Todd came out of the bathroom and walked over to me, smiling happily. He couldn't possibly know how impossible it was to breath at this moment. I took his arm again and we walked around, Todd chatting happily while I tried to look interested. Just as I half begged myself to convince him to leave early the Director's wife felt ill and called the party to an early end. I grabbed my purse and was ready to leave almost as soon as we were asked to. Walking back to the car I had to prove to myself I was simply hallucinating and turned and grabbed Todd's hand rushing to kiss him, his lips warm and surprised but obliging.
It couldn't have been him, I admitted with shock. But it didn't make any sense, then again things with people like him typically didn't. But to pose as someone else...to kiss me...to disappear. It was hurting more and more to breath normally so in a panic I kissed Todd harder, my arms wrapping around his neck as we fell against his car.
"We can take this somewhere a bit more private if you'd like." He chuckled, his voice growing husky.
"No...I, I'm sorry I..." I murmured, flushing.
"Don't be love, I'm actually glad it happened. I wasn't sure if you felt that way too, you know." He sounded corny saying it but his grin was sincere as he kissed me softly this time, patient and kind.
But it wasn't him, it had been Jareth. Jareth was the one on the dance floor and even Todd's kisses couldn't drive that from my mind. For a moment Todd froze and pulled back, looking in a mix of hesitance and worry.
"This isn't...this isn't because of this morning, is it?" He asked.
"Maybe not because, but thanks to." I admitted. "I don't want to keep thinking he'll somehow show up again."
"Happy to oblige then." Todd chuckled and pulled me close, holding me and kissing the top of my head.
"Sarah, you know I'll never disappear on you, right?" He whispered.
"Right." I echoed, a tear sliding down my cheek.
The car ride seemed too quiet, too anxious, too excited. There seemed to be an unspoken energy between us, something I tried to ignore before I realized Todd didn't seem to be reacting at all. Did he not feel it? The anticipation slowly growing in my stomach threatened to explode each time we rounded a corner. What was wrong with me?
"Sarah..."
"Yes?" I turned to look at him.
"What?" Todd glanced over, confused. "I didn't say anything."
"Sarah..."
"But...didn't you call my name?" I asked.
"No." He shook his head, his eyes on me instead of the road.
That's when the eighteen-wheeler spun out of control and right into our lane. Todd's foreign box of metal was no match to the steel giant and we were swept into the arc and shoved down into the wooded ditch, a tree smashing my door and a branch nearly missing my head as glass showered my lap and hair. I almost remember Todd taking a hold of my hand and nearly screaming myself hoarse but most of all I remember the loudness of everything. It was as if someone had taken the volume button on life and just whipped it up to max. I couldn't understand a single thought except that nothing made sense.
I was supposed to be at home, wrapped up in a blanket and laughing at Todd while he mocked Shakespeare plays, his own one man act. Dying was never supposed to be an option.
"Please, I need you." I whispered, not exactly sure and all too sure at the same time.
Looking over to Todd while his head hung limp, a small gash on his forehead. His breathing was ragged but he was alive, thank God. Reaching over I touched his face, wincing in pain as the seatbelt dug into my neck. Turning my head in the direction I thought I heard footsteps, my eyes blurred and I let my head roll back and just waited for something to happen.
"Sarah hurt." A deep voice made my head snap up, eyes wide as three impossible memories stood in front of me.
"Ludo?" I asked softly.
"Milady, dost thou feel much pain?" Another voice called as they approached.
"Sir Didymus, Hoggle, you came." I smiled weakly.
"Oh, Sarah, what have ye done and got yerself into now?" Hoggle asked, looking concerned.
"Me? I just..." My voice trailed as I closed my eyes again, suddenly feeling very ill.
"SARAH HURT!" Ludo roared and charged the car, ripping the passenger door off, including the tree branch that had been resting near my head.
"Ludo be careful! Yer gonna hurt Sarah!" Hoggle cried.
It grew quiet and Ludo seemed to shrink back at the prospect of hurting his best friend.
"Ludo only help." He murmured.
"I know Ludo, I know." I whispered, feeling faint.
"Thy lady seems held by a band across the chest, how shalt we remove her?" Sir Didymus asked.
"Oh, my seatbelt." I sighed, groping the side of the seat until I found the button and clicked it, surprised when it actually released and I fell sideways into the waiting arms of Hoggle.
"I've got ye Sarah, yer gonna be alright." He promised.
"I know." I yawned, falling asleep in his grasp.
Jareth couldn't believe it when Ludo came barging through the door to his throne room, Sarah curled in one arm, and Todd Hartman in the other, Hoggle and Sir Didymus trailing in his wake. Quickly summoning his nurse goblins he had all other goblins leave and two resting cots set up for Sarah and Todd to lay on.
"What happened?" Jareth turned to Hoggle who wrung his hands nervously.
"She called us, yer Majesty. Just like we promised, we came and she was trapped in a metal carriage of sorts ye see. And she was all banged up and so was the man ye see. At first we's was only bringin' Sarah but the other one, he was, well we didn't see no others around, an' we couldn't leave him there bleedin', Majesty, see." Hoggle shuffled.
"I see." Jareth nodded, glancing at Sarah. "You did well."
"Huh? Oh, thank ye...Majesty." Hoggle bowed in surprise.
Jareth walked over to her and kneeled beside the only person who could ever see through him and touched her cheek as gently as he would porcelain.
"What have you gone and done know?" He whispered, half expecting her to wake up and chastise him for his fault in all of this.
"Put them both in the guest chambers and have a nurse on duty at all times. Have a messenger check every half hour and report straight to me if one of them wakes." Jareth ordered as he stood and returned to his throne.
"Iffin ye'd be alright wit it, we three'd like to stand guard Miss Sarah's chamber." Hoggle spoke up.
After a moment of silence Jareth nodded,
"Indeed, and try not to disturb the nurses."
"Yes, yer Majesty, o'course." Hoggle smiled and the three followed the nurses carrying Sarah.
This was going to be the longest wait of his life.
When I finally woke up I was burrowed under a thick cover sunken into the softest bed I think ever existed. It was impossible to even think of moving but as it slowly dawned on me what happened my eyes opened and I took in the four poster bed and green walls, confusion before clarity.
"Sarah!" Hoggle was the first to see that I was awake.
"Hoggle? Is that really you?" I asked, surprised when the door shut.
"Just a messenger, tellin' the King yer finally up. The other one's been up a good hour or two." Hoggle explained.
"King? Todd? He's here? In the Underground?" I asked, sitting up.
"Sure, couldn' leave him o'course. Banged up near as bad as ye was." Hoggle shook his head. "Em nurses sure have a remedy, ye barely look injured, maybe a bit pale though."
"I'm feeling much better thanks. Can I go and see Todd? He probably thinks he's hallucinating or something."
"Better hope it's the or somethin' part, adults don't really get this place tho', too busy thinkin'." Hoggle sighed.
"We shall take thee milady!" Sir Didymus came over.
"Oh Sir Didymus!" I scooped him up and hugged him close. "It's really wonderful to see all of you again. I can't believe you actually came."
"We said we would, aint a promise worth breakin'." Hoggle said defensively. "But I guess if yer feelin' better we can walk ye back to the throne room. It'll put the King in ease, pacing these past fer hours."
"Four hours?" I echoed. "Yes, lead me please."
I climbed out, Sir Didymus still cradled in my arms. He chatted animatedly about still working at the bog and Ambrosius, his loyal yet fearful steed. Ludo clambered behind us, interjecting his own small story here and there. A nurse stayed close by, a trained eye on me at all times. I found out her name was Maj, and that was all she told me.
"Yer Majesty." Hoggle called as he opened the door. "She's askin' to see ye's."
"Bring her in."
"I can walk." I couldn't help but tease, a small smile already on my lips. Being surrounded by familiar friends put me at ease.
"Sarah." Todd spoke first. He was scratched and bruised but his clothes were clearly mended and washed. Overall he only seemed like a confused man far from home.
"I'm glad your okay." I smiled.
"Me? I'm the one that was driving. Sarah, I'm so sorry, maybe if I'd seen the eighteen-wheeler."
"No." I cut him off. "Don't blame yourself, he was completely vertical, there was no way to avoid getting hit."
Todd stepped forward and then stopped and looked at me as a whole.
"Your clothes are different."
I looked down, surprised to see a off-white ankle length dress with full sleeves cuffed at the wrist and a brown double-sided apron that tied around my waist. It was a simple outfit I had seen before similar to the goblin women's dresses.
"Your clothes are being mended and washed. I couldn't have you running around in your undergarments." Jareth spoke up, his mouth barely turning upwards.
"Of course not, thank you." I nodded.
He nodded in silent gratitude, his eyes shifting to Todd, his look of pure mistrust.
"Thy strange companion is indeed interesting. Thou did not tell us you were engaged milady." Sir Didymus spoke up.
"Engaged!" I echoed in surprise, Jareth's expression freezing in place, his eyes turning cold.
"Pardon if I have angered any one, I merely assumed due to your companion's concern and opposing gender. Are you simply courting then?" Sir Didymus quickly tried to make amends.
"Something like that, yeah." Todd nodded.
"Dost thou call it by another name?" Sir Didymus asked.
"Hush, Sir Didymus, you talk out of term." I whispered in his ear.
"My apologies milady, I did not mean to misinterpret." Sir Didymus whined softly.
Behind me Hoggle muttered something under his breath, clearly not the only one wishing Sir Didymus had never opened his snout to talk.
"Sarah, what is this place?" Todd asked.
"We's told him Sarah, but he's not believing. You're the only one he believes in." Hoggle spoke up when I glanced around in confusion.
"This is the Underground, the Goblin Kingdom to be more specific. Jareth is their King, and the Goblin's are his subjects." I explained. "It's really real Todd, I promise. You might have troubles coming to terms because you're an adult, but it's real. And we really are here."
"Because I'm an adult? What are you saying?" Todd's eyebrows furrowed.
"I've been here before, five years ago exactly. Adults never really come here. If they are here, it's because they've been here since they were kids." I set Sir Didymus down and walked over to the window, motioning for Todd to follow.
"Here is the Labyrinth, it's really an amazing place, even if it is a challenge." I glanced at Jareth with a small smile, our eyes meeting with memories filling up the space between.
"Why is it here?" Todd asked. "Why are we here?"
"Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus are my friends. I met them the first time I came here and I've kept in touch with them sense. I called them, when we wrecked and when I blacked out they brought us here for medical attention. It's the safest place they know where they can move about." I tried to keep a calm voice, watching carefully as he took it all in before continuing.
"The Labyrinth was originally intended as a challenge, when someone comes to try and get a child back. Children that were wished away by someone else."
"You take children?" Todd rounded on Jareth.
"I collect children who are banished from their homes. I raise them and they live and prosper in a village just outside the Goblin City called Fairs. But you forget, there is a challenge if one wishes to have the child returned." Jareth spoke calmly but his whole demeanor was cold and challenging.
"Wait, you said you've been here before..." Todd turned back to me.
"Yes..." My voice grew soft. "I wished away my little brother, Toby. But I hadn't meant it, and so I fought the Labyrinth, and I won." I looked at Jareth. "I took my brother home and tried to forget about this place and all of my childhood daydreams. I tried to grow up."
"Tried." Todd echoed, finding the keyword.
"Tried." I agreed, looking back out the window, admiring how little the Labyrinth had changed.
"I can't say I completely believe all of this." Todd said slowly. "But I believe you, and I suppose that's enough for now."
"For now is enough." Jareth suddenly stood. "Dinner will be ready soon. But Sarah, I dare say there is one old friend you have somehow seen but overlooked visiting. Maj will collect you when it is time."
With no further explination Jareth strode out of the room, the door closing behind him.
"He just leaves us, just like that?" Todd asked.
"No offense, but he is the King, ye see. Got's a whole kingdom to answer to and run. Can't just sit around all day like a gag, now can he?" Hoggle spoke up, the first time I'd ever heard him defend Jareth. I suppose he was Goblin after all.
"Hoggle, can you lead me to him? We haven't talked in five years after all." I changed the subject.
"Course, he'll be in his usual clearing I bet. Don' let him know I said this but he's gettin' somethin' predictable these days." Hoggle's voice dropped down.
"Who?" Todd asked.
"A very old friend." I smiled and glanced out the window before following Hoggle out, Todd trailing slowly behind us.
The walk through the garden was quiet and I admired the flowers, almost surprised Jareth would have something like this. It was clear though when we entered the Labyrinth. High earthen colored walls rose up, entangled with vines and winding like a swirl of rivers. Hoggle lead us through confidently and I dared to touch the wall affectionately, happy to be back despite the struggles I'd once faced here.
"You seem happy." Todd finally spoke up.
"This was the place that taught me to grow up a little. To take on my own responsibilities but never forget the power of friends." I smiled as Hoggle stood a little straighter and walked with pride.
"Good to hear." A soft voice chuckled as we walked into a clearing.
"Your hat is gone." I remarked.
"Merely napping, thank heavens." The old man smiled, his brown eyes crinkling.
"It's wonderful to see you again." I walked over and hugged him, surprised to see the ring I gave him still on his hand. "You still have it."
"A present from my honored guest. Indeed I do, lass." He nodded. "Let me guess, you've come to be the hero again."
"No, I was injured so I was brought here to mend. What do you mean? Whose in trouble?" I asked.
"Oh, he'd be madder than a Goblin in a game of rocks but the King is having troubles with some of his borders as of late. Political business always bores me though, so don't press these old ears for details." The Labyrinth sighed and took my hand, patting it with his other. "The first and as of yet only one to find the way through these wall. I am happy to see you once more Sarah Williams."
"Only?" My smile fell. "Have there been many since me?"
"Oh the usual number really. Not too many though." He tried to assure me. "Besides, Fairs is a good village with good people who don't mind taking on a new babe. Better in Fairs then in a place where people casually scream they ain't wanted I say." The Labyrinth shook his head, Hoggle grunting in agreement.
"And this man? Who be him?" The Labyrinth asked.
"Oh, this is Todd Hartman, he's from the Aboveground. He was injured as well. I trust him." I added.
"Human trust is easily given, easily taken." The Labyrinth eyed him, did no one trust him?
"Todd, this is...this is the Labyrinth." I smiled apologetically as he looked around in confusion.
"But, we're in the Labyrinth." Todd looked at me.
"It is easier to take the form of a man who has a tongue than to teach a wall to speak." The Labyrinth spoke. "I am the Labyrinth and yes, you reside among my walls."
"Tis magic companion Todd." Sir Didymus appeared from behind a wall. "Never forget."
"Of course." Todd replied, attempting to be sarcastic but his unease made it hollow.
"Ah, milady, I am sent by Maj who knows not the walls well. She asks you come now to clean up for dinner." Sir Didymus announced his purpose for appearing.
"Thank you Sir Didymus, we'll be right out." I promised.
"You're welcome any time, go no and nourish. An old man has few words for a warrior." The Labyrinth kissed my hand and released me, turning to walk down a different path.
"Am I truly a warrior?" I couldn't help but ask.
"Time has told and time will tell again." The Labyrinth called out as he disappeared behind a corner.
...Time has told and time will tell again...
