Non-story note. The Nyu Anime site (formerly Elfen Lied fansite) has either crashed, or is suffering problems. If it does not come back up on line, I will create -or help create another EL site if people wish it. STay tuned for info.

In his office of dark, aged wood carved with religious figures and stained glass windows, the Monseigneur was not happy. Normally when officials called, it was to praise the work of his monks, or thank them for their assistance. The man from Kamakura he'd just gotten off the phone with had no praise or thanks. It had been to let the Monseigneur know one of his monks tried to kill someone, and that they were no longer welcome there. If anything, they would be taken into custody upon arrival.

"Brother Samuru is here as you requested, Monseigneur," the chamber lad announced.

"Send him in."

Samuru entered and laid his hands together in a praying motion as he bowed. "You wished to see me, your Eminence?"

The Monseigneur eyed him and in a heavy tone said, "Explain to me why I got a call banning our sect from the city of Kamakura. WHAT did you do?"

Samuru took a deep breath and explained, "I found mountain devils there. Apparently they have control over the city."

"Preposterous!" the Monseigneur spat. "Brother, do you have any idea just what a mountain devil is?"

"I am painfully aware, your Eminence. They have my nephew," Samuru said, then explained his ordeal at the Maple Inn.

The Monseigneur heard him out, then asked for tangible proof. Samuru produced the history book and presented it to him. "Your Eminence, this is a history book of the Yukaita sect. It belongs to an apprentice White Robe named Lady Kanae. This should bear my witness."

The Monseigneur took the book and asked, "How did you get this?"

"My nephew gave it to me. He asked I read it in return for reading the books I gave him," Samuru explained.

"Was this Lady Kanae the one you attacked?"

"No, that was a Lady Himari. Lady Kanae is still very young."

"Well, at least you did not assault a minor," the Monseigneur said heavily as he flicked his eyes at Samuru. "This book, did you read it?"

"No, your Eminence. It is the work of the devil."

The Monseigneur let out a grumble and said, "Brother Samuru, if those had been true mountain devils, you would not be here. You would be dead. This is obviously a cult that worships them. You were made to leave the city to save us embarrassment, not because some devils ordered it. You will spend thirty days at prayer, Brother Samuru, and search your soul for truth and forgiveness."

"But your Eminence..."

"But nothing!" the Monseigneur said sternly. Softer, he said, "Brother, when we find those who have gone astray, it is our duty to correct their path, not try to kill them. No souls are saved in the afterlife. We must do it here, in this life. While you are praying, thank God for allowing you to return, and not sending you to prison for attempted murder. Go with God."

Samuru bowed and clasped his hands.

The Monseigneur picked up the phone to make apologies.

.

"Lady Lucy, there is a phone call for you," Lady Sakura said as she peeked her head into the classroom.

Lucy had been running the center while Lady Himari was recovering. She was beginning to wish she had time to recover. Thankfully, last night she'd convinced Lady Himari to spend some time with her, avoiding a Yuka/Himari clash over who'd spend the night with Kouta. Currently, Lady Himari was no better than having another child in the house.

"Lady Sakura, we were just going over how to play Nudgie," Lucy explained and cast a smile to the boys and girls as she asked, "Would you children be kind enough to show Lady Sakura what you learned?"

"Yes, Lady Lucy!" the class chorused.

Lucy left her class with Lady Sakura and got the phone. "Yukaita community center, Lady Lucy," she said pleasantly.

"Greetings, Lady Lucy, this is Monseigneur Inoue from the Komatsu monastery. I was calling to ask about ... Lady Himari. Is she doing well?"

The happy tone seemed to conflict with where he was calling from. Lucy's lip curled up in a snarl. "You dare ask that after one of your monks tried to kill her?" she growled.

There was a pause, then, "I deeply regret and apologize for Brother Samuru's ... lack of judgment. He is being disciplined for his indiscretion. I just wanted to ask for the chance to apologize in person and correct this horrid misunderstanding."

"It is Monseigneur, correct?" Lucy asked.

"Yes, Lady Lucy."

"Monseigneur, you may forgive Brother Samuru, but I do not. He attacked Lady Himari on sight with no hesitation, and with no provocation in the slightest. I will return the favor should I see him. I can promise he will not survive the experience," Lucy said evenly.

"I can understand your anger, Lady Lucy, and I will keep Brother Samuru away from you. I am asking that we meet, so I may properly show my remorse for what has happened. Perhaps a meeting on neutral ground?"

Lucy thought for a moment, then said, "Your apology is accepted, Monseigneur. Lady Himari had recovered from her physical damage. I think it is best if we leave it at that."

"It is good to know she is doing well. I would still like to offer my apologies in person," he said.

"It is enough to know that you regret the incident," Lucy replied.

"I believe it is vital that we be seen together, to show there is no hard feelings between our sects. We all work for the welfare of the people, is that not so?" he asked.

"It is," Lucy said before she thought.

"I would also like to return a book Brother Samuru had. The History of the Yukaita sect. I believe it belongs to Lady Kanae?"

"Yes. Did Brother Samuru read it?" Lucy asked.

There was a pause, then the Monseigneur said, "Brother Smauru is ...confused. I would like the chance to discuss it with you."

"Have you read it, Monseigneur?" Lucy asked.

"I just received it. I do intend to read it, Lady Lucy. Perhaps we could discuss that as well?"

Lucy was getting an uneasy feeling talking to this man. She didn't know what it was, but she didn't trust him. "That would be pleasant," she said in a fake tone. "Where would you like to meet?"

"Outside of Kamakura, I do not wish to be arrested," the Monseigneur said with a chuckle. "There is a small town just to the southwest. From the travel guide, it has a classic restaurant and a lovely Endo style garden. I would like to treat you to a lunch and a nice walk in the garden, if I may."

"That would be wonderful," Lucy said, thinking that would also be a good place for him to set a trap. Then again, she could set her own trap as well if he had any ill intentions. "When would you like to meet?" she asked.

.

"Lady Lucy, what were you thinking!" Lady Matsu asked as she gapped at her.

Around the table, none of the White Robes seemed pleased to hear of this meeting.

Leading toward her, Lady Sakura said, "That sect fought us in the War of Tears, and from what they did to Lady Himari, they are still hostile towards us. Do you want to bring about another war?"

"He called to apologize," Lucy told them. "I do not feel comfortable meeting with him but we can't let this go. If I will not meet with him, then he will try to come here. If there is to be a fight, where do you want it? In some town, or right here in our home?" Lucy asked them.

"We cannot support any action that may cause harm to others," Lady Mitsu stated. "If they come here, we will deal with them. We cannot go out looking for a fight."

"Lady Mitsu is correct," Lady Sakura said. "May I also remind you, Lady Lucy, you are NOT a White Robe. You cannot make decisions for the sect. If you go, you do so representing only yourself. We cannot support you."

Lucy eyed the woman that she wanted to slap. "Lady Himari has worked very hard to keep positive public relations for our sect. If there is a chance we can keep the peace by meeting with them, isn't our duty to do so?" she asked.

"You just claimed there may be trouble," Lady Sakura said. "We do not make trouble, Lady Lucy."

"No, you just sit and wait for it to show up on your doorstep," Lucy countered.

Drawing herself up, Lady Sakura said, "I am the acting senior White Robe. I say we will not meet with those people to talk, or anything else. Our policy of staying to ourselves has worked for sixty years, and we will stick to it. There will be no meeting. You should consider your actions carefully, Lady Lucy. If there is trouble, the blame will fall squarely on your shoulders."

Lucy eyed them, then got up and said, "Fine. Run your own damn center." She left, slamming the door behind her.

.

Mariko had just gotten Lady Himari to put on some real clothes and become interested in painting. Almost as she showed Chika, Mariko painted on the canvas as she explained to Lady Himari how complex shapes of a flower could be broken down into simple shapes that could be painted easier. While Lady Himari watched and listened, Mariko tried not to see Hisoka giving Lady Himari appraising glances.

She was about ready to stab him with one of her paint brushes.

"Excuse me, I need to have a word with Lady Himari," Lucy said as she came in.

"Hi, Mama Lucy, I was just showing Lady Himari how to paint," Mariko offered, then noticed her mother's serious face.

"Hisoka, Mariko, out. This is important," Lucy said sternly.

Mariko left with Hisoka. After Mariko shut the door, she stepped to the side and listened.

"Mariko is a nice girl..." Lady Himari began and was silenced by Lucy clapping her hands down on her shoulders.

"Enough of this." Lucy said evenly. "I know getting knocked on your ass wasn't easy for you, but you HAVE to come to your senses. Those men are coming back."

Lady Himari's eyes went wide. "What? What will we do?" she asked fearfully.

"Get your SHIT TOGETHER!" Lucy yelled as she shook Lady Himari. "Those White Robes won't listen to me. It has to be you. You are the only only who can help us. They won't meet with those men. If there is to be a chance at peace, I need you to help me make it."

"But..." Lady Himari said weakly. "They ... they want to hurt us."

"I know. You deal with people better than I can, I need you with your wits about you," Lucy said, trying to force the words into her mind. "You have to be there with me."

Lady Himari drew her hands up to cover herself. Tears formed in her eyes. "I ... can't!" She then began crying and tried to curl up. "Won't they just go away?" she asked in a whine.

"This isn't happening," Lucy said to herself. Looking down on the sobbing woman, Lucy realized a bitter truth. The woman they knew as Lady Himari was no more. There was no one who was going to help her.

Looking up at Lucy, Lady Himari said, "Please, please keep them away from the children."

Lucy felt like crying. Not because Lady Himari was upset, but because Lady Himari was no longer here. "I'll do what I can," she said.