A/N: Hey everybody, here is the new chapter. Well sorta a new one. Its been sitting in my computer for, well months and I'm probably not going to get to it for awhile with everything going on in my life. SO I am basically giving you a part 1 of 2 of the 4 chapter. Sorry for it being late....and short...but I will get on it...maybe during the holiday break...if I still have my computer than.

Anyway Enjoy and R&R!!!

Disclaimer: I do NOT own anything from Charlie Bone; I only own Annie and her family.

Previously: Asa and Manfred were confused as to who it was while Annie smiled brightly and quickly got up, running over and giving the man a big hug.

"Father!"

Chapter 4: Part 1

"Ha ha ha, how is it going little Annie?" Mr. King said while quickly scooping Annie up with one arm. Annie quickly put her arms around his neck and snuggled closer to him. Mrs. King got up and pecked her husband's cheek and went to go get another plate for him. Asa and Manfred were now a little nervous about Annie's father. For one thing, he had just picked up Annie with one arm and was holding her like it was nothing. Not saying Annie was heavy or anything, but to hold her like that was not in their own capabilities. Mr. King looked around 6 ft. 6-7in. He had jet black hair that was spiked in the back and shockingly had violet eyes. Even though he was in his work clothes, a suit and tie, it was easily seen that he was very strong.

His attention soon turned to the two boys. "And who are these guys?" "Oh this is Manfred and Asa, there my friends from school. They are going to be staying here for the weekend." Annie said from her perch.

The two boys looked at one another a bit nervously. They both knew that getting on this guys bad side would probably put them in a world of hurt, and they wouldn't be able to be with Annie anymore.

"So these are the two great hypnotist and shape-shifter I have been hearing about, eh?"

"Yeah, they are my best friends. I asked them to come over for the weekend so we could hang out and have loads of fun!"

He smiled at down at Annie and set her back down on her feet, "Well why don't you and your friends go and play then. I still need to eat and get settled down, I'll catch up with you lot later, kay?"

Smiling and nodding Annie replied, "Okay father, come on you two lets go have some fun."

With that she turned and started to walk to the gaming room where they could play till their hearts content. Asa and Manfred quickly followed Annie, not wanting to get lost. They both called out a 'nice to meet you' to Annie's father before disappearing with her.

When they both caught up to Annie they both started to ask about her father.

"Jeez Annie could have told us your father was a giant, little warning next time." Asa exclaimed, throwing his arms into the air.

"I've got to agree with Asa on this one that was a bit of a shocker in my opinion. He looked like he would crush us both if we so much as breathed wrongly."

Annie just laughed at her friends antics. "Don't you guys worry, he really is very nice. Father is just overprotective of me sometimes is all. I mean, wouldn't you be if your only daughter was one of the most powerful descendant of the Red King to date? I can't tell you how many times something bad has happened because of my status. It, it really sucks sometimes."

Asa and Manfred exchanged worried looks before staring at the now depressed Annie. Without really thinking they both drew her into a group hug, holding her as close as they could.

"Hey, you don't have to worry about that stuff anymore. Whatever happened when you were younger was not your fault. Anyone who would do anything to you are just cowards trying to gain power not rightfully theirs. Besides," Manfred said, pulling a bit away along with Asa, "We are your friends now and we promise nothing will ever happen to you again."

Nodding Asa said, "Yeah, whoever messes with one of us messes with all of us. No matter what happens we have your back. That's what friends do, right?"

Nodding slightly Annie put her arms around both of them, holding onto them with all of her being. No one other than her family had declared something like that before, well not as honestly as they had done. Annie really started to believe that they would keep their promise to help her, unlike the others before who had gone back on that same promise.

"Right, I know you guys will help me, and in return I will always have both of yours guys back from now on to." After that Annie had taken both Asa's and Manfred's hand and started for the gaming room again. "Alright enough of this, time to have some fun!"

Manfred and Asa both willingly let her pull them along. All they were concerned about was there newly declared best friend and promise to her. Manfred's mood suddenly darkened when he remembered what his father had said to them when they had first met Annie. 'I will not let my father harm Annie. She seems to have gone through enough pain as it is; I do not need my family to add to that list.'