I know I said I would post this last week but...oops! Sorry, I am almost done with preparation for my book. It should be available for sale by the end of this week. It will be $10 so not too bad I think. Even if you don't want to buy it, spreading the word is more than enough support and I would appreciate it if all of you told just one person.

Thanks to my beta/editor Beej88 for encouraging me with this fic! She has a new fic out that is just..ahhhh it hits all the feels in all the right places guys. Check it out, it's called It's Always Been Youyou won't be sorry! Also, make sure you search out the Elite Squad. It is a collaborative group created for projects done together. Current collaboration is What Dreams May Come in which Mamoru is placed in a series of dreams that he can only escape by getting Usagi to fall in love with him. Each chapter is written by a different writer and if I can get my act together, will include a few from me. They are also written by Beej, Ninjette Twitch, and Revy so you know they will all be good!

Please make sure to find and follow me on Tumblr. I'll be posting more information on updates, new stories, and new books by me and others. So find me there!

Chapter 13

"You never walk alone. Even the devil is the lord of flies."

― Gilles Deleuze

Making sure she was standing tall and strong, she met the man's stare head-on. He was a good foot taller than her, but so was Darien. This man had greying red hair that sat in waves on top of his head. A red beard fell to a respectable length from his chin while the mustache it was connected to was fully grey, creating a fading effect on his face.

His shoulders were broad and he looked to be in very good shape considering the age she guessed him to be. His smile never faltered as she took in his appearance, wearing what looked a lot like a Japanese kimono only looser and made of lesser material.

His hands were clasped behind his back and he stood in a very militaristic manner, making his smile almost unnerving.

"Hello." Her voice came out small and questioning when she meant for it to come out strong and undoubting.

"Hello, I'm Kenoske Hamill."

"Oh, you speak English."

"Everyone here does."

Well, there goes her language barrier theory. They just didn't want to talk to her after all.

Kenoske's smile deepened slightly, "I take it you have not received a warm welcome. I must apologize, they don't warm to strangers very quickly. And given the fact that you are not a Hunter, well that has caused a bit of fussiness amongst my students here. But no fear, I'm back now and I will make sure you get better treatment."

"Back?"

"Yes, I was in Norway, dealing with a little possession. Nothing major."

So was this guy a priest as well as a Hunter then? She had never read anything about Hunters performing an exorcism, that was strictly for clergy to perform. Either way, he was offering her salvation now -from Abel and boredom- and that made him holy enough for her.

He led her around, the castle she had already seen by herself, but now each person stopped and gave a small introduction of themselves to her. Ice still dripped from their mouths as they did, she was still a long way off from being accepted.

A small girl, one she had not seen before, showed up at his side, working hard to keep up with Kenoske's stride. And he made no allowances for her, even though she looked as though she might be 10 or 11 years old.

He gestured with his large, cracked with age and battered hand to the dark girl next to him. "This is Hotaru, she is my apprentice."

"Apprentice? For what?"

He returned his hand to his back and looked straight ahead while the young Hotaru looked around him to her. "For Cleric."

Cleric, Cleric, Cleric. She knew she had read about that before, but she was struggling to remember what it was. No way in hell was she going to ask, the last thing she needed was for them to take her as ignorant. She could really use Google right now.

She had to assume it had something to do with religion, given the name and the tasks they were completing, like exorcisms. If she was remembering correctly, they were a type of healer but with magic, not science.

They left the long hallways of the castle, turning towards a covered, outdoor walkway. It connected two parts of the castle together and she knew from her wanderings that above it was another walkway the connected the upper levels together. But they didn't stay on it long.

Kenoske soon turned off the smooth stone and into the grass, leading her over to the two women still sparring. They both stopped upon noticing their approach, standing side by side.

They both gave a slight bow and referred to him as "Master", just as everyone else had and continued to ignore her as well. That is until Kenoske gestured towards her.

"Our guest has not been treated very well in my absence."

Haruka shifted her feet, crossing her arms over her chest in defiance. "We are keeping her safe, aren't we? That was what was asked of us."

Kenoske shook his head, "Ever the defiant one. Haruka Tenoh what am I ever going to do with you?"

Haruka Tenoh? That was a Japanese name.

Kenoske focused his attention on the beautiful woman with Haruka. "And you Michelle, I expected better from you. You are always a true soldier, following orders to a T. I don't understand why you would disobey me this time, it was a simple task."

The woman, Michelle, had a confused look on her face. "Our orders were to collect the girl and keep her safe. There was nothing else other than that."

He shook his head, "I said, collect her and keep her safe and comfortable. Don't tell me that much slipped your mind?"

The two of them shared a look of embarrassment and guilt. Serena didn't really care about the lack of hospitality, she was hoping not to be there for much longer. But given the lack of entertainment in the place, she just wanted something to pass the time with. The two women looked at her with icy glares.

"Forgive us, our shortcomings." Haruka spit out.

It was clear the two of them didn't care too much about the treatment she was receiving. She gave them a nod, not being able to think of anything else to say towards their obvious disdain. They really didn't want her there. She knew she would be pressing her luck, but with Kenoske there, this might be her only chance.

"Can I train with you guys?"

There was a laugh between the two of them until they realized she was serious.

Michelle gave her a crazed look. "You can't be serious. We would kill you in an instant."

"Maybe, but at least it would be better than dying a slow death from boredom."

Haruka actually laughed but quickly recovered. "I don't think it is a good idea. We don't allow humans on the premises and you have already been allowed to break that rule. Training with you would be beyond reckless. It would be disrespectful not to mention dangerous, breaking our word to protect you."

Kenoske stepped up then, "Well we wouldn't want to be inhospitable. Why don't you teach her a few things, Michelle? You could teach her some self-defense, she could use that I'm sure."

Not one to disobey her master, Michelle released a frustrated sigh and gestured for her to come towards her. Haruka backed away, allowing the two of them to have some space. Michelle began droning out commands at her of what to do to defend herself in an attack. It was an interesting thought, she already knew all the self-defense moves Michelle was trying to teach her, but none of them would really be helpful when coming up against a Vampire or any other demon for that matter. They must have expected her to simply hide if there was ever an attack.

After giving her directions of the move she wanted her to perform, Michelle came at her as if she were an attacker, a painfully slow attacker. Following her directions, Serena made sure to promptly put Michelle on her ass.

The woman let out a grunt, the most unfeminine sound she was yet to hear from her, as she landed on her back hard. The rest of the crowd looked a bit shocked, but it wore off quickly. After all, Michelle had been going with a 16th of her usual strength and speed. So she knew some self-defense, wouldn't be uncommon for someone her age.

This time, Michelle didn't give her any directives, she just came at her, a little faster this time. Serena matched her speed and put her on her ass again. This time, everyone was definitely surprised. While Michelle was pissed. She got up off the ground and straightened herself. Haruka yelled out a warning to her about not breaking Serena, but she didn't appear to hear it.

Now Michelle came at her at full speed. Serena didn't miss the smirk on her face either as she clearly expected Serena to not even be able to see her, let alone stand up to her. Her fist was flying through the air, planning on landing right on Serena's cheek. So cocky was Michelle, she closed her eyes in satisfaction right before it met her target. But when it made contact, her eyes flew open, realizing something wasn't right. The sight she saw was one for the record books, as Serena stood, Michelle's fist in her hand. She had stopped it before it met its true target. Now Serena was the one smirking. She flung her foot, kicking Michelle in the gut, sending her back a few steps. It was a hit that wasn't intended to hurt, only to make a point.

The need to protect her mate taking over, Haruka stepped up between the two of them, a threat made clear in her eyes. Before she knew it, she was fighting both of them, the two of them taking turns coming at her. She was keeping up, but two against one wasn't exactly fair, not that a demon would ever fight fair. It felt so good to spar, using muscles she hadn't been able to for a week and a half now. Adrenaline rushed through her body and she welcomed the return of the drug in her system. It only pushed her body harder. It had been a while since she was sore from practice since Diana had always pushed her hard from start to beginning, getting her stamina up, but she was sure she would be tomorrow.

It must have been training time for the majority of the castle, as a crowd began to gather, distracted from their original tasks into watching the three of them. A few actually cheered for her.

She caught Haruka's foot as it attempted to make contact with her gut, giving it a twist, Haruka came off the ground in a spin before hitting the ground. But she wasn't there long, hopping back up on her feet quickly. While Michelle tried to attack her from behind. She got a kick into her back, but then she flipped Michelle over, landing on the ground next to Haruka's feet. Once up, the two of them stood defensively, watching her.

Haruka growled at her, "What the hell are you?!"

Serena just shrugged, "I'm just a simple human girl." with Vampire blood in my veins.

But they didn't need to know that part. She cringed at the thought of how they would treat her if they knew. They already hated her being a human, knowing she was part demon would have them throwing her out the door in no time.

Michelle furrowed her brows, "Bullshit. You are no human."

Uh oh. Maybe this was a bad idea. She had been foolish, of course, if she showed her strength they would figure her out. What the hell was she thinking?! Lie, lie your ass off!

"I'm a distant cousin...of Diana. You've heard of her maybe? Married to Michael Van Helsing?"

Haruka wasn't buying it. "No way. Diana has no family. She was the last of her family line."

She inwardly cursed herself for not knowing more about the Master's life. "I was kept a secret. To keep me safe."

They didn't seem to buy it, not fully, but they let up a bit. "So you are from the McLeary bloodline? The second in line to Van Helsing?"

Wow, she did not know that about Diana. "Yes. And I was taught by Diana herself."

That seemed to impress everyone around them, especially little Hotaru. "But….Diana has never taken on an apprentice. She refused most ardently all request for her to do so!"

How old was Hotaru anyways? Who talks like that?!

"I guess she made an exception for me, being blood and all."

She wasn't sure if anyone really believed her but her story only seemed to make Haruka even more pissed at her. Moving to make a strike, Haruka tried to come at her again, but Kenoske stopped her this time.

"That is enough for today Haruka."

Both Serena and Haruka sighed in disappointment. Serena was finally having some fun while Haruka just wanted the chance to slap her around a bit. Or maybe a lot, given the look she was now giving her. Michelle look had seemed to soften a bit now. Maybe due to her thinking, she was a fellow Hunter like them or her connection to Diana. There was no way to know for sure as Haruka led both of them through the crowd and back towards the castle.

The crowd began to disperse, Serena couldn't help but notice that they were all men. She had noticed that the only woman she had seen in the halls where Michelle and Haruka but she just thought that was a coincidence. Now she was seeing that her, Michelle, Haruka, and Hotaru were the only females in the whole castle. The only female Hunters in existence probably. Now that Diana was gone.

She had yet to mourn the loss of her Master, unique in this world of demons and monsters, she just didn't know how rare until today.

Kenoske made his way back to the castle as well and she slowly followed, watching the men or Hunters pair off into sparring partners. They were all relatively impressive, and mostly working two on two. But there was one group that caught her eye, a group of four men. They were just getting started when she lost sight of them, but something told her it was something spectacular to see.

The two clerics before her led a winding way around, she did her best to keep track of where she was in relation to her room so she could find her way back. It was then that they stood before a large pair of doors. The carving was unique, compared to the rest of the castle as the other doors had no carving at all. Vines led up the sprawling doors, with swords wrapped up within them. The natural grain of the wood was worked into the design, making for a flawless mosaic of nature and brutality.

As the doors cracked open slowly, it was as if they led straight to heaven as bright pure light broke free, making the rest of the relatively well-lit castle seem dark like a dungeon. And she would know, she had been in a dungeon before.

Her eyes quickly adjusted to the light, revealing the true contents of the room, which to her was still like heaven. It was a library. She felt like Belle in Beauty and the Beast, only her guide wasn't going to magically turn into a Prince. No, her Prince was far away fighting another beast.

There were a few others inside the Library, upon tall ladders or seated at lush tables. There was even a fireplace that roared with flames.

"This is a Clergy Library, only permitted for those committed to the cloth. You won't see many Hunters in here but they do come from time to time when we allow them. Perhaps this will help to keep you from, 'dying a slow death from boredom'?"

There was amusement in his tone, which she returned with a smile, "This will definitely stop that."

She was so stunned and overwhelmed, she found herself a bit breathless.

Hotaru put a small finger on her hand, gaining her attention. "I think the section you will find most…..helpful, is over there."

She pointed to a corner section completely void on any other human soul. Rounding a desk that she knew she would soon be claiming, she walked up to the suggested section. All the books looked really old, as if had they been left to their own devices and not taken care of, would have falling into dust by now. Only a few of them were in English and none of them were in Japanese, but that was nothing new. However, she did not have a handy translation app at her fingertips.

Starting with the ones in a language she knew, she pulled down all five that existed on the shelves. Their covers were worn and their titles long ago went missing. She placed them all on the table and flopped down into a chair, quickly pulling the book on the top into her grasp, curiosity taking its hold on her in an instant.

The first page still held the title, The Unholy Child. She flipped through a few of the pages, finding it looked more like a diary than any kind of textbook or folklore. She stopped a few pages in, taking in the words and figuring out what the book was.

The demon inside me grows stronger at every chance. Taking hold of my resolve and stripping me of it. It is slow and agonizing, I don't know how much longer I will be able to control the monster within me. I fear my mother was right, she should have killed me as soon as I was born…

It was a book about a half Vampire. A mortal with Vampire blood in their veins, just like her. She whipped her head around to find Kenoske and Hotaru long gone. Hotaru had said the books in this section would be of interest to her. Were they all about half-bloods? Did Darien tell them about her or had they just known? It wasn't clear to everyone, Michelle and Haruka were proof of that. But the Clerics seemed to know exactly what she was. And they didn't seem too bothered by her.

vVv

Last night had been rough. Fighting through 5 "guards" only to be given yet another name to track down. This time it had been a nest of Vampires that had a few Zombies at their mercy. He hated Zombies, they really creeped him out. Zombies had been everything that the media had made them out to be, except they are always under the control of a Vampire. And the Vampire has to be pretty powerful to pull it off, especially as many as this one had.

Their creepy empty eyes and cold flesh still made him shiver in disgust even after showering their stench off. But their master was only good at controlling them, not at any other combat. Once he put down the poor souls, the Vampire called Lewis was pretty easy to subdue.

Darien had promised to release him after he gave him information about Abel. And if the creature knew he was lying, he told him anyways hoping to change his mind. He gave him a name, just like the last creature he had tracked down did. And the one before that. None of which had led him to Abel but he was getting closer. At least he hoped he was.

The sun was high, which normally would be the perfect time to go after this new name, Rupert. But this guy wasn't even hiding, he owned a large hotel-casino downtown. Which told Darien he was old and powerful. Not just powerful but influential. Very few Vampires actually held stock or anything that would draw attention to them. Being in the spotlight too much caused people to notice when they didn't age.

So for this guy, Rupert, to have his name and face on a well-known building was not a good sign. But it did make it more likely that he knew Abel and how to find him. This meant, however, that he couldn't charge in as he had for the others. This time he would have to use his charm. Which was unfortunate for him because it was his weakest attacks.

The sun was beginning to set when he managed to scrounge up a suit, minus the tie. The shared space of the loft was empty when he emerged, pulling his jacket on. Then Raye's door cracked open and she walked out in a little cocktail dress, bright red with a few things that glittered here and there.

Then Lita's door opened, she emerged in a green floor-length number that turned out to be backless. Andrew followed in a suit with his tie.

Andrew looked over at him with a grin. "Man you have to wear a tie. These places never let you in without one."

He looked around at the three of them. "Excuse me?"

It wasn't until Mina and Amy came down the steps in their dresses, orange and white spirals going to Mina's feet and a cocktail dress with a full skirt in blue ending at Amy's knees, that he put it all together.

"No. You are not going with me."

Raye continued putting on her shoes, practically ignoring him. "Face it, Darien, you need us on this one. You are not the best at subtlety."

"Besides, we are tired of waiting around for you to find this creep," Lita said, Andrew behind her for support.

A small gentle hand touched his shoulder, turning him to find Amy. "We want to bring Serena home just as badly as you do."

Mina stood next to the door, sitting on a trigger, "So let's go and beat the truth out of this guy!"

Raye screeched from the back, "We need him to talk Mina, and beating him is not going to work. Besides, you are going as a distraction, nothing else!"

Mina pulled the door open with a huff and the rest ushered past him out the door. Andrew turned back to him before disappearing out the door.

"You coming?"

Leaving him standing there, regretting ever filling them in on his progress.

vVv

Trying to stretch the stiffness out of her neck, she leaned back in the chair. Stupid Clerics, wouldn't let her take a single book outside the library. Too precious to lend out to the likes of her. Which meant she was stuck for hours in the hard chairs under the harsh lights.

Her eyes were blurry with exhaustion, but she couldn't stop, not yet. The other books that were in different languages were yet to be touched by her, she was still working on the few that were in English. In particular, the one that was the diary of one Jonathan Cedric Boone. He had been a half breed like her and he had suffered with it greatly.

I was born into this world on August 10th, 1906 at an Abbey near the Glockshires. My parentage is unknown as my father was never present and my mother died a few years after my birth. She never fully recovered from the event. It had been a slow and painful death, which is why I fear she did not love me. It was clear in the way she addressed me and looked at me. Before she died, I sat next to her on her death bed, hoping to give her comfort. The disease within her had only weakened her and made her wicked. I was only 6 when she passed and her last words to me were that she regretted not killing me after I was born.

Those were her last words. I try to tell myself to this day that she was in pain and it made her delusional. But those words have haunted me my entire life, bringing me great anguish. I was told that such pain can be solved by writing them down, trapping it within the pages of a book. I am now attempting this with this journal. I hope to cleanse my soul of all the hatred that lies within before it tears me apart.

October 12th, 1923,

I had the dream again. My mother laid before me on her bed but instead of looking on the brink of death, she looks well and lively. Even without her death near, she still turns to me and says the cursed words. Then she gets up from her bed and walks out of the room, shutting the door behind her as if I do not exist. I am plunged into darkness and I feel heat rise within me, a dark hatred. I feel as if I am on fire only to wake up in my sheets covered in sweat.

I had always been haunted by my mother's words, but never to this degree. It is as if there is something inside of me that is growing. It gets strong with each year of life as if it feeds off of my essences. It scares me.

December 20th, 1923,

I have had a breakthrough, or rather a change in my situation. I have met a girl. Or rather a woman. Her name is Sarah, and she is truly the most beautiful thing to behold. When I see her I feel lighter and when she smiles at me, I almost feel right. It is as if she could chase away my dark passenger. I hope to make her mine soon.

February 19th, 1924,

The dream has returned. Last night, my mother laid before me as she always does. However, this time after she told me of her regrets, I put my hands around her throat and squeezed. Her eyes went wide with shock and I watched as the light dimmed from her eyes.

Murdering her is not what scares me. What scares me is that when I woke, I felt more at peace than I had in a long time. The darkness within me is satisfied with death, with blood, and I fear how much longer I can keep it at bay.

May 30th, 1924,

Tomorrow is the day. I am going to ask Sarah for her hand in marriage. She has been courting a few of the men in town, including myself, but I am not worried. She never looks at any of them like she looks at me. I am certain she only sees the others to keep up pretenses. But her heart belongs to me as mine does to her.

January 3rd, 1925,

In a few more months, Sarah will be my blushing bride. It is hard to believe that soon, I will no longer be alone. It may take some getting used to, but I am ready for such a challenge. I hope to start a family soon, Sarah is eager as well. We will soon be a respected family in this town, instead of the outcast I have unwillingly become. She is my salvation, my hopes and dreams. I have not had the dream of killing my mother since Sarah agreed to be mine, which is proof of her hold on me. She will be what saves me from the darkness, that I am sure of.

June 15th, 1926,

It has been a while since I have written here, I have not felt much need for it anymore. Soon Sarah and I will have our first born to worry over and I will no longer have time for silly things like a diary. It has served me well and I am grateful for it. My family will serve to keep me whole now.

November 12th, 1926,

I am truly a curse upon this Earth. Sarah died, my child within her taking her from this world. A beautiful and pure creature and I killed her with my seed. She did not deserve such a death. The child she bore was truly a demon, a product of my darkness. I was a fool to think it was gone. It never left, it snuck its way into my life and took what was most precious to me. And now it is after my soul once more. Without Sarah, I do not believe I will sustain.

March 24th, 1927,

Every night now, the same dream. First I kill my mother, then Sarah. Each night their deaths are slow and bloody and always by my hands. My heart is empty, I know my soul will soon leave this world. The demon inside me grows stronger at every chance. Taking hold of my resolve and stripping me of it. It is slow and agonizing, I don't know how much longer I will be able to control the monster within me. I fear my mother was right, she should have killed me as soon as I was born.

May 8th, 1927,

I no longer want to be a curse upon this land. I am tired, so tired having fought the beast that dwells within my chest for too long. Yet, I will not give into it, I refuse. I hope that others will find this diary later, so they will know the truth, that I did not kill myself for selfish reasons. Quite the opposite actually. I will end my life before I change into whatever this demon desires. I will save all those who remain around me and I will soon join Sarah in the kingdom of heaven, never to be apart from her again.

She felt breathless. The book ended there, that was the last of it and she could only come to the conclusion that Jonathan Boone had, in fact, killed himself after that last entry. He had lost the battle and all because he had lost all those he had ever cared for. What would happen to her? Would she suffer the same fate it she lost Darien?

She suddenly found the room stuffy and in desperate need of some air. Her mind remained in the library though, the life of Jonathan Boone as told from his diary playing over and over in her mind. It wasn't long till the sounds on grunts and metal on metal drew her from her thoughts, her feet having led her to the practice grounds, brawls around her in full swing.

A few gave her a glance and some even gave her a small tip of their head, a sign of respect. Which surprised her to no end. But what shocked her, even more, was when a few actually stopped their sparring and made their way to her.

Two men made their way to where she stood, one pale with green eyes and short blonde hair, the other tan with grey eyes and long brown hair in a ponytail at the base of his neck. The two of them had on slacks and loose white t-shirts, marred with mud and a little blood. Both were tall and lean, moving towards her with a grace that entranced her.

They both smiled, mirth filling their eyes as she looked between the two of them waiting for them to speak.

"Hello there, you are Serena right?"

She nodded at the blonde who brightened at her even more. "I'm Jack and this is Noah."

They both held out a hand to her and she took a turn shaking them. "Nice to meet you."

The brunette still held her hand as she spoke, giving her a confused look. "But you already met us, remember?"

She nodded, "Yes, but I didn't get your names and my mother always said that to truly know someone, you have to know their name."

Jack crossed his arms over his chest, thoroughly amused by her, "Huh, I know a guy who said the same thing once. Not from his mom though."

So he knew Darien, now he had her full attention. "Oh? I suppose it's a common belief."

Noah shrugged, "Only the second time I've ever heard it."

Silence fell between them, but not for long. "Anyways, Noah here and I just wanted to thank you."

"Thank me? For what?"

"For putting Michelle and Haruka in their place!"

She was shocked, surprised that Hunters would turn on one of their own and side with an outsider. "I don't think I did that…."

Noah patted her on the back, "Don't be so modest. It was quite the show."

Now she felt a bit embarrassed and guilty. She hadn't meant to make anyone, especially the only other females in the place, look bad. Letting her eyes wander, she found the duo not too far away. As if they sensed her eyes, they both stopped and turned to look over at her at the same time. Neither of them made a move save to watch her, the three of them just as curious in one another.

The men before her took notice, looking over at the other two women as well and chuckling.

"Don't let them bother you, they keep to themselves most of the time anyway."

She looked over at Jack to see he was looking her over, concern in his eyes. "I'm not bothered."

They both glanced at one another and then back at her, startling her with the care they both seemed to hold for her. "Okay, whatever you say champ."

She gave Noah a glare, making him take a small step back. "Okay, not a champ."

Zack took a step forward, trying to dispel any hostility quickly. "Why don't you come spar with us?"

Her face split into an undeniable smile before she could say a word, causing both men to chuckle again before leading her over to the rest of their little group.

vVv

The place was packed, and it was sending her senses into overload, the mixture of human and un-human causing her to question everyone. The only people she trusted in the room were the ones she came with.

Mina and Amy stuck close to her as they wound their way deeper into the hotel. The crowd had brought all sorts of people, gamblers, socialites, politicians, and a few who were just there to drink. Darien may not have wanted them there, hell he never did, but looking over the crowd, she now knew he would never get what he needed if they hadn't come.

She hated her father, political swine who only used her when it served himself. But at this moment, she had never been gladder than to be his daughter.

He was somewhere in this crowd, she could feel it. Glancing over Amy, she could just make out Lita and Andrew as they surveyed the crowd from above, walking across the upper deck of the room. Darien was somewhere ahead of them, digging through the crowd with little regard. Subtly really was not his strong suit.

A laugh rang out, one that she would always recognize as it caused her blood to boil every time she heard it. Mina and Amy heard it too, recognizing the look on her face more than the voice the laugh belonged to. They both released her, moving to find and retrieve Darien while she worked her magic to get them what they needed.

Pushing through the small group of supporters that had gathered around him, more like groupies, she spied her father for the first time in 5 years, talking it up like he was a celebrity. His eyes found her in an instant and a small play of emotions flashed across his face, guilt, regret, fear, sadness, and happiness.

"Raye! My darling girl! What are you doing here?"

There was sincerity in his voice, but it didn't phase her in the least. "I am here to talk to you, father."

He flinched a bit at the coolness she was giving back to him. "Talk huh? Does this mean we need to go somewhere private?"

Typically, he would be right, as their conversations were usually a shouting match, but not this time. "No, I just need your help."

She hoped that the crowd around him, his constituents, would help push him into getting her whatever she asked. "Anything for my favorite daughter."

She hated when he said that, because she was his only daughter, knowing full well it was an empty thing for him to say. "I need you to get me a private conversation with Rupert."

He squirmed, going a bit pale at her request, "Rupert huh? Why do you need to talk to him? Alone?"

"Because he has information on a….friend that I desperately need." Knowing her father, she was sure he knew exactly who Rupert really was. He was never one to let someone's background keep him from aligning himself with them for more power.

He shook his head, "I don't know if that is a good idea, Raye." She crossed her arms, a silent threat to throw a fit in front of all the people around them if he didn't comply. He quickly crumbled, "Okay, okay I will do my best!"

She watched as he made his way through the crowd, stopping every now and then for a handshake or quick polite conversation. Soon, he had made his way to a door that had been guarded all night by two tall, thick men. He was talking rapidly to one of them when the other disappeared behind the door. Her breath caught for the minutes it took for the guard to reappear, giving her father a short and simple nod of approval. Her father soon turned, heading back her way, just as Mina and Amy returned, Darien in tow.

The threesome got close and she pulled Darien away from the two girls and towards their goal, "We're in."