-*District Twelve*-

_{If there is one thing worse then the streets of this town it is the people who walk them.}

---

Jace:

"You coming?" David asked

Jace raised an eyebrow and quickened his pace to catch up. "Eager, aren't ya?"

"Just want get this done, this place has a worse feel then I thought." People were already glaring at them.

"Yeah. You should've seen this place three years ago." Jace kept his voice low and his head down.

"I think I'll pass." David said looking at the people who where snickering at Jace's comment.

Jace nodded his approval of David's comment and suddenly veered in a different direction, knowing David would follow.

David followed. "Heehee did you smell a..pffft..bone. Please don't hit me." David said, Jace knew David well enough to tell that he was just trying to lighten the mood.

Jace gave David a disinterested glance but otherwise kept moving. "Something's over there. Smells...familiar..."
Suddenly Jace stopped and his nose crinkled.

"Really?...I hope It isn't someone from the Blood Games." David said picking up his pace.

"Not quite. Close but..." Jace paused for a moment before letting out a muffled snort that sounded like he was holding in a sneeze. "Lost it." He snarled before muttering something about pepper spray that David couldn't quite catch.

"Wha...?"David was about to ask a qustion when two kids around 5 years of age ran by.

---

Alexander:

Alexander was sitting on a sidewalk watching the people walk by who stayed far away from him due to his reputation.

He noticed a few people heading toward the front of town others heading to the east side.

Alexander looked over and raised an eyebrow, 'What's going on over there?' He wondered to himself as he stood up to see if he could get a better view.

He smelled something familiar.

Alexander blinked, 'This smell what is it?' He wondered curiously to himself as he sniffed the air. His nose crinkled and he rubbed it to keep from sneezing.

---

Alexander/Jace/david:

_{The two little boys ran past Jace and David and straight for Alexander, "ALEX! HELP!" The older boy who looked around seven said.}

"What is it? What's wrong?" Alexander asked before he noticed that the seven year old had a cut on his upper arm and a black eye, blood was running down his arm from the cut, the younger boy about five had a deep gash on his right cheek and was limping slightly. "Who did this?!" Alexander said a deep wolf-like growl escaping his lips.

Two older boys one looking about nineteen the other eighteen ran past Jace and David and up to Alexander, "Aw, now why'd you two run away, we were only playing." The nineteen year old who was holding a knife said as the two boys hid behind Alexander.

"You call beating up kids playing?! Someone needs to teach you some manners!" Alexander said sounding furious not caring that people had now stopped to stare. "Jake, Isaac, go to your mother." Alexander said, and with that the two boys ran to their mom.

"Oh, you're going to teach us manners? Or are you going to have your stupid little tiger do it?" The older boy said with a smirk as he eyed Alexander's tiger.

Alex smirked and shifted his tiger slightly, moments later the boy screamed out in pain with a dagger sticking out of his left hand.

Still holding a hand to his nose, Jace raised an eyebrow at the scene before whispering to David: "You seeing this?"

David:"Yeah. Should we step in?...or would that draw attention to us?" He ask looking at the kids.

Jace nodded towards the red-haired teen. "He seems to be handling things. Let's just see how this goes..." Something about that pup... is he...

"OW! How'd you do that?!" The older boy asked as stared at the dagger. 'I didn't even see him pull it out.' He thought as he looked up at Alexander.

Alexander chuckled as he looked down at the boy, "If I told you, I'd have to kill you." He said kick the boy backwards with his foot and pinning him down with it. "Now I think you need to apologize to Jake and Isaac and their mother." He moved out of the just in time as the other boy took a swing at him, he watched as the boy fell to the ground face first. "Well that's not very nice, I was talking." He said turning the boy over with his foot.

David:"This might get out of hand." David said looking worried.

"He's not taking the initiative..." Jace muttered. "He's letting them attack first." He glanced at David. "If that changes, we'll step in."

"Y-You bastard!" The younger boy said from his spot on the ground. "Why do you care so much for some stupid brats?!"

"I care about them because they're like family, and you shouldn't mess with someone's family." Alexander said giving the boy on the ground a death glare as he shifted his tiger again and the boy on the ground yelled out as a dagger was embedded into his arm. "Now you two get out of here!" He said with another growl.

Being in serious pain and wanting to treat his wound before it got infected the older boy got up, grabbed his brother with his good hand and dragged him away.

Jace raised his voice enough for the red-head to hear as he walked towards him. "Determined, quick reflexes, protective, maybe he went a little overboard with that knife at first, but I'd say he has potential. What about you?" He smiled back at David from where he now stood next to the teenager.

David:"Yeah. hmm interesting fighting style too." David said. 'Does he keep his knives in that stuffed animal?' David thought thinking back to the fight.

"Potential for what?" Alexander asked looking at Jace curiously. 'These two aren't from around here, wonder what they want?' He wondered to himself.

"Y'see, pup," Jace began, "what with people running around eating each other, things tend to get a litte...hectic. Now, you don't strike me as the kind to take a bite outta those kids you saved." He flashed a wolfish grin. "And I'm betting you're not the kind to let someone take a bite outta you, either."

David:"What my friend is trying to say is, in times like this someone with your skill and courage is greatly looked for in the fight against monsters." David said with a smile.

Alexander's eye twitched, "Did you just call me a pup?! Please don't!" He said with a death glare, if looks could kill Jace would be dead.

Jace let out a bark of laughter. "Alrighty then, what should I call you?" He absently rubbed his nose, still trying to be rid of the irritant.

"My name is Alexander, but call me Alex. Do you have a cold or something?" Alex asked as he noticed Jace rub his nose.

David:"It's the cold that's all, and to mention his allergies." David said muttering the last part about allergies.

"Just a cold?" Alex asked before he turned his head away as he felt a sneeze come on. "It must be contagious." He said rubbing his nose and turning back after sneezing.

David:"Looks like the cold's getting to both of you.Anyway...Alex right?"

"Yeah, that's right." Alex said sniffling slightly.

Jace nodded in acknowledgement. "So, Alex, whaddya say? Want to help us out, or stick around making bullies wet themselves?"

Alex chuckled, "Well making bullies wet themselves is quite fun." He said with a smirk.

David:"Hey if you help us out there will be plenty of bullies that you can get to make wet themselves, not to mention the kids you'll be able to save." David said walking closer.

"Like I said before," Jace paused to hold back a sneeze, "all these people running around. Most of them only think as far as 'See, Chomp, Yum'. Not a pleasant place for the little ones to grow up in, huh?"

"I see you're point, it does sound good. Not only do I get so help kids, I get to make grown men wet themselves. I'm in." Alex said with a huge smirk.

David:"Good to hear!" David said smiling at Jace. It was almost a "I did good today" smile.

Jace smirked a little and rolled his eyes. David still acts like a rookie half the time. "You should probably get packed up and say your goodbyes. Do you have any questions?"

"No, not really." Alex said with a shrug. "I'll just go get my stuff then." He said heading into the building behind him where he lived with Jake, Isaac and their mom.

David:David waited until Alex was in the house then said. "Hmm, interesting kid. I wonder what he is."

"Not human." Jace sniffled a little. "That pepper spray was stale, and you're not sneezing. Gotta wonder how old the pup is, though. Doesn't look old enough to be alone, but it sounds like those kids are about the most he has..."

Alex came out of the building with a large duffle bag slung over his shoulder, "Don't worry, I'll see you again." He said kneeling down and hugging Jake and Isaac who were obviously trying not to cry.

David:David walk over to the kids. "Don't, we'll make sure he visits although I'm sure he would visit you whether we remind him or not." He gave them a smile and added, "He is going to be helping a lot of people."

_{"He is?" The older of the two boys repeated sniffling and wiping his eyes.}

David:"OF COURSE!! He wouldn't leave unless it was for something important, Right?" David said looking at Alex to help comfort the kids.

"Of course I'll help people, otherwise I wouldn't leave you guys." Alex said ruffling Jake and Isaac's hair and smiling.

_{"Ok, well be safe big brother!" Jake and Isaac said at the same time now smiling.}

"Do you know anyone that can beat me up, of course I'll be safe." Alex said with a smile and a wink which made the boys giggle.

Jace chuckled a bit under his breath before shooting David a chilling glare. If there was one thing he has told him time and time again, it was that family goodbyes are best left uninterrupted. Everyone interacts differently with their relatives, and outsiders are not always welcome in emotional situations.

David:David seemed to shrink as he walked back over to Jace._{"Sorry I won't do it again." He whispered.}

Jace grunted in reply and continued watching the scene in silence, fidgeting once or twice. As heartwarming as the scene is, the place still set Jace on edge and he was ready to bolt for the van and put this place far behind him once Alex wrapped things up.

Alex smiled as he stood up, "Alright, time for me to go, get inside and look after you're mother." He said with a smile.

_{"Alright, don't forget to visit!" The older boy said before going inside with his brother and shutting the door.}

"You got everything?" Jace asked Alex.

"Yeah, I got everything I need." Alex said nodding with a slight smile.

"Then let's go." Jace gave David a pointed look. "Now."

David: "Oh yeah, since you joined we need to know your race and age."

"Oh sure, I'm sixteen and a werewolf." Alex said as he shifted the duffle bag so it was on his shoulder again.

David:"Ok umm this might be a bad question but we need to also now if you were born or later turned into a werewolf?"

"I was born one." Alex said looking at David wondering if he really needed to know this information or if he was just curious.

"Parents?" Jace did not bother to look at either of the youths as he led the trio to the van.

"They were werewolves, they died when I was really young." Alex said as he followed Jace and David.

Jace opened the drivers door to the van and paused. "So you're second generation and a full-blood?"

"Yeah, well my mom was a human once, but she was turned a year before I was born." Alex said as he opened one of the back doors.

David:David hopped into shotgun. "Hmm. You guys are both at least second generation werewolves and I'm just a human." David said sadly.

Jace snorted and rubbed his nose as he took the driver's seat. "Least you don't have to deal with week-old pepper spray."

David: "Haha that is true!" David said laughing a bit as he put his seat belt on.

"Now listen," Jace turned to face Alex, "we needed to know your species for the sake of paperwork, but if anyone other than the clerks and your commanding officer ask, you have every right to keep your mouth shut." Jace added gently, "Some people are better off not knowing."

"Alright then, I won't say a word." Alex said as he put his seat belt on and sat his duffle bag on the seat next to him, but kept the stuffed tiger on his lap.

The drive back was pretty fast and quit do to David falling a sleep.

---

"Oh hey, I think we're here now." Alex said thankful for a subject change as he saw what little buildings were left standing come into view.

"Oww... We didn't come across any zombies." Anabell pouted slightly.

"And you're disappointed about that? You're pretty strange Miss Anabell." Jack said with a chuckle.

"She just likes her job." Jace chuckled back as he parked the van.

"Hey, Zombie huntin is a good stress reliever!" Anabell defended.

"If you say so." Jack said with a chuckle as he shrugged.

"It gives her somethin' ta focus on." Jace explained. "I do the same thing when I go to the trainin' grounds without any trainees."

Anna nodded in agreement. "It keeps us sharp. ;)"

"If you say so." Jack said as he glanced at Alex who was still looking out the window and refusing to look away.

"Somethin' wrong, pup?" Jace looked at Alex in the rear-view mirror as he took out the keys.

"Huh? No, I'm fine." Alex said looking at Jace, but avoiding looking at Anabell.

"So should we get out now?" Jack asked with a chuckle.

"Yeah, probably." Jace opened his door and stepped out.

Anabell got out and looked around. "Heha no one's coming out to greet us... No surprise, this place really hasn't changed much." She muttered.

"Yeah. When David--" Jace stopped when he saw Anabell for the first time since he handed her the necklace. "O////////O I-I need ta talk ta Debbie when we get back... >////>"

Alex got out and leaned towards Jace, "You really should..." He mumbled.

"I think she looks really good." Jack said as he looked Anabell over.

"Stop lookin at me an start leadin the way!" Anabell said holding her arm as her cheeks got slightly red. I don't look that odd do I?

"Right!" Jace turned to Alex and cleared his throat. "Well, you're the one who lived there..."

"Oh yeah, uh... Follow me." Alex said as he began to lead the way to where his 'little brothers' lived.

Jack chuckled as he followed after Alex.

Even for District Twelve it was rather empty. No one was walking around which made the town that much more creepy.

Jace kept his senses on high alert as he walked behind the other three.

Alex smiled as the building he used to live in came into view.

"ALEX!" Jake and Isaac exclaimed as the burst through the door and hugged each of his legs and smiled up at him.

"Hey guys!" Alex said smiling as he ruffled their hair, he frowned when he noticed some recent cuts that were just starting to heal on their faces. "Did those two hurt you again?"

"No, we fell!" Jake said as he buried his face in Alex's leg.

"Jakey is lying Alex." Isaac said pouting and hugging his leg tighter.

Alex sighed, "Looks like I'll have to teach them another lesson."

"Mind if I help too?" Jack asked as he placed a hand on Alex's shoulder.

"Nah, I can handle them." Alex said with a grin.

"Who's he Alex?" Isaac asked looking over at Jack curiously.

"Uh... Well..." Alex said not sure what to say.

Anabell smiled and took a few steps back so she wasn't as close before nudging Jace. "_{We're not at the facility...you can have family time too.}"

Jace raised an eyebrow at Anabell. "_{This time is for those two, Ana. I am here as their supervisor.}"

"I'm Alex's brother." Jack said trying to help Alex out making Isaac and Jake's eyes go wide.

"Really?! You have a brother? That's so cool." Isaac said as he walked over to Jack and hugging his leg. "I'm Isaac, you can call me Izzy if you want."

"And I'm Jake." Jake said refusing to leave Alex's side.

"Nice to meet you both." Jack said smiling and ruffling Isaac's hair.

"Yeah, I just found out about him actually." Alex said looking a bit uneasy.

"Whoa, cool." Isaac said smiling, he poked his head around Jack and waved at Anabell and Jace. "Hi."

Anabell smiled and waved. "Hello." She replied before looking at Jace.

Jace smiled warmly and waved at the kids.

Isaac let go of Jack and walked over to Anabell and Jace, "Wow, you're really pretty." He said looking up at Anabell and smiling.

Jake peeked out from behind Alex and waved.

"Don't be shy Jake, they're my friends Anabell and Jace." Alex said smiling at Jake.

"Come with me?" Jake asked looking up at Alex.

"Alright, come on." Alex said as he walked over to Jace and Anabell as Jake clung to his leg.

"Hello." Jake said once they stopped in front of Jace and Anabell.

"Hey, pup." Jace grinned down at Jake. "Happy Easter."

"Oh thank you." Anabell replied before looking at Jake. "Hello."

"Easter? You still celebrate that?" Jake asked looking at Jace curiously.

"Happy Easter!" Isaac said as he hugged Jace's leg.

"At the facility, yeah." Jace rubbed the back of his head.

"Hey, Umm there's something I need to check on... Be be back in a bit." Anabell said turning to go back down the road.

"Facility?" Jake repeated curiously.

"Ok Miss Anabell." Isaac said smiling as he watched Anabell walk away.

"Government Facility." Jace grinned. "Your big bro is gonna be a soldier."

"Really Alex?" Jake asked looking up at Alex.

"Yep." Alex said with a smile.

"Cool!" Jake and Isaac said in unison as they both smiled and Isaac hugged Alex's leg again.

Jace chuckled.

"So is Alex gonna be all muscular like you?" Isaac asked curiously looking back at Jace.

"Yep." Jace grinned. "In a couple a years at most."

"Wow! You'll be even better at protecting us then!" Isaac said with a smile on his face.

"That's really cool!" Jake said looking awestruck.

"The muscles are more of a side effect from the trainin'." Jace explained. "What's real important is the skill, an' Alex's already got plenty a that."

"We know, he's awesome." Jake said with a huge grin.

"Yeah, he's our hero." Isaac said with a grin of his own making Alex blush slightly.

"You must really love him then huh?" Jack said with a chuckle as Jake and Isaac nodded.

"If ya don't mind my askin', how long has he been livin' with ya?" Jace asked the kids.

"Well mama said she took him in when he was... What was it I think she said he was eleven or twelve." Jake said thinking.

"Yeah, she said she found him living on the streets, and when he said he didn't have a family mama adopted him." Isaac said smiling.

Jace smiled to Alex. "Sounds like ya got lucky, pup."

"I guess so." Alex said smiling, but there was a slight sadness in his eyes that Jake and Isaac missed.

Jace saw the sadness and turned to Jake and Isaac. "Do ya two wanna go get your mom so she can say hi?"

"Mama is sick right now." Jake said looking a bit sad as he buried his face in Alex's leg.

"Yeah, she can't really get out of bed." Isaac said looking sad himself.

"Sick?" Alex repeated looking worried.

Jace turned to Jack. "Go get Ana. Tell her ta get Betty on the radio."

"Yes sir!" Jack said saluting before running off to find Anabell.

Alex rolled his eyes at Jack's antics.

"How long has she been sick?" Jace asked.

"Um... Three days." Jake said thinking back.

"Does she have a cough or is she throwin' up, or what?"

"Well she had a fever the first day and couldn't keep anything down, she hasn't thrown up yet today though." Jake said looking at Jace.

---

Anabell came out of a building as Jack passed. "Need somethin?"

"Yeah, Alex's adoptive mom's sick and Jace wants me to tell you to get Betty on the radio." Jack said stopping as he saw her.

"Alright." Anabell got on the radio as as she headed back towards Alex's house.

Jack nodded as he followed Anabell back to Alex's house.

"D*** I hate this place... Someone has a jammer near by, not uncommon around here." Anabell sighed as all she got was static.

"So what does that mean? Do we have to take their mom with us?" Jack asked curiously.

"I was already planing on asking them. This is a sh**y town to raise children in." Anabell stated.

"It looks like it." Jack said looking around at the boarded up buildings.

"This place is where scum come to die or kill." Anabell added, she seemed to be in a bad mood compared to earlier.

"Are you alright, you seem a bit... Angry." Jack said looking at Anabell scowl.

"I'm fine. It's just this place... In all the time I've been a soldier or trainee for that matter, not one good thing has happened here besides Jace meeting Alex." Anabell replied shaking her head.

"Well I suppose that's the way of the world now." Jack said sighing.

"No... I've seen plenty of areas that have ups and downs. This place is filled with downs." Anna replied as Jace, Alex and his brothers came into view.

"Really? Nothing but downs eh?" Jack said looking at Jace, Alex and Alex's brothers.

"Most people think the blood games started the trouble here, or was a big part of it. Which isn't completely untrue, the blood games did raise the crime rate here, but there where other things way~ before the blood games that where quite evil as well... But.... Nothing good." Anabell stated.

"What about Alex, he's good. He's kept those boys and their mom alive." Jack said.

Anna smiled. "Yeah... He is the best thing about this place."

Jack smiled as he looked at Alex, "Yeah, he sure is."

Jace turned to Anabell once she got close. "Did ya get Betty on the radio?"

Anabell sighed. "Sorry, jammers. I really need to get the high tech radio, but if she's able to move I want to take them to leave in the facility or in district Four."

"District Four is closer." Jace moved closer to murmur to Anabell. "_{She's bedridden with a fever.}"

"So you're gonna get mommy some help?" Jake and Isaac asked hopefully.

"It's the governments job to help those in need, I couldn't very well turn a blind eye." Annabell replied with a smile and nod.

"YAY! Thank you!" Isaac and Jake said hugging Annabell's legs happily.

"Yeah, thanks Annabell." Alex said smiling at Annabell happily.

"Oh, you're welcome..." Anna replied she didn't seem used to being hugged by kids... Her face seemed a bit awkward too. 'This is sooo odd... They don't even know me... And they're hugging me?!'

Jace chuckled. "Is your mom on the ground floor, or is someone gonna hafta carry her out?"

"Momma's sleeping on the couch on the ground floor." Jake said letting go of Annabell as he turned towards Jace.

"Do ya think she can walk ta the van herself?" Jace asked.

"I'm not sure." Jake said thinking about it.

"I could carry her." Alex suggested.

"We should probably move the van closer, then." Jace told Anabell.

Anabell nodded as she went to get the van.

"Probably." Jack said with a nod as Alex went into the house.

"Ya two better get your stuff packed, then." Jace told Jake and Isaac.

"Yes sir!" Jake and Isaac said as they rushed into the house to pack.

"I'll go help." Jack said walking towards the house.

Anabell pulled the van up and put it in park before getting out.

Jake and Isaac came out of the house dragging two large duffle bags behind them.

Jack was right behind them carrying another large duffle bag.

Alex came out moments after Jack carrying a very frail looking woman with short dark brown almost black hair and it looked as if she hadn't been eating well for days.

Jace grimaced slightly. Is she even awake?

Anabell looked over the woman making sure not to show her worry. D*** when was the last time this woman ate. Lets hope Betty can fix her up.

"You must be Alex's friends." The woman said in a very hoarse voice before going into a coughing fit.

"Don't talk, you need rest." Alex said looking down at her making her nod and smile. "This is my mother, her name is Stacy."

"Nice ta meet ya, ma'am." Jace said in a gentle voice. "We're gonna make sure you an' your boys are taken care of, alright?"

"Thank you sir, I really appreciate it." Stacy whispered with a faint smile.

"Do ya mind sitting up? I'd offer settin' up some sorta cot in the back of the van so you can lay down, but I don't want things rollin' around an' bumpin' inta you on the ride." Jace asked Stacy.

"I can try." Stacy said still smiling.

"Alright. Do ya wanna sit in the front ta see where we're goin', or in the back ta keep an eye on your boys?" Jace asked.

"I'll sit in the front, they'll behave with Alex there." Stacy said with a small smile.

Anabell opened the door so Alex could get his mother in the van. "We have some blankets in the back if that'd make your more comfortable."

"That would be nice." Stacy said as Alex helped her into the front seat.

"I'll get you one." Jack said as he went to the back of the van to get her a blanket.

"My Alex, you have nice friends." Stacy said smiling weakly as Alex buckled her seat belt.

"They're family now too." Alex said smiling at Stacy happily.

"Here you are." Jack said returning with a blanket for Stacy and draping it over her.

"Thank you dear." Stacy said smiling.

"You're welcome." Jack said smiling as Alex shut the door.

"Alright, everybody in." Jace declared once Stacy seemed settled in.

"Right." Alex and Jack said in unison as they helped Jake and Isaac into the van before getting in themselves.

Anabell made almosted a pouty face as she gave Jace the keys before getting in the van.

Jace kept a very stoic face as he took the keys and got into the driver's seat. "Everyone buckle up. We don't need ya bouncin' around, back there."

After everyone was in the van and started heading towards the front of town, the group could see smoke raising from the far side of town.

"What's going on over there?" Jack asked seeing the smoke.

"District Twelve. Could be anythin'..." Jace seemed thoughtful before slowing down and turned to Anabel. "Ana, why don't you and Jack go and see what's goin' on. Take a com with ya. Or do ya wanna drive, instead..." He was torn. On one hand, he would rather not send her out to an unknown danger. On the other, she probably should not drive an ill woman around...

Anabell had her hand on her gun and other on the door. "Jack and I will check it out, you just get them to safety."

"Alright." Jack said unbuckling and opening the door.

"Lets go!" Anabell opened the door and got out.

Jack nodded and got out of the van to follow Anabell with his gun.

"Lets get to it... Here use this to cover your mouth." Anabell handed Jack a bandanna from her pocket as she began walking.

Jack nodded as he put the bandanna over his face and followed Anabell.

Anabell covered her mouth as they got closer. "I still don't see anyone."

"Me either." Jack said looking around the area.

A loud shriek penetrated the still air, as flames became visible.

"Is someone caught in the fire?" Jack asked hearing the shriek.

"We'll find out." Anabell replied heading into town.

It was hard to smell anything besides burning buildings and flash.
There was another shriek it was louder and lasted longer then before

"Where is that shrieking coming from?" Jack asked trying to pin point it's location and ignore the smell of smoke.

A young girl went flying past Jack and against a building wall causing the wall to crack and crumble ."aghhh~ that hurt...." The girl said getting up and walking back towards where she went flying from." Huh? You two aren't dead.....this place is dangerous...you should leave."

"We're here because Of that danger." Anabell looking the girl over wandering how she could get up after that.

"A-Are you alright? What happened?" Jack asked looking the girl over curiously.

"The shrieker hit me pretty hard." The girl replied walking past them.

"Hold on kid, you could have internal bleeding among other stuff! You should stay of the-" Anabell was cut off by a paralyzing shriek

"Now we know why it's called a shrieker." Jack said covering his ears and winching slightly.

Anabell trembled slightly at the shriek as she covered her ears, but the girl didn't seem fazed as she quickly ran off towards the shriek. "Hey wait a minute!!" Anabell called trying to grab the girl with one hand, but ended up pulling the hand back to her ear as the shriek got very high pitched.

"AH!" Jack said wincing as he covered his ears again.

Anabell Struggled to move a hand down into her pocket and pulled out some high quality ear plugs. (specially made for gunners) and handed them to Jack.

Jack happily took the ear plugs and put them in, "Thanks."

"No problem." Anabell replied putting hers in. "They are made to pick up on voices not shrieks. Now lets see what that shrieker is."

"Right." Jack said heading in the direction the girl had gone.

Anabell had her guns ready as they walked, one of the building quickly came crumbling down behind them. "D*** a lot of these buildings where unstable to begin with."

"Heather take the back!" A female voice called from around the corner.

"I heard a voice." Jack said peering around the corner with his gun at the ready.

Anabell was quickly beside him.

they could see the girl from earlier and the back of another one attack something. The thing was very pale and had longer limbs about nine feet long with wide clawed hand its skin was tight against the bone. The most striking thing was that it had no eyes, ears, or mouth it was just a round wrinkled blob.

"Well, what's that thing supposed ta be?" Jace asked with a low whistle from behind Anabell and Jack.

"Hahaha great timing Jace! But I have no F**kin clue." Anabell chuckled not turning around.

"You think that's that shrieker thing the girl was talking about?" Jack asked looking at the creature.

As if to answer Jack the monsters lower face area opened so wide that all you could see where fangs and a tongue as it let out a high pitched shriek.

Jace winced and covered his ears.

"Guess that answers that question." Jack said seeing the opening in the shrieker's 'face' and Jace's reaction.

Anabell fired into the monsters mouth, but it seemed to have no affect. "What the H*** why aren't you dying?!

"Maybe it's immune to bullets." Jack said also shooting at it, this time in the area where the chest would be.

The monster only seemed to get angry, not injured~!

"Crap!" Jack said a bit annoyed.

"Just shut the d*mn thing up!" Jace yelled, not uncovering his ears.

Anabell reached into one of pockets still shooting with the other as she gave Jace some pinkish red ear plugs.

Jace snatched the plugs from Anabell and muttered darkly under his breath as he put them in.

"Sorry....those are the ones Debbie has me keep....they look cute on you." Anabell teased reloading her guns. "D*** this isn't getting us anywhere."

"Those the acid ice bullets?" Jace asked, his cheeks the same color as the earplugs due to Anabell's teasing.

"Now they are." Anabell stated with a smile handing Jack some bullets.

Jack raised an eyebrow as he took the bullets, "Acid ice bullets?"

"It...uh...melts stuff." Jace explained.

"These little babies will be your best friend~" Anabell hummed as she fired some ice bullets into the monster causing it to let out a shriek of pain.

"Oh now you guys are being helpful!!" The girl from earlier yelled to them.

Jack grinned, "Sounds fun." He said shooting the monster in the area where his chest was and then his head.

The monster let out another shriek of pain as its skin quickly started pooling and melting.

"An' now we know." Jace quipped. "Normal bullets are a waste on these things."

"Yeah... But I'm still not sure what It is." Anabell stated looking over the thing.

"Shrieker~ This particular one, was a zombie dog that got mutated several times into... Well what you see now, they have a high will to live and can do small amounts of regeneration~" A girl stated matter-of-factly she had short black hair and an eye patch covering one of her red eyes.

"That thing used ta be a dog?" Jace murmured in disbelief.

"Yup! If you came around to its back you can still see a stub of a tail..... But not all of these are made from dogs." The girl replied.

"Y'know what causes this?" Jace asked.

"Min Rin was the one that knew the most..... But... We can't find her." The girl replied getting slightly depressed.

"Yup! The last monster whacked her real hard and sent her flying!... But we don't know where she landed." The girl from earlier added.

"Should we help look for her, I mean she could be hurt." Jack said putting his gun back in his holster.

"We'd very much appreciate that! She can't regenerate nearly as fast as Heather can. " The black haired girl stated.

"There's a whole lotta scents in the area... Is there anythin' distinctive 'bout hers?" Jace asked, feeling a little useless at the moment.

"Oh she's a zombie like me! so she might smell a bit dead and like some chemical we used~" The youngest girl stated, as she adjusted her hat.

"What?! what do you mean you're a Zombie?" Anabell asked jumping back and pulling her gun back out as if she was going to blast them away.

"Anabell, calm down, if they wanted to hurt us I'm sure they would have done it by now." Jack said rolling his eyes slightly. "What kind of chemical?"

Jace put a hand on Anabell's arm. "It's not like they're tryin' ta eat us."

Jace could feel a slight tremble before Anabell straightened up and put the gun half way in it's holster.

"Wow hold your horses Ms. Trigger-happy... We just used some chemicals to stop or at least slow the rotting process and make our skin a bit stronger." the older girl stated.

"How much is a bit?" Jack asked curiously.

"Hummm well it's not as strong as that things..... But we can withstand blows pretty well... Even cuts!" The youngest girl stated.

"Whoa! Really?!" Jack said slightly impressed by what the girl told him.

"What kinda chemicals are ya usin'?" Jace asked.

"Not sure.... Some weird guy gave them to us, we have a lot though." The youngest girl replied.

Jace raised an eyebrow. "What kinda 'weird' are we talkin' bout here?"

"Don't you know not to accept things strangers offer you?" Jack asked with a sigh and a stern look.

"He really was interested in us, because we where 'Unique little puppets' I believe is how he worded it, but when we said we had to leave he was disappointed but didn't argue or anything... He talked about his brother... being at a facility, said he might be able to help." The youngest replied smiling.

"Which facility?" Jace asked, his brow furrowing at the word "puppets".

Anabell stepped forward a bit in curiosity.

"The... North I believe." The older girl replied.

Jack looked at Jace's furrowed brow curiously, "Is something wrong Jace?"

Jace grunted. "That depends..."

"Someone at our facility huh?" Anabell crossed her arms before seeming annoyed. "I think I might have a guess..."

"I'm confused, why would someone from the facility give zombies chemicals to make their skin stronger?" Jack asked.

"He isn't from the facility." Anabell sighed.

"Then who is this he that gave zombies chemicals to make their skin stronger?" Jack asked with a raised brow.

"If I had to guess I'd say Isaac's brother." Anna replied.

"I think... yeah that was the brothers name!" The youngest said.

"I guess that explains why 'weird' is the best way ta describe the man..." e__e

"So Isaac's weird too?" Jack asked.

"Yep, he's probably in the dictionary under 'weird','odd', or 'abnormal' "

"I don't think that's possible, but I get what you mean." Jack said with a chuckle.

"Hope ya don't mind my askin'..." Jace started, "but is there anywhere you girls oughta be?"

"Umm.... No, besides where Rin Min is." The oldest replied.

"Then I guess we oughta find her."

"What does she look like?" Anabell asked trying to seem interested.

"She has light red hair, she wears glasses, her face is kinda pointy and she was wearing a peach colored coat with gold and brown plaid fluffy stuff at the neck and sleeve area!!" The youngest stated, but she talked a mile a minute so only some of it was understandable.

"Uh... Got it, let's go look for her." Jack said with a nod.

"Kay!" The youngest hummed running over and grabbing Jack's arm.

"Careful Heather, don't want to anger anyone..." The other girl said glancing at Anabell who was nearly glaring at Heather.

"Anger anyone? Who is she.... Oh..." Jack said looking at Anabell.

"Your not mad are you Jay-Jay?!" Heather asked looking up at Jack.

"No, I'm not mad." Jack said, he raised a brow at her nickname for him.

"Yay!" Heather gave a little hop before leading Jack into town.

"Sorry, she gets easily excited.." The other girl said as she started following.

"We know a lotta people like that." Jace chuckled.

Jack chuckled as he followed after Heather.

"Hmmmm I don't smell Min Rin ......." The other girl said looking around.

"I don't see anyone either." Jack said looking around the area.

"Hmmm maybe she was sent flying further then we thought...." The girl thought out loud.

"Maybe we should split up and look for her." Jack suggested.

"Sounds good." Anabell agreed.

"I'll go with trigger happy~" The oldest girl hummed with a mischievous smirk.

"Trigger happy?" Jack repeated curiously.

Anabell's eye twitched as she glanced at the girl. "That's not my name..."

"Well it fits you~" The girl teased.

Jack chuckled, "Don't worry Anna, she's just teasing you."

Anabell looked at Jack it was clear she didn't find it amusing. "I'm not worried."

Jace's expression underwent many changes and contortions as he appeared to be thinking entirely to much about something. Finally he reached a decision. "I'll go with the pup. He's not trained, yet, so he needs the supervision."

"Alright then I guess I'll-" Anabell got cut off when both the girls came up beside her and locked arms with her.

"You'll be with us!!" Heather giggled as Anna grimaced and glanced at the girls that where now leading her away.

"Be careful Anna, don't let her get hurt girls." Jack said with a wave.

"She'll be fine, pup." Jace assured Jack as well as himself.

"Why didn't you go with her? I would have been fine by myself with one of those girls." Jack said.

"Can't, I'm your supervisor."

"Yeah, but you're just going to worry about her the entire time we're together." Jack said as he walked keeping an eye out for anyone.

"And if I went with her, she wouldn't forgive me for leaving you."

"Hmm... Well I can take care of myself, but girls are pretty scary when angered so I get it... Just don't drone on about her like a love sick puppy." Jack said.

Jace gave Jack a deadpan look. "...I can make trainin' h*ll for you, ya know that?"

"Yeah, yeah, I know." Jack said with a teasing smirk.

"Uh-huh. Just focus on usin' your nose instead a your mouth, ok, pup?"

"Yes sir!" Jack said saluting as he began to look around.

They could hear rumbling as the building just past the one next to them, the wall closest to them started crumbling.

Jack blinked and pushed Jace out of the way as some debris came falling down towards them.

"This isn't a good playground." A male voice came from behind them, it lacked much emotion.

"Playground?" Jace snarled.

"Does it look like we're trying to play or something?! We're looking for a girl who's missing, did you cause that building to fall?" Jack asked looking pissed off.

"Of course not. what would I gain from doing so?" the man replied.

"Well then who, or what did?" Jack asked not really believing the man.

"Shreikers.... Ghost... Mites.." The man seemed ready to continue before stopping and giving them complete attention. "A child that's missing is what you're searching for?"

"Yeah, a young girl, she was thrown by one of those Shrieker things." Jack said.

"Ya might wanna evacuate this area. It isn't safe, at the moment." Jace told the man.

The man started twirling a strand of his black bangs around his finger as he thought. "....there are only three other people. The one your seeking is no longer in this location...sorry."

"Do you know where she went?" Jack asked with a slightly raised brow.

The man shook his head."sorry"

"How do ya even know as much as ya do?"

"Yeah, did you witness what happened?" Jack asked curiously.

"I've been around for a little while.." the man replied.

"Do you think you can help us find her, do you know where she went?" Jack asked hoping the man could help them.

"No, No... But you have other things to worry about... I'd suggest going back to where you started." The Man replied making circles in the dirt with his foot.

"Going back to where we started? What for? And what other things do we have to worry about?" Jack asked with a raised brow as he looked over at Jace.

"Enough a this obscure *bleep*. If ya got somethin' ta say, say it." >:/

"A pup strayed from the pack." The man replied before vanishing.

"A pup strayed from the pack? What hell does that even mean?" Jack asked looking really confused as he looked from the spot where the man vanished to Jace.

"Means we gotta get home." Jace began sniffing for Anabell.

"Come on! I felt strange energy over here!" Heather's voice came from the other side of the buildings on the left.

"I hear Heather, over there." Jack said heading towards the buildings on the left.

Jace ran with Jack.

Anna running around the corner with the girls in toe. She stopped when she saw them. " they sensed something, did anything happen?"

"We ran into some weird guy who was very... Um... Odd. He said something about a pup strayed from the pack and then vanished." Jack said as he looked over the girls to make sure they were all ok.

"Pup? what does that mean?" the girls asked in unison.

"It means we need to get back home." Anabell replied turning back towards where the van was.

"But what about their friend?" Jack asked looking over at Anabell.

"We'll just stay and look for her." The oldest girl replied.

"Wrong answer...go with them." The male from earlier's voice stated.

"Oh no, that guy's back." Jack said looking around for the source of the voice.

"He's gotta point, though. Can't just leave civilians behind in this situation." Jace remarked.

Anabell looked around trying to spot the man. "He does.." she agreed.

"Yeah, but what if they're friend is seriously injured and unconscious? Are we just going to leave her?" Jack asked.

"We'll have a search team sent in."

"Bu-but....what if it's too late?" Heather asked

"Can we radio it in?" Jack asked curiously.

"No, the radio's not working." Anna replied.

"Tick tock...tick tock." The Man's voice came again, sounding as disinterested as ever.

"We gotta get movin'!" Jace opened the vehicle doors.

"I know it's not good, but we have to leave your friend for now." Jack said with a small sigh.

"Right." Anabell nodded as she got in the vehicle .

The girls glanced at each other before getting in the van as well.

"Sorry." Jack mumbled softly as he got in the van as well and buckled up once he was seated.

Jace settled into the drivers seat and started the van.

"Its okay...I don't sense her..so hopefully she got to safety.." The oldest girl said.

"I hope you're right." Jack said with a nod.

Jace drove towards the facility, going almost as fast as Anabell does...but with less swerving.

Jack sighed softly as he looked out the window as they drove.

---

Once they shut the doors Jace picked up speed, again. "I didn't shake anyone loose back there, did I?"

"No, everyone else is here." Alex said.

"Right, then. Next stop, District Four." Jace announced.

"We're not going to wait for Uncle Jack and Miss Anabell?" Isaac asked.

"We'll come back for 'em when your mom's safe."

"Ok." Isaac said looking a bit worried.

"Don't worry Isaac, they're really good fighters, right Jace?" Alex said with a smile trying to reassure Isaac.

"'Bout the best there is!" Jace grinned, hiding his own concerns.

"Ok, hope you're right." Isaac said holding Jake and Alex's hands.

"Ana's a pro. She'll make sure they're both fine." Jace said more to himself than the boys. "Ya just keep an eye on your mom."

"Don't worry Isaac, Jack will be ok, he's Alex's brother." Jake said smiling.

"Almost there, pups. When we reach the medic center, you all get out and get her settled in while I go back to check in on the others. Got it?"

"Got it Jace." Alex said with a nod.

Jace rounded the corner to the medic center and handed Alex his military ID. "Let them know what's goin' on and show 'em this."

"Alright." Alex said taking the ID.

"Now get goin'!"

"Right!" Alex said getting out and helping his mom out of the front seat.

Jake and Isaac quickly grabbed their bags and jumped out of the van.

Once Jace was sure everyone was safely out of the van, he started the drive back to where he dropped Jack and Anabell off.

---

return to Undead Zoo!