Sarah marched down the hall, her angry footsteps echoing behind her. How come it seemed like every time she felt like Jareth was opening up, he turned cold as ice?

She turned the corner, eyes fixed straight ahead. Why does he keep treating me like a child? I know what I saw!! She paused before the bedroom door, hand hovering over the handle as realization set in. That's it! I have to prove to him!

She yanked the door open and stepped in, looking around. After a moment, her eyes fell on the object she was looking for and her eyes glinted. And I know just how to do it. She thought triumphantly, grabbing the orb and racing down the hall.

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The sun continued its downward decline, casting a deeper golden hue across Jareth's face, further illuminating the sadness etched there. Once again, she'd come and once again, he'd shut her out. Is this how it's always going to be?

He sighed and turned toward the hall, already weary again. Night would be upon them soon and he'd either have to find a way to go without falling asleep or face the pain of his repressed memories. A shudder rippled through him. No, I can't go through that again.

Movement in the hall caught his attention and as he walked towards it, he could hear faint, muffled voices.

"Ambrosious! You get back here this instant!" A shrill cry came. "I warn you if you don't, I shan't feed thee again! I shan't!!" Whimpering followed by padded footsteps as a flash of white scampered past the archway.

"Blast it! Why did I ever think that anyone besides meself could get the little missy out?" Jareth smiled as he recognized the raspy grumble. He pause, waiting for the grumpy dwarf and his companion to pass.

"Well, well, my dear prince! What has brought you out of your magnificent kingdom to my humble castle?"

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Sarah collapsed on the ground, exhausted and irritated. She thought that she could just conjure herself into the garden using the same method Hoggle had used underground but all she'd managed so far was to end up everywhere but there.

"What good are you, anyways?" She demanded of the orb, giving it a good shake. "Shouldn't you sense my dreams and desires? Or does that only work when Jareth's in control?"

The orb remained lifeless in her hands, no hint of magic in it's glossy surface just her distorted face staring back at her. The light was fading quickly and she closed her eyes, letting her hands drop into her lap. I wish...I wish that I could find that garden again. I just know it's important to this curse!

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"Your Ma-Majesty." Hoggle sputtered at the sight of him as Sir Didymus paused, peering up at the Goblin King. Jareth's smile widened. "You haven't answered my question, Hogwash. Why are you here?"

"Doth I know thee, good sir?" The fox asked, cocking his head slightly. "Thou dost look familiar..." A bark in the distance caught his attention and he sped off down the hall, calling for his trusty steed.

The dwarf fidgeted, pressing himself up against the wall as he edged past Jareth. He quickly squatted, blocking Hoggle's escape. "Dearest Higgle-"

"Hoggle." The dwarf rasped quickly, eyes darting past his head, looking for any way of escape. Jareth waved his hand dismissively as he continued, ignoring the ccorrection. "I thought you were happy being a prince. Does my generosity not meet your standards?"

Hoggle's eyes met his, nervousness filling his body. "N-no, your Majesty. I likes it just fine!" His voice quivered slightly as he spoke hurriedly. "I just came to find the little missy. I'm worried about her."

Jareth's eyebrow raised slightly, his smiling somewhat fading. "You're worried about her? Why would you be when she has me now." His tone was mocking but there was an underlying seriousness to it. He stood, sweeping his cape back with a flourish as he turned away. "Whatever you're worried about, Hoggle, stop. I have everything under control."

"Do you, Jareth?" At the hesitant voice, he stopped, turning to look at the dwarf in surprise. He was even more shocked at the look of determination Hoggle wore on his face as he stepped towards Jareth. "I'm a coward - through and through, that's a fact. But I can't just stands by and watch my friend get hurt because you're too stubborn to admit when you're in over your head."

Hoggle couldn't help but jump as the Goblin King let out a bark of laughter. "Well, this is a nice turn of events." His eyes narrow as he stepped back towards the dwarf, caging him in. "You giving me advice! Ha! Maybe you really are princely material after all."

"No, your Majesty, I ain't. What I ams is a good friend." Hoggle's voice grew quiet and his head drooped slightly as he gazed at his feet. "Sarah's a good friend, even when I wasn't. So I just wants to repay her kindness and be the friend she deserves."

He glanced up and twisted around, looking for the king. A jangling sound came from behind him and Sir Didymus approached, looking rather pleased with himself. "Ah, my friend! I hath returned with mine noble steed!"

Ambrosious whimpered, ducking his head slightly as they came to a stop. "Sir Hoggle? Art thou alright?" Hoggle looked at him, confused and shook his head.

"Where'd he go?" He muttered as he started walking down the hall, Ambrosious following slowly behind him. "Why'd he go and sneak off likes that?"