Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The air was stale. No wind could be felt to move the heavy clouds, and they almost looked like cotton candy in the muted light. It was hard to discern if it was dawn or dusk, not that it mattered. The truth was, lives were at stake, and the whole world—both seen and unseen—was holding its breath to see how the fates would fall.

The story was an old one, told again and again. The same tragedy played past like a broken film reel set to loop for eternity. The only difference was the face of the actress. Time was strange in this place, and ofttimes the girls' faces were the only way to know that time was no longer standing still.

The story had spun to the end and started over—this time with a young girl named Sarah and her brother Toby. Yet, it seemed that the fates were bored, or perhaps a trickster was involved. Either way, a ripple formed in the strange reality that spread until it could not be ignored. Not by the listless sky, nor by the stoic walls of the labyrinth. Not even by the pawns of a twisted king or the girl that fate had listed for the current telling of the ageless tale.

Sarah had faced the goblin king in her parent's bedroom and had somehow walked away in one piece. Not only that, but she was given a full thirteen hours to find the city and get Toby back. Now, she had to find a way in.

As soon as she made her way to the bottom of the hill, the walls of the labyrinth loomed overhead, but her attention was grabbed by a short being, most likely male, that was peeing into a small pool. She felt her cheeks flush at the embarrassment of catching him in the act, but she couldn't let it deter her. She called out brokenly, "Um, excuse me?"

The small male jumped as he righted himself and stuttered out. "Oh, excuse me!" However, as soon as he turned, he saw who had addressed him and a frown formed as he said, "Oh, it's only you."

Sarah was still unsure what to think of the whole situation, but she didn't have time to hesitate. Instead, she held out a hand and said, "Wait!"

The male ignored her. However, he had not taken more than a couple of steps before they both turned to face the pool he had just been standing in front of. Splashing was issuing from beneath the surface that quickly took the shape of a person. And the person quickly took the shape of a female in an odd assortment of garments that was sputtering as she surfaced.

Sarah was glad that she was not the person the woman was glaring at as she yelled. "Damnit, Door! At least you could have sent me through an actual door. This pool must be half piss. It's even warm!"

A beat passed before the woman extracted herself from the tiny pool and waved her hand down her body. All traces of the tainted water disappeared, yet she still wrinkled her nose as though the smell was invading her senses. The woman's gaze then traveled her perimeter before they came to rest on the two beings staring at her in shock.

She smirked at them as she said, "Ah, locals. Please tell me where that blasted girl has sent me. What part of the underground am I in now?"

Despite having just met him, Sarah looked down at the odd little man next to her. He looked just as confused as he shrugged. Finally, she looked back over at the strange woman and said, "I'm not from here, actually. But this is the labyrinth that surrounds the goblin king's castle."

The woman frowned at that news and put a hand to her chin as though she was in deep thought. It was only then that Sarah realized she was quite pretty, in an eclectic kind of way. In proper clothes and cleaned up a little, she would probably rival her own mother. Though it was difficult to tell how old she was. With the way her clothes hung about her body, she could have been anywhere between sixteen or twenty-six.

Sarah jumped and blushed at being caught staring when the woman finally spoke again. Though if she had noticed, nothing was said. Instead, the woman looked at the man beside her with a bright smile. "I have never heard of a goblin king, either above or below, so I guess I really am somewhere safe. If the girl isn't from here, is there anything you can tell me?"

The little man stumbled over his words long enough that the woman seemed to take pity on him. Her eyes widened, and she looked contrite when she said, "Oh, forgive me. I suppose introductions should come first." She then paused and held out one hand with a dazzling smile as she said, "My name is Anachronism, but everyone just calls me Crow. Rolls off the tongue a bit easier. I came here from London Below if that helps at all."

Unfortunately, the woman's introduction only seemed to confuse the man further. Sarah had to admit that she was curious. When the little man didn't say anything, she stepped forward and took the woman's outstretched hand as she said, "My name is Sarah." She paused and bit her lip for just a moment before she continued, "I've never heard of London Below. Is that a suburb of the city?"

The woman laughed brightly before she turned a critical eye on Sarah. She looked her over once and shrugged. "I'm not surprised you don't know it. By the way you're dressed, I would guess you're from somewhere Above. Plus, your accent says your American. Don't worry about it. The Below isn't a place for those that don't belong."

Sarah wasn't sure if she should feel insulted or not. The woman had been smiling when she said all that, but the words did seem a bit rude. However, before she could gather her thoughts on the matter, the man next to them finally managed to sputter out a response. "Now, see here! Ya can't come waltzing up to the labyrinth like it's your home. Ya gotta respect this place. It's dangerous."

Instead of becoming fearful or getting upset, the woman's eyes seemed to twinkle with interest. She looked around once again before she turned back and gave the man a firm nod as she said, "I suppose there is no going back, so forward it is."

She then turned to Sarah with that same bright smile and said, "You mentioned that there was a castle in the middle of this thing, right?"

Sarah still felt off-balance, but she managed a nod. With that, the woman turned to face the wall and held her arms out wide as she said, "Well then, it's decided. Let's find this castle." She then turned to Sarah with a wink as she continued, "I'm in rather dire need of a bath."

Sarah wasn't sure what to think of this whole ordeal. She hadn't even made it into the labyrinth, and already the world seemed to have been flipped on its head. However, when the woman moved toward what she could now see were a set of giant double doors, she jumped to follow. By the time she reached the woman's side, her hand was on the door, and she was muttering to herself. "Well, aren't you the old one? And look how you still stand with majesty. I'd hate to ruin that."

"Um, excuse me?" Sarah really didn't know what to think of this, but it certainly seemed like the woman planned to accompany her. Despite how strange she was, Sarah knew she could use the help.

However, the woman didn't look at her when she turned back around. Instead, she went to where the little man had turned to go back to spraying the things that were flitting about. It wasn't until Sarah followed her that she saw he was spraying fairies. She picked up the closest and practically yelled at him, "What are you doing?"

Before she could ask more, a sharp prick on her finger caught her attention, and she looked down in time to see the glittering diaphanous fairy biting into her flesh. She shook the thing off with horror and said, "It bit me!"

The man paused long enough to roll his eyes as he said, "What'd ya expect fairies to do?"

Sarah made a confused noise, but before she could respond, Crow patted her shoulder comfortingly and said, "Don't let it get to you, dear. Think about it from its point of view. This man just sprayed it from the sky then the giantess that is you came and swept it up. How would you feel?"

It was several moments before Sarah could find the words to respond. "I suppose I wouldn't like it very much either."

The man huffed and rolled his eyes but didn't stop what he was doing. Crow smiled at Sarah once more before she turned to the man. "I can see that you are busy, so I'll try not to take up much of your time. I was wondering if you knew how to open the doors. I would hate to reduce such magnificence to dust, especially since I won't have time to rebuild them once we're through."

The man stopped in his tracks at turned to her with wide eyes. For several seconds his expression wavered between fear and awe. Finally, he huffed in disgust and waved a hand over his shoulder before he stomped off and said, "Fine. Have it your way, but don't say I didn't warn you."

Instead of being put off by his behavior, Crow grinned at his back and waved as she said, "Thank you, little grumpy man. I'm sure the walls appreciate it too."

The man stopped and turned around with a glower as he said, "The name's Hoggle, and don't you go forgetting it."

Sarah was dumbfounded as Crow's only response was to chuckle before the woman turned back to Sarah and gestured toward the now open doors as she said, "I believe a castle is beckoning us, right?" Sarah barely had time to nod silently before the woman took her by the arm and pulled her through the yawning doors and into the high walls beyond.

Once they were inside the labyrinth, Sarah looked around to see if there was any indication of which way they should go. She noticed that instead of looking around, Crow was examining the walls closely. Finally, Sarah decided it was time to speak up. She didn't have time to waste, after all. "Um, I think we should go this way?"

Crow looked over with a raised brow before she smiled and said, "I suppose that's as good a way as any."

With that, both women fell into step as they headed down the right side. They walked in silence for several minutes before Crow started speaking. Though Sarah had the impression that the woman was talking to herself as she said, "Hmm, this place is rather derelict, even for the underground. I wonder if the kingdom is not doing well. Though, I suppose it does have a certain kind of charm."

Sarah frowned as she looked around. She had to agree that the walls seemed to be crumbling, but really she had other things to worry about. When Crow stopped to examine the wall once again, Sarah decided that enough was enough. She managed to keep most of her nervousness from her voice as she said, "I think I'm going to go on ahead."

The other woman seemed to be distracted by something and didn't answer. However, Sarah didn't wait. She had to find Toby—she just had to. She turned and started making her way down the long path again. After a couple of minutes, she looked back see Crow was ambling along behind her, but the other woman was paying more attention to the walls than where Sarah was going.

As reassuring as it had been to have another person with her, she thought that perhaps Crow wasn't the best one to help. When she got frustrated that there didn't seem to be any other paths, she finally started running. She had to work not to let her fear and frustration not get the better of her.

She thought she heard Crow call out to her, but she was already running. She couldn't turn back now. She ran like that for several minutes before she finally stopped and flung herself against the wall in frustration as she yelled out. "Some labyrinth! There aren't any turns, or paths, or anything!"

It was only as she slid down the wall that she noticed Crow had been right behind her. The other woman looked like she was a little out of breath, but she stopped in front of Sarah while she tried to catch it. Before either of them could say something, a new voice piped up beside them and said, " 'ello."

Sarah looked around with confusion until her eyes landed on a rather large and fuzzy worm near where she was seated. It was even more confusing that it was wearing a scarf. Her voice was hesitant as she asked, "Did you say hello?"

She leaned back a little when the worm answered, "No, I said 'ello, but that's close enough."

Sarah was still a little dumbfounded, but Crow finally dropped beside them and joined the conversation. " 'ello to you too, my fine gentleman. And what a lovely day."

The worm nodded his head as he said, "Right you are. Would you like to come in and meet the Missus? Maybe have a spot of tea?"

Crow looked truly apologetic as she said, "I'm afraid not today. Perhaps another time. You see, we have someplace we need to be, and we've already passed several paths to get there. I'm sure it would be best for us to head in and make up time."

The worm looked a little crestfallen, but before he could answer, Sarah looked at Crow with wide eyes as she said, "What do you mean we've passed several paths? This is nothing but one long hall."

Crow patted her arm with a wry smile as she said, "The first thing you need to know about the underground, anywhere in the underground, is that things are rarely what they seem to be." She then paused and point across from them to the wall as she said, "Right there is a fine example. It's where I suggest we start. I'm glad I caught up to you before we ended up going all the way around again."

Sarah looked back and forth between Crow and the wall, but she didn't get to ask. The worm had already started speaking again. " 'at's right. Just gotta look harder."

Instead of waiting for Sarah to gather her thoughts, Crow stood up and went to the other side before she stepped through what had seemed like a solid wall. Sarah gasped when she came back into sight and jumped to her feet. She raced over to test it herself before she looked back at the other two with a wide grin. Before she could disappear, the worm said, "Ya sure there isn't time for a spot o' tea?"

Crow shook her head as she said, "Perhaps when we come back this way another time."

The worm sighed but didn't argue. Sarah was still grinning when she turned down the left path. Before she could take more than a couple of steps, she froze and headed back when she heard the worm yell out, "Not that way! Never go that way!"

Sarah stepped back around and thanked him before she turned toward the right. However, Crow grabbed her arm and frowned at her before she turned back to the worm and said, "Thank you for the advice, kind sir, but can you tell us why we shouldn't go that way?"

The worm shook his head and said, "That way leads straight to that castle."

The two women shared a look before Crow grinned and turned back to the worm with a little bow. "You have done us a great service, sir. As dangerous as it may be, that is our destination. You have my thanks, as well as a promise to bring a fitting gift when I return."

Sarah was still staring at the woman with wide eyes, but she didn't argue when Crow pulled her back down the path to the left. Neither of them paused when they heard the worm's last call to stop them. Sarah felt her hope well up once again.

Maybe it wouldn't be so hard to get to the center of the labyrinth. Crow had said things were rarely what they seemed. Maybe that meant that all the warnings she had heard so far were nothing more than false leads to keep her from getting to her destination. The more she thought about it, the more confident she grew. She was practically grinning when Crow looked back to make sure she was keeping up. This was going to be easy!

However, they had not walked for more than half an hour before her newfound confidence came tumbling down as they exited a crumbling hole in the wall and were faced with water as far as the eye could see. The castle was up on a hill on the far side, but she felt her heart plummet when she thought about walking all the way around the giant lake. It would take too long.

Sarah nearly fell to her knees but instead yelled out, "It's not fair!" She also had the urge to yell at Crow for taking them this way. Yes, the worm had been right that this way led to the castle, but he hadn't said anything about a lake. Now, what was she going to do?

She considered turning around and going back the way they had come. Perhaps that way would be more difficult, but surely it couldn't take as long as walking around the behemoth in front of them. However, she stopped when she noticed Crow was standing at the water's edge and tossing something in. Her curiosity got the better of her as she walked to stand beside the other woman and asked, "What are you doing?"

Crow spared a glance with a grin before she held up the pebbles in her hand and said, "Well, I wanted to see if this water was what it seemed to be. As far as I can tell, it looks like it is. At least here at the shore."

Sarah's eyes widened when she remembered the advice once again. She nearly laughed as she asked, "Then, do you think we can get across without walking all the way around? If I remember right, I think I have less than twelve hours left."

Crow frowned slightly as she said, "That's not a lot of time, but I don't think it's as far away as it looks. I'm more worried about what else we'll find on the way."

She then dropped the pebbles in her hand, and her smile was back as she said, "Although, I'm not going to pass up this opportunity." With that, she started to unbuckle the wide belt around her over-large shirt before she pulled it over her head.

Sarah's eyes widened, and her face started to turn red as she turned around and nearly yelled, "What are you doing!

A snort came from behind her along with the rustle of clothes as Crow said, "What does it look like I'm doing. I told you I needed a bath. This isn't perfect, but it's better than nothing."

Sarah was too flustered by how easily the other woman had taken off her clothes to form a coherent response before she heard the splashing of the water. That seemed to kick her mind in gear, and she turned with a frown in time to see Crow surface. Sarah gritted her teeth before she called out. "I told you I don't have much time."

Crow lifted one hand up and waved the concern off as she started running her fingers through her hair. Her voice was completely unconcerned as she said, "This won't take long. There is no way I plan to keep putting up with that feeling on my skin if I don't have to. You'd feel the same if you'd been forced to take a dunk in that pool."

Sarah suddenly blanched at the memory of how Crow had arrived. Despite her rush, she no longer felt like complaining. However, she did turn to face away from the water when Crow started to come out a few minutes later. She didn't turn around again until she heard the other woman say, "Ah, much better."

Sarah turned back around to see Crow had already donned her clothes again, and for some reason, they looked better this time, almost new. However, that fact was of little concern. Instead, she pointed to the lake as she asked, "So what do we do now?"

Crow finished buckling her belt before she looked up and over the water with a frown. "Something seems off here. We can try to go around, but I have a feeling that way might be more dangerous than if we go through."

Sarah was beginning to feel frustrated again, but she didn't get to voice it before the other woman looked at her with a wry smile and said, "Care to go for a swim?"

Sarah blinked at her as she tried to comprehend what she was just asked. "Swim across this thing?"

Crow smirked and tilted her head toward the water. "Why not? The water feels great." That was the last thing Crow said before she turned and waded back into the depths. This time fully clothed. Sarah watched until the woman was waist-deep before her brain kicked in, and she sighed. Her next words were muttered under her breath as she followed the other woman into the water. "I hope you know what you're doing."

Chapter Text

Although Sarah had doubted trying to swim across the giant lake was a good idea, she was surprised to find that it wasn't what she expected. They had gone out until the shore was barely visible and the water was up to their necks, but after that, it slowly started to get shallower. By the time they had doubled their distance, it was barely up to their ankles. She looked down around them and had to immediately look back up. Her eyes were telling her a far different story than her feet were. She could see things moving through the water beneath them as the sun glistened against silver. She hoped it was just fish. Though that couldn't explain how they were practically walking on water.

When she looked back up again, She finally asked what had been on her mind. "Are we really walking on water? How is that possible?"

Crow looked back for a second and frowned before she faced forward again and said, "It would be better not to question. Look forward, and don't falter."

"What? Why?"

Sarah's voice held a note of panic, and Crow turned to face her, but she continued walking backward. "Did you not notice that you are starting to sink?"

Sarah looked down and started to feel panic overwhelming her. However, Crow's hand shot out and grabbed her arm, forcing her to stumble after her. It was then that Sarah noticed that as long as they kept moving, the water stayed below them. She looked back up with awe only to see Crow was still frowning.

The odd woman turned around again but started talking once more. "I have never seen this much magic in one place. The very land and sky seem to leach it as though it were a living thing of its own. Not even Lord Portico or my father could match a fraction of this combined. The closest I have ever come to feeling this level of energy was when I followed my father to Down Street. Still, that was not this wild magic that dances around us like mad fairies."

Sarah looked around and tried to see what Crow was talking about but couldn't see anything other than the water around them and the sky that had not changed since she first arrived. That was also when she noticed something else and tried to keep the tremor from her voice as she said, "Does it seem like the castle is as far away as it was when we first started? I can't see the shoreline behind us anymore."

Crow looked over her shoulder with a frown that she tried to erase as she said, "Don't worry about it. Right now, we need to focus on putting one foot in front of the other. I'm sure there is a trick here that has yet to show itself. When it does, we'll handle it."

Sarah wasn't sure if she liked the sound of that, but there was little she could do about it. For one, they had come so far already, and she didn't want to start over. Plus, she didn't want to leave Crow's side while they were in the water. She had a feeling she wouldn't be able to stay afloat if she were on her own—quite literally.

After that, silence fell for long enough that Sarah was focused on moving her feet and had almost forgotten Crow's prediction. Unfortunately, she was reminded in the worst way when more than a dozen heads popped out of the water around them. It was hard to see them clearly because their skin was made of the purest silver and reflected even the weak sun with dazzling results. It took her vision a moment to clear enough for her to tell that they weren't actually silver but covered in scales across every inch of their skin.

She was drawn from her wonder when she heard Crow call out, "Keep walking! Walk in place if you have to." It was only then that she realized the water was up to her knees. She immediately started lifting her feet in a semblance of walking and breathed a sigh of relief when she was finally almost out of the water.

She looked up when she heard cackling laughter come from all around them. The merpeople were all looking at them with smiles that caused a chill to go down Sarah's spine. Her first instinct was to try and back away, but there was nowhere to go. Instead, she looked over to see Crow was frowning at the group around them. However, before she could even think to ask what they should do, the beings around them all spoke at once. The effect was eerie and caused another shiver to go through her. "If an audience you seek, then first you must prove your resolve."

More cackling came from them, but Crow's voice was firm as she called out. "What task is it you ask from us?"

Sarah's eyes widened. A task? What could they possibly do? However, the beings started speaking again. "Simple, so simple, daughter of eons."

Sarah wasn't sure why Crow stiffened slightly, but that was the only indication of the other woman's discomfort as she said, "Then state it so we may be done."

The whispers issued from each of their scally lips gathered to make a sound like the wind through cracking branches and made Sarah cringe. She barely remembered to keep her feet moving. Thankfully, the sound did not last long before they all said at once, "Three lives, have I—one gentle enough to soothe the skin, and another light enough to caress the sky. Yet the last is hard enough to crack stone. What am I?"

Sarah blinked several times as she tried to wrap her head around what was just said. She looked over when she heard Crow mutter, "A riddle. I hate riddles."

That statement had Sarah's eyes widening again. Though her heart sank a moment later. What could possibly be light enough to touch the sky and still able to break stones? Her mind seemed to go blank as she tried to figure it out, and her near panic wasn't helped when she noticed the beings were undulating through the water as they got closer.

She did her best not to focus on them as she turned to Crow and said, "What could it be? I know a lot of things that crack stone, but none of them would be light enough to touch the sky."

The other woman shot her a frown and shook her head, but she didn't speak. Sarah was ready to ask again, but she noticed a laugh right behind her and nearly jumped. Several of the things were within arms reach, and their smiles were filled with teeth reminiscent of sharks. Sarah suddenly had an idea, though she wasn't sure. She turned back to Crow and said, "What about light? I mean, it's in the sky, and the sun soothes the skin. Plus, lasers can crack rocks. Right?"

One of Crow's brows rose in interest, but the laughter that cut through the air around them had the other woman looking around with a frown. Sarah wasn't sure what she was looking for, but she wasn't given time to worry long. She felt a cold hand slip around her ankle as it yanked. The unexpected motion sent her tumbling back into the water with a scream. However, the sound turned into a choked thing when she finally caught sight of what was below them in the water.

There were not multiple merpeople. Instead, each one was attached to a tendril that extended down into something out of a nightmare. It was nothing but gnashing teeth and shadow, and Sarah had no doubt that she was about to be its next meal.

However, before that could happen, the water seemed to pull back into itself and pushed her back to the surface before she had even been engulfed by it. As soon as that happened, Crow grabbed her arm and hauled her back up. The other woman was panting as though she had just run a marathon and had started to sink as well, but she didn't seem to pay it any mind. Instead, she yelled, "Run!"

Sarah had no idea where they could go or how they could pass the tentacles in disguise, but she didn't want to stick around either. She shot past Crow and headed toward the castle in the distance as fast as the water would allow her. Behind her, she heard the splashing footsteps of her companion following. Though she nearly stumbled when she heard Crow yell again. "Water! The answer is water!"

As soon as those words left Crow's mouth, a keening wail came from each of the tentacle people, and the water started to froth. It took all Sarah had to stay on her feet as it felt like she was trying to run across a trampoline while someone was jumping on it. However, Crow grabbed her arm as she passed and helped keep her on her feet as they both ran. "Don't look back; just keep running."

Sarah didn't need to be told twice. The two women ran as fast as the water would allow. However, before they made it far, a void suddenly appeared in the water in front of them. It was upon them before either had a chance to turn away, and it wasn't until they were falling that Sarah realized it was a whirlpool. At least it wasn't a gaping maw filled with teeth waiting at the bottom, but the swirling shadows were not much comfort as they swallowed the two women whole.

Somehow, both Sarah and Crow were practically spat from the water near a shore. Both women somehow managed to crawl at least part way onto the beach before stopping. Sarah was still on her hands and knees while she tried to catch her breath, while Crow had flopped over on her back and stared at the sky. Several moments passed before the woman finally said, "I would kill for some food. That took more out of me than I expected, but water is always such a pain in the arse."

Sarah had to take a few more breaths before she could find the voice to ask, "What do you mean? What was that about? Where are we?"

Crow rolled her head to face Sarah as she smirked and said, "If you're asking about that beast, and the whirlpool, then I'd say they were the trick to getting past the lake." She then paused and pointed up and further inland.

Sarah gasped when she saw the castle was much closer. Somehow, they had made it through the lake and were at least two-thirds of the way to their destination. Although, when she looked past the beach, she saw a dense forest between them and the cliff the castle was perched on. She almost groaned when she thought about what else might be waiting for them on the way. She ended up turning to sit as she hit the ground out of frustration. "It's not fair. It's not as though the labyrinth isn't enough to deal with without all this other stuff added in."

Crow scoffed as she rolled over and pushed herself to her feet as she said, "Life isn't fair, but you have two choices. Deal with it and move on, or give up and let it kill you."

A shiver crawled up Sarah's spine at the morbid sentiment, but after what they had just gone through, she couldn't argue. Instead, she also stood with a sigh and joined Crow at the edge of the woods. She tried to peer into the darkness and was unable to see much. When it started giving her the creeps, she turned to her companion and asked, "Now what?"

The other woman looked at her with a wry smile as she pointed to the woods. "I don't see much choice. We find a way through." Sarah had been afraid that was the answer. Though she didn't say anything as she followed the other woman through the brush that lined the edge of the forest.

They had only gone a short distance into the forest, and already, the light changed from the pink and golds of the shore to a muted air of greens and purples. Although, Sarah was glad to see that the trees were not as dense as they had appeared. There was no path to follow, but thankfully, the way between the roots was relatively clear. She was sure it was because each of the trees around them rose like solemn monarchs that blocked out the sun and made an eerie arbor below.

After traveling in silence for nearly half an hour, Sarah began to wonder if they were going in circles. Everything was starting to look the same, and without a view of the sky, there was no telling if they were still headed in the right direction. All she could see through the gaps was the pinkish hue of the strange sky overhead. Plus, there was a distinct lack of sound that put her on edge, as though the very forest was waiting with held breath to see what would happen next.

Despite the lack of anything else but trees around them, Sarah quickened her pace to walk directly next to Crow so she could whisper, "Um, do you—do you think we are going the right way? I could have sworn we passed that tree before."

Instead of answering, Crow stopped and looked around before she looked back. Sarah could see worry in her eyes, but her voice only held confidence as she said, "Well, I can't really say if this is the right direction, but we haven't changed course. The only way to check for sure would be for one of us to climb a tree."

Sarah looked at the giants around them with a wary eye. Yes, some limbs were low enough that it would be possible, but the trees were tall enough that she got dizzy just thinking about it. However, before she could respond, another hauntingly familiar voice cut in, "I wouldn't advise that if I were you. There is no telling what might be waiting."

Sarah felt cold sweat drip down her spine as she turned slowly to face the goblin king in all his glory, leaning against one of the trees they had just passed. She couldn't find the words to say anything, but Crow did not seem to be similarly affected. The other woman stepped forward with a frown and said, "Oh? So you are trying to convince me that the lake was one of many such horrors?"

Sarah immediately grabbed her arm and pulled as she harshly whispered, "Don't! That's the goblin king."

Jareth stood and took a step closer. His gloved hands were on his hips, and he gave them both a confident smirk. He ignored Crow's question and instead focused on Sarah as he said, "I had thought to ask how you liked my labyrinth, but you haven't experienced much of it. What a naughty girl to cheat and go around."

Sarah was flabbergasted and infuriated by the accusation. Her mouth opened and closed several times while she tried to think of what to say. Crow didn't seem to have the same problem. "Cheat, my arse. I've known this girl for less than a day, and I can already see she doesn't have a deceptive bone in her body. Naive, yes, but a cheater, no."

Sarah felt the word naive was a little harsh, but she still shot Crow a grateful smile. However, their attention was back on Jareth as he frowned at the other woman and said, "Why are you here? You are not one of my subjects."

Crow took that opportunity to step forward, and her whole demeanor changed. She gave Jareth a slight bow as she said, "I am a citizen of the Below and have come here seeking asylum."

Jareth's frown deepened for a moment before his smirk was back in place as he chuckled and said, "This is the goblin kingdom. People fear us—they do not seek sanctuary here. You should go back to where you belong."

Crow's jaw clenched, but her voice was even when she said, "There is no such place. I would not be in this land of wild magic if I had another choice."

Jareth's smirk was wiped away again, but he only sighed at her insistence before he said, "I will deal with you later. For now, I have much better things to focus on."

When Jareth raised his hand, Crow tensed, so as soon as the ground beneath her began to crumble, she jumped up and grabbed the nearest branch. Sarah felt her heart stop for a moment when she saw that it was barely more than a twig. However, almost as soon as Crow's fingers were around it, the limb suddenly grew thick enough to not only support Crow's weight but also gave her the leverage she needed to swing to a nearby branch and haul herself up into the tree.

By the time Crow let the brach go, it was once again thin and fragile. Sarah had to blink a few times to make sure she hadn't been seeing things. However, there was no mistake that Crow was in the tree and no longer on the ground.

Any lingering shock Sarah had was erased when Jareth tilted his head to the side and looked up at the other woman. Instead of anger, he showed open curiosity as he asked, "Who are you?"

Crow easily balanced on the limb as she smirked and gave him a flourishing bow as she said, "The Lady Anachronism Aeonic at your service, your majesty."

The silence held for no more than a few heartbeats as Jareth looked up at her. However, both women gasped when he suddenly disappeared and then reappeared on the branch behind Crow. She spun to face him and nearly lost her balance. However, his hand shot out to grab her before she fell.

She frowned at his interference, but he only smirked as he said, "Aeonic? So you are from London Below. It has been a long time since I have heard that name."

Sarah could tell that Crow was stiffer than usual, and she didn't blame her. Having the goblin king that close was off-putting. However, the other woman's voice did not waver as she said, "Then you have an advantage. I have never heard of the goblin kingdom."

Something strange passed through Jareth's eyes before his smirk was back in place, and he said, "As it should be."

He then grabbed the other woman and disappeared again before reappearing next to Sarah. Crow looked like she had been about to scream but cut off as he let her go, and she stumbled. The woman shot him a heated glare, but he paid it no mind as he looked between the two women and said, "I have a proposition. Since the two of you are determined to travel together, I will consider your request for asylum if you can make it to my castle. However, your remaining time will be halved. I think that is fair since there are two of you now."

Sarah immediately opened her mouth to protest, but he continued before she could. "Ah, yes. I must also insist that if you are going to navigate my labyrinth, that there be no more cheating."

That was the last straw. Sarah stomped one foot as she said, "That's not fair! We're almost there. You can't make us start over."

He only lifted one brow as he said, "You say that so often. I wonder what is your basis for comparison?"

Sarah glared at him, but before she could yell again, Crow stepped forward and put a hand on her arm as she said, "I won't complain about fairness, but she does have a point. We have already gone through enough to warrant at least a partial headstart. Besides, there was no marking to tell us this was no longer part of the labyrinth. Even if I had been aware of that rule, we couldn't have known."

Jareth scoffed as he said, "Your ignorance is not my concern."

Instead of becoming indignant, Crow straightened her shoulders and seemed to look down her nose at him as she countered, "Not your business? Is this not your kingdom? What self-respecting ruler would leave such things to chance. Unless you are admitting that you are the one who is cheating, and you are unwilling to give us a true opportunity to achieve success on our own merit and not chicanery?"

Sarah's eyes widened in disbelief when Jareth seemed to visibly bristle for a moment before he smirked once more. "You will start from the middle, and I will even be generous enough to give you five hours. Between the two of you, that is more time than what you had left."

Crow frowned but didn't argue, so Sarah stepped forward. "I have at least eight hours left. You can't do that. Besides, we are almost there! It's just on top of that cliff."

Jareth smirked as he twisted his wrist, and a bubble formed at his fingertips. He blew it toward them, and before either could move, it enveloped them both. His mocking voice could be heard echoing through the enclosed space as he said, "This is my kingdom. I didn't have to give you a chance at all. Do not mock my generosity, or the next time I will not be so considerate."

Neither woman had a chance to respond before the bubble moved and jostled them both from their feet. Sarah had no idea where they were being taken, but her stomach felt like it was filled with lead when she considered the possibilities. The only hope she had was that Crow was now intertwined in this to the point that there was no way the other woman could leave her to face the labyrinth alone.

Chapter Text

A matter of minutes after the two women were enveloped in the bubble, it released them with a resounding pop. Both women screamed when they realized they were still several feet in the air and were falling fast. Thankfully, it wasn't far enough that either of them was injured beyond minor bruising. That didn't mean they weren't both angry. Crow was still muttering inventive curses under her breath as the two of them stood to try and figure out where they were and, more importantly, where they had to go.

Unfortunately, the green leafy walls around them were tall enough that trying to get their bearings was almost impossible. Sarah picked a direction and walked to the junction only to find three other paths to choose from. She made a frustrated noise before she turned back to Crow and said, "Now what? We don't even know a direction to take."

Crow was frowning but otherwise didn't look perturbed. Though, she was not given a chance to answer before another voice piped up. "I can show you the way."

Both women turned to find a familiar face. Crow smiled at Hoggle, though it lacked the warmth from their first meeting as she said, "Ah, look, it's the little grumpy man. Somehow, I doubt you're here by coincidence."

Hoggle's eyes widened, and he took a step back before he seemed to remember himself and became indignant. "Now, see here, I was just passing through when I saw that bubble and thought to myself, 'that must be that rotten Jareth's doing. He's gone and done something to those poor girls.' That's when I came, and here you are."

Crow rolled her eyes at his explanation, but Sarah ignored it and instead said, "Thank you for coming to check on us. Was it true that you can show us how to get to the castle?"

Hoggle shuffled nervously for a few seconds before he shrugged and said, "Well, I know a shortcut to the exit that I'd be happy to share with ya. This is no place for young girls."

Both women made disgusted noises, and Sarah looked like she was about to yell at him, but Crow grabbed her arm before she could. She ignored Hoggle as she said, "What we need is to get our bearings. If you think you can keep your balance, I can give you a boost. It won't be much, but it should give you enough to see over the hedge."

It only took Sarah a moment to respond with a smile and a nod. As soon as that was verified, Crow moved to one side and crouched with her hands down and fingers intertwined. Before Sarah could step into the makeshift stirrup, Hoggle cried out. "Jareth don't take well to cheating."

Crow rolled her eyes as she said, "Oh, tosh. It's not as though we'll be able to see our way through with one glance. This just points us in the right direction."

Both women continued to ignore Hoggle's fidgeting. It took Crow a bit of effort to lift Sarah high enough to see over the hedge, but thankfully, she didn't have to hold her up for long. As soon as Sarah saw the castle in the distance, she called out and jumped back down. The girl's face was slightly disappointed when she pointed and said, "It's that way, but it looks like it'll take forever." She then paused and mumbled the rest under her breath. "So much for halfway."

Crow was inclined to agree with the girl, but now was not the time for despair. She couldn't afford to miss this opportunity, so she tried to keep the worry from her voice as she said, "Well, it will take forever if we dawdle. Let's go."

Sarah nodded reluctantly but didn't argue when Crow headed toward the closest junction with an opening that would take them in the direction they needed to go. Both women ignored Hoggle as he nervously followed them and said, "There ain't much here to trust, you know. You're bound to get lost, so you might as well let me take you out of here."

Sarah huffed in annoyance, but Crow looked down at the short male as she said, "I appreciate your position, but you might as well leave off. Neither of us is doing this for a lark." Hoggle opened and closed his mouth several times before finally clamping his lips together and glaring at both women. Though, he did not quit following them.

Thankfully, silence reigned after that. It was only broken the few times they came to a junction and weren't sure what way to take. When that happened, Crow boosted Sarah each time so they could try to choose wisely. Though, at least one of them knew it might be in vain.

Crow had never been around so much magic, and that was saying something. At least she knew enough to realize they could be going in circles. There was no telling what illusions might be going on around them.

When they finally stepped out of the green walls, Crow almost sighed in relief. That was until she looked behind them and saw the castle on the other side of the hedge maze they had just traversed. Instead, a long string of inventive curses flowed from her lips.

They were matched by Sarah's exasperated sigh as she also looked back. She then turned to Crow with frustration and said, "Now what? We might as well be back at the beginning."

Crow felt genuine doubt creep in for the first time, but she did her best to hide it. The last thing they needed was for panic to set in. However, before she could think of any response that didn't sound defeated, they were interrupted by a new voice. "What is this, two young girls?"

When Sarah and Crow turned, they found an old man with a strange hat seated nearby. Crow's eyes narrowed, as she was confident that had been a hedge just the moment before but didn't bother asking. She had already worked out that the whole bloody place was fond of those types of tricks. Though, she did raise a brow when the hat proved to be more than an ugly accessory as it whistled at the two of them.

Sarah immediately walked over to the pair and asked, "Excuse me, but could you help us? We are trying to find the way to the castle at the center of the labyrinth. Do you know the way?"

The old man hummed and hawed for several seconds before he slowly said, "So, you want to get to the castle, huh?"

Crow was inclined to agree with the bird when it said, "How's that for brain power, eh?"

It took everything Crow had not to burst into laughter at the back and forth exchange between the man and his hat that followed that outburst. When they finally settled down, the old man focused back on Sarah and said, "Young woman, sometimes the way forward is the way back."

Crow did laugh when the hat called him out for the nonsense. Even Hoggle rolled his eyes at the two of them. Sarah looked like she was beginning to get frustrated, but she didn't interrupt the ongoing argument between the interesting pair. Instead, the girl waited for them to finish.

The two had obviously spent too much time in each other's company, but once they were done bickering, the man turned back to Sarah and said, "Sometimes it may seem as though you are going nowhere, when in fact—"

He was cut off when the hat finished for him. "You are."

The old man rolled his eyes before he repeated the last line. Sarah let out a frustrated noise, but Crow put a hand on her arm and gave her a smile to try and keep her spirits up. Neither of them needed to lose their heads now. Besides, the more she thought about the man's words, the more sense they made.

Crow was about to say as much when she heard soft snoring noises and looked over to see the old man was asleep. Or pretending to be. One brow rose in disbelief when a slotted box suddenly appeared in the old man's hand, and he shook it. So much for helpful advice.

The hat sighed before he said, "I believe that is your lot. Please leave a contribution in the little box. Sarah grimaced but still stepped forward and started to slip off one of the rings she wore. "I guess I can afford to leave this."

Before she even got it off her finger, Hoggle rushed forward with wide eyes. "You don't have to give him that. He didn't tell you nothing."

Sarah paused for a moment, but she didn't look convinced. That was when Crow decided to step in. "The little grumpy man is correct—"

The man in question quickly jumped in to correct her. "It's Hoggle—Hoggle!"

Crow held up both hands in a conciliatory gesture but otherwise didn't comment. Instead, she gently pulled Sarah back as she said, "Let me handle this."

For a moment, Sarah looked unsure, but she finally nodded and let Crow move to stand where she had been. Crow stood there for a moment with her hand on her chin as she evaluated her options. Finally, she grinned and stepped forward. Before any of them could move, her hand shot out, and she touched a broken strap on the hat that was barely dangling by a few fine threads.

No one had time to even say anything before she stepped back and said, "There, that should be sufficient payment for the information we received. Thank you for your help."

The hat looked down with wide eyes at the strap that was once again whole before it looked back at Crow and stuttered a couple of times before it finally managed to say, "T-thank you for your contribution."

Crow nodded once before she turned to the other two and said, "Well, I suppose back it is then."

Sarah looked crestfallen at Crow's suggestion, but she didn't argue. Instead, she said, "It's not like we have a better choice."

Crow agreed but kept it to herself as they made their way back into the hedge maze. They had not traveled far when she called out to the gnome that was still following them. "Hoggle, I fear I must apologize. Perhaps I was a bit hasty to believe we could solve this by being logical."

Hoggle stopped in his tracks, which caused Sarah to stop as well. The gnome stood there with wide eyes and seemed to be trying to say something, but it took him a few attempts before words finally emerged. "I—I don't know—"

He then cut himself off and frowned at Crow as he continued. "Now see here, I ain't gonna lead you to the castle, so you might as well stop trying to be nice to me. It ain't gonna work."

Instead of getting upset, Crow chuckled and shook her head as she said, "I didn't plan to ask you to. I would hate to ask you to go against your job duties after all."

Hoggle stuttered several times. However, Sarah was the one that got upset. "You mean you were supposed to lead us back to the beginning the whole time?"

Her tone caused Hoggle to instantly become defensive. "I never said I was helping you. I just wanted to make sure you don't get hurt, is all."

Crow stepped between them and held up both hands to head off further arguments. She then turned to Hoggle with a smile. "We do appreciate your assistance, even if you are put in a bit of a hard spot. I won't ask you to go against any orders you might have, but we could certainly use the expertise of someone knowledgeable about the labyrinth. All you'd have to do is point out the dangers."

Crow then looked over at Sarah pointedly. The girl must have finally caught on as she stepped forward and said, "I noticed you seemed really interested in my ring back there. If you agree to help us, I could give it to you."

Hoggle looked back and forth between the two women several times before he crossed his arms and said, "I ain't promising that you'll get there, mind you, but I don't see what it'd hurt if I made sure you knew what was dangerous and what wasn't."

The two women shared a smile before Sarah slipped the ring from her finger and held it out to Hoggle. He took it with an air of reverence and looked at it for a moment before he finally asked, "What's it made of?"

Sarah shrugged and said, "A pretty polished stone. I picked it up at the mall the last time I was forced to go."

Hoggle made a pleased sound before he finally added it to a little pouch tied to his waistband. Once he was assured the treasure was secured, he looked back up and said, "You'll have to decide where to go on your own. I'll just follow along and make sure you don't get yourselves hurt."

Crow had to fight not to roll her eyes. At least it was more than they had before. Perhaps now they could get through with fewer stops, if nothing else. She looked over when Sarah called her name. The girl pointed to one of the closest junctions and said, "Do you think you can give me a boost again?"

Crow could not stop her grimace, but she erased it almost immediately and said, "That didn't get us far the last time. I'd say we'd be better off following our instincts. Something tells me it would be unwise to trust what we see. I should know better than to believe that things are what they seem."

For a split second, Sarah looked like she wanted to argue, but she stopped and shrugged. "All right, so which way?"

Crow shrugged and pointed to the nearest opening. "At this point, all we can do is hope we choose wisely. There is no point in standing here and trying to guess." Sarah frowned but didn't say anything before turning and entering the closest arch.

The trio walked in silence for nearly twenty minutes as they navigated routes they could have well trod before. Their aggravation was visibly growing, but before it came to a head, a violent sounding roar rent the air. They all three jumped, but Hoggle wasn't still for long. He immediately turned back the way they came and started to run.

Before he got far, Sarah grabbed him and shouted, "Wait! We already paid you to help us! You can't abandon us now."

Hoggle struggled against her grip as he said, "I didn't promise nothing more than to tell you about dangers. That sounds dangerous to me. It's not my fault if you don't want to listen."

Sarah looked like she was about to lose it, but Crow added, "That sounded like pain, not anger."

Despite the two women protesting, Hoggle managed to break free from Sarah's grip and ran the way they had just come. Sarah made a frustrated noise as she turned to Crow and said, "Now what? Do we follow him back?"

Crow's brow furrowed as she shook her head. "We don't have time to waste. Plus, we may be able to use whatever is happening over there to figure something out. It's a long shot, but I say it's worth it."

Sarah jumped at another roar and gulped. That didn't keep her from nodding and following as Crow led them toward the continuing howls. It was not long until they came across a giant beast hung upside down and tormented by a group of goblins in armor bearing little fanged monsters riding on the sticks they carried.

The two women shared a look. Neither of them needed to ask the other to know what they planned to do. Crow pulled Sarah back and whispered, "Look for something to throw. I'll use the roots to try and trip them up."

Sarah gave her a nod before she turned to try and find something suitable. It was not long after she scrambled to search that the sound of the beast's wails started to change. It made her shiver, but it didn't keep her from looking. It was not long until she spotted a hand-sized rock that she must have missed. She picked it up with a grin and turned to see Crow had already placed her hands on the hedge, and the roots were creeping out toward the group of goblins.

Sarah grinned as she threw the rock. Her aim was perfect, and it hit the nearest goblin. It just so happened that he was close to one of the roots and went over in a heap. His fall started a chain reaction that had the rest all falling like dominos as they tried to run and got tangled. Both women had to repress their laughter as the troupe scrambled to right themselves only to get caught on each other's fanged sticks.

It was only a matter of moments before one of them made it to his feet and yelled out the order to retreat. The rest followed quickly, jumping and trying to avoid each other as much as possible on the way out.

As soon as they were gone, Crow did start laughing as she worked to put the roots back to rights. While she finished that, Sarah tentatively stepped out to approach the bound beast. It roared at her approach, but the sound was nearly pitiful. The girl jumped but was quick with a reprimand. "Now stop that. Is that any way to treat someone that's trying to help you?"

The beast brokenly echoed her words, but by that time, Crow was finished and came over as well. She pointed to the knot as she said, "You try and undo that, and I'll do my best to slow his fall."

She then turned to the hanging beast and said, "My apologies in advance if it's a rough ride."

Nothing else was said as both women focused on their tasks. It wasn't long before Sarah had the knot undone and the weight of the captive headed toward the ground. Crow was nearly jerked off her feet, but she managed to slow the fall enough that it was a slight bump instead of a horrid crash.

Once that was done, they both worked to untie the creature. The thing was much larger standing than either of them had expected, but they only took a step back as it said, "Friends?"

Sarah smiled as she said, "That's right. My name is Sarah; what's yours?"

The creature looked between the two women before it pointed to itself and said, "Ludo." It then pointed to Sarah and said, "Ludo and Sarah, friends."

Crow chuckled at the exchange before she pointed to herself and said, "And I'm Crow. Crow and Ludo friends, too."

Ludo made a happy noise as he pointed to both women. "Ludo, Sarah, Crow friends."

Crow was still smiling as she winked and said, "Right you are."

She then paused and shared a look with Sarah. The girl was quick to catch on and turned to the newcomer with a smile. "Ludo, Crow and I are trying to reach the castle at the center of the labyrinth. Do you know the way?"

Ludo held up one finger as though he might have thought of something but quickly lowered it again as he shook his head. Crow patted his arm companionably as she said, "That's alright. Between us, I'm sure we can figure it out. Will you stay here, or do you wish to come too?"

The beast looked between them for a moment before he said, "Ludo come with Sarah and Crow."

Crow's grin widened as she said, "Brilliant. Well, if that's decided, then why don't we see what's next?"

Chapter Text

It was both a pleasant surprise and relief to both women when they realized that the rush to help Ludo had gotten them out of the maze. However, now they were faced with a pair of doors. Each had a distorted face with a knocker—one in the ears and the other in the mouth. Sarah seemed to be unsure which to pick as her finger went back and forth, though all three of them jumped when one of the knockers said, "It's not polite to stare."

Sarah was quick to step forward. "Oh, I'm sorry. We were just trying to decide which door to go through."

The one that had spoken was the one with the knocker through its ears, and it was immediately proven that the ring was more than an accessory as the creature said, "What?"

Almost as soon as the first knocker stopped talking, indecipherable muttering could be heard from the other. Since Crow was closer to that one, she reached over and grabbed the handle. It took almost no effort for her to pull it free as she said, "There, perhaps that will help us both."

The creature sighed gustily as it stretched its mouth comically. The gathered group gave the knocker a moment before Sarah asked, "What were you trying to say?"

The newly freed creature chuckled as it said, "I said, it's no use talking to him. He's deaf as a doornail."

The first knocker immediately scoffed and said, "Mumble, mumble, mumble. You're such a wonderful conversationalist."

The second knocker scoffed as it replied, "You can talk; all you do is moan!"

Crow wasn't sure if the insult was heard or not, as the first knocker said, "It's no use; I can't hear you." The condescending sniff when it was finished nearly made her roll her eyes.

Apparently, Sarah was of a like mind, as she ignored the statement and turned back to the one that could both understand and speak to them. "Can you tell us where these doors lead?"

The knocker scrunched up his face in a way that gave the impression of a shrug as it chuckled and said, "Beats me; we're just the knockers."

The two women shared a look before Sarah pushed on one door, and Crow did the same to the other. Finally, the younger woman gave up with a sigh and turned to the talkative knocker as she asked, "How do we get in?"

There was still a note of happiness in the creature's voice as it tried to solemnly say, "Knock, and the door shall open."

Sarah shared a look with Crow, but nothing was said before the girl reached over and grabbed the ring from Crow. Although, the knocker without the ring immediately clamped its lips together and made a negating sound.

The other one sounded mocking as it said, "Doesn't want his ring back in his mouth, does he? Can't say as I blame him."

Sarah watched the knocker intently for several seconds, but as soon as she reached out to grab its nose, Crow pulled her back. When Sarah frowned at her, she smirked and said, "Let the poor thing be. There is already one still intact, and since they can't say which is better, there is no point in torturing the poor thing."

For a moment, it looked like Sarah might argue, but she finally sighed as her shoulders drooped. The girl shot a smile at the freed knocker as she said, "Thanks anyway." She then set the unused metal ring to the side.

Shock was evident on the knocker's face, but it didn't say anything as the group went to the other door. Crow banged the ring against the door a couple of times, and much to their excitement, it swung open silently.

Crow let Sarah and Ludo pass through the door before she turned back to the frowning knocker and grabbed the metal ring. A few seconds later, the metal seemed to disintegrate and fall to the ground as dust. Now that the second knocker was freed, it didn't seem to know what to say. Although Crow didn't bother waiting for thanks either. Instead, she smirked with a wink as she said, "Have fun, mate."

Both knockers were trying to stutter some sort of response, but neither managed a coherent word before the door closed, cutting them both off. When Crow turned back to face the others, Sarah was still standing there with her jaw slack. "What was that?"

Crow shrugged nonchalantly as she started down the narrow path through what looked to be a young forest. "Well, it was only fair. No point in making one suffer when the other doesn't have to. Besides, I have a feeling it will only be a temporary reprieve for either of them."

Sarah's expression turned thoughtful as she and Ludo followed Crow into the woods. Several minutes passed before the girl finally said, "Actually, I've been meaning to ask you—you said this place has wild magic. Is that what you are doing? Using magic?"

Crow stopped with a soft sigh and turned to face Sarah. There was something dark in her eyes, but the rest of her expression was mildly melancholic as she said, "To explain that, I suppose I should tell you a bit about the Below."

She motioned for the other two to follow but slowed her pace as she tried to figure out how to explain what the Below was to someone from the Above. Her voice was barely more than a whisper as she said, "I'd usually not tell this to someone from Above, but you've gone and got yourself well and truly muddled up in this." She let out a soft sigh before she continued. "Most people that live in the Below weren't born there. It is a place that catches the unwanted, the runaways, those that slip through the cracks of society."

Sarah gasped softly, but Crow ignored it and the horrified and pitying expression on the girl's face as they pushed through a tangle of limbs. It also didn't stop her from continuing. "Even though that is the case, there are a few people who are born in the Below and never leave. Generations of them, sometimes."

She paused long enough to help Sarah pull the limbs stuck in Ludo's fur back so the beast could continue with them before she continued, "A few of those families have a special place in Below society."

Sarah's brow furrowed for a moment as she asked, "You said you were a Lady, right? So is it something like nobility?"

A twisted sound, similar to a chuckle, slipped past Crow's lips before she shook her head and said, "Not really. Although our families are influential. And more importantly, powerful." She spared a look back at the other two before she shrugged and halfheartedly said, "I inherited my father's gift, just like Door inherited Lord Portico's. She can open a door to anywhere, which is how I got here. I can adjust the time of any inanimate object—make it older or younger. I destroyed that ring by adding millennia to its time until nothing was left but dust."

Sarah had stopped in the middle of the path and stared at Crow with wide eyes. Ludo had paused between them as he looked back and forth with a quizzical expression. Crow sighed at both of them before she gestured toward the narrowing path. "Let's go. We don't have time to waste."

The statement was ironic enough that Crow couldn't hold back a quiet laugh as the other two followed her through the last of the brush and into a vast field filled with a multitude of flowers. All three of them stopped to stare, but only Sarah stepped forward with a small gasp and a huge smile. She walked several feet into the field before she lifted her arms and twirled a few times as she said, "This is beautiful! Who would have guessed that a place like this could exist here."

When Sarah stopped, she looked at the other two with a wide smile still on her face. However, it started to fade as she saw their expressions. Ludo's nose was crinkled, and Crow watched the field for any movement. Somehow she doubted there wasn't some catch. Still, nothing else moved except the wind for several moments.

Sarah had not even made it back to the other two when Ludo said, "Smells funny."

His statement did not help settle Crow's growing unease, but the field was large enough that going around really wasn't an option. Instead, she patted his hairy arm and said, "Well, let's hope it's just the flowers."

Ludo was still looking around with disgust but followed Crow to meet Sarah. Once they were all together, Crow lowered her voice so only her companions would hear, or so she hoped, as she said, "Keep an eye out." She gave the girl a pointed look and was gratified to see understanding dawn. At least the lesson from the lake hadn't been forgotten.

Once that was settled, the three of them slowly made their way across the massive field. They were just past the halfway point, and Crow could feel her worry was almost gone. Strangely, not only was her fear gone, but she felt lighter than she could remember since she was a girl and her grandfather had still been around.

Apparently, both Ludo and Sarah were also in visibly improved moods. The younger girl was running her fingers through the petals as they passed and had begun to laugh. By the time they were two-thirds of the way through, Sarah's laughter had gotten to the point that she was having difficulty walking in a straight line. Ludo was making a strange sound that could have been laughter—it was hard to tell. However, the moment that laughter started to spill from Crow's lips she stopped and stared at the other two with wide eyes.

It wasn't as though she never laughed, but she honestly couldn't remember the last time she had laughed that hard. Not only was that a red flag, but as she tried to force her brain to think straight, she realized there wasn't a single thing that had happened for any of them to laugh at. As she looked around and saw Sarah start to slump over as her laughter got harder, it finally hit her.

Crow could barely speak past the laughter that continued to spill from her lips, but it seemed that it was still forceful enough to gather her companions' attention. "Run! It's the bloody flowers!"

Ludo either couldn't move past his laughter, or he didn't comprehend the warning, as he didn't move. However, Sarah seemed to understand. The girl was still having difficulties, but at least she picked up the pace and no longer touched the flowers around them as she stumbled toward the far side of the clearing. Once Crow was assured that Sarah was moving, She grabbed Ludo's arm, turned him in the right direction, and pulled. Thankfully it was enough to get him moving, if not as fast as she would have liked.

Even with the knowledge that they were in trouble, none of them had made it to the trees on the far side of the field before Sarah stumbled and fell to her knees. Ludo was also struggling, and even Crow had trouble staying on her feet. Laughter continued to pour from all of them, but inside, Crow was seething—mostly at herself. It irked her that she hadn't even suspected the plants might be the culprits.

Not long after Sarah fell, Ludo dropped as well, dragging Crow down with him. She tried to stand while helping him up, but he was just too heavy. Instead, she fell to her hands and knees. Her breath came in short gasps as she tried to suck in as much air as possible while laughing. It was not long before she became lightheaded and was sure that she was about to pass out.

That was the final straw. Somehow, she managed to crawl between Sarah and Ludo, and a whispered curse of "bollocks" was heard before she placed both palms flat against the ground. Almost as soon as she did that, the flowers around them started to wither. The ring of death spread further and further until Crow collapsed. However, it seemed to have achieved what she had hoped it would.

Both Ludo and Sarah were still giggling, but it was no longer the gut-wrenching laughter that left them breathless and weak. Neither of them was yet able to stand, but Sarah crawled to where Crow was lying on the ground and struggling to stay conscious. The girl tried to help her into a sitting position but failed miserably.

Ludo somehow managed to stand, but he was far too wobbly to help either of the women. Although, they were all shocked by a familiar voice—or one familiar to the two women, anyway. None of them had seen where Hoggle came from, but the gnome was holding his nose as he gestured wildly toward Ludo and said, "Get out of here!"

The giant beast hesitated for a moment but started moving when Crow lifted an arm and made a shooing motion. She had no strength left after using so much of her power to push back the line of flowers. Despite that, she tried to stand and was more than grateful when both Hoggle and Sarah were there to help her to her feet.

Sarah was barely more steady but got steadier as her laughter finally faded. Between that and Hoggle being half Crow's height, it didn't make things easy, but she wasn't about to complain. Her knees already felt like jelly, so she could use all the help she could get.

Ludo was leaning against a tree, still wearing a disgusted expression, when the others reached him. They hadn't even finished setting Crow down against another before the beast said, "Ludo scared."

Crow gave him a wry smile as she said, "Well, that would make two of us. Let's perhaps avoid any more suspicious flowers, shall we?"

Sarah dropped down beside Crow with a tired huff before she turned with curiosity and said, "Did you make the plants wither away and die? I thought you said it only worked on inanimate objects."

Crow's expression instantly clouded over, but she nodded. Though she didn't bother answering the second part of Sarah's question. Instead, she turned to Hoggle and patted his arm as she said, "I can't say as your presence here is unexpected, but it is certainly appreciated."

The gnome took a few steps back as his face screwed up into something between consternation and happiness. Finally, he crossed his arms with a huff as he said, "I did promise to show you the dangers. It's not my fault you don't listen."

Instead of getting upset, Crow chuckled at his antics as she said, "So you did."

After the two women gave themselves a minute to catch their breath, Sarah stood and held out a hand to assist Crow as well. "I imagine that tired you out, but we don't have time to rest."

Crow let out a deep sigh but didn't argue. Once she was on her feet, she gestured with her head toward Ludo as she looked at Sarah and said, "Make sure he's good to go too. I'll be right there."

Sarah nodded before she walked to where Ludo was still against the tree. Their voices were low enough that Crow barely heard them as she turned to Hoggle. Her expression was no longer genial as she said, "Please, Master Dwarf, don't take this the wrong way, as I am happy to have received your help. However, I will only warn you once that I have no plans to be thwarted from my goal. Whatever that man has paid or threatened you to do, it'd be wise if you kept it to yourself."

Hoggle's expression rapidly shifted through several emotions—first indignation, then fear, then anger, then finally resignation. He crossed his arms again as he pinned her with a petulant glare and said, "What do you know, anyway. Besides, I'm not even a dwarf—I'm a gnome."

Crow only lifted one brow as she leaned a little closer so she could whisper without it carrying. "Well then, apologies, Master Gnome, but my stance remains the same. I know it was no coincidence, you being here."

Hoggle only huffed and rolled his eyes, but there was fear in them when he focused back on Crow and whispered, "Can't you just play along? You gotta understand that I am a coward, and Jareth scares me."

A mirthless laugh escaped Crow's lips as she straightened and said, "As well, he should. Despite what I may think of his attitude, I would be a fool to not consider him formidable. No one could rule a kingdom as wild as this and not be so."

Hoggle's eyes seemed to bulge out at her statement. Apparently, he had not expected her to agree with him. Though she didn't give him a chance to gather his wits before she said, "Be that as it may, I have no option but to push forward." She then tilted her head back to where Sarah was still speaking to Ludo as she said, "I haven't heard all the details, but I've garnered enough to know she is much the same. I'm not asking you to stand with us; just don't get in our way."

Several seconds passed before Hoggled looked down with a sigh and his shoulders slumped. The dejected air almost made Crow feel sorry for the gnome, but she kept that to herself while she waited for him to find the words he wanted. Finally, he looked up at her as he said, "Can you at least let me travel with you? There's no telling what Jareth might do to me if he sees me alone."

For the first time since they entered the flower field, Crow genuinely smiled. She patted Hoggle's shoulder as she said, "Of course. I'd be a poor sport indeed if I left a friend in need."

Crow noticed that Sarah and Ludo had almost reached them, so she adjusted her expression so that neither would suspect the conversation. Though her smile twisted a little ruefully as Sarah said, "Hey, that rhymed!"

There was no need for another reminder that her traveling companion was innocent and naive, but the way Sarah smiled did just that. Crow did her best not to think about how that smile might dim before their adventure was over, but she kept it out of her voice as she said, "Yes, I suppose it did. Though, that is of little consequence. I'm fine now, so let's be on our way."

She didn't miss the way Sarah's smile hardened. Whether it was due to the brush-off or the reminder was uncertain—not that it mattered. Sarah's expression was determined as they all headed toward the renewed path through the woods.

Neither woman noticed the way Hoggle seemed distracted as he followed. His eyes were on Crow's back, but they seemed to be focused on something far away as he whispered so lowly that no one else could hear.