Somebody Still Loves You

Chapter 13

Show Down

Sarah awoke to the buzzing of people chatting away. Everything was echoing and her head hurt. The sounds grew louder and louder. Finally Sarah opened her eyes to find herself in a large room of people. She quickly became alert and looked around. Everyone seemed to notice her waking and hushed a bit. Sarah looked around the grand room to find herself in a sort of court. There was faces she recognized from meeting these Fae's before. These were the other rulers of the Underground. They were sitting in tables surrounding her. She was in a lone chair in the middle of a sea of Fae's.

"Sarah," A voice called out. It sounded weak, restrained. Sarah's eyes locked on to the speaker. Jareth was sitting at one of the tables in front of her. He seemed to be glowing slightly. It almost looked like a sheer material was covering him. Sarah stood and walked quickly to him, she reached a hand out. A sudden zap noise echoed threw the room. Sarah withdrew her hand quickly. There seemed to be some kind of spell, or something, locking Jareth in his seat. The room was silent as she saw Terra and Lynnett in the same position.

"The meeting is now called to order everyone," A voice rang out. Sarah looked up to see Simon standing at a table sitting a little higher then the rest. Jareth's parents were sitting at the same table. "If you would please resume your seat Miss Sarah," He smiled coyly.

Sarah slowly sat back down, she felt like a guppy surrounded by sharks. After looking around for a quick moment, she noticed what was really going on. She was sitting before the High Court of the Underground, making Sarah realize she was on a trial of sorts.

"Now Sarah let me catch you up to date on a few things you've missed," Simon spoke sinisterly, referring to Sarah just waking. "The entire Court knows about the law now," He held up the book. The book Heidi ran off with. Sarah's eyes must have grown twice their normal size. "Everyone knows, Humans were band from the Underground. Any human who was found was to be brought to the High King. Thats all anyone knew, well now everyone knows why. If a human was found here, it was to be put to death, to protect the connection between your world and here."

Mummers came up from the crowd again. She looked over to Jareth, who just like his siblings were locked into there seats by some unseen force. He looked at Sarah with a million emotions dancing in his eyes. Anger, pain, worry, fear. Only then did she notice the guards that stood behind him, and in front of all the exits to the room.

"You don't have any proof," Sarah finally spoke out. "Just a book, you don't have the..."

Sarah didn't finish her sentence. There was no need, Simon slid the signed bill from the back cover of the book.

"Can you deny this signature, your Highness," Simon glanced at the High King. He was silent for what seemed like a lifetime to Sarah.

"No," he sighed out. More mummers from the crowd.

"Then everyone knows the sentence can't be avoided, The Human, Sarah Williams, is sentenced to death by the High King's orders," Simon rang out.

Sarah looked up at Jareths father, waiting for him to say something. After a moment, he stood.

"No, I'm refusing the punishment," The High King Said clearly, silencing the room. This was just what Simon wanted to hear.

"Refusing revokes your crown Your Highness," Simon stated, smiling. "The only rule the King has is he can't go back on his word."

"I know that," Jareths father snapped lightly.

"And you still are denying it?" Simon was done beating around the bush.

The high King simply nodded once. He knew he'd sign that bill years ago. Never again did he think it would ever have a need to come up. Had grown fond of Sarah while she had been here. He also knew what she meant to his Son. How could he destroy her? None of this was her fault.

Sarah was confused, if Jareths Father was no longer the High King, who was? Didn't Jareth take over then? No, then this mess wouldn't be happening. What was going on?

"Then as the law states, the next Ruler with the largest Kingdom will become to new High King," Simon bellowed out.

"Jareth?" One said aloud.

"No, Jareth no longer has the second largest kingdom, when Sarah returned, half of it was turned over to her. Making me, next in line," Simon smiled and looked over at Jareth. "If you were married by now like you father wanted you to be, you would have the thrown I suppose,"

Jareth started to say something, when pain smeared over his face, hushing him once again.

"The punishment will follow threw, Sarah Williams will be put to death in three days time, along with her alcomlence, Princess Terra," Simon nodded the guards to gather Terra as well.

Screaming, yelling and movement seemed to take over the room. Sarah lost her focus on things, it all seemed to blend together. Before she knew it, darkness had overcome her.

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"Sarah," A voice lightly echoed in her head.

Sarah opened her eyes to see a small dull room. Among it she saw nothing but two cots, a door and Terra sitting next to her. She quickly remembered the reality of her situation.

"What are we going to so Terra?" Sarah asked softly. Terra just shook her head once. "Where are we?"

"We are in a holding cell below the Underground Grand Court. Jareth is being held in another cell somewhere here I think as well. To make sure he doesn't get to us," Terra looked around the damp chambers. Never in a million years did she think she would end up here.

"So, we're going to be killed?" Sarah asked Terra. Not that she was expecting her to answer.

"This is my fault. I'm the reason you are here, they should be punishing me. Not you Sarah," Terra laid a hand on Sarah's shoulder in sympathy. "But...We'll find a way out of this I promise."

Sarah just laid her head back against the cold wall and closed her eyes.

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Jareths Mother sat crying on the side of her bed, while Jareths Father paced the floor. He finally sat next to his wife and pulled her to his side.

"Dear, I will fix this somehow," He tried to comfort his wife. He could not loose his oldest daughter. He was no longer King, what could he do? He did the only thing he could think of...

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Jareth sat immobile on the floor propped up against a wall. He formed a crystal in his hands and started rolling it about, hoping to catch a limps of Sarah, but Simon had some of his own magic going too keep Jareth in his own little bubble. Jareth could break it if he wanted too, but that would only cause more of a scene.

"Jareth."

Jareth looked up too see his father standing on the outside of the cell. He looked tired, older. He didn't look Jareth in the eye. His head hung a little low. Jareth stood up and walked over to face his father.

"Bit of a mess hm?" Jareth said solemnly.

"This is my fault son, I should have changed that law long ago," Jareth's father sighed. "I'm sorry."

Jareth just nodded. He didn't really forgive his father at the moment. His Father looked him square in the eyes.

"But I think I know a way this can be fixed."

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Sarah awoke the next morning to the windowless room. She felt stiff, sore. Terra sat next to her not looking any better. So tomorrow the execution was supposed to take place. This was crazy, it was never supposed to be like this. Suddenly a door banged open with two guards walking in.

"Princess Terra, you are coming with us," One said.

A stoke of fear shot threw Sarah. What was happening and why was Sarah not going too? They walked over to Terra and guided her by her arms to the door.

"Don't worry Sarah, it's going to be ok," Terra called to her, not really knowing herself. She heard the door shut behind her and they walked her up a flight of steps. Her Father was at the top of them.

"Father," Terra said as almost a child again and ran to her fathers side. She was surprised the guards didn't try and stop her.

"You are free to go," The other guard said, and they walked away. Terra was puzzled beyond belief.

"Father, whats going on?" Terra asked.

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Sarah could hear mumbling outside her cell, she couldn't make out the words or how many people where talking. After a while longer the door opened and a familiar face appeared.

"Falken!" Sarah sighed out. She stood up and hugged her friend.

"Sarah, everyone is very worried about you," Falken spoke. He looked around the cell quickly. Sarah caught on.

"Terra's not here, they took her out eairlyer today. No one is telling me anything," Sarah leaned back against the wall.

"Strange, Jareth is not in his cell either," Falken pulled his brows together in confusion.

The two chatted for a short time, Falken explained how he found out what was going on. The door opened and shooed Falken out, Grabbing Sarah by the arm and Pulling her out of the cell as well. They carried her threw halls and up steps and around it seemed. No one would tell her what was going on.

Finally, they reached the outside, where it seemed hundreds if not thousands of Fae's were all sitting in some sort of arena. It reminded Sarah of a large sports gathering of sorts, but no one was cheering and it was far to soundless. In the middle of the Arena there was a large stone platform. Sarah was seated in a section which she was happy to find Terra, Lynnett, Falken and Jareth's parents there as well.

"What's going on?" Sarah asked all of them, any of them. Before anyone answered her, she saw Jareth step out onto the stone platform. He didn't completely tun his head to look at Sarah, but his eyes diverted enough to see her.

"Jareth has challenged Simon to a duel," Terra spoke up. "Jareth being of royal blood is allowed to challenge anyone who takes the thrown. This case being Simon. If Jareth wins, he will be the new High King of the Underground and you will be free Sarah Williams."

Jarths Father looked straight ahead, his eyes locked on his son. He looked very solem to Sarah. They all did.

"And what happens if he looses?" Sarah asked quietly.

"Your punishment will be carried out and Jareth will be killed as well," Jareths Father state bluntly.

Sarah knew that was pronely the answer before she even asked. Terra patted her hand but focused her attention to the field. Simon stepped out as well. Sarah could see that the seats on the other side of the arena were lined with Obayifo's.

"So they let you out to see the duel hm?" A far too familiar voice rang into Sarah's ear.

Colleen stood aside her along with a few guards. She had her arms crossed and her eyes were red rimmed, almost like she had been crying. Sarah just looked up, having nothing to say to her.

"I'd like you to come sit with me," Colleen demanded, not asked.

"She is fine right here," Terra stated back firmly. Colleen just gave a quick jester and the guards were picking Sarah up out of her seat. She heard the other start rebelling at her being taken from them, but there way nothing they could do at the moment.

Colleen led them to a set of seats directly in the middle, front row, with few others close to them. Colleen sat down and motion for Sarah too as well, she did.

"I hope you know this is all your fault right?" Colleen told her.

"I guess you could say that," Sarah answered back, not completely agreeing.

Then Simon spoke.

"Jareth has challenged me for the right to the thrown in a duel to the death. If I win, Jareth will be destroyed along with the human girl. I shall also keep my thrown. If he wins, He will win the thrown."

"Wait!" Colleen said out loud. Her Father walked over to her with anger on his face.

"What it is Colleen?" He asked.

"You told me you weren't going to kill him! You said when you won, you would have Jareth marry me!" Colleen growled out. Her father waved her off.

"Of course he'll die, then no one has the right to challenge me, the thrown will be mine," He answered greedily. "You can marry whoever you want for all I care, its none of my concern. But, Jareth will die today," And with that he walked back on to the field.

Colleen looked so crushed, as if she watched everything she wanted crash and burn. He anger flared and Sarah was portably going to be the one she took it out on.

"Let the duel begin!" Simon shouted as she shot a stream of magic straight as Jareth who swiftly dodged it and fired right back. They were almost moving too fast for Sarah to keep up with. After what seemed like forever but was really only a few moments, a bolt hit Jareth in his shoulder and caused him to skid into the ground.

"Jareth..." Sarah whispered and leaned forward.

He made a quick recovery and the duel went on. Bolts and beams were flying everywhere. Some Fae's gasped, other were silent. Among the silent ones was surprisingly, Colleen.

Another shot, and Jareth was back on the ground, this time, it took him longer to get up.

"Is that all it takes to defeat the Goblin King?" Simon mocked, Jareth answered him with a quick kick to his face. The fight waded on with Jareth taking most of the damage. He was getting slower, his aim becoming off. He was moving slow enough now for Sarah to see the blood on him. Another crushing blow sent him pounding into the ground cracking the stone. He seemed to slowly try to stand. It was going to be too slow.

"Jareth move!" Sarah yelled suddenly.

Jareth heard her and suddenly got an adrenalin rush. He was up and moving throwing everything he had at Simon. He hoped it was going to be enough.

"This is terrible," Terra said. He can't hold out like this. Tiny Lynnett leaned against her sister with tears in her eyes.

"Your wearing down too fast Jareth," Simon blew out a breath. Suddenly a sword appeared in Jareths hand, along with Simon. "Let's see if you can handle a sword."

Steel on steel clashed and made an ear shattering ring. Simons swordsmanship was showing. Jareth couldn't get one single hit on him. The two shuffled around the field and Simon got a slice on Jareths arm enough for him to back down a bit.

"He's going to loose," Colleen said. Sarah looked over at her. She looked calm, almost reprised.

"What do you mean?" Sarah asked quickly.

"I've seen this a hundred times over. This is how my Father takes out opposites. He tires them out, the starts slashing them down. They are so weak, they can't fight back. He will stab Jareth threw the heart soon," Colleen sounded hallow, empty.

"No," Sarah mumbled out, "No."

"I love Jareth Sarah, I really do," Colleen said quietly. Sarah half looked at her, confused again. "But he doesn't want me. He loves you, more then anyone. He's never looked at me or anyone else like he does you, I don't deserve him, and you don't deserve how you have been treated by me."

"Collen, I-" Sarah started, but Colleen stood up.

"Just allow me to apologies, Sarah," Colleen smiled at her. Only then did her personality mesh with her beauty making her someone Sarah would have admired if she were like this all the time. "Please tell Jareth, I wish him all he deserves."

From the look of Jareth, Colleen was going to be right. Jareth was slower now, and was doing more blocking then attacking. Simon made a move causing Jareth to loose his footing and go tumbling back. Simon followed in with his sword ready to slash.

"You lose Jareth," Simon hissed.

Blood splattered only the stone ground. It seeped threw Colleens dress, and down the blade piercing her heart. Colleen in a lighting fast move, blocked Jareth from her Father's rage. Colleens' last few, slow breaths were short as she fell to her knees. She looked up at her Father with dark eyes. He looked back down at her in surprise, but he didn't show any other emotion.

"No Simon, you lose," Colleen blew out before her body hit the ground in is sickening move that Sarah knew she would never forget. Gasps could be heard everywhere, someone even screamed. But before another second went by Jareth lunged forward with the sword, sticking it threw Simon.

He looked shocked, and fell back. Within a few more seconds, his eyes rolled back into his head and he breathed no more.

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Jareth was now the High King of the Underground. Simon was killed, along with Colleen, who in a selfless effort, saved Jareth. Jareth was a bit beat up, but was going to be just fine. The kingdoms had settled down a bit and it was time for dinner. Jareth's parents, Terra, Lynnett, Falken, Jareth and Sarah all sat at the long table filled with food. Everyone was cleaned up and tired.

"A toast to the New High King," Jareth Father smiled down at his son. Everyone toasted and drank form their glasses.

"Thank you," Jareth commented to everyone. His Father waved him to lean closer to him.

"I hope you will not be ruling alone son," He whispered eyeing Sarah.

"I hope not either," Jareth smiled. He was going to ask Sarah to be his Queen.

"Lady Terra!" A tiny Goblin ran into the dinning room. This was totally un-called for in a royal house hold. The goblin held a page from a book and handed it to Terra. Terra's eyes glanced over it, then were suddenly wide.

"Sarah come with me," Terra stood up. "Jareth, you too, everyone."

The puzzled group followed Sarah down the halls and out the castle doors. The all asked questions but she didn't answer a one, they reached the gardens where a large, stone circle was set in an opening.

"Look," Terra pointed. "Both moon's are aligned tonight."

The underground, having two moon's, were completely aligned and shown brightly. In the middle of the stone, a spark lit. It grew larger, causing a glow and somewhat a a tear in the air.

"This is your way home Sarah," Terra said, almost sadly. "If you step threw here, it will take you home."

"Home," Sarah said to herself. She could she her dad, Karen, Toby. She could sleep in her own bed, be normal, in her world. The glow suddenly dimmed a little.

"What's happening?" Falken asked.

"It's getting smaller," Lynnett commented.

"Sarah you have to go!" Terra told her. "The moons wont stay like this long, you'll lose your chance."

"Wait, I have to go right now?" She asked panicked. Could she leave right now? Could she come back?

"Yes, the moons only allin this way once every one hundred years, you won't get another chance," Terra said.

Sarah looked at Jareth, his face was emotionless. He stood still not saying anything,

"Jareth?" Sarah questioned.

"This is your only chance," Jareth said. "No one will stop you." This was the last thing he selfishly wanted. But he couldn't tell her not to go.

Sarah looked at the glowing light. Should she go home? She may never get a chance to come back. She didn't know if she could leave Jareth after all they had just been threw together. And they way she felt about him, what did she feel? Jareth did everything she asked, always treated her well and admired her in every way. Sarah new this, and she new it well.

The Light faded a little more.

"Sarah?" Lynnett asked. Sarah looked down at tiny Lynnett with her shining eyes. Then she took a step twords the Light, then another.

She could touch it now.

"Jareth?" She said, and turned back around. He looked at her solemnly.

"Yes Sarah?" He didn't want to loose her now.

"Do you want me to stay, or go?" Sarah asked him. Jareth couldn't lie, he wanted her here, with him.

"I want you to be happy, Sarah," was all Jareth could seem to say. He wasn't lying though.

Before another word could be said, Sarah walked straight over to Jareth and stood an inch from his face. Everyone looked shocked as the Light grew dimmer still. Sarah put her hand to the side of Jareth's face.

"What are you doing?" He whispered sadly. Sarah just smiled.

"I want you to tell me you want me to stay, Jareth," Sarah whispered back. Jareth snaked an arm around her waist and pulled her into a soft embrace. He inhaled her scent slowly. He tried to remember everything about her, everything since she got here. What she had just said was blurring threw this mind. He brushed her hair behind her ear.

"I want you to stay here with me and been my Queen, Sarah," He said lowly in her ear.

With that Sarah wrapped her arms around Jareth and silently vowed to never let him go. It was but a moment before Jareth did the same.

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-holds up shield- Sorry for the LOOOOONG wait. My other book had some work that kept me involved for a while!