Breaking Barriers (Chapter 28 up)

Jareth stalked back to his chambers. He knew he had to up the ante with Sarah, and soon. Her moments of magical power were becoming more difficult to resist and were happening more frequently. He had known when he brought her here, a place where magic was so easily accessible, that it would only be a matter of time before she became aware of her powers. He had been spending so much effort in getting time for his advances that he had forgotten this. Once she realized the potential within herself it was going to be much more difficult for his plan to be carried out.

After what had occurred last night Jareth was unsure of how to approach Sarah. Because of this he reverted to his old habits with her. Jareth had always found it difficult to remain neutral around the provoking girl and now he no longer tried to suppress it. He knew his plan of seducing Sarah was beginning to unravel. He had behaved abominably to her yesterday, and there was not a doubt in his mind that he had ruined any headway he may have made previously with the girl and today he had made no further progress. Yet because she had refused to comply to his wishes he found she deserved a bit of humility. A small voice in the back of his head told him that she had simply been defending herself, but Jareth refused to be taken in by it. He was the king. Whatever Sarah felt injustice towards should not be his problem. And there was yet another matter of concern for Jareth. He could not continue to seduce the girl if he could not trust himself. He had already wasted precious valuable time on his unplanned excursions with Sarah yet he continued to provoke the girl incessently. He knew he was floundering, waiting for an opportunity to present itself but he was at a loss as to how to proceed. So he simply went forward with what he had already planned, futiley hoping that somehow Sarah would succumb to him before he fell victim to her powers... seductive or otherwise.

Yes, things were becoming so very complicated with the girl. Jareth was a bit afraid of the changes she was eliciting in him and because of this he was managing to make a fine mess out of something that should have been straightforward and simple to accomplish.

Jareth went to his secret chamber and sealed the door behind him. The "business" he needed to attend to this afternoon was something that was long overdue. He went to his magic mirror and summoned Eldrich. After a moment's searching, his mirror found the goblin that had so recently been turned human. Jareth was not happy with what he saw.

Eldrich started and let out a cry of fear as his hands went up as if to surrender. Jareth knew he should have warned the man that he would appear as a holograph to him when summoned, but in a more lucid state perhaps Eldrich wouldn't have reacted quite so dramatically. From the moment Jareth laid eyes on the man he knew he was thoroughly intoxicated. After gaining a bit of composure Eldrich leaned forward precariously, staring at the holograph with his mouth agape. A seedy looking woman was either asleep or passed out on an equally seedy looking bed in the background. Loud music came from a metal contraption on the floor. Through pursed lips Jareth let out a sigh. It appeared the man had quickly taken advantage of his freedom. He wished he hadn't had to rely on him for help, but he knew he hadn't had any choice.

"Eldrich," Jareth addressed, "Just what do you think you're doing?"

Upon hearing his name, something finally seemed to register with the man.

"Jareth!" he slurred, "What're you doin' here?"

Jareth pursed his lips.

"Eldrich, though I realize you are not completely present at the moment surely you have not forgotten our bargain already?"

The slovenly man only seemed confused at this question. Jareth put his hands on his hips trying to appear as imposing as possible despite his inconceivable distance from the man.

"The boy?!" Jareth nearly yelled.

Eldrich lifted a finger, stifling a belch.

"Ah yes. The boy. Well, yes, don't know where the little bugger ran off to... want me to get him for you?"

"Absolutely not!" Jareth reprimanded. The last thing he needed was for the boy to spot him, though he did feel a little relief knowing that at least the goblin had him in his possession.

"Where did you find him?" Jareth inquired, his anger slightly cooled.

"Ehhh, he was just wanderin' the streets when I ran into him. Kidnapping the little chit was difficult, he's a quick for a pipsqueak, but you know I don't like to reveal my secrets." Eldrich's eyes shifted in an almost comical manner given his drunken state. Hopefully the man would put this theory to good use with all people he met in New York. There was, of course, the whore in the bed, but Jareth knew she wouldn't cause any trouble.

"Well you make sure you hold onto him. I need you to be ready to bring him back here at any given time. You remember what to do when this occurs, correct?"

Eldrich gave a wave of his hand.

"Yeah, yeah, just gotta wish for the goblins to take the kid away. I got it, I got it..."

Jareth stared into the man's eyes to make certain Eldrich understood how imperitive this was despite his drunken state, then nodded, satisfied when the goblin returned his gaze steadily.

"But I gotta tell ya..." Eldrich said, his eyes suddenly misty, "That kid is somethin' else. I almost hate to give the little bugger up, you know what I mean? Seems we've developed an attachment..."

Jareth didn't know how to react to this news and therefore didn't. What did it matter anyhow? The child would be brought here regardless.

"Well, Eldrich, I am pleased that you have Toby. Please let it remain that way until you are notified. I will be checking on you periodically until that time comes. Good day."

Eldrich nodded almost somberly before the mirror turned back into it's normal reflective condition.

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Sarah was laying on her bed in a comfy pair of silk pajamas and was looking blankly at the script Jareth had given her. She had been staring, appalled, at the title for some time now. The words 'Sarah's Regret' was written elegantly on the cover page. Sarah thought she might be sick. Seeing the title of the story combined with the knowledge that Jareth and herself were the only characters made Sarah queasy. What horrible things would she be subject to in this play? Unfortunately there was only one way to find out.

Hesitantly, Sarah flipped the cover page over and began reading the first scene. She read through the pages. She was shocked at first, then dismayed, then totally outraged. The first scene consisted of when she had first met the Goblin King. It started out almost verbatum what she had written four years ago, at least as far as she could remember. But towards the middle the words began to change. Innocent phrases she had written down so long ago were twisted. Actions that Sarah had no recollection of ever having committed began showing up. By the end of the first scene, Sarah's character had completely submitted to the Goblin King and was now begging him to take the child so she could travel through the Labyrinth. Filled with disgust, Sarah flung the script to the floor. She would never EVER beg the Goblin King for ANYTHING. Least of all to have her brother taken away from her! When she had been fifteen and had uttered those fateful words she hadn't meant it and Jareth knew it. She had immediately asked Jareth to have Toby back. If anything, she had begged NOT for her brother to be taken, not the other way around!

Sarah should have known that Jareth would have come up with a completely horrid play for her to perform. He loved to see her angry and was no doubt hoping Sarah would instantly give up on her performance. Most likely the twisted freak had summoned her here for his own sick amusement and was using the play as an excuse to keep her in the Underground. But she wouldn't give up that easily. She knew Jareth was a man of his word, and since she had stupidly made a pact with him, she had to follow it through to the end no matter how degrading it would be. The only thing that mattered to her was getting home. Feeling nauseous, Sarah picked the script back up, determined Jareth would not get the best of her. She began studying the lines and the italisized actions devoutly, though her heart pounded in anger the entire time. After reading through the first scene numerous times, Sarah flipped through the rest of the script, determined to discover what else Jareth intended to put her through.

The rest of the pages were blank.

Sarah fumed. Of course they would be! Sarah thought sarcastically. How could she have even thought otherwise? Lord, how this man infuriated her!

And yet it was not only the script that enflamed her temper. Sarah was still burnt up over what had happened between the two of them the previous night.

Jareth had completely thrown Sarah for a loop last night in the library. Just as she had told Jareth, she had almost believed that perhaps the two of them could make some amends. Their conversation had started out civil enough... and not only that the evening had taken a surprising turn at some point and had seemed to move into more... erotic terrain for a while. At the time she fervently had hoped that maybe for once they would be able to put their differences aside. But now it was pretty obvious to her that the "date" they had gone on had merely been another of Jareth's tricks, and that was not even taking into consideration the blowout Sarah had experienced shortly after the her provocative encounter with the man. Looking at the script Sarah felt a stab of betrayal and anger. She hated that she had been affected by Jareth's presence when he had stood so near to her and had moved aside her hair so gently. Sarah could still remember his quickly escalating breath against her bare back. Why had he done that to her then lashed out in anger? Sarah had been sure she had felt something from him but then he had completely disarmed her, demanding they leave the library immediately and maintaining an argument all the way back to her chambers. Sarah still seethed at his terminology: spoiled bitch. That was what he had called her. If he truly had experienced something then... how could he still be so cruel?

Because. Sarah thought grimly, finally convinced. He doesn't feel anything for you. He doesn't give a damn about you.

Sarah knew she was being completely irrational and she hated herself for her stupid emotions, but she had to suppress a sob at this thought.

Now completely distressed, Sarah remembered the oubliette. Hopefully her secret chamber would help her forget the ridiculous injustice of this world. Sarah moved aside the desk and flipped over the tapestry, desperate to feel the comforting presence she had felt yesterday within the oubliette's depths. After entering, Sarah turned around and made sure everything was back in place in her room. When she was sure no one would detect where she was she slammed and locked the small door. She collapsed onto the boulder and laid her head in her arms, finally succumbing to the tears that had been threatening her ever since Jareth had held her notebook up to her in triumph.

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A/N Ohhh... very naughty, Jareth. Very naughty indeed :D And it appears Sarah has finally at least somewhat admitted having feelings towards Jareth :D

@Vyperbites- lolol I found your tirade quite amusing. Hahaha what a dork indeed :) Let us hope Jareth will be acting soon ;)

@Lantherien- Thanks so much for finally reviewing if you have been following along all this time. It is greatly appreciated. Lol monkey in mating season XD hahaha! In regards to your question... I don't wish to reveal too much information, but to be honest Jareth just can't get it through his thick skull that he can have both Sarah and his kingdom if he would treat her with a bit more respect. His ego is getting in the way of the most obvious answer.

@Ginette1959- thank you :)

@kookookitty- hahaha! Yes I believe there is a part of Jareth that wants to be dominated ;)

Thanks for reading ~TheArtist