In the dark
A/n: I don't own the Labyrinth. If I did I wouldn't be a broke psychology student who writes fanfiction as a hobby. Most of the chapter titles refer to the amazing work of David Bowie. The songs I refer to are obviously not mine either. All I own are his cd's.
I know it's uncommon in Labyfic to write in first person. However, I'm going to try, I like a challenge ;). This story is unbeta'd and English is not my maternal language. I''m sorry if there are any typo's.
Chapter 1: Everyone says 'hi'
I have been staring at the blank white page on her computer screen for over an hour. Unfortunately, still no words come to mind.
I am Sarah Williams, 25 years old, a screen- and play-writer , living in New York City. I absolutely love my job and since my last script for a sitcom has been sold and I won a prize for my last screenplay, I also make a decent amount of money.
I absolutely hate having a writers' block.
When I was a teen, I wanted to follow my mother's footsteps and become an actress. However, after one rather exciting evening, I realized my ambition was based on the fact that I wanted to be closer to her, not because I truly loved acting so much. Instead, I started to focus on my love for storytelling and creative writing, the last a subject I choose to graduate in.
Just when I decide to walk to my living room to call my friends to see if they have plans for the evening, I hear a knocking on the other side of my mirror.
Yes, you read that correctly.
I face my mirror and smile at a beast, a dwarf and a fox. They have been good friends of mine for about ten years.
Yes, I'm best friends with fairytale creatures. No, I'm not insane. Or at least, just as sane as most people who work in showbiz.
My smile fades as I notice the worried looks of my friends. Deep down inside I already know something bad is about to happen.
"Guys, what's wrong?"
"We've come to warn yous Sarah, something bad is goin' on in the Labyrinth."
"Fear not my lady, for we shall fight it but you should be aware of this…threat.''
"Labyrinth…darkness."
Ludo's simple description makes the hairs on the back of neck raise. Despite Diddymus' calming words not to fear, I notice I do, nonetheless.
Since I'm obviously not 15 years old anymore, I'm willing to admit I care about the Labyrinth and feel protective of it. After all, I grew up in there in those 10 hours. What's going on? Who's threatening it?
Can I do something to help them?
Who's protecting the Labyrinth now?
"What about your king? Can't he do something?"
"His majesty fights most valiantly but even he cannot hold the darkness off for forever, Lady Sarah. As strong as he is…he looks tired," Diddymus answers.
"Well, Hades knows I doesn't like him but if it weren't for the royal bastard we'd be in even bigger trouble now," Hoggle sighs.
"King lonely," Ludo adds.
This little piece of information scares me even more.
"Guys, if I knew a way to get back to the Labyrinth to help you, I would but I don't know how.
Wishing myself away doesn't seem like a good idea, doesn't it?"
"Goodness no!" Hoggle exclaims, as Ludo and Diddymus look shocked.
"The only thing that would happen, is that you would have to run the Labyrinth again. Even his majesty is bound by certain rules."
After the conversation with my Underground friends has ended, I walk downstairs. Figuring I need to take my mind off of both my writers' block and the Labyrinth, I call Janet and Kate, two of my other friends, to go out for a drink at our favorite local bar.
No matter how much I try to focus on the stories of my friends, my mind drifts back to Hoggle's warning. Even though I know New York isn't a very safe city sometimes, I've always felt safe here….
Until now.
We walk on a street that runs parallel to Times Square, laughing about a joke Janet made, when it happens.
Suddenly, all the sounds, smells and visions of the city are muted. All the noises and lights of Times Square seem to be covered in a cloak of darkness. Even our movements are suddenly muddled, as if we are walking through a swamp, thick as molasses.
It's silent. Too silent.
Silence in the middle of New York City isn't a good sign.
"Who are you and what is it you want?!" I yell as Janet and Kate look around confused.
The silence continues and I feel foolish for yelling into thin air. Not knowing what else to do, however, I repeat my question.
No, we hear laughter all around us. It doesn't sound even remotely human. It sounds like a swarm of bees suddenly had received a capability to talk. The end result frightens me more than the cleaners, the giant robot, the Goblin army and the snake Jareth through at me, combined.
"Do you think you can order us around, Sarah Williams?" the creature(s?) mocks me.
Oh great, it knows who I am. I gather my courage and try to pretend that talking to disembodied voices doesn't freak me out. I quickly look behind me and judging by the fact that Kate and Janet look absolutely terrified, confirms this isn't a very weird dream.
"Actually, it was just a question. Who are you and what is it you want?"
It (they?) laugh again.
You may be Goblin Queen and Champion of the Labyrinth, Sarah Williams but it's only a matter of time before your king is dethroned. Your precious Labyrinth is ours already and Aboveground will be as well."
"How dare you! Leave the underground and MY aboveground alone! You have NO power over me!''
I yell, seeing red for the first time since the conversation started. Behind me, Kate and Janet protest as well.
It's reaction is to simply darken our surroundings even more. The air is so thick I'm having trouble to breath. I'd rather be stuck in the bog right now than here. Compared to these threats, even Jareth seems like a prince charming right now.
As stubborn as I am, I also realize when I'm truly outmatched. I need help. I force myself to stay calm and think quickly. Who can I ask? I need someone with a talent for magic and realize not even the combined powers of Ludo, Hoggle and Sir Diddymus are sufficient enough to beat whatever-the-hell-this-is right now.
It's getting harder and harder to breath. My friends are struggling with the lack of air as well.
''I'm so going to regret this," I mutter, before raising my voice again.
"I wish the Goblin King would help me right now!"
Would the sarcastic bastard show up or just leave me here with the Darkness of the Underground threatening me as a revenge for beating him?
"Sarah, ladies, run!" I hear behind me.
I never thought I'd be so happy to hear that British-sounding accent again.
"Your battle is not with her!" he yells.
Kate, Janet and I move out of the way as a crystal ball is thrown and the air clears again.
I turn around and face Jareth, King of the Goblins, for the first time in nearly 10 years.
