A/N: I do not own the Labyrinth, it is the property of the magical Jim Henson Company. Nor do I own any of its residents.

Chapter Three: What You Must Never Do

Fact Three: You must never, ever 'wish'.

Do not do it. Never wish for what you do not want. In fact, never wish at all. For you never know who might by listening in. There are worlds other than this – filled with magic and magical creatures that watch and toy with us. A wish is a magical thing. It expresses a desire deeper than you know. It is a spell that can never be unsaid. Do not wish.

In the same way that you never utter his name, you must never utter his wish. What you have is a treasure more priceless than any you will ever have. It is hard to remember this when you find life 'unfair'. When a child is screaming, you are haggard with effort and over-tired. When you feel unjustly challenged and wrongly persecuted. When you want nothing more than to be rid of what is before you… do not do it. Do not say the words. Do not wish for what you do not want. Think about it. Think reasonably. Think long and hard. You may want it right now. But forever? Do not wish it. For a once it is done, it can never be unwished.

Once a wish has come true, a price must be paid. In the same way you the debt collectors come for you, he comes for you. Instead of monetary value, he demands a something so much more difficult to acquire. He wants you to run his Labyrinth. If you fail, and undoubtedly, you will fail, you lose. You are his to do with what he will, as is your treasure; your baby. I did not fail. But I am the only one. And if I were to do it again… this time I do not think that I would be so lucky. I do not think that I would pass the test in the Escher Room. I would lose.

Never wish. Do not do it. Do not wish someone were no longer here -for he may come for him or her. Do not wish for more time - for he moves the stars for no one. Do not wish for adventure – for you may get more than you bargained for.