Chapter Ten

Dalton's Visit

"Is there anything I can do for you, Georgie?" Dalton asked, concerned.

Georgie glanced up at her only friend. She didn't like worrying him so much, but Georgie herself couldn't help but worry about her sister. "Her heart is probably broken because of what she had to do. How could they!"

Dalton stood, "I'll go to her for you. I'll check on her."

"I can't ask you to do that, Dalton..."

Dalton smiled, "It's alright. I don't mind if it's for you. I won't be long. I promise."

"But I... alright, just... be careful, Dalton."

He gave a nod, and then he left the room. Georgie sighed, 'Now I've got two things to worry about. Please let him be careful, and please don't let him get caught by them!'

II

Riku felt silly for avoiding her family. Her father seemed happy that she was doing better. Julia had called, and she gave them Frannie's message.Even though Riku was on the verge of tears, she smiled and promised she would go see Frannie as soon as possible. "It's really great to be back home. I've missed it," Mao told them, as they sat around the table.

"You guys really should go visit Saya," Kai told them.

"That's a great idea," exclaimed Lulu.

"Yeah," Okamura agreed, "We should all go. We'll make a day of it."

Riku glanced over at Karl, who was staring down at the table. He looked a bit uncomfortable, as the conversation continued. "She would want you there," Riku told him, in a quiet voice, "She'd be proud of you."

He looked up at her a bit surprised, but then he smiled a little. Riku smiled back. "You should take it easy while you can," he told her.

She looked confused, "Huh? Why?"

"Because we're going to have to continue your training."

Riku sighed, "Right. I forgot about all of that."

Mao raised an eyebrow, "Training?"

"She's learning how to use a sword," Kai smiled, "Karl's been teaching her."

"Another one swinging a sword around! Great!" Mao exclaimed, but then smiled... no doubt a fond memory of Saya coming to her.

"I'll be right back," Karl said, suddenly.

"What is it?" Riku asked, concerned.

"Just... stay here," he told her.

Kai looked worried, as well, "I something wrong?"

"I'm not sure. I've just... got this feeling. Just stay here."

Karl climbed the stairs slowly. As he got further up, his feeling that someone was there grew. 'Is it a Chiropteran?' he wondered.

He took out a knife he'd taken from the counter as he'd left the kitchen. 'Riku's room... that's where this person is,' He thought angrily, 'Someone is looking for her.'

III

Dalton surveyed the small room, and smiled, "It looks like a teenager's room."

He felt something being slid under his chin, and held against his throat. He froze. "It's suppose to look like a teenager's room. It keeps up the appearance," a man's voice said from behind, angrily, "Who the hell are you? What are you doing in Riku's room? I'll be damned if Nathan's going to get his hands on Riku!"

"You must be Karl. I've heard a lot about you."

"Now it's your turn, boy. Who are you?"

"My name is Dalton, and... I mean you nor Riku any harm. I've already met Kai and David. Please, if you'll remove the knife... I'll explain why I'm here."

"How about I keep the knife right where it is, and you explain anyway?" He said, through gritted teeth.

Dalton sighed, "I'm one of Georgie's Chevalier. I'm her only true follower, though. I've come to see how her sister is, so I can bring the news back to her. She's worried about her because of what happened with their friend Frannie."

"Is this the truth?"

"I swear it."

"Riku is fine, now. So is Frannie," Karl took the knife away.

Dalton turned to face him. He smiled, "I've seen pictures of all of you. You look different... not so dark. I would say Nathan has his hands full... and I'm glad."

"If you hate him so much, why not tell me where Riku's sister is."

"I can't. She doesn't wish for anyone she loves to get hurt."

"She doesn't love me," Karl smirked, "She doesn't know me."

"However, her sister does. If you came... Riku would follow. Please try to understand... I want Mahler defeated, but... I have to honor Georgie's wishes. Do you not wish to honor Riku's wishes?"

Karl frowned, "She doesn't like it when I ask what she wishes, but... yes."

"I must go. I don't like leaving her alone with them for long periods of time."

"Yeah... what should I tell them? They think something's wrong."

"Tell them you were mistaken. Also... I feel that you aren't alone. Someone else is watching over you all now. I can't tell who, but he's a friend. I felt it so strongly as soon as I entered this house. He just arrived."

Karl looked confused, "I..."

"Good bye."

With a flash, Dalton was gone out of the window. Still confused, Karl walked back down to the kitchen, and took his seat beside of Riku. "Well?" she asked, concerned.

"It was nothing."

"You were gone a while for nothing," Kai said.

Karl shook his head. "Well, anyway," Mao began, "I'm starving. Let's go to that famous restaurant that I keep hearing about. What was it called?"

Kai rolled his eyes, and smiled. Lulu laughed, "Mao."

"Oh, yes. The Omoro," Mao smiled.

IV

"We can't find him anywhere," Chera smirked at Georgie, "I know you know where our little Dalton is... my Queen."

Georgie sneered at the hateful woman who stood in front of her, "Dalton has a mind of his own! He's his own person!"

"He's always with you," Chera's smirk didn't leave her face, "but we haven't seen the little bastard for two days. Where is he?"

"I'm right behind you."

Chera turned, "Dalton..."

"Can't I even go off by myself for awhile. Georgie didn't have a problem with it. Why should you?"

"Very well," Chera sneered, "You're on thin ice."

"Who said? Nathan? I don't serve Nathan. Go away, and stop bothering Georgie," Dalton said, his Pale Blue eyes glowing.

Chera backed down, "How dare you... fine!"

She left, slamming the door behind her. Dalton's eyes returned to normal, as he turned to Georgie. "She's fine. Her Chevalier assured me of that. Also... Frannie is alright."

"You met Karl? What's he like?"

"Protective. I talked to him most of the time with a knife to my throat. I believe your sister is in very good hands."

Georgie smiled, "Good."

"Someone else is there, also. Someone who just got there. I couldn't tell who it was, but... like I told Karl... he's a friend, and he's watching over them."

"Who else could..." Georgie began, but then her eyes grew wide, "It must be the one who dad goes on and on about! Dalton, it has to be him!"

A/N: That's it for this chapter. You guys probably know who it is, but I thought I'd make a little secretive until this person actually makes their scene. Also, I really hope I got the name of the restaurant right. Hope you enjoyed this.