Arya sat down on the couch.
"Our Court is a beautiful place filled by corrupt and hypocritical vacuous narcissists. It shows a beautiful surface, hiding things like the Colony from the people at large."
Arya nodded slowly.
"Have you ever wondered what the wasting disease actually is?"
"Never thought about it.."
"You're familiar with AIDS in the human world?" He sat down hard next to her.
"Yeah."
"Welcome to the Fae equivalent. Only you can't acquire the wasting disease through blood or drugs."
She sighed, "That's still terrible though."
"The Colony is for anchis born, those of such low social status as to be mostly invisible. Anchis born aren't reviled for being ill, they are ill because they are anchis born. In the Court, the only time nobles have accepted sex is to create a globe. Otherwise, the practice is to go to the Colony to satisfy any urges. Everyone there above the age of ten is allowed to be used. If a noble wishes, anchis are brought to parties as favors. They are passed around until they are ill, then left to die. The harness," he spat the word as if it burned his mouth, "allows free access day or night to anyone wishing it. Tomoki tricked our mother into signing it into law while she was dying."
Arya growled, "I'm definitely outlawing the harness and the nobles using the Colony people for sex. That's terrible."
"I did not tell you the worst of it. The pleasure training begins at six, although it is limited to the headmaster of the Colony until age eleven. Ryon was a favorite of Tomoki's which is why he was so sick when he went after Nori. Zantok is an accompanying illness."
Arya took a deep breath, trying to control her anger.
"This is another reason I did not wish to return. The Court sickens me and I wished to die away from it." He rose and retrieved the silver box, handing it to her. "Open it."
She frowned but did as instructed.
Leather straps that opened the buttocks for easier access fell into her lap. There were more straps for feet and hands, along with a thick gag.
She growled in response, her eyes blazing.
"I am ashamed." Ryusei's voice was soft.
"In the morning, start drafting a letter to Court for me. I want this to end."
"As you wish. You are not angry at me?"
"Why would I be?"
"I did not tell you what I knew of Ryon's past."
"It's alright. I probably would have gone to Court and started flipping shit on everyone."
"I enjoy that more than I probably should." He chuckled.
Arya sighed, "I should go check on the kids."
He nodded. "I shall check on Zal. He has been in there far too long." He rose and headed into the bathroom.
Arya checked to make sure the other kids were all safe and in bed.
All were sleeping soundly.
"Arya!" Ryusei's voice was sharp. "Help me!"
Arya followed the sound.
He was standing inside the tub, struggling with something unseen. "He is heavy."
"What's wrong with him?"
Her brother pointed to an open pill bottle laying tipped over on the countertop. "He took all of them and climbed into the full damn tub."
She sighed, helping her get Zal out. She wrapped him in a towel before helping get him to the medical room. "I know we need to pump his stomach, but I don't know how.. Call Keisuke."
He rushed for his crystal, speaking Fae quickly as it glowed. He looked up. "Five minutes. I asked him to come do an exam to see if any of them are ill earlier."
She nodded and began pacing.
Keisuke ran in, setting up the pump and administering a dark substance through the tube. Ten minutes later, he removed the tube and exhaled. "You reacted quick enough. Very little had been absorbed."
"So he'll be alright now?"
"I won't lie to you. He is in the first stages of wasting disease. He will recover from the overdose, however he is not well."
She nodded slowly, "Alright."
"A room has been readied for you. You'll examine the children tomorrow?" Ryusei asked the doctor who nodded before they both left the room.
Arya sat beside Zal quietly.
"Why?" His voice was sad, his eyes filled with tears.
"Why what?"
"Why save me when you have already rejected me? I am not wished to be company for anyone."
"I care about you. As a person. Not for company or anything else, just you being you."
"I am yamalen. I am only good for company since I am not, as you say, a person. I am not Q'tan. I am anchis born and will die when I am used up."
"To me, anchis born are as much people as anyone else. You are not yamalen to me. You're a person, no matter what you've been told in the past."
The tears began to fall and he curled into a ball, hiding his face panickedly. "I'm sorry!" He tried to muffle the sobs by stuffing the towel in his mouth.
She gently removed it from his mouth and wrapped her arms around him. "It's alright, you have nothing to apologize for."
He flinched, then said quietly, "I said I would not cry." He took one of her hands and moved it to his bottom. "You won't punish me too roughly I hope." He parted his behind with both hands and waited with eyes closed.
She quickly moved away. "I'm not punishing you at all."
"I see. I am not even worthy of that anymore." He dropped his hands and lay quiet.
"I don't punish anyone. You have done nothing to be punished for."
"I cried when I promised not to. Punishment happens when I break my word."
"I don't think you need to be punished for crying. You're allowed to feel your emotions."
"Q'tan have emotions. I am yamalen. I am to be used for whatever purpose is required."
Arya growled, "I'm trying to convince you in a nice way but since you keep not listening, I have to resort to yelling. You are Q'tan! You are a person! You are not yamalen! Tomorrow I'm outlawing anyone to use anchis born for things like that. You'll never have to worry about being used again."
His eyes went wide with shock. "You would do that?"
"I am doing that."
He choked, coughing violently. When it had subsided, he quietly remarked "You are going to make the Court unhappy. It is not wise to do that over me."
"I'm doing it over all the anchis borns. You all deserve peace and happiness. You deserve freedom."
The tears began again as he wrapped his arms around himself. "Freedom..I don't know what that is, but it sounds nice." He yawned and got off the bed, going to the corner and standing rigidly against the wall. He closed his eyes.
"Freedom means you can do what you want and make your own choices," Arya said softly. "Now come on, there's a bed ready for you."
"I'm supposed to sleep like this if I am not harnessed or company." His eyes blinked open and looked at her.
"You don't have to live by those rules anymore. You're allowed to sleep in a bed."
He nodded. "Lead me to your room. I will try to stay awake."
"Honey, you get your own room with your own bed. You'll be all by yourself."
His knees buckled as he paled. "You will be imprisoned."
"I'm the Queen. If they want to imprison me, I'll fight them."
He pushed himself up and bowed his head. His eyes started closing, his body threatening to fall forward. He jerked upright, his eyes darting around the room only semi focused.
Arya gently wrapped an arm around him and led him to his room. She got him to the bed, "Now sleep here. Everything will be alright."
A small snore was the only answer.
She shook her head and left the room, going out to the living room and sitting in a recliner. She stared at the wall for a while before dozing off.
Loud laughter was heard nearby, light streaming onto her face the next morning.
Arya blinked her eyes open slowly, looking around for the noise.
All the small boys were laughing and pointing.
She frowned and looked down.
Azra lay curled up in her lap, sleeping peacefully. Her light blonde curls lay in her face and she had one thumb in her mouth.
Arya gently brushed the hair from her face and smiled.
Powder blue eyes opened and a musical voice said "mommy."
Arya's smile turned soft, "Hi, baby."
The girl giggled and wrapped her arms around Arya.
Arya hugged her close.
"Breakfast is ready." Ryon announced over his shoulder as he turned and headed toward the kitchen. The other boys followed cheering.
Arya gently lifted Azra, carrying her into the kitchen.
Tomoya was making pancakes, a stack in front of each chair already. "Morning, Princess. Bed was lonely last night."
"Sorry, didn't mean to fall asleep in the chair. Though I woke up to this cutie in my lap."
"Look who's adopted who." He laughed as he flipped the food over. "Daigo wants to know what colors to paint the rooms of the orphanage. Says it's the last thing he needs to do before letting you decorate."
She looked thoughtful, "Yellow is nice but it might be too bright.. Maybe a soft blue?"
"Alright. Feed the munchkins, will you?"
Arya chuckled and moved Azra to a seat. She made sure everyone was eating and helped cut Azra's pancakes before sitting down to eat her own.
"Keisuke reports no worries. So you can baby them to your heart's content." Tomoya kissed her.
"Is he still here?"
"Last time I saw him, he was talking to Ryu."
Arya nodded, "Okay. I wanted to talk to him before he leaves."
"I'll let him know. Zal is still asleep. Didn't dare wake him, he looked exhausted. I've been called to Council, so I have to go. Love you. Don't let them drive you crazy."
Arya chuckled, "I love you too."
He gave her a kiss and wave before leaving.
She finished eating and cleaned up the kids and their plates before heading out to find Keisuke.
The doctor was emerging from Kimito's room. "Arya, you want to see me?"
"I want to know what's wrong with me."
His eyes narrowed. "Symptoms?"
"My hand keeps trembling and I've had a few times that I've lost my balance."
"Medical. Now."
She sighed and headed there.
"Lie down for the scanner."
She did as instructed.
He ran several scans, then waited for the results. His face fell as he read the printout.
"It's bad, isn't it?"
"Kyriena." Keisuke sighed and rubbed his face.
"In human please?"
"Multiple sclerosis."
She sighed, "Alright."
"Good news is it's early stages."
"So what will happen? I lose more function and my balance gets worse?"
He nodded. "There is medicine to slow the progression. But you won't be able to work as it gets worse."
She nodded slowly.
"Sorry."
She took a deep breath, "It's alright."
"Here." He pulled a packet of silver crystals from his bag. "Dissolve a pinch in any liquid. It'll help."
"Thank you." She stood.
"I've got to get to my rounds." He began to leave, then stopped and pulled a jar out of his bag. "I forgot to give this to Kimito. Tell him to apply it twice a day. Hopefully we caught it early."
She nodded and took the jar, heading toward Kimito's room.
The dragon opened the door, trying to appear relaxed. "I'm not babysitting. Unless it's that angel child. Then I might steal her." He flashed a grin at her.
She chuckled and held out the jar, "This is from Keisuke."
"Oh. Thanks." He hurriedly took it and tossed it on the bed. "Anything else?"
"Just to apply it twice a day." She raised an eyebrow, "Everything okay?"
"Yeah. No problem." He answered flippantly, one hand unconsciously rubbing his ribcage.
"Well, if there is anything and you feel like talking, you can always talk to me." She turned to leave.
"Swear you won't tell anyone?"
She turned back, "Swear."
He pulled up his shirt to reveal a sickly white patch on his left side.
"What is it?"
"Whitescale." He sighed and sat down on the bed.
"What does that mean?"
"Means I have six months at most." He met her eyes. "Arya..I'm terrified."
"That's terrible," she said softly then sighed, "At least yours will be quick.."
"What do you mean? Who else is dying?" He rose quickly, then gasped in pain.
Arya pushed some energy into him, trying to help with the pain. "I'm sick. I don't know if it'll make me actually die quicker, but I'll lose control of my body functions. It's called Kyriena?"
He winced. "Sorry. That's got to be devastating to you."
"It's alright. I'll find a way to deal, so don't worry about it." She sighed, "Is there really no way to heal your issue?"
"Not that we've ever found." He handed her a printout of symptoms, then sat down again. "Been thinking of leaving. Would hate for one of you to find me after…"
"Don't go," she said softly. "I might be able to slow it with my healing."
"That would put a strain on you, wouldn't it? That would accelerate your illness." He dropped his eyes. "You have too much to live for."
"It's alright. You're important to me and I want to help," she forced pink light into him.
He made a relieved noise as the pain vanished. "I just don't want to give anyone nightmares."
She nodded and continued to pour energy.
He slowly began laying back, his eyes drooping heavily.
She continued for a little bit before dropping her hands, "Get some rest."
He nodded groggily before curling up and letting his eyes close.
She slipped out of the room before going toward her room.
She could hear Shouma and the others in the game room laughing.
She glanced in and smiled as she watched them.
Ryon met her eyes, the green orbs suspicious.
"What's wrong?" She asked softly.
He clambered out of the pile of pillows and came to her side. "I heard you and Kimito talking…"
She hugged him tightly, "I'm sorry, baby."
"I'm going back with Shouma when he visits Court next week."
"Why?"
"I don't.." Tears filled his eyes. "I don't want to watch anyone else die.. I'd rather go back to the Colony."
She took a deep breath, tears filling her eyes, "I understand if you don't want to stay. At least now things will be much better at the Colony and you won't have to worry much."
"Nothing will be better ever again…" He put his face in his hands and sobbed, making Shouma look up in concern.
She hugged him as her own tears ran down her face, "I'm sorry, baby. I'm sorry I'm not good enough."
"I don't want to lose another parent... I'd rather be dead." His words were garbled slightly, but understandable.
"You aren't losing me for quite a while. I might be sick but I'm not dying soon."
He clutched at her in despair. "But..I heard six months…"
"Honey, that wasn't about me."
"It wasn't?" His green eyes were surprised.
"No. That was about something else entirely. I won't lie, I'm sick and I could get bad in the future, but I'm not dying anytime soon."
He let out a sob of relief.
She held him tightly. "Are you still planning on leaving me?"
He rapidly shook his head, then wiped his face. "Sorry."
"It's alright. I'm sorry too."
"I'll stop being a baby now." He released his hold on her shirt.
"I might not have given birth to you, but you're my baby and always will be."
He chuckled tearily as Daigo tapped her on the shoulder.
She kissed Ryon's forehead before standing.
He went back to his seat as the wizard smiled. "The orphanage is ready for you to add the finishing touches."
Arya looked thoughtful as she followed him, "Who is going to run the orphanage? We need someone to watch the kids.."
"I would be glad to help. I do not have duties since I left the Council."
She smiled, "Thank you."
He smiled widely at her, then held out a hand. "Is this acceptable?"
"It's wonderful."
He clapped his hands happily.
She looked around with a smile on her face then stopped and asked, "How will we find more of the orphans? Do we just tell people about it?"
"Disband the Colony." Shouma came toward them, Azra holding his hand. "There are few adults there in the first place."
Arya nodded, "Alright. How do I do that exactly? Write a letter, or go make an announcement to the Colony or what?"
"It needs to be formally announced to the Court. But be prepared for quite an uproar." He swung Azra into his arms as he reached her side. "They may demand the return of the children..all the children."
"I'll fight their asses," she answered plainly.
Shouma grinned for a moment, then sobered. "The Colony is a cross between prison and a workhouse, something humans used to have in the past. The children are quite literally escapees."
Arya nodded, "Alright. I'll work with Ryu and make a speech then head to Court.."
Daigo grimaced, falling to one knee and shaking his head.
"What's wrong?" She looked at him closely.
"Felt a huge surge of power. Like when I open the portal.." His head shot up in panic. "They're coming through!"
"Who?"
He attempted to answer but his eyes rolled up and he toppled over.
There was the sound of fighting from the house.
Arya ran out quickly and entered the house.
Armored soldiers were dragging the children, placing silver manacles on them. Zal and his brothers were already kneeling on the floor, heads down as Yamae was deposited beside him. There were four guards restraining Ryon as he bit and clawed at them.
Arya growled, "Let go of my children!" She began shooting lightning at the soldiers.
The leader laughed, brushing aside her attacks. "Your majesty. Forgive this intrusion. We'll be gone soon. Just retrieving escapees."
Ryon froze. "You.." He didn't seem to notice the manacles snapping around his wrists.
"The Colony is going to be disbanded. They are right where they belong," Arya threw her hands out, wind and vines whipping toward the guards.
"Give it up." The guard stepped forward and slashed her violently.
Arya fell back with a cry before reaching into her pocket and pulling out her pistol. She aimed it at them and began shooting.
The bullets bounced off the armor. The head guard motioned for the others to pick the children up and leave as he approached with his sword lifted.
"NO!"
The air turned cold, their breaths suddenly visible. Ice began spreading over the floor, stopping the guard in his tracks as it began climbing up his legs.
Arya took the opportunity to shoot lightning again, hitting the lead guard.
He grunted, glaring at her before turning to face the source of the ice.
Ryon was levitating, his wings ruffling in the wind. His eyes had gone silver and his manacled hands were outstretched as ice flowed from his fingertips. He was shaking violently, finally collapsing unconscious on the floor.
"Interesting." The guard swung him over a shoulder. "He'll definitely be warming my bed tonight." The man drew a pistol and without hesitation shot Arya. "Worthless Queen."
Another guard entered with a salute. "All children apprehended. Resisters put down."
"Very good. Let's go. I have the desire for company."
Arya struggled to reach out to them before passing out.