To Kill A Mockingbird Chapter 2 Alternate Ending

After the shepherds had gotten to the spring festival in Ferox, everyone pretty much went their separate ways. They had just gotten back from Plegia, and everyone deserved a break. No one expected Robin to have a twin that was evil and this aroused questions and caution around the tactician and Imogen noticed it was certainly weighing down on Frederick as well. Maybe even more than the others. Which is why she is grateful for this week long celebration. The beautiful light ceremony started and all the couples were cuddling close. Imogen couldn't help but sigh inwardly. She wished she and Frederick would do that more in public, but she knew and understood his concerns and things he was uncomfortable with. It wasn't like she wasn't
shown any affection, but it was light things. A light hug here or there..except for when he knew not many people were around were he'll peck her cheek or forehead. However, this was only one of the reasons why she loved him. Imogen stared up at Frederick as he focused solely on the lights ahead of him to notice that she was running her eyes over the soft features of his face. "..Frederick?" Frederick blinked slightly, and adverted his eyes towards her own. The look he gave her was heartwarming, though it didn't have much softness. "Yes Imogen?" "I..um..nevermind.." The light ceremony carried on with little to no interaction from Frederick besides the soft embrace he tugged her in once the lights were high in the sky. "Imogen?" "Yes?" Frederick smiled and blushed slightly, patting his hand on her ruby red hair. "...I will be gone for a couple of hours. Please be sure to be safe returning back." Now this is where she got confused. Frederick always left around this time of day, and doesn't return home until a little bit earlier than 12 midnight. There was a time she followed him into the forest, based from pure curiosity. Three minutes haven't even passed yet and he found her hiding behind a bush. Her hair wasn't a good mixtures with green leaves. She figured that he was just taking time for himself, seeing that the shepherds have had many deaths suddenly. He probably felt as though it was his fault. This is why she'll follow him this time, again. All she wanted was to get closer to Frederick emotionally. He hides the way he feels from her and it's just so frustrating when she knows she can help him feel better, whatever the problem may be. And she was determined to show him that. "Okay." A slight curt nod was his goodbye as Frederick turned on his heel and walked back to the huge towering gates that divided Ferox's Center from the rest of Ferox. Imogen's fist clutched at her sides as she walked to a booth, selling replacement capes and etc.
Her myrmidon uniform wasn't going to be of very much help from hiding. She'll have to get something new and dark to wear.

"Ah, I wish it couldn't been more cheaper.." Imogen murmured to herself and fixed the black cap on her hair. She bought a big enough black cape, to hide her from her ankle up to her jawline. Maybe she should try something less.. costly next time-- A grunt was heard down the dirt path she was taking and she instantly hid behind a tree. She must be close enough to him already. She shifted to the next closest trees. The closer she got, the louder the grunts got, and the more she realized these grunts were painful one's. Was Frederick being hurt?! What happened if a wild fox thought he was good enough for dinner and tried attack him?! She decided it was good enough to skip trees to get right next to the sound. The anticipation grew worse as the red head bit her lip and crossed her fingers, hoping for something better. Hoping that when she turned around she'll find her beloved well and alright. Her feet shifted to turn until she heard a strangled scream besides the tree. "..Y..You are..ah
sick..b-bastard.." Imogen heard that voice before! Was that..Virion?! This wasn't adding up. Virion and Frederick..? Is Frederick cheating on her with..VIRION? It sounds like they are pretty dirty with their actions. Imogen blushed slightly. He could do that to Virion but not her? He was going to get a piece of her mind today! "Hm? That's no way to speak to someone who has control over your life and your death. Is it now?" Okay, that was some really fucked up stuff right there. Was that in style? Pretending like your killing each other or something? Enough is enough, she had to figure out what's happening and put her mind at ease. "Frederick what the hell--!" The yell escaped Imogen's lips before she realized what was really going on. Virion was tied up by his hands and ankles with ropes that weren't breaking any time soon. His sky blue hair was tainted at the ends with pearly red blood, dripping at the ends. Blood ran from his thin lips to his jaw line. His eyes were half-lidded, dark circles under his eyes as if he were tired. He looked horrible to say the least. It was only when she looked down where she noticed that Virion's legs bent in ways she couldn't imagine possible, round bloody circles around his knees going up. How far they went up didn't seem to stop as they extended around his waist. It was almost like he was bitten to death from leeches. Now that she realized it...Imogen hadn't seen Virion in a few days. The load that Frederick was carrying was much more than usual, but that could've been easily mistaken for more weapons for the Shepherds. Everything that could've been signs hit her all at once to the point that she fell while shuffling backwards absent-mindedly. Everyone who died..had spoken to Imogen at least once in a rather flirty way. But..Frederick seemed very calm about it all, besides the concerns he addressed to her. Wait, where'd he go?! She blinked herself out of her train of thought and looked around frantically. Her fingers dug themselves into her cape. Everything, little and small where still, the reassuring light breaths of Virion was the only thing that kept her to sanity. The night had mercy on her, making wind through the trees, stripping them from the dark green leaves. A small lone leaf went across her cheek, passing by until a gloved hand plucked it from the air with ease. "I wasn't expecting you here, love." Frederick's low voice and loving kiss he placed on her temple sent shivers down her spine. His slender fingers curled under her chin and turned her towards him. "It's horrible you had to see this Imogen. I'm sorry."

"AH!" Imogen woke up suddenly and held her chest at the quick heart beats. "A-Ah.." She looked around and curled her knees to her chin. S-She was back in their tent? It was..a dream? A hand clamped down on her shoulder and rubbed her back. Though the gesture was kind,she nearly jumped out of her socks. "C-Calm down!
I-It's just me Imogen." The hesitant but strong voice she had fell in love with soothed her as she gasped and panted for air. "F-Frederick?" "Yes? Did you have a nightmare?" Imogen looked at Frederick with a frightened expression. His eyes with drained with sleep and worry, and his hair resembled what they were doing before going to sleep. Yes, that's what it was. A nightmare. Not real but fears that haunt you in your sleep. Thank Naga above. "Yes...somewhat." A low chuckle emitted from his chest. He covered his mouth to keep his laughter in. "Heh..I never thought I'll hear you say that to me." He said and cuddled his cheek close to hers. Imogen blushed and wrapped her hand around his hand. "Oh?" She smiled slightly and tugged his hand up to cuddle when her eyes widen. T-There was dry blood on his.. "Ah damn it. I thought I cleaned it well.. Anyways. Let's go to bed, yeah?" Frederick leaned close to her and pressed his lips on her trembling one's. Frederick frowned at the trembling lips and pulled away, replacing his frown with a slight smirk. "Goodnight
Imogen."