It was an interesting day to leave, as it was Halloween. Lucky for him, he could be dressed as his normal self without anyone giving him weird looks. He thought carefully about what he should wear. He wanted to look formidable to any Underworld creatures, but at the same time, able to look sweet and approachable to Sarah.

He settled on an old favorite that would trigger fond memories of him. He donned on black boots, not high heels sadly, for comfort and practicality. He snapped his fingers and grey tights were on his legs. He wore a white flowing shirt to make it comfortable. He grabbed his black cape and shortened it so he wouldn't trip. The cape would help him look scary but everything else was what Sarah usually saw him in.

He looked around, in every room of the castle. Before he left, he made sure to visit the Williams family once more. He informed them that he would be taking a vacation, something Robert had suggested him to do. They all were happy for him. Toby asked to come, and he had said no. That day, he hugged his brother-in-law a lot longer than usual, making Toby a little annoyed and embarrassed. Jareth didn't care, knowing that it may be the last time he would see his family.

And with that, the King of Goblins swung his traveling bag over his shoulder and went to find his bride.

Just as in his dream, he crossed the bar. The locals in the bar wouldn't let him in unless he bought something. He got some random cocktail and avoided the beautiful men and women that no doubt wanted him to be their lover for a night. If he hadn't been so repulsed with love as a child and didn't have Sarah, he might've. But, he wanted no one else for as long as he would live, however long that would be. He loved her so much.

Taking a shot of tequila, he walked to the back of the bar and out the door. "This is it." He told himself. He removed the covering, and descending in the Underworld.

He landed on his feet, crouching down and cape billowing around him majestically. He rose up quietly, holding out a crystal to illuminate the scene. Honestly, he didn't actually need one, but it helped him to feel a little better about the gloominess around him.

Just as in his vision, he was on a dirt road surrounded by skulls and other bones. He walked, staying aware of all the surroundings. This was unlike anything he had ever encountered before. This was new territory, and one not known well to either humans or faes. His ears pricked at every little sound, every step he took.

To comfort himself even more, he began to sing to himself.

There's such a sad love

Deep in your eyes

A kind of pale jewel

Open and closed

Within your eyes

I'll place the sky

Within your eyes

He had written this as a song dedicated to Sarah when she was still a child. He knew he was fated to love her, and though he wasn't romantically in love with her, he loved her in the purest way, the way that made him want to take care of her and make her smile in any way possible.

There's such a fooled heart

Beatin' so fast

In search of new dreams

A love that will last

Within your heart

I'll place the moon

Within your heart

He knew that he would fall for her, but he didn't know when. Right when Sarah wished Toby away, he was forced to play the bad guy, but at the same time, he was angry. Angry that she had to meet him as her adversary. He preferred to meet her when she was grown, or at least not have met her at all. It was easier to just not fall in love.

As the pain sweeps through,

Makes no sense for you

Every thrill is gone

Wasn't too much fun at all,

But I'll be there for you

As the world falls down

Falling

Falling down

Falling in love

I'll paint you mornings of gold

I'll spin you Valentine evenings

Though we're strangers 'til now,

We're choosing the path

Between the stars

I'll leave my love

Between the stars

He was getting closer to where Charon was, the little man in the boat that would take him across the River Styx, a river full of lost souls. He started to feel hopeless from all the spirits crying out, so he sang a little louder.

As the pain sweeps through,

Makes no sense for you

Every thrill is gone

Wasn't too much fun at all,

But I'll be there for you

As the world falls down

He concentrated on Sarah, her beautiful smile, her soft hair, her kind eyes, anything to distract him from what was ahead. He let her image fill his very soul. He felt stronger, feeling that he would get back with her.

He thought of the future. She was his future, and he would make sure of that. He wanted children with her, oh, so many children! But only a few at a time, to give them the attention they deserved. He pictured himself chasing away any boys and girls that treated his children terribly and Sarah yelling at him for threatening to send them to the Bog. He pictured her pregnant, beautiful and carrying HIS children in her belly, a life giver, radiant and happy. He imagined her being called the greatest queen the Goblin Kingdom ever had and every subject loving her and everyone knowing the power she held.

Makes no sense at all

Makes no sense to fall

Falling

As the world falls down

Falling

Falling

Falling in love

As the world falls down

Falling

Falling

Falling in love

He finally made it to Charon. The little man held a hand out and Jareth placed a coin in his hand. He looked up at the King, and made a strange face just visible underneath his hood.

"You, you are not dead Goblin King. Yes, I can recognize anyone, even you. Furthermore, you are fae and not human. Even so, I will take you to the Underworld regardless, as you have paid."

Jareth bowed his head. "I have business here with Lord Hades, god of the dead."

Charon raised his eyebrows. Jareth could see that he looked quite tired and yet, curious of the King. "I don't think I need to tell you to be careful with with the Lord of the Underworld. You are strong, Your Majesty, but this is no longer your territory." He helped Jareth in the boat and started to steer.

Jareth shrugged. "I've been in worse places. Now tell me, do you recall my wife, Queen Sarah, coming through here?"

Charon made a face and shook his head. "If she is dead, she should've came through here. You are right to assume that I should've been the one to escort her. However, that's not the case. I hadn't seen her."

Jareth pursed his lips, not speaking anymore. He didn't want to give any information away. There was no telling which information was important to keep secret and which wasn't.

So he waited.

The boat ride was unbelievably long. He wished he had headphones or something to pass the time. But instead, he just looked out, feeling sorry for every lost soul.

Jareth was not a superstitious person, nor believed that death rites would help anyone with anything. But, he was a man of tradition. He sat there, closing his eyes, and said a sort of prayer, a chant, whatever you want to call it to the people in the River Styx.

It was in an ancient fae language, but it was a prayer of peace for the dead. It was the least he could do for them.

Bowing his head and closing his eyes, Jareth crossed his left arm on his chest, grabbing his right shoulder, his other arm raised up to the square and began his prayer.

"To the ones who have crossed the veil,

May your happiness and not sadness prevail.

Your love, your peace, your joy,

Please have those and not just being coy.

Smile, the pain has now gone

For now you have walked into the beyond.

May you rest as you have have not done before,

Peace be with you forever more."

He slid his arms to his sides, feeling a little better. The spirits all around him seemed to have heard his prayer and goodwill, and the burden felt lighter upon his shoulders.

Charon looked at the King fondly. "Not one has crossed here and have tried to do a thing for the Lost Souls. Some feel pity, many disgust, but never a prayer to try to ease their pain. You are one of a kind, Goblin King."

Jareth smiled modestly, and a little sadly. "It was my wife, Queen Sarah, who has taught me unconditional love. I had been kind before, but I was never particularly thoughtful of others until she came into my life. She was brave, loving, and looked out for everyone. Sometimes a little too much. No doubt she would do the same as I have if she was here, maybe more." He thought fondly of the time when she had a hard time eating or taking care of herself when they were restoring the kingdom. Oh, what an inspiration she was.

Thinking of her made him even more anxious to have her back, to take her place at his side.

Charon hummed, bringing Jareth out of his train of thought. "Well, she seems quite exceptional. I am sorry for her loss, as it is clear as day that you have been hurt deeply by it."

They arrived at the gate. In contrast to the eerie lime green lighting when he crossed his path there, this was blood red, full of angry energy. Jareth thanked the man, and off he went.

He thought that he'd have to go pass Ceberus first, but got distracted. He heard singing, the purest voice he had heard. It was so beautiful, it made him feel like summer appeared in his heart even with the sadness of being in the Land of the Dead.

He looked for the sounds, and he came across the Goddess of Spring, Persephone, a breathtaking image. No wonder humans praised her beauty. He saw up close how lovely she really was. She was almost as beautiful as Sarah. He wanted to speak up, but felt guilty about watching in on what seemed to be a private moment of her with her flowers, and yet he was so starved to see such pure contentment that he just couldn't speak. Had she been Underground, he would have assumed she was an enchantress.

She didn't even turn around to face him when she spoke. "Goblin King. I know that you are behind me. It is rather rude to not greet your hostess and lurk instead."

He gulped, a little embarrassed. He walked up to her and gave a bow. "My lady, I am deeply sorry. I didn't want to disturb you. I mean no harm."

He looked up from the polite bow, and looked up to see her turned around to face him, an amused expression on her face. She walked towards him and held her hand out. He kissed it, honoring her as queen of the land.

"Well, as you say, no harm done. I am just not used to any new live beings here aside from a few of us. Tell me, why have you ventured here in the land of the dead? Very few want to travel here so you must have some special reason." She tossed her golden hair to one side of her neck and motioned for him to rise up.

He gave one more bow before rising. "I am here for Sarah, Queen of Goblins. She is my bride, taken from me on our wedding day. I am here to bargain for her, to bring her back with me to life or at least her soul to the Summerlands."

Persephone tapped a finger on her cheek thoughtfully. "You want to bring her back to life? Well, you are quite brave to come here. And alone, for that matter. Many have gone insane from being here, surrounded by the dead to the point where they wanted to join them. Tell me, what is it about this Sarah that makes her so special?"

Persephone waved a hand and a couch appeared. "Come sit." She gestured to Jareth.

He raised an eyebrow at the fact that she chose a love seat, forcing them to sit quite close. Nevertheless, he didn't speak up as he didn't want to offend her. If she could get on his side, maybe he could get Hades to comply and get his wife back.

He sat cross legged, leaving an ample amount of space between them. Persephone waved another hand, and a champagne bottle appeared. "Some Champagne? I'm sure the journey here was exhausting."

Jareth waved his hand. "No thank you." How stupid did she think he was? To drink food from the Underworld would force him to stay there forever. He folded his hands on his lap, his skin prickling with nervousness. But he couldn't pin point why. Everything just felt so off.

"Suit yourself." She told him, having a drink for herself. After taking a few sips, she turned to him again. "So tell me, why is Sarah so important?"

He leaned back a bit, closing his eyes and picturing her face. "Oh, you have no idea." He whispered. "I don't even know where to start. She was beyond anything I had ever known. When many have tried and failed to win my heart for love and my body in bed, she has won every part of me. Her sweetness, her kindness, her vulnerability all made me willingly want to give everything up for her. She never wanted anything from me but my love. She believed in hope, and even when people in her life taught her that they can be cruel, she still believed the best in everyone. Even me. She fought for me, for my life in the Battle of the Crowns when my former betrothed forced me to marry. Sarah wasn't a delicate flower though. She was a fighter, a leader, a true queen. She fought even ME to get back her baby brother when she made a mistake of wishing him away. She was kind to everyone and learned to admit her mistakes. She loved me, but she didn't excuse my behaviors and helped me to be a better person. She has done so much good as queen and as just plain Sarah. She was born human and turned fae, but it doesn't matter what species she was. She was always wonderful. Her life was too short and she deserves another chance. Furthermore, even she did deserve to die, as a changling, she is fae and needs to be sent to the Summerlands where she belongs so her spirit may be free."

He wanted to desperately ask Persephone why Sarah was here, and not in the Summerlands, but he knew better than to just ask her or it could provoke her as it would sound accusatory. It could cause issues that he'd rather not have.

The Queen sighed. "That was beautiful. Most who talk of their loved ones don't mention their mistakes and paint them as picture perfect. You, on the other hand, loved her wholeheartedly for who she is. Unfortunately, I cannot help you in the matter. That is something you should take up with my husband."

Jareth tried to not throw something at her or to shake her in anger. What was the point of telling her all of this personal stuff if she was just going to refer him to Hades?

"My Lady, is there a way you could possibly help me appeal to your husband on my behalf?" He asked politely, even though he wanted to throw her in the Bog of Eternal Stench.

She scoffed. "Oh Hades? He doesn't listen to me anymore. What's the point?" She drank some more champagne. "I was his conquest. We had passion, but that wasn't love. Oh, what I would give for a man to love me as you love your wife!" She sniffed, a tear falling down her face.

Jareth looked at her sadly, feeling a bit sorry for her. He knew what it was like to be lonely and single, but a loveless marriage is no doubt much worse as you felt lonely when you weren't supposed to.

He sighed. "I'm deeply sorry to hear that. I know that it must be difficult and I wish I could offer you words of comfort."

Persephone cried even more, making him very uncomfortable. He wasn't sure what to do, so he did the only thing he knew what to do. He patted his hand on her back. "I'm so sorry." He told her over and over.

Somehow, she began to weep on his shoulder, forcing Jareth to hold her in his arms and comfort her. It reminded him of the days when Sarah would cry and he would dry her tears. Except this was weirder, with someone he didn't even know.

He was picturing how he would then kiss Sarah to wipe her tears away. He would trace his thumb across her cheek, moving the tears. Then, he would run his thumb across her lips. If she let him, he would move in and kiss her, capturing her mouth in his. He'd put his arms around her waist and hold her tight, their eyes closed as their tongues moved in a way that was sensual and sweet for comfort. A small sound that resembled a giggle would escape her throat and he'd smile in his kiss, knowing that he made her happy. She would tangle her fingers in his messy hair and he'd thread his fingers in her beautiful, curly blonde-

Wait. Curly? Blonde? Sarah had straight, dark hair.

Wait. What?

He opened his eyes and saw in horror that the woman he was kissing was not his Sarah, but the Queen of the Underworld. He shoved her away in disgust, spitting and wiping his lips to further show how he really felt about that. "WHAT THE HELL?" He demanded her.

Persephone still looked at him with those large, doe eyes. He noticed that a strap on her dress had moved down, the tops of her cleavage beginning to be exposed and her lips swollen from the kiss. He didn't want to know what Aphrodite looked like if Persephone looked like a sex goddess right here, trying to tempt him.

"Stay," She pleaded. "You cannot bring her back. My husband is ruthless. Come. Stay with me. We could be happy, make love. I could make you forget your Sarah as you make love with me." She placed her hands on his chest, but he pushed her away.

"Never." He hissed. "Just now, you didn't make me forget Sarah, in fact, I was DREAMING of her as we kissed. You made me think she was here, and you are disgusting for deceiving me. I'm sorry your marriage is a broken mosaic of hearts, but you cannot find love by deception. Not after the true and real love I had with Sarah. I cannot and will not accept anything less, even from a goddess. If you want some passion, go and find someone else. I am not that person for you."

He slung his bag over his shoulder, and without a glance, he walked towards the throne room.

"Turn left." Persephone said suddenly.

"What?" Jareth didn't understand what she was going for. What was she telling him to do?

She sighed. "Turn left into the wall. That's a shortcut to the throne room." Her voice was clipped and broken. It was enough to make him turn around.

He didn't soften his glance even though he did feel for her. "Why are you helping me?"

Persephone looked up at him in pain, readjusting her dress so she was once again dressed appropriately. "If I cannot have happiness in love, then I hope you can. I hope you will find what you are looking for, Goblin King. But beware. If your Sarah is as good of a person as you say she is, then she is most likely in Elysium, or paradise. It is a place meant for the dead to not feel pain and to feel peace. She will most likely not want to leave, for it is programmed to make her feel that way. Do not be surprised if she rejects you for it. Though, I do wish you well. I have never seen anyone as devoted to their spouse as you and it would be a shame for such lovers to be separated."

Jareth took a deep breath, looking forward, then back at her. "I will take my chances. Thank you." He turned to the left and went through the walls.

Persephone looked at where he had stood, still feeling rejected. "You're welcome."

Damn it Persephone we get it your life sucks but don't be touching my man! I mean Sarah's man! I love making Jareth devoted to Sarah and mad that someone would trick him. Poor baby. :( But hey, he caught it and is now closer to finding Sarah!