Here we go with chapter three. It's a chapter with the last time Jack's going to have contact with the outside world until the games are done, and you'll hear about something and someone you might not have really expected to be involved.

Anyway, I hope you guys enjoy and feel free to leave a review down below telling me how you think I'm doing so far. Also you can make any comments on things I missed or could be changed (without altering the story though of course. I have way too much planned out to change it now).

Chapter Three: Mon Fils

Jack awoke to the now normal sounds of the base. He had always been an early riser, which seemed to surprise the rest of the team. The only people ever awake before him were Zane, who rose at the crack of dawn, Ludwig and Deil if they were working on something, and Travish who almost never seemed to sleep. The constant sounds of explosion and drunk laughter that seemed to the come out of his room no longer made any of them jump in surprise.

It had been about four days, a lot longer than usual for the start of the games, and this base that was built for teams of upwards of fifty to sixty seemed oddly lonely with only nine people in it. And Jack couldn't help but admit to himself that he was scared and homesick. He couldn't help but wonder what his family was going through right now, what his friends were thinking.

Slowly Jack swung his legs off the bed and ran his hand through his hair, letting a soft sigh escape his lips. He knew he couldn't go back, and dwelling on it wasn't going to help anything. He was also pretty sure the others kind of babied him a bit, or at least felt sorry for him. He didn't really want their pity, but he appreciated that they were getting along and at least trying to help him and each other. It gave them just a little bit more of a chance then.

He quickly got ready for the day, taking extra time to shower and clean up, then dressing in a simple black t-shirt and blue jeans. Today was the first day they'd be televising them, and they wanted them to look good. Once they figured out what class they were going to put them into the crews would dress them accordingly and give them one of the weapons they'd be using in the field. All of their weapons this year had been built by Deil, which was completely fine and followed the rules as long as they fit within certain perimeters.

After that the team of nine, whose full number hadn't been released to the public yet, would be revealed on television. They would film them and then send them back to watch their first appearance on television. The whole thing was fabricated and made to look flashy and fun, but it didn't disguise the fact that they'd be dying soon.

Zane had been drilling them all for these last few days, making sure they at least knew how to shoot a gun. Apparently Jack was a fast learner, and unlike other kids with no experience before him he'd at least had a chance to survive now that he could shoot a gun. He knew his family would be worried sick because of that. Sometimes the difference between life and death was a melee weapon. Others it was a bullet. It was best to know how to use both in the games.

Jack knew though that though today would be hard, tomorrow would be the real test of their endurance. Tomorrow was the first task, the first day of the games. They would only be facing one task a day, but the thought of the unknown and all the things that could happen, all the horrible ways they could invent his bloody death, was terrifying. That's what he knew would be the hardest part for his family. Seeing him smiling, even if it was fake, then to see him die the next day.

Jack knew though that worrying about it wasn't going to change his fate, or the fact that he was stuck here and there was no backing out now. He took a deep breath and then turned and left the small room. The others were on the same hall as him, and he looked up and down the hall. All the doors were closed, but he wondered if there was anyone who hadn't been able to sleep last night, thinking about the fact that it could be one of their last.

Ludwig went rushing past him suddenly, his nose buried in a blueprint of some kind. He was heading towards Deil's room, where they were no doubt hard at work at some project. He heard him mutter a hello to him as he passed, but Jack just let him rush past. He seemed hard at work and honestly a little irritated with everything that was going on. Jack couldn't blame him, seeing how he was hard at work trying to keep them all alive.

He'd operated on all of them to this point, thought Jack had no idea what he'd done. He put them under and then put things in there so an invention of his would work. Jack was a little unease, wondering what the heck he had done and why it was needed.

He couldn't find any scars either, though his chest had hurt a bit. Eventually the pain had gone away, and they were all left wondering what he'd done. Now thought he seemed hard at work and needed something built.

It was probably the first time in a long time that Jack could say that the team for the games was actually pretty well built. He wasn't sure what class he could be, or what kind of help that he could be to the group, but it looked like the people running the games wanted to at least give them a chance to survive this time.

Maybe watching people lose wasn't good television anymore, and they needed someone to win? Even if that was the case, they weren't going to make it easy. They were on their own in the arena. But even with such a small team it was more well balanced than it had been in a long time. It gave Jack a little more hope for survival.

Jack turned and made his way towards the cafe where they had all their meals. Zane apparently liked to cook, if you could call what he made food. The only reason that Jack could force himself to eat it was because Ludwig said that it was actually quite healthy and could help them in the long run. It was a hard to stomach, especially after eating his mother's cooking for so long, but he couldn't exactly complain.

When he reached it he found Zane already sitting there. He looked incredibly nervous and seemed to be pacing across the floor. He looked up when he heard Jack come into the room and moved over to him. He looked him up and down with the same critical gaze that he seemed to give them all before giving them an earful during their training sessions. Jack had to admit that it was a teaching method that seemed to work well though. The man reached out and patted his shoulder with one hand, offering him a bit of a smile. It was the most affection he showed anyone.

"At-a boy," he said. "Up early. There's hope for you yet."

Jack knew it was his best way of assuring him that everything was going to be okay. He tried to be as fatherly as he could, but something about his time in the army seemed to have made him unsure how to talk to anyone but soldiers. Jack certainly wasn't a soldier and probably never would be one. Jack managed a small smile back and nodded.

"Once everyone's gathered we'll go over today's agenda," Zane told him, straightening up importantly as always. "Remember to give 'em a good show boy."

"I can do dat," Jack promised, giving him a mischievous smile.

They all had their little quirks that made living with them all interesting. Jack of course was a prankster and was always cracking lame jokes. Somehow it made everyone laugh. He couldn't help it though, it was one of the few things keeping him sane. Ludwig had a peculiar way of singing in German, and he could actually sing well. It was always quiet, but he was always smiling.

Zane had his agendas and kept everything moving on a schedule. Jack wasn't complaining though because somehow it kept him from dwelling on the fact that he could be dead this time tomorrow. Travish and his bombs of course kept everything lively, and his drunk ramblings could be funny. There were moments of clarity though that made Jack think that there was something more he was hiding. Maybe not bad, just something more.

Leander seemed to have a sense of humor and was cracking jokes almost as much as Jack did. He also spoke often in a calm voice, and though he was rather mysterious it was lost on no one that he seemed to have a special fondness for Jack, who was apparently a lot like his own son. Henry was rather quiet and seemed to keep to himself, but they quickly found out he had a fondness for anything cute. It probably had something to do with his daughter, but he really liked flowers especially. Deil on the other hand was usually pretty laid back and playing a small acoustic guitar he had found, singing in his southern accent which seemed to give the music some new sadness.

Maksim wasn't the brightest, but he seemed to love to laugh and was always helping everyone with any menial task he could. He appeared to understand them well but not be able to speak English very well, and he insisted on calling Jack "tiny baby man", which had pretty much become his pet name for him. Mun-Dee on the other hand seemed to like talking and holding conversation a lot, sometimes about nothing in particular. He could easily get riled and just as easily calm down, but there was a far more serious side to him as well, more focused.

He'd only been living with these guys for a little while, and he already felt like all of them were good friends he couldn't replace. Really, if they did survive, who would replace them? They were all stuck in this hell hole together, and if they did get out they would be the only ones who understood what was going on in their heads. Life here was crazy, but they were already just one big family. It was the only thing he was grateful to the games for, meeting these guys.

A groan from behind them announced that Mun-Dee had finally managed to drag himself out of bed. He looked as groggy as he usually did in the mornings as he flopped down on the bench and laid his head on the table. Jack could just assume he'd gotten enough sleep since he'd never seen him without enough sleep and couldn't tell.

Just behind him came Leander, who Jack was pretty sure could run on about two minutes of sleep and continue to act like a gentleman and well poised. There were times when Jack would hear a noise and peer out of his room carefully at night to see the spy already investigating it silently. Jack wasn't entirely sure he did sleep. The Frenchman sat down next to Mun-Dee and tapped his shoulder, getting little more than a groan from him. He lit a cigarette and took a long drag on it instead, looking up at the other two.

"Good morning," he said simply. Zane nodded to him.

Soon after this Travish came into the room, flopping down at the table and taking another swig from his bottle. He appeared no more sober than usual and smiled at them all and waved. Apparently the movement did little to disturb the Australian across the table, who didn't move. Henry followed close behind, as quiet as ever and simply sitting down pretty far from the others.

Maksim came lumbering in as always and sat down next to Henry, taking up the place where two others would have normally sat. He looked around the table quietly, seeming to eye them all as he did every morning. Jack had no idea what was going on in head. Zane looked over at Jack and motioned him to sit down. He went onto the same side of the table as Leander and Mun-Dee, sitting silently next to the Australian who was still out of it.

Now everyone was gathered here as usual in the morning except for Ludwig and Deil. Those two were usually never late, and everyone seemed to be looking around in some confusion for them and expecting to see them pop around a corner or something. Jack couldn't help but wonder what on Earth they were building that was so important.

After a few minutes Zane began pacing back and forth as they continued to wait. To their surprise, Mun-Dee was completely awake and blinking around the room before they arrived. Even he began to look around in surprise. Usually the meeting had already been started and Zane was shaking to wake him up before he was fully awake.

After a few more long minutes Ludwig and Deil both appeared suddenly. They appeared to be a little charred from something that had happened, and though they were late they were smiling widely. Zane however wasn't smiling as he turned to them and snarled. They all knew the drill sergeant was coming out now as he pointed at Mun-Dee.

"And just where have you two ladies been?" he demanded. "Mun-Dee was awake before the two of you got in here. We've been waiting for you two to get this meeting started."

"Sorry, sorry," Ludwig said, unable to contain his smile. "I vas having Deil here help me finish my newest creation. It vill help us on zhe battlefield. I am sure of zhat."

"Gotta admit," Deil said with just as big of a grin. "The doc's got a brilliant mind. It's amazing what he came up with."

Zane seemed to sit there for a long minute, grinding his teeth. Usually he'd never let people get away with being late or breaking any of the rather unspoken rules around here, and that would mean laps or cleaning duties which he would oversee. Again, no one really complained.

They didn't want to make this harder because of their actions, and it wasn't exactly that bad a thing to do any of those punishments really. Besides, they were all growing to be fast enough friends it hardly mattered. However considering what today marked the beginning of, he allowed it to pass this time with a warning. That's when everyone knew he was worried.

"Fine," he growled. "Take your seats ladies. We've got more important things to do than discuss your tardiness."

No one said anything as Ludwig and Deil silently took their places at the table next to Leander. There was a single seat left at the table on the other end of the same bench that Jack was sitting on where Zane would usually be occupying when they had their meals. Today though Zane didn't sit down and instead seemed to be looking them all over. Jack wasn't sure he'd be able to stomach anything this morning anyway. He was too nervous.

"All right ladies," Zane said, at last seeming to break the silence. "Today is a rather big day for all of us. Today's the day that the game makers decide our fates. Whatever skills you all have, put them out there on display today. If we're going to go down, we're going to go down fighting. We WILL NOT let them make fools of us in this battle. If they want television, then let's give 'em hell boys."

There was just a silent acceptance of this around the table. As much as they goofed off and pretended like they'd all just moved in together for some reason, they all knew what was really going on. They all knew that at any moment in the ring the people they'd gotten to know could die.

Jack could understand why people didn't make friends in the arena. It would hurt to much to see them dead. But at the same time, it was their only hope to survive. They were a weird group, a rag tag bunch of people with little in common that had just been thrown together to fight for their lives. But right now it was their only life line.

The people in charge of these games just liked good television, and they wanted to make sure that they got it. That meant they were going to make them pose and smile ridiculously, dress them up in red costumes, then release them to fight for survival in the games.

It didn't sit well with Jack, especially because he was being pranced around like a show pony before they released him into the woods to be torn apart by wolves for people's entertainment. Either way though, he knew there was little he could do but prance.

"Once we are classed," Zane continued. "I'll be breaking us up into groups and preparing general strategies for the battlefield. Things will change of course, but if we have some plan even if we don't know what we're up against we'll have a chance of surviving."

Everyone nodded. This was true. If they had basic pairings and ideas where they were going to go, as well as things they could do, it would be easier to keep alive on the battlefield. Even if they broke those to help someone else or move around the battlefield, some kind of plan was far better than none at all. Seeing them all in agreement, the soldier continued.

"Deil, Ludwig," he said. "I need you two to stay inside for maintenance and health issues. That's how it's usually been done anyway. Jack-"

"Nein," Ludwig interrupted the man. "I vill not be staying behind."

"I won't be either, partner," Deil added, both the Medic and the Engineer looking up at their surprised teammates.

"You're going to be a Battle Medic and Battle Engineer?" Zane asked. It was obvious about the team's confusion though. Engineers and Medics didn't generally like to go into battle, so they survived the longest. When they were the last team members remaining they'd join the battles. "So early on? But why? It's dangerous enough with so many of us out in the field, and if one of you dies we'll having issues."

"We already agreed to protect each other right?" Diel asked, looking up at everyone. "It's not that much different. Besides, I wouldn't feel right hidin'."

"Think of it zhis way," Ludwig added, pushing his glasses up his nose. "How vould you feel to leave your friends to do all zhe fighting, and see zhem come back hurt each time? I vill be coming out vith you. If ve're stuck here, ve are all in zhis together, ja?"

No one said anything for a moment, just looking at the two of them. None of them could say anything, and they could tell they wouldn't be dissuading them anyway. They could all understand what they were thinking, and they couldn't blame them.

They wanted to be helpful, and they felt like becoming Battle Medics and Battle Engineers could help. Besides, there wasn't much point in trying to say no. If they were going to die, it was better to get everyone out the gate in the beginning.

"Very well ladies," Zane said, though there seemed to be a new note of admiration in his voice for the two. "We'll all be going to the battlefield. That means everyone needs to watch everyone else's backs and keep to the plan as much as possible. EVERY skill we have is more crucial than ever now."

Everyone simply nodded in understanding, looking around the table at the strange RED Team that had been assembled here. Some of them, well they had no idea what they were going to be dealing with, but they were sure it was going to be a strange team in total.

Time was already ticking down towards the time of the first broadcast. Jack felt nervous again. What kind of class could he be possibly sorted into? He glanced towards Henry and saw that he was just as nervous about the same thing. Mun-Dee and Maksim looked confident. They obviously knew their own skills well and what class they'd be in though the rest of them really had no idea. Henry and Jack especially though were nervous.

"Lighten up, mate," Mun-Dee said as he laid a hand on Jack's shoulder. "It'll be al'righ'. We've got your back."

Jack managed a small smile and nodded, but he couldn't keep the fact that he was really nervous off his face. Even Travish put down his bottle for a minute as he looked up at Henry and Jack with the rest of them. What were you supposed to say now?

"No use frownin' lads," the Demoman chuckled. "Besi'es, you two will do fin'. You're brigh', we all kno' tha'. Jus' do your bes'." Everyone paused and blinked at the drunk Scotchman.

"Are you sure zhat you are drunk?" Leander asked the question they were all wondering.

"Yes, lad," the Scotchman said, giving him a cheeky grin with an odd glint in his eyes. "I am drunk. Bu' a good Scotchman kno's how to drink."

They all just kind of blinked at him again, guessing that he really had to be drunk. What were they supposed to think that sentence could even mean? Before any other conversation could be brought up though, a man in black came in with a bag. Everyone fell silent, some of them glaring at him, as he dropped a bag on the table and then left.

Maksim carefully stood and opened the top of the bag, peering down into it. None of them trusted these people or anything they brought to them. They were trying to kill them in the arena every day, so why should they trust them? The man just seemed confused for a while though.

"Is letters," he told them.

They all grew more nervous than if he would have told them he found a bomb in there. Only Travish didn't seem nervous, taking another swig from his bottle instead. They had almost forgotten. On the first day of the games the families and friends of all of the participating members could send them letters and small trinkets. It was the last contact they'd have with the outside world until they were released, either in victory or coffins. None of them were really looking forward to finding out what they'd find in those letters.

Henry stood and reached into the bag, pulling out the various letter that were in various languages and began handing them to people around the table. Jack weighed the large envelope in his hand, not really surprised that the one he'd gotten was so large. His family was huge, so he would probably see something from them. Then there were his friends and teachers, and maybe one or two other people. He was just a kid after all.

"All right boys," Zane said quietly. "To your rooms. No peeking in on other's private lives. We'll meet back here when its time to get sorted into our classes. Dismissed."

Everyone stood quietly, even Travish, and they all just silently returned to their rooms. The halls of the base were oddly dead now as everyone just walked back to the tiny sanctuary which protected any emotion they'd be showing now. Jack sat down on the edge of his bed then silently ripped open the letter and peered inside.

Most of the paper inside were short notes from his friends and teachers from school, just wishing him luck. No one seemed to have the heart to try and joke around or even write anything more than just that. It was like writing more would really make this be happening, like they'd really have to watch him struggle through these games. None of them knew he'd been giving some sort of training with weapons and could fight now.

He finally though found the longest letter, knowing it would be from his family. As he opened it, another piece of paper fell out into his lap, but he ignored it for now. Scanning down the letter he could see that his brothers hadn't seemed to have made themselves be able to write anything to him. He understood. They probably thought he hated them.

Jack,

I hope you're doing well. Just make sure you do your best for us all right? I want you to come home. I don't care about any prizes or anything because you won. I don't care what it takes, but you have to come home to me. I know that you probably won't be the same after this...no one ever is. But I can't lose you.

Your brothers and I are doing fine, so don't worry about us. Brian and the boys are sorry, and they wanted to make sure you knew that, though they wouldn't tell me why. Either way, I know you'll be doing okay when you read this.

Just know that we love you and miss you. Do your best for momma, okay? Check at the bottom of the envelope. I left you something.

Mom

Jack couldn't help but smile a little sadly as he looked down at the paper. He knew it had taken his mother a long time to write this letter, and it had never been enough. It had never been good. She had even insisted on signing it "mom" instead of her name. He knew though that his family wasn't doing okay, and they never would.

Brian was probably blaming himself, and his other brothers were probably finding ways to do the same. He wished he could send a letter back, even if it was only the words "I don't blame you and I love you". He wanted them to know that he hadn't given up, and he was determined to come home. He wasn't going to be a scared kid. He was going to be a fighter.

He reached into the bottom of the envelope and pulled out a pair of dog tags. They were written in French, and the first name was missing from it. The last name Barreau was the only thing he could see on them, as well as words he couldn't read. He thought about asking Leander to read them later, but didn't think he'd ever ask. There was a note on the chain that held the two dog tags on.

This belonged to your father before he left. He'd always been a lucky man.

I want to see you wear them into the arena. Maybe they'll give you luck.

It would mean a lot.

Mom

Jack wondered a moment as he looked down at the dog tags if he hated his father. No he supposed he didn't. He didn't think he could really ever hate anyone except maybe the game makers. Just the fact that his life could end at any moment made him unable to. Besides, it was a request from his mother. He slipped the dog tags on and hear them jingle lightly against his chest.

He looked down then at the last letter, the final one that had fallen out. He flipped it over and felt his heart sink a little. It was from Pauling, the girl he'd been dating in school. She had broken up with him a while ago. It had made Jack mad, since it wasn't really his fault that his older brothers literally overshadowed him. He knew too though that Pauling was easily upset. He flipped it open.

Hey nerd,

I know we broke up and everything, but my last boyfriend just wanted me around because I was pretty. I was going to ask you to date me again because I actually was happy with you, but then this happened. I'm really worried something's going to happen, and I don't want to see you die.

So here's the deal. You're my boyfriend again, and you owe me a date. So now you have to come back. Don't you go dying on me now.

Pauling

Jack couldn't help but smile and shake his head at this one. He knew that he had enjoyed dating her, though he'd never let his brothers know (they would have never left him alone). This letter was as straightforward and in his face as she usually was. It might sound kind of rude to anyone else, but Jack could practically hear her crying as she wrote it.

She wasn't good at admitting her feelings to anyone, but Jack knew what she meant. She was trying to encourage him in her own way, and trying to give him something to come back for. Maybe she thought he didn't have anything he wanted to go back to. But he couldn't help but sigh a little as well. He was definitely not telling the others that he apparently had a girlfriend again. All of these men would probably be worse than his brothers.

He carefully put all of the letters away, neatly folded again into the envelope, and sat it on the small bed side table. He once again promised himself that he would be coming back, and he would come back every day, see it sitting there, and know that he was definitely going to go back home. There were far too many people counting on it for him to not remember them.

He sighed and stood, stepping back out into the hall. As he did, he noticed Leander standing to the side of the hall. He had a small red rose colored pin, which he quickly put on his tie after giving it a soft kiss. Jack couldn't help but wonder who it was from, and why it appeared to have such significance. He was a spy, so would anyone even know he was here? He looked up and paused as he looked down at the dog tags Jack was wearing.

"Dog tags?" he asked. Jack shrugged.

"My ma sent 'em," he replied. "Said dey belong ta my dad. She said he was a lucky man and told me ta wear it and hope for his luck."

"Ah," he said quietly, something else flashing in his eyes for a moment. "I see. Let us hope you have his luck zhen."

"Somethin' wrong?" Jack asked. The spy looked up at him.

"Nozing, mon fils," the Frenchman replied softly.

Jack paused as he heard the new words. He had pretty much gathered that mon ami, a phrase he used often, meant my friend. He used it when talking to all of them. Mon fils though was something he wasn't sure of. The Frenchman didn't seem to want to explain though and walked past him.

Jack watched him go, feeling more confused than ever. Spies were supposed to be secretive and mysterious. Yet he got the feeling that Leander knew more about him than he was letting on. And Jack was sure he knew something more about him. He just felt oddly familiar.

There's the end of chapter three. I was going to put the part where they were sorted into their classes in this chapter, but it ended up way too long. Were you expecting to see miss Pauling appear in this story like this?

It is an AU, and I just decided that they were going to be sort of shipped in this story. Anyway I hope you guys enjoyed.