Kurt stared into Blaine's eyes as they stood on the balcony. He bit his lip and blushed, looking once again out to the land.

"Beautiful." Blaine whispered, obviously not meaning for Kurt to hear it, he promptly averted his eyes and blushed when Kurt quirked a brow, but didn't question him. The sun had set and darkness was everywhere, Kurt looked back to Blaine.

"You'd better get some sleep," Blaine said, Kurt could hear the sadness in his voice "you've got a big day tomorrow." Kurt bit his lip

"Will you…will you stay with me?" he asked in a low voice, Blaine's eyes widened "not-not like that," he amended "I just don't want to be alone." Blaine's expression softened and he nodded

"Absolutely." He took Kurt's hand and lead him back into the castle. They got some looks as they walked down the halls, all smiles and some confusion, but no frowns or shoves. When they finally made it back to Kurt's room, he got changed into a loose shirt and some pajama pants, and Blaine did the same, borrowing some of Kurt's things. They got into his bed and Kurt instantly curled up to Blaine's side, resting his head on Blaine's chest. He listened to Blaine's heart, it was low and slow and utterly calming. Blaine absently ran his fingers through Kurt's chestnut hair. Kurt hadn't felt this safe in years, so he curled into Blaine, listening to his heart, and fell asleep.

Kurt woke to an empty bed. He sighed and got ready, he looked around the room and spotted armor in the corner…of course. He put every piece on slowly, as if he could slow down time for a while and prevent the upcoming events. He took out a piece of paper, a quill, and ink from the table and began to write.

Dear Dad,

I'm so sorry…I know you must've been worried sick about me, although I'm not sure if time goes the same way where I am. You wouldn't believe me if I told you where I am, so just try to understand.

Dad, I love you. You've been there for me through everything, you accepted me with open arms and never once wavered in loving me. You've been there for me through the toughest times in my life, and are essentially the reason I'm alive today…I couldn't have made it without you.

So right now, I'm asking you not to question this, don't alert anyone, just…try to accept this. If you get this letter, I'm gone. I've had to fight off demons in my life, and I'm afraid this one was just too much to handle. Please, whatever you do, don't think this is a suicide note and don't blame yourself, because, dad, I couldn't do that to you. Just try to understand that sometimes, the good die young, and I've gone a good way…fighting for the people I love.

Love forever,

Kurt

He sighed and rolled up the note, breaking off a string from a nearby shirt and tying it up, he wiped a tear from his cheek. As he opened the door to leave, he was met with Blaine, clad in armor, raising a fist to the door.

"Blaine…you can't be fighting." Kurt said, as if this was an obvious thing

"I'm not fighting unless I need to." He said, "everyone is wearing armor, as a precaution."

"You should stay in the castle, you've got stitches-" Kurt instantly stopped talking as he caught the look on Blaine's face.

"There is absolutely no way I'm staying in this castle while you're fighting that…thing." He growled, then seemed to deflate, shoulders drooping "You've got to go…the Red Queen is here, everyone is in the courtyard." Kurt's breath hitched.

"Blaine…if I die," Blaine opened his mouth to protest "No! Blaine, let me talk!" Kurt said shrilly, and continued "if I die, I need you to do something for me." Blaine swallowed and nodded

"Anything."

"I need you to somehow, I don't care how you do it, give this letter to my dad." He handed Blaine the note he'd tied up with string. Blaine nodded and bit his lip in an effort to keep his tears at bay. So he just leaned up and kissed Kurt fiercely.

"I love you. Please, please be safe." He begged in a whisper, keeping Kurt's face secure between his hands.

"I love you too." Kurt said simply, not making any promises. He took Blaine's hand and walked down the long corridor.

Kurt exited the castle to a frenzy of people, who either cheered or booed as he emerged, hand in hand with Blaine. They descended the steps and stood next to Quinn, who handed Kurt a beautiful sword and whispered

"Remember, it knows your weaknesses, Kurt, stay strong."

Blaine have Kurt one last good luck kiss before slipping away into the ranks.

"David. Release the Jabberwocky." Santana said wickedly, Kurt stepped forward. A thing stepped out from behind a big brick structure and Kurt felt like he'd been kicked in the stomach. This thing was huge, it looked for all the world like Maleficent from Sleeping Beauty…and Kurt could not believe he was making Disney references right now. It stepped in front of Kurt and looked him directly in the eye with an eerily human stare. Kurt swallowed and brought himself up, puffing out his chest and trying to look strong. The Jabberwocky lunged at him and Kurt quickly sidestepped and sliced at it, catching it right above the eye. It roared and turned on him again, Kurt took a few steps back and sliced again, catching it in the jaw this time. It roared again and snapped at Kurt, nearly catching his calf as he retreated. And then it happened, just what Quinn had warned him of. The Jabberwocky moved slowly towards Kurt and opened its mouth, but instead of a roar, it spoke. It's voice was a horrible raspy sound and it shook Kurt to his core.

"You're nothing, Kurt Hummel, you're just another insignificant faggot." Kurt's eyes widened as it spoke

"You have nobody, no friends, barely any family, even your father is disappointed in you." Kurt choked

"You deserved what you've gotten. Every beating was for the better." It snapped at Kurt and he fell backwards, It loomed over him and opened its mouth, raking his face with a single claw in one sharp, agonizing movement.

"NO!" Two identical terrified shrieks brought Kurt out of his shocked state. He recognized both voices, one was Blaine's and the other…well, the other was what made him stand up.Kurt thought now, no, what the Jabberwocky said wasn't true. He was his own person, he had overcome so much in his life, he refused to let himself be taken down now…when everyone who loved and accepted him was in danger.

He raced forward, and brought the sword back, the Jabberwocky reared its head and Kurt took the opportunity. He brought the sword around with force and slices through its neck, sending its head rolling. He stood there for a moment, breathing heavily, before the crowd cheered. He smiled and dropped the sword. Blaine pushed his way through the crowd and nearly tacked Kurt to the ground as he kissed him.

Quinn stepped forward, her chin high.

"Santana. You are no longer a ruler of this kingdom, you have no power over any of us, your servants and guards are released of their duty." Santana glared "however," Quinn continued, "I have succeeded, and Brittany is willing to go with you." Santana's eyes grew wide as Brittany stepped out from behind Quinn's guards and smiled, waving slightly. She walked carefully over to Santana

"I don't think you're bad." She said sweetly and Santana reached her hand up to brush lightly along Brittany's cheekbone, smiling into the girl's clear blue eyes.

Kurt laughed because what Blaine had said was true, all that Santana was looking for was love, but she was going about finding it in all the wrong ways. He turned to the object of his own affection and smiled. Blaine enveloped him in a hug, but all Kurt could feel was dread, now that the deed was done…it was time for him to go.

(AUTHORS NOTE: almost done! Oh lordy, the part with the Jabberwocky actually reminded me of Ron and the Horcrux necklace…but I didn't realize that until after I'd written it so..sorry about that. Review please!)