A/N Hey everyone! It's a double update! I did this because Chapters 17 and 18 go together so well and because... well just because. Enjoy! By the way- Big shout out to Cookie Chip for being the 20th review!

Chapter 18- The Best Laid Plans

Mary Frances had returned after everyone had gone to sleep the next night. She was a bit surprised to see Hagi standing watch near the tent of the two queens and Lulu. They had told her to come to the tent, but she had to move around a bit. Being stuck in nothing but a cold cell for the past 5 months had given her a greater appreciation for the freedom she once had.

She opted to find something else to fix her eyes on as she walked past the silent sentinel at the tent's entrance. It didn't surprise her that he said nothing as she entered the tent. In her eyes he had no right to anyway. Thanks to him, she had grown up without a father and was now an adult. What right did he have coming into her life now?

Hagi's eyes never moved, but he saw the girl come to the tent and enter, avoiding looking his direction even once. He wondered what the girl was thinking, going off by herself. Argiano and Smith had not been found in the raid. She could have been taken again. One thing was certain to him- she had no regard for herself or others.

The chevalier felt the sweet childish presence of Lulu come toward him. Even if he never showed it on the outside, he felt her presence was refreshing in the dismal, blood drenched place. Everything seemed to have a negative vibe toward him, especially Mary Frances. She seemed to exude hatred and anger and he had no idea why.

"Hagi," Lulu sighed as she leaned against the jeep nearby, "it really is a beautiful night."

The chevalier was silent and fixed his gaze on the tent opposite them. His gaze never shifted, even once, to the huge, pale blue, full moon that hung in a sky of deep blue velvet.

"You know, on nights like this, Ghee would simply lay on a tree branch and stare at the moon. She always said it brought her some comfort. It was kind of like something that watches over us all no matter where we are."

She looked up at the chevalier, knowing his thoughts were not on the moon or even her. His thoughts were always on Saya. She pursed her lips before she spoke, "It watches over her in her sleep, too."

"Yes," was all he muttered as an errant lock of hair fell down the center of his face, curling up along the side of his nose, but he did nothing to move it.

She took a deep breath and asked, "Do you remember that night after Saya was taken by Solomon? When you brought her back, she almost instantly went to bed. I asked you a question about what it was like to dream."

His steel-blue eyes turned to her.

"You said that sometimes your dreams can become nightmares," she recalled. When he didn't respond, she continued. "I think…" she took a breath to steel her nerves, "…I think… Mary Frances has been living a nightmare and can't seem to wake up."

His eyes narrowed.

"Look Hagi, I don't know what's wrong with her, but I can tell it in her eyes. She's got this huge brick wall around herself and won't let anyone in- a lot like you," she confided as she turned to him. "I know two things: one, she's lying about her age; two, she's angry and bitter toward you. All I can guess from this is that she's a lot like Karman was. They both feel that if they let their guard down, they'll get hurt."

"She's a lot like Ghee, too. Ghee always thought that no one would help us or even be friends with us. Mary Frances is like that. She thinks she's all alone in the world and doesn't realize she's miserable."

Hagi responded lowly, "That is not my concern."

"Yes it is!" Lulu argued. "Moses and Karman told me that she's hiding a secret that could destroy you and Saya. Hagi, you have to find out what she's hiding."

"Lulu," Hagi responded, "Mary Frances will return to LA and we will find Argiano and Smith. It will be over and Saya will never know."

Lulu fixed a stern gaze on the man she thought of as a mentor. "What's wrong with you? The Hagi I know wouldn't run from this, he'd face it head on." A gust of wind passed by, leaving Lulu standing there alone.

~0~

Morning came and found the queens and the remaining princess rising to the morning sun. Mary Frances was pulling on the t-shirt and army pants she wore yesterday. Facing the dingy, small mirror on a support pole in the tent, she looked over her earrings and hair. Feeling that Kanade and Hibiki were now awake, she commented, "I sure missed having my hair cut. I can't wait to get home. Daddy Green's probably pissed that I disappeared."

Kanade looked questioningly at Hibiki, who returned the look. They both looked at Mary Frances and asked, "I thought you were coming back with us to Okinawa."

Mary Frances froze and stared at them. After a moment, she asked, "Freaky twin thing- you guys saying stuff at the same time?"

Ignoring the comment, Hibiki jumped from the bed and informed her, "Dr. Julia has to examine you first."

Kanade chimed in as she brushed her hair, "Yeah, and she'll want to do another DNA test."

Mary Frances glared at them before responded, "Like hell I'm going anywhere but home. I have been in this crazy country more than 5 months and now you want me to come with you and… and… Lurch out there!"

"Lurch?" both froze simultaneously and asked. They looked at each other wondering the same thing, "What is a Lurch?"

Mary Frances rolled her eyes, "You know, the butler on the show The Addam's Family? He doesn't look as ugly, but he acts just like him.

Both girls scrunched their brows and shrugged.

"Never seen it, huh?" she asked and then rolled her eyes as she gathered some things. "Ah well, I'm not going to teach you about American classics." She stuffed some things in a small bag and headed for the door hurriedly.

"Where are you going," the twin with the blue streaks asked.

"I'm outta here!" she smiled back as she exited the tent. "Smell you later."

She was halfway across the camp when she was stopped by the lavender haired girl. She had been helping a man that was dressed very smartly in a brown designer suit from a jeep and into his wheelchair. He had graying sideburns among the straight brown hair and a few lines around his mouth.

"Hey, where are you going?" Lulu asked as she stood in front of the tall girl, preventing her from leaving. Brown suit man was wheeling himself up to Lulu.

She shifted anxiously to her other foot and held the strap of the bag on her shoulder, "I'm going home." She brushed past them and began to walk out of camp.

Lulu's small arm stopped her, "You have to stay for the meeting. Once it's over, they'll give you a way to get home, but Mr. David insists we all have to attend."

Mary Frances exhaled her exasperation before she began her tirade and dropped her bag. She outstretched her arms dramatically, "What the fuck! I may as well fucking stick around while I've been away from my business, my apartment, my truck, and my family for about half a fucking year!"

"Stop saying 'fuck'!" Lulu shouted before she covered her own mouth with her hands dramatically as her eyes widened so much they looked like they would take over her head. She turned to the man in the wheelchair and muttered, "Sorry."

The man gave an honest smile and nodded toward Lulu as Mary Frances looked at the two expectantly.

"This is Joel Goldschmidt VI," Lulu informed the rude princess. "He's the CEO of the Red Shield- a guy you should show some respect to." The last part was hissed through clenched teeth.

"It's perfectly alright, Lulu," Joel reassured and then offered his hand to the princess. He addressed her, "You must be Mary Frances Reyes. It is a pleasure to meet you."

She smirked as she shook his hand. He then began to speak to her about pleasantries and before she knew it, she agreed to stay for the meeting. His nurturing behavior made her feel comfortable. Besides, he was the first one that didn't look at her as if she was a freak copy of Lurch.

~0~

Despite all their efforts to keep Kai calm and reassure him that his daughters were alright, he still showed up that morning. He appeared unshaven and dirty wearing a very worried look. He was given a ride from one of the officers to the base camp.

Mary Frances was standing near the mess tent, bumming a cigarette from a soldier when the jeep drove up with an obviously worried man on board. The red and grey haired man looked awful as he jumped from the jeep before it even stopped. The twins ran to him and they fell to the ground in a three-way embrace. The girls were reduced to weeping messes as the man offered reassuring words.

Mary Frances took a drag off her bummed cigarette and rolled her eyes at the scene, while inside her heart ached. She saw Hagi off in the distance watching the same scene unfold. She rolled her eyes again as the porcupine exterior came back up. She knew he could hear her comment to him, "Don't even think about it, asshole."

The girls found her with face-splitting grins as they dragged their old man to her. Hibiki wiped the tears from her eyes as she extended her hand to the princess. "Dad, this is Mary Frances Reyes." She gave a small smile and extended her hand. "Mary Frances, this is our dad, Kai Myagusuku."

Kai shook her hand heartily as she recognized a similar mischievous nature to her own in his brown eyes. But those eyes were misty as he told her, "I am truly grateful to you for saving my daughter Kanade."

She now smiled more honestly at the aging man. He was being genuine with her, something she wasn't used to and it tugged at her frozen heart strings. She was honest as she responded, "I just wanted to get out and keep those assholes from making more monsters with our blood."

Kai nodded and said, "I am sure that if my sister were here, she'd thank you too."

"Mr. Myagusuku…" she began.

"Kai," he corrected and then added, "I guess you could call me Uncle Kai now, you are Hagi's daughter."

Kanade and Mary Frances winced at the mention of his name. Kanade informed him in Japanese, "Mary Frances can't stand the mere mention of his name. She's hurting… a lot. Besides, it hasn't been confirmed, Dad."

He looked at his brown eyed daughter and then emphasized, "Well, you're family no less… and there's a meeting. You'll get to meet Mr. David and Mr. Joel."

She smirked, "I've met Mr. Joel." Her heart warmed as Kai guided her toward the mess tent with his girls on one side and Mary Frances' taller frame on the other.

~0~

Kai made certain that Mary Frances had a place near his daughters and him self as the meeting came to order. Hagi was in his customary position, standing near the entrance quietly.

An aging man with lines etched around his mouth, eyes, and between his eyebrows came in the tent. He was dressed smartly in a navy suit and silver tie that emphasized the silver in his hair. The crucifix around his neck glittered red in the dim light of the tent. He came and shook Mary Frances' hand without a smile and then greeted Kai and the girls in the same manner. He took his place in the front of the tent and nodded to Hagi in recognition. Lulu was now at his side.

The meeting was called to order as a few stragglers made their way in. Mary Frances thought for a moment on the family at her side. She wasn't much for this family bonding stuff, but it may be nice to give it a try… someday.

David spoke clearly as he began the meeting.

"As you all know, Fimm Örvar has fallen and all that was there is destroyed."

Shouts and cheers of celebration filled the air, but David still looked grave. Kai shouted for everyone to let him finish.

He cleared his throat and continued, "Unfortunately, when our operatives set the bombs, Argiano and Smith had already taken their research and ran. We are still unable to locate them or their research. We must take our best operatives and search for them. They will be continuing their research."

"Also, some of the candy bars that were given to the soldiers were passed on to various countries, mainly the United States. Chiropteran breakouts are on the rise. We will be called in from the countries as each is spotted and eliminate the threat."

He added in a more somber tone, "you can bet Argiano and Smith are not going to stop making chiropterans or at least making more candy bars. Until they are found and stopped, the war continues."

At this, the soldiers and officers began to murmur amongst themselves. David raised his hand and silenced them all.

Kai asked, "Do you think he'll try to kidnap the princesses again?"

"We believe that this is a probability. It is why we have enlisted the help of Dr. Julia. Dr. Julia has perfected the serum that can neutralize the blood of the princesses. They will all be receiving the injection soon, but until that time, we need an operative watching over each of them."

"Wait," Mary Frances spoke, "you mean I'll have to have some strange guy following me around?"

"Mary Frances," David responded, "you will be in the care of the Red Shield for the next week. Dr. Julia has a few tests to run on you. After that, you will be the first to receive the injection."

"So you want me to take this shot that will give me a normal life?" she asked.

"Yes, Mary Frances, you will live out your natural life as if you were human," Joel VI explained, "but you will never again have to worry about someone wanting to use you to create chiropterans."

Mary Frances looked at the table in front of her and thought about it. Without the injection, she'd live an extended amount of time, feast on blood, never getting sick… never getting a wrinkle or grey hair. If she did get it, she'd never have to watch someone die because of her blood. She responded, "Okay. I'll do it. Anything's better than being a guinea pig for those scientists again." She then added, "After I get this injection, you'll send me home- without a body guard?"

This brought on some laughter from the crowd and she thought she saw a bit of humor glint in Mr. David's eyes. He answered, "Yes, once your blood is neutralized, you will no longer be of any use to Argiano or Smith. Protection will no longer be necessary."

She seemed to visibly relax as Hibiki looked down at the table in front of her. Being in tune with her chiropteran nature, she was curious about anything related to chiropterans. Mary Frances was a princess, but she was the strongest of the princesses… and she had taken down Hagi! Hibiki wanted her around for more than a week. She wanted to get to know her "cousin" better, maybe even spar with her.

Kanade was curious in her own way. Mary Frances seemed like someone to be rescued… from her own mind. The young red queen had been awakened from her dreams of love with Hagi and now saw him as he was, just a man. He made mistakes like everyone else and he was about to make a really big one. She could see how he remained cold toward Mary Frances. She knew he was planning to let her go back to the US and hope he never heard from her again. Kanade now imagined something completely different with Hagi- she imagined him and Mary Frances having a loving relationship. She sighed sadly as she realized, "A week isn't nearly long enough. They're both so stubborn and hell-bent on hating each other."

The meeting continued as Mary Frances leaned past Hibiki and asked Kai, "Hey, Mr. Myagusuku…"

He kept his eyes on Mr. David as he corrected, "I told you, Mary Frances, Kai or Uncle Kai."

She stifled the urge to roll her eyes and then completed her thought in a whisper, "Kai, is it alright if I stay with you guys until they finish all this testing shi- I mean stuff they want to do to me?"

Kai's eyes cut to her quickly with a look of surprise on his face, "Shouldn't you stay with your dad?"

She did roll her eyes this time and responded, "No, I don't want to stay with him. Look, if it's money, I got some back in the states. I'll send you…"

"Money?" Kai hissed at her with a look of shock on his face. "Mary Frances, you are family. I wouldn't take your money because I don't do that. I raised these girls like they were my own and never asked for anything in return. I'm not that kind of guy. I just thought you might want to get to know your father better."

Mary Frances couldn't understand this feeling inside her that she had insulted someone for offering them money. She thought it seemed perfectly normal to offer money for a place to stay. At the same time, it warmed her heart that he thought of her as family, but her heart froze at the thought of staying with him. "I don't want to get to know him better. I'd rather sit on a bee hive than spend anymore time with him than I already have."

Kai nodded sadly as he understood. Hagi had been cold to her and she had already been hurt too often in her past. It was up to him to show this young woman the true meaning of family. He stifled the urge to curse as he thought, "No wonder they have me raising these chiropterans, the queens are almost always asleep and the chevaliers are about as warm as an ice burg in a blizzard." He took a deep breath and answered, "I'm sure we can arrange for you to stay at Omoro with us."

She offered a genuine smile and a thank you, settling back in her seat. She'd have to work at stifling her cursing habit, but she'd get to hang out with her "cousins". She may as well enjoy herself. Even if she had to crash on a sofa, it was better than sleeping in a jail cell on a cot.

David then concluded the meeting and all dispersed. Mary Frances huffed as she realized she had no clothes, no money, and no wheels. She groaned as she went toward Kai, hoping to ask another favor.

As she made her way through the crowd of chatting soldiers, she felt a hand on her shoulder and turned. Her heart nearly froze as she came face to face with him. "What do you want?" she bristled.

Lulu had spoken to him during the meeting, insisting that he needed to do something for her. He knew that she had asked Kai if she could stay at Omoro and he also knew why. He insisted there was a mistake and she was not his daughter, but Lulu pleaded anyway, causing him to take action. He had money and had no reason to use it- this way he could do something charitable.

"I thought you may want to purchase some clothing," he offered. "We will have to stop in New York for a three hour lay-over. You can purchase something there."

She nodded as she gave a look of wonder and thought, "Why are you helping me?"

At her nod of agreement he turned to walk away only to be caught be her response, "I'll pay you back, every cent." By the time he turned back to tell her not to be concerned, she was gone.