Happy weekend! I have some good news. The story is almost over! Normally, this wouldn't be good news, but I don't like writing this as much as I do my other stories. So, I think two or three more chapters are all that is needed. Enjoy!

I walked back to Prospit, still thinking about Alyssa and Gabby. They were dead. Or rather, going to die. But maybe Alyssa had jumped. Dave's words kept repeating in my head.

I made my way to a golden palace. Two guards were stationed in front. "Halt," one said. "State your business."

"I wish for audience with the Prospitian Monarch," I answered. "I'm Rose Lalonde."

The guards hurried to let me pass at the mention of my name. Why was I so special? What made me different from Alyssa and Gabby?

One of the guards led me through the palace, which had bright-colored banners hanging from the walls. The guard brought me to two tall golden doors. He opened them, and revealed the throne room. PM was sitting on the throne. "Rose," she said. "You may leave, guard."

The guard nodded and left. "How soon can we fight Jack Noir?" I asked.

"Considering he wounded a hero, killed fifty civilians, and destroyed most of Prospit, I would say soon."

"Can you kill him?" I asked.

"In theory, yes. But I fear that his ruthlessness will overpower me."

"What if all the dreamers, with the exception of John, helped you?"

PM pondered over this, then said, "It might just be possible."

"Wonderful," I said. "I think it would be best if we met on the battlefield with Jack Noir as soon as possible. If you or Jade could distract him, the rest could try to kill him."

She smiled. "You seem eager to see him die."

I usually was able to remain calm. My emotions stayed in check. But now, after seeing John get hurt and watching Casey's reaction and knowing that two girls were dead, it was hard to remain calm. I took a deep breath, then said, "So it appears."

PM nodded. I think that somehow, she understood my pain. That she knew what it was like to see friends hurt and killed, yet have to remain composed for the sake of others. Suddenly, I liked PM a great deal more. The similarities made me feel better.

I left, although I desperately wanted to talk to her about these hardships. Psychology has always interested me, but I knew that the past was painful. And somethings are better left uncovered.

Without anywhere to go, I wandered the streets of Prospit. Mainly, the destroyed parts. Citizens were helping the injured, and a few were cleaning up rubble. But the air was tense. When I first arrived, the air had a peaceful feel to it, despite the troubles. Now they were ready for war. The surplus of guards proved this. I was stopped far too many times for looking different, even while dressed as a Prospit dreamer. I could only think of the troubles it would cause if I still donned the Derse dreamer clothes.

My mind wandered as I walked. I thought of my father once again, struggling to remember his face. How long had it been? I then thought of John, and my still sleeping dreamer.

"You're wandering around to?" someone asked from behind me. I turned around and was greeted by Terezi. "I walk around to clear my head. What are you doing?"

"Thinking," I replied.

"About John? Or is it your dead parent?" she asked.

"How did you know?" I asked.

"Seer of Mind, remember? Besides, don't worry about John. He's doing fine."

"Yes, I know. His recovery is astounding. But I still worry." We were silent for a few moments. "Do you think my father came here?" I asked.

"I doubt it," Terezi replied. "It's too uncommon for people to come to Underland from your world. So it would be next to impossible for you and your dad to end up here."

I nodded. "How did you wake up?" I asked.

"On Prospit? Well, it was after I became blind," she replied.

"Well, I doubt losing my vision would help me," I said.

She cackled. "Maybe you're already up. When's the last time you were asleep?"

I sighed. "I think I am running on pure adrenaline. It has been a long day to say the least."

"Right. Well, maybe you'll be on Derse when you wake up."

"Hopefully," I said.

"Where are you going to be staying? I don't think you'd be going back to Derse anytime soon," Terezi asked.

"I'm not sure," I replied.

"You could stay with John," she said with a shark-tooth grin.

"Any other offers?"

"Some of the other's are staying with Sollux and Aradia. I think Dirk is staying with Jake and Dave is staying with Jade. Maybe Jane will help you and Roxy out."

"Okay. Thanks, Terezi."

"Hey, Seers have to stick together, right?"

"I suppose. Then we'd be forced to hang out with Kankri," I said.

Terezi grimaced. "Forget the Seer thing. Think of it as a friendly gesture."

"Right. Bye, Terezi," I said.

"See you later, Lalonde." Terezi walked away, hands stuffed into her pockets. I turned, ready to look for Roxy. I ended up wandering for ten more minutes before I found her helping the carapaces.

"Hey sis," she greeted. "Where have you been?"

"I talked with Terezi," I replied. "Where will we stay tonight?"

"I was going to ask Jane if we could crash with her," she replied. "We could have a sleepover!"

"Right," I said. "I think we should do that. It's getting dark."

"I've stayed up later," she said. "I need to help these guys out."

"I understand your generosity. But the only way we can help them is if we are well rested by the time we must fight Jack Noir," I said.

"When are we fighting him?"

"Sooner than later, that's for sure. Come on, we should go." Roxy reluctantly left and led me to Jane's home.

When we arrived Roxy knocked on the door. Jane answered. "Oh. Hi Roxy! What do you need?"

"Can we sleep over tonight?" she asked.

"Sure! I'll prepare beds for you guys."

"Screw beds! I call the couch!" Roxy ran past Jane into her house.

"I hope she doesn't get any liquor," Jane said.

"If she does, I might be able to get the couch. She'll probably pass out on the floor in a drunken stupor."

We laughed. "That's so wrong," Jane said. "But so true. Please come in."

Whatever Roxy had planned as a sleepover didn't happen. We ended up falling asleep almost immediately. Roxy tried to keep us up with amusing stories, but Jane went to bed and I was dozing off.

I wasn't sure how long I was asleep. Honestly, I don't remember falling asleep. The last thing I remembered was Roxy telling a story about Jake and Dirk. If I had to say, I'd guess around two hours. Roxy shook me, saying, "Hurry, Rose!" over and over.

"Wha-?" I asked, drunk from sleep.

"Noir!" she yelled.

Cliffhanger. This qualifies as a cliffhanger, right? Whatever, I will upload chapter 10 tomorrow, which will have a lot more action. I swear. 100% true. Anyway, leave a review telling me what you think, and I will see you guys later!

Alright, I'm out.