Hurts Like Hell

By: NikkiKelly

Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth, Jim Henson does. I do own a wicked pirate hat.

Authors Notes: Another chapter that I really struggled with. It has went through so many rewrites and additions and subtractions, but I think it turned out… OK. Let me know what you think.

Chapter 3: A Snipper in Jareth's Plan

Jareth paced his throne room, slapping his crop against one thigh with each step. It was enough that he now had two mortals to contend with in his home and deal with his brother's antics, but Jaron's newfound interest in the mortal, Alyx, was something he did not need to worry about. Jaron was enough trouble without some shiny new toy to break. He also did not need these things happening while he had Sarah back in his Labyrinth. He was not sure what possessed him to let her stay in his Labyrinth after Jaron had so carelessly flung her into this world, but already he felt strongly drawn to the girl who has beaten his Labyrinth and rejected his heart. His sister had taken off with Sarah upon her arrival, dressing the girl in one of her prettiest gowns, and giving her a tour of his castle, while Jareth tried to use his magic to locate Jaron and Alyx. His extensive brooding finally drew the pair of women to watch him, which did little for his nerves as he haunted his throne room.

So he paced, uttering low curses.

He would kick any goblin that was stupid enough to get in his way, which, by Sarah's count from her vigil at the window, was a, whopping, twenty-seven and a half. The half being one that Jareth didn't actually kick, but nearly squashed when it happened to get under his foot as he stepped. The poor thing barely made off with his life and his ale. The rest of the goblins steered clear of Jareth's path, preferring to stay near the barrels of ale lining one wall. Sarah frowned at Jareth's brooding and glanced over at Jora. Her newfound friend sat, casually, on her brother's throne, one leg tossed over the arm. She was watching him with a smirk hidden behind her delicate hand and remained serenely calm where Jareth was utterly frustrated. She caught Sarah's eye and winked, happily.

Jareth produced a crystal and stared into it. He commanded. "Show me the girl."

The crystal remained clear and he pitched it against the wall with a curse only to resume his pacing. Jora cleared her throat, delicately, trying not to laugh as she stretched one long leg. "He's hiding her from you, is he?"

"I'm going dip him headfirst into the Bog for this one…" Jareth muttered and clenched his fists. "And then I'm going t-"

A goblin in oversized armor crashed his way into the throne room and saluted, timidly. "Your Highness?"

Jareth glared at the trembling creature before him. "What is it?"

"My troops have returned with no sighting of Prince Jaron or Lady Alyxandrea."

"Then go look again!" Jareth roared and the goblin squeaked in fright before rushing from the room.

Sarah took a deep breath. "Calm down. They'll be back."

"You underestimate my brother." Jareth replied, coldly. "She could be gone for good where he is concerned."

"He doesn't seem all that bad." Sarah frowned. "A little warped, but-"

"No… He's much worse."

Jora gave a short laugh. "She won't be seriously injured, Jareth. She may have a few new bumps and scrapes or be covered in tar and chicken feathers when they get back, but-"

"Won't be seriously injured?" Jareth stared at her in shock. "What about Wi-"

"Jareth." Jora warned, her calm face going stern. "Don't."

"What are you-" Sarah paused as she heard a noise outside. She cocked her head to the side, listening out the window. "Do you hear that?"

"What?" Jareth asked, grumpily.

"I hear… Singing?"

Jora and Jareth joined her at the window and they heard someone singing, very loudly and very drunkenly. Although the voice was, strangely, in key and sounded okay.

"Good Gods, it's them." Jareth scowled as Jaron and Alyx stumbled into sight in the garden. The Goblin Prince had his arm around the mortal's waist and hers slung around his shoulders. Jaron was singing an old dwarf drinking song at the top of his lungs as they stumbled towards the castle, trying to support one another. Alyx giggled as he twirled her around and they danced their way up the paths.

"Are they…" Sarah squinted and then laughed. "Are they drunk?"

"As lords!" Jora chuckled.

Jaron sat down on a nearby bench and pulled Alyx down to his lap, as he bellowed another raunchy verse with renewed gusto. The pair nearly toppled from the bench and erupted in a burst of happy laughter.

"He learns these things from drinking with the fairies, the goblins, and the dwarves." Jareth said, wryly. "They've no doubt returned from a fairy ring."

"That is why he is called the Friend of Fairies, Jareth. He has a quite a taste for the honeysuckle whiskey, I'm told." Jora said in return as she smiled.

"Honeysuckle whiskey?" Sarah asked, curiously.

"'Tis a brew the fairies make." Jareth frowned. "The rotgut is quite potent and no drink for mortals. I'll go get her and take-"

"Leave her for minute, Jareth. Let her enjoy herself." Jora ordered.

Jareth turned to her, shocked. "She's drunk!"

"Yes, but she's having a good time." Jora pointed out. "Her life was just turned upside down and inside out. She needs a little fun."

"Our brother is not a good role model for her. She is still young and impressionable. Besides, this could tarnish her rep-"

"He won't harm her."

"You have such faith." Jareth muttered.

"And you have so little!" Jora snapped.

"I do not trust him because he has proven time and time again that he is untrustworthy. Need I remind you of Willow?"

Sarah raised an eyebrow as Jora raised her hand to stall her brother.

Jora replied. "There is no proof to that rumor."

"Who's Willow?" Sarah asked.

"No proof? Is that what you call our little visitor last week?" Jareth asked, ignoring Sarah questions.

Jora focused her glare upon him. "This is not the time, nor is it the place to discuss such things, Jareth."

He turned away from her and looked back out the window. "I'm getting Alyxandrea and putting her in her room."

In the garden, Alyx wrapped her arms around Jaron's neck and murmured against his skin. "I liked that song."

"I am glad you enjoyed it. You need to go to bed. Your eyelids are drooping." Jaron chuckled as his fingers caressed her cheek and then he rose with her in his arms.

"I'm not tired." She yawned.

Jaron laughed. "I see."

He carried her as if she was as light as a feather and crept into the castle. Sneaking down the hall, he stopped when voice rang out from behind him.

"Jaron…" Jareth commanded. "Come back here."

Groaning, inwardly, Jaron decided to make the best of a bad situation and spun around. He broke into a wide grin. "Good evenings and salutations to everyone!"

"Hiya Sarah!" Alyx giggled and then pointed at the Goblin King. "Jareth! I can practically see the steam coming from your ears. You look so mad!"

Jareth seemed appalled. "Has she been drinking?"

"Just a little honeysuckle whisky. Don't be a spoilsport, Goblin King." Alyx giggled as Jaron set her on her feet and gently adjusted her mussed clothing. She still leaned against him for support as Jareth glared at them.

"What the bloody hell are you two wearing?" Jareth asked with a grimace. "Rags?"

"No." Jaron looked down at his ripped pants and back up to his brother with a shrug. "Fairy clothes."

Jareth scowled. "Jora, will you take Alyx to her room so she may sleep this off?"

Alyx put her hand out to stop them. "I am perfectly capable of walking to my own room, thank you."

She turned and headed down the hall away from them, stumbling as she went.

"Lady Alyx, your room is the other way," Jora called out, trying not to laugh.

Alyx stopped and turned back to the group, nearly falling. "I knew that."

Jaron stepped forward to support her again. "I can take her-"

"No. You and I need to have a talk." Jareth came and took Alyx's arm. "I shall put her to bed. Meet me in my office, brother."

Jareth then half-dragged Alyx to the door of her room by her arm. When they stepped inside, Alyx shoved him away from her, roughly.

"Get off me! Get away from me! Don't you blame this all on him! He was just trying to be nice to me!" Angry tears came to her blue eyes. "Why can't I be happy if I'm stuck here forever? Why don't you just leave me alone?"

"I'll tell you this, mortal. I am king here and you have no authority over me!" Jareth snarled as he sat her down on her bed, hard. "You'll do right to remember that."

"Oh, I won't forget it!" Alyx said, her voice quaking with rage. "You just remember that I said you are a stuck up snob and-and-and a jerk!"

"You are obviously in no shape to carry on a respectable conversation." Jareth set his jaw. "I'll send Abby to ready you for bed. We shall speak in the morning."

He disappeared and she scowled.

"'We will speak in the morning.'" She mocked and hugged her knees to her chest. She muttered. "Asshole." Abby came through the door and, instantly, Alyx's face brightened. "Abby!"

"Good Gods, Jaron has gotten you drunk." The elf groaned. "Come and let me get you changed for bed, miss."

Jaron retired to his room, refusing to comply with his brother's demands. Making a sweeping motion over his body with his hand, he changed into his sleeping attire of a pair of baggy black sleeping pants. He sat on the edge of the bed and scratched his head thoughtfully. By the Gods, that mortal was interesting. They had spoken for hours in the Wood of everything that they could think of. He told her of his childhood and she told him of hers in return. A slow smile spread across his face at the very thought of her, but melted when Jareth appeared.

Jareth's face was stern. "I thought I told you to meet me in my office?"

"Come right in, brother." Jaron muttered and shrugged. "I was tired."

"I meant it, Jaron."

"And I was tired." Jaron repeated.

Jareth exploded. "Must you always defy me? Do I not treat you well? Am I not a fair Fae when it comes to your antics?"

"Jareth, I've been drinking and dancing and I'm tired. Must we do this tonight?" Jaron put his head in his hands. "I'm getting the beginnings of one bloody hell of a headache."

"Yes, we are doing this tonight! I am fed up with your behavior! You are a prince of the Underground and you should behave like one. By the Gods, Jaron, you are 127 years old! You aren't a child! You are an adult, a royal, and above all you are a Sindhe!"

"Don't you think I know that by now?" Jaron retorted.

"Apparently not! You have only just recently crossed worlds, which, by the way, is a power that no one knew you possessed, and you proceeded dragged back a mortal with you-"

"You're welcome, by the way." Jaron replied, smugly.

Jareth chose to ignore him and continued. "Then you run off with my mortal charge and bring her home dressed in rags and as drunk as a Cluricaun in Dionysus's wine cellar!"

"I was only having a little fun with Alyx! You act as if I was going to rape and pillage the girl!"

"Mayhap my thoughts stray that way because of our most recent visitor?" Jareth countered, circling his brother.

A stony look came over Jaron's face as he realized where Jareth was going. "Mab? What of her?"

Jareth stepped closer to his brother, staring him down as he spoke. "How could I ever trust someone who keeps a constant consort with the Queen of Air and Darkness? How could I ever trust someone who led an innocent into that damned spider's web?"

"I did no such thing." Jaron replied, heatedly. "Willow went of her own will. She made her own choice."

"With all the persuasion in the world from you. Stay away from the mortals. Mab needs no more courtiers from you." Jareth turned to walk from the room, tossing his last order over his shoulder. "Grow up, Jaron."

Jaron rose to his feet in a rage. "I'll consort with who I please and I will do as I please."

Jareth spun and pointed his riding crop at Jaron. "You test my patience. Don't try me, Jaron. I'll throw you-"

"Sure! Go ahead! Throw me into the Bog, throw me into an oubliette, or even throw me to the Highland banshees for all I care!" Jaron's face grew disgusted. "Do what you do best, Jareth. Put things in places where you can forget about them."

Jareth sneered. "The Bog would not do you justice!"

"Then by all means, just banish me!" Jaron said, his Irish temper getting the best of him.

Jareth poked him in the chest with his riding crop. "One day I may be forced to do just that."

Jaron grabbed the end of the crop and narrowed his eyes. "Do not poke me."

Jareth jerked it from Jaron's hand and the pair stared each other down, both too stubborn to back down. The Goblin King ordered. "Stay away from the mortals. Go find yourself a nice water sprite, bed her for a few days, and stay out of my hair. Go to the Highlands for the sake of the Gods or even Mab's arms, but whatever you do, get the hell out of my Labyrinth!"

With that Jareth, turned, and left the room. Jaron clenched his fists and kicked a chair across the room. Going to his window, he sat on the ledge, and stared out over the darkened Labyrinth and mused over his brother's words. Then there was a sudden rustle of magic and feathers and he was gone. Left in his place, rested one gold feather.

After she had made sure that Alyx was safely asleep in her bed, Sarah headed for the splendid room that Jora had prepared for her. Upon entering, she rubbed at her aching neck, and musing over the Goblin King. It was unclear how long he was going to let her stay in the Underground. With his brother around causing him ever constant headaches, there was no telling how long he would want to fool with having her around as well. Then again, she argued with herself, he surely would only do something like this if it benefited him in some way. How could he benefit from letting her stay here?

Changing into the nightgown that she found, laid out on her bed, she plaited her hair into a quick braid before stepping out to her balcony. The cool wind blew as she stared out over the ever changing Labyrinth. It was hard for her to believe she was really here again. It overjoyed her to think that the next day she would be seeing her friends and introducing them to Alyx. A small smile drifted across her face.

A sudden noise came behind her and she whirled around, seeing no one. Glancing up at the carving above her balcony doors, she narrowed her eyes. A white owl was perched there, looking as embarrassed as an owl could look. She crossed her arms over her chest with a frown.

"That's creepy, Jareth… You're creepy."

The bird titled its head and tried to look innocent.

"Don't try that crap. I know it's you." Sarah said. "After you jumped Jaron's case for flirting with Alyx, do you really feel like you've got the right to play peeping tom with me?"

It hooted once and ruffled its feathers, indignantly.

"You were a jerk tonight… Again. You really need to stop that."

As if it tried to ignore her, the bird peered off into the night.
"Don't you have better things to do than spy on me?" She huffed and with that said, she strode into her room, closing her balcony doors behind her. The owl hooted again and took off into the night. Sarah flung herself on her bed and scowled. Why was he bothering her anyways? He had a whole kingdom full of people to antagonize besides her.

She was beautiful even in the arms of Morpheus.

Raven tresses spread out over the pillow like tiny rivers of night and her lips parted with each breath. Her arms and legs entangled in the covers, giving her something to hold as she slept. Jaron was jealous of Morpheus. He wished for the mortal to be in his arms and not alone in the giant silver poster bed. She mumbled in her sleep and rolled over, one small hand clutching at her pillow. Jaron tensed, fearing she would wake.

She gave a contented sigh and breathed. "Jaron…"

Jaron's breath caught in his throat and he smiled. Wishing not to intrude of the mortal's slumber any longer, he took to the air.

Jareth stared, with as much shock as his owl form could muster, at the balcony door that Sarah had slammed in his face. Ruffling his feathers in agitation, he gave a disgruntled hoot. Peering out over the skies above his Labyrinth, he narrowed his large and seeking eyes. There, flying over the hedge maze, was a gray gyrfalcon. Jareth watched as it lazily cruised the skies, dipping and weaving, with no real purpose. Unnatural, it seemed. Jareth narrowed his eyes at the familiar creature, recognizing the tell-tale streaks of gold and silver in the feathers. Curious, he took flight, and headed towards the gyrfalcon. The gyrfalcon, as if sensing the Goblin King's looming presence, dove into the Labyrinth. Jareth flew, lazily, knowing he would find the bird, eventually. He landed in an empty clearing, just south of the hedge maze. His booted feet hit first in the soft grass, making no sound. He peered around, searching for his prey.

"Looking for me?"

Jareth crossed towards the lone oak tree that grew in the middle of the clearing. He peered up into the branches and saw a figure dressed in black, lounging with their back against the trunk. One booted foot swung in the dark.

Jareth smirked and put his hands on his hips. "You are predictable, brother."

"Oh?" Jaron peered down, curious. "Am I really?

"No." Jareth conceded. "You really are the most unpredictable of all Fae."

"Thank you. Are you still angry with me?"

"Yes, but I am calmer now. Why did you not tell me that you could cross worlds?"

"You never asked." Jaron replied, spinning a golden feather between two fingers.

Jareth was silent for one moment. "Fair enough. When and where did you learn?"

"Long ago and far away."

"Why did you bring Sarah across?"

Jaron looked down at his older brother. "It pleased the mortal."

"Sarah?"

"Alyx."

The brothers stared at one another, both thinking of the mortals that rested in the castle. Jaron let loose of the feather and watched it float to the forest floor.

"I love her."

Both spoke at once and stared at the other in shock. Neither could believe that the other had spoken such a dear confession aloud.

Jaron frowned. "I'll not fight you over this mortal, Jareth. I'll die for her."

"I'll kill you for her." Jareth stated.

The pair stared, again, and their looks turned to glares.

Jareth spoke, low and cruel. "I saw her first."

"You stalked her."

"I love her."

"Wait…" Jaron frowned. "Alyx?"

Jareth blinked, confused. "Sarah."

Jaron began to chuckle, then his laugh rang out over the Labyrinth. Clutching the nearest branch, as he began to chortle. Louder he became, until he threw his head back to bellow out his laughter. Jareth stared at him, in a combination of dismay and shock.

"Good Gods, he's gone mad." Jareth muttered.

Jaron wiped the tears from his eyes. "Have her, brother. I wish Sarah to be your Queen!"

"Come again?" Jareth frowned, confused.

Jaron slid down from his perch, to stand before his brother. He clapped Jareth on the shoulder. "I never did like green eyes.

Jareth, catching on, smirked. "I hate blue."

"I am glad we agree."

"For once, at least."

"She smells of sweeter things, Jareth. Things I do not have a name for… For the first time in my immortal life, I am afraid." The Goblin Prince's hand tightened on his brother's shoulder. "Not for me, but for her."

Jareth's hand came up to cover his sibling's, and tightened. "Do not hurt the girl. She is nearly shattered."

"You are right…" Jaron voice grew cold and her jerked away, abruptly. "And I am broken."

In a flurry of magic and the gentle caress of feathers, the Goblin Prince was gone. Jareth was alone in the dark clearing. Crossing his arms over his chest, Jareth watched the gyrfalcon on the skies, until it vanished from sight. He sighed, as he worried, and feared the nearest future.

Alyx awoke the next day to sunlight streaming in over her face once more. This time she felt nothing pleasant, but instead the aching of her head and the roll of her nauseous stomach. She groaned and pulled the blanket up over her face, wishing for the light to go away.

"That comes with drinking too much." Jora's sweet voice rang out.

Alyx peeked over the blanket and saw Jora and Sarah smiling down at her from either side of the bed. She groaned. "I feel horrible."

Sarah said as she sat on the corner of the bed, and tucked a stray lock away from the girl's face. "You were pretty drunk."

"Was I terribly stupid last night?" Alyx asked, weakly.

"Not terribly." Jora replied with a shrug.

"I'll never drink that stuff again…" Alyx groaned and pulled a pillow over her face. "My head feels like someone's hitting it with a hammer."

"I've sent for Abby to bring you some medicine and lunch. Are you hungry?" Jora asked.

"Good Gods, no!" Alyx shook her head, nauseous at the mere mention of food, and peeked from under the pillow. "Did Jaron get in trouble?"

"I believe he and Jareth exchanged a few harsh words before they retired last night." Jora admitted.

"I don't want him in trouble over me." Alyx sat up, carefully, in the bed, wincing at her headache. "I like Jaron. I had fun last night."

"I suspect you did. Fairy rings are quite enjoyable and especially so when attended with Jaron. Besides, he doesn't mind being in trouble. He thrives on it." Jora smiled. "Are you up for a walk? I told Sarah that we'd all see the gardens if you were up to it."

Sarah nodded. "Then I want to take you to meet my friends; Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus. They are anxious to meet you."

"Sounds fun." Alyx got out of bed. "I'm okay, I think."

"She is going nowhere today." Jareth smooth voice came from Alyx's balcony doors.

Alyx gasped, clutching her blankets to her chest. "Don't you know how to knock?"

"It's my castle." Jareth replied. "I don't have to knock."

The trio of women glared at the Goblin King as he leaned against the door jam and he only smirked back at them. As always, Jareth had come dressed to impress. He wore a blue half-length jacket with cuffed sleeves that buttoned just past his elbows and a tattered edges. A lacy shirt peeked out from under that, framing his royal medallion in ruffles. Matching blue breeches clung to him like a second skin and disappeared into knee high black boots. He gave all three girls a jagged smile.

Alyx frowned. "Why am I not allowed to go anywhere?"

"You are 'floored', as you mortals say." Jareth looked smug.

"You mean grounded?" Alyx asked, a little confused.

"That's what I said. You are confined to your room today. There will be no special visits out and about for you after last night's spectacle."

"You can't ground her!" Sarah rose from Alyx's beside and moved to go around the bed, angry. "You have no right-"

His eyes flashed. "Oh, I believe I do. Your friend wished herself away into my care, thus I am her guardian."

"You are not the boss of me!" Alyx retorted, rising from the bed and glaring at him, her hands on her hips. "You can't tell me what to do!"

"I am and I can." Jareth replied, coldly.

Jora started. "Jareth, please-"

"No. The girl is confined to her quarters. Perhaps that will quell such unruly behavior from her." Jareth spat out, ignoring the evil looks he received from all three. He gave them another hard smile. "Now, on to other matters… Where is he?"

"Who?" Jora asked, confused.

"Our brother."

She shrugged. "I haven't seen him this morning. Perhaps he is 'laying low', as they say Aboveground?"

"Abby!" Jareth called and almost, instantly, the elf poked her head in the doorway.

"Yes, your majesty?" She asked.

"Where is Jaron?"

"He said he was going to the Highlands to visit the Amarantha family, sir. Promised to return in a few days. He also said something about…" Abby blushed. "Well, beg your pardon, your majesty, but, 'bedding a sprite'."

Jareth smirked. "Cute. At least the wretch took my orders for once."

"Orders?" Jora asked. "You ordered him to go to the Highlands and 'bed a sprite'?"

"I did. Those were just the sort of orders to keep him out of our hair." Jareth turned to the still fuming Alyx and pierced her with his steely glaze. "As for you, I want no more back talk from you. Your actions last night would be enough to turn off even the Unseelie Court. Do you understand me?"

Alyx's face went stony and she leveled her chin. "Oh, yes, Goblin King. You have made yourself crystal clear. Quite transparent, actually. A blind man could see through you!"

With that, she stormed away to the bathroom, slamming the door behind her as hard as she could.

Jareth stared after her in shock and scowled. "Where the bloody hell did that come from?"

"I told you that you don't know anything about teenagers." Jora reminded him.

Sarah chuckled. "Seventeen years of verbal abuse like that from her father has, obviously, stressed her out, Jareth. You must have been the proverbial straw that broke the camel's back."

Jareth gave her a glare and turned to his sister, who had an amused look on her face. "I'll expect you to remedy her attitude when you train her for court. I can't very well marry off a girl like her when that kind of venom spews from her lips."

"Marry her off?" Sarah's jaw dropped. "You can't be serious!"

"What else shall you have me do with her? Turn her into a goblin and send her to work with Heggit?"

"Hoggle."

"Whatever." Jareth dismissed it with a wave of his hand.

Jora spoke up. "You can't be thinking of shoving her out into the marriage mart so soon, Jareth. She's just arrived. She's still isn't really believing this is happening to her. The girl needs more time to adjust."

"What do you want me to do with her then? Leave her here, locked up in my castle, surrounded by goblins, a Labyrinth, and our less than honorable brother?" Jareth snorted. "It is better to marry her off to one of the young Fae at Court and have her out of my way."

"Out of your way? How could she ever be in your way? How does she interfere with you taking babies and turning them into goblins?" Sarah countered, angrily. "You really haven't changed one bit have you? You are still the cold, unfeeling, yet generous Goblin King!"

Sarah turned and stalked to the bathroom, following Alyx in her quest to distance herself from Jareth.

Jora sighed and gave her brother a wry smile. "Well, congratulations… That's four people you've manage to run off today and it's not even noon."

"Four, but-" Jareth turned and watched his sister stalk out of the room and away from him. He groaned. "Bloody hell."

Sarah shut the bathroom door behind her, tears stinging her eyes. He was cruel and unfeeling, the Goblin King. He spoke of Alyx as if she was only a possession that was to be paraded about like a circus poodle. Worst of all, Jareth had finally begun to frighten her. His sudden cold and changing moods were becoming ever existent. She worried of what he could do to Alyx if he sent her home. Would he hurt the girl? At a sudden noise, she looked up to see Alyx trying to shimmy out the bathroom window. Sarah's jaw dropped. The girl had changed into her jeans and a loose fitting shirt for comfort in her escape and was attempting to run away.

"What are you doing?" Sarah gasped.

"I'm running away." Alyx grunted as she tried to swing her leg over the window ledge.

Sarah grabbed her arm and stopped the girl. "Are you crazy? You'll never find your way through the Labyrinth."

"You did." Alyx pointed out.

"I met Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus and they helped me. I was lucky."

"Lucky is my middle name." Alyx replied. "Cover for me? Tell Jareth I'm sick or crying or dead or something."

"Please don't do this, Alyx." Sarah begged. "Maybe we can-"

"He'll not own me. No one will." Alyx shook her head. "I won't live in my father's house again, Sarah."

With that, she disappeared down the vines covering the castle walls. Sarah bit her lip and sat down hard on the edge of the tub. Things had just gone from bad, to worse.

Jaron lay on his back, the sun shining down on him, brightly, from above. Lacing his fingers behind his head, he basked in the golden sunlight. He was quite shirtless and sunbathing, on a raft floating, lazily, down the Rune River deep in the Enchanted Wood. To his left Trog was lying in a similar fashion staring up at the fluffy clouds.

"This is the life…" Trog said and the pair sighed, happily.

Jaron pointed skyward. "That one looked like a selkie."

"Yeah and that one to the left looks like a wyvern."

"No, it does-" Jaron squinted and cocked his head. "Oh. It does."

Trog laughed. "And that one looks like Jareth with his head up his butt!"

Jaron grinned. "It is a stunning likeness of his most royal pain-in-my-ass."

"So how long do you think it'll be before he figures out we really aren't in the Highlands?"

"Three days or so. Depending upon what kind of havoc we reek in the Labyrinth and how quick others are to complain."

"Great! So, I have this idea for a spring action catapult. The construction is pretty simple and requires few supplies. We can load it with Bog sludge and aim towards Jareth's quarters at the castle. Ludo is strong enough to pull it back so-"

Jaron grinned. "Whoa snipper-tooth, I like the idea of the catapult and the target, but Bog sludge? We'll never get that stink off ourselves afterwards."

"Okay, okay… Tar and feathers then, banshee-breath."

Jaron laughed. "Glorious. All hail the Chicken King!"

The twosome erupted in laughter that echoed across the empty lake. Rolling over to his stomach, Jaron studied his reflection in the water, and tugged at his silver earring.

"You know, Jareth brought up Mab and Willow when we fought."

"She came visiting you didn't she?" Trog's face dropped.

"He worries that I'll lead the new mortal to eternal damnation within Mab's gates."

"Yeah, because you do that all the time." Trog rolled her eyes. "I wish he'd stop acting like someone stuck a snipper up his arse."

"Me too. I'm always going to be part human and that bothers him, Trog." Jaron frowned.

"I think he's mortal-aphobic or something after Sarah beat his Labyrinth. He never got on your case before."

"I didn't live in the Labyrinth before then. I was at Merial with mother and father before… Willow." Jaron pointed out. "He didn't have to put up with me that often."

"Point taken. What in bloody hell does Mab want with you, anyway?"

"What any succubus does. To screw me and kill me, I suppose. Since Carsys's demise, she has been looking for new bed partners. Apparently, I've built quite a name for myself in the Underground." Jaron smirked and trailed his fingers in the crystal waters. "Beautiful as our Queen of Air and Darkness is, I can't help but to think of black widow spiders when I see her."

"Yeah… So what do you think of this mortal? Lady Alyx?" Trog asked, arching one eyebrow.

"She is something different." A small smile played across his lips as he though of Alyx.

"What do you think Jareth will do with her?" Trog asked, suspecting that the Goblin Prince liked the mortal a lot more than he was letting on.

"Present her to Court, I'm sure. He'll probably have Mother find some duke or prince or lord and foist the mortal off onto him in some sort of arranged marriage. If I had been born a female, he'd have married me off a long time ago." Jaron rose to his knees on the raft and gazed out over the lake. "Maybe, he'll marry her off well."

"Why don't you marry her?"

Jaron snorted. "The day he'll let me marry that mortal is the day the Bog starts smelling like roses from Sheridan's Field and the goblin's learn to fly over it on the backs of chickens."

"So you would marry her?"

Jaron mused on the thought for a moment. "Couldn't be too bad, I suppose."

Trog snickered. "You suppose?"

"Pity that I'm not the marrying type, huh?"

"Pity or miracle?"

Alyx made her way through the many twists and turns in the Labyrinth, grumbling to herself as she did so. She had put up with enough tyranny from her father and wasn't going to hear it from The Goblin King as well. It was a big Underground after all. She was sure she would be able to find someone else to help her rather than that hateful Goblin King. She sighed as a branch smacked her in the face for the third time in ten minutes. She wished Jaron were with her. It would have made this trip a little more bearable. She then turned a corner and found herself at a dead end.

"Not another one!" She groaned and turned to retrace her steps. She found that the walls had moved to block her in. She cried out in dismay. "No!"

"Seems you can't go that way anymore." A voice came from behind her and she turned to find a statue of a centaur smiling down at her. "This place has a habit of changing on you."

"Who are you?"

"Excuse me, madam. Where are my manners?" He bowed at the waist. "I am the Guardian of The Passage of Mirrors and you are?"

"Alyx… Gideon… of the Aboveground."

"Mortal?" His eyes lit up. "On the search for the castle, I suppose?"

She shook her head. "Nope… Trying to get away from it, actually."

"Oh? I've never had anyone looking for the way out before. Odd. Whatever your flavor is, I suppose." He shrugged.
"Do you know the way out of the Labyrinth?"

He shook his head. "Alas, no, but if you wish, you may enter the Passage. Many say it is an exit."

"Is it?"

He shrugged. "I cannot move but to where the Labyrinth moves me. Your guess would be as good as mine. Care to give it a try?"

Alyx bit her lip and looked back to the dead end behind her. "I guess I have no choice, do I?"

"You could always wait for it to change again, but it rarely happens for those who want it."

"Okay, I'll try the Passage. Where do I get in?"

"Here." His base slid back to reveal some steps leading down into the ground. It looked deep and dark. "There should be a torch to light your way."

"Should be?"

He shrugged. "I've only heard, my lady."

Alyx took a deep breath and began to descend the steps. "Thanks for the help."

"Of course… Oh, my lady?"

She paused and looked up at him. "Yes?"

"Good luck." He said, sincerely.

"Thanks." Alyx reached the bottom of the steps and the statue slid back into place, leaving her in absolute darkness. "Hey! Oh, now what?"

To her left, a torch flared into existence and revealed to her a rounded chamber with three tall mirrors lined along the wall each with an ornate face carved into the top of each frame. Alyx looked around her perplexed.

"There's no way out of here at all!"

"Of course there is!" The first of the faces above the mirror peered down at her.

The second added. "You just ain't looking close enough."

The third yawned and promptly fell asleep.

Alyx looked at her reflection in all three mirrors. "You're only mirrors."

"Shows what you know!" Mirror one laughed.

"One of us is the exit." Two added.

Three dozed.

Alyx was confused. "But you all look the same."

One snorted. "So you say."

"Won't make it far in the Labyrinth, this one!" Two cackled.

Three snored.

"I don't want to solve the Labyrinth. I want out of it." Alyx told them.

One looked astonished. "Out?"

"Not in you say?" Two asked.

Three gurgled.

Alyx stated. "I want away from the castle. As far away as I can get."

"Then you want our door, all right." One smirked. "It is the best way out of the Labyrinth."

Two added. "Bypasses the hedge maze and the forests entirely. Puts you at the outer edge in the north it does."

Three groaned.

"How do I get through then?" Alyx asked.

"Can't tell ya. You got to find it yourself." One said.

"Them's the rules." Two finished.

Three mumbled in his sleep.

Alyx sat down on the floor in front of the three of them and stared. "Can't you give me a hint?"

One peered down at her. "We can't."

Two looked to his right. "That's his job."

Three let out another snore.

"Lazy bones!" One hollered.

"Do your part, you loafer." Two admonished.

Three opened one sleepy eye. "Why? She'll pick the wrong one. They always do."

"We won't know unless we give her a chance." One said in a chipper voice.

"Go on and give her the clue, you dunce!" Two yelped.

"Oh, all right…" Three said, clearing his throat and said in a deep booming voice.

"We be the Mirrors three.

What you get is only what you see.

Study us close and you'll find,

One of us isn't what he seems mime."

He grumbled a little at the end and coughed. "How's that?"

"Not much help." Alyx admitted. "But thanks anyway."

"Of course."

Alyx studied all three mirrors slowly, looking for any physical discrepancies. She rose and walked before them studying her reflection.

"I look the same in all of you and you three all look just alike." Alyx furrowed her brow in thought. She took a few steps back and looked at all three mirrors at once. Something was missing, but what? She was in the reflections, and they all three looked alike physically, but something wasn't there. Her eyes drifted towards Three and noticed the words on the wall behind her. She gasped and turned to grab the torch and read the giant plaque on the wall behind her. "The Mirrors Three…"

Stepping before One and Two they showed the words backwards, but when she got to Three, she could read it plain as day.

"The words don't come out backwards!" Alyx put back the torch and stood before Three. "You're not a real mirror! You're the door!"

One laughed aloud. "She figured us out!"

"You're the first in a long time!" Two chuckled.

Three actually grinned. "I'd begun to worry that mortals no longer used their brains. Walk through and to the outer edge of the Labyrinth."

Alyx stepped through the fake mirror and found her self facing a stone wall with an endless corridor that led into the distance to her left and right. "Where to now?"

"'Allo." A tiny voice came from in front of her.

She looked down to see a small blue worm perched on a brick before her. She squatted down with a smile. "Oh, hello."

"You all right?" He asked, merrily.

"A little lost. Do you know the way out of the Labyrinth?"

"To the castle?" he shook his head. "Nah, I'm just a worm."

"No, to the front gates. I want to leave the Labyrinth."

He cocked his head to one side. "Oh, you want out do you? Go up that-a-ways for a bit. Ya can't miss them doors. Gatekeeper's hut is on the other side. That's how you know you're out."

Alyx smiled at him. "Thanks."

"No problem. Want a cup of tea before you go? You look beat."

"No thanks. I have to be going. I've been lucky to get this far so fast. Thank you again."

"You're welcome. Never seen anyone want to get away from the castle as much as you. Where ya headed?"

"I don't know… What's beyond the Labyrinth?" Alyx asked.

"Oh, the rest of the Underground, I suppose. The Seelie Court at Merial, the Enchanted Wood, the Highlands, just to name a few."

"At least out there I'll have choices. My own choices."

"When you get outside, don't take the eastern path!" He warned. "Never go that way!"

"Oh? Thanks. Goodbye." Alyx headed down the direction he pointed her in.

He shook his head. "If she'd taken that eastern path it would have taken her straight to the Seelie Court in Merial! She wouldn't want to go there!"

Alyx continued on her way until she came to two large wooden doors. She pulled one open and peered outside. A little hut with smoke coming from the chimney stood to one side and a small fountain on the other. The sun was setting and she needed to find a safe place to sleep that night. She stepped out of the Labyrinth and headed down the path leading to the forest.

A voice called out. "Hold on you!"

Jareth paced outside the doorway to Alyx's room, debating. Maybe he really should apologize to the girl. She had been through enough already and he hadn't helped matters by yelling at her. Regardless of his icy exterior, the Goblin King still had a good heart. He had felt that perhaps, punishing the girl would make her not wish to defy him again, but it had only made matters worse. He had spent a lot of time alone in his throne room since the argument this morning, musing over his actions. The mortal girl had ignored her lunch, sending message with Sarah that she didn't feel well. The last thing he needed was the mortal dying of starvation, so he decided to let her free to come to dinner with them. He strode into the room, intending upon making some sort of an apology to the girl and found it empty. He strode back into the hall where Sarah was peeking out from her doorway, a worried look on her face.

"Where is Alyxandrea?" He asked.

She tried to shrug, nonchalantly. "Is she not in her room?"

He crossed the hall to stand directly before Sarah with a stern look upon his sharp face. "I have a sudden suspicion that there is treachery afoot. Where is Alyxandrea?"

"Even if I knew I wouldn't tell you!" Sarah's eyes flashed green fire.

"Do not toy with me, Sarah." Jareth advanced on her with a growl. "I shall not hesitate to throw you into the Bog of-"

"That threat is growing old, Jareth." Sarah countered, hotly.

Jareth paused for a moment and his eyes glinted. "Perhaps, but it is tried and true. Do you wish to test me? Where is Alyx?"

"She left!" Sarah exploded, angrily. "She left hours ago because she couldn't stand to be around you!"

"To where?" He frowned.

"To find her way out of the Labyrinth."

"What?" Jareth stared at Sarah, shocked. "When? Why?"

"Well, you were being a jerk earlier, Jareth." Sarah reminded him. "She didn't want to stay here with you so she climbed out the window in her bathroom."

Jareth turned heel and grabbed the nearest goblin. "You! Round up some troops and find that missing mortal!"

"Aye, sir!" He raced away as fast as his short legs would carry him.

Jareth turned back to Sarah and frowned. "Why didn't you tell me?"

"She's my friend." Sarah replied raising her chin. "I promised her that I would buy her some time."

"It is dangerous outside my castle walls for mortals to wonder unchecked." Jareth replied, coldly. "You should have told me what she was up to and I would have talked with the girl."

"Would you have really listened to what she wanted to say?" Sarah asked.

Jareth began to retort back, but paused, thinking of his earlier actions. He sighed. "I suppose not. Come with me so we can find her before she falls headfirst into the Bog."

Sarah blinked as he turned and headed down the hall. Shaking her head, she raced to follow.