Disclaimer: See previous chapters

Last Time:

When Goblin Castle reappeared before her eyes, Sarah let out a happy sigh. Jareth raised an eyebrow and she smiled at him. "Love is in the air!" she sang and skipped out of the room. She heard Jareth let out a squawk of surprise and as she spun in a circle, she saw him following her quickly. "Valdis and Raniero!"

He lifted an eyebrow. "Valdis is in love with Raniero?'

"Yup!"

"… we are talking about the same Valdis, right?"

"Yes! And they are absolutely adorable!"

He sighed and rubbed his face. "Kira has tainted you."

"Why is it whenever I didn't do anything, I get blamed?" Both turned to find Kira standing in the doorway to the dining hall.

"Because you're you," they both said together.

She lifted an eyebrow then shrugged. "True. So anything interesting happen?"

"Oh have I got gossip for you!" Jareth rolled his eyes and quickly left before the squealing began.

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Chapter 25 (May 1st)

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Snarling, she spun around, knives digging deep into her enemy's flesh. Her blue hair whipped around, just missing her eyes as she charged forward into another enemy and quickly took them out as well. Smirking, she leapt backwards, avoiding being raked across the face by a pair of nasty looking claws. The owner of the claws quickly lost his paw then his life.

As she turned, her eyes widened, landing on one of her teammates. The candy-caned panther's eyes were dull, pupil less and glassed over. "Beck? You ok?" she asked in confusion before gasping in pain as the other girl's sword jerked into her ribcage. With a cry of pain, she stumbled backwards, lifting her hands to her chest and seeing the blood bubbling out. She looked back up at Beck and coughed, feeling warmth trickle down her lips. "Why?" she asked before her vision blacked out.

Sitting up with a start, Valdis looked around the room, chest heaving as her mind tried to grasp the fact that she wasn't dead. She transformed into her panther shape and quickly raced from the room and down the hallway, slipping into her brother's room. Azrael was curled up on fluffy pillows in front of the fire. She raced to his side and batted at his face.

He jerked awake, looking around sleepily before focusing on her. "Valdis?" he asked. "Whatever is the matter?"

"I had a bad dream. I need to see Beck." He nodded and stood, stretching before leading her from the room. When they got to the front doors, nodded to the guard then raced down the street, Valdis at his side as they headed for Aidan and Rebecca's home.

He transformed briefly and opened the door, padding down the hall to a bedroom. "That's her room," he muttered. "I'm going to go tell Aidan we're here."

She nodded, staring at the door before taking a deep breath and pushing it open. "Beck?" she called.

There was a feline sounding snort, a bright white and red head lifting from a pile of blankets and pillows in the corner. "Huh? Wassits? Valdis?" she yawned, stretching on the pillow. "Wassamatter?"

Valdis padded over and bumped her head against Rebecca's. "I… I had a bad dream."

Rebecca, had she been able to, would have lifted an eyebrow. "Val, I'm sure you've had bad dreams before but you've never come to me with them."

"You killed me."

She jerked away. "What?"

"I… I was fighting with enemies and I turned and you were just standing there and your eyes were blank and I ask if you were ok and you killed me." Valdis shifted paws. "I just… had to make sure you were alright. It was so real and…" She shifted uneasily again.

Rebecca sighed and stood, butting her head against Valdis' again. "I'm sorry dream-me hurt you."

"Killed."

"Killed you. I wouldn't do that though."

"It's like it wasn't you but… was you." She shrugged. "I don't know how to explain it."

"We should go talk to Jareth." Both turned to the doorway where Azrael and Aidan stood. "He should know about this."

Valdis wrinkled her nose. "Why?"

"Jareth told the panther lords during our meeting on the festival that there was a zombie spotting." Rebecca inhaled sharply. "He should know that Valdis had a dream about Rebecca being a zombie even though she hadn't heard the rumor. It could be a prediction of something that could happen. It could be a trap. We don't know but we should still inform him."

"I'll go tell the guards we'll be leaving in the morning," Aidan announced, quickly padding out of the room, Azrael hurrying after him.

"Val?" She glanced back at the candy-cane striped panther who shifted uneasily. "If… if your dream comes true, promise me two things? One, take care of Aidan and Azrael. Two… if I try to kill you, kill me first."

Valdis inhaled sharply but Rebecca merely gave a half smile. "I'd rather die than live knowing I killed my family." Valdis swallowed then nodded. Rebecca butted her head against Valdis'. "Don't worry so much kitten," she remarked and Valdis bristled at the old nickname. "Everything will turn out alright. Now go get some sleep." She yawned, stretched and lay back down. "Let the boys take care of the hard work." Valdis snorted and padded towards the closet, grabbing a few blankets and dragging them over beside Rebecca's bed. "What are you doing?"

"Shut up," Valdis grumbled in embarrassment, curling into a ball.

Rebecca chuckled and swatted at her shoulder. "Get some sleep, Val."

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Entering Sarah's room with the intention of annoying the hell out of the brunette because he was bored, Jareth frowned. "Sarah?" Jareth asked, looking around the empty bedroom. When he didn't see the girl, he ran a hand down the stone wall. The castle sent him an image of stairs and he frowned, vanishing and reappearing in the Esher room. "Sarah?" he called, peering over the edge. He saw the bottoms of a pair of shoes followed by a face peering over the edge.

Sarah blinked at him. "Jareth?" He vanished and reappeared behind her. She twisted to look at him. "How did you find me?"

"I asked the castle where you were."

She blinked again. "You can do that?"

He hummed. "What are you doing in here?"

"I…" She looked back over the many staircases. "I was feeling reminiscent."

"Are you alright?"

She smiled at him and nodded. "M'fine. Just…" She shrugged.

"I understand." He knelt and kissed the side of her head. "Call me if you need anything." She nodded again and he vanished. As the entrance hall reappeared around him, he blinked, having meant to go to his den but the castle had sent him here. The doors slammed open and he found five panthers running in.

The one in the lead, a bright yellow and orange one, transformed immediately, practically falling into him. "Jareth!" Azrael cried, clutching his wounded side. "Beck… needs help…!"

He turned to look at the candy-cane striped panther and found that there was a lot more red on her than normal. Eyes darkening, he rushed to her side, calling up a crystal as he did and asking Samra and Ikkakujuu to get there immediately.

"Hold on Becca," Aidan murmured, holding up her head. Valdis was pacing, Haimon watching the proceedings and her carefully, helping Azrael stay on his feet.

"Valdis," Jareth ordered. "Go get Sarah. She's in the Esher room. Tell her reminiscing will have to wait and to get here immediately."

Valdis nodded and bolted down the hallway. She skidded into the room and frowned, realizing she'd never find Sarah easily. "Sarah!" she shouted once she'd transformed.

"Valdis?" The panther looked up and found a face peering at her upside down. "What are you doing here?"

"Beck's hurt bad," she said quickly. "Jareth needs your help."

Sarah's eyes widened and she vanished, reappearing as she landed lightly beside her. "Let's go." She ran after the blue panther, down a few winding hallways to the entryway. The group had vanished and Valdis looked panicked. "This way!" Sarah immediately changed direction, racing towards the nurse's rooms.

They skidded into the room and found Aidan sitting in one of the chairs, bloody hands covered his face, elbows on his knees, Azrael, now healed and bandaged, curled up at his side rubbing his back. Haimon was leaning against the wall, arms crossed over his chest, Jareth nowhere to be found.

"Where's Beck?" Valdis snapped.

"In the other room with the healer," Azrael answered softly. "They're working on her right now."

Sarah nodded and took a seat, motioning for Valdis to join her. The panther did, sitting still for only a few seconds before standing and pacing furiously. "Valdis." She looked back at Sarah who motioned to the seat. She reclaimed the seat, leg bouncing. Sarah reached out and grabbed her hand, squeezing it. "It's okay. Calm down. Worrying won't do anything for her right now." Valdis shot her a dark look but the hand wrapped around Sarah's tightened in nervousness.

Ten minutes after she'd been brought into the other room, Samra appeared and vanished into the room. Jareth walked over to Sarah and leaned down to her ear. "Samra's going to heal her then rest up here. I've called an emergency meeting to ensure the defensive measures are still holding since they were attacked near the edge of my borders. Stay on the grounds."

She smiled at him when he leaned away. "Don't worry so much. I'll see you for dinner?" He nodded and vanished.

After another nerve shattering ten minutes, Samra walked out, nodded wearily to Sarah and vanished. The healer walked out as well, rubbing her face.

"Will she be alright?" Aidan asked, standing quickly.

The healer sighed. "Only time will tell. She's very weak and lost far too much blood. If she survives the night, there's a very good chance that she'll pull through." She gently pushed on his shoulder. "Now she needs rest. All of you out."

Sarah quickly slipped out after the three male panthers who walked off without them, Valdis following reluctantly. She rubbed her arm and glanced at the panther. "Where are you going?"

"To find somewhere to hide. I'll seek you out when I'm calmed down." Sarah smiled and nodded, Valdis quickly disappearing.

She sighed and looked around the empty hallway. "Now… what do I do in the meantime?"

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Lounging on a red and white checkered blanket, Sarah stretched gloriously. Alan and Kira, who were exempt from the council meeting, had decided to have a picnic with the Three Musketeers who were currently chasing Riley around the field. Evie and Samra had decided to join them, both taking extreme pleasure in running around with the little ones.

Alan, who had been quietly talking with Kira, suddenly reached out and tapped Sarah's leg, pointing behind her. She lifted herself onto her elbows and looked over, face lighting up happily.

"Cleo!" she shouted, climbing to her feet and racing towards the group of centaurs walking out of the forest. She frowned in confusion when she spotted the darker centaur walking alongside Cleo, Anor and Elena walking on either side of the pair. Cleo smiled as she spotted Sarah and lifted a hand in a wave, lowering it when the girl made her way to her side. "Hi!"

"Hello Sarah. It's good to see you."

"You too! Who's the newcomer?"

"Sarah, meet my… fiancé…."

Sarah's eyes widened, looking at the centaur who merely glanced at her, then away. He was handsome, she'd give him that, tanned skin against dark blue black hair and eyes, horse body built and dark as well. Her gaze flickered to Anor who was standing nearby with Elena. Almost the complete opposite of Anor...

"You're friends with humans, Lady Ithil?"

… except for the apparent attitude all male centaurs seemed to have…

She scowled darkly. "Excuse me?" she asked, crossing her arms angrily. "Is there a problem with me being human? Oh I get it! You want a new nickname! How about horsie? Will that suffice?"

The centaur looked like he'd been slapped. "Er…"

They heard a snort and turned, Anor looking away quickly. Sarah smirked and raced over, jumping on his back and hugging him. "Hiya pony! You haven't visited in awhile!"

He turned and glared darkly. "Get. Off."

Sarah pouted and slid off, shuffling to Cleo. "Cle-ooooo? Pony's being meeeeean!"

Cleo giggled and knelt down. "Here Sarah." Sarah cheered and climbed up, hugging her. Cleo smiled and pat her head. "Now be a good little human."

She laughed and turned, so both legs were on one side, kicking out but not hitting Cleo. "So what's this guy's name?"

"Maethor," Cleo answered. "He's a prince from another tribe."

"Oh." Sarah blinked owlishly. "Mayhaps we mortals got a different view on what royalty should act like. I mean, I figured they'd all walk pretty and talk nice but Cleo's horribly mean to me and Maethor is mortal-ist."

"Dare I even ask?" Anor commented dryly.

"Mortal-ist," Elena chimed in. "Against mortals."

"Good lord Sarah," Samra grumbled, having walked over with Evie when Sarah had ran towards the grou[.

Sarah's lips twitched, the only thing keeping her face from a perfectly innocent mask. "What?"

"You are an idiot," Evie announced. "I'm going back to the sane people." She turned and quickly made her way back towards the group of fae still cleaning up the picnic.

Sarah sighed. "Does no one like me?"

"No," Cleo and Anor chimed in unison.

"I kind of do," Elena began then snapped her mouth shut at the looks Cleo and Anor shot her.

Maethor shifted uneasily. "What… is wrong with her? Truly?"

"She's an idiot," Cleo said dismissively, waving a hand in Sarah's direction. "Just ignore her."

"Shut up Cleo!" Sarah snapped then brightened. "Valdis! I'll be right back Cleo." She charged up the hill and nearly tackled the panther in a bear hug. "Hiya! I missed you sooooooooooooooooooooo much!"

Valdis grunted, flopping onto the grass and stretching, transforming back into her humanoid form. The panther rolled her eyes. "You're annoying, you know?"

"Yup." She glanced at the panther. "How's Beck doing now?"

Valdis' eyes fell. "Same as last time. The… the healer said if she'd lost anymore blood she wouldn't have made it here." She glanced at Sarah. "What did Jareth tell you?"

"Not much. Just that you were attacked on your way here."

"Nothing else?"

Sarah immediately stiffened and turned to stare at her. "What do you mean? What's happened?"

Valdis' ears flattened against her skull. "If he's not told you-"

"I don't give a damn!" Sarah yelled, not noticing Cleo and the others had heard and were quickly heading over. "If he's keeping things from me again-"

"Sarah," Valdis began with a faint whine. "I can't…"

"What happened?" Kira asked quickly.

"Sarah's trying to get me to spill about something Jareth didn't tell her," Valdis said immediately, shuffling closer to Kira.

Kira sighed. "Sarah…"

"Shut up Kira!" she snapped. "Why is he keeping things from me?"

"Maybe he just doesn't want to hurt you? Things aren't pleasant down here. I know him and Jason have to deal with nightmares and don't tell anyone else much of anything." Sarah crossed her arms irritably.

"You act like a foal," Hathel spoke up. As Sarah spun to tell him off, Elena let out a cry of pain. All eyes turned to the pinto who stumbled forward, hand lifting to the arrow that was now embedded in her left shoulder.

Spinning and following the path of the arrow, Sarah's eyes widened. "Oh goddess above," she whispered as a flood of soldiers ran towards them from the trees. Samra let out a shriek as a scout that had been nearly upon them grabbed her arm, dragging her away from the group.

Summoning her sword and charging for the soldier, Sarah felt a flood of fear, not for herself, but for Jareth. If he returned home to find her and his family butchered… her heart tightening painfully, imagining the pain he'd feel. It steeled her resolve to stay alive and she let out a snarl as the sword swung forward.

The soldier let out a scream of pain as the arm clutching Samra's bicep fell to the ground. There was a moment of silence before what sounded like a thousand swords were being drawn and bloodlust filled everyone's eyes.

Hathel let out a furious whinny, sword appearing in his hand as he turned and stood his ground, Anor falling into step alongside him.

Cleo grabbed Elena's good arm. "You need to go tell my father that we're being attacked!" she cried.

Elena let out a whinny of laughter. "And leave you here to be slaughtered? I think not."

As Cleo opened her mouth to argue, Alan snapped. "Hey! Neither of you are leaving! We don't know who is in the trees and I'm not going to chance anyone dying." He motioned to Valdis. "You two can fight?"

She nodded sharply. "Azrael gave orders to all panthers to defend Goblin Castle and its inhabitants."

"Good. Stay with Sarah."

Sarah blinked then scowled. "Hey! I can fight!"

Alan sent her a look of disbelief. "Did I say you couldn't?" He turned to Samra. "Samra. Take Evie and get into Jareth's den. There's a big crystal sitting on a pedestal. If you press the gem on the bottom it will contact all of the council members." Samra nodded and took off towards the castle, Evie rushing along with her.

"Kira, you need to get the kids into the castle."

"What if they're already in the castle?" she cried. "If that scout got so close without us knowing…"

He nodded. "I'll take you. Sarah… be careful."

"Same to you," she said, feeling her hands clench at her sides in nervousness. He smiled and nodded then grabbed Katrina and Bellezza, Kira sweeping Emily into her arms beside Edmund who was crying. They raced towards the castle. Sarah turned to face the trees and felt her heart fall to her feet and shatter into a million pieces. "We… are going to die."

Valdis rolled her eyes despite her own fear. "You've the reassuring skills the like no one's ever seen before, Sarah."

She smiled shakily then clenched her hands tightly around the sword, glad for Meta's insistence she learn how to use it. "Anything for you my dear."

Valdis glanced at her. "Then just don't die."

Her lips quirked into a wicked grin. "If I die, can I haunt you afterwards?"

"No."

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"And so we shall be putting these defense measures into place immediately," Jareth said stoically. "Does anyone have any questions?"

A short quick gasp made all eyes turn to Edenorog who was gripping the table, already pale fingers turning bone white to match her knuckles. "Kaku?" Taka said softly. "Are you alright?"

The unicorn short gasps were worrying them. "Some…thing… is… wrong…" Her whole body began trembling and Honou and Jason, who sat on either side of her leapt to their feet, as did the whole table.

"What's wrong?" Jareth asked sharply.

She shook her head. "I do not know… Jareth we must end this meeting." He nodded sharply. "Go home. Now. I do not know where it is aimed but if it hurts this much-" She let out another pained gasp. "It must be close to home."

Taka and Washi shared a glance then looked at Jareth who nodded sharply. They were gone almost instantly. Honou gently lifted Edenorog. "I shall bring her home safely, Jareth. Her home lies deep in the forest between here and mine."

Jareth nodded and turned to Jason who looked uneasy. "I'm glad Kira and Alan stayed at Goblin Castle," Jason murmured. "At least they're safe there." Jareth opened his mouth to answer but choked when the Labyrinth suddenly filled every pore in his mind, demanding he listen.

"Jareth!" quite a few people cried in worry. Jareth hissed, clutching at his head as he stumbled, unaware of the rest of the council staring at him in worry and Jason grabbing him before he could tumble to the ground.

"Calm down before you split my mind!" The presence pulled away just enough to let him breathe. "What's happened?" It screamed danger, a picture of soldiers pounding through the forest around its borders. He choked as he realized exactly where the soldiers were headed. "It's aimed at Goblin Castle."

Jason was not the only one to pale.

The crystal on the table suddenly lit up. "JARETH!"

"Samra?" Toroku asked quickly, racing for it. "Samra! What are you doing on the communications?"

"Toroku! Oh goddess! Toroku! There are troops everywhere! They hit Elena and they're coming out of the trees! Hurry! Oh goddess! Evie!" Ryuu, who had been paying attention but still sitting comfortably leapt up, shoulders tense. "Evie look out!" There was a scream in the background and Samra let out a scream as well that was cut off.

"Samra!" Toroku shouted but there was no response. He turned to Jareth the blond staring at his glove in concentration. "Jareth! What are you doing? We have to get there!"

The blond didn't look at him but instead let out a hiss of breath, fingers trembling as a thin disk the size of a plate appearing on his hand. "Touch it, anyone who can fight."

Jason and Toroku immediately reached forward, Ryuu only a second behind them. Honou glanced at Edenorog who shook her head and pointed to Jareth. He sent her a brief smile before hurrying over and touching the plate as well. Jareth let out a slow breath and flexed his fingers, the disk flashing brightly. The throne room appeared around them.

He took a step forward then nearly fell over as the floor began quaking under his feet. "Damn it," he hissed once the magical quake stopped. "Someone just sent a massive surge of magic through the castle. It just triggered a defense mech

anism that shut down all incoming and outgoing paths. We'll have to rely on simple magic to find everyone." He immediately tapped Jason's shoulder. "You're in charge of Kara and Kira." He touched Toroku and Ryuu. "Evie and Samra." He turned to Honou. "Help whoever is outside fighting." The phoenix nodded and transformed, letting out a shrill cry as he shot out the window. Toroku and Ryuu were gone, Jason running alongside Jareth.

"Jareth," he said fearfully. "I can't sense Kara."

"Thank the goddess," Jareth said in a hiss. "That means she's not on my lands."

Jason looked relieved then even doubly happy. "Kira just vanished too. Does that mean she's gone?"

"Yes. Your spell should be gone. Go help Honou." Nodding, Jason immediately spun on his heel and raced away. Jareth in turn pulled off a glove and pressed his hand against the wall. The Labyrinth grabbed his magic and vanished him, dropping him in the center of the portal room.

His heart dropped as he saw Sarah, being held by two guards, a third holding a sword above her head. He quickly took them out and the four others behind him, turning to Sarah who was clinging to the wall. He grabbed her as her legs buckled.

"Sarah! Are you all right?" She nodded wearily. His eyes flickered behind her, then back to her before he stiffened and looked up sharply. "What… what happened to the portal?"

"Destroyed… it…m'sorry…"

"Sarah? Sarah!" Her eyes fluttered closed and her head flopped against his chest. He picked her up and touched the wall again, appearing in front of the nurse's quarters, shouting for help.

As she was pulled out of his arms, he collapsed into his chair, running a hand over his face. Ryuu raced in with Evie a few seconds later, the bleeding girl handed off quickly. He fell into the seat next to Jareth, frowning deeply.

"Is Sarah alright?"

"She will be…" The 'I hope' went unsaid but still heard.

"Jareth… I don't wish to sound heartless but… you should be outside."

"I know," he breathed, running a hand through his hair. "Stay here. Unless you hear a loud explosion and people screaming. Let me know immediately if something happens." Ryuu nodded, squeezed his shoulder, then leaned back in his chair.

Jareth stood, took a deep breath then plastered his Goblin King face on and leapt out the window, flying towards the field for some answers.

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To all Heal Me, Hurt Me Readers and Reviewers,

Does anybody actually READ these authors notes?

Whateve.

O.M.G. GUESS WHAT! Today marks FIVE YEARS of Heal Me, Hurt Me being published on fanfiction. :D I'm so happy! I had wanted to post the final chapter on an exact amount of years but… oh well. I hardly got any writing done over the summer!

Thanks to anyone who sent a PM / email / review asking(telling) me to update. It kept me continuously going back to the story and working on it instead of forgetting it entirely. This chapter was a tough one to get through. It sucks. I'm sorry.

Name: Maethor – (elvish) warrior

Centaur Name: Hathel – (elvish) broadsword

Kadasa Mori

P.S. Fun fact. Beginning of last month hit SEVEN years of my being a fanfiction member. Wow.

P.S.S. This author's note sucked.

P.S.S.S. So does the chapter. I'm sorry. The next one will be much better I promise.

Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 26 (really 76)

The group of soldiers stepped into the room. She scowled, shakily getting to her feet. A few grinned wickedly and took a step forward. Letting out a cry she flew into the first one, pushing him back onto his fellow's sword and stealing his dagger in the process. He let out a howl and the others snarled, hurrying towards her.

A hand went around her neck and lifted her. "Where did they go?" the man yelled angrily.

She summed up enough energy to spit in his face. "Go to hell." She raised the hand with the dagger.

He snarled and grabbed her arm. CRACK! Her eyes widened a scream tearing through her throat and echoing down the hallways, the dagger falling to the ground, broken arm swinging.

"Now what will you do if you can't use your right arm?" the soldier grinned, dropping her onto the ground. She inhaled sharply through the pain and swung with her left. "I'll use my left!" A soldier behind her grabbed her and twisted that arm behind her.

"And if I break your left?"

"I'll use my legs."

He kicked at her knees. "And if I break your legs?" The man in front of her grinned, crouching down.

"I'll use my head." She swung her head back, ready to head butt him but the soldier behind her grabbed her hair.

"And if I break your head?"

"Well, I'd be dead then now wouldn't I?" she replied with a smirk.