A/N: Is anyone interested in
beta-ing my next Laby series? Don't
worry, "For You" isn't over yet, but I have this plot-bunny stomping around in
my head... It's giving me quite a lot of headaches. Be forewarned, this series, though a S/J romance, will be at
least as long as FY, and considerably stranger. Thanks. Oh, and because
of difficulties with ffn, I can't get to my reviews to thank you all, but I
will next chapter.
Disclaimer: I don't really have
anything new to say here, as I still don't own Labyrinth, because I have yet to
rob it's various copyright owners, so I thought I'd pass on a little advise,
now that schools started. Knowledge is
power. Power corrupts. Study hard, be evil.
For You
Part Eighteen
"Bloody hell!" Was the best sentiment Jen could offer.
"What the -?" Was about as helpful as Sarah could be.
Jareth remained silent.
Around them, hundreds of clocks tick-tick-ticked, to the great annoyance of the other three.
The words, I have reordered time, resurfaced in Sarah's head, and she remembered how menacing they had sounded when she had first heard them. Granted, she now knew that Jareth had meant those words as an offer of love... but she hated to think what someone else would do with that power.
"Planning on catching flies, Sarah?" Jen teased, drawing Sarah out of her daze.
After closing her mouth and blinking furiously just to make sure she wasn't seeing things, Sarah turned to Jareth and found him staring at one clock in particular quite intensely.
"Jareth?" She inquired softly. This, actually, wasn't very useful, as the monotonous ticking of all the clocks came together into a rather loud and obnoxious roar, ruining any chance for quiet and peaceful conversation. "Jareth," she repeated, much louder this time, "that looks like the clock from your ballroom."
"That," Jareth replied, without shifting his gaze, "is because it is the clock from my ballroom." The clock hands were spinning at a ridiculously fast pace, as if they had decided that today was boring, and they would prefer it to be tomorrow. "And that," he continued, pointing to a clock with twenty-seven hours that were all spinning backward, "is the clock from you chambers back at the castle. In fact, quite a lot of these are from my castle."
"Not all of them though." Said Jen suddenly. "Some of them are from here. The Elysian Palace, I mean."
"But what on Earth would anyone want with a bunch of clocks?" Sarah said thoughtfully, voicing the question that was already running wild in each of their minds.
***
Hoggle was scurrying fiercely around the cavern that was home to the members of the secret society, which was abuzz with other scurrying around and chattering endlessly about Really Cunning Plans. Hoggle was glad of this; it made him much less noticeable. Ditching his black clothes for normal work clothes, he gathered a few important materials, most of which had been stolen from the castle, and stuffed them in his pockets.
What the hell was he going to do now? And just whose side was he on anyway? God, things had been so much simpler before Sarah came. He knew where the lines were drawn. Jareth was evil, Abien was kind. No, kind wasn't the right word, more like, unimposing. He would very rarely visit Hoggle, usually only to have him pass a message on to Jareth. Hoggle understood why though, the Labyrinth was the source of much pain for his father.
Imagine having loved a girl for years, but then having her fall for someone else, Hoggle mused to himself as he snuck out into the Labyrinth. And then that person horribly mistreats her, and yet, she still chooses him over you. Hoggle had never really had the opportunity to socialize with his own kind, partially because he was truly a fae, though he did not look it, and also what with Jareth's messed up magic, he was one of a kind now. And when you finally get to be with her, she only uses you, to get her first born out of the way. This sentiment didn't hurt Hoggle much, not anymore. He was used to it. It's no wonder this whole thing is to get her back.
That, unfortunately, is where Hoggle was very, very wrong.
"Well, well, well. What have we here?" Came the familiar voice that Hoggle had once loved to hear, and now despised. Abien stood before him, decked out in regal clothes of a deep wine colour, and appearing more menacing than ever. It was obvious his powers were surging, Hoggle could feel the magic pulsating from him. "It seems we have a traitor in our midst." Said Abien smoothly. "Did you think I wasn't watching that touching little show between you and Lady Sarah? To think she still likes you. The girl must be quite mad."
"Don't insult her." Hoggle said, his voice showing confidence he did not possess.
"Do you know, I think that's the first time you've voiced an opinion. I'm sure you'd have a lot of opinions concerning your Lady's fate. Pity you won't be around to see it." Abien said, a slight smile playing across his face.
"Father – " Hoggle gasped, before vanishing with a wave of Abien's hand.
"Son of mine or no," Abien said softly to himself, "certain things must be done. And I must finish preparing for the show." And he too disappeared, leaving behind not glitter, but ominous black smoke.
***
Sarah noticed, after a moment's observation, that nearly three-fourths of all the clocks were moving at the same rate – they all spun infinitely fast, the hands a blur, with the Underground's typical thirteen hours flashing and changing positions.
"Jareth?" Sarah said, pointing.
"I know." He replied, without looking where she was pointing. "I've noticed."
"This is very bad, isn't it?" Jen said softly.
"You have no idea." Jareth hesitated before continuing. "Abien is reworking time. Clocks are very powerful here." He continued, more for Sarah's benefit than Jen's. "It takes a lot of effort to keep a thirteen hour day – our clocks help hold things together. Surely you've noticed they're all over the Underground."
Come to think of it, Sarah had noticed. Even in her first journey through the Labyrinth, she had seen clocks everywhere.
"Once all the clocks are running at the same rate – his rate – he will have taken control of time."
"What are we to do?" Jen asked, sounding as though he thought they may have already lost the fight. Sarah could guess, however, what Jareth's answer would be, from the bitter look on his face.
"We must go to my father."
Without another word, the three hesitantly backed out of the room, eyes scanning to make sure they hadn't missed some important clue. Sarah closed the door behind her and paused for a moment to lock it. Tucking the key into her pocket, she linked arms with Jareth as they ascended the many stairs that led up from the cellar area they had been. Jen walked a few steps in front of them, stopping every few moments, as if to listen.
"What are you doing?" Jareth sighed irritably after Jen did this for the seventh time.
"It's very silent." Jen said, turning to face them. Sarah listened for a moment. It was indeed, quite silent. "Can you ever remember a time when the Palace was silent?" He said darkly. Sarah thought of all the horror movies she had seen back at home. The only thing worse than silence in a horror movie was that creepy music, but somehow Sarah thought that didn't quite apply.
The hallways were empty. Sarah clutched Jareth's hand nervously, and he wrapped his arm around her shoulders, pulling her closer to him protectively.
"Maybe they're still in the Meeting Hall?" Sarah said, though she didn't believe herself. They walked toward the double doors, which were shut. Not a sound could be heard inside. Jen swiftly yanked open the doors. The room was in disarray.
Chair were tipped over, papers spread around as though everyone had left in a hurry. One small elf maid was straightening up the room, neatly piling papers and standing chairs upright.
"What happened here?" Jen demanded.
"Oh, are you still here?" The maid asked, smiling. "I would have thought you would be the first to go."
"Go where?" Jen said, trying to keep his voice even, but could not help a bit of a growl coming through.
"To the Goblin City, of course. Dantriven lead all of the court down there but moments ago. Word has it, the kingdom has erupted in riots. They go to restore the peace." At this Jareth pressed his lips together in a tight line, and Sarah could practically feel the anger radiating from him. He steered Sarah out of the Meeting Hall, and Jen quickly followed.
"I cannot believe him! How can he interfere in my affairs like that!" Jareth shouted, once they were out in the empty hallway.
"Jareth, calm down." Said Sarah worriedly, taking both his shaking hands in hers.
"And after all that crap about repentance! The arrogance!" He continued, as if Sarah hadn't said a word.
"Stop jumping to conclusions. How do you know what that maid said was true?" Sarah said, gently placing her fingers under his chin to force him to meet her eyes.
"There is one way to find out." Jareth growled. Conjuring a crystal, he tossed it in the air, and grabbing both Jen and Sarah by the wrists, the three of them disappeared from the hallway.
The elf maid peered out from around the corner, smiling a disconcerting smile. "You should have listened to your lady friend, Prince Jareth." She said, suddenly growing taller, broader, and distinctly turning into a particular male fae. "I always wanted the power to shape shift." Abien chuckled to himself, before turning and walking towards his chambers, to check on the progress of his clocks. When he found the door locked, he swore softly and quite impressively.
"Damn that son of mine!" He hissed, slamming his fist against the door. "He must have given one of them the key."
***
Sarah was temporarily blinded by a flash of bright light. She felt the ground slide away from her feet, and she stumbled when it slammed up against her again. Jareth caught her arm deftly, and they all looked around in disbelief.
The Goblin City was deserted.