Andy was working, inputting patient information into files and organizing them. She glanced up at the clock, sighing before looking back to continue. She wished she could just use magic for this stuff, it would be so much easier. It'd been so hard to come back to work and not use healing spells on all her patients. She pushed the thought from her mind, trying not to think of how much easier it was to heal Tet and his friends once she knew magic. She tried to spend the last few months forgetting about him, but every time he'd pop up in her mind, she'd get worried again and wonder what they were doing. She was still a bit angry though, not easily letting things go. She shook her head and went back to focusing on her work, thoughts of magic and the other world gone for the time being.
There was a soft knock at her office door.
She sighed and went to open it, looking out into the hall.
Tet leaned on the wall, a crooked grin appearing as he saw her. "Is there a doctor available?"
She took a deep breath before wrapping an arm around him and helping him into a room.
He winced as he sat down, then sighed as he met her eyes. "You're pissed aren't you? Maybe I should go.."
"Pissed at you? Yes, a bit. But that's not going to stop me from helping you." She looked him over and focused for a minute as she recalled some healing spells. She recited them, light surrounding him as it healed his wounds.
He took a deep breath as the light disappeared. "I'm sorry. I wanted you to have a normal life after crazy necro. And I didn't have a choice about the orders. Should I expect a syringe of something or do you want to use magic?" He tried to chuckle, but failed as his eyes stayed worried.
"I didn't know what I wanted yet. Maybe I didn't want my normal life back. But you decided for me when you had no right to do so." She looked at the ground and was quiet for a moment before whispering out, "I've been so worried about you."
He hung his head. "I've done nothing but dream about you for the last six months. I'm really sorry. I just didn't want to lose you." He slid off the bed, grabbing the wall as he swayed. "Obviously, I'm not welcome. I'll go now. Thank you for the healing." When he had regained his balance, he headed for the door slowly.
She grabbed his arm, "You need to rest. Lay down." She took a deep breath, "I said I was pissed, I didn't say you weren't welcome."
He chuckled, looking at her. "Usually means the same thing in my experience."
Up close, she could see the exhaustion in his face. He was paler than normal and unless she was imagining things, he'd lost weight as well.
She gave him a small smile, "I've missed you."
He gave her a grin. "Same here. You have no idea how much." He kissed her hard, then began to lean on her shoulder.
"Come on, you should sleep."
He gave her another smile, allowing himself to be laid on the bed. He kissed her hand before his eyes slid closed.
She sat and watched him for a while before heading back into her office to finish her work.
A black jumpsuited figure stood with their back to her, looking at her computer screen.
"Hey, those are private patient files, you can't be looking at them," she spoke, unsure who she was talking to.
"Don't worry. I won't tell if you won't." The figure turned with a smile to reveal Kiba. He looked toward the door. "Loverboy okay?"
"He'll be fine once he gets some rest."
"Good. He didn't even go to base after we finished. Made a beeline here." He chuckled, then winced and held his arm close.
Andy rolled her eyes and approached him, reciting a healing spell to fix his arm.
He gave her an abashed smile. "Who imagined that were-rats were so strong?"
"Were-rats?"
"Yeah. There are all kinds of shifters out there. We had to clean out a nest before they took over an entire city. Not fun. It was worse than the suckers and the dragons combined."
Andy chuckled, "So how is everyone?"
"Driving Boss crazy because they're sick of rations. And threatening Tet with bodily harm if he didn't patch things up with you because he's miserable to be with when he's depressed."
Andy shrugged, "It's his fault."
"He knew it too, believe me. That's why he didn't wait, even though he hasn't slept in 72 hours and you saw his injuries."
Andy nodded before sitting down at her computer. She went back to typing but continued talking, "So what have you been doing other than fighting were-rats?"
"Fighting every species of supernatural creature in the universe. At least it feels like it. The world is still trying to adjust to everything. We've been going almost non stop since we left." He paused for a moment, fidgeting.
"No one has stepped up to make a new Council?"
"Everybody is too busy fighting each other. We're hoping it dies down long enough for talks, but.." He trailed off and sighed. "Boss asked me if you'd be willing to talk to him?"
"Alright. When?"
"Whenever you want. We're on stand down to recover."
Andy nodded, "Is he at his office at the base?"
"You mean the infirmary? Yeah, he's there." Kiba grimaced.
Andy rolled her eyes, "I guess I'll go heal up anyone in the infirmary.." She stood, "Keep an eye on Tet?"
Kiba nodded, but grabbed her arm. "Don't freak when you see Boss. He's been in there for two months. Got into it with a dragon who wanted to rule half the country. Boss killed him, but he was hurt pretty bad. Not sure if he'll even survive another week."
Andy sighed, "Why didn't anyone call me to come help?"
"Firm instructions from Boss. You were off limits. You were to be allowed to resume your life as much as possible." Kiba rolled his eyes.
"I wasn't even sure I wanted to leave you guys in the first place!" Andy growled before taking a deep breath. "Anyway, I'll be back.." She closed her eyes to focus on the infirmary before reciting the teleportation spell.
She materialized in the infirmary, eyes wide as she saw the room. Taka lay sleeping in one bed, his head bandaged. Rei lay nearby, an oxygen mask over his face. Various others lay either asleep or comatose.
Tsukasa lay in a corner, his chest and arms wrapped in bandages. He had a mask over his face, the breaths faint. Daiki sat asleep in the nearby chair.
She started with Taka and made her way through the room, reciting healing spells as she went. Finally she went to Tsukasa and did the same before sitting in a chair opposite Daiki.
Daiki stirred, eyes flying open as he quickly checked Tsukasa's condition. His eyes widened as he realized she was there. "Andy?"
"Hey," she said quietly.
"Kiba told you." Daiki sighed heavily, dropping back into the chair.
She nodded, "Yeah. How are you doing?"
"Frazzled, like usual. I was lucky. Can I ask a question?"
"Sure," she raised an eyebrow.
"Hypothetically, if bodies were frozen, could they be revived?"
She looked thoughtful for a moment, "I don't see why they couldn't be.."
Daiki tried not to look hopeful. "Really?"
"I mean, the freezing would prevent the body from rotting, so they'd probably be fine. It'd be interesting to try." She looked at him for a moment before giving a small smirk, "Do you have a frozen body to try it on?"
The whispered number was almost inaudible.
"What? You do?"
"We have four." Daiki's voice was heavy.
"Where are they?"
He led her to a walk in freezer in another part of the base. He wheeled out four bodybags somberly. He unzipped them, exposing the bodies.
Yamae, Ryon, Kai and Ryusei lay pale against the black plastic.
"The vamps ambushed them. That's why Tsukasa got hurt so badly."
Andy nodded, "Let's get them warmer and I'll start trying to revive them."
Daiki led her to the sauna room. "Too warm?"
She shook her head, "This'll work."
He quickly rolled the tables in and got the sauna working. He gave her a grateful look. "You don't have to do this, but thank you."
"I want to help, and I consider them my friends too." She gave a small smile before focusing on making sure their bodies were healed up. Once warm enough, she focused on all four at once. She struggled for a while but finally she got it, the gold light radiating off of them until they sucked in the warm air.
Daiki looked like he was going to pass out from joy. He brushed his knuckles over his eyes, then exited quickly.
"Where?" Yamae pushed himself up on his elbows. His eyes widened. "You're back?"
She sighed, "I don't know about that exactly, but I'm here right now to help. You're at the base, in the sauna actually."
He carefully climbed out of the bag, his feet swinging as he looked around. "So I'm guessing the suckers got us?"
She nodded, "I'm not sure how long ago that actually was though.."
"Two months." Kiba stood in the doorway. He was smiling as he greeted Yamae. "Probably should get them out of here before they get heatstroke."
They rolled the tables out, Kiba turning the machine off. "You see Boss yet?"
"I did a couple healing spells on him, but that's about it," Andy answered.
"Ah ok. Tet's in his room, worried you're going to leave without saying goodbye. I'm going to find Daiki." Kiba left with a whistle.
"Please tell me he'll be less grumpy now?" Yamae whined.
"It's his fault so he shouldn't be grumpy about it," Andy answered.
"Grumpy is a nice word for stupid, reckless and suicidal." Ryon sat up with a sigh. "You haven't seen his body lately, have you?"
"Not really," Andy admitted.
"Try to keep calm when you do. That's all I'll say." The porter climbed off the table and left the room.
Yamae grimaced. "Sorry about him. He's close to Tet and was worried he'd do something."
"Look, Tet was the one who made me go back to live a normal life. And claimed he'd do his best to return so why would he be so reckless?"
"It wasn't all him. He would have come back months ago, but Tsukasa told him the decision was made. That's when he became reckless. He charged into vamp dens unarmed except for his shift, challenged a homicidal dragon about four months ago." The porter shook his head. "Frankly we were ready to place bets on the likelihood of him surviving til next month."
Andy sighed but thought about everything, "Tsukasa told him the decision was made? What decision?"
"When Tet returned to base after leaving you, Tsukasa told us his boss was fuming about a civilian being brought in to fight. His boss threatened to disband us and send us back to our former units if we so much as uttered your name."
Andy rolled her eyes, "Yeah, but look where it got you guys, all in the infirmary or the morgue."
Yamae looked at her. "You don't get it yet. We're outcasts. The military doesn't care if we all get wiped out. In fact, it would save them money. We were put here as cannon fodder because we're scary to the normal people." He gave a rueful chuckle.
Andy sighed, "Sounds like the military is stupid."
Yamae laughed with delight. "Give the girl a gold star."
"Why are you guys still here if it's like that?"
"We're trapped. We weren't all born like this you know. Most of us are victims of the military in the first place."
Andy sighed again, "Can't you leave?"
"Kill order sound familiar? It was created for us. The monsters they made with their drugs and tests." He scowled angrily, then explained.
"Us porters are born this way. Daiki, Jack and Zal were prisoners facing execution that were promised freedom if they helped research vampirism. They didn't know the research involved being turned into one. The rest of us became shifters because of a supposed vaccine that would prevent it. Except for Taka. He's an anomaly. A true natural shifter."
He looked sad. "We wanted to help and got trapped. We die if we leave so…"
"That's terrible," Andy answered sadly. "I'd save you guys if I knew how but I think that would involve taking out the entire military.."
He grinned. "That would be a sight to see. If I tell you something, will you promise not to tell Tet where you found it out?"
She nodded slowly, "Okay?"
"Tet's dad is Boss' boss. He's a Two star general who became a shifter. He agreed to help the scientists see if they could create a hybrid with a vampire they caught. After years, Tet was born and survived. When his mom couldn't bear any more children, his dad killed her. Then he came to the base we were at and delivered the news to Tet. That's when Tet lost control and had to be put down for three weeks."
Andy shook her head, "Sounds like an asshole."
"Putting it mildly. He's the one who keeps assigning us these missions. We're expendable and Tet even more so since he refuses to be studied."
Ryon returned frowning. "Boss is awake, wants to see you. Still can't find Daiki and Tet is pacing a hole in his floor. Have fun."
Andy headed back to the infirmary to see Tsukasa.
He was sitting up, eyes locked on his cell. She could hear a slot machine.
Andy approached him, "Hey."
He looked up with a smile, putting his phone aside. "Hey. Um.. thanks for this." He indicated the bandages.
"Not a problem. How are you feeling?"
"Like a new man. I need to apologize to you." He hesitated, looking down at the blanket.
"Why?"
"Because I kept Tet away. I was a coward. I didn't want to risk everyone getting sent back to certain death." He clasped his hands together to stop their trembling. "Forgive me?"
"Of course," Andy gave him a smile.
"Would you stay with us? Like before?"
"Do you guys actually want me to?"
"Yes. Damn the higher ups. I want to keep my men alive and you want the same. Plus you're good for morale. Do you really want us to keep living on ration bars?" He chuckled.
Andy laughed, "You guys do need some real food."
"I don't want you saying yes because of us. You have a life, a job and if you don't want to be here, I won't force you."
She took a deep breath, "It's really been a struggle going back to everything after the whole Seltain thing."
He nodded. "Alright. Consider yourself a doctor attached to this outfit."
She nodded, "Thank you."
"Goes double for us. Now go see Tet before he makes a hole to the center of the earth in his room."
Andy chuckled, "Alright." She stood and started down the hall, knocking on Tet's door.
"It's open."
She opened it slowly, then entered, "Hi." She looked at him and noticed he was shirtless then stared at him for a moment, taking in all the damage.
He paled, scrambling for a shirt. He hurriedly put it on, then swallowed hard. "Sorry you saw that."
She shook her head, "It's fine. Are you okay?"
"The nap helped. I'm not a hundred percent." He shrugged. "What's up?"
She sighed, "I'm sorry I was so mad at you."
He shook his head. "I deserved it." He hesitated in approaching her, his hands clasped tight in front of him.
"Are we okay?"
"Shouldn't that be my line?" A ghost of a smile flickered on his lips.
She gave a small smile, "I hope we're okay."
He gave up trying to hold back, crossing the room quickly and kissing her like he needed her to live. She could feel him tremble with exertion and need.
She kissed back hard as she wrapped her arms around him.
His hands cupped her face, his eyes bright. He pulled back. "I'm not leaving your side."
"Well, Tsukasa asked me if I'd like to stay, and I'm now officially the team's doctor," she smiled. "So you won't have to leave my side."
"What about the clinic?" His eyes searched hers.
She shrugged, "I have some other doctors working there now, so it can go on without me."
"You sure? It's dangerous."
"I know." She sighed. "But do you know how hard it is now that I know healing spells to just bandage and stitch people up and having to watch them take all that time and pain to heal? It's unbearable."
He cocked his head. "I was sure you'd be the most loved doctor in town because you'd use your spells. But you don't? Why not?"
"If they find out I can heal, then they'll wonder what else I can do, and I don't want to deal with that all the time. And especially the necromancy, all the people wanting me to revive their relatives..." she trailed off before shaking her head, "All I can see is bad things happening."
"I get that. So we're the lucky ones huh?" He gave her a small smile.
"I guess if you consider me healing you lucky, then yeah."
"I'm the luckiest man in the world." He gave her a soft smile, then his knees buckled.
She quickly caught him, "You should rest more."
"I think you're right. The room was a carousel a second ago."
She helped get him into bed, pulled the blanket up then kissed his forehead, "I'm going to go home and grab some of my stuff. I'll be back to check on you in a bit."
He gave her a smile, closing his eyes and relaxing.
Andy soon headed out of the room before saying the teleportation spell to go home.
After returning, she went to her old room at the base and found it just like she'd left it. She set her bag down then headed for the kitchen to start cooking.
When she was done, she took some food to the infirmary for those who were still in there, then headed back to the kitchen.
Tet crept in, wrapping his arms around her. "I was lonely."
"I'm sorry. Are you hungry?"
"Ravenous. You look good to start with." He laughed as he tickled her.
She giggled as she tried to tickle him back.
"I love that sound." He kissed her, then headed for the food. "Oh boy. This definitely beats rations."
Yamae and the other porters entered, inhaling deeply. "That smells so good."
Andy smiled, "Hope you enjoy."
They grinned, grabbing plates and wolfing the food. They exchanged glances, then turned to her. "Can we call you Mom now?"
She chuckled, "I guess if you want to."
The porters high fived each other, then finished. They put their plates in the sink, broad smiles on their faces as they left.
Tet gave her a soft grin. "You just made their year, you know that? They're all orphans. Joined the military so they wouldn't be on the streets."
"That's so sad," Andy glanced at him.
"You'll find no shortage of that here. But you make it better for everyone."
Jack entered, looking worried. "Have you two seen Daiki at all?"
Tet shook his head.
"They still haven't found him?"
Tet stared at her. "What do you mean, still?"
"Earlier first Kiba went looking for him, then Ryon. I figured he'd be found by now.."
Tet and Jack frowned, then matching looks of alarm crossed their faces.
"He wouldn't do that again. Would he?" Tet looked at Jack who groaned. "Shit."
Andy raised an eyebrow, "What did he do?"
"Daiki is very private, doesn't like to admit things. Once, he'd tussled with a dragon and didn't tell anyone. Got sick from being bit and nearly died. He has a tendency to hide or minimize injuries and treat himself in hiding." Jack closed his eyes. "If it's this bad…"
"Where would he go?"
"Underground. There's a spot around the corner outside." Tet headed for the door.
He led them to a manhole. "A bomb shelter. Daiki sometimes sleeps here." He easily lifted it, then started down the ladder. "Daiki, you stupid fang face. Get your ass out here."
"Go away." The voice was weak and pained.
"We aren't leaving until I've checked you over and healed you," Andy answered.
"Why bother?" Daiki limped into view. One leg was wrapped in bandages and he appeared to be trying to hide something on his chest with more.
"Well, seeing as I am a doctor and it's my job, and you seem injured so I'm going to help."
"I'm not your job." He tried to sound threatening, but failed miserably as he lost his balance and fell.
"You are such a pain in the ass." Tet caught him, then yelped. He sat the vampire down, then looked at his hand and grimaced. "Damned dragons."
Andy looked at Daiki, "Actually, Tsukasa made me doctor of the team, so you are my job." She approached and started muttering a healing spell.
Daiki muttered something under his breath as his chest began healing.
Tet smothered a laugh, wincing as he hit his hand.
Andy took Tet's hand and said another spell, the light soon covering it and healing it.
When Daiki was healed, Jack grabbed him by his ear. "How many times do we have to tell you to stop hiding injuries?"
Daiki grimaced. "Owwwwww. I swear I won't anymore!"
Jack let go. "Next time, I'll grab your fangs. Now go eat and get some sleep before Tsukasa finds out."
Daiki paled, scrambling up the ladder past them like he had been lit on fire.
Tet couldn't hold his laughter in anymore, bending over and cracking up. "That never gets old." He sat down hard as he ran out of breath, holding his abdomen. "Dammit."
"You okay?" Andy looked at him worriedly.
"Leftover damage from months ago." Jack helped him to his feet. "Get your ass up the ladder."
Tet grumbled, but climbed up slowly. Once back on the surface, he curled into a ball.
"You should let me do some scans and let me see what I can do to help," Andy spoke softly.
"I have several bullets lodged in me. I know what's wrong." Tet spoke through gritted teeth as a wave of pain wracked him.
"Alright, well I might be able to remove them," she answered.
Tet didn't answer, his body relaxing as he passed out.
Jack exhaled sharply, lifting him easily and heading for the infirmary. He laid Tet down on a bed, thanking every deity he knew the room was empty. "I'll get you his xrays." He headed for the office, returning with a large envelope.
He pulled them out, holding them to the sunlight. Two bullet shapes were clearly visible, one against his spine, the other against his abdominal artery.
Andy sighed heavily as she stared at them. She looked over at Jack, "Want to help me perform surgery?"
Jack took a deep breath. "You really think you can remove them safely?"
"I think so," she nodded.
"Let's do this then. He's been in pain long enough." Jack headed for the scrub room.
Andy gathered the supplies before doing the same.
Tet was awake when Jack emerged, his eyes glazed in pain. "Andy.. it hurts.."
Jack cursed, clasping his friend's hand. "It's going to be okay."
"Don't worry, everything will be alright." She gave him anesthesia and made sure he was out before starting the surgery.
"Dammit! I think the bullet nicked the artery." Jack growled.
Andy worked on closing it, muttering healing spells as she did.
Jack breathed a sigh of relief as the bleeding stopped. "One down."
Andy nodded and started working on the second one.
Jack monitored Tet's blood pressure. "Stay steady, damn it."
Andy worked slow but steady, trying to avoid damaging anything. She kept muttering spells to herself and occasionally things would glow as they healed together.
Jack held his breath as she began to remove the bullet.
She gently pulled it out then dropped it into a container on the table next to her. She then worked on closing the incision and saying a spell to heal it up.
Jack sat down heavily, muttering a prayer under his breath. "You think he'll be okay?"
"I hope so," Andy answered as she started cleaning up the supplies.
Tsukasa entered slowly, stopping as he took in the scene. "Bad time?"
"We just finished," Andy gave him a small smile. "What's up?"
"Remember those elders we had problems with in the park?"
Jack swore. "They're back?"
"Yep. And they've issued a threat, telling us to get out or they'll attack."
"Great. So what's the plan?"
"Call their bluff. That way we can wipe them out with no issues from the bosses upstairs."
Andy nodded and went to finish cleaning. She looked at Tet and made sure his vitals were steady again before running a hand through his hair.
"Get ready to defend this place." Tsukasa looked at Tet grimly. "They also said they were coming for him."
Andy sighed, "I'll do what I can to protect him."
Tsukasa nodded, heading for the door.
Jack tossed a gun to her. "Hellfire rounds. Burn them to ash. Just watch where you point it."
She nodded and pocketed it.
"What's going on?" Tet's voice was shaky.
"Don't worry, just rest," Andy said softly.
"I heard something.. An attack? Who?" Tet tried to sit up, still only half conscious.
"Those elders from the park."
His eyes shot open. "Shit. They're coming after me.. I have to get away from here so no one else gets hurt." He attempted to stand, but couldn't manage. He shook as he tried again.
Andy grabbed him before pulling a syringe from her pocket and injecting it into his arm. "Don't worry. Just sleep."
"Can't let.. Hurt." His words trailed off as he lost consciousness.
Andy sighed and settled him back into the bed before setting up a protective barrier around him.
Jack and Zal entered, heavily weaponized. "They're coming. Get ready."
Andy nodded, praying killing spells would work the same on vampires.
The sounds of weapons firing echoed, followed by screeching.
The two vampires transformed, their eyes glowing red as they cocked their weapons.
The door was torn from its hinges as a heavy set vampire barreled in.
Jack fired, sneering as the man went up in flames.
Then the vampires swarmed in and attacked.
Andy muttered different spells to keep them back or kill them as she maintained the barrier around Tet.
One vampire extended a hand. "Give him to us and live."
"I'm not handing him over to you," Andy answered angrily.
"He is ours. His birthright." The vampire stared at her.
"I don't care," Andy growled before reciting a spell that set him on fire.
He hissed before disintegrating.
Suddenly the room was quiet.
She looked around, checking Tet quickly.
He was mumbling her name, his eyes still closed.
She smiled as she watched him.
Zal staggered toward her, his neck bleeding profusely.
She caught him, putting him in a bed before saying spells to help close the wound.
"Jack..went down. Find him please."
She nodded, "Don't worry, I will."
Zal's eyes closed.
Flakes of ash swirled around her as she searched the floor. Suddenly she felt a body. She brushed away the ash, revealing Jack. He wasn't moving, puncture marks on every exposed area.
She knelt beside him, checking him over and reciting spells to close the puncture marks before lifting him and carrying him into the infirmary and onto a bed. She checked for any sign of a pulse and after not finding one, she focused until the gold light surrounded him.
He took a deep breath, then it normalized.
"You guys alright?" Tsukasa entered worriedly, Ryon and Kiba behind him.
Andy nodded, "They will be." She checked Tet again. "How's everyone else?"
"Minor injuries. Nothing important." Tsukasa frowned. "You haven't seen Ryusei, have you?"
Andy shook her head, "No, I haven't."
Tsukasa swore. "He was our alert system. But he's now disappeared." His radio crackled to life, Kai speaking.
"We found him. Bringing him home." The grief was evident in the porter's voice.
Andy sighed, getting supplies ready.
Twenty minutes later, Kai came in carrying Ryusei. As he was laid down, Andy gasped at the savage injuries. Both wrists were slashed, his arms and neck covered in punctures. He was as white as the sheets he was laid on.
Kai hissed, turning away. "The bastards controlled him. He slashed his own wrists for them."
"That's horrible," Andy stared for a few moments before getting to work on cleaning the body. She gently cleaned the blood off before reciting the healing spells to close up the wounds. She then attached an IV for a blood transfusion. After he had more blood back in his body, she focused on reviving him. The gold light appeared around him for a few minutes before fading away, his breathing and heart rate steady.
Tet began to stir, his head tossing from side to side. "Don't go..please don't go, Andy!" His eyes flicked rapidly back and forth under his lids as he grew more agitated.
Andy went to him and put her hand on his shoulder, "Tet, everything is alright. Wake up."
His eyes flew open, wildly searching until they focused on her face. He exhaled sharply, leaning into her touch. "Just a nightmare…"
"Yeah, it was just a nightmare. I'm not going anywhere." She gave him a small smile, "How are you feeling?"
"Okay. What happened?"
"Jack and I did surgery to remove the bullets. Then there was a vamp attack. Don't worry, everyone will be alright."
"They wanted me..You're in danger." He tried to sit up.
"It's alright," Andy assured. "I can take on a bit of danger."
He gave her a small smile. "You can't take on all the clans. Sooner or later, they'll get me." He sounded weary and dejected.
"I can try," Andy answered. "Don't worry about it for now, alright?"
He shook his head. "This squad is.. You are my responsibility. I can't put you in danger for me." He pushed himself off the bed, walking unsteadily towards the door.
"Hey, remember how we discussed me having a right to choose things? I chose to be here. I chose to stay here with you. You aren't causing any more danger than the amount I've chosen for myself, alright?" She sighed, "The squad are your friends and they want to help you too. We aren't going to just let some vamps take you."
"You gave yourself up to Seltain for us, now it's my turn." He swayed as he spoke, Tsukasa steadying him with a look of concern.
"Remember how you all came after me? We'd do the same for you, putting ourselves into the danger anyway." She approached and grabbed his hand, "Outside of all that, you just had major surgery. You need to rest more and don't make me sedate you again."
He turned to look at her. "I don't want anyone hurt for me." He sighed, his shoulders slumping. "I guess this is what it means to have family.."
She squeezed his hand, "Now come on, back to bed."
He chuckled briefly, allowing himself to be put back. He struggled to stay awake, gazing at Andy. "Sorry for being stupid."
She smiled, "We just worry about you, okay?" She kissed his forehead, "Sweet dreams."
He gave her a wide smile before drifting off.
"He's not wrong. They won't stop until they have him." Tsukasa began to pace.
"Then I'll just have to find a way to take them out," Andy answered.
Kiba snickered. "You're going to take out all 13 clans of suckers? This should be a better show than Seltain."
Andy rolled her eyes, "There has to be some way to do it."
"Go to their meeting hall during a conclave. Use Hellfire." Daiki sauntered in with a grin.
Andy raised an eyebrow, "Not a bad idea. Though that's probably one of the more dangerous ways to go about it."
Tsukasa glared at Daiki before speaking. "Ignore my idiot. That's a horrible idea. Though I am worried about our defenses if they attack again."
"I'll see what I can do. Maybe I can make a really big barrier..?" Andy looked thoughtful.
"What are we going to do about him? He might try to sneak out." Kiba leaned against his bed as he watched him sleep.
"Keep eyes on him at all times?" Andy thought. "Though that might be difficult."
"Good luck." Daiki frowned. "He doesn't port but he's pretty sneaky."
Andy frowned, "Well, then we just have to come up with a plan before he sneaks off."
"Let's sleep on it. Hopefully, it'll stay quiet." Tsukasa ushered everyone mobile out of the infirmary, leaving Andy alone with the recovering men.
Andy checked their vitals again before sitting in the chair next to Tet. She stared at him for a while, trying to think of any ideas to help, until she started drifting off.
Tet opened one eye, watching her. He hadn't been faking, but he hadn't been completely asleep either. He sighed internally. The squad meant well and he did appreciate the support, but this was personal. Just like Seltain had been for Andy. He had to take care of this himself, before something happened that couldn't be fixed.
He began to slide slowly and carefully off the bed, fervently praying he'd be able to disappear without anyone being the wiser.
Andy blinked her eyes open and watched him for a moment before speaking quietly, "Please don't go."
He visibly jumped, putting one hand to his chest as he turned. "Thought you were asleep."
"Kind of was," Andy admitted.
"Dammit. Hoped I could get out of here with no confrontations." He leaned on the bed, watching her.
"If you're so determined to go, I'm going with you."
He paled, shaking his head. "They'll kill you."
Andy shrugged, "And if you go alone, I'll come after you anyway and they could kill me then too."
He sank to his knees. "Why? Why can't you let me take care of this?"
"Why couldn't you let me deal with Seltain when I gave myself up to him?" She asked back.
"Because he wanted to control you, twist you into a version of himself." He looked at her through anguished eyes. "You would have been lost."
Andy sighed and looked down, "I just don't want you to go."
He rose, crossing to her and wrapping his arms around her. "I don't want to go. I just don't see another way.." Tears began to streak his cheeks, his shoulders shaking.
She hugged him tightly, "Just let us think of some ideas before you go running off, okay? We might be able to make a good plan."
He slowly nodded, burying his face in her hair. "I don't want to rule. I don't want to die and be reborn…" He gripped her tighter before pulling away. "Kill me. They'll give up if I'm dead."
"You know I can't do that."
He growled in desperation. "Fine. I'll do it myself." He began to reach for the surgical tools nearby.
"You know I'll just bring you back," she put her hand over them so he couldn't grab them.
"We could fool them. Buy us some time to figure something out." His voice was fast, his eyes wild. His breathing began speeding up and he grabbed his head.
"Alright, we'll talk to Tsukasa about it," she put a hand on him gently, "Are you alright?"
"My head feels like it's going to explode." He looked at her, his eyes flashing red for a moment before becoming normal.
She stared at him for a minute before saying a spell to try to help with the pain.
He sagged into her arms as he passed out.
She got him back into bed and continued keeping an eye on him.
Tsukasa entered the next morning, his eyes straying to Tet worriedly. "He been a problem?"
"Kind of.. At one point his head suddenly hurt and his eyes flashed red.."
"Shit. Not good." Tsukasa exhaled hard.
"What's it mean?"
"It means his vampire side is trying to overtake his shifter side. There's probably another vampire helping from afar. The scientists wanted to study this but it's too much of a risk to his sanity."
"So what do we do?"
"I wish I knew. This situation isn't conducive to keeping him calm and that's really what he should do. I'll send out a scouting team to see if we can locate the vamp influencing him, but otherwise.."
"He suggested tricking them into thinking he's dead.. at least to buy us more time. Any chance that would work?"
The dragon looked thoughtful. "He actually isn't wrong.. But I worry what would happen if you revived him?"
"Then don't." Tet sat up, looking grim. "Maybe this is just how my story ends." He winced, rubbing his temple. "I can hear them trying to get in my head.."
"We aren't just letting you die." She sighed.
He met her eyes with a sad smile. "I've been prepared for this since I understood what I was. My siblings either died in infancy or went mad with bloodlust long before this. I just hate that it happened now, now that I have you."
Andy looked down for a moment, trying to think of any more plans. "I have a crazy idea.. Back on the plan of taking out the vamps, if you did die, we could freeze you until they are all gone.."
"Like we did with the porters? But it doesn't solve the problem of his bloodlust taking over." Tsukasa pursed his lips.
"Maybe I could make a spell seal? I'd have to create a new spell again, but I've done it before."
Tet stayed quiet, letting Andy and Tsukasa talk. He focused on her voice, trying to drown out the sound of blood thumping through their veins. He gritted his teeth as he felt his fangs trying to extend. Finally, he growled "Get out of my head dammit!"
Andy gently put a hand on his shoulder, "Hey, focus on me. Everything will be alright." She shot Tsukasa a worried look, "Maybe I should work on that spell seal now.."
Tsukasa nodded, cautiously watching the shifter as he began to shake. "You might want to sedate him first.."
He suddenly pushed her away from Tet, seconds before the hybrid leapt for her throat. The dragon cried out as the fangs latched onto his shoulder and dug in.
Tet's mind went blank except for the taste of the blood filling his mouth. He swallowed hungrily, ecstasy filling him. Feeling the dragon pulling away, he gripped tighter.
Andy quickly grabbed a sedative and injected it into Tet's arm. She then grabbed him by the hair and pulled back hard to get him off of Tsukasa.
Tet crumpled into her arms as Tsukasa sagged to the floor, weakly clutching his shoulder.
Andy got Tet back up into the bed once again before kneeling beside Tsukasa. She said a healing spell to close the wound and then held her hand out to help him move.
He took it, shakily rising to his feet and grabbing his radio. "Everyone be advised, there's a vamp somewhere nearby. Find and fry its ass."
Daiki's voice came back. "What happened?"
"Tet tried to eat me for lunch. All personnel apart from vamps steer clear of the infirmary for now." He lowered the radio, breathing hard.
Andy sighed, looking back at Tet, trying to work out a spell in her mind. She didn't know if she should make it specifically to prevent the bloodlust or if she should try to make it so they couldn't get into his mind, or maybe she could do both? She lost herself in thought as she stared at him.
Tsukasa sat down, feeling exhausted. His mind raced as he tried to decide what to do. Should they go with Andy's spell idea or give in to Tet? He growled in frustration.
Tet spoke from the bed. "I'm too dangerous right now.. You guys have to protect yourselves. Put me down."
Andy shook her head but stayed silent, looking to Tsukasa.
The dragon closed his eyes, scowling. "Shut up idiot."
"I almost killed you just now! If Andy hadn't done what she did, I would have drained you dry! Next time she might not be able to stop me.. You have to end this." Tet's voice broke. "I can't have you guys on my conscience."
Andy frowned, "There has to be another way." She sat down and grabbed a pad of paper, starting to jot words down onto it for her spell.
Tet went silent, closing his eyes and desperately willing the sedative to kick in again. His head throbbed, his hands tightening around the bed frame as he resisted the urge to feed.
"Andy.. figure out something fast." Tsukasa watched the shifter warily, noting the white knuckled grip. "I think he's losing it again."
Andy took a deep breath, approaching Tet and putting a hand on his chest. She focused and recited the words off the paper, a seal brightly appearing from around her hand before fading away.
Tet relaxed, his breathing easing into sleep as Tsukasa raised an eyebrow. "What kind of spell was that?"
"If it works how I intended, it should both help with the bloodlust and prevent them from getting in his head. Being a sealing spell it should continue to stay active."
Tsukasa gave a sigh of relief as his radio crackled to life.
"One sucker roasted and toasted." Yamae cracked. "How's Shere Khan doing?"
Andy chuckled and looked at Tsukasa, "Hopefully he'll be alright now, but we'll have to wait until he wakes up to be sure."
"He's playing Sleeping Beauty right now. We'll let you know." Tsukasa turned the radio off and gave her a grin. "He has a tendency to give nicknames. You have no idea how long it took him to quit calling me Puff."
Andy laughed, "Bet you loved that."
"Let's just say he seemed to enjoy the brig for awhile. Still think he calls me it out of earshot." Tsukasa stood, then swayed. "Ohhh boy."
"Do you want a transfusion to help?" Andy suggested.
"I do feel a few pints low. What do you think?" He held onto the chair for support.
"Might as well, it won't hurt." She went and got the supplies ready.
Tsukasa hefted himself onto a bed after removing his jacket. "He wasn't wrong, you know. When he lost control the first time, he killed 3 soldiers and almost killed Kiba. They almost executed him before the scientists suggested the coma."
Andy frowned, "That must have been rough."
"Yeah. Kiba kept trying to convince him it wasn't his fault, but it was months before Tet felt comfortable enough to be around us again. He began to take the medicine without fail, never missing a dose until we got your assignment. After he saw you, he quit cold turkey. Said your spirit was his cure. We told him he was crazy."
Andy chuckled, "As flattering as that is, he is crazy."
Tsukasa looked at her. "You saved him from dying. Now you're doing it again. Still think he's crazy?"
Andy took a deep breath, "I'm just doing what I can to help."
The dragon grinned. "Whatever you say." He winced as she attached the IV.
She made sure it was secure before sitting down again and looking over at Tet. "I hope things work out well.."
"Everyone okay?" Zal blinked as he sat up, Jack doing the same.
"Yeah, pretty much," Andy answered.
"The surgery work?" Jack glanced at Tet anxiously.
"Yeah, he's even been up out of bed a few times."
"Great. Wait, you two don't look happy. Something else happened didn't it?" Both vampires stood and moved to her side.
"He should be alright now, I hope," Andy answered, "but he was having some issues."
"Tet in a nutshell." Kiba stood in the doorway quietly. "Is it safe to come in?"
"I think so. I did a spell that I think will help."
"This was ported to us a few minutes ago. Invitation to conclave for Tet." He tossed the scroll to Andy. "They want to talk."
She frowned but stayed silent as she glanced at the scroll.
Jack hissed. "More like an invitation to hell. They won't let him leave if he goes."
"But we know they'll be there and could attack.."
The vampires exchanged looks, then Jack sighed. "I'm going to tell you the truth. Boss doesn't even know this cause it was kept out of official documents. Tet's mother was the Vampire Queen. Think you can figure the rest out on your own?"
"I kind of already guessed that based on a few things he said earlier," Andy admitted.
"So you know what they want from him?"
"Not one hundred percent, but he says he doesn't want it."
"They want to make him completely vampire so he can rule." Zal growled angrily. "They want to strip him of everything that makes him him."
"So, we need to figure out how to stop them," Andy reminded.
"If he doesn't go, we can expect another attack." Tsukasa rose on his elbow. "So we either let him go or we fight and hope we aren't overwhelmed."
"I vote we fight."
"You think Tet will agree to that? He's been trying to avoid us fighting." Zal frowned.
"Well, we could always just keep him sedated so we don't have to deal with him disagreeing..." Andy gave a tiny smirk.
Tsukasa bit his lip, trying not to laugh. "If he wakes up, you are so in trouble."
"I know a sleeping spell that can keep him under better than actual sedatives," she looked thoughtful.
"He really isn't up to fight anyone right now." Tsukasa mused as he watched the tiger.
"I'm fine." Tet cracked an eye open. "I'm guessing I don't have a choice do I?"
Andy went to him and shook her head, "Not really. How are you feeling?"
"Calm. Alone in my head, which is nice. Sorry for eavesdropping." He winced at the transfusion attached to Tsukasa. "Really sorry about that."
"I'm glad the spell is working so far," Andy gave a small smile.
"You're really not going to let me fight or leave, are you?" He gave her a wry smile.
"I will knock you out to keep you here if I have to," she nodded.
"I know when I'm whipped. Just be here when I wake? If something happens.." He locked eyes with her. "If I wake and you're not here, I will find you. And may the gods help whoever or whatever has you."
She smiled softly, "Don't worry, I'll be okay."
He smiled back, then nodded at Tsukasa. "Same goes for you guys. I want to have movie night with all of you lunatics." He looked back at Andy. "I'm ready."
She bent down and kissed him quickly.
He returned the kiss, his eyes soft.
Andy recited a spell and focused it on Tet.
His eyes closed, his body relaxing as it took hold.
"He'll be out a good eighteen or more hours now," Andy ran a hand through his hair.
"More than enough time for this to end." Tsukasa began to bark orders. "Kiba, get the porters to lay hellfire mines on the most likely ways into the base. Jack, hand out the UV grenades and load every gun with Hellfire rounds. Once the ammo runs out, everyone shift. We either end them or they're going to end us."
The three left the infirmary at a run as Tsukasa unhooked the IV. "Are you staying here?"
"I'll fight if you let me."
"You want to, do it. You're a part of this now. Just make sure you don't make your words to him a lie." He left the infirmary quickly.
Andy gave Tet another glance before heading to her room to change. She got ready then headed out into the hall.
Taka looked up at her. He was leaning on the wall, his rifle in the crook of his elbow. "You ready to face a lot of pissed off suckers?"
"As ready as I can be."
He tossed the rifle to her. "Have fun."
"Are you going too?"
"Yeah. Ryon has my weapon. That's yours. Hopefully, we'll take them out before you run out of ammo."
"I have some spells I can use too," she smirked.
"Don't rub it in. Is it true you can't be controlled?"
"Oh, by vampires? Yeah."
"Lucky. You want to come with us?" Taka motioned outside.
She nodded and headed out.
"Catch!" Ryon tossed a grenade launcher to Taka as they emerged from the building. The phoenix caught it one handed with a grin. Yamae gave a salute to Andy.
"Nice to be graced with your presence. Makes me feel lucky." He was kneeling beside a box of large missile shaped objects.
Andy chuckled in response.
The radio crackled. "Enemy spotted. About one klick from the main gate." Daiki's voice was quiet. "As soon as they step foot in, let them have it."
Andy got her rifle ready while thinking through the best spells to use.
There was an explosion in the distance and Yamae grinned. "Did somebody step wrong?"
Ryon let out a dark chuckle as Daiki's voice returned. "FIRE!"
Andy looked at the others before watching for any approaching enemies.
A mass of dark figures materialized in front of them. Suddenly they burst into flames as Taka fired the launcher. They fell, but more quickly took their place as gunfire was heard from the other side of the base.
Andy started firing at them while at the same time muttering killing spells.
Yamae was suddenly yanked forward, a vampire sinking their fangs into his neck. Ryon shot it, but then disappeared under several more.
Taka swore, reaching for another grenade as a vampire leapt onto his back. He fell to the ground with a cry as blood spurted from his neck.
Andy rushed over, reciting a healing spell to help close the wound after she said a killing spell to kill the vamp that was on him. She then shot at the vampires attacking Ryon, hoping to get them off him before it was too late.
They hissed as the rounds set them alight. Ryon lay still, blood spreading around him.
Andy knelt quickly, saying a few healing spells to prevent further blood loss before standing and aiming at the new vamps that appeared.
Taka was suddenly beside her, his finger firing the launcher. As the smoke cleared, empty air met their eyes. No more vamps appeared as a gigantic explosion blossomed on the other side of the base.
Andy looked at Taka with concern, "We should go see if they need help."
"That was one of the backup plans. They definitely need help if Daiki is setting those off." Taka ran for the battlefield.
Andy quickly followed behind him, unsure what to expect.
A horde of vampires were swarming the team. Tsukasa and Daiki were back to back firing at a rapidly enclosing circle of them. Several were feeding on fallen team members and Taka hissed. He shifted to his phoenix form, shooting fireballs at the feeders. "Get away from them!"
Andy shot at the circle surrounding Daiki and Tsukasa while muttering spells to take even more of them down. She cursed when she noticed a few start to turn toward her.
A fireball hit them and they vaporized. Taka was struggling to stay aloft, his wings slowing. Then he started to fall into several vampires.
Andy said a spell to catch him and bring him safely to the ground before firing at the vamps.
They fell and everything went quiet.
Then a vampire emerged from a base window, Tet under his arm. He started to rise into the sky.
Andy quickly shot him down, rushing over to Tet to check him over.
Blood covered his neck, two punctures visible. His pulse fluttered weakly under her fingers.
She said a spell to close the holes, then said another spell to try to get his pulse even. She lifted him and carried him back into the infirmary before setting up a barrier around him to protect him from further harm, then went out to see how she could help the others. One by one she lifted the injured or dead and carried them into the infirmary.
Daiki and Tsukasa staggered in, supported by Kai and Ryusei.
"We won, at least for now. Should have expected a sneak attack on him." Tsukasa growled. "I'm a fucking idiot."
"It's alright," Andy tried to calm him.
"Is it? He got fed on. Means more virus to mess with him." Tsukasa limped to a corner and slammed his hand into the wall.
Andy sighed but stayed silent, working on healing the still living before moving onto the dead. She focused on the three at once, gold light spreading out around them until they sucked in air.
Tsukasa resisted being healed, trying to limp out of the infirmary.
Andy said a spell that stopped him, his body stiffening. She said the healing spells then released him.
"Not fair. I'm your boss now you know." Tsukasa glared at her as Daiki tried not to laugh.
"I'm just doing the job you hired me for."
"Smartass." He sat down, gaze locked on Tet. "Why aren't you pissed at me?"
"Why would I be?"
"He almost got taken because I put everyone outside. I should have stationed someone in here."
Andy shrugged, "None of us thought of it. He's alive and that's what matters."
"I guess so."
"Think they'll try again?" Daiki asked.
Jack shook his head. "Doubtful. They lost a lot of people and they'll have to regroup before anything else."