Chapter 19

Wolf blinked his eyes open, awakening to darkness. He stood to his feet, slightly wobbly. His wolf eyes started to adjust to the darkness, he called out, "Red? Red are you there?"

No answer.

Lifting his human nose in the air, he sniffed for any smell, only catching dark dampness. "Red?" he called again, pivoting his ears to catch a sound of anything. "Red?" He called out, becoming more frantic as he searched the darkness, arms reaching out for a grip on anything.

"Hello Wolfie."

Instantly reacting, Wolf snarled, lips curling back. He whipped back, bending in a crouching position with his hands open like unsheathed claws.

"What do you want witch? Where's my partner?"

"Oh, you'll find her soon enough," the sweet voice purred.

Wolf tensed, eyes narrowing as he scanned the darkness. "Show yourself! I demand you show me Red!"

From out of nowhere, what looked like a pool formed before Wolf's eyes mid-air like a mirror. The small waterfall fell down, never-ending but always moving. Wolf stared at his reflection before it shifted, transforming into a dark place where a girl lay, twitching, moaning in her sleep.

"Red!" he gasped, reaching to the water-mirror.

It melted at the touch of his hands, dripping into nothingness.

"Where is she?" Wolf snarled wildly.

"As I said, you'll find her soon enough. I'd like to talk with you first. Well," she gave a chuckle, "actually my boss would like to speak with you."

Wolf blinked, suspicion growing in him as every second ticked by. "Your boss? You mean you're not the one in charge?"

"What else would it mean, mutt?"

A growl curled out of Wolf as he crouched lower where he stood, ears pointing back. "Well, let me talk to her then!"

A light beamed down, revealing a hooded figure in black. Tall, he stood close to Wolf's shoulder height. His voice spoke out, "Now, why don't you sit?"

Wolf looked behind him as a chair appeared from nowhere. He sat down suspiciously, the hooded man taking a chair next to him. Wolf felt his clawed hands curl on the table, nails making a high screech.

"So tell me, Wolf, what is your relationship with the small girl in the hood?"

The once-animal growled in warning, "If she heard you say that I'd watch your back. And it's none of your business!"

"Ah. That is answer enough." A kettle appeared with a flick of their hands, steaming with tea. He began to pour the tea magically with a wave of his hand. The human lifted the cup to his lips, sipping it carefully. "You love her. She loves you, yet you have not sorted out your feelings for each other, meaning, you haven't confessed."

Wolf's lip twitched, "Why does it matter at all?"

"Just wondering. Is that allowed?"

"Only if you want to get killed." His hand below the table curled.

"Of course, always the violent one. I suppose I cannot judge you for it, knowing what you are."

Wolf gave another deep, warning growl. "What do you want?"

"Well, I have another question I'd like to ask you, Wolf," the human asked, adding a few lumps of sugar and some cream in the tea. Moving a finger in a swirling motion, the spoon began to stir the brew. "If I may ask you, of course."

"Do I get a choice?"

"Of course," they sounded shocked, as if they were insulted by the mere thought of it.

Wolf's eyes narrowed down. He lowered his head down, deeply growling, "Fine then. If it will help me save Red, I'll answer your questions."

Unable to see past the hood, Wolf could only see them smile, thin lips curling up. "Good choice. Now, why don't you answer this question: Why do you love Red?"

"What kind of question is that?" Wolf growled. He flexed his claws against the metal table.

"A question that lets you choose if it's simple or complex. Why don't you tell me?"

Wolf's tongue curled in his mouth. He didn't like the sound of this. What were they planning? He opened his mouth to fire out a hot retort when they decided to speak for him, "Is it because she's human?"

An eyebrow on Wolf's head lifted high on his forehead. "What does that have to do with anything? Yeah I love Red but it's not just because she's human."

The person leaned forward, face still hidden from the hood. "Is it because she's beautiful?"

"She is beautiful, but that isn't the only reason. Why does this even matter?" Wolf slammed his fist on the table.

"Because," the voice suddenly changed, shifting to a higher, more tranquil sound, like a stream gurgling over rocks. With small, pale hands, the figure lifted the hood from their head. Wolf struggled back, but he found that his feet were bound magically to the floor. He looked in shock at the smiling face of his partner, "I am Red."

(**)

Jack blinked, shaking himself awake as he found himself bound to a chair, captive. He looked around his surroundings.

He sat inside the cabin. It looked homely, with potted plants around at windows, colorful rugs and comfortable couches in the living room. The entire room smelled of flowers.

"Jack."

The boy whipped his head back at the voice, looking up to the face of his sister. She stood over him, her eyes dancing dangerously.

"Jill! You're all right!" he rejoiced. "And you escaped from your ropes! Hurry, get mine and we can get out of here!"

She chuckled, "Oh, I don't think so Jackie," she trailed her finger down to his chin. "You're not going to be here very long anyway, but you might as well get comfortable so you'll be at peace when it happens."

Jack widened his eyes. "Jill, what are you talking about? When what happens?"

She fell back on the couch in front of him, crossing her legs over the other. "I mean, you're not going to be alive for very long."

Jack knew what was happening in the pit of his stomach, but he desperately didn't want it to be true.

"Jill, what are you talking about?" he whispered, throat dry, tongue suddenly unable to move in the right way.

She pulled a hand down through her braid, undoing it, "It is obvious, isn't it? I didn't think it would take you this long to figure it out." The beautiful blonde leaned forward, speaking out in a gentler tone, "I'm going to kill you Jack, since that stupid witch couldn't do it, I'm going to do it myself."

"Jill, why, what are you, what's going on? You're not yourself! Stop this!"

"I can't stop now Jack. I'm too far in this." She stood to her feet, walking back to the kitchen, practically tripping on her feet, grabbing the counter for stability. Same old Jill. Can't even make it to the kitchen without being a total klutz.

"Too far in what? Why would you do this Jill?"

She grabbed out a large knife, shining, gleaming, sharpened perfectly. "Why wouldn't I? You were always Dad's favorite. He spent all his time with you, training you to be the next village leader, all because you were a boy! I was the oldest aren't I supposed to be the one next in line?"

"Jill you know the customs! We can't just rewrite centuries of order and rules!"

"Sure we can!" she snapped in irritation. "Everyone always loved you the most while I was dissed as the klutzy princess who couldn't even stand on her two feet!"

Jack struggled against his bonds, "Jill don't be ridiculous, everyone in the village loved you just as much as they love me! Stop this and come home!"

"No way Jack. I've been dreaming of this for far too long." She trailed her finger down the sharp end of the blade, a smirk of satisfaction curling up the side of her face when she saw the droplet of blood forming on her finger.

"How long have you been planning this?" he managed to whisper out, the reality of the situation beginning to grow on him.

"For far, far too long," she softly said, placing the knife on the kitchen table. "I hired the witch to pretend to kidnap us. She was supposed to kill you while I "escaped", and I would go home crying to Father about dear, poor Jack, who was murdered and eaten by that horrid witch. I would be crowned village leader one day and I would rule. Then you really did have to escape so I decided to fake my kidnapping. We were going to hunt you down, but I'm glad we decided to stay here for another day because who would have thought that you would come to us?" Jill smiled to him sweetly, drawing her finger down his face again before walking briskly to a door which looked like it would lead to a closet. "But we'll save the killing for later. Firstly I need to take care of a couple pests."

Jack stared after her before screaming out, "Jill! No! Jill! Come back! Jill!"

(**)

Red Riding Hood shook herself awake. Standing to her feet, she looked around, finding only darkness. "Hello?" she voiced. "Jack? Wolf? Where are you guys?"

A laugh sounded, surrounding her form all sides. Red whipped around, eyes wide as she scoured the eternal blackness. She stood in her fighting position, "Where are you? Show yourself!"

No one appeared.

"Where's Jack and Wolf?" she hollered out, demanding to know where her friends were. "And what about my Granny? And Twitchy!"

The voice laughed, her voice surrounding her from everywhere. "Unfortunately my power did not extend to where your Granny and the squirrel were. But they'll never find this place again, I've enchanted it so no one can find this place ever again."

Red bristled, "Well then what did you do with my partner and Jack?"

"Oh please dear, there's no need to be so worried. They're both in a safe place. Just chill out. I'm taking good care of them."

A mirror formed behind Red like a calm stream of water bubbling over glass. Red stared into it, blinking in her own reflection. She waited, not having to for long when images appeared.

Her eyes widened. It was, it was Jill. And she was. . .

Something in Red's heart clenched.

No.

(**)

The table between Red and Wolf disappeared as she got close to him, one finger drawing down the side of his face with deliberate slowness. "Wolf, I-I never found a way to tell you how much I love you. I just wish here was another place more, romantic."

She mounted onto his lap, dainty fingers wrapping around his neck as she curled her legs around his waist. Her breath exhaled into his, their scents mingling.

"Red, what, what are you doing? We need to- We have to go find Jack."

"But Wolf, we're all alone, just the two of us."

Wolf shifted uncomfortably, skin prickling. "Red we really need-"

She silenced him with her lips pressing hard on his.

For a moment Wolf tensed up, then when she melted against his form, he deflated, molding into her, fingers entangling in her short brown hair. So soft, so silky. He kissed her back passionately, taking in her scent.

"Oh Wolf, Wolf." She sighed against him. She breathed into him, making his soul still.

A voice echoed from within Wolf's mind. "Now, remember, son. When you're in a position and you can't get your head in straight, always trust your instincts. I know we're taught to be like the humans, but their instincts are much weaker than ours. If we were to completely surrender to our minds like them, then we would lose what makes us wolves. Trust your soul above your mind."

Tears broke through his barriers. Father.

When Red kissed him again, her lips hard, wanting, needing, Wolf flared his nostrils, breathing in.

Roses.

With a harsh growl, he slashed his claws across her face, making her jump back, yelping in shock. "Wolf, what did you do that for?" she made wide puppy eyes to him.

"Shut up, witch! You're not Red, and you never will be!" he rubbed his mouth with his sleeve, glaring viciously at her.

She smiled, waving her hand in a sweeping motion so she changed forms. Wolf glared deeper when the face of Jill smiled at him, "Well of course not. I am not her. I'm a little disappointed that you figured it out so quickly, but I had fun," she licked her lips before running her thumb across her mouth.

"You're the plotter of this whole thing, right?" he growled.

"Of course," she smiled. "You're pretty bright for an animal."

Wolf growled, leaping at her, only going right through her as she transported behind him. Jill laughed high, her voice like the sound of screeching bats. "Oh, please. Don't be ridiculous. As if you could merely withhold me by physical means."

Jumping back to his feet, Wolf faced her, face twisting, "I don't care what side you're on as long as you take me to Red!" He snarled out, "The real one!"

"Of course dear," she snapped her fingers, encasing Wolf in darkness once more.

In an instant, Red appeared, facing him with wide eyes. She stood several feet away, "Wolf?" she whispered. "Is that really you?"

"Depends," he drew out, "is that really you?" he walked forward cautiously as he approached.

As soon as he was near enough, Red slapped him across the face. Yelping, Wolf stumbled back, "What was that for, brat?"

A sigh escaped her, "Okay, it's you."

He gawked at her, "You couldn't have just asked something only I would know?"

"Actions speak louder than words," she said with a smooth dismissal of her hand. She looked around, "So have you found a way out yet?"

"No. Jill has been playing games with me."

Red frowned, her back turned to him so he couldn't see her expression, but he heard the malice in her voice. "Oh yeah, I know."

"You know?" he walked to her.

"Yeah. I saw everything."

Wolf blushed, "Everything?"

Red held her hands behind her back, rocking back on her heels, "Yeah I did see you making out with the blonde girl who will possibly lead us to our ultimate demise. Did you enjoy yourself Wolf while I was desperately searching for a way out?"

"Hey, that isn't fair!" he snapped, stalking in front of her, "She tricked me so I thought she was someone else!"

"Someone else?" Red blinked, curious. Wolf felt dread melt his heart as she asked innocently, "Who then?"

Wolf blushed deeply when he looked down to his shorter partner, his flushed face growing. "Wh-What kind of question is that? It's no one you need to worry about!" he could still freshly remember the look the fake-Red gave him as her eyes slid closed, her soft lips reaching to him, begging for him to take her.

"Oh come on Wolf! Who was it?" she demanded.

"No one of your concern!" he snapped, turning away from her, searching the dark for the way out.

"Was it Bo Peep from the agency?"

Wolf growled in annoyance, "As if. I detest blondes. Especially Bo. The brat. Do you have any idea how many meals she cost us when I lived with the pack?"

"Okay then, was it. . . Snow White?"

"Pfft. My standards aren't that low, Red. 'A wishing apple ?~' Give me a break." He mimicked the princess's high voice.

"Who then?" Red asked, determined to know who.

"Red!" he groaned, turning on her to grab her shoulders. "Why does it even matter? Right now we need to focus on getting out of here, find Jack and arrest that psycho blonde chick! If I want to tell you, I'll tell you, but right now you're not being the kind of friend I would want!"

Furious, Wolf whipped away with a snarl, stalking into the black. Red felt guilt wash through her, following after him when the seconds passed. She grabbed his arm to make sure she didn't stray from him. He allowed her to, only grunting when he touched him.

"Sorry," she muttered.

"Yeah, no problem," he said softly.

"It must have really irritated you."

She felt his shoulders sink down, "I thought it was real. But then I knew it wasn't really her when I smelled her."

"So there is someone you like?"

"Yeah, I guess so," Wolf shrugged nonchalantly, awkwardness creeping up his face as he felt himself blush lightly.

"What's she like?" Red questioned, now honestly curious.

Wolf felt a little uncomfortable. "Well, she's perfect I guess. Everything I'm not. Smart, strong, controlled, beautiful." He touched the side of his face with gentle fingers.

Red felt an emotion stir in her gut, an emotion she couldn't name. "She sounds great."

Smirking knowingly, Wolf glanced down to her, "She is."

"So what does your girlfriend smell like?" Red thought fondly of their little fight the week before when he wouldn't tell her what she smelled like.

"She isn't really my girlfriend. I don't think she feels the same way I do about her."

Red sighed, "Ah, unrequited love. So what does she smell like?"

Wolf stopped, her ceasing in her steps as well. Wolf closed his eyes with silent ecstasy, breathing in, then out as he whispered, "Her scent is the smell of dew on a cool night with the full moon shining down." He sighed out again, "Dew in the moonlight."

Red couldn't help but feel some jealousy coat her heart. "Wow. Impressive. She sounds really beautiful."

"She is."

The couple held in silence as they continued walking once more, Red wondering who this mysterious girlfriend could be.

Feeling more content after they sorted out their little fight, Red bumped him with her shoulder. "Come on fluffy. Let's go kick some witch chassis."

"Fluffy? That's a new one."

(**)

fluffy, yes, fluffy.

So we have wifi up at camp now, so I should be able to update rather quickly :D

lolz BIG CHAPTER

you are welcome.

This is like 8 pages of writing.

I know, you love me.