7

The heat was suffocating. Javert had awoken face down in sand that stretched on for as far as the eye could see. An enormous red sun beat down on him, merciless and cruel. Staggering to his feet he began to search for any signs of civilization. He wandered for hours, mouth dry, head pounding, searching for shade, water, anything. Finally the vicious star sank in the west only to be replaced by another. He collapsed in the sand, unable to take the heat any longer.

"Not even a trial," he muttered to himself. "Well, probably for the best…"

A splash of cold water brought him stark awake. Eyes fluttered open to a white ceiling. He was in a bed, comfortable but blazing hot. His face was surprisingly cool and he felt something drip down his cheek. Reaching up he found a cold washcloth had been applied to his forehead. His first thought was, "Where am I?" The second he spoke aloud.

"I should be dead."

"You almost were." Javert started in surprise. Valjean came into his line of vision, a glass in his hand. "We were worried about you."

"We?" Javert said before he could stop himself. His head was pounding and he closed his eyes to the pain.

"I enlisted the help of your friends; two Englishmen, one of whom was dressed very strangely, and a Frenchman with a mask." Javert groaned inwardly, mentally strangling each of his saviors in turn. They couldn't just leave well enough alone. "It was lucky we found you when we did," Valjean continued as he sat down in a chair beside the bed. "Half an hour more and you'd have been dead for sure. You were half-dead already. Without the help of Jareth's magic, you would not have recovered."

"It seems you have once again saved my life when I did not want you to."

"And once again you have foolishly tried to throw it away. Why must you punish yourself so?"

"When one slips up they must face justice. To do otherwise is to throw society into chaos. I don't want your help or pity. I've had enough of your 'kindness.'"

"Javert, please. If you remember everything then you must know that your life here is different. You have friends who care about you. Leave the past behind and live the new life that has been given to you."

"Why do you care what happens to me?" he snapped then added in a hushed tone, "You should hate me."

"I could never hate you," Valjean answered softly. "We are two sides of the same coin, opposite yet essential to the other's existence. If it weren't for you, I would not have been rediscovered in Montreuil-sur-Mer, for it was you who informed me of the trial to condemn a man the state thought to be me. And were it not for me… you would have not drowned in the Seine."

"True. I would have been shot in the head by one of those revolutionaries instead. You are very quick to forget your own acts of mercy." Valjean raised an eyebrow in surprise.

"And you are usually so eager to dismiss them. But come, let's put our argument on hold. At present, I am more worried about your health. Now, sit up and drink this." Javert stared at his caretaker in horror.

"I will not be nursed like some babe. If you wish to help me you will allow me to leave."

"Out of the question. You will remain here until I say otherwise."

"Really Valjean, are you that desperate for company?" he said as he tried to stand. But he was stopped before he could pull back the bed covers and two strong arms pushed him firmly into the mattress.

"Like it or not, Javert, you are my prisoner now and you will leave only when I see fit to release you." Javert sighed, closing his eyes to gather his thoughts. He was in no condition to leave or even stand for that matter. His attempt at escape moments ago had left him dizzy and breathless. Even if he did manage to get out of the bed, he would not make it very far.

"Very well," he answered at last, still avoiding Valjean's gaze. "I am indebted to you for saving my life, even though it was against my wishes. I suppose I owe you that much at least."

Valjean smiled and sighed in relief. The inspector really was a stubborn man. At least he had the common sense to realize that he needed time to recuperate.

I do apologize for the short length of this chapter but the next update will not be as long in coming.