An: Second to last chapter ) Sorry about the long wait.. I'm hella lazy… Depending on the response I will have the next one up in a few days… depending on how lazy I am '

May it be
When darkness falls
Your heart
Will be true
You walk a lonely road
Oh how far you are from home
Darkness has come
Believe and you
Will find your way

Darkness has fallen
A promise lives
Within you now

'May it Be' – Enya

-------

Whatever she was laying on was soft and warm, and it smelled uncannily familiar; familiar, but not all-together welcome. The smell's identity remained hidden as Liika slowly regained consciousness, her head throbbing and her body aching. Her mind still felt fuzzy, the aftermath of being possessed she supposed.

As her eyes cracked open she realized she was lying on a bed. She obviously had been tucked in firmly, as she was wrapped in the heavy blankets that adorned the extremely large bed. A bed she had seen before.

So it has ended then…Black Dranzer really was the one that destroyed us.

Liika shifted, turning over onto her side. She realized then that her clothing had been changed, but she couldn't find the will to care. Somehow it all seemed pointless… the fight, the deaths, the sacrifice. It had been for naught. Her life had truly come to an end.

You're life has only begun my love, a soft and wise voice spoke to her, willing a sense of calm over her. All may seem lost, and though you face trials yet, know that I shall be here always. Take comfort in me in the times of sorrow that shall come.

Her bit beast's gentle voice soothed her slightly, but still she felt a part of her soul die. She knew, knew deep in heart that nothing would be the same… that she and her friends… her husband would never be together again. Tala had won, and in winning their freedom, their lives had been forfeit.

A sigh lodged itself in the back of her throat as she decided that she just couldn't lie in his bed any longer. Though a quiet voice in the back of her head told her that she had better get used to it as she was probably going to spend the rest of her life there. Such a promising prospect.

She pulled back the heavy bedding and slipped off the bed, her bare feet landing soundlessly on the floor. The blue t-shirt she was dressed in hung down to her thighs and shifted quietly as she walked, making her way to the entrance of the alcove cautiously, not sure whether or not she was alone.

She wasn't.

"This is becoming a never ending pattern malenkaya," a slightly weary voice toned softly, dangerously. "A game I'm growing tired of."

Liika looked over to wear the large window dominated one of the walls. Bryan was standing in front of it holding Nadya, who seemed to be asleep. His jacket was thrown over one of the armchairs, and a crib had been set up in the middle of the room. She couldn't see his face, but from his posture and the lack of tension in his back and neck, he didn't seem angry, which struck her as odd. She would have imagined him as livid.

She said nothing, merely moving forward into the room, heading across the floor and disappearing into the bathroom. She took a few minutes to relieve her self and wash her face. As she gazed into the large mirror she couldn't help but stare at her reflection. She looked half dead, heavy bags under her eyes, her skin pale. Her hands shook as she looked down at them, almost afraid she was going to find blood on them.

Why was there so much blood on her hands? She never asked for the responsibility of the world, never asked to be free people's hope, but it seemed as if everything that had happened was her fault. People – mostly her friends – were dead and it was her fault. After all, wasn't it her that had lost in the first place?

That battle seemed so long ago when in reality it was only just less than two years before. Two years… it seemed like a lifetime. Children had been forced to grow up in milliseconds. People who are barely out of childhood having children themselves.

Her life had been forever altered when she had gotten pregnant at fifteen. Fifteen. No woman-child should have to bring a child into the world when she herself is still just a child. She hadn't been ready for children, and then added to the fact that she and her friends had been fugitives, their lives wanted…She mourned bringing her daughter into such a world.

She forced herself to calm down, squishing the panic to the back of her mind. It would do no good to have an anxiety attack in her present position. They had her friends, her husband, her child. She had to think clearly.

Then why was it so hard?

You are dealing with your grief young one, that is the human way.

The omniscient voice of the Mother echoed through her mind, suddenly reminding her that she was never alone. It both unnerved her and comforted her.

Why me though? Why a fifteen year old girl?

You were chosen by fate. Clearly, you were in the position to do what needed to be done. You had the strength and you still do. You have much yet to do child.

And if I don't want to? If I find a way out?

You will do what needs to be done. You know this.

Liika sighed, slumping against the bathroom counter. She did know, but that didn't mean that she had to like it. She knew the moment Black Dranzer had demanded the use of her body, that the way they wanted to fix the world just wasn't going to happen.

You're fate. You chose me. Why?

Is it a human preoccupation to want to know why about everything?

The complete lack of sympathy didn't really surprise Liika, but it still annoyed her. Apparently omniscient beings didn't understand human emotion.

Sympathy is an unnecessary emotion for myself.

Whatever. It didn't matter anymore. Why she was where she was didn't change the fact that she was there. It didn't change the fact that her life was ruined.

Melodramatics will not solve your grief. Your life is not so bad, there are many worse off than you.

"Then I pity them even more than myself," she said out loud, her voice dry. "Because anything worse than zero free choice and slavery, can't even be worth living."

Slavery is a dubious term for your position child.

"Just freaken go away. I'm sick of you, and your lack of understanding!"

Very well.

Liika sighed as the voice and presence disappeared, seemingly leaving her alone in the expansive stone bathroom. However, the illusion of being alone was shattered when she felt eyes on her. Cold, lavender eyes that had haunted her for almost two years.

She stiffened, her hands balling on the counter, her eyes clenching shut. Couldn't he have waited until she was out of the bathroom?

However, what disturbed her more was the fact that she hadn't heard him open the door. She didn't like to be caught off guard, particularly not by him.

Slowly she turned, her blood shot eyes rising gradually, running over his orange t-shirt and finally up to his eyes. She blanked her expression, making it appear as if this sudden appearance hadn't affected her at all.

He remained silent, his arms crossed over his chest, leaning against the door frame. He merely continued watching her, and it quickly turned into almost a contest of wills. A contest that Liika found she was losing fast.

Finally she looked away, her eyes moving from his to the wall beside his head. She just couldn't find the strength to fight him. She was just too tired. "What?" She murmured at last.

It was then that he moved, straightening up, arms falling to his side. "You married him."

Liika took a large breath in, determined to meet his rage and hostility head on. She would not fear him. She had known when she married Kai that Bryan would find out… she just had hoped things would turn out better than they did.

"Yes."

But he didn't explode in a murderous rage. In fact he looked perfectly calm, his face expressionless. However, his eyes glittered almost unnaturally, darker than they normally were, signaling to her that he was feeling far more than he was letting on.

"Why?"

Air came rushing out of her nose in a gesture of impatience. Her gaze snapped back to his, her eyebrows furrowing and her hands shaking. "What do you want from me? Do you want me to say it? The honest truth?" Her heart sped up in her frustration, her temper breaking. Normally she would spare him, try to avoid his anger, but at this point she just didn't care anymore. If he snapped and killed her, all the better for her.

"I married him because I love him." She shot after her pause, her tone starting to shift towards desperation. "Part of me realized that we would not be together much longer."

And in that instant she realized just how true her words were. Kai had known when he asked her that they would probably end up in the situation they were right then – him locked up and her back in Bryan's clutches. It had been her that had denied it… but even as she was refuting Kai, part of her knew he was right. Nothing had gone right for them since that fateful battle almost two years before, what made her think this would?

His lips pursed, as he seemed to mull the information over. His expression was still blank, even though his eyes got progressively darker, as if he were holding something back. His fingers twitched at his side, and he exhaled. "And now?"

What did he want her to say? It was so odd! All of a sudden I woke up and I was in love with you! Ha! As if that would ever happen. "I am struggling… but it has been made abundantly clear that my place here is to be permanent."

Without warning he turned, exiting the bathroom as silently as he has come in. Liika stared after him blinking, trying very hard to suppress the urge to jump up and down and tear her hair out. Everything about him pissed her off – even without the fact that he practically single handedly destroyed her life!

Go to him, he seeks to speak with you.

"Didn't I tell you to go the fuck away?" She growled under her breath, stomping towards the door.

She had one hell of a headache, she was currently rooming with a man she detested, with no prospects of escape and she had an annoying, all-knowing being living in her head. If she didn't go insane it would be a miracle.

Liika grimaced, rubbing her forehead as she entered the main room of Bryan's suit, her eyes automatically seeking out the crib where her ten-month-old daughter was sleeping soundly. Really for a baby she was incredibly well behaved. She slept through the night – always had – and she was rarely fussy. Liika wondered where she had gotten that particular gene. God knows neither her mother nor father were quiet or calm.

She felt his presence far before he touched her. He stepped up in front of her, his hands rising and grasping her head gently, pushing her hands out of the way. The pads of his thumbs skimmed over her forehead while his index and middle finger softly rubbed her temples. She had to force herself not to jump away.

"You have after affects of being possessed."

It wasn't really a question, though Liika didn't really care. Though it was him touching her, his gently massaging fingers felt rather good against her poor aching head. Her eyes fluttered shut even as the sense of betrayal washed over her.

"Tala said you might, he sent you pain killers just incase," his voice rumbled as his fingers fell away from her skin. He turned slightly and walked over to the side table that sat unassuming between the two armchairs. He picked up the glass of water and the two tablets that sat on its surface and handed them to her.

Liika swallowed the medicine without question, almost hoping it was poison. Of course, she knew that it wasn't seeing as it wasn't likely that he'd hunt her for two years just to poison her when he finally got her.

He will not harm you child. I have made sure of that. Speak with him.

She was getting really sick of the ever-present voice. Realizing that she was still wearing the amulet that housed the great being, she resolved to be rid of it at once, though she doubted it would completely get rid of her. Stepping over to her daughter's crib, which was situated just left of the doorway into the alcove that housed his bed, she slipped the fine chain around her neck and circled it over her daughter's. Nadya didn't even shift in her sleep, her only response being to gurgle lightly when the necklace fell in place.

When Liika turned away from the crib after watching Nadya sleep for a few moments, she found Bryan sitting in one of the chairs watching her. It seemed to be a theme with him, whenever she was in his presence he watched her. She just hoped it was something that would wear off with time. She didn't know if she could handle being watched all the time.

Steeling herself with a large breath in and out, Liika strode forward, ignoring the cold, lavender eyes that followed her wherever she went. She sat herself down calmly in the armchair beside his, leaning back tiredly. "Where are my friends?"

His eyes finally left her then, shifting to stare up at the frigid stone ceiling. "They are where all rebels go to await their judgment."

"Another words you've locked them up in the dungeons." She sighed impatiently, wishing that she were with them. She felt guilty knowing they were in some dank, freezing dungeon while she was in a luxury suite. "What will happen to them?"

"That depends," he answered, his voice deep but flat. His eyes shifted to her again as he shifted the entire chair to face hers. "Their lives are in Tala's hands, not mine. All but the pink one that is."

Liika perked up at the mention of Mariah, her head snapping in his direction, her eyes narrowing. "What are you saying?"

A smirked played along his lips. He had had a talk with Tala… he now knew how to play her, how to maneuver her to where he wanted her.

Her friends and her child are her weaknesses Bryan. If you truly want her to be loyal to you, to …adore you, you must use the Kitty against her. Threaten her life and the little wench will do as you want her to.

The pink bitch would be his trump card… her and his baby. The two people he knew meant the most to her – besides the Hiwatari bastard anyway, but he was set to die. He'd leave using her other friends against her to Tala.

"The pink one is mine, just as you are. Tala gave her to me before you were snatched from here, and thus her life is still mine." He said it calmly, as if Mariah's life meant little to him… which in fact it did. "She has betrayed me, and unlike you does not have the grace of my brat to save her." He sneered.

Liika's hackles rose, he could see it. Her orb-like eyes sparkled and snapped at him in the pale light of his chambers. Oh yes, she would bow before his will before long.

"You wouldn't…" She choked, teeth grinding in rage.

His eyes drifted shut, then open, his smirk growing. "I can do whatever I please malenkaya, her life is mine to extinguish should I choose to. As is yours."

"No!" Liika jumped up from her chair, her entire body ridged. Fury coursed through her veins at his insinuation. He couldn't kill her just like that could he? Bastard! "Kill me if you want to, but don't harm her. She has done nothing to you."

Bryan's eyebrows arched. "That is a matter of opinion." He stated dryly, leaning back, his head tilting. "We both know I won't kill you malenkaya, so get rid of that idea now." His eyes narrowed.

Liika snorted, looking away, her teeth grinding even more. "You touch even one hair on her head Kyznetsov, and you will wish you had killed me." She growled, refusing to look at him.

He felt excitement course through his blood. There it was… the spunk, the fire that had caught his eye in the first place. It was the reason for the insatiable desire for her that he couldn't get rid of. Even when faced with the biggest threat to her life, to her friend's lives, she would fire back. He was pleased that she had regained her fire… when she was crying and whimpering she was pathetic, and though it still didn't kill his need for her, it dampened his mood somewhat.

He wondered just what had allowed her to regain her strength… particularly when things seemed to be worse for her now (from her perspective of course) than they ever had before. Maybe she had realized that crying and simpering wasn't going to help her cause, particularly not when fate was on his side.

"Was that a threat Tomoda?"

Liika seethed, her snapping eyes moving back to his. "Take it as you like Kyznetsov."

Smirking, Bryan sat up, his pale eyes trained on her. "And if I said I was willing to bargain with you?"

Don't make her annul the marriage, don't force it. If you force it you will lose what you desire. Make it her choice. If she chooses wrong, which I am certain she won't, make her think that you killed the Kitty, or at least like you are going to. Force her hand; threaten to take my heir from her. This is the key to getting what you want Bryan. Manipulation over force in some cases is best.

She was suspicious, that much was clear. With her hackles still raised, she plunked down on the arm of the chair, facing him so that she could gage his every move. "What could you possibly want to bargain over?" Now it was her that was sneering.

"The pink wench's life is completely in your hands. Give me what I want and I will give her to you to do with what you like." He leaned his arm on the arm of the chair, his glove-free hand coming to rest on his mouth as Tala usually did when he was listening or plotting. It allowed him to keep her in direct sight; while at the same time gave him the air of casualty. "However, decide not to, and I will make good on my threat."

Liika bared her teeth in a snarl, fists clenching. "You're blackmailing me!"

Shit, he cursed silently. So he wasn't as good at manipulation as Tala was. There was a reason why Tala was the brains and he the brawn. He wasn't stupid, but he wasn't nearly as good at twisting people to where he wanted them. Generally he just beat them into submission. Unfortunately that would get him nowhere with this particular person.

"No, I'm giving you the choice. Either way you are going to remain here for the rest of your life, and I will have what I want anyway. I'm giving you the choice to give it to me willingly and spare your friend's life." There, that sounded reasonable, he thought anyway.

Liika stewed silently. Not matter what he said, blackmailing was blackmailing. He was using Mariah against her, and she had no doubt, should she continue to deny him, he would resort to using Nadya against her… and that was just not acceptable. For whatever reason he wanted her willingly, probably to sooth his own ego she supposed. She had, after all, married another man. That had to smart, despite his seemingly lack of caring towards the matter.

That left her with the only option of asking what it is he wanted… though she was pretty sure what it was. "What do you want?"

His eyes narrowed further. "You. Annul your marriage to Hiwatari and give yourself to me completely… love me as you did Hiwatari. Forever."

She inhaled sharply, struggling not to sputter. Was he insane? Did he think that love just came out of thin air? Obviously he had no idea whatsoever what love truly was. He wanted it from her simply because Kai had it. You saw it coming anyway.

"Your concept of love is twisted," she responded after minutes of silence, barely able to keep the antagonism out of her voice. "You can't just manufacture love out of thin air you know."

His expression hardened, and it seemed as if she had finally managed to get him angry to the point where no mask could hide it. "Is that a no malenkaya?" His voice was gravelly, dangerous.

Think of Mariah, think of Nadya. Their lives are in your hands. Your life is meaningless if they do not survive. Liika closed her eyes, breathing deeply in and out, pushing the tears to the back of her eyes. She knew what she had to do, but that didn't mean she wanted to do it. Black Dranzer had been right…

In the end all must bow to fate my child. I am sorry that your fate is not what you had pictured it, but I promise you, one day you will be free once more. Akala's voice was kind, gentle and caressing in Liika's mind, and it almost caused the tears to break loose. For your friends you must do this. Live knowing that you save not one life now, but three. It will not be so bad…I shall be here always, and I shall protect you. Never will he, nor Wolborg's chosen ever lay a hand against you.

I'm scared Akala… Liika replied inwardly, wishing her heart would stop racing.

As are all that head toward an uncertain future. You are loved by many Liika, and even if they lose their lives, they will die loving you. You and the one that holds your heart were not meant to be, fate has dictated so, but that does not stop him or you from loving. No one can take that from you. Do not grieve, for not as many shall die as you fear.

Tala will kill Kai… How will I live?

You are strong my love, and strong you will be in times to come. Live knowing one day you will see your dreams come true, if not by your own hands.

"Woman."

Bryan's growl brought Liika out of her internal conversation with her bit beast. Slowly she raised her eyes to meet his, the glassy turquoise orbs clashing with the irritated lavender. "Fine…" she murmured, looking down once more. "If it means Mariah's life, then fine. I'll give you what you want." As best I can I suppose. I hate you.

This time the smirk that crossed Bryan's face was not so much malicious as it was triumphant. He had done it. Tala had been right. Standing, he crossed the room to the entrance of the alcove, pausing only when he got to the threshold, turning. His gaze centered on her, his hand extending before him.

"Show me."

It was with a breaking heart that Liika dragged herself up, willing herself to cross the room. It would be the hardest thing she would ever have to do. She just prayed she wouldn't throw up all over him.

Be strong my love.

xxxxxxx

Mystel was really starting to hate Ireland. He now knew why had never been to the damp country. Give him the dry, arid landscape of Egypt any day.

"Colonel, we have entered the church… The old father, the young priest and his wife are accounted for. There is also a child, a baby."

The blond gave the low ranked officer a short nod as he moved towards the old Monaghan shire Anglican Church. Tala had not said anything about a baby… nor had any of the information he had been given said anything about a child. Surely Tala would have told him if there was a child involved…. Hmm… Perhaps that's why Tala wanted him to find an easy way out and accept any lame excuse the young minister handed them? Because he didn't want to needlessly orphan another child? Somehow that didn't seem right…

Tala would have said something about the child had he known about it, which led Mystel to believe that he didn't actually know about it. But how could that be? Tala always knew everything about a situation. Unless…

The baby was a new addition to the 'family'.

Blue eyes narrowed, lips twisting into a frown. He'd just have to find out wouldn't he?

He made a show of entering the small parish church, his shoulders square and his chin raised. At once his gaze settled on the only people in the room that did not fit in with the rest. One was old, and was sitting down. He had a white beard that brushed the front of his black priest's clothing, and his right hand gripped the head of a gnarled wood cane tightly. Behind him was the couple suspected of marrying the fugitives. The dark haired young priest had his arm wrapped around his black haired wife who was holding a blond child. Both were scowling, and looking as if they would murder all the soldiers in the room if they had a chance.

It took only moments for them to see him, and obviously they realized right away that he was in charge because the young priest stepped forward, leaving his wife and the child, his eyes holding whatever hostility that was not held on his face.

"What is the meaning of this?" He said, coming to a stop just before the first pew.

Mystel arched a blond eyebrow, striding down the aisle between the two columns of pews. "I find it hard to believe that you do not know why we are here," he replied dryly. "However, if I need to refresh your memory, I will do so." He came to a stop only four feet from where the young Welshman stood. "Three days ago four known enemies of the government were married in this church, and it is highly likely that the rest of the members of their little organization – the Angels – took refuge here."

The dark haired young man's face didn't move. If he was shocked, surprised, or worried it didn't show. The fact slightly impressed Mystel.

"I cannot say that I know what you are talking about Mr. ?"

"Colonel Kehl, Colonel Mystel Kehl," Mystel supplied at the pause. "And you are Conrad Gryffiths?"

"Aye, I am." Conrad nodded politely. His lips pressed into a thin line, and it was clear to Mystel that he was not going to say anything more unless prompted to.

Mystel, of course, knew that the young man was lying. It was his name on the records, not anyone else's. What he couldn't figure out is why he would lie about it… Unless he wasn't on it enough to realize that his name was stamped on two different marriage licenses. However, he decided to play along… He would ask about the old Father, and then come back to Gryffiths. He was just praying they would give him an out. "Then perhaps Father Patrick would know more about the situation at hand?"

The Welshman stiffed visibly, his eyes darting nervously towards the old man, who barely seemed as if he were paying attention. Mystel stepped around him, making sure to brush the nervous priest's sleeve as he passed. Intimidation tactics.

"Hello, you're Father Patrick I presume?" Mystel greeted the old man, finally catching his attention.

The aging Irishman peered blearily through faded blue eyes up at Mystel, squinting and tilting his head. "That I am." He replied simply, his voice jovial.

"May I ask you some questions Father?"

Father Patrick inclined his head, indicating the affirmative. Mystel, though he was not a very tall man, crouched down on the floor in front of the old father in a gesture of respect. It was in his experience, particularly when dealing with church or religious figures, that respect was the best way to go. Well, with older ones anyway.

"Do you remember two young couples coming into your church to be married three days ago Father? Foreigners?"

The old Father shook his head instantly, almost as if he had known the answer before the question was asked. This of course only heightened Mystel's suspicion… well knowledge.

"I'm afraid I wasna around three days ago, only got back this morning. I was in the next county, christening a new baby. The cutest thing ye could imagine. Are ye baptized son?"

"So you wouldn't know if there were strangers about in Monaghan?" Mystel tried again, beginning to grow impatient, ignoring the old man's question. Perhaps he should have just confronted the young priest, since he already knew the information.

"No, but young Conrad would. If the young people ye seek were here, it was he that married 'em." The old man played right into Mystel's hands, and a smile crossed the blonde's face. It, however, wavered when the old man continued. "Now ye answer my question young man, have ye been baptized?"

Mystel suppressed a sigh, pulling himself to his feet. "No Father, I haven't." He answered, humoring the old man. The man had to be at least 80 years old, and looked as if he would keel over dead any second. Mystel wasn't keen on cruelty to old people.

Father Patrick seemed almost indignant at Mystel's answer. He puffed up, his grip on his cane tightening. "Ye havena? Why not?"

At this Mystel did roll his eyes. "I'm not Christian father. I suppose I would be classified as Muslim."

"That so?" Father Patrick replied, a frown marring his brow. "That be too bad. Ye are young yet though, and ye seem as if ye have much time ahead of you to right your mistakes."

"Father Patrick – it's getting late and you traveled this morning. Perhaps you'd like to take a nap?" The black haired woman finally spoke, stepping forward, baby on her hip.

"One more question," Mystel broke through, pushing aside whatever irritation he felt. "Do you know who the child is?"

At the strange question, Father Patrick seemed taken aback. Allowing the woman to help him up, he stood, still hunched over a bit from age. "Of course I do," he replied as if Mystel had asked him an offending question. "She be little Katie, Cassie's niece."

Mystel's eyes narrowed and shifted from the old Father to the woman who was staring back at him with a raised eyebrow. If the young priest had seemed nervous at his questions, the woman was like a rock. Either she and the old man were really good liars, or they were telling the truth.

When Mystel nodded the old man shuffled out of the room, moving through a side door. However, the woman and the baby remained behind, moving to take a position beside the young priest. Mystel sighed, quickly growing weary of the game of cat and mouse.

"Gryffiths, we know they were here. We have your signature on the marriage licenses, so lying is useless. I don't know why you bothered in the first place." Mystel said it with an air of nonchalance. "You are aware that lying to a government official is a criminal offense."

Conrad seemed to crumble, though his expression remained steely and determined. "I am a man of God, Colonel. I cannot turn anyone away from God's doorstep, no matter what a secular government has charged them with. All his children are equal in his eyes."

"So you admit they were here?"

"Yes," Conrad's chin rose.

Fool! Give me an out… "Why did you lie about it then?"

The taller man looked at his wife, as if searching for an answer. Finally he answered with a sigh. "It is the job of the church to shelter those in need. They were not criminals to me, and so I did not connect when you asked about them as such. I could not, bein' who I am, turn them in for a crime that they did not commit in the eyes of God. No law of Biovolt has demanded that I do."

Mystel was silent for a moment after the reverend's small speech. Truth be told, he didn't know Biovolt law well enough to refute the statement. He supposed it was likened to the Catholic confession. A Catholic priest was under oath not to speak of what was spoken in confessional, it was his duty to God not to. If the young Welshman believed that it was his duty of God not only to marry the fugitives, but to take them in as well… perhaps it was the out he was looking for. After all, one couldn't persecute a priest for practicing a Christian right… particularly if no law said that a church had to turn over refugees to the government.

Loophole…Oh well, gets me out anyway.

"I will of course, be checking into whether or not there is actually no law stating that you are obliged to report fugitives. But for now I will take your word for it," Mystel said after a few moments. He of course had no intention of checking, but he would inform Tala. "You will remain under watch until further notice. Until then, have a nice night." With that Mystel turned and strode towards the entrance of the church, completely happy with leaving the damp, green infested country behind him. However, just as he reached the threshold of the church he paused, glancing over his shoulder. "Give your … sister… my regards." And with that he was gone.

Conrad sagged as the soldiers filed out of the church. He hadn't actually though they would buy his flimsy excuse.

"That was too easy. It was almost as if he was looking a way to let us go. As if coming here was actually just a formality." Cassie said, suspicious, despite her husband's relief.

"Who cares? They didn't arrest us." Conrad responded, sinking into the pew he was standing beside.

Cassie sent him an annoyed look. "Don't ye think that it is just a wee bit strange? And then there was the whole askin' after me sister. I dun even 'ave a sister! They'll know who Kat really is."

"He didn't seem to know who she was, which probably means he's not completely in the loop. He might not even know that Zaitsev has a kid, let alone that he hid her here. We'll just hope that nobody else comes asking after her."

"Ha, like that'll really happen!"

xxxxxxx

His sturdy combat boots thudded noisily on the cold and dank stone stairs as he traveled deeper and deeper into the bowels of the Abbey. God he hated the place. He tided himself over knowing that in only a couple of months he would never have to set foot in the god awful place again.

Oh how he would take utter joy in demolishing Balkov Abbey. Almost as much joy as he would take in executing Kai Hiwatari. Oh yes, fate was sweet.

Thinking about his victory brought a spring to his step as he neared the cells where the biggest threats to his regime sat, rotting in the confines of their prison. They had been surprisingly quiet for the two days they had been locked up. Perhaps they had finally figured out that they had lost. It would make his life so much easier.

The soldiers that had been assigned to guard the two cells stood at attention as he entered the dimly lit hallway, their hands snapping to their heads in salute. He waved them off, a slow smile coming to his face as he approached the left cell, the cell that held significantly less people in it.

"Looking a little worse for wear Hiwatari."

Kai's half-dead eyes rose from their gaze on the floor to meet the turquoise ones that were leering at him from behind the acrimonious steel bars. He didn't bother moving, knowing that whatever the red head had come to the dungeons about was not going to be pleasant for him. "Go to hell." Was all he said, his eyes shifting back to the floor.

Tala chuckled, highly amused at his enemy's lack of response. Who knew it could be so easy to break such a strong will? He almost scoffed. If all it took was captivity and taking a pathetic woman away from Hiwatari, then he wasn't very strong to begin with. "Pushing aside the fact that Hell probably doesn't even exist, I'm rather disappointed in you Kai." Tala drawled, leaning against the bars. "You let yourself be weakened by a pathetic little girl and now look where it got you. If you had just stayed with Biovolt you wouldn't be where you are."

Kai took awhile to answer, and in the pause his cellmates moved, shifting so that they surrounded him in a protective barrier that made Tala want to roll his eyes. He raised his eyes at the two blondes, the green haired young man and the young woman that surrounded the blue haired teen. They stared back defiantly.

"You would have killed me like you killed Voltaire." Kai finally answered, his gaze never shifting from the concrete beneath him. "What do you want Valkov? I'm sure you didn't come all the way down here to exchange witty banter with me."

"You're pathetic," Tala snorted, his lip curling in a sneer. Bloody weakling was taking all his fun out of torturing him. "But you're right. I did come here for a purpose: to make you sign some papers."

The blue haired teen finally brought his eyes back up to Tala, or rather to the set of papers the lanky red head was holding up against the cell bars. He squinted in the poor light, but still couldn't make out the title on the front paper. "What is it." It was a statement not a question.

"Why don't you stand up and find out?"

Normally, Kai would scoff in Tala's direction and ignore him, however, he was in pain, and he was tired. He was in no mood to play stupid little games with an arrogant asshole. So he stood, shakily and slowly, and made slow steps towards the front of the cell. Maybe if he looked at the damn papers Tala would return to whatever manically malicious task he had set for himself for the day – besides torturing him.

Tala was vaguely disappointed that the other young man barely fought him. He pushed the annoyance aside, knowing that once the boy read the papers, it would all be worth it.

Kai reached the bars within moments and sagged against them, just beside where Tala was holding up the papers. His eyes squinted, blurry from lack of concentration. Gradually the small black text came into focus.

His blood ran cold.

"I won't sign it." Kai grit out, anger washing over him in waves. No wonder Tala had seemed so smug.

Ahh, there it is, Tala cackled inwardly, his expression becoming more satisfied. "You realize, of course, that you don't have a choice."

"I. Won't. Sign. It." Kai repeated slowly, his chin touching his chest, his forehead against the bars.

"What is it Kai?" Came Mariah's small voice from across the hall.

Kai's cellmates were standing by that point, moving forward so that they were close to the bars, but far enough away to give Kai the space he needed should he feel the need to lash out.

"Annulment papers," Tala answered before Kai even had the chance, his voice smug. "I thought I'd do him the honor of serving them myself."

There were a few gasps following Tala's pronouncement, and the angry tension that floated about the dungeon skyrocketed. Tala of course ignored this.

"If I am not mistaken," Oliver interjected from behind Kai, stepping forward a bit, "One cannot get an annulment if the marriage has already been consummated."

Tala chuckled. "In case you have missed it, I am the head of the World Government. If I give what I feel is a valid reason for annulment, then the courts have to ratify it."

"But you don't have a valid reason!" Mariah cried, her hands gripping the steel bars tightly. She ignored Robert who was trying to calm her.

"On the contrary Kitty, I have at least two valid reasons for their annulment," Tala held up his freehand, barely looking over his shoulder at Mariah, "1) Unsound mind – on both their counts. I, and the courts, feel that neither were in a frame of mind to adhere to something as serious and sacred as marriage, and 2) both are underage. Unless a court order allowing the marriage of a minor – in this case two minors – is produced, the marriage may be annulled – consummated or not." He smirked. "But don't worry Kitty, you won't have to annul yours… unless of course you want to. I really couldn't care either way."

"Bastard!"

Robert finally pulled Mariah away from the bars and into the back of their cell, holding her close to him and murmuring in her ear. Tala turned his attention back to Kai who was still in the same position he had been since he read the title of the papers.

"Now then old friend," Tala smirked, rattling the papers a bit, "You're loud, little, soon-to-be-ex wife has already signed them, so why fight the inevitable?"

It was the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back. Kai's eyes met Tala's once more in a flash and his hand shot through the bars, snatching the papers from Tala before he could have any say in the matter. He said nothing as he slipped through the various pages, scanning as he went along. He grew more and more nauseous the more he flipped. Liika's signature was at the bottom of every page.

"You see? I would lie and say that she asked me for them, but that would be pointless since I'm sure we all know how sickly in love she is with you," Tala made a face at the prospect. He didn't really know why he was telling his arch nemesis this, he supposed it was because what he said was true: they all know that the little wench was in love with the Biovolt traitor, and him saying that she wasn't, wasn't going to change their knowledge. "But, nevertheless, she signed them… willingly I might add."

There was another collective gasp and Tala had to congratulate himself. He was rather good at breaking bad news… in the most painful way possible.

"What did you threaten her with?"

Kai's response was not what Tala was expecting. He was expecting a little more anger and a little less calmness. He scowled. Apparently the 'prodigy' was not as easy to read as he had thought. "I didn't threaten her with anything." Tala sniffed waving his hand. "How Bryan got her to sign the forms is not my concern. My concern is that you sign them."

"I won't do it. There is nothing that you can threaten me with that will make me sign that form." With not another word, Kai tossed the papers at Tala, watching blankly as they fluttered to the red head's feet.

Tala's lips pursed in displeasure, his turquoise eyes glaring at the bluenette. How he hated him… loathed him. His hand itched to grab his gun and put a pretty little hole in Kai Hiwatari's head. Unfortunately he had other plans for the obnoxious fool.

With all the finesse of someone with fine motor skills, Tala bent down and scooped up the stapled pages, brushing them off with an annoyed but calm look on his face. "Fine, I'll just forge your signature, it's not as if the court is going to question me on the matter." He threw a smirk in Kai's direction. "I just thought it would be polite if I informed you that as of tomorrow morning, you are no longer married."

Kai began to shake, but he said nothing. The rest of the Angels looked on worriedly, but also said nothing. There was nothing much any of them could say. None of them could stop the red head from doing as he pleased.

"Well, now that that is done, we can move on to the second reason I came down here." Tala folded the annulment papers and placed them in his back pocket. "Bring them up…all of them except Hiwatari, Zaitsev and his little bitch." He sent a look to the guards that had followed him down. "Have them brought up to the throne room." He then turned to Enrique and Oliver who were the only ones mentioned that were in Kai's cell. "Initially I was going to have you two executed as well, for attacking Ian. However, lucky for you I have changed my mind. You will be brought up with the rest of them. Oh!" He once more turned back to the guards that looked ready to move as soon as he gave the final order, "Have the pink haired one brought to Bryan's rooms. She does not belong to me."

Without looking at the Angels Tala strode out of the dungeons, leaving both fury and confusion in his wake.

xxxxxxx

"What to do, what to do, what to do…"

The atmosphere in the large chamber was as oppressive as one might expect given the circumstances. The Angels had been brought up from the dungeon and lined up in two rows – except for Tyson who, though he had managed to live, was still too sick to be moved very far. All had been shackled, their wrists behind them and had been forced to their knees before the raised platform that held the throne.

Tala paced back and forth on the raised platform, his hands also behind his back. He made loud humming noises now and then and put on a show of thoughtfulness, as if he actually cared about the future of his enemies. Which, of course, he didn't. He just wanted them out of his hair and his life.

"You see I am in a bit of a… sticky," he used the word as if he was at a loss to find another word, "Situation. On one hand," he paused, turning so that he half faced the two rows of fugitives, "You tried to kill me – indirectly anyway. You could be tried for treason and easily convicted, and in doing so I would make an example of you. On the other hand," he seemed to consider the notion, "If I do have you executed, and show myself to be merciless it could lead to other rebellions. Particularly when you look at history and see how well other merciless dictators have ended up like. Hmm, what to do indeed?"

Robert was forced not to roll his eyes – though he nearly did. Several other Angels did and got a kick to the side for their trouble. Tala ignored the violence and started pacing again.

He really did have a dilemma. While part of him would just love to kill them all and get it over with, another part of him realized the strategic importance of keeping them alive. By keeping them alive, yet somehow managing to get them into a position which would guarantee their subordination to him and Biovolt, it would reflect well on him. He wouldn't just be the hard line monster that liked to kill. By killing the leaders, but not the followers he could show mercy, but at the same time get the message across that he meant business… and that if you fucked with him you were going to die. Yes, he liked the thought.

But how to get their subordination?

It was a tough question, one he wished he would have thought over more before bringing them up. He sighed inwardly. What was done was done… he couldn't send them back now, by the end of the day the entire world would know the fate of most of the Angels.

"I won't kill you, so I suppose you can settle your mind that way." He started to speak, gaining the attention of all those in the room once more. "And for the most part, I don't think I'll punish you all that much… your leaders shall pay your penance with their lives."

This sent a discordant murmur through the chained group, each sending looks at those around them. Anza had tears in her eyes, as did Max. None of them wanted to see their friends die… particularly not to save them.

"Of course that still leaves what to do with you, as I can't have you running all over the place starting more trouble… as well as the problem of the penalty for attacking one of my generals. Why don't we deal with that first hm?" Tala faced the Angels fully, a snide look on his face as he motioned two of his soldiers forward. They pulled Enrique and Oliver to their feet and then dragged them towards another soldier that held a very wicked looking whip.

"Fifteen lashes."

"No!" Anza burst out, struggling against her chains. "Leave them alone!"

Tala caulked his head to the side, his gaze falling on the demoted Spanish princess. "Oh yes, I forgot about you. I probably should have you executed, since you are wanted by the country of Spain… but I'm feeling lenient today. For this crime and for speaking out you can join your little friends. Fifteen lashes as well."

"No!" This time it was Enrique who spoke out, his voice hoarse and desperate, his eyes wild. "Please! Don't hurt her… I'll take her lashes too… She's pregnant, if you beat her she'll lose the baby!" By the time he finished there were tears in his eyes. And though he didn't really want to let the dictator know of the baby Anza carried, if it was the only way to save her… it had to be done.

That's it! A slow grin crossed Tala's face as his eyes fell once more on the Spanish princess. He would use their future children against them… and he would use them against Tomoda… the only true surviving leader of the Angels. She would sign the contract outlining their official surrender, and he would ship the remaining Angels off to the US, with the threat of taking their children from them over their heads. Oh yes, that would stop them from making any rash decisions.

"No, I couldn't beat a pregnant woman could I?" The Angels knew at once from Tala's tone of voice that he was up to something. Something they probably wouldn't like. The red head swiveled in place and plunked himself down in the throne, his legs kicked out, and arms resting on the arm rests. "Give him twenty."

Anza sobbed but said nothing, knowing that any more words out of her would only get Enrique more lashes. What a barbaric form of punishment… but it served more purpose than locking someone up for five years… and in reality was better for her. If Tala chose to lock Enrique and Oliver up instead of giving them lashes, their child might not know its father.

Silence descended over large room as the sound of the whip cracking against bare skin echoed off dull stone. Neither young man made much of a sound, and took the beating stoically, which actually surprised Tala greatly. A grudging respect built inside him for the two Europeans. He thought for sure the blond would have started crying or something. And the green haired one seemed so frail… yet both stood up to the lashes, even when their skin was whipped raw and bleeding. Neither made a whimper.

When the lashings were finally over the Angels let out a collective sigh of relief. Enrique and Oliver were shoved back over to their pervious positions, but neither chained. Tala waved off the soldiers when they went to return the chains to their wrists.

Tala finally brought himself to his feet, fighting back the urge to yawn. Really, sentencing should more exciting. He would have to start letting his subordinates do it.

Respect defeated apathy, and Tala waved over one of the many soldiers that idled around the room. "Go get a medic. Tell him to bring bandages."

The soldier looked surprised and his eyes flittered over to the two injured Angels, both of whom were panting while blood oozed down their back. He didn't dare question the head of Biovolt (the World), so he jerked his head in a nod and scurried away.

Tala ignored the looks of surprise on the Angels' faces and stepped down from the raised platform so that he stood in front of the group on the same level. "Valerio's wonderful announcement gave me an idea," he chuckled when the blond in question winced, and not from the pain. "You see we each want things don't we? You want to live, and I want to rule without further problems, which leads to our problem: you causing me problems.

"You might ask what this has to do with the lovely Spanish princess being pregnant… it's very simple. You all want to be parents some day don't you?" When none of them answered, Tala waved a hand dismissingly. "Obviously you do, isn't that the goal of most people? In any case, here is what I propose."

Tala looked at the dismal group – Robert in particular, his eyes narrowed and a smirk dancing on his lips. "For the sake of your children – both the ones about to be born, and the ones that will come later, you give up your rebellion and swear oaths of loyalty to me… binding oaths that if broken mean I take custody of your children… both existing and future ones. Oh and you die."

Hands clenched and teeth grated, eyes snapped with hatred. Tala was rather amused with it all, and just waited for one of them to explode. But none of them did…Though their anger was clear, they all remained silent. Maybe they were finally learning.

"You will, of course, be asked to forfeit any and all property assets – money you can keep. Any titles you have you will also forfeit and you will remain where I put you unless I give you express permission to go elsewhere."

"And where will you have us go if you take our land?" Robert asked, keeping his voice level and clear.

Tala met the tall German's eye. "That's a very good question Jagen. One I can better answer in a day or so, but for now I suspect I will send you to the United States. Somewhere far away from me." He spun, his boots clicking on the cement floor. "I will give those who needed a slight hand, but other than that you will be responsible for yourselves, and whoever else you bring into this world. All of you will be free more or less, as long as you follow my rules."

"And what about Tyson? And Mariah? And Spencer, Kai, and Maya? What will you do with them?" This time it was Max who spoke, the tears now streaming down his cheeks. "And what happened to Emily?"

"You ask a lot of questions for someone in your position Tate." Tala replied, throwing the blond a look over his shoulder as he waved the medic that had just entered over to the two injured Angels. "Kinomiya will be taken care of. He hasn't died yet so I think it's safe to say that he won't for awhile." He sat back down in the throne. "I think we all know what will happen to Spencer, Kai and Zero." He used her code name flippantly. "They will be executed, their death partly paying off your penalties. The Kitty's fate, I'm sad to say, is not in my hands, but in Bryan's," he fought the chuckles that formed in his throat at the expressions of sheer terror on the faces of the Angels – mostly notably on the face of the tall German, who quickly looked as if he would break the chains circling his wrists and destroy every soldier in the place. "However," his gaze squared on Robert's, "I have it on good authority that your little blue friend traded herself for Kitty and that Kitty now belongs to her. You should be thankful, I imagine she'll set her friend go."

"And as for the mousy one… well, she has already sworn an oath of allegiance to me." The expression of utter devastation on the Japanese-American's face amused Tala, and he figured he'd rub more salt in the wound. Apparently the blond and the mouse had been close. He couldn't kill them, but he could torture them. "She resides with Ian now, and her life and happiness are in his hands. Would it comfort you to know that she is happy? Maybe you should have thought more before abandoning her. A bitter one she is."

Not caring who was watching, Max broke into sobs, the guilt and sadness eating away at his heart. It was his fault she was forced into the position she was… his fault she was left behind. How could he ever forgive himself?

"I've had enough of them, take them back where you found them until the details are worked out and the papers drawn up. Take Dubois and Valerio to the medic wing and have Kinomiya brought up from the dungeon. Don't let him die."

It was a cold and stern dismissal, though none of the Angels were sorry to be leaving the lofty chamber. The very sight of the throne and the menacing gargoyles that guarded it on each side were enough to make the strongest of them cringe. Though they had paid a large price for it, they would be happy when the nightmare was over.