Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth or Return to Labyrinth.
Author's Note: 1)Thanks to everyone who has been patient with me. I know I haven't updated in so long. I've been so busy lately, but at last I have completed the new chapter. Thanks again everyone.
2) I had not intended the story to take this turn. I had meant for it to surround the music lessons, but things changed when the ball scene came about. Overall I think I'm proud of the turn of events. I am truly grateful to my loyal readers/reviewers. I would not have been as dedicated to this story had it not been for all of you. May you all be blessed. Thanks for all the feedback.
Thank you KraZiiePyrosHavemoreFun, MyraValhallah, Virgin Queen 15, Stacy Vorosco, CallMeQuerida, Foreverandtrulyyours, Jennifer, Notwritten, Pinkflora, MarcoHietala'sAngel, TinkLuvr16, Honey13Bunny, Sarah not Williams, Melissa72, and A for the reviews. You are all amazing. I apologize again for the long wait.
Without further delay, chapter 14.
The three appeared outside the goblin castle. Ludo stood over in the garden plucking apples from the tree then handing them to the goblin children. He enjoyed hearing their laughter in return for his service. The brief moment of bliss ended when Sarah cried out to her friend. The gentle giant rushed over to her side then wailed upon seeing Didymus' leg three shades darker than its normal hue. Upon Sarah's word Ludo lifted Didymus, against the goblin's will, and carried him inside.
All conversation ceased when the infamous four waltzed in through the castle doors. The goblins murmured at the sight of their beloved Didymus. The gossip soon switched when they noticed Sarah's frame draped in Moraine fabric. The four did not stay around long enough to notice the stares and whispers.
Ludo did not wait for a response from the doctor being that he placed the smaller being on the bed. The doctor could tell from the faces of the others that it was a critical matter. Sarah, Ludo, and Hoggle waited over by the wall while the doctor looked over Didymus' injury. The goblin refused to wince or show any indication of pain when probed. Sarah clenched her fingers against her face. Hoggle stared down at his feet buried in thought, ashamed that his moment of cowardice cost Didymus the use of his leg.
The stone in Hoggle's hand glowed a soft white catching the attention of its holder. He opened his fingers. The light pulled the eyes of both Sarah and Ludo to the object. They watched the stone disintegrate into white dust. He turned his hand down and let the particles fall to the floor. They barely had a chance to collect as the wind picked up a second after they fell, sweeping them to the sky. Hoggle looked back towards the direction of Moraine with none other than the one they left behind on his mind. Sarah glanced down at her friend. From the angle of his neck she knew where he was looking and who he was thinking of. Sarah's heart bled when the king's name seeped through her mind. She tried to peel her eyes from the direction of that kingdom, hoping Jareth would return safely.
The intense thoughts were broken when the doctor made a swift movement to grab dressings from the leather case. In a few quick movements Didymus' ankle was bandaged. The goblin blabbed on about how it was a minor injury that did not deserve so much fuss. Sarah rolled her eyes as the action gave her a reason to smile, even if for a few seconds.
A sudden thought hit Sarah. She glanced around the room before turning to Hoggle.
The dwarf saw the look upon Sarah's face and as if reading her mind he spoke, "Jareth stayed behind to make sure you got out okay."
Sarah gasped. "How long is he—"
"Don't worry about him," Didymus replied. "He knows what he's doing."
Sarah placed her hands upon her stomach. "I don't know." She lifted her eyes to meet those of her friends. "Mizumi can't be trusted."
"That's what we tried to tell you," Hoggle stated with a snort.
Sarah glanced down at her open hands. She clenched her fists, hating herself for allowing her own selfishness put her friends in danger. One sat over on the cot having his leg bandaged and the other barely made it out without being sliced. She looked out of the narrow window hoping Jareth would return to her side any moment.
Sarah squinted her eyes shut and turned away from the window hoping to ease the negative thoughts from her mind for the time being. She opened her eyes once more to find herself looking upon her injured friend.
"Is it broken?" Sarah asked.
The doctor turned to face the human and shook his head. "No, just sprained."
"Don't fuss over me," Didymus replied. "I can manage."
Sarah slightly smiled.
The doctor returned his attention to his patient. "For the time being I recommend ice and rest. Lots of rest." The physician waddled over to the cabinet and pulled out a small vial containing four small, white pills. He handed them to the tiny goblin. "Take one every four hours and you'll be healed."
Didymus nodded and complied against his wishes. He popped one pill and swallowed refusing the aid of water.
Sarah walked up and sat down on the bed beside her furry friend. Didymus smiled up at her.
"Thanks," Sarah said finding it difficult to make eye contact. She shifted with her palms down on the bed. "You didn't have to do that, you know."
Didymus placed a hand on top of Sarah's. The human's eyes lifted to meet the gleaming ones belonging to Didymus. "I said I'd always protect you, my lady, and I mean it." He placed his other hand upon his heart.
Ludo handed Sarah the sword Didymus dropped upon their sudden arrival in the Goblin Kingdom. Sarah nodded her thanks towards the yeti then handed the weapon to its rightful owner. Didymus smiled then sheathed the sword against his waist.
There was a moment of silence for all to take in what happened. They chose to tune out the gossip spreading like a wildfire through the halls of the goblin castle. There were too many unanswered questions lingering for the goblins' comfort. Too many rumors surfaced, all without any real support to back up their claims. There was only one who could put their fears to rest, one they needed to look upon to know the answer. That one was still absent.
Jareth stirred. His eyes opened to find himself in an unfamiliar, blurry location. He wiped away the fog from his eyes and inhaled as he tried to focus. He gripped what felt to be satin sheets and sat up only to have a wave of dizziness pass over his body. Jareth groaned and let himself fall back down against the soft pillow. His head sunk into its form. He tried to reposition himself in a more comfortable position only to have a sharp pain ring through his body. He winced and let out a soft cry.
His hand went in search of the pain's origination. He realized he was shirtless when his fingertips collided with bare skin. His fingers came upon a rough texture surrounding his lower torso. His eyes managed to glance down at the foreign object wrapped about his body. Seeing the beige bandages resurfaced the memory before he passed out. The intensity of the wound increased as he recalled the knife being forcefully inserted into his side twice. He was fortunate to still be alive. However that one speck of luck came with the price of being stranded in Moraine at Mizumi's mercy.
Jareth gritted his teeth as he tried to think away out of his predicament. He hoped none of his organs were punctured in Mizumi's rage. Jareth let his head rest and eyes shut. Humor found itself lingering behind the goblin's eyes in the form of irony. After his humiliating loss against Sarah he never thought he would find himself dying at the hands of an ex-lover due to her.
Jareth's sensitive ears picked up the sound of footsteps pounding down the hall. They stopped just short of reaching his door. He heard what he assumed to be a key inserted into the lock. Jareth shut his eyes before the door creaked open, his intentions to pretend to be in slumber. His heart pounded with every step the unknown being made towards the bed. He heard the rustle of a garment against the floor.
The goblin king flinched at the touch of callused fingers against his temples. Jareth went against his better judgment and opened his eyes expecting to find Mizumi standing over him ready to fill his body with more holes. The lack of smooth skin upon the stranger's fingertips eased those worries. His eyes found Mizumi's youngest daughter standing over him with a look of indifference upon her face. His eyes darted over to the door when he picked up a second set of footsteps approaching. Mizumi's older daughter walked in after her sister. She stood behind the smaller girl, repulsed at the dried blood that had seeped through the bandage.
"So it's true?" Drumlin asked with a gulp.
Moulin nodded. She pushed Jareth's hand away to take a better look at the bandage. She placed her hand over the wound causing a wince from the goblin. Moulin apologized with her eyes before returning her attention to the injury. She pulled out a pair of scissors and gently snapped away the stained dressings to reveal the laceration. Drumlin swallowed a good amount of saliva to keep from vomiting.
Moulin turned to face her sister. "Did you get it?"
Drumlin nodded. She reached into her pocket and pulled out a thin vial of white liquid. "I asked Kane to distract Mother. He didn't ask any questions and I quickly searched the potion cabinet." She handed the glass vial to the younger girl.
"Let us hope he found something to keep her occupied 'til we're done here," Moulin added.
"She doesn't know you're here?" Jareth asked.
The two girls shook their heads. Jareth felt his stomach sink. Somehow through his concern for the girls he felt a sense of pride towards the two.
Moulin knelt down beside Jareth with the vial in her grasp.
"What's that?" Jareth asked inching away from the girl.
Moulin gave him a half smile. "It's a healing potion." She flicked the cap off and lowered head so as to be eye-level with the wound. "It can mend even the worst of stab wounds in minutes."
Jareth suspiciously eyed the younger princess. "Why are you helping me?"
Moulin increased her smile, yet still refrained from a full one. "Don't you remember, you helped me?" Jareth lifted his eyebrows. Moulin continued, "Mother slapped me. She would've beat me senseless had you not stepped in."
Jareth sighed. He gently stroked Moulin's face. Moulin placed her petite hand on top of Jareth's.
She let her eyes meet with his. She slightly parted her lips as she contemplated her next question. "Jareth…" she managed to say. The mentioned stared at the speaker, awaiting her next words. She twisted her lips. "Are…and I don't—I just want to know." Her eyes darted away from Jareth's for a second or two. She slowly returned her gaze to the one listening. "Are you my father?"
Drumlin lifted her eyes to meet the goblin's. Throughout her lifetime she too heard the vicious rumors surrounding her mother's fidelity, and just as much as Moulin she desired to know the truth.
Jareth sighed. "I—" Moulin and Drumlin both stared with wide eyes for the man's response. Jareth turned away. "I don't really know." He heard the painful sigh escape Moulin's lips. Jareth turned to face her. "There is a strong possibility I am…but there's also one just as strong that I'm not."
Moulin gripped at the vial. Part of her wanted to smash it right there and allow Jareth's cut to become infected and watch as he died a most horrible death. It gave support to her mother's undying hatred for the one laying before her.
Moulin's cold eyes met with Jareth's. "It is true I don't resemble you in the least, but if you are my father…" she slammed the vial down on the bed, spilling some of its contents." Moulin pushed back the forming tears. "Why did you abandon us?"
"I'd never abandon you!" Jareth exclaimed. He sat up too quick forcing a sharp pain through his side. He howled out making the older girl gasp. Moulin felt hatred towards her pity. She gripped the medicine container. Jareth ignored the agony as he moved closer to the girl knelt down beside the bed. He cupped his hands around Moulin's face. "I care for you, Moulin." He glanced up at Drumlin. "Both of you." He returned his attention to Moulin, "But I don't have feelings for your mother."
Moulin shook Jareth off of her. "And you never thought to return for us? To share one moment with us?" Jareth's eyes felt extreme sorrow for the girl.
"I never wanted to tell you this," Jareth said after a brief pause. "But for decades your mother tried to use the two of you to weasel me back to her." His stare intensified and his hand gripped the sheets as he imagined his fingers entwining around Mizumi's thin neck. "You two were only a ploy in her games to lure me out so she could take my kingdom."
Drumlin placed her hand over her mouth. She shook her head as all the events of her lifetime finally fell into perspective.
"And you expect me to believe those lies?" Moulin asked. She pulled the bottle away from Jareth.
"No," Drumlin said stepping forward. She grabbed the vial from Moulin's quivering hand.
"Drumlin, what are you—?" Moulin began.
Drumlin stepped back. "He's telling the truth." Moulin tried to protest but her sister would not allow the words to form. "I've seen the many letters she wrote to him. All the cruel tricks she tried to pull in hopes to snare him." Drumlin returned her eyes to Jareth. "You saw what she did to him just this afternoon. The way she kidnapped Sarah, how she had this whole thing planned out." Drumlin's eyes narrowed. "To think she'd stoop low enough to involve a mortal in this."
Moulin's eyes fell to the ground. She hoped in the depths of her heart that Sarah escaped safely. The human had too good of a heart for her to hate. Moulin looked up at Jareth with serious eyes. Her smile had been replaced with a scowl. She leaned forward and poured the liquid over Jareth's laceration. The goblin gnashed his teeth and squinted his eyes until the pain subsided.
"It should take affect almost immediately," Moulin stated. She turned to face her sister. "Go, stall Mother any way you can while I help Jareth escape."
Drumlin nodded. She hurried out of the room and slammed the door shut.
Moulin returned her attention to Jareth. The two watched the tissue mend itself. In less than two minutes the cut had about healed. A faint scar remained reminding Jareth of his battle. Jareth placed his palm overtop the scar and closed his eyes while the image of Sarah appeared behind the shadow of the lids.
Moulin placed her hand behind Jareth's back and helped him to stand. His legs wobbled from lack of blood flow. Once he regained his balance he looked Moulin in the eyes and thanked her. Moulin handed Jareth his sword and bloodstained shirt. He slipped into the soiled garment, lacing up the front. He then sheathed the sword before making his way over to the window.
He suddenly stopped before preparing to take on his owl form. He faced the woman standing only a few feet away from him. Jareth stepped over to the girl and pulled her into an embrace. Moulin was taken back for a few seconds then allowed the warmth of his touch encircle her body. She nuzzled her forehead against his chest. Jareth whispered his gratitude into her ear then kissed her on top of her head. Moulin forced back the tears and choked back a sob while trying to keep the serious look upon her face.
"Keep Sarah safe," Moulin stated.
Jareth nodded and took hold of Moulin's hand. "You may not be my bloodline…" he placed his hand on her shoulder. "…but you will always be my daughter. And if in need of refuge, you and your sister are always welcome in my kingdom."
Moulin allowed the tears to pour. Through the glistening on her cheeks complete with a full smile Jareth saw a resemblance to his own family traits. Jareth nodded towards the girl once more before transforming and taking his leave.
Sarah slammed her hands atop the surface of the table the group currently occupied in the dining room. Those sitting near her all lifted their eyes simultaneously. She shut her eyes and rested her forehead in her palms. It was the physician's wishes that they clear the area incase others needed to use the infirmary. Hoggle sat beside Sarah nursing a glass of ale; the glass contained his third helping since their arrival. Didymus sat over beside Hoggle with a soft pillow propped up under his leg. The goblin argued that he did not require luxurious items to help ease the pain (which he still refused to admit existed). The other three refused to listen and followed the doctor's orders to keep Didymus' leg elevated until the final dose. Ludo sat in a larger chair in between Sarah and Didymus. His hands cupped his own glass that he had barely taken a sip from. No amount of liqueur could erase the tension stacked so high in the room.
It was Lex who broke the silence. The goblin stood over by the wall waiting for the guests to call him over whenever they needed a refill on their drinks. The servant had yet to cease twitching since the moment Hoggle revealed to him Jareth's reason for having not returned.
"This is absurd," Lex growled. The four glanced over at him. Sarah noticed from the clenched fists and knitted brows he housed the same emotions as her. "Why are we sitting around waiting for that witch to kill him?" Lex lifted his fist by his throat. "I say if she wants war let's give it to her."
"That's a dumb idea," Hoggle retorted. He slammed his mug down on the table, sloshing out some of its contents. "Jareth specifically told us to wait here until his return."
"That was two hours ago," Lex replied.
Hoggle growled under his breath. He lowered his eyes away from the goblin. "Jareth said if he didn't return in an hour to not go back for him."
Sarah placed her hand on top of Hoggle's. The dwarf lifted his eyes to meet the tear-filled ones belonging to the human girl. "I know that's what he said," Sarah said stifling a sob. She wiped away a falling tear. "But we can't just leave him there to die."
"My thoughts exactly," said Lex.
"You guys don't get it, do you?" Hoggle snapped. All four recoiled from the tone in the tiny creature's voice. Hoggle's cheeks brightened and he cleared his throat. "Jareth gave us these orders to avoid war." Hoggle clenched his fists. "I don't want him to die anymore than you." He made eye contact with everyone in the room upon those last words. "But you know this kingdom is not ready for war. It hasn't been in battle for centuries." Hoggle choked on his last words. "Jareth knows this too."
A bitter taste ran up Sarah's throat, burning as the words formed on her tongue. "So he's going to sacrifice his own life…"
"To keep the peace," Hoggle finished.
There was another moment of silence. Sarah placed her elbows on the table and leaned into her palms. She could only begin to imagine all the awful things Mizumi had in store for Jareth. Her brain taunted her with every passing second, each new thought being worse than the previous. Sarah jumped up, not being able to stand her mind any longer.
"This is all my fault," Sarah stated. She clutched her elbows. "I should've never asked for his help…or Mizumi's." Sarah's eyes fell to the floor. The tiles became blurred by the ocean surrounding her corneas.
"Sarah, don't…" Ludo began.
Sarah shook her head violently. She leaned her forehead and the left side of her body against the wall as tears streamed down her face. She wanted to punch Brenda in the face then in the throat to keep the girl from ever singing again. The thoughts quickly switched over to herself. She shut her eyes knowing her school rival was not the one to blame for Jareth's predicament.
"You shouldn't blame yourself," Hoggle said putting a hand on top of Sarah's. The girl turned around to face the dwarf standing just below her waist. "It was Jareth's idea to go after you."
Sarah slid down the wall until she was sitting on the floor. She brought her knees against her body and leaned her face over her lap, her arms encasing her knees. Watching Sarah no one heard the flutter of wings as a white owl entered through the arched window.
"I just want to know if he's okay," Sarah muttered. "I'll never forgive myself if he dies."
"Such a gloomy topic," a familiar voice said from the other side of the room.
Everyone in the room suddenly grew silent. They slowly turned their heads to meet the smiling face of their rightful king. The cheering was delayed when Sarah's eyes poured tears and she dashed across the room to embrace her dear friend. Sarah buried her head into Jareth's chest. Jareth's smile increased and he looked down at the teenager, lightly petting her hair.
"I was so worried," Sarah whispered.
Jareth placed a finger underneath Sarah's chin. The girl lifted her tearstained eyes in synchrony with Jareth's gentle elevation of her chin to meet the face of man she owed her very life to. The one she used to wish a horrible death upon, or at the very least an unhappy life, before she became his friend. The chill Sarah felt for most of the day vanished when she was in the presence of her beloved.
Sarah glanced down at the crimson stains at the bottom left of Jareth's shirt. She gripped the cloth only to discover the garment ripped. She looked up at its owner. Jareth tore his gaze from Sarah.
"What did she do to you?" Sarah asked.
"It doesn't matter," Jareth replied. He entwined his fingers with Sarah's. "Moulin healed me and I'll be alright now."
Sarah placed her hands firmly down on Jareth's shoulders. Her eyes shone brighter than any moment he could remember. They contained the same sincerity as when she risked her very life to rescue her brother from his grasp. Her honesty was something he always admired about her. There were so few humans left who possessed that trait.
Sarah elevated herself on her toes. She leaned her face forward. Her fingers twiddled the strands of platinum blonde hair that fell over Jareth's shoulders. Jareth let his eyes shut.
"You didn't have to," Sarah whispered in his ear.
Jareth smiled. "I know."
Sarah leaned her lips close to his. Jareth's nostrils inhaled Sarah's scent. Sarah stepped closer into Jareth's grasp, allowing her body to be engulfed in the warmth his arms secreted.
The two parted when the immense doors to the dinning room burst open. Horace rushed inside with Desmond in tow. Sarah turned around and grabbed a hold of her elbows. Jareth tilted his head to the side as he gave his brother a sly smile.
Horace took a deep breath. He scowled at the older male. "You sure know how to worry a man."
Jareth laughed. "Don't worry, Horace, they'll have to force me through the grinder before you take control of this kingdom."
Horace frowned. "Don't say such things." He glomped his brother and held him close. Sarah backed away giving the two to express their grief and joy. Jareth patted Horace. The younger of the two released the older one. He stepped back and allowed himself a half smile.
Desmond stepped forward. He nodded at the blood stains. "I see Mizumi wouldn't let you go without a fight."
Jareth looked down at his shirt. "It appears I will have to change before I go out to greet my subjects." His tone became serious. "What do you plan to do about Mizumi?"
Desmond sighed. "Seeing as there are so few who like her, her own subjects included, there are many who want her taken out of power." Desmond nodded at the goblin king. "Turns out your capture and injury is enough to accuse her." He gave a quick glance towards Sarah. "Not to mention what she did to the human."
"She's safe now," Jareth said putting a hand on Sarah's shoulder.
The elf king moved towards Sarah. "I for one am glad for that." He smiled at the mortal. "I apologize for you being thrown in the middle of this."
Sarah smiled. "It's my own fault for trusting her."
Jareth shook his head. "Sarah, it's no one's fault but Mizumi's." He placed both hands on the female's shoulders. "She attacks people when they're at their lowest. That's how she tricks them. You were nothing but a pawn in her game."
Sarah leaned her head against Jareth's arm.
"Well, as long as everyone's okay here, I'm going to have a meeting with the other leaders of the Underground." Desmond said. He turned his eyes to the goblin king. "You are welcome to attend the meeting, Jareth. All they need is to hear your story."
Jareth glanced down at Sarah. "Maybe later, I'd like a little time with Sarah before I have to straighten everything out with my subjects." He gave Desmond his most serious stare. "I don't want to go to war if at all possible."
Desmond shook his head. "Mizumi's not stupid enough to take on all the Underground armies alone. Our main objective is to take her out of power." He glanced over at Sarah before returning his attention to Jareth. "I don't doubt this has taken its toll on you and Sarah, do whatever you feel is best."
"Thank you, my friend" Jareth said shaking hands with Desmond. He turned to face Horace. "I'd like it if you went in my place."
Horace nodded. "Of course. Though it would be best if someone who was directly involved accompanied me."
"Allow me to go, your majesty," Didymus spoke up.
"I don't think so," Jareth replied.
"Yeah, your leg," Hoggle added.
"It's barely a scratch," Didymus argued. "I have a direct casualty and a memory of what happened."
Jareth sighed and gave his permission as long as Didymus agreed to have a guard wheel him into the meeting. The three departed for the meeting leaving the rest standing speechless in the dinning room. Hoggle noticed the tension between the goblin king and the human girl. He nodded to Lex and Ludo then signaled that the three of them should allow Jareth and Sarah have a few moments to themselves.
Sarah slipped her hand into Jareth's. The goblin king stared down at the human.
"Thanks," Sarah said. "For everything."
Jareth smiled. "I'd do it a million more times for you, my friend."
Sarah smiled. "While I was in captivity, the only thing I wanted was to see you. Then when I was rescued I kept thinking about you." She turned until she was standing directly in front of him. "I don't even care about singing anymore, I just want you."
Jareth's eyes widened. Sarah's cheeks brightened. She clamped her hand over her mouth.
"I mean, I meant I want you to be safe," Sarah said. "All I want is for you to be alive and well."
Jareth smiled. "When I was st...well injured, I kept thinking about you." Jareth caressed Sarah's face. Sarah leanded her cheek into the center of Jareth's palm. The goblin continued, "I hope you don't give up singing though." He leaned his lips against her ear. "While I lay there bleeding all I wanted was to hear your voice. Just to hear you sing one more time." Sarah's eyes lit up. Jareth smiled. "Don't forget the other part of our agreement."
Sarah lifted her eyebrows.
Jareth stroked her lips. "Remember, you promised to let me attend your show."
Sarah grinned. "I said if I made it."
Jareth smirked. "Then you better work at it until the auditions. I won't let you fail."
Sarah wrapped her arms around the goblin. Jareth laughed and pulled her closer.
"Thanks for believing in me," Sarah whispered.
Jareth smiled. He whispered back, "Thanks for giving me a second chance."
Sarah squeezed her fingers around Jareth's.
"I don't regret it," she said.
Jareth glanced down at the human. The two felt an unknown force pushing them together. Sarah parted her lips and let her mouth taste Jareth's. Jareth let his fingers fall through Sarah's long locks. Sarah tightened her grip around Jareth's back. The parted for a brief second then let their lips collide once more. They stayed in each other's grasp until the clock in the Aboveground called for Sarah's return.
Jareth watched in agony as the girl left his side. Sarah appeared in her room. She lifted her fingers to touch her lips where Jareth's mouth had previously been. Sarah let out a giggle and found it impossible that anything could bring her down.
Sarah moved over to the piano where the sheet music for the upcoming musical rested. Sarah sat down at the instrument and glanced over the notes trying to keep her mind from returning to Jareth. She shook him from her thoughts and found the inspriation to practice her song. The motivation came in the form wanting to impress her friend, the friend who gave up everything to give her everything she wanted. For the first time she was grateful she encountered the Labyrinth in the first place. Sarah returned her attention to the music and practiced until she was called down for dinner.
What will happen next? Will Sarah make the musical? What will become of Mizumi? Will anything more happen between Sarah and Jareth? Find out in the next chapter. Thanks for reading.