Series Title: Crystal Truths: The Jara Chronicles

Parts: Five stories

Fandom: Labyrinth

Disclaimer: I don't own labyrinth, Jara and other original characters are

mine

Summary: five stories mapping out the early life of the hybrid that will

become Jareth's second in command and future wife. Prequels to Here We Go

Again

Crystal Truths: The Jara Chronicles - story one

Story Summary: A young Jara gets bored with entertaining results; where

she discovers the firies and Jareth learns the joy of being a parent

It's Not Always Swell...

            Jara walked from the study to her room, pausing only a moment to wave

good-bye to Hoggle. Lessons were over for the day...it had been

interesting learning about Underground history and mythology, but had

ended all too soon. Now the nine-year-old was expected to keep herself

occupied until dinner. There's a funny misconception with children that

adults have; supposedly if you tell them to do something they'll

automatically do it, just like trained pets or robots. The truth of the

matter is that they have working brains and motives of their own.

Scary, I know, but it's the truth. It was this little phenomenon that

kicked in as the child entered her room and sat upon the bed. She

glanced around at her books; she was very bright for her age and was

already reading classics, both from earth and the Underground and her

bookshelves were always filled. She gave her toys a glance-over;

although she didn't have everything that she could have she had more

than enough. Dolls, stuffed animals, games...anything a child could

practically want. There were also plenty of activities she could engage

in, whether it was sketching, painting, coloring, or plunking on the

miniature piano. There was certainly enough to keep adults occupied for

months, but that was not the case for children. Especially not Jara.

Even bright children get bored, and this was the case with the

nine-year-old.

            Now boredom and thinking ability can sometimes be quite an interesting

combination; it can cause even the most well-behaved children to do

things that cause adults to turn funny colors. Sitting on the bed, Jara

began to contemplate the possibilities. She could always sit there and

play with the toys she had played with a million times before. She

could walk around the castle or courtyards and play make-believe and

maybe get Didymus to join in. She could even tease some of the goblins

in the throne room, but she didn't want to be in the way. Besides,

those options were just the same old things...nothing terribly

exciting. Sighing, the girl got up and crossed to her bedroom window.

Outside was the goblin city, a place she visited on occassion, usually

with Hoggle or Didymus. Jareth was too afraid one of the goblins would

lose her. She knew she could take care of herself, though. As much as

she like Jareth, he needed to lighten up sometimes. He was always so

moody; nothing very noticeable, but it was always there lying

underneath the surface. It was like something had imprinted itself on

his soul and he just couldn't break away. Looking around to make sure

she was alone, Jara carefully climbed up and sat in the windowsill,

just like she had seen Jareth do. The few other times she had attempted

it Didymus had nearly gone crazy thinking she would fall out. Sometimes

grown-ups worried way too much. Out beyond the city gates she could see

the labyrinth in all its glory. She had heard all about it during

lessons and in stories from Jareth; the stories were always the best.

Tales of how silly humans would try and make it through and then fail,

tales of what lived there and how it changed...she had always like the

parts about the fireys best, though. There was something about

them...maybe it was the inability of most to handle them, maybe it was

just because they were so much like children on a sugar high. But she

wondered what they were really like...

            It was then that the quirk about children kicked in...an idea began to

form. But how would she go about it? She didn't have magical powers

yet, so she couldn't just transport herself out of the castle...she

really didn't want to see if she would make it if she jumped, and there

was no way Jareth would allow her out if she asked. She knew it was

forbidden, but...

            Glancing at the clock confirmed the fact that there was way too much

time before dinner. She could stay there and play like a good

girl...and be totally bored out of her skull. On the other hand, she

could sneak out and face adventure and probable danger in a place that

she had never been and had no idea how to find her way through.

            The second choice was definitely the way to go.

            But how would she go about it? She didn't want to risk just walking

out the door; Hoggle and Didymus were always on guard of that

possibility. And she couldn't zap herself out...What else was there?

            At that moment the door burst open and a stout gobin maid came

waddling in. "Mistress Jara...here's yer laundry...all the beddin' is

washed and ready for ya to put inta place..." she said, dumping the

bundle on the bed before walking out.

            How convenient.

            Jumping down off the windowsill, Jara immediately crossed to the bed

to examine the sheets...normally she would have objected to ripping up

perfectly good cloth, but on that day adventure called. Picking up a

scissors from her desk she proceeded to shred the sheets into strips

before tying them together. Glancing at the clock again, she

frowned...that had taken more time than she had thought. She would have

to hurry if she wanted to find Firey Forest and get back before anyone

noticed she was gone. Jara shook her brown hair out of her eyes and

stood, carrying the bundle as best she could to the bedpost. Taking up

one end she tied it securely to the bed, or at least she hoped it was

secure. Luckily, Didymus knew much about survival and had taught her

much about knot-tying along with other things; it would hold. Dumping

the rest of the rope out of the window, the young girl grinned. This

would be so much fun!

            Carefully she stepped out of the window with a firm hold on her

makeshift rope, momentarily shaken by the absence of ground below.

Thankful that she had learned much from Didymus, she repelled down to

the ground, giving a sigh of relief when her feet touched dirt.

            Looking around she located the gates to the city. Gates that were

guarded.

            Drat.

            That disappointment lasted only the second it took her to figure out

that the guards were inebriated to the point of deep sleep. Keeping as

quiet as she could, Jara walked to the gates and opened them slowly. A

loud creaking sound erupted from them and she almost gave a yelp of

surprise. The guards, though, didn't pay any attention. Shrugging, she

continued and soon found herself on the other side, a side she had seen

only in her imagination. There was the junkyard, something that she

quickly hurried past; it gave her the creeps to see the old women

hoarding the treasures of human children. Soon she came to the forest,

but it wasn't the one she wanted...if only she could bypass the Bog of

Stench; she didn't want adventure that badly. Besides, she wasn't sure

if someone had replaced Didymus there or not; she had come so far and

getting caught before reaching her destination just wasn't an option.

            "There must be some other way..." she mumured, stepping off the main

path to have a look at the undergrowth. Pushing aside some of the

greenery, her eyes widened upon seeing a carefully concealed path which

looked to go in the exact direction she wanted.

            "Well, what do you know?" she whispered, a devious smile forming on

her lips before she plunged ahead, careful not to catch the purple

fabric of the blouse or the black material of the tights she was

wearing on the low tree branches.

**************

            Some time later she emerged, only a little worse-for-wear, into the

Firey forest. Grinning eagerly, Jara didn't give a thought as to what

might happen before plunging into the thickest area of trees, looking

up into their branches for any sign of life. A twig snapped and she

turned abruptly to gaze into two large orange eyes.

            "Hey there, little lady! Where you goin' with a heaaaad like that?!"

            She managed to conceal most of the giggle before answering. "Here."

            "Wha-you mean you comin' here on purpose!?" another asked, dropping

down beside the first.

            "Sure, why wouldn't I?"

            "Why wouldn't you? Why *wouldn't* you?!" A third laughed, right as a

whole gang of the manic creatures came out of hiding. "Uh, why wouldn't

she?"

            "Because, we take people's heads off, so we can play with em!"

            "Well, do you have to take people's heads off? I mean, you should know

by now that I'm not like you guys...can't we play without cutting me

apart?" The question was so straightforward and logical it could only

come from a child.

            "Uh...I don't know...we've never had anyone come here who *wanted* to

play," the first said, scratching behind a floppy ear, then absently

removing it so he could better reach the itch.

            "Well, I do. I've heard lots about you from stories and I wanted to

find out what you were like for myself."

            "Really? You mean, you ain't gonna scream and run away?"

            "Why would I want to do that if I'm here to play? Living in that

castle gets kinda boring...I was a little lonely and I thought we could

have fun together."

            "Well, I guess you've gotta point there, missy! Saaay....if you live

in the castle, you must be that Jara girl!"

            "Yep," she replied, nodding. "Do you guys have names?"

            "Of course! Nobody sticks around to ask, that's all...hey, speaking of

no body!!!" one laughed before bouncing it's head off and against a

tree. It made quite a graceful arc through the air before landing back

on its owner's neck.

            "That was great!" Jara laughed, applauding.

            "Now then, I be Flame," said the first, bowing as it presented its

head in palm. It looked to be slightly older than the rest with its

facial fur turning slightly silver. He grinned and his whiskers

quivered in the breeze. "And that's Sparkler," he said, pointing his

head to another. "And that's Firecracker and Pyro," he added, nodding

to a couple others in the group. "And we're the Fire Gang!!! So, little

lady, what do yous want to play?"

            Jara's lips curved up in a sly smile. "How bout keep away?!!!!" she

yelled before snatching Flame's head out of his hand and tossing it to

Pyro.

            "Hey! That's my head! Give me back my head!!" Flame shouted, turning

to face the other Fireys. What proceeded was the most unusual game of

ball ever played, with no rules whatsoever and all needed sports

equipment being replaced by the Firey's heads, arms, legs, eyeballs,

and tails. It was simply a blast.

***************************

            Jareth got up from his throne, really incredibly bored with the entire

proceedings of being a monarch over minions with IQs less than salad

dressing. Nothing ever happened that much any more; not that he minded

if it meant keeping humans out...after the incident he wasn't so quick

to want others to try and solve his labyrinth. Sighing, he decided he

might as well check on Jara; that always cheered him up somewhat. She

was turning out to be quite delightful company, much better than any of

the others he had snatched. Of course, she had no idea that was what

she was...to her and everyone else's knowledge, except for his old

mentor and Malen's wife, she was a Fae orphan whose parents had been

killed in a fire. And that's how it was going to stay for the time

being. Smiling slightly at the thought of the precocious child he

rose, walked silently down the hall and up a stairway, and knocked

softly on her bedroom door.

            "Feel up for some company?" he asked, then frowned when there was no

response.

            "Jara? Are you up to something?" No answer. Immediately his mind was

filled with a hundred frightening possibilties. "Jara, are you all

right?!" Upon still receiving silence he gave a frantic gesture,

causing the door to open without resistance. The gobin king's eyes

scanned the room as he entered...no sign of her. He inhaled sharply

though, at what greeted his gaze.

            "Didymus!!! Heggle!!!!" Immediately the two appeared in the doorway.

            "Yes your Highness?" Didymus asked, slightly out of breath.

            "Where is Jara?"

            "Why, she's probably in the library or gardens if she ain't here, your

Majesty. She hasn't been playin' with Ludo, so she's probably in some

mood to be alone, y'know how children get," Hoggle said, his voice

trembling just a little.

            "Yes, I do know how children get...I was one once and I remember that

I could be quite sneaky at times..."

            "But that was you! This is Jara-" Hoggle immediately cut himself off

at Jareth's glare and the rope that he had pulled up into the two

tutors' view.

            "You mean she-"

            "She's out there. Alone, unprotected. We will have a talk when I

return," was all the monarch said, but his tone was deadly quiet. He

was definitely not pleased. Dropping the makeshift escape tool, he

transformed into an owl and flew out the window, into the maze that lie

waiting for its guardian and those who were foolish enough to end up in

it.

***********************

            "This is great!" Jara squealed, dodging a Firey head as the game

progressed into something resembling dodge ball. "Missed me!!" The

girl laughed as the head careened through the air and another of the

red creatures hit it with a leg, a makeshift bat. All watched as the

head missed its owner and flew over a tree branch.

            "Foul!" Flame cried from his perch in the tree. "Hey, what's the

score?"

            "Uh, I dunno, I thought you were keeping track!!" Firecracker laughed.

            "Oh, who cares, now this is a good time!!" Sparkler shouted, running

after the head. "Hey, little lady, catch!" he bellowed as he retrieved

the body part and sent it flying towards the young Fae girl. It was

just a little too high for her, though, and even when she jumped it

flew just above her fingertips. Jara laughed, too tired and having too

much fun to care about much at all, especially the time. She turned in

surprise and terror, though at the head's surprised yelp. There,

directly behind her dressed all in black and holding the firey head,

was Jareth.

            "Oh, uh, your Highness, Kingy...uh, hi?" Flame said, composing himself

as much as was possible and hopping down out of the tree.

            "Does this belong to anyone?" There was a definite chill in his voice.

Flame gestured to Pyro's headless body and the king tossed it to its

owner with a disgusted snort.

            "J-Jareth...I didn't mean to-I mean I was just-What I'm trying to say

is that...." It was impossible for the girl to form a complete sentence

at her guardian's expression. There was anger, definitely, but also

disappointment, which was much harder to deal with. Also there was

something else...fear? But that was impossible! Adults never got

afraid, especially not Jareth. Feeling the need to break the horrible

silence that was only sustained by his penetrating stare, she tried

again. "I...I..."

            "You will return to the castle... by walking. Once you return you will

meet me in the throne room and we will discuss this incident." Without

another word he morphed into an owl and flew out of sight. Jara gulped

and turned towards the looming path...he could have easily transported

her, but she knew this was part of her punishment. Walking gave her the

opportunity to think about what she had done and let her imagination

and reasonable part of her mind come up with horrific ideas of

punishment.

            "Well...I guess I'd better be going...thanks for the fun, guys...I

have a feeling it's the last time I'm going to have fun for a long,

long time."

            "Oh, don't worry Jara, we'll be around now and then...and maybe you'll

be able to come and see us sometime...we'll play again! Be strong,

little lady!!" Flame urged, and was left speechless when the child

gripped him in a fierce hug. Turning, with all eyes still on her, she

boldly entered the path once more and headed back to meet her fate.

*****************************

            "What could have possessed her to *do* something like that?!" Jareth

practically shouted as he paced the throne room in front of Malen, his

former teacher and mentor. The old man was also his godfather and had

been of much help to the king when he needed advice.

            "Children get bored, Jareth. Surely you remember..." Jareth turned and

gave a half-hearted glare to the silver-haired man with a great spirit.

It was no use, though. Malen had been around to witness most of

Jareth's escapades as a boy and had heard about the other ones from his

parents, he knew.

            "But she's not like me! She's so well behaved-"

            "Sooner or later it would have happened. You can't expect to keep a

caged bird satisfied when they know there's a whole other world

outside."

            "But if she goes out there she could be killed!" he blurted, almost

desperate.

            "Jara is much more capable than you think. Thya did try to warn you;

raising a child is much harder than you think. But you have done an

impeccable job, and with us helping you out you have nothing to worry

about." He moved to the younger man and rested a hand on his shoulder.

"Jareth, sooner or later she is going to have to go out of the city's

walls."

            "But she can't or she'll know too much! She can't know the entire

labyrinth when she turns thirteen...she has to solve it without help!"

He had managed to calm down somewhat...now his tone was that of logic.

            "And she will. Besides, you can always change parts around. For now,

you don't have to let her wander the entire thing...maybe just to the

Firey Forest, accompanied by someone you trust to protect her. She

didn't come to any harm today, and the Fireys are hard creatures to

befriend. At least she didn't try to see how deep the Bog of Stench

is-"

            "You can leave the past examples out, Malen. I get the idea," Jareth

sighed, smiling slightly at the memory of that little incident.

            "Or burrow down to find where the Brownies lived in the stone maze-"

            "That's quite enough, old friend."

            "Or 'improve' one of the cleaners and take it on a test run through

the tunnels..." The old man's grin was positively impish as he regarded

the wincing king.

            "That's one incident I don't need to remember. I was rebuilding the

oubliettes for weeks, without magic," he muttered, mentally picturing a

blond ten-year-old boy stuck outside all day with a shovel. Malen

chuckled lightly, shaking Jareth out of his flashback.

            "Don't even think about telling those episodes to Jara; the last thing

I need is her getting more ideas."

            "True, and the castle doesn't need to go through another shortage of

linen," the teacher added, grinning wickedly.

            "If you recall I only shredded the sheets when I had to, in an

emergency-"

            "So according to your childhood you were in a constant state of

emergency?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

            "You've made you're point. But I still have to punish her somehow."

            "True, but don't be too harsh...remember, we've all been there. And to

think you thought raising her was going to be easy..." the sage broke

off in amused laughter. The goblin king smiled slightly but was

diverted by a movement outside the window. Turning to face the view he

sighed as Jara came into sight, headed for the castle very, very

slowly.

            "This is not going to be easy," he mumured, shaking his head.

            "True, but you can handle it. At least she's facing he punishment

head-on...she hasn't tried to wish herself away," Malen added, giving

Jareth a half-smile.

            "You can go now," he replied, rolling his eyes at the teacher who knew

just a little too much about his childhood. Fortunately for him and his

family, calling on a wish like that cannot work the opposite way;

otherwise, things might have turned out quite differently. Malen merely

chuckled again before vanishing into thin air.

********************

            Jara reluctantly headed towards the throne room, wondering if she'd be

sentenced to the Bog for Life or just placed in an oubliette for a

decade or two. Maybe if she walked slow enough she would never get

there...suddenly she was in the doorway. Swallowing hard and working up

every ounce of courage she had, she stepped inside the room. She had

never made Jareth angry before; frustrated, nervous, exasperated, even,

but never angry. She knew from witnessing goblins and others, though,

that it was not a pretty sight. Not at all.

            "You're going to have to come closer than that," Jareth said, breaking

the silence. Looking up Jara could see that he was still in black and

looking regal as ever...and sitting perfectly straight in his throne.

That was never a good sign. Deciding not to risk it, she took precisely

two steps closer and stopped.

            "All the way, Jara." The girl knew to never argue when he used that

firm a voice. Succumbing herself to her impending doom, she slowly

closed the distance between herself and the throne, wondering if he'd

just choose to run her over with a cleaner and be done with it.

Glancing around didn't help either; they were completely alone. No

goblins to kick or use as diversions...blast it. Then, suddenly it

occured to her what she needed to do. It was so easy...she had seen

Hoggle do it a million times and get away virtually unhurt. She would

beg for mercy. Glancing around nervously, she averted her guardian's

gaze and tried to remember exactly how the dwarf did it...oh, yeah.

Sighing, she dropped to her knees and kept her gaze on the floor.

Better yet, she would close her eyes, just in case he did decide to

throw her across the room like a goblin. Scrunching her eyes shut, she

waited. And waited.

            "What on earth are you *doing*?" Jareth finally asked, incredulous.

She chanced to open her eyes and was slightly disconcerted to see him

staring at her with a completely dumbfounded expression.

            Begging just didn't sound right...what was the other word for it?

Maybe she could impress the king with a good vocabulary. "I-I'm

gravelling, sir."

            "What?" At that she was even more surprised to see Jareth's stoney

expression turn to one of slight amusement.

            "Gravelling...you know, what Hoggle does all the time." At that the

king began to shake slightly with an attempt at trying to suppress

laughter. Shocked and slightly offended, Jara looked up at the king and

glared. "What, exactly, is so funny?!" The words were out of her mouth

before she realized what consequences could be in store if she said

them. Blushing slightly, she hung her head and muttered, "I'm sorry."

At that Jareth couldn't contain himself any more; he laughed out loud.

Jara looked at him, totally confused. Maybe he was just trying to

confuse her...maybe he was really going to boot her out a window...

            "I'm sorry...it's just that that really was quite amusing...the word

is grovelling, dear. And I must say you are quite observant to label

that as Hoggle's main activity. Now get up; you look ridiculous."

            "Yes sir," she replied automatically and jumped to her feet. Jareth

sobered, but was unable to completely erase the smile from his face.

            "Now then, do you have any idea how dangerous it was for you to sneak

out like that?"

            "I-I'm sorry...I just got so bored-"

            "That's no excuse. You should realize that the rules are there for a

reason: they're there to protect you and keep you safe. You have no

idea how much you frightened me today; I thought I almost lost you."

            She knew she was supposed to keep quiet, but that was enough to shock

a response from her. "What? You were frightened? You don't get

frightened!" She frowned slightly at her insolence and wondered if he

was going to smack her across the room with his cane.

            "Everyone gets frightened, even though most don't like to admit it.

Now, do you realize that what you did was wrong?"

            "Yes, sir. I am sorry...I won't do anything wrong again, ever. I

promise." He rolled his eyes at that and gave a slight chuckle, as if

remembering something from his own past.

            "I know not to hold you to that, Jara. Believe me, you will. And

perhaps I have been wrong to keep you so secluded...from now on you can

go into the labyrinth...but only certain parts, and only if you take

Ludo with you."

            "Really? Thank you, Jareth, er, sir! But just Ludo? Not Didymus?"

            "He has too many new responsibilities here, I'm afraid."

            "Hoggle?"

            "I don't trust him not to run off."

            "What about you?"

            Jareth paused slightly, remembering something not as pleasant before

answering. "I don't go in there very often."

            "Why not?" He regarded her innocent question with a thoughtful stare

before replying.

            "I think the best way to answer that is with a story...how about it?"

            "Really?!" She paused, slightly suspicious. "Does this mean you aren't

gonna dump me in an oubliette or put me in the Bog or run me over with

the cleaners or turn me into a goblin or feed me to the faeries or kick

me out a window or-" Jara was cut off as the monarch gave an astonished

laugh and pulled her into his lap.

            "I think somebody has an overactive imagination. Now I can't put you

in an oubliette...those are reserved for those who try and solve the

labyrinth...and I don't want to forget about you. And I would never

dump you in the Bog...that would be more of a punishment to everyone

else if you made it back to the castle." He laughed at her indignant

stare. "There are enough goblins around here as it is...and faeries

don't eat anybody; they just nibble. And as for kicking you out a

window...that would just never happen."

            "So...are you still mad at me?"

            "Not really."

            "Are you disappointed?"

            "A little, but I'll get over it."

            "Am I still going to be punished?"

            "Definitely." The king chuckled at the pouting child in his lap. "Your

punishment is that you get to do the rest of the laundry in the castle

for the month, by yourself. No shortcuts, no help."

            "That's it?"

            "That's it...unless you want more," he added, smiling slyly.

            "No way! Thank you, sir!"

            "Will you cut that out? That's almost as annoying as your attempt at

gravelling," he chided, grinning wickedly at the word.

            "Hey!"

            "Oh, shut up," he teased, knowing exactly what would come next as he

tilted his forehead down to gently rest on hers.

            "No, you shut up!" she laughed. "Hey, what about that story?"

            "My, but you don't miss a trick! All right, go eat and after you get

ready for bed I'll come and tell it to you," he chuckled, letting her

climb down to the floor.

            "You promise?" she asked suspiciously.

            "On my life's blood," he said, raising a hand to his heart and

grinning. Giggling, she turned and started to leave the room. She had

almost gotten all the way to the door when a thought occured to her.

Turning, she stopped and stared at the king.

            "Jareth?"

            "Yes, Jara?"

            "Am I still your 'little queen?'" she asked, smiling slightly at the

nickname he had given her as a baby. It was rarely used anymore, but

still, she wouldn't know if everything was really okay until this fact

was affirmed.

            "As always, milady," he replied, grinning and blowing a kiss.

Laughing, the girl turned and exited.

            Jareth merely shook his head and smiled at the entire incident. This

raising children business wasn't so bad, after all. It would never

occur to him until after Jara's destiny was clearly made known how

ironic the last little exchange was.

*********************

            The girl was enthralled as her guardian spun a tale so incredible, it

had to be the truth. She had never heard another story that could ever

come close...too bad it was so sad. Jara wasn't sure if she liked the

"heroine" or not...it was just another silly human trying to get off

easy. She liked her even less as the story progressed. She knew Jareth

did get lonely quite frequently, even though around her he hid it well.

He had her, but there was only so much you can talk about with a

nine-year-old.

            This tale, though...how could that stupid girl be so blind! Jara

sighed as the story climaxed and slowly wound down to an end.

            "And so she left, leaving the city in ruins, my castle destroyed, the

labyrinth wounded, and my life as well."

            "And Sarah didn't think anything of it? She just continued to have a

good time and take what she wanted from the experience? I don't believe

it!" Jara muttered, unable to picture how someone could throw a party

after an ordeal like that. She had to be ruthless, or just plain

ignorant. "But how did everything get repaired so fast?"

            "That, little one, that was the easy part. My magic wasn't affected

because she chose to add on to her statement...she needs all of

us...those words secured my powers, although she'll never know it.

And...not everything was repaired," he added quietly, but Jara wasn't

sure what he meant.

            "I don't like this story."

            "Neither did I, dear, neither did I. I tell you it only to warn you of

what can happen when you get wrapped up in something...when you become

guardian of the labyrinth you must be careful to never get involved

with one of the solvers. Ever. It just isn't worth it." Jara sighed at

Jareth's appearance...he looked much older, suddenly. A totally

defeated look was on his face, as if he was reliving the entire

incident moment by moment. That was not right...that just shouldn't

happen! No one solved the maze....ever. Especially not some girl who

the Goblin King favored...she had totally ignored him and destroyed his

life without even caring!

            "There is a happy ending, though..." Jareth was saying.

            "Why, does she get her head taken off by the fireys in her room?" she

asked, trying to be innocent.

            "Jara! That really isn't a thought you should entertain! No, I mean

what happened after that incident. It was when I returned and saw a

house in the land of Fae burning to the ground that I was able to save

you...and part of myself, as well." The girl nodded, sobering at the

thought of the parents she had never known.

            "Would my mother and father be proud of me if they could see me now?"

            The king coughed uncomfortably and hesitated before answering. "I know

they would be surprised...I would hope they would be proud of you...I

know I am."

            "They loved me, right?" This time the pause was even longer.

            "Their feelings for you were very strong, I know. Now then, I think

it's late enough...time for you to go to sleep," Jareth instantly added

upon noticing that the young girl was having trouble keeping her eyes

open.

            "Aw, do I have to?" she instantly replied, frowning at the whine that

had started to creep into her voice.

            "Yes...unless you'd rather get an early start on your punishment," he

replied, grinning. She gave no reply; she was already asleep. Shaking

his head, the monarch pulled the owl feather comforter over the small

body before standing up and walking to the doorway. He hadn't really

lied, but his answers could be looked at with differing opinions, he

knew. She just wasn't ready to know the entire truth yet and he wasn't

ready to tell her.

            "Jareth?"

            "Yes?" he asked, turning to see a somewhat-awake child.

            "When I become guardian, I'll get revenge for you. No one defeats the

labyrinth without a fight, especially not after what Sarah did to you."

The monarch was speechless; she sounded perfectly serious and he knew

not to push it out of his mind as childish dreams. She had the drive

and she was competent, but still... Nodding simply, he continued out

the door and to his own room.

Crystal Truths: the Jara Chronicles - story two

Story Summary: Jara must solve the labyrinth and decide her own fate

Everything I Own

            Jareth sighed as he glanced over his appearance in his bedroom mirror.

It had finally come...after years of knowing, and dreading, this day,

he could avoid it no longer. There was no escaping it; the deed had to

be done. For today was Jara's thirteenth birthday, or rather, the

birthday of when she had been transformed into one of the Fae. That

meant only one thing: because no one had taken her cause for her and

solved the labyrinth, and she had, in a sense, been given her dreams,

she had to earn them. And that meant she had to solve the labyrinth.

Yes, she was strong and capable in a way few human children could ever

be, but still...she was only thirteen. And for the first time they

would be pitted against each other. He could offer no assistance, no

advice; he could only pray that she remembered everything she had been

taught. For this was one instance where he desperately hoped his

opponent would win.

            The goblin king turned at a knock on the door. "Come in," he sighed,

not really caring who was there. He was pleasantly surprised, though,

upon seeing the face of his godfather.

            "Are you ready?" the siver-haired man asked, his brilliant blue eyes

slightly subdued with understanding.

            "No...what if she doesn't make it? This has never had to happen

before...what if it's just too much for her?" he sighed, turning to

face the older man.

            "She'll still be Fae, at least...but she will no longer be able to be

kept in the Underground, you know that. She will be banished to the

outskirts of the Land of the Fae and forced to make out a living as a

peasant of some sort..."

            "And that is totally unreasonable!"

            "Jareth, you're speaking as if she's already failed...what if she

succeeds?" The teacher's eyes glimmered with knowledge of what else the

goblin king was fearing, something that even he might still be unaware

of. The truth was that the girl had never been exposed to any other Fae

except the king and the mentor and his wife, and he knew the goblin

king was not thrilled at suddenly having her exposed to hundreds

more...especially males. Maybe it was just his protective nature

towards the girl, but maybe...

            The wise Fae shook himself away from that thought; it was too soon to

tell. At least some good had come from the girl; she had given the king

something to live for, no matter if she was his apprentice, his

surrogate, or...; but really, it was far too soon to tell what their

destiny would be. Fate tended to take its time, and even after this

test the truth wouldn't be made known, he was sure. Only if they both

were strong and curious enough to find out would it ever surface.

            But that day would be years away, at least, if it ever came about.

First there was the little matter of a labyrinth to solve.

*******************************

            Jara hurried to the throne room as soon as she was notified Jareth

wanted to see her. She never did like to keep her guardian waiting, and

besides, today was her birthday! Who knew what surprises were waiting.

She quickly navigated the halls and arrived at the destination only

slightly out of breath. Her eager expression faded, though, upon seeing

the king's somber features. Over time she had learned to gage his

reactions well and this could only mean one thing...

            "What did I do?" she asked, trying to recall everything she had gotten

into in the past twenty-six hours.

            Malen chuckled, and for the first time she noticed her adopted

grandfather by her guardian's side. True, they weren't related, but he

and his wife had taken it upon themselves to treat her as a

granddaughter, something which both pleased and exasperated Jareth,

depending on the amount of spoiling that was going on.

            "Actually, nothing, believe it or not," he said slyly and she grinned.

Jareth managed a half-smile, but quickly became serious again.

            "Jara...today is a very special day for you...not only because of your

age...but now is the day that you must prove yourself worthy to be the

next guardian of the labyrinth. You must solve it yourself to prove

that you are capable and responsible. If you succeed you will be

taught magic and become my second in command when you turn eighteen..."

He started to add something, but then stopped. The youth frowned at his

concerned expression; was there something he wasn't telling her?

            "What happens if I don't make it?" she immediately asked, frowning

slightly.

            "Now, now, we'll deal with that if it happens, but you aren't planning

to fail, now are you?" Malen interrupted, throwing a look to Jareth.

            "Of course not! That's never an option," she replied, laughing

slightly. Again, a slightly wry smile played upon the goblin king's

lips, but he remained quite still, his eyes averted, something that

very rarely happened.

            "Very well...now remember, you cannot ask me for help, because in a

sense we are opponents in this little game...and you cannot accept help

from anyone. Anyone. This is your responsibility, and yours alone. Do

you understand?" Jara nodded, not really able to think of a suitable

reply. "Good...then..."

            She blinked, realizing that she was now standing at the gates to the

labyrinth on the hill just outside of the enchanted forest that was the

border to the Land of the Fae. It was times like these that made her

wish she had magic, but she knew she had to prove herself, first. Upon

hearing a gentle cough she blushed and returned her gaze to the goblin

king's.

            "You have thirteen hours to solve the labyrinth, or else..." he faded

before the sentence was completed, and Jara noted uneasily that it

sounded like he had done it on purpose. Sighing, she looked around and

tried to fight back the excitement...she had never in her life been out

here before, only heard about it. It was all she had pictured and more!

Mentally chiding herself, she focused her attention on the gates that

waited for her below. Silently, she descended the hill and faced her

opponent: the labyrinth.

            Ten minutes later she still stood facing it. This just wasn't right!

She had waved her arms like she knew Hoggle did, and the spell Jareth

had put on the gates should've recognized the motion and opened them,

but they still remained closed. Glaring, she began to pace in front of

them...they started to take on a personality all their own, goading her

and her useless abilities. What good was knowledge and stories if you

couldn't apply them?

            "Open," she bit out in frustration. Nothing.

            "Please?" Nothing still.

            "OPEN DAMMIT!!!" She knew Jareth would not be thrilled by that

command; something about how a lady only uses appropriate phrasing, but

at this point Jara didn't care. All she knew was that she was wasting

valuable time and she hadn't even gotten in yet.

            "All right...I've just got to think this thing out," she muttered,

pacing closer to the gates and running a hand along them as she did so.

Abruptly, she stopped and stared, then slowly ran her fingers along the

gates again. There should have been grooves and elaborate swirls...she

saw them, but she sure didn't feel them. There should have even been a

thin crack that told where the doors met. It wasn't there either.

Running a fingernail against it, she gave a triumphant smile at what

she discovered when examining her hand.

            The doors weren't there, at all. It was paint.

            "Nothing is what it seems in this place, that's lesson one," she

recited from all the rules and legends Hoggle had taught her in her

schooling. Ignoring the false doors, Jara moved on to a section of the

wall that looked like any other wall, whether it was in the mortal

realm or the realm of magic. Running her hand along it, though,

produced more satisfactory results. Grinning, she leaned her entire

weight against the wall and began to push. Slowly, ever so slowly, the

doors began to open, creaking slightly as the secrets that laid beyond

them were slowly revealed.

            Jara waited as the mist poured out and settled before walking in,

transfixed by everything around her. Why mortals were so intent on only

the center was beyond her. She had lived there for years and longed

only to see the maze, itself. Besides, the end was the important part,

but the journey was significant, too. Her breathing resumed its normal

pattern - the effort of opening the gates had weakened her, somewhat.

Jara began to comprehend the fact that there were two paths in front of

her: one to the left and one to the right. The right one looked safe

enough, but on the left path she could just make out the edge of an

oubliette. She started to the right, but stopped...something just

wasn't right. It was too easy...Slowly she turned and gathering her

courage, strode purposely down the left path, hoping it was true that

nothing was what it seemed. Otherwise she would be in big trouble.

            The girl tried not to scream as the ground gave way, but that was like

telling someone being bit by a faerie that it didn't hurt: it just

doesn't happen. Landing painfully, she grimaced and immediately got to

her knees.

            "Guess I need to look for a board," she muttered, then stopped. Ahead

was the continuation of the labyrinth, she was on track! There were

three paths...right, left and center all neat and cared for and carved

from the stone and dirt that made up the pit. Picking herself up, she

realized just how dirty she had gotten during her descent...ugh.

Scrunching her nose up in distaste, she made a mental note to ditch the

particular tunic she was wearing and sighed when she realized her

tights were ripped up her leg.

            "Ah, well...all in the line of duty, I suppose," she said wryly,

determined to keep her good humor. She started to duck into the center

path, then paused. To its immediate side was another path, though much

narrower than the other three. It was also covered with spiderwebs and

obstructed by roots...definitely not very user-friendly.

            That was the path, then. She was sure of it. Biting her lip,

determined not to complain or get squeamish (Jareth was most probably

watching and there was no way she was going to disappoint her guardian)

she ducked into the path and began to crawl forward.

*************************************

            "She's out of the oubliette," Jareth reported to Malen, who stood just

to the side of the throne, leaning over to catch the girl's image in

the crystal. The king sighed with relief...he knew he was supposed to

be on the opposite side, but something within him just couldn't fully

take that stance.

            "You see, she's gotten this far already! This is better than anyone

else has ever done, Jareth. She'll make it, don't worry." Jareth looked

up and noted with amusement that his former teacher was exhaling a sigh

of his own, despite his confident prediction. True, this version was

ten times as difficult as the one Sarah had gone through, and she

seemed to be doing extremely well, but...

            "How long has it been?"

            "One hour: a new record, I told you! She's doing very well," the

seemingly elderly Fae said.

            "That is true...but it only gets harder from now on..." the goblin

king replied grimly. *Just keep going, Jara...don't stop. Just keep

going...*

************************

            She couldn't believe it. It just couldn't be...after all that crawling

in the dark, the dirt, the mud, the bugs, and who knew what else there

it was.

            A dead end!!!

            "No...this just can't be happening," Jara said, her voice beginning to

tremble with disbelief and anger, adding to the unpleasantness of the

cramped space. "No...I'm on the right path, I just have to look closer.

Maybe...maybe I missed something. Just take your time and don't

overlook anything, and you'll be all right," she chided herself while

trying to turn around, a feat in itself. She managed to crawl back down

the path on her knees, keeping a hand on each wall so as to tell what

was really there. Her lips curved up in relief as one palm detected a

crack. Upon closer inspection, it revealed itself as the outline of a

door. She wasted no time in opening it and climbing up the hidden

staircase that lay behind it. Soon she was back in the light of day and

much further than she had expected. All around her lay the hedge

maze...this was too good to be true! This was the easy part, the part

designed to lure opponents into a false sense of security so that they

wouldn't be able to cope with the next test. With that in mind, Jara

pushed her cockiness out of her head and kept herself grounded and

ready for whatever came next.

            As she walked along she began to work the cramps out of her muscles

and adjust her eyes to the light. This was at least better than the

tunnel...

            " Young lady, would you be in need of some help?" Jara turned and

smiled at the wiseman with the birdhat...true, it took forever to get a

sentence out of him, but maybe he could help her out...

            No. Jareth's words came back to her and kicked sense back to her

brain. But still...it was so tempting. Besides, with all the

gobblety-gook he and that hat spouted, one couldn't really describe his

advice as help at all. Maybe it wouldn't hurt too much...

            But no...she knew the way Jareth worked and she knew that would be

cheating. She had vowed to do it herself, and solve it herself she

would. Jara shook her head to the man and continued on, not seeing the

figure morph into a white owl and fly back to the castle, very pleased,

indeed.

*******************

            The girl's eyes widened as she turned the corner. What was this!? How

in the world could she possibly get through *this*?!

            In front of Jara stood a stone maze...but stood wasn't exactly the

most fittng description. Rather, it was there, but all its pieces were

constantly moving, never stopping at all. Dead ends, corridors,

sections of wall...they all flew past the girl's amazed eyes at a

breakneck speed...how in the Underground was she supposed to get

through!? She nearly turned around, nearly backed away and decided it

couldn't possibly be the right way, but...she couldn't fail. She

definitely did *not* want to find out why Jareth hadn't told her the

consequences if she didn't solve the labyrinth. Gathering her courage

and her composure, Jara took a step forward and looked very closely at

the paths the maze pieces were taking.

            There was something similar about how each piece passed by her and

around her...if only she could figure out what it was. Abruptly, a

piece of a corridor landed in front of her, and not wanting to waste

time, she ran through. As soon as she had exited it, it was gone,

pausing only to let her get by. Furrowing her brow, she decided this

evidence warranted another try. As a curve plunked down beside her, she

turned to take it, but jumped back as it nearly knocked her backwards.

Frowning, she continued straight, walking very slowly...

            *That's it! The pieces build themselves around me momentarily, but

only if I keep going straight ahead! That's the trick! In this part,

there is no -maze,- merely the pieces! All I have to do is walk in a

straight line and I'll keep all my appendages!* Still, the theory was

more comforting than the actual action...deciding it might be best to

block out all obstructions, Jara closed her eyes and walked forward,

picturing anything but the stone walls swirling around her. Suddenly,

the sound of scraping rock faded and the breeze made by quickly moving

walls died away. Opening her eyes, she gave a short cry upon seeing she

was to a forest.

            Although...looking into it, she briefly considered going back into the

moving maze. It was pitch dark...no light shone through the trees at

all. And there was no path to follow...

            As she entered Jara became distinctly aware of eyes watching her,

stalking her every move. And the sounds...hungry snarls, growls filled

with malevolent intentions...just inches away, too. The

thirteen-year-old gave a startled shriek as a spider the size of her

hand jumped down from a tree branch and landed at her feet.

Immediately, she jumped over it and ran, not caring where to. But the

more she ran, the more lost she got, even though she never veered off

the straight line. The darkness seemed to close in, too, and the hungry

sounds of beasts seemed to get louder...Jara whimpered as warm breath

hit the back of her neck and a low growl floated into her ears. She

trembled, her entire body stiffening as she pictured what might be

behind her. She could almost feel the hairs of a predator's muzzle just

brushing against the back of her neck...

            *No...Jareth wouldn't put me in such danger, would he? At least I

don't think so...he seemed to want me to win as much as I do, no matter

what side he says he's on...so just trust him, Jara. Stop letting

stupid fear rule you, or else you'll never accomplish anything. Come

on, what good is it going to do you when you go to earth to answer a

wish? Uh...I'm the goblin king's second, but would you mind turning on

the light? I don't think so!*

            "It's all right...there's nothing here...it's just stupid fear and I

won't let it control me!" she blurted out, her voice stronger than what

she felt at the moment. Suddenly, everything quieted and sunlight broke

through the black. She had come to a clearing, or rather the forest had

disappeared. All evidence of the terror she was experiencing a second

earlier was gone: no bugs, no beasts, no trees, no darkness. Just tall

grass, beautiful flowers, sunlight, and tranquility. The girl waited as

her heartbeat returned to an acceptable rate and smiled slightly. She

had made it past another test...she knew she could do it...she would do

it. There was no way she had come this far to fail now.

***************************************

            Jareth managed to uncoil every muscle in his body from the tense

positions they had been in a few moments before...she was safe, she was

all right. That had been one of the hardest and most frightening tests

in the labyrinth...she needed to trust him, after all. Yes, they had

been together for thirteen years, but that hadn't meant she would trust

him once he wasn't there to protect her. But she did...she knew as long

as she was in his labyrinth he held final sway over his opponent, and

he was glad to see she trusted him with her life. No one had passed

that section before, ever.

            "She did it..." he whispered.

            "Of course she did! But you might want to conjur a new crystal..."

Jareth gave an embarrassed glance to Malen upon noticing that the

sphere in his palm was now filled with indentations that his fingers

had made from gripping it so tightly. Nodding, he gestured with his

free hand and the globe became whole again, the sides pressing out

until the sphere was fully intact.

            "Now then...have you decided what to do? If you don't do something

quickly she'll be at the city gates." The king frowned at the elder's

words...he was right, but was that such a bad thing? Besides, at this

point his delay tactic of choice was hallucination and seduction. And

for Jara that just didn't seem...fair. She had never had to deal with a

man in her life, and if he did that...well, that might just change

their relationship for the worse. She would never trust him

again...something which he had just gained from her. As interesting as

the fantasies usually were, he just couldn't bring himself to do

it...not to her, not in that way.

            "No...not now. She's been through much as it is, and..." Jareth let

the rest of the sentence hang there, not really knowing what the "and"

was leading to. He shrugged and continued watching, completely missing

Malen's quiet smile.

******************************

            She was there; she was at the Goblin City! Only a few yards more and

she would be at the castle...she had done it! Jara beamed with triumph

as she rushed past the unguarded gates and into the city-

            And promptly was smacked backwards onto her rear. She shook herself

and looked up to see...nothing. Nothing at all. Just empty air.

Frowning, the girl stood again and walked forward-

            Again, she ended up on her backside. She sat there, mouth agape for a

few moments before her dignity kicked in. Jumping up, she looked around

to see if anyone had witnessed what had happened.

            Sure enough, a few goblins peeked out of houses and laughed. Blushing

furiously, she walked to the side a few feet before slamming against

another invisible barrier. Great...an invisible maze! Jara slowly ran

her hands up and felt in front of her, slowly making her way along and

bruising herself a fair amount in the process.

            "Hey! Missy, what're ya doin? Can't ya just walk to the castle?" one

goblin shouted, running past her. He made it all the way to a house

without a problem. Shrugging, she started to follow and promptly got

smacked in the face again. Her temper began to rise with another bout

of redness on her cheeks as the laughter grew. This just wasn't nice!

She *hated* to be laughed at, especially by goblins! Glaring, she

started down another path and was delayed again.

            "Can't you even figure it out!?"

            "Well, what would you suggest I do?" she retorted, her patience

wearing thin. Unfortunately, she waved her hand around to emphasize her

point and only succeeded in getting sore fingers as they grazed another

wall. The laughter was almost unbearable..they had IQ's the size of

grains of rice, why could they walk through without being injured and

she couldn't?! It just wasn't-

            Ah hah.

            *No, some things just aren't fair; deal with it,* Jara mentally told

herself while slowly starting again. This time, she blocked out the

insults, blocked out the laughter, concentrating only on the maze that

wasn't visible. Slowly she moved along, until she stood at the castle

steps.

            "Never mind, it looks like I did just fine by myself!" she said,

turning to flash a smug grin to the goblin peanut gallery gathered in

the streets. Flipping her hair, she turned and strode into the castle.

****************************

            "Indeed you did, dear...but it's not over yet..." Malen murmured,

gazing intently into the crystal he now held. Jareth had just left for

the Escher room, where the hardest challenge awaited. "But you can do

it, Jara...you have to, I fear. Just look inside yourself and

concentrate on all that you are, and you will do it." Both her and

Jareth had come so far, had seen the journey through for so long to

have it ruined now. No, she had to succeed. Otherwise, there was no

point for either of them anymore.

*****************************

            Jara swallowed hard, composing herself before stepping through the

doorway that led to the room that mortals with some sense of

imagination had dubbed the Escher room. She concentrated only on what

was directly in front of her, not the entire room at once. If she did

that she would only become afraid and daunted and that wouldn't get her

anywhere.

            "Jara." She turned in surprise to see the goblin king standing right

behind her. Dressed in purple velvet and black leather, he looked every

bit the regal monarch he was. His expression was one of slight tension,

of anxiety, of utmost seriousness.

            "This is the final test you must pass...you must solve the hardest

puzzle of all..." Slowly a crystal formed in his outstretched hand and

floated into the air where it began to multiply, creating hundreds of

similar spheres. "You must decide what it is you really want. Each

crystal holds a possible destiny that you can take at this time...you

must choose the right one. Only you know which it is; even I have no

idea. If you do not choose correctly...you fail. If you do...then you

will go on to serve that destiny and its purpose." As he finished his

speech Jareth lowered his hand and stepped back to lean against a wall,

watching.

            "But...aren't you going to stop me?" she asked, thoroughly confused.

            "In a sense we are opponents this time...in a sense we aren't. Only

you can stop yourself or help yourself right now. It all depends on

what you want and how much you want it." With that, she knew she would

get no more advise. Turning, she began to gaze into all the choices

that surrounded her...options of travel, of ruling a far-off country,

of visiting all the realms she had only dreamed of or heard of in

stories...how could she make the right choice when they all seemed

correct?

**************************

            Jareth sighed and frowned...this was not going to be easy. He knew all

the choices were innocent enough...he had gotten them from her own

soul, after all. They were all meant specifically for her and for her

thirteen-year-old heart. There would be no fancy balls, no mysterious

romance right now...she still hadn't begun to dream of such things yet.

But still, every choice was tempting for her and only she could

decide. Licking his lips, Jareth closed his eyes momentarily, almost

too afraid to watch.

*********************************

            Jara sighed as she ran up and down the stairs...each one seemed so

tempting, but none felt really true, not completely right for her. She

was almost ready to give up, and she had so much time left! Letting her

breath rush out in frustration, Jara turned her gaze downward and

inhaled sharply. She was on a ledge that was right above another...just

like that story about Sarah. A long drop lay straight ahead...but

looking down, she could tell something was there, how she didn't know.

But she just *knew* that righ on the underside of the ledge she was

standing on was a crystal...and it was the one. She wasn't sure which

fate it held, but it was the one. Or was it? All of them looked so

good...but she could only take a risk for the right one. She knew

Jareth wouldn't let her fall...but then again, she didn't know if she

could walk upside-down along the ledge without magic. True, anyone

could navigate the room, but she had only seen him be able to walk up

the walls and along the ceiling.

            Taking a deep breath, she knew she could argue the issue forever, but

there was only one way to really find out. Setting her jaw, she hoped

that her intuition was right as she slowly stepped off the ledge and

brought her foot to its side...

            With a gasp she realized she was standing sideways...it was working!

Not wanting to let the vertigo set in she completed the required path,

stepping underneath the ledge. Sure enough, there was a crystal sitting

quietly at her feet. Momentarily she allowed herself a smile as she

realized she was standing upside-down, but quickly sobered. This had

better be the one...she had better be right...

            With no more room for arguement, no more room for hesitation she bent

down - or was it up?- and grasped the cool sphere in her palm.

            She had no time to look and see what lay inside, no time for

second-guessing. Everything suddenly dissolved in a flash of light and

magic, and suddenly she was in the throne room.

            "Wha-what happened? Did I make the right choice? Did I fail? WHAT'S

GOING ON!?" She blushed as she realized she had a lot of pent-up

anxiety from the whole ordeal, and Malen and Jareth's laughter wasn't

helping much, either.

            "You passed. Congratulations, dear. Now then, care to see what you

chose your destiny to be?" Jareth said, smiling gently. Looking

closely, though, Jara could have sworn she saw something else within

his eyes...relief? But a second later, it was gone. He tossed her the

sphere and she caught it, gasping softly as magical current raced from

it into her fingertips. Looking closer, she smiled; she really had made

the best choice. For there it was, as plain as a thirteen-hour day; the

only destiny she could really feel happy doing, at least the one she

could comprehend at this point in her life. Her, serving as Jareth's

second and guardian of the labyrinth...yes, it was a very good future,

indeed. She glanced up as the ball faded into the air.

            "You also solved the labyrinth in record time...eight hours. No one

has ever done that before...ever. You are indeed going to make a most

fitting apprentice." Jara blushed slightly at Jareth's compliment and

the warmth in his eyes. "Now then...I believe we have a matter of a

birthday to attend to, don't you agree, Malen?"

            "Why yes, I think you're right...come along then, Jara...for you

mustn't turn thirteen without loads of presents," Malen added, then

laughed at Jareth's exasperated expression. He briefly sent a thought

to the king: *Remember, you were the one who encouraged Thya and I to

be grandparents to her...you're just going to have to accept what all

that means!* Jareth rolled his eyes before standing and following the

two out of the room and to the grand banquet hall used for celebrating

all special occasions in the castle. He supposed it could be

worse...yes, it could have been a lot worse. He could have lost her

completely...compared to showering her with more gifts she didn't need,

well, he supposed he could tolerate the latter. He knew he could never

deal with the former.

Crystal Truths: The Jara Chronicles story 3

Shall We Dance?

Story Summary: Jara hits those fun teen years...

                         Jareth glanced across the throne room at the usual din and chaos.

Goblins, can't live with em....*I wouldn't mind trying to live without

them,* he thought to himself, rolling his eyes at the saying. He was

beginning to wonder how he had coped without another Fae in the

castle. Although she wasn't a true member of the race, most had

accepted Jara with no questions. There were rumors circulating in

select circles, but rumors would exist no matter what. Besides, pity

the fool who dared to confront the Goblin King about the issue.

Although she wasn't family, he protected the young woman with a

vengeance and would let no one even allude to her what was suspected.

He would tell her himself, when the time was right...maybe.

            At the thought of his apprentice Jareth glanced up at the clock...it

was almost three. *She should be here by now...she's rarely late.* He

had instilled her with all the virtues of a successful leader, but

lately the fourteen-year-old had been slacking off a bit. When he had

gone to his old teacher, Malen, for advice the ancient Fae had merely

laughed. "Ah, Jareth, you may have been around a few hundred years, but

that doesn't give you all the experience you need...prepare yourself,

my boy, for one of the hardest challenges you'll ever face." Confused

by that response, the man had inquired what the elder was referring to.

 "Adolesence...the time that brings out the jewel in all growing Fae

and humans," he replied, rolling his eyes and chuckling.

            The Goblin King's reverie was broken by a clunk of doors and the beat

of rushing footsteps. He glanced up just in time to see Jara run into

the throne room, skidding to a stop right in front of where he sat.

Although she could have just transported herself there he knew she

preferred to save the dazzle of magic for when it was needed. Besides,

she hadn't quite gotten a handle on all of it in her year of hard-core

training. He was far from worried, though. It had taken him a while to

get the hang of it and she had till her eighteenth birthday before she

would be officially made his second-in-command. The hard part was over,

he hoped.

            "You're late," he sighed, glancing at the clock which now read five

after.

            "So? I'm here." *That* reply woke him up a bit. Usually she was so

sweet and polite...in the back of his mind he hoped Malen was off the

mark for once.

            "But being on time is a virtue," he reminded her. "Where were you?"

            "Nowhere." Her eyes turned slightly from subdued brown to jade green,

a sign that meant she was not in the best mood. They practically dared

him to question her further. Her stance, as well, was defensive: arms

crossed, chin out...good grief! What had happened to his apprentice?

            "Well, now...this is a riddle, isn't it?" he replied, tilting his head

slightly and raising himself from his seat to circle her. "You left

lessons early, at least that's what Heggle told me...you already had

your combat training with Didymus for the day...and Ludo couldn't find

you when you had mentioned you wanted to go into the labyrinth...were

you visiting the firies again?" he finished, his voice quiet as he

stopped directly in front of the young woman. He should have known; she

had shown a great love for the manic dancing beasts from the time she

had run into the labyrinth against his will when she was a child. Yes,

she was competent, but he didn't want one of the residents to get

overzealous and accidently do her harm.

            "Nope." Jareth, king of the goblins and guardian of the labyrinth,

possessor of magic beyond human comprehension did his best not to yell

in exasperation. Even goblins were easier to deal with than this! At

least you could kick them...

            "Ah, so we're showing off our marvelous vocabulary, eh? Well, I

suppose you're wondering why I asked you here-"

            "Not really. Can I go now?"

            "No!" He bit out, mentally chiding himself for almost losing control

with that retort. Calming himself with deep breaths, Jareth tried

again. "I've decided to add a bit to your lessons..." he paused,

expecting a bitter retort. Jara just shrugged with indifference; for

the most part, she loved her lessons and was naturally curious about

everything. "...So you will now spend part of your daily lesson time

studying etiquette."

            "What?!"

            "Manners and culture-"

            "I know what etiquette means, Jareth! But why? I don't drag my feet or

slurp my soup or anything-" She cut herself off and straightened up

slightly.

            "There's more to it than that, dear. You will receive instruction on

music, literature, the arts, and other such things that could be

useful."

            "Why?" He had to fight a smile at the suspicious tone she was taking.

            "Because someday some lucky man is going to be knocked off his feet

when he meets you and I think it would be nice if you were able to

dance at your own wedding." The king nearly laughed as the girl winced

and gave a disgusted look. For some reason, though, he had felt a

slight pang of remorse at the sentence.

            "I very seriously doubt that will ever happen...I'm happy with things

the way they are. I've got my teachers, my friends, you..." If the pang

of remorse was confusing, Jareth was downright baffled by the warm

feeling and the relief her reply gave him. He considered her very

close, yes, almost family even, but not really. He couldn't treat her

like a daughter...it just wasn't that way. Besides, as far as she knew

her parents had been killed in a fire. He was her guardian, nothing

more.

            "Be that as it may, some things happen when you least expect it. Now

you really must get started on today's lesson-"

            "Fine, what is it? Piano? Singing? Reading all the volumes in the

library? Do you want me to knit you a sweater?"

            "Ballroom dancing," he replied, and with a gesture he transported them

both to the banquet hall and was shocked by the young woman's groan of

protest.

            "Dancing?!! Why?"

            "Why not?" In response she deigned to pause long enough to flip her

hair and give him a scornful look before answering.

            "Because...there's no point! It's just wasting time-"

            "Still, if you ever want to attend the balls in the land of the Fae,

you need to learn how to dance. There's a whole other world outside the

labyrinth's walls, Jara...many worlds, actually. If you're going to

explore them you need to at least be able to participate in some of

their traditions."

            "Fine," she pouted, directing her attention to one of the many

tapestries in the Rennaisance-esque room. A smile tugged at the corners

of the Goblin King's mouth...any human girl would want to be dazzled

with some fantasy, but Jara always seemed to appreciate the wonders

found in everyday life. The king gestured and music broke the silence.

            "Now then, come here-" He paused as she backed away, shaking her head.

            "No way." As if to illustrate her point further she crossed her arms

over her chest and looked away.

            "Jara, I realize you're new to this, but surely you realize that I

have to touch you if I'm going to show you how to dance." Usually his

teasing at least brought out a little smile. Jareth could have sworn he

saw the tiniest of grins, but then it was gone and she was completely

indifferent once more.

            "I'll step on your feet." It wasn't a warning so much as a threat.

            "I'll live...now come here, you're not getting out of this." He

couldn't help but smile as she gave a sigh of defeat and allowed him to

draw her near, although her body language stated that it was the most

boring thing she could possibly be doing and she was deigning to grace

him with her very presence. He had gotten many reactions from dancing

partners in his time, but this was a first. As Jareth clasped her

delicate hand in his gloved one he paused momentarily, transfixed by

how lovely she was becoming. She was fast leaving behind the little

girl he had known for so long and changing into something

different...not quite a woman yet, but something in between. Slowly he

began to lead her in a waltz, telling himself he really wasn't studying

her...he was just checking to make sure her stance was right. Briefly

his eyes met hers and he relaxed at her subdued expression, glad that

for once things could be somewhat-

            "OW!!!" Jareth backed away and looked at her, aghast as he realized

that she had just stomped on his foot, practically grinding in her boot

heel. Briefly he wondered if his parents had gone through the same

thing with him, and how they had managed to stay sane.

            "See? I told you I'd step on your feet...I guess I'm just not cut out

for dancing-"

            "Oh no you don't!" With lightning speed he reached out and caught her

arm as she tried to make her escape. "We'll try it again and keep

trying until you get it...or are you afraid?" He grinned at the

reaction *that* got; he knew he was pushing her buttons and for the

moment, he didn't really care.

            "I am *not* afraid, especially not of something like this!!" she bit

back and with a new sense of purpose she stepped close and allowed him

to hold her again. "I will get this...don't you dare think I won't!"

            "I wouldn't dream of it," he replied, giving her an innocent look in

response to her suspicious stare that wondered if she had just been

bested. She would keep him on his toes, in more ways than one, but

Jareth decided that he could handle this.

            He hoped.

*********************************

Crystal Truths: The Jara Chronicles Story 4

Truth Isn't the Only Thing That Hurts

Story Summary: Jara attends her first formal ball and deals with heartache

and the dark rumors that are circulated about her past

            Jara smiled slightly and continued changing for her first ball in the

land of the Fae...she couldn't wait! Finally, something new and

different. It wasn't that she was bored or tired of the castle and the

labyrinth and their inhabitants, but she wanted to see all she could

and was eager to try new things. Besides, at least she could put her

dancing skills to use. The fifteen-year-old grinned at that; she hadn't

been through all those lessons for nothing and it really was quite fun

once one got used to it. She laughed at the memory of her first

lesson...she had a feeling Jareth had been put through a lot more

anguish than she had. Running a brush through her brown tresses she

chanced a look in the mirror. Lately it had been more than hard to

bring herself to look...it wasn't that she was afraid of what she would

find...more like things were changing so fast. Finally, she focused her

eyes on her reflection.

            Not bad...not spectacular, but definitely not the revolting picture

she had been dreading. Jara flashed her double a grin and turned to

each side. The lavender and pale blue gown fitted her nicely, showing

the beginnings of a new figure. Her face was no longer that of a child,

but not quite the face of a woman, either. Greenish brown eyes stared

into the glass and medium brown hair with tints of copper framed a pale

face. As a finishing touch she added a silver necklace and earrings,

provided by conjuring a crystal.

            "You're getting quite good at that...although there are better things

to do with your talents then fashion jewelry." Turning, she smiled

meekly at Malen's wife, Thya.

            "Well...I suppose I can forgive you...after all, a lady does need her

baubles!" The silver-haired woman's blue eyes twinkled as she came

forward to stand by the youth. "Well, can this really be Jara? You've

changed much since I've last seen you." Jara nodded, her attention

again being drawn to her reflection.

            "In a good way, I hope."

            "You look absolutely lovely, dear. Of course, a smile makes you look

all the better...that's what I'm talking about!" she added when Jara

obeyed. "Are you excited?"

            "Of course! But I'm a little nervous...what if I do something wrong

and make a fool of Jareth or what if I just am not ready or what if

everyone laughs at me or what if-"

            Thya broke in as the young woman paused for breath. "Or what if you're

worrying all for nothing? Now get along; you'll be late, otherwise. And

you'll be fine!"

            "Thank you, Thya...I love you," Jara whispered, hugging the ancient

Fae woman.

            "And I you, dear, now get along! Musn't keep all those young men

waiting!" At that Jara pulled away and fixed the elder's wife with a

somewhat repulsed stare.

            "Please-"

            "Don't you try and cover it up! You shouldn't be excited just because

you're going someplace new! I was a young girl once too, you know! Now

off with you!" Pausing just long enough to roll her eyes and flash a

grin, Jara left her room for the throne room.

**********************

            "How long does it take to get ready!?" Jareth asked, sighing as he

paced the throne room.

            "Plenty long if you're a young, nervous girl! Relax, Jareth. She'll be

fine.."

            Jareth fixed Malen with a concerned stare. "I just don't know if I'm

ready to parade her in front of everyone-"

            "Especially not all the young suitors?" Malen finished with a twinkle

in his eye.

            "Well she has no experience whatsoever...what if one tries to overstep

their bounds?"

            "Then you'll be furious and turn him into a goblin after he barely

gets away from a beating from Jara. She's young, yes. Inexperienced, of

course. Naive and innocent, yes. Incompetent and ignorant? Not a bit.

Thya went over everything with her when she was thirteen, if you'll

recall. You're just going to have to let her grow up on her own a

bit...besides, I wouldn't be too concerned; she really doesn't seem

that interested in that type of thing."

            "Yes, but lead a hungry rabbit to a garden and it'll try to gorge

itself!" The king rolled his eyes as his former teacher burst out in

amused laughter.

            "Well, that's one way to put it. You'll be able to keep an eye on her.

Remember, if she hadn't solved the labyrinth she would be living there

by now."

            "Thank heaven for small favors..." Jareth said quietly, briefly

thanking whatever powers that be that she had concluded that her

destiny was to remain in the Underground. At that thought a new fear

seized him. "What if someone tells her about-"

            "They have no proof...she's going to have to find out sometime,

though."

            "Why?" Jareth knew the answer, though. She would be furious and hurt

beyond belief if he kept her life's secret from her and she heard it

through the grapevine. She would hate him anyway when she finally knew,

but for the time being he could put it off until she became his second.

Maybe longer...

            "Why what?" Both men turned at the new voice.

            "I was merely wondering why in the world we were standing here talking

dull business when there is quite a vision of a young lady that needs

to be complimented!" Malen covered quickly, but sincerely as he crossed

to Jara. The Goblin King had to smile at her blush; it was just too

adorable. He took the opportunity to survey her appearance as Malen

twirled her around the room commenting about how much she had

changed...she certainly had changed from a year ago, even. There was

still a slight melancholy about her, but at least most of the

aggression was gone, unless she was provoked. There was also still an

air of uncertainty and selfconciousness about her, but that was common

among any individual still in the process of growing up. She certainly

wouldn't be overlooked at the ball...that was a thought that Jareth

wasn't sure he liked or not.

            "Well, I must say that I shouldn't have bothered to dress up...no one

is going to notice me as long as I have such a beauty at my side," he

said playfully...maybe almost a little too playfully. Jareth grinned as

the young women blushed even more furiously than before...and at his

grin she had to look away. At the back of his mind the king wondered

why he was suddenly so attentive to her...he had always loved to tease

her, but now there was something else...

            Breaking himself out of his thoughts the king drew his attention back

to the waiting girl. "Well now, we're late enough as it is...just late

enough to make a fashionable entrance," he said, smiling wryly. "Shall

we?" he asked her, hand outstretched. He was almost surprised at her

momentary apprehension before she finally accepted his hand and nodded.

Without another word he transported them to their destination.

*******************************

            Jara fought the temptation to cling to Jareth's side as he lead her

into the enormous ball room that was even more ornate than anything in

the castle at the center of the labyrinth. It was also filled with Fae

men and women. That was strange for her...yes she had visited with a

few Fae: Malen and Thya mostly, but also Karius, who was a doctor and

Jareth's cousin, and a few other of his relations, but never so many at

one time. *I will not be scared...I don't get scared,* she mentally

told herself, wishing the rest of her mind would believe it. All around

her couples danced happily, dressed in fine apparell.

            "Surely this can't be young Jara!" She turned at the voice and smiled

at Karius, glad to see a familiar face.

            "I know, it is hard to believe she's growing up so fast," Jareth

replied, looking at her with a proud smile. She smiled shyly and looked

back at all the Fae...some had noticed their entrance and a few were

looking at her...but with very strange expressions, indeed. The

apprentice glanced down at her clothes...no, nothing was out of order.

So why were they staring at her as if she had no business being here?

And others were giving her looks of...pity? What was going on?

            "Now surely you can't expect me to let her go without one dance,"

Karius was saying, and she turned her attention back to him.

            "I suppose I'll allow it...just watch your feet." Jara rolled her eyes

at Jareth's remark. *He certainly is in a good mood today!* she thought

as the doctor pulled her away from her guardian to take a place among

the other dancing couples. A wave of relief hit her as she noticed that

she was able to keep up with ease and grace. The last thing she wanted

was to embarrass Jareth or herself.

            "I must say I am impressed...are you sure you're only fifteen?" Jara

returned Karius' grin but sobered as she noticed a few of the guests

gathered around them. They were doing it again.

            "Karius, what are they staring at?" She asked, meeting his gaze

dead-on.

            "Oh, they're probably just envious of the partner I managed to snag,"

he said, feigning a look of innocence.

            "Be serious!"

            "Knowing me, I probably put my tights on inside out or something," he

continued, smiling slightly.

            "Karius! If you know something, you'd better tell me."

            "I haven't a clue." It was said so firmly she had to believe him.

Shrugging, she slowed as the music stopped.

            "Now then, I've had my fun so now you should go and get acquainted

with people your age...go on, you'll be fine!" Jara nodded at the older

man and slowly made her way through the crowd to stand on the

sidelines, intrigued as she watched the couples that continued dancing.

A figure caught her eye and she was amazed to see Jareth waltzing with

a gorgeous creature...but for some reason he didn't look too happy.

*Probably remembering the last time he danced at a ball...* she thought

to herself, anger welling in her of the thought of the human girl who

had practically destroyed his life. *Calm down,* she coaxed herself.

*You'll have your revenge for him someday...be patient.* The young

woman walked slowly around the edge of the room, content in watching

the others.

            A small group caught her eye and she was alarmed to see that same

weird business going on...they were staring at her, some with

expressions of pity and some with contempt...using a trick she had

learned from her guardian, Jara ducked behind a pair of dancers,

disappearing from the group's sight. Silently she eased herself around

until she was behind the them.

            "How can you feel that way? She's just a girl...besides, if it gives

Jareth something to do then so be it," one woman was saying, clucking

in a regretful tone.

            A young man replied right away. "Still, it's an outrage to have him

bring her to mix with us...parading her around as if she's the same

when some say she's just a-"

            "Excuse me," Jara interjected, smirking slightly at the surprised

reactions of the Fae men and women. "Hello. I am so sorry to interrupt,

but I've been learning etiquette lately and if I'm not mistaken it is

quite rude to talk about someone behind their back. Besides, if you

have anything to say at all you say to my face," she added, her voice

dropping to a deadly quiet reminiscent of the goblin king's. "Well?"

She asked, raising an eyebrow. She followed one woman's gaze as it

reached Jareth in the crowd, almost as if she were debating something.

            "Er...no, I don't believe I have anything to say, dear...and may I add

that you are a smart one!" the woman who had spoken said, almost as if

trying to get on her good side.

            "That's right, we don't have *anything* to say to *you*," another

woman added, giving her a dark look as she ushered the others away.

            Rolling her eyes she stalked away, reminding herself she was a lady

and now was not the time to get sloppy. Sighing sofly, she started to

make her way back to the edge of the room to wait the rest of the ball

out.

            "Excuse me." Jara turned in surprise and found herself staring at an

extremely handsome young Fae male. He looked to be about her age, maybe

a little older. Jet black hair framed his face and bright blue eyes

sparkled softly. He was slightly taller than she and his voice was soft

and low.

            "Yes?" she managed to reply.

            "Aren't you the goblin king Jareth's apprentice?" he asked, studying

her quietly.

            "Yes...what of it?" she automatically asked, suspision quite evident

in her voice.

            "Nothing," he replied, slightly confused by her tone. "That's just who

I've heard you were...I saw you come in with him."

            "Oh...I'm sorry, I'm Jara."

            "Oran. A pleasure to meet you," he said warmly, giving her a smile

that made her stomach feel very strange. Before she could say anything,

he continued. "Would you care to dance?" The only reply she could

manage was a weak nod. Without hesitation he took her hand and lead her

to the dance floor. Jara's mind seemed to float through a fog; all she

could really comprehend was his face. That is, until she noticed a

couple beside them, raising their eyebrows and whispering as if the

world was ready to end. Her face seemed to burst into flames the moment

Oran turned around and saw them.

            "Gossip-hungry vultures," he muttered in disgust before guiding her

away. Relief swept over her and once more she allowed her mind to lose

itself in the dance. All was bliss until after a while when she began

to notice that the young man's attention wasn't quite as focused on her

as it had been. Turning slightly she saw another group. Deciding to

ignore them, she turned back to her partner who was no longer looking

at her at all. He disengaged himself and began walking towards the

gathered folk...

            "What is it?" she asked, giving a horrified glance to the whispering

Fae.

            "Not them...it's just that...well, I really want to dance with her,"

he said, nodding to a girl standing a short distance from the group,

listening on in amusement. Bright red hair framed a china-white face as

her deep green gown showed a gorgous figure. Her golden eyes glistened

with excitement.

            "But..." she couldn't continue...she was too confused.

            "It's just that she's beautiful," he continued, the admiration in his

voice evident. Without a word he crossed to the girl who gave only a

slight, indifferent look to a crushed Jara before dancing away with

Oran.

            Not thinking, not caring to think she turned and rushed away, pushing

through the startled dancers as if they were mere hallucinations. At

the back of her mind she heard her name being called, but she didn't

care. She didn't need any of it or any of them...the only thing that

mattered was that she needed to get home, right now. Happy that she had

perfected most of her magic skills she quickly conjured a crystal and

transported herself back to the Underground as fast as she could.

************************

            Jareth cried out to her, but she hadn't paid any attention. Then she

was gone in a flash of magic. He felt ten times worse than when Sarah

had disrupted her fantasy...how dare they! How dare they treat her like

that...she was his apprentice and should be treated with dignity and

respect. He cast a dark look at the young man who's exchange with Jara

he had accidentally overheard. *And how dare him, too...both of

them!!!* he thought, glaring at his new partner. It took all of his

restraint not to turn them into goblins then and there. Instead he

pushed his way out of the room and hastily transported himself back to

the labyrinth. He needed to find her...but where would she go?

            Sometime later he was pacing the throne room, twice as worried as he

had been that morning. It had been a disaster...she had been perfect

and those morons had treated her like dirt. Well, some had mentioned

that they were genuinely impressed, but the general consensus was not

in her favor. And that blasted boy! Didn't he realize how lucky he was

to even have her look at him?! He paused as Ludo, Didymus, and Hoggle

entered the room.

            "Any sign of her?"

            "No, your Majesty...she ain't in any of the oubliettes," the dwarf

replied, looking more than a little edgey around the king.

            "And the firies have not seen the fair maiden," Didymus added, shaking

his head sadly.

            "Ludo no find Jawa," the beast sighed.

            "And none of the guards have been able to locate her," Jareth added,

slumping his shoulders slightly before his persistence kicked in.

No...he would find her. He had too. There was no way he was giving up.

"Time to resort to stronger tactics," he whispered with a new resolve.

He had tried a crystal, but it seemed that she had put a block on that

sort of spell. Instead, he morphed into owl form and soared out of the

window and into the Underground sky.

****************************

            Jara sniffled quietly before adjusting her position in the soft grass

of the forest. It wasn't any of the main woods of the labyrinth...only

a little patch of trees next to a small stream. Still, no one would

ever find her there. And that was for the best...she didn't need false

compliments or stupid calming tactics if they weren't sincere. No, she

wouldn't be deceived ever again. *Especially not by any stupid boy.* At

that thought a new flood of tears flowed down her cheeks and she

hastily tried to wipe them away. She was strong. She was competent and

tough. She didn't cry. She tried to remind herself of that fact as the

hot tears refused to cease.

            Her ears perked up at a whoosh of a breeze. It had been perfectly

still all day...that wasn't just a breeze. Closing her eyes briefly,

not wanting to see what she knew was behind her, she shifted her

sitting position so she could look. Her eyes met Jareth's and she tried

to keep her composure; she would not seem weak in front of her

guardian. But she couldn't keep it up...the young woman turned back as

a heartbroken whimper escaped her lips and new tears began to form.

Jara was even too upset to resist as the king sat behind her, drawing

her back to lean against him.

            His sigh seemed completely genuine, as did his sympathetic tone when

he finally spoke. The girl desperately hoped he wouldn't go into some

corny speech. She should have known better, of course; it was Jareth

and not some human guidance counsellor. But his words were confusing at

very least. "Look down at that stream, Jara. Tell me what you see."

            "Water," she mumbled, not in the mood for mind games. She looked

closer, just to humor him. The water was so clear she could see the

very bottom quite easily. "Water and a bunch of rocks."

            "Those are river stones, not just rocks." He extended a finger and one

pebble rose up from the stream, dripping wet, and glided across the air

to float in front of her. "They are truly remarkable stones...not only

are they unique in their beauty, but they serve a very important

purpose. Without them, the river would not stay on track and all the

creatures that live in this area would have no water source. Now,

foolish people prefer diamonds because they sparkle and catch one's eye

immediately...but they don't do anything except sit there and expect

you to look at them. In time, even, they can lose their luster and are

just another piece of jewelry, nothing exceptional. The river pebbles,

though...they are a treasure, indeed. Never are there two that are

alike and they go through life happy to fulfill their purpose...those

who find someone like that are the lucky ones. And even though I can't

see into the future, I'd be willing to bet that someday some extremely

lucky man is going to come along and recognize you for what you really

are: a highly talented, beautiful, exceptional young woman who also

happens to be a remarkable dancer." She almost didn't want to admit it

to herself, but his speech had made her feel much better. Nodding with

a subdued melancholy, she pressed her head lightly against his chest

and just allowed him to hold her.

**********************

            Jareth brushed a hand over her head lightly as he cradled the girl.

Life truly was unfair, or else she would have had everyone falling at

her feet at the ball. He hated to admit it to himself, but he was glad

that Oran had walked away...he didn't exactly know why he was so

relieved, though. Maybe it was because he just wanted the best for

her...he knew there had to be someone out there who saw her the way he

did, who would appreciate her and never let her forget how wonderful

she was. He only hoped that when she found him he would be able to

approve and let her go.

*

Crystal Truths: The Jara Chronicles story 5

Move Away

Story Summary: Jara undertakes her first missions as Jareth's second in

command

            The goblin king smiled at Jara's anxious expression...today was the

day. She was now eighteen, she was an apprentice no longer. She was now

officially his second in command, the guardian of the labyrinth. Now

children's wishes would be answered again, now magic would be brought

to the earth once more. He also realized that it was partly to protect

himself from experiencing another "Sarah incident," but that original

intention had dissolved into something much more selfless. He wanted

her to be happy, to have something to do...she had decided as a teen

that she truly wasn't cut out to be a Fae lady of the court, so to

speak, and if that meant being like the clucking gossip-hungry hens

that had been at her first ball, then he was quite happy to have her

hold that opinion. He would much rather have her stay in the

Underground, where he could make sure no one dared to breath a word of

her true past, where no one dared to insult her.

            "Do you remember the crystal you chose the day you solved the

labyrinth?" he asked her, a question to which she replied with a

confident nod. Smiling, he produced the sphere out of the air and with

a sparkle of magic, transformed it into an amulet. It was a sphere of

many shades of blue and small silver lines; a symbol of her crystal

wish, of her dreams.

            "This is your amulet, the way this symbol is mine," he explained,

touching his own medallion. "Yours is special, though, in that it is

your last resort if you need help or can see no other way to solve a

problem. All you have to do is wish, then smash it and whatever you

need will happen. But remember...it has to be completely broken in

order for it to work." She nodded again; she had developed much more

restraint in the past few years, but her emotions were just as strong

as they had always been. Gently, he draped the necklace over her head

and removed her hair out from under the chain, pausing only a half a

moment to absently relish the closeness for some unknown reason.

Stepping back, he continued his speech. "You have perfected your magic,

completed your training and your schooling...you know all you need to

and are ready to take the position you were meant for. As a first

initiation, I would like you to create a section of the labyrinth that

is purely from your inspiration."

            "I will," was all she said before morphing into an owl, slightly

smaller than what he transformed into and streaked with light brown,

and heading out the window and into the labyrinth.

*************************

            Jara stood where the forest of her fears had existed when she had

conquered the maze at age thirteen...this spot would do. Concentrating,

she pictured what would be suitable...something difficult, but magical

and beautiful, as well...when she found her inner peace, her soul's

stillness, creativity pulsed forth and ideas floated to her

consciousness. Opening her eyes, she formed a crystal and caused it to

grow until it was almost as big as she was. Slowly she spun her arm and

watched as pale colors formed within the globe...reds and blues,

purples and greens....The ball began to break apart, forming a spiral

that uncoiled as she gestured with her hand. It floated to the plot of

land that lay next to the beautiful clearing and suddenly grew,

becoming brighter and more intense in its magic as it grew. Suddenly,

it was a strip of magic rope no longer, but a maze...a giant section of

plants, but crystalline plants. Crystalline vines glowed in the

sunlight and glasslike flowers grew on the walls' edges...this would be

perfect. She had added slyness and trickery into the spell, so that

once an opponent passed a section, it would grow shut behind them. And

dreams and fantasy and desire was there, too...the flowers weren't just

there for decoration. Peaches were fine, but some mortals were smart

enough to not eat any strange fruit...they would think nothing of

breathing deeply as they passed a beautiful plant. Jara stood there,

admiring her work for a few moments, and then it came.

            The slight change in the air that Jareth had told her about, but she

had never felt until now. The change that signalled the goblins to get

to work, that called her into the mortal realm.

            Someone was saying the words.

******************************************************

            Light flashed in the room, but it wasn't any sort of earthly light.

The teenage girl sprawled across the bed sat up with a start,

bewilderment plain across her features. There stood a woman that

slightly resembled something from...no...it couldn't be!

            "Who-who-"

            "I am Jara, the goblin king's second in command and guardian of the

labyrinth."

            "You mean..." The girl's salon-tanned face went from bewilderment to

realization to horror. Her brown eyes widened as she began to

comprehend the situation and she nervously twirled a lock of dark hair

round a finger.

            "You said the words...if you don't believe me, go take a look in your

brother's room." Silently, Angela obeyed. Jara took that time to survey

the room...what a mess! Couldn't mortals keep their homes neater than

goblins did? She frowned as she stared at a video box laying on top of

a TV.

            *Labyrinth? Well, Jareth did say they know of our realm, but he didn't

mention how...* Glancing up was just as startling. Her gaze hit a pile

of CDs strewn across the bed. Jara ran a gloved finger along the

covers, frowning. The man featured on every one looked like

Jareth...she took a moment to point to the contraption that played the

things...*sounds like Jareth, too, but not quite...not as good,* she

noted, frowning at the wail of strange-sounding instruments. *Who -is-

this man?*

            "Uh, you're a Bowie fan, too?" Jara turned suddenly to face Angela, a

look of confusion on hers, a look of terror on the mortal's.

            "I have no idea who you're talking about."

            "You know, the guy in the movie!" she replied, pointing to the video

box.

            That caused Jara to laugh, a sound that was slightly deeper than most

females' and twice as musical. "If you think that was just a movie..."

Smirking, she produced a crystal from thin air. "Now then...on to

business...I've brought you a gift..."

            "Is it..." the girl's eyes widened even more with shock.

            "It is...it's a crystal, nothing more, but when you turn it this way

and look into it it will show you..."

            "My dreams?" The shock had dissolved into excitement and desire.

            Jara nodded, a smile playing across her lips. "Do you want it? Then

just stay here in your room with your movies and your music...forget

about the baby."

            Angela looked back down the hall, clearly torn. Licking her lips, she

returned her gaze to Jara's. The second smiled, letting her eyes hook

the girl's and keep them fixed on the crystal that began to feature

hazy images that were tempting to the mortal. Finally, she stretched

out a hand and accepted the sphere.

            "Good...very good. Now farewell," she replied, her smile triumphant as

she turned into the owl and flew out the window.

***************************************

            There seemed to be no rest for the weary that evening...as soon as she

had finished that job there was another call. Jara let herself soar

along the wind and across oceans, finally swooping into an open window

very far from her last stopping point. If she remembered correctly it

was Australia.

            "What? Who are you?!" It was a boy this time...he looked to be about

fifteen or sixteen and he was very startled. Good. His grey eyes

reflected astonishment and maybe a little fear and the wind from the

Fae realm rushed through the window, ruffling his sandy hair.

            "I am Jara, guardian of the labyrinth...I work for the goblin king.

You wished your sister away...now I have brought you a gift." She held

the crystal aloft, capturing his gaze like she had the girl's. His eyes

were quite an interesting shade, and although he was tempted, she

could tell which way it would go. Duty and what was right was clearly

written on his features, a quality which she suddenly found quite

refreshing, especially in a mortal.

            "It's not that it isn't nice of you..uh, Jara...but I do love my

sister...I just get mad at her sometimes...besides, she's just a baby!

I'll solve the labyrinth."

            "Ah, so you are also familiar with the routine?" she asked, making

sure his attention was on her as she transported them to the

Underground.

            "I've seen the movie, yeah...I'll solve it."

            "We'll see." He was so different than most mortals she had heard

about, even different from many Fae boys she had known. She couldn't

fight the hint of a smile that crept into her eyes. This one was

different...he was a dreamer, but a fighter as well. "James," she

called; she knew his name, she knew all their names. He brought his

gaze from the magical landscape back to her gaze. "You have thirteen

hours to solve the labyrinth, or your baby sister becomes one of

us...forever..." She couldn't bear to add the tag line, for some

reason; she was too intent on studying him as she vanished from the

hillside.

**********************************************

            Eight hours later she was lounging in her chamber, still studying the

boy through a crystal. He was making excellent time, for a mortal. He

seemed considerate, intelligent, imaginative, and understanding. He had

acted rash, but he was more than making up for it now. Jara's lips

formed a smile...there was just something that drew her to him. He

wasn't like Sarah...he wasn't ignorant or heartless, she could tell.

            She straightened slightly as he entered the crystal plant maze...this

would be interesting. The second felt a slight pang of empathy as he

began to get overwhelmed by it all, but also a surge of pride on a job

well done. James managed to run through, escaping being caged at the

last second, but he had fallen for the other trap...he had breathed too

deeply. Rising, Jara leaned out her window, sending crystals floating

on the afternoon breeze to meet the drugged boy down below.

Concentrating, she focused on the bond she had formed earlier, so as to

know how exactly to tap into his dreams. He was a loner,

surprisingly...one everyone liked, but not in the way he hoped. Another

pang of empathy flooded through her and she smiled at a

possibility...maybe for a few hours both their sorrows in that area

could be relieved. Waving her hand, she sent the spell to the floating

spheres, already drifting down to the figure laying on the grass of the

clearing down below.

*******************

            She waited patiently as she gazed into the crystal...sometimes it took

a while for these things to take effect. Slowly, figures began to fill

the room. Now it was not a ballroom, but something more like one of

their school dances, she supposed. Ah, well, it wasn't her that was

coming up with the stuff. Figures clothed in strange clothes filled the

room and she glanced down to find a mirror image of herself in attire

that conformed to mortal standards. Frowning at the blandness of it,

she waved a hand and changed the sneakers to heeled sandals, jeans to

black slacks, and boring white shirt to a silver blouse. Turning, she

spotted her target, trying to wade through the masses, confusion plain

on his face. Jara frowned at the thumping bass beat and the shrill

guitars; there was some mortal music she would either have to study and

get used to, or she was going to have to put some rules on these

fantasies! She pushed it out of her head, though, as he came

closer...closer...

            Her double abruptly stepped from her hiding place and sauntered past

him, disappearing at the last moment. He whirled and she knew he hadn't

missed her. Again, she allowed herself to be seen, but only for a split

second. Finally, after she became bored with the game of cat and mouse,

she walked through the crowd that now separated for her as a slow

melody came on, but still every bit as modern as the rest. The woman

frowned, recognizing the voice.What *was* it with that Bowie guy? She

turned her gaze back to James, though, as he approached, and gave him a

grin. He didn't have time to blink, let alone speak, before she pulled

him into a dance, letting him lead, but still, she was in charge. He

relaxed slightly and smiled back at her...she wouldn't lose herself in

his eyes, wouldn't lose control, but there was something comforting

there...something nice about having someone there for you. She sighed

as he wrapped an arm about her, their bodies swaying in rhythm to the

hypnotic melody. Jara grinned inwardly...there was no clock

here...nothing to remind him of the time, she had made sure. Suddenly,

though, he pulled away and began to walk towards...

            Her eyes narrowed at the other girl. This was too much! She was a

blond with perfect skin and figure...and she could tell she was the

most popular girl James knew. That was that then...she had beened

warned to remain in control over these dreams, but she had lost her

head...over a boy! She had thought he was someone different...someone

who could be trusted. She should've known. Steaming, she raised a hand

and caused a clock to form on the wall. He saw it all right, and it

wasn't long before the crystal was shattered and the dream a memory.

*******************

            As the crystal in her hand went dark Jara sent it away, disappearing

in the air. So much for that. She should've known...she knew about not

getting involved with an opponent...and Jareth had been right. Now all

she felt was anger and sadness, but she was used to it in matters of

the heart. She would get over it, she had to. She wouldn't let it

interfere. Besides, she had to obey that law Hoggle told her

about...that law that no one in the Underground could fall in love. It

was forbidden and for good reason. It was unnecessary. *So why do I

still feel hurt?* she wondered, sighing as she vowed to double her

efforts on this opponent. He would not succeed.

**************

            Five hours later found James in an oubliette. She had been right...he

couldn't handle all of it...of course, she had seen to that. In a burst

of magic and music Jara appeared before him, clothed in dazzling

silver.

            "Do you hear the chimes? You have failed, James. I must say I am

disappointed, but not half as disappointed as your sister." She handed

him a crystal through which he could see every moment of the girl's

transformation from adorable, golden-haired child to repulsive,

dim-witted goblin.

            "That's...that's-"

            "Unfair? A deal is a deal, James! You can't have everything your way!"

she bit out, her face inches from his. "Cruel? You knew the

consequences when you said the words...all I have done I have done

because of you! Never think otherwise! Now then...I believe you have a

life to attend to...but don't worry, you're one of the lucky ones. I'm

allowing your sister's identity to be forgotten...so it's just you and

your parents from now on...but isn't that what you wanted? Isn't that

why you said the words, so she would be forgotten?!" He stared up at

her in stunned silence. "Then you have what you wanted...and here I

thought you were different...I must say, I am disappointed." Her sneer

was the last thing he saw before returning to his own realm.

***************************************

            Jara sighed as she appeared in the throne room, knowing she was

required to report to the king. He raised his gaze from the new

addition in the pit to her eyes and smiled softly.

            "It's not always easy, I know...but you did well. Now you know why I

told you never to get involved...it's not worth it. The job is hard

enough without the added bitterness." His expression darkened and she

knew who he was thinking about.

            "But I was foolish...you warned me and I thought things would be

different. Besides, I was able to handle it, he exposed himself early.

But you...she could have ruined you...and that is not acceptable." Her

gaze hardened as it met his with a new purpose. "I swear I will never

let myself be so stupid again...and I will get revenge for you one day,

Jareth. It might take forever, but it will happen, I promise." He

nodded somberly, knowing this was nothing to argue.

            Sighing, he smiled half-heartedly as he regarded her again. "Thank

you, Jara. Now then, I must congratulate you on two jobs well done, as

well as a fantastic addition to the labyrinth's tests. You are handling

the job well, and I know you will continue to do so. Thank you." She

nodded, returning the bittersweet smile before climbing the stairs to

her room, her heart set in matters. Neither one of them knew how much

the pact or the amulet would come into play five years later.

***************************