Kid gazed on the masses gathered in the throne room, and eerie peace settled between the surviving Humans and Dwellers.

The Healers bounced from body to body, patient to patient, trying to staunch the bleeding from too many pointless wounds. They worked quickly, Blake part of a few of the soldiers who offered to help, being more healer than killer themselves. Kid was grateful for the precious calm, knowing any moment Marie would arrive, and he would have to face what he had helped create in her kingdom. He didn't dare let himself hope that she may spare him when he explained his piece, but he did hope his final wishes would be honored.

His eyes came to rest on his friends, the Hell Child slumped against the wall, hood over his face. Once the battle had finally ended, Soul had been unsteady on his feet, mental strain finally proving too great. He had been unconscious before Blake could even catch him from falling, and hadn't so much as stirred since. Not far from where he slept, Blake swiftly helped to push Maka's shoulder back into its joint. The action made a sickly popping noise, and Maka's brutal swear brought attention to their little corner. A few of the wounded chuckled, but most of the soldiers stayed in their silent contemplation, waiting for the next battle stationed at the political table.

Marie's temperament would make or break the kingdom Kid had so unwittingly inherited.

The idea that he may soon be executed wasn't as terrifying to him as it would've been yesterday. After all, his family had just disrupted a near hundred years of tentative peace, but peace nonetheless. His castle, and birthright now, was built on lands long claimed by the Fae. His survival was looking bleaker and bleaker, and he was having trouble bringing himself to care. Though, it may have been because death would be the easy way at this point. The crown he had never sought would rest on his head, a broken kingdom and country to follow with it. There was so much that was broken, and he didn't know where to even begin fixing it. He was not the brother that should've survived. He was not the king this country needed.

He was still angry, he realized a little too slowly. While it sat deep within his veins, it still simmered, and was in no way sated. He didn't want this anger burning him from the inside out, but he was also unsure of how to treat it. With no other ideas, he gave orders to his father's page to head down to the kitchens, and have the cooks start preparing something. The wide eyed boy nodded, happy to help his King.

Kid wondered how long he would remain so.

Maka wondered if she had died.

The more she played that battle over in her head, the more she was certain she shouldn't have survived it. Asura had been in better shape, better health, and much better training. Sure, his mind had been deteriorating since the fight had started, his rage making him foolish, and she had taken the opening. She had won because she was sure she was going to die. All she had really wanted was to take him to hell with her. The Saint hadn't planned for there to be an after for her. She watched as Blake helped bandage up a couple Sirens, his smile tense but he did an excellent job helping them, obviously his little abduction had been forgiven, if not forgotten.

"You look as though you're unhappy, sister." A voice pulled Maka from her mind, and she looked up to see Wes standing over them, a small smile on her face. Stuttering, Maka jumped to her feet.

"I am so sorry! I should've come down to check on you-" Wes only waved her hand, absolving her as she did so.

"That wouldn't have made sense, besides I did have the key." She grinned, turning a key ring around her finger. "I figured when the thunder stopped I would make my way up." Her eyes rested on her brother's slumped over form, a warm smile on her face. She knelt down next to him, a finger in her mouth. She pulled the finger out, and shoved it into Soul's ear, his eyes flying open and a scream on his lips before he realized what was happening. The hard angles of his face melted in a way Maka hadn't truly seen before when he looked over at his sister, his arms around her and crushing her against him.

"I thought you might be dead."

"Nothing can kill me if I can see it coming." Wes whispered back, squeezing him hard. The two Hell Children held each other for a few moments, and Maka suddenly felt she was out of place there. Blake was busy and Kid looked as though he were mere seconds away from a breakdown, so she chanced being an awkward spectator for the twins.

Soul finally released her, his eyes dropping low. Maka was able to watch the process of Soul realizing his sister was pregnant right across his face. He gaped at her, then at the swell of her stomach. "Gods of Sea and Sky."

"Surprise!" She grinned at him and he could only still blink at her, his hand pressed against his forehead.

"When were you going to tell me?!"

Wes didn't answer, instead her eyes were focused on the new black scar in the center of his hand. "It seems we have a lot to tell each other."

"...Mhaith leat a bheith ionadh cé rogha beag a bhí mé." He muttered is his Demon language. Wes tutted, shaking her head.

"It's rude to change language like that, when your friend is so politely pretending she isn't eavesdropping on us." Wes turned her grin on Maka, and Soul met her eyes too, taking inventory of her bandages and sling.

"Are you alright?"

"Oh, Aye. Please, there's no reason to worry about me." She scoffed, waving her good hand at their worry. Soul gave her an extra long glare, but opened up his other arm to give her a place to rest. She accepted, settling down slowly, her body a masterpiece of cuts and bruises. "I can't believe a wolf chewed through your arm and I'm the one in the sling."

"Oh, be better Little Light." He grinned, looking over at Wes. "You aren't hounding me."

"Oh, we've already met." Wes grinned at Maka. "Our conspiracy against you is hours old at this point. You will never stop us."

Soul sighed, spatterings of weight falling off his heavy shoulders at the two of them. "You didn't even give me a chance. How did you even meet?!"

Wes looked as though she was going to answer him, no doubt with something dripping in wit, but a loud clap of thunder shook the walls around them, and the air was suddenly crackling. The elder Demon sibling wrinkled her nose, the hair on her arms standing up. "The Fae Queen finally comes knocking."

No sooner had she said that than the doors to the castle were opened, and Marie strolled in as though she owned the place. Perhaps she did, history as Maka knew it had fallen apart in the last few months. Around them, humans and Dwellers alike scattered to move out of her way, eyes downcast as she passed them. Kid stood before her, his hands were folded behind his back, and he stood patiently, though Maka could see the way he shook.

Marie regarded him with a blink, and she glanced around the room. "You're the last one?"

"I am."

"...Then let's have a discussion, yes?"

"As you wish." Kid gestured towards the throne room, offering Marie his arm as he turned. They left the group behind them, a flood of whispers following their retreat. Both Wes and Harvar stood then, following the two into the throne room.

"What are you doing?!" Soul hissed, and Wes turned to look back at him, confused.

"I work for the King, and he needs me. I'll see you soon."

"They tried to kill you!"

"They never fired me though. I'll be back soon, relax." She waved him away, catching up with Harvar. They gave each other a glance, then a handshake as they followed their leaders into negotiations. Soul sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose between his fingers.

"She never stops."

"She saved me." Maka spoke, and Soul looked over at her. "We were near each other in the dungeons. She knew me already, even if she didn't know my name. I escaped because the King came down to find her, and she had him release me."

"She's saved me too. A few times. It's hard to pay her back too, she usually sees it coming." He twitched, clenching his hands into fists. "Do you feel like moving around? My body is painfully stiff."

"Aye, I could use some air. I'm sure it'll be a long while in there anyways."

"Come on, let's go explore this castle."

"Can we loot it?"

"Course."

Her King's son had been confused.

She didn't blame him, after all, Wes was sure most of the kingdom felt as he did at this very moment. Their kingdom was small, their royal family had sat on the throne for more than one hundred years, and in that time, the long kings had been unremarkably average. None had strayed from old laws, none had truly rocked the boat. Taxes fluctuated, economies changed and adapted, but for the most part, the law and order remained as it was today, unfair at best and genocidal at worst. Yet none had moved to change it.

Until now, of course.

Kid had blinked several times when she had sat down next to him. Carefully, she pulled a sealed letter from her dress, and slid it to him as Marie and her own advisor dug through the wine choices off the throne. The seal belonged to his father, and Kid opened the letter slowly. She watched his eyes scan the few first lines of the letter, his mix of surprise and disappointment that the letters were penned in her hand, not his father's. Still, he pressed on, shock bleeding into his eyes as he read the summary of the conversation that he was about to have with Marie. He looked at her, and she only smiled. "This is a gift." She whispered, pointing to the rest of the letter. "This will get you through today, and the next few months. Consider this my interview. I'm rather fantastic at my job, and I urge you to keep me."

"...You can help me get through this without dying?"

"I can. Can't promise it won't hurt."

"...Thank you."

"I am here to serve the King." She responded, turning to face the Queen of the Fae and her stern faced advisor. Marie poured four glasses herself, then glanced at Wes, and the swell of her stomach.

"Harvar, do go find some water for her please."

"Queen Marie, your kindness is appreciated." Wes grinned, and Marie met her gaze.

"I've heard about you."

"I can say the same." Wes' smile never faltered, even when the fellow advisor, introduced as Harvar was intently staring her down. "Though your history stretches farther and longer than my own. I'm excited to see what middle ground we can find here."

"Weren't you just scheduled for hanging?" Harvar asked, face never breaking his stoic air. Wes nodded, then looked at Kid.

"Our new King, second of his name and choice of his father, the previous monarch, has been kind enough to wipe away that misunderstanding and reinstate me. Trial period of course. It's an honor to sit at this table." Kid blinked at the half title she had given him. He wasn't yet coronated, and assuming she would be able to convince Marie not to kill him, that coronation would be in the next few days.

"The honor is shared. Though I would like to hear from the King himself."

"Please," Kid finally spoke, ignoring the sharp glare Wes sent him. "I apologize, I have learned a great many things in the last few hours and I fear the events had not completely settled in my mind. I'm here now, present and ready to hear what you have to say, Your Majesty."

Marie's lips tugged into a smile, Harvar filling her goblet with dark red wine. "It's good to see you back, boy. Let's talk about what you've learned."

They found him in the dungeons.

Blake had frozen when he heard the footsteps echoing in the near silent cells around him. He had found a different way into the jails, the cells around him smaller, more for crushing the spirit of a long term prisoner, unlike the cell he had occupied earlier, which was only to hold him until hanging.

He had also found the body of the Late King, resting peacefully on the straw bed inside. Well, Blake assumed him to be the King. His robes were a fine silk, and he appeared to be well taken care of. He also looked very similar to his second son, something that was mostly unknown to the kingdom, as their Ruler was never without the skull mask.

Until now.

It had unnerved him, seeing the King laying there like a normal dead man. There had always been this idea of protection around the royalty. They had never seemed to be touchable by the things normal men were, sickness, betrayal. Yet there he lay, victim to his own Queen.

How easily Kid could take his place.

"Blake?" Soul's voice pulled him from his thoughts, and he turned to find the Hell Child on the stairs, his Dweller following behind him. "Are you alright?"

"I found the King." Blake whispered, and Maka winced.

"He died down here. I...I don't think Wes could've moved him by herself."

"We shouldn't leave him down here."

"What would you have us do?" Soul asked, eyes bouncing between Blake and Maka, looking mostly annoyed. "Wrap the Good King in a sheet and drag him through a castle?"

"We can't leave him here." Blake argued, gesturing to the man. "This is a dungeon!"

"Its where the lot of you were both held not a day ago." Soul spat back. "Why show him any respect?"

"That was Arachne-"

"They're his laws. He kept them alive. He kept slavery legal, he banished the Dwellers and he killed the Hell Children. Seems like the dungeon is an excellent place for him."

"He saved Wes' life!"

"If he really wanted to save her life, he would've reversed the decree that slaughtered Hell Children. He would've allowed dialogue between man and Dweller, and he should've freed his people."

Maka frowned, looking at the king through the bars. "He saved my life. If he hadn't freed me, you would be dead too."

Soul scowled at her, but set his bow and quiver off to the side. "Go strip one of the beds upstairs of their bedding. We're going to have to move quick and hope that no one sees us."

"You're the best."

"You tell no one."

Kid had never been privy to an advisor meeting before.

His father had them constantly, and Asura had been able to sit beside his father and observe several years ago. Mostly, he was able to understand that both parties knew what they wanted beforehand, and it was up to the advisor to make the case to the opposition. It was an ancient and noble affair.

Or so he had thought.

He listened as Harvar slammed his hand on the table, his face red as he ripped Wes' last statement apart. She seemed unfazed by this, meticulously picking away at the chipped polish on her fingers.

"-the very fact that you could EVEN suggest that!"

"Oh, and what is your plan?" She scoffed, returning her attention to the Fae at her table. "I do understand, your people have been belittled and pushed from their homes, persecuted unjustly, and you want your words heard. Believe me, I understand. However, your petition to make the Royal family pay-"

"The sentence for treason in the Fae lands is blood!"

"-Spare me, Harvar. The sentence for treason in every land is blood. I'm telling you that there is no way in this hell or any of the nine others that you'll be receiving Kid's head as a penance for his father's crimes."

"This is what we want."

"You can't have it. Ask again."

"Give us his head!"

"I can offer you Arachne. Or the crown prince. Though from what I understand his head is no longer attached. But hey, that'll save you some trouble no?"

"Don't mock our pain!"

"Don't mock ours!" Wes' tone turned fierce, and she glared at Harvar. "We have just lost a King, who may not have reached out to you, but he didn't attack you either! He left you all to your devices! And that monster of a woman who sat next to him ruined it for all of us. We didn't want this either, and we're hurting too."

"Bah. And why would we believe that he was innocent?"

"Arachne killed him, to put her son on the throne. Her first son, the one that she had molded in her own likeness to make of this kingdom what she could. If Asura had taken the throne, your trees would burn. Before he passed, he had expressed interest in making his second son King, to right the wrongs he himself had committed. Stopping Kid's rightful ascension to the throne is giving Arachne want she wants."

"You've got to be-"

"We yield." Marie spoke, for the first time in an hour. Wes grinned as Harvar whipped his head to look at her, an annoyed look on his face. "Oh stop that, someone has to sit on this throne, at least let us begin with the devil we know."

"That blood is cursed!"

"And that blood will continue to flow." Marie spoke, eyes falling on Wes. "Even now, it beats through a heart not yet formed. This power, this family, they aren't going to disappear. Better we have a hand on the shoulder of the King than a knife in his gut."

"...Fine." Harvar spat, turning to face Wes again. "We yield."

They all turned to look at Kid, and Wes pointed to one of the points in her letter. "Oh! I'm sorry, we accept and respect the wishes of the Fae and their Queen."

"Perfect. Let's move on then. About this trade agreement…"

Maka watched the sunset from the small room in the castle.

It had been very plain in appearance, most of the dressings soft white in color. Most likely so the bedding could be washed several time and never fade. Soul figured it was either a lady in waiting's room, or a high ranking maid.

Maka didn't want to know how he knew to identify so many women's rooms in the damned castle.

Blake draped a sheet over the King's face, leaving his bedside slowly. He was strangely cautious around the dead, and Maka wondered what his history was with the God of Death that left him skittish. Blake didn't seem to fear death when he had a sword in his hand, or when he was mixing herbs to stave it away. He caught her staring at him, and he blushed a little. "What?"

"You alright?"

"Oh aye. Just been a long day."

"You aren't wrong." Maka agreed. Blake went to move past her, but she grabbed his hand, stalling his escape. "What's wrong?"

"Nothing."

"Liar. I can see your fear. What happened?"

"...Kid looks like his father, doesn't he?" Blake's words were soft, and Maka realized what was crawling around in Blake's head. "How...how many kings die because they're old and fat and have done everything they can."

"In this kingdom? Two." An unfamiliar voice joined them in the room, and they turned to greet Wes, her eyes falling on the covered body of the King. "King Mortia, lived 87 summers, died with seven children and two wives, and a bottle of moonwine in his hands." She walked over to his body and gently placed her hand on his chest. "Then there was Queen Adonia. I know you said King, but she lived 89 summers and had over 15 grandchildren. There is happiness in this throne, though there is pain to match….thank you for moving him. I wouldn't have been able to get him far."

"You're welcome." Maka answered, tugging on Blake's hand. He dropped her fingers, and held his hand out towards Wes.

"My name is Blake."

"Weslin." She responded, smiling at him. "You have a kind heart, to worry like you do. I know the fear in your eyes, and I know the fate you fear. Try not to let the fear ruin your life. Memories age better cherished, not tainted."

"I'll keep that in mind." He responded, and she turned removed her hand from the King, taking a deep breath.

"Come then, you should follow me. The King is about to address his Kingdom for the first time."

He had never felt so scared before.

The meeting with Marie had been terrifying, but familiar. Diplomacy had long been Kid's focus of study, as he knew it was either take up a place in court or get married off all the quicker, and he had been convinced he could help make the Kingdom better even with his little part. Now he sat on the throne, as members from the court, the army, and the few nobles who hadn't run off with their tails between their legs came to gather around him.

Coming in, he was able to spot Soul, Maka, Wes and Blake, all of them offering supportive smiles as they took their places. Soul joining the Rangers, and Blake and Maka standing with the infantry. Wes made her way through the crowd, people parting before her, and whispers at her back. They all watched in subjective horror as she came to stand next to Kid on the throne. Their horror didn't fade, as the Dwellers came in next, Marie coming to join Kid on the dais. Whispers flooded the room, but stopped as Marie held her hand up.

"Hello all. It is lovely to stand before your faces. I know you're all curious, and scared, and I hope to resolve both those feelings on either side.

"Here is what we know to be true, the Late Queen Arachne, first of her line, known long and far for the web she spins, plotted and executed the murder of her husband in order to expedite the ascension of her eldest son, the Late Crown Prince Asura. She used her Second Son to transport a Rune into the Forest, used in an attempt to absolutely destroy the Dwellers once and for all. Arachne was executed tonight, for crimes against the Crown. She is to be stripped of title and nobility. Crown Prince Asura was heavily involved in the murder of his father, and too is stripped off all titles for crime against the Crown-"

"And who are you to rule over us?! You're the Dirty Dweller Queen! You don't speak for us!"

"Understandable, if uncouth." Marie sighed, gesturing for Kid to join her. He stood carefully, hoping no one was able to see him shake from where he stood. "Of the Royal Blood, only one lives. The Second Son of the King."

"His mother wouldn't approve!"

"His father did." Wes spoke, eyes resting on the nobles who spoke out against the message they knew was coming. "It was his wish to see the Second Son take the throne."

"Lies!"

"I ain't trust him! He returns then suddenly his brother is dead."

"Kid didn't kill the Crown Prince, I did." Maka's voice spoke, her tone even and detached. Most of the room turned to look at her, shock in their eyes. Almost immediately, the nobles began calling for her hanging, demanding her hanging for murdering a member of the royal family.

"No-" Kid tried to speak, found his voice caught in his throat. "No!" He tried again, clearer this time. "The Crown Prince lost his life to the Dweller in fair and lawful duel, there is no murder to charge, they had both agreed on the outcome."

"And what of the Queen?!"

Wes had opened her mouth to advise him, but Kid was quicker, and he just looked at the soldier who had asked the question. "I killed her."

Shouts erupted in the throne room, and Marie tried to quiet the noise. Kid listened as they cursed him, and his name, though he found that rather foolish, as he shared the name of the previous King.

"No leader kills their mother!"

"Curse upon their house!"

"It was never supposed to be you."

"I know." Kid whispered. "I know." He spoke again, louder this time. "Be still! You will listen now, the King speaks!" The noise grew silent at his order, and he took a deep breath. "I know I was never meant to take this throne. Yet here I stand, and I want you to know something. I want you to leave this place and spread these words, make sure you tell everyone who will hear you, that the Second Son knows. The man knows he isn't supposed to be king, the man knows what it looks like, and if you spread that i killed my family to take this throne I cannot stop you. But if you tell them that, still repeat these words. The man who takes the throne knows. He's walked through this kingdom and he's seen what it is. He knows that the Dwellers are mistreated, he knows there's a decree to kill children of demon blood, he knows slaves are traded like currency. The crops aren't sustainable and humans are trafficked. Tell them I've walked the roads that are unprotected, and I've seen the famine killing the children I know. I see what's wrong, and I want you to know, that though this was never my throne, it is my throne now. And I know.

"My father, he was not a poor ruler, though he wasn't very ambitious about it either. Our borders need tightened up, the roads need maintained, there is much to be done that he was never able to do, but I know. And I will do it. My mother truly believed she loved this kingdom, and to her credit, I try to believe her. I believe she did love it, and in her desperation to save what she believed to be important, she destroyed much of what made it so amazing. I know this. I wish to fix it. My brother, he would've been a strong king, powerful in all the areas my father wasn't. But he would've dragged the soldiers to battle, doubled the tax to pay for Swords, rip the able from their beds. We would've seen fifty years of gleeful war, and I know this.

"I didn't kill my brother, but I know the duel was just. I watched it. I watched the Dweller who owed this kingdom nothing, fight to her near death to protect it. I see the Hell Children, who stand by the Crown though that very same entity slaughters them by the thousands. I watched the slaves who had no reason to stay do just that, take up arms to protect this castle, and this Kingdom. I want you to know that I see all of this. I know where this kingdom stands, and I know what it is capable of being.

"I ask this of you now, go. Tell everyone the Second Son sits on the throne. Tell them that he saw what his mother was doing to his home and he put a sword through her belly. Tell them that the Dwellers don't wish us dead, tell them the Hell Children have only ever been that, children. Tell our Kingdom that change is coming, because I know it needs to come. Tell them your King is here, and he is desperate to work! Tell them that I know!" Thunderous applause met Kid's words, from most of the Dwellers to most of the soldiers gathered before him. Noble's faces darkened but he would worry about that when the time demanded it, for the moment, he was speaking to his country, sending off the words he knew would be passed from men to women to children, to farms to homes to inns. They would know his words.

"I want to fix what my blood has broken, and I ask you now, let me try."

Marie's hand came to rest on his shoulder, a small smile on her lips as she listened to his subjects cheer and call for him. "My, you have a way with words, don't you."

"Only when I need to." Kid admitted, smile on his own face. Marie's hand wrapped around his wrist and she brought his arm to the air.

"Long Live King Samhain the Second! Protector of men and beast, guardian of the Forest, and King of the Undead!"

The cheers of his name were deafening.

Blake followed behind Maka, both of them pushing to get through the door to the throne room once more.

Kid had requested their company, not through a servant's summons, but by sending their new friend Free flying through the castle on all fours, gathering them up. Wes and Soul followed behind them, finding their new King sitting on the steps to the throne. "Thank you for coming."

"Your new dog bout broke my neck." Soul muttered, pulling off his hood. "I'll bill you for the damage."

"Please do," Kid snorted, offering all of them a weak smile. He didn't look well, if Blake was to be the judge. He had bags under his eyes, and he was still shaking. Maka looked uncomfortable too, as though she shared in his grief. "But your billing isn't why I called you here."

"Oh?"

"I know the crown all promised you something, right? My mother did at least, to force you to go along with this journey. Tell me what it was, and I'll make it happen."

The other three looked at each other, confusion on their faces. "You don't have-"

"I nearly got us killed several times."

"To be fair," Blake spoke "that's about on par with the number of times the rest of us almost got us all killed as well."

"True, but my family is the one who offered to pay, so let's hear it."

"I was promised Wes." Soul spoke, yawning as he did so. "And I'm assuming you're giving her back."

"Yes-"

"Actually, I'm taking a small vacation." Wes informed them. "Soul is taking me home in the next few days, so that I can give birth at home. I'm more than happy to return to the castle once my child is ready to travel."

"I couldn't ask you to do that-"

"Oh you will." Wes smiled. "Just make sure you keep my letter close, and try to follow my instructions. I know what I'm doing, Highness."

"Yes, I'll keep that in mind." Kid looked at Maka next. "What did she offer you?"

"Autonomy. Seems kind of foolish now, I admit. I wanted a home, lands, in my name. Without the chain of a husband or father."

"It is rather foolish. You could've gotten much more." Kid informed her, and she scoffed, crossing her arms.

"Next time I make a deal with monarch, I'll think a little bit bigger."

"Why wait?" Kid grinned, a little more life reaching his eyes. "Maka Albarn, I want to offer you a territory."

Shock washed over her features, and she swallowed hard. "Like, I could work for a noble?"

"More like you would be a noble. The Duke that ran the territory on the Western side of the forest, he had been ill of late, and during the attack on the castle, he has since passed. He bore no children, and his wife died a few years back. I need to name someone to his lands, and right now, you're the only one I can trust. Besides, the Dwellers want to open trade, and I need someone in that area who could speak to both Dweller and Man, and you're the only one for this job. Please accept."

Maka could only gasp a few simple breaths before she nodded, leaping to wrap her arms around Kid. "I couldn't thank you enough."

"Be just," He smiled, hugging her back. "And when we have meetings with the council, try to vote my way."

"We'll see." She smiled, finally releasing him. Kid's eyes landed on Blake's but before he could speak, Wes let out a painful hiss, hand flying to her stomach. Immediately Soul was trying to drag her to the door.

"I fuckin' knew it. You can't just live in a cell for months then get up and run a country! You're insane! Come now! Time to get you settled in a bed."

"I'm fine," she insisted. Soul scoffed, looking at Maka.

"Will you help me get her settled, please?"

"Of course!" While Maka and Soul led Wes out of the room, the advisor to the King, and sneakiest woman Blake had ever met turned back to look at them, a wink and a wicked grin on her face. Kid looked relieved, and he gave her a nod as they left.

"She's okay then?" Blake asked, and Kid nodded.

"Aye. She's a terrifying woman. I'm grateful she bears no ill will towards me."

They sat in silence for a few minutes, Blake coming to sit next to Kid on the steps. He wasn't completely sure what to say, after all, what was there to say when you went from almost lovers, to enemies, to comrades, to usurpers, to sitting next to the most powerful man in the kingdom. "So, your name is Samhain?"

Kid laughed, a sound lighter than anything Blake had heard yet. Between them, Kid's hand found his, and he waited a few painful seconds for Blake to lace his fingers with his. "Aye, I suppose it is. Though I haven't been called that in years. Do me a favor, please still just call me Kid. I prefer who I am under that name."

"Sure, I can do that." Blake answered him, and Kid sighed, if the shaky heave of his shoulders could be called a sigh. "Hey...you alright."

"I feel like I did the right thing. I do. I feel like my mother was going to hurt this kingdom and the people and my friends and...I…" Blake had precious few seconds to wrap his arms around Kid, both covering him from any wandering eyes and offering comfort as the shock finally wore off. Kid sobbed into Blake's shoulder, his fingers digging into his back.

Blake held him through the worst of it. Kid's deep choking sobs lasted an hour at least. Decent time, he mused, he remembered how badly this hurt, and how the hurt would settle in the other man's chest and it would fade, yes it would fade, but it would take years.

He remembered how he once stood before the forest, and wished every hell imaginable on Kid, on his family, and on his life. And, despise his best efforts, Blake had gotten his wish. Kid would know his pain, and then some. "I'm sorry," he finally whispered, when Kid could hear him over the crying. "I'm sorry this happened."

"I did this." Kid hiccuped. "I did this though!"

"No, you didn't. Your mother did it. Your brother did it. I know that you held the blade, and no matter what I say you'll feel the way you feel about it, but...there wasn't much you could do to stop it. Try not to blame yourself."

Kid sobbed again, but Blake could feel his breathing start to even about again, and he shifted them so that Kid could just slump into his chest. They lay in silence for a long while, praying that the doors stayed closed. Eventually Kid lifted his head enough that he see Blake. "I didn't ask you, what do you want?"

"What do you mean?"

"I know my mother didn't offer you anything, but what do you want? I mean we can just assume your freedom right? So besides that?"

"Huh...guess I hadn't thought about it."

"Soul is going to ask you to join the Rangers. I think you should. You could really grow there. I mean. Or take a sack full of gold and buy a mansion. Really, I would understand either way."

Blake chuckled, pressing his lips against Kid's forehead. "I think I would be bored living in some fancy castle with a bunch of gold."

"That was so underhanded."

"Maybe I'll stick around."

"Maybe you should."

"I should've been born a king."

Maka snickered as she worked her bloodied clothes off her body, careful not to upset her arm. Behind her, she could hear Soul's low hiss as he lowered himself into the water. Wes had her own room in the castle, and once her brother had considered her settled, he and Maka had found themselves another room like hers. Big, abandoned, and with a large deep bath that flowed warm water from the walls. "And they claim to hate magic."

"Blasphemous fools, but we knew that already." Soul nearly slurred, the water working to unknot his muscles. Maka shed her final grimy layer, and she turned towards Soul. He opened one eye and pointed over to the drain in the floor.

"Get rid of your base layer of dirt, Gods of Sea and Sky, you look like a mess."

"You are the worst sweet talker I've ever met." She pouted, but obliged, filling up a bucket she could dump over her head and try to clean some of the dirt off her. After a couple buckets, The Good King Soul finally waved her back towards him. She gleefully took to the hot water in the tub, letting Soul arrange her so that he wouldn't disturb her arm. Silence fell around them, and Maka focused on his chest, the slow breaths he used to keep time around them, the soft drum of his heart against her cheek, there was a safety in the music in him, and she fell against it wholeheartedly.

They lay together for a long time, well into the evening. When water around them finally began to get cold, he finally nudged her, her head popping up. "Time to finally move huh?"

"It's finally upon us, Duchess."

"Heh. I have a title now." She grinned, pulling herself out of the water and drying off. He followed behind slowly, stretching out as he did so. "You're heading back to the Forest's edge?"

"Aye. It's a bit of a walk, but Wes wants to have her kid with my mom's help. You wanna hitch a ride?"

"I do." She responded, running a towel over her hair. "I'm going back to the Forest, to see if Jackie will still teach me."

"What about your new territory?"

"I have a plan for that. Don't you worry." She looked over her shoulder at him, hooking his towel around his hips.

"How long you think you'll be away?"

"I don't know." She answered, turning to face him. "Does that matter?"

He scoffed, pushing his wet hair off his forehead. "You know it doesn't. Take a year, take 60 more, I'll be around looking for you when you're back."

She was on him quickly, arm around his waist and mouth slanted against his. Soul jumped, reaching for the skin of her back. She kissed him, because she felt she deserved the feeling that bubbled up in her stomach when he touched her. She deserved the happiness he would give her, and she felt she may be able to help him find happiness as well. His hands came to rest on her face, breaking the kiss. "You will return though?"

"Aye. Swear I will. What fun would my new Saintly powers be if I didn't have a demon to boss around?"

He groaned, moving back in to kiss her. "Can't wait to miss you."

Wes found the new King sitting on the steps to the castle, waiting for the sun to rise on the second longest night of his life.

He glanced behind him as she approached. She sat next to him, smoothing out her skirts. They sat in silence for a while, until the light around them got bright enough that she could make out the features of his face again. "Are you alright?"

"Yes." He answered. "No. I'm not sure. I can't tell yet."

"Well, it looks like your boyfriend helped with that." She teased, poking the light mark on his neck. Kid flushed red, and covered his face.

"Don't."

"Here, speaking of, this is yours." She placed the smooth bone of his Father's mask in his hands. It was cooler than the air around them, and Kid could only stare at it.

"This isn't mine."

"...It is. Your father was going to name you to the throne."

"How do I know you're not just saying that to save your own skin?"

Wes snorted, snapping his back. "When do I ever worry about my own skin…" her smile fell, and she turned to face him, all mirth in her eyes gone. "I'm not doing this for me. I'm doing it for your father, because he asked me to take care of you, and show you what to do. For twelve years I've sat by his side, and I've watched him run this kingdom. I want you to be ready, and I want you to learn this on your time, but you're going to need help. Let me help you."

Kid stared at her, and she had never really noticed how similar his eyes were to his father's. "You really did love him, didn't you?"

Wes blinked, completely unprepared for his question. Finally, she swallowed, nodding slowly. "Yes. I truly did. He was an amazing man, and he had every faith in you. I'm sorry he wasn't here to tell you this, and I'm sorry he isn't here to teach you how to control your power. But I'm here to help, anything I can." She brought a hand to her stomach, a funny look on her face. "And, if you want, I want you to be in this baby's life."

"R-really?!"

"You're their brother. Of course I do." Wes smiled at him, coming back to a stand. "Hey, when you wear the mask, don't cover your face. Let your people see the fear, love, and rage in your eyes. Stop hiding from them."

"Thank you...Wes. Really...I don't know how to repay you."

"In about four months, your campaign trail will take you right past my parents home. I know you know where that is. Around that time, my child will be born. Come see us."

"...I'll consider it, thank you."

"Of course your highness," she curtsied, coming up rather ungracefully. "Long live the King."

"Don't jinx it."

They had been lent a carriage.

Maka and Wes had looked ecstatic, Soul mostly looked annoyed. "Hells, I'm gonna look like a farmer."

"Don't mock farmers, they feed your ungrateful ass." Blake scoffed, coming down the stairs of the castle. He wasn't one to show up any new power to fall into his hands, but he had clearly accepted Kid's offer to raid some of the closets. His clothes were clean, and there wasn't a single hole in any of them.

Soul scoffed, tossing his bag into the cart. "And I can't convince you to come with me now?"

"Why would I join the Rangers before the best archer in the world can teach me?"

"I'm gonna ignore your tone, and accept your praise peon. I'll be more than happy to wait for you."

"When do you think you'll be back to work?" Maka asked, handing her pack to Blake to load up for her. Soul shrugged, pulling his hood over his head.

"Eh. Give it probably half a year. Gotta get Wes home, and play with a baby for a few months. Then probably back to work. New recruits join up before harvest anyways. There's plenty of time."

"Then that's when I'll be there." Blake answered. Soul nodded, holding out his arm. Bypassing the greeting completely, Blake threw his arms around Soul and squeezed, happy to hear the Hell Child squeak under his pressure. Maka hollered at them to knock it off, they were acting like children, but they ignored her laughing as Blake released him. Maka's hug from Blake was much softer, but she held him closer with her good arm.

"Why don't you come with me?"

"With love in my heart, I can honestly say that I'd rather swallow a bowl of poison than return to the forest. But I'm happy for you."

"Fine." She pouted, pulling him in for another hug. He chuckled, grabbing her around her waist so he could hoist her up onto the carriage. She turned back to Blake and pressed a kiss against his forehead. "Not goodbye."

"Never goodbye. I'm sure you'll have me running face first towards death soon enough. I have to rest my nerves."

"See if a little rest brings your wit up to par too."

"Awh and now our nice goodbye is ruined. You did this. Way to go little sis."

"Stay safe, Blake."

"You as well, Duchess."

"If you're well and done," Soul yawned, pointing to where Wes was coming down the steps, rapidly speaking as Kid followed her, taking down notes. "Help me get her up here?"

Wes looked annoying at the idea of having to stop her work, but she allowed Blake and Soul to lead her from her new charge. Maka jumped from the cart, Blake hissing at her already, and walked up to Kid, hugging him before he could say anything. "Maka I-"

"I've forgiven you. I'm not likely to do it again. I just need to know that should another fucking mess come raining down on our heads, you're honest with us."

"I couldn't make the same mistake twice." He promised. Soul came to join them, Blake not too far behind. The four of them regarded each other, standing in the same courtyard from which they left. It seemed several lifetimes ago now, where the little children had left on their mission, only to return completely different. The Dweller, Demon, Slave and Second Son stood as different people now, the Saint, the First Ranger, the Healer and the King. They had long shed the ignorance of their first days, and the kingdom would remain ever changed.

They found each other in the middle, a pathetic mess of sniffling and some watery eyes as they said their goodbyes. It wasn't forever, and they understood that, but it also wouldn't be soon before they saw each other. And it was important to them, to Maka, that they all knew they were loved.

"It has been every honor to have you along on this mission." Kid smiled at them, more life in his eyes this morning. "I can't thank you all enough for your help."

"It wasn't too much trouble." Soul responded, scratching at his face. "Though if you ask again I may say no."

"What! No you wouldn't! You couldn't miss out on this kind of adventure. It's in your blood now, you've got the itch. I give it six months before we're all together again, trying to die for some long shot of a cause." Blake sighed, lacing his fingers behind his head. "I can't wait."

Maka felt tears in her eyes when she looked at the men around her, a proud smile splitting her face. "You know boys, I've grown incredibly fond of you all."

"It's been a true honor, Maka Albarn. Saint of Mercy."

oh my god! I can't believe this! It's almost done! Literally! There's just an epilogue left! I can't express how much I appreciate all of your comments and reviews and I hope you guys have enjoyed the fic as much I as have enjoyed writing it! As always, let me know what you think!