A blast of energy shook the castle.

She sat up quickly, rushing to get dressed to see what was happening.

Kiba groaned. "Somebody's getting an ass kicking."

Andy went into the hall, looking around to see if she could find where it came from.

Another blast came from outside, this one weaker.

Andy went out to see what was causing it.

Yuki was revealed, his hands glowing bright. He took aim at the training dummy and released the energy. The dummy blew apart, making the ground shake.

Daiki nodded. "Once you learn to regulate it, you'll be able to attack more effectively."

Yuki nodded, his face tightly concentrating.

Andy watched quietly, not wanting to interrupt.

"Relax. You're too tense." Daiki chided.

Yuki nodded again, taking a deep breath. A few minutes later, he released a weaker bolt of energy. His body shook with exertion.

"That's enough for now." Daiki gently lowered Yuki's hands, then noticed Andy. "Hey, take care of him, alright?"

She nodded, looking at Yuki, "Are you hungry?" She put a gentle hand on his back.

He glanced up at her, his eyes swirling mauve. After a moment, they returned to his normal dark color and he nodded, looking tired.

"Let's get you some food then we can get you to bed." She led him to the kitchen.

He sat down quietly, one hand propping up his chin as he watched her. "Are you happy? With me, I mean."

"Of course, baby." She gave him a soft smile. "You make me the happiest."

He returned the smile. "I'm glad. I just don't want you to regret keeping me."

"I'd never regret that."

"Even if I hurt you?" He watched her face.

"Even if you hurt me. You're one of the most important people in my life, and no amount of bad things could ever outweigh the good."

He sighed. "I love you and the others so much. I won't let him hurt any of you. I'll die first."

"Well, I won't let him get anywhere near you." She answered as she filled him a plate.

He nodded and began to eat. He managed half before his eyes began to close.

Andy smiled, holding her hand out to him, "Let's get you to bed."

He sleepily stood, taking her hand as he yawned.

She led him to his room, tucking him into bed. She kissed his forehead, "Good night, Yuki."

He smiled brightly, then closed his eyes.

She stayed and watched him for a bit before slipping out the door.

Daiki met her in the hall. "He asleep?"

She nodded in response.

"Sorry if it scared you. He was complaining about his hands hurting, so I figured it would be a good time to teach him control. Not surprised it wore him out. He's overflowing with power from both of you."

Andy nodded, "I was a little worried at first but once I realized what he was doing.."

He sighed. "I just hope we can prepare him before Dakon appears."

Andy nodded again, "Me too."

He was about to speak again, then paled and cried out. He turned and ran toward Tsukasa's room in panic.

Andy followed in confusion, sticking her head into the room.

Tsukasa floated in midair. A tendril was wrapped around him, pulsing an ominous black. He was shuddering, the color draining out of his body. His eyes were glassy and unfocused and he whimpered weakly.

Daiki extended a hand and muttered something, firing a blast of dark blue energy at the tendril with no effect. The tendril then split, the new one wrapping around Daiki's throat and squeezing.

Andy looked around and spotted Tsukasa's sword. She grabbed it and swung at the tendril, hoping to get it off of Daiki.

It recoiled, dropping a blue faced Daiki to the floor.

She then swung at the tendril that was holding Tsukasa.

An inhuman cry came from it before it vaporized.

Tsukasa dropped hard to the floor, unmoving.

She knelt beside him, purple light glowing around him before she did the same to Daiki.

Neither reacted, laying lifeless.

She thought about who could help her, remembering Kenji was still in the infirmary. She went to find Ryusei and hoped he could help.

He was heading her direction, his face worried. "What did I just feel?"

"Can you help Tsukasa and Daiki?" She asked, her face filled with fear and worry.

He nodded, following her into the room and kneeling beside them. He extended his hands, gold light covering the two. He shook as he struggled to aid them. Ten minutes later, the light faded and he shook his head sadly. "I'm sorry."

"Do you think Yuki could help them?"

He looked thoughtful, finally nodding. "Since Dakon and he share power, he could very well revive them.."

Andy nodded and headed down the hall. She entered Yuki's room slowly, not wanting to wake him but knowing she had no choice. She gently shook his arm, "Hey, baby?"

His eyes blinked open, growing worried as he looked at her. "What's happened?"

"It was Dakon. I managed to get him to leave but too late. Do you think you could help Tsukasa and Daiki? Ryusei and I tried.."

He scrambled out of bed and raced down the hall, skidding to a stop as he saw the scene. He crossed the room, sinking to his knees and laying his hands on the bodies. Mauve and purple light sank into the men, Yuki's eyes glowing.

Both of them began coughing and drawing in air desperately.

The light faded as Yuki toppled over onto his side.

Andy went to him, lifting him up and carrying him back to his room. She laid him down before sitting beside him. After a couple hours, she drifted to sleep.

A bright light and soft hum brought her awake. Yuki was glowing and she could see his body growing. When it faded, Yuki lay sleeping. Now he was an adult.

She stared at him for a while. She remembered when he was a tiny baby, and realized that was only days prior. It seemed so close but so distant at the same time. After a while, she got up and headed to the kitchen and started cooking breakfast.

Tet and Kiba entered, both kissing her hard. "You okay?"

"After what happened last night, I'm worried." She sighed, "And Yuki grew again."

"What happened last night?" Tet watched her intently. "And is he now an angry teenager?"

"Dakon attacked Tsukasa and Daiki. Yuki had to revive them because Ryusei and I couldn't."

They stared at her in shock. "Shit..Are they all okay?"

"I think they will be."

"They will be fine when they wake." Yuki entered, running a hand through his hair. He rolled his eyes as both men started staring at him. "Am I a sideshow exhibit now?"

"You're..an adult." Kiba stammered.

Yuki sighed. "Yes. Using so much power yesterday accelerated my growth. I now will age slowly like the Fae."

Andy finished breakfast and handed him a plate. She gave a small pout when she realized he was taller and she couldn't easily kiss his cheek.

He chuckled, leaning down and kissing her cheek. "Sorry."

"It's alright," she chuckled. "How are you feeling this morning?"

"I'm alright. I fear this is just the start of our fight. Please be careful." He gave her another kiss, then sat and began eating.

She handed plates to Tet and Kiba before taking her own and sitting down.

Kenji made his way in, Ryusei at his side. They both paused, taking in Yuki's new appearance, then shrugged and got themselves plates.

Kenji looked over at her. "I hear you were quite brave yesterday."

She shrugged, "I was just trying to help."

"You saved them." Yuki stopped eating. "If you hadn't done what you did, he would have sucked all the energy from them and vaporized their bodies."

Andy nodded slowly.

He looked down at his plate. "I have a request of everyone."

"What is it?" Andy raised an eyebrow.

"Let me deal with Dakon. I don't want any of you getting hurt."

"And we don't want you getting hurt," Andy answered.

He frowned, raising his eyes. "I am merely a vessel..I should not matter. I was forced upon you and you should hate me. But you don't. I don't understand…"

"How can I make you understand?" Andy's eyes filled with tears. "I keep telling you that stuff doesn't matter. You matter. You're mine and I love you and I just want to protect you."

He blushed slightly. "I'm sorry." He winced suddenly, one hand rising to rub his temple.

"Are you alright?" Andy asked.

"His voice..it's louder now. I can't shut him out." He turned desperate eyes to her. "Make him stop.." He shook his head and grimaced, muttering something under his breath.

She looked at him worriedly, "You can beat him. Just believe in yourself like I believe in you."

He shook violently, his hands glowing. He muttered some more, then the hand at his temple flashed and he fell to the floor.

Andy rushed to his side, cradling him.

There was a small burn on his temple, his breath hitching weakly.

She focused on him, purple light surrounding him, praying it would help.

The burn vanished, his breathing becoming steady. His eyes were filled with terror as they opened. "He's coming…"

Andy nodded, "Alright."

The other men growled in unison and rose. "We'll be outside. Maybe we can stop him. If not, we'll try to slow him down."

Kenji looked at Andy. "See if Tsukasa and Daiki are up. You two can't fight him alone."

Andy nodded, helping Yuki up. "Let's get ready."

The men nodded, running for the armory.

Yuki took a deep breath. "I need my sword. If Tsukasa isn't up, I need his too."

Andy nodded, heading to see if Tsukasa and Daiki were up.

Daiki was stirring, Tsukasa still unconscious.

"Andy..he's coming for Yuki! You have to protect him!" The Fae was unsteady, his eyes unfocused as he pushed himself up.

Andy nodded. She grabbed Tsukasa's sword for Yuki before going to grab her own sword. She then met back up with Yuki.

Yuki took the sword, his lips moving silently. There was a glow, then he looked determinedly at her. "Stay behind me. I'll protect you as long as I can."

She sighed, "Whatever happens, I love you."

He gave her a soft smile, then kissed her cheek. "I love you too."

There was the roar of a whirlwind, then blasts shook the castle.

"He's here." Yuki's eyes went cold and he dropped into a fighting stance.

The doors blew open and Dakon appeared.

"Time to fulfill your purpose, my son." He extended his hand. "Join me."

Yuki snarled. "Not a chance, you monster!" He raced forward, swinging the sword. It made contact, the blade flaring as it sliced into Dakon.

Dakon cried out, then grabbed Yuki's throat. "Failure. A complete failure." He began to squeeze. "No matter. I will have your power, then create another."

Yuki flailed, trying to rip Dakon's fingers away. The sword fell from his hand as his movements slowed.

Andy moved forward quickly, swinging her sword. It connected with Dakon's arm.

It sliced through his arm and he dropped Yuki to the floor. He hissed and turned, backhanding her into the wall.

She pushed herself up, "I'm not letting you have him!" She grabbed the sword and charged forward again.

Dakon extended his hand, flames appearing in his palm. He thrust them toward her.

She moved quickly, managing to avoid most of them. She winced and continued, moving to stab at him.

He laughed. "Your weapon is useless." He knocked it from her hand, then grabbed her arm. His other hand reached under her dress. "You are my favorite vessel. I may just keep you for fun."

She struggled against him, trying to kick him away.

He laughed again, his hand slipping between her legs. He gave her a leering smile as it pushed into her. "It might not be as fun as my tentacles, but it'll get you ready."

Her eyes filled with tears and she tried to push him.

He forced her back to the wall, enspelling the drapery cord to bind her hands. Then he began muttering as his hand began to move.

She cried, the only thing keeping her from completely giving up was knowing if he was preoccupied with her, he'd stay away from Yuki.

He frowned. "We had so much fun last time. Let's see you enjoy yourself again." He locked eyes with her and muttered a spell.

Her body started moving, hips bucking.

He grinned, forcing his fingers further inside and causing them to vibrate as they moved.

She moaned loudly, her body trembling.

He sped up, his eyes glowing as he touched her forehead. "You are mine now."

She stared at him as her back arched, finally releasing her orgasm.

"What are you?" He asked.

Her eyes teared up as everything else betrayed her, "Yours."

He smiled. "Good." He released her and turned back to the waking Yuki. "Now to take care of the failure." He extended a hand, the flames reappearing.

Yuki glanced at her, his face a mask of rage. He rose, picking up Tsukasa's sword as he did. He mouthed "I love you" to her before charging forward.

He released his power, the mauve energy swirling around them as the sword sank into Dakon's chest. The wizard screamed and fired the flames at the young man, trying desperately to escape the now glowing sword.

Yuki cried out as the flames enveloped him, but refused to release the sword. He ran it completely through, pinning Dakon to the wall as he writhed.

The combined power swelled, then there was a tremendous flash of light. When it faded, Dakon's body was crumbling ash.

Yuki lay still on the floor.

Andy moved slowly as Dakon's spell wore off. When she was fully in control, she rushed to Yuki's side, focusing hard until purple light surrounded him. "Please be okay.." she begged, tears streaming down her face.

He remained unresponsive, his clothes and hands charred. His eyes didn't open.

She sobbed, continuing to try to revive him.

Fifteen minutes later, he still hadn't moved.

She continued to cry, her breathing fast. She refused to leave his side, though she knew she should check for the others.

Tet stumbled in, freezing as he saw her cradling Yuki and running her hand through his hair. "Andy? What happened?"

"Dakon's gone," was all she managed to get out.

He dropped to his knees beside her. "Angel, I'm so sorry."

She looked at him, eyes lost.

"Let me take him. Ryusei and Kenji are healing the others." He reached for Yuki slowly.

Andy finally nodded though she didn't really want to let go.

Tet kissed her forehead, then took Yuki in his arms. "I'll take him to the infirmary, okay?"

She nodded again, not moving from her spot on the floor.

Tet gave her a sad smile and left the room. When he arrived in the infirmary, he gave a desperate look to Tsukasa. The Fae Prince approached them and extended a hand.

Andy weakly pushed herself to her feet, then stared around the room blankly.

"Andy! We need you in the infirmary now!"

Andy slowly made her way down there, entering emotionlessly.

Tsukasa looked at her over a glowing Yuki. "I've revived him, but he's badly injured. I'm too weak to heal everything."

She nodded, a hint of hope in her eyes. She went to Yuki, focusing again and once again surrounding him in purple light.

"Did I do it? Is he gone?" Yuki's voice was weak, his eyes blinking slowly.

"Yeah, baby," she whispered.

He gave her a shaky grin, then arched his back in pain. He grabbed for her hand. "You'll still love me, right? You said you would.."

"Yeah, baby. I'll love you forever, no matter what."

"I don't want to die.. I want to stay with you.."

"I know," she said softly.

"Hold me? Like when you were reading?" He looked at her, his eyes frightened.

She nodded, pulling him up and letting him lean on her shoulder.

"I'm tired, Mommy." He snuggled into her.

"I know. Just relax and rest."

"You'll be here when I wake?"

"Of course, baby."

He sighed, his eyes closing. A few minutes later, he went limp.

She let out a sob, tears streaking her cheeks.

Kenji shook his head. "Not happening." He moved to her side, laying a hand on Yuki's arm. He was joined by Ryusei and Daiki. They closed their eyes, their power mingling as they focused on the young man.

He inhaled sharply, but remained asleep. The men gave Andy matching smiles, then moved away.

Andy held Yuki close, trying to push all the bad thoughts away and just focus on the fact that Yuki was alive.

The others aside from Tsukasa filed out quietly.

The Prince laid down on a bed with a hiss, his eyes squeezed shut. After a moment, he spoke. "You have one hell of a kid."

"I know," she gave a small smile.

"You're a lucky woman. I envy you."

She raised an eyebrow, "Why?"

"You have several gorgeous men at your beck and call and a kickass kid who just destroyed one of the worst villains of the world. Why wouldn't I?"

She shook her head quietly, looking back down at Yuki.

"Daiki and I have to return. I trust you can run this madhouse?"

"I think so," she chuckled. "Thank you for all your help."

"I should be saying that. If it wasn't for you, I wouldn't be here. And neither would Daiki." He propped himself up on an elbow. "I wish I could stay."

"Why can't you?"

"Dakon is gone. I was sent because my father feared Dakon would get Yuki's power. The danger is past."

"Can't you ask him to stay? Do you need to stay there?"

"There is one possibility..although Kenji is already here." He looked thoughtful.

She raised an eyebrow in confusion.

"I could be named Ambassador to your royal court. Kenji is not here as a Prince, so it could work."

"It would be good to have an ambassador.."

He smiled. "Then I shall relay the request." He winced, laying back down slowly.

Andy nodded, taking a deep breath. She gently rocked with Yuki, wondering what would happen now that the danger was over.

An hour later, Yuki rubbed his eyes and gave her a smile.

She smiled at him softly. "Hey."

"Hey. Everyone alright?"

"Yeah," she nodded.

He searched her face. "Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine," she tried to give him a smile.

He frowned, but didn't press the subject. His stomach rumbled and he turned red in embarrassment.

Andy chuckled, "Let's go get you some food."

He gave her a shy smile, then climbed off the bed before extending a hand to her.

She took it slowly. She quietly headed to the kitchen and started making food.

Yuki sat down at the table, watching her worriedly. He closed his eyes and contacted Kenji. After a few minutes, he reopened his eyes. "You look tired. You should lay down after this."

She nodded, stirring something on the stove. She finished up and made him a large plate and took it to him before getting herself a little bit.

He ate silently, one hand clasping hers. He finally spoke, his voice sad. "I'm sorry I didn't kill him faster. I failed at protecting you."

"It's alright. You were hurt."

"I should have been stronger." He laid his fork down, tears visible on his lashes.

"It's okay, baby. I don't blame you at all," she moved and pulled him in for a hug.

"He hurt you..I hate him! I hate the fact that I'm his child! I wish I wasn't..I should have died with him.." He began to cry into her shoulder.

"I'm sorry you feel that way. I understand hating him, but you aren't him. You don't deserve to die."

"You don't need to be constantly reminded by me."

She sighed, "Yes, the way you were created was far from good. But all I see when I look at you is you. I don't see him. I don't see what he did. I see my son."

He drew back, his eyes searching her face. "How can you be so accepting?"

She shrugged, "I don't know, I just am. I love you, okay?"

He sniffled, then gave her a smile. "I have an amazing mom. Better than anyone in the world."

She smiled softly, "Thank you."

"You need to go to sleep. I'll clean up."

She nodded and headed down to her room. She took a quick shower before laying in her bed and staring at the ceiling.