Heya everybody,



Well if you were reading the story and wondering at what part the listians were all gonna come in, well this is it. I think I got everybody who asked to be in it in it. So if you don't like how I wrote you or something let me know. I also want to add that I thank you for letting me use you guys in this way. On another note, Lexie is not a listain. She is one of the kids I babysit for and the closest I'm ever gonna come to have kids of my own. So like yeah comment and junk.

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Chapter Three



Jareth lied in his bed reliving old memories. He had no notice of the hands of the clock as they slid relentlessly to the hour of the next appointment. Indeed Jareth had forgotten that another spirt was coming to him. Perhaps if he hadn't he wouldn't have been so shocked when he heard the sound of howling coming from the chair before the fireplace. The curtains on the King's bed shook with that off pitch rendition of "The Twelve Days of Christmas."



Yes the howled "Twelve Days of Christmas". No I have no been drinking why do you ask? I think I should feel rather insulted about that!



Jareth looked rather calmly at the huge figure sitting in his chair. With a shock he realized that he knew that howl. The bulking figure before his fire was Ludo encased in a green robe with an odd little wreath upon his head. Jareth was quite convinced at this point that he had taken a fall and hit his head rather hard. The illusion was reenforced when Ludo began to speak in his slurred ape man kind of voice. "Come in an owe me betta man"



It was a loud resounding boom that fell into the room as Ludo said it once again. "Come in an owe me betta man!"



Jareth was quite livid at this. Morgan was one thing but Ludo?! Ludo was a different story entirely. His voice was cold as he spoke to the beast before him.



"And I suppose you are the Ghost of Christmas Present?"



Ludo nodded quickly his floppy red ears sliding about his face. One had to admit that he did look rather absurd. "Ludo ghoooooost Ludo take Jareth to show him."



One large padded hand was placed on Jareth's shoulder as he led him quickly to the window. It seemed that the walls had dissolved around him and they were now standing before a large Christmas tree in what could be any old town any old where. There was a little bit of white fluffy snow on the ground, Christmas snow. Suddenly around them figures started to appear out of the cold night air.



A chorus of children's voices came to him first, the song ringing through the air. It was high and bright pure with the joy of Christmas. The song really didn't matter, because the words were caught and cast by the December winds. Somehow Jareth knew that this was the only Christmas some of this kids were going to have.



He could see the pain that life had brought them shining like an aura around them. But there in brilliant gold was the simple joy of the season. Small toys were given to the children stuff that most people wouldn't even think about. But to them it made all the difference in the world. It made them know that they were not forgotten, that they were not alone in the world.



Small bags of cookies were given and little cups of cocoa. But to those kids it was a feast and even Jareth had to be at least a little moved by the sheer joy in these kids eyes. The singing went on and was cast into the cold night. The warmth of the song seemed to take some of the chill out of the air and out of these children's life.



Jareth wanted to stay, not that he would admit it, but Ludo's hand was placed on his shoulder once again. The world seemed to tilt as the tree disappeared. The song still stayed with Jareth or perhaps it had mingled with the loud music coming through the door they were standing before. The house was simple and a small wreath was placed on the door. For some reason this house was very familiar to him...



I know what you're thinking. It sure took you long enough to get here Kim. Well welcome to my party an my little part in the story.



Jareth's voice rang out against the rather loud party inside. "And why have we come to this odd corner of earth Ludo? Did you suddenly get hungry or something?"



Ludo the good natured beast that he was didn't offer a mean retort or anything he simply pointed at the door and said softly, "Ludo and friend go in them no see us or hear us." And with that they were suddenly inside a packed living room. A merry fire was glowing in the fireplace and the music was louder inside here. Some people were dancing on the kitchen floor and others were standing near the bar. There was even a spare kid running around and was that a goblin over in the trash? Let's take a closer look shall we?



There over in the left hand corner yes over there the goblin with his head in my trash. Well I guess when I invited everybody I should have said everybody human or humanoid rather. Oh well I guess that's a mess I'm gonna have to clean up in the morning. Wait a second just were did my dog go?



Oh yes there he is. You seem him over there with the pretty girl in the long red dress. Yes that one. Her name is Lauren and she's a singer. A rather good one actually. I left her in control of the music for tonight and so far no complaints. Oh the girl next to her? Well that Rhonda see her the tall one with the reddish brown hair. I know I like that necklace to it's quite fetching actually a crystal ball is very approbate for this night.



Jareth cast a glance at all of us assembled at my party. There over standing by the kitchen table were two striking girls each talking avidly. One was blond and had one green eye and one blue. She was rather reserved and mysterious. Jareth knew her to be called Anony. And the girl she was talking to the one with red hair grey eyes. She was rather sarcastic but fun. Her name was Mollie.



Jareth walked between the girls listening to the conversations as he went from group to group. This had to be the first time in the list's history that a party was given and he wasn't given an invitation. Oh his dear little Monster was gonna hear about it over this. Suddenly out of now way a small dark head child pulled on his robe bottom. She offered him a smile but it was seen that she had meant to be serious. He judged her to be about three or so.



He cast a glance at Ludo wondering how it was that this child could see him when all those in the room couldn't. Sadly though his gaze found the Ghost of Christmas Present standing over the food table sadly crying. "Smell gooooood!" Once more the sharp tug was given to the bottom of the robe.



Jareth cast his best glare down to the child below him. Her voice was soft and sweet the kind of little kids voice we all wish we could keep. " Scuse me? I said scuse me!"



His voice was cold he didn't know who the girl was even though he should of. But that wasn't his concern now. All he wanted to do was know why this kid could see him. " And what do you want?"



She wasn't put off by his meanness to her. Have you noticed children almost never are? "Are you da man who took da baby?"



He closed his eyes slowly. "Yes I am the one who takes the baby"



"Well my brother Kepper says dat you were mean when you took Sarewh's brother Toby away. He says he's gonna wish me away sometimes but he don't mean it."



He tried very hard to focus on what the child was saying but some deep part of him finding this all vert very surreal. But the girl went on. "My name is Lexie. And I told Kepper that you only took da baby cause Sarewh told you to. And that you didn't like doing it like I don't like brushing my hair but it something that you havta do somptimes. Wha happened to Sarewh did you make her a princess?"



Those earnest black eyes were peering up to his and he wondered for the first time if there was some use for children after all. Other then making them goblins of course. His heart fluttered briefly to Sarah before he looked down at the child once again. He knew he couldn't break her heart but not giving her a happy ending.



He leaned down to the child's level putting his hands slowly on her tiny shoulders. " Well Lexie she and I got married and lived happily ever after." The child's face screwed up quickly as she tried to process ever after. Her voice was soft and filled with awe at that.



"Already but you just met her dis morning. I watched you. Woah if time moved that fast den it has to be my birthday already." Jareth gave the child a laugh the first real laugh that came from his lips in a long time. He patted the child on her head as she went off to find her brother to tell him about the happy ever after she just heard about.



As he walked around he drew closer to the kitchen table benches and he studied the girls sitting there. Now wait it couldn't be but it was. The two girls who had been in the Underground only hours ago were now sitting not three feet from where he stood sipping slowly on steaming mugs of cocoa. He wasn't amused. How had they ever managed to get out of his grip so fast. His hand shot out to form a crystal to take him back but he realized quickly that he still didn't have his power.



A soft disgruntled sigh was given as he watched Kimberly and Laura sit and talk to the other two girls. One was pretty with her long thick hair pulled back into a ponytail. He knew her name it was Angeline . The other one across from her had long straight brown hair and blue eyes her name was Crystal. He sat down at the table and listened to the conversation.



Well now have you ever noticed when you eavesdrop you never hear anything good about yourself? Well Jareth obviously never did. Crystal ran her blue orbs over Kimberly's form trying to see if she wanted to believe the truth. "Now you're telling me he threatened to bog you all because you guys wanted inspiration?"



Laura offered a quick nod. "He was really awful to us. I wonder what he might have done if Anne-Marie hadn't come in when she did. And thank goodness for Lyris. If it weren't for her we'd really be in a pickle. I simply do not understand why Jareth is acting this way towards us. We are the ones who believe in him. He actually used magic to keep us from speaking."



At this point Jareth was wishing he would have his powers, but seeing as he didn't quick steps took him to another group of people in the room. At least this people would have magic. He cast a quick glance over the two red heads before him one was the Biting Fairy and the other was Stardust the Protector of Dreams and Wishes. He went to sit down but then he caught a glance of the people sitting on the couch before the fireplace.



There they all were. Aud and Rach were sitting next to each other not that far from Kim matching their white sweaters and blue jeans. They were in the middle of telling a joke that cannot be placed here after all this might fall into the hands of children. Jareth took advantage of that fact to slide his gaze over the other's in this little court.



There was Lys sitting opposite ,e with her light skin and very long brown hair. Her brilliant green eyes were locked onto the girls telling the joke. Next to her was Anne-Marie sitting there in her brilliant green the tinsel still in her wavy brown hair. A smile was on her lips normally pale skin taking on a rose blush from the fire. Sitting on the couch on the other side of the Monster was the faithful bard Lyris. He couldn't help but notice her entwined fingers with the man next to her.



A soft sneer was made. Well this had to be Elm. We would explore this more but Heh we can't. Anyway in the middle of the court sat me my long brown hair loose over my shoulders. My glasses were perched on the end of my nose and were pushed up as Lexie climbed into my waiting lap. A wave was made in Jareth's direction but I really didn't notice.



I spoke up quickly. "Well before we have dinner let's have a toast. But heh who to toast to?"



Lyris stood up quickly her glass raised in Jareth's general direction. " Well I say we give a toast to Jareth he's the one who brought us here together."



Somewhere there was an agreeing cry of "here, here" but I stood up more then a little angry.





"Wait a minute Lyris! You want to toast Jareth after how awful he's been to you? To all of us? Jareth should be down on his knees happy that he has believers like us! This is my party and there is a reason that Jareth was not invited! It's cause I didn't want him running his mouth and wrecking it all!"



A constraining hand was placed on mine as I once again returned to my sitting position. Lexie once again settled into my lap. Lyris's voice was almost pleading as I looked quickly around the room. I must admit I was a little, well alright more then a little upset at myself for causing such a scene. But hey what's Christmas without a scene?



"Now Kim really be reasonable remember where we are, remember the day. Peace on earth and such remember? Come on lift a glass to him for the day's sake."



A grumble was in my throat as I looked around at all the people there. But I knew that I had been beaten on this point. My glass was raised and my voice was cold. "To Jareth he'll be very merry and happy on this day I have no doubt. Even if he is a jerk and would rather pout then...."



I was cut off quickly as Lexie raised her sippy cup. "To Da man who took da baby, may Santa bring him all da presents he asked for, and his Mommy to!"



A laugh was given from all in attendance at the party. Her sentiments were mimicked by all those in attendance and the sound of glass was heard being clinked all over. Suddenly there was a loud commotion as the sound of boots were heard on the steps. All eyes were turned to it and a quick glance and the lack of laughter made me wonder where Aud and Rach had gone to...



Those booted steps on the stairs made there way down to the landing and suddenly a tighted leg was put into view. The laughter increased as Rach entered the living room looking every inch the goblin king. Jareth was rather amazed and worried at this. Rachel strutted into the room the riding crop in her hand being smacked into her thigh.



Now when I say Rachel looked every bit the goblin king I meant it. She had on the light blue tights, A long big sleeved white shirt and a black leather vest. She even was complete with the sock! One her head there was the big wig and her face was all made up. When she opened her mouth to smile she even had the pointed vampire teeth in.



The giggling could scarce be contained as she stood in the middle of the room. Promptly Anne-Marie, The Biting Fairy and Mollie fell before her feet doing the "I am not worthy" thing. A cold smile was given to them before she strutted before them and looked over at everyone.



"I am Jareth the dreaded goblin king and you are now all my slaves! I command you to get on your knees and lick the bog dirt from my boot heels. Kimberelee I command you come her and alphabetize by cosmetics. And then cross reference that by size of the bottle and the most frequently used! And I said now!"



I gave a mock salute as I went and lugged in the big back of presents. "Yes my lordship yes my master what ever you be saying, Ah be doin!"





This proceeded to bring even more laughs. Suddenly as if on cue music began playing from upstairs. Rach strutted around some more before she picked up the riding crop and used it as a microphone. She sang in a pretty good imitation of what Jareth sounds like. The music was "Every Breath You Take" by Sting.





Every breath I take

Every move I make

Every step I take

I know you want me

It's there in your eyes

You want my surprise

Every step you take

Every move you make

You know you want me!



At this point everyone was joining in and adding some rather raunchy lyrics of their own. Jareth must admit that he was more then a little dismayed. He looked at Ludo with disbelief. "This is really what they think of me? When did I fall so low?"



A heavy hand was placed on Jareth's shoulder knocking him to the floor. Ludo hauled him up quickly before he showed him to the door. "Coooome Ludo show you more."



Now I must tell you that while our attention was diverted to those funny girls Ludo had almost become to age. His fur was now turning white and the green velvet of his robe was fading. Ludo had pulled Jareth to another house that was right next store to mine. They appeared in the living room were Lexie was sitting before the Christmas tree. It almost seemed as if she was upset. Her little voice rang out the darkness those black eyes reflecting the bright lights of the tree.



"I know that not how da man is. He was really nice. When I get bigger and go to his parties I will be berry nice to him like Kimmy is to me."



Jareth studied the little girl not feeling totally lost after all. A quick glance was given to Ludo before his eyes were returned to this remarkable child. " Tell me Ludo well she grow up to believe in me?"



Ludo's eyes seemed sad as he stared off into the distance. Jareth wondered if Ludo had heard his question and almost went to shake him when that great mouth was opened. " Ludo time is now but Ludo see the girl sad and alone. She is no one's friend. She is surrounded by books about bugs. She don't believe in anything but science. If things stay like this then she will be lost to you and the Underground."



Now Jareth was so in awe of the words he had heard he didn't even notice the speech that the great beast had made. As they faded into darkness Jareth's eyes were locked on the child til the last. Suddenly they appeared in a back alley. The sounds and smells around him told him it was New York City. Jareth's eyes locked onto Ludo and he saw for the first time the changes that had come over the beast.



His voice was soft as he looked at Ludo. " Ludo do you grow old?"



Ludo nodded quickly a smile still on his face. "Ludo get old Ludo time on earth is very brief. The girl told Ludo that Ludo's time would end upon the stroke of 12."



Suddenly there was a great tolling of the bells. Jareth looked around quickly. "No Ludo you cannot leave me here like this. You have to take me home. You cannot leave me!"



A small smile was given to Jareth as his form was starting to dissolve into a pile of silver glitter. His voice was cast over the wind and it seemed when it touched Jareth there was a warmth to it. "Come in and know me better man!"



And somewhere out of the darkness came the thing that Jareth hated worse on this earth...



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~Kim, The Manipulative Little Monster