There was a shaky knock at her door in the Court. A soft cut off sob followed it.
"Come in and what's wrong?"
Nori slowly entered, his jaw clenched. "Arya, we've won."
"What's wrong then?"
"We suffered heavy casualties. The fifth battalion was decimated." His eyes were full of tears.
Arya's eyes narrowed a moment, "Is there more?"
He straightened and shook his head. "The surrender ceremony will be tomorrow afternoon. If you'll excuse me, I must oversee the preparation of the bodies."
"Do you want help?" She asked softly. "You seem like you need a break."
"I owe him…" The answer was soft and grief filled.
"Who?"
"I will not burden you." He turned and almost ran out, but managed a brisk walk instead until he disappeared.
Arya tried to follow him but her shaky legs were having trouble keeping up. She continued to where she thought he would be, looking around slowly.
Several dozen funeral workers and Priestesses were cleaning and anointing a large mass of bodies.
Nori was at the far side of the room, the Priestess who had married her and Tomoya aiding him in preparing a body. The vampire's hands were shaking as he cried silently.
She approached slowly, looking to see if she recognized the body.
Blood streaked the blond hair, the eyes closed as if in sleep. The body had been injured multiple times, the armor split in several places and battered.
Nori gently wiped the blood away, whispering to the body as the Priestess chanted.
Arya took a deep breath, wanting to scold Nori for not telling her. She pushed that feeling away though and instead focused large bursts of energy into the body.
Nori froze, then whirled. "Arya, you should not show favoritism!"
"Then I'll help anyone else I can, after I help him."
He shook his head. "You are not well enough." The vampire approached her quietly.
She closed her eyes and continued to force energy into Ryusei. She wanted to help everyone else but knew she really didn't have the strength in her. She'd try though, if she was still conscious after helping Ryu.
There was a moan of pain from her brother, then the Priestess was chanting a spell and spreading white light over him.
Nori wrapped an arm around her waist. "Arya. You shouldn't have."
"He's my brother. I don't care what I'm supposed to do, helping him is right to me." She then looked around the room. She attempted to force a large burst of energy around her into the dead. Light went out of her hands for a few moments before she passed out.
She woke slowly, trying to remember what happened.
"You are incorrigible, dear sister. You may provoke the Court into doing something." Ryusei's voice was soft and annoyed.
"Are you mad I saved you?"
"How can I be? I know it was not out of a desire to keep our power, but out of overwhelming love." He brushed her hair from her forehead with a soft smile. "I am not worthy of such devotion, but I do appreciate it."
"Of course you are worthy of it," she said quietly. "I'm sorry if I cause problems with the Court though. I tried to help the others, I really did.."
"You raised half the dead. I think you more than helped." He laughed quietly before wincing.
"I did?" She looked surprised.
"You did. But you also nearly put yourself in a coma." He wagged a finger at her.
She chuckled slightly and looked down, "That's alright.. They deserve to live."
"The problem now is you are due to accept the Troll surrender in less than an hour." He chided her.
"Why are they surrendering?"
"Because the Fifth decimated their headquarters and killed their leaders. The general surrendering is the highest ranking officer they have left."
She nodded and pushed herself up, "Alright. So what do I have to do?"
"Sign the treaty and surrender papers, then accept the return of their prisoners. We've already released ours."
She nodded, "Alright.. doesn't sound too hard. Why am I nervous then?"
"You've never done this before?" He chuckled softly.
"True." She laughed. She stood, checking herself over in the mirror before nodding, "Alright, let's go."
"Shouma and Nori are waiting outside." He made no move to stand.
"You're not going?"
He shook his head. "I am still injured. I was only allowed to sit with you after I swore I would do nothing strenuous."
She nodded, "Alright. Get some rest then." She headed out to meet Shouma and Nori.
Both of them were trying to remain stern as they caught sight of her, but Shouma's lips kept curling up as Nori just shook his head.
"Are you ready?"
"We are."
She nodded and started out down the hallway.
"The general's name is Tarnak." Nori reported as they approached the Court doors.
She nodded and repeated, "General Tarnak." She took a deep breath before opening the door.
The Court was filled to capacity. A hulking Troll sat at a table surrounded by Fae guards. He looked defeated and sad.
She approached the table and greeted him, "General Tarnak. It's nice to meet you."
"Queen Arya. I am glad this is over."
"As am I."
He extended a scroll. "Our terms."
She opened the scroll and began reading it.
He sat patiently until she was done. "Is this acceptable or do you wish to amend them?"
"It looks good," she nodded.
"Then I shall sign." He picked up a pen and scrawled his name at the bottom.
She waited and then quietly signed it as well.
He extended a gnarled hand. "May we never again meet on a battlefield."
She held out her hand and shook his.
He released hers, then turned and commanded his aide in his own language. The younger troll dipped his head and handed her a set of keys.
"Is this for the prisoners?"
"Yes. They are in the four trucks in the market."
"Thank you."
They both bowed, then vanished into an open portal.
Shouma whistled. "Took more time to get dressed."
She chuckled and looked at them, "Let's go free the prisoners."
"You are going to rest. Nori and I will help release and return them to their families." Shouma gave her a soft hug. "No arguments."
She nodded and headed back to her quarters.
Two hours later, a perturbed Shouma entered, flopping onto one of the couches and sighing heavily.
"What's wrong?"
"We have a slight problem with a certain prisoner." He ruffled his hair, muttering 'pointy eared bastards' under his breath.
She frowned, "What do you mean?"
"One of them is an elf. We contacted his kingdom and they told us that we could do anything we wanted to him, including use him as target practice."
"We're not using someone as target practice. We'll find him a place to live."
He grimaced. "You know the general feelings the Court has for anchis born and shifters? It's worse for elves. It was an alliance of convenience, not friendship."
"Then we'll find him somewhere away from Court to live."
"Another stray?" Her brother couldn't suppress the laugh.
She frowned, "I just want to help people."
"I know. That's one of the many beautiful things about you." He gave her a smile. "I'm not judging you."
"So where is he? What's his name?"
"Medical. Kharis Ravqen." Shouma answered. "He's not in the best of shape."
She nodded, "Let's go see him."
Shouma led her to the medical wing, entering a room quietly. He asked the doctor nearby, "Any improvement?"
The man shook his head. "In fact he's going down hill. He may last another day, but we're not optimistic."
Arya frowned and looked around.
A sea green haired male lay on a bed, tubes and wires encompassing him. What was left was wrapped in bandages. Only his face was exposed, heavy bruising evident under the bandage around his head. The monitors were all registering extremely low vitals.
Arya looked at him for a moment before coating him in pink light.
Shouma joined her, smiling slightly as the vitals rose a few numbers.
She continued for a while until she grew too shaky to stand.
"Sit down before you fall." Shouma commanded as he intensified his light.
The vitals quickly spiked, then stabilized.
Arya moved into a chair, continuing to shake for a little while longer.
"You are going home." Shouma opened a portal and pushed her through.
She sighed and went to bed.
Hours later, she woke feeling a bit better. She headed out to the living room, smiling at Azra who was playing with a toy.
Azra smiled back, then put a finger to her lips. "Daddy sleeping." She pointed to the couch, where Tomoya was snoring while Ely slept on his chest.
She smiled softly as she watched them.
Zal came in behind her and snickered before kissing her head. "You okay, Mom?"
She nodded, "Yeah, now that I've had more rest. The war is finally over."
"That's great. Hopefully, you'll be less stressed now."
"Hopefully." She sighed, "I have to figure out if that prisoner got better.. Have you seen Shouma?"
He shook his head. "No. Ryusei is sleeping though. Keisuke left a message for you to see him when you're free."
She nodded, "Alright. Is he here or at his office?"
"At the hospital." He stretched, his shirt riding up to reveal a small bandage on his side.
"What happened?"
"Hitoshi and I ran into a drunk shifter. He got off a lucky swipe before we got him down. No biggie."
She nodded, "Alright. I'll go see Keisuke."
He kissed her cheek, then headed for his room.
Arya kissed Azra's forehead before heading out to her car. She drove to the hospital and went looking for Keisuke.
He was examining something through a microscope in one of the labs. "Arya. Feeling better?"
"A bit, yeah. How are you?"
"Stressed like usual. But I think I have some good news for you."
"Really?"
"I won't lie, this is an untested treatment. But I think it'll work. But it's your decision." Keisuke rubbed at his red eyes wearily.
"I'll try it. Let me take care of a few things first though. Maybe in a couple days you can stop by if you're free?"
"Alright." He sat down in a chair, looking exhausted and upset.
"What's wrong?" She asked softly.
"Court sent me a summons yesterday."
"Why?"
"Reevaluation of my status. Why after all these years, I fear to ask."
"Status?"
"I was exiled after your mother died by Tomoki. He wanted to execute me, but Court overruled him. I haven't been allowed back in twenty years."
"First off, Tomoki was an ass." She spat before her voice softened, "Secondly, I'll go with you. Not sure how much I can help in terms of their decisions, but I'll be a supportive friend."
"I don't think that is a good idea. I was branded a traitor and regicide, although little evidence supported the decision. Probably why I was exiled and not executed. I do not wish for you to be embroiled in the controversy."
She stared at him a moment, "Do you know how much controversy I've put myself in? Does it seem like I care?"
"My Queen, making laws the Court resents is different than supporting someone who is deemed a traitor. Someone who is considered to have killed the previous Queen for my own gain, though nothing could have been further from the truth. Supporting me, especially if Court changes their minds on my punishment could cause impeachment to go ahead for real instead of isolated mutterings."
"It's similar to a human courtroom sometimes, right? Can't I speak on your behalf? You've helped me so much already, I want to help you back."
"This is not a trial. Think of this as a parole hearing. The Court will decide if I have atoned sufficiently for my 'crimes'. Three outcomes are possible. Either my exile will continue or I will be allowed back into the kingdom." He sighed heavily, staring at the floor in silence.
"Third outcome is execution, isn't it?" She sighed. "Can't I just order you free? Even if it costs me my position, a life is more important than a position."
His head shot up, his eyes alarmed. "Arya! I will not allow you to jeopardize your rule. You are needed to make our people better. I am merely a doctor and a poor one at that. I only hope I can save you before I go to Court."
She sighed, "You're my friend, I care about you and just want to help.."
"I know. But I do not wish to be the cause of all the progress we've made to be lost. Our children need you more than ever. There is a growing movement to remove you as Queen and install one of the senior Court members as King. Once done, rumor is all your laws would be abolished. Shouma heard reports that the Colony is being rebuilt."
Arya looked down, "I know my parents wanted change, but is it truly possible with all the people against it? Maybe I was just meant to be a human instead."
He quickly stood, raising her chin. "Can you look at your children and really say that? Do you know what will happen if you are removed as Queen?"
She sighed, "I don't want to lose them, I'll fight for them with my life. But even if I don't help you, if I just keep making more changes... it just doesn't look promising."
"I'm sure the people in your civil rights era felt the same way. But they didn't give up and now they are free. You can't let the anti change people win or we are doomed to die out."
She nodded slowly, "Alright. I guess it's probably better if I don't go with you, because if things go bad, I won't hesitate to speak up.. but you are important too and don't deserve how you've been treated.."
He gave her a smile. "I don't deserve you. I'm just a doctor. But I appreciate you more than I can ever say."
"When do you have to go to Court?"
"Five days."
"Come by in two or three. We'll see how the drug works and if it saves me, you can tell them that as proof you want to help."
"Alright. Be safe."
She nodded, "You too." She left the room and started down the hall. She tried to push her worry for him aside as she drove back home. Once there, she opened a portal and walked through, finding herself in medical to check on Kharis.
"Your Highness!" The doctor from before bowed deeply. "What do you require?"
"I'm just here to check on that elf. Is he still here?"
He froze for a moment. "He's been moved."
"Where?" She asked softly.
"The prison ward pending execution." The doctor wouldn't meet her eyes.
She sighed, "Alright. Thank you." She headed out to find the prison ward.
A guard snapped to attention. "Your Highness?"
"I wanted to talk to someone in here."
"Let me get my superior." The guard disappeared, soon returning with an older Fae guard.
"Your Highness. I am Captain Quiss. What do you require of me?"
"I wanted to speak to someone in here. And I wanted to know why he's set for execution."
"You mean that elf." He looked like he had bitten into something sour.
"I mean, I know he's an elf and most Fae don't like elves, but is that the only reason he's set for execution? Or has he done something actually wrong?"
"Court member Talis gave me an execution order signed by you…" Quiss looked puzzled.
Her eyes blazed and she let out a low growl, "I signed no such thing, which means someone is signing my name. Do not allow execution until I get this taken care of."
He turned pale, then bowed hurriedly. "Yes your Highness." He turned to the other guard. "Stop the execution, Yanik!"
The other guard raced from the room.
Arya shook her head for a moment before focusing on Shouma, "Someone is signing my name on things, like execution orders. I'm going to talk to Talis and see if I can get more information. Just updating you in case something goes wrong."
"ARYA! Do not confront Talis. He wants to become King and is not afraid to dirty his hands."
"I can't just allow someone to sign my name on things I didn't approve of!"
"Just wait for Ryusei. He'll be there momentarily."
He heard her sigh, "Alright."
A portal opened beside her and Ryusei stepped through. His eyes were cold. "Knew I should havetossed Talis into the dragon forest."
Her eyes momentarily lit up, "There's a forest of dragons?"
"Where do you think Kimito's from?" Ryusei answered.
"Never thought about it.." She admitted. "Now let's go kick this guys ass."
Yanik slowly returned, throwing himself at her feet. "Forgive me, your Highness. I was too late."
She took a deep breath, "It's alright, I don't blame you. Just keep the body safe somewhere until I return."
He nodded rapidly.
Ryusei's hands clenched angrily.
She started toward the Court, "Where do you think we'll find him?"
"With the other sycophants. In the deliberation chamber. I knew he was ambitious and I never trusted him, but I never thought he'd stoop low enough to forge your name."
She nodded, "This is going to get ugly quick, I can feel it."
"Did you see Keisuke?"
She sighed, "Yes. And I'm starting to care less and less that he doesn't want me helping him."
"It's because of Talis. He doesn't want any of us hurt. I think he's resigned himself to taking the fall again."
"I'm going to tear this guy apart.."
"Stay calm. Don't let him rattle you." Ryusei opened the chamber doors.
"You know I have anger issues," she whispered back as they opened. She then looked inside carefully.
A group of Fae Court members sat listening to a dark blond speak.
"Our Queen cares more about the anchis born than the Kingdom. She wants nothing less than to destroy our entire way of life. What next? Will she announce that dragons are no longer to be hunted?"
"Oh, thank you so much for the fabulous idea," she smiled. "And I care for the Kingdom greatly, but the anchis born don't deserve the way they'd been treated." She said simply.
"Your Highness." He sneered at her. "They are of lower status. Who cares what happens to trash? And dragons aren't people. You are dragging the Kingdom down. You should abdicate before you are removed. If you care for your family, that is."
"Is that a threat?" She asked. "The status system is outdated. One of my best friends is a dragon. And if no one cares what happens to trash, then no one would care if I disposed of you."
"I am a royal physician! And since I am sure no one has told you what happens when royalty is removed, let me enlighten you. No threats. If you are removed, you and your bastard child will be executed. The others shall be returned to the Colony. If that shifter and your brothers resist, they will be executed as well. Just like that elf and next week that worthless traitor."
She had no idea how she managed to stay so calm, but she simply replied, "Are you sure you aren't just jealous that he's a better doctor than you?"
"He didn't tell you why he was exiled, did he?"
"He was accused of killing my mother, right? I don't see how he could be a traitor when he's helped us so much."
"I saw him do it! He was convicted! He ran from his execution, so we decided to exile him instead. And he wants you to pardon him."
Arya shook her head, still staying extremely calm, "None of this is why I came here. Someone has signed my name on at least one execution order, and who knows what else. I'd like to know who and why."
"I did. And I did it because you won't. You are too compassionate, refusing to remove the dangers to our Kingdom. You didn't wipe out the trolls, you give an elf treatment. On top of giving rights to the undeserving and robbing us of our Colony. You make me sick and I refuse to acknowledge you anymore." He headed for a door on the opposite side of the room, deliberately turning his back to her.
"The trolls surrendered, the elf was doing no one harm, the whole Colony thing was sick," she replied. She paused for a moment before deciding, "I could always just call for your removal from the Court."
He stopped and turned. "I have a large following. You may want to reconsider that idea. It might end very badly for you."
Ryusei's hand moved toward his sword, a low growl coming from his throat.
Arya gently caught his hand before speaking again, "Then let's have a fight to decide this."
"I think not." Talis retorted before disappearing out the door.
Arya shook her head, "Ryu, I'm calling for his removal since he's too cowardly to fight me like a man."
"He's not lying, Arya. He is the most popular member of the Court. Doubt you'll get enough votes."
"Keisuke brought up the Civil rights movement. They fought for their rights, not caring for the consequences. I want to fight for rights too. Unless you want me to go murder him, this is the only way I can fight back."
"Why did you stop me? I would have cut his head off." He scowled. "You would have been in the clear."
"I don't want you in trouble either. And I figured he'd be a man and fight, not a fucking coward."
Ryusei rolled his eyes. "You know I don't give a damn about trouble. It's not like my reputation can be trashed any more than it already is. And Talis' globe no doubt had a yellow streak."
"So.. try to fight him, straight up murder him, or go about this the polite political way?"
"You can try the polite way, but I fear either he will manage to get you removed or we will have a civil war."
She was quiet for a moment as she tried to think of more ideas. "Can't we get him in trouble for signing my name? Won't that be enough evidence for something against him?"
"He would merely get a reprimand, if he didn't lie and say he did it so as not to bother you. It was done often by Tomoki because of our mother's illness. Talis could say Kharis did something to deserve execution."
She shook her head and pulled out a small device, "Even having his confession recorded?"
He raised an eyebrow.
She chuckled, "It's the cop in me, I keep stuff like this on me all the time. Not that I'm always using it, but I have it when I need it." She sighed, "We need more dirt on him to get him out of here."
"You are truly devious." Ryusei grinned at her. Then he sobered. "I don't know how to help."
"I don't know either. I can't let him keep doing this shit though, and if he's my biggest rival in Court, he needs to be taken down.." She shook her head, "Why did he lie about Keisuke? Unless he really is jealous of him, what did he have against him?"
"Mother only trusted Keisuke. Wouldn't let Talis near her. When she started getting worse, he tried to tell her it was Keisuke's fault. She dismissed him, called for Keisuke and Tomoki. The next morning, we were informed she had died. At first, we were unsurprised. Then it was revealed that she had turinal in her system. Keisuke was arrested and quickly convicted on Talis' testimony that he'd returned to apologize and had seen Keisuke poison her. Keisuke escaped from his execution and hid in the human world."
She nodded, "Let's go take care of Kharis then we'll figure out the Talis issue." She sighed, "How much trouble would I be in for just killing him?"
"Unknown. There would be much gossip. Without him though I doubt anyone else would challenge you. But I could be wrong."
She sighed and headed back to where Kharis was.
The guard saluted from where he stood over a sheeted table.
Arya uncovered it and started pushing energy into the elf.
"Arya, wait." Ryusei injected the body with a syringe. "Alright, continue."
She did as instructed, ignoring her hands starting to shake. She suddenly was struck with an idea, "Taris is the physician right? We could have him check me over.. Catch him in the act if he tries anything to hurt me."
"Possible. I do not think he is that easy to fool." Ryusei merged his light with hers, giving a small smile when Kharis sucked in a breath.
"It won't entirely be a trick though. If I use up too much energy, it seems to make me have more issues. If I collapse or something and he's the only physician around.." She sighed, "It's dangerous if he does try something but it might be able to work.."
Ryusei frowned. "I do not like that idea. Why don't you let me speak to him? I may be able to convince him to back off. You should return home."
Arya reached in her pocket and pulled a couple things out. She put an earpiece in her ear, then handed him a small device, "Just take this with you."
He chuckled, placing the device in his pocket.
"It'll record everything in case he admits anything, and I'll be able to hear in case something goes wrong."
"Understood. Shall I put a guard on Kharis?"
"Yeah. I still want to talk to him at some point when he wakes, but for now we'll have a guard watch him."
"Why did you bring me back?" The elf in question blinked at her. "It is easier this way."
"You weren't supposed to be executed. I was going to let you be free and take you somewhere you'll be safe."
"I expected to die. No one wants me and I can be safe nowhere."
"I have a house you can be safe at. We have all kinds of people, Fae, a dragon, shifters, vamps, even a unicorn. You'll be safe with us, if you want to come with."
"Why? You don't know me. I could be dangerous. My own people don't want me."
"I'd like to get to know you. And I have a feeling you aren't dangerous."
He gave her a crooked smile.
She smiled back, "I'm Arya, by the way. It's nice to meet you."
"Kharis. You would really allow me into your home?"
She nodded, "Obviously if you like.. hurt someone in the house, you'll be kicked out, but I have a good feeling about you."
"If I ever hurt someone, I will end my own life." He said solemnly as he pushed himself up.
She nodded slowly, "Okay. So, do you want to go there now? You can meet my family."
"If you allow it."
She nodded and opened a portal, "Come on."
"I will stay here." Ryusei gave her cheek a kiss before leaving.
Kharis watched her expression, and once the door closed, he spoke softly. "You are worried for him."
She nodded, "Yeah I am. I'll be after him soon though to keep an eye on him. But let's get you home now." She held a hand out to him.
The elf took it with a deep breath. "What if no one likes me?"
"They will, don't worry."
"I apologize." He looked embarrassed.
"You have nothing to apologize for."
The house appeared, Ryon looking anxiously at them.
"Hey hun," she smiled at Ryon as they entered.
"Mom! Dad did something stupid again." The teen raised an eyebrow at Kharis. "Does he need a room?"
"Yes he does. What did Dad do now?"
Kharis shook his head. "I do not. Just a mat and a blanket."
Ryon rolled his eyes. "Mom won't let you get away with that. And Dad served a warrant on that biker bar again. Alone."
"Is he alright?"
"By the amount of cursing Uncle Kaien was doing, doubtful."
"I'll go check on him. Please get Kharis a room."
Ryon grinned and started dragging the elf down the hall.
Kharis gave her a look of hesitation.
"It's alright. This is one of my sons, Ryon. You're going to get a room then if you're hungry, he can show you to the kitchen."
"Come on, scaredy cat." Ryon dragged him around the corner and disappeared.
Arya went to medical to check out Tomoya.
She could hear Kaien lecturing him. "Why do you always try to do shit alone? I swear, you are going to give me either an aneurysm or I'm going to end up killing you myself. Thought the self sacrificing shit was over with?"
"There's a whole house full of hunters you could have taken with you." She added as she entered.
Tomoya groaned. "Don't you start too. This came up unexpectedly. It's my own fault for not reading the whole warrant. I should have backed off when I saw gills."
Kaien snorted. "At least this time you stayed on your feet." The wolf finished taping a bandage onto Tomoya's arm. "You know the drill. The venom has to be flushed out. I've already got the anti nausea meds ready."
"You know they don't work on me. I'll be fine. Go back to work." Tomoya winced as Kaien opened the IV and a white liquid started flowing.
"Is there anything I can do to help?"
"Stay with me?" He swallowed hard, turning slightly green.
"Yeah, at least until Ryu needs me," she tapped her earpiece.
"Trouble?" Tomoya's eyes narrowed.
"Someone in Court signed my name on an execution order. The guy who was executed is now living here, FYI. His name is Kharis, he's an elf." She sighed, "So anyway, this asshole won't fight me cause he's a fucking coward, so we have to go about things differently. Ryu was going to talk to him. I'm going to listen in case things go wrong."
"Point me at him. I'll shred him into compost." Tomoya winced and held his stomach. "Fucking mermaids…"
Her eyes lit up, "I want to meet a mermaid."
"Just don't get bit."
She nodded, "I take it that's what happened to you?"
He nodded slowly. "At least the first time I was out when they flushed me. This sucks hard."
"I'm sorry. Wish I could help more." She focused for a second, making sure her earpiece was turned up.
"Like I said, my fault." He closed his eyes briefly, then opened them again when Ryon entered scowling.
"What's wrong, hun?"
"Kharis refuses to come out. He's insisting on sleeping in the closet."
Arya rolled her eyes. "I'll go talk to him."
"Good luck." Ryon left quietly.
"Why do we attract all the damaged ones?"
"Because no one else will help them." She stood and kissed his cheek, "I'll be back when I can. Too bad I can't clone myself to be in multiple places at once."
He chuckled. "Sure would keep us out of trouble."
She smiled, "I love you."
"Love you more."
She slipped out of the room and headed down the hall to find Kharis. She slowly entered the room, "Kharis?"
The closet door cracked open, his eyes watching her silently.
"Hun, you get this whole room. You have a bed here you can sleep on. I know you aren't used to this kind of thing, but things are different now."
"I am not worthy. I will stay here unless you wish me outside."
"You are worthy." She answered. "I won't make you sleep on the bed, but you are allowed to. You're allowed to have this whole room. You are allowed to eat as much as you want in the kitchen. You are worth it, even if you don't see it. I know people have told you differently, but they were wrong."
"I am an outcast. I'm not a pure blood. I am only good in battle." His voice trembled as he opened the closet door wider. "I was supposed to die in the war."
"You aren't an outcast here and we don't care about if you aren't a pureblood. You've been given a new chance at life to do as you want."
"I don't know how to live."
She looked thoughtful for a moment, "I'd like you to come talk to someone with me, is that alright?"
"As you command." He crawled out of the closet, staying on his knees with his eyes on the floor.
"I'm not commanding, I'm simply asking. I'm never going to force you to do anything."
"I am your property. I owe you my life."
She knelt beside him, "Listen, you own yourself now. You are not property to anyone but yourself. I saved you because I wanted to help you, not because I want anything from you."
He looked at her in disbelief.
"I would like you to talk to my son, Zal. I think he might be able to help you." She stood and held a shaky hand out to him.
Kharis sat still for a moment, then took it.
She helped him up and led him to Zal's door. She knocked gently.
Zal opened it, his eyes questioning as he saw the elf. "Is there a problem?"
"This is Kharis. He's going to be staying with us. He just got here, so he's not used to things yet. He says he's only good for battle and doesn't know how to live. I thought maybe you could give him tips on how to get used to being free and how to learn to live outside of what you're used to."
Understanding dawned in the young man's eyes and he gave Kharis a soft smile. "Hello, I'm Zal. Why don't we talk?"
Kharis glanced at Arya nervously.
"It's alright. He's just wanting to help you." She smiled. "I have to get back to my brother, but I will be back later if you need anything. He can help you in the meantime."
Kharis nodded slowly before entering Zal's room.
Zal gave her a smile. "I'll take care of him."
There was a gasp of pain from her earpiece, then Ryusei's almost inaudible voice. "Don't come back.."
Arya growled and opened a portal, ignoring his warning. She stepped through and looked around.
A trail of blood led away from her, the blood changing from red to gold after only a few steps.
She followed it quickly.
Ryusei's blood stained coat fluttered in the soft breeze. The gold stood out on the dark cloth.
She knelt beside him, pouring energy into him quickly.
"He's..he's coming for you…" Ryusei's face was almost white, blood in a wide pool beneath him. At least eight stab wounds were in his abdominal area. He was in shock, his skin cold as he shook violently.
She cradled him, forcing energy into him. Slowly the wounds closed and she moved, opening a portal and taking him to the medical room of the house. She set up a transfusion for him and made sure he was safe before going back through the portal.
"Is he dead? Or do I have to finish the job after you?' Talis asked lazily from where he sat under a tree.
"I offered you a fight," she replied as her hands were in her pockets. "Why are you now coming after us?"
"I dislike duplicitous people. He had a recording device." Talis shrugged. "And I'm tired of waiting. Once you're out of the way, then everything will return to the way it's supposed to be. All that will be left is Kubota. But he'll be easy to dispose of."
She quickly pulled a pistol from her pocket, shooting him.
He grunted in surprise, staring at the spreading blood in shock.
"No one hurts my brothers. I warned the Court that before."
He attempted to throw a knife at her, but crumpled to the ground before it left his hand.
She took a minute to make sure he was dead. She then backed away, her illness making her tremble uncontrollably. She tried to open a portal but nothing happened. She sat down, trying to rest for a few moments to see if it would help.
A minute later, a shaky portal opened and Ryusei tumbled through. His eyes were panicked in his still too pale face. "Arya? Please say you're okay…"
"Just my illness acting up," she replied.
"Talis?" He knelt beside her with a harsh gasp.
She pointed to the body, "Shot him. You should be resting."
"Had to make sure you were okay…"
She slowly stood, helping him up the best she could and getting him back through the portal. She made sure he was on a bed before looking over at Tomoya.
"What the hell happened to you two?" He sat up slowly.
"He was attacked and I killed that asshole," was her reply.
"Good, I guess?" He watched Ryusei with concern. "He going to be alright?"
"He just needs rest."
"You do too."
She nodded slowly, "How are you feeling?"
"I'm alright. Fully flushed out."
"That's good." She moved and kissed him, then slipped out of the room. She headed toward her room, laying down to rest.