Chapter 13: Back in the Labyrinth

Jareth groaned as the pounding in his head intensified. He wished he could just go back to sleep to escape the pain, but the sweet numbing slumber evaded him. Hesitantly, he opened his eyes and tried to remember where he was. He was sitting on a cold wooden floor with his back propped up against the wall. The back of a sofa was in front of him and a short hallway stretched out to either side. He remembered then that this was Sarah's apartment. "Sarah…" he breathed out.

He made to stand as he remembered that Todd had been there and had most likely taken Sarah, but his head pounded and his back ached to the point that movement threatened nausea. He could hear the crumbling of the plaster wall behind him as he shifted. Small chunks had broken off and landed on the floor beside him. His eyes widened as he realized this was because of how hard he'd hit the wall when Todd's spell had thrown him back. The memory of being thrown backwards into the wall seemed to spring a whole new set of pains upon him and he groaned again.

He had to get to Sarah, but Todd had most likely taken her back to the Underground and without magic, it would be very difficult to get there. There were ways though, ancient ways that hadn't been used in centuries. The mortals had long since forgotten about them seeing as their faith in the supernatural had all but disappeared. He would need help, as much as he was loath to admit it, and there was only one person he knew in the Aboveground. He hoped that Jackie would be able to do what needed to be done.

First though, he had to contact her. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to his feet and leaned heavily on the wall until the pain in his head subsided a bit. Then he made his way out to the kitchen and picked up the phone. Jackie's number was posted on a sheet tacked just above the phone along with several other numbers. "Hello?" a groggy voice answered.

Jareth winced as he glanced at the clock in the kitchen; he hadn't thought about what time it was. The clock showed that it was just past six in the morning. "Jackie?"

"Jareth? What's wrong?" her voice sounded slightly more awake.

"It's Sarah… he took her."

There was a long silence on the other end of the line. "He took her? Where did he take her?"

"I don't know precisely, but most likely to the Underground."

"Where you live?"

"Yes."

Another silence then, "Well how the hell do we get there? Jesus Christ, I'm gonna fricken' kill Todd! How the hell did he even get her? Did he find the loft?"

"No, we had to come back to Sarah's apartment for something," Jareth replied trying not to curse himself for allowing Sarah to come back here.

"Christ, Jareth! You could have called me!"

"Please don't berate me, madam, for things I am well aware of now."

"Sorry, Jareth. I'm just a little pissed off at the moment. So what the hell are we going to do?"

"I need your help, Jackie," and with that Jareth proceeded to tell her how he planned to get back to the Underground.

When he'd finished there was another long pause on the line, "Say what?"

Jareth wasn't quite sure what she meant by the saying, but he repeated himself. "The most important part is being in a place almost completely free of technology."

"And just where do you suggest we find that?"

"Sarah once told me of parks. We need to find a park that has very little human interference."

"I think I know where we can find one, but it's a bit of a drive. Are you sure this will work what with you not having magic?"

"I won't be the one performing the ritual."

"What?" she deadpanned.

"Because I'm fae, and a fae with his power cut off from him at the moment, I am not able to perform the ritual. You, being human, have a certain degree of natural magic in you… less now than in centuries past, but some. I have hope for there being more than normal in you because of how close you are to Sarah."

"Wait a second, rewind. You said I have to do the ritual? Doesn't that mean that I'll be the one going to the Underground?"
"No, you'll just be summoning someone who can take me back."

"But I want to help you! I'm coming too!"
"No, Jackie. You need to remain in the Aboveworld."

"Why?"

"Because you would only be a hindrance."

A long silence then, "I see…"

"Jackie, that's not what I meant. It's just that you know nothing of the Underground and cannot perform magic and explaining everything to you would take more time than I have."

"You wouldn't need to explain anything to me. I would follow you. I mean if there's one thing I know about you, Jareth, it's that I can trust you. I trust you for Sarah and I trust you to lead me. Besides, you don't have magic at the moment either! Two non-magical people working together would be better than one I imagine."

Jareth let out a long sigh. She had a point. Without his power, he probably would need help at some point. However it was the part where she'd said that she trusted him that resonated with him. He didn't know he'd made such an impact on her. But then again, he reasoned, she was Sarah's best friend and for Jackie to give her blessing at their being together, as she had done when she helped Jareth arrange his first date with Sarah, meant that she did indeed place a lot of trust in him. "Alright, you can come on two conditions."

"Name them," her voice sounded determined.

"You obey every command I give you with no hesitancy and you promise not to intentionally put yourself in danger."

"Well I'd be breaking the second by going with you in the first place wouldn't I?"

"Yes, but we'll overlook that."

"Done. What is your first command, your Majesty?"

Jareth smirked, it had been a while since someone had called him that and actually meant it as the title was suppose to be. "I want you to dress as if you were going on a three day hiking trip and meet me at the loft above the gallery in thirty minutes. Pack light."

"Yes, Sire. See you in half an hour."

Jareth hung up the phone and headed out the door to go back to the loft to properly dress and pack, praying the entire way to every god and goddess he knew of that Sarah was okay.

o O o O o O o

Sarah groaned as she attempted to open her eyes, but the lids didn't seem to want to lift. It was as if there were weights too heavy to lift attached to them. When she finally managed to pry open her lids, it was too dark to really see anything. She could feel that she was lying on a settee of some sort (it was too uncomfortable to be a bed) and that there was a chill in the air. She could also feel that her hands were tied behind her back. She glanced around for some indication of where she was, but once again, it was too dark to make anything out.

She raised herself to a sitting position. "Awake are we?" a cold voice called from the darkness.

Sarah squinted to try to find the owner of the voice. "Where are you?"

"Right in front of you, silly mortal."

Suddenly a light shone from in front of her and Sarah blinked fiercely at the sudden brightness. As her eyes adjusted, she could see that the light came from a crystal perched on the tips of black-gloved fingers. The fingers belonged to none other than Todd. As he'd said, he stood right in front of her, about ten feet away at the moment, but he was slowly making his way forward. "Where I am?"

"The palace of the UnSeelie fae. This is my room while I'm here. You will be meeting with King Zuul shortly," he said coming to a standstill before her.

"Why am I here?"

"I'll let his Majesty explain that one. Speaking of which, we should be on our way to the throne room."

"I'm not going anywhere with you," she frowned.

"Are you going to start that up again? I do believe I've already proven you wrong once, however if you insist on being difficult I don't imagine it would be too difficult to simply sling you over my shoulder and carry you down to the throne room."

Sarah's eyes widened. It was just something in the way he said it that made her think he would actually do it. She rose with as much dignity as she could from the settee. He frowned as though he'd been looking forward to slinging her over his shoulder, but shrugged and led the way across the small dark room to the door. She followed him down the dark stone hallway, down a staircase, and through a large doorway. The throne room of the UnSeelie King was bedecked in dark reds and blacks so black it seemed like they sucked in all the light that came from the sputtering candles and torches around the room. The king himself sat on a throne that looked as though it was carved from ebony. He wore clothing similar to Jareth's usual garb in darker shades of purples accented with black and silver. His dark hair was tied back with a purple ribbon and a rather plain silver circlet sat upon his brow.

She stumbled to her knees as Todd pushed her from behind. "Kneel before the King of the UnSeelie!" he hissed. She saw him bow low out of the corner of her eye and stayed where she was on her knees. The fae before her did not look like one to be trifled with. "Sire, the mortal Sarah Williams as you commanded," Todd said, still bowed low.

The King seemed to study them for a moment. Sarah was very conscious of her old sweat pants and Alma Matter hooded sweatshirt. "Rise, Todd," he commanded in a deep gravelly voice. Todd rose to his full height beside Sarah. "Bring the mortal closer so I may inspect it." Todd grabbed hold of her upper arm and dragged her forward. Sarah could barely keep her feet under her, before she was thrust forward to land on her knees again at the King's feet. She frowned up at the fae. "It is rather insolent isn't it?" the King asked of Todd who didn't answer. "Sarah Williams, that is your name correct?"

"Yes," she bit out.

"Good, good… it can understand me." Sarah did her best not to jump up and strangle him, but her twitching fingers gave her away. "Now, I have a request to make of you, Sarah Williams."

"What could you possibly want from me?"

"Your knowledge, and since we can't extract that from you, you will give it to us willingly."

"Unlikely…"

The King seemed amused by her response. "Todd, you have permission to use whatever means necessary to gain its cooperation in the task we discussed."

"Yes, Sire," Todd bowed again.

"I am satisfied that this is the correct mortal, you may take it away now and begin your task."

Todd nodded in his bow then straightened and roughly pulled Sarah to her feet. While she was glad to be leaving the King, she could do with less of the manhandling. Once they were out of the throne room, Todd stopped. "Just what the hell is this task you think I'm going to help you with?" Sarah demanded.

Todd didn't say anything, but pulled her towards him and grabbed hold of both her arms tightly. Everything suddenly went dark and Sarah felt the ground drop out from under her, but Todd's hands still gripped her arms like iron bands. There was a moment where it felt like they were in the center of a small tornado before it all stopped and they stood on the ground again and weak light struggled to light the area around them from behind dark grey clouds. Sarah glanced around to see that she recognized this place. It was the same hill that Jareth had brought her to, to start her run through the Labyrinth ten years ago. "The Labyrinth?" she asked thoroughly confused.

Todd nodded, "You are the only being to have ever made it through."

Sarah's eyes widened with understanding. "Are you saying I have to lead you through the Labyrinth? Why?"

"That is not your concern. You will do as told."

"Or what?" she spat back getting seriously annoyed with his conceitedness.

A lecherous smile crossed his face and Sarah took a step back. "I dare you to find out…" he leered.

Fear rose up in Sarah's chest and she took another step away not wanting him to get too close. "N-no thanks," she stammered.

He frowned, but remained where he was. "You will lead me through the Labyrinth then?"

"I can try, but it changes."

"I know, and yet you managed to find your way through last time."

"I'm going to need my hands."

"For what? You don't need hands to walk."

"No, but there are obstacles in the Labyrinth for which I might."

He seemed to consider this for a moment. "Fine, but you will wear this instead," he said and produced a crystal that turned into what looked like a black leather collar with a silver buckle.

Sarah frowned, "I'm not a dog."

"No, a dog would be more obedient," he retorted. "You will either wear this, or your hands will remained tied."

She wasn't overly enthusiastic about wearing a collar, but having her hands free would be beneficial. "Fine, the collar then," she growled, glaring daggers at him.

Todd moved toward her and she instinctively took a step back. He raised a brow, "Do you want your hands untied or not?"

"Yes, I just don't want you behind me," she snarled.

Todd grinned, "Sorry, darlin', but you're just gonna have to trust me a bit."

"Not likely," she muttered, but allowed him to move around behind her to untie her hands.

He ran a hand down her arm from her shoulder to her wrist as he moved around her. She shivered at his touch, but stood still, wanting him to untie her. His other hand skimmed her side through the bulk of the sweatshirt before coming to rest on her derriere giving it a squeeze. Sarah jumped and gritted her teeth, "Will you just untie me and cut the groping?"

Todd grinned and did as he was asked. As soon as she felt the bonds loosen she made to pull away, but Todd swiftly pulled her back against him with the collar at her neck, buckling it with quick fingers. She lifted a hand to feel the thick black leather collar, but couldn't find the buckle. Her other hand came up to feel along the other side, still not finding the cool metal; it seemed that the collar was now a seamless leather strap around her neck. "How the hell will I get this thing off?" she demanded becoming slightly claustrophobic.

"Magic…" he whispered in her ear. He moved away from her, stepping around so he was in front of her again. "You didn't think I'd leave the buckle so that you could go and undo it?"

Sarah glared at him then turned on her heel and started down the short hill toward the gate. Todd grinned a lecherous smile and followed her, enjoying the view. Sarah started looking around as she neared the gate, looking for her friend Hoggle. Her heart sunk as failed to find him. In fact there weren't any fairies either, and the foliage growing on the Labyrinth's walls was dried and brown. It looked dead. "What's happened here?" she asked in a near whisper.

"This is what happens when the master of the Labyrinth is defeated, he neglects his duties… part of the reason he was placed in your custody I do believe," Todd muttered stepping past her to go through the half-open gate.

Sarah followed reluctantly. Inside, Todd waited for her to direct him. She'd decided that trying to follow her old path would be best and took a right. Todd followed. She led him quietly, noticing that the brick walls no longer shimmered and that there were more dead branches and debris on the walking path. The eyeball moss was still and the eyes were glazed over, not moving. She sadly walked past them, looking for the opening she took before. Once she spotted it (minus one Cockney accented blue worm), she slowed a little, thinking that perhaps Todd wouldn't see it like she hadn't seen it her first time through. When they drew close to the opening, she made a mad dash forward and whipped around the corner in an attempt to lose him. She only made it about twenty feet though before the collar around her neck tightened and she fell to her knees gasping for air. Her fingers scrabbled at the collar trying to pull it away from her skin. It loosened as Todd caught up with her. "Foolish mortal, did you really believe I wouldn't think of that?"

Sarah sat catching her breath, glaring out of the corner of her eye at his boots standing next to her. "Would've been nice to warn a girl," she muttered as she got to her feet.

He laughed, "Ah but where would the fun be in that?"

She huffed and started off again, Todd trailing her. So she couldn't run away from him; that made things difficult, but not impossible. She would find someway. Maybe she would find Ludo and get him to throw Todd into the Bog of Eternal Stench? She smiled a little at this thought and continued on her way.

o O o O o O o

"Are we there yet?" Jareth asked from the passenger seat of Jackie's red Jeep Wrangler.

Jackie groaned and flopped her head back against the headrest. "You asked that a half hour ago. Does it look like we're there?" she retorted.

Jareth crossed his arms and scowled at the short African American girl beside him. "I'm merely curious as to the estimated time of our arrival."

"Uh huh… our ETA is approximately twenty-five minutes, your Majesty," Jackie responded.

They'd been driving for just over two and a half hours since six thirty that morning and the irritability levels in the vehicle had grown every passing minute. Jareth was anxious to get to Sarah and had questioned several times why it was necessary to drive so far away, if there was any place closer? Jackie had patiently explained that he'd requested the least technology contamination possible and the state park they were headed to now was the closest one that fit that qualification. He'd grudgingly accepted her answer, but that didn't mean he had to be complacent about it.

He strove to remain silent for the next twenty-five minutes, focusing instead on the forest that whipped by outside the window. They arrived at the entrance to the state park, tall pine trees rising on either side of the road, and Jackie parked at the ranger station to purchase a day pass. "You owe me," she murmured as she applied the sticker to her windshield.

Jareth snorted, he doubted the tiny sticker cost very much. "How much farther?" he asked.

Jackie unfolded the map she'd gotten from the ranger and traced the road into the park with a finger. "According to the map's legend, the park is about fifty miles in diameter, so I figure we should drive into here," she pointed to a parking lot about ten miles away on the map. "Then we should hike along this trail toward the center of the park. If you really want to get away from man-made things, I suggest going off trail a ways, but that can be dangerous because it's easy to get lost." Jareth stared at her, "What?" she asked.

"I'm not exactly worried about how we'll be getting back at the moment. We need to get to Sarah!"

"I realize that, but we need to have a plan first."

"I've got a plan, once we get Sarah then we'll make a new plan."

Jackie groaned, "You know what? You're the King, if we get lost, it'll be your fault."

She put the jeep in gear and started toward the parking lot. They arrived twenty minutes later and Jareth practically leapt out of the vehicle before it was in park. He moved around to the back and pulled out a pack that he'd made at Sarah's. It contained enough food for himself for a couple of days, his own clothing from Underground, a Bowie knife, and about two gallons of water. Jackie had her own pack filled with similar stuffs except she'd also packed a med kit that she kept filled for camping trips and the like. She glanced over at Jareth in his leather boots, jeans, heavy jacket and gloves. "You sure those boots are gonna be okay for hiking?" she asked.

Jareth gave her a look, "I can assure you that my feet will be more comfortable than yours."

"Okay, whatever…" she muttered sliding her pack on and buckling the straps that would help distribute the weight.

"Are you ready?"

She jammed a blue and white ski cap on her head and nodded, locking up the jeep before following Jareth to the start of the trail.

They hiked in towards the center of the park along the Chesapeake Trail, Jackie occasionally checking the map to make sure they were on the right course, until they reached a curve in the trail that would lead them away from the center. Jackie and Jareth stopped on the edge of the walking path. They needed a short break seeing as they'd been on the move for nearly an hour straight. "This is it," Jackie said from her perch on a rather large rock. "I have a compass to guide us back to the trail if we really need it. Hopefully we won't. Do you really not have a plan for after we get to Sarah?" she looked over at Jareth who appeared to be meditating on the ground on the edge of the trail.

"I don't know what to expect, so no I don't have a plan, nor will I attempt to make one until I know what we have to work with. Right now, it's simply get to the Underground, get Sarah, get back."

"Uh huh…" Jackie took a sip of water out of her canteen. "And you're sure this ritual thing will work? That it'll call who you're looking for?"

Jareth glanced up at her, "I think I know a bit more about ancient rituals in calling fae than you do."

"No offense," she held up both hands.

Jareth's shoulders relaxed and he let out long breath. "I'm sorry, Jackie. I'm anxious. I've never had to rely on someone so much as I'm relying on you at the moment."

Jackie rose and patted Jareth on the shoulder. "It's fine, I know how much Sarah means to you."

Jareth smiled up at Jackie. "Shall we continue?"

"Lead on, your Majesty," Jackie grinned.

They continued onward off the trail for another forty minutes until they reached a small clearing in the woods. The tall pine trees around them creaked and groaned in the wind and the fresh sent of pine needles drifted all around them. "This should do," Jareth said stopping in the middle of the clearing.

Jackie nervously unbuckled her pack and set it down on the side of the open space. "What do I need to do?" she asked.

Jareth laid his pack down next to hers and pulled three small candles and a pack of matches out of one of the pockets. He carried them over and arranged the candles to form a triangle in the middle of the clearing. "Kneel here in the middle of the candles and rest your hands palms up on your thighs," he instructed. Jackie did as told and took a deep breath once she'd settled herself within the candles. "Good, now close your eyes and try to clear your mind of everything except my voice." He waited for a few minutes while Jackie took deep cleansing breaths. "Jackie? Nod if you are ready." She nodded slowly. "Okay, now repeat after me: I Jackie of the Aboveground, call upon the greater forces." Jackie repeated him in a calm voice. "I ask for Titania, Queen of the fairies, wife of Oberon to heed my call." He paused again while she repeated. "For I have dire need of her wisdom and strength." Pause… "Titania, come to me and show me your glory, I beg of thee."

There was a long silence as Jackie finished the incantation. Jareth looked around the clearing, his hope dwindling as nothing continued to happen. The woods were utterly silent except for the whistling of the wind through the canopy. He bowed his head in defeat and was about to tell Jackie to get up when a voice as pure as crystal spoke. "Who doth call upon me, Titania, Queen of the fairies?"

Jareth's head snapped up to see a slight woman with pale skin and golden hair. She wore a simple golden gown draped over one shoulder despite the cold, which she did not seem to acknowledge. She stood before Jackie who was staring at her in utter shock. Jareth stepped forward, "Auntie Titania!" he called out.

The magnificent fae woman looked over to see him approach her. "Jareth, darling!" They embraced and pecked each other on the cheek. "Oh have you been a naughty boy?" she asked as the broke apart. "You need a mortal to call upon me? Did the council finally toss you out of the Underground?"

"No my dear Aunt, it's merely temporary." Jareth turned to Jackie who was still staring in shock. "Jackie, I'd like you to meet my Aunt Titania, Queen of the fairies."
At the mention of her name, Jackie seemed to jolt out of her trance and stood. She slowly approached Jareth, staying slightly behind him. "You didn't tell me Titania was your Aunt!" she whispered.

"You didn't need to know," he cocked an eyebrow. "Auntie dearest, I'd like you to meet the mortal who called upon you on my behalf, this is Jackie."

Titania seemed to look Jackie over. "Why is she dressed like a man?"

Jareth snickered and Jackie looked affronted. "That, my dear Aunt, is the current fashion of the Above, for women to dress as men."

"And do the men dress as women as well? How strange you mortals are!"

"No, it's a one way street as far as that is concerned. However the current fashions of the mortal world is not why I called for you."

"Oh, and prey tell what is?" Titania asked turning her full attention back to Jareth.

"We need your help. I need to return to the Underground a bit ahead of what the high council has planned for me."

"And why is that?"

"Because someone very dear to me has been stolen away and I should be very much displeased if anything were to happen to her."

Titania's eyes widened. "Is this a mortal you speak of?"

"Aye, it is."

"And is it the mortal of whom I think it to be?"

Jareth rolled his eyes, "Who, prey tell, do you think it to be, my dear Aunt?"

"The Lady of the Labyrinth, Sarah Williams?"

Jareth didn't answer right away, but simply glared at his aunt as she anxiously awaited him. "You have been listening to the servant's gossip again haven't you, Auntie dearest?"

Titania seemed to brush away the accusation. "It is, isn't it? They say your dismal attitude towards your kingdom has been because of her and now here you are in the Aboveground, claiming that you care for her." At this Titania smiled a wide grin and leapt upon her unsuspecting nephew, hugging him as tightly as she could. "I told them so! I knew she was the one!"

"Auntie… Let go, please!" Jareth choked out.

Jackie had backed up and hidden behind Jareth even more at Titania's outburst. As Titania let go of Jareth she glanced back at Jackie then back to Jareth. "How can I help you?" she asked looking more than happy to assist them despite the consequences that might be had at the hand of the high council.

"We need to go to my kingdom. If I am correct, Todd will force Sarah to show him the way through the Labyrinth, even though that idea is utterly ridiculous considering that the Labyrinth changes based upon who's inside of it. I'm afraid of what will crop up as obstacles with that slimy UnSeelie in there."

"UnSeelie did you say?" Titania's visage turned serious. Despite her disregard of the high council, Titania was the ideal image of what a Seelie fae should be and she abhorred the UnSeelie with a passion unlike any other. Of course this may have been because of what her subjects were. The fairies were all naturally Seelie creatures, creating only happiness and light… when not biting fifteen-year-old girls' fingers that is. "Of course I shall do all I can for you, my beloved nephew! Where do you need to go in your kingdom?"

"To the gates of the my Labyrinth. I need to catch up to them before they reach the Goblin City. I doubt that doddering old fool they put in charge of my kingdom temporarily will even notice they're there let alone what to do with them when he does know."

Jackie spoke up for the first time behind Jareth, "Why not just go to the Goblin City and meet them there? I mean it's the middle right? So they'll end up there eventually."

Jareth turned to face his companion, "As absolutely correct as you are, what you don't know is that there is a spell preventing just that from ever happening. Transportation spells are not allowed into the Goblin City unless the ruler gives express permission, and even then it's a one-time pass. An individual needs permission each and every time they want to transport in. It's a defense mechanism, and if I can avoid it, I would prefer to not let the high council know I am back in the Underground. Else I'm afraid they may rule against me when my trial comes up," Jareth explained patiently. Jackie nodded, feeling dismissed even though Jareth had taken the time to explain things to her. "Now, we really must be going if we are going to catch up with them. They already have more than a five hour start on us."

Titania nodded, "Gather your things then take my hand, and join hands between yourselves," she instructed. Jareth and Jackie did as they were told, strapping on their packs before forming a small circle. "Hold on tight, my dears."

And with that their feet left the earth and wind whirled around them as everything darkened for a moment. When all stopped and their feet were back on solid ground, they were standing on a hilltop in front of the Labyrinth. Jackie stared in wide-eyed wonder at the massive maze before her, as Titania gave her nephew a grim smile, for she knew she could not help him in his quest, but she wished him success. Jareth smirked and took a deep breath, reveling in the fact that he was home.

o O o O o O o

A/N: Thanks again my lovely readers for continuing to read this story. I have to say this is probably one of my favorite chapters; I hope you enjoyed reading it as much as I loved writing it. I should really apologize to Mr. Shakespeare for stealing his character, but he writes them so fantastically and Titania is amazing. I thought about it being Oberon who they called, but the possible dynamic between Jareth and Titania was just too good to pass up! lolz... If you have not read A Midsummer Night's Dream by William Shakespeare, I would recommend it. It's definitely one of his best. And if you feel like you would have issues understanding it with all the 'thee's' and 'thous', check out gradesaver (dot) com. Look up the play and read the scene by scene summary. :) (Truth be told, my favorite Shakespeare play is Much Ado About Nothing, if you wanted to know ;) )

Labyrinth (c) Jim Henson & Co.

Titania (c) William Shakespeare