"Sky's Eclipse"
Chapter 13
By Aiijuin
*Disclaimer: I don't own anything Jim Henson or Labyrinth. Gröeg was originally designed by Brian Froud and catalogued by Terry Jones in Brian Froud's "The Goblins of the Labyrinth". This fanfiction is rated M for some harsh language (which is only used by Toby) and adult situations.
PS: Please let me know if I messed up anywhere with the grammar. I proofread about a dozen times before I post my chapters on , but sometimes I still miss a few flubs. Thank you!
**Revised: 09/10/2009: Chapter number discontinuity has been repaired, major grammatical errors have been fixed, and Irene's name has been changed to Karen, because 90% of all "Labyrinth" fanfictions recognize this to be Sarah's stepmother's real name. I don't know which is right or wrong, but I like the name 'Karen' better for a nice stepmother.
Chapter Thirteen: Supervise her!
Robert straightened the bowtie on his tuxedo. He was dressed to perfection and nothing less would do tonight. Toby was tugging at his shirt. He wasn't happy about having to wear a suit. Karen had argued with Toby to try on a tuxedo at the store, but Toby refused to look like a penguin. He opted for a black suit jacket with a turquoise turtleneck. Karen wanted to leave Toby home, because it had been a while since she and Robert had a night out alone. But Gavin King insisted that the entire Williams' family attend his banquet celebration. Apparently, Liege Litigation, LLC had taken on an important client from a high scale corporation in New York City. The corporation had heard of King's reputation of winning the most difficult cases in the courtroom. They decided to send out their best layers and board members to meet he and his staff. Gavin decided to hold a black-tie banquet to establish 'good relations' and help them become acquainted with each other's staff.
Sarah walked down the stairs dressed in a long, antique white, satin gown that hugged her figure in the waist, but was full and puffed at the bottom. As before, her hair was pulled into a partial updo. She allowed wisps of hair to remain free which added a Gibson-Girl enhancement to her appearance. She was absolutely breathtaking. Robert pecked his daughter on the cheek in approval at her ensemble. He grimaced over Toby, but decided to leave him be, since nobody would really be paying attention to non-staff tonight… or so he thought.
Karen Williams entered the room. She had her hair pulled into a neat bun with curled blonde strands twisted ornately through. She wore a teal blue, mermaid style, gown that had an empire waistline.
When the corsages were properly placed on the ladies, and Karen smoothed Toby's hair again for the third time, the four Williamses were piled into Robert's black BMW and driven to Gavin's mansion on Henkies Estate.
Robert arrived and parked his car around the circular driveway. Sarah, who wasn't used to wearing six-inch heels anymore, stumbled several times over the pebbles and stone leading up to the front of the house. Gröeg, the butler, has already opened the door. He ushered the Williamses into the waiting area, where cocktails and hors d'oeuvres were being served on silver platters. Mr. King was greeting his guests as they entered. Upon seeing Sarah, he broke conversation with his current corporate invitees and walked over to kiss her hand. In the background, a live string quartet played lightly, giving the atmosphere an inviting and musical backdrop. Toby was commenting about how he wished Gavin had hired a DJ instead, but Karen silenced her son with a threatening look. Toby broke away from the greeting zone and decided to grab a glass of champagne when his parents weren't looking. Sarah was engaging in casual conversation between her parents and Gavin, when she spotted a "ghost" from her past.
It was Michael Pierce!
Instantly, she froze.
Her face became deadpan.
Obviously, Mike had noticed her before she had noticed him. He was eyeing her closely. As he had in the past, Mike's leering eyes made Sarah feel extremely uncomfortable. He wore a smirk that twisted across his lips and insinuated lust.
Sarah looked around. She recognized several of the board members that had fired her in a unanimous vote on that winter morning eight years ago. Sarah realized that the corporate clients Gavin had invited, were her former employers in the Big Apple. Mike leaned in towards another board member and nodded in Sarah's direction. Suddenly, Sarah had wished she hadn't gone out tonight.
Gröeg came out to announce that dinner was about to be served. Mike chose that moment to make his way towards Sarah. Sarah looked at his hands. He was still wearing a wedding band on his left third finger, which meant he was still married.
Mike waited until Sarah walked by. He fondled that nape of her neck with the tips of his fingers. She tried to retain her composure. Sarah didn't want to cause a scene at a high-class function, especially since it concerned her father's career. She grimaced to herself. Having a glass of champagne in her hand, she walked gracefully to keep from spilling it, which meant she couldn't make any sudden moves. Mike continued to take advantage of her and lowered his hand down her back, until it rested just above her tops of her buttocks. He leaned in and said in a hiss, "I'll bet you've missed this."
Sarah turned her head slightly and responded in a soft, monotone whisper, "Not really."
By the time she reached the door to take her assigned place at Gavin's formal dining table, Sarah was wearing a deep frown. Gavin was standing at the entry doors and awaiting the last of the dinner guests to find their seats. Sarah and Mike entered last. Mike walked by Gavin with a, "Hello, Sir."
Gavin smiled back and nodded in recognition. He saw Sarah walk with her glass in her hand. She looked incredibly unhappy. Gavin asked, "Why, Sarah my Dear, are you well?"
Sarah didn't speak, but nodded. Her face was red with exasperation. As Jareth, he could tell his plan was working. He laughed to himself and closed the double doors behind him as he made his way to the head of the large, teak banquet table. Sarah walked around the to find her place card.
Ungh, Sarah fretted. She had been assigned to sit next to Mike. This function was going to be very unpleasant, indeed!
Mike was already reeking of alcohol and his hands immediately began groping her thigh the moment she sat down. Sarah's parents were seated near the head of the gigantic oval table, and her brother Toby was across from her. Gavin was at the end farthest from her area. Nearly forty people graced Gavin's Black-Tie Banquet and the table was unbelievably populated. The crowd was so great that Sarah couldn't hear Gavin or her father, and could she barely manage to see them either. Sarah was left alone to fend off Mike, once again.
She felt anxiety begin to take over. Her head was spinning. Mike had pulled at her gown until it exposed her bare leg. He reached up and began to feel her inner thighs. Sarah gulped down her champagne very unlady-like. Sarah proceeded to flag another servant to replace her glass.
Gavin, Robert, Karen, and several executive board members were making light conversation at the other end of the table. Toby was trying to sound interested as an elderly lawyer began reminiscing about his childhood in boarding school. He looked over and noticed Sarah had ordered, yet, another glass of champagne. He tabulated that this was probably her fifth one in the last ten minutes.
Holy shit, Toby thought to himself. He wanted to tell her to slow down, but thought it might be amusing if Sarah became drunk and started dancing on the tabletop. Also, he was unable to speak to her, because he would have to shout across the large oval-shaped area in order for her to hear. He knew if he shouted, his mom would ground him… again. He reached for his water goblet and sipped. Toby smiled and pretended to listen to his conversation partner. He eyed Sarah to wait and see if she would tip over or start behaving irrationally.
It would be nice if she were grounded instead of me for once, Toby smirked.
A fresh salad and rolls followed the appetizers and then the main course was served. It was prime rib, lightly marinated with white wine, drizzled with mushrooms, and topped with a light cream sauce. Sarah couldn't eat it, because she was a vegan. It didn't matter anyway. By the time dinner arrived, Sarah couldn't sit up straight. Between Mike's hands tugging at her panties and an alcohol level of around 1.2, Sarah was on a drunken mental vacation. She wouldn't have noticed a familiar face if it had jumped out and bit her.
Sarah had closed her eyes for a moment. The whole room was hot and spinning round and round. She felt like she was dancing.
Yes, dancing, Sarah thought.
At that second, something inside of her changed. Sarah's head stopped spinning and everything became perfectly clear. Sarah's eyes became very calm, and she regained her composure. She grappled Mike's fingers from beyond her thighs and dug her nails in deep, until he released with a startling jump. Mike pulled his hand back and looked at it. Four holes of blood were dripping from where Sarah's 'perfect manicure' had punctured through his skin.
He hissed, "Bitch!"
He grabbed the cloth napkin from his lap and patted at his hand.
Her face didn't distort at his words, but she snickered and ordered another glass of champagne. Several seconds later, the beverage was brought to her. Toby shook his head. He wasn't sure where Sarah was putting it, but she must have had a liver of steel.
The plates were distributed to their guests and everyone began eating. Mike, on the other hand, felt it necessary to insult Sarah. He moments after her drink had arrived. He sneered, "That's the sixth glass of booze you've drunk this evening, Sarah. What does that make you? A lush?"
Sarah ignored him. He continued, "I think you're starting to wear down to nothing. You're too thin, and it's not very attractive to the opposite sex. I mean, who wants to jump a set of bones and skin anyway?"
She regained ground by replying, "What can I say, except you starve and near exhaust me, Mike."
A dish of food was placed in front of Sarah. She grabbed her fork and played with the food before pushing the plate aside. She wasn't hungry, at least not for prime rib. She was hungry for sport and game. Something carnal was tugging inside of Sarah, attempting to break free. She waited for Mike to say something else. As anticipated, he did. He prodded Sarah with his finger, "Still single too, huh? I bet you still haven't landed a guy in bed yet? It must be difficult to know that I'm probably the only lay you had coming to you, but you turned me down. Now, what are you stuck with? Nothing? A sexual fantasy? An illusion? No, Sarah, you are dry, barren, and alone. The great Ms. Williams is doomed to wither into a matronly existence, pulling her hair back tightly and pondering over forgotten literature the rest of her life. I hope you're happy with the choice you've made, Sweetheart."
Sarah smiled, but didn't respond. She looked like a panther eyeing a rabbit. Her tongue was licking the drips of liquor from her lips. Her countenance was very dark and ominous, just like her personality from the day she returned from the hedge maze.
Mike leaned in close and said, "I bet you want me to go to Hell. Don't you?"
Sarah sipped her glass of champagne again and then answered, "Actually, Mike, I wish the Goblins would take you away."
Mike laughed arrogantly. He had no idea what she had meant. He thought she was drunkenly babbling.
After another small sip, Sarah placed the glass on the table and looked sternly at Mike, then added, "Right now."
That's when Toby witnessed the most bizarre thing he could have ever seen. Michael Pierce simply vanished from the table without getting up and leaving the room. He had heard her wish Mike away.
Toby stood up and remarked loudly, "What the Hell, Sarah?!?"
The whole table stopped speaking. All eyes were turned to Toby. He ignored them as if they weren't there, save but his sister and he.
Sarah placed her empty glass down on the table. She took the cloth napkin off of her lap and patted at her lips. She straightened her gown, pushed back her seat, and stood up.
A wide smile grazed her face. She laughed wickedly. Toby questioned Sarah again, "Sarah, why did you say that? Do you have any idea what you've done?"
Sarah didn't answer but kicked off her shoes far across the room. One landed in a gravy pot, the other cold-cocked a corporate lawyer in the head. Seconds after this had happened; Sarah Williams skipped around the table like a little girl towards the double doors.
The dinner guests stood aghast. Robert and Karen had looks of dismay spread across their faces. Gavin wasn't sure what had happened, because he didn't witness Mike's disappearance.
Sarah swept past Gavin. With a strong thrust, she shoved at the doors of the formal dining hall. They swung open and hit the walls with an impeding bang. The fine china and wall paintings shook from the impact.
Toby jumped from his chair, sprinted around the table, and knocked his father aside. Robert fell to the ground, while Karen shouted at Toby. Toby didn't listen. Sarah was running and he had to catch her. He assumed she was drunk. He didn't want her to run home and get hit by a car, lost in the woods, or fall down stairs. Besides, she would be the only one who could possibly save that man from Jareth's Castle.
Toby decided to give chase to his sister as she bolted out the dining hall doors. Curious as to what had occurred, Gavin followed close behind them. Like before, Sarah ran through the dark halls towards the study room. When she reached the French doors, she pulled back on the knobs and opened them. Then, she sprinted down the steep marble stairs of the Baroque-style patio towards the hedge maze.
Toby cried out to Sarah, attempting to stop her, but she ignored him. Sarah passed through the white trellis, which marked the entrance of the unsolvable maze.
The fog was unusually thick this evening, making it hard to see. It didn't make a difference. Toby still managed to stay on his sister's heels.
Gavin and Toby followed Sarah into a dead end. She had nowhere to turn, but only go back. Toby believed he had her cornered at last.
He was wrong!
He approached her from behind. As he started to question her again, regarding her objectionable wish, Sarah laughed. In response to her laughter, Toby made a face.
Sarah knew she wasn't trapped.
She picked up a large pebble from the ground.
Toby thought she was going to heave it towards Gavin and him.
She did not.
Instead, Sarah did something strange.
She placed the rounded stone against the leafy wall of the hedge. She held it in place for a second, and then turned it like a knob of a door. At first nothing happened, but when Sarah pulled back, the hedge began to open like a door.
Gavin and Toby stared in shock as strange midday sunlight came rushing in. Sarah grabbed the edge of the 'door' and slid it open.
The two men gaped in utter horror as a new passage was revealed. Toby recognized it immediately.
It was Jareth's Labyrinth!
Gavin, who was really Jareth in disguise, calmly asked Sarah where she was going.
She didn't acknowledge Gavin's question. Rather, she looked back and said, "You have thirteen hours in which to solve the Labyrinth, before Mike Pierce becomes a part of it forever. Do you dare enter?"
At that, she walked into the Labyrinth and disappeared. Toby and Gavin looked at each other for a minute, before deciding to follow her. Even for Jareth, this was the strangest thing he had encountered during his visit to the mortal world.