Andy entered the kitchen, giving Kei and Raj smiles. "Morning. Sorry I haven't seen you guys lately. Been pretty busy.."

Kei gave her a nod. "Any change?"

She sighed and shook her head, "He's still out."

"Hopefully he'll wake soon," Raj answered.

Kei munched on a piece of toast, his eyes focused on the window. "Anyone else bored?"

"It has been kind of boring and quiet around here," Raj admitted.

"I should probably do something other than watch Yuki keep sleeping.." Andy answered. "Any ideas on what you want to do?"

"You promised me a tour. After that, I may have a few ideas.." Kei's eyes twinkled as he finished eating.

Raj rolled his eyes, "Just don't do anything to get in trouble."

"Who, me?" Kei turned innocent eyes to the Prince.

Raj chuckled, "Have fun on your tour."

Andy nodded and went to the door, waiting for Kei.

He stood and followed her with a laugh. "You sure Yuki gave his sense of humor back?"

Andy chuckled and headed down a hall, "This wing used to be mine, now it's mostly empty." She showed him where the group used to hang out when she met them.

He studied her, then asked "What did you think when you first met them? Were you scared?"

"They were given to me as slaves. I wasn't scared, more worried about their injuries and trying to patch them up."

"They could have been violent. You were at war at the time. They might have tried to kill you or trade you for their freedom."

"There were quite a few guards around to help prevent that, but the guys soon realized I had no idea what the war even was about. I was pretty clueless back then."

"Is it true Kiba and Tet tried to kill each other?" The dragon gave her an incredulous look at the thought.

"Yeah, they had a few issues.. one of which was me," she sighed.

"Really? That seems unbelievable."

"I was the enemy, and Kiba didn't like that Tet was being nice to me, among other things."

"So Kiba was focused on the war and Tet was focused on surviving." Kei mused.

Andy chuckled and led him out to the main area of the castle. She pointed down another wing, "That area is my sister Kaia's."

"She doesn't show up much. Does she not like us?"

"Normally she's being taught by tutors, learning as much as she can. She loves everyone here, just is in her own little world."

As if on cue, Kaia turned down the hall. She smiled and ran up to Andy, "Hi, Daka!"

"Hey, Kaia. Have you met Kei yet?"

Kei gave a bow, kissing Kaia's hand softly. "Princess."

"Nice to meet you," Kaia responded with a smile. She then glanced at Andy, "I heard something was wrong with Yuki. Is he okay?"

"He just needs a lot of rest. Hopefully he'll be waking up soon," she answered. "Why don't you come to dinner tonight? We can spend more time together then."

Kaia smiled and nodded, "I'm supposed to be getting to my riding lessons anyway."

"Have fun and be careful," Andy ordered.

Kaia rolled her eyes before heading outside.

"You think she'd like flying lessons?" Kei stared after her, his eyes soft.

"Probably," Andy chuckled.

He gave his head a shake before blushing. "Did I say that out loud? Sorry. Is it true she used to embarrass Kiba so much he started hiding from her?"

Andy laughed, "Yeah. She had a huge crush on him when she was six."

Kei grinned. "That must have been fun to watch. Mr warrior scared by a child."

"It was pretty great." She laughed again before leading him further. She showed him the ballroom and libraries before going back to her wing. "I know you know your room, but there's also a pool down here too."

"I can't swim.. Dragons aren't really good in water."

"That makes sense.." she said quietly. "Well other than that, there's just the training grounds outside and the animal area which you already know about."

"Have you ever been worried about Yuki having that room in the tower? I mean, I know he's your son, but he spends a lot of time alone in there. The power he has would be dangerous in the wrong hands."

"I trust him. I think he likes to go over the books and stuff to learn more, so I know he spends some time doing that," she shrugged. "It doesn't seem to be a bad thing."

The dragon nodded. "Guess I'm still jumpy from what happened."

"Yeah, Dakon makes everyone a bit jumpy.." She shook her head trying not to think about it.

"Andy, he's awake." Daiki mindspoke to her.

Andy gave Kei a small smile, "Yuki's awake. I'll see you later." She headed down to her son's room.

He gave her a faint smile, pale against the blankets. "I thought I'd never see you again.."

"I was worried too," she gave him a small smile. "I love you, and I'm glad you're awake."

"How long? He didn't hurt anyone, did he?" Yuki pushed himself to sit up, swaying slightly.

"Not long. No, everyone's fine." She sat down beside him.

"I shouldn't have done that spell. I knew it was more dangerous than the first one I looked at, but I wasn't sure the first one would break the spell. I couldn't let Ryusei's soul be lost though."

"Thank you for helping him. But next time, no matter who is in trouble, if a spell is too dangerous, promise you won't try it."

He gave her a nod. "I promise."

"I just don't want to lose you."

"I know, Mommy. Ryusei is okay right? No weirdness?" Yuki waited anxiously.

"He's just fine. Don't worry."

There was a flapping of wings at his window. He looked over, then laughed.

Andy glanced over and chuckled.

"Come outside! You're too pale and you're too stressed."

Andy rolled her eyes and looked at Yuki, "Want to try going out? Or do you want to rest more?"

"Let's go out." Yuki shakily got out of bed, then almost face planted on the floor. "Why do I feel so weak?"

"You've been in bed for quite a while." Andy wrapped her arm around him to keep him steady.

"Oh. No wonder you were worried." He caught a look at his reflection, one hand going to his hair. "What the hell?"

"It happened after Tsukasa did the spell on the dagger." Andy answered.

"I kinda like it." He took a deep breath, then headed for the door.

Andy followed, staying close to him in case he needed help.

He was doing okay until he grabbed his head and nearly tumbled down the stairs.

Andy wrapped her arms around him, "Yuki?"

"He's hurt.." Yuki winced as he rested his head on her shoulder.

"Who's hurt?"

"Kei.."

"Alright, let's go check on him." She helped him move outside to see what Kei was up to.

There were two men angrily approaching him as he tried to staunch blood from an arrow embedded in his shoulder.

"You're going to pay for tricking us! We were going to get the money from the dragon skin. Guess we'll get it from you."

Andy raced forward, standing between the men and Kei.

"Get out of our way! He's gotta pay for his deceit!" One of the men tried to shove her aside as the other lined his bow up for another shot.

Andy punched the man who shoved her before running forward, trying to push the bow away.

The man suddenly lifted into the air, then flew several feet before slamming into a tree and crumpling.

Andy looked back in confusion.

Yuki calmly lowered his arm, then stared at the man she'd punched. He looked like he was trying to decide something. After a moment, he began to raise his arm again.

Andy moved over to him, "We'll let the guards take care of them, okay?"

"They should pay." Yuki's voice was flat, his eyes swirling.

"They can pay in other ways. You don't have to stoop to their level."

"Fine." He lowered his arm, then started for Kei.

Andy took a deep breath as she watched him for a few moments. She then went over to help heal Kei.

"Guess I should be more careful when I fly." He tried to joke quietly.

Andy knelt beside him, pushing healing energy into him.

Yuki shook his head. "They need to learn that dragons are not trophies." His voice was low, rage evident as his fists clenched.

Andy looked up at him with worry on her face as Kei's wound closed up.

Kei touched Yuki's arm. "Hey, calm down."

Yuki flinched, then looked down at him. "Sorry. Let's get you to your room." He helped the shifter to stand and walked ahead with him.

Andy watched them quietly, hoping Yuki would be okay.

After getting Kei settled, Yuki retreated to the tower. He erected a barrier to prevent anyone from entering, then disappeared into his magic room.

Andy sat in one of the library chairs, thinking about Yuki.

"Something wrong, Andy?" Daiki watched her in concern as he entered.

"I'm worried about Yuki. He seems.. Off."

"Off how?" The Fae looked at her in alarm.

"I don't know how to describe it," she sighed. "I just feel like there's something wrong."

"Where is he?"

"In his tower.."

"I'll go talk to him." The Fae left the library. Minutes later, there was a violent explosion from the tower.

Andy went there, trying to see what happened.

Yuki stood at the door, his face a mask of rage. "I don't need your help!"

Daiki lay on the floor, barely conscious.

"Yuki! What are you doing?" Andy knelt beside Daiki.

He glared at her for a moment, then blinked and paled. "I'm sorry! Is he alright?" He scrambled down the stairs to them.

Andy pushed purple light into Daiki to help. "Baby, what's wrong with you? One moment you're fine and the next.."

He backed away, confusion in his eyes. "I-I don't know.." He fled, disappearing in a puff of smoke as Daiki sighed. "I fear there was more damage than we knew."

She took a deep breath, holding a hand out to Daiki to help him up.

Daiki took it, shakily rising to his feet. "He needs us. Any idea where he ran to?"

"If he's not in the tower or his room.." she looked thoughtful. "I don't know.." she sighed. "The castle and grounds have a ton of hiding spots. Maybe I don't know him as well as I should.."

"Andy, we need you in the infirmary NOW!" Tsukasa's voice was full of panic.

Andy rushed to the infirmary, running in quickly.

Tsukasa was restraining Yuki as Tet struggled to stitch up deep vertical slashes in the boy's wrists. He was thrashing, yelling "Let me go! I don't want to hurt anyone else!"

Andy stood there in shock for a few moments before moving to Yuki's side. "You won't hurt anyone. Just let us help you," she said, voice filled with worry over him. Tears filled her eyes as she covered him in purple light, helping to close the wounds.

"I already..hurt Daiki. I don't want to hurt you..I don't know what's wrong with me…" He struggled to stay conscious against the blood loss.

"Shh, baby. We'll take care of you and figure out what's wrong, okay? Just trust us."

He gave a weak nod, passing out in Tsukasa's arms.

The Fae gave her a look as he laid the boy down and stepped away. "What the hell just happened?"

"Daiki went to talk to him and I don't know what he did to him but Daiki was barely conscious when I got there. Yuki's like.. really angry? And then he snaps out of it and is his normal self.. Daiki says there might be more damage than we thought." The tears started streaming down her face and she started sobbing.

Tsukasa wrapped his arms around her. "Don't worry. We will help him. Even if it costs us our lives, we will heal him."

She nodded slowly, "I just want him to be okay."

Daiki slowly entered the infirmary, pausing as he saw Yuki. "He's split, isn't he?"

Tsukasa nodded reluctantly. "We're going to need Kenji to bring some things so we can perform the ritual. Tell him to hurry. I don't believe we have much time before either he succeeds in destroying himself or it becomes permanent."

He nodded and left quickly as Yuki began to stir.

"Mommy? I'm sorry I hurt Daiki. I didn't mean to. I just got so angry and then I threw him...Do you hate me now?" Yuki's voice was sad as he opened his eyes.

"No baby. I could never hate you," she said softly as she wiped at her tears, "I'm just worried about you, as are the others."

He dropped his eyes. "Does he hate me?"

"Daiki? No, he's worried about you too."

Yuki nodded for a moment, then began to laugh. "He should be worrying about himself, as should the rest of you." He raised black eyes to them as he started to rise from the bed.

Andy grabbed him, "You aren't going anywhere."

A gust of wind tore her away, slamming her into the wall. "You dare touch me?" Yuki snarled at her before Tsukasa muttered a spell and he dropped to the bed out cold.

Andy slowly pushed herself up, watching him worriedly.

Tsukasa tightly bound him, then went to her side. "Are you alright?"

"I'll be fine," she winced slightly as she moved. "So what do you have to do to get him back to normal?"

"His spirit has been torn in two by Dakon's takeover. One side is the boy we know, gentle and frightened. The other holds the darkness Dakon plunged him into. We must cleanse it so we can make him whole. We have a ritual for it."

"Is there anything I can do to help?"

"Have faith he will return to you. There is a possibility that the darkness will swallow him. If that happens..I fear you will make us unwelcome."

She took a deep breath, "He'll come back. He has to."

Daiki returned. "Kenji has left for the palace. He will return in three hours. How is he?"

"Not the best," Andy admitted as she sat down beside him.

Daiki nodded in understanding before kneeling in front of her. "I must ask forgiveness for failing to realize how serious things were. If I had, this would not have happened."

"It's alright. You tried your best and I'm grateful for that."

He bowed his head a moment, then rose to his feet.

"How sweet. You think you can save me like a maiden in distress.." Yuki sneered as he began to fight the bonds.

Andy took a deep breath before getting up. She went and filled a syringe before sticking it in his arm.

His eyes went wide, then slid closed.

She set the syringe down before sitting back next to him. She ran a hand through his hair for a moment before beginning to stare at the clock.

Three hours later, Kenji entered holding an intricate metal and wood chest. He looked at Tsukasa. "Has he grown worse?"

"Probably. He's been sedated the last few hours though," Andy sighed.

Kenji nodded. "Help me set up?"

"What do you need?"

He placed the chest on the floor and opened it, removing a thin cloth with Fae lettering around the edges. "Place him in the center of this." He laid it on another bed, then removed several candles and some incense. He handed a heavy book to Tsukasa.

Andy did as instructed, undoing the restraints and moving Yuki to the other bed.

Tsukasa waited until the incense and candles were lit, then turned to her. "You need to have absolute faith in Yuki's goodness. Otherwise this will fail and either we will die by his hand or he will by ours. Do you understand?"

Andy took another deep breath and nodded.

He gave her a smile. "Let us begin." He opened the book and began to recite in Fae, then switched to Common. "Heed my words, darkness which has poisoned this innocent's soul. You have no rule here. Be thou gone back to your foul home and bother no more this soul. We reject you utterly! Avodca lem tunait numael!"

All three extended a hand, their power mingling and covering Yuki's form.

His eyes flew open as he uttered an inhuman cry. The pitch black orbs began to glow as he sat up and stared at them. "You dare attempt to dislodge the darkness which is this one's birthright? He is no innocent! He was conceived in evil and belongs to it forevermore."

"He doesn't want the darkness," Andy scowled. "He's good."

Yuki turned his eyes to her. "I have seen the rage and hate within him! It was easy to hide inside because of it! His goodness is a cover for a pitch black heart."

"No, it's not. He's good inside. I know him." She answered plainly. "You think you know him but you don't."

He rolled his eyes. "I will not free him. If you truly wish it, you must give him the test."

Andy glanced at Tsukasa, "Test?"

"The test of Edriel. A legend of the Fae. To prove he was stronger than the demon inside him, Edriel drank from the Chalice of Cronol. He suffered and came out victorious, the demon banished."

Andy nodded, still a little confused. "I know he can beat it."

Tsukasa motioned for Kenji to put an ornate chalice to Yuki's lips. He waited until Yuki had drunk, then intoned "The test has begun. May the truth be victorious."

Yuki's face went white and he screamed, then began writhing in agony.

Andy watched, praying he'd make it out alright. She knew he was good, and she'd continue to believe it no matter what happened.

Blood appeared on his lips, first a trickle, then a flood as he began to still. With a final cry, he lay motionless.

Andy stared at him with worry for a moment before glancing over at Tsukasa.

He gave her a calm look. "Believe in him."

She nodded and looked back at him.

Five minutes later, he gasped for air and stared in confusion at them. "What's going on?"

Andy just gave him a small smile, unsure what to even say.

"You have survived the test. You are whole again, the lyrith has destroyed the demon within." Tsukasa closed the book, then grinned. "Welcome back."

"I knew you could do it," Andy squeezed his hand.

"I don't know what I did, but okay." Yuki shrugged before wincing. "Why do I feel so tired?"

"Undiluted lyrith does pack a kick, don't it?" Daiki chuckled as he and Kenji put out the candles and incense. "It'll fade."

"Just rest, baby," Andy said softly.

Yuki gave her a bright smile, then laid back and closed his eyes. He was asleep immediately.

"Thank you for allowing the ritual. I had my doubts you would." Tsukasa watched Yuki sleep as the other Fae finished cleaning up.

"Of course. I trust you guys and him."

Kenji chuckled. "Would you have still said yes if you knew what he was going to drink?"

"I'd be a little more wary, I admit."

Daiki gave a short laugh, then handed her a vial of blue liquid. "Lyrith antidote."

She chuckled, looking back at Yuki.

"Yeah, we came up with one. We had to or we couldn't have the bond warrior ceremony." Daiki gave a smile to Tsukasa. "We drink it to prove our loyalty."

She smiled softly, happy that Yuki would be alright.