Disclaimer: See previous chapters

Last Time:

"Oh deary, Luzerne is getting hungry. You should decide quickly before he removes your spleen."

The man's eyes widened incredibly. "But I told you!" Luzerne snapped at his face and the man shrieked before he passed out.

Sarah fell to the ground she was laughing so hard. Luzerne transformed so he could laugh as well. "Thanks Luzerne," she said with a grin.

"You were very convincing," he said, shifting his weight. "It was… odd."

"I know. But when you live with a Goblin King whose visitors include vampires, wolves, panthers and other manner of vicious threatening creatures, one gets used to it."

"I understand," he replied sagely. "When you live with us, one gets used to fleas."

Sarah wrinkled her nose. "Luzerne, darling, that's something you shouldn't tell other people."

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Chapter 21 (April 15th)

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"Do I have to go?"

"Yes," Sarah growled as she put dangling silver earrings in her ears. "I told Reishka we'd both be there."

Jareth grunted, scowling at her. "I have no desire to spend more time than necessary above ground with your insane friends."

She sent him a look in the mirror. "Just because you've denounced Jason as your best friend because he turned your bed into pudding does not give you the right to tell me that he's my insane friend." The blond grunted again, crossing his arms irritably, lounging on her bed. She rolled her eyes. "Yes I know. You hate tapioca and wouldn't be nearly as mad if he'd used a kind of pudding that you enjoyed." She received a glower for that and giggled. "I'm sorry but you looked hilarious."

He growled and settled for glaring at the bed covers.

"Darling, don't set my bed on fire," Sarah chimed as she put the other earring in. "I rather like it."

He grunted and a moment later stood behind her, wrapping his arms around her waist and pouting. "Do I have to go?"

"Yes. You've no choice in the matter. Besides," she grinned at him, "I can you use as an escape route should things get too hectic. I could say, 'Jareth is getting annoyed. I better take him home so he doesn't kill someone.' It's a foolproof plan."

"Indeed." He sighed. "Fine. I'll go as long as you don't make me spend time with your friends."

"Whatever Jareth," Sarah agreed, mentally thinking of ways to send Jason his way in less than three seconds once they got aboveground.

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Turns out no planning was needed. Like a magnet, Jason was suddenly glued to Jareth's side as soon as the poofy haired blond walked through the front doors. Sarah smiled as she looked around the restaurant. Reishka had outdone herself, especially since she'd gotten help from Kira's 'mad part-tay skillz', as the blond called them. The room was done in deep reds, browns and creams, looking the part of a professional, yet warm and welcoming party. Reishka was where she did her best work, at the food table serving people and chatting their ears off. Sarah was surprised at the amount of Underground-ians there. Jareth had lost Jason when he escaped to the men's room, Jason moving towards Kira and Alan. Kara was there but Sarah didn't see her at the moment nor did she see Samra and Toroku though they'd promised to show up. Well… Samra did.

She spotted the birthday boy seated at a booth and made her way over. "Happy birthday Nikolai."

He grinned and pulled her into a hug. "Thanks Sarah." He cocked his head as she took a seat across from him. "How's this guy of yours treating you?"

"Pretty good," she replied with a smile. "He's kinda annoying though."

He laughed. "We guys are like that. It's better than talking non-stop though," he said as he motioned towards Jason who was chatting with Kira and Reishka, one of the three always talking.

She snorted. "And you don't have to live with two of them."

"Ouch." He leaned back. "So this guy-"

"Jareth."

"Jareth, right… you've known him awhile?"

"I met him when I was… fifteen I think."

"Wow. Ten years."

"Well we haven't been in contact that entire time. We met then met again last May."

"So every day contact for nearly a year…" They watched Jareth walk over to the group of three, the look on his face showing he immediately regretting that decision. "That could pretty much equal up to nearly two or three years of a relationship where you didn't live together."

Her eyes narrowed. "What are you getting at Nikolai?"

He gave a half shrug as Katya made her way over. "Katya and I were in a relationship for two and a half years before I asked her to marry me."

She flushed. "That doesn't mean anything."

"I know," he replied and grabbed Katya's hands, the woman pulling him to his feet. "But it still means something."

"What means something?" Katya asked in confusion.

"Nothing dear." He wrapped his arms around her. "Shall we dance?!"

"No! Nikolai! I can't dance!"

"I know! It's so funny!" As he tugged her onto the dance floor, both still bickering, Sarah risked a glance at Jareth. He looked annoyed at whatever story Jason was telling him. She frowned and looked at her hand, flexing it and staring at her ring finger.

"You okay?" She jumped and turned, Kara leaning against the back of the booth.

"Yeah," she smiled. "Just lost in my thoughts."

She nodded, sliding around to sit across from her. "Yeah. I do that a lot." She toyed with the decorations on the table. "Anything I can help with?"

"Not really… just thoughts…"

She leaned back and turned in Jareth and Jason's direction. "He's not happy with him."

"I know."

"Jason knows it."

A wicked grin spread across Sarah's face. "I know."

"You do know what's going to happen."

"I know," she cackled evilly. "Butterflies galore." Kara grinned and joined in her laughter. After a few quiet minutes of just watching the dancers, Kara glanced back over.

"Are you sure I can't help you with what's going through your head?"

"No… it's something I hadn't really thought about before and I don't know how to feel about it… ya know?"

"Yeah." Kara rested her cheek in a hand. "I got a lot of those surprising thoughts…"

"Do you feel like sharing?"

She looked to the table then glanced up. "Well… I'm the youngest in a line of children produced from the ruler of the Underground… normally that doesn't account for anything except a title but… well Kira and Jareth both have their own lands and Marie died so I'm the last one left."

Sarah's eyes widened. "You'll be the…"

"Queen of the Underground." She gave Sarah a weak smile. "Yeah. Awesome, right?"

Sarah frowned. "You don't want it."

"Not really." She stared at the table. "I don't know what to think about it. I know my dad's proud that one of his children will rule but… I don't know if I can."

"Sarah!" She turned quickly as Jason flopped into the booth beside her and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Jareth says that we're not friends anymore! Oh why Sarah? Why?!"

She rolled her eyes and looked at Kara who was hiding her smile behind her hand. "I gotta go make sure Jareth doesn't kill anyone. We'll talk later." Kara nodded then winced when Jason pulled Sarah from the booth and stole her spot.

A hand grabbed hers and she turned to a ruffled Jareth. "Can we leave now?"

"And now!" Reishka's voice suddenly echoed through the room. "It's time for the Macarena!!!"

Kira let out a cheer and Sarah grinned at Jareth. "No go Goblin King. Get in line." Oh she knew she would pay dearly for it, but it was worth it for the look on his face as Reishka forced him to dance.

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Walking into the library later that evening (having escaped Jareth's wrath by letting him escape before they could do chicken dance), a smile grew on Sarah's face as she spotted a familiar form lounging in front of the fireplace. "Evening Valdis."

The panther jumped and turned, growling. "Sarah. Don't do that."

"Why?"

"Because it's annoying," she grumbled, stretching back out and watching Sarah take a seat out of the corner of her eye. "Where've you been?"

"Miss me did you?" Sarah laughed, opening her book.

"None in the least. Just curious as to why nothing was exploding in Goblin Castle."

"Too true my dear. I was aboveground exploding things."

"Ah. So much better than down here. You don't have to pick up the mess."

"Exactly!"

"WHERE WERE YOU?!"

Sarah leapt out of her seat, Valdis startled into her panther form, hair on end and eyes wide. Running a soothing hand over the cat's head, Sarah sent her a smile of reassurance before she raced towards the entryway. Daederath was holding Westlyn up by his throat, eyes blood red, Tyron and Jareth trying to pull his arms down to allow the turned-vampire to breath.

"Daederath!" Sarah cried, racing towards them. "Stop it! You'll kill him!"

"Good!" the vampire snarled, fangs extended nearly to his chin. "I want him DEAD!"

"Stop it!" Tyron shouted. "You're not in your right mind! Arcadia will be fine! She's come out of worse with nothing but a scab!" Westlyn choked, clawing at Daederath's hands.

"What happened to Arcadia?" Sarah asked quickly, not noticing the panther that was stuck to the floor at her feet. The vampire king snarled and threw him away, Westlyn hitting the wall with a sickening crack! Sarah raced to his side, Valdis glued to her hip, eyes focused on Daederath and ears to her head but keeping her body between Sarah and the vampire.

"Westlyn?" Sarah asked in concern as he sat up, wincing in pain. "Are you okay?"

"I'm bloody wonderful!" he snapped angrily, Australian accent thick and heavy, his fangs also extended though only to the bottom of his lips. He glowered at Daederath. "There was nothing I could do to save her my lord-" He choked as Daederath was in front of him, dragging him up the wall.

"Stop it!" Sarah shrieked, tugging on his wrist, Tyron's arm around his father's neck and trying to pull him back, Jareth on the opposite side.

"SHE NEARLY DIED!" Daederath bellowed. "WHERE THE HELL WHERE YOU?!"

"I was right there!" Westlyn shouted at him. "I tried to save her!" He choked, whether from the tears or the hands gripping his throat Sarah wasn't sure. "I tried! And I failed! I know that!" Daederath slowly lowered him to the floor but his hands didn't move. "I'll leave… I just need to know if she'll be okay."

"She'll be fine Westlyn," Tyron spoke evenly, eyes focused on his father not the blue eyed blond. "She lost a lot of blood but the healers say she'll recover just fine with complete use of her leg."

Westlyn let out a relieved sigh, legs buckling. Jareth caught him before he could fall, Sarah supporting his other side. Daederath stepped back, lip curling up in a feral snarl.

"Get. Out."

Shutting his eyes he let out a soft sigh before turned to Tyron. "Give her my apologies," he murmured, waited until Tyron nodded and then headed for the door.

Sarah blinked, looking between the furious Daederath and stoic Tyron. "What just happened?" she asked in confusion feeling fur against the back of her legs, Valdis' head ducked and glaring at the vampires.

Tyron glanced at his father. "Arcadia and Westlyn were taking a walk and they were attacked. We're still not sure by what… Westlyn says it smashed him into a tree and he was knocked out but he came to and found Arcadia on the ground bleeding out. He brought her here as it was the closest place and summoned the healers and us…" Tyron shifted uneasily. "There's an ancient rule," he shot his father a look, "one that's in a book we never follow unless the extreme happens, that says if the husband cannot provide for the wife, he must leave her, the clan and the country."

Sarah jerked. "What?! The hell he's not!"

Daederath turned a dark look on her. "You would give him refugee when he nearly killed my daughter?"

She held back the shudder that wanted to ripple through her body (even if Valdis didn't) and held her chin high. "I would." The vampire's hand twitched as though he wanted to wring her neck. "You're being an idiot. Westlyn has done nothing but love her. If Jareth was knocked into a tree and I was attacked, I wouldn't blame him the slightest. Those that blame the blameless are the ones that are truly to blame." Daederath's hands fisted angrily but before he could retort, Sarah spun on her heel and raced after Westlyn.

She darted out the door, looking each way before spotting Carmen in the paddock. "Carmen!" she shouted. The horse turned, grass hanging from his mouth. She would've laughed if it weren't such a situation. "Carmen! Did you see Westlyn go by?"

"The blond vampire? Yeah." He tossed his head in the direction the blond went. "He went that way."

"Thanks!" She raced for the trees then yelped when Carmen was in front of her. He knelt and she smiled, climbing on quickly. Spotting Valdis she cocked her head. "Riding or running?" The panther snorted and hurried towards the trees. "Follow Valdis, Carmen!" He whinnied and raced after her.

Westlyn wasn't far in, sitting on the ground against a tree. Sarah slid off and walked over carefully. "Westlyn?" He hummed to let her know he'd heard her, face buried in his knees, hands on his legs. "Are… you okay?"

"M'fine."

She folded her legs under her. "You sure?"

"I'm fine Sarah."

"You are not."

He lifted his face and snarled. "I'm FINE!" She sighed as he lost his anger and looked away. "I'm… you can't imagine what it was like… waking up in a puddle of her blood…" His teary eyes grew haunted, knuckles going white as his hands tightened on his legs. "I thought she was dead… I thought I lost her because I didn't react fast enough… oh gods… I almost lost her…"

"But you didn't," Sarah stressed. "She's alive. She's well."

"She almost died."

"But she didn't. Why are you blaming yourself? You were in the wrong place at the wrong time."

"You always seem to be," a new voice chimed. Both turned quickly, Arcadia, wrapped tightly in gauze and bandages and looked twenty times paler than her normal healthy tan, stumbled in, limping on her right leg.

"Arcadia!" Sarah cried, leaping to her feet to help the vampiress towards them. "You shouldn't be up."

Westlyn stared at her as she made her way over, carefully taking the seat Sarah had just sat in. She smiled and reached towards him, wiping tears off his cheeks. This seemed to wake him up and he jolted away from the touch. "No!" he cried. "I nearly killed you! You nearly died!"

"No my love," she reached for his hand. "I heard it coming I just couldn't react fast enough. You were in the wrong place at the wrong time. You always are." She chuckled. "You were there when I got hungry aboveground. You were there when father caught us sneaking out of guard duties. Now you were there to get hurt." Her face fell as she lifted a hand to the blood stain on the back of his head. "I'm sorry."

He bit his cheek. "Why are you sorry? I failed to save you."

"I failed you love. When you got hit I… I lost control. I attacked it and didn't realize there were two. Killed the first and relished in it and the other got me… I tried to crawl to you to see if you were okay but the shock hit me and I fainted." She sniffed, tears running down her face. "I… I t-thought you were dead!"

Westlyn's arms shook and twitched. "I cannot," he muttered. "I can't stay. You father has ordered I leave and I complied." She looked up in shock. "I cannot stay if I will hurt you so."

"You will hurt me worse if you leave!" she shouted, grabbing his hands. "Please!"

He shut his eyes and looked away. "I-I cannot."

"Westlyn… don't do this to me… please…"

With a speed Sarah didn't know he had her wrapped in a hug. "Don't do this," he cried into her shoulder. "I can't stay if it will result in your injuries."

"It won't. I promise. It's not your fault." Arcadia hugged him tighter then pulled away and framed his face with her hands. "You saved me once Westlyn, when I was on the brink of death. Please let me save you now."

He shook his head. "Your father-"

"To hell with him!" Arcadia spat. "He's had more than enough time to realize that I chose you! I didn't want a fancy general! I didn't care for government! I wanted you, Westlyn. If he doesn't understand that, then to hell with him. I will live with you whether it be above, below or no ground."

"Is there such a thing as no ground?"

"Well there's the sky. Does that count?"

He smiled warmly. "My dear, I don't believe we could live in the sky. There's no flowers. How am I supposed to bring you flowers?"

She laughed and hugged him. "You could make flowers from the clouds."

"If I could I would."

"So you're not leaving?"

"I don't think I ever could." He kissed her forehead. "I would've made my way back to you one day… probably tomorrow... most likely five hours."

"You could last that long without me?" she asked teasingly.

"Hmm you're right. Make it three."

"Surprising."

"Erm, not to be rude or anything but could you two finish this conversation in a safe place?" Sarah asked. "It's getting a little awkward for the third party."

Arcadia laughed and nodded, wobbling as she got to her feet. Westlyn picked her up and walked over to Sarah. "Ready."

"Carmen can give her a ride back if you don't wanna carry her," Sarah offered.

Westlyn shook his head. "I'm alright." He frowned. "It's Lord Daederath I'm worried about."

Arcadia scoffed, wrapping her arms around his neck. "Then let's go Aboveground. He'll cool off eventually. We can hide out there."

Sarah grinned. "Brilliant! I have a house there and everything!"

"No need." All eyes turned to the path and found him standing there. He walked towards the two vampires. Westlyn's arms tightened around Arcadia before he carefully set her down at his side and faced Daederath.

"Dad," Arcadia began but was cut off by a glare from her father.

"You think you can disobey me?" he hissed darkly. "I am your father."

"He is my husband," she snarled back, hands fisting at her sides. "I turned him and he is mine. You have no right to banish him!!!"

"He broke the rule!"

"A rule that hasn't been used in over four hundred years! You're just happy you can finally get rid of him!"

"The rule should be followed! He's not good enough for you if he can't protect you!"

"I can protect myself! And I'm old enough to think for myself!" she shouted tearfully. "Why can't you understand that?!"

"I can understand that! And it scares the hell out of me!" His hands fisted. "You're my little girl and…" He snarled. "I can't lose you!"

She bit her lip. "You almost did."

He glared at Westlyn who was staring at the ground. "I know."

"Not from the attack," she said softly.

"I know." He looked down. "Would you really have gone aboveground?"

"We were about to leave." She smiled faintly. "You have to give it up. I'm not leaving him."

He sighed and turned to Westlyn who finally lifted his eyes from the ground. "I apologize for my rash behavior and hope that you will forgive me."

Westlyn grinned, arms linking behind his head. "Aw it's nothin'."

Arcadia frowned. "Westlyn…"

He glanced at her and the easy posture fell. "I do forgive you I just…" He looked down then up sharply. "She is mine now." Sarah felt her hackles rise (or was that Valdis) as the air tightened. "She is my wife and I intend on never leaving her."

There was a long moment, Arcadia glancing between the two vampires nervously before Daederath smirked. "Well done Westlyn. You might have a chance yet." He turned on his heel. "I expect you both back home by tomorrow evening. We have a large dinner with several influential people." He vanished into the shadows.

Sarah blinked and turned to look at Valdis who looked at her in confusion. "Huh?"

Arcadia sighed and rubbed her forehead. "Father…"

Westlyn grinned. "I lived!"

Valdis transformed and stood close to Sarah. "What the hell just happened?"

"I have no idea," Sarah mumbled.

Arcadia sighed again. "Fight's over. Father was probably just testing Westlyn… again."

"At least he didn't shoot me in the head this time," Westlyn chimed happily.

"Shoot you in the head?!" Valdis and Sarah cried at the same time.

"Yeup! Wasn't too pleasant I'll tell ya." He scooped up Arcadia. "What say you to a fresh cup of French blood and a cozy fireplace?"

She smiled. "That sounds wonderful my dear." They waved and vanished.

Sarah blinked again and Valdis growled. "What the hell just happened?" she repeated.

With a sigh, Sarah headed back towards the castle. "Why are my friends so weird?"

Valdis scoffed. "I really need to stop hanging out with you."

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To all Heal Me, Hurt Me Readers and Reviewers,

Everyone please turn to Stacy Vorosco and give a warm thanks. When the review popped into my inbox I was like 'yay! A review… HOLY GOD! I HAVEN'T UPDATED IN FOREVER!'

School has been, to put quite simply, HELL. Gawd. The work and the procrastination KILL meeee! So does MLIA. It basically consumes my soul instead of homework.

And I've just bought Pride and Prejudice and Zombies. It is awesome but distracting.

Oh! And if I don't update until afterwards, in twenty days I turn two decades old! Boogie!

So here is the new chapter. I'm sorry for it taking so long. I will try and be better but I cannot guarantee anything. Thanks for being so awesome you guys!

Kadasa Mori

P.S. I read through this like twelve times but I'm sure there're still errors. Lemme know if you spot one. Thanks.

Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 22 (really 72)

"Who are you?" he snarled.

She raised an eyebrow. "Why I am the Goblin Queen. Have you not heard of me?"

"No. Only of a Goblin King." He looked her up and down. "Are you his wife?"

She bristled. "No!"

He held his hands up and took a step back. "Kay! Kay…"

She settled back down, jaw set angrily. "I'm here to offer-"

"Me my dreams in return for my brother. Sorry Queenie but I'd rather like him back now."

She wrinkled her nose. "You want a sniveling little brother instead of your most fantastic dreams?"

"I do. Return him."

"Sorry." She leaned back on the bench, twirling the flames around a gloved hand. "No can do. See, we have rules here and they are that no one goes home till the clock stops a-tickin'." She motioned towards the wall where the clock sat. "And suffice to say, the clock is still a-tickin'." He jerked then spun on his heel, moving to run away. She laughed. "Oh dear me. Have I distracted you? So sorry ol' chap."

He sent her a dark look then raced off. She grinned. "Oh and watch out-" With a yell he shot down a chute and towards the hidden forest below. "-for that hole. Damn tricky thing it is."