A/N: Sorry guys my home computer went haywire and I had to retype the last chapters at work. Here's another one I'll put them all up as soon as they're ready.

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.

Chapter 24

They had just reached the small grotto's opening when Jareth let out a chuckle.

"What's happened here?" Looking up at the falling snowflakes. "Is this your doing?" turning to look at Sarah.

"Is it that obvious?"

"You do have certain flair." Elegantly hopping down into the pink pond and reaching up to help her down.

She let him pull her onto the thick liquid. With much difficulty they both made it onto the yellow grass still holding onto each other.

Jareth cleared his throat and let go of her.

"So where are the warriors?"

"The last I saw of them. They were following the tunnel behind the waterfall."

"It's not much of a waterfall now, is it?"

Sarah just stared at the Goblin King trying to figure out if he was joking with her or trying to bait her. She wondered how she could've missed such obvious seductive gestures on her previous trip. He waved his hand and all she could think of was its feel against her cheek. He'd lower his head and she'd imagine what it would be like to have him lean toward her. His beauty caused a strange longing within her. His elegance even while simply leaning against a tree was so spellbinding that she felt herself being pulled to him.

Intrigued by her movements he too found himself under a spell as she held his eyes captive. She finally stood in front of him and placed a delicate hand on his bicep. He wrapped his arm around her waist and pulled her to him until there noses gently caressed. She swallowed and looked into the eyes that had haunted her dreams. She felt his hands traveling up her back until one reached the base of her neck gently pulling her hair causing her head to fall back exposing her neck fully to him. He leaned down and caressed the arch with this cheek followed by his lips. The warmth of his breath sent a wave of heat to flow through her body. A small sigh escaped her.

This minute sound seemed to awaken Jareth from his trance. Pushing himself from the tree he was using to stabilize himself. He walked away from her.

"Sarah lets just wait for the sylphs. Perhaps, we could…talk"

Still trying to catch her breath, "Talk? Yes. Fine." Trying with all her might to shake off the memory of his long fingers intertwined in her long brown tresses. She noticed the heat still welling up inside her.

"Is there something specifically you had in mind?" feigning curiosity because to be honest she would have been more than happy to return to the previous distraction.

"Oh yes. Let's get back to this Jacob business. I am alarmed. I wish Paralda was here. He may be able to help."

"I've found that Paralda may not know as much as it would seem. I went to him after I left the Goblin Castle."

"Did you? And why was that?" Jareth's features became stiff reminding her of the emotionless mask that she recalled.

"I couldn't come to you with this dilemma we haven't…talked…and…we don't know each other …and I think that ….To be entirely honest with you I didn't think you would be considerate enough to my friend."

"Let me ask you something. Have you made your decision? Between us, that is. Your friend and I…" The corners of her lips curled at hearing the Goblin King so unlike himself. He was stuttering.

She looked to him as he looked straight into her eyes.

'she is confused. Just look at her.' Sarah heard.

"No. I haven't. I am confused just like you thought a moment ago."

He arched his eyebrow. "I'd almost forgotten that you can hear thoughts. Tell me. Have you heard any of our friend's thoughts?"

"Who? Paralda?" she smirked.

"Yes, that one." beginning to pace around her.

Was it possible that she was witnessing a human emotion from the Great Goblin King? A petty little emotion called jealousy?

"Does it matter?'

"I ask purely out of curiosity. Paralda is very complex, you know."

"I hadn't noticed. And to answer your question for some reason it seems yours are the only thoughts I can hear. Paralda has to send me his so that I can hear them."

She saw a small breath release from him as he turned to keep this detail hidden.

"I see. So about this decision that must be made…" he continued to pace and lifted the amulet to look at it, "How much time is left?"

"Soon. I need to decide soon."

"How much does this friend of your mean to you?"

She tuned with a scowl written in her features. "Why? Are you suggesting I sacrifice her?" she clenched her fist and stalked toward him.

Jareth took hold of her shoulders before she could reach him.

"Of course not! Is that what you think of me? I meant for you to sacrifice me. "

Her rage subsided and along with it all her strength She seemed to melt into the floor closely followed by Jareth.

"You don't understand. I don't think I can."

These words meant more to the Goblin King than she could've imagined. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes for a moment encircling her in his arms.

This moment, however brief, he made note to record in his heart until eternity.

Jacob had not moved from the room that his father had left him in. He was too angry and hurt. He began to pace so that the unshed tears would not fall and reveal the truth of his pain.

"I need to talk to someone." He left the room almost running down the hallway. Having already made up his mind where he was going. He needed to see her. The mortal. It was true that she was angry with him but he had to admit that after he spoke to her last, he had felt better.

He opened the door and strolled in. Expecting to see his red headed prisoner lying across the bed. Actually, in the last few hours he realized that he would have much rather have caught her sprawled across the bed. He hadn't expected to find an empty bed. He walked toward it looking underneath where he had first found her but did not see her. Off in the corner lay a small pile of dark material. It was the velvet sashes he had used to tie Myra up. He bent down to pick one up and brought it to his nose and inhaled the scent that belonged to her.

His eyes quickly snapped open.

"This is Paralda's doing!"

He ran through the castle with his hand at the hilt of his sword ready to plunge into the winged menace who dared to steal his love.

"Hoggle, I'm sorry but we simply can not wait any longer for these goblins to return. It is becoming increasingly dangerous for us all."

"Oh can'ts you just poof us outa here?" Hoggle whined.

"No. There is a protection shield that was placed after I "poofed" you out the first time."

He turned to the two young sylphs.

"I'm very disappointed in you. This was quite a foolish act and might I remind you that you could have been killed and very well still could be. I'm afraid I will have a word with your father when we return to the castle."

"Yes. Paralda." the youngsters said with heads bowed in shame. He walked over to them and placed a hand on each of their heads and sent to them.

'I am happy you are alright. I was worried.'

"Right. It's getting really crowded in here we must start now. Hoggle, you take Ludo, Didymus, and the two younglings out into the tunnels and wait for us. I will take the girl; we will meet you all there shortly."

Hoggle nodded and opened the door. Being careful not to make noise.

"It's clear let's go." Out they went one by one trailed behind by the ribbons of smoke that were the young sylphs.

Myra was nervous and a little excited at being left alone with this beautiful creature.

After the door was closed Paralda seemed to go still as if he was thinking of something.

"We must give them time to get to the tunnels, then we will make out way to them." he said feeling her eyes on him.

Still tongue tied she nodded her embarrassment.

He looked up at her with is opal eyes and said, "May I call you Myra?"

She nodded, "And what do I call you? Your Majesty? Paralda?"

"Paralda is fine. I am not a king. I am the Sylph's leader not their ruler. Sarah is our Queen."

"I hope she is alright." she saw his questioning expression and asked, "You know where she is don't you?"

"Yes. I know where she is. I sent her with my finest warriors to the High Castle. She'll be safe there. We are to meet up with them in the Forest of Sorrows and then we'll all go together for there is strength in numbers.

"And what about the Goblin King? Is he safe as well? I know about the amulet."

He looked at her quite surprised.

"You are a clever girl. Are you the friend that helped Sarah get back here to the Underground?"

"One in the same."

He smiled at her liking her more by the second. Her deep red hair caught the light from the small window and seemed to glow with the intensity of fire. Her eyes a dark shade of blue. As he looked into them they began to dance like the roaring ocean. He turned, catching himself examining her.

It was strange it was as if he had seen her before, as if he knew her. But that was impossible.

"Well, we should be going now. I don't think that this is necessary but I feel I should warn you that if we are caught I will be killed instantly. You are their only connection to the Queen and so you shall not be harmed. I'll travel as smoke like the younglings unless you'd like me to hold this form."

"Um I think I want this form." She giggled, "I'm just nervous and I'd feel better if you were there."

"Of course, Lady Myra."

"Just Myra. Cut the lady part."

He bowed and offered his hand which she eagerly accepted.

And out they went.

Myra watched as Paralda seemed to glide across the floor. She was quite aware of the clicking of her shoes on the marble floor.

He turned feeling her concern. Before she could protest he lifted her into his arms and they were headed town the hallway.

She reddened at the thought of being carried around.

'It's not so bad. I'll pretend we've just gotten married and Paralda is my new husband, shouldn't be too hard.' She even pictured herself in a lavish wedding dress.

Paralda looked down at her and gave her a big smile.

"You look lovely in that gown."

The smile left Myra's lips.

"I forgot. I'm sorry."

"No need. It would be an honor to be thought of in that way."

"What way is that?" came Jacob's voice from right behind them.

The color drained from Myra's face as she saw him standing there with sword drawn. Looking like some romantic hero in a play coming to rescue the damsel in distress.

"I have to hand it to you, Paralda. You've almost done it again. Almost. Myra, come here."

She slid down from Paralda's arms. But did not make a move toward him.

"No Jacob. I'm leaving with Paralda."

"Do not disobey me. You do not know my wrath. You place is here. AT my side."

Paralda was quite happy to see that his seeds had taken root within his mind.

"Jacob, please. IF she stays here you know as well as I do what will happen to her. The same as all the others."

"MY father has promised her to me."

"A promise as steadfast as the Bog once was. My son, come with us. Leave all this and your father. I know you are more than this." Gesturing to the rotted castle.

Paralda feeling Jacob beginning to come around sent to Myra.

'Convince him. He feels something for you. Do you not see, you are his weakness?'

She slowly walked toward him never losing his eye contact. His sword slowly lowering to the floor.

She leaned in and touched his cheek. He leaned into her touch.

"Jacob, please let me go. Come with me. You don't have to do this thing with your father. You are a good person that is why I am your friend."

His strength finally gave way to his emotions as his arms wrapped around her waist. They held this embrace for a moment before they heard the sound of ÆRNAY's men making there way toward them.

He whispered into her ear, "You are mine. Do not forget. I will come for you. Now go before I change my mind and kill this pest. "

Myra turned back to Paralda to flee but felt heaviness in her heart and ran back to Jacob and threw her arms around his neck. Kissing him full on the lips. A bolt of energy ran through her as his arms encircled her. He pushed her away, "Please go."

With reluctance she turned back to Paralda, who looked at a loss for words. But off they ran into the gardens and into the knot at the center of the tree.

BTW: During my hiatus I'll be working on my website putting up the pix for this story.

Calendae: Thnaks so much. Keep reading.

Mcfly85: No I hadn't mentioned "the collection" sooner because of an oversight in the editing stage. SORRY guys. Loads of J/S and J/M with some Paralda thrown in.I needs me some Paralda. Here a littel something for you Severin. ;)

Lhiata: Yummy cookies! No. thank you for reviewing.

Wickedgame: Thanks. You'll understand alot more by end of Act 2.

Batteredchild: Thank you. Will do.

westendwordsmith: I try to put something of my own humor in here. I only hope it's not lost on the younguns.

LabyLvrPhx: Yay a new one! You'll like Jacob alot more soon. He's a bad boy with a little something extra.