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 (also lovely, sweet, talented, and saintly) by the name of Shayril and a hot fireman. For now, I hope that everyone will forgive the always loved, feared, and dreaded CLIFFHANGER!!!! LOL enjoy.

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.

Then … Now … and For Eternity

Chapter Eleven:

Eclipse of Hope

On Avalon, none had an idea of the coming danger, but all were on edge. Serena and Darien spent the night and most of the day snuggled away from the others. Sarah and Jareth, along with Molly and Nephrite, spent the time resting and regaining their strength thanks to Serena and the Silver Crystal being so close. The Scouts were exploring the island and making plans to rescue their one time enemy, at least once he was freed of the crystal they all hoped he would no longer be their enemy.

"So, does anyone have any ideas about how to find Jadeite?" Mina asked. She knew the question was hanging over the group like a heavy weight.

Amy thought for a moment, "maybe Nephrite would know. After all he lived in that place and was there when Jadeite was sealed away."

Mina nodded; still she couldn't shake the feeling that something else was missing. "Let's go talk to Nephrite. I can't shake the feeling someone or something else is missing in this puzzle." Raye nodded, "Yeah. I'm getting weird vibes about this. Something's going on, either right now or in the near future."

Jupiter shook her head. "No way. He, Molly, Sarah, and Jareth need to rest. We will just have to wait until whatever is going on shows up."

Mercury nodded too, "I agree guys. We have to wait until they're physically ready before we can do much of anything. We don't have that type of magic. If we did, they would be already physically ready for this."

"Oh, I believe that each of you have magic that you simply have no idea is within yourselves." Morgan grinned as she walked up to the girls who were seated in the Golden Apple Groves. "And Lita is quite right. Everyone needs some rest before the test that are coming arrive."

Raye looked at Morgan, "I still can't see everything and some of what I do see I don't understand. How can you stand knowing everything?"

Morgan chuckled. "I do not know all, Raye. I just understand more of what the fates show me because I have tapped my magic, unlike all of you, and I have had many more years worth of practice."

"Now I don't feel like a failure." Raye blushed and looked at the ground beneath her.

"Raye, you are no failure. Each of you are stronger and more united than every before because of the trials and tests you have each came through to get to this time and place. Such tests are what make us who we are. So, there is no failure. And now none of you question the faithfulness of the others. And in that you each were blessed with a glimpse of your futures. And you have successfully changed the Small Lady's future, by giving her friends and Scouts that followed her here to see their mothers long before their births – as such a gift was given to your leader." Morgan left without any further words and wearing a strange smile on her face.


Raye smiled brilliantly once more. "Thank you... Queen Morgan." Raye said softly, happy to have her confidence back.

***

However, Back Aboveground …

Jadeite was cold, bitter, and very angry. He knew that it wasn't Joann's fault. She had begged and pleaded and even shouted the case, but it had all fell on deaf ears. Her grandparents refused to live in the same house as Katrina and Allie because of Katrina's faith. They made it plain that Alicia was more than welcome, but Katrina wasn't even allowed to sleep in the alleyway between their house and the neighbors!

What made Jadeite grin sharply was the memory of Joann's snort at that. "Nice Christian values you're teaching me, Grammy! Whatever happened to you do it to the least of them you do it to him crap you taught me when I was five?"

"If that young woman would come to Christ, she would be welcome. Not until then. Your grandfather and I are tired of you being seen with those sinners, it is an embarrassment. He is a church elder!"

"And you two don't know the first thing about being a Christian! My friends never judge other based on belief or anything! Guys you two head back to the house. I have some major fighting to do and some unpleasant surprises for them. I'll probably meet you at the Center tomorrow." Joann sighed.

Tanz wrapped his arms around himself, he could read his mentor easily beyond the irritation at the grandparents and being cold, "Then why not suggest it would only be for a few days until we can get on our feet. If we have to, we could use Alicia as a pawn, and given the situation at hand, she would probably let herself be used as one to get her sister to agree." Tanz gave a silly smile at the thought of his love, regardless of the past, upon seeing the spitfire she was in this lifetime. He was grateful that she had handed him his jacket before leaving.

"I guess that it would be worth a try. Why is she so damn stubborn? She would willingly suffer through this torment? And why?" Jadeite didn't know what it was he was feeling for this woman and why her hard-headedness was driving him nuts along with making him feel proud of her. This was too confusing.

"It's her way I guess of repenting of what she thought was her fault. Try pulling Alicia into this mess. I'm sure given the circumstances that she would allow herself to be used as a pawn." Tanz said as a silly smile graced his lips upon thinking of his angel. He was still repenting himself for their past, but he couldn't help but love how much of a spitfire she could be.

Jadeite grinned at the stupid look on his student's lips. Obviously, Tanzanite was thinking of Alicia. "Doubt the two of them will be awake when we get back."

"Yeah," Tanz said as the grin slipped to a smile, "it'll be nice to see them sleep peacefully for once. I can tell they have trouble. Their eyes reveal all..." Jadeite nodded as they proceeded to walk faster, as to make it sooner to their loves and the sooner they could be out of the icy cold weather.

They were not far from the hill path that would take them home when they smelt it – smoke. A heavy, dark, and thick, sickening smoke. Then they felt the dread and sensed the fear … the girls were in trouble. But then came the soft near silenced calls.

"Jadeite …"

"Tanz …"

Tanzanite's eyes widened as he felt a wave of pure fear surge through him. His love was in danger! Cursing himself silently, he looked at his mentor, "shall we attempt to teleport mentor?"

"Have we a choice?" Jadeite snapped as they focused on home and the woman who had become everything to them.

Suddenly appearing not far from the house, the sound and sight was horrifying! Flames lit the place as bright as daylight. There was crackling and a deafening roar from within the house. A trail of flames led into the house, meaning that this had been set deliberately! The windows were all covered in flames and it looked as if the place was going to fall apart at anytime. Even worse the men couldn't hear their loves!

For a heartbeat Jadeite stared wide-eyed at the scene. Yes, that was why this young woman had been driving him crazy – he was completely in love with her! He had wondered if asking her to marry him had been a mistake, but now he had not a single doubt in his mind.

"They are not both in the room we woke in! Alicia's in her own bedroom!" Tanzanite reported.

Jadeite growled. "You go for Alicia, I'm going for Katrina!"

Tanz disappeared without a second thought. His love was in the deepest of dangers and he wasn't about to let her down a second time. He reappeared within the room he had changed in. What he saw made his heart sink to the pit of his stomach. He could barely breathe! He didn't know how long this had been going on for, but he had to get her out of there. He moved quickly for fear the floor would collapse under him. Seeing his love in a sleeveless gown, he winced. It was going to be freezing outside, though he had no choice. He picked up his love and pulled her close to his body and left without another thought. Everything there, he knew, with the exception of Alicia's sister's tarot cards, could be replaced. His love, though, could not.

Jadeite teleported into the room he had held his fiancée tight as she rested. The room was black with smoke and he could feel the heat of the fire below him rising through the floor. Then he heard a soft choke and a wheezing. SHE WAS STILL ALIVE! Thankful that he hadn't lost her, Jadeite carefully got to the bed and pulled Katrina into his arms.

She was limp and didn't respond to his touch. It was too hard to get a breath to speak. Jadeite at first was going to try getting out a way that would be possible by humans, but then he heard the loud groaning and cracking of the floorboards beneath them! The floor was about to give way! He teleported out without a second thought and was outside beside Tanzanite and Alicia in time enough to see the floor cave in.

Katrina was still barely breathing. Only then did he see that like her sister she was wearing a thin gown. Taking off his jacket, he wrapped Katrina in it much like Tanzanite had for his love. Then Jadeite began to cover Katrina's mouth and blow air into her lungs gently. She began to cough hard between breaths, but that told him that it was working.

Behind them was the cop who had been charged with the girls' safety and the scum who had threatened them. All of them were shrieking. "Devils! Witches! Go to hell!"

The cop pulled out his gun and aimed at them. Tanzanite waved a hand and it flew off into the distance. Jadeite growled, but continued to help Katrina breath. The sweet feel of her mouth pressed against his own was not lost to him, nor was the fact of how close he had come to losing her.

Tanz glared at the men with absolute hate as he kept Alicia close to him, rubbing her arms gently to try and warm them. He had come far too close to losing her for his own taste. A coughing fit alerted Tanz that his love was awakening slowly, "it'll be alright my love. I'm here," he whispered as he pulled her close to him. He had to try and share his heat to keep her warm, regardless of how much he was shivering. "Don't.... kill... not... worth it..." Allie coughed out, her voice was horse, making Tanz wince. He still hadn't known how long they had been in that fire. He didn't like it. He sent a dangerous glare promising much pain if the group didn't leave his mentor's and his own loves alone.

Two trucks came out of nowhere as did the sheriff's car right at that moment.

Bobby pulled his second gun out and glared evilly. "Damn witches never know when to die! Suffer not a witch to live, so says the Lord!"

Frank pulled his own gun. "Bobby, drop the gun!"

"I'm doing God's work!"

Tanz feared for his angel and for the fiancée of his mentor. He had to prevent his love from expelling energy that could very well kill her and waved his hand, once again, sending the second gun out of Bobby's hands.

Frank was shocked as badly as the rest as he moved in and cuffed the group and called in the fire department. Once the troublemakers were safely locked in both cruisers, He went up to the group. "I am not going to write what I saw in my report, and I am not going to supposition how you got these two out of that building. However, I am sorry for my mistake. I didn't know that Bobby was such a fanatic."

"Like you said Sheriff, you didn't know." Katrina coughed a bit before finishing. "If we had known we would have gone with the guys. Thank you for coming. How did you guys know?"

"We heard what happened with Joann's grandparents, and decided to make you move into the Center. Looks like not a hard task now. Plus we heard that a large amount of lamp oil was stolen, so little doubt where it was going. We grabbed Frank and headed this way." Erin explained as the fire trucks pulled up. "Excuse me a moment."

Erin ran over as the firemen climbed out of the trucks and started pulling out their equipment. They were actually pretty quick about it, but it just didn't seem like it was fast enough for her. "It's about time you guys got here! Can't you move any faster with that equipment? You need to put out this fire now."

One of the men looked at her a moment. Because it was dark and his protective gear basically hid him the only thing she really saw was the badge that identified him as the fire chief. "Don't worry, ma'am, everything's under control. We'll have this fire out in no time."

"Oh really. It should be out already. Aren't you supposed to be the city's best fire squadron? And don't call me ma'am, I work for a living."

"That's what everyone says, but I don't really pay much attention to stuff like that. If you'll excuse me, I need to get in there beside my men."

Rather than just step aside, Erin followed behind him as he started spraying hundreds of gallons of water at the blaze. "Get more hoses towards the back of the house. There's a lot of wood back there and the fire could start spreading."

"I'll keep that in mind. Now, please step back before you get hurt."

"Turn the water pressure up. You're not even putting a dent in the fire like that. Gods, do I have to tell you everything?!"

She stood beside him spouting more such orders. The fire chief was usually a very patient man. He prided himself on it, in fact. However, tonight was not a good night for him. In the past four hours or so it seemed that almost half of all the businesses and homes in the town had electrical fires, grease fires, car fires, people trapped in elevators. You name it he and his squadron were called for it. He'd had babies screaming in his ear, cats trying to claw him to bits, and hysterical family members to calm down. The last thing he needed was some woman telling him how to do his own job. He called a man over to relieve him and spun around to face her.

"Would you just be quiet already?!" He shouted at her.

Erin's mouth snapped shut and she blinked in surprise. She hadn't expected that. Nor had she expected him to be so attractive. He was a few inches taller than her 5'8". His head was covered by the safety helmet but considering his thin mustache and goatee were a very dark brown it was a safe bet that his hair was the same. His eyes were gray\blue like the sea after a storm and it seemed as if they could look into her soul. At that moment those eyes were flashing with anger and irritation.

"In case you didn't realize it, ma'am, I am the fire chief. One doesn't get that job by being a complete amateur. I think it's safe to say that I know what I'm doing. So close your mouth, back away before something happens, and let me do my job! I don't need a civilian telling me how to do something I've been doing for more than five years."

Erin was quick to recover from her shock at his outburst. Her brown eyes flashed as she glared at him. "I told you, don't call me ma'am! And if you've been doing this job for more than five years I can only hope that you'll be able to do a decent job at it after you've been at it for ten years. Judging from the mediocre job you're doing right now I doubt it. I don't know how you ever made it through training."

"Miss, if you don't shut up and get back I swear I'll have Frank cuff you until we're finished. Fighting fires is hard enough as it is without having some know-it-all giving me orders."

"Oh, like you know more than me."

"When it comes to this, yes. Now get back!"

Her eyes narrowed and she opened her mouth to send another barrage of insults at him, but she was forestalled when loud creaking and groaning heralded the collapse of the roof. The fire chief shoved her back as the flames flared higher and immediately starting calling orders to his men. She watched as he quickly and efficiently reorganized his men to handle the growing fire. Now that she had stopped trying to take charge she could see that he really was very good at his job and she regretted her harsh words to him.

It seemed like forever, but finally, after about an hour or so the fire was completely extinguished and the firemen were packing up their equipment. Erin jumped down off the hood of her car and opened up the trunk to pull out a couple cases of bottled water she had bought from home. She immediately started passing them around to the parched and sweating fire fighters. A warm smile was on her face as they thanked her. Just as she was about to return the remainder of the water to her trunk she caught sight of the fire chief rolling up his hose near one of the fire engines. Grabbing one of bottles she took a deep breath and hesitantly approached him.

"Water?" She offered the bottle to him once she was within arms' reach. Eying her skeptically, he cautiously accepted with a small nod of thanks. The woman fidgeted nervously for a moment before sighing heavily. "Look, I think we got off on the wrong foot." She held out her hand. "My name is Erin."

Hesitating a moment, he shook her hand. "I'm Alwyn."

"I just wanted to say I'm sorry for earlier." One of his eyebrows raised in interest. "I really didn't mean any of the harsh things I said and I wasn't really trying to tell you how to do your job. Seriously, I wasn't," she said quickly before he could comment. "It's just that I hate it when something makes me feel helpless and useless. I hate that I couldn't somehow stop this from happening, so… uh… in order to change that I tried to kind of… take charge."

The fire chief nodded in understanding. "I can identify with that. I guess I owe you an apology too. I normally don't snap at someone like that, but today has been a very stressful day and you were literally getting on my last nerve."

"So, I guess we're even. No, hard feelings?" He shook his head and Erin smiled. "Good. Well, I've gotta go. I really should check on my friends. It was nice meeting you. Well, after we stopped shouting at each other, anyway."

He gave her a smile small. "Same here."

Alwyn stared after her as she headed for her car. His gray\blue eyes burned with intrigue. Despite their initial meeting he found that he wanted to get to know her better.

Allie coughed a bit, her lungs still burned from the smoke intake. She continued to lean against Tanz to accept some of his offered body heat. "Katrina, you ok?" Allie said softly, looking at her sister.

Katrina was still relying heavily on the oxygen mask the EMT had put over her nose and mouth and coughing. "I'll … be … fine. Don't … need … to … go … to …the … hospital."

"Are...you sure?" Allie's breathing was regulating more because of the oxygen mask, but was still shaken by the events. Tanz rubbed his angel's shoulders gently to try and relax her somewhat.

Jadeite however refused to accept that. "You can hardly breath, and Allie is not much better."

"We can't afford it!" Katrina started to silently sob.

Allie whimpered softly, "Most of the money was in the house because the banks won't let us deposit it due to sissy's faith, Jed." Allie covered for Jadeite's true name.

These two had gone through so much. The shame in the eyes of his love tore Jadeite's heart apart. "I still have money where Tanz and I left, and all that I have is yours, Katrina."

"Jed!" Katrina pulled off her mask and started to fight, but her fiancé silenced that quickly by resting his finger on her lips. "You saved us and asked us to trust the two of you … share all that you two had without asking for anything in return. Now, my Katrina, I ask the same of you. Share all that I am, have, and will ever be or have … as my wife."

Yes, he had already asked her the question before, but then she had so much. He knew she would be frightened of the idea of him abandoning her now because she and her sister had so little. Katrina felt the tears pour down her cheeks as she nodded. Jadeite's eyes turn dark with conviction as he helped her return the mask to her face. "Then you are going to the hospital."

Allie smiled up at Tanz, "I give in. Boy, won't Judy be shocked. We're all meeting her sooner than we planned."

Katrina smiled softly and rested back. Both of the guys went with the girls in the ambulance. Suddenly all the worries that had held her for so very long were melting away. It still hurt to breath, and she coughed now and again. Her head hurt and she felt what she had ate wasn't going to stay in her stomach for very long. Her eyes were itching and wouldn't stop watering. She doubted that she was very pretty at that moment.

Jadeite bent close to her ear as they all pulled into the hospital. "You are always beautiful to me, Katrina. I love you."

Had he heard her thoughts? A bare glance that she was able to manage in her state gave Katrina a shock. Jadeite grinned softly and nodded. She just knew that he had and that she had no more need to fear. She could feel his heart and thoughts, and it told her that this man indeed loved her very much.

Allie winced as the ambulance pulled up. The sirens were giving her a headache to top her symptoms that she didn't really need. The door was thrown open to reveal a small-framed woman who had blonde hair and dark brown eyes. "Alicia?!" The woman demanded.


"Yes Judy. Three people tried to burn our house down while we were in it. We were lucky that Tanz and Jed were there in time to save us from dying." Alicia whimpered slightly towards the end. Tanz rubbed her back soothingly, to try and ward off the negativity.

"Oh no! Let's get to work people! Chris, set up the O2 in rooms five and six. Pull the dividing curtain back. The two of you can stay to help with them if you stay out of our way." Judy saw the two men getting out of the ambulance look worriedly at the girls.

She didn't wait for an answer. "Lindsay! Call up to respiratory and get me someone down here stat! Jack, get someone down here from x-ray. I want them both on treatments in ten people!"

The head doctor, who was the woman to take the girls off the ambulance was practically flying around the room, she was working that fast. It felt very crowded to the men who were becoming uncomfortable with nearly being stepped on by the frantic doctors, performing various tests to see if their loves were alright decided to go outside of the room to pace. Eventually Tanz sat down, and after another five minutes of pacing from his mentor, Jadeite sat next to him, his face was still as white as a sheet.

Tanz and Jadeite were trying desperately to not worry, knowing they would be in good hands. It was a hard battle to fight though. The not knowing part of the situation wasn't helping, even though the woman who introduced herself briefly as Judy Singer told them how the girls were doing every time she had to come out to get something.

Both girls were covered in soot and their faces were just starting to swell, along with their voices being hoarse, Judy was worried. She came into the waiting room and pulled both men to the side. "I've ordered an endotracheal intubation for both girls. This is where a tube is put down their throats so that they will be able to breath easier, but they will not be able to speak until after the tube is removed. They are having a rough time breathing and I'm afraid that they have a lot of soot and debris in their lungs."

"And if that is so." Jadeite was about to fly apart. There was still a chance that he could lose his love after going through so much to regain her.

"We will do suction and get out all that we can. That should help them breath." Judy gently explained. "We are also giving them breathing treatments that will help with the secretions and swelling in their lungs. But, given their blood work and other tests, they were very lucky from what the fire chief told me about the blaze. He is still amazed that you got them out before either of them was seriously burned."

Tanz grimaced. 'They can't die! Heaven, don't let them die on us please...' Tanz wept internally. He couldn't bear losing his love a second time. It took him far too long to find her only to lose her now. "Can we see them?" Tanzanite asked softly, not trusting his voice.

"Let me finish first. I'll come back out when it is not so chaotic back there. I had better get back." And with that Judy rushed off.

Tanzanite knew that his mentor was as great a wreck emotionally as he, himself, was. Tanz couldn't bear the heartbroken look that could be upon his mentor's face and buried his own face into his hands.

***

Back Underground …

Drippy huffed and puffed as he ran. He had been very lucky to have gotten away from the Labyrinth without any detection. It could be a part of Conal's plan, but he had to chance it. King Jareth had to be made aware of the danger the kingdom was in.

Soon he was at the emergency portal the King had set between the Kingdoms for this case. It could only be activate it when the kingdom was in gravest of perils. "King Jareth is usurped!"

That was all it took. Drippy was transported to the isle of Avalon.

Amy sighed softly. She still had no idea of how to rescue Jadeite. "Nephrite should at least be able to get us to Beryl's old domain. That should be enough to help us to find Jadeite. I still can't shake the feeling though... Something's not right at all." She muttered softly to herself. Suddenly the sound of something stumbling around caught her hearing. "What in the world..." The Senshi of water muttered as she went to investigate the cause. She stumbled upon a small goblin.


"What's going on?" Amy asked softly, trying to soothe the agitated being.


"King Jareth is usurped!" The creature shouted at the top of his tiny lungs. That was more than enough for Amy who scooped the creature up into her arms and dashed for where King Jareth and Queen Sarah were resting currently.

Sarah's color had returned with the strength Serena and the Silver Crystal being so near had given the expecting Queen. She was relaxing on her and Jareth's guest bed for once enjoying the attention her husband was lavishing her and their unborn daughter with. Jareth was just happy that his wife and daughter would be safe. The couple was feeling the very active Princess spin and twist in her mother's womb, along with Sarah's tightening belly. It worried them, but they knew that there was time yet before their daughter's birth, and Morgan had said that Sarah would not give birth until she was home again.

Amy ran down the halls silently, trying to find help, only to bump into Nephrite who was looking quite perplexed. She knew he hadn't seen the goblin just yet as his eyes appeared unfocused.


"What happened? I felt a pull from the Labyrinth." He said softly as Amy nodded.


"A goblin came here with urgent horrible news. The Goblin King has been usurped. Someone took over the Labyrinth." That's all it took for his eyes to instantly focus, not to mention narrow upon the goblin in her arms.


"An evil man, the one who tried to take our queen from our king took over it." The Goblin squeaked out. That was all it took for Nephrite to call a summoning of everyone.

Minutes later everyone arrived in Tatiana and Oberon's throne room. All were agitated. Jareth looked at the shaking Goblin, who was trying hard to look brave. "Are you certain of your report?"

"Ye-e-s sire. The usurper has a strange floating ally and a green haired woman whose laugh could drive the insane right and back to insane!"

Serena instantly understood that description. "Emerald?! But we had to kill her a long time ago."

"And the other one has to be Wiseman." Raye shook her head. "This isn't going to be easy. Wiseman is supposed to be banished."

"I remember, Raye." Sarah sighed. She feared for her baby. It had taken so much to banish the jerk.

Amy nodded, "We'll definitely need help since two of our people are unable to fight this time. Don't even try arguing with me Sarah, Molly."

"Sarah and I are staying right here unless sent for." Molly said with a tone that told them she was determined to do just that.

Amy nodded her head as everyone went to meet up with the guys planning the removal of some garbage from the Labyrinth.

Serena got a sudden dark thought in her mind. "What if Wiseman is strong enough to go get Jadeite? He brought Emerald from the dead it seems!"

"My son Jadeite is safe and well, Moon Princess." Tatiana smiled. "He was released by fate, and has slowly learned to trust again. I merely wished to see if all of you would accept him back, now that he trusts and is no longer evil."

Raye, being the hothead and hardest to convince of the group spoke up. "Everyone deserves a second chance. Maybe we should see if he could help?"

Oberon had a grin shining in his eyes, while his face was pained. "He is needed elsewhere at this moment. His fiancée and her sister were nearly killed – burned because they follow the old ways. Jadeite and his most trusted student rescued the pair, and now await for news of the ladies' conditions in a hospital waiting room."

"So, Tanzanite is free as well. I remember trying to prevent his capture, but I was not strong enough." Nephrite muttered.

Amy spoke for the rest who were out of the loop. "Who is Tanzanite?"

Nephrite grinned. "The one person that Jadeite has never questioned as to fidelity or trust. He was imprisoned in crystal like his master for attempting to set Jadeite free just before you faced Beryl, Serena."

"And now both are free, turned back to the side of good, and engaged to the young sisters who have been taking care of them since about the time of that battle to rescue Sarah and Jareth's unborn daughter." Tatiana smiled with a tear in her eyes. "That is why Oberon and myself are going to go to this hospital and give our support and update the two on what has happened in the world since they were locked away."

Jareth smiled as he pulled his wife close. "Please do not worry about anything, my Sarah."

"I am going to worry until you and I are home in our kingdom again. I think I will stay here on Avalon, since a certain wannabe King might come after me in the mortal realm, if you two don't mind?" Sarah looked over at her friends.

Tatiana smiled, "I was going to suggest the very same thing, Queen Sarah. You need your rest."

"I'm gonna stay too." Molly looked up at her own husband. "I'm a target too, even if it is only to use me to get you, bubby, or sissy to bend to his will."

"Well, I'd be a bad hostess to take off. Besides, you guys have to give me all the info about what to expect." Sally smirked. There was also the fact that she didn't want to meet her new brother until her husband was the one doing the introductions.

This earned a chuckle that broke the strained tension as two forms shimmered into view. They were well respect among the community of the Faes.

"Sebille! Ladon! I take it you heard that Jadeite and Tanzanite are free of Queen Beryl's evil?" Tatiana said softly to try and control all of the emotions raging within her very being.

Tears poured down the new woman's face. "Then it is true! My baby is free?"

"Do you know where he is, Queen Tatiana?" Ladon's voice gave away what his stern face did not. He was grateful to regain the chance to have his son back.

"Yes it is true! However, he is quite distraught right now as the woman he loves is battling for her life in a hospital Aboveground because she and her sister follow the old ways." Tatiana said as a furious glint came to her eyes at the mention of the conditions surrounding what should have been the happiest day of everyone's lives.

Sebille's sob caught in her throat. "My poor baby! I have to go to him!"

Tatiana nodded, "Yes, we shall indeed be going Above to them, however, we must illusion ourselves to seem more 'like' those who live there. I have no doubt that our normal appearances would draw unnecessary attention to them."

Sarah couldn't hold back her chuckle. Once upon a time she had been one of the 'those who live there'. She remembered that day she first met the few of the Seelie Court that she had before her wedding to her King. "That would be the greatest of understatements, Queen Tatiana."

Puck looked over at his parents. "You will both explain my absence to little brother? I am not about to let my friends go into battle alone."

"Of course, and if needed you will summon all of the Leanan Sidhe." Oberon stated rather than asked.

"Yes father. Tell Jadeite that he took his sweet time getting home." Puck winked but he still had a feeling that something was going to go bad.

Sebille couldn't shake the feeling that something was dangerously amiss but kept silent about it. She knew that the rulers of Avalon would take care of any problems in their part of the Underground.


"Tanzanite, my son, I am coming." Sebille whispered softly, earning a smile from her husband.


"We are both coming my son." Ladon said firmly.

***

In an Aboveground Hospital …

Jadeite rubbed either side of his forehead with the heel of his palms. He had used a great amount of magic and the added worry and fear was not helping matters. His head felt as if it was about to explode. All he wanted to do was gather Katrina into his arms and know she would be fine. But, he knew that he had been lucky that his only love was alive at all. His powers had alerted him to her heart's call, but barely in time to save her from … no, he would not allow himself to go into that realm. Katrina and Alicia were both safe and alive.

A soft touch made its presence known on his forehead between his hands, and before he could react there was a cooling and soothing blast of power washed over his body. Sea spray, apple blossoms, spring fields and flowers, an ancient oak grove, and the Tor! It all came back to him and more. He could feel the touch of his homelands filling and restoring him.

Looking up he was stunned to see her of all his kind looking upon him with a smile. Jadeite stared for a moment before the truth that was in her smile dawned on him. "Mother? You have forgiven me?"

"Of course I have. After all, look at all you have done since being freed of Beryl's prison and influence. Your father and I are here to help you, and to get to know our future daughters. Seeing how your fiancée has a sister I believe." Tatiana's eyes sparkled as she sat and accepted the embrace of the son she had missed more terribly than any could have guessed at (with the exception of Morgan that is).

Tanzanite was too enwrapped in his problems to notice the queen of Avalon shimmer into view, but when he felt the gentle hand of another rest upon his shoulder, he was shaken from his dreadful thoughts. Looking up, he saw a face that was unmistakably his mother's face.

"Mother?" He cried out in shock.

Jadeite would have grinned at his favored and trusted student's win-fall, but he had his own shock. "Father?"

"Expect any less than my appearance?" Oberon gave a grin that put all of his son's to shame.

Tanzanite's mother smiled gently as she pulled her son into an embrace, "I've missed you so deeply. I'm so happy that you're free!" The tanzanite-eyed man was in for another surprise as a set of arms went around he and his mother. Craning his neck to an odd angle, he gasped out, "Father?!"

Then the reunion was interrupted. Judy had a worried look on her face. "Um…"

When Tanz saw the look on his angel's boss's face, he immediately became concerned. Though this would have angered his parents, they were smiling internally at the fact he was learning to love again. Still, they were worried that his love in this life may not live to see the next day.

Jadeite knew what was going on in his student's mind, because he was fighting the same feelings. "It is alright. These are our parents. They just now arrived."

"How are my future daughter and her sister?" Tatiana took control of the situation.

"They are stable right now..." Judy said as she noticed the tension visibly dropped, but, she had to continue, "however... they are still fighting. I put only my most trusted team together to pull these two from death. I respect Alicia and Katrina both deeply and would never let anyone hurt her while I am in charge of this facility. You may see them, but they are still intibated. I do believe, however, that they can hear you and it would help them to fight better. Usually I wouldn't let such a large number in to see patients at this stage, but I think it's for the best that I do since they're in the same room."

Better than their worse expectations, but not even close to their dearest hopes. Still both sisters were still alive. Jadeite and Tanzanite, and each of their parents, broke apart and moved closer to the unconscious young women.

Both were still hooked to oxygen tanks, other machines gave their heartbeats and other needed vitals. Jadeite and Tanzanite couldn't believe how swollen Katrina and Alicia were.

Jadeite kissed his love's cheek gently and whispered into her ear. "Katrina, come back to me. I have people to introduce you to. My parents are here, and … I need you too."

Tanzanite cringed at how frail his angel appeared, "My love. My parents are also here. I would love to have you meet them. Please... come back to me..." he whispered, trying to not break down into tears that were blurring his sight.

***

Erin made it to the hospital in record time. Despite new laws against it she spent the whole ride on her cell phone calling the others letting them know what was happening. She was out of the car and through the hospital entrance within moments of taking the key from the ignition. Approaching the front desk she inquired about where her friends were. The nurse at the desk didn't even glance at her.

"Are you family?" She asked.

Erin shook her head. "No. I'm their friend. Where are they?"

"I can't tell you that. Only family can see them until the doctor tells me otherwise."

She took a deep breath, her temper ready to flare. "Where are they?"

"I told you, you can't see them until the doctor tells me otherwise."

Her eyes blazed. "Look, lady, these women are my best friends. They're like sisters to me. I just saw them pulled out of a blazing fire and almost everything they own go up in that blaze. I need to see them and make sure they're all right."

The nurse looked at her. "I'm sorry, ma'am, I can't tell you."

Before Erin could snap a reply another voice interrupted. "If you value your ears I would suggest that you refrain from calling her ma'am again. She works for a living."

She spun around to see the fire chief standing just behind her. "Alwyn! What are you doing here?"

He gave her a small smile. "I came to check on your friends. Come on, I know where they are."

"Thank you." She followed him, casting a glare back at the nurse, who was sputtering a protest. He led her down the hall to a room where they found her friends lying with tubes down their throats, their respective partners were whispering in their ears trying to elicit a reaction from the pale figures. "I got here as soon as I could. What did the doctor say?"

"Who are you?"

Erin jumped and spun around to face the voice, seeing the four people standing to the side of the room for the first time. It was easy to figure out you they were from their resemblances to Jadeite and Tanzanite. At the same time there was something about them that didn't seem natural. No, that wasn't right. It wasn't that they didn't seem natural. It was that they were more natural then anything she'd seen except for plants and animals. They just didn't seem to fit among the science and technology that comprised the world today.

"My name's Erin. I'm Katrina and Alicia's friend and Katrina's coven sister," she said to Jadeite's father. "Please, how are they?"

The man seemed to relax the moment she mentioned her faith and quickly started to fill her in on everything they knew about the sisters' conditions. She was listening so intently to what has saying that she didn't notice the strange look Jadeite's mother gave Alwyn. The woman opened her mouth to say something, but he shook his head, a silent request in his eyes. Her eyes flicked to Erin then back to him and she nodded in understanding. His attention was drawn to the woman he had entered the room with when he heard her gasp. The blood had drained from her face and she was shaking her head with a frantic look in her brown eyes in denial of what she had just been told.

"No. It can't be. They can't."

Before another word could be spoken she dashed out of the room, ignoring the sympathetic looks the others were giving her. Alwyn went after her instantly, following her out to the parking lot where she started to pace back and forth.

"Are you all right?" He asked, knowing it was stupid.

"Of course not," she snapped. "They can't die. They just can't. Those two are like sisters to me. We've known each other so long. Without them I would probably wouldn't be the person I am now."

"I know. It's hard…"

Erin cut him off. "You don't know! How could you possibly? Before I met them I was miserable and in pain. I was growing tired of my life and everyone in it. I loved my family and friends, but my life was just too painful. They're the ones who gave me a reason to survive. I can't lose them. I just can't."

Alwyn was at a loss for words. He just didn't know what to do. He wanted to comfort her, to give her hope that everything would be all right, but he didn't know how and he didn't like it at all. After knowing her for less than a day he already hated to see her in pain. Within him was a strong desire to shelter her from the world and make sure she was happy. And he just knew that this was only the beginning.

***

Underground …

Jareth, Nephrite, and Puck all were slow in letting go of their expecting wives.

Sarah knew that there was a chance she could lose him. Jareth had become so much a part of her that, the new Queen was scared. And then there was a movement in her belly, their daughter wanted attention. Sarah then wondered if their little girl would grow up without her father? No … the future Myrna acted like she always knew Jareth.

Knowing what was troubling her heart, Jareth walked her to the oak groves. Where their future began. Once he sat her on the bench, Jareth knelt in front of his wife and daughter. When he laid his hands on his beloved's swollen belly, Sarah chuckled. Jareth grinned and kissed the place their unborn child was moving against. "Myrna, I need you to be a good girl while I am away. Your mommy needs her rest, as do you. Daddy loves you more than the stars, moon, and sun all together."

Sarah rested her hands on his, when Jareth looked up he saw the tears in her eyes. He let his own fall as he continued. "Just as I love your mother. Sarah, I will return to you both. No matter what."

As soon as he sat on the bench next to her, the Goblin Queen rested in the arms of her King. "I know that you will, Jareth. It's just how that scares me. I want to come with all of you."

"You know that Conal will steal you from me. At least here, I know that my wife and daughter are safe." Jareth knew that even if she hated him the rest of their lives, he would not bend to her will on this issue.

Sarah couldn't hold back her tears. "But, who will keep you safe?"

"My big brother will be there with the Scouts, Darien, and Puck. Sarah, please … for our Myrna?"

Sarah said nothing, only snuggled deeper into his embrace for a moment. Finally she looked up at him and nodded.

For a half hour they sat there cuddling, and then the call to arms came. It was time for him to go.

***

Molly and Nephrite went to their room to share their private goodbye. Once the door was closed however, she couldn't keep the tears back. Nephrite smiled sadly.

"Fear not my love. I shall return to you very soon. I just don't want you or our baby girl in any danger," he whispered softly as he kissed her lips gently. He knew they both savored the other's taste during that small kiss.

"I'll be afraid until you have returned to me. You are truly my everything, my love." Molly whispered back against his lips.

Nephrite seemed to turn serious for a moment, "Molly... I have a bad feeling about this; no matter what, don't leave Avalon for any reason. Trust no goblin. You're in too delicate a situation to be fighting my love."

"The girls and I will not knowingly leave until it is safe – I promise." Molly laid her right hand on her heart.

Satisfied with her vow, he carried her to their bed and silently spent the last half hour with his wife and unborn daughter lying on their temporary bed.

***

Puck and Sally had slipped off to the beach. Even the sound of the waves, neither could calm down. Knowing that it was a real possibility that this would be their last walk together on Avalon's shore. He created a seat near the water and they both sat down. Finally Sally just couldn't hold her tears back anymore.

Puck held his wife close and Sally buried her face in her husband's chest as she sobbed. The knowledge that this might be the last chance he ever had to do so burned painfully in the forefront of his mind. His heart and mind rebelled against the thought. It was too soon for them to be separated like this, possibly forever. They hadn't even been married for a year – barely the blink of an eye in the life of a Fae.

Silently he cursed Conal and anyone allied with him for bringing this about. They would all pay dearly for separating him from the woman he loved.

Sally let her sobs turn into silent tears. She didn't want to let him go. She didn't want him going to fight. The thought of something happening to him was too much for her to bear. But, she knew that she would be the first in line if it was Sarah … wait, this was Sarah's Kingdom … her home. The reality sunk into her mind. Sally sighed as she let her last tears fall.

"My love… be safe," Sally whispered. She knew that she couldn't stop Puck from going to war, anymore than he could stop her when she put her mind to help.

"I'll come back to you my love. Keep Molly and Sarah out of trouble please. I know Jareth and Nephrite would be eternally grateful for that." He whispered against her ear as he then kissed it.

"I'll do my best my Puck." His angel whispered as Puck vowed to make life a living nightmare for his enemies.

Time slid past them, and too soon it was time for him to go.

***

After getting the call to war, Serena and Darien walked down the dock hand in hand with the Scouts following close behind. The group gathered on the dock stunned all of them. Not the same group as before at all – as the warriors expected. There were dragons, biting fairies, dwarfs, salamanders, and a large army of goblins. Suddenly Jareth and Nephrite were there, dressed in full war garb.

Serena fought off the urge to flake and stood tall. "This time there will be no exile for Wiseman."

"Agreed Moon Princess." Jareth spoke sternly. His only hope was that his wife and daughter would remain safe if he were to fall. But, he kept his worst fears to himself.

A flash later the group transported to just outside the gates of the Labyrinth. The same spot that Sarah had began her journey to defeat Jareth long before. He only hoped that the place would give the army some luck.

Without a word they started off, though Jareth smirked as he remembered Sarah ordering her feet to accompany her. But that smirk was erased when he felt the change in the weather, saw the Labyrinth gate, and its outer wall.

The winds were cold and smelt of a stench that was darker than the Bog – the stench of decay. That boded ill for his populace.

Along with the stench was a sense of dread. He knew that it came from the Labyrinth itself. This was a feeling Jareth had never felt from the focal defense of his Kingdom.

The light was muted and gray because thick and black cloud cover hid the sun. This darkened their path and created a menacing aura that seemed to threaten the group with each step.

The gate doors of the Labyrinth were standing wide open. Each looked solid and secure, meaning that had not been the way the Kingdom had been infiltrated. This also meant they were all walking into a trap.

The Labyrinth itself was being slowly poisoned with Negativity that had not affected Jareth earlier because of the distance and power within the isle of Avalon. Now, this close to his Kingdom and home, Jareth was pale and obviously fighting to remain standing.

As the war party came upon the outer wall, they saw how damaged the maze was. The walls themselves were dark and crumbling into dust. Jareth was growing more pained with every step. Now he was sweating and panting.

He and his Queen both were deeply connected to the Labyrinth. So deeply that their moods affected the maze, and the maze affected its rulers. None wanted to imagine what would have happened to Sarah if she and the baby had been there with them.

Then the group heard a horrible screeching. Above them was a group of different types of fairies and fae. Jareth glared hard, but it was Nephrite who answered the unasked question hanging with these creatures (in various ways) in the stale winds. "The darker riders of the Unseelie Court's Horde. These creatures are not in anyway to be trusted or pitied. They enjoy murdering mortals, because even their Court will have nothing to do with them."

A swish and a brief brush of white caught Sailor Moon's eyes and attention. "Oh my God!"

"What is it Sailor Moon?" Mars asked until she turned and saw what startled the Scout Leader. "It can't be!"

Tuxedo Mask couldn't believe his eyes. "Diamond? But we all saw him die!"

"Who is he?" Nephrite growled. He was worried for his brother. It would not be much longer and Jareth would perish at this rate.

"He was the ruler of this rouge moon called Nemesis. Wiseman was his advisor, but played Diamond and eventually tried to kill me before I could make Diamond see the truth about his plans. Diamond saw through him and got between Wiseman and I, before I would have died. He died saving my life." Moon explained.

Jupiter was as stunned as the others. "Not to mention he had a major crush on ya."

Mercury noticed that something was wrong. She was grateful that the men had helped her reprogram her computer to work in the Underground. Twisting her earring to materialize and activate her VR visor, she got to work scanning.

But the Horde wasn't about to let her easily. They all attacked, scattering the forces united behind Jareth and Nephrite. Mercury kept cover while she continued to scan. The others fought.

It seemed like Diamond was ordering the Horde! But he did so jarringly, as if it was against his will. And his eyes were a milky white, as if he couldn't see them. He didn't seem to be breathing, but with fighting the Horde none could be certain. None of the Seelie troops were allowed near him, so no one could be certain if it was even him.

Moon got knocked to the ground near Mercury, and the Scouts moved to guard her. Now was the water Senshi's chance. "Sailor Moon! Diamond is not even alive!"

"What?" Moon had secretly hoped it was Diamond. Not only could she try to talk him out of this attack, but could save him as he had saved her.

"It is his body, and it gets worse. His spirit is trapped in it. But his mind is being controlled by some outside source!" Mercury explained.

Looking to her left, Moon wondered if the scans could be wrong. "Mars?"

Focusing her psychic powers, Mars gasped. "Yeah, he's there alright. But he has no control. It's like he is trapped in his shell. I think Wiseman is doing this. He's controlling these troops by using Diamond's body …"

Mask shook his head. "Like a puppet on a string. Diamond doesn't deserve that."

"I wish Diamond were alive right now. I'm sure he would help us. I mean … he did save me before." Moon whimpered.

Mars glowered at their Leader and her poor timing for a flake attack. "Sailor Moon!"

"Thank you Moon Princess." Jareth wheezed out.

Suddenly, there was a light. The Horde shrieked in pain and fright and fled for the Castle. Diamond collapsed to his knees and rolled forward. His white coat began turning red where his fatal stab wound had been. Moon gasped and paled.

Tuxedo Mask and Nephrite walked closer to the fallen man. Then it was as if Diamond had been yanked back to his feet by invisible strings. He started attacking the troops himself, but his face was in pain. It almost looked like he was fighting to stop himself.

Mercury scanned again and nearly dropped her computer as she gasped. "He's alive! His heart is beating and he's breathing! I'm even picking up brain functions!"

Those not blocking off the attacks looked to the Goblin King, who looked as if somehow he was recovering a bit. "The Moon Princess was able to give the Labyrinth and myself some power with her wish. That is where a large pool of the Labyrinth's power comes from – wishes, dreams, faith, and most importantly knowledge of this place. When Sarah continued to tell the tale of her trip here, it gave power to Labyrinth and, in turn, myself. The more people she told the tale to, the more knew of these lands … and the more imagination feeding the magic. All magic is one form or another of perceptions and faith."

Moon looked at the once dead Prince and was startled to see his violet eyes were still cold … almost dead. Then the thought came to her mind. "Wiseman still has control over his mind! Jareth will wishing for it release Diamond from the Wiseman's power?"

"No. Death in his case was easily reversed. His soul was trapped in his body, and he gave his life willingly for another's. This Wiseman is a living being with powers that right now are more powerful than mine even with you and the Moon Crystal so close, Princess." Jareth grunted as he shot a blast to defend Tuxedo Mask.

That was when Moon saw that all were only defending themselves from the onslaught, not attacking Diamond! She sighed and shook her head. "We have to save him, and anyone else Wiseman is using!"

Suddenly the attack stopped. Moon hadn't realized how loudly she had spoken. It had been enough for Diamond to hear her. Now his empty eyes looked for where the voice came from.

Shakily she stood up and walked over to stand by her love. Then she swallowed and called out, "Diamond?"

The man snapped his ambiguous focus onto her alone. Something within him ticked at her voice.

Slowly she walked over to him until she was within his reach. "Diamond can you hear me?"

Mars used her powers to read him. "Sailor Moon! Your voice is giving him a focal point. That focus is enough to block out Wiseman's control, but not the spell itself."

Moon smiled up at him. "Well, it's a start. Diamond, we need your help. Please. There's no telling what traps have been set against us. Will you help us?"

Bit by bit, he nodded. Moon smiled as she whispered where only he could hear her, "thank you for saving my life. I didn't get to say it before … so, I'm saying it now."

A spark flickered in his eyes for a moment. What could it mean?

***

Aboveground …

Things in the hospital went down hill in a matter of twenty-four hours. Both Katrina and Alicia slipped into a coma, and their vitals were not promising any inclination for a recovery. Yet, both Jadeite and Tanzanite were grateful to the Lord and Lady that the machines were not reporting what Erin had called a flat line. She had explained that if a straight line replaced the currently evenly spaced chiseled line on the monitors, and a long tone for the steady beeping, then the hearts of Katrina and/or Alicia had stopped. A fate that neither man wanted to face, even if it seemed the likely outcome set before them.

Tanzanite felt unrest in his beloved. Glancing at his mentor, Tanzanite knew that Jadeite was sensing the same about his Katrina.

"Something's going on old friend." the love of Alicia's life said in a concerned tone. They tried to peer into their souls...

Alicia was somewhat easy to bond to for Tanzanite, but Katrina was another matter. She was blaming herself for the fire, for her sister's near death, for their lost of finances, for her life in general. She was lost in her grief and self-inflicted torment.

"Katrina? Love, please stop."

She gasped and turned to find her love looking at her. "Jadeite? What is wrong with me? It is so dark here and all I feel and know is hurt."

"You are blaming yourself for things that were out of your control again. Remember how you felt when you let go of your childhood pain?" Jadeite pulled her into his spirit's embrace.

Grabbing a tight hold on him she smiled. "Yes, but that was easier than this."

"Love, only you can let go of this negativity. Do you feel my love for you … my need to have you with me? Do you feel that thread connecting our spirits?" Jadeite relished the feel of her embrace. She was still strong, all she had to do was face whatever pulled her to this place where souls decide to live or let go of the mortal plane.

Katrina not only could feel it, but also see the silver thread with her inner eye. "Yes, and I can see it in my mind's eye."

"It bonds us soul to soul. This means I chose you as my only love … Katrina, I will never love any but you." Jadeite feared losing her. "Now in this place you have something fate wishes you to face and then you will be given a decision to make. The choice is yours and I will sit at your side until you do. But, I must leave for you to move on. Know that I love you."

And with that he was gone. Katrina felt her spirit slip into another time, it felt cold and lonely – a past she didn't remember … but when and where was she?

Alicia felt a coldness surrounding her. She shivered in spirit as she felt a familiar warmth surrounding herself. "Tanz...?"

"Yes dear heart. I'm here. Something is unrest within you. Can you feel it?" Her love said fearfully.

"Yes... I love you Tanz... Please keep me safe while I figure out what's going on with me..." Alicia said as her spirit drifted into the past.

In her mind's eye, she saw everything that occurred ...

"Alicia my dear. Please, can you help me with something?" an older voice sounded. Alicia watched as another version of herself, almost identical though younger, ran into the room, gleaming with happiness.

"Yes Uncle Sean?"

Katrina was stunned at how young Alicia was standing before her. But she didn't recognize this place or the outfit her little sister was wearing. Alicia didn't own a dress like that. And the 'Uncle' might have been called Sean, but her looked like the jerk Randy or nearly helped kill the two of them!

This room, the people, and the moment filled her with a sense of dread – like she knew that evil was about to strike hard. If she had only known then how right she was.

Alicia seemed so happy and was so beautiful. But, Sean's eyes showed he had dark thoughts on his mind. "Come over here girl."

Alicia ran over to him, smiling brilliantly for her favorite uncle. "Yes Uncle Sean? What do you need?"

A frigid chill went through Katrina's body ending in her spine. There was something wrong. "Allie! Run!"

Instead of reacting, Alicia went on to her uncle – passing through Katrina as if the elder sister was not there. "I'm not really here, am I? What is this? That isn't Sean – it's Randy. And the guy is not our uncle! I don't want to be here or see this."

But her body wouldn't move. Katrina couldn't move her head away or even close her eyes. She, for some unknown reason, was being forced to watch it all. Unfortunately, she wasn't the only one being force to watch this scene play out as another her walked over to the small guest room.

Alicia watched as the horror unfolded, unable to do anything about it. In a flash the door was slammed closed, and her other form was tossed on the bed like a rag doll. Only a slight 'oomph' was heard as he proceeded to rip her dress.

"Someone help me please..." Alicia pleaded with her mind.

Both of the ghostly sisters were shuttering in fear and disgust. Yet, neither was seen by mortal eyes or the other.

Then walked to the door what appeared to look like Sean.

Both watched with fearful eyes as another male walked into the room carrying a sleeping woman who appeared to look like Katrina. Alicia went to yell in outrage, only to find herself silenced with 'Sean's' lips roughly.

The limp Katrina groaned in pain. She had been beaten! There were bruises and cuts along with one eye swollen shut. A thin trickle of blood ran out of the side of her mouth. Her breathing came in wheezes, and she barely moved after the man dumped her unceremoniously on the floor.

'Sean' looked up and winked. "Couldn't get under her skirts, eh Randy boy?"

Alicia's eyes widened in fear as she tried to fight off her Uncle. 'Sean' sensing her movement went to pin her down, but found she wouldn't easily go back down. A cracking noise was heard as he slapped her cheek viscously hard.

The glare in his eyes made the younger woman want to shrink in fear and helplessness. 'Sean' saw it as a mark of his 'breaking her in'. "That's a girl. Don't want to end up like stupid little Katty. Just lay back and enjoy yourself, because this is one of your new chores now."

When she was ripped, Alicia could help screaming out and trying to fight. 'Randy' grabbed her hands and pinned them above her head. 'Sean' slapped her harder than before, and pounded her intimately. "Get used to it tramp."

Once he was done, and 'Randy was moving to take a turn, the battered Katrina was brought back to reality by her little sister's whimpering and the men's chuckles and filthy taunts.

Enraged, she grabbed both of 'Randy's' legs – making him fall and knocking him out when his head hit the near cabinet. When 'Sean' went to kick her, Katrina shot her fist high, making contact with his bloody groin. The man doubled over, but she shoved him back so he landed on his son.

Alicia crawled off the bed and towards her sister.

"What are we going to do? We have to get out of here right now!!"

Katrina groaned as her battered body protested her movements to stand. "I know Allie-kit. Come on. Before they recover!"

The pair rushed in escaping after Alicia pulled on clean clothes, at least as rushed as Katrina could stand. They took off in one direction towards a wooded area that many, except them, knew truly how to navigate.

They tripped over uncovered roots and stones. Twigs, stones, and leaves caught and slid into their shoes – bruising and ripping at the flesh there. Several times both or either would fall hard. By nightfall, they were in much worse shape, but free.

A cold wind wrapped around them. Alicia was weeping as silently as she could and shivering. Even in her agony, Katrina put her little sister first. Soon she spotted a mound. "We can stay here for the night or so. Those monsters are afraid of the sprites and fae, so maybe they will give us shelter for a time. At least until we heal."

"I just pray the sprites and fae are watching over us tonight to allow us some slumber from this vivid nightmare." Alicia heard her other self say, while trying to control her emotions. The two practically fell to the ground, out cold from the night's terrible downward slope of events, unaware of the two people coming up to their slumbering forms.