A/N: Main authors note below! (including an important announcement) Please read and review, lovelies!

Warning:This story is rated 'M' for a reason. This chapter contains adult themes

Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth or any of its characters. I do not profit from this story in any way.

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Chapter Fourteen

'The Calm Before'

Sarah looked out the windows of Jareth's palace bedroom, taking in the wide expanse of green lawn and immaculate gardens. A hedge maze dominated a good third of his property and, from her vantage point, she could see a gray granite statue at its heart—two people with their arms around each other, locked in the motions of a dance. She smiled; I have the feeling that if I looked closer, those two would be awfully familiar.

Beyond that, the land ended in a curtain of swirling mist. It was as though the palace and its grounds were a small island, held together—she knew—through the force of his power alone. It gave her a cool shiver to think of it. Will I be able to do something like this? She wondered, and what else besides?

She tightened her grip on the sheet wrapped around her, pressed her palm to the cool glass, and then leaned her forehead against it. Soon Jareth is going to fight Dionysus. The thought made a knot form in her stomach and hers knees tremble minutely. I just found him again, she thought desperately, surely he'll be okay. I won't lose him. I can't.

Still, there was a feeling of intense helplessness that shadowed her thoughts. She knew that Dionysus was cunning and sly. He had proven that when he had poisoned her in the oubliette. She did not expect him to fight honorably, and she was afraid that whatever plot he had up his sleeve would take her beloved completely off guard.

Jareth came up behind her and wrapped his arms around her waist, nuzzling his face into her tousled dark hair. "You are beautiful," he murmured, his hands moving to caress her sensitive lower parts, the motion brief but enough to make her shudder against him. She could feel his satisfied smile against her neck.

She turned in his arms until they were face to face, and the sheet slipped so that their bare skin touched. Her body was already responding to his, but she took a deep, calming breath and asked the question she dreaded the most. "When do we have to go?"

Jareth kissed her, sweet but brief before he wrapped his arms around her and pulled her close. "Very soon now. Our little band of goblins is stirring, and we have less than ten hours until moonset. I have a task for them, as they are the only subjects I have on hand, and then I must fight, and win, or all that has been wronged will not be put right."

Sarah nodded against his chest, her breathing suddenly difficult, painful. When she spoke, her breath shook, "I wish we had more time."

His hand came up to fist in her hair, and he turned her head up to face him. She knew that her eyes were filled with unshed tears, but she did not care. A fierce desire to ask him not to do it, to just return to the Aboveground with her where it would be safe, rose up in her. But she knew, knew without a shadow of a doubt, that if he fled his kingdom, it would destroy him. She swallowed the words, and her tears fell. For once she did not try to wipe them away. She could not bear the thought of looking away from him. She could not.

Jareth kissed her beneath her eyelids, his lips capturing each tear. When his mouth caught hers, she could taste the salt on them, and the deeper taste of him.

A frenzy rose up in her and she moved to deepen the kiss, her arms capturing the back of his neck. "Sarah—" he started when he broke the kiss.

She shook her head, pulled him against her, and caught his earlobe between her teeth. She whispered to him, her breath harsh, "Please. I need you."

Jareth stepped away enough to let the sheet fall to the floor between them before he growled, his hands reaching down to pull her off the ground entirely. She wrapped her legs around him as he pressed her against the wall and, as she balanced there, he roughly groped at the laces of his breeches. She bit down on the skin of his neck, her tongue sweeping out to taste him, her hands roaming to touch every inch she could find.

He shoved into her roughly, and Sarah cried out against him, her body wet but not quite ready. This was not the slow, passionate lovemaking of before but a deeper, primal act. She tightened her legs around him and laid her head against the wall, her eyes seeking his. His gaze was dark. Whatever emotions he showed he wanted hidden as, once he saw her, he growled again and caught her mouth in a hard kiss. Her eyes closed in pleasure as his body continued to forcefully plunge into hers.

They did not speak, the only sound Sarah's soft gasps and his deeper moans as they claimed one another. This was not love so much as it was desperation, hard on the heels of their understanding that he may not live out the day. Sarah opened her mouth to him when he pressed at her with tongue and teeth, her body shaking with the feel of him, tears falling like rain down her cheeks.

She could not think beyond the sensation of him inside of her, claiming her in a fierce, hard push. Every nerve in her body screamed out its pleasure as his hips angled him deeper. He ripped himself from her mouth as he seized, and she felt his release pour into her trembling body, as he stilled except for a few last, shuddering thrusts.

Sarah let out a shaking breath and wrapped her arms around Jareth, pulling him close to her, pinning herself up against the wall. She wanted to stay like this as long as possible, with him inside of her, her muscles tightening around him in little spasms. She could feel his heart beating fierce against her breast, and her hands were slick with his sweat where she touched him. Tears fell from her eyes again to mix with the sweat, and each breath she took was filled with the scent of their coupling.

After a few long moments, she released her hold on him and slid down the wall, curling her legs underneath her. Her limbs were shaking so horribly that she was afraid she would be unable to stand though she knew she must. Jareth made one of those hand movements and clothed himself anew though he left his shirt untucked and unbuttoned.

He knelt before her and took both of her hands in his, "My love," he murmured, and her eyes lifted to his. He smiled at her, and his fingers tightened briefly, "Dionysus may be my match in battle, but I have something that he lacks."

She could barely breathe, but she managed to ask, "What?"

"Someone worth fighting for."

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They returned to the Labyrinth, and the shadows of the lowering sun showed how the hours had passed since they had gone to his palace. He knew that Sarah was trying not to show how very afraid she was, but he could feel it coming off of her, and see it in the tight, hard set of her shoulders. He took her hand and led her back into the cave, where the goblins were up and yawning, their movements staggered in their sleep-addled state.

Hoggle was stoking the embers of the fire back to life and when Sarah caught sight of him, she let out a cry of pleasure and released Jareth's hand to bend down and hug her friend. Jareth watched their reunion and noticed that the remaining goblins were watching him. Azra looked between him and Sarah, and a dull glitter of understanding shone in his yellow eyes. He caught the Goblin Kings gaze and smiled sheepishly, his head bowed.

Jareth let Hoggle and Sarah have their little chat. He summoned a breakfast of eggs, sausage and thick, brown bread and butter for the goblins. They fell upon it with all the grace and composure of their species. He dodged a flung crust and grimaced. They may not be the most intelligent of subjects, he thought, but they're mine. He looked over at Sarah, her eyes glittering and her skin like alabaster, so unaware of her own beauty that it made his heart hurt. Just as she is mine, and I am hers.

He took a seat against the stone wall, folding his legs into a lotus and closing his eyes to calm his mind. He pushed the incessant chatter of the goblins into the background and focused on his breathing. He reached for that calm place deep within and readied himself.

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"I don't knows what you're thinking," the dwarf grumbled, poking the fire. "Comin' back to the Labyrinth after alls you went through."

Sarah smiled, "I didn't have much of a choice in the matter. Jareth showed up at my door and made the decision for me, but I'm glad he did, really." She frowned, "This place is terrible with Dionysus running things."

Hoggle snorted, "Yous can say that again!" He sat on one of the smooth stones by the fire and tipped a jug of ale into his mouth. Wiping the back of his hand across his lips, he fixed Sarah with a piercing stare, "But thats was none of your concern. We would has been just fine on our own. Jareth would have figured it out."

She shrugged, "Maybe. Maybe not."

His eyes narrowed, and he shot a look at the Fae in question sitting against the wall, his eyes closed and his breathing steady. Sarah followed his gaze and lingered, watching the rise and fall of his chest and sweeping her eyes over every delicious part of him. Heat rose in her cheeks as Hoggle made a strangled sort of noise, pulling her attention back to her friend. He was looking at her with utter astonishment written plain across his features. "Sarah, he tried to tips you and me into the bog."

Sarah shuddered at the memory of the stench. "He did a lot of bad things," she said softly. "But I understand why he did them now. It… changes things."

Hoggle leaned forward and placed on large, thick hand on her knee, "He's not human, Sarah. He's not like you or your kind."

She stiffened, "Actually, Hoggle, that's not precisely true." She raised her fingers to the medallion at her neck and, for the first time, Hoggle seemed to notice it. His eyes widened and he snatched his hand back from her. It made her heart hurt to see the look of fear in his wide eyes. Her voice lowered further, "We don't know what I am, exactly, but I can use this." The medallion seemed to purr under her touch like a cat long neglected of her attentions. She smiled a little at the sensation, "And the feather? I didn't see it happen, but I can feel it, Hoggle. I feel like I can fly."

They stared at each other for a long moment, the only noise that of the four goblins noisily devouring their breakfast. Hoggle took a deep breath, and in a low, shaky voice he asked, "But you're still my friend, ain't ya?"

Sarah's smile widened, "Of course I am! What, you think that just because I find out I can use magic, I wouldn't want to be friends with you?"

He shrugged, his nose reddening and his eyes on the floor. "Well, I thoughts that if yous were all powerful like you'd have no times for folk like me."

Sarah leaned forward and pulled the dwarf into another hug. He stiffened but, after a moment, hugged her back, his hand patting her shoulder affectionately. She released him but held on to his shoulders, looking him straight in the eyes though she had to bend to do so. "No matter what happens, we'll always be friends. I've missed you."

Hoggle sighed, "I missed you too," he said, sounding almost grumpy about it. Then he smiled and his tone turned sly, "So did Jareth, if what I heard was true."

Sarah's interest piqued, "Oh?"

He snorted, "Stomping around the castle, spying on you with those damned crystals of his. He was always distracted." His chest swelled, "Which is why I's was able to go back to gardening along the village and the wall, instead of in that infernal bog."

She smiled, "Lucky you."

Jareth's hand touched her shoulder and Sarah looked up, still smiling. His eyes were on the dwarf. "Hogwart—"

"Hoggle." Sarah and the dwarf corrected in unison.

Jareth sighed, "Yes, well… Hoggle," he knelt so that the three of them were of the same height. "I want to ask if you'll stand with me. This merry band seems to look to you as a leader, and I will need their help to rally others to my cause before I proceed to the dueling field. Can you do that?"

Hoggle opened his mouth, and from his expression Sarah was sure he was going to argue, but instead he said, "I ain't no friend to Dionysus, sire. We'll help yous any ways we can to get that lily-livered bastard off the throne."

Jareth smiled and patted Hoggle's shoulder. "Good man. We may not always see eye to eye, but you are obviously close to my ladies heart." He gave a sly smile, "So I will try my utmost not to tip you head-first into the bog of eternal stench when you disobey me in the future."

Sarah gave him a playful swat on the leg and shared a conspiratorial smile with her friend. "I'll have you know that he's going to be a part of my life, so unless you want a stinky friend following you around—"

Hoggle gave a snort, "That's my Sarah."

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Jareth stood, pulling Sarah up to stand beside him. Hoggle rose and waddled over so that they presented a unified group to the goblins. They had just begun to finish with their breakfast, flecks of egg on their tunics and grease staining their fingers.

When he spoke, he threaded a little power into his voice, so that it echoed impressively in the chamber. "Goblins," he paused while their eyes moved to him, mouths open as they beheld him and his group. "Your King has need of you. Attend."

The goblins scrambled to obey, knocking over plates and crockery in their haste. He could feel the stifled laughter Sarah held at bay, and he grasped her hand, giving it a slight squeeze. "Today we descend from this mountain to fight against Dionysus. I will call the usurper out in single combat for the right to the throne. I need all of you to gather up those who are loyal to me and bring them to the dueling field."

Azra licked his thin lips, "Sire, we's wanted criminals."

Hoggle stepped forward, "Listen," he growled. "Things will get worse without Jareth. Things weren't perfect when he was King, but he's fairer than that goblin upstart. He kept us safe and didn't try to poison us with miasma. We has a chance to make a difference tonight, and we's going to take it." He nodded, as though that settled that, and took a step back so he was in line with Jareth again.

He nodded, "None of you will be forgotten, whether I win my throne or no. Know this—if you help me now, I will grant you each a boon to be called upon whenever you desire, and that boon will be passed down to your children, grandchildren, and so on if you choose not to use it in your lifetime." The goblins took a collective breath, for Fae magic was a powerful thing and seldom gifted.

The goblins took a moment to mutter amongst themselves before Azra and the others spoke at once.

"We'll do it, Sire!"

"Dionysus's days are numbered!"

"I knows a few people in the sewers that could help…"

"All hail the true King!"

Hoggle lent his voice to theirs, his gruff tone cutting through the others. "All hail the King, and all hail the Queen."

Sarah jumped at that, but soon the goblins took up the call, their tiny voices morphed into rumbling basses by the walls of the cavern.

"All hail the King!"

"All hail the Queen!"

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Jareth took Sarah aside for a moment while the goblins readied themselves to leave, "Sarah," he said, gaze fixed on her. "We must discuss what will happen if I lose this battle."

She sucked in a breath and looked away, "You're going to win."

"If I don't—"

"You will," she emphasized, her voice stubborn.

He smiled at that, so different and so much the same. "My love, please, listen to me. If I lose, I need you to leave the Underground and return to your own world." He swallowed hard, "There is something I have not yet… I cannot say much, but Faerie is—it is not safe for you if you're alone."

She frowned, "What do you mean?"

He shook his head, "I cannot say more, my love. The high queen would be displeased, and I have no wish to raise her ire. I promise you that we will talk about this matter later, but first," he touched the medallion at her throat, "I need your promise that you will go. The amulet will help you. You just need to say your right words."

She looked up at him, and her eyes danced with unshed tears, "I won't leave you," she said in a whisper, her voice hoarse and quivering.

He pulled her into an embrace, his hand fisted in her hair. She trembled like a leaf against him and his grip tightened, "And I will try my utmost," he murmured, "Not to leave you. But, please, promise me that you will go if I fall this night."

She clutched at his shirt, her nails biting into the skin of his back. After a few moments the shaking eased, and she nodded against him, "Alright. I promise." She stepped back and looked up into his eyes, "But you're going to win. I know you will."

He smiled at her and cupped her cheeks in his gloved hands, "I love you."

Sarah's lips trembled as she lifted them in a smile, "And I you."

They kissed, and Jareth tried not to jump as the hot sting of her tears reached his lips. Oh, my Sarah, he thought, I pray the gods are not so cruel to part us when we only just found each other again.

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As night fell, the goblin city grew quiet. Whispers and rumors that had flown from lip to lip all day were conspicuous now in their absence. Dionysus paced the empty throne room, his heavy footfalls the only sound aside from the doleful cluck of a solitary chicken.

He heard someone approach and lifted his great head to behold Moira, bedecked in leather battle armor and with a look of serenity on her wide, scarred face. "My love," she rumbled. "What troubles you?"

He grimaced and motioned out the large windows that showed a view of the goblin city, "Can't you feel it? They're anticipating his return, as though I don't know. I'll kill all of them."

"Not before Jareth arrives, I'm afraid," she tilted her head. "Perhaps we should call upon—"

"No," Dionysus snarled. "That creature has caused enough harm. It was his idea that I make the seduction one of the conditions of Jareth's challenge, and he who suggested I use the poison on Sarah. I will not have any more of his advice."

"You forget, my love," Moira said, taking a few steps toward him until she was close, but still out of striking distance. "His goals and yours are intertwined. Surely he will help you now when all could soon be lost." She smiled and stroked the hilt of her sword, "Not that I'm saying everything will be lost. I shall spill blood before this night is done."

He growled, "What can he do? There is no trickery left. It is to be a fight now, and their possession of the artifacts gives them an advantage over us." We are the stronger fighters, he thought, but magic will turn the tables on us. It always does. He had deposed Jareth through trickery once before, but this was different. This time, Dionysus would be alone.

"Not necessarily," cut in a cold, thin voice.

Dionysus turned and scowled at the cloaked and hooded figure standing beside the horned throne. The Fae trailed a thin, pale hand along the curved white tusk, looking all the world as though he belonged there. "You," Dionysus growled. "It was you that led us to this disaster. Jareth awoke the woman's power."

"Some of it, perhaps," the Fae said, his voice bland. "There were a few… unforeseen incidents. Surely you cannot blame me. I am not a seer."

Dionysus yelled and pulled one of his daggers free, "I would gut you now!"

The Fae held up a hand, and the dagger glowed hot. Dionysus held on for a long moment, his skin sizzling around the hilt of his weapon before he dropped it. "That was entirely unnecessary," the Fae said, his tone softly scolding. "I have come to help you."

Dionysus's hand screamed in pain, but he ignored it and spat on the floor between them, his lips pulled back to show his yellowed teeth. "And what could you possibly do now? Now, that they're practically at the gates?"

He could not see the Fae through the shadows of his hood, but Dionysus would have sworn that the creature was smiling. "I'm here to grant you a boon."

The Fae waved a hand toward Dionysus and Moira. The chamber glowed with white-hot light.

A fierce, triumphant howl of laughter echoed out of the throne room and down over the goblin city.

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A/N: BA BA BA BUUUUUUM!

Hey, I'm back on a daily upload. I consider chapter 13 to be yesterday even if it was technically today. It was about two or three in the morning my time when I put it online. I was still awake, therefore it was still Thursday!

I have an announcement!

There is a poll up on my profile page. Please go vote.

I am a fair hand at art, and I've been positively itching to illustrate a part of 'The Return'. I have four scenes to choose from, ones that I know I would be able to do. Vote for your favorite and, in a later chapter, I will give you all the information to access the drawing. Should be fun, right? :)

I hope you enjoyed this chapter and, as always, if you liked it (or disliked it) let me know in the comments down below!

Cheers, lovelies.