Labyrinth Mistress: Glad you liked the story so far and I hope to live up to your expectations for the rest. :)
enchantednight84: Sorry about the confusion with the friends, past and present time issue. I'll try to do better at distinguishing the difference. I just love getting kudos for my writing! Thanx a lot:)
Captain Judith Sparrow: Hey! I'll do my best to keep this story a good one and even push to make it an even better one. Thanx for the kudos on the work. Jareth is a hottie, istn't he:)
ghostofthewaterflame: I'm happy to meet you, with you being a supreme Labyrinth fan and all. You made my day telling me that my story is on your top 10 list! YAY! I almost don't know what to do with myself now...heheh...anyway, your request for rivalry between Garrett and Jareth will happen! I just cross my fingers that it'll be the action you crave. Thanx so much for your words:)
LordFluffy'sDemoness: Hey girl! Nice to see you over here too! hahah...You are just to sweet and wonderful to me in your reviews! You're one of my faithful and you totally rock! And just for a change of pace I wanted to do a Labyrinth fic because I just love all the characters! Jareth especially is in my hot book! Anyway, I just wanted to surprise the people who already knew my writing, while at the same time, seeing if I could surprise myself. I did. Thanx for everything:)
Disclaimer: Not gonna happen after chapter 1. So if you are just dying to read this...flip back to chapter one and get your fuzzies. The only thing I will say is that the character of Garrett is owned by me:)
Peaches and Crystal Dreams
Chapter 2: The Truth About Garrett
Sarah tossed fitfully in her sleep. Images of the black haired man named Garrett haunted her dreams. He haunted her sleep and dogged her every waking thought. Whimpering, she told him,in her dreams, to go away. Attempting to shove the horrific dream image of the man in her nightmare, Sarah deeply felt the grip that Garrett had on her, even in the realm of sleep. Only she wasn't sleeping due to the bad dreams. Reaching out his hand, he spoke to her in a low voice that insinuated sex and satin sheets. The male, smooth voice frightened her more than had he gotten angry. Not realizing what she was doing, Sarah's dream took a turn for the worse, and in her darkest fear, called out for Jareth.
"Jareth!" Shooting up out of her sleep, she was staring wide eyed at her lavish surroundings. All of them fit for a princess. Laying on top of a grand overstuffed bed with thick pillows and comforters, she knew had it not been for the nightmares, she'd have had a good sleep. The discovery of her room was halted by a voice taking her by surprise.
"Why, Sarah. You're awake."
Turning, she saw the Goblin King leaning against the wall in her room. Appearing so relaxed and casual, just as if he belonged there, his eyes revealing not a hint of emotion. She'd give anything to feel that kind of release or peace. Whichever would come first. Out of respect and a hint a fear, she addressed him by his title, "Good morning, Goblin King." Inclining her head in his direction, it was the closest thing to a bow that he'd get from her.
Tilting his head slightly in her direction, he smiled. "Come, come, Sarah. It's Jareth. Don't tell me you've forgotten so soon." His mouth lifted on one side creating a tiny smirk. Holding his hand out to her, "Would you care for breakfast?"
Uneasiness stirred at the dejavu occuring at the sight of his hand in that position. Garrett had done the same thing and it had almost caused her to go running in the opposite direction. His evil, so potent, she could feel it vibrating in the air during their short introduction. Jareth, on the other hand, had the potential to be cruel and he was at times, but he'd never exuded the evil that Garrett had. Who was Garrett anyway? Her last trip down here there'd never been any mention of him.
Walking forward and taking Jareth's gloved hand, Sarah gratefully accepted his breakfast invitation. "Actually, Jareth, I would like breakfast. I'm really starving." Sarah felt the warmth of his hand through his gloves and momentarily wondered if the rest of him felt just as warm. Shaking her head, she chastised herself, "Sarah! Get your head out of the gutter! Just because he rescued you doesn't mean he wants to 'jump bones'."
Jareth led her from her quarters inwardly laughing at the ideas in her head. If she only knew what he wanted to do with her! Walking her down several corridors, twisting every which way but the right way, so it seemed, they finally arrived in the dining room. "Here we are, my dear, Sarah."
Escorting her to her chair, being the gentleman that he'd been raised to be, pulled out her chair. As she sat down, he pushed her gently up to the table. Seating himself at the head of the table, he ordered the food to be brought out.
Trays upon trays of food were brought out and sat before them. There was fruits, eggs, toast, sausage and bacon. Also included for their drinking pleasure was a glass of orange juice!
Sarah's eyes widened at the sight and smells of all the food placed in front of her and Jareth. "I can't believe it! All my favorite food plus orange juice, my all time favorite drink!"
The delight in her eyes made the Goblin King smile. A true smile. Not one of those fakes or even one of his usual cruel smirks. Such a small thing he'd done for her and it had been no trouble whatsoever. The whole of her face lit up, her eyes shining like emeralds from the deepest part of the earth. He'd expected antagonism from her, but this was the last thing he'd thought to receive.
Eating her eggs, toast and bacon, Sarah savored every morsel from her plate to her mouth. She decided it was nothing short of scrumptious! She could eat like this almost ever day! The eggs, so fluffy, the bacon, crisp, but not overdone, and the toast crunchy, not burnt. The orange juice she favored so much slid down her throat. It's coldness washing away the parched feeling in her mouth and throat.
Glancing up, she noticed the Goblin King staring at her with amusement.
"What? What is it, Jareth? Do I have something on my face?" Grabbing her napkin, she frantically dabbed it all over her face ensuring herself of it's cleaniness.
Jareth let a laugh escape his mouth. Daring to chuckle at her expense, he realized with a start, that a mortal had never made him laugh, much less a female one! Allowing his eyes free reign over her face, the Goblin King wondered if Sarah could be the one to breach every barrier, including the final hurtle to his heart. Thinking of his world for one moment without her caused his chest to ache with despair. How could she have accomplished such a feat in the short time he'd known her?
Sarah noticed the abrupt changed in his mood. One minute he was laughing and free from the burdens he shouldered, the next, then he had become preoccupied and thoughtful. What happened to put that look there? Concerned that she had been the culprit to cause the sudden and swift mood exchange, she bit her lip. "Jareth, are you alright? What's wrong? And don't bother telling me that it's nothing. I know very well it's enough if it brings such a difference to your face and eyes." Looking down at the stone floor, she waited for his bitingly, sarcastic censure. Only it never came.
Reaching out with his hand, Jareth placed his fingertips underneath Sarah's pale chin. Gently he tipped her face up towards his. Meeting with a slight resistance, he grabbed her hands, tugging gently, and bringing her closer to his level.
Mismatched eyes watched green ones cautiously. He didn't want to reveal the reasons for the change, but if it were to lessen her worry, he'd tell her what was on his mind. "Sarah, walk with me?"
Confused, she nodded. "Sure. Where are we going?"
Taking her by the arm, he answered, "Somewhere that no one else has ever been before. A place where only, in the past, royalty were the only ones allowed to visit."
Instead of making her feel better, her worry only increased. "But, Jareth, I'm not royalty in any shape or form."
Halting in the middle of the hall, Jareth rewarded her with a dazzlingly, charming smile. "You place too little on your worth, Sarah. You're the one who not only defeated the Labyrinth, but me as well. It has been told in legend, that the only mortal female to defeat the Labyrinth, would be the only one, ever, to win my heart also." Lightly rubbing the back of his hand across her cheek, "That one female mortal...she's you, Sarah. In all my long reign as the Goblin King and ruler over the Labyrinth I've never come across anyone who could beat the Labyrinth. No one, that is, until you. The song I sang about you turning my world, you turned mine upside down and inside out."
Gasping, Sarah's surprise evident in her eyes. "Jareth?" Suddenly as if feeling what he felt, she leaped into his strong arms. "I'm sorry for what I put you through, Jareth. I really am, there's no excuse for me. I was sure that your feelings were a passing infatuation and that you'd get over me, eventually."
Pressed tightly to his chest, Sarah was comforted by the steady rhythm of his heart. The arms wrapped gently around her slender body, made her feel so strong. He made her feel she could tackle any obstacle together, with him, she could move the stars. Just as he'd moved them for her. But for now, she had to get to the bottom of whatever was affecting him this badly. "Jareth, please tell me. Please?"
Her soul begging him to share his weight was winning out over everything he could think of to deflect her curiosity. "This that I keep bottled up includes you, Sarah. Are you sure that you're ready to hear it in it's entirety?" Jareth had to be certain before he burdened her with his past and their future.
Leaning back, she lovingly stared into his eyes. "I've never been more certain. I need to know. The good, the bad, I need to hear it all, especially if it includes me." Her green gaze so earnest, he knew she meant every word that passed her full lips. Smiling, she willed him to know the love that welled in her heart for him, and only him.
"If you're sure, then hold on just a moment and we'll go to the place I spoke of earlier." Conjuring a crystal, Jareth muttered the ancient words, throwing it up into the air and the couple disappeared in a beautiful, sunlit, shower of glitter.
Seconds later, they reappeared in a majestic, tropical garden. The flowers and trees so beautiful, they landscape so serene, they almost took her breath away. Spotting a waterfall in the distance, her eyes brightened considerably. She loved waterfalls with the peaceful sound they created. It's waters spilling over the rocks, haphazardly, tripping down to the water below where it pooled in a gorgeous blue color. She'd never seen such a blue except in the ocean, where the deepest, darkest blue signified the depths it betrayed when viewed overhead.
The childlike amazement Sarah showed with the splendor of his garden pleased him greatly. Sarah, was an enigma just as he was and ever would be. Coming up behind her, he wrapped his arms around her. "Wonderful, isn't it?"
"Wonderful doesn't even begin to describe it, Jareth! It's the most amazing place I've ever seen or been. I love it here!" Turning in his arms to face him, "Thank you so much for bringing me to this sacred place. You'll never know what this has meant to me." Liquid welled up in her eyes threatening to fall.
"You're tears tell me of all this. There's no need to cry, Sarah. I'm right here with you." Releasing her, he framed her teary face in his leather covered hands. Wiping away her tears, he stared in wonder at the woman before him. Uncertain whether he'd figure her out or not, it didn't matter, the two of them were here now.
Sarah inhaled his scent deeply. He smelled so manly, just as he carried the smell of the outdoors and leather. The brunette wasn't sure how to say what was on her mind, but she swallowed hard and decided she'd speak it anyway. "I have this terrible feeling, Jareth, that soon something will happen to seperate us. I couldn't bear it...whatever it is, it haunts my dreams! In all of them, that same man, Garrett appears. Everytime! I'm worried about that and him! What's going to happen, Jareth?"
Jareth's eyes narrowed dangerously at the mention of Garrett. He hated him beyond all reason! The feeling mutual between them, they'd never gotten along. Never. Jareth looked for a place to sit and spotted the waterfall that Sarah had so admired. Wishing them there, in a flash and glitter, they were sitting there in the blink of an eye.
Sarah shook her head to clear the sudden shift in locations. "Jareth, warn me next time, okay?"
Nodding, he told her, "Sarah, I have something I must tell you. If you didn't need to know, I wouldn't even bring it up, but since you're part of it...well, you must know. Only if you could arm yourself against him, that's the reason you really must be told."
Taking Jareth's hands, Sarah calmly looked at him. "I'm ready to hear whenever you're ready to talk."
"Well, this story starts long before I became the Goblin King. My parents are the high King and Queen of all Underground. Many centuries ago, after they'd married, they had children. They brought children into this world just as any other pair of parents would. They're children were vastly unusual. For one thing, with the first birth, Kaleth, my father, and Sarin, my mother, had triplets. Those born that night were me, Kalet and...Garrett." Watching her reaction, it was everything he'd expected. But he continued on with the tale. "Yes, he's my twin brother, unfortunately. My sister, Kalet, looks like me, blond hair, the same mismatched eyes and fair complexion. Garrett, however, is dark headed, has green eyes and a darker color to his skin."
Shocked to hear that the man after her is Jareth's brother, she interrupted, "Wait. So you're telling me that the man hunting me is your own brother? Why?"
"I'll get to that if you'll let me finish the story." Teasing her, Jareth took her hands and pressed onward with his tale. "I have another brother, Kale, and sister, Karine, who are twins. They look like Kalet and I. For some strange reason, Garrett and I have never gotten along. Since we were young children, we were always extremely competetive, pushing each other past our limits. Every opportunity we received, we goaded one another into some sort of contest or another. I was always the biggest, strongest, smartest and magically advanced between us. Garrett could never accept that and when we were grown, my father announced to all Underground that I would be successor to the Goblin King throne and one day...the high throne."
Jareth glanced at Sarah. He examined her face for some kind of telling emotion such as anger or hate. But the only emotion to cross her lovely face, was sorrow, etched in such sadness that his heart ached for her. It was his life he was telling, but it was as if she'd lived it with him. Bearing all the hate, anger and shame along with him.
Sarah's teary eyes locked on to his. Stretching out her hand, she touched his face. "What a difficult childhood and life you must've had with Garrett around. I'm sorry that things weren't better for you, then, but I promise as long as I'm around, I'll endeavor to make it a much better experience."
Smiling his thanks to her, he replied, "I know, Sarah. But, sad to say, my tale isn't over and there's more to tell. "One night as my parents lay sleeping, he attempted to murder our own father. Garrett's dark sorcery trapped them in some sort of suspended animation long enough for him to carry out his evil deed. What Garrett didn't realize is that Biddig, the personal servant to my father, had seen him and alerted the rest of us to his plans. Kalet, broke the suspension, and I banished my own twin brother to the land of Nighmares. It's a place you never want to go. Every creature ever thought of or created by us or man exists there waiting for some hapless creature to wander into their land of shadow and fear."
He stopped momentarily due to the fear in Sarah's eyes. That was something he never wanted to see there. Love, happiness and joy, yes, but not fear, even fear of himself. "Sarah, I'll protect you with my life. Garrett will not take you from me! I'll do whatever I have to keeping you from his evil grip. I just had to let you know of our past so you'd be on your guard if I'm not around."
"Jareth, you make it sound like you have to leave tomorrow or some day soon." Her small giggle lightened his heart; only for a moment. Seeing the look on his face, her laughter stopped and her face fell. "You do have to leave, don't you?" Trepidation began building in her stomach, rising to her chest. Sarah wondered, 'What will I do without him here? What if Garrett comes?' "What if?", kept ringing in her head, echoing throughout like the sound bouncing in a deep cavern.
"Don't worry, Sarah. I have a surprise for you. My sister, Kalet, will be here to keep you company. She'll watch over you and alert me to any problems. The two of you will have such great fun, and she'll be like the sister you never had, I promise." With the mention of his sister, Sarah's face brightened again, bringing to the surface the beauty she contained within her soul.
Smiling maliciously at Jareth, Sarah said, "So, I'll have someone who knows your most intimate secrets and blackmail material, huh? She can tell me everything she wants." Snickering, she pictured a scene with Kalet divulging his deepest, darkest secrets and she fell over to the ground laughing.
Jareth knew what was in her heart and mind. The mannerism in which she was laughing caused him to abandon seriousness for the minute, collapsing to the ground beside her. The both of them laughed for what seemed like forever, then suddenly Jareth rolled over on top of her propping himself up using his arms. His blue and green eyes losing theirselves into her green pooling depths; he realized there was no other place he wanted to be lost than within her.
Moving ever so closer, Jareth gently brought his lips to hers, tasting of the love she was offering. With her kisses, he felt lightheaded, and that nothing, besides her, mattered.
Sarah felt so lost, so happy and couldn't care about anything else. Jareth, even though he could be cruel, had only shown her consideration, happiness and love the whole time she'd been here. He'd even rescued her from one of her greatest, recently discovered fears. Jareth was so gentle. He was also so strong,yet claimed she was his one weakness. She'd about fallen to her knees with his first confession of love, but with her brother to reclaim, she had to be as hard hearted and cruel as he'd been. To refuse him had broken her heart, but there had been no other choice, no other way.
Now, she still didn't regret her choice, but only because she'd succeeded in getting her brother back. And another reason she had no regrets is that she had him now. Jareth, the mighty Goblin King, fell before her, no walls to hide behind, nothing left but the man before her. He still had his magic, but that didn't matter to Sarah. Jareth, the man, meant so much more to her than any other part he played. But that brought back thoughts about his brother.
"Jareth?"
"Yes, Sarah?" He rolled off of her and sat up on his side.
"I'm really going to miss you while you're gone." Sarah was almost ashamed of herself for confiding that, but she felt he deserved something after confessing his childhood and linage to her earlier.
Jareth's eyes widened in shock. He hadn't expected to hear her sudden admission. "And I'll miss you. Have no worries, Kalet will take wonderful care of you. I shudder to think about the things she'll speak of in my absence."
"Did I hear my name mentioned, dear brother?" A third voice broke through the couple's reverie.
There standing before them was the most beautiful woman Sarah had ever seen. She had long, pale blond hair that extended past her waist. Her eyes, an exact replica of Jareth's, sparkled revealing the humor and fun buried inside them. Her complexion, pale like Jareth and Sarah's, with a touch of pink cheeks and slightly rosy lips, she could have been an extremely successful model in the Aboveground had she existed there. Wearing a medieval emerald gown that had a dainty bejeweled chain riding low on her small hips. Her whole figure was dainty, although her heighth almost paralleled Jareth's.
Her voice rang out sweetly like crystals or bells. "So, Jareth, this must be Sarah that I've heard so much about, hmm?"
"Yes it is, and I will warn you now, behave yourself." Jareth attempted to sound stern with his sibling, but found this one instance he couldn't.
"Oh, but Jareth, we'll have to much fun!" Kalet's eyes took on a devilish gleam. "The two of us, Sarah and I have so much to talk about and I've already got so much to tell. I'm behind schedule already."
Rolling his eyes, he slapped his hand against his head. "I'll have no secrets left by the time you're done and I get back from this trip."
Smirking exactly like Jareth, Kalet teased, "Damned right, Jareth. And don't you forget it either."
Kalet and Sarah laughed at Jareth. Sarah, herself, couldn't wait to hear all about Jareth's past and things he done and gotten in trouble for and whatever else Kalet could tell her.
Shaking his head, Jareth exasperatedly claimed, "You two will be the death of me!" Taking a hand from Kalet and one from Sarah, he closed his eyes and summoned a crystal. The transparent object floated in the air as Jareth spoke the words needed to activate the crystal.
All three of them disappeared in his customary shower of glitter. When they reappeared, it was back in the dining hall with their supper spread out before them.
Jareth gestured to the ladies. With him at the head of the table, each woman would sit on either side of him for their evening meal.
Sarah and Kalet conversed with barely a lapse in their discussion. Jareth just sat back and watched two of the four main women in his life chatting so animatedly. He was happy they were getting along so well. It went a long way in easing his mind towards Sarah's safety.
His mind drifted to the journed that lay ahead. He'd been summoned by their father for reasons unknown. The messenger would not give them, only that he was expected at court within the next day. Jareth knew he have to explain to his father about his absence and guest. Also, he'd have to tell him about Garrett's appearance. His father would rupture an artery over that. But now wasn't the time to think about that. Sarah would require his attention until he left.
An hour later supper ended and Kalet had already retired early due to exhaustion from her trip. That left Sarah and Jareth, once again, alone. He stood and walked over to her chair. She rose and he pulled the seat back allowing her to step around it and join him at it's back.
"Sarah, may I escort you to your room?" Wanting to spend at least a little more time in her company, he hoped she agreed.
A peaceful smile greeted him as she replied, "Yes." Trying to figure him out, she stared intently into his eyes. They were veiled, but she could feel the strong feelings emanating from him. Sarah took his arm and they began their trek through the halls.
All too soon, they arrived at her door after all the twists and turns, he'd expertly navigated them through bringing them to their destination. Pausing at her door, he struggled with himself to say goodnight and leave, and found he couldn't just leave her. Sarah settled the deliberation for him.
"Jareth, would you like to come in with me? I'd appreciate it if you could. Even better, could you help me go to sleep?" Her heart pounding like a drum sent it's rhythm to him. She was nervous and a little afraid and he wasn't sure why.
"I'll come in...only for a while. I do have to leave early in the morning." Opening her door, he pushed the wooden barrier open, letting her enter first.
Immediately, she went into the bathroom to change. Coming out of the bathroom, she heard Jareth's audible breathy inhalation. "Everything, okay, Jareth?"
"Everything's fine. You look like an angel. You're so beautiful!" It was true. The moment she stepped from the bathroom, his heart was the one pounding now. She looked like an ethereal being floating instead of walking. Right then and there, he knew no other would ever capture his heart. It would only be Sarah and only Sarah.
She climbed into the giant bed and seemed to be waiting for something. "Jareth?"
"What is it love?" His voice cut throught the gathering darkness like a knife.
She patted the bed. "Come over here, please? I don't want to be alone just yet."
Gently, the Goblin King smirked. "Is that what you truly wish?" His voice carried an undertone of sex and hot nights.
Gulping, she wondered what she'd gotten herself into, but decided not to be a little, meek girl. Those days were long gone. "I wish for you, Jareth, to lay beside me, right now."
In a flash, the gorgeous male blond lay beside her, sans boots and cape. "No time for sublety, hmm?"
"I just don't want to waste time period. I want to feel your arms around me, hold me tight and just tell me how you feel." Her eyes pleaded with his to bear it all. She smiled when he nodded.
Doing just as she asked, he wrapped her gently in his arms, holding her tight, and began telling her all over again everything he felt for her. During his declaration, he looked down to see his love fast asleep. Thinking to himself,'It won't hurt if I catch a few hours, so I'll just stay here and chase away her fears and nightmares for the time being.' Lovingly he kissed her forehead and whispered, "I love you, Sarah."
It was a tiny sound that followed, "I love you too, Jareth." her lips hadn't moved but he'd heard it clear as day. The proclamation set him smiling as he snuggled closer to Sarah. Closing his eyes, he hoped to meet her in whatever dream world she existed in at this time. With a thought, he extinguished the lights and settled down for a few hours rest.
A/N: Well, my friends, that's chapter 2...Let me know what you think about it and I'll see ya next chapter! L8r... ;)