Love or the Game

"Well, Higgle. It appears that Sarah has finally figured out where I've hidden you." Jareth said menacingly, as he appeared inside the dwarf's cell.

"She…she has?" Hoggle asked quietly as he cowered on the ground before his King.

"Oh don't get your hopes up. I don't intend to lose this game. She still has yet to make it to my castle, and I shall see to it that she does not." Jareth replied matter-of-factly. Hoggle hung his head in defeat. "Come, come, Hogbrain. If I have things my way you will see your precious friend everyday. Until I tire of her."

Hoggle's attention was caught by the last line. Looking up, he felt angry and frightened. Fear, however, proved to be the dominant of the two as he met the King's mocking eyes. If he angered Jareth, then Sarah would suffer as well as himself.

"But, yer majesty," he started, trying to find something to appease his king, but Jareth would have none of that. A gloved hand clasped his shirt, raising him from the ground to peer directly back into those cold, viscious eyes.

"What, Hogwart?" he asked, a mocking smile on his face. "Don't care for my idea?" he asked, cocking his head to one side. His smile soon faded as the dwarf grasped at his hand. "I'll do as I see fit hogbrain, and if you don't like it then there is only one other alternative."

Hoggle dropped his gaze. He wasn't going to ask, because he already knew the answer. Jareth would stomp on anyone that got in the way of his plans, and he knew that he would be dead by now if he wasn't needed as bait. He felt Jareth lowering him to set his feet down on the ground. He was nothing to him, a mere pawn.

"I see we have a mutual understanding, Hedgewart," Jareth mentioned, looking over the black glove with intensity.

"Don't harm her, sire," Hoggle said, his head hanging before him. Kneeling down on one knee, he slowly raised his eyes to look back at Jareth.

Jareth took a step closer. Sneering at Hoggle, he reached out and gripped his ear tightly. "Do you hear me now, Hoggle?" Jareth asked, feeling the drawf shaking in his grasp.

"Y-y-yes yer majesty," he replied, knowing that Jareth wasn't playing games and that he didn't take kindly to being asked to do something.

"I will have her at any cost, and if that means your death then so be it," he snarled, pushing Hoggle away from him. As Hoggle's body hit the wall, Jareth laughed. "If she could only see you now," he chuckled, walking from the room.

Hoggle sat up shakily, leaning against the wall. Dropping his head into his hands, he already knew that there was no happy ending this time. Jareth would kill them both to win.

"Be careful, Sarah," he muttered softly. "Please be careful."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jareth walked down the hall, his boots clicking on the stone floor. "Damn that girl," he muttered angrily, walking though the archway to the throne room. "Why does she infuriate me so?" he muttered, kicking a goblin out of his way. Sitting down on his throne, he draped a long leg over the arm, watching his goblins going on about their business without a care in the world.

Perching his chin on his hand, he couldn't stand the wait. He knew she couldn't possibly make it to the castle in time, but what if bme mme miracle she actually pulled it off? Would he be able to let go of his revenge so easily after everything she had done? Shaking his head, he knew he had to win. He had to teach her a lesson, one he would enjoy.

With a twist of his wrist, a perfect shimmering orb appeared and rested lightly on his fingertips. With a mocking smile, he peered into it, catching the vision of Sarah as she made her way through the forest. Her dark hair flowing down her back gracefully caught his attention as he watched her every move. Licking his lips, he couldn't wait until he won and had complete control of her.

"So where are you dove?" he whispered softly, examining her surroundings. His smile widened. "Perfect," he purred softly. "I'll give you a few pretty things to keep you occupied long enough to squander your time away."

Jareth tossed the crystal into the air, his laughter echoing off the walls causing all the goblins to still. Jareth got to his feet, sure that his new plan would hinder Sarah enough for him to win. He would win this time. There was no way he would ever let her defeat him again. With a wicked smile, Jareth disappeared, leaving his goblins behind, dumbfounded before they forgot and started scurrying around again.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarah had been traveling for quite a while, and still had yet to even glimpse the castle. Something wasn't right. Suddenly, the terrain opened up into a vast meadow, surrounded by a perfect circle of towering trees. She glanced up and noted that the branches of each tree were reaching toward the center of the meadow, forming a naturally occurring ceiling. Sunlight filtered in through the treetops and sparkled in the ripples of the creek that ran through the center of the picturesque scene.

"What is this place?" she wondered aloud, as she slowly walked further into the enchanting meadow. A strong, sweet smell captured her attention, and she glanced around looking for its source. She found it in the scattering of large, silvery blue flowers that seemed to sparkle as though coated with spider webs. Crouching briefly to take in the flower's aroma more closely, Sarah noticed a small creature flit across her line of vision.

"Hello?" she called, curious as to what sort of animal would live in such a place. She carefully crept over to the cluster of flowers she had seen the creature disappear in. "Hello?" she said again when she couldn't seem to find any sign of a living being. "Hmm, well that's odd," she muttered as she got to her feet. Casting a perplexed look toward the flowerbed, Sarah turned away and began walking toward the creek. She hadn't had anything to drink all day and hoped the creek might be clean enough to serve that small purpose.

The water was clear, with an odd bright aqua coloring to It It looked more like ocean water than creek water, although it certainly seemed a good deal cleaner than either. She knelt beside the gently flowing stream and slowly dipped her hands into it, forming a cup with her palms. Hesitantly, she brought water to her mouth and drank. It was like no water she had ever tasted before; it had an almost sweet flavor to it, and it was as cold as ice. Suddenly feeling ten times as thirsty as she was moments before, Sarah began to gulp down as much water as possible.

Suddenly, another tiny creature scuttled up to the creek, seemingly oblivious to her presence. Sarah, not wanting to scare the thing away, very slowing started crawling toward it. It sensed her movement and jumped back, staring at her with wide eyes.

"It's okay, little guy. I'm not going to hurt you." Sarah whispered calmly. It really was a cute little thing: huge brown eyes that popped out of its head, short, stubby legs, and a round body covere bus bushy, bright red fur. It looked like a red puff with legs and eyes. Just as she was within reach of it, it let out a high-pitched squeal and bolted. Sarah jumped to her feet and chased after it.

"Hey! Come back!" she yelled, laughing at her own childishness.

Sarah stopped abruptly as a shadow fell across her path. Breathing in deep, her eyes widened as Jareth stepped out from the shadows, a predatory grin crossing his features. Taking a step back, she shuddered involuntarily.

"Glad to see me?" he mused, cocking his head to one side. His eyes took in her form, gaze flowing up and down her body until it stopped and held hers. "Is that a no?"

"What do you want now, Jareth?" she asked, not amused that he would dare try and stop her yet again. Though she was glad to see another living thing, she wasn't sure if Jareth could classify, since he's been so cruel.

"I've only been cruel when I had to be, Sarah. It's not fair to assume otherwise," he mentioned, twisting his wrist to produce a crystal. "I know your dreams," he whispered, his eyes falling to the orb on his fingertips.

"You know nothing about me," she shot back, standing defiantly against the mighty Goblin King.

Jareth smiled. "No?" he inquired, taking a step closer. Leaning close, he whispered softly in her ear, his hot breath sending a tingle raging through her body. "You have feelings for me."

Sarah jumped back. "How dare you?" she uttered angrily.

"The crystal does not lie,\rethreth mentioned, tossing toward her. "Go on. Look to your future and tell me what you see," he stated, a small grin tugging at the corners of his thin lips.

Sarah glanced at the crystal, seeing more than she bargained for and threw it away. "That's not possible," she commented, her face blankow cow could he know?

"I brought you a gift," he said, pulling a bouquet of strange flowers from behind his back. "Peace offering?" he asked, his stormy eyes consuming all of her.

Sarah gingerly reached out to take the flowers, her hand brushing against his to send tiny bolts of energy flowing through her body. Glancing up, her green eyes were surprised to see a man full of compassion and love looking back at her. What had changed?

"You're such a beautiful woman, S," ," he uttered, stepping up closer. Lifting his hand, he brushed her dark hair out of her face. "So beautiful," he mentioned again, his eyes flitting across her features.

Sarah took his hand in hers, realizing he wasn't wearing his trademark gloves, and smiled softly. Was she dreaming all of this? "I've waited for you for so long," she whispered, bringing his hand to her chest.

"Do you love me, Sarah?" he asked, his voice loving and pure.

Sarah nodded. "I didn't want to, but I do. I can't deny what I feel," she replied, wanting to stay in his arms forever.

"Be with me," he whispered, taking a step back and motioning her to the ground. "Be with me, Sarah. Make my life complete," he added, getting down on hiees ees slowly, watching her with wide eyes.

Sarah took a step back. "What's wrong with you, Jareth?" she asked, watching as he got to his feet again.

"Nothing that your love can't fix," he answered, grasping her hand and pulling her closer. Gently capturing her lips with his, he kissed her tenderly, holding her as though she were a frail flower that could disintegrate within his grasp.

Sarah pushed him away. "You're not Jareth," she stated, staring back at him. When he moved to take her hand again, she jumped back. "Who are you? Stay away from me!" she demanded.

"I'm Jareth, my love," he replied, extending his hand to her.

"No, you aren't. Don't you think I'd be able to tell?" she questioned, her voice laced with disgust.

He dropped his head, knowing he had failed his highness. In a shimmering wave of energy, he stood there beneath her gaze in his true form. Daring to glance up, his brown eyes caught her gaze. "I'm sorry," he said.

Sarah's eyes widened in horror. She'd been tricked! Anger filled her, seeping into evporepore. "Why that no good, pompous jackass!" she screamed. "How dare he do this?!"

As Sarah carried on, ranting and raving about how unreasonable and vindictive Jareth could be, she never noticed the man slowly getting to his feet to stand in front of her. When his shadow fell across her line of vision, Sarah glanced up quickly and backed away. A glint of metal had appeared in his hand, and now she wasn't sure what his motives were. All she knew was she had to get to the castle and find Hoggle before the sun set.

"You'll not be going anywhere, Sarah," he muttered, looking back at her through his eyebrows. As a sneer crossed his face, he twisted the blade he held in his hand. Jareth never told him just how far to go to keep her away. He would enjoy carving her up.

"Don't be rash," she spoke, trying to think desperately what to do.

"Far past that, sweet cheeks. Now is the time for fun," he mentioned, taking a step towards her.

"Wait!" she shouted, holding a hand in front of her. "He wants me alive. What good is winning if he can't torture the loser?" she remarked, wincing at how lame she sounded. Quickly glancing around to see what she had to work with, she had very little time to react when he suddenly lunged at her.

Jumping back, Sarah caught a low branch, flinging it back at him to hit his face and knock him off balance. Reaching down, she plucked a rock from the ground and threw it dead on, hitting him in the chest. Her eyes caught the knife falling silently, but she had no time to worry about that now.

Regaining his breath, he charged her, catching her by the neck. Squeezing his hands together, he smiled wickedly as her breaths came in gasps, barely able to pass through her constricted throat. Feeling as though he had conquered her, he laughed as he stared down at her terrorized face. All at once his grip faltered, his own breath catching in his throat as his eyes widened in surprise. Dropping to his knees, his hands fell to his *package* as he cursed under his breath.

Sarah grasped the knife and attacked, sending him crashing backwards to the ground. Pinning him beneath her, her knees grinding into his arms, she pressed the knife to his neck. "Which way to the castle?" she asked, her hair flying wildly behind her.

Remaining quiet, he could feel the cold of the steel touching his neck as her knees played havoc on his arms. No, he couldn't give in. Jareth would terminate him if he ever found out. It was bad enough he couldn't detain her like Jareth had planned. Closing his eyes, he was ready to die.

"Just tell me which way, and I'll let you up," she muttered angrily.

"No, he'll kill me if I tell you," he replied quickly, wincing as she moved slightly and crushed his arms further into the ground.

"Just tell me! I have such a short time left. I have to get there!" she argued, pricking the white flesh with the blade. Watching his red blood trickle down his neck, her eyes grew wide. She realized this was not the path she wanted to take. Slowly getting to her feet, she glanced down at him still lying still. "Get up," she stated, waving the knife around in the air.

"Why didn't you. . .?" he started, watching her eyes closely.

"I'm not Jareth. I will get to the castle, with or without your help," she retorted quickly, tossing the knife away and into the underbrush. "Are you so terrified of him that you can't help me save a life?"

Lifting an arm, he pointed to the East. "That way. You aren't far off now," he stated softly.

Sarah smiled softly. "Thank you," she replied, before running off toward the castle.

Moving through the trees as quickly as she could, Sarah was relieved to finally burst out into the bright sunlight. Opening her arms wide, she twirled around, basking in the beauty that surrounded her until finally her eyes caught the familiar sight of the castle. Stopping instantly, she breathed deep, hoping that in the few hours she had left, she could find Hoggle before Jareth found her.

Finding new strength, Sarah ran for the gates to the Goblin City, knowthatthat she had to win this final confrontation with Jareth to save herself as well as Hoggle. Approaching the massive gates, she kept her guard up, ready for anything out of the ordinary as she stepped into the silent city. Not a sound could be heard save her own footsteps as she followed the winding streets to the center where the castle stood proud and tall.

Glancing over her shoulder, she couldn't help but feel odd at being alone in the Goblin City. Was Jareth waiting for her on the other side of the door? Was he expecting her to make it, only to stop her now? Sarah shook her head, pushing the thoughts from her mind. Pushing up thell dll door used frequently by the goblins, Sarah peered inside slowly to see if Jareth was indeed waiting on her.

Her green eyes searched the small space to find no trace of Jareth. Letting out the breath she'd been holding, Sarah crawled in through the door, silently closing it behind her. Getting to her feet, she brushed the dirt from her clothing and glanced around. A candle that appeared to have been burning for ages, slowly let the wax slide down it's side to fall to the floor in a gentle pool. As the flame flickered, Sarah glanced up ahead, but thought it best not to move toward the throne room.

Walking down the hallway, she tried to quiet her steps as her shoes fell upon the stone surface. Keeping herself aware of where she was, she walked on, trying the doors she passed along the way. "Hoggle?" she whispered softly to each door, hoping that he would be able to respond.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jareth sat on his bed, resting against the headboard. Soon he would have Sarah in every way. Smiling to himself, he imagined how it would be. The deep blue of his sheets, moving with the entwined bodies, twisting in the light. Oh how he wanted her at that very moment. She would have to do as he commanded, and sex was foremost on his mind. But what if she won? He never counted on that aspect. Would he be a man of his word and send her back?

Hitting the softness of the covers beneath him, silvery luminescence extracted from deep blue, he didn't want to give her up just yet. So close, and yet so far away. His mind wandered, thinking randomly over why it had to be Sarah. Why was he so insistent on having her bow before him? Why was he seemingly drawn to the arrogance that at one time matched his own? All these questions plagued his mind and he tried desperately to sort the answers.

Getting to his feet, he found himself standing by the window, eyes searching the horizon for any sign of her. He shouldn't have given her so much time; the wait was excruciating. Leaning against the stone wall, he closed his eyes to free his mind and yet she was there. His thoughts were haunted by this woman, and he couldn't for the life of him figure out why. Her smile enchanted him to no end, her green eyes held him captivated, her determination was astounding and yet he couldn't bring himself to a rational conclusion.

"Do I honestly think. . .?" he questioned softly, rubbing his chin. Laughing it off, he shook his head. "What a preposterous idea!" he laughed, glancing out the window once more for good measure. When he realized what he did, he hit his thigh in frustration. "I can't keep watching for her to come closer."

Pulling a book from the shelves beside his bed, he opened it, eager to get any thought of Sarah out of his mind. Reading the words, he could feel his heart beat faster as his desire grew. Jareth angrily threw the boorossross the room to hit the wall. He was angry at a mere book for making him realize how wrong he was all along. It wasn't revenge at all that had brought her here again. Though it started that way, he wanted more; and now he knew it.

Twisting his wrist, a perfect orb appeared upon his long fingertips, glinting softly in the light. With a smile of prevailing over his foe, he looked at the image in his crystal, his smile fading as he realized just where she was. "Damn!" he shouted angrily, throwing the crystal against the wall to shatter in a million pieces.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

"Hoggle?" Sarah whispered through the door, tapping on the wood lightly. Taking a step away, she stopped suddenly. Looking back to the door with wide eyes, she knew that finally the game was at an end. A small smile crossed her face as she jiggled the handle, trying to get in through the door. "Hoggle, are you alright?" she asked, pushing against the heavy barrier.

"Just hurry," Hoggle muttered, fearful of Jareth's anger. His heart rate quickened as his hope for freedom grew. "I knews you'd find me."

"Stand back," she called, picking up a sculpture and heading back toward the door. A movement out of the corner of her eye caught her attention briefly. "No. . ." she murmured, watching the form closing in on her. Running back to the door, she hit it hard, the sculpture chipping away at the base. Hitting it again, she glanced to see him moving more quickly, anger written across his expression.

"Stop!" he shouted, holding a hand up in protest, but Sarah continued on. "You'll pay dearly for this, Sarah." Walking swiftly down the hall, his boots clanking against the stone floor, Jareth was merely feet away when the familiar sound of breaking wood fell on his ears.

Sarah smashed a hole in the door, quickly peering inside to see Hoggle looking back. Striking the lock with all the strength she had, the door budged, swinging in by just a few inches; she was through. Looking up, Jareth's hand was reaching for her, trying to stop her in his final attempt to win. With new resolve, she bolted through the door and went right to Hoggle.

Jareth ceased his pursuit and stood by the door, listening to what they would say. He had been beaten again. No matter what he threw at her, she still bested him and that fact ate away slowly at his perception of life as he knew it. He was the Goblin King, conqueror of women, yet this single woman could not be vanquished.

Not daring to enter the room without his anger in check, Jareth stood there wondering what he could have done to make it end in his favor. Then realization set in that he didn't want it to end that way, and that her winning was the only acceptable outcome. Though he wanted her, and he knew this now, he couldn't bring himself to drop his haughtiness if even for a while, lest she see past his cruel facade and see that all he wanted was her.

Jareth beat a hand against his thigh in frustration. He had done many wicked things to ensure that he would win and have her at his side, and all had failed. Sighing in regret at knowing he would never have her the way he intended, he knew there was but one thing left. He had to send her back. A deal was a deal, and he being the Goblin King, he had to keep his word even if it meant giving up his greatest prize.

"Are you alright, Hoggle?" Sarah asked, her voice gentle as she helped him to his feet. Glancing over her shoulder, she expected to see Jareth standing there staring back at her, but was met with empty space. "That's odd," she muttered beneath her breath.

"What?" Hoggle asked, looking up at her.

"Where did he go?" she replied, looking toward the door. "Just like him to run away when he loses."

Jareth stepped into the doorway, raising a stern brow. "My dear, I do not run away," he retorted quickly, looking her up and down. His gaze shifted to Hoggle. "Your presence is no longer required, Hogwart."

"Hoggle," Hoggle uttered, not daring to look up at him.

"Whatever," Jareth remarked, waving his hand. Hoggle disappeared instantly. "So, you won after all, didn't you?" he mused, taking a step closer to her. "I dare say I am rather disappointed at my loss."

"Why?" she asked, not backing away.

"You would have looked stunning beneath me in the heat of passion," he remarked, smiling smugly as he drug a thin finger down the side of her face. "No matter, you will return to. . . what was his name again?" Jareth asked, cocking his head to one side.

"William," Sarah responded after a moments thought. Looking Jareth up and down, Sarah couldn't help but think of how sexy he looked in his gray tights with his white shirt open to expose his chest.

"Yes, that's it. So you are going to trot right back home to Billy boy. How tediously boring your life will be," Jareth uttered, studying the stitching on gloves.

"But it's my decision to make, Jareth." Sarah reached out and smacked his hand, demanding his full attention. "Now, down to details, shall we?" she added, a certain smugness filling her voice.

Jareth studied her for a moment. "What are you talking about now, you ungrateful child?" he muttered, not pleased that she would dare strike his royal hand.

"I am not a child, you pompous windbag!" she shouted back. "I beat you. You tried to stop me and yet I beat you. How does it feel to lose to a woman, Jareth?" she antagonized.

Jareth lost his patience. "I warn you now, don't anger me further, Sarah."

"Or what? Going to kill me, Jareth? What would that do to your sense of pride concerning the Labyrinth? Killing a woman because she won. That would be bad form, Jareth." she shot back, knowing that she was making him angrier by the minute.

"You're positively infuriating!" he bellowed.

"I know. I learned that trick from you," she replied quickly, a small smile crossing her face. "Now, what prize do I get for besting you, Jareth?"

"Your life, isn't that enough?" he remarked, pulling his glove on tighter and making a fist.

"I want compensation for what you put me through," she replied, never dropping her gaze.

"I'm growing tired of your games, Sarah," Jareth muttered, his tone showing the exhaustion his body felt.

"I'm through playing your games, Jareth. Now I get one thing before I go home. Agreed?" she asked, watching his reaction.

Jareth sighed. "If it will get you out of my sight that much quicker, then I agree."

Sarah grinned. "Can we go somewhere a little more private? You don't want your goblins to see your humiliation, do you?"

Jareth growled. He should have known she would humiliate him. "Very well," he retorted, conjuring a perfect crystal in his grasp. Without a second thought, he tossed it into the air where it hovered for a few seconds before descending toward the ground. In the instant it struck the ground, it shattered, sending tiny particles flying through the air and swirling around Sarah. Another second. . . she was gone.

Sarah looked around to see that she was now standing in his bedchambers. It was the logical choice, considering the goblins are everywhere else in the castle. This was his sanctuary, his sacred spot to escape the nonsense that filled his days. Reaching out gingerly, she touched the soft fabof tof the quilt, running her fingers lightly over the surface.

When Jareth cleared his throat, she didn't bother turning around. She wanted to make him squirm with thoughts of humiliation. She wanted him to think of all the vile things she could ask of him before he knew for certain. She could hear him shuffling around behind her, nervous as a child who'd been caught with his hand in the cookie jar. She loved it.