The dust kicked up outside. The sun was setting for the last time.
Doc Holliday, a southern gentleman, a gambler, the quickest draw in the west was dying.
"Come on, just one more game. You love playing this." Wyatt Earp dealt the cards, each on landing softly upon the deep blue hospital blanket.
"I *cough* don't want to play *cough cough* anymore." Doc turned his head towards the window. ' I think I've had enough Wyatt. You've got your girl, now go live your life."
Tears helplessly spilled down Wyatt's face.
"She's not- she's not y-you!" Wyatt stood up sharply. He brushed up the cards skewed on Doc's blanket. He stopped and let his hands rest on Doc's lap.
*cough cough hack cough* Wyatt shot his hands away and Doc followed with a laugh.
"Don't get me excited like that!" jeered Doc.
~x~x~X~x~x~
Doc looked like death was already upon him. The sly cowboy managed to convince Wyatt to leave.
"I almost forgot! I-I wrote you this book-"
"Wyatt! I thought I gol-dang told ya to leave!" Doc was fierce with fear dripping from his voice. It was easy to tell that Doc didn't want Wyatt to see him die yet he couldn't stand to never see his friend, lover, and the greatest lawdog leave his side forever.
The tears really came now, no matter how brave Wyatt wanted to be. He pried his feet without a word struggling to leave.
"Heh," Wyatt turned around "It's funny, ya know myths and lends, that something fantastic always happens to cowboys in need." A lone tear fell from Doc's eye. "Yeah, I know they aren't true, but I wish the Goblin King would come take you away, right now." With that Wyatt smiled and left.
With no one left in the room Doc wept. He could feel his body failing. Through the tears he saw a barn owl perched on the windowsill. Doc played with his own emotions. He thought of flying and how death was creeping over. With his last bit of strength, Doc got up and opened the window with the intention to jump. That plan was spoiled when the barn owl flew into the room. Doc collapsed to the floor. The room darkened and from the owl came a man. A tall, gaunt, beautiful man. A ray of sun kissed his mane. The man, Jareth, looked around with distaste until his eyes fell upon the dying man.
"This! This is what my new toy is? This?"
Since Doc was so weak, he couldn't be his usual strong self. Jareth kneeled down, practically straddling sick Doc.
"Aww, poor thing." Then without hesitation, Jareth grasped Doc's head and forced a kiss upon him. During this kiss, Doc's ailment was lifted, the color rushed in his face, and his eyes became bright again. The two were no longer in the hospital; they were in an elegant plaza within a labyrinth. The sun was still setting.