Author's Note: Hiii everybody! It's been a while since I've updated, I'm sorry. I had meant to actually update the next week, I apologize. I didn't mean to wait over four months :(

Please enjoy!

Chapter Five

"How d-did y-you find me-e?" Joe asked as he sat in the black car. He couldn't let fear overtake him like last time. He needed to be brave, calm. He was older than last time. He was smarter, quicker and stronger. He wouldn't let anything ruin him again.

"Joe, I always know where you are."

"Oh."

"Well, I'm sure you'll be joining your brother."

"No!" Rareland gave him an evil toothy grin before slapping his cheek. "Don't you remember last time when you protested?"

"..Yeah." Joe scooted further away from the adult, closer to the car door. He didn't want to be anywhere near him..but that was too late.

"What did you say, young man?"

"I meant, yes sir." Joe struggled not to start shaking in fear. He really was trying.

"I cannot believe its been three years." The man shook his head in mock disbelief. Joe looked down at his hands, studying his fingernails. His heart quickened wondering what was going on with Frank, Iola and the rest of the gang. Did they even know he had been kidnapped?

Frank opened his eyes, unclear of where he was. "I'm sorry, Frank." The voice was familiar but it somehow did not make Frank feel like he was in danger.

"Mr. Sholtz?"

"I know this must be very very hard for you," The man who kidnapped the eldest Hardy laughed, leaving echoes in the room. "Your teacher, kidnapped you. How frightening."

"Yeah," Frank licked his lips, his mind turning and whirling with too many emotions and thoughts to count. Where was his little brother? The one he vowed, he promised to protect... Hopefully Joe was still safe already at home. The first things he noticed was that he was in a large cement room, perhaps a warehouse. How come it was always warehouses that they ended up in? It would be funny if it wasn't him that was kidnapped and tied to a chair.

"Your brother is on his way," Mr. Sholtz murmured, looking down at his cell phone.

"No!" Frank shouted, emotions pounding him. His heartbeat was rising desperately. All he wanted to do was be Joe's protector, keep him safe. "Please, Mr, Sholtz, please let me go."

"I can't,"

"But please, you don't realize what my brother has gone through. I don't want him to go silent again...I don't want him to become Joe Hardy who wouldn't speak to his family all because of him!"

The conversation he had had with Joe earlier about over-protectiveness reminded him of everything...

"I'm sorry, Joe, really. That year was horrible, you know that. You didn't speak at all. You were frozen...scared to death and I couldn't do anything - nothing - about it. I'm sorry if I seem over-protective now but I made a promise after that...That I would help you, protect you in any way shape or form so nothing would happen like that again."

~~~~~Flashback

"JOE, JOE!" Frank screamed at the top of his lungs running to his little brother. "JOEY!" He came to a stop to see Joe huddled in the corner, his arms covering his head, as if to protect himself from any harm that might come near him.

"Joe?" He bent down, and reached his hand out to touch the young boy who cringed and tried to pull away. "Joe?" Joe looked up at him, finally, and as Frank stared into his eyes, he didn't see the young playful Joseph Hardy he known.

His usual bright blue eyes were gone. They were filled with fear, anxiety, and doubt. Frank had seen these eyes before in different people. They were hopeless. His eyes held no hope.

"Joe buddy, I'm here. You're fine." Joe shook his head unbelieving.

"I wouldn't lie." No response.

"Joey, c'mere. I'm here. Dad's almost here... you'll be fine." Frank looked at Joe who had bruises and scabs on his face, arms and legs. Oh Joe, why do you have to go through this? Why couldn't I protect you? You are too young to go through this.

"I love you, buddy," Frank gently pulled Joe into his lap, who let him without a noise or defense.

I promise you, Joe, that I will protect you no matter what, I promise."

- TO BE CONTINUED -

Thank you everyone who reviewed, read, favorited! Thank you soo sooo much! Peace and long life! ~VRT