AN: Ok, so I've got a nice long chapter for everyone. Which means the next chapter will be probably be very short just to keep things in suspense. I know, I know, but you gotta love the cliffhangers. It would just be boring if there weren't any. Anywhere, as a side note I'm kinda glad the whole romance between Sarah and Superman has kinda gone sour now. Christopher Reeve looks WAY too much like my dad and writing the last few chapters was just kinda weird. Moving on. I know I only said a few more chapters but I think it's going to be just a couple more than that. Just a couple!

Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth or Superman.

Sarah threw her arms out, completely forgetting she was wearing nothing but a towel. Jareth's eyes widened and turned his body to her when she lunged for him. He opened his arms to catch her, but she only passed through air when he disappeared just before she landed into him.

She fell onto the hardwood floor just as Clark came bursting into the room.

"Sarah! Sarah, for goodness sake, didn't you hear me knocking? Sarah, oh my gosh! Are you alright, what happened?"

She felt Clark's hands on her shoulders as he lifted her up. Slapping her hands onto the floor, she realized she had been staring at the spot Jareth had been standing a moment before, and looked up to see Clark kneeling beside her, shock and worry written all over his face.

"Oh, I don't know…" Sarah mumbled, turning her face away and hiding it with her hair.

"Let's get you up," Clark grunted, helping Sarah to her feet.

"I… I think I'm just tired," she said softly. Trying to cover up what had just happened; she placed her hand on her forehead and swayed a little. "I think I'm feeling a bit faint."

Clark didn't look convinced. "Sarah, I was out there knocking and calling, and then you screamed!"

"I must have been trying to catch myself," she said nonchalantly.

"Then you need to lay down, and I have to be with you at all times, you have to-"

"Do you think we can get something to eat?" she interrupted, looking up at him with the most pitiful expression she could make.

Clark opened and closed his mouth, but finally he smiled stiffly. "Alright," he sighed and released her shoulders quickly, reverting back to his awkward, bashful self. "But please put some clothes on first!"

Sarah clasped her hands to her front and shrunk back. "Ok! Ok, I'm sorry!"

He pointed down to his bed as he turned away. "There are some clothes for you there, and I'll be back in five minutes. Five minutes," he held up five fingers before he took one last uneasy look back, shutting the door behind him.

Finally alone, Sarah took several deep breaths before she raked her fingers through her hair. Her heart wouldn't stop beating so violently, her hands were still shaking. Clark had almost come face to face with Jareth, and if she hadn't tried to stop Jareth… she shuddered to think what would have happened.

"I always thought he had different colored eyes…" she thought absently. "Why didn't I ever see that before?"

Looking down on Clark's bed, she realized the clothes that were laid out for her were not hers. They still had the price tags on them. Clark had gone out to buy new clothes for her. It was only jeans and a plain black t-shirt, but the gesture itself touched her. She smiled softly as she picked up the t-shirt and brought it to her cheek.

Sarah thought for a moment if whether Clark really wanted something more with her than to just be friends. Wasn't that always the case, though? Your guy friends would always want something more.

But Clark was so different than most other men. He seemed like such a pushover at times, but then at other times he was the one you could go to for a shoulder to cry on or for guidance, or if you were being stalked by a Goblin King. Regardless, he was always there and expected nothing more in return. Which meant he had a heart of gold.

She clutched the shirt to her and plopped down on the bed, completely exasperated. Clark couldn't be anything more than a friend. Even if she did feel that way for him, he couldn't stand a chance against Jareth's jealously, not even Superman could. And if he couldn't, who else would?

Sarah quickly began to dress herself, and as she did, she fought fiercely to keep a thought down. The thought that Jareth had sealed her fate…

Sarah felt another tug at her arm as they rounded another corner, but she let Clark guide her. Telling him otherwise would just result in another scolding. She was under Clark's watchful eye as they walked down the streets to a local diner.

The afternoon sun dried her still-damp hair and warmed her skin; summer was slowly slipping into the city.

They said little to each other as they walked down the blocks of pedestrians and vendors and tinted windows. Of which Sarah was very careful to avoid looking into, she didn't want to see anybody she knew looking back at her. But Clark was still very suspicious of Sarah and her behavior earlier in his apartment, and every now and again she would steal a glance at him and would catch him watching her warily from the corner of his eye.

Clark placed a hand on her back while he opened the diner door for her. After they settled themselves into a booth and ordered their lunch, Clark finally looked up from his coffee and cleared his throat.

"So," he tried, "is there anything you want to tell me? Anything at all?"

Sarah ducked her head and shifted a bit in her seat. She tilted her head up and opened her mouth, looking up at the ceiling. But no sound came.

As good a man as Clark was, how trustworthy and kind he seemed to be, she couldn't possibly tell him. If she couldn't tell Superman, there would be no way she could tell Clark. He would think the absolute worst, he would think she was downright mad.

She closed her mouth and shook her head. Without looking at him, she answered, "no."

Clark sighed and took a sip of coffee, still not convinced. "But you're alright?"

"Yes," she replied, laughing softly. "Yes, I'm fine. Like I said, I was just feeling a little light-headed and I just took a bad fall." She shrugged and took a small sip of her soda. "It's really nothing, I'm just under a lot of stress what with this… stalker person and then-"

"Sarah!"

Both Clark and Sarah looked up to find Sarah's classmate, Richard Michol, rushing to their table.

"Richard!" Sarah exclaimed, secretly grateful for the distraction. "Richard, this is my friend Clark from the Daily Planet."

Richard extended a hand and smiled brightly. "Hi there, nice to meet you."

Clark actually stood up and pushed his glasses up before he took Richard's hand in a friendly handshake. "Hi..."

"Will you join us?" Sarah asked Richard after the introductions. Anything to get Clark off the subject at hand.

"Oh, no, I can't. I'm just in for a quick bit to eat." Richard adjusted his jacket before he brushed his unruly curls away from his face. "But, uh, Sarah, I think you should be going to the Academy. Professor Lambie has been asking for you."

"Oh no," she thought, "I've been away for so long, they must think I've gone missing. And my last play is next week!"

"Oh dear," Sarah bit her lip. "I'll go down right after I eat. Clark, you can sit down now."

"Oh, right," Clark had realized he was still standing and with a sheepish grin, he quickly sat back down.

"Well, I gotta run," Richard said as he began to walk away, "I'll see you soon, Sarah. And it was nice meeting you, Clark!"

Clark began to stand back up again. "Oh, it was nice meeting you too."

Sarah doubted that Richard had heard him; he was already out the door.

She rested her arms on the table and sighed, "I have to go to the Academy, Clark. My professor wants to see me."

"I'll go with you." Clark's quick response was not an offer, it was a demand. A demand Sarah didn't want to argue with at the moment.

Sarah placed a trembling hand on her stomach as she walked up the steps to the Academy. She had no idea why Professor Lambie was looking for her. She had been gone for only a couple of days, but by now everyone knew that she was accustomed to come and go. But she was always ready for a performance and she always blew the audience and her peers away every time.

Clark placed a firm hand on her shoulder as he opened the giant oak door for her. "Don't worry," he reassured, "I'm sure he just wants to know where you've been."

Sarah didn't answer, only smiled shakily as she entered the main lobby. She stopped suddenly and turned to Clark. "I won't be long; his office is just down the hall."

Clark shifted his feet before he wrapped his arms around her. "You'll be fine," he murmured. "I'll be right here."

Sarah grasped his arms and for a moment, she let herself relax in his embrace. She felt a sudden rush of calm sweep into her, and it wasn't the lunch that was making her drowsy. She sighed softly as she rested her head on his chest. With each deep breath he took, Sarah became more and more calm, and she nearly forgot she was in the Academy before they both jumped at the sudden slam of a door.

Sarah laughed nervously at herself before pushing herself away. Clark only smiled his crooked half-smile down at her.

"I'll be back," she said, resting her hand on his chest. And before he had a chance to say anything, she whipped her head around and walked into the side hallway to her Professor's office.

The main lobby was still in view when Sarah stopped in front of the office door, but Clark was nowhere to be seen. She merely shrugged it aside. She had other things to worry about now. She hoped she wasn't in too much trouble, but there was a good chance she may be in for a harsh tell off. Why else would her Professor be looking for her?

She slowly lifted her hand and knocked on the door.

An audible clearing of the throat and then a gruff 'come in' quickly followed suit.

Sarah turned the doorknob and pushed the door open. Professor Lambie wheeled around in his worn leather chair and with raised eyebrows he exclaimed, "Sarah! So good to see you at last!"

Professor Lambie was a large man, but more heavily built with some extra weight put on than overweight. His gray was always nicely trimmed and his small spectacles always seemed to stay perfectly put on the edge of his nose. Framed prints of past actors that graced various stages hung on the wall space not taken up by the bookshelves overflowing with plays and papers. His office was certainly cluttered, but it always seemed as if he wanted it this way.

Professor Lambie rose steadily and extended a hand. "Please, sit down."

Sarah did as she was told and took the worn, padded seat directly across from him.

"So," he continued, sitting back down, "you've become very accustomed to come and go as you please. But I have to say these past couple days have been the longest…"

"I'm so sorry!" Sarah interrupted. "I want this last play to be perfect! I think I'm just putting a lot of extra stress on myself…"

Professor Lambie raised a hand and motioned for her to stop. "Sarah, it's alright. You're not here for a scolding. You're here because I'm making you an offer."

Sarah tilted her head slightly, confused. "What sort of offer?"

"This is indeed a very rare opportunity, Sarah. First, we offered you an extension at the Academy and now we're willing to give you more." Her professor leaned forward in his chair, the leather creaking under his weight. "But first you must give me your word that you will come to your classes everyday until the year is over."

She tucked her hair behind her ear nervously. "Of course. You have my word."

She could tell from the remaining frown on his face that he was not completely convinced, but he was willing to believe her.

He sat back in chair and rested his hands on his stomach. "Very well. Sarah, you're one of our brightest students, and we've watched you blossom into a very fine stage actress. One of the best we've had in years." He paused briefly before he continued. "We've recently been told that several companies have been looking for new cast members. Unfortunately, nothing has come up here in Metropolis."

Sarah shifted in her chair uneasily. But Professor Lambie continued. "I've been kind enough to send references to three different companies."

Her heart suddenly skipped a beat when she realized what he was offering her. "Where are these companies?" she asked quietly.

He smiled to himself when he noticed her shift in attention. "There are three different locations – Chicago, San Francisco, and Gotham City. All three are very interested in having you as a member."

Sarah was completely beside herself. She had the opportunity to join a major company, a situated and legitimate acting company. She was completely speechless and Professor Lambie grinned at her reaction.

"Don't lose sight of what's important to you, Sarah. You've made it this far. Remember what I said before."

Sarah nodded, still in shock. "Of course... I swear I'll be here everyday until classes are over."

Professor Lambie nodded, finally satisfied. "Good. Think on it, Sarah. These are all highly respected companies. You could possibly be one of the youngest in each of these respectively."

"I understand." Sarah took a deep breath and rose from her seat. "Thank you! Thank you so much, Professor Lambie. I honestly don't know what to say, this means so much to me!"

Professor Lambie slowly rose from his seat again. "Do some research before you make your choice, Sarah." He shuffled around the corner of his desk before reaching behind her and opening the door for her. "This is indeed a very rare opportunity, Sarah. A chance to live and work in a new city. Perhaps it will be a better change for you."

Sarah slipped through the doorway, still letting Professor Lambie's words sink in. How truly lucky she was to be given another amazing opportunity like this. Her mother had never gotten anything like this when she was this young. Everything was happening so fast, her dreams of becoming an actress were rapidly coming true. She couldn't wait to tell her parents… she couldn't wait to tell Clark the good news.

Then she realized that no matter which company she chose, she would be very far from Metropolis. Perhaps thousands of miles away from her family and Clark… and Superman. She shook her head mentally. He wouldn't care if she stayed or left, and when it came to him, neither did she.

She knew however, that Jareth would most likely follow her…

She took a step back from Professor Lambie and twisted her fingers nervously, realizing something else far more dreadful. "Professor? May I ask you something that is a bit presumptuous?"

Professor Lambie blinked. "Well, I suppose it wouldn't be the first."

"I'm sorry, but, is it really my talent? I mean to say there was nothing else that affected your decision to send out those references?"

He was not at all caught off guard. "Sarah, by no means is it your talent alone. Don't let your head get any bigger, but you are the bright, fresh face of the stage. You have a uniqueness and a beauty that people just can't resist. You," he pointed his finger down at her, "always keep the mystery. Even when you are offstage. That's what we as the audience and the people look for in an actress."

She smiled, embarrassed at such praise from her mentor. "Thank you, I'm sorry…" She sighed mentally with relief. For a moment, she thought a third party had been involved who had done a little persuading…

Professor Lambie lifted his hand. "Now, that's very typical of young actors. I've had worse questions asked." He opened the door a bit wider. "Thank you for seeing me, Sarah. But I have a lot of work to do before the week is out. I will see you tomorrow."

"Oh, right! Tomorrow bright and early!" Sarah smiled brightly and stepped out of his office, thanking her professor again before she rushed back to the main lobby.

She couldn't help but laugh aloud as she nearly ran back down the hallway. She simply couldn't believe her good fortune. This alone made her forget everything that had transpired between herself, Superman, and Jareth. She could feel her face glowing from her giddiness… Clark would be so surprised to hear the good news…

She suddenly stopped short at the empty lobby. Where was Clark? Her bright smile immediately faded.

"He was just here… where could he have gone?"

She peeked around corners and even opened the ornate, wooden door into the theater itself but no sign of Clark anywhere.

She closed the door and began to turn when she heard shuffling from the other end of the lobby coming from the hidden, opposite hallway, which led into the storage basement.

"Clark?" she called out warily.

No answer.

It was probably one of the stagehands putting away props or lights. But then a crash and Clark's voice sounded.

"Sarah? Sarah, is that you?"

"Clark?" she asked cautiously. She rushed down the narrow passage and down the steps into the basement. "Clark, what are you doing?"

She could hear a faint muffled sound before Clark called, "I… I was just curious and I falled down…"

Sarah stopped before she pushed the door open. "Falled?"

She knew she shouldn't be down here in the first place and she knew that no grown man could have possibly used the word 'falled'. But it was Clark's voice calling to her, and he definitely seemed like the sort of person that would get lost in dark places.

She cautiously pushed the door open and found herself in the dark. No light at all. Her head jerked around as she fought the urge to run. This was not right. Every instinct that she had was suddenly screaming at her to get out. She started violently when another crash sounded and something shuffled across the floor.

'Getoutgetoutgetout,' her mind began to chant.

Breathing heavily with fear, she rushed to the side wall and flipped the light switch.

Three small, hairy goblins scrambled up and crashed into each other, blinded by the sudden light.

"Oh, my god," she said as she realized that she walked right into a trap.

Two of the smaller goblins screeched and ran, disappearing into the wall. The third one turned to Sarah. "Sorry," Clark's voice spilled out. The goblin coughed and cleared his throat. "Sorry," he said in his normal, nasally voice. He turned and bounced out of sight.

Sarah didn't hesitate. She whipped around to run out the door. But it was too late. She nearly crashed into Jareth. He merely kept his arms crossed across his chest and smiled mockingly down at her.

"Going somewhere?" he drawled.

"You tricked me again!" she nearly screamed.

"Come, come Sarah." He uncrossed his arms and brushed past her. "I'm the Goblin King, that's my business."

She followed him with her eyes and bit her lip. But Jareth had guessed her impulsive movement. The door slammed in front of her before she had a chance to run.

Sarah placed her hands on her hips and whipped back around. "Well, aren't we tenacious?"

He said nothing, only turned his head briefly at her as he continued walking to the far wall, apparently looking for something.

She sighed and shook her head. "Why haven't you given up yet, Jareth?"

"For the same reason you haven't acquired any sort of intelligence," he raised a sardonic eyebrow, and stared intently at her.

She forced down the anger as she pursed her lips. "Where's Clark?"

"Clark?" He waved his hand nonchalantly. "Oh, him. I've no idea. He ran off as soon as you left him." He turned back around, his long, golden hair a great contrast to his midnight blue cape.

"He ran off? I don't believe that for a second…" She furrowed her eyebrows at his fixed gaze at the wall. "What… what are you doing?"

For a moment, he did not answer her. But when she felt a slight tremor and the wall began to tremble on its surface, he turned back to her and grinned wolfishly.

Sarah's arms dropped at her sides and she placed her back on the door. Her heart began to pound and her hands felt uncomfortably clammy. "Oh no… I am not going anywhere with you!"

Jareth sighed and gave her an impatient look. He reached out with his hand and then pulled it to his body. The door on which Sarah placed herself against suddenly gave way and pushed her forward, like a rubber band. She stifled a scream as she felt herself being pushed quite violently and then stumble onto her feet, right into the Goblin King's arms.

"That's better," he said, smiling in that arrogant manner he so favored. He grasped both of her hands and brought his mouth down to her temple. "I want to show you something."

"No…" she struggled in his grasp, but an invisible force pulled her toward the wall as Jareth held out one gloved hand and thrust it into the wall, pulling them both in. Before she could react further, a large black void opened before them and they fell with tremendous speed.

Sarah screamed, unwittingly grabbed Jareth and held tight. Jareth meanwhile looked perfectly at ease. Magnificent beams of light radiated from him and Sarah felt the suffocating presence of his formidable magic once again. She ducked her head and sought to control her vertigo but felt like she was going to faint from the sudden onrush.

And as soon as it happened, it stopped at once. Her face still hidden on Jareth's chest, she did not move until Jareth lowered his head and murmured, "We're here."

She didn't want to open her eyes. She didn't want to see any horned or hairy goblins running across a filthy floor, or a draped throne decorated with ram's horns, or the dingy walls sprawling with bones and bats. She kept her eyes tightly shut; she didn't want to see any of this.

"Sarah," Jareth's impatient voice trembled in his chest. He grasped her arms and turned her around in front of him. "Look."

Sarah cracked her eyes open before she felt the sweet breath of cool, fresh air on her face. Her mouth fell open at the spectacular sight that lay before her. Her heart absolutely refused to beat as she fell back against Jareth, completely overwhelmed. The striking and sublime valley of granite and waterfalls lay before her as she stood high atop a mountain cliff.

She had been here before, years ago when her senior class took their trip to California. They had come here and she immediately felt a deep, almost magical connection to this place. She never thought she could come back… not here, not from high above overlooking the magnificent rock formations and white waterfalls with the snowy mountain range far off in the distance. The walls of the valley itself were so sheer, and so compactly and harmoniously arranged that it looked like an immense hall or temple lit from high above.

"Where…" she was struggling to find the words. "How did you… why?"

"This place was easy to find," Jareth replied casually. "It speaks to you. Therefore, it speaks to me as well."

The line of ancient mountains set against the deep blue sky nearly brought tears to her eyes. The first time she was here was exhilarating, now it was far too overwhelming for her to take in at once. Every rock in its walls seemed to glow with life. Some in majestic repose; others seemed to welcome storms and sun alike. They stood among beautiful groves and meadows, bathed in water, flooding in light, while down through the middle of the valley flowed a crystal river. It was as if Mother Nature had gathered her most valuable treasures to her under the bright, golden sun.

"It… it speaks to you?" she stuttered through her clenched throat.

He laughed quietly and pulled her closer to him. "Of course. This place is older than time and holds more magic and secrets than you could possibly imagine."

Sarah was awestruck at the sight before her but she could not control the trembling that ran throughout her body. Her breathing became erratic as she felt waves of powerful energy sweep over her, and it was not coming from her captor.

Fortunately, Jareth noticed her eyes growing wider with something more than wonder. It was fear… fear of the crushing unknown. Frowning, he stepped back and brought her with him back into the black void.

Sarah only shut her eyes. Grateful, yet disappointed to be taken away from the mountaintop overlooking the ancient valley. But when they stopped again, she opened her eyes without hesitation and a smile immediately grew on her face.

She was home! The home she grew up in, the home where her family lived. She cried out in delight and rushed out of Jareth's grasp. She was in her old living room again, the sofa, television, bookcases exactly as they should be… but then she heard her stepmother bustling inside the kitchen.

Sarah immediately took a step back. If Karen had found her in here there would certainly be a lot questions that would need to be answered. She didn't even know why Jareth had brought her here in the first place. Why show her home and why did he take her high on the mountain overlooking the valley first?

She turned to him warily but he only cocked his head at her, somewhat amused at the puzzled look on her face.

Then the sound of plastic hitting each other and a little boy's playful voice rang through the air.

"Toby," Sarah whispered. She peeked inside the kitchen quietly and when she didn't see Karen, she bolted for the stairs. Jareth merely sauntered after her.

She ran up the stairs two at time, and slowed to a walk before she entered Toby's room. He sat on the floor in his room, playing with his toys and patiently waiting for his lunch.

Sarah watched him from the doorway. She did not want to disturb him; just watching her baby brother was enough for her. She sighed and rested her head against the doorframe. But that slight movement alone caught Toby's attention.

He jumped to his feet and squealed her name. She smiled happily, crouched down and held her arms open for him to jump into. She held him tight against her as she pressed her lips to his temple, taking in his scent, the small, childish warmth that radiated from his body. She had missed her little brother terribly…

"Toby," she murmured, "Toby, have you been staying out of trouble?"

He nodded. "Yes, Sarah. I've been very good. Can I get down now?"

She laughed awkwardly. "Yea, sorry." She let him down slowly, but let her hand linger on his blonde hair before he ran off to his toy chest.

She leant back against the doorframe and watched Toby dig through his mass of toys. A brush of leather on her skin startled her. She nearly forgot about Jareth.

"Can he see you?" she whispered, still keeping her eyes on Toby.

"No, he can only see you."

She shifted her feet and took a deep breath; she only hoped he could give an honest answer now. "Jareth, why are you doing this? Why did you bring me here?"

She stole a glance. He didn't blink, his face remained perfectly still. His armored chest was the only part of his body that was moving. Finally, he turned to her and tilted his head slightly. "I do not desire to see you unhappy, nor do I wish to see you angry. I doubt I could remain wholly intact if I had a raging young woman such as yourself within my realm."

Jareth's response took Sarah completely by surprise; she didn't know what to say. She was amazed and nearly speechless by his sincerity. "Are… are you saying that I can visit whenever I want… anywhere I want?"

"I am."

Sarah opened and closed her mouth, unable to find anymore words. It seemed as if long hours had passed where they stood, eyes locked on each other, the only sound was Toby still shuffling through his toys. Jareth's face remained blank, betraying no emotion; while Sarah's expressed shock and then slowly became an almost meditative calm.

After some time, Sarah lifted her hand to him. Her fingers encircled a golden strand of his hair and then she was still, her touch light inches away from his chest. Jareth's gaze dropped for a moment, he seemed amazed and taken aback by the simple gesture.

"Tell me the truth," she whispered.

"I promise you," he murmured, "everything I have shown you and told you. I can give you what you desire, Sarah."

Her hand dropped suddenly to her side. She realized then that he most likely never loved anyone before… he didn't know how to love.

Was he just as terrified and angered as much as she was by the paradox of it all? A Goblin King falling in love with a mortal girl. It certainly seemed like a romantic fairy tale… for her. He never had a choice, it simply was.

"You never answered my question," she nearly whispered.

"And which one is that?"

His warm breath lingered on her face. She savored it, but only for a moment, and mentally brushed it aside just as quickly. "Would you have done the same for me?"

She gazed at his face, hoping that his countenance might lead to an honest answer, and not one of indifference hidden behind alien eyes. He, in turn, watched her intently, and for a long while they regarded each other in silence, assessing, searching each other. He was excessively proud and arrogant; could he have possibly poured his heart out to her without looking like a fool? Sarah didn't think so.

Toby suddenly came running back to Sarah. "Look, Sarah! Did you see my new toy?"

Sarah tore her eyes away from Jareth and looked down at a plastic rendition of the Man of Steel in Toby's hand. His muscles were a bit more prominent and he looked angry; an emotion Sarah rarely saw. At least up until recently…

"Oh," she said, taking the doll from Toby. "Oh, look it is him. They even got the curl right." She held the toy in her hand almost lovingly and brushed a finger over the 'S' on his chest. She felt Jareth take several steps back from her, but she looked down at the plastic form of her friend, the friend she had fallen head over heels for in her hand. It was surreal; actually very amusing… but she did not smile, only stared into his face, into his painted blue eyes…

"Ok," Toby grabbed the doll from her hand. "I just wanted you to see it." He ran back to his toy chest, looking for something else to show Sarah.

She straightened and turned back to Jareth. He stood in the doorway, his arms by his side and his face turned back into the mask of cold indifference. But his eyes betrayed him, they glittered with jealousy.

"I have to go back," she murmured quietly. "Please take me back."

"Very well." He slowly stepped back to her side and pressed his body to hers. "You did say 'please'." He smiled deliciously down at her, but his eyes were still blazing.

She turned away again. "Never be able to figure you out," she mumbled. She quickly came to Toby's side and pulled him to her.

A muffled 'hey' was all she heard before he wrapped his arms around her waist.

"Don't tell mommy and daddy I've been here, okay? This will be our little secret." Toby readily agreed. A secret from mommy and daddy was worth keeping. She placed her hands on his shoulders and looked down at his flushed face. "Toby," she quickly stole a glance at Jareth. He watched the both of them, waiting patiently for Sarah. "Toby," she started again, "do you still see Titch and Boon?"

"All the time," he responded casually. "Do you want to meet them?"

"No, no that's okay." She ruffled his hair and hugged him again. "I'll come visit again soon, okay?"

"Okay. Love you, Sarah."

"I love you too, Toby." She kissed his head and pulled herself away, taking one last look back before leaving Toby's room. He immediately went back to his toys as if nothing had happened. Sarah sighed and turned back to Jareth. "Let's go."

He grasped her arm and pulled her to him, holding out his other hand in the air in front of them. Remembering what happened the first time, Sarah shrunk back into his chest. The black void opened once again and they fell into it with sickening speed. She gasped and covered her head as the violent onrush of wind ripped at her clothes and skin.

She stumbled a bit when the wind suddenly stopped and her feet found solid ground once more. She took a step back, still holding Jareth's arm. "That's really not the best way to travel…"

"What would you prefer?" he asked mockingly. "Flying?"

She rolled her eyes at him. "Shut up." She stopped short at her surroundings. He brought them back to Metropolis, but not to the Academy itself. He brought them to the warehouse where the crew stored all of the heavy equipment and massive props.

"Jareth… why are we here?" she asked shakily.

"Oh," he raised one eyebrow as if he remembered something. "I nearly forgot. I'm expecting someone."

Her brows furrowed as she took another uneasy step back. She didn't like where this was going now.

"Don't go anywhere," he warned, but a smile crept unto his exotic face as he waved his hand elegantly and a crystal ball appeared in his palm.

He held it up to her but she kept her hands to her stomach. Her insides were beginning to turn.

"You wouldn't want to miss this."

AAN: Thank you thank you so much to everyone reviewing. I don't think I would have made it this far without your support and your faith. And for first-time readers, thanks for sticking with the story even though it seems like an odd crossover. But it seems to be working, right?

Shalom y Amor