A/N: This is the first fanfic that I am posting. I have a few floating in various stages, but this is one of my complete stories and I figured I should put it somewhere besides my hard drive.

All rights for the characters and main cannon go to Jim Henson and Lucasfilms (all Disney now).

Jareth stood on the balcony observing the everyday bustle of the Goblin City. It was something that had always comforted him, but the experience had been bittersweet since she had run his Labyrinth. There were small reminders of her throughout his kingdom but nowhere as prominent as within the city walls. Years later, boulders were still strewn about the city. Instead of cleaning up the mess the girl had left in her wake, the goblins had incorporated the rock into their daily lives. He could not blame them, it was simply their nature.

Knowing that did not help keep his feelings at bay. In the wake of her victory he had held onto the bitterness and anger from his defeat and her rejection. Those feelings had since turned to heartache and loss and he knew why. Only days after she had returned to her home he had the dream. It was unlike any other he had ever experienced and every minute detail tormented him to this day.

He was in the Labyrinth, he knew that much for certain. Yet, he had never seen this field before and it concerned him that the Labyrinth still hid secrets even from him. He had thought the sentient mind of the great maze had accepted him but it appeared not as completely as he assumed. It was beautiful in this place. Tall grass peppered with delicate wildflowers blanketed the gentle slope that he was standing on. Below him was a lone tree next to a small pond. The tree itself could be considered ugly – its branches gnarled and imposing. Yet, in this setting it was beautiful.

As he made his descent to the quiet spot he realized that he was not alone. A figure stood at the edge of the pond, staring into the crystal waters. The distance was too great to know who she was, but it was clear that she was female. As he drew closer he noted the dark chocolate locks and petite frame of an adolescent and stopped short.

It couldn't be the witch that had bested him. How dare she invade his realm once more? As if sensing she was not alone, the wench turned and emerald eyes met mismatched blue. He gasped at the intensity of their color only to realize that she had been crying – the green contrasting intensely against the red. He wanted to feel happy that she was upset, to gloat in whatever misfortune had befallen her, but he found that he could not. Rather he felt a desperate urge to comfort her.

They stood for an eternity, just gazing at each other. Finally he broke the silence, "Why have you come to the Labyrinth, Sarah?"

"I didn't say the words, I promise that I didn't." Her voice quivered with fear and he cringed, knowing that it was fear of him and his kingdom. "Please," she begged, "Please tell me Toby is safe."

"The boy isn't here. Only you … and I would know why." His words were harsh and dripping with the anger that still blanketed his heart.

"I don't know," she confessed. "All I remember was going to bed and then I was here."

Suddenly he understood. They were both dreaming. A shared dream was a rare occurrence, but not impossible. Somehow they had both been drawn to the same place. "It is just a dream," he stated bluntly. Whether to quell her fears or to confirm his suspicions he was not sure.

"A dream?" she sniffled. In that moment he was reminded how innocent she still was.

"Yes, a dream." Suddenly he realized that he had an opportunity that he thought he would never have. A chance to know. "Though I wonder why it is that you are dreaming of me?"

The question startled her and she stuttered, unable to answer. He pressed on, "Could it be guilt? Does your subconscious wish to apologize?"

"You stole my brother! I won him back fair and square," she screamed, her stubborn fire returning.

"I merely took what was offered while you turned my subjects into traitors and devastated my kingdom to take it back. I hardly see how that is 'fair and square' as you so eloquently put it." The bitterness he felt made it easy to slip back into the role of villain.

"I couldn't leave Toby. Don't you understand? How can I feel guilty about correcting a horrible mistake?"

"Well, Sarah, if it is not guilt, then why bring me into your dream? Why return to my kingdom?"

She closed her eyes and hung her head. The internal battle raging showing through as clear as day. Finally, she looked back up at him and closed the distance between them. "Dance with me?" she pleaded.

For the briefest of moments he wanted to refuse, to reject her like she had him. When she touched his arm, all thought of refusal disappeared. Gently he brought her hand to his, snaking his fingers through hers. His free hand dropped to her waist and he slowly began to move them to a silent melody.

It was the same dance as the Crystal Ballroom, only this time there was no baby to rescue, no courtiers to leer at them, nothing to ruin the moment. Slowly they spun through the tall grass, oblivious to their surroundings. The unheard melody drew to a close and he stopped, unable to release her for fear of losing her once again. But this time she did not bolt, instead she looked at him with an emotion that he had only wished to see before this moment.

"Jareth, I –" she whispered.

"I know," he promised huskily. Deciding to collect the ending he had designed for the peach dream, he pulled her tight to him and stole the kiss he had wanted for so long.

He felt the change in her body as the initial shock wore off and she relaxed into his arms. She placed her hands on his face and drew him closer. He needed no further invitation and deepened the kiss, pleased when she did not resist his tongue's demand for entry.

He could not say how long the kiss lasted but he felt his resolve diminishing with every second that passed. He heard her moan in protest when he pulled back. "Sarah," he sighed. "If I don't stop now I can't promise that I will be able to."

She grabbed his shirt in her fists and buried her face in his chest. She was silent for some time and he simply rested his head on hers accepting that the kiss would be their last. He felt her stir and looked down.

"Jareth, please don't," she begged.

"Don't what?" he asked, not understanding.

"Please don't stop," she pleaded.

Jareth, sighed, remembering the way they had surrendered to each other. In those moments he had realized what he refused to acknowledge before. Her desires had changed in those thirteen hours. She wanted to stay but could not sacrifice her brother. As the dream had dissolved around them, their bodies still entwined, so did his anger and bitterness. But that was six years ago. She had barred herself from him with those damned words. He was powerless to find her unless she called and in all this time she had not. He feared that she never would.

The familiar sensation brought him back to the here and now. It was a summons and he was duty bound to answer it. The goblins came bounding into the castle, but he dismissed them. He was in no mood for the full theatrical act. This wisher would be given the ground rules and nothing more. His simple poet's shirt and breeches changed into the Goblin Regalia and he transported Above.

He appeared in what was clearly a young girl's room but it was lacking a child. Or so he thought. From the shadows behind him came a small squeak. "You're him aren't you? You're the Goblin King."

The voice was wrong, it was small and frightened, but the words were familiar. They were her words. He ignored the pain in his chest and turned to find the source. What he found startled him. Hiding in the corner of the room was a girl of no more than five. She was a pretty child, slight of build with blonde curls spilling down her shoulders. But it was the girl's eyes. They were a haunting emerald green that he had last seen in his dreams.

"You know me, child?" he asked coolly.

"Mommy has told me stories," she offered weakly still afraid to come out of her hiding spot. For the first time he realized that it was odd she was hiding, the girl should not have known he was coming. Then he heard the crash and the scared whimper of the girl. "Please, you have to help Mommy. He is hurting her again."

The situation suddenly became clear. The child, like many of the unwanted, was living in an abusive home. Yet, there was not a mark on her. He knew it was the mother who had wished the girl away and now he understood it was to protect her. "I cannot interfere. Your mother wished you to come with me. We must leave."

"No!" she screamed, running past him with unexpected speed and agility. Before he could react the girl was out the door running towards danger. Refusing to allow the innocent child to come to harm he followed.

"Ella, go back to your room!" demanded a masculine voice. It was followed by a muffled female voice and another crash.

"Daddy stop!" Ella pleaded. "Don't kill Mommy!"

Jareth entered the room and froze the monster that had changed targets from his wife to his daughter. The man stood with his arm coiling back and Jareth examined the living statue with disgust. He was far too young, not much older than twenty if he guessed right. In his moment of distraction, Ella had run to the woman who was lying unmoving on the floor.

Her face was down but it was her hair that he noticed first and his world stopped. It couldn't be. He found himself kneeling over the limp form of the mother, desperately hoping that he was wrong as he rolled her over. When he saw her face he felt his heart break.

Cradled in his arms was the battered, defeated body of his Sarah. She was breathing but just barely. Reaching out with his magic he felt the internal bleeding and cursed. Ella's fears were reality, Sarah was dying.

"Please help her," the child sobbed.

At the sound of her daughter's voice, Sarah stirred. Her eyes opened and she smiled, realizing who it was that was holding her. "Jareth," she whispered, "You came."

A violent cough racked her body and blood seeped through her lips. "Please," she weakly begged, "Please take care of her. Paul will hurt her once I'm gone."

The pieces fell into place and Jareth realized what she had done. Knowing that her husband was going too far, she had wished her daughter away to protect her. She had known the bastard would kill her. A rage that he had never felt before grew as he watched Ella weeping at her mother's side. He attempted to put Sarah down, intent on ripping Paul's heart out, but her cry of pain stopped him.

She needed help and she needed it now. She was beyond the capabilities of human doctor, but a Fae healer could save her. "Sarah, listen to me. I can save you but I need your help. I need you to accept the challenge of the Labyrinth."

She weakly laughed and instantly recoiled at the pain it caused. "In case you haven't noticed," she tried to joke, "I'm really in no state to face … dangers untold …" She had started to drift off and as much as it pained him he shook her to keep her awake. The pain brought her back and she cried out.

"Please Sarah," he begged, "I am bound by certain laws. I cannot take you with me unless you agree."

"Please Mommy," a small voice pleaded.

Sarah turned to her daughter and tears formed in her eyes. "I accept," she agreed.

Within a heartbeat mother and daughter were in his throne room, much to the surprise of the goblins lounging about the room. In theory, the laws decreed that Sarah was to be left at the gate. However, once they had returned to his kingdom, his word was law and no one would dare question his actions.

Sarah was unconscious in his arms and he needed to get her to the healer. "Send for Master Phineas now," he bellowed at the nearest goblin. "Tell him it is a matter of life and death." The goblin quickly bowed and disappeared.

He saw movement from the corner of his eye and noticed the pretty elf maid that had entered the room. He turned to the child that was clinging to his leg. "Ella, I would like you to meet Flora. She will be your nanny while you are here." The girl turned to the elf, clearly skeptical. "I need you to go with her," he gently commanded.

"But Mommy …"

"I promise you that your mommy is safe with me." He could tell it was difficult for her to trust him. It was no wonder with the type of man her father was. Finally, she nodded and made her way to the elf. "Flora, make sure she is taken care of."

"Of course, Sire." Flora curtsied before bending down to Ella's height to introduce herself properly. By the time she had ushered Ella from the room, Master Phineas had arrived.

The elder Fae took one look at Jareth and the dying woman in his arms and exclaimed, "What have you done?"

"Please, help her." The healer was taken aback by Jareth's response. Phineas had been with Jareth since he was born and considered the king like a son. Jareth knew he had been expecting sarcasm and callous words not a genuine plea.

Phineas examined the woman in Jareth's arms before stating, "She is human and dying. What happened?"

"Her husband," he replied bluntly.

Seeing he would not get more, the healer inquired, "Who is she? Why save her?"

"This is Sarah." No further explanation was needed and Jareth saw the shock and understanding on the healer's face. "Can you save her?"

"It is not too late, but we must hurry." Jareth followed the healer to his infirmary and laid Sarah on one of the beds. Phineas was gathering herbs and potions with a dizzying speed. "Hovering over her will only impede me. Now go!"

Jareth knew better than to argue and retreated to the hallway. A sudden feeling of helplessness swept over him only to be replaced by rage as he examined Sarah's blood on his clothing. In an instant he was back in the small apartment glaring at the man still frozen mid punch.

Sarah had married this human. She had chosen this scum over him. Why? There was nothing special about him. His dirt colored hair was slicked back with an excessive amount of gel. He was not ugly, but his face did remind Jareth of a rat. Refusing to free the man, Jareth strolled through the apartment.

It was small but not lacking. The furnishings were of a good quality and well cared for. He was drawn to a bookshelf containing several framed pictures. Most were of Ella, but one stood out. Their wedding picture. He knew that they were both young, but it surprised him that they had been married young as well. By the roundness of Sarah's belly, it was clear that Ella had been the reason.

She had been forced into the marriage; it was written on her face. She was smiling, but it was an act. Paul on the other hand seemed genuinely happy in the portrait. What had changed?

Ready to release his rage, he broke the spell holding Paul and took great pleasure watching him crash to the ground now that his intended target was long gone. Seething Paul picked himself up and turned to find Jareth casually leaning against the wall.

"Who the hell are you?" the man bellowed. He then seemed to notice that they were alone in the apartment. "And where is that whore?"

"Your wife and daughter are gone. I have seen to that."

Paul lunged towards Jareth, finding him a perfectly acceptable replacement. Jareth simply caught the man's fist in his palm and squeezed, pleased at the sound of bone cracking. Magic was not his only strength.

Clutching his fist and wailing in pain, Paul looked at the man who had invaded his home. Suddenly there was recognition in his eyes. "You," he growled. "It was you. I refuse to be made fool of a second time. Keep them for all I care."

Jareth had no idea what the man was babbling about nor did he care. "You will never touch them again, I will never allow it."

"No problem. I never want to see that whore again."

Hearing Sarah referred to as a whore for the second time was the breaking point. Before he could think about his actions, Paul's neck was in Jareth's hand. He could so easily end this man but he would not sink to that level. "If you ever lay a hand on another woman, I will know and I will find you. And trust me, if I do a broken hand is the worst of your problems."

Paul's eyes were full of fear as he made it clear he understood with what little breath he had. Jareth turned to leave but stopped. There was a picture of Sarah holding Ella as a toddler and he grabbed it before vanishing.

Per the laws that bound him, his interaction with Paul had to be erased. He reordered time, and instead of finding Sarah putting dinner on the table when he arrived home, Paul found her fretting over a missing ingredient. He watched as she fled from his rage to drive to the store, Ella in tow. But more importantly, he found himself staring at the hole he had punched in the wall in his grief and guilt when the call came that his wife and daughter had been killed in a fatal accident.

Their death in the mundane world was necessary. After all, Ella had been wished away and would not be won back. She would be staying Underground permanently and he was not going to let Sarah slip away again. He allowed his threat to Paul to remain subconsciously ensuring that he would never harm another woman again.

Jareth returned to the Underground only to find himself still barred from the room. He had checked on Ella to find her resting peacefully which left him nothing else to do but worry.

Several hours passed before Phineas finally emerged. "She is resting. Her injuries were severe – several organs had been damaged. Had she remained Above …" the healer left the rest unsaid. "Jareth, there is something you need to know. The girl is Fae touched – it is the only reason that she lived."

Fae touched? It was impossible. The only way was for her to be bonded and he could feel that she was not. "That is impossible. Her only contact with our world was her time here."

"I don't presume to be able to explain it, but she is. The moment she returned to the Underground, the magic began her transformation. It was the only thing that saved her."

If that is what saved her, he didn't care. She would live. Gently, he pushed past the healer, the elder Fae knowing better than to stop him. He looked down on her sleeping form. Phineas' potions had removed the cuts and bruises from her skin, eliminating all outward trace of her night. She appeared to simply be resting and it was enough to sooth his nerves. There was much that would need to be discussed, but for now they all needed their rest.

Quietly, Jareth placed the photo on the table next to her bed and placed a gentle kiss on her forehead. "Come back to me soon, Precious."