Chapter 6: Gingersnap
Author Note: Hey look it's a new chapter! Sorry about the disappearance if you would like to know why I've been gone the short version is life got crazy, but the long version can be found on my profile. I really do appreciate all the messages asking about my whereabouts.
I updated all pervious chapters to fix a few things. You don't have to re-read because nothing plot-wise changed, but you'll still most likely have to re-read anyway because it has been so long. I hope you enjoy . Review if you want or you can send me a private message. Have fun!
The awkward trio of the un-named man, lost girl, and strangely enthusiastic cat continued their journey for another day toward a goal only the nameless man knew. The man walked with a determined purpose, while the girl and feline trailed behind. Elsie was slowed even more by the fact that cat kept trying to hop into her arms. He clearly did not wish to walk for much further. Elsie begrudgingly carried Gingersnap for a few more paces until she became fed up and, by surprise of the cat, dropped the creature to the earth. "If I have to walk then so do you." Gingersnap responded with a pathetic croak of a meow. He dragged his furry paws slowly through the underbrush.
With a yawn Elsie watched the sun gradually drop out of view. "Hey John, wait up!" She trotted to catch up with man she nicknamed John.
Still determined in his pace he grumbled, "My name is not John."
"Well, mystery man, it's getting dark."
With an exasperated sigh the man slowed, "I can see that."
Gingersnap disappeared ahead, but both Elsie and the nameless man paid little attention to the feline.
Elsie had no clue who could put up with such an impossible man. "So, what about camp?"
"What about it?" The man's speed increased again.
"Aren't we going to set up camp? I want to sleep," she lengthened her steps to try to stay up to speed with his longer stride.
"No."
"No!?" Elsie franticly ran to catch up, "But it's late. You can't expect us to just keep walking."
He refused to turn toward the girl, "I don't expect you to do anything girl, but I expect I can continue walking for quite a while longer." His speed increased even more.
"BLOODY HELL!" The man toppled to the ground. Elsie stood back in shock. Gingersnap had hurdled down unto the man stopping him in his tracks. "Fine we'll set up camp," Gingersnap was shoved from the man's chest. The cat had a triumphant look upon his face.
Elsie walked toward the man, to help with camp, and as she passed Gingersnap, she gave him a long satisfying stroke, "Good kitty."
A fire was made and the trio silently prepared for the night.
Time passed and they each found their own places to rest for the night. The cat insisted on lying atop Elsie. She didn't mind for it was just a cat.
Elsie laid by the fire, petting Gingersnap, cooing in his ear.
The mystery man claimed a place opposite the fire for his bed. He tossed and turned, unable to sleep, "Ugh are you ever silent?! I just want some peace and quiet."
Elsie pantomimed his lip movements mocking him.
Either unaware or uncaring of the girl's disrespect he continued, "I retrieved you from that prison I think I'm bloody owed that much."
She responded while still playing with the cat, "Well I want to make sure Gingersnap knows he's a good kitty. He did help me too you know."
The man finally rolled over anger on his face, "That is NOT a cat!"
Elsie sat up partially for a better view of the man and partially out of fear. She cradled the cat closer to her chest as if to protect it. Gingersnap nuzzled closer to her breast and turned to give the angry man a very human-like smirk.
Gaining her courage, Elsie barked back, "You keep on saying that, but what Hell do you mean?"
The nameless man pinched his nose in frustration, "Sarah was never this difficult, or foul mouthed"
Elsie ignored his comment and held the cat at arms length to better examine it. "Well I guess it is a magical cat, but it's still a cat." Gingersnap playfully swatted her nose, tail flicking in amusement.
The cat was forcefully ripped from her grasp; it squeaked a meow in surprise. "Stop this charade Alion!" The cat growled as the man tossed him over toward a nearby log. It stumbled, but stretched it's back to try to make the tumble appear intentional.
"Hey! You can't just go tossing cats as you please," but before she could finish the cat morphed.
Now before her sat a beautiful honey skinned young man. His apricot hair shimmered with gold. Slightly pointed ears peeked out from his choppy mane. He shared the cat's eyes. That couldn't be the cat, that person could not be Gingersnap, could he? Elsie suddenly felt stupid for calling such a man a silly name.
The young man sat upon the log with his crossed leg swaying in playfulness. He looked toward the older gentleman, with a mocking pout on his face, "Now why do you always have to ruin my fun?"
"Because that bloody display of affection between you two grew sickening!"
"Well you owe me a damn good pillow. I was quite looking forward to the firm ones I was going to sleep with tonight." He gave Elsie a wink.
Elsie grabbed a clump of dirt and tossed it at the young man. He just chuckled and lazily blocked the incoming shower of earth with his hand. Elsie gestured to her chest, "These are not 'pillows'."
The young man laughed in response, "Hey now I was just giving you a compliment. No need to throw a fit."
Elsie was unsure if she felt uncomfortable due to the discovery of Gingersnap's true identity, or that just a few moments ago she allowed him to knead her chest, "Maybe I don't want any of your compliments!" She crossed her arms in modesty.
The young man leaned forward with a suave grin; "I could insult you if you wish."
Elsie flopped down onto the ground with a humph and stared into the blanket of stars, "Why is everyone here so impossible?"
The young man positioned himself to lie next to the girl and played with her hair, but Elsie ignored him, "For such a cute little round ear you sure have a gloomy outlook. Nothing is impossible."
The nameless man laid back down in frustration and breathed out, "And the sickening display continues."
After a moment of silence Elsie spoke, "What should I call you? 'Cause I'm definitely not calling you Gingersnap."
The young man remained fascinated with her hair, "I started to grow fond of that name."
A muffled sound behind them interrupted, "just tell her your damn name so I can get some sleep." The nameless man obviously covered his face with his cloak to block his sight of his two companions.
A rumble of a chuckle escaped the young man, "Well I guess I should oblige, for the old man could use as much beauty rest as he can get." A groan was the only response.
"My name's Alion. It's a pleasure to meet you." He held his hand out expecting a shake. Elsie just stared. "What, do you not know what a handshake is?"
Finally realizing that her mind went blank, Elsie stumbled to regain her composure, and shook his hand, "oh sorry, it's just so strange I mean I thought you where a cat."
"No sorry, I'm not a cat, but I am a prince," Alion finished with a smirk and a wink.
The shock was evident on Elsie's face. "What? Wow really? Well what were you doing in that dingy inn?"
"My father is completely useless as a ruler without my mother pulling the strings, so I was on my way to retrieve her from the Goblin King. I'm not a fan of traveling like royalty. It's much more interesting prowling the streets un-noticed. That's how I found you passed out in the desert," Alion simply stated.
"Your father isn't much use for anything," the older man interjected with another groan.
Alion stopped admiring Elsie's red hair and rolled to better face the man, "that, I would have to agree with you on."
"Wait you're telling me that your mom is friends with the Goblin King? She just goes and has afternoon tea with that monster?" Elsie couldn't believe someone so cruel could have friends.
"Oh he's not too bad. Even though he is a bit dull now-a-days." Alion looked toward the older companion, "So, where is my mother?"
"Why would he know?" It clicked, like the final piece to an impossible puzzle, but instead of an image of beauty, the puzzle revealed something sickening. Elsie realized she's been traveling with the Goblin King. "no, NO you can't be him!"
She stood to run but was impeded by the prince grabbing her shoulders, "Oh no you don't, I don't want to go chasing you all over this forest."
"Let me go! How can you trust that thing? He killed my Dad!" She fought back from his grasp.
Jareth kneeled in front of the frighten girl, "I did no such thing you silly child!"
"I don't believe you!" She screamed.
Alion soften his grip and tried to calm her, "Elsie, believe me, he would never hurt you or your family."
"He killed my dad." Elsie fought back the tears.
Jareth rested back on his heels giving the girl room.
"No he wouldn't, he loves your mother. Why would he do such a thing?" Alion continued to try to calm Elsie.
"He doesn't love her; he tried to turn my uncle into a goblin," fright was still apparent in her voice.
"I did want she wished of me! That's what I do. I am bound to grant forgotten children's wishes," Jareth rejoined the scene.
Elsie slowly began to regain her composure, "She wasn't forgotten. She had a family."
Jareth sighed with irritation, why must he explain everything? "The true reality of the situation doesn't matter. What someone perceives as his or her reality IS what matters. She felt forgotten, so she was forgotten." He paused to slow down, he didn't wish to frighten her any further, "how do you think you arrived here?"
Alion released Elsie, confident she would remain, "Well uh I don't know. It just happened."
"Magic doesn't 'just happen'. There has to be a catalyst. You wished to find the one who killed your father. That is why you are here." Jareth looked reassuringly into her gaze.
Elsie asked, "If you didn't kill him then who would?"
Jareth resituated his legs into a more comfortable postion, "It seems my brother would, and now he has both of your mothers and is trying to gain control of the Labyrinth."
"Wait what?" Alion tried to join the exchange, but was unsuccessful.
Elsie finally began to accept what the Goblin King said as truth; she was going to find a way to save her mother, "What should we do?"
Annoyance began to rise again in Jarteh's voice, "There is no we. I am taking you somewhere safe, then I am going to ask the oracle what must be done."
"But-" Elsie was unable to finish.
The fuming prince hated being ignored, "Now hold on, are you telling me that my mother is trapped in the Labyrinth with Rivian?" Alion grew up with tales of the forgotten prince. Rivian was the Underground's boogeyman.
"Yes," Jareth was unable to look Alion in the eye. The prince's mother was gone and Jareth wasn't even sure if she could be saved.
Alion left Elsie's side and began to pace, "So let me get this straight, you, the Keeper of the Labyrinth, failed to protect my mother from some exiled trash?" The prince wasn't sure he expected an answer, but it felt good to clear his head of thoughts.
"He had Rianadayr! He had control of Sarah. I could have killed her if I fought back," Jareth began with great force, but slowly he started to falter in his belief.
Elsie could only sit back and watch the argument unfold. She watched as Alion continued his tirade. "You and your stupid fascination with humans. Rivian has the Labyrinth now. Your attachment to one human has put thousands of lives in danger; human and Fae alike!"
"You think I don't know that? I know more about Rivian, and what he's capable of, than anyone," Jareth defended.
Alion desperately tried to make sense of what he was hearing, "what happened to your power? I thought you kept control of the Labyrinth no matter where you were?" He grew up with the belief that the Keeper of the Labyrinth could do anything. He wasn't sure if that because of his mother's fondness for the man, or Jareth's ego.
Jareth wasn't sure he should reveal his weakness, but something had to be done to settle the young man; so he replied faintly, "I can't keep complete control without my amulet."
Alion stopped to stare down at the Goblin King, "Some all powerful Fae you are."
Jareth stood to meet Alion's height. "I never claimed to be an all powerful Fae!" his voice returned to its normal ferocity.
Surprised by the Goblin King's newfound force, Alion hesitated, "but you let everyone think-"
"Please can we stop yelling we're getting no where." Elsie grew tired of the men's bickering. Both Fae turned toward the girl's voice of reason. With both of their attention, she continued, "who is this Oracle, and how do we get to her?"
"She's the last immortal Fae. She heads the Court" Alion said.
"You two are not coming." Jareth did not want to be responsible for any more lives.
Alion found a seat on the nearby log. He would let Elsie take over the argument from here. "Like Hell we aren't. I'm not just going to sit back hoping you succeed. We're coming," Elsie gestured to Alion and herself.
"How do expect to get into a council meeting without me?" Alion remained seated on the log. Jareth needed the prince's help even if he wouldn't admit it. "If the Western Kingdom sees you stroll into the capital powerless you can just say farewell to your little goblins." The Golem Kingdom was always looking for a weak opponent to flex their military might.
Jareth watched the fire dwindle into embers. "I am not powerless"
"You might as well be."
Elsie ignored the petty squabble and tried to carry on, "Alion, how can you help?"
"There's a great ball celebrating the equinox. All Court members attend, so my family is invited. I can sneak you in." Alion paused to think, "I might be able to pass you two off as servants." He picked up a nearby twig and began to twill it through his fingers.
"Will that work?" Elsie couldn't believe it to be that simple. She had a hard time imagining Jareth taking to being a servant too well.
"I don't know. It should be easy enough." The prince yawned; it was getting late. "Everyone is usually too drunk to notice or care what the servants do."
"Awesome!" Elsie hoped this would be enough to convince Jareth that he needed them, "so we can go right?"
"Fine," Jareth waved off the girl's excitement as if it were a cloud of pesky gnats. "We will head for the South Kingdom and then to the capital from there." He returned to his designated spot near the fire. "I'm leaving at dawn. If you aren't up and ready by then, I'm leaving you behind." He rolled on his side, "Now good night."
Elsie prepared to go to sleep. Alion snuck up behind, but as he reached around for an embrace he received a quick smack. "Watch it!"
Alion undeterred, whispered, "Come now, it's suppose to get fairly chilly tonight."
"Well it's a good thing I'm hot-blooded."
"That you are." Alion's grin widened. A familiar grunt was heard opposite the now glowing embers, and the trio eventually drifted to sleep.
The air was moist with morning dew as the lazy sun began peek over the endless green treetops. The day was just gaining it's color and all that could be heard was the crackling fire the prince tended. He was preparing breakfast. Some unfortunate lizards were rotating on a makeshift spit, their skin crisping with every flick of the flame.
Alion inspected one of the darker creatures. Satisfied that it was cooked thoroughly he headed over toward a sleeping Elsie. "Hey get up," he gave her a gentle shake.
Elsie woke with her eyes focused on a very dead, very burnt, lizard. "What the-!" She jolted up to see the poor thing was speared, by a stick, and held by a smug Alion.
"Sorry, I ensure you that startling you was not my intention."
Elsie saw through his lie, he enjoyed making her uncomfortable, "What is that?" She pointed at the lizard.
"Breakfast."
"How did you catch it?" Not seeing any traps, she was confused, and disgusted.
"I'm a cat remember," Alion laughed at her puzzled face.
"Oh yeah…" Elsie pulled her knees to her chest.
Alion held the lizard out in offering, "here."
"Eh no thanks."
"Just eat it," Alion began to impatiently shake the lizard. "It's a long way to the South Kingdom," he said in a sing-song voice.
Her stomach let out a low rumble; there was no denying her hunger. "Alright fine," she took the offered meal and looked around, "Uh where's um-"
"Jareth?" The prince began to eat.
"Yeah," Elsie glanced down at her lizard seeing if it could be eaten without gagging.
Alion flicked the stick, of his own toasted critter, over his shoulder, and motioned his head to the right, "down by the stream, getting water. He'll be back soon."
They sat and ate in silence.
After they were both full, or at least as full one could get on burnt reptile, Elsie broke the uneasy silence, "so... Who is this Rivian guy? What makes him so scary? I mean they're brothers, right?"
"I'm not really the one to tell you about him." It was the first time Elsie saw Alion uneasy. "I don't know too much about him. But, yes, they are brothers." Elsie moved in for a closer seat. "Rivian is the eldest. The Labyrinth chose Jareth as its guardian after their father fell ill." Alion's gaze fell from her view, his apricot fringe obscured his features.
"Wait it chose him? It's conscious?"
"From what I understand, in a way it is." His face remained hidden. "Only Jareth's bloodline knows what exactly it is and what it can do. Fae families don't like sharing, well much of anything really."
Elsie lowered her head to try to get a better view of his face. "So this guy is just miffed that he's not King and Jareth is?"
Alion looked toward Elsie, "I-"
Jareth appeared behind the two, "Stop assuming about things you know nothing about." He had several, water-filled, leather skins slung over his shoulder.
"So then you tell us why this guy's so angry." Elsie leaned back, braced by the heel of her hands.
Jareth retrieved his discarded cloak, as he spoke, "He is not angry; he is a psychotic murderer." His voice didn't increase in volume; it just remained the same, as if one were reciting common facts. "Don't think for a second he is just angry and throwing some kind of tantrum."
"Well what's his deal then?" Elsie was genuinely interested in learning of this villain's past.
"That is none of your concern," Jareth kicked scattering dirt; extinguishing the fire.
Elsie rose, brushing the dust from her clothes, "Of course it is my concern, he killed my dad and kid napped my Mom. I'm pretty sure I deserve to know."
The Goblin King took a step toward the girl, "Not now, if we make it to the capital then maybe I'll tell you."
"You know by saying that you are ensuring we stick with you," Elsie replied with a silly grin.
"I know," Jareth kicked the sitting prince prodding him to move. Alion leapt to his feet anxious to return home. He missed his bed.