Disclaimer: I do not own Jareth, the Labyrinth, or any of its inhabitants. I do own anything/ anyone/ anyplace that I created in this fanfic… which I also own… XP nah!
Jennifer and Ari belong to her amazing royal author-ness, Crystal Shores.
Summary: War is brewing in the Underground and it seems as though Sarah's favorite Goblin King is in the center of it. Alliances are being formed quickly but also broken just as fast. Tension rises in the continuation of Heal Me, Hurt Me!
Warning: Jareth is totally out of character. So is Sarah.
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Last Time:
"Kira! You jerk!" Kara shouted as she walked into the room.
"What'd I do?!" she cried. "First Jason and now you?!"
"Kara… what happened to your hair?" Jareth asked.
Kara snarled. "My sister decided to put blue dye in my shampoo! That's why I'm angry at you, you jerk!"
"And that's why I'm angry at you!" Jason cried and released Sarah who gulped air as the arms retreated. "Why would you ruin such gorgeous hair as Kara's?!"
She looked across the table at the amused faces and reached forward, grabbing Holice's sleeve. "Take me with you! Please!"
Holice glanced between the sisters and Lord of Sunshine arguing, Jareth watching in amusement and the girl grasping at her sleeve. "No thanks. I really don't want them following after you to annoy me about giving you back."
"Smart girl," Daederath murmured as Sarah was dragged into the argument.
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Heal Me, Hurt Me – Part II
By: Kadasa Mori
Chapter 6 (February 7th)
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Sarah Williams wasn't one of those girls that complained if a cloud floated in the sky on a perfect day or if a blade of grass was bent the wrong way on her path. She did, however, wish for some sort of normalcy that included being able to wake up, smile at the world, get ready for the day, find and give her boyfriend a good morning kiss then pleasantly enjoy breakfast.
The first three on this beautiful morning were accomplished rather easily. Rica had the day off and was enjoying shopping in a town not too far from the castle and Mira was spending more and more time hanging out with Ashley so Sarah was allowed to wake by herself, stretch happily and skip to the bathroom, taking a comforting bath and dressing for the day.
The next part was a little more difficult seeing as how Jareth enjoyed hiding from society on a daily basis. She did find him (after a twenty-five minute search) seated at his desk in his den, doing paperwork as usual.
"Good morning my dear Goblin King," she said sweetly as she entered the room.
He raised an eyebrow and sat back. "Good morning…what have you done today?"
She pouted. "I've done nothing. I just had a pleasant awakening and I've come to give my boyfriend a good morning kiss." The other eyebrow rose and he shrugged. She grinned and leaned forward, giving him a quick kiss. He took the opportunity to pull her onto his lap. She yelped then pouted and poked his nose. "Not nice."
"Maybe not. But I'm not a nice guy." Sarah grinned and gave him a hug.
"Hey Jareth? Are you-whoa! Sorry guys!" Meta chirped as he entered the room and stopped dead.
Sarah turned and grinned. "Meta! Ol' chap! How goes it?"
Meta glanced at Jareth who was glaring at him, then back at Sarah who was smiling. "Er… it goes good I suppose…"
"Where's Venus?"
"With the day care center Evie seems to have started. I just wanted to know if you two were planning anything for today? If not I'd rather like to return to my home and make sure nothing's exploded."
"I don't think anything's planned so far-"
"Jareth!" Both turned quickly as Jason came racing into the room. He skidded to a stop in front of them, panting heavily. "Jareth! Washi and Taka were just attacked! They're in really bad shape."
He leapt to his feet and hurried around the desk, Sarah jumping up as well. "Where are they?" he asked as they all raced after Jason.
"They're in the dining room! Seems they were outside walking and were ambushed. Luckily they fought them off and had enough time to get here!"
They raced into the dining room to find people hovering about. Jareth pushed through, getting to the two wounded fae lying on thick blankets. Ikkakujuu was working on Washi, who was wincing as his hand jerked from the pain of the many bleeding spots on his body, Venus seated beside him and gently holding a quickly reddening towel against the side of his head.
Sarah stepped to the opposite side of Kara who was sitting beside Taka, eyes screwed shut in concentration, hand quivering as she frantically tried to help the worse off woman. Taka's head jerked to the side before her eyes flew open and she gasped looking about before she caught Sarah's eyes. "Jenn… Ari…."
Sarah frowned. "What?"
Taka's eyes rolled back into her head as she fell unconscious again. Kara let out a dark curse, frantically moving to the side she'd reopened, hands flying about trying to hold her blood in her body. Ikkakujuu hurried over, gently pushing Sarah to the side as she helped Kara try and heal the hawk.
Kira and Jason took over helping bandage Washi. Sarah turned to the eagle. "Washi? Who are Jenn and Ari?"
He blinked at her eyes trying to focus before freezing, horror covering his features. He spun to Jareth, ignoring Kira and Venus' scolding about his wounds. "Jareth. Find them!"
Jareth nodded and grabbed Sarah's arm, tugging her to her feet before they disappeared. Sarah scowled as she found herself flash through a couple of apparation points before landing on solid ground on a path in the middle of nowhere. "Jareth! Where are we?!"
"The Realm of the Birds. Come quickly." She frowned but hurried after him. He glanced over. "I'm going to ask you to do something very dangerous but very important." She nodded slowly. "I want you to ball up some magic inside your chest and imagine a spot further down the road. Focus on the spot then released the ball immediately."
Sarah nodded and stopped long enough to focus on the end of the stone wall beside them. She shut her eyes and did as he asked. When she reopened her eyes she found herself at the end of the wall. Grinning, she looked back. Jareth nodded and reappeared beside her.
"It's dangerous to try too much at once so I'll let you try it three times to get to the castle." He motioned to the castle. "Divide the length in half and travel the first half. Wait until I reach you then try it again."
Sarah nodded, eager to try it again. She was instantly at the halfway mark. He appeared beside her and she reappeared in front of the castle steps. "Good girl," Jareth praised as they raced up the steps.
"Why'd I have to do that?"
"I need to make sure I have enough magic left if Washi and Taka's enemies are still here and apparating that many times would drain it."
"Despite the fact that it normally doesn't?"
He sent her a smirk. "Also wanted to see if you could actually accomplish it." She stuck her tongue out and nearly ran into a wall for her effort. Jareth snorted, turning the corner. In front of them stood a wooden door that stretched from ceiling to floor, decorated in wooden carvings of all different species of birds. Jareth swung a wrist, crystal appearing. "I am Jareth, King of the Goblins." He pressed the crystal against the center of the door and it swung open. Sarah blinked at the door then at him. "We all have a room like this. Only certain people are allowed in and the list can be changed by a mere thought alone." He stepped into the room and looked around. "That feature was added when we realized there was a traitor in our midst."
"So who are Jenn and Ari? Dogs? Birds?"
Jareth shot her an amused look. "Kids."
She nearly tripped over her own feet. "Washi and Taka have kids?!"
"Yes."
"But…but they've never said!"
"They are birds Sarah. They like to keep their nestlings hidden."
"Oh… right." Sarah scowled at him as he chuckled and turned to peek behind the wardrobe. Ten minutes later, Sarah was getting frustrated. For little kids they sure hid well and for a secret room it was huge. A whimper to her left made her turn quickly and head into that room. It was painted in a pale pink, toys scattered everywhere and three large wardrobes. She checked each wardrobe and frowned, not spotted any kids. As she turned to leave she found herself staring in a mirror, a movement over her right shoulder catching her eye. She walked over and pulled back the drapes. Two little girls sat there, the older of the two hugging her sister closer.
Sarah slowly hooked the drape to the side and stepped back to the middle of the room. "Are you Jenn?" She smiled warmly, sitting back on her heels in front of the girl who nodded slowly and got to her feet. "And is that your little sister Ari?" The girl nodded once again, shifting unconsciously to stand halfway in front of her sister. "I won't hurt you Jenn. I'm friends with your parents."
"Mama…mama said not to trust anyone if they said that…" Jenn said quietly.
Sarah chuckled. "Yes. You're right…" Sarah cocked her head, trying to figure out how to convince them she wouldn't hurt them. Jenn, the older of the two stood tall despite being only a few years older than Ari who was clutching a stuffed bunny tightly and staring at Sarah. They looked nothing like their parents. Both had black hair, Jenn's falling to her shoulders and Ari's short and curly. Jenn had dusky-grey eyes and Ari had green eyes that at the moment were dark in fear.
Sarah sighed, realizing she was the one causing the fear. Turning to look over her shoulder she called for Jareth. He peeked in, gaze instantly landing on the two girls. "Jennifer. Ariel."
Both looked up at him, relief in their eyes. "Jareth!" Jennifer cried. He walked in and they ran around Sarah to hug his legs. "Are Mama and Dada okay?"
He nodded. "They're fine. I'll take you to go see them but first," he motioned to Sarah. "This is Sarah. She's someone you can trust."
"Sorry," Jennifer murmured, a light blush spreading over her features, eyes falling to the ground.
Sarah grinned. "Don't apologize. You're very smart not to trust anyone you don't know." She cocked her head again then smiled. "Tell ya what. When we get back to the castle we can have some ice cream and be friends, yeah?" Jennifer nodded happily, Ariel smiling shyly. "Good! Then let's go!" She held out a hand, Jareth taking it, Jennifer holding onto his hand and Ariel onto hers.
They reappeared in the entry hall, Jareth leading them into the dining room. Washi spotted them first. "Ari! Jenn!" They raced over, colliding with him. Sarah saw his wince of pain but he hid it quickly as they looked up at him. "Are you two all right?" They nodded. "You got to the nest?"
"Yes Daddy!" Jennifer chirped. "Just as you said! You said if someone attacked, straight to the nest!"
"That is what I said. I've proud of you both for remembering."
"We met a new friend Daddy!" Jennifer turned and pointed at Sarah who waved. "She said she'd get us ice cream!"
Washi chuckled and ruffled her hair. "Good. Go have ice cream with Sarah. Both of you be on your best behavior, got it?" They both nodded and headed for Sarah, Ariel hiding halfway behind Jennifer, eyes drawn to the ground. Washi nodded to Sarah, telling her silently to keep them safe. She nodded back then winced as he took a deep breath and lay back, body quivering in silent pain.
Sarah quickly ushered the girls from the room and to the kitchen. "What kind of ice cream do you two like?" she asked.
"Chocolate!" Jennifer announced happily. "Ari loves chocolate too!"
Sarah giggled and pulled out the container of chocolate, quickly scooping it into three bowls and pulling up stools for the girls to sit at. As they ate their ice cream, she quietly ate hers. All of the sudden she felt drained, probably from the use of magic earlier. Her eyes did not want to stay open.
"Sarah?" She turned to Jennifer. "Are you okay?"
She nodded. "Are you two finished?" At their nods, she helped them down and picked up all of the dishes, placing them in the sink.
"Oh!" All three turned to find Evie walking into the kitchen.
"Hey Evie," Sarah smiled. "What's up?"
"Nothing. Ashley wanted cookies so I was commissioned to go and get them for her." She rolled her eyes.
Sarah chuckled and turned to the girls. "This is Evie." Sarah introduced. The young librarian smiled warmly and held out a hand to Jennifer who glanced cautiously between her and Sarah. "She's a friend." Jennifer took the hand and carefully shook it, Ariel giggling shyly, not removing herself from her sister's person. "I have to ask you a huge favor m'lady Jenn," Sarah said, kneeling down to her eye level.
"What?"
"Will you and your sister stay with Evie for a few hours? I need to go lay down. Evie will keep you safe. Maybe you can even get her to tell you a story!"
Jennifer nodded slowly. "All right Sarah."
"Thank you very much Jenn." Sarah stood and turned to Evie. "And thank you."
"No problem. Go take a nap."
Sarah smiled and headed out of the kitchen, hearing Evie say 'okay! Who wants to make some cookies?!' As she walked through the entryway, she found Jareth talking with Kira, Meta and Venus seated on the steps and watching them. Sarah waved to the group as she made her way towards the hall that would lead to her room.
"Sarah!" She turned to look back at Kira who waved her over. Heaving a near silent sigh, she made her way over.
"Yes?"
"Have you told anyone what's happened today?" Jareth asked quickly.
She frowned. "No. Why would I?"
"Well don't. We can't let word get out about this."
"It's going to anyway Jareth," Kira spoke. "We can't really hide a Lord and Lady from public for a few weeks while they heal. Their servants will notice something."
"Well then get over there and make something up!" he snapped angrily.
Everyone paused. "You okay?" Sarah asked.
"I'm fine! I just want to keep this under a sealed lid. If it gets out that Lords are vulnerable, the council may be in more danger that it already is in."
"All right. I'll get right on that," Kira said with a roll of her eyes.
"And I won't tell anyone," Sarah reassured. "Now, if you'll excuse me-"
"I don't want you leaving the castle for a few days without someone with you."
Subtitle: Jareth Language – You're under house arrest unless I'm with you.
She instantly bristled angrily, temper flaring because of her weariness. "I can take care of myself Jareth."
"Don't argue Sarah. I'm just-"
"Argue?! I've got free will Jareth! I can do what I want!"
"Unless I tell you to do otherwise!" he snapped.
"What is wrong with you?!" Sarah cried in frustration.
He growled. "What's wrong with you?!"
"Me?! There's nothing wrong with me! You're the one going all vicious on everyone! I'm trying to keep it together!"
"Nice job trying to do that!" Sarah let out a shout of frustration and spun on her heel, stomping off. Jareth sneered after her, then turned in the opposite direction.
"You see," Kira announced, flopping beside the stunned Meta and Venus. "Jareth and Sarah's relationship is a flip flop one. Sarah gets angry. They break it off. Sarah apologizes. They're back together. Jareth gets angry. They break it off. Jareth… 'does something besides apologizing'. They're back together." She put her two fingertips together and drew a circle in the air. "All in the great circle of life."
Venus peered around Meta. "The circle of life requires death, Kira. Neither of them are dead."
"Yet my good friend. Yet."
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Sarah had recently come to terms that nothing in the Underground was ever not-surprising. Nothing was normal therefore everything should surprise her. Nonetheless, she was still surprised when she stepped into the library later that evening to find Evie, Kira and Taka seated comfortably on the couch (Taka bundled with many pillows to keep her in less pain than she would've been in otherwise) while Bellezza, Katrina and Jennifer played tag with Ashley and Mira, and Emily and Ariel, each holding their respective stuffed animal, sat on either side of Riley petting the golden retriever and watching their sisters.
"Yo!" Sarah announced as she stepped into the room. She was instantly knocked to the ground by many bodies, the girls all giggling insanely and hugging her various limbs. She let out a groan. "Please kill whatever bus just ran me over…"
Kira and Evie laughed, walking over to help her up by removing all kids from her person. "I'd do so but there are no buses Underground."
Sarah grunted and got to her feet, brushing herself off. She turned her attention to Taka. "How are you holding up?"
"Well enough." the hawk said sharply. "But I do have to thank you for taking care of Jenn and Ari."
"It was no problem." A rare smile graced the woman's features as the girls hurried to her side. Sarah smiled as well, then grinned wickedly.
Evie spotted it first. "Sarah…"
"Hey guys. I've got a great idea!"
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"They're in here somewhere. I know it!"
"I don't think this is such a good idea…" Evie muttered.
"Sarah's ideas are never good," Kira sighed. "But it's best to just go along with them until we can say 'I told you so'."
Sarah rolled her eyes. "Thanks for your never-ending support guys. Ah ha! Here they are!" Pulling away from the closet with brightly colored tube things. "Here you go!" Sarah chirped, handing Bellezza the bright purple fencing "sword", which was really just a rubber tube covered in fluff… kinda like those pool noodles but much softer… and skinner and not nearly as long… so really, nothing like those pool noodles. Each of the girls got one and just blinked at them, then at Sarah.
She grinned. "It's like fencing but more fun." She poked Bellezza in the stomach with her own 'sword'. Bellezza squeaked and giggled then poked Sarah with her own sword. Sarah laughed and jumped out of the way, Bellezza running after her. Soon enough the others caught on and it was a massive chaotic scene.
Ashley and Mira had gotten into a battle, complete with shouting and dramatic death scenes. Jennifer was running away from her sister who was trying to hit her with the sword and not trip at the same time. Kira's three kids were trying to attack Sarah, who was soon enough regretting ever giving them their gigantic pointy, yet very soft and not harmful, toothpicks of doom.
"Sarah?" She stopped and turned, only to be bowled over a moment later, all three girls squealing as they also went down. Kara helped her up.
"Thanks Kara."
"No problem. Jareth wants to see you."
She frowned slightly then glanced at the girls looking at her expectantly and grinned. "Girls! I must go! But Aunt Kara will be taking my place!" She shoved the bright orange 'sword' into Kara's hand, the girl stiffening as the girls raced for her.
"I'll kill you Sarah!" she shouted, turning and running from them.
Sarah cackled and hurried out of the room, heading up to Jareth's den. At the entryway, she knocked on the door frame. He stood in front of the window and looked back. "Sarah. Come in."
She stepped inside. "Something the matter?"
"No. Earlier, you got angry when I asked you to stay within the walls. I just… I apologize for acting so rudely but I need you to stay here. Agreed?" When she nodded, he turned back around. "Thank you. That's it."
"Jareth?" He glanced over his shoulder. "Are you going to tell me what's wrong?"
"Nothing is wrong."
"Something obviously is. You're biting everyone's heads off."
"That's not possible to do when no one seems to have a head at the moment," he sneered.
She blinked then frowned and crossed her arms angrily over her chest. "Seriously. What is your problem?"
"Sarah. Stop poking your noise into my business."
"It's my business too Jareth!" she snarled. "I live in the Underground now! My friends are at risk too! I deserve to know what's going on!"
"I'm trying to protect my family and to do so I need to keep some secrets secret!" he yelled back.
"Don't be such a selfish brat! I want to keep them safe as well! They're my family too!"
"I'd be surprised if your family was happy with the way you turned out. You'd get them killed with your stupid need to know everything!" Jareth knew it was a mistake the moment he said it. Only pride kept him from apologizing immediately. Sarah's hands fisted at her side and she drew her eyes to the ground. Her fists shook. "I…" he started.
She drew her eyes back up to him and he unconsciously stepped back at the anger and sadness in them. "I…" she growled quietly. "I HATE YOU!" she screamed at the top of her lungs before reaching out and smacking him hard across the face. She spun on her heel and stormed out of the room, bumping into Kira as she walked into the room.
"Sarah?" Kira called.
The girl spun around at the doorway. "Leave me alone! All of you stupid fae!" She spun back around and sprinted from the room, disappearing.
Kira turned to Jareth who had a hand on his cheek. "Jareth… what did you say to her?" He looked away. "Jareth…"
"I said something bad about her family," he mumbled.
"Jareth!"
"What? She was insulting me too!"
"She's probably going to run off!"
"Too late."
"What?!"
He nodded towards the window seeing the dark form of Carmen racing away. "She left."
"Go after her!"
"No."
"Why not?!"
"Because. She needs time alone."
"Jareth! We're going to war with your neighbors!" His eyes widened and he spun looking at Kira. "They could be out in those trees right now!" She didn't get to finish her sentence as he raced for the balcony and flung himself off, already transforming into an owl.
Please. Please let her be all right.
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To all Heal Me, Hurt Me Readers and Reviewers,
FINALLY! I've been so road blocked on this. Gwah… but it is finally up!!
So recently, I was looking up names for characters. Jason, a Latin name, meant "to heal" while Kara, a English name, meant "beloved" and "friendship". I thought this was kinda odd because Kara was the one that healed people and Jason was the one that was friends with everyone. But whatever. Just had to share that.
Short author's note for a change. Till next time!
1) I must again thank Crystal Shores for allowing me to use Jenn and Ari!
2) The fencing idea between the girls was an idea from AnimeAlexis so I thank you also!
Kadasa Mori
Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 7
"Who are you?" she growled, Carmen snorting his displeasure.
He held up his hands. "I mean no harm."
She frowned then looked away. "What do you want then?"
"To inquire as to whom you were speaking of?"
"The Goblin King."
"You know him? Are you friends? Oh you must be the human, Sarah Williams."
"That'd be me… though we're not on very friendly terms as of right now."
He suddenly grinned widely. "Good. Then he will not come for you right away." Her eyes widened and she took in sharp breath as the glint of silver metal hit her eyes, a sword diving for her chest. Carmen let out a whinny but wouldn't get there fast enough.