To all of my reviewers and readers, I am not ending this story yet. It isn't over until the end of the last chapter says "The end" or something of the sort. I haven't been able to do write lately because I'm a techy in theater and we just went through all of our performances. So I am back and ready for action.
Rating: T-M, changeable at any time throughout the story
Summary:
"I want to keep you safe," he said. "No matter what."
"Your version of safe isn't what mine is. I'm going to finish this Labyrinth – the same way I did three years ago. No matter what. And you aren't going to stop me."
He stood, quietly for a moment, before stepping away from her.
"At least you won't bleed to death out there."
Sarah glanced down at her arm, crinkling her eyebrows. There was nothing on her arm – no mark of where the cut had been a moment earlier. When she looked up to thank him he was already gone.
Hoggle sat at the counter, taking sips of his drink with no real interest. Jareth had banished him from his home land after Sarah left, but was allowed in the city as long as he didn't stir trouble.
His thoughts were on her, most of the time. Sarah. His friend. Ludo could be considered as his friend, he supposed, but it didn't really matter; Ludo wasn't that great. But Sarah? Sarah was great. Sarah was ambitious. Sarah was grand.
And Sarah was also gone.
Someone sat beside him, ordering a drink. He didn't turn to look at the fellow.
"Hoggle," the goblin said beside him. "I'm hurt. I assumed you would at least say hello."
"I'm not in the mood for your antics, Gobbo."
The goblin frowned as his drink was slid to him. He didn't spare a glance. "Why's that? I assumed you'd be thrilled at the news."
Hoggle turned to look at the goblin. "What news?"
"Well," Gobbo grinned. "I'm afraid you were rude to me. I don't know if I should tell you, dwarf."
Hoggle glared. "Speak, damn you!"
Gobbo rolled his eyes. "Same mood as ever, dear Hoggle. Fine. I'll tell you what I have to say. That girl of yours, Sardines or something of the like –"
"Sarah," Hoggle interrupted. "What of her?"
"She's back in the Goblin King's Labyrinth."
"Jareth has her here?" Hoggle nearly shouted. Gobbo looked at the dwarf aghast, no one said the Goblin King's name aloud. He knew this was the time to take his leave.
"I'm outta here, Hoggle. You have fun pissing off the Goblin King."
Hoggle didn't bother another glance as the goblin ran off, leaving his drink untouched. Hoggle reached over and downed the alcohol. Before he could set the glass down someone pushed it away from him.
"Jareth!" Hoggle screeched, jumping away from him. "I mean- Your Majesty. What brings you here?"
Jareth folded his arms as the goblins and fair folk scrambled out the bar, away from the angry king. The owner of the place disappeared with the crowd, leaving the two alone.
"Why is Sarah here?"
"That happens to be why I am here, dear Hogwart." Hoggle didn't bother to correct him. "Sarah is in trouble, I'm afraid."
"What did you do to her?" Hoggle yelled, jumping off his bar stool. "If you hurt her-"
"It means nothing to you, dwarf!" Jareth yelled angrily, grabbing Hoggle's vest and pulling him off of his feet. "I am only here for you to watch her and make sure she doesn't get herself killed."
"In your Labyrinth? You make no sense, sire."
Jareth released him, letting the dwarf fall with a thud.
"You know nothing – and I am not in the mood to inform you of the circumstances. However, if you care at all for my Sarah –" Hoggle flinched at the fact Jareth said Sarah was his. Sara was no ones. "– Then you will do as I say."
Hoggle didn't have to think of his response. "I'll do it," he agreed. "But not for you. Never for you. Only for her."
"You know the Labyrinth," Jareth said, glaring daggers. "Somewhat, at least. Lead her back to my castle. If you direct her out I swear –" he cut himself off, taking a breath.
"You will bring her back to me or your fate will be the worst of your nightmares." And he was gone.
Hoggle turned back to his cup, a smile playing out on his face.
xXxXx
Sarah bit her bottom lip as she looked around her. The setting was quiet, calm, and unnaturally peaceful. Something was going to happen, she knew, but she doubted she could stop whatever was coming. She would just have to endure.
These woods were foreign to her, she didn't recognize them from her previous encounter of the Labyrinth; though she assumed everything had changed drastically since she had been here.
"Sarah…" something whispered. She turned around, her eyes scanning between the trees. Beside her something shuffled. She screamed, falling backwards, away from the thing that had crawled from beneath her feet.
"Sarah!" Hoggle yelled in delight. "Are you alright?"
"Hoggle!" Sarah exclaimed with glee. "I can't believe it! Is it really you?"
"It's as me as I'll be getting."
Sarah leapt to her feet and embraced the dwarf in a hug. "It is you! Why are you here?"
"Because…" Hoggle let off. Jareth had later warned him about telling her that Jareth had requested the dwarf's presence. "…I heard you were here. I wanted to see you again!"
"But Jareth…"
"That old loon hasn't the control he used to," Hoggle laughed uncomfortably. Jareth hadn't told him much; hardly enough for Hoggle to guess his control was weakening – not that he knew the reason for it.
Sarah shook her head, still smiling. "I'm really glad you're here, Hoggle. This place is different…it's more…perilous."
"Yes, well, that's why I'm here. I'm going to help you get out of here."
Hoggle didn't want to lie to her. But he knew it would be safer for her to stay in the palace than in the city or in the Labyrinth. Besides, Jareth wouldn't let her go again. He would never let her go again.
"Coming?" Sarah asked.
Hoggle smiled. "Of course."
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