He went white and shook his head rapidly. "He's a tale used to frighten children. He's not real."
"Seemed pretty real to me," she answered.
"By the gods..I am officially terrified now." He shuddered and reached to hold her.
She wrapped her arms around him tightly, trying not to start crying again.
He laid his head against her chest. "I will protect you and the child. I swear it on every god."
She nodded, "Thank you."
He looked up as a portal filled with light appeared. There were three figures approaching them through it.
Andy watched in confusion.
First to step through was Kenji. He gave her a smile, then stepped aside for the pair of men to follow.
They were tall and graceful. One was a redhead with dark eyes, the other had jet black shoulder length hair with similar eyes. They both carried bows, although the redhead had a sword as well.
The redhead spoke formally to Andy.
"Queen of the Human world, we greet you in the name of the Q'tan. May your rule be long and prosperous."
"Thank you," she nodded, wondering why they were there.
The redhead continued after bowing. "I am Prince Tsukasa. Prince Kenji has told our father of the situation and he has sent us to aid you. This is Daiki, my T'lasiem and bond warrior."
The dark haired one bowed deeply, but remained silent.
"Nice to meet you," she gave a small bow.
"I'll show them to our room for now." Kenji led the pair out as Ryusei snorted.
Andy raised an eyebrow.
Ryusei explained. "He does not leave the kingdom much, so his etiquette is not quite right. He announces everything straight away and gives no thought to the fact Humans may not approve."
Andy nodded in understanding. "It's alright. They seem.. Interesting."
Ryusei looked at her. "You understand T'lasiem? I was unaware you had that here."
She nodded before stretching, "Getting this pregnant in a day does not do well for the back.."
Tet began to gently rub circles as he commented. "Someone want to translate to Common for me? I am confused as hell right now."
"What part are you confused about?" Andy asked. "T'lasiem is like handfasted. Bond warrior I think is like a right arm."
Recognition dawned. "They're joined and they are each other's protectors. But what the hell are the Q'tan?"
"Pretty sure that means Fae."
He nodded. "Got it. Thanks for not laughing at me."
She kissed his forehead, "I'd never laugh at you."
Ryusei snickered. "I can. But I'd be surprised if you weren't confused. Pure bloods don't often venture out here."
Andy quietly moved to sit in a nearby chair, rubbing her belly gently.
"Are you alright?" Tet watched her carefully.
"Physically, I'm alright just a little sore. Emotionally, I'm kind of a wreck."
He rose and began massaging her shoulders. He bent down to whisper in her ear. "I'm sorry. I failed again."
She shook her head, "It's alright. I don't blame you." She sighed, "Maybe if I fought harder.."
"Fight a wizard? You are the strongest person I know, but you couldn't have won. I always thought he was just a tale our Master created to scare us as children…"
"He is no tale. He is one of the most dangerous people in the history of the world." Tsukasa said solemnly. "He once ruled both kingdoms, covering them in darkness and death. We can not allow that to happen again."
Andy nodded, "I feel so powerless.. how can I do anything to help stop him?"
"Keep the child from him. He had to seal a piece of his power in the child to create it as strong as it is. Thus why he did not stay. He must regain his strength in order to return to claim it. He may be planning to trade bodies to further his lifespan. If you are able to prevent that, I and Daiki may be able to destroy him."
Andy nodded slowly in response.
Tet took a deep breath. "Alright. We know the plan. Let's pray that it works."
Tsukasa inclined his head, then approached Andy. He knelt before her. "May I try something?"
"What is it..?"
"I wish to attempt communication."
She nodded, "Okay."
He gave a small smile, then gently laid a hand on her belly and closed his eyes. His lids moved rapidly as he concentrated. The mauve light enveloped him for several minutes, then faded. He opened his eyes and gave her a gentle smile. "Success."
"What did you communicate about?"
"I explained the situation. The child has agreed to aid us. He has no wish to be the instrument of darkness. He was wary and afraid he was in trouble."
Andy nodded slowly, rubbing her belly again, "We just want to keep you safe."
Suddenly there was a young voice in her head. "I did not mean to hurt the others. I was frightened. You are not angry?"
"No, I'm not angry. I understand," she said softly.
There was a happy childish laugh in her mind, then silence.
She smiled before looking at the others, "He needs a name."
"Yuki. It was my brother's name." Tet said quietly.
Tsukasa nodded. "A good name." He put a hand to his temple and barely held back a wince.
"What's wrong?"
"I joined with Yuki's power, which is part of Dakon's. I can now feel Dakon's power rebuilding and it is.. less than pleasant." He failed to keep his composure as he pressed his hand harder against his head.
Andy held a hand out and focused, light shining around him. "Maybe this will help?"
He closed his eyes, relaxing visibly. "I thank you."
"You're welcome," she answered before looking over at the still unconscious Kiba and Yamae.
Tsukasa followed her gaze. "Did Dakon do that?"
She shook her head, "They were injured before Dakon appeared. Though Yamae did get hurt worse when he showed up."
Tsukasa nodded, then he stood and moved to the men. He touched them on the chest, silver light flaring. He swayed as the light faded and the two began to wake.
Tet went and supported the Fae, sitting him down before meeting Kiba's look. "Welcome back. There's a lot that you need to know." He quietly recounted the events, holding Kiba down as he snarled in anger. "We have a plan. We just need to wait for a few days. Calm down."
Kiba tried to reign in his temper. "He's a monster and I'm going to chop him into dog food."
Andy gave a small chuckle.
Tet snorted. "Just relax for now, okay? You were hurt pretty bad and need to take it easy."
Andy pushed herself up and made her way over to him, "Yeah, just rest. Everything will be alright."
He looked at her. "Says the woman with a killer wizard's kid in her."
She sighed and looked down.
"Sorry. That was out of line. Are you sure you're okay?" His dark eyes searched her face.
"Not sure I'll ever be fully okay after this, but yeah, I'm fine." She gave a soft smile, "Kind of excited, not going to lie."
He smirked. "It should have been me."
She chuckled.
"Yeah, yeah. You're such a stud." Tet rolled his eyes.
Andy let out a laugh before sighing, "Are you sure you guys want to stay? I don't want to make you protect me."
"Remember what he told you when you freed us? That wasn't just him talking, it was all of us. I thought you knew that by now." Kiba gave her a soft look.
"I know.. but I figure things get complicated once I get magically impregnated and have an evil wizard coming back for the baby. I just want to make sure you really want to deal with that.."
"Andy, I'm only going to say this once. We. are. Not. ever. Leaving." Yamae enunciated each word. "So shut up."
She gave a small smile, "Sorry.."
He rose and moved to her, then kissed her hard.
She kissed him back, a smile appearing on her face.
"That's what we want to see." Tet chuckled.
A few days later:
Andy sat down for breakfast, grabbing a plate and greeting the others.
Tet grinned as the others waved. Daiki and Tsukasa both inclined their heads.
She started eating, suddenly stopping soon after as a wave of pain coursed through her.
Tsukasa looked at her for a moment, then announced "It's time."
Tet and Kiba quickly rose and steadied her as they moved to the infirmary.
The doctor quickly set everything up. "Push."
Andy did as instructed, the excitement of meeting Yuki was the only thing keeping her positive through the pain.
After ten minutes, there was a loud wail. Moments later, she was handed a swaddled infant.
She stared down at him with a tired smile, "Hi, Yuki."
"Hello, Mother."
She smiled softly, "I'm glad you're here."
The baby's dark eyes blinked. "Why? I am a danger to you all."
"Because baby, you're mine and I love you."
The baby looked startled, then smiled. "As do I."
She grinned, enjoying the moment.
Tet ran a hand over Yuki's head. "He's cute."
"Yeah, he is," she played with his tiny hands.
He looked amused before yawning.
"Get some sleep, little one," she whispered.
His eyes closed quickly.
Andy watched him for hours, enjoying every second of it.
Each of the guys had visited, their kisses lingering on her lips.
She finally laid Yuki in a crib, settling down to sleep for the night.