Disclaimer: See previous chapters

Last Time:

Bahhhh I'm lazy. And you just read it XD

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Chapter 27 (May 1st)

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Standing in front of at least a dozen soldiers, Samra wanted to cry. Her arms trembled from the weight of the sword, she didn't know if her friends were alive or dead and she just wanted her husband.

"Are you alright?" a voice asked from behind her. She shrieked and spun, fist flying. When it was caught, she flinched, expecting pain. Nothing happened so she slowly opened her eyes and found Toroku smiling at her. Immediately she started crying and cursed herself for being such a girl.

"Toroku!" she wailed, wrapping her arms around his neck. He hugged her tightly and she fisted her hands in the back of his shirt, unwilling to let him go. Ever.

"Where's Evie?" Ryuu demanded. She unfisted one hand to point to Jareth's den, keeping her face stuffed in Toroku neck, then grabbed his shirt again.

She felt his chest rumble as he chuckled. "Don't worry Samra. I won't be letting you out of my sight for a long time."

"Good because I'm not letting you leave me for a long time."

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I hate life, Evie thought to herself, clutching her raw side and panting. First of all, I had to deal with Sarah all day. Secondly, we get attacked. Third, I had to run up a billion stairs. I hate stairs. Fourth, I get attacked. Fifth, goddess damn it all! I was supposed to be having dinner with Ryuu! She felt tears starting. Damn it Ryuu! Where are you?

"Right here." Her eyes flashed open, having not realized she had been speaking aloud. The dark eyed dragon was kneeling before her, worry barely creasing his forehead. "Are you alright Evelyn?"

"I'm still alive," she remarked with a breathless laugh, agony shooting up her side with the movement of laughing. "Ahh…"

He scowled and leaned in, hand sparking with bright blue lightning. "You've lost too much blood," he remarked stoically.

"No surprise. My side's open." She giggled, feeling lightheaded as the lightning zapped through her nerves. "You know, Ryuu, I was born from a C-section." He grunted, focusing on healing her side. "My baby was almost a c-section!" He froze then slowly turned to look at her. "Course… my baby's the size of a pea right now." She lifted her hand, trying to focus on her fingers. "Like… this big."

"Your baby?" he asked hoarsely.

"Yeahhhh." She frowned in disappointment. "Aw. I was supposed to tell you that at dinner."

"You're pregnant?"

She smiled and lifted her hands, both bloody and framed his face. "Yeah. M'luvyou Ryuu." She leaned forward and kissed him then passed out. He just blinked at her.

"You should probably get her to the nurse." He turned to look at the doorframe where Toroku had his arm wrapped around Samra. Ryuu blinked again then tenderly picked her up, quickly leaving the room. Toroku glanced at Samra. "Is she really pregnant?"

Samra nodded happily. "I saved the baby from the shock."

"Good." He wrapped her into tug hug. "I'm so happy you're ok."

She snuggled into his chest. "I love you Toroku."

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Jareth stood in front of the door, arms crossed, eyes closed, eyebrow twitching angrily.

Ryuu had shown up at the nurse's room only seconds after Jareth arrived holding a bloody Evie who was quickly taken into another room. Jareth had taken off to take control of the situation. Two hours later, he'd returned to the nurses' wing to check on Sarah. Ryuu and Alan immediately took over informing him of what had happened in his absence.

Jareth had Jason go and retrieve Alan and Kira from their home, just in case they were attacked there and couldn't get back through. (He'd also made a side trip to pick up Kara in case her healing powers were needed). Alan had told Jareth the events leading up to his rescuing Sarah after he had taken over organizing the soldiers outside.

Ryuu told him Toroku and Samra came in a few minutes after Jareth had left, Samra hurrying into the room with Sarah. Kira had stopped in to check on them before going straight to the Three Musketeers' room and locking them in, trying to settle them down.

Honou had stopped in to tell Ryuu to inform Jareth he would be checking on Edenorog before going home. Azrael, Aidan and Raniero had met up with Jareth on the field for only a brief minute to tell him they would meet with him later. The centaurs hadn't bothered talking to him, knowing he was too busy as it was.

Now Jareth paced in a room that contained himself, Jason, Alan and Kara. Ryuu was in another room with Evie and Kira was still with the Three Musketeers. He knew he should be out there with the panthers and centaurs but…

The door to the room opened and Sakura, the older nurse, stepped out behind three others that quickly left the room to head to the stations set up outside. She shut the door and headed for the first available seat, collapsing into it. "Will she be all right?" Jareth asked quickly.

Sakura sat back with a heavy sigh, pale pink hair pulled into a bun, rosy eyes looking weary. She turned to a frantic looking Jareth. "She's overexerted herself and used up her magical reserves-"

Jareth snarled. "I know!" he shouted. "I know… how much?"

Sakura looked at him coolly then smiled. "Only a little."

"A little?" Alan cried. "She blew up a portal!"

The nurse shrugged, getting to her feet slowly. "Her arm was broken and she also had a huge gash along her back that needed extensive repair but fortunately it won't scar too bad. She's a very lucky girl."

"And her magic?" Jason asked.

"She will be fine. She just needs rest for at least a few days. She'll probably sleep for two or three, then bed rest for at least another three or four. After that, she'll be as good as new."

The doors burst in, a panther racing for Jareth before transforming smoothly as it jumped up, hands grabbing his arms. "How is she?" Valdis asked wildly, blood on her face and hair. "Is she okay? It's not bad is it?"

A red panther hurried in after her and transformed, pulling Valdis back. "Val… calm down…"

Valdis blinked, realizing everyone staring before she flushed and pulled away, crossing her arms angrily and putting her nose in the air, ignoring them all. Haimon turned to Jareth. "She's okay?"

Jareth nodded in relief as he realized it and fell into a chair. "Damn girl…"

"Aw come on. I'm in pain and you're still making fun of me?"

"Sarah!" Kara shrieked. "Get back in bed!"

Sarah raised an eyebrow, leaning heavily on the doorframe. "I was kidding about the hurting part."

Valdis was in front of her in an instant, growling. "Back. In. Bed." Sarah's eyes widen and she 'meep'ed then hurried back into the room. Valdis followed after her, still bristling.

"What was that about?" Alan asked Haimon who shrugged.

"They've been 'secret' friends for awhile now. I think everyone knows but them."

Valdis slipped out only a few seconds later, still looking furious. She motioned towards Jareth then transformed and raced out of the room, Haimon letting out an annoyed sigh and racing after her.

Jareth quickly slid into the room, feeling his chest tighten at the pale face and many bandages around her chest. Sarah's eyes fluttered open when she heard felt sit beside her. Jareth smiled softly. "Hey…"

She smiled back. "Hey."

He leaned forward putting his forehead against hers. "Don't ever do that again."

"You tell me that a lot," she pouted, lifting a hand to pat his cheek.

He chuckled. "You do things you're not supposed to a lot."

She smiled, feeling sleep taking back over. "It's fun to… annoy you…"

He leaned forward and kissed her forehead. "Sleep Sarah."

"Hm…" Her eyes were slowly closing when they opened, fighting against sleep. "Jare… centaur… save…"

"What?"

"Ask Val…" She was out.

He raised an eyebrow then sighed, brushing her hair from her forehead. After a moment, he stood and walked out to find the panther, reassuring everyone that she was fine as he did. They all scattered, heading to help someone somewhere, Sakura in her office to keep watch over her patients.

He finally found Valdis, nearly a half an hour later, pacing through the field, watching everyone working in medical tents or gathering up bodies to dispose of. "Hey."

She turned quickly. "How's Sarah?"

"She's fine. Back to sleep." She nodded. "She wanted me to ask you about a centaur."

Valdis frowned in confusion then nodded. "Yeah, one of the centaurs saved her. I only saw him for a minute."

"Would you mind helping me find him?"

"Yes I would mind very much… but I'll do it if Sarah wants me to."

"I think she does." She nodded. "The centaurs that just arrived are waiting along the perimeter."

"Lead the way." Turning, she instantly headed for them, weaving in and around people moving things everywhere. Jareth had to hurry to keep up with her.

Valdis stopped suddenly and he almost ran into her. She motioned with her chin towards an older centaur standing in a small group, chatting. "The older one with the goatee."

He walked over. "Pardon?"

They stopped and turned to him. "Can we help you?"

"I need to speak with you." The centaur nodded in confusion and told the others he'd be back, following Jareth. He spotted Valdis and trotted over quickly.

"How's the young lady?" Valdis nodded and glanced at Jareth.

"Sarah's fine, sir. She wanted me to see you for some reason."

The centaur shrugged. "We met briefly during the battle… I brought her to save this young panther."

Valdis frowned. "You saved her life… twice…"

"It's nothing heroic. You're just supposed to help people."

"I thank you," Jareth spoke up. "From the bottom of my heart. I am forever in your debt."

He smiled fatherly. "My dear boy, you've nothing to be in debt for. I'd have done it for anyone."

"But you did it for Sarah. If you ever need anything, you ask for the Goblin King."

The centaur's eyes widened slightly. "Are you he?"

"I am."

He bowed. "It's an honor to meet you my lord. I am Rangi."

"The honor is all mine, Rangi." Jareth bowed back. "Again, I am in your debt. If you're ever in need…"

"I will ask." He smiled warmly and held out a hand. "And I thank you." Jareth shook his hand firmly.

"I saved Sarah," Valdis remarked dryly. "Are you in my debt?"

Jareth sent her a dull look. "Have you been examined?"

The panther scoffed. "I am fine, Goblin King."

"Then no. I'm not in your debt. You annoy me." She scoffed, shifting her weight to her other foot and winced. His eyes narrowed. "You lied."

"I… avoided the truth."

He rolled his eyes. "Lied. Let me see." She jumped back as he reached for her and yelped as she collided with someone only to turn bright red as she realized who it was.

General Raniero smiled. "Hello Lady Valdis. How are you?"

"Fine," she mumbled.

"Not fine," Jareth corrected. "She's hurt."

"Hurt?" His eyes narrowed and looked over her, trying to find the wound. "How?"

"Battle," Jareth replied putting a hand on her shoulder. "If you could try to convince her to be looked over?"

"Of course!" He gently took her other shoulder. "Come my lady. You must be looked upon. It would not do well to have an infection crop up!" She shot Jareth a dark glare as she was led to the nurse's station. The blond fae grinned wickedly and waved.

"Am I correct in assuming that she has a crush on the blond panther?" Rangi asked in amusement.

"You are very correct," Jareth replied in the same amusement.

Rangi chuckled. "Your cruelty knows no bounds."

"Nope," Jareth chirped. "Now, if you don't mind, I've a lady to look after." He dipped his head. "It was an honor to meet you."

"The honor is all mine," Rangi replied, bowing once more.

Smiling, Jareth turned and headed back for the castle to go sit with the brunette until she woke up again.

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Running a hand through his hair, Alan sighed heavily, watching the stones pass under his feet. Why did there have to be a war? Didn't people know it made his life a hundred times more stressful? Damn, he thought as his stomach grumbled. I can't believe it's already nearing dinner. He glanced up as the doorway to their quarters in Goblin Castle loomed close. He half hoped everyone was asleep so he could take a nap while the other half wanted them all to be awake so he could hug each one.

"Daddy!" Alan smiled as he walked into the room, Bellezza spotting him and racing for him, arms wide to be picked up.

"Hello Bella," he chimed lightly, hugging her. "How are you?"

"I'm good." She twisted and pointed to her finger-painting. "I'm painting! Do you wanna paint too?"

"Not right now sweetheart." He bent, setting her down beside the painting. "Where's mama?"

"Sleeping!" She pointed to the other room. "She said she was tired so she put Ed and Emmy to bed and Kat wanted to sleep too and so everyone's sleeping! Except me!" She pouted. "I wanna see Uncle Jare."

"Uncle Jare is very busy," he said softly, brushing her golden brown hair away from her forehead. "He will play some other time."

"Okayyy." She looked back at her painting.

He kissed the top of her head. "Let me check on mama and then we can go visit Grandma."

"Really?"

"Yes, really. Clean up your paints and wait here for me."

"Okay!"

He stood and headed for Kira's room. His wife was lying on her back, Edmund asleep on her chest, Emily curled into her right side and Katrina into her left, the blankets pulled up to their chins. Smiling, he walked over silently and bent over, kissing her forehead. Her eyes opened sleepily and focused on him, lips curling into a smile. He shut his eyes and put his forehead against her own.

Hey sleepy head, he remarked softly.

Hmmm. Evenin'. Where's Bella?

Putting her paints away. I'm gonna bring her to see Hotaru. Should I wake up the other two or just bring her?

Just bring her. We've only been asleep for a half hour or so. They'll be out for at least another hour and a half.

Alright. Love you.

Love you too. He made to pull away when she called him back. Do you know if Jareth ever taught Sarah this?

I doubt it. That girl doesn't sit still long enough to do this.

Good point… Suggest it to him though. It could be advantageous one day.

I will. Get some sleep.

Anything for you darling. He pulled away, rolling his eyes. She merely smiled, then curled back into her pillow, eyes shutting. He made sure none of the kids were awake before softly leaving the room. Bella was sitting patiently on the couch, her paints put away, painting drying on the table.

"Ready to go?" he asked. She nodded happily and ran over, holding her arms out for him to scoop her up. "Hold on tight." She wrapped her arms around his neck and curled her face into it.

"Daddy?"

"Yes?"

"Is mama okay?"

He blinked then frowned. "Mama is fine. Why? What's wrong?"

"The bad men… whenever they come they make her sad."

He hugged her tighter. "That's because they are mean and they hurt people. Mama is just tired but she'll be fine."

"Oh okay… why do they hurt people?"

"They are mad at us."

"Why?"

"They want Grandpa's crown."

"They can't have it!"

"I know sweetie. That's why they are trying to hurt us."

"That's not nice."

"It's not, but mama and I will protect you."

"And Sarah?"

"Sarah too."

"Okay… can we go see Grandma now?"

He chuckled. "Anything for you darling. Now hold on tight."

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Raniero led Valdis to the nurse station, motioning for her to take a seat on one of the makeshift beds. "I'll get a healer for you." When her eyes flashed, he sighed. "Are you going to leave as soon as I turn my back?" She jerked in surprise then blushed and shook her head. He watched her for another second before nodding and vanishing.

Shifting uneasily, she glanced around. Centaurs, fae and panther alike were being healed by various healers. She felt her chest tighten as she realized that war truly was upon them… She bit her bottom lip at the thought of Rebecca being one of the first and fisted her hands so tightly they drew blood when she realized she was the reason Rebecca was one of the first.

"My lady?"

Tearing her eyes open and hoping the tears weren't evident she realized Raniero had returned with a panther healer, the older woman's face drawn into a concerned mask. Raniero was staring at her stoically but the clenched jaw alerted her that something was wrong.

"What?" she snapped angrily, head beginning to pound furiously.

The healer glanced at Raniero. "You have three broken ribs, a fractured arm, a broken finger, a lot of blood loss and probably a mild concussion."

Valdis blinked as her world began twirling round her. "Would that be the reason I would very much like to pass out right now?" she remarked easily before the world went black. What felt like only seconds later, she awoke to the sight of Raniero bent over her, picking her up off a cool surface and laying her on something soft. "What happened?" she asked dazed.

He looked down in surprise. "You passed out. It's only been a few minutes. The healer didn't want to move you until she was sure you hadn't broken anything else."

"Did I?"

"No…" He cocked his head. "Are you alright?"

"Obviously not," she grumbled, trying to sit up but his hand on her shoulder kept her lying down. "I've got broken stuff and my head hurts like a troll smashed it against a wall."

"No. I meant…" He leaned down, eyes trained on hers. "Something happened, didn't it?" She froze then looked away quickly, knowing that told him something really did. "You don't have to tell me," he said softly, "but if you need a friendly ear," he smiled faintly, "and Sarah's not around, know that I'm here."

"Thank you General," she murmured. "I will keep that in mind."

He nodded. "Very good." Straightening, he glanced around. "I'll go check on-"

"No!" Valdis yelped then blushed furiously when he blinked at her in surprise. "Er… can you just…" She sighed, lifted the uninjured hand to rest against her face. "Can you just stay here until someone else I trust can watch over me to make sure no one comes near if I pass out again?"

When he didn't react, she peeked through her fingers. He was just staring. "You trust me?" She turned even redder and refused to answer.

For once in her life, she was supremely happy to have a healer return to her side. Her happiness sunk to hell when that healer was followed by at least six more. Her ears instantly went flat against her head, hands fisting on her thighs. Raniero stood and moved to her other side, standing behind her as the group of healers stood before her, all talking at once.

"You're bleeding," Raniero suddenly announced and all eyes turned to him. He touched her shoulder and her back arched in pain, a gasp erupting. He was instantly shoved aside, several healers tugging off her jacket to get a good look at the wound.

"Stop it!" she snarled, jumping away from them and stumbling towards Raniero, keeping him between her and them. She hid behind him, claws sinking into the fabric of his jacket as she peeked around him at the group, ears still flat against her head, hair standing on end. She ignored the fact that Raniero was clearly uncomfortable with the fact she was so close.

"My lady!" one female cried. "You'll hurt yourself further!"

"I don't care!" she snapped around his right elbow. "Get away from me!"

"My lady," Raniero began softly. "They need to make sure your wound doesn't get infected."

She snarled at him. "No. I'm sick of being poked and prodded and bandaged. Get away from me!" she snapped, curling into his side as someone came close to her.

"My lady-"

"No!" She lashed out at the one closest to her and they jumped back quickly.

Raniero sighed. "What if only one stays here?"

"We need more than one-" a healer began but stopped quickly at his glare.

He turned back to her to find her watching him cautiously, tail flicking agitatedly, ears against her scalp. She glanced at the healers then back at him. "Fine. One healer." She pointed to the first nurse. "You stay. Everyone else leave." When a healer began to protest, the nurse shoved him out of the room. Raniero stepped away from her to leave but her claws caught his sleeve. "Not so fast. You gotta stay."

He blinked at her in surprise. "Excuse me?"

"I said stay," she snarled furiously, pupils dilated in fury. "If neither Sarah, Haimon nor Azrael can be here, you gotta stay."

"I could go retrieve Haimon if you truly wished it." She brightened. "Never mind," he said quickly. "You'll leave and we'll never find you again. I'll stay." Shoulders drooping at the escape plan gone bad, she took a heavy seat on the bed, wincing as it agitated the wound.

Raniero sat before her, hands hanging between his knees as he stared at them. Movement drew his attention as Valdis' hands fisted on her knees before smoothing out then fisting again. He glanced up and found her face twisted in pain as the nurse gently wiped at the wound and cleaned it.

Glancing at her hands once more, he leaned forward enough to hook his hands under hers as they loosened between waves of pain. She had enough time to snap her eyes open and focus on his in surprise before they clenched shut, fingers tightening around his. He mentally kept the blush away when her fingers loosened but didn't move away.

"Almost done my dear," Mui, the nurse, said gently, wrapping a tight piece of gauze around her shoulder.

Valdis swallowed and let out a breath of relief when she was done, pulling her left hand free to run through her hair.

"Well isn't this cozy." All eyes turned to the doorway, Haimon leaning against the doorframe.

Raniero blinked in surprise before feeling Valdis' hands tear away from his. He glanced at her and found her face alit, glowering at Haimon in fury. The maroon panther smirked before it quickly fell.

"General. The other three are awaiting you in their tent. Val, Azrael needs to speak with you about Beck." Raniero was close enough to feel her tense, her hands jerking as though in pain.

She inhaled sharply then let it out shakily. "Where?" she choked out. Haimon glanced between her and Raniero quickly before motioning Mui out. The nurse vanished quickly, Haimon snapping the door shut behind him.

"What happened?" he asked quickly, striding up to her side and sitting on the bed beside her.

She looked away. "What do you mean?"

"What happened?" he repeated, this time softly, a hand coming up to rest on hers.

She swallowed painfully. "I… I killed her," she whispered. Raniero wished he could've pulled her into a tight hug but as Haimon didn't do anything but stare, he knew she'd probably claw his eyes out.

"What?" Haimon asked. "She's dead?" Valdis swallowed again and nodded. He blinked several times jaw moving before he looked away. "Why?"

"She was…" She turned to regard Raniero. He cocked his head in confusion. "I…" Realizing he was interrupting, he quickly stood and strode towards the door. "General." Glancing back at the doorframe, he found her looking away, bright red. "Thank you."

Haimon's eyebrows rose in surprise but Raniero merely smiled and nodded. "Anytime you need me, just call." She blushed even deeper and nodded. He quickly vanished out of the room.

Turning to Haimon, Valdis scowled. "What are you looking at?"

He grinned. "You are adorable." He ruffled her hair and she batted his hand away. "Now… what happened?"

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"What. Happened."

Jareth turned to regard his father, the man consuming the doorway. "An oversight. It will be fixed."

"An oversight?" he growled, storming into the room. "People died today, Jareth. That is NOT an oversight!"

Jareth slammed a fist onto the desk as he got to his feet. "You don't need to tell me. I'm trying to figure out how the hell they got in here and I don't need you shouting at me!" By the end of his sentence he was screaming and he swallowed, trying to reign in his temper.

Glorificus glowered at him then looked away with a sigh. "I apologize."

Jareth deflated quickly. "As do I."

"Someone killed the Governor of Paltinea today, around the same time as your attack." Jareth looked up sharply. "He's the only other that knew of the zombie attack on the Duke of Sunray. Jareth… it's getting out of hand. We need to figure it out before they can hit us with a wave."

"I know!... I know… Was he turned?"

"No. They interrupted the process." He shuddered. "Apparently it was horrifying. Make note not to interrupt the process. Wait until they are undead and then kill them."

Jareth snorted. "I'll keep that in mind."

"Jareth!" Both turned as Jason rushed in. "Ah. Hello Glory. Jareth, King Ambitio wants to speak with you. He says something about his daughter being in danger or something."

Jareth pinched the bridge of his nose. "Goddesses above please help me stay sane."

"Hey," Jason said brightly. "At least this time Sarah's not here to offend him!"

"Very good point. Where is he?"

"Front lawn, examining the medical tents."

"Thank you Jason." He nodded and vanished. Jareth turned to Glorificus. "If we could continue this another time?" he asked wearily.

Glorificus frowned. "When was the last time you stopped for a few minutes to breathe?"

Jareth snorted. "When I woke up this morning."

"Have you eaten at all?"

"No. I woke up, went looking for Sarah because she hadn't annoyed me yet and the day started falling apart from there."

Glorificus stood from the seat he'd sunken into. "I will handle Ambitio."

"Father-"

"No. If I have to, I will order you as High King to take a nap." He smirked. "I'm almost positive there is an empty bed beside Sarah's. Eat a snack then take a nap. Ambitio will have to handle speaking with me instead of the Goblin King."

Jareth nodded wearily then sent him a half smile. "Thank you." Glorificus clapped a hand to shoulder, smirking when Jareth's eyes widened in surprise before he vanished. Chuckling, Glorificus headed for the front doors.

Jareth scowled as he landed at the foot of Sarah's bed, cursing his father for being able to send him somewhere in his own castle! His gaze turned to rest on the sleeping brunette and he quietly walked over, brushing her hair from her forehead. She mumbled in her sleep and turned towards his hand. He smiled softly and pressed a kiss to her forehead before turning and flopping into the bed beside her own, sleep coming quickly.

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To all Heal Me, Hurt Me Readers and Reviewers,

GUESS WHO RANGI IS? Bonus points and cyber-cookies to anyone who gets it right!

Yeah. So a lot happened in this chapter; Samra loves Toroku, Evie's pregnant, Sarah's really powerful, Rangi was introduced, Valdis was made fun of, a new power was foreshadowed, slight Valdis/Raniero fluff, some more drama, Glory is pretty wicked cool, slight Jareth/Sarah fluff.

Omg this was a long chapter DDDD: gahhhhh.

BUT GUESS WHAT! It's gonna be an equally long author's note!

So classes are pretty much over. I have to hand in a test and perform a scene and I'm done! I handed in that fifteen page paper and it was 17 and 1/3 pages long. Holy crap. I didn't know that much about Emily Dickinson and I didn't really wanna know that much about her.

I just watched The Number 23 and I looked at the clock and it said 1132pm. Put it into military time and it's 23:32 OMG

So yeah, I'm just babbling. A few of you guys said you liked the author's notes when they were funny. Hopefully I'm succeeding at being funny! Dude(tte) it's like 83 degrees in here gahhhhhh. Okay. I won't make you suffer this babbling any more.

IF YOU SKIP AUTHOR'S NOTES, MAKE SURE YOU DON'T SKIP EXTRA SCENE LOCATED RIGHT HERE!

Here's an extra scene I couldn't fit in and wasn't going to add but will just for you guys since it's been two months since my last update…:

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Alan loosened his grip on Bellezza as the High Castle welcoming chamber appeared before his eyes. A servant appeared only seconds later. Upon recognizing him, she dipped into a bow. "Good afternoon, my lord. The High King and Queen are in the sitting room."

"Thank you," he chimed lightly. "Could you bring some cookies for this one?"

Bellezza giggled and flapped a hand at the servant whose lips curled into a wide smile. "Of course! Any preference?"

"Chocolate chip?" she asked with puppy dog eyes.

"Of course!" She nearly vanished she left so quickly.

Alan chuckled. "You certainly know how to get things you want," he muttered. Bellezza just giggled.

It took a few minutes to walk to the room, given the huge estate the High King lived in. A brief knock at the door and he heard a soft "come in," from Hotaru.

Swinging it open, Glorificus looked up from his seat, Hotaru from hers. Hotaru's eyes lit up.

"Bella!" she chimed and held out her arms. Alan set the girl down and she ran for a hug, giggling when Hotaru swung her slightly. Alan walked over and shook Glorificus' hand.

"Glory," he remarked lightly.

"Alan." The man cocked his head lightly. "How does Goblin Castle fare?"

He sighed. "Much better were there not soldiers on its lawns."

"Hmm. And Jareth?"

He winced. "You know how he handles things."

"I will be sure to drop by later today."

"GRANDPA!"

All eyes focused on Bellezza whose eyes had welled up with tears. "I won't let the bad men steal your shiny crown!" she wailed, reaching for him. "Bella will keep it safe!"

Glorificus held her in shock, looking to Alan in confusion. He, of course, would be no help as he was trying to hold himself up, crying he was laughing so hard.

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Ah ha haaa. I hold you liked it. I just had this awesome image of Bellezza proclaiming herself to be the protector of Glory's crown, not realizing Alan had meant they wanted to be High King rather than have the actual crown, and Glory being completely dumbfounded.

Alright, author's note is over! See you next time!

Kadasa Mori

Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 28 (really 78)

"NO!" All three blinked at each other and turned to look at the doorway, as did the rest of the occupants. "I DON'T CARE, DAMN IT!"

"Ms. Williams!"

Sarah appeared in the doorway, shirt and pants on instead of the gown they had been making her wear. "I'm not staying here any longer!" she snapped at the nurse.

"You're hurt!"

"I'm fine!"

"No you're not!"

"Listen!" she snarled, spinning on her heel to face the nurse. "If I have to stay in here one more minute I will literally go insane!"

"I think you're already far beyond that point," Jason said dully.

Sarah snarled viciously at him. "Shut up Jason!" The man's eyebrows lifted in surprise at the venom in the words.

"Sarah," Jareth said soothingly. "Are you alright?"

"NO!" she screamed. "Get me the hell out of here! NOW!"