Disclaimer: Well, hi! You came back for the next chapter. You should know by now that I don't own Labyrinth or any of its characters, but I'm writing this so I don't get sued (not that there's anything to take) So, enjoy!

Author: Yes, do that. This chapter will contain part of the climax, and the end is not far off. I would like to thank my faithful reviewers *cough* Darkmaster *cough* Dawn *cough*. And there will be a special bonus! The tenth reader gets a free watermelon as soon as I figure out how to send it through to you. And now, the fic:

"Sarah?"

"Yes?"

"Where are we going?" Jason asked. They had only just left the subway, and Sarah was leading him on confidently down the street.

"We're going home," she told him. "Jaelithe nearly always confronts us at home. Besides, you left Gabriel there, didn't you?" Jason nodded. "Then we can get some more help. Strength in numbers, you know." Sarah knew that Jason was very lost, but maybe it was for the better to keep him that way. She knew that Jason was rational, and would suggest calling the police. Any interference at this point would only be a hindrance.

Jason, however, was thinking quite clearly. He had considered calling the police, but the time for that had been and passed. He knew that Sarah had the best idea of what was going on, and should therefore be in charge. In the meantime, most of Jason's efforts were centered on himself. He searched through his mind and his memory, trying to find a streak of Jareth to call upon. He knew that a lot would depend upon Jareth being there.

They reached the house, but it was suspiciously empty. Sarah hesitantly opened the door and peered inside. The lights were all turned off, and she could hear no sounds. She opened the door a little wider, and the two of them stepped inside.

After searching the house, they realized that it was completely empty of life. "What happened to Gabriel?" Sarah finally asked aloud. Her question echoed unanswered through the house.

Then both of them heard a small sound. They turned and saw an obsidian sphere rolling merrily along. They followed it into the living room, where Jaelithe sat quite comfortably on the sofa. "You really should get this reupholstered," he told them idly. "The seams are coming undone." He smiled at their angry faces. "Well, you were expecting me, after all."

"Where's Gabriel?" Sarah asked.

"I have no idea," Jaelithe said indignantly as he spread his arms in a gesture of helplessness. "I can assure you that I have done nothing to harm him. I would not be surprised if he went off looking for you." He stood and twirled his orb idly between his fingers. "You are becoming far too suspicious if you blame me for things I haven't done yet."

If Sarah noticed his emphasis on the word "yet", she didn't show it. "Well, now you're here," she said. "And you know what we want."

Jaelithe nodded, rubbing his temple as though he had a headache. "Yes, yes," he said in a sing-song voice. "Everyone knows you think I'll take you back to the Labyrinth. Haven't you realized by now that I won't?"

"Why not?" Sarah demanded.

"Because it should have been mine!" he blurted out savagely. Sarah stared at him quizzically, and he regained his composure. "If it weren't for that idiot Goblin King," he said, indicating Jason. "I could have ruled the Labyrinth. But it appeared that circumstances were. disfavorable. But now." He cast a gleefully wicked expression their way. "They seem very, very favorable indeed."

He raised his hand and gave the wrist a sharp flick. A bright pale-green ball of light shot from the center of his palm. Without thinking, Jason tackled Sarah to the ground, the light sailing harmlessly overhead. Harmless, that is, if you aren't the large and now very small mirror directly behind them.

The nightmare lord laughed at them as they stood once more. "My, we're quick on our feet," he said. Two of his black globes were circling him as if in orbit. They moved faster and faster, a golden glow spreading over them with each revolution. Then, they changed direction and rocketed toward the two humans.

Sarah dived out of the way, but Jason didn't know what of them. The next thing he knew, he was hanging in midair, unable to move. Jaelithe snickered at his feeble attempts to reach the ground. "I don't want to kill you yet," he said to the floating boy. "But you can just hang up there for now, alright?"

Jaelithe then turned to Sarah, who crouched on the floor, muscles tense. "I expect you want me to attack you now, eh?" he said. His tone was hatefully calm. "Another mind-bender? Or perhaps something more physical this time. Variety is good, don't you think?"

Sarah glared at him hatefully. "Let Jason down," she growled through clenched teeth. "And send Jareth back." She did not know what to expect from him, but she had the feeling that he would not kill them outright. She would have to use the time he gave her.

Jaelithe shrugged and almost carelessly shot a bolt of green energy into her stomach. It sent her hurling into the street just as Gabriel rounded the corner. He ran over to Sarah as Jaelithe stepped out of the five-foot hole in the wall. "Tell me," the nightmare lord said. "Where is your Jareth now?"

Author: Well, that was my little chapter, and I hope you all liked it. The next part is on the way as you read this, so please don't kill me for sending you a cliff-hanger. Anywho, there you are, and until next time, Ja Ne!