Chapter 16: Consciousnesses

Jackie stood frozen to the spot as Jareth rushed forward to free Sarah from the dragon's clutches. It felt like her feet were glued to the floor and her lungs were reluctant to work. Jareth had ordered her to not put herself in unnecessary danger, but how could she leave her best friend to fend for herself against a dragon? She watched as Jareth was swept backwards off his feet in a single swoop from the dragon's tail. A sickening thud announced his body's meeting with the wall and she cringed.

Oh god… how was she suppose to compete with that beast? Even if Jareth had magic, she had doubts defeating the creature would be simple. Jackie watched as Sarah managed to free herself from the quicksilver coils and ran towards Jareth only to be pulled up short by that damn tail. Everything happened so fast then, the dragon's foot reached out and pinned Sarah then its talons were sinking into her back. Jareth was still completely out of it against the wall. Jackie felt as though something were squeezing her chest; her breathing was restricted and she didn't know what to do. Her friends needed her help, but what could she do against a friggin' dragon?

A movement against the wall drew her eye and she glanced over to see Todd trying to make good his escape. "Oh no you don't…" Jackie mumbled.

She marched over to the fae and grabbed hold of his shirt with her fists. "You are the reason we're in this mess. Now get us out of it!"

He stared down at the mortal as through she were insane. "I shall do no such thing. Now release me, mortal!" he demanded.

It felt like something broke inside Jackie. She frowned and adrenaline coursed through her as she shoved the dark fae backwards against the wall. "You're the only with magic! You're the only one capable of actually helping! Now grow a set and get to work!" she commanded.

Todd hesitated for a moment then roughly pushed Jackie away and made a dash toward the door. She growled and ran after him; he only made it to the doorway before she tackled him, holding onto his ankles. "Let go, you foolish mortal!" he kicked at her.

She dodged the kick and quickly drew the knife she'd placed in her pocket. The blade flipped open and she held it threateningly as she addressed Todd. "You will help us, or I will give you iron poisoning."

His eyes grew large and he held still. Jackie could see his mind racing as he stared at the knife. After a moment he made a non-threatening motion with his hand. "Let me up and I'll help."

Jackie glared at him, but released him, moving slightly away. Todd rose to his feet, brushed off his clothes, and glanced over at her. He drew a crystal sphere from the air and held it before him. It pulsed with a dark light; if light could be black, then this was. Jackie watched as it seemed to suck in nearby energy. Todd sneered and suddenly threw the crystal at her. Too surprised to move, the crystal hit the center of her chest and seemed to sink into her skin. She gasped as pain radiated outward from the spot, it was as though someone had reached in, grabbed hold of her heart, and was squeezing it. A particularly tight squeeze made her scream in pain and she dropped to her knees, clutching at her chest as though she could pull the crystal back out.

Todd grinned a malicious smile and made his exit, quickly running from the stone room. Jackie didn't even notice him go. She fell backwards gasping for breath. Dark images were floating across her eyes, nightmare creatures that no language had a name for. They slipped in and out of sight, baring teeth and cackling madly. Jackie's breath grew shallow and she tried to fight off the dark creatures plaguing her mind, but she couldn't move… even the thought of moving brought pain, her muscles clenched and her teeth ground together.

They aren't real… I need to help Sarah and Jareth. She thought frantically. The nightmares moved faster across her vision, snapping their teeth and flicking their tails with agitation. Go away! she commanded. The creatures ignored her and instead moved even faster. She screamed again and made to swipe them away with an arm despite the pain.

o O o O o O o

Jareth watched in a daze as Sarah fell before him, the dragon examining her as though determining its next meal. He made to get up, but the order from his brain didn't make contact with the limbs it was intended for and instead was intercepted somewhere in between. Glancing over, he saw Jackie taking on Todd and groaned. "No," he croaked.

The short woman had tackled Todd, but quickly let him up. Todd pulled a crystal that began to emit black light then threw it at Jackie before making good his escape. Jackie fell to the floor, a scream leaving her lips. Jareth felt helpless. His friend was writhing on the floor suffering from what he was pretty sure was a nightmare curse of some sort and his love was pinned under the talons of a dragon. This wasn't going to happen… not if he could help it.

Drawing on all the strength he could, he stood, swaying slightly. He took a tentative step toward the dragon whose eyes were closed and seemed to be purring of all things. Sarah lay on the floor under the dragon's foot, its talons digging into her soft flesh. There was something missing from this scene though… despite how deep the dragon's talons appeared to be embedded into her skin, Sarah wasn't bleeding. There should be a pool of blood surrounding her, but there was nothing besides dust on the flagstone floor. What the hell was going on here?

Suddenly the dragon started to shrink dramatically. Its pose remained the same, but it shrank down until it was just big enough to sit comfortably on Sarah's shoulders, were she to stand up. Jareth eyed the dragon suspiciously; while it wasn't very large now, it was still a very powerful magical being. However the serpentine body did not make any kind of threatening move; it retracted its talons from Sarah's prone back and moved slightly away, examining the woman with something akin to contentment in its eyes. With a flick of its tail, the silvery body coiled around the mortal's arm and settled itself in for a nap.

Jareth approached cautiously, making certain that the beast was truly asleep. A low rumbling purr could be heard and he decided that it wouldn't do him any harm. "Sarah?" he called out softly, but she did not respond in anyway. He knelt down next to her, his hand hovering over her back, afraid of what the dragon might do if he touched her. "Sarah?" he tried again. Still no response. She didn't appear to be injured, but who knew what the dragon had done with her mind. He let out a shaky breath and gently placed a hand on Sarah's shoulder. The dragon stirred, but remained contentedly purring around her bicep. He glared at the magical creature before checking for Sarah's pulse at her wrist. It beat strong and hard under his fingers and he breathed a sigh of relief. At least she would be okay physically.

A clattering of hooves announced Pucks presence just then. Jareth jerked his aching head up to see the faun come to a stop before him. "'Bout time you got here," he remarked.

Puck was breathing heavily, but didn't waste any time in answering, "No time to explain, Lord Utgard, the steward sent to rule over your kingdom, be on his way. You need to get out of here."

Jareth nodded and pointed over at Jackie who was lying very still on the floor near the entrance. "She needs a healer. Todd hit her with a nightmare curse."

Puck's eyes widened as he looked over at the mortal. "How is it that she hasn't done herself bodily harm yet? Victims of nightmare curses usually tear at their skin in an attempt to rid themselves of the nightmare."

Jareth shrugged, "I don't know. Perhaps humans are stronger than we give them credit for. Now come on, we need to move."

Puck nodded and moved forward to carry Jackie. Jareth turned back to Sarah and contemplated how best to not disturb the dragon then decided he didn't give a damn about the dragon and simply picked her up bridal style. Her dead weight put a strain on his already tired muscles, but he managed it and turned toward the room's only exit only to find it already occupied.

Two burly fae guards and Lord Utgard looked on the scene before them with distaste. Jareth felt his chest constrict at the sight; there was no possible way to get out of here without the High Council knowing about it now. "Lord Jareth, I can't say it's particularly pleasant to see you considering the circumstances," Lord Utgard said.

"Yes, I could say much the same, Lord Utgard," Jareth replied consciously holding Sarah tighter to him. The dragon wrapped around her arm perked up slightly, staring at the men in the doorway.

"I'd ask what you're doing here, but that's not really any of my business," Lord Utgard took a step forward.

"We agree on something... How remarkable."

"No need to get cheeky, Lord Jareth. I'm sure you know that I have to turn you over to the High Council now?"

"Yes, I would ask that the two mortals receive medical care though."

Lord Utgard carefully regarded the two mortal females. The one being helped by the faun appeared to be under some type of curse; her muscles were twitching and her eyes were wide open, but she was not making any kind of sound. The one held in the Goblin King's arms appeared to be simply unconscious, but there was a peculiar serpentine-like animal wrapped around her arm. "What is that, Lord Jareth?" Lord Utgard asked pointing to the creature.

"The belief, by every mortal, in magic."

Lord Utgard's eyes widened and he made a quick survey of the room as though suddenly remembering where he was and what should be there. Then his gaze settled back on the quicksilver creature. "Surely you don't mean… it can't be!" Lord Utgard stuttered.

"I assure you it is. I saw it all happen with my own eyes, but that's more information that is not your business. I recommend attending my trial if you wish to hear it all."

Lord Utgard nodded once, still trying to absorb everything. He made a motion with his hand and the two fae guards approached to lead the mortals, faun, and powerless fae away. "Take the mortals to the healer's quarters," Lord Utgard ordered, moving aside to let the group through the doorway.

Jareth stopped when he drew level with Lord Utgard. "I ask permission to take this mortal to the healer's quarters myself."

Lord Utgard's gaze wandered back and forth between mortal and fae then he nodded. Jareth gave an appreciative jerk of the head and made his way out of the room, leading the group through the winding staircases that comprised the Escher room. Puck followed him, carrying Jackie. The two guards followed and Lord Utgard brought up the rear.

Having lived in the castle beyond the Goblin City, it didn't take Jareth long to make his way to the healer's quarters. Along the way he took note of the cleaned-up hallways. It appeared Lord Utgard had put the Goblins to good use. He let out a sigh; if he was to lose his kingdom, he hoped the High Council would let Lord Utgard continue on in his stead. The man may be a stickler for the Council's rules, but he was fair. He seemed to be race-blind, and as a result, all creatures, even the lowliest of goblins, were treated equally.

Jareth waited for one of the guards to open the door to the healer's quarters before stepping in. A row of beds lined one wall, storage cabinets holding healing medicines occupied the space opposite. A door at the end of the room led to the healer's office and living space. Jareth gently placed Sarah down on one of the beds, Puck doing the same for Jackie in the next bed over. The dragon had settled back down and could be heard purring again. "Come, Lord Jareth. I'm afraid I must put you under arrest now until your trial tomorrow," Lord Utgard said from behind Jareth.

"Allow me to make sure they will be okay."

Lord Utgard nodded once again and gave them some space, motioning for the guards to wait by the door. The healer, a short slender ebony haired elf, walked out of his office just then. Spotting the group, he rushed forward. Without making mention of the return of his king, he started examining the two mortal women. Sarah received a short examination and a curious glance at the dragon before the elf turned to Jackie. One long-fingered hand hovered above her brow and he muttered a musical sounding spell under his breath. After the incantation, he rose immediately and went to one of the cabinets, pulling out several bottles and a glass to mix in. Nothing was said, but the feeling of urgency was palpable. Besides the muscle twitches, Jackie was now sweating profusely and trembling.

A glass mixing rod clanked against the glass as the healer poured in a couple drops of one potion then a few more of another. After the final ingredient was added, the healer approached with the potion. "Help her sit up," he requested of Puck who was still standing nearby.

The faun bent and negotiated Jackie's rigid body into an upright position. The healer chanted a soothing incantation and held the glass up to her mouth. She seemed to relax with the sound of his voice and willingly opened her mouth to accept the translucent blue concoction. Once the last drop had been drunk the healer set the glass on the little table near the head of the bed and helped Puck to lay the mortal back down. When she was settled, he placed a hand on her shoulder and pressed down firmly. He nodded to her other shoulder near Puck's hand. "You might want to hold her down. The potion will help her into a dreamless sleep, but the curse won't allow it without a bit of a fight."

Puck nodded and pressed down on the other shoulder just as Jackie's body jerked. The two immortal beings held the woman still as her limbs started to jerk uncontrollably. It almost looked like she was having a seizure the way her body bounced around on the bed, but the healer and Puck held her down firmly so she wouldn't hurt herself. After a minute, she stopped and fell back against the pillow in a dead sleep. The only indicator of her being alive was the steady rise and fall of her chest. The healer rose and Puck cautiously released his hold on the mortal woman. "I gave her a potion to put her into a dreamless sleep. The nightmare curse is still upon her, but it will not affect her while she remains unconscious. I will start work immediately on figuring out how to remove the curse," he made to leave.

"Healer," Jareth called out. The elf turned in mid-step to face the fae. "Is Sarah… is this one alright?"

"She appears to be fine physically, but the magic of the creature wrapped around her arm is blocking me from determining anything more. However it appears the creature wants her alive just as much as you do, so I would not worry… too much. As soon as I am able, I will attempt to counter-act the magic so I can examine her more thoroughly."

"Why don't you simply remove the beast?" Lord Utgard asked.

"Because it has linked itself with the mortal. If I attempt to remove it against its will, it could cause mental and physical damage to her."

Lord Utgard nodded, "It appears there is little else to be done. Lord Jareth, if you'll accompany me."

Jareth ignored the fae for a moment and gently traced Sarah's jaw line. He glared at the dragon again before rising to face Lord Utgard. The steward led him out of the healer's quarters and up to the third story of the castle. Jareth was surprised to see he led him directly to the royal living suite. "You shall be confined to your rooms until tomorrow's trial. I would advise against any kind of escape attempt. Guards will be posted outside the door at all times. A meal will be brought to you later."

Jareth nodded. Escape? Did Lord Utgard really think he would try to escape with no magic? Not only that, but with Sarah being at the healer's… there was no way he would leave her. Lord Utgard held the door open for Jareth as he entered his quarters. As soon as he was in, the door closed and locked behind him. He looked around his sitting room. Nothing had changed. It appeared that Lord Utgard had not taken over his quarters upon his taking control of the kingdom. For that, Jareth was grateful. He had nothing to hide, but it would have been awkward to say the least.

He walked through the sitting room to the small personal library at opposite end of the room. These bookcases were lined with Jareth's personal favorites. Most were written in the flowing script of the fae, but there were a few in Elvish and even some in Goblin. However it was to the section containing the works of mortal writers that he went to. A long pale finger skimmed the bindings of tombs, Shakespeare, W.B. Yeats, Elliot, Socrates, Darwin, C.S. Lewis, and a new writer to the mortal realm who in his opinion was the best thing to come about in the past century… a J.K. Rowling.

He sat down on the settee facing the fireplace; a low fire burned and lit the surrounding area in flickering orange light. Resting his head on his hands, he let his mind wander. He hoped Todd hadn't gotten away, but no one had made any mention of him, so he didn't hope too much. Leaning back, he tried to relax. There was nothing to do now but wait.

o O o O o O o

Sarah drifted through a sea of soothing calm. She felt as though her body were afloat, drifting with the tide. There were no worries or fears, just a tranquil existence. It was like there was something cradling her, making sure no harm would ever come to her. It felt almost as good was being in Jareth's arms while they slept together. Jareth…

Where was Jareth? He should be here shouldn't he? But wait… where was here? She struggled to look around, to break through the haze, but it felt as though something was holding her down, a great weight in her mind. I need to find him.

Calm, little one.

The voice echoed through Sarah's thoughts and she cringed away from the vastness of it. Who are you? Do you know where Jareth is? I have to find him.

He is safe, you are safe, and I… I'm not sure how to explain.

Try… she demanded becoming irritated.

I have recently come into possession of a consciousness, so you will forgive me if I am uncertain of how things are done.

What do you mean?

The voice let out a sigh, but then a thought sparked and Sarah felt it rifle through her memories until it found what it wanted. An image of a quicksilver sphere hovering in midair flashed before her. Do you remember this?

She studied the image. Of course she had to remember this… it was from her memories after all… but the information about the image and situation was slow in coming. Sort of…

It'll come back in time. The sphere…. that was me. I had no consciousness, no body, no thoughts... just a feeling of power. Then you touched me. An image of her hand coming into contact with the sphere accompanied its words. The moment you touched me, I was able to feel more than just the power. I could think… I could reason… I took a form that felt the most natural, a form that felt right for the power I felt coursing through me. Then there was you. I could see you then and I felt the compulsion to become one with you, so I formed a mental link between us.

Mental? But we are still two different beings physically?

Yes. I have… compromised my form to be more practical and even now, we are together.

This link…. why?

I am not sure. I felt it needed to be done, an instinct if you will…

Sarah wasn't sure what to make of this. The voice was honest to a fault. She had a feeling she could ask it anything and it was answer truthfully. But the whole situation with it linking to her mind was a little bizarre. She couldn't really blame it… it had just woken up, so to speak, and instinct took over. If anything, she was to blame for touching it. However blame was useless just now; it wouldn't solve anything. Now she needed to figure out what to do and how to get to Jareth. You said that Jareth was safe… that I was safe. Where are we?

We are in the castle beyond the Goblin City.

Memories flooded back to her on how she came to be in the city once again. Todd… she growled.

Indeed…

Is he here?

Todd? No, he has fled.

Great… that asshole gets away scot-free.

I am not sure that I understand what you mean.

It doesn't matter. I'm just angry.

Silence filled the gap between the two conscious-es. An idea suddenly came to Sarah though. Am I awake?

Not precisely…

Am I dreaming you then?

No.

Oh… So if I wake up right now you're gonna be there physically?

Yes.

Right…. time to wake up then I reckon. Sarah pushed against the heavy weight of sleep, pushing it to one side as she pulled her way toward consciousness. The first thing she was aware of was the feeling of warmth. She could feel the weight of a blanket draped over her and a cushioned mattress beneath her. Her eyes opened to see a dark ceiling. A flickering light drew her attention and she saw that a small lantern light the room, just bright enough to see. She sat up, the blanket falling away from her to pool in her lap.

There were glass-fronted cabinets across the room holding bottles. Beds lined the wall to the left and right of her. In the bed to her left was a familiar face, Jackie. The girl was fast asleep, her chest rising and falling slowly. A closed door was at either end of the room, but there was little else. Where are you? she projected the thought to the voice.

Here, the answer came with a tightening around her upper arm.

Sarah glanced down to see a silvery serpentine body coiled around her bicep. Oh… hi… um… I never caught your name.

I don't have one.

Well that won't do. If we're going to be linked, I'm going to need to call you something. Are you male or female?

Neither… Sarah was taken aback by this answer. … and both. It finished.

Okay then… she said slowly. How about we just go with Hermaphroditus for now... Herm for short. She said thinking of the androgynous mythical Greek character.

The creature seemed to think this over, and then Sarah felt a tightening on her arm. It is acceptable.

Right… I'm guessing we're in a hospital of some sort.

The healer's quarters… Herm confirmed.

Where's Jareth?

I don't know. He was taken away before they said where they were taking him, but I did hear them say that he was to be put under arrest.

Well that's helpful…

I don't see how… Herm said confused.

It's sarcasm, Herm. You're gonna have to get used to it if you're going to hang out with me.

I see…

Okay, so where would they put a king who's under arrest? I doubt they'd put him in the dungeons.

I'm afraid I cannot offer any advice seeing as I don't have any experience in the matter.

Sarah chuckled, That's alright, Herm. I'd say the first step would be to get out of this room.

I would agree.

Sarah laughed a little at its no-nonsense attitude then rose from the bed. She looked down at Jackie; there was no way she could carry the woman. She would just have to come back later when she had Jareth with her. Silently, she crept to one end of the room, hoping that it was the correct door. Both doors were identical and Sarah was sure one of them had to lead out of this place. Gently, she cracked open the door she'd picked. Peeking in, she saw another candlelit room. Bookcases and more cabinets lined the side walls. An unoccupied bed was partially hidden behind a curtain and a large desk sat in the middle of the room with two chairs in front of it. Behind the desk sat a slender man with ebony black hair. He looked up as though he could feel Sarah looking at him. "Ah, you're awake," he said rising from his chair to come around the desk towards her.

Sarah backed up a step. "Who are you?"

He's the healer, Herm supplied helpfully.

"I'm Healer Orin. I believe I head Lord Jareth say your name was Sarah?"

Sarah nodded, "Yes… he was here then? Do you know where he is now?"

"No, I do not know, and you aren't going to find out just now."

"Why not?"

"Because you need to rest."

"No I don't, I just woke up," she argued.

"Yes, but it is uncertain what the creature did exactly when it linked with you," he said pointing toward Herm.

Sarah looked down at the silvery creature coiled around her arm. "It's fine, we're fine."

The man gave her and Herm a curious glance. "As much as I'd like to sit you down and ask you a few questions, I think it's best if you return to your bed. Lord Jareth's trial is tomorrow; if you like I could ask Lord Utgard if you could visit in the morning before they leave."

Sarah could see there was no way the man was going to allow her to leave. He was even denying himself what he wanted in favor of her going back to bed. She sighed, "Fine… In the morning then."

"Thank you, Sarah," he said as he ushered her back to her bed.

She sat down once they reached it. Looking over, she found Jackie to still be asleep. "Is she okay?"

"She is under a nightmare curse, but I gave her a drought to put her into a dreamless sleep while I work on a counter to the curse. As long as she remains asleep, she'll be fine."

"Well, yeah, but eventually she's going to need food and water."

"We can do that magically, and before you ask, I hope to figure out the counter before we have to worry about muscle weakness."

Sarah was satisfied that her friend was receiving good care and she lay back on her own bed. Herm shifted slightly, tightening and loosening as it made itself comfortable. "Thank you," she whispered.

"Your welcome," Healer Orin said before returning to his office.

Sarah settled in… there was nothing to do now but wait.

o O o O o O o

A/N: Wow… remember a few chapters ago when I said there would only be two or three more? I lied… lol I plan on there being at least one more chapter, possibly two. Its difficult to say how things are going to turn out now that Herm is in the mix.

*raises glass of non-alcoholic sparkling cider* Here's to unexpectedness!

Labyrinth (c) Jim Henson & Co.