Here's Chapter 12, written and released alongside Chapter 11 because Chapter 10 was too long and had to be split into two chapters. Crazy. Anyhow, on with the show!
Disclaimer : I own nothing, do you hear? NOTHING!!!
Between Dreams and Reality
By Lyra Matsuoka
Rated PG-13
Chapter 12 : Inevitable Conclusions
"There is a mortal in this room."
The ballroom fell silent at Kemal's shocking announcement and Sarah felt her stomach muscles clench convulsively. Minutes ago she had been laughing, sharing anecdotes with diplomats, dancing with Jareth, laughing and truly enjoying herself. Sarah had consciously put all thoughts of a choice out of her mind. Tomorrow, she told herself, would be soon enough to make life changing decisions. And in one moment, everything had changed. She glanced up at Jareth, who instinctively stepped closer to her. None of the guest in the immediate vicinity seemed to take much notice of the two of them, but Sarah was focused on Kemal. The muscles around her heart squeezed painfully. She wasn't ready...but it seemed that she would have no choice in a moment.
At the moment, Kemal was not focused on any one guest in particular. He was addressing the room at large.
"When I arrived several days ago, I felt the presence of a mortal amongst us. As you know, esteemed members of the Underground Council, mortals upset the balance of the Circle and of magic itself. I felt it was my duty to remain here until the matter could be sorted out. I fear that I even hoped this particular mortal would do no harm to her surroundings. But I have been proven wrong. And such folly must not be allowed to continue."
"Your Highness," spoke a distinguished older gentleman with antlers, "I find it most hard to believe that a mortal could have slipped past so many of the Underground's defenses."
"Indeed, Your Grace, I have pondered that myself. But this is the Labyrinth, the gateway between our world and the mortal world. All things are possible here, and the Labyrinth would disguise the feel of a mortal sufficiently that any magical being, yourself included, would be hard pressed feel such a disturbance. Especially if the human had the protection of a Fae."
"If what you say is true," the gentleman tossed back, "those among us with the skill should be able to sense a mortal. Especially if one is in this very chamber."
Sarah watched in horror as several of the older party guests closed their eyes. Power filled the room and the other guests bowed their heads, channeling energy toward the intruder. Toward her, Sarah realized with a start. And shooting frightened eyes toward Kemal, she saw him smile slightly at her. And she shivered at the determination she saw there.
"There is a mortal here," Queen Amalthea of Summerhaven declared, striding forward to stand near Kemal. "And there she stands, near the Goblin King."
All eyes swung toward Sarah, eyes that had once been filled with laughter and joy now brimmed with suspicion and fear. Jareth slipped an arm around her waist and hugged her body closer to his. Sarah tried to relax but found it impossible. She was on trial without warning.
"She is mine," Jareth said, speaking slowly and clearly. "This mortal belongs to me, mine by forfeit and by sworn oath. We are bound together. "
"And yet it is not a bond covered by your agreement with the Underground Council is it, your Majesty?" a petite woman with green skin queried. "The agreement says that you may hold children for 13 hours only. After 13 hours, all mortals are to be returned Aboveground or kept here in a transformed state. That is the Law."
"It is the Law," several beings echoed respectfully.
"The Law is mutable. The terms of my agreement with this mortal and the one who wished her here are those things that control the length of her stay!" Jareth insisted.
"And who wished her here?" Kemal asked quietly. All eyes swung to Jareth once more. Jareth dropped his head for a moment and shook his blond hair. Sarah held her breath, wondering how Jareth planned on tap dancing around this question. The wish had been mutual, made by two hearts across two worlds.
"I did." The Goblin King spoke with an air of finality and certainty. A hush overcame the ballroom as the guests absorbed that tantalizing bit of information. Even Kemal seemed stunned. He recovered himself quickly, and Sarah could almost see Kemal's mind begin to work. Sarah knew that Kemal had a goal, a prize that he was determined to walk away from this confrontation with. And that prize was weaving toward her friends even as Jareth spoke, her hair shimmering brightly. Luster pushed her way through the crowd and walked to Sarah's side.
"If you wished her away, your Majesty, I assume that you intend to keep her?" Kemal asked dryly. Laughter shimmered around the room and faded as Jareth took up the gauntlet thrown down by his adversary.
"She is my fiancée and my future queen. Her place is by my side," Jareth responded softly. Sarah turned her face upward, a little surprised. She met the Goblin King's eyes and relaxed - he would never let them hurt her. That was trust, she thought.
*Try not to get me killed,* Sarah whispered in her heart. She saw Jareth smile, but felt his fear and willingness to do battle with these beings building in his mind. He smiled down at her and took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers.
*Trust me.*
*Said the spider to the fly,* Sarah joked, attempting to lighten the mood between them. They needed each other. She had to be as strong for Jareth as he was for her. And then the cavalry arrived.
"I would say that it is very bold of you, Your Highness, to challenge the Goblin King is his own castle," Luster sad, sliding a bit closer to Sarah.
*Nothing better than a united front,* Luster said.
*Except a united front with 300 people instead of 3,* Sarah said, looking around the room. *Hide witch hide, the good folk come to burn thee...*
Kemal smiled softly, clearly unaware of their telepathic exchange, looking Luster over from head to foot before turning to address Jareth once more.
"She is a mortal nevertheless, Your Majesty. She must not be allowed to remain. Her very presence upsets the balance of the Circle. We must return her Aboveground before she can do any more damage."
"There are ways, Your Highness. Spells, potions, procedures for dealing with just this type of situation - surely some sort of arrangement can be reached," Luster said, gracefully taking a few steps toward Kemal. Kemal watched her closely, desire flickering in his eyes, before nodding gracefully.
"I do not believe that this matter in any way concerns you, Luster Skydreamer."
"It concerns me more than any other in this room, Your Highness. I brought the mortal here. The Goblin King had nothing to do with it, nor did this mortal Sarah Williams. I acted alone, and I do not regret it."
Sarah turned stunned eyes to Luster, knowing that the unicorn had just taken the full burden of guilt onto her own shoulders. It was a confession, one that was surely ill advised.
*I know what I'm doing, Sarah. Everything will be fine,* Luster whispered in her mind before fading into the distance.
" You have damned yourself with your own words, Luster. However," Kemal said, his eyes flashing quicksilver flame, "I shall accede to the will of the Council. If the Council desires to undertake the procedure that will make this woman one of the Fae, I shall assist."
Slowly, slowly, thirteen beings emerged from the crowd. All wore a particular wristband and ring, all wore an aura of time and events seen that swept across the room. Power singed the air.
"How does the Council vote?"
The older members of the party raised their hands, fists closed. One by one they all turned their palms down and opened their fingers. Sarah felt Jareth's grip tighten and knew that it was bad news.
*Sarah, whatever happens, you must believe in your choice. No matter what that choice is, you must believe.*
"The Council has spoken," Kemal said softly. "As Heir to the Throne of Fire, I shall oversee the return of this mortal to her world."
"NO!" Sarah sobbed, throwing herself at Jareth. His arms tightened around her, refusing to let her go.
"I love you, Sarah," he said, fury shimmering in his voice. "And I will find a way around this. The gods are not this cruel. Not to us. Not again."
"No, they are not, my friend," Luster said, speaking low so that only Jareth and Sarah could understand her words. Jareth glanced at Luster and shook his head once, twice, a third time in denial of whatever he saw in her face. Sarah turned to Luster and saw a look of complete determination and calm resolve. Luster turned to the room and faced the Council.
*Are you ready, Jareth?*
*I am.*
"As Heir to the Throne of Light, I stand for justice and balance. I will not allow you to take this girl. Know that I will strike at the lot of you in any way I can. Revoke your decree and allow her to stay!"
"The Council has spoken," Kemal said softly, his eyes beginning to glow like embers.
"As have I," Luster returned.
"You are not one with your Throne, Princess. How can you hope to stand against me?"
"I refuse the power that you have become drunk upon. That does not mean I am incapable of using it."
"You cannot mean to use the power of the Throne of Light to protect a mortal, Luster," the Unicorn Queen rapped out. Her walking stick gleamed darkly as she walked forward. She stopped beside Kemal and looked at her granddaughter. The other guests had cleared a large space around Kemal and Luster. No one wanted to be in the way if the Thrones of Fire and Light battled each other.
"As many people have so graciously reminded me over the past years, the Throne is made incarnate in my body. I can wield its power in any way I like. It is my right as Heir."
"You cannot wield it against me, Luster. To do so would be foolish. It would invite both my destruction and your own," Kemal whispered softly. His voice was quiet, but it seemed to strain with magic.
"That is a risk I am willing to take. Do not press me on this issue, Kemal. I promise you, I do not lie. And I will not waver."
Kemal smirked slightly, and Sarah saw in a flash just what he was trying to do. He was goading Luster, attempting to force her to accept the full power of the Throne of Light and in doing so, link herself irrevocably to him.
"Don't do it Luster. Don't do this," Sarah begged, pulling away from Jareth and turning Luster away from Kemal. Sarah saw that Luster was beginning to glow, to shine with a light that came from within her body, and Sarah shuddered as raw magic tripped over her skin.
"To lose you would destroy him," Luster responded quietly. "You believe I want that? When you defeated him, I watched his loss. I wept for him because he would not weep for himself. I absorbed the pain he denied that he felt. And now they want to take you away again. I cannot allow it. I will not allow it. Not while I have the power to stop it."
Sarah thought frantically. She felt Jareth standing behind her, and reached for him. She didn't want to leave him again, not when they had just found one another. But there was a way around this - a procedure for burning away mortality and linking the magic of the Underground to a human soul.
And Sarah knew. In a flash of insight, staring at Luster and Kemal and the power that lashed between them, Sarah knew what they had to do. It was the only way out of this mess. There were no other options.
"Luster," Sarah said. Luster did not turn towards her. "Luster," she said again, this time with more force. Luster turned her face to Sarah and Sarah was disturbed to see that the pupils of Luster's amazing eyes were beginning to fade. Gorgeous blue stared uncomprehendingly at Sarah.
"I'm ready."
Luster blinked.
"Remember what we spoke of just a moment ago? Do you remember?" Luster nodded once, her pupils gone. "You were right. There is no other way. You have to do it, Luster. For Jareth. You have to help Jareth."
There was silence. Slowly, Luster began to return to herself, her eyes intense as they focused on Sarah. Sarah was unnerved to see that Luster's irises seemed lit from behind, giving her eyes an unnatural glow.
"You have no idea what you are asking. The consequences of that action would be long lasting and they would reach beyond your wildest imaginings."
"Anything is better than this! Luster, I'm asking you, as a friend, to live up to your word."
Luster stood tall for another moment. Then her shoulders slumped and her head dropped. The unicorn stared at the floor for a moment and then raised tear filled eyes to Sarah. Sarah stood tall and determined, chin raised.
'I won't cry,' Sarah thought. 'I won't cry. No matter what, these people don't deserve my tears.'
Luster walked over to Sarah and took her hands. Leaning down, she kissed Sarah's cheek.
"You are worthy of him," Luster whispered as she straightened. A single tear slipped down Sarah's cheek, echoed by the tears that threatened to fall from Luster's eyes. Jareth was staring at them both, concern and fury written on his face. Luster nodded once to Jareth and stepped back. *Be ready, dear ones. There is no going back after this.* Sarah heard the voice in her head and knew that the three of them were acting out a script, a plan laid by Jareth and Luster...but the outcome was uncertain.
"I return you..." Kemal began and Sarah felt a power building around her.
"NO!" Luster snapped. "I will see this through. It is my right."
Raising a hand, Luster looked directly at Sarah. Sarah felt another energy slide around her, insinuating itself around the lower half of her body without shutting the other power out.
"Midsummer Night will crack the world," Luster said.
"All Hallows Eve may patch it," Sarah finished, bracing herself for what was to come. Luster began to glow, emanating a blinding light that flared to cover the whole room. Sarah winced away and suddenly, all she could see was Luster. Luster, whose eyes had gone blank. Luster, whose body was filled with a power she had refused to claim before. Luster, who now accepted all that she was born to be.
*Make your choice, Sarah. Who will you be?*
Sarah felt the light focus and looked down at her chest. The brilliant white light had focused into a beam that pointed at her heart. Slowly, Sarah watched the beam spread to cover her torso, her chest and her upper thighs.
"No!" Jareth cried, throwing himself forward. Sarah heard rather than saw the power toss him backward like a rag doll. Sarah saw Kemal striding toward Luster, his hair crackling with energy. Sarah felt the old force constrict around her, watched in horror as the world faded in and out of focus. Sarah knew that she was at the center of a vortex, the very focus of two immense sources of magical energy. Luster never looked at Kemal, but Sarah found Luster's now unseeing eyes and tried to communicate to her what she wanted. Sarah focused her mind and pushed her will at Luster.
And Luster let go.
Sarah felt raw magic run through her veins and pulse through her body. Every cell screamed in defiance of this energy. But Sarah smiled. Throwing her head back, she wished.
'This is what I want. Jareth is what I want. Please help me.'
Sarah saw fragments of time, pictures that were gone as swiftly as they had come. Children - one blond, two brunette. A crown. The Labyrinth. Jareth. The pain roared in her mind, an ever-present wave that swept her along a river of sensation. And suddenly, there was darkness.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jareth watched in shock as Sarah was lifted off the ground, her head thrown back. Her hairstyle was destroyed and dark hair waved like a banner, dancing with power unknown and unprecedented. He saw her smile. And he saw her eyes go blank and flutter shut.
The Goblin King watched in horror as the love of his life was dropped to the ground, lifeless as a doll. Slowly he stood, walking toward Luster, facing her with cold fury on his face.
"You had no right to kill her. She showed you friendship, and you gave her destruction. This was not necessary."
"You do not frighten me, Goblin King," Luster said, her voice pure with fury and something else. Only a trained eye would notice the strain around her mouth, the exhaustion in her eyes and the unnatural glow that lurked deep within her pupils. "There is nothing you could say to make me loathe myself more than I already do."
"But there are things I can do to make certain you wish you had never been born," Jareth promised. His eyes glittered dangerously. "If it takes me until the end of days, I will make you pay for what you have done tonight."
"I'm afraid, Goblin King, that personal vendettas will have to wait. Luster Skydreamer has willfully broken a decree of the Council, she has defied the law of our land. And most of all, she has broken the first tenant of the Law," came a creaky voice. Jareth stared at Lord Grolick, the Troll King.
"Indeed. Luster Skydreamer has turned a mortal into a Fae."
Jareth raised an arrogant head. This was the plan, he reminded himself. This was what he and Luster had discussed. He could have turned Sarah himself, of course, but then he would have been punished for the transgression and been unable to protect Sarah during this fragile time in her transformation. Sarah needed him. And Luster was well able to stand on her own two feet.
Or she had been. The strain of undertaking such a major magical working without the support of another was nearly devastating to any magical being. And Luster was no exception. She was, however, a princess. And she would never allow this gathering to see her fall.
"Luster, why?" Amalthea asked quietly, staring at Sarah's crumpled form. Jareth moved closer protectively, stooping to draw Sarah into his arms, urging her head into the curve of his neck.
"Because I will not see him suffer for your precious *Council* again," Luster hissed. "Because the Council has brought me nothing but pain. And just because I could."
The last word was said with ringing derision. Jareth watched his proud friend draw on her last reserves of strength.
"Luster Skydreamer you are charged with a serious offence. How do you plead?" Amalthea intoned formally. Luster quirked an eyebrow and shook her head, a wry smile twisting her mouth. The Council nodded sagely. Apparently this reaction was nothing less then they had expected.
"I stand for the Council," Lord Cambar said, stepping forward, his antlers gleaming.
"And I for Summerhaven, the kingdom of this woman," Amalthea said quietly.
"And I for her family, and for myself as her betrothed," Kemal said. Luster stood impassive.
"As heir to the Throne of Light, there is only one prison that will hold her," Kemal added. "The Prison of Dreams is your only option."
"This is true enough. But how long a sentence to impose for such a offense?"
"This woman is co-heir to the throne of Summerhaven," Kemal continued. "I would respectfully request that, after her sentence in the Prison of Dreams, she be confined to the lands of Summerhaven for a period not less than 100 years."
Luster's lips parted slightly, but she remained silent.
Council members clustered around Cambar, conferring quickly and in hushed whispers. When they broke apart, Luster tilted her head to one side in a clear challenge.
"Luster Skydreamer, you have defied the Council, threatened this assembly and worked magic so powerful it might have undone the thread of Time. You are found guilty of the charges and your punishment decided. You are hereby sentenced to the Prison of Dreams until such time as this woman awakens. After that time, you shall be confined to the lands of Summerhaven for 200 years, or until such time as you assume the crown of Summerhaven upon the Throne of Light. Do you understand?"
"Naturally," Luster said with derision.
"Your sentence shall begin immediately."
"And who is to be my jailer in the Prison of Dreams?" Luster asked quietly, her eyes downcast. Jareth watched her carefully for signs that she might faint.
"As your Queen and closest relative present at the proceedings, Her Majesty Amalthea has the right to select."
"I am too old to fulfill such a duty, and as her betrothed, the duty falls to Prince Kemal. Do you accept?"
"I do," Kemal said, triumph in his voice. Luster stared on, her mind moving beyond these proceedings.
*She will be all right, Jareth. You must believe in her.* Luster whispered in his mind.
*Thank you, Luster. I can't...*
*I know. Be well, Jareth. Take care of her. And of yourself.* Luster's voice was fading, and Jareth watched, forcing himself to impassivity as Luster swayed forward, then righted herself. Jareth started as he felt Luster throw out one last rope of magic, so thin it would be unrecognizable to any not searching for it. Jareth felt the rope drift around Sarah and nearly raised a questioning eyebrow before forcing his face into the lines that bespoke cold rage. Kemal was walking towards Luster, the entire room was watching her, and Luster swayed again. Jareth watched as she smiled quietly, watched a spell arc from Kemal's hand to her chest. Luster folded slowly, her legs giving way beneath her as an unnatural slumber took hold of her body. Kemal caught her before she hit the ground, swinging Luster up against his chest. He strode away without a backward glance, the hands that cradled Luster gentle, his stance possessive. Jareth watched him go, watched as the Council members filed out after him to see that the punishment was accomplished.
Refusing to consider Luster's punishment, her sacrifice for love of him, Jareth turned his attention to Sarah's unconscious form. *Be well love. I am here, waiting for you. I am here,* he said from heart to heart before carrying the love of his life out of the ballroom. The guests looked at one another nervously before beginning a mass exodus out of the ballroom. Portals opened in the garden, trunks were packed and coaches summoned as the guests returned to their kingdoms with a spectacular tale to tell.
And in two separate chambers, the magical bond between two unconscious women grew stronger.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Let me know what you think! Review!
lyrasoze@hotmail.com
Disclaimer : I own nothing, do you hear? NOTHING!!!
Between Dreams and Reality
By Lyra Matsuoka
Rated PG-13
Chapter 12 : Inevitable Conclusions
"There is a mortal in this room."
The ballroom fell silent at Kemal's shocking announcement and Sarah felt her stomach muscles clench convulsively. Minutes ago she had been laughing, sharing anecdotes with diplomats, dancing with Jareth, laughing and truly enjoying herself. Sarah had consciously put all thoughts of a choice out of her mind. Tomorrow, she told herself, would be soon enough to make life changing decisions. And in one moment, everything had changed. She glanced up at Jareth, who instinctively stepped closer to her. None of the guest in the immediate vicinity seemed to take much notice of the two of them, but Sarah was focused on Kemal. The muscles around her heart squeezed painfully. She wasn't ready...but it seemed that she would have no choice in a moment.
At the moment, Kemal was not focused on any one guest in particular. He was addressing the room at large.
"When I arrived several days ago, I felt the presence of a mortal amongst us. As you know, esteemed members of the Underground Council, mortals upset the balance of the Circle and of magic itself. I felt it was my duty to remain here until the matter could be sorted out. I fear that I even hoped this particular mortal would do no harm to her surroundings. But I have been proven wrong. And such folly must not be allowed to continue."
"Your Highness," spoke a distinguished older gentleman with antlers, "I find it most hard to believe that a mortal could have slipped past so many of the Underground's defenses."
"Indeed, Your Grace, I have pondered that myself. But this is the Labyrinth, the gateway between our world and the mortal world. All things are possible here, and the Labyrinth would disguise the feel of a mortal sufficiently that any magical being, yourself included, would be hard pressed feel such a disturbance. Especially if the human had the protection of a Fae."
"If what you say is true," the gentleman tossed back, "those among us with the skill should be able to sense a mortal. Especially if one is in this very chamber."
Sarah watched in horror as several of the older party guests closed their eyes. Power filled the room and the other guests bowed their heads, channeling energy toward the intruder. Toward her, Sarah realized with a start. And shooting frightened eyes toward Kemal, she saw him smile slightly at her. And she shivered at the determination she saw there.
"There is a mortal here," Queen Amalthea of Summerhaven declared, striding forward to stand near Kemal. "And there she stands, near the Goblin King."
All eyes swung toward Sarah, eyes that had once been filled with laughter and joy now brimmed with suspicion and fear. Jareth slipped an arm around her waist and hugged her body closer to his. Sarah tried to relax but found it impossible. She was on trial without warning.
"She is mine," Jareth said, speaking slowly and clearly. "This mortal belongs to me, mine by forfeit and by sworn oath. We are bound together. "
"And yet it is not a bond covered by your agreement with the Underground Council is it, your Majesty?" a petite woman with green skin queried. "The agreement says that you may hold children for 13 hours only. After 13 hours, all mortals are to be returned Aboveground or kept here in a transformed state. That is the Law."
"It is the Law," several beings echoed respectfully.
"The Law is mutable. The terms of my agreement with this mortal and the one who wished her here are those things that control the length of her stay!" Jareth insisted.
"And who wished her here?" Kemal asked quietly. All eyes swung to Jareth once more. Jareth dropped his head for a moment and shook his blond hair. Sarah held her breath, wondering how Jareth planned on tap dancing around this question. The wish had been mutual, made by two hearts across two worlds.
"I did." The Goblin King spoke with an air of finality and certainty. A hush overcame the ballroom as the guests absorbed that tantalizing bit of information. Even Kemal seemed stunned. He recovered himself quickly, and Sarah could almost see Kemal's mind begin to work. Sarah knew that Kemal had a goal, a prize that he was determined to walk away from this confrontation with. And that prize was weaving toward her friends even as Jareth spoke, her hair shimmering brightly. Luster pushed her way through the crowd and walked to Sarah's side.
"If you wished her away, your Majesty, I assume that you intend to keep her?" Kemal asked dryly. Laughter shimmered around the room and faded as Jareth took up the gauntlet thrown down by his adversary.
"She is my fiancée and my future queen. Her place is by my side," Jareth responded softly. Sarah turned her face upward, a little surprised. She met the Goblin King's eyes and relaxed - he would never let them hurt her. That was trust, she thought.
*Try not to get me killed,* Sarah whispered in her heart. She saw Jareth smile, but felt his fear and willingness to do battle with these beings building in his mind. He smiled down at her and took her hand, lacing his fingers with hers.
*Trust me.*
*Said the spider to the fly,* Sarah joked, attempting to lighten the mood between them. They needed each other. She had to be as strong for Jareth as he was for her. And then the cavalry arrived.
"I would say that it is very bold of you, Your Highness, to challenge the Goblin King is his own castle," Luster sad, sliding a bit closer to Sarah.
*Nothing better than a united front,* Luster said.
*Except a united front with 300 people instead of 3,* Sarah said, looking around the room. *Hide witch hide, the good folk come to burn thee...*
Kemal smiled softly, clearly unaware of their telepathic exchange, looking Luster over from head to foot before turning to address Jareth once more.
"She is a mortal nevertheless, Your Majesty. She must not be allowed to remain. Her very presence upsets the balance of the Circle. We must return her Aboveground before she can do any more damage."
"There are ways, Your Highness. Spells, potions, procedures for dealing with just this type of situation - surely some sort of arrangement can be reached," Luster said, gracefully taking a few steps toward Kemal. Kemal watched her closely, desire flickering in his eyes, before nodding gracefully.
"I do not believe that this matter in any way concerns you, Luster Skydreamer."
"It concerns me more than any other in this room, Your Highness. I brought the mortal here. The Goblin King had nothing to do with it, nor did this mortal Sarah Williams. I acted alone, and I do not regret it."
Sarah turned stunned eyes to Luster, knowing that the unicorn had just taken the full burden of guilt onto her own shoulders. It was a confession, one that was surely ill advised.
*I know what I'm doing, Sarah. Everything will be fine,* Luster whispered in her mind before fading into the distance.
" You have damned yourself with your own words, Luster. However," Kemal said, his eyes flashing quicksilver flame, "I shall accede to the will of the Council. If the Council desires to undertake the procedure that will make this woman one of the Fae, I shall assist."
Slowly, slowly, thirteen beings emerged from the crowd. All wore a particular wristband and ring, all wore an aura of time and events seen that swept across the room. Power singed the air.
"How does the Council vote?"
The older members of the party raised their hands, fists closed. One by one they all turned their palms down and opened their fingers. Sarah felt Jareth's grip tighten and knew that it was bad news.
*Sarah, whatever happens, you must believe in your choice. No matter what that choice is, you must believe.*
"The Council has spoken," Kemal said softly. "As Heir to the Throne of Fire, I shall oversee the return of this mortal to her world."
"NO!" Sarah sobbed, throwing herself at Jareth. His arms tightened around her, refusing to let her go.
"I love you, Sarah," he said, fury shimmering in his voice. "And I will find a way around this. The gods are not this cruel. Not to us. Not again."
"No, they are not, my friend," Luster said, speaking low so that only Jareth and Sarah could understand her words. Jareth glanced at Luster and shook his head once, twice, a third time in denial of whatever he saw in her face. Sarah turned to Luster and saw a look of complete determination and calm resolve. Luster turned to the room and faced the Council.
*Are you ready, Jareth?*
*I am.*
"As Heir to the Throne of Light, I stand for justice and balance. I will not allow you to take this girl. Know that I will strike at the lot of you in any way I can. Revoke your decree and allow her to stay!"
"The Council has spoken," Kemal said softly, his eyes beginning to glow like embers.
"As have I," Luster returned.
"You are not one with your Throne, Princess. How can you hope to stand against me?"
"I refuse the power that you have become drunk upon. That does not mean I am incapable of using it."
"You cannot mean to use the power of the Throne of Light to protect a mortal, Luster," the Unicorn Queen rapped out. Her walking stick gleamed darkly as she walked forward. She stopped beside Kemal and looked at her granddaughter. The other guests had cleared a large space around Kemal and Luster. No one wanted to be in the way if the Thrones of Fire and Light battled each other.
"As many people have so graciously reminded me over the past years, the Throne is made incarnate in my body. I can wield its power in any way I like. It is my right as Heir."
"You cannot wield it against me, Luster. To do so would be foolish. It would invite both my destruction and your own," Kemal whispered softly. His voice was quiet, but it seemed to strain with magic.
"That is a risk I am willing to take. Do not press me on this issue, Kemal. I promise you, I do not lie. And I will not waver."
Kemal smirked slightly, and Sarah saw in a flash just what he was trying to do. He was goading Luster, attempting to force her to accept the full power of the Throne of Light and in doing so, link herself irrevocably to him.
"Don't do it Luster. Don't do this," Sarah begged, pulling away from Jareth and turning Luster away from Kemal. Sarah saw that Luster was beginning to glow, to shine with a light that came from within her body, and Sarah shuddered as raw magic tripped over her skin.
"To lose you would destroy him," Luster responded quietly. "You believe I want that? When you defeated him, I watched his loss. I wept for him because he would not weep for himself. I absorbed the pain he denied that he felt. And now they want to take you away again. I cannot allow it. I will not allow it. Not while I have the power to stop it."
Sarah thought frantically. She felt Jareth standing behind her, and reached for him. She didn't want to leave him again, not when they had just found one another. But there was a way around this - a procedure for burning away mortality and linking the magic of the Underground to a human soul.
And Sarah knew. In a flash of insight, staring at Luster and Kemal and the power that lashed between them, Sarah knew what they had to do. It was the only way out of this mess. There were no other options.
"Luster," Sarah said. Luster did not turn towards her. "Luster," she said again, this time with more force. Luster turned her face to Sarah and Sarah was disturbed to see that the pupils of Luster's amazing eyes were beginning to fade. Gorgeous blue stared uncomprehendingly at Sarah.
"I'm ready."
Luster blinked.
"Remember what we spoke of just a moment ago? Do you remember?" Luster nodded once, her pupils gone. "You were right. There is no other way. You have to do it, Luster. For Jareth. You have to help Jareth."
There was silence. Slowly, Luster began to return to herself, her eyes intense as they focused on Sarah. Sarah was unnerved to see that Luster's irises seemed lit from behind, giving her eyes an unnatural glow.
"You have no idea what you are asking. The consequences of that action would be long lasting and they would reach beyond your wildest imaginings."
"Anything is better than this! Luster, I'm asking you, as a friend, to live up to your word."
Luster stood tall for another moment. Then her shoulders slumped and her head dropped. The unicorn stared at the floor for a moment and then raised tear filled eyes to Sarah. Sarah stood tall and determined, chin raised.
'I won't cry,' Sarah thought. 'I won't cry. No matter what, these people don't deserve my tears.'
Luster walked over to Sarah and took her hands. Leaning down, she kissed Sarah's cheek.
"You are worthy of him," Luster whispered as she straightened. A single tear slipped down Sarah's cheek, echoed by the tears that threatened to fall from Luster's eyes. Jareth was staring at them both, concern and fury written on his face. Luster nodded once to Jareth and stepped back. *Be ready, dear ones. There is no going back after this.* Sarah heard the voice in her head and knew that the three of them were acting out a script, a plan laid by Jareth and Luster...but the outcome was uncertain.
"I return you..." Kemal began and Sarah felt a power building around her.
"NO!" Luster snapped. "I will see this through. It is my right."
Raising a hand, Luster looked directly at Sarah. Sarah felt another energy slide around her, insinuating itself around the lower half of her body without shutting the other power out.
"Midsummer Night will crack the world," Luster said.
"All Hallows Eve may patch it," Sarah finished, bracing herself for what was to come. Luster began to glow, emanating a blinding light that flared to cover the whole room. Sarah winced away and suddenly, all she could see was Luster. Luster, whose eyes had gone blank. Luster, whose body was filled with a power she had refused to claim before. Luster, who now accepted all that she was born to be.
*Make your choice, Sarah. Who will you be?*
Sarah felt the light focus and looked down at her chest. The brilliant white light had focused into a beam that pointed at her heart. Slowly, Sarah watched the beam spread to cover her torso, her chest and her upper thighs.
"No!" Jareth cried, throwing himself forward. Sarah heard rather than saw the power toss him backward like a rag doll. Sarah saw Kemal striding toward Luster, his hair crackling with energy. Sarah felt the old force constrict around her, watched in horror as the world faded in and out of focus. Sarah knew that she was at the center of a vortex, the very focus of two immense sources of magical energy. Luster never looked at Kemal, but Sarah found Luster's now unseeing eyes and tried to communicate to her what she wanted. Sarah focused her mind and pushed her will at Luster.
And Luster let go.
Sarah felt raw magic run through her veins and pulse through her body. Every cell screamed in defiance of this energy. But Sarah smiled. Throwing her head back, she wished.
'This is what I want. Jareth is what I want. Please help me.'
Sarah saw fragments of time, pictures that were gone as swiftly as they had come. Children - one blond, two brunette. A crown. The Labyrinth. Jareth. The pain roared in her mind, an ever-present wave that swept her along a river of sensation. And suddenly, there was darkness.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
Jareth watched in shock as Sarah was lifted off the ground, her head thrown back. Her hairstyle was destroyed and dark hair waved like a banner, dancing with power unknown and unprecedented. He saw her smile. And he saw her eyes go blank and flutter shut.
The Goblin King watched in horror as the love of his life was dropped to the ground, lifeless as a doll. Slowly he stood, walking toward Luster, facing her with cold fury on his face.
"You had no right to kill her. She showed you friendship, and you gave her destruction. This was not necessary."
"You do not frighten me, Goblin King," Luster said, her voice pure with fury and something else. Only a trained eye would notice the strain around her mouth, the exhaustion in her eyes and the unnatural glow that lurked deep within her pupils. "There is nothing you could say to make me loathe myself more than I already do."
"But there are things I can do to make certain you wish you had never been born," Jareth promised. His eyes glittered dangerously. "If it takes me until the end of days, I will make you pay for what you have done tonight."
"I'm afraid, Goblin King, that personal vendettas will have to wait. Luster Skydreamer has willfully broken a decree of the Council, she has defied the law of our land. And most of all, she has broken the first tenant of the Law," came a creaky voice. Jareth stared at Lord Grolick, the Troll King.
"Indeed. Luster Skydreamer has turned a mortal into a Fae."
Jareth raised an arrogant head. This was the plan, he reminded himself. This was what he and Luster had discussed. He could have turned Sarah himself, of course, but then he would have been punished for the transgression and been unable to protect Sarah during this fragile time in her transformation. Sarah needed him. And Luster was well able to stand on her own two feet.
Or she had been. The strain of undertaking such a major magical working without the support of another was nearly devastating to any magical being. And Luster was no exception. She was, however, a princess. And she would never allow this gathering to see her fall.
"Luster, why?" Amalthea asked quietly, staring at Sarah's crumpled form. Jareth moved closer protectively, stooping to draw Sarah into his arms, urging her head into the curve of his neck.
"Because I will not see him suffer for your precious *Council* again," Luster hissed. "Because the Council has brought me nothing but pain. And just because I could."
The last word was said with ringing derision. Jareth watched his proud friend draw on her last reserves of strength.
"Luster Skydreamer you are charged with a serious offence. How do you plead?" Amalthea intoned formally. Luster quirked an eyebrow and shook her head, a wry smile twisting her mouth. The Council nodded sagely. Apparently this reaction was nothing less then they had expected.
"I stand for the Council," Lord Cambar said, stepping forward, his antlers gleaming.
"And I for Summerhaven, the kingdom of this woman," Amalthea said quietly.
"And I for her family, and for myself as her betrothed," Kemal said. Luster stood impassive.
"As heir to the Throne of Light, there is only one prison that will hold her," Kemal added. "The Prison of Dreams is your only option."
"This is true enough. But how long a sentence to impose for such a offense?"
"This woman is co-heir to the throne of Summerhaven," Kemal continued. "I would respectfully request that, after her sentence in the Prison of Dreams, she be confined to the lands of Summerhaven for a period not less than 100 years."
Luster's lips parted slightly, but she remained silent.
Council members clustered around Cambar, conferring quickly and in hushed whispers. When they broke apart, Luster tilted her head to one side in a clear challenge.
"Luster Skydreamer, you have defied the Council, threatened this assembly and worked magic so powerful it might have undone the thread of Time. You are found guilty of the charges and your punishment decided. You are hereby sentenced to the Prison of Dreams until such time as this woman awakens. After that time, you shall be confined to the lands of Summerhaven for 200 years, or until such time as you assume the crown of Summerhaven upon the Throne of Light. Do you understand?"
"Naturally," Luster said with derision.
"Your sentence shall begin immediately."
"And who is to be my jailer in the Prison of Dreams?" Luster asked quietly, her eyes downcast. Jareth watched her carefully for signs that she might faint.
"As your Queen and closest relative present at the proceedings, Her Majesty Amalthea has the right to select."
"I am too old to fulfill such a duty, and as her betrothed, the duty falls to Prince Kemal. Do you accept?"
"I do," Kemal said, triumph in his voice. Luster stared on, her mind moving beyond these proceedings.
*She will be all right, Jareth. You must believe in her.* Luster whispered in his mind.
*Thank you, Luster. I can't...*
*I know. Be well, Jareth. Take care of her. And of yourself.* Luster's voice was fading, and Jareth watched, forcing himself to impassivity as Luster swayed forward, then righted herself. Jareth started as he felt Luster throw out one last rope of magic, so thin it would be unrecognizable to any not searching for it. Jareth felt the rope drift around Sarah and nearly raised a questioning eyebrow before forcing his face into the lines that bespoke cold rage. Kemal was walking towards Luster, the entire room was watching her, and Luster swayed again. Jareth watched as she smiled quietly, watched a spell arc from Kemal's hand to her chest. Luster folded slowly, her legs giving way beneath her as an unnatural slumber took hold of her body. Kemal caught her before she hit the ground, swinging Luster up against his chest. He strode away without a backward glance, the hands that cradled Luster gentle, his stance possessive. Jareth watched him go, watched as the Council members filed out after him to see that the punishment was accomplished.
Refusing to consider Luster's punishment, her sacrifice for love of him, Jareth turned his attention to Sarah's unconscious form. *Be well love. I am here, waiting for you. I am here,* he said from heart to heart before carrying the love of his life out of the ballroom. The guests looked at one another nervously before beginning a mass exodus out of the ballroom. Portals opened in the garden, trunks were packed and coaches summoned as the guests returned to their kingdoms with a spectacular tale to tell.
And in two separate chambers, the magical bond between two unconscious women grew stronger.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
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