Sword? What Sword?

Chapter One

By: Mystcgrl99

Disclaimer: I don't own the rights to Labyrinth.

"Hey, Sarah, wait up! You act as though you have a demon on your heels! And no, I don't count."

Turing to look behind her, Sarah saw her good friend Deirdre running to catch up. Her real name was Amanda, but she liked Deirdre better.

"Deirdre, you're not a demon."

"Are you sure?" With this Sarah's friend started laughing evilly, something she was very good at.

"You can stop laughing now. You don't scar me. Hey, wait. Amanda Mairie Barnes! You're not trying to sneak one of your swords into school again, are you!"

Deirdre stopped laughing.

"Not necessarily. Besides, what makes you think I have a sword?

"Oh, I don't know, maybe the hilt that came uncovered from your coat while you were dancing around laughing. Deirdre, don't you remember what happened last time you tried this? Not only did you get I.S.S, but you mom grounded you for a month!"

"Sarah, I know what I'm doing. Well, maybe. But still, I… Sarah, who's that?"

Turning to look at whom Deirdre was pointing at, Sarah collided with Jareth, whom had just materialized behind her.

"Jareth, what the hell are you doing here?" Sarah stood glaring up at him, arms crossed and fuming. But Jareth wasn't looking at her, he was staring at Deirdre, confused.

"That's it? I literally appear out of thin air and all you say is "who's that?". No shrieks of fear, or what the hell are you? Normally I at least get an "Oh my God!", but no, not-"

Jareth stopped ranting. Not only did Sarah have her hand over his mouth, but Deirdre also had her sword against his throat.

"Will you settle for a, "wow, you talk too much."? Yes? Good. Now Sarah, I'll repeat myself, who is this?"

Stepping away from Jareth, Sarah glared at him while she answered. Deirdre did not remove her sword. "His name is Jareth. He's the King of the Goblins, in the underground, though why he's here I don't know."

"Oh, so he's the one who stole Toby."

Sarah gaped at Deirdre. "How do you… Dei, he did ask you a good question. Why didn't you freak?"

Under the gazes of both Jareth and Sarah, Deirdre started to fidget. Even having a sword at his throat, Jareth could still unnerve with his eyes. Stepping back, Deirdre put away her sword. She wouldn't meet Sarah's eyes. Turning to Jareth, Deirdre smiled brightly.

"So, Jareth, what brings you to Maine?"

"I don't think so. I might not know you, but I can still tell when you're trying to change the subject. And if you think either Sarah or I were that stupid, then you would be most foolish."

"Jareth, shut up. Dei's right, you do talk too much. Deirdre, start talking. Now."

"Sar, it's a long story, can we at least go somewhere more comfortable? I'd rather not have to stand in the middle of the school parking lot. Maybe his Royal-Tightness can do something."

Glaring Jareth made his displeasure known in a most stupid way. "I don't enjoy being made fun of."

"Jareth, I don't think Dei cares. Now, can you take us somewhere to talk? And besides, it's a cute nick name, I like it."

Grinning evilly to each other, Sarah and Deirdre linked arms and looked expectantly at Jareth.

"Oh fine. We'll go to my castle." With that, Jareth produced a crystal and the three of them reappeared in a comfortable sitting room. A snap of his fingers and Jareth had a fire going in the hearth. Deirdre, plopping down on a soft sofa, looked around in approval as Sarah sat down beside her.

"So this is the underground? Not bad. Mind if I live here from now on?"

"Yes, though Sarah is more than welcome to stay."

"I think dad and Karen might be upset if I did that, so, um, no. Anyways, Dei, kindly tell us what the hell is up."

"All right Sar, no need to ripe my arm off!"

Sarah let go of Deirdre's wrist, and Deirdre settled more comfortably into the cushions.

"I don't really know where to start. I suppose I should tell you all of it. Well, anyways, about three years ago…"