A little bad language in this chapter, sorry.

Chapter 4: Who's Dead?

Sarah stood in the living room of her apartment. She was facing the front door trying to adjust to where she was and what she was to do now when-

"Shit!"

Sarah about peed herself, she was so surprise by the sudden exclamation. She turned to find her roommate standing in the living room with her.

"I thought I was here alone! Fuck, you scared the shit out of me! Were you in your room? I didn't hear you come in." Denise walked across the living to plop down on the couch as she asked.

"What is this?" She pointed to an hour glass sitting on the coffee table. Dribbles of sand moving down as she spoke.

Denise picked it up and started turning is over in her hand. The sand remained the same either way she turned it.

"It's an hour glass." Sarah answered. Apparently Jareth wasn't kidding about giving her just an hour.

"Doesn't match the living room décor, but if you like it in here it can stay. It's kind of cool how it doesn't reset." She looked up at Sarah.

"What's wrong? You look pale?"

"Nothing" Sarah answered a little too quickly.

"Did Jason finally ravish you?"

"No. No." Sarah shook her head, her face suddenly hot. She was still dazed by what transpired. 'I'm going to have to come up with a cover story.' She thought to herself.

"Denise. I am going out of town for about a week." Sarah hated lying to Denise. They had become good friends since Sarah had moved in to the apartment.

She had meet Denise right before she graduated college. Sarah had just gotten the job she currently works and was apartment hunting around the area. Sarah wasn't having any luck finding a place in the area within the budget of a graduate so she figured she would drown her sorrows in a glass. Denise worked in a bar, Rubie's, frequented by business folks from the office Sarah would be working.

After only a few drinks Sarah had practically told her life story, which turned out to be fortunate because Denise happened to be looking for a roommate. They agreed that night. Sarah woke up with a hangover and regret. She called Denise to schedule a proper meeting, one without Sarah sloshed. But even sober Sarah still liked Denise and they had lived together these past few years.

"Ya? When?" Denise was eating from a bowl of what looked like oatmeal.

"Within the hour."

"What the hell, Sarah. Why so soon?"

"Something came up. A relative died out of state. I have to help with the arrangements."

"Oh damn, I'm sorry. Who was it?"

"A relative." Sarah was never a good liar. Quick on her feet; yes, but a horrible liar.

"Yes, but what relative?" she rolled her eyes, "I'm not that slow. I understand family tree." She jested.

"A great Aunt. I have to pack or I'll miss my flight." Sarah hurriedly spilled out as she quickly rushed to her room and closed the door before Denise could think of another question.

Leaning against the door inside her room Sarah sighed and looked around. 'Where to start?'

She walked across her room to her laptop sitting on her desk and turned it on. While it was booting up Sarah flopped down on her bed. Looking up at the ceiling she let her mind recap all that had passed.

"A year in the underground?" She asked herself aloud. She turned on her side and reached out for the plushy lying near the headboard. Sitting up she put the bear in her lap looking down into its big plastic eyes.

"Lancelot, what do I do? I doubt I have a choice. That council or whatever seemed pretty serious. Besides Jareth would just drag me back anyhow. But, why now? It's been nearly 10 years. And what was all that business about guardian? All seems tied to when I had to run the Labyrinth...but what is it I'm really required to do?"

Sarah sat in silent mediation going over all her options. That's what accountants did. They looked for loop wholes, balanced everything, and found the solutions with careful calculations. After 10min or so had passed she tossed her childhood toy on to the bed and stood.

"I have to pack! Thanks for the talk Lancelot!" with that Sarah went about packing.

Sarah had no clue what to pack nor if she would be able to come back for more. So she decided to back a little of everything. After her suit cases where packed and ready she sat down in front of her laptop.

"Now to tie up loose ends." She spread her fingers over the keyboard and went to work. She wrote an email to Dad and Irene first explaining to them how she had to go out of town for a business trip. She let them know she would be gone for a week and that they shouldn't expect to hear from her. She told a few of her closest friends the same story she told Denise. A few coworkers got the same lie, but with requests for then to cover her accounts until she got back. Lastly she emailed Jason.

Jason,

I'm sorry this is such short notice, but my aunt out of state has passed. I will be taking some time off to help with the arrangements. Sorry, but I will have to postpone our date this weekend. Don't worry I'll make it up to you!

Take care,

Sarah

Sarah read the email over again. She wasn't happy with it, felt it was too impersonal, but time was running out. Beside what more could she say to a guy she's been out with a few times. It's not like there is any real commitment, right? But she felt the obligation and didn't what to leave without saying good bye, she really liked the guy!

"Better hurry!" Sarah glanced around her room making sure she had everything she might need. She tucked Lancelot under her arm and reached for her bags. She went back out to the living room to find Denise doing yoga.

"Well I'm off, Denise!"

"Ok. Be safe! I know it's kind of a crappy trip, but try to have a little fun." said Denise from her upside down dog pose.

"I'll try. Stay out of trouble."

"Please! Trouble in my middle name." Denise got up and gave Sarah a hug and to shoo her off. With one finally wave Sarah opened her front door and stepped out as the last bit of sand fell through the hour glass.

Sarah found herself back in the amphitheater in the Natural Hall this time only she and Delerae stood in the giant hall.

"You're back?!" said Delerae as she approached Sarah.

"Was I gone long?"

"No, seconds really."

Sarah sighed and looked around the empty hall, "Now what? Where is Jareth?"

"I believe he went back to his castle. He has no need for portal mirrors, he has his own power to transport. We are also to head to the castle."

"He just left us? With my bags to carry? That ass, apparently chivalry is dead. The castle you said?"

"Yes, you will be staying there while you complete your studies."

"With Jareth?"

"He is in charge of your studies and has the best knowledge of the Labyrinth."

"I suppose." Said Sarah somewhat crest fallen.

"Well, I suspect you have many more questions?"

"Tons."

"Well, my Lady, I will catch you up as we head to the castle."

"First tell me about this portal mirror thing."

"Some mirrors here are more than pretty bobbles to look at yourself. Some can transport those who haven't the magic ability to do so themselves or some can show you what you desire. Magic mirrors are rare. Most were destroyed some time ago the ones that are left are far and few between."

Sarah curiosity was defiantly peaked, "Why would they be destroyed?"

"Long ago there was an evil queen who used mirrors to do her bidding. Transportation mirrors used for assassinations and desires used to blackmail, twist, and spy. That was a many, many years ago. Now they are very expensive acquisitions. This one-" She pointed to the large wall mirror they had used to transport them to the Neutral Hall, "-would cost as much as a small kingdom."

"How does it work?" Sarah asked confused.

"You merely think of where you want to go and touch the mirror to activate it. Would you like to try?"

Sarah looked at the mirror, "Ok. What do I do?"

"Think about the last time you were at the Goblin Castle, capture the image. Then when you have it touch the mirror."

Sarah did as she was instructed. The mirror started to ripple as she touch it. She felt the pull almost instantly. She watched her arm disappear as she was pulled into the mirror.

Thanks for reading! Sorry this one is still a little short! I'm am attempting to stretch the next ones out, though.