A.N.- This chapter almost went in an entirely different direction, but I felt that it would have drug out the inevitable for way too long. However, there were still unresolved issues for our favorite Goblin King that needed to be addressed, so I compromised lol. Anyway, I hope those of you who I have kept waiting will enjoy this!

Dealing With the Past

Jareth froze, staring at the young woman standing before him. For a split second, he believed he might be dreaming, for he'd never thought he would see her again. She was even more beautiful than he remembered. Anger rose to the surface, and he decided she needed to be confronted.

For her part, Sarah waited, wondering what he would say and do. She watched a tad uncomfortably, fidgeting, as his intense gaze never wavered. Suddenly, in a swift movement, she was pinned against the wall by him, yet again, and he was not pleased. "What are you doing here, Sarah Williams? Did you feel you needed to come bring the villainous Goblin King down once again?"

Crap, this isn't going to be easy, she thought, but she supposed that nothing worthwhile ever was easy to achieve. "No, of course not, because you're no villain."

Surprise showed briefly in his eyes before being quickly replaced by suspicion. "Then why, pray tell, are you working with Ravena?"

It was Sarah's turn to be surprised as she replied, "You think I'm working for her? Why would your friend Nilrem send me here for you to figure out that I was a human if I was working with that Fae witch?"

Jareth laughed, asking in a mocking tone, "Oh dear me, it seems the great Sarah Williams has gotten herself into another sticky situation? What did you do this time, my dear, made yet another regretted wish?"

"No! Why must you think the worst of me, when I'm trying to help you?!"

"I could have asked you the same thing, many years ago!" Pain shot across Sarah's face, and her anger was dispelled. Jareth was disarmed by this, but he still wouldn't let her off the hook that easily. "Explain yourself then, and do make it as succinct as possible."

Sarah sighed, saying, "I had to go with Ravena, because my stepmother signed a contract, and if I hadn't gone, Toby would have been taken instead. I couldn't let my past mistake repeat itself." She paused before saying softly, "I truly am sorry for what occurred between us the last time we met. I was so angry with the world, and felt that no one understood me, so I was selfish. But you understood me, and I threw it back in your face because I only saw what I wanted to see."

There was a silence as Jareth sized her up, then he replied, "So, the girl has become a woman. You realize though, that there is nothing I can do to help free you at the moment don't you?"

"But-but Nilrem said that what Ravena is doing is technically illegal, that there are strict rules about bringing mortals here."

"This is true, and I might be able to help the others who were taken. With you, it's a more complicated situation. You see, your stepmother might have been tricked, but you chose to take your brother's place without any manipulation."

"Oh, I see." Sarah felt disappointment at this revelation. If Jareth couldn't help her, who could? Then, a thought popped into her head and she gasped. She'd be risking far more than her life if she did this, but if it meant saving the others, then it would be worth it. "Actually, there might be something which can be used against her."

"And what might that be?"

Sarah licked her lips, saying, "Well, technically, Ravena never had, nor ever will have, the right to take me, no matter what I've agreed to. You see, ever since I first came here to the Otherworld, I've belonged here." She swallowed before telling him the rest, "I belong to you." At this she lowered her shirt to reveal her owl marking.

Jareth's eyes widened as he viewed the evidence before him. Did she truly mean what he thought she was implying. The look in her eyes said she was, for she was gazing at him as he never thought she would.

Sarah squirmed. "Jareth? Say something please. Jar-mmmff!" His name was cut off effectively by his lips pressed against hers. It felt like a fire had been ignited inside of her soul, and she automatically responded to his kiss. Gods, how long had she dreamt of this moment? The reality was far sweeter than any dream, she decided as he deepened the kiss. They finally pulled away from each other, though it felt as if some magical force was drawing them back together.

"I've waited a long time to do that, Precious," Jareth breathed, tracing the side of her face with a finger.

Sarah smiled, answering, "And I'm glad you waited for me, even if you were upset with me for a while. Jareth, I-"

She was interrupted by the doors bursting open and Hoggle running into the room. "Your Majesty, what's happened? Are you alright?!" Then he blinked when he saw who was in front of him. "Sarah? What are you doing here?!"

Jareth scowled crossly at the dwarf. "First things first, Hoggle. Why have you come in unannounced?"

Hoggle's mouth gaped open as he whispered, "He said my name correctly."

"Hoggle, now, before I decide to give you a trip to the Bog."

The dwarf's mouth snapped shut as he replied, "It's the Labyrinth! It's-well, just see for yourself!"

Jareth and Sarah stepped out on the balcony, and Jareth smiled while Sarah stared in wonderment. It looked as if a tropical jungle had taken over the whole kingdom, for there were lush trees, bushes, and flowers everywhere. Flocks of birds flew and dove in and around the area. And one could catch glimpses of brightly colored wildlife moving through the brush. The Labyrinth itself appeared newer, for the stones glistened. There was also a cool mist hanging over the maze, which made rainbows crystallize in the air. "Did you do this, Jareth?" Sarah asked.

"In a way, yes. I am happy, more than I ever have been, and the Labyrinth reflects that."

"It's so beautiful! I hope it stays like this always."

"With you by my side, it will."

"Wait a minute, do you mean to tell me that you twos are together?!" Hoggle sputtered out.

"Have some respect, Hogsbreath, this is your future Queen," Jareth smirked as he pulled Sarah to his side.

"Quit teasing him," Sarah chided. "I'm so glad to see you, Hoggle, my friend, and yes, Jareth and I are together."

Hoggle's eyebrows raised a bit at this, but the genuine smile on his friend's face, plus the effect the union had on the kingdom convinced him that this was a good thing. "Well, you twos are both happy, then I'm happy too. I've missed you, Sarah, and I'm glad you're back."

"Me too. But we still have the issue of Ravena to deal with, and something tells me that the rest of the Fae might not want to intervene in the matter as readily once they realize you have a personal investment at stake, Jareth."

Jareth laughed, replying, "There are a good many Fae who have put up with Ravena's manipulations for too long, and will be more than happy to see her punished."

"Still, we must do this in a way where they all think that they are the ones being wronged by her duplicity. It will be a much better motivation and ensure that the other servants are freed and get the proper treatment."

A wicked grin spread across Jareth's face as he said, "You're starting to think like a Queen. I have just the plan to do accomplish this, too. The upcoming Harvest Feast and Ball; everyone will be there. You will need to go back and instruct the rest of your fellow captives on what to do. I've got to work out some details with my wizard friend."

"Alright, just tell me what I need to do,"

Jareth brought her in for a tender kiss, meant to be brief, but when he pulled away they were both breathing heavily.

"Geez, can't you do that mushy stuff somewheres else?" Hoggle asked with a grimace, causing Sarah to giggle.

"Sadly, there is much work to do. It's time to put that glamour back on you, Sarah dear."

"I'm ready to do this," Sarah answered confidently. "Let's put that witch where she belongs."