Disclaimer- I do not own Love Hina or Blood+

Authors Note- I didn't really like the original chapter 10, but I felt like trying something new so I went for it…..sorry about that. As the old saying goes, if it ain't broke don't fix it!

Bloodlines

Episode 10: Perserverance! Beginning of the End!

"How long has she been in there," Solomon inquired as he walked up towards a sulking Nathan. Both were wearing their normal attire although Nathan's clothing looked slightly ruffled.

"Too long," Nathan replied as he paced back and forth in front of the door with a troubled expression on his face, "He really drove it home for her, and the worse part is I don't even think he knows how much he meant to her."

"Meant?" Solomon inquired raising a golden eyebrow.

Nathan looked him for a moment with a puzzled expression on his face before it clicked and he chuckled. "Sorry, what I meant to say is means. Personally I don't think the guy is that great, but if she likes him I love him," Nathan said flipping his hand in a flamboyant motion.

"I am seriously beginning to question your sexuality," Solomon said shaking his head as he walked up to the door and rapt on it softly. "Diva-chan, it's me. May I come in?" Solomon questioned as he pressed his ear against the door so he could hear her response.

"Not right now, I just need to be alone for a little while," a muffled response came through into Solomon's apprehensive ears.

Solomon's eyes went wide with shock and his mouth hung agape.

"I told you," Nathan said in a superior tone, "It's comparable to a drunk going sober as soon as he says he's going to quit."

Solomon rubbed his temples while muttering to himself.

"Huh? What's that?" Nathan said as he leaned in to her what Solomon was saying to himself.

"I think I just made a huge mistake," Solomon stated as he turned around and headed for his room.

"You didn't make a deal with her already did you?" Nathan asked in a knowing tone.

Solomon whirled around and regarded Nathan with a look of shock and confusion apparent in his eyes. "How did you know about that?" Solomon stated as he once again walked back towards Nathan.

"Let's just put it this way, I've got some secrets too," Nathan said in a sugar sweet tone of voice as he turned around and began to switch down the hall towards his room.

Solomon simply looked at Nathan walk away for a moment before saying, "I'm not entirely sure I want to know any of your secrets." With that he breathed in and then let out and exasperated sigh. "Well I'm going to have to reconsider my offer, and I'm probably going to have to talk to Keitaro-kun," Solomon stated as he headed back down the extravagant stair case. "It also seems that I have seriously misjudged Diva, this makes things a bit more complicated," Solomon stated as he opened up the door and headed towards his car.

Meanwhile

"Motoko-chan, I honestly think I can brush my teeth by myself," Keitaro chuckled nervously while scratching the back of his head. He was currently in his bathroom trying to get ready for the day. At first things had been going smoothly, but as soon as Motoko had walked past his room everything went to hell. She wanted to help him with everything, including putting on his unmentionables. He was currently wearing a green tee-shirt, black hoodie, plain blue jeans, and a pair of black tennis shoes, all of which had been picked out and put on by Motoko. Motoko was dressed in her normal kendo uniform. Her hair was pulled back in it's usual style, the only noticeable difference was the fact that she seemed to be wearing lip gloss. This unnerved Keitaro a little bit, but he decided not to think to much about it.

"I'm sure you can Keitaro-kun, but I feel that this would serve as great training," Motoko started before she was cut off.

"How many times are you going to say that?" Keitaro inquired as he snatched his tooth brush out of Motoko's hand with lightning speed before adding, "Also, what do you think Naru would do if she saw you helping me put on my cloths?

Motoko blinked a few times while looking at her empty hand before she simply shook her head and said, "Well you said it is the duty of a Chevalier to serve the one whose blood they are bonded to," Motoko stated simply as she grabbed a brush and started to brush Keitaro's messy brown hair, "Is that not correct Keitaro-kun?"

"I mean if you want to get technical then yes, but I mean seriously there is no need for you to be trying to help me put on my underwear. Your "duty", if you want to call it that, is to simply protect me," Keitaro stated looking at Motoko with comically squinted eyes.

"I suppose, but I am simply trying to do my duty to the best of my ability," Motoko protested as she set the brush down and smiled at her handy work, "Much better!"

Keitaro looked at himself in the mirror and noticed that Motoko had really gone to town. His hair was neatly brushed back and laid completely flat on his head. Keitaro once again squinted comically looking at a beaming Motoko, then back at the mirrior, before he shook his head violently as though he were a dog drying himself off. His hair returned to its messy simplicity and he smiled while he felt Motoko frown and heard her let out a exasperated sigh. Keitaro was really beginning to get irritated by Motoko's need to aid him with everything. 'This is almost as bad as the time she dressed up in that maid uniform….although…..NO KEITARO, VERY VERY BAD! NO NO NO!' Keitaro shouted at himself mentally while shaking his head furiously. 'Anyway, I've got to get her off of my back for a while, let's see……I've got it!' Keitaro thought to himself as a grin spread across his face and he smacked his fist in to his palm.

"I have an idea! Why don't you go help ask Mutsumi for some tips!?" Keitaro asked with a satisfied grin spreading from ear to ear.

"Is that really what you desire Keitaro-kun?" Motoko questioned with a hint of sadness as they walked out of the bathroom door together.

Keitaro nodded his head up and down frantically, completely missing the dejected tone in the young woman's voice, while saying, "Yeah! That's exactly what I want!"

"As you wish Keitaro-kun," Motoko said as she let out a sigh full of regret before cheering up and saying, "However if you are in need any assistance you'll know where to find me!"

Keitaro nodded nervously while chuckling lightly.

"Very well, I will leave you to your affairs," Motoko stated as she opened to the door and headed out of Keitaro's room.

As soon as he heard her foot steps disappear down the corridor Keitaro let out a sigh of relief. "Who knew I could get tired of being in the presence of a beautiful woman?! Especially with my luck!" Keitaro exclaimed as he heard a soft knock on his door. His body tensed slightly hoping that Motoko had not decided that he needed more assistance. 'You know that Chevalier Breaker sucks,' Ketiaro said to himself as he wrapped a shaky hand around the doorknob and cracked the door open slightly.

"Good morning Kei-kun!" Saya beamed, "May I come in?"

"I don't see why not," Keitaro said with a shrug as he fully opened the door and allowed Saya to step in. She was dressed in a yellow sleeveless shirt, and a white frilly skirt.

"Sooooo, I just saw Motoko-san leave your room," Saya stated while running her fingers along Keitaro's desk as Keitaro took a seat on his bed.

"Yeah, she decided that she wanted tot help me out with my morning routine….needless to say it was a bit awkward," Keitaro said with a nervous chuckle.

"I'll bet," Saya said without looking at Keitaro as she sat down in the chair next to the desk. "You know you never asked me to help you out with anything," Saya stated with a sigh.

"Well to be honest I only let Motoko-chan help me because she seemed so desperate," Keitaro said as he looked at Saya quizzically, "You don't think we were doing anything do you?"

Saya went wide eyed for a moment before scoffing and saying, "What makes you say that? Of course not!"

"Riiiiight," Keitaro drawled as he got of the bed and went to put his shoes on.

"Well you know it doesn't help your case when I see a girl walking out of your room at eight o'clock in the morning grinning from ear to ear," Saya stated in her defense as she put her hands on her hips a puffed out her cheeks.

"………Riiiiiight," Keitaro drawled again as he began to wipe the lent off of his green tee-shirt.

Saya let out a beleaguered sigh before walking over to Keitaro. "Here let me help you with," Saya said before she was cut off.

"NO MORE HELP PLEASE!" Keitaro screamed a he threw his arms up and ran out of his room leaving behind a very confused Saya.

"What the heck was that all about?" Saya asked as she raised an eyebrow in confusion. After a moment Saya simply shook her head and walked back out the door into the corridor. As she began walking down the hall towards the deck she noticed Riku who came running over to her.

"Hey Saya-neechan can we go back to the hotel now?" Riku asked with hope in his eyes, "The ship is getting kind of boring."

Saya gave Riku a gentle smile before brushing a stray strand of hair out of his eyes and shaking her head. "I'm sorry Riku, but after you were abducted by Diva we can't take anymore chances," Saya said with sympathy lacing her words.

"Alright Saya-neechan," Riku stated dejectedly as he turned around and walked back down the hall.

"Don't worry Riku, this will be over soon enough," Saya said to herself as she watched him disappear around a corner. Saya sighed as she turned to go on to the deck to catch up with Keitaro.

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"How could so much have changed….what did they do to her? Maybe I should have been more sensitive….but she was about to hurt Riku….then again she's not exactly stable," Keitaro said to himself as he approached the ships railing. "Diva-chan...," Keitaro said to himself with a fatigued sigh as he looked out at the water and the city his chin on his arms hunched over on the railing of the ship. "I really need to quit thinking so much, it never has been my strong suit," Keitaro said as he released yet another sigh.

"Kei-kun, are you okay," a feminine voice full of concern asked.

Turning around he noticed that Saya was inches away from his face with a concerned look etched across her features. "Saya-chan! When did you get here!?" Keitaro said nearly falling over board as he backed against the railing of the ship.

"Not too long ago, I heard you mumbling to yourself about something," Saya said as she grabbed his hand and pulled herself into his chest. After snuggling into his chest for a moment, which caused Keitaro to blush from ear to ear, she mumbled out, "Are you going to tell me what's wrong Kei-kun? I don't like seeing you so troubled."

After taking a moment to collect himself Keitaro let out another tired sigh as he gently grabbed Saya's shoulders and pulled her away from his chest slightly in order to look into her eyes. For a moment Saya regarded him with a look of puzzlement as she scrunched up her face cutely. Keitaro couldn't help but chuckle before he continued, "Saya-chan, although I probably already know the answer, do you think there's a chance that we could bring the old Diva back? You know, the one I used to know."

Saya regarded Keitaro with a look in her eye that told him that she thought he must have gotten dumber over night. As she opened her mouth to respond to Keitaro's question she was cut off.

"She has already reverted back to the young girl she originally was, you saw to that Keitaro-kun," a soft male voice said from behind Saya.

Turning around Saya saw Solomon standing behind her with a small smile on his face.

"What are you doing here!?" Saya asked in shock and confusion as her eyes went wide before she asked, "How did you even find this place!?"

Solomon pulled a small GPS looking device out of his left jacket pocket. "Easy I used the tracker that we put on Keitaro," Solomon stated as he dropped the device back into his pocket.

"Huh?" Keitaro asked in confusion, "How did you get a tracking device on me, I haven't noticed it."

"It's very small, in fact we put it on the back of your neck," Solomon replied as he brushed past a slack jawed Saya a reached behind Keitaro's head. After a moment he pried the device off of the back of Keitaro's neck. Looking at it Keitaro could only discern it as being the housefly size spec on Solomon's pinky finger.

"So that's how you all found us and kidnapped Riku!" Saya growled, "I heard what she was about to do to him! I should kill you right now!"

Solomon let out of pained sigh before saying, "I didn't know they had planned on doing anything the horrendous, I simply thought that they wished to keep an eye on Keitaro's whereabouts."

"It's so small," Keitaro said fingering the tracker between his index finger and thumb, "I wonder how they do it."

Both Saya and Solomon's faces faulted as they starred at Keitaro in disbelief.

Feeling two pairs of eyes on him Keitaro stopped toying with the device and looked over at Saya and Solomon before asking, "Hey Solomon-san how do you think they do it? I mean it's so small!"

Both Saya and Solomon comically fell over at Keitaro's question.

"Huh? Did I say something wrong?" Keitaro asked honestly confused.

Upon recovering Solomon simply shook his head and said, "No Keitaro-kun, and I don't know how they make it so small."

"Oh, bummer," Keitaro said with a shrug before adding, "So what was this about Diva-chan?"

"Well Keitaro-kun it seems that your comments seemed to jar her back into reality, rather violently I might add. She's been in her room either sulking or sobbing since you left," Solomon stated giving Keitaro a very hard stare.

Keitaro instantly felt a pang in his chest as his eyes grew wide. It was at this point that he realized that he had truly hurt Diva with his words, and he now wished he could have taken them back. However he soon realized had he not said what he did she would have remained insane.

"I see," was all Keitaro said in response.

"Wait a minute! You're telling me that Diva was actually crying?" Saya asked in disbelief.

Solomon nodded before saying, "Although it would be more appropriate to say she was sobbing and wailing."

After Solomon finished his comment everyone stood in silence and the only sound that could be heard was the breeze. After a moment Keitaro muttered something.

"I'm sorry Keitaro-kun, what was that?" Solomon asked with a puzzled expression on his face.

"I want to see her," Keitaro said a slightly louder but still in a very low voice.

"What!?" Saya snapped as she whirled around to face Ketiaro.

"I don't want to her to be in pain…...I don't want to be another person for her to hate….I don't want to hurt her more than they did," Keitaro said as he cupped Saya's chin in his hand, "I'm sorry if this feels like a betrayal Saya-chan, but what I told you last night is the truth. If she tries to hurt anyone again I will kill her, but for now she hasn't done anything wrong."

"Keitaro," Saya said softly looking into his eyes before her face hardened, "Do what you want, I know who my sister is….what she is. You believe what you want, but I'm not going to stand by and allow anymore of my loved ones be hurt." With that she jerked her head out of his hand and stomped off of the deck.

"It seems that you've struck a nerve Keitaro-kun," Solomon stated dryly as he watched Saya.

Keitaro simply nodded remorsefully as he watched her go bellow deck.

"Well are you ready to go?" Solomon asked as he turned to face Keitaro.

Keitaro simply nodded as they turned to leave.

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"Idiot," Saya said to herself as she stomped into her room past a very confused Haji, "He always has to do something that doesn't make any sense. "I swear if he gets in anymore trouble," Saya started before she was cut off.

"You'll be trying to do everything in your power to make sure that he doesn't get hurt," a feminine voice stated in a superior tone, "I know you love him, and you just don't want to see him get hurt. Trust me, I feel the same way."

Saya turned around to see Mutsumi standing in her doorway with her arms folded across her ample chest.

"What do you want?" Saya questioned as she took a seat on her bed.

Mutsumi shrugged before saying, "I figured you might be in the mood for a little girl talk, especially with someone who understands what you're going through."

Saya raised an eyebrow skeptically before asking, "How would you know what I'm going through?"

"Well believe it or not I was in love with Kei-kun before I became his Chevalier, and I also know what it feels like to have so much competition for Keitaro's heart," Mutsumi stated taking a seat beside Saya on the bed. "Believe me I know it's hard, especially since he's in love with a woman who has caused so much pain for us both, but you must imagine how torn he must feel," Mutsumi stated as she ran her fingers along the bed sheets.

Saya let out a sigh before saying, "I know, he doesn't want to hurt any of us. At the same time, although I know this is really selfish, I want him to be my Keitaro….the one I grew up with, the one I feel safe with."

"But he is that Keitaro Saya-cha," Mutsumi stated before she was cut off.

Saya shook her head before she said, "That's not what I mean….please try not to hate for this Mutsumi-chan, but I want him for myself….I want him to chose me, but that may not be an option."

Mutsumi noticed the girl get grow more depressed as the conversation continued but decided not to say anything just yet.

"He just keeps running back to Diva! I can't understand it, I told him I loved him and he said that he loved me too, but then he said that he loved you, Motoko-san, and Diva as well. I mean while I understood how he loved the two of you I just can't seem to wrap my mind around the fact that he could be in love with Diva," Saya finished with a dejected sigh.

Mutsumi let out a small chuckle which snapped Saya out of her depression as she looked at the girl with a look of puzzlement on her features.

"What's so funny?" Saya asked growing slightly annoyed.

Mutsumi stopped giggling before saying, "Saya-chan even I understand why he loves Diva."

Saya was taken aback for a moment, but then began to scowl at the Okinawan woman. "That's it!" she snapped as she jumped off of the bed and walked towards the door.

"Wait a moment, I didn't mean to upset you. I'm sorry, just listen to me for one more second," Mutsumi said waving her hand trying to placate the enraged girl.

Saya turned around and faced Mutsumi with a look of faux boredom on her face. "Well continue," Saya stated as she leaned against the door.

"Saya-chan you have to understand that Diva is his original promise girl," Mutsumi stated with a smile as she continued, "And I will tell you right now, when it comes to promise girls Keitaro loses his mind. I mean he chased that violent Narusegawa around for almost three years while getting knocked into the earth's lower stratosphere almost everyday."

"I suppose your right," Saya said dejectedly, "I guess we'll just have to see what happens then won't we."

Mutsumi nodded while giving Saya one of her trade mark bubbly smiles before saying, "Remember when the time comes however, we cannot try to pressure him into making a decision. It's hard enough for him already."

Saya nodded solemnly before she opened the door and walked back out.

"Shouldn't I be leaving her room not the other way around?" Mutsumi asked no one in particular as she scratched her head in confusion.

Meanwhile

The drive back to the condo had been a subdued affair with little conversation on either parties part. As Keitaro and Solomon exited the car and walked up to the front door Solomon turned around and faced Keitaro with a stern expression on his face.

"You should be ready for anything at this point, some of my brothers didn't take to kindly to what you did to Diva," Solomon stated and Keitaro nodded his head in understanding. "Alright, lets go," Solomon said as he took in a deep breath and opened the door. Upon entering the condo Keitaro and Solomon were greeted none to friendly by the most insane member of Diva's "family".

"What's he doing here?!" Carl hissed as Keitaro and Solomon entered the front door. He immediately began to transform before he felt a bullet train hit him in the stomach.

"Did you honestly have to do that?" Solomon asked as he watched Keitaro drop Carl to the floor.

"He wouldn't have shut up otherwise," Keitaro responded with a sigh and a shrug.

"I suppose," Solomon said as he walked past Keitaro and toward the stairs.

Keitaro began to follow before he was cut of by someone clearing their throat loudly. Whirling turning towards the study Keitaro saw Amshel standing in the doorway with his arms folded over his chest. He was dressed in his usual purple suit and tie, but his face wore a devious grin which caused the hairs on Keitaro's neck to stand up.

"Keitaro-kun it's been awhile," Amshel stated as he approached said man with his arms dropping to his sides.

"Yes it has," Keitaro agreed eyeing Amshel skeptically as his body tensed up waiting to see if the man was up to something, "Sorry, but I had some prior engagements."

"Understandable," Amshel said with a sympathetic nod before adding, "I've been busy as well Keitaro-kun, in fact my brothers and I are going to be very busy in a moment. But first I have a special treat for you."

"Wha?' Keitaro asked before he heard an old cackle from behind his back. Keitaro immediately grew ridged with fear as he slowly turned his head around.

"It's been a while hasn't it grandson?" Hinata said with a chuckle before adding, "I hear you've been very disobedient, I believe you know what happens when you misbehave dear."

Keitaro looked at his grandmother in disbelief before rage filled his being as he snapped "Listen grandma URK!" At first Keitaro felt a sharp pain in his stomach as his mind reeled as he thought, 'How can she move so fast, I didn't even see her,' and then everything went black.

"Don't worry kiddo you'll be feeling better in no time, but for now we have to make sure that you don't interfere anymore," Hinata said as she flung Keitaro over her shoulder and started to hum. "Sorry grandson but you're just going to have to watch things play out like they're supposed to," Hinata said as she headed out the door.

"Well that takes care of one of my problems," Amshel said as he rubbed his temples, "Now all I have to do is rid myself of Saya and Red Shield."

"Amshel have you seen Keitaro? He was supposed to come talk to Diva," Solomon asked as he eyed Amshel skeptically.

"I believe Mister Urashima decided he couldn't handle the pressure…unfortunately I believe he has left," Amshel stated as he began to walk back down the hall toward his study before he turned around and asked, "Oh Solomon would you gather everyone into the study? It's time that we prepared for the final act."

"Of course," Solomon said giving the man a weary glare before he turned around and began to round up the others.

"Things are going perfectly," Amshel stated as he entered the study and sat at his desk and began laughing manically. "Don't worry Solomon, you've already been discovered, I'm just waiting for the opportune time. Then you and Saya can join each other in death," Amshel stated as he began to laugh louder

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"We've received reports that Diva and her Chevaliers have left Paris sir," the voice of a young man stated through a telephone.

"Do you know where they are headed?" David questioned as he began to signal for Louis to tell the crew to move out. Louis left with a nod and as David listened intently through the phone.

"Reports tell us….what the hell!" the voice snapped as David pressed the phone into his ear even harder.

"What is it!? What's going on!?" David questioned frantically.

"You might want to see this for yourself sir," a voice stated, "Turn on the American news channel 11."

Doing as he was instructed David turned on the television to the appropriate station and began to watch. An instant later he dropped the phone from his hands and let it clatter on to the ground as he watched the television slack jawed.

"Sir? Sir? Are you still there sir!?" the voice cried out frantically through the phone but David made no move to pick it back up as he simply watched the screen with morbid fascination.

Moments Later

David burst through the kitchen door as everyone turned around to see just what was wrong with the blond haired man.

"David-san what's the matter?" Saya questioned as she got up from her meal.

David was sweating profusely and panting as he struggled to say "Saya, it's begun!"

Saya let out a gasp realizing what David was talking about. Suddenly her face hardened and she said, "We have to get going, Haji we have to go prepare." With that she and Haji walked out of the kitchen leaving behind a very confused Hinata Sou gang, Riku, and Kai.

"David-san what's going on?" Haruka questioned as she too got up from the table.

"Come with me Haruka-san, we might need your help. You as well Kai," David said as he led Haruka and Kai out of the kitchen and down the hall.

"I wonder what that was all about," Naru stated as Su pulled out a tama shaped device.

"Let's see!" she cried gleefully as she turned on the device by flicking a switch. The screen flickered on as the gang, including Mao, Riku, and Okamaru, gathered around
Su's invention. For a moment they were merely looking at Haruka, Kai, and then a blank television screen.

"Um Su, what exactly is this device hooked up too?" Kitsune questioned as everyone eyed Su skeptically.

"No worries," Su stated as she waved her hand trying to placate those sitting around her, "I just hooked my micro tama-mini cams to David-san's retinas."

"YOU DID WHAT?!" everyone bellowed in unison.

"SHUUUUSHHHH!" Su hissed as she focused back in on the screen before adding, "I just don't like being left in the dark is all."

Everyone eyed the girl skeptically once again as the returned to watching the screen.

"You can't be serious," Haruka stated as she shook her head.

"What does this mean?" Kai questioned with a pained expression on his face.

"It means that all hell is about to break loose unless we stop Diva," David stated firmly before adding, "To think that the United State's military would be aiding them in this however…..and using one of our own satellites."

"Like I said, things are going to get worse before they get better," Haruka stated as she lit another cigarette before adding, "So were heading to New York huh? This should be fun."

"Like I said we need to end this now before things get out of hand," Daivd stated as the group walked out of the room.

Su turned off the screen and put the device in her pocket before she gave a knowing nod. "I'll be back in a minute guys, I need to make a call. And don't eat my food!" Su said as she ran out of the kitchen.

"Who could Su-chan be calling?" Shinobu questioned as everyone watched the girl disappear down the hall.

"Beats me," Kitsune said as she pulled out a bottle of sake from a cabinet and headed towards her room, "Whatever is going on doesn't sound to good, and for once I think it's best that we don't get ourselves involved."

"It must be really bad for you to be saying that Kitsune," Naru stated sarcastically as she followed her friend.

"Trust me Naru this is no joke, whatever Keitaro got us into is no joke….I mean we just found out that he and Mutsumi are vampires and to top it all off Motoko was going to die before he turned her into one. There are just something's that we shouldn't even try to get involved with, in fact I plan on simply sitting on the sidelines and watching all of this play out with a bottle of warm sake," Kitsune stated as she entered the room her and Naru shared sitting on her bed.

"I suppose," Naru stated defeatedly as she looked at the ground. "Hey Kitsune, do you think there is still a chance for me and Keitaro?" Naru asked after a moment.

Kitsune eyed her friend for a moment before she motioned her over.

Naru nervously walked over, and upon reaching Kitsune's bed, was immediately pulled into a tight hug.

"Naru you're my best friend, but to be completely honest with you…..well you blew it," Kistune stated as she felt her friend go ridged in her arms. A moment later she felt hot tears drench her shirt as Naru began to sob uncontrollably.

"Why can't things go back to they way the were before!?" Naru sobbed as Kitsune pulled her closer, "I just want him to go back to chasing me around all the time, I want him to be obsessed with me and no one else."

"I'm really sorry Naru, but I think he's changed a bit too much for us to expect him to be the same clumsy ronin we knew before. On top of that, I think he's really in love with that Saya girl, not to mention Mutsumi," Kitsune stated as she felt Naru sobs grow deeper and more ragged.

"I love him Kitsune, why couldn't I just tell him that?" Naru questioned as she let out another pained sob.

"You already know why," Kitsune stated knowingly as she ran her fingers through the Naru's hair in an attempt to calm her down. Naru continued to sob and Kitsune continued to try to comfort her friend as the world began to fall apart around them.

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"Keitaro…..I'll make it up to you I promise, I'll never hurt anyone again….not even Saya-neechan. This is a promise I'll keep even if it kills me," Diva said to herself as she raised her self off of her bed wiping the remaining tears from her eyes, "All I want now is to be with you….Keitaro."

Meanwhile

"So that's how it's going to be," Solomon said to himself as he began to walk towards his car in an effort to warn Saya. "It looks like I was wrong about Diva again, it seems like death will be the only way….sorry Keitaro-kun," Solomon stated as he felt a sharp pain in his chest as he looked down to see one of James's nails through his chest.

"Going somewhere brother?" James monstrous voice questioned as the sound of more nails being shot of his deformed hand reached Solomon's ears.

Solomon did not have enough time to avoid the attack so every one of James's nails made contact with his small frame. He felt his body grow weak as he mumbled, "I sorry Saya-chan," and then he was engulfed in darkness.

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"And to think Keitaro actually considered helping her!" Saya snapped as she gripped her sword so tightly that it made her knuckles go white. The cold sea breeze whipped around her face as she looked up at the full yellow moon above her. Suddenly she began to feel very tired as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

"Saya, are you feeling alright?" Haji questioned as he noticed that Saya seemed a bit out of it.

"I'm fine," she stated as the boat reached the dock they stepped off of the boat, "I'm just going to lay down for a minute at the hotel."

As soon as she began walking she began to sway left and right. Noticing that she could hardly keep her balance Haji kept a close distance behind her just incase.

"Are you sure Saya?" Haji questioned as he came up from behind her to steady her balance.

"Yeah I'm fi," Saya started before she passed out almost falling off the dock into the water as Haji reached out and caught her in his ready arms.

"It's just as I thought….," Haji stated as he scooped her up into his arms and released his bat like wings, "It's almost time, we have to hurry otherwise she'll be in no condition to fight." With that he propelled himself into the night sky and flew to the hotel where they were lodged at.

Meanwhile

"What? Where am I?" Keitaro questioned groggily as he slowly opened his eyes. After taking a moment to adjust to the bright light of the room he noticed that he was sitting in some kind of ceremonial room. It was dark aside from the glowing white glass beneath him which circled around a large multi-colored orb which hovered above a fountain which seemed to be filled with clear white water. All of this seemed to sit in the center of the dark void and seemed to be the only thing for miles.

"Ah grandson! I see you're awake! Are you hungry? I've made your favorites!" Granny Hinata beamed as she suddenly appeared in front of Keitaro causing him to let out a shrill scream in fright. "Oh I'm sorry, did I scare you?" Hinata asked with a devious smile, "Well I can't say that you don't deserve it, you know when your aunt tells you not to pry you should listen to her."

Clutching his chest in an effort to aid himself in catching his breath Keitaro wheezed out, "I don't get it, why did you do it?"

"Why did I do what sweetheart," Granny Hinata said as she snapped her fingers, "I hope you don't mind."

"Huh?" Keitaro said as he watched the orb in the center of the room being to glow.

"I thought you might be interested in seeing how things turn out," Granny Hinata said as she snapped her fingers once again and large buffet table appeared in front of Keitaro and a chair from underneath him. "Come on enjoy! I made it just for you," she said sweetly as she turned to face the orb.

"I must say, however, that I'm rooting for Saya. I honestly think that Diva child is more trouble than she's worth," Hinata said as she sat down next to Keitaro.

"What do you…no first I need to know why you did what you did to me," Keitaro stated as Granny Hinata turned to face him.

"It's quite simple sweetheart, I wanted you to live a normal life," Hinata stated with a smile, "I had no problem with Mutsumi, until you turned her into a Chiroptera."

"Grandma I could never be normal!" Keitaro snapped as Granny Hinata began to chuckle.

"Yes dear you can….you and only you," Hinata said with a smile.

"Huh?" Keitaro questioned caught of guard slightly.

"Dear, if you were to make love to a mortal woman you in turn could become mortal as well, that's why I had Mutsumi-chan make you make that promise to Naru-chan," Hinata stated as she picked up her chop sticks and began eating.

At this point Keitaro was blushing wildly before he asked, "But why Naru-san? She hates me."

"You silly boy, the only thing that girl hates is her own indecisiveness. That and she fears being left alone," Hinata stated as she took a sip of her tea, "She loves you Keitaro, she's just too afraid to admit it."

"It doesn't matter," Keitaro stated firmly.

"Huh?" Hinata said turning around to face her grandson with a look of puzzlement on her face, "What are you talking about grandson?"

"I'm telling you that what ever feelings I may have had for Narusegawa are now gone. There's only so much abuse a man can take, and after meeting women who honestly love me and aren't afraid to show it I can safely say that I could never go back to being brutalized," Keitaro finished looking at his grandmother with sympathy in his eyes, "Thank you for trying to give me a normal life grandma, but I don't want it if I can't be happy."

"Is that so," Hinata said squinting at her grandson, "Well we will just have to see if you feel that way after one of them is dead."

"WHAT?!" Keitaro snapped as his eyes grew as wide as saucers, "You've got to let me out of here! I can't let that happen!" Keitaro shot up from his chair and frantically began looking for a way out.

"There's only one way out of here grandson, and that is either by my choice or by defeating me. This is my containment room, I designed it just in case you lost control and your bloodlust won out. It is virtually inescapable aside from the ways I just mentioned to you, so sit down and enjoy the meal," Hinata finished while patting the seat next to her.

"Grandma…..I can't, I have to help them," Keitaro begged.

"Like I said, I would have to release you or you would have to defeat me. Sit down Keitaro-kun and enjoy the show already," Hinata said as she sipped her tea again and looked at the orb intently.

"Grandma…..I won't let you do this," Keitaro mumbled to himself as he sat down and began to think of a way to get out in order to aid those he cared about. 'I will find a way out of here, even if I have to take you on grandma,' Keitaro thought to himself, 'For once I will persevere and be there for those I love, not the other way around.'

To Be Continued

Next Episode: Desperation

Authors Note: I hope everyone liked this new improved chapter! WELL AS ALWAYS PLEASE REVIEW!