Chapter Thirteen

Saya's Tomb and Georgie's Room

She could see the target so clearly. The heart... that's what she was aiming for. It didn't seem like it was that far away. Perhaps it was her new eyes that made it seem so close. "When you're ready," DJ barely whispered, but Frannie hears him loud and clear.

Focusing, she put her finger on the trigger, and squeezed. The bullet seemed to go in slow motion, before striking the target. "Wow!" smiled Frannie, proudly.

"Great," DJ grinned, "Very good. I thought you said you needed someone to teach you how to use a gun."

"It really was good?"

DJ smiled, "Bullets might not stop them, but with you shooting like that, we can sure slow them down a hell of a lot."

Frannie blushed, "That's good. At least I can contribute something. I felt so useless at the prison. Karl and Riku... even that guy Hagi were all fighting... I just... I'm glad I might be able to help. I am a Chevalier for God's sake!"

"Practice. I really don't think I'm needed here," DJ said, happily, "You'll be okay by yourself?"

She nodded, "Yeah... I'll be okay."

II

"Can we please rest, now," Riku begged.

"We've barely trained at all," Karl sighed.

Riku glared at him, "No, not at all! Only all morning, and half of the afternoon. I think this damn sword has grown into my skin! I don't know if I can even let go of it!"

"You're being over-dramatic," he narrowed his eyes, but then his expression softened, "Very well. We'll take a short break."

Riku lay down on the floor of Julia and David's Basement. Karl sat beside her, leaning his back against the wall. "This guy... Dalton... is he nice to my sister?"

"He's the only one we know of so far that doesn't do what Nathan says. He's devoted to Georgie. Yes, I'd say he's nice to your sister."

"That's good. It's a relief to know she's got a friend."

"A Chevalier."

Riku narrowed her eyes, "Yeah, but a friend."

"Perhaps you aren't familiar with what exactly a Chevalier is."

"Oh, I know what a Chevalier is. There... friends."

"Are they?"

"My... her... never treated you like a friend at all?"

"No. Never. I was nothing more than a servant."

"God... I'm so sorry. I should've known... I knew. I don't know why I bothered asking. No wonder you have that attitude about it. She for sure wasn't Saya."

"Saya never treated me as a friend either. She treated me as an enemy. Nothing more."

Riku's expression saddened, "I'm so sorry."

She sat up, and looked at him. She brushed a strand of hair behind his ear. "It's... not your fault."

"You're my friend. I don't care what title you and Hagi... and Dalton have been given. You're my friend... one of my best friends. I'm really glad you're here."

Karl's eyes were wide, "Thank you, Riku."

She smiled, "No problem. So... do you still hate my aunt?"

He sighed, "No. I do not hate Saya. I am ashamed of the way I acted in the past."

"Do you still love her?"

"I..." he looked confused, 'Do I?'

"I'm sorry! That was personal! Forget I asked. I won't ask anymore. It's not my business."

"Rest, Riku. I think there's somewhere I really need to go."

Karl climbed the stairs, not entirely sure where his legs were taking him. "Hey, are you guys finished. May I borrow Riku for a moment. I'm going shopping, and I'd like her to come with me."

Karl looked at Mao, "Yes... you may. It might be good for her. Keep an eye on her."

"Of course... are you alright?"

"I'm not sure."

"Here. I'll take Kai's car. You take mine. You look like you need to go somewhere too. I know you don't really need a car, but I think a little bit of normal never hurt anyone."

"Yes... thank you."

He took the keys from her, and then he went out the door. He got in Mao, Lulu, and Okamura's silver SUV, and drove off... to where he wasn't sure. It seemed like hours to get to where he was going. Once there, he was a bit surprised. He hadn't expected to end up there. He still felt like he didn't belong there. 'So what am I doing here?'

He got out of the SUV and then he began climbing the long staircase up to the tombs. When he reached Saya's, he was surprised not to find Hagi already there. He looked around nervously, and then he sat down in front of it. "I only... I'm only here because there is something I'm not really sure of. I still don't feel comfortable... I don't belong here... yet. You were always my enemy, however... you were my life for a very long time. That was my old life. I have a new life now. Where do you fit into that? Do I still..."

He stared at the wall of the tomb. It was quiet... there was a small breeze blowing, but no other sound could be heard. Karl sighed, "You're niece is wonderful. She's thoughtful, kind, and... most importantly... not her mother. However... she isn't you, either. She's got a long way to go, but she's getting there. She asked me... if I still... love you. I..."

Then he realized something that surprised him. "I'm not in love with you. I don't think I ever was. I'm so sorry, Saya. I'm so sorry for everything. The pain, and the hurt. I'm sorry for your brother! Kai's brother! Her father! I promise I'll make it up to you all. I'm going to protect Riku, and I'm going to help save Georgie. When you wake up... you'll see."

"Something told me I'd find you here."

Karl turned to see Hagi... he was... almost... smiling. "Do you often eavesdrop?"

"You asked Saya what she is to you. I believe she is a friend."

"I really hope she knows that."

"I told you... she can hear you."

"Right, right. I remember."

"It won't be long."

"You keep saying that. It's not that soon, either."

"It's going to be sooner than everyone thinks. I can feel it."

"It's not quite thirty years."

Hagi closed his eyes, "No, not quite... however... no one but me, her adoptive father, and one other has seen Saya wake up. The days are not precise... as you should know."

"I know," Karl said, wide eyed, "How soon?"

"Soon."

Karl narrowed his eyes, "And I suppose that's all I'm going to get. Do you know how great it would be if she woke up in the next couple of days... as opposed to waiting months as originally thought."

"Yes... it would be great," Hagi agreed, giving that almost smile again.

Karl had to 'almost' smile himself. 'I know what it's like to wait. However, the one he waits for loves him in return.'

"You now have someone who cares for you very much. It must be very different."

Karl's eyes widened. He knew he didn't mean it as an insult. Hagi was very genuine. "Can you read minds?"

"No, I cannot. I can read expressions... sometimes."

"I care for her very much in return."

"I am glad to hear it."

"I have to get back to her. I've spent too much time here already. She's out with Mao. I should find them right away," he threw the keys to Hagi, "Will you drive that back home. I think I've had enough 'normal' for the day."

Hagi looked at the keys, and then back at Karl. Karl grinned, and then he began at first to slowly descend the stairs, and then he took off swiftly... like only a Chevalier could... in search of Riku.

III

Nathan smiled at her. She was looking out the window. From behind she looked so much like Diva. Only her eyes were different. "What's the matter, little queen. You've barely touched your dinner. You should eat."

"There's blood in that wine," she said, through clenched teeth.

She spun around and sneered at him. "Of course there's blood in it. You need the blood to survive, Georgie. You are a Chiropteran Queen."

"I take blood through an IV! I won't drink someone's blood, you sick son of a bitch!"

"Now, now. I know you're angry with me. It will take some time for you to get over that anger, but I can wait. I have forever."

"Let me go..."

"Why, you don't want to leave now. Your sister will be joining you very soon. Do you honestly think bringing Karl back will stop me. What were they thinking? Karl... stronger than me? It's so funny... it's almost infuriating. I'm of course going to kill him, and this time I'll make sure he stays dead."

"Leave Riku alone. Leave Karl alone. Leave my family alone!"

Nathan smiled, "I simply cannot let one of my queens live the life she's living now. With two very poor Chevaliers, her aunt's bodyguard, a human family, and those houses she goes back and forth... dear me! Terrible! She's living like a second class human! I will not have it. I rescued you, and I will rescue her. Little queen... where is Dalton?"

"How should I know? I don't control him. I'm not a control freak like your precious Diva!"

Nathan saw red for a moment, and slapped her. Georgie slumped to the ground, covering her reddening cheek. Tears streamed down her cheeks. Nathan gasped, "What did I... Georgie..."

"Get out! Leave me alone, and get out you bastard! Get out!"

"I'm sorry, but you made me angry. Diva is your mother. Do not speak ill of her. You don't know what she went through for you. She died for you."

"Leave me alone, please! Get out!"

"Georgie," a stern voice said from the doorway.

Nathan turned to see a very red eyed Dalton. He laughed, "There's no reason to look like that. She's fine. A little discipline never hurt anyone, Dalton."

"You struck her. I can see her cheek," Dalton snarled.

Nathan's eyes grew red, and his voice changed, "Speaking of discipline," very quickly, he appeared in front of Dalton, "Where have you been sneaking off to when my back is turned?"

Dalton didn't back down, "I do not answer to you!"

Nathan grabbed him by his throat, but Dalton still didn't waver. "Stop it! Stop it, stop it! Please!" Georgie screamed.

Nathan's eyes and voice went back to normal. He smiled, letting Dalton go, "I'm sorry for upsetting you, little queen. Please, eat your dinner. Even if you don't drink the wine, at least eat the food."

Nathan pushed past Dalton out the door. He walked to his study, slammed the door behind him, and slumped into one of his favorite armchairs. "Children can be so tiring."

His cell phone rang, and he flipped it open, "Yes... this better be good."

"I found her. She's shopping with humans. It would be so easy to take her from them. Should I?" Chera asked.

"Be careful. I'm sure one of them if not all of them are very close by. I don't want another scene like the prison."

"I'll be careful, Mr. Mahler. Don't worry. It won't be long now until we have both of them."

"Don't let the blood that runs through your veins get the better of you, Chera. If she gets hurt I'll kill you myself. Do you understand?"

"Yes, sir. I'm completely in control. There's no need to worry."

"Good. Now, I need my rest. Only call me if you have good news to report."

A/N: God, it's been so long since I've updated anything!! Anyway, here's a new chapter to this one. I know it sucks, but it's going somewhere. I promise. I hope to update a lot sooner. Sorry it took so long... anywho... here's a new chapter for this story. I hope it's okay with you guys for now.