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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
- 24
- 25
HISTORY OF THE LABYRINTH
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Eons ago wild magics flowed freely throughout the Underground, interacting, inspiring, and frightening the realm. The Fae, the dominant species of the Underground, considered these magics no more significant than the winds of the Aboveground. Would a Mortal think twice about a summer breeze? Hundreds of years passed until these magics gradually became more powerful and destructive, like a hurricane, wreaking havoc upon all the magical beings of the Underground.

As the destructive forces of these magics became ever more of an increasing threat, it was decided by the Old Fae Council that a massive Binding spell would be worked by every powerful sorcerer of the time. After months of preparation and days of execution the Labyrinth was created and the wild magics were Bound to its physical structure. They chose a Labyrinth hoping to give the magics endless, encircling paths to roam lost within the structure for centuries.

During the Binding spell, the sorcerers realized the immense magical power at their fingertips and quickly devised a plan to control these magics. They created the power chamber and conjured the orb as the focus point to enable a single one of their strongest sorcerers to control the magics, now known as The Labyrinth. Control of the Labyrinth was passed from sorcerer to sorcerer through a Ritual which consisted of the new ruler conquering The Labyrinth by force of will and entering a Vow of Blood as the previous ruler released his will and Vow. Therefore, at no time would it be without a ruler and controller.

Fae society began using this power for whatever need they deemed vital; most notable, the collection of Mortal children to bolster the diminishing Fae bloodlines. Hence, the Game they created which started with a Mortal wish; Sarah being the only Champion of said Game in its entire history�Fae don't like to lose. Gradually, a sprawling castle was constructed over the power chamber and a city flourished at its perimeter.

Many centuries passed and the Fae noticed a distasteful side effect of The Labyrinth. It tended to draw every type of unpleasant species of magical creature the Underground possessed, primarily Goblins, compelling the Fae residents of the City surrounding the Castle to abandon their homes. What was once a prestigious and envied position of power became despised and reviled as The Labyrinth and its Castle became overrun with Goblins; disgusting, moronic creatures by Fae opinion. Future Labyrinth rulers became mocked as The Goblin King and these Kings knew true isolation and loneliness within their position of great power, which was regulated by the Fae Council from a distance.

These Kings also discovered, after more centuries, that The Labyrinth was sentient and many partnerships were born between these Kings and The Labyrinth; or so the Kings believed, as Jareth was just coming to understand after his own betrayal by The Labyrinth.

Approx: 1 Month later Underground Time/6 Months later Aboveground Time

Sarah stood casually leaning against the second story balcony wall overlooking the small courtyard attached to the Castle. Well, her Castle really. She had to continually remind herself that she was the Goblin Queen; one month not being nearly enough time for a complete adjustment to her new life. Her loose, flowing white gown twisted lightly in the cool breeze wafting from the Goblin City. The metal tang of rebuilding caught at her nose. She and Jareth had worked tirelessly since the first days back to rebuild the kingdom, putting the goblins and the many other kingdoms' residents to work.

They used their magic whenever possible but since the Labyrinth's cooperation was suspect, most of their efforts fell to tasking the residents and goblins to manual labor. Slow going but it was worth it to Sarah to see the kingdom rebuilt and healing after so many years of damage. And the damage was extensive. The Labyrinth ruined many lives in its eventually futile attempt to gain its freedom.

Over the last month Sarah had pondered this. As much as she resented the immortal being for using her and attempting to assassinate its King; she wondered what desperate measures she would be willing to attempt, what last resort she would try in order to gain her freedom were she enslaved. It was a difficult question for her answer, if indeed, it had an answer.

The Labyrinth was aptly named for it truly was an enigma. Other than knowing its desire for freedom, Sarah and Jareth realized they couldn't trust it in any other fashion. The last few weeks she had tried communicating to understand it but it kept to itself much of the time unless she issued a direct command which it was unable to disobey. The Labyrinth had played a very long running game with very high stakes in order to break its bondage. Perhaps going back even before Jareth's reign. Something which greatly concerned Sarah; if this being had been able to fool the Fae for thousands of years what would it attempt while Sarah controlled it?

When time allowed she asked Jareth why the Fae had enslaved the Labyrinth. He told her all that he knew; the history of The Labyrinth as documented by the Old Fae Council and its Sorcerers. As Jareth related the limited history of The Labyrinth he came to understand just how little he truly knew of the being he had controlled. A being he took for granted for centuries believing it to be benevolent as it had been bequeathed to him with that same belief. He never sought to further his knowledge of its history assuming he knew all there was of The Labyrinth from the previous Goblin King's information. An arrogance he realized he must remedy in the coming years, if possible, for The Labyrinth would now be a constant enemy to his new family.

These new fears continually echoed in Jareth's mind as he settled into his new role as Goblin King in name if not title. While he retained his full magical power as Goblin King, thanks to Sarah's quick thinking, he'd lost the power to command The Labyrinth by his will. Sarah held that power solely now. A feat he still shuddered to think of when he remembered what the crystal replayed for him. Her body burnt to a cinder by The Labyrinth's boundary energy.

When he took control of The Labyrinth that energy had been dissipated by the former King before his entry to the power chamber. They had performed the ancient ritual and Vow with the orb and Jareth forced The Labyrinth to his will as the former King released his control. Had he been required to endure such trauma to conquer The Labyrinth Jareth doubted his fortitude would've sustained him as Sarah's had sustained her. Of course, his motives for acquiring the title were far less honorable than hers.

'Sarah.' He thought fondly as he approached her standing at courtyard balcony, the golden evening light of the Underground illuminating her body through her thin, white dress as her long, hair twisted lazily in the gentle breeze. 'My beautiful, strong Goblin Queen; how you've turn my world upside down.'

Walking up behind her, he slid his arms around her waist clasping her to him and nuzzled his face into her neck. Sarah leaned against his firm body and opened her neck to him, allowing his feather light kisses along her skin.

"I've been wondering what was keeping you." She said raising her hand to caress his face as she continued to watch the courtyard below them.

"Mmm...Some of the spells you requested are very complex. It required me to consult certain ancient scrolls from the library before I attempted them. You wouldn't want me to conjure flawed crystals for you, my Love." He explained never breaking his trail of kisses.

"Of course not," Sarah smiled turning in his arms. "You were successful then?"

"You wound me!" Jareth feigned injured pride. "Don't I always do everything you ask of me?" Sarah laughed lightly at his false expression, kissing him for his efforts.

"Thank you, Jareth. You've sped up this process immensely." She'd asked Jareth to conjured all the crystals needed using his personal magic. Not only could they trust them free of The Labyrinth's influence but his experience allowed quicker conjuring.

He wrapped her long curls around his fingers, admiring the play of golden silver highlights glinting through her new dark Fae hair. "You're welcome, Precious." They gazed at each for a few moments before they both turned to look down into the courtyard.

Lizzie ran around the enclosed yard with several goblins in a game of tag. They could hear her squeals of laughter accompanied by the shouts of the goblins. Nearby sat Ludo and Sir Didymus guarding as de facto babysitters and Sarah knew that Hoggle likely hovered in the area. Once they returned and Hoggle learned that she was the new Goblin Queen; he was always found within shouting distance of Sarah. She considered appointing him her chamberlain which Jareth found endlessly amusing.

"Shall we go down for a bit before leave?" Jareth asked and Sarah nodded with a smile and they winked out of sight, teleporting from the balcony to the courtyard instantaneously.

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"My Lady!" Sir Didymus exclaimed jumping upright from his sitting position on the ground where he had been leaning casually against his trusty stead, Ambrosious, as he watched Lizzie scamper with the goblins.

"Sir Didymus, how are you this evening?" Sarah crouched to meet him eye to eye, as it were, since the old fox had only one eye.

"My Lady, the Queen dosth not lower herself to me!" The old knight sounded scandalized, his eye widened in shock at which Sarah smirked and quickly stood.

"Sir Didymus, as always, you are guardian and protector of my honor. I thank you." She dipped her head gracefully to him, gracing him with a true smile. The knight pulled himself up to his full stature and solemnly replied.

"As you are my Queen and rightful Liege, I am proud to do so, My Lady." Sir Didymus bowed low to Sarah, a gesture she knew she would never get used to.

"SAWAH!" Ludo lumbered from the opposite end of the courtyard where he had lounged against the rock wall allowing Lizzie to clamber on and off him as she wished. Lizzie and Ludo became fast friends once Sarah introduced them. Lizzie spent hours chattering away to her giant, orange, furry friend who in turn enjoyed taking her for piggy back rides within the safe confides of the Castle grounds. Within days of arriving at the Castle Sarah would find Lizzie napping in Ludo's arms in some cozy, quiet spot.

"Hey, Ludo!" Sarah greeted him fondly reaching out to scratch his neck causing him duck his head and gave him a big hug. Lizzie wasn't far behind her best friend and came careening around the orange mountain.

"Hey, Mom, Jareth! You guys wanna play tag with us?" She asked as she barreled into her mother's body knocking her back slightly into Jareth. He braced her shoulders and laughed at Lizzie's enthusiasm. Sarah knelt to speak with her daughter.

"I'm sorry, Honey, but we can't right now. Remember I told you we had to go on a little trip?"

"Oh yeah, I forgot about that." Lizzie's eyes were downcast. Sarah gently pulled her face back up with her hand, admiring the subtle Fae markings starting to form around her daughter's eyes. Once things had calmed, Jareth explained that Lizzie's body would gradually adjust to living with the magic of the Underground and The Labyrinth's Bond. The adjustment would alter her from Mortal to Fae but at a slower rate because she was still a child. Sarah was glad she held back forcing The Labyrinth to change her allowing Lizzie a slower adjustment; perhaps she was finally learning to curb her impulsiveness.

"Now, Lizzie. No pouting. We won't be gone long. Ludo, Sir Didymus, and Hoggle will take good care of you. And you have plenty of goblins to keep you entertained until we return." She glanced at the gaggle of miscreant, ragtag goblins still chasing each other in the courtyard.

"And the chickens." Lizzie added with a grin.

"Of course, how could I have forgotten the chickens?" Sarah agreed causing Jareth groaned behind her and Sarah knew that if she were to look at him she would see his exasperated eye roll. Of course, Sarah Williams' daughter loved goblins and their infuriating, feather-messy, migraine-inducing, cluck-clucking, chickens; which frustrated Jareth to no end.

"Don'tcha worry 'bout nothing, Sar�yer Majesty." Sarah's heard Hoggle state from several feet away; she turned her head seeing him entering the courtyard from the main Castle. "We'll takes good care of Princess Lizzie." He waddled to Sarah, passing Jareth without a glance. Since Jareth technically lost his rightful position as Goblin King, Hoggle enjoyed rubbing it in every opportunity.

"Hoggle! I knew you were lingering about somewhere." She greeted him with a broad smile and hug, which Hoggle accepted reluctantly under the baleful eye of Jareth standing two feet away.

"Well, I's been taking care of mine's business. Busy you know, can't always be babysitting." He said gruffly.

"Don't be ridiculous, Hoghead. What business have you got to attend to? Chasing fairies? Taking a dip in the Bog?" Jareth said scornfully, one delicate eyebrow arched.

"It's Hoggle!"

"Jareth!" Sarah admonished and he smirked. She'd never understand his need to torment Hoggle and he never explained.

"All of you behave yourselves while we're away. And make sure nothing happens to Lizzie." Sarah proclaimed as she stood and her three friends bowed their heads respectfully. Jareth stepped forward to give Lizzie a quick hug goodbye.

"We'll be back soon, Princess. Be a good girl so your mother doesn't worry." He told her and kissed her forehead.

"I will, Jareth."

"Good, see you soon."

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Jareth and Sarah teleported themselves to the library to collect the power crystals; which Jareth completed earlier. They collected each one, knowing which crystal contained which spell by touching it, and twisted each spell into the Ether that would travel with them. Jareth picked up the last crystal, the most complex and the one which he spent the most time and energy conjuring, and handed it to Sarah.

"The spell which you specifically requested, my Dear." Sarah accepted the crystal warily knowing this particular crystal could change lives, hopefully for the better. She twisted her wrist and rolled it over the back of her hand until it vanished into her safekeeping.

"Thank you again, Jareth. I hope it does exactly as it is meant to."

"As do I; that particular spell hasn't been invoked for thousands of years for good reason." He stepped closer until he could embrace her. "All will be well, Precious. Once this is finished we'll have only the Council to face."

"Do you think they'll listen to our concerns?"

"Centuries ago if this Crown spoke the Council paid all good attention...But now... It is difficult to predict. Gaining the floor shall be easy enough but will they take our concerns about The Labyrinth seriously enough to change the Game?" Jareth frowned slightly. "It has long been an excellent source of new bloodlines for our Society; it will be difficult for us to change their minds."

"I know." She nodded against his chest, comforted by his warmth for a short time before raising her head. "I'm ready." Sarah snapped her fingers; materializing their comfortable clothes into their matching black Goblin Royal Regalia.

"Your control is improving daily, Sarah." Jareth beamed. "I'm quite proud of you."

"Thank you, my Love, perhaps I may surpass you one day." She teased with a glint in her eyes.

"Of that I have no doubt." He replied in earnest earning a surprised look from Sarah but before she could respond he raised his arms; his cape edges clasped in his hands so that it draped around them and obscured their view. Sarah's head spun; she pulled herself into Jareth's chest tightly again, tucking her face into his neck and breathed slowly to prevent any nausea. She felt his arms encircle her protectively as they traveled through the void towards the Mortal realm of the Aboveground.

Knowing that she was free to travel the realms when she originally thought she would be trapped in the Underground forever was still something else she was learning to accept. Sarah still was unable to travel them alone since she had yet to master the skill but that she was free with Jareth's assistance was enough for now. As he explained to her, since she became Goblin Queen, any and all previous restrictions she may have been under were null and void. The full power of The Labyrinth was hers to command.

Abruptly, the strange trip ended and Jareth opened his arms as she lifted her head from the warm safety of his shoulder. It was certainly a much easier way to travel the void then her experience with The Labyrinth.

"That wasn't so bad and it was fast." She said looking up at him and he gazed at her; his unruly hair floating about his head, thin tendrils brushing her face as he bend his head low to kiss her gently.

"Indeed. You can understand why it's my preferred mode of travel rather than your hazardous cars."

"Well, we can't all poof ourselves everywhere." She teased.

"Must I remind you, Sarah, it's not poofing it's teleportation. Please do try and remember that." He corrected before catching her smirk as she stepped from his embrace and looked around at their location.

"My parents?"

"I thought you might prefer to start here."

"Yes, this is fine." She answered. She wasn't sure how she felt about seeing her father and step-mother other again after everything that happened. She knew the time differences between the Underground and the Aboveground were substantial so that while it had been about a month for her since she'd left, everyone she'd left behind would experience it as approximately six months.

They currently stood in her parent's backyard. Jareth decided that it would be more discreet than appearing in their home but not as difficult to explain as the front yard. The sun had already set and Sarah could smell spring approaching.

" Shall we?" Jareth inclined his head towards her parent's back door; she led the way to the door and knocked. A few minutes later Karen peeked out the window and Sarah watched with amusement as her step-mother's eyes went agog. Although whether it was their unannounced physical presence at their back door or the fact they were still dressed in Goblin Regalia that startled her more Sarah could only guess. The door swung open swiftly with Karen standing in the entryway with a stunned expression.

"Sarah? Jareth? Wh�I..." She stuttered.

"Hello, Karen. I know you have a million questions starting with; where have you been, why are you dressed like that, what happened to you, and dozens more. I promise to answer everything. Can we come in?"

"Oh...Of course...I...Oh my gosh, let me go find Robert." Karen ran off towards the study leaving them standing in the entry. Sarah glanced at Jareth with regret in her eyes.

"Maybe we can just leave the crystal and sneak out before she gets back."

Jareth smooth baritone chuckled. "Now, Sarah, is that any way to treat your parents?"

"Sarah?" Her father's voice drew her attention away from Jareth and she saw her father standing across the room from her with a mixture of disbelief and fragile hope on his face. "It's really you?"

"Yes, Dad, It's really me." She left Jareth's side and walked to her father, slowing pulling him into a hug. Her father responded immediately, wrapping his arms around Sarah and squeezing tight.

"Oh, Princess! We thought we'd never see you again! Where's Lizzie? Is she alright? Last we heard you'd been attacked at Carol's apartment and then the police lost track of you. No one knew anything or at least they weren't talking." Robert exclaimed glancing at Jareth as he spoke, his eyebrows quirking at their strange clothing.

"Lizzie's great...Everything's fine but there's a lot I need to explain to you both. Maybe you should sit down." Sarah said before leading them both towards the living room; her Dad rather reluctantly obeying as he continued to stare at the odd clothing she and Jareth wore. After her parents were comfortably settled and Jareth stood next to Sarah with his arm wrapped supportively around her waist; Sarah decided it was time to rip off the band aid of truth.

"Dad, Karen, I'm the Goblin Queen and Jareth is the Goblin King and everything I ever painted is real. There's another world full of magic that exist next to ours and Lizzie and I live there now." Sarah snapped her fingers and suddenly they both wore normal jeans and white silk, button down shirts which were untucked; however their physical appearances remained Fae. She snapped her fingers again and the Goblin Regalia returned. Jareth wore a slight smirk at her parents' astonished faces.

"...What..." Robert said his voice dazed while Karen emitted a strangled gasp.

"And I have a gift." Stretching out her right arm gracefully, she twisted her wrist and a crystal rolled from her elbow, down her forearm and around her wrist to settle in the palm of her hand. "This crystal will allow either of you to contact us whenever you want; sort of like a telephone except it uses magic. Just hold it in your palm and say, 'I want to speak to Sarah or Jareth.' "As she said the activating phrase the crystal light up with an internal white glow.

The glow reflected on her parents' faces; the light brightening their eyes until the pupils pinpointed. "Sarah, this is...A lot information to take in."

"I know, Dad. There's more." Sarah took a seat across from her father while Jareth chose a seat a bit farther away but still in the same room allowing the family a moment of privacy without removing his supportive presence as Sarah explained everything detailing her history with Jareth and The Labyrinth.

An hour later Robert and Karen could barely process the overload of information. Both snuck occasional peeks at the unearthly Jareth sitting quietly in a chair a short distance away. He lounged on the occasional chair as if it were a throne; his tall form draped languidly over the furniture and his unusual blond hair framing his intense eyes. Robert admitted to himself that this Jareth did look very much like Sarah's old Goblin King Portraits, well, exactly like them. A profound supremacy casually radiated from him.

Sarah's countenance was greatly changed as well. Her hair had most obviously grown more than six months should allow but the intensity and markings around her eyes struck Robert as the greatest change, besides her overall demeanor. The Sarah before him looked and acted like his daughter and yet she was so much more. His brain still processed the slight-of-hand she called magic. Robert wouldn't allow himself to truly believe it was magic, yet, but no other explanation seemed forthcoming.

"Dad? Are you okay?" Sarah asked growing more concerned when he didn't answer, merely stared unblinking at her face. Karen nudged her husband which prompted a blink but no verbal response.

"I believe you've rendered your father speechless, Sarah." Jareth said lightly; Sarah looked at him and saw a small smile stretch his lips.

"He just needs some time to adjust. Right, Karen?" Sarah looked to her step-mother for support.

"Oh, of course...He'll be alright, eventually... I hope." She said softly while continually nudging Robert. "Robert? Honey?"

It took another ten minutes of gentle nudging by the women before Robert finally responded which relieved Sarah. She wanted her father to know the truth and to be able to contact her but she hadn't wanted to make him catatonic. Another hour passed before she felt comfortable enough to leave her parents' home. Sensing that everyone had their limit of insanity for the night Sarah and Jareth quickly made their goodbyes with a promise to keep in touch often. Before leaving, Sarah went through the instructions again for activating the crystals then told them to keep it in a safe, secure location since it was a powerful object that required protection.

By the time they left Robert seemed to be back nearly to his normal self, albeit a bit more wary around both of them but especially Jareth; which amused and delighted the Fae. He parted company with her father with a fanged grin showing his inhumanly sharp teeth and Sarah swore she saw her father restrained a shiver.

"Jareth, I saw that." She rebuked him as the returned to the backyard, goodbye hugs and kisses exchanged.

"Saw what, my Love." He replied innocently.

"I saw you trying to scare my father. Must you?" Her brows rose as she positioned herself facing him. He grinned at her obvious attempt to restrain his behavior.

"Indeed I must, Sarah. I can't have your father doubting my true self."

"Well...Can you at least try not to enjoy it so much?" She asked knowing it was a hopeless case.

"So cruel, my Queen, you would steal all my fun?" Jareth's eye gleamed as he pouted.

Sarah sighed resigned to the man she'd chosen to spend her life, "Just poof us to the next location." He raised his arms with his cape encircling them once again as Sarah wrapped her arms around his torso.

"It's not 'poofing', Sarah, it's teleportation." He corrected her again exasperated and Sarah giggled into his breastplate.

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They arrived at Carol's apartment moments later still dressed in their Regalia. This time, however, they arrived under a spell of invisibility to confirm her solitude before exposing themselves. Once they saw that Carol was indeed without guests they dropped the spell. Carol walked into her living room from the kitchen seconds later dropping the bowl of popcorn she just made with a shriek.

"Aaaaiiiee!" She ducked back into the kitchen, grabbed the nearest, heaviest object she could as a weapon, which happened to be a frying pan and returned to the living room to confront the intruders. "Who the hell are you?" Jareth and Sarah stood still and remained calm, not wanting to startle Carol further.

"It's Sarah and Jareth, Carol." Sarah announced in a smooth, regal tone.

"Sarah?" Carol said her voice disbelieving but her eyes taking in the similar appearances these intruders had to her friends. She lowered the frying pan from its upraised position and carefully walked closer to them. Sarah snapped her fingers changing their clothes from their Regalia to their simple human outfits again.

"Sarah!" Carol said once the strange clothing disappeared and the female looked more like her friend, except for her unusual eyes and stunning dark with strange highlights. "It is you! Jeez, did you have to scare me half to death? And what's with the costumes?"

Jareth chuckled darkly at Carol's response. "Ah, Carol, they're not costumes, they're our formal receiving attire. We apologize for startling you."

"Formal receiving attire?" She repeated dully, the frying pan still held in her hand but hanging limping by her side. Sarah walked up to her friend and cautiously removed the pan from her grip before placing it a safe distance from them.

"For the Goblin King and Queen; it worked, Carol. We all made it back safely." Sarah explained than caught herself, "Well, mostly safe but that's a completely different story. We just wanted you to know that we're safe and that everything you did helped." Carol allowed Sarah to guide her to the couch and Sarah sat next to her while Jareth sat on her opposite side.

"It worked? You made it to the other world?" She asked still unsure she could believe her eyes and ears. Sarah hugged her friend tightly, hoping to assist her while Jareth placed a comforting hand on her back.

"Yes," Jareth answered, "Everything you did for us both, thank you, Carol. I have no words to express how grateful I am for your generosity and willingness to believe in us in the face of such tremendous odds." Sarah nodded as he spoke and slowly Carol's brain caught up with her reality.

"But what took you so long? It's been almost six months since you disappeared; I thought you must have...Died." She choked at bit on the last word.

"There's much we should explain...And we have a gift for you." Sarah twisted her wrist and another crystal materialized, rolled down her forearm to rest in her palm. "You can use this to call for us should you ever need our assistance. It's the least we can do for everything you've done for us." Sarah explained how to activate the crystal and shared the longer explanation of their adventure with Jareth. Their friend was stunned at the revelation of The Labyrinth's betrayal; uncertain what to say in return. In the end, Carol proved her continued friendship by offering them future sanctuary with her should they ever require it.

For her side she explained that once the police questioned her and after their disappearance the investigation seemed to gradually die down. The Detective Scarvy called her several more times asking odd questions but Carol deflected him until he stopped calling. Without more evidence and unable to locate Sarah or Jareth his investigation ground to a halt months ago; they were both relieved to discover all of their friends were living without any repercussions of her assistance to them.

After a pleasant time of relating their time apart, Jareth and Sarah declared it was time for them to leave. After reminding Carol of the seriousness of the power crystal; she placed it in Carol's hands with a firm warning to keep it safe and secure. They hugged tightly for several minutes before finally parting. Jareth and Sarah stepped a distance away and she snapped her fingers to regain their formal Regalia before teleporting from Carol's home. Carol would always remember her friends' matching ethereal smiles as they clung to one another before vanishing suddenly from her living room.

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Their next stop, Susan and Sal's home; they appeared formally attired in their living room also invisible but found only Sal in residence. Jareth released the invisibility spell, revealing them directly in front of Sal as he lounged in front of his television.

"Holy shit!" Sal jumped from his relaxed position instantly into a fighting stance before registering a second later that he knew the bizarre intruders. "Are you two insane? Or are you trying to give me a heart attack?" Jareth cocked his head to one side grinning while Sarah shrugged sheepishly.

"Sorry, it's just rather fun to poof into homes unexpectedly." She said without a note of remorse which earned her a proud smile from Jareth.

"Why, Sarah, I do believe you're becoming more Fae all the time. And it's not poofing, it's teleportation."

"Do you mind?" Sal interrupted. "Is there a reason you nearly scared me to death? And let me tell you, that's not a easy thing to do so this better be good." He threatened, his arms crossed and his stance firm.

"Ah, yes, there was a very good reason for our unexpected visit, Sal." Jareth stepped away from Sarah, strolling towards Sal with twinkle in his eyes. "You have been a very good friend to the Goblin King and Queen, Sal Silvari, as you can see by our appearance your assistance was invaluable to us. We successfully returned to our kingdom; our powers fully restored." Jareth twirled his right arm in front of him and slightly above his head while twisting his wrist; a clear crystal materialized in his palm which he proceeded to roll over the back of his right hand to the back of his left and back again until Sal's eye were following the pattern relentlessly.

"I've brought you a gift." He declared while continuing the crystal's dance over his hands. Sarah watched Jareth mesmerize Sal and would've been annoyed with his antics if they weren't so beautiful. "Do you want it?" He teased the man before stopping the crystal and offering it to Sal in his outstretched hand, crystal perched lightly on his fingertips.

Sal, ever naturally suspicious, glared at the crystal sphere before meeting Jareth's upswept, glittery gaze. "What kind of gift?" At which Jareth laughed aloud and grinned, showing Sal how sharp his teeth really were now that he was no longer in his human guise.

"Ah, Sal, how you entertain me, truly a wise man; I promise you this is a true gift which will bare you no ill will. A gift from a grateful King and Queen should you ever need our assistance." When Sal showed no inclination to take it directly from his hand but increased interest showed in his eyes, Jareth finally tossed the crystal to him making Sal lunge for it suddenly, barely saving it from landing on the floor.

Once in his grasp Sal stared at it with awe. "What's it do?"

Sarah stepped forward at his question, "Should you ever need to contact us just hold it as you are now and say clearly, 'I want to speak to Sarah or Jareth.' The crystal will take care of the rest."

"Just that phrase?" His eyes narrowed.

"And you must believe, Sal Silvari. Without belief there is no magic and even we cannot assist in that. With everything you have seen after knowing us can you still doubt that true magic exists?" Jareth questioned his expression serious.

"No, I guess not. By the way, you both look...intense. Is that how you really look, with the hair and the eyes and all?"

"Indeed." Jareth stated bluntly.

"Wow...it's very...wow."

Sarah laughed this time at Sal's flustered voice and he blushed. "Sal, we're grateful for your assistance as well as your friendship; protect this crystal for it holds great power. And should you ever need us, for any reason, call." She stated regally and Sal's memory flashed back to the kitchen when he first met Sarah in truth.

"Uh...Thank you, your�Majesties..." He said with a wavering note, unsure of how to address them. Jareth laughed again, lightly this time.

"You may call us, Jareth and Sarah. You have earned that privilege, Sal Silvari." Jareth walked the short distance between them and gripped Sal's shoulder, meeting his eyes fiercely. "Until such time that Fate decrees that we meet again, Friend."

Sal nodded once and feeling it unacceptable to grasp Jareth's shoulder in a return manner, Sal instead stuck his hand out; after a pause Jareth released his shoulder and grasped Sal's hand, firmly shaking it. They shared a friendly smile which Sarah watched from a few feet away, approving.

"Until then, Friend." Sal agreed.

"Take care, Sal and tell Susan of our thanks as well. We realize that she is away for a family visit and is not in residence; we are sorry to have missed her. She also may use the crystal as she wishes." Jareth said turning away from Sal to stand next to Sarah.

"I will, thanks." Sal waved to them both as they winked from existence leaving his apartment strangely emptier than it had ever felt before.

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Detective Scarvy walked to his front door, the bag of take- out shoved under his left shoulder while he dug in his pants pocket for his keys. A connoisseur of take-out food, his favorite was Thai but Indian was a close second because Scarvy was the clich�d confirmed bachelor who couldn't boil water. Not that he didn't like women; Scarvy loved women, probably too much, they just didn't love him and they definitely didn't love his career. Being a cop was a career, not a job and on days when he was really honest with himself he'd admit that it was his life; didn't leave room for anything else most days.

His front door swung open and he walked in to his small, dark apartment, locking the door behind him. As he walked towards his kitchenette he passed his living room and a sudden shiver ran over his skin. Someone was in his apartment. He couldn't hear anything or even see anything but the air was different; charged with something that his sixth sense screamed at him. Without pausing or giving any indication that his intentions had changed, Scarvy suddenly dropped the take-out, reached into his coat with his other hand, spun and crouched to face his darkened living room; handgun drawn, safety off and ready to fire.

"Who the fuck�"He yelled but before he could finish his expletive his gun was yanked out his hands by an invisible force and thrown across the room into the dark. Scarvy's hands went wide and open in front of him, ready to either defend or surrender depending upon the intruder's intentions, as his mind caught up with the impossible feat his gun had just performed.

He observed silhouettes emerge from the darkness, their outlines imposing, jagged and very dark; made darker by overlying night. Blinding light abruptly shone in the room illuminating the commanding figures; Scarvy shielded his eyes and turned his head.

"Detective Scarvy?" A smooth, masculine voice with a British accent asked in a cool tone but not unfriendly.

"Y-yes." Scarvy answered and slowly began standing from his crouched position once it appeared he wasn't to be incinerated on the spot.

"Detective William Scarvy?" Another vaguely familiar female voice asked. Scarvy turned his head back towards the light and as his eyes adjusted he could see the features of the man and woman, both dressed in black leather and flowing black capes with high collars. He'd never seen people who with their physical appearances before. Their features were otherworldly with slanted eyes surrounded by something that glittered and their hair was long and defied gravity; but his was pale platinum while hers was a mysterious dark brown.

"Do I know you?" He questioned them, his courage quickly returning. The strangers ignored his question and continued with their own.

"William Scarvy, I believe you made a wish some time ago." The man stated.

"What?" Scarvy started at the odd statement. He made a wish? What was this man talking about?

"I'm usually prompt in responding to wishes; however circumstances beyond my control have delayed me tremendously." The man explained his expression stoic.

"We...you mean we, Jareth." The woman added and sounded almost as if she were teasing. Scarvy watched as the man, called Jareth, turned to the woman standing next to him with a tiny grimace on his face.

"Yes, of course, Sarah, I meant we."

Sarah? Jareth? Those names...Six months ago the mysterious couple that disappeared in front of him...Twice. His wish...As he walked away from the last scene he remembered wishing he knew who they were. Scarvy's knees wobbled and he stumbled backwards a few steps away from the couple.

"Look, my Dear, he's remembering his wish." Jareth observed.

"Y-you're th-them?" Scarvy stammered his mind stuttering to a halt as it tried to absorb this knowledge. "You're Sarah Williams?" He started walking closer trying to get a better look at the woman but Jareth side stepped to block him, his eyes suddenly threatening.

"That's close enough, Detective."

Only a few feet separated Scarvy from Jareth and Scarvy could see the danger in the man's eyes, realizing that he approached Sarah Williams at risk to his life. The man, Jareth, appeared in full health after his mortal injury and Scarvy decided challenging him would not be wise. But he did decide to confront them verbally.

"My wish was to know who you both were." He tested.

"True." Jareth replied his eyes watching Scarvy closely.

"So...Who are you?"

Sarah and Jareth both stood tall and even with each other while looking Scarvy. "We are the Goblin King and Queen and our power is beyond this worlds' ken, William Scarvy." They proclaimed.

"Goblin King and Queen?" He repeated and blinked and blinked again. "I don't understand."

"Your understanding is not required only your belief. Do you believe, William Scarvy?" Jareth asked his voice serious.

"I-I..." Scarvy didn't know how to answer that question. His first instinct was to say no but how could he explain all the odd things six months ago plus what he was seeing and hearing at this very moment. He suspected if he answered incorrectly he would regret it. He chose to answer opposite what he felt he should answer. "Yes, I do."

Jareth smiled and Scarvy swore his teeth looked like fangs. Sarah stepped forward twisting her hand and suddenly a glass sphere rested in her palm. Scarvy saw her hand it to Jareth who walked towards him with the sphere in his hand in offering.

"William Scarvy, we have a gift for you. Since you are an honorable man among the dishonorable we offer you a choice. This crystal contains a powerful spell which will affect your memory depending upon your decision." Jareth clarified before allowing Scarvy to touch it.

"My memory?

"Yes, we will be erasing all the police and hospital records of our presence in this realm and whether or not you remember us and all that occurred will depend upon your choice." He further explained. "If you choose to remember us then you must accept this crystal and keep it on your person for the next twenty-four hours without fail for your memory to remain intact. None of your connections other than you will remember us, so you should never speak of us again."

"I understand." Scarvy said running his hands through his hair.

"However, if you choose to forget with the others all you must do is refuse this gift and you will never see nor hear from us again. Make your choice." Jareth commanded. Standing next and a bit behind him, Sarah arched one eyebrow expressing curiosity at what would be his decision, but remained silent.

Scarvy considered the option being offered and realized his choice was simple. Even though he would never be able to speak to anyone of the amazing, astounding exploits he'd witnessed, he knew he didn't wish to forget them; not now, not ever. Without hesitation he stepped forward accepting the crystal from Jareth's hand.

"I want to remember." He stated clearly, his voice clear. Jareth and Sarah smiled creating an intense look between them.

"Excellent, William Scarvy, remember, on you at all times for the next twenty-four hours else you shall became one of the forgotten memories." Jareth advise again dropping his arm and stepped back to Sarah's side.

"Perhaps Fate shall bring us together again, William Scarvy." Jareth stated with a grin. "Would you like that, Sarah?" He looked to his companion who gazed at Scarvy as if she were reading his mind.

"It would be acceptable." She answered with a small smile before returning Jareth's gaze.

"Take care, William Scarvy." And with a sharp raise of his arm Jareth draped his cape around them, obscuring them from his view and the darkness returned to his living room along with the sudden loneness. He could no longer sense anyone in his home and he knew they had departed, somehow. He admired the perfect crystal orb in his palm; its weight cool and smooth in his palm before placing it in his coat pocket. It looked like he'd be wearing his coat for the next day whether he needed it or not.

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Using Jareth's invisibility spell in addition to a silence spell, they materialized within the next location causing Sarah to cling to Jareth. Her grip tightened upon his arm until he feared his hand might go numb from lack of circulation. Her entire body tensed as she adjusted to the environment; the traumatic memories replaying in her mind.

"Sarah, if this is too difficult I can do this alone." Jareth offered and for a moment she considered accepting.

"Thank you, Jareth, but I have to do this." She looked around the hallways of the Bellevue psychiatric ward and shivered. He placed a comforting hand over hers.

"Well, then let us take care of the records first." He conjured another crystal and quickly smashed it on the floor at their feet; a cloud of silver glitter exploded before rapidly swirling towards the secure records room and computer system. Once the glitter reached its goal all records of Sarah Williams' previous hospitalization and even her existence would be erased from Bellevue hospital. They would make another stop later at the police department to repeat the process with another record destroying crystal.

Sarah watched the glitter disappear around a corner before conjuring another crystal and gazing into for directions. After a few seconds she spoke and indicated a specific hallway, "This way." Jareth followed her closely as they obeyed the crystal's locating directions. It brought them to a locked door with a small window; Sarah peeked through the glass to confirm the crystal's accurate homing spell. Inside the small, padded room huddled a pathetic, wasted figure in a far corner.

"It's him." Sarah verified pleased that her voice held steady.

"Sarah?" Jareth prompted waiting until she met his gaze, "Are you ready?"

"Let's get this over with." She said in a hurry before grabbing his hand and snapping her fingers to teleport them the short distance into the locked room. Jareth continued the invisibility spell after they appeared inside the padded room just feet away from a very insane, very wretched Eric Morton. He appeared as if he hadn't properly bathed in weeks; his blond hair hung in greasy strings over his face and his hospital gown gaped untied from the back. He was awake but not lucid, rocking to and fro on the balls of his bare feet in the corner and mumbling incoherently.

"Oh, Eric..." Sarah said her voice full of sympathy and heavy with regret. "I'm so sorry." She instinctively stepped towards her ex-husband...well, ex-husband in her mind since there would be no official divorce now.

"Sarah, please don't touch him. I'll take care of it; he isn't safe, especially for you." Jareth strongly requested of her and she caught herself as she reached out towards him without thinking of her safety.

"Yes, of course." She pulled back her hand allowing Jareth room to work. Jareth twisted his wrist withdrawing the most powerful and complex spell which Sarah requested of him; the spell he spent days researching and hours conjuring. As he drew closer to the very dangerous Eric Morton he knelt next to him warily, prepared to shield himself should Eric attempt any new physical threats. He watched as Eric, the insane man who had fatally stabbed him, continued to rock; either their invisibility spell held or Eric was incoherent to their presence.

Jareth outstretched his hand clenching the crystal and cautiously placed it against Eric's forehead. A moment passed before it lit up with a bright, white light and Eric moaned loudly much like a wounded animal and began banging his head against the wall. Jareth followed his movement so he could keep the crystal in constant contact with his forehead. The healing spell finished approximately ten minutes later; Jareth's arm growing tired and Sarah watching in horrified fascination as the crystal's glow gradually diminished until it returned to normal. Eric collapsed to the floor and Jareth removed the crystal from his skin.

Jareth withdrew from the man's side and returned to Sarah while dropping the invisibility and silence spell for Eric's viewpoint only. They both waited anxiously for the crystal's final results, hoping the ancient spell worked. Eventually, Eric regained consciousness, rolled towards them and opened his eyes to see an oddly appearing Sarah watching him nervously.

"Sarah?" Eric asked unsure of his wife's appearance or his own state of mind, his voice rusty with disuse.

"Yes, Eric, it's me." She crouched down to eye level with him as he sat up; his head held in one hand, hair hanging through his fingers. Jareth stood closely over Sarah should Eric threaten her in any manner, his body on edge which he hid well under his regal demeanor.

"Where am I?" Eric craned his head about trying to recognize the room before settling his vision back on her and noticing her unusual clothing. "What happened? Everything is so jumbled; I can't seem to focus one thing." Then he saw Jareth hovering over them and some horrific memory surfaced in Eric's eyes. "Didn't something happen to you?" His voice was guarded.

"Indeed, there was 'something'." Jareth confirmed tersely but did not elaborate.

"Eric, listen to me." Sarah moved closer without touching him. "Many things have happened the last several months; many terrible things. We've both done things to each other. I want you to know that I'm sorry for want I've done to you and that I forgive you for what you've done to me."

"Sarah..." Eric started but his emotions caught in his throat as some of his memories filtered back.

"Jareth was able to conjure a very old spell to cure your insanity. I'm so sorry that I retaliated by destroying your mind but fortunately we can undo some of that damage." Eric remained speechless as he sat on the padded floor, watching Sarah's face express her sincere regrets. He was uncertain how to feel with so many emotions flooding his suddenly coherent mind and he chose to remain quiet.

"Eric, I know this is a lot to absorb but I want to know that everything I ever painted was real. Jareth really is The Goblin King and I'm now The Goblin Queen. I know now that I really saw these things; this other world really existed. I'm not crazy, Eric. I never was!" She observed as his eyes widened and his breathing sped up at her declaration but still he remained silent.

"I'm sorry I couldn't be the kind of wife you deserved but I want you to know I never meant to hurt you and when I married you I really did love you as best as I was able. I'm just so sorry it wasn't enough." Tears misted her eyes at this last confession and Sarah waited in silence for Eric's response. Still he made no sound but stared at her; the muddled memories of the last six months mixing with the previous six months of coherent memories of them fighting over the divorce.

Finally, he spoke in a hushed voice, "You did this to me? You made me crazy?" Sarah nodded but didn't speak. Eric looked at Jareth, "I tried to kill you, didn't I? When I was crazy?" Jareth nodded as well as he stood next to a crouched Sarah. "I really don't know what to say. You're saying there's a magical world, that you have powers, and ...Well...What am I supposed to do with my life now?" He spat, his voice accusing.

"That is what these are for," Jareth stated calmly and pulled two more crystals from the Ether, one clear and one blue. "Sarah?" He handed them both to her. She took both in her hands and offered them to Eric.

"One of these crystals is your future, Eric."

"My future? What the hell are you two talking about? Where the hell do you get those?" His eyes widened then narrowed.

"I'm giving you a choice this time, Eric. The choice you never really had before. If you don't want to remember anything of this place, of what I've done to you, what you've done to me, or if you don't even want to remember me or Lizzie then choose the red crystal. However, if you want to remember everything, including Lizzie and me, then you choose the clear crystal. Once you've made your choice hold the crystal in your palms and say, 'I, Eric Morton wait to�remember or forget.' to whichever crystal you choose." She handed both inactive crystals to Eric who seemed to hold them somewhat reluctantly.

Jareth added to Sarah's explanation, "We've already erased your medical records and your police records will be next, so it will be as if none of these things ever occurred; whichever crystal who choose. And we will transport you to your home momentarily which will be prepared as if you never left."

Eric looked stunned, wearing an ill-fitting hospital gown holding two power crystals awkwardly against his chest. "What about my parents? What about Lizzie? Do I ever see her again?"

"Whichever crystal you choose your parents will share the same fate; they will either remember or forget everything." Sarah explained. "As for Lizzie, if you chose to remember I will know and I will be in contact with you about working out a visitation schedule. Keep in mind that she is living with me right now in the other realm and without my contact you have no other way of reaching her. I'm prepared to be generous with you but Lizzie wants to live in this other world, Eric, and if you try to interfere with this know that I can arrange it so that you never see your daughter again." Sarah stated in a blunt voice and Eric felt a thrill of anger as his very changed wife glared at him from her inhuman eyes. Somehow he knew she thought she really was being generous but as his memory became less muddled he didn't feel so much the gifts of her generosity.

However, Eric Morton wasn't a completely stupid man and he wanted his life returned and he wasn't about to allow anyone, even his 'former' wife now 'Goblin Queen' intimidate him into giving up his daughter. With a firm set to his face and no hesitation he grasped the clear crystal and announced lucidly while keeping his eyes locked with Sarah's.

"I, Eric Morton, want to remember!"

Sarah sighed with resignation, some part of her had hoped he might want to forget; it would make things easier but Eric never liked easy options. Her ex-husband was as stubborn as her in his own way. Her mouth formed a thin line and she stood away from him.

"As you wish, Eric Morton." She and Jareth looked at each other and without another physical sign all three vanished from the tiny room as if they never existed; a spray of glitter powdering the floor before slowly dissipating into the Ether.

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They returned directly to their Castle beyond the Goblin City after delivering Eric to his home, then visiting the police department to erase all records pertaining to any of them. They were grateful to be finished with this last arduous chore. Sarah especially wanted nothing more to do with the Aboveground for awhile as she adjusted to her new role and dealt with her recent traumas. It was quite late once they arrived home. Sarah quickly dropped their formal attire for more comfortable clothing as they checked on Lizzie, who was snoring softly in her bed.

Jareth and Sarah each kissed her brow good night, secure in the knowledge that the Princess was safe for the present before they retired to their own quarters; which used to be Jareth's. They strolled casually to their rooms instead of teleporting, the better to enjoy each others' company and unwind from the stressful business. Jareth wrapped his arm around her shoulders pulling her close to his side and Sarah rested her head against his chest as they walked through the ancient stone hallway; power crystals illuminating the way.

"I'm pleased this is finished, Sarah. You conducted yourself well, just as a Queen should."

She smiled at his compliment and upturned her face into his chest to kiss his neck, "Mmmm...Your presence at my side was invaluable. I'm not sure I could've faced Eric without you."

"I will always be by your side, Precious." Jareth proclaimed squeezing her tight and kissing the crown of her head. "Even as the world falls down."

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A/N: This is a long epilogue but necessary to tie up loose ends. Just want to thank everybody who has taken time to review - May Lafay, Queen Ruby, lilyyasha, Lily Wolfsbane, Uchiha Mizuki, and Moria Hawthorne. I love hearing from everyone and I'm glad it's been an enjoyable read! It was a blast to write! Would love to hear from anyone else!
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