Chapter 2

Okey dokey chapter two go, go, go! I hope you like it, if you do please review, if you don't still review and give criticism! Jareth and Sarah will meet up soon I promise. I just have to explain a few things, get them places etc.

I don't own Labyrinth. If I did I would make a second movie with David Bowie still in it...although he is a little older now... oh well! Airbrush those lines away! Thoughts of characters are in italics D

Sarah fell rather ungracefully to her hands and knees. "God Dammit!" she grumbled pushing herself to her feet, brushing her hair from her eyes and shooting an icy glare at Seth who was trying, unsuccessfully, to conceal his chuckle as a cough.

"Are you okay Sarah" Tamar looked her over. "Sorry I should have mentioned that the journey might be a little rough. It's hard transporting more than two people between worlds"

"I'm fine" Sarah smiled. It wasn't completely true, any minute now she was sure she would throw up. Dam travel sickness... She took a moment to observe her surroundings and gasped audibly, her nausea forgotten. "Where are we?" A tall imposing castle rose before them, beautiful in the pale light of the moon. Beyond she could see the sea dancing and glittering stretching for miles. Turning she looked over the countryside. The grass and trees rustled in the night wind that was toying with her hair. All in all it was a stunning place, more different to the castle beyond the Goblin city then she could imagine.

"This is the Castle of the shore" Seth put in "Beautiful isn't it?"

"Our people are staying here with permission from his majesty to undergo the preparations for war. When the time comes all the armies of the Underground will gather to fight."

Sarah gulped "His Majesty? You mean this castle is The Goblin Kings?"

"Of course" Seth nudged a pebble with his foot "He's not just the Goblin King you know, in fact that's one of his lesser titles. He's High King of the Underground as well as ruling over quite a few of the other races as well"

"Pretty important then huh?" Sarah frowned at the castle before her slightly impressed against her will. "I suppose I should have guessed he would be more than just King of the Goblins, he is rather..." she paused not sure what she was about to say. Seth and Tamar looked at her curiously. Just then the three of them were distracted rather dramatically.

"What the hell is that!" Sarah gazed upwards as a roar split the air.

Seth and Tamar were also watching the sky. Overhead a large black shape soared through the air, beating massive leathery wings and dipped out of sight behind the castle.

"Dam" muttered Seth and glanced at Tamar "We were hoping to introduce you to the Dragons quietly"

"Dragons!" Sarah stared at him slack jawed then at the place the dragon had just disappeared. "There are Dragons!"

"Well of course" Tamar grinned "How can there be Elves, Fairies, Unicorns, Mermaids and all that lot if there are no Dragons?"



"I just never thought... Hang on." Sarah turned and looked at Seth suspiciously "The Riders... What do you ride?"

Seth shrugged and touched his mask briefly before smiling innocently "Um...Dragons" He looked at Tamar who bit her lip.

Silence fell.

"DRAGONS!" Sarah exploded breaking the hush that had fallen over the three "You ride DRAGONS!"

"Sarah, calm down! They're not dangerous! The Dragons are more like our friends and partners in battle really!"

"I don't care if it's dangerous or not! This is..." Seth winced in preparation for the next words but for a few seconds Sarah just mouthed soundlessly "...it's..." Sarah frowned before grinning widely

"It's bloody awesome!"

"Bloody awesome?" Tamar stated in disbelief. Seth looked up from the patch of floor he had been studying in surprise.

"It's amazing! How many are there? Can they talk? Do you ride them as well Tamar? Is that why you wear boots like that?"

"There are many, yes they talk though some choose not to, we both ride them, and yes" Seth beamed "You're not scared? You don't want to go home?"

"Of course not, I only just got here! " Sarah glowed with excitement. Tamar looked from Seth to Sarah who started to discuss Dragons in depth and at high speed. Seth was normally over excitable as it was without any encouragement, she could tell that Sarah would not be helpful in calming Seth down. With a sigh Tamar started herding them towards the castle.

"Sarah I think it's best if you talk to Gabriel, he can answer all your questions"

"Gabriel?"

"He's the original Rider; he first made contact with the Dragons and established the line of communication. He's incredibly wise"

"Even wiser than the wiseman?" Sarah stepped carefully over a ring of mushrooms

"Without a doubt" Tamar smacked Seth's arm playfully "Race you to the gates"

"Bring it on!"

Sarah watched the two, supposedly mighty warriors, rushing forward like excitable puppies. Breathing in deeply Sarah closed her eyes briefly and smiled. It was good to be Underground again.

Jareth paced back and forth in his chambers. Something had changed, he could sense it. Whether it was good or bad he had no idea. Jareth paused in his pacing and shrugged. Whatever it was he was sure it would come to light soon enough. Throwing his lean body into a leather couch before the fireplace he summoned his servant to him.



"Your majesty?" The furry Goblin swept a bow. Unlike many of his kind he was actually quite intelligent, this was the reason he had been chosen as the King's night aid, that and the fact that he wasn't quite so odorous as some of his friends. He was taller than most Goblins, had large bat like ears, huge black eyes and had a habit of walking like a penguin due to his rather spherical shape.

"Tell me Gatsby" The King stretched his arms along the back of the sofa and observed the Goblin before him with his mismatched eyes "...are The Riders still at the Castle of the Shore?"

"Indeed your majesty" The goblin thought for a moment "As a matter of fact they sent a message earlier this evening thanking you for your hospitality in allowing them to use the castle and the nearby caves for their needs"

"Yes, yes" Jareth waved a hand dismissively "Inform them that over the next week I will be visiting them" he leant forward "Also tell them that if I find even one of their Dragons has been in the castle I shall be most displeased."

"Of course your majesty" Gatsby had started scribbling what the king was saying down on an aged looking scroll.

Jareth sighed and raised an eyebrow as the Goblin wrote. Gatsby was one of his favourites, he could read, talk properly, sing and even give good advice on occasion but at times like these Jareth had to fight the urge to cause the Goblin bodily harm. "Gatsby" he growled. The Goblin looked up in surprise, his overlarge eyes shining.

"Yes your majesty?"

"Why are you wearing nail polish again?"

The Goblin put his hands behind his back defensively. "It looks pretty!"

"And the mascara?"

"Pretty!"

"You're a male are you not?"

"Yes but..."

"I'm not even going to ask where you got it" Jareth sighed and chuckled quietly. "Go and remove it, or at least use a less obvious colour"

"Yes your majesty"

"Oh and make sure to tell the Riders that when I visit them I shall expect them to have chosen their champion"

"Yes your majesty, I will have the message delivered immediately" The scroll vanished from his hands and he swept a low bow.

"That will be all" Jareth pushed his blonde locks from his eyes and shot a glance at his large bed resigning himself to the fact that he should sleep if he was going to be meeting with the centaurs the following morning.

Sarah found herself alone in a richly furnished library. After catching up with Tamar and Seth at the gates they had directed her here to wait for the one they called Gabriel. Looking around Sarah sighed and ran a finger along the 

spines of a row of books. Many of them had titles in languages she didn't recognise and many of them looked hundreds of years old.

"Sarah I presume?" The voice came from the doorway. Sarah spun around feeling as if she had been caught doing something she shouldn't. She gave a nervous smile and tucked a strand of dark hair behind her ear.

"Gabriel?" The man walked forward and grinned at her

"That's me" he was the same height as she was, perhaps a little taller and was, like Tamar and Seth, wearing a black mask that concealed half of his face and the strange black armour. His hair was blond, almost white, and tied back in a long ponytail. "I'm glad you came" he smiled kindly his dark eyes twinkling from behind his mask. "I was sure that once you heard about the Dragons you would hesitate, perhaps even refuse, to come"

"Are you kidding?" Sarah grinned back instantly feeling at ease with Gabriel as if she had known him for years "I think riding Dragons is amazing!"

Gabriel nodded and sat behind the mahogany desk motioning for Sarah to sit opposite. Once she was seated Gabriel took the time to look over her properly. She's certainly a stunner he thought leaning back in his chair and crossing his legs Beautiful, she looks fit and healthy, confident in herself, intelligent... but is she brave enough?

"Sarah" Gabriel lent forward his expression suddenly serious, his hands clasped on the desk before him. "There are a few things you should know"

"Only a few?"

Gabriel gave a slight smile and glanced down at the papers on his desk "I see it was Tamar and Seth who brought you from the mortal realm" It was not a question but Sarah nodded in agreement.

"Listen Sarah," Gabriel became sombre "You have agreed to become one of us and aid us in the war, is that correct?"

She nodded.

"Do you realise what this means?"

Sarah shook her head after a moment of hesitation. "Not exactly"

"Then I shall explain, sorry to lecture you but this may take awhile. We are a clan commonly called 'The Riders' because we choose to fight from the backs of Dragons. Years ago you came to the Underground, fought and defeated the Goblin King at his own game..." he paused and sighed "for that reason you have been chosen."

"Hang on" Sarah held up a hand for him to pause "What does me beating the Labyrinth have anything to do with the Riders?"

"The Riders are the warriors chosen by the Labyrinth to protect the Labyrinth and the whole of the Underground"

"You speak as if the Labyrinth was alive!" Sarah looked confused

"It is alive, and extremely powerful, more so than even the High King. The Riders have lain fairly dormant for many hundreds of years and gradually became something of a myth."



"And now you're making a comeback?"

"Exactly. The threat the kingdom is now facing is far greater than anything this world has ever seen. We will need all the help we can get to overcome this adversary. That is why The Labyrinth called for its champion"

"But what can I do? I'm just an ordinary mortal!"

"You do not realise your own power. The King gave you powers, the Labyrinth gave you powers. Surely you must know you are not simply an ordinary girl?" Sarah gaped at him for a couple of seconds.

"I...I don't understand"

"Then I shall be blunt. You have power, a great deal of power. Although you do not know it you are more than worthy of becoming one of us. Do not take this lightly Sarah! Riders are carefully chosen and go through years and years of rigorous training, they are not simply soldiers. You at only 25 years have been given the skills they take so much time to achieve."

"But I can't fight!"

"Oh really? I think it is time to prove my point Sarah" Standing Gabriel called for Tamar and Seth. They entered the room looking a little confused.

"Excellent" beamed Gabriel. Seth, lend Sarah your sword. Tamar, prepare yourself." The two nodded and Sarah found herself suddenly holding the surprisingly heavy blade. "Now, to the training arena"

The four of them vanished from the room.

Jareth lay in his large bed staring at the ceiling thinking things over. He had yet to choose a champion for the Fae race. Each race had a champion chosen to represent them as a leader in battle.

Altogether there were seven groups good enough to have a champion represent him; the centaurs, the Fae, the Elves, the combined creatures of the Labyrinth, the Faeries and The Riders.

All other warriors were massed in one large force and had their own champion chosen from among them. Seven champions... Jareth mulled things over and climbed out of bed to read a scroll on his desk. He already knew the Champions for four of the races and had spoken with each of them individually. They had pleased him.

For the Elves there was Carlisle, a wise and magnificent warrior whom Jareth both liked and respected.

For the Labyrinthians was Sir Didymus, fearless and loyal although small he was cunning and surprisingly useful in battle. He lived to the Knight's code. Jareth was fond of the little fox and trusted him immensely (He forgave him for helping Sarah) Jareth had in fact known Didymus since adolescence.

For the Faeries was Elise, currently the only female of the Champions. She was intelligent, gifted with great skill of magic and truly fearsome in battle despite her perceived innocence and beauty. Jareth had considered courting her once but decided in simply being friends.



For the massed forces was a Satyr called Finn, mischievous beyond compare he was also sharp as a razor and could be cutting with his quickness of wit. Everyone liked him. Jareth was not sure how good he was at fighting but his cunning certainly would be useful. Jareth had not yet won a game of chess against him.

The Centaur and Dragon Riders Champions were yet to be revealed. Sighing deeply Jareth transformed into his owl form and flew off into the night.

Sarah stood across from Tamar feeling more than nervous. Gabriel, Tamar and Seth had all moved to the 'training arena' which was really just a massive room, plain except for a couple of benches to one side and a large wrack of armour and weapons.

"Now" Gabriel moved between the two "Tamar, fight Sarah with all your power. No mercy. Understood?"

Tamar nodded, Sarah gulped and paled visibly. She remembered having two, maybe three fencing lessons when she was thirteen. But these were not flimsy, rubber tipped swords now these were heavy, razor sharp blades which looked capable of cutting easily through flesh, muscle and bone.

Gabriel turned to face her "Sarah, disarm Tamar. Do not harm her. If you are not worthy..." he glanced at Tamar "we will soon see"

Seth winked at Sarah from the bench he was occupying "Don't worry" he smiled "For you it will surely be a piece of cake."

Gabriel signalled for the battle to begin with a simple wave of his hand. Before Sarah knew what was happening Tamar was charging towards her, eyes glinting behind the mask.

Holy shit! Sarah stepped back sharply and raised her sword quickly to block the blow. Metal grinded against metal for a moment, but not long. Tamar slashed again and again, Sarah dodged as best she could surprised at the killer intention clear in Tamar's face.

Sarah felt fire burn behind her eyes and magic course through her veins. Seth grinned as he saw Sarah return the slashes with as much vigour, blocking, attacking, dodging and feinting. Some masterful sword work was happening here.

More quickly than Gabriel had expected Tamar's sword was on the floor and the masked woman was backing away, hands in the air and panting. Gabriel strode forward, picked up the sword and faced Sarah with a smirk. "Nice" he said as if he had seen nothing of particular interest. "Now, disarm me"

Sarah had never felt more alive as she jumped in to the dance of battle that Gabriel was leading. His skill was astounding. Sarah was amazed but somehow she managed to match him at every turn. This can't be me She thought as she parried a particularly nasty blow. This must be the Labyrinth...somehow it's given me skill it would take years to gain. Surely that's not fair on those who earn it...

Her moment of distraction cost her, Gabriel got her uncovered right arm when she was slow to dodge. Gritting her teeth against the pain she redoubled her efforts, watched his eyes widen as her sword moved increasingly quickly and finally his blade was whipped from his grasp.



Seth started clapping from across the room but Sarah barely heard it. She was glaring at her opponent. Gabriel gazed curiously at the girl before him who moments before had beaten him. She was looking at him with such fire in her eyes. So much fire... he was almost afraid.

Sarah blinked and lowered her sword looking a bit dazed.

"Wow" she whispered.

Gabriel nodded hiding his true amazement at her ability "I told you didn't I? Now give Seth back his sword"

Sarah did so and was surprised to be swept into a hug by the tall man. "That was fabulous Sarah!" he grinned down at her before releasing her. Tamar came forward.

"Well done Sarah" Her eyes were once more kind. Sarah smiled back a little shyly. She was sure that had she not been good enough Tamar would have killed her.

Gabriel was shaking his head. "Beaten by a mortal girl." He stated. "And in her pyjamas too!"

Sarah looked down quickly and blushed. "We left so quickly... there wasn't really an opportunity to change"

"Tonight you must rest, there is still much to say and to do yet it will have to wait for tomorrow." Gabriel looked down at her arm and winced "We shall have to bandage that though. My extreme apologies for injuring you"

"It's all right" Sarah smiled at his worried expression "I should have been paying attention."

"Tamar you may retire" she nodded thankfully at Gabriel's words and left "Seth you will show Sarah to her rooms, make sure no others see her. I hear you have a training lesson extremely early in the day"

Seth groaned "Aw man!"

Gabriel laughed "There is not much point going to bed now, see the sun is already rising. Still, goodnight Sarah"

"Goodnight" Gabriel was left alone.

Jareth perched on a high branch to watch the sun rise. He had not slept a wink that night but this was not uncommon for him. Giving a low hoot ruffled his feathers and simply watched...that was until he was disturbed by a sparrow hawk perching beside him.

Mavek? The Goblin King eyed the one next to him suspiciously and spoke through mind connection.

Who else? The hawk rustled its feathers and nudged him What's up dude?

The owl looked at him appalled Dude? What are you? Mortal?

Some of their phrases suit the situation The hawk shrugged and stretched his wings almost knocking the owl from his perch. What you doing up so early?

I've been up all night Jareth closed his eyes briefly as the warm glow of the sun became brighter.

Oh well...early bird catches the worm right? The hawk appeared to be laughing



Jareth shook his head and prodded him hard with one talony foot, off the branch. Mavek the hawk remembered his wings just in time and swooped up before he hit the ground.

Dam you read my mind he hovered briefly before Jareth I was just about to do the same to you!

Owl Jareth smirked as his friend glided away.

Miles apart Jareth and Sarah both watched the same sun rise.