I got another one! I've been trying to work on my other unfinished Labyrinth stories but am having some difficulties with it so I decided to write this idea that I've had in my head for quite a long time. This is an Alternate Universe story. I've haven't beta read it so if you find any mistakes just ignore them.

Disclaimer: As usual, I own nothing of the Labyrinth or its characters.

Faded Memories

Chapter One

            She was overwhelmed with delight as she held the precious food in the palm of her hand. Mouth watering she studied the ripe peach and exclaimed, "Oh, Hoggle! You're a life saver!"

            The skin of the peach yielded like melted butter, as her teeth pierced into its softness. Sarah swallowed before the taste of it registered, "This tastes strange…" looking to Hoggle she knew, "Hoggle, what have you done?" whispered from her lips.

            The dwarf, Hoggle, cowered in fear and disgust as he watched his first and only friend sway from the effect of Jareth's gift. Backing away he grumbled, "Damn you Jareth and damn me too!" and then he was gone.

            The world seemed to be spiraling out from under her, the peach still clutched in hand she staggered towards the tree limb before her. Resting her free hand on the tree she felt dizzy and light headed, "Everything's dancing…"

            Sarah's hazel eyes were fogged and dark as her vision blurred and unfocussed. Unable to stand any longer she stumbled towards a large tree, sliding down until her legs were sprawled out before her.

            Music drifted into her mind, her head heavy. She needed to fight this but she felt not the will to do so. For reasons unknown to her she raised her heavy head and blinked in bewildered awe at what she saw.

            Her music box, suspended within a bubble danced before her and she was spellbound, unable to look away. A foggy wave forced her to close her eyes. Opening her eyes she blinked in confusion as she found herself within a large room. The room was filled with people in mask and costume, dancing and laughing. They were practically throwing themselves at each other.

            Standing there, Sarah knew that she was wearing a ball gown of silver and white, her hair in curls spiraling over her slightly bare shoulders. Not aware of how she had gotten there or not really caring, Sarah stepped into the crowded room.

            It felt like a dream yet she knew that it was not, it was too real to be a dream. Eyes wide, she took in all that surrounded her in bewildered awe. Something on the edge of memory… she was looking for someone. Where…?

            There he stood, tall and pale with hair of finely woven silky blond with a few wisps of blue to match his glittery coat. A smile tugged at his lips, all was progressing as planned, now for a little fun.

            Someone walked before him breaking her view of him and when said person moved she saw that he was gone. Sarah's brow furrowed, her head turning to the side in confusion. Pushing her way through the crowd she searched for him, knowing that he was the one in which she sought. It was imperative that she reach him.

            The strangers that surrounded her leered, some whispering profanities in her ears while others brushed against her in a way that made her uneasy. Fear gripped her but she refused to allow her fear to paralyze her, she had to find him.

            She was lovely, a sight to behold and she would make a wondrous queen. She had a stubborn force of will, a fierce loyalty and courage that he found rare in one so young. There was a fire within her gaze, a force to be reckoned with. She intrigued him, intrigued him like no other.

            The room felt as if it was suffocating her, closing in around her and yet she could not run away, she had to find him. Eyes, intense eyes locked with her wide innocent gaze. A chill of something foreign to her slivered down her spin and knotted within her stomach. Whirling dancers impaired her view and after they swept by he was no longer there.

            They gathered about her laughing and leering. Turning she was met with a masked man holding a box, holding it out towards her. Curious she stopped to look, her hand stopping mid reach as the lid was lifted. Sarah gasped out in horror and shock as a featherless chicken's head came stretched out on its long neck towards her. She retreated, forcing her way through the crowed with disgust.

            Almost out of breath, she stood there, people surrounding her on all sides making her feel small and insignificant. Catching her breath she paused, a presence like no other being felt from behind. Sarah turned.

            His eyes locked with hers and they stared at one another for a moment before Jareth decided to make his move. Smoothly he moved towards her, closing the small distance that was between them. Her hand fit easily into his, the other resting on his shoulder as his other hand glided to rest upon her waist.

            With grace and ease, they moved as one as Jareth swept her onto the dance floor. The words of the song now sung from his lips as he gazed at her with a longing and need. She felt herself locked in his gaze, his eyes different in color, as one was blue as deep as an ocean and the other an earthy brown.

"There's such a full heart beating so fast, in search of new dreams, a love that would last within your heart… I'll place the moon, within your heart."

            He was singing to her, those sweet words were for her. Sarah felt her heart flutter and her insides knotting. With her peripheral vision she could see the others crowding around them as they dance but she ignored them as she found herself lost within his gaze. The distant chiming of a clock was barely heard underneath the song being sung, the music being played. There was something more… she was running out of time.

            He could tell that she was fighting the spell cast upon her, she had an iron will to match his own. Jareth had to act and act quickly before he lost her.

            They had stopped dancing and he was leaning forwards. Eyes widening, she had no time to think on what she should do before she felt his velvety soft lips caressing against hers. Heart sent a flutter, she gasped in surprise and her knees almost buckled beneath her as his tongue swept into the crevice of her mouth, stroking against hers.

            Sensations foreign and new jolted though her being, her hands holding desperately to his shoulders to keep her balance. The room shifted around them, no longer were they surrounded by others and no longer within the ballroom. Sarah took no notice, lost as she was to this new sensation.

            The kiss ended and he pulled away. Gently he stroked her cheek, his eyes sparkling with desire and something else that she was not sure of…triumph? Breathing hard she could not look away, a question on the tip of her tongue.

            Pressing a gloved finger to her lips, he stopped the question before it could be formed upon her lips. Leaning forward he placed a feather light kiss upon her lips, his fingers stroking the side of her face as he sent his magic into her.

            Eyes feeling heavy, Sarah did not fight against her lids as they slowly drifted closed. His handsome face faded from view and she found herself drifting off into oblivion.

            As her body slumped within his embrace, he lifted her from the floor with ease and carried her towards the bed. Laying her down gently upon the silken sheets and fluffy pillows, he sat down beside her sleeping form. Waving his hand slightly above her the dress she wore it shimmered into a nightgown of lacy white.

            Stroking the side of her check, his deep voice softly spoke, "Sleep well my sweet Sarah, for tomorrow is the beginning of a new life. You are now mine and I will not allow you to escape me now that I have you."

            Standing he faded from the room, a pleased grin upon his lips as the clock tolled its thirteenth hour. Sarah Williams was his and the baby no longer needed.

            Hugging his wife, Richard kissed her softly on the lips, "I love you."

            Returning his gesture Karen smiled up at him, "I love you too. You go pay the baby sitter and I'll check on Toby and then we can go to bed."

            Climbing the stairs she opened the door looking in on the crib within the baby's room. Karen crept up to the crib quietly as to not wake Toby she moved the bed sheet to better cover him. About to move away from the crib Karen noticed the stuffed bear that Richard have given him and picked it up before placing it into the crib beside a peacefully sleeping Toby.

            As she silently closed the door she was met by her husband and fell into his arms. He squeezed her to him as he gently kissed her brow, a strange feeling was in the back of his consciousness as if something was wrong.

            Karen noticed his vacant stare, "What is it?" she softly asked.

            He shook his head, "Nothing, I just feel like something's not right, like we're missing something."

            Kissing his lips she smiled up to him invitingly, "I think I can fix that."

            With a chuckle, Richard allowed Karen to lead him into their bedroom. He was probably just being ridiculous.

            As they disappeared into their room the house was calm, the pictures of the family hanging on the wall. One picture in particular looked strangely odd, as there seemed to be a space between Karen holding the baby and Richard. It was as if there use to be a figure standing there but was there no more.