Chapter 29: Coming Home

Halloween Town…

(Sally's POV)

I remained by Jack's side as the cloud approached. While part of me worried what this thing could mean, the other was still coping with Will's death. It just did not seem like she was really gone. And even though I did not know her very well it was clear Alice was most affected. She was a very strong willed girl and to see her break down as she did back on stage, it tore at me. As the cloud got closer to town, I laid my hand on Al's shoulder, wishing that whatever it was it would not cause our town anymore harm. Oogie Boogie had done enough damage.

"I just don't understand," I heard Max say. "I've never seen the bats react this way."

"Nor I, brother," Lon agreed, his eyes never leaving the strange cloud. "Whatever has them so riled?"

Bats? Yes, I could see now; as the cloud came more into view, I could see the entire formation was made up of thousands of bats. I had never seen so many bats before, not even on Halloween night. I strained to look closer but Jack pushed me back. I snuck a glance at his stern gaze trained on the cloud. He probably wanted me out of danger, but I couldn't resist the pull of my curiosity. I managed to look over his shoulder as the swarm entered the town. Several bats clustered at the center and I strained to see what was causing the commotion.

Then I saw it. Something was at the center if the colony of bats. I couldn't make out what it was at first, but as the winged creatures dispersed a dark figure approached. It wore a black, hooded cloak that covered its face and it was racing towards up. Jack stepped forward to meet it.

"Who are you?" he asked the stranger.

"Please, there's no time!" the stranger's voice pleaded. From the tone, the voice sounded male and young but carried concern and urgency. "She needs help!"

"Who needs help?" Jack asked.

The stranger stepped forward and pulled back part of his cloak. Beneath the midnight material I saw what I thought was a large piece of leather, until it moved and I realized it was a wing. Then, as the wing moved I heard Jack gasp and though I couldn't see Jack's face, I knew the sight of it, whatever it must be, it had to be gruesome. He looked at the stranger and then he turned back to the crowd.

"Sally, take them to Doctor Finkelstein's, quickly!"

I rushed to Jack's side and then stepped to the stranger. His face remained concealed beneath his hood, and whatever he had shown to Jack he kept hidden within the folds of his cloak. I wasted no time and began leading him back to the Doctor's laboratory. I didn't know what Jack was thinking, but I trusted him. If this stranger meant us no harm, then I trusted Jack's judgment. A couple times I looked back at the stranger. Though shadowed by his hood, his head leaned down to look at the bundle in his arms. If only I knew what he carried.

In no time we stepped through the doors of the lab. I held open the door for the stranger and then called out, "Doctor Finkelstein, are you there?"

"What is all this?" I was happy to hear him, even if he sounded cross. "Jewel needs her rest, and I won' have you yelling, and waking–"

But before I had a chance to explain, the stranger rushed past me. I could not believe the speed he traveled. It was as if he flew to the top of the ramp. I raced my way up the ramp to find the Doctor and the stranger in a heated argument. The stranger kept insisting he be allowed into the lab, but the Doctor furiously told him no one was allowed into his laboratory. I barely managed to catch pieces of what they were saying when I heard a door creak open. I turned to see Jewel stepping out of the room. She had on her usual clothes with the addition of the white bandage wrapped around her head. Jewel then began making her way over, but her footing stumbled slightly. Seeing this, I ran to her side to help her stand.

"Jewel, what are you doing out of bed?" I asked.

"Don't you worry about me, sweetie," she cooed, patting my hand. "I'm just fine but it sounds like a madhouse out here." She then turned to the two arguing men with a scowl on her face. "Now what in the world is going on!" she demanded.

Both of them turned to face her. "Jewel, what are you doing out of bed?" Dr. Finklestein asked.

"Seeing you harassing a patient." I watched as her caretaker side took over. She walked confidently to the two. "Now, just what seems to be the problem?"

The stranger seemed to tighten his grip on whatever he held beneath his cloak. Yet despite this action, I noted a deep, panicked concern as he spoke.

"I'm trying to save her but this so-called doctor keeps barking at me like a rabid dog!"

"Hold your tongue, boy!" Dr. Finklestein shouted. "All I asked was you calm yourself so I could asses the problem."

"There is no time! If something is not done soon, she will die!"

"Both of you quiet!" Jewel shouted. She gave both of them a stern glare as I watched her professional persona take control. "Now then, just who exactly is in need of immediate care? Young man," she turned to address the stranger. "You mentioned a female was the one injured, correct?"

The stranger nodded. Then, just as he had with Jack, the stranger pulled back his cloak. This time I was close enough to see what was hidden beneath. But I was not prepared for what happened. For as the stranger pulled back, something dark fell from the folds. It was black and ashen, and hung limply. I felt myself stiffen as I made out the shape, terror making my eyes widen as I continued to stare. It was a hand.

"Oh my word!" Jewel shouted.

"Quick, into my lab!" Dr. Finklestein ordered. Without another word, we all rushed into the lab.

The Doctor and Jewel work frantically to prepare the operating table, but my eyes never left the stranger. As I got closer I heard the Doctor instruct for the patient to be lowered on to the table. Gently, as though whomever he carried would shatter like glass, he set the body onto the table. Nothing could have prepared me for the shock that followed.

"These wounds are severe," Jewel commented, trying to keep a professional tone. She was doing her best to examine the body while using a gentle touch.

"Right, let me think." Dr. Finklestein rubbed his chin before his head popped up and he looked straight at Igor. "Igor, fetch the water I had you gather from the well earlier. Jewel,"turning back to his counterpart, "I'll need you to prepare her." With a nod from Jewel, the Doctor's gaze then fell on me.

"Sally, there should be some spare clothing in your old room. Fetch something at once."

I nodded and slipped from the laboratory. I noticed the stranger had followed me into the hallway, but paused just outside the door. He never looked up as I past. Once I was in my old room, I searched the dresser for something suitable. There wasn't much but I finally found an old white patched nightshirt that would fit. I rushed back to the lab, the stranger remaining outside. Inside, Jewel was preparing the bath. She looked and smiled at me.

"Is-Is there anything I can do to help?"

Jewel shook her head. "No dear, I can handle things from here," she replied. "Though the Doctor will want to examine her first, then again after I clean and dress her wounds."

"Do you think…" I paused, trying to control my breathing. "Do you think the water will…"

"I don't know. These wounds are extensive." Both of us looked to the examination table. I still can't believe…

"What the HELL is going on here?!"

My thoughts were interrupted. I turned toward the door as the voices grew louder. Without the others noticing, I ran out of the lab, shutting the door behind just as Al, Jack, and Zero came up the ramp. Al looked like a cat that had been too curious and found itself backed into a corner. She was angered yet there was a small glint of inquisitiveness in her eyes. She tried for the door but Jack took ahold of her shoulder.

"Get your boney hands off me!" Al hissed.

"Alice, listen to me, you cannot go in there!" Jack told her. I saw his temper slip in control.

Al glared and her voice lowered in anger. "Call me Alice one more time. And I DO what I want! Ain't nobody gonna stop me."

"Al, please," I begged her. "I know what you are thinking, but you really should…"

"No! You don't know what I'm thinking or anything about me so don't you pretend that you do! I've just gone through hell, Sally; no one knows what I've gone through… Maybe Jack would get a close grasp of it, but certainly not you, so don't you dare try!" Al shouted before she pushed past both Jack and I. I reached out as she ran past me, but she grabbed the door and bolted inside. I ran in after her. I thought I could pull her out before she saw.

"Al, wait–" But it was too late. Al's eyes were fixed to the table, her eyes wide with horror at its purest form, and her jaw hanging open as she looked at the body on the table. I reached out my hand to rest on her shoulder, but she remained frozen.

"Will…"

Though I had already seen for myself, the sight of the young girl was something I could hardly stomach. Even Jack had struggled to calm himself when he saw. But I could only imagine what must be going through Al's mind as she look upon the still form of her friend who was thought to be dead. Though, from the state she was in, she was close to entering Death's door. Somehow her clothing was hardly touched, merely dusted with soot, but there were a few areas where the cloth was singed. She would need another set of clothes. But the rest of her… Where do I even begin?

Will's body was charred black, almost every inch of skin completely burned. Small cracks covered her lips, as well as along the exposed gray skin on her arms and feet. Her once blonde hair was now coated in ash and soot, the edges singed to a crisp. Looking at her, one would think she was dead. She was completely still. Her breath was faint but indicated she was alive. I watched as Dr. Finklestein began working on her injuries.

The sight of Will's seared skin made Al's stomach clench. She visible sagged back in sheer horror at the sight and her hand flew to her mouth, stifling a gasp of shock. I saw her begin to faint and quickly took ahold of her shoulders. Al gestured she could walk, but I helped her back out of the room. Jack closed the door behind us, while I helped Al to sit by the railing. The three of us were silent for the next several moments as we waited for Doctor Finklestein to emerge with news of Will's condition.

Al couldn't speak for a few moments, only gasped for air. "I think I'm going to be sick," she muttered, putting her head between her knees and breathing deeply.

Finally, the door creaked open and Doctor Finklestein and Jewel emerged. Jack rose to meet him. "How is she, Doctor?" he asked. I noticed Al look up, her face paler than one of Zero's sun dried bones.

"Lucky to still be alive," he replied gravely. He wiped his glasses off before continuing. "We managed to stabilize her, but I cannot say for certain when she will awaken. Thank goodness I had Igor collect water from the fountain. I had planned to use it for Jewel's recovery, but Will will need the healing waters more. She had severe burns that, under normal circumstances, would have left her dead or hospitalized for the rest of her life."

"However," Jewel stated, looking in Al's direction. I felt her stiffen and I gave her shoulder a comforting squeeze. "The bath in the spring water managed to heal the skin to second degree burns," she continued, "though there may be some minor scarring."

"Thank the holidays!" Jack exclaimed.

"Yes, she was rather fortunate." Dr. Finklestein then turned to Jack with an inquisitive look on his face. "Tell me, my boy. How did she come to these extensive injuries?"

As Jack began to explain their final confrontation with Oogie, I thought I spotted a dark shadow slip into the laboratory.

XXX

(Will's POV)

Everything was dark. My body felt weightless, like I was lying on my back in the middle of the ocean. Never had I been so relaxed. It was like a dream, and I had no plans on waking up. No more problems with work or tests; I could lie here and enjoy the quiet. I felt…peaceful. And yet, wasn't there something I had to do?

Will…

Wait, who was that? Was someone calling out to me? Maybe I was just hearing things.

Will…

Wait! Now I remember! Jack, Al; Halloween Town and the other holidays. They were all in trouble. I had to help them before… But wait a minute. Oogie was gone, right? Yes, I remember: I had ignored Dr. Finklestein's warning and used the self destruct button on the halberd. There was an explosion and I could not get out. Was I dead? Now that I thought about it, my body started to hurt. No, hurt was an understatement, this was pain. Aaah, it felt like my entire body was on fire. Damn! Definitely not dead; being dead would not involve this much pain.

Maybe waking up wasn't such a good idea. Maybe… Maybe there was a chance I could go back to that peaceful place for just a few more minutes. It felt so wonderful. But then, what would happen to everyone? Al and Kat would kill each other if I left them alone in the apartment. And I do not even want to think how Mom and Dad would react. And there was still one question on my mind: who was that voice that was calling out to me?

Will, please, wake up…

Whoever it was, their voice was drawing me back. I could feel myself leaving that serene oblivion. But now the pain was increasing. Before my skin felt hot, and now that burning had moved, almost as if my insides were on fire. My arms and legs felt like lead and my throat felt like I swallowed a bag of burnt charcoal and cotton. There was light overhead but I kept my eyes shut. The brightness only added to the pounding headache threatening to crack my skull. Even the slightest movement increased the hot pinpricks of pain along my limbs and torso.

"My head is killing me…" My voice sounded dry. I licked my lips. They tasted dry and cracked.

"W-Will? Did you-Did you say something?!"

There it was, that voice that called out to me. I had to see but my eyes still hurt, not to mention my throat. I felt something leaning next to me as someone took in a sharp breath. I shifted my head in that direction, still not wanting to open my eyes. "Water, please…"

"Yes, of course. Just a m-moment." The weight moved and I heard water being poured into a glass. When whoever it was returned to my bedside — I figured out I was in a bed covered with a blanket — I felt a hand move under the back of my neck. It lifted my head until I felt the cool glass on my mouth. Cold water splashed my lips and I opened my mouth, greedily swallowing up the cold drink to sooth my parched throat.

"Slow down, you don't want to drink too fast," the voice cautioned. My response was taking smaller sips. I couldn't help it, the cold liquid was heaven on my throat. Only when the glass pulled away and my head was resting on the pillow did I relax again.

"Thanks, I needed that."

"My pleasure. I am just so glad you are alive, Willa." That voice. It was so familiar but for the life of me, I just could not place it. Well, only one way to find out.

I slowly opened my eyes, letting myself get re-accustomed to the bright light. When my vision cleared, I was surprised to see a guy sitting next to me. He was tall, even from where he sat on the bed. His skin seemed tan, like he worked in the sun a lot, and he wore a white poet's shirt. He had long, dark brown hair slicked back into a ponytail that hung off his shoulder down to where his shirt opened at a rather low V neckline. He also had it parted so that part of his hair hung over his right eye. I could not help noticing the warmth in his eyes, which were the color of silver, as he looked at me. I'm not the one to fall fast but I will admit, the guy standing before me was quite handsome. And it wasn't helping with that his shirt exposed his rather well-toned and tanned chest.

Still, there was still one thing bothering me. "W-Who are you?"

He chuckled, his tenor voice like velvet. "I guess you wouldn't recognize me," he said. "I do look different than when we last met. Perhaps you remember when you asked a humble bat directions out of the Hinterlands?"

My breath caught in my throat. Oh, no freaking way! "…Puck?"

He stood, showing I was right about his height, and bowed with gentlemanly grace. He raised his head with a sort of smile, half smirk that showed off a set of sharp fangs. "Surprised?"

"You-You could say that…"

"I do apologize for not revealing my vampiric form to you earlier," he continued. "Circumstances were…complicated, at the time."

"And now seemed the best time for that?" I asked, rather annoyed. The allure was slipping as reality took hold of me. "You couldn't have, I don't know, told me earlier you were a freaking vampire?! Do you realize how helpful that information might have been!"

Puck sighed, rubbing his neck as he looked away from me. "Not exactly… I'm not a true vampire, per say, and before I was unable to show my true self."

"Like what! You need an invitation– Ow!" I had lurched forward and caused a sharp pain across my torso. I wrapped my arm around my middle as my eyes squeezed shut. "Damn it! That hurts!"

"Willa!" The next thing I knew, Puck was sitting next to me and his hands were on my shoulders. Gently, he pushed me back on the bed. "You are still recovering. I heard the nurse say the bath did not fully heal your wounds, and the Doctor mentioned it would take an additional few days for you to recover."

"Doctor? Nurse?" I opened my eyes and finally looked around. From the decor I knew I was in Finklestein Manor, but how had I gotten here? Did Puck bring me? I remembered he mentioned injuries and I looked down to find my hands mummified in white bandages from fingertip to shoulder. I was also now wearing different clothes. Carefully I felt around my torso through the nightshirt and found that too was wrapped. Since Puck was still here, I vetoed lifting the blanket to check my legs. Testing my reflexes concluded they were wrapped as well. Gosh, if this was after dipping in healing Spring Water, then just how banged up was I?

"Don't worry, Willa," Puck whispered, taking note of how panicked I was. One of his hands moved from my shoulder and began to stroke my hair. "Whatever they have in the water here did heal the worst of what your injuries had been. I was only too grateful to have found that vile of water you had when I found you."

"Vile? Found me?" Trying to remember what happened only made my brain hurt. I rubbed my temples, finding yet another bandage, but soon bits and pieces were coming back to me.

"Are you #&$!ing kidding me?! Are you seriously blaming Will for what happened to her?! You bastard! She practically died for you and your scrawny wheelchair bound ass, and you have the gall to blame her?!"

I knew that voice and it was pissed. "Sounds like Al found out what happened," I sighed. No longer caring, I sat up and threw off the blanket. "I better go make sure she doesn't kill the town doctor."

"Oh no!" Before I could blink, Puck dashed to the other side of the bed and placed his hands back on my shoulders. Wow he was fast!

"There is no way I'm letting you leave this bed," he scolded. "You've just woken up after being caught in an explosion that should have killed you. Not to mention your wounds still need to heal. You are not getting up!"

"No MD, no opinion," I spat back. "I got two legs and a heartbeat. I can handle walking a few feet to the door." I managed to push him off and stood to my feet. I could feel the coolness of the floor through my bandages, accompanied by the pain of the burns along my lower limbs. I winced but made myself walk to the door, step by painful step.

"Ouch! Pain!"

I heard Puck sigh behind me. "You are impossible…"

I wanted to say something, but with speed that rivaled a cheetah, I found Puck behind me. Before I could say a word, he lifted me into his arms and carried me toward the door. I was so shocked I grabbed ahold of his neck. I saw him grin and quickly let go. "Let go of me you creep!"

"Relax my heroic little bat," he chuckled. "You were in pain so I am simply helping you to the door. I promise, I won't drop you."

"Fine. But it's only because my feet hurt." I looked away as he continued walking. I could not believe this was happening. The last time a guy carried me was a piggyback ride at the water park after I'd left my shoes in the car. Now some stranger was carrying me in his arms like a bride. I felt heat rising to my cheeks. This was so embarrassing!

"Besides, we're already at the door." Puck smirked and gestured toward the door.

"Oh..well then," I said. "Guess you can put me…" Suddenly the door opened on it's own. "…down? What the?"

"I just used telekinesis to open the door," Puck explained. "I said I would not drop you, and since you should not be on your feet, I thought this would be best."

I glared at him. "You couldn't have just used that little psychic move to help me across the room?"

"Yes but you would have freaked out," he reasoned. Then that annoying smirk reappeared. "Plus, I wouldn't get the chance to be so close to you."

"I would smack you if it didn't hurt my hand." I think I was preferring him as a bat. I sighed and said, "Just get me out there so we can prevent a murder scene."

"As you wish."

We stepped out of the door only to find a somewhat amusing scene before us. Jewel and Sally were working to calm down Doctor Finklestein while Jack was holding onto a ragging Al. He had her by the waist, but Al was clawing and snarling like a caged tiger, all the while hurling curses at the old mad scientist.

"You son of a bitch!" Al swore, continuing to struggle in Jack's grasp. "Let go of me, Jack! I'm only going unalive him a little bit!"

"You ignorant whelp!" the Doctor spat back. "I ought to–"

"Now dearest, there's no need to get so upset," Jewel reasoned.

Sally nodded. "She right. It was an accident, there's no need to…"

"He can't go blaming Will after everything she's given to save his ass! He just can't!" Al growled, lunging again and almost slipping from Jack's grasp. "Let me go, Jack!"

"I never said I was blaming the girl," Finklestein growled back.

"Doctor, Al. Please!" Jack begged. "This is no one's fault. Al, you need to calm down."

"Calm down? Calm down?! If anything you need to start acting up, Bone Man! This is complete bullshit!" Al screamed.

Oh for the love of Halloween, this had to stop. "Al quit trying to unalive the Doctor." I watched as she looked at me and I couldn't help but smirk. "What, I'm dead little over an hour and you're picking prison fights? Come on! You're nineteen for crying out loud!"

My outburst caused everyone to stop. In one synchronized motion, the others all turned to stare wide-eyed at me. I felt my cheeks heat up again because Puck still held me in his arms. I wanted to get down but two problems: I really was in pain and didn't want to walk on my burnt feet, and there was no way Puck was letting me walk on my own any time soon.

"WILL!" Al screamed and all but ripped Jack's arms off as she galloped toward me.

"Alice, wait!" Dr. Finklestein yelled but before she could pounce, Al was suddenly frozen in midair. She looked around in confusion, as well as the rest of us.

I was still wondering what was going on until I noticed Puck had shifted me, and now he held me in one arm while the other was held out in front of him. He kept his eyes fixed on Al as he moved his hand, causing Al to float back to stand between Jack and Sally. She blinked before shaking her head.

"Don't do that again!" she demanded.

"Apologies, Alice, but I could not have you pouncing on Willa," Puck replied, gesturing with his free hand. "She is still recovering and your enthusiastic embrace, while well intended, would only further her injuries."

"You must be new here. People who call me Alice usually end up dead," Al said happily but with narrowed eyes.

"Excuse me," Sally interrupted, giving Puck a curious look. "But who exactly are you?"

"And what were you doing in my lab!" Finklestein demanded.

"Perhaps," Jewel interrupted, we might discuss this back inside. I know we are all pleased to see Willa awake, but I do not want her over exerting herself."

"Quite right," Dr. Finklestein agreed. "Will should not be out of bed anyway."

"That is precisely what I told her, though she is the stubborn one," Puck added, much to my annoyance.

"Hello? Can we not talk about Will like she's not in the room?" I asked.

"Enough! All this excitement is too overwhelming," Finklestein added. "Now, lets all go back in, and as soon as Will is resting in bed, we will discuss everything."

With a nod from everyone, soon we were all back into the lab, much to Finklestein's annoyance. Puck placed me back in bed and stood next to me on my left, while Al jigged from one foot to the next on my right.

"Now then," Dr. Finklestein continued, "would someone kindly explain what happened before I was attacked?!"

"You ain't seen attacked yet, old man…" Al muttered, crossing her arms.

Jack placed a hand on her shoulders and said, "It was just as we said. Will used the halberd's self destruct to cause Oogie to explode. After that, Al and I finished him off using my Pumpkin Fire and the gas pipes. Then Oogie was dead, and so was Will, or so we thought." His last comment directed at me.

I coughed, feeling my throat start to get dry again. "You'd be surprised what you can live through."

"But seriously," Al asked, "how'd you get away? You sneak out through a hole or something?"

I had to think for a moment. After charging at Oogie Boogie my memory felt a little fuzzy, but I managed to recall some of what happened. "Oogie swallowed me and I went down into his center. I was falling. I managed to use my wings to create drag but when I managed to steady myself, I saw I was in the eye of a typhoon of bugs. They buzzed so loud I could barely hear the halberd ticking down the time before it would explode."

"No thank you señorita. That's some serious shit you got yourself into, girl" Al shivered, probably trying not to image the lovely picture I painted.

"What happened next?" Sally asked.

"After I dropped the halberd, I had to fight through the bugs to find an exit," I explained. "The halberd began exploding at that point, disorienting the bugs. I knew I'd be killed if I didn't find a way out. Then I spotted a hole in Oogie's back shoulder. I tried to get out, but the hole was too small.

"Why didn't you use your claws to make the hole bigger?" Jack asked.

"I did. Damn material was too strong," Will replied. "Even my bat form was too big to fit through. I tried looking for another way out, but by then it was too late. That's when I remembered I took the vial of Spring Water we got from Mr. Hyde. I figured if I could get out, I might need it. But I was still a bat at the time, and that's when I saw the explosion coming and then…nothing. I guess I blacked out at that point. All I can really remember was thick smoke filing my lungs, and the feel of my skin being roasted off. Then I woke up here."

"That still does not explain how you were able to survive," the old scientist noted. "A combustion of that size should have killed you. Even if you had managed to shift to a form that allowed you to reach the vile, consuming the healing properties of the water would have only healed any existing wounds you had instead of preventing the fires from consuming you."

"Makes sense, but your guess is as good as mine, Doc. Although…" I turned to look at Puck. "How do you fit into all this?" I asked.

"And who the hell are you exactly?" Al asked.

"I am interested as well," Jack added. "We are grateful to you for saving Will, but just who are you?"

Puck was silent for a moment before he spoke. "Well, I am not surprised you would not recognize me, Jack. When I first encountered your group, you were unconscious. The girls were lost in the Hinterlands. It was Will who asked my friends and I for help."

"You assume that we were all conscious during that?" Al interrupted. "I was napping but I do not remember you. Cute guy in the middle of the woods would be hard to forget."

Puck chuckled. "That is easy to explain," he said, "since at the time I was a bat."

"It's Puck," I explained to my puzzled friend. "Remember, he and his buddies guided us out of the woods while you and Jack were taking a siesta on Frank. You kept batting them and shouting 'Off you with you flying rodents!' Remember?"

"That I do remember," Al said.

"You were also the one of the bats helping us against our final battle with Oogie," Jack pointed out.

Puck nodded. "Yes, my friends were more than happy for the unexpected meal, though I was thrilled to find it was your party we were aiding at the time," he added.

"Hold da phone. How exactly did you find my darling?" Al asked. "I mean, Will went kaboom! And if Boney Butt had trouble finding her, how come you could?"

Even I was curious about that one. I waited with everyone as Puck began to tell his side of the sorry.

"After the battle, I continued my search for Will. My friends had given up and tried to convince me she was dead, but I could not bring myself to except it. I flew all over the Hinterlands. I must have flown for miles when I finally caught sight of a smoke cloud a few miles from where you defeated that monster. I flew over to it and to my relief, I spotted a the source of the smoke as well as a familiar winged silhouette." Puck then turned to look at me. "I cannot tell you the relief I felt at the sight of you, though it was short lived. You were badly burned, and I… There was nothing I could do. I tried moving you from the tree but the branch snapped, and you fell. I flew after you, and watched in horror as you transformed back into a human. You hit the ground and…" He stopped and to my surprise, he took my hand in his.

"Go on," I encouraged. I had to know just exactly how bad it was.

He rubbed his thumb over the back of my hand. "The fall caused several lacerations due to the severity of your burns, and I'm certain you hit your head. You were bleeding. I was on my own, and I could feel you slipping away. Then I noticed something sticking out of your pocket. It was a vile if water. I remembered you told me that the water had been blessed with healing properties. I knew if I had any chance of saving you, you would need that water. However, I was too small to lift the vile."

"Then why did you not change?" Jewel asked.

"That was the thing," Puck answered. "You see, I had been in my bat state for so long that I was unable I change. In order to help Will, I'm afraid I took some of her blood in order for me to transform. Then I was able to give her the water."

I pulled my hand from his grasp. "You did what?!" I screamed, my other hand going to my neck.

"Sick dude" Al said. "Necking on the second date? That's sick, you pervert."

"So not funny Al!" I hissed.

Puck seemed amused and began to explain. "Not all vampires are the same. There are many varieties all over the world. In my case, I had been living as a regular bat for quite some time along with not drinking human blood. That caused my body to become weak and unable to transform." He tried to take my hand again but I scooted back, glaring at him.

"However, I most certainly did not neck you, Will. I would never violate anyone like that," he insisted. "All I did was drink from an open wound on your forearm."

"Like that's supposed to make me feel any better."

"Anyway…" Brushing me off and turning back to the others to continue the story, "Once I changed, I did my best to help Will drink what remained in the vial, though I was disappointed it did not fully heal her. Nevertheless, I realized she would need immediate medical attention, so I called upon my friends for help."

"So that's why you flew in with other bats," Jack stated.

"Yes. It was the only way I could carry Will safely to town without jostling her," Puck concluded.

Dr. Finklestein cleared his throat. "Well, it was quick thinking on your part," he approved before growing serious. "But it was foolish to move her about. If she had suffered any head trauma–"

"But she didn't," Jewel rationalized, placing a comforting hand on the Doctor's shoulder. "And it is thanks to this young man that Will is alive and safe."

"Okay, so everyone is safe and sound, Will is on the mend, Bat Boy is a pervert, and the great sack-o-bugs is dead and done. Can we go home now? It's far to passed my nap time and if this girly doesn't get her nap, I will start ripping things apart. And those things will be bleeding," Al said, crossing her arms. I nodded my head in agreement. However, it seemed the mad scientist had other plans.

"Certainly not!" Finklestein practically shouted. "Alice, you may return home if you wish, but I want Will to remain here a few days. You forget, young lady,–" turning towards me, "–that the Spring water only healed certain wounds. You still have several second degree burns from head to toe, as well as a bruised ribcage."

"Oh come on," I moaned. "You said I just need rest."

"I would listen to him Will," Jack added.

"Look guys." I held up my hands and made sure every creature in the room was listening. "I'm not being a stubborn patient, but I do know what I can handle. Doc, I'm grateful for all you and Jewel have done, but I think it might be better if I get treatment back in my world. Like you said, they're second degree burns. Plus my dad is a nurse. If I take a turn for the worse, I can have him come take a look at me or if necessary, take me to the hospital. I'll just tell them I went to the lake and fell asleep in the sun without sunscreen."

"You might want to take another dip in that water before we roll out. Cause, if I know your dad, he'll flip out over even a little burn not from the sun," Al said, gesturing to my bandages.

"Oh, I can have Igor pack you some to soak in at home," Jewel suggested. "It seems you'll be well taken care of. Plus, we want you to be as comfortable as possible, and if that's in your own home, then we have no reason not to oblige you."

"They do have a point, Doctor," Sally added, putting on her most convincing look. "And it would look suspicious if the girls did not return soon."

"And deadly," Al said, her eye twitching slightly.

"Oh, very well." Dr. Finklestein groused. He tinkered with the remote on his wheelchair to leave the room. "Go if you wish, but I will want an update on your condition."

"Yes Doctor," I said dramatically. He huffed before leaving the room, followed by Jewel. Then there were only the five of us.

"Well, I guess we better be getting the two of you home now," Jack said. "Oh! I almost forgot." He reached into his jacket and pulled out a small key. "Sandy gave this to me earlier. It's a new key for you, Will."

"Oh right, I forgot my other one was busted." I took the key from him. "I'll have to write him a letter and thank him, and let him know I'm alive."

"We might as well leave some cookies and milk too," Al laughed.

Jack, Sally, and I laughed laughed too, though I winced from the sharp pain in my sides. "Okay, okay. Time to head back," I said.

"I shall be happy to assist you again," Puck offered.

"No thanks," I countered, already moving to the edge of the bed. "I can handle it on my own."

"Oh, let me get you something to wear," Sally said before rushing from the room. She came back a few moments later with a shirtsleeved knit sweater dress of brown, beige, and a little gray and pink. She shooed Al and the boys out of the room before helping me change front the nightshirt into the dress. Once on, Sally then pulled out some slippers and placed them on my feet.

"Thanks," I said as she helped me to my feet.

"You are welcome." She smiled at me. "You other clothes need a little mending, and I thought this would be more comfortable for you."

I laughed and then let her help me to the door, leaning on her shoulder. When we walked out, Al took over in the help department. "Golly, I wonder how many texts and phone calls I have…" she muttered, laughing slightly.

"Oh yeah, about that… Did I tell you your phone was swallowed up by a snake?"

Al's face slowly set into a hard line. "You so owe me more than baked goods, girl," she said through gritted teeth. "That was a gift from Zack's parents."

"I'm sure Santa will get you one for Christmas," I offered. "Besides, I'm gonna need to give you a Rain Check for those goodies until I'm better."

"Yeah, I figured, darling," Al said, smirking slightly. "I'll make Zack bake me stuff."

"As long as it's not in our kitchen."

"All right, lets get you girl back home before Doctor Finkelstein changes his mind," Jack suggested. "I'll let the others know of your return, Will. We'll have to have a celebration when you've recovered."

"Sounds like fun but right now I'm ready for one of Al's catnaps," I stated, looking forward to going home and flopping into my nice, comfy bed.

"Ah, the joys of the catnap." Al sighed. "What are we waiting for?"

Sally then walked over and gave each of us a hug. "I hope to see you again soon, girls."

"Same here, and Sally." I turned to Jack with a smirk. "You take care of Jack, okay? Don't let him wander off anymore," I joked.

Jack blanched while Sally just giggled. She took pity on him, placing her hand on his shoulder. "Don't worry, I will." She then turned and kissed his whiter-than-white cheek.

Al and I just laughed. I was about to turn and put my key in the door to take us home when a certain vampire stopped me. "Oh, almost forgot about you."

"I just wanted to say I'm glad you are safe and in good hands now." Puck smiled and then bowed before taking my hand. Before I could protest, he kissed the back and gave my hand a gentle squeeze. "I do hope we meat again," he said with a smile.

"Uh…"

"Not likely, Pervo," Al snarled. "Now, get outta that way before I turn you from a flying rodent to just a rodent."

Puck chuckled. "Very well, I shall not keep you any longer." He bowed again before stepping aside.

Al jerked her head and gave him a hard look while I just shook my head. With one last wave goodbye to our friends, I took the key and placed it in the door. Just like the first time, I turned the handle and both Al and I stepped into a glowing light leading back to our world.

XXX

(Narrator's POV)

Real World…

As they walked through the front door of their apartment, both Will and Al felt about ready to drop. Will shut the door behind them as Al dumped their weapons onto the floor. Then they looked down the hall towards their rooms. Though it wasn't far, neither one wanted to make the trip. They looked at each other and shook their heads.

"Couch!" they said in unison.

Al flopped onto the couch like a rag doll and lay there motionless. Will tossed a blanket over her, and then fell back into the recliner chair. Her muscles still ached and she could feel every one of her bruised ribs. Not to mention it felt like her burns were flaring up. She was definitely taking a muscle relaxer before going to bed. As she relaxed back into the chair, listening to the sound of Al's snoring, Will's eyes drifted closed in anticipation of a long, and well deserved rest.

Suddenly, there was a loud knock at the door.

"If that is the damn mailman, I'm gonna murder him," Al groaned, grabbing the hem of the blanket and hiding beneath the material.

"I got it." Will pried herself from the couch and trudged to the door. The knocking persisted, prompting Will to grab one of her blades. "I'm coming already!" she shouted.

Holding her blade tightly, she walked over and placed her other hand on the door. "Whoever the hell it is better have a damn good excuse," she shouted. Then, Will opened the door and thrust the blade forward, pausing so it wouldn't hit whoever had the audacity to be knocking on their door at this hour.

"I'm sorry! Whatever I did to upset you, I am so sorry."

"What the– Zack!?" Will's eyes shot wide open as she looked up at the six foot five boy standing in the doorway. He had donned a black T-shirt that accented his trim physique, a black wool coat to keep him toasty warm and a pair of jeans that just made him look, in Al's words, so damn good; the man looked handsome as always. Somehow, magically by Al's guess, his thick head of brown hair always looked like he spent loads of time on it when, in reality, he ran his fingers through it every morning after his shower. His light brown eyes were wide open and his hands were raised in defense as Will's katana continued to point directly at his throat.

"Uh… Is-Is Al home?" he asked nervously, eyes looking from her to the menacing blade.

Will drew back and slung her katana over her shoulder. "Al!" she called, her annoyance clearly noted in her tone. "It's for you."

"Is it the mail man?" Al asked, rolling herself off the couch. She made her way to the door, rubbing the backs of her thighs and hissed under her breath, "My thighs are killing me..." Seeing Zack, Al instantly perked up. "Oh, hi. Um… Whatcha doing here?"

"You told me to pick you up at ten," Zack said, checking his watch. "Which is now ten thirty. I even sent you a text saying I was going to be late, but here I am."

"Yeah, she missed that message," Will commented, thinking of the snake that had swallowed Al's phone.

"Right… Why were you picking me up again?" Al asked, leaning in the doorway.

"Family Christmas Party? You said you wanted to help my mom set up the food," Zack explained. "You did say to get you at ten o'clock, right?"

Al blinked once before smacking her forehead. It was pretty clear she had forgotten. Will also looked horrified. Both of them had forgotten: it was Christmas. Each of them had made plans to be at family functions today. Now after the night's escapade, they'd both have to rush to get dressed and be awake for the next twelve hours. Will and Al looked at Zack, then back at each other.

"On three?" Will asked.

"Three!" Al replied.

Both of their eyes rolled back into their heads, and then Will and Al fell to the ground in an exhausted heap. Zack looked on in confused shock.

"Was it something I said?"

XXX

GodlyJewel: Well, that's it folks. The story is coming to it's final close. NOT! I wouldn't leave you all hanging like that. Truth is there is one more, final chapter before this baby can be put to bed. Wow, still can't believe it's almost over.