Then Now and For Eternity

by Bonnie S

Wishes and Dreams continued. Rating uped in case and for future chapters. Jareth has his Queen, Sarah has her Jareth ... But life isn't going to be all that easy for the new couple or their brother and sister-in-law ... or their friends. R&R please.

10. Fears and Tears

And once again this chapter has been co-authored by the lovely, talented, and saintly patient Asirainis. Next chapter will also feature a second co-author and a hot fireman. For now, I hope that everyone will forgive the always loved, feared, and dreaded CLIFFHANGER!!!! LOL enjoy.

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DISCLAIMER:

Labyrinth and all that is connected to it belongs to someone other than me!!!

Though the characters not appearing or named in the movie or any other work of fiction are of my creation.

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Then … Now … and For Eternity

Chapter Ten:

Fears and Tears

It took an hour to wash down the two men after that battle to heal, save, and protect them by way of crystals. In that time the minor outer scratches and cuts seemed to heal on their own. They were cold, so the girls covered them with blankets and wiped their faces with warm washcloths. Seeing as the sisters would be spending their time off taking care of the men, the group who had helped left – taking Keith and Craig (who had remained downstairs and didn't see the reaction of the crystals) forcibly with them. Both sisters were thankful for that.

Katina and Alicianne sat on the floor as the night moved on and their guests slept on. The stones seemed to not only help, but also hold more magic than Katina ever dared to dream. She shuffled her deck with one focus on her mind, the men before her. Her sister knew too well what Katina was up to. "Do two separate readings so we can get more information. And do my guy first."

Cheeky kid. Still she had a good point, two separate readings would give more information than one alone. Katina hoped beyond all hope that her dragons could pull back the veil that kept this mystery secret. Three cards she laid face down – his past, his present, and the future.

His past was held in the Tower. "Sis, this guy has been through a lot. So you may want to go slower than usual in getting him as a friend."

"I planned on that silly." Alicianne rolled her eyes.

Katina shook her head and turned over the present card. An upright King of Wands. Katina grinned. "This guy would be perfect for you if you two get together."

"Sissy!" Alicianne hissed low so the men could continue sleeping.

"Just hear me out. He is Loyal obviously because the other guy trusts him to the point of risking his life for your guy. Your guy has to be honest and generous to have gotten my guy's loyalty I think. The rest we will just have to see when he finally wakes up." Katina smiled at her sister. She had a good feeling about this pair. This was the kind of man that her sister needed in her life – not Craig. "Do you want me to read the future card?"

"We would be able to prepare better for any oncoming evil, so we probably should." the younger sibling said, casting a glance at the sleeping duo.

Katina had a knowing grin on her face, her finger tapping on the last face down card – the future. "I'll bet you are hoping for a marriage or baby card."

Alice sent a playful glare at her sister. "I don't know, but I know this man is unlike any I have ever seen, aside from his obvious differences with the men we've seen," she commented.

Katina chuckled. She noted what her sister did not. The young man who they were reading the cards for blushed just softly. He was awake and taking in his surroundings before losing his only advantage – unnoticed awareness.

Alice waited calmly as her sister prepared to reveal a bit of the future. Internally she was praying that whatever evil had them in it's grasp before wouldn't be able to obtain them once more. This was not just for her sister's sake, but the sake of everyone else in the room, including herself. "Do it." she said, grasping the edge of the bed frame to keep the tension from building up in her body.

As coolly as she could, Katina flipped over the card and smiled. This was a card she was glad to see. The Knight of Cups in the upright position. For a moment she said nothing, but her smile continued to beam as she looked at the card before her.

Glancing up at her sister, Alicianne was relieved at the smile. It was a positive future. She internally thanked whatever force was helping her by listening to her prayer and waited for her sister to explain the card she had drawn.

"What does the card mean?" Alicianne asked – her voice was in a whisper.

Katina sighed as the young man's muscles tensed; he worried what his future held. Maybe when he was ready she would give him a more in depth reading. "Change and new excitement. This is a very good card. New opportunities … especially in romance …"

"You are making that part up!" Alicianne snapped.

"Am not."

She gave a look at her sister, as if to see if that last part was really the truth and sighed. Katina would never put her in such pain like that for a tease. She nodded and waited for her older sister to continue giving the future of the man next to her.

"This guy is a lot like you. Easily gets bored, artistic …"

Alicianne smiled faintly as she heard various things that aligned perfectly with herself, though she knew she would be cautious, as if on thin ice, when it came to building her friendship with this man.

Katina liked this guy all the more as she continued to explain the card before her. "… he is smart, has high principals. Well I guess he'd need them with all he and his friend have gone through it seems. If these two were part of those aliens that stole energy in Tokyo … then he has to be very honorable to stick by this guy, otherwise they wouldn't be here … right?"

"Yes, if they were, given they stuck together, I think they at least deserve a second chance to have a fresh start." the younger sister said, her gaze traveling over his face, bringing a smile to her lips to see he was relaxed, as though he had heard her words.

Katina too saw his body loosen up more. She also saw the peace it brought her sister. There was something there, but going too fast or pushing the pair too hard would destroy it. That she was certain of – even without her cards. She finished his last card.

"He is nice, but is also a dreamer who can be swayed. Funny how he seems to be a lot like a certain young woman I know." Katina gave a superior look at Alicianne with an added smirk at the end.

Alicianne, too, had felt something there; she wouldn't push it hard … she would just let it go at his pace. She felt born ready for this friendship and was happy that the evil wasn't in the future, or if it was, that they would all overcome it together.

She smiled as she curled up next to the bed, feeling the events that had unfolded, taking their toll.  Alice was still listening to her sister, but she was preparing for if she fell asleep during the reading.

"That is all I can glean from these cards. When he is ready I'll do one that goes more in depth. For now I think that I will do my little sister's cards. Just to see if anything has changed from the other day." Katina grinned as Alicianne's eye flew open at that.

"You're kidding me right? I doubt much will have changed, but go ahead," the brunette said, knowing that her sister would eventually get her to cave in.

Katina shook her head as she placed the cards back in her deck and shuffled it. "You know how easy you are. One of these days someone is going to talk you into changing your mind and you are going to wish that you hadn't."

She hated it, but Katina knew it was the truth. She felt that deep in her bones. Her sister's yielding nature would someday get her into deep trouble unless this guy she obviously cared about could change that. Katina prayed hard that was one reason he was brought to their home.

On that point, Alicianne refused to date unless she knew the man wasn't just doing it for her looks or her money. The younger sibling had to admit Craig was good though. He almost had her within his claws, but when these men fell from the sky, hope surged through her in a vain attempt to be free of him. The younger brunette felt something was off about Craig, but couldn't quite put her finger on it yet.

Once she was satisfied with the shuffle of the deck, Katina handed the cards to her sister. "You know the routine – cut them into four piles, touch my fingers so I can pick up on your energy clearer, and then I feel for which pile is topped by your indicator card."

Alicianne nodded and cut the deck into four piles then placed her fingers upon her sister's hand. The charge as always was instant, but this time was a jolting sensation for Katina. Even if Alicianne acted hesitant in voice and expression, her spirit and energies said otherwise.

Pulling a card off the top of the second pile and laying it on the ground in front of her, Katina just knew the reading was going to be different and it was thanks to the man who lay in the bed beside her beloved little sister with his eyes shut – just listening to what was going on. Katina flipped the card and was pleased to find the Queen of Cups staring up at herself. Her sister was happy without a doubt.

"Well this is a card that eases my heart. You're happy little sister. And this proves what I said about your guy being like you. This is a woman who is very creative and is a gifted artist. She is affectionate and a true romantic at heart. You do tend to change the world to the point where it is as if you could join our realm with another, and I am not the only one to say that. But like this card says, you lack common sense at times. Especially around people trying to get you to agree with them, might I mention Craig? There have been times that if I hadn't pulled you away you would have agreed to a date with him, and we both know he is off … somehow. Others tend to influence you easily. And you do have some psychic ability, and are a true dreamer."

Alicianne nodded to her sister and knew what she said to be true. Alice had always had a gift of knowing things about others before they were mentioned. A second sight to know if the guy was good or not. Craig tested her ability to the limits because, despite his charms and good looks and manners, something never quite rested right with the rest of him. However, the younger of the sisters knew that much good would come about with these two there to help guide and protect them.

"Please continue Katina, let's see how much I have truly changed," she said, still shocked that she had the Queen of Cups card.

On top of the Queen of Cups, Katina laid the Six of Pentacles. "The situation we are in now is our helping these guys. A little bit obvious I think. Let's see what is crossing this situation."

Alicianne nodded to Katina, agreeing with the card that was presented on top of the queen of cups.

The third card she laid across the last two. Katina disliked it immediately. It symbolized something bad … if only it could have been good. But given her past, her sister's past, and obviously the situation with Randy – not to mention the unknown past of these guys – she wasn't too surprised by how the cards had been dealt as it was.

Upon seeing the expression on her sister, Katina's face, Alice knew that it was bad news. She waited with an anxious glance at Katina, fleeting to the unknown stranger, noticing he was tense, as if waiting to hear the bad news as well.

Katina gave a shuttering sigh and explained the card's meaning. "The reversed Six of Swords. We are going to have a temporary relief from our problems, but we are going to have to keep working in order to keep it up. Sissy, it is going to be a case of one thing after another after another all too soon if I am right with my feeling. And how often are my feelings wrong?"

Alice knew that Katina was rarely wrong, though she prayed with all her might that she was this one time. Shaking slightly, she clung to the bed frame, as if it would offer her support. Even her own instincts were going slightly haywire with the negativity of the situation. "Whatever is going to happen Katina, we'll all face it together and beat it as a team should."

Unknowing to either of them, the man at Alice's side relaxed at the thought of having help against the evil, but feared that the evil would kill them, so he tensed back up knowing that if they were going to help him, then he would have to help them, regardless of his heart.

Katina couldn't help smiling at that. "Already counting the two of them in are we? Is my little sister making big plans for the hottie she has been doting on from the get go?"

She was only teasing her sister to break the fear she knew was in both of their hearts, and to show the "unconscious" guy what her sister felt for him.

Alice smirked; recognizing the signs of the man that Katina was doting on was waking slightly, but held still … as if still asleep.

"Oh? And you're not planning the same with the hottie that you too are doting on Katina?" Alice said as her smirk grew. The younger sister knew that turn about was fair play. So she went with it and grinned at the response Katina gave her.

Katina took a couple moments but she understood her sister's veiled hint. "Um sissy, are you trying to tell me that turn about is fair play? Seeing as your guy is awake, but laying there with his eyes closed. That means the guy behind me is awake?"

Seeing a grin and then his muscles relaxing told Alicianne that he had woke, but felt safe enough to go back to sleep. She was still stunned by her sister's admission. "Your guy is dozing back off to dreamland. Are you serious about my guy though? My guy … he's awake?"

"Yes, I am awake. And my name is Tanzanite." He groaned out. His body itched and burned all over. Alicianne looked over and rushed to her young man's side. "His skin is tight and dried out. I have no moisturizer that will ease this severe of dryness."

Katina looked at her box of oils. "Hm, Apricot Kernel Oil. It is high in moisture, and vitamins. It should help. Ginger, Lavender, and Peppermint essential oils should help with the tension, fatigue, and all of our suspicions. Here massage this into his skin easy. I'll finish the reading."

"Tanzanite, I have to massage the oil in. I know you don't really trust us. I can't really say I blame you, but you have to trust in me to know that I won't hurt you. To be able to help you though, you have to let me. Will you?" Alicianne said as she held her breath at the end. She was waiting for the sound that would prevent it.

Katina could see the distrust in the guy's unusual, but very beautiful, eyes. She sighed and smiled. "Tanzanite, we have been helping you from the start. My friends and the two of us have all fed you and this other guy energy to help you both heal. All my sister and I want to do is help."

He looked at both of the women present and felt his distrust fade, but not completely. He didn't even know their names. "How can I trust you if I don't even know your names?" he asked softly, a groan mingled in with his beautiful voice.

"My name's Alicianne and that is my magical sister, Ekaterina" the one nearest the conscious man said softly, to not wake his friend.

His gaze unfocused for a minute, as if remembering something from his past and before anyone else noticed, his gaze refocused on the one called Alicianne. "I guess I really have no choice but to allow you to help." he said softly, as if praying that he wasn't making a mistake.

"Um, I hate saying 'the other guy'. Would you tell me his name and who he is?" Ekaterina stuttered. She didn't know what brought that out of her, but she was wondering.

Tanzanite considered this. He knew he shouldn't tell his mentor's name, but something about the two women was familiar to him. He figured a half-truth would be best for now. Having decided he said, "His name is Jed." He looked at both of them, his gaze resting on Alicianne, and finally said, "I believe you were giving Alicianne a reading, young witch."

"Yeah. Um, I guess you're right. But it is nice to have names to say instead of the guys or that guy. Jed … it's nice. But on to the cards." She flipped and laid the next card beneath the others. "Death. That means your question sissy has to do with how things are going to change in our lives."

Alicianne gave a shuddering breath. Shaking her head softly, she motioned for her sister to continue the reading. She gathered the oils and mixed them gently so she wouldn't mess it up too much. She made a simple oil solution that assaulted the senses with their scents and gently started to massage them into his skin. A moan alerted her that he was beginning to feel better. She couldn't help but admire how soft his skin felt after the oils were applied. Having finished with one arm, she went to the other arm.

The fourth card Katina laid to the left of the early cards. "Now for my dear little sister's past. Turn about is fair play after all."

Alicianne hid a wince. She knew that her past wasn't a good past. As she finished putting the oil on his arms, she had him carefully flip onto his stomach and proceeded to massage him gently as to make sure he wasn't hurt. After finishing his back, she moved to his legs and kept her eyes adverted from his special parts. She gently massaged his feet and nodded for her sister to continue. She noticed offhandedly that Tanzanite perked up at the idea of finding out more about the woman who was massaging him.

"The Four of Swords means withdrawal. Makes sense for us both after … well the two of us know what that means." Katina wanted to break down into tears, but fought it off.

Alicianne winced visibly at the Four of Swords card. Her and Katina's past never changed. It was always the same. She gently helped Tanzanite onto his back and reminded herself to control her breathing at the sight of his chest. Dipping her hands into the oil once more, Alice began to spread it around then to massage it in. She was careful, trying to make sure she didn't offend him. She noticed his facial expression was amused as she moved to massage his shoulders, then his neck and finally, very gently, his face.

"You have such gentle hands," he commented as she continued to work, a blush crept up her cheeks. Looking at Katina, she motioned for her sister to continue.

The next card Katina flipped was laid above the first cards. "What may come." She couldn't hold off her chuckles.

Alicianne sent a playful glare at her sister as she finished up. She went to retreat her hands from where they were resting, which was on his handsomely sculpted chest, to find that Tanzanite was holding them in his hands. For some reason, it felt so right, so she just left them there.

"My favorite dragon. Two of Cups … the Lord of Love! How sweet can this get? I hope that this does come to past for you little sister! The beginning of a new romance, partnership, or friendship. Harmony at last for a woman who has been through enough discord in her short life if I might add." Katina grinned at the blush that rose on the faces of the couple in front of her. Yes, they could become very close ... if given a real chance.

Alicianne blushed as her hands were still within Tanzanite's hands. She mentally noted how soft his hands were and smiled. It seems times were finally changing. For the better.

Tanzanite had to smile, regardless if Ekaterina was adding in about the romance or not. He knew there was something tragic that happened to this family, but didn't know what yet. He saw the effects on the sisters. Alice's unusually thin frame and her sister's unusually heavyset frame. He knew that if he bided his time though, he would find out.

"I'll go on with the near future." Katina smiled as she laid the next card to the rest of those she had already drawn. Her smiled brightened even further. "Two of Swords. Courage, relief, a restoration of peace, a delicate and precarious balance in adversity. Oh, I hope this will come."

Alicianne had to smile at that. There was going to be a temporary peace before the troubles began again. Seeing Alice visibly relax made Tanzanite smile gently and stroke her hand with his thumb.

"Time for the negative emotions or personality traits that are influencing the current situation. The Three of Swords means that there is sorrow and extreme pain. But this gives a clearing of the obsolete to make way for that to come. That way you can establish something better." Katina fought bouncing where she sat.

A laugh escaped past Alice's lips, much to Tanzanite's amazement. He had yet to truly see her laugh. He felt that he was being untrue to his past, but knew he should eventually move on. 'Perhaps she could help me to move on.' He mused silently and continued to stroke her hand while listening to the young witch's fortune telling.

Katina was smiling at the pair. At least her sister would be happy. That had always been Katina's personal mission since the accident, to make sure that her sister would be happy and safe.

While Alice was happy, she stole a glance at her sister to see Katina admiring Jed's still form. If not for the light rise and fall of his chest, she had no doubt that her elder sister would be worried. Still, Katina seemed to wish he were awake. She hoped that Jed would be able to cheer up her sister. With the heck her sister was going through, she needed a good person to balance the evil in her life. She waited for her sister to continue while rubbing the back Tanzanite's hands with her thumbs.

"Now to see how others are going to influence the situation." Katina laid down the next card that made her smile vanish in a heartbeat. "Oh no..."

Upon seeing the young witch's smile vanish, given how quickly it went at that, Tanzanite unintentionally pulled Alicianne's hands to his chest more, as if to try and keep the demons away from her. Although Alice wanted to smile at his protective gesture, she knew the situation was deadly serious. She gripped his hands firmly, but gently so not to hurt him. After a few heartbeats, the younger sister managed to choke out, "what happened sissy?"

"Trickery, fraud, defeat, hurt and ruin. Please not them … let the others be wrong … please!" Katina broke down into tears. It could have not gone any worse.

Upon seeing her sister break into tears, Alicianne gently let go of Tanzanite's hand after giving it an apologetic squeeze, ran to her sister's side, and brought her close in a hug. "Cry your tears. The best we can do is hope that it doesn't come to pass, though I think that it will … no matter what we try to do. All we can do is try to protect all of us in this room all the more," she said in a comforting voice, knowing her own feelings were agreeing to the prediction. Tanzanite watched the interaction with intrigue and felt slightly cold for the lack of the woman who took care of him. He missed the warmth and security of her soft hands in his own.

"I want to be right! I want …" Katina hid her face into her sister's neck as she whispered. "I want them to be good now."

She looked up at the pair, her eyes connecting with Tanzanite's beautiful eyes. "Maybe it's not them who become evil and all that your card predicts. Maybe it's others?" Alice said, hope filtering in her voice.

Alicianne kept rubbing her sister's back soothingly, trying to calm Katina down. Alicianne thought back to Craig. 'Maybe there's a connection in there somehow? Maybe it's him. I just don't know anymore. It just CAN'T be our guys.' The young brunette thought sadly, though vehemently.

"Jed and I?" Tanzanite regained the women's attention. " I will not lie to either of you. We once were with those aliens … yes, we stole energy to feed the Negaforce. Jed is my teacher and the only one I have ever trusted without doubt. When Queen Beryl encased him in a crystal for eternity, I thought I would be lost. But the Sailor Scouts arrived sometime after I hid among the others and Beryl was so focused on them … I thought that I could rescue my teacher. He was always there when I needed him; I had to try. He is like a brother … even a father to me. Beryl caught me and condemned me to that same fate. Recently my master … Jed freed himself and then was kind enough to free me. What creatures of the Negaverse that were left sacrificed themselves to energize the two of us. We would have frozen to death where we were so we used what combined energy we had to teleport away. After that I only remember waking here. Whatever those cards say. We will not knowingly harm those who have done so much to save us."

Alice's breath was caught in her chest. He was one of those aliens? She thought of all he had said and knew that he was still different from what those aliens were. The facts that he hadn't attacked her sister or herself was proof enough. A smile came across her face as Alicianne stood and walked over to Tanzanite and sat down, taking hold of his hands with her own.

"Tanzanite, you've already given us proof that you won't harm us. You had a chance to drain my energy while you held my hands, but you didn't. You could have left your teacher there in his crystal prison, but again, you didn't. It shows how strong you truly are," she said, rubbing his hands, much like he had hers moments ago, with her thumbs. He smiled and visibly relaxed that she wasn't going to push him or his friend out of the house and out of their lives.

Katina took a deep breath and nodded. "Agreed. Welcome to our home and lives, Tanzanite. Now to find out what my little sister's deepest hope or fear is."

Alicianne took a sharp breath; she prayed that it wasn't going to be her biggest fear revealed. It was easy enough to guess what her biggest hope was, but fear... that's a tool that in the wrong hands could do some major damage.

Tanzanite squeezed her hands gently, to let her know that she was safe regardless, and that he too knew what could happen if someone's deepest fear was acknowledged with ears all around. Fear was a tool Beryl often used on everyone, so he only knew it far too well.

The glowing smile returned to Katina's lips. "Ten of Cups! Lasting Happiness and security! My little sister wants true friendship and a happy family life … perfect love with someone. And this card in this position is a search for fulfillment that is often marked with success! Nice one little sister."

A smile flitted across Alice's lips, which made Tanzanite smile gently. He was happy that it was her biggest hope, not her deepest fear that was revealed. He gently squeezed her hands to show her that he would keep his promise and that things will turn out all right in the end. He knew he had to protect these sisters. There was something special about them that he couldn't quite put his finger on, but he knew they were important. His gaze rested on the woman whose hands held his own and admired her happy face. He took in that her frame was thin, but she hid it well. He would deal with that when he could.

"And finally … the final outcome. Another nice one little sister. The Sun." Katina chuckled again. Tanzanite preferred it to her tears.

"Um, if this means a sunburn …" Alicianne groaned.

Katina fell back on the floor laughing. "Sis, it is a good card! Sunburn! That was great! The card is saying that you are right! The guys are going to prove all of the others wrong! Forgive me for ever being upset Tanzanite!"

Tanzanite loved the humor the pair could stir up between each other. It was a true, genuine laugh that escaped the young witch's lips and his ears heard that familiar tinkling sound, Alicianne's laugh! He felt like he could listen to it all day. It was a gentle laugh, not born out of bitterness and sadness. He said without turning to face Katina, "It's quite alright Ekaterina, it's understandable with what cards were presented in the order they came that upset you. Your sister and yourself worked hard to rescue us from evil, and it would have been horrible if it meant us going back. Thank you for putting me at peace with myself, the both of you." he said as a genuine smile came across his own lips. Alicianne could only stare in amazement.  His true smile was the most handsome thing she's seen on his face yet.

Katina felt the same. If this guy was so cute just smiling, how would her guy look? "Um, just call me Katina, Tanzanite. That has been my nickname for a while now. And she likes being called Alice."

 "Sissy!" Alice snapped through her blush and chuckle.

Katina grinned in response. "Would you like me to be specific on this card or let you draw your own conclusions?"

The pair the young witch was observing looked at each other, exchanged smiles, and said at the same time, "Be more specific please." They chuckled at the look the elder sister gave them. Gazing into Tanzanite's eyes, Alice saw his eyes were the color of her stone around her neck. It was small piece of tanzanite. Her eyes widened for a brief second at the implications of the name of the stone and his name before she smiled gently at it only being a coincidence.

Time for fun. "It means the two of you are getting hitched next Tuesday night at eight … or would you two prefer seven?"

Their eyes widened at the same time, as they barely were able to contain their voices.

"Marriage?! So soon?!" Alice asked in a voice similar to a hiss, in an attempt to keep from shouting.

Katina gasped, as she laughed harder. Turning she saw a true smile on Jed's face. And then he started chuckling! God it was the most wonderful sound she had ever heard in her life. Katina smiled gently at the mysterious man.

A shocked expression came across Alice and Tanzanite's faces. The other man, Jed had awakened! "Welcome back to the world of the living Jed." Alice said in a happy voice.

Jed's gaze drifted to his student, as he understood the truth. Tanzanite had given them a semi-true name; the reason why he didn't exactly know, but he could guess given the adoring looks he had seen the young man give the woman whose hands he clutched lovingly.

"Jed, these two ladies helped to save our lives and break the bonds that held us to our past mistakes. The one sitting on the floor near you is Ekaterina and this young woman next to me is Alicianne." Tanzanite said; his voice still contained the laughter that had come up only moments before, and little pride as he introduced his new friends.

Katina was nervous. Fully awake, the man beside her was more gorgeous than she dared to imagine. "Tanzanite, I said that you could …"

"I know, but whether you would have my teacher call you the same …" Katina interrupted him. "I don't mind. You can call me Katina, Jed."

"Then it would seem that a slight mistruth should be cleared up. Tanzanite knew that it would upset me if he revealed all about us … and I have heard all that you told these ladies about our pasts. My true name is Jadeite and I was a General for the Negaverse. I make the same promise to the two of you as Tanzanite has, we will not be those who unsettled you so before … Katina."

She wasn't sure, but it seemed like he wanted to call her something else for a moment there. She smiled at the soft look the man gave her, but it turned into a frown as they all heard the pounding on the door downstairs. Looking at her watch, Katina groaned. "It's probably Randy. I'll be back in a minute. Let me deal with him. Sis, see if Frank and Ryan's robes are still here from that night everyone stayed over a couple of months ago."

Taking a deep breath she went out into the hall, looking as if she were going to face Queen Beryl in the blackest of foul moods. Jadeite disliked what he saw and what he was suddenly feeling for Katina. When Alicianne gave him the robe, he did not stay for her explanations. He didn't even answer her when she screamed out, "Jadeite!"

Going out into the hall and down the stairs he saw Katina pinned to the wall near the stairs with tears pouring down her face by a man who held both of her hands against the wall above her head and had his free hand up her shirt. Jadeite was dangerous when angered, but none had ever seen him at this level of fury – not even Tanzanite. Women did not deserve this kind of treatment! "Unhand her this instant, swine!"

"And who the hell are you?" Randy slurred. He was drunk as always.

Jadeite was already annoyed by Randy's presence, but the "man's" behavior left even more for the former General to be irritated by. Katina's sobs made it only worse for the scum between her and the blonde glaring at Randy. "The name is Jed, and I will not tell you again to unhand my friend."

"She's your little girlfriend?" Seeing that Jadeite and Tanzanite (as he had joined the confrontation with Alice a heartbeat after it had begun) were only in robes and Alice's face was flushed, Randy chuckled and licked his lips. "Looks like I interrupted a little party upstairs. So you two have finally started whoring like I've been telling ya to do since the pair of ya first moved in. Well, when do I get some?" Randy smiled as he went to kiss a visibly embarrassed Katina.

Jadeite then saw red, jumped the short distance to the floor, ripped Randy from Katina, flung the scum hard and high against the other wall, held him fast by the neck off of the floor and glared hard before Katina interceded. "Jed, please put him down. Please, he owns the house. Sissy and I rent it from him. Please, Jed."

Jadeite put him down as he was begged to. Alice knew her powers were not in full control or strength yet, but Randy didn't – he didn't even know about her powers. Having the piece of tanzanite around Alice's neck gave her some ability to control and intensify it, but not for very long. She was going to try them … and teach Randy a well-deserved lesson.

Tanzanite assumed that Alice left the stairs to the ground floor to get revenge … just not as she had planed. He wrapped his arms around the young brunette's waist to prevent her from chasing after Randy, as Katina's hands gripped lightly, but firmly around Jadeite's upper arms. "You are going to hurt yourself, let me help. You're your skin is going to rip open. Please, he's not worth it."

"Get out of here and don't you ever attempt this again. Because the next time I will be completely healed, and I have no doubt that you would not want to face me in this situation then." Jadeite's words were spoken with deadly calm.

Alice on the other hand was sick of this. She had never been so afraid for her sister, and so mortified at the same time. A very small ball of light blue energy filled her right hand and before Tanzanite could stop her Alice blasted Randy hard, collapsing into Tanzanite's arms as the rude renter hit the floor near the door. Randy, looking at the group in a panic, shook his head in disbelief. "Freak! You are no better than your whoring sister. You're both freaks!"

When Jadeite started to go for him, Randy heeded the obviously angry man who was holding tight the woman that he himself has just assaulted. He ran off and did not look back. He left that house as if the hounds of heck were upon him. When he left, Katina relaxed slightly next to Jadeite, until she saw Alice go limp in Tanzanite's grasp.

"Sissy! Are you alright, sissy?" she cried out.

Tanzanite lifted the unconscious young woman into his arms. "She blasted him with an energy pulse. I don't know how."

"Sissy's gift is not only psychic. She has the ability to shoot off bursts of energy from within her. She gave you a lot of energy Tanzanite, and her shooting Randy off like that … tell me that she's still alive." Katina was scared to know the truth. Was she all alone now?

Tanzanite closed his eyes for a moment and then sighed. "She's simply exhausted. She'll need time to rest."

Katina broke down into grateful sobs against Jadeite's chest. "Thank you Lord and Lady! I can't go on without my little sister!"

"It would seem that you too need your rest. Come, I'll escort you to your room." Jadeite softly rubbed her back. He knew that it was betraying something he had once held dear, but he couldn't help but pity this woman.

Katina rubbed the tears from her cheeks and forced a smile onto her face that brightened into a true one when she saw Jadeite's eyes looking back into her own. "I'm alright. You go lay down. I'm going to lock the front door, and then I'll mix up the oil that sis used on Tanzanite for you … and I refuse to take no for an answer." She smiled up at his smirk, "now go on. I'll be up in a minute."

Jadeite used what little power he could spare to lock the door before she could step from his embrace. When Katina gave a knowing look at the former General, his smirk deepened. "Once less chore for you to do."

"Nice, Jadeite. Now you have to get back upstairs and in bed if I'm going to be able to give you the massage I have planned for you." Katina gave a smirk that put all of Jadeite's past ones to utter shame.

"You have my curiosity. Tanzanite …"

The look on his face told Jadeite that his student had his own plans. "I want to make sure that this Randy does not attack her. She can rest beside me tonight until we are strong enough to seal the place so that we know that no further attacks on either lady will happen."

Katina smiled and nodded, that was all that Jadeite needed to accept what was happening. He and Katina smiled as Tanzanite reverently rested Alicianne on the bed he himself had woke on, and then spooned himself behind her so that if needed she could get out of the bed easily. By the time Katina had the oil blended, Tanzanite was asleep with his arm possessively wrapped around Alicianne's waist. Unknown to him Alicianne softly smiled in her sleep and settled deeper into his arms.

Katina was happy with the turn of events, but afraid as well. "If Randy was to ever see this …"

"He will not come near the two of you improperly while Tanzanite and I are here. And if he thinks that he will get away with slandering either of you … let's just say he'll learn why I am not a man he should not anger." Jadeite smirked, but Katina wasn't.

Slowly she worked the oil into his face. "My name is already ruined in this town because of my faith. Sissy is mocked because of me, but with her being a Christian she is given a little more respect. Before you ask, it is a religious faith …"

Jadeite covered her hands with his own. "I knew that. What is your faith? And why are you mocked for it?"

She smiled again. "I'm an eclectic pagan. That means I have no particular path I follow, but I do believe in the Lord and Lady. It also means that I am in the minority in this town."

"Where are we, Katina?" Jadeite asked as she finished his neck and started his chest.

She smiled softly. In all of the excitement no one had thought about that. "This is Regalovita, West Virginia. Bet you never heard of either place."

"Actually, I did some training not far from here. Have you ever heard of Fairmont?" Jadeite shut his eyes as her hands soothed the itch and hurt from his arm. Whatever this was she created it was wonderful.

At the end of his fingers her eyes went wide. "When I was in high school I was supposed to go to a school there for a competition, but it was canceled when the entire school was hospitalized with exhaustion. You mean we might have met a long time ago? If you had only waited a few more hours."

"You wouldn't have liked me then. I was completely under Beryl's control, and nothing would have stopped me from draining you both then." Jadeite knew from the look on her face that his confession startled Katina, but she deserved the truth.

Katina quickly pulled it all together. "Tanzanite said that you two were locked in crystals. Guess that is what made the difference. Why were you locked away? He was by trying to save you."

Obedient to her will, he got onto his stomach and let her work her magic on the skin covering his back. Jadeite felt safe for the first time in far too long. "I failed to destroy the first three Sailor Scouts – Moon, Mars, and Mercury. I discovered their identities, but Beryl wouldn't hear me out. They remained safe because Beryl was too high and mighty to listen to me. When I finally escaped and saw what the remaining youmas and my prized student did for me, I knew that for centuries I had been working on the wrong side."

"How old are you, Jadeite?"

He smiled. "For a thousand years all of us were trapped in the Negaverse, where nothing grows or changes or dies without outside influence. And before that I was thirty-two. Too old?"

"Thirty-two … no" Katina was still stunned by his age.

Her shock made her forget what she was doing for a bit as she went over his rear and down the back of his legs before noticing it and blushing. He liked her blush, but they couldn't be. He lost one, and refused to open his heart to any other. Still she was a good friend. "I meant one thousand thirty-two."

"That thousand years doesn't count. That was time you spent there, thirty-two is the time you spent here." Katina playfully slapped the back of his calves to tell him to turn over. Thankfully he stunned her while she was working on his back!

Once she was done with the massage, she was fully accepting of the added men in her and her sister's lives – while Jadeite was relaxed, no longer in pain, and fighting with his heart. It couldn't be. "You gave my student a reading. Mind if I ask for one?"

 "Depends. I could do a three card like I did for Tanzanite, or a Celtic cross like I did for my sister. Which would you like?" Katina was excited. He believed in her abilities, a friend like him was hard to find.

"It would be unfair to my student to get more that his equal in reading, so a three card will be fine." Truth was that Jadeite was afraid. She had read so much into his student … at least Tanzanite has new hopes. He himself knew that was not what he deserved. He would be alone for all time. That was the least of what he deserved for his crimes.

After shuffling the deck, Katina laid out three cards. "Past, Present, and Future. I won't turn them over if you don't say to."

"Go on." Jadeite had a feeling about the past card. At least he had told her the truth. So, nothing that card could say would do their friendship harm.

Katina turned the card over to find the picture she was half expecting. "Eight of Swords. Can't say I didn't see that one coming. Jealousy that often comes from colleagues, a crisis and enforced isolation. That fits both of your guys' pasts perfectly."

Jadeite nodded. He wondered about going on though. Did he really want any more information? With the Randy character … it would probably be a good idea. "What about the next card?"

Katina smiled brightly, giving him hope even if the name of the card didn't. "Judgment! Great! Changes and improvements! Awakening and rebirth. And sometimes it means there are important pending decisions that will change the pattern of life for the better."

"I have made one decision … that is depending on you and your sister." Jadeite offered up.

"What?" Katina looked up at him with the sweetest brown eyes full of curiosity.

He took a deep breath to fight of his deepest want. Why was he worried? She probably had a man of her own, with as beautiful as she looked. "Tanzanite and I are still too weak, and have no place else we can go to for now."

"Oh, you two don't have to leave. I mean," Katina blushed. God, she didn't like that idea. She couldn't help falling for this guy, even if she could tell that he felt nothing for her. Looking at her sister's sleeping face covered with an all too rare smile, she was hit with an inspiration. "Do you think those two are going to separate any time soon? Besides, you both need time to finish healing."

"Katina …" Jadeite was afraid to remain with these women for very long. He wouldn't be able to fight his heart forever. It was as if he had been pulled towards her. Katina was so strong-willed and beautiful. He knew easily that the heaviness on her was not normal, but that something had made her let go of her health like this. He wanted to know what it was so that he could see what she looked like before it. Even if he refused to allow himself the joy of having as his own.

She was desperate. Katina only wanted her sister to be happy, and the man holding her close seemed to do just that for her. Alicianne had been through enough heartbreak in her short life. As for herself, Katina didn't deserve anything but loneliness and isolation – after what she did. "At least just until Winter Solstice. That will give you two plenty of time to finish healing."

Jadeite could find no argument with that, but could he keep from letting this beautiful woman too close? Yet, his student was at peace. Tanzanite deserved that for all he tried to do for him. "Agreed. And what of the last card?"

"The Five of Wands." Katina felt as if that was the worse fate. "There are going to be problems coming that cannot be avoided. But whatever it is that is coming you are going to need great mental agility and resources in order to triumph. The only way you will succeed is through relentless hard work. Wish it could have been a more pleasant card."

"It was honest, and that is all I asked of you. Too bad it couldn't have been a little more clear though." Jadeite rested a hand on Katina's shoulder.

She looked up at him nervously. "I don't usually do this, but I could do a clarification spread. That way we can see if sis and I are possibly involved in this."

He gently squeezed her should, bringing out Katina's gentle smile. That was how Jadeite preferred to see her. He simply disliked seeing her cry … that was all. It didn't mean that he had gone soft. She helped him without asking for anything in return. The least he could do was give some kind of recompense for that grace. "Let's do it."

Katina's heart raced as her smile brightened with his words and touch. She collected the three cards and returned them to her deck. In her heart she wanted to know what was before them as far as struggles, but she also wanted to know if Jadeite had been brought to her (and Tanzanite to Alice) to heal the girls' past grief. After a few moments, she cut the deck into two piles. She began to shuffle the left deck. "This half of the deck is the passive emotional side."

"I doubt that human emotions are that passive, Katina. After what I have seen of the power within human emotion … especially love. I used it once to gather energy. I thought it was a waste of energy, but I could have been wrong." That was all he would admit to. Jadeite had never felt such powerful forces at war within his body and soul. He wanted to lie in the bed and hold this woman as his student was with Alicianne. But he couldn't be that weak. He refused to think that he had again fallen in love with a mortal! The last one died and he went mad – he even joined with Beryl to try and rid himself of the emotion completely.

Katina blushed softly. She wanted to climb into the bed with him, but she knew that she was fat and ugly. No cute guy like Jadeite, who obviously could have any woman that came along, wanted her for more than a 'good time' or the money that she and her sister shared. That was what she was fated to … that was her lifetime punishment.

She set the half of the deck on the floor and then took a deep breath while stretching her arms over her head. Katina focused on that she now had a new friend whom she could obviously count on, given that he had already fought to protect her, and that her little sister was in love and loved by Tanzanite.

Looking up at a confused Jadeite, Katina smiled. "I'm getting rid of my negative emotions. If I hold on to them it could mess up the reading. That is how powerful they can be within humans."

"Too bad Beryl didn't have you working for her. She would have won if she had known how humans are capable of producing such negative energies." Jadeite absent-mindedly commented.

Katina grinned up at him. "I would have demanded your release long ago if I had been working for her."

"Such was not known to happen by those in the Negaverse, outside of two other generals who came to Beryl's service deeply committed to one another from the start. But, then still she probably would have sealed you in a crystal as she did Tanzanite for such impetuousness – demanding anything of her. I just wish I could have seen her defeated at last."

Katina sat on the side of the bed. "Have none in the Negaverse ever fallen in love?"

Jadeite grinned as he rubbed her arm gently. "From what I have gleaned from Tanzanite and my own powers, there was one General who turned his back on Beryl and the Negaverse for some mortal girl. He was supposedly killed by Zoicite's minions, but I know that Nephrite wouldn't die that easily."

"Why?" Katina asked tentatively.

"Nephrite was one with the stars, and he was a Prince of the Goblin Kingdom … a fae as I am. We only die from iron and rare weapons made of a material called Bloodtainters. He more than likely returned to his people … wherever it is that our kind went to."

Katina could see the pain in his eyes and decided that when he was ready to talk about that part of his past and what he was that he would. "You knew him?"

"He was my elder brother's best friend. And Nephrite was right about my trying to gather energy from many at one time instead of his plan about using individuals to drop the visibility factor. He used to call me a fool for my hard headedness." Jadeite sighed. Nephrite, as many times in the past, had been right. "Shall we continue?"

"Yeah." Katina felt he wasn't ready to talk about that yet. She understood better most as well. After all, she had yet to tell him about her family outside her sister.

Again she shuffled the left half of the deck, this time more centered on the question and on what she wanted to do. The top card she laid face down and then she laid the bottom card face down next to it. Setting the rest to the side, she picked up the right deck and explained as she shuffled that this pile was the active intellectual side. All Jadeite did at that was grin. Again Katina removed the top card and set it face down above the other cards. She then took the bottom card face down on the floor beneath the rest. The four cards made a diamond shape. And then the cards in her hand joined the rest of the deck that was not being used.

Katina flipped the top card of the diamond. "This card is the question – what is ahead of us. Oh my Goddess!"

Not only was the card a part of the major arcana, but it was the Lovers card! Jadeite couldn't believe his eyes! Was this some sort of sign of his future with Katina? "What does it mean, Katina?"

"Harmony and union. Coming choices that need to be made by intuition rather than by intellect. The coming difficult decisions may not be about love, but there are going to be some kind of test coming. It may be a struggle with two paths. I can feel that it is a long time away as far as the test, but there will be choices made along the way as well. I know confusing, but that is what I am feeling from the card."

Jadeite rested his hand on her neck and soothingly massaged it. Katina leaned back into his touch. It felt so good to be pampered for a change. She smiled and purred, bringing a smile to his face, as he added on his free hand and began to massage both of her shoulders at the same time. Both decided in their hearts that they could seriously enjoy a lifetime of getting and giving massages with the other.

Katina enjoyed the attention completely, and was finally starting to relax for the first time in so very long. The only problem was that as her body relaxed her need to sleep grew. "If you do not stop very soon, I am going to fall asleep right here in this floor."

"Then I will sweep you up onto the bed. Can't have one of my beautiful hostess sleeping on the floor now can I?" Jadeite purred in her ear. Free of Beryl's influence, he began to feel his true personality returning to him bit by bit. Every bit the playful and mischievous fae that his elder brother was … and in some ways more so … that was the only way to describe the Jadeite of old and the one slowly returning to the world.

"Then who will read the cards?" Katina sighed in complete contentment as his warm hands eased the knots out of her sore shoulders wonderfully. They were certainly friends, and he saw her as a beautiful friend – that she had to keep in her mind. Nothing more than friendship would she ever be given from any man, because she deserved nothing more than such.

Deciding that the card was indeed a sign that he had been given another chance at life, and that he should live to make himself better than before to atone for his past evils, Jadeite moved her dark hair out of the way and planted a slightly open mouthed kiss on her neck.

Katina twisted as she drew in an audible breath. In a heartbeat the pair were kissing deep and passionately. Well, so much for any thoughts of fighting it or going slow that either had held. Both grabbed desperately to the other as they deepened the kiss to the amusement of the couple across the room on the other bed.

***

Alice's eyes fluttered open slowly as she felt the comfortable weight of an arm on her waist that couldn't be her own. Glancing down, she saw that it belonged to none other than Tanzanite. A blush crept up her cheeks as she turned to see him. A smile crossed Alicianne's face as she gave him a simple kiss on the cheek in thanks for protecting her as well as helping her in her unprotected state that she had sent herself into involuntarily. They glanced over at the mentor of Tanzanite and smiled amused at the sight before them of the pair kissing. They weren't about to break up that happy sight. So silently they lay there watching the other couple pair up.

***

Katina and Jadeite broke apart gasping gulps of air and fires burning in their eyes for the other. Both were smiling, and obviously not sorry about what had just happened. Katina felt so loved, more than she had in a very long time. With a brilliant smile, she brushed her fingers down his cheek. "Maybe I had better finish this reading quickly."

Jadeite nodded with a hungered look deep in his eyes. He noticed that they other two had quickly closed their eyes. Oh, well. Looked like there was no hiding the truth from the other couple. "Agreed."

***

Alice felt so happy for her sister. She knew that Katina had never really had a good relationship with the exception of a few of her best female friends. She refused to date anymore because most people merely used her, but this man Jadeite made her happy. As long as Katina never had to cry again once the evil was out of their lives for good, Alice decided that she would give Jadeite and her elder sister her best wishes and blessing.

Tanzanite had to internally smile for his teacher. Jadeite was beginning to love again, like he himself was with Alice. He felt a pang of remorse for thinking he was forgetting his lost love from before Beryl came into the scene. However it faded as he felt that this girl, Alicianne, might very well help him to truly cope with it. He would learn to let go of the past, but he couldn't help but wish that she was his dead love, reincarnated, but Tanzanite shook his head at that idea. Reincarnation was impossible. Right?

"This card is what we are attracting," Katina chuckled as Jadeite nibbled on her ear. "Jadeite, honey … I mean other than each other."

That brought another grin to Jadeite's face. Had she really used an endearment towards him? He continued to kiss and nibble down her neck, just to feel and hear her chuckles. "Jadeite, please sweetheart. I promise to lay down with you after I put the cards away when I finish reading this spread."

"I'm holding you to it." He whispered into her ear before kissing it to hear her tempered groan of pleasure.

"A reversed Temperance." Katina's expression was confused. "Conflicting interests. That means we have those who will support us, those we will have to win over, and those who sissy and I might need protection from. Sissy and I do need the protection as you have seen for yourself."

"Didn't you know that is mine and Tanzanite's jobs now?" Jadeite swiped another deep and passionate kiss from his dark haired witch.

***

A blush crept up Alice's cheeks at the thought of Tanzanite protecting her. She hadn't felt this safe with a man in a very long time. The sisters had lived in fear for far too long, to be free of that fear would be such a relief that neither had dared to dream of ever feeling in this haunted life they both moved through. She gripped Tanzanite's hand with her own and squeezed it gently, to feel him return the grip tenderly, as if making sure she wasn't going to break, but it had an almost loving aspect to it. She listened in on the reading as it continued.

***

As he pulled back, Jadeite and Katina looked deeply into one another's eyes. Yes this was fast, but it also felt so right. "Um, next card?"

Jadeite nodded and fought off the urge to pull her into the bed for more than mere kisses. She was going to get back from him all that she had given – the massage included. Across from the second card, Katina turned over the third card to reveal that it was the Star in an upright position. That brought the bright smile back to his witch's face. "How we are to influence our environment and those around us. Fresh hope and renewal, the healing of old wounds, influence over others, promise and fulfillment, vigor and confidence, and protection. That the two of you have already done and then some."

***

A smile crept onto the younger sister's face. Alice knew indeed, they had done that and more for her sister and herself. She planned to show Tanzanite how much she appreciated having him around someday. She knew that she had to plan it just right too. She hugged his arm around her all the tighter for the meantime. Unknowing to the young psychic, he had a smile on his face, as he silently thought that she would be the one to free him from his cage of guilt and teach him how to love once more. He vowed he wouldn't let her down like he let down Alicia.

Alice smiled as she gently relaxed in Tanzanite's gentle embrace. She felt him gently kiss her hair against her neck. She bit back a moan before it came out, but he felt the moan wanting to come out, but knew why she hid it. A smile placed itself on his lips as she felt his sigh of contentment as they heard the last card being read.

***

Katina's heart raced when Jadeite brushed his thumbs down her cheeks and then took claim of her lips once again. This had always what she had dreamed real love would be like. To feel the burning need of touch and kiss, while feeling whole and at peace because the one who inspired the flames burning within her was there heating her longing all the hotter.

 "Last Card." Katina panted in longing. Tearing her eyes from his, she flipped over the final card and nearly busted in joyful laughter. Alice couldn't stand the suspense any longer.

A smile drifted along Alice's face once more as Katina chuckled and forced herself to keep the mirth down. The younger sister let out the breath that she didn't realize she had been holding. Everything was going to turn out all right for both of them … that had to be what was making her big sister so giddy with joy. Elation raced through her blood, as Alice found that she had to resist the urge to reveal that she was awake and kiss the man lying next to her. She waited to hear what would happen at the end of all of this.

Tanzanite relaxed slightly, knowing that his teacher was indeed going to be just fine. Everything had turned out all right in the end; they would all be all right and together through it all. After all of the torments and grief he and Jadeite had suffered through over the centuries … that is the way it had to happen.

"I can't believe this! I can't believe this!" Katina chuckled out as quietly as she could manage at that moment.

A chuckle brought the young witch's attention on the seemingly 'sleeping' couple. Alice sat up with a smile on her face, as did Tanzanite. "Aren't you going to tell us what it says already Katina? The suspense is positively killing me." Alice said with a chuckle as she leaned against Tanzanite, whose arm was around the younger sibling's waist once more.

With a growl in her throat, Katina couldn't hide her blushing smile as the other couple chuckled even more. "And exactly how long have you two been awake?"

"I was thinking the same thing." Jadeite added. But he too was finding it hard to hide off his grin. He had not felt this much joy in far too long.

After glancing at Alice, Tanzanite's face turned red with heat showing his embarrassment. A smug smile crossed Alice's face however – time for pay back. Since they had embarrassed her Tanzanite, she was going to embarrass them in turn.

"Uh oh. My sister has that look on her face. I think we had better hide Jadeite." Katina said with an amused chuckle. Jadeite raised a brow in question. "She is about to have revenge on us."

"We have been awake since your first kiss that you gave my sister, Jadeite." the young psychic woman said smugly. "And boy was it hot … please turn up the air conditioning, the temperature from you two lovebirds is stifling!"

"YOU BRAT! I'm not nosing in on your first kiss! And I am not grading it … you … you … spore!" Katina spat as she rested her head on Jadeite's arm with a pout on her face, even if her eyes showed him all the joy she had sparkling within her from their kisses. "Now I'm not saying a thing!"

A chuckle rose from Alice's lips as she watched them. After shaking her head briskly, she attempted to stand, only to have Tanzanite stop her with a worried expression on his face.

"Are you sure you can stand right now Alice?" he asked softly. A smile graced her lips once more as she saw he was being only concerned for her well being, as any man would be towards his love.

"Yes, now I must see what card my sister drew to end the misery of what she's putting me through with this insufferable wait." she said with a laugh gracing her voice.

"Fine! Remember my cards! You no touch sissy unless I tell you too. The card is Strength upright! Courage, self-control, and the virtue of Fortitude. The power of love. Control of passion against one's baser instincts. Determination, generosity, strength and power under control. Energy, optimism, resolve, and reconciliation." Katina smiled as she wrapped her arms around her guy's neck in her joy. Forget any idea of keeping this relationship to themselves.

Alice just had to tease some more. "Um, Tanzanite. Our getting out of trouble in the future includes those two controlling their passions? You do realize that we are in deep trouble."

Tanzanite couldn't help chuckling at that. His angel too laughed. Life had certainly changed in a very short time. And he was not sorry for the changes. The wheel had at last turned that he was enjoying life instead of suffering.

Before Katina could say a word, Alice was literally saved by a bell. The portable phone that she had brought in with her as they first set things up for the long night of taking care of the two guys suddenly rang. "Hold that thought, big sister."

Alice's smile disappeared as quickly as it appeared. Her stance became rigid, as if preparing itself for a battle of the century. She knew already who it was without asking. Katina picked up the phone as the voice on the other end made her body freeze in place, and the smile that had graced Katina's lips disappeared in a flash. Alice sank into Tanzanite's offered embrace without responding to his question of why she and Katina were so upset. The young psychic knew that the men would find out what was going wrong soon enough.

"Hi Steve. No. Damn it, you gave me the night off! Well, three weeks without a break and working triple shifts. I think I deserve a break! It is one damn night! Steve, you don't give me the mandatory coffee breaks or meal breaks!" Upset, Katina stood up fast and just as fast nearly hit the ground. Jadeite barely caught her in time before she went face first onto the carpet.

He took the phone and growled into it as he pulled his girlfriend close to his body – yes, he knew without a doubt this was his one. And whoever had done this to his Katina was going to pay. "Who the hell is this?!"

"This is Steven Daniel McKinney, I am the owner of the Hotdog Hut and Kate's boss. Now just who the hell are you? And where is Kate? I'm not through with her."

"She has fainted, probably because of your working her to near death! She is not going anywhere until she has gotten some rest! And you are most certainly through because I said so." Jadeite snapped. Not knowing how to turn it off, he let Alice take the thing while he gathered Katina into his arms and set her on the bed. Thankfully Tanzanite knew that Katina had been teasing earlier about not touching her cards. He put them together and slid them into the black bag Alice pointed to as she spoke to who was on the phone – and she was not being polite about it. Her sister had been starving herself for a slave driver!

As Alice pointed to the bag for the cards, Tanzanite knew what to do then as he set the bag on the nearby table as he listened to his Angel go off on the jerk. "This is Katina's sister, Ms. Griffith. I suggest that you back off right now Mr. McKinney. My sister is not coming to work today you jerk. If you dare try to push her, I will get an attorney on your arrogant behind. I will personally take you down. You have no right working her like a slave." she said as she heard his annoying haughty voice rebut her verbal assault.

"You're... Alice right?" he said upon her demanding that he may only call her Ms. Griffith, he continued, "She won't be hired by anyone but me. So she has no right to do anything less than what I demand. So you had better get her up and down here before I decide to fire her pagan …" he started shouting as the angry psychic cut him off.

"I warn you. You shall get back what you have given my sister and myself today. I have foreseen and will make certain of that. You shall be hearing from an attorney shortly. Good bye." she said as she turned off the phone. She was grateful that she and Katina had enough money to hire one as she put the phone down angrily. She raced about, getting some cool water and a cloth to drape across her sister's forehead … some sugar water to start her sister back onto recovery from this awful experience, and checking Katina's vitals. She let a shuttering sigh escape her lips as she thought of what had just transpired.

At least she had a recorder going that recorded the conversation. It would be more than enough with all of the tapes that she had accumulated over her sister's time working at that heck hole to get them a win at court. She knew she wouldn't hire one right now; she was only leaving it hanging in the air for now, hoping that the threat would make him back down and be slightly more reasonable.

Tanzanite glanced at the dark haired beauty of his new love; her being upset got him even more wound up. Whatever had made her that angry was a bad thing. He watched as she worked quickly to revive her sister and had to smile at the spitfire that she was. After she was done, she collapsed into a chair, tired from the sudden spurt of energy she had to use. Tanzanite's eyes shone with worry as his arms went around her shoulders in an attempt to comfort her. Meanwhile Jadeite had spooned himself next to her sister, much like Tanzanite had done with Alice earlier. After a few minutes of Jadeite's reverently stroking Katina's face, she began to slowly wake up.

Slowly Katina opened her eyes and took a deep breath, grabbing Jadeite's attentions instantly. "Katina? How are you feeling?"

"Okay. Sorry about this, but Steve … my boss … he needs me to work tonight after all. I'll try and get some time off …" Katina tried to get up only to find herself gently forced back on the bed by her guy. "Jadeite, honey if I don't go in he'll fire me. No one else in this town will hire me. You know why."

Jadeite placed a finger on her lips to silence her. "Forget him and that job. You are worthy of so much more."

"Jadeite. I can't stay at home and vegetate! I was fatter and uglier once because I did just that." Katina turned her face away, full of shame and grief. What had happened to hurt his love so deeply?

A defeated sigh escaped past the younger psychic's lips. Alice knew that this was going to have to be unearthed sometime; only she never thought that it would happen this soon. She just prayed that she would be strong enough to unearth it all herself – knowing that Katina never would have that strength. A quick prayer to any force that was listening to give her strength to speak about what was buried years before, which still festered in them both – to do that on her own Alice would have to be very strong indeed.

Alice opened her eyes as tears welled up in them. Her lips wouldn't open and her throat felt as if there was a thick lump of clay stuck half way down. She didn't have the strength yet! Tanzanite gave her a sympathetic look.

"You don't have to tell us yet since this is obviously very painful for you both-" Tanzanite started as Alice's struggled words cut him off.

"But we have to! It's the only way to move past the incidents. The only way we will ever heal." she said, sighing.

Katina broke down too. "No! I can't! I just can't!"

"We have to get it out Katina! It's festered in us too deeply for too long. Just look at how it's affected us! My thinness and your obesity – I haven't eaten enough to feed a small sparrow at most meals, and you ate too much. We're too afraid to date men because of the world's jerks like Randy. Then there's your pain in the rear boss who thinks he's the king of the world. As if! We need to get this out. If not from you who knows it better than I do, then I will tell what I can remember and pray that it's accurate." Alice said, her voice showing that she was nearing her own breaking point.

The tears continue to pour down her cheeks as Katina cried out with all the pain she had buried deep within her. "It was all my fault!"

"How my angel?" Jadeite hated doing this, but it looked like this was the only way to make his new love heal.

"I started the tickle fight! Mom said to stop, but I wanted sissy to say that I was boss! It was all my fault! I killed them!"

Alice glanced at her sister. She fervently shook her head. "It's not your fault. Father fell asleep at the wheel remember?" Alice said softly. She buried her face in Tanzanite's chest and cried softly. She kept repeating that he fell asleep at the wheel.

"No! It is my fault!" Katina screamed with all that was in her as more tears streamed down her cheeks. "Mom turned to focus on us because I was a bad girl! She didn't see that dad was asleep or the railing we were heading for! It was all my fault! I didn't get them out! I was scared of the fire! I didn't want to get burned and they were burned to death! They burned to death because of me!!"

Alice turned to her elder sister; she knew that this had to be done. It was the only way to get the poison out of her, thought the younger psychic disliked even the thought of doing this to her beloved older sister. She prayed that Katina would forgive her someday for this. Alice decided to give Katina the argument and condemnation that her heart seemed to long for in reality. Alice's defeated look told Jadeite exactly what was planned. Though he hated it, he knew it had to be done.

"It was your fault then? You killed mother and father? How could you have done that to me?" Alice said in a flat tone, devoid of all emotions.

Her hand squeezed Tanzanite's, he understood as well what had to be said in order to get the venom out before it became destructive. She had to do this, though it broke her heart to be so ruthless about it. She knew; she had to get her sister to inadvertently admit that it wasn't her fault, even if it was by argument and false accusation.

Alice prayed to whomever would be listening to a young sister's prayer, that her beloved sister would understand in the long run that it was done for her own good. She waited, the silence was killing her, but she had to wait for her sister to respond somehow before continuing her argument to ensure that Katina was indeed listening.

"I knew that this day was going to come. I've waited and dreaded it all along. I know that you hate me. I'll get my stuff and go. You keep all of the money. I deserve whatever comes at me." Katina forced herself to stop crying and wiped her face of tears.

Jadeite at first had no idea what was happening, until Tanzanite told him telepathically. He hated this, how this was hurting his angel. Yet, the grief and guilt were hurting her even worse. If only he could erase it all for her. "Katina."

"No, this is for the best. I get what I deserve, and you don't get poisoned by me." Katina softly kissed his lips, and he could taste the salt of her pain filled tears. "At least … for one moment … I got to be happy."

"It was your fault! Admit it! You were the one who made father fall asleep at the wheel! You made the car crash! You killed them!" Alice said in the same, frightening tone that was devoid of emotion.

As Katina stood and went to leave the room, she found that the door had been locked and wouldn't unlock, she turned to the magical beings of the trio before her. "Unlock this door," she sighed as both the former general she had fallen for and Alice's new love shook their heads.

"Unlock this door now!" Katina cried out through her tears in her frustration. She met her sister's calm, detached gaze, as Alice said, "Coward. You run instead of facing up to what you did." She prayed that Katina would start arguing soon about how it wasn't truly her fault. That way, her sister would be cleansed of the poison festering inside of her.

"I admitted to it! It should have been me who burned to death! But I can't change it! I'd change places with them right now if I could! But I can't … I can't bring mommy and daddy back." Katina collapsed to her knees and broke down into hard sobs that worried Jadeite. He had to fight his heart this time. He so wanted to go and comfort her. Why would she think such?

Alice knew that Jadeite was fighting his instincts to help her sister; she knew this because she too was fighting that impulse hard. She knew that if she pushed her sister just a little further though, that she would truly realize it wasn't her fault. Sighing mentally, she returned to her calm, detached gaze, only this had a hint of the spitfire that verbally went at Randy and moments ago Mr. McKinney. She said in a flat tone, "you're right. It should have been you instead of our parents. But how would a selfish girl act any differently? Only your guilt has eaten away at you instead of how other selfish girls would have acted in your shoes." She said, praying it would finally crack the cold shell Katina had erected around her heart.

"Selfish? Why you ungrateful brat! You were all I thought about for years! I did all that I could to make it up to you, and gave up anything I could to make life without them better for you! What else can I do? I can't bring them back!" Katina shook with all of the grief and pain coursing for the first time since she buried it.

"The day we buried their burnt skeletons, I took care of you … I let you cry and cry without shedding a single tear myself. No one was there for me before, during, or after. When all the kids picked on us because of Aunty Grace being a witch, I stood up for you. But no one was there for me! I was the one who came home hiding the bruises on my soul and my body. Aunty Grace didn't even know. When that preacher tried to take you to his office, I didn't like it and sent you to our ride home. He raped me instead of you. That was why I went my path – but I told Aunty Grace and she made sure that you never went back to that place. What else can I do to make it up to you that our parent suffered that horrible fiery death?"

The psychic allowed herself to smile for the first time since the one-sided argument began. Katina was finally allowing herself to heal of the venom by admitting things weren't her fault. She hated calling her sister selfish, knowing it was far from the truth. She ran to Katina and gave her a hug, startling the angry grieving woman.

Alice grinned gently as she spoke up with tear falling from her eyes, giving her meaning for the ensuing argument, "I only said that to try and get you to say that it wasn't truly your fault, Katina. It was an accident and I have the best big sister in the universe."

Tears coursed down the younger woman's cheeks as she watched Katina for any sign of not being forgiven for her actions to help her beloved sister. The younger brunette knew that what she said was unforgivable, but it had to be done and would bear the fires of heck for all eternity if it meant having her sister healed of the evil guilt that had coursed through her for a long time.

"But the accident was my fault. I should have went back for them … I should have helped mommy and daddy." Katina panted between sobs that she couldn't hold back any longer.

Jadeite had his fill of it. He had limited power, but there was one spell he knew he could do – and it would be even easier if the one ingredient he needed were there in his love's oil box. "Tanzanite get that mirror off of that wall. Angel, do you have any Jasmine oil?"

"Yes, in the middle of the front row of bottles. Why?" Katina sniffled out as her younger sister returned the favor she had given so long before – letting the eldest finally mourn the pain out that she had always held within her tender heart.

Jadeite nodded once he found the right bottle, rubbed three drops across the mirror's surface, and then blew across it causing the mirror to ripple like water! "Let the truth surface before us now!"

Katina covered her ears as she and Alice heard the sounds of the accident all over again. Tears and grief pour out of both women as they sobbed together and saw the accident happen in their mind's eye all over again. Jadeite sighed hard, seeing for himself the truth. "Come here love. There is something I have to show you."

"No!" Katina shouted sharply.

Jadeite was not going to be soft at this. He got up and dragged her half way over to the mirror. "This is for your own good!"

"No, please! I'm sorry!" Katina was screaming in near hysterics at that point, fighting to get out of her love's grip and away from the mirror she was sure would condemn her for all time.

Jadeite sighed hard as he let her go and she scooted away from him in fear. This was harder than he first feared that it would be. "Angel, you couldn't have saved them. Even if you had gone back and pulled them out of the car it would have done no good. Katina, both of their necks broke in the accident. They felt nothing because they were killed instantly. They didn't suffer when the fire consumed their bodies."

Alice had known for some time that there wasn't anything that could be done, but never knew fully why. It was a sense in her heart that at last was justified. That would explain the feeling of finality that she had always felt when she looked back at the moment the car exploded in her mind. Her powers had told her the truth the entire time – nothing could have saved her parents.

She went over to Tanzanite and cried in his arms, all of the pain that she had kept bottled up for years to ease her sister's guilt coming out without any way to stop it. He rubbed her back soothingly as she watched the mirror of truth. It showed everything as it happened; her memories of the accident were vague, but they matched with the images she saw in the mirror. The sounds too were the same, confirming what her dark nightmares had been. Both sisters cried for their pain. Pain that would hopefully end now that all had truly been revealed, or so the men and Alice were hoping.

Katina shook her head violently and screamed with all that was in her. "No, no, no! I saw them moving as the flames grabbed them! They were alive! They felt it when their skin caught fire! They died in horrible pain because I was too scared to help! It was all my fault!"

"That was only nerve reactions in their muscles from the heat. Love, please come and look." Jadeite left the mirror and gathered her into his arms. "No, no, no. My fault … all my fault … he said so … he knew better … he knew God … God sees all … I'm a bad girl … I'm a dirty girl … I'm the worse … I … I … had it coming … I made him feel that way … I'm a bad girl … dirty girl …"

The younger sibling shook her head. She was furious with the man who called himself a preacher. It was why she took up the religion to begin with, so she could show the preacher how to truly act.

"Sissy, that wasn't your fault. The preacher did and said all of that to make you feel guilty and get you into his bed. He was someone who followed the path of the devil. Temptation was his biggest weak point and he acted upon it. I heard you tell Aunty Grace about it. I've always known what you did for me. You are my hero for that.

"I swore when that happened that I wouldn't let anyone else try that upon you when I took up that faith to prevent people from slandering me, though I'm more open minded about faiths than they are … I wanted to be sure you were safe from them by offering myself the only way I could. It wasn't your fault. Look in the mirror and be free of the spell he put upon you through the abilities of Temptation itself! Please sissy." Alice cried out, startling her sister into looking at the mirror.

"Spell? He put a spell on me? I'm afraid!" Katina screamed as she did all she could to get out of Jadeite's firm hold on her and scoot even further away. "I'm afraid! I'm afraid! Mommy! Daddy!"

And then a new player arrived – Queen Serenity. "Ekaterina Elisabeth Griffith calm down. Your being afraid is understandable. Yet, it will not bring back those you lost, nor will your self-hatred. If that were so I would be alive again. Lord Jadeite, it is good to see you free and about. Your mother knows of your safety, and your need of time to heal and remember. Otherwise she would be here instead of me. Tanzanite, as I showed you in your dreams all things come full circle. Your family too knows of your survival and equal need to heal and remember. Hello Alicianne. Don't feel guilty for forcing your sister through all of this. This is the only way for her to heal. And now I believe there are two people waiting to speak with the two of you young ladies."

With a gasp, the girls saw two people they never thought they would see again appear before them from beyond the veil. Katina smiled and giggled. "Mommy! Daddy!"

Alice looked at the pair and a brilliant smile came upon her face, as she broke free of Tanzanite's embrace to join her sister in pure happiness.

"Mom... Dad... How?" the younger sister said as she stared in wonder and chuckled.

Tanzanite couldn't help but admire that brilliant smile that came across his angel's face and noted how pre … No ... Beautiful was more like it... Yes how beautiful she really was when smiling that brilliantly. Her voice was alight with joy and laughter.

"Magic baby girls. Katrina Beth, you stop this blaming yourself right now young lady. Jadeite wouldn't lie to his true love, would he? Your father and I did die before the fire got anywhere near us." Melinda Griffith smiled on her eldest baby.

Arthur grinned at their littlest baby. "Sneaky as your mother, Alicianne. Giving your sister the blame she wanted and more until she turned and started defending herself. Beautiful. Couldn't have done it any better myself."

Alice blushed furiously at that. She still couldn't get past the fact that she was looking at her parents, but that comment struck her out of being speechless.

"I did what anyone would have done for their loving sibling. I knew she wasn't the least bit selfish, but I had no choice but to push her into accepting it wasn't her fault. And name calling always puts her on the defensive," the younger sibling said softly, her tears of joy were streaming down her cheeks as she turned around, grasped Tanzanite's hand gently and pulled him forward. She knew he didn't feel that he was a part of the conversation, but also knew it would be her only chance to show her parents that she was finally moving on from her dark past and into a brighter future.

Following her little sister's example, Katrina took Jadeite's hand and pulled him close to her. "I'm sorry mommy that I wasn't a good girl."

"Baby, you are a very good girl. I should have been more forceful when I saw your dad was tired. You two didn't remember that because you were both asleep when he and I quietly argued to let you two sleep. In fact that was twenty minutes before two little girls couldn't stop tickling each other? And you forgot that I was tickling you both just before the end. Jadeite, this is your Katrina reborn. She stopped using that pet name because of our deaths." Melinda smiled at the stunned man. "She loves you as much as you love her. And you both have our blessings for however this goes."

The smile that had been on Alice's face only grew with more joy. Her sister was finally going to be all right again after this. She was sure of it! Finally her parents turned to face her and Tanzanite.

Tanzanite watched the pair and when he heard that Katina was his teacher's love reborn, he began to wonder about the angel that was holding his own hand. He had to know if he had been so blessed as to regain what he had lost so long before.

"Is she …" the younger of the two living men started to ask as his love's parents cut him off with a nod.

"She is your Alicia reborn as well. This match, too, has our blessings." Melinda and Arthur said as they saw Alice throw her arms around Tanzanite's waist and kissed him gently to show him she was ready to learn to love again. The kiss was merely chaste for the moment as it wasn't the time or the place to do anything further. The two pairs smiled at the deceased parents continue their talking with the sisters.

Katina giggled as her parents hovered there. "I missed you mommy and daddy!"

"We missed you both as well, my precious babies. Things are going to get hard like your cards told you. But now that the two of you have help, we don't have to worry anymore." Melinda sighed.

Arthur smiled on his first little girl. "You stop this blaming yourself, young lady. It was no one's fault. That is why things like this are called accidents. Now unless you want a good swift spanking?"

Katina's eyes grew to the size of saucers as she scooted tight against Jadeite and shook her head. "No daddy."

"That's my good girl. We have to go now girls. Now we can be a peace because the two of you are safe. Keep following your own paths girls – in all things. We are so proud of you both." Arthur and Melinda kissed each girl before vanishing with Queen Serenity.

Katina sighed as she settled in the comforting arms of her only love – she was sure of that now. "It wasn't my fault."

"And look what it took to make you see that." Jadeite teased softly.

Alice's smile turned gentle as she watched Jadeite tease her sister slightly, and get tickled for it (who knew former bad guys had tickle spots? She'd have to see if Tanzanite had any later on). The younger sister snuggled into Tanzanite's embrace happily. She knew things in the end would turn out right. So much has gone wrong that it couldn't all go wrong. She grinned as she thought of what time it was – the sun was just starting to rise.

"So now that we all have this settled, how about we start making some breakfast?" Alicianne asked subtly, but her stomach agreed a little bit louder than it ever had – bring out laughter all around.

"I'm not hungry sissy." Ekaterina sighed a chuckle as she felt Jadeite's arms wrap around her and pull her body close to his own. This was all she wanted right then, her love holding her close.

Katrina's sister fixed her with a forced serious look and clucked her tongue disapprovingly.

"You haven't eaten much lately big sister. You need to eat," she said, imitating a mother hen tone of voice, but her seriousness left no room for argument.

"I am fine! Goddess, look at me! I'm a cow! You are the one who needs to eat! After all you can hide behind a blade of grass!"

The younger one of the pair looked at her elder sister, again with that look that showed she was not going to back down. "Sissy, you haven't eaten in days. That's not the way to trim down on your weight. Eat healthier and exercise regularly is the right way to do it." she commented, trying to will Katina to eat more.

She felt Tanzanite's eyes on her back and turned to face her love.

"You need to eat as well my love. Please, you must regain some of the weight you have lost." he pleaded gently. Her eyes lowered to the ground but then rose again with a fierce determination, which shone with a plan that would work.

"Katina, I'll make a deal with you..." Alice began.

Shaking her head, she looked at her little sister with a sneaky smile on her face. "It isn't Katina, Alice. It's Katrina."

Alice gave a knowing smile, which just proved that her big sister was getting better at last. She fought off the urge to break down into tears and continued.

"Fine, if it's Katrina, then I'm Alicia. Now onto my deal. I'll eat if you eat my big sister. It's not healthy to just stop eating entirely. That is partially why you passed out earlier this morning." Alicia said softly.

"I passed out from lack of sleep, being upset, and getting up too fast - Alicia!" Katrina snapped. "I like Alicia better than Alice anyway."

Alicia grinned a grin that would put any sneaky grin ever done to shame. She turned to face Tanzanite. Judging by the look upon his angel's face, she was indeed a crafty spitfire, Tanzanite was half afraid of what she had planned in her mind and half amused by it as well.

"Jadeite, will you be willing to tie my stubborn sister to a chair and baby feed her to get her to eat? She hasn't eaten in four days now that I know of … maybe even more with as sneaky as she can be." Alicia said, giving him her best pleading look.

"Leave my guy out of this, you little brat!"

Jadeite chuckled. "If you can make it to the door on your own, I will stay out of this … my Katrina. Otherwise I will be feeding you."

Smiling at her sister, Katrina got up only to lose her footing three steps away. Jadeite was right there this time, and gathered her into his arms. Triumphantly, he carried her to the bed and laid her there. "Rest, while I help get you something to eat."

"What makes you think I won't get up?" Katrina shot him a dirty look with a sly grin on the edge of it.

He grinned as he looked at the heat burning in her eyes – along with the silent plead. She wanted time alone … with him. Jadeite was more than happy to oblige his lady. "Tanzanite, do you think that you could help your young lady, while mine learns to never challenge me?"

"I am nowhere near done challenging you yet, my Jadeite."

Alicia turned an amused smirk on her face to her sister on the bed and Katrina's love standing near her.

"You can try Jadeite, but no one's succeeded. And I know that for a fact." Alicia said as she bolted to the door, unlocked it finally and left to go make breakfast. Tanzanite left after Katrina said, "Make sure she eats." and nodded to her on his way out. Alicia stopped at the top of the stairs.

"Here Tanzanite, my room is right next door to the right. You may go and change in there and then join me in making breakfast. Alright?" Alicia said as she directed him. He disappeared for a moment then reappeared. He had on everything except for his jacket, which was slung, over his shoulder. They arrived in the kitchen after going down the stairs.

A small smile donned the younger sister's lips. She spared a glance at the man who was going to help her with making the food. He had on a simple white shirt and a pair of her friend's old blue jeans while their clothing was being washed as best they could be. Internally, she made a mental note to check for ripping in seams for the pair. At first it struck her odd that she could care about him. But Alicia just couldn't help the feelings she felt building and heating in her body and soul. Really, she didn't want to.

It was quickly decided that they would have french toast, something that her sister liked, but hadn't had in the past few days. Muttering under her breath about evil renters, persistent boys and evil slave driver bosses, she made the batter to drip the bread in. While she dipped the pieces of bread, Tanzan, as he liked to be called, did the actual cooking, making enough for himself, Jadeite and Katrina, not knowing she wasn't making any for herself just yet, that of course, would be done after she made sure her sister was eating. 

When it was done, he turned to her to find she had four cups in her hands. Each was filled with an orange liquid that the young woman said it was called orange juice and was very good for those in recovery. He had set two of the cups on the side near the stairs, to keep her occupied while he made two pieces of french toast for his love whom had taken care of him. 

She had brought up the plates to the other couple and found the cups waiting for her at the bottom of the stairs. She quickly picked them up, thinking she heard the burner still going. But she shook her head, thinking that she was hearing things and took the cups up. She descended the stairs and wandered back into the kitchen where Tanzanite was waiting for her. She held back the shock of discovering two pieces of french toast waiting for her with her glass of orange juice. After a minute, he noticed she wasn't eating, only sipping her juice. He turned a playful menacing glare on her.

"If you don't eat, I'll tie you to that chair and feed you like an infant. You're far too thin for your own well being, as a doctor you know that I am right." The blonde said, his eyes boring into her being. With a meek nod, she picked up her fork and started eating her french toast. She had the feeling that he wasn't exactly joking, and wasn't ready to test his limits just yet. 

After a while of eating in silence, the pair finished as the younger of the two sisters went upstairs to check upon how the other two were doing. They went up and heard them talking and chuckling.

Katrina loved how it felt to be fed by another, and the looks she was getting from Jadeite with each chewing motion she made. She had only been playing when she held her hands over her head after Alicia left breakfast with them. But Jadeite refused to let her feed herself after that. It seemed that he enjoyed taking care of her. Thankfully he didn't argue with her when she returned the favor.

"Thank you for accepting me after I admitted the truth about …" Katrina was blushing at the memory of losing her innocence.

"That was not of your free will. And it is an act that will not happen between the two of us until our wedding day." Jadeite set down next to her and pulled his blushing love into his arms after setting the plates to one side so they had nothing between them.

Katrina breathed in his scent and relaxed. "Are you asking me something, handsome?"

Wouldn't you know that is when the other couple would decide to come in! The pair walked into the room, with a blush creeping up both of their cheeks. There was the feeling of something beautiful had just been disturbed. Feeling a need to state the obvious, Alicia spoke up, "Um... did we just interrupt something?"

"Yes." Katrina grinned. "You didn't answer me Jadeite. Were you asking me something?"

He blushed hotly for a moment. "I was and still am." Jadeite knew this was fast, but he knew how he felt without a doubt. He got off of the bed and knelt before her. "Will you marry me Katrina?"

Katrina had been kidding before … teasing. Did he really want her … even knowing her darkest secrets? She smiled as she saw the truth shining in his eyes – he was sincere. "Yes, Jadeite … I will marry you!"

Happy tears came to Alicia's eyes as she congratulated the pair along with Tanzanite. They collected the finished plates and cups and left without further ado.

Figuring to leave them be, they went back downstairs to where trouble awaited them. Craig was standing in the kitchen, waiting for them. A grimace flitted across Alicia's lips at the immanent confrontation.

"So Alice, will you finally start going steady with me? You and I both know no one else would ever really want you," he said with a superior smirk as Tanzanite stepped in, his hand resting on her shoulder.

"You dare insult myself and my angel who saved me?" he said, angry with this man whom he didn't even really know. Craig shrank back a bit for a split second. Then Craig straightened up like any challenged male that sensed another male moving in on its territory. The look on his face said her wasn't please with this at all.

He shot a glare over at Alicia, who shrunk back. Craig smiled at that. He still had a hold on the little rich violet. "The name is Craig, and this little girl is mine. That is all that you need to know pretty boy. Alice make sure you are in that hot red dress I gave you for Christmas last year and standing outside that front door at no later that eight tonight. And you had better be good tonight at the party, or I will teach you to behave the way you should."

"How dare you order my angel? Alicia belongs to no one, and where she goes this evening is her decision – not yours. As to that threat of teaching her what you feel is proper behavior, you wouldn't make it one step near her body without tasting my fist." Tanzanite growled.

Craig shot a bird at the guy he thought was only flapping his lips. "Whoever you are, go find a pretty boy to play house with. That girl is mine. And you wouldn't be able to touch me. See I have a black belt in karate, and you are just a little baby waiting for a spanking."

Alicia stared coldly at Craig. Her words were colder than ice as she spoke, "You have no right to call me Alice. You may call me either Alicianne or preferably Ms. Griffith. And you will be waiting all night, because I am going nowhere with you."

Craig snapped his fingers and pointed for Alicia to come to his side like she was a dog. It took some doing but she stood where she was. "Leave Craig, because you are not welcome here."

When she felt Tanzanite rub her back supportively, she turned and snuggled safely in his arms. She felt so strong with him there. And she knew that he would never let harm come to her, much less hurt her himself. Tanzanite glared over at the loser and gave a dirty smirk. "I suggest you take your insults and do as my angel has ordered you."

He was taken aback by the pair's comments. "I haven't insulted you yet, little boy. You will know when I do however. She's so thin, no one would ever like her truly, except for me," he commented cruelly. "Looks like Randy was right and my pet has been whoring behind my back. Get over here now, Alice, before I make you wish you had never been born."

Tanzanite glanced down at the dark haired woman who stood in his embrace, her eyes shown with tears that wanted to be shed, but they were not allowed to come. He grimaced at her appearance, knowing this boy had brought her any amount of harm. Tanzanite decided to bring back the powerful maiden he had just seen stand against this bully. For now, he had to get this guy out of here before he drove the woman to tears and himself to murder.

Craig turned his best pleading look to her, and in a whiny, irritated manner asked her once more to date him. "Come on baby, you know we're meant to be. I'll take you to the mall and get your hair done nice for tonight and some pretty jewelry."

A cold look came upon her face. "No Craig. I won't. I refuse to date with someone who is as cruel as you are. Be gone from my sight. I will never date you." She said; her voice colder than the artic ice that Tanzanite had escaped from before he and Jadeite arrived in her home. He had to smirk at that, but then the viral man's voice interrupted Tanzanite's silent musings.

Craig grinned a grin that spoke volumes. He was undressing her with his eyes, and he was being boastful about it! "Why won't you date me?" he demanded in a whiny tone. "Is he that good between your sheets? You know the entire town will know about this in an hour. How good that will look to those church people – you whoring at night, playing the good Christian girl during the day."

"You're a creep who thinks he can get whatever he wants, any way he wants it. I won't stand for it. I don't love you. You don't love me. It will never work out." She said vehemently with tears in her eyes. He had hit a nerve and knew he could work it.

"So you'll go out with me then?" he said, a crude smile on his face. "You know I'll protect you from your sister's bad rep. My ring on your hand is a perfect addition to your public face. Everyone says that we are perfect for each other."

"NO! I just told you I won't date you and I absolutely refuse to marry you!" she said, getting to her wit's end in anger. Tanzanite knew she was almost ready to throw another energy ball at him, but decided to intercede, possibly saving the young woman he had fallen for.

Tanzanite stepped in; he put his arm around the young woman's waist, and drew her behind him, as to shield her from his gaze. She begged him with her mind not to fight Craig. For her sweet sake, he would do that. Still even he had his limits.

"You sickly thin witch. Randal was right! You are a freak and a whore. No one but me will ever love you. And you will be worse than your sister by tonight – that is a promise!" Craig stated in a haughty manner, sure of his victory.

This enraged Tanzanite to no end. "In the short time I've known her, I've seen through the facade she puts up in front of everyone else. Now leave before I make you suffer for your actions and your threat." Tanzanite said, his hands clenching and unclenching.

"Oh and you care about her I presume?" Craig sneered. This shocked Alicia, no one had ever seen him this mean.

She clamped onto the hand that was closest to her. The darkness had grown indeed in Craig. She knew now more than ever that she couldn't be with him. Tanzanite said in a voice that left no room for questioning as he said clear as crystal, "I. Love. Her. She is my angel and no one, especially you, shall take her from me."

"We'll just have to see about that, won't we pretty little boy." Craig threw a punch that Tanzanite grabbed with one hand crunching the hand bones tight, before throwing the scum into a nearby chair. "Damn! That's it you fucking whore! You are nothing! I'll have you ruined before the day is out!"

Alicia couldn't hold back her tears. Her reputation was all that protected her big sister. Enraged, Tanzanite threw his fist at the sight of his angel in tears. A cracking noise was heard as Craig fell back, pain clouding his vision. He took off running after that.

Alicia could swear she heard him muttering in his mind about 'worse revenge'. It made her worry, though she hid it well before Tanzanite looked back at her, ashamed of what he did.

"I'm sorry," he said, wrapping his arms around her as she wept. "For what?" she asked through her tears. "For hitting him when I promised to not resort to fighting." he replied softly.

"It's alright, he offended you and you wanted to defend my honor. At least someone other than my few truly good friends and sister cares about me. And this person is someone who loves me for being me," she proclaimed the last part as if making sure that no one in the world could ever doubt her love for him. "This person I love with all that is within me."

Tanzanite knew that he loved this woman without the shadow of a doubt, but he couldn't help but feel guilty for her previous death. He drew her close as he gazed into her brown eyes, wishing for a sign of what to say. He knew she loved him, as she knew that he loved her. But he couldn't help but feel guilty for the past. It was time to unearth what he remembered of it before Beryl came into his life, to show why he was fearful of the future.

"My love. It's time I unearthed some of our past. It will come back to you soon enough, but I need to get this in the open, much like how your past came out into the open. You see; we lived happily together, married for a short time before Beryl ripped the universe to heck and back.

"I had gone on a mission to scout a post that it was rumored that Beryl had obtained. Upon seeing that it was a lie, I raced back to find our house ransacked and you dead, your clothes ripped from your body and blood was everywhere. You were dead. I found remnants of some of my friends' clothes here and there, as if they were the culprits. I feared that they lied about being my friends, and Beryl used that against me. I'm so sorry my love. If I had known... I only wish I knew for certain what happened to you then and if I could have done something to stop it," he said as he broke into fitful tears.

To hear such a heavy heart filled confession stunned Alicia. She did what she could, which was to let him cry his tears and then gradually work through his pain with him to ease his conscience. She knew he took a risk in admitting to that, which was to admit to one's darkest fear. She rubbed his back soothingly as the remainder of his tears ended. Smiling down at the young angel in his arms, he was elated to have a second chance with her, if she would let him. He was determined to not have her hurt like that anymore.

"Are you still willing to be my love again … given our horrible past?" he said tentatively. At her smile and nod, he felt like he was truly reborn. She was giving him a second chance! He hugged her tightly to his chest and promised things would be different this time. They just had to be different!

***

Katrina snuggled into the arms of her fiancé. For the first time since she lost her parents, the young woman was completely happy. She at last knew without doubt that their deaths were not her fault. Her sister was happy and in love. To make it better, Katrina herself was deeply in love.

Jadeite brushed his thumb up and down her cheek. This was the look on her face he preferred, peace and contentment. "One good turn for another?"

Seeing the confusion on her face, he chuckled and got off the bed. When he opened her oils box, Katrina suddenly understood. "You don't have too. I know how ugly I am."

"If you were ugly my dear, I wouldn't have proposed to you." Jadeite pulled out the same base oil she had used on him and mixed up a new blend of essential oils with it.

Katrina sighed as the scent fill the room. It reminded her of woods at midnight after a rainstorm. He took off her glasses and laid them on the table. Then he saw how giving her what he got might cause a problem. "I'll find a couple towels you can cover up your important parts with."

"No." Katrina took his hand in her own. "We are alone, you can lock the door, and I trust you. Besides we are engaged after all."

She instantly pulled off her shirt, and tossed it on the bottom of the bed. All too soon the rest of her clothes joined it. Katrina was embarrassed at her weight, but the beauty she truly was stunned Jadeite speechless for a moment. Then a smirk grew over his face. "You are making it hard to wait for after the wedding."

"We don't have to." Katrina held out her arms to him and was grateful when he knelt before her, accepting and returning her embrace. "I want to give you all of me."

"On our wedding night. For now, I intend to give you everything you gave me in that massage earlier. Now lay back and enjoy it. Heavens know you deserve it." Jadeite laid his only love back – so grateful to have her back after everything he did in the past.

Tenderly he brushed away strands of hair from and began with her face. The oil was warm and eased her nervousness and tension, and slowly eased her eyes shut. His touch was soft and full of his love and adoration. The magic their love created filled her from his touch and slowly cleansed her soul of the darkness she had clung to for so long. Pleased by the look of relaxation in Katrina's face by the time he was finished with her jaw, Jadeite went lower. He felt the rumbling groans of pleasure in her throat as he rubbed the oil into the skin of that area. She was surprised when he stole a kiss from her lips, but smiled and giggled at the sensation.

When he was done with her shoulders and collarbones, he went teasingly slow down each arm, hand, and finger. And then he longingly looked at one area he was considering skipping, but Katrina took his hands and rested them on her breasts with a nod of approval. By the time he had finished with each, she was groaning loudly and he was smiling at how easily he had given her pleasure.

"May I take it that you are enjoying this?" Jadeite chuckled as he watched her peak rise and wash away. The answer he got was not in words but in the smirk that grew over her lips and the nod she shakily gave.

Slowly he worked the oil into the once tight skin and relieved the overworked muscles.  In fact he reluctantly woke his angel from a doze to get her to turn over for him. After moving her long hair out of the way, and planting an open mouthed kiss between her shoulder blades, Jadeite continued his magic over her back – never once letting her realize that he indeed was casting a purifying spell through her.

He worked over her rear just as she had his, gaining a chuckle from her throat and a smile on her lips – as he had been hoping for. Yet all too soon for them both he was finished, and she was clean.

Then came the racket from downstairs. "Sissy!"

Jadeite closed his eyes and smiled. "It seems that she is telling someone name Craig to leave her alone. He refused to stop with his insults and threats, and well … Tanzanite cannot be held accountable for his actions. He did warn the scum to stop after all."

Katrina could help but laugh a big belly laugh. That made Jadeite love her all the more. She was open, honest, and his alone. Without a word, she convinced him into a shower with her. She knew that Craig would go for sympathy votes from her and her sisters' friends who did not yet trust the pair.

An hour later Katrina and Jadeite were both clean, changed, and went downstairs to knowing looks on the faces of the other couple. But there was no time to talk, four trucks pulled up the driveway. All four chuckled as they heard Craig whimpering and whining from the trucks to their front door when the others shouted loud, "shut up Craig!"

Katrina chuckled a true laugh, and that brightened her sister's smiled all the more. Alicia wrapped her arms around Tanzanite with a lowing smile on her own lips. "I would have paid money to hear that!"

"A whining Craig finally being told to shut up?" Katrina chuckled out. "Why didn't just say something? I would came down earlier and done for you for free!"

"No! You laughing with your whole heart."

Katrina only then saw how her depression had affected her younger sister. The doorbell halted any further talk. She looked up at Jadeite and smiled. "Come in."

"You girls okay? Craig told us that one of the guys is a nutcase and he had … no … idea … where the other …" Erin cried out, until she saw the scene in front of her. Seeing the truth clearly, she had a dirty grin grow on her face. "I see the truth is two ladies have been having fun all night."

Both sisters groaned. Erin was not subtle when she didn't want to be. Katrina glared at her friend, "not that kind of fun, you brat!"

"Did we interrupt? We could always come back in an hour or so … unless the girls are in the mood to share?" Erin winked at Jadeite, but Katrina put a possessive arm around her guy.

Alicianne grinned knowingly. "We were not doing that you dirty mind. Two, you don't have to go. And three, we will never share our guys."

"Humbug to you too Scrooge. Craig said that guy of yours is a maniac and that you were in danger. Something tells me we were misinformed though." Erin flopped down on the couch while the rest of the group found seats throughout the living room, leaving Craig in the doorway on his own.

Alicia couldn't hold back her smirk at the sight of Craig's broken nose, nor could Katrina. Tanzanite was powerful when he was pushed into becoming angry, just like his teacher. The younger sister put an arm around Tanzanite's waist to keep him from pouncing and possibly killing the irritating nuisance that was Craig.

"Craig, you haven't done my love justice. He was the one who was defending my honor because you insulted me after he blatantly told you to shut your trap before you got in trouble for it." Alicianne said while her smirk grew at the sight of her friends' wide eyes. Finally Erin spoke up.

"He... did what?" She said, her eyes drifting to Craig who was still whimpering and nursing his broken nose.

Katrina smirked at the sight of crybaby Craig with cotton stuck up each nostril. "Exactly. Tanzanite always gives fair warning before acting on those with a limited mental capacity."

"I try to never get into battles with those who are unarmed – physically or mentally," Tanzanite added which made the group break down into rolling laughter.

Alicia started to tear up from laughter at the comments made by her love and her sister. She knew he wasn't lying about it, but it couldn't hurt to add insult to Craig for the insults he had put on her. Alicianne leaned back gently in Tanzanite's arms as Craig opened his mouth to protest.

"Alice... What are you doing? He's insane!!" Craig whined, his voice sounding even more annoying because of his broken nose.

"Oh? First off, my name is Alicia. However, I told you to call me Ms. Griffith! And if he were insane, I wouldn't be standing here right now. He would have probably already killed me. He has not once insulted me. On the other hand, you have and continue to do so by insulting the man I love. If you do not wish to see me further angered, then you will leave right now." She commented as she gripped her necklace through her shirt tightly with her right hand while her left was on top of Tanzanite's arm that was resting around her waist.

Erin cleared her throat, getting the other five to see how shocked she and the crew she had brought with her were. "Um, when did you go back to being called Alicia?"

"About the same time I went back to Katrina. Oh, and Craig … don't let the door hit you on your way out."

"I'll make you both pay for this. You'll be mine Alice! Make no mistake about that!" Craig glared at the sisters, turned around and was knocked out of the house when the door suddenly slammed shut.

Katrina grinned as innocently as she could manage at that moment. "I warned him, but no … the jerk never listens to good advice." She pouted as she curled into Jadeite's arms and grinned proudly into his eyes that were filled with his pride for her.

Alicia couldn't hold back her laughter as it bubbled out of her. Turning to Tanzanite, she saw the pride in his eyes for standing up to him like that again. She kissed his cheek as she continued to giggle about that incident. She turned to her few friends who were watching her and her sister with eyes as wide as saucers – not from the magic, because this small group knew about the sisters' powers, but from the change these two men had made in them.

"I think we need to explain what's going on guys..." Alicia said softly her eyes, while they had some of the laughter, were showing she was serious about it.

Erin got cheeky right at that moment. "Katrina and her hottie … sitting in a tree … k-i-s-s-i-n-g …"

Katrina blushed, but she had to answer before Erin got to go on. "First his name is Jadeite, second no tree needed, third I like it when he and I K. I. S. S."

"That is just going to urge her on, sissy." Alicia warned.

But it was too late; Erin had that eager look in her eyes. "… first comes love, and then comes marriage …"

Jadeite looked into his love's chocolate brown eyes. "We have the first in abundance."

"And the second is in the planning stages as of this morning." Alicia chuckled out.

Alicia leaned against Tanzanite as laughter racked her body. The vibrations of her laughter made Tanzanite feel wonderful indeed. His angel was happy and that was what truly mattered to him at the moment. Soon enough, when he was finally able to break free of his self-entrapment of the past and his doubts, he would be able to move on with his love.

"Umm… What do you mean the second is in the planning stages right now?" Keith choked out.

Katrina's grin brightened. "Jadeite proposed and I said yes!"

Keith's eyes looked as if they would pop out of their sockets while the rest of the group cheered and applauded. His angry growl silenced them all and scared Katrina deeper into her fiancé's arms. "I've asking you for a simple date for over three years now and get nothing! He's with you twenty-four hours and you're getting hitched to him? You fucking whore!"

Alicia's eyes narrowed dangerously. No one ever dared insult her sister like that without being punished severely. She let go of Tanzanite's arm as she grasped her piece of tanzanite that was around her neck and prayed that if her anger was enough to send a ball of pain at him that it wouldn't leave her so defenseless this time.

She knew she had more energy because of breakfast alone, never mind having the man she loved at her side. Her rage at the man who insulted her sister was fueling her inner powers sky high. Sparing a quick glance at Tanzanite, he was quite enraged too that someone would insult the fiancée of his teacher in front of him like that. She looked briefly over to sister and her own fiancé and saw nothing but rage boiling there. In her most deadly whisper, she said one word.

That word would be enough to send chills down the coldest of spines, she said, "run."

"What the hell did you say to me freak?" Keith spat at Alicia with a look of withered patience on his face.

Katrina pulled out of her fiancée's arms, walked over to Keith with the darkest of hate burning in her eyes, and slapped him hard across the face. Her voice was devoid of any emotion. "No one calls my little sister a freak."

"Randy told me everything about what the little freak did last night. Remember he's my uncle bitch. You are mine or on the street – that … is … how … it … works." He emphasized his last few words by jabbing his finger into Katrina's chest with each word.

Katrina's smoldering rage blazed. "Shut up." Her voice was so soft that all of their human friends moved to the safety of the sides of the room nearest the men and Alicia and far away from the idiot provoking their powerful friend.

Keith mockingly pouted as he jabbed her again. Jadeite started to go for him, but Katrina's hand went out to stop her love. It was time that she stood up for herself and her little sister. No more giving in, no more walking away, and no more backing down. She raised her voice, but not the temperature of her words. "I said for you to shut … up." She returned the favor of jabbing Keith with the last two words.

Keith grabbed her hands and pulled her close, showing her his all too obvious arousal that his black jeans barely hid from the others. His face had a superior smirk. The humans gathered closer to Jadeite, Alicia, and Tanzanite as they all clearly felt the power Katrina was pulling into her body that Keith was ignoring.

"Now, my little toy, what did you say?" Keith tried to make her wince by squeezing Katrina's wrists, but that did nothing but add more fuel to the fire of her anger – like a gallon of gas on wildfire. Now he had the sense to become afraid … too bad it was far too late.

"I said to SHUT UP!" The force of her rage exploded and Keith went flying into the front door that was on the opposite end of the room.

Keith scrambled to his feet and tried to yell at the woman he assaulted only a moment before. But nothing came out! He stood there looking like a strange mime as he tried all he could to force some sound out of his throat, but nothing came out. Katrina was as stunned as he for a heartbeat. She slowly let a dirty grin grow across her face as she realized just what had happened. The gifts she thought that she had lost as a child were returning. Instead of being condemned to only having her gift of sight, Katrina could again feel the magic she was born with faintly flowing through her body once again. "You finally do what you are told. I'd ask you to tell your uncle I am a happily engaged woman, but looks like you won't be talking to him or anyone anytime soon. Goodbye, Keith."

With that the door slowly opened by itself, and Keith ran for his life.

A smirk flashed across the younger sister's face, showing that she knew exactly what had just happened. While their non-magical friends stared at the scene, trying to figure out what had just happened, she instead turned to her sister before asking smugly, "how long is he going to be like that?"

Katrina's face paled and she swayed slightly. "I don't know … Jadeite!"

She collapsed safely into her fiancé's arms. Alicia started to go for her, but Katrina waved the attention away. "I'm okay … it's everything hitting me at once."

Jadeite fed her some of his energy. It was enough to steady her to where he himself had been before breakfast. "Jadeite! You can't go feeding me your energy!"

"I can and will. You were very weak. And as to Keith, he will be like that for no more than a week. Your powers are strong, but untrained and you are not in shape for controlled prolonged spells yet. You need time to recover from you former employment and starvation."

Alicia sagged in relief that her sister would be all right as Tanzanite helped to keep her steady. A small smile graced her lips as she came up with an idea to help her sister as well as Jadeite and Tanzanite.

"Let me go make a quick phone call. I'll be right back my love." Alicia said as she ran up the steps into the room the phone was in. She picked it up and dialed her work number. A familiar friendly voice came to the young woman's ear.

"Hello, this is Mrs. Singer, how may I help you?" Alicia's boss said over the phone.

"Mrs. Singer, it's me, Alice. Can I speak to you for a moment? I need to know something." Alicia, said, while knowing that her boss wouldn't recognize her current nickname just yet.

"Sure dear, what can I do for you? How is your vacation?" the young sister's boss said.

"Do we have any job openings in the hospital for people on entry level?" Alicia asked.

"Why yes. We have a couple job openings for that level." Mrs. Singer replied, wondering what was going on.

"Well my sister had to leave that slave driver of a boss over at Hotdog Hut because he worked her to near starvation. Can you see her for one of the entry level jobs?" Alicia said, praying that she would at least let her interview.

The sound of papers being shuffled around greeted Alicianne's ears as her boss came back with a reply.

"That would be fine. I'll see her on the day that you return to work to be more of a convenience. Now is there anyone else who needs a job here?" Alicia's boss replied.

Alicia blushed, knowing she had to do this for the sake of the others so Randy couldn't pull a stunt on them too easily. He'd cause trouble about the guys using her and her sister's money rather than working to earn their keep.

"Yes. My sister's fiancée as well as my current boyfriend." Alicia replied timidly, knowing her boss was going to have a field day with the news that had just greeted the other woman's ears.

"YOU have a boyfriend Alice?" Mrs. Singer's voice replied incredulously, knowing that her co-worker had pretty much sworn off dating.

"Yes I do Judy, but if you think they might be better suited elsewhere, that is fine too. I just wanted to see if they could at least be seen for an interview, just in case," the young psychic said softly, while she heard more paper shuffling around.

"Sure, if they don't find anything soon, you can bring them with you and I'll give them an interview about some of the other openings. If they find something else, that's fine too. I'm happy you're opening yourself up more to others." Judy's light voice replied.

"Thank you so much Judy. Oh! And my nickname around work now is Alicia. Thank you so much for this!" Alicia said as they bid each other goodbye for the time being.

Alicia raced back down the stairs with a happy smile. Her boss would interview her sister and the guys if the guys wanted to work there with them! She felt relief sweeping through her. Her sister didn't have to go back to that slave driver.

Looking in the room, everyone had drinks (thanks to Tanzanite obviously) and were talking and laughing at ease with the two former bad guys. Katrina had not left Jadeite's lap … Alicia wondered if it was in order to hide something they didn't want the rest to see? Her chuckling got everyone's attentions on her. She rushed over into her guy's open arm and grabbed a swig from his drink. "I'm back, the party may start now."

"We started it while you were gone. Now what were you up to little sister?" Katrina grinned from her warm and comfortable seat.

A smirk greeted Alicia in return to Katrina's cheeky response.

"That's for me to know and for you to ask and find out." The younger sibling said while her smirk grew from ear to ear, then she continued, "Though I'm not all too sure that you want to know given how cheeky you're being." 

"I'm sorry. It's just I'm sick of hearing your guy moan about wondering where you are and when you are coming down!" Katrina chuckled as Tanzanite blushed.

Joann smirked at Erin – peas in a pod those two. "Yeah she prefers doing the moaning rather than listen to it."

Katrina lit red with a blush in a heartbeat, and then threw a pillow at the cackling Erin and Joann. Beth got a smirk and added herself to the pod. "I see England, I see France, and I see Katrina's got on no underpants! Wonder what she and her guy has planned for later on?"

A bubble of laughter came up from Alicia's lips as she hugged Tanzanite tightly before turning to face the squadron of people.

"Then I guess sissy doesn't want to know what I have just arranged..." she said with a superior smirk as she threw a pillow at her sister playfully.

She set down Tanzanite's drink as she pulled him down to duck the on coming pillow.

"Tell me! Please, with sugar and a cherry on top?"

Erin bounced in her seat. "Tell us already. I can't take the suspense!"

Tanzanite rubbed his love's back. "Go on and tell us all, Alicia."

Her smirk turned into a joyful smile as she stood. "I talked to my boss, Mrs. Singer, just moments ago Katrina, she agreed to give you an interview for an entry level job of your choosing over at the hospital that I work at the day I return to work to be of more convenience to us."

Katrina had tears in her eyes and her bottom lip trembled. "You did that for me? But, Steve will take me back … you don't have to deal with others seeing me around you."

"I will not let you go back to that piece of garbage. He mistreats you terribly. My boss is a fair woman. She believes in a don't ask/don't tell policy, religions of all kind are welcomed. It's not just Catholics that go to that hospital after all. I don't mind being seen with you sister. You're my sister! Blood is thicker than water. Anyways if anyone hassled you there, my boss would hand them a pink slip so fast, their heads will spin and they won't have her for a good review at following interviews there after." Alicia said as she embraced Katrina.

Katrina clutched her sister tight. "Thanks sissy."

And then the doorbell rang. Erin groaned, "where are we? Freaking Grand Central Station? Just when the scene is getting good? I'll get it!"

Erin was silent a moment just staring at the trio in front of her. Out of anger, Tanzanite stood in front of Alicia, to shield her from their undressing eyes. Jadeite quickly helped Katrina to stand then put her behind him to guard his fiancée as well. Alicia wrapped an arm around Tanzanite's waist, as if to prevent him from hurting the three intruders upon the house. Katrina had done the same with her love.

It looked as if there was going to be trouble in paradise.

Keith had a dirty smirk on his face. While Craig was stripping Alicia with his eyes again, only this time he was smiling. His voice sounded as if her had a head cold. "Should have given in when you had the chance little witchie-poo."

"You two think you can do that hocus-pocus in my house and not pay up to me and my nephew, well you'll learn. Looks like we're gonna have a little hanging before we get ourselves a bonfire boys." Randy smirked.

None of them saw Heather call 9-1-1 on her cell phone and quietly request the sheriff be sent to the place. She only hoped that he'd get there in time.

Time seemed to stand still; Alicianne's rage was going to boil over. She focused silently on her powers, praying that she could find if someone in the room was going to help. When she saw in her mind that Heather had called for the Sheriff, she made a note to thank her later on. Alicia gripped Tanzanite's hand tightly.

"I think that you three should leave." Alicia said as Craig continued undressing her with his eyes. Tanzanite felt a new rage form, but his only love prevented him from acting on that rage by sending him her emotions through the simple touch. So, he mentally explained what was happening through his handhold with Alicia to his mentor.

The situation became so tense, that it could almost be cut with a knife. The people who knew of Heather's call prayed the Sheriff would arrive in time. Otherwise there were going to be three going to the hospital shortly.

"I own the house you gutter trash whore." Randy walked over and started to put his hand on Katrina, but Jadeite took a harsh grab on his wrist with a look in his eyes that warned death on any coming against the former Negaverse General. "You keep your hands off of my fiancée!"

Alicia's glare warned of pain to those who tried to hurt her family. She kept a firm hold on Tanzanite's hand and continued to try and soothe his nerves into nothing more than threatening glares and words. That way, nothing could be done against them in court, because it was all he say/she say. Alicia glanced behind her to see how her sister was fairing; Jadeite was barely controlling himself. Hopefully the police would come and soon, Alicia mused silently.

"They don't have anywhere else to go, dumb ass. No one else would rent to them because they are witches. And if they want a roof on their head, the pair of them had better start putting out. My cousin didn't pop the one so she can act like a goody-goody saint now." Randy grinned. "I own you bitch."

What he didn't know was the sheriff and two deputies were standing right behind him. "Is that so, Mr. McDowell."

Alicia sighed with relief when the sheriff spoke and sagged against Tanzanite, who changed his gripping so he could better support his love as he watched the interaction as Randy became more nervous. At the sight of the sheriff and his deputies behind the trio, she felt safe again. Which was a good thing for the three troublemakers. A few more moments of their mouths going like that … well neither Tanzanite nor his teacher would have been responsible for their actions.

"Um, hey Frank. I thought the poker game was at your house tomorrow night?" Randy sputtered out after clearing his throat nervously.

He turned around to see an angry Frank Daniels glaring at him. "Not for you it isn't. I suggest you get out of here. And Ladies, it might be an idea for you and your friends to find somewhere else to live soon."

Relief seemed to wash over the whole group at the sight of Frank and the repercussions of his words. A grin of relief crossed Alicia's face. Not everyone in the county saw them as evil it seemed.

"I can't thank you enough for coming Frank. You can count on us finding a new place to stay." Alicia said through her tears of relief as she buried her face into Tanzanite's chest so people wouldn't see her so vulnerable. Tanzanite crossed his arms across her back as if to shield her from harm.

Katrina sighed in relief and responsibility. "If we can find somewhere."

Jadeite pulled her into his arms as Erin got an enlightened gleam in her eyes. "Hey, the Center! It's opened that old apartment building and there are those apartments that are for medium and large families! Plus they are working to buy those other two buildings."

"But there are those who need it more than we do." Katrina argued.

Alicia was torn about the situation. Something had to be done and soon. Everyone knew that the four of them were not safe any longer under their current roof. Silently, Alicia waited for Katrina to argue it out with the others and pray for the best. For everyone's sake, if not for her own.

Heather groaned in anger, "and this is better? Think about it! If the guys hadn't been here, what kind of life would you and Alicia have right now?"

"We'll look around, someone has to be renting out." Katrina remembered the waiting list for those places at the Center. She knew that the building was full. "The building waiting list is full and there is still others waiting. I won't justify getting a place above those who are on the streets."

Erin shook her head. "Katrina, what about the two of you?"

"We'll be okay." She sighed, even if she knew differently.

Joann growled. "Hell with this! It isn't a lot, but we can set up the basement and attic of my place. My folks will understand and there is no waiting list. Guys, could ya come help me clean all of it out?"

"No trouble. Katrina, start packing everything up now." Jadeite kissed his love.

"But, there are others who could use the space. Jed, honey … there are people who are sleeping with their families on the street. I can't steal spaces from them." Katrina sobbed.

Alicia turned a heated glare to her sister.

"Sis, we should see about Joanne's offer. We could pay them for staying there. That way we're not taking advantage. I don't think that Joanne's parents will take just anyone off the street anyways. At least for now until we find a place to stay." the younger sister said, trying to convince her sister.

"But …" Katrina felt so bad. She herself had seen how much need was on the streets.

Tanzanite took her hand. "Katrina, when Jed and I needed help, you took care of us without question. Please let others help you for once. After all that you and Alicia have gone through, it is about time you both got some help."

Jadeite rubbed his thumb across her cheek. "Sweetheart, I can't trust that you will be safe here if Tanzanite or I are ever away. I'm not even sure if I can trust leaving to get us a safer place to live."

"Alright. I guess you're right. They won't try anything tonight, but that isn't guaranteed beyond tonight. Thanks Joann." Katrina sighed heavily as she leaned into her future husband's embrace. It took a lot out of her to accept help from others without giving something in return.

A sigh of relief escaped past the younger sister's lips, she turned to Frank, her eyes pleading.

"What's going to happen to those three for tonight Sheriff?" Alicia asked the question that was hanging heavily in the air.

"I can't arrest them, seeing as they haven't done anything. But I'll keep Bobby on guard out here until you all are moved out."

Alicia seemed concerned for a brief second, she knew something was wrong with that Bobby character, but refused to let it be known. If problems came, they came. At least she and her sister had their guys and their best friends to help them if it was needed.

The sheriff nodded as he and the deputies escorted the Uncle, nephew, and friend out. Bobby acted less than enthusiastic about having to be stuck babysitting, but he didn't say a word in front of the rest. He got in his car and sat there after the sheriff visibly tore into him – most likely for his attitude. Looking at the man in the car outside, Jadeite had a very bad feeling about leaving. Still the trio would be fools to attack tonight; there were rooms to clear out and things that needed packing.

Alicia dashed to the kitchen and grabbed Tanzanite's jacket. She came back out with it handed the jacket to her love. Katrina turned to the chair behind her that they had just occupied and grabbed Jadeite's jacket. She turned to Jadeite and handed it to him. The pair of men put their jackets on. Jadeite and Tanzanite gave their ladies a last kiss and left with the others. Tanzanite couldn't shake the feeling of something being amiss, so he, too, kept his senses open for Alicia's sake. That left Katrina and Alicia to pack things for their first big move in years.

A smile of freedom graced Alicia's lips as she went to the bathroom, after stopping by her room and grabbing a bag, in which to pack her medical supplies. Those, she mused; she would keep with her at all times and wouldn't leave the house until she had all of it with her. She began packing things and couldn't help but mentally cheer from the sense of freedom that Katrina and she had needed so badly for so very long.

Katrina still felt guilty, but decided that there was a reason for this. At least her sister would be safe. She rushed about packing her oils, alter, renaissance costumes, figures, and the like. Truth be told, she was feeling a little excited. Someplace new. A fresh start.

An hour later, she and Alicia were washing and packing up the dishes – except for things for breakfast the next day. While they emptied the cabinets and packed up what they were taking with them, they giggled and made plans.

Alicia smiled gently as she finished helping in the kitchen and went to her room to pack all of the clothes and figured she'd just wear what she's wearing currently for tomorrow until they get to Joann's house. She mused that it would be easier on packing as she finished up and let out a laugh of triumph. The sisters had dodged Randy for the last time. They were truly free.

"First I get free of my guilt, I get engaged, and now this! I'm afraid that I'll wake up and find out that this is all a dream." Katrina fought hard to keep from crying as she finished up the last of the dishes.

Alicia raced at the sound of tears to find Katrina crying.

"What's the matter sis?" the younger sister asked sincerely.

"I'm scared that this is all just a dream!" Katrina sobbed out.

"If it were a dream, would you feel this?" Alicia asked as she pinched her sister on her right forearm.

"OUCH! YOU BRAT!" Katrina screamed as she flung some soap bubbles onto Alicia's face. She chuckled at the sight. "Hey, looks like I made an improvement!"

"Hey I didn't pinch that hard! Besides dear sister, it proves this is not a dream. In dreams you can't physically feel pain." Alicia nearly shouted as she tried to get the soap bubbles out of her face. Still she understood the feeling. She herself was scared to wake up and find life as it always was. But the sound of her sister's painful sigh made Alicia all the more afraid. "Katrina? What's the matter?"

"I'm sorry about everything, sissy. You've probably been through hell and back because of me. I'm sure all of those Christians would eagerly take you in if I weren't part of the picture. Now they'll probably write you off because of me. That was another reason I refused to move in at the New Age Center. The second they found out that was where we moved, you would get it." Katrina was in a position she had always feared. "Tell you what, I'll do whatever it is that they say will make me a good girl in their eyes. Then you will be free of evil tongues and have more praises for 'saving' my soul."

"Don't. You. Dare. Change. To. Please. False. Christians. You're my sister. I'll bear hell and back anytime of the week for you. No one, not even Tanzanite can replace you in my heart. You KNOW how much I care about him at that. Don't be someone else, because that's not who you are. Besides, you have Jadeite and I have Tanzanite to protect us now, and then there's the fact that we have each other! I'm not going to let you be anyone other than yourself." Alicia cried as she hugged her sister to her tightly, like she did when they were younger.

Katrina broke down into tears and clutched Alicia tighter. "I'm supposed to be the one taking care of you. And once again you are taking care of me. Who's the big sister here?"

Alicia smiled through her tears, "It's alright. You're the older sister, but sometimes you need to get things knocked into you. Stubborn Taurus!" She was smiling at the end, playing off the fact that her sister was as stubborn as her zodiac sign said she'd be.

"Hot headed Aires. Love you sissy. Now how about we save some packing for the men to help us with in the morning, while the two of us get some sleep? I get Jadeite's bed!" Katrina smiled for the first time since the move was decided on.

A giggle burst from the younger sister. "Fine, then Tanzanite sleeps above the covers on my bed! He'll get a separate blanket of course, but that way he's next to me! I don't like to be far away from him." Alicia admitted in a happy tone of voice.

"Oooo, your bed? In your room? Not your uncomfortable little trundle bed that slides out from under your bed? Little sister you are such a bad influence on me!" Katrina laughed with her whole heart.

Alicia smirked, "I tend to think it was Erin and the others whom rubbed off on me. Remember, I'm the young one!" Alicia said giggling from how much fun they were having. It had been too long since her sister had been her true happy self. It was such a beautiful sight to see.

Katrina felt excited and tired. All those long triple shifts with no food were starting to hit her hard. "How about we surprise the guys? You leave a note telling Tanzanite to sleep with you in your room tonight and leave it on his bed. Leave a PS for Jadeite to stay with me. I don't know about you, but I am beat."

"Very well my dear sister. I'm really tired too. I'm still recovering partly from the energy incident last night plus my recent late shifts." Alicia said as she grabbed a piece of paper and pencil.

Katrina ran upstairs fast and slid into her favorite floor length ice blue silk negligee – spaghetti straps held it up and the chest was covered in snow-white lace. It had a slit in the side that went up her mid-thigh on either side. A spray of her favorite Lady scent (as she called her homemade scents) onto her chest, and she slid under covers that still had his scent on them. Before long she was asleep.

Alicia thought for a moment and decided to make note short, and so she wouldn't put any favoritism into the letter addressed it to both men.

Dear Tanzanite and Jadeite,

Tanzanite my love, you may stay in my room, which is the door to the right of where you stayed in, there's an extra pillow and blanket set up and waiting for you – along with me. Jadeite, I trust you with my sister, so don't let me down. You may sleep with her in the spare room, where my sister is sleeping and waiting for her prince charming to wrap his arms around her. See you soon guys.

Sincerely,

Alicia

Alicia smiled as she went into her room, ignoring her previous thought of not changing and slipped out of her previous clothes of a t-shirt and jeans into a sleeveless nightgown that had a modest neckline and went to her ankles. It was a purplish-blue in color, the name of the color was tanzanite, and was made of a soft satin material. She smiled at the thought of having the soft gown on her, because it reminded her of her love, Tanzanite and his gentle, yet protective embrace.

***

Bobby sat outside just waiting for his cousin and the others to show up. It was time he did his job to the almighty and put those devil-worshiping witches where they belonged – in hell. Finally the truck pulled up without its lights on. "Took you three long enough!"

"We had to wait for Eb to doze off!" Keith spat.

Randy growled. "Those bitches cost me time, pull with the sheriff, and money! I'm not allowed to rent any more because of them! Let's waste the little frigid tramps!"

"Time to do God's work. He said to suffer not a witch to live … we shall not let these two escape." Bobby and Randy unlocked the front door, while the others unloaded the truck and hauled in the gallons of unscented lamp oil.

In no time they had the first floor completely soaked down top to bottom. Quickly they rushed upstairs and soaked everything there too before running downstairs and pouring a trail of the oil out the door. Bobby lit a match and grinned. "May the devil take them screaming as a witness to the hags in town of what they too soon will get as well."

Then he dropped the match, which lit and the raced along the oil into the house, lighting the place in the blink of an eye. The place was ablaze and the girls were trapped. There was no way the witches would escape his punishment. Bobby was certain that God would be pleased with his sending the witches to hell where they belonged.

Katrina woke to thick sickening smoke filling and twisting in the space of the room. The house was on fire! She dropped to the floor and felt that it was hot. The fire was downstairs and had to be burning the ceiling below the guest room. She quickly crawled across to the door in a desperate bid of escape only to find that the door was red hot to the touch. The fire was in the hall too! She turned around and rushed for the window to find that flames were licking up the wall and blocking her view of the world outside. She was surrounded by fire, and couldn't get to her sister! Alicia would die too. The floor was too hot to stand on, so she got back into the bed coughing and weeping. She thought of her dreams and the love she would never see again, in grief she screamed out, "Jadeite!"

Alicia coughed harshly, her throat raspy. Opening her eyes, she instantly saw a screen of smoke had settled and taken hold of all space in her room. Grabbing her glasses quickly in pure reflexes, she went to the ground, only to find it was burning hot. She climbed back into her bed.. She looked at the window and saw that there were flames licking the bottom planes of glass from the first floor and heard her sister cry out for Jadeite, she too felt the need to call for help, she screamed loud and clearly, even if it was raspy sounding, "Tanzanite!"