(AN) Author's Notes: Hi again everyone how's it going? I'm surprised since I did the last update just the last 24 to 48 hours how quickly one peculiar Reviewer is asking me quite a lot of questions which I can't fully answer on my story. Why is that you ask? Well like anyone else I don't want to give spoiler information to whatever future events are going to happen sooner or later in the story. The story is still in its infancy and trusts me between me and my co-partner we at least completed it in the last two-and-a-half to three months after fifthteen chapters of the story and more is on its way. Now I'm going to be replying once again publicly to some of the questions that were made recently from the last few reviews of the chapters I uploaded:
To the reviewer FireShifter; you had quite a number of questions I couldn't fully answer privately in reply to most of the comments you made on Sarah William's current situation at hand. So I'm going to somewhat repeat what I've told you in private if anyone else is wondering how long will Sarah Williams is going to stay in the Goblin Kingdom /Underground? That's a good question.
I can't really answer that because that has yet to be determined how much time will be going by between the underground and the human world. If fans recall in the movie Sarah lost a few hours to the Goblin King when she belittled his Labyrinth when she fell into one of its oubliettes. Jareth took away a few hours off the clock magically so that Sarah had less time to get through the Labyrinth and rescue her baby brother. At the end of the movie when she had a final confrontation with the King just one millisecond before the clock struck thirteen o clock she was back in her home by the stroke of midnight. There were at least 5 hours that went by since her adventures begin. Remember at the beginning of the movie Sarah was running late to babysit her baby brother when she was reciting part of the labyrinth play in the in-park nearby her home and it was already two-stroke seven the night. So when you count the time of when the events happened at least according to what was indicated in the notes online at least 5 hours went by despite the time in The Labyrinth and in the Goblin Kingdom feeling to go much faster or longer. Time in the underground in the human world doesn't flow the same as anyone can see so I can't really say for certain at this point how much time will go by when Sarah starts to get more concerned and worried about how long she stays away from home. She's well aware that if she stays too long away from home her stepmother and father will definitely be worried they'll probably call the police or authorities who knows maybe even post an Amber Alert. But the goblin king did boast at the end of the movie that he can turn back time or at least he could for Sarah. How much of this if it's true or not is that to remain unknown. It seems that the Goblin King's magical power might or might not have limits.
I also made it clear a little bit at the fictional Professor the minor original character I had everyone introduced to in chapters 1 & 2 we have to have at least some characteristics that would have knowledge at least from the human world about fairy mythology. Whether or not that character of mine since he's of a minor appearance will have a major part to play later in the story I cannot say for certain but he will make a cameo reappearance along with Tom when Sarah does eventually make a temporary return back to her home in the human world that too is yet to be remaining on certain at what time it will happen. Also, I cannot say for certain at this point in case anyone does ask how long this story will be in total. I do not intend for this story to be too short or too long. I will hopefully have a decent-sized total number of chapters that will conclude the story at a later date. But right now as I said many times before this story is still in its infancy. So without further Ado enjoy reading chapter six.
Disclaimer: All copyright rights to Labyrinth 1986 musical fantasy film directed/created by Jim Henson, Dennis Lee with George Lucas as executive producer. Based on conceptual designs by Brian Froud, the film was written by Terry Jones. I also need to give credit and thanks to my new co-partner ElauraGrave who is helping me get this story off the ground so soon. All original characters AKA (OC's) belong to me © authoress smcandy I don't want to see anyone rip off/steal or take any of my original characters major to minor without my exclusive permission otherwise there will be consequences.
Warning: The reading of this story will go probably up from rated T to rated M later for mature scenes and scenarios and for mature audiences. This story is not meant for adolescents or children under the specific age of 16. To all parents out there who are not monitoring their children what they read or do not have certain child block programs put up on their computer use publicly do not hold me accountable for what they find or read on the internet if they lie about their age. They should not be reading stories or content that are not in their proper age group. Do not seek to point blame at me when I give a warning of what the rating of the story is for the age group of readers. Readers you have been warned I do not want to be flamed or reported by your parents for your actions of reading material that was not meant for your eyes until you are appropriate to age!
Chapter 6: It's a crystal, nothing more.
Sarah gazed into the crystal Jareth held before her. The king's image was reflected upside-down in the translucent orb, yet his different coloured eyes were still as striking as a clear winter day. She noticed immediately that this crystal was smaller than the typical ones she was used to floating around his hands—or her head. Sarah was reminded of those exercise balls her father kept laying around the house for his stress management; she had never thought they worked.
"What is it?" Sarah asked snidely.
"It's a crystal. Nothing more," he replied plainly. Sarah knew he was playing games again; she remembered all too well of those words he had said when he stood there that night next to Toby's empty crib. If he could play games, so could she; Sarah didn't take it and gave him a stony look that dared him to continue.
"It's a bit different than the ones I use," he said, letting it drop into his palm where it fit snugly. With his usually sleight of hand, he closed his fingers around it, and it reappeared in his other hand. "It is a gift made especially for you and your return to my kingdom." Again it hovered above his fingertips and he gestured for her to take it.
Sarah reluctantly grabbed it out of the air, rolling it between her hands with caution, as if it were a golf ball secretly spiked with dynamite. "But why are you giving it to me?" She held it away from her body; she didn't trust him, and she didn't trust this crystal. It was probably rigged to spy on her, or to lead her obediently along like a wil-o'-wisp.
"For now, it will be of help to you, whenever needed, since you're going to be a guest for quite some time here in the Underground."
Sarah looked up from the crystal and stared directly into the king's eyes. His words had not bitten with menace or rang with malice, but she knew he had just revealed his plan; he was going to keep her there in his castle. She was now a prisoner for however long he saw fit, and it hadn't gotten by without her notice. Her eyes were wide in fear, although her jaw stuck out in pride. Despite her fear, she would not be afraid. She would challenge him, no matter what it might bring. "Where are my friends?" she asked again.
Silence.
"I'm not going to stay in your castle; I need to find them. I'm going to leave this place and search for them on my own." She brushed past him harshly, purposefully shoulder-checking him and daring him to follow. She took a few resolute steps, every nerve in her body aware of the distance she was putting between them; she didn't get more than a few feet before her body was frozen in place. She tried to remove her feet from the floor, but it wasn't just her feet that were stuck; she couldn't move at all.
She heard the goblin king's steps approach her from behind. The fine hairs on her neck stood straight up, as if she could physically feel his presence coming closer. Sarah expected an evil laugh, a taunting jeer, a nasty comment or something; but the goblin king circled her in silence, like a shark noiselessly closing in for the kill. It was more unnerving than any insult he could conjure. She was reminded of his final speech, when he circled her in that timeless, space less place, remarking that he had been generous to her.
"But I can be cruel," he had said. How cruel?
He circled around to face her, now closer than before. "This time, you've gone too far, Sarah," he warned his voice barely above a whisper. "You are a guest here—but if you want, you can be a prisoner."
"I have my reasons for not telling you everything just yet," he thought to himself. "I assure you, yet again," he continued, "your friends are—currently—fine. However, should you continue with this defiance, with this disobedience, they will not be fine for much longer."
"I'm not going to obey your every order," Sarah barked, grateful she could still speak.
"Sarah," he murmured. He took another step towards her. He was so close, Sarah could feel the heat of his body through her dress, and his legs were brushing up against her skirt. He raised his right gloved hand and tucked a strand of dark brown hair behind her shoulder. His gloved fingers tenderly brushed the skin from her ear to her temple, and he caressed her face, gently drawing a line from her brow to chin like a lover at midnight. "Just fear me," he whispered, once more invoking his plea. "Love me, do as I say…" he was drawing circles around her chin with his thumb; if Sarah could move, she would've trembled. "And I will be your slave." His thumb was now stroking her bottom lip.
Was this it? Was he going to try and kiss her?
After returning home from the Labyrinth, Sarah had tried to keep her imagination from wandering towards what would've happened if she hadn't succeeded, if the king had kept her distracted with the glitter and gold of that masquerade ball. But, sometimes she couldn't help but wonder what sort of nightmare her life would have become. Would he have returned her home with her memory wiped? Or would he have kept her there in that fantasy forever?
If true love's kiss could break any spell, what would the kiss of a true enemy have done to her?
Jareth sighed, leaning back. "And, everything will be explained." He took a step away from her, all seduction gone from his voice.
"No. No! I will not. I do not. You have no power over me and you never will. You're a horrible fellow. A true wicked king, maybe even the lowest of the low! I see no good virtue or any goodwill in the deeds you've done or are doing!"
A chord was struck within the king. Never before had be been spoken to with such disrespect—especially not by a mere mortal girl. Sarah took advantage of the king's distaste and continued on.
"If I am going to be trapped here as your prisoner, I would rather work as the lowliest scullery maid ever employed within these walls than be forced to spend another minute with you." Sarah had momentum now and would not be silenced.
"Let me be a servant before I become your puppet, dressed up like a doll for you to play with. You'd have me as your own toy to satisfy every whim and want in that twisted head of yours. I refuse it all. I refuse you. And if you force me, then force me. It may satisfy you to see my body next to you in the finery you choose, eating with you at the time you choose, dancing with you to the music you choose, but know this; my mind will be free. My mind will be free and rebuking you every second of every day, every dinner, every dance. You are a wicked fellow."Sarah could see the fire behind Jareth's eyes but she didn't care; as long as he heard the fire behind her voice.
The goblin king summoned yet another crystal and with a wave of his hand, Sarah found herself in yet again in another bedroom. This was a small, plain space with a small, plain bed, but it was tidy and clean, and a single window set in the high-ceilinged walls allowed moonlight to spill dreamily across the space. When Sarah looked down at herself, she was shocked to find a simple, tan dress where her ball gown had once been. Around her waist was a thick, brown sash, and under that a white apron was tied. So, he had turned her into a scullery maid. Sarah laughed out loud; this was still better than being his little debutante.
On her feet were comfortable, close-toed shoes that matched the tan of her dress. Sarah was not happy to see that they had a slight heel, but she couldn't complain; the outfit was practical. The three-quarter sleeves were perfect for washing dishes and getting her hands dirty. And it would make a comfy nightgown. Sarah plopped down onto the bed. Gone was her feather bed and silk sheets, but a straw mattress and a soft, wool blanket suited her just fine. She considered this evening a victory. A battle won in a long war that had started one year ago with the words, "I wish…"
(AN) Author's Notes: Again here are some more FYI facts that I had to look up before I even got started on this story and when I did even double check and confirm if this wasn't fictionally based or under fan speculation this is what I need to make clear for everyone.
In the 1986 movie, it's quite obvious that both Jareth and Sarah never kissed in the enchanted ballroom scene from the musical number As the world falls Down. So I don't need fans or readers correcting me on this I'm well aware of the differences between the actual movie its novel/novelization and even the Marvel comic version. In the last two versions the scenario, in that case, is slightly different although somewhat remains the same when Sarah and the goblin King dance. In the Marvel comic version of the movie, some scenarios were changed quite differently from the Marvel version which I have read online The King does try to kiss Sarah or at least show set in one of the coloured page panels. I don't know whether or not I can recall if this same similar scenario happens in the movie's book novelization/novel of the movie but it's quite clear that this kind of gesture might have happened somewhere down the road if things get changed differently in the movie. I also have read offline a link to the now out-of-print movie's novel/novelization and this is what it describes as well as the scene and more point of view detail from the characters. In the novel, it's made more apparent quite clear the affection/or feelings Jareth has for Sarah although from what I'm understanding and hearing it's more predatory in his POV yikes!
So it won't be too much of a shock to you guys the fans if you're used to seeing a bit of a dark goblin king cliché persona always in a fanfiction somewhere how dark I make Jareth I'll leave it up to you but like I said many times before in my notes I want to try and keep both Jareth and Sarah is much in their intended original Canon character as I can. I have to tell you something everyone the ending for this chapter came out way better than I expected from the summaries and detailed drafts I made on this chapter. What can I say more about my newest co-partner ElauraGrave she really came through this time and went above and beyond my expectations. I'm practically re-reading the end of chapter 6 myself I liked how Sarah told the Goblin King and got the last word from her lips. But things are about to get more juicy and interesting from here just so that everyone knows I took a bit of inspiration from the old Disney movie classics Cinderella and I mean the animated version, not the live-action adaptation. To be honest, although I am a Disney fan I grew up more or less with some of the animated classics and animated movies that came out during the Disney Renaissance in the 1990s. My favourite Disney animated movie was Sleeping Beauty I don't have any favorite characters or villains mind you from the Disney franchise but what can I say? I'm not in the mood yet to watch any of the current live adaptations of some of the most memorable and iconic Disney movies but when I do get in the mood and when I do want to watch them I'll see if anything clicks or gives me inspiration for future chapters of this story.
Now moving on from that...
There's a reason why I'm putting Sarah in a more preferable predicament than what some readers and fans were probably expecting to happen Sarah Williams. Given her character isn't the type to just idly stand by and let someone pull her strings or tell her what to do. At least when it comes to the Goblin King no more or less. So she's not going to be any damsel in distress waiting for someone to come to rescue her. Sarah's taking matters into her own hands so to speak. So you'll just have to continue reading on in the next chapter or so to see how this will go keep in mind. This will not be something unusual to see when Sarah's in her scullery maid uniform. Now if I didn't accidentally blurt out any spoilers of what's ahead keep an eye on something everyone. From here on out at least in the next chapter or so there will be some similarities to Sarah's current predicament and that showing in the old 1950s or old animated classic Disney Cinderella. I grew up watching a lot of the animated Classics and ones that were during the Disney Renaissance of the 1990s. My favourite so far has always been from as a young child Sleeping Beauty. I did get inspired by Sarah's current predicament which will show more openly in the next chapter how it will relate in some ways to Cinderella while in others it will not and at the same time, the same goes for the Goblin King and what world he'll take loosely based on the antagonist shown in the fairy tale of Cinderella. Go just have to wait and see I don't think it will turn out exactly as people are suspecting it too but they're right to assume until their suspicions are answered in the next update. Keep in mind as well that there will be repetitive familiar quotes from The Labyrinth movie as well as songs or some of the lyrics which are sort of important as well to this story if people haven't caught on already. I'm very happy about the ending of this chapter. I can't say right away what my favourite chapter in this story will be I would just need to wait and see what my co-partner has conjured up with her own crystal ball (no pun intended there ^^) and then I'll see whether or not I'll be doing my own 'magic dance' again no pun intended ^^
As I mentioned in the last chapter Sarah was introduced to be given a crystal ball as it was described at the top part of this chapter it is not the typical crystals that Jareth normally conjures and carries. This little crystal was specifically and magically made exclusively for Sarah to own. It does have a few helpful functions and mechanisms although Sarah will not know about the special mechanisms until much later in the story when she grows more appreciative of the first gifts that the King has given her. I guarantee you she will find this little magical device more of an annoyance than a useful tool to have on her person. It was quite important for me in the LTR story that Sarah has at least some kind of helpful magical tools while she's stuck in the underground and when she is in trouble or is it a predicament that she can't talk her way out of the will definitely need this little crystal ball to help her out it's not going to act as it normally would for a magical device one could say it will grow its own personality on its own. Friends keep in mind that when Jareth's character was created it wasn't created in a normal sense of your typical cliché male protagonist hero/knight in shining armor/prince charming. It's not that Jareth won't come to Sarah's rescue but it's just not something I can picture since that was not how his character was originally created. There will always be times given how Sarah has grown up a bit from the events of the movie where Jareth doesn't feel he needs to interfere I mean given Sarah's constant defiance and independence of refusing everything he offers her it wouldn't make much sense. Jareth can and will try to charm and dote Sarah we can all continuously see time and again that she refuses him. Sarah just wouldn't be Sarah Williams if she was portrayed that way and gives in to Temptation. It's like how Eve gave in to the temptation when the serpent told her to eat the fruit of knowledge for the Apple but in this case for Sarah, she's learned her mistakes and the trickery that the Goblin King placed on her in the movie so she won't be quite as tempted like I said it's going to take a lot of effort on The Goblin King's part 2 win any trust or equal footing with Sarah they have a long way to go before they become even somewhat closer to even the terms of friends let alone lovers.
So that is all I got to say excuse me once again for the long-winded notes but it's better than nothing I'm pretty sure they'll be a lot of questions and a lot of surprises at the house some readers might have found how this chapter ended but just wait and see I hopefully will be in the mood within the next 24 to 48 hours to update a little bit more of the story my birthday is soon approaching and I do want to celebrate it in the sense where I can share more of this story with you all.
TTFN,
smcandy