hey guys; sory it took me so long to update its been crazy. thanks again for all the support. The same disclaimer applies as before. I own nothing dealing with CSI NY or Walker Texas Ranger. enjoy!

Chapter Twelve

A ring the likes of which she had never heard pounded through Arianna's head as she slowly came back around. For a moment she had no idea where she was or what had happened. Then she heard someone groan next to her; felt the weight of a body partially on her and it all came rushing back.

Being sent to New York on assignment; meeting Danny and the team. Falling helplessly in love with the hard edged Staten Island man. Mandala escapng and making his way back into her life. Meeting Danny's family; being attacked twice in one week. The NYPD New Years Eve ball. Danny's proposal and her exceptance. And finally the celebration that had been cut short by the disater that put them in their current situation.

Slowly she sat up; ignoring the feeling of a jackhammer going to work on her skull that now accompained the ringing. Gently she rolled the body that was on top of her onto their back; fear striking her when she realized it was Danny. Forgetting the warm trickle she knew was blood running down her left temple Arianna felt for a pulse. Sagging her shoulders in relief when she found one the young woman sat back on her haunches; knowing that because she wasn't a doctor there really was no way for her to determine if anything else was wrong with him other then the cut above his right eyebrow.

Bringing her eyes from the man lying at her feet to take in the diaster around her she almost wept. The entire part of the ballroom near the elevators was gone. A gapping hole filled with debri and what she knew to be dead bodies left in it's abscences. From the looks of it the two floors above them had come toppling down as well. Wood, plaster, and even pieces of furniture from the rooms that had collapsed was strewn across the room; stopping a few feet short of were she was. Dust was still settling so it was kind of hard to see but it was easy to tell that everything on that side of the room had been completely destoryed. Nothing left but death and destruction.

Heaps of wreakage were now being picked through by various men; tuxedo jackets thrown aside and sleeves rolled up. Those who were unable to do so were helping out the injuried people; bringing those that could be moved to the tables closest to patio. Medical kits had been brought in. More then likely from the the hotel doctor and the cars of the paramedics that had been attending. She had no idea how long she had been out but from the amount of people milling around; some uninjured as they started to help those out that were she would guess it was quite a while. Of course the place had been filled to the brim with cops, firefighters, and paramedics so they could've organized quickly and efficently without anyone blinking an eye.

Just as a man with a sethascope hung around his neck; sweat covering his brow and white dress shirt no longer crisp came towards them she felt someone grip her hand. Looking down she saw Danny's bright blue eyes catch hers and breathed a sigh of relief. For what seemed like an eternity she thought that he wasn't going to wake up. Though his breathing and pulse had been even he still could've sustained a serious blow to the head.

"Arianna..." His voice was harsh as he spoke.

"Shh. It's okay baby; I'm here." She answered; squeezing his hand.

Trying to sit up was no easy task and he felt a massive jolt of pain work it's way up his left arm as he was finally able to prop hisself up. Taking in what Arianna had just been observing moments ago he wasn't sure what to say; what to do. Everything looked like it was a sort of organized choas. One that he had a feeling had been administered by the man who was trying to take the life of the woman he had just asked to marry him.

"Are you guys okay? Any serious injuries?" The young paramedic asked; his green eyes showing signs of fatigue.

"I'm fine; but I think he might have a problem with his shoulder." Arianna gestured towards Danny; aware of the pain that had momentairly marred his face minutes ago.

"Don't worry about me. We need to find the rest of the team." Danny waved them both off.

"I'll find them and you stay here and let him check you out." Arianna countered. At the protest she could see forming on his lips she gave the hand she was still holding another squeeze. "Please? For me?"

Denying her was something that he could never do so instead of arguing Danny nodded his head in agreement. "But if any of them is hurt you let me know."

"I will; I promise." With that a kiss on his lips Arianna was gone; picking her way through the rubble in search of their freinds.

Once he was patched up Danny went in search of his fiancee; hoping she had found their freinds alive and unharmed. Well mostly unharmed for the most part judging by that he was looking at. The scene reminded him of when Mac and Flack had been caught in that explosion that had sent Flack to the hospital. All because some whack job had thought it would be nice to test the cities response to terrorism. What some people wouldn't do to get their point across was beyond the scope of normal comphrension from time to time. Tonight was a prime example. Javier Mandala was a man on a mission; hell bent on seeing Arianna six feet under because she had decided to be on the right side of the law. On the side that took men like him down for selling drugs to kids; to stop him from ruining precious lives.

Spying a blur of blue out of the corner of his left eye Danny turned his head to follow it; realizing that it was the woman he had been looking for. At the moment she was stopped at the make shift command post that had been set up near where the dj's booth had been. Despite their being a gaping hole in the side of the hotel it was quite comfortable. Of course he had on a long sleeve dress shirt. The woman who were wearing basically nothing as far as warm clothing was concerned were the ones he was worried about. As he moved closer he noticed everyone from their team was present and breathed a sigh of relief. Then upon closer inspection he realized that their patheologist turned csi and his date were no where to be found.

"Where's Hawkes?" He came to a stop next to Mac.

"Helping out the paramedics with the injured. Turns out theres only three doctors here tonight. Him and Katie being two of them." The older man explained.

"Anybody know what happened?" Danny questioned; having a sinking feeling he already knew.

"Mandala. Who else would it be." Arianna sneared at no one in particular.

But as she took in the destruction around her; the woman crying; the injured moaning her features softened. Never in a million years had she thought that it would come to this. That he would go such lengths as to get his hands on her. She had always known that he was a sick, twisted, sadistic son of a bitch that had a strange fixation when it came to her. Torturing by any means whether it be physically, mentally, or emtionally had always been a game to him. Something that made him get off; what he considered his payback for her ruining his life by dismantling his drug operation and putting him behind bars. It made her heart ache to know that all these people were in this situation tonight because of her. Those before her were nothing more then innocent bystanders in a whirling game of revenge that Mandala was hell bent on ending with her death. And she was damned if she was going to let that happen.

"We have no evidence to back up your claim Miss Walker." Commisoner Gordan reminded.

There was no much anger building up inside her that it wasn't even funny. As much as she hadn't wanted to let loose on anyone the portly man who was making her feel as if she was losing braing cells by the second seemed as good a target as any at the moment.

"We have no evidence to back up your claim Miss Walker." Commisoner Gordan reminded.

There was so much anger building up inside her that it wasn't even funny. As much as she hadn't wanted to let loose on anyone the portly man who was making her feel as if she was losing brain cells by the second seemed as good a target as any at the moment.

"All the evidence you need has been put right in front of your face." Arianna fumed. "I told you who I'am. You've talked to my superior officer back in Dallas; been breifed on the current situation I'm involved in." Bringing her arms up wide to encompass what was going on around them she continued. "Not to mention this. A bomb going off; all these innocent people involved; at the same place where I happen to be? Given everything I'd have to say that this is no damn concindence."

"Be that as it may Miss Walker we still have no solid evidence that we can produce to proceed forward with that line of thinking." Gordan's voice remained calm; effectively driving her nuts.

Before she was given a chance to completely let loose on the man a hand settled on her shoulder. Tensed and ready for a fight she turned to see a young man of about twenty five standing there; hand shaking as he passed her a plain black box.

"A man handed this to me and said to give it to you." His voice quivered.

"What man? Do you remember what he looks like?" Danny came up next to them; rapid firing questions at the poor kid.

"He...he didn't give mmme a name. Just pointed to her and said to be sure that she got that box or I was a dead man. There was a baseball cap on his head and sunglasses covering his face so I really couldn't get a good look at him but he scared the shit out of me enough to not argue." The young man answered; a little more calmly this time.

"Where were you? What direction did you come from?" Arianna interupted.

"Near the elevators; the part that's still intacted and leads to the lobby." He explained.

Giving her thanks and assurance to the man that he would be perfectly fine Arianna handed the box to Danny and without a backward glance headed in that direction as fast as her heels would carry her. Protests from the group started to fade as she skidded to a stop; heart pounding in her ears as she searched the lobby; what had become a holding place of sorts for those who weren't injuired enough to need immediate medical attention. It was stupid to think that he would've kept the ball cap or glasses on; but she looked for that in particular none the less. Out of the corner of her eye she spotted someone headed in the direction of the hallway; head down, cap pulled low over his forehead.

"Hey you! Stop Texas Rangers!" She yelled as she ran after them; seriously considering taking off her shoes.

They continued to keep going; stepping up their pace until they ducked into the mens bathroom. Not caring that she really shouldn't be going in there Arianna slammed the door open. Going from stall to stall she finally heard noise coming from the last one. As silent as she could be with heels she crept up on them; noticing that they had to be standing on the toliet so as not to be seen. Waiting until the last possible second she reached for the door handle. Finding it locked she reared back and lashed out with a front kick. A crack echoed through the space as it broke; slamming up against the wall. Not giving the man anytime to move she was on him; grabbing ahold of his shirt and dragging him to the ground. Reaching up she snatched the cap off his head; ready to unleash her wrath. Only problem was she came face to face with a teenage boy; looking scared out of his mind.

"Ppplease ddon't hurt me. Hhhe has my girlfreind. Said that if I didn't do what he asked he would kill her." His voice trembled as he spoke.

Trying not to pound the wall next to his head in frustration Arianna took a deep breath before answering the young man.

"It's okay. I need to know if he said anything else to you. Told you to do anything else." She explained.

"All he said was for you to listen to the tape he gave you. That would tell you what to do from there." He stated.

"What tape?" Arianna questioned.

"That's all I know. I swear." He whined.

Reeling in the anger she could feel starting to break through the well crafted barrier she had put around it the young ranger took a deep breath before giving him back his hat and leading him to the door.

"It's okay. You've been more then helpful. And I will get your girlfreind back for you but I need your help first." Arianna promised him.

"Anything." He answered.

"I need you to walk out of here looking as calm as possible." At the look on his face she continued. " I know it won't be easy; but I need you to act as if I've given you every assurance in the world that you'll be safe. Which you will be." She added to let him know she was telling the truth.

"Okay." He agreed.

"I'm going to go first. Wait two minutes then follow me and head in the oppposite direction. Understand?" Arianna ordered.

"Yeah." The kid nodded his head; eyes still slighly wide with fear.

Squaring her shoulders; trying to mask the fear and anger she knew was plastered across her face; the young woman pushed the door open slightly looking to make sure no one was hiding in the shadows. Satisfied that she wasn't going to have to kick anyones ass while still wearing the bulky dress Arianna headed back towards the dilapitated ball room.

Things were a little more organized then when she had left and it made her breath a little easier to know that there were no more surprises as far as the innocent civilians were concerned. Except for the matter of the hostage that Mandala currently had in the form of the youngs mans girlfreind. That would be resolved quickly though. She had made a promise to the young man. And she never broke her promises.

"Did you find him?" Danny questioned as she came to a stop.

"No; just some kid who was scared out of his skull." Arianna sighed. " Mandala kindapped his girlfreind and told the poor guy that if he didn't do what he asked she would be dead."

"What are you going to do now?" Stella asked.

"Honestly I wish I knew." Arianna sneered. " The kid said something about Mandala wanted me to listen to the tape he had given me."

"But he didn't give you a tape just this box." Don reminded. "Which now that I think about it feels kind of heavy."

Bringing her head up from where it had been resting in her hands Arianna finally realized what he had been talking about. Standing up she walked over to the dark haired detective and took the box. Opening it she found a slim silver tap recorder and small rectangular tape inside. Tossing the box aside she placed the tape in the decive and pressed play. At first all it was was a bunch of crackling then came a voice she had hoped to never hear again unless it was him screaming when they fried his ass.

"Well Ranger Walker it seems we meet again. Only this time the tables are turned in my favor. I told you when they dragged me from that court house that this was far from over. And that's a promise I intend on keeping. It seems we have some unfinished buisness between us. Consisting of; to my great joy; your untimely death. I can't wait until I get to see the fear in your eyes as you beg for your life. Just like Gage did. Just like your new fiancee will while you watch him die."

The recording came to an abrupt stop as Danny hit the button; his anger slowly coming to the surface. Of course he was scared for his life. But more then that he was scared for Arianna; for whatever this sick bastard had planned for her. Angry that this was happening to her; to all of them because someone wanted revenge.

"Danny..." Arianna placed her hand over his.

Turning to her he saw for the first time real, unadulterated fear in her blue eyes. This was something she had been dealing with since taking down this mad mans organization all those years ago. And granted it hadn't been easy but she had managed to deal with it one day, one step at a time. Though he had a feeling she would rather lay down and cry until there was nothing left in her she was standing there; dirt streaking her face, dust in her hair; listening to the mind games that Mandala was trying to play with her like it was the morning news report.

"Are you sure?" He questioned.

All she did in response was give him a light kiss on the lips before pushing the play button on the recorder once again.

"As you've probably already figured out by now the only one of us that's going to be leaving here alive tonight is me. But that doesn't mean we can't make it interesting in the meantime. So this is what I propose. If you want the girl back; as I'm sure you promised her boyfreind would happen; you're going to have to work for it. The little explosion I rigged has caused the evacuation of the hotel; essentially making it our own little playground. Now seems how I know you love obsticale courses so much. Love to show off the many skills you possess I figured something along those lines would be in order. Each floor has a surprise in store for you. Make it all the way through to the tenth floor and you can have the girl. If you make it through my own little version of hell. Of course once you make it to me it will be the end for you. But that's no reason to give up hope now is it?The fun begins at elven; don't be late.

And remember Ranger; your head is mine."

Not being able to control herself anymore Arianna took hold of the tape recorder and all her pent up anger behind it let the peice of equipment fly. The sound of the crash reverbirated throughout the lobby as what was of left of the device fell to the floor. Clenching her hands in fists to keep from punching someone or something she turned without a word from the group that was looking at her in silence to head towards the lobby and the bag that had the equipment she would need to get out of this alive.

Hurrying to follow her; knowing that calling out to her wouldn't do any good Danny just stood there as she brought the bag up from behind the reception desk. As much as he knew that trying to get her to let someone else handle this the situation was going to be like trying to get it to snow in the desert he could still try. Watching as she headed towards the bathroom he knew that now was as good a time as any.

"I'll be right back." He told the group.

"You have to try to stop her." Adien begged. "You can't let her walk into what we all know is a trap. She'll get herself killed."

Not trusting his voice at the moment all he did was nod in response before jogging towards the direction she had gone; hoping to catch her before she snuck out ahead of him. Not bothering to knock Danny barged right in; finding her slipping on a black turtleneck over her tanktop. Hair no longer piled high on her head it feel loose around her shoulders as she bent down to tie her black combat boots before placing the pant leg of her black cargo pants over them. For a moment all he could do was watch as she stood there; staring at herself in the mirror.

Despite the bravado she had kept up during the last month Arianna was scared out of her skull right now as she took a moment to collect her thoughts; took the time to be by herself. Only she wasn't alone. The minute she had heard the door open she had known it was him. Had known he had came after her in an attempt to change her mind though he knew it would be to no avail. Right now however he was the last person she wanted to see. Because he was the only person who could make her change her mind. Could make her forget about the promise she had made to that young man. The promise she had made to Gage at his funeral. And most important the one she had made to herself when he had come back to haunt her.

"Please tell me you have a kevlar vest in that bag of tricks." Danny pleaded.

Turning to him she tried to force a smile. "Right next to my magic wand and the cell phone that has my fairy god mother on speed dial."

"I'm being serious Arianna." Danny grimaced. "Please tell me you have one; AND plan on wearing it."

Reaching into her bag she grabbed the piece of material and held it up for him to see. "Yes I do; one especially made to fit me curtisoy of the United States Military. But I won't be putting it on."

"What?! Are you crazy?" Danny exclaimed.

"No. Just being pratical." Arianna countered.

"How is not wearing a kevlar vest when going into what you know could turn into a fire fight being pratical?" Danny wondered.

"Because Mandala has studied me enough to know that that would be one of the first things I'd wear to protect myself. Meaning that he'll have arm peircing bullets." Arianna explained.

"Which can kill you twice as fast without a vest." Danny pointed out.

"But once he sees me without a vest it'll throw him off so that he'll have to change his plans." Arianna turned to rummage in her bag. "Which gives me an extra advantage to make it through his personal hell."

Knowing that she knew the sick bastard better then he did Danny let it drop as she strapped her gun belt loaded with two nine millimeters and extra clips around her waist and then thighs tomb raider style. Next she took out two hunting knives; putting one around each ankle. Straightening she clipped a pair of handcuffs to her belt along with a case that held what he knew were her ninja stars; something he had seen her practice with while at his parents house. Once she was sure she had everything she needed Arianna closed up the bag; setting it aside.

Turning back to him she took a deep breath and gave him the biggest smile she could as she reached out to adjust his bowtie; trying to brush off as much dust as she could. He could both see and feel her hands shaking as she touched him. Taking them in his he leaned down and placed a kiss on her forehead before resting his head against hers.

"I wish you didn't have to do this." Danny whispered.

"Me either." Arianna agreed. Tilting her head back she gave him a wan smile. "Instead of celebrating out engagement I get to leave you here to help with all the people that the bastard I have to go after hurt just to get to me."

"I know this is useless but is there anyway I can convince you to forget about it and call someone else to take care of him?" Danny was curious. "He's just caused you so much heartache and pain. I want it to end for you."

"And I love you for it but you're right; it'd be useless to try and get me to just back down and let someone else handle this." Arianna agreed. "For too long I've let him rule my life. He's a sick son of a bitch that deserves the beat down I'm going to give him. Too many people have been hurt; have been killed because of him and the vendetta he has against me."

Before he could say anything the door to the womans room swung open and Stella came bursting through; out of breath from running. Immediately they were both on alert. Arianna scooped up her bag and was standing in front of the other woman before she could get a word out.

"What happened?" Her voice was clipped and buisness like.

"Mac and Don were headed outside to see what they could do to help and caught a man trying to set another explosive. They caught him before he could get away." Stella told her.

"Where is he now?" Arianna asked.

"Still with Mac and Don." Stella answered. "The uniformed officers wanted to take him back to the precinct but Mac told them not to. That you would wanna talk to him."

"Damn right I do." Arianna growled.

Not caring that she was leaving the other two in her dust the young ranger headed back in the direction of the ballroom; searching the crowad for the men in question. The bomb squad standing over in the far corner away from the rest of the other people sent off a red flag for her to head in that direction.

Not caring that she was interupting the interrigation that the current police officer was conducting on the oriental man now in handcuffs Arianna pushed in front of him and dragged the man to his feet.

"Who are you? Where is he?" She demanded.

There was a blank look in his eyes; whether from being scared out of his gord or he was hyped up on something. Either way she was getting nowhere and her patience had gone way past it's limit. Then he started to speak in what she recognized as chinese and everything made sense. He had absouletly no idea what she was saying because he didn't speak english.

"Just beautiful." Danny grumbled. "Does anybody speak chinese?"

Before anyone could step forward Arianna sat the man back down and started speaking to him in the same lanugage he had just spoken. To say that he was surprised wouldn't be a stretch. Of course he shouldn't be. The woman who was know trying to get answers out of somone who worked for the man who was trying to kill her wore many faces. As much as she said that there was a list of things she couldn't do he had a feeling that it was a very short one.

"I don't know where he is. All I did was try to plant the bomb like he asked. But I got caught so Mr. Mandala won't be very happy." The man finally answered; more then willing to spill what he knew.

"Well I wouldn't worry about Mr. Mandala too much." Arianna informed him as she motioned for the officer to take the man away. "He's going to get everything he deserves."

Pure hatered was evident in her voice and there was malice in her eyes as she turned from the group that was gathered awaiting to see what she was about to do. Needing to get away from everyone and everything for a few minutes before she headed to what could be the last thing she ever did; the young woman didn't say a word as she weaved her way through the organized choas that had become the ballroom now that there were police, paramedics, and firefighters there to clean up the mess. Even though she could hear Danny and the rest of them calling for her she ignored them; not stopping until she reached the balcony where she and Danny had been standing what seemed like a lifetime ago as he asked her to marry him. To spend the rest of her life with him.

Leaning her hands on the railing; hanging her head as she took a deep breath her ring glinted in the light from the lamps that were still on. Lifting her left hand up she studied the ring; smiling for the first time all night as she realized that it was perfect for her. And so was the man who's footsteps she could hear coming up behind her. Just when she thought that she wouldn't be able to move on with her life. That the one chance she would have at happiness when meeting the hard edged New Yorker was gone out the window when she got the phone call saying that Mandala was out of prison and sure as shit coming after her. Then he had surprised her by sticking by her side; by making her drop all her defenses and intentions of keeping him at bay in order to keep him safe.

And as much as she was scared out of her mind right now; had a strange feeling that she wasn't going to make it out of this hotel on her own two feet she'd rather have him by her side then not there at all. If losing Gage had taught her anything it was that you can't take life for granted. That even when you think that you're doing the ones you love a favor by pushing them away you were hurting not only them but yourself as well.

In the end someone was going to end up getting hurt tonight. If not emotionally then physically. She sure as hell would prefer it to be Mandala but if not then she was next in line because she'd be damned if anyone else would because of a man that was there to end her life and no one elses.

Chapter Twelve

Wanting to comfort her but not sure if that was really what she wanted or needed right now Danny just stood and watched her as she took a moment to prepare herself for what was to come. Having the job that she did; being as well known and good at it as she was caused her to have a lot of enemies and to have to go into situations along these lines. He had also had his fair share. But none that were anywhere near this caliber. And even if she was use to it he sure as hell wasn't. When he had been with Lynsday she had the same job as him; very rarely put in danger except when a suspect got too dangerous.

Then again there was also the fact that he hadn't had the kind of feelings for her that he had for the woman leaning against the railing; hair blowing in the slight breeze as she took a moment of silence. Granted he had cared about her; maybe even loved her. But it had been nothing like what he felt for Arianna.

It was like she was the other part of him. His half that made him whole as cheesy as it sounded. For the first time in his life he understood what the married people he worked with felt like when they saw that one person they had promised to spend the rest of their life with at the end of everyday. He had finally found his chance at the life his parents had with someone who understood what he did for a living; understood why he was the way he was. Someone that he couldn't see living without now that she was in his life. Everytime he saw what Mandala did to her. The fear and defeat his heart broke into a million pieces. In the end though there was nothing he could do. This was something she had to do on her own and he just had to hope and pray that when it was all over with she was the one who walked out of here alive and not the sick son of a bitch who had started all this.

Knowing that he would stand there until she turned around; and that she had to say something to him before she left; Arianna gave as big a smile as she could when his eyes caught hers. Even with his hair all messed up; dirt streaking his face and clothes all disheveled he was one of the sexiest looking men she had ever met. And the one that had helped to heal her heart and make her realize that it was possible to love again after tragedy.

"So...here we are." She grinned at him.

"Yeah." Danny agreed. Stopping in front of her he kept his hands in his pockets; not sure how to proceed next.

"Something wrong." Arianna asked. "Sorry; stupid question."

Giving her one of his trademark grins he came to stand next to her. "It's okay. I think you're entitled to it."

"Well lets hope thats the only stupid question or mistake I make tonight."Arianna prayed.

Forgetting that she was trying to prepare herself for what she was about to go through Danny wrapped her in his arms; needing to hold her close. Because as much as he didn't want to think about it this might be the last time he got a chance to hold her like this. To feel her in his arms. Her breath on his neck as she wrapped her arms around his neck; resting her head on his shoulder. But because she was trying to be hopeful about what was about to happen he would do the same.

"It will be because once this is all over we have a lot to take care of." Danny informed her.

"Really? And what would that be exactly?"Arianna gave him a curious look.

"Getting me moved to Dallas and settled in at your house." Danny started.

"Our house." Arianna corrected.

"Right; our house." Danny agreed. "Then we have a wedding to plan and that's when you can drive me crazy with picking out china patterns and flowers."

"Not to mention what kind of cake we want; and me complaining about how I don't wanna look fat in my wedding dress." Arianna grinned.

Chuckling he leaned down and placed a kiss on her nose. "You could never look fat to me. And for the record I like chocolate."

Even though she knew she was delaying the inevitabale Arianna pushed that thought aside as she gave him a thoughtful look. "Maybe we should just get married by a justice of the piece and call it good."

"Don't think so." Danny argued. Reaching up he gently traced her cheek. "I'm gonna make sure you get the fairy tale wedding you never had a chance to have."

"You're way too good to me; you know that?" Arianna gently kissed him.

"That's because you're all that matters to me in this world besides my family. You deserve the best." Danny confessed.

Feeling tears in her eyes Arianna tried not to let him know how much he had made her heart soar and break at the same time with that statement. When this had all started to happen; when she had received that first phone call from her father stating that Mandala was out of prison and had intentions of coming for her; Arianna had thought she was alone. Thought that with her family all the way back in Dallas and her stuck in the big apple there was no one to turn to. No one she could lean on for support.

Then she had seen Danny's concerned face when he had tried to get her to tell him what was wrong and as reluctant as she had been to believe so she had come to realize that she wasn't alone in all of this. That there were people out there who cared about her beyond those she had left behind in Texas when taking this assignment.

Now she just hoped that giving into the fact that she had needed help and realizing that she did deserve another shot at love wouldn't back fire and get the man who stood before her killed.

Glancing at the watch she had strapped to her wrist Arianna could see that it was getting close to eleven and the time to put an end to all of this. All of her hoping and praying that it wouldn't come to this had been for nothing and now she had to take care of a problem that had been hers from the beginning.

"I have to go." She whispered.

"I know." Danny revealed. "I was just kind of hoping that all of this had been a really bad dream."

By this time they had made it back into the ballroom and found the group seated at one of the few tables that had been left intacked after the explosion.

"Everyone okay?" Arianna questioned.

"Yeah. Just taking a breather before we head back in to help out again." Hawkes informed.

"What about you? How are you holdin' up?" Mac wondered.

"I'll be better when this is over." Arianna admitted.

"We all will." Danny agreed.

Knowing that she couldn't out it off any longer but needing to take care of one more thing before she left Arianna turned to the other three men in the group. Not able to look at the concern and fear on Danny's face for fear that she would loose her nerve.

"Can I speak to you guys for a second?" She asked.

Leading them away from the rest of the group; ignoring the confused looks she was getting; Arianna stopped and took a deep breath before speaking.

"I need you guys to do me a favor." She told them.

"Anything." They agreed.

"I need you to keep Danny with you at all times . Make sure he doesn't do anything stupid like try to follow me. This is harder on him then he's admitting and I don't want to have to worry about him when I should be making sure that I make it out of this alive." Arianna told them.


"You do realize that that's easier said then done right?" Don pointed out.

"Yeah; but I have faith in you guys." Arianna tried to smile.

"We won't let you down." Mac assured.

"Thank you." Arianna was grateful.

Giving them each a hug in turn she proceeded back to the group where she did the same with the woman. Normally she was not an emotional person; and if she felt the urge then she pushed it down to concentrate on the task at hand. But figuring that this might be the last time she would get a chance to see them all she decided to say the hell with it.

"Look; I'm, um, not very good at these kind of things and going to sound morbid for a minute but I'll try my best." She paused for a moment before continuing. "When I first came here I was a long way from home right before Christmas and not to happy about it. Then I met all of you and started to feel better about the fact that I wasn't going to make it home for the holidays. You had in a sense become like my own little family; my home away from home. After I got the call from my father telling me that Mandala was out of jail and coming after me I felt like I needed to push you all away. That that in turn would keep you safe. But then someone made me realize that trying to fight it alone was too much for one person to handle."

Danny knew that she was talking about him; about how he had been unwiling to give up on her when she had tried to get him to leave her alone. Though he had to argue that it wasn't all him; that she had a hand in changing her own mind; he didn't for the simple fact that he knew she needed to say this. To get it off her chest on the chance that; heaven forbid; she didn't come out of this alive. Instead he placed a hand on her shoulder; giving it a squeeze in support.

"What I'm trying to say is thank you. For taking me in; for everything you've done. From dealing with my lame jokes to the danger you've been put in since this hell started. There aren't many who would do that. Every single one of you is a rare human being and I'm extremely grateful to have you as freinds." Arianna was close to tears but held them at bay; barely.

Pulling her against him Danny held her tight; knowing that even though she didn't want to she was in a sense telling the group goodbye. Not knowing what was going to happen to her was beyond killing him and he didn't even know how he was staying sane right now. Despite not wanting her to leave he knew it was best to get it over with.

After saying her piece the young ranger silently said her goodbyes; knowing that at the moment her voice would fail her if she tried to speak. Once that was done she followed Danny out to the door that led to the stairwell that she would use to make it to each floor; not trusting the elevators.

Not really sure what to do the young man watched as Arianna double checked everything in her utility belt then racking a round in the chamber before placing them back in their holders.

"Are you sure you have everything? You didn't leave anything behind that you'll really need? Do you have enough ammo? Are you sure you don't want..." Danny started.

Putting a finger to his lips to silence him she gave a small smiled. "Yes, yes, and yes. And no I don't want to put it on. It's less to slow me down and something to throw Mandala off with when he realizes I'm not wearing one."

Nodding in defeat and agreement Danny opened his mouth to speak but no words seemed to want to come out. Closing it he cleared his throat and tried again.

"I'm not good with the big speeches but I don't want you leaving without me saying something." He started.

"It's okay. You don't have to say anything." Arianna assured.

Taking her hands in his he shook his head. "Please; just let me do this."

"Okay; go ahead." Arianna agreed.

"I know there really isn't much I can tell you to make you any less terrified or for this to go away. But what I can tell you is that I love you; more then aything in the world. You're one of the strongest people I know; if anyone can make it through this you can. And you will make it through." Danny said the last part with enough conviction that they weren't sure if he was trying to convince hisself, her, or both.

"With a guy like to come back to who wouldn't?" Arianna felt the tears she had been able to handle all night roll down her cheeks.

"Please don't cry baby because then I will and I'm tryin' to be strong for you." Danny gently wiped them away.

"I know; I'm sorry." Arianna apologized.

"You have nothin' to be sorry for. I'm just trying to bust your chops." Danny managed a grin.

"As always." Arianna agreed.

"I want to keep you here safe; strapped to a chair where you can't get away. But I know I can't so all I'll say is that you'd better come home to me. Because if I lose you that'll be it. My life will never be the same. You're the only person for me and always will be." Danny told her.

"You asked me to marry you so I hope so." Arianna tried to make light of the situation. " Besides it's like you said; I have to bug you with all the boring wedding details."

"After you get done kicking Mandala's ass." Danny reminded.

"There is that one little detail." Arianna grimaced.

Leaning down Danny kissed her one last time before she left. It wasn't one filled with heat and passion; something that would be expected in a high stress situation. But slow and sweet; hinting at the life they had yet to lead. All that he had planned for them the way she should expect to be treated for the rest of her life.

Reluctantly he pulled away; watching as the tears rolled from her closed eyes. Though she'd been trying to be brave it was getting harder and harder for her and made him even more pissed off at Mandala then he already was. If that was even possible.

"I don't know if I can do this." Arianna whispered.

That was the first relutance he had heard out of her all night and had to listen up to make sure he wasn't hearing things.

"You can and you will. Because you're stronger then the mind games he's trying to play on you ever will be." Danny reassured.

"We'll soon find out." Arianna stood; squaring her shoulders in the process.

"Unfourtanetly." Danny grimaced. "Now go." He placed a kiss on her forehead

before gently pushing her towards the stairwell door.

Nothing was said as she closed the ten feet gap between them and the door. Her hands were on the handle and pushing it open before she turned to him. At first he thought that the last image he would have of her was her back as the door closed behind her. But then she gave him a wink and blew a kiss in the air towards him; mouthing the words I love you before turning back around.

"I love you too." Danny whispered as the door softly clicked shut.

His heart dying a little every moment he thought about what she had to go through he walked with his head down and hands in his pocket back towards the ballroom. The only thing he could now as sit and wait; hoping that when this was all over with she walked back to him on her own two feet and wasn't being carried in a body bag.