"Wirt…?"

What stood before Beatrice was not fully the teenage boy she had met what seemed days ago. No what stood before her was the new Beast. Tree branches twisted together to create antler on its head, once dark brown eyes now were filled with blue, yellow and red. A ragged black cloak lay upon his shoulders, feet bare but clawed. Oil dripped from his open mouth revealing two rows of razor sharp teeth.

"Wirt…" Beatrice tried again with a small smile. "It's okay, Wirt. I'm just gonna walk behind you and-"

The Beast- Wirt swipped his clawed hand at her before she could even make one move, a warning growl rumbling from his throat.

"Wirt I'm just trying to do what you asked me to do!" Beatrice cried out, trying to take a step again but jumped away from another clawed swipe.

Beatrice glowered at him but than it softened when her eyes layed upon what was the cause of this struggle. Behind Wirt lay a young boy, about 6 years old, his chest rising and falling with each small breathe he took. Broken pieces of tree bark sat around him, an axe not too far away.

"You told me too look after him," she spoke softly as her gaze flew back to Wirt. "You might not remember now but I'm going to fulfill my promise. Let me take him home, Wirt."

Wirt stared at Beatrice, his illuminating gaze seeming to look right through her, looking through to her soul. His pointed ears flickered and his posture became more relaxed, mouth closing into a curious frown. Maybe she had gotten through to him. Then a lantern light shone through the forests darkness and a familiar voice called out. Wirt growled and turned on her, scooping the boy into his arms and disappearing into the forests darkness.

–

Wirt ran until the only light that was seen was the moon and his lantern. Slowing to a stop, Wirt set the lantern down and sat down beside it as he cradled the unconscious figure in his arms. He didn't know why he was so protective of this human child, but something deep down told him he did. Something deep down told him this child held a place in his heart and to never let him go. Something deep down told him to protect this child like he should have before. And he was going to listen to it.

The little boy stirred in his arms, dark brown eyes fluttering open to greet his.

"Wirt…?" The boy- Greg asked sleepily.

Wirt crooned and nuzzled his face into his little brothers head. Greg blinked at the sudden affection then smiled and threw his arms around his brother, cuddling closer. Even though they were stuck in the unknown, they still had each other. And they wouldn't have it any other way.