*~* Lilith's *~*

Jaquelyn laughed. "Do you really think you can defeat me, Goblin King? I'd like to see you try."

A smirk formed on Jareth's lips. Not the teasing smirk I know. No, this one was a cruel one. Filled with malice and blood-lust unlike anything I have ever seen.

"Then let us begin."

Before I could blink, Jaquelyn had lunged at Jareth. Her gaping maw attempted to latch itself onto Jareth, but as swift as the wind he had evaded it. "Nice try, Jaquelyn, but you are too slow, as always."

A growl sounded from her throat. Her blue eyes suddenly turned an alarming shade of red. I backed away from the fight further, not wanting to get caught up in this mess. I have no powers! At least none that I know for certain will work!

Jaquelyn lunged at Jareth once more and missed again! Jaquelyn's growl turned louder and louder until it was almost like a screech. My head swam in pain until it almost seemed as if my ears would fall off and my head go numb.

But Jareth, he was not affected. His face remained stony and his posture tall. He rolled his eyes and held up his hand, immediately silencing the beast. Jaquelyn clawed at her throat, her mouth still agape as if she were trying to screech still.

"Much better. Now your repulsive voice will no longer pollute the air."

Had he muted her? I slunk further away from the fight, fear now taking hold of my heart. Jareth was starting to seen scary. It seemed as if he was enjoying this, and it terrified me.

"Now, Jaquelyn, let's finish this."

Jaquelyn smiled and stood up. This time she didn't lunge, but a purple energy formed around her, making her seemingly grow in size. "So you want to play this game, eh?"

Jareth conjured up a crystal then threw it on the floor in front of him, a cloud of sparkles surrounding him. Once the sparkles cleared, Jareth stood clothed in black armor with a dark purple cape flowing behind him.

"I guess I'll simply have to play along."

A blue aura surrounded him as well, making him seemingly grow like it did with Jaquelyn. I wasn't sure what to think of all of this. I know he has magic, but I never got to see it like this!

A giant ball of purple flames erupted from Jaquelyn's hands, heading straight for Jareth. He ducked right before it sailed right over his head! He quickly stood back up and drew a sword from the sheath on his side. It immediately glowed in blue flames, illuminating Jareth in a frightening way. The way his eyes shone, his lips curled... It wasn't like him at all. This wasn't my Jareth anymore, this was someone completely different. Someone... dangerous.

"Oh, my dear cousin. How I wish it didn't have to turn out this way. But you chose the wrong side. You chose to harm someone very dear to me, now I must eliminate you. I really do wish it didn't have to end this way."

Amusement shone in Jaquelyn's eyes. She moved to speak, but no sound came out. The amusement left her eyes and was replaced by a blinding fury. Her hands erupted in flames right before she threw multiple fire balls at Jareth. He easily deflected each of them with his sword. He lunged at her with his sword poised and brought it down upon her hands, slicing them both off. I screamed in horror as the limbs fell off and black blood spurted from her stubs.

I covered my eyes as tears streamed down my face. This can't be happening. I didn't just see that. Jareth didn't do that... Jareth couldn't do that.

Tortured screaming pierced the air as more hacking sounds came from where Jaquelyn and Jareth stood. Then with one final hacking noise, it stopped. I sat there for a few moments, unsure of what to do. I was afraid to uncover my eyes, for I was unsure of what I would see. I most certainly did not want to see the carnage that Jareth had dealt. A tap on my shoulder startled me, causing me to jump and fall over. In front of me stood Jareth, still in his armor, covered in black blood. Out of the corner of my eye, I could see a pile of limbs heaped into a corner in a pool of black blood. Jaquelyn.

"Lilith, you look so scared. The threat is gone now, there's no need to be frightened."

"Really?" That's what came out. But what I really wanted to say was "Is the threat really gone?" I was scared of him beyond measure. He wasn't him. This wasn't the same man he was earlier this day.

He knelt down next to me and took my hand in his. "Lilith, I promise to protect you no matter what. And I mean that."

I nodded, not wanting to speak for I was afraid of what would come out of my mouth.

"Here, let's get you home."

Jareth helped me up and led me to the door. "Wait, can I please go home alone? I... I think I need some time to myself after this."

Jareth nodded. "I understand." He disappeared, this time without the sparkles and normal glamour. I walked home in silence, endless thoughts swirling around my brain. Why was Jareth so cruel back there? What happened to Melissa? Was she ever Melissa, or just that jackal-headed beast? Why is the high council trying to kill me? Will Jareth ever be my Jareth again?

Tears began to fall again and I couldn't take it. I can't take this life. Why does it have to be me? Haven't I been through enough already?

I got strange looks as I walked home, but I don't care. I just wanted to get back to the comfort and safety of my home. Everything there was safe, everything was familiar.

I pushed open the doors to the bakery and made a mad dash to my room. I didn't want anyone seeing me like this! They'd question me and that's something I didn't want to do deal with right now.

I threw myself onto my bed and wept for who knows how long. This day was supposed to be fun! Jareth and I were supposed to be happy! We were supposed to smile and laugh as Melissa and I told stories of our years in high school. How could things ever be the same after this?

Okay guys, I am so sorry this took so long to get out! My parents planned a spontaneous outing to a state park that took us like five hours. Please forgive me!