Kane Chronicles: Bloody Sands

Chapter 10 of my Kane Chronicles story, the final chapter, enjoy.

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Now onto the story.

Disclaimer: Kane Chronicles belongs to Rick Riordan.

Chapter 10: Peace Returning

Sadie sighed as she walked back to Brooklyn House with the others. It was their first day back at school since their vacation ended. Liz and Emma had a few more days' vacation, but they needed to get back to England today. They had chosen to wait until the group returned home from school, though, in order to say goodbye properly.

Sadie smoothed down her clothes distractedly. First day back had been a rush in the morning; she had in fact just grabbed the first clothes she could. They turned out to be a red skirt which reached a couple of inches past her knees, a red blouse and black shoes. She glanced around at the others. She couldn't help but smirk at the fact Carter had tried to dress casually; he hadn't actually done a bad job, his clothes consisting of a pair of tan slacks, a brown polo shirt and brown loafers. He was walking with his arm around Zia's waist as she walked alongside him, head on his shoulder. She couldn't help but note Zia's clothes seemed rather deliberately school girlish. A dark blue pleated skirt that came down to a couple of inches above the knee, a white button up blouse, dark blue knee high socks and dark blue flats. Still, she supposed it was a good look for her. She was certain Carter thought so; he certainly wasn't complaining and he'd had a hard time focusing today, constantly checking out Zia and trying to keep himself under control. He'd also had to contain jealousy, too, as some guys tried to hit on Zia, enamoured by her outfit.

Walt and Jaz walked together right next to Sadie, both dressed rather casually given the rush of the morning to prepare themselves. Walk wore simple dark green pants, a black short sleeved button-up shirt and black shoes and Jaz was in white capris, a light green tank-top and green flats. Felix was walking along with Cleo and Alyssa, slightly further along than them. He was in tan pants, a dark blue shirt and black trendy sneakers. Cleo and Alyssa were talking together as they walked, Felix trying to listen in. They also managed to look casual despite the rushed preparations. Cleo also in tan pants along with a light brown sweater-blouse, white ankle socks and black shoes. Alyssa had on black jeans, a long, flowing dark green shirt and simple blue shoes.

Finally Julian walked separate from everyone else. His black pants, red shirt, black socks and black and white sneakers were untidy; it was clear he was in a bad way. Sadie bit her lip, knowing why. 'Despite everything he still blames himself. I need to sort this out, I can't just leave it hanging like this, not matter how hard it may be,' she thought.

Those thoughts still circled in her mind as they finally returned to Brooklyn house. They entered and let out a collective sigh, glad to be home. They headed through to the living room where Liz and Emma sat on the sofa, watching TV. Having had more time, Liz and Emma's clothes were chosen with care; in Liz's case a pair of black capris and a dark green blouse. For Emma a black mini skirt, turquoise shirt and blue flats. They looked up and smiled as the group came in.

Sadie smiled back and joined them. She paused briefly before asking, "What are you guys doing lazing around; I thought you'd all be ready to go."

Liz smiled and explained, "We're all packed; we just need to grab our suitcases and go. Then we heard our flight was delayed. So we decided we would probably be better off staying here, instead of sitting bored at the airport."

Emma then added, "So long as it's okay with you guys."

Sadie smiled and nodded. It was then Emma mentioned she also had a guest waiting for her. She knew right away who it was, but there was something she had to do first. She could see the others all heading off to carry out various activities and took her chance. She hurried after Julian before he could barricade himself in his room.

"Julian, hold on a minute."

He flinched and then turned to her. "Y-Yes…"

She shook her head. "Look, I can see you feel terrible, you're still beating yourself up about this."

"It was my fault, possessed or not, I'm still the one that did it!" Julian replied sharply.

Sadie, however, shook her head. "How do you work that out? You didn't have any control; you were nothing more than a vessel for the spirit while it was happening. It wasn't you…Can't you see that?"

Julian opened his mouth to retort but closed it again.

Sadie decided to press her advantage. "Listen, if want you really want is forgiveness, then I do forgive you, but really, you're not to blame for what happened, nobody is except for Vlad and Setne, and they're gone now."

Julian bowed his head and sighed. "Sadie I…Thank you. I just...I just need a little time to think."

Sadie agreed and allowed him to go.

She smiled at his retreating back. Even if it wasn't immediately obvious, she realized that her words had got through to Julian. He would have to be able to calm down and stop blaming himself eventually, but she had managed to give him a nudge in the right direction. With that matter thankfully resolved as much as possible, she headed for the balcony.

Sure enough Anubis was there, clad in simple black sweatpants, a black T-shirt and black socks and boots. She smiled and immediately closed the gap between them and hugged him. He responded by returning the embrace and then kissing her. When they finally parted, she rested her head on his chest.

"Well, it looks like it's finally over," she said softly.

Anubis nodded. "Your father's not going to let Setne get away with this; he will face the proper punishment, I promise."

Just then they heard the door to the balcony open and turned. Carter and Zia had just come out onto the balcony, and each couple saw the other, they all froze. Sadie fought back a laugh when she noted they were wearing swimsuits; Carter once again in a snug fitting Speedo, black this time, and Zia in a purple strapless revealing string bikini.

"We um…" Carter stammered as Zia looked away shyly.

Sadie laughed and took Anubis' hand. "We'll give you guys some privacy."

They began to leave when Sadie looked back and smirked. "Oh and those better stay on, no skinny dipping, you two."

"Sadie!" Carter cried; blushing furiously.

She laughed and left with Anubis. All the occupants of Brooklyn House were relieved that, after the rather dark and dangerous time they faced, things were finally back to normal – well, as normal as could be in a house of magicians.

End of chapter and of story, hope you enjoyed it, read and review please.