I'm sooooooo sorry for taking so long! Me have MAJOR writor's block! I've realized I spelt Zeito's name wrong. Last time I spelt it with an 'a'. Anyway made it long just for you~!

The Wolf who fell in Love with Red Riding Hood

Complicated Love

Once upon a time there was a story. What the story told was of an unattainable love. The story told of a boy and a girl who fell in love with one another. Their love was so strong; they were able to defy all those who oppose them. Finally on the last page, they were able to be together. Wait. What kind of story is this? Where are the harsh trials, nearly-impossible challenges? A story must have hardships for the characters! Oh, and we mustn't forget the most important thing that makes a story, oh, so pleasurable; tragedy…

The flames from the torches flickered in the night, causing shadows to grow tall as lamp posts.

Her hot breath came out in pants and her brown leather boots thumped against the cold cobblestones.

The villagers gave a roar of hatred as they spilled into the town square.

A red cloak fluttered behind her as she ran in the direction of the square.

The square was filled with an unearthly glow from the torches. Even the sparkling fountain looks as if it's spraying blood due to the light of the flames.

A small figure with a red hood pushed her way through the dense crowd.

In the middle of the square, a burly man dragged something that was bounded in ropes. The villagers gave another roar. It was a wolf with unusual blue eyes. It was struggling.

"Hold still you filthy creature!" the man snapped, cracking a whip at the wolf.

Making her way through the crowd was difficult, for not everyone wanted to make way.

Suddenly another man stepped out of the crowd. A rifle was in his hands. The wolf struggled even harder but earned another whipping. The man took aim.

"Noooo!" screamed the figure as she thrust her arm forward, causing her red hood to fall back, and revealing short blonde hair.

The crowd held her back. A gun shot echoed. The girl's blue eyes widened.

"Len!" she screamed.

"Len!" cried Rin as she sat up.

She was in her bed. Rin's short blonde hair was all messy and battered with sweat. Her blankets were disarray around her legs, signalling she's been tossing and turning in her sleep. Rin threw her blankets aside and jumped out of bed. She hurried to her window which looked out to the forest.

Len…

The sound of the gunshot still echoed in her mind. It's been two days since Len was chased out of the village. Mist hung the tree trunks, signalling it was early in the morning. Rin walked over to her clock. There were little pictures of oranges at the end of the clock hands. It read 5:40, not her usual time to get up.

But her nightmare had shook Rin awake. She didn't want to wake her mother so early. Rin quickly made her bed, pull off her nightgown and threw on a red cotton dress with white lace on the hem. She wrote her mother a note telling her she'll be in the village then grabbed her hood and quietly strolled out of the door.

"Why didn't you tell me earlier?!" Len snarled.

Zatsune calmly buffed her nails, "I forgot," she shortly replied.

"How could your forget such an important detail?!" growled Len.

Zatsune shrugged, "A girl's mind must think about other things," she sighed.

Len clenched his clawed fist, "So I become a wolf at night," he muttered, "And a human by day…"

"You got it~!"

Zatsune resumed to buffing her nails.

An anger mark appeared on Len's head, "Can you at least make me be a human 24 hour?!" he cried.

Zatsune placed her buffer down on her desk, "So you want to stay half human and half wolf, hm?" she smirked.

Len stiffened.

Zatsune wagged her finger to and fro, "Have claws and fangs for people to see 24 hours?" she sang, "That'll be…oh, what's the word? Pitiful."

The wolf ears on Len's head drooped. Suddenly Zeito walked in. He had just returned from the village, with a bag of groceries.

"Welcome back, Zeito~!" she cheerfully greeted.

He smiled back at her, "When I was in the village," said Zeito, "I happen to see a running colour of red; girl in a red hood."

Len's ears pricked at Zeito's description.

Rin…

"Ah, Little Red Riding Hood is up already?" Zatsune mused.

She noticed Len's reaction and a grin came to her face.

"Oh, is she your girlfriend?" she grinned.

Len stiffened and his face went pink, "N-No way!" he protested.

Zatsune laughed, "He's all red as his girlfriend! The wolf fell for Little Red Riding Hood! Now, this is interesting!"

Len stomped out of the cave.

"Wait!" cried Zatsune, "What about our goodbyes? We did save you."

Len shot her a glare and growled. A sweat drop fell on Zatsune's head.

"Fine," she huffed, "I'll take that as our goodbye…"

After Len left, Zatsune smiled to herself. Zeito placed a bowl of cherries on her desk. Zatsune plunked a cherry and popped it into her mouth.

"Another story has unfolded, Zeito," she smirked, "Another story to toy with."

Rin pulled a book off the shelf. She was in the library, the only place opened apart from the market. On the book's leather cover was 'Cinderella' printed in gold and curly calligraphy. Rin flipped through the page, admiring the beautiful colourful illustrations. On the last page was a picture of Cinderella with her prince charming and the phrase 'they lived happily ever after' written underneath.

She closed the book and selected another fairytale; 'Snow White'. Again, there was a picture of Snow White with her prince charming and 'happily ever after' written.

Rin tried 'Sleeping Beauty'. Aurora was seen with her prince charming and 'they lived happily ever after'.

Finally Rin pulled 'Little Red Riding Hood' off the shelf. She opened to the last page and stared at the illustration. The wood cutter, grandmother and Red Riding Hood had smiles on their face. Only two words were written beneath the picture; 'the end'. Rin stroked the picture of the wolf's limp body.

There's no 'happily ever after' because not everyone was happy…

Suddenly the sound of the gunshot rang in Rin's head. She cringed. The horrible image drifted into her mind; Len's lifeless and pained face, the blood splatters on the cobblestoned ground. Rin furiously shook her head, erasing the picture out of her mind. She was about to close the book when pages flipped and revealed the picture of the wolf talking to Little Red Riding Hood. Rin's blue eyes widened. She looked at the picture on that page then the last.

Could it be? Our meeting was a scenario?

Len cautiously scanned the area. All was quiet in the village. He was still quite fidgety since his encounter with village's people. Len carefully stepped out of the safety of the trees. His ears, underneath his hood, detected no sound, apart from birds' chirps and the distant chatter from the market. Shoving his hands into his pockets and making sure his hood is secure, Len slipped into the sleepy village.

Zeito said he saw Rin around the village.

Len had to admit he really wanted to see Rin. He quietly walked over to Rin's house, he still remember its location the first time she brought him there. Len slinked over to her bedroom window; last time he had taken note it faced the forest. He peeked through the glass. The room was empty. He could make out an older woman breathing peacefully.

She hasn't return…

Len walked to the door and used his wolf's instinct. He sniffed the air.

She left about half an hour ago.

Len followed the scent. As he walked, Len had a small smile on his face.

She smells of orange blossoms.

He arrived at the library. Len gave the old librarian a smile, thankful that she didn't see his tail. Following Rin's scent, Len found her asleep on one of the reading tables. Fairytale books were scattered around her. He noticed the book 'Little Red Riding Hood' next to her. Len picked it up and flipped through the pages. He froze when he saw the illustration on the last page. His grip on the book tightened.

No… Our meeting… is tied to the ending…

"Len!"

BANG!

Rin's marine blue eyes flew open.

"Noooo!" she gasped.

"Are you alright?" asked a voice.

She jumped and turned to her left. Len had turned the chair next to her so it was facing her. He had his hood over his head and hands in his pockets. Len had a worried expression on his face. Rin's face went slightly pink.

"L-Len?!" she stammered, "What are you doing here?!"

H-How long was I sleeping? A-And how long was he watching me?

"I-I'm fine," she spluttered, "Really."

That nightmare… it came again…

"You look pale," Len pointed out.

Rin's cheeks burned.

Should I tell him about my nightmare?

"I just had a nightmare that all…," she muttered.

Len watched her carefully.

"A-Anyway!" Rin cried trying to change the subject, "Why did you…," she lowered her voice, "turn into a wolf back then."

Len bit his lip.

"Well…," he started.

Suddenly the library's door flew open.

"Rin!" her mother cried, "Are you here?!"

Len and Rin jumped.

"I'm here Mother," Rin called.

Rin's mother rushed over to her.

"I was looking for you," she panted, "You didn't mention where you were going. I was afraid you could have wondered to the woods by yourself!"

Suddenly she noticed Len.

"Who's this?" she asked.

Len nervously smiled at her. He hadn't forgotten how Rin's mother swatted him out.

"Mother this is Len," Rin introduced.

Her mother nodded to Len. Len looked at her with his azure blue eyes. Rin's mother slightly flinched.

T-Those eyes… I feel like I've seen them before… "

Nice to meet you," she said holding out her hand.

Len gulped as he looked at her hand.

He gave a nervous laugh, "Nice to meet you too."

"Now Rin," her mother beckoned, "It's time to go."

She took Rin's arm and led her away.

"Bye Len!" Rin waved.

Len gave her a small smile, for he cannot wave back. Rin's mother gave him a curious look before they disappeared out of the door.

Rin stared. A bead of sweat dropped down her head.

"M-Meiko?" she stuttered.

The young woman, who took the role of Snow White, grinned at her. Meiko was holding a crossbow.

"Ah Meiko, you've arrived," sighed Rin's mother.

"You called her here?!" cried Rin.

"Yes," her mother nodded, "I want her to walk you to your grandmother's house. I'm not going to take any chances."

Rin bit her lip.

"Heard you got attacked by a wolf a few days ago," Meiko explained when they set off, "Don't worry Rinny. I'll protect you from any vermin."

Rin's marine blue eyes flicked to the trees. She had a feeling Len had followed her, at a safe distance and was worried about him. He had escaped the villager's clutches last time but a cross bow? No way, especially with Meiko's accuracy.

"Aren't these woods peaceful?" Rin asked.

Meiko nodded, "I have to agree," she replied, "But we can't let our guard down. Who knows what could be lurking nearby?"

Rin gave a soft sigh. It was hard to steer Meiko away from her job. Suddenly Rin spotted something shiny in a hollow of a tree. She raced towards it.

"Oi Rinny!" Meiko called, "Come back!"

Rin placed her hand into the hollow and produced a piece of parchment. There were words scribbled on it.

I'm human by day but wolf by night

-Len

Len must have known Rin's companion would be suspicious if Rin was suddenly poking in a hollow so he had left a polished blue bead. There were hues and shades of blue all swirled together, creating a unique pattern. Rin though it was beautiful. As for the note, she felt a little sad for Len. It must be difficult maintaining two completely different forms at different times.

"Rinny?" Meiko called, "What are you doing?"

Rin ran back to Meiko and showed her the bead, with the note safely tucked in her hood's pocket.

"It is a pretty thing," smiled Meiko, "You sure got sharp eyes."

Rin carefully placed the bead into her pocket. She smiled to herself.

It reminds me of Len's handsome blue eyes. Wait. Did I just say handsome?

Taking the last glance at the trees, Rin continued down on the path. As Rin led Meiko to her grandmother's house, Len spy on them from behind the shadows of the trees. Rin didn't catch his gaze. He felt a twinge of sadness in his heart.

There's nothing I can do but watch over you.

"Rin-chan!" exclaimed an elderly woman, "And Meiko-chan too! It's lovely to see you all!"

"Grandmother!" Rin smiled as she threw her arms around the frail woman.

Meiko placed her crossbow down, "Yo granny!" she winked.

"Would you like some tea?" Grandmother offered, "Or what about some slices of apple bread?"

Len would love that.

"I'll take a slice of your awesome apple bread, granny!" Meiko cried.

Grandmother chuckled and turned to Rin, "What about you, Rin-chan?" she asked.

"I'll be fine," Rin declined, "How are you feeling Grandmother?"

"I'm fine as a whistle," replied Grandmother as she held a plate of apple bread to Meiko.

Rin unpacked the food that her mother had prepared and stored them away in the kitchen.

"What made you come along Meiko-chan?" Grandmother asked as she sat down.

Rin stiffened.

"Rinny was attacked by a wolf a few days ago," Meiko explained, "So her ma told me to go along with her, to keep an eye on her."

Grandmother gasped, "Is that true Rin-chan?" she worriedly asked, "Are you hurt?"

"I'm 100% fine!" Rin quickly replied, "It didn't even leave a scratch on me!"

Because it wasn't even attacking me…

Grandmother gave a sigh of relief.

Meiko turned to Rin, "I think it's time for us to go Rinny," she announced, "Come on."

Rin turned to her grandmother, "Grandmother, can I stay with you for the night?" she asked.

Her grandmother blinked at her then smiled, "Of course dear!" she replied, "I'll prepare your room!"

Meiko shrugged. "Okay," she said, "I'll tell your ma, Rinny."

"Thank you Meiko!" waved Rin.

The reason why Rin wanted to stay was she wanted to stay in the forest for a little bit longer, to be close with someone.

Meiko safely arrived back at the village. But she was right, although the forest seems peacefully there was something sinister lurking nearby. Twilight descended down on Grandmother's cottage. A time when light fades away and the shadows grow long.

"There you are Rin-chan," she smiled, "Your room is all prepared."

"Thank you Grandmother!" Rin replied.

"Now wash up," Grandmother gently commanded, "I'll get dinner started."

Rin obeyed and helped her grandmother out in the kitchen. They had a lovely dinner of silky cream soup with fresh bread. Then Grandmother sent Rin off to bed.

"Grandmother," said Rin as she drew the covers over her body.

"Yes?" Grandmother smiled.

"H-Have you ever l-loved someone but…," Rin paused, "…but can't be with them?"

In the dim light, Grandmother's smile deepened.

"Yes, your grandfather and I experience that once," she replied, "But our love was so strong we were able to defy all those who oppose us."

"Really?" Rin breathed.

"Well, time to ride into dream land~!" Grandmother softly sang, "Goodnight Rin-chan."

"Goodnight Grandmother," Rin called back.

Grandmother blew out the candles and gently shut the doors.

Crickets chirped and a bulky dark figure slowly approached the cottage.

"Humans…," it hissed, "Delicious humans…"

Snap.

Rin's eyes flew open.

Snap.

Her ears listened intently.

"Something's outside," she whispered to herself.

Rin sat up in her bed. The window was just above the bed so Rin just had to turn her head to look out. There were no fireflies lighting the dark forest and the crickets seem to have stopped their playing. All was quiet. The moon seems to have hidden behind dark clouds for there were only slits of moonlight.

Snap.

There was it again, the sound of twigs snapping.

Could it be Len?

Rin threw her covers aside and placed her bare feet on the cool timber floor. She opened the door carefully, not wanting to disturb her grandmother. It opened with a soft creak. Rin lightly ran down the corridor and to the front door of the cottage. She peeped out through the front window. A ghostly beam of moonlight lit the front gardens but it was too dim to make out anything.

"Len?" Rin whispered, "Len, is that you?"

Snap.

Rin opened the door, just a crack.

"Len?" she softly called into the night.

Snap, snap, snap.

The sound grew louder.

Len's eyes flew open. His head snapped up. His ears pricked up, alert. They twitched. The night had suddenly become quiet, too quiet. Len quickly got to his paws.

Something's not right.

There were no crickets chirping, no fireflies dancing, not even a hoot or a screech from an owl or a bat. Even the moon had fled from view. Len sniffed the night air. He could smell Rin's companion who had passed here some hours ago. There was Rin's faint orange blossom scent and… hairs on his neck pricked. There was something different, a foul smell that emitted from something dangerous. The scent was going to… Len's eyes widened. He suddenly charged through the tree trunks. Dry leaves crackled underneath his pounding paws.

Rin!

Rin shivered as the night air danced over her body. Dry leaves scattered as a light breeze blew. Suddenly Rin spotted a large canine-like shape. A smile appeared.

"Len!" she softly called, "Is that you?"

The canine turned to her. Fear froze Rin's heart. Red eyes locked onto her.

T-That's not Len…

The creature charged forward. Panicked, Rin grabbed the door and was about to close it when…

CRASH!

She screamed. The creature had thrown itself to the door and it was so strong that it sent the door and Rin flying. She lay sprawled on the floor with bits of wood sprayed on the floor. Rin struggled to stand up but the creature suddenly leapt onto her.

She screamed again when the creature looked down at her with its blood-shot eyes. Rin struggled to hold back its snapping jaws away from her. Foam lined its jaws. Its claws dug into her skin.

"Rin-chan!" her grandmother cried.

"Grandmother!" Rin gasped, "Stay back!"

Suddenly another creature jumped onto the creature that had pinned Rin down. Her eyes widened when she caught the shine of azure in the moonlight.

Len!

Len bit down on the creatures back. It snarled and jumped off Rin and stared to shake Len off.

Grandmother hurried over and pulled Rin away from the fight.

"Are you alright?" she asked.

Rin nodded since she could not find her breath. The creature suddenly threw Len off. He landed heavily on the floor. It pounced on him. Using its claws, the creature left a gnash on Len's chest. Biting back a scream, Len used all his strength to push the creature.

When it landed on the floor, he pounced. He chomped down on the creature's ear. It gave a cry. Finally Len swiped his claws across its face. The creature threw Len off and raced out of the door.

Grandmother switched on the lights. Splinters of wood were everywhere on the floor along with some drops of blood. Len lay in a heap, panting. Blood pooled underneath him.

"Oh dear…," gasped Grandmother.

Rin rushed forward to Len but he stopped her with his telepathy.

Stay back!

Rin halted.

But Len…

She took a step forward.

I said stay back!

She bit her lip.

You're injured.

Len squeezed his eyes close then opened them again.

I know, but stay away!

Rin was a little taken back.

Why?

Len stared at her.

I'm a wolf, humans don't care for us. Beside…we have a witness.

Rin turned to Grandmother. Len took this chance, forced himself to stand and bolted out of the door. Rin swiftly turned around and was about to call his name when she remembered that Grandmother was there. Instead she clamped her mouth shut. Tears welled up in her eyes.

Oh, Len…

Soon the mess was cleaned up and Grandmother treated to Rin's minor injuries and gave her a new nightgown. But Rin found it difficult to fall back asleep. She was worried about his condition after the fight.

That… thing did throw Len pretty hard on the ground and his… chest, it's bleeding. What if he bleeds to death?!

After a few minutes, Rin had come up with more worrying 'what ifs'. She ruffled her short blonde hair.

"Ah!" she quietly cried, "Why does he always make me so worried?!"

Rin sighed.

I do hope he's alright…

Zatsune opened her eyes. Something has entered the cave and collapsed on the ground. She sat up. Yes, whatever it was was panting and gasping for air. Zeito stirred and sat up as well.

"What wrong Zatsune?" he whispered.

"Something's in here," she whispered back.

Zatsune threw the covers back and leapt out of the bed. She hurried out to the entrance, her long black nightgown trailed behind her. Zeito followed her closely behind. A limp bloody body of a wolf lay on the floor.

"Zeito, get me a bowl of water, some cloth and medicine," Zatsune quickly ordered.

Zeito nodded and left her side.

Zatsune bent down, "What have you done to yourself Len?" she muttered.

Suddenly she sniffed. Her ruby red eyes widened.

"You smell of a werewolf!" she hissed.

"A mad one," Len corrected. (A/N: It's like a mad dog)

Zeito came up with the materials Zatsune told him to get. Zatsune quickly grabbed some cloth and dunked it into the bowl of water. She cleaned the cut. She frowned.

"Well, it must be mad to have ripped your chest open that deep," she bit her lip.

A little pile of red stained cloth started to appear. Zatsune stood up and Zeito bent down to apply medicine on Len. She licked her bloodied fingers. Suddenly her right eyes turned golden.

Len gnashed his teeth, "Are you…?" he gasped.

Zatsune smiled, "Maybe, maybe not."

Len drew a last breath before passing out.

When Zeito was finished, they let Len sleep. Zatsune stared at him with her left red eye and right gold eye. She blinked and her eyes returned back to normal. Zatsune turned to Zeito.

"So there's a mad werewolf roaming around," she hissed, "We can't have any interference yet. Do you think you can handle it, Zeito?"

Zeito gave her a smirk, "I'm not given the role of the huntsman for nothing," he replied.

He got changed and draped a black hood over his shoulders.

"Be careful," Zatsune warned.

"Don't worry," he replied, "Anyone can smell that creature from miles."

And Zeito walked out of the cave. Zatsune turned back to Len.

"It's best for you two to stay apart," she hissed, "Little Red Riding Hood and her wolf doesn't have a 'happily ever after."

Yes. We must keep in mind that not all stories ended happily. Not all princesses have their prince. Not all villains have their plans ruined. There is not always smiles and laughter in the air. Shall our story turned to a clean white page? Or shall it turn to a red splattered one? Let's spin more hardship into this tale…

*sigh* To be honest, I'm not really sure about this story... Maybe I should delete this story... Please review if you like. Me have writor's block! X0