Ryon slipped into the room, a tray in his hands. "Soup's done. The kitchen's empty and I didn't see a single guard."

Andy frowned, "That's odd."

He shrugged. "How are they doing?"

Andy sighed, "The same." She looked down at Tet worriedly.

He was flushed, a result of the high fever that had been raging for several days. He coughed incessantly and was lucid only occasionally. He was still recovering from the beating and the doctor had been concerned his stitches would break. But the doctor hadn't been by in the last two days..

"Mama! Mama, don't go!" Yamae's voice echoed from the next room. Ryon winced, then headed in to calm his brother. He held the boy close, brushing back the sweat drenched hair. "Shhh. It's alright. Go to sleep."

Andy sighed sadly, heading out to find a doctor. She wandered the halls looking for anyone but found the palace almost empty.

A single guard appeared, his eyes hollow from exhaustion. He bowed when he saw her. "Princess. You're not sick?"

She shook her head, "Is everyone else sick?"

He nodded. "Or dead. The doctor has been attending to your mother, but it doesn't look good."

Andy took a deep breath. She just lost her father, she couldn't lose her mother as well. And if she did.. she'd become Queen. She'd be happy to end the war but everything else not as much.

She nodded, "Get some rest. You look like you need it." She headed back to her wing with tears in her eyes.

Kiba was pacing, his fists clenched. He stopped when he saw her face. "What's wrong?"

"Apparently almost everyone in the castle is sick or has died. The doctor has been attending to my mother which is why he hasn't come back down. I guess she has it really bad.."

"Dammit." He cursed, his eyes straying to Ryusei's room. "You said people are dying?"

"That's what the guard told me," she nodded.

"Hate to pile on the bad news, but Ryusei is showing symptoms." Ryon told her as he exited the boy's room. "And he is as bad as Tet already."

Andy looked down, trying not to cry. She didn't want to lose anyone and now three of her friends and her mother were sick. She felt helpless, unsure what to do.

Kiba embraced her silently. He held her for several minutes, then let her go. "You should rest."

She nodded slowly, "Let me know if anything changes."

He gave her a sad nod.

Three days later, there was a knock at the door.

She answered it quickly.

The doctor stood there looking haggard. "My Queen."

"Queen..?"

"Your mother succumbed this morning. Luckily young Kaia is still well."

Andy's hands started shaking and she moved to sit down. After a few moments, she spoke, "Please check on my friends."

He bowed and entered Tet's room. After a few moments, he visited Yamae and Ryusei. He made his way back to Andy. "Two of them are at death's door. The other one is not as close, but it is just a matter of time. No one sick has recovered. I am sorry."

Andy nodded slowly, "Go get some rest. You need it."

He bowed and left.

Andy started sobbing, curling up on one of the couches.

Ryon entered, rubbing the sleep from his eyes. He ran to her side in alarm. "Andy? Are you alright?"

She shook her head, "The doctor said no one sick has recovered... my mother..this morning.." she managed to get out.

He gently wrapped her in his arms, kissing her forehead. "I am so sorry. Is your sister?"

"Kaia's okay."

"We'll get through this." He released her and stood. "I'm going to bring some food. We'll eat, then decide what to do, okay?"

She nodded, wiping at her eyes.

She stared at the floor until he returned.

His hands were shaking around the platter as he came in followed by another man. "Andy.."

"Yes?"

"Aside from the doctor and Kaia, we're the only ones still alive." He tried to calm his breathing.

Andy nodded slowly. "Alright.."

Kiba appeared at her side. "You need to come now..Ryusei.."

Andy stood quietly, heading into Ryusei's room.

He was pale, his eyes half open.

"Hey," she tried to smile as she went to his side. She held his hand gently.

"Take care..of Kiba?" His voice was raspy.

Andy nodded, "Don't worry, I will."

He gave her a wan smile, then closed his eyes.

"I can't believe he's that bad.." A strange voice spoke behind her.

She looked up at him in confusion, "Who are you?"

He chuckled quietly. "Ryon forgot. I am Kenji, his right arm. And he should not be sick." Kenji knelt beside the bed and extended a glowing hand.

Andy watched quietly.

Blue light enveloped Ryusei for several minutes, then faded away. Kenji laid his head on the bed and took a deep breath. "He should be alright now."

"That's great," Andy gave a small smile.

"Give me a few minutes and I'll help the others." Kenji closed his eyes.

"Thank you," she said quietly.

He gave her a dazzling smile, his eyes opening. He pushed himself up and headed into Yamae's room.

Kiba stumbled out of Tet's room, his composure breaking. "Andy..he's..he's.."

Andy's face fell before she moved to him, wrapping her arms around him.

Kenji slowly made his way into Tet's room. The blue light shone bright for a moment, then he staggered out and collapsed on the floor.

Ryon cursed and rushed over, paleing as he saw blood seeping through Kenji's shirt. "He's hurt and didn't say anything?"

Andy quickly grabbed the medicine kit and started cleaning him up and bandaging his wound.

Kiba rushed into Tet's room, exiting seconds later with an astonished look. "He's sleeping.. perfectly normal." He looked at Ryon. "Who the hell is he?"

"Tet's alive?" Andy looked up with surprise.

"Yeah. He's freaking snoring." Kiba gave a teary chuckle.

Ryon brushed a hand over Kenji's head. "Meet my right arm, Kenji."

Kiba's jaw dropped. "You said he was dead.."

"I found him in the kitchen earlier. He said the guards released him from the dungeon." Ryon sighed. "I owe you an apology, Kiba."

Andy watched quietly, wondering what he was talking about.

"I know who and what Ryusei is."

"What is he?" Andy wondered aloud.

"He's half Fae..and Kenji's brother.."

Andy raised an eyebrow, "So they're Fae? That's how they heal people?"

Ryon nodded. "Kiba and Ryusei share a mother, but not the same father. Kenji's father is Ryusei's too. Kenji is full Fae."

Andy nodded in understanding.

Kiba sat in shock for a moment, then spoke. "I don't care if he's half dragon. He's still my brother."

Andy chuckled softly in response. She stood and stuck her head into each of the rooms, checking on the sleeping men.

Soon, Kaia came running in, "It's lonely staying in my room. Can I be with you?"

Andy gave her a soft smile and picked her up. "Of course." Andy's face had a flash of sadness when she realized she was all Kaia had left. They'd both lost their parents, and it would be harder on Kaia at her young age. She had to step up now and not only be there for Kaia but be the Queen. She struggled to keep her breathing calm as a wave of panic washed over her.

"Deep breaths." Kiba put one hand on her shoulder as he ruffled Kaia's hair. "Hi sweetheart."

Kaia smiled and reached out for Kiba.

Andy tried to do what Kiba said and take deep breaths. Kaia looked back at her in confusion, "What's wrong?"

"Did anyone tell you about Mommy?"

"They said she wasn't feeling good."

"Well, she's gone now, just like Daddy."

Kaia stared at her for a few moments, trying to process everything. She soon started crying and Andy moved them to the couch to better support her.

Andy held her close, trying not to break out into tears herself. "Everything will be alright."

"If Mommy is gone, are you my mommy now?"

Andy gave a sad chuckle, "That's not really how it works. I'm still your sister, but I'll be taking care of you the best I can. You will have a new nanny too, hopefully soon."

Kaia nodded sleepily.

Andy sighed and lifted Kaia back up, taking her to her room. She laid her in bed and tucked her in, the younger princess falling to sleep in seconds.

Andy made her way back to the living room and looked at Kiba, "Thanks."

"No problem. Now she'll grow up in peace." He gave her forehead a soft kiss.

"Of course I know some things about ruling but I haven't had much training yet since my parents weren't supposed to die so suddenly. I feel like I'll be a lousy Queen."

"Nonsense. You have the two biggest things already going for you." He grinned.

She raised an eyebrow, "Which are..?"

"A gigantic heart and empathy, of course." He gave a chuckle.

She gave a small smile in return before thinking aloud, "We need to find more staff before anything else.." She then gave a grin, "And we can move to the main wing when everyone is awake and better. You think it's nice here, wait until you see over there."

Kiba laughed. "Careful, my Queen. We may end up spoiled rotten."

Andy smiled before yawning, "Lots of things to do tomorrow.. Get some rest."

He gave her a kiss, then headed for his room.

Andy woke early, heading to the kitchen and starting breakfast. She wheeled down trays of food and entered the living room.

Kenji gave her a smile as he laced his boots. "Morning."

"Morning. How are you feeling?"

"Much better, thank you." He strapped a bow to his back, then grabbed a roll off the tray.

"So what are your plans?"

"I am going to get you new staff." He gave her another smile.

She gave him a surprised look, "Thank you."

"It's the least I can do. Ryon told me everything. I must show my gratitude."

Andy smiled, "We need quite a bit of people to run a castle this large. I hope the kingdom didn't get hit with the sickness as well."

"Do not worry. The city is well. And I just happen to know a lot of people." He finished the roll, waved and disappeared in a puff of smoke.

Andy chuckled before sitting down to start eating.

"Andy? What happened? I was sure I wasn't going to wake up.." Tet emerged from his room, his eyes confused.

"Kenji healed you."

His eyes narrowed. "Kenji? How do you know Ryon's right arm? He died before we were captured.." He stepped back. "Am I on the other side? Or is this a fever dream?"

"Everything is alright and you are alive. Kenji didn't actually die apparently and was being held as a prisoner."

His eyes widened. "Where is he?"

"Currently getting the castle new staff because basically everyone died."

"Everyone? Does that mean you're.." He stared at her.

"Kaia and the doctor, and us. That's who is left. And yes, that makes me Queen." She sighed.

"Thank the gods." He blanched, sputtering an apology. "I didn't mean it that way.."

"I know," she nodded. She then pointed to the food trays, "Hungry?"

"Ravenous." He sat beside her and reached for the food. "Did anybody other than me get sick?"

"Yamae and Ryusei," she nodded again.

He paused, then chuckled. "Better make more food because Ryu will eat this in five minutes and still be hungry. You'd expect him to be seven feet tall and four hundred pounds the way he eats."

Andy laughed, "I'll see about making more when we need it."

A pair of arms wrapped around Tet's neck and he gave a soft smile. "You okay, Kiba?"

The man gave a soft sob. "I am now.."

Tet smiled wider, reaching behind him to give his right arm a squeeze. "Get over here and eat. You've lost weight."

"Whose fault is that? You took years off my life." Kiba moved to sit beside Tet.

Andy smiled as she watched them, slowly making her way through her plate.

The other three men soon appeared, the two formerly sick diving into the food with gusto.

Andy finished her plate, then looked at them, "My first act as Queen is to free you. If you want to stay, there's always room, but you aren't forced to be here anymore."

"What makes you think any of us are going anywhere?" Ryon raised an eyebrow as he munched a piece of toast.

Andy shrugged, "I don't know. I just don't want to make you stay if you don't want to."

"We aren't leaving." Tet cupped her cheek. "The only way you will ever be alone is if we die. And given the fact we keep frustrating the Reaper, he probably doesn't want to be anywhere near us."

She smiled softly, "Thank you."

"Isn't that our line?" He kissed her deeply.

Kiba tapped his shoulder. "My turn." He claimed her mouth gently.

Andy chuckled when they broke apart.

The others crowded around, claiming their own kisses. Ryusei blushed as they separated.

Andy gave a contented sigh, "I never thought I'd find anyone I care about like this, much less a group."

"How can we resist a beautiful woman like you? We'd be insane not to accept your love." Yamae grinned at her as Kenji appeared.

Andy looked at him, "Did you find people?"

His eyes twinkled. "Of course. The kitchen is working hard on a feast fit for you. The guards are patrolling the castle and your adorable sister is being spoiled by her new nanny. Now I am all yours."

"Thank you," she smiled. "Why don't we all head to the main wing? I'll get you guys better rooms over there."

"Are you sure about that?" Kiba gave a quiet sigh. "Won't your people be offended?"

"And you'll be getting plenty of suitors for your hand now. We maybe should take rooms with the guards." Tet added, his eyes avoiding hers.

"I don't care if they are offended. And I don't have plans for marriage any time soon." She answered. "But if you really would rather room elsewhere that can be arranged."

"Hey now, don't be like that. I just don't want your people deciding you aren't good enough for them." Tet tried to placate her. He sighed and got up, disappearing out the front door.

Andy stayed quiet for a few moments before speaking to the rest of the group. "I don't care, I'd still like you to have rooms in the main wing."

The men nodded. "We accept."

Andy took a deep breath, "Well, let's head over there then."

They finished eating, then Kiba bowed. "Lead the way."

Andy headed out of her wing into the main hall, then went into the main wing. Everything was shinier and more elegant than the rest of the castle. The men noticed a large pool as they followed her down the hall.

She pointed to some rooms, "These are for you."

They exchanged looks with each other, then Yamae squeaked. "Are you sure?"

"Yes, I am," she nodded.

They bowed as one, then went to explore.

Kenji paused in front of her. "Don't be too upset with Tet. He just doesn't want anyone to think badly of you. Or worse."

She sighed, "I know. But you guys mean so much to me, I want you to have a nice place to live. I'll worry about what people think later."

Kenji chuckled, then joined the others.

Andy went to the end of the hall, going through the wide door. She looked around at her new room for a moment before going out on the balcony to get some fresh air.

She heard grunting from the training ground below.

She looked down to see what was going on.

Tet was swinging a sword at several training dummies, his face stony. He was shirtless, his stitches standing out against his skin. The scar on his back rippled as he moved.

She watched him silently for a while. She considered calling down to him but didn't know what to say.

He stopped suddenly, pressing a hand to his side. Blood began to trickle through his fingers and he cursed silently. He placed the sword down and took a deep breath as the scenery wavered.

Andy quickly ran and got a medical kit before heading out to the training grounds. She went to Tet and grabbed him to keep him steady, then helped him sit on a bench. She stayed quiet as she gently cleaned him up and bandaged him.

"I'm sorry." His voice was low, his eyes staring at the ground.

"It's alright. I'm sorry too." She finished with the bandages then held her hand out to him, "Let's get you inside so you can rest more."

"I was out of line." He took her hand, wincing as he stood. He leaned on her until the world settled, then sighed. "I'm an idiot, aren't I?"

"Why do you say that?"

"After all you've done for us, I was ungrateful and a giant jackass. You should give me a room with the servants."

She shook her head, "We already picked you out a room."

He gave her a tired smile. "I forgot all about the stitches. Probably should stay away from training for awhile, huh?"

She nodded, "That would be wise." She led him to where their rooms were and helped him into one.

He sank onto the mattress and closed his eyes. "I love you." He whispered as he fell asleep.

"I love you too," she whispered back before kissing his forehead. She stood there watching him for a few moments.

Kenji poked his head in, lowering his voice as he spotted Tet. "We have a problem."

She left the room and looked at him, "What's wrong?"

"A large group of rebels are heading this way. They heard about the sickness and are coming for whoever's left here so they can declare victory."

"Get the troops into defensive positions. I'm calling off the war, so let's draft a letter to the rebels?"

He nodded, running down the hall as Kiba met her. "Ryusei is with Kaia as a precaution. What do you want the rest of us to do?"

She gave a small chuckle, "You guys are already doing so much. I should make you official advisors.." She looked thoughtful, "Is there anything else you think you should do?"

"I can lead the defensive measures. Where did Tet go?"

"He's currently sleeping. He was training and started bleeding."

He exhaled softly. "I'll be with the troops. If you think of anything, just tell the others. Ryon is a skilled negotiator if you need one." He headed down the hall, unsheathing a large sword.

Andy started pacing in the hallway, wondering what she could be doing to help.

Ten minutes later, Ryon and Kenji appeared with a sheet of paper. Kenji looked grim, Ryon worried.

"What's happening?"

"The rebels have broken through to the courtyard. I've strengthened the defenses in the castle proper." Kenji looked at Ryon.

"I drafted a peace agreement. Your thoughts?" He handed it to her quietly, his lips tightening as the sound of fighting reached their ears.

Andy read it over a few times before nodding. "Sounds good."

"How do we get them to agree?" Ryon asked softly.

"Do they have a leader or general? If we can get them, we can talk to them."

Kenji nodded, his eyes dark. "He and Kiba fought. I'll go bring him to you."

Andy nodded and headed toward the throne room. She paced in front of the throne, unable to bring herself to sit in it just yet.

Ten minutes later, Kenji reappeared. He was leading a tall, broad shouldered rebel. "Queen Andaka, I present Takahashi."

Andy nodded, "As you may know, I just took the throne. I'm not like my parents. I know we can never give back what has been taken from you, but I'd like to sign a peace agreement to prevent further damage on both sides of the war."

He looked surprised, then answered. "I believe we can come to an agreement."

Andy gave him a small smile, "We have already drafted an agreement, if you approve of it, we can sign. If not, we can discuss terms."

He nodded. "May I see it?"

Andy took the piece of paper and approached the man, handing it out toward him.

He took it, his eyes scanning quickly over it. After a few moments, he produced a pen and signed his name at the bottom. He handed it back with a small bow.

Andy signed it as well, "Thank you. I know there will be some animosity against us for some time, but I look forward to leading the kingdom in a better direction."

"I believe you. I must return to my men. May your rule be long and prosperous." He bowed again, then headed out of the room.

Kenji let out a slow breath. "It's over."

Andy nodded, finally sitting on the throne.

"I'll supervise the clean up. There are casualties we need to take care of." His voice was shaky, his face stony.

She nodded again, "Let me know if there's anything I can do to help."

He gave her a sad smile, then bowed and left.

Hours later, Ryon appeared with a bow. "The battle clean up has finished. The casualties Kenji and Ryusei were not able to restore are being prepared for burial. They are resting in their room. Your sister is safe with my brother." He stopped, fighting tears. A minute later, he resumed speaking. "What are your procedures for hero burial?"

Andy's eyes narrowed, "Where is Kiba?"

Ryon dropped his eyes to the floor and went silent. Tears finally began streaking his cheeks.

"Did he..?" Andy asked worriedly.

"General Takahashi won their battle. Neither Ryusei or Kenji were able to revive him."

Tears filled her eyes, "Can I see him?"

"He's laid out in the infirmary." Ryon took a deep breath. "Do you want me to come with you?"

"Only if you want to," she wiped at her eyes as she tried not to sob.

He gently led her down to the infirmary door, then excused himself.

Andy entered and looked around, quickly spotting him. She went to his side and noticed how peaceful he looked, almost like he was asleep. She finally started sobbing, taking his hand and squeezing it tightly. "Why did you have to leave us?" She stood beside him crying for a while before begging, "Please come back. We need you. Tet needs you. I need you.."

Soon, a purple light started glowing from Andy's hand and spreading across Kiba's body. She watched in confusion, unsure where the light came from.

His fingers twitched at the same time his eyes fluttered open. He looked at Andy worriedly. "Are you alright?"

"You died.." she stared at him with puffy eyes.

He blinked as the memory returned. "The battle! What happened?"

"Peace agreement," she answered quietly.

"Thank the gods. Is everyone okay?"

"They're just upset about you. Kenji and Ryusei revived quite a few people so they are resting.."

He gave a slow nod, then began to sit up. He winced as his body protested.

Andy continued staring at him, a mix of shock and confusion on her face.

"Did I grow another head or something? You're starting to scare me."

She shot him an apologetic look before looking down, "Neither Ryusei or Kenji could revive you.."

He froze. "Then how? Am I dreaming?" He suddenly realized where they were and he paled.

"I did it.. somehow. I don't know what happened, I just wanted you to come back so badly and then you were surrounded by a light.."

"The rumors are true.." He gasped.

"What rumors?"

"Royalty's gifts. You are supposed to be able to heal plagues and bring people back to life. I never believed it." He stared at her in awe.

"If royalty has it, why didn't my mother? She would have saved everyone from the sickness.."

He shook his head. "I don't know."

She sighed and wiped at her eyes again, "I'm glad you're alive."

"Makes two of us."

"Why don't we get you to your room?" She held a hand out to him.

"Gladly." He took it, grabbing the edge of the table as the room spun.

She wrapped her arm around him to help keep him upright and began to lead him down the hall.

Ryon stopped in shock as he saw them. He struggled to stay calm.

Andy gave him a small smile, "He's alright now."

Ryon slowly nodded. "How? You had a wound the size of my fist in your chest.."

Kiba shook his head. "No clue."

Andy shot him a confused look before continuing to help him down the hall. After a few minutes she asked, "Why didn't you just tell him I saved you? Though I'm still not sure how I did it.."

"Not my place. If you want to reveal it, your decision. This could just be a freak occurrence." He sighed as they reached his room. "You have enough going on without this getting out. You'll be besieged by everyone wanting to be healed or their loved ones revived."

Andy nodded, "You're right." She helped him to the bed.

He laid down with a hiss. "The war's really over?"

"We signed a peace agreement so unless they break it.."

He nodded, his eyes heavy. "One day at a time.." He slipped into sleep.

She kissed his forehead before leaving the room.

Kenji and Ryusei met her in the hall, both bowing deeply. "We wanted to apologize for our failure."

"It's alright. And Kiba is okay."

They rose to look at her in disbelief. "We were unable to revive him… Are you alright?"

"Look in there, he's fine," she pointed to his room.

They both scrambled to the door, their eyes wide as they saw Kiba sleeping.