Chapter 4: A Proposal
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Disclaimer: I own nothing.
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A/N: Im sorry about the delay guys. And sadly this chapter is a bit shorter than the others. But I feel youll still enjoy it.
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The Goblin King was a strict believer that once something was stated there was no way to undo it. However, in dire situations he did believe that loopholes could be found. And in this situation Sarah had placed them both into he was contemplating, where was the loophole? Draped over his throne bouncing Toby in his lap as he thought.
He continuously went over her words in his head, "I wish the goblins would come and take you away. Right now." And he occasionally though of what he told her, "You have thirteen hours to reclaim your brother, otherwise he will be one of us forever." Now, if he could simply offer her another proposition. One that applied purely to what she said.
That is when he found his loophole he so desperately craved. And a smile appeared on his face when he thought of it. Now he simply had to find the girl.
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Sarah and Hoggle were navigating the Labyrinth on a direct path to the Goblin city. Neither one saying a word. Until, Hoggle spoke up that is. "You know Sarah Jareth isnt..."
A voice with a slight sing song tone highlighting the sarcasm dripping in his voice "Jareth isnt what, Hogswig." Jareth stated glowering down at the dwarf. Hoggle backed up bumping into Sarah, "Oh uh your majesty."
"Leave us Hogib. I need to talk to Sarah. Alone." Sarah's eyes narrowed looking at him, "And why would that be." She didnt trust him. Who could blame her? In her mind Jareth was simply all tricks. She grabbed Hoggle. "Dont leave Hoggle."
"Now Sarah you either let him leave and allow us to talk unless you want him to be landed straight into the bog." At those words a panicked look appeared on Hoggles face and he forced his way out of Sarah's grip. "Sorry Sarah. But I warned ya, I aint going back to the bog for no one." And with that Hoggle left.
"Hoggle!" She turned to glare at Jareth, "That wasn't fair! You knew he would leave if you threatened him with that!"
A small smile appeared on his face, "Why yes, yes I suppose I did. But you see Sarah, I get what I want, and I do what I need to do to make sure that happens. Now, if you will wipe that look of disgust off your face and walk with me I have a proposal you will find quite interesting..." He began to stroll while Sarah stayed rooted to where she stood. "Well are you going to join me or not? After all, this will give you what you want in the end. Sarah sighed and caught up to him. "So what do you want."
Jareth made a crystal appear and he slowly turned it in his palm as they walked, "We will shortly get to that, now first allow me to present what I have to say. Now, you want to return your baby brother back home yes?" Sarah nodded and waited for him to continue. "Well, I simply can not give you what you want in both situations, first you want the baby gone, and then you want him back. So, I propose this. You still lose your baby brother. But your parents regain him."
Sarah stopped in her tracks, "What do you mean." He rolled the crystal along his arm and onto the ground. "I return your brother, Toby, back to your parents but you have to stay in the Underground."
Sarah stared at him, recalling the ball that had placed her in this situation, remembering his words, "Stay Sarah make this all yours." And how entranced she had been. How lovely it had all seemed at the time. But giving up her overall humanity? Losing her right to the world she knew? Granted, perhaps not the world she loved, but her world nonetheless. But Toby, he needed to go home more. He couldn't stay in the underground. But neither could she.
Jareth sighed, "Sarah. I do believe its a yes or no question, now which do you prefer. A life of toys and home made gowns running around the park pretending to be a queen, no longer having to worry about baby sitting, or being a real queen and still never having to worry about baby sitting." By now Jareht was closer to her. He softly placed a crystal in her hand. His tone now soft and his sweet, warm breath brushing against her cheek as his eyes focused on her."Look Sarah. Tell me what you see. You know what you want. You simply have to admit it."
Sarah never even had to look in the crystal to know he was right. She softly gripped it and looked up at him. Staring into the eyes that were never the same, one dilated slightly more than the other. "Send him home." He smiled a bit and softly took the crystal. "Wise choice Sarah. Wise choice indeed." And he spun it, red and white stripes decorating the surface until it was soon gone.
And Sarah let out a light sob. Whether of relief of sadness the Goblin King did not know.