had to walk so be it.

"Uhhh, kinda. Might've tried it a few times." he sat next to her on the couch.

"I figured as much...well I have the route mapped out. It will just take us a while to get back on foot. We could try sneaking rides again...but we could end up who knows where. My other thought was to get a vehicle...but sounds like that might not be a good idea.." She could probably pick up driving pretty quick but her size made her young age much too apparent.

"How far is it again?"

"Roughly 1800 miles." Ray sighed, it would be a long journey. Though it didn't seem they had much choice.

"Shit...thats far...but...we can't stay here gonna have to take off eventually." He was right, the time they had now was a luxury they would seldom receive. Their life was to constantly be on the move.

Ray hoped it wouldn't be forever. Finding Gray could turn out to be a mistake. She knew that, but she doubted he would do them any harm...what if he had a way to help them? It was a chance she was willing to take. If it didn't work out...well they would cross that bridge when they came to it.

Deep in thoughts and fantasies of being able to finally have a place they could call home, she removed their clean clothes from the dryer and proceeded with what had been a daily ritual since their stay. She cleaned every room and kept all their things packed into the backpack. Leaving the home how it was when they came in...well minus a few food items and maybe 1 or 2 extra trash bags in the trash can that weren't there before. They needed to be ready to leave at a moments notice in case something happened.

If she trusted Zack with driving...getting a vehicle would help a lot. They would have to save a lot of cash though in order to buy from an individual seller. That would take a while. Figuring out license plating was a whole different issue. Not to mention given Zack's destructive tendencies it would probably end up be a bad idea. Not to mention if they got pulled over they would really be in some big trouble.

A sharp knock on the front door snapped her from her thoughts. Zack could be heard cursing in the living room. Quickly grabbing her bag, Ray met up with the bandaged man who was now gripping his scythe. She motioned for him to stay as she quietly tiptoed to the door to look out the little peep hole. Thank goodness there was no windows around the front door.

On the other side was a middle aged brunette, he was finely dressed in a long grey suit jacket, carrying a black suitcase. Something about the guy rubbed her the wrong way.

He knocked once more, calling out, "I know you're in there..I just want to talk..."

Ray's heart was pounding….she didn't know who this man was and she didn't want to find out. She wouldn't let him take her or Zack.

"We need to leave out the back and get to the woods quickly. I don't think killing him here would be wise…" she whispered to her partner, who was scowling. He would have preferred to slice the guys head off, but she was right it wouldn't do to kill him here.

Zack took the backpack and his weapon since he could carry the extra weight with no trouble. The duo pulled on their shoes quietly exiting through the back running as fast as their legs could carry them into the woods.

Rachel was a bit sad that they had to leave so soon, she had enjoyed staying in that house.

It wasn't long till her legs were burning, luckily it didn't seem like that guy had followed them. They would probably be camping out in the middle of the woods tonight...they could hardly see where they were. Nothing but trees surrounded them. They would need to wait til daybreak to relocate themselves.

"Zack I can't run anymore."

Her legs felt like jello, gasping for air she hunched over; her hands on her thighs.

"Alright...we should be far enough now. Shit I can hardly see."

Ray's small hand brushed his arm trying to slide the backpack off his shoulder. He could barely see her rummaging through to pull out a small lantern which she turned on. They were in a small clearing,in the woods..traffic could be heard nearby though they couldn't see the road.

"Who was that guy? Police?".

Rachel used the lanturn so she could see to gather stones, wood and clear a little spot for a campfire...though less wary than before, even the little flame Ray assured Zack was safe caused some apprehension for her companion.

"I'm not sure...I don't think he was a cop...he didn't look like someone like that..I don't know who he could be or how he could have known we were in there."

The situation left both of them highly unsettled. They hadn't left the house at all, it was unlikely that a neighbor or passerby saw them. Though it was possible.

Who was that man. She hoped they would never find out.

Ray was glad she had thought to shove a couple water bottles and snacks into the backpack.

They ate in silence, Ray plopped down on the ground. Zack paced back and forth; his weapon slung over his shoulder, a habit she had observed since their time in the murder tower. Anytime he was agitated and on edge he would pace like this.

"FUCK! Should've let me cut the guy so we wouldn't be worrying about the bastard." his blade slung down breaking the soft ground in front of him.

"But then we would be worrying about more than just him...if he follows us out here then go for it…"

It was beginning to warm up during the day; however the nights were still pretty cold. She'd forgotten how cold it got out here. Reaching into the bag once more she pulled out her hoodie.

Zack sat down against a tree behind her, a surprised squeak escaped her lips as he had pulled her back up against him. "Zack?"

"Yer cold right...figured this would be warmer and more comfortable for you. Try to get some rest." He leaned his head back, already missing the soft bed. He'd be alright though he was used to this…

"Th-thank you. But what about you?" She leaned back so she could look at him.

He smiled a little ruffling her hair.

"Just worry about your own damn self...I'll be fine."

She was unconvinced, no way was that tree comfortable. She was really tired though. Sighing she leaned into his chest, taking in the warmth. He was pretty comfortable. It didn't take her long to drift off.

Zack had decided to stay up most of the night to keep watch wanting to sure they hadn't been followed. In a way he hoped that asshole had been dumb enough to follow. His body wouldn't be found way out here.

The man in the long grey coat sank into the seat of his black charger, with a heavy sigh he pulled out his phone dialing a sequence of numbers.

"Hello?" the other end of the line was answered by a male voice.

"Hey, it's me. sorry to bother you so late." He was exhausted, it'd been a long trip. He'd gotten so close only to have the serial killer and missing girl slip right through his fingers. Unfortunately busting the door down would not have been an option in this case.

"Were you successful in your search for Isaac Foster and Ms. Gardner?" the voice was hopeful.

"I tracked them to a house on the other side of the country. Looks like they were squatting here for a little while...when I knocked on the door they must've fled out the back. I have a tracker on them in the woods. Should I pursue them sir?"

"I think that would be unwise, if they suspect you may be following them Isaac will strike you down without hesitation. I would imagine the girl to be the easier of the two to try to interact with...wait for them to emerge in a more public location."

"Understood. Any other suggestions? Only one we have a tracker for is Isaac."

"That shouldn't be a problem, where ever Isaac Foster is..I am certain you will find the girl. Keep watch I am sure an opportunity will arise to confront her alone. And ..do be careful."

"Yes, sir. I'll do all I can to bring them to you." the brunette thumbed over the end call button.

This was going to be a pain in the ass. He owed the man a favor though and he would make sure he delivered. Why he had such interest in a missing girl and wanted serial killer was beyond him. Wasn't his place to ask questions.

Thumbing through his apps he clicked one that was tracking his targets. Looked like they had gone pretty deep into the woods.

"Guess I'll just have to bide my time for now." Placing the device in his pocket, the man sighed, cranked the key and was off to find a decent place to turn in for the night.

Ray woke up with a weight atop of her head. Zack had slumped forward in his sleep into an awkward position. His arms hung at his side, head awkwardly laid on her crown. His neck was probably going to hurt when he woke up and she couldn't exactly move with him like that. As gently as she could she readjusted him against the tree into what would hopefully be a slightly more comfortable felt a tad guilty that he had sacrificed his comfort for her own. Though it was greatly appreciated.

Standing up brushing any dirty from herself, Rachel took apart the firepit. It was important to leave as little trace of their presence as possible.

It was already starting to warm up; which wouldn't be much of an issue for Ray, but she wondered how Zack would do. She had a hard time seeing him in anything more warm weather friendly. Shrugging off her sweater and shoving it into the backpack she checked their food inventory...chips, a handful of protein bars and 3 bottles of water. Gonna have to restock soon.

"Arrrgh! Shit…" her attention shifted to a grumpy sounding Zack. Judging from the way he massaged his at his neck she had been correct about him being sore.

" I knew it was a bad idea for you to sleep like that."

"Shut up! What we got to eat?" he glanced sleepily at her from the corner of his amber eye.

Ray dug into the bag and tossed him some chips and a protein bar. He ripped into the chips first of course.

Staring at her own pitiful breakfast, Ray couldn't help feeling a little down. She really enjoyed the extra time they had at that house. She hated that their little break had to be cut short. Even if it wasn't really theirs it was nice to have a small taste of what life would be like for them if they had their own place.

She would do anything to stay with Zack even if it meant being on the run the rest of her life. However there would always be that part of her that would like to have a place to call home.

"Ya okay Ray?"

"It's nothing important...are you ready to get moving?" Ray rummaged through her pockets for the piece of paper that would lead hopefully lead them to Abraham Gray. Oh no. It wasn't there. Next she dug through every nook and cranny of her bag.

Zack was watching her feeling a tad worried. "What's wrong? Still planning on finding the old man right?"

Ray met his gaze "That was the plan...but I think the map I printed out fell out of my pocket…."

"So? Can't ya just get another one."

"Yeah but we'd have to find a place with internet access and a printer. I can hear the highway, so it must be close...we can probably just follow it into the main city." It would probably be easier to find something like a library there.

"Alright... let's get going then."

The pair arrived into the city limits late at night. Seemed that luck was on their side tonight. Something must have happened, the blare of police other emergency vehicle sirens rang throughout the streets. They all seemed headed in the same direction. Smoke could be seen in the distance.

"Fire..."

The smell of a burning building in the distance wafted in the wind along with a sense of dread. That scent brought back way too many negative memories for Zack. It still made his knees a little weak.

Feeling some warmth envelop his bandaged hand, he looked down into a pair of ocean colored eyes. The same look of sympathy and understanding she'd given him over a year ago. Ray squeezed his hand. That face always confused him as emotions of irritation and appreciation warred with one another.

"Its okay Zack. We will stay away from it. At least this way most people will be too distracted to notice us. We should find a place to sleep. I think I saw an abandoned building back down that alleyway."

She tugged him down into the dimly lit alleyway towards what was probably once an office building. Most of the windows on the lower level had been vandalized.

"You can wait here. Okay?"

Ray motioned to an old sofa that someone had probably shoved in here at some point. Zack whirled on her.

"Hah? Where are you gonna go? You can't just wander around out there on your own dumbass."

The alleyways were no place for someone like her to go wandering around in the dead of night.

They had taken fairly safe routes to get where they were before. As such Rachel was still a bit oblivious to the dangers of the back alleyways.

"I was just going to go to that 24 hour convenience store a couple of blocks down. We need more food and supplies."

"Okay? So why do you have to go by yourself?"

Ray pointed to his scythe.

"Tch. I'll just hide it back here…"

There was a pile of discarded boxes and trash in the corner, it was a decent enough hiding place for Zack's weapon. He did still have the knife after all. He wasn't going to let her wander out there alone. Especially with all the commotion from the fire. There would probably be others who would take advantage of the situation.

Ray nodded, throwing her hair up into a bun and pulling her hood over her face, the pair walked down the alley and headed towards the store to restock on needed supplies.

Food, water and a couple rolls of bandages and they were set to go. As suspected no one paid them much attention. They were too busy discussing the apartment building that had gone up in flames.

Sensing Zack still was a bit uneasy Rachel grasped his hand once to soothe his nerves. The serial killer glanced down at their joined hands but didn't comment. It would be easier to stick together this way.

The alleyways were dark, only a single street lamp for a source of light. Zacks instincts told him they were being watched. He paused causing Rachel to look up at him quizzically. Releasing her hand the murderer withdrew the knife from his boot.

"Za-" a bandaged hand covered her mouth pulling her against him.

Isaac bent to her level so only she could hear him.

"We got company...stay behind me, soon as you get a chance make a run for it and hide. I'll take care of it." he said with a grin spreading across his face, a red gleam lighting mismatched orbs.

There were several pairs of footsteps in the darkness. Ray obeyed Zack's order to stand behind him.

Seven male figures became visible under the dimly lit alley. Given their matching black clothes and masks it must have been a gang that occupied the area. Zack crouched ready to wet his knife; genuinely looking forward to the fight that was about to happen.

"Looky what we got here! A freak and a pretty little girl." The largest of the seven brandished a club with nails protruding around the head. "I'll tell you what freak. You just hand over your little girlfriend and we'll let ya go without a fuss."

Zack bristled a little at the word freak, but sensing their obvious intentions of what they wanted to do to Rachel just made his blood boil. Laughing maniacally the killer inside finally about to be set free he pointed his knife at the ringleader.

"Man your an idiot. Ya think I'm a coward little shit? No deal."

He grinned stepping into the light his bandaged features now visible from under his dark hood.

One of the group members released a gasp of recognition.

"Wa-wait. Your that killer….the one that escaped a max security prison!" The revelation caused the group to shuffle.

The leader however still was not deterred. "So what? There's one of him and seven of us. Bash that monster's head in and take the girl. I'm sure we'd get a good price for that one."

So they were human traffickers?

"You take little girls and sell them as fuck buddies, and you call me a monster?" The serial killers expression changed to one of pure disdain. Sure he was a murderer but even he had standards.

"Shut up! Who are you to judge us...after all isn't that what you've been using her for all a lo-" the speaker's voice was cut off by a gurgling sound.

The knife had slashed his throat so fast no one had time to react. Rachel took advantage of the confusion and took off so she wouldn't get in Zack's way. Isaac's laughter accompanied with the screams of fear and agony sent shivers down her spine.

As the sound of the commotion grew fainter she realized there was just one problem, she couldn't remember how to get to their little hideaway for the night. Although her eyes had adjusted to the darkness it still wasn't enough to see.

Zack was thoroughly enjoying himself. The first strike had been out of rage over a false accusation. But soon as the remaining six stood there astonished by his inhuman speed, the bloodlust that had been held back so long overtook him. In a haze of red he watched their faces turn to despair.

The leader gained his composure enough to swing at his enemies head, Zack ducked to the left and the blow came down on one of his dumbstruck companions. The nails sinking his to his skull he probably died instantly.

One quick stab to the stomach had the leader on his knees. Laughing the hooded killer retreated in an out of the shadows making quick slices here and there at the remaining five. He was toying with them. Not one was without injury. Some had knives others had clubs. It made no difference, their assailant was too quick and they never saw him coming.

One slash down the middle and a stab to the back of another's skull. Two of the three remaining tried to make a run for it only to get run down and butchered like animals.

Only one remained...barely alive and bleeding from his gut. His eyes wide in fear staring at the red glare and evil grin above him.

His voice trembled "Y-You really are...a m-monster!"

Still grinning the killer violently grasped the gang leader by the hair, blood splattered the ground and walls. The victims body fell to the ground; his head was punted with a crash at a nearby dumpster.

Rachel was lost, everything looked the same. Recalling times her and Zack took cover from the police a top one of the buildings she scanned her surroundings for a hidden ladder. Maybe she could gather herself on top of one of these buildings.

Even at the top of a building she still couldn't seem to figure out where she needed go. She had no weapon either if she were to run into any trouble.

"ZACK!"

Hopefully he would be able to hear her…footsteps behind filled her with short lived relief.

"There you-...you again?"

Ray's heart sunk in her chest. For the first time in a long time she felt fear.

The man in the gray coat stood before her; his hands tucked into his pockets. A victorious smile spreading across his face.

"Hello...Rachel Gardner…"