A/N: It gets better, I promise. My muse made me do it. She insisted and who am I to deny a muse. I'm lucky to even have one. Even one that likes to take off when I mention the words 'new' and 'story' in the same sentence. I glare at her.

Elizabeth glares back. "You asked for a new story and I am giving you one. You should be grateful. Instead your blaming me. I'm not writing the story you are! As for taking off, I'm sticking around now, aren't I."

I snort. "Yeah, NOW being the word for it. You got no choice seeing as I have re-chained you to my wall. Anyway it's time for the disclaimer: I don't own the labyrinth or any of its characters."

Enjoy the story and please leave a review at the door.

Chapter Three: The Truth and Judgement

Jareth was furiously pissed off. Having learned what he now knew he wanted to blow something up. He wouldn't of course at least not yet but still the urge was there. Looking down at the small boy he had laid in to same bed next to his beloved. He smiled gently as the boy curled in to his sister's side with a contented sigh. The boy would have no more nightmares tonight or any other night if he had anything to say about the matter.

Slowly he walked out of the room closing the door softly behind him as so not to chance waking the occupants slumbering soundly in there. Turning he walked slowly down the stairs his fury building with every step that he took. The young boys pain and cries still echoing in his mind.

Turning he headed to where his father's aura was. He found him in what appeared to be the kitchen. Looking at the man seated a crossed from his father he let out a menacing hiss. He watched as they both turned to face him. His father with glamour on. He smirked sinisterly as he watched fear creep into the older man's eyes. He put all the rage, anguish and pain that Toby had felt and thought into a blazing crystal. Then tossed it for the man to catch.

Hello Raidon." Seeing right through the glamour, he purred with satisfaction as the older man caught the crystal and cried out, stumbling out of his chair and falling to his knees as the pain and anguish came at him in waves. The thoughts and memories of his son flooding his mind as he gasped at the amount of pain that had been caused to his little boy.

Blinded by the pain he clutched at the crystal trembling with anger and grief for what he never knew and didn't pay attention to. He felt like a failure as a father for letting it get this far. Yes, Karen and he had had their share of problems but he never... He never knew what it was doing to his son.

"Stay out of this if you know what's good for you father. He has had this coming for a long time." Jareth growled out as his father moved to help his friend.

Oberon looked toward his son then back at his friend who clutched the crystal while gasping and crying out in pain. "What have you done Jareth?" He growled as he stalked closer to his son before stopping dead in his tracks as his son shot a glare that could have frozen him solid with the coldness in it.

"I did nothing that he didn't need to know or didn't deserve. What he is feeling is what is son has felt for a very long time. Imbedded in that crystal is all the pain, abuse and thoughts of that little boy now sleeping upstairs." He snapped out furiously. Glaring at his father with barely suppressed fury. His hands trembled as he fought for control.

"I will be back before she awakens. If anything happens to her while I am gone there will be nothing, not even the godss and goddesses, I mean NOTHING stopping me from killing you." Jareth growled out in warning watching as his father took a step back before nodding in understanding, fear of his own son slightly shinning in his eyes. With that understood Jareth winked out of sight glitter shimmering in his departure.

Jareth threw another crystal as hard as he could. Watching with grim satisfaction as it blew up another hole in the badlands of Avalon. Nothing grew here and it was just a waste of space. Nothing lived out here so he was free to blow it up into smithereens without fear of damaging something other than the craters that were left behind from his magic.

He formed another crystal and was about to throw when a gentle hand clasped his arm. Looking behind him in surprise, he found his mother standing there with sorrow in her sapphire eyes. He watched as she took his crystal from his grasp and dissolved it into thin air.

She gave him a small comforting smile before she said in her usual soothingly honey sweet voice, "I think the badlands have had enough for today. Come my son, walk with me in my gardens. We have time enough before she awakens."

With that she waved her elegant hand and transported them both into her gardens. It was a virtual Eden that was hers, and hers alone. No one was allowed in with out her permission. It was her own little slice of paradise with flowers and tree's of ever species living in complete harmony forever in bloom. No one but his father , his brothers, and himself had ever seen it let alone step foot in it.

Jareth looked down at his mother's flower crowned head. "You were watching." He stated his stiffness fading slightly as she chuckled. "Of course I was. Did you really think that I wouldn't know something was up when you disregarded formalities and just took flight like that. I'm your mother, my love. I have known for sometime that something was up with you. I just never expected it to be love. Although it makes sense now that I think about it." She grinned at the stunned expression on her son's face. It wasn't often she caught him off his guard. She tossed her golden locks behind her as she smiled at him in her way.

Jareth coughed slightly trying to regain his composure. His mother always had eyes and ears everywhere for as long as he could remember. He never could get anything by her. Even now, she figured out that he was in love. He grimaced readying himself for the onslaught that he knew was going to be coming. 3...2...

"Soo... How long have you been teaching her and is she not the same girl who defeated your labyrinth and you at when she was just 15 turns." She smirked at her son's guilty expression. He nodded to her and took a step away.

Facing her, he replied " I've been teaching her since she was twenty-one. She experienced a magic overload and it was almost fatal. Hoggle was there when it happened and was able to get to me in time. I almost lost her." Hanging his head, refusing to give in to the emotions that bid him to cry.

He felt a hand go to his cheek as his vision blurred. Looking up into his mother's knowing eyes he could feel the tears flow down his cheeks. "I almost lost her again tonight." He choked out.

Titania reached up and pulled her second son to her. She had seen what had happened through her crystals. She had seen how he had almost lost his own life in the process of trying to save Sarah's. She knew the girl's name. She had watched the girl through her crystals for a while now. The girl was powerful. There was no doubt about that however it was obvious that the girl could no longer stay in the Aboveground.

It was delightful though to see her husband get put in his place. She chuckled at that. Her husband, the High King, Commander of all in Avalon, out done by a mere child. Oh, he wouldn't be living this one down for quite awhile if she had her say. He sometimes liked to forget that there ARE others out there who have stronger magic than he.

Her pride and joys for example. Darious, and Jareth both possessed stronger magic. Puck would too if he studied a bit more and if he was more serious. However Puck was Puck. She sighed as she felt her son pull away. She wiped the tears from his face as she gazed into his mismatched eyes. "Tis okay to cry, my son. It is okay to be afraid for someone else's life. Tis called love. You feel it in your heart but maybe it is time to tell it to her face."

Jareth was surprised at his mother's words. "I did..."

"No, my son you didn't." She said with a sigh. "You are your father's son in that respect. I watched the entire ordeal. I watched as you left the book on that park bench for her to find. I watched you as she ran the labyrinth. She was strong but she was young and could not read your mind. Which from what I read of it was a good thing." She grinned wickedly at the look of horror that crosed her second son's face. Laughing she shook her head "You should give your father a few poin..." She grabbed his arm before he could disappear with a look of mortification plastered on his face. "I jest my son. I jest. I never read your thoughts. I could only guess." She snickered at his expression before continuing now somber. " Never once did you speak of love. Unless it pertained to her loving you. Never once did you give her a reason to stay by your side."

Titania held her hand up to stop him from speaking. Her sapphire eyes sparkling with suppressed mirth at his expression. "She was human and yes, she did love you but you were cruel, you tormented her, tricked her, and tried to seduce her. However SHE succeeded where others have always failed. She has proved her worth. She ran your labyrinth and she beat you at your own game. However you never told her before you proposed that she had already won back the child. Which by the by..." She trailed off and Jareth backed away, for once in his life was scared of his mother.

Titania thumped her son soundly on the head, her eyes blazing blue fire.

"Ow." Jareth said quickly before backing away farther. He gulped. His mother never had struck him before. She had always been sweet and gentle and well...Kind. He had never seen such a look of anger on her face before and to tell the truth it scared him shitless. "What did I do?"

Titania rolled her eyes as she glared at her son. "That was for such an idiotic proposal. Really my son, it's no wonder she shot you down. 'Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave.' I would have too if I were her. She probably assumed that you were trying to trick her again. I thought I had taught you better than that."

Jareth grimaced at his mother's words. He had never thought of it like that. "I guess it did sound a little like a command." he admitted. "I didn't mean for it to be though. It was just one last attempt to get her to stay with me." He looked up and felt relief to see his mother smiling at him once more.

"I know that my dear. However the next time you propose to her and don't give me that look." She said firmly as he gazed at her in disbelief. She smiled again. "I know you to well. You were never one to give up that easily. You will propose again however it would do you well to wait awhile before that comes about. This time don't be afraid to let her see your heart."

Jareth nodded in acceptance than hesitated. "About her training..."

Titania frowned. "We cannot allow her to stay Aboveground, she will have to be brought down to the Underground. You will continue to train her as you have been. I will see that your father stays off your back about marriage. However he did make a good point. Court events and balls ARE to be attended. As High Prince you do have certain obligations that you have neglected these past two hundred years. Am I understood in this?" She commanded her sapphire eyes piercing through his own.

Jareth nodded quickly, relieved that his precious had been given permission to enter the Underground. His heart shone brightly through his eyes as he gave his mother a quick hug before stepping back. "Thank you mother. I should get back. I don't want her to awaken without me there."

Titania nodded as she wrapped her arms around her son for one last hug. "I will always love you, my son" she whispered in his ear before letting him go.

She watched as he shimmered out of sight, glitter was all that remained. She sighed... Now if only her first son would follow his younger brother's example. She snorted delicately. She didn't think that there was a woman alive who could turn that boy's ice to fire. Oh, well. Mayhap in another millenia. A chill ran through her spine... Or more like two.

Oberon watched as his old friend heaved a sigh of relief. The crystal had just dissipated with a slight pop. He held his hand out to Raidon and helped him to his feet just as Jareth reappeared. He looked over at his son and noticed that he was a lot calmer now than when he had left. He glanced back at Raidon who just sat down in his chair and didn't speak. He was staring out the kitchen window with tears falling like crystals from his eyes.

Jareth sighed and looked at the older man. "It's not to late, you know. I hear that the Aboveground has a way to separate from your wife without death being involved." He mentioned casually. He watched as the older man gave a harsh bark of a laugh.

Raidon looked at the man standing before him with haunted eyes. "Yes it's called a divorce and it would have worked if I hadn't... If I..." Raidon looked down at his fisted hands ashamed for the first time in his life. He couldn't even bring himself to say it.

Both sets of eyes turned at Oberon's groan. "You bound yourself to her, didn't you."

Raidon turned his sad haunted eyes back to his friends and gave a small nod. "We spoke the vows. Only in death can I be parted from her. I loved her like my Linda. If it hadn't been for the car accident..." He trailed of choking back a sob. "I thought she was a great mother. That she loved us. Now I see she just loved being my wife... Never a mother." He whispered harshly.

Looking at Jareth he whispered brokenhearted "How can I ever look at her again, even speak to her again without the reminder of how much pain she caused in my heart. She caused my boy so much pain. My son...and I wasn't much better. To find out that the only time that Toby was even truly happy was when he was with Sarah..."

Jareth grimaced. "About that... Mother has deemed Sarah to be to powerful in her wild untamed magic to be left in the Aboveground. She is to live with me as I train her powers down in my kingdom in the Underground." Jareth started at the shout of anger that issued from behind him as a blast of pure magic hit his shoulder.

Stumbling forward Jareth turned to see Toby standing in the doorway looking at him like he had been betrayed."Toby it has already been decided. I'm sorry there is nothing I can do." He watched as the youth started to shake, fury building up in his small body. Sighing with regret, he blinked out of sight only to reappear behind the lad and with a small jolt of magic he knocked the youth unconscious. Glitter sparkling in the morning light as Jareth once again cradled the boy in his arms.

Jareth looked at his father and with a glance to Raidon he posed the question everyone was thinking "So what now?" Jareth growled out. He clutched the lad closer to him as he watched Raidon through narrowed eyes. "What will you do now Raidon? Sarah must come with me and that puts the child at an even greater risk without her here as a buffer."

He continued with a hiss of disdain "You need to touch your mate at least once a day otherwise you will be in a great deal of pain. Now thanks to your poor judge of character Toby is going to be at the mercy of that... That thing up in your room. So I ask you again... What will you do? How will you protect him?"

"Son that is quite enou..." Oberon began only to be cut off by Raidon. "No, He is right, my friend. Jareth, I have always know you to be a temperamental but fair ruler. Your kingdom hasn't fallen apart yet that I know of..." Raidon looked to his friend for comformation of this fact.

Oberon cleared his throat and admitted grudgingly "He's kingdom is actually quite beautiful. His people are happy and healthy. Darious and he both have served their kingdom with a fair and honest hand." Jareth blinked in surprise at his father's assessment of his ruling capabilities. It almost sound like respect from one king to another there for a minute. He bowed his head toward his father in thanks for the compliment. His father just nodded curtly back in response.

Jareth rolled his eyes. 'Ah yes, such a loving response.' Looking back toward Raidon he waited for the fae to continue. Raidon nodded his head not looking at ether of the two but the child that Jareth was cradling in his arms. "Then I subject myself to you for punishment." Jareth nearly dropped the child in his surprise. This was the last thing he was expecting from the older fae.

Oberon whirled around to stare at his friend. "You cannot be serious Raidon!" He growled out looking rather sick at the thought of his good friend at the mercy of his son. "I am High King, surely you would rather I..." He stopped at the shake of Raidon's head. "No, my friend. You would not be a wise choice to pass judgement. I want someone who will be fair in their judgement of me and your friendship with myself would hinder that judgement."

Looking back toward Jareth he sighed sadly. "I await your judgement for my punishment."

"Punishment? Father what do you mean you await judgment. Jareth what's going on?"

All three sets of eyes turned toward the door to see Sarah standing in it. Jareth smiled at her sadly. "Perhaps this would be a good time for the truth Raidon. Before I hand down my verdict."

Raidon looked at his sweet daughter and choked back a cry. "You are right, Jareth. My daughter, we are fae. Well I am at least. Toby and you are halflings. Here come and sit while I tell you what is going on." He waved his hand and a chair appeared next to him as he removed his glamour. Sarah watched with fascination as her father changed from an older gentleman to a handsome fae. The fae she saw and helped earlier this morning before passing out.

She moved to sit by him but stopped when she went to pass her love. She saw her brother cradled in his arms tenderly as if the child was still an infant and her heart hit her throat as she was moved at the sight. Whatever her father was going to tell her she just knew she wasn't going to like.

"I'd rather stay by Jareth if it's all the same." She said looking at her father and saw the hurt in his eyes but she refused to leave her King's side. "Please explain what's going on, Jareth?" She asked as she turned to look up into his wonderful mismatched eyes. She watched him sigh.

"Your father's real name is Raidon. He was one of the twelve kings of the Underground until he met and fell for a human named Linda. He gave up his throne to his younger cousin Bastias to be with her. He said his vows and mated with her. You of course were the result of that union. However when your mother past the vows became null-in-void. Than he met that thing upstairs and preformed the vows again." He sighed at the confusion on his Sarah's face.

"Vows are binding to fae. They are a special link between us. For a union between full fae it gives us a telepathic link to our mate. We have to touch our mates at least once a day or the result is excruciating pain for both parties. There is no way to separate mates unless through death. Which is why we are so careful about choosing our mates. Since we are so long-lived and hard to kill, it would be hell to be with a mate that you wound up disliking or even hating."

Jareth sighed again at her nod. He knew that she wasn't going to like this next part. "Precious, when your father was freed from his vows upon your mother's death and he married that creature." He growled with disgust. "He made vows again."

"Wait, that creature you're talking about is my mother. HER name is Karen!" Sarah growled at him as she turned to poke him harshly in the chest. "And so what if he said the vows. He loves her and she him."

"Yes but she hate's the two of you! Toby and you! She tortures Toby when no one else is around to be a buffer. She wears a polite and pleasant mask when you are around and when your father is around she plays the doting mother." Sarah's hand flew up and struck him. Jareth stood there for a minute before turning back to face her with unreadable eyes.

"You dare lie!" She whispered fiercely as she shook with anger. Jareth narrowed his eyes.

"And why would I do that now. What purpose would it serve? Lie? Me?" He looked at her with hardened eyes and a cruel smirk. "Why lie, when the truth is so much better. Your daddy linked up his soul with your new mommy and for years they have neglected and torturing Toby and for some odd reason the only time the child has been happy is when you were around. Imagine that." He sneered furious at her willful stubbornness.

Jareth's heart clenched at the sight of Sarah's tears. "Why are you being so cruel. Why are you lying like this." She whispered as she felt her heart breaking. He was acting so cold, so callous. He never changed. He was still the same as he was back in the labyrinth.

"He speaks the truth Sarah." Sarah whirled around at the sound of her father's saddened voice. She shook her head violently in denial. Jareth sighed knowing what judgement that he was going to pass. He just hoped that with time Sarah would come to forgive him. At this point it was the only thing he could do. It wasn't a cruel judgement but it that's not how he knew she would see it.

He used just a bit of magic to wake up the boy in his arms. As Toby opened his eyes he looked around then his gaze finally settled on Sarah. "Sarah!" he cried out as Jareth set him down,the boy flung himself at her wrapping his arms around her waist while he glared dis-trustingly at Jareth.

"Your not taking her away from me!" He growled. Sarah looked up at Jareth confusion and a mistrust shining in the depths of her emerald eyes. Jareth sighed again and created another crystal. He threw it at her which she caught reflexively. Sarah immediately doubled over dropping down to her knees in pain. Sarah gasped as she watched and heard her sweet little brother's cries and the pain that accompanied them.

"What did you do to her." Toby cried out angrily at the king. His blue eyes flashing with rage. Jareth shook his head. "Child, I was in your thoughts last night. I knew what you were crying about. I felt your pain lad. Now your sister feels it as well." Toby gasped than looked over at his father whose tears had yet to dry.

"Father I..." Toby began until his father shook his head and opened his arms. Toby flew into them and hugged his father hard. "I am so sorry Toby." He heard his father cry as he felt tears soaking his neck. The little boy pulled away to look at his father. "You didn't know. I never told you. I didn't want you to know."

Raidon shook his head growling out. "Toby if I could leave that monster up stairs I would in a heart beat. However I have said vows that are binding until one of us dies. I have to be near her everyday. I have to touch her at least once a day otherwise I will be in excruciating pain. Do you understand." He watched as his son solemnly nodded.

"Yeah I get it." Toby looked back over to Jareth with tears in his young eyes. "You tattled, didn't you." He accused. Jareth nodded "I felt he needed to know what was going on Toby. Your pain has gone on long enough." Jareth growled still angry at the fact that the young lad in front of him had went through so much. He looked toward Sarah to see that she was kneeling still with tears streaming down her face. The crystal now gone she was looking at her father with sadness in her eyes.

Jareth walked over to her and watched as her gaze flitted up toward him. "What are you going to do?" She whispered sadly. He held out his hand gently pulling her to her feet. He cupped her cheek and while he looked into her emerald eyes he sighed pulling her unresisting body into a comforting hug. "I am going to do what I have to." He said as he brushed his hand gently over her hair.

Toby watched him through guarded eyes. Jareth pulled away from Sarah and looking at Raidon he said with authority "It's time Raidon."

Raidon nodded sadly and stood from his chair. He gave Toby a fierce hug and said gazing into his daughter's eyes. "Not matter what I will always love you both." Toby looked at his father questioningly. Raidon looked at Jareth with resignation.

Letting go of Toby he pulled his daughter in for one last hug before kneeling at the young king's feet. Sarah and Toby watched on in silence as Jareth snapped his fingers. Silver robes with gold threading and embroidery now clothed him. A golden crown now banded around his head he looked like a true king.

Jareth looked down at the man kneeling before him waiting for Raidon to speak. Raidon bowed his head and said firmly and loudly. "Before these witnesses and before my children, I, Raidon, Do here by accept your judgement and punishment for the crime that I have committed against my only son."

"Raise before these witnesses and state the nature of your crime." Jareth said grimly. Raidon stood and turned to face his children and his friend. His children said nothing but their eyes said it all. They were terrified of what was to come. He sent a small sad smile toward them and said. "I stand rightly accused of neglect."

Jareth sighed wishing once again that it didn't have to be him to pass judgement but he knew that Raidon was right. His father was to close to his friend that he wouldn't be able to pass a fair judgement. "Turn and kneel." he commanded. He watched as Raidon did as he was told, his head bowed.

"You have come before me and petitioned me to pass my judgement for this very serious crime. All children are a treasure and neglect of one even if it was unintentional is a very serious matter. One that is not to be taken lightly." He looked at Sarah silently begging her for forgiveness for what he was about to do.

"I, Jareth, King of the Goblin Kingdom, Keeper of Dreams, Guardian to children unwanted in this realm, and High Prince of Avalon do hear by pass my judgement. You through your own words and through the proof that I have found are guilty of neglect." He paused for a minute then with a sigh continued. " You are repentant of your crime and are sincere. There for your punishment will be one of mercy."

Raidon gasped and looked up at the king in surprise. Jareth nodded calmly to him before continuing. "This shall fall as your punishment. Your powers and any and all memories of your children will be sealed away until the death of your wife. When your vows are broken your powers and memories will return. You wife will be stripped of her ability to have children as she has been found guilty of abuse and cruelty toward the one she bared."

"You will return to your life and live without the will or even the thought to having any children. Memories will be extracted from everyone who knew your children and they will be completely forgotten in this realm. When your memories return you are to return to the underground with a full pardon and you will be able see your children again."

"As it stands, Tobias is to become my ward or if your daughter wishes it she may adopt him as her own. Should she chose to adopt him you will no longer be his father but his grandfather and will be treated as such upon your return. That is my decree. As I will it so shall it be done." With that Jareth and Raidon began to glow.

There was a flash of blinding light that filled the kitchen and where the four had stood only emptiness remained. Richard looked around the empty kitchen and then with a smile on his lips he hummed to himself as he began to make coffee. His darling wife would be up soon and he knew that she would be wanting a cup.

Once that was done he headed for his study noticing that on the couch lie Alex. He smiled and hoped that the lad would feel better today. Still humming to himself he entered the study and proceeded to work on his next case. He just knew that it was going to be a beautiful day.

A/N: Well that is it for this chapter. I hope you enjoyed it. Don't worry you all will see Raidon again. My muse and I will see to that.

Elizabeth grinned. "Yup. No worries there."

So please review and let me know what you think. Take care until the next chapter.