"Yes, my dear flower..." He reached out a hand and gently rubbed her head. "How do you feel..." He asked.

  "I feel fine, grandpa. I remember being very hurt, but I feel much better now. But... how am I back? I thought I saw the dropship..."

  She decided to... not lie, but obfuscate Nezekiri's involvement in... everything. She didn't want her friend to get in trouble because she blabbed.

  "Why... why was I left alone, grandpa? Did... I offend someone?" She hesitantly asked. She was still hurt by being abandoned, but she didn't think grandpa had anything to do with that.

  The look of rage and sorrow on his older face confirmed that to her. "I... I'm so sorry, my dear. Your parents had gotten it into their heads that... well..."

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  He then explained that their house had an old tradition. To leave an heir on a world, left to fend for themselves. It guaranteed, by old writ, that the potential heir, would be heir in truth, as they showed grit, determination, and valor.

  She wanted to deny that, to vehemently refuse to believe that her parents had... had... She Began crying, and grandpa hugged her.

  "I know... I'm so very sorry, my dear. So very, very sorry..." He said.

  She knew there were only 3 people that had the potential to be true heirs to their house. One didn't want it, the other wanted it badly, and had been working to prove himself, and she... she didn't know what she wanted! She was 13 now! How would she know!?!

  She shook herself. It didn't matter. She spoke up after a bit. "So, does that mean..."

  "Yes. For better, or worse, you are now my duly appointed heir. When you are better... Well, that can wait."

  "No, grandpa. I... I'm ready. I'm ready to do what I must. I... I always loved this house, and while this isn't what I might have chosen... I will do my best to meet any expectations, grandpa. I swear to the emperor that I will do this!"

  Grandpa looked at her for a long while, looking for something. Whatever he saw, he nodded. He stood then spoke.

  "So be it. Anibeli Berekel, you are my heir. You must be the best, for only the best shall lead this house into greatness. You will be trained in everything under the sun, and by the emperor I swear to you, you will lead this house well." He said.

  "Now, up you get, Anibeli. If you are determined, show it. Your training begins now."