Once Betrayed, Twice Shy

Disclaimer: I do not own Huntik. The song lyrics quoted in this chapter is from "Lonely" by Akon.

Author's Note: You didn't think I've forgotten about Dante, did you? Well, saving the best for last has always been a part of my philosophy. Enjoy! ;)

Dante

"So, now what? Are you gonna finish me off?" I let out at last, exhausted from the earlier battle. I could not believe what I had just said. Why did I give in to Klaus just like that? Am I so weak that-

"No. She is."

I turned my head around, startled to find Zhalia by Klaus' side.

"You took care of the kid, did you not?" Klaus asked Zhalia. As she walked past him, she handed him a small brown pouch.

No... she couldn't have... I hope Lok and Sophie are okay.

"Good. Now give Dante everything you've got," Klaus commanded.

Glowing green orbs formed around her fists as she moved toward me, preparing to attack.

"Zhalia... what have you done?" I raised my voice.

Mentally, I was confused, and angry. Then, I saw the pain in her eyes. She was wavering.

"Zhalia…"

That scene kept replaying in my head over and over. I could understand her reasons for helping Klaus. He was the only one who took on the role of her parent. But after all this time, Zhalia still had a mental barrier between us and her. Did she doubt our trust in her? If only-

"Dante, are you alright? You seem out of it lately." Lok asked concernedly.

"I'm fine. Just been busy thinking."

"Lighten up. Maybe some music will cheer you up," Lok suggested, turning on the stereo.

Been all about the world ain't never met a girl that can take the things that you been through
Never thought the day would come where you would get up and run and I would be out chasing you
Cause ain't nowhere in the club I'd rather be, ain't no-one in the club I'd rather see then the girl of my dreams that made me
Be so happy but now so lonely

Great. How's that supposed to make me feel better?

So lonely (so lonely)
I'm Mr. Lonely (Mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
For my own (to call my own)

You've got to be kidding me. If he sings the word "lonely" one more time, I'll-

I'm so lonely (so lonely)
I'm Mr. Lonely (Mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
For my own (to call my own) girl

"You had to turn on the music, didn't you?" I groaned.

Lok let out a nervous chuckle, with a sheepish look on his face.

"Sorry. I was just trying to help," Lok offered.

"I'll be fine, but thanks anyway. Besides, a little music can't hurt, right?"

Lok returned a shrug.

As we sat in awkward silence, I thought about what Lok said a couple of days ago.

"Whatever she says, Zhalia's still a part of our team. She'll be back. I know it."

I hope he's right. We're gonna need all the help we can get on our missions. And Zhalia's tough, agile and resourceful. I wonder how she's doing. I'm sure she can handle herself, but still I...

Never thought that I'd be alone, I didn't think you'd be gone this long, I just want you to call my phone, so stop playing girl and
Come on home (come on home), baby girl I didn't mean to shout, I want me and you to work it out, I never wished I'd ever
Hurt my baby, and it's driving me crazy cuz...

"Er... Dante, do you mind if I ask you something?"

"Go ahead."

"You hate this type of music, don't you?"

I'm so lonely (so lonely)
I'm Mr. Lonely (Mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
For my own (to call my own)

"Uh, what? No, of course not. I just prefer the classics," I replied with a weak laugh.

I'm so lonely (so lonely)
I'm Mr. Lonely (Mr. Lonely)
I have nobody (I have nobody)
For my own (to call my own) girl

What is it about radios and their ability to read minds and mock people?

Lonely, so lonely
So lonely, (so lonely),
Mr. Lonely, so lonely
So lonely, so lonely, (so lonely), Mr. Lonely

Argh. Seriously, who wrote this junk?