Chapter 10

Disclaimer: I don't own or claim anything!

Notes: Thanks for the kind words & reviews/follows/faves : ) they really make my day when I see them in my inbox (even those of you who just fave/follow … you guys rock too ^_^), I know that this story got off to a rough start, so thanks for sticking with me. Also, there will be appearances by some characters from the 'Return to Labyrinth' Manga as well as some originals.

Sarah was suddenly aware of herself, she was walking through complete darkness, she couldn't even tell where she was, or where she was going. 'Nothing is as it seems.' The thought echoed in her mind as she stretched her arms out in front of her to assure that she didn't walk into anything.

"Sarah Williams! " A sharp female voice cut through her like a knife, Sarah spun a quick circle, trying to find its' source. "So the rumors are true, you have returned." The voice floated around her like a cold breeze, Sarah shivered as she struggled to see through the impenetrable darkness.

"Who are you!" Sarah demanded, wincing mentally at how squeaky & feeble her voice sounded as it echoed into the unknown.

Cold laughter could be heard, ebbing & flowing eerily as if blown by an unfelt wind. "You really don't remember me, do you?" The voice hissed right into her ear.

Sarah leapt back like a frightened animal. "Leave me alone!" As she shouted, a white light burst forth from her & illuminated the entire area, it turned out to be an underground passageway of some sort. The light from her magic gleamed off the passage's moist, arched walls.

"So, you do have some magic after all." The voice said once more, & Sarah saw the source for the first time. It was a woman, she was very tall with waist-length hair the color of glacial ice & she was adorned in a beautiful silver dress that shimmered in the newfound light. Her mouth was upturned into a smile that didn't reach her frigid eyes.

"That was a cute trick, now, let me show you some of mine." She said as she conjured an orb of glowing magical energy similar to the way Jareth always did his magic & threw it at Sarah.

Sarah awoke with a start drenched in a cold sweat; she bolted into a sitting position, her heart pounding as she struggled to regain her bearings. Her breathing slowed & her heart resumed its normal rhythm as she realized she was still in the room she had fallen asleep in the night before. The drapes had mysteriously been pulled back & underground sunlight streamed through the stained glass windows, bathing the room in a soft, kaleidoscopic light.

A rapping on the door startled Sarah from her thoughts. "My Lady? Are you awake?"

Sarah recognized the voice on the other side of the door as Pong's. "Uh … yes, I am awake."

"Get ready, My Lady. The King wishes you to join him for Brunch in the great hall in an hour & you mustn't."

"But what am I to wear? I didn't bring anything from the above ground." Sarah called to the goblin through the door, hoping she hadn't left yet.

"Permission to enter, My Lady?" Came the goblin's squeaky voice, muffled by the heavy wood door.

"Please, I could really use the help." Sarah said, wincing again at how uncertain her voice sounded. 'Some queen you are ... real heart of a lion.' She chastised herself.

She opened the door for Pong & the tiny goblin entered, her hands clasped bashfully in front of her, her large yellow eyes were staring intently at the stone floor.

"Pong, I need something to wear & I need to clean up. Can you help me, please?" Sarah said, Pong brightened as she took Sarah's hand & led her to a small door decorated with intricate wood tooling at the back of her room.

"The tub's magic, My Lady, All you have to do is clap your hands over it & it will fill, it'll stop once its full." Pong became bashful once more. "I-I can pick out your outfit … if you'll allow it, while you are in the bath." She said, not meeting Sarah's eyes.

"I would love that, Pong." Sarah said with a warm smile, Pong brightened & scurried out of the bathroom.

Once she was gone, Sarah looked around the grand washroom as the tub finished filling. To her right was a beautiful porcelain sink, its fixtures were adorned with what she suspected was genuine crystal & gold. The inlay of the oval mirror above matched the sink. She turned back & took to investigating the dozen or so intriguing bottles that were lined up neatly on a shelf next to the tub, she smelled all of them & found them all to be exquisite. Finally deciding on the lavender one, she sunk slowly into the hot bath with a deep sigh.

"My Lady?" Pong's voice startled her out of her lavender-induced meditation. "I'm coming." Sarah replied as she grabbed a towel.

"I hope this is to your liking, My Lady." Pong said as she gestured to the outfit neatly draped on the bed. It was a beautiful royal blue floor length satin dress with matching heels. "I will leave you to dress while I tidy up the washroom." She said as she scurried out of view.

"Well? What do you think?" she said as Pong returned, wiping her damp hands on her apron. Pong clapped her hands to her cheeks in excitement.

"It's wonderful, My Lady, but if I may be so bold, we really must be going as His Majesty values punctuality from his guests." She said as she took hold of Sarah's hand.

After a dizzying trip through the maze-like castle, they came upon a pair of tall, heavy wooden doors. "Just go on through, My Lady. If His Majesty isn't there, he will be soon."

"What about you?" Sarah asked quickly, she bit her lip, she hadn't meant for that to come out sounding so desperate.

"Forgive me, My Lady, but servants aren't permitted in the dining hall, unless our presence is requested." She said with a deep bow as she patted Sarah's arm. "You will be fine, now go." She said firmly & with a loud crack, she was gone.

Sarah stood for what seemed like a fortnight, gathering her courage. She took in a deep breath & pulled the door open.

Notes: WOW! This was getting WAY too long (un divided it was going to be seven pages on Microsoft word!) so I made the decision to split it into two chapters.