The guards in front of the door never said a word till someone else seemed to walk up to where Mizuki was standing. "Well if it isn't the Queen's two little pets." The second guard seemed to find this comment humorous, though it was easy to tell the ones it was directed at didn't agree with such humor. Mizuki might have learned to keep his mouth shut by now, but Thalion was another story. He was never one to keep his mouth shut, not when he had good odds of winning the argument.

"Coming from one of her lapdogs isn't very insulting now is it?" The one guard who had spoken before seemed to become agitated by this little exchange of words but quickly regained himself. "Tsk, one day she'll grow tired of your mouth runt. Then we shall see where that mouth of yours lands you."

Thalion hardly seemed concerned about this as he shrugged. "I'll look forward to that day." If only the guard knew it would come sooner then he thought. If all went well the first guards Thalion would have to deal with would be the gate keepers. But before this conversation got too out of hand the doors opens as another guard spoke up saying the Queen was waiting.

Thinking this would be flawless was far too much to ask for. Something was bound to go wrong, but it wasn't going to be sealing her or Mizuki being disrupted if he had any say in the matter. Though there was a chance that she knew of their plans... not that they hadn't done everything in their power to avoid that, but something told him this was not going to go smoothly at all.

Mizuki watched and listened to the exchange between the two of them. He did want to smile and laugh glad to see that Thalions comments and quips were still there even after all of the time spent in these dreaded walls. Mizukis attention was drawen away however as the large doors infront of them opened and a gaurds head poked out saying the queen was ready and waiting.

Mizuki took a deep breath as he was the first to enter into the room. As soon as he got into the center of the room his eyes widened a little as he looked at the queen who sat in her chair with a smirk on her lips. For the reason why his eyes widened was the amount of guards the queen had around her. Twenty of her best men stood with swords at ready.

"My queen" Mizuki said taking a bow as Thalion joined in behind him "I am sure that the amount of protection you have is a little over the top" He said before correcting his stance and standing straight "After all this is nothing more then a show" He stated.

However the queen did not look like she bought this one bit "Is it mage..." She asked slightly with a tilt of her head "I have speculations that you and my precious there have been thinking of going against me" Mizuki gulped a little but kept his cool exterior "I assure you M'lady that this is not so" He said.

Mizuki hated this but he needed to keep up his little game here if he wanted to go through what was planned. The only issue with this was the amount of gaurds would provent him from sealing the doors...hope fully it didnt prevent him from sealing the queen. "Now M'lady please sit there and enjoy" He said as he waved his staff infront of him laying down a mist which soon covered the feet of himself and soon to be many others.

As soon as they were before the Queen it was easy to tell something had gone wrong or she knew this wasn't just a show. Her top guards were with her, not that Thalion didn't think he couldn't handle the number but this would prove to be a challenge or more of one then first thought. As Mizuki spoke a few words Thalion was busy marking who he needed to dispose of first once things did start to go through.

He had a advantage of at least sparring most of her personal guard over the year but that hardly meant that he could tell what they were capable of when it came to life or death. He never said a word though, so long as Mizuki's end went well it didn't matter. The only thing that mattered was that the Queen was disposed of, after that they could worry about her lackies.

His thoughts came to a halt at the woman's words of 'precious'. He felt like he wanted to vomit right there, if Mizuki's plan failed he was still going to try to rip her head from her spine just to prevent those words ever escaping her lips again. Though for the time being he kept his urge to shudder at her voice to himself as he let Mizuki keep up with the talking. He had to focus anyway, it had to be enough to keep her attention... but at the same time he could afford to waste too much energy or else he'd be useless against the small army of guards she had with her.

He waited a few moments for the mist Mizuki had cast to settle in before starting this so called display, most of them being moves that were a complete waste of time and energy. Sure they could be tinkered with or mastered into some form of a attack but there were less wasteful ways to do each one. It was up to him to hold this distraction and allow Mizuki the time he needed to set up his end of this plan.

The torches dimmed all at once nearly cutting all of the light out of the room. This would help keep the attention on his little display instead of Mizuki. Fire was rather bright in darkened areas. In most cases the darkness would help in combat as well... but seeing as he was put up against other dark elves this was hardly the case. Sight in the darkness... but at the same time the fire would prove more then useful. Night sight also meant that sudden flashes would have a longer recovery rate.

For the time being he kept most of the display simple just creative enough to be entertaining. But this wouldn't last long, such small displays he was merely waiting and buying time for Mizuki. Sooner or later the Queen would speak up and he'd have to start using things that required energy to cast and hold.

Mizuki watched as Thalion began his little display for the queen. As the lights dimmed Mizuki smiled it was time to go to work. Making sure that all eyes were on Thalion, Mizuki set the seal on the door to prevent more guards from comming in. After the seal was in place he moved himself off to the queens right side.

Taking a deep breath he took one more look before sending a silent prayer to any god that was listening and he began his work.

Quickly he removed the original ring from his pocket. Inorder to do this right he needed to remove the power seal. As soon as that was removed she would realize her speculations were correct and then Thalion would have a battle on his hands.

Taking a deep breath Mizuki placed his staff before him the hilt resting on the floor while his right hand held the ring. A simple muttered phrase and the seal was broken. At that exact moment her head turned "I knew it!!" She all but screamed "GUARDS!!!" though nothing else escaped her lips for as soon as the seal was gone he began the work of binding the witch.

Keeping exactly as he was Mizuki watched as the color of the queens face begqan to fade, she knew what was happening. Mizuki watched as the gaurds sprang forth into action but he did not budge having faith that Thalion wouldnt let anyone of them reach him.

Sure he was expecting the Queen to catch on, just he was thinking he had a few more moments then what he was given. Even if he was sure of his skills he doubted he was going to get away with this completely unharmed. Then again if they were lucky they both would be able to walk away from this period. Though at the present time he had one thought, the fact he didn't have a bow made this a little more complex. Sure there was magic but that used too much energy when there was this many of them.

Normally he'd wait and let the enemy come to him, but today he didn't have the range he needed to do so and to let them get that close to Mizuki before he finished wasn't a risk he was willing to take. Meeting the first of her guards halfway he had already sought out his target. Not like the Queen willingly let him walk about with a weapon, though that was already taken account for in him plans. The first guard he came in contact with quickly met a fate that was probably almost unexpected.

Yes Thalion was a little smaller then most of his kind, but he certainly knew how to use his talents when it came time to. The guard dropped to the ground after one quick strike to a bit of skin exposed around the neck area. Almost the same movement he had disarmed the guard gaining a weapon. Though this little display he just did proved he didn't need a weapon, but the extra range was always good.

Mizuki paid no attention to anything that was around him. He was aware of the noise comming from the foes falling from Thalions hands. He was glad that no sound indicated the pain of the one he loved.

Concintrating was the mane thing that Mizuki needed to do. Keeping the chant going with his eyes never leaving the witch he continued with his sealing spell. Her power failing with each passing moment more and more of it being sealed away within her own magical ring.

Stepping closer Mizukis chant never failed. Continuing he moved closer and closer to the queen. This was the part he worried would fail. Inorder to seal her completely he needed to touch her but some gaurds still stood infront of the pailing queen who now sat hunched over in her throne heaving and gasping for her next breathe.

Mizuki removed a dagger he had hidden in his robes. "Seal her, remove her, bind her soul..." He continued with his chant as he moved forward even as the gaurds around her advanced towards him "Lock her, take her, I will pay the toll" Stabbing out he sliced through the guards neck feeling the thick red blood fall over his hand.

Dodging the next attack his chant never ended "Strip her, kill her, leave her bare" stabbing out he felt more blood run over his hand as well as a blinding pain in right arm though his steps didnt faulter "Take her soul, leave none behind, reveal her true form and lock it away for all time" Mizukis words were strong even as pain washed over his arm and chest from the dagger in his shoulder.

Sure he knew Mizuki had to get close enough to her to touch her in order to finish the spell, but he thought he had a little more time then what he did. Apparently taking on this number of guards took a bit longer then he figured it would. Not cocky at all in the least. As soon as he noticed Mizuki going forward he nearly ended up with a blade hitting him. The close call made him notice the last two guards still holed up by the Queen, even if Mizuki made quick work of one of them.

The words coming from the other's mouth were dark to say the least. Such power was hidden behind each word as it was spoken. Though from the state of the Queen it was easy to tell Mizuki's plan was working. So long as he lived long enough to fulfill it. As another guard fell he seemed to grow tired of the few that remained as he hissed his words saying enough. A small burst of fire erupted from around him taking care of the few that did remain.

Closing the distance between where he was and where Mizuki was he stood back giving the other plenty of room to finish what he had started. Something said this was going too smoothly... but maybe for once something would go smoothly and they wouldn't nearly die trying to get back the life they once had. The Queen was still pale in color as she laughed mocking Mizuki and his chant saying that he couldn't really seal her forever. Though the longer this went on the more frantic she seemed to get as she cursed at them both.

((wasn't sure if Mizuki stabbed himself for the so call toll or if another guard stabbed him lol))

Mizuki continued with each word that needed to be said. So much pain and torture this women put them through it was everything Mizuki had in him to keep to the chant and not walk right up to her and beat the women senseless for everything that she had done to them.

As Mizuki approached her he felt someone come up behind him though he knew it was Thalion so he didnt falter in his steps as he reached her. Now standing in front of the she witch Mizuki began to reach his hand out through the female before him didnt want to be touched as she made her self as small as she could hunched over in her chair like a little child hissing profanities and curses at the two of them.

Mizuki smiled to himself. This was the last of the spell that needed to take place and besides him giving the blood he had to no one was wounded or hurt. For once the gods smiled down on them. Though as soon as Mizuki realized this his smile faded. In order to seal her the rest of the way within her own damn ring Mizuki needed to remove the seal on the door so he could have max power to do what he set out to do.

Mizuki gulped a little. There was no way that he could tell or warn Thalion. So Mizuki did the best that he could. Pushing the ring forward so he held it out right in front of him Mizuki lifted his other hand and held it up towards the double doors that sounded with the urgentness of the guards on the other side trying to get in and save their queen.

Mizuki gave one look to Thalion with his words never hauling and with a flick of his wrist the seal was gone and those double doors opened with such force a loud bang rang throughout the large room that they stood in. It took Mizuki everything in his power not to jump. Instead he reached forward with the ring and placed it in the middle of the queens forehead and watched as one by one her fingers began to fade into the ring before them.

Mizuki didn't have to say a word, the only lucky thing was that Thalion didn't waste too much of his energy on the Queen's personal guards. He still had enough in him to put up a fight for a bit longer. Though he had made a few plans with Raden and Neimi knowing that guards would be trying to get to the Queen as soon as this little ritual was started. The doors being sealed only delayed the fate that awaited them. But it might be to their advantage too.

With the chant complete and the Queen fading before them it was likely some of her followers or troops would back down. Others Thalion counted on to be stubborn and stupid to the end. There weren't as many guards as there should have been to come save their Queen. It seems that Raden and Neimi had done their end of this plan well enough, even if they retreated now the forces they took out or prevented from getting to this room was a huge help to say the least.

One of the first guards to get to them was the one that Thalion had exchanged words with not mere moments before this little event took place. The guard barked he was going to rip them both apart. But of course in his own fashion Thalion shrugged a little before telling him to go ahead and try.

The only downside to the doors being open was even though they were in large groups there still seemed to be a endless supply of guards trying to save their already doomed Queen. Sure most of them weren't a challenge like her personal guards but there was enough of them that it would soon pose a problem if they didn't find a end to this onslaught.

A few did back down, not having a leader and facing the two responsible for her demise was not something they wished to face. But ti was about that time that Thalion even noticed that they never made a plan for after sealing her. Sure they could fight here, but numbers sooner or later would get the better of them.

Mizuki kept on with his chant watching as more and more of the queen began to fade within the ring that he held in pale hands. There was two things that he needed to keep going, his words and the contact of the ring to her forehead. If the ring was to stop contact the ritual would be broken and all the work they had done so far would be in vein.

So to say Mizuki was having fun keeping both things going was an understatement to say the least. Keeping his focus on the spell leaving his lips took most of his concentration but the sounds behind him were beginning to reach his ears and with each noise he heard he wanted to turn around and help the man he loved but Mizuki knew he couldnt.

Looking to the queen Mizuki was happy to see that the progress was indeed working in his favor. The arms and legs of the queen vanished in that short time to be bound to the ring in his hands. Now he watched with a little smile in the corner of his lips as the stomach and chest of the witch began to vanish before him.

Mizuki knew that it would only be a matter of time before the witch was fully gone. After that getting to the courtyard to meet up with Raden and Neimi who were supposed to be waiting with horses would be the next challange before them but Mizuki knew what he needed to do. He just hoped he would have enough energy to do as he had planned.

Even with the numbers currently against them both Thalion hardly was letting the thoughts that were forming in the back of his mind stop his blades. Sure they could still die after the witch was sealed but it'd be worth it right? At the least maybe Neimi and Raden would make it out ok. He had made sure to have them close to an escape route. Though they could be dead as well, but something told him the forces where more interested in killing the two behind the Queen's demise. Not that he minded this at all, the fact he was able to repay the 'kindness' of a number of the Queen's forces was more then he thought he'd ever get a chance to do just mere months ago.

Either way Mizuki needed to hurry up and finish his ritual, even with freedom so close there would only be so much either of them could do if this dragged out. If they were lucky more would back off after the Queen was fully disposed of. So far luck had been on their side, so maybe they could continue with it. Then they could get back to a normal life. Well almost normal, as normal as a wizard being pregnant gets anyway.

Even as Mizuki was finishing his chant and about to seal the witch for good she grinned rather wickedly. "This is not the end... no you'll both see me again, I swear it." Sure it was probably a bluff or words out of desperation. There might be truth to them as well who knew, but she did know her time was up at the moment. Nothing she could do now would disrupt the final process of the seal and none of her men would make it close enough to stop it.

With the last efforts and words of the queen Mizukis chant died "We shall see..." Was all he said to the now empty chair before him. Looking at the ring in his hands he gave a smile...Finally! Turning he was witness to the battle Thalion had for himself. Countless number of men still came through the doors and now that they noitcied the queen was gone more and more of them started to head for Mizuki.

One slipping past Thalion ran for him and Mizuki stood there not moving "You think after everything I have done I would let a low peice of shit like you kill me and ruin my chance to finally be happy?!" He asked before grabbing his staff and dispossing of the male before him. As the heavyness of the guard his the ground Mizuki jumped over the dead body just intime to reach Thalion before the guard that was creeping up behind him reached his goal.

Wrapping his arms around Thalion from behind he ignored the protest of the male he held as well as the pain from another slash to his back as he slammed the end of his staff into the ground before Thalion and with simple quick words they were gone and the realization of what had taken place began to sink into the guards in the now silent halls of the castle.

Mizuki grunted and hunched over throwing up a little as they reapeared outside the large stone walls in the grassy courtyard just behind the throne room. Mizuki was breathing harder then usual and he ignored any and all wounds as he stood on shakey legs the last spell using what energy he had left. "There..." He said looking to Thalion as he showed the ring clasped tightly in his hand "All...do-" But that was all he could force out as he fell forward the last of his energy gone.

Mizuki had finished just in time, the fact that one had managed to get past Thalion was proof enough of that. Not that he had protested once through all of the gashes and curses that he had been enduring this whole time. Wounds could heal, so long as he didn't over do it. He knew very well what his limits were... but that wasn't stopping him from pushing forward to try and keep the ground he had and to keep Mizuki safe.

Only once the one guard did manage to get past him and Mizuki spoke did Thalion even notice the chant was complete. Or rather he hoped it was complete, the Queen was missing so it was fair to assume that things had went according to plan. The thought of victory was short lived as the late Queen's men kept pouring into the room, even without their ruler they seemed ready to fight to the death.

Not that they would get the chance to kill these two, Mizuki made sure of that as he managed to get the both of them from the masses ready to skin them alive. Upon reappearing Thalion thought he was going to faint from the sudden forced transportation that Mizuki had pulled off. But this was short lived as Mizuki started to speak as he held the ring still but seemed to pass out before finishing his sentence.

Everything had happened too quickly, Thalion hardly had time enough to act before Mizuki was already on the ground. He was pretty sure the other had suffered a few wounds at the least, and lord knew what else as the effects of using all of his energy would be. But for now it was almost all he could do to hold Mizuki close as he tried to regain some of his breath at the fact they were both still alive for the time being.

"You better not be dead... so help me I'll drag you back from the dark mother herself just to kill you." It was a empty threat at best but it was all he could manage at the moment. The only lucky thing was that Mizuki had gotten them both to where they needed to be to meet up with Raden and Neimi. Surely by now word had spread like wild fire that the Queen was no more.

Mizuki groaned a little as he was picked up and held. It was strange. One second he was there helping Thalion get to the courtyard and the next all he saw was darkness. Was he dead? After everything that had happened did getting them away from the guards kill him? Just as that thought crossed into his darkness he heard a distant voice "You better not be dead..." All Mizuki could do was agree to the voice in an unspoken word.

Just when everything seemed to be all for not Raden and Neimi rounded the corner mounted on horses that had sacks held on either side. "THERE THEY ARE!" Neimi all but screamed as the horse came to the two lovers wounded and out of energy.

Thal knew Mizuki probably over did it, using up all of his energy was foolish but it seemed it had to be done. Instead he tried to handle this in his normal manner until they knew for sure they were in the clear of this cursed place. "what took you two so damn long?!" he snapped at them, though he knew what took them so long. This place was swarmed with guards at every corner. Even with the news of the Queen gone it was only a matter of time before someone tried to take up as the new ruler. Just it wouldn't be their problem then.

Raden was not too far behind Neimi as they both walked over to where Mizuki and Thalion were. They quickly went about getting Mizuki onto a horse and making sure that they had whatever supplies they needed in order to travel. At the least they needed to get away from here so that Mizuki could be treated and the lot of them needed rest.

Mizuki was out cold do to the lack of energy. The trip back home went unnoticed from him. When Mizuki began to blink open his eyes he felt the bed under him it was so familular but not. Closing his eyes Mizuki thought of where he was last he remembered they were locked in a witches castle and then... Thats when Mizukis eyes shot open and he sat forward in such a speed he grunted in pain from the lack of muscle use.

Looking around Mizuki teared up, they were home. The couch, the kitchen...everything was how he remembered it. There was one thing missing though. "Thal..." Mizuki spoke softly to himself as he pushed aside the blankets. Moving to the edge of the bed Mizuki placed his feet on the ground and with a heave pushed himself up the motion causing him to take a moment to catch his balance.

Moving his feet took Mizuki in the direction of outside. Reaching out he grasped the door before slowly pulling it open. Rays of the bright sun caught him off guard and he closed his eyes. Slowly he blinked them open and stepped out into the warm afternoon sun.

Things were just as they had been left. Thalion had sent Raden a number of times to keep a eye on this place seeing as he himself did not have the freedom due to the vile woman that had been keeping an eye on him to do so. Raden had been let to such freedoms to take orders and go out on 'missions' as he was told to call them. Over all nothing looked out of place or even worn down at all. For someone who hardly spoke and seemed to keep more to himself it would seem Raden had some talent in housekeeping.

As Mizuki made it to the door Neimi nearly dropped the bucket she was carrying that held a few herbs and some other things she had gathered from the woods near here. "What are you doing standing?!" She squeaked before going over to him and hastily putting the bucket down. "You need to rest, whatever you need just ask. And don't try and be stubborn about it." She warned him, trying to edge him to go lay down again. "Your still expecting you know.. pushing yourself isn't healthy for you or the baby. At least sit down?"

She sighed a little before finally getting him to agree with her and getting him to sit on a bench just outside of the doorway. She could guess why he was in such a panic, he had no idea if the others were ok or not. "Thals fine.. so stop worrying." She smiled weakly as Mizuki seemed to show he doubted her word. "He's helping Raden. Last I knew Raden was looking for seeds so we could grow things closer to home instead of going do far out to get food. At least until we can make a trip to a town to get some seeds for more local produce." She smiled again and went and got a glass of water and told Mizuki to drink it before he ended up fainting again.

"you've been out of it a while you know... you should still be in bed but I know you'll refuse until you know for sure that he's alright." She sighed and stayed next to where she had made Mizuki sit. It was the best she could do. If all went well Thal would return with Raden soon.

Mizuki sighed and agreed to her words even though he wanted nothing more then to go in search of the male. After everything they had gone through he didnt want Thalion going out and killing himself over something stupid. When Neimi said they were alright Mizuki really wanted to believe her words then again he felt like he was in some kind of dream. Had they really defeated the queen and made it home? Were they all alive and doing well?

Mizuki sighed to himself a little before taking a sip from the glass in his hand "How long was I out...?" He asked turning his head to look at Neimi the question written on his face. Mizuki was sure it couldnt have been more then a day. Then again completely running out of energy and having to support life where there should be no life could have left him out for a long time.

"I mean....the last thing I remember the seal was done and I tried to get Thal and I out of there..." He stated before looking down at his pale hands and the cup of water within them "I guess we did it huh..."He said then the thought of the relic came to mind and his eyes opened wide "Where is the realic....where is the ring?!" He asked frantically looking to Neimi.

She looked down a little before answering him. "A few weeks... we weren't sure if you were ever going to wake up, it was a struggle just to make sure you were living from day to day." She seemed worried still, his body had shown signs of giving up a number of times during the past weeks. "We always left someone here with you just in case you woke up. Most of the time Thal never even left the house." She thought on that a moment, he was probably going to be upset that he wasn't here when Mizuki did finally wake.

She nodded with a smile. "Yep you two did it, the dark Queen is gone." She flinched after Mizuki seemed to speak up again as she tried to get him to calm down. "Relax! your still recovering!" She sighed shaking her head. "The relic is safe and hidden here and the ring -" She was cut off as a familiar voice spoke up having over heard what Mizuki was looking for.

"I've been keeping." Raden nodded to what Thal had just said before walking over to Neimi handing her a small bundle of herbs. "thats what you needed right?" He questioned her before she nodded, afterwords she picked up the bucket she had before and said she needed to get these cleaned and put away. Though not before barking at Thalion to make Mizuki go back to bed.

As the other two walked off he shook his head a little going over to Mizuki. "She's right you know, you nearly killed yourself. After all that we had went through and I nearly lost you in the end." Thal wasn't normally one to say what he was really thinking but he had to admit that he thought he had lost Mizuki for real this time.

Mizuki turned his head sharply and all the worry that was witten on his face left as soon as he laid eyes on Thalion. Mizukis face grew soft then as he listened to what the male said "Was I really out for that long?" He asked before bowing his head "I was such a burden" He said in a soft voice his ears flattening at the thought. Of all things to come to Mizuki but a bout of deppression. He sighed to himself before he set the glass over and with a heave pushed himself up.

He stumbled once and smiled as he felt familular strong hands grasp his shoulders keeping him up right "Im alright..." Mizuki said but that didnt stop Thalion as the other male guided him back to the bed and helped him sit down. Soon Mizuki was resting propped up on the bed with a blanket around him and pillows behind. Mizuki sighed lightly as he brought his braid over his shoulder to his chest cringing at the feel of his hair. He would have to put that off for awhile. For now he knew the others wouldnt let him do anything more until more rest was had.

Mizuki looked over as Thalion sat on the bed "We need to....do something with that ring" He spoke to Thalion "Who knows who could come by and take it" He said bowing his head "A spell of some kind...I could do it easy" He said in a tired voice "Real quick to just to seal it" He said. Mizuki at the moment was feeling like a burden and he needed to do something to make the feeling go away. "I...just want to help" He said but wasnt shocked when Thalion went on a rant of him being crazy and dying and things. Mizuki just sighed as the other seemed to get angry before getting up and leaving.

Mizuki sat there after that and he watched the others move about the room doing what needed to be done for the day. He wanted nothing more then to help, to be up and moving around like nothing happened but just the thought of it made his muscles hurt. "Rest..." He looked over when Neimi spoke and he sighed before moving down and laying there. It took mere moments before he was back asleep his body regaining the energy slowly but surely.

Thal shook his head a little listening to Mkizuki say he was a burden. "Hardly, more like you gave us all heart attacks." When they first left the castle behind Thalion thought for sure they were going to lose Mizuki, no matter how stubborn the other was.. he was also known to push himself a bit too far and he had feared that he had done just that. But that didn't seem to be the case, but it was not out of the water just yet. Not if Mizuki wasn't going to stay in bed to rest as he should be doing.

After he had gotten Mizuki to bed again he noticed that the other seemed to cringe at the touch of his hair. He sighed a little knowing that Mizuki couldn't stand to go without a bath for too long. But he wanted to make sure the other was in good health before he tried to do too much moving about. Was it wrong to worry? After everything they had been through he just wanted to make sure he wasn't losing the one person he had been fighting for.

Of course when Mizuki seemed to go on about a spell and wanting to help Thal snapped a little. He nearly died and here he was still weakened and trying to talk about casting a spell. He didn't mean for his temper to get the better of him but he had been a little short with everyone upon returning here. Though it was probably due to the stress of everything and now having the freedom they had lost returned.

After that little out burst Thal seemed to avoid the house for most of the day, at least while Mizuki was awake. Neimi was right though Mizuki needed to rest. The ring was safe enough with Thalion until he had recovered enough to do whatever spell he saw fit. she was half tempted to ask if he could explain to Thal what to do with the spell... but then the struggle would be convincing Thal that he had to cast a spell. He was still muttering curses at the little display for the Queen still.

By the time the day turned into night Thal had calmed himself, though he had done so long before nightfall. Mizuki still seemed to be asleep as he moved a chair next to the bed and half rested on it. He had slept like this for the past few weeks waiting for the other to wake up and not when he did ... he had turned and snapped at him like that.

Mizukis dreams were not really dreams but seemed to be images of what had taken place. Mizuki watched the battle lay out before him in a dream as if he was a guard watching the entire thing go down yet doing nothing to stop it. The way he casted the spell, the way Thalion fought off the men to keep him safe, everything played out before his closed lids like a silent movie. Though this time something seemed to be different. He felt a cold pressance off to his right. Taking a gulp of needed air Mizuki turned his head and laid eyes on the queen who watched everything play out.

Mizuki didnt know what to do he just stared until the queen turned her head and looked at him "The battle was lost..." She said simply with a shrug of her shoulders "But the war...has just begun" and with a back hand to his face from the queen Mizuki awoke with a start.

Sitting upright with a gasp he head a pale head within bent knees. Was the dream something to fallow or to be worried over? They had won in the end had they not? The queen was gone...everything that was her was sealed away in a little ring. Then again the queen did have many fallowers. Some were mere men while others had great magical powers close to Mizukis own. If it were to happen that one of those magical men got a hold of the ring...Mizuki shuddered.

This is when Mizukis thoughts seemed to end as he felt a warm hand being placed at the top of his back between shoulder blades. Turning a sweat licked forehead and worried eyes over to the right he looked to Thalion who had a face of worrie "Just...a dream" He stated resting a pale cheek on his knee to peer at Thalion "A bad dream..." He stated once more with a sigh.

Of course Thal was worried it wasn't like Mizuki to just wake up in such a state. Though it seemed he wasn't going to get more then the answer the other provided. Not that he could help against a dream but at the least he could listen to the other's thoughts or worries. No use in trying to force him to talk, not knowing how stubborn Mizuki was if he wished to keep something to himself.

"Well, seeing as your awake.. feeling up to eating something?" Anything would be better then nothing, Mizuki might not feel like eating but he did have to think of the second life depending on him. Though his body was probably doing its job of ensuring that the baby was well taken care of even if Mizuki was not.

He thought of something knowing that Mizuki was going to say he didn't feel like eating. It was a little bit of a cheap shot seeing the other probably craved a bath more than anything at the moment, but it might work. "If you eat something I promise you can wash your hair." He smirked a little catching a glare almost from Mizuki. "Your choice, or you can stay here until you can do it yourself."

The second Thalion mentioned eating Mizukis stomach turned a little. He didnt know why but the thought of something solid in his stomach mad it turn. The moment Thalion said bath his head turned but soon his hopefull expression turned into a glare as Thalion continued to talk "You know as well as I do...if there is a will there is a way" Mizuki said with a snort before removing the blankets and slowly moving down then to the side of the bed beside Thalion.

"If I wanted one that bad like I really do" He said before he heaved up from the bed stumbeling a little but catching his balance none the less he spoke again "There is nothing you can do to stop me" Mizuki stated looking to Thalion. When the male just huffed and crossed his arms Mizuki grunted and began to walk. He took all of three steps before not used muscles gave out and his knees buckled.

Mizuki was awaiting the connection of hard wood on soft knees but instead he felt two strong arms catching him and the sound of a grumbeling Thalion behnd him. He was then helped to sit back on the bed before being told he shouldnt have done that and energy comes with food "The thought of something solid makes me..." Mizukis stomach lurched "If I have to...something light" He said before glaring at the 'I told you so look' Thalion seemed to be giving and he huffed his ears flattening.

He should have known better then to try to force Mizuki into eat. Stubborn.. he thought know very well that he was going to push himself. Though Thal didn't try to stop him or protest to it this time. He was going to make Mizuki learn a lesson... that he wasn't able to just force his body to do what he wanted after being bed ridden for a few weeks. The other was only able to stand from being so damned hard headed and Thal knew this, it was more of a waiting game to see when his body was going to tell him enough was enough.

The moment he was waiting for came soon enough as he caught Mizuki before he fell to the floor. "Where theres a will theres a way huh... I think your body says otherwise.." He shook his head a little muttering hardheaded under his breath. They both were but at least he knew better then to try to walk after being in bed for a few weeks, that was asking for trouble. A few days could take your body out of commission to the point where you had to rebuild your strength.

He didn't have to voice his thoughts seeing as they were written on his face, though when Mizuki's ears seemed to flatten he had to smirk a little, it was amusing to see the other mad just because he was proven wrong. But what he said was true, energy did come from eating. Mizuki couldn't survive off of just water. "Well if you had listened in the first place instead of trying to push yourself I was going to say that you weren't getting anything heavy."

Seeing as Neimi and Thal had been fighting for the past few weeks to keep something in Mizuki's body he knew that solids weren't going to settle well till he recovered more. They had managed to get soup broths down in order to keep him alive and that was about it. But either way he left the room a few moments, but not before giving Mizuki a look as if to say don't do anything stupid. After a moment he returned with a small bowl and sat next to where Mizuki was.

"I know you don't feel like eating.. but it's not just about you. Or have you forgotten you took on the responsibility of growing another living being?" With that being said he tried to offer the broth to Mizuki, at the least it was easy enough to keep down so that shouldn't be the issue. Seeing as he had been out of it for a few weeks Thal had to admit that he was worried about if the baby was even ok still. With Mizuki pushing himself it could have affected the unborn child. Though Neimi said he was fretting too much when he had voiced his thoughts to her once..

Mizuki sighed and he sat there as he waited for Thalion to return with the food that was being forced to him. Mizuki really didnt want anything to do with anything that was food but he had no choice. He knew that he couldnt just think of his own wants at this moment in time because he had a growing life that he needed to take care of. Mizuki sighed as Thalion tried again with the spoon filled with broth.

Mizuki after awhile gave up on his fight and did as the other male had instructed. Slowly the broth went down and Mizuki cringed a little the moment it hit an empty stomach. Yeah..that didnt feel so good, but none the less he kept with it for a few spoon fulls until his stomach told him enough was enough. At the moment Mizuki was having a hard time keeping what he had gotten into his stomach to stay there.

This is when Thalion raised another spoonfull to his mouth and his stomach lurched, it took him everything he had in that moment of time to keep the contests in his stomach, he was sure that if he were to voice his distress there would be more then himself that needed to be cleaned.

At the least Mizuki was giving in a little. Not like he was going to have a choice in the long run. But it made things a little easier this way. Though it still was no cake walk that was certain. Luckily for Mizuki Thalion was pretty good at catching signals from other people or he might have kept trying to force him to eat without knowing.

Sitting the bowl down he sighed a little. "Well its better then nothing..." He would have said something like wait till you start trying to eat solids again, but he didn't trying to make sure Mizuki kept down what he had in his stomach. Though something told him he would end up cleaning at one point or another... Not something he looked forward to.

He knew Mizuki had only forced it because of wanting a bath, it was rather funny that he nearly made himself sick just because he wanted a bath instead of waiting a few days to recover a little. Though Thal wasn't going to move him right away as he waited for Mizuki to settle a little. He hated seeing him like this, maybe if he had tried harder or done more then Mizuki wouldn't be like this now.

Mizuki sat there. He was hunched over with his arms wrapped around his stomach as he calmed his breathing a little. His fingers absently rubbing little designs as he calmed himself down. Mizuki knew that it was not just him that needed the food as energy but the little one as well. Opening his eyes Mizuki looked over and saw the darkening look on Thalions face.

As soon as his eyes landed on Thalion he knew of the thoughts the other male had. Mizuki wanted to beat them out of the males head but he didnt have the ability to do so. Instead Mizuki raised a semi-shakie hand to Thalions cheek brushing pale fingers over darkened skin until he had those amber eyes looking at him "Will you stop with the thoughts..." He asked tilting his head a little looking to him "We are alive...should that not be the only thing to think of?" Mizuki asked him.

Mizuki knew very well that he had pushed it with no need. He could of let Thalion take on the hordes of the queens men but with Mizukis own energy failing him at the moment he made a quick choice. It was either fighting with Thalion till his energy died then having the male he loved fight until he couldnt fight anymore which would of led to their death... Or using the last energy they had to leave and get then as far as he could...

Mizuki's light lavender eyes landed on the dark face and choppy red hair of the man sitting in the chair with his eyes still so dark with thought. This is when Mizukis hand began to slip away. Had he really became such a burden to the other male beside him? Not only that but with everything that had happened had Mizuki done the right thing? Giving Thalion his heir and removing him from the queens castle was something that he did indeed want...right?

Mizuki's hand slipped away as still no words came from the man he loved. The thought of Thalion not wanting what had taken in place mad his heart ache. He thought that he had been doing the right thing, thought he was helping. Tears began to well in lavender eyes the more he thought of it.

He knew Mizuki was right they were alive, hell all four er five of them were alive. Even if it wasn't in the shape he wished it was in. But he couldn't help but think maybe if he wasn't so against magic he could have done something to help Mizuki instead of him using all of his energy and nearly killing himself in the process of doing so. Though even with Mizuki's words he was lost in thought, it wasn't even all about the shape Mizuki was in anymore.

Still lost in his thoughts he glanced at Mizuki, though one moment he was fine and being the one who was right and even in the state he was in trying to say they were alive be grateful. But now he noticed that the other seemed to almost be ready to break down at any moment. At least for the moment this caused Thalion to drop all thoughts he had a moment again to figure out what was wrong with Mizuki.

"Mizuki? Whats wrong?" Of course he was worried, why wouldn't he be. Even if he could have done more they were both alive now and if he had any say in it then it was not going to be disrupted any time soon. Had he done something wrong and not realized it? He still didn't get a answer right away, he couldn't tell with his expression if he was in pain or if something had upset him.

"..Just sore.." He stated. Mizuki didnt know why he choose that moment in time to lie but the thought of what Thalion could say about his worries worried him more. Mizuki was not sure now on his choice. At the time he was more then willing to go through everything and all the changes to his body in order to do this for male. Hard work hardly seeing the male for almost two years and now... Mizukis hands hugged the little bump of a stomach.

This is when a thought came to his mind... What if Thalion truely did not wish for what was about to take place....what would the male do. This is when his light lavender eyes looked up to Thalion but when his eyes found those ember ones his fingers tightened a little causing a gasp to escape as they dug into a bruise, a tear slipping from his eye to roll down a pale cheek.

He heard what Mizuki had said but he didn't think that was the only thing wrong. He never said a word that he thought otherwise though. Still no way to tell what the other was thinking. He was hiding his thoughts behind those lavender eyes of his. What he wouldn't give to know what was eating away at Mizuki right now, knowing the other wouldn't tell him.

As a tear rolled down the pale cheek of his lover he sighed a little knowing pain might be half of it but there was something else eating at him. "I can get you something to help with the pain, if you want." It was all he could offer. The other had closed himself off once again, after all of this time what could be going on in his head that made him not want to tell Thalion?

The longer he thought about it the more he wanted to know but didn't at the same time. Had he failed? Maybe he was pushing too hard, Mizuki never liked being a burden so maybe this was his fault.

Mizuki had no idea as to why he kept what was bothering him away from Thalion but everything that happened was ment to be right? Mizukis thoughts were stopped the moment Thalion spoke and he shook his head "No..." He said lightly "Just...a hot bath..." Was all he said.

In truth Mizuki had no idea how bad or good his state really was. All he knew was that the lack of energy gave way to sore muscles. Mizuki tilted his head "Help me please..." He said in a tired voice. In truth Mizuki wanted no more then to lay back down and sleep but just the memory of how his own hair felt made himself push more then he probably should. So Mizuki did the one thing that he could think of...he asked for help.

He had to smile a little, only Mizuki would be so concerned with a bath. Even with barely being able to move he was still determined to get one. "I said I would, you didn't have to ask.." He knew Mizuki also hated asking for help so the fact he even asked said how worn out the other really was. Either way he did plan on doing as he said he would. Though it was a slow enough process getting him out of the bed let alone to the bathroom.

Getting him to sit once more he went about fixing the water before helping Mizuki with whatever he needed help with before getting in. At this rate that was nearly everything. Even with being in the bath he could tell something was eating at his mind. Asking was pointless, no matter how badly he wanted to know.