Fox Chase

Prologue

"Grayson, do you remember when you were given the gift; you said you owed me, and that once you could you would pay me back no matter the cost." Grayson had looked surprised to see him, but there was no surprise in his eyes now, just a hunger. The same hunger that he had seen in Grayson's eyes the very day he gave him the gift. It is a look of curiosity and ambition, a craving for adventure. Grayson had always been dangerous, that's what had made him such a good candidate in Foxtails opinion. Over the years he'd heard about all the things Grayson had done, how dangerous he'd truly become. He works alone and has no friends, anyone who helps him out either owes him or is to terrified of him to say no.

"It has been a long time old man, you never visit anymore. I'll admit it hurts my feelings, but I'd be happy to uphold my word. Anything you need so long as it is within my power and ability I will do it. So tell me Foxtail what is it you require of me? Some assassinations perhaps or maybe you need me to obtain some information. It has been some time since I was really able to torture someone so that could be fun." He could tell Grayson was only slightly joking about his hurt feelings, he hadn't seen his friend since he'd given him the gift. While Grayson moved up in the world gaining power, status, and wealth Foxtail vanished into the shadows. Grayson had become everything Foxtail once was; young, ambitious, and determined to prove himself in a world he can't yet begin to understand. The only difference between them being that Grayson has become far better at it then Foxtail ever was.

"I need a favor. Normally I would never put you in danger, you are like a son to me Grayson, but you are the only one who can do this. The only one I trust. I have told you before about the time I fell in love with a mortal, but I was not entirely honest with you. I told you I left her because I had seen the error of my ways and didn't want to risk my life for a notion as foolish as love. I lied to you; I left her because she was with child, and I knew that if I stayed the baby would be discovered and killed. I loved them both so I chose to leave them in the hopes of protecting them both. She will be turning eighteen soon and then she will no longer be invisible to either side. Her powers are strong as she is but once she turns eighteen they'll be even stronger. They will come for her and they will try to kill her. I am asking you to be her protector. I must stay hidden for now, this is the way it must be until I am ready. Also I would like it if you kept this arrangement a secret from her for now." Foxtail waits for Grayson to absorb the nature of what he's asked him to do. Grayson simply smiles at him and shakes his head. The hunger in his eyes almost seems brighter with the challenge he's been given.

"You want me to take care of a teenager? You know I'd do anything for you, but I'm not sure it's her survival you'll have to worry about. Mortal teenage women are bad enough but a one with your blood and probably your temper, I'm not sure I'm skilled enough for a job like this. I may be charming, ruggedly handsome, and wickedly dangerous, but I'm not sure I can handle a teenage girl." He chuckles at Grayson's light hearted jokes, but he senses his unease. He truly is afraid that he won't be good enough, but Foxtail has never been more confident in someone. Grayson is more than a friend, he truly is like a son to him that is why asking him to do this hurts him. Grayson is strong and so is his daughter if anyone has a chance, it's them.

"I have the utmost confidence in you Grayson. Besides, she'll be eighteen soon, she will be your greatest allie. She has come of age for her powers to reach their full potential, it's only a matter of time before she's discovered. Will you do this for me?" Grayson gives him a quick embrace as his lips pull upward into his signature smirk.

"Of course I will help you. I will keep your daughter safe; I owe you everything I am Foxtail, this is the least I can do for you. What is her name, and where can I find her?" Foxtail knows it's dangerous, and Grayson knows it's dangerous, but he also knows it's the danger Grayson likes. It has always been his biggest weakness, failure has never been an option for him. In fact Foxtail is sure the word isn't even in Grayson's vocabulary.

"Her name is Fox."