When I wake up today, there is something different about the light that shines down from my window. It's not the usual hot-orange-dusty light that is Hilltown's signature weather mode. It's grey, dark and almost moist. I run out of the bed and throw open my curtains, only to scream in delight.

For the first time since my arrival, it's raining outside. Finally, my newly born farmer-self rejoices.

I look at the clock and it's early. It isn't even 6 o' clock yet. So that means everyone is sleeping and has no idea about the rain. I run off to the bathroom, washing my face furiously. Something about me feels strange and I stop. No, my face is fine, as always. The days in fields haven't spoiled it yet, thank god for Carole's homemade beauty products. No, it's my body that feels wrong.

Curious and scared, I rip off my night shirt and stand half-naked in front of the body length mirror, recently installed behind my bathroom door by me. And I nearly scream again. Who is this person?

My skinny body is changed in ways that have, since today, escaped my notice. It's been a month, I agree, since I've started working so hard; but a month couldn't make such a difference without me noticing, could it?

My arms are well formed and—as I bend them experimentally—have biceps! I have biceps! But that isn't all; my soft flat stomach is changed too. I place my hand gingerly on my stomach and yes—I feel ridges of barely-there abs that have started to form. And the softness is gone, replaced with tautness that feels good in an uncanny way. I clench my fist and my whole arm becomes a rippling spectacle of veins and muscles.

I almost feel like punching my mirror, wanting to see if my (now strong) hand will break through the door behind it. But, no, this is impossible. I couldn't change so fast like this. I just couldn't... But even as I think about it, the past month, and everything I have experienced in it, runs through my mind. And it starts to seem possible how things have changed.

Finn's guess had proved wrong. Initiation didn't happen, even after Burt had raged about 'stupid rule-breaking runts of Smyths.' But I experienced so much, in such an overwhelming way that I felt myself as good as initiated.

I worked every weekend on the fields, starting Friday afternoons after school just to be good at it. Finn and I would go with Puck or Mike in their car. Finn would leave us at the station and I would go along to the fields. The first three barely fields, previously an expanse of hard earth, were tender stretches soil soon as the days pass. We sowed them with seeds and started on the next four fields adjacent to it. (Not Puckerman fields but anyone in Hilltown was welcome to help fellow farmers—the tax payments were helpful for all so we worked for others.) The routine for weekends couldn't have been easier. School, home, fields, Tavern, home, and then sleep.

The bond that I shared with my friends grew stronger if possible. So strong that I sometimes contemplated about telling them that I was gay. But something always held me back. A fear. Fear that they will stop being my friends, stop protecting me and then Dave and Sebastian would get to me.

Yes, I'd learned by now that Smyths and their followers were bad, bad people. I'd learned that it's not wise to cross path with them. I'd learned that after sunset this town slept; there are no outings, no clubbing or parties like back in California. I'd learned not to question whenever Burt and Finn disappeared to Burt's Shop for hours and came back looking as if they were on war. I'd learned not to question the caste system, the amount of authority the Smyths, the Trinity and their followers seem to wield everywhere. I'd learned to live with the fact that there were my friends willing to lay their lives in order to protect me. I'd learned that the Warblers were reserved and lived on top of the hill precisely to avoid any other contact with humans. I'd learned not to question why Puck still felt a bit suspicious of Blaine's team and the way things worked on the top of the hill. I'd learned to ignore the fact that sometimes my friends would observe me from the corner of their eyes, watching and waiting as if I'd turn into a monster any moment. I'd learned to ignore why they whispered about 'Kurt this and Kurt that' whenever they thought I wasn't looking. I'd learned to accept that nobody ever drove out of the town unless they had express permission for it.

Yes, I'd learned a lot. But I was still set on doing as I planned. I wanted this town to accept me. I wanted to make a place, no matter how long it took.

There was nothing new when we worked on the fields. Just an automatic feeling of using tools by hand, getting lost in the work and letting our minds wander. Well, nothing new for a few days. But as the Warblers promised, they sent on a few members to help with the plantation. It took us a while but we started trusting the newly allied friends. We started learning their names. David, Wes, Nick, Jeff, Kevin, Thad, Justin, Trent and Hunter. We started accepting them as friends.

But for me, Nick and Jeff held most attraction. They were the only ones, besides Thad and Wes, who came to work more often. They were—different than any friends I'd seen so far. The way they stuck together, and talked to each other; it wasn't normal. They would keep to themselves, answering us all with smiles or monosyllables. They would keep talking between themselves in low voices. They would argue and Nick would walk away for a while. And then Jeff would apologize and they'd be back on track.

I watched them and wondered everyday. Were they just shy or was there something more? Even when we invited them to Tavern (it became our dinning haunt after work on weekends) they'd refuse politely and make some excuse about "Blaine said to come back straight away." I wondered about what they did, for I've started to recognize that shabby pick-up truck they drive. I've seen that truck on the main road, this side of the check post, driving toward the forest road and out of Hilltown. What can they be doing out of town? Or in forest no less?

And I wondered why Blaine never joined us again. Not that I had higher motives, but I wanted to ask him about my observations. And I still dreamt about that night when he walked me home.

But that wasn't all that happened in my first month here. Burt gave me a wrapped box a few days back and I opened it to find a new mobile phone. It was not really expensive, but I was happy to receive it anyways. I'd thanked him profusely and he'd told me that all the important numbers were already saved on it. It was nice to be finally connected to all the people whom I counted as friends. There was one number though, that I avoided. Blaine Anderson. I don't know why Burt had his number saved for me, but I guess, as the leader of Warblers, he was pretty important in Burt's eyes. But I never contacted Blaine. I never had any need to.

I met Old Riley, the Grandpa Puckerman. He was that elderly man I saw from my window that one night. He was like Puck in various ways, he way he worried about Tavern and his customers, the way he wanted to be everywhere controlling, helping everything. I also met Mercedes' family. Mercedes had become, amazingly, a very close friend in school. She almost shared every class with me, she understood me and my fashion sense better than anybody. Between the two of us, we criticized Rachel Berry and the Trinity so much that it was a miracle we weren't in jail by now.

I'd learned that Finn was hopelessly in love with Rachel (beats me, because I've never seen anyone more arrogant or proud.) He would talk about her endlessly to me when we watched TV at night or shared warm milk before turning in for bed. I don't know, maybe he thought I was going to give him some advise or something, he just talks to me not really caring if my reactions were encouraging or not.

But I enjoyed my time with Finn. In between his dream-girl talk he would let slip a few names here and there or a few things that were unknown to me. Like the fact that she was one of the Deserters—the people who were un-sworn like me, but without protection of any family or group. And the fact that only reason she and her family wasn't dead was because her Dad and Mother were doctors at the Hilltown Memorial Hospital. They had a place in society here, and so nobody gave a damn if they were sworn or not. The injustice of it made my heart sting but that was the way things worked here.

One day at the fields, Mike, jokingly threw a spade at me. if I hadn't lunged away in time, I would have sustained serious injury in my leg. But as it were, they laughed, my friends. But Mike looked relieved too that I had dodged the low blow. He petted my shoulder and told me, "Nice reflexes, Kurt. You may yet survive this hellhole."

I chose to ignore this enigmatic remark. But then the blows got frequent. Not only Mike, my other friends would suddenly attack me in various ways. Considering the fact that I was so tuned in the trance-like place in my mind while doing my work, I got injured a few times, badly. But they treated me with first aid. The time I nearly lost my neck, Nick and Jeff were on the scene. My friends got a bit worried but the Warblers ran to my aid. I don't know how they did it, but they produced ointments and stitches from their pockets. Nick, being extremely gentle than I'd thought, stitched up my neck nice and easy. It didn't even hurt.

And then Jeff told my friends something really thought provoking. "Lay off of him till he gets better, will you?"

So they were all in on the let's-attack-Kurt games. Clearly this was a part of some bigger plan. Great, one more thing to figure out.

"It'll scar, I'm sorry," Nick said to me softly.

My friends let me off for a few days. Nick was right; I had a scar on the left side of my neck now. But then the attacks got harder, so did my reflexes. In fact, I started enjoying these little interventions. I started to laugh as I fought off my friends. I could even wrestle Sam into submission, that's how good I was getting slowly, and he was the one coming up with worst attack forms every time.

The Warblers never fought with me, but they were admirable spectators. They always seem to be cheering me on. I wondered if they were telling Blaine about these play/wrestling breaks we had during work.

Now, as I look myself in the mirror. It all makes sense. Those weren't just play/wrestle matches. They, my friends, were deliberately teaching me how to fight and defend myself from sudden attacks. And this was the result. I am getting in shape and have abs and biceps!

"Kurt! Kurt, c'mere!" Finn's excited voice comes from my room. He finds me standing half-naked in front of the bathroom mirror. I swear he runs an appreciative glance all over my developing body— Him, Puck and everyone, the sneaks! I think in a momentarily indignation.

"IT'S RAINING! IT'S RAINING, KURT!"

I allow myself a smile. Yes, it's raining. I've changed. I've learned. And today—I realize with a jolt that the date is 6th May, officially the date when I came here last month—the season was celebrating the change with a change of its own. It's raining!
~~

Blaine sat in front of his piano and plucked at some keys. Sweet melody sounded in the air around him, and then he huffed and jabbed at the keys in frustration. It was good, but not good enough. Something was still missing.

It had been days since this uncalled-for melody had resided itself in his mind, and dreams. He knew, or thought he did, that the inspiration was the new-boy-in-town (he never dared even think his name) but he ignored these notions as soon as they started forming in his head. No, he was a musical person. He just thought of this melody on his own. He was going to play, perfect and make this melody his own. The new boy had nothing to do with it!

Then why did Blaine dream of a pair ever changing eyes? Why did he dream of a sweet melodious voice that sounded hurt, angry and yet so soft and innocent?

Blaine groaned in frustration and jabbed his hand on the keys again, an ugly sounds vibrated in the room.

"You're distracted," said a sweet voice from behind him.

Blaine turned to find his twelve-year old baby-brother, Cooper, standing in his pajamas.

"Hey, little one," said Blaine, his face breaking into a tired smile. "Did I wake you up?"

"Not, really." Cooper walked into the room and deposited himself on Blaine's lap, reaching for a clutter of papers with notes scribbled on it. "Wow. Either this new song is too scary or you just want to make your life miserable."

Blaine chuckles. "No, it's—I just can't get the melody right. It doesn't sound like it sounds in my head or my dreams. When I try to reproduce it...something doesn't sound right."

"So, yes. A scary melody," Cooper said with a nod. "Where's everyone?"

"Well..." Blaine squinted, recalling the locations of each of his Warblers. "Hunter and David have perimeters near hospital. Nick and Jeff are on the roof tonight, doing surveillance of the town. Thad and Trent are running perimeters near the woods. Wes and Justin are with some of Puck's boys protecting the Hummels. That's everyone."

Cooper gave Blaine a superior look. "I'm twelve, Blainey. Not stupid. Where's Dad?"

Blaine sighed and run his hand through his hair. The hair gel he'd forgot to wash off stuck in his fingers. He needed to shower soon.

"Dad is gone with Kevin to make contracts with some new suppliers."

Cooper's eyes went wide. "He's out of the town. Again?"

"Yes, since the Smyths nullified our contract, we have to ask other cities to supply for us. People will go hungry otherwise. There's already clamor for flour and dairy. Old Riley is worried that the Tavern will shut down if we don't do anything soon." He hadn't meant to unleash about everything to his little brother, but he was tired and aggravated.

"But...but what about when they know!" Cooper asked with a frightened look. "What if they know Dad's been going out of town? We don't have permission without the contract!"

"Don't worry. The guards at the check post are Puck's friends. They won't let anyone know about Dad's out-of-town expeditions. Besides, Dad's been gone three times already and nobody has done anything about it. It'll be all right, Coop."

Blaine suddenly picked Cooper up in his arms and started rib-tickling him. Cooper's laughter echoed throughout the silent house. As long as his little brother was happy and unconcerned, Blaine didn't give a damn about anything else.

"Let's get you to bed, shorty." Blaine stayed with Cooper till he fell asleep.

Before turning to bed himself, he checked on Nick and Jeff about how things looked in town. Everything appeared calm. From the binoculars installed on the roof of Dalton House, every street looked silent and sleepy. Blaine spotted a group of four boys on the roof in front of Hummels house. He spotted Hunter and David near the Hospital and nodded to himself. Everyone was doing their jobs as per usual.

He looked up at the cloudy sky and inhaled deeply. Something was different about the air tonight. It was refreshed and dust free. He didn't think too much of it; everyone knew that Hilltown's misery extended to weather too.

He said good night to Nick and Jeff, had a quick shower and went to bed. The teasing melody, and Kurt's eyes and voice haunted him throughout his dreams.

Blaine woke up the next morning to a pleasant scent in the air. A smile adorned his face and he jumped out of his bed. Throwing the curtains open he whooped. Rain. This was heaven for the Hilltown's people. This years' crops would definitely will be good—even if just by one rainfall.

He got dressed hurriedly and went downstairs to find all his Warblers there and eating the breakfast. Everyone looked tired. Blaine felt a momentary stab of guilt. He was here in the house, worrying about stupid melodies while his group had spent their time outside, and in rain too!

"Happy Rainy Morning, everyone!" he greeted them cheerfully.

"Morning," everyone mumbled tiredly back.

"How are you guys holding up?"

"Better than Nick and Jeff," Trent joked. "They had another argument, or so their faces tell me."

Jeff muttered darkly and threw his fork at Trent. Trent snatched it out of the air and giggled. Nick hung his head till his dark hair fell in his eyes, half-hiding him from the view.

"Peace, guys," said Blaine. "Okay. Report."

As he ate, his team told him about everything. Town looked fine. Hummels were all right. There'd been just five injured people brought to Hospital last night, nothing seriously wrong. There'd been no disturbance in the woods. All in all, everything's been the same as usual this last month.

"D'you think they've forgotten?" Justin asked softly. "About their deal?"

"No. They are just taking their time," Blaine said dismissively. "Besides, Puck said that was his problem. They should have gotten Kurt initiated by now anyways. So the Smyths can't touch him." He looked at Nick here. "How has he been doing, lately?"

Blaine tired to keep his composure, but he always asked about Kurt's training on fields. From Nick's reports, Kurt was learning fast and growing strong everyday. But so far, there hadn't been any other development. As Puck would say "He hadn't grown wings yet to fly us out of this shithole." Kurt's talent, whatever it may be, was still dormant. And everyday that passed made them loose a bit of hope. But it's been a month only. Nobody could learn or do so much in just a month.

"He's been good," said Nick, still uneasy about his argument but in control of his voice. "I don't know if he notices or suspects, but his body's getting stronger. He's a quick learner. He can defeat, with much focus and underhanded blows, all of his friends. And those dudes are kinda buff, when you think about it. I'm satisfied about Kurt's abilities, but they are not satisfactory against things like Karofsky or Sebastian."

Blaine nodded. "Still its batter than nothing. He may be able to hold them off long enough for us or Puckpeople to notice. That's all that matters."

"So what's our agenda today?" asked Wes as Cooper sleepily stumbled in the kitchen.

"Hey, guys," Cooper mumbled to everyone's responses.

Blaine helped his brother to breakfast, as he thought about the day's plan. Today wasn't weekend and Puck didn't work in fields with his friends. So there was no need to arrange for that.

"You guys should take a breather," he said at last to very shocked Warblers. "No, you've all had been very alert and working hard. I need you guys to rest today. So that you're all fresh for the night duties. I'll go run errands by myself."

"'With Andy gone? Are you nuts?" said Wes in shock. "There are supplies to be delivered! And not to mention our daily training!"

"Dad isn't here yet," Blaine said glibly. "He may not return for a few days, maybe. But we can afford to miss lessons for today. Go, rest. I'll take care of everything toady."

"Yes! No school!" Cooper cheered suddenly.

"Actually, only the Warblers are off for today," Blaine corrected suddenly. "You, sir, are going to school. No exceptions."

"Awe, but he's also one of us," Nock said affectionately. "Let the kid be happy, today, Blaine! It's raining, and what better excuse to miss school than that?"

Blaine wavered. "We can't. The school will ask about it and Dad's already absent. I'm sorry, Coop, you gotta go."

Cooper sighed majestically, resigning himself to fate. "OK. I'll take one for the team. You guys are so gonna owe me a movie night after this!"

"Deal," promised Blaine.

The Warblers cleaned up the kitchen and headed to their rooms to rest for the day. Blaine helped Cooper and drove him to school. He opened the Hillstore in his father's stead and got ready for the long, dull day as a grocer's son.
~~

School today is as it is everyday. My watching friends, my best friend Mercedes and my step-brother keeps tabs on me all the time. I spot the Trinity throughout the day at intervals (a habit I've developed unconsciously) but they ignore me completely. Dave glares but I am too happy to care.

Yes, happy. Because Puck had excitedly told us all that the rain was gonna continue for a few days. For us and our hard work of last month, it meant heaven! Old Riley was throwing us a lunch party at the Tavern after school. So I was looking forward to the celebrations. I take liberty today with my wardrobe choice in honor of the party later. My skin tight jeans (that I had to pull on myself with much force than usual, thanks to my rapidly changing body mass) and white cotton shirt drew a lot of attention. But it was my black, sequined waistcoat that caught everyone's eyes. Well, it should. It was Marc Jacobs custom made, brought by my father for my sixteenth birthday last year.

Mercedes even went as far as to wolf-whistle when we met today. She had dressed for the occasion too and she looked stunning, I told her so. She had ignored my comment vivaciously but I swear she looked happy too.

The whole day today is a blur, from the first class to break and then the last few classes. My enthusiastic attitude and happy temper led me through the day towards the approaching celebration at the Tavern.

When I was going for my last class, though, Joe and Ryder appeared on my side and started walking with me silently. It took me a moment to realize that Dave was in the same hallway and he was looking straight at me. He didn't even look like he cared that I had two of my friends beside me. in fact, he titled his head curiously and boldly. Ryder cracked his knuckles next to me, ready to take a shot if things got worse. But Dave only looks, as Joe and I enter the last class. Ryder stands in the hallway until Dave decides to leave.

As I settle in my seat and the class begins, I see Ryder leaving hurriedly for the gym and he looks a bit worried. But the teacher starts the class so I don't think too much on it.
~~

Ryder found Puck and Finn in the gym, warming up before the practice playoffs. He hurriedly explained to Puck about Dave's confrontation.

"Did he say anything?" asked Finn looking concerned.

"Not really," said Ryder. "But he didn't look at all bothered that we were there. He would've totally done something if Kurt was alone."

"Thank God you were there, guys." Fin heaved a relived sigh. "We gotta complain to Sheriff again. That's the second time Dave's ignored official orders."

But Puck wasn't listening. He looked thoughtful. His expression torn between concern and determination. He had a plan—plan that may help Kurt develop whatever talents he had—but he knew that his friends might not like his idea. Each of them had come to love Kurt as their own in the short time he's been here. He was more than just a talented kid now. He was family.

"I have a plan," Puck said hesitantly. "But it might be ugly."

Finn looked on with confusion, where as Ryder suddenly curses. "Oh, hell no!"

"We don't have another choice!"

"Yes, we do Puck! Let Kurt train a bit more. We can't expect him to be all powerful in just a month!"

Finn, now understanding their argument, stepped in angrily. "No way, Puck. I know you want what's best for town. But he's my cousin. He's family and I can't allow that."

"No, you are right, Finn. You can't allow that." Puck took out his mobile phone and dialed Burt's number. "But your Dad may agree if I told him my reasons."

Finn and Ryder watched on with worry as Puck explained to Burt about his plan. They argued for a while back and forth. But then Puck smiled in relief.

"All right, Burt. I promise we'll be nearby. Thank you so much! You won't regret it, I swear!"

Finn shook his head in disbelief. "He gave you the permission, didn't he? I can't believe it! Kurt's not ready yet!"

Ryder silently agreed. But Puck petted Finn's shoulder; he also looked concerned despite his plans. "I know, Finn. I am scared too. But let's just not think about what he's capable of just yet. We'll see soon enough."

"How soon?" asked Finn, dreading the answer.

"Just as the classes ends for the day," replied Puck, leaving Finn even more concerned than before.
~~

Just as the class is about to end, five minutes to go, Joe receives a text message which leaves him puzzled. He looks at me and then goes to the teacher, whispering some excuse. Then he gets out of the class like somebody was after him.

I don't think much on it. I knew that I would never be alone. My friends always kept an eye on me wherever I went and Joe's absence from my class was not a big deal for me. But then I get a text message that scares me a little.

From Puck:
We had to leave for some work on field. Very urgent.
You think you can walk to Tavern without a ride?

I didn't understand what he meant by WE. Did he mean all of my friends or just a few boys needed at farm? But I could walk to the Tavern, no problem. I knew enough of the town by now. I could probably ask Mercedes to walk with me. So I reply him that, Yes, no problem.

But when the class ends, I can't find Mercedes anywhere. I start to look for Tina or Marley, who were surely headed toward the Tavern too. But shockingly, I can't spot any of my friends. So I decide to head to the Tavern myself.

But as I make my way to the locker to put away some of my things, the halls start to empty rapidly. A sense of dread engulfs me, a prickly sensation at the nape of my neck. I stow away my stuff, bow my head resolutely and start walking after a few schoolmates. As soon as I get out of here, I'll be better.

But then something heavy garbs me from behind, a hand clamps my mouth shut and the scream snuffs out of my mouth at once. My first thought is that I'm so dead. My second thought is that it's the same boy, Sebastian. But then I am forcefully spun around till I'm facing Karofsky.

There's an animalistic gleam in his eyes, but he doesn't attack me like I was hoping. He just watches me, up close and silently. My decision to scream and call for help—from the friends I knew will be close by—leaves me under his intense glare.

"Let go of me!" I finally find my voice.

"Why?"

His answer shocks me for a moment. "Because its against the rule!" I say stupidly. Then I correct myself. "Because the Sheriff warned you and everyone to—"

"Oh, you mean Sugar's Dad?" Dave says with a smirk. "Yes, I know what he said. But I'm not hurting you, am I?"

As if to prove his point, he let go of me. But he stands too close even now and keeps his wild gaze trained on me. I straighten up and try to think of a way to escape.

"What do you want?"

He smirks again. "I assure you what I want is something you won't be able to give me."

"Then let me go."

"OK. I will. Just a few more minutes."

Then he closes the gap between us and sniffs my neck and jaw. A growl reverberates in his throat. "Do you have any idea how scrumptious you look today?!" He looks at my clothes in accusation.

This is worse than I imagined. If anything, his weird behavior and snarling voice makes me even more scared. What should I do? Where were my friends? And most importantly, what exactly he wants from me.

Then I suddenly remember something. Something that Blaine told me not long ago. And I do exactly that. It surprises the both of us. I take advantage of his closeness and buck up my knee, right in his balls. Dave gives out a low moan and a snarl, backing away from me in agony. Then he looks up at me and there's no color in his eyes. My confused brain even made me think that his eyes were all black and no irises. But the opportunity is too good to loose. So I fully heed the advice Blaine gave me. I run.

But I have gone a few steps when a rough hand garbs my Marc Jacobs' jacket, popping a few buttons as it slits open. Dave growls right in my face as he garbs my shoulder and spins me around to face him. And this time there's no mistaking the blackness of his eyes. But something clicks in me—I half imagine myself to be under attack on the fields—and I respond at once. I bring both my arms up, into the circle of his hands that garb me from my shoulder, and I dig my elbows right in his chest. And it hurts. His chest is hard as a rock.

But it distracts him. Then I use my two fingers and poke him right in the eyes. He howls and blindly swings. His blow hits my jaw and I swear I feel it crack. Just how strong was he! I grope blindly as I fall due to his blow. My hand warps around the strap of my bag and I swing it right in his face as he recovers.

It doesn't even faze him. He keeps coming.

He garbs my wrist and yanks. I cry out and find myself on my feet. Again, I use my bag, but this time I ensnare his hand in the strap and buck up my knee a second time, it catches him in the stomach. He doubles over just long enough for me to release myself and, with his hand still caught in my bag strap; I make a circle around him and yank with all my might.

He howls. His arm, bent strangely all the way around the back of his head gives a snap.

"Oh, fuck!" he yells in anger.

I hurriedly get my bag released and with a final swing of it to his face, I bring him to his knees.

But still, with his snapped arm and half-blind eye, he looks just slightly fazed. When he looks up at me, there's nothing in his eyes. The small amount of restraint that he showed earlier is gone now. For whatever reason he was holding back, he doesn't look like he'd hold back now.

But I don't wait long enough to find out. I just run, taking advantage of his momentary defeat. I run till I'm outside in the windy, rainy parking lot. It's almost deserted, not a single one of my friend in sight. But I don't care. I run at top speed, wanting to be in the street, with people and witnesses. My whole clothes are soaked through when I finally slow down, nearing the town square. I almost hope that Blaine might be out walking on his hill, maybe, he'll recognize me running; maybe at least, he'll come to save me.

But then I hear scuffle of boots following me. Thinking that it's still Dave, I almost cry out and use my bag to swing again.

It catches Jake in the shoulder and he blurts, "OUCH! JEEZ, KURT!"

Puck and Finn are coming around the street too. They look, I think, stunned as they catch sight of me. Finn runs and throws himself at me, grabbing me in a bone-crushing hug. But I'm too relived to care. I hug him back, burying my face in his strong, safe shoulder.

The horror of the situation settles in as adrenaline leaves my body. I start sobbing without control. But Finn keeps holding me and starts to walk me, keeping his hand around my shoulders. I hear him throw some really bad curses at Puck and Jake, who are silently following us. We walk to the Tavern, but before going inside, Finn helps me clean up my face and straighten up my clothes.

He examines my still-hurting jaw and winces when I moan at his touch. "It's turning blue. Everyone's gonna notice that."

"It's OK," I tell him hoarsely. "I'm OK. It's just—it was just bad luck. I'll try to be more careful the next time, I swear."

Puck looks crestfallen at my statement and he opens his mouth to say something but Finn tells him off sharply and angrily. "That's enough for now. Let's get inside and out of this rain. You should get warmed up, Kurt, before you catch cold or anything. We'll talk about this after the party, OK?"

We agree and enter the Tavern to the warm sounds of festivities.
~~

Blaine spends his day doing all the things his father does. Firstly he called some of Puckpeople to help him with the deliveries. There were three main hotels and stores that needed daily supplies. Old Riley himself came to help when the Tavern's deliveries were to be sent.

Blaine liked the Old man. He was focused and determined to the task of providing good food to the people of the town. His work kept him young and active despite the fact that he looked fragile and wizened.

"I understand Anderson have been facing troubles?" he inquired Blaine as a few boys loaded food trolleys to walk down the hill.

Blaine simply nodded. "Yes, there have been low supplies by the town management."

Old Riley cursed colorfully. "Damn 'em to the deepest pits of hell! Them monsters thinking they can do whatever they like with us. Is it true you kill their lot?"

Blaine took a step back in shock. He had known that the old guy was observant and wiser than he looked. But he hadn't expected him to be so blunt.

"Well, only if they hurt any of us first."

Old Riley chuckled. "Well, good on you. I tell Noah that it's the only way with 'em. Kill 'em and be done with it. Rid the world of them. But that kid has got his head in the right place, he has. He thinks helping people is more important than playing monster killers."

Blaine laughed at this assessment. "Well, Puck can play people helper. Leave the monster killing to us."

Old Riley nodded in approval, a smile crinkling his wrinkled face. "Ye, know. Today, after 'em kids get off of the school, we have a party goin' on in the Tavern. Celebrations of rain. You should come down and have some fun, child."

Blaine smiled, humbled by the offer. "Well, thank you, Mr Puckerman. But I have to stay here and keep everything in check."

"Oh, right," Riley nods wisely. "Gotta keep cover in your father's absence. When'll he be back, son?"

"He never stays more than one night over. He'll be back tonight for sure."

"I'll let Noah, know. He'll ask McKay and Bosky to keep an eye out for that truck of yours."

By now the boys had emptied all the necessary things in VW parked at the base of the hill. Riley made another offer for Blaine to show up for festivities if he got a chance. Then he hailed him goodbye and went away.

Blaine stood at the door of the storehouse for a long time after that. He thought about Riley and his offer, and Riley's bold conviction about what exactly Blaine and his Warblers did. He decided to not think about the eccentricities of the old man.

He checked the wrist watch and realized that Cooper's school will be out in an hour. So he closed the store and went to the house. He roused Wes, because he was the most responsible of all the Warblers after Nick, entrusted the house to him and got ready to pick up Cooper.

He walked down the trail and got the motorbike out of the shed. He would've preferred taking the car—but as it were a bright yellow Ferrari—it would have attracted everyone's notice in the town. In fact, nobody even knew what else resided in the shed at the base of the hill apart from the tattered motorbike and the pick-up truck. Blaine wondered if Riley knew, and he laughed aloud because it seemed a possibility.

He got in front of the Hilltown Middle School and waited for the final bell to ring. The Middle School and the Kindergarten was conveniently placed across the distance of a parking lots and a main road from the McKinley High School.

He chose a spot that hid him from sight well, but he could see everything that happened in the High School lot. He nearly hoped that he'd run into a familiar people from Puck's group. Maybe even Kurt...? No, he didn't want to see that boy again. Not yet.

Blaine laid back on his motorcycle, and studied the parking lot from under the sunglasses he wore. His heavy parachute jacket kept him dried enough from the drizzling rainfall, but he didn't mind as his pants got soaked through. Rainfalls in Hilltown were a rare thing of beauty. Everyone wanted to get wet when it rained. Everyone wanted to enjoy it fully while it lasted.

He checked his watch again and only five minutes were left till the schools let off.

But then he spotted a group of people in the McKinley's parking lot. Another look confirmed it to be Puck and his gang of farmers. But Blaine did not see Kurt. Maybe, he didn't go to school today? But the group seemed to be arguing about something. Finn stood morosely to a side, just listening as Puck explained something with furious gestures. The group finally seem to settle down, looking as morose as Finn but did as Puck said. Everyone apart from Puck, Jake and Finn, went away from the parking lot and in the direction of the town square.

Blaine dismissed it, thinking that everyone was headed to the party Riley was talking about. But then, Finn, Puck and Jake talked about something more and went back inside the High School. For a few moments, Blaine wanted to go after them and ask about all the confusion. But then he said to himself, "Yeah, whatever. Puck's doing his business being in charge all the time. Let them be."

The bell rang, and people started to leave in their cars, some walked home. Blaine straightened up and looked at the Middle School building, as a hoard of middle schoolers seem to pile up in school busses or getting picked up by parents. Cooper emerged and looked around till he spotted Blaine on his motorbike. His face spilt into a splendid smile, making Blaine smile also.

Cooper ran to him and jumped up behind Blaine. "Hey, Blaine!"

"Hey, Coop. How was your day?"

"Awesome. I got A+ in my math test!"

"That's great, bro."

But Blaine didn't leave at once. He was still looking at the people leaving from McKinley's lot. He didn't see Puck, Finn or Jake, which meant they were still inside the school building. And slowly the amount of teenagers lessened in the parking lot, meaning that the building was almost empty by now except for a few teachers and janitors.

"What's up, Blaine?" asked Cooper.

"I'm just checking something. Wait here."

And Blaine got off the bike, leaving Cooper still on it. He made his way out of the Middle School lot and across the main road. He was just in the other parking lot when he spotted movement in the McKinley's main door. He ducked behind a public bin and watched.

It was Kurt. He was running as if hounds of hell were after him.

Blaine's heart stopped for moment as he watched the beautiful boy running so earnestly. Kurt didn't notice him even as he flew past the bin Blaine was hiding behind. But Blaine's trained eyes noticed how Kurt's fashionable jacket was askew, buttons popped. He noticed how flushed his face was. He noticed how Kurt's pupils were blown due to fright.

He decided to stop the boy and ask what was wrong. But Kurt, too fast and still running, took to the sidewalks and toward the square.

If Blaine hadn't seen Kurt's frightened expression, he would've almost believed that Kurt was late from the party and running towards it. As it were, he knew something was terribly wrong. As he walked back to Cooper and his motorbike, Finn, Jake and Puck ran out of the school building, looking out of their wits and worried.

They spotted Kurt, far away, and still running, and dashed after him.

"Who was that, Blaine?" asked Cooper, his eyes wide in worry. "Was that one of your friends? He looked terrified!"

"Yes, Coop. He was one of my friends. You don't mind if we check on him, do you?"

"Of course, not!"

Blaine jumped on his bike, revved the motor and tore after the running boys. He kept his distance and stopped altogether when the boys followed Kurt to the town square. Blaine parked the bike behind another parked car and looked on as Kurt was approached by his friends.

Even in his terrified state, Kurt responded. It almost made Blaine smile. But Kurt looked near the edge of breakdown. And then Finn was holding him and Kurt was crying, if Blaine cold judge anything by the way Kurt's shoulders shook. Puck and Jake looked almost guilty for some reason. But Finn, calming Kurt down and slowly walking him toward the Tavern, looked beyond angry. Blaine almost thought the Finn might run back to school and punish whoever did that to Kurt.

With that, Blaine realized that it must be one of the Smyths. Most probably Karofsky. Thinking back, he hadn't seen Karofsky leave school grounds either. Red, hot rage smothered Blaine. Karofsky. He had hurt Kurt. And it was the violation of the town's rule.

One of THEM can't hurt one of the sworn members without repercussions.

As Blaine started up his bike again, driving the nervous looking Cooper back to the house, he knew one thing. Kurt had a bruise on his face, his jaw. Karofsky had breached the town rules. It was the time that the Warblers stepped in. Karofsky had to die, as Old Riley said, rid the town of the monsters. And as Warblers, it was their job.