Chapter 10: No Loud Talk!
Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth.
For once in her life, Karen didn't have a plan. She stared out the windshield watching people sitting on their porches, walking their dogs, and children playing in the yard. She abruptly stopped the car in front of a large red house thinking that she'd spotted Toby inside a plastic house on the front lawn. She watched the little boy step out into the sun and realized that he looked nothing like her son. She pressed her foot down on the gas and the car rolled forward.
She came to a four way intersection and stopped. She looked down each street, not sure which one to go down.
They all look the same, she thought, lying her head against the steering wheel. Where am I supposed to go?
She'd needed to get out of the house, she'd needed to do something that would make her feel in control of the situation. The only thing she could think of was driving around the neighborhood to see if she could find the children, or at least a clue as to where they might have gone (she wasn't exactly sure what that clue would look like, but she needed to at least search for it). The driving had been fairly mindless; no thinking, just looking and moving forward.
But now she was faced with a choice, now she was forced to think, and that was something she couldn't do at the moment. She'd never felt so helpless and without direction. With the children missing and Robert off doing God knew what, Karen felt absolutely lost.
The honk of a car horn behind her made her jump. She glanced in her rear view mirror at the annoyed driver who pantomimed pushing her out of the way. It was an older woman, her wrinkles sagging around her frown, and her shaky hands moving toward the right. Right.
Karen put on her right turn signal and turned the car down that street. Once she was moving forward again, she breathed out a sigh of relief and continued her mindless driving and searching.
…
"Stay back! I said 'back,' you wicked wenches!" A faint but familiar voice echoed down the pathway to Sarah. She ran toward the voice, her heart beating excitedly. She rounded a corner and was faced with the entrance to a dark forest. Between two old oak trees a tiny fox-like creature was sitting atop a large, shaggy dog. He had a small sword raised up toward three floating forms who took turns flying in closer to him.
One dove down and flew quickly around him while another swooped down and took his sword.
"Oh, dost thou wish to play that game? Well come down here once more, and prepare to meet your end!"
Upon walking closer to the scene, Sarah saw that the forms were green, round-faced harpy-like creatures; they had the bodies of birds, the faces of women, and weren't any bigger than a dove. Sarah looked around for weapon of some sort-she found a long stick lying nearby.
"That'll do," she murmured to herself as she grabbed the stick. Slowly creeping up to the group, she raised the stick high and swung at the harpies. They let out a collective squawk of in surprise and dropped to the ground.
Sarah knelt down and they all jumped up, ready to attack. She bopped each one of them on the head with her stick and they all spun in a dizzy circle before falling over. Sarah looked up at the fox who was watching her through one wide eye.
"Don't worry," she said with a smile, "they're only unconscious."
"Lady Sarah!" He jumped off the dog and leaped over to the girl to hug her.
"How are you, Sir Didymus?" she asked, holding the fox tightly to her.
He pulled back to look at her. "Where hast thou been all this time, my Lady?"
Her shoulders drooped. "I know I haven't called on you in a while and I'm really sorry for that. But I promise that that will change. Now that Ellie knows-"
"Ellie? Who is this 'Ellie' that thou dost speak of?"
"She's my friend, and the reason that I've returned. She accidentally wished herself away and the Goblin King took her. He's also taken Toby again, and sent Hoggle and Ludo who knows where..."
"The scoundrel!" Sir Didymus cried angrily. "We must journey to the castle at once!" He jumped back up on the shaggy dog.
Sarah looked at her friend sadly. "You can't come with me, Sir Didymus."
"Why ever not?" he asked, whimpering slightly.
"Because the Goblin King-"
"I shall allow you to have this one, Precious," Jareth spoke from behind her, making her jump.
Sarah turned around, holding her stick tightly in her hand. "Why?"
"Despite your protestations for the contrary, I am a generous man, Sarah." He smirked. "And I also believe that he will be more of a hindrance than a helpful companion."
Sir Didymus growled but Jareth ignored him, preferring to keep his attention on Sarah. He circled around her, running his eyes up and down the length of her body.
"What do you want, Goblin King?"
He paused and crossed his arms, pursing his lips in thought. "How are you enjoying my Labyrinth so far, Sarah?"
She tried to hide the smile that tugged at the corners of her mouth. "I can't answer that question honestly."
"And why not?"
"Because if I do, you'll throw a temper-tantrum, and set the Cleaners or something worse after me." It was her turn to smirk. "You know, you're a lot like Toby, just with bigger toys." As soon as the words left her mouth, Sarah blushed.
"Bigger 'toys' indeed..." Jareth stepped closer to her, his eyes watching her hungrily. "But I'm surprised at you, Sarah. I thought you enjoyed challenges."
"I do." Sarah looked straight into his mismatched eyes, refusing to be intimidated. "But I don't enjoy putting myself or others in harm's way. And that is exactly what would happen if I answered honestly."
"But I commend honesty." He leaned in closer, breathing in her scent; the magic on her was sweet and strong, and he was pleased (but not surprised) to find a hint of himself in there. "Sometimes I even reward it." His finger drew a path down her neck, to the top of her blouse.
Sarah's eyes closed, waiting in hope for him to press his lips to her own. He brushed his lips across hers, down to her jawline, and up to the hollow under her ear. Sarah's hands automatically lifted to meet the sides of his face, pulling it closer to hers. She heard a sharp intake of breath somewhere to her right and a soft whimper that was abruptly silenced. Her mind was racing too fast for the sounds to register, however.
This is wrong. A voice echoed in her mind. He is the enemy. He took Ellie and your baby brother. His Labyrinth has tried to kill you twice already. God only knows what he's doing with Hoggle and Ludo at the moment. Sarah's hands traveled to the Goblin King's chest. But...oh god, his tongue... The voice gave her a mental slap. What are you, a hormonal thirteen year old girl? Are you willing to sacrifice friends and family—who have helped you through multiple challenges, and love you unconditionally—for make-out time with a man who's twice stolen Toby, unfairly tricked you, and behaves wickedly, expecting you to believe he is being generous? The answer is 'no', Sarah. Stop making kissy faces at him and save your friends! Her eyes immediately flashed open and she pushed the Goblin King away.
"Whatever is the matter, Precious?" He smirked. "Struggling to catch your breath?"
Sarah shook her head and bent over to pick up her fallen stick. "Resisting the urge to bruise that pretty face of yours."
That had obviously not been the answer he had been looking for; he dropped his smirk and narrowed his eyes.
"Why the sudden change, Sarah? You seemed perfectly content in stroking my 'pretty face' just a few moments ago." He crossed behind her and whispered in her ear, "Moaning over it, in fact."
A pink tint colored Sarah's cheeks. "I did not. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have some friends to save from a cheating Goblin King."
"What have I done that you consider 'cheating,' Sarah?"
Sarah crossed her arms. "I know you sent that bird."
Jareth's expression betrayed nothing. "Did I now? How are you so sure?"
"I...I just am."
"That isn't very convincing, Precious." He stepped forward. "Why do you truly believe that I sent the bird?"
"Who else would have sent him other than you? You, the fearsome Goblin King, the ruler of this Labyrinth, and my enemy." Sarah gave him a haughty look. "It's only logical that you would have been the one to send him."
"Still so quick to call me a villain, Sarah?" Something like sorrow flickered in his eyes and quickly disappeared.
"Why shouldn't I? You tried to kill me." Her voice broke on the word but her face revealed nothing. "You are a selfish trickster who will stop at nothing to win."
Jareth's eyes hardened. "I assure you, Sarah, I would never go as far as killing you. Did that bird not try to alert you which food was safe to eat? You need to learn not to judge others so quickly, Sarah; they may have more to them than you give them credit for."
She seemed unfazed by his words. "Why wouldn't you kill me? There's no reason for you to keep me alive." Sarah put her hands on her hips and looked as if she were challenging him.
The glare melted away and was replaced with sarcastic amusement. He walked behind her and murmured in her ear, "If you were to die, who else would give me such pleasure to defeat in the future?"
Sarah shivered. "Are you under the serious delusion that this will be happening often? I can tell you right now, Goblin King, once I've defeated you this time, I'm never coming back."
"Don't be so certain of yourself, Precious," Jareth chuckled. "No matter how far you run, or how hard you try to forget, the Labyrinth will always be calling to you. You belong here, Sarah. Surrender now and stay..." He trailed a finger up her arm.
Sarah jumped away. "No. I belong with Toby, Ellie and my parents in the Aboveground. This whole place is filled with nothing but silly childhood nonsense that I need to give up. I'm going to defeat you, save Toby and Ellie, return home, go to college, and live out the rest of my life normally and Underground-free."
"M-my Lady?" a quiet voice asked from behind Sarah. She turned around to find Sir Didymus looking at her with deep hurt in his eyes.
"Didymus...I didn't mean..." Sarah tried to explain but all words evaded her.
"What's said is said, Sarah." Jareth smirked tauntingly.
"You're a twisted bastard, Goblin King." Sarah wheeled around to face him. "Leave. Now."
"I don't believe you have the authority to order me around," Jareth spoke through his teeth. "Especially not when I bring you gifts." A crystal appeared in his right hand and he threw it down the Labyrinth path Sarah had just come from. There was a puff of smoke that came from around the corner, followed by an echoing roar.
"I would suggest you run now, Sarah. My little pet doesn't seem to be very pleased this morning." With that, the Goblin King vanished in a shower of glitter. Sarah growled before running alongside Sir Didymus and Ambrosius through the entrance to the forest.
…
When he arrived back at the castle, Jareth found Orla sitting in his throne. She was still wearing what she referred to as her "queen attire." Today that was a dark blue dress that had a long train, see-through sleeves, a strip of purple and blue sequins that ran from her chest down to the middle of her thigh, and where the sequins stopped there was no material, just a square in the dress that revealed her milky white legs. Typically when she visited Jareth she wore more casual attire; her current state of dress alerted Jareth that she'd come on short notice.
Goblins ran around her, creating complete chaos. Some drank ale in the corner, others chased each other with utensils, and still others appeared to be playing a game that involved a bottle and kissing chickens. The noise in the room did nothing to aid the headache Jareth felt coming on. Orla sat calmly in the throne, ignoring all else in the room aside from the King of the obnoxious creatures around her.
"Silence!" Jareth bellowed. All movement and sound in the room ceased. "Out." He pointed at the door. Grumbling and muttering under their breath, the goblins picked up their things and trudged out of the room. When they were gone, the Goblin King shut the doors.
"Hello, Orla," Jareth said, still standing by the doors.
"Hello, Darling." Orla crossed her legs.
"What brings you here?"
"A rather...interesting and slightly unnerving piece of news." Orla's expression of casual indifference did not waver. This made Jareth slightly nervous; she never used such an expression with him.
"And what might that be?"
"I mustn't tell you here." Orla uncrossed her legs and stood up. "We must go to the Alliance. You've made quite a mess, Jareth."
They know, Jareth thought, trying to keep his expression neutral. He waited patiently for her to cross over to him.
Orla slipped her tiny, cold hand into his and the two of them were transported to the Allience meeting space. It was a great hall with a long, glossy wooden table in the center. Many different types of creatures in elaborate clothing were seated on either side of said table. Their gazes all turned to Jareth, staring at him in accusation and hungry curiosity. Above them hung two massive, glittering chandeliers. The walls were lined with dozens of windows and large stone statues. A few feet away from the end of one table was a slightly raised stone circle that held a large, ornately decorated throne. Currently a handsome older man sat in the throne, his clothing just as showy as the chair he was seated in.
"King Jareth," the man spoke, his voice a deep bass, "come forward." The man waved his hand and a chair appeared beside the stone platform. Jareth left Orla's side and walked over the chair, but remained standing.
"Please sit," the man said. Jareth obeyed, ignoring the eyes that followed his every move.
"I suppose you must be wondering why this meeting has been called on such short notice," the man focused his golden honey eyes on the Goblin King. "Though I believe you already know the reason. Care to wager a guess?"
"I have transformed a human girl into a goblin without just cause," Jareth replied calmly.
"Indeed you have." The High King frowned. "But that is only one of the reasons why you have been brought before the Alliance."
"What other offenses have I committed?" Jareth held his gaze unwaveringly, as if challenging him.
"Only one. And it is not technically considered an offense, as it is not written into any formal agreement that the Alliance has created. However, it is a matter that should have been brought to the attention of the Alliance: You neglected to tell us that the Champion has returned to the Labyrinth."
A murmur spread through the royals collected around the table. The High King silenced them by raising his hand.
"How does this matter concern the Alliance?" Jareth asked, an edge to his voice. "Her presence affects only my kingdom."
"You cannot expect me to believe that you have not noticed her power."
Jareth leaned back in his chair nonchalantly. "I bestowed some magic upon her before her first visit to the Labyrinth."
"We are aware of this," the High King said through gritted teeth, "that is what makes her the Champion and what allowed her to destroy your kingdom. This power is new and stronger than even my own. It could tear down the entire Underground!"
Jareth raised an eyebrow. "Has she given you cause to believe that she would?"
"Not yet-"
"Does she even appear to be aware of this power?"
"Not exactly-"
"Your concern seems to stem from 'what ifs' rather than solid facts," Jareth stood up and looked at the High King defiantly. "You have no cause to meddle with Sarah's current visit, so I suggest, Your Highness, that you bring this meeting to an end."
The murmurs started up again and the High King had to shout to silence them. He turned a heated glare toward Jareth.
"She threatens the safety of all inhabitants of the Underground with her very presence!" he bellowed. "That supplies the Alliance with more than enough cause to deal with her!"
"And how do you intend to do that?" Jareth stood up on his chair, eliciting a few gasps. "I swear to you, if she is harmed, I-"
"Sit down at once, Jareth!" The High King's voice echoed through the great hall.
Jareth glared at him for one moment longer before dropping gracefully back down into his chair. The High King drew in a deep breath to calm himself.
"Now," he finally spoke, "I understand your concern, King Jareth. The old methods for dealing with such power were rather gruesome, but that was before the Alliance was created. We now handle things as peacefully as possible."
Jareth snorted. Tell that to the Sisters of Aine.
The High King narrowed his eyes at the Goblin King. "That is why I propose we incorporate the Champion into Underground society."
This caused the royals to begin talking amongst themselves excitedly.
"'Where would she go?' I hear some of you ask," the High King said loudly, silencing the room. "'It would be unfair to place her in any one kingdom,' others say. Indeed her power is too great to have it controlled by only one part of the Underground. Therefore I have come to the conclusion that the only logical thing to do would be for her to become a ruler of the entire Underground, to become my wife."
Jareth jumped to his feet. "What?" he cried.
"Surely you cannot find fault with this course of action, King Jareth," the High King said, his eyes taunting the Goblin King. "No harm will come to her, she will be well taken care of, and she will become High Queen."
Jareth glared daggers at the older man until a thought suddenly occurred to him. He turned away from the High King and fell back down into his chair, laughing.
"And what do you find so amusing?" The High King frowned.
"Sarah will never consent to the marriage." Jareth grinned, thinking of how stubborn the young girl was.
"Ah, but that is where your other offense comes in."
Jareth's smile disappeared and he looked back up at the High King. "What do you mean?"
"Instead of changing the other human girl back into her normal form, we shall use this to get the Champion to agree to the marriage."
"You can't do that!" Jareth cried. "What if she defeats the Labyrinth? Under the laws of the Labyrinth, I am bound to-"
"Release her friends, which you shall do. However, you are not required to turn her friend back into a human...unless she consents to the marriage." The High King leaned back in his throne, smiling triumphantly. "Be glad, King Jareth, you will not be punished."
Then why do I feel as though I am? Jareth thought with a frown.
"I call for a vote," the High King addressed the rest of the Alliance. "All in favor of the proposed plan?"
A mass of hands were raised and a chorus of "ayes" rang out.
"All opposed?"
Jareth raised his hand and said, "Nay." He was surprised to find the word echoed by another member sitting at the table. He looked over to see Orla, her hand raised high in the air, staring directly at the High King.
"I believe the 'ayes' have it." The High King smiled condescendingly at Jareth. "Once she defeats-"
"If she does," Jareth corrected.
The High King looked at Jareth dangerously, "She will. And once she does, you will release her friends and inform her of the situation at hand, and we shall move forward from there. Meeting adjourned."
Jareth buried his head in his hands. He felt as though his mind was in danger of exploding, and his heart was in danger of falling out of his chest. What was he going to do?
He felt a comforting hand on his back. He lifted his head to find Orla standing above him, her brow knitted in concern.
"Let us return to your kingdom," she said.
"What about yours?" he asked, standing up.
"Worry not about my kingdom. You have quite enough to worry about as it is." She leaned over to kiss his cheek and the couple vanished from the hall.
…
Back at the castle beyond the Goblin City, a couple of furry goblins were playing with a chicken. The red fluffy one was riding atop the frightened chicken's back while the other chased the two around.
"I is Queen o' da chickens!" the red one shouted. "Run like da wind, Fwancis!"
"Fuzz is going to catch you!" the black one shouted in response.
The red one looked back at the black on to stick her tongue out at him. She lost her balance though and fell backwards off the chicken.
"Oh noes!" the red goblin cried as she landed on the floor. The chicken ran away squawking.
"Is Fluffy okay?" he asked his companion as he scrambled over to her.
"I...I sees a light..." Fluffy raised a tiny paw in the air, staring at an invisible entity above her. "Is pretty..."
"No, Fluffy, no! Stay with Fuzz." Fuzz began to weep.
Fluffy sat up and looked at him, smiling. "I is okay, Silly!"
Fuzz wiped the tears from his eyes and sniffed.
"You's is such a cry-baby," Fluffy rolled her eyes.
"No, Fuzz is not!"
"Is too!"
"Is not!"
"Izzzzzzz toooooooo!"
"IZZZZZ NOOOOOT!"
"No loud talk!" Fluffy screamed, plugging her ears.
Fuzz sighed and took Fluffy's paws away from her ears. "Fuzz is sorry. Will Fluffy come get food with Fuzz?"
Fluffy blinked. "I race you to da food place!" And she took off.
Fuzz sighed again, but this time he was smiling. He ran after his friend.
Author's Note: Please, please, please review! Let me know what you like or what you don't like. I'll give you Francis the Chicken if you do :D