Hoggle sat back in his favorite chair after a hard day's work. He gazed at the plastic bracelet on his wrist. If anyone had told him two years ago that he would be the wealthiest being in the labyrinth, apart from the king that is, he'd have laughed in their faces. And yet, here he was, two years after Sarah's victory, living in a mansion in a peaceful part of the labyrinth. No goblins running about causing problems. Nothing overtly dangerous nearby. He didn't even need to spray those pesky fairies anymore. He could pay someone else to do it. All thanks to Sarah. And Sarah, of course, was also quite well off, thanks to him. Their partnership had proven quite lucrative to both parties.

It all started a few days after Sarah had beaten the labyrinth when she called him for a visit. She was trying to be more respectful to her parents, especially her stepmother, but after she had been such a brat for so long they found it hard to believe her change was sincere.

After they had talked for awhile about her problems, and Sarah was encouraged to continue trying, they started discussing other things. They talked about her school, his work spraying the fairies, the labyrinth in general, their friends, and "that rat who calls himself a king".

He had been just about to leave when he noticed an open jewelry box filled with plastic necklaces, rings, and bracelets.

When Sarah noticed his staring she smiled. "Would you like to have some of the pieces? They were for playing dress up, but I don't think I'll be using them any more."

He gasped. "Oh no! That's way too generous. You's already gives me this here bracelet, an' that's enough fer me." He said, still looking longingly at the jewelry box.

"Generous? But Hoggle, it's just plastic!" She exclaimed.

"I knows that! This here bracelet on me arm's worth more 'en I make in a year! If'n you's weren't the first friend I's ever had, I'd a sold it by now! I can't accept any more gifts from you! Tha' rat wasn't happy wi' you givin' me expensive presents ta begin wi', who knows wha' he'd do if ya gimme more!" Hoggle exclaimed feeling overwhelmed, slightly exasperated, and more than a little nervous as he thought of the Goblin King.

Sarah had sat there a little stunned. "You mean to tell me that plastic is valuable in the underground?!"

"In'it everywhere?" Hoggle asked surprised by Sarah's reaction.

"No! It's practicality worthless here." Sarah thought a moment. "What's the currency of the Goblin Realm, Hoggle?"

"Not much of official currency. Tha' rat tried to make an official coin wi' 'is face on it about a couple centuries ago, bu' the goblins kept forgin' coins… ya knows, goblins are terrible at art, so's the King gave up on account a not wantin' his image tarnished, or some such. Now we's mostly trade gold and jewels based on weight an' such. Why do ya ask?"

Sarah got a large smile on her face as she reached for the jewelry box. "Hoggle, I want you to do something for me."

And that was how it had all started. Hoggle gave Sarah common gold and jewels, and she gave him rare plastic. Deciding to be her friend and help her through the labyrinth was the best decision he'd ever made. Hoggle smiled, and leaned back in his chair.

"Ahh." He sighed contentedly. "Plastic."