Maka couldn't remember the last time she had woken so rested.

The sheets that covered her were a fine silk, they kept her warm, yet they were cool to the touch. The mattresses the Fae had were stuffed with something other than straw, and it felt as though it enclosed itself around her. She took a deep breath, the bed smelling clean and earthy, almost like the Forest. The Dweller paused only to readjust herself, and she vaguely noticed her pillow had a heartbeat.

When she cracked an eye open, her whole world changed. The sun had just barely cracked the sky but the dim light flooded her senses, causing a headache like she had never felt before. The pain beat against her temples with each heartbeat her pillow produced. A snarl attempted to escape her teeth, but it came out as a rather pathetic moan.

A low chuckle caused her to force an eye open again, and she tried hard to be brave. She was sprawled across the Hell Child's chest, head stationed soundly between his shoulder and neck. One of her arms were rested across his stomach, which was noticeably bare. One of his arms was wrapped around her, she could feel it's heat around her waist. The other arm was thrown over his eyes, hiding him from the light as well. "Are you dead?" Her voice was raspy, her mouth drier than she had ever thought possible.

He nodded, refusing to move his arm. "Aye. Thinking I died near four hours ago, but my spirit is too hungover to actually leave my body. Yourself?"

"I am a shell of who I once was." That earned her another chuckle, but his arm stayed firmly in place. She took a deep breath into her lungs, trying to focus her mind. While she waited for her vision to stop spinning, her eyes rested on Soul's chest. He had an array of scars, almost all of them a soft red against his tan skin.

Maka focused on the one near his ribs, where the arrow had pierced him. That scar was black, the wound almost looked open. Her fingers grazed it softly and he snorted. "Are you feeling me up?"

"Why is it black?"

His arm finally left his eyes, and he glanced down where her fingers were resting before settling back into the pillows. "Because I used Demon blood to heal it. Should be another one too." He was right, the other wound on his shoulder was black as well.

"It looks like it hurts."

"It doesn't." His eyes opened again, this time resting on her. "Who branded you?"

"What-" She looked down at herself, realizing she was in the Hell Child's pants, and only simple bindings covered her chest. "Did you take my shirt off?!"

"Ha! Hardly. I dragged you to bed, and you stole the pants I discarded and removed your own shirt. If it helps, I informed you it was indecent."

"But you didn't stop me?!"

"Dweller I'm lucky I was able to confine you to a room."

"...Did we sleep together?"

"Sleep? Yes. If you're referring to sex? Neither of us would've been able to pull that off. Fae Ale, it seems, is a bitch. So don't worry, you didn't screw a Demon." Soul's voice was even enough, but she couldn't help but feel as though she slighted him. She settled back into his chest, bringing his hand to where her brand was.

"I think my mother did it. But I don't know what it says, or even what script it is honestly." He glanced at it a few moments before he closed his eyes again.

"'S bright."

"The Sun has barely broken-"

"No, you foolish Dweller, you. You're bright." His insult wasn't any different than the several others he had sent her way, but this was the first time she could see the small smile on his face. He cared about her, he had made that more than clear, with each chance he was given, he had shown her kindness.

The feeling that bloomed in her chest wasn't unfamiliar, but she was finally able to recognize it. Soul was her friend, and she trusted him with her life. She thought about how he had kissed her, the way his hands gripped her, as though she was going to flit away. Her analytical mind released its grip for just a moment, and she rolled over so that she was on top of him.

The surprise on his face alone had made this decision worth it, but she pressed on, kissing him softly. It wasn't the most pleasant kiss she had ever had, hungover and she was sure her breath was terrible, but she could still feel how warm he was, and he still rose to wrap an arm around her, pulling her against him. He kissed her back, until lungs demanded air, and when they finally broke apart, Maka was smiling.

She felt strangely happy, surrounded by a demon and silk sheets. Soul didn't seem to disagree, flopping over her best he could, trying to smother her laughter with his own.

When Eruka woke, her limbs felt as though they were lead, hanging uselessly at her side.

She was being primarily supported by the tree she rested against, while her feet were being worked over by her husband. Free had been wild when she met him, escaped from a troupe of slaves when they had crossed the border into her country. He had been from Mactìre, a country far West. He hadn't known a single word in her language, save for "Free", the dream of him and his brothers, the escape they had risked their lives for.

She was a Swamp Witch, and she had been taught plenty about nature, but not as much about healing, and the poor man she had stumbled upon had been wounded beyond her best abilities. It was clear he was a runaway slave, he still had the shackles around his wrists, and one around his neck. One of his eyes had been gouged, he was unable to open it. When he had spotted her, he just feel to his knees, whispering in his language.

There had been nothing for her to do but hold his hand as he fell into his lasting sleep, her mantra of you are free now the last comfort she could give him. He died peacefully, and she didn't let go until he was gone. Even after he was gone, she stayed at work, gathering stones for a grave marker, and digging him a respectable resting place.

She realized he wasn't human three hours later, when he sat up while she was trying to drag him over to the hole. His immortality was confirmed when he laughed at her dagger stabbed in his chest. He carefully pulled it out, wiped the blood off and handed it back to her. He said something to her then, but she wasn't able to understand it.

Free stayed with her after that. She opened her small workshop to him, and he made himself at home. Eruka worked to keep him fed, and they worked on language together, until she could speak his language, and he could speak hers. She asked his name again, and he would smile at her and say he likes the name she gave him more. He was Free, thanks to Eruka. He would stay Free for Eruka.

She had hoped her clan markings on her cheeks had hidden her blush.

By the time winter had struck that year, Free was back to his perfect health, even if his eye never healed correctly. That winter was when Free had told her he loved her, when the cold was closing in and Eruka couldn't keep her fire going. The witch feared death was searching for her, but she didn't want to worry her dear companion. Free wasn't a fool however, and he knew she was dying. That's why he showed her the wolf in his blood. It had been amazing, when she had watched him become a great black wolf, though his eyes stayed the same. The shock had prevented her speech, but he had licked her nose, and bounded out the door.

When he returned, he had two birds in his jaws, and logs at his feet.

He had stayed in his fur, warming her while she built up the fire again, scarfing down the bird he had brought. She was sure she looked an absolute monster, picking at a bird with her fingers. But when he deemed her warm enough, he returned to his body, arms around her. "Will you stay with me? As mate and wife?"

She couldn't say no. She didn't want to. They had spent the rest of that winter next to fire and under blankets, celebrating their marriage over and over again. Then she had gone and got both of them trapped in the grip of a snake. "How long have I been out?"

"Two days so far. Your magic is burning you. Told that fucking cíoch you needed rest if we were gonna make it." His tone was even but she could hear how angry he was underneath it.

"Don't call him names, he doesn't have much for a sense of humor."

"He'll wait if I tell him too. If he pushes you too hard and you don't wake up? Nothing will stop me from killing him."

"This won't kill me. I'm just tired. I don't understand why we have to get to the Forest so quickly, there's nothing there for him."

"Some plan, sick dastardly thing." Free informed her, speaking his own language. "Prince communicates with castle. Tells Queen where we are, she tells him where to wait. We are nothing but assassins."

"They picked terrible assassins." Eruka smiled at him. He snorted, leaving her feet to work on her calves. She was right, they were horrible killers. Free enjoyed working the land more than anything else. He had wanted his freedom so he could have a farm. He wanted crops and animals and a harvest he could spend most of the year working on. Werewolf or not, he didn't want to bother with the other worlds around him, and Eruka was always content mixing her potions that made skin look younger or eased pain in older humans. They had both seen the joy in a simple life, and the desperately wanted that back.

But first they would have to escape the web that snared them both. By any means possible.

Blake woke sore and aching, with someone's foot against his chest.

His eyes opened slowly, following the foot pressed to his chest until it revealed a Fae woman sleeping a little was from him, her dress was rumpled and she had a line of drool coming from her mouth. He felt bad for her, she was laying on the floor and that couldn't be comfortable.

It took him nearly another minute to realize he was laying on the floor too. And no, it wasn't comfortable. He gave himself one chance to pull himself off the floor. Come on you fool, you've been beaten, bruised and whipped, you can get off this floor. He ordered his arms to push, yet he found himself trapped. There was another limb around his chest, and its owner hissed at the movement. The Star Clan survivor settled back down, turning to face his trapper.

He wasn't sure exactly who he had been expecting to hold him hostage, a few fae women, possibly even a few fae men, or a damn black eyed elf come to finish them off, but he really hadn't been expecting to see the Prince, arms wrapped around Blake and half asleep still. Kid looked like hell, there were bags under his eyes and he looked slightly green. He was also missing his shirt, and if Blake wasn't mistaken, there was a small red mark on his neck.

Did….was...Me? His brain wasn't working, and it certainly didn't seem to have any reason for being wrapped up with the Prince except… Except you kissed him. Except he kissed you. Except it might've been a little more than that. Except you liked it.

"Oi." Blake's voice was rough, and Kid's eyes screwed closed.

"Shhh. Quieter."

"I am being quiet." Blake shook him a little, and the other man finally blinked his eyes open. They lay there in silence for a moment, staring at each other. They were both still in that fog, before their names would take over their lives again and they would have to deal with what the world expected of them. There were only a few precious seconds before they would be sucked back into the roles the world had chosen for them. "Ki-"

"If you want to talk we can. If you don't, I'll understand that too. But if it's up to me, I'd like to talk." His voice was soft, like he was afraid of popping the bubble they had created around them.

Before Blake had a chance to answer, Queen Marie approached them. She looked flawless, not a hair out of place, and she stared at the two of them distastefully as she took in their state. "Hello Little Prince, I was hoping you'd join me for a walk, if you weren't too busy."

Kid took a deep breath, sitting up as he did so. He grabbed the shirt nearest him, which Blake didn't want to mention was his, and tried to pull himself together. "I would be honored your Majesty. Please, lead the way." He offered her his arm, pulling on that damned princely persona that made Blake's skin crawl. Marie accepted his arm, giving Blake a nod before she walked off with Kid.

He was at a loss, sitting there on the floor of a palace surrounded by several fae in several states of undress. Surreal, that was the word he had been looking for. Ever since he had opened his eyes, the world had been surreal.

While it had been tempting to blame everything on the Ale, Blake knew it wasn't fair. Being drunk was one thing, but he could still remember everything. He remembered that Kid was a terrible dancer, horrible actually. He was able to pick out the two Fae women who he had been drinking with and he could…

If I were to apologize for what my father did, would you accept my apology?

The memory knocked the air from his lungs, and it took him a moment before he could collect his thoughts. When his old owner had told him he was being bought by the crown, his anger had only been matched by his satisfaction. He had finally had an opportunity for some damned revenge and fate served him up a Prince with a damn conscious.

A damn second son, a damned man who would never wear the crown, a man who had no fucking reason to care about the last member of the Star Clan. Yet, when Kid had been freed from his name, chains and expectations, he had gone out of his way to apologize. To him, for something he really had no part in. Blake had no idea how to feel about all of it honestly. He needed to figure it out.

He needed to talk to Maka.

In the center of the courtyard, the Fae had constructed a grand wading pool.

The edges of the pool were inlaid in alternating tiles of gold and silver, each with a Ruby and Sapphire centered in the precious metals. The water was a clear blue, unlike any river or pond Kid had seen before in nature. Surrounding the pool, Fae undressed, joining each other in the waters.

"Magic is channeled to heat the waters," Marie explained next to him, following his gaze to the pool. "It's an excellent way to clear one's mind after a long night. Of course a glass of wine does the same thing."

"Both good to know." He winced at the lights reflecting off the water, wishing he had woken in time to find some food. His previous night sat heavy on his mind, and he wasn't expecting his headache to get any better. The Prince was never much fun after parties, which is why he usually avoided them from the start.

Marie smiled to herself, continuing on their way. "Yes do keep that in mind. Now, I did have some questions for you."

"I'll answer to the best of my ability."

"Your father grows on in years does he not? Who is to take his place?"

"My elder brother is the crown Prince."

"And what kind of man is he?"

Kid gave himself a moment before he answered her. He wasn't sure he could say for sure what kind of man his brother was. Asura had never been a man to him before, just his elder brother. He had taught him how to bind an arrow and clean a kill. His brother had always been a great brother, but he knew nothing of the man behind the title. "He's my brother, I trust him."

Marie nodded, not looking at him. "I have built a life and love for my people here. It hasn't been easy, and we have lost several acres of holy lands. It would be ideal for a channel of communication to open between our two kingdoms. I've lived long enough to remember the war, and I'm sure your father has expert knowledge of it himself. I don't want it forgotten, but we would also like to heal. I would like you to bring that sentiment to the future king of your people."

"I will. I will absolutely advocate for such a channel myself. I can't see your friendship being anything but beneficial to both our kingdoms."

"You are well on your way to making a good diplomat. Now follow through on your words and healing could begin." Marie's eye wandered back to the pool, a small smile on her face. "After all, you've done well bringing peace to your group."

Kid followed her gaze to the pool, where the Hell Child stood in the water, helping Maka in carefully. It occurred to the Prince then that he hadn't realized it before, but they looked rather happy together. He heard Marie laugh at him again, and he glanced at her. "What?"

"Relationships confuse you, don't they?"

"They do, I suppose. The concept is new to me. I don't have a lot of practice with them. I don't interact with people much. It never really appealed to me. But, I do care about my companions."

"You're one of the people who requires a connection before love can grow. It's not uncommon." Marie gave him a small smile, the only one she had directed at him so far. "There's no shame in letting it grow either. It's to be respected in a leader, to open one's heart to love."

"I'm not a leader."

"Aren't you?" Marie lifted an eyebrow. "You have somehow managed to create a tight group with your companions, which do persist of a Dweller, A Hell Child, and the son of the Clan that your father had slaughtered not long ago. There should be nothing but discourse between them, yet they fight and protect each other."

Kid blinked, thinking about what she said. Perhaps she had a point, the group his mother had assigned to him all those months ago had been four very different people, fighting for four very different reasons. He hadn't expected them to complete this mission, but they were so close now. They stood in the Land of the Fae, welcome guests. They would reach the Tree, and they would live. "Majesty, would you be able to give me directions towards the Great Tree?"

"Leaving so soon?"

"If you'll have us another night, it would be appreciated more than I could ever repay, but we will take leave soon. Our journey is nearly over."

"Dear one, it has only just started."

Medusa was perplexed.

There was something obvious she was missing. Clearly, that had to be the case. She was a woman of science and method, and yet, both her loves still hadn't yielded her answers. She had the Hell Child chained to her work table, clothes stripped away as the apothecary poked and prodded her. The Demon watched her with sharp eyes, only become distressed when the swell of her belly was touched. "Oh do calm down, you know there's decrees against spilling royal blood, and no one is here to anger the Gods today."

"You lie across your serpentine tongue so smoothly."

"You're truly a poet, did you know that. It's so impressive." Medusa smiled at Weslin, checking over the scars on her body. One scar by her hip was an inky black, and Medusa tapped it with her finger. "Oh? How did this occur?"

"How should I remember? I fell a lot when I was little, I have several scars. Also if you wouldn't mind throwing me a blanket, I would love some heat. It's damn freezing in here."

"You don't feel cold, in fact, you seem to be rather warm." Weslin rolled her eyes, testing the chains that bound her. She could tug and pull all she wanted, with the amount of Rootrot in her system, she wouldn't be able to swat a fly.

Medusa turned back to her table, fingers ghosting over her tools. She was a woman of many talents, truly. Apothecary, Surgeon, Doctor, she had spent her entire life cultivating skills that would allow her to pursue her greatest love, knowledge. Was it so terrible to want to know how the world worked around her? Most of the world had shown her answers, there's always an answer when she searched long enough.

Demons, in all their mystery, were her favorite questions. It was always so hard to find information on Demons. They were elusive, and truly seemed to have no desire other than chaos and destruction. She lifted a thin knife, used mostly for reopening old wounds to clean them when they didn't heal right. "Do you bleed Demon blood?"

"I bleed my blood." The Hell Child still met her gaze head on, yet Medusa could see the fear now, in those bright red eyes. Good, the girl was finally taking her seriously. Medusa flipped the knife in her fingers, blade pointing at Wes.

"It is written, to betray those blessed in power and divinity of rule is to destroy your own soul. To spill royal blood is to destroy your kingdom, am I correct?"

"More or less."

"And assuming your child is the King's-"

"He's been rather public that it is."

"Your child is off limits. My sister, for all her bloodthirsty rage against you, still respects this kingdom."

"Oh aye, she's done a marvelous job murdering it's King."

"Now, now," Medusa chided the girl, moving closer still. "You're being petty. This is so much more than my brother in law taking a whore, this is mucking up the bloodlines."

"If you touch my child, I'll kill you."

"I can't, weren't you listening silly girl? You however, are not of royal blood. In fact! I believe you're of the most damned bloodline I've ever seen in my life."

Wes rested her head back on the table, eyes glazing over silver as she took a deep breath. "You're just going to bleed me like a stuck pig."

"In the name of science, never murder. Queen Arachne had blessed that decision."

"I'm sure she fucking did." The Hell Child grinned, eyes remaining silver. "Do what you think is right, I don't fear you, witch."

"Witch? Dear I'm a women of science-"

"I know how you'll die" the Demon's voice was different, as it spoke through the body it shared with the Hell Child. Her lips were curled into a wicked smile, silver eyes flickering black. Medusa paused a moment, taking this moment in. This was different, this wasn't Weslin, this was the creature inside of her, the demon that gave her sight.

Quickly, with a practiced motion, Medusa stabbed the knife through Wes' palm, enthralled at the two different screams that bubbled up from her mouth. The creature howled, fingers curling into a fist around the knife.

Her blood was red and black.

"My my, this is the most fun we've had together so far."

"Don't you ask yourself how it finally ends when you close your eyes to sleep?" Her voice was still strange, though red began to bleed back into her irises. "You with your science and bloodlust, don't you wonder how your life ends."

"I'm not one to believe a fortune teller."

"I have never been wrong. You ask for answers to the unknown, and I have them all. I see what happens next, and you write me off. Arachne is a damned fool, and you are no better."

Medusa tutted, ripping the knife out of her hand. Wes screamed again, fighting against her chains. Tears welled in the corner of her eyes, still blackened. "Now, which one of you is the prideful one?"

Her grin became a snarl, and one of her hands broke through the chains, wrapping her hand around Medusa's throat. "My vessel will not be touched again, Witch. Hide your title, hide your Black Magics, but I see you for what you are."

As quickly as it had appeared, the blackness in her eyes was gone, red orbs rolling into the back of her skull. The Hell Child fell back onto the table, a sheen of sweat covering her body. Medusa rubbed her neck slowly, regaining her composure.

She drew the knife down the Hell Child's arm, a line of red blooming behind her blade. "Well now, aren't we just full of surprises."

When Blake finally found Maka, she was smacking the Hell Child around.

They were both in the giant pool in the castle courtyard. They were in up to their shoulders, but Blake was fairly certain they had no clothes on, just like the rest of the Fae in the water. "Oi! What are you doing?"

Maka looked up from where her hands were squishing Soul's face together. "I think he blacked out-"

Soul sputtered, pulling Maka's hands off his face. "Oi!"

"Don't give me that! You were-...Are you okay? You look kind of pale."

Soul blinked a few moments, rubbing his temple. "Aye, I'm fine. Sudden bad headache is all."

"Sudden? Fairly certain we're all suffering from that." Blake sighed, sitting down on the edge of the pool. Soul nodded, sinking lower in the water. Maka shot him a look, but she swam over to Blake, resting her arms on the edge next to him.

"Are you alright?"

"Do you have a few seconds? If you aren't in the middle of anything?" He knew he sounded like he was pleading, and Maka tilted her head.

"Sure, of course I do." Maka glanced at Soul, and he groaned, but he swam away a fair distance, diving under the surface. She smiled at the ripples he left, then turned to face Blake. "You okay?"

"Something weird happened last night.".

"Did you get roped into a Fae orgy? Because I very specifically told you to be careful with that-"

Blake waved his hand, scoffing. "No, not that!" Maka made a face, eyebrow raised as she waited for more information, and suddenly Blake was sputtering words and he couldn't stop himself. "I don't know why I care so much, I mean, I've kissed plenty of people-okay not plenty- but I've-."

"Kiss? Kiss who?"

"Kid, and I'm annoyed with myself-"

"Why?"

"I'm not sure but I wanna punch him in his stupid princely-"

"Oh. You're mad because he's the Prince."

"Yes." Blake sighed, relieved he found the source of the distress in his guts. "That's why."

"Well," Maka rested her head on her folded hands, looking over at him. "What if he wasn't the Prince."

"...I'd want to know him better."

"Then can you look past it? Is there any way to forgive his name?"

The Star Clan Survivor was silent as he considered her words. He knew he cared for Kid, as a person. The name he carried made him sick, but as he thought more of it, a quiet thought slithered into his mind. But why fight so hard for a clan that doesn't exist anymore? Why fight so hard for a people you never knew? There is no Star Clan.

But there was, the star that was scarred into his shoulder still existed, he was still part of the Clan, he was the sole survivor, he was-...He was the leader. He lead this clan of one man alone, and he was the one who would decide what would be best for them. For him.

"...I lead my clan." He finally said, voice barely a whisper. Maka smiled up at him, twining his fingers with hers.

"You lead your life."

"...Then forgiveness is completely my choice, not the choice of ancestors long dead."

"You lead your clan."

He smiled at her, squeezing her hand. "Thank you, Maka. I knew you would help."

"I'm rather smart, aren't I? Are you going to join us in here? It does make the headache go away."

Blake hopped to his feet, ripping his clothes off. He took a running jump at the pool, reveling in Maka's protests that would change nothing, and the fear in the Hell Child's eyes as he registered Blake flying towards him in the air.

The water was warm as it wrapped around him, and he exhaled through his nose. The weightlessness was relaxing, and his soul felt as though it hadn't been so light in years.

Soul had his head shoved under a mountain of pillows, refusing to let the light touch him.

His head felt as though it had been split in half, every time he breathed it was as if someone was digging their finger into the split, pulling it apart farther. This sort of pain had only happened a handful of times in his life, and he was damn near certain it had nothing to do with Fae Ale.

Wes is in trouble. A quiet voice in his head whispered to him, almost soothing compared to the pain. Damn it all, that couldn't be it. She should be locked in some dank cell in the bowels of the castle, but she...She shouldn't be in pain.

But this wasn't pain, he wouldn't be reacting if she was in pain. This was something different, something that clawed in the back of his skull, trying to free itself. She didn't...She didn't. Soul was trying to be reassuring, but it wasn't for himself, it was for the bubbling in his blood. His Demon was angry.

There was a soft knock on his door, and he reluctantly freed himself from the cage of pillows he had surrounded himself in. He cracked the door only a little, meeting the Dweller's worried gaze. "There's food downstairs, are you hungry?"

The idea of food turned his stomach, and he swallowed the gagging in his throat. "No, I'm not…feeling well."

"Still? How much did you drink?"

"No, this isn't from that. It's different." She must've seen him wince, since she pushed her way inside his room. He didn't have the energy to protest her, so he simply shut the door behind them. She was back in her own pants, though her shirt looked like it might have been a gift from the Fae. Her hair was done back up in its braid and her eyes looked bright again. She had purged her rough night from her body already. Maka gazed around the room, taking in the heavy curtains covering the window, and the fire that hadn't been lit.

"What's wrong? You look pale again."

"Headache."

"You nearly blacked out earlier."

"But I didn't." He rolled his eyes, realizing seconds too late that it would irritate his head. His knees buckled a little and suddenly the Dweller was there, cool hand pressed against his forehead.

"You're burning up!"

"I always am." He tried to swat her hand away, and she made a face.

"Well since you clearly know what the problem is, why don't you tell me what will help?"

"...I just need a few seconds, that's all."

"You truly look pathetic. A child could best you right now."

"Your bedside manner rivals that of the Goddess of Healing, has anyone ever told you that?" He spat at her, sitting back down on his bed. He dropped his head in his hands and listened to her swearing at him. She was silent a few moments before she crawled up next to him, pulling his head into her hands. He was beginning to protest, but her thumbs pressed into his temples and he very nearly felt relief.

"Not so useless now, am I?"

"Just smug now. How…" his voice trailed off as she worked her fingers through his hair. She didn't answer, just hummed a little as she kept going. He finally succumbed, falling into her lap while she worked through his headache, until he was fairly certain the pain had been locked back up in his head. Soul glanced up at her, and she did look less worried, if not more smug.

"I'm actually pretty good with headaches."

"Clearly." He scoffed, letting her keep running her fingers through his hair. She made a face at him, and he grinned. "Thanks for that, really. I needed it."

"What was wrong?"

He frowned, and gave a shrug. He was certain that Wes was in some sort of trouble, but he didn't know for sure. He didn't know what to do about it either. He was deep in the heart of the Forest and she was still trapped in that castle, subjected to horrors only the Gods could conceive. "I think I'm just anxious to leave this place."

"...We're close. We are close to the Tree, I swear. We're close to the end of this journey."

"Do you know how long we've been in here?"

"It's disorienting...But near two weeks? I think? Part of the Magic of this place is to warp time. It's hard to guess."

Soul nodded, closing his eyes with a deep exhale. "I'm cautiously optimistic we may just survive this."

"Well, you maybe. I certainly will."

He scoffed, bringing a pillow upside her head. She gasped, hand running over her ruined braid as he snorted. "Well aren't you a fool! You'll just have to do my hair once more." Her nose carved it's well traveled path to the air, and he laughed at her, finally sitting up. Their faces were a few inches from each other, and she blushed.

Bolder than he thought himself to be, he pulled the string to her hair, freeing the strands from their braid. Starting behind her ear, he ran his hand through her hair, eyes watching her while he did so. "It looks nice down."

"It's easy to get caught in a trap when it's down."

"You can get caught when it's up too."

"Aye but then they have to work a little harder." Her eyes flitted down to his lips, just for a moment, and it made him smile. The Hell Child pressed his lips to hers softly, grin extending as she kissed him back. When he pulled away, she blinked. "What's your game?"

"I'm wondering how long you'll keep letting me do that."

"Oh." Maka looked perplexed, touching her lips as she thought. Her other hand came to grab the front of his shirt, pulling him until their lips barely touched. "I'll keep letting you so long as you stay honest with me."

"You think I'm not?"

"I'm not sure. But I do want to trust you."

"Then you can trust me, like I trust you." He raised an eyebrow. "After all, I trusted you when I thought you were going to get us killed, you could return the favor."

Her smile was welcomed, and she closed the gap between their lips. There was something different between them that hadn't been there before, something delicate that they had hidden the first few times. Soul trailed his hand up to her face, deepening the kiss.

They fell back onto his bed, seeking comfort from the sheets and each other. He truly didn't have an end in sight, and he was content to lay next to her, holding her against him as long as she would let him. The Dweller, as always, had other plans. Her hands slid under his shirt, and he shivered, mostly at how cool her hands were against his skin, and she giggled. "That never ceases to be funny."

"Aye. You're a regular bard ain't you? Singing your silly tale and robbing wallets when they ain't looking."

"I had no idea you hated the bards so much."

"I hate a lot of things." He muttered between kisses, rolling so that he was over her, biting down on her lip as he did so. It was Maka's turn to shiver, allowing him to take his position.

She scoffed, running her hand through his hair again, but this time she used it to guide him to her neck. Soul hissed a moan, running his tongue up her neck once before planting a kiss. Maka wiggled under him, a breathless gasp following. The Hell Child decided that he very much enjoyed that reaction, and bit down on her neck softly. Her moan was louder this time, and he was more than a little proud of himself.

He moved to the other side of her neck, repeating his pattern from before. Maka whimpered, finding his face and kissing him. It was fierce this time, her mouth as demanding as she was. He kissed her back, matching her pace. Her hips moved against his softly, but it made his breath catch in his throat. "Fuck."

"Was that pain?"

"Very much not." He grinned down at her, and she smirked.

He bit into the skin and sucked, leaving a red mark behind him. Repeating himself on her collarbone, he slid her shirt up slightly, kissing a path down her stomach. His tongue dipped into her bellybutton and Maka giggled, body jerking laughter. Soul grinned at her, coming back up to kiss her. "You're ticklish?"

"I'd rather not talk about it!" Her cheeks were dusted with blush, but her smile was soft. He fell to her side, pulling her so she was laying across from him. Their foreheads were pressed together, and she smiled at him. "Changed your mind?"

"What's the rush?" Soul shrugged, tossing an arm over her side. "You'll survive, I'll survive, and maybe we can try and be normal after this."

"Normal?"

"You know, for a Dweller."

"And a Hell Child." She smiled at him, closing her eyes. "Very well, get me all bothered then offer to court me. I suppose that will suffice."

"You'll let me then?"

"Survive, and we'll discuss it further." Her nose was back up in the air, and Soul descended, fingers tickling her sides. Maka yelped, flailing around with the least amount of dignity Soul had ever seen. He laughed, her swears growing more and more violent the more he tickled her. When her eyes welled up with tears her finally relented, pressing a kiss to her forehead. You!-" She gasped as she caught her breath. "-Are absolutely terrible."

"Yet here you lay."

When the meetings between Marie and her advisors finally ended, Kid shuffled back to his room.

While he was more than happy to have opened a door he never thought would budge, he was worn down, starving, and he truly just wanted to sleep. All of the muscles in his back were tight, and the knowledge of the day was weighing heavy at the base of his skull. Plus, you still need to talk to Blake.

Gods of Land and Fire, he really should go find the other man. He hasn't intended to be gone all day, and he was sure Blake was annoyed that he just left him on the floor that morning. Discontent roiled in his blood, and Kid tried to calm his racing mind. He wasn't sure what to do though, and it wasn't often answers eluded him. Romance was never a worry as he was growing up, from a young age he has been instructed that his marriage would be arranged to best benefit the kingdom, so he hadn't bothered with it.

Then Blake had somehow ended up in his mind, then his heart, strangely enough. Kid still wasn't sure, but he knew that he enjoyed talking with Blake, and spending time with him. The Star Clan Survivor was smart, and funny, and he saw the world in such a vastly different way than the Prince did. He also couldn't deny that when Blake had kissed him, his heart had been beating harder than he could ever recall.

Hopefully he would be able to speak to him tomorrow, at the least.

Kid pushed the door to his room open, and froze in surprise at the figure in his bed. Blake had more than made himself at home, spread haphazardly across his mattress. The Prince blinked a few times, then kicked the corner of his bed. "Oi. Hey. Wake up."

Blake sat up slowly, sniffing as he looked around. "Oh you're back. Hey. Gods Above and Below, the hell did they have you doing all day? Drinking tea and eating little fancy goods?"

Kid didn't really want to admit that was eerily similar to what he had done all day. "Queen Marie is hoping for diplomacy when we return to the kingdom."

"Damn, wouldn't that change the tides." Blake yawned, stretching his shoulders out. "Sounds like, while momentously important, your day was boring as all hell."

Kid snorted, rubbing his neck. "Yes. It absolutely was."

"You still look like Death."

"...Is that a joke or?"

"Come on, follow me. You need to get in the pool."

"I do?"

"Believe me, you do." Blake scoffed, following Kid back out the door. They walked through the quieted castle, while still being able to hear the various shouts and laughter from different rooms.

The night air was warm, and it smelled like summer when Kid inhaled. There were still Fae spread throughout the pool, but their numbers had dwindled with the loss of the sun. Blake reached the edge, toes curling over the golden tile. "I've never seen a Ruby before, you know? And there's more of them decorating this pool than I'll probably ever see again."

Kid furrowed his brow, watching the jewels sparkle when the water lapped against them. "I don't think I have either, actually. I'm sure my mother has some, but I can't remember seeing one before."

Blake pulled off his shirt, and dropped his trousers. He took a deep breath, and dove into the water, bangs hanging in his eyes when he came back up. "Gods of Hell, I've gotten shaggy since this started." Kid nodded in agreement, pulling off his own clothes. He jumped in as Blake did, the water warm as it surrounded him.

Queen Marie had been right, the pain in his muscles was soothed even as he came back up for hair, his hair hanging in his eyes as well. He pushed his bangs back, sinking into the heat. "I should probably cut my hair soon."

"Eh. I'll make Maka do it. I'll end up screwing it up." Blake settled against the wall, arms resting on the edge. Kid opened his mouth to answer, but was struck by the small reddish bruise by Blake's collarbone.

"Did I do that?" Spilled from the Prince's mouth before he could stop himself and Blake looked down, scoffing when he found it.

"Hells, looks like you did. If it makes you feel any better though, I gave you one too. Not to mention you were wearing my shirt all day."

"...I did finally notice that, yes." Kid was sure he face was red, and Blake sent him a grin that was truly too charming for such a man.

"You said you wanted to talk."

"I still do."

"What did you want to say?"

The Prince was quiet for a moment, wanting to choose his words carefully. There seemed to be uncountable ways for him to ruin the fine line the two of them stood if he so much as uttered the wrong words. "I suppose I wanted to say that I'm sort of a dense bastard."

Blake laughed, his head thrown back and he laughed into the night sky. It made Kid smile as well, heart stirring as he listened to the other man laugh. "Aye, you truly are."

"I know, and I didn't know that I was. This long, grueling journey has been humbling. I had considered myself level headed and grounded before this, and now I'm starting to understand that I don't know a damn thing about my kingdom. And...That upsets me. It's makes me feel incredibly foolish, and that isn't something I'm used to feeling.

"I'm not good at people, which makes me a fairly shit Prince, but...At least I'm aware of that now. I feel like I'm starting to understand people a little better. I feel like Maka may have stopped planning my death, and Soul doesn't think me a massive idiot anymore, but I think you've been the most helpful so far."

"Me?" Blake scoffed, scratching his jaw. "I'm a poor slave who knows nothing."

"No, you're more than that. You know how to heal, and you have a great head for strategy, and I've never fought someone like you. It's like fighting the wind itself and…I suppose, simply put, you're amazing."

Blake's face was bright red, and Kid had clearly caught him off guard. Good, it would be easier for him to speak if Blake wasn't able to for a few moments. "I know what happened to your blood was caused by mine, and I am so sorry for that. But...I care about you, and… I want you to know that."

Blake blinked a few times, letting the Prince's words settle in his mind. After what felt like years, he moved towards Kid, face still red. He pressed a soft kiss against Kid's lips, hand trembling as he tilted his face up. "I...I'm going to trust you, because I desperately want to. So, I'll follow you, and after we escape this unfriendly fucking Forest, I'll stay with you, if you'll have me."

"...Did I ever tell you I think you'd make a great Knight?"

Dawn broke the sky, only five figures moved in the dim light.

Queen Marie of the Fae stood before the group of travelers before her, their eyes bright. They looked different than the ones who had been brought to her only a couple days ago. "You'll find the Great Tree nearly a day's walk into the North, where the flowers grow in bushes, and the trees will triple in size."

"Thank you, your Majesty," the Prince bowed, smile on his face. "I am incredibly grateful for the kindness you've shown us."

"I hope you'll repay it someday."

"I will find a way to do so." He nodded. Marie smiled at them, gaze lingering on the Dweller.

"Be kind to the Forest, while you are here, it houses you too. Don't press your luck."

"Wise words." The Hell Child mumbled, only to have the Dweller's elbow jab into his ribs.

"Thank you, Queen Marie. We are grateful to the Forest as well."

"Good luck on your journey, visitors, and have faith, you are nearly there."

Thank you for all the reviews on the last chapter! I'm glad you liked it! Let me know what you think!