A/N: I want to dedicate this chapter to DanikaLareyna, Anij, and Princess who reviewed and encouraged me on the last chapter. I was in low spirits and their reviews helped me when I was feeling particularly more insecure and depressed about my writing than usual. Thank you!
Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth. This story is only a reflection of my love for the movie and its characters.
Title: Rising From Ashes
Chapter 7: Nothing Is As It Seems
"Hello Jareth."
Sidestepping various pieces of furniture, Hoggle casually strode toward the Dazed Goblin King, swaying a small silver censer suspended by a delicate chain of dark gray metal links. Following its pendulum like movement, thin trails of smoke curled and lifted into the air, scenting the room with a sweet and spicy aroma. Hoggle placed the subtly ornate dish beside Jareth's foot where it continued to softly exude dreary plumes.
However, when Hoggle opened his mouth, the words sounded gravely and high pitched, like the voice of a very old female.
"Tsk, tsk, tsk. Poor Goblin King. Such a good sport – never breaking the labyrinth's rules…"
Hoggle bends over and scoops up a bit of the smoke in his hand. Methodically he examined this little cloud in his hand, lifted it to his lips, and then softly blew it into his King's face.
Jareth closed his eyes and tilted his head back, moaning. A smug smile played on Hoggle's face.
"It feels good, doesn't it? Not being able to think…unable to feel."
He said the last word with a strange emphasis and the Goblin King slowly nodded his head. Jareth's eyes opened but only a little; they were two glassy orbs that now saw Hoggle smoothing the hair of Sarah.
"The labyrinth is so restrictive. Wouldn't you agree? Once she wished for protection, you were bound to obey. Never more to walk the halls of her mind… or unlock her many secrets. You must find that very painful."
The short dwarf turned toward Jareth and lifted his hand. A gnarled knobby hand shifted through the King's soft fine corn silk hair in an affectionate manner.
"Such a noble King."
Hoggle stood very close; placing his lips near the side of Jareth's nodding head.
"She's dying," the feminine voice said, dark and smooth like a curl of smoke.
A low growl vibrated in Jareth's throat as he pulled his upper lips back to reveal sharp canines.
Hoggle smiled and cupped Jareth's chin, looking at him with warmth and mild curiosity, as if examining a very interesting specimen. The smoke turned an even darker shade, its aroma becoming exceedingly sweet and horrible, like rotten fruit.
"Ah, yes," Hoggle said, "how horribly…unfair."
Jareth closed his eyes and groaned again, agreeing. Yes, yes, he was right, it was incredibly unfair. Everything Hoggle said made perfect sense. Such a smart friend. So understanding.
"I can help you. But you must help me. Think about it, you will save Sarah."
Jareth lifted his eyes up from its low stupor. His jaw was slack and he nodded again, vigorously, stupidly. Anything. Anything for Sarah. Tell me what I must do. I will do anything. Sarah, only Sarah. Help Sarah.
Hoggle nodded as his eyes flashed with a gleam of triumph. Things were going smoothly.
"Give me the token of your power."
Jareth's brows furrowed and suddenly Hoggle felt his King's reluctance.
My birthright? But I am the King of the Labyrinth. What will happen to my people? What about my respon-
Hoggle tilted Jareth's face so that his gaze was of Sarah on the bed. Her body was so lithe and her face so pale, floating on a sea of ebony hair. Jareth's face became a twist of pain and wistfullness.
Beautiful broken Sarah…
"Right now," Hoggle emphasized, "Sarah is your responsibility. Your only responsibility."
Sarah…
Hoggle turned The Goblin King's attention back to himself and spoke in a very soothing voice, "You are only loaning me your power. I will give it right back… Trust me. Trust your good friend."
Yes, Jareth thought, it's only a loan. Hoggle will give it back.
A wicked smile. Just one more push.
"Everything will turn out wonderful. And you will have your beautiful, loving Sarah by your side."
Before Jareth could even think, his hand grasped the arc shaped pendant that rested against his chest. It disappeared and reappeared in Hoggle's hand. Hoggle sighed with satisfaction as he placed it over his head.
"Now," Hoggle smirked, "The incantation. Recite the incantation and I will help you save your Sarah."
Jareth's head nodded to the side, his eyes nearly closed, but he lifted one gloved hand, palm outward. A circle of air shifted around Hoggle's feet as magic began to gain momentum around his diminutive body. A loud crack of lightning flashed outside, dangerously close to the base of the castle's main tower.
"May the Labyrinth grant you the power befitting the one who wears the symbol of the King," Jareth whispered before slumping forward in his chair. The censer was knocked over by his boot and little flecks of ember slowly died among the fallen ash.
There was a green flash all around Hoggle and then everything settled. He looked at his hands, feeling the power flowing in his veins. It was more than he even imagined. He could feel the beating heart of the Labyrinth itself, and each beat, pumped a small surge of power into his being. The mountains, the grass, every inhabitant of the castle, contributed to this source of energy…magic, magic everywhere… and it was part of him.
"At last," he said.
Hoggle lifted his hand and caressed Jareth's cheek as he said, "Sleep well Jareth. Don't worry; you'll see your precious Sarah. After all, I keep most of my promises."
Speaking alien words of black magic, combined with the power of the labyrinth flowing into his body, Hoggle brought forth a figure into the room. It was the thin sleeping body of a hunched over old woman. Her skin was gray, her face rounded, and creased by deep wrinkles; her body clothed in tattered badly sewn robes of various materials. Her hair was a long sweep of white.
Hoggle clutched the pendant hardly able to contain his glee as he stepped near and towered over the unconscious body on the floor.
"Wake up Hoggle. I will have my body back now."
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A/N: Okay I lied; I didn't explain what happened yet with Hoggle and the Gray witch (Bad girl! Bad!) But I was so excited for once with my idea that it just had to be put on my laptop. Eeee! (Jumping around) I really like what I did for once. And it was a quick update! Miracles really do happen! Yay, happy reading, and please tell me what you think!