Hello my dear readers! Originally this was going to be the last chapter, but it had to be split into two chapters. Also, there is a Miss Congeniality reference in here. You get a virtual cookie if you find it! May the final showdown commence!
I pace back and forth, glass ball in hand. Hours have passed—or so it seems. In this small, dark room, time is nonexistent. The army of Shadow had appeared at the Labyrinth just as Jareth predicted. And yet, I was uneasy. Shouldn't his army be larger? Even after having passed my observation onto my companion, he recommended we wait. Let Lionel make the first move; we're ready.
Leaning against a wall, I attempt to watch the clash between the two armies objectively, following the spurts of shadow and flares of light. No change. They're evenly matched. As one side would begin to dominate, the other would react and keep the opposing force at bay.
Suddenly, a shift draws my attention away from the Labyrinth. There's a bright flash above the castle, and, to my horror, a suffering mass of Shadow engulfs the structure! That…that was Lionel's plan all along!
"Jareth," I exclaim into the vial, "he's just transported the bulk of his army here!"
No answer; my heart sinks in fear.
"Jareth!" I try again.
"Listen," I hear him whisper, "and remember what I told you!"
Silence…and then, voices. I recognize the speakers immediately: Lionel and Jareth.
"…surprised?"
"Hardly, Lionel."
Their voices become indistinct before being swallowed by more silence. I tense when I hear a scuffle and a grunt of pain.
Shouts ringing in my ears, I seek the Spirit's presence before making my decision: it's time I acted. Quickly, I close the map up and place my vial on the table before turning my attention to the closed exit.
Bracing my body against the stone door, I ease it open as slowly as I can, praying I don't make a sound. Bright light temporarily blinds me as I creep into the room. Adjusting to the sudden brilliance, I drop to the floor and push the portal closed. Thankfully, Jareth and Lionel have been so wrapped up in their conversation that they haven't noticed my activities.
Hidden by the chair, I look underneath to gauge the situation.
From their feet, I surmise Jareth is being held by two goblin guards; Lionel is close to the throne, facing away from my position. My ears pick up fighting in the hallway.
Hmm. This'll be tough.
Lionel's voice draws me back to attention.
"Abdicate the throne to me, and I will spare your life."
Okay, that implies Lionel has a sword. The guards are probably armed as well.
"Too bad I know you don't keep your word," Jareth replies. I can picture the mocking smile playing about his lips, his sharp teeth glinting in the light. "You always were a dreadful liar."
I hear a sharp sound—Jareth's been slapped.
"Are you still certain of that now?" Lionel whispers icily.
My turn.
I step out from behind the throne and lean against the ivory border. "You know, I'd rather not find out," I interrupt casually, causing Lionel to whirl around in astonishment.
"You!" He exclaims with fury.
"Don't be so shocked, Lionel. You shouldn't count me out just yet."
Rage flushing his features, Lionel lunges for me with his rapier; Jareth is quick to use the distraction to fight off his guards.
Anticipating Lionel's attack, I duck and sweep my foot towards his, catching him off balance. As he hits the ground in ire, I roll to the side. Out of the corner of my eye, I see Jareth kneeing a goblin in the stomach and wrestling his sword away.
As my opponent and I recover, Lionel points his blade in my direction. "I should have killed you when I had the chance!" he snarls.
"So sorry to disappoint, but that was your mistake," I reply, watching his movements carefully.
"One which I shall not repeat!" He hisses.
He lunges forward and I evade his stab, kicking him in the side.
As I dance away, I venture quickly, "What is it you have against God?"
I duck to avoid a slash and slide to his right. As he spins to catch me, I thrust a solid punch into his abdomen. Gasping, the aristocrat shoves me away with his free hand.
"Everything!" he shouts.
Oh, so just that, I consider as I move away, sensing Jareth behind me.
Back to back, we stand surrounded by enemies. "Let's change things up a bit," I suggest, looking up at him.
He smiles.
We rotate with swift synchronization, lunging forward to combat our new foes.
Quickly calculating, I decide to front-snap kick the goblin springing towards me. When in doubt, just kick! As he falters, I follow up with a spin kick to push him farther back. As I cut my momentum short, I narrowly miss being slashed by a blade—the second goblin. I duck, baiting the creature to attack vertically.
As he swings down, I rise and catch his sword arm at the wrist. Turning his hand in towards his body, I wrench it to the outside in one quick move. The sharp pain successfully causes him to drop his blade. Spinning, I then jab an elbow into his solar plexus. Taking advantage of his surprise, I bend my knees and use his momentum to heave him along my back and over my shoulder. Gotta love adrenaline!
Even before he crashes to the floor, I feel arms wrap around me from behind. Unable to break the lock, I suddenly remember to SING…
Solar plexus! I thrust an elbow underneath his sternum.
Instep! I stomp a foot aimed at inner area of his foot.
Nose! Using my other elbow, I launch a thrust to his nose.
Groin! With the same arm, I drive a blow below the belt.
As the goblin sags against me, I snake around, grabbing his arm. Yanking the dazed creature, I quickly halt and use his motion to throw him into his companion.
Taking the opportunity, I grab the sword at my feet, yelling, "Switch!"
I feel Jareth grip my forearm and we exchange places.
Instantly, Lionel thrusts a stab towards my face. Alarmed by his speed, I barely have enough time to repel his attack and shove it to the side.
Okay, so maybe I'd better stick to what I'm good at…
Ducking as Lionel sweeps his rapier back, I drop my blade and roll towards my opponent. I push off the balls of my feet and launch myself forward.
Even though he's caught off guard, Lionel is quick to adapt. Me, not so much.
As we collide, he willingly falls onto his back in order to draw his feet in. With a timed push, he catches me in the stomach and easily propels me over him.
Airborne, I attempt to squelch the panic that spirals in me. Cursing my light frame, I brace for the impact; I hit the stone floor hard, pain racking my body as stars dance before my eyes.
Up! Get up! My training shrieks. GET UP!
Suppressing the hurt the best I can, I stumble to my feet to watch Lionel recover with ease. There's got to be an easier way, I think, I'm wearing down. Jareth, too. Another hard hit like that and I'm finished. Tuning into my surroundings, I feel the doors behind me. This is the worst plan ever, but… Locking eyes with Lionel, I declare, "Let's finish this."
In one swift movement, I turn a handle and push the door open.
"No, Christine!" Jareth exclaims, "Wait!"
I dart into the hallway, crossing the threshold of violence to the familiar series of steps nearby; I can hear Lionel thundering after me.
Sorry, Jareth, but I have to protect you—no matter what the cost!
My frantic footsteps echo as I scurry up the winding stairs.
Wait.
I look back, aware no one is in pursuit.
Turning back to continue, I gasp when I see Lionel looming over me. His dark eyes blazing, he grabs me by the arm and we Jump.
We appear at the top of the tower, the window overlooking the war, and Lionel blocking the exit.
"You have been nothing but a thorn in my side," he snarls.
If he only knew where his words came from…the irony.
Thinking fast, I opt for stalling. "You said you have everything against God. Can you be more specific?"
"We were just fine before you came along. Not everyone likes a level playing field."
"Hey," I shoot back, defensively, "how was I supposed to know my actions would cause the upheaval of an entire social system? If I recall correctly, I was brought to the Underground against my will."
"And you left nothing but destruction in your wake," he growls threateningly.
"Only because you see it as such. But that's what God specializes in—He brings order to chaos, restoration to destruction." I stand my ground, even as Lionel advances.
"Listen," I continue, determined not to show my fear, "there was a time when my world was falling apart. I was mad at God and thought He had abandoned me. But He was patient and endured all of the anger I threw at Him. Over time, He showed me everything had happened because He truly knew what was best for me. Because I submitted to Him and allowed Him to work within my heart, He changed me. I know I'm not perfect but now I have hope in Him and His mercy. While I still make mistakes, I know He'll use those hard times to build my character and draw me closer to Him. Jareth will only echo this conversion. Have you seen him since he accepted Christ?"
Lionel halts at my question. As he finds himself momentarily pondering the King's change, the nobleman shakes his head in disgust and resumes his advance.
Fear skittering up my spine like a spider, I involuntary take a step back. No, I must face him as Christ would! Lionel now stands before me, close enough to do me harm. Fighting back the flight response, I pick up where I left off, glad my voice doesn't betray my alarm, "There's a peace about Jareth, a joy in his heart which is the result of the Holy Spirit dwelling inside of him. He is happy, Lionel, and he only wants that same happiness for you!"
His response to my final word is to thrust a jab towards my face. Swiftly, I circle away from the strike.
Stay calm, girl!
"Do you see the battle below, Lionel?" I ask, motioning towards the window before evading a stab. "There will always be bloodshed until you realize how much God cares for you! He loves you!"
"Those are empty words to someone who doesn't wish to hear them," he hisses.
"Others would disagree," interrupts a voice.
We both turn to see Jareth standing in the doorway, gripping a rapier tightly. "Lionel," he entreats, "I implore you to just listen to us." As the two make eye contact, I slowly edge towards Jareth.
"Don't move."
I look up to see Lionel glaring in my direction, his sword inches away from me and his face tight with anger.
"Like heck I will!" I exclaim, ducking to avoid the strike. Rolling to the left, I notice I'm between the two men. As Lionel regains his balance, I line up beside Jareth.
"Lionel, please," Jareth tries again, "we were friends—like brothers!"
"That was a long time ago."
"But still valid," the Goblin King retorts firmly. "I believe we can stop this conflict by ending it with reason, not violence."
"Others would disagree," Lionel repeats coldly. He spins forward, sweeping a horizontal slash towards us. In attempt to keep him preoccupied, we move in different directions, Jareth to the right, me to the left. As Lionel turns to advance on me, Jareth whips his rapier up to rest against the noble's shoulder.
"Your fight is with me," Jareth declares, pain lacing his words, "not Christine."
The aristocrat considers the foil pressed close to his face. "Very well," he consents. Turning back to face the Goblin King, he bows with the flourish of his blade. "Let us dance!"
He thrusts a stab with aggressive determination; Jareth parries, forcing the attack to the side.
My spiritual kin sweeps a spin which is deflected. Evading a strike, he slides to the left and retaliates with a rotated thrust.
Lionel blocks the assault, shoving the oncoming blade up and away. "Like the forces of Light and Dark, you and I are evenly matched," he remarks as he lunges. "Tell me, my King, are we to be locked in eternal battle, frozen in this stalemate?"
"You are mistaken to believe that Light and Dark are evenly matched," Jareth counters fiercely, "for God will always conquer the darkness. Just because the skies are thick with evil does not mean the sun is gone!" He steps to avoid the jab and deflects a strike. "Lionel, I still consider you my best friend," he confesses, "and I haven't given up on you! We can resolve this peacefully if we just—"
"Peace?" Lionel stares, eyes flashing as he laughs with insanity. "I would love nothing more than to have peace! In fact…" As he repels Jareth back, Lionel suddenly hugs the ground and swings a foot towards me.
Unprepared for the sudden attack, I fall to the floor hard. Pain shoots through my back and head, causing stars to dance. Before I can move, I find his knee pinned to my stomach and his blade pointed to my heart.
"Be still, my dear," he hisses venomously. Turning to look at the Goblin King, he remarks with an unnerving smile, "What better way to have peace than to strike your enemy where he is most vulnerable? Denounce your faith, or I kill the girl you love."
