Andy sat at her large desk going through some things her advisors had given her. Soon, she heard a knock on the door and looked up, grinning when she noticed Raj. "Didn't think you'd be back for another few months."

Raj bowed deeply before admitting, "I have seen what I need to. Nothing out there compares to the beauty here in the castle." He gave her a small smile, "It didn't help that no matter where I went or what I saw, all I could think about was you. I know you already have your men, but my heart is also yours, if you'll have it."

Andy gave him a soft smile, "I missed you too." She stood and moved to him, wrapping her arms around him tightly. Then she reached up and pulled him in for a kiss, touching her lips to his gently.

Raj was surprised for a moment before kissing back. Once she pulled away, he smiled quietly.

Andy gave a small chuckle, "Come on, I think it's about lunch time. You can tell us all about your trip." She took his hand before starting to walk out of the office.

They arrived at the kitchen and Andy smiled, "Look who's back."

Raj gave a short bow in greeting.

Yuki tossed him a cookie with a grin. "What took so long?"

Raj smiled as he caught it, "I wanted to make sure I'd seen everything I wanted to before coming back. But I missed everything and everyone here terribly."

"That's nice to hear." Tet returned the smile. "We missed you too."

Andy headed to see what was being cooked and started helping as Raj went and sat at the table. "Anything exciting happen while I was gone?"

"Not here." Tet stirred the food. "If you had gone through the portal, it would have been a different story."

"Yeah," Yuki piped up around another cookie. "It's been boring without the Fae."

"What have they been doing?"

"Fighting a civil war. A new wanna be ruler popped up and convinced about half the Fae he's a better choice than Saka's dad." Ryon pulled out more cookies from the oven. "They've been back a few times because they say Andy is the only healer they trust anymore."

Andy nodded, "Yeah. But other than them showing up every once and awhile, it's been quiet. Wish we could go help them get their war over with so they can come home.."

"That would look bad, though." Tet sighed. He saw Raj's perplexed look and explained. "One of the gripes against Saka's father is his alliance here. A lot of Faes believe they shouldn't have anything to do with the mortal world. What makes it worse is the fact that the King has a half mortal son in Ryusei."

Raj nodded in understanding. "I'm sure that doesn't help. Why don't they want an alliance though? Did we do something to them?"

Tet shook his head. "We die. They don't usually. Means a new alliance has to be done every time our ruler dies. They may be semi immortal but they apparently lack the diplomatic patience. Plus, they're naturally wary given the history."

Raj sighed and nodded again.

Andy got some plates out and began plating the food up. She took two plates over to Yuki and Raj before going back to get her own.

Kiba came in, his sword over his shoulder. He chuckled when he saw Raj. "So ghost boy got tired of haunting the entire world, huh?"

Raj laughed, "It's much nicer to haunt this castle."

Kiba grinned, kissing Andy. "Of course it is. She's here."

Raj blushed slightly and nodded silently.

Kiba got some water, then sat down beside her. He shook his head at the food. "No thanks. But you might want to force feed that to Ryu. He's locked in his room again."

Andy sighed, "I'll take him some when I'm done."

"I don't get it. He didn't start the damn war, why is he depressed?" Kiba frowned into his cup.

"Maybe he's worried about everyone?" Andy suggested.

Kiba nodded silently.

Yamae came in, his face brightening as he saw Raj. "Good to see you. Is this a visit or are you back for good?"

"I think I'm back for good," Raj gave a small smile before glancing over at Andy.

Andy gave him a smile before picking her plate up. She kissed Yamae's cheek as she passed him.

He blushed slightly, lowering his eyes.

Andy chuckled, "Want me to fill you a plate?"

He shook his head. "I'm good." He gave a small smile to Ryon, who was watching him intently. "I could use your help when you're done, brother."

Andy raised an eyebrow, "What are you guys up to?"

Ryon gave her a bright smile. "Nothing important. Here." He handed Andy a full plate. "Go convince Ryu food won't bite back if he eats."

She chuckled and took it before heading into the hall, down toward Ryusei's room.

She could hear a flute playing before she got to the door. The song sounded sad, as if the player was pouring the emotion out through the music.

Andy listened for another few moments before knocking on the door.

The music ceased, then the door cracked open. The half Fae looked out at her. "Hi."

"Hi," she smiled. "Can I come in? I brought you some food."

A small smile flitted over his face, then he opened the door wide to admit her. "Thanks. But I'm not really hungry."

"You haven't been eating much lately. You don't want to starve." She answered. "Just eat a little bit, please?" She sat in a chair, "How are you feeling?"

"Anxious. My brothers are fighting but I can't help. I can't even go check on them because of the possible problems." He ran a hand through his hair in frustration.

"I know it's hard. I wish I could check on them too," she admitted. "But I know this will eventually end and things will work out."

"I hope so." He sat down, his face sad. "It's not going well from all reports. My father is in hiding. My brothers were hurt, but couldn't reach the portal. And the rebels issued another bounty.."

Andy sighed, "They are strong and will make it through this. And you know I'll do everything I can to help them when given the chance." She reached out and gave his hand a reassuring squeeze.

He nodded slowly, his eyes on the floor. "The bounty is on me. And it's for this realm."

"You know we won't let them get you without a fight. We can increase security if we need to."

"I don't want to cause anyone to get hurt. Been thinking about leaving to prevent it."

"We would much rather get hurt trying to protect you than having you leave. We care about you, all of us. And we will fight for you because of that."

"But..I'm not worth it. I'm just a half breed who was a slave. My own people don't accept me completely. I shouldn't even exist."

"You are worth it. You should know by now I don't care what you are, half fae, a ghost, hell even if you were a dragon. I care about you. You belong here where we all care about you. You're important to all of us. I love you. Yuki loves you and thinks of you as one of his dads. The others care about you in their own ways. You belong here and are accepted here."

He gave her a small smile before starting to eat.

A burst of flame from one of the corrals made him facepalm. "Idiots. I told them not to feed it Tet's cooking."

Andy raised an eyebrow.

Ryusei suddenly paled as he realized what he'd said. "Ah hell. They're going to kill me. Supposed to be a secret."

Andy nodded slowly, "Alright then.."

"No good now. You've already seen it. Yamae found a dragon while hunting.."

"And why are you all keeping it a secret?"

"It's a dragon. Not your typical pet. Also, Yuki says something about it feels weird to him."

Andy looked thoughtful, "Yuki normally has good instincts.." She sighed, "So have you guys named it?"

He shook his head. "We can't even get it to eat half the time. It usually just lies there like it's paralyzed or something." Ryusei handed her the empty plate.

"Can I see it?"

"Come with me."

Andy set the plate down and followed him.

He led her out to the corral, glaring at Yamae and Ryon. "You idiots made him flame and she saw. The secret is out. There it is." He pointed at the corner.

A large red dragon lay huddled in a corner. It's eyes were sad as they met hers. "Help..me?"

She looked at it, tilting her head slightly. She shrugged, approaching and gently laying a hand on it. She focused, purple light surrounding it.

It began to shrink in size until it was gone completely, a pale man in its place.

The three stared in shock as the man opened his eyes and spoke "Much appreciated, my lady."

"So you're a human.. dragon.. Shifter?"

He bowed his head. "I was trapped by a spell a long time ago. My name is Kei."

"I'm Queen Andaka but you can just call me Andy."

He quickly scrambled to his feet and gave a deep bow. "Your majesty." He raised his eyes. "Are you a descendant of King Darius?"

She nodded.

"So he won the war.." Kei sighed, then raised his head. "Unless the war still rages?"

"That war was over long ago."

He nodded thoughtfully. "Do you have the King's sword still? You must keep it safe."

Her eyes narrowed, "Why?"

"I am bonded to the spirit inside. We were warriors together, Prince Rajani and I. He was slain by a cowardly wizard in the same battle I was enspelled in. I swore if I ever regained my form, I would find a way to free him."

Andy smiled softly, "We've already taken care of that. Want to go see him?"

"You freed him to the next world? Where is his tomb?" Kei asked hurriedly.

She shook her head, "It's really complicated but we made him a body..? Anyway, he's alive, mostly."

The dragon's eyes were wide in shock. "The Prince lives…"

Andy nodded, "Let's get you inside, we can get you a room, and you can see him."

"Mother?" Yuki was staring at Kei. "Is this..?"

"Yes, the dragon was a person."

"I thought there was something weird.." The wizard smiled ruefully as Kei drew back in alarm. Yuki gave a sigh. "I'm not going to hurt you."

"You..you have his aura.." Kei stuttered.

Andy sighed heavily before going to Yuki's side, "This is my son, Yuki. He really won't hurt you."

Kei turned to her. "Your son? You are pledged to the evil wizard?"

She shook her head quickly before looking down, "He forced himself on me.. Anyway, he's gone now."

Yuki started to walk away, his eyes downcast.

Andy went and grabbed his hand, pulling him in for a hug. "I love you. You are not him, okay?"

"Will I ever stop running into people he hurt? And Kei says my aura…" He struggled not to cry.

"I'm sorry you have to deal with so many reminders. He hurt a lot of people over the course of his life, unfortunately that's something that can't be avoided." She kissed his forehead, "Your aura is probably similar due to the magic. That still doesn't mean you are anything like him."

"I'm sorry. I spoke out of turn. Forgive me?" Kei gave a deep bow, hands clasped behind him nervously fidgeting.

Andy nodded and looked at Yuki.

He gave a fleeting smile. "Of course. It's not your fault."

"And it's not yours either," Andy reminded Yuki as she hugged him once more before looking back at Kei, "Let's go. I'll take you to Raj."

"Thank you." He followed her to the castle as the other four walked slowly behind.

Andy went to Raj's door, knocking and waiting.

The door opened and he smiled at her before noticing Kei. He froze, "You're alive..?"

Kei smiled softly. "Yes, my Prince. I was trapped by a spell. The Queen freed me."

"She freed me as well," Raj moved and pulled Kei in for a hug.

Kei grinned and hugged back tightly. "I was so worried the sword had been lost…"

"It's been safe here," Andy smiled as she watched them.

Raj nodded, "I'm free from it now, though I'm still not back to the way I was."

"The magician..is he trustworthy?" Kei watched Raj's face.

Raj smiled softly, "Without him I would still be phasing through everything all the time. Yes, I trust him and everyone else in the castle."

Kei gave a thoughtful nod. "All right. I am really glad to find you happy. But I guess you don't need me to protect you anymore.. I'll find somewhere else to stay."

"I might not need you to protect me, but I want you here as my friend," Raj looked at Andy.

Andy nodded, "There's plenty of room here. I'll assign you one and you can stay with us."

"Really?" He tried to stay calm. "I was only tolerated because I was bonded to the Prince. I was told I was not human, thus was not accepted into society."

"Well, this castle is different. We don't care what you are, just who you are. We normally have a few Fae around here too, so we are used to non humans."

Kei's eyes grew wide. "Fae? In the mortal realm? Things have changed."

Andy chuckled, "Let's get you a room, then maybe some food?"

"As long as it isn't whatever those three were trying to feed me earlier…" Kei gave an unashamed grin. "Whoever cooked that needs lessons."

"I'll be sure to tell him," she laughed before leading him down the hall to an unused room.

"He won't decide he wants to cook dragon, will he?"

Andy chuckled, "I doubt it."

He nodded, then stared in shock at the room. "I can't take this… it's too beautiful.."

She smiled, "Well, it's yours anyway."

He looked at her with tears in his eyes. "You are too kind.."

Andy shook her head, "I'll show you to the kitchen now, then I can give you a tour of the castle, unless you'd rather have Raj show you."

He shook his head. "I would happily tour with you."

Andy smiled and led him to the kitchen before starting up something on the stove.

"You cook?" He watched her in disbelief.

"Sometimes. The others cook too. The servants do cook for us occasionally, but mostly they just take care of my sister Kaia."

"You are very different from the royalty I know." Kei leaned against the counter.

"I've heard that a lot."

He grinned as Tet came in and narrowed his eyes. "Didn't know we had a visitor."

"He's the dragon Yamae found."

"WHAT?"

"He can shift but was stuck because of a spell."

Tet was staring at Kei with his mouth open.

Kei snickered.

Andy chuckled, "Oh, also he doesn't like your cooking."

Tet's mouth snapped shut and he gave a glare at the dragon. "What's wrong with my cooking?"

"It's bland. Maybe it's just me, though."

Andy shrugged, "If it helps, I like it."

Tet chuckled, kissing her cheek. "That's all that matters."

She chuckled and stirred the pot on the stove, "You hungry?"

"I could eat."

Andy filled up a couple plates and handed them to the guys.

They both thanked her and sat to eat.

Kei's eyes widened. "You're amazing."

"Thanks," she smiled before sitting down.

An owl flew by, heading for Ryusei's room.

Tet watched it quietly.

Andy raised an eyebrow, "Is that a good owl?"

"Message from our boys. At least usually it is."

Andy nodded, "Did you know he has a bounty on him? We need to keep an eye on him."

Tet's eyes darkened. "No, I didn't. That's not good."

"We need to increase security and just keep a good eye on him. Hopefully no one will get through the castle's defenses though."

He nodded, then tensed as a wail of anguish was heard. His eyes shot to Andy's.

Andy got up quickly and headed down to Ryusei's room, looking in to see what was happening.

Ryusei lay huddled on the floor, sobs wracking his body. An unrolled scroll was beside him.

She went in and wrapped her arms around him, "What happened?"

"We won..but Tsukasa and Daiki..the enemy..torture.." His voice broke into incoherence as he sobbed harder.

"Let's have them brought here. Yuki and I might be able to help.." she said softly, holding him tight.

He continued to cry until he passed out in her arms.

She held him a bit longer before lifting him and placing him gently on the bed. She went back to the kitchen and gave Tet a look, "He's passed out from crying. Apparently Tsukasa and Daiki were tortured. If we can get them here we might be able to help them."

Tet's face grew angry. "I want the ones who did it. I'm sure Kenji is on his way.".

Andy nodded, "At least the war was won."

Yuki came racing in. "Mother! I need your help! The portal.."

"Alright," she followed him quickly.

The portal was fully open when they arrived, Kenji limping through. Several Fae warriors brought through two stretchers behind him. They laid them on the floor, then retreated through the portal as it closed.

Kenji knelt between them, his head bowed. "Milady, Yuki. I am glad to see you safe. My brother is well?"

"He's fine," Andy answered, moving to him to wrap her arms around him. "I missed you." She pulled away after kissing his cheek. She then looked at the two stretchers before kneeling, focusing on them and covering them in purple light.

"I fear it took too long to bring them." Kenji sighed heavily. "We were not able to retrieve them until this morning."

Andy continued to focus, praying it would work.

One body began to move, the other still motionless. Kenji pulled the sheet off to reveal Tsukasa blinking in confusion.

Andy moved a bit closer to the other stretcher and continued to work.

Yuki growled, adding his power to hers as he anxiously waited for some sign of life. "Come on, ears…"

Andy pushed harder, throwing more power at him and hoping the combined power would bring him back.

There was a slight rising of the sheet and Yuki bent to move it.

Daiki's chest rose and fell erratically, his eyes still closed.

Yuki's lips tightened as he caught glimpses of the horrific wounds before they healed and disappeared. He laid a hand directly on the Fae's chest and pushed his magic in until Daiki's breathing stabilized. Then his eyes rolled up and he fell backward.

Andy moved to him, gently lifting him and checking his vitals before moving him to his room. She came back out and looked at Kenji and Tsukasa with a small smile.

"He's not growing any stronger, is he? It still drains him.." Tsukasa sighed as he sat up and took Daiki's hand.

Andy sighed, "At least he's here to help." She looked at them a moment, "Why don't we get Daiki in bed? Might be better than the stretcher."

Kenji chuckled softly, lifting the Fae and taking him to his room. When he came back, he looked concerned. "Where is Ryusei? I expected him to be here."

Andy cursed, "Find Tet and see if he knows anything. I told him we need to keep an eye on Ryusei.."

Kenji ducked out, returning fifteen minutes later. "Tet hasn't seen him. Says he thought he was still passed out, but he's not in his room."

Andy took a deep breath, "Alright, let's get everyone on a search.."

Kenji and Tsukasa nodded and disappeared down the hall.

Ryusei hid as he heard Kiba and Tet pass by his hiding spot. He knew they were worried and meant well, but he wasn't going to be the cause of their deaths. He said a silent prayer for everyone's safety, then muttered a teleportation spell he'd learned from Yuki.

He materialized in front of a small shack in a state of disrepair. As he watched, a burly bounty hunter opened the door with a cruel smile. "Will wonders never cease, a bounty delivering himself without a fuss."

Ryusei steeled himself, then walked toward the shack.

Andy paced for a while in her worry before getting on her horse and riding off to try to find Ryusei. She called out his name, praying he'd answer. She rode further and further into the forest, growing more worried by the minute.

"Andy..I'm sorry..I'm sorry…" His pained voice rang repeatedly in her head. "Didn't want anyone hurt...AHHH! I hope..my brothers safe...Tell them…" The voice was fading.

"Ryusei!" Andy cried, continuing to ride forward in search of him. Eventually, she spotted the shack, riding closer and trying to see if there was a window to look in.

One overgrown with weeds and the top pane broken winked in the sunlight at the far side of the building

She went over to it, trying to look inside.

All she could see at first was a knot of large men. A whistling crack was heard as she glimpsed a whip flying through the air, then heard the snap as it hit flesh.

A piercing scream rent the air, then she saw Ryusei. The half breed was strung up like a side of meat, his wrists bleeding from the tight ropes. He was bleeding from the multitude of slashes on his chest and abdomen, shaking from shock as the men laughed.

"You have to make the front match the back, Silas!" One of them shouted to the drunken laughter of the others.

"Don't worry your ugly head Torral. I intend to." Silas raised the whip again.

Andy was glad she grabbed her sword but knew this probably wouldn't end well. She went and knocked on the door and waited for it to open. She stabbed her sword into the man's chest and waited for the others to realize what was happening.

"Silas! She just killed Mads!" Torral called in alarm.

"Don't worry, you'll be joining him shortly." Tsukasa said from where he was suddenly materializing at her side. He extended a hand, pink light enveloping Torral.

The bounty hunter screamed as he was dissolved slowly, disappearing into nothingness as Tsukasa's face went feral. He aimed the light at another man.

Andy prepared her sword in case they came after them. She slowly started inching her way closer, trying to get to Ryusei.

All the men panicked, except for Silas who gave her an evil grin and wrapped the whip around the barely conscious boy's throat.

Andy stopped moving for a moment before racing forward to try to stab at Silas.

He blocked the attack with a large axe, then slashed at her as he twisted the whip tighter.

Ryusei's face began turning red, his eyes growing wide with terror. He couldn't move due to the ropes binding him to the ceiling and floor.

Andy growled, trying to stop him. She tried to slice at the whip's end to at least make it so Silas couldn't tighten it more.

Silas laughed, then screamed as Tsukasa's light surrounded his head. His eyes began to dissolve and he dropped the axe and staggered away.

Andy raced to Ryusei, untying the whip from his throat before trying to get him down. She finally got him to the floor, cradling him as she pushed her purple healing energy into him. She felt herself growing weaker but continued on anyway, hoping to help him before she lost consciousness.

He shook weakly in her arms, his eyes half open. "I'm...sorry…" He struggled to breathe, blood bubbling from the cuts on his chest. "I just wanted.."

"Shh, I know.." Andy said softly. "Don't worry. You're safe now and we're going to take care of you." Her voice was barely above a whisper as she continued to try to heal him. She felt herself weakening by the second as blood escaped from the slash wound she'd received.

"Andy!" Tsukasa knelt beside them. "Hold on, the others are coming." He put pressure on her wound as he prayed desperately to be able to save them both.

"Saka..glad you're safe.." Ryusei's voice trailed off as his eyes slid shut.

Andy tried to keep pushing purple light to Ryusei, holding his hand tightly. The light soon faded though as she struggled to keep her eyes open.

Tsukasa gently cradled her, tears streaking his cheeks. "Stay with me, Andy. You don't want the others to kill me do you? You have to live.."

He looked up as the others burst in, surrendering Andy to Tet as he gently lifted Ryusei's body and vanished.

Tet fought back panic as he held her tight and ran for the wagon, Kiba behind him. They raced toward the castle, his arms never letting go.

Andy tried to stay conscious, fighting the darkness, but eventually it took over, sweeping her away.

They arrived, losing no time in getting her to the infirmary and a blood transfusion started as Tet sewed the wound closed. Afterwards, he sat by her side, her hand held tight in his.

After a long while, she slowly opened her eyes halfway, "Ryu..?"

Tet gently brushed her hair back, his eyes glistening. "Just concentrate on healing."

"Have to save.. Ryu.." she whispered, her eyes struggling to stay open.

"Andy, you almost died too. You have to stay still and rest. He's not going anywhere."

She nodded slowly before closing her eyes and falling back to sleep.

Tet kissed her softly, fighting the tears until he couldn't anymore. Tears streamed down as he bent his head.

Yuki raced in, panic on his face. He scrambled to her side, his power activating as he touched her. Concentrating, he began healing. After a few minutes, he stepped back and swayed.

Tet quickly kept him upright. "You need to sit down."

Yuki clung to him as he began to sob. "I couldn't help him...I was afraid it would be the same with her…"

Andy's hand slowly twitched before she began moving more. Her eyes blinked open and she looked over at them worriedly. "You okay, baby?"

He reached for her, trying to hug tight without hurting. "I was so scared.."

"Sorry.."

He gave a teary laugh. "Just don't do it again. I'm too young for heart attacks."

She gave a faint chuckle before trying to push herself up. "Where is he?"

"We laid him in his room. Mommy, why did they do that to him? He never hurt anyone.." Yuki gave her a sad look.

"Because some people are mean and don't like those who are different, even if the people didn't do anything wrong."

His eyes were anguished. "I want to kill them. Slowly. Painfully." They began to swirl, the mauve turning black as his fists clenched.

"I know. And it's alright to defend yourself or someone else, like how we killed those who had Ryusei. But killing isn't something to take lightly. At some point you become no better than they are."

He nodded slowly, struggling to rein in his emotions. Finally, his eyes cleared. "Are you sure you're okay?"

"I'm fine," she nodded slowly. She pushed herself out of bed and started toward Ryusei's room.

Tet wrapped an arm around her, his face gloomy. "I know you won't listen to me, but no one else has been able to bring him back. It's been over two days."

Andy nodded slowly, moving to Ryusei's side and covering him with the purple light.

He lay still, no reaction.

Tet turned away, not wanting to see him.

Andy continued on for what felt like hours. She felt herself growing tired from her still healing wound but kept going, not wanting to give up on him.

Tet gently pulled her away. "Andy, he's gone."

Tears streamed down her cheeks as the purple light faded away. She clung to Tet tightly, "Why couldn't we bring him back..?"

"I don't know." Tet clenched his jaw. "He at least didn't die alone. He knew you were there."

She nodded, letting out a sob. She weakly tried to straighten herself back up to head back to the infirmary.

Kenji came in, his face stony. "Turns out those bastards were working for the rebels. I found this when I searched the shack." He handed Tet an empty vial and a scroll.

"Gods damn them! They used that? No wonder nothing's worked." Tet began to shake with fury.

"What is it?" Andy asked quietly.

"Dark Tears. It's a sorcerer's potion for stealing souls."

"Is there anything that can counteract it?"

"We need a sorcerer's grimoire."

"Would Yuki have one in his magic room? I know he has something? If not, where can we find one?"

"We'd need to find another sorcerer like.." Tet shook his head. "Does Yuki really have something?"

"It's some kind of grimoire I think."

"Find him. We have a slim chance to reverse this." Tet ordered Kenji, who nodded and disappeared.

Twenty minutes later, the Fae was back. "He says to bring him to the magic room."

Tet nodded, lifting the body and leaving quickly.

Kenji stopped Andy, his face worried.

She looked at him a moment and he could notice the exhaustion on her face.

"I hate to burden you further, but I'm afraid for Yuki. He seems on edge and that might not end well."

Andy nodded, heading toward the magic room.

Yuki was muttering to himself as he prepared a potion. Tet stood by the door, Ryusei laid on an intricate pattern drawn on the floor. The young magician seemed almost manic, power swirling around him.

"Yuki, slow down and take your time. It's going to be alright."

He looked up at her, his eyes almost totally black. A moment later, they reverted to brown and he slowly nodded. He consulted the heavy grimoire in front of him, then nodded to himself. "I'm okay."

She continued to watch him quietly, leaning on the doorframe.

He knelt beside Ryusei, pouring the potion down his throat. Then he stood and picked up the grimoire and began a spell. Ryusei's body began glowing as Yuki extended his hand and a bolt of power surrounded the half breed. Yuki's voice kept chanting as the light grew brighter and brighter, then there was an audible snap and the light vanished.

Yuki staggered back, leaning on his table as Ryusei sucked air into his lungs and opened his eyes.

Andy gave a small smile, moving around to Yuki and hugging him tightly.

He clung to her as his knees buckled. His eyes were turning black once more and the power began swirling around them. "I can't..it's trying to take me.."

Andy pushed her purple energy into him to try to help. She was a bit confused as to what was happening but refused to let Yuki be taken.

Tet helped Ryusei out, then attempted to approach. "What's happening?"

"I don't know," Andy admitted. "Yuki, stay with me. Everything will be alright."

"His power..it wants me! I can't fight it!" The mauve power was rapidly being turned black as Yuki shook.

Andy pushed purple energy into him faster, hoping to overpower the black.

The black light surged, then winked out as Yuki let out a cry and collapsed into her arms.

Andy looked at Tet, "Let's get him to his room."

He nodded, gently lifting the magician into his arms. "What the hell was with the light show?"

"I think it's related to Dakon.."

"Perfect. Is he okay?" Tet waited for her to open Yuki's door, then laid him in bed softly. "He looks worse than when he died."

"I hope he's okay. I'll do everything I can to help him if he isn't."

Tet nodded, then left them alone.

"No! I won't..become him! I'm me!" Yuki yelled, thrashing as sweat beaded on his flushed face. His breathing was sharp and irregular, his hands glowing faintly.

Andy shook his arm gently, "Yuki, it's alright. Everything will be okay." She went and got a cool rag and put it on his forehead before sitting down beside him and running a hand through his hair.

"Mommy, help me! I don't want to be like him...I don't want to disappear." His hand reached out searchingly. His eyes opened but they were unfocused and pitch black.

Andy took his hand, pushing purple light into him once more. "Don't worry, baby. I'm not going to let him take you."

He let out another cry of pain. "It hurts! He's so strong…" His knuckles were white as he gripped her hand in a deathgrip.

"You're stronger though. You can beat him," she said, trying to stay strong for him.

"I'm sorry...I can't..Mom..my.." His voice faded, his hand going limp.

Andy sat there, staring at him with worry for a while, unsure if she should try to wake him.

Suddenly his eyes shot open, a cold smile spreading over his face. "At last. I knew it was just a moment of time."

Andy let go of his hand, backing up slowly.

"You aren't going anywhere. I now have you and the throne just like I planned. If you're good, I won't destroy this body or your precious boy's soul."

Andy nodded slowly, tears filling her eyes.

The door flew open, Tsukasa stepping through. His power was making him glow as he confronted the sorcerer. "You just don't learn. You can't have him! Accept your defeat and disappear into the darkness where you belong!"

"You'll never defeat me! I'm immortal!" Dakon sent a tendril of black power toward them in rage.

Tsukasa snarled, his power slamming into the tendril and making it vanish. He sent an apologetic look to Andy before removing a large dagger and plunging it into Yuki's heart.

"Yal tongra ri matal. Eil ta wanam q'tan abdan yom." The Fae Prince recited as he embedded the blade up to the hilt. He moved back as the black power began to be absorbed into the dagger as Dakon screamed incoherently. There was a bright flash, then Yuki crumpled to the floor.

Andy rushed to Yuki's side, cradling him and pushing purple light into him.

Tuskasa pulled the dagger out. "I'm going to destroy this." He left the room quietly.

Andy continued working, trying to heal Yuki. Once the wound closed, she cleaned him up and got him into clothes that weren't soaked with blood. She gently laid him in bed before pushing more energy into him to make sure he was fully healed.

He lay still aside from his slow breathing. One section of his hair was now pure white.

She ran her hand through it for a while before dozing off.

A soft voice reciting Fae woke her. Daiki gave her an encouraging smile as he finished.

Andy raised an eyebrow at him.

"Soul healing. Luckily there wasn't as much damage as we feared. He should be fine, although he may not wake for awhile."

Andy nodded, "Thank you."

He gave her a bright smile. "It's what we do for family."