AN: W00T! Another chapter down, one more closer to the end ;) I'm excited! I want to write the sequel so badly muahaha..

Anyway, those who were asking about Emily, never fear Kerrie-chan is here! ;) haha I'm so lame..

a-Leng: I'm sorry you feel that way O.o but in all honesty I don't see what you mean… Jade and Brooklyn have been an 'item' for years in this fic.. and Jade and Tala have been spending every day for like two months together.. where Tala has been pulling his 'moves' on her… :s Maybe we just see Tala differently because honestly I think he could have a girl if he so chose..

Ayuka-chan: I went home for three and a half weeks ' That among other things.. working and stuff.. I got really busy sorry!

g--b-S-t-E-r07: O.o I don't know why you're always confused :s I'm sorry if it's my writing style…either way you were meant to be slightly confused at the last chapter ;) it's explained here..

Wild-Roze: Crude… I forgot to explain that XD lol sorry.. Eventually it will be explained why Black Dranzer is not a baby like Wolborg and them… and why Karuga isn't either ;) Let's just say it has to do with their specialness XD

Alrighty! This chapter goes out to my wonderful pre-readers Shannon and Rynnie and most especially to Zuza-chan cause her Benji is TEH cute! ;)

xxxxxxx

Deep into a dying day

I took a step outside an innocent heart

Prepare to hate me fall when I may

This night will hurt you like never before

Greatest thrill

Not to kill

But to have the prize of the night

Hypocrite

Wannabe friend

13th disciple who betrayed me for nothing

-'Wish I had an Angel' -Nighwish

xxxxx

Emily shivered, bringing her arms up and wrapping them around her knees. It was dark, and she was cold. Why was she here? Where was here? What was going on?

She was huddled in the darkest corner of a nicely furnished room decorated in greens and beiges. It was small, but big enough to hold a king size bed, a couple of dressers and a desk. There was also a bathroom situated off to one side, across from the bed. It didn't look very lived in, and she hadn't had the courage to look through the dressers or the desks.

The cold seeped into her bones, not just from the frigid air that surrounded her, but also from the horrible sense of loss and loneliness that had settled in her chest. Where were her friends? Why was she alone?

Tears welled in her eyes, and leaked down her cheeks for the thousandth time in her long hours alone in the desolate room. No one knew, but she was terrified of being alone. She hated change, and hated the feeling helplessness that often accompanied it. Being alone meant being helpless, especially in situations like the one she was in at the moment.

She imagined she had been given to some soldier, some man as a war prize. He would probably rape her, use her until he was finished with her then pass her along, perpetuating a long process of pain and humiliation. She wanted to die.

Her sobs increased, her entire body shaking. What had she ever done to deserve this? Why hadn't she listened to her mother and just gone into an ivy-league prep-school? No, she had to go into beyblading, had to try and stop the evil that had taken over the world.

Silly her.

She wished she could go back, knowing what she knew now and change things. Change what her fate would be. She loved her friends, and loved her cause, but she didn't want to be a part of it. She didn't want the pain that they dealt with on a daily basis, the pain of losing ones you loved, of losing yourself.

"God damn it, I told them to take care of you. And look at you, your freezing to death."

Emily screamed, alarmed by the sudden voice. She began to shake worse than before, burrowing her face in her knees. She hadn't heard him come in.

The owner of the male voice seemed to disappear for a moment, his foot steps retreating from what Emily could hear. She didn't dare look up, far too afraid of what she might find.

When the footsteps returned, and approached her, she whimpered, trying to curl herself into a tighter ball. If she ignored him, maybe he would go away.

Suddenly a heavy blanket was draped over her shoulders, and wrapped around her arms and knees. It was so large it engulfed her, bringing a very pleasant weight and slow encroaching warmth to her numb limbs.

The male apparently lowered himself beside her, if the shuffled and small sighs were any indication. Still, she did not look up. Looking up meant facing whatever it is life had thrown at her this time.

He fidgeted, a nervous aura surrounding him that even Emily in her distraught state could pick up on. Why would he be nervous? She thought, clenching her hands tighter on her legs.

"It's funny; I always thought you were too smart and stubborn to cry. I guess you proved me wrong."

Emily stiffened, finally recognizing the voice of the male beside her. What was he doing here? Slowly she raised her head, her swollen, blood-shot violet eyes meeting the cynical, yet rather soft crimson eyes of the shortest of the Demoliton Boys. "What are you doing here?" She rasped between hiccups.

Ian quirked an eyebrow, his lips twitching. "This is my bedroom… why wouldn't I be here?" He quipped back, shifting.

He was sitting beside her, his legs stretched out in front of him, leaning back on his hands. Emily gasped, her face flooding red. "You-your bedroom?!" she squeaked, finally releasing the death hold she had on her legs and pulling the quilt tighter around herself.

The navy haired teen grinned easily. "Yeah. But what I can't understand is why you are curled up in the corner rather than laying on the bed, or sitting in a chair. This floor has to be almost freezing—too damn cold to be sitting on it."

Emily scowled instantly, reaching up to dab at her eyes under her glasses with her sleeves. "I didn't know where I was! I'm not going to just jump into someone's bed—some man'sbed and make myself comfortable!" She snapped, glaring at him. "And for the record, now that I know it's your bed, I'm not going anywhere near it!"

His grin grew, his crimson eyes flashing. "There is it, that spunky know-it-all that I've heard and seen so much of. I thought maybe you were all show, that you were really a weak little doll. I wouldn't know what to do with you then."

She sniffed, turning away. "What do you know; you don't know me at all."

"No, I guess I don't. Data is only so useful," he smirked at her, especially when her eyes filled with indignation. "So then," he said, bringing his legs up, and sitting up straighter so that he could better look her in the eye, "Why don't you inform me."

"Why?" Was her automatic, guarded reply. She didn't trust him. Why would she tell anyone she didn't trust anything about her? Especially when he could use it against her later.

Ian blinked. "Why not? If you are going to stay here—which you will be—then I'd like to know something about you so that I can better meet your needs. I don't think you want to be sitting around here bored every damn day, and I sure as hell can't let you out, especially after what just happened."

Emily's scowl softened slightly, settling into a deep frown. It was almost as if he was…trying to be nice to her. "What just happened?" She asked, wondering if it had anything to do with the loud, obnoxious sirens that had been sounding not two hours before hand.

It was Ian's turn to scowl, only it wasn't out of anger, like Emily's, it was out of annoyance. "Your little friends escaped. The two girls and the brat. Someone helped them get away. Tala is fucking pissed."

She felt like she had been punched in the stomach. They had been rescued…but no one had come for her! They had left her behind…alone… to deal with the enemy. How could they? How could they leave her behind? How could they forget about her as if she were nothing more than sideway trash? Why did Max not come and storm the Abbey demanding her freedom? Why? Why?!

The tears came again, this time of subconsciously, and more out of anger and hurt than fear. She had been betrayed by the very friends she had been trying to protect.

"Hey…I thought we were past this," Ian grumbled uncomfortably. He wasn't very good with crying girls. Hell, he wasn't even very good with girls! He didn't know what to do, especially now that she was down-right sobbing again. Bloody hell.

"They left me…" Emily whispered, hanging her head and squeezing her eyes shut. "They forgot me and left me behind."

Ian grimaced as she let out a particularly loud wail. His fingers twitched and his heart screamed at him to do something. There was just something wrong with a girl shuddering with tears. Something wrong about the normally bright and intelligent girl being rendered intelligible by blubbering sobs.

Shifting a bit, he brought himself closer to her, his arms hesitantly snaking out to wrap around her shuddering shoulders. He had no idea what he was doing, but was going on pure instinct. Something inside him, some primitive male voice inside of his head was telling him to hold her, that women needed to be sheltered and cuddled when they were upset and distraught, that she needed to be sheltered and cuddled. So that was what he did. He pulled her unresisting form into his lap and cradled her against his chest.

She continued to cry, becoming incoherent and latching onto the front of his t-shirt. He let her cry in silence, unsure of what to say, and unwilling to say something stupid. That would be just what he needed: to make her worse by saying something snarky and snide. Contrary to what most people thought, he had a brain and could restrain himself from shooting off his mouth when it wasn't a good idea to do so.

Finally, after listening to her sob for a good ten minutes, Ian tentatively chose words. Words that he hoped would not upset her, but at the same time might bring her around to his way of thinking, to his side. It would be so much easier if she was on his side.

"They did leave you," he said slowly, cautiously. "They forgot. But it doesn't have to be a bad thing…Emily. I can take care of you… since you are mine now. I can make sure you won't be hurt ever again…not hurt, or scared or betrayed. I won't betray you."

Emily stilled, her breathing evening out, her sobs abating. It was then she realized her position, and just how close they were. She was sitting in his lap, clutching his shirt—a shirt that she had gotten soaked with her tears. Yet she didn't flee, she just sat frozen in her new 'owner's' arms.

"Wh-why?" She whispered into his chest, "Why would you want to? And how can I trust you after all you've done?"

Ian was surprised. He had expected her to jerk away, to protest loudly that she wasn't hurt, that she wasn't scared. To fight him to the end. But she didn't, she merely stayed where she was and spoke quietly, as if afraid of the answer.

He cursed himself for not being as adept with words as Tala was, or as forceful as Bryan. "I-" he frowned, "Tell me, what have I ever done to you? I've never harmed you, betrayed you. I've tried to keep you comfortable, fed, and I haven't tried to force myself on you. How else can I to earn your trust?"

"You have taken over the world, killed people, hurt my friends. You are the enemy."

"Your friends? The same friends that left you alone in here?" Ian snorted, praying he was doing a good enough job at trying to 'convince' her. "I may be their enemy, but I'm not yours. You're an uncannily smart girl Emily," he looked down at the top of her head, "You know that this war is just over differing ideologies. Have you ever thought that maybe our way isn't so bad? Besides the war with your little 'friends' has there been any war since Tala took over? Any discontent? I'm sure you've noticed that the support for the Angels diminishes with every month that passes. And why would that be? Maybe other people have realized what Hiwatari and the other Angels haven't: That the world is happy with one ruler."

"It's not true…"

"Isn't it?" He replied, not harshly, but quietly, in an uncharacteristic manner. "No more civilians have died. Tala is setting up education and welfare programs all over the world, he's eliminating internal conflict. He is doing this world good."

"Dictatorship is wrong."

Ian sighed, wanting to roll his eyes skywards. "Some of the best and most prosperous civilizations in the world were essentially dictatorships. Catherine the Great, Alexander the Great, Constantine…the list goes on. These people brought the world together, and Tala can too."

Emily was silent for a very long time after Ian's pronouncement. She mulled over a great many things.

Her friends had betrayed her, left her behind with their enemy. They would not be coming for her now, not even Max. They would accept her as a casualty of war.

And what of what the Demolition Boy said? Was he right? His logic was sound enough, and he was correct on very many accounts. Maybe she was fighting a hopeless, and ridiculous cause. Maybe the Angels were wrong. She had always assumed that they were doing the right thing, that the world needed to be saved from Tala and the Demolition Boys. But maybe it didn't. Maybe… maybe she would be happier on their side.

After all, the Angels had just ditched her anyway.

Ian was beginning to wonder if she had fallen asleep, she had been silent for so long. And although it felt…nice… having her in his arms, his back was starting to ache from supporting them both. God, what the hell is she thinking about?

"I like computers…and books…"

Ian blinked, glancing down at her to find her staring back up at him with shy but resigned eyes. "What?" He asked in confusion, his eyebrows furrowing.

She coughed a little, pulling away so that she sat on the floor in front of him. "I like computers and books…would it be possible to get a computer in here?"

His face slowly transformed from a confused expression to a triumphant one. Yes! He had won her over…slightly. He could see the mistrust of the situation in her eyes, but it was a start. She had accepted her fate, and was going to make the best of it. All to his advantage of course.

"If that's what you want," he said, hauling himself to his feet and stretching his back. "I will get one for you, and books as well, and anything else you want to occupy your time. I'd let you leave, but until the Angel situation has been dealt with I can't trust you out on your own."

Emily looked up at him, no hatred, only hurt reflecting in her deep purple eyes. "I understand," she said, dragging herself to her feet, wincing at some of the knots that had built up from hours of sitting on the hard, cold floor. "Thank you."

Ian shrugged, inwardly pleased with her. Perhaps he would enjoy having her around, and actually be happy that Tala had chosen to put her in his custody. Despite what Tala might have thought, Ian thought she was cute, and he valued her intelligence, far more than her looks. If he was going to have someone around all the time, he wanted someone that could converse with himself on the same level, and he knew that on a good day the American girl could dish out some pretty witty comebacks.

"Yeah," he said, smirking at her, turning on his heel and walking towards the bed. "I gotta meet Tala and Bryan for dinner; I could have something sent up to you." He stopped, looking over his shoulder, "Unless of course you want to come with me. I'm sure Tala wouldn't mind as long as I was with you."

It was a test of trust, they both knew it. Emily wasn't sure how to react, but found herself accepting anyway. She couldn't trust him unless he trusted her first.

"I'll come," she said, stepping forward. "I don't have anything to wear though." She glanced down at the dirty pair of jeans and the ratty t-shirt she was in. She didn't think that it was proper attire to be eating with the supreme ruler of the world in.

"Tala had some things sent over I think," Ian replied, nodding and heading over to one of the dressers. "You're not adverse to skirts I hope?"

She shook her head, stepping forward as well, until she came to a stop behind him, keeping her distance. He rooted through the first drawer, pulling out a forest green pleated skirt and a beige sweater. Ian scowled slightly, muttering.

"I think they want us to dress alike."

Emily couldn't help but giggle, taking the clothes from him. When he motioned to the second drawer and stepped away, she tread forwards and found a drawer of undergarments.

"I'll have a tailor come tomorrow and you can choose what clothing you like," he said, moving across the room to the other dresser.

She hugged the clothing to her chest and turned to face him, well his back, as he was facing the other dresser and shifting through it, making a royal mess while doing so. Once again she couldn't help but giggle slightly. His room was probably messy all the time normally and had been cleaned recently.

She sobered. "Why are you doing this? Why not just make me a slave or something?"

Ian craned his neck around to look at her, his eyebrow raised. "Would you rather be a slave?"

She shook her head adamantly. "No, I'm just curious is all. The Demolition Boys aren't exactly known as… 'hospitable' in our circle."

He snorted, turning back to his dresser. "I don't want a slave. I'm not like Tala and Bryan who have no qualms about forcing unwilling women to do what they want. I…I would rather have someone with me of their own will."

"I'm not here of my own will."

At this Ian laughed, finally turning around to face her, his arm full of a new set of clothing. "No, you're not. But circumstances have dictated that you be here, and so I'd rather get along with you than force you to do stupid things. I'm not going to rape you, if that's what you're thinking." He grunted at the very idea. "I'd rather be your…friend."

Emily couldn't help but be shocked at his words. It seemed so very…not Demolition Boy-like. Weren't they the ones that ran around spouting nonsense about not needing anyone, about not wanting friends?

As if seeing her thoughts on her face Ian snorted again. "I told you, I'm not like Tala or Bryan. I'm not genetically enhanced or programmed. I came to the Abbey later than they did…I still have memories of friends and family. And unlike Tala and Bryan I want that again. I totally support Tala, and respect him more than I can say, and am his friend, but it's different. Tala and Bryan want children for heirs and prestige reasons. I want them for a family. I am under no dissolution that any child of mine will ever head Biovolt and rule the world. Nor would I want them too."

Once again, she couldn't help but be completely surprised. The shortest of the quartet that ran the world was a lot deeper than she had ever thought he was. He was a lot different than she thought him. Perhaps he had a different face he showed to those he was close to. Maybe he was trying to be close to her. Maybe he really did want to be her friend.

She smiled secretly, turning on her heel and heading for the bathroom. "I'd like to be your friend," she said quietly. "But I'll tell you now, I'm not sleeping in your bed."

Ian's laughter reached her ears even though the heavy bathroom door.

xx

"Well Kingston? You'd best get started before I lose my temper." Kai growled, hovering over Liika.

Brooklyn for the most part ignored Kai and growled demands, continuing to fuss over the brunette woman with the red bangs, as well as the child in her arms. A child that so obviously was sired by him. He urged the woman forward towards the tank, where the fluid inside had been drained leaving a golden stone behind on the bottom of the tank. Opening a small hatch door in the glass, the woman reached in and picked up the stone.

"Hiwatari, I told you things would be explained in time," Brooklyn said finally, turning to face Liika and Kai. "But right now, it is of utmost importance for Liika to remove the amulet from the tank and secure it around Nadya's neck."

Kai glowered, stepping in between the child and Brooklyn. "That thing isn't coming anywhere near her until you tell me what it is, and what it has to do with her."

Brooklyn's normally serene expression twitched, his eyes narrowing fractionally at Kai. "You would do well not to stand in the way of Black Dranzer again Hiwatari. I believe you've made that mistake once before. That amulet is Black Dranzer's resting place, however, she is always ready to appear to defend her mistress if necessary."

He was threatening him. Kai could see it clear as day, but he didn't doubt what the older male said. He had had dealings with Black Dranzer, and knew her well. It frightened him that she would now be tied to his infant daughter, which is what Kingston was saying.

Kai remembered all too well the glimpses of the three live bit beasts he had caught at the masquerade only days before.

Liika was frowning, obviously turning something over in her mind. Silently she stepped around Kai, and approached the tube, reaching for the hatch opening in the front. Opening it, she reached inside and picked up the small, glowing black stone, not at all surprised at the warmth of it.

"Here, use this," the woman behind Brooklyn said, handing a small silver chain to Liika. "It will automatically bind to the stone…it did with Karuga."

Liika took the chain and held it to the black amulet, and sure enough, the small silver chain melted right into the black stone, so that the stone now hung securely off the chain.

"Is that what he is called then? Karuga?" Brooklyn's voice sounded, as excited as Liika had ever heard him.

The woman nodded, toying with the chain around her son's neck. "Yes, he spoke to me after that flash of light… before he disappeared and the amulet appeared. He said his name was Karuga and that until Benji is old enough, he would answer to me, as I would to him."

"Who are you?" Kai demanded, fed up with being ignored. He hated being confused, and he was royally fucking confused. He wanted to know why Black Dranzer was bound to Nadya, why the great black phoenix was even there let alone living. None of it made any sense…Black Dranzer should have been in her bit in Kai's personal things…how could she have gotten away? He checked her every day.

The green eyed women made a face at him, indicating that she didn't like his tone. "My name is Rhia Kotowska," she said snidely.

"She's my fiancé and the mother of my son. Respect her Hiwatari." Brooklyn cut in, his tone hard and warning.

"Kai," Liika murmured, stepping back over to him, amulet in hand. "Will you fasten this to her neck for me please?" She asked, holding out the chain.

Kai nodded, scowling. However as his fingers touched the chain, a blazing black spark shot out and Kai gasped, jerking his hand back and cradling it, and the burn that now pained his skin.

"What the fuck?!"

He is male! He is unworthy! A voice screeched in Liika's head, causing her to wince. No male may ever serve me! He mustn't touch what is sacred!

Brooklyn's eyes narrowed, and with one hand he motioned a medic forward to look at the blue haired resistance leader's hand. "It appears that not just anyone can touch it." He said dryly, his lips twitching.

"He isn't worthy," Liika whispered, drawing everyone's attention to her. Nadya was silent, her eyes wide and curious, as if she was listening to something inside her own head.

Kai hissed as the doctor spread something over the burn on his hand. If he was mad before, he was seething now. His daughter was now possessed by something that had it in for him! Wonderful! "What are you talking about Liika?"

"She spoke to you didn't she?" Brooklyn interrupted before Liika could say anything, and excited glint in his eyes. "What did she say?"

Liika took a deep breath, trying to settle the nerves that were dancing in her chest and in her head. "Rhia…?" She asked, looking at the other woman. "Do you think you could hold Nadya while I put it on her? Black Dranzer…she…"

Rhia nodded, smiling. "I understand," she said. And she did. Brooklyn had told her all about Black Dranzer's policy on men.

She handed her son off to his father and took the little girl, who was still motionless and unresponsive. Liika quickly slipped the silver chain around her daughter's neck and then took her back, smiling in thanks at the slightly older girl.

"Yes, Liika, what did that evil thing have to say?" Kai spoke up, finally pushing the medic away.

Liika rolled her eyes, shifting Nadya on her hip. "You'll only antagonize her further Kai. Don't speak to her or of her and it won't matter. You getting burned had nothing to do with you being you. Males are simply not allowed to serve her."

"Serve?" Brooklyn echoed, interested. "Don't you mean she won't serve men?"

The blue haired girl gave Brooklyn a funny look. "No. Black Dranzer serves no one. Nadie is not her mistress, Nadie is her child. Or so she said to me anyway."

"What were her exact words?"

"Well," Liika started, thinking back. "When she first spoke—the same time I imagine the other beast spoke to Rhia—she said, "You hold the heart of the unworthy one, and are chosen of my Gemini child Akala. You are worthy for now. I shall entrust my infant child to you. I shall watch over you both." And then she disappeared in the flash of light. And when Kai tried to touch the chain she screeched at me. "He is male! He is unworthy! No male may ever serve me! He mustn't touch what is sacred!" she said."

"Interesting," Brooklyn murmured, wandering away across the room so that he could write something down. "People serve her…Women anyway. And this Gemini child…this is your bit beast? Akala?"

Liika nodded. "Yes, though I don't know what she meant by Gemini child."

Brooklyn made a small humming sound and scribbled something down on the clipboard he had picked up. "Gemini implies two, twins. Perhaps your bit beast is actually a twin."

"A twin?" Liika echoed, frowning in confusion. "But wouldn't I know if Akala was a twin? I mean she's been in my family for generations!"

"Perhaps," Brooklyn murmured, "Or perhaps not. Maybe there's a hidden trait or secret to your bit beast. Something that could be of immense help."

"This is all great and fine and shit, but answer me Kingston. How did you get Black Dranzer in the first place? The bit has never left me." Kai cut in, his scowl getting blacker by the second. "And why the fuck would you do something as stupid as give her a body?"

Brooklyn was unfazed by Kai's demands, he merely continued to write on the clipboard for a few more moments before finally putting it down and facing Kai. "If you think about it Hiwatari, the reasons for giving Black Dranzer a body are clear. She is the most powerful bit beast of them all, you know this. Having her bound to someone on our side is crucial to defeating Biovolt."

"But why Nadya?" Kai shot back, reaching out and pulling Liika and Nadya towards him in a possessive gesture. "Why not someone else?"

"Nadya is an infant," Brooklyn replied simply, "It makes sense if you think about it. It is clear that Black Dranzer will bond only to a female—I knew this already—and the only available female is Nadya. All the other older girls are already bound to a bit beast."

"But why would you give such a powerful weapon to us? Nadya's life and will are as good as mine while she's at this age. You practically gave me Black Dranzer. Why? I'm sure you could have found some girl you could control to give her to." Liika spoke up, clearly as confused as Kai.

Brooklyn sighed, motioning to Rhia to give the fidgeting Benji to him. He then set the baby down on the floor at his feet. "Why don't you set her down with Benji to play. No harm will come to them while we have our conversation."

Liika nodded, stepping forward, out of Kai's embrace and setting Nadya on the floor beside the other toddler. Almost instantly both their amulet stones began to glow and a light shot out of them connecting in the middle of the small space between the two babies, red-black mixing with gold.

Karuga of Ra lays claim to this one. An excellent choice. Benjamin Kingston.

Liika blinked, freezing as the familiar voice echoed through her head. Looking up she met the leaf-colored eyes of Rhia. And understanding shot through them.

One day, child, the fate of the world will lie on these little one's shoulders. Protect them well. They are the Liberi Fatali. It all ends with them.

The blue haired young woman gasped out loud. This voice wasn't Black Dranzer's! It was far more calming, soothing, and secure. It made Liika feel safe…and it felt familiar.

Fear not child of my heart, all will become clear in time. For now you must know that the power of my mother, the mother of all, allows me to speak to you. In time, you will come to know me and my secrets.

And then it was if the presence that had settled over her was gone. The voice was silent.

"Liika?!" Kai's voice shook her back to present and she found him standing in front of her, his hands firmly planted on her shoulders. "Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," she stated, brushing him off. "It was nothing."

Kai whirled on Brooklyn, out right seething. "You. I've had enough with your tricks and your lies. Tell me what the fuck is going on, and what the hell that was!"

"If my guess is correct, Black Dranzer and Karuga—the bit beast that bonded with my son—came to an understanding. As for what is wrong with Liika, I haven't a clue." Brooklyn answered, shrugging.

"I already told you what was going on. We created Black Dranzer to help us. We did not need her bit chip, her spirit was called." Brooklyn continued.

"Black Dranzer called Karuga, Karuga of Ra…what was she talking about?" Liika interrupted, sharing a look with Rhia. "What does that mean."

Brooklyn smiled, glancing down at his son, who now played peacefully with the little lavender haired girl beside him. Ra the Egyptian sun god had two forms, human and animal. His human form had a hawk head, however, his animal form was one of a cat. A demon cat. Karuga is Ra."

"Which is why Black Dranzer approved him." Rhia spoke for the first time in a while.

"Exactly," Brooklyn replied, sending his fiancé an approving and knowing look.

Kai sighed, suddenly very tired, even though he had only woken up about an hour before. If he didn't trust Brooklyn Kingston before, he sure as hell didn't trust him anymore now. He found the whole thing fishy. Something wasn't right with the man just giving them the most powerful bit beast in the world.

"I've had enough," Kai stated tiredly. "Come on Liika."

Liika nodded, bending over to pick up her daughter. "Alright, I'm tired too." As if on cue Nadya yawned, and began to whine, rubbing at her eyes with her fist.

Benji's eyes teared up, and he screamed, toddling to his feet and tugging on Liika's jeans. "Nadi!" He yelled reaching up with on hand to Nadya.

Nayda looked down, reaching out her hand as well. "Ba! Beji!" She cooed sleepily.

Rhia was there in a flash, scooping the crying toddler up into her arms and comforting him. Liika looked confused, as did Kai.

"How does he know her name?" Kai asked, looking wary.

"Karuga told him," Rhia answered, shifting the boy in her arms.

"It makes sense." Liika said.

Brooklyn stepped over and laid one hand on Rhia's shoulder protectively. "You two should get some rest. Your plane to Ireland leaves early."

"Should I even bother to ask why we're going to Ireland?" Kai asked, shooting Brooklyn an untrusting look.

The orange haired young man smiled benignly. "Safety Hiwatari. I'm sending you all—Rhia included—to Ireland until it is time for the final show down. It will be soon.

"You'll be staying with a priest and his wife, they live in a small house outside a church. You'll be safe there."

"Fine," Kai said. "We'll see you tomorrow."

"Goodnight."

xxx

"Well, well, well, what do we have here?"

Emily shifted nervously, trying desperately to ignore the curious eyes that were fixed on her as she entered the dining hall behind her new… 'master'. She refused to call him that.

She didn't hide that being in a room full of men—and woman, there was one woman at the table—that were supposed to be her enemies frightened her. However, she had been left behind by her so called allies, what else could she do besides try and make the best of it? Try and fit in…try and befriend them. Her life couldn't get any worse.

"Leave her alone Tala," Ian snapped, pulling out a chair and motioning for Emily to sit down. It was two chairs down from the head of the table where Tala sat, and across from Bryan, who was watching her with bitter, angry eyes.

Tala's eyebrows lifted. "I merely asked what was going on, no need to become so defensive. The little mouse if more than welcome at my table—if she can behave herself." His eyes flashed meaning, willing Emily to look up at him.

Emily took the seat, silently thankful that Ian sat between her and the blood haired dictator. She had not had many dealings with Tala Valkov, and part of her was thankful. His presence was threatening and he practically oozed intelligence and cunning. He'd destroy you before you even thought of moving the wrong way.

Cautiously Emily lifted her eyes from the dark table top to meet those of the aqua-eyed leader. There was no trace of malice in the turquoise depths, only curiosity and mild amusement. Apparently he found it funny that Ian was sticking up for her.

"I'll behave," she murmured, looking away. "They left me behind anyway."

Tala's lips twitched, his eyes sparkling with the new information. So, that was how the little mouse thought. Excellent. She would be so easy to convert. He would much rather turn a former enemy against her 'friends' than have to kill her. He was pleased.

"Indeed they did," he replied, flooding his voice with sympathies. "I'm sorry your friends proved less than loyal. Perhaps their betrayal will work to both our advantages? I have heard you are rather intelligent Miss Davenport…or may I call you Emily?"

Emily took a stabilizing breath, willing down the tears. Her friends had betrayed her, why couldn't she form an alliance of sorts with the enemy. Even the boy she thought she loved had betrayed her. She started to hate them all. "You may call me Emily."

"Excellent," Tala let the fact that he was pleased show, as he waved at the servants to signal the start of their meal. "I understand you were quite active in the BBA technologies and research lab in Nevada, am I correct."

"Yes."

"Hm," Tala paused, thinking something over. "Perhaps we can work something out for you. Would you like to help with research here?"

The orange haired girl looked up in surprise, her eyes meeting the red heads. He was sincere, she could see it clearly. He was trying to get her to trust him by taking the chance and giving her responsibility, and unlike with Judy and the BBA Emily didn't feel like she was being belittled or coddled. Judy always thought she was too young, not smart enough or trained enough to touch the things Emily really wanted to deal with. She had a feeling Tala would let her. Suddenly her prospects weren't looking so dim.

The opportunity to be something more than a criminal, to have high tech facilities, equipment and no end to money, was dangling in front of her. She could see it all now, and it all came down to one man. Came down to betraying the friends that had betrayed her.

"I would like that very much."

Tala's grin was hidden, and it was dark. It showed triumph, and Ian, who had been watching the exchange with a little hope (he knew if Tala disliked her or her attitude there was nothing he could do so stop her death), could see that the Angels had lost yet another member.

Jade, who had also been watching—Bryan was no largely ignoring the conversation—decided to speak up, feeling immensely sorry for the younger girl. "I have some things she could do. I'm assuming that she is to stay in Ian's room unless properly escorted, so I could have a work station set up there and give her things to do. That is if you don't mind your room being taken over Ian."

Ian shrugged. "Don't care. As long as she's happy and comfortable."

"That's my pretty, always thinking," Tala practically cooed, winking at Jade who flushed slightly. He then turned his eyes to Ian, masking his amusement. Ian was smitten with the little mouse—even if he didn't know it.

Tala had always known that Ian was the 'weakest' of the four of them. He was the one that retained memories of a life outside the Abbey, who preferred to have people like him rather than fear him. Tala knew all about Ian's goals for a family, but did nothing to stop him. If it pleased Ian, then let him have it. He was still an excellent soldier.

Which of course went against everything Voltaire or Boris had ever taught them. But look where they were now. One dead, and one his slave.

Irony was sweet.

"Very well then," Tala said after watching Ian for a moment. Unconsciously he shifted, allowing his food to be placed in front of him. "The station will be set up tomorrow, and Jade you may delegate some work for her. There is plenty to go around. I'm trusting you though Emily, betray me and you will find out why I am the most feared being on the planet."

Emily nodded rapidly, her heart racing. She had just made a deal with the devil.

"Now then!" Tala picked up his fork. "Despite yesterday's events, the war goes well. Everything is set. It will all end soon."

Ian and Bryan nodded, both beginning to shove food in their mouth. Jade looked as if she had paled a bit, but other than that made no other gesture. Emily was almost afraid of what Tala meant.

She knew at that moment that no matter what her so called friends did, they were going to lose.