Turn Back Time

Its large, fat body draped in shaggy hair moved with stocky legs, racing as though under some unseen control. Its brown eyes gleamed brightly, unmistakably that of a bear.

The bear let out another roar, echoing Jareth's own growl. Yet even amidst the bear's groans, Jareth's powerful roar prevailed.

There was something peculiar about this bear, a feeling Edward couldn't shake. He could sense it, a strange energy in the air. If Jareth truly controlled it, why was it charging not towards Jareth, but seemingly targeting Elora instead? Why not him-Edward?

"Jareth," Edward managed to call out, though Jareth's attention remained fixated on his sister, he stoop up ready to attack Edward.

Jareth growled once more, his movements quickening to a pace Edward couldn't match. Gripping Edward's neck, he began to choke him. Edward struggled fruitlessly, his efforts to break free proving futile.

"Jareth," he uttered with a smirk, as Jareth tightened his hold even further. Then, with a mere snap of his fingers, Edward vanished into thin air.

Frustration filled him as he disappeared, now alone. He groaned, his gaze scanning the surroundings, but Elora was nowhere to be seen.

"Elora!" he called out in desperation, the weight of her earlier revelation hitting him. She had mentioned losing her powers. He had to find her before it was too late.

"Elora," he called out again, frustration evident as a muscle twitched in his jaw.

His fist clenched in anger. He had finally found his sister and vowed never to lose her again, not ever.

A scream echoed through the desolate area, reminiscent of Elora's voice. With his speed and acute hearing, he swiftly located her.

There she stood, retreating from the bear, which eyed her as its next meal.

With each step she took backward, the bear closed in, matching her movements.

Jareth knew that if she called his name, they would both be in danger. However, he realized in a moment of clarity that his sister, was blind and wouldn't even know of his presence. Though he could have faced the bear alone, Elora's presence changed everything.

Drawing a dagger from his waist, Jareth aimed it at the bear, while Elora, hearing the waves below, realized the cliff's edge was near. A backward step could send her plummeting into the vast ocean.

Silently, she hoped for an end to the ordeal, tears trickling down her already wet blindfold, bracing herself for what was to come.

Amidst a loud growl and approaching footsteps, she knew there was no turning back.

Yet, to her surprise, instead of the expected attack, an earthquake shook the ground as she heard something fall to the ground.

"Elora," Jareth called out, relief flooding his voice as he saw his sister safe. She crumbled to the ground, overcome with emotion, tears streaming down her cheeks. Jareth's heart ached at the sight of her distress as he gently patted her back.

As her sobs subsided, he tenderly wiped away her tears and said, "We have to go, Elora."

She nodded weakly, trying to stand only to fall, a grimace of pain crossing her face.

"What's wrong?" Jareth asked, concern furrowing his brow.

"My leg hurts," she replied, her brows knit with discomfort.

Jareth massaged her leg, but she winced in agony.

Quickly, Jareth knelt down, offering his back for Elora to climb onto. He carefully lifted her, supporting her weight as they moved forward.

Suddenly, a low growl interrupted their progress. Jareth halted, locking eyes with the bear one last time, its breathing slow.

With focused determination, he resumed walking at a cautious pace. Despite his efforts to shake off the bear's mournful gaze, it lingered in his mind.

As they approached the carriage, Jareth noticed Raynell standing there, his gaze fixed on Elora.

"Your Highness," Raynell greeted as Jareth drew near.

"What brings you here? I thought I had assigned you a task," Jareth remarked with a smirk.

Raynell's lips tightened as he looked down. Jareth chuckled, leaning closer to Elora. "Your mate is here, Elora."

"Mate?" Elora asked, confusion creasing her brow.

Raynell felt a pang in his heart. He had waited so long for her, yet she couldn't recall him. It stung. He lowered his gaze, avoiding Jareth's eyes.

"Elora, do you not remember the promise you made to Raynell? You agreed to marry him because you loved him and always troubled father, and finally father got you engaged to him to ease himself from your constant trouble," Jareth explained, raising an eyebrow.

Elora pressed her lips together, a hint of guilt in her expression as she bit her lip.

In that moment Jareth and Raynell knew she had lost him- Raynell in her memory. Jareth chuckled and pat her head in a caring manner.

Both jareth and elora entered the carriage and they left.

********

Edward playfully clicked his lips, his eyes fixed on the bear already taking the shape of a familiar human.

"I told you this was pointless," he remarked.

"Why the disguise? I should've trusted my instincts," Edward muttered, lowering himself to Athena's level. Blood trickled from her arm where Jareth's daggers had struck.

Athena winced, her face contorted with pain as she applied pressure to her wound.

"What's going through your mind now?" Edward quirked an eyebrow.

Athena grimaced, trying to sit up. "What do you think? Figuring out her motives?"

"Suit yourself," Edward said, preparing to rise.

Athena glanced up at him. "Where are you off to?"

"Where else would I go?" Edward countered, raising his brows.

Athena chuckled devilishly, almost wincing from the pain. In that moment, she seemed like a mad person.

"What do you think Kayla would do if she found out?" Athena's grin widened, her eyebrows arching.

"What?" Edward's mouth fell open in shock.

"You heard me," she teased, a smirk playing on her lips.

"Do you intend to tell her?" Edward asked, his fists clenched in frustration.

"It would be fascinating to see her expression," Athena shared, her smile slowly fading. "Her supposed manager, living as someone else in her world, loving her for countless years and being willing to turn back time."

Edward remained motionless, his expression unreadable, as Elora chimed in, "And there's one more thing..."