"Your son is going to get obese if Ryon keeps giving him cookies." Kiba huffed with a smile.
"I didn't realize he was awake already. And he's a growing boy, I'm sure he needs the calories."
"That's fine, but between him and Ryu, there won't be any for me.." He mock pouted before pulling her in for a kiss.
She kissed him back gently before smiling, "Let's go get you some cookies then."
Tet waved as they left.
They headed down toward the kitchen, walking in and spotting the others. "Are you staying out of trouble?"
"Hard to when your son is an instigator." Kenji joked.
Yuki gave an innocent smile. "Who, me?" He ate another cookie.
Andy chuckled, grabbing a cookie and passing it to Kiba.
Kiba gave Yuki a triumphant look before eating it slowly.
Yuki laughed, his legs swinging over the counter where he was sitting.
"Have you been having fun?" Andy asked him.
He nodded. "Daiki let me shoot his bow."
Kenji chuckled. "Tsukasa realized too late he was the target."
Andy rolled her eyes before laughing.
"They weren't sharp." Yuki explained through his chocolate grin. "Just mock arrows. And Daiki said Tsukasa was being too serious and ignoring him."
Andy chuckled, "Well once you learn to shoot straight, you can teach me."
He grinned wider, his eyes twinkling happily.
"So, what do we want to do the rest of the day? You might not have room for dinner with all those cookies in you."
"Swimming! That way I'll eat everything before Ryusei does."
She laughed again. "Alright. Let's go get ready. Do you even know how to swim?"
"I know how to float.." He shrugged.
She nodded, "I'll try to teach you." She looked at the others, "Any of you want to join us?"
Kenji nodded as the others shook their heads. "I'll come. Burn off all these cookies. Come on, scamp." He hoisted Yuki over his shoulder, causing the boy to laugh with delight. They headed out the door, leaving Andy with the others.
Andy grabbed a cookie to eat as she headed to the door.
"Have fun." Ryon gave her a soft smile.
"We will, I hope." She went to go change into her bikini, frowning as it didn't fit the same as before. She found another one that fit better before looking at the mirror. She sighed and headed out to the pool.
She could hear the laughter before she reached it. Kenji's was low, Yuki's high pitched.
"Again! Again!"
She smiled and wondered what they were up to.
Kenji held Yuki aloft, aiming him for an inflatable raft. "Commencing run.." The Fae sprinted across the pool, dropping Yuki at the last second onto the raft. The boy bounced and yelled "BOOM!" before splashing into the water.
"Direct hit!" Kenji laughed as Yuki popped up like a buoy and cheered
Andy chuckled, climbing into the pool.
"Mommy! Did you see me being a bomb?" Yuki pushed his curls out of his face.
"Yeah," she smiled. "You were great."
He beamed, climbing onto the raft as Kenji moved to her side. The Fae was chuckling. "He catches on fast. He certainly got your brain."
She smiled, looking over at Yuki before glancing back at Kenji. "You're really good with kids."
He blushed. "Lots of younger siblings."
"Oh, that reminds me. Prince Kenji? Failed to mention that part before," she smirked.
He blushed harder. "I didn't want to freak anyone out."
She chuckled and kissed his cheek.
His eyes twinkled and he turned to capture her lips.
She smiled slightly before kissing back deeper.
He whistled low as they parted. "That sure wakes me up.." He grinned as Yuki began pushing himself over on the raft.
"I want to swim!" Yuki splashed them teasingly.
Andy smiled, grabbing him from the raft and pulling him onto her shoulders.
He whooped and hugged her tight.
She swam them around a bit, trying to explain how as she went.
He listened attentively, his gaze never leaving her face.
"Want to give it a try?"
He nodded eagerly.
She showed him how to push off the side before standing and watching him do it.
"I'm swimming!" He yelled boisterously, kicking his feet as he stroked through the water.
She smiled proudly as she continued to keep an eye on him.
Kenji cheered from where he was sitting on the edge. "You're doing great, Yuki!"
Andy laid back, floating for a few minutes.
Water splashed her.
She straightened up and looked around.
Yuki waved, his face full of mischief.
She chuckled, splashing at him playfully.
He giggled, splashing back.
She swam toward him, grabbing him in a hug, "I love you my baby fishy."
He giggled again. "Love you too Mommy."
She let him go, smiling at him, "Having fun?"
He nodded, then suddenly a trickle of blood emerged from his nose.
Andy froze as she saw it, her heart starting to race.
He wiped at it, then looked at her with dull eyes. "Mommy, I don't feel so good.." His eyes rolled back as he began to convulse. He fell backwards into the water.
Andy jumped into action, grabbing him quickly and pulling him out of the pool. She focused, purple light surrounding him as she prayed he'd be alright.
He stilled, his breathing slow but steady.
"What the hell was that?" Kenji knelt beside them, trying not to panic.
"I don't know.." she said quietly as she stared at Yuki with worry.
After a few minutes, the boy's eyes fluttered open. "Mommy?"
"Hi baby. How are you feeling?"
"My head hurts.. Dakon knows I've been born now.." He looked at her in terror.
"Don't worry, we'll take care of him. For now, let's get you some medicine and maybe put you to bed."
He nodded slowly, his eyes closing halfway.
She lifted him, carrying him back to his room. She laid him in bed before going to grab some medicine, coming back and giving it to him.
Kenji watched from the doorway, rage on his face. He clenched his hand to keep them still. "That bastard!"
Andy tucked Yuki in, kissing his forehead. "I'll be back soon, okay?" She turned a nightlight on before turning the main lights off. She went out the door and into the hall. "What do we do?"
"We kill him before he can hurt Yuki again." Kenji's voice was barely controlled.
She nodded, "But how do you plan to find him?"
"Let me worry about that. You just stay with Yuki. I'll be back soon." He headed for his room to change.
Andy went back in the room, sitting on the large bed beside Yuki. She gently ran a hand through his hair and started humming to him.
A smile flickered over his pale face and he moved against her hand without opening his eyes.
She continued to hum softly until she finally dozed off.
Tet crept into the room silently. He had been informed of the incident before Kenji left with Kiba. He had to be vigilant more than ever now, he mused as he sat down near the bed. He watched the two of them for hours until his head fell to his chest and he slept.
Andy woke, looking over at Yuki.
He'd grown again, the face of a pre teen shining in the sunlight.
She looked over and noticed Tet asleep as well. She sat up, keeping an eye on them both, deciding to let them wake on their own.
Tet gave a jerk, falling off the chair. He blinked his eyes open and looked up at her. "Hey."
"Hey," she chuckled softly.
He pushed himself up, then stopped as he saw Yuki. "It happened again?"
She nodded, "Yeah."
"Damn. Is he doing okay? Kenji told me what happened."
"He seems to be." She answered. "I haven't tried waking him. I figured he might still be exhausted."
Tet nodded. "What do you think happened?"
"Nothing good, I'm guessing."
Tet growled low in his throat. "If Kenji doesn't kill him, I will."
She sighed, looking back at Yuki.
He stirred, his eyes blinking open. "Mommy? Is everything alright?" He ran a hand through his hair.
"Yeah baby. Just worried about you."
He gave her a small smile. "It's alright. I didn't have my shields yet. He can't get me now. Is there food or have our resident stomachs eaten it all?"
"Let's go look." She climbed out of bed, waiting for him and Tet.
Yuki stretched, then looked at the tight clothes. "Maybe I should change first. Might look silly like this."
She nodded, going to find clothes for him and bringing them back.
He quickly dressed, then looked in the mirror. "I just might be able to beat you guys at basketball now."
Andy chuckled before heading out into the hall.
Tet ruffled Yuki's messy hair before following her.
Yuki ran to catch up. "Can we have pancakes?"
"Sure. If they haven't made any, we will make some, okay?"
He beamed at her, his eyes still showing her the little boy she'd first woken up to.
She smiled, heading into the kitchen.
Tsukasa was flipping pancakes onto a stack and Yuki headed straight over, grabbing one and starting to eat. The Fae gave him a look, and pointed to a seat.
Yuki chuckled and sat down, his plate soon filled. He poured copious amounts of syrup on top, then began to inhale them.
Andy rolled her eyes, getting food of her own and starting to eat slowly.
"You're worse than Ryu." Ryon shook his head.
"The difference is I'm still growing. What's Ryusei's excuse?" Yuki snarked as he finished the plate.
"I hate to lose to brats like you." Ryusei stuck his tongue out, resulting in an impromptu wrestling match on the floor.
Andy chuckled as she watched them, shaking her head after a couple minutes.
Ryusei finally conceded defeat after Yuki pinned him and Yuki pumped a fist in the air. "Champion!"
Andy laughed, smiling at them.
"Hey Champion, I want to talk to you." Tsukasa waggled a finger, then pointed outside.
Yuki stood and nodded, giving Andy's cheek a kiss before following the older man out.
Andy sighed, wondering what they were talking about. She looked at Ryusei, "You having fun with him around?"
"He's you in guy form. You cloned yourself." The half breed chuckled.
She smiled softly, "I'm happy he's here."
Ryusei nodded. "I am too."
The door opened and Yuki entered. He gave her a smile, but his eyes were worried.
"What's wrong?" She asked quietly.
"We lost contact.." He leaned against the sink with a sigh.
Andy's heart sank, staying silent.
"We're not sure if it's too great a distance or..something else. Tsukasa will keep trying." Yuki crouched before her. "Try not to worry. Let's go read a book."
She nodded slowly, standing and heading toward one of the libraries. She picked out a bigger book and sat down to start reading it.
He looked at her quietly. "I know I'm bigger now, but.."
"Want to sit on my lap?"
His smile was bright as he nodded eagerly.
She moved so he could sit on her lap, then opened the book.
He laid his head on her shoulder as she read, sighing happily.
She sat there reading for hours, losing herself in the story.
Suddenly there was a soft snore in her ear.
She smiled softly, setting the book down and holding him close.
He snuggled into her arms, murmuring "Mommy" softly.
She sighed contentedly, closing her eyes with him.
Tet shook her arm gently. "Andy, we need you."
She gently stood, setting Yuki in the chair with a kiss to the forehead before following Tet.
He led her to the infirmary. "They're back.."
She nodded, unsure what to expect.
Kiba was anxiously pacing as Ryon struggled to staunch a bad wound in Kenji's stomach. Blood was pulsing out, covering the infirmary bed.
"We weren't even at his hideout yet...Kenji just fell.." Kiba's hands were bloodstained and shaking, his eyes panicked.
Andy went to Kenji, trying to focus until purple light surrounded him.
The wound disappeared, Ryon sighing in relief.
"We can't fight him.. We're doomed.." Kiba grew more hysterical.
Andy moved to him, wrapping her arms around him, "Everything will work out somehow. I'm sure of it."
He shook his head rapidly. "Andy, Kenji and I were part of a group..they're all dead. He ripped them apart without being near us…"
"I'm sorry," she said quietly. "Just try to calm down for now, panicking won't help either way."
He took a shaky breath, closing his eyes. "I just keep seeing all of you..I can't stop.."
"I'm sorry," she whispered softly. "For now, we are alright. That's what is important."
Tet slipped up beside them, quickly injecting Kiba with a tranquilizer.
Kiba slowly began to sag in Andy's arms.
After a few minutes, she laid him down. Taking a deep breath, she looked at the others, "What do we do?"
Tet shook his head. "I have no idea."
She nodded slowly, "Alright.. For now I'm going to go check on Yuki.. Let me know if anything changes." She headed out of the infirmary, back down to the library.
It was empty, no sign of Yuki.
Panic rushed through her and she began checking the whole castle.
She heard Tsukasa's voice on the training ground. "Change your stance. Like this."
Andy went outside to see what was going on.
Yuki was holding Tsukasa's sword, slashing at a training dummy. The blade hit at neck level and Tsukasa nodded approvingly. "Much better. See how the stance makes it easier to swing?"
Yuki nodded in understanding, slashing once again.
Andy gave a small sigh of relief before continuing to watch them.
"Alright. Let's move to the bow."
Yuki returned the sword, moving to pick up the bow and notch an arrow. He aimed at the dummy, and took a slow breath before releasing it. It struck the dummy in the straw filled head.
Tsukasa met Andy's eyes with an impressed look. "I think we're done for now. Daiki should be done with lunch." He ruffled Yuki's hair as he took the bow.
Yuki sighed. "Alright." He suddenly saw Andy and grinned. "Did I do good, Mommy?"
"You were great," she gave him a smile.
He skipped over to her, then paused. "Something's wrong, isn't it?"
She sighed, "Let's not worry about it right now, okay?"
He nodded, then pulled her into the castle. "Let's eat."
She nodded, following him along toward the kitchen.
Daiki bustled around, laying plates out. He wore an apron saying kiss the cook and hummed under his breath as he began serving the food.
Andy sat down slowly, trying hard to push the worry from her mind.
Daiki gave her a smile as he finished. "I hope you like it."
Yuki dived into the food, giving an enthusiastic smile. "It's great!"
Andy started eating, giving Daiki a smile. She chuckled as she watched Yuki quietly.
The others began filing in, sitting down and starting to eat. They voiced their appreciation as Daiki blushed. Tsukasa kissed his cheek as he made his way to the table.
Andy continued eating, her eyes still on Yuki.
He finished, then looked at Tsukasa. "Can I go back? I want to try the throwing knives."
Tsukasa looked at Andy. "Ask your mother."
Yuki switched his gaze to her. "Can I?"
Andy finished up her food before nodding. "Alright, if that's what you want to do."
He gave her a smile, putting his plate in the sink and disappearing.
Tsukasa sighed. "I couldn't tell him no. I hope you aren't angry. Has Kenji's group returned yet?"
"Kenji and Kiba returned."
His eyes narrowed. "What happened?"
"Apparently the rest were all killed."
Tsukasa's face darkened and he cursed under his breath.
"Kenji was injured and Kiba was a panicked mess," Andy admitted. "What are we going to do?"
"Dakon will be coming for him. We have to fight." He locked eyes with her. "All of us..Yuki is going to have to use his magic…"
Andy nodded slowly, looking back down at the table. She finally got up and headed out of the kitchen.
A bit later, she headed out to the training grounds, a few things in her arms. She watched Yuki for a few moments.
He threw knives quickly, each of them lodging in the dummy's vital areas. He moved forward, starting to pull them loose.
"Yuki?" She got his attention.
He jogged over to her, his eyes serious. "Yes?"
She held two fancy swords. She held one out to him. "This is for you."
He took them, his eyes narrowing. "Why?"
"Well, for one, so you don't have to keep using Tsukasas. For two, in case you do ever need to fight. And for three, every royal family member has a sword. These were my father's."
He looked up at her. "Thank you. But I don't deserve these.. I am an interloper."
"You are my child and you deserve everything that entails."
He slowly nodded, hefting the sword. "Alright." He bowed to her formally.
She smiled softly, "You know, I even have a sword. Though I was to be trained on it closer to becoming Queen, and my parents died a lot sooner than expected. They rarely expect royalty to fight, especially the women. The training is more a formality, but I still wish I had learned."
He gave her a half smile. "Would you like to train together?"
She raised an eyebrow, "I don't want to interrupt what you were doing."
He shook his head. "I was finished." One hand began crackling with mauve power and he sighed. Extending his hand, he released a bolt of energy into the ground. Smoke curled around his fingers, the grass charred.
"Are you okay?"
"To be honest, I don't know. This has been happening for a few hours now." He stuck the sword into the ground and leaned on it, his eyes troubled./
"Maybe you just have too much power and since you aren't using it, it needs somewhere to go?"
"I'm frightened of it. I don't want to hurt anyone if I lose control."
"Then you need to train yourself to use it. Maybe Tsukasa could help a bit with that as well?" She sighed, "I'm sorry I have nothing important to teach you."
He looked at her in shock. "You have taught me the most important things. Things I would have never learned if Dakon raised me."
She gave him a small smile, "Unfortunately, Dakon will still come for you at some point. If you end up having to fight him, I doubt what I've taught you will be of much help."
"Mother." He spoke slowly, choosing his words carefully. "He does not know love, or family, or trust. He craves only power. When I fight him, I will not be fighting for myself. I will fight to protect all of you. That comes directly from the things I've learned from you and the others. Don't discount your teachings."
She took a deep breath and nodded, "Thank you."
He grinned, kissing her cheek. "Shall we?"
She nodded, taking one of the swords, "Show me what to do."
He nodded, then began positioning her. "That's it. Now defend yourself." He pulled the sword out of the ground and swung at her.
She did as instructed, learning quickly. They spent the next couple hours continuing to train. Finally, Andy set the sword down and stretched out, "How about we take a break?"
He gave a nod, breathing hard. He set the sword aside, his hand trembling.
"Thank you, for teaching me," she said quietly.
"You're wel-" The words cut off as he paled and cradled his head in his hands. "Stop it..stop it..GET OUT OF MY HEAD!" He sank to his knees, the mauve light trying to envelop him.
Andy knelt beside him, wrapping her arms around him and praying he'd be alright.
After a few minutes, the light disappeared and he sagged into her arms. She suddenly felt something warm dripping on her arm.
She moved to look at it.
Bright red blood stood out against her skin, more splashing down as she watched.
She focused and covered him in purple light, hoping to help the problem. She held him close, trying to keep her panic down.
Slowly, the bleeding stopped. He lay unconscious, blood streaking his face. It appeared to be coming from both his nose and mouth this time.
She stayed there a while longer before lifting him and taking him inside. She cleaned him up and laid him in bed before sitting next to him quietly.
Tsukasa appeared at the door, his face pained. "What happened? I felt a huge surge of power."
"I think Dakon was in his head. I don't know what he was doing but Yuki tried to push him out before he passed out."
"This isn't good. If Yuki is taken over…"
"I know.." she sighed.
"I'm sorry.. You're in danger.. Kill me." Yuki said sadly.
"No, baby. I'm not going to do that."
"If I can't keep him out, he'll kill all of you! I can't let that happen. If you kill me.. You will be safer."
"No," she shook her head quickly.
"Then I'll do it." He produced one of the throwing knives and aimed it at his throat.
Andy moved quickly, grabbing onto it. She didn't care that it was starting to slice her hand, she wasn't going to let anything happen to Yuki. "Don't do this, please," she begged, tears in her eyes.
He fought to keep hold of the knife. "I won't let you die!"
"I won't let you die either! You're my baby and I'm going to protect you as long as I'm alive."
He began to cry as Tsukasa grabbed his wrist, twisting so the knife fell.
Andy held onto Yuki tightly, never wanting to let go.
He sobbed in her arms, shaking slightly.
She kissed his forehead lightly, "I'm your mother. It's my job to protect you, not the other way around. Let me worry about everything, ok?"
He reluctantly nodded, calming slowly. Then he screamed, the light pouring over them.
She looked at him worriedly, wondering if Dakon was trying to get in his head again.
Suddenly, he appeared. "Stop fighting me. You are mine, so submit!"
Yuki screamed again. "I won't! You won't hurt them! I won't let you!"
Andy pushed her healing power into Yuki, hoping it would help him keep out Dakon.
She began to feel another power flowing into both of them. It was pink and felt warm.
Dakon screamed and vanished.
Andy looked around confused.
Both lights faded, leaving Yuki and her on the bed alone.
Tsukasa released her arm, swaying slightly.
She looked at him, "Are you okay?"
"Little weak. He's quite strong and I didn't know if that would work." He sat down, trying to slow his breathing.
"What did you do exactly?"
"I used the power that locked him away centuries ago." Tsukasa was regaining his strength although his eyes were drooping.
"Why don't you go rest? You look like you need it. Do you need help moving?"
He nodded slowly.
Andy looked at Yuki for a moment to check on him.
He's sleeping, his head on her shoulder.
She laid him down before standing and holding out a hand to Tsukasa.
He took it slowly, rising to his feet. He took three steps before his knees buckled.
She caught him from falling before helping him down the hall toward his room.
Daiki looked up from where he was reading, his eyes narrowing. "What the hell happened to him?"
"He pushed Dakon away."
"So it's started." The Fae scowled. "Means the bastard is almost strong enough to attack us again."
Tsukasa nodded, half conscious. "We have to be ready."
Daiki helped lay him down and turned to Andy. "Yuki?"
"He's asleep right now."
"Is he okay?" Daiki watched Tsukasa sleep.
"I think he will be."
Daiki nodded. "When Yuki wakes, send him to me."
Andy nodded and headed back down the hall. She entered Yuki's room and sat beside him, running a hand through his hair.
He pressed his head against her hand, a smile flickering over his face.
She gave a soft smile, continuing for a couple hours.
Finally, his eyes fluttered open and he looked at her. "Are you alright? He didn't hurt you did he?" He started to become panicked, his eyes darting around the room.
"Don't worry, I'm fine, everything is alright." She said softly.
He fought to calm down, taking a deep breath. "Tsukasa is alright too?"
She nodded, "He just needed to rest."
"I'm scared..I don't want to hurt anyone." Yuki looked down at the blanket quietly.
"I know. But we are all here for you and will help protect you."
"I know..but if the worse happens..you have to kill me. To protect everyone."
Andy stayed quiet, unsure what to say. She just hugged him tightly.
"I'm sorry..I shouldn't have said that." His voice was soft and sad. "I'm just afraid I won't be strong enough to keep him from taking me over.."
"I believe in you," she whispered. "And I love you."
"I love you too." He gave her a small smile.
"Daiki wanted to see you once you were awake," she informed.
He nodded, climbing out of the bed. He kissed her cheek and left.