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!
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:
"Jason!" Jareth yelped. "What about the documents?!"
"They're not due till next month! They can wait!"
"They what?!" His laughter echoed down the hall and Jareth snarled. "Damn happy fae."
"You're a fae too," Sarah sighed, rolling her eyes.
"Now that he's dealt with, what's wrong?"
She frowned. "Nothing's wrong."
He scowled and scoffed at her. "Please don't insult my intelligence by lying to me." He turned on his heel. "When you're ready to talk come find me."
Her eyes watered after he left and she hugged herself. "You're supposed to push the issue Jareth," she whispered to herself before sighing and walking back into her room to take care of Clarica.
What a horrible day it was turning out to be.
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Heal Me, Hurt Me – Part II
By: Kadasa Mori
Chapter 17 (March 23rd)
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"GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD morning Jareth!" The blond fae turned to regard his mortal-turned-fae girlfriend with an odd look. She inhaled deeply. "It is a gorgeous morning!"
"Are you high?"
She pouted. "Am I not allowed to be happy?"
"Not when you were in such a foul mood yesterday."
"Ah. I was pms-ing." A faint blush covered his cheeks and he coughed uncomfortably. She grinned victoriously.
"Jareth? Sarah?" They turned to find Ikkakujuu walking towards them.
Sarah grinned brightly and raced for her. "Kaku!" She hugged her tightly, receiving a tight hug back. "I missed you! Where have you been?"
She smiled. "I was locating my lady."
Sarah cocked her head. "Huh?"
"Ikkakujuu is not the true ruler of the Land of Unicorns."
"Oh. Then who is?"
She merely smiled and Jareth rolled his eyes. "Is she awaiting me?" Jareth asked the pale woman who nodded. "All right. Let me gather my things and I'll be on my way."
Sarah tugged his sleeve. "Can I come along?"
"No-"
"Actually… the Lady prefers she does."
Jareth and Ikkakujuu shared a look before Jareth sighed, apparently giving up. "All right. Sarah, go ask Clarica if you can borrow some of her clothes and an apron."
Sarah raised an eyebrow. "Pardon?"
"Just go. I'll explain later."
She nodded and hurried down the kitchens. Throwing open the door, she tackled Clarica who let out a scream and spun quickly. "Damn it Sarah! What's wrong with you?!"
"I'm in need of some clothes and an apron." Clarica raised an eyebrow. "Jareth told me so."
She shrugged. "All right." She led her into the back rooms and to her room. "In the dresser."
Sarah hopped over and pulled out a simple white cotton long sleeved shirt, a dark green skirt and light green leggings and a white apron to go over the front. She modeled for Clarica. "How's that?"
Clarica walked over and pulled a green bandana out, tying it around her head. "There. All better."
Sarah grinned brightly. "Thanks Rica!!!"
"No problem. You will have to explain later though."
"No worries mate!" she chirped, rushing back to Jareth.
Clarica rolled her eyes, reseating herself at the table to play cards with Laurina and Josh. "What was that about?" Josh asked, setting down a Jack.
"I don't know. Sarah's being Sarah again."
Running back into the library, Sarah grinned. "Ready!"
Jareth nodded. "Let's go then." He held out an arm for Ikkakujuu. She took it and followed him out of the castle. Sarah shifted uneasily, frowning and wondering if she were supposed to stay behind? Jareth glanced back at her and she hurried after the pair, eyes focused on the ground and trying to keep the ugly head of loneliness from popping up.
It was hard to focus on the pleasant walk through the woods when all she wanted to do was go off on her own. She wanted to be alone but… wasn't she feeling lonely? She lifted a hand to her forehead feeling it throb angrily. She was confused. Lonely but wanting to be alone. She wanted to rage at the world and despair in her need to be alone, hide from society because they didn't want her.
Why would she try and hide if she wanted them to want her? Her heart was pounding painfully in rhythm with her head and she wanted to throw up, hiding her shaking hands in the folds of her skirt. As it became nearly unbearable the feeling suddenly vanished.
She looked up sharply to find an elegant and pale woman standing before them. The woman nodded once to Ikkakujuu who curtsied then turned to Jareth who bowed as she curtsied to him. "And who is this?" the woman asked, looking down her nose at Sarah after they finished greeting one another.
"A mere servant, my lady." Jareth answered back with a short smile.
Sarah bristled. A servant?! I outta kick your-
"Hm… well Lord Jareth, Ikkakujuu tells me you have put in place many safety measures?"
You are Sarah of the Labyrinth? Sarah blinked and glanced up. The woman was still speaking snootily to Jareth and Ikkakujuu but beside her stood a unicorn, tall and proud but obviously old and wise, horn glistening silver and hooves of the same color. Keep your eyes on the ground young one. I can hear your thoughts.
You can… read my mind?
Yes.There was a hint of laughter in the chiming words. Does that frighten you?
No but… some things I'd like to keep secret.
My dear Sarah, we do not judge those because of their thoughts on their boyfriends. Sarah hid her blush. But I asked Jareth to bring you here because I needed to know where you stand. I've heard much from Ikkakujuu, seen you speak at the council but I must know if the time comes, will you act?
With all my might. I've seen suffering and witnessed death already. I can handle what's thrown at me.
I know you can. I've seen your thoughts. But I must know of your heart my dear. We can see if one beats purely but we cannot tell what one's heart beats for.
You can tell what mine beats for my lady. Sarah's gaze flickered up for only a heartbeat to connect with the purple eyed unicorn's. Anyone can tell if they look close enough.
There was smirk in the voice. Or not at all… She glanced towards Jareth. He is certainly one worth standing for. Sarah blushed darkly. Now hold still darling. This may hurt a bit.
A bit? Sarah bit on her lip so hard she was almost positive she bit through it. Her hands fisted and shook as the pain laced through her body. She didn't know which way was up or who was who. All she knew is that her veins were on fire surrounded by ice and what felt like thirty elephants sitting on her chest.
A hand brushed her arm and the pain cooled down. She glanced towards Ikkakujuu who shifted back into position, eyes not even moving towards Sarah. Sarah let out a mental sigh.
Oh goddess… hurt a bit? She let out a few strings of curses and yelped back the scream that wanted to crawl up her chest. If you weren't Jareth's friend I'd kill you, just to let you know. She winced as her arm twitched. That hurt a lot.
My apologies. The unicorn looked upset. I did not know it would hurt you so much. Previous people said it felt like someone clutching their heart, just enough to be uncomfortable but not so painful.
Well that hurt.
So you've said. The words came across as fairly amused. But you've proven yourself darling. Ikkakujuu.
My lady. Sarah nearly jumped out of her skin as her voice ran through her mind.
You are allowed to show her if you deem her worthy.
Thank you my lady.
Worthy? Worthy for what?
Ikkakujuu will inform you. Before our connection is cut, however, I must tell you… this new loneliness will fade. Do not worry. The darkness will vanish.
Sarah smiled faintly. Thank you my lady… but I still don't like you.Her laughter echoed as the connection was cut.
"I thank you for your time my lady," Jareth spoke and bowed deeply. Sarah bowed beside him and tried to catch Ikkakujuu's eye but the girl wasn't looking at her.
"Ikkakujuu," the woman said snootily. "You will accompany Lord Jareth back to the castle. I shall retreat from here and go back home." The woman spun on her heel and vanished. The unicorn dipped her head towards Sarah and vanished as well.
"My lord," Ikkakujuu offered. Jareth took her arm and led her back to Goblin Castle, Sarah following with a soft frown. As they stepped into the castle, Ikkakujuu turned and smiled. "I'm sorry about that Sarah. Our speaker dislikes mortals but my lady wanted to meet you."
"Oh… speaker?"
"She acts as the head of our lands so that my lady is in no danger."
"Ohhh… so I had to dress up like a servant so that your speaker would speak to me?"
"More or less…"
"What did Lady 'Corn do to me?" she asked with a frown, rubbing her arm. "It hurt." Jareth frowned and grabbed her hand, turning it palm up to view the five deep gouges she made with her nails.
As he healed it, Ikkakujuu took over. "She was viewing your heart." She waved a hand. "Unicorns represent purity, right? She was going through your heart to see how you truly feel, no strings attached. For example, if you minus Jareth from the equation, would you still be fighting this war?"
"Of course. Kaigan's a jerk and they've already proven they'll kill and kidnap to get what they want."
"Precisely. My Lady Corn was reading your heart to ensure that was your true answer."
"Gotcha." Sarah examined her palms and nodded her thanks to Jareth. "What did she give you permission to show me?"
Ikkakujuu sighed. "Sarah… I…" She smiled faintly. "I don't know you at all."
"What do you mean?"
"I've only met you… maybe five times? The rest have been my sister."
"Sister?"
"Edenorog." She looked over her shoulder as another Ikkakujuu walked out looking sheepish.
"Hello Sarah," she muttered. "I'm sorry about the deception."
"Stop looking like me," Ikkakujuu ordered. "She'll understand easier."
Edenorog nodded and shut her eyes. Instantly she changed, long hair shortening to a little longer than chin length, messy and untamed, covering her right eye. She opened dark blue eyes and smiled hesitantly.
"Hi Sarah," she said timidly. "Sorry about… you know… deceiving you and what not."
Sarah grinned widely. "No worries! I knew something was up!" All three looked at her in surprise. "You guys act different. Kaku's more…" She shrugged. "Not Eden. Now I know what to call you though!"
"You knew?" Ikkakujuu asked. "But… but you never-"
"Just cause I didn't say anything doesn't mean I didn't know." She tapped a finger to her nose. "I'm quite smart once you get past the idiocy. Kaku's more action-y while Eden's softer. Kaku attacked the incubo and Eden was at the party I invited nearly everyone to, right?" They nodded. "See! I'm smart."
Ikkakujuu laughed. "Well, I'm glad I picked someone smart to share our secret with." She nodded towards Jareth. "I will attend the next council meeting unless something comes up, Eden will come after that so that Sarah may say hello." She turned to Edenorog. "I must head back. Take your time."
Edenorog shot her sister a faint smile as the woman walked off then turned to Sarah. "Would you do me the honor of keeping me company? I must rest my legs for a short while before I leave."
"Sure!" Sarah chirped.
"Sorry Edenorog." Jareth's hand gripped her elbow tightly. "I must speak with Sarah."
She blinked at him innocently. "But Eden said she wanted company."
The pale woman smiled faintly. "I can wait Sarah. Evie can keep me company and perhaps allow several books to be misplaced while you talk with Jareth."
Sarah was glad she wasn't facing Edenorog so the girl didn't see the pained look that crossed her face. Unfortunately, Jareth did. His grip tightened and he flashed a look at Edenorog.
"She will greet you there when we are finished."
The unicorn nodded. "Be nice Jareth."
He growled at her but she apparently didn't take any offense as she made her way in the opposite direction Jareth began dragging Sarah in.
"Can I just say 'ow. You're ripping my elbow off.'" Sarah grumbled, trying to pry his fingers off. She knew it was a useless motion as he had an iron grip. He didn't reply and made his way to his room and shut the door behind them. He finally released her elbow and motioned to a chair before his desk.
"Sit."
She crossed her arms defiantly. "No."
His eyes flashed angrily. "Sarah. Do not test my patience. Sit. Down."
"No!" she snarled at him.
A dark growl crept up his throat and Sarah felt her arm twitch in 'flight mode' response. Jareth took a step forward invading her personal bubble. "Sit." She was glad the chair was right beside her as her legs collapsed in on themselves. He moved around the desk, obviously putting a barrier between him and her to keep from strangling her. "Now… what the hell is your problem?"
"Nothing's my problem."
"Sarah. I once again ask you not to lie to me-"
"You told me when I was ready to come find you, not have you interrogate me because you got impatient!"
He was silent, staring at her before he said quietly, "then something is wrong."
She scowled and looked away quickly. Nice going blockhead!
"Sarah. If something is wrong you must tell me. I can't afford to have your conscious distracted."
"Why ever not?" she asked innocently, batting her eyelashes. "You've got plenty of other people to rely on." His eyebrows fell together and a frown grew on his face. "When I said I was fine I meant it. Seriously." She smiled brightly. "I'm fine."
"Fine is unacceptable."
She rolled her eyes and muttered, "so I've been told."
"I'm worried I've done something to offend you."
"Jareth, you always do something to offend me." He looked startled. "For one, your hair is far too poofy to be normal." His expression darkened. "Two, you don't like bubblegum. Three, you tell me chocolate is not a food group although it clearly is-"
He was suddenly in front of her chair, hands on the arm rest and face close to hers. "Stop it!" he barked angrily. She jolted away, back flush against the back of the chair and eyes wide. "I will not tell you again. Stop with the fake smiles, the constant jokes, just stop." Her eyes fell to focus on the necklace dangling from around his neck, not wanting to look at his face anymore. "Why can't you trust me?"
"I do trust you."
"You obviously don't," he sighed. "Have I done something wrong?"
"No."
"Then what is it?"
"I… I'm…" She wanted to bring her knees up and hug them to her chest but they were pinned by his legs. "I just…"
"We're never going to get anywhere with your stuttering," he replied softly and she glanced up a hint of a smile on his lips.
"I'm lonely," she whispered.
He frowned. "Pardon?"
"I'm lonely," she repeated stronger. "I-I know it's stupid but I feel like I've got no one. Kara's got you and Jason and Kira she can go to. Evie's got Kara and Samra and Ryuu. Kira and Jason are friends with everyone. Everyone else has someone they can confide in, someone they like better and… no one confides in me. I'm just here to keep everyone entertained. Completely useless." She laughed and ran her fingers under her eyes quickly. "I know I'm being stupid and selfish but I just want someone to myself."
There was a long pause. "You have me," he said quietly.
"I don't, Jareth, and I understand that I never will."
Leather covered fingers planted themselves under her chin and lifted her face to his. "What are you talking about?"
"You belong to everyone!" she cried. "And I know I'm being horribly selfish but for once I don't want to share!"
He frowned. "Sarah. I don't understand."
She shut her eyes and sighed. "It's okay. I'm just being stupid."
"No!" he barked, hands grabbing her biceps. "Tell me."
"You…" It was like the dam suddenly burst and it was pouring from her lips. "Everyone depends on you. You're always there for everyone. If Jason has a problem you deal with it. Ikkakujuu found her lady, gotta go meet her. Toroku's being hormonal, have to calm him down. Taka and Washi were just attacked, Jareth's the only one who can handle it. Honou's fireballing his room, must make sure it doesn't get any farther. Oh Jareth there's a troll infestation, can you go weed it out? Can you make the unicorns allies? Are the panthers on our side? Can you make sure that Sarah's not being a useless idiot and getting kidnapped again? Oh and hey, while you're at it, considering ruling the world for awhile. It might be helpful." She glanced up at him and found no expression on his face. She shut her eyes again and sighed. "I'm sorry… but now you see. I know you've got so much to deal with and yet I still can't help but feel selfish because I feel like I'm just something to amuse you when you're not ruling the Underground. Someone to paint the walls pink with Kira when she's bored with everything. Someone to annoy Evie when she gets tired of reading… not that that ever happens."
His hands slowly slid away from her biceps as he stood, still watching her quietly.
"I'm sorry. I shouldn't have said anything…I'll just… I'll go back to my room. Please forget everything I just said." She stood and moved to step around him but he grabbed her and pulled her into a hug.
"I'm sorry," he muttered.
She squirmed. "What?"
"I'm sorry," he repeated, "but you're an idiot."
There was a half second's confusion before she bristled angrily. "What?!"
He pulled away far enough to see her face as she tried to push against his chest and get out of the hug. "You're an idiot."
"Why?!"
"Well you said you were."
"That's not the point! Me saying it and you confirming it are two totally different things! Let go!"
"No." She growled but it wasn't as threatening as his so it had no effect. "You said that I'm always there for everyone. I'm not, but the Goblin King is." She frowned. "Jareth, however, is here only for you."
She rolled her eyes. "That is entirely too cheesy."
"But you love it."
Her traitorous lips quirked up into a smile. "None in the least."
He chuckled and kissed her. "See. You need me too. I make you smile."
"As well as curse in a violent rage and want to kill you," she replied dryly and wrapped her arms around his neck. "But I suppose that comes with being girlfriend to the Goblin King."
"Jare-whoa! Sorry!" Both turned to Alan who laughed nervously. "Sorry," he repeated. "But there's an official from the High Council who wants to speak with you. Something about regulations on the border."
Sarah schooled her features into curiosity but couldn't help the invisible sigh that ran through her body.
"Tell him I'll contact him later. I'm busy."
Both looked at Jareth sharply. "But… H-High council," Alan stuttered.
"Come now Alan," Jareth said with a wicked grin. "They can't be anymore scary than Jason in a rage."
The dark haired man scowled at him. "Fine!" He stomped off muttering angrily.
Sarah frowned. "Jareth-"
"No." He tightened his arms around her. "I believe that you and I were discussing your idiocy."
She smiled faintly and glanced at the clock. "Could we discuss my idiocy at a restaurant aboveground?"
"You are very demanding," he scolded but smiled back. "You've got ten minutes."
Giving him a tight hug, she whispered a "thank you Jareth" before darting out the door. The blond smiled after her then turned to the corner of the room still in shadow.
"Well?"
Jason unfolded himself from his seat and walked over, a frown on his face. "Does she not realize how much she does for us?"
"Apparently not."
"She…" Jason rubbed his forehead. "She's gotten the centaurs to be allied with us stronger than ever, we can actually speak to the panthers because she's gotten Valdis to hold back killing anyone, the vampires love her, Toroku isn't such a jerk anymore, she saved Samra's life, she's gotten Kara and Emily to open up, she's made you tolerable to society-" Jareth shot him a dark look but it was ignored. "Your father now speaks to you without making your blood boil, she cheers me up on a daily basis…" He trailed off.
"The unicorns are on our side."
"The uni-what?!"
Jareth chuckled. "Ikkakujuu's lady has taken a liking to her."
"Oh goddess…and she thinks she's useless?"
Jareth sighed. "She's an idiot."
"Yes she is!" Jason laughed and smacked his shoulder. "Good luck!"
Jareth grunted and Jason left him to get ready. The blond fae quickly changed into his usual mortal attire; black jeans, black tee and a black leather jacket, before he reappeared outside of her room and knocked.
"That was only three minutes you jerk!" her voice echoed from inside.
He snorted. "I know. I was lonely."
She snapped the door open and scowled. "You are a jerk."
"So you've said." He leaned against the door frame as she scurried back to her closet and rummaged through the clothes. "Sarah?"
"Yup?"
"How long have you felt this way?"
She paused, hand entangled in a dark blue shirt before a frown grew on her features. "I… I don't know…"
Jareth cocked his head. "You don't know? I wasn't asking for a specific date and time, just… two weeks? Three days?"
"Yesterday."
He raised an eyebrow. "Yesterday?"
She nodded slowly. "I…" She rubbed her face. "Yesterday."
"What did you do yesterday?"
"I was with you in the morning, went to Crystal Lake to deliver Kira her papers, when aboveground to talk to Reishka… came back here and talked to you, talked to Valdis, went back to Crystal Lake and hung out with Aminta, came back and talked to Rica before going to bed."
"That's it?" She nodded. "When did you start feeling lonely?"
"After I left you…" She winced and brought a hand to her forehead. "I left your office then-ow!" She grabbed her head and her legs crumpled, Jareth beside her in an instant, grabbing her before she hit the floor.
"What's wrong?" he asked quickly.
"I don't know!" She rubbed her head. "It hurts!" She looked up, feeling the tears running down her face and her brain clenching like she had a charley horse in it. "Jareth it hurts! Make it stop!"
"What hurts?!"
"My head! Goddess! Make it sto-" Her eyes suddenly rolled into the back of her head and she seized.
"Sarah! SARAH!"
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To all Heal Me, Hurt Me Readers and Reviewers,
MWAHAHA!... Did I spell that right? I think so. Anyway! (rubs hands together evilly) A cliffhanger! I do so love writing them but hate reading them. Sorry guys!
So I'm in a better mood! I went diving with me mum (scuba diving) and we were picking up rocks, grabbing the crayfish and feeding them to the fish following us. It was so much fun! We spent like an hour doing that (just because I was having too much fun and didn't want to go anywhere else) before we got too cold and had to get out. All in all, I spent almost three hours underwater yesterday and it wasn't because I drowned! Cool huh?!
Yeah, Labyrinth. My poor, poor abused Labyrinth. Star Trek has completely taken over my brain. Wahh!!
MAXIMUM WARP MR. SULU! MWAHAHAHAAAA! (throws arms out and runs away)
Kadasa Mori
P.s. Yes, I know this author's note had nothing relevant to the story beyond informing you all of things you already knew, i.e. cliff hangers. I promise my 'high on star trek' will fade… eventually. Hah! SET PHASERS TO STUN! FIRE ON ALL WHO OBJECT! FEEL MY WRATH!
P.p.s. Saw Star Trek for the fifth time today. Cannot believe how AWESOME it is. (goes into fangirl mode)
P.p.p.s. Review or I'll set Spock on you.
Next Chapter Preview: Chapter 18
"If we can provide a picture of who attacked Sarah," Jareth growled. "Can you track them?"
Daederath scowled. "You act as though I'm a common blood hound." His eyes lit up. "Unless… hmm… interesting… I will speak with a few… friends who should be able to track him," Daederath said with a vicious smirk.
Sarah frowned. "Will I not like these friends?"
"You'll adore them," he purred. "They're like fluffy puppies."
She sighed and sent him a dulled look. "Let me guess. Fluffy puppies twenty-nine days out of thirty while on the last they're blood thirsty moon howlers?" He laughed and vanished. Sarah sighed heavily. "With friends like these, who needs enemies," she grumbled and pulled her book back up to continue where she left off. Jareth snorted and leaned back into the couch. She glanced up. "Jareth, dear?"
"Hm?"
"You've hovering. Go away." He scowled and opened his mouth to protest. "I swear. I will use the bubblegum threat on you. I will show no mercy."