A black panther laid curled up in the blankets. On the outside she seemed peaceful, but in her head she kept seeing the scientists standing over her. More and more of what they were saying finally registered and she was sure she heard them refer to her as a weapon once or twice. Finally, as the nightmares got worse, her claws dug into the bed, creating deep gashes. She let out a quiet whimper as her mind spiralled away from the memories to scenes of her attacking the team and draining them like she had the scientists. Their screams echoed in her mind before she stood above a pile of dead bodies. The panther let out a sob, tears starting to drip down her face.
"Andy?" A hand gently caressed her fur. "Wake up."
She blinked her eyes open slowly and looked up at the speaker.
Tet gave her a soft smile, Kiba behind him. "You okay?"
Andy opened her mouth to talk but realized she was shifted into a panther. She focused for a moment and shifted back to her human form. She looked down, "Sorry, just some nightmares."
Tet crouched beside her, wrapping her in a hug. "Everything's okay. Want some breakfast?"
She nodded slowly, "Alright."
He moved aside as Kiba placed a tray table laden with food in front of her. "Takes a lot of energy to heal and shift, so we cooked. Enjoy."
Kiba gave her a half smile as he stepped back.
"Thank you," she said quietly. "How are you feeling?"
He shook his head. "Don't worry about me."
Tet steadied him as he swayed with a grimace. The tiger sat him down with a sigh. "The silver is still causing issues. He might not be up to much for a while."
Andy frowned, "I'll see if I can find a spell to help.."
"Didn't I say not to worry about me?" Kiba's attempt at a glare was unconvincing. His eyes were pained, his body shaking with small tremors. "I'll be fine. Hopefully."
Tet rolled his eyes. "This isn't like the mission five years ago. The amount you absorbed that time was tiny. This isn't."
Andy got up and grabbed her book, starting to look through it for anything relating to silver and wolves. She sat back down, continuing to search in silence as she ate.
Kiba scowled, unsteadily rising and heading for the door. "Incorrigible." He left the room, Tet watching in concern.
Andy sighed, continuing to read.
"He's blaming himself for not going with you. He said he feels like you have to save him all the time and when you need him he can never help."
"It's not his fault," Andy responded. "And I'm just trying to be helpful, it's not like I'm asking for help back."
Tet gave a sad chuckle. "I've noticed. But it goes against our nature to not help. Yoshi had to tie me down after you didn't return because I lost control and tried to go after you. Then the attack happened.." He ran a hand through Andy's hair. "I was so scared.."
"I'm sorry." She sighed, "I should have been here to help you guys."
"None of that now." Tet cupped her cheek gently. "You were trying to save Ryon. You shouldn't apologize." He kissed her softly, then smiled as he pulled away. "Are you feeling better now?"
"I think so. Everything just feels so weird, it's hard to get used to."
"We'll help in whatever way we can." Tet smiled at her. "I'm so glad you're alive."
She gave him a small smile, "Thank you." She then glanced back down at the book and continued reading. After a few minutes she asked, "Where do you think Kiba went?"
"If he's smart, back to bed. Why?"
"I found a spell that might help and I want to try it."
"You want me to find him?" Tet rose from the bed.
"It's alright, I can look for him," Andy smiled and kissed his cheek.
"You sure you're up for that?" His eyes were worried.
"I think I'll be okay. It shouldn't take too much energy to look for him." She stood and hugged him before heading out of the room. She started with Kiba's room, slowly opening the door, "Kiba?"
"You should be resting." The words were slow, the wolf curled on the bed. His eyes had dark circles under them, his skin flushed. "Tet actually let you up?"
"I just wanted to come check on you. I found a spell that might help.."
He gave her a wan smile before coughing. "My own personal nurse. I feel special." Silver residue coated his lips and he grimaced.
Andy fully entered the room and sat beside him on the bed. She focused for a minute before reciting the spell that was supposed to erase all traces of silver.
His lips turned pink, the silver vanishing. He took a deep breath as the burning sensation disappeared. "Wow.." His exhaustion started battling with his desire to remain awake.
She smiled softly, "Get some more rest." She stood and started for the door.
"Why do you worry about us so much?" The question was slurred with sleepiness.
"You mean other than the fact that I'm a doctor and it's my job? You guys are my friends," she said quietly.
"We're a band of misfits that were spying on you. I would have changed cities after Seltain.." He gave a half hearted chuckle.
"I don't know, there's just something about you guys. You've all become like a family to me."
He smiled. "Family sounds nice.." He gave a tiny snore as sleep won the battle.
Andy gave a small chuckle before slipping out of the room. She then started heading back to her room.
Tet was curled up on one side, hugging her pillow to his face. His bangs were longer, almost covering his eyelids.
Andy slid into bed next to him. She watched him for a while, afraid to sleep again because of the nightmares.
He twitched, tears suddenly streaking his cheeks as he cried her name out. He began to tremble as he repeated 'no' over and over.
She gently shook his arm, "Tet, wake up. It's just a nightmare."
He shot upright, gasping for air. He groped for her shakily. "You're alive..just a dream.."
"Yeah, I'm alive," she assured as she put her hand on his cheek.
He wrapped his arms around her as he tried to calm down.
"Everything's okay," she said softly, kissing him gently.
He kissed her almost frantically. "I can't lose you. I won't."
"Don't worry, I'm not going anywhere," she said, hoping it was true as thoughts of the Branch crossed her mind. She wondered if they'd be back after her, and if they did want her as a weapon, what did they intend to use her for? She kept the thoughts to herself though, not wanting to worry him further.
He finally stopped shaking, curling into her chest as his eyes closed.
Andy held him tightly, trying not to think of anything but right then and there, the two of them together.
A minute later, there was a knock at the door.
Andy released Tet, kissing his cheek before moving to open the door.
Yoshi gave her a smile. "Tet here?"
She nodded, "Yeah just a second." She went back to the bed, "Hey, Yoshi wants you."
He groggily blinked his eyes open, then nodded slowly. He yawned, then rose and went to the door. "What's up?"
"Boss needs to talk to you. Branch contacted him."
Tet growled, eyes flashing. "Thanks. I'll be there in ten."
Yoshi nodded, turning and heading down the hall.
Tet's claws were digging into the door as he kept growling under his breath.
Andy, who had heard mention of the Branch, was trying not to panic.
After a few minutes, he turned to her. His eyes widened and he ran to her side. "I'm sorry you had to hear that. Just breathe."
"They want me back," Andy said through fast breaths.
"If they do, they'll have to go through us. But this might be in regards to what Boss mentioned at the party. We might finally get our freedom.." His voice was slightly hopeful.
Andy closed her eyes and took a deep breath, "I hope you're right.."
"Let me go find out. I'll be right back." Tet headed out the door.
Andy curled her legs up against her as she sat and waited, her mind replaying the memories of the last week over and over.
Tet re entered in tiger form. His eyes were angry, low growling reaching her ears. He lashed out, claws scraping the wall.
Andy stayed curled up as she watched, "Tet?"
'Bastards! They're all dead men! Holding our freedom hostage for their sick ideas! I'm going to rip them apart!'
She sighed, looking back down at the bed.
After a few minutes, he shifted back to human. He curled into a ball, sobbing.
She got closer to him, putting a hand on him, "It'll be okay."
"You were right… they want to trade you for the cancellation of our contracts." He balled his hands, hitting the floor violently.
She nodded slowly, "If I go, you guys would get the freedom you deserve."
He looked at her in horror. "Don't you dare.. I won't let you! I'll die for good before I let them blackmail me!"
"Tet, you're talking about the freedom of the whole group for one person. It makes sense."
He shook his head rapidly. "You don't get it. This is a team decision. We told the Branch to try to take you if they thought they could. None of us are willing to trade freedom for you."
She was quiet for a moment, "I'm just a doctor. I'm barely a part of the team. Why would you guys not take your freedom?"
"You're our heart. When you joined, a piece we hadn't known was missing was filled. You saved me from my own body. You have gone through so much because of us. It's time we return the favor. Our freedom means nothing if you're not with us."
"How could we live with ourselves knowing you were in the hands of those butchers?" Yamae stood in the doorway, most of the team behind him nodding in agreement.
Andy looked up at them, overcome with emotion. "Thank you guys..."
Tet embraced her. "We're family. No one messes with family and gets away with it."
Andy nodded, "I think they were trying to turn me into some kind of weapon.. At least that's what I'm understanding from my memories."
Yamae scowled. "Let's see how they like being the ones being hunted."
Andy gave a small chuckle, holding tightly onto Tet.
Tsukasa appeared. "Well they are even stupider than first proven. They're sending a representative to 'discuss the matter'." He snorted in derision.
"Can I bite them?" Andy chuckled again.
"Let's hear his pitch. I need a good laugh. Then you can play Aztec futbol with him for all I care." He gave her a wink before disappearing.
Andy sighed before glancing through the group. She looked back at Tet, "Why don't you go check on your wolf? Make sure he's still doing okay."
He released her with a small nod before heading out the door.
Ryon moved through the crowd, finally standing above her. "You got a plan right? And thanks for coming after me."
"You're welcome. Any suggestions for a plan?"
He grimaced. "Given that Branch knows all our weaknesses? Not really."
Andy nodded slowly, "You guys don't want to give me up, but they know all your weaknesses.. I just don't want you guys to get hurt. I'll try not to give myself up, but you guys know I'll do whatever I can to keep you guys safe."
"We'd rather be hurt or worse fighting for you than let you walk into their arms." The porter's voice was hard.
Andy sighed, "We'll figure something out."
A howl was heard from down the hall.
Ryon gave a chuckle. "Think we just got Kiba's reaction."
A black wolf suddenly ran through the group, it's eyes blazing. It gave another howl as it stopped in front of her.
She raised an eyebrow at it.
"If you even consider giving yourself up, you'll have to kill me permanently first." Kiba's voice was like ice in her mind.
She sighed, "Alright, I get it."
He huffed a chuckle, then shifted as Tet reappeared.
"Moron." The tiger ruffled Kiba's hair with a half smile.
"Are you feeling all better now?" Andy asked thoughtfully.
"Like a new wolf." He gave her a grin before sobering.
Yoshi raised his radio to his ear. "The rep has arrived." The words were laced with disgust.
Andy nodded, "Let's get this over with then." She moved to stand, stretching out before noticing her claw marks in the bed. She winced slightly before sighing.
Tet glanced at the bed. "I remember those days. Don't worry, I'll fix it. After we deal with asshole."
"Alright," she started heading out of the room.
The group followed her to the conference room, taking up positions around her as Tet and Kiba sat down next to her.
The rep was a creepy looking guy whose eyes danced when he saw her.
Tsukasa growled, diverting the scientist's attention. "What do you want? Thought we made it clear what our answer was."
The rep spoke, his voice annoying. "We are willing to void all contracts and pay a sizeable amount into your supply fund if you release her to us."
Tet's voice was brittle. "First off, we don't own her so we can't release her to anyone. Second, you think you can bribe us with money and our contracts?"
"The contracts can't be binding since we never signed them in the first place." Kiba's eyes were flickering as he fought to keep his temper reigned in.
Andy listened in silence, afraid if she'd speak she'd do something wrong. She looked down at the table, wishing she wasn't in this situation.
"If you don't turn her over, we'll have no choice but to take all of you in as renegades." The rep gave a self satisfied smile as the room erupted.
The team shifted, closing ranks around her.
Daiki licked his fangs. "I'd eat you but I don't need food poisoning. You had better leave before we reconsider letting you."
The rep sneered. "You can't stop us. We'll be back."
Tsukasa and Tet spoke in unison. "Take your best shot."
The rep scurried out of the room as the team reverted to normal.
Andy took a deep breath, glancing around the room before looking back down at the table.
"We won't let them have you." Tet and Kiba whispered in her ears.
"Prepare to fight." Tsukasa looked at her. "Protect Andy at all costs."
Andy sighed and looked at Kiba and Tet, "I'm more worried about all of you."
They gave her matching smiles. "We love you. We're not afraid."
Andy looked down, "I wish I wasn't afraid. I'm almost more worried now than I was with Seltain.." She closed her eyes and took a deep breath. "I'll see about setting up a large barrier around the property."
"Don't wear yourself out. The idea is to protect you, not make you a patient in the infirmary." Tsukasa gave her a look before glancing at the team. "You know the drill. They don't step one foot into the barracks unless you're dead."
The team acknowledged and scattered.
Tet and Kiba took Andy back to her room. "Stay here. Don't come out no matter what."
"You're not staying?"
"We'll be on guard at your door." They shifted and took up positions.
Andy closed her eyes and focused, working on creating a large enough barrier to protect everyone.
An explosion outside shook the building as the shifters growled angrily. Their eyes blazed as the sounds of battle were heard.
Andy cursed, trying to strengthen the barrier. When it didn't work, she glanced out the small window and started muttering kill spells at the enemies she spotted.
Zal and Jack came into view, attacking a white coated man who calmly sprayed them with something from a canister. They burst into flame, falling to the ground and lying still. The man disappeared as Tsukasa released a jet of flame onto him in retaliation.
The dragon stiffened, toppling over as another enemy recited a spell.
Andy's eyes filled with tears as she watched in horror. She said a spell to take down that enemy before letting out a sob. She wanted to go out and fight but she knew Tet and Kiba wouldn't let her. She continued trying to take out enemies with spells as she watched her friends go down one by one.
Suddenly it went quiet outside.
Then she heard an agonized howl, followed by a roar of anger outside her door. Seconds later, it flew open to reveal several scientists.
Andy backed up in fear before muttering spells to start taking them down. She grabbed one that got close, ripping into his throat with her fangs and draining him before reciting more spells.
One shot something at her and she felt pain rush through her body. She fell forward, feeling them grab onto her. She bit into a hand that grabbed her arm as her hands turned to paws and she clawed the other scientist off of her. She was breathing heavily when she finally realized she had gotten through that group and she slowly exited the room to check on Kiba and Tet.
Kiba lay face down in human form, blood pooled around him. An empty canister marked silver was against one wall.
Tet lay crumpled several feet away. It was evident he had multiple broken bones, his limbs bent the wrong directions. His head was covered in blood.
Andy sobbed as she knelt by them. Finally after a few minutes, she collected herself and lifted them, carrying them to the infirmary. She then headed out to start collecting the other dead and injured, starting with Zal and Jack. She gently carried their charred bodies inside and laid them on beds before going to get Tsukasa. She then started searching for more of the team.
Taka met her eyes sadly, Akira's head in his lap. "Glad you're safe." He toppled into her arms.
She carried both inside, noticing the beds were quickly filling. She headed back out to see who else she could find.
Yoshi and Rei approached, Shouma and Kenji in their arms. The twins appeared to be barely conscious.
"Get them inside if you can. I'll be in soon to help everyone." She counted the members in her head and knew there was at least one or two more missing. The pain from whatever they shot her with was still racking her body but she worked through it, determined to find her friends.
She came upon four semi burnt bodies and froze as she realized it was the rest of the team.
She used a spell to lift them all up and took them inside. All the beds were now filled so she pulled a few cots into the room for the others. She worked on healing the living first, then moved onto the dead. She lost track of time as she worked, moving from one body to the next, healing up the specific injuries, whether it was saying the spell to get rid of silver for Kiba or special healing spells for the ones with burns. She glanced out the window and noticed it was now dark, so she knew it had been at least several hours but she continued working. When she finally got everyone as healed as she could, she stood in the middle of the room, focusing on all the dead. Multiple bodies shined as the golden light surrounded them. One by one they started breathing. She took a step forward toward where Tet and Kiba were laying but her legs gave out and she collapsed on the ground. She stayed there unconscious until the others started waking up.
Tsukasa quickly carried her to his former bed, then sat down with a sigh. The battle had been won, but at what cost?
Andy blinked her eyes open, sitting up quickly with a wince. She looked around the room to check on the others.
Tsukasa gave her a wan smile. "Are you alright?"
She looked thoughtful, "Most of the pain is gone and I'm not as exhausted anymore, so yeah I'm fine. It took a lot to revive everyone because most all of the team had died..."
"We told you didn't we? The scientists weren't going to get you unless we were dead." The dragon grimaced as he glanced around the room.
Most of the beds were still filled, the figures breathing but unconscious.
"The vampires are awake, as are a few of the shifters and porters. They're patrolling in case the Branch wants to try their luck again. I'm worried they'll try something while we're down."
Andy closed her eyes, "Maybe it would have been better for me to have just gone with them."
"Absolutely not. They need to be shown we are people, not test subjects. Bad enough we were turned against our will. We will not bargain your life for our freedom." Tsukasa stood and glared at her. "Do I make myself clear?"
She sighed, "Yeah." She then laid back with a yawn. After sleeping a bit more, she woke again and looked around the room once more, noting a few more empty beds.
Tet made his way to her side. "Hey."
"Hey. How are you feeling?"
"I'm okay. More worried about you. When they broke through.."
She gave a small smile, "I took care of them."
"I saw the aftermath. I'm sorry they got to you though. We failed." He looked down at the floor.
She grabbed his hand, "It's alright. Everyone is safe and alive, and that's what matters."
He shook his head. "I swore they wouldn't get through. You'll have nightmares because of my fuck up. I do nothing but hurt you."
"Tet, please listen to me. I'll be okay. It's not your fault and I don't blame you. You tried your best and I am so thankful for that. Alright?"
He lifted teary eyes to her. "Why do you keep forgiving me?"
"Well first off, I don't think you did anything to forgive, but for two, I love you. I'll always forgive you."
He chuckled quietly. "You might rethink that when I tell you what's happening."
She frowned, "What's happening?"
"We're taking the fight to Branch. Not all of us, just a small team. We're going to end this." Tet kissed her cheek. "I leave in an hour with the other volunteers."
"I'm going with you," Andy decided.
"No, you're not. This is to keep all of us safe, but especially you. No way are you walking into their headquarters." Tet's eyes were dark and grim. "We volunteered for a reason. You and the others are changing locations. Tsukasa has already given permission for you to return to the clinic if you want to."
"I'm a part of this team, I have every right to volunteer to go too," Andy said with a growl.
"We're trying to keep you alive!" Tet's voice became strained.
"And what if I want to keep you guys alive too? I can fight for myself, I'm not useless you know."
"I know you're not, but we found out what they were trying to do. If you walk in with us, you probably won't walk out as the woman I love. They're trying to take your mind."
"Don't I have the choice to fight anyway? Wouldn't you want to fight if you were in my situation?"
He sighed in defeat. "We're not really fighting. We're turning ourselves in, then we're going to detonate the explosives we have on us. With any luck, the whole building will go."
Andy shook her head, "You're all fucking idiots." She climbed out of bed and headed down the hall to her room.
Tet watched her leave silently. His heart ached, but he pushed the feeling away. Let her hate him, just as long as she lived. He met with the others, then started packing the explosives.
Andy threw her stuff into a bag angrily before saying the teleporting spell to go home. She paced the dark living room for a few minutes before closing her eyes and focusing. They wouldn't fight, but she would. She focused on the Branch and once more said the teleportation spell, finding herself standing outside a large building. She closed her eyes and focused, saying a few spells that would rain fireballs down onto the building. She then prepared herself for anyone who tried to escape.
The doors flew open, white coats pouring out of the burning building. There were a few soldiers too, pointing and yelling as they saw her.
An explosion from inside the building caused the ground to shake as the roof fell in.
She shifted, running at the white coats and soldiers and ripping into them with her claws. She growled as a few shots hit her but she continued moving to take them all down. When she finally got them all, she shifted back into human form, limping for a moment before focusing on the clinic and teleporting.
She sat in her office growling as she pulled a bullet from her leg. She sewed it up before doing an xray to find the other bullet, lodged in her abdomen. She gave herself a medicine to numb it before working on trying to remove it.
There was a knock at the door.
She growled and pushed herself up, opening it.
Kiba took a step back in fear. "I'll come back." His face was smoke and tear streaked.
"Come in. What's up?" She went back to sit on the table, changed her gloves, then went back to removing it. She finally got it out and started stitching herself up.
Kiba grimaced. "We were worried. Saw you going Armageddon on the Branch, then you disappeared."
"I'm fine," she said plainly.
"Glad to know. I'll get out of your hair. We're in a new base nearby, if you ever want to visit. Branch is done for so you don't have to worry anymore." His voice broke suddenly, tears rolling down his cheeks. "I'm sorry. I should go." He turned away unsteadily.
She suddenly noticed the spreading bloodstain on his jumpsuit as he whispered "She's safe,Tet. You can rest." under his breath.
Andy sighed, "Sit down and let me heal you up." She grabbed some supplies, "What happened and where is Tet?"
"You showed up right after we surrendered. Tet took out the head of the Branch when the fireballs started.. The roof fell in.." Kiba began to sob, shaking in pain and despair.
Andy froze, "I thought I got there before you guys.." She focused on him while tears streaked her face. When she was done healing him, she sighed, "I'll find him if I can." She said the teleportation spell and ended up back outside the Branch.
The building was smoldering, white coated bodies in a pile. Tsukasa saw her and approached. "You see Kiba?"
"He's at the clinic. I took care of him already."
Tsukasa gave a nod before looking at the building. "We haven't found him yet."
She sighed, "I'll find him." She closed her eyes and focused, then opened her eyes and followed the feeling she had. She used spells to lift things up, searching through the rubble until she finally spotted him. He had multiple burn marks covering his body. She lifted him up and carried him out, setting him gently in the grass before focusing on trying to heal him. It took her awhile but she finally healed most of the wounds then focused to revive him. It took a bit longer than usual but he finally started breathing. She held onto him for a moment before teleporting him to the clinic and setting him in the bed next to Kiba. "He should be alright."
Kiba gave her a grateful look before passing out.
Tet began to mumble words under his breath. "As long as you live..hate me..I'll understand.."
She looked over, unsure if he was awake or asleep. She was so pissed at him she wanted to slap him but she was also relieved he was safe and alive.
"Sorry for hurting you..I'll go and you'll never have to see me again." His eyes were half open, glazed with pain as he tried to stand. "Glad you're safe though." He gasped as he tumbled off the bed.
She rolled her eyes and lifted him back into bed, "Tet, just shut up. We'll talk after you've rested." She winced as she sat down between the two men.
He gave her a hurt look. "I know you're pissed and I know you don't want me here. So I'm leaving before you throw me out." He again attempted to get out of bed.
"Remember before, pissed doesn't mean you're not welcome. I'm not going to just throw you out," she pushed him back into bed.
"That was a little different.." He struggled to keep his eyes open.
"Just get some sleep, okay?" She said gently.
He finally nodded, sagging in her arms as his injuries overwhelmed him.
She said a few more healing spells for him, then sat down and closed her eyes for a minute, trying to process her emotions. She then watched them sleeping for a while.
Yamae stuck his head in. "How are the idiots?"
"They'll be okay."
The porter sighed. "Should I take Tet before you decide to kill him? He was devastated when you left. He cried the whole way to the Branch."
Andy sighed, "I'm not going to kill him. Probably." She looked down, "I got so mad that he didn't want me to fight and then to find out they had such an idiotic plan just..." She sighed again, "I don't know."
"It wasn't supposed to be a suicide mission. But the Branch ambushed me and Ryon, so Tet was forced to detonate the explosives manually. We'd gotten everyone else out." He winced as he took off his beanie, revealing a large gash in his hair.
"Even if it wasn't supposed to be a suicide mission, it was still really risky. And that doesn't stop me from being mad he didn't want me to go." She motioned him over, saying a spell to help heal the gash before grabbing something off the table to clean it.
Yamae chuckled. "You do realize who we're talking about right? He once faced down three hounds. Alone. Protected the asset and rode an infirmary bed for four months."
Andy rolled her eyes, "He's such an idiot."
The porter grinned. "He's always been the one taking the most risks because.. You know. He figured if he was supposed to die, he'd go out fighting for others."
She sighed and shook her head, "He needs to learn some self preservation."
"Boss has tried to teach him that for years. Even threw him in the brig once because he disobeyed orders after we'd been pulled out of a job. Tet went and did the job anyway. As soon as he healed, he was put in the brig for six months. His good behavior lasted two days. Boss has kinda given up. Says Tet learning to care about himself is like Shouma learning to like brussel sprouts. It could happen, but don't hold your breath."
Andy looked over at Tet, "At least he's got his own necromancer to help him."
"You're staying?" Yamae's eyes widened. "Boss figured you'd quit."
"Just because I'm mad at Tet, it doesn't mean I'm leaving you guys. Unless you guys don't need a doctor or cook anymore?"
"Tet said you packed.. We kinda assumed."
Andy sighed, "Well, I was half motivated by my anger but he did say we were moving locations, so I'd have to have packed anyway, right?"
"Yeah." The porter was silent for a moment, then whispered "I'm glad." He looked up at her. "Was afraid of losing another family." He looked like a lost little boy as he fiddled with his beanie.
Andy moved to hug him, "You guys really like me that much?"
"If you didn't notice, none of us are women. We're not as old as we probably look and we've all lost our families for one reason or another. So we've missed a mother figure." Ryon gently ruffled his twin's hair.
"Well, I'm glad to help," she smiled softly.
"Are you available? Our third musketeer got himself hurt fighting with a Branch witch."
"Yeah, bring him here," she answered, getting up slowly and limping toward the supply cabinet.
Ryon disappeared, then rematerialized with an arm around Ryusei. The man was burnt by witchfire, his jumpsuit charred.
Andy started reciting spells to help with the burns, then gently cleaned and bandaged them up. She said a few more spells to get a bit more of the damage healed before putting the unused supplies away. "It'll take a while to fully heal, but I did heal some of it and it shouldn't be painful anymore."
The twin porters nodded as Kiba stirred. "Tet still okay?"
"He just needs lots of rest," Andy assured. "How are you feeling?"
"Much better. Probably could sleep for a week, but otherwise okay." He looked over at Ryusei and winced. "Damn witches." He clapped a hand over his mouth as he met Andy's look. "Shit. Sorry. No offense."
"You weren't on my shit list but you're slowly making your way up there," she chuckled.
He shrank under the covers. "I'm really sorry.."
The twins tried to hide smiles.
Andy laughed, "Don't worry, it's okay."
"You should turn him into a frog.." Tet's voice was soft.
Andy looked thoughtful, "I wonder if I have any spells for that."
Kiba pulled the blankets over his head as Tet laughed painfully.
Andy looked over at Tet and said a spell to help with the pain.
He relaxed as Tsukasa came in with a smile. "Good news. We're free." He looked at Andy. "All of us."
"How?"
"Had a long talk with the General. Explained the whole story. He agreed that Branch had become too powerful and dangerous. So we have a decision to make."
Andy raised an eyebrow in response.
"Each of you now has a choice to be here or not. If not, you'll get money and contacts to start a new life. If you stay, it will be life as usual. I won't decide anyone's life for them."
Andy looked at Kiba and Tet, "What are you guys doing?"
Kiba shrugged. "Got nowhere to go. No one to go to. I'm staying with Boss."
Tet looked at her. "Depends on your answer. Although I don't think I can do a nine to five."
"Well, I guess the big question is, do you guys want to stay doing the same thing you've been doing or I make enough to support everyone by owning the clinic, we could all go live at my house and not have to worry about fighting all the time."
"What would we do? Fighting is all we know.." Kiba sighed.
"You'd be free to find other things," Andy offered before sighing, "Though I do understand how hard it is to go back to a normal life after all the fighting.."
Tet shook his head. "You still don't understand. We've never had a normal life. This squad, us? We've been together since our early teens for me and Kiba, the porters have been around since they were about ten."
"Don't you guys ever imagine what you could do if you were free?"
"Vet school.." Ryon's voice was dreamy. He quickly quieted as he realized he'd spoken out loud.
Yamae chuckled softly.
"So do you guys want to keep fighting? Or find dreams of your own, like vet school?" Andy gave Ryon a small smile. "Because if you guys want to do something else, I can help." She looked around the clinic, "I get to do my dream either way, either taking care of patients here or taking care of you lot."
"I'll think about it." Kiba spoke slowly.
Tet sighed. "Same here." He didn't look at her.
Tsukasa smiled softly. "No decisions needed yet. Rest, heal, then decide." He left the clinic.
Andy sighed as she looked at Tet, "I'm sorry."
"For what? Offering a peaceful life? I'm glad the porters have dreams." He watched Ryon and Yamae talk quietly with a small smile.
Andy rolled her eyes, "Not that. For getting so angry at you."
He blinked. "Oh. In your defense, I didn't explain very well so I deserved it."
She chuckled, "Are we okay?"
He nodded. "If you want me, you have me." He looked downcast. "Though this other situation might make you reconsider."
Andy took a deep breath, "I'm sticking with you."
"You don't have anyone after you anymore. You can stay here, maybe even take care of the porters if they leave. You don't have to stay because of me."
He pushed himself to sit up. "I couldn't afford the luxury of dreams before and now.. I'm too old and jaded to have any. I'm a soldier, always will be. I can't possibly make a peace loving person happy." His eyes began to tear up.
"It sounds like you're trying to talk me out of staying with you. Do you, or do you not, want me?"
"I lied just now..My dream has always been you. I don't want you-I need you. As much as I need air or blood or food..You complete me. But.."
"I love you, okay? Like I said, I can follow my dreams anywhere whether it's here at the clinic or taking care of you guys. If the porters want their freedom, I can still help them the best I can, but I'm not leaving you."
He looked at her in disbelief. "You want to be with me? Even though I take stupid risks and keep trying to prevent you from getting hurt? Why?"
Andy rolled her eyes and glanced at Kiba, "Why do we love this idiot?"
Kiba shrugged. "Dunno myself honestly."
Andy chuckled and looked back at Tet, "Yes I want to be with you, even though you are the biggest idiot I've ever met. I love you, and that's what matters."
He gave her a wide boyish smile. "I love you too." He sent a look at Kiba. "I love you too, you overgrown furball."
Andy glanced at the time, "We should probably move to the base or my house before patients start arriving.."
Ryon stood. "I can take you guys wherever you want."
"I think we need a little vacation, don't you? Plus my bag is still at my house. Why don't we head there for now?"
"Not a problem." Ryon put his hands on Tet and Kiba as Yamae gently touched Ryusei and Andy.
They vanished, reappearing in her basement.
"If you guys want the guest room might be comfier?" She looked at the porters before sighing, "And since the kitchen is empty, I'll order us all some food, okay?"
The porters quickly got the other men situated in the guest room. Yamae took the food order and disappeared as Ryon sat down, closing his eyes. He relaxed slightly, hand rubbing the back of his neck with a wince.
"Are you alright?" Andy wondered.
"One of the bastards got a lucky hit in. Almost got killed because of it." He dropped his hand, trying to hide the blood on his palm. "No big deal."
Andy rolled her eyes and said a healing spell for him. "That should help a bit."
Yamae reappeared, food in hand. He glanced at his twin with concern. "You okay?"
The other man nodded slowly. "Fine."
"Seriously if you guys get hurt it's not a problem for me to say a healing spell. It's my job to help you guys, quit trying to hide things." Andy sighed and took the food, laying it out on the table before heading to the guest room to check on the others.
Kiba was staring at the ceiling while Tet and Ryusei lay sleeping. The wolf gave her a small smile. "Really sorry about the whole Branch mess. I should have stopped Tet. I knew he wasn't thinking straight."
She shook her head, "Everything is alright now, that's what counts."
His lips curled before he pushed himself up. "You really think the porters will leave?"
She shrugged, "I don't know. I understand why they'd want to stay but I just want them to think about the other options, you know?"
"Other options does sound nice. Just worried how normal people will react. We might get the torch and pitchfork routine." He sighed and glanced at her. "I don't want them getting hurt."
"I know what you mean. And like I said, I know it's hard enough to go back to a 'normal' life, I can't imagine how hard it would be to start over completely." She sighed, "It was hard enough going back to the clinic after Seltain, not using healing spells on everyone. But now I'm not just a witch and a necromancer. Nothing feels normal anymore."
"It's my fault. I dragged you into this. You got taken because you were with us." Tet's voice was harsh and full of self hatred. "I'm a danger to you." He shakily climbed out of bed and began to head for the door. "You should forget about me."
Andy rolled her eyes, "You're seriously an idiot. Not everything is your fault. And I love you, I can't just forget about you. Just sit back down and quit blaming yourself for every little bad thing that happens."
He whirled to face her. "You were experimented on because I broke protocol and came here that first night. You've had your whole life turned upside down because I couldn't just stay in the shadows and watch. Everything is my fault!" His breathing grew rapid as he shook with exertion.
"No, it's Seltain's fault. If he hadn't come after me in the first place, you guys wouldn't have even had to come watch me. You guys have helped me figure out who and what I am and I wouldn't take that back for anything. Blame yourself all you want, but I will never blame you for it. I will never love you less because of all of this. I just wish you'd quit blaming yourself too." She shook her head, "And so what? I'm not the only one experimented on. I'll get used to it. Yeah, it's a little rough to get used to, but that doesn't mean I'm mad or upset about it. I'm not even that mad at the scientists. They were doing their jobs." She sighed, "Look it doesn't matter. None of this will ever be your fault, no matter how hard you try to convince me it is."
Kiba climbed out of the bed and grabbed Tet's shoulders. "Quit being a dumbass. I know it's difficult because it's apparently in your DNA, but just accept that you can't push her away. It's a rule of the universe like gravity." He paused, looking at his friend closely, then glancing at Andy. "There's something wrong with him."
Tet shook his head. "Don't worry about it. Just a going away gift from the Branch.." His eyes rolled up as he began to seize.
Andy moved quickly, getting him onto the bed and starting to check him over.
His breathing began to slow as his heart struggled to beat. It appeared his very cells were disintegrating as she watched.
Andy started reciting healing spells quickly, trying to think of what else to do to help. She quickly grabbed a piece of paper and started jotting things down before placing her hand on his chest and reading the spell she wrote to make a sealing spell to stabilize his cells. She then continued with the healing spells for a few minutes as she watched him closely.
He lay pale against the blankets, his breathing slowly evening out. His body still twitched with small tremors, blood trickling out of both his nose and mouth.
Kiba's eyes flashed in fury. "Those utter bastards!" His fists were clenched at his sides as he fought his shift.
Andy's eyes filled with tears as she watched Tet, unsure what else she could do for him. She gently wiped the blood away, fighting the part of her that enjoyed the smell of it. She sat there holding Tet's hand before grabbing one of Kiba's, "They're gone, there's no use in getting angry now."
"He's dying.." Kiba dropped to his knees, tears falling as he laid his forehead on Tet's hand.
Andy took a deep breath, trying to figure out what to do. She did all the healing spells she could think of as well as made the new sealing spell to try to help. Other than making a whole other new spell she wasn't sure what to do.
She closed her eyes and focused, trying to gather energy like she did to revive. She then put her hand on Tet's chest again and pushed the energy in, a silver light surrounding him. She swayed slightly but kept focusing until she grew dizzy. She pulled back away and sat back into the nearby chair, not taking her eyes off of him.
His breathing sped up, his color returning. He remained unconscious.
Andy finally closed her eyes for a moment, willing the room to quit spinning. She glanced at Kiba, "I'm not entirely sure what I did but I think it's working."
He raised his head, his eyes tentatively hopeful as he watched his friend. "What the hell did they try to do to him?"
"I'm not entirely sure on that either," Andy admitted. "His cells were acting strangely."
Kiba was about to reply when Andy's cell phone rang.
She picked it up, "Hello?"
"You have any idea why Kai and Rei just dropped dead?" Tsukasa's voice was quiet.
Andy cursed, "What were their symptoms before hand?"
"Seizures, blood from their nose and mouth.. Is this Branch's doing? They were part of the assault."
There was a double thud from the kitchen outside.
Andy cursed again and headed out to the kitchen. She finally answered Tsukasa, "I'll be right there. Yeah, it's Branch's fault." She hung up before going back into the room and looking at Kiba, "You were there too, right? Did you see anything weird?"
He thought for a moment, then paled. "They sprayed something on us.. Ryusei!" He moved to the other bed, his eyes filling with tears as he checked the porter. "He's dead.." He looked up in horror. "The twins..."
He gasped, stiffening as pain burned through him. His body began to shake, his knees buckling.
Andy rushed to him, grabbing onto him and doing the same spells she did on Tet. She then focused like before, making the silver light surround him. She fought through the dizziness and continued to work to save him as she moved him to the bed.
His eyes bored into hers, but when he tried to speak, blood spilled from his lips. His body went limp, his eyes slipping closed as he lost consciousness.
Andy continued to focus on him, the light still surrounding him as she tried to heal him.
She finally backed away, knowing she had to save energy to revive the others. She watched him for a few more minutes before gathering the porters and saying the teleporting spell to take them to the base. She looked around for a moment, realizing she was in an infirmary.
"Andy? What the hell is going on? One minute they were fine, the next they were down." Tsukasa's worried voice reached her.
"Kiba said they got sprayed with something.." Andy informed as she got the porters up into beds. She went through all of them and said the spells to try to heal them before focusing on all of the dead at once, gold light shining around them.
She leaned heavily on one of the beds as she watched them all.
Tsukasa growled. "Even dead, they cause problems." He touched her arm. "You okay?"
"I used a lot of my energy trying to keep Tet alive, then I did the same for Kiba before reviving all of them." She sighed. "I'll be alright once the room stops spinning."
He pushed her into a chair. "Rest."
She sat there a few minutes before standing again, "I'll be at my house checking on Tet and Kiba. Let me know if you need any more help." She said the teleportation spell and vanished, reappearing in her guest room.
Tet and Kiba were still unconscious, but breathing steadily. A few moments later, Kiba blinked his eyes open and groaned.
"Hey, how are you feeling?" Andy said softly.
"Like a wrung out dishcloth, but I'm alive. Everyone alright?"
"Everyone but you two are back at the base. I had to go revive all of the other guys that got sprayed with that stuff."
"We all went down? Damn.. I forgot all about it because nothing had happened. Thought whatever they'd tried had been a dud." He sat up slowly, taking a deep breath.
Andy nodded in understanding, "Well it seems everyone will be alright after some rest." She glanced over at the sleeping Tet for a moment.
Kiba watched her face, looking wistful.
Andy looked down for a moment, "Can I ask you something?"
His eyes narrowed. "Sure."
"What do you think of me? I used to think you hated me when I first arrived, but lately, especially with the Branch thing, you've been more protective. Is it just because of Tet?"
He blushed a deep red. "Partly. I mean I see how happy Tet is and I refuse to let anyone take that away. God knows he deserves it. Part is that you put your health at risk all the time for us." He hesitated, his eyes nervously looking at Tet.
Andy nodded slowly. "And that kiss was just because you were drunk?"
He shook his head, then blurted "I'm in love with you..But I can't say anything." He ducked his head in fear as Tet shifted position in his sleep.
Andy sighed, "I think he'd understand, if that's what you're afraid of."
"Understand? Probably. Accept? Whole other story."
"He wants us to share him, he should be fine if he has to share us."
Kiba looked up. "Why would you want to be with me? Like you said, I hated you in the beginning. I threatened to kill you!"
"I don't know. Lately.. there's just something about you. I care about you a lot, Kiba," she looked down with a sigh.
He looked at her in disbelief. "My own family didn't care.."
"Well, I'm not them, am I?" She said quietly.
His shoulders began to shake as tears began to spill. "I don't deserve.." He clutched the blankets in his hands.
Andy moved and wrapped her arms around him, "It's alright, let it out. Just because they didn't care about you, doesn't mean others can't. You deserve care and love."
"I'm sorry… I haven't cried like this since I met Boss.." The wolf leaned into the embrace.
"It's alright, everyone needs to cry now and then."
"The big bad wolf crying.. Something you'll never read in a fairy tale." He joked half heartedly.
Andy gave him a small smile and ran a hand through his hair, "Are you okay?"
He rubbed his face tiredly. "Think so. Thanks for not laughing at me."
She smiled softly, "I'd never laugh at something like that, okay?" She kissed his forehead gently.
He let out a sound suspiciously like a purr and closed his eyes.
"Get some more rest. We can talk to Tet about whatever this is later."
He nodded sleepily, sliding back down into the bed and curling up.
Andy sat in the chair watching them until she curled up and fell asleep.