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Robert McGregor was lost... yes he was, no matter how much he wandered this cursed land he couldn't seem to catch his bearings, it so do bloody different to the highlands he loved and cherished, and even with his kilt proudly wrapped around him to keep out the worst of the cold he was missing his homeland. Shame he couldn't return... not yet at least, but rumour had reached the highlands of a competition of skill with the reward of so much gold that Robert had set off immediately. Shame that he was now so directionally challenged. At least it was bloody warmer here and he didn't need his extra cloak.

Exasperated he ran a hand down his face, his dirk had seen much action as of late, and he was thankful the mountains were at least bountiful to a point, of course that had been until he had passed a small town declaring itself the gate city for the castle... meaning this land now belonged to the sovereign lord of the land and he wouldn't dare hunt in case it was forbidden. That would be just his luck, slaughtered for slaying a bunny. He could see his gravestone already, here lies Robert McGregor, hopping mad to the end. A rustle caught his attention and he froze as his eyes carefully ran their way over the land. Nothing large moved indicating something smaller. Relaxing he carried on. From the few glimpses of the castle he had caught from climbing a tree or two he predicted the place was no more than two days walk... if only he could make the last of his staling bread last perhaps he could get a hearty meal upon arrival? One could hope at least. Right now even broth would be acceptable.

The day dragged on, and as booted feet weaved their way through the undergrowth, roots and general forest litter he became increasingly aware of the tiredness that clung heavy to his limbs. And as if conjured by his imagination the smell of something more than just bread wafted enticingly upon the air and drifted towards him. Caught in the scent he found his feet moving before even his brain had caught up to the action. Chatting and laughing and general raucous filled the air and smile spread across Roberts face as he slowed his step. Being only one, and on foot at that, it was easier to hide his presence as he scouted the group. Six horses and six men. A fire in the centre of what was obviously a makeshift camp, something delicious and appetising shimmering over the welcome heat as the group prepared to bed down and share the duties. One of the men... guards?... in particular caught Roberts attention but he dragged his eyes away, even as the leopard he shared his soul with yowl at the sight of the man. Now was not the time to fraternise, and indulging his leopard was not wise in unknown territory... especially with witnesses. No, he had to play this right.

From the scent of each man Robert determined they were human, and as such less of a threat to him... of course, if all six came at him at the same time he was screwed... but he was never one to let risk stop him from taking a gamble. He entered the clearing, hands raised slightly to show he was unarmed, or at least not currently wielding. "Ye dornt happen tae hae enaw tae shaur dae ye? Aam oan mah way tae th' castle fur th' contest but aam raither guttin'." (You don't happen to have enough to share do you? I'm on my way to the castle for the contest but I'm rather hungry.) Robert hoped someone at least caught his meaning, if that village he passed through was anything to go by not man Scotsmen passed this way. Not that he could blame them, the mountains called to his Scottish heart even now, even with the brisk wind and chill of the snow he couldn't bring himself to turn his back on his homeland... what a shame he wouldn't be returning any time soon, even longer if he remained empty handed and penniless. No, failure was not an option.

He gave his best attempt at a charming smile, many a lass had told him he was a handsome devil... possessed with the luck of the devil... if only they knew how devilish his mind truly was, two guys together may not be acceptable in bonny Scotland but Roberts eyes never lingered long on the fairer sex, at least not long enough to actually do something. Strange then how several claimed to have birthed his b*stard.... immaculate conception perhaps? His tussled red hair looked like fire on his head and his green and black kilt was wrapped around his waist and over one shoulder before being held by his family's broach. His green eyes twinkle with play and merriment... but under it all was the body of a man used to harshness, to fighting and labour. He was well defined with muscles though not overly so, and even now they were tensing in preparation to strike should things go south. He wasn't completely Scottish though, his father had come from another place entirely.... not that his looks revealed that, he was grateful he so highly favoured his mother.

Robert let them manhandle him, even though it wasn't until they examined his neck that he realised what they thought he might be... vampire. Good thing the vampires didn't tend to like the smell of shifters, even if he was only half... and half... other. His homeland was well protected, but he knew he couldn't reveal how they were protected. One leopard with claws and teeth was a lot more useful against the vampires than five humans with steel blades and no clue how to actually do the beasts harm. He remained quiet, smiled softly and tried his best to appear amicable at least, he was hungry after all. "It's alrecht laddie, Ah kin." (It's alright lad, I know.) And he did. He quirked a brow when the guy seemed to openly appraise him and part of him actually wanted to peacock for the guy.

"You better be careful, wandering around at this time.." Sound advise from one human to another he supposed, but he was neither. Of course that was his little secret, so he nodded his head and smiled slightly though it likely looked more of a smirk. "I'll keep 'at in min' laddie." (I'll keep that in mind lad.) He gave the guy a wink, even as he took the offered bread and meat, his stomach rumbling and growling in anticipation and appreciation. He was going to savour this! It was a bird of some sort but he could have cared less what kind of flesh it was right now.

Just listening he nodded at a appropriate times as he filled his mouth full of the juicy meat. He knew he likely looked like he hadn't eaten in days, and in many ways he hadn't. His leopard needed meat, needed it like his human needed air to breath. Taking a seat he turned his head to look at a scarred and tanned fellow... could he see through that eye or was the scarring too great he wondered? "Do you know what it is for?" He cocked his head for a moment then swallowed and replied, "Ah hae an idea, och aye." (I have an idea, yes.) Listening he found part of his earlier assumption was true, though he hadn't predicted the vampires... he had just thought the king was planning a war or something, either way.... "I'll dae what's needed sae lang as Ah can gie mah hans oan th' prize bunsens." (I'll do what's needed so long as I can get my hands on the prize money.)

Part of Roberts mind whispered that he shouldn't be mentioning his own intentions, or at least part of them... but it was too late now. With mild amusement he grinned as another fellow scolded the last before turning to look at Ronan again with a look that clearly stated, 'Isn't that obvious?' "Och aye aam a Scotsman, tartan wearin', belchin', whiskey drinker 'at Ah am." (Yes I'm a Scotsman, tartan wearing, belching, whiskey drinker that I am.)

Turning to look at Nico he couldn't help but grin, so the one that had caught his interest earlier was partly related to his homeland? Did that mean he was a shifter? Or from one of the human clans? He held his tongue either way but couldn't hide his curiosity or appreciative glances he gave the guy. What the hell was with that helmet? As if echoing his own thoughts Ronan voiced them. He was curious to ask, maybe even tease the guy and add in a dash of flirtation just to see how accepted that would be. He would back off if the answer was not at all.... but the opportunity came and went in a blink of an eye as all at once everyone stood up.

Inhaling deeply he picked up the familiar scent of nearby vampires. A pair if his nose was being accurate despite the pleasant distraction of cooking meat and freshly broken bread. Yes, he was thinking with his stomach... and damn he couldn't muster the mindset to feel guilty about it. Standing to he stuffed his mouth full of the remaining meat as he looked around and pulled his dirk free... it would be so much easier if he could just shift to animal, but that wasn't an option right now. He would settle... then maybe he could eat some more meat? Yep, that had the desired motivating effect.

"I'll tak' tae th' trees an' gie a better swatch." (I'll take to the trees and get a better look.) Doing just that he put his dirk between his teeth and took to the trees, it was times like he was thankful that his tartan was green... good camouflage, of course, if anyone looked up as he swung himself up onto the first branch they would have being able to note that he was indeed a true Scotsman. Green eyes scanned swiftly, coupled with his heightened animal senses. His moved to two other trees before dropping back to the ground with the silent grace of a predator, he gazed up at Nico -who he conveniently found himself next to, he smirked. "Tois. tae th' west, abit a hunder metres, nae e'en botherin' tae hide their presence." (Two. To the west, about a hundred metres, not even bothering to hide their presence.) Idiots, had they forgotten that there were other things than humans in the world? Especially in wooded areas! Vampires were better suited to towns and villages in Roberts opinion. Of course, it was possible that the creatures were being converted without care... idiot makers, it wasn't like the old days were they were actually given a lesson about the order of the world and how to bloody survive. The fact that they had revealed their existence and were now on a Kings radar was evidence enough of their stupidity. Getting to his feet he glanced around the group, dirk back in hand, as he headed off -rather fearlessly, if he did think so himself- in the direction of the vampires. Now that he was hunting, and there really wasn't another word for it, his steps were careful and measured, no noise enumerating from then as he weaved his way expertly through tree roots, fallen branches and growing plants, it was clear to anyone watching that he was clearly used to travelling in the wilderness.

He glanced back to spy a few of the other guards following though he was only actually interested in one... Nico. He didn't get to look for long when his attention was forced front and centre again.

"What do you mean I can't have children now? You said if I let you do this Gregor that I would be stronger and better!" A whining female vampire? Would wonders never cease to amaze? What happened to the ruthless dominatrix types he had grown accustom to? Whatever. It seemed they weren't even paying attention... idiots.

"Shut the hell up Gloria! We need to find something to bloody eat and I'm fed up of your f*cking whining! Grow a spine woman and get over it...." The creature paused and Robert was positive it was because he had scented blood... or perhaps just picked up on his unusual shifter scent. BRING IT ON! He was ready for a fight, itching for it really.

Robert was more than happy to hold Nico's gaze, even as he took a moment to attempt to figure the guy out. Would the man even be interested in an advance from another man? One too many times he had put his foot in his mouth and made an advance were one wasn't welcome... it had made him a little... cautious. Though unlikely too cautious to let such a tasty looking morsel out of his sight.

Despite already being on the move he couldn't help the small grin that filtered over his lips at the teasing from Ronan. "Quick, Nico! Take your hat off!" He was growing curious about the guys hair, but he was beginning to suspect it was bright orange or something similar. After all the hints he had been given so far could only give so many options... that or maybe the guy was bald? Only that didn't exactly tie him into any stereotype of a Scottish lad that Robert knew.

The quickly healing scar on his shoulder reminded him that it hadn't been all that long ago since his.... he growled under his breath, not even wanting to think about it, not right now at least. Robert didn't say anything, simply watched as Ronan and Nico conversed, not at all oblivious to the occasional glance that Nico sent his away, especially after his friend left. A human who enjoyed killing vampires? Not entirely unusual, but from experience he knew it often led to a good story... what story did Ronan have? And why did his leopard hold interest towards it? As if it were... important? He shook it off and patted Nico loosely on the shoulder when the guy seemed genuinely disturbed at the idea of a female being injured or killed. That was not something Robert could completely understand, in his experience females were just as deadly -in several cases even more so- than the males. Vampiric females were notoriously vicious, though that one hadn't particularly seemed so.... curious and curiouser?

"What is your name?" He considered the guy for a moment, genuinely considering if he should reveal his identity or not. There was power in a name after all. After a moment he did answer though, his brogue thick. "Robert McGregor" Once again he listened and an honest grin spread over his lips. "Ah cannae claeem tae nat enjoy killin' them. But Ah hae mah reason laddie. Dornt we aw? caa mine mair selfish than most." (I can't claim not to enjoy killing them. But I have my reason lad. Don't we all? Call mine more selfish than most.) He may be finding himself somewhat trusting towards the guy, the attraction perhaps?, but even with that in mind he still wasn't likely to reveal too much. Right now all he was looking for was a possible romp in the bushes and then moving on to do what he had to. Wasn't that always the way? Duty. Duty. Duty. That seemed to be all his life was ever about these days... and he hated it!

Turning his head he watched as Ronan appeared relatively unharmed. Impressive he mused, even as his eyes examined the guy more closely. Now that his blood was flowing freely from freshly cut wounds he was sure he would scent something, and underlying scent, a half... something? It was most definitely mostly human... with a dash of... something.... mixed in? Or was it possible that humans were evolving? Especially in areas like this where paranormal's seemed to thrive and threaten their very existence? All things were possible, of that he knew. Maybe one day he would even be blessed to find his mate, even if there were those who believed it impossible for a man who preferred the company of his own gender?

Such thoughts were eradicated from his thoughts when Ronan got closer and spoke. "I am curious however..as to what is running through your blood." Ah! Heightened senses? His eyes flashed, his cat rising to the surface as his eyes turned gold and the irises became slitted. The transformation only lasted for a mere heart beat, less than that really, less than even a blink. It was simply a single flashed image as his inner cat felt threatened. He didn't speak, didn't need another indiscretion against his name with his own kind than he already had.... still he was curious what this pair would do if his secret was revealed. Would they turn on him too? As if he was no better than the vampires they obviously stalked. It then occurred to him that he had noticed, but not really noticed at the time, that when the vampires had first been heard only himself, Ronan and Nico had really heard anything... what was so specially about the pair? Even as his mind lingered and wondered about the sanity of his plan, about the stupidity it took to walk knowingly into a human fortress knowing that he was other. He had to be a bloody fool... or desperate.... right now he knew he was both What seemed a little odd however was that as he allowed himself to refocus and look on Nico that the guy actually seemed to be... defending him? Mildly at least.

He didn't answer Ronan's question, didn't say a word in fear that it came out as a chuffed growl rather than actual words. Stress was never conductive to his control after all. "Cheers laddie, but ye dornt hae tae... Ah hae gain longer wi' far warst than breed an' water afair." (Thanks lad, but you don't have to... I have gone longer with far worst than bread and water before.) Not that it was anything he wasn't to relive, not by a long shot. Of course, despite his brave words, he was not about to turn down the prospect of meat when he didn't have a guarantee about how long it would be until his next decent meal. Curious he found himself asking; "Diz th' kin' allaw huntin' in these woods? ur only fur his men?" (Does the king allow hunting in these woods? Or only for his men?) Maybe the answer would stop him from making a pig of himself this night? Or not. He wasn't that lucky.

"And.. if it makes you feel any better, I don't think you smell weird." Pausing in his stride he allowed the obvious attention of the guy, the inspection... platonic? Gods he hoped not! The guys words made him almost.... hopeful, especially as a grin spread over his lips and he quirked a brow as he looked at the guy with open approval. "Ah, Ah see. weel..." (Ah, I see. Well...) He did something risky then and reached out, his hand clasping firmly yet gently on the guys chin as he allowed his thumb a single swipe over the guys creamy skin. "Mebbe ye jist need tae come closer an' gie a guid auld sniff?" (Maybe you just need to come closer and get a good old sniff?) He was clearly losing his mind if his own words were anything to go by, but in that moment, nothing would have been able to draw his attentions away. He looked into the others eyes, endless pools that he suddenly wanted to drown in.... to go home in... an odd thought towards a guy you had just met but it was there all the same.

Robert would be the first to admit that he was surprised, surprised that he wasn't currently getting his arse handed to him and a spew of foul obscurities tossed at him for being so daring. What surprised him even more was the guys reply. The way he responded. The cute pinkened tips of his ears, the way the striking colour seemed to spread a little down the guys cheeks and highlight those fantastic freckles. Robert wanted to know how far down those little brown speckles went... what other secrets the guys clothing hidden... and he wasn't ashamed at how readily his body reacted, his arousal thick in the air.

"Is 'at reit laddie? 'en by aw means, come tak' whit ye want." (Is that right lad? Then by all means, come take what you want.) His voice was husky, a slight almost feline purr rumbling in the final word. In many ways they could be his famous last words, he could find himself about to receive a face full of knuckle sandwich.... but right now he was willing to take the risk. There really was something about the guy, and as he inhaled deeply he found he even found the guys scent appealing.... even as a mischievous smirk crossed over his lips... he wanted to roll Nico in his scent, make sure the guy was marked just for the fun of it....

Wait? Mark him? What the hell was going on?

Robert didn't allow himself any time to consider, knowing that if he did he would likely regret it and change his mind... and right now he wasn't about to stop the course this shockingly intimate interaction seemed to be taking.

Feeling bold he pulled Nico the remaining distance into his arm, nuzzling to guys cheek, his breath breathing hotly on the guys pink ear before he leaned down and whispered softly, almost seductively; "Ye shoods ken.... Ah loch mah men hot as liquid fire in mah arms." (You should know.... I like my men hot as liquid fire in my arms.) There was no going back no, no misunderstanding or pretending he meant something else... until that point there had been several interpretations to his words and actions... now there would be none, no excuse he could give. He kissed the guys upper cheek, daring to take just a little more before the explosion he was half expecting to happen to happen.

The taste that exploded on his tongue floored him.... holy hell! This guy tasted amazing! He wanted more! Needed more! His cat rubbed against his flesh, begging to play, wanting to enjoy the scent, to mark, to growl, to purr in satisfaction.... it wanted so badly that again Robert was taken aback, never had his leopard become so excited at the prospect of a lover alone.

It was a rather pleasant sensation when Nico turned and kissed his lips, the first was a mere brush of lips, almost distant... like the kiss you would bestow upon a parent... and when the guy pulled away Robert could even make out the slight surprise that flickered like a candle in Nico's eyes. Eyes that Robert found to be so beautiful... was that a fleck of colour in them? Now that he was closer he had to wonder how he hadn't noticed the colour before. The second, returning kiss was far more filled with the wow factor... a prelude to what was to follow...

Robert found himself cursing under his breath as he too heard the voice and pulled away. He crossed his arms and all but glowered at the men even as he returned his gaze to the forest and scanned it, pretending he was simply standing guard all this time. Ridiculous notion since he was so hard he was sure he could pound nails right now.

"We're coming." Not yet, he mused in his mind, cursing that it had turned completely dirty under their circumstances. Control yourself Robert! He chastised himself even as joined Nico in returning to the guys camp. Listening once more to the guy he couldn't help but grin, "Och thes is far frae finished laddie. But Ah can bide mah time..." (Oh this is far from finished lad. But I can wait...)

Once they reached the camp they split up, Robert taking a perch opposite Nico, his eyes straying to look at the guy every now and then. He didn't miss the accusation in Ronan's eyes and couldn't help but wonder... lover? Why would Nico allow his advances if he already had a stable lover? Or was it not serious between them? More lovers of convenience? Or maybe he was on the wrong route here and they were nothing more than brothers-in-arms?

His eyes narrowed though when he heard Ronan speak, his eyes darting to look directly at the man, his jaw clenched tight as he forced himself not to comment from his perch across the fire. No human could have heard the hushed words after all... but Robert decidedly not human. His expression clearly stated that he had heard Ronan and that he was less than happy about it. The guy had used the word feline like it was an insult, which in itself was insulting to Robert. After all... he was was a feline, a mighty leopard when he let his animal free. Once more the creature paced within the boundary of his skin and he became all too aware that he would soon need to allow it out for a run or risk shifting at the worst possible moment.

Of course, what surprised him more was the fact that it seemed Nico also sensed his feline ancestry, and once again he wondered about the guys own origins... was he one of the mountain shifters? Or at least descendant from them? Evidently not a feline given the way Ronan spoke.... what the hell was so wrong with cat shifters anyway? Robert was rather proud of that trait... it was his other side that he was less than pleased about, the side that had made him a freak among his own people for years.

Robert had to try not to let the sight of Nico removing his armor distract him, even as he spoke blandly with one of the guards who had taken perch beside him and passed him a leg of something, he didn't exactly care what right now.

Keeping his attention only half on the conversation and half on Nico he asked the guard. "Thenk ye, sae hoo mony vampires hae ye seen sae far haur?" (Thank you, so how many vampires have you seen so far here?) Perhaps it would an opportunity to figure out what he was up against at least. It didn't really matter he supposed... he would be entering that competition either way.

"No idea what you're even saying man... vampires? That's pretty much all I caught!" The guy laughed and it was anything but music to his ears. "The filthy things litter this place. I'm pretty lucky to be on psycho Ronan's side since he does most of the hard word, most of the other units take at least two causalities and fatalities a month but ours fares much better than that." He laughed again and the sound went straight through him. From the corner of his eye he noticed Nico undoing the straps on his helmet, was he about to see the infamous distracting hair? "You know they say he is part berserker or something, fights like he has the strength of ten men! And he fights like an angry bear on steroids!" Evidently the guard found this comparison to be amusing as he was laughing once more... it was at that moment that Nico revealed his mop of ginger curls, even cut short the curl couldn't be disguised, the unruly mop of hair went off in all directions, not helped at all by the fact that he had been wearing a helmet for Gods only knew out long. A face splitting grin spread over his face as he winked at the guy before turning his attention mostly back to the guard again. Evidently he approved of the smile as he slapped Robert on the back, gaining a growl from Robert, even as he continued talking as if there had been no reaction. "Like that do ya? Don't let him hear ya say it though!" Too late mused, pretty sure that Ronan had heard the guy himself. "Ah see." (I see.) Was all he said, more than sure that if he said too much the guy would simply claim that he couldn't understand again... how boring. This was the downside with travelling outside of the highlands.

The night progressed, he watched the guards play poker, talk among themselves, take it in turns to patrol the area, and roast more meat than he had seen in a while. Just how much did these guys need to eat? Not that he was complaining, he was rather enjoying the plentiful bounty, even if he was being conscious of not eating too much... after all, he wouldn't want a stitch during the evenings activities. With that he grinned and turned to face Nico again, getting up he made his way as nonchalantly as he could muster to the other side of the fire. He took a seat next to Nico though he spoke to Ronan first. "Seems ye hae quite a reputation amang yer men ronan. interestin' 'at a human coods lest thes lang bein' as frivoloos as ye ur wi' strategy." (Seems you have quite a reputation among your men Ronan. Interesting that a human could last this long being as frivolous as you are with strategy.) Robert wouldn't ask questions though, especially not here, it was none of his business really after all. "Ah jist hiner 'at a body day ye dornt bite aff mair than ye can chew... aw cats hae claws efter aw." (I just hope that one day you don't bite off more than you can chew... all cats have claws after all.) It wasn't so much a threat as a reminder, and one that everyone here would do wise to learn. He would and could fight if he had to.... even against them.

Nico glanced up at Robert as he was joined by him, smiling just ever so slightly. At some point he had been handed a canteen of alcohol and it had been resting happily in his hand since. Ronan was in no better shape as he would take large chugs of the drink without care. It at least seemed to cheer him up over his pouting and he was back to wearing the crooked grin he had previously been sporting upon Robert's arrival.

"Cats aren't the only ones with claws, friend." Ronan responded immediately to Robert in a calm, casual tone. He gave a warm smile at the other as he swirled his drink around in it's container. His free hand wiped away from of the fried blood from his skin where his wound had been, which had already healed into small fine scars. "Don't take me as an enemy." He suddenly tacked on with steady yellow eyes staring in the cat's direction. " I'm just not a cat person, you know?"

"In the end.. we're all just wolves amung sheep, wearing their skin." Ronan's attention went to the fire as he spoke, his thoughts becoming more intense as his voice becoming lower and disappearing. He took one last swig of his drink, finishing it off and tossing the empty can into one of the sacks of supplies. "One day I'll be old and tired and ready to lay down and finally enjoy the sleep that I so deserve.. but until then, I will use my years to try and find a way to enjoy my existence.. Being reckless and battling is one of my few joys."

"Ahh, I'm sleepy.. I think I'm going to retire to my tent. Maybe rub one out. You guys know what to do." Ronan asked as he stood up and stretched, his eyes going to the other guards who were still close to camp. His attention went back to the pair sitting beside eachother and he jutted a finger in Nico's direction. "I swear to god, if I hear anything tonight.. I'll kick your a**. Every single time, you make such a ruckass that it keeps me up. I need my beauty sleep."

This time it was Nico's turn to gain a shitty grin. "You're the one with the ears. Plug 'em up." A low growl rumbled in Ronan's throat in response, but it didn't sound threatening. Just like more pouting. The scarred man rubbed at his long hair that was beginning to fall from it's tie. "Good night all.. Seeya in the morning." And he soon disappeared into his tent. The silence that followed made Nico glance down at his canister and then up at Robert.

He already had goosebumps on his skin, not from the cold but from excitement. His smile grew to reveal his teeth and a small laugh escaped him. "He isn't a bad guy.. Just lost like the rest of us." He offered the drink as he spoke and scooted a bit closer.

Nico grinned a bit at Robert as the larger male leaned in and spoke. If he would have a tail, it would have been wagging happily. A laugh escaped him as well and he shrugged his shoulders. "I wouldn't call it a habit.. But I definitely don't let myself miss a chance for a roll when it arrises. No interest in women and it's not uncommon for me to go several months without company."

He couldn't stop the chuckle as Robert wiggled his brow. He grabbed the offered hand and stood up as well, giving it a gentle tug in the direction of his tent. "Of course.. but let's make sure your little scot doesn't freeze off, eh?"

--TIMESKIPBAM-

The sun had already rose to the sky and everything glistened in feshly fallen snow. The guards laid acorss some of the stumps, all fast asleep. A low growl escaped Ronan's throat as he stared at them before finally smacking two over the head. "Wake the hell up! You aren't supposed to be sleepig!" He snapped angrily. "You're supposed to be keeping watch! Just because you've lived this damn long doesn't mean it's garunteed, you pathetic ********>" Another growl rolled out as he stomped over to Nico's tent and ripped the flap opening apart.

"Wake up you-" Ronan paused with a blink as he noticed the mass of red curls was nowhere to be found. "Where's Nico?" He asked outloud and pulled away from the tent. His eyes went down to the soft layer of snow where old footprints had begun to be covered over. The man slowly began to follow them to the fire, where Nico had stood and then had.. fallen? His eyebrows furrowed together as he tried to make out the pattern of the boy's steps, but couldn't.

Then a splatter of blood in the snow came into his sight and a rush of panic went through him. "s**t.. Nico!" He called out the man's name but heard nothing in return and the other soldiers finally got to their feet. Ronan turned angered eyes towards the humans. His pupils had dilated and as he clenched his fists, his bones cracked loudly. "If he is dead, I will slaughter all of you."

"Cat! Get out here.. We have a big problem." Ronan stared forward at the woods in concentration. He couldn't smell Nico either, not even the blood on the ground infront of him. "Nico is missing. Do you know if he went somewhere? His tracks end at the fire..I don't have a scent. We need to split up into groups and look for him."



Well, s**t. This sucked. Nico laid back against a tree as he sat on the ground, shaded by a thick patch of trees. He felt cold but it wasn't because of the cool wind or the snow. Blood dripped down from his torn throat to the ground, a red trail left behind where he had managed to stumble along.

The vampires that had done this to him had fled. After ambushing him when he went out to take a leak. They didn't want to kill him then - they wanted him and the group to suffer. "

Syaoran-Puu

Hohoho~

Ronan didn't need to be told twice. He took off in a run after Robert, running at his side at the ground. He was getting the wifs of blood as well and when he could recognise it as his friends.. It made him feel ever worse. It didn't matter or occur to him that the humans would likely get picked off if they were gone to much. Their lives were no longer his problem. He ran until the smell was stronger, until he could smell the earthy scent of Nico's hair as well as the stench of vampires.

Blood and footprints in the snow began to lead the way for him and soon the pair were lead to a clearing in the trees. There Nico sat leaned against a tree. If he was alive, it had to be just barely.. and the smell coming from him made it obvious there was no way he could be walking away from this with his blood pumping through his veins. "s**t.."

"How you feelin'?" Ronan asked quietly as he moved to sit infront of Nico. The redhead gave a meek smile in response. "Not much different..Kinda.. horny." It wasn't the response the older was expecting and it took a moment to register in his head. "What? Didn't the cat do a decent job for ya'?" He asked lightly with a forced smile. His shoulders slumped and he looked like a dog with it's tail between his legs. "I don't know what to do, honestly.."

"Should I have said something else?" Nico asked, his smile still present on his bloodied lips. His eyes went up towards Robert, who he stared at. A strange sensation surged through his chest.

"Well yea.." Ronan murmured. "Not like I have a lot of conversations with blood-suckers. I don't.. know what it feels like, when it starts or when it ends. I don't know when you'll start to get.."

"Hungry?" The other cut in with a laugh and tilted his head back against the tree. "So you could feel better about having to kill me, right?"

There was a long silence as the two looked eachother before the wold let out a low sigh and leaned forward. Ronan prodded his finger into Nico's mouth, pushing his upper lip to reveal his teeth. He noticeably flinched when he saw that the canines had grown into sharp fangs. "Damn!" He pulled away quickly and stood, running his hand over his face. "You've already got fangs."

"mm, no. They had the camp surrounded but didn't attack. I went out to go to the bathroom beside the tent and they grabbed me from there. It was strange.. I didn't hear them.. or sense them.. They just kinda appeared out of nowhere." As Nico talked, his wound continued to bleed and Ronan had trouble looking at it. He hesitantly reached out to press against it, hoping the pressure would at least slow the bleeding. "You should probably go ahead and get it over with, right?"

"..Probably.." Ronan pulled away from Nico and had to turn his back on the boy. "..I'm upset that you died, Nico. Especially out here, alone in this cold." He admitted, his teeth gritting together before he glanced over at Robert. His mind was working, his thoughts becoming jumbled together as he tried to figure out some sort of solution. "I have never spared the life of a vampire. Every one I meet, I kill.. No matter who they are." There was a pause. "I was present during Nico's birth.. But not his death. And I am sworn to protect his life, not take it. Even this one."

"You know, Ronan.. You do kinda smell bad."

"What we do with him is up to you.."