A/N: Yep! Exactly one more week and one more day till Christmas is here! Whoopppeeee! xD Actually, we don't really celebrate much in Indonesia, but it's still a pretty good holiday. Next Tuesday is my final examinations, so I better post as much as I could. :) I better start studying! Come on Andrea!

DISCLAIMER: Hear Ye Hear Ye! Me no take CSI:Miami, YUMGirlAndMoltMan's characters as well as Coldplay lyrics, so you no sue me. Vous comprennez?

Chapter 8:

Grey's POV:

I smiled to myself, leaning against the throne, my throne, as I watched my big plan taking shape. My wife, Casey, leaned in to me, exposing me to my weakness, as she purred in delight. "The plan is in action, my love."

"I guess it is," I stroked her side and back, making her feel vulnerable and loved, before leaning in to her neck for my prize. As I licked and grazed my favorite spot on her neck with my fangs tenderly, I sense a figure in front of me. I smirked at our beloved daughter, Britney, "What plan, father?"

"Hmm? Well, unfortunately it's not my place to say yet. I'm sorry, my love. But you will soon know," I patted her head, and ran a hand down her arm. My divine creation, here to help me pull the ultimate plan.

A small cough of sarcasm brought me back to my wife, who chuffed with annoyance. I laughed at her cuteness, for she always want me all to herself "I'm sorry my love. Now, darling, why don't you join us for dinner?"

"No thanks, father. I'll get it from the kitchen myself, along with Maxwell. I guess I'll see you later," she smiled shyly, before running out of the room.

As we watched he disappear from the room itself, I turned to look back at my wife, eyes twinkling with hunger and mischief, "Now, where were we?"

Anastasia's POV:

School ended pretty quickly today, or maybe it was because I had been too focused on my work and looking forward to the trials after school. Same as everyone else in the class, whom screamed and yelled in joy when the bell rings, prompting a laugh from our Science teacher.

As I began to pack my stuff, a poke can be felt from my back. I turned to look around and saw that it's Marie. "Hey, what's up?"

"I was just wondering if you're going for the karate trials," she beamed at me. It's just one of those things that made me realize what good friends I've made in this world.

The corners of my mouth rose as I grinned briefly at her, "Yeah, I am. I've always wanted to do martial arts, but my parents didn't really let me do it. They think it's too dangerous. This year I'm making the choices, whether they like it or not."

She puts her hands together for a few claps of joy, "That's great! Your parents do really care for you. I don't think it is weird for them not to allow you to do some martial arts. But then again, you'll probably be able to defend yourself."

"Well, that's true. I just hope my parents are able to sign the agreement form. I can't wait to try out for the karate club," I zipped my favorite backpack and slung it over my shoulders. "You coming?"

"Sure," she smiled, and tagged along behind me, as we walked out of the door and into the hallway.

The walk towards the practice room has been far, but it was worth it. As I clutched on the doorknob, Marie cocked her head to the side, "What's wrong? You seemed, unwilling to do this."

"I don't know, Marie. I always follow my parents. I've never defied them in any way. I know this is my first time doing it, but I'm scared of what they would say to me," Marie's eyes grew in worry as I said this, taking in every word seriously. That's my girl, the familiar voice sounded in my head again, but I brushed it away.

After a moment of silence, with my head against the door, she placed her hand on my shoulder, "Hey, if you don't want to do this, it's okay. I totally understand."

"Thanks pal. But I want to do this. This is for my own good," I took a deep breath, reassuring myself that I'm capable of doing anything, least of all defying my parents. "Let's go for it."

I turned the doorknob and walked into the room. It was full of mattresses and dummies that are used to practice. Most of the people there are wearing white robes, something in which I didn't have, until I join one of them, practicing some of their trademark moves. The teacher-in-charge came up to us, "Hello there. Are you the new students trying out in the trials?"

"Yes sir," the both of us replied eagerly. Well, when I said the both of us, I meant Marie said it in a really firm tone, while I had a little confusion in my mind, but I'd still do anything to go for it.

"All right then. You both came on time. However, there aren't many places left in the club, because there are too many freshmen who signed up and got into the club. It's only up to one of you," he sighed, feeling bad to whichever one of us would be kicked out.

"That's all right. So… what do we do?" Marie raised the ultimate question, even though the three of us knew the answer.

"You'll both have to compete with one of the other freshmen. If the seniors say you're good enough, well then, that's the club you'll be attending for the next year. If not, you'll have to find another group to fill in your extra curriculum time," my mouth sank at the thought. This can't be happening.

Sure I've watched a lot of karate shows from IP Man to films starring Jackie Chan and Jet Li, but I'm not up to par with the black belt girl standing next to me. One poke of the finger, and I could be send crashing against the windows. But I still gave it a shot.

As we changed into sports attires and got onto respective rings, two of the freshmen picked by the teacher has already been there. Marie's competitor was a strong build girl, who has swift leg moves as she practiced, or show off, some of her kicks. It's as if she, like Marie, has done karate all of her life.

As for mine, it was a lean build girl, somewhat timid, but ready to give some punches or two. Her brown hair with smooth curls at the sides makes me harder to visualize as if she's the person who can fight, and neither is the thin flesh wrapped around her arms and legs. For once, I thought I could actually beat her, with or without the experience.

We did our greeting by bowing towards the other opponent. As the bell rings to initiate the battles, I looked at my opponent, full of confidence. I stood closer to her, trying not to miss a chance, and raised my leg towards her right side of her waist in a kick. Out of the blue, she managed to dodge it single-handedly, grabbing it with her right arm and 'karate chopping' my thighs. I wailed in pain as she lets go of my leg and I landed on the floor with a thud. I felt like I was slapped a thousand times on the face. That strength can't come out of a girl who weighs less than fifty kilograms. I'm fifty nine. And her speed as well, either she's been secretly training herself or she's not human at all. I held on to my leg as the pain seared through it and up my waist.

As I decided to look over to where Marie is fighting, I saw that she was grabbing her opponents by the hand behind her back, while the opponent yells out in shear pain. The teacher stopped the match and decided Marie should be the last member in the club.

I was distraught, but I felt glad for her. For her to be in the club she has always wanted to be. As I changed back into my normal attire and set about rubbing my thighs, Marie went near my left side and bent closer to my face, "You okay there? That must be some bad bruise. Want me to get the first aid kit?"

"No thanks, the bruise isn't that bad. I'm fine," I sighed in defeat, as the voice ringed in my head; I hate to say I told you so, but I told you so!

"Yes, thank you for that," I mumbled myself, face full of regret, only to be shocked by Marie's, "Thank you for what?"

"Huh? Oh, I meant, thank you for caring for me. Well then, this means I'm stuck with detective club," I stood up, carrying my backpack along with me. "Thanks for helping me out, Marie. But I guess I'm not going to do this. I hope you'll get into the school team," I went on to embrace her in a friendly way. Marie hesitated, feeling bad for her friend, but went on to return the embrace.

Britney's POV:

As I wiped the towel over my face, and drank some blood from the bottle, I send out a thought to my beloved father, what needs to be done, is done, Father.

Excellent, my dear child, the voice boomed in my head, you'll get your reward when you get home.

There's no need to, father. Your love is enough for me, I simpered at the smiling expression I felt from him.

All right, then my daughter. I'll be waiting for your return.

Anastasia's POV:

My hung head low as I walked down the hallway. I tried to ignore the sneers and guffaws of the boys as Tom continues to mock, "What's wrong, Missy? Too weak for the karate club?"

I sobbed silently, as each word coming out of his mouth continues to give punches and slaps onto my face. Please don't take this to heart, my love. You can accomplish great things.

I sniggled a little, Thank you. You can be in an emotional swing, could ya? Always warning me, telling me a childish 'I told you so!' but you comfort me when you're feeling down.

The voice sounded as if it is cheerful before feeling solemn, well, what can I say? I have feelings too you know. I just love you and it hurts me to see you go through this right now.

Well then, why didn't you tell me exactly who you are? Funny that I'm receiving these thoughts from a person who loves me but decides not to reveal himself. Please don't try to be superman or any other masked superheroes. I continued walking a few more steps down the corridors, before finally looking up a sign in one of the classrooms, The Detective's Club; Trials Today!

The room was strangely quiet as I went on, that's because everyone was busy looking at the clues laid in front of them. Suddenly, one of the heads turned, and the leader of the club smiled, "It's Anastasia Caine! You really did come!"

I gave out a timid wave as the club members surrounded me in a small circle. I turned my head to look around, and I could see two or three new freshmen. The leader than introduced us as Maxwell Akrisons, which is funny since not many people has Greek surnames, and he went on to introduce the rest of the team.

Introductions aside, we sat down in a circle as he began showing us the tools that they have been doing and the tasks that we would be doing for the next couple of months. The side of my mouth was raised up little by little as he lists the activities, one being more advanced and eerie than the previous one.

For once, I've thought that this may well be the club for me. After these years, I've finally felt like I was accepted, part of the team. Continuing on my father's fate, I decided to join the Detective's Club. Little did I know more rocks are built up for me to climb over.

And it's one that I've least expected.