Field of Innocence Chapter 10: Screaming, Deceiving, and Bleeding, a labyrinth fanfic

Author's Notes: And here's chapter 10, written largely when I should have been paying attention in my summer classes! Oops. Anyways, not much to say here, except the action is (hopefully) picking up now and things are starting to move along. (Again, hopefully). Mucho, mucho thanks to my beta, Kat, even despite the threats she slings at me, because I know they're all out of love. (Though the growling gets kind of scary sometimes. . .) As always thanks to all the wonderful reviewers for your kind comments and a special thank you to Anij, not only a regular reviewer, but the song discussions have giving me new ideas for chapter titles, since I was running out of lyrics for chapter titles! Cookie to the person who can guess the song I'll be using for the next couple of chapters!

Disclaimer: Once again, I own nothing pertaining to the Labyrinth. The plot, and all characters not seen in the movie belong to me, so ask nicely if you want to torture or maim them, and I'll decide whether or not to gift wrap them for you, depending on who they are.

Field Of Innocence

Chapter 10: Screaming, Deceiving, and Bleeding

She couldn't remember a night where she didn't dream anymore. Always the same images and feelings plagued her nights. Agony and anguish welling up, screams of faceless beings in pain and despair.

"Chosen. Needed. Come now."

"Tell me where! I'll go and gladly!"

"Need knowledge. Need power. Accept."

Much as she feared the source of those screams, she feared this demand more.

"No. Please, just tell me where to go so I can help you!"

"Accept me! Chosen, needed! Accept!"

"I can't!"

The press of pain in her temples returned and she cried out, mimicking the very screams that plagued her. She felt ill, knowing the intrinsic need to accept the unknown, but unwilling to for that very reason. The unknown.

A pleading tone this time, "Chosen. Accept. Come now. Help needed"

She could feel the tears gathering and spilling down her face as she drifted to consciousness, the helpless cries echoing in her head.

"Chosen. Please."

Sarah sat on the beach, watching the surf pound relentlessly at the shore. She had arrived with Jason and Jareth just yesterday, amid a horrible rainstorm. The storm had cleared up overnight, but the morning sky remained gloomy and overcast.

'A perfect compliment to everyone's mood today. I swear, if I had to stay one more second in a room with the two of them, I would not have been held responsible for my actions.'

Upon arriving, all three had immediately began poring over the books they'd taken from the Archives, hoping for any and all information they could find about the Council, and perhaps a way into the Underground through the Veil without having to resort to magick. Sarah was the only one of the three who could actively tap into a ready source of power, but she shied away from it when possible. The few times she had tapped into the power of the Labyrinth it didn't feel so much like she was using the power. Rather, it felt as though the power was using her. Suffice it to say, she didn't care for that feeling at all.

With a sigh, she drew her legs up to her chest and rested her chin on her knees. In hindsight, perhaps she shouldn't have snapped at Jason and Jareth for suggesting she attempt another scrying spell, but Jason just didn't know what it was like, and much as she wouldn't admit it out loud to either of them, she didn't have the level of control Jareth had. Privately, she was amazed at how easy he made it sound, but then he did have more practice at it than she did. She stiffened when she felt someone walk up behind her.

"I'm not going to apologize. I won't do it. I can't. It's too risky, besides. I have to drop my shields, and that leaves me far too open for invasion by anyone on the Council, not to mention by Ceallach."

"And as you're the only one with the gifts to cast him out, to risk your mind being captured would be folly, yes, so you've said numerous times. And quite loudly at that."

Sarah looked up, craning her neck to the left and twisting until Jareth came into view. "Huh. I was expecting Jason to be the one to hunt me down."

"Perhaps he would have, were he not engrossed in the book he's been reading. With the amount of notes he takes, I wonder if he's attempting to write a novel all his own."

Sarah shrugged. "He has an interesting mind. It catches details other people tend to miss. I think that's part of being as highly empathic as he is. It's almost like he's feeling what the writers believe are the most important points in the books and adds to them. It's a pretty useful talent, I think."

"I never claimed otherwise."

"Well excuse me for expecting a snarky comment about it, considering that's all you two seem to do when around each other or talking about each other."

"I believe, as you've pointed out, it's time we began actually working as allies, as opposed to 'snarking' at one another at any given opportunity."

Sarah could only gape up at him in shock. "All right, you're not possessed again, are you?" She joked, attempting to make light of the sudden change of heart the Goblin King appeared to be having.

Mismatched eyes returned her gaze in all seriousness. "You yourself said Ceallach would gain complete control over my Kingdom in a matter of days. It is a pivotal defense of my world. Should the Goblin Kingdom fall, the Underground would follow quickly, with little hope of salvation."

"Because of the Labyrinth, right? Because of the power it has."

"In part yes. I've already explained the manner in which the rulers are Chosen. The land in question must have a say in the matter, bonding with the ruler if the claim is to be legitimate."

She shivered. "How do you do it?" She caught sight of his lifted eyebrow and tried to explain. "I mean, how do you handle the sudden rush of power? I'm guessing it's more than what I get, since I'm not a ruler and all, but how do you keep from being. . .consumed? I know I've only tapped into the power a few times, but each time I do, it's like it has a deeper hold on me and it won't let go. I don't want to lose myself, but that's what it feels like is happening."

"You do not lose yourself when the land Chooses you. Instead a part of yourself you've never known existed is unlocked. Released."

Sarah shook her head. "I don't want that. I'm kind of happy with the way I am, thank you very much."

"As you say."

"Why do I get the feeling you don't believe me?"

"Merely an observation. If you were truly happy with the path your life was taking, why then make an attempt to return to the Labyrinth? Why not simply follow the Council's orders, as always?"

She thought about this and sighed. "I suppose you're right, in a way. I'm not completely content, but at least I knew where I stood. I think part of my trying to go back to the Labyrinth was because I wanted to see my friends again. And partly I was hoping I could find a way to show the Council that the Underground isn't the home of evil incarnate that they make it out to be. That maybe, just maybe, we could find a way to work on the defenses together, as a team, because it's not just the Underground that has evil. I don't know how many cases I've been on where people from Aboveground have tried to summon. . .things. Things from the Underground that just aren't friendly, all because they're trying to get power for world domination or something like that. I think it'd be so much easier if a common defense was considered, a sharing of information instead of one side trying to block out the other."

"This is something you've spent a lot of time considering, isn't it?"

Sarah looked a little chagrined, but nodded. "Yes, it is. It's something I've been thinking about practically since I became a part of the Council's tools. If only it weren't for that damn Veil and their stupid biases. Sometimes I wi--I want find the head leader and shove some knowledge down his or her throat."

Jareth smirked faintly. "You almost said 'I wish', didn't you?"

"Yes. But I learned my lesson years ago about making idle wishes. You never know who's listening, or when a wish might be granted." With a sigh, she pushed herself to her feet and dusted the sand from her pants. "Well, I've moped long enough, I think. Time to get back to work."

"Sarah-"

"We don't have a lot of time, Jareth." She spoke over him, cutting off whatever he was going to say, not sure she wanted to hear it. "So, let's get to it." She turned and headed back to the house.

'Dad and Karen really went all out when they bought this house, didn't they?' Sarah thought again as she entered.

The house was a two story, three bedroom marvel with several patios and balconies, a large kitchen and wide, airy rooms. Mutual agreement granted Sarah the ground floor room with her own bathroom, while Jareth once again had the master bedroom with its own attached bath. Jason slept in the room Sarah assumed would have been Toby's when the family visited. Her heart clenched and she shook off the melancholy thoughts as she made her way back into the living room where Jason was sitting cross legged on the floor, various books and papers sprawled in front of him.

"Any luck so far?"

He shook his head. "I've gotten all kinds of history on the Veil, and it's some pretty ugly stuff, but so far nothing useful about taking it down, or how to get by it without a spell of some kind. Right now it's only a list of all the battles that have been fought since it was raised. I think that book might be more useful." He gestured with the pen he was using to scribble notes and Sarah lowered herself to the floor, picking up the book he indicated.

"Let's find out."

The next few hours were spent in silence, save for the turning of pages and the scratching of pens. Sarah was vaguely aware of Jareth returning and grabbing a book for himself, but she kept her attention focused on the text in front of her. The book droned on about the grandness of the Council, the greatness of the mission each member carried on, and the necessary secrecy of the order that Sarah was hard pressed not to roll her eyes at every page. She privately wondered why Jason thought this book would prove so useful when it appeared to be nothing more than a list of accolades the Council heaped upon itself.

She turned another page, suppressing a sigh as she saw what looked to be yet another ode to the Council's greatness about the Veil. She was about to throw the book down in disgust when one word caught her eye. 'Sacrifice.'

The Veil is the Council's greatest achievement and greatest sacrifice to date. The originators of the spell knew they would give their lives in the making. A small sacrifice in comparison to the reigning peace from unclean and otherworldly creatures that would follow. The ritual would take one week to complete, and the Seven chosen to be part of the casting knew one would have to die each night, culminating in the final self sacrifice to raise the barrier. All went according to plan. The Veil was raised, and the creatures not of this world were cast out to the other side. Peace, true peace, reigned for a century, until the side effects of the casting became known.

The Veil began wavering, weakening in places and allowing the monsters through once more. Inspection of the ritual revealed a key element once overlooked. Sacrifice, as those who were in the first casting made, was required to maintain the Veil. Once every century, two more souls were required to fuel the continuation of the barrier. Like the Seven, those chosen must have powerful, active Gifts. As was learned in centuries following, unlike the original ritual, the sacrifice need not be willful or knowing of the casting to be added to the maintenance of the barrier. And so these last five centuries since the raising of the Veil have been peaceful, and—

Sarah threw the book down in horror, gaping at the innocent looking pages that faced her. Her hands came to her mouth in shock and she forcefully took a slow, deep breath, if only to maintain control.

"Sarah?" Jason called to her curiously, causing her to raise her gaze to see both he and Jareth looking at her expectantly. "What did you find?"

"I know how the Veil was made. And I know what they do to keep it up."

Jason waited. Jareth waited. Jason grew impatient.

"Well? Do you want to share with the rest of the class?"

"Human sacrifice." She whispered the words, as though to speak them louder would make them that much worse than they already were.

Silence fell heavy after her statement. Sarah listened to her own breathing as she waited for them to digest her news. Finally, Jason spoke again in a voice that sounded more than a little strained.

"I'm sorry. . .did you just say human sacrifice?"

Sarah winced at the sharp, disbelieving note in Jason's voice. She answered, her own voice remaining barely above a whisper.

"Yes."

"That's. . .unbelievable. Sarah? You sure?"

She nodded mutely and pointed to the book that lay open on the floor. The tattered pages reflected seemingly innocently in the slowly fading sunlight. Jason picked up the book, reading over the pages while Sarah stood and made her way to the bay windows to watch the daylight dying. She rubbed her arms with her hands, trying to instill some warmth into her suddenly icy flesh, but she knew dimly it was a futile gesture. The chill stemmed from within, feeling as though her very soul had turned to ice. Already her mind was working at a furious pace. Detached she worked at fitting the puzzle pieces together as she watched the sun slowly dip below the horizon.

She vaguely realized Jason and Jareth were arguing in the background, but she couldn't find it in herself to yell at them this time.

"They're going to use us." She murmured during a lull in their argument. She turned to face Jason, eyes wide. "They're going to use us, Jason. You and me. You've said it yourself time and time again, we're the strongest in our particular gifts."

Jason could only gape at her while Jareth glanced between them a speculative look on his face.

"Where the hell did that come from!" Jason finally asked indignantly. "That's fucking insane, Sarah, no offense. There's no logic to that, anywhere!"

Sarah fought the urge to roll her eyes as she wondered why, after everything he'd seen, Jason still had to be convinced of the motives of the Council. She simply pressed forward, explaining her line of thinking.

"Look, just think about it. You're an orphan. The Council raised you, and you've been grateful to them, right? And what's your pet project been the last few years? Me. Isolating me. Winning my loyalties. Telling me how wonderful the Council is, to the point that I should be willing to lay down my life for their ideals."

Jason paled, his normally pale complexion looking ashen. "But. . .no, we're useful to them, we've-"

"Jason. We're pawns. That's all we've ever been. The Council used to be a great beacon of hope, and they used to do so much good for the world, I've read that in the histories, but slowly, it's changed. Ever since the Veil went up, it's been about power and how to maintain it."

"So you're saying the Veil is what's corrupting the Council? That's bullshit, what about all the good they've done. What about what we've done, Sarah? Remember all the things you mentioned before when you were yelling at us at your place? What about those?"

"Have you ever wondered what happened to the people we caught?"

"Well, not really, the Council took them into custody and. . ." He trailed off as the realization hit.

"So, the Council uses its pawns to find fuel for their Veil." Jareth remarked dryly.

Sarah nodded. "Yeah. To hold it over until it can get a big fix. The book says the best sacrifices are the ones closest in power to the original seven who first formed the Veil. Three of those seven were telekinetic, telepathic, and empathic. After all, isn't that what we've been groomed for, Jason? Isn't that what we've been training our gifts for? No wonder they were upset when I refused to go beyond just the basic control of my telepathy."

Jason nodded. "Like all the teachers say." He lowered his voice until it sounded like a smoker's whisper, in a parody of one of the more proper and older instructors they'd both had before. "'Your Gifts are like your muscles. Treat the right and train them right, and they will grow stronger over time. Leave them alone and they grow loose and flabby, eventually spinning out of control.'"

Sarah laughed bitterly. "Great. Now we know they'll never stop hunting us. Now what do we do?"

"Perhaps focusing on another objective?" Jareth suggested. "Such as the destruction of my Kingdom while we wile away the hours in self pity?"

Sarah started at the acidic tone in the Goblin King's voice and it was her turn to gape up at him and splutter. "What? B-but that's what we're trying to do by going through the books! We're trying to find a way to-"

"To overpower the Council, to take down the Veil, to make them see the truth. So you've said. The power to do all of that lies within your grasp, Sarah, if you would only reach out and take it. Accept the bond to the Labyrinth. Accept the power it can further grant you and you can save both your precious Council and my Kingdom."

"I can't!" She answered in an anguished whisper. "I-I'm scared of what will happen."

He stood and sneered in her direction. "Then one has to question the true depth of your conviction in this fight if you're so easily cowed by the childish fear of the unknown." Jareth pivoted on his heel and stormed off, going upstairs. A few seconds later the slamming of a door could be heard and Sarah winced.

"Ignore him. You have every right to be scared, sweetheart. He's not human, he doesn't get that. Besides, if he's the example of what happens when you accept the power, then it's a good thing you're refusing."

She ignored Jason's attempt to comfort her and shook her head. "With all due respect, Jason, shut up." She climbed to her feet and headed for the front door.

"Sarah! Where do you think you're going?"

"Out. I'm going for a walk, Jason. Alone." She stated before he could open his mouth to either protest or demand to go with her. "I need to do some thinking, ok? I won't go far, I promise." Without another word, she slipped outside, closing the door behind her and walked down the beach.

From the upstairs window, Jareth watched her trudge her way through the sand, head downcast, and arms hugging herself loosely around the waist. He frowned. If only she knew how very little time they had left. Sarah's choice was at hand, but twice already she had refused. Once more would mean the downfall of the Goblin Kingdom, the Labyrinth and eventually, the entire Underground. If only she knew, but until she accepted, he could not tell her.

He covered his face with one hand and wearily pinched the bridge of his nose, moving away from the window.

The persistent knocking on the door brought a deeper frown to his face. Pointedly ignoring the presence on the other side, he moved back to the window but Sarah had disappeared from view.

"I'm not going away." Jason called through the door, knocking again. "And if you don't talk to me, I'll wait until Sarah gets back and tell her you're not being honest about everything. You're hiding something important!"

Jareth sighed and walked over to the door, opening it to see a scowling Jason on the other side.

"And what pointless matter are you babbling about this time?"

"Cut the arrogant bullshit." Jason snapped. "Something else is going on that you're not telling and it's something big. Your defenses dropped when you were yelling at Sarah."

"I was not-"

"I said cut the arrogance!" Jason overrode Jareth, not letting him speak further. "When she said she wouldn't accept the bond to the Labyrinth, you panicked. Why?"

"I don't believe I have to explain myself to you. It isn't any of your business."

"Fine. It's Sarah's. I'll be sure to have her ask you instead. If what I've read is true, you have to tell her the truth if she asks. Fae can't lie."

"You must not do that!"

Jason was surprised by the vehemence in Jareth's tone. "Why not? What the hell aren't you telling us? What aren't you telling her?"

Jareth sighed and sank down to sit on the edge of the bed. "What I do and do not tell her is for a reason. It must be something she discovers on her own."

"I don't trust you."

"Well, my heart shatters at the revelation of that knowledge."

"Shut up! Look, I can't guarantee I won't tell Sarah until I know what she shouldn't be told and why. I seriously don't think secrets should be kept at this point in the game."

"Game?" Jareth's voice dropped a decibel, low and deadly, as he stood. "Lives are at stake, worlds are on the verge of destruction and you call this a game?"

"Hey, it's just a figure of speech."

Jareth sniffed disdainfully. "Your gross lack of tact and manners only proves you can't be trusted with any information, assuming I lost all mental faculties and actually told you, that is."

"Ok, that's it." Jason crossed the distance between them and before Jareth could react, he raised his right hand and planted his fist into the Goblin King's jaw.

Jareth's head snapped to the side and he staggered back a step. Nonchalantly, he righted himself and lifted an eyebrow, seemingly unaware of the blood that trickled from the corner of his mouth.

"So, you think to beat the information out of me?"

"Nope. That just felt good." Jason smirked as Jareth made a show of straightening his clothing. "You have to admit, you had that com-"

Stars exploded in his vision and Jason dimly registered the wind being knocked out of him as he stared up at the now sneering Goblin King.

"My, you were right. That did indeed feel good."

"Oh, you bastard! That's it, I have to kick you ass, just on principle!" Jason flipped to his feet and launched himself at Jareth, aiming another fist at that sneering face. Jareth effortlessly caught his fist in one hand and landed an uppercut on his chin with the other forcing his head to snap back.

Jason brought his free arm. Up, smashing it into the side of Jareth's head. Jareth retaliated by bringing a knee up to slam into Jason's side, who wheezed as the air once again rushed out of his lungs and he doubled over. He lunged from his bent position and , slamming his shoulder into Jareth's stomach, sending the both of them out the door and into the hallway. He could feel Jareth grab a handful of his shirt and yank, twisting them as they stumbled until it was his shoulder that met the wall. He cursed and drove a fist into Jareth's side, forcing his hands to release their hold. Straightening quickly, he aimed another punch for the Goblin King's face and once again connected with his jaw.

His victory was short lived as he felt Jareth's fist impact with his own face just under his eye. Pain exploded and he lunged again, aiming a kick at Jareth's side. He missed as Jareth smoothly sank into a crouch and twisted out of the way at the last second, and striking him behind the knee with one fist.

Jason fell, landing on one knee. He recovered quickly and kicked again, this time his foot connected with Jareth's temple. Jareth grabbed his ankle instantly, even as he fell back. Unfortunately, their dance had led them to the top of the staircase, where there was no wall to lean on for support. When Jareth fell back, down was the only way to go. And he still held Jason's ankle, yanking him down in the process.

There was time enough for a muttered "Well shit. . ." before he followed Jareth headlong down the stairs, rolling over and over. He gritted his teeth as he jarred with each impact, finally landing unceremoniously and rather gracelessly sprawled on the landing. Panting for breath he turned his head and stared at the Goblin King who had managed to recover enough to roll into a defensive crouch.

Groaning, Jason sat up and mirrored Jareth's position. He could feel his eye swelling shut, but he stubbornly kept his gaze warily on the Goblin King, waiting for the imminent attack. Silence stretched on. Jason could hear the clock in the living room ticking ominously as they continued staring at one another, neither willing to make the first strike. Finally, reality hit home and Jason laughed.

"Shit, not bad for a tights wearing pansy."

Jareth lifted an eyebrow, managing to infuse that one gesture with all the mocking sarcasm available, and managed a slight smirk. "It appears you've skills as well, for knuckle dragging human."

"So. Truce?"

"For now."

"Right. Until I have to kick your ass again."

"Need I remind you, you called for truce first, thus admitting defeat."

"Hardly. I just don't want to have to explain to Sarah why her parents' beach house is trashed." Gingerly, he pushed himself to his feet and winced, holding his side where Jareth had hit him with his knee. "Oh, that's going to bruise."

Jareth rose as well, though Jason noted he moved just as slowly, just as cautiously.

"I believe I've suffered a few minor mishaps."

"Minor, my ass. Unless your face is usually that color." Jason gestured to the bruise already decorating Jareth's jaw. Shades of deep purple and green, angry red and black blossomed on his jaw, spreading up the jaw line and cheek. A matching bruise shadowed his temple where he'd been kicked and blood still dripped from a cut at the corner of his mouth.

"And I suppose in reality you're a Cyclops?" Jareth waved a hand in the direction of Jason's eye, which had completely swollen shut and throbbed something fierce.

He grinned. "Nope. Damn, this is one hell of a shiner, I can feel it already. Sit down, I'll grab some ice. We both need it."

Jareth didn't respond, he simply turned and made his way into the living room, slowly and carefully lowering himself to the couch. A few minutes later Jason entered carrying two kitchen towels wrapped around ice cubes. He handed one to Jareth and cautiously sat down in the chair across from Jareth. He tilted his head back and settled the ice over his eye, cursing under his breath when the cold stung. After a long moment of silence broken only by the faint clacking of ice cubes, he ventured forth with a question.

"So, in all seriousness, what's going on? What has you so upset with Sarah saying no to snuggling up with the maze?"

He missed the pointed glare Jareth sent in his direction.

"I've told you already, this is no concern of yours. It involves ancient traditions that cannot be broken. I can't tell Sarah what it means."

"In case you haven't noticed, I'm not a cute, petite brunette. Besides, I can be really persuasive. If you tell me why it's so important, I might be able to convince her without her knowing what I'm convincing her of."

Jareth sighed. Another long moment passed before he grudgingly spoke. "If she refuses the bond a third time, she will be repudiated, and the beginnings of the bond that have been forged will break. The backlash on both the Labyrinth and Sarah will be beyond imagining."

"What!" Jason exploded his head snapping down immediately to stare at Jareth, sending ice cubes flying. He immediately cursed the action and groaned, reaching up a hand to his aching head. "Are you saying she could get killed?"

"Possibly. What's worse is the backlash will be far more damaging in the Underground. A land without a ruler is destined for chaos and ripe for the picking by any would be evil overlord."

"And if she accepts?"

"Then the bond will strengthen, and she will gain an endless source of power to augment her own gifts. She's used it before, but without finalizing the bond, the influx of power is random and unreliable. The Labyrinth wants this bond, else she wouldn't have been able to tap into the power she has already."

"Wait, I thought you were the King. Aren't you bonded?"

"Yes. However that bond has been subverted. A matter that will soon be rectified." He left that subject alone, as they both knew who had just done the subverting.

"Huh. I don't know that I like Sarah being bonded to a land that can kill her whenever it gets upset."

"The Labyrinth is more than just land. There is a reason it is a pivotal defense in the Underground. Unlike other plots of land, the Labyrinth, to some extent has a sentience."

"A what?"

Jareth gave another impatient sigh. "A sentience. A mind. It can think for itself."

"You're kidding."

"I most assuredly am not. If I were to hazard a guess, I would say it is attempting to convince Sarah in its own way. There is literally only a matter of days left. The longer Ceallach has to work his coercive power on the domain, the harder it will be to regain control. If Sarah were to return to the Labyrinth soon, I believe it can explain matters to her, where I cannot."

"Right and have her chased, maimed or killed. Great plan."

"She remained safe during your last foray there, did she not?"

"Um, yeah, and she flung rocks just for fun, not because they were trying to kill her."

"They were hunting me. Were any problems apparent before that."

"Well, no."

"Just so."

Jason sighed, tilting his head back as he thought. "This Ceallach guy. How long has he been in control?"

"If I were to guess, somewhere between three weeks and a month. Going by Aboveground time, of course."

"That's around the time we started seeing more and more goblins and other disturbances. Then, a couple weeks ago, something big happened. Something, I'm guessing it was a big power burst, since I didn't feel any emotions, hit the Veil."

"Backlash." Jareth nodded, shifting the now sodden towel and setting it carefully on the coffee table. "He somehow managed to get his hands on the symbol marking my Kingship and bond with the realm."

"What was it?"

"When I get it back, perhaps you'll know."

"Fine, be rude."

Jareth sighed again. "It is meant to be a matter of secrecy, else it would be the target of thieves year round."

"All right, all right, I get it." Jason stood gingerly, wincing at the movement and began pacing. "All right. You said Sarah needs to go to the Underground. We need to lay low from the Council from now. Much as I hate to admit it, it seems like a good solution to both problems if we went. The problem is convincing Sarah of that."

"So you agree to help persuade her." Jareth lifted an eyebrow inquiringly.

"Yeah." Jason stopped pacing and leveled his gaze at Jareth, nodding bleakly. "I just hope I don't regret it."

Sarah stared at the ocean, watching the waves pound the shoreline from the rocky coast where she sat. She was confused. Just when she believed progress was being made, Jason or Jareth, or worse, the both of them came from nowhere and accused her of something, whether it was having a wrong idea, bad idea, or just being scared. She lowered her face to her knees. Was she really so wrong to have doubts? Did she have to be perfect and have all the answers?

"You'll catch a chill if you stay out here too long, dear."

Sarah started and scrambled to her feet, surprised to see an elderly woman standing next to her. She hadn't even heard her come up.

"I didn't mean to startle you. I just saw you sitting over here, and you looked so sad. I can't stand to see anyone looking so sad, so I just had to come and see if you needed any help."

"That's very kind of you." Sarah replied. "I'm all right. I just came out here to clear my head and get some thoughts straight." She studied the woman across from her, trying not to appear too suspicious.

She certainly didn't look at all threatening. She was shorter than Sarah, perhaps only five feet tall and rather plump. Reminiscent of a grandmotherly figure, with her silver hair pulled into a bun at the nape of her neck and a kindly look on her face.

"Yes, the sea air does wonders for clearing your thoughts. I've found a good snack helps, too. Can I interest you in joining me?"

"Um, actually. . .I don't think so. I really should be getting back. My. . .friends will be worried about me."

"Not very friendly with each other at the moment, I'd guess, and that's part of the problem. Come along, dear, we'll have a nice late afternoon snack and watch the sunset. It will be nice to have some company. It's been tiring cooking for one ever since my Tom died."

"Oh, well, I don't know that I-"

Sarah's words fell on deaf ears. She was caught in a whirlwind of activity, and before she could react, she was sitting at a small patio table outside a cozy cottage, a glass of ice cold lemonade in one hand and a chocolate chip cookie the size of her head in the other. Her hostess – a childless widow of seven years who came to the coast every year and whose name was Corinne, she soon discovered – sat across from her, stirring sugar and cream into her delicate china cup full of coffee.

"I suppose I should apologize for practically kidnapping you. Tom always said I was a big bully in a small package, but I can't stand seeing pretty young girls looking so melancholy." Corinne's friendly green eyes twinkled merrily and Sarah could feel herself smiling in return, amused despite herself.

"It's all right. The cookies more than make up for it."

Corinne laughed. "Oh good! I've always believed chocolate is a wonderful heal all."

"Oh, I definitely agree there." Sarah took a large bite of her cookie for emphasis. Then sighed. "I really can't stay long. I need to get back. They'll get upset if I stay gone too long."

"Is it boy troubles, dear? Is that what has you so troubled? I've seen many girls with many boy troubles, and you have that look about you."

Sarah laughed bitterly. "It's not that simple. I wish it were."

Corinne tilted her head. "If you don't mind sharing, I don't mind listening. I have large shoulders that are waterproof."

Sarah lowered her shields slightly, and found no indication of ulterior motives, only the yearning for company, the longing of a lonely old woman. Something about her made Sarah want to pour out her troubles to a listening ear, but still she was cautious.

"I guess it is boy trouble, just not in the way you'd expect." She finally said, tentatively. "I just got into a fight with one of my friends about what direction to take on a project we're working on. "

"Oh my, was it a bad disagreement?"

"Sort of. Yes. He thinks we should focus on one particular aspect of the problem, but there are two parts that need equal attention, even if they're both work related."

"Oh, so he's a co-worker?"

"Not exactly. He's a. . .foreigner, actually. He came over to partner with me and another co-worker on another project. We were kind of thrown together, and he doesn't quite understand how things work here yet."

"Well, can't he work with someone else?"

"Um, no. The company we work for is kind of. . .rigid. They don't like foreigners much."

"Ah. Well, my dear, not to play devil's advocate, but have you considered giving him leeway because he's not used to our ways? Just because he doesn't understand doesn't mean you can't either. I'm sure he's just as worried about solving this problem as you are."

"I know he is. But it's just that both of them are trying to yank me in two different directions because they both swear they know what the right thing to do is, and now we're finding out that people are getting hurt because of what the company teaches, and I know it has to change, but I don't know where to begin! They've been lying from day one, and it has to stop!" Sarah buried her face in her hands, shoulders shaking.

She startled when arms wrapped around her shoulders.

"Oh, there now, dear, just let it out. I can tell your passionate about this, aren't you? You really, really want to change how things are run."

"Yes" She whispered. "I do. I want to make it so we actually protect what we're sworn to protect, without the sacrifices they're making already."

"Then do it."

Sarah looked up, confused, and met Corinne's frank gaze. "What?"

"Whatever you're planning to do, Sarah, do it." Gone was the matronly figure, and in her place was a serious, no-nonsense woman staring back with intelligent eyes.

"Corinne. . .-What-"

"Shush, Sarah. And listen."

Sarah listened. And felt her world once more tilt on its axis.

Jason gave up pacing when it hurt too much to stand and kept glancing back at the door, waiting for Sarah to walk through it and asking for the fifteenth time.

"So, do you think we should go after her?"

"You've already said based on her emotional state she wouldn't appreciate it and to leave her be."

"Yeah, but she's been gone for an hour and-"

The door slammed open and Sarah raced inside, a relieved look on her face when she saw them both sitting in the living room. She was red faced and gasping for breath, but still managed to force out words to speak.

"Good. You're both here. We need to get out of here, we're not safe, and-and what happened to you two!" She finally gaped, taking in their battered appearances.

Jason managed a grin as he looked at her from his good eye. "We bonded. It was fun."

Sarah could only stare blankly, further surprised when Jareth said nothing to contradict him, simply smirking. The smirk turned to an almost invisible wince when it caused his lip to begin bleeding again.

Sarah shook her head. "Ok, we'll go into that again, but right now, pack up, we have to get out of here."

"Why?" Jason asked. "What's the rush? You're the one who said we were going to regroup here for a few days."

"That was before the Council sent people here looking for us. We don't have the time." Sarah took a deep breath, exhaling slowly. "Look, go pack. We're leaving in a few minutes."

"And where do you propose we go?" Jareth finally asked.

Sarah met his gaze head on. "The only place they can't track us. We'll go to the Labyrinth." She turned and ran for her room to gather her things without giving either of them a chance to answer.

Jason watched her go, then turned to Jareth. "Well. That was easier than I thought." He raced up the stairs as quickly as he could, unwilling to take the chance of being caught, trusting Sarah's words, though making a note to have her explain as soon as possible.

A few minutes later, Sarah walked back into the empty living room, depositing a large duffel bag and a sleeping bag on the couch. She fisted her hands in her hair at the temples and looking around, wondering if she was forgetting anything.

"I believe everything is in order, just as it was when we arrived." Jareth walked over to the couch, depositing another bag onto the couch and holding out the books. She took them from him and looked up, wincing when she saw his face, the bright bruises and red blood contrasting starkly with his pale skin.

"That looks horrible, and you're still bleeding. Here." She snatched a tissue from the box on the end table and automatically reached out to dab at the blood dotting the corner of his mouth.

He caught her wrist. "It will heal. Jason's punches leave much to be desired."

Sarah scoffed. "Men. You two can't get along and snipe at each other every second. Next thing I know, you beat each other up and your best friends."

"Hardly. I simply don't find him nearly as repulsive as before. He's only slightly annoying."

"Oh, that's an improvement. I'm sure."

"What happened while you were gone?" He changed the subject abruptly. "Why the sudden need to run."

"I'll explain later. We just need to move now."

"Sarah." His grip tightened on her wrist, ever so slightly. "You're frightened."

"Yes, I'm scared. Now we all know it, can we go now, please?" She tried to yank her wrist free, but he wouldn't let go.

"What happened?"

"Nothing."

"Sarah."

"I said nothing!"

His free hand came up and caught her chin, forcing her to look him in the eye. "Sarah, what happened?"

Here eyes widened, and she could feel tears burning at the back of her eyelids. "They're here. The Council is here, so we can't be." She finally yanked her wrist free and fisted her hands in his shirt. "Please, Jareth, I'll explain later, but we can't stay here! We can't let them catch us!"

He looked down at her hands in surprise and reached out to gently detangle her hands and guided her to sit on the couch.

"Then we will leave, but you must stay calm. You are the only one capable of opening the door to the Underground."

"Right. Right. Sorry." She exhaled shakily and gave a tremulous smile. "I'm ok."

"You never were adept at lying. And you still aren't." He sat next to her and reached out to take the tissue from her hand, fastidiously wiping the blood from his face.

She sent him a glare that lacked any real heat. "I have to be ok, so let me believe at least."

"As you wish." He reached out and brushed a strand of hair off her face and she sucked in a breath in surprise. Their gazes locked and she found herself unable to look away. She felt the couch shift subtly and her breath hitched in the back of her throat. There was a different heat from anger in the look in his eyes and it wasn't something she was capable of dealing with. Not right now. Not after what she'd just found out. Nervously she scooted back.

"I-I should probably get the book with the gate spell. I think I forgot it in my room." She scrambled to her feet and dashed off. When she returned with the journal, Jason had arrived and Jareth was still sitting on the couch, looking as nonchalant as ever. She shook her head at their battered states and quickly moved to sketch the symbols on the kitchen doorway as the journal dictated. Stepping back she glanced over her shoulder at the two men behind her.

"Grab the bags and let's go. Be ready for anything, ok?"

"Whatever you say, babe."

Between the three of them, they gathered all of their supplies and Sarah recited the spell, feeling the power build as easily as before. Knowing what to expect, she squinted against the flash of bright light, sucked in a deep breath, and stepped through.

End Chapter 10

Author's Note, part deux: Yes, yes, another cliffhanger. I've already been threatened by my beta, thank you very much. I'm asking nicely for reviews again, because they make me write faster, and I have proof! You didn't wait a month between updates again, did you? Until next chapter! Love, me.