A/N Buck is thirteen years old and has been with Chris since he was about nine. Ezra is twelve years old and has lived with his great aunt for a year. Vin just recently turned eight years old.

Follow The Lights Home

Chapter 4 The Journey Begins

"Long is the way and hard, that out of Hell leads up to light."

― John Milton, Paradise Lost

Something was off; Vin could sense it without even opening his eyes. Playing possum like his dad taught him he listened intently. He could hear movement above him and to the side of him with the clanking of pans and dishes. He could smell bacon from that direction so it had to be the kitchen. There were at least two people in the building with him. Cracking his eyes open he tried to remember what brought him here.

"Vin are you alright?" startled Vin turned towards the blond man who addressed him.

Seeing the man he now remembered as Chris, Vin jumped up. Or he tried to before he became tangled in his bedding causing him to fall painfully to the floor. He felt tears spring to his eyes as all he wanted was his dad.

"Uncle Chris did something fall?" someone called from upstairs.

"It's fine Buck," Chris yelled back. Buck was the dark haired boy from last night, Chris' nephew.

Chris helped him back up to the couch, "You alright Pard?"

Vin choked back his tears and nodded not trusting his voice. He felt himself melting into Chris' side enjoying his comforting presence. Once he had more control over his emotion again he asked after his father and if he was found.

Sighing Chris pulled the long haired boy closer trying to find the right words.

"Vin," he paused sighing again before continuing, "Josiah found your car but nobody was there."

"But he was hurt, so he couldn't have gotten far, and with the snow they could track him and find him and he'll be okay. Right?" Vin rambled in one breath before bury his face into Chris' side and letting out a sob.

"Yeah Pard," Chris agreed gently rubbing the crying boy's back.

"Uncle Chris," Chris turned toward the stairs to see his nephew hesitantly standing on the top step. Waving his free arm he indicated for Buck to come over as well. Not needing anymore encouragement he bounded over tucking himself into his uncle's other side. The teen's big heart went out to the younger boy so he reached over and patted his arm in a comforting manner.

"What am I gonna do now?" the helpless plea for help broke both uncle and nephew's hearts.

Clearing his throat Chris answered, "Well first off we are going to have breakfast then we'll go and get you checked out at the clinic, the plow should be here by the time we're done eating. After that we will see where we're at and go from there."

"Yeah Nathan and Rain will fix ya up," Buck agreed, "and Josiah will find your dad."

Chris sat a moment more enjoying the feeling of two smaller bodies snuggled next to him again.

"Alright boys, the food is going to get cold," Chris went to stand up keeping the boys wrapped in his arms; leading them to the table. He felt Buck's eyes following him as he went to retrieve another chair from the basement. Three chairs now sat at the table. Vin mostly pushed his food around trying to not think about his dad. Buck was telling about his and Ezra's known adventures and the cute girls in his class. Trying to ignore the third chair and distract Vin Buck rambled on. Chris watched both boys with concern.

After breakfast Chris sent the boys to go get ready. Presenting Vin with his slightly ripped but clean clothes and a new toothbrush. Clearing the table Chris put away almost all the food he made, noticing everybody's lack of appetite. Letting out another sigh he finished with the kitchen and went to get ready.

Calling up the stairs, "Buck, Vin I'm going to go do the morning chores then hopefully the plow will be here and we can head out."

He heard some quiet talking then Buck called back, "Can we go and help you Uncle Chris? Vin wants to see the horses."

"Sure Boys, but you have to hurry up," Chris grinned as he heard scrambling above him.

Searching through a box of Buck's old winter clothes he is able to find a coat and boots that would be too big on the slim little boy but would be the closest fit. Coming back up from the basement he heard the boys before he sees them.

"…and then the teacher asked ol' Ez…" seeing Chris' look he stopped mid-sentence sending his uncle and innocent looking smile before whispering to Vin, "I'll finish telling ya later."

Chris helped Vin dress and places his bruised arm in Buck's old sling from when he fell out of the big tree in the backyard a few years back. Inspecting both boys up and down, he gave his nod of approval. Pulling on his coat he led the way to the barn. Glancing down the snow packed road for a sign of the snow plow. Seeing none he continued in to care for the horses.

"Mr. Chris, whose burning a fire?" turning to the boy then out past the house Chris cursed quietly.

"Damn. Boys I need you to stay here. Shit. I'm going to ride up to the ridge real quick to see what's wrong." Chris directed, "Buck keep an eye out for the plow. The ambulance should be with it. I want both of you boys to ride down with it. I'll meet back up with you."

"Is it my dad?" Vin asked as the boys followed Chris as he pulled out the snowmobile.

"I don't know Vin. It could be. But I have to go make sure nobody needs help." Chris turned from the machine to look the boy in the eye.

"I got it Uncle Chris," Buck reassured.

"I know Buck," Chris clasped both boys' shoulders, "I'll be right behind you."

Buck and Vin watched Chris ride toward the fire. Buck's gut twisted in dread as he watched his uncle ride out of sight. He pushed his unease aside as he felt a smaller hand reach for his. Squeezing Vin's hand in reassurance he looked towards the road and saw a new set of snowmobiles heading towards them. Looking closely he hoped to recognize someone from town. The winter gear made it hard to see anything about their features. Squinting Buck looked harder and saw guns strapped to the riders' backs. Not the typical hunting rifle or the odd shotgun either that he'd seen around the area, but big ass guns that meant nothing good. Buck's stomach clenched again in warning. It was about to get ugly and Buck hated ugly.