Possible warning: Some graphic depictions of violence. Not on our heroes but still pretty violent. (some of you may even enjoy it, actually lol).
"Many of my movies have strong female leads - brave, self-sufficient girls that don't think twice about fighting for what they believe with all their heart. They'll need a friend, or a supporter, but never a savior. Any woman is just as capable of being a hero as any man."
- Hayao Miyazaki of Studio Ghibli
"Come out and face me, cowards!" He laughed, dropping Jareth's head back to the ground and used the heel of his boot to push his head further down into the earth. Anwir opened up his arms in mock welcome. "Or are you too afraid to watch as I detach his head from his body?"
The gates opened. Like the queen that she was, Sarah marched towards him. Before he could get a good look in at her face, her hands coming together to create a fireball that she hurled at the Erlking. The air left his lungs as he was hurled back, searing pain reverberating throughout his body at the damage she caused.
Prince Anwir hadn't expected her have magic, let alone the success of the execution of said magic. The Raí swarmed, ready to attack, but he waved a hand for them to stand down. No matter, this was a setback, not the end. "Stand down!" He got up slowly, seeing that two servants had secured Sarah, stopping her form doing more magic. "I will let this go, just once." He held his hand out to her, not giving her room for argument. "Now, honor the terms of the agreement. Give me his amulet."
"No!" Sarah shouted at him, green eyes ablaze with broken rage written all over her. Her screams pierced everyone in the kingdom, even if they didn't know the source of it. "You took him from me! There is no negotiation!"
When Sarah had seen Jareth's body go lifeless, it took all she could to not sink into despair. To should and weep and scream. Oh, she did scream, but she was fueled with wrath. With indignation. She would mourn him later but now was the time to be a queen.
Now was the time for vengeance.
"I came to the center before he did!" He shouted back. "You owe me my crown!"
At this, Sarah's face shifted as she gave a twisted laugh, shocking even Samuel. "The terms of the agreement was 'whoever reaches the center first at the end of thirteen hours, wins.' You didn't do that in the correct time frame. I owe you nothing."
The Erlking made a fist, his face hardening. To Sarah's satisfaction, his breathing seemed a bit labored after she burned him, his skin charred. He was weaker than he was letting on, for she could see the marks the barn owls left on his uncovered skin.
"Besides," Sarah gnashed her teeth together. "As Champion, it is my right to rule the Goblin Kingdom as queen regnant. And I will not surrender my power to you nor co-rule with you. I will die before I let that happen. You have no right here."
"No right?" The Erlking took a step towards her. "No right? You don't know anything, little girl."
"I thought I was too old to be desirable," she snapped back.
He ignored her comeback. "Did you and your pathetic Jareth not stop to think why I have these powers? Why I have command of the Realm of Dreams? Why I was able to actually survive my Run as he did?"
She didn't waver. Maybe any other time, she would have cared. But right now, Jareth was taken from her. She never got to go on an actual date with him. Never got to hold him next to her as she slept. Would never again hear him tell her he loved her. Would never make love to him and wake up with his body next to her. And now, she never would.
Maybe her mother was right. All she ever did was bring pain to all the people she cared about. But unlike Linda, Sarah was going to do her best to fix the damage around her.
"Whether you are or not, you won't find answers from anyone here," he continued, sneering at them. "because Queen Mór took it out of history as best as she could. You see, like your Jareth here, I also had a connection with the Labyrinth."
Everyone gaped at him. No, it couldn't be true. Because that would mean-
"I too, have a claim to the throne." He kicked Jareth's side, and this time, Sarah forced herself to not act, as much as the abuse to his body was tearing her up inside. "Why do you think I was such a threat to everyone? Me and my forward-visions and the High King, we could have brought peace and authority to the two worlds. I am here to stake my claim, to rule with Rian as kings of this world."
As much as they all wanted to deny it, it all made sense. Mara, as a scholar, couldn't believe that she didn't figure it out before. Samuel felt sick to his stomach. Lorraine just stared in shock.
To Sarah's surprise, she felt a sense of calm. Of a piece of the puzzle sliding in place to explain the madness. Why he decided to invade and believed he would win. Why he was able to roam around the Dreamworld and devour peoples fears. Why the Labyrinth was in pain whenever it caused the Erlking pain and why it felt betrayed by him. Why Mór hated him to the point of erasing him from history and why High King Rian fell for his charms. Why the previous High Queen sent him to the world of dreams instead of killing him. She probably cared more for her son's reputation and feelings than she did about the crimes the Erlking committed against innocent victims.
The knowledge empowered her, not bringing her down like the Erlking had expected.
He lifted his hand, creating a crystal. "So, step aside, or I'll have to eliminate you. To finish the job that I promised Rian I would do for our sakes. In return, I'll release everyone in the High King's palace."
Sarah threw her hand out, a sword appearing in her closed fist. It didn't matter that she never had prior military expertise, she wouldn't step down. Not when the kingdom depended on her. "No."
Anwir twisted his face in revulsion. "Then I have no choice but to kill you."
Mara stood next to Sarah, throwing her hand protectively in front of her, also summoning a sword. "You'll have to get through me first."
He gazed at Mara, his sinister grin aiming directly at her. "Why, you must be the Sorceress. It's a shame you choose to be with the losing side, you would be a valuable asset."
"That's where you're mistaken." Mara's sword glowed with flames. "I am a person, not an asset to be used and devalued."
The Erlking flicked a finger, commanding all his Raí to attack Mara. The soldiers with them fought with Mara, sending blazes of fire at the creatures.
Sarah swung her sword at the Erlking, who laughed at her slower, inexperienced human reflexes, letting her get a few hits at said sword. Had he been human, she would have gotten him in the head. Her anger was entertaining and he enjoyed toying with her. Watching her as she was filled with adrenaline and vengeance before being struck down ruthlessly. He had broken many spirits in the past, and each time felt like a fun game. He delighted in watching the light in their eyes fade as they finally submitted to him. It was so much better than killing them.
They were able to see the their own failures if they lived.
Just when he was about to make a strike to cut off her arm, Samuel stood in front of Sarah, blocking the Erlking's attack. The Erlking swerved around it, using evil magic that almost hit Sarah in the chest.
And he would have been successful, if it weren't for the block of energy that separated them. Samuel, Sarah, and the Erlking looked to the side.
Jareth stood up tall, his eyes bloodshot and his hand outstretched. His murderous eyes reflected a thirst for revenge, his teeth grinding as he took in the scene before him.
A few minutes ago
The Raí should have killed him. By all accounts, he should have been dead. They had smashed his body, crumpled it, and given him a whole host of other injuries to his many vital organs.
He was dreaming, he knew it. That brought him some comfort, but how much?
He found himself in the glowing cave once more, but this time, floating in the middle rather than standing. "Why am I here? How am I still alive?"
"King Jareth," the Labyrinth greeted him. "You are restored your life, powers, and authority as king."
He looked around, confused. "Then I must be asleep. Why is that? Why have you saved me?"
"You have been hurt by the Raí, and your body needs to heal from the pain it had been in. I have saved you because you have given me and Sarah your word that you would do all to protect me and your queen. You have also shown me this determination and dedication through your actions."
He knew how much energy that would have taken, and how much the Labyrinth would respect him for granting him this. "Thank you."
"Now, go and save your queen."
The present
They all stared, wide eyed at Jareth taking his wall of cracking lightning and threw it right at the Erlking, who dodged his attack. Mara took this time to kill about ten more Raí, pleased at the progress they were making.
Sarah tried to summon a shield for Jareth, but the Erlking easily broke through it. He found her standing there alone.
He might have been branded as a lunatic by this Goblin King, but he was no fool. He knew that even with the Raí, he could not kill the Goblin King if he hadn't already. There must be something else aiding him, and if Anwir wanted to win, he needed to risk it all.
He lunged after Sarah.
Everything happened so fast. Sarah had the wind knocked out of her lungs as the Erlking collided into her, flying away with her. Jareth screamed her name, using his magic to fly after her.
She found herself hardly able to breathe as she was held against the Erlking, her back against his front and one of his hands around her neck. "Jareth, if you come closer, I will snap her neck in half as I will yours!"
Jareth stayed where he was, floating in the air. The ice mask hardened his features, nearly impossible for Sarah to tell what he was thinking. She tried her best to convey to him that she was fine, that he should do what he needed to do. That she understood if he had to sacrifice her for the sake of the kingdom.
That it would be okay, because she knew that if anything happened to her, he would take care of Ben. That she was able to say how much she loved him.
She only regretted the fact that he, Ben, Toby, her parents, and other loved ones would have their hearts broken by her death. "I love you," she mouthed to him, happy that she could tell him this one last time.
The Erlking growled, squeezing Sarah's neck even tighter. She tried to not make a noise, but a tiny choking sound escaped her throat. Jareth swallowed, avoiding her eyes to focus. "Let her go."
"And what will you give me for her?" The Erlking questioned, his voice dangerously light and airy. "Because I want nothing short of your kingdom. The birthright that was mine to have, only to be taken from me because of some petty disagreements. Besides," he pressed her body to his. "I might keep her for myself. I imagine she's not so bad in bed. I will extend mercy on you one last time, even let you watch as I take her if that's what you'd like."
Jareth's whole body tensed. If he was willing to speak like this in front of him, what other war crimes had he committed behind the scenes? "You hunted for sport and used people for your own gain. I'm not sure I would classify that as petty."
"I could have co-ruled this place, fully make it a part of the faerie court." He loosened his grip just slightly. Not enough for her to breathe well, but better than before. "I could have done it with your grandfather, Rian. We could have united the two worlds in greatness, could make the fae superior again among the humans. But no. No one understands that sacrifices have to be made for greatness to happen. Look at your pathetic queen!" He shook Sarah roughly. Jareth flinched at seeing her in torment. "Now I know that it was she who chose to position soldiers at the villages instead of at the castle. This is why humans cannot rule, why they are inferior to us. Why they are nothing more than mere pets. You have grown too soft from your time with them."
Jareth was no longer paying attention to the Erlking. He wasn't sure if the lunatic really believed he was doing the right thing or not, but he didn't give a shit. He was dangerous and he already caused the deaths of so many. He wouldn't allow it again.
He blurred his vision, concentrating on his surroundings, pulling the Labyrinth's power to him, manipulating it slowly, careful to not actually move a muscle as he did this.
Sarah's eyes locked with his, widening. She could feel the change, the cold magic. Magic that existed before the earth itself.
Her eyes started to glow. The Labyrinth was communicating with them in ways words could not describe, and all they could do was to trust the magic.
Jareth had to be careful, now that the Erlking was more powerful than he knew. He had to plan this exactly right.
He moved his hands just slightly, enough to get Sarah's attention. She slowly gave him a thumbs up.
Jareth collided with the Erkling, wrenching Sarah out of his arms. At the same time, branches from an old tree encased the Erlking like a coffin. Jareth held Sarah close to his body, and she eagerly held him back.
Sarah wrapped her arms around Jareth's neck, her body still in shock. She looked up to see Jareth smiling darkly at the Erlking.
"Oh, Anwir," Jareth chuckled. His eyes glowed a dark blue. "You really thought that you could defeat me in my own kingdom?"
They rose higher into the air, Jareth's blond hair floating all around him like the sun's crown. "You come into my kingdom, set in the land of dreams and set to defile those who are under my protection. You made an enemy of me, and that is your downfall."
He held his hand out, a swirl of blue magic twirling around his limbs and to the trees that held the Erlking. "Awaken, O trees of old, for I have brought you a feast."
The dark forest shuddered, the wind blowing from all directions. The Rai looked to their master for directions, but the Erlking was only staring at the Goblin King in defying silence. Silence could only mean one thing:
The Erlking would not scream and cry, but go to his death with as much dignity as possible.
A void older than the land of the faerie woke from its slumber. At this very moment, the voice would penetrate into the dreams of the children and the nightmares of adults in all worlds. "Who dares to awaken us out of our eternal hibernation?"
"It is I, Jareth, King of the Goblins," he announced. "I apologize for the disturbance, oh great Lord of Nightmares. I have brought you a feast."
The trees shook, its elastic branches still trapping the Erlking. "Why do you wake us when we can simply feed in our sleep?"
"Lord, I wake you because he has committed a grave crime against this land. As the guardian of this world, I can punish them as I see fit. I am here to offer you not just the flesh and body for sustenance, but magic as well, should you accept it. Once you have taken his magic, you may go back to your rest."
There was another rumble, one that resembled a sinister chuckle. "King Jareth, we do not care why you seek to punish him. However, we accept your offering."
A sharp branch behind the Erlking stabbed him through his back, piercing through his stomach. He lurched forward, his screams echoing through the dark forest, devoured by the Lord of Nightmares. His entrails were exposed to the outside world as Jareth had promised at the Lunar Palace, making Sarah turn away, burying her face in Jareth's shoulder to ground herself. He flew forward, making eye contact with Anwir as he continued the disembowelment himself, pulling out some entrails with one hand and making it snap in an excruciating squelch by magic.
Fulfilling another one of his promises, the Erlking had his nightmares and worst fears plaguing him from the old trees. Though it was only for a few minutes, the psychological torment stretched on for an eternity. In the dark space of his mind, the men, women, and children he abused appeared in front of him, hollow spaces replacing their eyes as they took turns forcing him to watch as Prince Anwir experienced the same crimes he had inflicted upon his victims. "Make it stop! Please, send Death to me!"
"Pathetic," Jareth hissed. "You offered no such reprieve to your victims, did you not?"
Above them, vultures circled, trying to find a meal. They usually did not feast on the living, but they were hungry.
Sarah felt no mercy for him. Not after what he had done to countless people, including the people she loved. "How does it feel, Anwir?" She bellowed. "To finally face the true consequences of your actions?"
He no longer screamed, his throat giving out. But he heard her, his eyes opened in terror before his nightmares descended upon him again.
"I loathe to take away his punishment so soon," Jareth started. "But the last time he was left to rot in the world of dreams, he appeared even more powerful and more dangerous than ever before."
Sarah nodded. "I agree. Let's end this once and for all."
Jareth could have kissed her right then. "Do you want to do the honors, My Lady? Though I am now alive and able, I extend your regency."
Sarah forced herself to look at the Erlking, wanting him to know that it was her who gave him the final sentence. "Prince Anwir, for the crimes you have committed upon the creatures of the Underground and the nightmares you have caused Above, I, Queen Sarah of the Goblins and King Jareth of the Goblins sentence you to death immediately."
A new branch punctured his heart and lungs, Anwir's eyes frozen open in death. The other trees would do the same to the army of Raí wherever they were, before bringing them here. Already, there were trees popping up with Raí stuck in their coffins. The slow sound of blood filled the Dark Forest, replenishing the Dreamworld.
Sarah flinched, needing to look away from such a violent act. She clutched Jareth tightly, burying her face in his neck again, his familiar scent soothing her. At the same time, she had to admit that the sight of the Erlking stabbed, his blood being leeched away by the Dark Forest was satisfying.
Jareth flew away, delighting in the now dead Erlking's screams echoing as he flew back to his castle.
Many hours later
Sarah opened the door to the infirmary, her heart breaking into tiny pieces at seeing Jareth's injuries. She came as soon as she heard that he had woken up, doing her duties as the interim queen to repair the damage the Erlking and the Raí had caused. The cuts on his face and body were so intense, he would have died had the Labyrinth not interfered.
And yet, he smiled, his eyes sparkling. "Sarah."
The healer turned at the sound of the door opening. "My Lady-"
"What are you doing to him right now?" She asked the healer, but her eyes were still on Jareth as she closed the door.
"Just changing his bandaging. I dealt with most of the internal damage already, he just needs to rest and should recover in a few days or so. Otherwise, I'm done. I already gave him instructions on how to sleep and ointments and such."
She crossed the distance, taking up a bandage. "Thank you. You are dismissed."
Jareth made a confused face, but did not contest this.
The healer didn't understand. "But, My Lady-"
"I can do the changing of the bandage, I had some training in the past." Her paramedic late husband made sure of it. "Please tend to Sorceress Mara and any other soldiers."
The healer took note of how the King and Champion looked at each other. Understanding the situation, the healer bowed. "Of course. I shall come back and check on His Majesty in a few hours." Looking around carefully, the healer said "If that is permissible?"
"Yes, please. Thank you, we will call if we need you before then," Jareth said gratefully.
"See that you do. Good day." He bowed to both of them and left swiftly.
Sarah took the bandages and wrapped them around Jareth's chest where he was bleeding the most. She meticulously cleaned him, enjoying the chance to take of her Jareth like this.
Her Jareth. Yes, he was hers, just as she was his. The thought made her grin, like someone placed sunshine in her heart.
Her hands moved to his arms, where she applied the anti-scarring cream to him, though they both knew that some of these scars would never fully fade. She marveled at his physique, admiring the ethereal beauty and grace that he carried.
Jareth watched Sarah, adoring eyes roaming over her as she tended him in her queenly attire. Every touch of her hands to his body was heaven, even when she pressed a little too hard at times, causing him pain. Through it all, he did his best to not complain, wanting her to always touch him.
When she was done, Sarah closed her eyes, concentrating on making a crystal and summoning an object into it; a comb.
She didn't look at his eyes quite yet, just brushed his messed up hair into what it usually looked like. She fluffed it the way he liked. Taking a tube of ointment, she applied it behind his ears where one of the cuts were. If there was something she loved to do, it was caring for someone when they needed her.
Jareth brought his hand to hold around her waist as she took care of him. He wasn't used to being cared for, her tender motions bringing him more calm and peace than he ever thought possible. "Thank you."
She wrapped her arm around his shoulder, tilting his face to hers. "You're welcome."
He pulled her down, his sore body protesting in pain, but he ignored it as best he could. He kissed her softly, never happier to be alive. He was wholly captivated by her sounds of pleasure, her scent, her eager hands pulling him closer, sliding up his chest where he wasn't injured. The heat between them increased and he pulled back suddenly.
"Are you hurt? Is something wrong?" She started to stand, to find whatever supplies were needed but he stopped her.
"No, Sarah," he encircled his arms around her from behind, kissing the skin between her neck and shoulder. "I'm just afraid that if we continue, I'll end up transporting us to my chambers and injure myself making love to you."
She blushed. Even now the heat between her legs was undeniable, but he was right to wait. She placed a hand on his knee, turning her head so that he could clearly hear her speak. "If you weren't injured, I don't think I would be against it."
She could feel his wolfish grin at her neck as he gave her a quick kiss there. "Naughty thing. Makes coming back worth it."
Sarah felt her eyes dampen again. "God, Jareth." She was unable to look into his eyes. "I don't know what I would do if I lost you. This is the second time you've done this shit."
He cupped her face in his hands. He tilted her chin up so that she could look into his eyes. "You would do what you have always done: rise as a Phoenix from the ashes of grief and tribulations. Because you are The Champion."
She looked away from him, but didn't move away from the embrace. "I did my best, but lives were lost anyway."
"You couldn't have known, Love," he whispered soothingly. "You were fantastic, you know? Many lives were saved because of you. It's one of the many reasons why I love you. Why I trust you."
She kissed him, unable to express with words how much that meant to her. Oh, how happy she was to have him back. "And I love you for many reasons, one of them being how highly you regard me. As highly as I regard you."
Jareth angled his body slowly so that she could lean against him. "But, I have a question," she said after settling into his chest, his arms around her waist. "Well, more than one. That offer you gave me at the end of my Run, was it to tempt me only? Or was there something else?"
She turned to him, playing with his hair as he formulated an answer. "It was real, my love. Though, it's not one of my better moments." He sighed as she rubbed his sensitive ears. His ears were his weak spot and having Sarah touch it made him even weaker. "You were too young and we didn't know each other, not truly. I was lonely and you had intrigued me, I was fascinated by your strength." A shadow covered his eyes. "You know that dance that we shared? The one that we talked about then was so rudely interrupted by Anwir?"
Sarah couldn't stop touching him. Just having her hands on his face, his chest, his hair, anywhere really, made her happy. She intertwined her fingers in his medallion. "Yeah, of course. You were singing to me. And danced with everyone else while I looked for you."
She nudged him, pouting but grinned as he laughed. "Oh Sarah. That was why I made my offer." He held her chin. "That dream was meant to test you. It would mold itself into a nightmare to scare you or a fantasy to tempt you to stay. If you hadn't broken out of it, you would have stayed in it until the thirteen hours were up. Very few made it that far, even fewer broke out of the dream to continue running. Like I said, you wouldn't have gotten hurt, it was all meant to test you."
"So me choosing the right thing was why you were intrigued?"
"Partially. As I said, you dreamed, you dreamed of me." He placed his hand on his heart, as if he still couldn't believe that he had received such an honor. "You dreamt of a fantasy, yes, but you dreamt of a sincere love that would last forever or until the world fell. Your desire was so strong, you dreamt of a song that I had composed. How could I not be smitten when my song was in your heart?"
Sarah ran her thumb across his lips. "Jareth…"
He leaned in, their lips touching as his name was still in her breath. He held her, happy that she accepted him as he was. "I thought maybe, one day, we could love. I didn't quite love you then, not in the way I love you now. I would have protected you from anything, but it pales compared to how I feel about you now. Love takes time, but I wasn't expecting twenty years," he smirked. "Not that it's a bad thing, I think we are more compatible now."
"I am inclined to agree." She laid into him. "What if I had said yes? What about Toby?"
"Oh, probably would have kept him. I wouldn't have separated you two," he chuckled. "I know the consequence of that now. I wouldn't have been able to give him back to your parents though, even if I wanted to."
She still had one huge lingering question about her Run. "And the offer itself? To fear you, to do as you say and have you rule me?"
Jareth chewed the inside of his cheek. He look incredibly uncomfortable. "It was wrong on my part. I wanted you to fear me and my power. To not defy me. To be a subject of the Goblin Kingdom. But I no longer want most of those things."
He took her hand, placing on his heart. "I want many things, but what I want most is your love."
Sarah kissed the top of his head. "And you have mine."
They hugged and kissed, breathless and lips bruised from savoring each other. They had seen each other at their worst and their best, in times of hardship and the monotony of everyday life. And yet, there was so much that they could learn about each other.
"Hey, I wanted to ask you something else?" She helped him into a shirt that could be easily opened from the front instead of lifted over his head. "Would you like to spend the day with us, two days after Christmas? I have a live piano performance on radio that day, my first in years and I don't think anyone would really be there besides my family." Her voice tapered off, shaking slightly in nervousness. She focused on what her therapist said about being clear in her desires but to be understanding if people couldn't comply. "I understand if you can't come, but it would mean a lot to me if you could. My parents are coming over for Christmas and staying until the day after New Year. You can come for Christmas too, if you want. I'll miss you."
Luckily, there wasn't so much damage that they couldn't quickly set up a temporary solution for the displaced people. Many already had moved to the homes of their friends or relatives, promised some more help like extra food on behalf of the crown. There was really nothing Sarah could do except to lend a hand in rebuilding, which she promised she would help with when the holidays were over. Jareth told her she didn't have to, but she wanted to maintain that connection with the people. He couldn't argue against that.
He caressed her cheek with the back of his hand. "I would like that very much. I am honored that you would ask me to attend." He took her hand and kissed it. "Unfortunately, I do not think I can appear for Christmas but I want you to go. To repair things with your parents as I will with mine. However, I will be there for your performance. It would give me time to settle everything down here. I will have to ask you to pop in and out though, I need you to testify what happened."
She ran her fingers through his hair, enjoying the feathery texture. "Of course. Anything I can do to help, I will."
He grinned. "And you asked me if I trusted you to lead the kingdom. Look at you now, taking such initiative."
She laughed, snuggling into his side.
With grave disappointment and anger, they discovered that Prince Anwir was right about many things. He truly had been one of the candidates to be Goblin King, and High King Rian himself was so enamored with him that he seemed to believe his own lies that the victims were enjoying their time with the Erlking. Or, he would argue that the ones that didn't like it were expendable because they had short lifespans.
His room was searched and letters exchanged with the Erlking were found as evidence. Letters of his knowledge of the abuse that had been happening, how apathetic he was, and how he looked forward for Prince Anwir to be shown off to the rest of the court.
They also found the strange black orb, which Jareth concluded that it was how he accessed the Realm of Dream and the Raí. It was promptly destroyed, though no more Raí would be made anyway as Mara concluded that they were tied to the Erlking himself. When he died, so did they.
With the amount of politics and status quo going on, it was surprising that the High Court was able to convict the High King at all with everyone trying to keep it quiet. The fear of the other nobles questioning their leadership was stronger than their desire to do what was right, even at the expense of their own lives.
The only reason that they even held a trial for him was because Jareth had threatened to declare his kingdom independent from the Faerie court. Not to dissolve it as the Erlking wanted to do, but to declare it an independent state. For him to even suggest it was dangerous, as it may lead the other nations to do the same, losing power to the High Court.
In the end, High King Rian was stripped of all his titles and exiled, never allowed to be king ever again. He would have certain funds to live off of, but nothing near the extravagance he was used to. High Queen Mór petitioned for a divorce, and their daughter, Princess Titania, became the new High Queen. Jareth approved, for his aunt Titania had been a regent a few times and had done a fantastic job. She was level-headed, compassionate, and more than qualified.
Mór had wanted to protect her own reputation, keeping the Erlking's connection to the Labyrinth hidden. While she was not punished for that as it wasn't an official crime, it was an understatement that Jareth was angry at his grandmother for not letting him know this before he had to rule. He got in an explosive argument, telling her that she was selfish and foolish in her complicity.
Sarah might have felt bad for Rian had he not been a part of it. He claimed that the Erlking wasn't "all bad," but she argued that he was evil enough to kidnap her son and herself. Not to mention harming Jareth without remorse. Her passionate speech, though seen as hysterical in the court of stoic nobles, moved them to shame. No one wanted to be labeled as complicit.
As for the invaders, they were tried before the High Court. It should have been more terrifying for them, but they clearly underestimated how much torture goblin singing could be, especially when they had pots and pans to bang on. Their punishments all included being stripped of their titles if they had any, for even servants of the High King and Queen held a prestigious place. They were all sentenced to the equivalent of many human life-times in prison where they would work for their living by doing hard labor.
Sarah had to force herself to look away from Iliana as the princess testified, looking heartbroken at what her father had done, having watched the exchange between Sarah, the Erlking, and Jareth in the crystal. The woman schooled her face as every other fae noble was taught, sharing what had happened even as she made a fist so tight that her nails dug in her palms.
Sarah went to find her, seeing the twins first. They were peeking through a window to the garden, unsure of what to do. "What are you doing?"
Ruben looked uneasy. "I don't know what to do when someone cries like that. That's something Jareth would be better at, considering how much he's dealt with crying people as king."
Ava held some flowers. "I thought of giving her flowers but what do flowers mean when your father has been exiled away from the capitol? To be a social outcast? Especially when you were the one to testify against him."
She came between the siblings, looking out to see Julian comforting his wife. "It would mean the world to her. It would mean that you're thinking of her. That you care. You're her children, you don't need to do anything but show her that you love her. That you're there. Just sit with her. That's what I wished someone had done for me when I went through the most difficult parts of my life."
Ava hesitated for a moment, then left after thanking Sarah. Ruben eyed her with interest. "I see now why my brother likes you."
Sarah raised an eyebrow in jest. "You mean, you didn't see it before?"
Ruben's laugh echoed down the hallway. "Well, you are very beautiful, but paired with your wisdom and cheeky personality, I can see exactly why Jareth would be drawn to you." He looked outside. "I'm going to see my mother, will you tell Jareth where I'm at?"
Sarah nodded. "Of course."
She went to Jareth's room, finding that he was speaking with a healer. He brought out a tiny owlet who had been sleeping his coat pocket.
"You found her!" Sarah came to sit next to him after greeting the healer. "Hi Hope. It's nice to meet you."
Hope brushed her little head against Sarah's hand. She made a cooing nose and leaned into Sarah who gave her small scratches on her head.
Jareth beamed. "She likes you. Of course she does, how could she not?"
Sarah blushed at the compliment, amazing at seeing how small Hope looked wit Jareth holding in his hands, her little wing in a splinter. "Where did you find her?"
Jareth pointed outside. "Outside. I'm not quite sure what happened to her when the Raí got me. Or how she got here. But no, she is one strong little owlet, aren't you?" He cooed at her.
"She should be healed in no time, Your Majesty," the healer bowed. "But it'll be a painful recovery for her."
"Thank you for coming in," Jareth said gratefully. "I will look after her."
He sighed, brushing Hope's feathers. "Poor little one. Her parents are nowhere to be found. The other owls are in good health, surprisingly. I believe the Labyrinth was protecting them from the magic." He spoke to Hope again. "I suppose you're stuck with me, aren't you?"
She made a little chirping noise.
Jareth placed her in Sarah's hands. Sarah never held such a tiny creature. "By the way, Ruben told you to go out. Your mother is in need of a consolation."
Jareth frowned. "I know."
Sarah tilted her head, unsure of what his frown meant. "What's wrong? Besides the obvious, I mean."
He smirked at her attempt to keep things light. "I still haven't had that conversation with my parents. I am still not close to them or ready to really say anything that comforting. I'm exhausted."
"You don't have to. Ava and Ruben weren't ready either," she assured him. "Just be there for her. Tell her you love her. That's really all she needs. Or just sit with her, you know? She'll understand."
He bit the inside of his cheek. "I suppose I'll go."
Sarah reached out for his hand, stopping him. He paused, turning to look at her. "Jareth, I know what your parents did really fucked you up. That it left you lonely and it was wrong of them. So, I just wanted to say that I'm proud of you and understand if you don't want to see her right now. I'm here for you either way, you know?"
He surprised her by kissing her again. It was a quick, chaste kiss but enough to make their heads spin. "Thank you, Precious. I may just take you up on that offer."
As it was still the holidays, Jareth and Sarah made sure that everyone was taken care of. He fully agreed with Sarah's plans to compensate the people for the losses they suffered, that they would build temporary structures to accommodate so many people and rebuild when the weather got better. He insisted that she go home until her parents went back, so that she could recover. Sarah worried about leaving him again but he promised that he had help in the form of Samuel, Lorraine, Mara, and many others. Besides, it would give them both time to bond with their parents before meeting again after Christmas Day.
Sarah promised her friends and the goblins that she would be back, that after her parents left, she would invite them all over to her house. Toby's eyes widened, a bit unsure about that last part, considering how crazy the goblins were.
Ben told Jareth that he had the best time Underground, except for the scary dreams. Jareth promised him that he would do his best to give him only nice dreams from now on (though he couldn't control all dreams), and Ben seemed quite happy about that. He was disappointed Jareth wouldn't be joining them for Christmas, but was glad that he would pop in the day after.
Lorraine gave Sarah a recipe book, telling Sarah that she needed to get her an Aboveground recipe book too. Samuel said that he would prepare a sword for her in case she wanted to take official lessons on how to use one to better protect herself, and Sarah said yes. He also told her that she was a wonderful regent, that no matter what, his loyalty would be to her even if she chose to not rule permanently. For this, Sarah was grateful.
Mara told her to come back to the Underground, and Sarah promised that she would. For now though, she would enjoy Christmas with her family.
It was strange, being back home. It seemed like a lifetime ago that they had celebrated Yule together and were now here. Everything seemed so… mundane.
Had she been younger, Sarah might have crave that high of adventure again. Now, she was completely fine with having a "mundane" life. Besides, she was still connected to the Underground with crazy goblins.
There was still the matter of her queenship. She relinquished her status as queen regent for now, perhaps one day she would go back to it. She had a feeling she would, and it made her surprisingly happy to think on it. It was something she had to discuss with Jareth about, when things had calmed down a bit.
Sarah thought she would have been fearful when she got back home, paranoid, but no. She did feel uncomfortable not being in the same building as Ben, but she would adjust. Jareth had added extra protection and she was sure now that she was safe. She was now most worried about Ben, but he seemed to deal with things well. He seemed to think that everything he went through was just freaky nightmares and a bad fever.
Christmas with her parents, Toby, and Ben was wonderful. She noted with sadness that there weren't any presents from her in-laws for Ben. Even now, she hoped that they would do their best to love Ben even if they hated her.
They watched a few Christmas movies, baked cookies, sang songs, and went exploring downtown Seattle. Karen told them on Christmas Day that she hoped everyone's dreams would come true, not understanding why her and Toby looked very uncomfortable by this.
Ben prattled on and on about a "Mister Jareth." Robert seemed surprised but happy that Sarah was dating again. Karen asked if they had kissed and Toby choked on his food so hard, Sarah thought she was going to have to perform the Heimlich maneuver on him.
For Christmas, Sarah had gotten Jareth a jigsaw puzzle, wine, some of her favorite Terry Pratchett books, and cookies. For her, Jareth had gotten her a gorgeous, embroidered handkerchief with her coat of arms that he had commissioned.
Her coat of arms had a barn owl in the middle of a green shield, embroidered with golden threads. The owl had a laurel wreath to signify her place as Champion. There were silver ribbons making out the words "bravery, wisdom, kindness" on the bottom. He also gifted her the Underground's best peaches and a crystal for her to practice her magic with.
When she had time to herself, she went to her mirror to speak to her friends and Jareth. Jareth was quite busy that day, but he had a few minutes for her, showing Hope the owlet and how quickly she was healing. He told her that he and his parents set aside time to really chat about the traumas that had happened and how to go forward, that they found an Underground equivalence of a therapist for them. He told her to give his love to Toby and Ben, that he was looking forward to spending time with her.
Next were her three friends. Ludo said he missed her and her family, and that he liked the rocks he had gotten. Sir Didymus thanked her for the book she gave him on the history of human sword making, that he was going make a lot of swords and stab intruders which worried her. He tried to console her by saying that he would only stab when he was sure it was time, which didn't really help.
Last but not least, Hoggle spoke. "Hey girlie, I misses ya."
It was a vast improvement from his aloof demeanor in the past. She reached out to the mirror, touching his reflection. "I miss you too. I really miss you guys, and the Underground. I'll have you guys over as soon as my parents are gone."
"Jareth too?" Hoggle raised an eyebrow.
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Yes, him too."
Hoggle sighed a little. "He's still a bit of a rat, but not so much since you. I think ya changed him. He was always grumpy and moody, but ya made him happy."
Sarah looked down, feeling emotional. "That's nice to hear, because he makes me happy too."
Hoggle stared at her for a hot minute. "Do ya loves him?"
Sarah was taken aback by the straightforward question. She didn't hesitate to answer though. "Yes. I love him. Very much."
Hoggle smiled at her softly. "Well, considering how ya spoke of yer late husband, the rat must have really impressed ya."
She grinned at that. "Yeah, he did. He's a good person, Hoggle. I know he can be… spoiled and have a temper, but he's trying to apologize and be better."
"Yeah, I know," he rubbed the back of his head. "He apologized ta me for antagonizing me! ME! I didn't even know that he knew the word 'sorry' existed."
Sarah shook her head, still laughing. "I'm glad to hear that he's been nicer to you."
"Well ya, he's all googly-eyed for ya. If he doesn't love ya, I'd be surprised."
Sarah thought of all he had done to save her. To save Ben and Toby. She won't tell him quite yet about their love confession, wanting to keep it just between the two of them for now. That moment was sacred.
Two days after Christmas
He finally got the courage to knock on the door, worried about what her parents may think of him. He was not a conventional man. Hell, he wasn't even human. He wanted her parents to at least like him, for Sarah's sake.
After a moment, a woman, who was not Sarah, answered it. She was shorter than Sarah and looked a lot like Toby. She blinked, not sure what to make of him. Jareth turned up his charm and held his hand out to her, kissing the back of it. "You must be Karen Williams, Sarah's and Toby's mother?"
"Oh yes!" Karen blushed a little. "It's nice to meet you, uh-"
"Jareth, please call me Jareth," he told her. Karen's eyes fell to the single flower he was holding in his hand, Sarah's favorite. "Is Sarah home?"
"Oh yes!" Karen recovered, practically dragging him in the house. She looked positively giddy. "Sarah! A dashing British man with flowers is here to see you!"
I hope that I tied everything up fine so far with the whole Erlking stuff. If you see a plothole, please let me know lol but I do hope that it was done okay. RMBiehl actually pointed out a plothole from last chapter lol, which was why didn't Jareth's parents and siblings do more to stop the Erlking with their magic? I definitely hadn't thought that through lol but retroactively, I'm going to say it's because by themselves, they have plenty of power but not so much against the crazy demons and probably fear of the Erlking imprisoning or killing them as well as others. All of that combined is a bit much for them. And I do want to reiterate that Jareth is exceptionally powerful in not just the amount of power, but training and control as king. Training that his family wouldn't have had. They also felt that it was smarter to find a way to escape to find Jareth as he would believe them more than any other monarch. Still don't know if that solves the plothole but oh well lol.
I hadn't planned on Sarah actually being the one to sentence him but it makes the most sense for her to be a part of it too. And I hadn't planned on it being that violent but Jareth had to make good on his promise from when Sarah was taken from him lol. I hope it wasn't too crazy for you readers and it didn't take away anything from the story.
Everything is going to be pretty sweet/fluffy from here on out lol. Thanks everyone for reading this story! :)