Arya unfurled pink wings, smiling at them in amazement.
Ryusei chuckled. "Told you." He unfurled his silver ones, a silver streak appearing in his hair.
Beside her, Shouma had a pair of blue wings, a matching streak in his hair. His eyes softly glowed as he gave her a smile.
She smiled before looking nervous, "I'm still afraid I'm going to mess up.."
"You'll be fine. You are Queen. Your wishes rule, no matter how anyone feels. If you ordered everyone to reveal themselves tomorrow, it would be done." Ryusei brushed his bangs out of his face as he grinned. "And anyone who doesn't agree will meet this." He materialized an ornate sword in a scabbard.
"Oh. It's pretty," she looked it over.
He grinned wider. "It was our father's. And this," A beautiful dagger encrusted with pink jeweled butterflies appeared in his palm, "this was our mother's. And it is now yours."
She took it carefully, eyes wide, "Really?"
He nodded, handing it to her with a bow.
She looked it over with a sad smile. "I wish I could have met them."
He slipped a scroll from the sleeve of his robe and pressed it into her hand. "You can."
She looked confused then looked at the scroll.
A spell to part the veil lay written neatly in Ryusei's handwriting.
Her eyes widened, "Thank you.."
"You deserve it." He whispered as the doors to Court opened.
She watched quietly, slipping the scroll in her pocket for later.
Ryusei entered first, shouting an announcement in Fae. The assembled crowd bowed low as one. He turned and bowed, then waved her to enter.
She walked in slowly, amazed at all the people bowing to her. She knew she should have expected it, being Queen, but it still slightly surprised her.
She heard a muffled snicker from behind her.
She turned and raised an eyebrow.
Shouma turned bright red and immediately bowed low.
She looked back at Ryusei and the crowd, unsure what to do.
Ryusei rose and led her to an elaborate white throne. "Take your rightful place, Sister."
She nodded slowly before moving forward and sitting on the throne.
The crowd rose, looking expectant.
She glanced at Ryusei a moment before whispering, "Should I say something to them...?"
His eyes twinkled as he whispered back "It's traditional. Most coronations coincide with new laws. Do whatever you want."
She took a deep breath before speaking loudly, "I am pleased to be here. Though I was not raised in the world of the Q'tan, I look forward to being your Queen and helping in any way I can."
"You call this helping?" A black winged man brandished her letter angrily.
"Watch your tone, Tomoki. I will not warn you again." Ryusei's voice was like ice, one hand on his sword hilt.
"As I said, I was not raised in your world, but it is what the King and Queen before wanted. I find the way protectors are treated as cruel. There has to be a way for us to have protectors without treating them the way that they have been," Arya said plainly.
Tomoki scowled. "Understood. I object to it, but will not disobey. However, you should keep your yamalen out of my sight when I come to Court. It defiles my sight." He stalked out of the Court, vanishing through the doors.
Arya glanced at Ryusei, "Yamalen?"
His lips were pressed so tight together, all the color was gone. He shook his head at her, then stepped forward. "You are dismissed for festivities."
The Court emptied quietly, the crowd dispersing among the bright trees and flowers.
"Well, I guess that could have gone worse..."
Shouma let out a nervous chuckle, then moved to where Ryusei was rigidly standing. "Come on. Don't let him get to you. I mean, we could always get Nori to kick his ass."
Ryusei's lips twitched slightly before he turned and bowed. "My Queen." He strode away out another set of doors and vanished from sight.
Arya looked at Shouma, "What did that asshole say exactly?"
He scowled and ran a hand through his curls. "It doesn't translate well. Closest phrase would be corrupted waste. It means much more, but you get the idea."
"Forget Nori, I'm going to kick his ass."
"You can not be seen as picking favorites, Arya. He warned you he was not welcomed."
Arya growled, "I much prefer the human world.. Things are easier."
Shouma chuckled. "Do you wish to go to your quarters? Or participate in the festivities?" He looked at her. "No, of course not. You want to track down Ryu, right?"
"I'm just worried about him.." She sighed. "But I don't want to bother him if he wants space."
"He is no doubt at the graveyard, staring at his marker."
She sighed, "Show me the way?"
He nodded, leading her out the doors Ryusei had fled out of, through a field ripe with grain. Finally he stopped in front of a pair of iridescent gates. They were ajar and he motioned for her to follow.
She looked around quietly, following him and glancing at markers.
They were made from crystals, the sunlight sparkling in waves over them. There were quite a few of them.
Shouma passed them all, heading for a purple hedge. He stopped and looked at her. "Keep your temper alright?"
"I'll try. You know I struggle sometimes though," she sighed.
He took her hand and pushed through the hedge. They emerged into a field of black grass, dead flowers dotting the path. There were a few crystals here, all jagged and blackened. Sobs could be heard from an isolated corner.
Arya went toward the sound of the sobs until she finally spotted Ryusei. She went over and quietly wrapped her arms around him and held him tightly.
"You shouldn't be here." He flinched at her touch from where he knelt in front of a crystal.
"You're my brother. I should be here, no matter what anyone else says. I love you."
"This was made the day I gained sentience. I was brought constantly by our first protector, told this was my fate and that only Shouma was worth anything. Our mother tried to protect me, but she was so sick already that the only thing she could do was give us to Nori and send us away. I've spent my entire life accepting I would end up here. Forgotten and unmourned."
She looked at him sadly, "You have me now. I might not be able to change the minds of the other Fae, but just know I love you and I see you as an equal. If you ever die and I can't revive you, just know I'll never forget you."
He buried his face in her robe. "Why do they hate me? It's not my fault I was born sick.."
"I don't know, hun. If I could change their minds, I would. You're an amazing person who deserves all of the happiness."
He nodded slowly before raising his head. "Sorry for being so much trouble."
"You're no trouble at all," Arya assured.
He chuckled softly, then whimpered. He pushed away from her in panic and tried to get to his feet. "Can't stay…"
"Hun, what's wrong?"
Shouma approached, grabbing his brother's chin roughly and staring into his eyes. After a moment, he snarled something violently and yanked one of Ryusei's sleeves up
A purple pulsing injection mark was revealed.
A crack of lightning sounded overhead as Shouma began to rage. "I'm going to kill him! Smug sonofabitch yamalen!"
Arya stood and put a hand on Shouma's shoulder, "Calm yourself and tell me what is happening."
"Tomoki cornered me before you came through the portal. Tried to act nice, then injected me. That's why he was so agreeable at the coronation." Ryusei began to slump forward.
Arya growled but tried to stay calm. She grabbed Ryusei and focused her energy into him, dissolving what he was injected with. It took her awhile until it was finally all gone. She looked at Shouma, "Get him to his room. I'm going to take care of Tomoki."
"I'll take him to mine. He doesn't have one." Shouma cradled his brother and looked at her. "Tomoki was our father's defense advisor. He is not to be underestimated."
"Am I allowed to kill him? Or do I banish him or what? Because I really want to kill him."
"You are Queen. Your word is law, your actions unquestioned." Ryusei's voice was almost inaudible. "Do what you will."
Arya nodded and exited, looking around Court for Tomoki, her eyes blazing.
"Your Highness. What is the matter? I must apologize for my outburst earlier, it was unwarranted." Tomoki was seated under a tree, a bottle of a light yellow liquid beside him.
"I can handle people not liking my brother, but when you try to kill him, you go too far," she growled.
"Killing? Killing implies personhood. He is not a Q'tan and I will show him no respect. I told your father to separate the globes before sentience, to not allow the sickness to consume the rest of the family. But he wouldn't listen. So I took the honor of removing the yamalen from us." He calmly drank from the bottle, watching her with a bored expression.
"He is a person, in my eyes at least. You are the yamalen here." She had her hand in a pocket, quickly pulling out her pistol and shooting it at him.
A barrier sprang up, the bullet bouncing to the grass harmlessly. He put the bottle down with a sigh. "You are so emotional, just like your mother. She at least had the decency to allow me to remove her." He rose to his feet, reaching a hand into his pocket. "I had the throne in sight. Why did you have to return?"
She growled but didn't answer.
He removed a syringe filled with purple liquid. "Don't worry. I'll take good care of your brother after I take care of you. We will be filled with mourning, then I will lead our people forward. You can rest in Svalla with your parents knowing the kingdom is in good hands."
Arya's eyes blazed, wind beginning to whip around them.
He smiled thinly. "You think you can stop fate?" He flew towards her, the needle aimed at her stomach.
She wasn't fast enough, the needle jabbing into her. She tried to push him away, moving to shoot at him again.
He laughed and pushed the plunger down before retreating, the barrier still protecting him.
She groaned, stumbling backwards.
Tomoki began to approach when suddenly the barrier shimmered out of existence. He screamed in fury, then in terror as vines began to encircle his limbs, holding him in place.
"Do it, Arya! Nori's on his way!" Shouma's voice echoed in her head.
She had dropped her gun, so she threw her hand out and more vines appeared. They quickly impaled Tomoki, turning gold as his blood coated them.
He struggled weakly, then collapsed over them and didn't move.
Arya bent down to pick up her gun, swaying as she stood straight. She looked around slowly, her eyes beginning to struggle to focus.
There was a sharp prick in her arm, then a cooling sensation spread through her.
She turned to look at where the prick came from.
Nori had one hand on her back as he discarded an empty syringe. "Stay still for a moment. Let the antidote spread."
She nodded slowly, "Thank you."
He supported her, eyeing Tomoki's body. "I have wished for him to die for years. He was the head of the protector program."
Arya gave a small growl, "Well, now I'm even more glad he's gone."
Nori laughed softly, then swept her into his arms. "Your brothers are waiting."
Arya closed her eyes for a few moments, "This day hasn't been the best first day here. I've already gotten into a fight and had to kill someone."
"Your first days do tend to be eventful, don't they?" The vampire remarked drily as he carried her into a suite of rooms.
She looked around in amazement.
The rooms were spacious, the floor soft grass. The walls were sky blue with a large skylight where birds chirped in the bright sunshine.
"This is nothing." Shouma grinned as he emerged from another room. "Your quarters are more beautiful." He looked at Nori. "You gave it?"
Nori nodded, setting her down on a couch that she sank into.
She gave a contented sigh before asking, "How is Ryu?"
"Sleeping. The damage was serious, but I fixed everything. So, are we staying or going home?"
"Well, I would like to check out the festivities if they are still happening.."
"They last for several days." He flopped down next to her, then sobered. "I'm really sorry about this."
"Why are you sorry?"
"This was supposed to be peaceful. A way to introduce you to the people and let you get accustomed to everything. Not a jealous advisor and having to see the anchis."
"It's alright," she sighed. "I think I'm going to go rest. Then tomorrow we can go have fun. All of us."
"Take her to her rooms, Nori. And stay with her." Shouma kissed her cheek and rose.
Arya stood, following Nori to her quarters.
The first thing she heard was birdsong, then Nori opened her door.
Her eyes widened in amazement.
A large tree was in the center of the room, a bed enveloped in its branches. Birds flew around her, chirping a soft melody. The grass, a soft pink, brushed her legs gently in the soft breeze coming from the open skylight.
She moved to the bed and sat down, looking around with a wide smile for a long time. Finally, she remembered the scroll in her pocket. She pulled it out and recited the spell, thinking of her birth parents.
The air shimmered a light purple, then two forms appeared. They coalesced into a kindly bearded man and a beautiful young woman.
Arya quietly stared at them for a couple minutes.
"Hello Arya." The man spoke, his voice gentle.
"Hi," she whispered.
The woman laughed, a soft tinkling sound. "You are quite beautiful. I'm glad."
"It's nice to meet you. Again, I guess."
"We are pleased to see you. You are the Queen the people need." The man said with a smile. "Lead them well."
Tears filled her eyes, "I have no idea what I'm doing. I still barely know about the Fae world."
"That is why I removed you. This world is too stuck in the past with outdated laws. It needs to be shaken up. Our people have forgotten compassion. You have not." Her father regarded her gravely. "There are not many of us, yet we insist on vilifying the ill. We commit atrocities on other races. We must change."
Her mother smiled softly. "Did you know he was a rebel? He insisted on marrying me instead of banishing me when I became ill. He refused to destroy your brother and hid you among the vampires. And you are just like him. It makes me happy."
Arya smiled, "I'm glad."
"Be well, Arya. Find love and make the world better. We love you."
The forms shimmered out of existence.
She smiled for a minute, happy to know she was what her parents wanted.
There was the sound of a scuffle outside the door, then silence.
Arya got up and opened the door, looking out worriedly.
A Fae child stood over a prone Nori, knife in his fist. He saw her and lunged, his teeth bared.
She stuck her hand out, lightning shooting out at him.
It struck the boy head on and he pinwheeled into the wall before crumpling.
She knelt beside Nori, shaking him gently, "Hey, are you okay?"
His head lolled to the side, revealing a puncture in his throat.
She growled, focusing pink light into him.
A few moments later, his eyes fluttered open. "Arya.."
She gently lifted him and carried him out to the couch. She then glanced into Shouma's room to check on her brothers.
Both lay sleeping peacefully in a large bed.
Arya sat down and watched Nori quietly.
"Help the boy.." Nori looked sad.
"He hurt you," Arya replied.
"He did not know. He was hungry and looking for something to steal." The vampire pushed himself up with a scowl. "The dark side of the Court."
She raised an eyebrow before going to check on the boy. She pushed her pink energy into him, working to heal up the damage she caused.
His green eyes shot open and he scrambled back, his back slamming into the hallway wall. "Why?"
"Why did you hurt my friend?" She asked softly.
"He wouldn't move. I figured there was something valuable I could steal and trade for food." The boy shrugged, his scrawny frame barely moving.
She nodded, "Come on. I don't know where I'm going, but I'll help you find food."
He stared at her in disbelief. "I am anchis born. Did you help me just to give me to the guards?"
She shook her head, "I want to help you."
"It is not allowed. I am not allowed to be outside during the day."
"Well, good thing you found me, because I can allow you to."
He dropped his eyes and shook his head. "It is the law. No one can change my fate. I am not a person, I am yamelan." He wrapped his pencil thin arms around his knees. "I am sorry I hurt your friend. Close your eyes and I will disappear back to my hole."
"Hun, you are a person to me. And guess what? I can change the law."
He gave her a skeptical look. "Unless you are the missing Queen, you can't change squat." He pushed himself to his feet and began to turn away. He pushed his hands into the pockets of the filthy oversized robe to hide the tremors of malnutrition.
"I am the Queen."
"Nice joke. Now I've heard everything." His red hair was pushed back from his face as he surveyed the hall. "If I move fast enough, I can get out of here without being caught."
"I'm not joking. It's my first day at Court.."
"So you're the reason why all the guards are out at the food stalls? Dammit." He scowled and ruffled his hair. "I have to find a way to get some soup.. I'll just have to chance grabbing a bowl if someone is distracted."
She held her hand out to him, "I'll make sure you get food, I promise. Lead the way though, because I really don't know where I'm going."
He stared at her hand, his eyes panicked. "Please don't hurt my brother. I'll accept judgement, but don't hurt him. He's hurt enough."
"Hun, I was just offering you a hand to hold." She sighed, "I was raised human. I honestly am just a nice person. I don't know all the Fae rules, but I think the ones I have heard of are shitty."
A laugh erupted from him and he clapped a hand to his mouth in horror.
"It's okay to laugh if you want."
He dropped his hand, then swayed as his eyes started to flutter closed.
She gently wrapped an arm around him to keep him upright.
"You're really not going to turn me in?" His voice was soft as he leaned into the embrace.
"Of course I won't turn you in. I just want to get you some food and learn more about you."
He gave her a soft smile. "I'm dizzy."
"Come on then," she led him back out. She glanced at Nori, "I'm taking him to get food."
"I will join you." He rose from the couch and surveyed the boy. "He needs a lot."
The boy shook his head. "I'll be fine with some bread. But my brother needs soup."
"You're going to eat as much food as you can, and then we'll take some to your brother as well. If you're alright taking me to him?"
"I'll trust you. But if you hurt him, I'll cut you."
"I don't want to hurt anyone." She smiled softly, "I'm Arya by the way."
"Ryon."
Nori wrapped an arm around Ryon and lifted him off the ground. "Shall we go?"
Ryon yelped before pouting.
"Lead the way."
Nori weaved in and out of the crowds until he came to an outdoor restaurant. "This has very good food. It's a favorite of Ryu."
She nodded before looking thoughtful, "How do we get it? Is it free? Is there Fae money?"
"It is free today because of your coronation. Usually," The vampire pulled out a sheaf of translucent rainbow squares, "This is your money."
He sat Ryon down on a bench, ignoring the horrified looks of the other patrons and disappeared inside the building.
Ryon stuck his tongue out at the patrons who were whispering as they caught sight of Arya.
Arya sat down beside him, "So, is it just you and your brother? Or do you have other family?"
"Just us. Our parents died of the wasting illness." He sighed and stared at the ground.
"My birth mother did too," she said quietly. "How old are you two?"
"I am twelve, Yamae is ten. By human reckoning." He shivered in the breeze, muttering under his breath, "Sure wish I had my wings right now.."
"Why don't you?" She paused, "If you don't mind me asking."
"Sadistic guards cut them off, last time I got caught." He unfurled a pair of nubs, a few red feathers still attached. "I was too slow."
"That's terrible." She was quiet for a minute before looking thoughtful, "I have a pretty large house. Would you and your brother like to live there? You'd never have to worry about food again."
His eyes went almost comically wide. "Why would you do that? The Court would be angry and you could lose your beautiful tree."
"Because, like I said, I'm a nice person. The Court is going to be angry at a lot of things I do, honestly. I can't wait until they find out I'm dating a hunter who is a shifter.."
"They need to grow up." Ryon stated matter of factly as Nori approached the table with a loaded tray.
Arya smiled at them both as she looked over the food.
Plates of meat, seafood and vegetables along with round purple and green fruits. A selection of soups and stews, with more unfamiliar fruits.
Ryon's mouth dropped open as he stared at the fruits. He began to reach for one, then stopped.
"Go on, eat as much as you want," Arya said softly.
He looked at her, then snatched one of the green fruits and inhaled it. He snatched another bumpy orange colored one and stuffed it in his robe, his eyes darting anxiously.
"Calm down, Ryon. It's alright. No one is going to hurt you and you won't get in trouble. They'd have to go through me first."
"Tell that to them." He pointed to the contingent of guards heading their way.
"I will," she answered as she stared at the guards.
"Ah shit.. That's the one who took my wings." Ryon said as he rapidly stuffed fruit into his mouth and got ready to run.
She put a hand on his shoulder, "Don't go anywhere. I will take care of this."
"You're not too bright are you, yamalen? Didn't I warn you what would happen if I caught you again?" The lead guard sneered, drawing his sword. "Your wings weren't enough? Guess you're not attached to your arms much."
Arya stood and glared at the guard, "He's here because I got the food for him. Are we going to have a problem?"
The guard stared at her. "Your Highness, he is yamalen. Anchis born. You shouldn't sully yourself. I'll remove him for you."
"You will not touch him. I'll soon be making a new law giving anchis borns rights. They are living beings like us, they deserve kindness. I know you don't feel the same, but I swear if you touch him you are going to regret it."
His eyes narrowed. "Just because your brother is one of them. Fine. I won't touch him. Right now anyway." He turned to the others. "Let's go back to the drink stall. My sword is glad I don't have to sully its blade."
The guards departed, the patrons muttering under their breath.
"Don't worry about him. If you come to live with us, we'll be in the human world and you'll never have to see him again," Arya sat down.
"Human world?" Ryon squeaked as Nori released his arm.
"I was raised human and know nothing of the Fae life except that a lot of it is bullshit. You really think I plan to live at Court forever?"
He shrugged. "How am I to know how you think?" He slowly began slurping one of the soups, his eyes still wary.
She sighed, "You don't have to come live with us if you don't want to. I just thought it'd help you and your brother out." She grabbed a small piece of unfamiliar fruit off the tray and started eating it.
"Sorry." Ryon hung his head. His voice was no longer full of bravado and tears began making wet spots in the dirty robe.
"I'm sorry if I made you cry," she said quietly.
"Why are you really being so nice?" He raised his eyes, appearing much younger.
"In the human world, I'm a cop. I'm also a hunter. I guess I'm similar to the guards, except I actually help people instead of hurting them. I just like helping people." She sighed, "My brother was born ill as well, but I just see him as a normal person like I do you. In the human world, people don't disown or treat ill people badly. Actually, a lot of times ill people can be treated nicer because others feel bad they are sick." She looked down. "I just.. Care."
"Can I.." He dropped his eyes again, then shook his head. "Nevermind." He drained the soup bowl, then reached for a piece of fish.
"What were you going to ask? You don't have anything to worry about."
"I don't want to get you dirty." He swallowed the food, pocketed a few rolls, then sat quietly. His eyes stared at the table, as if memorizing the sight. "I'll go now. Thank you for the food."
She rolled her eyes and wrapped her arms around him, "I don't care about getting dirty." She held him close for a few moments, "Are you sure you don't want to come home with us?"
"Your boyfriend won't approve. I don't want you getting in trouble." His thin arms wrapped around her like he was clutching a lifeline. A minute later, he started to cough violently.
Arya pushed pink light into him, still holding him close. When his coughing slowed, she spoke again, "I have a big house. My boyfriend and I live with both my brothers and his, as well as a few friends. I don't think Toya will care if we have a couple extras in the house." She continued pushing light around him. "We have two shifters, two vampires, three Fae, a wizard, a human, and a dragon."
"A dragon?" His voice was weak, but excited.
"Arya." Nori's quiet voice interrupted the conversation.
She looked up at him.
He pointed at the front of her robe, now stained a deep gold. Ryon lay against her, his eyes closed.
She cursed, pushing energy faster into him.
"He is in the final stages." The vampire spoke sadly.
She frowned, continuing to pour energy for a long while. "Should we take him back to our rooms for now? I don't know where his brother is."
"I can't leave him..I have to return with food.." Ryon struggled to sit up, desperation in his voice.
She lifted him gently, "Just tell us where to go."
Nori stood, going inside the building. When he came out, he held a bag of food. "The rest will be delivered to your brothers."
Ryon's breathing was strained as he directed them to a cave far from the food stalls.
A heavy stone lay in front of the entrance.
Nori pushed it aside, his lips tight.
It wasn't a cave, simply a tunnel enlarged for two people.
"He's been sick. I don't know if he'll be awake." Ryon tried, but couldn't summon the strength to crawl in.
Arya looked at Nori, "Get Yamae out. We're going to take both of them to my quarters and I'll work on healing them there."
Nori nodded and crawled inside, disappearing from view.
"You'll take good care of him right?" Ryon's head lay against her chest as he blinked slowly. "Feed him a lot of fun stuff?"
She smiled softly, "Of course. I'm going to take care of you too."
"Your place.. sounded fun. Wish..I could have gone…" His eyes fluttered closed and he went still.
She poured pink light around him as she continued to hold him close. She forced the energy into him as fast as she could, praying he would be alright.
His breathing was so slow, it was almost not there. He lay curled in her arms looking small, one limp hand entangled in her robe.
Nori returned, dirt smeared on his cheek and eyes grim. He held a smaller blond boy who thrashed weakly in his arms, his face flushed with fever.
"He has zantok."
"What is that?"
"Similar to what would happen if you crossed the flu with bronchitis."
"Let's get them back and I'll work on both of them."
He nodded, leading the way back to her quarters.
After getting them laid down, she forced energy over both of them. She stayed focused for a very long time, working on getting them as healthy as she could.
"Heard you caused quite a stir.." Shouma froze as he saw the scene. "What is going on?"
"A little boy attacked Nori trying to steal things to trade for food. I took him for food but he's sick. His little brother is sick too. I'm trying to heal them as well as I can, and if they make it, they're coming home with us."
Shouma smiled, then knelt beside her. He eyed both boys critically. "They're really thin. They may not have the strength." He added his blue light to hers.
She sighed, "Ryon struggled getting food for both of them. I don't know how long they've been on their own, but their parents died."
Shouma reached out a hand and gently brushed Ryon's hair back. "He is very brave. Reminds me of Ryu."
Arya nodded quietly, continuing to focus. She slowly noticed improvement in Ryon's breathing and Yamae was cooling down to a safe temperature.
"Are you an angel?" Yamae's hazel eyes were fixed steadily on her. "Are you taking us to Mommy and Daddy?"
"I'm not an angel. My name is Arya. I'm here to help heal you and take care of you."
He looked perplexed. "No one wants to take care of us. We're yamalen."
"Well, I'm different than most people and I want to help you."
"I like you. My brother might hurt you if you try to take me though." The boy gave her an impish smile. "He's very protective."
"I know," she smiled, "I've already been talking to him." She checked them both over again, noticing they were now much better. She dropped her hands and the light ceased. "Do you want some food?"
His eyes went wide. "You'll feed us?"
"Of course," she smiled before grabbing the bag of food. She laid some out for him.
He tentatively touched one of the orange fruits. "I remember these. Mommy used to let me eat as many as I wanted." His eyes went to Arya's. "Are you going to be my new mommy? Ryon's been trying to find one for me before he leaves."
Her eyes filled slightly with tears. "I'll be your new mommy if you want me to be."
He nodded, taking a bite of the fruit. "That way Ryon won't be unhappy when he joins Mommy and Daddy. He'll know I'm safe and happy." He finished the fruit, turning his attention to the soup container.
"My god…" Shouma said quietly.
"I'm going to do everything I can to keep Ryon healthy enough to stay with you. I'm going to take care of both of you," Arya informed as she wiped her eyes.
Yamae raised his head. "He's got three-coughs though. Everyone dies from three-coughs."
Shouma winced at the name.
"Well, I'm a pretty good healer. I've kept people alive that should have died. I'm not making any promises that I'll be able to keep him alive, but I promise to try my best."
"You're really nice, but you're going to get in trouble." Yamae kept his attention on the food. "You don't want to be hurt by the guards. You'll lose your wings too."
Shouma inhaled sharply as Yamae unfurled shredded yellow wings to show her.
"Ryon got the bad guard. He doesn't have any wings left." Yamae hid them away again, then started eating again.
"I have a couple things to tell you, okay?" Arya said softly. "First, I'm the Queen. Unless they fight against me, the guards won't hurt me. Second, I was raised human, so I don't live at Court like most Fae. I'm taking you to my house which is away from the Court. The guards won't be able to hurt you there."
"Really?" The single word was plaintive, Yamae close to tears.
Arya's eyes filled with tears, "Please don't cry. If you don't want to live with me, you don't have to. I'm not forcing you to come with me. I just want to help you."
"I don't want my brother to hurt anymore..but I'm too little to protect him myself." Yamae hung his head.
"I promise to do what I can to protect both of you, if you two decide you want to come with me. I can be your new mommy or a big sister or whatever you want me to be."
Yamae suddenly jumped into her arms, burying his face in her neck. His voice was slightly muffled. "Please take us away from this awful place."
"Alright. We'll leave in the morning after I take care of a bit of business."
He nodded sleepily, then yawned.
"Get some sleep, hun."
He snuggled into her shoulder and then gave a tiny snore.
Arya held him close, looking over at Ryon with a smile.
Shouma motioned to her, pointing to himself, then outside.
She nodded and smiled.
He left the room, then she heard things being thrown.
She frowned but didn't get up, not wanting to disturb Yamae.
A few minutes later, Shouma returned and reseated himself.
Arya slowly drifted to sleep holding Yamae tightly.
A gentle hand shook her shoulder. "Time to wake up."
She opened her eyes and looked over.
Ryusei gave her a smile as he knelt beside Ryon. "Good morning."
"Morning," she smiled and looked at the young boys.
They lay curled in each other's arms, looking peaceful.
"Nori filled me in. Now you know why I hate this place. How could we let children suffer like this?" He sent a stream of energy into Ryon with an angry scowl.
"I'm making a law for rights for the ill. They deserve the same treatment as everyone else." She sighed, "I'm sure it'll have lots of people against it." She was quiet for a moment before mentioning, "I talked to our parents. They want me to change a lot of things. I'm glad to know I'm how they wanted me to be."
"I told you there was a reason Dad hid you." Ryusei stopped the light, settling for gently running his hand through the boy's hair. "They have been alone for eight years. I looked up their family. Their parents died the same night in the colony. They were reported missing, but no one really cared to look."
Arya growled softly before sighing, "At least they'll have a home and food now."
"I am unsure Ryon will survive. He is much worse than the younger one. He's been beaten severely at least once. Some of his bones have healed incorrectly. And he's in the final stages of the wasting disease. I would give him a day at most usually."
She nodded sadly, "I'm going to do what I can for him, but I know it doesn't look good."
"You have worked miracles before. But if he does die, he will die loved. Not in a hole somewhere." Ryusei took a deep breath. "Court is convened for you. Our travel has been arranged afterwards."
She nodded and stood, heading out to make change in the Fae world.
She arrived and sat on the throne, looking out at the people. She took a deep breath before beginning to speak, "Welcome. I wanted to speak on a few events that occurred yesterday. First, I want to warn everyone, if you come after my brothers, I will not hesitate to take action. There was an incident where my brother was poisoned. When I addressed the person who did it, I was also poisoned. Thankfully, I got the antidote in time and we saved my brother. But if anyone comes after either of them again, I will take action. " She paused a moment. "The second event that happened yesterday involves a couple of young children. I met a boy who was hungry and sick. He just wanted food for him and his brother. No one should go hungry. No one should be treated badly for being sick. I'm making a new law that gives rights to the ill. They don't deserve the treatment they've been getting. They shouldn't be kicked out or treated badly. They are people just like us. I know some of you won't understand my stance on this, especially being used to things being a certain way for so long, but things need to change. My parents wanted me to grow up in the human world. They wanted me to learn compassion toward others. I plan to live up to what my parents wanted for me and to make changes that will help those who need it." She looked around the room quietly.
There was isolated muttering, but most of the Court was nodding in agreement.
"If there are any issues that you believe need addressed, feel free to contact me or my brothers and I will look into it. Thank you for your time."
Nori appeared at her side. "The portal is open. They have already taken the children through."
She nodded and stood, "Lead the way."
The portal shimmered at the end of the hall, the magic building visible in its depths.
"Shall we?" Nori looked at her.
She nodded and walked through.