Mortal Beloved
(Chapter 18)
Endgame DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THEM!
Thank you for all of the reviews! Please keep them coming! xoxo Eve Lindsey.
Alanya hurried through the maze that was Ragan's outpost. She knew that whomever it was didn't have a great deal of time left, And hoped that she could get to them in time. "C'mon!" she called over her shoulder to her odd entourage and smiled in encouragement
as they quickened their pace. "Have you ever been here before Hoggle?" she asked hesitantly and grimaced as he shook his head in response. He hadn't been here, and she had no idea as to where the dungeons were located. Thinking rationally, she wondered where one would put ones dungeons. Deciding that they would more than likely be below ground, she scanned the room they had just entered. Grey marble was the dominating feature, and as she scanned the plush chairs and lavish paintings, her eyes came to rest on a small staircase leading downwards, ::Bingo:: she thought to herself, and made a beeline for the stairs, leaving the other three struggling to catch up . As Alanya made her way down the stairs, she tentatively held her hands out to the walls on either side of her, immediately recoiling as she felt a slimy substance beneath her palm. Continuing downward, she came to a halt as they reached a juncture. Hoggle pointed to the door before them, "We should try that one" he piped up, and Alanya decided that it was a good idea, turning the black marble handle and gently nudging the door open. Gasping slightly, Alanya felt her lips part as she took in the room around her, Filled with machiavellian tools used to cause the victim maximum pain, and the inflictor, maximum sadistic pleasure. Shivering, she hurried past the various works of torture, knowing that she had to steel herself, if only for the sake of saving the wretched creature that had so profusely begged for her assistance. Frowning in determination, she kept going until she reached a door fashioned of crude stone, so similar to the walls of the room, that it could not be seen by anything but a close inspection. Alanya pulled at the door, and creaking heavily, it groaned and swung open. Peeking her head around the door, Alanya gasped at the sight before her.
* * *
high on the battements of Dranion's castle, Fagan and Seran stood, hand in hand, grimly watching as the sun slowly lowered itself across the horizon. Seran knew that it wouldn't be long now until Ragan and his demon forces would leap from their not so hidden spots and attempt to besiege the castle. Seran smiled softly, she hoped, prayed that this time she would be able to protect the man that she loved more than life itself. She swore to herself that this time she wouldn't be too late to save him. "Are we really going to do thins?" asked Fagan softly, smiling into her silken tresses, Turning to look at him, Seran rose to her feet. "This is what we have been waiting for, Do you honestly think that I would choose to relive the worst day of my life over again? There is a reason we haven't been able to move on Fagan, some being, higher than you or I has ordained that you and I succeed where we had previously failed" she stated, trying to regain her breath. Fagan nodded in agreement, and then motioned for her to follow him as they left the battlements, and went to find Dranion.
* * *
Findlay stood at the very end of the battlements, and felt his eyes slip to the horizon again and again. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't keep his mind from Alanya and what he had done in order to save her, He wondered now whether or not it had been to protect her, or if in some twisted way, it had been to protect himself. Findlay knew that Alanya was out there somewhere, under the same sun, and the fact that he couldn't be near her was killing him. Findlay hoped that he hadn't blown it with her, but most of all he hoped that she would understand why he felt he had to do what he had done. Findlay knew that he loved Alanya, maybe even more than he had loved his wife, and this scared him, had him running scared, ::Or at least making her run because I'm scared:: A little voice at the back of his head piped up sardonically. Findlay knew that soon he would see his son again, and he hoped that all would turn out ok, that he would reconcile with both Alanya and Rohwan, and after all this was over he would be able to go back to his nice, semi peaceful existence. Sighing heavily, he turned and headed for the stairs leading back into the castle, know that Fagan would be looking for him.
* * *
"Rohwan?" exclaimed Alanya in disbelief. "Is that you?" she asked cautiously, of the figure laying crumpled on the ground. There was a grunt, and taking that as a yes, Alanya hurried over to him, leaving the other three standing, suspended in shock in the doorway. "Hey, Rohwan, It's ok, It's me Alanya, we're gonna get you out of here" she stated soothingly, moving toward his feet which were tied up with rope. Hastily untying the cords, Alanya called Hoggle and the others over to help her support the young fey. "Lady Alanya" stated Hoggle, in a pained voice as he attempted to support Rohwan, "What is it Hoggle?" demanded Alanya, an edge to her voice. "Um..ah. Well, I was just thinking to myself couldn't we call Lord Findlay for help" he answered hesitantly. Alanya frowned, and snapped. "We don't need his help, we will do this by ourselves!" Seeing Hoggle bow his head in acquiescence, Alanya felt a sharp stab of conscience. "I'm sorry Hoggle" she stated softly, returning the smile she received from the dwarf. Dragging the limp form of Rohwan out of the dungeon, Alanya tried not to throw up as she saw the trail of blood that they were leaving behind.
* * *
Ragan mounted his horse and raised his sword, It was almost dusk, time for them to launch their assault. Ragan took the bugle from his saddle bags and blew two long death knell like blasts. Sounding as though they could wake the dead, the blasts traversed down the mountains and into the surrounding scrublands, Before the end of the first blast, legions of demonic soldiers rose from out of the ground and ran, or rode down the slopes and toward the enemy troops dispersed around the borders of the mortal kingdom. Ragan looked skyward, and observed that the sky had turned scarlet "How fitting" he muttered to himself, yelled to the wind and raising his sword above his head, spurred his horse on.
* * *
"What are you doing?" Findlay demanded, curious. Fagan looked up and smiled, "Glad you could join us, It was Dranion's idea. If Ragan truly is after only the leaders of our kingdom, then that's exactly what we're going to give him" he answered. Puzzled, Findlay grimaced and hoped that whatever Fagan had decided to do, it would work. Just then a female servant approached Findlay with a soldier's uniform, and suddenly he understood. Ragan would be expecting them to be inside the castle hoping that the soldier's outside would be able to hold off the enemy. What Ragan wouldn't expect is for them to be out there, each fighting, as a soldier, in part of a legion of warriors. It was perfect. Strapping on his breastplate, Findlay turned his sword over and over in his palm, praying to some unknown deity that he and those he loved would make through the night unscathed.
* * *
"Put him over here" yelled Alanya to a goblin, and followed as Rohwan was laid out on one of the guest beds in the Castle of the Goblin King. "Will he be ok Hoggle?" asked Akanya anxiously, and Hoggle nodded gravely, "He will be able to heal himself, but all the same he will need a couple of hours of rest to do so" Alanya nodded in response and pulled a chair up to the bed. Sitting down, Alanya knew that if she couldn't help Findlay, then she could at least help his son.
* * *
Both armies stood, facing eachother, horses neighed and whinnied, baying for blood. Findlay stood amongst a group of mystical soldiers that Jareth had conjured earlier in the day, and he knew that somewhere out there, Fagan and Seran were also camouflaged in the same way. Indeed it might be a nice day to die, But Findlay knew that today they were not going to, instead they were going to banish Ragan back to the hell from which he emerged. Muscles tensed, breaths coming in short quick gasps, the two armies took off at a run and dived into the fray. Swords were drawn and metal shrieked one against another, ungodly. Findlay kept his head down, and watched the enemy carefully, picking his battles. Thrust, Parry, Lunge jab, a quick succession of moves and enemies were lying slaughtered, in pieces around him. Blood of both sides cascaded along the ground, and dirt mingled with sweat was wiped from tired eyes. Findlay looked around wildly for the others but could not see them. He knew then that they would have to be in one of the other legions, fighting a different group of enemy soldiers. Stopping for a moment, Findlay neatly avoided decapitation by a particularly nasty demon soldier. Dodging a second time, Findlay struck out and locked swords with the beast, crying out as his sword was knocked away, and he too was sent flying after it. Rising unsteadily to his feet, Findlay groaned and stumbled backwards as the beast viciously backhanded him. Climbing once more to his feet, Findlay knew what he had to do. Calling his strength and focus, Findlay concentrated on the space between his hands, frowning with strain, Findlay was rewarded when a translucent sword appeared in his grasp. Launching himself at the creature, Findlay resumed the skirmish with renewed fervour, running, further into the crowd of enemies, taking them on, and leaving the deceased creature in his wake. Carving a bloody path through the enemies forces, Findlay kept pushing forwards, knowing that he had to keep on going, For Alanya, for the chance to see her, see her smile. Ignoring the bleeding welt on his forearm, Findlay took on beast after beast, bent on victory, a formidable opponent in the game for supremacy.
* * *
"C'mon Rohwan! Don't do this, you have to get better! You have to! Defeat isn't an option!" Alanya shouted at Rohwan's still form, lying as he had for the last hour. Hoggle took her hand, and offered his silent support. Burying her head in her hands, Alanya sunk down into her chair, and knew that she would never forgive herself if Rohwan died. * * *
Seran grinned as she easily finished off another demon soldier.
"Let's do this" she called to Fagan who nodded and started attacking with renewed vigour. Momentarily knocked off balance, Seran turned to see who had hit her, and found herself eye level with a blade. Seran's eyes widened as the blade was raised, and began it's whooshing decent toward her frail neck. Suddenly she was rolling away from the blade, and coming to her senses she realised that Fagan had pushed her out of the way. Rising to her feet, She pulled the bow from her back, and grabbed a gold tipped arrow from her quiver. Aiming, she let fly an arrow aimed for the heart of the creature that had attacked her and currently had Fagan pinned beneath him. True to her mark, the Arrow impacted, and the creature toppled sideways and off of Fagan. "Thanks" he tossed over to her, and she nodded in acknowledgement. Seran grinned to herself and took up position next to Fagan, It was good to be back in the swing of things, and she relished the feel of steel clashing against steel and the way it reverberated down her spine. Revelling in the heat of the battle, she took on soldier after soldier, feeling them out, determining their weak spots and playing upon them until they crumbled beneath her. Flipping out of the path of an oncoming sword, Ducking as a dagger was thrown, aimed for the heart, but never, never hitting it's target. Seran hissed as she was caught off guard and fielded a blow across her left temple. "That's gonna leave a mark" she muttered to herself, and grabbing the offending soldier she threw him backwards twenty feet, watching as he was impaled on one of his comrades spears, and smiling slightly at the irony. The soldier, having pulled the spear from his friends belly, promptly launched it at her, laughing, she caught it, and threw it back at him, sending him to the ground, blood streaming from his mouth, and down his chin. Seran followed Fagan as he wove his way through the fray and swore that she wouldn't now, nor ever, leave his side again.
* * *
"Rage! I tire of these games, we did not come here for all out war, we came to execute Jareth, Findlay, their little whores and that wimp Dranion" Snapped Ragan as he sat abreast his nightshade stallion. Rage grinned and rubbed his hands together in delight. "Oh but master, I am having such a god time" he whined petulantly, and Ragan roared with anger. "I am glad to see that someone is having a good time, But my soldiers are out there getting slaughtered by an army mostly made up of beings that they cannot kill!" he bellowed furiously. Rage jumped with fright and bowed his head, "As you wish my lord" He hissed, and disappeared in a wisp of putrid black smoke. Rage mounted his stallion and headed down the rise toward the skirmish. Taking the horn that Ragan had given him earlier that day, He blew one long single blast signalling for Ragan's soldiers to retreat. At once, What little was left of the demon legions vaporised and were nowhere to be seen.
* * *
Findlay looked up and was just about to strike the final blow to a particularly difficult enemy, when a long horn blast pierced the air and travelled through the thick mist that had gathered above them. Suddenly, what little enemy he could see that were still standing, disappeared. Elves, Mortals, fey and good magic creatures alike all cheered. "We've won!" came a cry, and everyone laughed and cheered, patting each other on the back, as hugs and congratulations were exchanged. Findlay felt himself smile for the first time that day, and suddenly he knew that it was all going to be ok. As if fated, A menacing laugh boomed through the air, and the sky turned from violet to black, dark and menacing. Findlay grimaced as what looked like a tornado appeared, cutting a path through the bodies that littered every piece of ground. Ragan appeared before them, still laughing. A few very bold elves stood their ground and levelled their swords at him, but Ragan waved them away, sending them flying with a flick of his wrist. All of the army now stood before Ragan, some holding each other up, others steadily backing away, not liking the prospect of what stood before them. "Oh Jareth, Findlay, Lady Sarah, Lady A-Al whatever your name is, Dranion" he called mockingly. "Come out come out wherever you are, What's the matter? Chicken?" he demanded menacingly. Hearing no response, Ragan continued. Snapping his fingers, a young, frightened looking elf appeared by his side, His uniform was tattered, and he was bleeding from a gash across his forehead. "Maybe this will encourage you to show yourselves" he yelled, and pulled a dagger from his waistband. Ragan grabbed a handful of the elves hair and placed the knife at his throat.
* * *
"Rohwan!" Alanya exclaimed, "Oh thank god your ok, can you get up?" she demanded, hours after her yell. Rohwan groaned, but managed to get up out of the bed. "I'm ok, I think" he stated, and looked around him.
"The battle! My father, Ragan! He's going to kill him with the fey blade, I have to go to him!" exclaimed Rohwan hurriedly. Alanya nodded, and replied,
"Only if you take me with you, your father and I have some unfinished business we need to sort out" she stated crisply, and he nodded. Taking his hand, they both teleported to the Mortal Kingdom.
* * *
Ragan pressed the blade harder into the young elves throat and grinned as droplets of blood formed around the edge of the blade. "Ok! We're here," called a female voice, and Seran wove her way through the crowd of soldiers until she was toe to toe with Ragan. "Ah, Well if it isn't Jareth's little bitch" he stated snidely. Seran realised that Ragan didn't know that it was her, and decided that it could work to her advantage. Findlay, Fagan and Dranion followed suit soon after and stepped forward.
"Here we go" Spoke Ragan, smirking to himself. He released the elf and pushed him back into the ragtag group of soldiers. "Hmmm, What to do with your little menagerie of followers" mused Ragan aloud, and grinned as an idea struck him. "This one's for you Jareth, To the bog of eternal stench you all go" he stated confidently, and smiled condescendingly at Fagan. "You know I never understood the appeal of doing that till now, It's rather fun isn't it" he stated, smirking, and Fagan glanced over at Seran, who nodded, almost imperceptively. Fagan concentrated and attempted to insert the exact same mixture of contempt and sarcasm into his tone that he had heard the real Jareth use.
"While I'd love to stop and chat about my hobbies, I believe you wanted to kill me?" he stated insolently, smirking ever so slightly. "Ah yes, back to business" stated Ragan, Pulling out his dagger once more and lunging at Fagan. Ragan and Fagan sparred, equally matched one dodging the others blows and reverse. Fagan, momentarily caught off guard, was sent flying, and Findlay hurried to keep Ragan busy so the other man could regain his feet. Findlay thrusted and parried as best he could, straining mightily to keep Ragan at bay, suddenly losing his balance, Findlay fielded a blow across his left cheek and was knocked to the ground. Instantly Ragan was upon him. Alanya and Rohwan appeared, Alanya directly behind Ragan. Before she had time to move, Ragan whirled around, and as if in slow motion, sliced his dagger through her abdomen. A thick large gash appeared, and Alanya clutched at it, before sinking slowly to her knees, eyes clenched closed in pain. "AAAgghhh" she cried, and Seran began to scream.
"No!" she yelled, again and again her voice distorted by rage and anguish. Findlay's eyes widened in horror and he was frozen there, lying on the ground. Ragan turned back to him, pulled out the dagger once more and began lowering it towards his throat. "NOOOO!" yelled Rohwan, charging at Ragan and driving his sword through his back. Ragan's eyes glazed and he clutched at his stomach, looking down at the blade protruding from it in horror. Ragan toppled over and lay motionless. Findlay, regaining his senses, crawled over to Alanya, and placed her head in his lap.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" he murmured over and over again, stroking her hair, and wiping the tears from her eyes. "Don't cry," He crooned softly. Glancing at the almost black blood flowing from her wound, he realised that the dagger had sliced through her liver. "Your going to be fine" he stated softly, desperately trying to convince himself. Fagan rose unsteadily to his feet and took in the sight before him. He hurried over to Ragan, and noticing that he still had the fey blade firmly encased in his right hand, he bent over to grab it.
Ragan's eyes fluttered open, and seeing Jareth bending over, he sat up and drove the fey blade through the crouching fey's heart. "Fagan!" "Jareth!" Came voices simultaneously, and Seran ran to where Fagan lay, imbedding her sword firmly in Ragan's chest as she passed him. "Not again!" she screamed to the heavens. All of a sudden she felt herself convulsing, Seeing that Fagan was also, she started crying. Two lights, one gold one green, rose from the two and Suddenly Sarah was back. Noticing that Jareth was in her arms, she smiled, but the smile froze on her face when she saw the blood. "FINDLAY!!" She shrieked, and he hurried over. "Fix him! Heal him, do whatever, but please bring him back to me!" she shrieked, tears streaming down her dirt streaked face. Findlay looked at her and shook his head,
"It's a fey blade Sarah, I can't" he stated, and placed his head on her lap, rising, and returning to Alanya. "No! This can't be happening," she screamed to the heavens, as they opened up and rain, fell in tears of mourning, washing away the blood, but not the sorrow. "I went through the labyrinth, I completed his challenge, I came back, I did everything for him, and now you take him from me!" she yelled, voice hoarse. Placing Jareth's head down on the wet ground, smoothing the blonde locks from his ivory forehead, she kissed his lips, praying to she knew not what for a hint of breath, for a return kiss.
Rising, she stumbled over to Findlay, and cried anew when she saw the lifeless body of her mother, cradled in his arms. "Findlay, I am sure there is a way to bring back fey's, Seran said something to me, that I would have to make a sacrifice, tell me what it is" she demanded, pulling him away from the slumped form of Alanya. "Sarah, there are no options, you cannot do what she was talking about" he stated, and she turned, and struck him across the cheek, leaving a stinging red handprint in her wake. "No! No! I do not accept defeat, there has to be choices, there are always choices!" she yelled through the rain, and Findlay shook his head sadly.
"The only way to bring him, a fey, back, is to give your life for his" he stated softly, and she nodded slightly. "If that's what it takes to get him back, then that's what I'll do" she answered angrily. Findlay's eyes widened, "Sarah.." he stated, But she waved it away, "It's what I have to do, there is nothing left for me here" she stated, and went back to Jareth's body. Remembering how he had healed her, she placed a kiss on his forehead, then lay her hand over his unbeating heart. Focusing all her strength on transferring her energy to him. A golden light appeared in Sarah's palm, and absorbed into Jareth's body. One each taking both first and last breath simultaneously, Jareth's eyes flickered open, as Sarah fell, and slumped, lifeless, across his chest.
* * *
I HOPE YOU ALL LIKED THAT CHAPTER! IT TOOK A LOT FOR ME TO WRTE IT, WELL, A LOT OF TISSUES ANYWAYS.
Please review, and don't worry that is not the end of the story, I'm not that mean. All my love xoxox Eve Lindsey.
(Chapter 18)
Endgame DISCLAIMER: I DO NOT OWN THEM!
Thank you for all of the reviews! Please keep them coming! xoxo Eve Lindsey.
Alanya hurried through the maze that was Ragan's outpost. She knew that whomever it was didn't have a great deal of time left, And hoped that she could get to them in time. "C'mon!" she called over her shoulder to her odd entourage and smiled in encouragement
as they quickened their pace. "Have you ever been here before Hoggle?" she asked hesitantly and grimaced as he shook his head in response. He hadn't been here, and she had no idea as to where the dungeons were located. Thinking rationally, she wondered where one would put ones dungeons. Deciding that they would more than likely be below ground, she scanned the room they had just entered. Grey marble was the dominating feature, and as she scanned the plush chairs and lavish paintings, her eyes came to rest on a small staircase leading downwards, ::Bingo:: she thought to herself, and made a beeline for the stairs, leaving the other three struggling to catch up . As Alanya made her way down the stairs, she tentatively held her hands out to the walls on either side of her, immediately recoiling as she felt a slimy substance beneath her palm. Continuing downward, she came to a halt as they reached a juncture. Hoggle pointed to the door before them, "We should try that one" he piped up, and Alanya decided that it was a good idea, turning the black marble handle and gently nudging the door open. Gasping slightly, Alanya felt her lips part as she took in the room around her, Filled with machiavellian tools used to cause the victim maximum pain, and the inflictor, maximum sadistic pleasure. Shivering, she hurried past the various works of torture, knowing that she had to steel herself, if only for the sake of saving the wretched creature that had so profusely begged for her assistance. Frowning in determination, she kept going until she reached a door fashioned of crude stone, so similar to the walls of the room, that it could not be seen by anything but a close inspection. Alanya pulled at the door, and creaking heavily, it groaned and swung open. Peeking her head around the door, Alanya gasped at the sight before her.
* * *
high on the battements of Dranion's castle, Fagan and Seran stood, hand in hand, grimly watching as the sun slowly lowered itself across the horizon. Seran knew that it wouldn't be long now until Ragan and his demon forces would leap from their not so hidden spots and attempt to besiege the castle. Seran smiled softly, she hoped, prayed that this time she would be able to protect the man that she loved more than life itself. She swore to herself that this time she wouldn't be too late to save him. "Are we really going to do thins?" asked Fagan softly, smiling into her silken tresses, Turning to look at him, Seran rose to her feet. "This is what we have been waiting for, Do you honestly think that I would choose to relive the worst day of my life over again? There is a reason we haven't been able to move on Fagan, some being, higher than you or I has ordained that you and I succeed where we had previously failed" she stated, trying to regain her breath. Fagan nodded in agreement, and then motioned for her to follow him as they left the battlements, and went to find Dranion.
* * *
Findlay stood at the very end of the battlements, and felt his eyes slip to the horizon again and again. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn't keep his mind from Alanya and what he had done in order to save her, He wondered now whether or not it had been to protect her, or if in some twisted way, it had been to protect himself. Findlay knew that Alanya was out there somewhere, under the same sun, and the fact that he couldn't be near her was killing him. Findlay hoped that he hadn't blown it with her, but most of all he hoped that she would understand why he felt he had to do what he had done. Findlay knew that he loved Alanya, maybe even more than he had loved his wife, and this scared him, had him running scared, ::Or at least making her run because I'm scared:: A little voice at the back of his head piped up sardonically. Findlay knew that soon he would see his son again, and he hoped that all would turn out ok, that he would reconcile with both Alanya and Rohwan, and after all this was over he would be able to go back to his nice, semi peaceful existence. Sighing heavily, he turned and headed for the stairs leading back into the castle, know that Fagan would be looking for him.
* * *
"Rohwan?" exclaimed Alanya in disbelief. "Is that you?" she asked cautiously, of the figure laying crumpled on the ground. There was a grunt, and taking that as a yes, Alanya hurried over to him, leaving the other three standing, suspended in shock in the doorway. "Hey, Rohwan, It's ok, It's me Alanya, we're gonna get you out of here" she stated soothingly, moving toward his feet which were tied up with rope. Hastily untying the cords, Alanya called Hoggle and the others over to help her support the young fey. "Lady Alanya" stated Hoggle, in a pained voice as he attempted to support Rohwan, "What is it Hoggle?" demanded Alanya, an edge to her voice. "Um..ah. Well, I was just thinking to myself couldn't we call Lord Findlay for help" he answered hesitantly. Alanya frowned, and snapped. "We don't need his help, we will do this by ourselves!" Seeing Hoggle bow his head in acquiescence, Alanya felt a sharp stab of conscience. "I'm sorry Hoggle" she stated softly, returning the smile she received from the dwarf. Dragging the limp form of Rohwan out of the dungeon, Alanya tried not to throw up as she saw the trail of blood that they were leaving behind.
* * *
Ragan mounted his horse and raised his sword, It was almost dusk, time for them to launch their assault. Ragan took the bugle from his saddle bags and blew two long death knell like blasts. Sounding as though they could wake the dead, the blasts traversed down the mountains and into the surrounding scrublands, Before the end of the first blast, legions of demonic soldiers rose from out of the ground and ran, or rode down the slopes and toward the enemy troops dispersed around the borders of the mortal kingdom. Ragan looked skyward, and observed that the sky had turned scarlet "How fitting" he muttered to himself, yelled to the wind and raising his sword above his head, spurred his horse on.
* * *
"What are you doing?" Findlay demanded, curious. Fagan looked up and smiled, "Glad you could join us, It was Dranion's idea. If Ragan truly is after only the leaders of our kingdom, then that's exactly what we're going to give him" he answered. Puzzled, Findlay grimaced and hoped that whatever Fagan had decided to do, it would work. Just then a female servant approached Findlay with a soldier's uniform, and suddenly he understood. Ragan would be expecting them to be inside the castle hoping that the soldier's outside would be able to hold off the enemy. What Ragan wouldn't expect is for them to be out there, each fighting, as a soldier, in part of a legion of warriors. It was perfect. Strapping on his breastplate, Findlay turned his sword over and over in his palm, praying to some unknown deity that he and those he loved would make through the night unscathed.
* * *
"Put him over here" yelled Alanya to a goblin, and followed as Rohwan was laid out on one of the guest beds in the Castle of the Goblin King. "Will he be ok Hoggle?" asked Akanya anxiously, and Hoggle nodded gravely, "He will be able to heal himself, but all the same he will need a couple of hours of rest to do so" Alanya nodded in response and pulled a chair up to the bed. Sitting down, Alanya knew that if she couldn't help Findlay, then she could at least help his son.
* * *
Both armies stood, facing eachother, horses neighed and whinnied, baying for blood. Findlay stood amongst a group of mystical soldiers that Jareth had conjured earlier in the day, and he knew that somewhere out there, Fagan and Seran were also camouflaged in the same way. Indeed it might be a nice day to die, But Findlay knew that today they were not going to, instead they were going to banish Ragan back to the hell from which he emerged. Muscles tensed, breaths coming in short quick gasps, the two armies took off at a run and dived into the fray. Swords were drawn and metal shrieked one against another, ungodly. Findlay kept his head down, and watched the enemy carefully, picking his battles. Thrust, Parry, Lunge jab, a quick succession of moves and enemies were lying slaughtered, in pieces around him. Blood of both sides cascaded along the ground, and dirt mingled with sweat was wiped from tired eyes. Findlay looked around wildly for the others but could not see them. He knew then that they would have to be in one of the other legions, fighting a different group of enemy soldiers. Stopping for a moment, Findlay neatly avoided decapitation by a particularly nasty demon soldier. Dodging a second time, Findlay struck out and locked swords with the beast, crying out as his sword was knocked away, and he too was sent flying after it. Rising unsteadily to his feet, Findlay groaned and stumbled backwards as the beast viciously backhanded him. Climbing once more to his feet, Findlay knew what he had to do. Calling his strength and focus, Findlay concentrated on the space between his hands, frowning with strain, Findlay was rewarded when a translucent sword appeared in his grasp. Launching himself at the creature, Findlay resumed the skirmish with renewed fervour, running, further into the crowd of enemies, taking them on, and leaving the deceased creature in his wake. Carving a bloody path through the enemies forces, Findlay kept pushing forwards, knowing that he had to keep on going, For Alanya, for the chance to see her, see her smile. Ignoring the bleeding welt on his forearm, Findlay took on beast after beast, bent on victory, a formidable opponent in the game for supremacy.
* * *
"C'mon Rohwan! Don't do this, you have to get better! You have to! Defeat isn't an option!" Alanya shouted at Rohwan's still form, lying as he had for the last hour. Hoggle took her hand, and offered his silent support. Burying her head in her hands, Alanya sunk down into her chair, and knew that she would never forgive herself if Rohwan died. * * *
Seran grinned as she easily finished off another demon soldier.
"Let's do this" she called to Fagan who nodded and started attacking with renewed vigour. Momentarily knocked off balance, Seran turned to see who had hit her, and found herself eye level with a blade. Seran's eyes widened as the blade was raised, and began it's whooshing decent toward her frail neck. Suddenly she was rolling away from the blade, and coming to her senses she realised that Fagan had pushed her out of the way. Rising to her feet, She pulled the bow from her back, and grabbed a gold tipped arrow from her quiver. Aiming, she let fly an arrow aimed for the heart of the creature that had attacked her and currently had Fagan pinned beneath him. True to her mark, the Arrow impacted, and the creature toppled sideways and off of Fagan. "Thanks" he tossed over to her, and she nodded in acknowledgement. Seran grinned to herself and took up position next to Fagan, It was good to be back in the swing of things, and she relished the feel of steel clashing against steel and the way it reverberated down her spine. Revelling in the heat of the battle, she took on soldier after soldier, feeling them out, determining their weak spots and playing upon them until they crumbled beneath her. Flipping out of the path of an oncoming sword, Ducking as a dagger was thrown, aimed for the heart, but never, never hitting it's target. Seran hissed as she was caught off guard and fielded a blow across her left temple. "That's gonna leave a mark" she muttered to herself, and grabbing the offending soldier she threw him backwards twenty feet, watching as he was impaled on one of his comrades spears, and smiling slightly at the irony. The soldier, having pulled the spear from his friends belly, promptly launched it at her, laughing, she caught it, and threw it back at him, sending him to the ground, blood streaming from his mouth, and down his chin. Seran followed Fagan as he wove his way through the fray and swore that she wouldn't now, nor ever, leave his side again.
* * *
"Rage! I tire of these games, we did not come here for all out war, we came to execute Jareth, Findlay, their little whores and that wimp Dranion" Snapped Ragan as he sat abreast his nightshade stallion. Rage grinned and rubbed his hands together in delight. "Oh but master, I am having such a god time" he whined petulantly, and Ragan roared with anger. "I am glad to see that someone is having a good time, But my soldiers are out there getting slaughtered by an army mostly made up of beings that they cannot kill!" he bellowed furiously. Rage jumped with fright and bowed his head, "As you wish my lord" He hissed, and disappeared in a wisp of putrid black smoke. Rage mounted his stallion and headed down the rise toward the skirmish. Taking the horn that Ragan had given him earlier that day, He blew one long single blast signalling for Ragan's soldiers to retreat. At once, What little was left of the demon legions vaporised and were nowhere to be seen.
* * *
Findlay looked up and was just about to strike the final blow to a particularly difficult enemy, when a long horn blast pierced the air and travelled through the thick mist that had gathered above them. Suddenly, what little enemy he could see that were still standing, disappeared. Elves, Mortals, fey and good magic creatures alike all cheered. "We've won!" came a cry, and everyone laughed and cheered, patting each other on the back, as hugs and congratulations were exchanged. Findlay felt himself smile for the first time that day, and suddenly he knew that it was all going to be ok. As if fated, A menacing laugh boomed through the air, and the sky turned from violet to black, dark and menacing. Findlay grimaced as what looked like a tornado appeared, cutting a path through the bodies that littered every piece of ground. Ragan appeared before them, still laughing. A few very bold elves stood their ground and levelled their swords at him, but Ragan waved them away, sending them flying with a flick of his wrist. All of the army now stood before Ragan, some holding each other up, others steadily backing away, not liking the prospect of what stood before them. "Oh Jareth, Findlay, Lady Sarah, Lady A-Al whatever your name is, Dranion" he called mockingly. "Come out come out wherever you are, What's the matter? Chicken?" he demanded menacingly. Hearing no response, Ragan continued. Snapping his fingers, a young, frightened looking elf appeared by his side, His uniform was tattered, and he was bleeding from a gash across his forehead. "Maybe this will encourage you to show yourselves" he yelled, and pulled a dagger from his waistband. Ragan grabbed a handful of the elves hair and placed the knife at his throat.
* * *
"Rohwan!" Alanya exclaimed, "Oh thank god your ok, can you get up?" she demanded, hours after her yell. Rohwan groaned, but managed to get up out of the bed. "I'm ok, I think" he stated, and looked around him.
"The battle! My father, Ragan! He's going to kill him with the fey blade, I have to go to him!" exclaimed Rohwan hurriedly. Alanya nodded, and replied,
"Only if you take me with you, your father and I have some unfinished business we need to sort out" she stated crisply, and he nodded. Taking his hand, they both teleported to the Mortal Kingdom.
* * *
Ragan pressed the blade harder into the young elves throat and grinned as droplets of blood formed around the edge of the blade. "Ok! We're here," called a female voice, and Seran wove her way through the crowd of soldiers until she was toe to toe with Ragan. "Ah, Well if it isn't Jareth's little bitch" he stated snidely. Seran realised that Ragan didn't know that it was her, and decided that it could work to her advantage. Findlay, Fagan and Dranion followed suit soon after and stepped forward.
"Here we go" Spoke Ragan, smirking to himself. He released the elf and pushed him back into the ragtag group of soldiers. "Hmmm, What to do with your little menagerie of followers" mused Ragan aloud, and grinned as an idea struck him. "This one's for you Jareth, To the bog of eternal stench you all go" he stated confidently, and smiled condescendingly at Fagan. "You know I never understood the appeal of doing that till now, It's rather fun isn't it" he stated, smirking, and Fagan glanced over at Seran, who nodded, almost imperceptively. Fagan concentrated and attempted to insert the exact same mixture of contempt and sarcasm into his tone that he had heard the real Jareth use.
"While I'd love to stop and chat about my hobbies, I believe you wanted to kill me?" he stated insolently, smirking ever so slightly. "Ah yes, back to business" stated Ragan, Pulling out his dagger once more and lunging at Fagan. Ragan and Fagan sparred, equally matched one dodging the others blows and reverse. Fagan, momentarily caught off guard, was sent flying, and Findlay hurried to keep Ragan busy so the other man could regain his feet. Findlay thrusted and parried as best he could, straining mightily to keep Ragan at bay, suddenly losing his balance, Findlay fielded a blow across his left cheek and was knocked to the ground. Instantly Ragan was upon him. Alanya and Rohwan appeared, Alanya directly behind Ragan. Before she had time to move, Ragan whirled around, and as if in slow motion, sliced his dagger through her abdomen. A thick large gash appeared, and Alanya clutched at it, before sinking slowly to her knees, eyes clenched closed in pain. "AAAgghhh" she cried, and Seran began to scream.
"No!" she yelled, again and again her voice distorted by rage and anguish. Findlay's eyes widened in horror and he was frozen there, lying on the ground. Ragan turned back to him, pulled out the dagger once more and began lowering it towards his throat. "NOOOO!" yelled Rohwan, charging at Ragan and driving his sword through his back. Ragan's eyes glazed and he clutched at his stomach, looking down at the blade protruding from it in horror. Ragan toppled over and lay motionless. Findlay, regaining his senses, crawled over to Alanya, and placed her head in his lap.
"I'm sorry, I'm sorry" he murmured over and over again, stroking her hair, and wiping the tears from her eyes. "Don't cry," He crooned softly. Glancing at the almost black blood flowing from her wound, he realised that the dagger had sliced through her liver. "Your going to be fine" he stated softly, desperately trying to convince himself. Fagan rose unsteadily to his feet and took in the sight before him. He hurried over to Ragan, and noticing that he still had the fey blade firmly encased in his right hand, he bent over to grab it.
Ragan's eyes fluttered open, and seeing Jareth bending over, he sat up and drove the fey blade through the crouching fey's heart. "Fagan!" "Jareth!" Came voices simultaneously, and Seran ran to where Fagan lay, imbedding her sword firmly in Ragan's chest as she passed him. "Not again!" she screamed to the heavens. All of a sudden she felt herself convulsing, Seeing that Fagan was also, she started crying. Two lights, one gold one green, rose from the two and Suddenly Sarah was back. Noticing that Jareth was in her arms, she smiled, but the smile froze on her face when she saw the blood. "FINDLAY!!" She shrieked, and he hurried over. "Fix him! Heal him, do whatever, but please bring him back to me!" she shrieked, tears streaming down her dirt streaked face. Findlay looked at her and shook his head,
"It's a fey blade Sarah, I can't" he stated, and placed his head on her lap, rising, and returning to Alanya. "No! This can't be happening," she screamed to the heavens, as they opened up and rain, fell in tears of mourning, washing away the blood, but not the sorrow. "I went through the labyrinth, I completed his challenge, I came back, I did everything for him, and now you take him from me!" she yelled, voice hoarse. Placing Jareth's head down on the wet ground, smoothing the blonde locks from his ivory forehead, she kissed his lips, praying to she knew not what for a hint of breath, for a return kiss.
Rising, she stumbled over to Findlay, and cried anew when she saw the lifeless body of her mother, cradled in his arms. "Findlay, I am sure there is a way to bring back fey's, Seran said something to me, that I would have to make a sacrifice, tell me what it is" she demanded, pulling him away from the slumped form of Alanya. "Sarah, there are no options, you cannot do what she was talking about" he stated, and she turned, and struck him across the cheek, leaving a stinging red handprint in her wake. "No! No! I do not accept defeat, there has to be choices, there are always choices!" she yelled through the rain, and Findlay shook his head sadly.
"The only way to bring him, a fey, back, is to give your life for his" he stated softly, and she nodded slightly. "If that's what it takes to get him back, then that's what I'll do" she answered angrily. Findlay's eyes widened, "Sarah.." he stated, But she waved it away, "It's what I have to do, there is nothing left for me here" she stated, and went back to Jareth's body. Remembering how he had healed her, she placed a kiss on his forehead, then lay her hand over his unbeating heart. Focusing all her strength on transferring her energy to him. A golden light appeared in Sarah's palm, and absorbed into Jareth's body. One each taking both first and last breath simultaneously, Jareth's eyes flickered open, as Sarah fell, and slumped, lifeless, across his chest.
* * *
I HOPE YOU ALL LIKED THAT CHAPTER! IT TOOK A LOT FOR ME TO WRTE IT, WELL, A LOT OF TISSUES ANYWAYS.
Please review, and don't worry that is not the end of the story, I'm not that mean. All my love xoxox Eve Lindsey.