A Tainted Land

A/N: Thank you for those of you who have started to follow the story; FireShifter, Princess of the Fae, black-heart-green-eyes, gooseberry4613, .kandi. kid, medusaswrath, odetted99, sarahlee301 and mearra. And thank you to those who have reviewed; FireShifter,, Jetredgirl, . , and Princess of the Fae. What are your favorite characters so far? We have some Micah lovers yet? Hmm? Haha. Who likes spunky, smart ass Davyn? Review =]

Chapter 5: Destroyed and Broken

Die Another Day- Madonna

I think I'll find another way
There's so much more to know
I guess I'll die another day
It's not my time to go

For every sin, I'll have to pay
I've come to work, I've come to play
I think I'll find another way
It's not my time to go

I'm gonna avoid the cliche
I'm gonna suspend my senses
I'm gonna delay my pleasure
I'm gonna close my body now

"Has she woken yet?" came a gentle voice nearby.

"No, not yet…but she seems to be stirring a bit now…" came a second voice. Sarah groaned softly and rolled over so she was on her back. "It has been about five hours…" Sarah slowly opened her eyes and yawned, pushing herself up from the tent floor. She felt drowsy still but a lot better than she had been before falling asleep. "Sarah?"

Sarah focused on the voice and rubbed her eyes to clear her vision, "Micah?" she mumbled. He laughed and held out a hand to her in order to help her stand up. "What time is it…" she asked.

"We don't keep track of time like you would in the Aboveground, Sarah…but it has not yet been a day since we rescued you, perhaps half a day…" He explained. She nodded and let him lead her out of the tent.

"Why have I not seen the sun yet?" she questioned.

"This kingdom remains shrouded in the darkness…has been for many years now…." Explained Micah with a sigh. "We believe the land is rebuking our existence here…The King has been disrespecting his kingdom…"

Sarah frowned, disliking King Davyn every time he was mentioned. Slowly she stood up and immediately started to sway, her head more dizzy than she thought. Micah steadied her with his arms, holding her still for a moment while her vision cleared and her head settled. "Are you okay, Sarah?" he questioned, his voice filled with warm concern. Sarah nodded and smiled.

"I want to see your home in this forsaken forest…" she was teasing at the end of course, she didn't want to insult their home. Micah looked uneasy about letting her out of the tent but he shrugged after several moments and placed her hand on his arm, escorting her out of the warm room. She wasn't expecting the cold to sink into her bones when they stepped outside. This part of the forest seemed to be a lot more cold than the other places she had been, "W-why is it so cold?" she asked, her teeth chattering.

"We are wolf…We do not need warmth because our bodies are much warmer…I apologize for the bitter air…I will offer you what warmth I can…" he said casually, pulling her closer against his body. It was then that she noticed he wore no shirt still and the warmth of his chest radiated off of him. Sarah blushed and took an entirely different meaning from his words.

"Thanks…" she said with a breathless laugh.

The view that Sarah's eyes settled on as she gazed out at Micah's village made her heart lurch out of her chest and her eyes narrow. She remembered he had said something about the snakes attacking their home, but she didn't think it was as serious as what she was seeing. There were small tents set up in clusters around each other, all settled within the center of a clearing. Around the clearing there were, what appeared to once be tall, strong trees, broken and cracked. They were lying on their sides and she could see that beneath them there were the remains of broken tents. The fabric was torn and ripped and the limbs that held them erect were snapped. The tents in the center of the clearing were ripped as well, several wolf men working on patching them up. Children were sitting beside their mothers, eyes streaked with tears and bodies covered in abrasions and bruises. "Oh Micah…" she whispered. Everyone appeared to be in despairing conditions. "They did this…" she looked up at him and he solemnly nodded.

It made Sarah's anger flare at the sight of the destroyed village. The tears and pain she saw in the eyes of every women and child made her fists clench. She didn't see Micah look down at her with a small smile. He knew he was looking at a warrior, a warrior who would save them all. "Would you like to go back to the tent, Sarah?" he asked kindly. She nodded and numbly turned to slide back inside the warmth of his tent. She sat down on a bed of fur, scooting close to the fire as she did so. He left her alone in the tent and she understood he had other things to do. He did seem to be the leader after all.

Her mind wandered and she started to day dream about her home. She feared that Toby was hurt after she left him alone in the kitchen. What if he was scared? How long had passed in her own world, because she knew things were not always the same as far as time between their worlds. "Oh Toby…" she whispered, a single tear sliding out of her eye. It burned her cold cheeks and she wiped it away with a growl. "Dad…" she murmured, "And Karen…I'm sorry…" she watched the smoke from the fire and swirl out of the hole at the top of the tent. "I failed you guys…" she mumbled. She brought her knees up to her chest and let her toes warm on the fire. "This whole world is crazy…and I thought he was bad…" she laughed softly, a small smile gracing her lips as she thought back to the stubborn Goblin King.

"Jareth…" she spoke his name in a whisper. Part of her wanted to have him appear at her side and take her to his own Kingdom. She would take goblins over gremlins any day of the year. "Do you know I'm here…." She questioned the air, knowing she would get no answer. A sigh left her lips and she laid on her side, curling up into a tight, warm ball. "I hate this place…these poor people have been destroyed by those wicked snakes…" she clenched her fists and closed her eyes.

"Micah!" cried a woman as she flew into the tent, startling Sarah, who shot up with wide eyes. "Where is Micah?!" she demanded.

"I don't know…what's wrong!?" Sarah asked quickly, standing up to walk towards the woman.

"My…my daughter.." she cried. Sarah followed the woman out of the tent. Micah was pushing through a group of people and coming towards them. "Micah! She is not recovering…she is only getting worse…" the woman cried. Sarah pressed a hand to her back in comfort.

"Where is she?" asked Sarah softly. The woman started to walk across the village to a small tent. She held the fabric open for Sarah and Micah to slip in. It was warm inside, the fire burning brightly beside a small girl. She was wearing a simple white frock but it was nowhere near as white as the girl's skin. Sarah dropped to her knees and pressed a hand to her forehead, gasping when it was ice cold. "Oh my….What is wrong with her?!" she demanded, feeling for a pulse to make sure it wasn't just a corpse she was sitting beside.

"She was bitten by a deadly poison…one of Slevin's elite guards…They have potent venom unlike what you were bitten with…" Micah murmured, sinking low beside the girl. "I know of only one other thing that can save her now…" he sighed and rubbed his forehead.

"Please Micah…do not leave her for dead…please…" begged the mother, her eyes big and filled with tears. "I cannot lose her…not after my mate and son.." Sarah looked at the woman and then at Micah, wondering if letting the child die was even an option.

"We do not have any extra hands…I cannot do it alone…" he murmured, his face contorted in pain. "I am sor-"

The woman burst into tears but Sarah stood up and shook her head, "I will go with you…wherever it is you need to go, I will follow you and help you any way I can…just do not let this child die…" she announced strongly, her fists clenched at her sides. Micah looked surprised by Sarah's outburst, but he also appeared proud and pleased by her offer. He nodded slowly.

"Fine…we will leave once we get you suitable clothing…" Micah stood up and grabbed Sarah's hand, pulling her out of the tent. The mother remained, speaking words of praise and thanks to the two. Sarah followed along behind Micah, who pulled her swiftly to his tent, "Stay here…I will be back…" he quickly fled her side and she stood within the entrance to his tent quietly. What had she just gotten herself into? Was this a dead wish? Certainly he wouldn't take her if he knew she would get hurt, right? Or perhaps he was just betting that he could protect her?

Several minutes later he returned with several articles of clothing in his hands. There were a pair of knee-high boots in his hands, black leather of course. "These will keep your feet safe on the journey, and warm…" He held up a different dress, this one was black and looked to still be thin as the one she was wearing, but the cloak he held up next looked thick and warm. "The black dress will keep you hidden from danger, unlike the light one you are wearing now…the cloak will help keep you warm…" he explained. "Change and I'll be outside waiting…" He set the items in front of her and gave her a smile before slipping away to give her privacy. She looked at everything for a few more seconds before she pulled the dress she wore over her head and shivered despite the fire.

The black dress was comfortable but she knew it alone would not protect her from the elements. She slipped the boots over her feet and wiggled her toes inside of them, perfect fit. She grabbed the cloak next and wrapped it around her neck, clasping it in the center. She grimaced when she saw that it was a tooth that secured the article around her neck. Was it that of the snakes? Sarah tried not to think about it for too long and slid the hood over her head. She grabbed the sides of the cloak and pulled them around her before she slid out of the tent to see Micah waiting for her as he said he would.

"Ready…" Sarah said with a determined set to her jaw. Micah nodded and spoke several words to Archer who stood nearby. As far as Sarah understood, Archer would be taking head of the village while they were gone.

Micah was silent as they headed towards the exit of the village, a rather ominous break in the tree line, which looked to only lead farther into the darkness of the forest. Once they were out of the village, the dark trees surrounding them, Sarah spoke, "Where are we going?" It felt silly to ask after the fact, but she still wanted to know.

"We are traveling to the oceans of the Kingdom…One side of the kingdom is bordered by oceans, and another is by walls- which separate us from the Labyrinth…" Micah explained. Sarah perked up when he mentioned the Labyrinth, but she didn't ask any questions about it. "We need to retrieve a Siren's pearl…" he said quietly. "I almost wish you had not offered to join me…because it will be dangerous and I am not sure I will be able to fully protect you." Sarah's gut twisted and she offered a nervous smile. "We must also be swift in our travels because the child does not have long…."

"I trust we will succeed.." Sarah encouraged. She still felt scared, but she knew that she was doing something important and that she couldn't let fear get in her way. A mother and a little girl were counting on them. Micah looked at her and then nodded, picking up his pace a bit. Sarah struggled to keep up but she didn't complain and he didn't slow down. She knew he could probably shift into a wolf and go much faster, but he didn't, which was probably her fault. As they traveled she saw no difference in their surroundings, but she knew Micah saw it. He was a native of the forest, he could see each difference in every tree and root, but all she saw was terrifying trees and nasty shadows. Occasionally he would point something out to her, a poisonous bush, or an edible berry, but they didn't speak too much. Only the sound of her heart beating loudly in her chest and the occasional huff of exhaustion left her lips. Micah stopped walking and looked around for a moment, scenting the air.

Sarah took a moment to catch her breath and she smiled, "I can do this..We can do this…" She murmured to herself, not really wanting Micah to hear. He turned and looked at her with a small laugh.

"I adore your positivism…" he murmured, "It is an admirable trait to have…especially for such a young woman…" He turned his back, "Come…jump onto my back…I will carry you…It will be faster…" He bent forward and Sarah hesitated, "Come now…do not worry…" She smiled and slid onto his back, her legs being supported by his hands, strong and warm beneath her knees. And then he was off. It was a lot faster than Sarah had expected to go, but she refused to be scared or to complain. "Tell me of your world…your family, Sarah…" Micah asked as he ran.

Sarah wasn't sure what to say at first, but after a moment she started to tell him about how her mother was an actress. How she left them when she was a young girl, and how Karen had come in to her father's life. She spoke about Toby and her first trip to the Underground. How terrified she was that Toby would get hurt, but also of how determined she was to get him back. She spoke of school, and how she loved to read and act, but how she also loved to be with her family. He was a good listener, occasionally asking a more detailed question about something. It was nice to talk to him, and in return he told her about his pack. Their kind was old, much like fae in their slow aging. She asked him about his family and he explained that his parents were long dead and that he had no siblings anymore. His sister had been killed by Slevin. Seeing Sarah in Slevin's bedchamber had reminded him of what the monster had done to his sister. Sarah rested her face into the crook of his neck, warming her nose against hi skin, "I'm sorry about your sister…" she murmured. "Slevin is a monster…"

Micah agreed with a small nod and started to slow down. "We should get some water…" he suggested as a small creek came into view. She was half expecting it to be filled with dark sludge, but this one was crystal clear. Micah set her down on her feet and she patted his back in thanks. She was rested now that she had been given a break from walking.

"How much farther is the ocean?" asked Sarah as she leaned down to take a handful of water to her lips.

"Probably another three hours away…We've traveled for about four already…Normally it takes anywhere from seven to eight hours to get there without stopping…" He leaned down and took water into his palms, bringing it to his lips and drinking it.

The water was clean and felt wonderful going down her throat. Sarah continued to scoop up sips of water and it wasn't for several minutes that she looked over to see Micah watching her.

"What?" she asked with a laugh. Her hair was a tangle from where her hood fell during his run and she quickly smoothed it down so she didn't look like an idiot. "Is there something on my face…"

Micah shook his head and stood up, holding out a hand for Sarah, which she took without hesitation. "No…your face is perfect…" he replied, causing a blush to rush through her cheeks. Micah pulled Sarah towards him and she was caught in the beauty of his eyes. "You would be perfect…" he whispered, their faces drawing closer together with each passing second. "Perfect for my world…my village…" he continued, their lips just inches apart. Sarah's heart was beating in her throat and her eyes were wide as she continued to press closer towards Micah, her cheeks on fire. Micah closed the distance and pressed their lips together.

His lips were warm and comforting, a tingle shooting through her as his arms slid around her waist and held her close. The kiss was sweet and over much too soon, "If only you were not destined for another…" he finished sadly, pulling away from her. Sarah was dazed and extremely confused.

"Wha-" she started but was then cut off as a hissing erupted from above them. They both looked up a second too late as Slevin came falling down upon them. His face was a battered mess and his body was covered in deep gashes. Sarah cried out as is serpent tail wrapped around her and pulled her from Micah's reach. "You beast!" Sarah snapped.

Micah roared and lunged from Slevin, but the snake pulled his tail in front of himself, using Sarah as a shield. Quickly Micah fell from his lunge and backed up a step.

"You try to destroy meee…" Slevin hissed, "I will have my prize…and I will kill all of your mutts…" He growled. The tail around Sarah's waist tightened and she choked, pushing against it and banging on the scales with her fists. She cried out and Micah roared again, changing his plan of attack. He fled. Sarah was staring at the empty space where Micah had been only seconds before. Slevin started to laugh, "That is right wolf…run back to your village and prepare…I will take care of Ssarah!" he laughed and pulled her close to his face. "I saw him kiss you…You did not recoil from his touch, he is a monster just as I am…" he growled. Sarah glared at the snake man.

"You and that blasted King are the monsters in this Kingdom…You kill and destroy for no reason….you kidnap and rape your victims…You are a monster. Micah will never be like you…" Sarah snapped, her anger growing. A growling rose from behind Slevin and suddenly Micah was on him, digging large claws into the snakes back. Slevin released Sarah, his tail shooting out and flinging her away as he turned his attention to his attacker.

She hit a tree and the world was gone.

Jareth had not left the bowl alone in the hours since Davyn had left his side. He was both awed and angered by Sarah's actions. She was so strong, but also so very naïve. She agreed to go help a girl she did not know, and it was that blind kindness that made him smile. She had been such a determined girl, and now she was the same, but even stronger. "Sarah…" he whispered.

Davyn slammed the doors to his throne room open and strutted across to see Jareth, "Ahh..still alive I see? That is good? I suppose…" he laughed and leaned across to see what was happening. He arrived just in time to see Micah kiss Sarah, to Jareth's obvious dislike. Davyn laughed as Jareth's fists clenched. "Is he moving in on your woman?" he chuckled.

If only you were not destined to another…The words calmed Jareth down for a moment because it meant that Micah would not push anything farther with Sarah. But then he saw Sarah's immediate response was confusion and surprise. She did not like knowing she was destined for anything. She was too strong to follow a set destiny.

"Slevin.." Jareth roared, watching as the snake man fell upon them in attack, snatching Sarah up and pulling her away form Micah.

"How many hours left?" asked Davyn, "hmm…looks like….only seven?" he growled, "How is that?!" he seemed angry. "How long was I asleep?"

"The timer started with when she first arrived in the forest…not since Micah rescued her…" Jareth noted.

"Really? I should have rephrased the deal…" he sighed and shook his head, "Well…I know where they are going….she will not survive the Sirens…" he chuckled.

Sarah woke up groaning, her vision blurred and her head pounding. She lifted a hand to her head and it came away wet and sticky. She couldn't have lost more than a few minutes because Micah and Slevin were still fighting, though Micah appeared to have the lead. He was in half wolf form, his hands formed with large claws that were swiping at the snake and contacting each time. Sarah slowly stood up from the ground where she had been lying. "Ow…" she murmured. She was pretty sure she had a concussion as the world twisted and turned around her. An unease settled in her stomach and she fell to her knees, heaving as the contents of her stomach shot up and covered the forest floor beside her. "Wonderful…" she grumbled as she crawled away. She attempted to get to her feet again but she had to grab onto a tree to keep herself standing.

A shriek was heard but Sarah didn't dare turn her head to look, knowing she would get sick again if she kept moving her hear around. She leaned heavily against the tree, closing her eyes and wanting nothing more than to sleep.

"Sarah?" Micah shouted and she knew he was running to her side. "Sarah, your head!" he exclaimed as he reached her side. His hands were back to normal as he grabbed her and pulled her against his chest. "Can you talk…?"

"…." It took her a few seconds to muster up anything but she finally spoke, "Yea…" she groaned softly, leaning her head against his chest.

"You are bleeding…" he whispered. He reached down to the fabric of his pants and she heard the ripping before a piece of it was bundled up and pressed against the back of her head. She cried out at the pressure, but it didn't lessen. It was a necessary evil. "Can you continue on?"

"Yes…" she responded immediately. He nodded and grabbed her up into his arms, carrying her against his chest this time instead of on his back. "Let's go…" she whispered.

He kept her tight against his chest, trying not to tousle her too much as he ran for the ocean. Only a few more hours and he would be able to let her rest. He would fetch the pearl and only hope he didn't need her help.