The night dragged on, while quiet conversation and awkward thanks were muttered between us. I knew L Joe hadn't slept much since Changjo's first appearance, a few days ago, and it made me weary of how little he honestly trusted the boy. I couldn't take my eyes off of him, silently begging L Joe to trust Changjo, who helped save me and, by association, Ricky only hours earlier.

L Joe has avoided eye contact like the plague and focused his attention on his gun, without exception. Ricky was surprisingly talkative. It was a little unsettling, considering how little he usually acknowledges me.

He'd seemed genuinely surprised and obviously shaken by the earlier attack. We'd all been aware of this reality for over a year but he behaves as if those things are brand new. None the less, I made small talk with him to distract the boy from the outside world or his own thoughts. It wasn’t entirely clear at this point.

“Do you like Ricky?” Changjo's voice is flat, sounding completely disinterested in the topic. L Joe and Ricky look baffled at Changjo's audacity but neither says a word.

“I...” I pause, feeling everyone's attention focus on me. “I want to like him.” I confess and Changjo smirks, apparently pleased with my answer. L Joe and Ricky don't look surprised or even offended, so I let out a quiet sigh of relief.

“Careful what you wish for.” Changjo chuckles a warning while I back myself into the wall beside him.

"You said you like me.” I try to make our conversation private by lowering my voice. He ruffles me hair affectionately.

“You aren't trying to kill me.” He whispers back, making me bite my lip anxiously while I stare at the innocent eyed Ricky.

“I...don't want to die.” I mumble, gaining Changjo's attention but no words escape him. “I don't want to go to the reservation.” I finish dumbly, keeping my eyes on the floor.

“Who said you had to?” Changjo huffs and I purse my lips, looking up I attempt to meet the, still lowered, eyes of L Joe. He seems distracted.

“I'm all he has.” My words come out breathlessly and Changjo heaves a heavy sigh.

“You'd risk your life to please him?” I feel him rolling his eyes and shake my head.

“I'd risk my life because he needs me.” I whisper to myself.

“I've told you about Ricky. You trust me. Do you not?” He murmurs, sounding, perhaps offended. “Either he dies, or you both die.” He finally snaps, making me flinch but I dismiss it with a cold nod, knowing he isn't usually so cruel…to me anyway but that's just the fact isn't it? L Joe dies because of his faith in Ricky, or we both die because of his faith in Ricky.

“What am I supposed to do? I can't stop him. He'd hate me for it because Ricky's family-”

“Is long dead.” He cuts. “Don't bring them up again. Everything that boy has said is a lie.” My heart grows heavy and I turn to meet a heated glare.

“Is there any hope left?” I whimper and his face softens.

“Maybe the brat likes you enough to spare you.” He pauses from his own skepticism. “Aside from that, I've offered all the help I can.” I nod to myself and let my head fall back against the window of the lighthouse tower with a thud. L Joe's eyes finally meet mine and I swallow dryly as I turn to stare at the boy not far to his left.

The area wasn't familiar, so I was comfortable with our direction but Ricky is a devious little bastard. He could be leading us into death trap and we'd have no clue till our throats were slit. That's what I had explained to Chunji this morning but it seems I only scared him because he was being overly cautious but I suppose that's better than ignorant.

Hours had passed and I was getting too relaxed. I was prepared to be led into the reservation this morning because my suggestion to stay near the shore was rejected, by L Joe, but none the less. At least I knew it was safe.

Nothing was familiar. Nothing at all but when a watch tower that is too well known came into view, I gripped Chunji's arm and pulled him back. We’re so ed.

I had missed everything...he apparently led us through the back and damn it all if I've never seen it before but that tower it was unmistakable.

It had bright red paint covering all four sides of the brick building. It stands out like a sore thumb in the greenery, not to mention towers wouldn't be painted if they weren't being used to camouflage the blood splatter from past deaths. I felt a shiver run down my spine and Chunji's eyes locked on mine, knowing and horrified.

“Oh God.” He whispers and turns in the direction I stare, he notices the tower not a moment later and tears spring into his eyes. I grab his shoulders, unsure of what to do or say but he pulls me into a bone crushing hug as if he's begging protection.

“What's going on?” L Joe's voice whines in front of us but I keep Chunji in my grasp.

“Don't go.” I immediately start to beg and L Joe's eyes go wide.

“We're here?” He turns to Ricky and the boy tilts his head and smiles kindly.

“What do you mean don't go. You know we have to get his parents.” L Joe's pleading and I cringe, refusing to let Chunji meet his hopeful stare.

“L Joe, you promised. You said I wouldn't have to go in there.” Chunji gasped, I grind my teeth and let my fingers dig into his shoulders, too desperate to let him go.

“But...Ricky-”

“Make him go in alone.” L Joe scowls at my suggestion.

“I would never.” Chunji whimpers at the boy’s words and I pull back to stare down at him.

“You don't have to go. You can stay with me. I'll keep you safe. I swear, I will. You know what will happen in there.” I swallow dryly but keep my voice calm.

“L Joe...my life was threatened by people like this.” L Joe frowns and turns to Ricky but looks back up to Chunji expectantly.

“Do you want to stay with Changjo?” Chunji stiffens and his tears start to fall when he tries to pull out of my arms. I reluctantly release him and offer my most deadly glare to Ricky, who looks remorseful at the very best.

“I don't want to.” He mumbles and turns his attention to the seemingly indifferent boy beside L Joe. “Ricky, Let's go. All of us, we're family right? We've been good to you. Let's just leave.” Chunji pleads, letting his desperation show. He's being completely sincere in his last attempt to get him to let them go. Ricky stares, stupefied for a long second. L Joe turns to the boy and his brow.

“My family is in there.” Ricky cuts back and I offer an icy stare, my fingers tingling to reach for my gun, having reached my limit.

“Are you in or out Chunji?” L Joe's voice is hard, surprisingly cold and I grind my teeth in hope that I know won't be redeemed. Chunji doesn't make a sound as his eyes fall when he offers me a last stare and crosses the field to L Joe's side.

Tears are still falling and his hands are shaking. He can't suppress the hiccup that voices itself and I have to force myself not to drag him back to my side.

He's just another boy that isn't going to listen. I chant hopelessly. They all turn, already knowing I'd never agree to tag along.

“Your guns?” I clear my throat. They turn, confused. “They'll take them at the gate anyway. If you make it back, I'll return them.” I offer and L Joe only frowns when Chunji steps forward and passes his pistols to me. I slap a blank look on my face and accept them. L Joe doesn't seem willing to give them up but Chunji is insistent and whispers a last thanks.

“Protect yourself.” He whimpers the words with a quivering lip and I am unwilling to look him in the eye. Then in the next second they turn to approach the gates. I finally manage to make a friend in this ed up world and he takes that away.

L Joe and Chunji enter first while Ricky looks back at me one last time, but there was something different in his eyes. That same look I saw when he begged me to kill him. The real Ricky. There was one thing I was sure of, if they die I’m going to kill him. That’s a promise.

After I reluctantly handed Changjo my guns and other weapons, we headed into the reservation. The guards seamed nice enough, but that did nothing to calm Chunji down.

He had stopped crying but his eyes were shifting anxiously, he's suspicious of every smile. Every word. Every person. I couldn’t help but feel guilty, watching him chew his bottom lip. I dragged him in here knowing he’s scared less of this place all because I didn’t want him alone with Changjo.

He would've been fine out there. Prince Changjo wouldn't have hurt him and Chunji would have been happy to not fallow us in. I’m an .

I pushed those thoughts aside and kept my eyes on Ricky’s back as we walked deeper into the reservation. People were smiling all around but for some reason that eventually made me nervous. All I could think was, why are they so happy to see us?

After a few minutes of walking a middle aged man in a three-piece suit walked up to us with a sickeningly sweet smile that rivaled even Ricky’s.

“Hello is there anything we can help you with?” The man's tone was pleasant as he looked between the three of us.

“I’m looking for the Yoo family. I heard they were here. I’m their son Yoo Changhyun, please tell me they’re here” Ricky asked, just short of begging. The man took only a short moment to think and nodded.

“Yes if I recall there is a family here by that name.” He replies with the same cheesy smile and I couldn’t hold back my smile. Finally, Ricky would be able to see his family.

“Thank you so much” His smile was so bright I mirrored the grin. The elder man began to walk towards one of the houses and Ricky and I began to follow, Chunji right behind us. As I took a few steps, Chunji grabs my hand and stayed rooted in his spot with a silent plea.

“L Joe, please.” I walked back to him and wrapped my arms around his shoulder, rubbing small circles into his skin and started to walk again. It took a few moments but he started to move, his hesitant steps in sync with mine.

We entered a house nearby. It had a cozy feel that made me relax a bit but Chunji didn't. He was even more stressed in the walled room. The man that greeted us had disappeared but soon returned with a man and a woman, hand in hand.

“Umma! Appa!” Ricky screamed joyfully and hugged them. Chunji stiffened beside me but I was to engrossed in the moment to be aware of anything else until Chunji dug his nails into my palm.

He was staring at the front door in horror. I followed his line of sight and saw a younger man that wasn’t here when we came in. He was taking his time to lock several deadbolts on the door.

My eyes snapped back to Ricky in some sort of desperation for an explanation. He was no longer smiling; his face in a deep frown as his 'father' his hair.

“No” it came out as a whisper, not willing to believe what was right in front of me. Chunji made the slightest movement towards the door and they shoved us back, pulling us apart and pinning us to the wall.

“WHY! , I trusted you!” I couldn’t help but scream as I tried to break away from the men holding me down.

“I-I don’t have a choice.” I barely hear Ricky mumble, trying to interrupt my screams.

“You had so many Goddamned chances!” I hiss, letting my voice rise again in frustration. He reaches in apology but they pulled him back and into a neighboring room.

“I TRUSTED YOU. I. Trusted. You.”

The one time I wished I was wrong and just blowing everything out of proportion. I ended up being right. Changjo ended up being right.

I kept quiet as L Joe started screaming. I didn’t even bother struggling. My heart was breaking for him as I watched him fight. He knew as well as I did that we were going to die, but I could never blame him.

After a short while of watching him fight and scream at the door Ricky was dragged into, they soon brought out chairs and tied us to them wordlessly.

It was then the room grew silent, only L Joe's heavy breathing could be heard. I looked around the room and everyone around us had those familiar twisted smiles on their faces, it clearly marked them insane.

Not willing to look at them anymore, I glanced at L Joe. I don’t know what was worse, watching him have a screaming fit or watching him mentally break down as he blamed himself for getting us into this mess.

“So, what should we remove first?” A man chuckles as he approaches us. The question was rhetorical, or maybe for someone else but none the less I didn’t answer. L Joe was completely unresponsive. He’d given up.

“I’d say a few fingers for our collection. The nervous one has pretty hands.” A man behind me, leans in and takes my fingers in his to caress them with a dangerous smirk. I couldn’t help but cringe at his words. A slow and painful death was obviously awaiting us.

Arguing was shrieked through the door Ricky had been taken to. I couldn’t make out any of the shouted, angry words but it was serious.

The guy behind me walked to the front, making the total number of people in the room four. The leader made a move towards us again but the screeching interrupted his movement. He stalked over to the door and pounded on it, letting his voice cut off the shouting

“Shut the hell up!” Just like that the arguing ceased and not a minute later Ricky walked out of the room.

He had his hands behind his back, looking suspicious. He started staring at L Joe and let a sigh escape. He locked eyes with me a moment later and gave a small smile. A hidden wink was tossed my way but I held back my reaction as best I could.

“Is everything alright in there?” Ricky’s 'mom' asked with a growl. I watched as he smiled brightly and walked behind me and L Joe.

Nobody questioned his behavior but who is an insane person to question another. What was he planning? I have no clue but I hate when he smiles like that.

“Yes, everything is perfect. A little tiff is all.” He hums, unmoving, with his hands still casually behind his back. “Let me have a few words before you get started. Yes?” His sing song tone rang in my ears.

I looked over at L Joe, who still hadn’t moved as Ricky leaned in, his face in between L Joe and mine.

“I’m really did enjoy you’re company and I have no way to explain how sorry I am. I had to do this.” He talked softly as I feel the ropes on my wrist loosening. I whipped my head around to face his and glared, hiding my surprise. He’s helping us.

“Awe, Chunji don’t look at me like that. I'll ask them to be quick.” I continued to glare at him as I watched him cut L Joe ropes out of the corner of my eye.

“Well, I guess I’ll be going. I don’t want to be around when they start having their fun with you.” He laughed and L Joe's cheek. Finally, L Joe reacts, jerking away and offering a sickening glare in his direction. Yes, He got L Joe to respond. As Ricky disappeared behind us I could hear the locks tuning, followed by the door opening.

“Oh, I almost forgot.” He skipped back to the front of the room and faced the angry, impatient, bunch. He put one hand behind his back and out stretched all five of his fingers. One second later, his five fingers turned to four. He's counting down.

“Mr. Kwon wants to see you.” Ricky chirps but I keep my eyes between his fingers and L Joe.

Three

“I’d hurry, he said right away.” He took a step back as this 'parents' walked toward the door.

Two

One

Almost simultaneously, Ricky pushed the first two in the room and locked it as I ripped out of my seat, followed by L Joe

“Ricky, what the hell are you doing!” The first man hissed, stepping towards us as we got out of the ropes.

Before he could take another step Ricky tackled him to the floor as the other tried to pull him off. We shook out of the ropes, two steps from freedom but I paused and reached for Ricky.

“Leave, just go. GO!” Without a second thought L Joe was back in gear, practically carrying me out the open door.

We sprinted down the, now, near empty street and we were almost at the gate when we were tackled to the ground. We struggled for freedom, only to be forced back down with axes dangerously close our faces.

Not knowing what else to do, I took a deep breath and screamed at the top of my lungs “CHANGJO!” I struggled and screamed till I was blue in the face, praying he was still out there. I was silenced by a swift kick to the stomach. That managed to piss L Joe off, making him struggle harder. Please, Changjo.

I was flipped over, my face pushed in the dirt. I managed to my head to the side as L Joe was shoved into the ground as well. He still tried to break free only to get a foot on the back of his head holding him still.

I started to panic as the man holding L Joe down raised his ax high in the air about to take his head off. My scream was a second away from begging them to stop. The ax was falling but at the same time I heard a loud pop.

A gun shot. The man froze. Falling to the ground clutching his leg. Multiple gunshots went off, one after the other, I buried my head in my arms and just like that everyone surrounding us went down. L Joe's head snapped up when the gunshots stopped and Changjo came running our way.

“Get the hell up and run.” He keeps his voice controlled but the gunshots were sure to drawl whatever he was trying to hide from. He reaches us and drags us to our feet. “Run just run. I’ll be right behind you.” He promises, tossing L Joe a shotgun and sprinting the opposite direction.

L Joe gripped my hand and we took off as fast as we could. Ignoring the plan to be silent and hoped for distance.

We stopped a few minutes later, heaving and praying we were too hidden to be found by anyone besides Changjo.

I held myself together, knowing now wasn’t the best time to break down. L Joe was shaking like a leaf beside me, holding me to his side and gripping his gun like it would run away.

Ten minutes later we heard rustling coming from the direction of the reservation. L Joe wasn't shy in lifting his gun as we stood up, ready to run at any moment.

“Move your .” Changjo’s gruff voice sounded through the trees as he pushed Ricky in front of us.

“You” L Joe's voice was laced with venom. Changjo held his hand out to stop L Joe and faced Ricky.

“He likes you.” He explains to the livid L Joe with a smirk in Ricky's direction.

“You killed all those people?” I mumbled after having a long time to think about how we narrowly escaped death. Changjo glance back at me and smiled.

“No. I wounded them. I won't kill anyone.” He assured and turned his attention back to Ricky.

“You’re still going to keep your promise, right?” Ricky whimpers at L Joe's glare, with a hopeful look shot at Changjo.

What promise?

“I would have left you in that hellhole if I was going to kill you.” Changjo paused, giving me a second to narrow my eyes. “You’re staying with us.” Ricky’s eyes widened in surprise.

“What!” L Joe obviously despised the idea. I was on the fence about it, I suppose but I trust Changjo, so I kept quiet. He turns to the fuming L Joe.

“He’s family right? You said family is about accepting all the trouble they cause.”

Okay, so this took forever to post but that's because to be honest...I didn't really write this bad boy.

<--Appropriate reaction hahah

It was almost entirely written by my beautiful, talented co-author kaseyslove.

Don't be afraid to check out her other stories.

She did good right? ^-^ 

So? There you have it...

I'm not really sure what to say, so much happened. There's so many answers and questions now that the hit.

Tell me what you guys think.

What will happen?

What did you think?

Are you enjoying it?

The next update shouldn't be too far. ^-^

Thank you for being patient with me.

I love my Dots and I'll see you soon!