Guess what, I finally made a new chapter! After all those weeks (or was it days?) of making this chapter, I managed to finish it. I managed to finish it! Sweet Momma! I feel as if I've overcome some sort of obstacle and gosh am I glad I could update!

So I guess one of you is happy? I hope so, for boy am I happy!

Chapter XXII

Standing In-Between

Part I

It was taking too long.

Kai checked his watch. In the dim light from the streetlight, he could see that it was almost seven o'clock.

"They start at seven, don't they?" he asked impatiently.

"You would do good to be patient, Kai," David answered, glancing at his own timepiece.

That wasn't what I wanted to hear, Kai thought, staring at him flatly. And look who's talking, he added when he saw David check the time himself.

There were twenty-seven of them all in all. Seven of the cars they rode in were parked at different locations to prevent suspicion; however, they were still within a certain area where they were to wait. This was the final day of Diva's performance here in London, and they planned it exactly this evening.

Cars and other vehicles hardly passed through the area where they were in. Perhaps a car would drive down the street, but it would take hours or so before another car would show up. In this place, it was dark and gloomy, but the streetlights still provided some light. Not a window was lit in the buildings that stood there, which all the more made the streets bare of any soul.

-ns-

"Jeez," Okamura said while rubbing his nape, "Of all places, why here?"

"Would you rather stay with your little partner whom you left behind?" Lewis asked with a grin, leaning on the stirring wheel in front of him.

"Now that you mentioned it," Okamura said, folding his arms behind him and leaning back, "I guess I'd choose to come. Still though," he looked through the windshield at the young impatient man standing by the street pole, "this place stills gives me the creeps worse than what Mao could make."

Lewis shrugged.

-ns-

The curtains drew back, revealing a marvelous grand stage. But the stage merely complimented the slender figure standing in the middle. She was wearing a silvery-white dress, her hair glistening, spilling on her bare shoulders and down her back. Truly, her beauty had quickly captured the hearts of the young men present. Admiration shone in their eyes, ignoring their own fiancés who were sitting right next to them.

Seeing how she had easily entranced the foolish, young men amused her. For that, she would sing to them to lead their hearts astray. Like the sly mermaids who entranced fishermen by the sea, she would sing to capture their hearts for herself.

The music began to play in the background. She opened her mouth, took in a deep breath, and let out her mysterious voice and began to sing.

-ns-

Kai was tapping his foot impatiently. He checked his watch, then glanced at Haji, who was just beside him. All throughout, the Chevalier had been quiet. It was no surprise. He was always quiet to begin with.

"Hey," Kai began, but was puzzled when he saw that the Chevalier had stiffened in alarm. "What's wrong?"

Haji relaxed, and looked up at the moon. "It's begun."

Kai followed his gaze and shoved his hands into his pockets as he looked up. "Finally."

-ns-

The lights in the stage dimmed gradually until the front was dark. The curtains drew to a close, and not soon after a loud applause filled the whole place. Crude as it was, there were whistles, made by men who could not help themselves.

"I can have you," Diva sang softly to herself as she walked to the backstage, "but you can't have me." She giggled to herself at her own little song.

"I see you're enjoying yourself, Diva," Solomon remarked as she passed by, repeating her song.

"Of course I am," Diva answered. "Humans are so stupid. They think they can have anything for themselves."

"You must be famished, my dear," Nathan said as he stood up from a seat nearby. "After all, your last performance here in London is absolutely perfect."

"Yes, I am quite hungry," Diva answered.

"Would you like me to fetch you your dinner?" Amshel asked.

"Yes." Diva skipped cheerfully around the place. "And Amshel, get one of those men who made such an annoying noise."

"As you wish." Amshel lowered his head slightly, and in moments, was gone.

-ns-

"You thought you could have me," Diva whispered into the man's ear. "But I'm too good for you." She giggled to herself. Her words meant nothing to the man for he was already dead. Diva had sucked him dry.

"Was it okay, dear?" Nathan asked.

"He tasted like wine but smelled heavily of smoke and money," Diva answered as she stood up. "He was delicious." She smiled to show her satisfaction, blood dripping from her chin. Usually, a certain someone would come up to her with a clean handkerchief and would wipe the mess from her face gently. But that person stood at a respectful distance, away from the rest.

"Dear, let me wipe that off," Nathan said and took out a handkerchief and wiped her chin.

Saya had been watching Diva for the whole time. She saw Nathan wiping Diva's face and somehow felt a twinge of jealousy. The only person who kept on doing that was her, always, throughout their time together, anywhere and everywhere. But now, it was a lowly Chevalier who was doing her job. Lowly? She was surprised. Now she was seeing things so differently. It was true though; she was jealous because no one else had the right to do that but her. No one could take better care of Diva. And she was sure Diva felt the same.

But was there to do? She wanted to approach her sibling so badly, but the memory of what had occurred the previous night made her remain firmly in place. The words Diva spoke to her still rang clearly through her head: "He must have made you such a spoiled brat, just feeding you with ridiculous human food. No wonder you're as weak as they are, onee-chan! You are one of them!"

Diva glanced back at her twin and saw her looking back at her. Her eyes gleamed with malice as their eyes locked within those moments. Obviously irritated, Saya averted her gaze and stepped back further into the shadows.

-ns-

"I want to go back home now," Diva avowed a little later, folding her arms like a child. "It's so boring here anyway." The Chevaliers glanced back at Saya; it was obvious Diva emphasized it and wanted to direct it to Saya, in one way or another. Saya merely stared right back at them.

"If that is your wish," Amshel said deferentially. Diva skipped to his side and hugged his arm.

"Humans are so stupid, aren't they, Amshel?" she said pleasantly.

"Indeed, my Queen," Amshel answered with a smirk. It must have been a satisfaction to him that Diva, for once, was giving him attention. Saya watched them, gaze piercing that for once, it was enough to make Nathan and Solomon step further away from her.

-ns-

The small group had ridden in the limousine; however things weren't as they used to be. Saya sat beside Solomon while Diva sat with Amshel. Though Diva didn't seem to care much of the situation, Saya's aura was very much different and uninviting. While Diva had a lively conversation with Amshel, on the opposite side, not a word was exchanged between Saya and Solomon.

Solomon wanted to cheer her up, but couldn't come up with anything to say. Saya was leaning her chin into her hand while she looked out sullenly through the window, a clear sign that she was in no mood to talk. So in the end, Solomon was unable to say anything at all.

-ns-

Joel was sitting back in the chair, when the agent seated on the driver's seat looked back at him grimly, pressing the earpiece closer with a hand.

"Director," he said.

"What's wrong?"

"We have received a report that Diva has ridden the limousine along with her escorts." David, who was seated right beside him, sat up in alarm.

"How long will it take before they reach this place?" Joel asked.

"Around twenty minutes, sir," the agent answered.

"Do the rest know?"

"I'll contact them in a few minutes." The agent went out of the vehicle for some space and conveyed the same urgent message to the rest.

"I'll get the rest of the firearms from Lewis' van for a moment," David said and went out.

-ns-

"How long do you think do we have to wait?" Kai asked his companion. He was getting tired of waiting. It was getting late, the air was colder, and the streets were gloomier.

Haji didn't answer. He just stood there like a statue, staring intently into the distance. His eyes caught something.

At that moment, four silhouettes leaped from a nearby building and landed nimbly in front of Kai, startling him. He easily recognized them as the Schiff.

"Kai," Moses said seriously.

"You're late," Kai stated. "But it's better that way 'cause we didn't do much."

"They're on their way here!" Lulu cried.

"You mean Diva?"

"Yeah," Karman answered for the little girl. He pushed his lenses back. "It's a few minutes drive before they reach this place."

"Is everyone ready?" Moses asked.

Kai glanced back at his comrades and saw David standing beside the black car, motioning him to approach. "They're calling us."

All six headed went to David, who was already holding a large heavily-armed gun. Joel stepped out from the car, and was holding a gun as well. Nearby, just behind their vehicle was Lewis' van, with Lewis and Okamura themselves outside, holding weapons of their own.

"The rest were already informed of Diva's presence and are stationed in areas within a certain perimeter here," Joel said. Lewis and Okamura walked up to their group.

"Hey," Okamura said casually.

"Getting used to this stuff, eh?" Lewis asked with a grin.

"Not really," Okamura replied.

"Lewis," David said grimly. "This is not the time and place for idle chat."

-ns-

"So you have decided to join us?" Joel asked the Schiff. "I never expected to see you here, to be honest."

"Neither did us," Moses said. "But we know we can't deal with Diva and her Chevaliers alone."

"I smelled five of them!" Lulu interrupted cheerfully.

"What are you saying?" Karman said. "There were only four!"

"No there wasn't!" Lulu answered back. "There were five Chevaliers!"

"Five?" Moses said in confusion. "That's impossible, Lulu. I sensed four."

"Two against one, Lulu," Karman stated. "There's something wrong with your senses."

"Well, to be honest, I sensed only four," Gudrif intervened mildly. "But it's like she's right."

"We get the point," Kai cut in. "There are a lot. So we just have to be ready, right?"

"We'd only be able to confirm their identities once they're near enough," Joel said while folding his arms. Meanwhile, David contacted the others through the earpiece.

"Sir," he told the young director, "They're almost here." He faced the rest and they nodded.

-ns-

"Amshel," Diva said.

"Yes?"

"Amshel, I'm sleepy."

"Then you are free to rest, my Queen." Again, overhearing them, Saya felt a pang of jealousy, but showed little reaction.

"Tell James to hurry up, will you?" Yawning, Diva rested her head on his shoulder.

"You heard her, James," Amshel said with a hint of authority.

James complied by going faster, as his mistress had wished. Ahead was the lonely street where hardly anyone went through. The dim light from the streetlights along the sidewalks gave the atmosphere a chilly feeling, a feeling which everyone of them ignored.

-ns-

The car was hidden in an alleyway, while the van was parked opposite it. Kai, Joel and David were crouched, hidden in a dark corner where garbage cans stood. Across the street were Lewis and Okamura. Lewis gave a sign, which meant that everything was clear. The rest of the agents were already positioned in their own hiding places. Meanwhile, the Schiff were on top of a building, Haji standing from another building at the opposite side.

Lewis looked through the small night vision goggles to get a better look on the approaching vehicle.

"The limousine's presence is confirmed and it's coming at a considerable speed," David heard through his earpiece.

David conveyed the message to the agent with them. He told the same thing to the Kai and Joel.

"Haji and the Schiff would be able to notice the speed as well," Joel said. Meanwhile Kai pressed himself against the wall, holding the gun close to him.

"Remember," Joel reminded, "We let them pass through us before we surround them."

"But what if they're too fast?" Kai asked.

"We have a Chevalier and the Schiff."

They could hear the engine now, and could tell that indeed the vehicle was driving at a high speed. Moments passed, then a limousine sped pass their hiding place.

With a shot gun, Lewis made a few shots. He missed once, quickly recovered and successfully shot the right wheel.

"Got them!" Okamura cried.

The limousine lost control of its direction and tried to break. As it did, there was a painful screech.

James cursed as he struggled to gain control the limousine's direction. "What in heaven's name is happening?" Nathan asked in alarm.

-ns-

"Why did we stop?" Diva demanded. "And why did you have to be so rude, James?"

"They're here!" Amshel growled.

"Barr the entrance now!" David ordered through the earpiece. Moments after, there was the sound of other engines and the limousine was surrounded by all seven cars.

Joel motioned them to fire.

"Wait! Saya's in there!" Kai cried and everyone froze.

Moments passed by in silence. The engine of the limousine was still on, and the lights at the rear were a bright red. A door opened. Everyone tensed and prepared to fire their weapons. Slowly, a man in a purple suit stepped out. He had a small smile dancing on his lips.

"My, my," he began nonchalantly, unperturbed by the firearms pointed at him, "this is quite a group."

"Don't let your guard down," David told the rest. His eyes narrowed on Nathan. "He's a Chevalier."

"I don't see why such important-looking men would track a poor group of ours in such a fine evening, hmm?" Nathan said. "Why don't you let us go in peace?"

"Bring Saya Otonashi out," Joel said firmly. "If you hand her over, then you're free to leave."

-ns-

Saya couldn't understand what had occurred. She had accidentally bumped her head during the sudden break of the limousine.

"Saya, are you alright?" Solomon asked anxiously.

"I'm fine." Saya rubbed her head. What was that all about?

They all listened as Nathan tried to talk to the men.

"Bring Saya Otonashi out," a voice said, one which Saya identified as Joel's, "If you hand her over, then you're free to leave."

Everyone looked at Saya. Saya looked frantically through the window. Cars surrounded them from a safe distance, with agents hidden among them, pointing their weapons to their direction.

-ns-

"Hand over Saya?" Nathan repeated. "Let me think…" He closed his eyes in thought. "Hmm…"

David sensed something. "Fire!" he suddenly shouted. The rest of his comrades were startled, but obeyed his command.

Instead of a human, a large purple Chiropteran stood where the man had been. The bullets sank into its body, and it staggered for a moment. It quickly recovered and advanced toward them with inhuman speed, lifting its large, dangerous claws which glinted in the moonlight. A dagger from out of nowhere deflected the Chiropteran's attack when it attempted to strike a handful of agents.

From above, Haji descended swiftly, followed by the other four Schiff.

"Oh, my," Nathan said. "What a handsome man you are! You must be Haji, Saya's servant!"

Haji said nothing as he approached the alien-like Chiropteran. The bandages on his hand slowly fell off, revealing a large, clawed appendage.

"This will be fun," Nathan said, his eyes narrowing at the Chevalier.

-ns-

The four Schiff dashed to the limousine, holding their weapons high to make a blow. Before they could come any closer, another door opened, and a white blur drove them back a few meters.

Solomon stood before the limousine, his hand already morphed into a blade.

"Chevalier!" Karman hissed.

"Forgive me," Solomon said mildly, "But I cannot comply with your wishes. Saya does not belong with any of you."

Some nearby agents fired their guns at him, but the Chevalier had vanished from his spot and moments appeared, lifting his blade to slice a Schiff, particularly Lulu.

"Watch out!" Karman yelled, shoving the little girl to the side and blocking the strike with his spear. Moses came in and swung his scythe at Solomon, but ended up slicing the air when the Chevalier evaded it effortlessly.

-ns-

"I'm going to fight those bastards," James growled before heading out without waiting for any response. He quickly changed into a Chiropteran and easily stabbed an unfortunate agent which he came upon. Volleys of bullets were shot at him, but the bullets bounced off from his hard armor.

"Foolish weaklings!" James bellowed, smashing a car which was in his way. Three agents were firing at him. Irritated, he lifted his appendage to stab them. Lewis, who was fortunately nearby, fired at him with a shotgun, making James stagger backwards from the impact. The heavily-armored Chevalier growled and headed for him.

-ns-

Saya could only watch in helplessly as she saw the Red Shield desperately fight. They're fighting…for me. They came to take me back. What should she do? Haji, Kai, David and the rest were already engaged in combat. Even the Schiff were present, holding off on their own with Solomon. She wanted to help, yet she couldn't. Her heartbeat quickened its pace when a thought entered her head: What if I assist them? They could barely get even with Solomon and the rest… Maybe I could help them escape.

"This is boring," Diva avowed in the limousine. She stared through the window in boredom, watching as several scenes of fighting and bloodshed took place around her.

Amshel headed out calmly and held the door open. "Come," he said, extending a hand to the twins. Diva stepped out, followed by Saya.

Gunshots filled the air and pained screams and frustrated shouts joined in. Reinforcements were brought in by Joel, more cars had quickly arrived, and more armed men joined in the battle.

Saya watched in horror as men were killed one by one.

"I will bring you two to a safer place," Amshel said.

"Aww, but Amshel," Diva whined, "this is such a nice show! Can't we stay here a little longer?"

"I shall place you somewhere where you could watch the whole scene in safety until you're satisfied, my Queen," Amshel answered.

"Okay," Diva said cheerfully, clinging to his arm.

"Saya," Amshel called to the elder twin, who stood, frozen by indecisiveness.

"Y-Yes." Saya followed after them reluctantly. Should I go with them and leave Kai and the rest here? She bit her lip. No! I can't!

Diva glanced back at Saya and frowned.

-ns-

Kai yelled in frustration as he fired at James. "Why won't you die?" he cried.

"Foolish human," James snorted. "My armor is that of steel! Nothing can harm me!"

"Tch." Kai continued to fire as James approached him. He was with other agents, who fired their guns at the Chiropteran as well.

David and Joel joined in. Both were holding machine guns.

"Bullets won't work on him!" Kai said frantically. Behind James, he could see three people. He narrowed his eyes. "Saya!" he cried when he recognized her.

"What?" David said.

"Saya! She's out of the limousine with Diva and another man!"

"Where?" Joel followed his gaze and saw the trio.

"No one gets through me!" James growled.

-ns-

Saya couldn't tolerate the scenes around her. She stood there; Amshel and Diva had vanished and left her behind.

Men were dying in the hands of only three Chevaliers. She had to do something. She couldn't allow them to die. After all, they came for her. They were fighting for her sake.

Nearby, Solomon was busy fighting the Schiff, who were obviously losing. Two or three agents supported them with guns. One was unfortunate, when Solomon came across him, stabbed his heart and flung him aside. Blood already stained his white suit.

"Solomon!" Saya cried. "No! Stop this already!"

Stunned, Solomon turned to her. "Saya…"

Even the Schiff were stunned and stopped fighting for a few moments.

"This isn't right!" Saya continued. "Enough already, Solomon!" She sensed Nathan nearby and screamed telepathically at him, Nathan, stop this nonsense!

My Queen? came a surprised reply.

"Enough!" Saya repeated. Tears were welling up in her eyes.

"Saya, I can't do that," Solomon answered. For once, there was no warmth in his voice. He continued to fight.

"Ms. Otonashi!" an agent called heading for her. He ran toward her and before he could reach her, he was impaled by a blue sword.

"Solomon!" Saya screamed in shock.

Solomon gave her a cold stare, flung the corpse of the agent aside and advanced toward her.

"Solomon, how could you? You—" Saya was cut off when Solomon took her in his arms. "No!" she cried, struggling violently.

"Saya," Solomon said mildly. "You can't stay here. I'll bring you somewhere safe." A cry tore through the air as Karman jabbed him with his spear. Solomon evaded it, as well as the slice from Moses' scythe. Lulu and Gudrif almost had him with their own weapons, but failed. Solomon jumped high in their air.

"Let me go!" Saya yelled, still struggling.

"Saya, stop it!" Solomon said firmly. "Saya—" he was shocked when she slipped from his arms. "SAYA!"

Okay, so technically, I'm not yet finished with the chapter. I'm sorry if this is a terrible cliffhanger (Tch. As if this chapter had any suspense at all. 'Doubt it.). Making this was so hard and troublesome that I decided to cut it. And I figured this chapter would be way too long so I don't really think it would be…nice.

So one of you might think that the events were rather, let's say, unrealistic. If that thought ever occurred to you, let me just say this: I know it shouldn't have happened that way, but hey, this is just fiction. Fan fiction. If you get what I'm saying, that's great.

Anyhow, I expect reviews. (Aww, who am I kidding? Okay, I just—at the very least—want a review or two. If you don't feel like making one, that's alright. I mean, I'm not demanding anything in return. Either you give a review or not, it's okay—though I really appreciate it if you gave a review.)

Sorry for whatever I should be sorry for.

I'll try to update as soon as possible. That's all for now.

Paalam! (That's Filipino for 'Goodbye'. Heh.)