THE FOLLOWING STORY IS FOR ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES ONLY. THE LABYRINTH NOR ITS CHARACTERS BELONG TO ME.

Thank you all for your patience in waiting for this next chapter. It has not been easy trying to wrap this up. As you read, keep in mind loose ends are starting to tie up. Don't hate Stephen too much, the reality of it all is hitting him far too hard now. Sarah has a kingdom to run and save. Hoggle's background is being explained a little for plot purposes. Any questions, please ask.

ENJOY THE STORY. REVIEWS ARE ALWAYS WELCOME

Sarah paced her room, she was very tired and stressed from the recent events. She tried looking for Hoggle and Ludo using a crystal, but only dark images were appearing. She even tried looking for Jareth, but barely had enough energy to form another crystal. Sleep would do her good, nothing more could be done for the moment. Sarah fell asleep before her head even hit the pillow.

There was darkness, a damp smell she couldn't identify permeated her surroundings. She looked around seeing what she could only describe as roots of trees, as if she were under them hurried deep. There was a cave like feel to the place, with very little light. The light there came from insect-like creatures that resemble fireflies.

"Sarah." Someone said her name softly. "Sarah, help." The gruff voice said again. "Where are you? I can't see you." She walked towards the thickest root there. Next to the root she saw the image of Jareth flickering. From his looks, he was bloodied and bruised. Quickly she crouched next to him. "Is this real?" She asked. "I am not sure, but if it is real you must hurry. There are orcs guarding us, they barely let us sleep. Sarah, once the dark queen takes over the goblin kingdom, we will no longer be of use to her. I will no longer be of use."

Sarah made it a point not to cry, but was failing terribly. "How is Sir Didymus? Is he..?" Sarah could not finish her question. Jareth smiled at her weakly. "Brave old buzzard that he is, the fool. He wouldn't leave us. I ordered him to escape, to get back to you and warn you. There is a spy in the castle, and I know who it is. I found out too late." Sarah was at a loss for words, she looked at her surroundings, trying to find any clue to help. "Hoggle. You must find him. He knows this place. Search for him, he will tell you everything." Sarah began to attempt to tell him of their predicament, but he began fading. " I fear I am being woken." With that he fizzled out. Darkness took hold of Sarah once more.

Light flooded her surroundings, her eyes hurt trying to take everything in. "Your Majesty, breakfast is ready, the Wiseman be waitin' to be announced" Sarah groaned in response as the goblin limped out of the room. She realized they lasted the night without any major attacks. It didn't take her long to finish her breakfast, and with a swipe of her hands she was cleaned and changed. Once again she took audience with the Wiseman, making her final preparations. Stephen had been on the corner of her mind, what was she to do with him?

"So, we have a plan, now let's not screw this up. I have a rather important task, should things go wrong, should the dark queen win…" Sarah took a deep breath before continuing. " Make sure Stephen is safe above. Keep him safe." The Wiseman nodded silently, and for once the bird at the top of his head kept his remarks to himself.

The Goblins began their work, all the creatures had been preparing in shifts allowing enough time for rest. Even though they were strong and resilient, they were not immortal. Sarah came to care a great deal for them, and would not want to lose a single goblin, fiery, or whatever. Sarah quickly prepared herself for the battle ahead, and was now sitting in the throne room awaiting her 'guests'. She was found sitting in Jareth's 'chair', riding crop in hand. She was dressed much like when Jareth had first appeared to her, except with blood red heeled boots to go with. Why change a classic?

"Queenie!" Herb, a goblin, yelled. As she looked up she found 5 soldiers before her, two female and three male "Queen Sarah," their leader spoke, taking a quick bow. "The Wiseman gave us a passage, you were expecting us." Sarah nodded. "Yes. I was told there are those in king Lucius court who still hold allegiance to their king. It is a shame he was betrayed."

The guard's face spoke volumes that he was not pleased with the betrayal of his people. "It's almost as if they are cursed, and have no thought for themselves. We are greateful to have such a great ally as the queen of the goblins. Let me introduce you, your Majesty." She nodded, looking over each of them. "My name is Donnchadh, Majesty, second in charge of king Lucious guards. To my left is Callum, to my right is Morag, behind her is Alastair, and last but never least darling Greer." They all bowed slightly, all armed with swords or bows, and other things she was sure she had never seen.

They all were clearly of the Elvish race, from what she could see from their ears to their built to their poise. The men and women both were more muscular than what the above portrayed them as, maybe it had to do with them being elite warriors and all. She was surprised to see the women had long hair, pulled back beautifully in the way Sarah could dream to have.

She looked each of them over, carefully repeating their names mentally. Sarah and Morag held each other's gaze, as if silently communicating with each other, one nodded so slightly it was completely missed by all others. " I was told you all know the dangers ahead, and you all know your tasks. I have a gift for each of you, should you accept it, it will help you on your journey." Five crystals appeared in Sarah's right hand, twirling at a steady pace. "I warn you, the power is limited, had there been more time.." She looked away quickly ashamed of herself for several reasons, and returned her gaze to the five once more. "

No response was given, but they all understood. As she stood up, Stephen entered the throne room. "Your Majesty, may I have a word?" He bowed, mockingly paying no attention to the 5 guards with their weapons drawn. "Stand down." Was all she said. To her surprise he showed no fear, but that didn't mean he wasn't feeling any fear. He did not wait for a further response, just gave her a quick look over. "I see you are packed and ready to save your husband." Stephen said with disdain.

Sarah turned to the group of warriors, and back to Stephen. She walked a little further from the group, trying to assimilate some sort of privacy. "Stephen, I have to go try and save the Goblin king. If you haven't noticed the Labyrinth is under attack, she is doing what she can, but the dark Queen's army is huge! I have a duty to my people." She was no longer being nice, she was finished trying to explain herself. "I did not ask for this, but to leave them in time of need is cruel, and something I am sure even you can understand." Stephen was red in the face, rage pouring through him. He felt stupid, used, and wasn't really sure why.

"Why does it have to be you? Are you the only one that can do this? Are you the only one powerful enough? Why you, Sarah? And what about us? What about me? I know we haven't been together for long….you said you wanted to try. Did I make this whole relationship in my head? I love you Sarah. And now you want me to walk away while you go on this dangerous quest. I've lost too many people already." Sarah sighed, chewing on her bottom lip. " I don't know if I am the only one that can do this, who knows maybe I am not powerful enough to even pull off my part of the plan, but I am damn sure going to try.

I am sorry I have hurt you, I really did want to give us a try. You have no idea what I am giving up at this moment. I too have lost people, don't ask to be one of them. It's too dangerous for you here. You have to go back above. Trust me, it's for the best." She created a crystal ball and quickly spoke an incantation, then handed it to him. "Take this, go home. Just throw it up in the air, and it will take you home. The only thing you will remember is dropping me off, and going back home." She felt tears forming, but refused to let them fall. "It's for the best."

Sarah turned, walking away leaving Stephen behind. Donnchadh and the rest followed without saying a word. They all went to Jareth's waiting room when Herb once again showed up. Hello! Queenie, your Majesty. The Fairy queen wants a word." Sarah looked at her company. "We will go ahead, one of us will stand guard." Donnchadh said to her, bowing quickly as one stayed behind. "Go, bring her to me quickly Herb." Sarah said, giving Herb a small smile.

Herb ran as fast as he could, having the queen here gave all the goblins hope that kingie would soon return. If anyone could bring him back, it would be that champion. He finally reached the fairy queen. "She ready for ya. Don't go bitin' neitha!" Herb lectured the fairy queen, giving her stink eye with finger pointed and all. The queen ignored her, barely giving him a tsk. The queen was not alone, as she had a horde of fairies following.

Reaching their destination, they were allowed to enter Jareth's waiting room. Sarah and the queen gave each other a quick nod. "We have word that the rock caller and that stupid dwarf have been caught. They were last seen being chased. It is not safe for you to go. If you are captured as well, all will be lost." Sarah nodded. "You must stay, hide here." Sarah shook her head no. "I have to go, there's no other way." The queen smirked at her, snapping her finger at her horde twice. They quickly began flocking around Sarah, swirling around her, and quickly off. Slowly they began to huddle around each other, forming an exact replica of Sarah. All Sarah could do was look in awe, seeing her exact copy before her.

"Incredible!" Morag finally spoke. "I agree." Sarah replied. Her replica smiled and did a slight curtsy. "Thank you." It was her own voice, and she didn't know how to react. Before she could respond any further, Herb walked in as jolly as ever. His clothes were tattered, he carried a small bag like Hoggle's, and had a peg leg strapped to his boot. He took a small plastic pipe out of his bag, and began blowing bubbles from it. "Your Goblin is rather random is he not?." Morag spoke looking rather repulsed. "Are you kidding, he plays Hoggle in all the reenactments at our annual festival. He subs for the rooster when…nevermind."

"Are you ready, Herb?" Herb nodded, with a wicked glint in his eye. Being one of the smarter Goblins, he worked perfectly for what they needed. Sarah took a step towards the Goblin. "Herb, catch." The fairy queen walked around Herb's new form, eyeing him suspiciously. "Not bad." Was all she said. "Now, it's your turn." Herb walked to the closest mirror, holding a crystal ball courtesy of the goblin queen. "Well, precious, what do you think?" Sarah scoffed while Herb turned to her. "I was speaking to myself no offense Majesty, but yous nots me type."

Hoggle's Point of View

Hoggle ran as fast as he could, not knowing how they were found, but they were. Orcs were well known for their ability to smell out their prey. He had hoped the dampness of the caves, plus a few other smells would make them less noticeable. Him and Ludo needed a place to hide and rest, only hope to find the next passage out kept him from quitting. His memory wasn't what it used to be, and he really didn't run into anyone from his past. Up ahead, he saw an old cabin, with a smile he grabbed a handful of Ludo's fur. "We goes in thru there, come quick. Old Hoggle still has a few tricks up his sleeve."

He quickly removed a few jewels from his bag, again saying a quick incantation while throwing them in the air. The change in the atmosphere was so slight you can barely feel the difference. Only those with strong magic would notice the difference, but the Orcs being simple creatures saw nothing out of the ordinary. Instead a false trail had also been added in the mix, leading them further away from their intended destination.

Hoggle and Ludo sat and rested for what seemed like forever, their joints aching. Finally Ludo got up and began looking around. "Stay within the stones, big guy." Ludo sniffed the air only nodding in response. Hoggle rummaged through the cabin, seeing what he could find. He took a loaf of bread from his satchel, and a knife from the cupboard, and began making a meal.

Ludo finally entered a half hour later, apparently finding the well in the back where he gave himself a quick washing. "Ludo clean. Ludo hungry." Hoggle couldn't help but laugh. "Yeah, you should smells better now. Won't have the Orcs looking for whatever you are. Eat. But don't finish it all ya big lug." Ludo smiled, grabbing a hand full of food off the table. He said nothing more to Hoggle, opting to finish his meal in silence.

The dwarf on the other hand, sat remembering the last time he hid here. He wasn't wasn't always a dwarf, having been born in a medium ranked home. His father was an assistant to a member of the unseelie court, and was being trained for the position. Hoggle wasn't even his name, it was something later changed. His father became ashamed of him for never taking his place seriously, not respecting their ideology that the Unseelie court must take control of the underground. Hoggle chose to spend his time wooing noble women from the Unseelie court. It didn't matter if they were married, single, or engaged. He was paid for his time, not only in coin, but with jewels and magic one as lowly as he would never possess. He loved knowing these so called noble women would stoop down to one such as himself.

Then one day, he went to visit his father and ask him for money, again. His father was tired of his philandering ways. He was also a coward. Of all the things to happen to him, was that dreadful day in his father's office when she walked in. The unseelie queen went to visit the member of the Unseelie court, but only found Hoggle and his father instead. "Your Majesty." They both greeted her, but only Hoggle went up to her to kiss her hand. Of course the dark queen had heard of Hoggle and his exploits, she knew everything that happened in her realm.

Hoggle saw her as another upper class snob who needed to be put in her place. He was foolish. Little did he know the outcome of being the Unseelie Queen's whipping boy. The worst part was believing his own con. Who would have thought the dwarf would fall in love with the queen. She treated him badly and humiliated him every chance she had. Then one day he met a kitchen worker. She was beautiful. The queen saw the look in Hoggle's eyes when the young maiden went to serve the queen her meals.

The queen began to see how Hoggle would make his way to the kitchen when he was not with her. She had spies all around keeping an eye on him, she never understood why. Him and the maiden became fast friends, then one day the girl gifted him a kiss on the cheek. He never felt anything like it, not any of the women he had ever been with, nor the Unseelie queen herself made him feel this way. They soon made plans to leave, hoping they could both escape.

The queen had other plans. Hoggle gathered their things, taking his secret stash of jewels and coins he had saved. It wasn't much, but he hoped it would be enough to leave. On the day they were t leave, the queen called him to her quarters. She had announced that she had a gift for him. She announced that she was to make him a prince. Hoggle went up nervously, while the maiden awaited at their secret location. "Darling dear. Come, give me a kiss." Hoggle walked slowly up to her. Fear in his eyes. "My dear darling, today I wish to make you prince. My darling lover, would you like that?" He shook his head between yes and no "It's not that I don't appreciate it .." The queen scoffed at him. "But I insist. You have been a very giving lover, you do love me don't you? You told me you would do anything for me?" Hoggle shuffled nervously.

"I could have anyone I wish, did you know this? Did you know I once had the Seelie king as a lover? My sister the were ched vile that she is convinced him that I was evil and plotted his murder before even having breakfast? I want to make her pay. Will you help me do that? Make her pay?" The room was silent. No one could even be heard breathing. "I have had many from the my court beg to share a bed with me. And many did, until a certain little scab of a dwarf to them to his stable. Not even a decent bed, but to my stables! And they enjoyed his company. I went looking for this supposed great lover, and found you. Pathetic really "

Hoggle gulped not knowing what to say. "You took 2 of my best lovers, and one you left…mmmm….with a small burden." He stood there, losing all color in his face. He never knew this. "Oh. Did you not know? Call Cora." Cora came up after being summoned, eyes not showing any emotion, as if she was almost dead inside. She sat at the dark Queen's feet. "How are you feeling today?" She asked. "Better, the cramps have subsided." The dark queen waved, dismissing her. As soon as Hoggle saw her, he remembered who she was. "Don't fret, the burden is no longer….a concern." The dark queen smiled. The smile sent chills down his back. "If only my burden had been tooken care of instead of tooken. A burden I once carried, and knows not to whom he belongs to."

She tsked and stood, walking towards Hoggle. "Where's your love?" She whispered in his ear. "It's never good to leave precious things laying around. I wonder if she would still love you with out this beautiful face of yours." With that the dark queen formed a black crystal, laughing wildly as she screamed a spell towards Hoggle. He didn't wait, he ran as fast as he could. "Run Herbert! Or shall I call you Hoggle, that's the only way you'll make a living now! You disgusting little scab of a….dwarf!" Hoggle felt an something hit his back, and explode in a pile of black thick glitter. Once he got up he looked at his hands, they no longer were recognizable. He continued to run to his love, hoping she was still there.

There you have it. I hope to have the next chapter posted in a week's time.