Title: Making Dreams Come True
Fandom: Labyrinth
Parts: 6 plus prologue and epilogue
Rating: PG
Disclaimer: Nothing in labyrinth or fantasy island belongs to me
Summary: Sarah gets a chance to make her dreams come true, compliments of
a mr. rorke - fantasy island crossover spawned by a television commercial
of rorke with a crystal
************************************************
Prologue
Ralph looked up from his paperwork to glance out of the travel agency's
window. Rain again...it always seemed to be raining; always grey and
dreary. He looked over at the Fantasy Island Resort's calendar, envying
Rorke for the thousandth time that day. *It just isn't fair...he gets to
spend his days in the sun in a tropical paradise, with women like Ariel,
no less. And here I am with...with not much,* he thought, glancing over
at the elderly secretary. *But, I suppose not everything in life is
fair...* With that thought he shifted back to his work, preparing himself
for the next customer he knew was bound to come.
***********************
The young actress walked swiftly down the street, regretting the fact
that she had forgotten to bring an umbrella. She sighed, ducking into a
store's doorway. Everything was going quite well, she supposed. She got
along with her family all right...things between her and Karen, her
stepmother were always a little edgey, but they managed. Toby was growing
up to be quite an interesting individual...he was now fifteen and had an
artist's edge. He was always stopping to contemplate the world they lived
in...or think up other worlds...much like she had once done. She was
making her way up in the acting world...it hadn't been easy, but nothing
ever is. She had learned all she could, getting her foot in the door as
an actor/tech, then working her way up to full-time performer. She had
just come from an audition for a Broadway show, which had gone rather
well, in her opinion. But still, something was missing. She was
independent, self-reliant, and she certainly wasn't lonely...or maybe she
just didn't let the feeling register.
She turned around to gaze in the shop window and muffled a gasp. It was
one of those novelty shops...filled with objects from fantasy: books,
jewelry, knick-knacks of all sorts...things she would have loved as a
teen-ager, but things that she was very much afraid of now. Ever since
that time...she shook her head, clearing the thoughts away. She wasn't
even sure if it had really happened...but remembering the incident left
her with such an empty feeling, not to mention a slight twinge of fear.
She quickly headed back out into the rain, which had gone from a drizzle
to a downpour. In desperation she ducked into the neighboring shop,
sensing it was safe. She walked in, breathing in the musty air, and
glanced out of the window at the rain beating down on the pavement.
"Well, now isn't this a treat? Miss Sarah Williams, herself! And what
can I do for you?" Sarah turned in surprise to face the old man at the
desk.
"How..how did you know..."
"Why, everyone knows a good actress when they see one! Now then, let's
just get you taken care of." He turned to the secretary and instructed
her to fill out a 39J form. Nodding, the old woman began to type.
"Wait a minute...what's going on here? I just came in to-"
"To forget what's been plaguing you since you were fifteen? To get rid
of the fear you now face when you dream?" She stared at the old man in
shock.
"How did you know?"
"Simple, my dear...very simple. Now then, I suggest you go pack your
things!"
"What are you talking about?"
Smiling, Ralph handed her a brochure. "Fantasy Island?" she murmured,
looking up at him over the paper, clearly intrigued.
******************************************
Ch. 1
Mr. Rorke sat at his desk, reading up on his latest client. He paused as
he heard slight movement, and smiled up at the figure in the doorway.
"Ah, hello, Ariel...is everything prepared for our guests?" He watched
as she gracefully walked into the room and took the seat across from him.
"Yes...everything is as you instructed...but I still don't understand why
you want your cousin to assist you with this one."
"Let's just say that this young woman's real wish will require a little
stronger magic than I alone can provide." That was an understatement.
There was another reason, though, which he didn't want to give away just
yet. He smiled at his assistant, enjoying her perplexed expression. "You
contacted him, I trust?"
"Yes, he'll be waiting for you on the other side of the island by this
evening."
"Perfect. It will be nice to see him again..." Both men were quite
stranded in the areas they oversaw...at least until fate decided to rescue
them. They each had a job to do...reminding people of what was really
important. And they did a good job of it, too.
He glanced out the window at the sound of the bell and Cal's cry of "The
plane! The plane! The plane!"
"Shall we?" He stood and offering Ariel his arm, walked out to the
landing dock.
****************
"Smiles, everyone, smiles!" Rorke reminded as the small group watched the
plane land. True, life on the island was monotonous, but these particular
cases would prove to be challenges.
"The boy is Toby Williams...the woman is his sister, Sarah. Toby thinks
he's here to celebrate his sister's being cast in a Broadway show...Toby
is becoming quite the artist...much to his sister's chagrin. She wants
him to grow up and be normal, like other children...which is quite
ironic." He smiled slightly at the whole situation."When Sarah was a girl
she experienced something that very few people have ever been
through...something that changed her entire life. It made her grow
up...threw her back into reality, so to speak. But she left some
unfinished business behind, choosing to give up her dreams out of duty to
her brother...a very noble decision, but still.... Her fantasy is to
forget the entire thing...she isn't even sure if it really happened...but
she lives in constant fear of things she doesn't understand...alone," he
added, feeling a slight twinge of pity for the girl. She was successful,
yes, but not happy. She didn't even know what would make her happy...or,
rather, she knew, but was too scared to admit ever desiring it.
Rorke stepped forward to greet his guests. "Hello and welcome to Fantasy
Island. I am your host, Mr. Rorke, and this is Cal, Harry, and Ariel. We
hope you have a pleasant stay," he recited, noting with amusement the
expression on the young woman's face. "Cal will take your luggage and
Harry will show you to your rooms." He walked over to the girl, admiring
what he saw. She had aged rather well...she still possessed quite an
innocent, childlike quality...yet she had a fire in her...a fighter's
instinct that was very strong. He could see the family resemblence as he
looked over to her brother. He had the same qualities, yet bore more of a
dreamer's expression. He watched with humor as the boy slowly followed
the entourage, carefully taking in his surroundings, his blue eyes filled
with wonder.
Rorke walked over to Sarah, taking her aside. "Don't worry about your
brother, he will be well taken care of...I'll meet with you later to
discuss the reason you're here," he said quietly. She nodded in consent.
"That will be just fine," she said, still watching him with a slight bit
of caution before turning to follow the others to the hotel.
*******************************
It was slightly after sunset...quite a magical time on the island...of
course, to the tourists, every part of the day was magical there. To its
inhabitants it was just plain boring. Rorke allowed himself a small smile
as he walked slowly along the underbrush, making his way to the far side
of the resort. The guests were being entertained and would not even
notice his disappearance. He walked along, listening to the cricket's
symphony, glancing up at the stars. He stopped as he reached his
destination, a small clearing. Rorke waited for a few minutes, knowing he
was slightly early. It was his duty to arrive first, though. Even to his
cousin he had to play host, and he would do the job to the best of his
ability. He had no choice. He looked over at a section of brush as a
slight rustle broke the quiet.
"I trust your trip went well?" he asked, not even having to look at the
other man to know it was whom he was expecting.
"Quite well...I must admit, I was a bit surprised you called. I was
under the impression you could handle any request." The voice that floated
through the darkness was equally as musical as his own. He smiled at the
jest, glad to have some company to break the tedium.
"Well, this particular case requires your special touch. I hope I didn't
interrupt anything."
"Please, I haven't had a visitor in years...then again, most don't
realize my establishment even exists." A bitter edge to the music.
"Well, this client might cheer you up...it seems she wants to forget a
particular incident that happened years ago."
"So...what's the problem? Why do you need me?"
"I'm not sure that is her true fantasy." Rorke smiled and extended a
hand. Slowly, the shimmering sphere began to form in his palm; rarely did
he use this type of magic anymore. Yet, it was the family trademark, and
one he did take pride in. He extended the ball out to the other man, who
watched as an image began to form out of the fragmented light. "You see,
it's her..."
********************************************************************
Ch. 2
Sarah smiled as she watched Toby from where she lay on the beach. He was
actually wading in the waves...acting like a normal boy, for once. It
wasn't that she didn't understand the pull towards fantasy that he
felt...she just wanted to save him from what she had to go through. She
put down her book as he tromped up to her, his smile exultant.
"Sarah! Look what I found!" She started to look over at her brother
when she saw Mr. Rorke out of the corner of her eye.
"Just a minute, Toby," she said, much to the boy's frustration. She
stood and approached the man, pushing back the feeling of suspicion she
got whenever he was around her. He just seemed too...familiar. Too
regal...to knowledgeable. And his crystal blue gaze could be so
unnerving.
"Hello, Sarah. And how are you enjoying my labyrinth?" She backed away
in horror at that statement, suddenly feeling dizzy.
"Sarah...are you all right? I merely asked how you were enjoying my
resort," he restated, looking at her with concern. She sighed with
relief...her mind had probably just tricked her...she wasn't used to so
much sun.
"It's wonderful," she replied, truthfully.
"I'm glad you like it...walk with me." He offered her his arm, which she
took, and they began to slowly make their way along the beach.
"Now then...tell me what it is you want." He made sure he was far enough
away from the boy when he spoke again.
"You mean...you can give me anything?" She asked, not believing.
"Anything...just make sure it's what you really want...for I will give
you only what your heart truly desires." He hoped that she would change
her mind and just admit to herself what her deepest desire was...it would
make things that much more easier.
"It is...you see...when I was fifteen I.."
"Wished away your brother and had a marvelous adventure that no one
believes ever happened?" He chuckled as her eyes widened.
"How did you know?"
"Lucky guess...my dear, it is my job to know everything about my
clientele. Now then, go on," he urged.
"I want to forget it ever happened...or make it so that it never
happened. Ever since then I've been empty...I've grown up and I don't
need such silly memories. It's hurting me more than anything else. I'll
be walking along and suddenly I'll see a strangely familiar creature...or
someone will say something that reminds me of him..."
"Him?" he asked, feigning innocence.
"Never mind...I don't want to remember...he didn't do me any favors."
"Or maybe you just don't realize it, yet."
She stopped, giving him a hard look. "I know what I want, Mr. Rorke. I
want to be normal! I want to live my life and forget about all that
happened...there's no room in my life for magic anymore!" She looked at
the ground.
"Maybe...maybe not. Though it is against my better judgement...I can
grant your request...but you'd have to do the whole thing all over again."
"What? No! Absolutely not!!" She was quite vehement in that remark, he
noted. Maybe she really didn't want to forget, after all.
"There's no other way to undo something that has been done...you must go
and relive the experience...but not succumb to the temptation that you
gave in to. And you must resist the right temptation...otherwise you will
remember everything."
"But how will I know which thing to resist? Do I not wish him away...do
I not break the hallucination...do I change my final answer? Give me a
hint!"
"I cannot tell you...you have do it on your own. Is it a deal?" He gave
her another one of those stares that she found so uncomfortable. His eyes
reminded her of another pair...one that had haunted her dreams.
"I can't..." she finally broke the silence. "It isn't that I don't
appreciate what you're trying to do for me, but I can't. I can't face it
all again." She just couldn't ignore the nagging feeling inside her.
"Can't face it all...or can't face him?" he countered. After a short,
awkward silence he continued. "Very well, then, I'm sorry I couldn't be
of service, but I hope you will enjoy your stay, anyway." He was
relieved...this would make things much easier.
They stopped and she realized that they were at the very spot they had
started from. Sarah turned to address Mr. Rorke again, but he had
vanished. Shrugging, she walked back to her waiting brother. "OK, Toby,
what was it you wanted to show me?" She knelt beside her brother and
smiled.
"Look at this!" he exclaimed, excited by his latest treasure. She gaped
at the object he held...the medallion the Goblin King himself had worn.
Suddenly very anxious, she snatched it out of his hand.
"Get rid of that thing...who knows what it's capable of!" she shrieked,
preparing to cast it back into the waves.
"Hey, no! Geez, Sarah, get a grip, it's just a shell!" She paused and
re-examined the object which she held. Sure enough, it was a shell...a
strangely shaped and twisted shell...but definitely not what she thought
it had been. Shaking, she handed it back to Toby.
"Sorry, kiddo...guess I let my imagination run away with me there for a
sec!" She plastered a fake smile on her face, trying to conceal the terror
she felt. Toby nodded and returned to examining his finds. Sarah
returned to the blanket she had been laying on and tried to compose
herself. Between the calm sounds of the rippling water and the warm sun
she soon fell fast asleep.
********************************************************************
Ch. 3
She was in the Escher room again...she had no idea how she had gotten
there, but at that moment she didn't care. She had to save Toby. She
ran, frantically looking for the babe, but he was nowhere to be seen. She
paused as she felt someone's eyes on her. Sarah turned, terrified by what
she saw. She met the mismatched gaze with her own, hoping she looked
calmer than she felt.
"Well, well, what do we have here?" he murmured, and for not the first
time she realized how beautiful his voice was, not to mention the rest of
him.
"Jareth...give me back my brother!" He chuckled at her desperate plea,
and she suddenly realized Toby wasn't there. She wasn't a young girl
anymore...and the only two people in the room were her and the Goblin
King.
"Sarah...please...pull yourself together...this time things are between
you and me." He started to come closer, but she ran, not wanting to know
what his idea of revenge would be.
"No...leave me alone! You're not real!!"
"I'm not?" He was suddenly behind her. "Then what is real, Sarah? Are
you real? Is your world real? How can you be certain?" That maddening
stare. She shivered, backing away.
"I don't know...I don't care...I beat you long ago...You Have No Power
Over Me!!!!!!!!!!!" she screamed, and suddenly the room broke apart, but
not before she could see his truly hurt and regretful stare.
Sarah woke with a start. Looking around, she realized she was still on
the beach. *It was only a dream...* she thought, but somehow she wasn't
so sure. That last part...the king's final stare was burned into her
memory, and she knew she wouldn't be getting any more sleep during the
rest of her vacation. She shivered, noticing that the sun was setting.
She stood, picked up her things, and started towards the hotel. She hoped
Toby was alright, but she knew he could take care of himself.
Sarah looked out at the golden-orange hues of the setting fireball,
remembering something one of her teachers had once pointed out...that in a
picture one could not tell the difference between a setting sun and a
rising sun. It was your opportunity to make the most of what you saw.
She didn't know what she was seeing...she only hoped she was still sane.
"Sarah, over here." She turned at the new voice. It was the woman,
Ariel. She walked over to where Sarah stood. "We were getting worried."
"I'm OK," she whispered, still shaken.
"Are you sure?" Sarah nodded, then shook her head.
"How do you know if you're going insane?" At that Ariel laughed, a
melody that danced through the air.
"I've learned that if you think you're crazy, the likely outcome is that
you're really fine. What's troubling you?" She didn't have to ask, she
already knew. Rorke had informed her on the situation the night before.
She had been curious as to why he was going to all this trouble..normally
he just gave the customer what they wanted, in spades, and didn't care if
it hurt them in the long run...it was their own fault. He had given her a
secretive smile, saying that this was a little different...and mentioned
something about owing a relation a favor.
"Just a dream...about him...I just can't get it out of my head...I want
to forget, yet I don't. I made so many friends during that time, and one
big enemy."
"You're thinking in black-and-white terms...how can you be sure he's an
enemy?"
"I don't know...I beat him...why shouldn't he hate me?"
"Things are never that simple, especially with emotions. You know what
you really want, don't you." A statement, not a question.
Sarah nodded, ashamed. "Yes...but if the feeling isn't mutual, then I
wouldn't be able to live with myself...besides, I'm a grown-up now...I
should be able to be happy with what I've got!"
"Unless you were meant to have much more." Sarah looked at the other
woman for an explanation, but she remained silent. They stood before the
dining room...Sarah hadn't even been aware that they were walking. She
was glad she was dressed appropriately...a light, ankle-length sundress.
Suddenly feeling very hungry, she followed Ariel into the dining room,
where Toby sat at a table with Mr. Rorke, engaged in a very interesting
conversation by the looks of things.
"Ah, Sarah, there you are! See, young man, I told you she would be fine."
Rorke smiled at her brother before turning to Sarah. "We saved a plate
for you, hope you're hungry." He gestured to the chair beside him, and she
sat, eating with what she hoped was dignity...she was famished.
"You're brother was telling me about some of his latest works...he is
quite the dreamer...I bet he could go quite far with his stories and
sketches. I particularly like this one." He had been carefully paging
through Toby's sketchpad, and stopped at the newest addition. Sarah's
appetite suddenly vanished as she stared down at the figure who she had
been dreaming about not so long ago. Toby looked at her with eager eyes,
waiting for her impression.
"It's...it's fantastic," she managed to get out, filling her mouth with
food before she was asked to explain what she liked about it. It was
incredibly realistic...especially the eyes. She noticed Rorke's gaze on
her...she glanced at him from the corner of her eye. He was watching her
intently, as if she knew exactly what she was thinking. Sarah shifted in
her chair and looked out at the other tables, filled with people who were
happily talking...and the dance floor filled with couples enjoying one
anothers' presence. She was pulled out of her reverie as a voice pierced
through the air.
"Excuse me...pardon me...gots to get these over to Rorke...comin'
through! Why, hello, Sarah!" She thought she would faint at the sight of
the dwarf, but she remained concious. She blinked, hoping it was a trick
of the light.
"H-Hoggle?" she whispered.
"Who? Miss Williams, are you OK?" She blinked and stared dumbly at Cal,
who stood before her. He had a different sort of look, yes, but he didn't
look or sound anything like Hoggle. Suddenly quite embarrased, she
examined the interesting tablecloth.
"Uh, yeah...just a little tired, I guess." She sighed, wondering how she
was going to get through the rest of the week. Maybe she should take
Rorke up on his offer...at least then she knew she would be all right.
"You know how hard the flight can be for some of our guests..." Rorke was
saying, covering for her. "Thank you, Cal." he nodded to the employee
before Cal walked off. His ears seemed to perk up as someone announced a
cabaret singer. "Come on, Sarah...you're here to relax...I've heard how
fabulous a dancer you are." He stood and raised the young woman to her
feet, escorting her to the dance floor. He led her in a slow waltz, and
for not the first time since arrival, she realized how familiar he
seemed...familiar, but different. He was definitely not Jareth, but there
was something about him...
She stopped dancing, her mouth open, as she realized the melody the
singer was sending throughout the room...the very song Jareth had sung to
her during her hallucination. Not even bothering to make an excuse, she
tore herself away from Rorke's gentle grip and fled to the sanctity of her
room.
***************************************************************
Ch.4
She didn't even move at the knock on her door, she didn't care. She just
wanted to be left alone to go slowly crazy, if that was her destiny.
Rorke entered, probably using a manager's key.
"Why..." she managed, "Why are you doing this to me? I thought this was
supposed to be some great resort...and all it's been is a nightmare!"
He smiled softly. "I'm only trying to help...you see, it seems to me
that you aren't here to forget, but to remember."
"Well, you've certainly done a good job with that!" she bit out. He
chuckled, adding to her already irritable mood. "It's not funny! Why?
Why are you driving me nuts...why are you encouraging my brother when you
know I don't approve...and who *are* you, anyway!?" She had been pacing
furiously, but with that last outburst she dropped back onto the bed.
"I'll have to answer that one question at a time...as much as I think
you'll be willing to comprehend at this point. You're right, it isn't a
laughing matter.... I'm encouraging you're brother because he is meant to
become a great author and illustrator. I haven't seen such remarkable
talent since Brian Froud. You need to let him follow his own path,
uninhibited by your fears. He isn't going to be spirited away again...you
can't hold him back because of what happened to you." She nodded, knowing
it was the truth. Relaxing slightly, he continued. "I know it isn't
easy, but it has to be done. Now, then...who am I...this is a much more
difficult question..." He paused, his expression thoughtful.
"I'm not an ordinary hotel manager...but I suspect you already knew
that...I am fated to stay here to help mortals such as yourself learn
their lessons, instead of the way I refused to learn mine..."
"To help mortals...then you mean...you're..."
"Not the way you are, anyway. I once was...but only partially. I am
different from Cal, Harry, and Ariel...they were once human, but have been
put here as punishment for their crimes in their previous lives.... I, on
the other hand, am part of a family that has had magic in it for quite a
while. In each branch of our family tree there is one who stays in charge
of an area like this.... It is very tedious work...and quite boring, and
slightly sad to watch the mortal realm change and know you cannot really
be a part of it."
"You aren't missing much, believe me," She couldn't help but reply. He
smiled wryly at that, relieved that she was taking things so well. She
was the only human he had ever dared to attempt an explanation to.
"True...now then, why am I doing this to you? Probably because I know
what you are meant for...you aren't exactly the most ordinary human
girl.... I don't want you to end up the way the others have...you are
quite charming and wonderful company, but I would hate to see you turn up
here because you didn't learn your lesson. And then there's the matter of
a slight debt to my cousin."
"You're cousin?"
"Yes...he helped me start this establishment, and he is slightly more
adept at the stronger Fae magic than I am...I suppose that's because I'm
the mutt of the family and he is all Fae. Let's just say this is the
perfect opportunity for me to repay him for his help...and to help him
cope with a loss he suffered years ago."
Sarah nodded, not really knowing what to say...for some strange reason,
it made perfect sense.
"If you still want, my offer is still available, but I would like to warn
you of it's consequences...it isn't what you really need or want."
"I know...I suppose it's just a lot easier of a solution than the one
which I need."
"The best answers are usually the most difficult to find." He stood then,
and saying his good-byes took his leave, leaving her to ponder the
conversation long into the night.
**********************************************************
Ch. 5
Rorke waited patiently in the shadows of the forest. He didn't want to
chance Sarah or one of the other guests interrupting this meeting. Things
were going as planned...he only hoped they would continue to do so.
"You're late," he chided as his cousin approached.
"Forgive me...I'm not used to walking such distances. I think it's going
quite well."
"I agree...are you sure she can handle the stress we're putting on her
mind?"
"Yes, Sarah is quite resilient...she always was."
Rorke smiled slightly, unable to resist. "You know, this is quite
unexpected...you losing you're head over a girl." The other figure
sighed, the weight of many years coming through that one simple action.
"Are you sure she's willing to keep an open mind this time? She was
still quite stubborn in that dream I sent her." There was apprehension in
his cousin's voice.
"True...but I've talked to her, and after a few more 'incidents' I think
she'll be ready. Are you sure you still want to go through with this?
She still might not accept."
The other man paused before answering. "Yes...I've got nothing to lose."
************************************
Sarah watched in amusement as Toby devoured his breakfast. He had
always had a large appetite, but for some reason he was eating like it was
his last meal. *Probably another growth spurt,* she thought. Pretty soon
he would be taller than his sister.
"Miss Williams? A message from your agent." She accepted the note from
Harry. Frowning, she read over the message.
"What is it Sarah?" Toby had stopped eating long enough to express
concern.
"Nothing...just a reminder that I've got to get in gear as soon as I get
back to New York...it seems that reporters are clamoring for interviews."
"Cool." He resumed his feeding as his sister looked on, wondering why she
couldn't keep that slender of a figure when she overdid it.
"Maybe...but it'll be a lot of work...a lot of hard work..." It wasn't
that she didn't like acting...suddenly there were more important things on
her mind. The thought that something might be more important to her than
acting suddenly made her frightened.
"Sarah, I thought this was what you wanted."
"Yeah, it is...I guess... I'm just spoiled by this vacation." The
thought of juggling her now extremely busy schedule, dealing with agents,
managers, and reporters, and other duties didn't exactly thrill
her...still, it was her big break. "Oh, I almost forgot...I got you
something." She handed Toby the package, amazed that something could
actually divert his attention from his meal.
"What is it?" he asked, filled with curiousity.
"It's a present," Sarah teased, frowning at the thought of the last time
she had heard that phrase. "Go on, open it." Eagerly, Toby tore through
the paper and grinned in awe at its contents: a set of oil pencils, a
sketch pad, and a couple different books by Brian Froud.
"Thanks, Sarah! This is so awesome!"
"You're welcome...I just wanted to let you know that whatever you decide
to be is okay by me..." she paused, and rolled her eyes at the boy who was
no longer paying any attention to her; he was already in a world of his
own, sketching his brains out.
Laughing to herself, she stood and walked into the hotel's gift shoppe.
It was quite tiny, but it held some fascinating things. She wandered
around aimlessly, not really looking for anything in particular. She
stopped at a shelf that held small ornaments and figurines, one piece
captivating her attention. She gazed at the crystal...it looked exactly
like the one she was once offered. She shook her head, but when she
opened her eyes it was still there. She turned to Cal, who was working
the register.
"How much is that crystal sphere?"
"I dunno, let's take a look...uh, what piece were you interested in?"
"That one right - uh, never mind." She blinked in confusion as she turned
back to the shelf to see that the globe was now gone. *Maybe I just need
more sleep...* she thought as she excused herself and exited the small
store.
She headed back to the table and grew concerned when she found that Toby
was nowhere to be seen. She walked outside, searching and growing
slightly more worried with each passing moment. Suddenly, his voice
pierced the air.
"Augh!! Don't! Stop it!!"
Not thinking, she ran full speed towards the cries. "Toby!! Hang on, I'm
coming!" She rushed over to a clearing by the hotel and stopped. There
was her brother, underneath a large furry dog that was licking him across
the face.
"Oh gross...hey stop it..get off!" he laughed.
"Toby, you scared me half to death!" She watched as he stood, pushing
the beast off himself.
"Sorry Sarah, but Mr. Rorke wanted me to watch Ambrosius here...doesn't
he look a lot like Merlin?"
"Yeah...uh...what did you say his name was?"
"Ambrosius...hey, he likes you!" he remarked as the animal trotted over
to Sarah, eager to be petted. She scratched its ears lightly before
turning to her brother.
"If you're gonna be all right for a little while, I think I'm going to
take a walk...if you don't mind."
"Sure, go ahead!" His attention was captivated by his new playmate.
Smiling softly, Sarah headed to the beach.
******************
She walked through the waves, letting them run over her bare feet. She
smiled at the sensations they brought about. Finally, she was starting to
relax. Sarah let her mind wander, thinking about anything and everything,
but mainly about her dilemma. Tonight was her last night on the island.
Although it had been a rather interesting vacation, she was no closer to
solving her problem than when she had first arrived, and she wasn't
exactly eager to go back. She glanced up at the sky and blinked. It was
twilight. She had spent a much longer time walking than she had meant to.
She turned to go back to the hotel, hoping that Toby wouldn't kill her
for being late...that is, if he even realized she was.
She paused to watch the seagulls dance over the shoreline. They dove and
swooped and glided in a mock ballet. She squinted as she noticed one bird
join the dance...it was much more graceful than its counterparts. As it
drew closer, she realized that it wasn't a seagull. It was an owl.
A white owl.
It flew over her head, close enough so that she could feel the breeze it
made with its wings. Rising slightly, it headed into the forest. She
looked after it, intrigued. Suddenly, the hotel was the last place on her
mind. Slowly, she began to follow the bird, leaving the beach for the
dark sanctity of the woods.
*******************************************************************
Ch. 6
Sarah slowly made her way through the brush, noticing with a bit of
uneasiness that the light was quickly fading away. For some reason,
though, she had no intention of going back. Every time she thought she
had lost her guide, the owl suddenly appeared, leading her deeper into the
forest. Finally, she arrived in a tiny clearing. Looking around, Sarah
found that the owl had disappeared. Somewhat disappointed, she turned to
go back when a glimmer of light caught her eye.
A crystal.
Carefully she bent and picked it up, unsure of what it would do. She
held it for a few moments, but nothing happened. Her attention was
diverted momentarily as the moon shown down through the trees, its light
playing across the sphere. Slowly, a warm sensation moved up her fingers,
up her arm, until it coursed through her entire body and soul. She gazed
down into the ball to find an image of her, in the Escher room.
Swallowing hard, she decided to watch how the events played out. She
tried to ignore the feelings that came about when Jareth suddenly appeared
behind her crystal counterpart. Quietly, he sang the same song he had
before, at their last confrontation in that room. With a new realization
she heard it as a love song. She watched as he took on that same look of
longing, a look which almost made her heart break in two. Slowly, the
stairs dissolved until both figures stood in the same place they had faced
off before.
"So, we meet again." She didn't exactly hear the voices, but rather felt
them.
"Yes...what is the meaning of this? Jareth, why can't you leave me
alone?" She cringed at that statement, wondering what was going on.
"I've been called on to help with your fantasy.... Are you sure you know
what it is you want?"
"Yes. I've known for a long time now." Sarah frowned as she watched her
other self, knowing what the response would be. This was the small part
of her that wanted to forget...a part that was rapidly diminishing.
"Then you must say it properly." He looked tired, almost afraid to
relive what he knew would come. She wanted to reach out to him, but the
crystal was solid.
Sarah stared as her counterpart gave him an icy stare. "I wish that I
would just forg-"
"Wait.." she whispered. She paused briefly as the action in the globe
stopped momentarily. Then, almost as if someone had hit the play button
on a VCR, it continued.
"I wish that I would just forg-"
"NO!!!" The force of her voice surprised even her. Instinctively, she
threw the crystal to the ground, watching as it shattered.
She closed her eyes against the bright flash of light it produced.
Opening them, she inhaled sharply. She was in the very spot she had been
watching only seconds ago. Sarah stared up at the man in front of her,
wanting to look away but unable. He regarded her with a curious
expression.
"You've changed your mind? Or do you merely want to emphasize your point
in person?" he said quietly. She felt terrible at that statement. She
had never known until now how much she had hurt him...she realized even
goblin kings had feelings.
"I- I'm sorry, I never realized..."
"'Sorry' doesn't make things any easier, Sarah. Why don't you just do
the best thing for both of us and tell me what it is you want."
Sarah nodded, very afraid, yet knowing this was her last chance; she
would never have this opportunity ever again.
"I never knew until this moment how much I really love you...I know you
probably hate me, but that won't change my feelings. I want to be with
you." She glanced away. The broken Escher room disappeared to reveal the
forest she had walked into. She turned, and gasped as she faced Jareth,
his feathered cloak dancing in the warm breeze. He slowly closed the
distance between them, stopping mere inches from where she stood. He
looked deep into her eyes, his gaze one of complete love.
"I know it sounds cliche, but your wish is my command," he whispered,
smiling wryly. Gently, he kissed her, holding her as if he would never
let go...which was quite all right by Sarah.
"Well, I must say, it took you two long enough." Startled, Sarah turned
to find an amused Mr. Rorke watching from the shadows.
"Will someone please tell me what is going on?"
Both men laughed lightly. "Let's just say it took a team effort to get
us together," Jareth said, running a hand through her dark brown tresses.
"And I thank you for your perserverence, Cousin Rorke," he said to the
manager.
Sarah backed away and turned to look at the gray-haired man.
"Cousin...you mean when you told me about owing your cousin a favor you
meant...well, don't I feel like a complete moron!"
"Yes, but you're a moron who has what she wants," Jareth teased from
behind her, laughing as she turned to roll her eyes at him.
Rorke smiled, happy that it had worked out so well. Not often did he go
to such extents, but this case had been special. "Well, I know you're
brother is wondering where you are, and I imagine you'd like to introduce
him to your friend," he said, grinning at the couple. "Shall we?" Slowly
the trio made their way back to the hotel.
**********************************************
Epilogue
"You sure this is really what you want?" Toby asked his sister, glancing
at the ring on her left hand.
"Most definitely...now go on, that plane isn't going to wait forever."
"I know...will I ever get to see you again?"
She smiled at him. "Of course, I want you to come to the wedding...I
imagine you could get a lot of inspiration from the labyrinth's
inhabitants...just be sure you give me a signed copy when you turn it into
a bestseller!" She ruffled his hair affectionately.
"Yeah, yeah...that might not be for awhile, though...it might take till
I'm, like, twenty!" Sarah laughed at his serious comment. "And just how
am I supposed to explain this to Mom and Dad?"
"Just tell them I'm happy. That's all they need to know." *More like
it's all they'd believe,* she thought wryly, glancing over to where Jareth
waited with Rorke.
"Right...well, I guess I'll be seeing ya." Toby let his sister give him a
bear hug before jumping into the plane. She backed up, watching as it
took off and headed for the "real world."
"You're sure you're fine with this? I know how much you wanted to be in
a Broadway show." She turned to find Jareth standing behind her. She
smiled up at him.
"I'm sure...this is more important." He kissed her lightly before
turning back to the waiting Rorke. "Thank you again for your help."
"The pleasure's all mine...It was nice meeting you, Sarah."
"Thank you...and be sure to thank Ariel for me."
"Of course. Good luck!" He called, watching as the couple faded from
the island.
********************************************************
Ralph stared into the television set...sad that the movie was already
over. Sighing, he got up and rewound the tape.
"How can you watch that? It's a kid's film!" His secretary chided from
her desk.
"It's not like we have any other pressing business! Besides, it's a good
movie." He smiled as he slipped the cover back onto his copy of
"Labyrinth."
"Yeah, well, it doesn't even begin to tell the whole story...I like how
it ended up much better."
He had to agree with her, there. They were some of the lucky few who
were able to see the conclusion. "Yeah, yeah," he muttered, unable to let
her get the last word. He sat down at his desk and returned to his
paperwork, wondering when it would stop raining.
The End