The Hunt for Sviederbach

Disclaimer: I do not own Shake it Up

A/N:

Chapter 9 (Strike of Lamont)

"Hey, where'd your girlfriend go?" Art asked. Ander looked up from the homework on his desk and back at Art. Aveline had gone to return the invention thing and to check on her family before coming back. "Martin's left with his dad and granddad, Odo's at his night class, so it's just us guys and Mala. We thought Aveline was still here, we were going to play poker, but if it's just us three…"

"Nah she's coming back, she went to drop something off at her place. I was just finishing up some questions on this essay, but I can take a break." He and Art had become very good friends, almost as good of friends as Art and Mala were becoming. "So what are you two up to right now?" He moved from his desk and followed Art out into the living area. Mala was in the kitchen, drinking a glass of water. She appeared a bit frazzled, her cheeks were red and swollen, and her lips were tucked into the tiniest half smile that she could muster. "What happened?"

"She and Martin got into another argument before his dad pulled him out of the apartment. Apparently they had something to do that she decided that she didn't want a part of. What that is, she's afraid or something…" Ander rolled his eyes and crossed his arms. He wouldn't put it past Martin to threaten Mala's life if she said something that he didn't want others knowing about. What was it going to take to get those two separated? Art moved over to the couch and took a seat, bending forward and rubbing his neck. Ander moved beside him and looked over to Mala, whose back was turned to them. She was practically buried in the refrigerator. "She's told me all she's known is Martin and his family, she hasn't known anyone or anything else, so she's afraid to leave him. She lost her mom, never even knew her mother…"

"Poor girl. She'd probably have a better life without Martin, I'd think." Mala looked over her shoulder.

"Hey, do you guys want a soda?" Mala asked. Ander raised his hand, asking for a root beer. Mala rarely ever talked to him or Odo, so it was a pleasant surprise when she did talk to him. Whenever Martin was around, she was silent and meek. Ander had to speculate, if Mala had known her mother, if the mother were still around, would the woman allow this treatment of her daughter?

The girl came over with two sodas, handed them the drinks, and sat down on the other side of Art. "Thank you, Mala." She nodded appreciatively and bowed her head. Ander's heart went out to her and he quickly glanced back towards the door, full of concern. He wished there was something they could do about Martin, but he just didn't see any opportunity to help Mala out. "You know…Aveline found something out about Martin, that he's descended from the guy that assassinated Astor Heinrike…"

"Yeah, Moritz's son," Mala muttered under her breath. Her voice was faint, but still loud enough for him to hear. She lifted her head up, her eyes full of tears. She was holding something back. Whatever it was, she seemed terrified of it. "I've been with the Lamont family since I was a baby, and they've always treated me…like I'm nothing. Because that's what I am, I'm nothing. My own mother didn't even want me."

"I'm sure that's not true," Art replied. He put his hand to Mala's hand, smiling with confidence. "How could she not want you?" Ander started to sip his soda. He didn't think too much about whether or not the girl's mom wanted her. Mala was a nice girl, if her mom abandoned her, then it was on her.

"My mother was Tabitha…Tabitha Nilsine…" His eyes widened and the soda swiftly went down the wrong pipe. He began coughing and Art started smacking his back. "A-Are you okay, Ander?" Her mother was Tabitha? If that was the case, this was the girl his mom and dad had been looking around for! He looked over at her, stuttering as he tried to find the words to say.

"Your mom was Tabitha?" He asked. "That Tabitha? As in my mother's sister, Tabitha? The same woman that was executed for King Brustrum's assassination?" Mala tensed and bowed her head.

"Yes…that Tabitha…King Brustrum assaulted her…That's why I'm 'shit' that no one wants. Not even Martin…"

"She said something about you to my mother on the week of her execution…I don't remember exactly, but I know mom and dad wanted to find you." Mala clenched her eyes shut and turned away. Art was stunned by the revelation. He put his hand to her shoulder, causing her to flinch and look up to him with sorrowful eyes.

"Mala, you are not 'shit'." Art spoke with a strong and calm tone, which impressed Ander pretty well. "You're a very beautiful girl, and you can be very strong if you just will yourself to be. Don't let Martin smother you…if your mother was Tabitha, that means you have strength and determination running through your veins." Mala smiled slightly and bowed her head. "Listen to me, I don't care what Martin says to you, or what his family thinks, and you shouldn't either. You are your own person. Just because bad things happened in your life doesn't mean that you can't rise above them. You can."

"I don't know…I just, I feel like everyone's going to hate me by association."

"Why? Association to Martin? I don't hate you at all."

"Yeah…" Ander checked his cell, smiling when he read Aveline's message. She was on her way back, so it would be about twenty minutes before she got there. "I don't want to betray Aveline, I don't want to hurt anyone, but by association, I know…"

"Aveline doesn't dislike you in any way," Ander remarked. "She's trying to get you to open up more, sure, but she doesn't hate you at all." Mala breathed in and started to close her eyes. The latch on the front door clicked, but they ignored it. "So what's got you so afraid?"

"The Lamont's said they would hurt me if I said…but there's this thing Martin and his family have been planning…" Ander raised his eyebrows and started to lean forward, intrigued now by the conversation. What was Martin planning? What was so hush-hush that was worth threatening Mala's life? "The royal family-"

"I'm ba-ack," Martin's voice chimed from around the corner. Mala gasped out and Ander slowly looked over his shoulder. "My dear roommates, I want to talk to you…"

In America, Noak and Astrid parked alongside the curb to the dance studio. Astrid eyed the building with silent tears, she would miss the place with all her heart. "I don't want to say goodbye, brother. I know I have to, I just…really don't want to." She looked over to him, his arm was draped over the steering wheel and his lips curved into a frown.

"I know Astrid, I know…just take a deep breath. I'll walk you in?"

"Thank you…" He shifted the car into park and started to exit. She stepped out of her side and wiped away a tear. "I'm really going to miss this place." She looked to the alleyway beside the building, there was a middle aged couple leaning against the side, smoking on a cigarette. "Ew, smokers…"

"Don't worry about them, Astrid." They didn't appear homeless at all. At least not by appearance. The man had perfectly groomed brown hair, parted on the left and combed over the right. The woman had brown hair with a shine to it, and it was up in a clean bun. Their clothes looked raggedy, as if they were attempting to act homeless. "Let's go…"

She turned around and leaned against the car, glancing with a soft smile at her brother. "Will you stay and watch the rehearsal?"

"Of course, how else are you getting back home?"

"Good point…" He leaned into his car, as if he'd forgotten something. When he did this, Astrid was grabbed from behind. "Brother!" Noak cursed and quickly moved from the car, all too late, as the man grabbed him and slammed him against the car. "What are you doing!" Astrid struggled in her binds, whimpering. "Let us go!"

Frankie stepped out of his bedroom, smirking confidently in full shirtless glory. He and Karin were planning on having some intimate time alone while Gunther and Cece and the kids were away. Karin was going to the restroom, so he took the moment to walk about the house.

When he stepped into the living room, the doorbell went off. "Wasn't expecting any visitors…" He hummed and began walking towards the door. When he glanced out the peephole, he saw an elder man with sandy brown hair and a crooked brown, wooden walking stick. "Who the hell…" He opened the door, curious to who this guy was interrupting his alone time with his beautiful wife. "Can I help you?"

"Yes, my name is Chuck Lamont, I was curious if you'd be interested in some rare antiques." Frankie crossed his arms over and tilted his head. Antiques? "I have many rare items from priceless medieval swords to the original pistols used in the Civil War."

"I don't know sir, but pardon me while I grab a shirt real quick…" He turned around and moved towards the couch where his shirt had been flung on the top. As he bent over, he saw the man's shadow fall onto the couch. "Uh, sir?" He started to turn around, but a sharp pain struck him in the head, and his vision went black.

"My apologies, but you and your wife must come with me…"

Gunther was well on his way to Deuce's place, but was forced to make a pit stop at a gas station. The rental car didn't even have a full tank of gas! He stepped out and dealt a swift kick to front tire, cursing the car. "Damn rental cars never can be trusted worth a damn!" Now he had to pray no one here would recognize him as Sviederbach's king, and he could get his gas in peace.

He paid at the car and hooked the nozzle into the gas tank, muttering about the poor timing. From the corner of his eyes, he saw an old woman popping the hood of her black Cadillac. She was muttering to herself and pacing back and forth. The corner of his lip tugged back and his impatient glare fell upon the hose of the gas tank. He was torn between filling up and leaving, or helping this elderly woman with her car troubles. He didn't want to be an asshole, because it just wasn't who he was. Hell, he based his Term off of helping everyone.

Shrugging, Gunther left the car and moved over to the elder. She did look like she was in dire need of assistance. The woman's grey and wrinkled face turned up to him, her eyes delighting at his appearance. "Oh a strong man to help, would you help me sir?"

"I'll give it a try. My name's Gunther, by the way. What's the problem?"

"My engine just won't start…" He nodded and bent over the engine, placing his hands firmly on the edge of the car. As his eyes scanned the engine, he wasn't sure where the problem was. "My name is Ethel, young man. Maybe you've heard of my husband? He runs an antique shop around here."

"I wouldn't know, ma'am, I don't live around here anymore. Haven't for nearly twenty years."

"Oh, that's a shame. You should meet my husband some day, he is such a nice man. My whole family, actually…" He let out a grunt, still focused on the engine. He rubbed his chin and shook his head, unable to figure out what the problem was. He started to step back, but before he knew it, he was falling to the ground. His vision blacked out and his body went numb. Had he just been attacked? What was going on? Was there a plot on his life? Was Cece okay? Were his children okay? These were the last thoughts he had before losing total consciousness.

Elsewhere, Rocky was driving Wilbert and Karla from the museum. Wilbert had been going nuts wanting to do some reading. Karla wanted to get out of the house as well, and Rocky wasn't too keen on the idea of leaving the castle. Rolf told her it would be fine, that he would look after the royal family for her. Still, she had a nagging feeling in her gut that told her to hurry her children up so they could leave.

"I had fun," Wilbert enthused, "Thank you, Mom." Her eyes drifted to the rearview mirror and her lips curled up into a smile. It was astonishing how much like his Uncle Wilbert was. Truthfully, it would be August to take over the museum one day. No matter how much August wanted to be an entertainer, he was slowly turning into a historian like his father while Wilbert might slowly revert to singing.

"Make sure you two are buckled in safely." Karla was on the left, behind her, and completely buckled up. In the event of an accident, there would be no chance of harm towards the young child. Wilbert often undid his belt, which wasn't a good idea, he usually complained about the belt chafing him.

"We are, Momma," Karla replied. Her daughter she was immensely proud of, Karla was a splitting image of her. She was tough to boot, but also enjoyed dancing every now and then. Rocky was teaching her the fine art of combining the two, and she was learning fast. "Thanks again for everything."

"No problem sweetie." Rocky tapped her thumbs on the wheel and peered up at the streetlight. To her right was a car in the distance, the lights were off, and a woman was seated in the drive. It was the only other car anywhere near the intersection, and for some reason, it frightened her. Her eyes flicked back to the light, her impatience was only growing. "Come on…"

"Ah!" Wilbert dropped his book on the ground. "My book!"

"Stay seated, Will." The light turned green, so Rocky began to make her way across. Unfortunately, the car she spotted began moving, increasing in speed. The headlights flipped on, blinding her. In an instant, Karla was screaming, and pain snapped through her body. Her head slammed against the wheel as the car started to spin out of the intersection.

When she opened her eyes, she could hear Karla whimpering. Rocky moaned as she attempted to move her body. Blood was trickling down her forehead, her chest was on fire, and her arms felt like they were about to fall off. "W-What happened…" With another weak groan, she turned her head to the broken window beside her. A man matching the description Aveline had given of Martin's father, Steven, was peering in at her. "Who…"

"Are you okay miss? I saw the wreckage. Let me help you."

"M-My children…save them first…"

"Indeed!"

At Hasli's butcher shop, Kashlack and Squitza happily exited. After all these years, the shop was still going strong. It was amazing! "Squitza dear, isn't it nice of our old friend to offer to cater our anniversary dinner the next time it comes around?"

"Yes." Their anniversary wasn't for a few months, and they never did anything big for it. A simple dinner was all they ever wanted to do to celebrate. "Did you see that other customer in the store, though?"

"Who?"

"The old man that Hasli chided for loitering about." Kashlack rubbed his chin and recalled the elder she was talking about. He was a man with white hair and a black cane, just standing against a wall, watching them. It was unsettling, especially since the man's elder wife had just walked out of the store. "There was just something odd about him, was he listening to our talk with Hasli?"

"Maybe dear, I wouldn't put too much worry about it." The two entered their car, a red Mustang GT with black tinted windows. In his ever-aging state, he often forgot to lock the door. "Sweetheart, did I remember to lock the door?" Squitza moved around to the other side and opened the door with ease. He winced and smacked his forehead.

"No honey, you didn't."

"Sorry about that. Ah well, just making things easier on my queen." He smiled at her and smoothed his curly white hair back. It was much shorter than it used to be, and Cece still commented on how it looked like 'noodles'. Granted she changed from ramen to angel hair pasta.

Once in the car and driving down the road, Kashlack noticed something strange in the rearview mirror. He was unable to see the texture of the back seats, as though something was back there, but they never put anything in the back. As soon as he noticed it, the same elder from earlier sat upright, smirking at the two. His heart shot from his chest and he slammed the brakes, turning back in time to see the elder with a pistol.

"Okay you two, listen real closely here. You're disposable, fodder, so if you don't do what I tell you, I will shoot you. Starting with the old woman." Kashlack was furious, but defenseless. Squitza fainted on the spot. The elder's smirk grew and he instantly turned his pistol to him. "Okay Kash, start driving, and make no attempts to call out or I will kill you. By the way, it's good to meet you. I'm Henry Lamont…"

Also at the Museum was Ty. Tinka and August had arrived to spend some time with Rocky, but unfortunately the woman and her kids already left. Ty was in the back, working on some paperwork, while Tinka and August were roaming about the place.

He thought he'd heard the sounds of a struggle, but put it off as nothing. His concern was only piqued when he saw a woman rushing in with a frenzied state. She had long black hair, bruised arms, and was sweating bullets. "Please help, there's been an accident! A car…"

"What? Are you all right?" He set his paperwork down. His heart began to race as he rounded the corner of the desk.

"I'm fine, but a woman…a woman and two children…" His eyes started to widen and he quickly put his hands on the lady's shoulders.

"Ma'am, please try to relax. I'll send for help, what is your name?" She turned and started rushing down the hall, he followed close behind, praying that the car wreck wasn't too serious. She looked like she just came from it, so it couldn't be too bad.

When he made it outside of his back office, he froze, seeing both Tinka and August unconscious on the ground. He immediately rushed to them and looked back, but the woman was gone. Cursing, he turned his head to Tinka, there was blood on the back of her head! He heard someone step behind him and looked over his shoulder, panting heavily at the woman, who was now holding a bat in her hand. "Auda. Auda Lamont, my husband is Steven, and he just captured your sister."

"What? Shit…" Before he could react, she swung the bat down onto his back. Pain shot through him like electricity and he collapsed hard onto the floor beside his wife.

Little Michael was playing with Kuno in the front room of the castle, Astor had been there, but wanted to go check out the disk thing that Aveline had brought back. He told Astor not to go into Aveline's room, but Astor never listened. Mia was out in the garden, but Michael wouldn't go back there since Kuno wasn't allowed to wander around in the gardens. He wasn't old enough to find his way out if he got lost.

Maybe if Kuno stayed close, though Astor specifically stated for him not to take Kuno out to the gardens. "Kuno, you want to go play with Mia?"

"Yeah!" Kuno exclaimed for joy, laughing happily. "I want to play with sis!"

"Okay! Just stay close to me, okay Kuno?"

"Okay!"

"Good brother." Kuno took his hand and Michael slowly led him to the gardens out back. When they arrived outside, he saw Rocky's husband, Rolf, lying down on the ground. "Uncle Rolf? Uncle Rolf wake up." There was a large red puddle beneath him, and Kuno was heading towards it.

Michael's heart stopped when he realized what it was, and terror soon set in. "No Kuno! Come back!" This couldn't be happening, Rolf couldn't be injured. Who would have done it? He hurried over and caught Kuno before he stepped in the blood. "Something's wrong, Kuno, we need to find Mia!"

Rather, they ought to find Astor. He would know what to do! "Why Uncle Rolf sleeping in soda?" Michael's stomach churned and he quickly turned away with his brother. He started to explain that it wasn't soda, but before he could say anything at all, he heard his sister screaming out in terror. "Mia! Mia's hurt!"

"No! Mia!" He started in a breakneck dash towards the garden, but halted when Kuno screamed out. He spun around and paled, a elder woman had picked Kuno up. Where did she come from? "Kuno! Put him down! Put down my little brother!" Michael ran up and started slamming his fist into the woman's leg, all to no avail.

"Brother!" Mia cried out. He froze and glanced over his shoulder, Mia was in the arms of a second, younger woman. Neither woman he recognized.

"This takes care of the brats, Regina," spoke Kuno's abductor.

"All right mom, Zach went inside to handle the last one…we'll get these two tied up and to the car."

"Didn't he say not to wait up?"

"Yeah, we need to get moving right away. There's a high chance of getting caught while here, so there's no sense in waiting around…"

Astor sucked on his index finger and stared at the Soul-disk on Aveline's desk. She would be pissed that he messed around with it, but that was only if she found out. She'd called upon Sara Klemens a while back, and now it was his turn.

He was stunned that the disk was actually working, and a strong elderly man in very old time royal armor was materializing before him. The man was a tall six feet and two inches, he had stern blue eyes, and a very long white beard. He had broad shoulders, a straight back, and muscular arms. His head was bare, and his face was very narrow. In his leather gloved hand he gripped a long double edged sword, perhaps a symbol of his weapon of choice.

Astor was amazed. "K-King Lothar?" The man narrowed his eyes and huffed, sheathing his blade on his right hip. Lothar Klemens, Sviederbach's founder. "I-I didn't think that would work!" Lothar looked around the room and raised an eyebrow.

"You broke into your sister's room and used that invention…You remind me a little of myself when I was young. Amusing." Lothar tipped the corner of his lips up and he slowly turned his head to the closed door. "Why did you bring me back?"

"I was curious I guess, I wanted to see what you were like in person. I didn't know you were so…"

Lothar replied in a flat tone and quickly looked back at him. "If you say old, I'm going back." Astor laughed nervously and waved his hands in the air. He was well aware how old Lothar was, having been the only term ruler to live into his 90s.

"No sir, not at all. I'm just surprised you're still in good shape."

"Bear in mind I'm a ghost. Or well, living dead, for an hour thanks to that contraption…Sure I was in good shape in life, but not this good of shape, that happens when you go into the afterlife, young man." Lothar looked back to the door and started grumbling. "Something isn't right…Where is your sister?"

"Aveline? She's gone back to her boyfriend." Astor rolled his eyes and leaned against the wall. What was going on outside that had Lothar upset? "What's going on?"

"There are intruders in my castle. Your family's in trouble…Damn that Moritz, his descendents are vying for the throne!"

"What?" Lothar cleared his throat and started to back up to the wall beside the door, as if he were waiting. Astor figured he might know a few things just from observation in the afterlife, but how much did he know? "What do you mean my family's in danger?" His heart began to race as he remembered he left his younger siblings outside! "Oh shit…"

"You would curse in front of your ancestor?"

"Sorry…" Astor threw the door open in a panic and rushed out. Lothar followed close behind, telling him to not move so fast, apparently coming back in an actual body form was a bit too much of a change for this once great leader. "You said my family's in trouble…"

"Yes, and I suggest you call your sister back. Her boyfriend is in just as much danger." Astor looked back with an anxious gaze, he needed to find his sister then. He didn't want her running into trouble. "Ander Bransford is her boyfriend, his roommate is Martin Lamont. Martin's brother is in this castle…"

"Oh no! Michael and Mia! Kuno!" He started looking around, stopping only when he felt the man's heavy hand upon his shoulder.

"I'm sorry to say, it's too late. Where is your father's sword? You will need it."

"I think it's in his chambers, but that's on the other side of the castle…"

"No time, get it afterwards. By the way, I am proud of your father, he might like to know that." Astor quickly nodded and watched as Lothar began walking away. Where was the man going? He wanted to follow, but at the same time, he wasn't sure if he should.

"Grandpa, I'm only twelve…"

"So? Boys your age and younger should know how to fight."

"I do, I mean, I just…I don't know what to do right now." Lothar turned around and narrowed his eyes.

"Stay put." Astor started to sweat as Lothar slowly drew his blade. What was the man doing? Lothar gripped the handle with two hands and within seconds was twisting and throwing the blade. "Duck!" Astor's eyes widened as the sword flew towards him. He let out a scream and ducked down, narrowly missing the sword, and listening as it sliced into something.

When he turned back around, he saw a man with spiky blonde hair standing behind him, his face twisted in shock and fear, and the sword sticking directly into his chest. Blood was gushing out of him like a waterfall. "Oh my…" He took a slow step back as Lothar walked over and grabbed the handle of his sword, pulling it out just as the man fell to his knees. "You…killed someone…but how? I mean, you're dead."

"Yes, but in an earthly form. We can touch things and react as if we were living beings." Lothar sheathed his blade and glared down at the body. "Zachary Lamont. I'll pray for his soul. Astor, you need to call your sister. Do it now, please."

"Yes Grandpa." He wasn't about to hesitate for a single moment. He listened when told what to do by his ancestor, who just killed one of the bad guys. What must have gone through that man's head when he realized that a dead guy was walking around, or even throwing a sword at him? Either way, there were more important things at stake, he absolutely could not let anything happen to Aveline. Nor would she let anything happen to him. The trick was, figuring out what was going on with everyone else. "Thanks for having my back also, Grandpa…"

So a lot has happened here. Who saw it coming? What surprised you here? Looks like Astor's safe, those soul-disks really are freakish.