Darian grew steadily as the seasons passed, and Corey relaxed. She had defeated Jareth twice; once while Sarah was still in her belly, the first escape, and second retrieving her son from the castle. But she had always thought that the third time you defeat someone, you are forever the victor. For the woman that third time would be getting out of the Underground.

And it now seemed she had the means to do that. One day when Darian was five, and Sarah was now ten, Corey came into the back room where they slept. The two children were playing a game. At first it seemed innocent, but as she watched, she realised something important.

"Okay Darian, tell me what I'm thinking about," Sarah closed her eyes. The younger child concentrated on her for a moment, his brown eyes crossing slightly, then smiled and laughed.

"You remembered when Aunt Penny accidentally ate pucker-berries and she was passing wind the whole day," he giggled. Sarah laughed with delight.

"You're right!" She exclaimed, then looked up at her mother with alarm. Corey's face had gone white.

"Mama?" The little girl stood, looking worried.

"Darian- are... are you reading her mind?" Corey's voice quavered. The little boy paused.

"It's not hard," he said earnestly.

"I just imagine myself inside her head and-"

"Darian, are you using magic?" Corey asked sternly, kneeling beside her son. He nodded.

"Is that bad?" He sniffed. She smiled weakly.

"No, not bad at all. Try to read my mind, sweet," she closed her eyes and called up pictures of her half sister Sarah. Within moments her son spoke again.

"I don't recognise her. She has long brown hair and brown eyes, like Sarah," he said quietly. Corey opened her eyes, tears streaming down her face.

"Her name is Sarah too. She's your aunt," the woman sobbed. Two pairs of arms wrapped around her.

Her son had his father's magic.

*~*~*~*

Darian practiced his newfound talent daily. Soon he could read Thomas' mind when the aging man was over the other side of the forest, two days away. Every night Corey let her son into her mind so he could learn about Sarah and the Aboveground. She brought up memories for him to look at, and told him to learn the places she showed him carefully.

Corey had a plan. Her son, with the white-blonde hair and brown eyes, was like his father on the outside in every way but mismatched eyes. On the inside however, he was like Corey. Sarah, on the other hand, was like her namesake aunt. But Darian was highly important in the Plan.

His mother would teach him everything she could, and slowly try to train him in magic. And when the time came, he would transport them home to the Aboveground.

*~*~*~*

It was two months since she found Darian's power. The boy could now fade out and in like his father, and had even taken a two-second trip to the Aboveground. He had taken Corey and Sarah to other places by fading. It was now time.

"Corey, I will miss you," Penny sobbed. The two women hugged. She would be sad to leave her friend behind. Thomas embraced her solemnly. When the children had said their goodbyes and Corey had shouldered her pack with their possessions in, it was time to go. Darian held onto his mother and sister's hands and Corey closed her eyes. Home...

*~*~*~*

Short interlude chapter!! Next chapter will be the last! Please review!!

Sweet Sunshine

Seul Loup