Hey there! I finally finished the story, and if you're getting a copy you're 
 either in it, worked on it, you mentioned an interest in it, or I thought 
 you'd like it. Hope you enjoy this, but I'm sending it in installments of 4 
 chapters, so this is only the prologue to chapt.3. Hope you enjoy the tale 
 and please, once you're finished reading it, send me your reactions, 
 suggestions, etc. I'd appreciate it. So, without further ado, here is the 
 tale.

                        Fountain of Deceit
           by Marybeth Loos, Jamie Bonsignore, and Matt Schnee


 Prologue

 Leia felt herself being pulled from the wreckage.  She struggled to open her 
 eyes, finding the task almost impossible.  Peering through the slits she 
 formed, she checked out her surroundings.  It suddenly occurred to her that 
 the others were still in the wreckage.
 "Mommy!  Poppa!  Gregory!  Can any of you hear me?"  Tears ran down her face 
 as she stumbled back towards the wreckage.  Leia began to tear at the metal 
 trapping her loved ones.  "Can any of you hear me?" she wailed desperately.
 The metal she tore at was getting hotter, and it was becoming harder to 
 touch.
 "Leia!  Come back here!"  A strong arm encircled her waist, and she fought 
 against it.  "Leia, it's me.  You've got to get away from the car."
 Leia, not recognizing the voice talking to her, continued to fight.  
 Gregory, two years older than his six-year-old little sister, picked her up 
 and carried her away from the burning wreckage.
 "What are you doing?  They'll die if we don't get them out!"
 Gregory ignored his sisters ranting, and carried her to a safer place.  He 
 noticed that a few Good Samaritan's had already stopped to help, and one had 
 actually managed to pull their father out of the burning car.
 "It's going to be okay, Leia.  They've got dad out, and they're going to 
 help mom."
 Leia watched frantically as they tried to get her mother out of the car.  
 The flames quickly became too much.  Everyone scurried away from the car and 
 moments later it exploded.  Neither Gregory, nor Leia knew how long it was 
 before the fire engines and ambulances came.  The minutes seemed like an 
 eternity.  Once the fire was put out, the firemen set to work cutting the 
 car open.  The EMT's took care of their father, who was suffering from a few 
 third degree burns, and smoke inhalation.  It took everyone a while to 
 notice the two scared children hiding across the highway.  An onlooker 
 helped Gregory get his little sister over to the ambulance.  Since their 
 father was in no shape to stay with the little girl, the ambulance workers 
 allowed Gregory to stay with his sister.  While they bandaged up Gregory's 
 arm, Leia was sitting on the stretcher, waiting for them to load her on.
 "Where's my mommy?"
 A firefighter was passing by when he heard Leia's cry.  He went over and 
 held Leia, trying to comfort her.
 "I'm sorry, little one," he said, tears running down his face.  He pictured 
 his own child sitting where Leia was, and said a silent prayer.  "I'm so 
 sorry."  As he held her and rocked her, he noticed that she was quickly 
 becoming covered in blood.  "Hey!  Someone get over here!  This little girl 
 is hurt badly!" he screamed at the EMT's.
 The driver rushed out of the ambulance and helped the firefighter take care 
 of Leia.  They immediately got her into the ambulance, and signaled the 
 emergency to the workers helping Gregory.  They raced over to the ambulance, 
 and closed the doors.  The fireman watched as they raced away.  The driver 
 hurried to the hospital.  The ambulance carrying their father had long since 
 departed. The two technicians rushed to help her, and told her brother to 
 sit in the front with the driver.
 "Why?  What's wrong with her?"
 "I'll be honest with you, son.  Your little sister's losing a lot of blood.  
 She has some really bad gashes.  We need to stop the bleeding.  Please, go 
 sit up front."
 Gregory reluctantly went to sit with the driver, and watched in horror as 
 they tried to stop the bleeding.  Five minutes later they reached the 
 hospital.  Gregory watched helplessly as they wheeled his little sister off 
 in one direction, then led him in another.  He was escorted to a little 
 waiting room, and given a blanket and some hot chocolate.  Dr. Polan, who 
 had been his doctor since he was a baby, went in to talk to him.
 "Hey, Gregory.  How are you holding up?"
 "What's going on, Dr. P.  How's my sister?  Where are my parents?"
 "Gregory, there is no easy way to tell you this."
 "Please, Dr. P.  Just be honest with me."
 "Gregory, I don't know if you knew this already, but your mother is dead."
 Gregory's face instantly became solemn.  He pulled himself together.
 "What about my father and sister?"
 "It's too early to tell, but they should both be alright."
 "Can I see them?"
 "You can see your father."
 "What about Leia?"
 "Not for a little while.  They're still helping her."
 "When can I see my father?"
 "Right now, if you wish."
 Dr. P took Gregory in to see his father.  He was lying on a hospital bed, 
 with an IV set up on his arm.  Gregory rushed over and hugged his father.
 "They said that you were hurt."
 "I've got a few burns on my legs, but as long as they heal up alright, I 
 will be fine."
 "They won't let me see Leia."
 "What's wrong with Leia?" Jacob Hamilton asked the doctor, his look becoming 
 more serious. "Where's my daughter?"
 "Mr. Hamilton, your daughter was hurt pretty bad.  She has gashes on her 
 arms and legs, which caused her to lose a lot of blood.  We're trying to 
 stop the bleeding."
 "Dear god!  Why didn't you tell me sooner?"
 "We originally thought that you were hurt worse than your daughter.  Now we 
 realize that this wasn't quite the case."
 "Where's my wife while all this is going on?"
 "You mean you don't know?"
 "Know what?"
 "Your wife died, Mr. Hamilton."
 Jacob's face went ashen.  He recovered moments later.
 "I want to see my daughter, and I want to see her now."
 "You can not.  There is no possible way.  To be honest, you are quite lucky. 
   If I had not been here, you and your daughter would still be filling out 
 paper work.  I pushed it along, so that neither of you would die."
 "You mean to tell me that they would have made us wait in the waiting room, 
 until we filled out the papers?"
 "This hospital?  Yes.  There were other patients hurt just as bad as you and 
 they are very concerned about being paid.  Everyone else had someone who 
 could fill out the paper work."
 "Listen, I want to see my little girl."
 "I told you, that isn't possible.  For starters, you have burns on your 
 legs, and shouldn't be walking on them until they heal.  Then there is the 
 fact that she is still undergoing stitches."
 "Can't you at least let me see her?" Gregory pleaded.  "She's got to be 
 beyond terrified right now."
 "I'll speak with someone, and see what I can arrange."  Dr. P. left, and 
 returned moments later with a gown and hat.  "I'll help you put these on 
 over your clothes, then you'll come with me.  You were right, young man.  
 Your little sister is petrified, and they're having trouble getting her to 
 sit still for the stitches.  Maybe you can help them."
 "Have they stopped the bleeding?" Jacob asked.
 "For now.  If they don't stitch up the wounds, then they may start bleeding 
 again."
 "I'll see what I can do," Gregory promised.
 Dr. P. helped Gregory into the hat and gown, then led him down the hall to 
 an operating room. When they walked in, his little sister was screaming 
 bloody murder with whatever energy she had left.  Gregory rushed to her 
 side.
 "Leia!  Are you okay?"
 "Greg!  They want to stick me with a needle," she told him, tears streaming 
 down her face.
 "Did you at least numb the area?" he asked the doctors.
 "We did."
 "No they didn't."
 "Is there any way that I can check?  She won't stop screaming until I do."
 "Nurse, help him into a pair of gloves."
 Gregory washed his hands, and the nurse helped him pull on the gloves.  
 Gregory returned to where his sister was.
 "So, Dr. P.  What can I do?"
 "Will you let your brother tap your finger with the needle?"
 "I guess so," Leia said, yawning.  Gregory carefully took the needle in his 
 hand, then placed his sisters hand on his lap.  With the utmost care, 
 Gregory pricked his sisters' finger with the needle.  "I don't feel 
 anything."
 "Will you let them help you?"
 "Only if you stay here with me.  Will you?" Leia pleaded.
 "You know I will."
 Gregory sat with his little sister, and tried to keep her mind off the 
 stitches.  He talked to her about every family outing they had ever taken, 
 and about their neighbors annoying dog.  Half way through the stitches, Dr. 
 P. was called to another section of the emergency room, so one of the other 
 doctors took over for him.  When the stitches had been administered to her 
 arms and legs, they covered them over with bandages, and gave her something 
 for the pain.  Then they relocated her to a bed in the pediatric wing.  They 
 allowed Gregory to stay in the bed next to hers, since there was no where 
 else for him to go.  After they had something to eat, the two settled down 
 to sleep.  Leia awoke around two a.m., only three hours after they had gone 
 to bed, screaming hysterically.  Both Gregory and the nurses tried to calm 
 her.  When they weren't successful, the nurses spoke with her doctor, and 
 got her a small sedative.  In the wee hours of the morning, around six or 
 seven, Gregory was awoken by one of the nurses.
 "Please come with me."
 "Why?"
 "Dr. P. wants to speak with you.  It's very important."
 Gregory followed the nurse to Dr. P's office.  He sat in the chair opposite 
 Dr. P.
 "Gregory, I have something to tell you, but first I think I had better show 
 you who is here."
 Dr. P walked over to the door, and motioned to someone outside.  When 
 Gregory saw who it was, he could hardly believe it.
 "Aunt Sam!  Uncle Rick!  What are you doing here?"
 Gregory ran over to them, and was quickly enveloped in a hug.  The three sat 
 down, and Dr. P sat across from them again.
 "Like I started to say Gregory, I have something very important to tell you. 
   There is a very good reason that your aunt and uncle are here."
 "What's going on?  What has happened?"
 "Around two o'clock this morning your father passed away."
 "What are you talking about?  When I talked to him yesterday and he was 
 fine.  You have to be lying."
 "He isn't, sweetheart.  He's not lying.  We've already seen him."
 "I don't believe you!  He wouldn't leave us!  Not Leia and me!  Not now that 
 mom's dead!"
 "It's not like he chose to leave you.  He died.  When you die, you have no 
 choice in the matter."
 Gregory was on the verge of tears when something hit him.
 "Wait!  Did you say around two o'clock?"
 "Yes, I did.  Why?"
 "Leia awoke from a nightmare around that time.  She was screaming 
 hysterically, so they got one of the other doctors to prescribe a sleeping 
 pill for her.  You were taking care of dad...so that must be why they 
 couldn't get a hold of you for Leia."
 "Do you understand what I've told you so far, Gregory?"
 "My sister and I are orphans."
 "Yes.  That is the reason your aunt and uncle are here."
 "Huh?  Why?"
 "Gregory, since we are your only living relatives, you are coming to stay 
 with us."
 "I'm not leaving Leia."
 "Neither are we.  We'll all stay at a nearby hotel.  Once she is well 
 enough, the four of us will go home."
 "Whose home?  Your home or mine?"
 "Our home.  We hope you'll see it as your home as well."
 "What about our stuff?  What will happen to it?"
 "The lawyer is handling things now.  The house will be sold to pay off the 
 small debt your parents had, but everything else is up to you and Leia.  
 Once she is well enough, we'll take you both to the house.  We'll rent a 
 U-Haul truck, and pack away whatever you want to keep.  Everything else will 
 be sold at an auction, and the money will go for you two."
 Gregory turned to the doctor, a worried look sweeping over his face.
 "Doc, will Leia be alright?"
 "She'll be healthy enough to move around in a day or two."
 "She'll live?"
 "Of course.  They were able to stop the bleeding.  Your parents were quite 
 wise as well."
 "Why do you say that?"
 "The last time Leia was in here, they had the technician take some of her 
 blood, and save it in case she ever needed a transfusion.  It was her blood 
 that saved her."
 "Why was Leia here before?"
 "I'm not at liberty"
 "She's my sister.  Tell me.  Please."
 "It was around the time that you were away at summer camp this year.  At 
 least, that was what your parents told me.  Your father said that she had 
 had a small accident, and that was why she was all bruised."
 "What do you mean by 'all bruised'?" their aunt asked, becoming worried.
 "She had a black eye, a minor concussion, a swollen cheek, and scrapes and 
 bruises on her body."
 "That was 'a small accident'?  Didn't anything strike you funny at the 
 time?"
 "No.  The only thing they told me was that she had lost her way in the 
 middle of the night, and had fallen down the stairs."
 "That is not like my sister.  Why wouldn't they have told me?"
 "I don't know."
 A sudden knock at the door altered everyone's train of thought.  A nurse 
 opened it and popped her head around.
 "Doctor, there are some police officers out here that would like to talk to 
 you."
 "Will you three be alright until I get back?"
 "Sure.  It's no problem."
 Dr. Polan went with the nurse.  The two officers were waiting by the sign up 
 desk.
 "Can I help you gentlemen?"
 "Yes.  We're looking for Jacob Hamilton.  We were told that he was brought 
 here."
 "I'm sorry gentlemen, but Mr. Hamilton died this morning."
 "And his wife?"
 "She died when the car exploded."
 "And his children?"
 Dr. Polan looked at the officers curiously.
 "How did you know his children were in the car?"
 The officers looked back and forth at each other.
 "One of the on lookers said that they saw two children in the car."
 "It was a back road.  There was only one car that stopped, and it stopped 
 after the car was in flames."
 "Does that mean that the children are not here?"
 "It means that I will not answer another question of yours until I see a 
 badge."
 Both men looked at each other.
 "We left them in our vehicle.  We'll be back with them in a second."
 "When I see them, I will tell you."
 The two men walked off.  The taller one muttered under his breath, "You 
 think you've won, old man.   I got news for you.  This war isn't over.  Not 
 by a long shot."
 Dr. Polan returned to his office where he had left Greg and his aunt and 
 uncle.  He whispered something to one of the nurses, and she hurried off in 
 another direction.  Once he was in his office, he locked the door, drew the 
 blinds, and unplugged the phone.
 "Doctor, are you alright?"
 "I'm a bit worried.  Two men came in asking about your niece, nephew, and 
 their parents.  They said they were cops, but they didn't have their badges 
 with them."
 "Are you kidding?"
 "No.  I asked one of my nurses to watch over the little girl until we get 
 down there.  I must ask you something first, Mrs. Mackenzie.  Their mother 
 was your sister, right?"
 "Yes."
 "So, when you married, you took Mr. Mackenzie's last name, and when she 
 married she took Mr. Hamilton's last name."
 "That's usually what you do doctor.  What's your point?"
 "If it is possible, I think that the children should change their last names 
 to Mackenzie.  Even though they are your niece and nephew, I want you to 
 treat them as if they were your own children, just as if you had 
 intentionally decided to adopt them.  Can you do that?"
 "Of course, but why?  You're being very cryptic."
 "Just trust me on this one.  Something hasn't set right with me since that 
 day they brought your niece in to the emergency room.  If you go back to 
 their house, have a police officer escort you, and be careful.  Take only 
 what you really need.  Sell the rest."
 "How long before Leia can come home?"
 "Honestly?  Considering the situation, she can go home as soon as she's 
 feeling well enough to walk."
 "Can't you give her a wheel chair or something?"
 "If you really want to get her out of here, you can take her home tomorrow.  
 I'll get you a wheel chair.  Just sell it after you're done with it, and 
 bring her to her new doctor when you get home.  Change the bandages, don't 
 get them wet, and all the usual things.  Okay?"
 "Alright.  Can we see her?"
 "Sure.  Then you three can keep her company while I get some things together 
 for her.  Let me show you to her room."
 They all followed the doctor through a series of hallways and staircases.
 "This isn't the way to her room," Greg mentioned perplexed.
 "I had my nurse move her to a different room."
 They continued to follow the doctor until they came upon a room.  The doctor 
 knocked once, then three times, then once again.  Moments later the door 
 opened, and a nurse stepped out.
 "She's doing great doctor.  I had the television turned on, and she's 
 watching cartoons."
 "Nurse, I would like you to meet Leia's adoptive family."
 "It's nice to meet you both.  I think that you're great for adopting both of 
 these children.  It's so horrible that the people in the orphanage did this 
 to them."
 Samantha Mackenzie looked at the doctor perplexed, but went along with the 
 charade.
 "Yes.  My husband and I have wanted to adopt a child for some time now, and 
 when we heard about the plight of these two youngsters, we just knew we had 
 to help."
 The nurse smiled and shook their hands, then quickly departed.
 "You didn't tell her?"
 "No.  I told her that Leia's new adoptive parents had come to get her and 
 her brother.  No one knows that they were in an accident except for me.  
 Everyone thinks that they were victims of a horrible orphanage.  Now, like I 
 said, you four can spend the day together.  The nurse you just met will be 
 the one to bring your food.  I will come by later with a wheel chair, and 
 tomorrow morning you will sign her out.  I also recommend that you call for 
 a police escort to your sister's house.  Explain the situation.  They won't 
 argue."
 "Can we go in now?"
 "Sure.  By all means, go ahead."
 Samantha, Rick, and Greg entered the room to find Leia sitting up in bed, 
 laughing over her cartoons.
 "Aunt Sam!  Uncle Rick!  Where did you guys come from?"
 "We're going to live with them," her brother told her.
 "Are mommy and daddy coming?"
 "No sis.  Mom and Dad died."
 "Oh."
 Greg walked over and gently hugged his sister, feeling a bit disturbed as he 
 realized just how many bandages she had.
 "It'll be okay, Leia.  We still have each other."
 "If you say we'll be okay, then I believe you."  Greg finally broke the 
 embrace.  "Are you going to watch cartoons with me?"
 "Sure," said her Aunt Sam.  She went over and sat on the edge of the bed.
 "Listen, I'll see you all later.  Have fun!"
 Dr. P spent several hours tracking down a wheel chair.  Meanwhile, Leia, 
 Greg, Rick, and Sam spent the day watching cartoons, and telling the kids 
 about their home.  They eventually tried to explain the last name situation 
 to Leia.
 "So, we're playing a game, right?"
 "Yes darling, something like that.  You're going to be a Mackenzie from now 
 on."
 "Greg too?"
 "Yeah.  Greg too."
 "Cool!  Leia Mackenzie sounds so much cooler than Leia Hamilton."
 Twenty minutes to nine, the nurse came in with their dinner.  Dr. P came in 
 soon after she left.
 "Here's your wheel chair."
 Leia looked at it, and crinkled her nose.
 "Can't I just go around on Uncle Rick's shoulders?"
 "Not for another day or two."
 "Yuck!  Okay, I guess I'll use this thing.  Only for a day or two, right?"
 "That's right.  As soon as your cuts start healing up, you are allowed to 
 walk around.  I've sent your records to your new doctor, this way he can 
 take up where I left off."
 "Okay."
 "There is one more thing I need to ask you.  Did you get a hold of a cop?"
 "There is a female cop who works at this crisis shelter.  She said all I had 
 to do was call her, and she would come with us."
 "Alright.  Good night."
 They all ate their dinner, then went to bed.  Around three in the morning, 
 Leia woke up screaming.  Her Aunt Sam soothed her, and she soon fell back to 
 sleep.  Around nine forty there was a knock at the door.  Rick got up and 
 answered it.  The nurse from the day before stepped inside.
 "I thought the doctor was going to come and get us."
 "He was, but he had a heart attack around three this morning.  He's dead."
 "What about the papers?"
 "He made sure that the papers were ready to be signed before he did anything 
 else.  All we need is your signature on two papers.  Then Leia can be 
 released, and you can take your new son and daughter home."
 Rick read the papers, then signed them, and handed them to his wife, who 
 signed her name to them as well.  She handed them back to the nurse.
 "Alright then, you are free to go.  Do they have anything to wear home?"
 "I knew we forgot something."
 "That's alright.  We collect clothing for children who need it.  I'm sure we 
 have something that will fit them both.  Let me go check."  The nurse came 
 back ten minutes later with a pair of jeans and a top for Greg, and a long 
 sleeved dress for Leia.  She handed Leia a pair of ballet slippers, and gave 
 Greg a pair of sneakers.  "This should hold you until you can get some 
 clothing.  One last thing I need to know.  Do you have a car, or should I 
 call a taxi for you?"
 "We have a rental car in the parking lot.  Thank you so much for your help."
 "It was no trouble.  I hope you will all be very happy."
 "I'm sure we will be."
 Samantha helped Leia get dressed, while Greg got into his own clothes.  Once 
 they were all dressed, the nurse helped Rick get Leia into the wheel chair.  
 She handed him a small bag.
 "What's this?"
 "These are some bandages, tape, and medicine for Leia.  It should hold you 
 until your doctor can see her.  Good luck."
 She showed them the way out, then disappeared down another corridor.  Rick, 
 Sam, Greg, and Leia headed towards the car.  Sam opened the back door, and 
 was about to help Leia in, when Leia started to shiver and shake.  Tears 
 streamed down her face.
 "What's wrong honey?"
 Leia couldn't say a word, and it suddenly occurred to Greg.  He tried to 
 explain.
 "It's the car.  It's closed in.  She's still a bit scared."
 "What if we took the top down?  Would that help?"
 Leia nodded.  Rick lowered the top of the convertible, then helped Leia in.  
 Sam and Greg got into the car while Rick put the wheel chair in the trunk..  
 Rick hopped in, and they drove off.  They stopped at a nearby gas station, 
 and called the crisis center.  Giving the officer the address, they headed 
 towards the house.  The officer was there when they got there.  Greg used 
 his key, and opened the front door.  Rick wheeled Leia into the house.  Rick 
 and Greg searched through Greg's things, while Sam and Leia gathered what 
 few things Leia wanted.  They packed what items both children wanted, which 
 amounted to Leia's stuffed bear 'Maggie', Greg's dagger, and a few items of 
 clothing.  They then went into their parents' room.
 "Do you want anything out of this room?"
 Leia and Greg looked at each other.  Leia whispered something in Greg's ear.
 "Does she want anything?"
 "Just my mom's locket."
 "And what about you?"
 "My dad's sword...can I have it?  I know how to use it.  You can even hold 
 it until I get older."
 "Alright.  I suppose so.  Where is it?"
 Greg went into his parents' walk in closet.  Climbing up the shelves, he 
 moved one of the ceiling tiles out of the way.  He disappeared into the hole 
 for a minute and returned with a velvet-covered parcel.  Closing the ceiling 
 panel up, he climbed down from the shelves.  He unsheathed the sword, and 
 showed it to them.
 "This is it."
 The sword was an obvious antique.  It's carvings were intriquite, and there 
 was an inscription on the side next to a yin-yang and a dragon.  It was a 
 foreign language to Rick...and appeared to be very old.
 "How long has your dad had this?  It looks really old, and he didn't have it 
 when we talked to him last."
 "I don't know.  I just saw him with it about two or three months ago."
 Rick stared at the piece, feeling like he was being drawn to it.
 "It's okay.  You can take it along.  We'll hang on to it until you're a 
 little older, and if you like, we can get you some lessons."
 "Cool.  Can we go?"
 "Sure."
 They packed the sword up with the few items they were taking, then painted a 
 few garage sale signs, and stuck them on the front lawn.  Within the space 
 of two hours, the entire house was empty, and they were a little richer than 
 when they started.  Rick helped Leia into the car, and put her wheel chair 
 in the trailer.  Everyone else got in, and they headed for their boat, and 
 their new home.


 Chapter 1

 Fourteen Years later

 Leia scratched at the burning metal enclosing her loved ones.  It was 
 getting hotter and hotter, making it harder to touch.  She felt herself 
 being dragged backwards, and she couldn't stop it.  All the blood, and the 
 screams.
 "Leia!  Wake up!  You're having a nightmare!"
 Leia bolted up in bed, and found she was shaking uncontrollably.  She 
 glanced around, able to make out the shapes around her, even in the early 
 morning light.  Sylvia and Greg were hovering over her, looking quite 
 worried.
 "I'm alright.  Thanks for waking me up.  You know how nightmares can be."
 Leia absently fingered the faint scar on her left hand.
 "What was the dream about?" Greg pressed.
 "It was nothing.  I promise.  Now please, would you two lovebirds go back to 
 sleep?  The last thing I need to see at this hour of the morning is you big 
 brother, and your fiance, both dressedI think scantily is a good word."
 Sylvia wasn't convinced Leia was all right but she knew better than to press 
 her friend for details.
 "Alright Leia, I think I get your message.  You want your brother and I to 
 leave you alone so you can try and get some more sleep before our shopping 
 excursion later, right?"
 "Yeah.  Thanks, Syl," Leia said, smiling at her friend.  Greg started to 
 protest, but Sylvia silenced his words with a kiss.  "Alright you two!  Out! 
   NOW!"
 Sylvia pulled Greg out of the room, and closed the door behind them.  
 Pushing back the covers, Leia stared at the now faint scars on her arms and 
 legs.  She counted them.  One on her Left hand, one on her lower left arm, 
 two on her upper left arm, one on her right shoulder, one on her hip, 
 another on her lower right leg, one just above her chest, and two faint 
 scars on both feet.  A tear hit her arm, and she allowed herself to cry, 
 knowing it was the only thing she ever did when she felt like this.  Her 
 tears were not for her physical scars, though.  The scars on her body were 
 so faint that only she, who had sat through every stitch, knew how many 
 there really were.  It was the scars on her soul she couldn't seem to heal.  
 She cried for her mother and father and for her brother as well.  She 
 thought back to the first years that she spent with her aunt and uncle after 
 her mother and father died.  Greg had become distant towards her, and 
 started staying out late.  He would come home drunk, or hurt, but usually 
 drunk.  Leia could only watch as her brother slowly deteriorated before her. 
   Shortly after her eighth birthday, Leia started secretly following Greg on 
 his nightly outings.  She would follow him through the Industrial Sector of 
 Allyle, usually in the slums.  Leia had never understood why, but her trips 
 to the slums had always made her feel better.  She then remembered the last 
 time she went there.  It was only a few days after her eighteenth birthday.  
 She had gotten the exact outfit that she asked forthe same outfit she had 
 seen another girl around her age wearing.  It was all black leather.  The 
 halter-top just barely covered her breasts, and the daisy duke shorts were, 
 according to her aunt and uncle, indecently short.  Not that it mattered to 
 Leia.  She never showed her brother the outfit.  Greg had found that a bit 
 uncharacteristic for her, but never questioned it.  As usual, Leia pretended 
 to be asleep.  Once she heard her brother stirring in his room, she quickly 
 dressed, slipped on her black pumps, and climbed out her window.  She 
 watched from the bushes until he was in sight.  Following closely behind, 
 she accompanied Greg to the slums.  She watched as a fetching red head 
 caught her brother's attention, and they disappeared into a nearby building. 
   Leia felt gutsy, so she continued her trek alone.  She wandered through 
 the dark alleys, losing track of where she was going after a while.
 "So, alley cat.  You've come back?"  Leia jumped slightly at the sound of 
 the voice, which was deadly close to her ear.  She turned to find a tall, 
 muscled guy standing behind her.  His hair was such a pale shade of blond 
 that it almost looked to be made of moonbeams.  Leia became increasingly 
 aware of the danger as he continued talking.  "I was wondering if you were 
 ever going to come back to me."
 "Do I know you?" she asked, angry at the wavering in her voice.
 "I've been watching you follow him through these alley's for many years now. 
   I have watched youchange, so to speak.  I think you are finally ready."
 "For what?" Leia asked, knowing the answer before he said it.
 "I think you know very well what I'm referring to."  Leia groaned inwardly, 
 knowing she had gotten herself in deep for the first time in her life.  She 
 tried to calm her breathing, knowing that hyperventilating would be her 
 downfall.  She nervously twirled her long hair around her finger, trying to 
 think of a way out but knowing there wasn't one.  The man moved closer, 
 sliding his arm around her waist.  "So, alley cat, what does it take to make 
 you purr?"  Leia tried to hide her horror, knowing it would give him an 
 advantage over her.  She tried to clear her mind, but found the task next to 
 impossible.  The stranger leaned closer and started to trail kisses down her 
 neck.  Leia shivered in fear, but he took it as a shiver of anticipation.  
 "Fear not, alley cat.  I'm in no hurry."
 His mouth swooped down to claim her lips in a hard kiss that took her breath 
 away.  All of Leia's senses were swimming, and she found it hard to keep her 
 head.
 'I know I should scream, but if I do he might hurt me worse' she thought 
 absently.  'Where's a gun when I need it?'
 Leia pulled her mouth from the kiss, which only succeeded in baring her neck 
 for him to explore.  Leia tried to wriggle out of his embrace, but the 
 stranger held her tighter.
 "Alley cat, are you shy?  Why don't we move this inside."
 It was at that moment that Leia knew she had sealed her fate coming out 
 tonight.  She allowed herself to be led through a series of doors, and ended 
 up in what seemed to be a club of sorts.  The lighting was too dim to make 
 out who was there exactly.  He led Leia to one of the far corners of the 
 room.  The man at the door had taken their shoes, and she had no other sharp 
 objects that she could defend herself with.  As he attempted to slip her top 
 off, Leia knew this was her last chance.  She breathed in, and let out as 
 sharp of a scream as she could muster.  She saw murder in his eyes as he 
 moved faster, determined to get what he wanted.  Her top was just a pile of 
 black cloth when he was through with it.  She would have screamed if his 
 hand had not been over her mouth and nose.  She began to gasp for air, but 
 he wouldn't release his grip.  Things started to get fuzzy, and Leia felt 
 herself losing consciousness.  Suddenly she heard a snap, and he collapsed 
 on top of her, releasing his hold of her mouth.  Leia scrambled back, 
 gasping for air and covering as much of herself as she could.  She stared at 
 her assailant, who now lay dead before her, and thanked god that she was 
 still alive and well.
 "Sis?  Is that you?"  Greg asked, squinting.  "Are you Okay?"
 Leia looked at the person who had saved her.
 "Big brother?  Thank you!  Thank you!  Thank you!" she cried.
 "Why did you follow me into the industrial sector?" he asked, his voice 
 growing angrier with every second.
 "I was...I...I" she stumbled for words.
 "Come on, Shawn" he began.
 "Shawn's here?" she asked in shock.
 "Look, get my sister out of here, I'm gonna clean up in here.  I've got 
 some...ah, unfinished business with...um, Andrea...."
 "Yea, I know, nod, nod, wink, wink."
 "BIG BROTHER!"
 Shawn shrugged out of his jacket and wrapped it around Leia.  Swinging Leia 
 into his arms, he headed for the door.  Once Greg knew his sister was in 
 good hands, he went back to what he had been doing before the interruption.  
 Shawn had gotten Leia half way home when he realized she was bleeding from 
 her cheeks.  Leia had since then passed out, so Shawn was left to care for 
 her to the best of his own knowledge.  He lay her down under a streetlight, 
 and examined the bloody marks on her cheeks.  Fingernail marks.  Shawn 
 shuddered, but continued with his task, checking to make sure they weren't 
 serious.  Knowing that Leia would be furious if he took her to the hospital, 
 or even her own house, Shawn carried her to his home.  The spare room was a 
 mess with junk that he hadn't put away yet, so he laid her down on his bed.  
 Going into the medicine cabinet, he pulled out peroxide, bandages, etc.  
 Once the wounds on her cheeks were taken care of he paused, unsure if he 
 should check for any other marks.  He finally realized he had no other 
 choice.  He checked out her legs, surprised to only find a small cut at her 
 ankle.  He discretely removed his jacket and covered her with a towel, 
 checking to make sure she had no other marks.  As he checked he became more 
 and more furious.  Her back, neck, and shoulders had several bruises the 
 size and shape of fingerprints.  Other than that there were no more cuts.  
 He placed her under the covers, then shut out the lights and let her sleep, 
 sitting in a nearby chair to watch over her.  It was early morning when 
 Shawn awoke.  The first thing that occured to him was that he never told 
 Greg where she was.  He scribbled a quick note, and left it and a few other 
 things for her on the nightstand.  It was the first rays of sunlight that 
 awoke Leia from her sleep.  Opening her eyes, she saw a tray on the bedside 
 table.  On it were a glass of juice, an aspirin, and a note reading: Be 
 back.  Going to get Sylvia to keep you company -Shawn.  Leia took the 
 aspirin with the juice.  Moments later she heard a car pull up.  Footsteps 
 echoed through the house, and then there was a knock at the door.
 "Leia?  It's me.  Are you up?"
 Leia wrapped the blanket around herself as she sat up in bed.
 "I'm decent.  You can come in."
 Shawn walked in with a paper bag, and Sylvia followed right behind with the 
 coffee.  One smell of the coffee and she was starved.  He handed her a 
 buttered bagel, then motioned for Sylvia to sit.
 "Listen, I'll be back in a little bit.  Syl is going to keep you company 
 until I get back.  Okay?"
 "Okay.  Thanks."
 Shawn only smiled as he left the room, closing the door behind him.  Once 
 the car pulled away, Sylvia began with her usual twenty-question routine.
 "Are you okay?"
 "I am now.  I have never been so scared in my life."
 "What happened?"
 "I...well...I sorta followed my brother into the Industrial Sector of the 
 city."
 "You did what?" she asked, shocked at her admission.
 "Don't shout!  Please.  My head hurts enough as it is."
 "Okay...so what happened?"  Leia filled her in as much as she could 
 remember, up to the present moment.  "You are so lucky that your brother was 
 there."
 "Don't I know it.  I'm a bit upset that he left me for that...Strumpet...but 
 I guess I understand.  He knew that Shawn would take good care of me."
 The conversation seemed to stop the instant they heard a car pulling into 
 the driveway.  Leia and Sylvia listened as 2 pairs of footsteps could be 
 heard, making their way up to the house, to where they were.
 "Leia?"  Greg shouted as he stomped through the house.  Greg burst through 
 the door and took a quick look around.  He was hung over, unshaven, and a 
 complete mess. "What were you thinking, sis?  Going into the slums?  
 Following me?  Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?"
 "I'm 18, and you can't tell me what to do!" Leia shouted, quite upset that 
 he seemed to be blaming the whole situation on her.  "I've been going to the 
 slums since I was eight!"  Greg could only stare at her shocked, so Leia 
 continued her ranting.   "You have some nerve to be angry at me!  You were 
 the one who pulled away from me when mom and dad died!  What did you expect 
 me to do?  Sit around and watch you die like they did?  I figured that if I 
 went along with you, I might be able to protect you some how!  You're all I 
 have left, and I don't want to lose you!"
 "You don't want to lose me?  Do you really think I want to lose you?  I 
 almost lost you today!  If that thug had succeeded..." Greg shuddered at the 
 thought, then continued his thoughts in a hushed voice.  "I didn't 
 completely pull away.  That was why I went to the Industrial Sector at 
 night.  I figured that I'd never be missed...but I guess I didn't honestly 
 think you'd follow me.  It was just somewhere I could go, where I could 
 forget."
 Leia brushed a tear from her cheek.  Greg looked as if he had been socked in 
 the stomach, and Leia knew she had to be honest with him.
 "I know what you mean.  I don't know what it was about the sector, but it 
 always had a way of making me forget.  Just please...don't go back.  If you 
 do...I will be right behind you, hiding in the shadows."
 "I'm more capable of handling myself there than you are...and I think last 
 night proved it."
 "Last night proved nothing!  I have been following you for a long time, and 
 today was the first time I had any problems what so ever.  Either you 
 promise to stay out of the slums, or I will continue to go, and I'll start 
 going when you're not around."
 Greg was going to argue with his sister, but soon realised that it wouldn't 
 be the best decision.
 "Fine.  If you don't want me to go there, then I won't."
 Greg stared at his sister for an awkward moment, then went over and hugged 
 her.  Leia held him tight, her cheeks quickly becoming soaked with tears.  
 She flinched, her salty tears causing the cuts to sting.  Greg pulled back, 
 staring at the cuts on her face.  He was furious...that much was obvious, 
 but Leia was unsure who he was mad at.  He pulled his little sister into his 
 arms once again, almost as if to reassure her that it wasn't her he was mad 
 at.  It was then that Leia noticed that Sylvia's eyes were transfixed on her 
 brother the whole time.  She reluctantly broke the embrace.
 "Greg, I'd like you to meet my best friend Sylvia.  Sylvia, the guy that has 
 been ranting at me is my brother Greg."
 It was at that moment when Greg finally noticed Sylvia, and their eyes 
 met...and Leia dragged herself out of her daydream.
 "With the way they looked in each other's eyes," she thought to her self, "I 
 should have known that they were going to get engaged."
 Leia yawned sleepily.  Throwing her covers back over herself, she rolled 
 over and tried to get some sleep.


 Chapter two

 A sudden knock at the door drew Greg's attention from what he was doing.  He 
 left the computer, which was spread out all over the floor in millions of 
 pieces, to answer the door.  Upon opening it, he stepped back to let in a 
 rather annoyed Shawn.  He looked like hell.
 "What happened to you?"
 "The brakes on my bike locked, and I went flying off it into on coming 
 traffic."
 "Are you kidding?" he asked, his shock registering in his voice.
 "I wish I were.  My bike was totaled!  So, where's Leia?"
 "Didn't she tell you?  She went shopping with Sylvia, Dane, and Randy."
 "No, she didn't tell me."
 "I'm surprised.  I thought she told you everything."
 If looks could kill, Greg would have died on the spot.  Greg invited Shawn 
 to hang around and help him with the computer while they waited for Leia and 
 the others to get back.  Forty-five minutes later they heard the sound of 
 the car pulling in the driveway.  Leia and Sylvia walked in, followed by 
 Randy and Dane.
 "Leia, where have you been?" Shawn asked.  "I was beginning to get worried."
 "Didn't Greg tell you?  I went shopping," Leia told him, throwing her 
 brother an annoyed look.
 "Why is it you weren't the one to tell me that you'd be shopping?"
 "I forgot to.  I was going to...but I simply forgot," Leia admitted.
 "You've been forgetting to tell me about a lot of things lately.  Like how 
 about having the bartender drive you home because you were too drunk?  You 
 were so drunk that he was worried you wouldn't get home if he sent you along 
 your way in a cab."
 Leia turned bright red, her eyes shooting to Greg who was now QUITE 
 interested in the conversation.  She turned her attention back to Shawn.
 "Why are you bringing this up?  What good is it going to do?"
 "Leia...do you even care what happens anymore?"
 "Shawn Thompson...if you think i'm going to stand here while you pass 
 judgement on me, then you're sadly mistaken.  I'm getting out of here!"
 Leia made it al the way to the front door when his voice shot out at her 
 like a bullet from a gun.
 "If you walk out of that door then we're through!"
 Leia's footsteps halted at the front door.  She stood there for what seemed 
 like an eternity, then walked out the door, tears streaming down her face as 
 she did.  Sylvia, Randy, and Dane followed her out to the car.  They asked 
 no questions, and simply hopped in her car and sped away.  It was only the 
 presence of her friends that kept her from doing anything reckless.  She 
 slowed down to the speed limit and pulled over to the side of the road.
 "Sylvia, are you going with Randy and Dane, or do you want me to drop you 
 back at the house?"
 "Neither.  I'm not going home until you go home."
 "Syl, pick one or the other.  There is no third option."
 "Fine.  Drop me off back at the house."
 Leia started up the car, then drove off.  After dropping Dane and Randy off 
 at their houses, Leia turned the car around and headed back towards the 
 house.  She pulled up into the driveway, never shutting the car off.
 "So, what do I tell Greg if he asks where you are?" Sylvia asked as she was 
 getting out of the car.
 "Tell him that you don't know where I am.  I'm not going to tell you where I 
 am going, this way you don't have to lie to him.  Okay?"
 "Just promise me that you'll be careful."
 "I promise that I'll try."
 Once Sylvia was out of the car Leia shifted into reverse and raced out of 
 the driveway.  She drove recklessly through the streets, taking one sharp 
 turn after another.  She lost her way after a while.  Leia, admitting 
 defeat, went and stopped at the nearest gas station.  The only person around 
 was the young girl who worked as a cashier there.
 "Can you tell me how I can get back to Allyle?"
 "Did you say Allyle?"
 "Yeah.  Why?"
 "Do you know how far away you are from Allyle?"
 "How far?" Leia asked her, dreading the answer.
 "You are at least four hours away from Allyle."
 "Are you kidding?"
 "No.  Listen, what are you doing right now?"
 "Why?"
 "If you're not busy, you might want to check out the club that's about three 
 blocks over.  It's pretty cool, and I think you'd enjoy it since your night 
 is just about shot."
 "Three blocks away you said?"
 "Yeah."
 "Okay.  Thanks."
 Leia got back into her car and drove off in the direction she had been 
 shown.  The girl had been right.  The club was easy to spot almost 
 instantly.  She drove up to the valet, and after handing over her keys, she 
 paid her entrance fee and went in.  Noticing an empty stool by the bar, Leia 
 headed over and sat down.  After ordering a marguerita from the bartender, 
 she began to look around.  There were many couples scattered around the 
 club, but there were mostly groups of friends just hanging out.  The 
 bartender came back with her drink, but when she went to pay for it, he 
 declined.
 "That man over there has already paid for your drink," he informed her, 
 motioning to the man sitting at the other end of the bar.
 Leia smiled her thanks to the man who seemed only a few years older than her 
 brother.  He stood up and made his way to the stool next to her.  While he 
 bargained with the man sitting there, Leia played with the olive in her 
 drink.  Once he had convinced the man to switch seats with him, he smiled at 
 her and sat down.
 "Hi.  I'm Nick.  What's your name?"
 "Leia.  Thanks for the drink.  You must be very persuasive."
 Nick glanced over at the man whom he had changed seats with and smiled.
 "I'm not really that persuasive.  I paid him to move."
 Leia giggled.  She didn't know why, but having this stranger pay someone to 
 move so that he could sit next to her was quite romantic.  She was still 
 feeling awful about Shawn, but this stranger provided a much needed 
 distraction.
 "So, what do you do for a living?" Leia asked, curious about the origin of 
 his obvious money.
 "I own a...museum, of sorts."
 "Really? What kind of exhibits are you working on?"
 "We've recently started working on a Japanese art exhibit.  We display 
 various types of art, including swords and sword guards, armor, daggers...."
 "Did you say swords?"
 "Yes.  Why?"
 "Well, my brother..."
 Nick listened on with interest as Leia told him about her brothers sword.  
 He listened, becoming more and more interested as she went on.  They talked 
 about the exhibit over the next few hours.  Finally, as Leia stifled a yawn, 
 it came to her attention that it was getting late.
 "What time is it?"
 Nick quickly glanced at his watch.
 "It's three twenty seven in the morning."
 "Are you kidding?"
 "No.  Why?"
 "I've got to get home.  I have to get to work in the morning."
 "Before you go, can I get your number?"
 "I don't have a pen, but I'm in the phone book.  I'm under Leia Hamilton 
 Mackenzie."
 "You're married?"
 "No, I was adopted by my aunt and uncle.  I only started writing both my 
 last names when I turned 18."
 "So, you were born Leia Mackenzie?"
 "No, Leia Hamilton.  My aunt and uncle are the Mackenzie's."
 "Well then, Leia Hamilton Mackenzie, I will most certainly call you later," 
 Nick replied, trying to figure out why Hamilton sounded so familiar to him.
 "It was nice meeting you, Nick."
 "It was nice meeting you as well.  If I'm not being too forward, may I give 
 you a goodnight kiss?"
 The request was so innocent that Leia couldn't refuse, so she nodded.  
 Leaning closer, he kissed her lightly on the cheek.
 "Goodnight."
 "Night."
 Leia left a tip for the bartender and then left the club.  She got her car 
 from the valet, then sped out of the parking lot.  Realizing that she was 
 still lost, with no idea of how to get home, Leia headed back to the gas 
 station.  Leia was quite surprised to find that it was closed, and no one 
 else was in sight.  Knowing that if she stayed there she would be in danger 
 of getting robbed or mugged, even though she was still in her car, Leia got 
 her car back on the highway.  Se drove for what seemed like hours.  The 
 sound of sirens broke through the night, and the flashing lights told her 
 who was making all the noise.  Leia pulled her car over, hoping that the 
 officer could set her on the right road to get home.  After the standard 
 tests, the police officer confirmed that Leia was not drunk.  She handed her 
 a speeding ticket and went on her way.  Leia saw her last chance to get home 
 start to slip away from her.  She got out of her car and flagged the officer 
 down before she drove away.  The woman, although she seemed a tiny bit 
 skeptical of Leia's need, rolled down her window.
 "Just one more thing officer."
 "What can I help you with?"
 "I was wondering if you could tell me how to get to Allyle?""
 "Are you kidding?"
 "No. Why?"
 "You are several hours away from Allyle."
 "Can you tell me how to get home?"
 "Sure.  You were on the right road, but you're going the wrong way."
 "That's all?"
 "Yeah.  Just follow the main highway until you can't go any further.  Take 
 the connecting highway toI think it's exit 39.  Once you're there, 
 everything should be familiar to you."
 "Thank you so much officer."
 Leia turned her car around and followed the officer's instructions.  As she 
 turned off of exit 39, she realized where she wasand it brought memories 
 flooding back.  She could still see the flamescould still hear the 
 screamsand could still feel the burning metal under her hands as she tried 
 to free her parents from the metal encased inferno.  Tears streamed down her 
 face as the memories hit her like bullets to her heart.  Not knowing where 
 else to go, she went back to the one place she swore to her brother that 
 she'd never return to.  Leia changed from her powder pink blouse into the 
 new black blouse that she had bought earlier, then parked her car and went 
 the rest of the way on foot.  The Industrial Sector of Allyle was just as 
 she remembered.  She walked through the alleys that she had come to know so 
 well as a young child.  She watched everyone from the shadows, wandering 
 aimlessly through the alleys.  Leia wandered for quite a while, each alley 
 beginning to look like the next.  Leia remembered the day that she met 
 Shawnthe day that her big brother saved herand the day that she realized 
 that she was not alone in this world.  A tap on the shoulder brought her 
 thoughts back to the present moment.  She whirled around, ready to defend 
 herself to the death if necessary.  A woman was standing behind her, and 
 jumped back when Leia whirled around.  She raised her hands to show that she 
 was unarmed.
 "Is your name Leia?"
 "How did you"
 "We've been searching for you for several hours.  Are you alright?"
 "I'm fine.  Why have you been searching for me?"
 "We're friends of your brothers.  He was quite worried about you, so he 
 asked us if we'd search the sector."
 "How did you know that I was Leia?"
 "A few of us have known who you were since you started coming here."
 "What happens now?"
 "I take you home."
 Leia made a face, but realized that there was no way out of it.  With a 
 heavyhearted sigh, Leia looked the woman in the face.
 "Alright.  I'll go home."
 "You can go in my car."
 "I have my own."
 "Fine.  Then I'll follow you.  I can not let you out of my sight until you 
 are safely at home."
 "Okay, then follow me."
 Leia led the woman to where her car was parked.  Once they arrived at her 
 home, the woman waited until she opened her front door.  The clock on the 
 wall said quarter to six when she opened the door.  All the lights were on, 
 and Greg and Sylvia were awake.  Greg looked like hell warmed over.  There 
 was a forbidding darkness to his gaze.
 "Where have you been?"
 "I was out," Leia answered, refusing to give him a straight answer as to her 
 whereabouts.  "What does it matter to you?"
 Greg was about to respond, but a knock at the door distracted his attention 
 momentarily.  Sending an annoyed glance in his sister's direction, Greg went 
 and answered the door.  All Leia could hear was low mumbling, and then the 
 slam of the front door as Greg stormed back into the room.
 "That was one of the people I had helping me look for you.  She wanted to 
 make sure that someone was at home before she left you alone."  Greg grabbed 
 his younger sister by the shoulders and shook her.  "What in the hell were 
 you doing in the Industrial Sector again?  I thought I told you never to go 
 back there!"
 "The last time I checked I was 20 years old!  What gives you the right to 
 tell me what I can and can't do?"
 "Didn't you learn your lesson the last time?  Have you completely forgotten 
 what would have happened if I hadn't come along?"
 "I am not a baby!  I wasn't one then, and I am most certainly not one now!  
 If I had gotten hurt back then, or today, it would have been my fault and no 
 one else's!  Let me go!"
 Leia fought against his grasp, and managed to free herself.
 "You are NEVER to go back there again Leia!  Do you understand me?"
 "It's my life, and I'll do as I please!  Do YOU understand ME?"
 "I'm tired, and thoroughly sick of this conversation!  I will remind you not 
 to pull a stunt like that again, or you will find yourself regretting it!"  
 Greg forced himself to calm down.  "Leia, you had me so worried.  I don't 
 mean to jump at you, but I didn't know where you were.  You have no idea 
 what goes through a person's mind."
 Leia's anger disappeared.  When she finally looked at her brother again, he 
 could see the tears gleaming in her eyes.
 "I worried you?  Why?"
 "You're my sister.  It's my job to worry."
 Sylvia watched as the situation was quickly diffused.  Greg hugged his 
 little sister, thanking his lucky stars that she was okay.  Leia kissed her 
 brother on the cheek, hugged Sylvia goodnight, and headed for her room.  She 
 locked the door to her room, then quickly readied for bed, and finally 
 accomplished the task by six twelve.  It was a bit warm, so Leia opened the 
 window to cool the room down a bit.  She walked over to the door, and then 
 suddenly everything went black.
 *************************************************************************
 It was light out when she finally regained consciousness.  Sylvia and Greg 
 were standing over her.  Looking past them, she noticed her door was broken.
 "What's going on?  What happened to my door?"
 "You've been drugged.  Someone hit you with a dart through your open window 
 early this morning.  A neighbor saw, and called the cops, then notified us." 
 He swallowed, then continued.  "It's lucky for you that the person was an 
 obvious amateur."
 "So you broke down my door?"
 "Are you going to harp on the damn door?"
 "Yes damn it!"
 "Jeez!  I broke it down to help you!"
 "I told you earlier!  I'm a big girl!  I can take care of myself!"
 Leia got up quickly, and fell back down.
 "Are you alright Leia?" Greg asked, worried.
 "I'd be fine if you'd just stand still."
 "I AM standing still."
 "Then I'm in trouble."  Leia leaned back and shut her eyes.  "I don't 
 believe this is happening!"
 The ringing of the phone distracted their attention momentarily.  Greg 
 walked into the living room to answer it.
 "Hello?"
 "Is Leia there?"
 "Who should I tell her is calling?"
 "My name is Nick.  I met her yesterday at the Dragon's Lair Club."
 "I'll go see if she wants to talk."  Greg put Nick on hold, then carried the 
 cordless phone to his little sister.  "Do you know someone named Nick?"
 "Yeah, I met him last night."
 "So, you were at the Dragon's Lair Club last night as well!"
 "What of it?"
 "Do you know the reputation of that club?"
 "Listen, just give me that damn phone!  I don't particularly care about 
 anything but my phone call right now, okay?"
 Greg stood there, not making any attempt to hand the phone to his sister.  
 Leia gathered all her strength, grabbed the phone from him, and pressed the 
 hold button.
 "Hello?"
 "Leia?  It's Nick."
 "Hey Nick."
 "I called earlier, and you weren't home.  I was beginning to get worried."
 "You were worried?" Leia asked in shock, kicking her brother in the knee 
 when he rolled his eyes at her.
 "Yeah."
 "Listen, I have your number on my caller ID.  Can I call you back a little 
 later?
 "Yeah, but not at this number.  Let me give you my other number."
 Leia grabbed a piece of paper and a pen, and jotted down the number he gave 
 her.
 "Okay.  I'll call you a little later."
 "Talk to you then.  Bye."
 "Bye."
 Nick hung up the phone, and then turned to the smirking man standing next to 
 him.
 "That was a nice touch, Nick.  Making her think that you really care what 
 happens to her."
 "Of course.  They're playing with the big boys now."


 Chapter three

 "Why were you so mad at Greg?" Sylvia asked her as they went shopping for a 
 new door for her bedroom.  "He was only trying to help."
 "Syl, in your eyes he can do no wrong, so you'll never understand why I get 
 as mad at him as I do.  He demolished my door!"
 "So you don't think that it was justified, even though he saved your life?"
 "How?" Leia asked skeptically.
 "When our neighbor told him what he had seen, Greg didn't think twice.  He 
 ran straight to your room.  When he found your door locked, he didn't know 
 who'd been the one to lock it, so he kicked it in.  When he found you 
 unconscious on the floor he tried to find out what had happened, and that 
 was when he noticed the dart in your neck.  He lied to you before when he 
 said that the person didn't know what they were doing.  According to the 
 police, the man was a professional.  He knew very well what they were doing. 
   Lucky for you, your brother knew what he was doing as well.  He carefully 
 removed the dart.  If he hadn't taken the dart out as soon as he did, you 
 wouldn't be standing here at the moment screaming over your broken door.  
 You would be dead."
 "You're being over dramatic."
 "No I'm not!  I'm just repeating exactly what was told to me by the police 
 officers and the paramedics."
 Leia gasped in surprise, staring at Sylvia.  She started to say something 
 but the words stuck in her throat.  Leia made no reply.  She simply 
 continued looking down isles and isles of doors.  Once she had finally 
 purchased one, and had it sent to the house, she dragged Sylvia with her to 
 the supermarket for a  little while before they finally returned home.  When 
 they got back, Greg was already installing Leia's new door.  He shot a 
 glance at them over his shoulder, then continued with his work, not saying a 
 word to either of them.  Sylvia separated from Leia and made her way over to 
 help Greg.  Leia ignored them, heading for the kitchen to put the groceries 
 away.  While she was putting everything away the phone rang.  Leia reached 
 the portable phone seconds before Greg did.  He stood there staring at her 
 as she answered it.
 "Hello?"
 "Leia?  It's Nick.  I know you said that you'd be the one to call"
 "It's no problem.  Really."  Leia motioned for Greg to leave and he did, but 
 only after giving her a nasty look.  "So, what's on your mind?"
 "I know it's only Monday, but I was wondering if you'd go out with me this 
 Friday night."
 "This Friday?"
 "Yeah.  Are you free?"
 "I sure am," Leia said, knowing that this Friday was the anniversary of her 
 parents' death.  "What time will you be coming to get me?"
 "Be ready at sixand make sure that you're dressed to go dancing.  Okay?"
 "What kind of dancing?"
 "A dress with a short, flaring skirt should do nicely for where I'm taking 
 you," he told her, ignoring her question.  "See you at six then."
 "Okay.  Friday at six."
 Leia hung up the phone, both wary and excited at the same time.  Once again 
 her thoughts popped to Shawn.  She and him were supposed to have gone out 
 this Friday... Leia sighed, trying to get her mind off of him.  She finished 
 putting away the groceries, and was just about to start making lunch when 
 Greg showed up in the doorframe.
 "Who was on the phone?"
 "It was for me."
 "I gathered as much considering you shooed me away from the general area 
 while you were talking.  Who was it?"
 "Is that the only reason that you came in here?"
 "Actually, yes it is."
 "Well then, you can go back to what you were doing.  Have Sylvia make you 
 your lunch.  I'm going out."
 "Where?" Greg asked, blocking the doorway.  Leia acted quickly.  She pushed 
 the rolling table in her brother's path, and darted out the back door.  
 Thanking her lucky stars that she had kept her keys with her, Leia hopped 
 into the driver's side and sped off ignoring Greg, who was screaming at her 
 retreating car.  She drove around Allyle, finally stopping to eat something. 
   She sat alone in the food court of the mall, trying to eat her lunch, but 
 her worried mind allowed her stomach no comfort.  She knew that her brother 
 was only trying to protect her, but even knowing that still didn't make 
 things any easier.  She finally gave up on eating, afraid that her food 
 would not stay down.  Leia wandered around the mall in search of a dress for 
 Friday night.  After searching through many stores, she finally settled for 
 a simple, raspberry colored crepe dress with a flaring skirt.  She finally 
 matched a pair of pumps to it, then decided to wander around the rest of the 
 mall.  Leia happened to look into one of the restaurant windows as she 
 passed and saw Shawn.  He was sitting there, talking with an attractive, 
 leggy brunette.  Leia felt as if someone had knocked the wind right out of 
 her.  She composed herself and wandered past various stores, not terribly 
 interested in any of them.  During her wandering, Leia happened upon a 
 computer store.  The image of her brother, surrounded by her computer 
 pieces, trying to fix it for her, made Leia realize how mean she had been to 
 him.  Leia immediately burst into tears.  A strong arm went around her 
 shoulders, and she leaned into the embrace without another thought.  Leia 
 buried her head in his shoulder, allowing herself to cry.  Once she had 
 calmed, she noticed that he had picked her up and moved her to the side, 
 sparing her the embarrassment of having everyone see her cry.  She knew whom 
 it was without even having to ask.
 "Dane?  How do I always end up messing things up?"
 "It's not your faultnot totally at least.  Listen, I came here because 
 Sylvia told me to see if I could find youand from what she mentioned of the 
 scene when you left, I can see why you blew up and left."
 "I was going to go to the Industrial Sectorbut I realized that it would not 
 be one of my best ideas.  I meanlook at me.  I'm wearing light colors, I'm 
 not in a clear frame of mindand I went there yesterday when I was upset, so 
 they already know they could find me there."
 "You went to the Industrial Sector?  Are you crazy?  Did you lose your mind 
 or something?"
 "Please, stop yelling at me!  I know that it wasn't one of my best ideas, 
 but I can take care of myself."
 "Just like you could take care of yourself when you were 18?"
 "HOW DID YOU FIND OUT ABOUT THAT?"
 "Sylvia mentioned it just before she asked me to go look for you.  I was 
 supposed to go to the Industrial Sector and ask around if I didn't find you 
 here."
 Leia felt as if her heart was being torn out.  She thought of Shawn...and 
 Greg...and promptly burst into tears once again.  Dane held her until she 
 calmed once more.
 "Well, you found me," she admitted sadly.
 "Now I'm going to take you home."
 "Can we get a cup of coffee first?"
 "Would it make you feel better?"  Leia nodded.  "All right.  We'll stop for 
 coffee, and then I'll take you home."
 Leia smiled and hugged Dane.  Kissing her friend on the cheek, she hurried 
 into the ladies room. She was back in the blink of an eye, and they took 
 Leia's car to the caf.  Dane and Leia sat in the coffee shop for three 
 hours, talking over anything that came to mind.
 "Can I just ask you one question?"
 "Sure.  What?"
 "Why were you crying?"
 "I'm messing everything up lately.  I gave up Shawn simply because my pride 
 wouldn't let me stay.  I'm hurting...so badly..."
 She rubbed the back of her neck, trying to relieve some of the tension being 
 caused by holding back the tears that threatened to break through once 
 again.
 "Give Shawn some time.  You might find that he'll change his mind."
 Leia shook her head.
 "Not Shawn.  He meant what he said.  There's no way he'll ever take me back. 
   In his eyes, I chose to leave him.  He doesn't see how hard it was for me 
 to do that.  Besides...he seemed to be happy enough with that leggy brunette 
 he was eating with earlier."
 Dane held her hand in his, giving it a reassuring squeeze.
 "What about Greg?  Have you talked to him about Shawn yet?"
 "I've been so horrible to Gregso meanand there he wassitting on the 
 floorall dayjust to fix my computer so that I wouldn't have to pay to have 
 it fixed.  He just sat there the entire day, checking everything outand I 
 repay him by running off like a child, worrying both him and Sylvia.  No 
 wonder he still treats me like a child."
 "Don't be too hard on yourself Leiaor on him for that matter.  You both 
 have been through a lot, and you have pretty much been raised by him."
 "But he's not my father!"
 Leia hid her head in her hands and sobbed.  Finally they decided that it was 
 getting kind of late, so they headed home.  Leia's head had begun to throb, 
 and she decided that it was due to too much caffeine.  It wasn't until they 
 were pulling into the driveway that they realized Greg was standing right by 
 the front door.   Leia exited the car warily.  She was quite unsure of how 
 her brother would act.  Leia tried to walk over to the house, but she soon 
 found that her legs wouldn't carry her, and promptly collapsed into a pile 
 on the ground.  Greg never said a word.  He simply walked over to Leia and 
 picked her up in his arms.  Dane retrieved her bag from the car and set it 
 on the porch.
 "You got her?"  Greg nodded.  "Okay.  I'll speak to you both tomorrow.  
 Okay?"
 Leia forced herself to concentrate on what was happening.  She held her hand 
 out to Dane and he took it in his.
 "I love you.  I'll talk to you tomorrow.  Okay?"
 "Sure Leia.  Love you too.  Goodnight."
 Dane released her hand, gave Greg the car keys, and started his short walk 
 home.  Leia soon found that all her energy was spent.  An ache in her head 
 grew to be unbearable and, although she fought against it, she passed out 
 cold.  Greg carried her into the house.  Sylvia took one look at an 
 unconscious Leia and started to freak out.  Sylvia gathered the bag, then 
 locked the front door.  She went ahead of Greg and opened the door to Leia's 
 room.  Greg followed Sylvia, and put Leia down on her bed.  Sylvia set the 
 bag in the corner on Leia's rocking chair.  Throwing a small cover over her, 
 Greg closed the door over and followed Sylvia to their room.
 "What happened?"
 "I have no idea.  Dane drove Leia home, but when she went to get out of the 
 car she collapsed.  She doesn't have alcohol on her breath, so I don't think 
 she's drunk.  The last two days have been really hard on her.  I think she 
 just needs some rest."
 When Sylvia awoke the next morning, something about the previous night 
 struck her funny.  She went into Leia's room and opened the bag, careful not 
 to wake her sleeping friend.  She opened the bag, but found that its only 
 contents were a raspberry colored dress, matching pumps, and a few 
 necessities.  Then she noticed what it was that had struck her funny.  The 
 dressit was not characteristic of Leia.  She showered and dressed for work, 
 then made sure that she was gone before Greg got up.  She left a note on the 
 end table near their bed.  It was the first thing that Greg noticed when he 
 got up a half-hour later.
 "Greg- I'll be home at three.  Tell Leia that I'm sorry I didn't wake her 
 this morning.  She was sleeping so soundly that I felt it was the least I 
 could do.  I love you.  -Sylvia"
 Greg smiled, then lay back down on the bed and tried to get some sleep.  It 
 was around one thirty in the afternoon when he finally woke up.  He bolted 
 out of bed and made his way to Leia's room.  She was still sound asleep on 
 her bed, in the exact same spot that they had left her, the cover still on 
 her.  He touched her cheek, alarmed at the color of her skin.
 "Leia?" he called, gently shaking her.  When she didn't move, he shook her a 
 little harder, and spoke louder.  "LEIA?"
 Leia didn't bat an eye.  Her slow, quiet breathing was the only indication 
 he had that his little sister was still alive.  He checked her pulse and 
 found that it was slow, but healthy none the less.  Greg went into the 
 bathroom and wet a wash cloth with cold water.  Taking care not to drip, 
 Greg carried it back and placed it on Leia's forehead.  The cold water 
 trickled down her cheek, landing on the pillow.  Greg repeated this a few 
 times.  Finally Leia stirred, her head carefully bobbling from one side to 
 the other.  She blinked and tried to focus her eyes, finally focusing on her 
 brother.  She breathed in heavily, wincing in pain.
 "Does your chest hurt when you breathe?"
 Leia nodded her head, trying to manage a small smile to calm her brother.  
 Her attempt failed miserably, and a tear fell down her cheek.  Leia tried to 
 talk but found the attempt quite painful.
 "Hush.  It's okay."
 "Ineedtell...you..."
 "You'll have plenty of time to say it later, once we get you to the doctor."
 "No...time"  His sisters choice of words alarmed him to no end,  
 "Love...you..."
 Leia closed her eyes and curled herself into a ball, giving in to the dark 
 cloud that she felt enveloping her mind.  Greg called 911 and they arrived 
 minutes after he called.  They were both transported to the hospital by 
 ambulance, and Greg felt a sickening feeling come over him.  He pushed the 
 memories to the back of his mind, forcing himself to concentrate on the 
 current moment.  The tests on Leia didn't take long, but for Greg it seemed 
 like an eternity.  He sat in the hospital room next to Leia, who was resting 
 on the bed.  When the doctor finally came in with the results Leia was just 
 starting to wake up.
 "You're a very lucky young lady," he began, "Someone gave you a very 
 powerful sedative in your coffee...and for someone of your size to survive 
 taking it is quite amazing.  I have no doubt that if your brother hadn't 
 awoken you you'd be in a coma right now...if not dead...but it's best not to 
 focus on what could have happened." He turned to Greg.  "She'll be fine.  
 We're going to give her some medication, and all you need to do is keep her 
 awake and watch over her.  You can take her home now if you wish."
 Greg eyed his sister warily, unsure what to do.
 "Please..." Leia pleaded, and Greg knew she'd be alright.  He nodded to the 
 doctor, filled out the necessary papers, and they were home within a half 
 hour.  Greg helped a half-conscious Leia into the house.  Leia tried to get 
 the rest of the way to her room on her own steam but found that the task was 
 next to impossible.  Sylvia was just walking in when she saw Leia start to 
 fall.  Dropping her purse, Sylvia grabbed Leia's arm, balancing her.
 "What happened to you?'
 "Shesomeone drugged her.  The doctor's said that it must have been in her 
 coffee last nightsomething about the high caffeine levels in her blood..  
 The doctor said that it was a powerful sedativeand that if I hadn't woken 
 her up when I didshe would have died."
 Sylvia almost fainted.  She got herself to the nearest chair and sat down.
 "You are going to stand here and tell me what happened.  RIGHT NOW!"
 Greg filled Sylvia in on every last detail as far as he knew.  When he 
 finished, Leia slowly filled them in on the rest.
 "So, what you're telling us is that you and Dane had coffee at the same 
 place last night?"
 "Yeahdid you call himcheck and seeif heis okay," she asked, still having 
 a bit of trouble talking.
 "No.  As soon as I found out that you were hurt, I called 911.  I wasn't 
 really thinking about him at that point.  You really scared me when you 
 wouldn't wait until after you had seen the doctor to talk to me."
 "I...wasdying."
 "Leia, are you feeling any better?" Sylvia asked her, still quite concerned.
 "Little betterthanks to Greg.  Pleasecall Dane."
 Sylvia got on the phone and dialed, but it was Dane's mother who answered.
 "Hi, it's Sylvia.  Is Dane there?"
 "Sylvia, I'm sorry.  Dane died earlier this morning.  His heart stopped."
 "Oh my goodness...I'm so sorry.  I'll let the others know."  Sylvia hung up, 
 her eyes tearing.  She went over and held Leia's hand.  "Leia, I'm sorry to 
 have to tell you this"
 "Whathappened?  Ishe sick?  Hurt?"
 "LeiaDane is dead.  His mother told me that his heart stopped early this 
 morning.  He died in his sleep."

