Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters used in the movie, Labyrinth, even though I do in my dreams. But that's another story in itself.

ACT II

Chapter 13

A beautiful hawk soared high above the Labyrinth. Searching, thinking, planning. A memory of the evil ÆRNAY's face so close to her own stating

"You get me Jareth's amulet and I'll give you this…this worthless mortal who seems to means so much to you."

She felt her chest tighten at the thought of her closest friend, Myra in the clutches of the two most evil beings she had ever encountered. She could not relax despite the beautiful scenery before her. Endless twists and turns. Even though the full glory of the Labyrinth had had not been restored Sarah still saw all the wonder and possibility of this world that surrounded her. It was not every body that had the ability or the chance to journey into such a wondrous place. Unfortunately for Myra it had not been pleasant thus far. Feeling the wind flowing through her feathered wings Sarah felt free, for just a moment. She knew what must be done. Her only option was to betray her one true love in order to rescue her best friend. Such a decision should never have to be made by any one.

She pictured Jareth's face, his hair, his mismatched eyes and wondered if her next encounter with him would be her last. She knew that as soon as the amulet was removed from his neck the protective magic held within would cease and he would be vulnerable to all of ÆRNAY's fury.

No. She would not sacrifice Jareth. She couldn't. It had taken her years to come to terms with what he meant to her now and always. It had all become so clear, as Paralda had mentioned before. Her past relationships with men had always been brief, for reasons she could not grasp, had always been distant at best. Her excuses that 'there were no good men out there' were ploys for her true feelings. Her heart was already spoken for. No one would replace her King.

Would that mean she was willing to sacrifice her friend? Her only true friend, who had a shoulder ready for her constant tears. The only one who listened to her. Who helped her when no one else would. The girl who allowed her to sleep in her studio apartment, giving up her own bed, after she had burned down her apartment. The very girl that as adolescents revealed that she was planning to save herself for marriage because it was what her deceased parents had expected of her. She could never have thought of a better friend than her Myra. Losing her was not an option.

If there was another way Paralda would know. He was said to be the oldest and wisest of all the beings in the Underground. She knew that she would need to return to his castle to check on her friends.

She had just spotted the mushroom tops below and began her decent. She landed with a small thud then transformed into her true form. She called upon Paralda,

'Paralda, I'm back. Is everyone alright?'

'Sarah !'

Paralda was still sitting upon his throne watching the Goblin King pace back and forth. Back and forth. Mumbling to himself. Questioning his every move. Jareth, the Goblin King had never questioned himself. He was known for his confidence. To see his friend in this state was alarming.

"Jareth, sit down you are going to make yourself ill. Not to mention that you are going to wear down my floor."

Jareth stunned at the tone in his friend's voice actually sat on one of the crystal chairs. No one had ever spoken to him in that manner, except for Sarah. His Sarah. He let his head fall into his hand.

"I can not lose her again, Old friend. I WILL NOT! If something happens to her you might as well wrap a bright pink bow on me and deliver me straight to my uncle."

Paralda stood from his throne to try to comfort his friend. He put his hand on Jareth's shoulder. He too knew what Jareth was going through. Sarah had shown but a glimpse of himself to him. Her soul, her mind, heart and of course her beauty was more than a man could ever want, mortal of not. The thought of harm coming to a strand on her head was infuriating. Although, he had no right to share these feeling with his oldest friend, he also thought that this fact may be an asset in saving the young mortal Queen. At the feel of Paralda's hand on his shoulder, Jareth stood to once again begin pacing.

Paralda knew that this was not a good sign. It was apparent that if they indeed could not save her, that his old friend would close his heart. And his true self would be lost forever.

He took a step toward him when he heard the sweetest sound in the entire universe.

'Paralda, I'm back. Is everyone alright?'

'Sarah !'

Jareth saw Paralda's face light up and the rest of his body tense.

"What is it old friend?" stepping closer to him.

"It's Sarah, she is in the forest. It seems that she has managed to escape on her own. I see she's far more powerful than either of us could've imagined."

"You've taught her well I see. Ask her if she's alright. And how she got away. And if she's left anything standing at the Castle. I shall like to return to a standing castle."

"Give me a moment!"

'Sarah , how are you? Are you hurt?'

'No, I'm not hurt. Physically anyway. I'm walking toward the castle. I need to speak to you alone. When I reach the castle please do not tell anyone of my return before I have a chance to converse with you. Especially Jareth. It concerns him.'

'But of course, My Queen'

'So are the others alright?'

'Yes, I have sent them to rest'

'And….. what about Jareth?'

'He's been sick with worry over you. As a matter of fact we were thinking of a plan for your rescue. So how is it that you have ended up back at my forest?'

'It's really a long story one I need to tell in your presence and yours alone.'

'I'm afraid I've told Jareth that you are in the forest'

'Well, I guess that is alright but I can not see him until after I speak with you'

'Sarah, I can transport you to your suite if you'd like'

"Alright, but tell Jareth that I am coming on foot so that we may have time for our conversation.'

'Yes, my Queen'

Paralda turned to his friend trying to think of what to tell him finally returning back to his throne, he left Jareth standing there impatiently,

"Well, what did she say?"

"Jareth, she is on her way but insists that she travel on her own. That gives you time to go to your room and rest a bit and quite possibly eat a small meal."

"Now that's ridiculous. I'll simply go to her and bring her back"

"Jareth, I'm afraid she has insisted. I feel she needs some time to collect herself. Please give her space or you will frighten her."

"I suppose you are correct." Jareth looked to the floor seemingly turning over what his friend was trying to tell him. "I will go to the kitchens and see what they have ready." Jareth faded.

Paralda was relieved that that he had convinced his friend to keep busy. He then disappeared only to reappear in Sarah's suite where she was waiting for him.

He was startled by her appearance. She was covered in dirt and her hair was tangled and piled on top of her head.

"My Queen, what have they done to you?" appearing at her side.

Stepping back, Sarah giggled, "No, no I transformed into the hawk but I guess I need to practice the landing a little."

He chuckled, "Oh. I'm glad to see you were not harmed. But you must tell me what had occurred to unsettle you so."

They both sat on one of the chaises'.

She began at the beginning telling him about the rescue then the confrontation back at the throne room. How she had seen Myra in the glass shard and ÆRNAY's request. And finally about ÆRNAY's army coming for him by night fall.

He placed a caring hand over hers, trying to pull some of the anger and frustration from her body.

"What do I do? Is there a way around this? I thought if there was another way you would know." She looked up hopefully.

"I'm afraid I do not see another way but before we lose all hope. I will consult with Sievem. In the meantime, you should bathe and get ready to see your friends. I'll have them all told you will be arriving within the hour." He stood and walked toward the door turning slightly to glance at her once more,

"Sarah, I will do what I can but I can not promise you positive results."

"I understand" she sighed and watched the door close behind him having a strange feeling that all her happiness would be leaving her soon as well.

A/N: I am typing this on a very cramped table that happens to be attached to the side of a bus. If you have ever been camping you know what I'm talking about. Like it's not enough that I hate to type now the keyboard has to move too. OK enough ranting.

I have all of 10 minutes to put this up.

I do this for you guys because I am also a massive fanfic reader and know that an unfinished story is unacceptable and should be punished by way of torture via tickling the bottom of the author's foot with a feather.

Oh for those of you who are going to be asking : ÆRNAY had to release Sarah because she needs to get the amulet, remember?

And Jareth takes crap from Paralda because he knows he is irrational when it comes to Sarah and also because Paralda is much much older than he.

I think I've answered all the ? that my critic (my 11 yr old son) brought to my attention. If you see any other things let me know

Moonjava: Thanx

angelwingz202: Thanks for reading

mcfly85: Hey girl! I love Back to the Future! Thanks for reading and hope to hear from you soon.

Amethystlainey: Thanks for being around.