Chapter 13

In the dark recesses of Mount Titma, the Temptress sat on her throne, all the arrangements where in order for the Champions arrival. She smiled evilly to herself when she thought of all the things she would do to the Goblin King. And the first thing she would do is kill his love in front of him and then watch him weep over her dead body. Here thoughts were interrupted as a dark creature entered the throne room standing up she yelled,

"I thought I told you that I do not want to be disturbed."

Bowing down he responded quickly, "I am sorry Mistress but Waylinn has returned."

She had almost forgotten about the soothsayer, "Send him in."

With a jerk of his hand the creature gestured for the guards to bring him in. Wailing like a wounded animal they brought the seer to the foot of the throne and threw him to the floor and as he looked up he asked,

"I did everything you wanted Mistress may I have my award?"

Looking at the Fae kneeling before her she spoke with revulsion, "You foolish man you got yourself sent to the Forest of Darkness because of your lust for an elfin maid and put mine and Lord Drayton's plans behind schedule and now he is dead and you dare ask me for your award."

So needed for the power she gave him he replied, "I am sorry Mistress I swear I will never let it happen again let me…"

With discuss she called out to her demons, "Take him away and throw him into the lake of fire."

As the dark demons grabbed the seer's arm he struggled against them and ran to the Temptress and grabbed her feet and cried, "Please Mistress, have mercy…there must be something I can do…Let me face the Champion and destroy her for you…I will do anything you ask…."

Looking down at the Fae at her feet the human side of her emerged, "Okay soothsayer, you can face the Champion in the outer Chamber when she arrives."

Turning her back to the fallen Fae she quickly pushed the humanity aside and went to sit on her throne as the seer called out, "Thank you Mistress I will not fail you."

As Waylinn left the chambers she sent everyone else out of the room and sat back to let the humanity disappear deep within her soul and allow the darkness to consume her once more.

Over the next couple of days Christine and Jareth spent as much time together as possible and when they were separated their minds still sent words of love to each other. To Christine the feelings she felt coming from Jareth were still overwhelming to her but thankfully it was getting easier for her to cope as the days turned into nights. Jareth was a studious pupil as Matilda taught him how to channel his magic to his Champion the only problem that they had was as Jareth touched her mind usually their thoughts would shift to how they would make love to each other that night instead of focusing on the spells they were suppose to be practicing. But as the day she would face the Temptress drew near they tried really hard to focus on the magic instead of their bodies and were elated to find that the channeling was successful.

Smiling at the couple Matilda stated, "I think you both are ready for the Temptress."

As she disappeared from the gardens Christine sat down on one of the many benches and asked, "Jareth do you think I am ready to defeat the Temptress."

Knowing that his love needed his support he replied gentle as he sat beside her, "I think my dear that you are as ready as you will ever be and I know that you will be triumphant because you are not only fighting for our kingdom but you are fighting for our love." Jareth stood up quietly and continued, "And I promise to be with you every step of the way."

Christine looked up at her husband and as she placed her hand into his outstretched one, she knew that he would do everything in his power to keep his promise. As the couple walked into their castle Christine felt all the self-doubt disappear from her and with renewed determination she promised that she would never let it interfere with her destiny ever again.

On the eve of the confrontation Jareth called everyone into the throne room to finalize all the plans and to make sure that everyone was ready. He turned toward Adrianna and asked, "Is your goblin militia ready for action."

Nodding her head the young elfin replied confidently, "Yes they are ready and so am I. We will be leaving at dawn."

Proud of his friend he turned to the goblins and commanded, "Each of you will follow Adrianna's and Lady Katrina's commands without question." Then he continued kindly, "I know that you all will honor your King and Queen with your bravery and strength and when you return each of you will be rewarded for your service."

With that said he watched as Adrianna, Lady Katrina, and his minions left the room and in a quiet voice that only Christine could hear he said a quiet prayer to the Elementals, "I beg of you please return them all safely back to me."

Looking at her love she felt his fear for them and as she touched his shoulder she commented, "Do not fear they will all return I know it."

Touching her hand he replied, "I hope you are correct but my deepest fear is that you will not return to me."

Turning him around to face her she said with conviction, "I will return Jareth, we must have faith in our love and in our destiny otherwise all will be lost."

Looking into her determined eyes he knew that she spoke the truth and nodding his head he replied, "You have come a long way since you first stepped into the Underground."

Slowly he closed the gap between them and kissed her with all the love in his heart and as they parted a clucking noise drew their attention away from one another and when they saw their unexpected visitor they both started to laugh as the watched Matilda enter the throne room with a tray of tea.

"Thank goodness you guys are betrothed otherwise we might have to chaperon your every move for fear you will embarrass the Kingdom." She stood before them and placed the tray on one of the steps and continued, "I thought you both could use some tea that will help you sleep so that you both will be well rested before the conflict tomorrow."

The couple sat on the step with the tray between them when Christine commented, "Thanks Mattie this is exactly what I need, because I fear sleep will not come easy to me tonight."

Leaving the couple to drink in peace Matilda left the throne room and as she closed the doors she said quietly, "May the Spirits guide you Champion and help you complete your destiny."

Silence enveloped the King and Queen in the throne room as they drank their tea both feeling a little nervous about-facing the Temptress the following day. Christine placed here cup down and looked intently at Jareth and connected her mind to his, she felt his worry and concern for her she cleared her throat before speaking quietly,

"Jareth I know that tomorrow is going to be very difficult for you. I can just imagine how it must feel to rely on someone else to fight your battle especially when it is someone you love," after a brief pause she continued, "but I want you to promise me no matter what feelings you sense from me while I am in the mountain that you will not interfere."

Looking at her many feelings and thoughts went through his head. Earlier in the day he decided that if he felt death lurking around her that he would go and rescue her and to hell with the curse, but now as he listened to her request of him he knew that if he made the promise to her he would have to honor the agreement.

Noticing his hesitation Christine pleaded, "Please Jareth I beg of you, promise me you won't interfere, it will be hard enough to defeat the Temptress alone but it will be harder if I have to worry about you."

Jareth, slumped his shoulders in defeat replied, "I promise not to interfere while you are at Titma."

With an audible sigh she kissed his lips, "Thank you for your promise."

She stood up and grabbed a hold of Jareth's hands and transported both of them to their bed chambers, once there Christine started to undress seductively as her love watched and as the last piece of clothing fell to the floor she spoke quietly,

"Now my husband let us make beautiful music together before the morning sun rises."

Jareth scooped her into his arms and laid her gently on the bed and as they explored each others bodies they let all their worries and concerns fade into the night. Soon they were united as one, and the love they felt for each other enveloped both of their minds and bodies and erupted into a symphony of passion. He moved slowly inside her body and felt the sensations of their lovemaking flow through his every nerve. As his movements quickened he felt her body shutter signaling her satisfaction soon afterward Jareth felt his body convulse with his own orgasm and as his body started to settled from the intensity he felt Christine's body react again as she called out his name with her own final release.

While they both lay contented in each other's arms and let their heartbeats return to normal, Christine snuggled deeper into Jareth's arms and fell to sleep peacefully. Jareth laid in the bed looking out at the darkened sky that noted the coming of the new moon, he could still feel his wife's spirit within his soul and as he focused on her energies he noticed another soul within her, as he focused harder on this new essence he found that it was just a dim light, and as light brightened with his concentration a realization manifested itself to him.

Quickly he sat up in his bed awaking Christine from her sleep, startled she spoke. "Jareth what is wrong has the Temptress attacked?"

Without answering her he quickly got on his robe and opened the door calling for Snout. Not knowing what was happening Christine followed suit and retrieved her robe. Soon after she tied her robe straps together there was a knock at the door.

Jareth opened the door addressed the goblin, "Get Matilda for me and ask her to come here immediately."

Snout replied hurriedly, "Yes My Lord." and ran down the hall to complete his task.

Christine now was really worried and asked again, "Jareth what is wrong… what has happened did the Temptress attack?"

Turning to his wife he spoke quickly, "No she hasn't attacked and you will not face her tomorrow!"

Confused she replied, "What do you mean Jareth? I have to face her or your kingdom is lost."

Quickly he closed the distance between them and grabbed her arms gently, "Things have changed my love we will find another way."

Before she could inquire further a knock sounded at the door. Jareth quickly answered it and allowed Matilda to enter into the room. Still confused Christine listened intently while Matilda questioned Jareth with worry in her voice,

"What is wrong, Snout just said you needed to see me right away?"

Taking a deep breath to calm his nerves he answered his dear friend, "Mattie I need you to examine Christine, I sensed another essence within her."

Mattie's faced turned from worry to amazement before replying, "Are you sure Jareth?"

Without hesitation he nodded his head yes, tired of being left out of the conversation Christine stepped forward and spoke loudly, "Jareth if you do not tell me what is going on I am not going to be responsible for what I might do to you!"

Turning to her he led her to the chairs in front of the fire so he could explain, "When I was resting I felt another magical essence within you, the only time a Fae has duel energies inside them is when the Fae is a female, and with child."

Looking at her husband in disbelief she did a quick mental calculation in her head and the results astounded her. When she and Jareth made love for the first time she was at the most fertile stage of her cycle and now she was carrying his child but what was even more amazing was that she wasn't very long in the pregnancy and Jareth sensed it.

Confirming her thoughts he placed a hand on her abdomen and spoke lovingly, "Yes, you are," placing her hand over his she smiled at him as he continued, "I asked Mattie here so she can confirm what we already know."

Matilda walked over to the couple and grabbed Christine's hands and led her to the bed so that she could examine the young Queen more closely. Christine lay on the bed and relaxed and soon she felt Mattie's magic touch her body from head to toe, she intertwined her magic with the older Faes and as their powers converged on her abdomen and she was amazed. For the first time she sensed the child within her, as joy enveloped her body she understood why Jareth didn't want her to face the Temptress and as she thought about the upcoming conflict, sadness entered her soul and she knew that she must complete her destiny if there was going to be any hope for the future.

After the examination was over Christine felt the older Fae's magic withdraw from her and as Mattie rose from the bed she spoke with happiness, "I think congratulations is in order you are going to be the mother of a beautiful child."

The new Queen sat up from her prone position and held out her hand to her love and guided him to sit beside her on the bed, taking a deep breath she spoke quietly, "I am happy that I am carrying your child but I still need to face the Temptress."

Jareth opened his mouth to speak when she place a finger against his lips and continued, "If our child is to have a good life the vile woman that plagues our kingdom must be destroyed and forever erased from our lives."

Knowing that she was corrected he turned to Matilda and asked, "Is there any way that we can protect our child from harm until the confrontation is finished?"

The older Fae thought for a moment before replying, "Yes I think there is a way but it depends if Mother Earth would accept your unborn child."

Closing her eyes tightly Christine called for the Elemental Earth and before she opened her eyes she felt a warm breeze that signaled the arrival of the brown dressed woman. The elegant woman spoke kindly,

"Why have you called me here Queen of the Goblins?"

Christine rose from the bed and replied, "I have a request that I hope you will grant. The King and I just found out that I am with child and we were hoping that you might care for my little one till I return from Titima." And with a slight hesitation she continued, "And if I should fail in my quest to defeat the Temptress will you raise our child as your own?"

Jareth stood up from the bed and wrapped his arm around his wife to give her some moral support because he knew that her request of Mother Earth was a difficult decision his wife had made. The Elemental looked at the royal couple standing before her with admiration it takes a lot of courage to give up a child for it's safety and protection and to make sure that it is well cared for incase something should happen.

She bowed and answered, "I will be honored to protect your unborn child and raise it as my own if the need should arise, but I can only do this if the Goblin King desires it as well."

Christine looked at Jareth hoping he would give his blessing, after what seemed to be an eternity he spoke quietly, "Even though I wish our child to remain within my wife I know that she is correct, our child needs to be cared for till our return from Titma."

Nodding her head the Elemental stated, "As you wish so it will be done."

She raised her arm draped in brown and produced a crystal. Christine watched as the crystal moved toward her stomach and disappear through the skin, surprisingly she didn't feel any pain just a warm sensation pulsing though her body. After a brief moment she watched the orb emerge from her and inside the crystal she saw both her and Jareth's essences intertwined in a complex pattern. Slowly the precious sphere entered into Mother Earth's abdomen signaling that the transfer was complete.

The Elemental smiled at the King and Queen and spoke lovingly, "Your child is safe and I will protect it with my very life until your return."

Unable to speak Jareth and Christine bowed their thanks, and in a flash of brown Mother Earth departed from the bedchamber.

Matilda who silently witnessed the transfer cleared her throat and commented, "You both are very wise and loving parents, now I suggest you both rest… dawn quickly approaches."

Jareth nodded his head and replied, "Thank you Mattie we will see you in the morning."

As the older Fae disappeared Jareth turned to his wife and noticed tears flowing down her cheeks embracing her tightly in his arms he said, "Do not cry there is no reason to be sad our child will be returned to you very soon."

Smiling through her tears she replied, "They are not tears of sadness but they are tears of joy because I know that you and I will welcome a child in our life in about nine months."

Leading her to their bed he replied lovingly, "Yes, you have given me the most wonderful gift but it won't be nine months it will be more like twelve months a Fae child takes longer to develop then a human child."

Looking up to her husband in surprise she said, "You mean I am going to be pregnant for a whole year?"

Chuckling he drew her close to him and covered up them with the warm comforter and replied, "Yes but I think you will be able to handle it, now sleep I want you to be rested so we can defeat the Temptress and get on with our lives."

Cuddling close to him Christine felt her body relax and the last thought that entered her mind before sleep overcame her was that she had another powerful ally on her side she was fighting not only for their love but also for the future of their child and her grandmother always said when a mother fights for her child the mother always wins. Smiling she fell asleep peacefully.

Christine awoke at dawn to an empty bed as she looked around she saw Jareth dressing in front of the mirror. She gazed at him as he placed the final piece of his battle garb on, and thought that he looked very powerful and menacing with his black pants and red shirt that was covered with a silver breastplate the bore the mark of the Goblin King. As her gaze came in contact with his eyes in the reflection of the mirror she saw determination and power emitting from them, connecting their minds she felt his focus on the task ahead of them. Rising from bed she walked to his side and gently touched his shoulder as he turned to face her, his faced softened as he asked,

"How did you sleep?"

Raising her hand to his cheek she replied, "Remarkable well considering everything that happened last night but I have a feeling that tonight will be even more chaotic."

Chuckling he replied, "I think that you may be right. Do you feel ready?"

Shaking her head she replied, "Not quite yet..." Looking at her with disbelief Jareth wondered what was wrong but before he could respond she quickly finished, "….I will be when you show me my suit of armor."

Releasing the breath he was holding he walked into the closet and returned with an outfit similar to his but the pants were made of leather, as well as the shirt. But the thing that caught Christine's eyes was the silver breastplate that looked immaculate in the morning light. As she stepped forward to touch it she felt a power that she had never experienced before, looking up at her husband she questioned,

"What is the energy emanating from the metal?"

Smiling he knew he wouldn't be able to hide the spells casts on her garments so as he helped her dress and explained, "Each piece of the outfit was made by a different inhabitant of the Labyrinth and each piece has a charm placed on it by them."

Jareth helped her into her shirt and pants and continued, "The leather pants were made by the Centurions at the outskirts of the Labyrinth it has an agility spell placed on it to help you through the corridors of Mt. Titima. The shirt was crafted by the Fairies around the gates of the Labyrinth and it enhances our own healing abilities." While he placed the breast plate onto her body he continued, "This was created by the goblins within the city and it has a strength spell on it which will help you if you have to lift any large objects as well as protect you from injury. Finally, our emblem, crafted by me which will help enhance our connection."

Christine felt an overwhelming sense gratitude to each of the creatures in their kingdom for their gifts to her and as soon as things settled a bit she promised herself she would visit each of them and thank them personally. Jareth stepped away from his Champion and allowed her to look at herself in the mirror, the reflection showed not just a Queen but a warrior Queen ready to destroy the Temptress she turned to her husband and stated with determination,

"I am now ready!"

Nodding his head he transported them in a whirl of royal blue color so they could see off Adrianna and Lady Katrina. As the royal couple appeared they saw Adrianna giving last minuet instructions to the goblins. Christine could not believe the change in Adrianna's appearance she had on the traditional elfin warrior garb and she had a vicious looking bow and arrow attached to her back as she approached them she could see the determination in the elfin's façade.

Bowing she addressed the King and Queen, "Everyone is ready we will depart in just a few moments."

Grabbing onto Adrianna's arms Jareth spoke fondly, "Please return home safe and sound my friend and when you return with Gaylord we will have the biggest homecoming the Labyrinth has ever seen."

Nodding her head Adrianna turned to Christine and pulled the Champions hair back and secured it with a leather clasp and said quietly, "This is a gift to you from my elf heritage it will bring you luck."

Hugging the young elf Christine whispered, "Take care my friend and come home safely."

Withdrawing from the Queens grasp Adrianna replied, "You better come home safely as well."

The somber moment was interrupted when Lady Katrina came forward and announced, "Adrianna we must go now."

Christine turned and embraced the councilwoman and said quickly, "Be careful my friend."

The royal couple watched their close friends mount their horses and race off to Titima to save Gaylord. Soon after the rescue party disappeared from view the skies darkened and clouds rolled in, as if the Underground sensed the conflict that was about to take place. Christine said a silent prayer to the Elementals to keep her friends safe and sound.

At Titma, the Temptress watched the sky darkened while at the same time she felt the dark power inside of her churn like the storm outside. Since the confrontation at Mastoria she did nothing except embrace the hatred and anger she felt for the Champion, channeling it into her dark magic. She felt embarrassed at the humiliation she endured while she was before the Council she couldn't believe that a human woman could capture the Goblin King's heart in such a short time. Jareth was suppose to be hers to do what she pleased and destroy methodically.

Every time she tried to send her magical threads into the Labyrinth to find out what their plans were she was rebuffed by the image of the Champion telling her she was forbidden to enter their land. As the Temptress continued to look out at the storm she allowed all her thoughts and feelings fuel the darkness inside of her and in a voice thick with hatred she spoke maliciously,

"Tonight Christine, Champion of the Labyrinth, you will die painfully and without mercy."

She turned from the window her blood red cape swishing at the abrupt movement and began to prepare for the Champions arrival.

Back at the Labyrinth, Christine paced the throne room anxiously waiting for Jareth to return from checking on the goblins within the city. He went to help them prepare for a storm that seems to be increasing in intensity every hour that passed. The Queen stopped pacing for the moment to look out the window hoping that the rain would not delay Adrianna's arrival at the back entrance to the dungeons at Titma. Their timing had to be perfect she needed to distract the Temptress while the rescue was taking place so they could escape without resistance.

So involved in her thoughts she didn't see the flash of white light that noted the arrival of the Spirit of the Labyrinth until she felt the soft hand on her shoulder. Startled Christine turned around ready to chastise the person that scared her when she realized who it was and bowed to the Spirit,

"I am sorry I didn't see you appear."

The Spirit just nodded her head in understanding and as she joined the young Queen at the window she spoke quietly,

"The Underground senses the upcoming battle between you and the Temptress the storm will increase in fury until you are victorious then things should start to settle down once again."

Turning to face the Champion she asked, "Are you ready to fulfill your destiny?"

Speaking with conviction Christine answered, "I am ready!"

The Spirit acknowledged with a nod then responded, "You have come far my Queen, you have learned how to use and control your magic. You have accepted Fates design for you and most importantly you have found a purpose in the love you have for Jareth. I have one more gift for you before you depart for Titima."

Christine watched as the beautiful woman created a crystal and with a turn of her wrist a dagger appeared with the purest form of light she had ever seen, slowly the Spirit presented it to her hilt first and spoke mysteriously,

"This dagger will slay the darkness that resides inside the Temptress's cold heart, it is the only way the spell can be broken."

Slowly Christine grabbed the dagger and as her hand touched it she felt the intensity of the magic that resided inside it with every nerve of her body. Slowly the Spirit of the Labyrinth walked away and spoke as she disappeared from the throne room,

"Be well Goblin Queen and return soon."

Christine barely registered the fading voice as she stared at the blade of light, mesmerized by the power. Jareth appeared in the throne room a moment later and saw his wife staring at the blade he had only heard of in legends and stories, the Dagger of Light.

He approached Christine and noticed a powerful aurora surrounding his beloved and spoke quietly, "Where did you get that my dear?"

Looking up from the weapon she replied, "The Spirit of the Labyrinth paid me a visit and gave this to me, she said it was the only way the darkness inside the Temptress could be slain and the spell broken but I really don't understand what she meant I thought everything would be fine once she was killed."

Jareth created a sheath and sling for the powerful weapon with his magic and placed the dagger into the soft leather. Then he placed the magical sling over her head and through one arm so it hung diagonally against her torso. Leading his wife to the throne chairs he knew that he had to tell her of the legend and hoped he could remember all the details of the long forgotten story.

Looking up at him in confusion Christine started to ask about the weapon when Jareth started to speak, "The weapon you have been given I believe is the Dagger of Light. Legend says that it is the only thing that can actually kill the evil darkness that resides in every one of us."

Still confused Christine asked, "But Jareth I have never seen you show any malevolence toward anyone, except Waylinn, and I know I could never do something to hurt someone badly so how can each of us have darkness inside us?"

Taking a moment to respond Jareth explained, "Yes, you are right but the darkness isn't just evil it is extreme anger unchecked or jealousy, it can even be greed or humiliation. Each person, Fae or human, has to make a conscious decision not to let those negative emotions overrun our life and soul. But sometimes someone like the Temptress comes along and allows those negativities to consume their minds, hearts and souls and then an essence of evil develops inside them which is called darkness and it grows inside them till nothing good remains."

Jareth paused just enough to allow a deep breath before beginning again, "Once the physical body of the Temptress is destroyed the darkness inside of her will emerge and look for another host, it is important that you use the Dagger as soon as you see the darkness because it is the most vulnerable it it's innate state in between vessels."

Looking at his love he concluded, "Legend also states once the darkness is slain with the Dagger of Light a hundred years of peace will be blessed upon the Underground. It seems my dear that you are not only going to save the Labyrinth but also the Underground."

Christine couldn't believe what he told her, but feeling the dagger at her side she knew it must be true, but on question plagued her, "Jareth, do you think that the darkness has completely consumed Sarah or is their still hope for her soul."

"I don't know Christine." Jareth responded. "She came to the Underground with good intentions but I fear that over the last ten years the darkness has consumed all the humanity inside of her."

Looking at his wife he saw multiple emotions cross her lovely features from sadness, fear, amazement and finally wonderment as she spoke quietly, "I am sorry Sarah is lost and I wish we could do something for her, but if the Legend is correct we will have many generations of descendants that will live in a peaceful world with out war or evil."

Nodding his head Jareth confirmed her statement. Christine leaned on her knees with her head in her hands feeling the burden of responsibility on her shoulders, her destiny seemed to become a bit more difficult to fulfill. As despair consumed her she thought about their unborn child and the many children she was sure to have and hope quickly banished the anguish she felt inside.

Jareth looked on as his love leaned on her knees and was about to console her when he saw her take a deep breath. When her eyes focus on his he didn't see the worry he expected but instead he saw hope and strength and at that very moment all his doubts and fears vanished. As he drew from her strength their contact was interrupted with the clock striking 11:00 PM hand in hand they both stood up from their thrones and in a flash they disappeared to complete their destinies and bring peace to their world.

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