Disclaimer: I don't own the Hardys. WWE does. Thank you.

Lightning flashed across the sky, waking the sleeping child. Dark brown, almost black eyes scanned the surrounding shrubbery… The rain was pouring down, making it difficult to see. The child slowly got to her hands and knees and crawled to the mouth of the cave. Lightening once again lit the area, illuminating a crouching dark figure nearby. With a wail, the child roused her pack, ready for battle. The shape began to run away, closely pursued by the older members of the pack. Battle sounds raged nearby as the storm continued. Then, Brokefang's ears went flat against his head.

Suddenly, Brokefang grabbed the child and yanked her far away from the opening as unnatural thunder bit through the night air. Where she had been, the ground now supported a strange and frightening hole. The sounds of abnormal thunder slowly faded away and the pack returned to the safety of the den. Quiet fell over them like a heavy blanket as the storm passed. Slowly, the child returned to her fitful sleep…

***

Raymond's soft hungry whimpers brought me to wakefulness. I shook my head as I let Raymond nurse. Why am I remembering this? Why do the years with the pack haunt my dreams? What was I supposed to glean from this?

Shaking my head once more, I pushed my thoughts away. The silent night was broken only by the sounds of Dad's snores next door and Raymond's satisfied sigh as slumber once more took him. Then, I heard the sound of small feet moving around. I looked up just in time to see Kamiel run past my door. Setting Raymond down, I silently followed her, making sure that she remained unaware of my presence.

Finally, she entered a room, her steps slowing considerably. I made sure to stay in the shadows, but situated myself so that I could see well what went on in the room. Warily, I watched my only daughter approach the bed.

***

"Uncle Matt?" a small voice said, interrupting my dream. Desperately, I tried to cling to my sleep. "Uncle Matt?"

Slowly, I opened my eyes and looked at the ceiling. What on earth—

"Uncle Matt?" came a trembling voice from beside me. I looked slowly to the side, only for Kamiel's frightened face to come into view. I jerked my head up to look at the time. 1:47 A.M. I took a deep breath and looked at her.

"Kamiel, shouldn't you be in bed?" I asked softly, not unkindly. She was trembling from head to toe. "Kamiel? Are you all right?"

I moved to sit up partially, leaning on my left arm. Her frightened eyes moved to mine.

"I had a nightmare," she said in a very small voice. She climbed up on my bed and curled up next to me. Without thinking, I wrapped my arm around her comfortingly.

"Can I sleep with you?" she asked softly. "I don't want to be alone… I don't want to remember…"

Remember what?

Somehow, I knew that asking would not be a good idea. I sighed and rearranged my body so that she'd better fit on my bed and I covered her up, letting her get comfortable at my side.

"Go to sleep, Kamiel," I told her softly, gently. "I'll keep you safe."

"Even from the nightmares, monsters, and the evil men?" she asked, her pleading eyes looking into mine. I smiled reassuringly.

"They don't mess with your Uncle Matt," I assured her. She smiled and nodded. Then she gave me a hug and snuggled closer.

"Goodnight, Uncle Matt."

"Goodnight, Kamiel."

There was a moment of silence… Then…

"I love you," she whispered tiredly.

"Love you, too," I answered automatically. I heard her breathing slow and soon, sleep took her. I swear I heard someone walking away from my door, then put it up to the house settling. After all, this was an old house.

After a long time, I finally sank back into my dreams but, this time, they were full of the visions of battles, waves of fear, and Kamiel's chalk-white face…

***

Sorry it was so short but I'm running on pure minute-thoughts right now for this story. I'm hopeing that I get a few reviews so that I can glean some ideas for future chapters from them. All help would be appreciated.

Also, it should be noted that the scene at the beginning of this chapter is indeed a memory of Sindel's. I will be sliding some more of those in bit by bit as time goes by. Some of her past will be reavealed by her, some by Gil Hardy, and others by a character I plan to introduce later on.

For those who have any questions concerning this particular plot line or don't understand something, by all means, contact me through review and I will try to get back to you. Thank you.

Viper-Sindel