Standard disclaimers apply.

The Castle Beyond the Goblin City was just like Sarah remembered it. The Goblin King had transported them with a wave of his gloved hand to the courtyard in front of it, allowing her to see it at its full glory.

'Dirty and dusty, just like I remember,' Sarah announced. The Goblin King narrowed his eyes at her. 'When you govern a nation of toddlers and misfits, I'd like to see you keep a massive heap like this neat.' Sarah laughed at his testiness, but quickly sobered up: she was not here on vacation. She was here to save Erica.

The King led her through the massive wooden doors of the castle and to the throne room. The pitiful souls that had been huddled in the Slaver's den were now asleep on the floor of the throne room- all but Erica, who sat on the giant horned throne with a look of disgust on her face. She looked directly at Sarah as they walked in, and said clearly, 'I know you.'

Sarah paused, suddenly feeling sick. The Goblin King placed a hand on her shoulder. 'It is possible that her memory is gone, Sarah. She may be guessing wildly.' Sarah looked at him, and then back to Erica. 'Yes, you do know me. I'm Sarah,' she said.

'Sa...rah... Sarah. I know you?' Erica said after a moment. Her tongue stumbled over the unfamiliar name. 'Do you know me?'

Sarah closed her eyes and silently uttered a prayer, to whatever god that would listen, for strength to deal with this. 'I do know you. You're Erica. We're friends,' she said. After a moment, she crossed the wide room to the blonde woman's side. 'How can I help her? Can I help all of them?' Sarah asked the Goblin King. He moved to the center of the room, and knelt by the nearest sleeping form. 'They are quite deep in the enchantment still. One of the side effects of breaking free of the fruit's spell is loss of memory. It's a form of protection for the caster, and one of the reasons why they are now illegal.' The Goblin King said, and had the grace to look embarrassed. 'Oh, I see. But it's okay for you to use a drugged fruit on a 15 year old girl in your sick little maze?' Sarah snapped, venom in her voice. 'I remember how it worked before, Goblin King. Tell me how to bring her back to reality.'

'It's not a maze. It's a Labyrinth,' The Goblin King replied, mildly. 'And my name is Jareth. You have the good fortune to not be a citizen of my kingdom, so don't use my title. I abhor it.'

The statement made Sarah feel bad for him, for just a fleeting moment. She considered what it would be like to rule a kingdom of nincompoops, cheerful as they were, and sighed. 'Fine. I don't care. Help me fix her.'

'Your friend has broken free, it seems, but the memory loss is affecting her rather strongly. These other saps will have an easier time of it- I have given them dreams to help them remember, by picking things out of their own heads. Her mind has already been wiped clean.' Jareth said, standing. Sarah felt her stomach drop. 'You can fix her, right?' She asked. 'With a little help from her closest friend, I believe I can. Tell me, Sarah, what made you remember yourself after you woke from your dream?' He looked at her questioningly. Sarah thought back, remembering the piles of junk and Agatha, the trash lady. 'My room, full of my old things. But at first, I thought I was still at home, and had never come here.' She said.

'Precisely. If I can just borrow some memories of her life with you, I can send her dreams to make her think she had never left her home when she comes round again.' The Goblin King said.

'Where are we?' Erica asked, looking from Jareth to Sarah. 'Are you going to help me?'

'Yes, Erica. We're going to help you.' Sarah sighed, and brushed a lock of hair from her friend's eyes. 'How long will this take?'

'I haven't the slightest clue. It depends on your friend,' Jareth said truthfully. He looked rather awkward, standing in the middle of the throne room fully armored. There was a streak of dirt down the right side of his face, and blood in his messy hair. 'She may wake up from her dreams in a few hours, or in a few weeks.'

'Whatever it takes, I'll be here for her,' said Sarah. She locked eyes with Jareth, her one time enemy. 'Tell me what to do.'

A gentle snore arose from one of the enchanted former slaves stretched out across the room, and the tension that had been mounting broke. Sarah looked away from the Goblin King, blushing. He cleared his throat and looked down at the offending sleeper. 'Charming.'

Sarah laughed.

'Right then. I'd appreciate it if you could help clean her up before this undertaking- and yourself as well. I need purity for the memory spell, and my cleaning staff would hardly appreciate such a mess.' The frank honesty was gone, replaced by the scathing attitude of the Goblin King that Sarah remembered so well.

'Fine. Where can we go?' Sarah said. She was mildly confused by the honest Jareth, so the return of the snarky Goblin King was assuring.

Abruptly, Jareth waved a gloved hand. Their surroundings changed, and the three of them were suddenly standing in a large bedroom. 'This is one of my guest rooms. There is a bathroom through that door over there, and some clothes that should fit Erica in the dresser. Simply speak my name when you are ready, and I will come.'

Sarah cleared her throat, and nodded. 'Thank you, ah, Jareth.'

He looked at her strangely, and then nodded in return. With another lazy wave of his hand, he was gone.

'Well, Erica, let's get you cleaned up!'

'Tell me again, Nuadu, how all this came to be. I am greatly interested in how the only Champion of my Labyrinth made her way back underground,' Jareth said wrathfully. He stood in front of the fire in his study, with Nuadu lounging idly in Jareth's chair. 'I've told you several times now, cousin. What other details do you think I left out?' The silver-haired man said, and leaned back in the chair. Indolently, he placed his feet on the massive oak desk that dominated the room. Jareth glared at him, and Nuadu grinned. 'She stomped into my hiding spot in the back of that filthy hole, flailing about and calling out for her friend. She didn't come in by any way I could see, but she certainly didn't arrive by announcing her attempts to sabotage the Goblin Kingdom. I imagine you can send her on her way, once the memory spell has faded on her friend.'

'You don't understand, cousin,' Jareth said with gritted teeth. 'That could take months. She will not leave her friend, I've already determined. I cannot have her prancing about the Labyrinth, distracting-'

'She distracts you, oh great and mighty Goblin King? What a novel idea! The castle gossips all said you were made of stone!' Nuadu said with a laugh. 'That must be why she said you gave her a fruit of her own. You wanted to keep her!'

'It was in the best interest of the game, and she broke out in less than an hour.'

'You've never offered another Runner near as much to give up, Jareth,' Nuadu said seriously. 'I can see that there is something about her that is special, but to risk everything?'

Jareth walked up to the desk and slammed his hands down on either side of Nuadu's boots. 'Listen to me. You know nothing when it comes to Sarah. Do not show your ignorance by commenting on the situation!' Nuadu slowly removed his feet from the desk and saluted. 'As you wish, your majesty. But, as it was once said... "methinks the lady doth protest too much." '

'Out! Out of my office, insolent wretch! Go, before I bog you like the lowliest goblin!' Jareth shouted. Nuadu disappeared with a chuckle.

'Jareth... Jareth. Goblin King!' Sarah's voice echoed through the room, and Jareth slapped his palm over his face.

Sarah had helped Erica clean herself up, and was relieved to find out that she still had knowledge of basic functions. She remembered how to wash her own hair and dry herself, leaving Sarah free to find something comfortable for her to wear. The closet was full of old fashioned night gowns and dressing robes, much to Sarah's amusement, but she quickly picked out a simple one and helped Erica change. Once Erica was settled and waiting, Sarah went back to the closet again, in hopes of finding something for herself to change into. She opened the closet door again, and was amazed to find that the contents were completely different. It was now full of clothes that set Sarah to salivating- everything from business casual to formal gowns studded in jewels. She eyed the lovely gowns, wishing for an excuse to try them on, and then chose an outfit.

After cleaning herself up, Sarah changed. Dark gray slacks hugged her curves, and a white button up top made her already-pale skin seem ethereal. She completed the outfit with the smart black heels that she had found in the bottom of the closet and a vest that stopped just short of her breasts. She felt more prepared, just by being dressed this way. Or was she scared of something? She shrugged the thought off.

'Why are you dressed so nice, Sarah?' Erica asked from her perch on the corner of the bed.

Sarah blushed. 'I, ahh... I wanted to look nice. It makes me feel better about myself.'

'Oh, okay,' Erica smiled.

Sarah sat down beside her friend. 'Are you ready, hon? We're going to get you back to normal now.' Erica nodded, and Sarah smiled. 'Okay, here goes. Jareth.' She said his name, expecting him to instantly pouf into the room. Nothing happened. 'Jareth. Goblin King!' She tried again.

'I heard you the first time, Sarah...' Jareth said, leaning idly on the wall opposite the bed. Sarah stood, suddenly both angry and nervous, and ran her hands down her legs.

Jareth blinked, once, twice, and then grinned. 'I see the closet was to your liking, Precious.'

Sarah blushed harder. 'Let's just do this, please.'

'As you wish, Sarah,' Jareth said, and walked up to Erica. 'I need you to lay back, Erica, and get as comfortable as you can.' Erica looked up at the Goblin King with her wide brown eyes, and nodded docilely. She crawled up to the top of the bed and stretched out on her side, lost in the huge comforter and the wide pillows. Jareth pulled off his left glove and touched her forehead gently. Her eyes closed, her breath slowed, and she began snoring softly.

'She's asleep?' Sarah asked, commenting on the obvious. 'She is,' Jareth answered. 'Sit, Sarah. I need to touch you, but I need your permission.' He said as he gestured to the space next to him. Sarah shakily obeyed.

'Why do you need my permission?'

Jareth grimaced. 'I need this spell to be pure, and untainted by forcefulness. You have to offer me your memories of her, and I have to give them to her as dreams.'

Sarah swallowed nervously. 'Jareth, I give you permission to touch me,' she said.

'Thank you, Sarah. Relax, and think of Erica as she was.' Jareth said, almost in a whisper. He leaned in close to Sarah, eyes lost. Sarah blinked, and opened her mouth to protest, but then stopped. Think of Erica, think of Erica... Jareth touched her face with his ungloved hand, first on the forehead, and then traced a line of fire down her cheek. His hands were like ice, and yet so burning hot! For a moment, all Sarah could think about was what it would be like to feel those hands all over her skin.

'That is not thinking of Erica, Precious.' Jareth said, breaking Sarah out of her reverie.

'Right, sorry.' Sarah said, embarrassed. She closed her eyes and threw herself in completely to remembering her quirky friend.

Erica had come to Nyack to take on the Principal Ballerina position in the tiny ballet corps, and had answered Sarah's post in the newspaper for a roommate. Sarah, of course, had no need for one as her books began to sell, but something about the tall woman had made Sarah laugh. Friendship was almost certain, and together they helped the ballet grow. Erica gave Sarah ideas for her books, and encouraged her to try new things. She loved the sprawling, epic fantasies that Sarah created. Her favorite color was hot pink. Her tongue was pierced. She loved strawberries. She had never dated seriously. She was a vegan.

The thoughts rolled on and on, becoming more bright and vivid as Sarah became more relaxed. Throughout it all, she could feel the gentle touch of Jareth, drawing the memories away. Then, after what felt like a few moments, his hand fell away. Sarah opened her eyes, surprised. 'Is that it?'

Jareth raised his left hand, gloved again, and pulled a crystal from nothing. In it, Sarah saw images from her own memory dancing around, and Erica's laughing face. He reached out and placed the crystal over Erica's head, and then allowed it to shatter. The memories fell as little shards of crystal, harmlessly absorbed by her friend's skin. 'And now, we wait. I will be able to sense the ending of the spell... and I will send you both home when she is about to wake.'

'Jareth,' Sarah said, nervously. 'Thank you for doing this.'

'Don't thank me, Precious. I don't deserve it.' He stood up, walked a few steps away from the bed, and then disappeared.

'Nuadu, you faithless wretch, where are you?' Jareth shouted the second he got into the throne room. His silver-haired cousin strode in, a goblin on his shoulder, with a mighty grin on his face. 'You bellowed, your majesty?'

'I need to kill something. Arrange a hunting party, or target practice, or something.' Jareth scowled. He aimed a solid kick at the nearest goblin, and sent it flying out the window with a wail.

'Did the spell go wrong? Did the girl kick you in the family jewels?' Nuadu asked. 'I only inquire so I can better understand my king's needs.'

'You only ask because you wish to irritate me.' Jareth said, and pulled a crystal from the air. 'Look,' he said, and tossed the crystal to Nuadu.

'I thought you sent the dreams to the other girl. What is... oh,' Nuadu stopped, mid-sentence, as he saw the image inside the crystal. Sarah stood, lovely and angry, at the foot of a very large bed. She spoke, but he could not hear the words. She appeared closer, and the crystal conveyed the sudden force of her longing. 'I see.'

'I think the strength of her memories will serve admirably for the spell, and her friend will be able to return within the month. I am not so sure about Sarah, however.' Jareth said.

'The enchanted fruit? From 10 years ago? Cousin, you really think that the enchantment would last that long?'

'I was obsessed with her, Nuadu. I watched her every day, from the time she was born to the day she wished away her little brother. It was... inevitable.' The Goblin King heaved himself into the throne and flung his arm wide. 'I thought she was safe, once she defeated me. I believed that once she returned Above, she could live a normal life, without the goblins or their king.'

'Are you so sure that her desire comes from the spell? Maybe it comes from years of dreaming about her favorite villain.' Nuadu suggested.

'I cannot be sure... but I can still sense the enchantment on her. It may just be traces, shreds and cobwebs, but I would hardly believe I am so lucky.' Jareth sighed.

'Luck? Your majesty jests. Surely it is not luck that a beautiful woman would love you. Perhaps the situation can be remedied!' The silver-haired man said, cheerfully.

Jareth looked at Nuadu pointedly. 'On second thought, Nuadu... cancel the target practice. I think I'd much rather be alone.'

Sarah was never one for being alone. That was why she had advertised for a roommate, when she had no need to split the bills- she truly loved other people's company. So when Jareth left her alone, confused and upset, she decided to leave the room and its occupant for a moment. She needed to clear her head, now more than ever.

A door that she had not noticed before led to a balcony with a lovely view and a set of stairs that descended into a small garden. Sarah grasped this opportunity to get a breath of fresh air with relish. She checked on Erica one last time, tucking her in, and then headed out. It was full night, with unfamiliar stars shining like tiny diamonds in the sky. The balcony and ancient stairs were made of the same yellow stone that seemed to dominate the landscape. She took the stairs slowly, trailing her hand down the ivy covered banister. It felt like she was leaving bits of herself in the stone, and she found she didn't really mind. She was picking up new bits of herself as the others fell away.

A small stone bench sat in the middle of the garden. It was placed invitingly next to a rather silly fountain- a goblin dancing drunkenly, with water pouring from its ears. Sarah sat down delicately on the bench and took a deep breath. The days events flashed through her mind, slowly at first. She lingered on the feel of the Goblin King's hand on her face, and wondered at her emotions. These thoughts were pushed aside rapidly, as more pressing things demanded her attention. Would Erica be well again? Why were they here?

Sarah stopped.

She had killed that cat-man. She had done it without even trying. Years of martial arts classes had taken over her body and forced her to respond to a threat that her mind had not even fully processed. The classes had been suggested to her as a form of self defense, and she had enjoyed them for the challenge that they had posed. But never had she ever thought that she would use the lessons learned in this way. A shudder ripped through her body, and tears she didn't know she was holding in began to roll down her face. The eyes of the dead creatures, all of them, began to dance in her head. Despair and disgust roiled in her stomach, and she sobbed for air.

A soft crack of brittle branches underfoot announced the presence of someone in the tiny garden. Sarah stood up rapidly, scrubbing at the tears on her face. Jareth stood a few feet away from her, looking entirely surprised and mildly perturbed.

'I'm sorry, I wasn't aware you were in the gardens... please, forgive me,' he said.

'No, you're fine. It's your garden, after all,' Sarah said bitterly. ' I should probably go check on Erica.'

'She's fine. The spell is still in place. There's no cause for concern.' Jareth said. 'Or tears, for that matter.'

'I'm not crying about her, Goblin King.' Sarah took a deep breath. 'I killed that thing, and I didn't mean to. I just figured I'd knock it back, convince it that I wasn't weak. But I snapped his neck!'

'Ahhh,' he said, and stepped further inside the garden. 'The Kattalva have weak, brittle bones. Your first blow shocked the creature, and your second hit at precisely the right point. It was a one in a million shot, Sarah.'

'Then why did they look at me like that? The ones that surrendered. Like what I did was the most... awful, heinous thing.' Sarah said, sobbing again.

'They regard humans as scum. Less than nothing. They keep them as slaves because humans keep their cousins as pets. A slave fighting back and killing is foreign to them.'

Sarah sat on the bench again. 'Scum. I guess you don't feel that way... You were fighting to protect a bunch of humans you've probably never met.'

'Wrong again, Precious. I would have never come myself if you hadn't stumbled in. Nuadu had the situation well in hand. He may have even gotten the humans out without even alerting Altair.' Jareth sighed, and leaned on the edge of the fountain. 'I imagine I will pay for that one eventually.'

'What would you have done with them then?'

'Most of them have already been returned to their homes. A few lived Underground already, one was from Tir-Na-Nog, and several came from Above. They'll wake in the morning with no recollection of the Kattalva or their fruit.' Jareth looked pointedly at Sarah. 'Your friend is the only one left, and I worked personally towards her returning to normal.'

'That reminds me, Jareth. I said thank you... but you said you didn't deserve it. Why?' Sarah asked. Her tears had begun to dry on her cheeks, and she looked at her former enemy with interest. He looked distinctly uncomfortable.

Jareth paused, looking at Sarah strangely. 'Sarah, I gave you the same kind of fruit a long time ago. I put you in this same situation. I didn't work to help you out of the spell, or its after-effects. I put you in danger.'

'Are you saying I should fear you, Goblin King?' Sarah asked.

'Not fear, no. Hate, perhaps.' Jareth sighed.

'Why?'

'Because I used the same underhanded tricks on you. I needed to... posses you... so badly, that I would have resorted to slavery to have kept you. I thought you were worth any consequences that either of us could have suffered.'

The complete honesty of the Goblin King stunned Sarah. Of all the things she had expected to hear, a confession of guilt and secret longing was not what she had in mind. 'Consequences... what consequences?'

'Sarah, have you ever heard about Persephone and the pomegranate?'

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