I do not own any of the Labyrinth characters or the story itself. I have no $$$ so plz don't sue me. Please review if you've got a second. It's only with your suggestions/advice/comments I can make this story better.

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Prowler or Lover?

Chapter 3

Running out of gas, having no cash for a cab, and missing the last bus was not Sarah Williams's idea of a good end to a relatively shitty day. The trek home however, had given her a chance to review the day's events. By the 5th block her heel managed to get caught in a subway grate sending her crashing into a muddy puddle. The next 13 blocks were quite enjoyable in the freezing cold with her wet clothes. Home sweet home, located on the 4th floor which never bothered her until now with the elevators out of service.

She couldn't remember a time she was happier to be home. Walking in the doorway her cat, Sprinkles, was already meowing away and rubbing against her legs.

"Well, I'm happy to see you too." A tired Sarah said as she pet her Calico kitty and deposited her belongings on her over stuffed red "reading" chair as she had dubbed it. Already with out her muddy blouse by the time she reached her bedroom she was reaching for a tricky zipper on her skirt.                      

About to finish undressing, her eyes managed to be caught by a red something or other located on her bed. Walking over to the unidentified object she quickly gasped upon realizing what is was. Her wet clothes went straight out of her thoughts as she picked the book up.

She had acted and reacted this tale dozens of times when she was young. Idly flipping through its aged pages a russet piece of old parchment fell upon the floor. Picking it up she was too busy to notice the figure that just materialized behind her. She went on to read the note, "And to think you'd let such a classic go and on of all days today. Such a pity." The note was scribbled in an elegantly elaborate form to be out down by an almost artful signature written by no other than, The Goblin King. What did he mean, of all days today? She thought back to how odd it was for him to show up on today after not hearing a peep out of him in…ten years. Exactly ten years on the mark now that she though of it. Right as her mind reached the conclusion he made his presence known.

"Let me help you with that." Again that voice filled her mind as she felt her skirt unzipping. Spinning around she managed to be right up against him looking directly into his chest. Peering up into those icy eyes of his he pierced through her, "I see you've gotten my letter." Calmly he picked up the book from the floor delicately placing it upon the soft bed. "Have you not even remembered what today is until now?" He asked with an arrogant smug look much like the one plastered in her memories and most all, her nightmares.

How he had haunted her all these years with out even a respectful explanation of his invasion. She wasn't sure if it was anger or fear bubbling up in side of her. How he looked at her as though seeing right into her soul. Those mismatched eyes that had sent her screaming into the dead of night since she was but a girl. If you asked her what a villain was when she was young, you'd get a dead look alike of Jareth, King of the Goblins. He had stolen something from her all those years ago. Perhaps it was simply a descent night's sleep but it was so much more than that.

"You've announced the anniversary of your juvenile game. Now what else is there you so desperately need to tell me that you've broken into my home?" Her cold voice shot at him like it was an arrow ripping through flesh.

"Temper, temper my dear Sarah."  He was walking towards her, closing the distance between them with every arrogant step of his. Backing her into a corner where he had her exactly where he wanted her. "I once told you I could give you your dreams. You came into my world and turned it upside down. The labyrinth yearns for you Sarah."

His words came in whispers as he brushed his lips to the nape of her neck. In a sudden shove she broke free only to lunge at him not in passion but pure anger. Her hand met his cheek in a violent thrust sending him off guard.  The impact set him off balance almost falling as his hand went to a rapidly reddening spot.

"Sarah, up to now I have been generous, but I can be-" His arctic statement sickeningly rang a deja vu and Sarah was quick to cut him off, "and what Goblin King? You can be cruel?" Staring up at him she shattered her fears, "I know cruel! Yes, life can be unfair. Thanks for the lesson your highness. Did it really matter if I got my brother back or not?!? Maybe I should have wished myself away. Maybe then, he'd still be alive! Maybe then they'd all be alive!"

I know I know…. you are all asking, "what does she mean?" Well, you'll just have to wait for the next chapter of Realization. PLZ review!!!!

-Clover