Kid had gone pale, his tongue heavy in his mouth.

"Brother...What are you doing here?" Behind him, Blake and Maka spread out, giving themselves enough space to draw their blades. The Prince couldn't let that happen, there was no need for fighting, not over...Well? He wasn't sure what was going on anymore.

Asura smiled at him, hands clasped behind his back. "Why, I wanted to greet you of course. After such a daring journey, I would've thought you would be happy to see me."

"I am...I'm just...Confused."

"So you always are. Tell me Little Brother, how did the Tree feel about the rune?" He tilted his head, grin somehow unsettling. Behind him, Kid could hear Soul growl, and he held up his hands hoping to keep the peace. Asura was in front of him, too fast even for his brother. The Prince took a step back, and his brother laughed, hand wrapped around Kid's wrist. "Now now, are you scared of me?"

"Leave him alone." Maka ordered, too brave for her own damn good. Asura's eyes fell on hers, and she flinched.

"Oh? Is this your Dweller? She's kind of mouthy for one. Well, we'll see how long that lasts." He scoffed, rolling up Kid's sleeve. The wound where the original rune had been was still healing, bright red against the pale of his skin. Kid tried to force words to his mouth, but he was stuck for some reason, his brother's presence causing him stress. "Ah, look at that. You did well, Little Kid, I'm proud of you."

"Why are you here?" Kid spoke again, bolder this time. He wasn't told his brother would be there to meet him, and his mother had spent a painstakingly long time explaining everything to him. It had been a simple mission at it's core. Bring the Rune to the Forest, Leave our Rune, bring home the Rune that will save the Kingdom. And Kid had done that! He had gathered his team, he had kept them alive, they had completed the mission. So why had his brother been sent to check on them?

His team stood like statues, taut like bowstring. They were watching carefully, as they had already decided that they would be fighting him, hands inching in small amounts towards weapons. He couldn't let that happen, his brother was an animal in a fight, and as impressive as his team was, he wasn't sure if they could take his brother. Kid had never beaten him once, and he had been trying for twenty four summers. A lazy grin spread over Asura's face, and he spread his arms. "Well, I wanted to see these woods, never had the chance to myself. It is rather impressive, isn't it? A vast sea of green. Poetic!"

"You came all this way...for that?"

"Oh, I suppose our dear mother had a task for me to do as well, you know how she is. Forgetful, doesn't ever use one pawn to complete one job."

"What job?" Without another word, Asura had a dagger drawn. He was behind his brother, hand wrapped around his wrist. Blake had his sword drawn, feet already heading towards the Crown Prince. Kid held his hand out, trying to catch the Star Clan survivor's eyes. "Don't! Blake!" His voice carried clear command, and Blake stilled, just for a moment. "Brother...What are you doing?"

"Completing the mission." Asura grinned, drawing the dagger down his arm, watching his brothers blood drip onto the ground. As the blood hit the ground, there was a crack that echoed against the sky, as though calling for rain. Almost immediately, Maka dropped to her knees, coughing up blood. Blake and Soul cried out, Blake dropping to help her and Soul drawing an arrow. His eyes were trained on Asura, devoid of all mercy.

The Crown Prince faced Soul head on, amused smile on his face. He held Kid tighter to his chest, blocking himself from the arrow. Kid met Soul's eye, the Hell Child making it pretty obvious that he was ready to shoot an arrow through him to get to his brother. Asura giggled, the sound like poison to his brother's ears. "Oh, my my, we certainly can't have this mess can we?"

"What did you do to her?" Soul's voice sounded wrong, like something was trying to speak in Soul's voice. The fingers holding back his arrow trembled, rage dancing along the bowstring.

"Free, take care of this pest won't you?" Asura sighed, waving his hand dismissively. There was a roar, either from the sky or the Forest, breaking Soul's concentration.

Kid barely turned around in time to see a massive wolf descend on Soul, crushing him underneath it's massive paw. The creature was at least three sizes bigger than a hunting hound, with dark matted fur. One of the creature's eyes was milky white, apparently blind. It bared its teeth down at Soul, who bared his own back. Blake paused from where he was helping Maka up, her own face frozen in a scream. The beast snarled, and Asura held Kid closer to him. "That's what happens to naughty Hell Children. Free, he clearly isn't going to be reasonable. Take care of that draw arm."

The beast snarled, pinning Soul down with one paw, catching his arm in his jaw. Maka and Kid both cried out as the beast crushed his arm in his 's scream was nearly drowned out by the sudden screaming coming from The Forest, amplifying the chaos. The wolf threw Soul to the side, baring his teeth at Blake and Maka. "Asura stop! What the hell is this!?" Kid snarled, struggling against his brother's grasp. Asura released him, laugh echoing along with the screams.

"Oh, don't be modest now, we couldn't have done with without you!"

"Done what!?"

Asura grinned again, that unsettling stretch of his smile making Kid shiver in the heat of the day. "We have finally done it. We've posioned the Forest. Saved the world! Dwellers will be gone by the end of the year! Their own precious home killing them!"

Silence fell for only a moment, the shock of his words settling over bones. Maka was the first to move, dragging herself to her feet. She stalked over to Kid, fire in her eyes and blood on her face. Her red painted teeth were gnashed together, and she blinked once. Her fist connected with his face hard and he found himself on his back. Maka stood over him, rage painting her features. "I will never forgive you for this."

The Wolf had her pinned before she could hit him again, and Asura clapped, giddy laughter spilling from his lips. "My Gods! She's still standing, even with the Forest in such a shape. We may just need a double dose! Free, get them into the cart."

"Then I get Eruka back." The wolf spoke from where his massive paw was pressed against Maka's back. She struggled for a few moments but her body couldn't keep up with her rage. She finally lay there, seemingly more interested in the talking wolf now. "You made deal. Tell me we have deal."

"Yes yes you can have your swamp witch back. Just hurry up. She's got to get us back to the castle soon."

The Wolf seemed to nod, standing in his hind paws until he was suddenly no longer a wolf. He knelt down, throwing Maka over his shoulder. She struggled hard, kicking best she could, but she was suddenly feeling weak. Kid pulled himself up, eyes landing on Blake's. He was knelt down still, Soul's good arm over his shoulder. The Hell Child was shaking, pain wretched into his face, but Blake's quiet rage scared Kid more. "Move slave," Asura barked, gesturing towards the small village. Kid watched Blake's eyes grow even harder, teeth clenched as he helped Soul up, letting the wolf man lead them away from what had been happiness moments ago.

Asura came and stood over his younger brother, offering him his hand. "You know you've done very well, Little Brother. Mother will be pleased."

Kid blinked at his brother's hand, head spinning with the information he had been given.

He had fucked up so badly. And he hadn't had a single clue. His mother had misled him, he understood that now. And she had done so in a way that completely shattered any trust that he would've been able to cultivate between him and the rest of his party. He...he was ruined, he would never be able to come back from this.

Kid put his hand in his brother's, letting him pull him up. You're a Royal, and you aren't in the Forest anymore. Time to go back to what you are.

It wasn't the first time Maka had been in a prison cart.

Though, that had been nearly four years ago, and she had mostly been hitching a free ride from a Palace Guard that had been drinking most of the day, without realizing his number of prisoners had changed from five to six. It had been a leisurely ride between villages, her other passengers weren't much fun, though if she had been clasped to the restraints with a black hood over her head, she wouldn't be much fun either.

She understood them a little better now. Though the wolf hadn't bothered restraining them, they certainly weren't in a position to fight back. Soul hissed through clenched teeth again, Maka could feel it against her knee. Resting a shaky hand in his hair, she tried to calm him. Words caught in her throat, and they came out in a spatter of blood against her other palm. You're dying a voice whispered in her head, smug and taunting. The Forest is going to die, and you'll follow soon after.

"Soul." Blake's voice was low, not wanting to draw the attention of their jailers. Asura sat at the head of the cart, whistling as he drove the horse further. Kid, the fucking traitor, was slumped next to him. He hadn't moved in a hell of a time, and Maka hoped he had possibly choked on his lies. The fucking werewolf walked next to the cart, sour look on his face as he walked. Soul barely lifted his head from Maka's lap, eyes on Blake. "We have to set your arm."

"Not to be rude," Soul growled, laying back down. "But if you touch my arm I will probably fucking kill you."

"You ever want to use that bow again?" Blake's tone was serious, and Maka met his eye. The look he gave her was severe, and Maka ran her nonbloody hand through Soul's hair. Soul hissed again, pulling himself up. His wounded arm was cradled against his chest, rest of him shaking as he did so. The cart came to a stop, and threw them all foreword, Soul howling as he landed on his arm again. The wolf looked over at them, frown on his face.

"We stop for moment. Get my wife from prison here. Then we go. Only few moments before he comes back." Maka had to resist the urge to try and strangle him through the slats, but she had bigger problems right now. Blake seemed to understand what the wolf was saying better, and he helped roll Soul over on his back.

"We gotta do this. Now. Okay?"

"...Just make sure I can use the bow again." Soul hissed, fingers digging into the straw on the floor. Blake flicked Maka, apologetic look on her face.

"I'll need your help, sis."

"Not gonna be pretty, is it?"

"Not a chance in Hell."

"Funny." Soul barked from the floor. Maka crawled over to him at Blake's order, lifting up his arm. The Hell Child snarled, narrowed eyes landing on Maka. "I kind of hate you for this."

"Come on now, Blake still has to set it."As Maka spoke, Blake moved, pushing Soul's bone's back into place. The sound of the snap made her stomach roll, and she had to smother the desperate desire to vomit all over the cart. Soul's scream never came, Blake had the common sense to shove a strip of leather in his mouth, muffling the howl.

A pair of sticks slipped through the slats, the wolf strolling away from the cart as quickly as he'd dropped them off. Blake looked relieved, grabbing one of them. Soul groaned, eyes screwing shut. "Tell me you're done torturing me."

"Almost. Just, remember you're my friend when the rampage starts."

"No promises." Soul muttered, jaw clenching again as Blake used the sticks to make a splint for Soul's arm. Maka tried to keep herself upright, but her vision swam and she was vomiting blood again. Her stomach seized, blood dripping from her mouth.

"Maka...are you alright?" Kid's voice whispered from the side of the cart, fingers resting between the slats of the cart. She groaned, pulling herself back on her heels, glaring in his general direction.

"Fuck off, Kid." She spat, wiping her mouth off. A hand wrapped itself her hair, dragging her towards the edge. She heard Soul call out, but Asura had her pulled up in front of him quickly. The wolf opened the door, and Asura released her, only to join them in the cage. His absolute smugness was insulting and enraging at the same time, but Maka also knew that he had no reason not to be. With Soul broken and her poisoned, that would be leaving a lot to expect from Blake alone, though she had every faith that he would drag him to death with him.

Asura knelt down in front of her, mouth drawn into a displeased knot. She gazed up at him defiantly, smirk on her face. Before she had even opened her mouth, Asura backhanded her across her face with enough force to send her on her side. She saw Blake scrambling to his feet, but Soul put out his good hand, stopping him. She shot them a smile before Asura grabbed her by her hair, pulling her face to face with him. "Well, little Dweller, you have made a mistake. You have no right to speak to the Royal Family like that. Not only do you throw your peasant swears into his face, but you dare speak to him so familiarly. This is the Prince, the second son, how dare you call him by such a name. Learn your place, Dweller." He dropped her on the floor, sending her a scoff before he went to leave.

"Wait." Maka hissed, pushing herself up on her arms. "Look at me."

"Lay down and know when to shut your mouth, Dweller."

"Look at me!" she snarled, violently enough that Asura looked back at her. "Remember my face. Look me in the eyes and remember my face. I am the Dweller that kills you."

When the door to the tower had opened, and Arachne walked up the stairs, Wes greeted her with a bloodied smile.

Arachne refused her even a passing glance, words directed to the woman following in behind her. "As you can see, she looks terrible. I would like her fixed up to the best of your abilities. She is a dangerous criminal, and I would appreciate if she looked every bit the demon she is. If we brought her to the crowds like this, she may just obtain some sympathy, and as the killer of the King, she deserves no sympathy."

"Oh dear, did the King pass?" Wes asked, relaxing back onto her blood stained table. "That's so strange, I didn't hear a single thing about that."

"My husband grows wearier and wearier, I soon fear the end of his life. If he dies because of what you've done to him, I imagine his loyal subjects will be calling for your blood, and it's best we have you ready for them."

"Pity you don't spend half the effort trying to save your husband."

Arachne's backhand was expected, but it still stung. The woman behind Arachne stood in shock, eyes wide as she took in the scene in front of her. "Keep her chained, and make her look like she hasn't been wallowing in her own filth for the last few months. Like I said, no sympathy."

"...Yes your Majesty, of course…" Arachne turned to leave, anger echoing against the walls with each step. The woman blinked for a moment, looking incredibly lost.

"Well, little dove, you're gonna need to unchain me first, then lead me to wherever you need to, pretty me up for my death, and you can go back to your life before the Queen appeared in it to ruin your week."

"Oh...alright…" The girl looked around, clearly at a loss of where she could even start.

"The Snake keeps the key over there, that'll get me out." The girl smiled at her, clearly grateful that her sudden prisoner was so compliant. She undid Wes' legs, and then her arms, helping her stand. It had been a long while since she had been on her feet, and she realized how heavy her child was. They were getting big, and she brought her hand up against her stomach. The girl was staring horrified at them, jaw on the floor.

"You...you're pregnant."

"Ah, yes." Wes smiled, stretching her arms. "I am. Now, where are we taking me?"

"Th-this way." The girl took her hand, leading her down the steps. The castle seemed quiet around them, and Wes kept her ears open. Something had happened, there was a change in the way the air settled around her. She wasn't usually wrong, but she also hadn't been able to see what happened lately, and the gossip mill didn't reach Medusa's lair. Whatever had happened must've been horrible. The girl gestured to a door, and Wes followed her inside, cheerful smile on her face.

The suite was modest, her beddings were threadbare, but she had a glass against her wall, and an elaborate display of charcoal and powders were displayed on the desk in front of it. Wes smiled, all of it starting to make sense. "You do her makeup, right? The Queen? She wants you to make me look less bruised?"

"Yes…"

"What's your name?"

"Risa, Milady."

"Ah, you don't need to call me that. I'm not a lady." Wes waved her off, looking around. "Is there a bath I could use? It's been a while unfortunately." Risa directed her through a door, eyes in clear conflict as she did so. Wes felt bad for this girl, she clearly wasn't used to hanging out with people on death row, and a pregnant one at that. She drew water into the tub, slipping off the rags her clothes had become.

So, whatever had happened today had given Arachne a confidence she had been lacking before. Slowly, she lowered herself into the water, exhaling as she did so. Wes wasn't one for speculation, she preferred her theory backed in facts, but she didn't really have that luxury at the moment. Soul must be coming back. Whatever they had been doing in the Forest, they must've finished their mission.

Sucking in a breath, she dove under the water, washing the dirt and blood from her skin. Impending execution or not, it was a blessing to be clean again. While she ran perfume through her hair, she rubbed some of the paste on her teeth, enjoying herself immensely. There was a soft knock on the door, and Risa had her head bowed. "I came to do your hair."

"Of course, Dove. Whatever you need to do."

The woman came and sat behind her, fingers pulling her hair out and winding the strands together. They sat in silence for a while, Wes with her eyes closed as she pushed at her mind to give her a glimpse of her brother. "It's... strange." Risa whispered, breaking her concentration. Wes opened one eye, smile on her face.

"What is?"

"I...We...We all know you didn't kill the King. But in ten years, no one will know. The lie become history and she wins."

"I know," Wes whispered, closing her eyes again. "But it's alright."

"How can it be alright!?" Risa's frown was evident in her voice, fingers tugging on Wes' hair a little harder than necessary. "She's going to kill you, and a child, for something it is widely known isn't true...And…"

"And no one will stop her." Wes concluded, with a deep sigh. "I appreciate your care, dear girl, especially since you had to reason to give it to me. So don't worry, I promise it will all be okay."

"How could it possibly be okay!? You're going to die-"

"Only when the King does, because the guards in this castle are more concerned with keeping me locked up than protecting him. Some games are long planned and well plotted, but no one can win all the time."

"They…" Risa paused, fingers stilling in her hair. "They say you see things, that are yet to come."

"Aye."

"What is it you see then? For you?"

Wes shrugged, smile on her face. "To tell you the truth, dear one, I haven't the damnedest idea what comes next."

Soul had to swallow his rage like bile.

The excitement from the fight had long since faded, and the creaking wheels of the cart had long since taken Little Light into sleep. She was slumped against his good side, flecks of dried blood on her face. Blake wasn't asleep, but he stared ahead blankly, eyes resting on nothing.

The sun was setting now, Asura and Kid standing by a fire while the witch they had picked up worked, gathering leaves and dirt, mixing them together. Soul took a deep breath, surprised by the heady scent of her brew. To use a swamp witch to teleport? God's these rulers had no understanding of magic.

His mother was a nature witch, trained by the damned Forest, and she would be the first to admit that a teleport spell would be out of her reach. She was gifted with magic that spoke to nature, and transport belonged to the winds. Though, judging by the haggard look on the witch's face, she had pulled it off a few times, but he could imagine she was very nearly burnt out. There was only so much magic to expel at any moment, and pushing that would severely harm a magic user.

Not that the Royals cared, he was sure.

The Hell Child clenched the fist of his broken arm, body streaming in pain, but not as badly as before. Blake had probably saved his life a thousand times over, setting his arm. At the soonest possible moment, he would repay him for that. After they're all dead.

There it was again, that voice that didn't belong to him, back from the pit of his rage. Sure, he was absolutely livid about the absolute scum of the Kingdom daring to betray him. When he fucking showed them nothing but cautious loyalty and walked himself into the Forest like a thrice damned sacrifice.

Wes might already be dead The voice teased him, and he clenched his jaw. She wasn't, there was no way Wes would leave this world quietly, and he would've known if she had breathed her last. Hell Children did not die quiet. Next to him, he could hear Maka gag, and he moved so she could lean forward, hand on his knees as she coughed. He had her braid gathered in his hand, helping out the best he could.

She sat up slowly, lower lip shining in the dark. "How are we going to kill them?"

"Slowly." Blake whispered, eyes still staring into the distance. "With blood running down their castle steps."

Soul was silent, desperate to keep his rage in check. Maka looked at him, one eyebrow raised. He nodded, afraid to let his voice free. He understood that he has been wronged, and it would be righted. But he wasn't going to try shit until he was at the castle. Those foolish sons of the Spider Whore were taking them straight to the castle, straight to Wes, and he was in no mood to wait any longer.

If he could only find her, it would all be fine. They were always better together than they were apart, and Wes would have a plan. She always had something up her sleeve, and he needed her right now. She would be what he needed to bring all the pieces together.

Wes would know how to save the Forest, and in turn, she would know how to save Little Light.

Asura came strolling over to them again, kicking the werewolf awake as he approached. "Get a good hold on yourselves now, Scum. We're putting a rush on this trip."

No one moved, their eyes uninterested as he ordered them around. Asura's eyes flashed in the impending darkness, showing themselves a deep red, yet still brown. Soul smirked, wrapping an arm around Maka. He had a few tricks up his sleeve as well, and there was something bubbling under the Crown Prince's humanity. "I believe I fucking ordered you to move. So let's go."

"How long until we're at the castle?"

"What does that matter, Hell Child? Your death calls to you now as it does later."

Soul grinned, baring his teeth again. "You don't scare me, boy."

"So we shall see." Asura kicked at the Wolf again, and the man stood, eye narrowed at his master. He unlocked the door, gesturing for them to get out. Blake stood first, ignoring the wolf and helping Maka to her feet, then Soul. "Free, keep your paw on the Dweller. The clipped wing and the servant won't try anything to get her hurt."

Free complied, helping Maka down, but refusing to release his grip on her once she had her footing back. Blake made a face, but he hopped down, helping Soul on his way down. The Wolf gave them a look that could almost be considered sympathetic if his grip on Maka wasn't so tight. Maka didn't even wince, eyes on the Prince. "Why not just kill us now? You run a hell of a risk dragging us back."

"Why, because my mother wants to thank you personally." Asura's grin was dark, ushering them back to where the witch worked at the fire. "And you wouldn't want to be rude."

Marie stood where the trees grew tall, waiting patiently.

It wasn't long before the Saint of Love appeared, looking worse for the wear. Jackie regarded her, then gestured for her to follow. They made their way to where Kim lay crumpled in the hallow, breathing shallow.

Marie sat down next to her, letting the Forest Spirit lay in her lap. Her forehead was slick with sweat, and her eyes were cloudy as she opened them. "How far has this spread?"

"Entirely, according to reports." Marie whispered, knowing her own face was pale. The sickness had spread so quickly through the leaves, without a clear starting point. Dwellers across the woods were suffering, all at different paces. There hadn't been a reported death yet, but she had no doubt that one was coming. "What happened to you, Mother?"

"Those damned outsiders!" Jackie spat, pacing around the hallow. "They did this, somehow."

"The Humans?" Marie asked, pushing Kim's bangs off her face. "How could this be possible? None of them could use magic."

"Clearly, they lied." The Saint snarled, fists clenched at her sides. Kim shook her head slowly, groan of pain escaping her lips.

"No. They weren't smart enough for this. The Queen did this."

The question of how never left Marie's tongue, Jackie had stalked over to the great Tree, fingers tracing centuries of runes. "She didn't."

"I believe so." Kim wheezed, pulling herself into a sitting position. "And she sent a pure hearted fool in her stead."

Marie thought of the little Prince, with his tired eyes and inability to reconcile what he had seen with his family's name. He had been a peculiar little leader, that was certain. However, he hadn't seemed the type for tricks. He would pull a sword long before he ever cast a spell, that much had been obvious. Unless, of course, that little Prince had fooled her as well. "What would you have us do, Mother?"

"The runes are sure to be connected, it's the only way they would've been able to wait until they were gone to activate it. It must have a match."

"In the castle." Jackie spoke, lips tight with rage. "Where she can watch it."

"It needs destroyed." Kim shuddered, holding on to Marie's shoulder for support. Marie held her up, face stoney as she took in the words spoken by the Forest.

"You wish us to march on the humans once again."

"No, Sweetness," Kim hissed, eyes flashing with the wind that picked up through the trees, calling the leaders to her. "I want you to slaughter them."

The King woke to a cold hand on his forehead.

His body had become to stranger to him in the last few days, muscles no longer responding to commands and strength no longer allowing him to keep his eyes open for long periods of time. Though it surprised him, he was very much still being poisoned. The hand on his forehead fixed his hair, and he opened his eyes slowly, his wife's face coming into focus.

He said nothing, just stared at her. It had been close to months since he had been well, and this woman had taken over. She sat with her back straight, red lips in a flat line. "I came to see how you fare."

"I'm feeling wonderful. Perhaps I'll take a jog round the castle."

"Ah, your infamous wit. How I will miss it."

"You're so quick to write me off." His voice cracked, weak from lack of use. What he truly wanted was some water, and for his wife to leave his sight. Arachne refused him either, crossing her legs.

"I came to speak with you, dear husband. I have something I so wish to communicate with you, and I fear I will soon lose my chance."

"Speak. Then leave."

Arachne's eyes were cold, the smile that graced her lips never came close to her eyes. "When you pass, I will not weep for you. I have spent several years by your side, I have bore you two healthy sons, and I have cared for this kingdom like it was my own.

"Yet you spurn me. Our children watch you make a mockery of the throne, the Court watches you make a mockery of our laws, and I am forced to watch you make a mockery of my marriage. You parade around with your whore, and you don't give a damn what it does to the rest of us. You don't give a damn about any of it.

"And that infuriates me, dear husband. I have let you make a fool of me for so long. I was tolerant of your infidelity, when you had the decency to hide it. When the Hell Child that should be hanging by her neck was still a damn secret. Men are scoundrels, Kings are worse. They're children who won a few impressive battles, and they believe that entitles them to a life of wine and whores.

"You were just a scoundrel King for a while, and I could accept that. You can't be blamed for being what you are. But you let that Demon get pregnant. I am a patient woman, husband, but how could you have possibly expected me to react to that?! You acknowledged that hellspawn as your own. As though that child deserves to sit next to our children. The heirs to your Kingdom."

She took a deep breath before she continued, resting her hand over his cold one. "But that is why we have children, I believe. After so many years in this world, we just aren't useful anymore. Essence overstays it's welcome, dear. And the children change the world. It's time for Asura to rise to his birthright, don't you think? We can put all the petty nonsense of your rule to rest. Hang some loose ends, and it's all over. The world starts anew, and you settle into history books with Kings of old."

Her Husband glared at her, words forming on cracked lips. She shushed him, standing and strolling over to his bedside, fixing him up a glass of water. "I know such news is difficult to hear, but the nobles agree with me. The Kingdom is ready for new leadership, one who enforces the laws it writes, and doesn't put a damn child inside them. They all want him on the throne."

"The nobles are fools and he isn't ready."

"Oh my dear, but he is. You would know that if you could pull your head out from between that Demon Whore's legs once in awhile." Her grin was sharp, offering him a glass. It was unspoken, it had been unspoken the entire time, but he understood what happened next. His Wife was a spider, and her web spun far. He had been a fool not to watch it closer. His shaky hand wrapped around the glass, but he did not drink it.

"There are laws older than the ones I broke still in place. You can't harm my child."

"I would never."

"That child lives inside of her-"

"That child is an abomination, and one would think that you would want to see justice to the woman who killed you."

"Believe me," he snarled, fist curling around the glass. "I do."

A hesitant knock came at the door, a servant peeking their head inside. "Your son's have sent word, Your Grace. They aim to return by sundown."

"Ah, that brings my heart such joy. Thank you pet." Arachne dismissed her, dark eyes landing back on her husband. "As you can see, our children have returned. Drink up dear, or the pain will come back."

His blood burned with rage, but he knew he was too weak to stop her. His sickness was progressing, his Kingdom, and his child were in danger. With a curtsy, the Queen who killed him left, headed back to the center of her web, controlling her flies.

He wasn't dead yet, however, and there were a few more things he had to complete.

They landed hard on the grass in the castle courtyard, a collective gasp of air pushed out from lungs the only sound in the spacious grounds.

Soul had enough sense to make sure he landed on his good side, his patience worn too thin to stomach another hit on his broken arm. His eyes sought out Maka, but found the witch first, laying on her side with a bright red flush across her face. Her eyes were dull, and her breathing was labored. She was going to burn herself out if she tried anymore magic, Soul would nearly bet on that.

He saw Maka then, pulling herself to her knees and pushing the Witch's hair from her forehead. The wolf looked alarmed for a moment, but his face relaxed when he saw Maka try and whisper to her, trying to get her to move. The Dweller was forgiving to a fault, and it made his heart constrict.

Asura had pulled himself to his feet first, rolling his shoulders as he looked around. "Dear me, it's nearly sunset. We've lost a couple days, you useless Swamp Rat. We were meant to be back yesterday."

"You lucky you're here at all." The Wolf snarled, fingers digging into the soft grass beneath him. "You very lucky she still breathing."

Asura ignored him, gaze resting on one of the arches where Soul could start to hear the monotonous stomping of men in armor, and he saw Little Light rest her eyes on him, displeased look in her gaze. He nodded back, making sure Blake saw them too. There was no need to try and fight a bunch of Knights. They would be wasting what little energy they had left.

When the Knights had entered the courtyard, he was surprised there were only four. Dread slid down his spine, and Soul realized he was truly disadvantaged. There was no way of knowing what had happened while he was gone, or if there even was a sister to save anymore. She's alive, a voice whispered to him. She wouldn't give up so easily.

"Welcome back, Highnesses." The Knights knelt before Kid and Asura, deference in their stance. Asura waved them up, gesturing to the rest of them on the ground. The Forest party was tense, ready for a fight as the Knight's gaze dropped to them.

"Yes, hello. One of you take the Witch to Auntie, won't you? And another take the Werewolf back down to the cells." The Wolf snarled, but a sword was trained on the slumped witch, and he froze, snarl etched into his face. They watched in silence as the witch was dragged into the castle, and the Wolf taken in the opposite direction. "My, how they complained, it is a relief to see them gone. Come, you two follow us in. I'm certain Mother has some insight to share as well. Keep the Dweller behaved won't you? She's been quite the troublemaker."

The remaining Knights came to stand behind them, nudging them to their feet. None of them had the strength to resist, and they came to their feet, weary eyes on the great oak doors that they were being ushered too. The inside of the castle looked as Soul remembered, though it seemed as though it had been slightly ignored. There was dust covering some of the surfaces they passed, as though the maids were no longer interested in their work.

If the rumors were true, Asura is the one causing the Maids to disappear. Wes had told him that a long time ago, that he would lure servant girls into his chambers and she wouldn't ever see them again. Soul clenched his teeth, eyes resting on the giant doors that would lead them to the throne room, where the damn Spider would be sitting in the middle of her web. Good, Soul was damn ready for a chance at this woman, regardless of how his sister fared.

Before they could even reach the door, Asura changed direction, leading them down a small hallway. Soul blinked, moving in closer to Maka and Blake. Kid looked confused as well, dutifully following his brother down the hall. They stopped at a simple door, no expensive laquer over it. Asura rapped on the door twice, his mother's voice granting permission to enter.

Inside, they found themselves in a small office, tall shelves with old tomes stretched up her walls, the window sill was filled with plants, and gave the room a strong but pleasant scent. Arachne sat at a desk, going over papers in her hand. She lifted her eyes and smiled, coming from around the desk to hug her son's. "Rejoice to our Gods for your safe return! All of you! Please, sit." She gestured to four chairs put in front of her desk. With no other choice presented, they all took a seat, narrowed eyes rested on the Queen.

"You truly had no idea how impressed I am." She beamed, sitting back down at her desk. "To think, for decades upon decades, no humans could return from the Forest. Yet here you are! How blessed are we to greet such history head on."

None of them spoke, those their muscles were coiled, ready to strike at any moment. She only flipped through a few more papers, organizing her desk. "I apologise for having you meet me here, there is simply so much to do, I didn't have time for much else."

"Where is Wes." Soul finally spoke, tired of all of these damned games. Arachne didn't even glance at him as she organized her papers.

"I know you were all expecting something different upon return, and I understand your confusion, believe me, I do. However, as you'll learn in the adult world, plans do tend to change." Kid made a face at her words, as though echoing memory after memory from childhood.

"Deals were made, Mother."

"I know this, pet." She sighed, resting her cheek on her hand. "Oh, these things are hard to explain, don't you think? How easy it is to promise the world when the world makes sense, how easy it is to lead when you have such a pliable people. But times are changing, and lessons must be learned.

"You know," she continued, standing from her desk to stand in front of them. "When I was nearly six years younger than you, I was sent to marry a man I had never met, have his children, and rule his Kingdom with him. This is so much to ask of a child, which is why I was so happy to have my son's. Life is harder for a daughter, wouldn't you agree Dweller?"

"Show me a point to this conversation, or I will leave."

"Oh my, there is blood all over your face."

"It's all the rage right now, would you like to match me?" Maka had barely finished her sentence before Asura's hand was back in her hair.

"How many times must we discuss respect with you, Dweller."

"Looks like one more time, at least." Maka spat, and Arachne held her hand up, signaling Asura to release her. He did as instructed, but Soul didn't miss the look he had shot his mother. Blake still sat silent, dark eyes on the Queen as she took a long suffering sigh.

"Mother," Kid spoke, his voice as annoyed as his brother's face. "What was the point of this damned mission!? What happened to the Forest!?"

"Why, we finally got ourselves in there. It's going to die now, and it couldn't have come at a better time. My second son, there is anything much that you don't know, but it's time you began to understand why things are the way they are. Our Kingdom is weaker now than it has ever been, and the Forest was a bigger threat than we would've been able to defeat. We had to take preventative measures-"

"The Forest wanted peace!"

"You're naive to think so! This is what I mean, and do understand that this is my fault as well. I didn't teach you all I should've, but the Forest was ready to take their land back. And...With what happened-"

Maka snorted, eyes trained on Arachne. "Nothing happened, you fear mongering twat."

"I know this isn't how anyone wants to learn of terrible news, but this is also how life works I'm afraid. Things sometimes don't happen for us, despite our best efforts to drive them our way. It's a terribly unfortunate side effects of growing up, and we have all learned how to swallow a bitter pill. I simply imprint this lesson onto you, children." Arachne took a deep breath, eyes closed as she exhaled. "The King died last night, directly caused from the poison the Hell Child Weslin had slipped him."

Kid and Soul called out at the same time, protests on their lips, though for very different things. "How could she have done it!? You've had her locked up!"

"Father is dead!?"

"I'm afraid so, pet." Arachne answered, bowing her head. "We found him cold in his bed. And regardless of how she did it, the public calls for her blood, she is to be executed tomorrow night at sundown."

"Like Hell she is" Soul snarled, voice poisoned by the Demon in his blood. Through the rage, he did manage to feel a trickle of satisfaction. Wes was still alive, and he was fucking proud of her for that. Arachne gave him a pitiful look, and he had to stop himself from attacking her right then.

"This is what the public wants. I had nothing-"

"You lying hag! You had everything to do with it!"

"I had hoped you would understand, Hell Child. Perhaps even be supportive-" Her sentence hadn't even finished before Soul's good had was wrapped around her neck, and he could feel Asura's blade against his throat.

"Release her, you black blooded beast!"

"Wes first!"

Hands grabbed his arm and shoulders, pulling him back down to his chair. Arachne scoffed as she caught her breath, hand over her neck. One of the Knights kept their grip on him, Asura returned his sword to his hilt, displeased look on his face. "I should've figured you as uncivilized as your whore sister."

"Yeah, you should've."

"Very well then. If you truly don't wish to help rebuild this Kingdom, we have no further need for you. Any of you, truly. You, Star Killer, I had heard of your clan in this kingdom for years. Your people knew a thousand ways to kill a man. I'll teach you a thousand and one. Take him to the dungeons, break him to remake him. I'll keep him on as a torturer.

"Lock the Dweller up as well. I can't trust her not to cause havoc while she's here, and I can't have her escaping back to that damned Forest. I was her kept under careful watch. We are so close to our goal, and I won't see it ruined by some little half blood with a dream of being more than she is. Dirt will always be dirt my sweet, a lesson best learned now."

Maka spat at her feet, and the Queens eyes came to rest on Soul. Maka looked over too, her face going pale. The archer tried to shoot her a reassuring look, but he was fairly certain the cut on his neck was oozing black onto his shirt. "As for you, my sweet Demon Scum, I took your sister from my dear sister, and you will make an excellent replacement for her."

Kid gasped, and Maka bit her lip. Soul only grinned at the Queen, before standing quickly, bashing his head into the face of the Knight who still gripped him. The man howled, and Soul stood before Maka, pressing a sound kiss to her mouth. "Find Blake and get out of here, I know you can pull that off."

"What about you!?" She asked, even as the guard holding her began dragging her away. Soul smiled at her as his bleeding Knight grabbed him by the arm, shoving him against the wall.

"Don't worry, this isn't how I die."

Hope you liked it! Let me know what you think!