Labyrinth Dancer

Chapter 13: Fighting Back

Inara sat up slowly, very aware of every bruised muscle, every bruise and cut on her body.

Looking around, it took her a moment to remember where she was. Then, turning ever so slightly she looked at the back of the couch to see the silver-white owl that visited her roosting on the back of the couch, still asleep.

How the heck had he gotten into the house? How had he even found her for that matter?

Reaching up, she softly stroked his feathers, waking him up gently.

"Hey pretty bird, let's get you out of here before Sarah gets up..."

"He's alright Inara, I'm quite used to strange birds showing up." Sarah told her from the stairs as she came down.

Inara sat back again, wincing slightly as she rubbed a bruise against the side of the couch. The owl screeched softly at her, as if checking to see if she was alright. 

Sarah had wandered into the kitchen so she missed the soft words that left Inara's lips. 

"I'm alright silly bird, I've had worse." 

***

Jareth fumed in his owl form, wanting to tell her that she shouldn't put up with what she had gone through. But, he held his form; not wanting to frighten her. 

Sarah looked up at Inara as she came into the kitchen, running a bruised hand through her hair as she sat down silently at the kitchen bar. 

"Thank you for letting me stay." She quietly whispered. 

Sarah smiled at her kindly and nodded. "It's no trouble Inara; stay as long as you like."  

Inara nodded, gratefully accepting the cup of coffee Sarah offered her. She was glad it was Sunday, meaning she at least had a day to recover before having to face the pep squad at school again. No doubt since the universe had it in for her there was probably something heinous brewing. 

Sarah watched her for a moment in silence; her heart broke for the girl and she wished that there was more she could do. But, Inara was almost eighteen; she would be completely on her own soon. 

Sarah was about to ask Inara about her future plans when a cell phone ringtone sounded off.

Inara slipped from her seat, going to her bag to pull out her phone still blasting her ringtone.

Glancing at the number she went pale and answered.

"Karen?! What's wrong?"

Sarah watched Inara's back, unable to see her face. But when her body tensed Sarah knew it was not good news.

"I'm on the way..." Hanging up she glanced at Sarah and spoke up softly.

"I have to go help my step mom. He found them..."

Inara was gone before Sarah could stop her, racing out the door, her phone falling out of her jacket in the hallway as she vanished.

*********************************

Inara paused in front of the house, the car was back in the driveway; the doors left open and the motor running. The front door was still open slightly, he hadn't taken the time to keep up with looks. This wasn't going to end well.

Taking a fortifying breath she walked inside, closing the door quietly behind her.

"About time you showed up brat." He was completely sober, and had clearly given in to the darkness inside of him.

Turning to face him, she could see Karen and the twins behind him, cowering for their lives.

Her eyes trailed to his hand and she realized why, he had gotten his gun.

Bringing her eyes back up to his face she spoke up calmly. "Don't do this in front of them..."

Before she could react he swung his hand with the gun, striking her in the face with it, shoving her back into the door with the force.

"Behave, and you'll get to die nicely." He spat.

Crying out in pain she struggled to remain on her feet, he had probably just fractured some of her bones on her cheek.

Standing up again she trembled but caught his attention, making him stop and turn back to her.

"No," he stared at her his gun still at his side as she continued bravely.

"I won't let you hurt them, you don't deserve my respect, or my obedience. You don't have a right to hurt any of us!"

She was ready this time when he swung at her, dodging his blow and kicking him in the back of his knees.

"Run!!" She cried out, her ears barely catching the noises of the others fleeing.

She dodged another blow, only to be kicked in the middle harshly enough to knock the air out of her lungs.

Another kick struck her, forcing her to the floor as he continued his onslaught.

When he had his fill, he stepped back glaring down at her. She was bloodied up, had probably sustained broken bones in his onslaught. He didn't care, her eyes still fought him, haunting him like her mother's gaze had.

Bringing the gun up he leveled the aim for her.
As he screamed at her for all of her wrongdoings she closed her eyes, her voice softly whispering what were probably her last words

"I wish... I wish for the Goblins to come and take me away... Right now..."