3 months later

Kiba swore, slapping another mosquito as he moved through the jungle. "Why the fuck did we agree to this mission again?"

Tet sighed as he rolled his eyes. "Cause we need money. It's almost over, so quit complaining."

Kiba shot him a scowl. "If I wanted to deal with bloodsuckers, I could have just teased Daiki until he bit me.. And since this is paying for his school, shouldn't Ryon be here instead?"

Tet paused to check the map. "It's exactly why he isn't. Andy, can't you shut him up?"

Andy rolled her eyes, "Guys, just shut up and focus on the mission."

Tet huffed. "I am focused on the mission. The dictator's palace is half a mile this way." He put the map back and took point as Kiba grumbled to himself.

Ten minutes later, Tet tensed and threw up a clenched fist. Kiba stopped Andy in her tracks, hissing to the tiger "What's the situation?"

Tet growled. "Must have been tipped to us. Fall back now!" He turned just as weapons began to fire. He jerked, but managed to get to Andy and push her down as Kiba began returning fire.

Kiba repeatedly cursed as he fired, then froze. "Shit! Andy, get his ass out of here! They've got a grenade launcher!" He raced to grab Tet's arm, dragging him off her and further into the jungle as a whistling sound was heard.

The wolf dived to cover his companion as an explosion shook the ground. When it was quiet again, he rolled off with a gasp. "Sonofabitch!"

Andy quickly said a spell to throw up a protective barrier as she knelt beside them and started some healing spells. After a minute she noticed attackers approaching, "You two get out of here, I'll take care of them." She used the barrier to push them further away before she quickly shifted and charged at the attackers. She bit into some, draining them, while ripping through others with her claws. She heard shots going off, but she was too focused on taking them down. When she finally realized she was alone, pain raced through her. She stayed in her panther form, catching the scents of Tet and Kiba and slowly limped her way over to them, keeping an eye for any more attackers.

Tet grimaced, his left arm hanging limp as blood streamed down. "You alright?"

Kiba's eyes were scanning the jungle as he took a shaky breath. "We need to get to the palace."

Andy focused on Tet, saying spells to stop the bleeding and help heal his arm up. The panther swayed slightly, but managed to stay upright, "Let's go then."

"Kiba, stay and take care of her. I'll go get the information." Tet shifted and disappeared into the jungle.

Andy growled before letting out a sigh and glancing at her wounds. She wished she had all of her medical supplies with her so she could quickly take care of it.

Kiba sat down near her before his legs could buckle. "He better watch his ass." The wolf yelped as he hit a jagged piece of metal embedded in his side with his hand. "Fucking grenades.."

Andy shifted back into human form, the blood much brighter on her skin than the black fur. She went to his side and started working on healing spells as she pulled the metal out of his side.

He gasped as the pain hit. "Fuck…"

She finished up, saying a spell to help with the pain before she started looking herself over. "I can teleport you home if you want.. I might be able to teleport to Tet's location, but it's better if I knew it."

He shook his head. "You need to rest. We'll wait for idiot."

Tet shifted back as he crept to the palace gates and peered in. He watched the guards leave for their rounds, then carefully climbed over. He quickly ran towards where the briefing had said the intelligence office was located. He hid in an alcove as a group of guards pushed two stumbling prisoners past, sucking in a breath as he recognized them.

When they were gone, he hit his comm. "Kiba! Change of plans. I need a distraction as soon as you can make it here."

"What the hell dude? You can't get out because they trapped you?"

Tet shook his head. "I just saw Jade and Leo.."

Outside, Kiba turned white, his eyes wide.

"I assume they're friends of yours?" Andy asked quietly. She pushed herself up, "Come on, are you staying here or coming with me?"

He stayed still for a minute, then cursed a long string of expletives. He slowly calmed, then stood on shaky legs. "Tet, we're coming. Don't do anything till we get there."

Andy grabbed onto Kiba, "I should be able to teleport us to him." She closed her eyes and focused on Tet, trying to ignore the growing pain. She said the teleportation spell then opened her eyes again, finding herself staring at Tet.

"Was it wise to do that?" Kiba took a deep breath as Tet rolled his eyes.

Tet sighed. "I still need to get the info. The guards went down that hall with them. Get the two of them to safety."

Kiba growled. "Can I blow this place afterwards?"

Tet gave a tired chuckle. "Please do." He moved toward the office door, disappearing within.

Andy glanced at Kiba, "Show me what they look like and I can teleport them out."

He looked her in the eye, projecting a tall blonde and a slightly shorter brunet into her head.

"I'll be back for you two," she added before rushing down the hall.

She quickly bit into the guard's neck, draining him of his blood before finding the two Kiba showed her. She approached cautiously, "I'll get you guys to safety."

The two men exchanged glances, then nodded slowly. They were dirty, cuts and bruises covering everywhere she could see. The brunet was supporting the blond who appeared to be on the verge of passing out.

"Jade's sick- infection." The man was calm outwardly, only his eyes betraying his alarm.

"'M fine.." The blond slurred, trying and failing to stand without assistance.

"It'll be alright, I'm a doctor," she said quietly before grabbing onto them and teleporting them to the base infirmary. She got them into beds and started healing them, cleaning their wounds quickly before focusing back on Kiba and teleporting to his location.

He jumped as she materialized, growling as he went back to laying explosive charges inside the armory. "Don't do that! Heard anything from Tet?"

She shook her head, "Sorry, I told you I'd be back," she said weakly.

He finished, eyeing her critically. "Get back home. I'll get one of the porters to bring us back." He double checked the detonators, then cautiously peered out the door.

Andy shook her head, "I want to help you guys. Plus the porters are probably busy."

"You can barely stand. I can't watch you and idiot at the same time." He glared at her as gunfire erupted down the hall.

Andy cursed, "Then don't watch me." She rushed to check on the noise, looking out for signs of Tet.

He raced down the hall, aiming for a large window. He crashed through it as bullets peppered the wall beside him.

Andy rolled her eyes, grabbing her pistol and starting to take the guards out. When they were down, she went to the window and looked out it searching for Tet.

There was no sign of him except a widening blood trail over the fence and into the jungle.

Kiba grabbed her arm. "Let's level this place and get out of here."

She nodded, "Alright. Are all the charges set?"

He nodded, holding the remote close.

She headed outside, trying not to limp too much. She knew Kiba could tell she was in bad shape but she didn't want to show how bad she really felt. She waited for him to press the button, keeping an eye on the building.

A minute later, she heard the rumble and the building blew sky high. Kiba's hand fell away from her arm.

She looked over at him.

He tried to grin, but his knees buckled as he hit the ground unconscious.

Andy rolled her eyes, grabbing onto him and teleporting him to the infirmary. She then focused on Tet and teleported to his location.

He lay face down, blood spreading under him. She couldn't tell if he was breathing.

She knelt by him, teleporting him to the infirmary. She got so focused on her work, she was mostly able to ignore her own pain and weakness other than the fact she could barely keep her eyes open. She worked on healing Kiba up before taking care of Tet and making sure he was breathing and alive before going back to Jade and Leo. She made sure the infection was taken care of and that they were doing fine before she finally sat down on one of the beds. She pulled supplies closer to her and tried to work on herself.

Tsukasa entered slowly, looking at Jade and Leo in shock before glancing at Andy. "What the hell happened to the easy in, easy out job you were given?"

She shrugged and mumbled, "Went bad, found those two, blew the place."

He face palmed. "Tell me one of you have the information.."

"I think Tet does."

The dragon quickly checked Tet's pockets, sighing audibly in relief as he pulled a usb out. "At least something went right." He looked at her. "Get some rest." He headed out the door.

Andy rolled her eyes and continued trying to close up her wounds and remove the few bullets in her.

Tet groaned without opening his eyes. "Am I in trouble?"

"No, you're fine," she spoke up from her bed.

"That's good." The reply was mumbled as he fell back into unconsciousness.

"Who are you and why does Tet trust you so easily?" Leo's voice was hesitant.

"I'm Andy. I'm the doctor here. He trusts me because I'm his girlfriend."

Jade choked. "Girlfriend?" His eyes were huge as he stared at her.

She raised an eyebrow at them before finally giving up on trying to remove the bullets.

Jack glided in, shaking his head at her and taking up the forceps. "Lay down." He glanced at the two men with a smile. "Glad you two are alive."

Andy gave him a thankful smile as she laid down. She soon was unconscious.

When she woke, she sat up and looked around the room.

Tet and Kiba were gone, Jade and Leo huddled in a corner talking quietly.

She pushed herself out of bed, still slightly limping. She glanced over at the two, "How are you guys feeling?"

"Much better. Weird being here after so long." Jade rubbed the back of his neck nervously.

Andy nodded, "How long have you guys been gone?"

Leo sighed. "Five years."

"Where have you been all that time?"

"Various prisons. Lost count of how many." Leo stared down at the blanket. "We thought Tet and Kiba were dead…"

Andy sighed, "That must have been rough."

"Apparently more for Tet than us. He took off this morning like Boss had set him on fire. Kiba went after him."

Andy frowned, wondering if she should go look for them. She finally decided to, "If you guys need anything let me know. I'm going to go check on them."

The two nodded quietly.

She headed out and checked Tet's room first.

Kiba looked up as she poked her head in. "Hey. Feeling better?"

"Still a bit sore, but a lot better than before. You?"

"Same. This idiot on the other hand.." He waved a hand toward the bathroom door.

"What's wrong?"

"Blaming himself again for things in the past. He can barely move but still took off. Finding them brought some issues out. Just another day at the office." He tapped on the door. "Open the damn door."

"Go the fuck away." Tet's muffled voice responded, the words pained.

"Tet, what's wrong?" Andy asked.

"It's my fault they almost died.. If I had made the right decision.."

"Hey, come on out and let's talk about it, okay? Tell me what happened," she said softly.

Kiba sighed. "It's in the past. They don't blame you."

The door slammed open, Tet's eyes blazing. "How can they not? I screwed up. I gave up on them and they have been in hell for the last five years!"

"Hey, let's calm down. So you screwed up, that doesn't mean they blame you for it. You can't make the right decision every time," Andy said gently, trying to get him to relax a little.

"That's my job though! They depended on me, trusted me, and I let them down. Don't know what's worse, believing they were dead or finding out the truth.." He sank to his knees, tears streaming down his face.

Andy rushed to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. "It's alright. They're alive and that's what matters. You can't constantly blame yourself for mistakes you made in the past."

He shook his head, his eyes only half open. "My responsibility.." He began to sink into her arms.

"Shh, it's alright. Let it go."

His eyes slid closed as Kiba rubbed his neck.

"Why does he blame himself? The higher ups are the ones who ordered us to leave without checking for survivors five years ago. Not him."

Andy shook her head, "I don't know but all we can do is keep trying to convince him it's not his fault."

"Easier said than done as just seen. He cares too damn much sometimes. Is he okay?"

Andy checked Tet over and nodded, getting him settled onto the bed. "I think he just needs more rest."

Kiba nodded. "I can tell you the whole story if you want. Walk with me?"

"Alright," Andy made sure the blanket was up around Tet before turning to Kiba.

He headed out, waiting for her to follow before speaking. "We were sent to a small country to take out a dictator. It was Tet's first mission as leader. He split the team, Jade and Leo were to stay with the helicopter. We ran into trouble and they were called in to extract us. A missile hit and they went down. Tet fought to be allowed to find them after we got free, but was denied because he was literally bleeding out at the time. We got extracted, he was in the hospital for a few months and the higher ups not only declared Jade and Leo dead, but reprimanded Tet for splitting the team. Tsukasa had to fight to keep him as leader."

"That must have been really hard for you guys," she sighed.

"Tet became more closed off after that. More type A during missions. No screw ups were tolerated." Kiba ran a hand through his hair. "He internalized everything."

Andy nodded, "I wish I could have been here to help him."

"He would have definitely been easier to live with." Kiba chuckled sadly.

"Do you think we can help him through it now?"

"You're the one who counsels everyone. You tell me." He stopped and sighed. "He's got so many issues. Sometimes I think he should have been forced to retire when we got free."

"I hope we can help him." Andy looked over at him before chuckling softly, "He does have a lot of issues doesn't he?"

"Well, his mother was killed by his dad who allowed him to be tortured for "science", he's got vamps trying to force him to be their king and he's got all of us to run… I'd have run away screaming a long time ago."

"At least he has us," she gave a small smile.

Kiba laughed. "You don't think we're the ones that are going to make him finally lose it?"

She chuckled, "Maybe."

Tsukasa appeared behind her. "Where is he?"

"Tet? He should still be in his room," she answered.

Tsukasa looked grim. "We have a situation."

"What's happening?"

"A group of vampires have taken one of our training facilities hostage. They're demanding Tet as ransom."

Andy rolled her eyes, "I'm sure we can take them out."

The dragon shook his head. "The Council have decided to allow it.. They've ordered me to turn him over for peace from the attacks."

Andy growled, "We can't just hand him over!"

"I know. But if he hears about it before we make a plan, you know he'll do it."

She sighed, "I know.. I'll do a freezing spell to prevent him from doing anything stupid while we come up with something."

"Too late." Zal glided up to them shaking his head. "His room is empty."

Andy cursed and closed her eyes, focusing on Tet and saying the teleportation spell.

Tet didn't look up as she appeared. "Go home, Andy." He watched the school through binoculars.

"No, I'm not letting you do anything stupid."

"You're going to let everyone in there die? I don't think so." He glanced at her somberly. "Their safety comes first, you know that. The Council obviously thinks this is what it takes to get peace."

"The Council are idiots. I'm sure there's a way we can save them without giving you up. Even if I have to go in there myself and find a way to sneak them all out before ripping into the vamps," she said a spell to freeze him before teleporting them both back to the base.

"Thank the gods." Kiba sighed in relief. "He was doing something idiotic wasn't he?"

Andy nodded. "Of course. Now let's come up with a plan before I go in there and take them all out myself."

Kiba stared at her for a moment. "Hold on a minute. You haven't fully recovered from yesterday. Don't be stupid."

Tsukasa frowned as he spoke on the phone, then listened. Smoke began curling around him as the call continued. "Sir, we can take them out without any casualties. Just let my team-" He stiffened, his eyes flashing as he was told something. He slammed the phone shut and tried to control his shift.

"What now?" Andy stared.

"The Council has ordered us to immediately turn Tet over or be subject to the Branch. Apparently, it's being rebuilt.." His eyes were filled with terror.

Andy took a deep breath, "Then pretend you'll hand him over. And me and anyone else who wants to will get there beforehand and claim we were acting on our own." She sighed, "And I'll take the Branch out again if I have to."

Tsukasa shook his head. "They're coming here to personally take him. They'll be here as fast as a porter can be found." He sat down in defeat. "We've lost."

Andy shook her head, focusing before saying a spell. "I just set up a barrier around the property they can't get through it, even porters. Now I'm going to go kick some vampire ass, anyone want to go with?"

Kiba grinned and waved his hand excitedly.

Andy held her hand out to him, "Let's go get them then."

He took it, giving her a kiss on the cheek.

She teleported them to where she had found Tet before.

Kiba watched quietly as the vampires tortured the people inside the facility. His hands clenched into fists.

"You focus on getting the people free. I'll cause a distraction and fight off the vamps."

"Shouldn't it be the other way around since you can port?"

Andy sighed, "Right. I'll be quick then and will be back to help you." She headed off toward the building.

Kiba ran quickly around the back, finding an unguarded door and slipping in before shifting and taking down some unsuspecting vamps. He growled as the others suddenly whirled to glare at him. They transformed, leaving the people huddled in fear as they rushed the wolf. He led them away so Andy could rescue the people.

Andy approached them, "Grab onto me, I'll get you out of here." She said quickly. After they did, she teleported them to the base, unsure where else to take them. She looked at Tsukasa, "The people are safe now." Before she teleported back to where Kiba was.

He was still fighting, although beginning to slow as his injuries took their toll. Several vampires lay dead around him, but more were swarming. Two were latched on to him, fangs embedded in his fur. He stumbled weakly as the others began inching closer.

Andy shifted quickly and pounced at them, knocking them free from Kiba. She fought many off but a few latched onto her, biting into her. She let out a whimper as one bit one of the spots she'd been injured the day before. She clawed into them, getting them to release their grips. Blood started soaking her fur as her stitches broke. She finally got the rest down and went over to Kiba, weakly nudging him.

He whimpered weakly, blood covering his fur and puddling onto the floor.

Andy started reciting spells to close up his wounds. Once the bleeding stopped, she shifted back into human form, swaying as the blood continued to drip from her wounds. She said a spell to try to help herself a bit, but she knew she really needed stitches again. She grabbed onto Kiba and teleported them back to the base.

They appeared in the main room in time to see a vampire sink their fangs into Tet as a witch recited spells to keep the squad in place.

Andy shifted in seconds, pouncing at the witch and sinking her fangs into her. She then ripped the vampire apart with her claws. She shifted again, checking on Tet. She said a spell to close up the bite wounds before trying to glance at him for any other injuries. Her vision blurred but she managed to stay on her feet.

Tsukasa grabbed her. "Sorry. They just showed up and next thing we knew we were frozen."

Jack knelt beside Kiba and Tet. "They need help now. Take her to the infirmary."

"I can help.." Andy said, voice obviously full of exhaustion.

"No way." Tsukasa picked her up and started for the infirmary. "You can't even stand. No way can you help them."

She sighed and closed her eyes, wishing the pain away.

Tsukasa laid her on a bed, moving to let Jack start an IV. The colonel watched as Zal began stitching her up.

Jack quickly got transfusions set up for all three, face grim.

"Kiba is critical. Tet hasn't yet shown symptoms of the virus yet, but you and I know it's going to be a fight to keep him alive."

Andy listened for a moment before mumbling a spell under her breath. It froze the others in the room, she pushed herself up and headed to Kiba. She said some healing spells and made sure the transfusion was working before heading to Tet. She checked the transfusion before staring at him for a minute. She made a spell seal to fight off the virus in case it did start attacking him. She waited until they were both stable before slowly moving back to her bed. She reattached her IV before unfreezing the others.

"Dammit Andy! Would you quit doing that?" Jack growled before his eyes grew wide.

"I was just trying to help," she blinked sleepily.

"Endangering your own health is not the way." Zal chastised her gently.

She wanted to argue that she thought the others were more important than her health but she knew they'd yell at her for thinking that way. She simply sighed and relaxed into the bed.

Zal injected something into her IV. "Sleep, Andy."

She soon drifted off to sleep.

When she woke, she blinked her eyes open and pushed herself up with a wince.

Tet and Kiba were still asleep, but Ryusei was pacing back and forth next to a pale Yamae.

She pushed herself out of the bed and went over to them, "What happened?"

"Branch assholes ran him down and took Ryon. Said they'd be in contact."

Andy growled a moment before taking a deep breath and focusing on Yamae. She said some healing spells after checking him over, "He should be okay after some more rest."

"I thought we had ended them?!" The porter was trembling with fear and anger.

"Apparently they're rebuilding.." Andy said quietly.

Ryusei looked at her, breath freezing. "Should have known this was a pipe dream. We'll never be free unless we're dead." He slammed a hand into the wall, then slid down to wrap his arms around his knees. He laid his head on his knees and began to hyperventilate.

Andy crouched beside him, "Take deep breaths, come on, in and out." She rubbed his back gently, "We'll get him back and I know we'll find a way to take Branch out again."

He shook his head as tears streaked his face. "Makes me want to jump off a bridge again.. I just have to make sure I'm alone this time." He gave a rueful chuckle.

Andy sighed, "Look, I know this is rough. I'm honestly scared of the Branch even if I talk tough. But I'll do everything I can to keep you safe from them and to get Ryon back. With all of us together, we can take them down." She looked down, "I'm just wondering what they want from us this time."

As if on cue, Tsukasa charged in, smoke thick behind him. "I'm going to turn every single one of them into charcoal. Then I'm going to stomp them into dust and set them on fire again!"

Andy gave a gentle squeeze to Ryusei's arm before she stood back up. "What's happening?"

"They want both of something called the book of shadows. They say you know what they are. They've given us a time limit of six hours before they dissect Ryon alive on television."

Andy frowned, "Both of? They can't mean mine.. Maybe my moms?" She sighed, "I'll go search the attic and see if I can find it.."

"You shouldn't go alone." Ryusei rose to his feet, his face determined.

"Alright," Andy nodded before looking at Tsukasa, "I'll find it and we'll get Ryon back."

Tsukasa gave a heavy sigh. "Be careful you two."

Ryusei grabbed her arm and focused, rematerializing in her living room. "Nobody should be the wiser if you have watchers."

She gave him a small smile before heading up to the attic. She searched for an hour until she found a wooden box. She lifted the dusty lid to reveal a purple leather book with intricate designs on the front. She opened it and started reading through it, realizing it held a lot of different healing spells her father's hadn't had. She held it to her tightly as if to hug her mom through it before she headed back down.

"Knew you'd find it. Now hand it over or he's going to have a very long nap." A tall hawk faced man held one hand out to her, the other pressing a gun to the unconscious Ryusei's head.

She slowly held it out to him.

He reached for it, the pistol rising from the porter's skull. "Smart woman."

"Why do you want it anyway?"

"Not everyone has your gift. But anyone can use these." He waved the weapon at her as his hand closed around the book. "Although if I can get you on my table, we can find out what makes you tick." He laughed darkly. "Get beside him. I won't kill you but I will kill him."

Andy moved to Ryusei's side as she tried to think of ways out of there. If she started muttering spells, he could shoot. She wasn't sure there was enough room to shift and take him down in the small living room. So she continued to try to think of ideas, fear racing through her.

Suddenly the man went flying into the wall as a small dragon slammed into him. It jerked as the gun went off, its talons clutching the book. It stumbled over to her before reverting. "Let's go." Ryusei's voice was pained as he struggled to focus.

"Just relax," Andy grabbed him and said the teleportation spell. Back in the infirmary, she started healing him, caring for his wounds and cleaning them as she muttered spells. When she was done, she looked at the book for a few minutes before heading out to her room to get the other book of shadows.

Daiki met her in the hall. "You look like hell. Are you okay?" He indicated the blood on her shirt.

She looked down, "That's Ryusei's.. Though I'm still not fully healed after the events of the last couple days, I'm doing alright."

"What happened? I'm guessing you heard about Branch's ultimatum?" The vampire scowled.

"Went home to find the other book of shadows and got attacked," Andy sighed. "Last I heard they want the two books for Ryon. Has anything changed?"

He shook his head. "Tsukasa asked for proof of life to stall. They sent this." He pulled his phone out, playing a short video of Ryon. He defiantly stared into the camera as unseen people repeatedly hit him.

Andy growled, "I'm going to go get him back."

"Calm down. Tsukasa is already trying to plan a rescue. At least we know he's alive."

"I have the books they want, we can just do the trade," Andy sighed. "It'll be quicker."

"Can we really trust that they just want the books? And should they be allowed to get them?"

Andy frowned, "I don't know about trusting them, but a lot of what is in the books is for healing.."

Daiki sighed. "I guess we have no choice. I'll tell Tsukasa to contact them." He headed past her reluctantly.

Andy grabbed the other book and changed before going out to the main room. She sat down and started reading her mothers book of shadows and taking notes into hers for safe keeping.

Tet raced to her side, eyes roaming over her before he calmed. "You're crazy, you know that?"

She chuckled softly, "Why this time?"

"Going home ring a bell? You could have been killed..or worse." He sat down beside her.

"I had to find this," she held up the book, "So we can save Ryon."

"You think they'll actually keep their word?" He looked at her worriedly.

"I don't know," she shook her head, "but it's the best option we have right now.."

"I hate this.." He growled at the floor. "Ryon's life depends on them actually telling the truth for once."

"I know, but you know if they don't free him, I'll be the first to run in there to rescue him."

"That can only happen if they don't take you as well. After last time, I dread you being within spitting distance of those bastards."

Andy was quiet for a minute before speaking again, "If they do take me and make me that weapon they wanted.. promise me you'll take me down."

His face went white and he began to shake his head. "Don't make me promise that…"

Andy sighed, "Alright, sorry for asking.."

He took a deep breath. "No, I'm sorry. I'll stop you, I swear it. Even if it kills me."

She squeezed his hand, "Thank you."

He gritted his teeth, clutching her hand tight.

Tsukasa walked in slowly. "Am I interrupting?"

Andy shook her head, "It's alright. What's up?"

He extended a piece of paper. "The exchange point. I'm assigning Jack as your backup."

She took the paper and nodded, "Okay, ready whenever he is."

Jack glided in, medical bag slung around his chest. "Hopefully this goes smoothly." The vampire's voice was tense.

Andy turned back to Tet and gave him a kiss before going to Jack and grabbing his arm. She focused on the exchange point and said the teleportation spell. They soon rematerialized and she looked around quickly.

Ryon lay bound, gagged and unconscious next to several Branch members. Their eyes narrowed catching sight of them. "You have them?"

"Right here," Andy answered, holding them up.

One of the men slowly approached with an extended hand.

Andy nodded to Jack to start approaching Ryon.

The other men moved a few steps away as the vampire knelt beside the porter and quickly checked him. "He's alive. Strong pulse."

Andy nodded and held the books out.

The man took them, his nails scratching her in his haste. He smiled in apology.

She suddenly felt really tired, "Jack..." She swayed, struggling to stay on her feet.

The vampire started to rise with a shout, but froze as a stake was slammed into his chest. Blood spurted as his eyes rolled back and he collapsed.

Andy tried to fight but soon fell to the floor unconscious.

The next few times she woke, it was a lot like before, scientists staring over her and she felt she had no energy. She had no idea how much time had passed. Finally, she woke feeling a bit stronger.

A man entered the room, watching her intently. "How are you feeling?"

"Not terrible," she admitted. "Who are you?"

"A friend. Do you know why you're here?"

She shook her head slowly.

"We rescued you. You've been recovering from your torture." He sat down beside her bed.

She frowned, "I don't remember that.."

He nodded. "Not surprising. But you're safe now. Although you have permission to retaliate if you choose, we won't stop you."

She stared at him in confusion, "Retaliate?"

"The people who had you killed your team in front of you. They then did their best to do the same to you. We'd understand if you're angry." He laid a picture of a group in front of her. "This is the outfit that captured you."

She stared at it a minute, "Why don't I remember...?" The picture looked a bit familiar but nothing clicked.

"Trauma tends to cause memory loss. Do you want to remember?" The man's voice was soft as his hand reached into his coat pocket.

She nodded slowly.

He removed a syringe, injecting it into her IV. He sat back and waited.

"How long have I been here?" She looked around.

"Approximately three weeks. This was your team's base for years though."

She once again nodded slowly, trying to remember.

Images began flashing through her head. Young faces laughing, then screaming in terror as they were torn apart by various people in the photo he'd shown her. Vampires draining her friends, her family while laughing.

She held her head tightly, as if the images were causing her pain. She shook her head as tears streamed down her face.

"I'm sorry, but you said you wanted to remember." The man gently rested his hand on her shoulder.

"Why did they do it?" She eventually whispered.

"Because they are bloodthirsty monsters. Your team is just the latest victims. They have been a thorn in our side for years, causing death and misery."

She looked down, "We were vampires and shifters too, weren't we? Why attack their own kind?"

"You volunteered. They consider anyone working with us traitors. They see it as liberating their kind from us. But if there's resistance, then they just kill everyone."

She closed her eyes, trying to picture how life was. She sighed, "I might not fully remember them, but if they were my friends, they deserve revenge."

The man nodded and rose from the chair. He disconnected the IV. "I'll let you get ready, then you can have your revenge." He headed for the door as he smiled widely.

She pushed herself up, trying to steady herself. She stretched a bit, "Where do I find them?"

"I'll give you the address when you're ready to go."

She nodded and looked around. "Where do I find a change of clothes and weapons?"

He opened the door. "Follow me."

She did as she was told, following him out the door.

He led her to an armory, handing her a jumpsuit and a gun.

She looked it over slowly before nodding. After going to another room she changed quickly before coming back out, "I'm ready."

He showed her a piece of paper. "Their location. Memorize it."

The address looked familiar to her making her frown. She focused on it before saying the spell to teleport.

Visions of her teleporting with the attackers appeared in her mind. She held her head for a moment as she tried to make sense of it all.

"Pull yourself together," she spoke aloud to herself before standing tall and approaching the building.

Two young men stared at her as they came out. "Andy? You're alive?" Broad grins began to appear on their faces.

She looked at them confused, "How do you know my name?"

They exchanged glances, frowning as they looked back at her. "Do you remember us? Ryusei and Yamae." One of them began to slowly approach her.

"You guys killed my friends," she growled, pointing her gun at them.

"What's wrong with you?" The approaching one froze.

"We're your friends. We thought you were dead.." The other one reached for his radio.

She clutched her head for a moment, memories of them smiling appearing in her head. She started breathing heavily with confusion.

"Tet?" Ryusei quickly spoke into the radio. "You need to get out here now! Andy has a gun and is threatening us."

She shook her head trying to force the memories to make sense.

Yamae began to slowly approach once again. "Are you alright?"

"Stay away from me!" Andy pointed the gun and fired at him.

He fell backward, blood spreading on his shirt rapidly.

"Fuck!" Ryusei went for his pistol.

Andy aimed at him and prepared to shoot.

He looked at her sadly as he got it out. "Don't make me shoot you, Andy.."

"Why do you act like you care?" She growled. "I saw your team kill my friends!"

"I don't know what they did to you, but whatever you saw wasn't real! We're your friends and we've been mourning you ever since they killed Jack and took you.." Ryusei's eyes strayed to the door as it opened behind him.

A tall man came out, his eyes bloodshot and his face streaked with tears. "Andy? Put the gun down, please.." He raised his hands and started to approach.

"How do I know you guys are telling the truth?" Andy pointed the gun at him.

"Look at me, Andy. I love you more than anything. I would never lie to you. Please.. Just put the gun down." He continued moving toward her.

The crack of a rifle broke the moment and the man collapsed. Blood began spurting out of a hole in his chest.

Ryusei's eyes widened seconds before another shot echoed and he flew back to lay still.

Andy looked around for the shooter in confusion.

The man who had given her the location spoke in her earpiece. "You can get in now. Stop wasting time."

Andy entered slowly, her breathing quick. The place felt familiar to her, making more memories flood back. She knelt down, her breathing turning into hyperventilating.

"Andy?!" Two armed men skidded to a stop a few feet away. One of them crouched to meet her eyes. "Thank the gods." His eyes were flickering between brown and gold, his gun tightly clutched in one hand.

She stared at him as tears streamed down her face. "I don't know what's real.."

He moved closer after laying the gun on the floor. "Just breathe. We'll help you, I swear." A sudden noise made him growl low in his throat as his companion's face transformed.

She shook hard, eyes widening as she watched the companion. "I saw you kill them." She shakily raised her gun to point at him.

"Kill who Andy?" The crouching one gazed at her in confusion.

She closed her eyes and shook her head, "You guys say you're my friends but I saw you kill my friends..." she lowered the gun slightly as she let out a sob.

The one who had growled suddenly was in front of her and reached for the gun. "Let us help you. We'll fix whatever they did if it's the last thing we do."

"If you guys didn't make me forget, then who did?"

"Branch..may they all become charcoal briquets. They took you and the books after killing Jack and almost killing Ryon. Do you remember anything?"

"Someone's coming!" Zal hissed as he took up a defensive stance in front of them.

Two seconds later, a grenade came rolling in. The man pushed Andy behind a wall as it exploded.

Andy stood shakily, looking out and letting out a sob as she took in the scene. She headed back outside, pressing a button on her earpiece to talk, "They say they're my friends.. How do I know you're telling the truth?"

The man suddenly appeared in front of her. "You doubt me? See how long they play nice with you after this. They are liars! But if you can't do the job, then I have no use for you."

Andy raised the gun toward him, "You don't have a use for me? How can I trust you if you say something like that?"

His face softened. "What I meant was, you can't go on missions if you're not mentally stable. I was hoping by taking revenge, we could be together again. I'm sorry if it came out wrong."

Andy dropped the gun, sobs racking her body. "I don't know who to believe."

The man wrapped an arm around her, sitting her down on the ground. "I'll finish this. Just wait here." He rose and headed into the building.

Rapid gunfire was heard inside, then he was hurriedly backing out as a huge black dragon followed. It was bleeding from several injuries, but had enough strength to blow a jet of flame at the man.

He screamed, backing away. "She's ours now! You lost! Just die already!" He raised his machine gun and emptied the clip wildly.

The dragon jerked, then rapidly reverted to a white haired man who looked at Andy sadly before falling face down and lying still.

The man laughed maniacally, going over and kicking the body. "Her mind is ours forever now."

Andy watched in confusion, "What are you talking about?"

He froze, then scrabbled for something in his pocket. Removing a syringe, he began to approach her. "You're tired. Let me take you home so you can rest."

She backed away quickly, "I'm not going anywhere with you."

He snarled. "We aren't letting you go that easy." He rushed toward her, his eyes wild.

She grabbed a gun off the ground, pointing it at him. "Stay away!"

"You're ours!" He tried to jab the needle into her.

She felt dizzy, the world spinning around her. She tried to shoot at the man but missed, finally getting him in the arm the second time.

He yelled, then disappeared.

She felt disoriented, the world closing in around her. She soon fell to the ground and blacked out.

When she woke, she was shaky, still feeling confused. She looked around at all the dead before carrying them inside and finding the infirmary. She spent hours focusing on trying to heal them, more specks of memories coming back as she did.

Eventually, she focused on all of them at once, gold light filling the room. Once they all started breathing, the light faded. Andy felt a wave of exhaustion. She remembered what her house looked like, so she focused and teleported there. She sat in the shower long past the water turned freezing. She eventually dragged herself out and got dressed, collapsing into the bed. She curled up still trying to make sense of what was real.

The front door suddenly opened, a soft voice calling her name. It got louder as steps sounded outside her door.

"You think this is wise?" Another voice silenced the first, the question hesitant.

"Boss wants her back with us." Her door opened quietly. "She needs us for a change and I'm not going to let her down. Especially since it's my fault in the first place they grabbed her."

Andy shook, covering herself in the blanket as if a child trying to hide from monsters.

Arms gently wrapped themselves around her, holding on as if afraid she'd break before she heard bells. Wind rushed around her for a moment, then all was quiet. She was laid down on a bed, the voices retreating.

Andy peeked out and looked around before hiding back into the blankets.

There was a choked laugh off to the side of the room. "Are you a turtle now as well?"

Andy was surprised when she chuckled, "Shut up."

"Nice to know you can still laugh." The voice was quiet. "I probably should wait, but I need to apologize for getting you into this situation."

She peeked out and shook her head, "It's alright. I don't blame you. I'm just really confused about stuff.."

A face entered her view, it's eyes sad. "If I hadn't started school, they wouldn't have been able to grab me. It's my fault you had to try to save me.." The man ran a hand through his red hair wearily. "I got Jack killed and god knows what done to you.. You should blame me."

She shook her head again, "I'm glad you started school. I wanted you to have the chance to chase your dreams." She sighed, "No matter if you blame yourself or not, I don't blame you at all."

Ryon sank to the floor as he stared around the room. "We're not safe with so many of us down." He tapped a radio. "Kenji, have you put the others on ice yet? We need to figure out how to defend this place."

Kenji's voice answered. "Yeah, just finished. They'll be alright until later."

Andy looked confused, "What happened?"

"The guy backing you up took out a lot more of us before Boss went nuclear. There's only four of us available. A few more probably won't make it." Ryon sighed.

"I'm sorry.. I'll help heal them."

"You can barely keep your eyes open. They can wait."

"I should be helping."

"Tet would kill me if you dropped dead from overusing your healing." Ryon huffed as he glanced at the unconscious man.

Andy was quiet for a moment before asking, "Why don't you hate me? I attacked the team..."

"You weren't all there. You probably were messed up with control drugs and gods know what else. You were told a story and you were doing what you would have done-hell what you have done for us. Why would we hate you?"

"I shot Yamae.." She sighed, "And I almost shot a few more of the team. I should have been stronger and fought it.."

He cupped her face, his green eyes boring into her dark ones. "It is not your fault. You didn't blame Tet when he lost control, why should it be different for you? You're home with us and that's what is important."

His radio buzzed. "We just lost Taka. Akira is just a matter of time."

Andy pushed herself up, "I need to help."

Ryon gave an exasperated sigh and steadied her. "Should I carry you?"

She shook her head, "I'm fine. Where are they?"

"Main room." He rubbed a hand tiredly over his face, revealing bandages around his abdomen as his shirt rose. "You better be alive when Tet wakes."

Andy used the wall to support her as she made her way to the main room. She looked around, taking in everything.

The walls were pockmarked by bullets, blood covering the floor. A covered figure lay in one corner.

"Come on Akira, stay with me.." Kenji's voice was pleading as he knelt beside a body. There was blood on the Frenchman's fatigues and she could see his shaking as she got closer.

Andy knelt beside Akira, starting to mutter healing spells to try to help.

Kenji gave her a wan smile as the phoenix's vitals stabilized. He tried to rise, losing his balance and groaning as he ended up on his back. More blood seeped between his fingers from his side as he tried to breathe through the pain.

Andy moved to him and focused her spells on him, blue light glowing around him as the wounds healed up.

He weakly chuckled. "Merci." He passed out as Ryon entered slowly.

"Are they alright?"

"Yeah, they will be once they rest," she answered before shakily standing. She headed toward the covered figure, pulling the cover back slowly.

Taka lay still, bandages wrapped around numerous bullet wounds. The gauze was soaked through, more blood puddling around him.

Andy sighed, checking him over before saying some spells to close the wounds. She then focused, gold light surrounding him. After he sucked in some air, she looked up at Ryon, "He probably needs a transfusion."

"I'll take care of them. You need to rest."

Andy gave in, heading back toward the infirmary.

"Are you real?" Tet asked quietly.

She nodded, "Yeah. How long have I been gone..?"

"Almost a month. I had almost given up hope." He pushed himself up, wincing.

Andy sat next to him, "Things are still really fuzzy.. but at least I know what's real now. Those memories still feel so real though.."

"They probably took real ones and twisted them." He scowled as he tried to stand. "Is the bastard dead?"

Andy looked down, "He got away, but he was badly injured.. hopefully he's dead.."

"Fingers crossed." He managed to get to his feet, swaying. "What's the situation?"

"You should rest," she said quietly before sighing, "Everyone is either injured or dead. And Ryon won't let me revive the others yet."

His face went white. "Everyone?" He grabbed the end of the bed as the shock buckled his knees.

"That guy did it, I only shot Yamae..." She continued to look down, "If he's alive, do you think he'll come back after me?"

"If he's got a brain at all, no. Then again Branch isn't real intelligent cause they targeted you in the first place." He regained his composure and looked at her. "I outrank Ryon, but are you strong enough to revive everyone? Jack's been dead for almost a month.."

"I don't know, but I want to try." She looked around the room at the unconscious men.

"Then go ahead. If Ryon tries to stop you send him to me." He took a deep breath, sitting down as the room spun.

She watched him a moment, "Please get more rest. I'll be back."

She headed off to where the dead were kept, removing the sheets to look them over.

Gunshot wounds and shrapnel injuries were revealed. Jack had a hole in his chest and a slashed throat.

She started to get to work on healing them. After a long while, she set up transfusions on the ones who needed it. Pushing through her exhaustion, she focused, gold light surrounding them all. They started breathing one by one until finally the only one left was Jack. She focused harder, working on trying to get his heart beating. Eventually it finally started. She stepped away slowly before heading out of the room. She planned to tell Tet or Ryon they could be moved to the infirmary, but she struggled to stay upright. Soon, the whole world went dark and she collapsed to the hallway floor.

Ryon swore as he ran to her side. "I told her.." He lifted her into his arms and carried her into the infirmary, laying her in an empty bed. He glared at a half awake Tet. "You gave her permission didn't you?"

Tet sighed and nodded. "She was insistent. Didn't feel like fighting."

Ryon rolled his eyes. "Idiots. Just rest and don't do anything else stupid alright?"

Tet chuckled tiredly as he fell asleep.

Andy kept seeing conflicting visions in her mind, both of her real friends dying and some of them killing these imaginary friends, before flashing back to scientists standing above her. She woke quickly, pushing herself up into a sitting position, breathing heavily. She looked around as she started to shake.

Ryon gently touched her shoulder. "Breathe. You're safe."

She nodded slowly, taking a deep breath. She was still a little shaky but better than before. "Sorry.."

He shook his head, giving her a soft smile. "No apologies necessary. Though I hope you are the last to have nightmares today."

She glanced around, "How is everyone?"

"Alive thanks to you. Boss is up and giving the General hell. Your idiot boyfriend had a walking nightmare which nearly killed him again." He sighed. "Everyone else is either asleep still or cleaning up." He gave a chuckle before adding "My brother says if you apologize to him he'll hit you."

Andy sighed, "I might anyway." She gave a small smile, "How's Kiba doing?"

"Masochist. And he's locked in his room at the moment."

She frowned, "What did he do exactly?"

"Caught him in the armory attempting to load enough explosives to take out a small island and intending to find Branch's base."

She nodded then slowly realized, "I at least know what one room looks like.. I could probably teleport there to take them down..." she looked down, "After we all are doing better of course."

Ryon looked unconvinced. "I don't have to restrain you too, do I?"

She shook her head, "Probably not."

An alarm over the next bed began ringing. Ryon growled "Better not" before heading over. He swore, reaching for a syringe. "Dammit Tet!"

She pushed herself up, "I'll help."

"His heart is still recovering from the bullet. The last nightmare almost caused cardiac arrest." Ryon struggled to hold the tiger still so he could give the injection.

Andy said a healing spell to help his heart before she spoke softly, "Tet, I need you to wake up."

His thrashing stilled as he heard her voice and he slowly said her name as his eyes blinked open. "I'm sorry I didn't protect you.." His eyes were unfocused, his blood pressure still high.

"You can't protect me from everything." She gently grabbed his hand, "I'm here now and everything is alright."

He tightly squeezed as his eyes cleared. "Not a dream.. You're alive.." He took a deep breath as the alarm ceased.

"Idiot. Stop scaring us." Ryon sat down hard, his face pale.

"Yeah, I'm alive," she said softly to Tet as she sat beside him.

Tet gave a sigh, then gave a concerned look to the porter. "You okay?"

Ryon grimaced as he touched his abdomen. "Think I popped my stitches." His eyes rolled up as he began to fall from the chair.

Andy quickly got up and moved him to an empty bed, cleaning the wound and restitching it. She then said a healing spell to make it heal faster.

"Is he alright?" Tsukasa frowned as he entered.

"He'll be fine after some rest."

He nodded. "We've been given permission to retrieve the books when you're up to it. And if the Branch tries their shit again to take it out."

'

Andy took a deep breath, "Alright."

"Don't push yourself. Everyone needs to be at their best." He pointedly looked at Tet, who blushed.

Andy nodded, "So we'll make a plan when everyone's up and healed."

The dragon gave her a smile. "It's good to have you back."

"Ryon! I'm going to kick your ass!" Kiba strode angrily into the infirmary. "Drugging me was low."

"He's out right now," Andy informed.

He scowled for a minute, then gave her a smile. "Nice to see you up."

She smiled back, "How are you feeling? Other than angry?"

He chuckled ruefully. "I'm okay. But I still want to hit him. He knocked me out behind my back."

She nodded, "Don't worry, we'll be going after Branch soon."

The wolf shot his brother a questioning look.

The dragon nodded. "When the team is awake, so just sit down and wait."

Andy motioned to the chair next to her, "Yeah, sit."

He sighed and did as requested, looking at Tet. "You look like shit."

Tet rolled his eyes in response.