Verdant Skies

During the days following Ashe and her small army arriving, Iris spent much of her time darting between the two camps. Once Galen handed over the weapons he'd made for her, she spent quite a bit of time acclimating to them and Commander Quinn was quite happy to assist. True to her words, she managed to hold her own against Commander Quinn who looked increasingly pleased. When she wasn't sparring with Commander Quinn, she was catching up with Ashe and the others who were among the army her friend had brought along.

Spending time within the Kou Camp was filled with Iris spending an increasing amount of time under the scrutiny of the Magicians brought along by Koumei, they tugged and prodded at the collar. She spent hours in their company, undergoing various magical experiments and tests. But no significant breakthrough had occurred, leaving her with a sense of frustration and impatience. Like a light within the darkness, Kouha would dart in and steal her away for a bit of fun. Oftentimes, they would go riding around the nearby hills and valleys to explore with a few soldiers for company.

The presence of her friends within the Kou Empire's camp offered some solace, but it was Koumei and Kouen who had her thoughts in a perpetual whirlwind. Koumei's demeanor had grown increasingly distant since the night she'd fallen asleep against his shoulder. Despite her inquiries, he brushed off her concerns with smiles that didn't quite meet his eyes and vague assurances that left her with a sense of unease. As for Kouen, he had maintained a façade of stoicism, but his eyes betrayed the unspoken emotions that brewed beneath the surface. Even the spars that they entered into carried some form of tension their first one had lacked, it was almost as if he were holding himself back. As their swords clashed, Kouen's intense gaze bore into her, and Iris couldn't help but feel that his restraint was a conscious effort.

Laying on the chaise that Ashe had in her tent, Iris took the goblet that was offered to her. Ashe settled down across from her with a light smile, "Each time you spar with Quinn...I swear it's like watching a bull slam into a brick wall at times," The redhead let out a gentle laugh and shook her head, "It's far different from your attempts to spar against him before."

Taking a sip of the wine and letting the flavors roll over her tongue for a moment, Iris nodded as a low chuckle left her, "It shows how much has changed since we were all together last."

A somber look entered Ashe's golden eyes for a moment before she shook her head, "Indeed though the real treat is watching you spar with Prince Kouen," She raised her goblet in a playful toast, "Now that was a sight that I never thought I'd see."

Cheeks flushing slightly, Iris looked away from her friend, "It's been interesting, to say the least. He's a formidable opponent."

"Though he's been holding back on you," Ashe commented earning a frown from Iris, "You've noticed it?"

Sigh leaving her as she sat up, Iris nodded as her eyes drifted towards the flap of Ashe's tent, "Hard not to when he didn't the first time we sparred," She watched as a few soldiers walked about carrying supplies around, "It's becoming frustrating."

"He seems like a rather complicated man," Ashe commented as Iris took another sip from her wine goblet, "Then again, Prince Koumei seems to be a complicated man as well. The only one who doesn't seem to be complicated Prince Kouha,"

Letting out a small laugh, Iris shook her head as she looked back at Ashe, "Kouha is complicated in his own ways though you aren't wrong about Kouen and Koumei," She grimaced as she thought about how the two had been acting as of late, "Some days, I have to wonder what it all means."

Ashe let out a soft giggle, "They're men, Iris. Men of high breeding perhaps, but they're men nonetheless," The redhead smiled lightly as Iris eyed her, "To put things bluntly, they're probably stuck in their thoughts," She wiggled her eyebrows, "Maybe about a pretty girl."

Cheeks flushing at the fact someone other than Luna had said something about this matter, Iris cleared her throat. Finger tracing the rim of her goblet, she looked away from Ashe, "Ashe, I highly doubt that is the case. And if it is, they're quite far from home-"

"Oh, come on, Iris. You're a beautiful young woman, and you've certainly captured their attention," Ashe snickered as Iris pinned her with a minor glare, "I haven't even been here for more than a few days and I've seen the way they've looked at you. Maybe they're both trying to figure out how to impress you,"

Rolling her eyes at that, Iris muttered, "In your dreams, Ashe," She drank a bit more wine and set the goblet down, "We have too much going on for them to be worrying about shit like that," She crossed her arms, "Not to be a downer, Ashe, but we are about to go to war."

Lips pulling into a frown, Ash let out a low sigh, "I know," She rubbed the back of her neck, "I just wanted to brighten the mood a little. I know that the lack of progress they've been having with the collar has been bugging you," Iris uncrossed her arms, "I kind of can't forget what's going to happen..."

Expression softening at those words, Iris stood and pressed a hand to Ashe's shoulder. Smiling at the redhead, she murmured, "I know, Ashe. And I'm thankful that you're trying to keep my mood light, it's just not a subject that I'm really interested in talking about. After all, we still have to worry about surviving and getting this thing off my neck before I shout think about that kind of stuff."

Letting out a laugh, Ashe reached up to grasp Iris's wrist, "I know, but you really should take a few moments for yourself," A heated grin curled across the redhead's lips, "And with those two, I think you'd have quite a bit of fun."

Blush spreading across her cheeks, Iris removed her hand as she groaned, "Where did the little brat that used to beg me to cuddle with her after a nightmare go? You were never this perverted before it all went down."

Laughing loudly at that, Ashe grinned brightly at Iris, "I grew up~"

As sunset set in and the scent of food being prepared hovered through the camp, the sounds of laughter echoed like a siren song. Kouha and Iris returned with the small contingent of soldiers they'd left with earlier on in the day. Coated in fine layers of grass-stains and mud, the pair looked as if they'd gotten caught up in some form of mischief. Riding towards the horse paddock, the two dismounted before Kouha tugged Iris over to where Koumei stood with Kouen. As they approached and her eyes settled on them, Iris's grin faltered and her lips pulled into a thin line. She had sensed the tension unlike Kouha, it made him inwardly smile.

A hint of jealousy gnawed at Koumei at the thought of Kouha being able to share such carefree moments with Iris. He stamped it down as Kouen commented, "You two look like you've had quite a fun day."

Amusement coated Kouen's tone, the eldest of them smirked a bit. Kouha grinned as he nodded enthusiastically, "You have no idea, brother! We found the perfect spot to catch fireflies, and Iris was so excited about it."

Cheeks flushing that delicate pink he'd come to enjoy, Iris's eyes gleamed as she agreed, "It's been so long since I've seen them. I've forgotten how beautiful they look."

That gentle smile she bore sent warmth curling through his chest, Koumei struggled to push that warmth away. He focused as Kouen spoke with a light smile curling across his lips, "It is good that you're both taking some time to enjoy yourselves. With what is to come, you'll need it."

Clearing his throat, Koumei spoke as Iris focused on him, "I have news to share with you while we eat dinner."

Seeing Iris perk up only made that warm feeling in his chest worsen, Koumei found himself smiling at her. Iris grinned brightly, "Then we should eat soon, right? I mean..." She glanced down at herself, "After Kouha and I get cleaned up."

Parting from Kouha and Iris as they headed off to get cleaned up, Koumei walked with Kouen into the main tent where they would be eating. He noted that Kouen's eyes flickered with a mixture of emotions and inwardly jolted as he spotted jealousy among them. Rare as it was to see these days, he had faint memories of their youth when Hakuren and Hakuyuu's attention would be dragged away from Kouen. While never violent when his jealousy was provoked, Kouen had always been far harsher with those who had brought forth such an emotion. Though for his elder brother to feel such a thing now, it made him wonder why until he watched Iris walk into the tent and Kouen's eyes gained a warmth that was usually reserved for their siblings.

As Kouha entered the tent and began tugging her towards a table that had been set up for them to eat at, Koumei forced those thoughts from his mind for the moment. Settling down beside Kouen as food was settled down before them and wine was poured, a relaxed atmosphere settled over them. Kouha began reaching out to serve himself only to pause as Kouen cleared his throat, "Before we indulge ourselves," Iris's eyes settled on Kouen then moved to him, "I believe Koumei had information to share."

Inclining his head and meeting Iris's eyes, Koumei spoke calmly though his voice contained a small sense of urgency, "Despite the apparent lack of results, we have made quite a bit of progress," He saw Iris's eyes brighten and his lips pulled into a gentle smile, "Between the research that Ashe's magicians provided us and the work we've done with your help, we have managed to narrow down how the device was constructed."

Nose wrinkling as he grimaced, Kouha rolled his eyes, "So what, Mei? You found out how it was made-"

"It means they can take it apart," Iris's voice was slightly breathless as she raised a hand to the collar and her gaze was soft, "There are likely risks,"

"There are," Kouen confirmed with concern softening his voice, "We cannot guarantee that the process is completely safe,"

Lips pulled into a soft smile, Iris's hand dropped as she shook her head, "Nothing is ever completely safe, Kouen. And if it means I'll be free of this collar, I'm willing to risk it," She looked at Koumei, "So what can you tell me?"

Koumei felt a surge of gratitude and a hint of relief at Iris's trust. He knew that they were in uncharted territory, and the uncertainty weighed heavily on him. Clearing his suddenly dry throat, he spoke in a soft tone, "We discovered that beneath the physical layer, it has several enchantments that are all equally complex and seemingly contradicting despite their presence within the mechanism. To remove the collar, we will have to conduct a procedure that involves a combination of precise magic and physical extraction. As this is a delicate process, we will need your assistance, Iris."

Nodding her head, Iris replied, "Whatever it takes. I assume that you need to make preparations?"

"Yes though it will only take a day or so," Koumei saw her eyes widen and smiled at the sight, "As soon as we managed to confirm everything, I started to begin any preparations that would take longer than a day. And with Ashe's help, we'll have anything we need that I am unable to gather. She is quite eager to see you free of the collar,"

Hand pressed to her chest, Iris nodded with a soft look on her face, "I am unsurprised. I will have to thank her," She took a deep breath, "Though before anything, we should probably eat, huh?"

Chuckling softly, Koumei nodded as Kouha snorted, "Yeah though now it's a meal to celebrate your freedom!"

As Iris shook her head in amusement and began to serve herself, Koumei smiled as he saw how bright her eyes had become. It felt as if he'd pulled a weight from her shoulders and that made his chest warm.

Thoughts a swirling maelstrom as she finally headed back to her tent, Iris slumped onto her cot feeling as if the world was spinning far too fast and slow at the same time. Without the three princes distracting her, she found herself slipping into the storm of emotions that had been raging since Koumei had spoken. Breathing a bit harshly as she threw an arm across her eyes, she didn't register anyone else's presence until a hand settled on her shoulder. Jolting at the touch, she lowered her arm and found Ginny peering down at her in concern, "Ris, what's wrong? You walked in here pale as a ghost and you're shaking like a leaf."

"Did something happen during dinner?" Luna asked as she settled down beside Iris.

Throat going dry at the reminder, Iris nodded as she swallowed heavily, "I-Koumei had news about the collar."

"News?" Ginny's eyes narrowed and her lips pulled into a frown, "Must've been bad news if you're reacting like that-"

"No!" Iris's voice rose as she shook her head rapidly, "No..." She lowered her voice, "I...It was good news. I'm just-" She struggled to come up with the proper words to say ad let her head drop onto the cot, "Fuck..."

There was a shuffling sound before Ginny settled down beside her, the ginger-haired witch pulled Iris up to lean against her. Ginny wrapped a comforting arm around her shoulders, "Take a deep breath, Ris. We aren't going to rush you even if we're curious."

"Take all the time you need," Luna curled an arm around Iris's waist, "We're here to listen,"

Taking a deep breath, Iris was able to focus thanks to the physical contact that the two offered. She spoke as her head settled on Ginny's shoulder, "They've made progress. Enough so that Koumei believes they can remove the collar using a procedure."

There were two sharp intakes of breath as Luna and Ginny's grips tightened, Luna's voice was a bit sharp as she murmured, "That's...No wonder you were unsettled. Freedom is this close..."

"It's not without risks," Iris murmured as she looked at the blonde, "They can't guarantee it's safe, but life isn't meant to be safe,"

"So when is it going to happen?" Ginny's voice was soft as her arm tightened.

"The day after tomorrow," Iris answered after a moment of hesitation, "Koumei has apparently been making preparations since they began making decent progress. Only things that require little more than a day need to be prepared," She smiled weakly, "I...Ashe has been helping,"

There were a pair of soft snorts, Luna smiled brightly, "Of course, Ashe still feels so guilty about what happened after all."

Shaking her head, Iris pulled away from the two, "She doesn't need to feel guilty. I would've done it for any of you after all. Ashe might've been a newer friend back then, but..." The image of Ashe's tear-filled eyes and pale face darted through her mind, "I would never allow someone that I've grown to care for suffer."

"Ris..." Ginny reached out for her.

"But it's going to be nice not having to worry about that Jackass having the ability to strangle me from a distance," Iris offered Ginny a lopsided grin, "And being able to use all my magic again is going to be nice,"

"It'll be an interesting adjustment," Luna eyed her, "Are you going to be alright?"

Head tilting as she continued to smile despite the emotions still running around her body like a storm, Iris nodded, "Eventually, Lulu. Just give me a bit of time, alright? This is...It's a big deal, ya know?"

"It is," Luna placed a hand on Iris's shoulder, "But you know we're here for you, right? All of us,"

Nodding as her smile fell, Iris's voice became softer, "Yeah...I know."

Across the fence, a magnificent stallion flew across the wood and landed with ease before racing towards the entrance of the camp. It took Kouen barely a moment to realize that the stallion bore a rider and his eyes widened as they locked on Iris's familiar form. Clutching the stallion's cream-colored mane as she rode on it bareback, the two easily bypassed the entrance of camp before the soldiers could stop them. Mentally cursing as he realized something was amiss, he whipped around and ordered for a horse to be brought for him. Within a matter of minutes, he was rushing after Iris on his stallion.

Galloping past the camp entrance, Kouen spotted Iris and the stallion that she was riding cresting a hill. Urging his horse on as worry and unease bit at him, he wondered what on earth had prompted her to do this. While Iris had admitted that she could be impulsive, he hadn't thought she'd take such a risk when such an important event was about to occur. Instincts that had been built up over the years screamed that something was wrong, he felt the niggling feeling that it had to do with last night. Though if that were true, why hadn't she brought it up?

Across three more hills and into a valley covered in verdant greenery they rode, Kouen caught up to her at a river just as the stallion she'd ridden slid to a stop. There was a sharp cry from the woman as she was sent tumbling into the river below, he jumped down from his horse after they'd come to a quick stop. Darting over to the river as Iris came up spluttering, he offered up his hand, "Iris, are you alright?"

Reaching for his hand as she spat out water, Iris grasped Kouen's wrist as he pulled her free of the river. Settling onto solid ground as she coughed up water, Iris's expression was filled with emotions ranging from embarrassment to determination, and something else. She brushed a waterlogged lock of hair from her face, "I'm fine. Just didn't expect him to stop so quick."

"What were you thinking?" Kouen asked as he eyed her waterlogged form in concern, "Riding a horse bareback like that? You could have been seriously hurt,"

Eyes meeting his, Iris's gaze was steady, "I just...I need to get away for a bit," She let out a sigh and looked away from him, "Just a little while...I...Seeing everyone rush around today...it's just a bit..."

Realizing what the problem as Iris trailed off and bit her bottom lip, Kouen released a low sigh. So everything was finally hitting her then? He spoke in a soft tone, "It's a lot," Iris glanced at him out of the corner of her eye, "Last night, you likely didn't allow it to sink in that tomorrow you'll be free. For the first time in...three years, was it?" Iris nodded slowly as she turned her head back to look at him, "And with everyone busy, you don't have anyone to pull your attention away from that fact."

Cheeks flushing slightly, Iris muttered as she scowled, "I must look so foolish."

"No, you aren't," Kouen's lips pulled into a gentle smile as he looked at this woman who was one of the strongest he'd met, "If anything, it shows just how strongly these last three years have affected you. I'd be quite worried if you weren't a bundle of nerves," He saw Iris's eyes shimmer and felt a small hint of panic at the thought of her crying, "I do not doubt that anyone would be a bundle of nerves in your position though I doubt they'd be able to handle half of what you have,"

A wet laugh left her lips, Iris's lips pulled into a light smile as she giggled and shook her head. He noticed her shiver and felt his hand shake. Cheeks warming at the realization that he hadn't released her wrist, he removed his cloak and placed it around her shoulders. Iris looked at him in surprise, "I-your cloak is going to get wet."

"I believe Koumei would be rather displeased if his preparations were wasted because you decided to take an impromptu dip in the river," Kouen saw her wince at his attempted joke, "Though given the circumstances, I believe he would give you a pass,"

"You think so?" Iris asked as she carefully adjusted his cloak around her shoulders.

"I do though we should head back to camp," Kouen suggested as he gestured to her, "Even with my cloak, you are still soaked to the bone,"

A weak smile curled across her lips, Iris rubbed the back of her neck, "Yeah, you're right though," She looked at the stallion she'd ridden and grimaced a bit, "I don't think riding him back will be a good idea. While he let me ride him out..."

The stallion snorted at them as he glanced up from where he'd been nibbling at the grass beside Kouen's horse. Nodding in understand, Kouen told Iris, "You can ride with me. I've had to deal with this situation before thanks to Kouha and our Magi. This will be far easier as you are not drunk."

"I want to hear this story," Iris grinned brightly as her eyes lit up, "If you're willing to tell...that is,"

An amused smile curling at his lips, Kouen nodded as he led Iris over to his horse and helped her on, "I don't mind."

Taking a few moments to secure the stallion Iris had taken, Kouen got onto his horse after having Iris adjust her position a bit. Wrapping an arm around Iris's waist as he got settled, they began heading back. As they rode, he told Iris the story of Kouha and Judar's little escapade prompted by a night of drinking. As she laughed and slumped against his chest during the more amusing parts, he felt warmth rush through his body. Having her pressed against his chest like that even with bits of water leaking through his cloak, it felt nice...almost like she belonged there.

Looking at the pale white robe she'd been given by one of the magicians underneath Koumei, Iris's heart felt like it was hammering against her chest. Between the herbal bath she'd been forced to take by Luna and this robe, it felt almost like she was going to be meeting with Lord Habi in that chapel for his yearly ritual. Swallowing heavily as she pulled the robe over her naked form, the cool silk was a sharp contrast to the itchy cotton she'd been forced to wear each year. Pulling her hair free of the robe, she peered into the mirror as a small torch flickered beside it offering some light. Tendrils of ebony trailed down to her waist, the bottom curling loosely around itself.

Turning her head as the tent flap opened, Iris saw Luna stick her head in. The blonde's lips were pulled into a small smile, "They're ready if you are, Ris."

Breathing a bit shakily, Iris nodded as she turned to Luna, "As I'll ever be, Lulu."

Stepping beside the blonde, Iris left the tent and was met by the darkness of predawn. The camp was eerily silent even as many soldiers and magicians stood awake as they peered at her. Walking forward with Luna at her side, they were soon joined by Ginny as they made their way through the silent camp. With each step through the darkness with only torches to guide her, she felt as if she'd gone deaf with only her heartbeat to listen to. Reaching a large ring of torches where a large black stone had been set up, she walked into the ring where Koumei stood with three magicians and Ashe's most trusted pair.

Lips pulled into a grim smile, Koumei extended a hand to her, "Ready?"

Eyes meeting his, Iris nodded and took his hand, "As ready as I'll ever be."

Pulling her gently to his side, Koumei spoke softly as he led her to the stone, "During this process, you need to stay as calm as possible, Iris. I know this will be difficult," Iris was a little startled when she felt his thumb run across the back of her hand, "There is likely going to be a lot of pain involved once this starts, I-if you want to put this off until we can figure out something else-"

"No," Iris's voice was far calmer than she felt, "Everything has been prepared and is ready, Koumei," She managed to smile at him despite the way her heart raced, "I won't waste what you've all managed to do. Let's get this done...please,"

That last word was a plea for him to hurry up and begin before she caved in, Iris might want nothing more than to be free, but at the heart of it, she was still very scared. Squeezing her fingers, Koumei nodded as he gently pushed her to climb onto the stone, "Lay down and try to get comfortable, we'll start in a few moments."

As Koumei released her hand, Iris laid down on her back and tried to get comfortable. Head touching stone, she closed her eyes only to open them as the magicians around her began to chant. Body tensing at the sound, she had to force her body to relax only for her eyes to widen at the feeling of something curling around her wrists. Head starting to rise, she barely caught a glimpse of light wrapping around her wrists before something curled around her neck and forced it down. Gasp leaving her, she called out, "W-what's going on?"

"Easy Iris," Koumei's voice was a beacon of calm from somewhere close to her head, "They're just trying to ensure you don't move around during the procedure. I promise that they wouldn't be doing this if it weren't necessary,"

"I..." Iris's eyes burned, "Okay..."

Being chained down was something she didn't want to experience ever again, Iris would have to deal with it for a little bit longer. Just until the collar was gone, she consoled herself as the feeling of something wrapping around her ankles and legs set in. Eyes shutting as she clenched her jaw, she breathed out through her nose as the chanting changed. Voices rose as the light behind her eyes seemed to grow in intensity, she felt the collar around her neck rise as a buzzing sound filled the air. There was a snarling sound from inside her, the chains binding her dragon form and magic strained something began brushing against them.

The magicians' chanting grew more intense, resonating in the dark predawn air. The chains of light held her firmly in place, their ethereal glow contrasting with the inky blackness of the early morning. Teeth clenching as the sensation of something brushing against the chains increased, the collar around her neck began to react, vibrating with a strange, eerie energy. Like there was a hand squeezing around her throat and mind, a peculiar pressure she hadn't felt before started up. She could sense the collar fighting back, a final desperate struggle to maintain its hold over her. The snarling from deep within her intensified, a beastly defiance against the light's intrusion. As panic started to seep in, Koumei's voice sounded from beside her, "You're doing great, Iris," It was like a lifeline had been tossed out to her within the brewing maelstrom, "Just a bit longer."

Unable to respond due to the overwhelming sensations, Iris could only tremble from the forces battling within her body. Magic withering about wildly as if it had sensed their impending freedom, the dragon snarling and clawing at the chains that still bound it. As if there were two untamed animals trapped within her body, it felt as if she were being clawed open from the inside as they fought to get free of the chains binding them. Voices pierced through the air, and the magicians had become frantic with their chanting. One of them practically screamed out, "The first layer has shattered!"

As he screamed, a shattering sound echoed through her mind and the air around them. Iris's eyes opened as she watched shards of blackened magic dissolve into nothingness around her. A second magician declared, "The second layer has been eradicated!"

There was a wet feeling dripping down her neck, it made Iris's skin itch as the chains within her shivered violently. She arched as the third magician bellowed, "The third layer has dissipated!"

Like strands unweaving themselves from a loom, Iris felt important pieces of the chains falling away. With an enraged snarl, the dragon within her increased its efforts. The chanting grew more fervent and the pressure more intense as they continued breaking the collar's layers. There was a pulse as the fourth magician shouted, "The fourth layer has given way!"

Choking as the collar tightened its grip, Iris struggled against the chains binding her at the feeling. But the feeling dissipated as a shattering sound echoed through the air, she breathed out sharply as the collar released its tight grip. She slumped against the stone only to arch again as a fifth magician growled, "Fifth layer vanquished!"

There was a high-pitched whining sound from the collar as it vibrated against her neck, Iris felt heat gather within the metal as her magic lashed out against it. Popping sounds echoed through the air as she felt something hit her exposed skin, it stung for a brief moment before fading. She barely heard a sixth magician shout, "The sixth layer has been conquered!"

There was a pulsating sensation as the chains fought to keep their grip, a malevolent aura curled about them as it fought the magicians' magic. It twisted and bit at the light invading her only to falter as all the magicians seemed to focus on it and her magic backing it up. Shattering like glass, the collar jerked against her neck violently. There was another shout as the chains surrounding her magic and inner dragon shattered, Iris couldn't pay much attention as her body began to convulse and everything went blank from the pain.

There was one final shattering sound before the collar slipped free of Iris's neck with a soft clink, Koumei watched it happen with a small smile. The smile vanished as Iris began to convulse against the stone and the first scream of pain left her lips. Heart feeling as if ice had lodged itself in the muscle before it'd been plunged into his stomach, he turned to the nearest magician and demanded, "What's going on? What happened?"

"I don't know, My lord," The man was pale and shook as he looked at Koumei with wide brown eyes, "T-that wasn't supposed to happen,"

"Then...then what the hell is going on?" Koumei felt as if his legs were going to fail him as he looked back at Iris.

There was a soft noise from behind him, Koumei didn't look to see what it was until Luna's voice sounded, "Oh, Iris, we should have realized this would happen."

Head snapping towards the blonde, Koumei saw the regretful look on her face, "What do you mean?"

Eyes filled with sorrow, Luna's voice was soft as she replied, "Only powerful mages can have a magical animal form, Koumei. And Iris, she has some of the strongest magic," The blonde let out a deep sigh, "For three years, she's been without a majority of her magic. The small stints where she was given just barely enough of her magic to transform left her weakened beyond belief," The blonde looked at him with a sorrowful look on her face, "As a man who's spent months in the desert with little water has finally found an oasis, Iris's body has finally been given the things it's been deprived of...only not in increments...all at once."

"I-is she going to die?" Kouha's voice trembled as his younger brother stepped through the ring of torches.

"Iris? Dying?" A soft chuckle sounded as Neville stepped into the ring of torches, "She isn't about to die from something like this," He began walking towards where Iris lay, "My sister's animal is a dragon for a reason,"

"What are you-" Koumei began with a frown.

Faltering as a hand settled on his arm, Koumei looked to see Luna smiling gently at him. The blonde spoke as Neville reached the stone and got onto it, "There is a reason Neville can heal Iris and isn't just because he's a healer."

Opening his mouth to ask what she meant, Koumei saw the chains holding Iris as still as possible shattering like brittle glass. Eyes widening as he watched Neville pick up Iris, the sandy-haired man settled on the slab and settled Iris in his lab. Beginning to hum as he started to stroke her hair, Neville's mouth opened as he sang something in a language that he'd never heard before. Sparks of emerald green rose from Iris's hair and began to cling to Neville's skin, the man didn't seem to notice as he held Iris's convulsing form. Gradually the convulsions stopped, Neville continued to sing and stroke Iris's hair until one of her hands weakly rose to bat at his hand.

There was a gentle chuckle from the sandy-haired man, Neville's eyes were soft as he looked down at Iris, "Troublemaking dragon."

"Tiresome bear," Iris murmured hoarsely, "I feel like shit,"

"Not surprised," Neville shifted her around so that she was sitting up, "You've got a lotta people worried about ya,"

Blinking her eyes slowly, Iris looked about and Koumei noticed her emerald green eyes flickering every few seconds. They became a brilliant reddish-gold for just a few moments before changing back to their regular color. Head tilting as she peered at them, a slow smile curled across her lips, "Oh...Hi?"

Relief and amusement washed over him, Koumei walked towards where Iris was settled in Neville's lap with Luna and Kouha at his side. A gentle smile curling at his lips, he murmured, "Hi, indeed, Iris," He held out a hand to her and she peered at him curiously, "Welcome to freedom."

Blinking slowly as if it was taking a few moments for those words to register, Iris's lips pulled into a breathtaking grin as she murmured, "Freedom...I like the sound of that."