Of Goblins and Jokers 4

(I do not own Batman or The Labyrinth, but I'm making this based off of a different version constructed in my mind. Though many of the characters may be the same, be warned that not all of it will be accurate. (I hope that most of this will be based on the 1989 version of Batman.))

…

(You may wonder at a time like this: Where is Hoggle? Obviously Batman's just about to make an appearance, and the guy just isn't there? Well, goblins have a tendency to sneak when they feel threatened and run away in the opposite direction of danger. Right now Hoggle's in a bit of a dilemma. He's torn between staying with Sarah and running for his life. He knows that if he stays he'll just be a sitting duck, but on the other hand Sarah's one of his closest friends. And as cowardly as Hoggle is, he's learnt from the past that sometimes a guy has to take a stand and be courageous with your friends and help them out of sticky situations. But due to the fact that-

… I'll leave you to figure out the rest. Now back to the story!)

…

Hoggle looked between Jack and Sarah, torn between choices on what to do. Should he save his friend or save his hide? Meanwhile as he hesitated by indecision, his eyes watched as an unfortunate event began to take place before him.

In the end he gave into his fear, and fled back to the Labyrinth, leaving Sarah alone to her fate.

…

Jack felt his hostage tense up as a shadow came near their line of vision. "Well, little lady, it seems someone doesn't value your life. Else, why would he come nearer to her as I have all the good cards?"

The shadow left his line of vision, and Jack pressed the gun closer into her skin. "I doubt you'll shoot. Once she's gone, what card do you have left?" a deep voice said from the shadows.

Jack turned around wildly, and increased his finger's weight on the trigger. "Oh, really? Then how about I show you?"

BANG!

A bat-shaped boomerang knocked the gun out of Jack's hand, making Jack miss his target and shoot into the air. His eyes widened in fear as a silhouette of a giant bat made an instant appearance. He quickly shoved Sarah away from him and into a dark body as he fled in panic.

…

Batman set Sarah on her feet and chased after Jack, quickly gaining on his heels.

…

Sarah ponders over the situation, wondering where her friend Hoggle is. The poor guy must be in trouble. Maybe I should tell the police- No! They're busy and can't help me now. Besides, I'd probably make more progress on my own considering the rate they're going; trying to catch that criminal.

As her thoughts roamed through her mind, she called out to her friend. "Hoggle! Where are you!? Come out so we can get out of this place!"

…

Hoggle cringed and shuddered in cowardice, doing his best to appear invisible in his house. I can't do this. My friend is in danger. Yes, but if I go, I'll be in danger as well. What's worse Hoggle: dying with friends or living with the death of a friend?

Hoggle cursed; enough to make a sailor blush. He stood upon shaky legs and took a deep breath in, steadying himself against a table. I'll go. For Sarah.

…

Sarah ignored the background noise; the gunshots, the screams, and the steadily rising level of chemicals rushing towards the ground floor. Inside her head, she chanted her mantra for inner strength: Through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, I have fought my way to the Goblin City to take back the child you have stolen. For my will is as strong as yours and my kingdom is as great-

"-You have no power over me."

The last part hardened her resolve. No matter what happened, she'd find a way to save Hoggle.

One thing distracted her as she finally found the source of the loudest scream: a man with a bloody face (the criminal who had previously held her hostage). He was falling. And, as if in slow motion, she saw him pass her by. She could almost touch him, he was so close.

The man wildly grabbed at her, and Sarah did her best to get a good grip on anything to keep her there. But she wasn't prepared for this, having lost her footing by surprise. Plus she was so close to the edge.

Precariously close.

The last thing she was able to do was to gasp as she heard Hoggle's voice call out her name. "SARAH!"

The two fell down to the vat of chemicals below, as Hoggle watched in horror.

…

(Don't worry, guys. The story gets better. And, just to spoil it, no Sarah doesn't die.)