The one conceit of this meme: humans (or human-expies, whatever beings they may be) mate for life. With this comes the typical trappings of "mating for life" - indescribable closeness, contentment around your "destined," and, of course, in your all-too-familiar worst case, jealousy and rage should the bond be threatened.
Oh, and there's also the little caveat that, should your mate die, you die as well. But that's not too much to swallow, is it? The whole thing is only a small conceit, you know.
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PROMPTS
romanticism | You approach the potential of mating with a dreamy hope. It will be just like a romance novel! distaste | Ugh, mating? You're going to put it off...or maybe even try not to do it at all. imprint | That's them. That's the one. You both know it, and you can't keep away. first | The first time you come together sets the bond in stone, not to mention sets the stage for the rest of your lives. share | Some mates are able to communicate and share their secrets through a mental link; others have to do it the old fashioned way and just speak up. calm | When one partner goes berserk, there's only one person in this world who can get them to settle down. comfort | Merely being in the presence of your mate can turn your stormy day around. heal | Scars, mental or physical, can be mended with the right love from a mate. need | Your body is going through actual physical withdrawal due to being away from your one and only. protect | Whether the threat be real or jealously perceived, you have to keep what's yours from harm. obsessed | You're beyond jealous. You've taken it too far mistake | Mating with them was not the right decision, but you can't take it back. cheat | Despite your being mated, you've chosen to break a sacred trust and go outside the home. death | There's not much will left to live in you after your mate has passed. Even if there was, it's not like you have much of a choice not to die. old mated couple | You've lasted a long time. This may be your "happy ending."
[» That's horrible » It sounds like a fairy tale » (make a joke) » ...]
Champion, huh? [He's looking from the goblin — Hoggle? — to the woman throughout this explanation, eyebrows lightly raised like he's not sure if he should be surprised or amused. It's not even funny, but the revelation that this is the kind of person who would smell like flowers and stories is. It makes sense, in a cosmic sort of way.] Lucky me. I get the royal package deal — rescue and tour.
[And he can believe she's one, too. A hero. She bailed his ass out of trouble, right? It's a word and an image that pair up nicely with her smell. Sarah. He could believe that a hero queen could be named that. Why the hell not? There are queens named after flowers and seasons. Compared to the ones he's met, she's ordinary. Still beautiful, in the worn sort of way that comes with being exhausted, jumping through hoop after hoop in what he suspects was far too short a span of time. But pleasantly ordinary. He doesn't know the last time he's ever said that about anyone, especially the people he's used to being around, former royalty who flaunt their clout and put their legacy on display like it's a goddamned trophy. You don't see mundies in Fabletown. You just don't see normal.
Although, he's not quite sure if being touched by this place would still make her a mundie. She's definitely not a Fable, but she has a story and it's anything but normal. Before he can pursue this thought for too long, Sarah keeps going and Bigby stops himself to continue listening. He meets her scrutinizing look with an even but open one of his own.]
I'm not running from anything. I came here because I wanted to — because I had to. There's more than one way to get to this world than whatever your friend the king has you thinking. I found my way here through a door in a theater in the Bronx. Bet you I won't be the only one if it stays open.
[And if that happens, will Sarah be the one who shows up to rescue them when they fall down a hole into a dungeon after taking the wrong turn or talking to the wrong animated sculpture?
Bigby slowly shakes his head.]
There's a lot of things that aren't possible, until they are. That's the kind of world we live in. [He says "we" in careful, almost uncertain way. Like he's trying to test the word out and decide if he likes it or not.]
[To say she looks surprised is an understatement. Shocked is a better term. Her gaze immediately darts to Hoggle, practically latches onto him.]
Did you know about this?
[The dwarf is quick to shake his head, waving his free hand and just generally look like he wants to be anywhere but caught by Sarah's pointed gaze.]
No! No, no, honest, I didn't! I didn't know nothing about any ways but the one! Really none of us down here can go up there so why should I?
[Mmmh. That doesn't seem to completely soothe the woman. One arm crosses around her and her hand rubs over her face again. She seems supremely annoyed annoyed now and the scent of flowers and paper likely dance with the spike in emotions.]
That -- [she near bites her tongue] -- he's keeping a secret entrance up to the Above then.
[She had never taken the time to wonder how he had found her after giving up his throne and his magic to Toby for that short bit of time but she was starting to piece this all together now. And it was making her very unhappy with a certain man.
Just in time of course for something to roll their way from the outside. It just bounces on by in the dim light from the exit they're so close to. It rolls and rolls and comes to a stop by bouncing right off of Bigby's foot ever so innocently.
[You know that one friend who's always stuck as the third wheel and has to watch awkwardly as the other two go at it while pretending they aren't right there? That's what Bigby feels like right now. Poor Hogsnout.]
[Blandly:] Are you really that surprised? [He isn't. Hearing how Sarah ended up here as a kid reminds him of something fae would do, not necessarily goblins. He's never seen it happen personally, but knowing what he knows about faeries and how weak-willed most goblins can be, flocking to serve whatever master is cruel or smart enough to take advantage of their stupidity, it wouldn't faze him in the slightest if a fae who crowned himself king over these guys is calling the shots. It worked for the Adversary. It would also explain where the portal came from.
Sarah's scent is getting sharper and Bigby can't stop himself from wrinkling his nose at it when her anger gives a sudden nervous jolt. The flowers have a cloying edge to them like cheap perfume, a sure sign that she's pissed. She doesn't even need to waste the energy looking angry.
They don't have time to get too comfortable though because, as if on cue... Something wicked this way comes. Or rolls. Bigby picks up the sound barely seconds before the little orb bounces into view, the delicate tinkling of glass against stone hitting his ears in just the right way to put him on edge. It's like it materialized out of nowhere.
His foot instinctively steps back when the orb knocks against it and then, ominously, stills itself.
This isn't good, is it. This is the beginning of a really bad time, isn't it.
Fuck.]
Get behind me, both of you. Now. [The order is abrupt enough to sound urgent, though Bigby doesn't look afraid. And if he is, it's not necessarily for him.]
[At his question Sarah whips a withering glare in his direction... and then she sighs. Her expression isn't so much surprise or anger as it is hurt. Yes, damn it, despite it all she had thought he was being honest this time around. Yes perhaps she was an idiot for that given everything else he had done but oh if she didn't try to give people -- or fae in this case -- chances. From her lousy never there mother to so many others, she just fumbled at relationships again and again.
A lesson just continuously learned over and over again. A younger Sarah would have decryed it as unfair but this older Sarah understood perfectly. 'That's the kind of world we live in.'
She doesn't get time to respond because while the sound of glass against stone might have been missed the first time, Bigby's response to it can't be. She looks down, catches a glint of light off the sphere and groans out loud.]
Oh no.
[And then there comes that chipper, swaggering tone with it's pompous accent.]
Well now, we have guests, do we? Sarah darling, you never mentioned you would be visiting today. And down around the oubliettes even? If you want to forget something so badly you could have just asked me, precious.
[The last word is near purred out. And then. Then his attention turns to Bigby, upgrading him from third wheel status quickly.]
And what do we have here? A guest who snuck his way in?
[Oh who the fuck is this now. Once again, Bigby's found himself in the uniquely him predicament of meeting someone for the first time that he's already instinctively, absolutely and confidently sure he's not going to like. This always happens to him. It never happens to Snow, it never happens to Bluebeard (god knows why), it never happens to Bufkin (again, why) but it always happens to him. One more time: why.
Of course the way the... guy, whoever or whatever he is, His Highness the Asshole, is talking to Sarah doesn't help matters at all. There's nothing royal about the way that voice carries itself, all slime and sleazy charm. Bigby's heard it before, from the displaced royalty of Fabletown to the ordinary run-of-the-mill shitbags you don't have to go any farther than downtown Manhattan on a Saturday night to see out in full force. He doesn't have to know who he's talking to on a personal level to know that this guy is a) bad news, and b) a royal piece of work.]
It's not sneaking if I walked in. [Asshole. Can that be His Highness' new nickname? Bigby steps slowly around the ball as if to give it some distance, coming to a stop next to Sarah — in front of her actually.] Let me guess: you're the king. Must be a slow day if you have enough time to come down here and spend time with the little people.
[It must be his animal magnetism. Hyuk. Or he's just more prone to attracting assholes. Honestly Sarah could sympathize given she only really seems to attract creeps or... well, assholes.
She's more than ready to put the King in his place verbally but Bigby rounds the sphere and ends up putting himself between her and it. He had been trying to usher her behind him earlier too, hadn't he? It's oddly... comforting. For some reason. She wishes she could put her finger on it and maybe she could if she wasn't so exasperated with Jareth himself.
Hoggle has more or less crowded behind Sarah with absolutely no qualms. He ain't taking the blame yet again, no sir. He's rather not have time spent with him if you don't mind!
The sphere meanwhile not so subtly rolls to one side. Jareth lets his smug expression come right on through the crystal, his own personal video phone. And he would really like to keep the camera on her, thank you.]
Yes I know, how magnanimous of me. I always have time for particular company.
[That said Jareth gives a sigh as if this all wears him out far too much.]
It's sneaking in if the entrance isn't meant for you. Tsk tsk, I would think someone like you would know the laws of one land needn't necessarily match the laws of another.
[Oh, of course he's not really here. That would be too easy; it'd put him in harm's way, and we can't have that, nope. It's a sensible move, but a cowardly one. Jareth's particular flavor of Dislike is climbing to another level and it hasn't been a full two minutes. Bigby stays the course, rooted to his (rather possessive) place in front of Sarah. And Hogsmeade too, he guesses.]
And what's that supposed to mean?
[Dread isn't the right word for it, but the unease that the king knows more than Bigby has been trying to let on is thick enough to clump in his chest. Especially since he's been trying to keep a low profile since the moment he got here, not barreling through the door in full wolf form or even half, though that may have helped him blend in a little better — a talking beast in a kingdom of magical, chatty hands, skeevy hands, goblins and other creatures he's sure he hasn't even seen yet. The less that can be traced back to Fabletown, the better.
[Frankly Sarah would be more shocked if he was here in the flesh. Then again she didn't put it past him to just suddenly show up but too she had some comfort in knowing she would mostly likely feel him long before he showed up. Maybe? If she hadn't been so angry earlier, would she have noticed him long before his crystal rolled up on the scene?
This whole being connected to the Labyrinth business was still something she was trying to get used to, the shape and weight of what abilities or powers she did or didn't have now like an ill-fitting dress she hadn't had tailored yet. Beyond the initial burst of her will that she had given to Jareth so the Labyrinth wouldn't crumble under the weak wills of Toby or even Jareth himself, she had never tried to stretch whatever connection she had here.
She could have noticed that entrance sooner. She ought to practice more. Mentally she fans her berating thoughts away because now really isn't the time for any of that.]
What, do you think I don't know the difference between humans and others?
[The crystal rolls again, grating and clinking against the stones. Jareth gives a full, robustly amused laugh that would send shivers down the backs of weaker people.]
You're in my Labyrinth! I might not know who you are but I certainly know what you are. I'm no fool.
[And now, the purring tone again.]
And I know you're the one who's been letting people out of the oubliettes as well, precious. Just because the Labyrinth favors you now doesn't mean what you do is so concealed.
[A noise comes from Sarah, the distinct sound of someone sucking in a breath between their teeth. There's that spike of anger again and there's a passion in her tone that wasn't present before. Thirteen years of being separated from her dreams and the passionate nature of her youth certainly haven't seemed to dim her now that her ablation Moppet has been returned to her.]
I wouldn't have to let anyone out if you didn't keep those rooms open. Do you even know what happens to people who stay in them long enough? They lose everything. They're forgotten and then even they forget and eventually --
[Eventually as Toby put it they just pop out of existence. Completely, thoroughly forgotten. And if they don't do that and reach a critical point they simply wander lost through the Labyrinth, remembering nothing whatsoever.
Now she's more or less edging Bigby out of the way, a hand against his shoulder in a thoughtless maneuver. She's coming forward like she's going to fight that crystal with her own bare fists.]
And you lied to me, you bastard. I ought to kick you and see how far you fly for that!
[Feeling Sarah's hand on him makes Bigby tense up. It's so small, so light, but there's enough warmth in its touch to keep him grounded. Make him realize that, Champion or no, she's still human. Probably. The shit hasn't officially hit the fan but he can read the writing on the wall well enough to know it's close. Like it or not, he's fighting for two now.
And Hogwallace.
As much as he'd like to see her punt that orb like a football, he isn't finished; he hasn't even really started. Wordlessly and with no small amount of care, he reaches out to hold Sarah back, this time on her shoulder. His touch doesn't settle, but he holds it long enough and with enough weight for her to hopefully register the meaning behind it: It's okay. We've got this.]
And the door to your Labyrinth is in MY backyard. And if you know what I am, you should know that it's not in your best interest to fuck with me.
[He's harshing his words through gritted teeth. Whether or not he actually has the power to fight this guy head-on is irrelevant, but he means what he says 100% and that's enough to carry the point across for now. Though, given this new little development Sarah's shared, he may have no choice but to follow through with his threats anyway.]
I didn't come here to watch you peacock all day. The door to your kingdom is in the middle of my city where anyone can get to it. I did. I'm not going to be the last one either.
[Mundie or Fable, it doesn't matter. The threat is very real for anyone who ends up in or around that theater, and even if it doesn't come calling to Fabletown immediately, it will eventually. And what if the threat comes from both sides? What if another corrupt piece of raging shit like the Crooked Man finds it first? What if he finds a way to appeal to this smug fuck's pride and starts the old you-scratch-my-back routine? What then?
[Sarah almost starts at the touch, so focused on Jareth and his lies and just punting that crystal. She turns her gaze briefly in Bigby's direction, brows raised over those green eyes of hers in brief surprise.
Oh. He has her back... more or less? Some tension eases out of her shoulders before she lets her gaze drift back to that crystal in time to actually see said smug fuck actually look attentive now.]
In your city?
[A beat. His frown is obvious.]
In the theater. That should be enchanted though. If it's not...
[Now he directs a pointed look to Sarah.]
It was your will that reconstructed the Labyrinth when it began to fall apart. I suppose since you didn't know of the door you didn't know to enchant it.
[Sarah's shoulders now droop. Oh god, she feels so tired all of a sudden. Her hand is back against her face once more. This man.]
I don't know how to enchant anything. Unless you've forgotten, Jareth, I'm human. And what the hell do you mean by having a hidden entrance to begin with.
How else did you wish for me to visit when I lost my powers, love?
[His tone is the plaintive sort a person takes with their angry spouse. She gives a long sigh and Hoggle behind her finally makes some sort of sound to indicate he hasn't completely died with worry over the two of them completely pissing Jareth off.]
Fix it then.
And lose my way to come visit when you will not wish for me? Even if you and I do share ownership here, I can't freely cross to you unless you want me to.
[She gives the crystal a wondering, somewhat flabbergasted look. Why should she be surprised? She's not, not in the least but she had held some small hope...]
How can you be so selfish?
The same way you can be so cruel, Sarah. Now then, what will it be - shall you invite me in and let me release the entrance? Or shall I keep it open until you finally do?
[And he smiles a smile of pure, smug satisfaction. If she wouldn't bend to him in the dream he created for her twice over then perhaps she would bend out of worry for others as she had for the Labyrinth itself.
Sarah stands stock still in place a moment. A war rages with her emotions, flitting over her like breaths of wind. From anger to dread to sadness, they shift as her fingers worry the hem of her shirt before she finally looks more determined than anything.]
Then I'll go close it if you won't.
[For my will is as strong as your own and my kingdom just as great.
And with that the crystal darkens just as his High and Mighty Goblin King's expression does. Now his voice seems to echo around the room and the entrance to the forest outside? Well that slams shut with a resounding, dreadful clanging sound.]
Then run, my dear.
[And from where that exit once way comes a sound. A roar, a thud, the clanging of metal and the acrid tang of smoke.
[This is getting too intense, and going to places Bigby didn't even know existed. He only understands half of what's going on, but it's the vital parts.
So Sarah does know magic. And the portal isn't really a backdoor into to the Underground so much as a backdoor into the mundane world. A way in for King Asshole to slither his way through for... what exactly? To stalk Sarah? That's what it sure sounds like to Bigby's ears. The resulting repulsion and anger is so strong that when he bites down it's tight enough to feel his teeth creak. So that's what this all comes down to in the end. Someone who just won't take no for an answer.
(like Crane, exactly like Crane—)
Fucking freak.
Bigby's already taking a step toward the orb, words pushed out of his throat with a snarl. Good for Sarah if she wants to get dibs on crushing it into dust but he needs to get his fill too.]
HEY! We're not done you fu—
[Or at least he would if the situation didn't finally, resoundingly and hopelessly descend into mayhem in short, predictable order. Jareth's face disappears as the crystal goes dark, and from behind them, a thundering clanging shriek comes barreling down the hallway to cut Bigby off in mid-sentence to accompany the terribly loud, terribly final thud of their way out slamming shut. It's an insane chaotic jumble made up of so many dissonant sounds that it's hard to pinpoint what exactly he's hearing, but if Bigby forces himself to push past the ear-splitting volume, it sounds sort of like...
Knives.
Blades and wheels and sharp, rusty metal grinding against stone.
And if he follows that sound to the source, he'll see that's exactly what it is. It's some kind of crazy looking machine. One that just so happens to be the size and width of the corridor, large enough for him to almost mistake it for the wall itself coming toward them.
Okay. Okay, okay, okayokayokayokay. Time to move.]
Come on!
[He doesn't wait for an answer or hear any worth stopping him from grabbing Sarah by her arm to yank her back from the path of the whirling-knife-thing. He sees Hogsworth practically trip over himself following suit, and just like that, they're off racing in the opposite direction. Back into the depths of the dungeons, right where they came from.]
So— [Yeah, he can run and yell at the same time. That's how a conversation works, right?] You're queen to THAT guy?
[She's yanked into action before she gets a second to think about any of what's going on now. Here she had come down with every intention of sneaking around Jareth's notice and simply letting out whoever it was Hogwa-- Hoggle was yelling about in her mirror that afternoon. She had been so studiously avoiding him since everything with Toby and now this.
In the middle of running she reaches back to grasp Hoggle's wrist and appropriately groans at Bigby's question.]
Not you too!
[They keep running deeper and deeper, the clanking and whirring and grinding eating up the passageway behind them. Behind them flailing in Sarah's grip Hoggle manages to get out:]
Here! Hurry!
[It's a side passage and after fumbling with the door a moment Hoggle in turn literally jerks Sarah inside, catching the brunette tripping over her own feet and falling to the dusty, dirty stone floor below. She in turn grasps Bigby's wrist as he grasps her arm and with any luck he doesn't kiss the ground too.
The whole group only barely manages to land themselves inside this side passage seconds before the cleaner barrels on by. Sarah makes an annoyed sound from where she lays face down against the stone floor, panting out her breath as she attempts to slow her racing heart.]
The least he could do... [she pants] is come up with some new traps.
[Bigby and luck go together as well as oil and water. If he has a daily allotment, it must be just about spent by now, the majority of it going to the literal get out of jail free card that saved him from from a fate worse than death. "They lose everything. They're forgotten and then even they forget and eventually—"
And maybe in some very rare cases they escape, only to be run down by this thing. Knife-tank-thing.
He supposes there's still some scraps left at the bottom of his luck jar, though, because now he's the one being jerked back and pulled in a totally different direction. It's enough to save him from getting mangled by the machine head-on. Sadly, it's not enough to stop him from catching something else with his face.
Faceplanted on the floor, Bigby's body is a coiled ball of tension. When the whirring, clanking cacophony reaches an apex and he's still alive, he braces himself up by his arms and looks up, eyes flashing luminous yellow. The machine passes noisily by their hiding place and continue down the corridor, manned by a pair of goblins operating it by a peddle system. Eventually, the noise becomes distant.
Uneasily, Bigby eases himself back against the wall. He blinks, holds his eyes closed for a moment. When he opens them again, the yellow is back to being brown.
» Don't give him ideas. » That wasn't enough? » Can you be serious? » ...]]
Don't. If that thing shows up again [he exhales raggedly] and it can fly—
[He turns his full attention to Sarah now, catching the full overpowering brunt of her scent. Everything smells like adrenaline and fear and flowers, it's actually making him a little sick. Still, he doesn't hesitate to offer her a hand as he pulls himself to his feet.]
[By the time he offers a hand Sarah has dragged herself up onto her elbows. She's not fifteen anymore but she shouldn't feel this worn out. She decides as she winces against what she knows is going to be a few bruises somewhere on her body that she's going to finally recommit to the gym after all of this.
He doesn't hesitate to offer, she doesn't hesitate to accept. She bends a moment to dust herself off, down the legs of her jeans first and then straightens back up as she brushes off the front of her shirt. And then finally she huffs out an amused if ragged breath, a quirk of a smile against her lips. It's more like a smirk than anything though.]
Sure, if it makes you feel better.
[He can join the legions of students who curse her name as they study for their midterms or rage over their graded papers.
Meanwhile Hoggles seems to find what he knew would be in here - a ladder leading topside. He grunts in apparent annoyance.]
I know I told ya I'd take ya one way but--
[Sarah waves a hand dismissively.]
That idea is over with. He knows we're here so he's not going to make it easy for us to leave again.
[But. Sarah pauses in place and seems to listen to something. Then she directs a fully amused smile at Hoggle as he starts up the ladder. He's already pushing open a hatch above it, letting light flood into the passageway.
Sarah's tone is damn near perky considering how ticked off she was moments before.]
If he can control this labyrinth then so can I.
[Hoggle pauses a moment to stare down at the brunette. And then he gives a long sigh as he continues upward.]
Well if you think you can do something then be my guest. I wasn't looking forward to ending up at that castle anytime soon.
[It hadn't occurred to her until Jareth said a fair few words he probably shouldn't have to her. Just because the Labyrinth favors you now doesn't mean what you do is so concealed. So she couldn't conceal what she did in the Labyrinth -- or maybe even the whole Underground -- from him but so what? The idea of him being able to see her bend his own Labyrinth to her will and only being able to slow her but not stop her entirely is very satisfying to her right about now.
It was your will that reconstructed the Labyrinth when it began to fall apart.
This shouldn't be half as satisfying a realization as it is. Sarah had been a harsh teacher, sure, but her edges had softened some once she and Moppet reunited. She wasn't one to play with anybody or deliberately hurt them... at least if she didn't think it would help them grow. With Jareth though... well, he deserved it for all of this current bullshit she's been going through. And maybe for the years she had been parted from her dreams and desires too, even if she had agreed to it without realizing the full consequences of such an agreement.
She pauses near the bottom of the ladder, glancing back at Bigby with her smile intact. She looks equal parts happy and reveling in this new realization as she gestures with the tilt of her head to the ladder.]
Age before beauty?
[Look at her, telling a joke moments after nearly dying. Again. Yeah, that's Sarah for you.]
[Third wheel time again. It's like being back home. You take one step into the Business Office and nine out of ten times the first thing you see is Snow or someone else engaged in heated discussion with another party, usually someone with a problem caught up in all sorts of red tape — typical bureaucratic stuff. That, or Bufkin drinking in the rafters.
Point is, watching this play out from the sidelines and coming to terms that he's walked in on a story that's long since played out but has never really finished isn't something he's totally unused to. Does he like it? Hell no. He hates feeling helpless. Hates feeling like he's fumbling around in the dark not knowing if he's in control of the situation or just unwittingly following
But, when all's said and done, he'd take perky optimism over the opposite any day. Even if it's a hell of a rebound from the near-death experience they just got out of. Bigby's not one to dwell on misery for too long, but his idea of practical thinking is usually a bit more aggressive. A tiny more sullen. Definitely not smartassed.]
Don't push it, [resigned, but then he adds on his way to the ladder,] Highness.
[Okay, maybe a little smartassed.
Following Hogfather up, Bigby waits until he feels Sarah behind him before he speaks again. See? Multitasking.]
Look... Sarah, right? I get it. There's a lot of things I don't know about you and... whatever's going on between you and him. [He's not sure how to even broach that issue or if he even should. Uhhh.] But do you even know what you're doing?
[This is a pretty long ladder. The further they climb, the louder the world topside is getting. Bigby can hear something that sounds like the gentle trickle of water. Maybe a stream, or a fountain. And if he squints, he can make out a ring of light streaming around whatever circular plate is covering the way out.]
You don't know how to use magic. You just told him yourself back there.
[Highness. There's a slight sigh from Sarah but other than that she doesn't seem particularly put out by his Highness reference. Every kid had a nickname for her, some good and some bad. If his nickname was Highness and not something with more bite to it, she'd take it.
He starts talking again when she's a step or two up the rungs just behind him. If he wanted her to delve further into her and Jareth and that whole tangled mess she would. He deserved that much after all the pain it sounded like Jareth was causing him. She wasn't going to just randomly exposition on it though. Somehow she got the idea that the last thing he needed was the tale of how she had a fae just a little too into her.
She pauses in her steps and for a moment uncertainty swims through her. It tightens her stomach much the same way it did all those years ago. She almost feels more fifteen than twenty-eight for a good second or two.]
Not really.
[She's going to just be bluntly honest here. She starts coming up the ladder behind him soon after, steps deliberate and firm.]
The most I know about magic is what I've read in fairy tales and experienced here. And what I've put in my own stories too, of course.
[That explains the scent of paper at least, though frankly all of her writing is nicely stored on an external harddrive.
Mm, you're off to a good start. [Is he smiling? Hard to say.] But there's a lot more to it than that. Or all of this. Magic's... [He pauses to figure out the best way to put it, and if he didn't have his arms occupied, he'd probably just shrug.] ... complicated. Either you're born with it or you have to learn it yourself, and both are hard for different reasons.
[It definitely was for him. As a kid, he didn't have anyone around to teach him what he needed to know — controlling his strength, harnessing the wind, combining both in a way that wouldn't backfire and hurt him.
He's only had himself to depend on, but he did learn. Much of it, through trial and error involving everything around him: animals, nature, monsters.
And people. Especially people.]
And there's rules, too. Lots and lots of rules.
[And the majority of them don't make a bit of sense, but that's okay because it's not his job to figure them out most of the time: just to put a stop to them if they get out of hand. The other bit? That would be the Thirteenth Floor's. Boy, is he excited for the riveting discussion he's going to have with them once he gets back.
Hogrid reaches the end of the ladder which is only three or so feet away from where Bigby's at on it. He pushes the plate away and a flood of blinding white sunlight pours into the passageway, leaving Bigby squinting through it as he's left to finish climbing up. He hears the little goblin man grumble to himself — something about how one time's bad enough, but two times... — and then he vanishes up and out of the shaft, giving Bigby the room to poke his head out and take stock of their new surroundings.
He was right about the water: there's a fountain here. A large one in the middle of what is readily apparent to be a courtyard. Everything is made of stone. Statues of strange creatures dot the landscape, some of which are hands with fingers pointing down different pathways. Great, like he needed more of those. The sky is pleasantly sunny without a single cloud, and the air smells fresh compared to what he was choking down back there.
It almost looks... nice. In a very medieval kind of way.]
Do you know where we are? [It's addressed to Hogsfinkle from over his shoulder once he gets out and gives Sarah enough room to follow him, ready to help her get her bearings if she needs it. What is this guy's name again anyway?]
[She tries not to sound bemusedly tired here. She's a teacher. If anyone gets to learn rules, it's her. Rules, regulations, certifications. You can teach this but you can't teach that and oh, remember the standardized tests.
What's another set of rules on top of all that? A lot but well... such is life. Naturally this would be what happened to her in the end.
Meanwhile Hoggle's brows furrow at the man.]
Course I do! [His tone sounds a little peevishly indignant.] We're out in the Labyrinth proper again.
[So they had been meandering around beneath the actual Labyrinth itself this whole time. Once Sarah's head pops out from the opening, the groan she gives ought to be enough to speak volumes.]
This place. It's just a courtyard really but we're definitely on our way too the castle instead of away from it.
[She grasps the edge of the portal they've all just exited through and goes to haul herself up, at least until she can sit with her feet still dangling down into the hole. Then she can scoot back and gain her feet once again.]
I never thought I would be here again. Maybe we can avoid the forest this time around.
[He doesn't even look down at Hogsitter, just. Rubs a hand over his face, eyes squeezed shut.] Yeah, didn't fucking notice that before, thanks.
[His irritation is becoming a full-blown headache nipping at his temples. It's really not their fault, he knows that, but this is just. A lot to handle right now. Some good news would be really appreciated.]
So we'll head away from the castle. You made it through here once before, right? We'll just make our way backwards to the beginning.
[Once the pressure in his head clears enough, he takes a good look around at the courtyard. True enough, he can make out the shape of a castle over the horizon, a looming thing with jagged spires that looks like it was carved out of black rock. Separating it from them is what looks like miles and miles of walls interlaced in dizzying patterns.
Bigby folds his arms and turns back to face Sarah.]
That's where the door to the theater is. All I need to do is get back to New York, then we can figure out what to do about His Royal fucking Highness in peace. That's all. Nothing halfcocked, no catch.
[No crazy plans is what he really means by that last bit. It's not that he doesn't love a good bad plan, but the last time he ran into obvious danger outgunned and outmanned thinking he could handle it, he almost got his head cut off — after he took it out of his ass long enough to realize that hastily rushing into trouble without even knowing who you're facing may not be the best idea.]
[Hoggle mutters something about words or language. Sarah sighs out as she looks around the area, her expression pinched and her hands against her hips. She looks momentarily conflicted.]
Well yes, I did but -- the way we've come so far is the way I came the first time I was here. The second time... well, I didn't go through the Labyrinth that time.
[She forming an idea here of what she needs to do next, her foot tapping with her own impatience as she does her damndest to listen inside herself for... something. That's what you did in fairy tales, right? Or the ones where someone has some sort of magic. Something inside guides them or pops up or --
I'm almost thirty and I'm still thinking like this.
Sarah takes a moment to press her hand to her forehead. No headache here, not just yet. She's thinking, she's planning and when Bigby speaks next it catches her momentarily off guard.]
... New York?
[Well of course it was in New York. If it was Jareth's own private backdoor spying route then it had to be there. If she thought hard enough she could probably even point out the derelict theater it was in even. She had made the circuits of all of them when she was a teenager, throwing herself in this performance and that in the hopes of honing her acting talents.
She would say something else but right about now is when there comes the distinct sound of shuffling footsteps accompanied by the brush of something trailing on the ground. And then --]
Yes, yes, yes, find a comfortable spot to go to sleep in again. Oi! It's so thrilling being your hat!
[Now Sarah's hand slips down to press against her cheek. And she turns a pointed, stern look in Bigby's direction. A look of warning.]
... I don't think you're going to enjoy this much.
[Call it a hunch but he seems like the kind of guy with two cents of patience that he's constantly trying to divide up between annoyances in his life.]
[Bigby, on high alert as it is, turns his full attention to the source of the sound and, gradually, eases when more and more of the figure comes into view. The way he goes from suspicious to confused and then finally screws his face into what can best be described as a wince when the wizened old man drags himself around a hedge and into the courtyard proper is downright ridiculous. Just like the guy's hat, which is currently bobbing in place with a glazed look in its beady eyes like it's wishing it were anywhere but here. Relatable.]
... I can't imagine why.
[—said as the man finally, finally shambles over to a large stone fixture on their far right which looks suspiciously like a throne. At no point does he make any indication that he notices the party despite being right across from them, but he's so small and frail that Bigby has a hard time believing he's going to lunge at them if he does. He looks too tired for that.
So let's take a chance. Bigby raises his voice and calls out.]
'scuse me!
[The Wise Man, having settled into his comfy rock chair, raises his head and makes a noise that sounds like he's either clearing his throat or trying to fight back a yawn. His hat similarly grouses to himself something that sounds very much like, Oh great, here we go.]
Hmmm? [The Wise Man narrows his eyes and squints at Bigby.] Ohhh... A wolf. I haven't seen one of your kind in the Labyrinth in...
A dog's age!
[The Wise Man stops, eyes rolling up to his hat. Hmph. A beat, then he looks back at the rest of the party, his gaze settling on Sarah.]
And you! Well, this is a pleasant surprise. [He sounds warm, like a grandfather seeing their child for the first time again in years.] Hello again, young lady. It's been—
[The old man's greeting actually brings a smile to Sarah's face and she honest to goodness seems pleased to see the old as dirt creature. He hadn't been a lick of help the first time through but the way he greets her is nice. Really nice. In a way her father or stepmother never do and never have.
She can almost brush aside the wolf comment thanks to that. Though honestly if she lingered some, it really made sense. Jareth had more or less blatantly said whoever this guy was wasn't human and he did have a demeanor that reminded her of a displeased, huffy old dog.
... Honestly that thought just makes her grin quirk even more in private amusement. Jareth was a strutting peacock, this guy was a grumpy pooch that just wanted a few moments of peace and she could get used to the mental imagery. Note to self, include a surly wolf in your next story, Sarah.]
I don't suppose you still have it, do you?
[The hat just makes this disbelieving sort of noise while the old man shakes his coin box. Of course not or perhaps it was tucked away somewhere in those robes of his.]
I don't suppose you could give us directions away from the castle this time around, could you?
[And just like that, his cover is blown. Bigby squeezes his eyes shut as the old goblin dithers on, praying for patience. Four hundred years of secrecy, out the window. Thanks to a guy with a talking hat.
He was going to have to cross this bridge sooner or later since he planned on taking Sarah with him through through the door and back to Fabletown, so in a weird way this sort of eases the burden of the truth off his shoulders. But still, he's not happy. And— is this guy trying to panhandle? This was a mistake, wasn't it.]
We're trying to get back to the entrance.
[Because something tells Bigby being as specific as possible is the right track to take with the old man. The Wise Man sits in contemplative silence for a few moments, humming to himself as he thinks.]
Hmmm. Do you remember when we last spoke, young lady? I told you, I believe... yes, I believe what I said was, [in unison with his less-than-enthusiastic hat:] "The way forward is sometimes the way..."
[And Bigby quietly says to himself,] If he says back...
"... Back."
[Again: unbelievable.]
There are times when you need to concern yourself with all the uncertainties that come with being lost. And, there are times when you must stop listening to this... [The Wise Man points to his hat with a quivering finger, and honest to God, the bird looks like it wants to bite him for that.] And instead listen... to this.
[The Wise Man rests his gnarled palm on his chest, and whether he's talking to Bigby or Sarah directly now seems irrelevant when he continues on.]
No matter how different two paths seem, they will always come together in the end. Do you understand?
[The bird cranes its long neck down as far as it can in Bigby's direction and whispers,] Are you hearing this crap?
[And Bigby, not yet completely resigned to being in a nuthouse but still hopeless enough to accept that, yes, this is happening and there's nothing he can do to stop it, flatly replies back,] I wish I wasn't.
[Sarah does her best to stand and look contemplative in the face of all this. She ought to be exasperated herself, impatient perhaps. And yet it's like Bigby's reactions are more than enough to cover her own as well. Or maybe it's the sheer entertainment in someone else being subjected to this alongside of her. She sure has to chew on her lower lip to keep from laughing anyhow.
Hoggle for his part is thoroughly unimpressed. He was last time too and he does the same thing now, dismissing the old man entirely.]
See? Didn't tell you nothin' this time neither!
[The woman herself looks thoughtful though.]
Actually, he might be on to something this time.
... You sure you're feelin' well, Sarah?
[She rolls her eyes a little, giving Hoggle a pointed look.]
Look, if I'm at least somewhat connected to this place, it would stand to reason I could at least find the way out. Jareth can pretty much go where he pleases, can't he?
Yeah cause he knows all the back ways. And he ain't human neither.
Even if he isn't human he knows where all the entrances and exits are. And that has to be something more than just knowing where they're at.
[The hat makes an intrigued 'hmmm!', it's brows raising up some. She doesn't take that as indication that she's on to anything though.
Sarah pauses a moment, wrestling a ring off of one finger. She doesn't wear much jewelry nowadays but when Hoggle had come speaking of a stranger in the Labyrinth, she had paused a moment to snatch up a ring or two from her jewelry box. All ones from her ex-fiance and ones she didn't care a lick about anymore.
The old man is indeed panhandling though and Sarah shows no hesitance in plunking one of the rings in his box before she steps back and closes her eyes once more, arms crossing over her chest. She had been trying this before the man arrived but the distractions had been enough to shake away her attention. More focused now in a brief moment with only the bird's chattering as a backdrop, she feels...
There. It's something alright. Like a cord caught just beneath her heart. She tugs on it mentally and experimentally as well and tries to reason out the sensation. When she can't she ends up opening her eyes and deciding this might be as good a clue as any regardless of what it meant.]
Let's try... that way.
[She points to one of the paths out of this little courtyard area and into the hedge maze all around them itself. It's where she felt this tentative pull the strongest after all.]
Maybe being king of it means more than just ruling. [Bigby can only speculate aloud, drawing from his own knowledge of how fae work, both from experience and from what he's learned from others.] Maybe the Labyrinth is part of him. Just as much as he's a part of it, I mean.
[Or something.
Bigby raises an eyebrow when Sarah actually slips her ring off — and a very pretty one at that, purple stones set in gold filigree — and drops it in the Wise Man's box. Guess advice isn't free here, borderline useless as it may be. The goblin's words aren't anything special; it's the kind of the saccharine stuff you hear on TV, the kind the mundies who've rewrote their stories like to pepper in their own. But— everything they learned, it had to come from somewhere, right?
"No matter how different two paths seem, they will always come together in the end." He's heard it all before. Still waiting for it to be true.
Sarah, though... she takes it. She seems to retreat inward for a very long time, and is the look that falls over her face one of reflection? Or understanding? Either way, Bigby watches her closely, not just trying to figure out what she's thinking but also how it all came to this.
("Even if you and I do share ownership here, I can't freely cross to you unless you want me to.")
("When I was a teenager, I wished away my brother.")
("She's the Champion of the Labyrinth, you know. Only one to beat it too!")
Flowers and ink and paper. Just who are you?
Bigby snaps back to attention when she finally speaks. Even the bird looks a little interested.]
You sure about that? [Though it's phrased as a question, his tone isn't very doubtful or even judgemental. He just looks curious, considering the path she points out like he's trying to assess it for himself, see what she sees. Eventually, he just exhales.] ... Okay.
[Just like that. He... feels like he can trust her judgment. She's not a little kid or helpless; she's certainly proved the latter. And besides, if push comes to shove, that's why he's here. They've got their bases covered pretty evenly, he'd say. And honestly, he's out of good ideas for where to start anyway.]
Lead th-
[And before he can take so much as a single step forward let alone finish his sentence, something shoots out at him and jiggles itself under his nose.
A splintery wooden box, Sarah's ring still rattling around in it. Shaking incessantly even as Bigby gives it a glare so incredulous it should be offensive.]
What. [His eyes shoot up to the Wise Man.] Are you serious? [Waitaminute—] Are you sleeping?
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bakerstreet2019-05-20 09:28 am
no subject
» It sounds like a fairy tale
» (make a joke)
» ...]
Champion, huh? [He's looking from the goblin — Hoggle? — to the woman throughout this explanation, eyebrows lightly raised like he's not sure if he should be surprised or amused. It's not even funny, but the revelation that this is the kind of person who would smell like flowers and stories is. It makes sense, in a cosmic sort of way.] Lucky me. I get the royal package deal — rescue and tour.
[And he can believe she's one, too. A hero. She bailed his ass out of trouble, right? It's a word and an image that pair up nicely with her smell. Sarah. He could believe that a hero queen could be named that. Why the hell not? There are queens named after flowers and seasons. Compared to the ones he's met, she's ordinary. Still beautiful, in the worn sort of way that comes with being exhausted, jumping through hoop after hoop in what he suspects was far too short a span of time. But pleasantly ordinary. He doesn't know the last time he's ever said that about anyone, especially the people he's used to being around, former royalty who flaunt their clout and put their legacy on display like it's a goddamned trophy. You don't see mundies in Fabletown. You just don't see normal.
Although, he's not quite sure if being touched by this place would still make her a mundie. She's definitely not a Fable, but she has a story and it's anything but normal. Before he can pursue this thought for too long, Sarah keeps going and Bigby stops himself to continue listening. He meets her scrutinizing look with an even but open one of his own.]
I'm not running from anything. I came here because I wanted to — because I had to. There's more than one way to get to this world than whatever your friend the king has you thinking. I found my way here through a door in a theater in the Bronx. Bet you I won't be the only one if it stays open.
[And if that happens, will Sarah be the one who shows up to rescue them when they fall down a hole into a dungeon after taking the wrong turn or talking to the wrong animated sculpture?
Bigby slowly shakes his head.]
There's a lot of things that aren't possible, until they are. That's the kind of world we live in. [He says "we" in careful, almost uncertain way. Like he's trying to test the word out and decide if he likes it or not.]
no subject
Did you know about this?
[The dwarf is quick to shake his head, waving his free hand and just generally look like he wants to be anywhere but caught by Sarah's pointed gaze.]
No! No, no, honest, I didn't! I didn't know nothing about any ways but the one! Really none of us down here can go up there so why should I?
[Mmmh. That doesn't seem to completely soothe the woman. One arm crosses around her and her hand rubs over her face again. She seems supremely annoyed annoyed now and the scent of flowers and paper likely dance with the spike in emotions.]
That -- [she near bites her tongue] -- he's keeping a secret entrance up to the Above then.
[She had never taken the time to wonder how he had found her after giving up his throne and his magic to Toby for that short bit of time but she was starting to piece this all together now. And it was making her very unhappy with a certain man.
Just in time of course for something to roll their way from the outside. It just bounces on by in the dim light from the exit they're so close to. It rolls and rolls and comes to a stop by bouncing right off of Bigby's foot ever so innocently.
A bland clear orb.]
no subject
[Blandly:] Are you really that surprised? [He isn't. Hearing how Sarah ended up here as a kid reminds him of something fae would do, not necessarily goblins. He's never seen it happen personally, but knowing what he knows about faeries and how weak-willed most goblins can be, flocking to serve whatever master is cruel or smart enough to take advantage of their stupidity, it wouldn't faze him in the slightest if a fae who crowned himself king over these guys is calling the shots. It worked for the Adversary. It would also explain where the portal came from.
Sarah's scent is getting sharper and Bigby can't stop himself from wrinkling his nose at it when her anger gives a sudden nervous jolt. The flowers have a cloying edge to them like cheap perfume, a sure sign that she's pissed. She doesn't even need to waste the energy looking angry.
They don't have time to get too comfortable though because, as if on cue... Something wicked this way comes. Or rolls. Bigby picks up the sound barely seconds before the little orb bounces into view, the delicate tinkling of glass against stone hitting his ears in just the right way to put him on edge. It's like it materialized out of nowhere.
His foot instinctively steps back when the orb knocks against it and then, ominously, stills itself.
This isn't good, is it. This is the beginning of a really bad time, isn't it.
Fuck.]
Get behind me, both of you. Now. [The order is abrupt enough to sound urgent, though Bigby doesn't look afraid. And if he is, it's not necessarily for him.]
no subject
A lesson just continuously learned over and over again. A younger Sarah would have decryed it as unfair but this older Sarah understood perfectly. 'That's the kind of world we live in.'
She doesn't get time to respond because while the sound of glass against stone might have been missed the first time, Bigby's response to it can't be. She looks down, catches a glint of light off the sphere and groans out loud.]
Oh no.
[And then there comes that chipper, swaggering tone with it's pompous accent.]
Well now, we have guests, do we? Sarah darling, you never mentioned you would be visiting today. And down around the oubliettes even? If you want to forget something so badly you could have just asked me, precious.
[The last word is near purred out. And then. Then his attention turns to Bigby, upgrading him from third wheel status quickly.]
And what do we have here? A guest who snuck his way in?
no subject
Of course the way the... guy, whoever or whatever he is, His Highness the Asshole, is talking to Sarah doesn't help matters at all. There's nothing royal about the way that voice carries itself, all slime and sleazy charm. Bigby's heard it before, from the displaced royalty of Fabletown to the ordinary run-of-the-mill shitbags you don't have to go any farther than downtown Manhattan on a Saturday night to see out in full force. He doesn't have to know who he's talking to on a personal level to know that this guy is a) bad news, and b) a royal piece of work.]
It's not sneaking if I walked in. [Asshole. Can that be His Highness' new nickname? Bigby steps slowly around the ball as if to give it some distance, coming to a stop next to Sarah — in front of her actually.] Let me guess: you're the king. Must be a slow day if you have enough time to come down here and spend time with the little people.
[No offense, Hogbrain.]
#hoggledemandsnamejustice2019
Hyuk.Or he's just more prone to attracting assholes. Honestly Sarah could sympathize given she only really seems to attract creeps or... well, assholes.She's more than ready to put the King in his place verbally but Bigby rounds the sphere and ends up putting himself between her and it. He had been trying to usher her behind him earlier too, hadn't he? It's oddly... comforting. For some reason. She wishes she could put her finger on it and maybe she could if she wasn't so exasperated with Jareth himself.
Hoggle has more or less crowded behind Sarah with absolutely no qualms. He ain't taking the blame yet again, no sir. He's rather not have time spent with him if you don't mind!
The sphere meanwhile not so subtly rolls to one side. Jareth lets his smug expression come right on through the crystal, his own personal video phone. And he would really like to keep the camera on her, thank you.]
Yes I know, how magnanimous of me. I always have time for particular company.
[That said Jareth gives a sigh as if this all wears him out far too much.]
It's sneaking in if the entrance isn't meant for you. Tsk tsk, I would think someone like you would know the laws of one land needn't necessarily match the laws of another.
never
And what's that supposed to mean?
[Dread isn't the right word for it, but the unease that the king knows more than Bigby has been trying to let on is thick enough to clump in his chest. Especially since he's been trying to keep a low profile since the moment he got here, not barreling through the door in full wolf form or even half, though that may have helped him blend in a little better — a talking beast in a kingdom of magical, chatty hands, skeevy hands, goblins and other creatures he's sure he hasn't even seen yet. The less that can be traced back to Fabletown, the better.
But what if he knows?]
no subject
This whole being connected to the Labyrinth business was still something she was trying to get used to, the shape and weight of what abilities or powers she did or didn't have now like an ill-fitting dress she hadn't had tailored yet. Beyond the initial burst of her will that she had given to Jareth so the Labyrinth wouldn't crumble under the weak wills of Toby or even Jareth himself, she had never tried to stretch whatever connection she had here.
She could have noticed that entrance sooner. She ought to practice more. Mentally she fans her berating thoughts away because now really isn't the time for any of that.]
What, do you think I don't know the difference between humans and others?
[The crystal rolls again, grating and clinking against the stones. Jareth gives a full, robustly amused laugh that would send shivers down the backs of weaker people.]
You're in my Labyrinth! I might not know who you are but I certainly know what you are. I'm no fool.
[And now, the purring tone again.]
And I know you're the one who's been letting people out of the oubliettes as well, precious. Just because the Labyrinth favors you now doesn't mean what you do is so concealed.
[A noise comes from Sarah, the distinct sound of someone sucking in a breath between their teeth. There's that spike of anger again and there's a passion in her tone that wasn't present before. Thirteen years of being separated from her dreams and the passionate nature of her youth certainly haven't seemed to dim her now that her ablation Moppet has been returned to her.]
I wouldn't have to let anyone out if you didn't keep those rooms open. Do you even know what happens to people who stay in them long enough? They lose everything. They're forgotten and then even they forget and eventually --
[Eventually as Toby put it they just pop out of existence. Completely, thoroughly forgotten. And if they don't do that and reach a critical point they simply wander lost through the Labyrinth, remembering nothing whatsoever.
Now she's more or less edging Bigby out of the way, a hand against his shoulder in a thoughtless maneuver. She's coming forward like she's going to fight that crystal with her own bare fists.]
And you lied to me, you bastard. I ought to kick you and see how far you fly for that!
no subject
And Hogwallace.
As much as he'd like to see her punt that orb like a football, he isn't finished; he hasn't even really started. Wordlessly and with no small amount of care, he reaches out to hold Sarah back, this time on her shoulder. His touch doesn't settle, but he holds it long enough and with enough weight for her to hopefully register the meaning behind it: It's okay. We've got this.]
And the door to your Labyrinth is in MY backyard. And if you know what I am, you should know that it's not in your best interest to fuck with me.
[He's harshing his words through gritted teeth. Whether or not he actually has the power to fight this guy head-on is irrelevant, but he means what he says 100% and that's enough to carry the point across for now. Though, given this new little development Sarah's shared, he may have no choice but to follow through with his threats anyway.]
I didn't come here to watch you peacock all day. The door to your kingdom is in the middle of my city where anyone can get to it. I did. I'm not going to be the last one either.
[Mundie or Fable, it doesn't matter. The threat is very real for anyone who ends up in or around that theater, and even if it doesn't come calling to Fabletown immediately, it will eventually. And what if the threat comes from both sides? What if another corrupt piece of raging shit like the Crooked Man finds it first? What if he finds a way to appeal to this smug fuck's pride and starts the old you-scratch-my-back routine? What then?
Bigby can't let that happen.]
You don't want intruders? Fine. Get rid of it.
hello i wrote a novel
Oh. He has her back... more or less? Some tension eases out of her shoulders before she lets her gaze drift back to that crystal in time to actually see said smug fuck actually look attentive now.]
In your city?
[A beat. His frown is obvious.]
In the theater. That should be enchanted though. If it's not...
[Now he directs a pointed look to Sarah.]
It was your will that reconstructed the Labyrinth when it began to fall apart. I suppose since you didn't know of the door you didn't know to enchant it.
[Sarah's shoulders now droop. Oh god, she feels so tired all of a sudden. Her hand is back against her face once more. This man.]
I don't know how to enchant anything. Unless you've forgotten, Jareth, I'm human. And what the hell do you mean by having a hidden entrance to begin with.
How else did you wish for me to visit when I lost my powers, love?
[His tone is the plaintive sort a person takes with their angry spouse. She gives a long sigh and Hoggle behind her finally makes some sort of sound to indicate he hasn't completely died with worry over the two of them completely pissing Jareth off.]
Fix it then.
And lose my way to come visit when you will not wish for me? Even if you and I do share ownership here, I can't freely cross to you unless you want me to.
[She gives the crystal a wondering, somewhat flabbergasted look. Why should she be surprised? She's not, not in the least but she had held some small hope...]
How can you be so selfish?
The same way you can be so cruel, Sarah. Now then, what will it be - shall you invite me in and let me release the entrance? Or shall I keep it open until you finally do?
[And he smiles a smile of pure, smug satisfaction. If she wouldn't bend to him in the dream he created for her twice over then perhaps she would bend out of worry for others as she had for the Labyrinth itself.
Sarah stands stock still in place a moment. A war rages with her emotions, flitting over her like breaths of wind. From anger to dread to sadness, they shift as her fingers worry the hem of her shirt before she finally looks more determined than anything.]
Then I'll go close it if you won't.
[For my will is as strong as your own and my kingdom just as great.
And with that the crystal darkens just as his High and Mighty Goblin King's expression does. Now his voice seems to echo around the room and the entrance to the forest outside? Well that slams shut with a resounding, dreadful clanging sound.]
Then run, my dear.
[And from where that exit once way comes a sound. A roar, a thud, the clanging of metal and the acrid tang of smoke.
Hoggle outright yells.]
THE CLEANERS!
no subject
So Sarah does know magic. And the portal isn't really a backdoor into to the Underground so much as a backdoor into the mundane world. A way in for King Asshole to slither his way through for... what exactly? To stalk Sarah? That's what it sure sounds like to Bigby's ears. The resulting repulsion and anger is so strong that when he bites down it's tight enough to feel his teeth creak. So that's what this all comes down to in the end. Someone who just won't take no for an answer.
(like Crane, exactly like Crane—)
Fucking freak.
Bigby's already taking a step toward the orb, words pushed out of his throat with a snarl. Good for Sarah if she wants to get dibs on crushing it into dust but he needs to get his fill too.]
HEY! We're not done you fu—
[Or at least he would if the situation didn't finally, resoundingly and hopelessly descend into mayhem in short, predictable order. Jareth's face disappears as the crystal goes dark, and from behind them, a thundering clanging shriek comes barreling down the hallway to cut Bigby off in mid-sentence to accompany the terribly loud, terribly final thud of their way out slamming shut. It's an insane chaotic jumble made up of so many dissonant sounds that it's hard to pinpoint what exactly he's hearing, but if Bigby forces himself to push past the ear-splitting volume, it sounds sort of like...
Knives.
Blades and wheels and sharp, rusty metal grinding against stone.
And if he follows that sound to the source, he'll see that's exactly what it is. It's some kind of crazy looking machine. One that just so happens to be the size and width of the corridor, large enough for him to almost mistake it for the wall itself coming toward them.
Okay. Okay, okay, okayokayokayokay. Time to move.]
Come on!
[He doesn't wait for an answer or hear any worth stopping him from grabbing Sarah by her arm to yank her back from the path of the whirling-knife-thing. He sees Hogsworth practically trip over himself following suit, and just like that, they're off racing in the opposite direction. Back into the depths of the dungeons, right where they came from.]
So— [Yeah, he can run and yell at the same time. That's how a conversation works, right?] You're queen to THAT guy?
[He is so, so sorry.]
no subject
In the middle of running she reaches back to grasp Hoggle's wrist and appropriately groans at Bigby's question.]
Not you too!
[They keep running deeper and deeper, the clanking and whirring and grinding eating up the passageway behind them. Behind them flailing in Sarah's grip Hoggle manages to get out:]
Here! Hurry!
[It's a side passage and after fumbling with the door a moment Hoggle in turn literally jerks Sarah inside, catching the brunette tripping over her own feet and falling to the dusty, dirty stone floor below. She in turn grasps Bigby's wrist as he grasps her arm and with any luck he doesn't kiss the ground too.
The whole group only barely manages to land themselves inside this side passage seconds before the cleaner barrels on by. Sarah makes an annoyed sound from where she lays face down against the stone floor, panting out her breath as she attempts to slow her racing heart.]
The least he could do... [she pants] is come up with some new traps.
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And maybe in some very rare cases they escape, only to be run down by this thing. Knife-tank-thing.
He supposes there's still some scraps left at the bottom of his luck jar, though, because now he's the one being jerked back and pulled in a totally different direction. It's enough to save him from getting mangled by the machine head-on. Sadly, it's not enough to stop him from catching something else with his face.
Faceplanted on the floor, Bigby's body is a coiled ball of tension. When the whirring, clanking cacophony reaches an apex and he's still alive, he braces himself up by his arms and looks up, eyes flashing luminous yellow. The machine passes noisily by their hiding place and continue down the corridor, manned by a pair of goblins operating it by a peddle system. Eventually, the noise becomes distant.
Uneasily, Bigby eases himself back against the wall. He blinks, holds his eyes closed for a moment. When he opens them again, the yellow is back to being brown.
» Don't give him ideas.
» That wasn't enough?
» Can you be serious?
» ...]]
Don't. If that thing shows up again [he exhales raggedly] and it can fly—
[He turns his full attention to Sarah now, catching the full overpowering brunt of her scent. Everything smells like adrenaline and fear and flowers, it's actually making him a little sick. Still, he doesn't hesitate to offer her a hand as he pulls himself to his feet.]
I'm going to blame you.
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He doesn't hesitate to offer, she doesn't hesitate to accept. She bends a moment to dust herself off, down the legs of her jeans first and then straightens back up as she brushes off the front of her shirt. And then finally she huffs out an amused if ragged breath, a quirk of a smile against her lips. It's more like a smirk than anything though.]
Sure, if it makes you feel better.
[He can join the legions of students who curse her name as they study for their midterms or rage over their graded papers.
Meanwhile Hoggles seems to find what he knew would be in here - a ladder leading topside. He grunts in apparent annoyance.]
I know I told ya I'd take ya one way but--
[Sarah waves a hand dismissively.]
That idea is over with. He knows we're here so he's not going to make it easy for us to leave again.
[But. Sarah pauses in place and seems to listen to something. Then she directs a fully amused smile at Hoggle as he starts up the ladder. He's already pushing open a hatch above it, letting light flood into the passageway.
Sarah's tone is damn near perky considering how ticked off she was moments before.]
If he can control this labyrinth then so can I.
[Hoggle pauses a moment to stare down at the brunette. And then he gives a long sigh as he continues upward.]
Well if you think you can do something then be my guest. I wasn't looking forward to ending up at that castle anytime soon.
[It hadn't occurred to her until Jareth said a fair few words he probably shouldn't have to her. Just because the Labyrinth favors you now doesn't mean what you do is so concealed. So she couldn't conceal what she did in the Labyrinth -- or maybe even the whole Underground -- from him but so what? The idea of him being able to see her bend his own Labyrinth to her will and only being able to slow her but not stop her entirely is very satisfying to her right about now.
It was your will that reconstructed the Labyrinth when it began to fall apart.
This shouldn't be half as satisfying a realization as it is. Sarah had been a harsh teacher, sure, but her edges had softened some once she and Moppet reunited. She wasn't one to play with anybody or deliberately hurt them... at least if she didn't think it would help them grow. With Jareth though... well, he deserved it for all of this current bullshit she's been going through. And maybe for the years she had been parted from her dreams and desires too, even if she had agreed to it without realizing the full consequences of such an agreement.
She pauses near the bottom of the ladder, glancing back at Bigby with her smile intact. She looks equal parts happy and reveling in this new realization as she gestures with the tilt of her head to the ladder.]
Age before beauty?
[Look at her, telling a joke moments after nearly dying. Again. Yeah, that's Sarah for you.]
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Point is, watching this play out from the sidelines and coming to terms that he's walked in on a story that's long since played out but has never really finished isn't something he's totally unused to. Does he like it? Hell no. He hates feeling helpless. Hates feeling like he's fumbling around in the dark not knowing if he's in control of the situation or just unwittingly following
But, when all's said and done, he'd take perky optimism over the opposite any day. Even if it's a hell of a rebound from the near-death experience they just got out of. Bigby's not one to dwell on misery for too long, but his idea of practical thinking is usually a bit more aggressive. A tiny more sullen. Definitely not smartassed.]
Don't push it, [resigned, but then he adds on his way to the ladder,] Highness.
[Okay, maybe a little smartassed.
Following Hogfather up, Bigby waits until he feels Sarah behind him before he speaks again. See? Multitasking.]
Look... Sarah, right? I get it. There's a lot of things I don't know about you and... whatever's going on between you and him. [He's not sure how to even broach that issue or if he even should. Uhhh.] But do you even know what you're doing?
[This is a pretty long ladder. The further they climb, the louder the world topside is getting. Bigby can hear something that sounds like the gentle trickle of water. Maybe a stream, or a fountain. And if he squints, he can make out a ring of light streaming around whatever circular plate is covering the way out.]
You don't know how to use magic. You just told him yourself back there.
[Unless she was bluffing. Somehow, he doubts it.]
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He starts talking again when she's a step or two up the rungs just behind him. If he wanted her to delve further into her and Jareth and that whole tangled mess she would. He deserved that much after all the pain it sounded like Jareth was causing him. She wasn't going to just randomly exposition on it though. Somehow she got the idea that the last thing he needed was the tale of how she had a fae just a little too into her.
She pauses in her steps and for a moment uncertainty swims through her. It tightens her stomach much the same way it did all those years ago. She almost feels more fifteen than twenty-eight for a good second or two.]
Not really.
[She's going to just be bluntly honest here. She starts coming up the ladder behind him soon after, steps deliberate and firm.]
The most I know about magic is what I've read in fairy tales and experienced here. And what I've put in my own stories too, of course.
[That explains the scent of paper at least, though frankly all of her writing is nicely stored on an external harddrive.
... Hoggle. Just how long is this ladder?]
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[It definitely was for him. As a kid, he didn't have anyone around to teach him what he needed to know — controlling his strength, harnessing the wind, combining both in a way that wouldn't backfire and hurt him.
He's only had himself to depend on, but he did learn. Much of it, through trial and error involving everything around him: animals, nature, monsters.
And people. Especially people.]
And there's rules, too. Lots and lots of rules.
[And the majority of them don't make a bit of sense, but that's okay because it's not his job to figure them out most of the time: just to put a stop to them if they get out of hand. The other bit? That would be the Thirteenth Floor's. Boy, is he excited for the riveting discussion he's going to have with them once he gets back.
Hogrid reaches the end of the ladder which is only three or so feet away from where Bigby's at on it. He pushes the plate away and a flood of blinding white sunlight pours into the passageway, leaving Bigby squinting through it as he's left to finish climbing up. He hears the little goblin man grumble to himself — something about how one time's bad enough, but two times... — and then he vanishes up and out of the shaft, giving Bigby the room to poke his head out and take stock of their new surroundings.
He was right about the water: there's a fountain here. A large one in the middle of what is readily apparent to be a courtyard. Everything is made of stone. Statues of strange creatures dot the landscape, some of which are hands with fingers pointing down different pathways. Great, like he needed more of those. The sky is pleasantly sunny without a single cloud, and the air smells fresh compared to what he was choking down back there.
It almost looks... nice. In a very medieval kind of way.]
Do you know where we are? [It's addressed to Hogsfinkle from over his shoulder once he gets out and gives Sarah enough room to follow him, ready to help her get her bearings if she needs it. What is this guy's name again anyway?]
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[She tries not to sound bemusedly tired here. She's a teacher. If anyone gets to learn rules, it's her. Rules, regulations, certifications. You can teach this but you can't teach that and oh, remember the standardized tests.
What's another set of rules on top of all that? A lot but well... such is life. Naturally this would be what happened to her in the end.
Meanwhile Hoggle's brows furrow at the man.]
Course I do! [His tone sounds a little peevishly indignant.] We're out in the Labyrinth proper again.
[So they had been meandering around beneath the actual Labyrinth itself this whole time. Once Sarah's head pops out from the opening, the groan she gives ought to be enough to speak volumes.]
This place. It's just a courtyard really but we're definitely on our way too the castle instead of away from it.
[She grasps the edge of the portal they've all just exited through and goes to haul herself up, at least until she can sit with her feet still dangling down into the hole. Then she can scoot back and gain her feet once again.]
I never thought I would be here again. Maybe we can avoid the forest this time around.
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[His irritation is becoming a full-blown headache nipping at his temples. It's really not their fault, he knows that, but this is just. A lot to handle right now. Some good news would be really appreciated.]
So we'll head away from the castle. You made it through here once before, right? We'll just make our way backwards to the beginning.
[Once the pressure in his head clears enough, he takes a good look around at the courtyard. True enough, he can make out the shape of a castle over the horizon, a looming thing with jagged spires that looks like it was carved out of black rock. Separating it from them is what looks like miles and miles of walls interlaced in dizzying patterns.
Bigby folds his arms and turns back to face Sarah.]
That's where the door to the theater is. All I need to do is get back to New York, then we can figure out what to do about His Royal fucking Highness in peace. That's all. Nothing halfcocked, no catch.
[No crazy plans is what he really means by that last bit. It's not that he doesn't love a good bad plan, but the last time he ran into obvious danger outgunned and outmanned thinking he could handle it, he almost got his head cut off — after he took it out of his ass long enough to realize that hastily rushing into trouble without even knowing who you're facing may not be the best idea.]
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Well yes, I did but -- the way we've come so far is the way I came the first time I was here. The second time... well, I didn't go through the Labyrinth that time.
[She forming an idea here of what she needs to do next, her foot tapping with her own impatience as she does her damndest to listen inside herself for... something. That's what you did in fairy tales, right? Or the ones where someone has some sort of magic. Something inside guides them or pops up or --
I'm almost thirty and I'm still thinking like this.
Sarah takes a moment to press her hand to her forehead. No headache here, not just yet. She's thinking, she's planning and when Bigby speaks next it catches her momentarily off guard.]
... New York?
[Well of course it was in New York. If it was Jareth's own private backdoor spying route then it had to be there. If she thought hard enough she could probably even point out the derelict theater it was in even. She had made the circuits of all of them when she was a teenager, throwing herself in this performance and that in the hopes of honing her acting talents.
She would say something else but right about now is when there comes the distinct sound of shuffling footsteps accompanied by the brush of something trailing on the ground. And then --]
Yes, yes, yes, find a comfortable spot to go to sleep in again. Oi! It's so thrilling being your hat!
[Now Sarah's hand slips down to press against her cheek. And she turns a pointed, stern look in Bigby's direction. A look of warning.]
... I don't think you're going to enjoy this much.
[Call it a hunch but he seems like the kind of guy with two cents of patience that he's constantly trying to divide up between annoyances in his life.]
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... I can't imagine why.
[—said as the man finally, finally shambles over to a large stone fixture on their far right which looks suspiciously like a throne. At no point does he make any indication that he notices the party despite being right across from them, but he's so small and frail that Bigby has a hard time believing he's going to lunge at them if he does. He looks too tired for that.
So let's take a chance. Bigby raises his voice and calls out.]
'scuse me!
[The Wise Man, having settled into his comfy rock chair, raises his head and makes a noise that sounds like he's either clearing his throat or trying to fight back a yawn. His hat similarly grouses to himself something that sounds very much like, Oh great, here we go.]
Hmmm? [The Wise Man narrows his eyes and squints at Bigby.] Ohhh... A wolf. I haven't seen one of your kind in the Labyrinth in...
A dog's age!
[The Wise Man stops, eyes rolling up to his hat. Hmph. A beat, then he looks back at the rest of the party, his gaze settling on Sarah.]
And you! Well, this is a pleasant surprise. [He sounds warm, like a grandfather seeing their child for the first time again in years.] Hello again, young lady. It's been—
Really lonely with just one of your rings!
[Oh my god.]
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She can almost brush aside the wolf comment thanks to that. Though honestly if she lingered some, it really made sense. Jareth had more or less blatantly said whoever this guy was wasn't human and he did have a demeanor that reminded her of a displeased, huffy old dog.
... Honestly that thought just makes her grin quirk even more in private amusement. Jareth was a strutting peacock, this guy was a grumpy pooch that just wanted a few moments of peace and she could get used to the mental imagery. Note to self, include a surly wolf in your next story, Sarah.]
I don't suppose you still have it, do you?
[The hat just makes this disbelieving sort of noise while the old man shakes his coin box. Of course not or perhaps it was tucked away somewhere in those robes of his.]
I don't suppose you could give us directions away from the castle this time around, could you?
[She doesn't really sound that hopeful.]
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He was going to have to cross this bridge sooner or later since he planned on taking Sarah with him through through the door and back to Fabletown, so in a weird way this sort of eases the burden of the truth off his shoulders. But still, he's not happy. And— is this guy trying to panhandle? This was a mistake, wasn't it.]
We're trying to get back to the entrance.
[Because something tells Bigby being as specific as possible is the right track to take with the old man. The Wise Man sits in contemplative silence for a few moments, humming to himself as he thinks.]
Hmmm. Do you remember when we last spoke, young lady? I told you, I believe... yes, I believe what I said was, [in unison with his less-than-enthusiastic hat:] "The way forward is sometimes the way..."
[And Bigby quietly says to himself,] If he says back...
"... Back."
[Again: unbelievable.]
There are times when you need to concern yourself with all the uncertainties that come with being lost. And, there are times when you must stop listening to this... [The Wise Man points to his hat with a quivering finger, and honest to God, the bird looks like it wants to bite him for that.] And instead listen... to this.
[The Wise Man rests his gnarled palm on his chest, and whether he's talking to Bigby or Sarah directly now seems irrelevant when he continues on.]
No matter how different two paths seem, they will always come together in the end. Do you understand?
[The bird cranes its long neck down as far as it can in Bigby's direction and whispers,] Are you hearing this crap?
[And Bigby, not yet completely resigned to being in a nuthouse but still hopeless enough to accept that, yes, this is happening and there's nothing he can do to stop it, flatly replies back,] I wish I wasn't.
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Hoggle for his part is thoroughly unimpressed. He was last time too and he does the same thing now, dismissing the old man entirely.]
See? Didn't tell you nothin' this time neither!
[The woman herself looks thoughtful though.]
Actually, he might be on to something this time.
... You sure you're feelin' well, Sarah?
[She rolls her eyes a little, giving Hoggle a pointed look.]
Look, if I'm at least somewhat connected to this place, it would stand to reason I could at least find the way out. Jareth can pretty much go where he pleases, can't he?
Yeah cause he knows all the back ways. And he ain't human neither.
Even if he isn't human he knows where all the entrances and exits are. And that has to be something more than just knowing where they're at.
[The hat makes an intrigued 'hmmm!', it's brows raising up some. She doesn't take that as indication that she's on to anything though.
Sarah pauses a moment, wrestling a ring off of one finger. She doesn't wear much jewelry nowadays but when Hoggle had come speaking of a stranger in the Labyrinth, she had paused a moment to snatch up a ring or two from her jewelry box. All ones from her ex-fiance and ones she didn't care a lick about anymore.
The old man is indeed panhandling though and Sarah shows no hesitance in plunking one of the rings in his box before she steps back and closes her eyes once more, arms crossing over her chest. She had been trying this before the man arrived but the distractions had been enough to shake away her attention. More focused now in a brief moment with only the bird's chattering as a backdrop, she feels...
There. It's something alright. Like a cord caught just beneath her heart. She tugs on it mentally and experimentally as well and tries to reason out the sensation. When she can't she ends up opening her eyes and deciding this might be as good a clue as any regardless of what it meant.]
Let's try... that way.
[She points to one of the paths out of this little courtyard area and into the hedge maze all around them itself. It's where she felt this tentative pull the strongest after all.]
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[Or something.
Bigby raises an eyebrow when Sarah actually slips her ring off — and a very pretty one at that, purple stones set in gold filigree — and drops it in the Wise Man's box. Guess advice isn't free here, borderline useless as it may be. The goblin's words aren't anything special; it's the kind of the saccharine stuff you hear on TV, the kind the mundies who've rewrote their stories like to pepper in their own. But— everything they learned, it had to come from somewhere, right?
"No matter how different two paths seem, they will always come together in the end." He's heard it all before. Still waiting for it to be true.
Sarah, though... she takes it. She seems to retreat inward for a very long time, and is the look that falls over her face one of reflection? Or understanding? Either way, Bigby watches her closely, not just trying to figure out what she's thinking but also how it all came to this.
("Even if you and I do share ownership here, I can't freely cross to you unless you want me to.")
("When I was a teenager, I wished away my brother.")
("She's the Champion of the Labyrinth, you know. Only one to beat it too!")
Flowers and ink and paper. Just who are you?
Bigby snaps back to attention when she finally speaks. Even the bird looks a little interested.]
You sure about that? [Though it's phrased as a question, his tone isn't very doubtful or even judgemental. He just looks curious, considering the path she points out like he's trying to assess it for himself, see what she sees. Eventually, he just exhales.] ... Okay.
[Just like that. He... feels like he can trust her judgment. She's not a little kid or helpless; she's certainly proved the latter. And besides, if push comes to shove, that's why he's here. They've got their bases covered pretty evenly, he'd say. And honestly, he's out of good ideas for where to start anyway.]
Lead th-
[And before he can take so much as a single step forward let alone finish his sentence, something shoots out at him and jiggles itself under his nose.
A splintery wooden box, Sarah's ring still rattling around in it. Shaking incessantly even as Bigby gives it a glare so incredulous it should be offensive.]
What. [His eyes shoot up to the Wise Man.] Are you serious? [Waitaminute—] Are you sleeping?
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ow the edge 2019
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#lethogglesayfuck