"How long do you think he will be out for?" Rebecca asked, peeking around Riza to look at the man she carried in her arms. Roy was out of it, completely spent after his morning of running around the forest. Both women had kept a close eye on him, keeping him out of trouble. Luckily he didn't stray too close to the populated areas and they didn't run into any campers or early morning hikers.

"Probably an hour or two."

"So what's the game plan?"

"I'll knock on the door and pass him over to his aunt. I'll tell her we found him asleep in the forest."

"I know that technically it is the truth, but it hardly seems plausible."

"I don't have any better ideas."

Rebecca was silent as she thought. "Knock on the door and run?"

"Becca," Riza warned. She hadn't minded the jokes too much when Roy was simply an asshole and didn't deserve their help. But he was one of them now and he would need help.

"Right, sorry," she replied sheepishly. Casting her eyes downwards, they continued to walk in silence.

Riza racked her brain to try and come up with any idea that was better than her current one, but found nothing. However, when they reached the treeline in front of Roy's house and Riza saw the activity outside, she was inspired.

"Play along," she whispered to Rebecca, who nodded in reply. Riza took a deep breath before heading out of the trees.

"Oh God, someone help!" she cried desperately, walking quickly towards the people gathered in front of the house. "Someone help him!" Everyone whipped around and some broke into a run towards them.

"Roy!" someone cried. It was Roy's friend from yesterday. His eyes were wide with panic. "What happened to him?"

"I don't know," Riza stuttered, seemingly distraught. "I got up this morning to use the bathroom and he was a few metres away from out tent."

"Where are you camping?" a blonde haired man asked. He too looked extremely concerned for Roy.

Noticing Riza's moment of hesitation, Rebecca stepped in. "We are near Maker's Trail."

"Get him inside!" his dark haired friend ordered, taking him from Riza's arms. "He's burning up!"

Riza watched as Roy was carried away inside. He didn't deserve to go through this. None of them did. Both women shared a look before slipping away back into the forest. Everyone was too focussed on Roy to notice them leaving. It was hard for Riza to leave him, but she needed to for now. This was not the end. They would meet again.

"What do we do now?" Rebecca asked, slowing to a walk to match Riza's pace. Rebecca knew Riza wanted to get back to the house quickly. The quicker they were out of sight, the better.

"We wait for him to remember and try and seek us out. He knows where we are staying. The doctor, if they get one, while diagnose it as a strong fever and a bout of sleep walking. Because the fever was so strong his subconscious made him leave the house and into the night air to cool down." Riza opened the door of the cabin and held it open for Rebecca to pass through.

"Thanks."

"He won't change again until he wills it, but it will be like the first. Although, he will have some control next time. Not a lot, but enough to keep him grounded, like we are now."

"I remember that first change," Rebecca shuddered.

"I'm sorry Becca," Riza replied sadly. It was her father that had caused this. They were all in this mess because of him.

"Hey," Rebecca soothed. She placed her arm around Riza's shoulder, pulling her close. "It is not your fault." She stressed every word. "I don't know how many times I have to say it before you believe me. It was you dad, not you."

"I swear, if I ever meet him again I will rip out his throat," Riza growled.

The brunette paused, taking in her friend's expression. Just ny looking at Riza's face, she knew the blonde was serious.

"And I will be right beside you." Riza smiled at that. She could always count on Rebecca for support. "Listen, I don't regret it. This power has its perks," she grinned. Riza nodded. The increased strength and speed was nice. They didn't really feel the cold anymore. All their senses had been enhanced enormously. From the outside there was no real disadvantage to this. But for Riza and Rebecca, now Roy as well, they would never have a normal life again.

Riza and Rebecca knew there were other packs in the world. Some would welcome them, some would kill them if they were viewed as a threat, or even if they ventured into their territory. Vampires could also kill them easily, but both species didn't interact very often. The witches kept to themselves too. Then there were the Hunters, those who hunted down supernatural beings. When Riza first ran into them she thought it was incredibly cliché. However, the more she thought about it, the more she understood their motive. Humans were no longer at the top of the food chain and there were a few crazy sons of bitches who didn't like it. It didn't excuse their behaviour, but it made sense.

In that moment in time, Riza felt lost. She had come here to help Roy, since, thanks to her father, he was now one of them. But from his attitude towards her yesterday and during his change she didn't think he would want her help. Riza had tried to approach him after he'd changed. She had done so slowly, hoping he would recognise her like Rebecca had. He sniffed her outstretched hand then moved his head away, satisfied she wasn't a threat. However, just as she was about to touch his fur, Roy snapped. He lashed out, snapping his jaws. Riza jumped back, changing in an instant, towering over his smaller form.

In the beginning, the wolf form is smaller, at about half the size of someone who has been a werewolf for an extended period of time. Still larger than a normal wolf, but not by much. After about a month the wolf form is fully grown. They towered over man at around two metres tall. Riza towered over him, staring him down. Roy's wolf recognised the show of power and submitted, lowering his head to the ground and whining. There had been no more problems after that, Riza was after all the alpha of her small pack. Not that she particularly wanted to be, but she had been a werewolf the longest. But Riza couldn't shake the feeling that once he found out the truth he would turn his back on her.

That was what she feared above all. Someone else turning her back on her.

"I'm going for a run," Riza announced suddenly, heading straight for the door. She needed to get out. She needed to escape for a while, and being a wolf was the best way to do that. It was the truest form of freedom, she often thought.

"Riza, wait…" Rebecca tried to stop her, but felt the shift in Riza' mood. Anyway, Riza was out the door before she finished her sentence. Rebecca heard the tell-tale crack and the thump of paws hitting the ground. Sighing, she stood and closed the door behind her old friend. There was no use in following Riza. Rebecca knew she had been thinking too much, blaming herself for this happening to the three of them. She needed a moment to escape, and, after everything Riza had done for her, Rebecca was more than willing to give it to her.

Riza raced through the forest, enjoying the feeling of the wind whipping at her fur. She didn't pay much attention to where she was going, she simply enjoyed her run. She enjoyed the freedom of it. She could go anywhere she wanted to right now. The mountains to the north sounded appealing, but she couldn't stray too far. She needed to be nearby in case Rebecca called her, or Roy needed help.

Roy…

Her thoughts turned to him again. She remembered the smiling young man she had first met. The one who always said hello and chatted to her briefly when he could. They had never known each other well, but he had always felt like a friend to Riza. She didn't have much when she was younger. She had been too preoccupied with keeping herself alive than got out and play with the other neighbourhood kids.

He was kind, sweet, and had a lovely laugh. That's what Riza remembered the most. When he had spoken to her, she no longer felt invisible. He had done so much for her, yet didn't even know it. She had had a crush on him when she was younger. Her naïve self had fallen for his charm and easy smile. When he left for good she had felt crushed. Again, being too immature to realise he would never have been there long term anyway. He was receiving extra tutoring, just enough to earn him a passing grade in one of his subjects. Once that had been achieved there was no need for him to return. Riza didn't even know which subject it was. Now she realised she had been a foolish child. Looking back she was embarrassed. She had been so desperate for human contact of any kind that she had latched on to the first person who showed her kindness. It hadn't been healthy.

The day he left was the day she met Rebecca, so she was somewhat thankful for the series of events.

When she saw him again yesterday her heart had skipped a beat. It was as if she was seeing a ghost from her past. As she took in his handsome features her breath had caught. He was extremely attractive and Riza felt all those feelings return to her after so many years. It was childish, she knew, but had no control over it. This infuriated her.

Then he opened his mouth.

To say Riza had been disappointed was an understatement. Where was the kind boy she had met growing up? Luckily Rebecca had taken the helm and Riza used that as a distraction to dismiss her feelings. There was no use dwelling on them anyway. Nothing would ever happen between them. If all went as expected both she and Rebecca would be on their way again before Christmas. It didn't seem like Roy would be thrilled to hear the truth. They would help him enough so he wouldn't kill anyone after he changed, then they would go. It would be up to him if he ever wanted to change again.

Riza snorted, shaking off the feelings which had begun to fester inside her. She jumped up onto a large boulder which stood atop the mountain she had been climbing. Breathing heavily, enjoying the feeling of exertion, she gazed out at the scenery before her. She spotted the hotel in the distance, bustling with activity. She spotted a number of hikers trekking through the trees on the mountain opposite her. This side of the valley was quiet. There were no trails here, which Riza and Rebecca were thankful for. It allowed them a small bit of freedom to roam.

Turning her gaze reluctantly towards the house she noticed a group of men standing outside the house. One was pacing while another was sitting on a bench, his posture suggesting he was lost in thought. One leant against a wall next to the door. She guessed Roy hadn't woken up yet.

When he did wake up, something would have to trigger his memories before he fully remembered what he was. Until then, he would accept he had been sleep walking and had a fever. With his memories returned, he wouldn't have any problems until he tried to change again. The first change is the worst. You have no recollection of what happened unless, somehow, some outside force was able to reach your humanity.

Riza had no recollection of what had happened the night she turned. All she remembered was blood. Lots of it. It both terrified and haunted her. Had she hurt someone? Had it been an animal? Had it been her own? She was too scared to research anything that had happened that night. She knew she would have to own up to it eventually, but now was not the time, she kept telling herself. Yeah, now will never be the time. That detail was the one she had left out from telling Rebecca. It was her burden to bear and no one else's.

She had managed to reach through to Rebecca's humanity. That had happened while Rebecca was still in university. Riza had recently left, too afraid to stay any longer in case anyone found her out or she hurt somebody. She had no idea if or how she could control becoming a werewolf. She had been one for about a month at this point. So she had sought out her closest friend. Riza told Rebecca everything. Of course, she didn't believe her at first. Hell, Riza could barely believe it herself. But after Riza showed her, Rebecca swore she would help. Not even three days after Riza had shown up, Rebecca changed.

"R – Rebecca," Riza stuttered as her friend doubled over, holding her stomach. "What's wrong?" she asked, fearing the worst. Had he got to her too? No, no, no! This can't be happening!

"I really don't feel well," Rebecca groaned loudly. Riza checked her temperature, pressing the back of her hand softly to her forehead. Rebecca yelped at the contact.

"Sorry! Oh my God Becca, I – I think you are changing as well," Riza told her in horror.

Rebecca's eye widened in fear. She opened her mouth but instead of words coming out, which was intended, another groan escaped her.

"We need to go. Now!" Riza panicked, searching the busy area of campus. They needed to get somewhere secluded. Somewhere away from all these people! Riza didn't want to think what would happen if Rebecca changed here. She didn't remember much from her changing, but she remembered the momentary bloodlust before she blacked out.

Rebecca cried out in pain as Riza grabbed her wrist. "Sorry!" she called, anguished, but kept a tight hold on her. Riza had to practically drag the other woman along the path towards the trees. People shot her looks, some odd, some concerned, but no one made a move to help. Thank God, Riza thought to herself. That is not a problem I need right now.

They broke the treeline just in time. Riza dragged Rebecca along before losing her footing on a sudden drop in the ground. Riza shouted as she fell, not expecting the ground to open up. She hit the floor hard, tumbling down the hill. Bracing herself, she gritted her teeth and closed her eyes. When Riza finally came to a stop she expected to feel pain, but there was only a dull ache in her wrist from where she had thrown her arm out to try and stop herself from falling. She felt… fine.

"Becca," she whispered. Sitting up, she looked around her surroundings, her heart sinking as she found a huge brown wolf looming over her. Its golden eyes searched her face and Riza was frozen in fear. She was too scared to even think about how she could simply change as well and protect herself.

Riza whimpered in fear as the beast edged closer to her face, sniffing it thoroughly. She expected Rebecca to bite her head off, but instead she simply sat on her hind legs and watched Riza.

Opening one eye slowly, she looked towards the brown wolf. For the second time in a matter of seconds she had expected pain, but hadn't found it. Rebecca simply looked at her expectantly.

"Becca?" Riza asked cautiously. Rebecca shifted and dipped her head. "You can hear me?" Riza asked, wonder creeping in her voice. Rebecca dipped her head again. She stood and slowly made her way over to Riza, trying not to frighten her. Wrapping her wolf form around her friend, Rebecca sat down. Riza was instantly shrouded in warmth. It warmed her heart and tears sprung to her eyes. Even now, Rebecca was able to find her way through the haze of an animal's emotions and instincts and find Riza. She had no idea how Rebecca had done it.

Riza Hawkeye turned, burying her face in Rebecca's fur and cried, griping it tightly in her hands. Rebecca whined in response, placing her head over Riza's shoulder and onto her back in comfort. The pair remained there until Rebecca changed back.

The pair of them had been inseparable ever since.

Rebecca had told Riza that the instant before she changed she remembered seeing Riza fall. Once she was a wolf, she had searched for her friend, finding her at the bottom of the small ravine. There was no question of what she needed to do. There had been a pull for her to leave Riza and run as far as she could. But she stopped herself. Her friend needed her and she had answered the call.

Riza had been running for over an hour now. Her lungs burned from exertion while her legs quivered with fatigue. It had helped though. Her mind felt clearer. She had spent time to actually think for once, rather than brushing it off to deal with later, and then never doing so. She wasn't sure how to feel. Her mind was a mixture of emotions.

She was scared. Scared of both Rebecca and Roy turning their backs on her, stemming from her father doing the same. Riza knew it was unlikely Rebecca would, but she couldn't shake the doubt. After all, it was because of Riza that they were both in this mess. Her close proximity activated their mutation, causing their wolf forms to awaken inside them.

She was determined. Determined to make things right with the two of them. She would help to the best of her ability and hopefully that would be enough.

She was content. Content with her current situation. She did feel happy in her wolf worm, despite the burden she had to bear. It made her feel free. Her father had condemned her to this existence, but she had found the freedom in it. In a way, she felt free from him. The pain of betrayal still sat in the back of her mind though, niggling away at her sanity, but she chose the happiness for once in her life, rather than wallow in pity.

Huffing loudly, she sat and gazed out across the forest. There was nothing but trees in front of her. The expanse of golds, browns, and greens called to her. Something within her longed to go out there and experience it all… But the threat of discovery jolted her back into reality. There was no way people would openly accept what she had become. The Hunters were proof enough of that. They would cower in fear. There would be a witch hunt for the beast terrorising the forest, even though she had harmed no one.

Riza's breath puffed out in front of her, swirling in the cold autumn air. Letting out a loud sigh, she stood, casting one longing glance back towards the sea of trees. She headed back down the mountain.