Jareth shuddered, standing at the entrance of his castle. He had come straight there, not bothering to walk his Labyrinth. She had seen him, touched his soul. Regaining his haughty demeanor, he pulled his owl cloak about him and entered his home. It was quiet, a rare occurrence in the goblin castle. Too caught in the swirl of his own thoughts, the Goblin King didn't notice the silence until he reached the throne room.
It was empty of the normal, wiggling mass of goblins. Even when he left his throne for another part of the castle, they stayed, drinking, fighting.
"You're him, aren't you? You're the Goblin King." He glanced up at those familiar words. They came from a young woman seated upon his throne. She rose to sink into a deep curtsey, the spitting image of Sarah. Almost. This young woman had reddish hair rather then Sarah's brown tresses.
"Who are you?" he asked, outraged she was there. There were no women in Labyrinth; Sarah had been the only one. Thos in the crystal dream he had made up. The young woman rose, brushing down her inky black skirts.
"I am your daughter, or as close as anything you'll have to one. I am your desire for this Sarah girl. You made me," she replied.
Jareth scowled. "If I made you," he said. "I can unmake you."
Making a gesture, a crystal appeared in his hand. Jareth threw it, charged with power, at his 'creation'. She merely laughed, catching it. "Your magic will not affect me. I am part of you, this I have your magic. Your throne is mine now. There is nothing you can do to reclaim it. Such a pity. Begone!" She threw out a hand and Jareth found himself thrust from his castle. He stood, brushing sand from his clothing. He was standing where Sarah had before she had started his Labyrinth.
How, how could this have happened? If she had his magic, then it shouldn't have affected him either. There was something else at work here. He had no enemies; everyone in Labyrinth was too frightened to pull a stunt like this. Sure, the Labyrinth had been doing odd things lately, but nothing this serious. He had always been able to handle it. Ever since Sarah and Toby had left, the Labyrinth was acting on its own. It was strange, but he could always bring it back under his control. Not this time it seemed. Jareth, he hated to admit it, needed help. And there was only one place he could turn for this help.
Toby sat at his desk, feet propped atop of it. He was alone in the house, basking in the silence. Much as he loved Sarah, she still had problems with Mom and Dad. This caused some interesting shouting matches since she had returned home. He turned a page, reading Sarah's neat penmanship. This was his favorite part, when Sarah and the Goblin King were dancing. It may be strange for him to like this part; it was more a girl's favorite. But it was here that the book Sarah had chosen the book him over the Goblin King.
Suddenly the huge windows in his room burst open to allow a tall figure to step in. He wore all black with a high-necked cloak around his shoulders. He reminded Toby of a lion because his brown-streaked blonde hair was wild, like a mane. "You probably don't remember me, but I remember you and your sister very well, Toby. I believe she's mentioned me once or twice."
Toby almost fell off his chair. This couldn't be happening; it was amazing. It was as if Sarah's tale had come to life right in his bedroom. The Goblin King himself stood before him, manner just as Sarah had described.
"It is an honor, sir. I never thought, oh wow!" he said. After a pause, "Sarah's gonna kill me."
The Goblin King cocked an eyebrow. "Now why would my little Sarah do that? She's more likely to try and kill me first."
Toby nodded. "That's true," he agreed. "Um, why are you here? Besides the chance to get killed by Sarah, I mean."
Jareth laughed. "You'll do, boy. Yes, you'll do. I come here, humbled, for help from you and my dear Sarah. Sarah might need some persuasion, however. She'll probably believe I deserve to have my throne stolen, but her curiosity may aid us there."
"Help?" Toby seemed excited at the prospect of an adventure. "Sarah and our parents went to a masquerade to celebrate the ending of "Meander's Queen'. They should be back soon, but in the meantime, why don't you tell me what happened?"
Sarah climbed the stairs, clutching her skirts in one hand. Her parents had gone out with another couple, but she had just wanted to go home. It was late and she was dead tired. Opening her door, she was startled to find Toby waiting for her, so startled that she didn't notice the figure standing between her window and vanity.
"Toby? Why are you still up? Is something wrong?" she asked, confused.
"I had a visitor while you were gone," he replied. "Jareth needs help, Sarah. Please don't get too upset."
"Jareth was here? I hope –"
"I'm still here, Sarah." The figure from the window interrupted her. She whirled to face him, mouth set in a firm line.
She had been beautiful then, but she was breathtaking now. It pleased him to discover her masquerade dress was a version of the ball gown he had given her. Silvery-white, the off-the-shoulder sleeves weren't as puffy, nor were the skirts, but it still suited her. Her curled brown hair was pulled back in a similar headdress. Before he could comment, however, Sarah continued, "Leave. I am not having you ruin Toby's life as well. Get Out!"
"Ruin?! I didn't ruin your life. If anything, I improved it! Everything I did, I did for you, Sarah Williams! Don't forget that," he shot back. "Time to repay the favor." Jareth strode toward her, Toby rising from his position on her bed. A hand on Toby's shoulder, Jareth reached out and pulled Sarah closed, holding her waist. She gasped, though whether from surprise or rage he couldn't tell.