Disclaimer: (Does this have to be done each chapter? *sighs*) I do not own
the Labyrinth or the characters created by the infamous Jim Henson.
A/N: Wow! *Sits here in a stupor* I'm so happy that everyone is enjoying this little story of mine. I tried to get an outline working but Ha! I found that I am no good at making them. It is a waste of time for me to attempt to write one. Who would've thought that the outline would be harder to write than the actual story? I hope you enjoy this chapter.
*******
Chapter 7: Confusion
Sarah tossed and turned trying to fight off the nightmare that was consuming her. The shadows were coming after her and another girl as they fled, trying to outrun the creatures. Suddenly there was just darkness, total complete darkness. It was engulfing her and she tried to scream but nothing would come from her mouth. She suddenly awoke, sweat dripping from her forehead and out of breath.
Sitting up she took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She looked around noticing it was dark out. Throwing the covers off of herself, she went out onto the balcony, gazing at the crystal moon glowing in the velvety darkness of the night sky. Chills traveled up her spine as the chilly night air caressed her long dark hair.
She felt something move in her pocket. Looking down she saw the little fairy still hiding there. "Well hello little one, what are you still doing there?" Sarah asked, smiling.
The fairy fluttered her wings and smiled back. "You saved me from those nasty fireys. I am devoted to you now My Lady."
Sarah arched an eyebrow at the fairy. "As if I had a choice in the matter. You kind of just flew into my pocket when I startled the fireys," Sarah said, shaking her head. "So, what is your name?"
"Lorien, My Lady."
Sarah nodded as she gazed at the coming dawn. She took in a deep breath, breathing in an intoxicating mixture of flowers and spices from the gardens below. She watched as the last stars shone in protest against the rising sun. The golden rays shown on the walls and buildings making up the Labyrinth, creating a golden splendor.
"Well Lorien, I don't know about you but I'm starving!" she said as her stomach gave a low grumble.
Sarah went down to the dining hall, humming a tune as she went. She felt much better today as she noticed a slight buzzing in the air. Before she could concentrate on the buzz Jacen appeared in front of her, startling her out of the trance-like state she was in.
"Jacen! You scared me!" Sarah gasped, holding her hand over her heart.
"My apologies Lady Sarah," he replied, bowing to her. He held his hand out to her. "Will you join me for the first meal? Jareth will be away this day and perhaps the next."
"Oh...where did he go?" Sarah asked, her spirits diminishing a bit.
"He had matters of import at the High Court to attend to. He won't be long, I promise," Jacen said, smiling at her.
He escorted her into the dining hall, making small talk. A goblin brought a tray laden with food as they sat down. Sarah started piling food on her plate as Lorien climbed out of her pocket to survey the many varieties of things to eat.
"Eat what you want Lorien," Sarah replied. "There's plenty here."
"Uh...Sarah? Who are you talking to?" Jacen asked, puzzled.
"Oh! This is Lorien. She...um...kind of just flew into my pocket when I ran into some fireys," Sarah said, her face suddenly getting a serious expression on it. She just remembered how a firey had jumped on her back and then it was flying through the air after she said to get off.
"What's the matter Sarah?"
"When did you say Jareth will be back?" she asked distantly.
"Tomorrow or the next day. What is wrong?"
Sarah narrowed her eyes at Jacen. "I need to talk to him. It seems that there is something he is forgetting to tell me," she scowled.
Jacen looked hard at her, noticing that something had her upset. He waited for her to continue but she did not. "Sarah, is it anything I can help you with?"
Sarah glanced at Jacen, shaking her head. "I think Jareth needs to answer this Jacen," she said, rising from the table. She had lost her appetite at her realization that something was changing in her. She picked up Lorien, who had finished her meal of strawberries.
"I need to get out of here for a while. I will talk to you later Jacen," she said, walking out the door.
Jacen stood, worried. He didn't know what had caused the sudden change in Sarah's mood but he had a feeling that it had to do with something that happened to her yesterday. He glanced at the clock, noticing the time. Calling forth a crystal that Jareth had given him he looked into it, summoning the King.
"What is it Jacen?" Jareth asked irritably.
"How long do you think that you will be away?"
"I told you it may be a few days. Is there something wrong?" Jareth's face grew larger in the crystal, irritation quickly changing to concern.
"Well...I think the Lady Sarah has come to a realization and she needs some answers."
Jareth sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I will deal with that when I get back. Make arrangements to have her friends visit her while I'm away. Maybe that will keep her from dwelling too much on the changes happening to her until I can talk to her."
"As you wish Your Majesty," Jacen replied, nodding.
*******
Sarah wandered aimlessly through the halls, thinking about the day before. She was confused about the firey situation, knowing that something had happened. Lorien watched her, worried about the faraway look on Sarah's face.
Finally having enough, Lorien flew out of Sarah's pocket, floating mere inches from her face. Sarah flinched at the sudden appearance of her new friend. "Lorien, what are you doing?"
"What is troubling you so, My Lady?"
Sarah scowled at her, waving her hand. "It's nothing and none of your business Lorien," she sighed irritably.
Lorien crossed her arms and hovered in front of Sarah, scowling back at her. "None of my business! Lady Sarah, when you are unhappy it makes me unhappy."
Sarah closed her eyes and leaned against the nearest wall. She slowly sat down, covering her face with her hands. She felt so overwhelmed by the events that has happened to her in the past few days that she didn't know what to do.
Lorien settled herself on Sarah's shoulder, contemplating her Lady's mood. She decided on small talk, hoping to gain some knowledge on her mistress. She knew that Sarah had a good heart and had a strong aura about her but something was different.
"Where are you from Lady?" Lorien asked quietly.
"I am human Lorien and I don't know much about this world and what is happening to me," Sarah sighed in frustration.
Comprehension dawned on Lorien's face as she gazed at Sarah. "Ah, I have heard of humans. Your race has no magic like we have here in the Underground."
Sarah glanced at Lorien, listening intently. "You have visited us before though," Lorien leaned back and looked at Sarah. "Yes, I do recognize you. You are the one that had defeated the Goblin King!" she said enthusiastically.
Sarah smiled at the little fairy, nodding her head. "Yes, I had to rescue my brother. I didn't even know this world existed until I wished my brother away..." she replied, her voice trailing off.
"This is truly amazing, me running into the famous Sarah!" Lorien smiled joyously.
Sarah gave a little laugh at the fairy. "You act like I'm a celebrity or something."
"You are very well known here Lady. I and my kind would do anything for you," Lorien replied, smiling in awe at Sarah.
"Well, that is nice to know Lorien but I don't want to be special or anything." Sarah stood, walking towards an outside door. "I need to get some fresh air," she sighed.
*******
Sarah walked out to the gardens, taking in the fragrance lacing the air. She wandered along gazing at the many different varieties of flowers and statues scattered among the shrubbery. Lorien darted off, heading to some bushes. Sarah watched her go, wondering what she was up to. She was surprised to see more fairies spring up from behind the flowers, gathering around Lorien. Sarah shook her head and smiled, hoping they were as friendly as Lorien.
"What are you up to Lorien?" she asked, walking up to her.
"I was explaining to them what had happened to me. They are my friends and family but I won't bother you with introductions," she said, smiling up at Sarah.
Sarah was about to say something to Lorien when movement caught her eye. She glanced over to see Hoggle approaching.
"Hoggle!" She ran up to her friend and knelt down, throwing her arms around her friend.
"Hi Sarah," he said, shuffling his feet as he tentatively hugged her back.
Sarah leaned back, holding Hoggle by the shoulders. "How have you been? It has been too long Hoggle."
Hoggle looked over Sarah's shoulder and noticed the large congregation of fairies. His eyes got really big, "Sarah I need to get to work. The garden is infested with fairies!" he said, raising his little pesticide sprayer.
"Hoggle! Don't you dare harm them! They are my friends!" Sarah admonished, scowling.
"But..." he peered up at Sarah. "They's are your friends?"
"Yes," she said, smiling over at Lorien as she flew to Sarah.
Hoggle's mouth dropped open as the little fairy sat on Sarah's shoulder. "You make the strangest friends Sarah," he said, shaking his head.
She looked down at Hoggle and started laughing. "Yes I sure do have that tendency Hoggle."
They sat down on the grass and chatted for a while, catching up on things. She wasn't sure what happened first; Hoggle made a remark about how many fairies he had gotten earlier and then suddenly there was a swarm of fairies surrounding him, biting and cursing.
Sarah sat there a brief second stunned. Suddenly she stood, "Stop that!" She yelled, reaching a hand out towards Hoggle. A small white flash came from her finger tips, grazing Hoggle's shoulder.
Sarah gasped, covering her mouth. "Hoggle!" she screamed, kneeling down beside him.
Hoggle sat up groggily, then scrambled back from Sarah. He looked at his arm, where it was smoldering.
"I'm so sorry Hoggle! I didn't mean to do it!"
"Tis alright Sarah, but....but stay away from me until you learn to control your magic," he said shakily.
Tears formed in her eyes as she looked down at her friend. She slowly stood and backed away, glancing at the fairies. They had fled back towards the shrubs after the little demonstration that Sarah had given them.
Confusion, anger, and hurt mixed within her, causing a sob to break through. Sarah turned away from her friends and ran as fast as her feet would carry her, back to the castle. Entering a hallway, she wandered along, her mind racing. She started to climb some stairs and then more stairs before her mind came reeling back to her. She had wandered into the stair room.
Sarah looked around and then slumped against the nearest wall. Placing her head in her hands, she took a few ragged breaths, trying to calm herself. She sat there, her mind going blank as she stared off into the distance.
*******
Kara, Alenda, and Jacen were frantically searching the castle for Sarah. Jacen had ran into Hoggle when he was making his rounds checking the security. After learning about what had happened he summoned Alenda and Kara.
Alenda approached the stair room, glancing in. She disliked this place very much and was reluctant to enter. Jacen came up behind her, sighing. "Well, this is the last place to look. Let's get it over with," he said, motioning for Alenda to go ahead of him.
They went opposite directions, climbing and descending. Alenda walked through an archway stumbling over something. Looking down she saw Sarah, curled in a ball on the stone floor.
"Jacen! I found her!" she yelled as she knelt down. She placed a hand on Sarah's forehead, noticing a slight flush on her face.
Jacen approached as Alenda stood. "We need to get her to bed. She has a fever," Alenda whispered.
Jacen scooped Sarah up in his strong arms, carrying her up a few flights of stairs before exiting out of the room. He gently laid her in bed as Alenda started brewing some medicinal tea. She sat next to Sarah, coaxing her to wake.
Sarah stirred, opening her eyes to see Alenda sitting next to her and Jacen standing beside the bed. "What happened?" she asked, confusion spreading across her face.
"Don't concern yourself right now with that Sarah. Drink this. It will help you feel better," Alenda replied, placing the cup of tea to Sarah's lips.
Sarah sipped the hot tea, feeling the warmth spread throughout her body. After finishing the warm drink, she laid back against the soft pillows and fell instantly asleep.
Alenda looked up at Jacen. "She will sleep until the morning." She pulled the blankets up to Sarah's chin. "What happened to her Jacen?"
Jacen hesitated until Alenda pinned him with a glare. She shook her head after Jacen explained to her what had happened. "Jareth should have talked to her before he left." She glanced back at Sarah. "How is her friend?"
"He will be alright. He barely got singed, but he is very frightened right now," Jacen replied, holding the door open for Alenda. They exited, leaving a tired, confused, and frightened young woman to rest.
*******
A/N: I have to thank each one of my reviewers personally: Bloodlust Night, Lady1Venus, Desdemona321, thank you for your reviews. I'm happy and excited that you are really enjoying my little story.
Dawn1: The unicorn scene was tormenting me in my dreams. I had that idea for the longest time before I even thought about writing a Laby story. I'm happy you enjoyed it as much as I dreamt about it. Jacen is such a clown! *laughs*
GenkiKarma: Thank you for the reviews! This is a wonderful compliment you gave me! I really enjoy working with words and finding different ways to describe things in the story.
Jukia Wolfcall: My faithful reviewer, what more can I say but thank you? I'm happy that you are enjoying my story and yes, you were correct! I had to go and review my story and I think I've come up with some plans to make the story a little more crazy in the near future. Hopefully some exciting things will happen. Let me know if this chapter made any sense to you and what you think may happen...LOL did you enjoy the peach cobbler?
A/N: Wow! *Sits here in a stupor* I'm so happy that everyone is enjoying this little story of mine. I tried to get an outline working but Ha! I found that I am no good at making them. It is a waste of time for me to attempt to write one. Who would've thought that the outline would be harder to write than the actual story? I hope you enjoy this chapter.
*******
Chapter 7: Confusion
Sarah tossed and turned trying to fight off the nightmare that was consuming her. The shadows were coming after her and another girl as they fled, trying to outrun the creatures. Suddenly there was just darkness, total complete darkness. It was engulfing her and she tried to scream but nothing would come from her mouth. She suddenly awoke, sweat dripping from her forehead and out of breath.
Sitting up she took a few deep breaths to calm herself. She looked around noticing it was dark out. Throwing the covers off of herself, she went out onto the balcony, gazing at the crystal moon glowing in the velvety darkness of the night sky. Chills traveled up her spine as the chilly night air caressed her long dark hair.
She felt something move in her pocket. Looking down she saw the little fairy still hiding there. "Well hello little one, what are you still doing there?" Sarah asked, smiling.
The fairy fluttered her wings and smiled back. "You saved me from those nasty fireys. I am devoted to you now My Lady."
Sarah arched an eyebrow at the fairy. "As if I had a choice in the matter. You kind of just flew into my pocket when I startled the fireys," Sarah said, shaking her head. "So, what is your name?"
"Lorien, My Lady."
Sarah nodded as she gazed at the coming dawn. She took in a deep breath, breathing in an intoxicating mixture of flowers and spices from the gardens below. She watched as the last stars shone in protest against the rising sun. The golden rays shown on the walls and buildings making up the Labyrinth, creating a golden splendor.
"Well Lorien, I don't know about you but I'm starving!" she said as her stomach gave a low grumble.
Sarah went down to the dining hall, humming a tune as she went. She felt much better today as she noticed a slight buzzing in the air. Before she could concentrate on the buzz Jacen appeared in front of her, startling her out of the trance-like state she was in.
"Jacen! You scared me!" Sarah gasped, holding her hand over her heart.
"My apologies Lady Sarah," he replied, bowing to her. He held his hand out to her. "Will you join me for the first meal? Jareth will be away this day and perhaps the next."
"Oh...where did he go?" Sarah asked, her spirits diminishing a bit.
"He had matters of import at the High Court to attend to. He won't be long, I promise," Jacen said, smiling at her.
He escorted her into the dining hall, making small talk. A goblin brought a tray laden with food as they sat down. Sarah started piling food on her plate as Lorien climbed out of her pocket to survey the many varieties of things to eat.
"Eat what you want Lorien," Sarah replied. "There's plenty here."
"Uh...Sarah? Who are you talking to?" Jacen asked, puzzled.
"Oh! This is Lorien. She...um...kind of just flew into my pocket when I ran into some fireys," Sarah said, her face suddenly getting a serious expression on it. She just remembered how a firey had jumped on her back and then it was flying through the air after she said to get off.
"What's the matter Sarah?"
"When did you say Jareth will be back?" she asked distantly.
"Tomorrow or the next day. What is wrong?"
Sarah narrowed her eyes at Jacen. "I need to talk to him. It seems that there is something he is forgetting to tell me," she scowled.
Jacen looked hard at her, noticing that something had her upset. He waited for her to continue but she did not. "Sarah, is it anything I can help you with?"
Sarah glanced at Jacen, shaking her head. "I think Jareth needs to answer this Jacen," she said, rising from the table. She had lost her appetite at her realization that something was changing in her. She picked up Lorien, who had finished her meal of strawberries.
"I need to get out of here for a while. I will talk to you later Jacen," she said, walking out the door.
Jacen stood, worried. He didn't know what had caused the sudden change in Sarah's mood but he had a feeling that it had to do with something that happened to her yesterday. He glanced at the clock, noticing the time. Calling forth a crystal that Jareth had given him he looked into it, summoning the King.
"What is it Jacen?" Jareth asked irritably.
"How long do you think that you will be away?"
"I told you it may be a few days. Is there something wrong?" Jareth's face grew larger in the crystal, irritation quickly changing to concern.
"Well...I think the Lady Sarah has come to a realization and she needs some answers."
Jareth sighed, rubbing his forehead. "I will deal with that when I get back. Make arrangements to have her friends visit her while I'm away. Maybe that will keep her from dwelling too much on the changes happening to her until I can talk to her."
"As you wish Your Majesty," Jacen replied, nodding.
*******
Sarah wandered aimlessly through the halls, thinking about the day before. She was confused about the firey situation, knowing that something had happened. Lorien watched her, worried about the faraway look on Sarah's face.
Finally having enough, Lorien flew out of Sarah's pocket, floating mere inches from her face. Sarah flinched at the sudden appearance of her new friend. "Lorien, what are you doing?"
"What is troubling you so, My Lady?"
Sarah scowled at her, waving her hand. "It's nothing and none of your business Lorien," she sighed irritably.
Lorien crossed her arms and hovered in front of Sarah, scowling back at her. "None of my business! Lady Sarah, when you are unhappy it makes me unhappy."
Sarah closed her eyes and leaned against the nearest wall. She slowly sat down, covering her face with her hands. She felt so overwhelmed by the events that has happened to her in the past few days that she didn't know what to do.
Lorien settled herself on Sarah's shoulder, contemplating her Lady's mood. She decided on small talk, hoping to gain some knowledge on her mistress. She knew that Sarah had a good heart and had a strong aura about her but something was different.
"Where are you from Lady?" Lorien asked quietly.
"I am human Lorien and I don't know much about this world and what is happening to me," Sarah sighed in frustration.
Comprehension dawned on Lorien's face as she gazed at Sarah. "Ah, I have heard of humans. Your race has no magic like we have here in the Underground."
Sarah glanced at Lorien, listening intently. "You have visited us before though," Lorien leaned back and looked at Sarah. "Yes, I do recognize you. You are the one that had defeated the Goblin King!" she said enthusiastically.
Sarah smiled at the little fairy, nodding her head. "Yes, I had to rescue my brother. I didn't even know this world existed until I wished my brother away..." she replied, her voice trailing off.
"This is truly amazing, me running into the famous Sarah!" Lorien smiled joyously.
Sarah gave a little laugh at the fairy. "You act like I'm a celebrity or something."
"You are very well known here Lady. I and my kind would do anything for you," Lorien replied, smiling in awe at Sarah.
"Well, that is nice to know Lorien but I don't want to be special or anything." Sarah stood, walking towards an outside door. "I need to get some fresh air," she sighed.
*******
Sarah walked out to the gardens, taking in the fragrance lacing the air. She wandered along gazing at the many different varieties of flowers and statues scattered among the shrubbery. Lorien darted off, heading to some bushes. Sarah watched her go, wondering what she was up to. She was surprised to see more fairies spring up from behind the flowers, gathering around Lorien. Sarah shook her head and smiled, hoping they were as friendly as Lorien.
"What are you up to Lorien?" she asked, walking up to her.
"I was explaining to them what had happened to me. They are my friends and family but I won't bother you with introductions," she said, smiling up at Sarah.
Sarah was about to say something to Lorien when movement caught her eye. She glanced over to see Hoggle approaching.
"Hoggle!" She ran up to her friend and knelt down, throwing her arms around her friend.
"Hi Sarah," he said, shuffling his feet as he tentatively hugged her back.
Sarah leaned back, holding Hoggle by the shoulders. "How have you been? It has been too long Hoggle."
Hoggle looked over Sarah's shoulder and noticed the large congregation of fairies. His eyes got really big, "Sarah I need to get to work. The garden is infested with fairies!" he said, raising his little pesticide sprayer.
"Hoggle! Don't you dare harm them! They are my friends!" Sarah admonished, scowling.
"But..." he peered up at Sarah. "They's are your friends?"
"Yes," she said, smiling over at Lorien as she flew to Sarah.
Hoggle's mouth dropped open as the little fairy sat on Sarah's shoulder. "You make the strangest friends Sarah," he said, shaking his head.
She looked down at Hoggle and started laughing. "Yes I sure do have that tendency Hoggle."
They sat down on the grass and chatted for a while, catching up on things. She wasn't sure what happened first; Hoggle made a remark about how many fairies he had gotten earlier and then suddenly there was a swarm of fairies surrounding him, biting and cursing.
Sarah sat there a brief second stunned. Suddenly she stood, "Stop that!" She yelled, reaching a hand out towards Hoggle. A small white flash came from her finger tips, grazing Hoggle's shoulder.
Sarah gasped, covering her mouth. "Hoggle!" she screamed, kneeling down beside him.
Hoggle sat up groggily, then scrambled back from Sarah. He looked at his arm, where it was smoldering.
"I'm so sorry Hoggle! I didn't mean to do it!"
"Tis alright Sarah, but....but stay away from me until you learn to control your magic," he said shakily.
Tears formed in her eyes as she looked down at her friend. She slowly stood and backed away, glancing at the fairies. They had fled back towards the shrubs after the little demonstration that Sarah had given them.
Confusion, anger, and hurt mixed within her, causing a sob to break through. Sarah turned away from her friends and ran as fast as her feet would carry her, back to the castle. Entering a hallway, she wandered along, her mind racing. She started to climb some stairs and then more stairs before her mind came reeling back to her. She had wandered into the stair room.
Sarah looked around and then slumped against the nearest wall. Placing her head in her hands, she took a few ragged breaths, trying to calm herself. She sat there, her mind going blank as she stared off into the distance.
*******
Kara, Alenda, and Jacen were frantically searching the castle for Sarah. Jacen had ran into Hoggle when he was making his rounds checking the security. After learning about what had happened he summoned Alenda and Kara.
Alenda approached the stair room, glancing in. She disliked this place very much and was reluctant to enter. Jacen came up behind her, sighing. "Well, this is the last place to look. Let's get it over with," he said, motioning for Alenda to go ahead of him.
They went opposite directions, climbing and descending. Alenda walked through an archway stumbling over something. Looking down she saw Sarah, curled in a ball on the stone floor.
"Jacen! I found her!" she yelled as she knelt down. She placed a hand on Sarah's forehead, noticing a slight flush on her face.
Jacen approached as Alenda stood. "We need to get her to bed. She has a fever," Alenda whispered.
Jacen scooped Sarah up in his strong arms, carrying her up a few flights of stairs before exiting out of the room. He gently laid her in bed as Alenda started brewing some medicinal tea. She sat next to Sarah, coaxing her to wake.
Sarah stirred, opening her eyes to see Alenda sitting next to her and Jacen standing beside the bed. "What happened?" she asked, confusion spreading across her face.
"Don't concern yourself right now with that Sarah. Drink this. It will help you feel better," Alenda replied, placing the cup of tea to Sarah's lips.
Sarah sipped the hot tea, feeling the warmth spread throughout her body. After finishing the warm drink, she laid back against the soft pillows and fell instantly asleep.
Alenda looked up at Jacen. "She will sleep until the morning." She pulled the blankets up to Sarah's chin. "What happened to her Jacen?"
Jacen hesitated until Alenda pinned him with a glare. She shook her head after Jacen explained to her what had happened. "Jareth should have talked to her before he left." She glanced back at Sarah. "How is her friend?"
"He will be alright. He barely got singed, but he is very frightened right now," Jacen replied, holding the door open for Alenda. They exited, leaving a tired, confused, and frightened young woman to rest.
*******
A/N: I have to thank each one of my reviewers personally: Bloodlust Night, Lady1Venus, Desdemona321, thank you for your reviews. I'm happy and excited that you are really enjoying my little story.
Dawn1: The unicorn scene was tormenting me in my dreams. I had that idea for the longest time before I even thought about writing a Laby story. I'm happy you enjoyed it as much as I dreamt about it. Jacen is such a clown! *laughs*
GenkiKarma: Thank you for the reviews! This is a wonderful compliment you gave me! I really enjoy working with words and finding different ways to describe things in the story.
Jukia Wolfcall: My faithful reviewer, what more can I say but thank you? I'm happy that you are enjoying my story and yes, you were correct! I had to go and review my story and I think I've come up with some plans to make the story a little more crazy in the near future. Hopefully some exciting things will happen. Let me know if this chapter made any sense to you and what you think may happen...LOL did you enjoy the peach cobbler?
