"Gained sentience?"
Nori smiled again. "Fae spend several decades as what you would deem very pretty large globes. When a certain time is reached, they become humanoid and then age slowly."
She frowned before raising an eyebrow, "Globes? Really? And I feel like I aged normally?"
"Your father accelerated your growth for fear you would be killed before you gained sentience. To make you blend in, he adapted your biology. Of course, being in the coven, there were no questions." He led her to a gem store, handing her a split geode. "Imagine the inside on the outside in the same shape."
She nodded slowly. "Will I keep aging normally or is it slower now that I have abilities?"
"I do not know. Does it bother you?"
She shook her head, "Just curious."
He laughed softly. "Your father's daughter." He was quiet for a moment, then pointed out a store. "Shouma would be happy in those."
She nodded and set the geode down before following him to the store. She glanced around and picked out a few things she thought would be cute for Shouma before asking Nori's opinion.
"You are a fast learner. He would wear all of those until they fell apart."
She smiled, going up and purchasing the items.
Nori was browsing silently, his eyes watching her.
She came back, "Ready to go to the next one?"
"Yes."
She continued to glance at stores, spotting a small coffee shop. She smiled at him, "Do you want anything?"
"I am not allowed personal pleasures."
"You are now. What do you want?"
He stammered out a drink in surprise.
She went and got their drinks and handed him the cup. "We also need to get you a few things. You definitely need a new shirt."
"I will repair it when we return. You do not need to buy me anything." He slowly took a sip of his drink, his eyes glittering. "I thank you for this."
"You're welcome. And either pick out some clothes for yourself or I'll pick them out for you."
"You're serious." His eyes widened.
"Yes, I am."
"I am merely a disposable protector. Why are you treating me like this?" The cup sat forgotten in his hand as he cocked his head at her.
"You're not disposable. And you're my brothers' protector, you deserve some nice things. Also, I guess I'm just nice."
He ducked his head for a moment, then took a deep drink from the cup. "I am continuously amazed at you."
She smiled and led him to the next shop. They picked out clothes for Ryusei then she made sure he picked out clothes for himself too. They then headed back toward the car.
"I will not let you down." His voice was quiet as he halted in the parking lot. "I will not squander your trust in me."
"Thank you?" She said with a raised eyebrow. "Where did that come from?"
"You are treating me as a person, even though I am not. I wish to convey my utmost gratitude." He refused to look her in the eye, staring at his unfinished drink instead.
"You are a person. To me at least."
Tears began streaming down his cheeks and his cup trembled in his hand.
"Hey.. it's alright," she said softly, gently wrapping her arms around him. "I know I'm not good at this Fae stuff, but I'm pretty good at human stuff."
He tried to compose himself. "I am sorry I am weak like this."
"This isn't weakness. Feelings aren't weak."
"Are you going to dismiss me now? I've fulfilled my duty as protector."
"Why would I dismiss you?"
"The Princes have been delivered safe and sound. My duty was to either deliver them to the Queen or groom Shouma for the throne and return him to Court safely. We have found you now."
She looked thoughtful, "Well, I think I have the perfect job for you."
He shook his head. "My duty is complete. I must go and take the vial of lyrith Shouma holds for me."
"That's ridiculous."
"That is the final duty of the protector. Once their job is complete, they are no longer needed and retired."
"Well, I still need you."
"Why would you need me?" He finally looked at her.
"Because, I'm obviously clueless as to what I'm doing. You know what Fae are like. I need someone to help me figure things out and not screw up. Like an advisor."
"Your brothers are here. They are Fae. I am not."
"You can also help me with dealing with vampires. You know more about those kinds of things than my brothers do."
"Do you not have Ichigo Hanamoto to help you?" Nori's eyes narrowed. "He is a firm ally of the Court."
Arya winced, "I don't know how things are going to go now that I know all this stuff, but we weren't on the best of terms before that." She then sighed, "I want you to help me, as a friend. I need all the help I can get, even with all my brothers helping."
"You consider me..a friend?" The shock in his voice was unmistakable.
"Of course."
His lips tightened, his eyes glittering. "I would be honored to aid you until you deem me worthless."
"I'm not going to deem you worthless."
"Shall we go make sure Shouma has not conned Kaien into illegality?" He walked ahead of her to the car.
She chuckled and followed, then drove them back home. She unlocked the apartment door and entered, bags in hand.
Kaien was dozing, the tv on low.
Ryusei emerged from the library and greeted them with a small smile. He looked closer at Nori, who hurriedly went into the bedroom and closed the door. "Is he alright?"
"I kind of think I broke him by treating him like a person. I bought him coffee and clothes and then told him he should be my advisor."
"Is he back on that idea? I could have sworn he'd gotten it through his head that he was not simply our protector." The blond froze. "He didn't say anything about lyrith, did he?"
She sighed and nodded, "He did."
Ryusei scowled. "I'm assuming he gave no explanation."
"Basically just that he's done with his duty as protector."
Ryusei facepalmed. "Dammit." He sighed and sat down in the recliner.
"Protectors are usually low level prisoners that are told they will make a difference for the Court. They are trained to be emotionless as much as possible and to be focused on their duty. They are referred to as weapons and are only treated as sentient as far as following orders is concerned. Once a protector either fulfills their duty or is removed for other reasons, they take lyrith and are disposed of."
Arya growled, "That's bullshit."
"I agree and have tried to break Nori of the idea that his only worth is protecting us. I thought I had gotten through to him. But as my condition has worsened, he has withdrawn again."
She nodded slowly. "Can we stop the use of protectors? That way no one else has to go through that?"
"You are Queen. You can stop whatever you wish. Just send a message to Court with your orders." He shrugged.
"I feel like the Court is going to hate me.."
He laughed softly. "Not all our rulers have been beloved. And you want to make things better."
She sighed again, "I'm afraid I'll screw up majorly. I don't know the first thing about being a Fae, yet I'm now Queen of them.."
"Sound and fury signifying nothing. Or at least not much." He grinned at her.
She chuckled before handing him a bag,"These are for you."
He looked at her quizzically before opening it. "You bought me clothes?" His voice was incredulous.
"Thought you might need them.. Did we get ones you like?"
He nodded slowly. "I will be gone soon. Why waste your money?"
"Because, even if you will be gone soon, I want you to enjoy the most of your time.. Not sure clothes exactly help you enjoy your time.. but I hope you understand my point."
He blushed. "I have not received anything for a long time. Thank you."
Shouma bounded out of the bedroom and wrapped his arms around her. "Thank you!"
"You're welcome," she smiled.
Nori emerged, still wearing the ripped shirt. "Ryusei, are you feeling better?"
The boy nodded, glancing at Arya with a sigh.
"I am glad." Nori went back in the room without another word, leaving the door slightly ajar.
Arya shook her head at him before looking back at her brothers. "So, do you want to watch a movie or something?"
"We prefer reading." Shouma headed for the library, Ryusei on his heels.
Arya sighed and sat on the recliner, opening the book that was on her side table.
"You're back? What's wrong?" Kaien blinked his eyes open.
"Nothing," she shook her head.
"You're a bad liar. But you don't have to tell me." He stretched and reached for his coat. "Gotta meet Haru about a case. Don't kill anybody while I'm gone, okay?"
She chuckled and nodded, "I'll try."
He grinned and disappeared out the door as Nori emerged and headed for the bathroom. He was shirtless and his scarred back was jolting.
She watched him quietly for a moment before glancing down at her book.
She could hear him rummaging around, cursing occasionally.
"Do you need help?" She asked through the door.
He went silent, then opened the door. "Where is your gauze?"
She frowned, "Are you hurt still? I can heal you more if you need it?"
He looked embarrassed as he showed her a cut on his finger. "I was not paying the attention I should have while repairing my shirt and cut myself. I do not wish to trouble anyone."
She held out a hand, pink light flowing from it to his finger, "It's no trouble."
He shook his head. "Unless if interferes with protecting, injuries are not healed with magic."
"Well, I don't care, I'm going to heal you anyway."
"You are too kind."
She smiled as the wound closed up.
He sighed heavily and reached into his pants pocket, withdrawing a bottle of blue liquid. As he measured out some of it into a dropper, his hand began shaking.
"Do you need help?"
"I have not fed enough for many weeks due to constant battles to save the Princes. And I am not allowed to hunt. Another reason you should retire me."
She held her wrist out, "Here."
He paled and backed away from her. "It is not allowed.." He knelt at her feet. "I submit to punishment."
She frowned, "I'm just trying to help you.."
He trembled in anticipation, then looked up at her. "Are you not going to administer punishment? Shall I retire now?"
"No. You are fine and don't need punishment."
He bowed to the floor. "Thank you for your mercy."
"Are you sure you don't need some blood?"
His lips tightened as he caught sight of her wrist again. He wrapped his arms around himself as his trembling grew worse.
"Come on, have some. You won't be punished, I'm offering it."
He shook as he took her wrist, his fangs glinting. After a pause, he bit down and began to drink.
After a couple minutes, she began feeling dizzy.
He recoiled, falling into the bathtub and huddling into a ball.
"Hey, are you alright?" She asked softly.
He shook in fear. "I hurt you..I submit to punishment. I will retire now as atonement."
"I'm not punishing you. I already told you that," she said gently as she leaned against the sink.
He stayed huddled, the shaking making his scars ripple.
"Hey, it's alright," she said, moving to kneel beside him. She gently put a hand on his arm, "You are not in trouble. I'm just worried about you."
"I am..not worth your worry.." The words were barely intelligible through his sobs.
"You're my friend, so I'm going to worry about you."
He began to still as exhaustion took over. "I am merely a weapon. I am not a person, not a friend."
"You are a friend in my eyes, even if you don't agree."
"I wish..I could stay here with you." He raised his head to meet her eyes.
"You can stay. We'll help you out."
"My duty.." He gave a small shake of his head.
"You're staying. Okay?"
His lips twitched upward before his eyes closed and he sagged.
She waited a few minutes for the dizziness to settle before lifting him carefully and moving him to the guest bedroom. She then went out to the living room again and sat to rest.
"He is deteriorating, isn't he?" Shouma sat down beside her with a frown.
She nodded, "I think he needs more blood."
"He does. A normal vampire requires at least two pints a day. When vampires are broken into protectors, they are first made extremely weak, then implanted with a inhibitor that causes pain if more blood is taken than allowed. The blood loss causes injuries to not heal completely, thus Nori's scars. Then they are given nothing but Fae blood which is highly addictive to them. Makes them completely loyal and malleable." He hissed something that sounded like a curse. "It defiles us to treat someone like that. Ryusei wants nothing more than to end the barbarism."
Arya nodded, "We'll be sure to end it. But in the meantime, how do we go about getting blood for him?"
"You know vampires, do you not? Though it is not as simple as giving him more blood. There is the matter of the inhibitor and the addiction to contend with." Ryusei said quietly as he entered the room.
"Okay.. so I can call Aniki and see about the blood.. Could Keisuke take out the inhibitor?"
"He did develop it." Ryusei said thoughtfully.
She sighed, "Okay.. Let's call Keisuke first then I'll deal with my brother.."
"It will be alright, Arya. With no secrets between you, your relationship should not be strained." Ryusei pulled out a crystal on a chain and spoke into it. The crystal glowed brightly and he smiled at her. "Keisuke will be here later."
She nodded slowly before pulling out her phone. She took a deep breath before dialing her brother's number.
"Arya, what's wrong?" His voice was worried.
"I need your help with something. But first.. I know about everything. The Fae and the vampires.."
He sucked in a sharp breath and was silent a moment. "I am sorry I could not tell you. I regret making your life so difficult and causing you to hate me."
"I never hated you. I just wanted your approval."
"A vampire giving approval to the Fae Queen?" He laughed quietly. "It should be the other way around. What do you need?"
"We have a vampire friend who is in serious need of blood. Wasn't sure how to go about getting some.."
"I will have some delivered immediately. Does this vampire have a name?"
"Nori."
The line went silent for a second time, Ichigo's breathing barely audible.
"Aniki..?"
"Sorry. I'll rush the blood. Expect a courier in the next hour."
"Thank you."
"Be careful, Arya. I love you."
"Love you too, Aniki."
The tone buzzed in her ear as there was a quiet knock on her front door.
She went and answered it, cracking the door slightly to look out.
Tomoya stood there, another man beside him. "Hey." He paused, eyeing her. "You okay?"
"Just been a long day. Lots of worrying going on." She replied as she opened the door to admit them.
Tomoya kissed her as he entered, the second man bowing slightly as he followed Tomoya in.
"Arya, meet Hitoshi. Perpetual pain in my ass and my best friend." Tomoya headed for the fridge as the other man smiled at her nervously.
"Nice to meet you," she smiled.
"I've never met royalty before.." Hitoshi swallowed hard.
She chuckled, "I'm probably the least formal royal person you'll ever meet. Don't worry about it."
He blushed slightly, looking shy. "You're pretty calm for having your whole world change overnight."
"Just trying to take things one at a time."
He laughed softly as Tomoya returned with several beers. He handed one to Hitoshi, then to her.
"I was sure she was either going to kick my ass or break up with me." Tomoya smiled wryly before taking a drink.
She rolled her eyes, "Don't know why you'd think that."
"Lying to you for two years ring a bell?" He gave her a look.
Hitoshi choked. "Didn't realize it had been that long. I've had shorter relationships end worse."
"Well, everyone has been lying to me, so I can either accept it or make a huge deal out of it."
"You're very Zen, Miss Hanamoto." Hitoshi chuckled.
She chuckled, "Just call me Arya."
He blushed again, then nodded.
She glanced at the time, "Unless we are ordering in, I better start cooking soon."
"I took the liberty of doing so. Figured you need to relax after all this." Tomoya wrapped an arm around her and kissed her cheek.
"Thank you," she smiled softly before kissing him.
"Get a room." Shouma made a face as he muttered the words.
Arya rolled her eyes before laughing.
"I apologize for him." Ryusei sighed as he elbowed his brother. "We will retire to our room and give you privacy."
"It's alright. And are you guys hungry? We're having food soon, apparently."
"We are not supposed to eat with you. We are lower status." Ryusei looked surprised.
"Do you really think I care about that?" She asked with a small smile.
It was Shouma's turn to elbow Ryusei. "Stop being so damn formal."
Ryusei's cheeks went red. "Sorry. We would be happy to eat with you."
Tomoya shook his head with a laugh. "Wow, if I knew that's all it took to remove the stick, I'd have done it hours ago."
Hitoshi smothered laughter behind his bottle.
Arya smirked before moving to sit down.
Ryusei stuck his tongue out and that caused Hitoshi to lose it.
Arya chuckled as she watched them. Finally, she spoke, "So, Hitoshi, tell me more about yourself."
He looked thoughtful. "What do you want to know?"
"What kinds of things do you like to do?"
"Bad B movie marathons." Tomoya teased. "And women."
Hitoshi glared at Tomoya. "Seriously?"
Arya smiled as she watched them.
Hitoshi looked at her, cheeks red. "Ignore him. I do competitive shooting as my cover."
She nodded, "That sounds interesting. Do you win a lot?"
"A storage unit full of medals and awards." He took a drink as the doorbell chimed.
Arya got up and went to check on it.
Two delivery men stood next to each other. One held a cooler, the other a large box.
Arya took the box first, placing it inside before taking the cooler. Once inside, she glanced into the cooler and box.
The cooler held blood bags neatly stacked in ice. There was a vial of green liquid as well with a note attached.
She looked at it carefully.
'This will shut down the inhibitor until removal is possible. He needs to be strong enough to survive surgery. Make him drink at least four bags. Aniki'
Arya glanced in the box of food. She looked at Shouma, "Want to help me get Nori to drink all this?"
"Good luck. He'll probably pass out in fear." Shouma took the cooler from her and went into the guest room.
"I'll get the food portioned. Go take care of fangs." Tomoya took the box of food and headed for the kitchen, Hitoshi following.
Arya went into the guest room quietly.
"Come on, Nori. Don't make me sit on you. Give me the vial and start drinking." Shouma's voice was frustrated.
"Do I need to like.. order you to drink it?" Arya looked at Nori.
"I do not deserve such kindness." He struggled with the vial lid as Shouma hissed.
"You do. You're my friend and I want you safe and alive."
Nori froze, giving Shouma an opportunity to pull the vial away and tuck it away.
Nori curled on the bed, head in his arms as if waiting for a blow.
"Come on, sit up and start drinking."
He raised his head slightly and waited. "Who is offering?"
"You're going to drink these blood bags. I know you are used to Fae blood, but you need more than that for now."
His eyes went wide as Shouma piled them up on the bed. "Enjoy."
"I-I am not allowed this much.."
"You are now."
Nori scooted back and touched his temple shakily. "It will hurt.."
"The stuff in the vial is to help with that. It shouldn't hurt at all."
Nori took a deep breath, reaching for the green liquid and downing it. After a minute, he hesitantly picked up a bag and bit into it. His eyes closed as he drained it quickly, then he reached for another one and froze.
"What's wrong?" Arya asked softly.
"This is not a trick? No punishment?"
"It's not a trick and you won't be punished."
He dipped his head, then proceeded to drink almost all the bags. He laid back, breathing hard as Shouma grinned.
"We'll let you rest for now, alright? If you want any real food though, feel free to come join us."
Shouma followed her out, giving a thumbs up to Ryusei.
The elder prince gave them a relieved smile as he worked through a huge hamburger.
Arya sighed before getting her food and sitting down quietly.
"Something wrong?" Tomoya paused eating to look at her.
She shook her head, "Just been a long day."
"You need to rest." He moved to sit beside her. "Me and Hitoshi will clear out after this."
"It's alright, I don't want to make you guys leave."
"We've got work. I'll pick you up tomorrow if you want to still be my partner." He looked at her through his hair. "Or we can start paperwork if you'd rather not."
"Getting back to work would be wonderful," she smiled. "Why wouldn't I want to be your partner?"
"All of this drama?"
She sighed, "I want to keep helping people with you."
He blushed and looked down at his plate as Hitoshi whistled.
Arya chuckled softly before kissing Tomoya on the cheek.
Nori cautiously emerged from the bedroom, his eyes darting anxiously.
"Everything is alright."
The vampire gave a small nod before his stomach rumbled. He turned red, backing up into the room in terror.
"Come on, there's still food left. Grab a plate."
He inched forward, his hand shaking as it connected with a plate.
She sighed, "there's nothing to worry about."
"Nori. Astua cora." Ryusei approached him quietly, loading the plate with food and handing it to him. "Torla."
Arya watched quietly, wondering what he was saying.
Nori's demeanor changed, his nod sharp as he looked at the Fae. He began to eat, his eyes now confident as he kept watch.
Arya smiled softly as she finished up her food.
"Well, as much as I hate this, we have duty." Hitoshi placed his plate in the sink, giving her an apologetic smile.
"Well, it was nice meeting you," Arya smiled. "Have fun."
He gave her a chuckle, then looked at Tomoya. "I'll be at the bikes." He left the apartment with a wave.
"I guess I'll see you tomorrow. Be safe," Arya looked at her boyfriend.
"Maybe I'll surprise you. You be safe too." He reached for his cell as it chimed a text. He froze as he read it.
"What's wrong?"
"Haru's been taken by the Otas."
"Let's go get him then," she said quickly.
"You should stay here. If they get their hands on you.."
"But what if something happens and you need more help?"
"Fine." Tomoya headed for the door.
"May I join you?" Nori asked quietly.
"Sure," Arya answered before grabbing her pistol before following Tomoya.
Nori followed her, his eyes cold.
She got outside, "So what's our plan exactly?"
"Kill them all. Get Haru back." Tomoya's voice was icy as he climbed on a black motorcycle.
Arya nodded, "Nori and I will follow you in my car." She said before climbing into the driver's seat.
Nori was silent on the drive, but his fists were clenched in his lap.
"Why did you want to come with?"
"They are threatening you and have taken a family member. It is unacceptable and must be avenged."
Arya nodded, pulling up to where Tomoya had stopped.
The building looked abandoned, vines covering the walls and coming up through the broken concrete.
There was an anguished scream from somewhere above and Nori hissed.
"Let's go." Arya prepared to enter the building.
Hitoshi handed her a clip of bullets. "Hellfire rounds. Turns them to ash."
Arya looked intrigued, quickly changing out the clips.
Hitoshi gave her a half smile, then followed Tomoya as he stalked toward the door.
Arya followed, praying Haru was alright.
The screams continued, getting fainter as they moved up the stairs.
A vampire wearing the Ota colors suddenly appeared, then burst into flame as Tomoya shot it. He moved past the crumbling body without another look.
Arya continued to follow, keeping her eyes open for more Ota.
Tomoya and Hitoshi froze as they entered a large room.
"You devils…" Tomoya hissed.
Arya looked around carefully.
At least thirty Ota vampires were scattered around the room. Haru was chained by the wrists to a stake, his body sagging as a vampire slowly fed from his neck.
Arya was surprised at how many people there were, but shrugged and pointed her pistol at the one drinking from Haru. She froze as she got a better look at him and realized who he was.
He raised his head languidly, then smiled evilly as he saw her. "Come back for more fun?"
Arya growled, trying to keep her hands steady.
He waved one hand at the vampires around him as the other wiped his mouth. "Kill everyone but her."
Then all hell broke loose.
Arya lost aim of the man, but fired at the approaching Ota vamps. She continued to take them down until she was hit, her gun flying from her hands.
Nori snarled, viciously ripping the throat of the shooter out. He made his way over to her and dragged her into a corner before rejoining the battle.
Tomoya and Hitoshi fired at the vamps, their backs against each other.
Hitoshi was changing clips when one of the vampires latched onto his neck. He screamed as he was dragged away from Tomoya.
"HITOSHI!" He ran after his partner before skidding to a stop as the one who'd fed on Haru stepped into his path.
Arya slowly pushed herself up, checking her pockets and pulling a knife out. She pushed herself forward, getting to where Hitoshi was and stabbing the vampire to get him to let go.
"Are they your pets?" The head vampire hovered around Tomoya, his gaze keeping the hunter frozen in place.
Arya growled, approaching him.
He stopped moving, hooking an arm around Tomoya's chest and slowly bending his head to the side to expose his artery. "He smells delicious. Let's have a taste." The vampire's fangs shot toward Tomoya's throat.
Arya ran forward, stabbing into the vampire to distract him.
He howled, releasing Tomoya.
The hunter swayed, falling to one knee and shaking his head dazedly.
Arya pulled the knife out and prepared to attack again.
"I'm going to drain you slowly!" The vampire flew at her, then exploded into flames.
Tomoya dropped the gun dizzily as he sarcastically muttered "In your dreams, fangface."
Arya slowly moved toward him, her breathing heavy.
Nori was kneeling beside Hitoshi, one hand clamped tightly on his pulsing throat.
She soon noticed and made her way over, kneeling down and pushing energy into him to close up the wound.
"I believe he will survive. He has not been turned." Nori's eyes strayed to Haru's slumped form. "He is not so lucky."
Tomoya knelt with a sob beside his unmoving brother. Arya approached, putting a hand on his shoulder before putting her hands out to start healing Haru.
Nori moved forward, looking at the blood covering Haru's face with a grimace. "He has been turned. You should kill him before he is reborn."
"I'm not killing anyone. So what if he's been turned? He's still family."
"What about what he wants?" Nori broke the chains and lowered Haru to the floor.
"I can't know what he wants if he's not conscious. He might want to live anyway."
The vampire sighed, then nodded. "I will take Hitoshi back to your apartment if that is alright."
She nodded, "Go ahead." She continued to push energy into Haru.
Nori moved out of her line of sight, then she heard wings being unfurled.
She glanced back a moment to see.
A pair of jet black bat wings jutted from Nori's back as he gently cradled the injured hunter in his arms. With a jump, the vampire rose into the air and then disappeared.
Tomoya was running a hand through his brother's hair shakily as he sobbed.
Arya looked back at Haru, pushing energy faster. She continued for a long time, ignoring the fact she began feeling really weak.
"Nee-chan? Aniki? What happened?" Haru's voice was weak, his eyes struggling to open.
"You were taken by the Otas. Just rest for now," she said softly as her light faded away.
Haru's head lolled to the side as Tomoya looked up at her in alarm. "You're hurt!"
"I'll be fine," she said weakly. "We should get him out of here."
"Your car." Tomoya hefted Haru, then helped steady Arya as she stood.
She moved slowly, "Get him to the car. I'll be there soon."
"You better be." He took off as fast as he could go, disappearing from her sight.
She made her way out of the building, getting almost to the car before collapsing.
"Arya!" Tomoya raced to catch her, settling her in the passenger seat before taking the wheel and gunning the engine.
He made his way back to the apartment as fast as he dared, relaxing slightly as he saw Keisuke's car in the lot. He parked, then shook Arya's shoulder. "Can you walk?"
Her eyes blinked open slowly as she registered what he said. She nodded, pushing herself up and slowly starting toward the building.
Tomoya grimaced, then followed with Haru over his shoulder. He wrapped his other arm around her as they waited for the elevator. "Still want to be partners?"
She nodded slowly, "Always."
He huffed softly as the doors opened. "Come on Princess. There's a comfy bed waiting with your name on it."
She nodded again. "Sounds nice.."
He pushed her toward her door, adjusting the slowly waking Haru.
Arya entered the apartment, barely paying attention to anyone as she started toward her bedroom door.
Keisuke was waiting for her, bandaging her wound silently before injecting her with something. "Rest well, my Queen."
She was asleep in seconds.
Her eyes fluttered open and she tried to remember everything that happened. After a few minutes, she managed to push herself up and got changed before going out to the living room.
"You should be sleeping." Tomoya gave her a disapproving look over his juice glass.
"How's Haru and Hitoshi?"
"Hitoshi is sore, but recovered fully after a left already. Haru..Nori has locked him in the guest room. Nori is currently sleeping in your brothers' room after having the inhibitor removed by Keisuke." Tomoya drained his glass, then sighed. "I wanted to say thanks for last night. Did we do the right thing though?"
"I think we did," she sat down and leaned against him. "At least, I hope so."
He nodded. "How are you doing?"
"Alright, I guess."
His lips twitched up. "You feel up to eating something?"
"Sure."
He retrieved a covered plate from the microwave and poured her some juice. As he sat down, he flinched and hissed under his breath.
"Are you hurt?"
"It's nothing." He pointed to the plate. "Eat."
She did as instructed but still worried about him.
"Arya..you're awake." Shouma looked surprised as he made his way over.
She nodded but blinked sleepily. "Not sure I'll be awake much longer though."
He chuckled. "Sawaya does that to us. It'll wear off in a few hours."
"Sawaya?"
"An anesthetic for us. We don't react well to human drugs. Keisuke keeps some on hand at all times." Shouma stretched and reached for a piece of toast.
She finished eating, leaning back and closing her eyes.
"Back to bed with you." Tomoya rose and lifted her from the chair, taking her to the bedroom and laying her down.
"I love you," she mumbled.
"Love you more." He kissed her nose with a smile. "Sleep."
She was soon out once again.
Arya woke quickly, waking up from a nightmare. Her breathing was fast for a few moments until she calmed down. She got up and went out to check on everything.
No one appeared up at first glance, then there was the sound of quiet cursing from the bathroom.
"You alright in there?"
The door flew open, Tomoya giving her a forced smile. "Peachy, Princess. Feeling better now?" He slid his sleeve down over the discolored gauze pad on his wrist.
"Let me help you with that," she took his hand gently.
"You can't."
"Why?"
"It's a shifter bite. They had one guarding the back entrance. We tussled, but I won. At least I thought I did." His face was feverish, sweat making his hair limp against his forehead.
"Can we not heal shifter bites?" She asked as she pushed him to the couch. She got a cold compress and placed it on his forehead.
"The external damage can be healed. But the virus is already in my system." He bent double as a wave of pain struck.
"What does that mean for you then?"
"Most people die in two days. Those who don't..become like Kaien." The words were forced out through gritted teeth as he tried to catch his breath.
"Is there anything I can do to help?" She asked worriedly.
"Don't leave? I don't want to be alone when I die."
"Hopefully you won't die," she said quietly, making sure the compress was back on his forehead.
"Ninety nine percent do." Ryusei spoke behind her.
She took a deep breath, "I didn't really want to know the odds, Ryu."
"You would rather have false hope?" He bowed his head. "I apologize."
"It's alright." She took Tomoya's hand gently.
Ryusei knelt beside her and extended a syringe. "Give him this."
"What is it?"
"Arvis Root. It's a painkiller that will help. One of the few medicines we can both use with no repercussions. It will ease the fever as well."
"Thank you." She took it and injected it into Tomoya's arm.
He stilled, his skin cooling slightly as his eyes slid closed.
She continued to watch him closely, praying that he made it through alive.
There was a crash from the guest room, and she could hear Haru shouting.
She went to listen closer, unsure if she should go in there.
"Give me more!"
"No. You must control it, not the other way around." Nori's reply was sharp.
Arya decided to leave them be, going back to her spot near Tomoya.
"Forgive us?" Ryusei was perched on the recliner looking guilty.
"For what?"
"Hiding Nori's parentage from you." The prince dropped his eyes to gaze at the floor.
She frowned, "Who are his parents?"
"Renji and Mayako Hanamoto."
She stared at him for a minute. "Why did I never meet him before?"
"Our people were not always allies. He was captured in battle before we made peace. He was assumed dead. I myself learned just last night after his inhibitor was removed. Apparently he had no memory before that."
She nodded slowly.
"You are upset. I should have waited."
She shook her head, "It's alright."
A few moments later, the door opened and Nori came out. He stiffened slightly when he saw her, but proceeded to the kitchen to throw away several empty blood bags. "He will be fine once he regains control."
"Thank you for helping him," she said quietly.
"He is.." The vampire hesitated slightly, then finished "My friend."
Arya smiled softly, "I'm glad."
Nori's eyes narrowed as he saw Tomoya. "He is ill?"
"He has the shifter virus."
"I am sorry."
Arya nodded, "I wish I could help him."
"The Queen is capable of many things. That was the same wish that activated your gifts, was it not?" Ryusei had a small smile on his lips.
She nodded slowly, "Can I help him?"
"You won't know unless you try." Ryusei smirked slightly before coughing softly.
Arya closed her eyes and focused for a moment before pink light surrounded Tomoya.
His labored breathing evened out, his flush disappearing. A light snore was heard.
Arya smiled as she watched him.
Nori gave a startled cry as he rushed forward to catch a shape falling toward the floor.
Arya looked over quickly to see what was happening.
A very pale Ryusei lay cradled in the vampire's arms. His breathing was slow and erratic and Nori bowed his head.
Arya got up and knelt beside them, focusing hard on Ryusei. The same pink light now surrounded him as Arya pushed energy from her hands.
The Prince exhaled a soft breath, then lay still.
Nori let out a strangled sob, clutching the boy tight.
Arya prayed to be able to help him as she continued to push the energy into him.
Several minutes passed before Ryusei suddenly inhaled sharply. His color returned and his eyes fluttered open slowly, looking at her in shock.
She lowered her hands finally, giving him a small smile.
"How?" The word was soft and awed.
She shook her head, "I just wished to help you."
He gave a slow chuckle before his eyes slipped shut again.
Arya slowly stood, swaying slightly before moving back to Tomoya's side.
His eyes were watching her, gold now mixed in with the brown. "You look like you need to nap again."
"I know. How are you feeling?"
"Strong. What happened? I tried to fight the pain but it was too much.."
"I healed you."
His eyes widened. "Healed me? How? There's no treatment.."
She shrugged, "I just focused on healing you. Not sure what happened."
He touched her face gently, then stared at the claws he had. "Sure you healed me?"
"Well, you are still alive, so I consider that a win."
"I'll take it. What's wrong with blondie? His illness acting up again?"
"Yeah," she nodded quietly.
"Hope he feels better." He glanced around thoughtfully. "Haru alright?"
"Nori is trying to teach him control."
"Good luck to him. Been trying to do that for years." He chuckled as he slowly sat up, then raised an eyebrow at his normal hands. "That was..odd."
"What was?" She asked softly.
"They disappeared.."
"The claws?"
He nodded with a frown. "We were supposed to be at work an hour ago."
She frowned, "Well, let's get going then."
"You sure you don't want to call in?"
"We've missed enough work already."
"True. Alright then." He looked at the slowly rising Nori. "I trust you can run things while we're gone?"
The vampire nodded. "Everything will be fine. And Haru will learn control, even if I have to sit on him." He flashed a fanged grin at them.
"Call if Ryu needs more help." Arya ordered.
"I will, I promise." He carried Ryusei to the bedroom and disappeared.
"Did he just show a sense of humor?" Tomoya stood and quirked his lips.
Arya smiled, "Think so. Let's go."
He finally chuckled, wrapping his arm around her waist as they left.