omg let me tell you, i LOVE Leont. he is prolly one of my favorite characters of all time. just to let you know. anyways, sorry for the delay, on with the story!

15

Fear surged through the water prince's heart as Tesla moved. Evelyn…Evelyn was going to be hurt, destroyed, and he wouldn't be there to save her. No! It just couldn't happen that way, but there was nothing he could do! In less than a second, he'd be dead and no one would be there to care for her. Oh why, why, why did he have to be so passive? Why couldn't he be the man she deserved and protect her?

Vorian closed his eyes, and a lone tear streamed down his cheek. He had fought, fought everything, evil power, his own emotions, Evelyn's indifference, the path between two worlds, to stay with Evelyn, to love her and protect her, and it had all come to nothing.

Somewhere, in the midst of all this heavy thinking and pain, Vorian heard a gun fire. He thought, at first, that it was all part of his imagination and that he must be dead already. But no. If he had been stabbed in the chest, he would have felt it before he died, and he felt no pain. He didn't feel a thing. Not one single stinging blow.

Vorian opened his eyes to see Tesla falling back, the dagger dropping from his bleeding hand. The captain was hissing in between his teeth, clinging to his wounded hand.

Vorian turned his head, and there, standing at the helm, his small hands shaking violently as he held the smoking flintlock, was Wilburus.

"Oh!" the boy said hoarsely. "I do hope I didn't kill him. I mean, I wasn't trying to kill him. I just…I just…"

"Seize him!" Tesla screamed, and instantly, his men moved to get Wilburus.

Wilburus was so stunned by his own action that he didn't even try to fight. The men caught him without a problem and led him down to Tesla.

"Throw them both in the captain's cabin and bind them securely!" Tesla snarled, and Vorian and Wilburus were immediately led back into the captain's cabin.

Trinity was conscious of them coming into the cabin, and she watched, with dull eyes, as Vorian and Wilburus were both tied tightly. They each had a rope around their necks, cutting tightly into their skin and tied to a rafter. Vorian's hands were bound tightly behind him, and Wilburus' were tied tightly in front of him.

Evelyn stayed back until the pirates had left the room, and then she rushed to Vorian and threw her arms around him.

"Oh thank God!" she cried, clinging tightly to him. "Oh, thank God!"

"Wilburus saved me," Vorian smiled wearily at Wilburus. "He is to be thanked as well."

Evelyn stepped away from Vorian and then hugged Wilburus.

"That was very brave of you, Wilburus. Trinity," she called, turning to face her friend, who was now standing. "Wilburus just saved Vorian."

Trinity didn't say anything, but walked towards Wilburus and then came to a stand in front of him. She put one of her trembling hands in his and squeezed his hand tightly.

"I'll be all right," Wilburus smiled worriedly. "I hope you will be all right too, Miss Trinity. I'm so sorry for everything I've done wrong. Please, forgive me."

Trinity smiled gently and pushed a strand of his loose auburn hair out of his face.

"I forgive you," she said quietly and then stepped away.

XxXxX

Half an hour later, the Morning Star sailed through a rocky channel belonging to the island that Vorian, Evelyn and Trinity had tried to escape to. The island was none other than Point de Rouck, and this particular channel led straight into the cavern where Jareth was located.

Tesla stood at the helm as always, his hand wrapped tightly, though the blood soaked through. He watched, as hundreds of pirates appeared behind the rocks that formed the channel and nodded coldly to them. They all stood back with great respect, letting him sail his ship right into the hidden cove that belonged to the pirate king.

As Tesla's men dropped anchor inside of an immense cavern, he wrapped another bandage around his hand, covering over the blood, and, more importantly, its scent.

The cavern was lit by torches, and had several passages and other caves leading off of it. A good half of it was a harbor, and several grand ships, all of them belonging to pirates, were anchored near the docks.

The prisoners of Tesla's ship were led, bound, to a gangplank that had been lowered to the docks. The four of them descended carefully. Vorian came first, bruised but standing bravely. Then Evelyn close behind him, gaining whatever comfort she could from his presence. Wilburus came next, with Trinity leaning heavily on him. The small woman gripped his arm tightly, and he supported her easily.

"Well, my goodness Jareth, look who's here!" A light voice suddenly sounded from one end of the cavern, causing the prisoners to look around in alarm. "Our guests have arrived at last! How delightful!"

The prisoners looked to the end of the dock, where stood a party awaiting their arrival. In front, stood a tall man with long dark hair, braided down his back. He wore a maroon dress coat with lacy cuffs, and a lacy tuxedo shirt tucked into tight black trousers. His muscles stood out even under his clothing, and his pale skin seemed to glow in the firelight. When he smiled at them, his violet eyes sparkled.

"Good evening," he said, walking up towards them with a bounce in his step. "I am the pirate king, Leont. You must be Jareth's friend, Vorian," he said to the water prince. "Ah, and Evelyn, I am pleased to meet you. And this," he said, stopping in front of Trinity and Wilburus, "Must be the beautiful Trinity, who is engaged to marry my darling Jareth. My dear, you are just as beautiful as he described you, and I wish you the best of luck." And with that, he bent and kissed her hand.

Trinity had just about had it. She hadn't eaten in more than twenty-four hours, and had low blood sugar issues already. Now a vampire was bending down and kissing her hand, practically brushing her skin with those pointed, venom-coated teeth. Wilburus saw her go from pale to pure white, and caught her swiftly as she fainted.

"Well now look what you've done!" the boy told off the pirate king, trying to keep his voice from shaking.

Leont drew away, his brows furrowed. "My dear Tesla," he mused, "How much have you told them about me? And since when do you hold your own crew captive? I say, reinstate this boy to his position at once!"

Then a new voice sounded in the cavern. "Trinity!" the goblin king cried, and rushed onto the dock, followed by two of Leont's guards. They didn't try to stop him, however, they were merely assigned to watch him and keep him from escaping. Jareth was unbound, and had no trouble reaching his unconscious bride-to-be. He took her carefully from Wilburus, and cradled her against his chest.

"I say, is she going to be all right?" Leont asked, concern in his purple eyes.

"She needs food, urgently," Evelyn said quietly, stepping out from behind Vorian. "Her blood requires food more often than a normal human's, and she hasn't eaten in nearly two days. She will come back in a minute, but will be too weak to walk. Please, let her have some nourishment."

"Why of course!" the pirate king said, looking affronted at the thought of him not providing food to the woman. "Please! I have quarters prepared for you all. Well, except for the child. Tesla, put this brave man back on your ship, in his regular post. I'm sure your cook would dearly appreciate it."

Wilburus wanted to stay and make sure Trinity was going to be okay, but the pirate king shooed him off, and he scampered back to Sanji. When he was gone, Leont turned to the prisoners that were now his, and gave them all a warm smile that didn't show his teeth.

"I welcome you all," he said, "To my home. Please, follow me to your quarters." And he swept off into one of the side passages.

Despite his friendly request, the prisoners really had no choice. A troop of armed guards surrounded them and all but herded them after Leont. Jareth was still carrying Trinity, and Evelyn and Vorian were still bound tightly. The pirate king led them through several caverns and passages until the newcomers were hopelessly lost. Finally, they stopped in front of a heavy door.

"I am truly sorry," Leont said, looking really regretful, "But you are all to share the one room Jareth has occupied these last few weeks. I'm afraid there isn't much room for lodging here at Point de Rouck, besides my own quarters. If there is anything you need, be sure to let me know immediately. And I will have food and drink sent here as soon as I can manage," he said, looking at Trinity, who was still unconscious in Jareth's arms.

And with that, Evelyn, Vorian, and the unconscious Trinity were all unbound, and found themselves in the room Jareth had spent the last few weeks in. The goblin king immediately sat on the bed, holding his beloved, as she started to stir. Evelyn hovered nearby, worried about her friend, and Vorian walked to the desk, and sat in the chair that accompanied it.

The small woman's eyelids fluttered, and she opened her eyes slowly.

"Jareth?" she whispered, her eyebrows coming together.

The goblin king leaned down and pressed his lips to her forehead. "Yes, my sweet," he said softly, "You're with me, now. We're in Point de Rouck."

"Where's Evelyn and Vorian?" the black-haired girl whispered.

"They're here too," Jareth said. Oh, how happy he was to have his love back in his arms, and he wanted nothing more than to take her and kiss her passionately, making up for the weeks he'd been without her. However, her lips, along with the rest of her face, were very white, and he was afraid of causing her to pass out again.

Trinity closed her eyes, and snuggled closer to Jareth. "I don't feel so good," she complained. "I feel sick."

Jareth laid her on her side on the bed, where she curled up, holding her stomach. He sat next to her, and rubbed her shoulder and back as she shivered violently. He had eyes for no one but her, and had no purpose but making sure she was okay.

Evelyn came to stand near Vorian, who was watching his king take care of Trinity. The water prince absently rubbed at his wrists, which had been chafed by the tight ropes.

"Do you still have that jar of salve that Wilburus brought?" Evelyn asked.

Vorian furrowed his brow and searched his person for the jar. When he found it, he gave it to Evelyn with a smile that was marred by the fresh bruises on his face.

"You may use it," he told her.

"Oh, I don't need it for myself," Evelyn said, blushing, "I was going to help you. You look awful."

Vorian raised an eyebrow.

Evelyn suddenly realized what she had just said, and clapped a hand over her mouth. "Oh, not like that!" she cried, "I didn't mean it like that at all!"

"Alright," Vorian said, amused.

A very flustered Evelyn immediately started to apply the salve. Although her fingers were hurried, her touch was still gentle, and Vorian still relished it.

After a few minutes, the door opened, and a tray of food was shoved into the room. It included bread, cheese, and a few pieces of fresh fruit, along with a bottle of fresh water. Whoever had shoved it into the room did not stick around, and the door slammed shut. The four prisoners heard a heavy bolt slide into place, locking the door.

As far as human health was concerned, Jareth was at a loss. He didn't know what would be best to give to Trinity, so he looked to Evelyn for help. The older woman selected a few pieces of an unfamiliar fruit, and she helped Trinity sit upright so she could down the food. The fruit did her good, and in a few minutes the color in her cheeks and lips had returned, and Jareth started breathing again.

When all of them were done eating, Trinity pulled her knees up to her chest, and sat back. Jareth was still sitting with her, quite close.

"So," she said, "What now?"

She, Vorian, and Evelyn all looked at Jareth, who shrugged in a very un-kinglike manner.

"It depends on Leont's mood," he said, "Perhaps he will come to see that we are alright. Perhaps he will leave us so that you three can rest."

As if on cue, Trinity and Evelyn yawned at the same time. They looked at each other, and laughed nervously. The smaller woman leaned into Jareth's chest, closing her eyes.

"Rest would be nice," she said.

"You're one to talk," Evelyn teased, "You just woke up."

"It doesn't count if you faint," Trinity countered without opening her eyes, "You've never passed out before, so you don't know how exhausting it is."

"Right," the twenty-four year old said, rolling her eyes. "I could definitely use some rest."

Vorian stifled a yawn of his own, and came to stand by the bed with the rest of his companions. "I agree," he said. "We need rest."

The goblin king nodded. "Very well," he said, "You women may have my bed, and Vorian and I will sleep on the floor on either side of it."

Trinity's eyes flew open. "No, you don't have to be uncomfortable just because of –" she started to protest, but Jareth put a finger to her lips.

"I insist," he said softly, "And I'm sure Vorian agrees with me. I would be more comfortable on the floor knowing you're safe than up in a bed worried about you." That said, he gathered her into his arms and kissed her lips softly, pouring all of his love and all of his longing for her into the movements of his mouth on hers.

Evelyn made a face, and turned away. It didn't bother her that they were kissing, but it made her feel uncomfortable, as if she was intruding on something very private. However, she happened to meet Vorian's eyes as she turned, and the look in his eyes made her turn bright red. There was such longing in those blue and green orbs that it looked like his eyes were on fire. But it was guarded, she noticed. Then she had to look away from him.

"Alright," the goblin king finally said with a laugh, "You really should rest now, love."

Getting ready for bed was nothing, as Trinity and Evelyn were still in the bathrobes and nightgowns they had been in before the storm that had turned the crew of the Morning Star on them. The saltwater from their jump into the ocean that morning had dried finally, leaving the garments slightly stiff. But there was nothing they could do about it but crawl under the covers on the full bed, and try to sleep in the itchy clothing.

The Fae men took a blanket each and decided to sleep one on each side of the bed. Vorian slept just below Evelyn, and Jareth slept just beneath Trinity.

As she relaxed her mind, and tried to not move in her stiff nightgown, Evelyn let her eyes and mind wander abut the now-dark room. She wondered what kind of magic allowed the pirates to light their rooms the same way the rooms in the Underground palace were lit. Then her eyes fell on Vorian's form next to her and below her, and she wondered about her deepening relationship with him. She wasn't sure if she liked the way things were going with it, but she wasn't sure if she didn't like it. Sure she was attracted to him, and she'd gotten to the point where she would admit to herself that she really wanted him. But still…

Evelyn rolled over and closed her eyes. Soon, her breathing became deep and even as she slept.

Trinity fell asleep with one arm hanging off the side of the bed, her fingers intertwined with Jareth's. The goblin king held her hand until she was asleep, and then kissed it before drifting off himself.

XxXxX

"Yo ho! Yo ho! A pirate's life for me!"

"Not yet," Trinity moaned, cuddling comfortably in her blankets. "Who ever taught him that song? Where's the culprit? I'll kill her."

"And really bad eggs…Drink up me hearties yo ho!"

Evelyn grumbled something next to Trinity and then rolled over and sat up.

"Wilburus? What are you doing here?" she asked, watching as the door to the prison opened and then closed, allowing Wilburus to step inside.

"I have something for you and Miss Trinity!" Wilburus said with a faint smile. "The pirate king told me to inform you that he hopes you like them."

"What did he send us?" Trinity asked, getting out of bed, her fingers slipping through Jareth's as she did so.

"Dresses!" Wilburus said cheerfully. "King Leont told me that they are the best dresses in the whole cavern. He does hope that you'll like them."

Jareth rose to his feet and took the dresses from Wilburus. The Goblin King didn't say a word, but looked down somewhat menacingly at the lad. Wilburus shrunk beneath the powerful Fae's gaze, and he began to back towards the door, averting his eyes respectfully away from Jareth's.

"Jareth," Trinity said quietly, wrapping her hands around Jareth's arm. "He's a friend."

The goblin king ran his finger over the string of blue pearls still at her throat. "A friend who would buy you expensive gifts?"

"Whatever happened to love isn't jealous?"

That silenced him for a time. "Very well then," Jareth finally said firmly. "What is your name, boy?"

"Wilburus, sir," Wilburus stammered uncomfortably.

"Thank you for the dresses, Wilburus. Send Leont my gratitude."

"Aye sir!" Wilburus saluted and then left the room, closing the door quickly behind him.

"He sent dresses?" Evelyn asked, crawling out of the bed and nearly stepping onto Vorian in the process.

"Yes," Trinity nodded, taking the dresses from Jareth. "They look beautiful. There's a black and silver one and a white and gold one."

"You take the black one," Evelyn smiled. "Neither of us looks spectacular in gold, but you look great in black, so by all means, take that one."

"Very well. Jareth, you'll have to turn around," Trinity smiled up at him.

"I will…in a moment," Jareth said, stepping close to her. "It seems as though years have passed since I was with you. I'm not letting you step away yet."

Trinity blushed as he put two fingers beneath her chin and then bent low and kissed her soundly, again letting his lips linger against hers.

Evelyn looked away and suddenly remembered that Vorian was also in the room. She walked over to her side of the bed to see Vorian still lying on the ground, his brilliant eyes closed in sleep, one arm resting across his forehead. He looked so innocent. Evelyn let out a slight sigh when she saw how exhausted he apparently was, not having woken up with all of Wilburus' hollering. It was all her fault, too, and she just knew it.

"Oh stop it," Trinity said, turning away from Jareth and facing her friend. "It's not your fault and you know it."

"I'm glad to see you're back to your normal self," Evelyn grinned, turning away from Vorian.

Jareth turned away, giving the girls the privacy they needed. Both women quickly changed out of their stiff nightgowns and dressed in their new clothes. Both dresses were fashioned very much like dresses from the 1700s, with lacy sleeves, tight bodices and loose skirts. Like Trinity's dresses at Jareth's palace, these dresses also shifted themselves, shaping themselves as was necessary for each woman's body.

"Well, this will certainly take some adjusting to," Trinity sighed, tapping Jareth's shoulder.

He turned and smiled at her, immensely pleased with her appearance. The black and silver in the dress seemed to match his beloved perfectly.

"You, my darling, look stunning," he smiled, and then kissed her on the cheek.

"I'm glad someone missed me," Trinity answered and then surprised him by giving him a full kiss on the lips.

Evelyn moved over to Vorian again, looking over her shoulder to make sure that Trinity and Jareth were occupied before she dropped down on her knees next to the water prince. She studied Vorian's face carefully, entranced by his charm and…peacefulness. He was beautiful, and Evelyn closed her eyes and thought of when his eyes were open, how magnificent and intense they were. And that look…that look of longing he had given her, like all he wanted to do was pull her to him and kiss her like there was no tomorrow. But he held back. He had held back like a true gentleman, and Evelyn had resisted his wants and looked away. Well, they were her wants too.

She shivered and reached towards him, her hand shaking as she gently caressed his face with her fingertips.

At that moment, the door flew open and Captain Tesla strode into the room. He glanced around, sneering at the prisoners.

Vorian's eyes flew open, and he sat bolt upright. He didn't register the fact that Evelyn was next to him; he locked his eyes on Tesla, watching the captain's every move.

"So this is where Leont is keeping you," Tesla said, "And he provided you with clothing. How sweet." His eyes flew to Evelyn, and flickered up and down her form in a scan that made her blush. "Evelyn, my darling," the captain said in a low voice, "You look ravishing in that dress."

Evelyn turned scarlet.

Tesla watched her discomfort, and grinned, beginning to walk towards his prey.

Jareth and Vorian both jumped forward at once, blocking Evelyn from the captain. Trinity was a beat behind, and came to stand next to her friend in a defensive stance.

"Keep your hands off her," Vorian growled. His voice was low, dangerous.

"Leave now," Jareth commanded in almost the same tone.

Then Vorian noticed something strange. As he looked at Tesla's hand, which was poised to draw a dagger, he noticed that the hand that Wilburus had shot with a pistol was not wrapped in its bandage. Instead, it was covered by a sparkling substance that shifted and moved, rather like scales. However, Tesla shifted to conceal his hand, so Vorian wasn't sure quite what he had seen

Tesla saw he was outnumbered, and drew himself up indignantly. "They won't be around to protect you much longer," he sneered at Evelyn, and swept out the door, intending to slam it shut. However, the door bounced on the catch, and stayed open.

The four prisoners began to relax, but then they heard Leont outside the door.

"Tesla, my dear! Why are you here? Did you need something? You know I don't want you near my prisoners until –"

"Yes until the ceremony," Tesla snapped. Then his voice softened, and he addressed his king with what could almost be called respect. "I am sorry sir. I just though that since you only needed the goblin king's blood and the small girl's tears to take his kingdom, we'd all be off soon. My crew and I are restless."

"Yes, yes," Leont said, a note of impatience in his voice. "But I really do not want to rush our guests. You and your crew will be off soon enough."

Then the four prisoners heard a pair of boots pacing off, and they truly relaxed.

"Trinity, I hope you weren't going to attack Tesla," Evelyn said to her friend, amused at the small woman's defensive position. Jareth had also noticed it, and was trying hard to keep from grinning.

"'Course I was," the nineteen-year-old said matter-of-factly. "No one looks at my friends that way and gets away with it."

"Oh, don't do that!" Evelyn protested.

Vorian laughed nervously, moving towards the door to shut it. "Hopefully we won't have that opportunity," he told her softly. He got to the door, and was just about to push it shut when it opened towards him, nearly running him over. He stepped back quickly.

There in the doorway stood Leont, king of the pirates.