Hey it's finally here the conclusion to A New Path. I'd like to thank all that have commented on this story and hope that you have enjoyed it as much as I've enjoyed writing it. After you read this please let me know whether or not you think that there should be a sequel. If I get enough good reviews count on there being a sequel to follow. Disclaimer: The Labyrinth and all of its characters and Buffy The Vampire Slayer and all its characters do not belong to me. The characters of Navea however do. Please for your reading enjoyment the conclusion to A New Path.
A New Path
Chapter 20:
Her dark red hair cascaded over her bare pale shoulders as her crumbled form sat in a trembling heap. Tears of blood flowed from her eyes as she let the grief of the loss of her love, her creator, take its toll. The dark and dank walls echoing her grief as she openly sobbed. Slowly lifting her self off of the ground Navea forced her tears to stop as she glared about the room with intense green eyes. Grief was replaced with that of anger as she wiped away the blood on her tear stricken face.
She looked about the room with a sickening detachment as she took in her familiar surroundings. Ever since her creation as the Elfin Vampire that she was, this had been her home. Her eyes stopped focussing on their bed where they shared her most cherished of memories. Taunting and pleasing each other with a euphoria of pleasure and pain.
Slowly and painfully she walked forward stopping at the beds edge her fingers lightly tracing the silken sheets. Roughly she grabbed at the sheet tearing them to shreds as she cried out in rage. Collapsing on the floor in front of the bed she took in what she had done sitting back on her knees. Looking to her now open hands she watched as the shreds of material that was once the bed sheet of their bed fell smoothly from her hands like falling water.
"I will make you pay for this. I won't stop until they're all dead at my feet. They killed my Sire, my love. Jonathan, you will not have died in vain. I swear it."
Standing she took one last look at the room before she made her way to gather her forces. She would make them pay all of them. No one will be safe from her wrath, no one.
Buffy looked slightly lost as she tried to figure out what had just happened. She had been fighting that vampire when all of the sudden he had been impaled by a wooden stake, dusting him. Slowly rising from the floor her eyes focused on Giles leaning over her unconscious boyfriend. She limped as quickly as she could to her boyfriend swearing that he had better be all right. She vaguely noticed Willow standing beside the Goblin King, Sarah at one corner of the room, and Xander on the other side of Riley.
His head felt like a mountain had fallen on it, as he tried to open his eyes only to quickly shut them again the dim light making his head hurt even worse.
Giles helped Riley to sit up as he tried to see how badly he had been injured. As he felt the back of Riley's head for the bump he knew he would find he pulled his hand away feeling a wet sticky substance he knew to be blood.
Riley grimaced as he felt the back of his head erupt into yet more pain as Giles touched it. "Owe, do you mind?" he hissed as he pulled away from the man's touch.
"Sorry, you'll probably need stitches."
Riley looked to Giles through slighted eyes, "Thanks for the prognosis." Opening his eyes a little more he slowly looked over the room but his view was suddenly obscured.
Buffy knelt down in front of Riley, touching his cheek with her good hand she looked intently into his eyes, "You alright?"
Riley smiled as Buffy's face came into view, she was so beautiful, "I'll live…" Looking down he noticed that she wasn't using her other arm, "Your arm?"
Shrugging her good shoulder she smiled, "I'll live. Come on we need to bandage up that hard head of yours." Helping him to stand she looked to Xander noticing the purple and black bruises starting to form on his throat, "You okay?"
Xander faintly smiled as he softly answered with a horse voice, "Yeah, just a slightly crushed neck, nothing to worry about."
Buffy was about to say something more when Willow came up, "Hey, everybody okay?"
Giles smiled reassuringly to the young red head, "Yes, partially thanks to you. That was impressive what you did back there."
Willow blushed, "Oh, it was nothing," she answered sheepishly.
Buffy looked slightly puzzled, "What are you two talking about?"
"I uh, dusted that vampire you were fighting. Not that I didn't think you could do it and all, it's just I had that stake and you looked like you needed…"
Buffy stopped Willow before she could continue to ramble on, smiling widely, "Thanks Willow."
As the Scooby gang conversed Sarah ran to Jareth diving into his open arms as she buried her head into his chest. Jareth's arms tightened comfortingly about her as he breathed in heavily taking in her presence relieved that she was all right.
Sarah pulled away lightly punching him in the chest, "I thought you were dead."
Jareth looked to her with mock hurt, "Sorry to disappoint you."
She rolled her eyes at his display and pulled herself to him once again, "Don't ever do that to me again."
Jareth smiled against her soft hair, "Promise…" God, how he loved the smell of her, he wondered how he could have ever fallen for Navea's ploy. He would never fall for that illusion again. Seeing the group of Sarah's friends staring at them he cleared his throat and reluctantly pulled himself away.
For a moment Sarah looked hurt as he pulled away but as she saw her friends standing on the other end of the room she, along with Jareth, made their way towards them. Looking to each of them she noticed Xander's bruised neck, a young man she had not met being supported by an injured Buffy. Worriedly she met the group and was a little relieved to see that Giles and Willow were unharmed.
Jareth was the first to speak when they reached them, "Well, I see that you found a way to open a doorway to my world and that you've successfully extinguished Jonathan Novay not to mention injuring yourselves in the process."
Sarah ignored the Goblin King's lack of thanks, "Sorry about the reception. You guys all right?"
Buffy smiled to Sarah, thankful that she seemed okay, "We'll recover. What happened to that other vampire?"
Sarah's eyes hardened her voice reflecting her eyes, "She got away."
Giles cut in, "Well, at least we were able to get rid of one of them. I say, he wasn't as much of a challenge as I thought he would be."
Buffy looked hard to Giles, "Like that was easy!"
Giles expression reddened with embarrassment, "No, no it wasn't…Sorry."
Riley was starting to tire of standing around conversing when his head felt like it was about to explode, "Uh, not to be rude or anything but can't we discuss this later."
Buffy looked to Giles speaking to him in an hushed tone, "He didn't do anything to harm you while I was gone did he?"
Jareth glared at the blond Slayer and answered the question for Giles, "As you can see he is perfectly fine. For the meantime, you all are welcome to stay here within my castle." Allowing no time for any to argue he materialized one of his crystals tossing it up above them he looked to Sarah as they disappeared. "I believe that we have some training to begin."
Crossing her arms she glared at the Goblin King, "You know, you could at least try to be nice to my friends. They did after all help."
"Sarah," he warned only to be met with that stubbornly angry expression that let him know that she was not going to let go of the issue. She was so beautiful when angry. Instead of saying anything more he pulled her to him taking in the sweet taste of her lips.
Her anger forgotten she lost herself in his arms moaning slightly against his lips as he ignited a fire deep within. Her hands snaked through his soft blond hair as her body leaned against his for support, her legs feeling weak from her growing desire.
Jareth smiled against her lips enjoying his effect on her, she seemed to always melt with his touch. She would do almost anything for him as he would do the same for her. Slowly and skillfully he moved his lips across her jaw line making his way down her neck across her collarbone. He could now feel her shivering underneath him all of her defenses down, vulnerable to his touch. Self-control he needed to use his self-control. Moving back to her lips he tasted her once more before reluctantly pulling away. If he did not stop now he would not be able to stop at all.
Sarah felt incomplete as he pulled away. It was almost a physical pain to be so far away, though they were only inches apart. Her eyes locked in his she wanted so much to pull him to her once again. She had almost lost him and now more than ever she wanted just to be with him, to feel his presence, his touch. Sarah wanted more than anything to lean into his arms and allow him to take her away from everything, just him and her together alone. Instead, one hand leaned against his chest as the other rested on his shoulder.
Taking both her hands from his shoulder and chest he clasped them together bringing them to his lips, "That wasn't exactly the training I had in mind but I'll be willing to when you're ready."
Sarah's face flushed crimson, "I…you…you were. You're the one that kissed me remember."
Smiling at her response he held out his arm for her waiting for her to take his silent invitation. Too tired to argue let alone think up some kind of spiffy retort she silently slid her arm through his. Magic surrounded them and they were suddenly back within the gardens where they had started that morning.
Sarah suddenly felt tired, drained from the events of the long day. Breaking away from Jareth's arms she sat down on the wooden red oak bench that stood a few feet from where they were standing. "Jareth, can this wait until tomorrow?"
"Sarah, we need to begin your training now. You were barely able to fight off Navea's power over you and that was when I had helped you."
Sarah sighed at his words, 'Why was life being so difficult lately?' Looking up to the large moon in the star light sky she silently wished that this would just be over with.
Jareth could see that she was tired but she needed to learn how to control and summon her powers. Uncontrolled or unrecognized power was a dangerous thing especially with what she was going to have to face. Sitting down beside her he took one of her soft hands into his, "I know you're tired but this is something you can't put off any longer. We'll start with a few mental exercises and then try to tap into that power that lies within you."
Smiling weakly she looked away from the large moon meting Jareth's gaze, "Okay, lets get started."
Pacing the room like a caged tiger Buffy rubbed at her arm that only moments ago was broken but now was healed. Whether or not it was the Goblin Kings doing was still a question that she knew the answer to but didn't want to admit it. He was a rude, arrogant, self-conniving stuck up jerk that she was itching to beat the crap out of. His action of a moments ago, being the only thing keeping her from fulfilling that impulse. That and the fact that Sarah was in love with the creep, why she would never know.
Riley sat on the large bed silently watching his girlfriend pacing about the room silently brooding. Smile tugging at his lips he finally broke the silence, "Do you want to talk about it or are you going to walk a hole into the floor with your pacing?"
Buffy stopped to glare at her boyfriend making him hold up his hands in mock surrender. She smiled making her way towards him taking his hands in hers, "Sorry, it's just that we come here, save his and Sarah's life and he doesn't even thanks us. Just, oh looky at what you did now away with you!"
Riley smiled bringing her hands up and lightly kissing them, "He did heal our wounds, maybe that was his way of saying thanks."
Sighing heavily she rolled her eyes upward, "Yeah well he still could at least given us time to argue before abruptly sending us here. I wonder where the others are?"
Just as the question left her lips she heard a soft knock at the door. Looking to Riley for a moment she walked over to the door and opened it. There, standing before the door, were the rest of her group, Willow, Xander, and Giles.
Opening the door further she allowed them to enter and proceeded to shut the door after everyone passed through, "Hey guys, come on in."
Willow rubbed her hands together in excitement, "I love this place! It's a real castle and the rooms are totally cool!"
Buffy smiled to her best friend, "Glad someone's enjoying our little stay."
Willow continued, "Oh come on Buffy! We're in the Underground, a place where fairytales are real and magic thrives! Can't you feel the magic in the air? It's like living a dream come true."
Xander broke in, "Willow, when we first got here we were attacked. Don't tell us that that's apart of your dream."
Her happy state of euphoria was dimmed as she took in his words, "No, but…that's just because our timing was bad."
Giles sat on a chair that sat close to the door leaning back tiredly, "Are you two through? Yes, then could you possibly tell me what you're doing here and how you got here?"
Buffy sat beside Riley on the bed, "Well, we came because we thought that you and Sarah were in danger. Which by the way was true by what we were greeted with when we did come. Coming just in time."
Before Giles could continue Willow added in, "We found a crossing spell and I added a few phrases!"
The Slayer continued, "Anyway, like I was just going to leave you here alone with that Goblin King."
Removing his glasses he rubbed the bridge of his nose trying to ease some of the tension, "Buffy, I know this is hard for you to believe but the Goblin King is not the enemy."
Her mouth fell open at that, "How can you say that? He practically threatened us and then just sends me back to Sunnydale like a return item at a Wal-Mart. He's bossy and didn't even bother to thank us after we saved him." Giles was about to say something but Buffy continued as she lifted herself off of the bed and began to pace once again, "If it wasn't for the fact that Sarah was in love with that jerk I would have kicked his ass by now."
Silence filled the room as everyone waited for someone to break the silence. Loudly clearing his throat Giles put his eyeglasses back on, "Are you through?"
Buffy stopped hand on hip, "Yeah."
"Good. Buffy he might not be one of the greatest beings in the world but he is helping us as we are helping him. He as of yet has done nothing to harm us."
Dropping her hand away from her hip and shifting her wait to the side, Buffy couldn't believe her ears, "I can't believe that you're defending him."
Riley, Willow, and Xander were now all siting on the large bed watching the argument between Buffy and Giles continue.
Sighing Giles continued, "It may be true that his methods are a bit questionable to us but this is not our world. The beings within this place live by different rules than we do and I'm sure that his requiring our help isn't easy for him. What I've heard about this Goblin King, he's not one to admit in needing help." Rising from his seat he headed towards the door, "Now, I know that I am tired, so I will leave you to do what ever it is that you feel the need to do, while I go to sleep. I suggest that the rest of you do the same. Good night." With that said he left the room closing the door behind him with a loud click.
"Wow," Willow said a few minutes after he had left, "talk about speech."
Buffy silently stared at the door when she was brought out of her shock by Riley's arms wrapping about her waist. He leaned his head down on her shoulder, "You okay?"
Buffy leaned back into his warm embrace, "Yeah, he's just never acted that way towards me before. I think there's more going on than we know."
Giles closed the door behind him sighing deeply, 'Wasn't I just a little bit harsh with her. She has every right in not trusting the Goblin King. She didn't see what I did between him and Sarah.' Lying back in the large bed of his appointed room he stared blankly up towards the ceiling, not really seeing it. His quiet moment of self-reflection was brought about to an end as he heard someone knock on his door. Rising from the bed he made his way to the door wondering who it could be.
As the door opened Buffy stood at the door with both hands held behind her back, "Can I come in?"
"Of course," Giles answered motioning for her to enter.
Buffy slowly walked in taking in the room, it looked almost identical to the one that she and Riley found themselves in. Turning to face Giles she looked to him with concern, "What was with that speech, is there something going on that I don't know about? I thought that we were on the same side."
He should have known that she wouldn't have let the conversation end where he had left off. "Buffy, there was a good reason why he sent you back…" he rose his hand to stop her before she could reply the words that were about to come out of her opened mouth. "I know that he could have at least given you the reason before doing so… While you were gone things had been getting pretty bad in Sunnydale, it needed its Slayer and he knew it."
Buffy waited for more but he remained silent, "So your saying that he wasn't just thinking about himself trying to rid himself of having me stand up to him." Giles remained silent, "OK, I give. What happened while I was gone to make you change your mind about that jerk?"
"His kingdom is in great danger and it won't stop here either. The sleeping evils could possibly step over from this world to ours. We need his help and support. I have yet to find anything to stop this occurrence from happening." Giles moved over to the bed sitting on its edge. "It seems that Sarah is our only hope in this. All of what I've found out seems to point to that conclusion. She needs our support and Jareth's more than any."
Buffy sat beside him, "Okay, wow you found all this out while I was away huh! That's a lot for Sarah alone to carry and I thought just being the Slayer was hard. I'll tell you what I won't question his highnesses trust but don't ask me to trust him too much. He is still the Goblin King, remember he turns helpless babies into goblins and if he tries that while I'm here don't ask me to look the other way cause I wont."
Giles smiled to Buffy in return, "I don't think that we'll have to worry about that happening, not with Sarah around. I don't think that she would let him get away with it either if he did try."
Buffy sighed, "Know what? I don't envy her. Not only is she a slayer but now she's the protector of right within the Underground and not to mention totally and completely in love with Jareth. She is definitely going to have her hands full." With that said she bid Giles goodnight as she headed back to her room and her Riley. She might not care for being in this place but there were evils to vanquish and she needed some R&R.
Chapter 21:
The mental exercises did not take her long to learn as she stood focusing on the task at hand. A task that she seemed to be having a bit of difficulty with. She could feel Jareth's presence just behind her making her all the more nervous. She almost jumped out of her own skin as his voice pierced the silence.
His voice was not loud but spoken with such intensity that she inwardly flinched, "Sarah, you're not concentrating."
Turning away from what she was focussing on she glared to him feeling frustrated with her lack of progress, "Well, its kind of hard to concentrate when your standing right behind me!" she nearly growled.
Jareth met her gaze holding back the amused grin that was just itching to surface, "Use the mental exercises you learned only moments ago, you are capable."
Sarah glared at him once more for good measure before returning her attention to the large black marble fountain before her. He wanted her to make the water flow backwards and upwards instead of flowing forwards and downwards. It felt as if she were trying the impossible. She had to basically unlearn all that she knew of to be possible and learn what she thought to be the impossible. Her, always believing in magic and actually having lived through the impossible, made it not as hard as one would imagine that it would be.
Her believing in doing what most considered the impossible was not her problem. The problem, which Jareth was totally aware of, was the fact that he was the source of her distraction from her needed concentration. She had to learn to block out distraction if she were to learn how to accurately use and control her power. The situation, in which she would be subjugated too, would be full of distractions. The most important thing that she needed to learn at this moment was to be able to concentrate past that obstacle.
Nervously she bit at the bottom of her lip as she tried to concentrate on the fountain before her, her mind constantly drifting to the man behind her. Oh, how she wanted to continue where they had left off before coming back to this garden, the touch of his lips against hers still humming invisibly on her lips. She almost reached up to touch them but stopped herself before doing so.
Closing her eyes she pushed away that desire as she thought about those that were depending on her. She could see the faces of all of her friends, old and new, reminding herself that they were counting on her. Opening her eyes once again she looked to the water that was flowing smoothly from the black marble fountain. Watched as the water flowed smoothly over the colorful pebbles, each stone in unique yet colorful earth tones. The sound of the water filling her ears as it flowed; it was so soothing and calming. She pictured the scene before her in her mind feeling the flow of water cascading downward. Breathing deeply inward she imagined the water flowing the opposite direction feeling its upward descent then willed it to be.
Jareth quietly watched as he sensed her concentration, he could feel the power within herself growing, the magic that surrounded them building around her and the fountain. He smiled knowingly as he watched the water shifting in its flow.
Sarah could feel the power coursing through her like water, reflecting the scene before her. The water now flowed in the direction in which she willed it to flow, the water slowly moving upward back to its source until the fountain became completely dry. Slowly letting her will fade from the waters' flow it slowly returned to its original flow filling the fountain once again. She slumped back slightly as exhaustion suddenly hit her only to be drawn into the arms of the Goblin King.
Wrapping his arms about her he gently kissed the side of her neck whispering in her ear, "I think that's enough for tonight. I'm very proud of you."
Sarah smiled leaning back into his warm embrace eyes closing as sleepiness found its way to her eyes. She didn't even try to argue as he lifted her from the ground carrying her in his arms. Her head leaning onto his shoulder, "Thanks, I'm so tired."
Drawing his magic about them he transported them to his bedchambers as he whispered to her, his lips brushing against her brow, "Sleep, you've had a long day."
She was in deep slumber as he lay her gently onto the bed her head sinking back into the soft silken pillows. Jareth laid beside her, watching her as she slept. Sarah turned to her side burying her head against his chest her hands tucked underneath the side of her face.
Smiling at the sight before him he gently pulled back her long brown hair allowing him to look fully upon her face. He could spend the rest of eternity just taking in the sight that lay snuggled up against him. Finally, after all the years that he had spent alone and unhappy, he had found the one and only thing that would bring him the happiness that he felt when he was with her. Laying his head over hers he kissed the top of her head as he whispered against her hair, "I'll move the stars for you."
Staring at the ceiling as she had just awakened, Willow stretched out feeling the soft white silken sheets rub against her waking form. A smile spread about her face as she remembered where exactly she was. She was in the Underground staying in the Goblin King's castle. She could barely believe what she had done that night. It just came so naturally to her on what she had needed to do to help the Goblin King. The magic was so thick in the air here it was unlike anyplace she had ever experienced. Willow just wished that she could explore this new place but they were not here for sightseeing.
Door slowly creaking open, a small female goblin made her way into the room. She snickered to herself as she watched the red headed human girl staring away from her, she had obviously not heard her enter. This was indeed going to be fun. Carrying the tray of breakfast she made her way to the bed sitting the tray down on it as she cleared her throat.
Turning towards the strange sound coming from the other side of the bed Willow almost screamed, as she was startled out of her wits. Falling off of the bed she pulled herself up from the floor looking cautiously over the bed at the goblin woman.
Agnes snorted in distaste, "That's a way to treat someone who's just tryin to feed ya!"
Willow ran her fingers through her disheveled hair blushing crimson, "Uh, sorry! You just surprised me." Willow eyed the goblin, taller than any that she had imagined a goblin would be she was dressed in what looked to be servants clothing.
Her squinty gray eyes regarded Willow hotly as she made her way past the bed and continued on into an adjoining room. She yelled back, "His majesty wishes that I sees to ya and all. Don't know why he'd care." Poking her head out of the door of the adjoining room Agnes eyed the girl, "Don't just sit there gawking, eats whiles I prepare your bath!"
Willow closed her opened mouth looking over at the food that had been brought. It looked like any normal breakfast with eggs, bacon, fruit, and some kind of red juice. She faintly heard the goblin yelling back to her from the other room.
"Mortals staying in the castle, next thing he'll be doin is marrying one of ya's."
Taking a sip of the juice she smiled as the familiar taste of raspberry consumed her taste buds. Her stomach growled as the juice awakened its hunger. Eating the food without any hesitation she took a piece of bacon as she stood from the bed slowly walking around the room. The stone floor was cold to her feet but she didn't mind, as her eyes were drawn to the elegant tapestries of knights and ladies, Unicorns and other magical creatures she could not identify. Finishing the piece of bacon she ran her fingers over the soft smooth material of the few sitting chairs that sat quaintly in front of a lit fireplace. 'Funny, I don't remember a fire going,' she thought to herself.
Finish preparing the bath Agnes returned to the bedroom and approached the young red head, "The baths ready and waitin, If's ya need anythin just ask for Agnes. I've gots to go tend to the others."
Willow watched the goblin woman servant mumbling as she made her way to the door. "Thank you," she called after Agnes but Agnes just continued her mumbling.
"Havin to tend to mortal's, sheesh…"
Shrugging her shoulders, Willow made her way to the bathroom ready for a bath and a change of clothes.
Sarah stirred in her sleep as she fought the knowledge that she needed to get out of bed. It was just so comfortable underneath the sheets snuggling against…That woke her up quick.
Jareth smiled to a shocked Sarah, "Good morning, I see that you slept well."
Sarah pulled the sheet up more securely under her chin glancing down to see that she was in a white nightgown. Her eyes widened, "Jareth, you didn't?"
Jareth laughed at her inquiry as he gently touched the side of her cheek with the back of his hand, "Why Sarah, still so bashful?"
Pulling the sheets up over her head she felt herself flush with embarrassment, "You did!" She couldn't believe that he had changed her cloths for her. How much did he see? She squealed as the sheets were pulled off of her.
Looking down to her with a mischievous spark in his eyes he leaned forward kissing the tip of her nose answering her mental query, "No, I did not see anything. I used my magic but…" he trailed off as he touched his lips to hers kissing her fully on the lips. He could feel her tense and then slowly melt at his touch. Making his way to her ear he nibbled at her earlobe, "I plan on seeing plenty in the near future."
Sarah pushed away at his form, shocked and excited by his promise, "Oh, you are so bad!"
Jareth's thin lips curved up into a seductive grin, "That's the idea." He leaned forward yet again kissing her once more.
Sarah giggled against his soft lips as she snaked her hands around his neck to bring him even closer. The fire inside intensifying as they continued kissing one another. Feeling his lips trailing from her lips downward she sighed just before whispering, "I think I like this side of you." She pulled him up to her lips missing the feel of them there.
Jareth was all to willing to oblige, his fingers running through her soft brown hair as his other hand moved slowly over her lightly dressed form.
Sarah arched up as his hand swept up over her breast sending a wave of something she had felt only when with him. Shakily she broke away from his kiss looking into his mismatched eyes, "Jareth…"
He smiled knowingly leaning forward to kiss her once more, "There's a hot bath waiting for you in the other room. I have to go and see about our other guest."
As Jareth disappeared from the room Sarah lay back down touching her fingers to her lips with a smile. She wanted so much to be with him but she had sworn to herself a long time ago that she would wait until her wedding night. Though with how he's been acting around her lately she wondered if she could make it that far. Shaking those thoughts aside she made her way to the other room where a hot bath wait for her.
Looking intently out of the window of her appointed room Willow wished that she could go out to explore its wonders. Looking down at her new apparel she was slightly disappointed that she could not wear any of the elegant dresses that hung in the closet of her room. They were so beautiful but they were going to be fighting some vampires and who knows what else so she decided on the most suitable outfit. A pair of fitting brown pants with a short sleeve dark green blouse that met the top of her pants. Her red hair fell about her face resting lightly just above her shoulders in its usual style.
Appearing behind the young red head, Jareth studied her small form as she was intently gazing out of the room's window. She was indeed mortal but she held a power within, probably more than she was aware of. It was something rare for someone of her world but not totally unheard of. He noticed that she was wearing one of the most suitable cloths that he had provided for the young woman. "Lovely isn't it"
Willow almost fell out of the window, as she was startled for the second time that morning. Turning she wasn't totally surprised to see the Goblin King being the source of the striking voice. After what had happened that night it was a wonder that he had waited this long to confront her. He was mesmerizing his demeanor oozing magic and his eyes they were the most strange and intriguing aspects of his appearance. "Ye…yes."
Jareth stepped forward causing her to step back her back hitting the windows edge, "What are you?"
A tinge of fear raced through her as she was cornered against the windowsill his face holding intensity that made her gulp in nervousness. She was a bit taken back by his inquiry, "What…what do you mean?" she asked in return.
"Not many mortals from your world have the abilities that you had shown last night. Now, what are you?" he did not like repeating himself.
"A witch," she was starting to fear that he was going to push her over the edge he was so close. His eyes commanding and powerful, it was more power than she was use to witnessing.
Backing away from the red head his expression softened, "I see. What is your name young witch?"
"Willow," she answered her fear starting to disappear.
"Well, Willow I am grateful for your assistance last night." He had heard about witches within her world, they had been frowned upon and thought of as evil. It was obvious that the young witch before him held nothing close within herself that even hinted to such a description. Her very essence glowed with light and goodness that was rare for any being.
She wasn't sure what exactly to say one moment he's practically on top of her threateningly and the next he was being decent. Not that she was complaining, "It was nothing. Just wanted to help and all."
Jareth looked to her quizzically before summoning one of his crystals, "Nothing, I would beg to differ. Here take this."
Willow caught the crystal as it was tossed to her feeling its smooth surface within her hands. She smiled taken in by the simple yet mesmerizing object, "What is it?"
He looked down to her observing how she was holding the crystal, "A crystal nothing more but if you turn it a certain way it will show you your dreams."
Her breath caught in her throat as it felt warm against her hands and she could see a small amount of light starting to glow from within. She smiled liking the idea of being able to see her dreams before she could try to look more closely to see just what those dreams were she stopped as Jareth drew her attention back to him.
"A gift for last night. When this is over not only will this crystal show you your dreams it will also allow you passage into my kingdom."
Willow was about to thank him when he continued, "But it will work only for you, no one other than you must know about its power. I trust that you can keep this a secret between us?"
Blinking a few times she wasn't sure if she could, she told Buffy everything and she disliked keeping secrets but the promise of what it would do for her was too enticing to pass up. Smiling she had made her decision, "Okay, I promise."
Stepping back once more he faded from the room leaving her alone with her gift. Looking away from the crystal she looked around the room for something to place the present in but was jerked back from her search as she felt the object in her hand warming once more. The crystal started glowing once again; the walls of the crystal seemed to fade as it sank within her hand. Her hand tingled from the magic of the now absorbed crystal. Dropping her hands to the side she was a little disappointed. Pulling her hand up from her side she closely looked over her now empty palm. An idea came to mind and she concentrated on the shape of the missing crystal willing it to reappear. Her hand glowed, crystal reappearing in the palm of her hand, "Neat!" Willing the crystal to go away it did just that disappearing once again, "Oh, this is way cool."
Chapter 22:
Revenge and anger filled her black and soulless heart as she looked at the vampires that had not long ago followed her Sire. 'They dare oppose me' she fumed inwardly summoning forth her power. Wind began to rise as her hair flared about her form like a raging flame, the tunnel walls that surrounded them beginning to shake.
The vampires that stood before her looked worriedly about them, as it appeared as if Navea was about to bring the walls tumbling down upon them. They instinctively ducked as the ceiling began to fall about them and as soon as it had began it abruptly stopped.
Navea smiled darkly as the vampires now coward before her, "Now, do you still wish to disobey me?"
None of the vampires before her spoke as they now stood before her speechlessly. She looked about the room pleased with the silence, "Good…Now I have found a secret entrance leading into the castle of the Goblin King that leads directly to his ancient library. Anyone interested in causing a little mischief and hopefully bloodshed."
The vampires grinned with fangs drawn as their interest was peeked with the promise of spilling some blood. It might not be so bad working for this vampire after all. Jonathan never did let them have any fun.
Giles sat at the desk that he had been sitting at the past couple of days as he watched the others gathered about within the room. Riley sat contently in a chair located not to far from Giles while Buffy paced the room. Willow sat on the other side of Giles deep in thought not really paying much attention to Buffy's pacing. They were all waiting for Sarah and The Goblin King to show and had been waiting for the past twenty minutes.
Buffy growled, "Where are they? It's been almost an hour since we were summoned to be here." She emphasized summoned with some bit of distaste.
Xander, who had been leaning up against the far wall smiled, "I'm sure they'll be here soon." Buffy just looked to him with a sideways glance.
Shaking herself out of her own thoughts Willow brightened, "It hasn't been that long. They might have gotten…I don't know, sidetracked."
Buffy made her way towards Riley casually sitting on his lap, "Personally I don't see what she sees in that guy. I don't think he's all that good looking and God knows he's all lacking in the charm department."
Willow grinned, "I don't know he is kind a gorgeous and all. Not to mention mysterious and…" she stopped as she noticed all eyes on her. "Well in an all magical kind of way!" she added sheepishly.
The gardens were a comfort to her senses as she walked slowly down the garden path. Breathing in deeply she took in the strong comforting fragrances carried by the soft cool breeze. It was quite beautiful surrounded by short green grass, flowers, shrubbery, and an occasional tree that provided a bit of shade.
Sarah's mind was focussed on the past as the past few weeks ran over in her thoughts. In the past two weeks she had recognized her love for the Goblin King, found out that she was a Slayer, found out that she had some kind of destiny within the Underground and that it was her real home.
'Home,' she thought with a bit of a frown, 'Have I ever really had one? My mother abandoned me for her career and my father barely looked at, let alone spoke two words to me. Toby has really been my only true family and to think I almost got him turned to a goblin.' Sarah stopped as she thought of her little brother.
She would truly miss him, he was the only one in her so-called family that took notice or cared. He loved her unconditionally and it made her wonder if he would still feel that way if he knew about what she had done. She was so self-involved then, burying herself into her own world and fantasies to block out the pain and abandonment she felt for herself. Her adventure through the Labyrinth had changed her a lot she grew up then. When she returned she thought that things would be different that the world would change just as she had, but it didn't. Instead her life deteriorated instead of getting any better. Her father grew more distant, her stepmother more annoying and hateful towards her, her real mother communicating with her less and less. She could never fit into the world around her and now she felt as if she were truly home.
The only down side was the foreseen awakening evils that she was supposedly to protect the Underground from. So far though there were no signs of those evils being awakened but just because they had yet to see it did not mean that it had yet happened.
Rubbing her neck her mind flashed back to that Elfin Vampire that tried to kill her, the one she finally knew the name of. Navea was her name but that was pretty much all that they knew about her. That and she being very powerful for a vampire so newly made. She deduced that it was because she was of the Underground and not of earth, but then again the fieries that were turned did not show any sign of such power.
So wrapped up in her own thoughts, Sarah almost ran over Jareth as he appeared just before her. Sarah stumbled but was helped as Jareth's arms came about her arms to steady her.
Jareth smiled in amusement, "I didn't realize that you missed me that much."
Sarah smiled, the smile not really reaching her eyes, "Sorry, I was kind of someplace else."
Taking her hand in his he eyed her critically, noting her mood, "Do you want to talk about it?"
"Not really. Where are the others? I haven't seen them at all this morning."
"They're currently gathered within the library waiting for us," he answered her inquiry knowing not to push any further on trying to get her to confide in him. She would do so when she felt comfortable with doing so, he just had to be patient. "Shall we?" he asked her as he held out his hand for her. Within minutes they were inside the room adjoining to the library where the others were waiting.
Sarah smiled warmly at her friends, "Sorry if you guys had to wait to long."
Xander moved from his position against the wall sitting beside Giles, "Na, we just got here."
Willow and the others rolled their eyes. Buffy looked to the Goblin King as she stood, "Okay, so what's the plan."
Before Jareth could answer Sarah beat him to it, "We need to find Navea's lair and destroy the vampires. Hopefully with them gone this sleeping evil won't awaken."
Shaking her head in dismay Buffy agreed with the goal but they needed a plan, "I'm all for that but we've got to find out where exactly this lair is."
The Goblin King added to the conversation, "I have a pretty good idea as to where it is and how to find it but we have one small problem."
Taking a deep breath Sarah decided to finish his statement for him, "Navea."
Giles entered into the conversation, "Yes. Well, what we do know is that she can be killed like any other vampire."
"It's just getting past the whole power stuff that's going to be the tuffy," Willow added.
Silence filled the room as eventually all eyes lied on Sarah and the Goblin King. Sarah wasn't sure if she could do this. Was she ready for this? She had just started to learn how to use her power. Would that be enough? She looked to Jareth as she felt him squeeze her hand in reassurance, "Leave Navea to me. It's getting all of the others that you guys need to focus on."
Buffy frowned, "Sarah, are you ready for this. I mean, you barely escaped from her the last time you faced her."
Jareth glared at the blond, Sarah had enough doubts as it was she didn't need Buffy adding to it, "Sarah won't be totally alone in facing her. We will both be facing her."
Sarah felt the intensity of the situation starting to lighten, she wasn't alone, she had Jareth and her friends all backing her up. With their help there was no way she could lose, well she hoped. "When do you think you can locate their lair?" she asked Jareth.
"It shouldn't take too long," he answered.
Everyone stood looking to each other as they wondered what they were going to do next. Buffy decided to speak for everyone, "The sooner the better, especially before nightfall. We don't want any getting away."
Willow interrupted, "What about weapons?"
"That will be provided just before we leave. Until then I need to consult my crystals." Jareth rose Sarah's hand to his lips kissing it softly just before vanishing from the room.
Sarah stared at the place her love had stood just before leaving. It was strange how everything was working out. Instead of Jareth being her enemy like in the past he was now her ally and love.
Giles cleared his throat to get everyone's attention, "Now that that's settled I think it best that we prepare ourselves."
As everyone started out of the room Buffy looked back to Giles as she saw that he wasn't coming, "You staying?"
"Yes, I want to look further into this book I hope that it will give us some idea as to how these evils will be awakened."
Smiling to Giles she exited the room following the others. Catching up with Riley she looked to Sarah, "How are you doing?"
Sarah smiled to her friend, "As good as can be expected."
Giles hovered over the old text, as he looked further into the characters before him. Though he was familiar with the language it was proving a bit of a headache to translate. He loved his work, sitting back he wondered if he loved it a bit too much. He couldn't think of the last time that he had actually taken a break from everything, a type of vacation. When they would finish with helping the Goblin King and his world he was seriously thinking about taking a vacation. Surely they could do a week or two without his services. Buffy was more than capable of taking care of things without his help she had her friends to help her like they always did.
His musings were brought short when he ran across a particular passage within the text. Standing he leaned over the large book in concentration, not sure if his translation was accurate. "How did I miss this?" he mumbled to himself as he read the small passage before him. Standing from his position over the book he quickly took off his eyeglasses, stunned that he had missed it.
Not wanting to waste another moment brooding over his discovery he started out of the study towards the library. Just as he reached the doorway of the study he suddenly found himself flung backwards his back hitting hard against the adjoining wall. Blackness greeted his vision, as he was rendered unconscious.
Entering the room of the study Navea looked down coldly to the unconscious man before her. One of the vampires within her company ran past her towards the fallen form.
"No!" she snapped, "I want him alive."
The vampire looked to her with distaste, "Alive, I thought you promised that there would be bloodshed." He regretted his comment as he found himself suddenly hovering in the air, bones cracking and turning.
The other vampires that were with her watched as Navea ruthlessly used her power. She sneered up to him appalled that he dared question her actions, "Let me remind you that I hold your existence within my grasp and am perfectly capable of snuffing you out of this world and will send you back to hell if I feel the desire to do so." Ignoring the vampire that struggled in the air kicking and growling, she crouched down in front of the mortal before her. She remembered seeing him not too long ago, "Yes, you will do nicely."
Giles tried to open his eyes at the sound of the woman's voice but could not manage to do so, his head pounding as if elephants were running over his very skull. Stirring he tried to pull away from the woman but was stopped from doing so, his arm crushed by her grasp. The pain was definitely enough to make his eyes open.
Her forest green eyes boarded into his as she searched his mind, "Yes, you will do very nicely." Her lips twitched in an evil grin, "Know this, your so called friends will watch you slowly die by my hands just before I destroy them all."
He needed to get away, must free himself from her grip. Eyes shutting once more as his head pounded with immense pain, "You won't get away with this."
His comment brought out her laughter, "Sleep," she commanded and his body fell limp in her grasp. "Here," she handed Giles to one of the vampires, "Carry him while I get what we came here for."
Making her way towards the large book she slowly ran her fingers along its pages as she closed her eyes. She could feel the power that the book held. Cleaver as it was in hiding its true power she knew its little secrets. "The key," she commented just before closing the book and bringing it up within her arms. Walking past the others she motioned for them to follow as she headed back from where they had come.
Chapter 23:
Hoggle heard unfamiliar voices approaching from the other end of the hall and dodged into an adjoining room. Closing the door but not completely he peeked through the cracked opening of the door watching and waiting for them to come into view. He almost ran out of his hiding as he finally heard a familiar voice and recognized it as Sarah's immediately but decided against it. Seeing Sarah brought a smile to his face but he was reluctant to show himself. It looked as though she was surrounded by friends, she obviously didn't need him and he would most probably just get in the way. He stepped back shock written on his face, as Sarah looked his way as if she had seen him. Looking about the room for a hiding place he froze as the door was opened.
Discussing some spells with Willow, Sarah's attention was pulled away from the red head as she felt someone watching them. Approaching a door she noticed slightly ajar, Sarah forced it opened and smiled warmly as she recognized her friend Hoggle standing before her. "Hoggle!" she exclaimed excitedly, she had not seen him since she had helped him come out of his own mind.
Hoggle looked to the ground, foot grinding into the floor as he held his hands behind his back, "Hi, Sarah" he answered sheepishly. He was surprised when Sarah crouched down beside him.
Standing beside Riley, Buffy looked over the small figure that Sarah recognized. For some reason she didn't think that he looked like a goblin but for the life or her had no idea what exactly he was. Before she could inquire Willow beat her to it.
"Who's the friend?" Willow asked with a warm smile on her face.
Sarah looked to the others as she rose, standing beside Hoggle, "This is my friend Hoggle. Hoggle this is Willow, Buffy, Riley and Xander."
Hoggle looked to the group shyly not sure how to act around humans, Sarah had been the only one in which he knew. "You here to help Sarah?" he asked with slight hesitation.
Buffy smiled, he was not at all like the rude goblin creatures she had met, "Yep, Slayer and gang to the rescue."
Hoggle rose his brow, not sure how to interpret her words. Not feeling overly comfortable he huffed, "Got to go. I…uh gots duties to do…Bye!" hurrying away from them he rounded the corner heading away as quickly as his small legs could carry him away.
Riley looked to the others, "Well, that was interesting."
Sarah frowned as she watched her friend's retreat. Worried for her friend she smiled to the others, "Hey, you guys go ahead, I'll catch up with you later."
No one was given time to reply as Sarah rushed past them in the direction that Hoggle had fled. Willow shrugged, "I guess it's just us then. Let's explore." She secretly crossed her fingers hoping that they would accept.
Remembering what had happened the last time she went snooping around the castle Buffy shook her head, "No way, the last time I did that I got griped at by a talking door and thrown on my ass."
Willow looked disappointed, "Okay, but I'm going. Anyone want to join me?" She looked around at her group of friends hoping someone would come along.
Xander shrugged his shoulders, "Sure, I'll go. Its not like I have anything else to do."
Willow jumped with joy taking him by the arm as she led him down the hall away from Buffy and Riley, "Bye. See you guys later!"
Taking Riley's hand in hers, Buffy smiled warmly up to him, "I hope after all of this we're able to bring Willow back. She's liking this place way too much."
"Oh, I don't know." Bringing Buffy closer he leaned down to kiss her, "It's not that bad."
Buffy grinned against his lips, "Well, if you put it that way." Pulling away from his kiss she pulled him with her as she headed for they're appointed room. Might as well take full advantage of their free time while they were here.
Quickly making her way down the halls Sarah scanned ahead of her in search for Hoggle. To her relief she saw him just as he was rounding another corner, "Hoggle, wait!"
Hoggle stopped in mid stride as he heard Sarah call his name. Turning around he waited for her to catch up.
Catching up to her friend Sarah looked to him worriedly, "Hoggle, what's wrong?"
"Oh, nothins. I just didn't wants to be a bother."
Sarah crouched down to hug him, "Oh Hoggle, you're never a bother. Why would you think such a thing?"
Hoggle blushed as she hugged him, "Err…I don't know."
Smiling warmly down to her friend Sarah looked away towards where she had left her other friends, "You know Hoggle after all this is over I'm staying here."
Hoggle was shocked, never did he imagine that she would willingly stay here, "You…you are?"
"Yeah, this place is my home. It's always been my home and you're like family to me."
He was at a loss of words as to what to say. He'd never been a part of a family, "Family? But what abouts your parents and Toby?"
Hearing Toby's name made her heart ache a little, sighing Sarah sat on the floor beside Hoggle as she looked to the wall in front of her. "Toby is the only one that I'll miss. My mother doesn't try to contact or talk to me anymore. My dad barely ever even looks at me let alone speaks to me."
His heart pained and then angered. 'How dare they treat her like that? She deserves better.' Patting her knee he met her eyes in concern, "You alright?"
Sarah greeted his question with a weak smile, "Yeah, there's something else I need to tell you." She waited for his reply.
Hoggle sat beside her on the floor, "Go on."
Taking in a deep breath Sarah looked to her friend, "You know everything about me being the only one to ever solve the labyrinth. Well, it seems that I was meant to all along." She waited for a reaction but all Hoggle did was lean against the wall listening. "There is this book that describes a young woman defeating the labyrinth and returning a time later. It says that her powers will become great and that she will become the defender of right. Two weeks ago I found out that I had become a Slayer, someone to kill vampires and defend against the forces of evil. Hoggle, the young woman described in the book is me."
Hoggle soaked in her words, not totally shocked about the revelation. He had always known that there was something special about Sarah. Finally it all started to make sense, how she had known that he was hiding behind the door watching, how she was able to help him escape his mental prison, how she had defeated the labyrinth.
Sarah turned to face Hoggle slightly concerned with his silence, "Hoggle?"
Hoggle blinked bringing himself out of his musings. Smiling to her he wasn't sure what she was wanting him to say, "The defender of right. Then why aint ya taking care of that Goblin King?" he asked suddenly as the vision of her in his arms flashed through his mind.
She was a bit shocked at the sudden change of subject, but she was wondering when he would say something about her and Jareth being together. "Hoggle, I love him and he…"
Hoggle cut her off in mid sentence, "Well, he don't deserve it. He aint no good for ya's."
Sarah stood from the floor slightly angered at his response, "Hoggle! That is not true. I know he can be a bit hard to get along with." Softening her voice she crouched down taking Hoggle's hand in hers, "Please Hoggle, I love him and he loves me. I have never felt as complete and happy as I do when I'm with him. Please be happy for me."
Hoggle frowned as he got back to his feet, if it wasn't Sarah asking he would have never even considered it, "I don't likes it but since you asked."
Hugging him in a bear hug she smiled with relief, "Thank you Hoggle this means the world for me."
Hoggle shyly pulled away, "Well, don'ts be expectin me to be all liking his Royal Highness. I still thinks Jareth's a low down rat…but I'm happy that you're happy."
Sarah shook her head, "Well, that's a start." A frown crossed her brow as she felt an odd sensation, something was wrong. Hurriedly she ran towards the library hoping that her intuition was wrong leaving Hoggle standing alone in confusion.
Rounding the corner she bolted into the library already feeling a sinking sensation as she saw a few books scattered about the floor near the adjoining room's door. Cautiously she made her way towards the door hoping that Giles was all right. Sarah swallowed hard as she saw the mess of papers and books about the floor. There was no sign of Giles anywhere and the book that had been sitting on the desk was gone.
"Jareth!" she called out suddenly fearing the worst.
He was there in an instant as he heard Sarah's call, "What is it? What's wrong?"
Sarah was relieved to see Jareth, "Can you find Giles?"
Seeing the mess of his study and the expression on Sarah's face she did not have to ask him twice as he summoned one of his crystals in search for Giles location. To his dismay Giles was no where within or around the castle. Jareth shook his head, "He is no where within the castle grounds."
Her hand came up to her forehead in worry, "Could you get the others? They need to know that he's missing."
With a cool wave of his hand all were present within the room. Xander and Willow looked about them in bewilderment not at all use to the sudden change in atmosphere. Buffy and Riley were busily tidying their clothes as they were caught in the middle of something.
Buffy was not a very happy Slayer, "What the hell?" she stopped herself before she was about to word her anger as she saw the mess within the study. Seeing that Giles was no where in sight she immediately asked, "Where's Giles?"
Chapter 24:
Sarah made her way towards the desk where the book used to sit, her hand running across the smooth surface. She thought it strange that someone would come and take the book and Giles. A flash sent a sharp pain to her mind as images came to play. She now knew who had taken Giles and the book and how they had gotten into the castle in the middle of the day.
Jareth was at her side as he saw her waiver, "What is it?"
"I…It was Navea. She and some other vampires came and took Giles and the book but why the book. I can see her taking Giles as a way to use him as some kind of bargaining but why the book?"
Buffy waved her hands in the air, "Whoa, wait a sec! How do you know this? Are you sure Navea took Giles?"
Sarah rubbed her slightly aching temples, "I think I can somehow see into the past or something. I just had a flash and saw everything that happened not to mention feeling it. That I definitely don't care to do again."
Willow frowned as she was worried about Giles, "How can they have come here in the middle of the day?"
Sarah started towards the door, "There is some kind of secret entrance that leads from the underground tunnels up to the library. Well, it looks like we're going to go after Navea and the others sooner than we thought. We need to hurry though, I have a bad feeling that we need to get to Giles and the book as soon a possible."
No one argued as they followed Sarah out of the study and to the back of the library. Jareth was well aware of what secret entrance Sarah was referring to and cursed himself for not thinking of putting a magical guard on that secret entrance.
As they reached the back of the library Jareth waived his hand in front of a large panel. With a slight grinding noise of brick grinding against brick a small doorway opened up into a dark hallway of stairs that led downwards.
Sarah turned to the others, "Guys, don't try to confront Navea, leave her to me and Jareth. I'm going to need you guys to concentrate on getting Giles and the book back."
Jareth in turn tossed a crystal to each and as they caught it a weapon formed in each hand. Buffy and Willow were rewarded with a wooden stake, Riley with a crossbow, and Xander with an axe. Turning to Sarah Jareth took her hand squeezing it in reassurance, "Let us go then."
Dressed in black leather Navea smiled wickedly to Giles as he had been tied ceremoniously to a large pike that stood in the room's center. Book placed on a tall altar she flipped the pages as she allowed her powers to guide her to the appropriate page for the ritual. So they were going to try and stop her want for power, she would just have to show them a lesson in meddling in her affairs.
The other vampires stood in a circle surrounding Giles as they made ready for the coming evils that Navea would summon forth. They just loved the prospect of chaos and were eager in the destruction that they would soon be participating in.
Giles struggled against his bindings not at all happy about the fact that he was about to be put in the middle of a very powerful summoning spell, not to mention that he was the intended sacrifice. Head slumped back against the pike he was tied to he started his little prayer for a miracle. If he had just recognized that passage to begin with he might have not been in this predicament.
Sarah shivered as they neared Navea's lair, she could hear her softly chanting some words she did not recognize. Jareth's jaw tightened at the sound of the chants, recognizing the words immediately.
Sarah noticed him tense, "What is it? Do you know what she's doing?"
Jareth quickened his pace, "She's trying to awaken the sleeping evils. If we don't hurry…"
He didn't have to finish that statement as the rest of the group hurried after him. As they approached a growing light at the end of the walkway they slowed their pace careful not to give their arrival away.
Navea smiled, as she knew that their guests had just arrived with a wave of her hand she signaled the hidden vampires allowing them to know that they had arrived.
Sarah nervously peeked around the corner seeing Giles tied to a pike and a large amount of vampires circled about the room. This was not going to be a walk in the park. Pulling her head back she looked to Buffy with dismay, "Giles is in the center of a lot of vampires tied to a pike."
Buffy nodded her head knowing that they were in for a fight of their lives, not that it hadn't happened a few times in the past. It always felt like déja-vu when she was about to enter situations like these. Looking to the others she signaled for them to get ready.
Each tightened the grip of their weapons as they readied themselves. Xander smiled weakly whispering, "Well, here we go again."
As they were about to make their presence known and ruin the vampire's party they were surprised as they were suddenly surrounded by vampires. Sarah and Jareth both cursed under their breaths as Navea was at the group's center.
Navea smiled sweetly to the surprised group before her, "Oh, how good for you to join us. You're just in time for the finishing of the ritual. Pity Sarah we would have made a good team you and I but alas…" with those words the vampires lunged forwards in attack.
Immediately they were jumped on by hungry vampires, each being dusted one after the other. Flinging a crystal at a large number of vampires Jareth watched with a satisfied smirk as they burned disappearing to dust in seconds. Sarah groaned as she heard Navea continuing with the ritual she had to get to her but it was kind of hard when ones fighting off a pack of blood thirsty vamps.
Willow shrieked as one lunged for her, plunging her stake into the vampire's chest she was rewarded with a dust shower. Waving her hand in front of her face she choked slightly disgusted by the fact she just breathed in some vampire dust. "Eeeww," she coughed as she was suddenly thrown to the floor vampire on top of her. Summoning her power she flung the vampire off of her. Getting to her feet she concentrated on the stake in hand as it lifted from her hand. With a swift movement the stake was flying through the air impaling several vampires in its wake. Catching it in hand she grinned satisfied with her magic, "Cool!"
Riley shot off his crossbow surprise rising as another arrow just appeared in the discharged place. He definitely liked his new weapon.
Buffy rolled coming up to her feet as she staked another vampire. It was starting to look like no mater how many she dusted more would just take its place. Worriedly she looked to Giles seeing that she was no closer to getting to him.
Sarah's back met Jareth's as she dusted another vampire, "I need to get to Navea."
Discharging another crystal Jareth nodded his head summoning his powers. Magic surrounded them transporting them to Navea's side.
Navea was ready for their arrival as she blasted her dark power at the Goblin King sending him flying across the room. Sarah stood shocked but only for a moment as she lunged for Navea. Navea in turn used her power as she forced the Slayer to dangle in mid air.
Sarah kicked at the open air concentrating on her powers as she saw Navea returning her attention to the book. Dropping to the floor Sarah stumbled back as she felt the ground beneath her feet tremble and shake. "Oh shit, this is not good."
Navea laughed at Sarah's words, "Your too late Slayer. I've done it now watch as I kill your friend."
Sarah watched with horror as the floor that surrounded Giles crumbled and broke apart. In the floor's place was nothing but a pit of fire a large round shaft of stone holding the bound Giles in its middle. Navea appeared right behind Giles, dagger grasped in hand.
Both Sarah and Buffy screamed out as they saw her rise the dagger to his throat, "No!"
Sarah was in action before she even knew what it was that she was doing. In a flash of light she was on the same pillar with Giles and Navea. Grabbing at the Elfin Vampire she pulled her away from Giles. The dagger was knocked out of Navea's hand as it slid to the edge of the pillar of stone.
Navea growled in frustration as she found herself interrupted from finishing the sacrifice for her ritual of awakening. Quickly she summoned her powers forcing the Slayer off of her roughly.
Sarah stumbled back head hanging off of the side of the pillar, looking down she quickly got to her feet away from the pillars edge. It was definitely not the way she wanted to end the day. A blast of energy came her way her arms shooting up for protection. As her arms shot up the energy directed at her was consumed by an invisible wall of her own energy. How she did that she didn't know but right now she really didn't have the time to ponder as Navea lunged forwards.
With rage from seeing Sarah unharmed she lunged forwards fist contacting with chin as she sent Sarah flying back.
Sarah frantically grabbed for something, anything to stop her fall as she was propelled back her jaw stinging from Navea's blow. Hand grabbing the edge of the pillar as she dangled helplessly at its edge she swallowed hard as she felt the slight sting of heat hitting her feet as fire licked at their bottoms. Looking up she visibly paled as she saw Navea standing over her with a sadistic grin on her face.
Giles frantically moved his foot towards the dagger that lied close to his foot. It had been knocked there during Sarah and Navea's confrontation. Relief overwhelmed his being as his foot successfully pulled the dagger closer to him. Sliding down towards the ground still bound he was able to grasp the handle of the dagger. Seeing Navea standing over Sarah as she dangled helplessly on the edge he quickened his task of cutting himself free.
Navea crouched down, a wicked smile across her face with her head tilting playfully to the side, "Oh, what to do, what to do?" She tapped her fingers against her chin as if in deep thought. Stopping in mid tap she reached out her hand to Sarah's pulling at one of her fingers, "Hmm, what would happen if I took this little finger?"
Sarah winked in pain as she felt her finger being broken trying her hardest not to let go of the edge. Sarah screamed out in agony as Navea pulled back another finger.
"Oh, did that hurt?" Navea laughed maliciously as she tugged at another digit.
Tears welled up within her eyes as she was lost on what to do. Hand losing its hold she screamed out as that hand let go of the edge and she was now dangling with one hand. Concentrating with all she had she tried to remember how she had transported herself to the pillar but was unable to duplicate her task.
About to reach for the other set of digits Navea screamed out as she felt something hot sear her flesh. Looking up she saw the Goblin King standing on the other side of the pit reading another crystal to be thrown at her. Navea shook her finger at his efforts, "Na…au bad Goblin King!" with that she flung him back with her power watching with satisfaction as his back hit the cavern wall hard his body falling to the ground beneath him.
Turning her attention back to Sarah she started to the edge looking down to the now sweating Slayer, "Now, where was I before so rudely interrupted? Oh, yes!"
Giles finally freed himself from the ropes as he started towards Navea's back ready to push her over the edge.
Sarah worriedly watched as Navea's hand started to lower to her good hand. Flexing her other hand she knew that this would be close but she had no other choice. Ignoring the pain that shot through her hand she reached up grabbing Navea's wrist as she pulled her over the edge.
With a scream she found herself falling her back to the flames as she saw Sarah still dangling from the edge of the pillar. A satisfied smile crossed her face as she saw that Sarah was about to fall as well and then there was darkness.
Sarah cried out as she felt her grip with her good hand loosening. Frantically she tried to grab hold with her other hand but she couldn't. Just as she was starting to slip two hands reached over from above grasping her hands.
Giles flung himself to the edge as he grabbed for Sarah but as he tried to pull her up he was starting to get pulled with her.
Jareth shook his head the pain shooting through his body like a sharp rod had been stuck through his being. Standing on weakened and shaken legs he quickly looked to see Sarah dangling from the edge of the pillar with Giles trying to pull her up but being pulled in the process.
Weak from using his power and the attack from Navea he had only enough power for one more crystal. He just prayed that he would be able to throw it at them in time. Crystal slowly forming in hand he winked in pain with the effort but continued none the less. As the crystal finished forming he flung it at them with all the strength he had left.
Sarah saw that Giles was being pulled over the edge and knew if he didn't let go that it would be the end for both of them, "Giles, let go! You can't pull me up you'll only get us both killed."
Giles tightened his grip refusing to let go of her, "No! I won't let go. Hang on."
Pulling one hand free from Giles grip she started to pull the other free not wanting to get her friend killed in an attempt to saving her life. Dangling with one arm held in both of Giles hands she looked down and could she the flames of the pit writhing beneath her. Reaching up she tried to pull her other hand free.
"What are you doing? Stop, Sarah hang on!"
Before she could make good of making Giles let go she felt a surge of magic surrounding them and then her vision was replaced by the image of the cavern ceiling as her back was lying against the cavern floor. Rolling over to her side she watched as the rest of her party were making their way towards both a bewildered and confused Sarah and Giles.
Jareth was at her side in moments gathering her in his arms, "Don't you dare ever try that again. What were you thinking?"
Sarah hugged Jareth relieved to see that he was all right and the others looked pretty good as well minus a few cuts and scrapes. Looking over his shoulder she watched as the writhing fire pit closed itself and was now replaced with solid ground. With a sigh of relief she closed her eyes, "It's over."
Epilogue:
Sarah sighed as she sat on the bronze bench within the garden, the fragrant air playing with her long dark brown hair as it was swept back away from her face. The days seemed to meld together after her last confrontation with Navea. Her hand didn't take long to heal and her friends from Sunnydale had returned safely and unharmed.
In a few days she would be returning to earth to make arrangements for her departure. It was odd how everything was starting to work out Jareth had already made the arrangements for her stay within his castle. Now that she was going to be living within the Underground she would have to start learning more about its history and cultures, not to mention the various kingdoms. For now though she would not worry about such things, she had done enough worrying when she first found out about her strange destiny.
Sarah frowned as she thought about Giles prognoses of the impact of the vampires within the Underground. Navea might be no more but the threat of the waking evils was still a possibility. To think that a year ago the only thing she worried about was how to get away from her nagging stepmother. Her stay within the Underground was a big change for her but she knew that she would still return to earth on occasion. She was still the Slayer. Jareth had given Giles a crystal to call him whenever they feel that they are in need of her but only on extreme cases.
Something still bothered her though about the ritual that Navea preformed. Giles was the intended sacrifice but what if Navea's demise had brought about the very thing that they were trying to stop and it just hasn't reared its ugly head yet? She shivered at the thought but berated herself as she knew that she would just have to face it when the time comes.
Feeling the tinge of magic she felt Jareth's familiar presence, as he appeared at her side Sarah smiled as she turned to face him. "I was wondering when you'd show up."
Jareth pulled her to him pressing his lips gently to hers in a long passionate kiss. Pulling away he grinned, "Running a kingdom does have its responsibilities you know."
Draping her arms over his shoulders she laced her fingers together as she looked him in the eyes, "I have to go back in a few days you know to take care of some things."
Removing her arms from his shoulders he took her hands in his as he knelled down on one knee. Sarah's breath caught in her throat as she realized what Jareth was about to do. Her heart racing in her chest as she fought back the happy tears.
"Before you go I have but one thing to ask. Will you do me the honor of being my wife, my Queen?" ha awaited her answer with held breath.
Sarah shook with the happiness that she was feeling pulling him to her as she kissed him fiercely. Whispering against his lips she let her tears of joy fall, "Oh yes!"
Standing Jareth pulled her in his arms, the happiest he had ever felt in his entire existence, "I love you."
"I love you too," she breathed as they kissed again. She was the happiest she had ever felt in her whole entire life.
Crystal in hand he watched the two as they passionately kissed each other after Jareth had proposed to Sarah. A thin smiled creasing his lips as he tossed the crystal in the air watching as it faded from existence. "So, the protector of right has finally come to the Underground." Looking behind him he noted the Elfin Vampire crouched in his cage.
Navea snarled at the Fae her dark red hair hanging loosely over her eyes angered beyond measure that she was unable to escape his cage.
The Fae wickedly laughed at her display, "Oh come, come Navea patience! I will let you out soon enough. It won't be too long until I've recovered most of my power. Thanks to you I have a chance to have my revenge on my dear little brother." Looking away towards nothing in particular he narrowed his mismatched eyes, "Jareth enjoy your happiness while you can. I promise it won't last for long."
The End
(Well, until I write the sequel)