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Burning Ice, Healing Fire
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Trent breathed a small sigh as he leaned against the window lintel, glad that the goblins weren't running amok anymore. He hated goblins sometimes...
Trent realized nervously that Astario had been in training, the Fae truly had been serious that time three years ago when he vowed he would get even with the brothers.
Flashing back to the present Trent attempted to remove himself from the psychokinetic grip, but found it too hard.
As he rested he felt something touch at his mind and frowned; was that Jareth? It didn't feel like it.
He tensed up, closing his mind against what he felt. It was colder, he noticed.
Too late he span around as he realized what was going on.
With a yell of pain and surprise he flew sideways across the room to meet rather abruptly with a bookcase.
"Astario!" he snapped, struggling to pull himself up. He got unsteadily to his feet and glared at the dark Fae in front of him.
Astario smiled cruelly. "Long time no see, Trent."
"The last time was three years ago if I remember rightly." Trent responded, pulling his psychic defenses up swiftly.
Astario raised one hand almost lazily, and as he raised it, so Trent rose.
Jareth had been in school with Astario, many moons ago, and Jareth had done something - Trent had never discovered what - that had upset Astario.
Trent had guessed it was something to do with a young girl who had been in their class. Astario and Jareth had been enemies ever since, and the two had always been warring with each other. Jareth had seduced Astario's girlfriend (yes, even at 15 Prince Jareth was a rather seductive creature!), so Astario persuaded Jareth's best friend to become friends with him.
Things had ballooned with both Princes playing mind games with each other and each other's friends until there was a petty war between the kingdoms. Jareth's father had put a stop to it, but both Princes had remembered their hatred.
Three years ago Astario had entered the kingdom again, much to Jareth's disgust, and had actually dared to pick a fight with him. He had, of course, lost, but Astario had vowed his return. Jareth had thought nothing of it, and neither had Trent, much to his personal disgust. He should have taken the hot-tempered Fae at his word...!
"Had enough Trent?" Astario asked maliciously.
Trent scowled and was about to answer to the contrary when he found himself hurtling towards the wall. He braced himself, but he couldn't have been ready for the impact even if he had tried.
He gave a yell and shut his eyes as his head rang, unconsciously lowering his psychic barriers.
That was what Astario had been waiting for.
Without warning he forced his way painfully into Trent's mind, ignoring the Psy's shouts then screams of pain as he ran riot around the Psy's mind, drawing a painful barrier around Trent's mind, blocking all communication out, but cruelly leaving Trent able to hear.
He withdrew from Trent's mind and bound his hands with his own formulated psychic bonds and sat back, waiting for Trent to find his communication skills again.
Jareth's first order of business, now that he was free was to turn himself into an owl and stretch his wings, flying in great loops across the night sky.
Trent glared angrily at the Fae in front of him. "This isn't funny." he could hear Jareth's voice in his head, yet he couldn't answer.
Jareth sighed softly, not really wanting to go back and talk to Tris, after all, she had just let him go. He'd ask her when he saw her tomorrow.
*Trent?* Jareth called again, *It's not me...is it?* he asked with a sinking heart.
Astario was more advanced in psychokinesis than Trent, which did not please him in the slightest.
Jareth stepped inside the castle and looked around. It was quiet, there were no goblins in sight, even considering the time that was still unusual.
Jareth opened the door...
"No?" Astario questioned softly, flicking his fingers and sending the Goblin King flying backwards.
"Enough!" Jareth shouted, swiftly moving over to Astario and giving him a shove.
Jareth landed on his feet and then vanished.
*Trent?* he called happily.
There was no answer.
*Trent wake up, I want to talk to you!*
Trent's mind seemed strangely closed.
Jareth sighed, trust Trent to be asleep when he wanted to talk to him.
Something stirred in Trent's mind, then stilled again, almost as if it had been forced down.
*Trent?* Jareth was a bit worried now.
Astario snorted. "Nor was it meant to be Trent."
Jareth sighed, feeling the cage around his mind, maybe it wasn't working properly... he had been told that it would let Trent's voice in...
Trent struggled to remove his wrists from whatever Astario had put around them so he could combat the spell.
"This is extremely irritating Astario." he said through gritted teeth. "Let me go...!"
Astario sniggered as he felt Jareth withdraw. "Oh, shame." he said, his voice heavy with sarcasm. "Darling little brother isn't coming to help you. What a surprise! We all know he only thinks about himself..."
"Shut up Fae!"
"I wouldn't annoy me Trent..." Astario smirked as he twisted the mental iron band around Trent's psych and the Psy gritted his teeth in pain.
Jareth nearly fell out of the sky as he felt something shoot through his head. He clung to a branch as he waited for his vision to clear.
Trent gritted his teeth more as Astario twisted the band tighter and Trent gave an involuntary yell.
Apparently pleased, Astario let him relax again.
Trent growled. "Just-"
"Ah ah ah..." Astario tutted mockingly.
Trent shut his mouth before he said anything else.
Trent clenched his bound fists. "Astario let me speak to him!" he snapped.
The dark fae simply shook his head.
*Brother please... gah!*
"Astario!" Trent pleaded, angry and worried.
Astario just looked at him through his cold, violet eyes, and laughed.
"I don't think so."
Jareth cursed himself, I'm an OWL for cryin' out loud, he thought to himself, I'm not suppose to hit trees!
"LET ME GO!" Trent bellowed.
Astario shook his head again and moved his hand slightly, causing the Psy to fly backwards.
He hit the wall with a thud and yelped in pain.
Jareth landed and transformed, rubbing his head ruefully.
Trent tried to push himself up off the floor, but Astario put his foot on his stomach. "Stay." he sneered.
With a sigh Jareth started home again, deciding that it was best to walk.
Trent coughed as the pressure of Astario's foot became a little too much. "Okay-" he choked. "I'm sure you don't-want me-dead..."
Jareth teleported himself through the labyrinth (which does indeed get another mention) and started the walk towards the castle.
Astario looked up. "Oh good, he's coming home." a smile spread across his face, and Trent shivered.
"Leave him alone..." he warned.
Astario laughed.
"Oh stop whining Trent." he pulled the Psy up and sat him down. "Now you listen to me. You say one word before I let you, and-" he twisted his hand and the barrier around Trent's psych tightened again.
He yelled in pain.
Astario nodded. "Understand?"
"Yes..." Trent had no choice but to co-operate.
Astario smirked slightly, sensing Jareth enter. "Come and see your brother Jareth..." he taunted in an undertone.
*Hello?*
No answer. Although there was a tiny sound from Trent's study, almost discernable as a laugh. Almost.
*Trent, she's allowed me to come see you, but if you're not here...*
'I'm here!' Trent thought desperately, knowing Jareth couldn't hear him. It was so frustrating.
Astario meanwhile knocked a book to the floor with a loud thunk.
Jareth opened the door to Trent's bedroom, empty.
Astario waited, knowing Jareth would come through soon. He stood against the wall and slowly blended in, invisible to the naked eye.
Jareth next went to Trent's study and knocked, knowing his brother didn't like him entering the study unannounced.
Astario looked at Trent and nodded.
Trent shook his head desperately, but Astario raised his hand warningly and the Psy had to obey.
"Come in." he said quickly.
"There you are," Jareth said through the door.
"Yes." Trent answered, again with short tones. He was trying to keep his voice even, but the fact he could sense Astario standing behind him, ready to torment his already tortured mind even more gave him to creeps.
Jareth sighed, "did you hear me?"
"When?"
"A few minutes ago... I guess not."
"No." Trent lied.
Astario rolled his eyes slightly and clenched his fists.
"Rats. She *said* that she'd let me talk to you..."
"Oh. I was-" Trent stopped as he realized he was about to tell Jareth what he *had* been doing. "-sleeping." he finished.
Astario wished he could hit Trent, but that really would ruin his plan.
"Oh. Well... I am really rather tired brother," Jareth said, "So I think that I will go to bed..."
Astario pouted irritably; this was not how he had wanted it to go. Never mind, he reflected with a smirk, anything was possible... Swiftly he wrenched his hand round, causing Trent to almost scream in agony as his mind was twisted as if it was being shoved through a wringer.
Jareth, who had started down the hallway, did an about face and put his hand on the doorknob
Trent writhed in his seat, pain racking through his whole body, whimpering slightly even though he tried not to.
As soon as Jareth entered Astario flung his hand out, slamming the door behind him and locking it. "Hello Jareth." he said coldly from the shadows.
Trent swore.
"You," Jareth said just as coldly.
Astario smiled, his violet eyes glittering with a cruel light. "So glad you remember me." he purred maliciously.
"How could I forget you?"
"So glad." Astario walked forward slightly, light falling across his face highlighting the sharp angles. "I've been waiting. Your brother is poor company."
"Enough. Let him go."
"He'll live." Astario shrugged carelessly.
Trent was slumped back in his seat, his face ashen.
"That is not what I said. Let him go."
"And I said," Astario didn't move. "He'll live, which he will. He is not of interest to me anyway."
"Fine," Jareth crossed his arms, "Then I ask you to leave my castle."
"No." Astario said softly, taking a step forward again. "You and I have unfinished business Jareth."
"Do we?" Jareth asked, not moving.
"You know full well we do." Astario spat.
Jareth causally leaned back against the wall.
Astario rolled his eyes, then barely perceptibly moved his hand again; he wanted a reaction from Jareth before he did anything else.
Trent yelped weakly.
"I told you, enough!" Jareth growled.
Astario kept twisting his hand, until Trent was nearly unconscious. Then he stopped; he wanted the Psy conscious, for now...
"Astario, stop!"
"Why? You messed with enough of my friend's minds Jareth, why shouldn't I just-" he wrenched his hand quickly and Trent yelled. "-play with your brother's?" he finished innocently.
"Because he has nothing to do with this!"
"Oh no? He does now..."
"No!"
Jareth growled softly as he picked his way back to his feet amid the books.
Astario dusted his fingers against his jacket and smirked at Jareth. "Whoops." he commented.
Jareth waved the books away and they lined up neatly back on the shelves.
Astario sneered. "So fastidious Jareth."
"I see no reason to damage the books," Jareth retorted.
Astario snorted. "Of course."
Jareth casually took a step towards Trent.
"I wouldn't, if I were you Goblin King." Astario hissed.
"Well you aren't, are you?"
"Thank heavens for that." Astario sneered. "But I still advise you not to, if you can manage to care about someone other than yourself."
"Is that so?" Jareth asked, taking another step.
Astario flicked his wrist sideways, causing Trent to jerk in pain and bite his lip.
Astario smirked slightly and twisted his hand a little more, and Trent decided that yes, he could taste blood he was biting his lip so hard...
"I suggest," Astario sneered, still flicking his wrist, sending spasms of pain through Trent's mind and body. "You stay put."
"Hmm..." Jareth crossed his arms again, "Just as I thought."
Astario's eyebrows rose. "Oh?" he clenched his fist suddenly and Trent yelled in agony, sweat beaded on his forehead, barley kept tears in his eyes.
"Yes. Of course you do that to him, because you would not dare take on me."
"Oh, I see, that is your idea." Astario smiled coldly. "Fine then. Believe as you like. Perhaps I was wrong about you..." his voice held a sarcastic note. "Perhaps the great Goblin King has a heart after all. Where have you kept it all these years?"
Jareth smiled and shrugged, "It's a valuable thing, I would not waste it on you."
Astario chuckled without humor. "My my Jareth, you have changed." he said derisively. "Fine, I will stop tormenting your decidedly irritating brother, although it has been highly amusing watching your expression every time he yells... Like this..." he clenched his fist violently and Trent practically screamed, the tears he had tried to stop from falling sliding slowly down his cheeks as he felt his mind being twisted at pulled at.
He wanted to plead for mercy, but he couldn't even manage that.
Astario laughed coldly, not particularly worried about the shove itself, he was satisfied he had gotten a reaction from Jareth. "Fine, enough. For now."
He looked and Trent and smiled mock-apologetically. "Sorry, but your brother and I are fine alone." he raised his hand and threw Trent to the back of the study, and knocked him out cold.
He then turned back to Jareth. "Now, where were we...?"
"You were torturing my brother, something that does not please me."
"Oh right, that." Astario shrugged elegantly. "Why would I want to do something that pleases you?" he asked, disgust in his voice.
"because most people do."
Astario laughed. "I am not most people, as I am sure you know."
"Oh? I guess I must have missed that part..."
Astario scowled slightly. "I have no time for petty games with you Goblin King. I've come for what I said I would-" he swung his hand slightly and knocked Jareth flying again.
He was going to mess with him first, then do some real damage...
Astario groaned inwardly; he hated magical creatures....! Without a sound he blended into the background again, watching warily.
Jareth's voice echoed throughout the room as he laughed.
Astario rolled his eyes; Jareth was so childish!
"Come and get me then. I'm just outside the door.
Astario growled inwardly. He didn't trust Jareth, and without the power of invisibility, something practically no Fae could do, he was stuck.
"No?" Jareth asked.
Astario kept silent, trying to pinpoint Jareth's mental activity, but he couldn't.
Jareth's voice came from a different direction, "So you afraid to face me then?"
"Since when would I ever be afraid of scum like you?!" Astario spat, moving quickly across to another wall and blending in again. He hated this, he really hated this!
"Then come out."
"Ladies first."
Jareth laughed, "That the best that you can come up with?"
"Speak for yourself." Astario retorted. "I always suspected you'd go soft."
"Eh, I don't really think that you're worth the trouble to insult..."
"Of course not Jareth. That's why your hiding invisible."
"I'm not invisible, I'm just outside..."
"Sure."
"I am."
Astario frowned; he didn't want to walk right into a trap, but he did want to make Jareth pay...
"of course if you cannot be bothered to come out..."
"I bother for what is worth bothering about Jareth."
"Ah. then I suppose that I am not worth bothering about?"
"Hmm, what a question Jareth."
"What a wonderful answer..."
"Any less would have disappointed you, wouldn't it?"
"Eh."
Astario pondered what he should do. Blast Jareth!
Jareth appeared in the back room where Astario had locked Trent.
They were bound tightly, too tightly, cruelly really, there was no way Trent could have broken the bonds anyway, it was just added pain and discomfort.
Trent wished he could laugh, but his head was still pounding too much.
"Trent?" Jareth asked, looking at his brother's wrists.
"maybe..." Jareth started softly.
"Damn good job Jareth, else you'd be in a worse state than me..."
Jareth smiled back, "I think that we should ask her... it couldn't make things worse."
"I should have guessed you would be in here." Astario said, deadly soft.
Astario glanced at Jareth and considered his moves. It was probably best to try and enter his mind soon.
There was a shattering of glass as Jareth flew out the window and then went down...
Trent shut his eyes in anticipation, but even the knowledge of what was coming didn't help.
Trent was regaining consciousness, just.
Jareth knelt down next to his brother, "Trent?" he called.
Trent winced, not really wanting to answer. "Not deaf." he growled eventually.
"Sorry..."
"Mmm." Trent wasn't in the mood to converse with anyone.
"Trent?" Jareth repeated, "Trent, say something."
"What?" he groaned eventually, not opening his eyes, his head reeling.
"Trent, I'm gonna get you out of here..."
"Good lord please don't move me..."
"I...all right."
"Thanks..." Trent sounded relieved.
Jareth reached down and took Trent's hands.
Jareth frowned and closed his eyes in concentration.
Trent flinched slightly.
"I'll get them off," he said softly.
"Thanks..." Trent repeated softly.
Jareth wrapped his power around the bands and *pulled*
Trent groaned quietly.
Jareth brushed his hair out of his eyes and tried again.
Trent gritted his teeth, feeling the bands loosen slightly.
Jareth gave them a huge yank.
Trent gasped aloud in pain and opened his eyes as he felt the bands come off his wrists. He smiled weakly up at Jareth. "Thank you..."
Jareth smiled down at his brother, gathering the bands and setting them on fire.
Trent smiled slightly more. "I think you killed them..."
"Good."
"Take it easy..." Jareth advised.
"I plan to brother..." Trent murmured. "He's put - something..." he cut off with a small groan as his head twinged again.
"What?" Jareth asked alarmed.
Trent pointed weakly to his head, worried that Astario might actually be listening.
"Oh," Jareth said darkly.
Trent managed a small nod.
Jareth sighed, "lie still. I'm going to go deal with him..."
"Jareth-!" Trent groaned.
"What? You cannot expect me to stand by and allow him to do this to you!"
"I'm - alright - now..." Trent lied. "Don't - play his games...!"
Jareth shook his head, "No... and besides, he can't get at me..."
Trent sighed softly. "Jareth just- don't..."
"But Trent-"
"I'm alright Jareth!" Trent tried to put some of his usual cheerfulness back into his voice. "Just don't play his - games... That's what he- wants...!"
"Then what do you suggest I do?"
"Just - go... I can cope alone..."
Jareth sighed, "Has he still...you know..." he indicated Trent's head.
Trent shrugged slightly. "It's not too bad, I can cope. Just as long you go- it'll be okay..."
"But...he'll hurt you again."
Trent knew Jareth wasn't too love struck to remember what Astario was like, but he didn't want Jareth to do anything stupid that could hurt him or Janine. "I'll be fine."
"There's gotta be something!"
"Jareth just leave it! I'll be fine!" Trent winced slightly.
Jareth looked at brother helplessly.
Trent shut his eyes.
Trent opened one eye. "Yeah?"
"do you have anything in your workshop that could go on your wrists?"
Trent looked down at them. Yuck. "Probably..."
"Tell me what and I'll get it..."
"Er..." Trent creased his brow slightly. "I - the white vial on the - bottom shelf..."
Jareth nodded and the vial appeared in his hand.
Trent smiled slightly. "Thank you brother..."
Jareth nodded, "It's the least that I can do..."
Trent took the vial with a shaking hand.
Jareth opened it for Trent and held it steady, all the while thinking some rather murderous thought about a certain fae...
Trent tipped the vial over his wrists, wincing as some smoke rose.
Jareth looked at the smoke, and then suddenly looked as though he had gotten an idea...
Trent breathed a sigh of relief as the pain in his wrists subsided, wishing there was something he could do about the pain in his head.
"Hmm?" Trent murmured.
"maybe she could help..." he said softly.
"Who?"
"I didn't want to go back to her so soon but..."
"Trisanalysia?"
"Yeah..."
"Ohh..."
Jareth nodded and closed his eyes thoughtfully, "I never thought that I'd be glad that my mind is locked off..."
"That's why I'm more worried about you," Jareth pointed out, "*He* can't get to me like he can to you..."
"I'm fine." Trent repeated. "I'm not worried about me, you know I'm not. I never do. Big enough and ugly enough to look after myself."
"But *I'm* worried about you!"
"I wouldn't..."
"Brother, I often do things that you do not approve of, and this is one of them. You have never been successful in getting me to stop before, so why should now be different?"
Trent smiled.
"I suppose not..."
Jareth nodded, but his eyes narrowed.
Trent was still looking a little worried. "I don't know if it's - well, I suppose anything's worse a try, isn't it...?"
"She *must* help us..."
"I am sure she will..."
"then why do you look so worried?"
Stupid question. "I just am." Trent sighed.
"Oh," Jareth said softly, "Brother, is there something that you're not telling me?"
"What would that be?" Trent murmured. He could hear noises in the next room.
Jareth looked up at the sound, "Are you sure that you won't let me move you?"
Trent nodded and winced. "Just- I'll be fine..."
"I could teleport you into bed-"
"I'm fine Jareth-!" Trent would have preferred that Jareth just left.
Jareth sighed and stood up reluctantly, "all right..."
Trent breathed a barely perceptible sigh of relief.
Jareth nodded slowly
"I'm rather surprised at how long it took you to come here," Jareth answered in the same tone.
"I was hedging my bets." Astario shrugged.
"Oh?"
"Oh what?" Astario questioned, leaving against the door.
"So what did you plan on accomplishing by delaying your arrival?"
"Nothing in particular." Astario said, with an irritating smirk.
"Oh. I see. you were just attempting to be clever?"
Astario didn't answer, musing over what his next move would be.
Jareth crossed his arms and waited.
"I grow weary of this game Astario, if you are out of moves then perhaps you should return home."
"I am never out of moves." Astario scowled and sent out some psychic waves to Jareth. There seemed to be no reaction. Damn. He scowled more and attempted to enter Jareth's mind. Something he was going to regret...
Jareth didn't feel a thing, thanks to the firewall around his mind, although he could tell from Astario's expression what he was trying to do.
Astario gave an involuntary yelp of surprise as his pych was burned.
Jareth smiled to himself.
Astario winced, scowled, and tried again with the same reaction.
"Are you finished yet?" Jareth asked smugly.
Astario scowled blackly. He couldn't enter Jareth's mind, that was a blow to his plans!
Jareth smiled sweetly.
Astario raised his hand and sent Jareth flying across the room.
Jareth landed on his feet and growled softly, gesturing and sending Astario flying.
Astario managed to right himself, then got to his feet and lifted Jareth up, ramming him hard into the wall.
Jareth involuntarily let out a yelp and glared at Astario.
Astario smirked and picked Jareth up again, flinging him through the window.
Astario dusted his fingers off and turned to Trent, who looked as though he might faint.
"Leave him alone..." he groaned. Astario rolled his eyes.
Jareth vanished before he hit the ground.
Astario wasn't watching out of the window. He was watching the conflicting emotions running across Trent's face.
Jareth took a deep breath...
"You're scared." Astario sneered.
Trent stayed silent.
*I'm going!* Jareth called, knowing that he'd only get one shot. Trent would know what he meant.
Astario looked up. "Damn." he growled.
Trent breathed a sigh of relief.
Jareth transformed to the owl and flew past the window as he flew away.
Astario watched him go. He was not happy. He turned around and looked at Trent, his violet eyes icy.
Trent groaned, guessing what was coming...
Jareth winged his way back into Tris' territory.
The pain in his mind was much worse than what Trisanalysia had put him through, only in a different way. Astario didn't burn with heat, Astario burned with ice. He froze and burned and twisted and turned until the Psy was close to tears. It wasn't enough.
Astario was angry that he hadn't been able to cause Jareth the pain he had wanted to cause him, and he was relieving that anger on Trent.
But also, there was that underlying knowledge that Trent and Jareth seemed to have grown considerably closer to each other, and hurting Trent would undoubtedly hurt Jareth.
Clenching his fist into a tight ball Astario watched with a cold, calculating stare as Trent screamed in agony and slumped back on the floor, clutching his head as tears streamed down his cheeks.
Jareth nearly fell from the sky. *Astario, I know you can hear me through him,* he sent, *And I hope you're happy now!*
*Oh, why would that be?* Astario replied mockingly.
There was no answer.
Astario rolled his eyes; it was only fun if Jareth rose to his bait.
He sighed and looked down at Trent in scorn.
The Psy was on all fours, one hand still to his head.
Astario snorted and kicked him, then walked out of the room and sat down in Trent's armchair, wondering what he was going to do to the brothers...
Jareth winged his way to the cave, blocking out all connection with his brother.
"Now Jareth, just because you are dating my daughter does not allow you to trespass in my cave when ever you feel like it," she said teasingly.
Jareth caught his breath and pulled himself into a sitting position.
"Do you know of the fae kingdom?" he asked.
He bowed his head, "I cannot help him, but I am sure that you have the power. Please, I beg you, help us, help him."
He landed, transformed and continued into her cave without breaking stride.
Now where is she? He thought, looking around carefully.
He let out a gasp as her tail snaked around his ankles and tossed him off balance.
But she didn't let him fall, she lifted him up and dangled him by the ankles in front to her.
He hung there helplessly, "I know," he managed to get out, "Forgive me, but I must beg a favor from you."
"A favor hmm?" she commented, swinging him gently, "I would think that you are hardly in the position to ask a favor from me."
He closed his eyes, "I realize that, but all the same I," he groaned softly, "I must ask."
"Oh did you want down?" she asked, swinging him a bit harder.
He gritted his teeth in an attempt to keep his dinner where it belonged.
"I admit that I do want that, but-" he swallowed, "As it pleases you madame."
"Good answer," she said.
He gasped and braced as she let go and he started to fall.
She caught him again and set him gently on the ground.
"Now, once you're calm, tell me why you have come," she ordered.
He nodded and took another breath, "Forgive me, my lady, but almost being dropped on my head tends to make me a bit uneasy."
"Oh, so you've experienced it before then?" she asked innocently.
He looked up at her and then closed his eyes, "I yield."
"Good. Now why are you here?"
"Yes."
"I have been having, um, conflicts with the prince of the fae, Astario."
"I know, it's been rather difficult to ignore. You're not starting up that nonsense again ~*are you?*~
Jareth winced, "I can honestly tell you that that is the last thing that *I* want."
"Is there a point to this story?"
"Yes. Astario, he...he came to my castle and he...did something to Trent's mind. He..."
The teasing tone was now gone from her eyes. ~*Let me see*~
Without any hesitation, Jareth opened his mind to the dragon. It was too hard for him to say it.
He closed his eyes tightly as her hot mind flitted through his.
Her touch, which hot, was light and quick.
Finally she pulled out and he collapsed a bit.
"I certainly can try."
He looked up, "You....will?"
"Of course I will Jareth."
He bowed his head again, "I thank you my lady, and I will repay you-"
"Enough Jareth," she scolded gently, "Time enough to figure that out later. Now we've gotta help your brother."
Astario awoke with a small, feline yawn.
Jareth closed his eyes tightly, feeling airsick again as Tris flew on.
Trent slumped back onto the floor, sweating and shivering.
Tris set Jareth down outside and then took off again.
Trent turned away, but Astario was right. He always *had* been there, time and time again when Jareth had gotten himself into scrapes, now he was the one who had been stupid enough to let his psychic guard down, and look where he was.
Tris circled, looking for somewhere to land.
"Aw, what's wrong Trent?" Astario was so focussed on taunting the broken Psy that he didn't pick up Tris' presence which he usually would have done straight away. He wasn't expecting Jareth or anyone else for that matter to come back for Trent anyway.
Suddenly the books settled themselves back on the shelves.
Trent lay back, his eyes shut, feeling nauseous and hurt. He was always the one who had to do all the rescuing, he was always the responsible one... he hated it...
Tris let out a mental roar, flooding Trent's mind with fire.
Astario suddenly staggered backwards, his violet eyes pained.
Tris continued to burn through the bonds around Trent's mind.
Astario shut his eyes, trying to dispel the spinning. "Urgh..."
Astario sighed softly, putting his head in his hands, then suddenly grasped an idea. "Fine, go." he muttered in a low voice.
Jareth nodded, "Yes. Once again, farewell." He bowed and then vanished
He looked around him and took but a moment to remember where he was. He stood up gracefully, his loose-fitting garments flowing around him like water, and he walked softly into the next room where he remembered Trent being.
The Psy was sat on the floor, his eyes shut, obviously trying to combat the mental block Astario had placed on his mind.
The Fae chuckled coldly and almost lazily flicked his wrist around, making Trent jump in shock and pain.
"You-" he started.
Astario tutted. "Temper temper Trent." he teased cruelly. "Just remember I hold your psych in my power."
"I don't think I have a chance of forgetting..." Trent muttered under his breath.
Astario's eyebrows rose. "What was that Trent?" he asked dangerously.
Trent gulped. "Nothing..."
"Nothing?" repeated Astario.
Trent nodded. "Yes, nothing, I mean, no, nothing, I mean-"
"I know exactly what you mean Trent..." Astario said malevolently, twisting his hand slowly, causing Trent to clutch his head which had proceeded to play the 1812 overture.
"I hate you." he whispered.
Astario laughed. "So amusing to see *you* writhing around Trent." he taunted. "I'm used to watching your darling brother crawl. You always were the one there to protect him, big brother to the rescue." he laughed, a harsh sound in the small room. "Not this time though."
Jareth walked the rest of the way into the castle.
Jareth walked up the stairs, not using any power for fear of attracting attention.
Trent sighed irritably as a thought occurred to him why was it that it was always him who had to be the responsible one? Just because he was Jareth's elder didn't mean he had to look after him all the time, did it!
He wondered why it was he was always the one who had to pull Jareth out of scrapes that the foolish King would get himself into. Like with Tris!
Astario smirked coldly as he realized his meddling had managed to start Trent thinking. The best thing for him now would be for Trent and Jareth to grow further apart. Then, with no big brother to help him, Jareth would be his...
Jareth was thinking, he'd need to get Astario away from Trent so that Tris could work.
Astario yawned again, he was bored. He flicked his hand at Trent who flew with a small yell backwards into the bookcase again.
He pushed a few books out of the way, but didn't even attempt to get up. He knew if he did he would either fall over or get pushed...
Astario spun around; Jareth was around.
The lights flickered.
Astario scowled. "Come out come out wherever you are." he taunted snidely.
The door opened with a creak and then shut.
"Oh for heavens sake!" Astario stormed over to the door and yanked it open. "Stop playing games!"
Out in the hallway, Jareth bowed and then opened another door and walked into a different room.
Astario rested his head on one hand for a moment, then slammed the door shut behind him as he followed Jareth. "You are so infantile!"
Jareth laughed as he waited for Astario. Once the fae was in sight Jareth took off down the stairs.
Astario thought he was going to scream as he followed Jareth, knowing he couldn't play with the Goblin King's mind, and also knowing he was out of range for PKS...
Jareth kept walking, making sure that Astario was following him.
Tris pushed the window open and then did a very neat balancing act as she got some of her into the room. "Trent?"
Trent opened one eye. "What the-?"
"Hello to you too," she said.
"Sorry Mistress..." Trent murmured.
She looked around and sighed, "Would you mind horribly if I moved you?"
Trent grimaced. "It wouldn't be much appreciated Mistress... But if it is imperative..."
"Unfortunately it is, I will be gentle."
"Okay...."
Tris carefully lifted Trent and gently flew outside with him, settling him down on the ground.
Trent gritted his teeth as a rather unpleasant pain shot through him at movement.
"I am sorry about that," she said.
"Uh huh..." Trent murmured.
"Now, I understand that you need some help."
"Um, yes, that would be greatly appreciated Madame..."
"I think that I can help you, free you, but..."
"But...?" Trent groaned, his heart sinking.
"I'm sorry, but it will hurt."
"I doubt," Trent muttered. "That it can be any worse than what I experienced before..."
"In all likely hood you will pass out..."
"Anything to escape the pain." Trent said softly, betraying what he was really feeling for a moment.
Tris nodded, "Very well then."
Trent shut his eyes with a small sigh.
~*Trent? Can you hear me?*~
Trent nodded, gritting his teeth
~*I'm going to have to burn through your mind...*~
"Good Lord..."
~*Ready?*~
Trent nodded weakly.
~*I promise that once I do this I will keep you safe otherwise*~
"Alright..."
Tris took a breath.
Trent squeezed his eyes tighter, a little scared.
Trent gave a strangled yell of pain and, to his immense relief, passed out.
Tris kept up the fire, burning through Trent's mind, searing through all connections.
Trent's mind was a tangled web of his thoughts and Astario's barriers.
Tris couldn't really be sure how much of what she was burning was Trent, and how much of it was Astario, but she kept on.
Jareth felt it as well, but he knew it was coming.
Astario gritted his teeth and clapped his hand to his head, searing stars in his eyes.
Jareth sat down to wait.
Astario didn't notice, feeling the room around him swim. Someone was undoing his psychic bonds in the most painful way possible...
Astario cried out in pain, his psych burning unbearably.
~*There*~ Tris thought, cutting the last one.
Astario slid downwards until he was sat on the floor, his head spinning and his vision blurred.
Tris' last action was to raise the fire barrier around Trent's mind, further preventing Astario from doing this again.
Jareth reached out and teleported himself, and Astario outside the castle to an open field somewhere between the two kingdoms.
Astario opened his eyes and groaned, then shook himself and stood shakily to his feet.
Jareth prepared to go...
Astario scowled at him. "What the hell did you do...?!"
"I brought us outside, and now I am leaving."
"Where the hell is this...?" Astario was in a foul mood.
"About halfway between your castle and mine."
Astario growled under his breath.
Jareth bowed, "And now if you will excuse me..."
"Where the hell d'you think you're going?!"
"Home of course."
"And what about me?"
"I assume that you will go home as well..."
Astario's eyes blazed and he attempted to enter Jareth's mind again, completely forgetting about Tris' spell. He sat down again heavily.
"I suggest that you not try that again," Jareth said, "Farewell."
"When would I ever do anything you suggested?" Astario retorted.
"Suit yourself, I was only trying to help you avoid further problems."
"You?!" Astario exploded. "Help me?!"
Jareth nodded.
Astario snorted. "Why would you ever want to help me?!"
Jareth shrugged, "I just assumed that you don't like getting burned."
Astario scowled and shut his eyes, still feeling a little queasy.
Jareth nodded and turned to go again
"I believe that I will."
"Yeah, you always did leave when anything got too much, didn't you?" Astario sounded bitter. "Just like everyone else..."
"Sure," Jareth said a bit confused now.
Astario ran his fingers wearily through his dark brown hair and sighed again. "Not as if anyone cares anyway..."
"Absolutely."
Astario chuckled bitterly. "Yeah, well." he tried to stand up again, shaking and staggering forward a pace. "I suppose I should head home myself then. I hope you enjoy yourself with Trent and whoever else you have to accompany you. I will have to do with the friendly sounds of silence."
"What *are* you talking about?" Jareth asked, "Last time I checked the fae kingdom was rather populated."
Astario snorted. "So it is. You can be lonely in a crowd Jareth."
"So I've been told..."
"Hm." Astario made a small, short noise and took a few steps in the direction of his kingdom. "A shame you do not understand."
"I guess so..."
"I know so Jareth."
Jareth stopped and turned around, "I find it hard to believe that the prince of the fae is alone."
Astario laughed wryly. "Like I said, you can be alone in a crowd. Although I am sure you have a perfectly full life with many people around you who care, so don't let me get in the way."
He folded his arms, "I see..."
"You see nothing." Astario threw back. "You who can enchant anyone you please, you who can charm anyone you please. People flock to be with the Goblin King..."
Jareth hissed softly, "Indeed."
Astario turned around. "You could never see, you could never be lonely, never feel rejection." he played up on that fact, he knew Sarah had rejected Jareth before.
Jareth crossed his arms, determined not to take Astario's bait, though by his expression his thoughts were obvious.
Astario shrugged in an expression of defeat. "Must me a wonderful existence Jareth."
*What do I say to that?* Jareth thought.
Astario shrugged again. "I'll let you get back to your castle and friends." he turned around again.
"Wait a minute..."
"Yes...?" Astario didn't turn round, letting his shoulders hang a little dejectedly.
"You're wrong."
"I'm wrong...? About what?"
"About me never knowing rejection..."
"Oh?"
"Yes," his eyes narrowed, "In fact, I believe that you are well aware of it..."
Astario turned around slowly. "Time changes things Jareth, I forget." he looked genuinely innocent.
"I see."
"You do?"
"Yes. I see that time changes some things."
"Yes.."
"Well I do hope that you find someone..."
Astario snorted. "So likely."
"Well considering what you "forgot" would you think that I would find someone--without enchanting her?"
Astario now looked rather blank.
"Well would you?"
"I don't know..."
"I see. Well I have, and I'm sure that you can as well."
"You have...?" Astario looked genuinely pleased. "So lucky."
"You will too."
"Hmm." Astario shrugged. "I suppose I will."
Astario's violet eyes gleamed. "Farewell." he repeated softly.
Jareth appeared where Tris was guarding Trent.
Trent smiled back, then looked towards Jareth.
Tris laughed, "You two are sometimes amazingly alike..."
Trent was slowly regaining consciousness, a small groan escaping his lips. He was very, very sore...
Tris leaned over him.
Trent opened one eye. "Stars in the heavens..." he murmured. "Madam Fyreflyght please don't do that..."
"Sorry," she said softly.
"It's ok..." Trent smiled. "And thank you..."
She nodded, "I must tell you something else that I did..."
"Huh?" Trent looked comically blank.
"As I did to your brother... I blocked off your mind."
"Oh..."
"Yes, but unlike what you have been through before, it will not hurt..."
"Oh thank heavens for that..."
"You just will not be able to receive or talk to anyone..."
"But whom?"
"Eventually I will let you talk to Jareth, but I believe that your psych should recover a bit first."
"Sounds fine to me..." Trent sighed.
Tris nodded, "You just rest now." She shook her head a bit.
Trent sat up. "Actually, apart from my head playing the 1812 overture, I'm okay..."
"Good," she said with a smile, settling down and half-closing her eyes.
"Hi..." Jareth said softly.
"Are you okay?" Trent asked, concerned
"Me? Yeah I'm fine, it's you that I'm worried about."
Trent snorted with a smile. "What have I said about that?" he teased
Jareth smiled, "And what have I said about *that*?"
Trent chuckled. "Ah too true..." he said ruefully
Jareth nodded, sitting down next to his brother.
Trent rested his head on Jareth's shoulder with a grin.
"You freed him?" Jareth asked Tris.
She nodded.
Trent's eyes glittered suddenly, and he did something he hadn't done in a long time; poked Jareth in the side.
Jareth yelped and jumped about a full meter into the air.
Trent cackled and winced. "Oh stars I wish I hadn't done that... But still..."
"I wish you hadn't done that either," Jareth said.
Trent smiled an innocent smile at Jareth. "Aw, sorry..." he teased.
"Yeah...just like you were sorry when you dumped all that water on me..."
"But of course..." Trent looked wide-eyed. "You believe me, don't you Madam?" he looked imploringly at Tris, that mischievous twinkle still in his eyes.
"I tend to stay out of family matters..."
Trent sniggered and looked back at Jareth. "You know I'm right." he folded his arms and smirked.
Jareth made a face.
Trent squawked in affrontation. "I am nothing like him!"
"I only said sometimes," Tris said mildly.
"Hmph. Alright then..." Trent pushed Jareth affectionately. "Why would I want to be like this buffoon...?"
Jareth good-naturedly made a face.
Trent chuckled and pushed his hair backwards.
Tris settled down again.
Trent gave a small yawn
"You should go to sleep," Jareth said.
"Hmm...?" Trent murmured, already sleepy
"You should...never mind."
"I shouldn't mind what...?"
"Oh just go to sleep."
"Oh, okay then..."
Jareth nodded.
Trent yawned again and lay down, resting his head on his right arm.
Tris absently swept a wing over him.
Trent smiled slightly. "'night..."
Jareth looked up at the dragon and then at his brother.
Trent had dozed off, a contented, peaceful look on his face. For once he was going to get a proper sleep, without some other person's dreams or anxious thoughts invading his psych.
Tris dozed as well.