So Cruel

Chapter 2: Sarah's Return

The same disclaimer still applies.

Hehe... the plot thickens.

"Sarah, you're late again. Your father and I won't be able to make it to the theatre on time now."

Stepping in from outside, Sarah closed the door behind her. Raindrops echoed against the windows, and bursts of light continually flashed throughout the room. It was already dark, and the sound of the storm rattled the walls of the house. Crossing her drenched arms across her chest, she simply stated, "I'm sorry Irene, but don't you see the weather outside? It's really pouring out there, and I couldn't help leaving the shop until a few moments ago. Besides, I'm not even that late."

Sarah's stepmother merely shook her head and checked herself in a nearby mirror. Fixing her hair and adjusting the sleeves of her elaborate pink and white dress, she called up the stairs.

"Dear, Sarah's finally arrived. Are you ready yet? We really do have to be leaving soon."

Soon after, a man arrived at the top of the staircase and began his way down the steps. Subtle creases were etched along his face and he wore a look of noticeable tiredness. The man, Sarah's father, Robert, started walking toward his daughter and smiled.

"Thanks again, Sarah. We, your stepmother and I, really do appreciate you taking such time with us and babysitting Toby. Trust me, I understand that there are other things you rather be doing now than waiting up for us so we can go out. But, still," placing his hand on Sarah's shoulder while looking in her eyes, "your persistence shows just how much you've grown up. Hmmm. Yes, well, I guess we'll be back around midnight. Until then."

Then motioning his arm toward Irene, he grabbed his coat off a hook in the wall with the other hand and slipped on his shoes. With Irene leading the way, both disappeared behind the closed front door of the house. A sound of a car's engine was heard until it gradually left the driveway- leaving only the sound of the mounting storm behind them. Sarah unhurriedly walked toward the door in order to check if the lock was set. Seeing it was indeed locked, she began her way up the stairs.

Considering her father's recent statements, she paused at the top of the staircase and stared outside the window. Things certainly had become better between the two in the three years since her adventures in the labyrinth. Of course, although her relationship with her stepmother was still strained, their interactions were improving nonetheless. What's more, Toby and her had become exceedingly close, and Sarah did not truly mind babysitting him. It was, many times, actually a fun experience between them. Recalling past endeavors and happenings to him during bedtime tales, she preserved her cherished memories of her friends and the great enterprises they took on together. Although she had not called any of them, most notably a likely angry Goblin King, since she was last in the labyrinth, she still knew she wasn't ready to fully separate with them just yet.

Still staring through the window, Sarah noticed it was especially dark tonight. The constant flashes of lightning communicated a sensation of unease, as their individual streaks repeatedly revealed the harsh outlines of the swaying tree limbs and its rattling leaves outside. Something's not right. Swiftly turning, she moved past the window and started to run toward Toby's room. In her rush, however, she missed the unusual strikes of white feathers rushing past the window frame.

Bolting into the room, Sarah called, "Toby, are you alright?"

Not hearing a response, she cautiously approached the bed. Eyeing the scene, nothing seemed out place. Now, a bit closer, she saw the sleeping figure of her young brother under the folds of warm blankets and pillows. There was a peaceful expression on his face and his slow, calm breaths regularly raised and lowered the blankets upon him. Good, he's safe.

Sighing in relief, Sarah looked over the room once more. Confirming that everything was secure, she made her way towards her own room and closed the door behind her.

"I'm getting too old for this. That world of Hoggle, Ludo, and Sir Didymus is unfortunately long gone, and I just have to face that fact"

Plopping herself headfirst upon the cushions of her bed, slight tears began to stream down her face.

Somewhat bitterly, she said, "It's not fair! Why shouldn't I see my friends again? Even Jareth…"

Suddenly, a crystal rolled noisily across her bedroom floor. Eyes shooting right open, she jumped to her feet and started to run towards the door.

"Tsk, Tsk. I don't think so dear Sarah. But, my, you are a quick one aren't you?"

Darien emerged from the shadows of the doorway wearing a sinister-looking black cloak and entirely adorned in black attire. Smiling somewhat devilishly, he advanced toward Sarah and significantly shortened the distance between them.

Eventually moving intimately close, he began, "How rude of me- simply forgot my manners." Backing off a bit, he purposefully brushed against Sarah before resuming at his position next to Sarah's bed. "Sarah, let me introduce myself. My name is Darien, and I will shortly be known as a Goblin Prince."

Taking advantage of the renewed distance between them, she dashed into the hallway and ran towards Toby's room. Shutting the door behind her, Sarah abruptly found herself pushed against the door and Darien's silver eyes piercing into her own. Darien forced her hands above her, and, with his other free hand, gently traced the outlines of her face. He wore leather gloves.

Struggling against her offender, she ultimately realized she was trapped. Darien clearly overpowered her, but Sarah returned with a fierce and unyielding glare into his face.

Laughing, Darien whispered, "I see time with you will be quite interesting. Jareth, I guess, sincerely did have his own challenges and difficulties from you three years ago."

Slightly flustered with the memories flooding back, Sarah worked toward returning her face to a forced calm demeanor. She did not want to lose to this man. Aiming to kick him, Darien revealed a short level of surprise before quickly parrying the attack by moving even closer- fully imprisoning Sarah in his grasps.

Darien simply smiled.

"Sarah, I suggest that if you don't rather enjoy such close contact between us, you stop struggling. Of course, I'm willing to oblige either way"

Rolling her eyes in an attempt to conceal her blush, "What do you want Darien? Why are you here? If you're here for Toby, I won't-"

Cutting her off, Darien explained, "Although I rather enjoy how we are right now, I do actually have important matters to discuss with you. I believe I am in a position to offer you an appealing proposal." Pausing to observe her reaction, he then continued, "The labyrinth is in dire states right now. Unfortunately, not more can be said of the Underground populace either, for everyone and everything seems to becoming weaker and their powers wavering. This includes your dear friends Sarah."

Watching the growing guilt emerge from Sarah's face, Darien furthered, "There is sufficient evidence linking you to this untoward decline for, as you might not have known, the labyrinth is a highly venerated and respected source of our powers. You defeat of it has-".

"I get it. So, why do you still need me then?" Already anticipating the answer, she just waited for Darien's response.

"Well, I believe your return to the Underground could possibly return some of the powers you took from it those years ago. And, as one of the future Goblin Princes, I find it my responsibility to seek out all chances toward the labyrinth's recovery. Thus, I am here before you right now. Do you understand?"

"One of the future Goblin Princes?"

"Why, you are bright as you are beautiful." Darien mused at her attempts to look away. "Yes, Sarah, I will be one part of a duo. Jareth will play the other piece."

Sarah was surprised at how her heart faltered at that mention. Nonetheless, she knew that she needed to return to her friends and restore the inadvertent damage she inflicted on the Underground… even if that required her to confront the former Goblin King once again.

As if reading her mind, Darien said, "While, if you choose to accompany me back to the Underground, we will unfortunately be insulted with Jareth's presence, I promise to repay you for the discomfort."

Moving closer and whispering gently, "Wish yourself to me, and I will be your slave…" chuckling, "well, rather, I assure your visit will be as enjoyable as possible."

Stepping forward and confronting the striking and slightly intimidating man before her, "And Toby?"

"He will be kept in utmost safety in the care of your parents. You and all memories of you will merely be put away for the time of your departure. Once our business is finished, everything will be restored to normal. You can trust me, as I am a man of my word." At this, Daring leaned toward Sarah and debonairly kissed the top of her hand.

Sarah quickly retracted her had and gave Darien a menacing look.

"I don't know what kind of person you expect I am but don't you dare look forward to any… cozy relations between us." Sarah simply stood and dared him to challenge her with her eyes.

"Of course, you can trust that I am a gentlemen." Grinning slightly, "But, my Sarah, what kind of unclean mind do you have to have such thoughts"

"Darien, come on. Let's just get this done with."

"My love, I await your words."

Breathing in slowly, Sarah pronounced the powered words, "I wish the Goblin Prince would take me away right now."

Offering his arm toward Sarah and smiling mischievously, "As you wish."

Dum, Dum, Dummmm... lol. What could be going on in that Darien's naughty head?

Thanks and I hope you enjoyed ). Please Review- it would be very much appreciated. Until next time!