The robed figure made its way to the neutral territory, making sure none followed. An emissary of the dark king's army waited for more information. The figure sat at a table, idly tapping its surface until the emissary entered the tent, bowing.

"Welcome, friend," the emissary said in a monotone voice. "You have more to tell us?"

"I do - the Goblin King has made friends with a little human girl. If we destroy her he will be so distraught we can capture his kingdom easily."

"And what makes her so special?"

"She beat his silly Labyrinth and he is besotted like a small child." The spy's voice was filled with contempt and jealousy.

"Human you say? Is she in our world?"

"No, her own - but I can lead you to her." The emissary paused in thought. He did not fully trust this spy, but for the chance to get the magic flowing through Jareth's vast kingdom, it was worth the risk.

"Yes, let us go now, the sooner we kill the girl, the faster we own the Goblin City's power."

Eliza smiled. This was really too would teach Jareth to mock her and toss her aside for a mere human. They made their way to the Above Ground to kill the stupid little girl Sarah Williams. Then Eliza would comfort her king and gain his trust. Right before becoming queen and killing him in his sleep.

JSJS

"Come on Sarah, the roller coaster is this way," Robert grinned, pulling her along with him. She laughed, running to keep up with her friends. Everyone was there, her best friend Lydia, Robert's best friend Henry and a bunch of kids from class. She'd never been out without her parents hovering over her and she was enjoying the freedom. A large owl circled overhead but did not come down too close to be noticed.

"I think I ate too much cotton candy," Sarah giggled as Robert held her hand. "Ah, the line for the coaster is too long anyway." A thought occured to her, "Let's ride the ferris wheel instead."

"Ohh, someone wants alone kissy time," Henry teased and Lydia elbowed him in the ribs, causing him to yelp. At this comment, the owl swooped down, but since it wasn't watching where it was going, it got tangled in a nearby tent, squawking.

"Shut it Henry, not everyone is as immature as you are," she hissed. Henry just laughed as Sarah blushed. Robert grinned and led her to the ride she wanted.

"Henry's an idiot," he said cheerfully. "Let's all ride the ferris wheel."

The four friends got on the ride, Sarah and Robert on the first car, then her friends a few cars after them. Then they were flying slowly towards the heavens. The owl flew over the ride and Sarah noticed it, glaring.

"You don't like owls?" Robert asked, staring up at the flying bird.

"What? No, I love owls, I mean I love that owl - um, never mind." Sarah could not believe she'd said that out loud. Why was he here when he knew they were having their own date after this? She thought about it then calmed. If he wanted to watch her out having fun with another boy, then she'd give him something to watch.

Sighing happily, she made a show out of snuggling closer to her date.

"Robert, it's a bit chilly up here, I hope you don't mind," she said, eyes wide. He grinned, putting his arm around her.

"Mind? Not at all, Sarah. I'll keep you warm," he said, holding her tighter. Just then a black raven appeared and went to peck at Sarah's eyes. She screamed and Robert went to hit it with his arm, causing the car to tilt dangerously. Sarah held onto the ride as it swayed and out of nowhere, the owl reappeared to battle the other bird. Sarah watched in fascination as another black bird appeared, with blazing familiar eyes. It headed right for her and for some reason she was reminded of Eliza.

The man running the rides saw the commotion and started to get everyone off the ride. Sarah and Robert ran off of the ferris wheel, and he tried to lead her to another booth to play a game. But Sarah stood there and watched the birds circle each other. Two against one and the one was Jareth, she was sure of it. Why he was here didn't matter to her now, as he swooped to avoid another attack. Her heart pounded in her chest and she couldn't tear her eyes away. Robert pulled at her hand harder and she pulled it out of his grip, her eyes never leaving the sky.

"This is horrible, someone should do something," Sarah gasped as one of the black birds went to blind the owl with its talons. It missed, but a wing was scratched and Sarah could see blood form on the white feathers.

"Sarah, you act like you've never seen birds fight, it's no big deal if they all end up dead," Robert said and she spun to glare at him.

"You'd be happy if some innocent bird got killed up there, you know what - this date's over. I'm gonna go call my dad and go home."

"Sarah, wait - I didn't mean," he stopped as his friends started laughing at his upset face. He threw his hands in the air and sputtered, "Women."

JSJSJS

Sarah stood by her window, gazing out into the night sky. Where was he? Why had he been there spying on her anyway? She was furious with him yet so worried she couldn't see straight. If he was hurt she would never get over it. If he was - no, she would not think like that. He was fine, he was fine and he was on his way to see her. Not that she was sure she would want to see him after he spied on her. Oh, why was he making her head spin like this and he wasn't even there to blame?

She went to her desk drawer and pulled out her mirror.

"Hoggle?" The old dwarf appeared and saw the look on her face.

"What's he done?"

"What - I don't know - I was at the carnival and he was there as an owl and then there were two other black birds attacking me then attacking him and he's hurt and he is supposed to be here now but he's not and," she paused for breath, crying like a child.

She sat on her bed, hugging her Goblin King doll to her as Hoggle's eyes dawned with understanding. She loved the rat.

"Sarah, he's a big boy and can handle himself. Give him time and he'll be there."

"Are - are you sure?"

"He's a rat and they have a good survival instinct." Sarah laughed in spite of her fear and then jumped as an injured white owl flew into her room, transforming into her Goblin King. Without thinking she ran to him and threw her arms around him, kissing him as if she'd never see him again. After a moment of shock, he returned her kiss gladly, pulling her to him and groaning into her mouth.

"My Sarah," he whispered. She jumped out of his embrace and slapped him.

"You were following me," she accused. He looked at her as if she were crazy.

"And a good thing too, you were attacked tonight."

"So were you," she cried, grabbing his arm. He winced and tears filled her eyes. "Oh Jareth, I'm sorry - let me fix that for you." She ran to the bathroom and grabbed the first aid kit, then cleaned his wounded arm and bandaged it tenderly. He never took his eyes off of her and a small smile graced his lips.

"My angel of mercy," he quipped. She glared at him.

"Who were they?"

"There are those who are trying to invade my kingdom if you remember. They were simply members of that deluded group. Now, how about a kiss for your wounded monarch?" He kissed her throat and she leaned into his touch. Really he shouldn't be able to make her feel like this when Robert couldn't come close.

"I don't know if I should kiss you again or throw you out of my window," she huffed. He pulled her close.

"Shall I tell you which I'd prefer?" She shivered and he gloated. She pushed him away.

"Why were you following me? And who attacked us?"

"I was not following you, I was watching over you as I said I would," he said innocently. "You did not take your protections with you and I felt it my duty to protect you myself. It wouldn't do for you to be harmed before our first date."

"I - oh, you make everything sound so logical," she fumed and he laughed, taking her hand.

"Because I'm always right. And now, dear one - our date?"

"You still want to go?" He glared at her.

"You don't?"

"What - oh fine, you can take me whereever you want," she hissed and then froze as a wicked smile crossed his face.

"Sounds just as what I had in mind, Precious."

In a burst of glitter they were gone.