A/N I do not own Labyrinth and write for fun.
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Chapter 10
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Robert Williams escorted the two uniformed officers from his home, forcibly slamming the door behind them. He was beginning to wonder what his taxes actually paid for. Such a large police force, yet they could not find three missing girls. He ruffled the hair of the young boy playing quietly on the floor as he came back into the living room. He had initially thought paying for a private investigator a waste, but after speaking to the two officers, he realized he had no choice.
"And that, Derek, is exactly why I employed you," he said to the suited man opposite from him.
Derek Savan was the best investigator money could buy. He had worked on many of Robert Williams' law cases in the past and was a great family friend. So much of a friend that both Sarah and Toby referred to him as Uncle.
"Well, I can't say as I've got much further, Robert. I went up to the college and I must say, I am surprised. The files on your daughter's friends are rather vague, and on looking into it, I have found they are a complete fabrication. It's like they never really existed. There are no birth records, the address is nonexistent, and this sponsor of theirs: J. G. King? No one has heard of him, either."
Toby sat silently on the floor, pushing cars around and secretly listening to every word spoken. He watched his father pace back and forth across the room as Derek spoke.
"I'm sorry, Robert, that I can't offer anything more positive. It's like they vanished by magic."
Toby lifted his head up. Yes, that was exactly what it was, magic. He moved from the floor and went to the window where his father was standing, looking out onto the sidewalk. He gently pulled at his father's hand, drawing his attention down.
"I know where Sarah is," Toby said, all innocence. "The Goblin King took her."
Robert Williams looked down at his young son, his eyes filled with sadness. In all of this, he had completely forgotten how Sarah's disappearance might be affecting him. His sister had obviously fueled his imagination with her constant stories of fairies and goblins. He ruffled the boy's hair once more and gave him a half-hearted smile.
"Of course he has, Toby, and we will make sure he brings her back," Robert said. "Go on, now, gather your toys and go upstairs."
Toby huffed, no one ever listened to him. Adults were stupid, they thought they knew everything. He quietly collected his toys and walked upstairs to his room. He knew the Goblin King had Sarah, and he would show the adults he was right. He dropped the cars in a heap on the floor before retrieving the red book that he had taken from Sarah's room. Even though he had promised her never to say the words and wish for the Goblin King, this was an emergency. Toby stood in the middle of his room and closed his eyes, taking a deep breath.
"I wish the Goblin King was here, right now."
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As soon as the door closed behind Jareth, Sarah threw herself onto the couch and screamed into the cushion. She could not believe she had let him kiss her! It seemed so right in a strange sort of way, but the guy was getting married in a few days. Her emotions ran wild, from initial joy to shame, guilt, and regret. This was something she had wanted so much for so many years. This was the one thing she had believed he had offered her all those years ago and had pined over. Yet, was it true? Automatically, the doubt began to creep back in as the words from her lecturer swam through her head. He was the Goblin King, a Fae and a trickster. But that kiss-that one kiss-had ignited something inside her that none of her past relationships had, and as he left the room, her heart seemed to long for him. Why did it have to happen now? Why could he not have come to her before he had promised himself to that witch? As the emotions began to overwhelm her, Sarah burst into tears.
It was at this precise moment that Star and Sky entered the room. They had been searching for Sarah most of the morning, and had arrived just in time to see Jareth leave. Both had noticed the smile that graced his lips and the relaxed air in which he walked; neither had seen him look that happy in years.
Sarah looked up, suddenly realizing they were there before lowering her face into her hands and groaning. Finding Sarah in tears on the couch was not what they expected, they rushed over to her immediately. Star wrapped her arms around her while Sky stroked her hair.
"Sarah, what is it? What's wrong?"
"Come on, Sarah, you know you can talk to us about anything," Star said.
"Is it Jareth? Has he hurt you?" Sky continued.
Sarah lifted her head up and shook it, the tears still falling down her cheeks. "It's all wrong!" she cried. "It is all too late and so wrong."
The twins remained silent and waited for her to continue, both giving each other worried glances.
"He kissed me," Sarah said, the tears now easing.
"What? Jareth? Jareth actually kissed you?" Star said with a smile.
Sarah nodded her confirmation.
"I knew it," Star said. "I knew there was something between you two."
"There is nothing between us two, it was one kiss." But what a kiss, Sarah thought. She had been kissed many times before, but the way Jareth had kissed her was electric.
"And one kiss can lead to another…" Sky said.
"In case you two forgot, he is about to get married."
"So what? This is the Underground, not America. You can be his-"
"No way," Sarah immediately cut in. "I am not being anyone's anything."
"Then if you don't want to be his bit of stuff, maybe you should get him to marry you instead."
"It's too late. He is marrying another, and I can't trust what he says."
"Sarah, we just saw him walk out of here, and he did not look like a man who was lying about his feelings. In fact, he looked elated."
"Really?"
"Yes, really," Sky said. "Look, Sarah, obviously more happened between you and Jareth than you simply running his Labyrinth…a lot more than you have divulged. Maybe it is time you tell us exactly what went on last time, and we might be able to figure out a solution."
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Aston and Garrett were looking over trade agreements in Aston's study. Garrett had hoped to get everything tied up and approved before the wedding so he could return home to his wife. They had managed to agree on most things, except for the cost to each kingdom. At the sound of the door opening, their heads shot up. Garrett watched with great interest as his brother entered in silence before dropping down leisurely onto one of the seats opposite the desk.
"I assume that rather pleased expression means the little talk went well?"
"You assume right," Jareth replied. "In fact, it was a lot more rewarding than I expected."
Aston and Garrett continued to watch Jareth. It was rare to see him this happy and relaxed, especially as of late, and there was a distinct twinkle in his eye that had not been there before.
"So, do you think she will get you out of your little problem?" Aston asked.
"Let's just say I have more hope than yesterday."
"Really?" Garrett asked. "So, tell us what happened."
"Very well," Jareth replied, the smile on his face growing larger. "I kissed her."
"And I surmise from that rather large smile that she kissed you in return?"
Jareth refrained from commenting.
"Jareth, tread carefully with her. She is a human, and they are ruled by emotions that quickly jump from one to another. Don't hurt the girl."
"Aston, I assure you, I would never hurt her."
Garrett and Aston exchanged a quick glance before joining Jareth.
"Did you mention anything about the High Court and the ball prior to the wedding?" Garrett asked.
"Don't be a fool, Garrett, that would have completely ruined the moment."
"Great, so I am getting to deliver the glorious news? Thanks, brother."
"It may be easier coming from you," Jareth smirked. "And give her this."
Jareth conjured a crystal and threw it towards Garrett. As it came into contact with his hand, it immediately changed into a silver bracelet. Its design was intricate, and the clasp depicted an owl.
"Make sure she wears it for the ball, it has protective qualities."
"Jareth, you know as well as I that no magic can be used at the High Castle. Father has wards in place at every ball."
"I am aware, and I am also aware that the only people that can break the wards are the High King and Queen, but I cannot guarantee she will stay within the castle."
"Jareth, you are overreacting. Really, do-"
Garrett was cut off as Jareth held up his hand and immediately stood. He felt the air shift and that familiar tug that meant someone was about to make a wish. Jareth knew there was no point ignoring it as the pull would just grow stronger.
Garrett saw Jareth's relaxed demeanor change. "What is it?"
"Some idiot is making a wish," Jareth growled. "Do they not have better things to do in that world of theirs?" Jareth heard the words echo through his mind at that moment.
"Don't worry, Jareth, she will still be here when you return."
Jareth did not reply. He simply changed into his owl form and soared off out the window, his previous good mood left behind in Aston's castle.
As the wish pulled him from the Underground into the Above, he felt as though he had seen this house before. It was very familiar, but he could not place why. Jareth dove down towards the window, where the pull was the strongest. Lightning flashed across the sky as he forced the window open and entered the room. As his shape changed from the owl into the King, he found a small boy glaring at him with his arms crossed.
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Toby watched as the owl burst into his room, circling his head before it seemed to suddenly grow into a strange man in black with a cape, right before his eyes. He kept telling himself he needed to be brave for Sarah. The man stood with his arms crossed over his chest and a small smile on his lips. Toby immediately knew this was the King; he looked just as Sarah had described him.
"Where's my sister?" Toby said.
"Excuse me?" Jareth replied.
"My sister, you took her and we want her back."
"Listen, little boy, I am rather busy and have no time for silly, childish things. You wish to send your sister to me?"
"No, you took her already. It's not fair, you make her cry every night."
Jareth stared at the boy; humans were a strange lot. He decided to humour the young lad.
"Why would your sister cry over me?" Jareth asked.
"Because you made her choose and never came back!" Toby said with a raised voice. "You made her love you!"
"Really, child, and what would you know of such matters at such a young age? Who is this sister of yours that I have so wronged?"
"Sarah, and don't say you didn't know. I know you have her, even if dad doesn't believe me."
At the mention of Sarah's name, Jareth realized why the house seemed so familiar. It was the same house he had visited when Sarah had wished her brother away. It was her house, which meant that this rather angry child before him must be…
"My, young Tobias, how you have grown."
Toby glared at him even more, he hated being called Tobias. "My name is Toby."
"I see you have the same fire as your sister," Jareth laughed.
"Bring her back. Bring her back, now."
Jareth laughed even more. This young lad showed more courage than most of the court did in his presence. Such a pity Sarah had won him back, he would have made an excellent heir to the throne. Yet, time was short, and he had too many other matters to deal with right now than to humour the child.
"If I told you Sarah was safe and happy, would that help?"
Toby remained silent and just watched him. Jareth knelt down in front of Toby and summoned a crystal to his hand, expertly dancing it back and forth before an amazed Toby. Jareth watched the boy closely as the crystal began to work its magic and draw him in. Once he knew Toby was completely transfixed by it, he gently blew it towards the boy. As the crystal touched Toby's face, it melted away, and Jareth caught him as he fell into a deep sleep. Placing him on his bed, Jareth whispered into his ear.
"Dream…dream of Sarah. See her happiness, see her love, and forget me." Once he had said the words, Jareth picked up the red book and returned to his owl form. He then flew away, leaving the young boy sleeping peacefully.
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A/N Another chapter with improved grammar and flow by Sheyrina labyrinthianDragon