Labyrinth 2 - Return to the Underground
Prologue
AN: This fanfic I wrote when I was 16, which is 20 years now. I did published it once on Underground fanfic site, but removed later as I hoped to rewrite it into original novel. But now I came across it in my forgotten PC folder, and decided it's time to read it over, translate to English (I'm native Latvian, and story was written in my language) and publish as Labyrinth fanfic again. As 16 years old, the story was good, although I decided to add some things here and there, improving the story. I'll try to post the chapters as I finish them, and would truly appreciate reviews. My former account is no longer active (Akela1987), but I'm glad to say I'm back to writing, and hopefully this won't be the only story I publish here. With that said, read and enjoy.
Disclaimer: I do not own Labyrinth. If I did, the ending would've been different. But then again, with different ending, we wouldn't have the reason to make all the wonderful fanfics of Jareth and Sarah meeting again.
The torchlights illuminated the grim, cold stone walls, casting the faint glow upon the sole Fae, standing in the middle of round room, facing the thirteen members of the High Court, sitting in semi-circular pattern, their seats slightly elevated to allow watching those before them from above. In the middle, golden chair was taken by High King himself, his ageless face holding stern expression, but his eyes betrayed his true emotions as the one, standing before him and the Court, was his own son. If he could, he would've spared them the trial and found other, less harsh punishment, but the law was above all, and if he, the High King, did not upheld it, how he could expect others to do so?
"Lucan, King of the Goblins," He spoke, his voice not betraying whatever emotions he felt. "You have been brought upon the Court to answer for your deeds. You've been causing disturbances in Aboveground, risking to expose our world and existence to mortals, seduced women with magic, interfering and twisting mortal dreams," at this point High King's look fixed directly upon Lucan, "You've been neglecting your summons, and when you had answered to them, instead of giving fair chance to run the Labyrinth, you lured them into Underground, forcing them to serve you, then sent them back to mortal world, leaving them to live with naught but worse nightmares. And what is that we hear of you conducting experiments with goblins, transforming them into creatures that haven't been seen even in the Shadow Realm, roaming around the Labyrinth, putting entire kingdom in danger? What do you have to say in your defense?"
Lucan hadn't stopped smirking while listening the accusations thrown at them, his demeanor evidence enough of his guilt. "Since when you have became such mortal lover, father? They've naught to us. Our ancestors enslaved them long before us. Since when the High Court has turned into mortal protectors?" He drawled, as if this trial had nothing to do with him and was just random, insignificant nuisance, nothing more. His words, though, caused the murmuring among the council, and even his own brother, until now standing silently aside, cast him irritated look.
"You would do wise if you would shut up for once." Jareth hissed, knowing too well that Lucan would never listen.
"So you admit your guilt." Lugh's voice lost some edge of sterness, instead something akin to resignation crept into his words, gazing upon the Fae king. "So be it, then." There was no need for the council to discuss the form of punishment as it had been done already. Today's meeting was mere formality to deliver the verdict. "The Court has deemed you unfit to be King of the Goblins, therefore you're stripped of the title, which will be transferred to your brother from now on. You will be banished to Dark Castle, along with your own creations, never able to leave and with no chance to contact anyone in the Underground. However..." he paused briefly, before continuing, "you will be given the chance to reclaim your throne and rights to rule. From now on, every three hundred years, you shall face the Trial during which you will have to face the Goblin King in duel. Shall you win, you will be reinstated as Goblin King and return to your duties as Guardian of Unwanted Children. Shall you lose, you will remain in Dark Castle until the next Trial."
Lucan opened his mouth to protest, but it was too late as he felt the powerful binding magic seeping into his veins, striking him off balance. With corner of eye, he could see Jareth's face go pale and his gloved hands gripping the baluster to stay upright, when the magic bind them both to the Trial, ensuring that neither of them would be able to avoid this predicament. "This...is...not the end...Goblin King..." Lucan snarled at his brother. "Enjoy the throne while you can. I'll be back soon to take it from you."
"Enough with this!" Lugh's voice raised in volume, bringing silence over the room. "The Court has spoken the verdict." He made a gesture with his hand, and with a burst of bright light, Lucan vanished from the view, and along with him, the creatures he had made. As the light died out, the High King turned to look at Jareth, who had regained his balance and stood once again proudly, yet with grim expression. "Go now, Goblin King. Your kingdom awaits you. I believe there is lot of mess to clean up to restore the former order. You will be summoned to the Trial when the time comes."