Mia felt weak when the light stopped, but she continued to sit beside Ryon and make sure he was alright.
Soon, there was a knock on her door and Mariana opened it slightly, "Mia?"
"Hmm?" Was all the witch could get out.
Mariana looked in and paused as she took in the sight of the two. She shook her head then entered and began muttering spells over Ryon.
Mia closed her eyes to rest.
After a while, Mariana gently shook Mia, "You activated your healing powers, didn't you?"
"Is that what happened?"
"You'll feel tired for a while, but don't worry, I got him healed up."
"Why did you help him?"
"Because, you would."
Mia nodded slowly as she looked down at Ryon again.
"I'm sorry! Don't die, please don't die. Forgive me, Tadashi! I'm sorry…" The wolf sobbed in desperation. "I didn't mean it!"
Mia winced, "Shhh, everything is alright."
Mariana said a spell to help him sleep well before slipping from the room.
He slipped deeper into unconsciousness.
Mia dozed as she sat beside him.
He woke, eyes opening in disbelief. He watched her for a moment, then gingerly extricated himself. Standing shakily, he left the room and went in search of Mariana.
Mariana looked up from the chair she was in in the kitchen, "Good to see you're feeling better."
He gave her a tight smile, then knelt. "I have committed a grievous offense to your clan. I have no excuse and as such, willingly forfeit my life in exchange."
"We aren't going to take your life. Maybe you could help Mia with her duties or something to help make things up?"
"You're not.." His head shot up. "I don't want pity. The scales must be balanced."
"Give your life to her. Make her happy." Mariana sighed, "She's already lost almost everyone close to her, I don't want her to lose another."
He dropped his eyes again. "I am unsuitable."
"She doesn't think so."
"She is naive and far too kind hearted. I thank you for your leniency." He dipped his head, then teleported away.
She shook her head at him.
Mia woke slowly, frowning when she didn't find Ryon beside her. She went in search of him, learning from Mariana that he left.
She paused, wanting more than anything to follow him, but not knowing if he would be upset that she did. Finally, she decided to anyway and teleported to his location.
He was in his apartment, making notes on a legal pad. He didn't appear to hear her, his focus elsewhere. "Gold records, Naoto. Everything else, Yamae. Replace his name on the lease as well as the cars. I'll make a note before I go.." He was muttering quietly before placing the pad on the bed and picking up a small knife.
"Ryon..?"
He jumped, whirling in shock. "Mia…."
"What are you doing?"
"Putting things in order. Don't you have duties to be doing?"
She sighed, "Please come back with me?"
"Unless your clan leader has reconsidered, I shouldn't. You should do it, but won't."
"Why are you so insistent on this?"
"I became clan leader when my parents died. But a clan of one is useless. It was stressed to me the importance of being a leader. I took your clan's leader for selfish reasons, causing you to be forced into the role. I am simply making amends as well as I can."
"I already have forgiven you. You don't have to do anything."
"Can he?"
She took a deep breath and nodded, "He wouldn't blame you either."
He studied her face for a moment. "I can't stop feeling guilty.."
"I'm sorry. I wish I could help with that." She sighed.
He gave her a small smile, then swayed.
"Are you alright?"
"Feel sick as hell."
"Probably from the silver poisoning.."
"I should be dead.." He tried to reach the bed, but ended up on the floor.
Mia gently got him into the bed, "I wasn't going to let that happen."
"If he comes back…"
"Don't worry about that."
He gave her a weak smile, his face flushed and hot against her hand. "My job..to protect.."
"Shh." She got him a cool rag for his forehead. "Just let me worry about protecting."
He coughed slightly, his eyes sliding closed.
She watched him, re-cooling the cloth when it warmed.
He gave a quiet moan, his eyelids flickering rapidly. "Don't hurt her..I'll do whatever you want."
"Shh, everything is alright."