Chapter 6, To Love And Loathe
Jareth sat in front of the fire in his study, staring into the flames. After escorting Sarah to her room, he made his way back to his own. Upon opening the door, he stopped and closed it. He wasn't ready to be alone, with nothing but his thoughts. He needed to keep busy, so he decided to pick back up with his research. After a while, he had given up. And, ironically, found himself in his current state.
He was a void. He'd given in to the conflict whirling around in his mind, yet nothing came. He was lost in a daze, entranced by the dancing flames, and subtle crackle of the fire. He was exhausted, yet couldn't fall asleep. His eye lids grew heavy as he watched in silence. How in the world am I going to get you home? A thought finally rang through. Wait... His mind sprang back to life. The magic of the Labyrinth is too strong for me to over power, what if it was weakened? It was as if a lightbulb had gone off in his head. Of course! That may just work...Samhain, it's only a few days away. The barrier will be weakened, the Labyrinth will be weakened. I might just be able to slip her through.
A triumphant smirk graced his lips, and soon faded when his thoughts turned to a few more days of Sarah. Blasted woman...So many years, and still she proves so troublesome. He laughed. Such ferocity. Age has certainly done little to diminish her spirit. Ugh, her spirit. Such a tragedy to love and loathe.
He leaned his head back, sinking further into the chair.
The next morning, Sarah awoke with the same routine as the day before. She bathed and dressed, Grahm would bring her food and gawk at her use of manners. She forced herself to keep to her room. Uncertainty loomed her thoughts, she wanted to be as far away from Jareth as possible.
Jareth was in his throne, looking as glum as ever. He was bored, and still beat from the night before. The Goblins watched with concern. Usually, he was either snickering, yelling, or kicking. Every now and again he would even start singing. But not today. He didn't notice the pair of Goblins snickering in the corner.
"Majesty look sad." Said one.
"Why?" Said another.
"Must be funny lady." Said the first.
"Lady make King sad. Must teach lesson, make King happy again." Said the second.
The two wrinkled creatures exchanged insidious sneers as they exited the room.
Sarah was sitting in one of the arm chairs in her room, picking away at her lunch. She reached for a glass, and took a sip of wine. Just then, she heard something scamper by the door. Curiosity and boredom getting the best of her, she crossed the room to investigate. When she first peered into the hallway, she saw nothing. Suddenly, a dark flash zipped through the hall followed by gargled laughter. It was a Goblin.
She took another step into the hall and looked around. Once again, the mysterious creature zoomed by. But this time, it bumped into her along the way, causing her to drop her drink. The sound of shattering glass echoed through the hallway. Sarah jumped back in shock, looking for the menacing thing that had run into her.
She heard a giggle, and then another. The conniving sound boomed through the narrow passage.
"Lady made mess!" Snickered one of the voices.
"Clean. Clean, clean. Cleaner!" Screamed another.
Sarah looked around furiously, yet saw nothing.
"What?" She asked the walls. What the hell is going on?
It was silent. Continuing to scan the hall for any trace of Goblin terror, she failed to hear the low rumbles emanate from the empty blackness of the corridor. The sound grew louder, and the walls started to shake. She turned her head to the left, facing the hollow blackness of the unlit passageway.
She saw a flicker, a reflection. Something metallic? And it was moving. Sarah's eyes widened. In a panic, she turned towards the door, but somehow it had shut behind her. She yanked and clawed at the handle, but it wouldn't budge. Shit! This isn't happening. The rumbling sound growing louder still, she turned from the door and sprinted for her life.
Sarah ran for all she was worth, she had no idea where she was going, and it seemed there was no where to go but straight. Where the fuck are all the doors and turns? She screamed inside. The vibrations of the cleaner rumbled through the castle walls, it was gaining speed. She tried to run faster, but her legs simply couldn't. I need to get out of this never ending hallway. Fuck, Jareth! She wanted to scream, but all of her energy was focused on moving her feet.
She wanted to cry, the strange machine was right at her heels. The spinning metal claws nipped at the back of her clothing. She pulled her hair the the side, so it didn't get caught. The vibration of the walls had caused the stone to crack, creating waterfalls of dust and pebbles which pelted her along the way.
Finally, she saw something, an indentation in the wall. A door? With all her might, she ran to the opening, swinging herself around the edge of the frame as the cleaner swept by. She hit the door full force, and went crashing into whatever room it led to.
Jareth gaped for a moment. One minute he'd been contemplating the dullness of his day, and the next, he saw Sarah come crashing through the door. She lay in a crumpled heap before him, gasping for air. She was completely disheveled, plastered in sweat and dirt. Her hair was distraught, and her clothing had been torn in numerous places. He leaned forward in curiosity.
After a brief moment of catching her breath, she took in her surroundings. She was in the throne room. Her eyes rose slightly, to see black leather boots only a few feet in front of her. Jareth hadn't said anything yet, completely dumbfounded and a little amused. The minute her eyes met his, he froze.
Hell hath no fury like Sarah at that moment. Her eyes were a black inferno. Her skin reddened from the bursting waves of rage which coursed through her. Completely forgetting her messy state, she rose from the floor with dramatic suspense. Her chest rose and fell as if her heart were a hundred pound weight. Jareth leaned back into his seat with caution, wary he may need to find some means of escape.
"Sarah, aren't you looking lovely today." He said, breaking the silence. Sarah had no thoughts, because she started screaming before she had the chance to think.
"YOU ARROGANT SON OF A FUCKING BITCH!" She screamed. Jareth's posture became more rigid. "You think this is FUNNY? I don't know what kind of sick, fucked up person you are, but I will not be toyed with by the likes of you!" She continued to scream. Jareth remained silent, but his eyes grew dark and his demeanor became wary and dangerous. She pointed, and flailed her arms, pacing in circles as she ranted. "What the hell kind of place is this? You tell me to stay here so that I can be protected and then nearly kill me like it is some kind of practical joke? Is everything a game to you? I don't know what the hell you want from me, but I'm done!" She said, with a grand flail of her arms. She huffed and puffed, taking in a deep breath before continuing.
Jareth shifted in his seat, he'd heard enough.
"Sarah. Before you continue saying things you will come to regret, might I ask what it is you are talking about?" He gave her a dangerous glare, but there was also some sincerity in his concern. Sarah had to laugh.
"You smug bastard. You sit there on your high fucking horse and tell me the all powerful Goblin King has no idea what the hell just happened to me?" She spat. Jareth's expression grew more tense.
"Sarah, I care little for these insults. I suggest they cease." He tried his best to keep his voice level, using all his might to keep him from darting from his seat and strangling the girl.
"And I care little for self righteous, impudent, over-glorified Goblin Kings with funny haircuts!" Her head was steaming.
In that moment, Jareth sprang from his seat and launched himself at Sarah. He stood mere inches from her, fighting the urge to rip her to pieces. She was a little caught off guard by his sudden movements, but stood her ground.
"Insolent girl. I have warned you twice now. I have been generous, but I can be cruel. Hold you tongue." He sneered.
"If you think I'm going to listen to a goddamn thing you say, you are sorely mistaken." She glared up at him.
Jareth raised his hands to grab her by the arms. He winced and looked away sharply, resisting the urge to shake her senseless. His fingers dug into her, but she would show him no pain.
"Before I do something I may regret, you will tell me what it is you are babbling on about." He spat to the side, afraid of what he might do should he meet her eyes. Sarah took a deep breath, humoring the possibility that he might be telling the truth.
"You, sent the cleaner after me." Jareth's brow drew together in confusion. He wasn't sure what he expected to hear, but that wasn't it. He loosened his grip a bit, but not enough to let her go.
"What?" He asked, meeting her gaze. She huffed, and stomped her foot.
"You know damn well what! You tricked me, and then sent the fucking cleaner after me! I almost died! I probably would have If I didn't break down the door." She made a quick gesture to the side.
He pulled away slightly, taking in the detail of his surroundings. Yes, she was covered in dust, her clothing was torn and her body was distraught, and yes, she clearly broke down the door. The anger left his face, replaced by concern and confusion.
"Sarah, I did not trick you into anything, and I most certainly did not try to kill you for sport." His eyes were honest, but she wouldn't accept that.
"If it wasn't you, then it was the two Goblins I heard snickering in the hall. You're telling me you didn't set them up to it? You've got a real hand over your subjects don't you? What the hell kind of King are you?" She spat the rash insult, not thinking of its consequences.
Jareth didn't know what amount of force he used to push her, but in the next second he had her pinned against a wall. He hands pinned her arms to the side, and his body pressed against hers to ensure she wouldn't escape.
"I have had enough of your vile tongue!" He roared. "You will show me respect and authority, or there will be consequences my lovely minx." The fire in his eyes burned against the sparks shooting out of hers. She was afraid, but her anger pushed it away. She huffed and puffed, glaring at him with every evil intent she could think of.
"If you did your job and kept your subjects in line, there would be no need for my vile tongue." She annunciated the last bit, mocking him.
"You dare insult my position as King a second time?" He asked, hatred lain think in his voice.
"You fail to realize I almost died, in Your castle, under Your protection, by the hand of Your subjects without Your authority. So far, the proclamation of Your protection isn't living up to shit. I'm not staying here another minute." Her voice was strong but unsteady.
"You will not leave this castle." He commanded with stone intensity.
"And what are you going to do? Chain me to the bed post?" She regretted her words the moment she said them. Jareth's hands roamed up her arms a bit.
"If it is necessary." He said with both anger and devilish charm.
"Let me go." She said, trying to worm her way out of his grip. With no fight at all, he released her. She stormed across the room, stopping once to say, "Just find a way to get me out of here, I can't stand this any longer." And with that, she disappeared into the shadows.
Jareth tore his gaze away from the door, conjuring a crystal only to throw it against a wall.
"That infuriating, disrespectful, wretch of a woman!" He screamed. He continued in his rant for some time, not bothering to listen to the pair of Goblins whispering in the background.
"Well that didn't work." Said one.
"No. We need try harder." Said another.
"She want go outside so bad?" Said the first, with a devilish snicker.
"Then let put her there." cheered the other. And with that, the two creatures scampered out of the room, determined to please their King.
That pompous asshole! Ugh, I can't stand him! This place is nuts! I almost get crushed to death, and that's WITH his protection? Ahhhhhhhh! She screamed all the way back to her room. She stomped up to the door and threw it open. In her flustered daze, she didn't realize what she was stepping into.
It was far brighter than it should be. She looked up from the stone floor to see that she wasn't in her room at all. She was outside, in the Labyrinth.
"What. The. Fuck." Was all she could say. She whipped around, but the door was gone, replaced by a blank wall. "You've got to be fucking kidding me." She groaned. "Will this bullshit never end!" She screamed to the wind.
She looked around, and saw the castle in the distance. Well, at least I don't have to start from the beginning this time. She muttered. She took a step forward and paused. She was outside, she was free. She finally got what she wanted. She looked around again and thought of her friends.
"I wonder where Hoggle is? Sir Dydimus, and Ludo..." She pondered the idea of trying to find them, but soon realized that would be impossible. I haven't seen or spoken to them in years...They don't even know I'm here. And Jareth...Jareth had been partially responsible for my run-ins with them in the first place, there's no way I could find them on my own. Taking a final look at the castle, she started walking.
As she walked, a creeping wave of anxiety poked at her brain. He seemed so serious when he said I wouldn't survive out here...did he really help me that much? What else is out here that he kept away? Does he know I'm even out here? How the hell did I get out here anyway? Questions swirled around in her mind. Certain questions, leading to others. I still don't get why he would have helped me...he wanted me to lose, that was his job, his role. 'I'm exhausted from living up to your expectations'. The memory burned itself into the front of her mind. She shook her head clear of it. No. He's the bad guy. He wanted me to lose then, and he wants me gone now. There is no deeper meaning, I was an ignorant girl. Why am I even thinking about this anyway? What do I care for the feelings of the Goblin King? As far as I'm concerned he only has one- anger. She didn't realize her footsteps had turned to stomps.
She looked up to the castle again, she was a little closer. I've shut him and this world out of my life, just as he's done mine. Right? Of course. Her mind was rambling on and on. She stopped and leaned against a wall, needing to sort her buzzing thoughts. He has no reason to care, no reason for interest. He's done nothing to show otherwise...has he? Sure he's charming and handsome n' all but... An image of the fearsome Goblin King came into view. Her thoughts paused as she recalled the chiseled statue that was Jareth.
It was odd, the way she had aged, and yet he looked exactly the same. Same young and lean body. Same beautifully wild blonde hair...His angled features and snake-like smile, nothing had changed. And then, there were his eyes. Never had she seen eyes like his, they were so exotic, so intoxicatingly dangerous. She didn't catch the smile that creeped across her face. He was so dramatic, so flamboyant. Definitely the biggest personality she'd ever met. She thought of the previous night, when she was spying on him. He looked so different, unguarded. The sparkle in his eyes was gone. For the first time, he seemed real to her, and not some fantasy out of a fairytale.
If she could ever not be angry with him, she thought she would like to get to know that Jareth a little better. He's a person...He's not a human, but he's a person...and a man. She pressed the palm of her hand to her forehead for such an incredulous thought. It was obvious she was developing certain inclinations towards the loathsome Goblin King, and she'd be a fool to try and deny it. Ok, so he's hot. He's got some charm. But that's it. This is purely physical. I can handle that. I have absolutely no idea if he feels anything towards me besides hate and resentment. She let out a sigh, tilting her head back. Ugh, none of this matters! I can not, I will not let myself give in to this. To LUST of all things! I bet he'd feel so damn proud...It's a good thing he can't read my thoughts...
She continued down the path. Why is it I can go from feeling total contempt to uncertainly and ...longing, for this man like the flick of a switch? She started stomping again.
Jareth had calmed down, and was now residing in his usual position on his throne. He took deep breaths, trying to clear his head of nagging thoughts. Why must she be so defiant? I knew she was strong but, how long can it really last? How much longer will she fight me at every turn?...Not much longer if she has her way... He groaned in his seat. Such cruelty in her voice, when SHE won. She is the victor and yet she acts like a spoiled child. Does she not realize just how generous I am being even now? I should just cast her off into an Oubliette... He rolled his head to the side. Why haven't I? Why not just be rid of her...Because I wouldn't be rid of her, she'd still be here, nagging at me.
He slumped once again. Vile creature, must I force myself to hate every part of you? Your will that rivals mine, your rage that burns as bright as mine, your eyes which possess more cruelty than mine... His face twitched ever so slightly. Those eyes...I wonder what they would look like burning with passion instead of fury...
His mind diverted completely, lost were his insults and forceful denial, replaced by a far more basic instinct. She had such a heat, such an aura about her. Even in her disheveled state, it was ravenous. He recalled the moment he'd pressed their bodies against the wall. He had to admit it was not pure intention just to hold her in place.
He looked down at his gloved hand, and realized he had never actually touched her skin to skin before. The thought came with a low surge of longing. How soft you must be...to compensate for the stone of your heart. His nostrils flared, and he shook his head. He was getting carried away again. She would be gone soon, that's what she wanted, and that's how it had to be.
With his daze now gone, he looked around the room, remembering something. Two of his Goblins had tried to kill Sarah. The idea was almost comical. He leaned forward in his seat.
"I am going to ask once. Which of you sent a cleaner to the east wing?" He demanded, scouring the dozens of Goblins frolicking about. The crafty duo jumped at his question.
"Was us, Majesty!" One voice exclaimed.
"Yes! We's teach lady lesson. Make Majesty happy." Explained another. Jareth raised a curious eyebrow.
"But it didn't work. Lady make you mad." The first voice said. The other started snickering.
"Sos we's try again!" Beamed the other.
Jareth tensed. He eyed his bumbling subjects with full attention.
"What do you mean you've tried again?" He asked slowly. They both started snickering.
"Lady make King mad. We teach lesson, make King happy." The first one said. Jareth became increasingly anxious.
"Yes, but what did you do?" He asked, trying to hide the worry and rage in his voice.
"We send her away!" They screamed in unison. Jareth's stare was stone.
"Where did you send her?" He asked in a low voice.
"She want to gos outside." The first voice said.
"Sos we's put her there!" Came the second. Jareth rose immediately, a surge of murderous fury filled the air.
"You sent her out into the Labyrinth?" He boomed. All but the two Goblins in question had started to cower, apparently, they were completely oblivious as to their actions. "Pray she be unharmed, or I shall chain you to the bottom of the Bog of Eternal Stench!" He roared before vanishing in an angry puff of smoke.
It felt like she'd been wandering for hours, and perhaps she had. She noticed the dimming light of the setting sun. She was closer to the castle, but still quite far off. She'd thought of trying to call out for Jareth once or twice, but quickly dismissed the idea.
She was in the hedge part of the maze. She recalled the spot where she'd first met Ludo, and the door knockers, and wondered how far off they were. As she walked, she noticed the hedges start to change. They grew fatter roots, and thicker branches. There was an eerie familiarity about them...They looked like hands. When this thought first flicked across her mind, she stopped and looked closer. That's creepy... She thought, and pressed on, wanting to be rid of this part of the Labyrinth.
Suddenly, she heard a rustle in the bushes. She thought it had to be some kind of small animal, a Goblin maybe. Pausing to turn around was a mistake. As soon as she peered behind her, a stiff hand clamped itself around her ankle.
"What the-" She tried to yelp, but another hand darted out of the bush and grabbed her wrist. And then another, grabbing at the back of her hair.
"What the fuck? What's going on? Stop!" She screamed, thinking they may be something like the Helping Hands. But they weren't
The hands were silent, as one after another took hold of Sarah's body, fighting to pull her into the foliage. She panicked, unable to process rational action. She started screaming, kicking, pulling, anything to free herself. They tightened their grip and clawed at her skin. The jagged texture of the bark tore at her flesh. She felt a fearful tear slide down her cheek.
She fought and fought, but with no avail. She was slowly being pulled into the hedge, into the wall of the Labyrinth. In a last ditch effort, she closed her eyes and screamed for help.
"Jareth!" She shrieked between pants and tears.
Just when she thought it was all over, she fell to the ground. She lay limp on the stone path, as strong arms engulfed her. Jareth had appeared just when she closed her eyes, just before she screamed his name. It didn't take much magic to subdue to Taking Hands, she was safe in an instant.
He'd fallen to the ground with her, and cradled her bruised body in his arms. Sarah was relieved, but Jareth couldn't have been more shocked. He'd never seen her so afraid, in such distress. He'd never felt such a powerful surge of sudden fear and panic. It hit him like a tidal wave made of brick. His heart skipped a beat, for a split second he thought she might perish, he might lose her. He saw her bruised body, being torn and gripped at. He'd never felt more hopeless. On top of all that, he'd been there when she called his name, pleaded for him.
He knelt on the ground beside her, when it hit him. That was the first time she'd called him by his actual name. The sound echoed through his mind. Although it was born of fear, it was beautiful. He was torn between sudden realizations and the reality of the trembling creature hidden in his arms.
Sarah tried to calm down, but couldn't. She was relieved he had come for her, but fear still threatened to consume mind. She sobbed into his chest, not caring about their intimacy. She gripped at his jacket, making sure he was real. He tightened his grip around her and rocked gently, cooing the top of her head.
After a few minutes had past, and there were no signs that she was calming down, Jareth pulled away to look at her.
"Sarah, you are safe. Why are you trembling?" He asked. His voice had never been more gentle.
Sarah thought for a moment, not sure if she should tell him the truth.
"I-I thought..." She ducked her head away from him. He lowered his in response.
"Thought what?" He asked.
"I thought- I thought that maybe, you- did this." She said between sobs. Jareth gave a blank stare. Should he feel hurt by her words? Angry? He couldn't decide. Luckily, she started talking again. "I thought that you were mad at me for what I said earlier...I thought maybe you wanted to punish me or..." Kill me.. She trailed off, trying to control her breathing.
Jareth didn't let her finish, knowing exactly where her mind was going. She really thinks I tried to kill her? In such a horrific manner? And yet, she called my name in her last moments? He brought a gloved finger to her chin, and turned her face towards his.
"You really think me such a monster, Sarah?" He asked softly, he'd felt enough anger for one day.
She stared at him wide eyed and mouth agape. Shimmering tears trailing down her face.
"I-I- I was so scared. But-b-but then you came." The tears started flowing again. "You came, you're here-" She tore her gaze away from his face.
Jareth's face was cool and stone, and his gaze was cast low. He tilted his head slightly, bringing his free hand to wipe away stray tears from her face. His thumb caressed her cheek in a lazy manner. She didn't notice she'd wrapped her arms around his torso, but he did.
"Sarah, I would never allow you harm." He spoke tenderly. It was so different from just a few hours before. She was so vulnerable, and he was honest and open. It was as if they were two completely different people.
Unconsciously, she leaned into his caress, enjoying the safety of his touch. Her eyes met his once more, and without a thought, he brought her face to his and placed a slow and gentle kiss upon her lips. She didn't fight it. In fact, she opened up to it, allowing more fear and pain escape. He leaned in further, parting her lips slightly to deepen the kiss. It wasn't forceful. There was passion, but it was slow and yielding.
He wasn't sure why he'd done it, but it had served a purpose. She was calm, she shed no more tears and her breathing had returned to normal. After a few seconds, he pulled away. His eyes darted with uncertain sympathy.
"Forgive me." He said with waiting eyes.
Sarah didn't know what to say. She couldn't believe what had just happened. She had just kissed the menacing Goblin King, and she liked it. More than liked it, she never wanted it to stop. But it had, and there she was, completely dumbfounded and unable to speak.
He saw her turmoil, and decided to take action. She winced when he lifted her from the ground. He held her in his arms, as if she were nothing more than a feather.
"You're injured." He stated, Sarah still didn't respond.
In the next moment, they were back in the castle. In Sarah's room to be more specific. She was tired, and sore. To her surprise, she didn't fight him when he undid the laces on the back of her gown. Her mind was a million miles away.
"Fucking maze." Jareth spat. That caught her attention. She'd never heard him swear before.
"Is it bad?" She asked, just short of a whisper. Her back and arms and legs were covered with cuts and scrapes. It was nothing serious, but the thought and sight of something inflicting pain on her infuriated him.
With a flick of his wrist, he conjured a crystal. He gently pushed the orb into the center of Sarah's back. The cold sensation of the crystal made her hair stand on edge. She was wary of his actions, but hadn't the energy to protest. Once the orb was fully immersed into her back, it started to glow. As if time was rewinding, the scratches on Sarah's body began to retract one by one. He watched to make sure every single blemish was removed before speaking.
"You will be fine." He said, rather plainly. She was still a bit dazed.
"Thank you...Jareth." She said with caution, as if the word was a secret taboo.
He stopped examining her back and looked up at her. His finger unknowingly trailed the line of her spine.
"Your welcome." He said with some surprise. Dragging his mind back to his body, he leaned back and stiffened. "I'm sure you must be exhausted, I will leave you be." He rose from his spot on the edge of the bed and headed towards the door.
Sarah didn't stop him, she didn't know what to say. And frankly, she was glad he had left. The room wasn't big enough for both of their wandering minds.