Authors' note: We did more. The goblins came and poked us. Turns out that the guys meant it when they said we would be hurt if we didn't write soon enough. Problem was, we wrote. Just different stories. But we never planned to drop this one. So here is chapter seven. We're planning only a couple more chapters, counting this one. So for those of you that have stuck with us, thank you so much for your support. Dassa Mudruffin, thanks for the help with names.

"All's Fair in Love and War"

Chapter Seven: Up Close and Personal

By Ann Parker and Whiteowl

Jareth's back hit a black wall with a resounding slap, staring at his empty glove. No matter how hard he tried the crystal would not appear. He'd never had to try before to use his powers. It came easily, like breathing. Now, for the first time his powers were gone. He had felt it in the ballroom, just before Parker had thrown the shoe. Like someone had reached into his mind and pulled a section of it out. He slid to the ground and shut his eyes, hoping that when he opened them his powers would be back. It was a childish hope he knew, but he couldn't help it. Slowly he let out a shaky breath and opened his eyes. Sarah was leaning over him with, was that possibly concern on her face? He placed a hand over his eyes. Gods help him. He had lost his powers and Sarah, of all people, was the witness. Not only that, he was in the Labyrinth.

Sarah frowned. Jareth was paler than usual, and all of his usual pretentiousness was gone. She leaned over his prone figure. Was he ill? He was holding one hand in front of him, and before he had collapsed he has looked so scared, so vulnerable. If nothing was wrong then why was he sitting on the ground? Why hadn't he transported himself to his castle? Either he had decided to play a new mind game, or something was wrong. And that scared her more than the thought of a mind game. Jareth controlled this world, and if there was something wrong then this world could literally go to hell. Speaking of hell, where were those awful noises coming from?

"I can't believe you tried to seduce me!" exclaimed Miss Parker, looking for anything to throw at the pretender. Unfortunately for her, there was only one item she could throw. At least it was pointy. "Of all the low ways to try to get your way…" she muttered as she chucked her stiletto heel at him.

Jarod ducked away from the shoe as he added distance between them. "Oh come off it Parker. You are only angry because you acted on what you have felt since we were children. I didn't do anything differently than I would if you weren't you under the influence of a spell," he stated, his voice rising with every word.

"Ha! You wish! The only reason you got as close as you did tonight was BECAUSE of the spell. I would never want that when I'm SANE!" she shouted back, walking up to him. She stopped about two feet away.

Jarod quickly closed the distance so they were only centimeters apart. "Oh really? I don't seem to recall Jareth's magic affecting you at Ocee's a few months ago. What is your excuse then? The influence of wet clothing and a burning fire?" he retorted.

Parker opened her mouth to snap back, but nothing would come out. What could she say anyway?

"My spell doesn't affect anyone like that. It simply removes a person's inhibition from their secret desire." Parker and Jarod whirled around to face an ashen faced Sarah and Jareth with a smug look on his pale face.

"What?" Sarah stepped back from the goblin king, her concern over his condition momentarily forgotten.

"Which means that our dear Jarod secretly wishes to sweep you off of your feet. And you were quite willing to let him do just that," Jareth sneered at the two.

Jarod smiled back at him, "And does that spell effect everyone in it? Including you?"

"Dear boy I control the spell. Do you think I would let it control me?"

"You're avoiding the question."

"No that's the way he answers every question. By going around it," Sarah glared at Jareth. She didn't want this particular conversation to go any further. Or they might start to talk about her, and with Jareth present that would be far too uncomfortable. She had seen enough of his self-satisfied sneer for one lifetime.

Jareth watched her warily, "Are you trying to change the topic?" His voice was saccharin sweet.

"No. But I think we have more pressing things to talk about. Like what just happened back there and why we are all here."

"I believe Parker threw her shoe at the wall and broke the spell before Jarod could kiss her," Jareth replied carefully.

"That's not what I'm talking about and you know it. Tell me Jareth, if the spell is broken then why are you still here? And why are you sitting on the ground instead of lording over us like usual? What exactly is going on here?"

Three set of eyes turned uncomfortably onto the sitting monarch. Jareth growled low in his throat. She would have to bring that up wouldn't she. "I believe at the moment we are all having a riveting conversation, but since you bring it up I do have to be going." He stood up quickly and started to walk away.

Parker's voice stopped him from escaping, "And are you just going to leave Jarod with us? Doesn't that mean that I win?"

"Not unless you reach the castle in four hours, which I highly doubt that you will. Even with Ms. Williams help." Angrily, he turned away to leave.

"You can't use your powers can you?" Sarah's quiet voice cut through him, freezing him in his steps. "That's why you and Jarod are here. And why you want to get away so badly. I saw you before the spell broke, you looked so strange. Almost scared. Usually you would use a crystal to get away or change into an owl, but you haven't. That's because you can't, you're stuck here like us." Sarah took a step to him and lightly touched his shoulder, "Jareth?"

She sounded so concerned. He realized with shock that she pitied him. He would let no one pity him, especially this mortal. He waited for her to land the last blow and totally destroy his pride. For her gloat over his helplessness.

Instead he felt her hand touch his shoulder. She was frightened for him, could it be that Sarah actually cared for him?

"Yes, I am unable to transport myself from this place," the sentence was dragged out of him through clenched teeth.

"How is that possible?" Jarod spoke from where he stood with Parker.

Jareth turned around slowly to face the others, "I don't know."

Goblins peeked out from the doorway of the throne room. The strange one grit his teeth. Did those idiotic creatures really think he couldn't see them peering at him? The goblins were stupider than their king. Demis threw himself onto the throne. Things were not progressing as planned. The goblin king was with the chosen ones now, but worse they were together and not fighting. They could not complete their destinies if this continued. And the triumvirate was already displeased with the deviation. That arrogant bastard could still ruin centuries of careful planning. The three had authorized him to do as he pleased, and he would. But first the chosen had to be separated. Then he could take care of Jareth. And the chosen ones could return home and destroy the impostors. Demis grinned. Yes, everything would go as planned. The two's feelings and the current situation were only minor distractions easily taken care of.

"So what do we do now?" Parker asked, breaking the silence that had imposed itself since Jareth's revelation.

"Now, I suggest we go to the castle. You do know the way don't you?" Jarod turned towards Jareth.

Jareth looked at him as if he had just asked what color the sky was, "Haven't you noticed that the Labyrinth is continually shifting? Do you think I posses an innate ability to know when and how it changes? Even with my powers?" He sneered.

"Fine, then how do you suggest that we reach the center?" Parker snapped.

"Have you ever heard of walking?"

"Since we're stuck here like this, can you stop the game until everything is figured out? I don't want to lose because you're having problems."

"Yes I can stop it. If you truly wish to reach my castle expediently we should track down one the goblins. While they may be brainless, they can traverse the labyrinth with surprising ease."

"Why didn't you mention this before?" Parker barked.

"I told you you would receive no help, especially from me. Now, do you want to stay here or not?"

"And how do we find a goblin?" Jarod interjected.

"We walk. Eventually we will run into one of them."

"Good, now let's get going. The less time I have to spend with the drama queen the better."

"I agree, we need to move," Sarah began walking, making sure Parker was on one side of her and Jareth the other. Jarod, understanding Sarah's plan, placed himself by her so that Parker and Jareth were as far apart as possible.

The four continued to walk in silence, Parker occasionally muttering about her lack of foot wear and how uneven the floor was. Finally, Jarod stopped her, "You know if you're feet are bothering you I could just carry you."

"You would just love that wouldn't you? Dream on lab rat."

"Have it you're way, but watch out for that... never mind," he turned to hide a smile as Parker cursed after stubbing her toes on a rock.

Parker glared at him, "Thanks a lot Wonder Boy." She grabbed her foot and rubbed it for a minute until the stinging went away. But she forgot what she was wearing and began to fall only to have two strong arms wrap around her waist and pull her towards him. Slightly flushed, she turned to face him. "Um, thanks."

"Don't mention it. Are you okay?" he asked, pushing some of her hair away from her eyes. Parker could feel his concern and compassion through just his touch and it scared her.

She shoved him and turned away, "I'm fine. It's just this stupid skirt that Goblin friend of yours put me in, I can't walk in it."

"I could probably fix that for you, you know," Jarod stated a matter-of-factly.

Parker raised an eyebrow, "Oh really? And how exactly do you plan on ripping an indestructible skirt?"

Jarod simply smirked and bent down in front of her. He felt the end of the skirt as Parker blinked in shock.

"What do you think you're doing?" she demanded. Jarod remained silent for a minute before grabbing the side of skirt with both hands and pulling up.

"That," Jarod replied as he stood up. Parker looked down at the newly added slit that went up to mid thigh. It looked almost as if it was there to begin with.

"How?" was all she could mutter.

Jarod simply smiled and stared into her eyes. "It just takes the right touch."

"Are you two done yet? We have quite a ways to go," Jareth glared at them, arms crossed, "And stick together. I case you have not noticed, these walls act like mirrors. It is fairly easy to get lost here, or in our case separated. One of my better creations really."

"I'm so proud of you," Parker muttered.

Sarah rubbed her aching temples, "Why don't we just move, and not talk. It'll make it a lot easier on all of us." She glared at Parker and Jareth. "You lead," she pointed at Jareth, "You watch the rear Parker."

"I don't suppose you want us all to hold hands as well?"

"Just shut up and walk Parker," Jarod ordered.

Sarah shook her head. Tempers were way too high. Hopefully, walking in silence would cool everyone down. And all the arguing was giving her a massive headache. Strangely enough, the other three had obeyed and the were walking in silence pointedly not looking at each other, which was quite hard considering their reflections were always staring back at them. Over time, Sarah found herself watching Jareth's reflection. The way he moved when he walked, the proud set of his shoulders even without magic. Oh yes, he was definitely a king, every inch of him screamed arrogance. Sometimes she wanted to smack that cold look off of his smug face. The rest of the time she wanted him... wait a minute, was his reflection getting closer or was that actually him? Room in the corridor was definitely getting tighter. Parker and Jarod were already walking behind them instead of next to her. Why hadn't she noticed this before? Oh yeah, her stuck up king and his damn reflection. Sarah glanced ahead, the walls were converging to a point ahead of them. Quizzically she glanced at Jareth.

"Get behind me, we will have to travel in single file," he ordered.

"Yes your majesty, anything you say," Parker sarcastically added. Sarah winced, as if things weren't bad enough.

Jarod stopped and turned around, "Parker, cut the sarcasm, it's not going to help anything."

"Oh yeah, and leading us into a dead end is so helpful."

"It is not a dead end," Jareth bit back, "There is an intersection right here. We will go this way." Suddenly, Jareth disappeared ahead of them.

"Hey, wait for the rest of us!" Sarah yelled and followed him down the right passage.

Jarod glared at Parker, "See, now hurry before we lose them. They went to the right."

"No I saw them go left."

"Look I think I know what direction they left in, now come on!"

"How would you know? You were turned around remember?"

"I saw their reflections in the mirror."

"Uh huh, the entire damn maze is a mirror right now, how do you know you saw the right reflection?" Before Jarod could answer Parker stalked off along the left passage.

"Fine. We'll go your way!"

"Good, things are going just as planned. The Chosen ones are separated from that...man. Now I only need to separate Parker and Jarod from one another. But first, the death of the goblin king!" Evil laughter filled the throne room, shortly followed by muffled giggles from the goblins.

"He's actually gonna try and kill 'is majesty!" More laughter filled the air.

"Will you shut up! After the king they're next."

"Stop. I think we lost Parker and Jarod," Sarah yelled at Jareth's retreating back, "Damn it Jareth, you arrogant bastard, stop!"

"What did you say?" Jareth whirled around.

Sarah gulped and reminded herself that he did not have powers. "You heard me. Now let's go find them."

"And why would I want to do that?"

"Because if you don't I'll personally make sure that you take a dip in the bog. And I have friends who would love to help."

"You are bluffing," Jareth sneered, "Without me you can't return home."

"As you are I can't return anyway."

"You're still no match for me Sarah."

"We've already been through that, and I beat you remember?" she asked sweetly.

"Oh I remember little girl," he glared at Sarah and walked towards her smoothly, "I remember quite well. You may have won, but only with seconds to spare. And now that we are being so truthful, let's finally admit something. If the clock had not struck in the ballroom you would have lost Sarah. I had you, in more than one way."

Sarah swung, hard, at his face. And stared in surprise at her hand now encased in a black gloved fist. "You had nothing. I was under a spell."

"It only removed the inhibitions to your desires. You created the situation, I merely supplied the magic. What you saw, what happened, was the playing out of your desires dear."

"And your desires weren't there the second time? You made me eat the peach in Parker's dream. And don't tell me the spell doesn't affect you as well. Besides it doesn't matter, I won and that's all there is to it. Nothing you can do can change that fact. Now let go of me!" Sarah yelled, pulling on her wrist.

Jareth grabbed her other wrist and pinned her against a wall. "You want to know my desires Sarah?"

"Parker, slow down, we aren't going to find them," Jarod stated as the stubborn brunette walked hastefully in front of him. "They took the-"

"Don't even say it!" Parker yelled before Jarod could finish. "I don't need the 'I'm a genius, I'm always right' routine right now."

"Well, I was right, wasn't I?"

"Shove it Lab Rat! Like you haven't made a mistake before!" she snapped.

"Not one as big as this! Do realize how lost we could be?" Jarod growled back. He couldn't believe the bitterness coming from his voice. This wasn't like him, this maze must really be getting to him.

"You know, I'm beginning to think it might be better if I leave you here! I'd finally have you out of my hair," Parker retorted and turned away from him.

Jarod rubbed his eyes and sighed, they were getting no where like this. "Why don't we just keep looking for a goblin to lead us to the castle. We're bound to run into those two at some point."

Parker simply nodded as the two continued down the path in silence, Jarod taking the lead this time. They made their way through many twists and bends without a word uttered between them. It seemed like hours had passed and both were getting exhausted. They reached another intersection when Jarod broke the silence."Look, why don't we sit and rest for a few minutes," he suggested, remembering Parker's bare feet.

"Fine by me." They sat on opposite sides, leaning against the walls.

Jarod closed his eyes and sighed. Why did things have to always be so difficult between them? Just before losing Jareth and Sarah, they were flirting and now they were at each other's throats. How did they suddenly make that jump? He slowly opened his eyes to find no one sitting in front of him. In the mirror, however, Parker was bent down talking to some creature he didn't recognize.

"Jarod, I found a goblin! Come on!" Parker yelled and followed the creature down the left path. Or was it right? Jarod snapped his head around to see if he could catch which path she took, but her reflection disappeared.

"Parker!" When he got no answer, Jarod cursed to himself. Not only had he just lost her, but whatever was leading away was definitely not a goblin. "This can't be good."

Demis grinned, causing the goblins near him to scatter. Long canines gleaming in the candle light. The goblin king, that fool, would soon be dealt with. The chosen ones had fallen quite nicely for his spell. Soon their bickering would split them apart and destiny would be back on track. Now he just needed to collect the two and get out of this hell hole of a kingdom.

Sarah let out a groan and sat up. Her entire body hurt. It was dark around her. What the hell had happened? The last thing she remembered Jareth had her by the wrists... oh shit.

"Awake at last I see. Mind getting off of me, love?"

Sarah gasped, the soft ground she was sitting on was not ground. She was currently astride the goblin king. A clothed goblin king thankfully. Quickly she stood up, and unsuccessfully bit back another groan. "What happened, where are we?"

Still laying down, Jareth looked up at her, "We fell. As to where we are, this is an oubliette. I believe you are familiar with them."

"You're kidding me."

"Afraid not love. We, or rather I, fell through the ground and pulled you in. The fall must have been quite long, because the next thing I remember I awoke on the ground. With you on top of me. Not the most comfortable way to wake up, I usually prefer..."

"Shut up before I hit you! Now how do we get out of here? You have ten seconds to answer me before I kill you."

"You can try. I doubt you would get very far."

Sarah walked over to him purposefully, and grabbed his collar. "I'm warning you Jareth, don't push me."

Before she could blink Jareth grabbed her arm and threw her over him onto her back. Quickly, straddling her and pinning her arms over her head. "You were saying? Now what do I do with you?"

"You let me go before..."

"Before you what? You are in no position to make demands of me love," he purred, "In fact, I rather like you in this position."

Sarah's eyes widened, "Shouldn't we be finding Jarod and Parker, instead of arguing?"

"Momentarily, but first I want to make something perfectly clear."

Before she could gasp, Jareth crushed his lips against Sarah's. Vaguely, Sarah was aware that her body was going limp. The rest of her was in too much shock to notice anything, besides the fact the Jareth was a good kisser, a very good kisser.

Jareth drew back and smiled, while Sarah looked up at him dazedly. "Do not insult me Sarah dear. There are always consequences, one's you may not enjoy. Although, perhaps you will," he mused quietly. "Now shall we get out of here and find those two fools?" He swiftly stood up and offered Sarah a hand.

Sarah forced her breathing to return to normal. Her lips felt swollen and she resisted the temptation to touch them. Jareth stood over her with that damn grin on his face. Angrily, she slapped his hand aside and picked herself up.

"If you ever kiss me again..."

"You'll what? Kiss me back, again," Jareth's voice dropped low in insinuation.

"I did not kiss you back!"

"Careful Sarah, or will I have to prove it to you?"

"This is ridiculous. We're stuck in an oubliette."

"Alone, together," he finished for her.

"Ugh, let's just get out of here and find the others." Sarah strode past him.

Jareth's arm shot out, blocking her path. "No. Let's have this out. I am tired of constantly fighting with you."

"This what? What is it you want me to say? For once just tell me straight what it is you want?"

Jareth leaned forward and kissed her again slowly. Sarah's eyelids fluttered close and she clutched his shirt as his hands found her waist and he pulled her body against his. He nipped her bottom lip lightly and broke the kiss. "You. I want you. Do you really think I would want another goblin? No. I wanted, want you." He stroked her cheek lightly and

Sarah found herself leaning into his touch. "I know you feel similarly. It is in the way we dance, the way we kiss, even the way we fight. You care for me Sarah, admit it. You can't lie to me, your eyes give you away."

Sarah look at him, her heart pounding. Was this some new trick? But he looked so sincere, and his eyes were warm for a change, affectionate. She glanced away, choosing instead to stare at his throat until she got her voice back. She wanted to believe him so badly. "Fine, I'm attracted to you yes, and I, I feel for you, but I hardly know you." She glanced back at his face. Oh god, why did he have to look like that? Like he was so happy.

"Then I will have to rectify that when this is over," he breathed against her mouth and kissed her lightly. "In the mean time let's find your friends?"

He smiled and walked over to the craggy wall. He placed one gloved palm against a small rock in the side and turned it. A section of the wall fell away, revealing a long corridor.

"I thought you didn't have your powers?" Sarah watched him astounded.

"For the moment I don't, thank you, but I made sure that none of my own traps could be used against me. Shall we?"

Finally, the chosen has succumbed to the spell and were apart. It had taken far longer than he had anticipated. If they were any closer together, his abilities would not have been enough. But it had worked, and now was the time to strike. First collect the male and then the female. The male would be harder to bring in and consequently would be first. Then the other. After delivering them back to their own dimension, apart of course, he could return and enjoy himself. Now where was that male?

Whiteowl: Don't hurt me. To all those who emailed, here it is as promised. And as a side note school sucks.

Ann: Plus, as we are posting this we are finishing the LAST chapter so we swear it WON'T be months cough yearsish cough between updates!

W: That and the guys are threatening us with different things if we don't finish. Turns out science and magic do mix. And Parker is threatening to get another pair of stilettos.

Ann: Shudder I don't know which one we should be more afraid of...Oh, hey, for the Pretender fans, mark March 15th on your calendars. Season One is finally coming out on DVD!!!

W: Marathon at Ann's House!