So the wait…ya sorry 'bout that. But hey, I have a Tumblr now so you can harass me there until I update. I'm expecting this chapter to be a bit more eventful than the last few but I make no promises. Enjoy.

Chapter 9

Tru leaned against a wood support in the barn, trying to ignore the slurping sounds coming from behind her. Tony had bailed a few minutes ago to wait outside. Apparently his dainty stomach was not strong enough to handle such unpleasant sounds. However, Tru had to admit, the noise was a bit excessive and defiantly not something she found pleasant to listen to.

"HEY COW MAN!" the slurping stopped for a moment. Tru turned around to face the boy who was now peeking over the top of the cow with a questioning look in his red glowing eyes. "Mind keeping sound effects to a minimum?" Tru thought she heard him mutter an apology as his head disappeared back behind the cow. The sound started back up but less obnoxious now.

A few minutes later the boy had cleaned up his mouth and was clearing his throat to get Tru's attention. She jumped a bit, not expecting him to be so close. "Sorry, didn't mean to startle you."

Tru gave a slight eye roll but decided to ignore his 'startled' comment. "All done? Good, Tony and I will be heading home now." Tru hobbled toward the barn entrance without waiting for a reply. She didn't want to be alone with the boy who attacked her and then devowered a live cow any longer

The boy jogged a few steps to catch up. "I could accompany the two of you home; it would be faster than walking."

"I'm sure we'll manage." Tru quipped, trying to pick up her pace but grimacing as pain exploded in her ankle with every step.

"Are you sure? I don't think your leg could handle the walk back."

Tru clenched her jaw, becoming more irritated with every passing second. Here he was almost completely healed, excluding a bruise on his temple, not even an hour after their fight, while Tru was stuck as a limping contusion. "I'll survive." She muttered angrily. Then, as if to prove his point, Tru's foot caught on something causing her to stumble.

The boy reached out to steady her, only to have his hand brushed away. He raised his eyebrow at her. "My foot caught a rock." She hissed out, glaring back.

"There are bigger rocks outside."

"Oh shut up."

"In larger quantity." He continued as if she hadn't said anything.

"Would you just take off already?!" Tru turned to face the strange boy.

The boy paused, tilting his head to the side in confusion. "Take off what?"

Tru gave an exasperated huff and took the last few limps to the barn door shoving against it with her shoulder. "Son of a bhhhmmmmm!" Fire erupted in Tru's shoulder, tearing across her back and collar. Tears sprung to her eyes as she crumpled to the ground, cradling her shoulder and, biting her tongue against the pain. She must have hit it pretty hard when she was trying to get into Tony's room earlier.

"Are you alright?" The boy was kneeling at her side instantly.

"I'm fine." She answered through clenched teeth, breathing deeply through her nose, trying desperately to relax her muscles.

"Please," The boy held out his hand, "let me help, it is my fault you are in this condition."

Tru gave a defiant glare as she hoisted herself up. "Yes it is your fault, isn't it?" she stated bluntly as she leaned against the barn door. It was at that moment however that the door gave way and swung open causing Tru to lose her balance and fall… again.

This time the boy stood and watched as Tru lay on the ground. A few moments passed in silence that was broken by the sound of Tru rolling over onto her back. She lay there, glaring at the sky. "You were saying you were fine?"

"Shut up."

"How long are you…?"

"I said shut up"

"But you…"

"Nope."

"But."

"Shhhh."

"I can he…"

"Hush."

The boy let out a slight sigh. He cupped his hands behind his back and stood, waiting for the suborn girl to move.

"Well." She said finally.

"Well what?"

"Are you gonna help me up?"

"I thought you didn't need my help"

"I don't WANT your help, but…apparently I don't have much of a choice so…" Tru looked at the boy expectantly, reaching both arms up.

Rudolph gave another sigh before grabbing her forearms and hoisting Tru back onto her feet. "Alright, let's get you and your brother home." He stated.

"Don't talk to me." The fake red head snapped.

"But you just said…" He was cut off once again. This was becoming something of a habit.

"You don't have to speak to get me home, right?"

"Well, no, I do…"

"Then shut up and take me home." The boy opened his mouth to argue but thought better of it and gave a quiet sigh instead. He then guided her arm over his shoulder to give her leg some support and began leading Tru out of the barn.

"Tony, were leaving!" Tru called out into the night. She was answered with silence. She furrowed her brow and began scanning her surroundings calling out again. "Tony, come on time to go!" Silence. "Tony, I swear to God…" Suddenly, there was a loud rumble, followed by a familiar set of blinding white lights. Both Tru and the boy next to her jumped, blinking toward the illuminated road.

Tru's eyes adjusted first. "TONYYYYY!" she screamed at the sight of her brother staring down the headlights of an off road death wagon. She lunged forward, shoving against the strange boy to propel herself forward.

He grunted at the impact and stumbled back a few steps. The boy was surprised at the strength of the girl. She could barely stand upright a moment ago but there she was, charging headfirst into a fight with a man who had 30 pounds on her and a car to match. The boy didn't have long to recover, and before could think, he had already gripped onto Tru's shoulder and was barreling at full-speed toward the young blond boy.

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So ya. There you go. Hope you enjoyed this bit of… awesomeness. Review, favorite, follow. And look for me on Tumblr.