Hearing them Aiko nodded and led them into the palace. Walking towards the dining room she saw her uncle and aunt and even death there. Zeelith was smiling cooly at death, as if they had met before. She was leaning against the table comfortably and then waved her claw to everyone. "Seems the welcoming committee has arrived." She said lightly and then chuckled. Aiko looked confused but her aunt just flashed her a reassuring smile. "Well who's he? I haven't met him." Zeelith said, pointing her one claw to the Hatter. Aiko smiled and then looked at Michael. "This is Michael my personal guard. He has just started a few days ago." The queen said lightly and then the white and black woman nodded. "I see. I am Zeelith, Yuki's wife and Aiko's aunt." She said lightly and waited for the other men to speak up.

The only sound was two mechanical clicks as Conquest and War had finished loading and prepearing his weapon. They all looked at her as if she was a monstrosity, a freak as some would call her. "As Aiko has said, I am Michael." He said with a slight bow, making sure he never took his eyes off her, she was a stranger, no matter how friendly she seemed she could be completely dangerous. Shotgun still in hand War looked at her "War." He said not even standing to attention. "Conquest..... ma'lady" He said with a bit of hesitance. Death stood off to the womens left. "You obviously know me" Once everyone addressed themselves the room fell awkwardly silent. War did his best to silently take the safety off his shotgun in the off-chance he needed to use it against her Michael seemed to do the same subconciously because Angi-Kat spoke to him be cautious, she seems to wield power to freely, as if consequence free. Michael tried to keep his hand from his new gun, or Angi-Kat.

Zeelith didn't seem concerned with the weapons at the ready though Yuki looked worried. Turning her eyes to Death she extended a claw and smiled. "Yes I know you, I escaped you many years ago, when my inner magic and energy should have killed me when I came of age." She said and then turned her eyes to War. "He was the reason I attempted to use my powers, to save my team from dying in our war back in the US." She said and then smirked and pointed to conquest. "I have also seen you on many occasions good sir, and have never had a chance to introduce myself." She said cooly and then smirked and looked back at death. "You told me that even if I escaped you that it would be merely a year and I would kill myself with such power and all those I cared for... Yet here I stand. And it is because I see another about to meet my fate." She said and turned her eyes to Aiko. Surprised the raven haired woman looked shocked. "Aiko has the same energy as I did. Seemingly controlling something petty like the weather energies, but it stirs within her, and I'm sure you feel it too. Untapped power, far stronger then one vessel should contain." The mutant woman said and then smiled at Aiko reassuringly. "I've come to train her, and to keep her safe from you gentlemen. She could come of she any second of any day now... And unless the girl names an heir, this country can't afford her an untimely death, expecially at the brink of war." She said smoothly and Aiko felt her head spinning. She had always heard Yuki say she was like her aunt, but she hadn't actually believed it until now. And seeing all the men on edge had her worried on how powerful Zeelith truely was.

"Well if it bleeds, you can kill it" War said. He really didn't like her. He would love for nothing more then just to shoot her right in the head and end it all. She was still mortal after all. "Well Zeelith. You can't run forever. Everything that is born must die. You're not immortal like us horsemen. Many have tried, but once your times up, its up. I don't give muligans" Death said in his ever calm tone. Michael had an ever pissed off look on his face. "The princess's safety is my job, that's why I'm here. And I'll be damned sure nothing hurts her." he said tapping the shaft of Angi-Kat on the ground echoing his words for emphasis. Conquest just dismissed her as a power hungry mortal. "You might want to talk to Pestilence, maybe his poisons and plagues spawned that hand of yours" and with a chukle and his insult Conquest left the room.

Zeelith ignored War and smirked at Michael. He was loyal that was good. Aiko would need someone to support her whom she would trust, and the pure white and black mutant knew it would take time to convince her niece her motives were good ones. "Good I expect her protected to the best of your ability." She said and looked to Death. "I have known that my whole life my friend, being what I am I tred a narrow path every day. As will my niece." Zeelith said and Yuki came to her side and wrapped his arm around her waist. She just smirked hearing Conquest and watched him walk away. Aiko was trying not to seem overwhelmed as she took in everything and looked to Michael before gazing at her aunt. "So, gaining my powers could kill me?" She breathed and the woman nodded. "There's a very high chance that you will die. So much power shouldn't be possible to be held in one vessel, like I said. Which is why I will be here to guide you so you don't suffer as I once did." She said and Aiko bit back another question thinking it would be rude but the woman smiled knowingly. "I was normal looking before the power manifested within me. This form took shape when the powers binder to my body. I will do my best to help keep you from meeting this fate." She said and Yuki smiled reassuringly. "She's the best help we can get you Aiko. She's lived through this where most haven't. She can help."

Michael looked at the women. She infurriated him just she did to Death, mortals who viewed themselves about their own mortality angered him. "So, you think it's a good idea to teach the queen how to unlock her full power which has a decent chance to kill her, or mutate her into something the people may or may not agree with. You also seem to think this is a good idea when she has no sucessor, no heirs or children to claim the throne, and his mother died" MIchael's voice raised in anger as he continued to explain. He looked everyone in the eye. "Two things I have to say to that, A. I cannot let her die. B. ARE YOU MENTALLY RETARTED?!" Michael plainly stated.

Zeelith just smirked and shook her head. "I'm not saying she should go through with the change. I'm saying she has no choice. Look at her eyes." She said and Aiko suddenly felt very worried and her gut twisted. "Their color is getting more intense and pure. Even in just the ten minutes between seeing her I can tell they are a shade lighter." She pointed out and the raven haired woman looked up at Michael after snagging his wrist for support and looked into his eyes, wondering if what she said was true. Sure enough the normal real of her eyes had grown more intense and bright. It seemed like they kept becoming more electric colored. Yuki then looked at Aiko worried and then to Michael. "Zeelith isn't trying to be a nusance. She's stating facts and came because I could see the signs in Aiko.... I didn't have any knowledge of what to do, and since Zeelith lived through the power manifestation, she's the best help we could get for her, unless Death can garrentee my niece won't die from her own strength." The uncle said with worry and Aiko looked at Michael, her head swimming. "Are my eyes actually brighter?" She whispered as she looked at the male she trusted.

"Yes they are" Michael said, taking a glimpse at her. He didn't want anything hurting her, Angi-Kat kept yelling at him to take a swing at her and fight her, that since he was necromancer, she could kill his mortal form and he would just go shade and eat her soul or life. But once someone goes shade they can't return. "Why the sudden interest in her now? Why not come back earlier and see your loving husband and niece?" MIchael wanted to keep questioning her and he also kinda wanted to cut her open and examine what made her so powerful. Just because he was a necromancer didn't mean he wasn't a scientist or a curious man.

Hearing Michael, Aiko found the strength in her legs giving out. She stepped back and fell into the chair there. Looking at Michael she agreed with his question and then woman looked at Yuki with care before meeting the young man's eyes. "I wanted nothing more then to be here. When I married Yuki I was a simple girl with a few mutant powers like Aiko... But when serving in the military, I hit the moment where my locked away powers refused to be locked away. The mutation itself made me fear what Yuki would say, but worse then that, is I wasn't able to control the power. Not being in control would put my family at risk, and so I stayed away to train and harness the powers that are mine to keep them from ripping apart my body. When I master the power, then countries that knew of my exsist acne wanted me as a weapon. I had to hide, and fake my death so as they wouldn't follow my trail, had I come back here right away I would have triggered the war as soon as I stepped on the soil." She explained and Aiko clasped her hands together to keep herself from shaking. "You stayed away to protect Uncle and me." Aiko breathed and the odd woman nodded. "And before you ask, I don't know what gave me the power... All I know is I was the eighth generation of a pure blooded mutant line, all of whom where shapeshifters. Aiko is the eighth generation in a line of pure blood necromancers. It had something to do with the pure blood and eighth generation. But beyond that, I don't know." Zeelith explained. "Michael, can you escort me to my room. I need a little time to think." Aiko said and her uncle have a reassuring smile. "Take your time Ai, we will only help when you're ready." He said with care.

MIchael nodded and helped the Queen up and walked slowly down the hall. He had to think, was he going to let this happen, the Queen dying.... He would have to ask about the women to the horsemen. Once he finally reached Aiko's room he threw open the door, stumbling to the bed he sat her down on the bed and sat across from her. He summoned the book to him. "I thought I saw something about removing infection and plague...... Shit, only about causing plague." He cursed and sat the book down, he pulled out his personal book and searched it, his own book held a little of many schools of magic. He had so few divine magic at hand it frustrated him. "Why do you trust her? She fled death, how do you know she's not trying to fight for immortality. People have used the youth of others to have faux-immortality" The small issue with Hatter was he would be given immortality once he murdered the Uncle or the princess. But something hinted him in his mind that he would have to kill the Women as well, for Death didn't do much of his own dirty work. It's either Hatter is going to have too or Grim will probably just blast her in the back of the head when she last expected it.

Aiko was greatful for Michael's help and sat heavily upon her bed. Watching the Hatter hopefully as he searched the book she had given him and his own book, he came up short again. The thought of dying so soon had her shaken, and she wanted any chance of keeping her life. Hearing his question, Aiko met his eyes with her own, which had gotten another shade lighter. "My uncle married her before she had these powers, and when she obtained them she was going to kill herself to save him and our family. But out of love she stopped when he begged for her to stay with him... She saved my father's life once, and when I was a babe, she was the one who delivered me and protected me from an assassin team after my family... She has been loyal to us for years. Even when she hasn't been here she sends my uncle gifts and works to keep many from our country when she is close by..." Aiko explained and sighed. "She's family. Even though my own mother wasn't one to trust, everyone else in my family has. Besides, my own uncle trusts her with his life, and he hardly trusts anyone. If he can trust her, then I can trust her. Besides, she's the only one who knows what is happening to me.... I didn't even realize what was going on until she pointed it out." She said and then stood slowly and walked over to him. Taking his hand she met his eyes and a soft blush came to her cheeks. "Michael, before any of this I-...." She started and her cheeks flushed. Taking a steadying breath she looked into his eyes. "Love me?" She asked in a soft whisper so her couch wouldn't crack.

Michael was in deep thought about how he would have to save her now instead of killing her: he could always store her soul in The Lamp and put it into a new body and testore it. Suddenly his mind stopped short, he gave her the single most glazed over look. "W-W-What?" He stammered. He had no idea what just happened, it went completely over his head. He released one of her hands to rub his eyes. Replacing it he looked back at her after blinking a few times, there was a long awkward pause. "Yes.... I'm trying to keep you alive so your people and I have something left after this. But I'm sorry, I don't like the idea of her getting you killed, even before the fight starts. We can talk to Death, we can store your soul, or you can get my life, or my soon-to-be life."

Seeing Michael give her the deer in the head lights look she sighed and looked away. It was embarrassing enough to ask once, now she was going to have to catch his attention again and get him to understand. Moving after he finished speaking she straddled his lap and sat there, looking into his eyes. "I know you're trying to save me... With your help and Zeelith's I am sure that I will live through this." She said and cupped his head in both hands. "I want to remember being human... Being me..." She breathed and then kissed him on the lips slowly and when she pulled away she looked into those eyes. "Love me, make me know I'm alive still..." The whispered in a husky whisper as she bit her bottom lip waiting for his responce.

He nodded and leaned up and kissed her. Removing his hands from hers he held her close to him and continued. "What do you want me to do specifically?" He was a bit confused on what she wanted specifically. He knew very little about women and what they wanted. "I'm a bit illexperianced with this. Im not sure what you want specifically"

Aiko kissed Michael back, finding it comforting to say the least. When he pulled away she looked into his eyes and smiled softly. He devoted himself to his ways, and he too had never done something like this. Blushing softly the young female then kissed his cheek and leaned against him, finding comfort. "I'm inexpierenced too.... I guess I was just asking if you would sleep with me..." She whispered and then blush never faded. "But I don't want it to be forced or anything, so if its uncomfortable or you're unsure... We don't have to do anything." The raven haired female breathed and smiled a bit wider.

"I suppose I could." He said as he pulled Aiko closer to him, kissing her deeply. He knew very little about love making but he knew at least where to start. Pulling her head closer to his he moved his tongue around hers, her mouth was surprisingly warm as reflective of his cold body. He moved his hands down her back till he found her hips, digging a bit into them he greedily kissed her. "Im sorry, I really have no idea what I'm doing... Is there something you want specifically?"

Aiko was surprised as he agreed to her wild question. Being pulled closer, she was right up against his cool body, and fell into an intense kiss. His tongue wrapped around her own as she cupped his face while kissing him. It was amazingly energizing and relaxing all at the same time. For being inexperienced he didn't seem to be lacking in the kissing department. When he pulled away, she met his eyes and her blush returned full force. Not knowing what to say she stifled to find the words. "Let's just wing it.... All I want is for both of us to feel good." She breathed softly and smiled at him a bit wider.

((If they are going to do the deed, we need to time skip over that part. It's menewsha rules. Just a heads up. ^_^ ))

((( i got really nothing. Just make it happen )))

((I've got it covered.))

Aiko found herself laying next to Michael on the bed, her breathing slowly getting under control. Her body was feverish compared to his cool body, and a slight amount of sweat was on her skin. She had never expected for him to agree, I be so good at what she requested, but they both seemed satisfied as they laid there. Glancing to his pale form she smiled breathlessly and rested her head on his chest gently. "You're, amazing Michael." She breathed with a smile on her lips.

((( thanks )))
MIchael didn't stir at all. He was stiff and cold, but he had a heart beat. Michael was "dreaming", he awoke in a full black room with black walls he knew were there but weren't within view. The only thing that shown was a table, four simple chairs illuminated by a single light. Death sat at the table playing cards with other symbols of death. He was playing poker, suddenly a chair came up behind him and knocked him into the chair. Magically he was at the table with a few poker chips and a hand of cards. "Hatter. Be careful how attached you get to her, she has a lot of power. Now I'm not saying you have to choose to kill her, there's always the uncle. But I have a small stipulation. You can end the aunt's life, I can show you how. Also, collect the souls of the fallen foes. You can use them to extend people's lives and you can wager them in the underworld." Death pointed around him. He stood up and laid his hand, Royal Flush, everyone lost to him. Michael awoke in Aiko's room with Death's lantern and Angi-Kat against the wall and a note.

Realizing that the male had fallen asleep, Aiko simply sighed gently and closed her eyes. Soon she drifted into a sleep she had never really been through before. Her tattooed back glowed as she slept, signifying the power bubbling up within her. Her long black hair began to get even longer, going to her rear in length. In her sleep she saw odd things, joy fish swimming in a pond, speaking in some language even she didn't know. Their glow drawing her to lean over the pool and gaze in. Watching the glowing fish move gracefully and serenely.

Death had seen this one. With Death's entrance Aiko's dream changed a bit. One coy turned white while the other turned black. "Ying and Yang. Push and Pull. Too and frou. The balance." Death held not his false appearance but a skeleton draped in semi-transparent black robes. He looked at the Queen, he meant no harm. "Aiko." The room began to chill a bit as Death took more control "There is a solid change you might perish in this upcoming war. Threw gunshot, fighting, etc. etc. I have but one question for you. Are you ready to die? Not for your country or for Michael or for anything. But have you accepted your own mortality?" He asked with a raspy voice

Aiko having seen the coy turn white and black slowly stood. Turning as she heard the voice she was face to face with Death. He spoke of the balance, and she looked back at the coy in the pond. Turning to death once more the queen listened to him. His voice held no malice, but his words didn't surprise her. Smiling slowly, she met his eyes with an unwavoring sureness within her teal eyes. "Death, in child hood I was nearly put on your doorstep every other night. Being abused lie that makes my mortality all too real. I also know why you ask, my aunt seems to not fear you." she said smoothly and slowly knelt next to the pond again. "Beause she loves my uncle, she stays away, to keep him alive... In truth, she fears you deeply... She fears that you will take him away... As do I." she breathed and looked back up at the unreal figure in her cold dream. "I pray having your help in this war will keep him safe, he's the only family I have left."

"with the upcoming war, you will loose someone. Such is the cost of conflict. Weither you know it or not, someone close will be gone forever. But life will be created so the balance will be preserved." Death's tone never staggered. He knew who was going to die. But he said nothing, made no motions or implied anything. Death had a strange gift, it was like he was the author of a character in a book, he knew the end of the story before the character did. Reaching into his cloak death pulled out a small egg. He placed it in the middle of the two swiming coy fish, curious at first but eventually ignored it. "It will hatch when the time comes" And with that Death left.

Aiko listened to death, no emotion found in his voice, but it caused a storm of emotion in her. Hearing that someone close to her would be lost, made her worry. It made her angry that she couldn't know who. All kinds of emotions bubbled within her as she clenched her pale fists tighter, her nails biting into her pale savagely. Frowning as she tried thinking of someway to protect those around her, the female was about to question Death, but he simply placed the egg between the two coy. Surprised, she looked at it and after he spoke, she turned to see him there, but he was gone. Confused and hurt, she curled up on the soft grass and watched the coy before her. The dream warmedonce again, and daggling her fingers into the water the Queen drifted out of the sleep and back into her body. Shivering she pulled the covers closer around her, forgetting for the time being that Michael was beside her.