Author's Note: So I realized events are slightly out of order (ie, dream before Didymus), but they do not impact the story as a whole.


All right. Do I have anything on me that could be of use? Searching my pockets, I find a receipt with a small pencil. That works. Going to a nearby tree, I write a note for Hoggle and Ludo in case they come this way: I've gone to the bridge. I'll see you there. –Chris

After sticking the note between branches, I come away from the cliffside and enter the forest. I can't lose any more time. After calling for my companions in vain for a third time, I realize I'm hungry. It's felt like ages since I've had anything.

"No, I can't," I reprimand myself. Spying a tree full of peaches, I shudder. "No thanks." I check my pockets again for a substitute, finding a stick of gum. Tearing off some of it, I realize it'll have to do until I'm out of the forest. My stomach growls in protest but I ignore it. I can't eat anything from here. I'm not that naïve, Jareth!

I arrive at the end of the woods, seeing the bridge with the fierce little dog at attention in the distance.

See, nothing to it.

I make my way to the crossing when I suddenly feel a sharp pain in my neck. "What the—?" My hand shoots to investigate. "What was that?" A bee? Mosquito?

A dart.

My eyes widen in horror at the lethal item between my fingers. Oh no… No!

I break into a sprint for the bridge when I'm overcome with waves of dizziness. To my dismay, I feel my knees buckle and I fall to the ground. Everything is spinning. Can't think…straight. Sleepy…! Trying to fight back the fog, I slow to an agonizing crawl. Darkness clouds my vision.

God, I plead, protect me.


I wake to find I am lying down on something soft—with a bright light overhead. As my vision clears and my eyes adjust, I see the light comes from a crystal chandelier. Wait, my glasses! I put my hands to my eyes when I realize my vision is perfect. Must be contacts… Sky-blue satin catches my eye, causing me gasp. My clothes!

Sitting up, I find I've been placed on a red velvet couch before turning my attention to my attire. The jeans and tank have been replaced by a beautiful ball-gown. My shoulders are bare. The neckline gracefully plunges ever so slightly. Shimmering blue lace hugs my torso, revealing gossamer material underneath. Flaring at the waist, the sky-blue dress swells like a blossoming rose. I can make out intricate beadwork, but can't tell if they're symbols or just for decoration. Gloves shape my arms, ending before the shoulders shaped like the tips of petals. Around my neck I find a silver necklace and I feel a thin tiara at my head. My hair appears to be swept back away from my face, falling in curls behind me. I lift my feet to examine them; they are manicured and have been fitted into shoes which at first glance look like glass slippers.

I give a mental face-palm. Cinderella. Of course. If this were any other time, I'd be ecstatic.

Remaining seated, I look around. I'm in a white hallway with a marble floor. On one side, I see a mirror with a vase and table underneath. On the other, there is a door guarded by goblins—but these beasts are well over six feet, much larger than the minions I fought earlier. They notice me staring and bristle. Directly in front of me, I see double doors with lavish handles; I grow cold as the Spirit pulses in warning. My ears, however, perk up at the sound of music playing on the other side.

There has to be a way out of here, I just have to remain calm. The mirror, the vase. If I can beat the guards, I can escape without encountering Jareth. I stand up casually before turning to walk to the mirror and stare at the occupant. That's…me? I'm…beautiful. I take a step forward—and run into a barrier.

You've got to be kidding me!

I hear movement and turn towards the source: the guards have advanced several paces forward, as if telling me not to try and get past them. With a sickening feeling, I realize I have no choice. I have to go in.

I now stand in front of the doors, staring at the fine handles with dread. Father, I pray, I sense Your Spirit, but it seems I have no choice. By Your Son and Your love, guard me. Provide a way for Your daughter to escape. In Jesus' Name, I pray. Amen.

Although my heart begins to thud in my chest, I feel a calmness settle over me. It is in this peace that I open the doors and step inside.

The first thing I realize is the music—it's Bard Dance by Enya. Before me is a sea of masked dancers. Dressed from gorgeous gowns to intricate coats, they chatter among themselves excitedly. I find I'm at the bottom of marble steps with no desire to walk up them. The guests notice my hesitancy, slowly turning to stare at me. With their faces hidden behind ghoulish masks, I find it difficult to tell what their expressions are. They suddenly hush and the music ends as if by command; the sea begins to part in front of me to reveal a lone figure.

Jareth.

He hands his mask to a lady beside him before striding towards me. He commands all the attention like the King he is, and yet all I can think about is looking for an exit. I instinctively back up, finding the doors have closed—and they won't budge! Squelching the rising panic, I look up to see Jareth approaching. Regally dressed, he wears his trademark sapphire coat with white breeches and black boots.

He now stands before me at the top of the stairs, his face unreadable. I struggle to remain calm even as my heart beats like a frantic bird against its cage. Jareth descends and bows before me in courtesy.

I respond by standing there.

Perceiving my quiet act of rebellion, he allows a small smile to escape.

"Come, my dear," he says, entwining my arm along his own. Instantly, I attempt to break away, but his other hand clamps down on mine like iron, forcing me to remain beside him. "Let us not keep our guests waiting."

We ascend, the silent sea drawing back to gives us way to the center of the room. I try to ignore the myriad of stares and leers as Jareth motions for the orchestra to play something new. As a wistful waltz begins and the dancers resume their pairs, I furtively scan the room; dismayed when I see nothing but the nobles (no chairs!), I reluctantly turn back to my partner.

Jareth stands facing me, my hands in his. "I knew blue would look beautiful on you," he comments, evidently pleased. "How are you?"

"Dressed in your jewels and finery? Never more disgusted."

He laughs quietly at my response. "You have a cruel heart, my child."

My face burns when he steps closer. It seems he remembers my reaction from earlier. The Spirit sears through me when Jareth drops his hand to my waist, prompting me to flee. I pull to the side in attempt to twist away when his other hand grabs my own fiercely.

"Not that easily," he threatens softly, gracefully drawing me back into position. Just standing there sends tingles of warning up my spine.

I do my best to glare in defiance as we begin to turn in time with the floating melody.

We dance.

He remains silent, which allows my mind to wander in spite of myself. How much time has passed since I came here? It's like everything has stopped. The music is absolutely lovely. And Jareth… I sense his fluid movements as we glide around the sparkling room and animated guests. He's…a wonderful dancer.I feel my heartbeat slow even as the voice in the back of my mind warns the one I waltz with is dangerous.

"How are you enjoying my labyrinth so far?" Jareth's voice cuts into my thoughts, jostling me back to reality.

"Besides being abducted, having the floor come out from under me, and being shot with a dream-inducing dart, I think it's just fantastic!" I reply on cue.

There's a hint of a smile at my sarcasm before his expression turns serious. "You could stay," he whispers softly. "I need a Queen by my side. You would be perfect."

I stare in disbelief at his honesty. "You're…serious?"

"Now more than ever," he twirls me.

"Why should I believe you?" I challenge his offer. "You said that to Sarah too!" My words don't faze him. As he draws me back, he changes tactics.

"You'll always have adventures here," he entices me. "Every day, you can be someone different, fight new enemies, encounter challenges that will test you, body and mind. You'll be able to do whatever you want."

I admit the offer is certainly tempting. He knows me well. Having adventures is something I have craved for over ten years, and yet… "I have responsibilities," I counter, "and I can't just drop everything. I can't be so selfish when I know people need me. Besides, as much as I desire them, some dreams aren't meant to come true!"

"Here they can."

I stop, mentally suspended before slowly shaking my head. "No." I reply firmly. "God will lead me where I should go. What He desires for me is more rewarding than anything I could ever hope for." I look up to see him quickly mask his anger with patience. I'll remember that.

"If that is the case, then allow me one last word."

"And what might that be?" I hiss icily.

His answer is to violently draw me closer. The hand at my waist is now at my back to prevent me from escaping. I gasp in surprise, but find I am silenced by his gaze. I consider kicking him in the groin, but I'm too close and the dress keeps me from landing a hard blow.

"Your parting gift, of course," he declares, his eyes holding mine.

My bird of a heart comes to life and the Spirit courses through me like fire.

I begin to feel light-headed, dizzy. Must be an enchantment…

He drops the hand holding my own and moves to the back of my head, forcing my face closer to his. I dimly realize what he's about to do.

I…feel weak, ashamed that I feel like I'm about to faint. Jareth…you don't know me at all.

He drops closer, his lips hovering over mine. Disoriented, I am vaguely aware of the Spirit screaming at me. Everything is beginning to fade.

Closer—closer!

"Excuse me. I would like to have a turn if you don't mind."

I blink in surprise, the spell shattered by the unassuming question. We both turn and stare at the stranger, me in relief, Jareth in complete annoyance.

A masked man dressed in black stands before us. I take the opportunity to break away from the Goblin King's hold and move closer to my savior.

"How DARE you interrupt us," Jareth growls before narrowing his eyes in suspicion. "I don't recognize you. You're not from my kingdom. Who are you?"

"I'm your worst nightmare," the stranger smiles, then reaches back and punches Jareth in the face.

As his foe reels back, the man turns to me. "Go, get to the exit. I'll hold him off so you can escape."

I nod my thanks before grabbing my skirts and running. No time to lose—I know better than to waste it by getting in a fight I could just as easily avoid. The guests are shocked to silence, giving me the chance to push by them. At the foot of the stairs, I turn to see Jareth is stunned, massaging his jaw in irritation. The stranger has drawn his rapier, placing himself between me and the Goblin King.

I turn and flee, but not before catching the stranger's words, "You will pay for attempting to seduce a daughter of the Most High!"

Most High! An angel! Excited, I rush to the double doors. Fueled by new-found strength, I yank the doors open and burst into glorious light.