Threats and Promises

By: Me

Edited By: no one

Inspired by: my wonderful (I worship the ground he walks on) muse (can you tell I'm sucking up to him?)

Chapter Sixteen

I woke, wondering if it had been a dream, but the crystal remained on her dresser. It seemed to wink at me, sitting there, seeming harmless. Such a lovely gift, for me. It was strange how Jareth kept changing from cruel to kind back to cruel again and then, somewhere in the middle. The spell couldn't be broken. But I was now stuck in a groove and needed to figure out how to get forward.

Sometimes, the way forward is the way back…

I smirked to myself, the wise man actually WAS helpful… for once. But it still didn't tell me what to do. More or less to go back… back to the beginning? I supposed it wasn't going to get any easier so going back to page one was probably the best thing. Or I could spy on Karen. Tough choice, but I figured since Karen was fae, it was probably better NOT to mess with her.

But then, I DID have a crystal, AND Jareth had said ''spying' of my own'. Clever bastard. Sometimes I had to wonder if he was just lucky or if he really knew what I was thinking before I thought it. I yawned, why was I getting so tired? My stomach flipped in circles, my mind started to haze. It was much like the first time… only faster. I tried to get up and run downstairs, but my klutziness caught up with me and I fell to the floor. Everything went black. A low murmur made its way to me in the darkness.

"How many times do I need to save you?" his voice was soft, almost happy to be there with me. I woke and felt pain being relived, little by little. "Elaine is making you sick."

"People like her ALWAYS make me sick," I muttered and he sighed.

"Not like that," he growled "that's why the first time you became ill, and now…" He paused "I'm sorry, its my fault."

"No its not," I whispered. Jareth set me back against his bed, though this time was much like the last. Me leaned up against him, but this time I suppose I didn't mind so much. "Why are you helping me?" He didn't answer though, he'd dozed off. I figured it was worth a try, that maybe he'd remember. But I'd just have to keep trying.

Author's note: First, I'm sorry that chapter was so short, but I am REALLY tired and need some sleep. ::yawns:: Number two, I know Sarah JUST got home and now she's back, but don't worry, she's goin back (she just got sick again, poor dear) Anyways, I'm REAL tired (thank the gods its Friday) I'm goin to bed!

Divine Dark Angel: Ah, much better. Wow, you're a great healer!

Nikki-dee: maybe… -!

JoeynPacey2gether4ever: Well, Jareth's having mood swings (could be PMSing ::shrugs:: you never know with fae they have mood swings don't they? But then… so do I.) Ah, the spell… well, maybe it'll take longer than I think.

Acantha Mardivey: Nope, no cliffe. And ok, I'll do my VERY best to finish! Will, ::laughs:: he sounds like a nice guy. Oh, and that keeping you in line comment… hey… I didn't put that. ::looks at Jareth:: are you trying to get me in trouble AGAIN? ::points at Jareth:: his fault. Willish… I like that word, I'm gonna use that. ::hugs to the point of choking:: I CAN'T BELIEVE YOU! Updating things for me ::blushes:: I so happy.