Half A Minute Later:

The castle crash-landed on its side in the middle of what looked like nowhere.

However, in reality, they landed in a field in what looked like the middle of a country setting; it even had a decent-sized farmhouse.

"Ow…" Connor moaned, lying on one of the walls next to the main door.

"Mmm… Kari? Kari! Where are you?!" Howl moaned a little, standing up before calling for Kari; he was somewhere in the kitchen.

"Kari!" Howl yelled, looking around when she didn't reply.

"Mmmm…" Howl vaguely heard Kari's light moan.

"Kari, can you hear me?!" Howl called.

"Well, we made it." Calcifer stated, looking out a window.

"Not now, Calcifer. I have to find Kari!" How exclaimed, trying not to snap.

"She's under the table; I can see her hair." Calcifer told Howl.

"Thank you, Calcifer. Kari!" Howl thanked Calcifer before making his way to the kitchen table.

Tossing the table aside, Howl found Kari barely conscious with a massive gash on her forehead. She also had a large cut going from her shoulder down to a few inches above her wrist.

However, it looked like her nose stopped bleeding.

"Ok. Kari, hold on." Howl frantically instructed, carefully lifting Kari out of the debris.

"Mmm…" Kari moaned in pain.

"I'm sorry." Howl apologized, looking around; he had to figure out how to get out of the castle.

He could easily get the castle upright and fix the hole, but he couldn't have the others in the castle.

Hell, it wasn't safe for him to be in the castle when flipping it over and everything.

"Do you need any help in there?" The group heard someone, a male, ask from outside the castle.

"How many in your party?! Is anyone hurt?!" Another person, a female, asked, concerned.

"Yes, we need help! There are four of us plus three Kittens! I'm fine, but one of us is severely injured and one may be hurt. I'm not sure about the kittens!" Howl answered, looking around; he couldn't pinpoint where these people were.

While looking for these people, Howl spotted Sammy wobbling over to them, Pumpkin rolling around the floors, and Sparky popped out of a cookie jar or something.

After a minute or two, there was a loud buzzing noise, followed by a wall falling inward.

A man with short dark brown hair and hazel eyes and an older woman with dark, dark, graying orange hair and brown eyes walked in.

"Please bring the girl out. We'll check her first." The man instructed, watching as Howl protectively held onto Kari.

Sammy, Pumpkin, and Sparky followed Howl out—followed by Connor and Calcifer.

"So, you're the great Howl Pendragon, huh? We've heard of you and your achievements and everything. For a long time, you were misunderstood—until you met Sophie. Sorry about that loss by the way. Please lay the girl on the medical table and Shari will look her over. My name is Jasper; I will check you and the boy out." This man, Jasper, spoke before instructing and stating.

"Fine. Look at Connor first. Don't worry about me; I'm fine." Howl insisted, laying Kari on a table.

"This isn't Catelyn's little girl, is it?" Shari asked, looking Kari over as soon as Howl set her down.

"Catelyn—the Irish witch who was with that oath of a man, Hunter?" Jasper asked, looking at Connor.

"Yes, Jasper…" Shari replied, annoyed, stopping Kari's blood from freely flowing.

"Shari—you know better. Hunter had Catelyn poisoned and pretty much sold Kari to that good-for-nothing-prince, Tristan Cooper. That poor child. She had her powers stripped and then was given to the prince of Hell as a sacrifice." Jasper scolded before grumbling, getting Howl's attention.

"Catelyn? Catelyn McHale? You never said anything about her being a "McHale." No wonder she had that barrette." Calcifer spoke up, stunned, getting Jasper and Shari's attention.

"Yes, this is Kari; she is the daughter of Catelyn and Hunter Gage. I didn't say anything about Catelyn's last because I didn't know her maiden name; I only knew her maiden name." Howl answered Calcifer, slightly annoyed.

"So—this is Catelyn's little girl?" Shari asked again.

"Yes." Howl answered.

"You're telling me that this girl is Kari Gage? The same Kari Gage given to Prince Tristan Cooper? That this girl escaped Tristan Cooper?" Jasper asked, shocked.

"Yes. She's been living with Connor, Calcifer, and me for nearly a month. She was being chased by some slime creatures when I first met her. She looked like she had recently been beaten, raped, and running for over an hour. He once again found her about two weeks ago. Up until a little bit ago, we'd been up in the sky; Calcifer said he knew a place that would be safe for her." Howl calmly answered, looking Jasper directly in the eye so he'd know he was telling the truth.

"I'm so glad she's still alive." Shari sighed in relief.

"She got lucky. It's amazing she was able to escape him—especially since he successfully raped her. It's amazing she's not pregnant." Jasper pessimistically stated.

"She told me that he never got to finish—that he just penetrated and pushed two or three times before something about a bright flash and her restraints were removed. He was on the ground, in pain, so she got her clothes on and ran. She didn't know how she was able to get away, but she did; she didn't question it and just ran. She doesn't know how she got in the Wastes, but she did—and that's where we met." Howl explained.

"She got lucky." Jasper repeated.

"You two are dating now, aren't you?" Shari asked with a smile.

"Uhhh… No. Well, honestly, I don't know. We agreed that once we got settled and she was comfortable enough, we'd go out—just the two of us. But I'm leaving it up to her. With all she's been through already, I won't take anymore choices away from her; I'll be patient and go at her pace. Now, if someone wouldn't mind: just who is this "Tristan Cooper?" Who or what is he?" Howl answered and then asked, looking at Shari and Jasper.

"You've never heard of Jasper Cooper?" Jasper asked, shocked while Shari concentrated on Kari.

"No. Should I have?" Howl asked, watching the two.

"Jasper, it makes sense. Aside from Kari and her mother, have you ever heard of the McHales, Gages, or Sulimans? Well, I'm sure you've heard of Sulimans; you were married to Lettie's older sister. But what about the Gages and McHales?" Shari scolded Jasper before asking Howl.

"No. Well, I know Gages are relatives of Sulimans. Or at least Kari's father was." Howl answered.

"Ok. I'm finished with Kari; she just needs to rest. Sit down, Dear. I didn't figure you'd heard of us. Sorry. Catelyn was my niece—and for the most part she was immortal. However, with the right type of poison, she could be—and was killed. For the longest time, it was thought was the chosen one. However, that wasn't the case—and Kari is indeed the chosen one. Unlike her mother, not even poison can't even kill her. Same goes for you. I see it just how you look at her—and the emotions radiating from her. You are her chosen one. That means, anything she can—or should be able to do, you can do as well. That includes full immortality. I placed this barrier around her because her mother doesn't want her to know or remember certain things. Yes, Kari is my great niece, but she can't know that. If she knows anything about me being related to her, it could hurt her. I'm telling you this because I'm a blabber mouth and it's been driving me crazy since Catelyn told me she was going to die—that she was going to be murdered. Kari—she'll get her powers and abilities back—but it'll take time. No, I can't tell you how or when. But she will get them back. I'm sorry I can't tell you much." Shari explained and then apologized before taking a deep breath.

"You know the Sulimans. By all means, the Gages weren't a family of powerful witches or wizards—but they were greedy. Kari's grandmother—Hunter's mother was a Suliman. Kari's grandfather—Hunter's father was a Gage. Personally, I don't know Hunter; I only ever met him at their wedding. But from what I understand, he did all he could to surpass his family's strongest members. That never happened. His plan then became find a wife from a strong family, have a child, and steal their powers. Clearly, that didn't work for him either."

"No matter where you go, there are incredibly strong witches, wizards, or warlocks. Each country has two or three strong magical families. However, for the last five thousand years or so, they've been saying that a chosen one will be born. That chosen one will be considered the strongest witch or wizard of all time. No one knew who's family this child would be born into, but every family prayed it would be theirs—every family but ours. For a long time, people thought it was you—but few knew the truth. Most magical families or beings from Ireland and Germany—and some from England knew the truth." Shari continued to explain.

"What is that truth?" Connor asked, curious while Howl intently listened.

"The chosen one would be female. Still, no one knew who's family she'd be born into. We only knew the child would be female because she'd be a direct reincarnation of the last most powerful witch. Growing up, I always heard the stories; my sister and I told Catelyn and her brothers as well. But there was a powerful witch, who was killed by a powerful demon—well, nearly killed; she could've easily healed herself. But instead, she sacrificed herself and swore she'd be back; she would be reincarnated. However, this child would be immortal and far stronger than she ever was—or than he or his offspring ever hope to be. She never called the child the "chosen one;" that's just what people started calling her. She was turned to stone and the demon was sealed away until about one-hundred-fifty years ago—maybe two hundred. When he returned, he swore to kill off whoever he thought would be the "chosen one—" or who he thought would have that child. However, he found he had no powers; she had stripped him of them. So—he did the only thing he could think of and started procreating." Shari answered and then continued before Jasper interrupted her.

"And that's where Tristan comes in. He is the son of that demon and some desperate mid-level witch who sold her soul to him. Jasper killed her when he was six; he was then given his father's powers and abilities. No matter how strong Kari's abilities are, she's no match for him with her powers stripped. Not to mention all her health issues. She's lucky—that's it. As long as she stays here in this place, she'll be safe. If she ever goes past that barrier, she's on her own. This boy is just fine. Just take it easy." Jasper spoke with such disdain before walking away.

"What's his problem?" Calcifer asked, watching Jasper walk away.

"Don't mind him; it's a touchy subject. His sister was strong. No, she wasn't the "chosen one," but she was strong. Tristan took, wed, raped, stole all of her abilities, and killed her. He's bound here; he cannot leave. He cannot get revenge or avenge her death. This barrier—it was created by a group of powerful witches and wizards who sacrificed themselves to keep our peaceful kind safe. There aren't many, but there are non-magical humans living here as well. But for each kind, peaceful, good, or pure-hearted witch, wizard, or even warlock who die or are killed, their soul is transferred into the barrier, making it stronger. The witch Kari is reincarnated from: her soul is also part of the barrier; she's the reason it can't be destroyed, and only good or pure-hearted beings can enter. However, it can't stop people from leaving. Jasper is stuck here by a curse his sister left on him."

"But anyway—our family never thought anyone in our family would ever be the "chosen one." But when Kari was two or three, Catelyn called home, hysterical. She was honored that Kari was chosen, but at the same time; it wasn't something she wanted for her. What I mean, is that she didn't want people or whoever coming after her daughter like she knew they would. She's older now—and even though she has her health issues, Kari can't be killed by poison. But when she was smaller, she could've been. And this is what her mother doesn't want her knowing. That poison Catelyn ingested that killed her, wasn't meant for her; it was meant for Kari. It would've been a slow painful death for Kari. Catelyn took it so that, even though it may be hard, Kari could live. Kari was born early, and her lungs didn't fully develop right away. They did devolve, but she struggles to breathe sometimes—especially if she overexerts herself. Don't worry about sex; as long as you take control, she'll be fine. Or if she takes it easy. But if Kari is anything like her mother; she puts the blame on herself—a lot. But my brother was a major dick, was always hard on, and put Catelyn down all the time. Hunter was just the same, I guess. Catelyn must've seen that Kari would be just like her or something and that's why she doesn't want Kari to know what she did. If Kari knew that truth, how would she take and handle it? All I know is that she'd think it's her fault. Hi, Sammy. How are you doing? It's been so long." Shari continued explaining before Sammy walked over to her.

"You know Sammy?" Connor asked, confused.

"Of course, I know Sammy. Our family loves cats; Kari's no exception. After Catelyn passed and then I heard about Cuckoo passing a few years later, I sent her Sammy and an immortal spell. Well, not right after. I had just found out my cat was pregnant at the time. I figured she needed time to cope anyway. So, once he was old enough, I sent him to her. However, she may remember it differently. And actually, I sent a few so she could choose one. In the end, I think he chose her. Cats are amazingly, wonderful, fickle creatures; they know exactly who or what they want—when they want it or them. But I should be going. Kari will be just fine. Just give it an hour and her wounds will heal." Shari explained with a soft smile.

"Oh, and that barrette she gave you to eat was fake; it was just a copy. She keeps the actual ones safe, tucked up, under her hair. They originally belonged to my great, great grandmother—Kari's great, great, great grandmother. The one she gave you were green; the originals are ruby red—and there are two of them. She may not be able to use magic, but Kari can feel it just fine." Shari spoke, thinking of something at the last second.

"How do you know about the barrette?" Calcifer asked, stunned.

"I have my ways." Shari answered with a smile.

"How can we get a hold of you if we need to see you—or if Kari wants to thank you?" Howl asked, watching Shari.

"You don't or won't." Shari answered.

"Heh. You're her, aren't you? You're the one from all those years ago—the one Kari's a reincarnation of." Howl spoke, watching Shari.

"You've got a sharp eye. Just wanted to check up on her. Howl—keep her safe. Yes, she'll get her powers and abilities back—but it'll be a while yet. It's your call whether or not you wish to tell her about how she lost her powers or not. And I think you're already planning on waiting, but if you're not; I want to let you know that I think that would be what's for the best for now. Jasper is right; she is safest here. But I can't keep her safe if she leaves the barrier before her powers return. Tristan is just as bad as his father and has been alive far longer than Kari. If he gets her, he'll get her immortality and some other abilities. Trust me: he'll come looking. He can't get past the barrier, but he can use certain abilities of his to call for her—and whether she wants to or not, she won't be able to resist the noise that calls for her. The barrier is still another twelve miles from here—and while she may only make it halfway there on foot, I'm sure Tristan would have something up his sleeve to get her all the way there. ALWAYS keep your ears open for her—and strange flute noises. Keep her safe. Don't ever let her out of your—or someone you trust's sights. It might take some convincing, but she should sleep with you at night permanently. Oh, and don't worry about getting her pregnant; her mother placed a spell on her on her first birthday that keeps her from becoming pregnant until she and her chosen one are ready. Age is just a number—and you are her chosen one. Goodbye." Shari replied, explained, firmly warned, and then disappeared—as did the small barrier around Kari.

"How did you know?" Calcifer asked, watching as Howl flipped the castle back upright.

"The way she talked—the way she explained certain things—especially when she talked about herself, Kari, Catelyn, and even Sammy. The way she knew things she shouldn't. If you were paying attention, you would've noticed she sparked a little. It was the same type of sparkle as the barrier all around this area—and the small barrier she placed around Kari." Howl answered, shocking Calcifer.

"You were paying that much attention?" Calcifer asked, watching as Howl carefully lifted Kari into his arms.

"Mmm… Howl…" Kari softly moaned in her sleep at the sudden movement.

"I'm right here. Yes, Calcifer; I was listening—and learning all I could about Kari—and where she comes from. Let's head in. At least this is a safe and peaceful place." Howl told Kari, gently placing her head on his shoulder before answering Calcifer, walking into the castle. He sighed, momentarily looking out the door.

Once he was done looking outside, Howl closed the door and started walking to the stairs.

"Hey. No. Away from there. Connor, hold onto something." Howl scolded and shooed Pumpkin and Sparky away from the hole in the floor; he then firmly instructed Connor before skillfully repairing the floor while firmly holding onto Kari.

"Well, that's certainly much better." Calcifer stated, looking at the floor.

"Yes, it is." Howl agreed, once again walking to the stairs.

"Now the rest of the place just needs to be fixed up." Calcifer spoke, half-serious, half teasing.

"All in due time. But be my guest if you want it done now." Howl spoke, quickly shutting Calcifer up.

"I should've asked her if she knew who and why they were trying to shoot us down just before we got past the barrier." Connor said to himself, causing Howl to stiffen a little.

Howl, himself, had been wondering that; it was the first thing he was going to ask someone once he knew Kari was ok. But then Shari started explaining things, and he completely spaced that thought.

"I'm sure you'll see someone around at a different time; you can ask them then." Calcifer spoke, noticing Howl stiffen up.

"Yes… We shall do all that once Kari's up and moving." Howl responded before carrying Kari upstairs to his room—soon to be their room—assuming he could convince her.

After laying Kari down, the first thing Howl noticed was that her arm was nearly fully healed; her forehead was getting there.

The second thing Howl noticed were two ruby-red barrettes with roses as a decoration, falling out of her hair onto his pillows.

Carefully, Howl picked up and moved the barrettes to his bedside table.

"Howl…" Kari weakly moaned, looking at the ceiling, panicking a little, not knowing where she was.

"Hey. No, no, no. Shhh… Relax. It's ok; I'm right here. Sammy's here as well. Apparently so are Sparky—and here comes Pumpkin." Howl calmly told Kari, gently pushing her back down to the bed when she struggled to sit up.

Sammy was immediately by her head, and Sparky came zooming in with Pumpkin slowly waddling behind.

"Are we dead?" Kari softly asked, looking around.

"No, we're not dead. You should know better; we can't die." Howl assured her, rubbing Kari's forehead.

"What about Connor and Calcifer?" Kari softly asked, confused.

"They're downstairs and just fine. May I sit?" Howl answered and then asked, watching Kari; she scooted an inch, indicating she wanted him to sit.

"Are we not in the sky anymore? Did we land somewhere? Those people who shooting large, heavy balls at us. The castle?!" Kari asked, panicked, looking at Howl.

"Shhh. Calm down; you're going to hurt yourself more so than you already are. No, we're not in the sky anymore; we landed in our new home. The castle is just fine—a little messy, but just fine. Using some magic, I got it standing upright and got the hole in the floor fixed." Howl started explaining but was interrupted.

"We landed in a new home? Is it safe? Will he find me?" Kari asked right away, eyes starting to shine as tears began forming but had yet to fall.

"Yes, it's safe; no, he won't be able to find you. And if he does figure out where you are, he can't get to you. We're in a place, surrounded by a barrier that only pure-hearted—or even just good-hearted, non-evil beings can get past. Speaking of which, I never asked—but who and what is this prince? I know his name is Tristan. But is he a human, demon, warlock, or a wizard?" Howl asked, looking at Kari.

"His name is Tristan Cooper—or something like that; I was told that he's half human, half demon. I don't know him all that well; I just know he wants me for some reason." Kari explained, shaking like a leaf as the tears started rolling down her cheeks.

'Just thinking about that ass upsets her. What else did he do to her? There's got to be more than just the rape and beatings.' "Kari, you're safe; he can't pass through the barrier unless he's with another witch or wizard. Even if he could get another witch or wizard to bring him here, he's not pure-hearted—let alone even a good person. Only the pure-hearted or good-hearted can get through the barrier. He's not going to get you unless you leave and pass through the barrier. I promise you; he won't get to you ever again." Howl thought to himself before firmly telling Kari, placing his hand on her right shoulder, and gently rubbed it.

Kari just started sobbing as she reached for Howl; she weakly pulled him down next to her.

Once they were situated, Kari clutched at Howl's shirt and sobbed into his chest while he held her close.

By now, Sammy, Sparky, and Pumpkin had climbed onto the pillow above her head and purred. They were trying to comfort her as well.

Five Minutes Later:

Kari finally calmed down enough to stop crying and pull away from Howl just enough to look at him with puffy, red eyes.

"I'm sorry." She softly apologized.

"It's perfectly fine; I'm always here when you need a shoulder—or chest to cry into." Howl replied with a smile, causing Kari to blush a little.

"Why do you get some rest so you can feel better? Once you wake up, you can take a shower, get cleaned up, changed, and then we'll look around our new home area?" Howl calmly suggested, looking at Kari.

"I'd love that." Kari softly replied with a slight yawn, still not letting go of him.

"I'm glad." Howl spoke with a relieved smile; he was, however, a little shocked when she let go of his shirt, only to pull herself close to him, tightly hugging him.

"I-I love you, Howl." Kari softly and sincerely told Howl before falling back to sleep.

"I love you too, Kari—my Kari. I love you too." Howl gently spoke, holding Kari close, listening to, and feeling her soft breathing against his chest...