Disclaimer: I do not own The Labyrinth, characters, places, etc. All rights belong to Jim Henson and their respected owners.
Shattered Reality
Chapter One
Snow. Oh, how it falls like liquid drops of icy peppermint. Its indolent touch upon flesh never failing to send electrifying chills down one's spine. Love was no different. With its constant foray of burning passion--the unending desire for utter completion. Yes, love was an extraordinary element to the human spirit. Pity, it was merely an allusion.
Poets and novelists alike wrote upon the overrated subject. Like an intoxicating drug, it drove them into a distraught insanity, which usually ended their esteemed career. However, that's what usually kept their names from fading into distant memory.
Where would the world be without Poe's depressive poetry of a woman who drowned in the sea, or Van Gough's Starry, Starry, Night spouting it's lovesick memorandums of its creator? The truth was, some things could--would never be forgotten. They would stand the test of time. It was rather unfortunate childhood innocence could not. Or at least, to someone who believed in seeing the world through rose-coloured glasses.
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Her sable hair fell into her eyes once more--blocking her sight from reading the extensive novel she had been assigned. Her ivory hands furiously swept away the wayward strands as her hazel gaze concentrated upon the printed words.
Truly, one would find Conrad's notion of civilization versus primal passion somewhat appealing. The real-world conjectures were quite convincing. However, to the mind of someone who believed in fairy stories as a child, it would be rather hard to digest simple notions of humanity holding their own heart or darkness.
Pinching the bridge of her nose, the young woman slammed the book shut and turned her eyes from it. Her antagonized glare settled to the window, or rather, the sight beyond it. Dull hazel seemed to brighten when ashen flakes cascaded against the windowsill. Snow. God, it would never cease to amaze her how captivating the tiny flakes could entrance her mind. It seemed as if her heartache and desperation disappeared from its frosty presence.
It was the only comfort she had from the impending doom of finals. And to think, she happily dreamt of college just a few years before. A sardonic chuckle erupted from her when she thought of her high school graduation. Gods, it seemed like yesterday she was telling everyone she would always keep in touch. However, the inevitability of obtaining a life seemed to strain her promises. She could not even remember some of their phone numbers.
Of course, that was the regret of moving away from her quaint New England town. The university of Vermont seemed to promise much for a girl of her criteria. However, she did not desire to focus all of her time in books. Her life, or rather, future was in the field of drama.
Ever since her mother's image was plastered upon a Playbill cover, she had always dreamt to follow in her mother's footsteps and be the greatest actress that graced the stage. Nevertheless, she still had a ways to go before reaching that goal. Her aspirations were quite high, and could be shattered with rejection, but she would not give up. Not now, not ever. Sarah Williams was not one to turn tail and cower from an obstacle. Of course, her dreary interludes with Twentieth Century writers could be eluded.
A light smile traced her rosy lips when she thought of a nice, soothing cup of lemon tea. Yes, a little break from Mister Conrad would suffice--and at least calm her stressed mind. Really, finals right before the holidays were mainly a ploy to keep college students from enjoying themselves. Naturally, she wasn't one to complain.
Life back home was relaxing, but somewhat taxing. Her old room seemed so…enclosed. Almost, like a coffin. It was a subtle phobia she acquired, like many were prone to be frightened of spiders.
Perhaps, it was the wide proximity of the auditorium or her classes that kept her to open spaces. In her soul, she knew whatever she done it would be in a wide-ranged opening. Odin hath mercy if she were to ever work within telecommunications. A cubicle worker's profession almost made her shudder.
Shaking her thoughts aside, Sarah set a kettle of water one the boil. The snow was pounding furiously against her window, like that stormy night… She refused to think of that night. It was merely a dream anyway. A gilded laugh echoed throughout the room--showing her silly moment's belief in an adolescent's fantasy.
Really, goblins, dwarves, and even fairies truly existed! What a splendid imagination she had as a fifteen-year-old! It was almost irrelevant that she still remembered that ludicrous dream! Gods, the very thought of wishing away younger brother to some goblin city certainly teetered on the edge of being deemed insane.
Her smile faded for a moment as she thought upon the lavish memory. It seemed so real though--almost, too real. And that somewhat frightened her. Well, maybe not frighten, but it definitely unnerved her. Besides, she had put away childish thoughts of her in an alleged Fantasy World. Even, to the point of boxing up everything that held relevance of being imaginative.
Her life somewhat changed after the strange dream. She had grown more serious and socialistic. She went out more and did things with others. Her time with reading about faraway castles, damsels in distress, and handsome knights were over. It was vital that she focused upon something tangible and existent. And, not even goblin kings promising ultimate desires would alter her choice.
The metallic kettle's sharp whistle brought her to her senses. Pouring a cup of the hot liquid into cobalt mug, she seated herself upon an emerald sofa and thought more of her troubles.
The rich citric aroma filled her senses with an almost calming effect. She could sit here all evening contemplating over how soothing her tea was. Yes, she inwardly admitted it was a little silly, trivial even. But, it was better to ogle over something real than some child's story.
Her hazel eyes glanced at the red liquid with semi-indifference. There had to be more to life than hauling ass around classes and working all of the time. Christmas vacation looked even more promising by the minute. However, staying a few weeks with her family seemed a bit much. Perhaps, she could shorten it down to two.
It wasn't that she did not wish to spend time with them--it was just a bit tiring. Toby, being little terror he was, always followed her like a second shadow. Her father and stepmother were always inquiring about her studies and college life. Karen seemed to be more interested in her dating agenda.
She had to admit, she had finally began to tolerate her stepmother's actions. Even--actually like her. It was somewhat hard at first to accept her father's marriage, but over time, she finally tolerated Karen. Sometimes, they even shared a few moments at playing a semi-role of mother and daughter. However, Karen could never replace her mother. No one could.
It had been quite some time since she thought of her mother. She had been twelve when her parents finally decided to divorce. The abrupt separation had somewhat addled her. She missed her aspiring mother and sometimes wondered if she was happy with leaving them. It had been years since she called, much less, wrote a letter. And that pained her. How could the woman that played mother for a little over a decade leave her? Was she really such an arrogant child? Or, was she merely an insignificant aspect?
It didn't matter. If her mother desired to call her, fine. If not, she still had her father to love. Besides, it would be nice to see him again. She truly missed his bright smile and comforting words. It had at first, been hard just being father and daughter. But, after simple routine, they were closer than they were ever before.
Yes, let the finals come! She would be ready to end this semester of suffering and finally relax. Sarah glanced once more at the icy window. The winter evenings were growing short and darkness always crept in before anyone expected it. The white flakes seemed brighter, almost glowing. Strange.
Getting up, she walked over to the cool glass and strained her eyes to see if she had imagined anything. Her breath almost caught in her throat when she seen something crashing against her window. A stifled gasp escaped her dry lips when she heard a dull thud upon the sill. Sarah gathered her courage and looked to see if anything damaged the glass.
Her eyes slightly widened to see a massive bird fly from the window. It was white--almost matching the colour of the falling snow. The wingspan was that of a lager bird, most likely an owl. But of course, that was just a second's glimpse of it before it disappeared within the veiled night.
Sarah mentally scolded herself. To think, her fright was merely derived from an owl, or whatever it was. Gods, she was beginning to lose her edge, and such a shame too. Really, being frightened from a bird crashing against a window would certainly traumatize her for the rest her days. She might as well start believing in fairies again. They certainly, would be held highly in the world of sense and reason.
Her brief sarcasm was put on hold when the phone rang. Rolling her eyes, she treaded over the wooden floor--making creaking sounds as she went--and finally thrust the receiver to her ear.
"Hello?" She asked in a tired sigh.
Her frown melted to a smile when she heard her father answer. It was nice to hear a familiar voice after having a heart failure! Surely, her father would bring her out of her senseless shock with comforting news over the family and holiday plans.
"That's great, Dad. I'll be there after finals are over. I cannot wait to see you guys and finally take a break from this headache! Yeah, all classes are going good. I mainly dread my Calculus exam! Who would've thought I could not excel in one subject? Ah well." She chortled before continuing. "Yeah, can I speak to Toby? I hear him practically begging to talk!"
Sarah giggled when her father reluctantly gave the phone to the pleading four-year-old. "Sarah, when are you coming home? I miss you!" He whined in an angelic tone.
The plea could not help but tug at her heart. Surely, they had grown closer after her elusive fantasy. How strange it had only been four years ago that she had abruptly dropped that silly obsession. Finding her voice, she answered, "Toby, I'll be home after my finals, all right? I promise the moment I get there, we'll do something!"
"Sarah! Sarah! I got to tell you something!" Toby hesitated a moment. "I found this red book, I think it was yours. Mommy read it to me since we read everything in my shelf. It's a great story! Why didn't you ever read it to me?"
"Hey, slow down! What book are you talking about?"
"The Lab-something. I like it! It's got goblins in it and everything!"
Sarah chuckled. "Oh, you mean The Labyrinth?"
"Yeah, that! It's a great book! Will you read it to me when you get here? Mommy said I'm driving her crazy! I only got her to read it three times!" He said, placing three fingers to the phone.
"I don't know," she giggled under an uncertain tone. "I mean, you've drove your mother crazy with it! Maybe I should not read it…"
"Sarah! Please? If you don't, I ask the goblins to send you away!"
She snorted from his childish threat. Sending her away by goblins! Really! Poor Karen must have been driven crazy if Toby was this enthused with the book. Somehow, it did not seem like a good idea to tease about it. Of course, that was merely her wonderful imagination from years past kicking in. Shaking her dark mane, she teased, "Yeah? Why don't you try it? I doubt you would want them to take your sister away forever!"
"Yeah right, Sarah! You know…I wished the goblins did take you away!"
"Toby!" Karen yelled in the background. "Apologize to Sarah!"
"I'm sorry, Sarah! I was only kiddin'!"
Silence.
"Sarah?" Toby asked with uncertainty. "Are you there?"
"No! The goblins got her!" She spoke in a muffled whisper. "You should be sorry for wishing her away like that!"
"No! Give her back!"
She felt a pang of guilt within her chest for making her little brother cry. Honestly, she only meant it as a joke. "Toby," she spoke in soothing tones. "I'm here. I was only pulling your leg, babe! Don't worry. Goblins are not going to get me! I promise you."
"Promise?" He mumbled in a sniffled voice.
"I promise. Now, go to bed and behave. I'll be there in a few days and then, we'll build a snowman!"
Toby screamed in the background as Karen picked up the phone. "Sarah, I'm sorry he said that. He's just amazed by that book! I'm sorry about getting it. But, we ran out of books and he wanted a new story so I thought you would not mind if he could borrow one of yours."
"Oh, don't worry about it. Tell him if he likes it all that much he can have it! Tell him it's a gift before I come!"
"Thank you, Sarah. We'll be waiting for you when you get here. I hope your finals go well."
"Thanks. I'll call before I leave college. Goodbye." She murmured before setting the receiver back on its hook.
Another tired sigh escaped her when she returned to her mug and comfortable seat. Oh, how it would be wonderful to throw all responsibility to the wind and just sit there. It wasn't that college was too demanding; it just had a sense of boredom to it. And to think, college was supposed to be the best years of your life. She almost snorted at the infamous quote.
However, she had no one to blame but herself. After all, it was her decision to take the advanced college courses. She inwardly assumed it would as easy as her high school classes. Naivety was sometimes regretful. Well, in this case anyway. Besides, she needed to the extra work to keep her mind from wondering upon senseless things, like the next time she would attend another boring seminar. Truly, drama class could find something better than talk about imaginative beings. Not, that she didn't mind playing a part in fantasy; she only preferred something already known.
Shakespeare was a genius at the written word. Playing the tragic Juliet or drowning her self like Ophelia was truly fun. Especially, when the lead parts went to someone freshly in college. Sarah felt a sense of pride course through her as she thought of her influential roles in college drama.
Her theater comrades were wonderful. Occasionally, they would go out for a film or eat at a local restaurant. She never expected to have so many friends in drama, especially, Michael.
Her heart fluttered from the thought of the flaxen-haired man. His laughing oceanic eyes were truly captivating. He somewhat reminded her someone from long ago, like a distant face in her clouded memory. It was a pity she could not remember whom his enigmatic counterpart was. Oh well, it did not matter anyway. Besides, the present man had shown some interest in her.
She faintly smiled from their last encounter. He had turned the lights out when she was on stage--almost, making her trip over a tree prop. His mischievous hands caught her by the waist and pulled her from center-stage, as she demanded him to let her go. Michael's gentle chuckle echoed within her mind even now.
They had not kissed yet, mores the pity. But, damn well on the verge of it. She admitted there was heated attraction between them--the chemistry was certainly apparent. If not, she was definitely off her rocker. However, she was not apt to believe in a possible relationship until it actually happened. She learned long ago not to take things for granted. Of course, she couldn't remember where this marvelous revelation occurred.
Whatever the reason, she was glad of it. How could one believe in a happy ending unless they made it happen? Sweat, blood, and tears where the requirements for a successful life. Some could not be lucky as their alleged mothers whose life fell neatly into place. Sarah scoffed at the thought.
She needed to stop dwelling on the past--what's done is done. And, there was nothing she could do to change that concrete truth. However, she could face with an artful bravado. Yes, her instant reaction to a situation was what got her lead roles. Thank God her talent was a genetic trait.
The wall clock chimed gently in the hallway--alerting her of the growing hour. Her eyes fell upon the clock's needle-like arms with growing disdain. Twelve already? God, it seemed but a few minutes ago she had talked to Karen. Oh well, time certainly flew when one was in deep contemplation. It was a shame her work would not be completed tonight.
It did not matter. Marlow and Kurtz would still be in the jungles of the Congo when she returned to page fifty-three. Besides, the short novel consisted of a measly seventy-two pages. Surely, one could finish reading it within a minimum of six hours. Conrad's writing was that good.
"I suppose I could turn in for the night." She mumbled to herself.
Getting up, she walked down the darkened hall, not bothering to notice the strange shadow from the snow-kissed window. Her tired eyes focused upon the reflection in the mirror. With a look of disdain, she rubbed the reddened orbs and brushed the long, agonizing locks.
She had to admit her hair was beautiful. It was a shame the rest could not match its lustrous beauty. Her verdant stare seemed distraught, almost longing. Perhaps, she was finally going insane. That would be the tragic end to her harsh existence and hard labour. Tragic irony almost seemed appealing.
Her light steps echoed in the hollow corridor when she went to her room. She was greeted with the red luminescence of her lava lamp. It was a pity everyone hated these things, especially Karen. There were some likes she could not break herself of and her obsession with the minute lamp was one of them.
Sarah shook her head from the memory of how she obtained the alleged fire hazard. Strange shops that sold anything from lava lamps to sex toys were indeed something to look into. Her father and Karen would die if they knew she purchased it from a shop that harboured exotic tastes. Oh well. College certainly had its upsides. Freedom was fortunately one of them.
She gazed at the red liquid with silent awe. The lamp could hold her attention for hours if she allowed it. Its bubbly liquid reminded her of an erupting volcano. The fire and power coming from such a massive structure was indeed appealing. That is, to someone who had nothing better to do with they're time.
Sarah pulled her loose locks away from her face and stretched. She did not even feel like changing into something more comfortable. Besides, she could break a few rules since no one shared her cozy apartment. It was rather nice, actually. At least, she did not have to fight over her clothes and wait for her lazy roommate to pay their half of the bill.
Her father saw to the payments and utilities of the apartment. She was rather surprised he offered to pay for everything without her help. Well, just as long as she worked hard and went to class on time. In which, she would continue to do. Truth be told, she was not a person who took college lightly.
Actually, she never took anything lightly. Perhaps, it was her habit of being serious. Her drama mates even commented upon her excessive solemnity. She always laughed with them and shook it off as nothing important. But, they could not see that was who she was. They would probably have a kick out of teenage self. Yes, an immature adolescent would certainly fit within their criteria.
"And to think, I used to believe in that stuff! Even, goblins!" She spoke in a sardonic manner.
"Even goblins? Come, Sarah, surely you still believe in us!" Someone muttered with true sarcasm.
Her eyes widened in sudden fright. "Who's there?" She asked weakly, turning to see someone, or rather, something hovering within the shadows.
A jester-like smile traced his pallid lips. So, she did not believe in goblins anymore? Well, what a pity. Certainly, she would still hold a sense of belief in their king. It would nice facing this spiteful mortal once again. And this time, she was the one to be taken away.
"I would think you remember that we have already been introduced, my dear. Do you not remember me?" He asked stepping out of the shadows.
Sarah stepped away from the imposing form. Gods, who in the hell was this? Was this some sort of joke Michael and the others plotted? Placing on a masked bravado, she stepped forward. "Oh, it's you." She muttered with indifference. "Yeah, Goblin King, right?"
"Yes."
Se bit back the impending laughter within her throat. She needed to play the part of naivety before crushing her friends' poor attempt of frightening her. "Oh, what an honour to see you again! Really, what do I owe the pleasure? Surely, you did not come for another child? Sorry, this apartment is temporarily vacant of unwanted children."
His smirk faded. "I did not come for a child." The remark was icy.
Sarah turned her back on him with airy defilement. Surely, this was merely a joke. The outfit, the makeup, and that expensive wig were going down the drain. Whoever this actor was; he was good--too good. He sort of reminded her of her elusive fantasy from long ago. She had told Michael once about it in a forced confession of truth or dare. Surely, he wanted to get her back for her certain stunt before break.
"Oh?" She asked in an amused tone. "And what did you come for, my lord? Certainly, you didn't wish to see a common girl such as myself? I do not deserve to be held in one's elegant presence!"
God, she was a sarcastic little chit. Four years had still not managed to rule her viperous tongue. Oh, she would learn. By the gods, she would learn before this sweet meeting was over. It would be rather fun to see her derisive expression shatter in front of him. And she deserved it for after all she had done. Yes, this would be sweet revenge for her foolish actions. No one defied the Goblin King and went away unscathed. However, her punishment would be more creative than being tossed into an accursed oubliette.
A flaxen brow rose in amusement. "Really? Then dare I say, you, my dearest, are the one who's to be taken…"
Her smile widened. "If memory serves me, it's children who are turned into goblins or whatever. Sorry to say, I've not read that story for quite some time. Fairytales do not appeal to me, since they don't exist. And, neither do you, Goblin King." Waving her hand she continued. "You brilliant façade is over! Tell Michael I love his sweet deceptions, but I prefer he try to terrify me with turning the lights off! Sorry, Goblin King you're little attempt of frightening me did not work."
Oh, how he wanted to slap that annoying smirk off her face! And who was Michael? Had four years actually changed her aspiring beliefs of his world into something modern and sardonic? He would have to change that. By Shiva, he would see this girl believing in magic before she could blink. Yes, this little project would certainly be fun!
Tugging at his gloves, he muttered, "Pity, I honestly hoped you would run screaming from my presence. It is apparent, the world has made you see all truths and no lies."
"If you were an actual goblin king, I would have to say you were a wonderful illusion to my sated mind! Really, it was nice to think for a moment that I wasn't dreaming about this actually being real. Kindly see yourself out--I'm going to sleep! Goodnight, your highness!"
Sarah turned to face him once more, only to see no one was there. Perhaps, too many aspirins finally had their vengeance upon her consciousness. Whatever it was, she would sleep it off, and think no more, especially, upon goblin kings.
Jareth disappeared in a cloud of glittering dust before she turned to face him. Let the girl sleep before she awakened to find herself somewhere else. Oh, this was going to be a pleasure! Yes, the undaunted Sarah Williams, defeater of his unsolvable labyrinth, would now be his to toy with. Perhaps, four years of waiting at such a prospective chance was worth it. Now, she would know she what it felt like being tossed aside like some careless rag doll.
She would regretfully come to know the anger of a defeated goblin king…
Author's Note: I'm sorry if this fic sounds remotely close to anyone's. Truly, it's been quite some time since I've had the desire to read a Labyrinth fic. Much less, write one. I know, completely boring for the first chapter. I wrote this on a spur-of-the-moment thing. I hope it's not too bad. Hopefully, I'll have the next chapter up soon. Please, let me know what you think! ^_^*