A/N Hey, everybody, just sending out my thanks for all your well wishes and wonderful reviews- you totally make my day! Special thanks to TykkiMikk for taking the time to chat with me, BettyeK for your elaborate and lengthy reviews that help me tremendously, and HajiChavalier1 just for our lengthy and friendly conversations! You guys rock!

It was nearly December and 2 years had passed, Hagi had watched the twins grow into beautiful little girls. Kai or Kaori would dress them in matching dresses most of the time. Lulu would make regular visits to a nearby park with them. The days he came to visit Okinawa and Saya, he would sit on a shaded bench and bury his face in a newspaper, watching them out of the corner of his eye. He had told Lulu not to get distracted by his presence and just let the girls have their fun.

Much to his surprise, this day, they ran up to him and nearly knocked him off the bench with their collective embrace. They both looked up into his eyes- one pair brown, one pair blue with the most joyful expressions on their faces. "Uncle Hagi," they smiled, "where have you been?"

He was indeed surprised that they knew who he was, but he could address that another time, certain that Kai or Lulu had told them about him. He smiled and patted them on the head, "Traveling the world, but you must remember that it is our secret."

The girls' each put a finger to their lips, as did Lulu. Hagi raised an eyebrow at this and asked, "Why do you do that?"

Hibiki answered, "It is our secret sign-"

Kanande finished, "-not to talk about your visits."

The girls reminded him of the enthusiastic sister he had helped to raise. He pulled the girls onto his knees and gave them each a kiss on the cheek. They both asked, "Have you seen Aunt Saya yet?"

"No, but I will soon," he answered.

"Kai wants to visit her tomorrow," Kanade offered.

Hibiki scolded, "He wants us to call him Dad, remember?"

"Oh, I forgot," Kanade responded.

"Are you gonna bring Aunt Saya a present?" they both asked.

Hagi hadn't planned on bringing her anything. He usually just played his cello and sat by her chrysalis telling her of his adventures. "I will think about it," he answered.

"But the knight always brings a present to the princess," they both whined in unison.

The comment sparked a memory momentarily in his mind, but his thoughts were pulled back as the girls dragged him along with them to tell him of their adventures and push them on the swings. Hagi was indeed surprised that Hibiki had Riku's facial features and Kanade had Saya and Diva's.

As the group of four played and chatted in the park, a woman dressed in a floor length pale blue gown with a royal blue cloak watched from the shadows. Her blue eyes shown brightly against her fair skin. Her black raven locks were pulled back under her cloak and from most perspectives, she was Diva. She wasn't Diva, though, and hoped she was right about what she was doing. She held a once crumpled up note in her hand as she donned the hood of her cloak and disappeared into the wooded area with a blue streak.

Hagi went to the tomb during the night and told Saya of all that was being done. He also told of how the Red Shield was repairing the damage done by Cinque Fleche. Julia had created an antidote and all the remaining chiropterans were being shot the way they would if they were trying to tranquilize them, then taken to a facility and monitored the next three days. When they had made a complete recovery, they'd be released to return to their families.

The ranch had been kind of hectic lately. Too many new people, too many faces. He and Gary still had their misunderstandings, or rather, Gary had them and Hagi just got confused by them. Claudia had been visiting the ranch on occasion for the past year and decided that she and Gary should try to renew their relationship. Claudia was not willing to leave New York and he was not willing to leave Texas, so they would spend time together when she visited and were usually chatting on their cell phones when they were separated. Claudia was used to the jet-setting lifestyle she led.

The noises that came from this renewed relationship sometimes were loud enough for Hagi to hear in his room. He wasn't willing to endure that kind of torture. So he decided to visit some potential customers for the winery and travel the world, but as always he returned to Saya.

He played for her that night as well, but there just weren't enough hours in the night. Soon the sun rose to find Hagi playing a different song. He did not sing the words he wrote to the tune, but the tone and the way the somber melody flowed was enough to give the listener an idea that the song conveyed sadness and angst. The sun was well in the sky when Hagi pulled a pink rose from his jacket pocket and placed it on the stone by the entrance. It looked too ordinary, no one would be able to tell if it was from him or just some piece of rubbish that happened to blow in on a breeze. Suddenly having an idea, he picked up the blossom and loosed the ribbon from his hair. Dark wavy locks fell to his shoulders as he tied the precious dark blue ribbon around the stem and place it back down.

"Kai," Hibiki called as Hagi's head snapped up, "pick me up!"

"Pick me up, Kai," Kanade this time.

"When are you guys gonna start calling me Dad."

Hagi quickly pulled the strap of his cello over his shoulder and whispered a goodbye to Saya and a thank you to Hibiki and Kanade for the warning. He jumped to the roof of the tomb and crouched down, watching the scene unfold below.

The girls ran into the tomb to say hello to Saya, George, their father-Riku, and their mother- Diva.

Hagi saw Kai having a look around when his eyes caught the pink rose on the step. He gave a smile and mumbled, "Looks like- he's been here."

Kanade came running and smiled at the rose. "Hey, that rose has a ribbon on it." she cried as Hibiki tried to grab it.

Kai admonished, "Leave that alone, it's for your Auntie."

"Okay," both said.

"You ready for lunch?"

"Yeah lunchtime!" they each shouted. Kai turned to set out the lunch he had prepared. The girls each put a finger to their mouths as they looked up and their eyes caught Uncle Hagi crouched on the roof of the tomb. He put a finger to his lips and disappeared in a blue streak, leaving them to their lunch.

Deep into a wooded area, the hooded woman came to a hidden stream, her blue eyes searched nervously, hoping she wasn't followed. Her sweet, melodious call echoed through the woods, sending a chill down Hagi's spine and to the one it was intended. Hagi did not turn to the call, thinking it was meant for one of the knights that were watching over his sleeping queen. It still irked him that they could mask their presences, a skill he still could not master. He continued jumping from building to building to find an open café for a cup of tea.

Back at the stream, a blue streak and gust of wind pushed her blue hood back and pulled a few of her waist length raven locks from the cloak, causing them to dance in the strong breeze. The stilling wind caused her blue gaze to land in front of her to the blonde haired knight dressed in a periwinkle frilly shirt, pink tights, and tan cowboy boots on one knee in front of her. He took her hand in his and brought it to his lips. "Queen Samiyah, what circumstance has caused you to call me to return? As you know, I have been banished and I can't be seen this close to my niece, the Red Queen Saya."

She smiled, "I know you too well, rogue knight, you could never resist a chance to do exactly what you should not."

He raises his hands in surrender and sings, "Guilty!"

The smile has fallen from her pink lips as she puts her arm out, revealing the wrinkled letter that was not supposed to still exist. "I took great pains to secure this from the First Knight of Queen Aksaya. If he found out that this letter still exists, my knight will die and I will be exiled. Please, I beg you, deliver it to the Black Knight."

Nathan raised an eyebrow as he came to standing, "Seriously, Queen Samiyah, you don't believe the old legend? You and your knight would be the only ones that would."

She placed an elegant finger to his face and responded, "You know very well that Queen Samantha and I have been singing the legend since we were small girls, you know that we are the new generation of seers, and you also know the new queens have begun to sing the legend as well. It is proof that the prophecy is about to be fulfilled." She then continued, "You have even seen the Black Knight for yourself. You have helped him and spoken with him. Dare you tell me I am wrong?" Her challenging gaze met his eyes as he pretended not to notice by checking his nails.

"My dear Queen," he began, "I am fully aware that Queen Diva's daughters have begun to show signs of having the second sight and that the legend indeed is sung by the young Blue Queen Hibiki, but really, you think he's the Black Knight of legend." He had walked a full circle around her as he spoke. "He hasn't even found his inner strength yet."

"And yet you know that even in his weakened state, he could easily best you. He is the knight of the Warrior Queen," she shot back.

Nathan's eyes grew dark as his pride was wounded, "I have never faced him in a real battle, only held him down for Queen Diva. I would not say that was a battle."

"But you have not dared to challenge him. He was not created the traditional way. He had no time to adjust, he was turned out into a century long war just after receiving his queen's blood. I know that despite the experience and number of the knights of the court, he is stronger than them all combined."

"But you think he can defeat me?" Nathan scoffed. "I've been the henchman for Queen Aksaya for almost 400 years, I've been at war with everything since the death of my queen. I would say I am stronger."

She stood still and felt the deep vibration, motioning for Nathan to be still. "Do you feel it?" she quested. "Even though he is not calling to his queen or anyone else, I can feel him," she commented and narrowed her beautiful blue eyes as she added, "and I know you can, too."

Nathan pretended not to hear the song that accompanied the younger chevalier wherever he went. It was similar to the way that Diva's song followed her only it was the song he was forever playing on that cello. It didn't call chiropterans, but it soothed his queen and alerted all immortals to his presence. Nathan had noticed the younger knight had been trying to master the skill of masking his presence, without success.

The queen sensed his thoughts, "He cannot mask a presence as powerful as his. It is true that he has become infinitely stronger than he was prior to his fight with the First Knight of Queen Diva-"

Nathan scoffed as he interrupted, "Please, Amshell does not deserve a title, unless you would like to call him Satan's Lap Dog."

She tittered out a beautiful laugh and then stated seriously, "Please make certain that this gets to him, no matter what you wish to call him."

"You don't want to know what I wish to call…" Nathan began his insult.

"The Great Wet Blanket, Mr. Prude, and- I refuse to repeat that!" she interrupted.

He smiled and pinched her cheek, an indiscretion only the rogue knight could get away with and teased, "There's that second sight that only belongs to the seers." He scrutinized the letter and asked, "May I ask how you managed to get this away from Mr. High and Mighty?"

"Nathan!" she scolded as her eyes darted around for listening ears and prying eyes.

He laughed and responded, "Don't get your panties in a bunch, Your Highness. I've made sure they can't see or hear us. Your precious Hagi is not the only one that has hidden talents."

"Be careful what you call him, he is still a knight that has a queen. You caused your own downfall."

Nathan sighed with eyes dancing, "Ah, but it was worth it. Now I am completely free to have whatever delicious young man I choose and any time I choose, without the concern of having to leave whenever Queen Aksaya calls."

She shook her head and stated, "I will never understand you." She awaited a response, but when none came she answered his previous question. "I made a bargain with the servant woman that was given the task of destroying the letter. She simply wished for me to tell my sister queen to give her son the honor of becoming her first knight. That way he would be the father of my daughters. Her son is strong enough and attractive so I agreed in exchange for the letter."

He scoffed and then added, "That's why you don't get the Red Queen Saya and her First Knight. They are bonded by something that goes further than blood or mating. They are bound by love- something that is rarely attained and should be treasured above all things."

"Very beautifully spoken, Nathan."

"Thank you, it's a line from a play I'm in," he smiled.

A new vibration roused her attention. It was her knight, calling to her, his wounds still healing. "I must go," she said to the now vacated space in front of her. She smiled wryly as she vanished in a blue streak.

Kai relaxed against the stone wall of the shrine, letting the sunlight warm his skin. He overheard the girls playing and dancing. Hibiki began to sing that nonsense little song again and Kanade told a silly story of a knight rescuing a princess from an evil red queen. At first he was worried, but Julia reassured him that at their age it was normal for them to make up little songs and stories- "Just a sign of a healthy imagination," she informed. It was fine, her son Michael was fine, too. Now it was obvious that the darn cat, Hagi was fine. Life was good, now they just needed to wait for Saya to wake up.

Hagi arrived to a ranch full of people that seemed to be avoiding him, which was odd. Even Marva seemed preoccupied. He supposed it was because of the upcoming holiday he hadn't really celebrated except for when he and Saya were living at the Zoo. He remembered opening gifts around the tree with a sparkle eyed Saya dancing around and goading everyone into singing endless rounds of Christmas carols. The chefs at the Zoo always outdid themselves on that day. His first couple of years there, he would stuff himself to bursting, but as he grew, he would still keep his healthy appetite without gorging himself. Saya always outshined everyone as she devoured course after course. He always admired her healthy appetite. It was silly to him how other ladies would pick at their food like they weren't hungry, he knew it was considered unladylike to eat like you were starving, but starving yourself to appear fashionable was senseless.

The air always seemed crisper and had a sparkle to it that time of year. He missed the snow in France, but Texas held that same sparkle. He guessed that the excitement was from the sense of family and friends coming together to celebrate.

Maybe it was also from the faith that Marva, his mother, held that a baby was born that would save the world by shedding his blood. So strange- even religion had found significance in blood. It was the life force that kept everyone going, human and chiropteran.

Hagi was at the stables as the family gathered together to for Christmas Eve dinner. He would visit Saya in a few more days, but Marva insisted he be there for Christmas and return before the 18th of January, he wasn't sure why he needed to be there. Being an immortal, he found no reason to follow dates on a calendar, but living with humans caused him to indulge their whims at times.

Christmas at the ranch was a two day affair. It started on Christmas Eve with a big formal dinner, followed by everyone telling stories around the fireplace and the obligatory Christmas carols. Marva usually asked Hagi to play and she'd accompanied him on her guitar. Then, they'd all go to midnight mass and then sleep. In the morning, they would gather around the tree to open presents and they would have the whole day together as a family.

Rebecca was toddling to the main house in a bright red dress and coat followed by Clay and Ellen carrying brightly wrapped bundles. Hagi finished grooming Fury and headed to the house, he needed to shower and change for dinner and then accompany Marva to midnight mass. He smiled at this strange way he had found to pass the time between Saya's active periods. What would he have said in 1970 if he could see the life he led now? It was still hard to believe, even now, that he had been adopted, loved, and accepted by these people.

Christmas Eve dinner was an event to behold at the ranch. Marva would tie on an apron at 3 am and she and Anna would spend all day cooking. By 6pm, the whole ranch gathered at the table to view the phenomenal spread. Many traditional foods were punctuated with Anna's fiery additions. Tamales on a platter next to the goose, green bean casserole next to a serving dish of tilapia with mango salsa. Everything smelled delicious. Hagi tasted a few of the dishes and sipped the apple cider that Marva insisted he try, which he found to be spicy and a bit too sweet for his taste. He went to the kitchen for his tea to find Claudia had prepared it for him and was actually standing in front of him. No one expected her to come until next week.

He took the mug from her hand and placed it on the counter, she grabbed him in a hug and told him, "Big Brother, I'm glad I got to see you first. I know you and Gary are having problems getting along…"

"I have…" he tried to interrupt, but Claudia put her hand up signaling that she was not finished.

"Gary really is sweet and I know you two got off on the wrong foot. Please, Hagi, for me- give him another chance?"

"Sister, are you certain…"

"Yes, I am. I want to give us a chance. Will you give him a chance?"

He looked away. He wasn't sure how to tell Claudia the frustration he felt dealing with Gary's anger when he knew he had done nothing at all to provoke him. Clenching his fists and forcing down the ominous feeling, he gave a forced smile and answered, "I will try, Claudia."

She gave a small smile, knowing that he was not really in agreement with her. She responded by hugging him again and feeling his arms tighten around her with concern. She whispered, "Thank you, Big Brother."

He cleared his throat and broke away, deciding to change the subject. "Will you and Gary be going with us to midnight mass?" he asked.

"Of course," she responded. "You know Mom won't let us open Christmas presents unless we go to church."

He smiled at the memory of the numerous times that they had come back from church and Claudia practically jumped into the pile of brightly wrapped presents, tearing open the ones that were hers and the ones that weren't. "I always enjoy your enthusiasm over opening gifts," he mused aloud.

"Oh, yeah?" she asked with a sly grin and a raised eyebrow. "So what did you get me?"

He reverted to the age old joking response he had for her question. He opened his eyes wide and brought his face close to hers and responded, "Look into my eyes and tell me."

She chuckled as she held a look that said "Oh, so you think you got the best of me?"

As he turned to the dining room with his tea in hand, she gave him a playful shove, upsetting the tea. He looked back at her and scolded, "Claudia."

She sauntered past him swaying her hips and then gave an innocent look over her shoulder, pressing a finger to her lips with the word, "Oops." She continued to the dining room, swaying her hips in a victory dance.

Hagi gracefully admitted defeat as he cleaned up the spilled tea as he allowed some more to steep.