So here it is, the last chapter of this story :) Enjoy!

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Chapter Twenty Five

Helen opened her eyes, blinking a few times before everything came back into focus.

"Nikola?"

"I'm here,"

"What happened?"

"You… fainted."

"Oh," she seemed confused, sitting up slowly and inwardly cursing at the creases in her clothes. "Where's Anya?"

She slid her legs over the edge of the bed and started to stand, but felt very dizzy and quickly sat back down.

"Easy," Nikola soothed, reaching out to her to help her steady herself.

"I just stood up too quickly." She reassured him, trying again more slowly and relieved to find that indeed the dizziness had passed. "Where's Anya?" she asked again, focusing on him now and seeing he looking a little upset about something.

"She's left."

"Why?"

"She wasn't very forthcoming. She said she'll never be far if we need her for anything, she just couldn't settle. She's used to moving around."

"That's a shame." Helen frowned.

"Yes, it is."

She studied him for a moment longer.

"Is that all that's bothering you?"

"I'm just worried about you. I'm worried you don't take the same care of yourself as you do with your patients."

He hoped she was convinced. Anya had made him promise he wouldn't divulge anything else she'd told him, and this was probably the only instance when he would keep anything from Helen. He hated it, but he understood Anya's reasoning.

"I'm alright Nikola." She reassured him, taking his hand in hers. "I'm alright."

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"Hey… dad."

"Ashley?"

She held his gaze for a moment, before moving closer to him and sitting down.

"How are you feeling?"

"Good. A little claustrophobic but, good."

She eyed him for a long while. Anya had helped him, she knew she had, and for now her gut instinct was telling her he could be trusted.

For now.

"Does your mother know you've come to visit me?"

Ashley avoided his gaze.

"Ashley?" he pressed.

"Don't take that tone with me," she teased. "I know you're my dad an' all but we've really not reached the stage you have any place to tell me off yet."

He smiled.

"Fair enough. I just appreciate you giving me the benefit of the doubt."

She offered him a smile in return.

"I thought maybe we could practice my hand to hand combat. I vaguely remember you saying I have decent technique but lack in discipline."

His smile grew wider. Whatever had made her warm to him over the past few days he wasn't sure. He supposed Anya could have had some influence after all. Nonetheless, she was reaching out to him, and he finally had a chance to connect.

"Shall we begin?"

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Helen watched from the security camera as John and Ashley practised her fighting skills together. She felt a twinge of worry, but it dissipated when she noticed Bigfoot was close by, always keeping an eye out.

She had to admit Ashley was already showing improvement – and it might help boost her confidence again. Seeing them together reminded her just how similar they really were. Helen had always preferred a colourful array of weapons, Ashley had always liked to be hands on.

Just like her father.

In the past their likenesses had worried her. She knew John had a mean streak in him, an ugly side; that had become so apparent when he'd continued to slaughter all those women, refusing her help. She only hoped that now he'd been freed of his ability, that his bitterness seemed to have dissolved and that she was letting him interact with his daughter again, he would keep himself controlled, and teach her the same discipline.

She found her thoughts resting on Anya again. She'd truly hoped they could integrate the young woman into their family. At least she'd agreed to stay in touch with Nikola.

The man in question wrapped his arms around her waist and kissed the back of her neck lovingly.

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Outside Anya took a long look at the Sanctuary. The place she'd almost allowed herself to call home. She'd never expected to come away with such a sense of freedom. She didn't have to worry about the Cabal tracking her movements anymore.

Something that had been such a burden to Druitt, that had cursed him with a madness he couldn't contain, had become a blessing to her. It wouldn't consume her like it had Druitt. Her own abnormality was her safeguard against that.

She wiped tears from her face, she would be back if Nikola ever needed her. She would be back if Helen needed her.

"Time to go," she whispered to the wind, before teleporting away.

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A/N: Okay so don't go mad about me not divulging the convo between Nikola and Anya *hides* there were two secrets and I've only allowed you one of them – the other will be revealed in the sequel… should anyone like one :)

Thanks for reading!