Notes: I guess I'm still on a roll with "Marissa". A third chapter so soon! By the way, as the summary says, this is just the beginning of everything. If anyone wants to post this story and any other KR fics on mine, go right ahead. All I ask is that you send me a message with the website's URL. Pretty fair, don't you think?

Oh, lemme give ya all the summary for another story I wrote years ago and will eventually be posting as a fanfic. It's called "Knight of the Children".

During a special outing, the adults in FLAG HQ are taken hostage, leaving only three them and Kitt free (Michael and two others)…and a large number of the staff members' offspring. One of the hostages is Devon Miles. Marissa and the other youngsters are about to send out a very clear message to the terrorists: You don't take on FLAG. The kids don't call themselves the Children of the Foundation for nothing.

Now, to the reviewers:

The raving loony: chuckle Yeah, Kitt did pretty much lie to all of them, and to his mind, he was rather justified. And yeah, Marissa is Devon's niece, and the murder-kidnapping's been a wound that Devon's never been able to heal. No wonder he broke down like that, eh?

Kittkatt: Heh, I'm just getting started. I plan on posting more stories involving this little lady.

Lerrinus: Glad you like the story so far. As to your question about what will be done with KITT and his new ability to lie, that'll get answered in this chapter.

On with the fanfic!

Chapter 7: One Busy Day

About a couple of hours after the unexpected reunion, Devon stood in the doorway between the office and the main compartment, where Kitt usually was. The Englishman had faintly heard footsteps as people leave the room when he hugged the child close to him, sobbing. I'm grateful, Michael, Bonnie…RC, he thought.

Now, he watched as she sat in the driver seat and talked to Kitt.

"…let's go over this again, Marissa. It's just as important to know as the familial structure."

"Okay, I'm ready."

"Just what I expected from you. All right, how do you address or refer to the woman that gave birth to you?"

"Mom…or mother."

"Either one works. Although I have heard smaller children use 'mommy'."

Her nose scrunched as she said, "That sounds too childish!"

"Somehow, I don't see you using that either. How about the husband of your mother?"

"Father," she answered without hesitation.

"Very good! See, I knew you'd catch on quickly enough when you weren't quite so stressed."

"Yeah, now that I'm away from the master."

"You don't have to call him that anymore. He's not your master, and you know it now."

"S-sorry. I guess it's what you called an old habit."

"It's all right. What's the man's name?"

"Mas—Douglas Parkson. Kitt, I already told you that!"

"I want you to get into the habit of using that instead of 'master'. All right?"

In a way, hearing that made Devon angry, but he fought to keep it from the surface as he watched.

"Okay, Kitty."

He could barely keep from laughing at that. Kitty? He had a feeling that if anyone else were to use that name, Kitt would come unglued.

"One other thing. If someone adopts you, you also call him 'father'."

"Adopt? What's that?"

"…in this case, it means to take a child in as his or her own."

"Oh! But Kitty…shouldn't I call you father, then? I mean, you said so last night, I am your child."

"A-absolutely not. It wouldn't feel right. It isn't always the case. Besides, Devon sees Michael as his son, but that state of address is never used."

"That sounds confusing."

"Humans rarely are logical."

"But you are, Kitt? You've changed ever since we first met."

There was a long pause on that, and the observer had to agree.

"Let's continue. How do you address Devon?"

"Huh? D-Devon? Oh…hm." She thought for a moment, then replied, "Uncle Devon?"

"That's right. He is your uncle, so use that from now on."

"Okay!"

"Now, pretend that Bonnie is Devon's sister. What would you call her?"

"Oh, I know that one. Aunt Bonnie!"

"Good!"

"Kitt, is Bonnie related to De—Uncle Devon?"

"No, but he does see her as his daughter."

She giggled and said, "So if they're brother and sister, how come last night he was doing what mas—Parkson called making passes at her?"

The AI certainly sounded flustered at that question. Upon this, Devon couldn't help but laugh out loud and say, "As a television show host said once, children say the most unusual things."

Marissa yelped, startled, which made him smile even more.

"That's 'Kids say the darndest things', Devon, and it was Art Linkletter who stated that."

He shrugged and said, "I stand corrected. Marissa, are you hungry?"

"Uh-huh. Last time I ate was last night, before we got here. Um, can I go get some water from the…dis…dis…"

"Dispenser, Marissa."

"Yeah! Dispenser."

He looked at her with a bemused expression. "How did you know we have one?"

"I showed her a basic blueprint of this semi just before you came in and cornered me, Devon."

"That explains it. Go ahead, Marissa, and have Bonnie show you how to use it."

"Thanks, Uncle Devon!" She waved and scurried past him through the doorway.

After he was sure they were alone, he said firmly, "Kitt, you know I'm not pleased with the fact that you lied to us."

"I didn't have much of a choice at the time, Devon. I was not as informed of her true identity as I have been for the past few days. Besides, the only actual lie I told was of checking up on Michael in Helena. The rest was everyone else assuming something and I let them believe what they wanted."

"Mostly misleading, then," he conceded, "But the fact is that you did lie. I don't know how you gained that ability, and I have a feeling that not even Bonnie could program it out of you."

"Probably not. She's right…I have changed since meeting her."

Devon sighed, frustrated. A long pause ensued, then he continued, "Kitt, I want you to promise me that unless it is under the most dire circumstances or under my orders, you will not lie to or mislead us again. And record that promise."

There was another pause before Kitt spoke. "Recording function activated."

The Englishman nodded, then stated, "Repeat after me: I swear on this day…"

"I swear on this day…"

"That I will not mislead or lie to FLAG staff members again…"

"That I will not mislead or lie to FLAG staff members again…"

"Except under extreme circumstances or by the order of Devon Miles."

"Except under extreme circumstances or by the order of Devon Miles."

The older man nodded in satisfaction, then said, "Deactivate recording mode, then save to permanent archives in the CPU. And Kitt…if you ever break that oath, there will be consequences. Is that clear?"

"As Michael says, Devon: as crystal."

"Good. Now that the matter is taken care of…we are close enough to one of the larger cities. We'll be spending the day there, most likely."

"You probably know this better than I do, but it is her—"

"You're right, I do know it all too well. It's going to be a very busy day."

"Hopefully a fun one, too."

000000000000000

As soon as the semi had arrived in the city (and the little one had a quick bite to eat), Devon, Michael, Bonnie and Marissa all went in Kitt. RC had opted to visit some old friends in the area, although he promised to Devon that he would be at a certain spot come early evening. The first thing on the list was a clothing store. Devon had recommended it, saying that he knew the owner pretty well and would not mind if the reason for the shopping trip had no shoes…yet.

"Aww," Marissa frowned, "But shoes hurt!"

"They don't have to, little one," he replied, "but they are necessary…most of the time. Don't worry, we'll make sure they won't hurt."

As soon as they arrived, the owner, an average-height man with straight, brown hair that was Michael's age looked up from the main counter, saw who had walked in, then smiled.

"Long time no see, Devon," he said as he walked over to the group.

"It's only been about a year, Mark," was the feigned-put-upon reply, but there was a definite twinkle in his eyes.

"So, what can I do for you today?"

"This may sound odd, but we're looking for…children's clothing."

"Oh really?" Mark asked as he raised an eyebrow, and then looked at the entire group. His eyes rested on the little child that stood beside the Englishman. "Devon, you know the rules about shoes."

"What rule is that?" she asked.

Bonnie murmured, " 'No shoes, no shirt, no service.'"

Devon was replying, "Yes, however, she doesn't have a pair. We're out shopping today, and a shoes store is also on the list."

The man peered at the child, then at his old friend before he said, "Wait a minute…this isn't Verona's kid, is it?"

"Yes, it is. She was found recently."

"Ohh, that explains a lot right there. I knew that Verona's murder and the missing child really left wounds, old friend."

Michael did a double take at Devon upon hearing this.

Marissa couldn't keep it in. "You know my mom?"

Mark turned to her and nodded, "Yeah, I do. Your uncle and I were in the war and we were at your mother's wedding. You guys get the bas—the monster that took her?"

"Not yet, but we will, believe me." His tone turned dark as he said this.

"I don't doubt it. Ok, I normally don't do this, but I'll waive that little rule. I'll show you where the children's department is…then we've got to talk, Devon."

"Certainly, old chap."

Bonnie said quietly to Marissa, "Let's go, I'll help you with this…" then led the child off as Mark showed them where the section was.

"I believe I'll see if he has any new attire since I was last here," Devon said quietly.

"Yeah, think I'll look too," Michael answered and followed him, causing the older man to raise an eyebrow in surprise.

As soon as they arrived in the men's wear department, Devon stated quietly, "If you think I believe that you're changing your style in clothes, then I truly am disappointed."

There was a small laugh from Michael, then, "Busted. Yeah, I need to talk to you about Kitt."

The older man's eyes and smile held an "a-ha" look to them before replying, "If you're worried about his new…ability, I've taken care of that already."

"You had programming on hand for this?"

The Englishman shook his head, "I handled it as I would for any human: had him take a specific oath, record it and save onto the CPU."

There was a small chuckle, then Michael said, "That wasn't originally what I was going to tell you about."

"Oh?"

"Yeah. I asked about that ghost hunt, and he finally told the truth about it. The one that folks considered a ghost was Marissa. Only things she ever stole were food and maybe soap once in a while."

"I wouldn't doubt it. She was being starved."

"Yeah. There's something else, too, and I didn't want to say it in front of your niece."

"What happened?"

"Kitt let me have a look at her vital scans, especially when he first met her and one from last night. You remember when she made you promise not to hurt her, inside or out?" That got an impatient nod. "Devon, last night Marissa was raped."

It was very hard to tell at first how the older man took this bit of news. However, a few moments later, the expression on his face cleared into pure fury, like it had when someone had tried to kill Michael with poison years before.

In a tone of rumbling thunderclouds, the older man said, "I'm going to kill him."

"Hey hold on. Devon, killing this jackal isn't going to help Marissa any."

"He harmed my niece!"

"If Kitt's tone is any indication, he's just about out for the man's blood too. We'll get him put away for good, don't worry." Michael sighed as he added, "Opening a FLAG case, though, might be a problem."

"Not so, my boy. There is already a FLAG case on the matter, one that Wilton submitted for me and pushed to keep open."

"When your sister was killed." Even though Marissa had been found, Devon's eyes still held sharp pain, as well as a glimmer. "Just what happened to her?" he asked, not expecting an answer.

"Mutilation," was the tight, pained reply, "I…had to go up to Toronto to identify the body…"

Michael winced, thinking about the times that he had been rather harsh on the man before and after Wilton Knight's death...and felt rather guilty. He clapped a hand on the older man's shoulder, "I'm sorry, Devon. I should have seen it before…in my old life, I'd come across a few folks traumatized by things like that. I should have seen it—"

He shook his head and said quietly, "No, it's not your fault. Not many that knew were still alive by the time you came to us." He then surprised Michael by turning and taking him into a rather firm embrace.

"…Devon?"

"I know I haven't said it before to you…not actually," the older man said quietly, "But Michael…I…I love you as a son. You're very important to not only FLAG, but to me personally."

He could tell that the admission surprised Michael, who quietly hugged him back.

After letting go, Devon said quietly, "It's taken the events of this month…for me to realize some things…including what I've taken for granted."

There was a mere nod from Michael before the younger man said, "We will take him down, I promise you."

"Thank you."

What I heard while observing Marissa and Kitt was a shock, he thought to himself, then when I asked her what he meant…that was a true wake-up call, moreso than when Michael was walking out of the Foundation and my life years back. He would wait on telling the young man and Bonnie this until later. This was a day of realizing and cherishing close ties as much as it was a special day for Marissa and Devon himself.

"Penny for your thoughts?" Michael asked quietly.

"Oh…just thinking again about the things we take for granted," he replied quietly, thinking, I may as well tell him now…after all this does involve his partner. "This morning," he continued softly, "While I was observing Marissa with Kitt, I found something rather…alarming, something that was a true wake-up call." He sighed, "Afterwards, I asked her just what was meant by it…Michael, we came this close," he held up a thumb and forefinger that did barely touch, "to losing Kitt for good. What had happened to her last night was the last straw for him, and if she hadn't talked him out of it, he would have gone into hiding with her…and we would have never seen either one again."

Michael looked angry at first, then paled as the older man continued, "It's…she even quoted something he had said to her about FLAG: 'You need me far more than they do.'"

"Damn," he whispered, "I remember back then, too, when I had decided to leave for good, said that I knew I was not needed and was the wrong man…and you ran after me. The same thing's happening, and this time, we're all guilty of doing that to Kitt."

There was a small nod before he heard Bonnie call out, "Devon, Michael…come on over here and have a look at this!"

000000000000000

When the group left the clothing store, Marissa looked different. Instead of the torn and ratty brown dress, she now wore a leaf-green dress with a white collar and cuffs, as well as puffed sleeves. Mark had surprised them all by throwing in a pair of black shoes that were just the right size, and for free! At the next stop, Devon and Bonnie only had gone in, looking for child's size socks, leaving Michael and Marissa with Kitt.

"Michael," the AI asked a bit hesitantly, "Did something happen in the clothing store? You haven't said a word to me since then."

He sighed quietly then cleared a frog in his throat and tried to find a way to explain what he had learned and what he thought of it…and for once, found himself unable to. How do you explain to a program that you did the exact same thing that you accused it—no, him—of doing years before…?

He settled for saying the only thing he could, "Kitt…I'm really sorry."

"For what?"

"For…things. I know Marissa needs you…without you, she would probably still be going through hell, maybe try to take her own life…but Kitt, FLAG needs you too."

"Michael, watch your language around Marissa! Really…! I don't think—"

"I need you too, partner. I'm speaking for myself, but I see that I've been taking you for granted…and I'm sorry."

Kitt was speechless at this for a long time, and then when he did speak, it was quiet and surprised at the same time. "Michael, I…I don't know what to say."

He smiled and chuckled, then said, "I don't think you need to, buddy."

A short time later, Devon and Bonnie came out again, and as soon as they had gotten inside the car, the older woman handed a package (already opened to make it easier), then asked, "Do you know how to put those on, Marissa?"

"Yeah, I do. Mas—Parkson always had me get those and shoes, among other stuff," she replied and carefully removed the shoes long enough to put the socks on her feet. "They feel weird."

"Yeah, but you'll get used to them after a while," she replied and smiled at the child.

"What's next on the list, Devon?" Kitt asked.

"A good hairdresser," was the frank reply.

"I know just the one," Kitt said, and there was definite excitement in his tone, "If you don't mind, I'll do the driving on this one."

"Go right ahead," Michael told him, and Devon agreed.

With that, Kitt immediately went into autopilot.

A couple of minutes into the auto-drive, Marissa had been about to ask something when a rather loud growl filled the cabin.

"I see someone's hungry already," Kitt said with amusement.

"After this, we'll all go out for lunch. That sound okay to you, Devon?"

"But of course, my boy."

"What's a hairdresser?" the young girl asked.

"It's a place where people go to get their hair either trimmed or cut. In your case, cut."

"Cut…? How come?"

"Well, as it is, it won't grow too well. When it does get cut, I have a feeling that it'll grow back to its current length in no time, as Michael tends to say."

"Hmm…" She looked at everyone, then straight at Bonnie. She studied the older woman before asking, "Can I get mine like hers?"

"I think that would be up to Devon, little one."

"And I say that we'll see what the hairdresser has to say about it. If she thinks it would be good on you, then I don't have a problem with it," the older man put in.

"If it's okay, Devon, I'd like to go out and pick up some toiletries," Bonnie said quietly. It was a little obvious whom they were meant for.

"Certainly," was the answer.

000000000000000

It was a couple of hours later when the group left the hairdresser that Kitt had recommended. As it turned out, it was one that Michael had been to a couple of times (which caused Devon to shake his head and roll his eyes a little when he wasn't looking) and knew pretty well.

After snipping off the jagged parts off, Marissa's hair was slightly past shoulder-length, instead of going down to her upper leg. The child had pouted a bit, but had settled down soon after the cutting had been completed. It was then washed with a type of liquid that she said smelled funny and was runny (which got a laugh out of Michael and a chuckle out of Devon), dried with a hair dryer (Marissa had wriggled a little bit at first, saying that it tickled), then styled (which hurt a little, but she didn't say a word about it, merely held still).

"It looks like the hairdresser agreed with you, Marissa," Kitt remarked as they came out. He had just returned with Bonnie from her little bit of shopping, "You look rather pretty. Not that you weren't before, of course, but—"

She simply laughed and said, "Thanks, Kitt…but wow, I really look different than I did this morning!"

"I'll say," Bonnie said with a grin, seeing that the little girl's hairstyle was identical to her own, "You look gorgeous! Out to break some boys' hearts, huh?"

Marissa looked very confused at that while the men shook their heads.

"I'll explain someday when you're older," the woman added.

"Ok, Bonnie."

000000000000000

It was shortly before sunset when the group arrived at a casual restaurant that was a part of the local park. The place was agreed upon by the adults (although it wasn't Devon's first choice, he knew that his little niece's stomach wasn't quite ready yet for things like escargot…he didn't even know what kinds of food she would like) and had a rather nice view from the slightly-raised patio.

RC met the group at one of the tables, quietly gesturing to a spot where Kitt would easily be able to stay close to them, something that the AI appreciated greatly.

Michael ordered steak with potatoes (and was surprised when Devon did the same) while RC ordered a double cheeseburger with all the fixings.

"You and I are gonna get along just fine, little dudette," he had remarked when she made her order (the same as RC's, but with fries and a soda), "You definitely know good food when you see it."

She simply chuckled and shrugged.

The Englishman spoke rather quietly to the waitress, who simply nodded and whispered back for a moment before heading back to get the orders filled.

As soon as the food arrived, Devon took a spoon and clinked lightly against his water glass. Everyone turned towards him (and Marissa looked confused).

The older man said to them all, "As all of you know by now, my sister had been killed and Marissa kidnapped when she was only two years old. Back then, she was my favorite niece, just as she is now. For quite a time in the years, I wondered if I would ever see you again in this life, little one."

The child looked a little abashed as well as sympathetic.

"This past month has been a time of great change for all of us, but most especially for Kitt, myself and Marissa." He looked directly at first the car, then her and continued, "I am truly more grateful than I can express, Kitt, that you found, protected and brought her here." When his gaze fell on her, he added in a softer tone, "And I'm as grateful that you are alive and mostly in one piece…"

She gave what she hoped was a comforting smile at her uncle.

"Michael, I know that at first we didn't get off to much of a good start…and I haven't forgotten what almost happened a few months after you got started with FLAG. As I told you earlier today, you are very dear to me, as is Bonnie."

He nodded quietly, "Likewise on all points, Devon."

The older man smiled affectionately at the man he saw as his son before he addressed the AI, "Kitt…you truly are one of a kind. This morning, I realized just how close we came to losing you forever. Not only does FLAG and Marissa need you …but so does Michael, in his life…and so do I in my own," he admitted quietly, "and if we've ever made you feel like that is not the case, I am truly sorry."

"Life's plain dull and boring otherwise, buddy," Michael added, to which everyone agreed.

"Michael, Devon…I…again, I truly don't know what to say. That's twice in the same day that you catch me speechless. Just when I think that perhaps I have outworn my use…I guess the only thing I can say is…thank you." Kitt's voice was quiet, and they could tell by tone that he was certainly touched by the sentiments expressed.

"Everyone, without us knowing it, today might have ended very differently. It's only fitting that this day be not only your special day, my dear, the first day of a new life for you…and a new start in life for all of us, all at the same time," he concluded before looking directly at the child. After a quiet moment, he added with a warm smile, "Happy birthday, Marissa."

"H-How'd you know…? Thank you, Uncle Devon," she replied, came over to him and gave him a big hug, which he returned, smile still on his face.

"Happy Birthday, Rissie," Kitt said quietly and warmly.

"Rissie?" Devon asked, curious.

"That's my affectionate nickname for her, Devon."

"I wouldn't mind it from you though, uncle," she added, "This is going to be one birthday I don't think I'm ever gonna forget. I'm nine years old now."

As the sun began to set, the lights around the patio began to come on, and a familiar song began to play, coming from Kitt.

"Pachabel's Canon in D?"

"Uh-huh! We both like it."

"Did he introduce it to you…Rissie?" he asked, trying out the nickname in his mouth at the same time.

"He sure did, first day he found me."

"You both have very good taste in music, I see," he answered with a quiet smile.

The food arrived just in time for the sun to finish setting and the first stars to come out. Devon's right, Michael thought, this day almost became disaster…and now, it's a new start for everyone.