Disclaimer: Do I look rich? I don't own the Labyrinth or anything to do with it.
First off, I'd like to thank everyone who reviewed "Regrets of the Past". I got some mightily encouraging words from people. Thank you all much.
Mesopatamia: Ahh, sure who doesn't love a bit of the old web spinning, eh? I'm glad you like the characters and the thing about Cassandra is, that she's just so fun to hate.
EleanoraRose: Thanks, for both. Exams are fun as always. The show is a kind of Pop Idol thing except on stage, without t.v or Simon Cowel. Ahh ya get the idea. A singing comp.
angelwingz202: You have too bare him for just a little longer. Sorry about that line, I fixed it. Thanks for pointing it out. Thanks for the luck also.
theshadowcat: Thank you kindly. I hope this is soon enough for you.
DestinyHunter: OK!
Anyana: Thank you. Yes, she is in for a shock. I refer you below. As for Jareth's temper; for me, in this fic anyway, though he has a wicked temper he can control it when he wants to. The larege explosions are mostly for show and intimidation really. If you notice in the movie he rarely gets angry. He shouts a few orders and what not but that's about it. 'Sides, we all know he's a softie at heart.
lyn: Will do.
jazzy012: Gotta do the raunchy. And there is more to come. Unfortunately you will have to wait quite a bit for the full wrath to be unleashed. Thanks, if I ever do get a Labyrinth 2 deal I shall tell you immediately ;)
janine: Ahh, ya mad thing, I love that word! We don't get boston leagal over this side of the pond but I got the idea from a comedy on Channel 4 called Green Wing. I doubt you get it over there. It's very british humour. Strange, since I'm not british, but I still love it.
Avalon-blackandgreen: Yeahy, no confussion. That's good. Fic's get irritating when you don't have a bulls notion of whats going on. I also smell fish, we are having cod for dinner. And there's an extra Alice reference in here just for you. Tell me when you spot it.
Well, that was….long. Thanks to all of you anyway. Your review are what keep me going. That and the super coffee that my friend invented that keeps you up alllllll night. Heehee.
December 21st
Sarah groaned as she felt someone shake her awake. She opened one eye and glared sleepily at Jareth. "What the hell do you think your doing? It's not even light yet. What time is it?"
She could hear his low chuckle in the darkness. "It's nearly half six. Come on. We need to be somewhere."
She rolled over. "Where? Where could we possibly need to be at this hour on a dark morning?"
"Just get up. We don't have long."
"But I need time too get dressed and…" Sarah felt a slight tingling. "Did you just dress me with magik?" "Yes."
"Ah, I forgot, you are the master of subtlety."
Jareth dragged her out of the bed and pulled her towards the door. "Well, my queen of sarcasm, hurry up or we're going to be late."
"Late? Late for what? Why are you in Aboveground clothes? Jareth what's going on?"
He stopped suddenly and pulled her flush to him. He grinned down at her wickedly. "Oh just you wait." With that the couple disappeared from the corridor leaving nothing but darkness in their wake.
Sarah looked around her. A gigantic stone passage tomb stood atop of the hill in front of her. The top was covered in grass and standing stones nearly three meters tall stood in front of the entrance. Like Tara, Sarah could feel the place hum with a magikal energy that almost sang. She looked up at Jareth who was standing beside her.
"Where are we?"
"Newgrange. You are about to witness the 'thousand second miracle' as the locals like to call it."
"It's massive."
"About eighty-six meters across I believe, give or take. It was built about 3000BC. Quite impressive really."
"Really impressive. What's this miracle thing?"
"You'll see. Come on."
He took her hand and began to lead her up to the huge structure. When they reached the entrance she saw a huge stone positioned in front of it. The stone was carved with intricate spiral patterns, the like of which she had only seen in books. As Jareth led up some steps and down again around the entrance stone she noted a small box over the entrance which also seemed to lead into the passage. He let go of her hand and they both ducked into the long, narrow passage. There were lights along the wall and Sarah could make out more of the abstract art that she had seen on the entrance stone. Quickly they reached the main chamber. It was small, considering the size of the entire structure. It had three recess chambers to the left, right and back, two of which held giant clay bowls with bones in them. One was smashed. As the moved further in there was more art work on the ceiling and various other stones. The ceiling was corballed with the flat stones layered on top of each other in a circle, jutting inwards. They stopped and Jareth turned her to where they had just come in.
He noticed her looking at the ceiling. "Just think, no matter what the weather in this dratted country this place has been dry ever since it was built."
"Wow."
Suddenly the lights and torches went out and the chamber was pitch black. There was a large crowd in with them and everyone was deathly silent.
Why is everyone so quiet? Why is it so dark?
Jareth wound his arms around her waist from behind and pulled her close. No natural light can get in here on a normal day. Their all waiting. Just watch the entrance.
Sarah fixed her eyes on the point that she thought they had come in by. They all stood there for a minute or so then suddenly Sarah could see a small line of sunlight begin to creep its way up the passage way. It got faster and suddenly the entire chamber was illuminated with the blinding sunrise. It flooded through the roof-box lighting up the observers very souls.
Everyone watched in quiet awe as the sun rose higher and the light passed from the chamber, retreated back down the passage and left them all in the darkness once more.
Sarah emerged from the tomb and wandered down onto the grass to the front, watching the sun continue to rise. She felt Jareth come up behind her and she turned and smiled. "What was that? It was incredible."
He nodded. "I knew you'd like it. That only happens once a year on the longest day of the year, winter solstice. The only time that chamber is ever touched by natural light. I think they were smarter than the mortals now."
She laughed softly. "That is easy to believe. Thank you so much."
She leaned up and kissed him softly. "That was one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen."
She turned back around and looked over the land that fell before them. The rolling hills were a soft green and she could see a river winding gently through them. "You know, despite all the crap that's happened and that's still to come, I'm glad I came here."
"I quite pleased with the trip my self."
He turned her head slightly so that he could kiss her again. She smiled against his lips and pulled back. "Now, lets get back before they think I've run off again."
"I thought you 'went for a walk'?"
"You know what I mean. Now get us back or I'll do it. And you know how accurate my transporting skills are."
He held up his hands in defeat. "Fine, fine."
Sarah took a moment to look over Jareth in normal clothing. His hair was considerably flattened and pulled back into a loose pony tail. He wore cream chinos and a black cashmere sweater with a leather jacket over that.
He looked quite good really. Maybe she should get him to venture out publicly more often.
His voice broke her chain of thought and she looked up to see his grin. "Like something?"
"Hmm, I'd say so."
"Right, lets go." He grabbed her hand and they both disappeared.
Sarah found herself in a corridor off the dining room. "Breakfast?"
Sarah nodded. "Well, I did miss dinner."
"Your own fault."
"I know, I know. Come on." The pair walked into room to be met by a small group. Etáin smiled up at them. "Nice to know you two have made up. That was one vicious….ow. Nadír, what the hell?"
Nadír smiled at his friends. "How was Newgrange?"
Jareth gave him a grateful nod. "It was spectacular, as usual."
Nadír looked towards Sarah who had taken a seat next to Maui. "And you Sarah? Did you enjoy it?" Sarah smiled as she loaded up her plate. "It was amazing. This country sure has some well kept secrets." Etáin laughed. "Secret? Thousands of people world wide enter a draw just to be there at winter solstice. I'd hardly call it a secret."
Sarah shook her head. "Just another example of Steve's ineptitude."
Taranga made a face from across the table. "Forget about him my dear. You've bagged a good one." She winked at Jareth and Sarah pulled a face of her own.
"Does everyone know?"
All of the heads around the table nodded. Cian took a bite from a sausage and looked up. "With the exceptions of Cassandra, who I think is delusional, Steve, who's in denial and Sogoro and his wife, who are just plain unobservant. Of course your argument last night didn't exactly keep your profile low. I think you kept most of the castle up."
Sarah placed head on the table while Jareth placed a soothing hand on the small of her back. "Great, just great."
There were a few small laughs around the table and Persephone leaned in. "Sarah, you have nothing to worry about. We will say nothing and we would also like you to know that nearly everyone is willing to talk on your behalf when you go before the court."
Sarah smiled at the people around the table. "You are all ridiculously kind and I probably don't deserve it. Thank you."
Taranga leaned over and took her hand. "Oh pish posh dear. If they even think of stripping you of your highly entertaining powers they shall have to deal with me, and I can assure you, that is something they do not want to do." There was a dangerous glint in the wild woman's eyes as she spoke and Sarah smiled.
"Well, that makes me feel more secure definitely. Thank you again."
Etáin laughed from the head of table. "You're lucky Sarah. You have a charm we Fae can't seem to resist." "Indeed." Murmured Jareth beside her, in a voice that made her shiver.
Sarah flopped onto a bench in the garden and looked up at Cyros who was frowning at her. "It's no use. I can't do it."
Cyros shook his head and dragged her back up. "Don't be stupid. You're just not concentrating. Now do it."
"Oh, I'm sorry if I have a few other things on my mind other than this."
Cyros sighed and shook her slightly. "Sarah, if you can manage this you will be able to do most things with your magik. This is learning to manipulate the world around you. Create things from nothing, bend existing matter to your will. It will be rather useful." This last part was said rather light heartedly.
"Fine. If you really want, I'll turn a baby into a pig!"
Cyros gave her an odd look. "Why would you want to do that?"
She sighed and shook her head. "Never mind. Now, shush. I'm concentrating."
Cyros chuckled and took a step back to observe her.
A firey glow surrounded Sarah for a moment and then her clothes changed from jeans and a coat to a long green dress and a fur cloak.
Cyros raised an eyebrow. "A little dramatic don't you think?"
Sarah narrowed her eyes at him. "Be polite." Cyros felt a rush of heat and then shivered as he suddenly stood in nothing but trousers. Sarah took a bite from the apple she was now holding and grinned. "You're lucky I'm feeling kind."
Cyros frowned at her again and changed back into more appropriate clothing. "How the hell did you do that?"
Sarah threw her arms up in frustration. "Why does everyone keep asking me that? I just do what they tell me to. I concentrate, I focus on something in particular and it just happens. I know less about this whole thing than any of you do. I'm just doing what comes naturally."
Cyros caught one of her wildly gesturing hands. "Whoa, it's ok. We're not blaming you. It's just…this is really incredible Sarah. You act like you've had these powers a life time."
Sarah took a deep breath. "I know. It's weird. I'm just a little stressed. If it makes you feel any better, I'm having a little trouble with my teleporting."
Cyros laughed and began to walk towards the castle. "That gives me a little hope that the universe isn't collapsing."
"Speaking of collapsing universes, how are you doing?" He gave her a strained look. "I'm coping. Currently I'm stuck between self loathing and regular depression. It's best to just keep my mind off things."
Sarah gave him a smile and squeezed his hand. He nodded his thanks. "You know, considering we've only known each other a little over a week you've taken a great deal of care of me."
She smiled again. "Well, I am quite the good Samaritan."
Cyros laughed at her and took her arm in his.
They chatted amicably on their walk back to the castle and Sarah spent the majority of the afternoon in kitchen, chatting, helping, gossiping.
Sarah placed the last of the shopping in the fridge and ran up the stairs from the dungeon/cellar. Etáin was washing up when she came in the door. "Well, I'll be seeing you all at dinner."
Fiona grinned. "That's not for a few hours. You got a date?"
Sarah shook her finger in the girl's direction. "That is none of your business."
Sarah left the kitchen and headed for the reception area when suddenly a hand clamped over her mouth and pulled her back into one of the side passages. She was about to struggle when she felt soft, familiar lips kiss her neck gently, making their way down to her collar bone. She pried the hand from her face and turn around to glare at a grinning Jareth.
"What are you doing?" she hissed. "I could have burned you to a crisp!"
Jareth flipped them so that Sarah was backed up against the wall and his lips descended on hers. "Mmm, yes but you didn't so what's your point?"
She arched against him as his hand slid under her top to caress her breast, his gloved fingers teasing her nipple gently.
"Ahh, that's not fair."
"Who ever said I played fair."
Sarah's own hands, which were positioned against his chest, wandered lower and Jareth gasped into her mouth.
"Turnabout's fair play."
He pressed her against the wall roughly, making her gasp as well and nipped the side of her neck.
"What did I say about playing fair?"
The couple jumped as a loud shriek echoed down the stone corridor. Sarah groaned and buried her face the crook of Jareth's shoulder. "Tell me that isn't who I think it is." She mumbled. She looked up and stepped back from Jareth, who was glaring coldly at the young woman marching down the corridor towards them. Cassandra was obviously livid as she reached the pair. She grabbed Sarah by the arm and dragged her towards the reception area.
"You little bitch. I'll show you who's in charge around here. I won't have you tramping around like a common whore with my man." Sarah jerked her arm from Cassandra's grip as the emerged in the hall way.
"Excuse me? Whore? …" Sarah was struggling to control herself as she gaped at the young princess. She threw a look at Jareth who was standing a few meters behind Cassandra. Sarah clenched her fists, desperately trying to keep her fire in check. She could feel the magik inside her, straining to escape. It was literally painful to keep the force contained as she stood there. What was almost more painful though, was the fact that even now Jareth seemed to be doing nothing to help her. Damn politics. Cassandra turned to Jareth with a flourish and hurried over to him. Most of the staff were looking on from reception where they seemed to have hurried up from the kitchen. Cyros stood at the entrance of the drawing room and a few of the guests including Persephone, Loki, Yukio and another Asian looking woman stood at the top of the stairs looking down on the scene. Cassandra was looking up at Jareth with a mixture of lust and greed on her face as she attached herself to his side.
"Oh Jareth, I don't know how she managed to lure you in but I do know you are done with her now. You don't need her…" Cassandra let her eyes rake over Sarah, who was bent over in pain both physical and emotional, in disgust. "… attributes any longer."
A tear streaked down Sarah's face as the others watched the scene with baited breath. Cyros frowned when his friend did not move immediately. He knew that to have bad diplomatic relations with Algaria at this moment was not wise but this was unacceptable. He was also worried about Sarah, not only from the obvious but he could see the sweat that had broken out on her forehead and she seemed to be in pain but he could not imagine what was causing it, unless she was ill.
Jareth made his first move of the play when he turned his head to look directly at Sarah. The audience to this extraordinary scene was holding its breath, waiting for the next. He then looked at the girl who was clinging to his side.
"Cassandra, I would appreciate it if you would remove yourself from me this instant. You will no longer make any advances towards me, as they are most unwelcome. You will also never speak to Sarah like that again or you will answer to me."
Cassandra didn't move as Jareth pulled away from her, glaring down at her menacingly. Suddenly she whipped around and marched over to where Sarah was standing. The sound of the slap resounded sharply through the large hallway. Suddenly both Jareth and Cyros were standing beside Sarah looking menacingly at Cassandra. The girl in question looked at them both with murder in her eyes.
"I can't believe you. Taking a mortal whore like her as opposed to a princess like me. I don't know what she's done to you, but she's caught you all in her web."
Jareth took a step forward forcing Cassandra back. "I assure you that both my feelings for Sarah and Sarah herself are more genuine than you could ever be. You disgust me. Your lust for power is shameful."
As Cassandra took another step back she bumped into Etáin. Her green eyes were narrowed in anger as she faced down the princess. Cassandra was trapped between the two. Etáin's voice was low and dangerous as she spoke. "Never, in all my years hosting this event, have I encountered such disrespect for others or such cruelness of character. You are no longer welcome in our home. I expect you to be gone in the next hour."
Cassandra let out a small cry and began to run for the stairway but Nadír's booming voice stopped her. "Cassandra, we know of your contact with Fuamnach and your subsequent plans. Count yourself lucky that we are not going to report you to the Court… this time."
Cassandra let out another pathetic sob as she fled up the stairs. Jareth nodded to Nadír and Etáin in thanks but they were all distracted by Sarah's cry of pain as her legs collapsed under her. Cyros caught her and sank with her to the ground. Jareth and Etáin darted to their side. Jareth stroked her face lightly. "Sarah what's wrong?"
She shook her head for a second. "It's nothing, just …ahh." She cried out again as she tried to move. Etáin rolled her eyes and felt her forehead.
"For loves sake woman, you could have a hole in your chest and you'd say you were grand. Gods, she's burning up. Pick her up, come on."
Jareth scooped her up and followed Etáin up the stairs as the assembled crowd parted to let them pass. Etáin marched into Jareth's bedroom and through to the bathroom and with a wave of her hand the bath was filled ice cold water.
"Put her in." Jareth hesitated. "Do you know how high her temperature is? She could die! Do as I say!" Jareth began to lower Sarah into the bath and Etáin moved to the other side of it. "Be ready to hold her down, she's going to start thrashing around like a mad thing."
Jareth nodded as he put her body into the water. Sarah let out a yell and Etáin grabbed her arm as it lashed out. Jareth grabbed her as well and they both held the struggling woman until she began to quiet down. Sarah began to shiver violently and Etáin moved to the door.
"Right, get her out of there and into dry clothes and put her in the bed, I'll be back in a sec."
Jareth did as he was asked and placed Sarah gently on his bed. He brushed some now dry hair back from her face. How did this happen so quickly. Less than half an hour ago she was the picture of good health and then…
He sighed. This was not how this holiday was supposed to go. He was supposed to visit his friends, relax. He certainly wasn't expecting to fall in love.
He paused as he looked at her. Was he really in love? It wasn't a Goblin King's place to love. Lust after and seduce maybe, but love was rather new and frightening territory. Etáin burst in the door with a pile of towels in her arms. She dumped them on the bed and looked at Jareth.
"What do you think your doing? This is not relax time. She's still seriously sick. Get her under those covers."
Etáin piled the blankets on top of Sarah and then stood back. "Right." She said with a sigh. "That's all we can do for now until a healer gets here. I'm going to go make sure that little slapper gets out of my house then were going to investigate what made Sarah so sick."
Jareth nodded and moved to the door.
"Where do you think your going? You're staying right here with your lady. Don't argue, just listen. Stay here, keep an eye on her. If she starts to shiver more get in there with her, share your body heat and pray that fever breaks soon. I know you want to come help investigate but being here is best for both of you. Think about how she'll feel if she wakes up in pain, all alone. And after every thing down there. I know you're not particularly adept at looking after people but you have to now. You'll do fine and I'll call you when we hear anything."
Jareth was at a loss for words after Etáin's little speech and before he could reply she was gone. Jareth took a seat beside the bed and looked at Sarah sleeping fitfully. This was certainly not meant to happen.
A few hours later Cyros slipped quietly into the room. He patted Jareth's shoulder gently as he came up beside the man. "How's she doing?"
Jareth sighed. "Well she hasn't got worse, but she isn't any better. Do you know what it is?"
"Yes. Do you want the good news or the bad news first?"
"Good news."
"Well, that is that by tomorrow morning, it'll be like she was never sick. She'll be as fit as she was this morning."
Jareth raised an eyebrow. "How is that possible?"
Cyros frowned at his friend. "That brings us on to the bad news. This was Fuamnach's first attempt." Jareth's face darkened.
"Sarah's magik was being pulled in three ways at once. That's why she's like this. It was ripping her apart, magikally. She desperately wanted to fry Cassandra and lets face it, who doesn't, but she was also using all her might to keep the fire down, to control it. That added to Fuamnach's spell pulling it away from her completely it was more strain than her body could take."
Jareth closed his eyes and ran his hand down his face. "So let me get this straight. If she had attacked Cassandra, let her magik out, it would have been ripped from her and she would have died. As it is she tried to keep her magik in check like we told her too and it nearly killed her anyway which would have worked to Fuamnach's advantage anyway just not giving her as big a power boost as she wanted."
"That pretty much sums it up."
If there had been something to smash, Jareth would have done so. Cyros looked at his friend sadly. "Right lot we are huh? So, are you going to tell her?"
"No choice really. She has a right to know. This could happen again at anytime. She needs to be ready." Cyros nodded silently and left. Jareth climbed on to the bed his arms wrapping protectively around Sarah. He was not going to fuck this up.
End chap.
MRAN:
Newgrange: Is about an hours drive from Dublin. If you are ever here I strongly recommend you go take a look. It's absolutely beautiful in that area! All the facts are right, thank god for art history notes. Also, I apologise if this fic occasionally reads like a tourist brochure for Ireland. I just love my home, except for the rubbish, the crappy weather and some of the people. Other than that…..
slaps self Stop talking Gad damn it! Please review!
Slán.
