Title: Wickedness must be punished

Warnings: character death, severe violence

This is basically just the second part to the other chapter. We spilt it in two so it wouldn't be so long and so everyone could read them straight through or take a break in between. Anyway, thanks and hope you like it!


"I really fucked up this time," Kurt said as he set his mother's pitcher on her grave. His voice was stuffy from all the crying he had done. He felt like he had ripped his own heart out and stomped on it. Blaine leaving had left him cold. He reminded himself it was his own doing, but having to say those cruel things and hear Blaine's in return was almost too much. It hurt, so very much, but it was for the best. After he watched Blaine take Lady Rachel, Kurt trudged back into his castle and gathered the book along with his mother's pitcher. He didn't waste time trying to hide or do anything to defend himself. Let death come for him. He deserved it.

Now he sat next to his parent's graves, trying to enjoy being there one last time. He traced a green stone in his mother's marker. "Do you remember the time I spilled all the goat's milk? It was my first time milking all by myself and you watched from the window. Papa, you were shoeing the horse. I finished and was so proud of myself, but I underestimated how heavy it was. I tried to lift it, but it slipped and spilled all over the place. I started to cry, but you came out and cupped my face. You smiled at me so sweetly and told me not to cry. It was alright. Papa joined us and picked up the pail. He showed us there was still a little milk left, asking if it was enough for cheese. You smiled at me and it made me feel so much better. Then you said, 'See my love? Sometimes there's a bright spot when we think all is lost.'

"Mama, I'll be honest. I don't see the bright spot right now other than I hope to see you again very soon. This is the darkest I've ever been." Kurt somehow had more tears fill his eyes and spill down his cheeks. He didn't bother wiping them. "In the last few days, I thought that perhaps my life could be something more than I always imagined it would be. Maybe I could be more than just a terrible person hellbent on revenge. Now I know it was just a silly dream." He wiped his face with the sleeve of his fine robe.

He had no idea how long he sat there, but the sky was still dark when he heard them coming. His strength had grown exponentially since he didn't have to keep up with the cats, Lady Rachel, and Mercedes. On top of that, he wasn't using the book either and was already feeling so much better. Kurt rose to meet his fate, not really afraid as much as hoping it wouldn't hurt too much.

A group of villagers, some familiar, others not so much, marched towards him led by none other than Dave Karofsky and another man that Kurt hadn't ever met but was certain was Master Chang. Something in the way he carried himself reminded Kurt of himself and then he wondered if all wizards and witches had the same air about them. Pity he would never know.

Kurt didn't say a word or move to stop them as they came to a halt in front of him. Thankfully, his eyes were dry. He would never let Karofsky see him cry ever again.

"Kurt Hummel," the so-called Town Master began as everyone around him came to a halt. "You are charged with kidnapping, torture, murder, and use of dark magic. What say you?"

Kurt simply stared at him, refusing to look away or cow down. It made him the tiniest bit happy that Karofsky seemed a little unsettled at his unblinking stare. Master Chang stepped forward.

"Did you receive my letter?"

Karofsky turned to him. "What letter?"

Since he had already broken eye contact, Kurt finally flicked his eyes to Master Chang. "I did."

"Have you any defense?"

Kurt could tell he was trying hard to give him the benefit of the doubt, but Kurt turned and picked up the book from the ground. There were mutters and whispers from the villagers, but both wizards ignored them.

"I believe this belongs to you and yours. I didn't steal it, but I didn't return it either. I used it."

Master Chang took the book indignantly and said to Karofsky, "I will grant you your wish." Then he looked back at Kurt with thinly veiled disgust. "You will be executed. Unless you have someone to vouch for you?"

Kurt thought of dark curls, hazel eyes, and yellow flowers.

He thought of grey fur, a girl in a tree, and a booming contagious laugh.

He thought of a man bending to pick up a pail he dropped and a woman drying his tears.

"I have no one."

"Do you have anything to say?"

Kurt looked into every face. "I'm at fault. I did these things, but let's not pretend we don't know why. I hope you all know loss and suffering. But I am so very tired. Just do me one small favor. Should you ever have another magical being born to your village or meet one in your travels, be kinder to them. Try to show a little compassion. You will fare much better if you heed my advice. That's all I have to say. I'm ready." He directed the last part to Master Chang. "Bring about my end because I tire of looking into the faces of hatred."

He wasn't sure who threw the rock, but it didn't hit him with much force as it found it's mark on his chest. Soon, more rocks were flying and he bowed his head in acceptance. He didn't try to shield his head or any other part of his body even as they cut and bruised him. He heard Master Chang calling for order and felt his arms grabbed and wrenched behind his back. Cold iron was snapped over his wrists after they were twisted cruelly.

"Blaine sends his regards," Karofsky whispered in Kurt's ear from where he stood behind his back. Kurt's heart skipped at hearing his lover's name. "I'm anxious to be done here so that I may get back to him. I left him warm in my bed earlier. The poor thing was quite distraught, so I guess I have you to thank for the best night of my life."

Kurt's fingers dug into his own palms. He almost broke the manacles in half except he was already feeling the iron's effects and his power was ebbing away. He stood tall though, showing no weakness. He didn't reply to Karofsky. He was lying. Blaine wouldn't…

Then Karofsky showed him a dagger. Kurt had seen it before. It belonged to Blaine. Kurt thought his heart had already broken, but something else cracked in his chest. He only wished for Blaine to know happiness, even if it was with Karofsky.

Master Chang stepped forward and Kurt bowed his head. He hoped in his last moments that his parents would be easy to find in the afterlife.

That's when he heard the music.

At first, he thought it might be that his death had somehow been painless and he was in the afterlife. But then the music got louder and louder.

"What the fuck is that?" Karofsky snarled.

Kurt opened his eyes and saw a horse drawn wagon barreling towards them. It was huge and green and painted with all these faded flowers. Everyone shared similar looks of confusion, even Karofsky.

With wheels squeaking as they ground to a halt, the red horse pulling the wagon slid to a stop and immediately a tall dark haired man leaped out. He was quite handsome and seems to know how to charm an audience as he approached the crowd.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Welcome to the show! I'm Cooper and I will be your host for the evening. Well, it's technically morning. We never do early shows either, so you are in for a real treat! Or I will fall asleep and impale myself. But part of the fun is the mystery! Right?" He glanced to all the people gathered for confirmation and they seemed to murmur in agreement. Cooper laughed heartily and helped a lovely woman with curly hair out of the wagon. She was followed by another man who was bald and wringing his hands nervously. He was painted as a mime though, so perhaps that was part of the show. Kurt wondered if he had finally gone mad and this was a hallucination. "This is my lovely mother who is going to fit into this tiny box!" He held up a small chest and showed it off like someone who had done this many a time.

The crowd of villagers ooohed and all moved towards the wagon. The mime was going around through the crowd and interacting with many of the people, much to their delight.

With an annoyed growl, Karofsky stomped towards the troupe, demanding to know who they were and just what the hell did they think they were doing? Master Chang looked like he was talking to some of the villagers, probably asking who these people were.

Kurt was trying to hear anything he could when a movement from the road caught his eye. His heart skipped a beat when he saw the woman and the man sneaking towards him. He hadn't seen Mercedes after he changed her back.

After she approached him earlier, he knew he had to at least attempt to right the wrong he did. He had transformed her back and sent her to Lima with enough money and jewels to keep her content for years. It wasn't enough, it never would be for the years he had stolen from her, but he hoped to at least attempt to make up for it. Seeing her now as she was all those years ago but a little older had tears burning his eyes. Why had she come back? And Blaine! He wasn't looking at Kurt in favor of watching Karofsky and making sure he was distracted. It dawned on Kurt then. They had orchestrated this. He looked back to the performers and realized it was Blaine's family. He remembered from things Blaine had told him. He looked to Blaine and Mercedes who had almost made it to him. It was becoming a struggle to continue standing with his good posture, the iron slowly draining him of his strength he had recently recovered. They moved slowly and stayed low as to not attract attention. Karofsky was apparently arguing with the Cooper fellow about who could best who with a sword. The crowd was eating it up, especially when Cooper drew a toy sword that squeaked every time he pretended to stab Karofsky.

"What the hell are you doing here?" Kurt chastised Mercedes as she grabbed his shackled hands. Blaine was behind him completely so he couldn't see him. He was not really sure he wanted to face the man he had hurt so deeply, but at the same time it was all he wanted.

"I think the words you are looking for are, 'Gee, thanks for coming back and saving my stupid ass!'" Mercedes hissed back in his ear as Blaine cursed under his breath and fiddled with the chains. Kurt's fingers ached to grab onto Blaine and never let him go.

"You are both going to be killed! Get out of here!"

"We aren't going anywhere," Blaine whispered in his ear, making Kurt shiver. "You might as well shut up and let us save you."

"Hey!" Master Chang shouted and strode towards them.

Karofsky heard the commotion and cottoned on to the fact that this had been a distraction. He elbowed his way back through the villagers.

"There's nothing to see that way!" Cooper shouted desperately. "Look, I'm taking off my shirt!"

Some of the villagers ahhhhed and a few whistled at him.

"Blaine! Hurry up!" Mercedes said as she shifted her arm under Kurt's. He tried not to lean too heavily on her, but he couldn't avoid it the longer he was in contact with the iron.

"I'm trying! You were right and this is the same lock from his house, but it's rusted or something and it's stuck!" He grunted with the effort and Kurt felt him pull.

"Let me try," Mercedes said and took over.

At this point, Karofsky and Master Chang had gotten back to them and Blaine stepped out from behind Kurt. Just the sight of him had Kurt's stomach in knots and his heart going crazy. He didn't look at Kurt, but being able to see him was enough to make him feel better. At the same time, he wished Blaine was a thousand miles away and out of danger.

"What are you doing?" Karofsky shouted as he approached. "How the hell did you get out of your cell?"

"He's good at escaping," Kurt grumbled so that only Blaine and Mercedes could hear. He could have sworn Blaine grinned for just a second. So Karofsky had lied about sleeping with Blaine. He wasn't surprised.

"Don't hurt him!" Blaine exclaimed as he stood in front of Kurt.

Master Chang paused, unwilling to hurt an innocent.

Blaine went on, emboldened by his hesitation. "He… well, I was going to say he never hurt anyone, but that isn't quite true. But he was sort of driven to it."

"You're so good at helping," Kurt said.

Blaine made a rude gesture behind his back just as there was a click behind his own back and Mercedes made a triumphant noise.

"Blaine, move now," Karofsky said from behind gritted teeth. "Don't make me move you."

"Hold on now!" Cooper shouted as he pushed through the crowd. "No one is hurting my baby brother!" He stood in front of Blaine. He was indeed shirtless and had several knives and swords strapped to him but Kurt could see most of them weren't actually sharp. The mime Kurt guessed was Blaine's step father he had spoken of pushed through too to stand next to Cooper along with the contortionist woman who had to be Blaine's mother upon closer sight.

"Over my dead body will you put your filthy hands on my son," she said in a way that made Kurt want to put his own hands in his pockets.

"No one is going to hurt him," Master Chang said with palms up. "But we must execute the wizard."

"Yes! He's evil!" Someone from the crowd shouted.

"He's not!" Blaine insisted. "Sure, he can be grouchy and mean and a complete ass—"

"So very good at helping," Kurt muttered.

"And sarcastic," Blaine said as he shot a little glare over his shoulder. "But he is also misunderstood. He will do things for you just because he knows you like them like make flowers grow or call fireflies just to make you smile. He cares for his plants and he will deny it, but he loves to cook. He makes this cheese that's so amazing I'm drooling thinking about it right now. And then there's this bread he bakes—"

"Focus, Blaine," Mercedes said as she pulled the shackles from Kurt's wrists.

Kurt immediately stumbled forward and Blaine turned to catch him. He sagged in Blaine's arms and was pulled in by his eyes. Blaine held him up and Kurt gripped his arms for dear life. He could already feel the rush of his strength and magic returning like the prickles after a limb wakes.

Blaine didn't look away, but he didn't smile either. "He loves deeply, even to his own detriment." He broke eye contact with Kurt to look at each other the villagers in turn. "I beseech you to use your hearts and really consider what you are doing. He's just a person. A wizard, yes, but a person. And I love him, so please don't take him."

A loud sniffle had some turning to look at Cooper who was the offender. He was quietly sobbing, clutching hold of one of his mother's arms and one of his step father's. "Blainey, that was beautiful!"

Kurt's heart beat fast in his chest. He wished Blaine would look at him again so he could tell him he loved him too. But of course, someone had to ruin it. That someone being the someone who always ruined everything.

"He's been put under a spell!" Karofsky spat. "Remember who attacked us! Who stole Lady Rachel? Who killed his own father?"

Master Chang frowned at that. Kurt couldn't be sure what part had bothered him, but he was sure it wasn't to his own benefit.

"He didn't kill his father," Blaine shouted back. "Your father did. It was an accident and he did nothing to save Mr. Hummel. Because of his hatred."

The villagers gasped.

Karofsky laughed bitterly. "I don't believe you. And he killed both of my parents."

"And let's not forget the animals!" One of the villagers piped up. It was that one Blaine had spoken to the day he threw him in his dungeon. Ryder, Kurt recalled. He was completely clueless as to what he was talking about though.

Blaine's eyebrows furrowed. "Animals?"

"Yeah!" He continued. "All the slaughtered animals!"

Everyone looked at Kurt with disgust.

He squinted his eyes back at them. "I didn't slaughter any animals. Why would I do that?"

"For your spells!" Karofsky accused him. He glanced back and forth between Kurt and the others.

Kurt snorted and stepped out of Blaine's arms now that he was feeling stronger. He was honestly not sure he was welcome anyway. Mercedes moved beside him as if he would fall down again. "I never slaughtered any animals. That's not how it works."

Now everyone went back to sharing confused looks and whispering.

"Why should we believe anything you say? You are a liar!" Karofsky shouted. He was losing ground and he knew it.

"Am I a liar?" Mercedes said from next to him. Some of the villagers recognized her and gasped in surprise. "I've seen you, Dave. You have always had it out for Kurt. Don't get it wrong, I am not Kurt's defender here. I've had my voice stolen for a long time, but now that I have it back, I intend to use it. He has done some terrible things, but I've never seen him slaughter an animal. Everything he has done to Lima is because your leader here keeps sending assassins to the castle. Ever since Kurt's father and Dave's father was killed. I am sure he's spun some pretty lies, but he's just as much at fault here."

Most of the people gathered had no idea what to do with all this. Master Chang was staring between him, Blaine, Mercedes, and Karofsky.

"I feel there's been some prejudice here," Master Chang said with a sideways look at Karofsky, "but that doesn't excuse the use of dark magic. Master Hummel must answer for his crimes."

"But can't it be something other than death?" Blaine's voice cracked with emotion. "Please?"

Master Chang looked like he was considering it when Karofsky snapped. "No, no, NO! You die today Hummel!" He screamed and launched himself at Kurt, but Blaine jumped on him, knocking him to the ground. Karofsky obviously hadn't been prepared for this, so he lay on the ground wheezing for a moment from where Blaine had head butted him in his ribs.

Blaine jumped up, grabbed Karofsky's sword and his own dagger and made eye contact with Kurt. "Run!" Then he took off for the castle.

Karofsky stood, a mask of pure rage and hatred on his face. He jabbed a finger at Kurt. "Keep him here and I'm going to take care of that problem once and for all." He directed his orders to Master Chang and ran towards the castle. Some of the villagers started to follow their Town Master, but he barked orders at them to stay put as he went after Blaine.

Kurt's heart was in his throat. The man he loved was being chased by a mad man. He turned to Master Chang. "I must go save him."

The wizard shook his head. "I can't let you get away. I'm sorry about your friend— or lover rather, but how do I know this isn't just a ruse so you can get away? No, Master Hummel. You must answer for what you've done."

"And I will!" Panic and frustration bled into his voice as the seconds stretched into minutes. Blaine was no fighter. Kurt was terrified at what Karofsky was going to do to him. "I swear it! Blaine's in trouble!"

"You have to let him go!" Mercedes begged. She eyed the castle while chewing her fingernails. "He's going to hurt Blaine!"

Kurt hoped they were getting through to him as he looked to the castle himself. But then he sighed. "I'm sorry about that. I don't like to get involved in things like this. But I can't risk it. I have a duty."

Resigning himself, Kurt got into a fighting stance, legs apart and hands at his sides. "I have to get to Blaine. I don't want to harm you, but if you stand in my way, you will be knocked down."

Master Chang carefully set the book into his saddle bag. Then he mirrored Kurt's stance. "Don't make things worse for yourself, Master Hummel."

His strength wasn't fully back yet and he knew this wizard was quite strong, but he had to try. He heard the way Blaine's mother screamed as he attacked Karofsky and was chased back into the castle. He saw the worried pinched faces of his brother and step father. He would die for Blaine to be safe. Happily. "I'm sorry it has to be this way." Then he attacked Master Chang.


Try to catch up, motherfucker


Blaine was quite sure he had never run so fast in his entire life.

Not even the time he had actually stabbed Cooper with one of his blades because he was mad at him and his brother swore he would be the last Anderson to further their bloodline because he would squash Blaine from this earth.

He had only stopped to slide Karofsky's sword under a couch and kept going, making for the stairs and all the rooms up there. He had underestimated just how fast Karofsky was however, for he barreled after him with a roar up the stairs. Terrified, Blaine screamed and scrambled away. He was turning a corner when the Town Master caught the hem of his shirt and nearly ripped it off of him in a effort to slam him to the ground. Having a brother prepared him for this instance too because he had wrestled with him many a time. Instinctively, Blaine twisted and kicked out behind him. He connected with flesh and heard Karofsky's pained grunt causing him to let go. Blaine wasted no time dashing down the hallway and into the first door he came to. It happened to be Kurt's bath and Blaine immediately ran and hid behind the waterfall. He knew the rushing water would muffle his heavy breathing. He just hoped he was out of sight enough.

It wasn't long before the door slammed open and shut. Then the lock clicked home.

Blaine pulled his legs into a tighter ball. He clutched his dagger so hard his knuckles went white.

"Blaaaaaaaine…" Karofsky sang as he searched the room carefully. "I know you're in here. It's just me and you now."

There was a sharp clang as a gilded table was kicked over. Blaine flinched and squeezed his knife. He had never killed anyone before, but he had to be brave. It was kill or be killed right now. He just wished he could have talked to Kurt one last time.

"You know, I had hoped you would stay in Lima, but I think I'm going to enjoy killing you instead." There was another crash as he shoved aside a shelf stocked with bottles of different oils and soaps. The smell of them permeated the air as his boots crunched through the shattered glass. "There's just no hope for you. And for what! That murderous monster?" A couch was knocked away with a groan. He was getting closer. "You know, I did slaughter those animals. I was trying to get the villagers to see things my way. It always bothered Kurt too. I would leave organs from the animals we slaughtered in his desk for him to find. You should have seen his face!" He laughed wickedly and threw a rack of towels across the room. "Maybe I won't kill him at first. Maybe I'll dissect him just like those animals. Slowly and without mercy."

Blaine squeaked at that, tears springing to his eyes at the thought. He clamped his mouth shut, but it was too late. Karofsky had zeroed in on him. "There you are!"


I'm caught inside the fire again


Kurt was equally matched. Master Chang was fast and powerful, commanding fire magic like it was just another limb. He also made the ground underneath Kurt's feet shake, knocking him unsteady. Kurt gave as good as he got, sending bolts of lightning and slashing at him. He could barely get a hit in, having to dance away from a ball of fire every second. The villagers had run away screaming when they started, their courage failing at the first rumble. Only Mercedes and Blaine's family stayed off to the side. They were arguing about something that Kurt couldn't pay attention to since he was literally fighting for his life and couldn't stop picturing Karofsky tearing Blaine apart in his jaws. Kurt attacked his opponent harder, pushing as much of his magic into it he could. His hits didn't land, but they did serve to put him on the defensive. Kurt seized the moment to think. This was his home. He knew it better than Master Chang. Kurt's eyes scanned the courtyard until he saw the ice staircase. The ice! Kurt turned to the wall, bending and twisting the ice like it was a sculpture. He was smacked down to the ground by a ball of fire. It burned and snatched the breath from him. His whole body stung and he screamed in pain as it crawled all over his body like it was a living thing.

Master Chang approached, a disappointed frown on his face. "I'm so sorry Master Hummel. It brings me no joy to do this to you."

Kurt gritted his teeth and gave him a pained smile back. "I'm sorry too."

"For wha—" The giant block of ice slammed over his head with enough force to kill him. But it didn't. The ice formed around him in a way that trapped him inside like a box. Kurt had no doubt he could break out of the ice eventually, but it would keep him at bay for long enough to save Blaine.

He shakily approached the ice to an irate Master Chang. "I haven't killed you. You must take it in good faith that I will be back to accept my punishment, but I have to save Blaine. Please."

Master Chang looked as if he was about to disagree, but Kurt put his hand up to the glass. "Haven't you ever loved someone before? I have to help him. I beg of you, let me do this." He stared at Kurt for a few moments and then nodded slightly.

Kurt raced off towards the castle, ignoring the sting of all his burns. Blaine's parents and Mercedes cheered him on, asking him to please save Blaine and Cooper. He glanced back. Had that fool gone in after his brother? Damn. Kurt ran even faster and hoped he would be in time.


The madness in your bones, it's boiling in your blood


Karofsky dove for Blaine and he kicked out. But Karofsky anticipated it and grabbed his legs. His fingers dug into Blaine's muscle cruelly and he shouted in pain. He stabbed at Karofsky's hand with his dagger and it sunk home in one of his palms. The Town Master bellowed and punched Blaine with his uninjured hand. Blaine saw stars dotting his vision as he fell back next to the waterfall. Little fireflies like the one he caught in his hands. He groaned and tried to roll away, but Karofsky grabbed his shirt collar and slammed his head back down to the hard tile. Pain lanced through Blaine's head as he tried desperately to shove Karofsky away. But the man bore down on him, easily overpowering him as he lifted Blaine's head again. He felt like a rag doll as Karofsky pushed his head towards the water pouring down. Blaine kicked and struggled, but to no avail. He slowly inched towards the water.

"No! Let me go!"

"I can't wait to see the look on Hummel's face when I show your lifeless body to him," Karofsky said with a dreamy look in his eyes. "It will destroy him."

Blaine clawed at his arms and attempted to roll away. He screamed and poured all of his strength into it. But Karofsky just laughed and shoved Blaine's head into the water.

He was going to die. He was going to drown. He wished things could be different. He wished to see his family again. To see Mercedes. To see Kurt. But then he was pulled from the water coughing and sputtering. Karofsky had let him go. He sluiced the water from his eyes to see Karofsky and Cooper going at it with swords. He had no idea where Karofsky had gotten another, but they were both very real and Blaine was terrified for his brother. These weren't his trick blades.

"Stay away from my brother!" Cooper snarled as he slashed down at Karofsky.

The man parried the blow and went for Cooper's unprotected side. Blaine held his breath as he spun out of Karofsky's reach and stabbed back. Blaine tried to get up to help Cooper, but he slipped in the water and fell. The motion was all that was needed to distract Cooper long enough for Karofsky to run his sword through his gut. Cooper looked at him in pained surprise before he gasped in pain. Karofsky yanked his sword back out. Blaine heard himself scream in agony as he saw his brother fall to the floor. Blood began to spread out around him. Blaine ran to him, not even caring that Karofsky was still there. Sobbing, he pulled Cooper's head into his lap and held him.

"Hold still," Blaine blubbered. "Don't move Coop."

"Blaine," he rasped before making an agonized cry. "I'm… sorry…"

"Don't you die, Cooper!" Blaine screamed. "You're so stupid! Why did you do that?"

He raised a bloody hand to cup Blaine's bearded jaw. "'Cause, stupid. Love… you…"

"I love you too," Blaine sobbed as he clutched Cooper tight. He saw the shadow fall over them and looked up to see Karofsky raising his sword above his head, a crazed smile splitting his face.

"How touching."

Blaine shut his eyes tight and held his dying brother close to his chest, waiting for the pain of Karofsky's blade. But it never came. There was a pained grunt and Blaine opened his eyes to see his would-be attacker's skin turning red. Bubbles formed beneath the skin and there was a sickly burning smell in the air. He began to steam and the sword fell from his grip with a clatter. He too fell to the ground, shaking and screaming in terrible pain. Kurt stood behind him with fire in his eyes. He was burned all over his body, but he didn't act as if he was in pain. He was watching Karofsky writhe with furious intensity.

"Kurt," Blaine sobbed. "Please…"

Kurt grimaced up at him. "He has to die." He noticed all the blood and terror flashed across his face. "Are you hurt?" He rushed to Blaine's side, leaving Karofsky to sizzle behind them.

Blaine shook his head, his sorrow rendering him unable to speak. He held up the hand he had been pressing to Cooper's middle. Sticky crimson coated his hand, his shirt, the floor. Everything. "Please help," he begged Kurt.

The wizard looked him over carefully. When he looked back to Blaine, his face was grim. "It's deep. I don't know if I can…"

"Try? Please? I will never ask you for anything else. I'll go away forever. Please, Kurt. He's my brother."

"I don't want—" Kurt scrubbed a hand down his face. "I'll try. But I don't know if I'm able."

Blaine took his hand and placed it over Cooper's wound. He was breathing raggedly and didn't respond when Blaine said his name. The light bloomed from under their blood-slippery hands, warm and blinding. Blaine hoped with everything in him that it worked. If Cooper was killed because of him, he would never forgive himself. He never wanted to hear the screaming of his mother. He closed his eyes and clutched Kurt's hand.

He was jarred painfully as he was shoved down on top of Cooper. Blaine sat up quickly and saw Kurt and Karofsky standing beside him. Karofsky had his hands around Kurt's throat, his skin was angry and red with steam curling off it. Kurt was glaring at him was trying to pull his hands away.

Cooper was still breathing, but he was fading fast. Blaine had to save Cooper and Kurt. He saw the sword and grabbed it. Without thinking very much, he screamed and ran Karofsky through with the sword.

He gasped, dropped Kurt, and stumbled backwards into the water with a heavy splash. He didn't get out.

Kurt had fallen to the floor, gagging and coughing as he held his own throat. He and Blaine caught eyes and immediately scrambled back to Cooper. Kurt put his hand over Cooper's wound. "I would have killed him myself. I would kill for you."

Blaine kneeled on Cooper's other side and held his hand. He looked into Kurt's eyes, tired but serious. He nodded. "I know. But I didn't want that for you."

Kurt nodded and returned his eyes to Cooper. As much as Blaine wanted him to say more, he was too worried for his brother to think about much else. The light bloomed, Kurt doing his work. It was a harrowing few minutes, but soon color returned to Cooper's face and the wound sealed up. He wasn't completely healed yet, but he seemed away from the brink of death at least. Kurt told him to stay there and returned with a jar full of something thick and pale green. "This is a special blend of herbs to put on his wound. It will keep away infection and help it to heal." He gave it to Blaine without meeting his eyes and then went to Cooper.

"Thank you. Will he— He's going to make it?"

Kurt groaned as he picked up Cooper and carried him towards the door. "I'd say so. I've never healed something so serious, but I think he will pull through. You have to watch him."

"Of course." Blaine hurried to help get him to a bedroom.


When you place your head between my collar and jaw, I don't know much but there's no weight at all


They went out to retrieve Blaine's family and Mercedes. Blaine explained to them what happened. Pam wanted to see her son immediately and Blaine took her and Doug to him. She went to Kurt and kissed his cheek. He blushed a little at the action.

"Thank you for saving my sons," she said with tears in her eyes. "Both of them. Bless you son." Hearing the term made his heart clench painfully, but he let her without complaint. She had been through enough.

She kissed his forehead next and went with her husband. Blaine gave him a last lingering look and smile before herding his parents to his brother.

Kurt was so tired. He was in extreme pain. He still hadn't gotten to talk to Blaine and he wasn't sure of his future. But it was worth it. The people he cared about were safe for now.

"Will his brother be okay?" Mercedes asked as she faced Kurt.

He was so happy to see her. It was his own doing, this ache he felt. He wanted to hug her, but he wasn't sure it would be welcome. "I certainly hope so. I tried."

"I'm sure he will pull through." They sat in awkward silence for a few moments.

"Mercedes, again I'm so sorry."

"I know. I'm really trying here. To forgive you. I just can't yet."

Kurt nodded. "I know."

She glared at him. "So you were just going to send me home without saying goodbye?"

He toed the ground sheepishly. "I wasn't sure how much time I had. I had to get you and Blaine both out before the wizard hunt started." He shrugged. "It wasn't my best idea."

"No, it wasn't." She sighed. "But I found out my sister is still here. My parents left awhile ago, but she stayed. She apologized to me and she told me she's pregnant. I'm going to be an auntie."

Kurt smiled, aware she had missed out on a lot. "You will be the best one."

She smiled back. "I will. I can't wait."

"Will you stay in Lima?"

She nodded. "I think so. They obviously need some guidance and I want to help them understand that magic isn't evil. I could leave with all the money you sent with me, but I want to stay and make our village into a better place. I might find my parents and confront them too. Who knows."

Kurt smiled proudly at her. "I think that's great. They need someone like you."

She winked. "I might even be Town Master. I heard there's an opening."

Kurt laughed and immediately held his bruised ribs. "Ow. I'd say it's too soon, but I fucking hated him." They smiled at each other, not really friends, but something else. For now. "Good luck Mercedes. I love you." He stuck out his hand.

She smacked it away and wrapped her arms around his neck. "I love you too. You better make things right with Blaine. He thinks you hate him."

He had always prided himself on being fearless, but talking to Blaine was the most terrifying thing he could possibly imagine at the moment. He scratched his head. "I'm not sure he will even give me an ear after all this. I did bring his brother back from the edge of death though, so there's that."

Mercedes rolled her eye fondly. "Just talk to him."

"You healed him?" Master Chang asked from behind him.

In all truth, Kurt had kind of forgotten about him. He turned to face his peer who had freed himself from the box of ice at some point. "I did," Kurt said. "Terribly sorry about having to trap you earlier. But if you could just give me one more minute to go speak to the love of my life—"

Master Chang held up his hand. "I think I've heard enough. I have my book back and I can't say why, but I feel you are needed here. However, know this Kurt Hummel: if I find out you have been doing dark magic, I will not hesitate again. Do you understand?"

Kurt nodded, relieved he was getting a second chance. "I'm trying to be good. For him."

"You should be for you," Mercedes interjected with an elbow to his side. "You deserve it too."

Master Chang agreed with her and climbed onto his horse. "Don't be a stranger, Master Hummel. Send me a letter and you are welcome to come visit your sisters and brothers at the Tower anytime. You seem to have a gift for healing. I feel like this land needs it. Use it well."

With that, he urged his horse onto the road.

Mercedes went to go pet the Anderson horse and told him to go find Blaine. When Kurt asked if she wanted to come, she wrinkled her nose at the castle. "I would rather stay out of that place for the next ten years I think. Now stop being a coward and get your love."

Slowly, he shuffled in to the walls of his castle. Once he got to his bed, he was going to sleep for a week straight. He admired the walls with a new appreciation and thought it might be time to revamp it a bit. He had outgrown the dark and dreary atmosphere meant to drive people away. Now that he knew he wasn't going to be executed, Kurt had a new plan forming in his mind. He stopped at his parents graves, thankfully untouched, and picked up his mother's pitcher. He would put it back where it went soon enough.

A movement caused him to look up into the most beautiful face he had ever seen. Blaine was standing a few steps away with a smile that didn't reach is eyes. The dried blood covering him still made Kurt's heart race, but he reminded himself it was over and Blaine was safe. He gingerly set the pitcher on his father's grave stone and cleared his throat. They both spoke at the same time.

Kurt said, "Can I—"

While Blaine said, "We won't stay long."

"What?"

Blaine slipped his hands into the pockets of his trousers, found a hole, frowned, and instead clasped his hands behind his back. "I just wanted to say, I appreciate you letting my brother stay until he's recovered. As soon as he's able, we will leave. You'll have your peace." He blinked down at his feet and Kurt wanted to scoop him up into his arms.

It was time to have courage. "I don't want my peace. Well, I do, but I want it with you."

Blaine frowned at him. "That's not what you said before."

Kurt couldn't stand the space between them. He moved closer and slowly took Blaine's hand. "I'm so, so sorry I said all those horrible things. You must know I didn't mean them. I only wanted you to be safe."

Blaine wouldn't meet his eyes. He stared down at his hand in Kurt's. "It hurt. My heart broke, Kurt."

"As did mine. I'm sorry. You must believe me."

"It was quite shitty."

"Can you find it in your heart to forgive me?" Kurt moved closer. It was a relief that Blaine didn't move away. He would beg Blaine's forgiveness every day for the rest of his life if it was required.

"I… I don't know…" Blaine said. "You hurt me deeply. You refuse to acknowledge your feelings and you made me feel as if I was nothing to you. I love you, Kurt, but I don't know if I should or could subject myself to heartbreak over and over."

No. It couldn't end like this. Kurt held on to his hands, hoping Blaine wouldn't pull away. "Please listen. Blaine, you said I saved your life that day I swept away the arrow. You were right here, remember? And then, later when I was injured and lay bleeding on the floor, you saved mine in return. What you don't realize is you saved it much before those men attacked. You saved it the day we met."

Finally, Blaine looked at him and quenched the desperate need he had for Blaine to see him. He was listening and Kurt made sure he understood he meant every word. "I broke your heart, yes, but I broke my own. I truly love you, something I never thought would happen again. I never thought I could trust another person again, but then you came along and annoyed me into liking you, then loving you. You taught me how to be a person again before it was too late. You think you are the dullest star, but you were the bright star that guided me home. I owe my life to you and I want to spend it showing you how much you mean to me. Please, Blaine. I swear to you, I will never deny my love for you again."

His eyes had widened at Kurt's confession, but he still said nothing. Kurt wasn't sure if he needed more time or for him to keep going. Kurt licked his lips nervously and took both Blaine's hands. "It's autumn now. Give me until the winter. Give me until the first snow falls to sway your heart in my favor. I don't want your soul, only your heart. If I succeed, you stay with me always. If I fail, I will never darken your doorstep again. You can leave me to be the grumpiest wizard in the world. Do you accept?" A tiny smile had crept onto his face as Blaine recognized his own words, but it faded.

It was settled. Should Blaine reject him, he would lock himself in his castle until he rotted away.

"There are rules," Blaine said seriously.

It broke the dam of Kurt's emotions and he couldn't stop the rush of tears. He let free a choked sound caught somewhere between a laugh and a sob. "Of course."

"You have to watch all my puppet shows. Without complaint. You have to make flowers grow for me and dance with me in the light of fireflies. You have to be kinder to yourself, and no more killing people who piss you off."

A wet laugh broke through Kurt's tears and he kissed Blaine's hands. "That's a lot more rules than I had for you."

Blaine shrugged lightly and looked down at Kurt's lips. "It's worth it to have my forgiveness."

"Most assuredly," Kurt answered as he embraced Blaine tightly and put every ounce of his love into the kiss he gave him.

Much, much later after they had caught up on sleep and eaten, they checked on Cooper who seemed to be doing better. He was even awake and exaggerating how many times he had been stabbed.

"It was five. I can't help your wizard magicked away all the wounds." Cooper pouted as his mother hushed him and make him drink more broth.

"You shouldn't have even been there," Kurt said from where he sat in the corner. Blaine rested against his legs and he scratched his fingers through Blaine's hair. "How did that come about?"

Blaine sighed happily and snuggled against Kurt's thigh. "Well, as you know, Mercedes found me in the cell at Karofsky's. She was planning on leaving town when she saw me and knew something was up. She waited until all the villagers left and came to let me out. They told me they were leaving at dawn, but I think they left earlier. I knew Lady Rachel would be safe with Lord Hudson, so we started after them once I was free. We just so happened to run into my family's wagon on the road to the castle."

"We kept hearing conflicting reports," Blaine's step father said. "When Blaine never returned, we feared the worst. But we had faith. Then we heard that you were dead."

"I couldn't stand it," Blaine's mother said as she wiped some broth from Cooper's mouth. She turned to smile sadly at her younger son. "I had to make sure you were alive. Our wheel broke at one point and it set us back, but we eventually found out from that terrible man that you were at the castle."

"He tried to make it seem like you were dead," Cooper said as he picked up the story. "But he couldn't give us anything solid. So, we told him we would find out ourselves. Then we got a strange letter saying you were fine. I knew not to trust that guy! And look! I was right. Bastard stabbed me six times."

"I thought it was five?" Blaine said drowsily as he tilted his head back so Kurt could reach a different spot.

"No, it was seven."

"We decided to investigate ourselves." Pam took up the story. "We just so happened to find Blaine and Mercedes. Needless to say I was relieved he was alive, but then he wanted to go back!"

"We decided we would all go together and be the distraction!" Doug said as he draped an arm around Pam. She rested a hand on his chest and her head on his shoulder. "We would never let one of our own go it alone!"

Kurt bent over to kiss Blaine's forehead. He smiled up at Kurt and made him kiss his lips also. "I'm certainly glad you did," Kurt said against Blaine's mouth before ducking back in to kiss him again.


music used:

Title/breaks:

-March of the Witch Hunters: from Wicked

-When They Come For Me: Linkin Park

-Fire Again (feat. Ashniko): VALORANT

-Babylon: Barns Courtney

-Something in the Orange: Zach Bryan

we don't own music!*