Ok This is part four of the X-treme Circumstances Series Hope you enjoy!
The Drill:
I don't own it and every body knows it.
I don't make money for this and everybody knows that as well.
X-treme circumstances part 4
The five friends walked down the path for what seemed to be a few hours.
"How much time has gone by?," Jubilee asked Sarah.
Sarah looked at her watch and a look of surprise formed on her face.
"We have been here for almost five hours."
"So we have five hours to get the crystal?," Jubilee asked as she looked at the castle in the distance, "But we haven't even covered half the distance!"
Sarah sighed... "I know. What gets me is that usually time is different here than in our world... So why is the time so similar now?"
"Uh Sarah.....this is how time usually is in this world." Hoggle answered, "When you were last here Jareth had reordered time in this world so that you could have your 13 hours here without the outside world noticing your abscence."
"Oh."
They continued to walk down the path until they came to a cave. There Hoggle stopped.
"Why did you stop, Hoggle?," Sarah asked.
Hoggle looked at the cave opening with a little fear, "Because this is the cave of testimony."
"Cave of Testimony?", Jubilee asked, "what's that?... Is it dangerous?"
Hoggle nodded, "It is very dangerous for some. Especially if they are caught in here. Its forbidden."
"Ok," Jubilee said, "But what is it?"
"The cave of testimony's purpose is to show things. To force people to look at things or situations they would normally try to ignore. Some who have entered the caves couldn't handle what the caves tell them.... they usually come out raving lunatics..... That's why it's forbidden... Even Jareth doesn't go in there."
Sarah thought about the situation, "Can we go around the cave?"
Hoggle frowned, "Yes, but that would add two more hours than if we went through the cave."
That pretty much decided it... They couldn't spare two hours and they knew it.
"Oh well...," Sarah said, "Through the cave we go!"
**************************************************************
Jean's eyes grew heavy. She had been up for a long time before Jareth had been brought to the infirmary and now she chose to stay awake with him until Beast would take over.
She felt a tap on her smiled and smiled as she looked at the person behind her.
"Scott...," Jean said happily, "I thought you were in Califrnia."
"I was. But my assignment was over with and I wanted to check up on you. The Professor said you were watching over someone new."
Jean nodded, "I am."
She pointed at Jareth. "This guy was hurt when he prevented the attempt on Kelly's life. But he didn't do it to save the Senator."
"then why?"
"To save one of Jubilee's friends who was in the path of the bullet."
"Sarah?"
"yes."
"Wow. does sheknow that's why he did that?"
"No and Jareth prefers it that way."
Scott looked confused, "Why?"
"Scott," Jean said as she kissed him on the cheek, "I think he's in love."
Scott looked at Jareth, "He seems old."
"Trust me.... six hours ago, he looked younger than you."
**************************************************************
James walked out of the train station in New York and looked at a sheet of paper. He hoped that this lead would work.
He had grown very worried about Jubilee and Sarah. He had found out that they had missed their classes for the day and that they were nowhere on campus. Sarah's parents didn't even know where Sarah was.....Of course they didn't even seem to care.
He rode in the taxi and came to the address written on the tiny slip of paper he carried.
"This was where Jubilee lived last year?," he thought as he read the metals sign on the outer fence:
Xavier School for the
gifted
He shrugged and climbed over the fence and walked across the grounds.
**************************************************************
Scott and Jean's conversation was cut short when an alarm went off all through the underground level.
Jean walked over to a security monitor and saw an image of a young man sneaking onto the compound grounds.
scott frowned, "I'll go check it out."
Scott went outside to find the young intruder.
**************************************************************
The five wandered through the dark cave and tried to make out shapes in the dark. soon the cave lit up with a large image of a young blonde boy being led into a castle by an older man.
The young boy looked confused.
"My that guy's cute," Jubilee commented as she saw the image play on the cave wall like a movie.
Sarah nodded and frowned when she realized that the guy she was watching was a young Jareth.
**************************************************************
"But I don't want to be a king!," the boy protested.
The older man gave Jareth a stern look, "You have no choice. You were given this job by birth. You get to rule a kingdom. What more could you want?"
"to be with my friends."
"Friends? Hah! You are a king now. You can't have friends. You must be cruel or you will be walked all over on. Do you want to be walked all over on?"
Jareth shook his head sideways.
"Do you want this kingdom to grow weak and be easy prey to its enemies?"
Once again Jareth shook his head sideways.
"Well to prevent this from happening.... Don't let anyone walk all over you..... Punish disobedience. Don't show any weakness whatsoever. The minute you do is the minute this kingdom grows weak..... Understand?"
Jareth nodded.
"Good..... now about your other job....
**************************************************************
Sarah flinched at the older man's philosophy.
SAo that's why Jareth was so cruel to his subjects!
"Gee.... What a jerk!," Jubilee said as she heard the old man talk.
She then whispered to Sarah, "Didn't that young guy look like Jareth to you?"
Sarah nodded.
As they reached another cavern, Sarah wondered how many more images relating to Jareth would she have to see.
**************************************************************
James made his way to the front door and was reaching for the intercom button when he heard a noice behind him.
He turned around, "Who's there?," he asked.
James jumped when he felt someone grab his shoulder. He turned and saw a guy in a blue outfit with these strange goggles on him.
"What are you doing here?," Cyclops asked the young man.
The man just stared.
"I came here looking for Jubilee and Sarah... I was worried about them."
Cyclops thought about this for a moment and then smiled. "Come with me."
**************************************************************
Sarah reluctantly entered the next cavern and wondered why everyone stopped and were looking at the walls.
"Hey Cherie," Gambit asked, "Isn't that you on the wall?"
Sarah looked at the wall and sure enough there were several images of her with Jareth.... Jareth and her voices echoed throughout the room.......
**************************************************************
Sarah stood on the hill over looking the Labyrinth, "It doesn't look that far."
Jareth walked up behind her, "It's further than you think."
As Sarah stepped closer to the Labyrinth Jareth said his last warning, "Turn back Sarah, turn back before its too late." His voice wasn't into it.......as if it was required of him to try and talk someone out of going through the Labyrinth. His voice betrayed how he really wanted Sarah to go in after her brother......
the image quickly faded.
**************************************************************
After the image left, Sarah turned to the doorway only to see a locked door... "What the?"
Hoggle noticed what Sarah was looking at.
"It won't open until you pay attention to what it has to say Sarah," he explained.
Sarah rolled her eyes and tried to pay attention to the rest of the images.
**************************************************************
Sarah wandered around the ballroom as if looking for something or someone. She didn't know what she was looking for. But soon realized what it was when Jareth walked up to her.
As they swirled around the ballroom in an intoxicating dance.....Something in Jareth's eyes caught her attention....... Instead of the cold, uncaring eyes, there was a warm look in them.......one who cared for her......
She glimpsed a clock in the corner room and realized she was late for something...... She lurched herself from Jareth's embrace and ran to the edge.......But the image didn't follow her.......It remained on Jareth
His eyes betrayed a hurt feeling.....
**************************************************************
The Image soon changed over to another one.......
Sarah saw the inverted stairs and knew what was coming up....... the Escher room
**************************************************************
Sarah wandered around the room trying to reach Toby.
Jareth watched from behind one of the walls..... a sad look appeared on his face as he sighed, "I can't live.............within you."
A slight tear streamed down his cheek.
**************************************************************
Sarah's heart lurched when she saw the look of hurt on Jareth's face.
The door to the next room opened.
**************************************************************
Professor Xavier looked at the young man seated across the table from him.
"I am Professor Charles Xavier. I understand you have some concerns that I may help you with."
"Yes sir."
"Well? What is the problem?"
"I am a friend of Sarah and Jubilee and I am very concerned about them."
"Why is that?"
"They didn't show up in class today and I heard that night, they left the dorms with two older men. When I couldn't find them, I got worried. That's why I came here. To see if you knew where they were."
Xavier smiled, "It is nice to know that Jubilee has such good friends like you that will watch over her. thankfully I do know where she is. As to those two older men, I know them as well. the went over there to make sure that Jubilee and Sarah's trip went safely."
James was confused, "Trip?"
"Yes. An emergency came up and I needed help. they were willing to help."
"Oh ok...," James got up, "I'm just glad to hear that they are OK."
"It is nice to know how much you care about your friends," Xavier answered, "I am going to have to have a talk with Jubilee about telling others what she's up to more often."
**************************************************************
Sarah made her way into the last cavern and frowned when she saw no door on the other side, "Hey wait a minute......."
the door behind her closed. Locking the five in there with no way out. Images covered the wall.
Sarah was greeted by the familiar image of Jareth. She didn't recognize this scene...
**************************************************************
Jareth was sitting on his throne looking dejected. Soon Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Dydimus were brought to him by some Goblin guards.
"Your highness. We found these three standing outside of the Escher room," A Goblin guard said, "We believe they are responsible for the girl coming here on time....... What shall we do with them?"
Hoggle trembled with fear.
"Let them go," The Goblin King said.
The guard looked shocked, "Let them go sire? Are you sure you don't want to throw them in the Bog?"
"Of course I'm sure!," Jareth snapped, "Let them go!"
The Goblin guard left quickly leaving Sarah's three friends standing in front of the Goblin King. they looked at the king in curiosity.
"Are you ok? your highness?," Sir Dydimus asked.
Jareth glared at the fox, "Yes, I am alright! Do you want me to dunk you in the Bog?!"
"No.", Hoggle and Ludo said in unison.
"then stop badgering me!"
The three left the room quickly.
Jareth sighed and pulled out a crystal. In the crystal was an image of Sarah.
After looking at it for a few minutes, he dropped the crystal and buried his hands in his face.
Another Goblin ran into the throne, "Sire! Another baby has been wished away."
"So?"
"We must go after the child. make the person who wished it away attempt the Labyrinth."
"Forget it."
"Sire?"
"I said 'Forget it'!"
But Sire, we can't do that. It's our job."
Jareth sighed, "Very well... Get ready. I'll be there soon."
When the Goblin left the room the Goblin King shook his head.
"What a stupid purpose I have. take a child and give it back after the person thinks they've lost?... the only thing good that happens form is it that the person who made the wish appreciates the baby more....And my reward?.... Contempt for my kind and heartbreak........... I hate my job."
**************************************************************
The image faded leaving Sarah and the others in darkness.
Sarah couldn't believe it... Jareth would have given Toby back even if she had lost!
Jubilee looked at Sarah, "Uhhh....Sarah? How much time left?"
Sarah looked at her watch, "Oh God! Eight hours has passed.......We only have about two hours left.
Sarah looked at the doorway and saw that it hadn't opened, "Hoggle... Why hasn't it opened yet?"
Hoggle shrugged, I guess the cave still hasn't proven what it wants to show you."
"What?!", Sarah asked.
Images started back on the cave walls again.
**************************************************************
James followed the Professor into the infirmary.
He was awestruck by how big the place was. In a way he felt honored that the Professor considered him trustworthy enough to see these lower levels.
He looked around the infirmary as the door slid shut.
"Jean, Beast, this is James," Xavier said as he introduced the young man to the others, "He is a friend of Jubilee and Sarah."
Jean and Beast introduced themselves to James and went back to checking the monitors.
"What's wrong?," James asked when he saw a man lying out on a medical table. He seemed older than the Professor although he had a lot more hair.
Jean frowned, "this is man is aging rapidly. Seven hours ago, he could have passes for a college student."
James was surprised, "wow.. so, how are you going to help him?"
"that's where Sarah and Jubilee are concerned." Xavier answered, "Jareth over there needs something from his home world and Sarah was the only person we knew of who could get some of us there."
"What about Jubilee?"
"She insisted on going with Sarah as well as the two men you had heard of earlier."
James nodded and smiled. So she is helping others in need?... Jubilee just seemed to look better and better the more he learned of her.
Xavier smiled, "Well James. It doesn't make sense to send you back when your friends should be back in just a few hours...... I'll have Jean show you to a spare room in the compound. That way you'll be able to see your friends as soon as they get here."
James smiled, "I think I'll take you up on that offer."
to be continued.......
So what do you think?.... I 'm working on the next part soon.
The Drill:
I don't own it and every body knows it.
I don't make money for this and everybody knows that as well.
X-treme circumstances part 4
The five friends walked down the path for what seemed to be a few hours.
"How much time has gone by?," Jubilee asked Sarah.
Sarah looked at her watch and a look of surprise formed on her face.
"We have been here for almost five hours."
"So we have five hours to get the crystal?," Jubilee asked as she looked at the castle in the distance, "But we haven't even covered half the distance!"
Sarah sighed... "I know. What gets me is that usually time is different here than in our world... So why is the time so similar now?"
"Uh Sarah.....this is how time usually is in this world." Hoggle answered, "When you were last here Jareth had reordered time in this world so that you could have your 13 hours here without the outside world noticing your abscence."
"Oh."
They continued to walk down the path until they came to a cave. There Hoggle stopped.
"Why did you stop, Hoggle?," Sarah asked.
Hoggle looked at the cave opening with a little fear, "Because this is the cave of testimony."
"Cave of Testimony?", Jubilee asked, "what's that?... Is it dangerous?"
Hoggle nodded, "It is very dangerous for some. Especially if they are caught in here. Its forbidden."
"Ok," Jubilee said, "But what is it?"
"The cave of testimony's purpose is to show things. To force people to look at things or situations they would normally try to ignore. Some who have entered the caves couldn't handle what the caves tell them.... they usually come out raving lunatics..... That's why it's forbidden... Even Jareth doesn't go in there."
Sarah thought about the situation, "Can we go around the cave?"
Hoggle frowned, "Yes, but that would add two more hours than if we went through the cave."
That pretty much decided it... They couldn't spare two hours and they knew it.
"Oh well...," Sarah said, "Through the cave we go!"
**************************************************************
Jean's eyes grew heavy. She had been up for a long time before Jareth had been brought to the infirmary and now she chose to stay awake with him until Beast would take over.
She felt a tap on her smiled and smiled as she looked at the person behind her.
"Scott...," Jean said happily, "I thought you were in Califrnia."
"I was. But my assignment was over with and I wanted to check up on you. The Professor said you were watching over someone new."
Jean nodded, "I am."
She pointed at Jareth. "This guy was hurt when he prevented the attempt on Kelly's life. But he didn't do it to save the Senator."
"then why?"
"To save one of Jubilee's friends who was in the path of the bullet."
"Sarah?"
"yes."
"Wow. does sheknow that's why he did that?"
"No and Jareth prefers it that way."
Scott looked confused, "Why?"
"Scott," Jean said as she kissed him on the cheek, "I think he's in love."
Scott looked at Jareth, "He seems old."
"Trust me.... six hours ago, he looked younger than you."
**************************************************************
James walked out of the train station in New York and looked at a sheet of paper. He hoped that this lead would work.
He had grown very worried about Jubilee and Sarah. He had found out that they had missed their classes for the day and that they were nowhere on campus. Sarah's parents didn't even know where Sarah was.....Of course they didn't even seem to care.
He rode in the taxi and came to the address written on the tiny slip of paper he carried.
"This was where Jubilee lived last year?," he thought as he read the metals sign on the outer fence:
Xavier School for the
gifted
He shrugged and climbed over the fence and walked across the grounds.
**************************************************************
Scott and Jean's conversation was cut short when an alarm went off all through the underground level.
Jean walked over to a security monitor and saw an image of a young man sneaking onto the compound grounds.
scott frowned, "I'll go check it out."
Scott went outside to find the young intruder.
**************************************************************
The five wandered through the dark cave and tried to make out shapes in the dark. soon the cave lit up with a large image of a young blonde boy being led into a castle by an older man.
The young boy looked confused.
"My that guy's cute," Jubilee commented as she saw the image play on the cave wall like a movie.
Sarah nodded and frowned when she realized that the guy she was watching was a young Jareth.
**************************************************************
"But I don't want to be a king!," the boy protested.
The older man gave Jareth a stern look, "You have no choice. You were given this job by birth. You get to rule a kingdom. What more could you want?"
"to be with my friends."
"Friends? Hah! You are a king now. You can't have friends. You must be cruel or you will be walked all over on. Do you want to be walked all over on?"
Jareth shook his head sideways.
"Do you want this kingdom to grow weak and be easy prey to its enemies?"
Once again Jareth shook his head sideways.
"Well to prevent this from happening.... Don't let anyone walk all over you..... Punish disobedience. Don't show any weakness whatsoever. The minute you do is the minute this kingdom grows weak..... Understand?"
Jareth nodded.
"Good..... now about your other job....
**************************************************************
Sarah flinched at the older man's philosophy.
SAo that's why Jareth was so cruel to his subjects!
"Gee.... What a jerk!," Jubilee said as she heard the old man talk.
She then whispered to Sarah, "Didn't that young guy look like Jareth to you?"
Sarah nodded.
As they reached another cavern, Sarah wondered how many more images relating to Jareth would she have to see.
**************************************************************
James made his way to the front door and was reaching for the intercom button when he heard a noice behind him.
He turned around, "Who's there?," he asked.
James jumped when he felt someone grab his shoulder. He turned and saw a guy in a blue outfit with these strange goggles on him.
"What are you doing here?," Cyclops asked the young man.
The man just stared.
"I came here looking for Jubilee and Sarah... I was worried about them."
Cyclops thought about this for a moment and then smiled. "Come with me."
**************************************************************
Sarah reluctantly entered the next cavern and wondered why everyone stopped and were looking at the walls.
"Hey Cherie," Gambit asked, "Isn't that you on the wall?"
Sarah looked at the wall and sure enough there were several images of her with Jareth.... Jareth and her voices echoed throughout the room.......
**************************************************************
Sarah stood on the hill over looking the Labyrinth, "It doesn't look that far."
Jareth walked up behind her, "It's further than you think."
As Sarah stepped closer to the Labyrinth Jareth said his last warning, "Turn back Sarah, turn back before its too late." His voice wasn't into it.......as if it was required of him to try and talk someone out of going through the Labyrinth. His voice betrayed how he really wanted Sarah to go in after her brother......
the image quickly faded.
**************************************************************
After the image left, Sarah turned to the doorway only to see a locked door... "What the?"
Hoggle noticed what Sarah was looking at.
"It won't open until you pay attention to what it has to say Sarah," he explained.
Sarah rolled her eyes and tried to pay attention to the rest of the images.
**************************************************************
Sarah wandered around the ballroom as if looking for something or someone. She didn't know what she was looking for. But soon realized what it was when Jareth walked up to her.
As they swirled around the ballroom in an intoxicating dance.....Something in Jareth's eyes caught her attention....... Instead of the cold, uncaring eyes, there was a warm look in them.......one who cared for her......
She glimpsed a clock in the corner room and realized she was late for something...... She lurched herself from Jareth's embrace and ran to the edge.......But the image didn't follow her.......It remained on Jareth
His eyes betrayed a hurt feeling.....
**************************************************************
The Image soon changed over to another one.......
Sarah saw the inverted stairs and knew what was coming up....... the Escher room
**************************************************************
Sarah wandered around the room trying to reach Toby.
Jareth watched from behind one of the walls..... a sad look appeared on his face as he sighed, "I can't live.............within you."
A slight tear streamed down his cheek.
**************************************************************
Sarah's heart lurched when she saw the look of hurt on Jareth's face.
The door to the next room opened.
**************************************************************
Professor Xavier looked at the young man seated across the table from him.
"I am Professor Charles Xavier. I understand you have some concerns that I may help you with."
"Yes sir."
"Well? What is the problem?"
"I am a friend of Sarah and Jubilee and I am very concerned about them."
"Why is that?"
"They didn't show up in class today and I heard that night, they left the dorms with two older men. When I couldn't find them, I got worried. That's why I came here. To see if you knew where they were."
Xavier smiled, "It is nice to know that Jubilee has such good friends like you that will watch over her. thankfully I do know where she is. As to those two older men, I know them as well. the went over there to make sure that Jubilee and Sarah's trip went safely."
James was confused, "Trip?"
"Yes. An emergency came up and I needed help. they were willing to help."
"Oh ok...," James got up, "I'm just glad to hear that they are OK."
"It is nice to know how much you care about your friends," Xavier answered, "I am going to have to have a talk with Jubilee about telling others what she's up to more often."
**************************************************************
Sarah made her way into the last cavern and frowned when she saw no door on the other side, "Hey wait a minute......."
the door behind her closed. Locking the five in there with no way out. Images covered the wall.
Sarah was greeted by the familiar image of Jareth. She didn't recognize this scene...
**************************************************************
Jareth was sitting on his throne looking dejected. Soon Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Dydimus were brought to him by some Goblin guards.
"Your highness. We found these three standing outside of the Escher room," A Goblin guard said, "We believe they are responsible for the girl coming here on time....... What shall we do with them?"
Hoggle trembled with fear.
"Let them go," The Goblin King said.
The guard looked shocked, "Let them go sire? Are you sure you don't want to throw them in the Bog?"
"Of course I'm sure!," Jareth snapped, "Let them go!"
The Goblin guard left quickly leaving Sarah's three friends standing in front of the Goblin King. they looked at the king in curiosity.
"Are you ok? your highness?," Sir Dydimus asked.
Jareth glared at the fox, "Yes, I am alright! Do you want me to dunk you in the Bog?!"
"No.", Hoggle and Ludo said in unison.
"then stop badgering me!"
The three left the room quickly.
Jareth sighed and pulled out a crystal. In the crystal was an image of Sarah.
After looking at it for a few minutes, he dropped the crystal and buried his hands in his face.
Another Goblin ran into the throne, "Sire! Another baby has been wished away."
"So?"
"We must go after the child. make the person who wished it away attempt the Labyrinth."
"Forget it."
"Sire?"
"I said 'Forget it'!"
But Sire, we can't do that. It's our job."
Jareth sighed, "Very well... Get ready. I'll be there soon."
When the Goblin left the room the Goblin King shook his head.
"What a stupid purpose I have. take a child and give it back after the person thinks they've lost?... the only thing good that happens form is it that the person who made the wish appreciates the baby more....And my reward?.... Contempt for my kind and heartbreak........... I hate my job."
**************************************************************
The image faded leaving Sarah and the others in darkness.
Sarah couldn't believe it... Jareth would have given Toby back even if she had lost!
Jubilee looked at Sarah, "Uhhh....Sarah? How much time left?"
Sarah looked at her watch, "Oh God! Eight hours has passed.......We only have about two hours left.
Sarah looked at the doorway and saw that it hadn't opened, "Hoggle... Why hasn't it opened yet?"
Hoggle shrugged, I guess the cave still hasn't proven what it wants to show you."
"What?!", Sarah asked.
Images started back on the cave walls again.
**************************************************************
James followed the Professor into the infirmary.
He was awestruck by how big the place was. In a way he felt honored that the Professor considered him trustworthy enough to see these lower levels.
He looked around the infirmary as the door slid shut.
"Jean, Beast, this is James," Xavier said as he introduced the young man to the others, "He is a friend of Jubilee and Sarah."
Jean and Beast introduced themselves to James and went back to checking the monitors.
"What's wrong?," James asked when he saw a man lying out on a medical table. He seemed older than the Professor although he had a lot more hair.
Jean frowned, "this is man is aging rapidly. Seven hours ago, he could have passes for a college student."
James was surprised, "wow.. so, how are you going to help him?"
"that's where Sarah and Jubilee are concerned." Xavier answered, "Jareth over there needs something from his home world and Sarah was the only person we knew of who could get some of us there."
"What about Jubilee?"
"She insisted on going with Sarah as well as the two men you had heard of earlier."
James nodded and smiled. So she is helping others in need?... Jubilee just seemed to look better and better the more he learned of her.
Xavier smiled, "Well James. It doesn't make sense to send you back when your friends should be back in just a few hours...... I'll have Jean show you to a spare room in the compound. That way you'll be able to see your friends as soon as they get here."
James smiled, "I think I'll take you up on that offer."
to be continued.......
So what do you think?.... I 'm working on the next part soon.