Part 5
A/N: I would like to think everyone who has commented on this story. It always surprises me when people want me to continue my stories. Also, I've got a title thanks to Laurie H. And now without further ado......here's Part 5 of Just Another Fairy Tale......
Jareth winced at the sound of the screaming and although he knew no one else in the house would be able to hear it, he still silenced her with a wave of his hand once he had regained his human form. The woman looked at him with fear in her eyes and a little bit of anger.
"You're the Goblin King from the story, aren't you?" she hissed, "Well, I didn't want to wish my little boy away, I was just reading the story out loud to him."
Jareth frowned. He had to admit she was right, after all, he had manipulated the words. He sighed. "Perhaps. But rules are rules. You said the words, and I have taken him away. Now, you can either forget about him or you can..." he paused. This wasn't in the rules, what he was about to do, and besides, he couldn't care less where that horrible, vexing, enchanting, lovely...whoa there...creature was.
While he was having this mental debate with himself she was frowning at him curiously. "Well?" she demanded, "or I can what? Because I am not about to leave my baby to become a goblin."
Jareth gave his most mocking, yet terrifying smile, and was rewarded when she shrank back. "Your son is in my castle, at the center of the Labyrinth." He turned and pointed, and the room faded from view. "You have thirteen hours to solve the Labyrinth and reach its center before the baby becomes one of us forever." He laughed and faded himself.
Karen looked out over the Labyrinth, and her mouth opened in dismay. How was she going to get the first few feet much less through the entire twisting winding maze. She had never been an outdoors person. 'Where's my fairy godmother when I need her?' She shook her head and began walking. Judging by the magic that had been used she doubted Anna would be able to get through. So she would just have to do this on her own.
Jareth appeared back in the throne room, not really paying much attention to anything, and kicking several goblins out of the way. He heard burbling laughter and looked up to see, lounging on *his* throne, a man with gray hair, holding Toby and tickling him. There was something familiar about the man, but Jareth couldn't place it, until said man turned towards him.
"Jeffery! What are you doing in my kingdom, much less sitting on my throne?" he growled. He wasn't in the mood to play games at the moment. Besides, the werewolf had known him since he was a boy and wasn't afraid of him in the least.
"Why I've brought an invitation, Your Majesty. And I have to hand deliver all invitations, and get immediate responses in person," Jeffery replied with a wolfish smile.
Jareth sighed. "An invitation to what? Never mind, I won't be going so don't even bother." As he walked towards the throne, Jeffery stood up, still holding the little boy. Toby reached out his chubby little baby arms, and Jareth took him from Jeffery. Toby smiled as he was lifted high in the air and swung back down.
Suddenly, Jareth had an odd feeling in the back of his mind. "I will go to this function," he told the wolf. Then he frowned. "You brought quies didn't you?"
Jeffery shook his head. "They brought themselves. They seem to think that you must go to the ball."
"A ball?" Jareth asked, then sighed. Perhaps if he danced with many beautiful women, he could forget about the one that continued to haunt his dreams. "All right. When is it being held. I do have a job to do right now," he said, indicating the baby in his arms.
Jeffery grinned. "Two weeks, King Jareth. Oh and Robert and his new wife will be there, so try and be nice. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone and fall in love yourself." He started to leave, then paused, "It would be a shame to turn that one into a goblin. He's a rather smart chap." He then transformed into a wolf and loped out the doors of the throne room and disappeared.
Jareth sighed and conjured a crystal, looking to see what Karen was up to. It was no surprise to see her standing beside Hoggle's pond, talking to the dwarf. He sighed again. He decided that he would go ahead and give the baby back. After all, there was no rule about the thirteen hours, and as long as they attempted the Labyrinth he could give the children back. He was still in no mood to play games.
Two weeks later............
Jareth walked into the crowded ball room with his head held high and a bored look about his arrogant features. He twisted his lips into a haughty smile and bowed to the doorman. When his name was announced he couldn't help but chuckle at the reaction it received. Everyone in the room stopped doing what they had been doing and turned to stare at him. Then as if realizing what they were doing, they quickly resumed their previous actions, though they glanced at him from time to time.
Many of the guests were dancing and several of the young women in the room would look at Jareth as if expecting him to ask them, but he felt it would be impolite to do so before meeting his hostess. So he smiled at them, a promise of later written on his expression. He reflected as he walked over to a corner. They were all beautiful, and they all had wealthy parents, some who were the rulers of their various kingdoms, such as the Fae. They had fourteen children, and only the eldest son Mackery was to take the throne. The others had no hope. Of course of all the beautiful women, none held a candle to the one who refused to leave his mind as easily as she had left her home. He quickly tamped thoughts of her down and went on to safer topics to think about. Jareth wondered if the Queen knew that her ball was also where she was to meet her future husband and King. He somehow doubted it. Of course, that wasn't his problem, so he wasn't overly worried about it.
As he stood in his corner, he saw Garrick arguing with his eldest child and heir, Garret. He frowned, as there was obviously anger in the younger man's gesturing. He slowly moved to where he could hear what was being said.
"I'm telling you it is an insult to our family, Father!" the prince proclaimed.
"And I am telling you, Garrick, that had you been here before you would have known why she was not invited. It is no insult to not want an enemy in your midst. Alyssa brought this on herself," the older elf said calmly.
"Father, she was only trying to take her rightful place..."
"This is not her rightful place!" Jareth said menacingly, stepping forwards, "Now, young Garret, if you are here only to cause trouble, then I suggest you leave."
The younger elf jumped, and stared at Jareth with fear in his dark blue eyes. He then turned and trounced out of the room.
Garrick sighed. "I cannot understand people like my oldest children. The greed in there hearts is not something I am used to." He looked up at Jareth as though expecting him to answer, or give some word of wisdom. Then he spoke again, "Gavin is not like his sister and brother, and yet, he was born after they so he is not in line. How I wish our rules were more like yours, that anyone who is chosen can take over. But it is not and this is how it must be. I fear..." he stopped and looked around at the crowded ballroom where no one was paying any attention to them, "I fear Aryssa and I will not live much longer. I want you to promise Jareth, that you will protect Queen Sarah. Her magic is strong, but she is new to it and she is innocent of the dangers that can befall her. Promise me that no matter what happens you will keep to the true magic."
Jareth swallowed and stared at the elf. King Garrick was a seer. Whatever was going to happen, it would be bad. "I promise, Garrick. You know that, no matter my difficulties with working with others, I will always help what is right."
The older man nodded in satisfaction. Then he looked over Jareth's shoulder and smiled. "Ah, here comes an old friend of yours. Prince Robert, it is good to see you again."
Jareth turned around to see his once best friend walk up with a strained smile, and he tensed, expecting that Robert hadn't forgotten or forgiven their argument. He was therefore surprised when he was gripped in a bear hug. When he pulled back, he could see that his friends smile was more sincere.
"Jareth, it's been a while," Robert said, "It's good to see you again." His smile faded. "I...had no idea she was dead. My mother I mean. I never would have sent Sarah had I known. She's too young for this sort of responsibility." He sighed. "Which of course, is the reason why I wasn't told. I...guess it's her destiny."
Jareth patted him on the shoulder. "Of course it is Robert. You can't change what happened, and I'm sure she'll do all right. Garrick has just told me she has strong magic, and with those three clowns hanging around I'm sure everything will turn out okay. Now, where's your new wife. Jeffery told me she'd be here too."
Again, Robert smiled a genuine smile. "She's upstairs putting our son to bed and helping Anna get Sarah ready to come down. This ball is in her honor, even if it's been mangled into one of those 'Quick find a bride/groom' things."
Jareth raised one elegant eyebrow in surprise. "Anna? Letting someone else help her in her duties? Now I've heard everything."
"Ah yes well, Anna is Karen's fairy godmother," Robert chuckled, "and Sarah requested her help. So......."
Before Jareth could respond, Jeffery spoke up. "Okay everyone, I would like to present her most Royal Highness, her most lovely Majesty, Her........Ouch! okay, okay, you didn't have to hit me Myst. Ahem.....Queen Sarah!"
Jareth looked over to the door, mildly curious, and would have fallen over had Garrick and Robert not caught him.
A/N: I would like to think everyone who has commented on this story. It always surprises me when people want me to continue my stories. Also, I've got a title thanks to Laurie H. And now without further ado......here's Part 5 of Just Another Fairy Tale......
Jareth winced at the sound of the screaming and although he knew no one else in the house would be able to hear it, he still silenced her with a wave of his hand once he had regained his human form. The woman looked at him with fear in her eyes and a little bit of anger.
"You're the Goblin King from the story, aren't you?" she hissed, "Well, I didn't want to wish my little boy away, I was just reading the story out loud to him."
Jareth frowned. He had to admit she was right, after all, he had manipulated the words. He sighed. "Perhaps. But rules are rules. You said the words, and I have taken him away. Now, you can either forget about him or you can..." he paused. This wasn't in the rules, what he was about to do, and besides, he couldn't care less where that horrible, vexing, enchanting, lovely...whoa there...creature was.
While he was having this mental debate with himself she was frowning at him curiously. "Well?" she demanded, "or I can what? Because I am not about to leave my baby to become a goblin."
Jareth gave his most mocking, yet terrifying smile, and was rewarded when she shrank back. "Your son is in my castle, at the center of the Labyrinth." He turned and pointed, and the room faded from view. "You have thirteen hours to solve the Labyrinth and reach its center before the baby becomes one of us forever." He laughed and faded himself.
Karen looked out over the Labyrinth, and her mouth opened in dismay. How was she going to get the first few feet much less through the entire twisting winding maze. She had never been an outdoors person. 'Where's my fairy godmother when I need her?' She shook her head and began walking. Judging by the magic that had been used she doubted Anna would be able to get through. So she would just have to do this on her own.
Jareth appeared back in the throne room, not really paying much attention to anything, and kicking several goblins out of the way. He heard burbling laughter and looked up to see, lounging on *his* throne, a man with gray hair, holding Toby and tickling him. There was something familiar about the man, but Jareth couldn't place it, until said man turned towards him.
"Jeffery! What are you doing in my kingdom, much less sitting on my throne?" he growled. He wasn't in the mood to play games at the moment. Besides, the werewolf had known him since he was a boy and wasn't afraid of him in the least.
"Why I've brought an invitation, Your Majesty. And I have to hand deliver all invitations, and get immediate responses in person," Jeffery replied with a wolfish smile.
Jareth sighed. "An invitation to what? Never mind, I won't be going so don't even bother." As he walked towards the throne, Jeffery stood up, still holding the little boy. Toby reached out his chubby little baby arms, and Jareth took him from Jeffery. Toby smiled as he was lifted high in the air and swung back down.
Suddenly, Jareth had an odd feeling in the back of his mind. "I will go to this function," he told the wolf. Then he frowned. "You brought quies didn't you?"
Jeffery shook his head. "They brought themselves. They seem to think that you must go to the ball."
"A ball?" Jareth asked, then sighed. Perhaps if he danced with many beautiful women, he could forget about the one that continued to haunt his dreams. "All right. When is it being held. I do have a job to do right now," he said, indicating the baby in his arms.
Jeffery grinned. "Two weeks, King Jareth. Oh and Robert and his new wife will be there, so try and be nice. Who knows, maybe you'll meet someone and fall in love yourself." He started to leave, then paused, "It would be a shame to turn that one into a goblin. He's a rather smart chap." He then transformed into a wolf and loped out the doors of the throne room and disappeared.
Jareth sighed and conjured a crystal, looking to see what Karen was up to. It was no surprise to see her standing beside Hoggle's pond, talking to the dwarf. He sighed again. He decided that he would go ahead and give the baby back. After all, there was no rule about the thirteen hours, and as long as they attempted the Labyrinth he could give the children back. He was still in no mood to play games.
Two weeks later............
Jareth walked into the crowded ball room with his head held high and a bored look about his arrogant features. He twisted his lips into a haughty smile and bowed to the doorman. When his name was announced he couldn't help but chuckle at the reaction it received. Everyone in the room stopped doing what they had been doing and turned to stare at him. Then as if realizing what they were doing, they quickly resumed their previous actions, though they glanced at him from time to time.
Many of the guests were dancing and several of the young women in the room would look at Jareth as if expecting him to ask them, but he felt it would be impolite to do so before meeting his hostess. So he smiled at them, a promise of later written on his expression. He reflected as he walked over to a corner. They were all beautiful, and they all had wealthy parents, some who were the rulers of their various kingdoms, such as the Fae. They had fourteen children, and only the eldest son Mackery was to take the throne. The others had no hope. Of course of all the beautiful women, none held a candle to the one who refused to leave his mind as easily as she had left her home. He quickly tamped thoughts of her down and went on to safer topics to think about. Jareth wondered if the Queen knew that her ball was also where she was to meet her future husband and King. He somehow doubted it. Of course, that wasn't his problem, so he wasn't overly worried about it.
As he stood in his corner, he saw Garrick arguing with his eldest child and heir, Garret. He frowned, as there was obviously anger in the younger man's gesturing. He slowly moved to where he could hear what was being said.
"I'm telling you it is an insult to our family, Father!" the prince proclaimed.
"And I am telling you, Garrick, that had you been here before you would have known why she was not invited. It is no insult to not want an enemy in your midst. Alyssa brought this on herself," the older elf said calmly.
"Father, she was only trying to take her rightful place..."
"This is not her rightful place!" Jareth said menacingly, stepping forwards, "Now, young Garret, if you are here only to cause trouble, then I suggest you leave."
The younger elf jumped, and stared at Jareth with fear in his dark blue eyes. He then turned and trounced out of the room.
Garrick sighed. "I cannot understand people like my oldest children. The greed in there hearts is not something I am used to." He looked up at Jareth as though expecting him to answer, or give some word of wisdom. Then he spoke again, "Gavin is not like his sister and brother, and yet, he was born after they so he is not in line. How I wish our rules were more like yours, that anyone who is chosen can take over. But it is not and this is how it must be. I fear..." he stopped and looked around at the crowded ballroom where no one was paying any attention to them, "I fear Aryssa and I will not live much longer. I want you to promise Jareth, that you will protect Queen Sarah. Her magic is strong, but she is new to it and she is innocent of the dangers that can befall her. Promise me that no matter what happens you will keep to the true magic."
Jareth swallowed and stared at the elf. King Garrick was a seer. Whatever was going to happen, it would be bad. "I promise, Garrick. You know that, no matter my difficulties with working with others, I will always help what is right."
The older man nodded in satisfaction. Then he looked over Jareth's shoulder and smiled. "Ah, here comes an old friend of yours. Prince Robert, it is good to see you again."
Jareth turned around to see his once best friend walk up with a strained smile, and he tensed, expecting that Robert hadn't forgotten or forgiven their argument. He was therefore surprised when he was gripped in a bear hug. When he pulled back, he could see that his friends smile was more sincere.
"Jareth, it's been a while," Robert said, "It's good to see you again." His smile faded. "I...had no idea she was dead. My mother I mean. I never would have sent Sarah had I known. She's too young for this sort of responsibility." He sighed. "Which of course, is the reason why I wasn't told. I...guess it's her destiny."
Jareth patted him on the shoulder. "Of course it is Robert. You can't change what happened, and I'm sure she'll do all right. Garrick has just told me she has strong magic, and with those three clowns hanging around I'm sure everything will turn out okay. Now, where's your new wife. Jeffery told me she'd be here too."
Again, Robert smiled a genuine smile. "She's upstairs putting our son to bed and helping Anna get Sarah ready to come down. This ball is in her honor, even if it's been mangled into one of those 'Quick find a bride/groom' things."
Jareth raised one elegant eyebrow in surprise. "Anna? Letting someone else help her in her duties? Now I've heard everything."
"Ah yes well, Anna is Karen's fairy godmother," Robert chuckled, "and Sarah requested her help. So......."
Before Jareth could respond, Jeffery spoke up. "Okay everyone, I would like to present her most Royal Highness, her most lovely Majesty, Her........Ouch! okay, okay, you didn't have to hit me Myst. Ahem.....Queen Sarah!"
Jareth looked over to the door, mildly curious, and would have fallen over had Garrick and Robert not caught him.