Hurts Like Hell

By: Nikki Kelly

Disclaimer: I do not own the Labyrinth. I did however dress up as the Goblin King for Halloween when I took my niece out trick or treating. Was epic!

Author's Notes: … O.O….

I'm sorry, I'm just amazed that I have finally finished this story. I originally started the first draft of this in 2004, so this is a very bittersweet moment for me. Writing this story has made me realize that my true writing happiness was, is, and will always be writing fantasy. I grew up loving it and I wanna write more stories that my kids can grow up loving.

~Nin~

futrCSI1490~ Thank you so much! I will definitely keep you posted on the Jack Sparrow fic… But it's gonna have to follow the insane role reversal (Goblin Queen Sarah VS teenage Jareth) story I am obsessed with writing right now! For some reason I feel the need to write a really cocky teenage Jareth.

sandy162 ~I have been trying to go darker and darker with Jaron and you'll soon see why. Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments.

Selena.t~ Thank you so much! I like having them confused on mortal slang… I have to watch what I write so I don't write Jareth talking it slang casually lol!

GemmaLisax- *blushes* Thank you! I've been reading since 2004 and I never thought someone would consider my story so highly! Wow!

Moira hawthorne~ Thank you so much for following my story! Your reviews excited me every night at work and made my job a little more bearable!

Chapter 15: Crazy Like a Fox

It was nearly a month into the rescue plane when Queen Mab announced that in two night's time, on All Hallow's, she would be holding a ball. She was to celebrate the seven year geis on the Goblin Prince coming to an end and her gaining his will in one gloriously dark celebration. Paranoid and becoming more so with each passing hour, Mab had begun to keep a closer eye on her new huntsmen. She didn't think they would be stupid enough to be there to rescue the prince, but she knew that they were not just there to serve her. Because of her suspicions, she made sure that there eyes upon them as often as possible.

Mab smirked as she fixed her hair in her vanity mirror. No one would be stupid enough to answer the plea for kidnappers that she had heard come from Merial. It seems Princess Jora and Princess Rowan looked to hire kidnappers to rescue their kin.. Mab chuckled at the very thought of that particular pair hiring kidnappers. They wouldn't know what do with the ruffians that would respond. Perhaps she should send a pair of mercenaries just to taunt them. The Dark Queen sipped her wine and watched Jaron dress across her room. He dressed, carefully, trying not to rub the raw and oozing wounds from their latest play-date. She could think of no better pleasure than using his broken body for her own amusement. She would have his will soon enough and then he was her toy forever. He stared into nothingness, putting on his clothes, mechanically. After he finished, he came to stand behind her, his face vacant. She gave him a smirk.

"When will you learn how easy things can be, slave?" She asked. "Just give me your will and life shall be better for you. Say my words… Bring this geis to an end."

His mismatched eyes met hers in the mirror and something dark flickered across them, nearly making the Queen flinch. He gave her a grim smirk and hissed. "Never."

His fingers tangled into the hair at the back of her head and he heaved forward with all of his strength, smashing her face into the glass. Spider web cracks fanned out across the mirror as Jaron pulled back her head for another hit. After several turns of smashing her face into the glass, he jerked her backwards and out of her chair. Grasping the edge of her vanity, he tipped it over, trapping her bloodied form beneath it. For a moment, he stood wide-eyed at what he had done before he raced to the door and out from the room. Her shrill screams echoed through the palace as he ran.

Bursting through the clumsy orc guards outside her door, Jaron gave one that had been particularly nasty to him earlier that same day, a swift kick in the rear. The creature sailed down the hall and into a table, breaking it. Jaron turned to the other and grabbed the end of the spear it was prodding him with and swung the beast against the wall as hard as he could. Heading down the hall, Jaron turned back, quickly, to kick the first orc again with a sharp laugh. Speeding away and around a corner, he slid into a wall in his haste, leaving the crunch of glass in his wake. Getting to his feet, quickly, he nearly ran into the spear of an Elfish guard that rushed him. Jaron sidestepped and punched the elf in the face, laying him flat out on the floor. Giving out a yelp of victory, Jaron took off running again.

The Goblin Prince ran down the halls of Raghnall, like the wind, and felt closer to freedom he had in seven long years. His feet gave him wings until he reached the wing that he felt drawn to. It was the servants quarters. He ran to the first door in the hall and slammed his shoulder into it, splintering it from the hinges. Jaron landed on the floor, hard, and looked up at the room's occupants. Roland and Morven rose from the chairs where they were playing a game of cards. Alyx stood near the door he had broken through, staring at him shock. Jaron's eyes went from them to focus only on her. His mismatched eyes sparkled as he gave them all a wide smile.

"I knew it." He whispered as he staggered to his feet. "I had to see."

Reacting quickly, Alyx took a nearby vase from a table and broke it over his head. Jaron eyes rolled into the back of his head and he crumpled to his knees. She dragged him to the hall and leaned down to his ear.

She breathed. "We're here, Jaron. Give us time. Be still!" She posed over him and drew her blade. Turning, she yelled. "Guards! Guards!"

Jaron smiled up at her through the blood running down his face. "I'll do it on All Hallow's. Be there. Be there!"

Her eyes flickered back to him and all fear drained when she saw the determined look in his eyes. She gave a short nod. "I will."

It was then that Harkin and his league of orc guards stormed down the hall. Harkin sheathed his sword as they approached, his face grim. "You have captured him again, Genki."

"He tried to steal my bag of potions and escape out my window. You are lucky that I caught him this time, Lord Harkin." Alyx spat out. "I did not expect to wake to a slave trying to kill me in my sleep."

Mab came down the hall at a brisk stride, a cat o' nine tails in one bloodied hand. With her free hand, she wiped at the bloody mess that was her face. Jaron's love taps had certainly done a number on her. She knelt at Jaron's side and grabbed his face, digging her nails in until she drew blood.

"You will hurt for this." She snarled. "Do you hear me? I will make you scream!"

He gave her a loopy smile, his eyes distant. "Of course…"

Mab thrust him towards Harkin with a sound of disgust. "Put him in the Maiden until I arrive… And ready my iron whips."

"Aye, my Queen."

Harkin dragged the prince away and Mab turned back to Alyx with a bitter smile. "You are proving more and more useful everyday, elf. Mayhap, I should employ you to take care of him."

Alyx bowed. "'Tis only luck and Lady Fortune, Yer Grace."

Mab narrowed her eyes. "Mayhap more than that, Genki. What was the slave here for?"

"He was after my potions, Yer Grace." Alyx lied. "Caught the fool red-handed!"

"Indeed…" Mab gave her a stern look. "I do not know what you and your friends are doing here, but I warn you now...Donotcrossme."

"Never, Yer Grace." Alyx bowed her head. "We are only here to serve your Court as you see fit."

"Then you will serve me well by being in attendance at my All Hallow's Ball. The night will serve not only to punish him, but to also to remind those who forget the strength of the Queen of Air and Darkness." Mab gave Alyx a cruel smile. "Attend, my huntsman, and perhaps you shall have the privilege of dealing out lashes to the prisoner."

Mab waited for the Genki's reaction and was surprised at the response. Alyx never faltered. She only nodded and said. "I would thrash him all night as to teach the fool the error of stealing from me."
Mab cackled as she turned to stride away. "I hold out hope for you yet, elf!"
After she left, Alyx rushed back into the room, fixing the smashed door with a flick of her wrist and a quickly muttered spell. "What are we going to do? She could kill him! What the fuck was he thinking?"

Roland rubbed his jaw. "Jaron donna do anythin' without a plan."

"He's half mad! Didn't you hear him?" Alyx gestured towards the door.

"Aye." Morven grinned. "That lad's mad enough to do something crazy. Give Alyx the medallion. She is small and quick… She can get close enough to him if Mab calls her up for the lashes. We need to do it on All Hallows or never, mates."

Sarah was in no way excited for this particular All Hallow's celebration. She had heard of Jaron's near escape and knew that Mab would use the festivities as a way to hurt him and make him say her words to bring end to the geis. Ashe rubbed against her thigh, encouragingly, and she gave him a tender smile. The gryphon had been worried for her the whole time they had spent under this Court's hospitality and had never left her side.

"It'll be all right… Right Ashe?"

He chirped, confidently and flared his great wings. She sat down on her bed and cupped her face in her hands. She really hoped those pirates had some sort of idea of what to do, because she was at a loss. Mab had basically shoved her off on Morgan and Vesper, so Sarah had few chances to be near the Dark Queen. She sighed, miserably, and wished this whole ordeal was over so that she could be back at the Goblin City with Jareth. She only wanted things to be right again.

Sarah had also been surprised that the flock of harpies had taken a sudden liking to her. Anywhere she went in the castle, there was always at least one of the bird-women approaching her for a few words. Even Celaeno had taken to haunting Sarah's halls at night and running off some of the louder and crueler of the Unseelie small folk. At first, Sarah had been mystified by the Harpy Queen's change of attitude, but a gut feeling told her the Flock meant her no harm, so she accepted their shadowing of her movements.

A gentle knock sounded on her door and tore her from her thoughts. As she rose to answer, Ashe followed close on her heels, ready to pounce on anything that looked lethal to his Queen. Sarah cracked her door and was surprised to find Celaeno and two other beautiful harpies waiting outside her door. The harpy to her right was as white as Celaeno was black, while the one on her left boasted feathers as golden as the sun. Each held a box in their taloned hands. Celaeno gave her a bow and the pair followed suit.

"A word and a gift, Your Grace?" Celaeno asked the floor.

"Of course… Come in." Sarah stepped aside to let them in. "And, please, call me Sarah."

The golden harpy, who was obviously the youngest, tittered, her voice like that of a nightingale. "The only Sindhe I've ever called by first name was Prince Jaron."

"Silence Aello." Celaeno chastised.

"No, please… You all have my permission to use my name." Sarah interjected. "I'm not as formal as most Fae."

Celaeno nodded. "May I introduce my sisters? Our youngest sister, the golden Aello Stormswift, my middle sister, the white Ocypete Swiftwing, and you know me as Celaeno the Black. We come bearing gifts from the Goblin King and the Harpy Flock."

Sarah raised one eyebrow and took the box from Celaeno. "I did not think you liked him very much."

Celaeno gave her smile. "I did not… Until he has agreed to take my Flock under his powerful wings. The Harpy Flock is at the service of the Goblin Court and all of it's nobility, my Queen."

Sarah gave the harpies a smile and opened the box to reveal something made of pure white feathers. She looked up to them in wonder.

"It is made of my feathers, Sarah." Ocypete supplied. "Worthy for our Lord's Lady."

"The crown is a replica of the skull our great mother, Podarge Fleetfoot." Aello smiled happily and held her box out to Sarah. "Shall we help you dress for the ball, Sarah?"

"The Flock and King Jareth wished for you to wear these trinkets as a sign of our allegiance." Celaeno explained.

"You've united yourselves with the Goblin Horde? Why?" Sarah asked, confused.

"We wish to be on the winning side when the battle begins and the Sindhe Family has never mistreated a harpy." Celaeno explained. "We shall be your watchers this eve, Sarah. No harm will befall the Goblin Queen this night."

"Thank you, Celaeno… To you and the flock."

"Though King Jareth is not a guest in this castle tonight, rest assure that he is in Ahearn." Ocypete added. "He is but only a wish away."

Later that evening, Alyx entered the ballroom, her heart heavy in her chest. The slippers reflected her mood, dressing her in dark colors. Jaron could die in this very room tonight and it would be because she had captured him. Twice. The more she was in his life, the more she caused him harm. Trog rode into the room on her shoulder, then flitted to hide amongst Roland's clothing. The room was full of Mab's courtiers and all were howling for the blood of the disobedient slave and the end of the geis. Alyx squeezed the medallion clasped in her hand and waited.

Vesper stood near the throne and watched the huntsman she knew as Xabat enter only to stand near a wall. She narrowed her eyes. There was something familiar in his walk and actions. Her attention was diverted when the doors to the room opened and Mab strode in, her dress made of thousands of blood red crystals enchanted into a form fitting evening gown. Her hair was twisted up in curls with a bejeweled dagger comb. Harkin was at her side, a smirk upon his scarred face. She crossed to her throne and sat before her cheering court. Her smile turned to a sneer when she caught sight of the Goblin Queen approaching her throne at the dais.

The entire Unseelie Court was drawn to her like moths to a flame. Queen Sarah wore the purest of white feathers and they danced across the black crystal floor. Her form fitting dress was long and plunged low at her neckline to reveal the swell of her breasts and the royal medallion that rested there. The feathered sleeves of her dress blended into a wing-like cloak down her back. The crowning achievement to her costume was the rather complicated crown that mirrored the skull of a bird. Mab sneered when she recognized the Harpy Crown and realized where the allegiance of the Harpy Flock lay. She gave a slight snort. It mattered not to her where those wretched bird-women thought they belonged. They were hers like all others in this room.

Sarah and the griffin paused before Mab at the dais. Sarah raised her chin. "I beseech you one more time, Queen Mab. Please…Release the Goblin Prince. Let him go."

Mab gave a haughty laugh and dismissed Sarah with the wave of one hand. "Take your seat, Goblin Queen." Mab gave a haughty laugh and dismissed Sarah with the wave of one hand. "You shall bear witness to this night and pass it on to the rest of your Court… Bring him in." Mab ordered, grandly. "Bring me the slave."

Two trolls in armor dragged Jaron into the throne room in chains to the roar of approval from the onlookers. Jaron was grinning, madly, a determined look upon his face. Mab rose from her throne as they positioned Jaron in the center of the room before her.

"My creatures of despair and darkness…" She spoke, loudly. "Tonight we not only celebrate All Hallow's, but also the end of the special seven year geis that I cast upon the former Goblin Prince. Before the clock strikes thirteen o'clock, he shall give his will to me!"

The room roared with approval as her mad smile widened.

"The slave has offended my court and me by his disobedience as of the last few weeks. He must learn he is property of the Dark Court! I sentence him to public torture until he gives me his will! I shall show him what forever means!"

Alyx's eyes went to Morven, and her hand to the hilt of her sword. Morven held out a hand to stall her actions. He shook his head, violently. Alyx froze and watched as Mab poised over Jaron's kneeling form and grabbed a handful of his dark hair. She bent his head back, so that he stared up at her.

"Give your will to me now and save yourself some pain, slave." She hissed.

"Never!" Jaron snarled and she backhanded him, her numerous rings tearing into his cheek. The crowd cackled and hooted at his pain as he turned his face back to hers.

"Give it to me!" Mab ordered, her voice shrill.

"No." Jaron looked back up at her and grinned through his split lip and blood coursing down his chin.

She roared in rage at his insolence and drew the dagger from her hair. Her sharp fingers gripped his chin in an iron grip as she brought the blade to his flesh. Pressing the blade against his skin, she cut a long, deep wound down his cheek. She then moved to his chest, where she began to carve. Jaron grimaced as she dug the knife in, but kept his mouth shut. Bringing the blade to her mouth, she licked off his blood with a grin. Jaron stared back at her in defiance and she snarled. Taking a red-hot poker from one of her orcs, she held the tip before his face. She then pulled back with her arm and swung it into his side, burning the flesh and cracking bones at the same time. He slumped to one side, moaning in pain.

"Give me your will!" She ordered again, as they handed her another, hotter poker to replace the first. "Give it to me!"

Her last blow had knocked the wind out of him, but he managed enough air for his raspy retort. "That… all you … got?"

She screamed in outrage and pointed towards the clock. "Your hour grows nigh! Say the words and I shall make eternity easier for you."

Jaron's grin grew madder and then he felt the magic of the geis begin to pull at him. It felt as if bands wrapped around his chest, choking him and forcing the words to spill past his lips. He gasped in pain as the magic tore through him and nodded hard. "Yes! I'll give up my will!"

Mab stopped and looked down at him with a smile. "Yes? The magic burns doesn't it? Say the words…"

Jaron gasped for breath as he fought against the geis-magic and raised a shaking arm to point across the ballroom. Taking a straining breath, he called out. "I give my will to her."

The room grew dangerously silent as the geis-magic flared between Jaron and Alyx. It hit her like a blow to the chest and she felt the old magic between her and Jaron licking higher, like flames in a hearth. The smell of sweet jasmine rose in the air as one of her hands flew over her heart. Within seconds, Jaron felt as if bands had been released from around his chest and he took a deep and even breath. All eyes in the room turned to stare at Alyx, who watched wide eyed. She dropped her arm, quickly, and swallowed hard. Slowly her hand, slipped to the hilt of her sword.

This was definitely not part of the plan.

Mab stared across the hall at her and then back at Jaron in disbelief. She had felt the geis break upon his saying of the words, but his will was still not hers.

"What did you say?" Mab snarled in the hush of the room.

"You heard me." Jaron smirked, madly. "I told you that I'd never give in to you, Mab. Never."

Mab cast him to the floor with the broad strike of one hand and glared at Alyx. Magic flowed from the young woman in waves and Mab could sense it.

"What is the meaning of this, elf?" Mab roared. "He can not give his will to you! You are no one!"

Alyx held out one hand in defense. "I can assure you that I know nothing ab-"

In the momentary disruption, Jaron rose, drawing Harkin's twin pair of scimitars from his scabbards. He head-butted the Fae in the face and was satisfied with the sound of crunching bones. He ran one sword through Harkin's thigh, pinning the screaming Fae to the throne behind him. Whirling around with the other blade, he killed the nearby orc guards with one neat slice. A stunned Mab backed away from the fight, her eyes wide at the Goblin Prince killing her guards so quickly.

Raising his bloody sword, Jaron cried out. "To arms! To arms my mighty Red-Caps, my mischievous Hobgoblins, my digging Trows, my swift-footed Pookas! To arms for the Horde and your Goblin Prince!"

It was if the room exploded. All forms of the Goblin Horde who remained loyal to the Goblin Crown attacked those who had attacked their Prince. Tall and mighty Red-Caps surged into action as their nearly dried hats screamed for fresh blood and they charged the Unseelie Guard with full force. Trows and Hobgoblins united to attack the unsuspecting courtiers and the Pookas began to race around the ballroom like a black whirlwind.

Morven groaned from his position next to Roland. "Well, I'm guessin' now is as good as time as any! Yer Prince sure knows how to start a fight!

"Always did." Roland replied, grimly, as he drew his twin blades.

"We'll take and give no quarter then!" Morven cried and nudged the still bewildered Alyx. "Aneurin! Get to the Goblin Prince!"

He drew his sword and rushed into the fight with the orc guards, Roland close behind him. Mab screamed for her Sluagh as Alyx drew her sword. Grasping Jaron's medallion in her hand, she sliced her way through orc guards and armed Fae to get to him. The sound of a thousands evils taking flight roared through her hears as the Sluagh responded, made Alyx draw in her breath, sharply. An orc used this as a distraction and blindsided her with a heavy shield, throwing her to the floor. Upon her landing, the amulet clattered from her fingers and slid a few feet away. She gasped and scrambled for the necklace. Clawed fingers grabbed her boot, jerking her backwards and she gave the ugly creature a hearty kick in the face. It howled in anger and sunk it's razor-sharp claws into her ankle. She screamed in pain and lunged for the amulet, just managing to wrap her fingers in the leather strap. The orc drew her back into his reach, raising one clawed hand above it's snarling head. Then, like lightning, a spear pieced through the orc's skull, and it toppled to the ground dead. Alyx look up and was surprised to see the Harpy Flock above her, waging war with the Unseelie. Scrambling to her feet and retrieving her sword, she ran him through and turned to see Sarah in a similar predicament.

When Sarah had seen the amulet fly from Alyx's fingers, she had scrambled down from the dais and into the fighting mob to retrieve it. It was only when she was within feet of the necklace when she felt a strong hand grab the back of her dress. She spun and gasped when she saw the rather nasty looking Fae guard who had the grip on her. Sneering, he grabbed her wrist in an effort to restrain her. She cried out in pain as he twisted her arm. He grinned at her pain and it was the last thing he ever did. In an explosion of golden feathers and razor claws, Ashe attacked, easily dispatching of the guard.

"Your Grace!" Celaeno cried out and Sarah turned just in time to catch the extra sword the harpy tossed to her.

Within moments, the pair were battling the Sluagh with Ashe's assistance. Relieved that her friend was okay, Alyx returned to her mission of reaching Jaron's fighting form. Slicing her way through her foes and dodging the great broadaxes of the warring Red-Caps, she finally reached the Goblin Prince, who was fighting off his own share of the Sluagh without mercy. As she neared him, he spun around to face her, sensing her presence. Their eyes locked and none of the chaos around them seemed to matter. Her shaking fingers rose with the medallion and placed it around his neck.

In that instant, the world became slow motion around them and again she could smell jasmine. Jaron reached down with his long fingers and pulled the muffler away to reveal her beautiful face. His fingers cupped her cheek and he smiled a knowing grin. He then leaned down to lock his lips to hers. Alyx lost her breath in his kiss as he delved deep into her mouth. Her arms went around him, relishing in the first touch from him in seven long years as one of his strong arms supported her.

His distant and familiar voice whispered in her ear. "A kiss is the best cure for any bad magic, love."

Then the world came crashing down around them. Magic surged through the room with enough power to make everyone stumble and the energy threw many to the floor. Jaron's magic returned in full force, and he turned on a stunned Mab, who had fallen over her throne. He swung the sword in his hands as he retrieved another matching blade from the body of a guard at his feet, but Mab only had eyes on the Girl Who Wished Herself Away standing behind him. That was, until the tip of Jaron's blade was under her chin and he forced her eyes back upon him. In an instant all of the Sluagh, and the Unseelie fell silent around them, all eyes upon their captured Queen.

"This is impossible!" Mab hissed, spittle flying upon the blade at her throat.

"You underestimate the power of the wild magic, Mab." Jaron's voice was as dark as his eyes, like midnight mercury. "Your geis is broken and your spells incomplete. The Harpy Flock has abandoned you and the Goblin Horde has been called home to their sovereigns."

"I underestimate nothing!"

"You have underestimated me!" Jaron snarled. "You have underestimated me and my people. Seven long years did not break me and nor would seven hundred more… Iamnotyourstokeep!"

Jaron's yells echoed in the crowded ballroom, and even Alyx felt need to cower from his voice. Slowly, he lowered his sword, his stern glare still fixated on the Dark Queen, his chest heaving with heavy breaths. Alyx reached out for him, hopi9ng to calm her prince when someone grabbed her arm and jerked her backwards. She struggled against her assailant until she felt a crooked dagger against her neck..

Ramsden hissed in her ear. "Move and I'll give you a Highland Smile…"

"The Girl Who Wished Herself Away!" Mab screamed when she saw them. "Kill her! Kill that meddling cunt!"

Jaron turned to face Alyx and her assailant. He frowned and raised his blade. "Let her go, Ramsden."

"You are no one to order me, Halfling!" Ramsden dug the point of the knife into Alyx's white throat, drawing a thin line of blood. "My queen ordered her blood to be spilled!"

Alyx struggled against him and snarled. "Let me the fuck go!"

Ramsden smirked and his breath was hot in her ear. "Such a dirty mouth you've gained, mortal… What other things did you learn to do with it?"

Alyx screamed in rage and crushed his foot with the heel of her boot. She elbowed his ribs as hard as she could and broke from his grasp. She fell towards the Goblin Prince and he thrust his blades forward and around her middle. Jaron's blades nicked her sides as he buried them into Ramsden's midsection. Jaron released the swords as the other Fae man crumpled to the floor, screaming. Alyx then fell into Jaron's arms and he supported her.

Mab screamed as she scrambled to her feet. "No! No!"

Jaron drew the injured girl behind him, protectively. "It's over, Mab. You've lost."

Mab glared at him. "You will be mine, Jaron Armande Sindhe. Mark my words. You will be mine!"

Jaron shook his head and smiled. "Never."

He twisted his wrist and produced a crystal. Raising it above his head, he smashed it to the floor, transporting himself, Alyx, and his other many rescuers and saviors away from Ahearn. Mab screeched in infinite fury, her voice echoing over the barren Red Snow Northlands. Vesper stared in amazement at the spot where her daughter had once stood, her hand clutching the locket at her chest. Her daughter was alive. Alive and here in the Underground. Morgan cackled, merrily, at the entire escapade. She clapped, loudly, as Willow rushed to Ramsden's side to help the injured Fae.

"That was quite the show!" Morgan smirked to Mab. "You are right, my Queen. He did liven up the place."

She left the room, still laughing, as Vesper turned to follow her, quickly, so she would not be the one to face Mab's wrath.

The rescue group, suddenly, found themselves on the beaches of Merial. Morven moved to run his sword through an orc and the next thing he knew, he was on the beach, sea spray in his face. He looked to his right and Jaron was standing in the surf, staring out at the dark sea, wearily. Alyx stood just behind him, holding her injured sides. She began backing away, slowly. Morven could see the sadness in her eyes as she dipped her head low to avoid looking at the Goblin Prince while she disappeared into the dark. Jaron collapsed into the water on his knees as Roland and Sarah rushed to his side, holding him up from the surf. His last spell had taken much from him.

"Cousin!" Roland cried out.

Alyx backed farther away from the beach, tears stinging her cloudy eyes. In an instant, she melded into the shadows, and was gone. Morven watched her vanish and took a deep breath. He would find her. He always did. He went to help Roland and Sarah get the Goblin Prince inside the castle. He put one of Jaron's limp arms around his shoulders as Roland followed suit and began to drag the unconscious Fae towards the palace as Ashe and Sarah followed close behind. They staggered to the terrace and Trog flew ahead to tell the others. Roland gave him a strange stare as his glamour faded and he returned to his own looks.

"An' what do we say of Aneurin?" He asked, quietly.

"He rode on to meet the ship. I'll be takin' his share to him." Morven said, gruffly. "Let's get this man inside, so I can be paid, highlander!"

Jareth was still in the bell tower of Ahearn when the rush of wild magic hit him like a tidal wave. His talons dug into the thick wood in a nearly vain attempt to keep himself from blowing backwards into the bell behind him. Quickly, he transformed, his knuckles white as he held onto the wood and steadied himself. His eyes snapped towards the black crystal palace and he stiffened. Someone had unleashed a lot of magic there. A dark miasma began to congest above the palace and the Unseelie side of him heard the call of the Sluagh. Lunging from the bell tower, he took owl form again and began to soar towards the castle. As he neared the tallest tower it was as if he hit a brick wall that knocked him senseless. Next thing he knew, he was standing inside the Grand Palace in Merial and looking out upon the beach.

His heart leapt into his throat as he saw his brother standing in the surf and staring out at the open sea. Behind him, the elf, Aneurin was melting back into the shadows, but watching the weakened prince. Taking off at a run, Jareth batted Trog away as she tried to flit about his head. By the time he reached the sands, Morven and Roland were dragging Jaron's unconscious form towards the palace. He saw a figure in white, and it was Sarah, rushing into his open arms. He was happy to see her beast was only steps behind her and looked no worse for his wear. He enveloped her in his arms, pressing his lips against her hair, and even gave Ashe a comforting pet of welcome. He cradled her face in his hands and eyed her scuffed clothing.

"Are you okay, precious?" He asked, a little breathlessly.

She nodded, a bit shaky from the sudden magical transport. Turning she looked back to wear Morven and Roland were attending to Jaron. "We got him… He brought us back." She stepped aside and let Jareth go to help with his brother.

Morven shifted the prince's weight with a grunt as Jareth approached. "He's alive! No worries 'bout that, Yer Grace! Tol' ya we'd be bringin' the lad home an' in time for dinner too, I'd wager!" Morven wore a false smile plastered to his face. "'Course he's got a few dings an' dents here an' there but-"

"All that matters is that my brother lives, Captain." Jareth relieved Morven and began to help Roland drag Jaron through the palace doors. "I owe you and your friend much for that."

"'Course yer brother did most o' the work, defyin' the Dark Queen and callin' for his Horde an' the such..." Morven added as he moved to grab Jaron's limp legs and expedite the process. He cocked one eye at Jareth. "Any one ever tol' ya that the lad's loonier than an imp on firegrass?"

"Trust me… We've noticed."

Words whispered along the lands of the grand battle within the Unseelie Court for the Goblin Prince. Along with tales of the battle, the name of the Girl Who Wished Herself Away arose and she was rechristened as the Girl Who Saved the Goblin Prince. Tales of the heroics of the Goblin Queen raced through out the Horde and she was newly christened as Queen Sarah the Courageous. Through out the lands fairy rings formed to celebrate the return of their Fairy Friend and the Seelie Court reveled in the homecoming of their Prince. The Goblin Court doubled overnight as those loyal to the Horde returned to their homeland and the Harpy Flock joined them.

Meanwhile, Prince Jaron slept and his dreams were in tatters. For days he drifted in and out of consciousness, incoherent mumbles marking his few conscious moments. Once he saw his mother and father crying above him, then the faces blurred. The next it was Rowan and Jora squabbling above him on the proper way to dress his wounds, but he never heard who won the argument before he slipped away again. There was once in his dreams, that he felt like he was with Alyx again. They were riding through the forests at a breakneck pace and there was the scent of sweet jasmine on the wind. But she faded away too. Another time his eyes fluttered open and he managed to make sense of his surroundings, Jaron was surprised to find a smirking pirate in his line of sight.

"I donna know you, lad, but I've 'eard good things…" The pirate gave him a sad smile and whispered. "I 'eard her cry for you on the darkest nights. She loves ya kiddo… Get well, Prince…"

Before Jaron could choke out an answer, he was unconscious again. The last time he remembered waking, he found Jareth standing over him and tending to his wounds with dark and worried eyes. Jaron tried to croak out a few words, but Jareth only rested his palm on his brother's forehead and eased him back into his healing sleep.

When Alyx disappeared, she followed the guidelines that she and Morven had set as a last resort in the trouble filled years before. When shit hit the fan, head for the Foxhole. It was their hideaway located deep in the Dragon Wastes and far past the Fire Grass Fields. It was their safest hideout. For one, no one expected pirates to hide out so far inland. Second, no one would come after anyone in the Dragon Wastes, for fear of the many dragons that roamed there. She took the long way south after disappearing from Merial. She used as little of her magic as possible, so it took her nearly a week to get as far as Prism Lake. Traveling through the smaller hamlets and the dense forests of the Enchanted Wood, she knew Morven would arrive days before her, but she cared very little. She needed the time alone.

Her newly stolen horse flew through the desert from Taureg as she passed through the Fire Grass Fields and the high dunes where the dragon's dozed in the blazing sun. Few dragons paid her passing much notice. Her figure was a common enough sight in their lands. They respected her since she had slayed the mad dragon, Unwin, years ago and did them all a great service. In gratitude, a great dragon had bid her to drink of his blood, so that she may have the gift of their ancient and wild magic. He had also let her into his caverns where he hoarded his gold and jewels. He had allowed her to study his many books and scrolls on magic.

There was no dragon who could keep her attention today by the way she rode. They yawned out smoke as she passed them by, knowing from the whispers on the winds told why she rode so hard. Her horse was snorting and the harsh wind burned her face. She raced her own shadow across the barren wastes and looked to be outrunning the Crom Cruach himself. She felt like she was. She finally stopped her horse at the small oasis in the middle of the Wastes where the Foxhole stood proud and worn. Letting the poor beast drink from the underground spring, she collapsed to her knees in the sand, the events All Hallow's weighing heavily upon her mind. Tears ran down her pale dirt-stained cheeks and she put her face into her hands to sob. She heard the door to the shack open and looked up to see Morven rushing towards her. Looking up at him, she wiped at her face, clumsily.

"The Goblin Prince be safe an' restin' in Merial under the care of his family. They expect him to fully recover." Morven relayed, stopping a few feet shy of her. "We got paid eighty-five thousand as a bonus for a job well done. I got to meet the High King and Queen an' I gots me a shiny medal too."

"Did they ask of me?" Alyx whispered.

He nodded. "Aye."

"What did you tell them?"

"That ya went on to manage the ship, 'til I settled things in Merial. I assured 'em you'd get yer share upon my return. The story seemed to go over well enough."

"Roland and Sarah saw me.'

"They promised to keep their lips shut. I told 'em it was likely that ya dinna wanna be found."

Alyx nodded. "Aye. That's good. I can hide again."

Morven knelt to take her into his arms for a hug. "I'm mighty tired of seein' ya hurt, kid."

"I'm fine… Jaron barely nicked me." Alyx replied. "I saw a healer in the forests…"

"Listen… I found us a wee keep in the Enchanted Wood. It's not be far from Honah Lee there. I know how ya like our visits there, few and far as they come. I gots this place for you. You donna 'ave to be anyone else there, but yerself… Not Aneurin or Blinken or any other damn disguise we think up. You can wrap those shoes up and put them away forever if you like. There's a meadow and a waterfall an-"

Alyx rested her head against his chest and hugged him, tightly, sniffling. "It sounds perfect. Thank you."

"Yer happy with this endin' then?" Morven asked. "We can always go back to Merial and to the Prince."

She shook her head. "No… I want to be as far from Merial as possible… I'm only bad news for him. Look how many times I've nearly gotten him killed."

"If yer sure…"

"I'm sure." She got to her feet, slowly, and collected her horse. She changed the subject, slightly. "Shall we go to the keep tonight?"

He raised an eyebrow. "On the morrow, lass. We'll go through Taureg and pick up supplies on the way."

She nodded. "Of course."

"Are ya really okay, Alyx?"

"I will be… In time." She lied and walked her horse to the lean-to that served as a stable. Morven dared not follow. He scratched his head, thoughtfully, and headed for the shack to finish cooking the evening meal.

He muttered over the boiling stew pot. "Damn women… They never know what they want, even if they got it right there in front of them, eyeballin' them in the face and kissin' them and the such."

Meanwhile, in Merial, Sarah took her turn watching over the still unconscious Goblin Prince. She had to pry Jareth from his brother's bedside for a much needed shower, meal, and some sleep. The healers had assured them that Jaron would be fine when he awoke, but the magic he used in the battle had worn him out, severely. Jareth had put Jaron in the magical equivalent of a medically induced coma to help him heal. The healer's had advised that with Jareth's mastery of dream work, he would be the best to induce the healing sleep upon the Prince. Worried of the effects of such a powerful magical sleep, Jareth kept close to his brother until the spell began to fade and the Prince slept on his own accord. He would still have been at the bedside if it hadn't been for Sarah's insistence.

It hurt Sarah's heart when she saw the many silver scars that the Goblin Prince wore upon his pale skin. She had been told those were scars that would never fade away because they were made with cold iron blades. Sarah changed the bandages on his fresh wounds and moved to open a window near his bed. The soft sea breeze moved the white gossamer curtains surrounding the bed where he slept, peaceful, for the moment. Outside in the warm night air, she could hear the sea crash to the shore. Sarah took a seat at the window, propping her chin up with one hand and watching Jaron. She could barely believe he was finally home. Luckily, Mab had not waged war with the Seelie Court, but merely cast out all those loyal to the Goblin Kingdom from her Unseelie. This, by no means, did not mean that the Dark Queen was not furious, but she had realized she had been outwitted.

Suddenly, Jaron began to toss and turn on the bed, his voice crying out into the night. She rose quickly, parting the curtains and reaching for him to try to calm him. He sat up in the bed, gasping for air, and looking around, wildly.

His eyes locked on Sarah and he asked. "Where is she? Where is Alyx?"

"Alyx?" Sarah asked, putting a hand to his chest and easing him back down. "Easy Jaron, you're not well."

"She was here. I saw her." Jaron insisted, fighting her, weakly.

Sarah shook her head. "Alyx wasn't here, Jaron. She's still missing."

"I have to find her! I've got to find Alyx!" Jaron tore up out of the bed and his weak legs collapsed under him, causing him to fall against the bedpost. Suddenly, Jareth was at his side and helping him back to his feet with a grim look upon his sharp face. Sarah wasn't sure how he knew his brother had awoken, but he had obviously came straight from his shower, because his blonde hair hung limp and wet against his pale skin.

"Brother, please-" Jareth began but Jaron cut him off.

"You don't understand! I saw Alyx and I have to find her before something happens!" Jaron repeated, feverishly, and shoved himself free from Jareth's grip. He moved to cross the room and stumbled back to his knees, causing his medallion to thump against his bare chest. Sarah was at his side in an instant, supporting him. He paused, remembering, and his hand went to the medallion. Sarah watched, wide-eyed as the scars on his body began to fade and he projected his glamour to cover the old wounds. He gripped the medallion tightly and when he spoke, his voice was soft. "How long have I been gone, Sarah?"

Jareth spoke up. "Jaron, you do not ne-"

"How long?" His voice hardened and almost frightened her.

"Seven years." Sarah bit her lip, nervously, as she raked a calming hand in his dark hair.

"I need my things…" He took a deep breath. "I'm going to find her."

To Be Continued…

A/N: I know! I know! Everyone wants to stab me in the heart with a rusty spork, but this NEEDS to lead into a sequel. Such sequel will be premiering sometime around Christmas and I hope everyone will be interested in reading it. I had always hoped to make this story a trilogy and with A Brief Progression of Fate and the upcoming sequel… It will be.

Thanks for reading and hope you keep on this awesome journey with me.

All my love,

~Nin~