Disclaimer: I do not own Jareth, the Labyrinth, or any of its inhabitants. I do own anything/ anyone/ anyplace that I created in this fanfic… which I also own… :-P nah!
Summary: It's been eight years since Sarah's trip to the Underworld to save her baby brother from an accidental wish. She thinks she's finally rid of the Goblin King when he suddenly shows up, revealing that she's been wished away. But something's different about her and he intends to figure out what it is. Can he help heal her past or will they continue to hurt each other?
Warning: Jareth is totally out of character. So is Sarah.
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Last Time:
Sarah smiled. "I'm going to take a shower. If you'd start bringing boxes to the Underground…"
He rolled his eyes and rolled his wrist, a crystal appearing. He let it drop and a moment later every box was gone.
She blinked. "Oh… well I guess I'll just run through really quick to make sure I didn't miss anything and take a bath when we go back to the Underground."
He nodded and watched her scurry around, checking every nook and cranny, covering everything in white drapes to keep the dust off, unplugging anything electrical, and turning off the electric and water.
"There," she said then nodded and hooked her fingers under Riley's collar, holding her hand out to him. He took it. Immediately they landed in her room and she almost fell over from the amount of boxes there.
"Lots to go through…" she muttered, running a hand through her hair.
He glanced at her then waved a hand. A moment later the boxes were gone and a doorway appeared where there hadn't been one before. She looked confused. "What just…"
"I put everything into the room next to yours. No one can get in unless they come through your bedroom. Now you don't have to feel as cluttered."
She blinked then smiled brightly. "Thanks!"
He nodded. "I'll see you in a few hours." He waved a hand and disappeared. Sarah blinked then turned to Riley who trotted over to lie in the sun.
"Lazy dog," she muttered then shook her head. "Lazy human," she said as she headed to lounge in the bath.
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Heal Me, Hurt Me
By: Kadasa Mori
Chapter 7 (June 20th)
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Sarah awoke feeling the urge, the need to run. She realized it had almost been a week and a half since she'd run to the Dieter's Heaven. Since then, she hadn't had time to run. She'd been going through boxes of things from her house, things she never would have gone through had she not come here. She'd been taking care of Carmen and Riley. She'd been making friends with the staff and trying to memorize her way from the kitchens to her room, from the library to Jareth's office (in case she needed someone to bug…) and all around the castle.
She stretched then stood and pulled on a pair of black bike shorts, a white no sleeve tee shirt and a baggy gray sweatshirt, pulling her long locks into a ponytail.
She turned to the bed to see Riley's ears perked up. "Wanna go for a run Riley?" He started wagging furiously, leaping off the bed and rushing to the door, prancing on his paws. "Impatient much?" she asked with a laugh and pulled her sneakers on before heading to the door. "We need to be quiet, all right?" He whined quietly and she giggled. "Let's go."
She jogged to the barn, trying to keep up with the impatient Riley. Carmen snorted looking over his stall door to see her. She smiled and unlocked it. Scarab in the stall next door whinnied lightly so Sarah also unlocked her door.
"Hey Scarab. Hey Carmen." They nickered as she led them to the paddock. Opening the gate she took off their harnesses and they whinnied running to stretch. She smiled then begun her daily stretches on the fence.
After completely shaking off she started off at a jog along the fence. When she heard a nicker she turned to see Scarab and Carmen following at her pace, Riley on her other side.
She smiled slyly and slowed to a walk and they did the same. Biting her lip she waited till they turned the corner then took off at a full sprint.
They whinnied loudly and tore off after her. Normally no human could outrun a horse but being in the Underworld was giving Sarah plenty more oxygen than the polluted aboveworld and she felt as though she could fly. She allowed a small laugh to escape her throat before she began laughing loudly.
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Jareth had been awoken as soon as the sun began shining. He had given up on any and all sleep and the warm summer breeze had pulled him from his bed. Now he stood on his balcony looking out over his lands at the rising sun.
He took a deep breath of clean air when sudden laughter brought by the wind made him look down at the paddock where there were two horses running, a human running almost a full foot in front of them.
That's Sarah, he realized. She suddenly skidded around the next corner, almost tripping and slowing to a walk before panting heavily and gripping the fence in one hand, the other on her knee.
He grinned and waved a hand to go meet her.
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Sarah gasped for air, leaning against the fence. Scarab and Carmen nickered softly and trotted over, Scarab batting her arm.
Sarah smiled and looked up, patting the silver gray horse on the nose. "I'm… all… right…"
"You sound a little less than all right," a voice said in her ear.
She stiffened then spun to find Jareth standing there, smirking. She sighed. "Well at least I got a good hour without you bugging me."
He sent her a look then leaned against the railing next to her. By now all of the horses were out in the paddock. Sarah waved at Samuel who waved back then headed for the stalls. She sighed happily looking out over the fields. He was about to leave her in peace but she suddenly glanced at him. "I didn't see the horses here last time I visited."
"That's because they weren't here. After you said… those words, Goblin Castle fell apart." She winced lightly feeling guilt spread through her body. He noticed but didn't say anything. "We rebuilt a better looking castle and the stables. This time away from Goblin City." He shrugged. "At least we keep the castle mostly clean."
She smirked. "So it seems I did a good thing of saying that."
"So it would seem…" he agreed, glancing at her. "But you still beat me, and that's still something I hold against you."
She snorted and looked away. "Sore loser," she mumbled.
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing. When's breakfast?"
"Soon."
"When soon?"
"Why? Are we hungry today?"
"Yes I am. Go get food you brat."
He scowled at her then waved his hand. A moment later she was left by herself. She blinked and looked around then at Carmen and Scarab.
"Did I over do the hostility?" she asked. They whinnied, shaking their heads. She shrugged. "Oh well. Riley!"
The dog snapped his head up from exploring the paddock and raced over to her, sitting at her feet and wagging. She scratched behind his ears then turned back for the castle.
"Come on boy! Time to go clean up."
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Sarah was just finishing pulling on a clean outfit when her door opened and Rica swung inside. "My lady Sarah!" she called.
Sarah rolled her eyes and called, "I'll be right there Rica!" She buttoned her white short sleeve shirt and tugged on it, denim shorts on her legs before she stepped into the room. "Yeah?"
"Breakfast is served!" the orange haired girl chirped.
Sarah frowned. "I'm not eating with the Goblin King today?"
Rica blinked then grinned slyly. "Ohoho. Do we want to?"
Sarah scowled darkly. "No. I was just curious."
"Curiosity killed the cat!" Rica sung, making Sarah's bed after setting the tray on her dresser.
Sarah grabbed a piece of orange and popped it in her mouth before saying, "is he mad at me?"
Rica looked over. "Huh?"
"Is he mad at me?" Sarah repeated, offering her a piece of orange.
Rica took it. "Who?"
"The Goblin King."
"Why?"
"He left in such a huff I just figured he was."
"Oh. I dunno."
"Wonderful help you are."
Rica grinned, then wiped her hands on her apron, walking towards the door. "That's why I'm here. Now, eat your breakfast. His majesty requires your presence at lunch as is the deal of your freedom and whatnot, whatever he says. Blah, blah, blah."
"So you've seen him?"
"Of course I have."
"Is he mad?"
Rica shrugged. "He always looks either angry or arrogant to me so it makes no difference lady Sarah."
"Rica! Don't call me lady!"
"See ya later lady Sarah."
"Rica!" The door shut and Sarah sat down with a huff on her bed. Riley leapt up next to her and put his head on her leg, whining till she fed him some of her breakfast.
She looked down at the dog then sighed. "Shall we try and get through some of the stuff we brought? Or just leave it?"
Riley watched her then stood and trotted out, lying in the sun of the balcony. Sarah scowled at him. "Lazy dog!" He whuffed then fell silent.
It's so unfair! He can fall asleep so quickly! Stupid dog… She glanced at the door that led to a lot of boxes, awaiting her doom before turning and reclining next to Riley on the balcony. The dog almost gave her an amused look before they both dozed off in the morning sun.
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"Sarah… Sarah. Sarah?" Sarah slowly awoke to gentle shaking and she opened her eyes to find Mira sitting there. The girl grinned widely. "I knew I could wake you without screaming like Rica!"
Sarah yawned and giggled, somehow at the same time as she reached out and pulled Mira into a hug. "Thank you Mira, for trying and accomplishing that feat. I think Rica does it just to spite me."
Mira giggled and hugged her back then jumped to her feet. "His majesty requires your presence for lunch." Riley leapt to his feet at the sound of food while she grumbled and slowly climbed up.
"His majesty deserves a butt-kicking, the overzealous brat," she mumbled. Mira looked scared and looked around then back at Sarah who rolled her eyes. "Don't worry Mira. I'll take care of you."
Mira flushed and pushed her fingers together. "Thanks Sarah."
"No problem. You're like my little sister… though not nearly as annoying as I imagined a little sister would be." Mira giggled. Sarah smiled. "What do you say? I've never had a little sister before. And a girl's gotta have family down here."
Mira looked confused. "Excuse me?"
"Mira," Sarah bowed deeply. "Would you do the honors of being my little sister?"
Mira blinked rapidly several times before blushing and curtsying as well. "I'd be honored… as long as you'd be my older sister?"
"Of course!" Sarah wrapped an arm around her shoulders. "Sisters till the end of days!"
Mira giggled. "Can Rica be a sister too!"
Sarah frowned then sighed and nodded. "But that only gives her more reason to annoy me!" she whined.
"Good! I like annoying you!"
Sarah turned and glared at the purple haired girl who grinned cheekily at her. "Rica… Mira and I were having a sister to sister moment."
Rica shrugged. "I know. I just seemed to overhear my name and listened in."
"Rica!" Mira cried, hopping up to her. "Would you like to be our sister!"
Rica blinked then grinned and nodded. "I'd love it! I'm an only child so forgive me if I'm new to the idea."
"Well are you older than me or younger?" Sarah asked. "I'm 25."
Rica grinned. "Twenty five as well, almost 26 though."
"Ah. I just turned 25 a few months ago."
"I'm 14!" Mira chirped happily.
Rica and Sarah grinned at each other and smushed the girl between them in a hug. "Aw! Our little baby sister!" Sarah cried.
"Aw! Baby, baby!" Rica cooed.
Mira flushed. "Sisters!"
Sarah and Rica laughed, Mira joining a moment later. Some things were absolutely wonderful Underground.
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This was not one of them.
Sarah sat at one end of the table, eating her lunch silently, while the Goblin King sat at the other end, a stoic mask on though his eyes were dark and glaring at his food. She scowled at her own food.
Pompous jerk! Just calling him a sore loser gets him ticked! He has more mood swings than a female during their time of the month! He has more mood swings than me! She suddenly blinked as a random thought occurred to her. Is he actually female? She glanced up at the king who didn't notice. No. He's a guy. Girls would go nuts trying to take care of that hair. It's all… poofy…ish. Aw man I need some sleep. She rolled her eyes and took a sip of her soup.
Jareth's eyes snapped up as Sarah suddenly squeaked, put a hand to her mouth and with some difficulty swallowed then reached out for her water and drank it quickly.
He raised an eyebrow watching until she set the glass down and took a deep breath. She glanced up at him and he was surprised to see unshed tears.
Concern flittered across his features before his nonchalant mask returned. "What was that?"
She looked down blushing as she stirred her soup. "It's too hot…"
He made a noise and she glanced up to see him looking down at him own soup, a smile twitching on his lips.
She scowled. "It's not funny! That hurt!" He looked up, grinning wickedly and she had to fight to get the grin off her own face.
After a few silent minutes of eating, only interrupted by his occasional chuckles, she glanced up hesitantly. "So… you still mad at me?"
He looked up in surprise then frowned. "Mad at you? When was I mad at you?"
She gave him a dull look. "This entire morning… since I saw you at the paddock… not eating breakfast with me… any of this a'ringing a bell?"
He blinked then snorted. "I wasn't angry at you when I left so quickly. I was being called by the high council. My father needed to speak with me."
"Oh." She flushed and looked at her food.
"You thought I was mad at you?"
"Obviously!" she snapped in embarrassment.
"Well, next time I'll inform you of where I'm going."
"That'd be nice."
"Aw. Now you're mad at me." She glared at him and sipped at her soup only to squeak once more and grab her water. On the other end of the table Jareth laughed.
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"Okay. Now H goes like this." Sarah drew an 'H' on her paper and Cleo frowned then did the same. Sarah squealed. "Yay! You did it right!"
Cleo grinned and cheered as well. "Yay!"
Sarah smirked. "I'm having an influence on you. You've never said 'yay' before."
Cleo blinked then rolled her eyes. "Wonderous."
Sarah laughed. "See! I am!" Cleo laughed along with her before both flopped down looking up at the stars.
"So which constellation would you like me to tell you about?" Cleo asked after a few minutes.
"… I think I've changed my mind about that," Sarah murmured. "Stars aren't supposed to have stories. They're supposed to create stories for new generations." She looked over at Cleo. "Could you tell me about your family? What they're like?"
Cleo blinked then looked at the ground, plucking up a few blades of grass. "I… I don't really have a family."
Sarah's face dropped. "Oh. I'm so sorry Cleo. I didn't know…"
"No. It's not that they all died… they just… aren't a family to me. The only person who was ever family to me was my mom… but she did die."
"Could you… no. That would bring up painful memories."
"No." Cleo smiled. "It's forbidden to talk of her within the clan. But I'd be honored to tell you of her."
"You sure?"
"Positive." Cleo smiled and looked up at the stars. "My mother was the kindest woman alive, though she had a temper and could argue her way, never for selfish reasons but for the right reasons." Cleo's smile fell. "And that's what got her killed." Sarah looked at her sharply.
"She was arguing about joining with the fae. We… we needed help. The forest was being destroyed. We were losing fellow centaurs, our homes being destroyed all because of some king who decided he didn't like centaurs. Mother said that we need to ask Lord Jareth for help. He could stop this because it was beginning to destroy his lands.
"Father and the council disagreed. They thought she was insane, asking for another species' help. When she argued back against father, saying he was an idiot and trying to kill the clan, he sentenced her to treachery against the king and the clan and…" she swallowed. "And he ordered her to be killed."
Sarah felt her own tears starting as did Cleo's. "He killed her in front of us, to prove that no species would ever be greater and anyone who said so would be put to death." A smile spread across Cleo's features. "But she was strong till the end. Didn't cry, didn't plead, beg or curse. She just smiled at me and said that she loved me and…"
Cleo shut her eyes and looked away. Sarah looked away and wiped at her cheeks. Cleo turned back and took a deep breath. "So… my clan isn't the greatest…" She glanced at the height of the moon and stood. "I'd better get back before someone realizes I left. Than you for teaching me tonight Sarah." Cleo turned to walk away.
"Cleo?" She glanced over her shoulder and Sarah hurried to her side and motioned for her to lean down. Sarah hugged her. "We're sisters right?"
Cleo blinked in surprise then smiled widely as she hugged her back. "Sisters in all but blood."
Sarah giggled, pulling away. "And species."
Cleo grinned. "That too. Good night Sarah."
"Night Cleo." The centaur galloped away into the forest, Sarah watching her go before brushing at her cheeks once more and collecting herself before heading back to the castle, where the Goblin King waited.
He glanced at her as she walked up. "Did Cleo truly take this long to learn one letter?"
Sarah looked up and a frown set on his features. "What's the matter?"
She wiped at her cheeks. "Sad constellation," she muttered. He blinked in confusion and leaned out of the doorway looking up at the stars then at Sarah who scowled at him. "Don't say a word," she warned.
He grinned widely. "Constellations are sad?"
She let out a screech and flew at him but he disappeared. She snarled. "GOBLIN KING!"
His voice appeared from behind her. "My name," she squeaked and spun. "is Jareth."
She scowled. "Really? I never noticed Goblin King."
He gave her a dull look. "I told you so that you'd use it."
"Hm… Goblin King has a more arrogant tone to it though." He scowled at her then turned looking outside as though hearing something. She cocked her head to the side to look at his face. He stirred a moment later and looked at her. "You okay?"
He nodded then reached out taking her hand, a moment later appearing in her room. "Just… stay here okay?"
She frowned. "You sure you're all right?"
He nodded once more. "Council… we're having problems just… stay here."
She blinked then nodded. "What about Mira and Rica?"
"I'll send them up if you'd like."
"Please do."
He nodded and disappeared. She bit her lip then quickly got ready for bed, the clock chiming nine. Mira and Rica came up fifteen minutes later looking confused.
"Sarah?" Rica asked as Mira bounded in and gave her sister a quick hug.
Sarah returned it then turned to Rica. "What's happening?"
Rica shrugged. "These men suddenly appeared and Jareth was getting into an argument with them. They disappeared and he told us to come see you before he left."
Sarah nodded slowly, thinking. "He did have to see the council earlier. Is it because of that?"
The girls looked at each other dawning appearing.
"That's who they were!" Mira chirped.
"The council?" Sarah asked in confusion.
"Yeah," Rica nodded. "I thought I recognized them. They're all from the high council."
"Oh. So he won't be back tonight?"
"Probably not. These council meetings usually take a few hours at least."
"What do you think is wrong?"
Rica shrugged. "Probably nothing. The high council is so snooty. They think that loosing a gold coin of money is something to fret about."
Mira piped up. "They shouldn't since they have so much of it anyway!"
Rica and Sarah giggled, Rica ruffling the girl's hair. "So where's Riley?" Rica asked. The mentioned dog lifted his head from the bed, woofed and lay back down. All three girls giggled and ran over, jumping on the bed, the dog yelping and spinning to lick their faces as they laughed.
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Jareth sighed as he entered the castle in the early hours. He pinched the bridge of his nose then stepped forward when he heard a quiet, "my lord?"
He turned to find Rica there, holding a sleeping Mira. "Hello Rica. Is Sarah sleeping?"
She smiled and nodded. "She was quite worried about you my lord."
He sighed. "There's nothing to worry about. Just simplicities of idiotic lords."
Rica smirked. "That's what I told her, but she didn't seem to believe me." Jareth nodded and she looked concerned. "Are you all right?"
"Fine… just tired." He turned to her. "Will you tell Sarah when she awakens, I'm sorry I'll be missing breakfast but I'll be there for lunch?"
"Of course my lord. Sleep tight." He merely made a noise of agreement before disappearing. Rica turned and headed back towards the sleeping chambers. She glanced down and smiled to herself. Mira was finally starting to smile in her dreams.
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To all Heal Me, Hurt Me Readers and Reviewers,
O.O
Good… lord… It's been 2 months since I last updated… TWO MONTHS!
Reasons: sickness for 1 week, catching up on school stuff since, forgetting I had fanfiction, other random things that kept getting in the way,
and the #1 reason: LAZINESS AND PROCRASTINATION! w00t!
So, whoever's still there, I hopes you enjoyed this chapter. It'll explain a few things about Cleo later on… far later on. Very very extremely very far later on…
(blinks) Just ignore that. I'm extremely tired…
Oh yes, and to one of my reviewers, a question on the goblins (nervous laugh) um… yeah. The goblins are hiding… actually I kinda forgot there were goblins in this particular story… (major sweat drop).
Oh yeah, and another question, the letter to lady what's-her-face… hold on… Lori! (had to check. Isn't it sad?) It wasn't formal because she's quite rebellious as you can tell and so is Mr. Jareth so they wouldn't really care about formal letters… at least I don't think they wouldn't (O.o)….
Please. Someone send me to a mental institution now. I need help. … actually wait till I'm done with the fanfics. The other authors might attack me (and you) for not letting me finish...
Till then, cookies, candy, chocolate and every other tooth-rotting-sweet thing imaginable! Oh and happy bunny-bringing-sweets-day to all who celebrate and those who don't!
Kadasa Mori