Somewhere, West Virginia, USA.

The hour was late when Jeb finally emerged from the woods. The sun had since set and the only kobolds that were still out were some well bundled sentries looking from the blinds in the trees around his property. He didn't see Ruby, the Chief, or the Trap Master.

That was fine by him, he thought. He didn't really want "hugs and support" at the moment. He was in a foul mood and he didn't want to lash out at the kobolds for only trying to help. No, he had another target in mind.

He passed by his home and headed straight for his father's down the road. His mood darkening the closer he got. The only light he had was the few rays that shown through the clouds. If it didn't seem like it was always gloomy he would think it was going to rain.

It would certainly fit the moment, Jeb thought. In movies it was moments like these where it would just pour. Or during battles. Like a downpour somehow made it seem sadder or more serious.

But there was no rain, or emotional music score. Just the sounds of Jeb's boots crunching the dirt beneath him.

As he stood at the door he was tempted to turn around and just call it a day. But he didn't want to put this off. It was time for everything to be out, he thought as he knocked on the door.

He was hoping to see his father open the door. But just his luck it was his half-sister Sammy. She was already dressed in her obnoxiously bright pink fairy princess PJs. He always got shit from his dad about being immature but Sammy, despite being only a few years younger, still acted like a little girl wanting to be a princess.

"What do YOU want this late?"

"Is Pa around?"

"His house ain't it?" She sniped.

"Sammy? Who's at the door?" His father's voice called from somewhere inside.

"JUST JEB!" She yelled.

Jeb heard a noise from inside as his father moved about before opening the door wider and gazing at Jeb. The light from inside illuminating his face caused his father to look at him in concern.

"Jeb? Is everythin' alright?"

"Not today I'm not. Got a moment?" Jeb stated in a tired and strained voice.

Stolen story; please report.

Sam looked at his son with growing concern before sending Sammy away.

"Go get ready for bed sweetie."

"I AM ready!"

"Did you brush? Floss?"

Sammy puffed up her cheeks before storming off with a huff. With her gone Sam invited Jeb inside and the two took a seat on the aging furniture.

"What's the problem?"

He thought about what to say and how to say it on his way over. But none of it felt right to him. The only thing that escaped his lips was a simple.

"She told me."

Those words gave Sam a shock of panic. At first he started to splutter out an excuse or try to deny it. But the look on Jeb's face told him that anything but the whole story wasn't a good idea. So he breathed a heavy sigh and told Jeb everything that led to his conception. The drunken party, the aftermath, his mother, the consequences of the deal. Everything.

By the time he finished, a heavy silence hung in the air. Neither spoke for a time. Like either was afraid of speaking. It was Jeb that eventually broke it.

"Would you do it again?"

"What?" Sam asked, not quite sure what he was asking.

"If given a chance. Would you still make that deal with Ma?"

Sam didn't need to even think about it before answering. He had months before Jeb was born and years after to think of that very question.

"In a heartbeat, without a second thought."

"Even if it meant you were the town crazy?"

Sam chuckled a little.

"Have you seen the people of this town? We're all a lil mad! They just thought I had a few extra screws loose!"

Jeb couldn't help but smirk a little either. While it helped to lighten the mood somewhat, he still wasn't done.

"Why didn't you ever say anythin'?"

"I was scared. Of you becomin' like her."

"A monster?" Jeb asked, more than a little accusatory.

"You're not a monster Jeb."

"Yeah? Then what happened to Dan Mathers was really just some "bear", right?"

"We don't know what really happened to Dan that day!"

"Cut the shit!" Jeb snapped. He took a couple breaths before continuing.

"Why is it folk always try to hide shit from their kids like this? Like knowin' they have some big destiny or are more than human isn't somethin' that'll come out at some point?!"

"Because as parents we try to do what we think is best for our kids. That includes keepin' things from them that we think they're better off not knowin' about."

"And when should I have known?! When I have my friends blood drippin' down my chin?! Or when I end up in a prison cell or science lab, bein' shown a video of some monster as he butchers everyone he cares about only to be told that's me?!"

"I only did what I thought was best." Sam stated with sadness in his voice.

"Yeah. Haven't heard that before."

"Jeb-"

"You know what? This was a bad idea. I shoulda waited before comin' here. Calmed down more or somthin'. I'm just gonna go. Sorry for droppin' this all right now." Jeb apologized before getting up and making for the door.

"JEB!" His father called as he opened the door and had a foot out.

"You'll always be my lil boy. No matter what happens. I'll always love you."

Jeb could hear the sadness and pain in his voice. He wanted to say something in return. A "I love you too", something, anything. But nothing came as he walked out without a word as the door closed behind him.

Sam choked back a sob as he tried to hold back tears. On one hand, he was glad that it came out now. On the other, it felt like he had a hole ripped out of his chest. He let out a shuttering breath as he reached for a bottle of whiskey. Something to calm him. He damn near dropped the bottle when he heard Sammy speak. Her voice sounded a little sad to him for some reason.

"Where'd Jeb go?"

"He went home." Sam said as he tried to hold back his emotions.

"Oh. What, what did he want?"

"Old business. Just old business. Is all." Sam said.

"Oh. Alright. Need anythin' Pa?"

"No. I'll be alright. Did you floss?"

"Yeah Pa."

"Good. Good. You head to bed then. I'm just gettin' a drink before goin' myself." Sam excused as he brought a shaking glass over and tried to fill it. Though much of the liquid ended up spilling over the glass and onto the carpet than in the glass itself.

"Alright. G'night Pa." Sammy said before turning to leave to her own room.

"G'night sweetie." Sam said. As the he heard the door close he brought up the partially filled glass to his lips as tears streamed down his face.