Okay, you know the drill. I don't own it. But if I get rich, you better believe it baby...

Chap. 3

The water was scalding. Had she dreamed it? Sarah couldn't even remember if she had shampooed her hair already. Why wasn't the water hot enough. Her skin felt weird, pricklely and hot to the touch. She had to know if it was real. It had felt very real. She shut off the shower, giving up, and got out. Wrapping herself in a towel, she wondered down the hall to her room and closed the door. Toby's party was today. Tomorrow, she would tell her parents she was going camping with Lindsey. That was, if what had happend last night had really happend. Sarah noticed a small piece of paper on her bed. She picked it up. I was stiff and lined with gold. It read:

It wasn't a dream. See you in two days. J.

Well, that pretty much answered her question. Yes, Jareth, I will see you in tow days. She put the card in her night stand and got dresses. She blew her hair dry and put on a little make-up. She grabbed Toby's gift and headed downstairs.

The deck was covered in streamers and party lights. Sarah added her present to the pile alreay started by her parents. Toby hurtled down the stairs and attacked her from behind, hugging her ferociously.

"Hi, birthday boy. Are you excited?"

"Duh!"

He heard the doorbell ring and flew to answer it. Sarah laughed.

After that, friends started showing up and pileing outside. Once all the guest had arrived, they donned party hats and sang happy birthday as Toby blew out candles. Then the cake was sliced and served, and Toby managed to get it everywhere. The kids ran around, playing tag and Simon Says. The parents sat by the pool drinking mixed drinks and swapping recipes. Sarah escaped inside and called Lindsey.

"Hey, so how did your night go?" Lindsey was eager for the details.

"Um, it was nice. We swam..."

"And?"

"And he kissed me. A little. Then he left."

"What? Why? Weren't your parents out?"

"You just answered your own question."

"Oh...oh wow. So he was a gentleman then. Dammit!"

Sarah laughed. "Okay, enough. He is not the reason I called. I need a favor."

"Okay, what's up?"

"I need to go visit an old friend for a while. Seven days actually. I am going to tell my parents that we are going camping. So don't call my house."

"Okay. But why can't you just tell you parents where you are really going? Is everything okay?"

"Yes, no, I don't know. But thats what I'm going to find out. God, Linds, there is so much I have to tell you that I can't tell you right now. But everything will be okay."

"I hope so. Sarah, it sounds dumb, but you are just about the best friend I have ever had."

"That doesn't sound dumb. You are my best frined too. Well, my best human one."

Lindsey laughed. "Sarah you are so weird. Call me when you get back."

"I will, I promise. Thanks."

"Anytime. Bye."

"Bye."

Sarah hung up the phone and went back outside to watch Toby open presents. He loved the dragon and wouldn't let anyone touch it. Finally, one by one, his friends left. Sarah helped clean up and put Toby to bed.

She decided to tell her parents about her trip tonight. They took it well, but were sad she would be gona for a week. But they were understanding. Sarah climbed the stares to her room. She opened her window to let in the breeze, and then got into bed. She dreamed of owls in capes at her window.

The next morning, Sarah awoke to the smell of pancakes wafting up to her room. Karen was an excellent cook. Sarah jumped out of bed, threw on a robe and ran down the stairs. Her father sat in the kitchen table, coffee in one hand and newspaper in the other. He patted her hand absently as she kissed him on the head and grabbed the orange juice from the fridge. Pouring her self a glass, she sat at the table. Karen stood over the gridle.

"Morning," Sarah said, leaning back and enjoying her usual spot.

"Morning, sweetie." Her father glanced up from his paper, flashed her a smile, and then back to reading.

"Good morning," Karen said in a sing-song voice. She was in a very good mood.

Karen sat a plate in front of Sarah and one in front of her husband. She went to sit down, but before she could, Sarah's father put down his paper and grabbed her around the middle, pulling her down and kissing her. Karen squealed.

"George! What has gotten into you?'

Sarah stopped eating and stared mid pancake. "Okay, what is going on? You two never like each other this much in the morning." She swallowed her bite.

Karen beamed. "Shall we tell her?"

"Go ahead."

"Sarah honey, your dad and I are going to have a baby."

Sarah choked. "Another one?"

Her dad laughed. "You make it sound as if we'd had a dozen."

"No I mean, it's great, I just thought Toby was it.'

"So did we." Karen was blushing. "But, well, accidents happen. And this is a good thing. I want another baby."

A loud thud disturbed the moment as Toby landed at the bottom of the stairs.

"He left me a present! Sarah look!" He wailed and he barreled into the kitchen.

"What? Who, dear?" Karen gave her husband a confused look.

"Sarah look." Toby held out his hand to her.

Sarah gasped. In Toby's hand was a crystal. Jareth's crystal.

"He is here? Now?" Sarah jumped up and ran up the stairs.

Toby's room was empty, so she ran into her room. Looking around, she growled with frustration.

"He's gone."

She whirled to see Toby in the door way.

"Where is he?"

"In the Labyrinth, silly."

"How do you know about that?" Sarah dropped to her knees in front of him.

"I was there, too."

"But you were so little..."

"The King came a few weeks ago. He had your story book and he told me what happened. I knew him, Sarah, I knew him when I saw him. I remember him."

Sarah looked at her brother. He was still so little. She sighed. "Okay, Tob, go eat breakfast. Tell mom and dad you were just playing a game. Don't tell them anything else, okay?"

Toby rolled his eyes. "I know, sis, I'm not dumb."

"I know, I'm sorry. Now scat. I'll fix this."

"He told me that hew is coming back for you Sarah. Tonight. He told me you made a deal with him."

"It's okay Toby. Just go."

"I want to go! I want to see the Underground." Toby put his hands on his little hips.

"No Toby. What would I tell mom and dad?"

"That I am going camping with you. Please, sis, you owe me."

Sarah frowned at her brother. "For what?"

"You wished me away when I was to little to know what I was doing wrong."

Sarah stared at him, mouth agape. "But I rescued you too!"
"Please."

She growles. Tossing the hair from her eyes, she swore inwardly. "Okay, fine, but then you go home in three days. Now go aske mom and dad and eat your breakfast."

"Thanks! You are the best sister ever." He hugged her and ran down the stairs.

Sarah stood and sighed. This was getting out of hand fast. She looke out the window. She wasn't hungry anymore, so she decided to pack. She filled her duffle bag with clothes and hygeine products. She checked in with Kindsey and decided she should call Cedric, just incase he called again.

"Hello?"

"Hi Cedric."

"Hi Sarah! How are you?"

"I'm good. You?"

"Fine. My aunt is getting a lot better already."

"That's good. Actually, I wanted to let you know that I am going camping with Lindsey for, like, a week or so. I wasn't sure if you were going to call so I thoguht I would let you know I'll be gone."

"Yeah," he sounded sad. "I was actually going to call you tonight and plan something for tomorrow. But I guess you'll be busy, huh."

"Yeah." Why did she feel so bad? "I'll call as soon as I get home though."

"Okay, good. Well bye, Sarah."

"Bye." She hung up before he could say anything else.

Evening came quickly. Sarah said good night to her parents and told them she would be leaving early in the morning. They were taking Lindsey's car. They were nervous about Toby going, but they trusted her. Toby napped on her bed, his knapsack on the floor next to her duffle bag.

Sarah sat at her vanity, slightly primping but pretending not to. Her clock read 11:55 pm. Her heart was pounding and she was nervous for a reason she couldn't quite pinpoint. She was taking a big step tonight. By allowing Jareth to compete for her heart, she was setting her self up to be broken, again. She had left him once, and she would again if she feared his intentions were untrue. But doing so would kill her. Then she thought of her life and her friends here. Would she give up school, her career, to be with him and live in a place that, to the majority of the world, didn't even exist. Karen was having a baby. Would Sarah give up seeing her new sister or brother for the Goblin King.

Her clock chimed midnight, and Sarah's head shot up. She looked to her window as it flew open all on its own. An owl flew in, and in a flash of wings, the king stood before her. The Goblin King was finely clad in a white frilled shirt, cream colored leggings, and dark brown boots. His cape was beige with white owl feathers decorating the back and collar.

"Hello, love." He flashed her a smile that made her feet go numb.

"Well, aren't you one for grand enterances."

"I am." He spotted Toby. "Toby! What are you doing here, lad?"

"Sarah siad I could go with you for three days, to see the Underground! I was so little I barely rememeber."

"This is your fault you know," Sarah hissed at the King.

He raised a brow at her and then turned back to Toby with a smile. "Well as long as it is okay with Sarah, then it is with me too."

"Three days but that is it!" Sarah couldn't help but smile. She could tell that these two together would be trouble.

"Okay, I want you each to hold my hand and close your eyes." Jareth held out his hands.

They grabbed their bags, and Sarah took his right, and Toby his left. Sarah made sure Toby had shut his eyes, and then shut her own.

"It's a little scary, Toby, but it will be okay." Sarah was afraid her little brother would be frightened.

She felt the world around her shake and crumble. Then came the falling. She screamed. Suddenly, Jareth was pulling her close. She felt Toby put his arm around her waist. They stood huddled together until the ground was solid underneath.

"You may open your eyes now." Jareth's voice was startlingly close.

Sarah pulled away and opened her eyes. They stood in what was clearly meant to be a child's bedroom. There were toys on the shelves, as well as large picture books, and a giant window in the adjacent wall that overlooked the city.

Toby opened his eyes, and the delight that spread across his little face was so real that Sarah couldn't help but grin. "Is this my room?" He asked, twirling to face the Goblin King.

"Yes, it is," Jareth said, smiling. "Now, it's very late, Toby, lad, and growing boys need their rest. You have a lot of exploring to do tomorrow."

"Sarah, do I have to go to bed?" Toby looked at his sister pleadingly.

"Yes, now get into bed. I will leave this lamp on." Sarah reached under the shade of the little carved lamp sitting on the night stand next to the small four-poster bed. She realized as she did this that there was no cord leading from the lamp to an outlet in the wall. No electricity. Was everything here run entirely on magic? "Tomorrow, I will take you exploring and introduce you to all my old friends. But tonight you must get some rest." She help Toby into bed and pulled the covers up under his chin.

"Okay," Toby said reluctantly, although he yawned like a cat. "Good night."

She kissed him on the forehead. "Good night."

She stood from where she had knelt by the bed and watched as the little boy's eyes drifted closed. Then she followed the Goblin King out into the hall and shut the door. Once out of earshot of the sleeping child, she turned to the King.

"Where is my room?" She was tired and knew he would be up to his devious antics if she wasn't careful.

"Well..." he said, smiling slyly. "You can take the room at the end of the hall, or the one at the beginning." He leaned on the wall and folded his arms across his chest, a coy smile playing at his mouth.

"What's the difference?" She asked, brow raised, and crossed her arms as well.

"Well, the one at the end of the hall is empty, and the one at the beginning of the hall is mine."

"I should have known. The one at the end will be fine."

"Pity."

Sarah hoisted her bag and walked to the door at the end of the great hall. Jareth sauntered after her and slipped in behind her before she could shut the door on him. She turned around to face him and gave him an exasperated look.

"What in the world do you want."

"Smarter goblins. But then again I would have to be worried about being overthrown. Actually, I would like to show you something, if you don't mind."

"Fine," she said, putting her bag on the bed. "But let's go now. I really am very tired."

"As you wish. Come."

"Sarah followed the Goblin King out into the hall and up a flight of stairs. Sarah sighed as her legs began to ache. Were these endless? When they finally reached the top, she breathed deeply in relief and then focused her attention on the door that lay before her. She gasped when she realized where she was.

"The Esher room!" She looked around and suddenly felt dizzy.

"Ah yes, I have heard it called that before. Never understood why really. It's been around much longer than that silly artist anyways. But it is a brilliant creation. Our gravity holds no power here."

Jareth walked over to the other side wall running behind them and scooped up a glass bottle of translucent red liquid that had been sitting there. With the wave of his hand, he conjured a crystal that instantly became two dainty glass wine flutes. Sarah rolled her eyes and looked about rather nervously.

"Follow me." Jareth led her to the edge of the ledge they stood on. He then preceded to walk forward and onto the underside of the ledge.

Sarah gasped, covering her mouth. He peeked over the side.

"Well, come on then."

"I-I can't. I'm frightened."

"Don't be." He held out his hand.

Sarah reached forward and grasped it. She closed her eyes and stepped outward, swallowing hard. She let herself fall forward. She opened her eyes, and to her amazement, found herself on the underside. She looked about and realized that she didn't feel as if she was hanging upside down. The blood wasn't rushing to her head, and her hair stayed against her shoulders instead of falling down past her. Her vision seemed oddly blurred, but after blinking a few times, it too righted itself. Down became up, and everything felt normal. She looked at the King, who gave her an odd look, before turning swiftly on his heel. Sarah followed him to a flight of what now looked like upside down stairs. He walked up, or rather, down them until he reached the top, or was it the bottom, and sat on the attached ledge. She followed him and sat down next to him, head spinning ever so slightly. She glance at the King. He seemed to be fine. Maybe he spent a lot of time in here.

"Wine?"

"Sure." She wasn't even sure if she like wine.

He handed her a glass of the dark red liquid. She took a sip and found it bitter. The second sip brought a slightly sweeter flavor, which seemed to increase with each drink. Sarah eyed the glass suspiciously and put it down next to her.

"That is the first wine I have ever had that actually tasted good." She giggled, and then clamped her hand over her mouth when as urge to continue giggling filled her. What was going on. She new she was a light weight, but this was ridiculous. She sat in silence, afraid to open her mouth because of what might come out of it. She looked about the room and tried no to feel dizzy.

Jareth sipped his wine, ignoring the odd fuzzy feeling behind his eyes, and watched her. Even as a mortal, she was lovely. But she seemed blurry...was that him? When had the light grown so soft? Where had this haze come from?

Sarah was definitely not feeling well. The room was spinning ever so slightly and the was an odd gold glow to everything. She glanced at Jareth out of the corner of her eye. He was gazing out over the room. Was he feeling strange too? She refused to believe he had drugged her. That was little more college frat boy than pompous Goblin King.

"Jareth, I don't feel very good..." She said, her voice sounding like it was far, far away.

The King looked at her, his head spinning. She was all golden and hazy and he wondered if he was seeing her aura.

"I think that the wine, (hiccup), might have been a little too...aged." His voice sounded a bit odd, even to him. "I am feeling...much too intoxicated to have only had half a glass. (Hiccup.)" He covered his mouth and closed his eyes briefly, before attempting to focus on her again. "I am a tad intoxicated, I think."

"Me too. I think I had better go to bed. I, it's just that, well, I can't seem to stand up." Sarah glance around herself. Suddenly, she was quite overwhelmed with laughter. All the giggles that had been building up came out in loud, raucous laughter.

The King gave her a rather drab look, then burst out laughing as well. "I can't seem to stop drinking this horrid concoction!" he gulped the rest of his glass.

Sarah picked hers up and downed it. "Me either." She snorted as if this were the funniest thing to ever happen ever.

They collapsed in laughter. What was merely minutes later, but seemed like much longer, Sarah's stomach began to ache. She flopped backwards, laying against the cool stone. The laughter died down and the King hiccuped. Suddenly, Sarah spoke:

"Why do you steal children?" She suddenly felt very sleepy, languid, as if she were floating.

The King sighed and lay back as well. "I don't steal them, Sarah. Can't you see? I do only what is asked of me. Besides, it gets lonely here sometimes. I suppose I want someone I can talk to, even if it is just a toddler."

"You can talk to me." She rolled her head to the side to look at him. She could barely keep her eyes open, and saw his were heavy lidded as well.

"Yes," he said in a dreamy, half awake voice. "But you wont be here forever, love."

"If you prove yourself to me, I will stay, I promise. But I have to know if this is worth giving up my home, my family."

He stared at the ceiling, or was it the floor, and hummed a faintly familiar tune. She struggled to remember where she had heard it, but it was from a different time and place, buried deep in someone else's memories.

The words were hard to make out, as he sang them low and under his breath. But as Sarah listened, she caught a few vanishing into the air. "...sad love...pale jewel..."

Sarah sat up, head spinning, memories flooding back. The fear, the embarrassment, the masked faces mocking her every move.

"Stop!" she shouted, jumping to her feet. "Don't do this. Don't make me do this!" She stumbled away, trying to regain her equilibrium.

He was up in a flash, steadying her, and hand on each shoulder. "Do what? What?"

She tried to speak, but her throat had closed. Her lips fumbled to form her words. "Don't make me love you. I'm not the same selfish little girl I used to be. I'm not going to just throw everything away just because you offer me my dreams." She jerked away from him and ran.

She finally found the entrance and ran down the stairs to the hallway. She flung her bedroom door open and locked it behind her. Hot tears streamed down her cheeks as she collapsed onto her bed. There were footsteps in the hall.

"Sarah!" He was outside her door, calling for her. "Sarah, I meant nothing by what I said. I was just remembering how beautiful you were that night. Even if it was just a dream. Please, come out and talk to me!"

"You are so cruel..." She whispered.

"Sarah, please."

"Leave me be. I will see you in the morning."

"Dammit Sarah! I have the key to this door!"

"And if you are any kind of gentlemen, you will not use it."

Silence followed, and then a sigh. "And she thinks I'm the cruel one..." He walked away.

She listened to his boot heels on the stone floor as he retreated, their crisp echo fading away into nothingness. Then she stripped off her clothes and climbed into the giant bed.

"Don't fall for him. Don't you dare fall for him," she said aloud to herself.

Finally, after much tossing and turning, sleep took her. She dreamed of war, and of blood.

The following morning, the dining hall was full of noise. Goblin maids bustled about at their kings orders, preparing the grandest of breakfasts. Jareth paced his throne room, of which he'd emptied of goblins shortly after Sarah had left the first time. Their banter was no fun with out Toby. And no other girls had come to the Labyrinth after she'd beaten it. She'd ruined all his fun, invaded his dreams and clouded his judgement. And now she was back, and he had brought her here. And she was angry with him.

Suddenly, the small door opposite the staircase flung open and a young man strode in.

"There is a child playing in the stairwell!"

"Yes, it's Toby."

"As if that explains things."

"Parish, please, shut up."

Sarah awoke to the sound of little feet racing up and down the hallway. For a brief second, she forgot where she was. Then it all came flooding back, including the fight last night. Throwing the covers off, she rose and found her suitcase and unlatched it. She pulled out her long red robe with the thick lining that she had gotten for Christmas. Lindsey had good taste. She put it on and let herself out into the hall. Her head was throbbing, from the wine, she guessed.

She wondered down the hall and descended the stairs. Upon entering the throne room, she felt her heart turn to led and fall to her feet. Standing with Jareth was a young man in black leggings and an unbuttoned black shirt. He looked at her with piercing silvery blue eyes, his black Mohawk drooping to one side. There was a bolt through his chin. The singer from the club. Sarah remembered the stabbing pain, and her hand drifted to rest on her stomach.

"You!" she hissed. 'What the hell are you doing here?"

The young man gave her a fiery look matching her own. "I happen to live here! I should ask the same of you!"

Jareth held up a hand. "Enough! This is Parish. He often goes above ground to play human when the Underground becomes boring to him."

"I am human!" Parish snarled.

Jareth turned on him, glaring back. "Only half." He turned back to Sarah. "You see, his mother was a fae princess. She visited the Aboveground and fell in love with a mortal man she found there. She bore his child, then stole away one night for her kingdom. Parish likes to use what little power he has to play human when he can." Jareth gave him a disdainful look.

"His Majesty sends me up there to check on things now and then. You know that, though, don't you?" Parish looked at her, grinning wickedly.

Sarah, who had felt the need to voice what had happened to her that night, suddenly decided now was not the time. "You were good, that night at the club. Very...hypnotic." She looked at him, very unsmiling.

He stepped off the thrones platform and sauntered towards her. When his face was a breath away from hers, he said, "Thanks." And then was gone, up the stairs.

Sarah, quite shaken, turned to Jareth. "Where is Toby?"

"Playing. He is safe in my home." He stepped off the platform and walked towards her. "You look lovely."

"Thank you." She felt oddly vulnerable and pulled the neck of her robe tighter.

Suddenly, he was before her, his hand tracing her cheek. "Red is good on you."

She closed her eyes as his hands caressed her face. She felt safe her, yet unstable.

"Jareth, I would like to fetch Toby and have some breakfast." She opened her eyes.

The pain in his eyes matched her own. But it was gone in an instant, and he dropped his hand and stepped away. "Ah, yes. This way. Helgna!"

A short fat goblin woman appeared. "Yes, your highness?"

"Fetch the boy and bring him to the dining room."

"Yes, my King," and she disappeared back through the door.

"Come, Sarah." Jareth led her through after the goblin and into a large room with a banquet table stretching the length of it.

Covering the table were arrangements of fruit and bread and other breakfast foods. Jareth pulled out a chair to the right of the head seat for her, and she sat with a gracious smile. Toby burst through the door and ran to Sarah. He hugged her, and then ran back over an sat in the chair to Jareth's left. Sarah ate slowly, watching Toby devour his meal and Jareth not so much as sip his juice. The King stared off into space, eyes gazing out the window. There was silence among the three, the goblins making all the noise necessary.

When they had finished, Jareth cleared his throat and Sarah and Toby looked at him.

"How about horse back riding?" He asked.

"You have horses here!?" Toby asked, amazed.

Jareth laughed. "Of course we do."

"Can we sis?" Toby looked anxiously at Sarah.

She nodded, and he howled in excitement.

Sarah's mare was a beautiful creamy white thing with a good even temper and a long flowing main and tail. Jareth's mount was a splendid black stallion with an obvious temper and fiery eyes. Toby seemed quite pleased with his red roan mare. She was of gentle nature and perky disposition. Sarah noticed that, eery as it was, these horses seemed to understand what it was exactly that they said. Sarah suspected they had some kind of fae power of their own.

"Follow me, I have something I want to show you."

"What is it?" Toby asked, barely able to contain himself.

"Wait and see lad." Jareth smiled. "Come on, I'll race you."

Toby trilled excitedly. "Come on horsie!" His mare took off.

"Ya!"Jareth shouted, and his stallion shot off after Toby.

"Hey! Be careful!" Sarah called. "Damn."

Her mare tossed it's main and neighed.

"Men. Well, come on." Sarah nearly screamed as her mare tore off after the others.

Eventually, she could see Jareth and his mount up ahead, paused at the edge of a bank. Sarah slowed and trotted up. Upon seeing what lay before them, she gasped. Ahead, the ocean crashed , lapping up onto the white sand beach where Toby pranced his horse.

"It's beautiful," Sarah said as she reached Jareth.

He nodded in agreement but said nothing, his eyes locked on the horizon ahead. He had a far away look in those mismatched eyes, something that made Sarah, oddly enough, want to kiss him. She squashed the notion and instead edged her horse closer to his. She reached over to where his hand rested on the reigns and clutched it gently. She looked out over the ocean, but felt him glance at her and smile.

Toby had managed to dismount, though Sarah couldn't figure out how considering he was so short. He led his horse around, talking to her and bending over to look at shells. They seemed good companions, and Sarah smiled.

"You know, if he stayed with you, here, he would never age. He could stay little and happy forever, Sarah." Jareth's voice was wistful.

"I can't do that to him. He deserves to grow up and experience life." She let go of his hand gently and dismounted her horse.

"And all the heartbreak that comes with growing up, you wish that for him too?" Jareth gave her a cold look.

Sarah sighed and looked up at him. "He deserves to experience love, Jareth. I want him to grow up and find that person meant for him. Everyone deserves that chance." She took the reigns and led her horse over to the shade of a tree growing a few feet back from the bank. The mare lay down.

Jareth followed, his horse tossing his head in aggravation. "So, why is it then that you won't let yourself love? Or be loved, for that matter."

Sarah shook her head. "I don't need love to be complete. I am happier without attachments."

Jareth dismounted and walked towards her. "That is no way to live."

Once again, he was before her, her face in his hands. "One kiss, and I can show you what it would be like. Please. How am I to win you if you won't even let me try?"

She shook her head, but was silent. He lifted her chin and looked into her eyes. Her heart pounded so loud she was sure he could hear it too. She wanted to run screaming, but instead she stood very, very still as he brought his lips to hers. The kiss was soft, expecting nothing. His lips were like silk. She felt herself giving in. How easy it would be just to say yes and stay here forever, to forget everyone she loved in the Aboveground. She opened her eys and pulled away.

"Dammit!" She backed away from a dazed Goblin King. "Up," she shouted to her horse, who stumbled to its feet.

She catapulted herself into the saddle and her horse took off without even being asked.

"Good Gods, where is she going?" Jareth mounted his horse and rode after her.

"Toby, you stay on that beach! Don't move!" Jareth called over his shoulder.

Sarah tore past gardens and huts, past the outskirts of the Goblin City. A giant forest loomed above her. The mare shied, but Sarah urged her forward. The trees and growth were dense, and the deeper in she rode, the darker and denser things got. Finally, she was forced to slow to a trot, then a walk.

Jareth followed her trail up to the forest. Upon seeing the path she had made, fear welled in him.

"Damn stupid girl!" He conjured a crystal, which became a sword in his hand. The stallion, for fear of the shiny metal object, reared. "Come on!" But the stallion resisted. Jareth dug his heels in hard, and finally the horse entered the forest.

Jareth cut the brush away with the sword, urging his horse forward.

Sarah's uneasiness grew as her horse picked it's way over roots and around thorny bushes. Suddenly, the mare stopped and whinnied softly.

"What? What is it?" Sarah stroked the horses neck.

The mare backed up, afraid. Sarah stared ahead in confusion, when something seemed suddenly to stand out. There was a patch in the shrubs so dark it looked unnatural. Then, she heard it, a soft, low growling. The dark patch shifted as a wolf stalked out of the shrubs, towards them. It was large, much more so than any earthen wolves. Sarah swallowed nervously.

"Don't be afraid," she whispered to her mare.

The horse knickered, lowering her head as if in warning, and stamped her foot. Sarah patted her horse, and then dismounted. Her horse grunted in disapproval. Sarah held out her hand to the wolf, hoping maybe it was just frightened. It snarled, then sprung into the air. Sarah screamed and suddenly the air sparked and crackled. The wold flew back and fell to the ground.

Realizing she was on her back, Sarah sat up. Jareth stood behind her on his mount, a strange rifle in his hands. He looked at Sarah, shook his head, and dismounted.

"You almost got yourself killed."

The wolf got to it's feet slowly. Suddenly, it was standing, not on four feet but on two. It grew, until it was as tall as a man and shaped like one. Except for the tale, claws on furry fingers, and the giant head of a wold, it was a man. Sarah screamed and scrambled to her feet. She ran to Jareth. The wolf tossed back it's great head and laughed.

"Damn you Jareth, that one hurt!" His voice was deep and husky, with a rumbling in the back of his throat.

He turned to face them, flexing his abdomen until the bullet fell from his body. He grinned, as much as a wolf man could with a snout entirely the wrong shape for such and action. Sarah whimpered and tightened her grip around the Goblin King. The wolf looked at her.

"And you must be the one they keep talking about. The one to finally tame our noble King." His belly rumbled with laughter.

"I hardly think anyone can tame the Goblin King." Sarah retorted, but found herself smiling.

"This is Lady Sarah, a friend. Sarah, this violent, hairy creature is Luka, alpha to the Were Clan."

"Oh, Jareth, you flatter me so." the sarcasm could not be missed. The wolf bowed. "My apologies, madame. I perceived you and your beast as a threat." he grinned a toothy grin. "And, I was hungry."

"Enough," Jareth said. "Sarah, I was going to explain to you the different species inhabiting the Underground another day. But seeing as we are already here, might as well make this your first lesson."

Sarah found her voice, still shaking. "I'd like to go back for Toby."

"He is quite safe. He is with an old friend of yours. That Hogwart fellow."

"Hoggle! Oh my, Hoggle. I would like to visit him when we get back."

"Very well. But first, Luka, show us your home."

Luka bowed again. "As you wish, your Majesty."

The wolfman led them through the forest. The horses followed out even being told to. Finally, they reached a river bank. Across the river was a tall, tall embankment. Sarah stared in wonder. The entire underside had been carved out, and built into it were huts and domes. Around the huts and down by the river roamed other creatures like Luka. Other wolves that walked and talked like men.

Sarah and Jareth mounted their horses to cross the river. The water only came up to her horses chest, and Sarah was glad for leather boots. Luka waded in, half swimming, half walking to the other side. Upon seeing their alpha, the other wolves dropped to all fours, bowing their heads.

"As you were," Luka said with half-hearted annoyance. "This is my home. Feel free to look around."

Jareth dismounted and Sarah followed suit. Two wolfmen took the horses to graze and cool down.

"Take us to Evianna. It has been so long since the two of you visited the castle." Jareth looked around.

"Very well." Luka smiled, though Sarah suspected it was for show.

He led them to a cave opening in the brown mud of the bank. Sarah ducked, as did Jareth. Luka was on all fours, and they were forced to crouch. Soon though, the tunnel widened and was dimly lit by torches on the walls. It became tall enough for Sarah to walk comfortably, though Jareth still seemed to have a bit of trouble.

The hallway emptied into a room with a red carpet and several lounges dressed in red satin. Small metal baskets hung from the ceiling, fire burning within them, providing a dim, pleasing light. The room was tall enough for even Jareth to stand straight.

"One moment." Luka slipped into a room with a red curtain for a door.

Jareth looked at Sarah, whose eyes were wide. "Don't be frightened, Sarah. They are a friendly people, just very protective of their part of the forest."

Just then, another figure slipped out of the curtained room. Sarah looked over. This wolf was female, there was no mistaking that. The shape of her breasts was plain under the white fur covering her body. There was a feminine sway to her walk as she stalked to Jareth and embraced him.

"My King, it has been so long. What brings you to our home?" Her voice carried a thick accent that sounded like water running over stones. She stepped away and sat on one of the lounges.

"It seems my guest wondered into your woods uninvited, and Luka nearly ate her alive." He grinned at Sarah, who glared back.

The wolf queen laughed. "Luka does have a rather monestrous appetite, especially for pretty girls."

The queen stood and advanced to Sarah. She extended a slender, furry hand with sharp claws, and Sarah took it nervously.

"I'm Evianna. You may call me Evie, or Anna, which ever you prefer. I am the alpha female of this clan. Welcome."

"I'm Sarah. Thank you." There was something about the queen that helped put her at ease.

"Well, Lady Sarah, you are welcome in my woods anytime you wish."

"Careful little one, my mate has a monestrous appetite for pretty girls too." Luka entered the room, grinning.

The queen merely smiled and retreated to the lounge. Jareth laughed. Sarah swallowed hard, which made him laugh harder.

They dined with the alphas in their den. Sarah was regaled with tales of great hunts the Kings had been on together, and of parties and balls and the like. Once the Goblin King and his Lady had their fill of the fruit and bread and cheese, they sat, drinking red wine while the wolves ate strips of raw meat. Sarah found she was enjoying herself, and when it came time to leave, she was actually a bit sad.

Out of the forest, the sun still shown brightly. Laughter carried across the wind from the beach, and Sarah galloped her horse to the edge of the bank. Toby played ball with a short grizzled figure in a funny little cap.

"Hoggle!" Sarah cried.

Hoggle turned and his face lit up. "Sarah!"

Sarah was off her horse and racing across the sand before Jareth even caught up to her. Sarah stumbled toward Hoggle, collapsing to her knees and hugging him.

"Hoggle! I have missed you so!"

"Sarah, you stopped callin' for us. Ludo 'n I thought you didn't need us any more." Hoggle held her tight.

"I'm sorry. I was so busy. I'll always need you. I love you all so much. You know that."

The two broke the embrace and smiled at one another. Sarah got to her feet and scooped up Toby. She climbed back up to the bank and set her little brother on her own horse. Then she helped Hoggle on to Toby's mare.

"There is much left to do before the sun goes back down," Jareth informed them from atop his stallion. "Back to the castle!"

Sarah climbed on behind Toby and reached around him to grab the reigns. She guided the mare to follow Jareth, and Hoggle followed behind, grumbling about smelly beasts and the like.

Upon entering the throne room, Hoggle seemed to get ancy and informed them he had gardens to tend to. Sarah made him promise to visit the next day and bring the others. Then she hugged him, and he was gone. Toby, all yawns and eye rubbing, was taken upstairs by a goblin maid for a nap. He protested the whole way, but was asleep as soon as his blonde head hit the pillow. The Goblin King and his Lady were let standing in the throne room.

Jareth turned to her. "Would you like to see the gardens at the back of the castle? They are quite beautiful. Hoggle, for all he is worth is an excellent gardener."

"I thought you had pressing matters?" Sarah asked.

The King merely shrugged. Sarah nodded and followed him out a door in the throne room that she had never seen before. She suspected that was because it hadn't been there last time. The was a long twisted corridor lit by sky lights of stained glass fairies over head. Sarah couldn't stop staring at them and nearly bumped into the Goblin King. He gave her an odd look, glanced up, shrugged, and continued on. They came to a large ornate door at the end. He threw it open with flourish and walked out onto grass the color of emeralds. Sarah stood in the doorway, astounded. The King was right. The land scape was beyond any earthly garden she had ever seen. Even the sun seemed brighter. There were weeping willows draping their branched down around small manmade pools. Koi in rainbow colors swam about. The was a hedge maze, like a tiny mini Labyrinth that wound its way for miles through the garden. The was a fountain that let a stream of crystal clear water fall into a pool below, and animals carved of stone and some of hedges dotted here and there.

"You weren't lying," she said.

"I never do, love." His face had a cynical expression on it, the line between his brows deepening as he looked about.

She glanced at him, a smile playing the corners of her mouth. "You can lie by things you don't say, you Majesty." She gave him a wicked smile when he looked at her, and sauntered off to lose herself in the garden.

"Don't call me that!" he said indignantly and followed her.

She turned. "Call you what, you majesty?" Then, upon a whim, she darted under the drooping branches of the nearest willow, concealing herself form his view.

Jareth went in after her. "That." He circled the tree, but she was gone. He barged through the branches just in time to see her slip into another.

"Sarah, I was never one for hide and seek games. Sarah?" Harumphing, he darted under that tree.

She was gone again, and he growled loudly in frustration. He abandoned the trees embrace and looked around the garden.

"Where are you?"

A rather feminine giggle came from behind a hedge. Letting loose a string of profanities, he went in search of its origin. As he rounded the hedge, he saw a flash of brunette hair whip around the other side. He ran after it and entered another clearing surrounded by trees. But it was, alas, empty.

"Sarah, I'm not amused!"

Sarah reveled in her little game. After all, it wasn't every day that she got to be the one playing tricks on the other. She ducked into a corridor branching off of the clearing opposite where the flustered King had come in. Laughing to herself, she scurried down it with glee. Presently, she came across a small wrought iron gate, only a little taller than she. The sound of footfalls getting closer alerted her that her pursuer was advancing. Taking a breath, she pushed open the gate and went inside.

From down the tunnel, Jareth heard the hinges squeal, badly in need of oil. Now what do I have out here that needs a gate? Suddenly it struck him, and fear and anger seized his body. He never should have brought her here.

"Sarah, no!" His determined canter became a run.

Sarah parted the vines that hung down the from the trees guarding the entrance. Before her lay a clearing of statues. They were all around. There was a stone platform in the middle of the clearing, with several statues mounted upon it. Something about them seemed familiar, and she wanted a closer look.

"Wait a minute..." Sarah began to walk towards them.

Out of no where, hands fell on her shoulders, spinning her around fast.

"Just what do you think you are doing?" Jareth's face was close to hers, and the look in his eyes frightened her.

"I-I was exploring." she said, confused.

Her grabbed her arm and jerked her out of the stone garden. "Not in there you aren't. That place is off limits."

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. Please let go. That hurts."

He let go but his look was vicious. "Don't do that."

She rubbed her upper arm sourly. "Do what?"

"That docile little act of yours. I already know what a shrew you can be. No need to play that around me." he turned and stalked down the tunnel.

Sarah groaned and followed him. "What is your problem? First you tell me that you can't stand when I fight you on everything, and then when I try to play nice, you hate that too. What the hell do you want from me?"

He whirled on her. "I want you to have an opinion with out playing the vixen! I want you to actually give things a chance instead of fighting me every damn step of the way! I don't want you to shut me out when you are feeling something!" His voice softened, and he neared her. He held out his hand and inch from her face. She backed away instinctively before she could stop herself, or the pain from entering his eyes. "And when I touch you, I don't want you to pull away." The breath left his body.

Sarah sighed. He was right. She hadn't even given him a chance. She had come into this thinking that in seven days, she would be back home and free of him altogether. She had never even considered that she might actually fall for him.

"I am sorry Jareth. I know I am being hard. But you have no idea what these past three years have been like for me. I spent the first 15 years of my life living in some kind of fairy tale. It seemed like I was always waiting. Waiting to fit in, to find my nitch in the real world. And then, one day, my fairytale came true, and finally everything fit like it never had. I was the girl I had always wanted to be: the girl who has to save the day.

"But, like everything, it didn't last. It never does. And I was tossed back into my world, feeling victorious yet even more lost than when I started out. And you never cam back for me!" The look in her eyes was pure pain, and it made Jareth shudder.

"I didn't know you wanted me to. You seemed so sure, when you said I had no power over you."

"Of course I wanted you too! Don't you see that? I couldn't give into you back then. It would have meant me losing and I couldn't do that, not after I had come so far. I had hoped that maybe you would keep trying and that I would one day be able to say yes. But you never came." She looked at her feet, her heart sinking in her chest.

"But I am offering it now. Just say the word..."

Sarah smiled, but there was pain behind it. "No Jareth, it doesn't work like that, not any more. See, I endured the greatest of challenges, just to prove I was worthy of the offer to be by your side. Now you must achieve the hardest of obstacles: proving, unselfishly, your love. I want you to show me that you are worthy giving up everything for."

Jareth suddenly saw Sarah in a whole new light. She was something that, like his Labyrinth, shouldn't be taken for granted. She was more wise than he thought. Clever girl.

He gave her a small smile. "Very well, my lady."

He crooked his arm, and she looped hers around it. Together they walked back to the castle in silence.

The Goblin King left his guest in the throne room, exiting through another door she was sure hadn't been there before. Sarah sighed, and for lack of other options, climbed the stairs to her room. As she reached the top, she noticed that the first door, Jareth's door, was slightly ajar.

"Don't you dare..." she whispered to herself.

But her curiosity got the better of her, as it usually did, and she gently pushed the door open and slipped inside. The room was warm and dark, like a lived in cave. She could barely make out the large four-poster bed ahead of her. There was a dim light coming from somewhere, and upon investigation, Sarah discovered the wall next to her was not a wall but a window covered by a great curtain.

Sarah advanced to the curtain and felt around until she found a rope about as thick around as her wrist. She tugged on it hard and the curtains parted. Sarah stood in awe of the scene below her. Trees and gardens and the city's outskirts lay sprawled before her. In the distance, there was a thin line of ocean where the sun would set in a few hours. She could see the burning orb now, drifting closer and closer to it's destination.

Sarah was so lost in thought that she didn't hear the door open behind her. She did however hear it slam shut. Spinning around, she was too late, for suddenly the curtains snapped closed and the room was darker than it had been

Heart pounding, she asked, "Who's there?" She squinted, hoping her eyes would adjust.

There came no answer, only the shifting of fabrics as someone waled closer. A hand extended from the darkness to brush the hair from her face. Sarah inhaled sharply, fear making her pulse race.

"My, how you shake at my presence. It is as if you have been caught doing something you shouldn't."

Sarah felt the tension leave her body as the Goblin King's voice sounded, close to her.

"Haven't you learned about exploring places that don't belong to you?" His voice dripped with sarcasm.

"The door was open. I just came in to see what your room looked like. Your view is beautiful." she felt her way backwards until she found the bed, then sat on it, rather clumsily.

He laughed, still invisible to her in the dark. "And now you sit on my bed, as if there is nothing conspicuous about it. And you expect me to talk to you about the view? Please."

Sarah looked at her feet. Then she stood, quite abruptly. "I sat on your bed because I was tired of standing. And believe me, if I had wanted to seduce you, I wouldn't be sitting down." She winced, even as the words left her mouth.

"I'm going to do you a favor and pretend I didn't hear that. But I do have something to tell you."

"I'll only listen if you open the damn curtain."

With a wave of his hand, the curtains flew open, and they were both left squinting in the sudden light. It was dim outside with the sun nearing the horizon. It cast an orange-yellow glow over the room.

"As I was saying, I have decided to hold a celebration for your arrival. A ball...perhaps." He watched her closely, gaging her reaction.

She smiled. "That would be fine, as long as the ball isn't peach-induced."

Jareth rumbled with laughter. "Of course not. Now, you'll find suitable dresses in the boudoir in your bedroom. I will send a servant to assist you."

"That won't be necessary."

"Of course it will. Hedwart!" he called to a goblin guard standing in the hall. "Fetch Gretchen and send her to the lady's chambers." He turned back to Sarah. "I will see that Toby is dressed. I have some things to attend to before tonight. Gretchen will be along shortly. She is an expert with the hair and the make-up. If you need me, call my name." And in a flash, he was gone.

Sarah gave a frustrated growl and stomped down the hall to her room. She shut the door and stalked to the closet.

"Dresses? Let's see what you have in mind, King."

Walking to the closet, she threw open the doors and stopped short. Dresses in every color hung before her. Elegant dresses, ones a lady in a medieval court would wear. The dress against he closet wall caught her eye and she dug it out. A variation of colors shimmered around her: purple, blue, green. A knock at the door made her jump. She turned around.

"Come in."

A small, timid female goblin entered the room and bowed. "Lady Sarah, Master has sent me to help you get ready for tonight."

"Gretchen?"

"Yes, ma'am."

"Sure, thank you. I have never been able to do my own hair." Sarah smiled. She hung the dress on a hook on the closet door and sat at the vanity.

Gretchen beamed, as if being given something to do was the best thing. She hurried over, a small black case in her hand. "Did you choose the peacock dress?"

"Yes, um, actually. How did you know?"

"Oh his majesty said you might fancy that one."

Gretchen added a final jeweled pin to Sarah's hair and stood back to admire her work. Her hand flew briefly to her own mostly baled head, adjusting her bonnet. Sarah smiled at her reflection and thought back to a time when things had seemed so much simpler. Her eyes were sad. She was lost, but at the same time, she was right where she needed to be. Sarah stood and undressed. Gretchen found the necessary undergarments in the drawer under the boudoir. She helped Sarah into them and into the dress.

"You look every bit the lady tonight. You are worthy the of King, my lady."

Sarah snorted. "Me not being worthy isn't the problem." she looked at herself and grabbed the matching gauzy shawl and turned for the door. "It's his turn to prove himself worthy."

Gretchen looked at her and shook her head. "Oh dear..."

The dress was beautiful. The sleeves were long and draping, the back dipping low to the small of her back. The bodice wrapped tightly around her, tightened to make her hourglass stand out. The skirt belled out around her, and her shoes were midnight blue to match the dress.

"Well, wish me luck."

"For what, ma'am?"

Sarah thought for a minute. "Well I don't know really..."

"Good luck."

"Thank you."

Sarah rushed for the door, and as she opened it, the little goblin called out:

"Ma'am, wait! Here!"

Sarah turned and the goblin handed her a mask. Sarah took it, eyes wide. It was a beautiful carved thing of black wood and shimmering peacock feathers. She smiled.

"Ball etiquette in the Underground."Gretchen gave her a toothless smile.

"No, it's perfect. I didn't get one last time and I felt exposed."

"Go, go, hurry! The ball will be starting soon."

"How will I know where to go?"

The goblin smiled knowingly. "You will find your way."