A.n. - I've been working on this next chapter for a while now, going over and over it - revising here and there. I think you will enjoy it, I know I've really enjoyed writing it. ^_^ Please drop me a line to let me know what you thought of it.

Dedication-RosiB, for her advice. And to those who reviewed: BlackRose-FlowerofDeath, Sesshoumarubaby18, Lady of the Labyrinth, Rei Tamashii and Shattered Moon. Thank all of you so very much! I apologize for keeping you waiting so long, I promise that this story will have an end though - if you've managed to hang around long enough to see it^_^. Hope you enjoy.


A thousand facets of light, an endless rainbow of color.

It bounced slow and steady of the curved blade, turning the weapon into a thing of beauty that mesmerized the eye. The slow, steady drum beat of Sarah's heart seemed to drown all else out. Sweet beaded along her brow, in the palms of her hands. Reality flickered in and out, as the fear that should have pulled her under ruthlessly was swept aside by a much formidable emotion: Fury.

It poured through Sarah's veins like molten lava, adrenalin rushing through her body even as her eyes narrowed and her lips curled upward into snarl. Who did this tan stick with platinum locks think he was? She was Sarah Williams, thank you very much! She had faced "dangers untold and hardships unnumbered" and he thought to subdue her with some hair pulling and pointy objects? He wasn't even comparable to the Cleaners!

It was His blood that would soon paint the walls, he was going to be ripped limb from limb for this outright offense, no he would not live to see another journey of his precious Ra through the sky. How dare HE touch what was His, oh his blood would flow like the Nile river of his home. Oh yes, vengeance would be slow and sweet. No one touched what was His and -

All at once Sarah's thoughts went into a screeching halt. Confusion replaced the rage just as fear crept icy and cold up her backside. The reality that had become a red haze was thrust back into the main focus of her mind as she realized just what turn her thoughts had taken. They were not her words, not her thoughts nor feelings and it didn't take a genius to tell her from whence they had sprung either.

Breath came hot and fast through her lips as panic began to overwhelm her.

Out. Out. OUT!

Her mind screamed and without thinking twice Sarah threw up her hands and pushed against Marik's chest as hard as she could. White light flashed and the smell of burnt hair and sizzled flesh permeated the air, Marik collided with the sink and crumpled down against the cabinets; curses flying out of his mouth.

All eyes were on Sarah as she cringed against the table. The crescent moon against her flesh flashed cold then hot as though it were branding itself into her flesh. The air suddenly became heavy and dense, almost like a fog had settled around them. The room seemed to arc and bend until all at once none of them were standing in Ryou's kitchen any longer, but a room made up completely out of mirrors.

From the walls to the floor to the ceiling, there was nothing but large ornate mirrors. Similiar to that of a fun house. Sarah took one look around and took off in a dead run to her right, a thousand reflections of her doing the same. Impossible now to tell which was her and which was the illusion...


Ryou Bakura was shaken to his very core. Words failed him as he stared around the room of Mirrors. There was nothing left that even in a slight way resembled his kitchen. It was impossible to tell how large the room was, whether there was another pathway like the one Sarah had disappeared down. The room gave off a slight, pulsating blue light though there was no way to find the source. Every surface was seamless and perfect, intersecting easily with the intricate silver notwork border around each individual mirror.

Marik was just now standing up, running a hand through his disheveled hair and cursing all the while. Malik was look as cool and calm and collected as ever and Ryou's Yami...was smiling. Laughter bubbled up between his lips, a mere shadow of his maniacal chuckle but enough still to make the hair on Ryou's arms stand to attention.

"What in Ra's name is so amuseing, Theif?" Marik snarled, standing fully.

His glorious face was unharmed, though his lavender shirt was singed and as was his hair. Perfect lips were set into a frown, hands clinching around his Sennen Rod.

A sneer passed over his Yami's face, "Are you honestly that stupid, Marik? Or have you not noticed the slip of a girl's command of magic? Very old Magic, not unlike that our Items. I suppose I should thank you for your lack of tack, now I know that my original thoughts were indeed correct."

Ryou shrunk back to stand closer to Malik, who instantly straitened and moved his body so he blocked the smaller Hikari from view.

Mark snarled, the Rod slipping into its holster at his waist.

"Stop speaking in Riddles! Where in Osiris's name are we!"

Bakura rolled his eyes, smirking at his demented partner,"We are in exactly the same place as we were moments ago. Its an illusion...all be it a very good one."The Ring glowed white against his chest, "I however am not in the mood to play childish games."

Ryou felt his knees go weak as his Darker Half pulled his Shadow Magic into being. All at once the pulsing blue light around them faded into purple hue of the Shadow World, shifting shadows against the mirrors before all at once they began to crack before shattering all together. Almost as though a switch had been flicked, they were all back in his kitchen. Nothing was different, the clock even only showed a few minutes had passed.

Ryou looked around himself quickly, his ears straining for the slightest sound beyond the kitchen.

She's not here, chibi baka.

The white haired teen felt his cheeks heat at the condescending tone of his older half.

"Come, Marik, we've work to do."

The two Yami's exited the room quickly, Marik's eyes glinting with an almost manic light. It didn't exactly take a genius to guess that the only thing on the Platinum Haired Egyptian's mind was revenge. After all, when the quarry fights back that just makes the victory all the sweeter. Sarah Williams had gained two formidable foes and the day wasn't even over yet.

"So, what is going on with you're new house guest, Ryou? Do you not have enough trouble in your life, why would you invite more?" Malik's soft tone took the harsh edge out.

Ryou shrugged, a sheepish smile crossing his lips. "Guess I'm just a glutton for punishment..."


An endless hallway of mirrors, distorted reflections of herself staring back. Blue-white light cast confusing shadows around her, ominous in their depth. Breath came hot and fast through her lips, her fear diminished now to a pin prick in the back of her mind. Never before had she felt a defiant rage as the tempest that swept through her now.

She had lost everything, in the blink of an eye her life had become mere ruins at her feet. The bitter ash of their demise leeching away the brightness of every color, the taste of every morsel.

Sarah was tired of running, tired of the fear that quaked through her with every step she took. No, she was going to end this. And she was going to end it now.

Where the HELL was a Worm when you needed one?

Sarah let out a breath. Calm. Calm down.Chilly down even. A hysterical giggle escaped her lips at that thought, brightly colored feathers spinning in air as they tried to coerce her into losing her head like them. Sarah let out a breath and closed her eyes.

He was close. She could feel the cold blooded bastard lurking around here somewhere. Mis-matched eyes following her every movement, she was sure.

"JARETH! I know you're watching me, you COWARD! Come out and face me!"

Sarah clinched her hands tightly, nails biting crescent moons into her palms. All around her it was silent, no swish of wings, no haunting lullaby, or the click of his boots with the sound of absolute inevitably.

Nothing. Complete and utter silence.

And it only served make her that much more furious.

So, he could stalk her every movement, invade her dreams, drug her, whatever he wanted but only at hiswhim apparently. Sarah took a deep breath, trying very hard to rein in her emotions. Getting pissed off was not going to get her out of this mess. Wherever she was, it was just a puzzle like any other that Jareth had thrown at her. She had solved them before, well she could do it again.

All at once the pulseing blue light around her began to shift and distort to a shadowed purple that seemed to throb around her. The dark light instantly made Sarah's stomache drop and panic spring tightly in her chest. What was this?

Be careful what you wish for, eh Williams?

She looked around herself wildly, hands raising in defence as she watched her reflections crack down the middle. Her face paled as more of the glass above and below began to fracture. Was she about to be impaled?

All at once, the mirrors burst - glass flying in every direction. With a cry Sarah dropped to her knees, arms going up to shield her face prepared to feel the cut, the pain as the glass -

BEEEEEEEEEEEEEP!

Sarah's eyes flew open, the sun so bright that it pierced her eyes. Carefully she lifted her head, hand sheltering her eyes. Her head began to throb, the sense of vertigo swaying her and it was only by gritting her teeth and steeling herself that she managed to drive back the feelings of nausea and fatigue.

"What is your problem! GET OUT OF THE ROAD IDIOT!"

Sarah jumped with surprise, hurriedly scrambling to her feet. She was standing in the middle of the street, and to her sudden, and great, embarrassment blocking traffic. With a quick, awkward bow of apology Sarah took of running to the sidewalk and didn't stop. As though the hounds of hell were on her heels, she ran on and on, ignoring the startled and reproving glances from the passerbys.

At last, the pain in her side became too great and she was forced to stop. Collapsing on a nearby bench Sarah propped her elbows on her knees and fought to catch her breath, holding her face in her hands she gasped for air.

Okay.

So either she was hallucinating or Jareth had teleported her, or...she was just going insane. Option three was looking better and better. How else could she explain this? People don't just appear in the middle of the road. They don't wander for what feels like forever through mirror mazes either, unless it was just a regular fun house at a carnival.

They don't wish their brothers away and have them nearly turned into Goblins either. Face it, Williams. Life isn't what you thought it was, and it never will be again. So quiet acting like a pansy and DEAL!

Sarah flinched at her inner Drill Sergent. It was right though, sitting her bemoaning her existence wasn't going to make all this stop, neither was attempting to find logic where none existed anymore.

Okay. So. Plan, she need a plan. Going back to Ryou's house was definitely not going to be part of the plan though. Not with that phycopathic, platinum blonde hanging around anyway. Her heart squeezed tight with guilt at her own fear of him, for letting it control her enough to leaving the white haired teen behind. She couldn't do that, she had to find a way.

Compassionate chocolate orbs stared down at her, a complete understanding that could only be born of shared pain.

Sarah blinked the memory away, tears of frustration stinging at her eyes. She had to go back, she couldn't leave him after what he had done for her. He didn't have to do the things he did after her...incident in her room. But he had, and she had to return the favor...somehow.

Sarah sucked in a deep breath, lifting her head and running her hand down over her face, she leaned back, eyes tilted unseeing up at the clear blue sky.

"Sarah-san? Whats wrong?"

Sarah turned quickly, her neck snapping to the side so fast the cartilage popped. One Mutou Yuugi stood there, Tri-colored locks tilted the side in a way that when the sun struck it the blond glinted like gold and the red like blood. Large, innocent amethyst orbs seemed to bore into her own.

"Yuugi-san." Sarah forced a small smile, trying to drive the confusion and fear she felt as deep as it could go. The last thing she needed right now was Yuugi trying to make it all better. She widened the plastic smile, clearing her throat, "Nothings wrong, nothing at all. So, um, what're you doing here."

A single eye brow arched, "What am I doing here? I live here, remember Sarah-san?"

He pointed behind her and for the second time within an hour Sarah wanted to melt into a puddle and disappear. There, in all its glory, sat the Game Shop she had been to not hours ago. Of all the places to run...

He tilted his head slightly, confusion marring his angelic features, "I suppose Ryou's tutoring must be more effective then my own. You barely have an accent, Sarah-san. I'd almost mistake you for a native."he chuckled, the sound like tinkleing bells.

Sarah's cheeks burned bright, pearly teeth captureing her bottom lip as she chewed nervously. She didn't know what to say to that, there was no excuse for being a master at a language so soon. Damn that Goblin King!

She should have known better then to make any half-hearted wish while wearing his pendent. When it came to Jareth he had a way of giving you exactly what you wanted, with a scorpion sting to make you regret ever coveting said desire in the first place.

'Come in my parlor', said the spider to the fly...

He sat down next to her, his legs just slightly too short for the bench. Sarah tilted her head forward slightly, taking refuge behind the dark curtain of her hair, as she wracked her brain for something to say, some reason good enough for her erratic behavior only to come up blank.

"Sarah-san, I know we haven't known each other very long but, we are friends aren't we?"he asked, his voice soft and even thoughtful in its phrasing.

Sarah swallowed hard and flipped back her hair over her shoulder and forced another smile at the tri-colored teen, only to feel its brilliancy slip as she finally brought her eyes up to meet his. The innocence there that had beguiled her the moment she'd laid her gaze into his was still there, but that shadow that seemed to flicker just beyond was more present then ever before. It glowed like the embers of a fire in the day, not much to see yet - but under the right circumstances could bloom into a raging inferno.

"Of-of course." Sarah stammered, eyes blinking rapidly, "Why?" Wariness colored her voice.

"Well, friends help each other. And you look like someone who needs help, Williams-san. Why not let me?"

Sarah licked her lips slowly, eyes darting away from the sparkling amethyst eyes and back.

"...You can't help me, Yuugi. And even if you could, I doubt you'd belive me anyway."

Yuugi chuckled, eyes dancing as he slapped his knee, "I think you'd be surprised, Sarah-san." His expression turned serious, "You don't have to tell me, if you don't want to, but I promise you that I will do everything I can to if you trust me."

Sarah chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully, chocolate eyes darkening as she stared up at the blue sky. They sat in a comfortable silence for a moment.

Ryou had told her that Yuugi housed a Yami in his body the same as he himself did. She'd noticed from his tone that it was likely that his own Egyptian spirit and Yuugi's weren't on the best of terms. He'd been careful to speak of him only in halting words.

Sarah mused over that thought for a moment. She was reluctant to put anyone else at risk to save her own skin, but it wasn't as though she could go marching back and save Ryou from the jaws of a psychopath without any back up whatsoever.

He couldn't help her with her Goblin King troubles, but he could most likely help Ryou. And to let her friend suffer just to save her own pride was an abhorrent thought. Hazel eyes narrowed, flicking upward to meet amethyst in a calculating look.

"Its not me that needs the help, Yuugi-san."she replied slowly, biteing her inside cheek slightly at the enormity of her lie, "Its Ryou-kun."

It was at that moment Sarah realized, it was one thing to see the transformation of Yuugi to his other self from afar, and a completely different when he did it right next to you.

The Sennen Puzzle glowed white for merely a second, innocent amethyst eyes closing. Almost instantly his feet stopped swinging slightly and sat with ease on the concrete sidewalk. Wild tri-colored hair seemed to fan out, the gold spikes becoming more prominent. Danger seemed to ooze from every pore.

His features ceased to be merely sweet and cute, cheekbones were higher and eyes narrowed. A regal pride emanated from his frame and when his eyes flickered back up to meet her own they were a crimson fire that burned strait down to her soul.

"What exactly do you know, Williams-san?"

The question was coldly presented, a formality and harsh infliction that she had never expected to hear from the small teen. It was still Yuugi's voice, though it had dropped several octaves and had an almost growl like quality. A chill ran up her backside and almost instantly Sarah regretted her split second decision. Perhaps she shouldn't have been so quick to ask for aid from the once Pharaoh and his Light.

Sarah straitened her shoulders, jutting her chin out and narrowing her eyes. Wise or not, the dye had been cast and there was no way to undo it now. And she'd be damned if she'd let one more person get enough over her that she'd he quail in fear.

"Enough. I know about the Items, I know who you are. And I think that you might be the only one right now that can help Ryou-kun."She replied, the ice in her tone lending more weight to the illusion that her insides had not spontaneously turned to consistency of jello.

Crimson eyes stared unblinkingly into her own, seeming to weigh her words carefully.

"What happened?"

Pearly teeth captured a full bottom lip as Sarah broke into an edited form of what had happened in the last hour. Leaving out only the bizarre incident of the mirrors and her causing Marik to fly across the room. Instead she said she'd escaped with only luck, and the fact that she had taken kickboxing lessons back in America. Another lie, it seemed they were stacking up on her these days. Soon she'd be lucky if she could walk in a strait line without falling into a pit of her own making.

"So you left him there?"

Shame colored her cheeks, "I wasn't exactly thinking at the time, I was afraid and there was that really big knife that he had to my throat. I wasn't sure what to do, and Ryou-kun didn't exactly act as though they were strangers. But still, I'm worried about what may of happened to him. Will you go back there with me?"

"Of course. I'll call Jonouchi-kun and he'll meet us there. We should hurry though, who knows what may of happened in your abscence."

Sarah felt her face flush at the implication. He was so cold by comparison to Yuugi, by the comparison to anyone really. Sarah straitened her spine and stood quickly, the once Pharaoh rising at the exact moment as she did. She started to move back the way she'd come only to have him grab her arm in vice grip.

Anger coiled tight in Sarah's chest and she could not keep the glare out of her eyes as she raised them to meet one that matched her own. Distrust burned hot in those crimson orbs.

"I know you are hiding something from me, from Yuugi, Williams-san. I warn you now, if the secrets you keep in any way endanger my Light or our friends - I will not hesitate in destroying you. That is your one only warning."

The Crescent Moon gave a cold pulse in time with the hammering beat of her own heart and Sarah ripped her arm from his grip with a withering look.

"I would never do anything to hurt Yuugi-san or any one else." Sarah snapped, ice in her voice as she leaned closer to Yugioh, "And whether or not I have any secrets, is my own concern. You shouldn't be throwing stones when you live in a glass house."she glared at him a moment more before faltering against his stony gaze, "We should hurry."

She pulled her arm free and his fingers loosened and slid slowly away, as though to show it was at his inclination and not her own.

Sarah quickened her pace, leaving the tri-colored Yami to catch up with her. He did, with surprising ease and kept her pace, hands loose and swinging at his sides. Ruby eyes had taken on a glazed look that Sarah had become accustomed to seeing on Ryou's face. As though hit with a bolt of lightning, Sarah made the connection.

He must be talking to Yuugi! Interesting...so along with sharing a body the Yami and Hikari must also share a mind...and perhaps even a soul.

A chill ran through Sarah's body as she contemplated the ramifications of that thought. They were bonded at the soul...and Jareth had dared to touch her own, and for that single moment in time she had felt a completeness that she had ached for all her life.

It was like being blind and then suddenly given eyes to see with. How dull now the colors appeared to her, now that she knew what vibrancy they truly held. Happiness had never seemed a more foreign emotion then it did now. She walked now with the feeling that her right side had been stripped from her, but she would rather endure that agony then ever allow Jareth that close to her again.

To be controlled the way Yugioh did Yuugi, the way Ryou's Yami did him, the mere idea frightened Sarah to the edge of sanity. How did they endure that? How could they let someone be so privy to every inch that made them an individual? Sure, it wasn't as though they had really been given a choice...but Sarah had, and she would never willingly comply. Never.

The fierceness of that thought settled deep inside her heart, an iron resolve that she would never break. The allow anyone that much power over another...it was more then cruel, it was malicious.

Lost in her own thoughts, Sarah was surprised when they arrived at Ryou's door in short order. The small, unassuming house seemed to loom in front of her. The sight nearly made her break into a cold sweat but, she steeled her resolve. She had come here to help save Ryou, and that was what she was going to do.

"Oy! Yuugi-chan! Sarah-chan!"

Sarah jerked, almost painfully, in surprise. Her eyes snapped down the street to see the blond that she had meet before jogging to meet them. The girl with short brown hair and brilliant aquarium eyes was in tow behind him. She wore a pair of black shorts and a a canary yellow shirt and clung tight to her voluptuous curves. Sarah smothered the jealousy that rose up in her heart instantly. It had no place here.

When did he call them?

The chargrained thought echoed through her, how could she miss something so obviouse?

Jounouchi wore a white t-shirt and pair of well worn jeans with a hole in the right knee. As always, Sarah felt soothed at the sight of him. He was simply a persistently happy person, easy to be near and to get along with. She focused on that feeling rather then the twisted emotions the dark haired girl seemed to inspire.

Anzu and Jounouchi stopped in front of them, bending over to catch their breath.

"Anzu-chan, Jounouchi-kun - i'm glad you could make it."Yugioh said, by way of greeting. The warmth in his voice surprised Sarah, realizeing that she'd thought him incapable of expressing such emotion.

"So, whats happening? All you would say is the Ryou-kun was in trouble."Anzu cast a suspicious look as Sarah.

Jounouchi squirmed slightly, unsure how much the dark haired American girl knew.

"Its alright you two, she knows. Ryou, apparently, informed her. Malik is here, and Sarah was worried for Ryou's safety. Not without cause, however."Yugioh said smoothly, the authority in his tone broke for no argument.

"Damnit! He better not of hurt Ryou!"Jounouchi said heatedly, Anzu nodded firmly in response.

Sarah felt a stab of resentment at their apparent devotion. When had they ever showed it? She'd only been her a short while and even she could see the wide birth that they gave the white haired teen. They barely attempted to draw him close to their tight knit group, didn't see what had become so obvious to her: Ryou was lonely.

Sarah chewed her bottom lip thoughtfully. It wasn't her place to judge, and after all she had been here only a a short amount of time. Atleast they had come when Ryou was in trouble, that was what really mattered, right?

Sarah went for the door first, determination in her step. Yugioh and the others followed close behind. They were greeted with complete and utter silence. Sarah wet her lips nervously, making her way to the kitchen. From the corner of her eye, she saw Yugioh's eyes narrow.

"I sense Shadow Magic."he commented.

Jounouchi and Anzu sucked in a breath and Sarah could hear murmured questions between them. Sarah ignored them, the frantic beat of her heart drowning all else out as the memory of the Mirror Maze flashed through her mind.

Where are you, Ryou?

The question flashed over and over through her mind as she quickly went back to the hallway and down the stairs to the living room. Outside she heard thunder boom and it nearly made her jump out of her skin. Not pausing to analyze it she hurried down the stairs to the dimly lit living room.

Ryou turned at her arrival, he was standing near the couch wringing his hands nervously. The blonde haired Egyptian with the soft lavender eyes was standing near him. He narrowed his eyes at her approach, his eyes falling to her chest to stare at the Crescent Moon she wore.

Yugioh, Jounouchi and Anzu were fast to follow her - their footsteps heavy and deliberate where hers had been soft and stealthy.

"Ryou-kun! I was worried, you alright?"Jounouchi stole the words from her lips as he barreled past her to stand next to the white-haired teen.

The Egyptian moved quickly away, his eyes flashing upward to meet Sarah's in a way that made her freeze solid. There was no anger in those eyes, only a seething resentment that made her skin roll back on itself.

Dimly in the background she could hear Ryou assuming Yugioh, Anzu and Jounouchi that he was alright and nothing was wrong. He admitted that Marik and his Yami had been here earlier and things had gotten a little out of hand. Before she could stop him Ryou mentioned the maze of mirrors that had appeared.

Blood drained out of her face as Yugioh's eyes shot to hers, "I don't remember hearing that part of the story."

Ryou's Adams apple went up and down nervously, he shot her look of apology as he had not known that she might not of wanted the once Pharaoh to know that part.

Sarah shrugged, feeling hysteria climbing up from her chest and clawing its way to escape her lips.

"Why did you fail to mention that, Williams-san?"He asked, authority in his voice.

Marik's light, Malik was his name from what she had gathered in the greetings, crossed his arms with amusement, "Yes, do tell. It was a spectacular show that you put on for us earlier. Hard to believe you would have been so afraid to return with out the Pharaoh."He sneered the title, turning it into an insult.

Yugioh's eyes didn't even flicker towards the Egyptian teen, all of his attention along with everyone else in the room was riveted on her.

"...I don't know how it happened. It just did."She said weakly, chewing her bottom lip nervously. She tasted copper on her tongue.

"Now, I don't think that's the full truth. What about you, Marik?" A cold voice rang out, dark amusement dripping from it like poisoned chocolate.

The relief at haveing all eyes taken off her was short lived when she saw Yami no Bakura comeing down the stairs with Marik by his side. She felt her knees go weak and her breath escape as though she had been punched in the gut, and it was from anything but both their towering god-like looks.

No, it was from what she saw Yami no Bakura was holding limply in his right hand.

The Labyrinth.

Her breath came in fast gasps as her teeth bared down in a snarl.

"No, Tomb Robber. I think the little American is lieing." Marik replied gleefully.

"Where did you get that?"She snapped, going forward to retrieve it - only to have Yugioh's arm shot out in front of her to prevent her from taking a single step.

His crimson eyes pinned her to where she stood. How did he move so fast?

"What is that, Thief?"Yugioh bit out, wariness dripping from the four words like liquid fire.

"This? Its just a story, my Pharaoh."he sneered, holding it aloft and moving it to and fro, "A very old story actually. Tell me, do you remember the child hood stories of our youth? Do you remember, the Goblin King?"

"Goblin King?" Yugioh scoffed, "Stop speaking nonsense!"

"Stop it!"Sarah pushed Yugioh's arm away, backing away a step feeling her body coil tight in on itself as she prepared to launch herself at Yami no Bakura and scratch his eyes out if that's what it took to get that book back in her possession, "You don't know what your talking about!"

Jounouchi's arm grabbed hers in a vice grip, refusing to budge even as she jerked and flailed against him.

Yami no Bakura continued to make his circle, eyes straying from Yugioh's to hers. He looked as though he were soaking up the attention, as though he had all the time in the world.

"Come, Pharaoh. Don't you feel it on her? Can't you smell the power on her? It permeates the very air, you can't deny it. And it isn't her power, rather another beings. Why is that? Haven't you wondered?"

Jounouchi stared down at Sarah's terriefed face with a tinge of his own fear now, "What are you?"

Ryou had slipped through the small crowd to stand by her side, his hand curled around her other wrist in a gentle gesture meant to comfort rather then restrain. Sarah stared hopeless down at him, tears comeing into her eyes.

He leaned closer to her, unnoticed by the others as their attention was riveted on Yami no Bakura who was paceing back and forth, mocking the once Pharaoh with his knowledge of the small red book that the other was completely ignorent of.

"I'm so sorry."he whispered.

Sarah chocked on the cry that rose in her throat. Instantly, she knew that he knew. And exactly what she feared to come to pass was exactly was about to happen.

"I think a demonstration is in order."Yami no Bakura continued, brown eyes shot through with crimson seemed to glow with delight as he flipped the book open, "I wish -"

Sarah bit down on Jounouchi's hand as hard as she could. The coppery taste of blood tainted her mouth.

"SHIT!"Jounouchi howled, releaseing her. Time seemed to slow as Sarah ran forward, knowing she would be too late.

"The goblin's would - "

"NO!"the inhumane cry burst from her chest.

"-take the Hikari away."he finished triumphently.

Thunder clapped and she could hear the rain pounding down. It was like the walls themselves were falling in she she felt her legs collapse beneath her.

The lights flickered twice then died away, silence reigned in the room.

"You have no idea what you've done."Sarah whispered, her voice raw with the resignation that sang through her soul.

Anzu shrieked, "Yuugi? What happened, what did you do to Yuugi!"

Sarah's eyes stayed on the snow white carpet beneath her knees. Even as the window crashed open, lightning filling the room with monstrous shadows, she refused to lift her gaze. The very earth seemed to quake beneith her as she heard a familiar sound of wings beating against the air.

The panic that had ruled her from the very moment she'd seen Yami no Bakura wave that damned book under his nose began to recede. Instead there was only a soothing feel to her insides, like warm balm had been rubbed over a festering wound.

The absence of the pain made the tears finally over flow. As always she sought her ever-present island of reserved anger to shield herself. Damn him for making her feel this way, for being able to twist and turn her emotions to his whim!

Slowly Sarah got her feet, her eyes going behind her to meet the shocked eyes of Yugioh, funny before she never would have thought he could even feel fear. It was there now, dilating his eyes into small pin pricks.

Ryou's eyes meet her own as she turned around, she watched as his eyes opened with shock and swallowed hard her eyes going to the corner window. Already expecting to see the bane of her existence melting out of the shadows.

Jareth did not disappoint.

He stepped out seemingly from no where, the darkness caressed his frame. A halo of of blonde hair framed a face that should of been unhandsome, glittering white skin stretched taunt over high cheekbones and eyebrows like knives slashing down over mismatched eyes.

But there was just something so utterly compelling, something so otherworldly about him that it was impossible to resist. He seemed to emanate light from where stood, every careful gesture so impossibly graceful and perfect. He was seduction to the very eye, power given form.

He was dressed as elaborately as the very first time she had seen him, and even now he filled her with the same wonder and terror, desire mixed painful inadequacy, as he had then. A black doublet emblazoned in the center with the symbol of his pendent, floor length black leather cape with an overly exaggerated collar that stretched high and fanned out below his jaw.

Deep red silk billowed out at the sleeves, midnight colored leggings with black knee-high boots. Forearm long gloves of black velvote encased his hands, beautfiul mismatched eyes unabashedly accented with makeup. Oh yes, he was still a sight to behold.

"Who are you?"Yugioh's harsh voice rang out, whatever fear she thought she'd seen in his eyes was gone now, only a righteous fury remained, "What have you done with Ryou and Yuugi!"

"Exactly what was asked of me."he replied, his voice was like music.

His eyes did not seek her own, instead he choose to bore his gaze into the Pharaoh and Tomb Robber.

Sarah felt her breath catch as she finally got her frozen brain to comprehend exactly what Yugioh had said. Ryou...where was Ryou? She turned frantically, he was gone, as was Malik and his Yami for that matter. Only the Sennen Rod rested on the floor now where the Marik had stood.

"I wish the Goblins would come and take the Hikari away."

Yami no Bakura's words rang in her mind. At the time she had only been thinking of Yuugi, after all his eyes had never left the Pharaoh's. But...since when did Jareth not bend the rules when the chance was given to him? When hadn't he twisted words words to fit himself? He knew her well, knew that she could not leave her friend to suffer the fate of becoming a Goblin...just as she couldn't let Toby suffer for her own foolhardy wish.

"I told you to take the fool Pharaoh's Hikari! Not mine!"

"Did you?"Jareth replied, amusement in his voice, "You said, 'the Hikari', I don't recall you ever specifying which one."

The white haired Egyptian spirit to took a menacing step toward Jareth only to freez in the action as Jareth's eyes seemed to dilate with darkness. It was almost as though he were begging Yami no Bakura to be so stupid as to attempt to attack him. He'd string him up in the Bog of Eternal Stench, maybe lock him in an Oubliette for a few hundred years...or worse. Jareth was as ageless as time itself, with an unlimited imagination.

"Bring them back." Yugioh growled, "All of them."

"Whats said is said."he intoned, boredom sliding across his cold face as he absently straitened his gloves.

She had no choice. There was only way to save them all, and in the end, wasn't this her fault? She had come here, she had brought this curse into their lives. They didn't deserve what Jareth would do to them. Besides, this was just one more move in the game they played. He knew what she would do now, and even knowing she was walking strait into his hands, Sarah couldn't find it in herself to stop.

"Give me the chid."she said quietly, stepping forward more into the light he seemed to exude with his very presence.

His eyes finally shown on her, and she could see the triumph peeking out through the miss-matched orbs.

"They are no longer children, Sarah."he replied, breezing past the two Yami's and the cursing Jounouchi as though they weren't even there. He stood before her, so magnificiant and dark.

"They were wished away."

"But not by you."

"I'll make a bargain with you, Jareth. If that's what it'll take."

Pointed teeth gleamed in the light, his laughter soft and she had to shake her head slightly to keep from falling under its spell.

My, what big teeth you have Grandma...

He had lured her here, created the circumstance and now any moment he was going to swallow her whole. She knew it with every fiber of her being but could not find it in herself to pull away.

The better to eat you with my dear!

"Are you offering yourself to me, Sarah?"He questioned innocently.

She swore she could almost here the snap as his trap was sprung around her.

Sarah squared her shoulders, her chin lifting as she refused to be intimidated by the Fae that had haunted her dreams from the moment she had dared to open his book, from that fateful night that she had said The Words and called him into her world. An invitation that she could never resend, apparently.

"If I lose, I will take their place. But trust me, I have no intention of loseing Jareth. I beat you once, and I will do it again."

"I'll not let her take my Hikari's place. I will play you, not her."Yugioh's voice cut through them like a knife, Sarah fumbled slightly, she had forgotten they were there...

But his eyes did not leave her own, instead they bored deep inside of her as though willing her to understand some great secret in their depths.

"The bargain has already been made. You and the Wisher may join her on her quest if you like, however you both will remain in my realm as well should she fail."

"No! They go free!"Sarah said quickly.

Jareth smiled, pointed teeth flashing, "That was not apart of our deal, my Sarah. But, I could be generous. If you manage to amuse me enough, if you can make it at least to my castle one more time they will go free with the Hikaris...but it is doubtful you will make if that far."

Yugioh moved to stand by her side, and with obvious great reluctance Yami no Bakura moved to stand at her opposite side. Jounouchi and Anzu moved behind Yugioh.

"Hey! We're not letting you guys go alone!"he shouted, "We gotta stick together!"

Jareth lifted an eye brow, and she was sure that she wasn't the only one that saw the annoyance flicker across his face since both Jounouchi and Anzu shrank backward.

"Of course." he waved his hand and they vanished into thin air, glitter sparkleing where they had stood.

"What have you done with my friends!"Yugioh growled, slender hands fisting at his sides.

Jareth sneered, "Nothing worse then what I should have done. They are safe...for the moment that is. They were so eager to come to the Underground, how could I deny them some of the finer sights my Kingdom has to offer?"

Sarah felt a shudder pass through her body as she forced her mind not to wander too far into what some of the finer sights the Underground had to offer.

He lifted his cape slowly, obscuring their gaze of the window in front them. In the span of a single blink Sarah found herself standing on the same hill that she had begun her journey the first time. She heard Yugioh and Yami no Bakura suck in surprised breaths, and had she been able to look away from two mismatched eyes she assumed she'd of seen their jaws drop in astonishment as well.

Sarah wet her lips slowly as she walked towards him, she could see the Labyrinth behind stretching out as far as the eye could see. There at the center she could see his castle and part of the Goblin City that surrounded it. So far, even now.

The black tree without leaves was at his back as she moved to stand in front of him, breathless at the sight before her. The scent of his magic was all around her, wrapping tight like a snug blanket. The sight of him there, standing so regally and in control with his majestic Labyrinth at his back was indescribable. Intimidation welled up inside of her and she felt just like the same naive girl that had stood before him whineing about the injustice of his granting her wish.

His eyes stared down at her now and they seemed to lack the mocking glow and cruelty that she had so often come to anticpate in their incounters. She could her hear her blood rushing her ears, her heart seeming to want to jump strait from her chest.

No, she would not give into these...these stupid teen-age hormones! He was evil, maniacal and cruel and whatever she thought may lay beyond that was just an illusion. Just one more trick to get her to fail. He could never be real with her when it counted at any rate.

"I beat you once, Jareth," she murmered, "I can and will do it again."

Jareth narrowed his eyes, his lips twisting upward into his customary smirk, "No game is the same when played twice, Sarah. I was generous before, do not expect me to be as obliging this time."his voice was soft, but so very harsh.

His words stung at her pride and she lifted herself to her full height, which unfortunelty, meant she still had to look up to meet his gaze.

"You were never generous, Jareth."she hissed.

His eyes hardened again, whatever she had glimpsed before hiding in the depths was gone now. As hard as any crystal ball that he toyed with.

A clock appeared next to him, black like before and ornate. There were 13 numbers on it, all etched in gold.

"You have thirteen hours in which to solve my Labyrinth." he stepped backwards, seeming to fade into the riseing sunlight, his last words echoing all around her, "Before you will stay here with me...forever."

Sarah felt tears sing her eyes, a firm sense of deja-vu drifting over her and she quickly flicked them away before she turned to meet the eyes of two very curious Yamis'.

"So, you're screwing the Goblin King huh? Unexpected."Yami no Bakura commented nonchalantly.

The blood rushed to her fast and in the span of a heart beat she had lunged forward and decked the once Tomb Robber right in the mouth.

"Shit!"He cursed, arms flailing as he lost balance and fell into the sand.

She stood there a moment, her hand throbbing in pain and her lips in a snarl, over him.

"Not even close."she growled.

End Chapter

A.n.-I was trying to end this chapter on more of a light note then I have in the past. Any thoughts or comments would be greatly appreciated.