A/N: Das ist it, everyone! This story ends, and somewhere another begins, outside, over there...

Epilogue

Sarah was looking in the estate agent's window. It was time to move on. She had managed to write a whole book in her tiny Hoggle-hovel, despite such formidable obstacles as Bog leaks and fairy infestations. Who could have predicted that she would direct a West End musical at the end of it all? Sarah checked her watch - there was still a little time before the show. She glanced over the accommodation on offer.

'So, what do you think?' she asked the Goblin King.

'It's all the same to me really,' he said, toying with a crystal, 'It's your apartment.'

'Right, right. Because I was thinking about downsizing.'

'You were what?' Jareth exclaimed, accidentally shattering the crystal, 'Downwhatting?'

'Jeez Jareth, I was only entertaining the idea. Besides, I didn't think you cared.'

He brushed the crystal dust off his coat.

'Anyway, it turns out I'd rather like an upgrade instead,' Sarah continued, 'I've had my eye on this one thing...'

'Would this one thing be a move to the Underground? You know the suite in the South tower is yours if you want it. The goblins even removed that lichen you hate.'

'Yeah, it was watching us the whole time,' Sarah shuddered. 'But no, look, we've been through this. I'm staying here.'

'So you say, Sarah, so you say.'

'I just feel I need something a little bigger. I'm considering that one.' She pointed to a picture. 'Just a heads up.'

'There's a mirrored walk-in wardrobe in the spare bedroom,' Jareth said fondly, 'It's a good choice.'

'The wardrobe!' Sarah panicked, remembering, 'Missus Worm was asking about your cape for tonight.'

'Yes yes, the bog stains are gone, you'll be pleased to know.'

'It wasn't so much the stains as the smell,' Sarah said, 'But we'd best get going. Didymus said everything's under control, but I can't quite believe him. There's still a bunch of stuff to do.'

'I could reorder time,' Jareth suggested.

'Thanks, but no. I'd rather not wait another minute!'

She had been looking forward to this night for a long time.

Some hours later, in a Soho theatre, Sarah sat on the edge of her seat, nervously sipping a firewater on the rocks. The turnout was high, Hoggle assured her they'd got a full house. She could hardly wait for the lights to dim.

'Tally-ho,' said the announcement at last, 'My ladies, my gentlemen, we would like to welcome you to this very special opening night...'

The curtain lifted, revealing the scene exactly as Sarah had imagined. The Labyrinth had been meticulously reconstructed, stone for stone, leading to the castle beyond the Goblin City. The goblins had made themselves quite at home on the stage and in the audience. A glass moon spun near the ceiling while crystals floated up from the floor and became stars. She could tell everyone was mesmerised; even though the magic was concealed, its faint electricity filled every crevice of the theatre.

On cue, Jareth appeared in a spectacular shower of glitter to the applause of the audience. He exchanged a look with Sarah, and then nodded to Hoggle. In the orchestra pit, Hoggle held up his drumsticks. This was it - after months of work and planning and near disasters, Sarah thought - this was it. Jareth switched on the mic.

'Three, four,' Hoggle counted.

Her show began.

-FIN- (for real real)