Labyrinth- Jareth's Return

21. One

**This chapter contains spicy moments, you can skip it if need be just look for the warning**

The trees rustled as a breeze brushed through their branches. The sky was dimly lit as what looked to be the sun shone through the clouds. Sarah fluttered her eyes open as she sat up slowly before pausing. Looking around all she saw were trees. The soft grass below her tickled her fingers as she traced her fingers along the ground. Sarah furrowed her brow as the visions of before flooded back and she sighed. Is there truly no other way? Lost in thought the sound of leaves brought her back to the realization that she is no longer in the cottage.

Standing up she brushed off her pants as she looked around. How did I end up here? Where, is, here, anyways?

She started to walk along the trees, following the direction of the wind aimlessly until the sound of water met her ears. She stopped as she came to a small creek with water running between some rocks. Staring at the water it seemed so peaceful, as if the world was on hold during this moment so she could take in the beauty of the stream. Sarah found a boulder near the edge and sat taking in a breath as if this moment would escape her.

As she sat, the soft breeze circled her as flowers bloomed around her, but she did not take notice of the water's entrance. Soft footsteps approached her as a delicate hand touched her shoulder snapping her to her senses.

"My child, what brings you here?"

Sarah looked up to the voice behind her and smiled. "Almother, it's been a while."

Almother smiled as she nodded softly. "So it has." She spoke as Sarah stood to face her. "No matter the time that has passed, it seemed as if you've grown so much." She exclaimed as she gestured to Sarah. "Your power is brimming at the surface, yet not fully unleashed." Sarah smiled softly as she turned around. "It seems there is one final trial I must face." She mumbled before turning back. "But I am not afraid. I know what I must do. To unite the underground." Sarah's eyes brimmed with tears threatening to escape. "But what if it is not enough? What happens when.." Almother cooed softly, her swirling blue eyes softening as she cupped Sarah's cheek. "You have suffered so much, my child." As she spoke a single tear fell from Sarah's eyes as Almother brushed her face wiping it away. "You are destined for great things, my child. When the time comes, all will be answered. Do not worry about what may or may not happen. Only focus on what is right, then everything will come to light."

Sarah nodded as she embraced almother, her hair brushing along Sarah's arm as Almother returned her embrace. "You have more power than you know, Sarah. When you realize it, you will change the underground."

The leaves slowly began to swirl around them as the sky dimmed softly, Sarah's eyes closed tight holding onto the remaining tears and forcing them down as she took a deep breath in. Soon the embrace softened, as the world around her faded Sarah felt at peace and warm as her eyes remained closed, her body floated through a dimly colored world.

Jareth softly brushed the tear that fell from Sarah's face as he watched her sleep. The cottage was still dark as he laid next to her on the bed. What is it that troubles you in your sleep?

He sighed as he watched her face relax, a small smile traced his lips. "I remember when you never worried," he spoke softly to her, "you were so arrogant too. Playful, curious. Naive to the world.. Yet now.. You're so.... so confident, so.. determined. Then again you were always determined." He chuckled as he leaned back against the wall. Jareth closed his eyes softly as he relaxed in a sigh.

"Is that all I am?" Jareth's eyes shot open as he sat up looking toward Sarah as he chuckled. Sarah sat up on the bed as her eyes relaxed into a smile as she watched his confused yet excited face. "Well? Is that all I am? Determined?" Jareth chuckled as he scratched his head. "No, well, you are many things not just determined."