Disclaimer: As much as I still love Balem, I haven't come to own him in the past year. Cosplayed as him but I'm having trouble owning him. Bummer. But I do own Amoya and several characters that I made up for this series!

Chapter 5: Deja Vu

Balem Abrasax was regretting this already.

He pulled at the black turtleneck he was forced to wear. Amoya had told him that they had to blend in with society. He didn't realize that he would have to dress like them. So after a whole conversation, he settled on a thin black turtleneck with short sleeves, so he could wear a grey striped suit with it. Since it was smack dab in the middle of summer, he found it already to be warm.

But he refused to be seen with his neck and arms out. At least not on this planet. And even on Jupiter he rarely went without his neck piece.

Amoya on the other hand, was wearing a long sleeve white billowing top that had sheer arms. She also wore navy blue shorts to her knees and white sandals. White earrings were all she had for jewelry.

Balem looked over to see Amoya practically bouncing in her seat as she watched her former world go by. She occasionally rambled about what was still here, but updated, verse what was gone as they rode to the hotel.

Amoya was shocked to know that there was a headquarters in America that blended with society. Balem couldn't remember exactly when he had set foot on Earth but the headquarters had evolved with the times. There had always been a place that watched Earth and collected data and whatnot since the early times. Any times things got out of hand they would dispatch the Keepers to handle it on the spot.

That's why when the ship dropped them off, there was a black car waiting on them with a driver. The driver was completely human but apparently one of the rare ones on Earth that knew of the world beyond. He was tall and had dark olive skin with short black hair. Amoya thought he looked Spanish.

Arriving at Guilan Hotel, the driver, Mr. Deltos helped Amoya out of the car as Balem came around from the other side. She stared at it in amazement.

"They did some major renovations!" she breathed in awe. "I remember when it wasn't quite this big."

"Well, it has been almost 2 centuries." remarked Balem.

"So I'm keep being reminded. Thanks for the ride, Mr. Deltos!"

"You are very welcome, your majesties", Mr. Deltos sketched a bow. "I will be awaiting your call."

Balem nodded to him once as he and Amoya walked into the lobby of the hotel with her hands wrapped around his arm. Amoya looked around not recognizing the inside from the brief time she had seen in long ago. It had been changed to fit the modern tastes. Although used to the Entitles way of doing things, she still felt the place was grand in her opinion.

Balem, on the other hand did not so much as glance at the place as he walked to the counter. Amoya followed behind leisurely.

Her eyes roamed around taking in the sights until they landed on a young boy standing by himself. Amoya gazed at him, noting that he seemed to continually look around as if he was looking for something. He was clearly underdressed for the hotel. Amoya frowned as people walked by either completely ignoring the child or eyeing him as if he was in the way.

Finally, Amoya wandered over to the young boy and gave him a huge smile, "Hi. Are you lost?" as she asked gently.

The young boy stared up at her. The Queen found herself disturbed by the almost vacant look in his eyes. He didn't say anything just stared at her.

Amoya found herself at a loss for words at the lack of response.

"Oi what are you doing?"

The voice rang out making Amoya snap up to see an older woman marching towards them. Instead of questioning Amoya, as she thought the question was towards her, the older woman turned to the young boy and asked sharply, "Why are you disturbing this woman?"

Amoya didn't miss the slight tension that ran through the boy. It was so slightly one could have easily missed it.

Amoya smiled at the older woman, "Please, it's fine. It was no disturbance. I saw him alone and wanted to make sure he was taken care of. He didn't do anything wrong."

The older woman, with curly hair that seemed to have some silver strands just showing up, waved her hand, "Of course not, ma'am! Please, I'm sure you have other matters to attend to. You shouldn't have bothered. This is a ward of the orphanage."

"Orphanage?"

"Yes. Kit-White Orphanage."

Amoya had to remind herself to breathe as she kept the smile on her face. She glanced at the young boy who had his head down.

"That orphanage is still around?" she asked mildly.

"Yeah, basically. There was a wealthy family looking for children. Unfortunately, only one could be chosen. Thomas here wasn't and it seemed he didn't take it so well. Though he hardly says a word so how would anyone know he even exists?" The older woman laughed.

Amoya gave a strained laugh. "I see."

The older woman nudged Thomas' shoulder. "Say thank you to the nice lady, Thomas. She took time out of her day for you."

Thomas stood seeming unaffected by the nudge.

"Thomas..." the older woman growled.

Amoya quickly jumped in, "That's okay. Perhaps he's only shy."

The older woman gave an apologetic smile. "I'm sorry, ma'am. Unfortunately, he's usually this difficult. Thank you again!"

Amoya nodded once.

"Come along, Thomas." the older woman said taking his arm and pulling him behind her.

Amoya watched as Thomas was dragged away. She was shocked when he turned his head and looked at her over his shoulder. The first time the young boy made eye contact with Amoya. She swallowed as Thomas disappeared from her sight, leaving her with the memory of his eyes.

"My, my. What was that about?" Balem asked lightly as he stepped up to Amoya's side. He had seen the exchanged and waited until it was over to approach.

Unconsciously, Amoya rubbed stomach, "Deja vu."

Balem raised an eyebrow, "Care to elaborate?"

There was a long pause before, "Darling, are we doing anything in particular tomorrow?"

Balem glanced at Amoya whose gaze was still on where the child disappeared. "Honestly, I had no plans past this hotel. This was your home you will have to tell me. What do we do on this backward water berg?"

Amoya slapped her hand on his chest in silent retaliation of his words. Balem's mouth moved in a small smirk.

"Do you want to see where I was born?"

Balem turned his head and eyed his wife critically. There was something going on here he was sure of it. Something about the exchanged that got to Amoya.

"Only if you want to show me." he answered mildly.

Balem blinked slowly, crinkling his nose at the worn down building.

Amoya stared at the huge building that almost seemed unsafe to go into. "It has been almost two centuries, hasn't it?"

"And it looks it." sniffed Balem.

"Maybe it looks better inside. Usually, they renovate at some point."

Amoya nodded once and proceeded down the pathway and up the stairs. Balem glanced behind him. Amoya didn't know, but he made sure to have Dalila and Naveen on watch at all times. Even Amoya's nurse was available.

He knew that Amoya thought that she was getting a break, so she didn't need to know that they were watched over.

With a sigh he followed her. Upon reaching the door, he reached around her to pull it open. The chiming of the door had a young 30 something woman with her black hair tied in a bun, looking up as the couple stepped in the foray.

"Hello, welcome to Kit-White Orphanage! Are you interested in adopting?" she asked smiling as she stood to her feet from her desk as the couple walked in. "Oooh, congratulations! How far along?" she asked practically gushing.

Amoya smiled, "A little over 6 months."

"Congrats! Congrats!" The secretary smiled clapping her hands.

"Thank you!"

"Carlotta, I need..." A familar older woman walked into the room from the back, stopping in her sentence as she eyes caught sight of the couple.

"Oh, I remember you from yesterday!" she cried.

"Hello, again!" Amoya inclined her head. "I'm Amoya Abrasax and this is my husband Balem Abrasax."

"Oh, we actually didn't officially meet did we? I'm Megan Delvos." She held out her hand.

The Abrasaxes shook hands with her.

"So what brings you here?" Megan asked.

"Well, it's kind of stupid but I'm in town and I remembered this place when it was just Kit Orphanage."

"Oh wow, that's been over a hundred years ago."

Amoya smiled, "Well, my great grandmother or great-great I don't remember talked about this place. I feel like I know it."

"Really? How long was she here?"

"She was practically born and raised here."

Megan gave a laugh. "An alumni, huh?"

Amoya laughed along with her. "I guess you say that. At the time a Mrs. Ghoulagad was in charge."

The older woman wrinkled her eyebrows, "How do you know such detail?"

Amoya gave a nervous laugh, "Uh, my grandmother left a diary. She talked a lot about her."

"We shouldn't speak so casually about her, ma'ams." The secretary spoke in a shushed voice as she leaned on the desk with one hand while waving the other delicately.

Megan rolled her eyes, "Carlotta, do not insult our guests intelligence."

"But it's true! I know it!"

"It was before your time, child. Way before your time. Shoot, before mine."

"What was?" Amoya asked glancing at Balem who raised an eyebrow.

The secretary darted around the desk to stand in front of Amoya. She looked around before leaning in and speaking a hushed voice, "They say her ghost haunts this place."

"Oh Lord...", groaned Megan.

Balem couldn't help but to roll his eyes once. Of course, they would believe such nonsense. Everyone knows ghosts are not real.

"There are many rumors about what happened to her." Carlotta continued, "But only one thing remains true, she was here one day and gone the next. One rumor is that she was murdered, though they've never found her body. Not so much a drop of blood. A popular tale about her is that a former resident that was...mishandled by her.." she spoke delicately with a wave of her hand, "...grew to want revenge and murdered her."

Balem looked slightly amused at this and Amoya was trying to look as serious as possible since Carlotta acted like she was afraid.

"Another rumor says she committed suicide on the premises, driven mad by the children here. And still another...says she was taken by aliens."

Amoya eyebrows shot up, "A-Aliens?" she stuttered once.

Carlotta nodded solemnly, "There have been one or two accounts that spoke of a tall dinosaur alien that snatched her away. They took her somewhere to probe her and she never returned."

Amoya nodded absently.

"That's enough, Carlotta." Megan snapped, "I will not have you frightening our guests more with your sordid tales!"

Carlotta nodded and jogged back around to her desk. She sat down and began working again.

Amoya's eyes widen all at once. Tall dinosaur aliens? Why did that sound like...?

Slowly she turned her head to Balem who was currently admiring a painting. She elbowed him making him look at her. She jerked her head in an upwards motion and cocked an eyebrow. Balem blinked slowly before lifting his shoulder subtly. Amoya rolled her head in a figure eight and looked down at the floor fighting a smile.

She couldn't believe that he actually...

"Are you okay?"

Amoya snapped out of her thoughts and looked up at Megan, "Yes, I'm fine."

"Don't pay any attention to those tales. I'm sorry. Let me make it up to you. How about a tour of the facilities?" Megan offered.

"I don't want to be any trouble." Amoya hedged.

"No trouble at all! Please, this way!" Megan offered.

Amoya linked her arms around Balem's arm. He looked at her and she smiled.

"Did your grandmother make it off the island?" Megan asked over her shoulder.

"Yes, actually."

"Seriously?" she asked.

Amoya nodded, "Yea, she made it out of this orphanage and eventually got married." Amoya smiled and lowered her head to hide her blush.

Megan stopped so abruptly that Balem had to steady his wife from knocking into her. He rolled his eyes as the older woman turned around slowly before looking away with a little smirk on his face.

"She got married as well?" Megan asked skeptically turning to them. "Ohh, probably to an islander, huh? Became a fisherman's wife."

Balem twitched once at this.

Amoya winkled her nose. "No, actually. She married a foreigner and he took her to his land to live."

"He was rich as well, wasn't he?" Balem asked softly.

Amoya gave him a sidelong glance, "My grandfather, you mean? Yes, that is what I heard." she drawled.

Megan stared at them with her mouth slightly ajar.

Amoya cocked her head, "Something wrong?"

The older woman shook herself out of it, "No actually. I'm just shocked."

"We can tell."

Amoya elbowed Balem in the waist lightly for that comment.

"Why?" asked the Queen.

"It's rare to have a success story. The motto around here is that "There is no hope." Everyone knows that. It's been a creed since the beginning days."

Amoya nodded once, "Yes, well. I don't believe that there is zero hope."

"I was raised in the system as well."

"And now you are the director."

Megan snorted, "Child please!"

Balem twitched once but stayed quiet. It wasn't her fault she didn't know that they were older than her.

"This place is a deathtrap. The only decent thing around here is the tourist spot. If you are born here, especially in this dump, there is nothing to look forward to. Anything else you get added to your life is a mercy."

Amoya frowned at the harsh and bitterness that seemed to flow out of Megan suddenly. Just as sudden, there was a sound followed by raised voices.

"What is your problem, boy? Is holding a glass beyond your capabilities?" came a gruff voice.

"He didn't mean too!" came a much younger male's voice cried. It sounded like a teenager.

"Hush, child! Mind your elders." the older man snapped.

"The devil?" Amoya asked with small frown, walking towards the voices.

"Don't mind them, Mrs. Abrasax!" said Megan.

Amoya ignored her and walked down the hallway until she came to a doorway. It looked like a playroom.

Rather it attempted to be a playroom.

Amoya could have sworn she played with some of these very toys. She took in the spilled glass of milk and the young boy standing with his head on his chest.

The same quiet boy that Amoya had met previously.

Other children were scattered around the room wide eyed.

"Miles." Megan called.

The older man turned around with a scowl. His scowl vanished as he saw the couple. He smiled, "Hello."

Amoya gave a tight smile, "Hello. Is everything alright?"

Miles sketched a bow. "Forgive me for disturbing your tour. It seems Thomas here has caused a ruckus. Again."

Balem raised an eyebrow at that as Amoya said, "Spilling milk seems very common among children."

"I will make sure they are disciplined." Miles gave a stern eye towards Thomas, "Apologize!"

The boy only seemed to curl inwards but otherwise said nothing.

"You mistake my words, sir." Amoya spoke evenly, "I need no such apology. I only mean that spilling milk isn't something I would fuss over."

Miles opened his mouth and then shut it. Finally, he spoke, "We must discipline these rascals otherwise they will get out of hand."

"Discipline is necessary but I wouldn't call this discipline. And besides, I doubt children will be lead astray from spilled milk."

Amoya could hear her husband's breathy laugh under his breath. She fought the twitch of her mouth as she eyed the older man.

Miles gave another bow. Megan laughed nervously once, "Please, were we not going to continue our tour?"

Amoya stared at Miles a few moments until he began to fidget before turning a bright smile to Megan who looked apprehensive until she did so. "Sure."

Amoya found after that, her thoughts were back with that boy even during the tour. Balem was right though. This place didn't look like it came into last century, much less this century. She was sure she saw several code violations on her own. Balem glanced at his wife, who seemed to have gone quiet after that incident. He knew that she was upset. He really wished that Megan would stop talking now. Her voice was beginning to grate on his nerves. Balem was thankfully when the tour finally ended.

"I hope the tour was satisfactory." smiled Megan.

"Yes, it was...enlightening."

Megan squirmed uncomfortably at Amoya's gaze. Finally, Amoya smiled. "It seems I will have to take my leave. Thank you for your assistance. I am glad that I got to see how my ancestor lived."

"It's a pleasure. Please let me escort you back."

"Thank you, but we can find it. We will not trouble you anymore." Balem spoke up. Amoya nodded once. She found she was eager to get away from this woman, herself.

Megan gave a nod, "Very well. Have a good day, Mr. and Mrs. Abrasax."

Balem guided his wife with a hand on the small of her back. Amoya let out a sigh as they quietly walked down the hallway.

"Come on..."

Amoya wrinkled her nose.

"Why are you doing this, Fiona?"

Amoya looked at Balem. "Did you?"

"It's coming from up ahead." he answered softly.

The couple crept quietly before stopping. Amoya held her hand to Balem's chest stopping his tracks as they peeked around the wall.

A young woman stood on the opposite side of the room. She looked no older than sixteen. A close to twenty-something man, towered over her seeming to cage her in.

"Please stop, Michael." she spoke softly.

Michael reached out and caressed her head. "Come on, Fiona. It's not like you've haven't done this before."

Fiona sniffed, looking as if she was trying to hold back tears. She put her hand up on his chest and gave a soft push. Michael's eyes flashed and he grabbed her hand roughly and pulled it away from him. She gave a little yelp as she fell forward in the process. Michael's other hand landed on the small of her back and was slowly inching downwards.

"It's not like you can get any better." he whispered.

Amoya had enough. She walked into the room, making the two jump apart. More like Michael pushed her away but in such a way that no one would think about it unless they had witness the scene as they had.

"Who are you guys?" Michael asked his dark eyes, roving over Amoya. His eyes seemed to light up as he looked at her but then fell when he saw her protruding stomach. He wrinkled his nose in disgust.

By now Amoya was thoroughly disgusted. She didn't answer so Balem took to say, "Megan has finished giving us a tour of this place. We were just leaving."

Balem did not appreciate how this young child seemed to size his wife up. He brought Amoya's hand to rest in the crook of his arm as he lifted a chin at Michael, narrowing his eyes.

"Oh, you ma's guests? Sorry. Sorry." said Michael almost sarcastically. Fiona had her eyes cast downwards not daring to look up.

Silence drifted after than, each moment becoming tenser than the last.

Amoya just stared at Michael who just glared at them. Fiona didn't even look up. It took a moment for Balem to maneuver her out of the door.

Back in their car, the ride was silent for a long while. When asked for a destination, Amoya didn't reply so Balem told Mr. Deltos to drive around. He sat quietly waiting for Amoya to say something.

"I can't believe that..." Amoya started before stopping. She was staring outside unseeingly. She kept rubbing her stomach.

"It seems like it got worse as an orphanage, not better!" she finally hissed.

Her fist clenched, "I'm pretty sure that little boy is probably being abused. And Fiona..." Amoya gaped unable to speculate.

Balem reached over and placed his hand over her stomach.

She brought a hand to her face as her eyes were beginning to water. "I wanted it to better. No hope? No hope?!"

Amoya's voice reach another octave as she vented, "Why teach children that? I learned that in a roundabout way, but there was never a motto about it. And makes it worse, she is a product of the system and she helps perpetrate this abuse. I'm sorry."

By now a few tears were making their way down her face. She dashed them away. "I just..."

Balem who had been listening silently, reached forward. Mr. Deltos, handed him a data pad. After a few moments, Amoya had managed to collect herself as she watched Balem.

"What are you doing, darling?" she sniffed.

"I can see you have forgotten the power you hold."

"Huh?" Amoya cocked her head.

Balem looked at her then. "If you want it to change, then change it."

Amoya blinked.

Balem sighed once. "Amoya. You are Queen. I have been telling you this for years. If you don't like something, do something about it."

"Such as?"

"By the end of the day, we will own the Kit-White Orphanage and you can run it like you like."

"Wait, Balem..." she reached over to cover the data pad but Balem smoothly held it out her way, "We can't just get involved in their affairs like this. The most we could do is report it to the police but we don't have a social services network like America does."

Balem turned in his seat to better faced Amoya. "Amoya. You are Queen of the Universe, this includes Earth. It is your right and this is a small thing. We are not involved in Earthling politics and we are not trying to change that. We have humans on Earth that work in our operation. They will quietly buy this place and place it in a name holder. What mere Earthlings will fail to know is that their supposed donor will be us and we will be able to monitor and mold it to our liking."

Amoya blinked a few times trying to process it all. "You can do that?"

Balem inhaled sharply before exhaling slowly. He turned around to the front. "I still can't believe after all these years, this is still something I have to remind you about."

He looked at her who was staring at him. He reached up and cupped her face, running his thumb over his cheekbone. "So stop crying. Those children will have a future as my Queen wills."

Amoya sniffed before she began to cry. "Thank you. I just...thank you so much!" she sobbed leaning over, Balem sighed once more before wrapping his arm around her shoulder.

"I just want them to experience the happiness I've been blessed with." she murmured.

"Considering there is no other like me, that's impossible." Balem's mouth twitched when he felt her nudge him, quite hard.

"A good future on Earth is all I ask for them." Amoya lifted her head and gave him a brilliant smile.

He stared at her a long moment before leaning down and quickly pecking her lips just as the data pad dinged.

Balem used his other hand to tap it and hold it up.

"My lord, my lady!" Mr. Night intoned as he popped on the screen.

"Mr. Night. I have a job for you", said Balem.

TBC...