A/N: Okay, guys. Sorry for the long wait... it wasn't really that long, though... was it? Anyway, this chapter doesn't have that much action. It's mostly

dedicated to three familiar faces showing up. It's not going to be a very long chapter, but... at least it's something. I hope you guys like this. Anyway,

thanks for reading.

Chapter Nine

Old Friends

Riku had not left her room, and she didn't let anyone in... except Karl. 'Probably because that guy won't take leave me alone for an answer,' Kai thought,

sighing.

He got up off the couch to make another attempt at getting in to see his daughter, when there was a knock on the door. Confused, Kai made his way to the

door, and pulled it open. His eyes widened when he saw who was on the other end. "Where is she?" a cross woman, with brown hair and eyes asked.

"I... Mao?" Kai asked, a smile coming across his face.

"Right after you called, she sped ... and I mean sped back to the hotel room. We packed, got on a plane, and here we are," Okamura sighed.

"How are you, Kai?" Lulu asked, with a big smile.

"Honestly, I've been better. It's good to see all of you. Come in."

The three walked inside. Kai shut the door, and made his way back over to the couch. "Where is she, Kai?" Mao asked, again.

"She's locked herself in her room. She won't let anyone in except Karl."

Okamura gave a little smile, "Right. We heard all about him."

"So, she's up there, then?" Mao asked, "I'll be back, and when I do come back... I'll have her with me."

"M-Mao!" exclaimed Okamura.

However, she was already making her way up the stairs. "Can I get you anything?" asked Kai.

"No, no. I'm okay," replied Okamura.

"Yeah, I'm okay too, Kai. Thanks," Lulu smiled.

"I said," they heard Mao say, sternly, "I need a moment alone with her. Now, go downstairs with Okamura, Kai, and Lulu."

"But I..." they heard Karl protest.

"I said go!" she shouted, "March!"

All Kai could think at the moment was, 'Poor Karl.'

They heard stomping down the stairs, and then Karl appeared, looking cross, "Who is that woman?"

"Mao... she's an old friend. Don't think too badly of her. She means well," Kai told him.

"You don't have to live with her, my friend," sighed Okamura, giving Karl a pat on the shoulder.

Lulu and Kai laughed.

II

Riku looked up at the woman a little surprised. "You girls changed your rooms around since I was here last."

"Georgie didn't," Riku said.

"But you did," Mao smiled, "I heard you aren't doing so well. I'm sorry to hear it."

Riku got off of the bed, and hugged Mao. Mao hugged back. "We've missed you, Aunt Mao!" Riku cried.

"I've missed you, too," Mao let her go, and held her at arms length, "Your dad is really worried about you. How come you've locked yourself away... and

with a man who couldn't understand how we women feel... even if he tried? Did I not teach you anything?"

Riku gave a small smile through her tears, but then it faded, "I know dad is worried, but... I did something terrible to one of my friends."

"Frannie... I heard about that. Have you asked Frannie if she minds that you saved her? She's probably very grateful, Riku. You won't know if you keep

yourself in here all of the time. I know your namesake never minded that Saya saved him," Mao sighed, but then she smiled a little, "You can't lock yourself up with

all of your problems and worries. You've got to face them... for better or worse. If you don't, you'll go crazy."

"I know... I know that."

"Then come downstairs with me. Okamura and Lulu are here, too. They've been dying to see you... and I think I scared your friend Karl."

Riku thought about it for a minute, "Okay, I'll go."

"First, though... let me do something with your hair! I've got to at least run a brush through it or something!"

Riku laughed, "Okay."

III

"Julia?" Frannie said in a horse voice, as she opened her eyes.

"Hi," Julia smiled, "You're finally awake."

"Yeah... where's Riku?"

"She's home with her dad."

"How is she, Julia?"

"Not... not good. She blames herself, and..."

"No! No... Julia, tell Riku... thank you. She saved my life. Tell her I don't blame her, and," Frannie crossed her arms in front of her, "and tell her she'd

better get her skinny ass in here to see me... soon!"

Julia smiled, "She'll be really glad to hear that, Frannie. I'm really glad to see that you're doing okay. DJ... he's been pretty worried."

Frannie blushed a little, "Really?"

"He'd like to see you... if it's okay."

Frannie's blush darkened, and then she shrugged, "Yeah, okay. I guess so."

Another A/N: Well, I guess that's it for now. Like I said... this chapter is mainly to introduce Mao, Lulu, and

Okamura back into the story line. Anyway, I hope you guys are okay with this.