Disclaimer: I dont own any characters from the movie. I do own a few of my own.

For those of you that read, this chapter is really long, 11 pages written so appreciate it. Im typing this for you instead of studying for my math test. He he Id rather be doin this anyway.

Ch.5- Why?

Jareth stood with his hand on the door frame and stared at Sarah. She was there just as predicted and looking perfect. Her hair was beautifully done, pulled up into a bun with stray pieces falling down and curling around her shoulders and neck. He was absolutely surprised to see her, but pleasantly so when he took in her slightly flared gown. It was a soft blue with darker blue accents.

~Like the flower I picked for her.~ He thought to himself.

The dress hugged her figure and just seeing the velvety cloth covering her smooth pale skin made his heart race. As much as he hated to admit it, the woman still held power over him.

Straightening his posture, he reached out to grasp her hand and kiss it when he realized she didnt even see him. Her expression was blank was a hard edge to it. Turning slightly he saw the gentle smile on Senika`s face.

Suddenly her words registered and he almost jumped backwards.

` What?! ` He looked quickly from one woman to the other.

Slowly he composed himself and looked at the small details of their faces. Their eyes were different, Sarahs were dark but the hair was the same. Looking towards Senikas Jareth noticed that warm smile was the same one Sarah had given to that little goblin this afternoon.

Taking in their stubbornness and willingness to dispute anything with him, his breath caught, he realized how very alike they were and wondered why he hadnt seen it sooner.

The similarities were frightening in the fact that he hadnt noticed them. Overwhelmed he took a few steps backward and dropped gracefully into one of the chair that sat around the edge of the room. He looked at them from the new angle and saw that they held their bodies in the same way, with grace and confidence.


The older woman took a step towards Sarah as she stepped back. Senikas smile dulled considerably as she tried again only for Sarah to do the same thing.

` Sarah, I see youve been doing well. `

Senika tilted her head a bit and made a small gesture with her arms. Jareth smiled a bit as he watched from his seat. Senika was trying to get Sarah to say something.

~ Jareth! ~ Sarah cried his name in her mind with so much intensity he blinked and turned his full attention to her. Her dark eyes briefly glanced in his direction. Senika took the distraction as an opportunity to step closer. Quickly assessing the situation he flicked his wrist, turning the chair he was sitting on into a small couch.

Sarah thankfully turned towards him and gave her mother a wide berth as she walked to him and sat down.

Her posture relaxed a little as Senika stood in front of her. She seemed to take comfort in Jareths nearness.

` Did I hear you correctly Sarah? Did you just call-- ` Jareth started only to be interrupted.

` Yes Jareth, is it really that hard to believe she is my daughter-- `

` Daughter you left in the Aboveground. ` Sarah said darkly.

Jareth looked from Sarahs clouded face to Senikas hurt and angry one. This could be potentially dangerous if both women became angry, he realized.

` I had no choice. Please try to understand Sarah. I was dying up there. `

` So why didnt you? ` Sarah knew she was acting immature, but she could help it. This woman had hurt her more than Sarah would ever admit. She felt like hurting her back. Sarah looked up coldly into crystal clear eyes that leaked their pain in bloody droplets. With red streaks running down her face Senika tried to explain.

` Sarah, I left the Underground to escape an arranged marriage. I didnt like the thought of my freedom being restrained like that. I suppose it could have been worse. ` She lowered her face as she dragged a chair over towards the two seated on the couch. She didnt get too close though because Jareth gave her a warning with a sharp jolt of his energy. She nodded and sat. Haltingly she continued.

` I ran away to the Aboveground to get away from my responsibilities. A mortal man took me in and I adjusted to mortal life. We felt attraction, a mutual affection so we got engaged. This in my opinion was far better than marrying for power or politics. Soon we were married and you were born. So perfect, my firstborn, my little Sarah.

` When you were about 4 when I began to get lightheaded and dizzy, occasionally I became very weak. Your father was worried but for 2 years I denied my failing body and health and tried to be a good wife and mother. ` She stopped and looked down at her hands. Sarah still wasnt satisfied.

` That explains how I came to be, not why you left me. ` Sarahs voice was even and her face blank. Senika looked up at her when she spoke next.

` The last year I was with you, you turned 7. The pain I experienced everyday was so excruciating I could barely go outside. My love for you was overwhelming but in my heart I knew I could not bring you back with me. The day you were born Id searched for some kind of birthmark, wings, anything that would allow me to take you with me. There was nothing Sarah. Youre energy was that of a mortal. Other than our looks, I could not sufficiently prove that you were my child. You had no powers and I had no choice. If I died in the Aboveground chaos would break out here. If I brought you back, you would probably have been taken away from me or made to be a servant. I had a very hard decision Sarah, but I would have rathered you be safe with your father than have an uncertain future here with me. ` Senika had stopped crying and looked at her daughter steadily. Pale red streaks marred her cheeks but her silver blue eyes searched her childs face.

Sarah didnt seem to be angry anymore, and Senika seemed calmer too, Jareth thought with a small shake. So his little mortal defeater of the labyrinth was 1/ 2 fae, how interesting, he mused. They sat in silence for quite some time. Finally after at least ten minutes Sarah broke the stillness.

` Did you leave it on purpose? `

Jareth and Senika looked a little confused.
~What is she talking about?~ Jareth wondered. He saw the slow smile creep back onto Sarahs mothers lips.

` Yes. `

` What are you- `

` So you gave me a way to come back on my own. ` Sarah continued.

` Yes. ` ~Oh.~ Jareth thought dumbly. They were talking about Labyrinth the play book Sarah used to call him the first time. He smirked as Senika smiled sadly.

` Too bad you didnt take into account what would happen if she beat me. ` He said.

` I didnt think it possible. ` She replied sarcastically.

` All right enough. ` Sarah said to break up the two fae that were in a heated glaring contest. Sarah yawned dramatically and Jareth quirked an eyebrow. Senika got up and looked down at her daughter comfortably seated beside the high prince.

` Sarah, there are many things I need to teach you. The Underground is a dangerous place for you right now, you need to learn how to use your magic and the rules you need to live by. Come back with me, I`ll teach you everything you need to know. ` Sarah looked up skeptically at her mother. She then turned a pointed gaze at Jareth.

` I have some questions only his majesty can answer. I need to stay a bit longer. `

` But you could be in danger here, I- `

` Im sure the Goblin King can protect me for a while. ` She said, cutting her mother off.

` But.. `

` Yes Senika, Sarah is right. She wished herself to me after all. I will protect her for as long as she cares to stay in my castle. ` With that said, he rose and offered Sarah his forearm. She rose gracefully and stood facing the woman she had known twenty years ago.

` But you need to understand your powers, come with me and we- `

` Senika! ` Jareths voice was sharp and loud. It was like a lightning bolt striking the marble of the floor. Sarah looked at him a bit startled while Senika looked very angry.

` Your daughter has made it clear she does not wish to go with you at this time. You, just like I, have time to spare. Wait. She is not ready to leave yet. I will do my best to educate her on certain matters until she wants to go to you. ` Power laced through his words and the possibility of disobeying was not an option.

` All right. I will visit when I can get away from my work. `
At the slight narrowing of Jareths eyes she added
`- I will be sure to send word first. Have a good meal. Goodbye Sarah. ` With that her mother disappeared in a swirl of silver feathers.

Sarah released his arm and he turned just in time to see her collapse onto the small couch. She brought her legs up to fold beneath her as blue silk pooled around her. She brought her hands to her face and moaned.

Seeing her like that made his soul ache. Her sad beauty moved him to crouch next to her and touch her arm. At his touch she tensed and looked up. He noticed she wasnt crying yet. Maybe she wouldnt at all if he got her mind off her visitor.

She was staring at him so he inclined his head towards the beautifully prepared table. She glanced at it all, took in the many different kinds of food. She shook her head and he looked a little more sternly at her and motioned again.

` I cant, not now, Ive lost my appetite. ` She said quietly. He nodded and stood up.

After helping her to stand, she told him she wanted to go back to her room.

Once the door was closed he went to his study to have a small meal alone. He worried about Sarah. What would this mean for the Underground? She was half fae and would need to learn how to use her powers. He could teach her ediquitte and maybe some dancing (he thought with a smirk) but that was all.

She would need another Elvin-Wing to teach her their legends and about the source of their power. She would need someone to teach her about wings, and she would definitely need her mother to instruct her on the duties she would need to perform. Sarah was her mothers firstborn. In many ways she was still like a newborn. She didnt know anything about the world in which she lived and would need someone to teach her everything.

Standing up suddenly he entered the hall with determined strides. Coming to a stop at her door, he stood deep in thought. Just then Gordo exited hastily and bumped into his legs. Jareth growled and he apologized and left quickly. Jareth knocked gently and waited while Sarah came to answer the door.

Her eyes widened a bit as she let him in and watched as he took a seat on the chair by the bed.

` I know youre tired Sarah, but I need to clarify some things. ` He looked up into her eyes pleadingly. She gave a sigh and sat next to him on the edge of the bed.

Jareth took in everything about the room that she had changed while he waited. He couldnt really think of how to start the conversation. He noticed she had gotten out of the dress and was wearing a thin tee - shirt and loose green pants. She was barefoot. She was sitting with her legs folded under her waiting for him to speak.

` Sarah, you acted like you didnt want to leave my castle. Why? `

` She abandoned me. Id rather stay here. `

` Oh. ` Jareth said as he mentally kicked himself for thinking he might be the reason she wanted to stay. He looked away from her and was silent for a while.

` Ummm, how long can I stay with you? ` He looked back at her sharply and said,

` As long as you wish Sarah. `

` All right.`

` Sarah, I need to tell you something important. Please promise you will listen and try to understand. I know there is a lot on your mind right now. ` He crossed his legs and settled into a more comfortable position. She nodded and both took a deep breath.

` I understand your reasons for not wanting to leave but I think I have another reason thats probably contributing to your hesitancy to go. `

Sarah looked curious as she made a noise to indicate he should continue.

He cleared his throat before he said what was on his mind.

` When you defeated my labyrinth it took a piece of your soul. In return to fill the void, it gave you some of its spirit. The labyrinth itself has been a bit livelier since you returned. `

Her eyes were a bit big and she just stared at him. After a few moments he reached over and touched her knee. Her eyes focused back on him as she asked

` What?`

` In order to beat it you gave a piece of your soul. I imagine you never noticed because it gave you a piece of itself back. If you had stayed longer than eleven hours both of us would have noticed. I did a similar thing when I inherited the throne. I am connected to it in the same way you are and with some training you would more than likely be able to control it to some degree. ` She searched his face carefully to see if he was kidding. When all she could see was frank seriousness, she sighed, she should have known he was always serious.

` Oh.....Well I guess its a good thing I can stay for a while. Besides, now that you mention it, this place seems very comfortable. I really dont feel like leaving this kingdom in the immediate future. `

Now it was Jareths turn to be a little shocked. ~Did she just say she liked it here? With me? No. She couldnt have. She just meant being here near the labyrinth was comforting. That had to be it~ He rose, bowed, said goodnight and went to the door. ~Sarah couldnt mean being around me makes her feel that way~ Jareth couldnt help but wonder as he made his way to his room and into his bed.


A/N: Sorry it took so long. My lifes kinda hectic right now and Im working on a short DBZ Goten x Trunks. Its really cute. Well, I`ll try to update soon. -Rouko