Tabitha Xalman calmly sat at the table, her hands clasped in front of her. She wore her dark hair in a bun on her head, glasses perched on her nose like a schoolteacher. "Colonel." Her eyes narrowed as she surveyed Andy. "You don't look impressive." She waved a hand at her dismissively.

Andy rolled her eyes but stayed silent.

Tabitha resumed speaking to Tsukasa. "The Council requests that you turn her over to their authority."

Tsukasa raised an eyebrow silently.

"Why does the Council want me?" Andy wondered, trying to get any information on Seltain.

"You're a danger to us all, being untrained. Seltain wishes to remedy that and take you as an apprentice." She glared at Tsukasa as he covered a snort with a cough.

"You just said I don't look impressive. Pretty sure that means I can't do very much, right?" Andy snarked back.

"I don't think so, but Master Seltain says otherwise." Tabitha replied with a snarl. "You should be more appreciative."

Tsukasa rolled his eyes. "Pretty sure we're done here. You've made your case, I've considered your request. The answer is no."

Andy watched, preparing herself in case Tabitha decided to attack them.

"This squad is allowed at the discretion of the Council. Are you really going to jeopardize it?"

Now it was Tsukasa's turn to snarl. "This squad has already been jeopardized by someone putting a kill order out. I wonder who that might have been?" The question was pointedly aimed at the witch, who huffed.

"If you don't turn her over, I can't guarantee what might happen."

Tsukasa's eyes began to glow red, smoke escaping his nose. "First of all, Andy is not under my command, so I can't order her to do anything. Second of all, you dare threaten me and my men? You had better leave before you become a charcoal briquet."

Andy gave a small smirk at his comment.

Tabitha's face went red as she spluttered angrily. Then she stood and pointed at Andy. "Master Seltain will just have to come get you himself. You will learn that making him angry is not wise." She muttered a few words and disappeared.

"What a fucking bitch." Tsukasa struggled to regain his composure.

Andy nodded, "What now?"

"Prepare for war." He turned to Kiba, who'd remained silent throughout the whole affair. "Put everyone on alert for witches and porters. They'll no doubt try to sneak in first."

Kiba nodded, lifting his radio and speaking quickly into it. After a few minutes, he gave the news that everyone was ready.

The dragon gave a sympathetic look to Andy. "I'm sorry about all this."

She shook her head, "I'm sorry for causing any extra trouble for your team."

He chuckled. "Trouble? You? All I see is someone who's been consistently saving our asses being threatened by a lunatic that we may not be able to protect her from."

She sighed, "Thank you."

"What's your plan? We're on alert, but if porters get through.." Kiba was frowning. "I'd be less worried if Tet was up."

"I'll look and see if I can find any spells that will help. It'd be nice to make a barrier for the whole place but I'm not sure how to make one that big.. but I can at least make some little ones."

Tsukasa nodded, waving Kiba out the door. "Are you as afraid as I am?"

Andy frowned, "I'm not sure. I'm worried, but that's how I've been feeling the whole last week since I learned about all of this stuff. I'm probably still in a bit of shock over it all."

His lips quirked up. "To be honest, my fear is of Tet. If I lose you, he might very well kill me." He gave a sigh, then stood. "Why don't you go see him while there's still peace."

She nodded, "Alright." She headed out and headed to her bedroom where Tet had been resting.

"Andy? What's wrong?" He was awake, his dark eyes locking on hers.

She gave him a small smile before looking down, "There's likely to be a war. She said Seltain would have to come after me himself.."

Tet shot up, his teeth bared in a snarl. "Let him try. I'll rip his throat out!" His breathing was rapid, his eyes turning gold as she watched.

Andy sighed, "Calm down." She went and grabbed her book and started looking through it.

After a few minutes, Tet began to laugh softly.

She looked over and raised an eyebrow, "What?"

"A week ago you were terrified at the sight of a hound. Today, you basically flipped off one of the strongest witches in existence. And you're telling me to calm down like he is just a minor life annoyance." His eyes twinkled, his grin bright. "You're freaking amazing."

She chuckled, "I'm not sure reality is really hitting me yet, you know?"

"Does that mean I'll have to keep some smelling salts on me for when you inevitably pass out?" He teased gently.

She gave a small smile. "How are you feeling?"

He sombered. "Tired, but not ill. Did you discover something?" He moved to her side, taking her hand.

"I made a spell and created a magical seal. Basically it's a longer lasting spell, though I'm not sure if it lasts forever or just as long as I'm alive? It's the first seal I've done so.."

"I'll take it, whether it lasts twenty years or for only one hour. I love you, Andy."

She gave a soft smile, "We only really met a week ago, how can you be so sure you love me if you barely know me?"

He returned the smile, kissing her hand. "I can't explain it. Just everything in me is at peace with you. Like I had a missing piece and didn't know it until I saw you." He shrugged in confusion.

She kissed his cheek, "I feel peaceful around you too."

A sudden explosion broke the moment. Tet growled as his radio crackled to life.

"Witches and shifters incoming!" Yoshi's voice was calm amid the noise. "No sign of porters yet. Defensive positions on the main barracks. Tet, if you're up, protect Andy."

Tet acknowledged, standing between her and the door.

Andy stood, reciting a spell. Soon a shimmering barrier surrounded the room. "This should give us some protection."

He gave her a nod, his posture tense as the sounds of battle grew closer. The door blew open, bouncing off the barrier as Tabitha flew in. She gave a sneer as she realized what Andy had done. "So you can create barriers? A child can do that." She began to mutter, but broke off with a gasp as a clawed hand emerged through her chest. She coughed, then her eyes closed and she dropped to the floor. Zal appeared, his hand resuming normal shape as he gave a dark chuckle. "You two okay?

Tet grinned. "We are now. What's happening?"

The vampire scowled. "Witchfire hurts like a bastard. But last I saw, they were beginning to retreat." He glanced at Andy. "The Colonel is leery of asking you to help after last time."

Tet whirled to look at her. "What happened last time?"

Andy winced before chuckling nervously "Are we talking about me getting too exhausted or saving someone on the wrong side?"

"What?" Tet's eyes went wide.

Zal sighed. "Pretty sure it was the exhaustion he was worried about."

"I hadn't really slept so I'm sure that didn't help."

Tet made an exasperated noise. "What am I going to do with you?"

Zal laughed at him. "You wanted her, now you're stuck. Have fun." The vampire glided out of the room.

Andy gave a small chuckle before sighing. She glanced at the barrier making sure it was still strong before sitting down again.

Tet kept watching the door. His radio crackled again, Kiba's voice pained. "Stand down. Enemy is in full retreat."

Tet sighed, sitting on the bed tiredly.

"Why don't you get some more rest? I'm going to go to the infirmary to help out."

He gave her a small smile as he put the radio on the floor. "Don't wear yourself out, okay?"

"I'll try," she nodded before heading out of the room.

The infirmary was quiet when she entered. Several beds were occupied, Kaito and Zal bandaging injuries. Jack was standing guard in front of a door which was being opened occasionally by Kiba and a tall man who she remembered vaguely. They were carrying in black zippered bags.

Andy watched for a moment before going to Zal, "Any serious injuries you need help with?"

"Ryusei is bringing Kenji in. He's critical. Other than that, injuries were minor."

Bells heralded the porter, his arms full of a small leopard. Its fur was charred, the burns extensive. As she watched, it shifted into a small blond, barely breathing.

Andy went to him and helped get the blond on a bed. She checked him over and started reciting spells and cleaning him up.

The porter sat down, rubbing his hand through his hair. "We were lucky."

"We didn't lose anyone, did we?"

"Don't even think about it." Kiba emerged from the room, nodding to Jack. "Colonel's orders. He didn't want you exhausting yourself."

Andy rolled her eyes, "I'd rather do what I can to help and risk getting exhausted than not do anything at all."

Kiba glared at her, his eyes blinking rapidly. He opened his mouth, but nothing came out. Instead, he collapsed to the floor.

Andy cursed and moved to get him into a bed before checking what was wrong.

A gash in his side bled sluggishly, a nasty looking burn surrounding it.

She started cleaning the gash then recited a spell, watching it close up. She bandaged the partially healed burn, making sure it wouldn't get infected.

When she was done, she glanced at Jack, "Seriously, how many did we lose?"

"Six, including the Colonel." Jack's voice was quiet.

Andy nodded, "I'm going to help them."

He gave her a sad smile, opening the door.

Andy headed in, unzipping the bags and looking everyone over. She spent a while healing up wounds before she focused on them all at once. All six bodies started glowing, and she concentrated until each started breathing again.

Jack entered behind her, waiting for instructions.

She glanced at him, "Get them all into real beds in the main infirmary, please. They should be alright now." She took a deep breath before heading out to check on Kiba again.

The wolf was still unconscious, his breathing stable.

Kaito helped Jack with the formerly dead, getting them comfortable. He gave Andy a small smile as he spoke to Jack in low tones. The vampire scowled as Zal's name was mentioned, then he nodded.

The aide sat down as Jack left the room.

"Is everything okay?" Andy approached slowly.

"Just an obstinate injured vampire. He tussled with a witch and a shifter at the same time. Wouldn't let me look him over. He said he'd be fine with some blood and sleep, but I don't buy it."

Andy nodded, "Well, I can help heal him if he needs it."

Kaito chuckled. "I sent Jack to drag his ass back here." He looked up as the vampire returned alone.

Jack looked worried, his eyes desperate. "Andy, are you alright to look at Zal? I think he's dying.."

"Lead the way."

He turned and led her down a corridor to a door, opening it quickly to reveal a shirtless Zal. The vampire was unconscious, his breathing labored. The right side of his chest had a stab wound, his lower abdomen slashed. His left arm was charred black.

Andy stitched up the open wounds before using the healing spell to further close them. She looked the burn over carefully, then said a different spell. It glowed for a minute, revealing fresh skin when the green light faded. She checked him over for any other wounds before looking at Jack, "He should be alright now, but we still need to keep an eye on him just in case."

Jack nodded, lifting the other man and heading for the infirmary.

Kaito met them, trying unsuccessfully to stop cursing. "I wish I could have killed that bitch myself.."

"At least she's gone, right?" Andy frowned for a moment, "What do you guys do, burn the bodies or something? Just wouldn't want them coming back again, right?"

"In this case, do you think you could revive her?" Daiki's hands were clenched tight and he kept sending glances toward Tsukasa.

"I'm not reviving someone just for you to kill her again."

"I think she cursed some of them." He led her to the officer's side, revealing him to be sweating and moaning in pain. "Ryon and Taka are exhibiting similar symptoms. Unless you can break it?"

Ryusei appeared, holding Tet. The tiger was showing all the signs as well.

Andy took a deep breath, "Let me go check my book for curses and curse breaking.."

Kaito helped lay Tet down with a frown. "This is bad so soon after his collapse."

Andy rushed down the hallway to her room, searching for any passages in the book that could help. She finally found something possibly useful and started back to the infirmary.

Jack was trying to keep Tsukasa still as he convulsed violently. Kaito was holding his head in his hands.

Andy went to his side, closing her eyes and focusing for a few moments before reciting a new spell. She went and did the same to the others and prayed it worked right.

Tsukasa immediately stilled, his breathing stabilizing. Jack touched his face. "The fever's broken."

Ryon and Taka's symptoms also disappeared, both of them going quiet.

Andy went to Tet's side to see if he showed any improvement.

He was deathly pale, his breathing extremely slow. The fever had broken, but the strain on his body was becoming too much.

Andy said a healing spell, hoping it would help a bit. She ran a hand through his hair gently as she watched him and tried to think of anything else she could do to help.

Jack handed her a vial. "Give him this. It might help."

"I have no idea how that'll interact with the spell seal I placed on him.."

He nodded quietly in understanding.

Tet's breathing hitched, then stopped altogether. He lay unmoving and Jack hung his head.

Andy focused for a moment, gold light appearing. It was a bit more of a struggle than usual but eventually she got him to suck in air again.

There was silence for a moment, then Ryusei appeared. He was holding an envelope and he extended it. "Addressed to you, Andy. From Seltain."

Andy opened it and read it over quickly. She took a deep breath as she read it over again before pocketing it. She knew what she had to do now, but did she have the courage?

She kissed Tet's forehead before heading toward the door to the hall. She started toward her room, trying to come up with an exact plan.

Kaito's eyes narrowed and he followed her. "Care to share what Seltain wants?"

Andy sighed, "He says he wants to teach me and help me grow my power. Basically everything Tabitha said."

Kaito snorted. "More like either control your powers or strip them from you. Are you going to send a short message back? Like 'kindly fuck off you egotistical dickwad'?"

Andy shrugged, "Haven't figured out what to say yet but I think that would piss him off more."

Kaito chuckled. "Like I give a shit." He tilted his head, staring at her. "Wait a minute..Andy, you're not actually thinking he'll keep his word, are you!?" His voice was stressed as he shook his head. "He'll either kill you or make you wish you were!"

"I don't know what to think!" Andy snapped. "The whole last week has been one thing after another and all I know is this guy is after me and everyone around me keeps getting hurt. I don't want people to keep getting hurt." She headed down the hall to her room and slammed the door shut.

Kaito swore, spinning on his heel and heading back to the infirmary. He looked at Jack. "I want an around the clock watch on her. I think she's going to try to trade herself for us."

Ryusei frowned. "We'll keep an eye on her. The porters can grab her faster if she tries to leave."

The aide nodded, running a hand through his hair. "Agreed. I've got to report to the bigwigs. Keep me in the loop about her and them."

Jack nodded, watching him head down the hall. He turned to the porter. "You're on guard duty. In four hours, I'll get someone to relieve you."

Ryusei saluted and disappeared, materializing outside Andy's door. He leaned on it and settled in.

Andy paced the floor, trying to figure out what she should do. She didn't want the others mad at her, but she'd rather them be safe than mad. Seltain offered them safety and freedom as long as she came willingly. She's already learned a lot in the last week, could she learn enough to overpower him if he tried to control her? What about if she was dead? That wouldn't get the others to safety but if her body was destroyed enough, maybe Seltain couldn't revive her and he wouldn't get her powers.

Her thoughts kept circling around, going every which direction, unsure what she should be choosing.

Finally, she sat down and wrote a small note to Tet and setting it on her book for him to find. She read over the letter again, which included a teleportation spell. She focused on her home where a porter would be to take her to Seltain, and she recited the spell.

She felt a rush of air and then found herself in her living room.

A man stood there, lifting his arm for her to take and then they teleported off to Seltain's hideout.