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Last Resort	By : jinx1764 Category: G through L > Labyrinth Views: 7045 -:- Recommendations : 0 -:- Currently Reading : 1
Disclaimer: I don't own Labyrinth, don't make any money, this is a work of fanfiction.

Chapter List
- 19
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- 21
Mr. Morton Senior found his son Eric asleep on the back porch swing with his pants wide open and his groin exposed; the sun dawning in the east bringing the first warming rays of the day. Mr. Morton wasn't sure what to think at the view his only child presented him. It reminded him of something a teenager might do but not a man nearing forty.

"Eric? Son?" He shook his shoulder gently to wake him causing Eric's head to whip upright with a jerk.

"Wha�"

"It's just me, Son." He said and Eric turned to towards his father with a strange, glazed look in his eyes. Mr. Morton stepped back with a shudder having never observed such an anomalous glower in Eric's eyes before. "Eric, are you alright?"

"Sure, Dad." He said in a hollow voice and stood from the swing casually tucking and zipping himself up. "Why?"

"Uh...no reason...just thought you looked...odd."

"I'm fine. Is Lizzie awake yet?"

"She's watching cartoons with your mother. How about some breakfast?"

"Sure." Eric brushed passed his father who continued to give him a questioning look and entered the house but Eric didn't care what his father thought anymore. The soft spoken, enthralling voice reverberating in his mind agreed. No one else's opinion matter, not anymore. Eric found Lizzie sitting cross legged on the floor in front of the television enjoying Sponge Bob Square Pants, her usual giggles diminished.

"Lizzie, come here." He ordered. Lizzie's entire body snapped around at his callous tone, as did Eric's mother. Neither had ever heard Eric speak to anyone, especially Lizzie, in such a cruel voice.

"Lizzie, now!" Lizzie scrambled from the floor rushing to her father's side with acute fear in her green eyes.

"Eric!" His mother admonished remaining seated on the couch.

"Lizzie, start packing your things we're leaving!"

"But I don't want to leave!" Lizzie lunged grabbing her upper arm and squeezing until Lizzie squeaked in alarm and pain then yanked her roughly towards him; bruises would surely form later.

"You'll do as I tell you! Go pack!" He shoved her away hard enough that Lizzie fell to the floor landing sharply on her bottom.

"OW! Daddy!" Lizzie cried out her eyes wide with shock as she looked up at her father towering over her and her lips quavered; trying to hold back her tears. Never had she been physically assaulted by anyone, especially either of her parents and Lizzie's knew no understanding of physical abuse.

"ERIC! STOP THIS!" Both his parents shouted simultaneously; his father grasped Eric's shoulder from behind spinning him around.

"What's wrong with you? How can you treat your daughter this way?" His father demanded. The two men squared off; Mr. Morton in shock and dismay while Eric smirked arrogantly.

"That's right, Dad. MY daughter and I'll treat her any way I like!" Mr. Morton physically cringed at the malevolence in his son's voice. Who was this person? It certainly wasn't his son! Without looking away from Eric he spoke to his wife and granddaughter in a controlled voice.

"Dear, take Lizzie to her bedroom. Lizzie, go with your grandmother." The two ladies quickly left the living room leaving the men alone; Lizzie clinging tightly to her grandmother's hand, sparing a glance for her father squaring off with his own father; her expression a mixture of lost confusion and fear.

"Eric, I want you to leave our house right now. You need to calm down and think about what you've done before you return." His father stated with steely resolution. Mr. Morton was significantly older than his son, Eric was born later in their life; however, even as a much older man Eric's father still maintained a bulky amount of muscle compared to his son, which gifted him an impressive physique. That preternatural look in his son's eyes sharpened for a moment until Eric blinked and his eyes soften to a more normal appearance.

Shrugging Eric broke the stare with his father, "Fine, I'll leave...for now." The last words were spat from his curled lips causing his father to flinch. Eric stormed from his parents' home without any of his personal belongings, without looking back, and slammed the front door behind him. Mr. Morton sighed in relief watching his altered son leave his home. He fervently hoped that whatever changes Eric experienced were temporary and after a cooling off period he'd be back to normal.

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"Mr. Williams?"

"Yes?" Robert Williams stated after answering his front door finding two haggard looking gentlemen dressed in a dark colored, moderate quality suits; the late Saturday morning sun casting them in an unflattering light.

"Detectives Scarvy and Lyde with the New York City police department...we're here about your daughter...a Sarah Williams?" The detective who introduced himself Scarvy said in a professional tone, reading from a small notepad. Robert's eyebrows quirked at mention of Sarah and he urged the detective to continue with a quick nod.

"Yes, she's my daughter, has something happened to her?"

"She was a patient at the Bellevue Psychiatric Ward?" Detective Lyde asked.

"Yes. What do you mean was a patient?" Robert's voice rose on the word 'was' becoming impatient with the detectives. Detective Scarvy paused glancing at his partner with frustration before addressing Robert's question.

"Apparently, your daughter somehow escaped from the secure facility last night. Do you know anything about that Mr. Williams?"

"What? Sarah escaped? How? When last night? Oh my God, is she alright?" Robert stammered numerous questions at the detectives as his entire body shook from the sudden shock. His little girl could be wandering alone, confused on the streets!

"Sir, can we come in? We'd like to discuss this with you further."

"Of course, of course, come in tell me everything!" He stepped aside allowing the detectives inside his home. "Karen! Karen, come quick Sarah's missing!"

"What?" Karen exclaimed from the kitchen, her voice echoing slightly in the large home. Robert hugged his wife and explained the little he already knew before escorting them all to the living room couch.

"Oh, Robert! How could this happen? Weren't they watching her? What if she gets hurt or worse?"

Detective Lyde spoke up at this, "Mrs. Williams we intend to do everything in our power to locate your daughter as quickly as possible, especially since there has already been one death involved."

"A death? What are you talking about? What happened?" Robert exclaimed sitting upright on the couch alarmed. Scarvy shifted in discomfort shooting Lyde another sharp look before continuing the conversation.

"Yes...Dr. Jonathan Garcia is dead and at this time we're suspicious of homicide and are waiting on the coroner's report for confirmation. We suspect his death may be related to your daughter's escape since both occurred during one of her shock treatment sessions."

Robert's face colored scarlet and he sputtered in rage, "Dr. Garcia was subjecting her to shock therapy again? Good Lord! You can't possibly suspect my daughter in his death? I can assure you that even at her most ill she has never been capable of murder!"

"Mr. Williams, for the present we just want Sarah Williams detained for questioning and her own safety since she is still under the involuntary mental health hold. In fact, she may be our only witness to the cause of Dr. Garcia's death."

"Well, I should hope so. You are aware of the fact that I'm attorney and whatever Sarah may or may not be a witness to I plan on defending her to my utmost ability."

"Yes, Mr. Williams, we're aware of that fact." Detective Scarvy stated calmly prompted Robert's stance to relax slightly.

"Well then, I think this conversation is over. Your partner and you can go." He stood pointing towards the front door, his mouth in a hard frown; his wife Karen sat behind him with her arms crossed her face disapproving. The detectives stood, complying with his demand but before they moved from the living room Scarvy made a demand of his own.

"You will call me if you make any contact with your daughter, Mr. Williams." Scarvy pulled something from his coat pocket and very specifically placed one of his business cards on the Williams' coffee table with a papery snap then ushered his partner from their household. Karen and Robert waited until the police left before releasing their guard. Karen clung to her husband who held her in return.

"Oh, Robert...poor Sarah...what's happened to her? We have to help her if we can."

"I know...I just hope we can find her first." He caressed her hair as she tucked her head into his shoulder.

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Past lunchtime on Saturday afternoon provided the quality hours of sleep essential for both Sarah and Jareth; neither of them stirring beyond the intermittent surfacing before snuggling back down with the other still sleeping. Meanwhile, Carol awoke early and peeked in on the newly reunited couple every so often until she heard a voice answer her tactful knock. She inched the door open finding Sarah sitting up with the sheet clutched around her modestly; her eyes a bit confused but otherwise appearing rather alert.

"Hey, Sarah...how are you feeling?" Carol whispered since Jareth still slept; his toned, pale legs sticking out of the tangled blanket.

Sarah met her friend's worried gaze and smiled reassuringly. "Considering I was just narrowly rescued from Mr. Hyde's evil intentions�I'd say I feel rather good." Sarah scratched the stubble on her head frowning. Carol sympathized; she'd always envied Sarah's naturally, gorgeous dark hair and to see her friend's physical appearance so obviously reflecting her recent trauma tore at her heart.

"I'm so sorry, "She sat next to Sarah on the bed embracing her, "it'll grow back but I know how much you love your hair. I do, too." Sarah nodded trying hard not to cry and failing. Her tears fell unrestrained, her bottom lip quivering as she finally felt safe and clear headed enough to show her true emotions.

"What a bastard." Sarah mumbled into her friend's shoulder, Carol rocked her slowly in comfort.

"Umhmm...well at least he can't hurt anyone else. Sal told me what happened on the way here and I don't blame you one bit. If it were me I would've cut his balls off and made him eat those, too." Carol stated in a bloodthirsty tone which produced a snort from Sarah.

"We didn't really have the time but I'll remember that for the future." Sarah deadpanned sitting upright again.

"Sal sounded impressed and more than a little freaked by what you did. So, I guess your big secret is out, huh?"

Sarah raised her head from her friend's shoulder, "Yeah...I didn't really think about that. But he'll probably want us to answer some questions." She said a bit sheepishly. Sarah remembered that her decision-making skills were a tad skewed at the time.

"You can do that later, hon. Now how about a nice hot shower while I fix you a good lunch. Maybe then that lazy man of yours will have his butt up by then." Carol joked then squeaked in surprise when a baritone drawl answered her.

"I am never lazy. Idle perhaps, indolent assuredly but never lazy. And a shower and lunch sound positively delightful." Carol and Sarah turned around to see Jareth sprawled on his stomach with his head and upper torso twisted towards them, his head propped up on one hand and looking at the two women with a teasing smirk gracing his striking masculine features. Sarah's breath caught in her throat at his beauty. How a man could be so beautiful and yet so male still amazed her; she would never tire of appreciating him.

Sarah could tell that Carol was just as affected but being older and wiser than Sarah she refused to allow Jareth's wiles to rule her. She reached over before he could maneuver away lightly slapping his bare buttocks through the blanket earning a shocked expression from Jareth.

"Oh really? Well, Mr. Distraction you'd better get those tight little buns out of bed then." With that Carol rapidly slipped away leaving a stunned Jareth and a laughing Sarah alone in the bedroom.

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Sarah heard joyful kitchen sounds of cooking as Carol prepared something delicious smelling for a late lunch while Sarah stood under the wonderfully warm spray of the shower. The water cleansed the last week's awful residue of fear and insanity from her body and soul. It felt strange to have the water hitting her scalp directly without the protection of her thick hair but it was worth it all the same. The curtain pulled away at the far end and a blond head poked around the edge.

"Mind if I join you? I find myself suddenly desirously of a cleansing." He purred his eyes brightening with lust.

"Suddenly is it? My being naked and conscious wouldn't have anything to do with it?"

"Mmm...perhaps...your being covered in lather certainly doesn't hurt either." Sarah watched him unconsciously lick his lips, his eyes appraising her soapy, naked body and felt a thrill of lust shoot through her.

Then he added as an afterthought, "Unless you're not feeling well and would prefer...privacy. I will do whatever you desire, Sarah." He said with a serious expression but with lust still in his eyes. The way his accented voice phrased the word 'privacy' with the upper crust British pronunciation made her nipples tingle.

Sarah smiled at his sensitivity, "What I desire is you, get your tight little buns in here!" She stepped out of the spray, wrapped her arms around his neck, and bodily yanked him into the shower practically knocking them both to the floor of the tub as they slipped around regaining their purchase.

"Sarah! A simple yes would've sufficed, you needn't break our necks." He said laughing as he ravished her mouth, her neck, her collarbone, and then moved lower. Sarah pulled them back under the water dousing them in warmth as Jareth's mouth encompassed her taut peaks, teasing them with his tongue while his arms encircled her slick torso. Shocks of pure bliss radiated from her nipples every time he tweaked them and she moaned deep in her throat. As much as she loath to admit it, part of her needed reassuring that he still wanted her after this week, after her beauty was marred, after she was irrevocably changed, after she had killed a man�whether or not he deserved it.

As for Jareth he needed to physically demonstrate to Sarah, just as much as she required the reassurance, that he still desired her as much if not more than before. That none of the above things mattered to him, that his love for her grew stronger every day. That every moment she suffered he suffered as well.

Sarah reached down between them to grasp his rigid shaft and he growled. "Oh...Sarah..." She lightly ran her hand up and down stimulating him before reaching lower to delicately fondle his testicles which earned her a low moan and a tighter embrace. "Precious, do you trust me?"

She nodded, "Yes, always." He spun them around so that he stood under the water.

"Turn around." He requested in a husky voice and Sarah complied without hesitation feeling her moisture surge at his implications. Securing held in Jareth's embrace her back snug against his chest, his hands roamed unhindered over her breasts for a moment, cupping and pinching until he gently pushed her torso forward so that she was bend 90 degrees at the waist. She supported her weight by bracing her hands on the edges of the tub and allowed her head to hang low, relaxed.

Jareth watched as his Sarah, his love allowed him to put her into a submissive position and his lust surged. He knew he could never love anyone more than her; that she trusted him and yet remained as strong as � perhaps stronger than him, amazed him. He admired her beautiful feminine form displayed before his vision before caressing her buttocks softly then progressing to stroking her engorged vulva with the tip of his manhood; Sarah moaned and thrust backwards onto him.

Jareth smirked, pleased that she desired him as much as he desired her. Why should he tease either of them? With so little time remaining he wanted them to enjoy every second. He parted her warm, wet folds with his tip and swiftly entered her as she forcefully thrust in opposition; they gasped in unison. Sarah's head flung upwards; Jareth held onto her smooth hips as he set a rapid but even pace, the warm water basking them, washing away their insecurities.

Sarah almost screamed in happiness as she felt his rock hard erection glide inside her. Oh, she'd missed this. He was so deep inside that she could feel his tip hitting her cervix and the pain mixed with pleasure bringing her satisfying shocks inching her closer to her climax. She pushed back onto him increasing the force of his thrusts and he increased his speed to match her.

He knew then he would never tire of the exquisite pleasure they gave each other. Jareth could feel himself penetrate Sarah deeper than ever before, her heat gripping and sending wave after wave of pleasure as he thrust harder each time. Sarah matched his pace, her hands moving up from the tub edge to the wall to brace for the recoil. He could feel his testicles tighten and then one of her hands fondled him again and he nearly came at the suddenly thrill of taut pleasure, his legs spasming until he nearly lost his balance.

"Sarah..my Sarah!" He quickened his pace, slamming into her and reached around her front to rub her clitoris which sent her over the edge screaming.

"...uh..oh..Jareth!" He fell immediately after as her walls clamped and squeezed him, wringing him as he groaned through clenched teeth.

He withdrew and helped her stand and turn on shaky legs; keeping her in a tight embrace so that she wouldn't slip and fall in the wet. Sarah rested her head lethargically on his chest and he kissed her scalp.

"I love you, Sarah Williams, my Queen, welcome home." He whispered. He felt her smile against his chest.

"I love you, Jareth, my Goblin King." He smiled, too and then proceeded to carefully wash his love clean of all of her terrible experiences and of their lovemaking until she was pristine again, before cleansing himself; the warm water baptizing them both of the week's atrocities.

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After arriving home later Saturday morning to a freshly cooking brunch courtesy of her boyfriend Sal, who'd gotten home a few hours before her and decided that they both deserved a good meal as they decompressed from the exciting night, Susan practically cried in relief. He'd prepared her favorite, Eggs Benedict with fresh squeezed orange juice and whole grain toast.

She found Sal in the kitchen, he looked as tired as she felt but his eyes were energetic and she knew sleep hadn't blessed him either. Considering their actions last night and the astonishing occurrences they'd witnessed, she remained unsurprised that they were both firmly awake. Knowing Sal as she did, surely a million questions circled his mind regarding the mysterious orb Sarah somehow created. Well, a million questions circled Susan's mind, too but she hadn't the luxury of time until now to dwell on the astounding feat. How the orb caused Dr. Garcia's death was a particular question Susan preferred not to think about�rather like plausible deniability.

"Hey, baby. Smells wonderful!" She greeted him with a bright but tired smile, dropping her work bag on the kitchen floor.

"Morning, Sue...how was the rest of your shift?" Sal stepped from the stove giving her a kiss and quick hug before resuming his cooking duties. The usual question more dire.

"Oh, man...what the hell did she do to Garcia? The mess was...enormous!" Susan leaned against the edge of the counter, hands bracing either side of her. Sal looked up from the saucepan.

"You really want me to tell you and you just want to keep it to your imagination? It's not that far of a leap."

"You're right...forget I asked. God, it was awful. Tracy threw up everywhere, I had to wake the orderlies by myself in that mess, the police and fire department asked all sorts of incriminating questions I did my best to answer, and they pulled the video surveillance, of course. They were pissed when they realized it was all blank starting beforehand; that's when they really got suspicious�not including the way Garcia died. How the hell to you explain that cause of death? Even as a homicide? Even a gunshot doesn't look like that and there's no evidence of a shooting." Susan rambled out her anxiety while Sal listened.

"We're so screwed, Sal."

"Sue..."

"Don't Sue me...I'm telling you, they'll figure it out and I'm screwed!"

Sal stopped cooking again and wrapped her in a hug. "Just calm down. It's early yet. Cops are always suspicious, it's their job. Even if they're suspicious of you they have to find evidence, real evidence not just to arrest but to convict. For now just relax and act normal, hon."

"Easy for you to say, nothing ever riles you." She pouted and laid her head on his shoulder.

"I wouldn't say that exactly. Sarah's little stunt last night was a bit anxiety inducing, even for me." He stated matter-of-factly and Susan lifted her back up.

"I know! What was that? I�I've never seen anything like it. That glowing red orb just appeared...like magic!" Susan said in an awed, anxious voice.

"Yeah," Sal nodded thoughtfully, "like magic."

"What?"

He shook himself out of his reverie, "Nothing...but I've gotten a promise out of Jareth that I'll get a full explanation once I return to Carol's later today and I plan on holding him to it. Care to join me?"

"Absolutely!" She agreed with an eager expression. Whatever went on with those two she wanted in on the secret just as badly as Sal.

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Robert and Karen Williams wasted no time after the two detectives left calling their in-laws, Mr. and Mrs. Eric Morton, Sr. After learning of Sarah's missing status and her potential involvement in Dr. Garcia's death they quickly decided they would return to the City. The Mortons and themselves maintained a good relationship and Robert hoped to both learn more information and impose upon their in-laws' hospitality by staying with them during this traumatic time in to be close to the City.

Before Sarah's commitment Eric informed them that Lizzie would be staying with his parents to give him and his daughter additional support. Robert and Karen both hoped this continued so they could personally see their granddaughter and check on her emotional health as well.

One shocked and emotional phone call later and the Williams were invited to stay as long as needed. Mr. Morton had yet to hear about Sarah's escape since the police had not visited them yet being that they were not her immediate family�even though they lived closer. Mr. Morton chose to not tell Robert about his son's behavior towards Lizzie for the present, still hoping that it was an aberration.

Robert and Karen quickly packed a small amount of luggage and shortly were en route to the Morton's to be closer should Sarah need them for...anything.

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Jareth, Sarah, and Carol enjoyed a late lunch of spaghetti and meat marina sauce with a side of tossed salad courtesy of Carol; while Carol did her best to fake ignorance of her friends' recent bathroom activities. She owned a rather large apartment as New York sized apartments compared; successful art gallery owner came with a tasty paycheck, however her home wasn't quite large enough�or soundproofed enough�for her to remain oblivious to their fun. Not that she minded or disapproved. Rather Carol was ecstatic that they both felt ready so soon to enjoy each other; she just wished she hadn't heard quite so much. Ah well...such is life, as long as neither of them got wise to the situation.

Carol's doorman buzzed that two visitors arrived downstairs requesting entrance; Susan and Sal. Carol granted their entry and a short time later a knock sounded at her front door. Carol opened the door finding two friends who presented as exhausted, but restless as if sleep eluded them. Before Carol could say a word Sal beat her to the greeting.

"How is she?" He said impatiently.

"Sarah? She's good." She answering, allowing them inside and shutting the door. "She's awake, in good spirits, we're just finishing lunch."

"Good...great!" Sal grinned with obvious relief. Whatever questions he held out regarding Sarah she was still his patient and he had a moral imperative to see her to good health. Susan gripped his hand supportively and Sal returned it.

"They'll be glad to see you two." Carol escorted them to the kitchen, passing the living room where the television played to a nonexistent audience. They entered to see Jareth and Sarah sitting intimately at the dining table over empty plates.

"Hey you two, look who's here!" They jumped apart at Carol's voice; Sarah flushing while Jareth acted majestically indifferent with a faint gleam in his eyes that only Sal noticed.

"Remember the part where I told you she needed to rest?" Sal rebuked Jareth which garnered Sal another smile from Jareth similar to the feral one he saw earlier that morning. Sal felt rather than heard the accompanying growl. None of the women seemed to notice the testosterone laden exchange containing more than bantering.

"I'm fine; Jareth takes excellent care of me." Sarah beamed, her smile outshining the fact that her lack of hair made her look like a cancer patient that changed their mind 2/3's of the way through a bad haircut. Sarah presented her full attention to Sal, her lucidity shining through her brilliant green eyes as she appraised him for the first time as an equal. Sal remained standing still before her, allowing her visual assessment without any discomfort on his part; knowing that he owed her an apology at the very least and possibly a great deal more.

"So...you're Sal Silvari." She started a serious speech. Carol sat next to Sarah visually showing her support. Jareth sat on her opposite side, his larger, pale hand wrapped protectively around hers, fingers interlaced. Susan stood just behind Sal wearing a nervous expression as Sarah appraised the man instrumental in her imprisonment. Susan realized since meeting up with Carol again she'd been experiencing quite a bit of anxiety.

Sarah's lips pursed thoughtfully. "Jareth tells me quite a bit about you. I should remember myself but I'm afraid the last week is a bit foggy." She stated sarcastically.

Sal's Adam's apple visibly bobbed at her obvious reference. "Yeah, about that, "he nervously rubbed the back of his neck with his hand, the sweat viciously collecting, but he refused to break her incriminating stare. "I'm very sorry." Sal put as much sincerity as he possess into those three words keeping his eyes locked with hers. "I know there's no possible way I can do or say anything to change what happened to you this week but I just want you to know that I'm just one part of the machine and as soon as I was able to rectify what I did I jumped on it. Jareth told you everything, right? About Susan, too?"

Not a man to frighten easily Sal still felt himself grow deeply, irrationally, afraid of Sarah Williams. Her eyes bored into his, as if drilling into his very soul for a few seconds and he knew...he knew... at that moment if she chose to she could end his life with a flick of her wrist. Whoever...whatever...she was Sal fervently hoped she decided to see him as an ally because he believed that he and Susan wouldn't leave Carol's apartment if she decided otherwise.

At some primitive Neanderthal level he understood Dr. Garcia's obsession with her and he sympathized with her husband's misunderstood fear because Sarah Williams radiated power and confidence like the sun radiated warmth. She couldn't help it. And she most definitely wasn't insane. He understood more fully why she and Jareth were bound together; they exuded the same forceful presence, two sides of the same coin as it were.

"Yes, he told me everything." She added in a regal, neutral tone. Sal almost expected to hear the Royal "we" added sometime soon as she addressed him because he realized something vital. He, Sal Silvari, was being presented before the Queen for her approval. Regardless of the fact that he'd voluntarily brought himself here without her prior knowledge the situation was unchanged. If he didn't pass muster than he was out. A queer sensation coiled in his stomach at that thought; for some reason he really, really wanted her approval.

Finally Sarah ended her visual inspection of Sal and he nearly gasped aloud with relief at her words. "Despite the unfortunate beginning of our acquaintance, I like you, Sal. And, according to Jareth, you did correct your mistake admirably." She looked up at him again. "It seems we're even. For now. Please introduce me to your girlfriend, Susan, who I understand was an integral part of my rescue." Sarah smiled at Sal watching him pale in relief as he stepped aside to bring Susan forward. Jareth caressed her hand with his thumb in silent approval. She barely needed to look at Jareth since she woke to know what he thought or felt. The bond's strength had doubled.

"Well, since we're all friends now-how about a drink? I know I could sure use one." Carol announced. After that dramatically, tense display she definitely wanted a touch of alcohol in her system. Sal and Susan both accepted but Sarah and Jareth declined.

It took awhile for everyone to relax but once the casual atmosphere set in they all began acting more like friends rather than reluctant allies. Until one of them overheard a news cast on the television regarding a potentially dangerous, escaped mental patient by the name of Sarah Williams accompanied by an picture of Sarah approximately ten years prior to her present appearance. 'Perhaps my bad haircut is a blessing after all,' Sarah thought wryly, apparently no one realized that she her long hair was gone.

"Well, it was just a matter of time guys. I'm surprised we lasted to the afternoon news, frankly. I need to dig my scanner out of storage and start listening in on the police band." Sal commented. The news report reminded Sarah of her other imperative. She'd dawdled long enough, it was time to claim her daughter and finish this business. Lizzie's bond still required forming and Sarah was still unsure how quickly it would work.

"Jareth, it's time to go. We need to find Lizzie." She gave in him an earnest look which he returned.

"Sarah. Are you sure?"

"What you mean? Of course I'm sure. We have less than thirty-six hours before the deadline." She said.

"Sarah, I know exactly how much time remains. I'm speaking of the risk to Lizzie. Are you sure you still want to try this in your condition?" Jareth asked, his voice full of concern yet resolute. All other conversation ceased as the other three watched Jareth and Sarah's discussion gradually become more heated.

"My condition? What are you talking about?" She asked skeptically.

"Sarah, you're very weak right now and will remain so for the foreseeable future. The crystal you created for Dr. Garcia used an extremely powerful and potent death spell. It substantially drained your reserves. I can feel it." Jareth explained calmly while Sarah appeared in denial. The remaining persons listening intently astonished at such a mundane explanation for such an amazing concept.

"My reserves?" She repeated dully.

"Yes," Exasperated, Jareth spoke to her as if she were a child, "your magical reserves. Sarah, surely you never believed they were inexhaustible? That your current fatigue was due only to the physical traumas of this week?" At her non-committal shrug his temper finally flared.

"Sarah, I know you've used your magic this week, albeit unsuccessfully but it drains you all the same and that last death spell was particularly arduous on your already diminished supply. Imagine a vessel in which to contain liquid with a continuous, slow filling source. As long as you use the liquid contained within at a steady amount your supply remains high but if you use large amounts quickly or within short spaces of time your supply dwindles rapidly."

"What happens if I use it all?" Sarah asked afraid of the answer prompting Jareth to give her a reassuring smile.

"Nothing truly dire, Precious but your abilities diminish or cease completely for a length of time until the main source 'fills up the vessel' enough for whatever spell you require�be it simple or complex."

"Why didn't you tell me this before?" She accused suddenly very angry and afraid; Jareth grimaced. "Why didn't you stop me from creating that damn death spell in the first place?"

"I honestly didn't think it a necessary lesson at the time. The practice spells barely dented your power and the timeline wasn't an issue. As for the death spell, remember I did attempt to administer retribution in your stead but you stopped me. Had I known the level of magic you intended to use I would've stopped you. By then it was too late, you made your decision. I regret allowing you to stop me in the first place but you needed your own vengeance. Do you deny it?" His asked daring her to contradiction him.

"Damn it, no but it's important now!" Sarah stood from her chair and stormed from the kitchen to pace the living room immediately followed by Jareth. Carol, Susan and Sal exchanged stunned looks and quickly followed sure that many of their questions were about to be answered. Sarah's increasingly enraged voice echoed through Carol's apartment. The three friends watched silently from several feet away as the couple ignored them in the heat of their argument.

"So let me get this straight. You're telling me that I'm probably not going to have enough magic to create the bond for Lizzie to ensure her safe travel to the Labyrinth? Is that what you're saying?" Sarah said sharply at Jareth in between laps while her hands slashed the air at him; he stood rigidly at one end of the living room observing her rage, an expression of pure distress painted his face.

"Unfortunately, Sarah, I'm afraid that's exactly my concern. You know my experience in these matters. I truly prefer not to suggest leaving her behind as I've come to care for her very much but it is perhaps safer to leave Lizzie here." Jareth couldn't help finishing his speech with a bit of a waver in his voice. Lizzie had become very dear to him and he spoke the truth when he had told Sarah weeks before that he missed her.

Sarah ceased pacing and stood before him frowning, her eyes anguished with tears. "I can't, don't you understand that I can't! She's my baby; I promised her that I wouldn't leave without her." She said a sob catching her words. "Besides, it's not safe for her here anymore either." Jareth stepped closer hesitantly placing his hands on her upper arms, his eyebrows furrowed and his lips pinched.

"No, I don't understand. Why wouldn't it be safe for her here?"

Tears poured from her eyes and Sarah hung her head in shame, "Because I did something to her father, something very wrong and he'll hurt her. I know he will. He'll hurt her to hurt me whether he knows where I am or not." Her entire frame shook as she cried in humiliation and dread.

Jareth's voice became very firm, almost frigid and he gripped her arms tightly as if to pry her answer; his gut twisting with sick anticipation. She was his match in every way; he knew her cruelty could be limitless when she unleashed it, the same as his. "Sarah, what did you do?"
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Last Resort