Kurt sat on the window seat in his bedroom, staring out into the forest, watching the sun rise between the tree trunks and for some reason, felt a relief wash over him as the sky melted from a dark purple to a light blue and not a dark orange or red. He hadn't been able to sleep once he woke around 3am, choosing to get dressed and prep his weapons while going through his mind everything he had readied for today.

He had still dreamt though, of those same fields and that same gate, while Liam showed Jeremiah how to climb the trees and sneak up on the sleeping Hounds with the other cubs. But this time Kurt only graced himself a moment to watch them, instead forcing his head around to take a closer look at the lock on the gate to try and figure out how he'd be able to put the key back, but nothing stood out. Jane, Emma and Isabelle had come to sit with him, laying around him in a circle, which had strangely calmed him.

Becoming restless, Kurt rose from his seat and out of his room, pausing outside Santana's room and pressing his hand to the cool wood. He had wanted so much to tell Santana how thankful he was for her help all these years, for everything she had done for him and was still doing, but she had hushed him with a knowing smile then changed the subject.

He made his way down to the study to pick up his sais, placing either one against his thighs, then securing his gun in its holster. His katana slipped onto his back as he rummaged through a drawer for his ear piece and salt diamond bracelets, putting them in place and heading outside. With one last look to the house, Kurt wandered into town, taking a look over all the buildings, thinking about all the memories he had here; from the time Mercedes tried to ask him out while raising money by washing cars, to Emma freaking out and rushing from the church on her wedding day with Will, to Blaine sitting with him in the park and giving him those vials of blood which changed everything.

He found himself walking towards the fountain in the park, gazing up as the morning rays caught the tip of the arrow above his mother's head. This was his home, he had so many memories here and he would fight to keep those alive. Taking a deep breath, he closed his eyes to enjoy the silence, enjoying the peace and quiet of the early morning. Just like any other day, the world was just stirring and coming to life, but this wasn't any other day. On any other day there weren't three other hunters positioned throughout the town, the windows weren't barricaded and the air wasn't this still.

His nose caught a strange smell in the air as his blue tooth device beeped in his ear. With a racing heart, he braced himself, pressing the button to answer the call.

"Yeah." Kurt spoke, shocked by how still his voice was.

"A barrier has been breached to the south, they're here." The terror in Santana's voice was evident, with the hurried footsteps in the background telling him she was on her way.

Kurt closed his eyes to centre himself for a moment before opening them again, "Tell the other witches to keep an eye on the other barriers, if another breaks I want to know."

"Don't you go doing something stupid, otherwise I will kill you myself." Santana snapped at him, causing Kurt to smile.

"Santana, as long as you take care of whatever comes your way I shouldn't have to." Kurt reached into the fountain, pulling out a flare gun and loaded it, pointing it into the sky.

"No one's getting passed me, Lady."

"Good."

Kurt ended the call, firing the ear shattering, screeching flare into the air towards the south, watching it turn the sky red and ending the silence as the town came to life. A howl in the air told him the wolves had seen his signal that a barrier had broken to the south. Bodies rushed into the streets as soon as the flare started to fade out, heading towards the school while Kurt moved his body as fast as he could towards Burt's house.

He met his father at the door, with Carole and Finn at his side, "Dad! Carole!" Kurt jumped into Burt's embrace, quickly hugging Carole too, "Get to the school and stay there until it's all clear."

"Kurt, you promise me you'll be there when I step out of that school." Burt gripped Kurt's shoulders, looking into his eyes.

"I promise." Kurt whispered, hugging Burt again. He didn't want to promise him, but knew he had to, even if just to not have his dad worry as much as he could see he was.

He ran with them towards the school, watching Adam and Kyle help some of the older residents towards the building. At the school gates, Kurt stopped, letting Carole and Burt hug him again.

"I love you, son. Please take care out there." Burt choked on his tears.

"I love you too, dad." Kurt blinked back his own tears, and watched them run into the school, giving Kurt one last glance before pushing through the double doors.

Kurt ran with Finn back into the town, weaving through the crowds, "Finn. I need you to protect this town with everything you've got. You have Adam, Azimo and Kyle to help you and Santana and the white witches will do what they can."

"I know Kurt, I know the drill. You go do what you need to, don't worry about us."

Finn pulled Kurt into a tight embrace which Kurt returned, smiling at his step-brother before running off down the high street, just able to hear Finn calling to the other residents to keep moving. A couple of wolves from Sebastian's clan rushed passed him, heading south and Kurt watched Adam pause to watch the wolves pass by.

"Adam, how's it going?" Kurt stopped next to the hunter.

"Going good, we've each taken a sector of the town and we should have everyone in the school in half an hour." Adam's head twisted around the street, checking out any sound that comes his way.

"Good." Kurt goes to head on but Adam's grip on his arm stops him.

"Adam?" Kurt feels a tremor run through his body at the look in his eyes.

"I won't hurt the humans if you hand yourself over." That wasn't Adam's voice coming from the hunter's lips.

Kurt looked into those cold eyes holding the same emotionless stare that Karofsky had held while possessed. It shook him and he could tell that the demon saw it, enjoying it.

"Hunter." Kurt's eyes flashed as Adam was forced to grin.

"Smart Hound. Make this easy on these pitiful humans and worthless wolves and come find me."

"I will, but when I do, it'll be to kill you."

Kurt pulled a salt diamond bracelet off his wrist and tugged it onto Adam's, breaking the possession. He watched as Adam blinked away the spell, shaking his head, "What happened?"

"Why aren't you wearing your pendant?" Kurt screamed at the hunter.

Adam just shrugged, still blinking stiffly, "Must've forgot."

Kurt couldn't help growling at his incompetence. "Keep that on." Kurt pointed to bracelet, "I have to go."

Kurt ran, hoping that being away from the others would mean Hunter wouldn't try to possess anyone else. He skids to a halt as explosions ring throughout the town, screams echoing around as black smoke flumed into the sky. His ear piece beeped at him again.

"Santana." Kurt spoke up, still looking around, trying to make out the damage done.

"North and East are gone. I've told the west to lower the barrier and concentrate on fighting off the demons." Came Santana's voice, sounding out of breath.

"Okay, good. Tan, I need you to find Hunter for me, he's already possessing humans to get to me. I need to find him."

"Shit, who wasn't wearing a pendant? Never mind, I'll do what I can."

Kurt ends the call, falling to the ground as a fireball is hurled at him by a flood of demons coming at him down the high street. Ammo fires at the hoard as Azimo and Kyle take aim from the roof of the bakery, giving Kurt the chance he needs to get up and run towards the forest. He stops and turns back, watching the demons rush at the two hunters and makes a decision. Pressing his hands together in closed fists, he pulls them apart, his blue flame stretching out into the shape of a bow. Holding it out in his left hand he pulls his right back from the flame creating an arrow and fires at the demons, the arrow exploding at the head of the group turning a large amount of them into dust.

It did its job though, the gang conversing on Kurt, ignoring the hunters and following him to the outskirts of the town. Just as he reaches a wet trail which circles the entire town, he stops, watching the demons get closer and closer, his salt diamond shield lighting up at the spells being thrown at him. With claws just inches from his faces, Kurt's hand alights with his flame, the oil on the ground bursting into flames and devouring the demons with a hunger which also took away their dying screams, leaving just the ashes to pile around the fire. The blue flames rushed around the entire town on both sides then meet again on the other side, acting as a protective barrier. Kurt knew it wouldn't last long, but it would give the town time and take out a good number of demons until they put it out.

Turning on his heels into the forest, he sniffed the air, thankful that his scent was still travelling with the wolves and on the trees from last night and wound round a path to watch a group of demons, bodies covered in the black fog, scatter into the depths of the forest. Wanting to remain quiet for now, Kurt recreates his flamed bow, pulling back an arrow and firing into the back of a demon. His screech of pain as his body turns to ashes gathers a crowd whom all turn black eyes to Kurt.

Fast on his feet, Kurt jumped from his vantage point and weaved through the trees, checking briefly over his shoulder to count a group of twelve demons following him. His salt diamond shield flared up as attacks were thrown at him. The trees opened up slightly to low hanging branches from old oaks, which Kurt jumped to, swinging his body over a disturbed section of dried leaves. Back on his feet, Kurt turned to watch the group reach out for him, white bloodied teeth on display, only for the ground below them to disappear under their feet, sending all the demons into a ditch.

Creeping to the edge, Kurt watched the demons claw at the walls to try and get out, cries thrown to the sky for help. Creating another arrow, Kurt's eyes flash briefly, the tip of the arrow igniting in a blaze before firing it into the ditch, an explosion of fire engulfing the demons and filling the ditch. Once the flames subside, Kurt can just make out the ash floating in the air and piled up in the corners behind the billowing smoke.

In haste, Kurt hurried from the spot, knowing the cries and smoke would draw attention, moving through the forest, following the sounds he can make out of other demons heading through the forest.

Within the town, Santana walked through the high street and sauntered around Azimo and Adam, tapping demons and black witches on the shoulder; their bodies freezing then shattering on the spot or dropping to the floor, sleep taking hold. Brittany followed behind her smiling happily, the demons ignoring the black witch, allowing Brittany to ignite their bodies in hungry orange flames when they get too close to Santana for her liking.

Adam fired his shotgun in front of a crowd heading out of the high street, towards the school, a barrier forming across the street, blocking the demons' access, allowing him to take out his pistol and shoot down six of the demons, while Finn took down the remaining three from his spot on top of the bakery.

"Anymore?" Adam called to Finn.

"Kurt's barrier is holding up but there's a group to the north trying to get through. Most the demons have retreated to the forest." Finn called, looking through his snipe to scan the town.

"Not retreat." Santana breathed, "They're following the scent. They know Kurt's not here anymore."

"Our responsibility is the people here." Adam frowned, reloading his shotgun, "But if the demons do leave this place alone, I'll go out there to help Kurt, but the others stay here."

"Kurt told you to stay here!" Santana pointed her finger into the ground which shook with her command.

"Kurt's my mentor! I'm not leaving him out there when I could help." Adam screamed at the witch.

Santana frowned turning to Brittany who had started to walk away, "Where are you going?"

Sprinting over to Brittany, Santana reached out to grab her elbow, her hand swiping through a black fog as she disappeared. Crying out in frustration, Santana pulled at her hair, spinning around trying to trace Brittany's magic.

"Stay put witch, we need you here." Adam called out.

"I know... Where could she be going?"

"Just pray it's not back to that demon."

Santana sighed, running her hands through her hair then tapping on her ear piece, happy to hear Kurt in her ear, "Brittany disappeared, be on the lookout. I'm sure she won't harm anyone but I thought you should know."

"Thanks, how is it looking there?" Santana could hear demons screaming in agony in the background.

"Good, we've got rid of the demons who got in but there's a group still trying. Most of the demons we saw were heading into the forest."

"Okay, thanks." Kurt tapped his ear piece to end the call, hiding behind a tree to duck an acid attack fired at him, the terrible hiss against the bark causing Kurt to swallow hard at what he'd just missed. Pulling the hammer back on his pistol, he swung around on a branch, firing into the hearts and heads of six demons then hiding behind the trunk again.

Jumping from his branch, Kurt swings down from another branch, running through the forest as he hears demons chasing him and leads them down a secluded path. He can hear howls in the distance, howls in victory and howls for help, but he's more than thankful he doesn't hear the howls of the women and children in the village. Drawing his sword, Kurt turned once he reached his dead end, and sliced through the first few demons, his flame extending passed his blade and out to cover the entire path, the demons skidding to stop but failing; their severed bodies falling passed the blue flame and landing as ash on the ground.

The lake is engulfed with a black fog as demons run around the water's edge and black witches fly above their heads, fighting off the wolves who drag their bodies into the shallow water to drown them, the water running red, or tear their bodies apart on the pebble beach. Salt diamond shields flared up all around as the black witches tried to attack the wolves, screaming at them when the shields protected them. Some of the demons jump on the huge wolves, claws digging into their backs and teeth sinking into ears and necks.

Sharp teeth dragged a black witch down from her perch by her leg while another pair sinks into her neck, tearing the skin away. Blonde fur shook away the spray of blood, the blue and green beads jingling around his neck. A chocolate brown wolf rubbed up against him before pouncing on another demon, pinning him to the ground.

Nick's wolf cried out as teeth sunk into his back. He shook his body and bucked his back legs to get the demon away but he held on tight, claws scratching and tearing at his skin. Jeff was quick to sink his teeth into the demon's skull, crushing it in his mouth and allowing Nick to throw the lifeless body aside. Tentatively, Jeff licked at one of the deeper wounds as Nick struggled to stay on his feet, glad when Ethan fought off another demon who tried to take advantage.

With a nudge from Wes, Nick was back on his feet, following the Beta and Jeff around the beach. Finding a secluded spot, they morphed back, Jeff crouching over to inspect his wounds. A cry from Nick had Wes looking around to make sure no one heard.

"He's bleeding bad, I can't do anything here." Jeff panicked, his hands covered in blood.

"Take him to the village, straight to Emma. I'll cover you."

With a gentle but hurried motion, Jeff held Nick up in his arms and ran into the forest. Wes plunged a fallen branch through the belly of a black witch who'd spotted Jeff before morphing back into his grey wolf and rejoining the others.

The wolves tried to surround the lake, not letting the demons scurry into the forest and keeping them away from the village. Four black wolves heed the others on, getting them to hold off the demons and fight them back, helping those wolves who struggle with the stronger demons. Will's wolf leapt onto a black witch, giving her to the wolves below him then snapping his jaw into the ankle of demon who was clawing at another wolf, shaking him away and letting Jake take care of him. Sebastian pinned a demon to the ground, pushing his large black paw down on his back, snapping his spine, enjoying the shrill from the demon.

Puck took the arm of a demon from around Blaine's neck pulling him away, allowing Blaine to grab the other arm and tug against Puck, both of them growling until the demon tore apart between them. Puck rushed off to the sound of a howl from one of his men, Blaine rushing to Trent's side, kicking his back legs into a black witch who tumbled into a group of demons. Blaine nudged Trent, spotting another grey wolf beneath the chocolate wolf, chest still and blood pouring from a wound in his belly. Gently but urgently, Blaine tugged on Trent's ear to pull him away from the dead body of his father, ignoring the whimpers of protest from his fellow warbler.

One wolf protecting the forest fell when attacked by five demons, all of whom dashed into the forest heading for the village, followed by Blaine who howled to his men to hold the others back and keep fighting.

He was tired, there was no denying it. His left back paw was bleeding heavily, he had several cuts to his belly and back and teeth marks in his neck. They had managed to draw the demons to the lake with Kurt's scent and keep them there, but the narrow beach made for close combat and the inevitable injuries which came from such confined spaces.

Blaine was on the heels of the demons, but his weak ankle kept him from catching them. His heart raced as he thought about those demons making it to the village; letting down his father, mother... and Kurt.

Necks are sliced as flesh comes into contact with a silver blade, while hearts are pieced by blue flamed sais. Blaine was greeted with sight of his mate, blood soaking his clothes, dirt covering his body, panting heavily while his blue flame seeped over his katana, sai and through his eyes. Blaine morphed back to wrap Kurt in his arms as the last demon fell, kissing him hard and with need, Kurt returning the kiss before looking over Blaine with worry.

"You're hurt." Kurt sobbed, hands moving lightly over his bloodied body.

"Not as bad as those who got in my way. My ankle's a bit messed up, but I'm fine." Blaine soothed his Hound, kissing him again. Kurt looked over his shoulder to the lake.

"How bad is it?" Kurt asked.

"They're everywhere; the pendants are helping to reduce casualties, but they keep heading for the village." Blaine stroked Kurt's cheek, amazed that he only seemed to have a few small cuts on his thighs. Blaine smiled to himself, proud of how strong and brave his mate was.

Kurt nodded, pulling out of Blaine's hold, "If you're okay, we should go, if I'm there they should be drawn out of the forest."

They ran together towards the lake, taking out another demon who sneaks into the forest. Leaping over a wolf, Kurt uses his katana to slice through the crowd, eyes taking in the carnage all around. He knew what he needed to do to stop the demons heading for the village, but he didn't know if he was prepared for what would happen. He could see Mike helping Puck to hold back another group of black witches, their salt diamond shields almost blinding them to the physical attacks.

He could make out Will and Sebastian working together, barking orders at their men to corner their prey, while Wes, Ethan and David, jumped through the crowd; their attacks swift and to the point, not taking the time to enjoy their kill. Thad and Trent were at Blaine's side, helping him take down the dwindling numbers of black witches.

He spotted a flash of blonde hair in the distance, making his way over to Brittany's side, grabbing her arm to get her attention, "What are you doing here? You're supposed to stay in the village!"

Brittany's black eyes turned on Kurt, with an expression he couldn't read, "This isn't a fair fight."

Snap. Kurt's remaining bracelet broke apart, beads disappearing into the red pebbles at his feet. Snap. The sound of beads breaking apart echoed around the lake as all the pendants around the necks of the wolves broke away and tumbled to the ground. Growls erupt from the wolves while the demons screech in delight but Kurt can only look at the innocent smile on Brittany's lips in shock.

"That's better."

He watched the demons send attack after attack at the wolves, sending fur up in flames, terrible wails of anguish coming from the wolves he knew and loved. He watched Jake fall under a dense black fog of hungry demons, followed by Puck's heart wrenching howl. He watched the elder Liam curl over into the shallow waters across the lake, the water turning red. He felt tears in his eyes at the pain and death being caused because of him and took a deep breath to steady himself. No one else was going to die for him.

Taking a tight hold of his katana, Kurt lets his flame flicker over the blade, then over his hand, up his arm and over his entire body for all to see. The flames flew above his head and burst out around him, killing off the few demons in reach and for once he allowed himself to enjoy their final cries for those who had died at their hands.

It did its job. All the demons stopped to turn their gaze upon the blue flames surrounding Kurt, and Kurt did one last thing to make sure the demons would leave the village and the wolves here alone. He could see Blaine staring at him in his human form once more, pleading with him to hold on a little longer, but he couldn't. He wouldn't let these demons hurt the children and women in that village nor the wolves around this lake.

White fur sprung from his body as he morphed into his Hound, sinking onto all four paws while his blue flame still hung to his body. Kurt could see those demons who had been trying to get into the forest were now turning towards him and no one else. He felt better knowing the village was safe, but now he had an army of demons who knew who he was and were starting to creep towards him.

Blaine's howl drew the wolves from their daze, teeth snapping into the necks of demons and tossing them away from Kurt. Black fur shot over a group of demons to stand before Kurt, who morphed back into his human form, gripping his katana and letting his blue flame die away to just flutter over his blade. He recognised the two black wolves protecting him as Will and Puck, he could see Sebastian's wolf in the distance fighting off a group of demons, who were attacking him with fire, his fur scorched on his back and over his tail.

Leaving Puck and Will to deal with the demons, Kurt turned to the ones behind him where Blaine had shifted, teeth tearing into the neck of a large and powerful demon. Pulling his pistol out, Kurt fired into the crowd, his aim true as one by one the demons alight in his blue flame and tumble to the ground as ashes. Kurt's heart cried out for their souls, wishing they'd chosen a different path and wondering how he'd feel about the violence if life had been simpler for him. He doubted he'd approve of all this, wanting instead to find a diplomatic route but life hadn't turned out like that.

So here he stood, dodging attacks and firing into the crowd of demons who dared to attack the wolves or lunge at him. Puck was at his side, throwing away all who took a swipe at him, while Sebastian jumped around the crowd, stopping demons from attacking his wolves and those of the other clans, all the while an eye of Kurt. Will barked orders at the wolves, beckoning them to create a circle around Kurt, keeping the demons back as Blaine jumped the protective circle and snapped at any demons who came within reach.

Lips pressed against Kurt's ear, while long pale fingers slipped over his shoulders and his chest as he sent one last shot into the back of a demon that had jumped Sebastian.

"He's here." Brittany whispered into his ear.

Kurt followed Brittany's gaze onto the lake, bright blue eyes scanning the surface of the water while his heart hammered against his chest. There, in the centre of the lake, a thin black fog swept across the surface of the water, spreading out over the entire lake, and stood in the centre, swirls of black fog sweeping around long, thick legs and strong arms, stood his demon.

Green eyes stood strong against a broad jaw line and a smug smile on thin lips, a toned chest rippled underneath his white, blood stained shirt while black fog swam around his form. Kurt noticed the demons had stopped attacking him, instead concentrating on the wolves who were surrounding him, distracting them. He felt Brittany's fingers leave his chest as she stepped back, but he didn't move... he couldn't move.

He watched Hunter's lips move, his words lost in the battle between them, but Kurt's pistol still dropped from his grasp onto the pebble beach. The pull on his body increased as he watched Hunter whisper another command into the wind but he fought it, clenching his muscles to keep him rooted to his spot, fighting with all he'd learnt from Jesse and Sebastian.

He could feel the pull of the spell on his body while his ability fought against it within him, each fighting to win, while Kurt bit his lip to stop the cry of pain he was feel at the battle going on in his body... but what puzzled him was a third pull, situated deep within his soul, flowing through his veins, fighting for his Hound to win.

Shots fired down on the beach from the cliff above the lake, golden eyes looking up to see Adam and Santana looking down on them. A beep in his ear signalled Kurt to a new call and he fought to raise his hand to his ear while still fighting his legs, which have started to shake.

"Santana, what are you doing here?" Kurt whispered, that being all he could manage.

"The town's safe, no demon has entered in over an hour. Finn, Azimo and Kyle are still there to protect it... Is that him?" Santana asked, looking out to Hunter.

Kurt spotted Brittany appearing next to Santana, "Yeah..."

Kurt's foot moved towards the lake as he groaned in frustration, "Kurt, fight it! Don't let that fucking ass win!" Santana screamed into his ear.

"I'm trying." Kurt panted, his energy being sapped from him with the pull of three forces, "There's something pulling at me, Satan... It's not Hunter and it's not my ability."

"... It's Blaine." Santana spoke softly, "You swallowed his blood when you mated, it's rooting you to the ground, to him, use it with your ability and you should be able to fight this."

"That's why you wanted me to mate with him." Kurt cried out when he took another step, throwing a flamed sai at a demon who ran at him.

"Yes. Now fight! I do not want to go through the hassle of getting a new roommate, so fight you delinquent idiot!"

Kurt smiled at the insult, "That was rubbish."

He heard a sniff on the other side of the line, "Yeah well, I don't want to lose you."

His heart sunk at the pain in her voice, swallowing hard and growling as he forced his feet away from the lake, swinging his katana into the neck of a black witch then dodging another blast. He could feel Sebastian's eyes on him and he knew he could tell, knew the Alpha was preparing himself to attack and stop Kurt if he had to.

"I'm not going anywhere." Kurt whispered.

He fought with the other wolves, taking on any demon or black witch that dared to come near him. Another sai flew into the belly of a black witch, who had her clawed hands around Blaine's neck, watching Blaine shake off the ashes before taking on another demon. He tried to pick up his pistol but felt Hunter's spell stopping him, giving up, instead concentrating on the swing of his katana.

Sebastian skids next to him, morphing into his human form, picking up the pistol and checking the bullet count then firing into the crowd. Blood streamed down his cheek from a deep wound in his head, claw marks, some deep, stretched across his neck and shallow wounds in his side and legs.

"Kurt, we had a deal. Fight that bastard or find my teeth in your windpipe." Sebastian growled, kicking away the dead body of a demon he just shot.

"I'm trying." Kurt huffed, thrusting his sword through the neck of a demon.

"Try harder." Sebastian snapped, morphing back into his wolf and diving at a black witch.

Feeling his body twisting towards the lake, he released his blue flame, letting it engulf his entire body, using the small pull he can feel from whatever he had with Blaine to twist his body back around and send a whip of fire around the lake, ashes exploding into the air as he took out a large number of demons.

Tumbling to the floor, Kurt kicked the demon who attacked him away as his body turned to ashes from the touch of his flame, but it was enough for Kurt to lose his concentration, his feet taking him to the shallow water's edge. His breath caught in his throat, trying to stop his feet but his panic was causing him to falter.

"Kurt!" He heard Blaine cry out.

A growl behind him had Kurt closing his teary eyes to the world, waiting for Sebastian's teeth to tear through his neck. He was trying, he was trying with everything he had, but his feet still dragged through the water, spilling around his ankles. This was it, this was the end but at least Hunter wouldn't be able to get a hold of his soul. Tears ran down his cheeks as he thought about the pain he'd leave Blaine with and he wished he could turn back time, stop himself from falling for the Alpha, stop himself from mating with him and causing the pain he was going to feel once Sebastian fulfilled his promise.

A scuffle behind Kurt had him twisting his head to watch Blaine push Sebastian away from him, teeth snapped and barking at the other while Sebastian tried to get passed Blaine, eyes frantically going to Kurt as he walked further into the lake. Bypassing Blaine, Sebastian ran at Kurt but slammed into an invisible force. Kurt watched the ripple spill all around the lake until his eyes landed on Hunter.

A barrier, the lake was surrounded by a barrier, no one was getting in... and no one was getting out. He watched Blaine and Sebastian shifting into their human forms, fists pounding on the barrier. He watched the tears in Blaine's eyes run down his cheeks and turned away, not wanting to see the pain in those loving eyes.

A shot from the cliff made him jump, but the bullet aimed at Hunter bounced off the barrier. He was alone, he was the only one who could stop this now. He could just make out Adam and Santana running down from the cliff.

"Kurt! Fight it! Don't give in to him! Please!" Santana was crying, he could tell.

The black fog reached Kurt's feet, lifting them from below the water so he could walk across the surface towards the demon. Kurt increased the flames around his body, finding himself gaining a little more control, his feet slowing down but still moving forward. His brain buzzed as he tried to figure a way out of this, closing his eyes in frustration as even the pull he was feeling to head back to Blaine wasn't working.

"Kurt!" Blaine's voice sounded in his ear and it broke his heart, a sob escaping his lips, "Kurt, please, don't let him win. You can fight this. I know you can."

Kurt opened his eyes and gasped, Hunter was there just a few feet away from him.

"Courage." Blaine whispered into his ear.

Blue flames erupted around his body, allowing him to step back from the demon.

"Kurt, kill the flames." Hunter ordered.

The flames were gone, leaving Kurt gasping for air at how quickly he'd obeyed the order, his heart beating too fast, his breath caught in his throat. He couldn't do this, he couldn't fight this demon, he needed to escape, he needed a new plan. He found himself standing next to Hunter, Blaine's voice screaming at him in his ear but he blocked it out, the pain that choked voice caused him too much to bear.

The smell of freshly cut grass assaulted his senses, his tear filled eyes widening as visions of the Elysium fields flooded his mind. Was Hunter doing this to him?

"Seems you've been working really hard since I last saw you. Finally figured everything out?" The huffed laughter he gave off disgusted Kurt, made him want to tear the demon apart, "Well not everything, still struggling with putting the key away... thankfully for me."

Hunter kept his distance a few feet from Kurt, but the eerie black fog crept all around him and Kurt, making him feel sick and making his need to step away greater... but his body wouldn't listen, not to him... not to the bond he had with Blaine.

"Kurt, time is precious, and I need you to fulfil your destiny." The smirk on Hunter's lips sickened him, "Kurt, open the Gates of Tartarus."

One step, Two steps

A glow in Kurt's chest took his breath away, his eyes rolling into the back of his head. He could just make out Sebastian calling out in his ear behind Blaine's open cry. His body felt light and dizzy as if he were to faint, almost glad when a large hand rested on his back to hold him up. He didn't understand what was going on.

Three steps, four steps

He felt so light, his eyes couldn't focus on anything but the strong light filling his senses and beyond that a set of gates... but not any gate. That was the Gates of Tartarus and he could just make out the lock glowing and unsealing, the large gates opening with an ancient grind on old hinges. He could feel something else as well... a freedom... a freedom from the pull towards the demon.

"Yes, Kurt, keep it up, open those gates wide for me." Hunter hissed.

Five steps, six steps

He could just make out the commotion in his ear, something about the demons increasing in strength, becoming harder to fight off. He could see a white light in front of the gates... taking steps away from the swinging metal. Kurt jolted in Hunter's hold, eyes focusing on the demon in front of him, and the gates stopped, half way open, but the light around his body still hovered, reaching slightly above his head. Why was he feeling so dizzy?

Seven steps, eight steps

The growl from Hunter was terrifying, black fog wrapping around Kurt's neck while his eyes turned completely black and again Kurt felt the tug of the spell on his body.

"Kurt, open the gates. I need them to be completely open!" The demon cried, shaking the Hound.

"Kurt, don't do this! I know you can win, just fight! Please!" Santana was back in his ear.

Kurt's head shook mindlessly at Hunter, his flame returning to his body forcing Hunter to pull away. He could hear the applause in his ear as he stood tall but on wobbly feet. His head felt so light, but in a strange way it was helping him to focus on the pull from his ability and the pull from his mating with Blaine, giving him a strength he didn't know he had. The black fog around Hunter slashed against his flame, trying to get through and wrapping around Hunter when Kurt's flame flickered out towards the demon.

"Kurt, get rid of the flames and open the gates!" Hunter screamed at him, the black fog fighting against the flames to get to his body.

Kurt shook his head again, a sad smile on his lips as he found his voice, "You can't win."

Nine steps, ten steps

Kurt's breath catches in his throat when his flames fire out towards Hunter, engulfing the demon who screams through his pain, arms flailing and the black fog trying to wrap around his body to put out the fire. Kurt watched with tired eyes as Hunter's body crumbled to ashes, floating on the water's surface.

Water splashed from the beach, Kurt turning to watch Blaine and Santana tread the water to get to him. However, Kurt could see what they could not, even with his blurred vision. He could see the powered up demons following after them, and he knew he had one more thing to do. He needed to close the gates. Building the flames around his body again, he cried out into the sky, sending his flames out over the lake, over the beach and into the forest, igniting the bodies of every demon and black witch it came in contact with; he was so grateful Brittany was still watching from the cliff.

Ash fell like a thick fog around the lake, all the wolves stopping to watch in amazement then howling their victory for all to hear. Blaine was still treading towards Kurt, but Kurt was too weak, feeling his soul slipping from his body. Tears slipped down his cheeks once more while the light around his body lifted above him.

Eleven steps, twelve steps

"Kurt! Kurt!"

Blaine's voice had so much joy in it now that it shattered Kurt's resolve, turning teary blue vacant eyes onto his Alpha. He didn't know what was going to happen now, he didn't know if he could do what he needed to do... he didn't know if he could make it back.

"I'm sorry." Kurt whispered.

Blaine watched in horror as Kurt's eyes closed, just as those words were whispered to him in the wind, and his body went limp, sinking below the surface of the water. Frozen, Blaine's eyes stared at the spot Kurt's body disappeared under, his heart clenching in his chest until Santana's scream shook him from his trance.

Diving beneath the water, he searched the darkness for his mate, arms reaching out to feel for him. He couldn't see anything and it terrified him, arms frantically reaching out for anything but it was just water that rushed between his fingers. He could feel his lungs fighting with him, begging for air, but he kept searching. The look in Kurt's eyes just before he fell was so foreign, so lost and empty, he hadn't seen anything like it since that night he accused him of being a demon and he never wanted to see it again.

Something brushed his fingers and he grasped at it, his heart fluttering at the small orb squeezed tight in his fist and he reached out with his other hand, fingers fisting in a material and he pulled it towards him, his arm wrapping around a lithe, lifeless body. He held on tight, his whole being filling with fear with how still Kurt was against him.

Wes and Santana stood, knee deep in the water, waiting anxiously for Blaine to resurface while the other wolves watched on from the beach. Gasping for air, Blaine resurfaced, coughing up water, while holding Kurt's body with his quivering limbs. Unable to take the limp body for Blaine's arms, Wes helped Blaine to stand and dragged him to the pebble beach. There, Blaine carefully lay Kurt's body down, pushing his hair out of his face and stroking his cheeks as the tears finally fell, sobbing hysterically.

"Kurt?" He choked out.

Santana knelt on the other side of Kurt, her green glowing hand wandering over his body, her own tears spilling. A crowd had gathered around them, all the wolves looking on in horror, sadness and hope. Thad was sobbing into the chest of Ethan, who held him tightly, tear filled eyes wide as he gazed down at Kurt. Wes paced around them until David drew the Beta into a hug where he buried his face in David's shoulder.

Santana removed her hand, the green glow disappearing. Blaine's eyes widened, gripping her wrist and pulling it back over Kurt's chest.

"No, no no no. Keep going, you have to keep going." Blaine begged, his other hand gripping Kurt's.

Santana shook her head, wiping her eyes only for more tears to fall, "Blaine... it's not going to do anything... his soul's not here."

"What?" Blaine sobbed, reaching down to stroke Kurt's cheek, willing his beautiful blue eyes to open again.

"His soul's in the Elysium fields." Came Brittany's cold voice as she approached the group.

Sebastian growled at the witch, blinking back his own tears, "What about the gates?"

"I don't care about the fucking gates! What about Kurt?" Blaine yelled at the Alpha.

"The gates are closed once more." Brittany answered, ignoring the irate Alpha.

Sebastian's head jerked up at that, "Kurt was able to close them?"

Brittany nodded, "Yes."

"When's he coming back. Tell me he's coming back." Blaine begged.

Brittany studied the Alpha for a moment, "He could come back tomorrow... or he may never come back. Depends on how strong he is."

"His body won't survive without his soul." Santana panicked, gripping Kurt's arm, willing his chest to start moving again with deep breaths.

"It will for a while... but not forever." Brittany looked away not wanting to see the pain in Blaine's eyes any longer.

"He'll come back. He has to." Blaine cried, bringing Kurt's hand to his lips, kissing his knuckles as his sobs took over his body again.

Wiping away his tears as best he could, Wes knelt next to Blaine, a comforting hand on his shoulder before whispering words of encouragement and hope, urging his Alpha to move Kurt to the village where they can keep his body warm. A numb nod from Blaine was all Wes needed to advise everyone to move aside.

Slowly the wolves started to disperse, heading back to take away their dead and tend to their wounded in silence, a stray howl in the air when someone finds a close friend or family member. With care, Blaine lifted Kurt's body into his arms, holding him as close to him as he could, walking through the forest to the village, the hands of his clan reaching out to comfort him, while Santana stayed by his side.

He couldn't take his eyes of Kurt; his hair, wet and falling back over his head which leant against Blaine's shoulder. His pale skin looked as white as can be against his chestnut hair and dark lashes dotted with water droplets. He tried not to breathe too deeply, that beautiful scent now just a memory stuck to the forest and to his clan, but not to the wolf in his arms. His lips were parted ever so slightly, but no air escaped, no matter how many times he begged. Blaine's ankle throbbed under the additional weight, but everyone knew better than to offer Blaine any help.

Adam returned to the town to send for Finn, Carole and Burt on Santana's request. Once back at the village, Blaine found himself surrounded by the women and children, all bursting into tears when they catch sight of the lifeless body in his arms. He fought against his own heart to not cry with the women, stepped passed them and straight to his cabin.

His mother was the worse, falling to her knees at Blaine's feet, sobbing her grief into her hands and Blaine had to steel himself as Jane stood and wrapped her arms around his neck, eyes slipping between Blaine and Kurt. She pressed her forehead to Blaine and spoke to him, her throat too raw from her sobs to speak.

I will find him. I will spend every moment that I can in those fields to help him get back.

Blaine just nodded, biting down on his lips to stop the sobs engulfing him, shutting his eyes to the world for a moment before opening them to the still, motionless body of his mate. A kiss from his mother and too Kurt's forehead allowed Blaine to carry on up to his cabin where Nathan was waiting for him, remorse in his aging face for his youngest son.

In the background, Blaine barely made out the voices of Wes and Jeff, but could care less at the moment for what they were talking about, nor for why Wes sent Jeff back to tend to Nick, then silently followed behind Blaine.

A hand on Blaine's shoulder with a gentle squeeze was all that passed between them, a silent reminder that he would be there for him. Wes was already in front of him, opening the door to the cabin and rushing to the fireplace to start a roaring fire to help keep Kurt warm. Stepping into the bedroom, Blaine carefully lay Kurt down on the mattress, wrapping the blankets around his body, joining him under them and in the confines of his room, let his tears fall again, his head pressing into Kurt's chest, willing his heart to start beating again.

"Kurt... I-I hope you can h-hear me... Please, y-you've closed the gates so... please come back to me." Blaine sniffed, laying next to Kurt, not caring for their wet clothing and wrapping his arms around Kurt's body.

"I know... I know you're t-tired but please... come back to me. I can't do this without you."

He lay a gentle kiss against the still warm lips of his mate, sobs rippling through his throat once more. All he wanted was for those lips to respond to him, to feel the gentle touch of a breath against his lips, to hear a gentle thump beneath his chest, but nothing came. They had won the battle against the demons, but Blaine didn't want it if this was the price.

He wanted his Hound back, he wanted his hunter to open his eyes... he wanted Kurt to look up at him and smile that smile which infected his soul. He would stay by Kurt's side for as long as it took to again see those diamond blue eyes Jeremiah had promised him all those years ago.