So Cruel
Chapter 1: The Court's Decision
Hello everyone! This is my first fanfiction and I would greatly appreciate your reviews. I hope you enjoy.
By the way, I don't own the labyrinth.
The room certainly possessed a quality of empowering elegance, as onlookers marveled at the richness of their surroundings. Sharp stretches of light filtered through the large room- illuminating its several occupants. Elegant marble floors extended throughout the space and imparted a sense of unearthly yet intimidating beauty. Large and polished pillars weaved their way through the room, and their gold trimmings seemed to supplement the already lustrous appearances of the Underground populace. Cold wooden benches were positioned into several lines while individuals impatiently awaited the decisions of the king's tribunal.
A distinct tension pervaded the space, as the focus of the day's happenings was positioned toward the front of the room. The King and Queen of the Underground sat at center with several counselors and magistrates of the court at either side of them. All of them were perched upon a raised dais- each revealing a quiet sense of urgency in their countenances.
Suddenly, a short and ancient looking goblin with wiry gray hair and a crooked nose rose from his seat. Flipping the trimmings of his long black robe behind him, the imposing goblin began his announcements:
"Today, the king's tribunal gathers to discuss matters of considerable importance, as this dilemma has been posing the Underground difficulties for quite some time. It is not until now, however--"
At this, the goblin briefly glanced toward the king at his left then continued:
"Due to … special petitions and considerations by the king, we are finally able to confront the matter. Precisely, three years have passed since the human Sarah's victory over our prized and much cherished labyrinth. As you all know, my fellow members of the court and Underground citizens, the labyrinth has stood for centuries as a testament to our strength and powers. Now I fear its current owner has neither the merit nor the capabilities of ensuring its continued maintenance. Three years have passed and its defeat has already wreaked sizeable damage upon its own walls as well as the Underground community. We have already noted a significant decline in our powers while several of the smaller and weaker creatures have disturbingly become quite weak."
All members of the tribunal, besides the king and queen, nodded their heads in acknowledgement of the previous statement. Spectators furthered the notion in agreement and softly discussed among themselves.
A figure a short distance from the tribunal's dais and with his back to the audience, however, deeply resented what he heard before him. The familiarly unruly mane of hair followed his back and rested upon his dark blue vest. A slightly lighter blouse was fitted underneath and was complimented with somewhat tight grey pants and black boots. Firmly standing in his position, Jareth stood unyieldingly with clenched fists at his sides. A powerful and even dangerous anger raged beneath those strikingly mismatched eyes. Throughout, however, he maintained an adamant presence in spite of the criticisms and the countless eyes upon him. They will regret their decisions. I am no fool to be messed with...
Presently, a pale woman with silver strands of hair falling down her back stood and gracefully adjusted the folds within her simple green dress.
" The Labyrinth is no mere plaything amongst us Undergrounders. We all respect it as a source of our powers. It had not been created for fairness to the foolish humans who selfishly wished away their own and, so, it is filled with several changing obstacles, oubliettes, and the like. Dominance over the Underground as well as the Labyrinth has safely been retained within Jareth's family for thousands of years. Even before Jareth, the king's brother, Darius, had ruled over the entire Labyrinth and exercised its powers. Unfortunately, the last war had inflicted terrible costs- including his death. Due to this circumstance, rule was given over to Jareth's immediate family line."
" Due to Jareth's apparent failure of the Labyrinth's protection years ago, however, it is the tribunal's decision that one of Darius' direct lineage continue his rule once again. It is important to note that, Jareth, you have not completely been stripped of your authority. Rather, both you and Darius' son will rule jointly as fellow Goblin Princes within the castle. It will be within the tribunal's jurisdiction in the future as to who will be the permanent owner and ruler of the Labyrinth. As of now, you two are simply to work toward repairing the damages and seeking its continued safety. This proclamation will set forth three days hence."
With the hard sound of the mallet announcing the court's conclusion upon the desk, the majority of individuals within the court gasped and vigorously pondered what had just been declared. Jareth nearly seized the pale woman who had made the last announcement, but was quickly interrupted by an announcement towards the back of the room.
A tiny brown goblin adorned in heavy armor and a mess of fuzzy hair took a few short steps and loudly announced, "Ehh-hemm, announcing Darien, son of the late king Darius and soon to be Goblin Prince!"
A vast silence engulfed the room, as everyone slowly turned their heads toward the broad wooden doors in the back. A clear pressure pervaded the space, and voices were halted as the slow creak from the ancient doors declared the inevitable arrival of its much-awaited guest. Finally, the doors fully parted and lights from the outside entered the room.
A striking man approached the front with each step of his black boots announcing his arrival. The man wore a mess of dark black hair that extended past his shoulders and cascaded upon an emerald green poets shirt. Black pants stressed his muscled legs, as he strode powerfully through the aisles of benches. Stunning silver eyes and a flirtatious grin met each Fae woman. Of course, each of them happily obliged the attention with a giggle or quiet blush. Then, he arrived at his place next to Jareth and leaned in slightly toward his cousin. It was certainly a sight to behold the two handsome individuals standing so close together.
Softly, so no one but Jareth could hear, "Hello, Jareth, my dear cousin. I guess you're finally getting what you deserve. The high king has finally got his senses straight"
Murder boiling in his eyes, Jareth returned,
"Darien, you are sorely mistaken if you believe I am out just yet. Come on, I thought you were more intelligent than that. It is important that you remember the fact that the Goblin Castle as well as its inhabitants are completely loyal to one and, only one, Goblin King. "
Quietly chuckling to himself with an almost frightening confidence, "Come, come Jareth. I see it is you who forgets that who has already lost. Must I remind you of that dear occurrence a mere three years ago? Or, perhaps, I should help you recall than tantalizing example of a mortal name Sar- "
Interrupting the rendezvous between the two men, the High King slowly stood up from his seat. Some strange emotion or thought was concealed in his countenance, but he maintained a regal air nonetheless.
"My honored nephew, Darius, and my beloved son, Jareth, I hope you understand what has been said. I am sure difficulties are ahead for both of you, yet I sincerely trust that each of you men will respect the proclamations ascertained today. Consequences and punishment will be enforced should any member of the king's tribunal see the decree is not being honored. Now, with the full power of the High King of the Underground, I now proclaim court adjourned. Everyone may leave the building"
At that, the room burst into a dizzying cloud of glitter, as each of the Undergrounders vanished from the scene- leaving the cousins alone.
Speaking first, Jareth stated, "Well, Darien, I certainly look forward to your arrival three days hence. I am sure it will be a praiseworthy moment when we meet again." Briefly considering ways to make said meeting truly momentous, Jareth wickedly exposed his pointed teeth and laughed- ultimately disappearing into his own blur of glitter.
Once Jareth had been gone for several moments, Darien took a few short steps toward a large window overlooking the court's gardens beneath. Staring at the sight, he eventually brought a small glass crystal to appear in his right hand. Gazing somewhat sinisterly and into it, an image of a familiar young girl with dark brown hair materialized into the glass. She was in a small room reading to a young boy with light hair.
Darien simply gave an appreciative grin before throwing the crystal into the air above him. A flash of light filled the room, and a snowy white owl with silver eyes began his way through the window.
"Jareth, if you only knew how devastating our next meeting could be. After all, I will make sure that little human turns you world upside down once more"
Quick Note: I promise the dark yet strangely alluring Goblin King Jareth will be having a larger role in future installments. Hehe... some awkward yet lovable interactions next. ...Again I hope you all enjoyed. :)