Eli: I apologize for my sin against the fans. I wrote the last chapter to "A Tale of Two Hearts." But then I saved it and ate dinner. When I went to go back on, my aunt came home and booted me off before I could upload it! Then my mom picked me up from my grandmothers the same night! Ahhhhhhh! So, I'm stuck here with my parents, while my story is saved in Alameda. So, no one is seeing that chapter till Sunday! Sorry guys. Shame on me. Well, here's the new chap. Isn't Bola charming? And before you ask, Sara is in this! Enjoy!

-The next morning-

Ian woke up promptly to the sound of his alarm clock. He was still sore from his fight with Lupo. He got up and went into the living room. He was surprised to find it empty. Bola had spent the night there, but was now no where in sight. Her bag was gone.

She left, and without telling me. I hope to god she finds a place to stay. I know she can probably handle things fine by herself, the shooting of Lupo being proof, but she's still just a kid.

Ian sighed and went back to his room. He got dressed, grabbed some coffee, and went to work.

-Later-

Ian knocked on the door to Talismaniac. A blond answered the door. She spoke in some weird accent.

"Uh, is Vicky here?"

"Yes, wait one moment. VICKY! Some guy is here for you!"

"You don't have to screech, Deltiana!"

"Sorry, baby." Deltiana left them. Ian stared at her.

"Your girlfriend?"

"Yeah. Cute, ain't she?"

"She's alright."

"And a whole lot better than Gabe! So, what do you want?"

"I want more information on this thing."

"Alright, come in." He followed her into her apartment. Vicky sat down at a computer chair.

"What do you want to know?"

"Where did this thing come from?"

"No one's sure. It was suppose to be made at the beggining of the world. It was made to fight the evil of the world. To balance good and evil. It has been passed down through generations."

"All men, right?"

"Yeah, it has an extreme dislike for women."

"Why?"

"I don't know. Maybe it's sexist. My guess? Probably because naturally men are stronger than women. Well, at least back then. Now days, women kick just as much ass. Another thing, wielders are suppose to gain great amounts of power and gain alot of supernatural stregnth."

"Supernatural strength?"

"Wielders have the ability to talk to the dead, read minds, clarivoyance, and have a spidey sense when it comes to getting attacked." Ian nodded. "So, any strange things been happening?"

"Well, I'm being haunted by my dead ex-partner, I prevented a death, and am being constantly bugged by Meredith Irons."

"Meredith Irons?"

"Yeah, bitch who thinks I'll trust her just cause she has money. I'd like to slice and dice her up."

"Wouldn't most of the world?"

"Yeah. So, anything else?"

"Yeah, you're suppose to go through some kind of test to see if you're a true wielder. If you don't pass, you either go insane or die."

"Great."

"Anything else?"

"Yeah, could you do a search on a girl? Name's Bola Montoya. See if she has any backround, could ya?"

"Yeah, sure."

"Well, I'll see ya later."

"See ya."

-That night-

Ian entered his apartment and knew something was off. The light was on in the living room. He pulled out his gun and went to see who it was.

Bola was sitting on the couch reading a book. She turned around and ignored the fact he was aiming a gun at her. "Hello." Ian dropped his weapon and stared at her.

"Hi. Why are you here?"

"You said I could crash here. Why are you so surprised?"

"You left this morning without saying anything."

"Yes, I did. You were asleep, so I left a note on your dresser." Ian immediately headed for his room and found a note on his dresser.

Ian,

Went to school. Be back later.

Bola

Bola continued to read her book "You know, you would have seen it if you cleaned up. I don't know how you live like this." Ian went back to the living room.

"This coming from someone who lives on the street?"

"You know what's really sad? I may live on the street, but I'm cleaner than you are." That's when Ian took a good look around his apartment.

"Did you clean?"

"Yes. I couldn't stand the mess. I left your room alone, though."

"Thanks. Did you really go to school?"

"Yeah. Why you so surprised?"

"You are willingly going to school."

"So? You think I want to be on the streets forever? Besides, what the hell else am I suppose to do?"

"Sorry. Why did you leave so early?"

"I had to walk. Took an hour to get there."

"That far? Tomorrow, I'll drive you."

"Thanks." Ian then perceeded into the kitchen and looked in the fridge.

"Did you go shopping for groceries, too?"

"No. That includes money I don't have. Why?"

"I don't remember getting some of this stuff. Oh well."

Things like that have been happening lately. Not that I mind, but it's weird.

"Bola, how did you get in here? The door was locked."

"One of your friends was here. I knocked on the door and they answered it for me."

"My friend?"

"Yeah, the one that wears all black. She said her name was...started with a S."

"Sara?"

"Yeah!" Bola noticed Ian had an amused smile on his face. "Is she your girlfriend?"

"No, why?" She slightly giggled. "No reason."

"Did you eat?"

"Nah."

"Take out?"

"Sure."

-Later-

"Bola?"

"Yeah?"

"Tell me about yourself."

"Why?"

"Curiosity."

"Killed the cat."

"Funny. I'm serious."

"Alright. My full name is Bola Isabel Montoya. I'm fifteen. I've been on honor roll since sixth grade. I've never smoked, done drugs, or prostitution. I scare the hell out of my history teacher because I know more than she does. That's about it."

"What about your parents?"

"My dad was a drug addict. He overdosed when I was a baby. My mom rasied me till she died of AIDS when I was seven. My older sister, Teresa, tried to raise me, but since she was only sixteen, I was taken away. They put me in a foster home."

"Then what happened?"

"I ran away when I was thirteen."

"Why?"

"I just did." Bola was starting to get irritated.

"No specific reason?"

"No. Off it, will ya?" He backed down.

"Alright."

"Thanks. So, what about you?"

"It's boring."

"Go right on ahead."

"I'm not saying my full name cause my middle name is a contradiction. I'm thirty-six. No siblings. I take kickboxing. When I was in school, I scared the hell out of my english teacher because I wrote a story that hinted I wanted to kill him. He was an idiot. When I was sixteen, theives broke into my house and killed both of my parents."

"Sorry."

"I could say the same for you. Why did you run away?"

"No reason. I just did." She wasn't telling him. He nodded.

"I'm going to sleep. Night."

"Good-night."

-2:00 A.M.-

Ian woke up to hear someone struggling. He grabbed his automatic and went into the living room. Bola was asleep, but was in the middle of a nightmare. She was kicking her legs and shaking her head. Ian shook her awake.

"Bola! Bola! Wake up!" She jolted awake. Her breathing was rapid. "You okay?"

"Yeah. I'll be fine."

"You sure? You were putting up one hell of a fight. What did you see?"

"Just a nightmare. Don't worry. I'm going back to sleep now."

"All right."

-The next day-

Ian was trying to explain to Kelly why she can't download Clueless on the computer, when his cell went off.

"Hello. Am I speaking to Ian Nottingham?"

"Yeah, what do you want?"

"I'm Ms. Whales. This is concerning Bola Montoya."

"What?"

"She said we should call you on the matter. Is she correct?"

"Yeah. Uh, what happened?"

"Bola got into a fight in school today and is being suspended. We need you to come and pick her up."

"All right. I'll be right over." He hung up.

"Like, who was that? Where are you going?"

"I have to pick up someone. I'll be back in an hour. Kelly?"

"Yeah?"

"Don't try to download movies on the computer, again. It won't work."

"Okay." She whined. Then she winked at him and smiled. "Be back soon." He stopped himself from killing her and left.

Why can't a power be getting rid of stupid valley girls that have crushes on you?

-The high school-

Ian entered the office. The principal was there to greet him.

"Hello, Mr.Nottingham. This way." She pointed to her office. Bola was slumped in a chair. He took the seat next to her.

"So, what happened here?"

"Bola got into a fight with another student during passing period. The boy, Matthew Evers, now has a broken arm, three cracked ribs, and damage to his, shall we say, private area."

Ian turned and stared at Bola. She shrugged her shoulders.

"Bola, may I ask why you kicked the kid's ass?"

"He pulled a butterfly knife out on me and I didn't really feel like getting gutted."

"Okay, you're suspending her for what reason again?"

"Assualt on another student."

"Assualt? Self deffense more like it."

"Yet, the boy was the one who suffered injuries."

"So?! He shouldn't have pulled the knife out on her."

"Mr.Nottingham, she injured the boy more than was necessary. I understand that it started as self deffense, but she took it to another level. For this, we're suspending her for three days."

"And what is he getting?"

"Permanent suspention, time in juvenille hall when he has recovered."

"Alright. Come on, Bola."

"Wait! Bola, stand outside. I would like a private talk with Mr.Nottingham."

"Yes, Ms. Whales." Bola got up and left.

"Mr. Nottingham, is it true Bola is living with you?"

"For the time being, yes."

"What is your relationship with her?Are you family?"

"No."

"This might turn to be a problem."

"What do you mean?"

"The school system would look down on your status. You do realize you are in a very questionable situation."

"Well, I'm not her boyfriend, if that is what you are implying." He mentally shuddered at what they must be thinking. "She helped me, so I'm repaying her by giving her a place to stay. We haven't had any problems thus far."

"Be it so, but you are not her legal guardian."

"Well, would you prefer her on the streets?"

"Of course not. Just be aware that you might run into certain difficulties, and you being male. It doesn't seem appropriate for a girl of fifteen to be living with an unrelated man."

"I don't see a problem with this. I'm a cop, for christ's sake. What the hell would I do to her?"

"Is there at least a woman around? Bola is bound to go through things you won't comprehend. I would feel better if I knew she had some female influence."

"Uh, yeah. Sara. There's Sara."

"Sara? Is she your girlfriend?"

"No, she's a friend. She's always at my apartment. Bola will have a female to talk to."

"Could you please tell Sara that she should talk to Bola about her agression?"

"Alright. Can I go?"

"Yes. Good day, Mr.Nottingham."

"You too." Ian shut the door behind him. Bola was leaning against the wall.

"Let's go."

"Yeah." On their way out, they ran into one of her teachers.

"Bola, I heard you got suspended."

"Yeah, I beat Evers down for pulling a butterfly out on me."

"And their suspending you?"

"Don't it suck?"

"Yeah. Here." Ther lady handed her a piece of paper. "That's your homework. I know you're not suppose to have a chance to re-do the work, but you've earned it."

"Thanks, Mrs.Cate. See ya Friday."

"I'll look forward to seeing you in class again." She left. Ian and Bola continued out to the car.

"Who was that?"

"Geometry teacher. I went from a D to an A in a month."

"You have earned it." They got in the car.

"So, why did he pull a switchblade out on you?"

"I convinced my friend to dump him. He was beating her."

"Are you injured at all?"

"Nah, idiot didn't get close."

"Ah."

"Are you mad at me?"

"No, you were justified. I'd kick his ass, too. Just don't do it again."

"Alright."

-That night-

Ian woke up again to the sounds of struggling. He went to the living room to see Bola having another nightmare. He tried to wake her up, but she kicked at him. He finally got her to wake up. She was pale, shuttering, and breathing uneasily.

"Bola, what are you seeing?"

"Nothing. I'm fine."

"No, you're not. Tell me what you're seeing!"

"No!"

"Why not?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"Try me." she shook her head.

"Trust me, you wouldn't understand."

"Why not?"

"Because you wouldn't!" She moved away from him and sat at the end of the couch. Ian went back into his room.

What the hell is going on? Why wouldn't I understand? That lady was right, this is getting difficult. What else did she say. Female influence? Sara. God, she better be out there.

Ian opened the window to his bedroom. "Sara?" She stepped forth out of the shadows.

"Yes?"

"Come in here." She looked at him questionably. "Please?" She nodded and entered.

"You know about Bola, right?"

"She is currently living with you."

"She won't tell me what is going on because she says I won't understand. I don't know why."

"You can use the witchblade to read her thoughts."

"I can't. She would think I was invading her privacy. Could you talk to her?"

"What?"

"Could you talk to her? I think she would tell you."

"If you want me to, then I shall."

"Thank you." Ian led Sara to the other room. Bola was still curled up on the couch. Sara sat down next to her. "Bola?"

"Yes?"

"What is the matter?"

"You wouldn't understand."

"You don't know that. Can you at least tell me what it's about?" Bola glanced in Ian's direction and he took the hint to go into his room and to shut the door.

"My foster parents."

"Did they hurt you, Bola?" She slowly nodded her head. Sara stood up and removed her coat. She then perceeded to remove two sweatshirts and three shirts till all she had on was a simple tank top.

"Bola, look at me." Bola looked up. Her eyes grew wide as she looked at Sara. She had scars all over her arms, shoulders, and back. Sara sat back down next to her.

"Do you still think I wouldn't understand?"

"No."

"So, little one, what happened?"

-Half hour later-

Ian didn't come out till there was silence. He opened his door to find Sara gently moving Bola off of her. She saw him as she got up.

"Is she alright?"

"Yes."

"What was wrong?"

"She has had a hard time."

"What does that mean?"

"See for yourself. Touch her and concentrate." Ian reached over to her and gently touched her hand. He closed his eyes and he was instantly flooded with visions.

He could see Bola's foster father assualt her in the bathroom. Felt her pain from numerous beatings. The screaming her foster mother always did around her. She could see her being starved because they considered her too fat. Getting slapped for accidently dropping a pencil. Her foster father trying to get in her room at night for his own reasons. He could see them putting a knife to her throat, asking where all the money was.

Ian snapped back to reality. "Oh god." Sara nodded.

"It has not been easy."

"Thank god you stay close to here. I would never had known. Thank you, Sara."

"I am glad to help." Sara was looking down again. She turned her back to him and made her way to where her pile of clothes were. Ian came up behind her and grabbed her shoulders, pressing her into his chest. Sara's breathing instantly became uneasy.

"You should get some sleep, Ian. Long night."

"I have tomorrow off." She could feel him staring at her. He moved his hands down her arms.

"Did Irons do this to you?"

"Yes."

"Why?"

"Mistakes. I've made too many of them."

"Nobody's perfect, Sara. You don't deserve this. Why can't you break away?"

"It is all I know."

"Couldn't you learn to adapt to something else?" He moved his hands on to her waist.

"I can not. I've trained my whole life to do what I do now. Anything else, my mistress would disapprove."

"As I've said before, screw your mistress." He began to kiss her neck. Sara felt his hands begin to slip underneath her tank top. Her eyes closed as his hands touched her stomach.

What is happening? He does these things. I want...I can't! I am forbidden. She'll know. This isn't right. Or is it?

I guess you could say luckily for Sara, Bola began to wake up again. Sara immediately pulled away from Ian. Bola sat up. She looked at Sara.

"I saw it." Sara sat down next to her and put an arm around her shoulders.

"It's okay, little one. They can't hurt you anymore. They are gone. Forever." Bola nodded and leaned into Sara.

"I can stay with you till you fall asleep, if you like." Bola nodded. Ian watched Bola relax and begin to fall asleep. He sat down on the other side of her. Bola didn't notice, or if she did, didn't mind. Ian stretched his arm out around Bola and Sara.

Sara kept her attention directed at Bola and avoided his eyes. Ian just stared at her. He felt himself getting tired, but he didn't care. Despite his efforts, he fell asleep. Only then did Sara look at him. She put a hand to his face and moved his hair out of the way. Then, she lightly pushed Bola so she was leaning against Ian. She then removed herself out from under Ian's arm. She put all her layers back on. She turned to look at Ian and Bola one last time before exiting back out the window.

-The next morning-

Ian woke up on the couch with Bola against him. He was disappointed to find Sara gone. He decided to let Bola sleep a little bit longer. He got up. He picked up a blanket off the ground and put it on her. Then he went to the phone and dialed.

"Talismaniac. From slime to the sublime."

"Vicky?"

"Ian. Whatcha' want?"

"Did you find that data?"

"Yeah."

"Good. I so owe you. What did you find?"

-The next day-

"Bola, you should get dressed."

"Why? It's not like I'm going anywhere for three days."

"Someone's coming over. Just thought you wouldn't want to be seen in as you are now."

"Hint taken. I'll get ready." An hour later, there was a knock at the door. Ian got it.

"Are you Ian Nottingham?"

"Yes."

"Where is she?"

"The other room."

"Can I...Can I see her."

"Of course. That was the reason I called you." The two then entered the living room. Bola got up to recieve the guest and was utterly shocked.

"Teresa?" The woman nodded as tears spilled down her face. "Oh my god!"

Teresa laughed. "Aren't you going to give me a hug?" Bola needed no more said. Ian watched with a smile on his face.

"How?"

"I got a call earlier this morning from your friend. He told me I should come over." She turned to Ian.

"How?"

"Asked a friend." She smiled.

It was two hours later when everything was decided. Bola would move in with Teresa. Ian was sad to see her go, but at the same time despretely relieved. Teresa hugged Ian and gave him a kiss on the cheek.

"Thank you, thank you, thank you! I have no clue how to repay you!"

"Just make sure Bola doesn't kill anybody."

"Oh, she won't. It isn't in her to kill, is it half pint?"

"Me? Nah." When Teresa turned her back, Bola shook her head to Ian and grabbed her wrist to signify the witchblade. He understood what she meant. "I won't tell if you don't."

"You're right. A peaceful soul." He winked at her. Bola gave him a hug as well.

"Thank you."

"Your welcome. I'd say we were even." She nodded her head.

"Yeah. Well, see ya."

"See ya." He watched them walk down the hall together.

Eli: What next? I'm not sure myself. Let me think about it. Damn, this chap was long! Reviews please! I've been craving them.