The sound of hacking echoed throughout the bedroom, the shake of the bed from every cough waking Daemon from her slumber. The mare let out an annoyed sigh as she rolled around to face the convulsing figure of her fiancé, Bakmah's body shuddering from his coughs.

"Bakksy." said Daemon softly as she inched closer. "Bakksy, are you okay?" She placed a hoof on his shoulder, causing him to groan as he tried to lean away from her. She blinked as she brought her hoof back. Frowning, she placed her hoof on his shoulder again, rolling him over to face her.

Daemon recoiled as she gazed at Bakmah, the drake looking deathly pale. Blood covered the area around his mouth and one of his claws. His eyes were dilated and bloodshot. His breathing was heavy and quick as if he had trouble getting air into him.

The lights in the room came on as she backed away from him. She went to try and see what was wrong, but she stopped as she remembered what had happened when she touched him last. She bit her lip as she lit her horn. There was a thud followed by a pained groan.

"Fuck. Daemon, what the he-" Lilian was cut off as Daemon grabbed him by the collar and lifted him up on the bed, facing him at the body of Bakmah.

"What's wrong?!" she practically screamed in his ear. The drake could feel her tremble as she pointed him at the nearly lifeless form of his brother. Lilian cursed as he shook Daemon's hooves off him, rushing towards his brother. He stopped at his side, his claws hovering over his body as he looked him up and down.

"How long has he been like this?" he asked, looking back at the mare.

“I just woke up! How am I suppose to know?” The was a slight growl in her voice as she kept looking between the two dragons.

"It was just a question. I didn't know if you were or not." said Lilin, putting his claws up. He leaned forward as he looked over the drake. "Well, from what Bakmah taught me from when he insisted we learn about diseases and all that shit, this isn't any illness that has been recorded, at least within my knowledge." Lilian let out a sigh as he got off the bed, cracking his back as he did. "I have an idea, but it seems unlikely."

“What idea?”

Lilian sighed. "Being the God of Health, Bakmah is very sensitive to illness, but not in the way that one might think. I don't mean he gets sick easily, I mean being around too many sick ponies or otherwise could end up hospitalizing him and, if bad enough, kill him." The drake shook his head. "Unless the populace of Ponyville got sick overnight, he shouldn't be going through this."

Daemon closed her eyes for a moment before shaking her head. “No. Ponyville is going about it’s usual daily routine. Their hospital has the same number...no. They have less patients than yesterday.”

"Hmm." Lilian scratched behind his head. "Check nationally and internationally." Daemon opened her eyes to glare at Lilian.

“In this body, I can only keep tabs on Ponyville. You want that information, get it yourself.”

"One, that would take more time than needed. Two, we need someone with some medical knowledge to keep eyes on him incase he gets worse....or dies." said the drake, almost whispering the last part. He sighed. "Do either of you have a very powerful magic user as an enemy who would like to harm either one of you?"

“Hmm...None that I think are still alive...”

"That's saying something when we're heading into war." muttered Lilian. He sighed. "I have no clue what's wrong with him, and I doubt he would fake this." He turned to her. "So are you sure that there is no one, enemy or not, that would want to hurt either of you?"

“Hmm.” Daemon furrowed her brow, deep in thought. “Maybe Celestia if Bakksy got her pregnant when they fucked.”

Lilian blinked before shaking his head. "Okay then. Are you able to keep a good eye on sick boy here? I want to get back to keeping watch on my pregnant girlfriend." He let out a yawn. "And sleeping. Sleeping sounds good."

“If you think you are going back to sleep while he is still like this, you don’t know how wrong you are...” Daemon’s voice was deep and steady, a sinister undertone twisted in with it.

"There is nothing I can do. And I'm running on probably a few hours of sleep, I won't be of much help when I am needed." He sighed. "Yes, I'm worried, but it won't help the matter if I'm tired when I need to do something. Right now, the best we can do is make sure his body temp isn't too high and he doesn't have any seizures or otherwise. That I think you can do on your own."

Daemon stomped. "What kind of brother are you if refuses to be by his dying sibling!"

"The one who doesn't want to see him in pain!" yelled Lilian, whipping around. "I thought him dead for years and its coming to truth." Lilian turned around. “You can deal with him on your own. I need to be by myself.”

“Fine then! Leave.” Daemon said with a growl. “I’ll just do everything on my own again...nothing’s changed.”

"I just need sleep, Daemon. You can handle a few hours without me or Snuffy." said Lillian with a sigh. The mare didn’t even look back at the white drake as she mumbled something about he should be gone already, keeping her eyes locked on her fiance. Lilian sighed as he turned around and walked out of the room, leaving them alone.

“I don’t know what to do, Bakksy. Why don’t I know what to do?” Daemon rubbed her hooves together, wanting to embrace the dragon, but afraid that it would only bring him pain. “For as long as I have lived, I should know what to do in this situation, but again, I can only watch as a loved one suffers...”

"It's about time someone tried to kill me, anyways." Bakmah slowly looked in the direction of his loved one, his voice sounding like sandpaper. "Besides, it's not the pain I hate... It's that I see you in pain."

"Don't worry about me, Bakmah. I can endure as long as you get better."

"If I do." The drake let out a groan. "I doubt I'm going to be around too long at this point."

"Shut up, you stupid dragon. You will pull through this just fine. Now, is there anything you need, Bakksy?"

"Besides having you here, no." The drake laid his head down with a sigh. "I need sleep."

"Then sleep." Daemon reached out as if to stroke Bakmah's head, but stopped halfway and pulled her hoof back.

"I will see whenever I wake." said the drake, closing his eyes. "Hopefully, it will be soon."

"It will be, and I'll be right here when you do."

"And I will look forward to it." said the drake, drifting off into Luna's Dream Realm.

“So you haven’t noticed anything strange around town lately.” Daemon’s voice cooed.

“No. Not really. Town’s been pretty normal. Now, the things around town have been a bit strange. Princess Luna thinks there might be changeling forces at work. It won’t be good if they side with Exitium so we were actually planning an expedition to the badlands to see if we could somehow get Queen Chrysalis on our side. I personally do not see that happening.”

“Changelings aren’t behind what my problem is right now...” Daemon said with a huff.

"Bakmah is half dead in their bedroom." said Lilian as he walked by the two, rubbing sleep out of his eyes. "So yeah, no changelings."”

“I see. I am sorry I really couldn’t be much more of a help. I’ve been trying to keep myself busy ever since...Well, you know.”

“I understand, Crystal.” Daemon scooted closer to the pegasus. “Hey...are you feeling alright? Nothing bothering you physically?”

“Now that you mentioned it, I have overheard some ponies talking about feeling out of sorts. I think Twilight mentioned something about an illness that is causing some magical disruption or something. She was in study mode when I was trying to talk to her.”

"Told you something else was wrong." Lilian walked back into the room holding a mug of what seemed like coffee. "So, how has he been since I left?"

“The same, more or less.” Daemon sighed, following Lilian into the room. “So do you think you think that may be the problem?” The unicorn shut the door, leaving Crystal on the other side alone.

"It isn't physical, but it is still an illness. It could be causing this, but how exactly we fix this, I'm not sure. It would also help if we had a source." Lillian scratched behind his head, staring at the sleeping form of his brother. "And, whether or not you like it, it still could kill him after a period of time like this."

“What if I just move Ponyville?”

"Where? The moon? I have no doubt he can tell if one of the princess has the sniffles or if someone on the opposite side of the planet caught the flu."

“Then just what are we suppose to do? Just sit here with our horns up our asses. Or maybe we could wander aimlessly around town, asking who got sick first.”

"I don't like it either, but that's what it's looking like." Lillian let out a sigh. "I at least wish we knew how to figure out symptoms so we at least know the severity."

“It’s apparently severe enough. I just wanna know how to cure it beside the alternative I am thinking.” Daemon growl as she shimmied up on the bed, trying not to disturb Bakmah.

"Well, we could ask Twilight and see what she knows, break down the symptoms and their effects, then we could narrow down a cure that we may or may not spread out on a massive scale."

“But the requires me leaving Bakmah’s side and I promised him I would be right here if he wakes up.”

"Then stay, I'll go talk with Twilight. Hopefully, if we can find something to start a cure." The drake turned, making his way towards the door once again.

“Bring back some food with you!” Daemon yelled after him.

"The kitchen is right there." said Lillian, closing the door behind him. The drake came face to face with Crystal, who was still standing on the other side of the door.

“So...”

"Yes?" asked the drake, raising an eyebrow at her.

“Well, I was wondering what to do next. I am technically the only active Knight in Ponyville, I have an obligation to make sure it is safe and from what I can tell, it’s not safe.”

The drake sighed, rubbing his temple. "Well, you can follow me and help me pry whatever information we can out of this Twilight Sparkle. The quicker we cure Ponyville, the quicker we can save my brother and ourselves from an emotionally broken Daemon."

"Sounds like a good plan, though Twilight might not take kindly to you trying to pry anything out of her."

"And I won't take kindly to young, mortal mares keeping important information that could easily help stop a tragedy just because she doesn't appreciate me asking." Lilian growled slightly as he walked towards the exit. "Those two are very close. I'm more afraid of how either one of them would react if the other died. The results would be... apocalyptic."

“I understand. I am just saying to be careful about how you ask Twilight. She’s been under some stress lately and I would rather not have her go through another breakdown. She is a fragile mare when it comes to these situations.” With a flap of the wings, Crystal took to the air, hovering so she was eye level with Lilian.

"And understand I am more concerned about Daemon having a breakdown. But I will heed some respect and not try and pressure her too much, if that is what you wish." The drake began climbing the stairs. "However, I am afraid that we won't have enough time to cure this illness. If that is the case, we better hope to the gods Daemon can hold herself together."

“It’s funny you should say that considering what Daemon is.” Crystal snickered as she flew on ahead. “Either way, I have a feeling this isn’t ending well even if we can cure this illness.”

Lilian stopped half way up the stairs, his tail swishing from side to side. "It already has." He said with a deep sigh. "Come, we might as well grab something to eat."

As Lilian awoke he could only lie there, keeping his eyes closed as he refused to walk into the shitstorm that awaited him. Letting out a sigh, he sat himself up, opening his eyes to let in the interior of the room that him and Sanufia had occupied.

The drake sat there, a curtain of dark depression hanging above him as he stared at the far wall. "I honestly don't know what to do." Lilian leaned forward, placing his head in his claws, rubbing his temples lightly. Sanufia nuzzled against the drake lightly.

“What is Snuffy’s mate confused about?”

"Bakmah died from an unknown cause last night...and Daemon was still waiting for him to wake up when I came to bed last night." He sighed. "I just... don't know how to break it to her that he's dead." The hybrid sat there for a moment more before lifting herself up.

“Snuffy thinks the best way would be gently and very very carefully.

"Yeah...yeah, you're right." The drake reached next to him, smiling lightly as he rubbed her fur belly. "Would have at least liked them to meet their uncle..."

“But Snuffy thought that Bakmah had a way to come back from the dead.” She furrowed her brow. “At least, that is what Snuffy thought the red orbs were for...”

"Those use magic. I'm surprised he was able to talk with Daemon. I doubt he had.enough magic to transfer his soul over in the end." Lilian sighed. "No one is perfect, mortal or god. We have flaws."

“But the chance is there, right? And who did this will be found, yes?”

"A chance, maybe. As for who did this, we don't even know if it is natural illness or something someone created for the purpose of getting Bakmah sick enough to die. We have no real evidence of anything." Lilian nuzzled up to the hybrid. "I'm just worried how Daemon is going to react once she realizes he might not be waking up soon, if not ever."

“If Snuffy knows Daemon, anyone who had any part in this should fear what is to come.” Sanufia snuggled tighter against Lilian. “And we should watch our step, just in case.”

"Do you want to join me in breaking it to her, or do you want to stay here?" The drake's claw ran over the small enlarging bump that was her stomach. "For both of your safety's."

“Snuffy thinks it would be a good idea not to be around Daemon as she is told. Snuffy only worries for the safety of our little one.” The hybrid looked up with a smile. “Or ones.”

The drake chuckled as he stood. "Then I'll make sure I'm careful and come back in one piece." He sighed as he started towards the door. "Wish me luck."

“All the luck.” Sanufia curled up on the bed, watching Lilian as he left. The drake nodded as he left. He stared at the door that led into the bedroom of his deceased brother and Demon. He then knocked on the door softly. "Daemon?" The door slowly creaked open to the room.

“Ah, Lili. I’ve been expecting you...”

"Y-you have?" The drake slowly pushed the door open, peeking his head in. The purple mare was still sitting in the same spot she was before, not seeming to have moved an inch.

“Of course. Why wouldn’t I have been?”

"Because, I said I didn't find anything and we needed more time, but we had to sleep on it." The drake scratched his head. “I actually have to talk to you about Bakmah..."

“He is dead. I know...” The mare slowly blinked. “I need to know who did this, Lili. Do you think you can help me with that?”

"I will." said the drake solemnly. "We just need somewhere to look, which we do not have."

Daemon smiled. "Then I guess we need to search for a lead."

Lilian scratched behind his head. "Well, we do know that the illness was in a large scale, but has a minuette effect, explaining why Bakmah's senses picked it up so well. We just need to figure out who out of our enemies or anyone we know who could possibly have ill will to Bakmah or you that has enough power to do this." He sighed. "Considering his past exploits of slaughter, I am not surprised if he has enemies, we are also heading to war, so there is a possibility that Exitium could have done this to turn things in his favor."

"Exitium`s war is with Equestria, not me nor Bakmah." Daemon said calmly. "It would have to be an old enemy of his. I would very much like to oust this problem so Bakmah is able to return."

"Yes, well, three thousand years thinking he was dead and having met you only a few months ago mean that I have no clue who your old enemies are." The drake sighed, something he was finding himself doing a lot. "I am at a lost with who could have done this then. Any dragon enemies would have just came and tried to physically kill him, which is impossible. And since they can't use magic, we are stuck with ponies."

“Then search the ponies. Any and every of them. Find which one has any information of this act.” Daemon hopped off the bed and walked very slowly towards Lilian. “You seem very relaxed for what has happened, Lilian...”

"I am used to this by now, Daemon. You have to understand that I have murdered my own brother for greed and had to deal with the fact that I may be the only living Genesis heir for over three thousand years until I met Bakmah once again." The drake sighed. "It was something I knew couldn't last, because our family has always been stricken with tragedy so it was only a matter of time."

“Yes...you have killed your own family before. It’s not like it would be a difficult thing to do again...Hmm.” Daemon smiled softly. “Speculation. I think I may go out for a bit... Search around for some clues.” The mare calmly walked past the drake. “Do make the best of your time, Lilian. Seems nothing in this world of ours can last for long...”

"You think I killed him?" asked Lilian, not turning around to face her. "You think I killed my brother just after I got him back?"

“I said nothing of the sorts, Lilian.” Daemon stopped, glancing back at the dragon. “I just have a faint distaste in your utter lack of participation or interest in finding your brother’s would-be assassin.”

"Because, I know I would only get in your way." He turned to her. "You have more of a motive to find and... kill his assassin. You would be better by yourself than me trying to help you with my faint knowledge of being a detective."

“If that helps your conscious then go ahead believing it, Lilian. Just go ahead and stay in this little hole in the ground, believing that little lie of yours. I know if I were you, I would be ashamed of my weakness.” The mare huffed, flicking her tail before walking on.

The drake sighed. "Well, what do you expect me to do Daemon? We can't go asking every pony in Equestria if they had anything to do with Bakmah's death." Daemon suddenly appeared in front of the drake, jabbing her hoof at his chest.

“Wrong! That is exactly what I am going to do, and I am going to do it because I can! I can tell when someone is lying to me and, while I may not have the range I use to, you can be damn sure I will use everything at my disposal to find who did this to the one I love.” Daemon growled as she stared at the dragon. “You can’t even make a vain attempt to claim the same.”

"I know I can't. I am nothing more than an overgrown lizard who has a few magical abilities and a lengthened life, and you are a god." The drake leaned closer to her. "But I know that running around in hate and anger will not get you closer to his murder. At least sitting and thinking will be a better route. Who do we know who might have ill will to Bakmah, who is powerful enough to create a magic based illness? Then you can interrogate your suspects as you wish. It would save you some time." Lilian looked back at his brother's corpse. "In the meantime...I need to prepare a proper burial."

“Bleh!” Daemon turned her back to him. “I have been sitting and thinking for a thousand years. I have learned when you have no leads or suspects, you go out and find them. The illness started in Ponyville, it’s only logical to think they who did it would still be in the surrounding area...watching their work. It’s what I would do anyways.”

"You scare me..." The drake sighed. "Then you go tear apart the town, I need to prepare a grave for your fiancé... do you want to keep his ring?"

“I do believe he will appreciate having his ring when he is able to return.” Daemon was staring at the ceiling, eyebrows furrowed as she concentrated.

"And if he doesn't return?" There was a long silence before Daemon turned to look at Lilian, smiling as she did.

“Oh. I wouldn’t worry about something like that if I were you, Lili.”

The drake nodded slowly as he walked to the body of his brother. "Anyways, I am still going to remove his ring and put it on a chain for you. This body is inhabitable, so I doubt if he comes back he will be in this body. All the major organs are shit and he wouldn't survive in it." said Lilian as he removed the ring. "I do hope you find who did this, though. So I wish you luck on that."

“Luck is a fickle thing, Lilian. Best not rely on it when you can.” Daemon let out a small laugh as she walked towards the door. “You can just put the ring on the night stand.”

The drake did as she said, staring at her as she left. Once she was gone, he sighed as he turned to his brother's corpse. "Quite an interesting catch, you masochist." Lilian shook his head as he summoned a bucket of water and wash cloth, getting ready to wash his corpse.