A New Path Prologue - Epilogue

by Melissa Davis

A new slayer, goblins in Sunnydale, Vampires in the labyrinth, the Goblin King comming back into Sarah's life. Labyrinth/Buffy the Vampire Slayer Crossover.

3. Chapter 15-19

I know, I know, "Finally". Sorry, I was hoping that my next posting to this story would be the conclusion but this is taking longer than I thought to finish. So I gave in and decided to post Chapters 15-19. Hope no one has forgotten about this story. Disclaimer: None of the characters from the movie Labyrinth or the television series Buffy the Vampire Slayer belong to me. The characters of Navea and Jonathan are mine. Well this story continues where Chapter 14 had left off. So please read and enjoy and write me what you think about my story. The reviews help me to keep enthusiastic about writing these stories of mine, not to mention it's a great confidence booster about my writing. Enjoy!

A New Path

Chapter 15:

The cold dark cemetery echoed of silence as the headstones stood silently marking the graves of whoever the deceased may be. Wind rustled against the tall trees that towered nearby and surrounded and lay within the cemetery grounds. Suddenly a blinding flash of white light and standing in its place as it disappeared stood a very angry Slayer interrupting the still silence.

"That…Son of a bitch!" she admonished as she turned about as if in search of the very being whom had placed her there.

Buffy stood with fist clenched not believing the nerve of the Goblin King, to send her back to Sunnydale without question. Her anger faded to that of worry as she thought about Giles. 'Oh, God…if he hurts Giles in any way I'll kill him. Okay, now what do I do? I am not going to sit around and wait until that so called Goblin King summons me back. Wait! No…that portal closed after me and Sarah went through.'

Her long blond hair swept over then away from her determined face as she thought over the events of the past week. Deciding that standing in a cemetery to just think was not going to find her the answers that she needed she started her way towards the college dorm. She needed help and knew just where she would find it.

Willow ran her fingers nervously through her short red hair as she looked about herself. She knew that her friends were nearby but was not crazy about the fact that she was bait. The past three days since the disappearance of Buffy and Sarah had left them in charge of the nightly patrols that was the job of the Slayer, which none of them were. Sure, with her witchcraft and all she had a little bit more protection than the others but it still didn't make up for the fact that she was bait.

In the shadows hidden within the brush of the trees behind the park bench crouched a fidgety Xander and a confident Riley. Riley held the night vision goggles in hand as he watched the surrounding for any oncoming vampire that would take the bait. His attention was momentarily distracted as Xander shifted his wait once again.

Glancing down at Xander, Riley whispered as he returned his watch over Willow, "Would you please stop fidgeting? If you make anymore noise we might as well be standing out in the open."

Xander glared at Riley hissing back, "Sorry, I still don't see why we're doing this. They probably show up with or without this little set up."

"Sh…If I knew that you were going to be this cranky I would have left you at your place!" Riley calmly whispered back, though Xander was starting to wear on his nerves.

Xander silently mocked Riley as he returned his eyes back on his friend Willow. He hated the whole idea from the start but as usual no one ever listens to Xander. For the millionth time he silently wondered what had happened to Buffy and Sarah. They had disappeared without a trace three days ago and just yesterday Giles was added to that short list of missing persons. They had last seen Buffy and Sarah chase the Goblins that were attacking the band at the Bronze and that was the last that they had seen them.

Riley scanned the area around Willow his eyes focused on the moment but his mind over run with thoughts of Buffy. It wrenched at his heart as the possible causes of her disappearance came to mind, all of which were not good. His jaw clenched as her smile came to mind and then the thought of never seeing nor hearing her laughter again. He was thankful for the distraction of patrol and was itching to kick some demon butt to air out some of his frustration.

Willow's back stiffened as she detected a faint shadow at the corner of her eye. Her instincts screaming that it was not human she pulled out the wooden stake that she had hidden behind her and waited. Breathing came labored as the approaching shadow and surrounding silence was taking its toll on her shaky nerves. She wondered why she was feeling so panicky, it wasn't as if she had never done this type of thing before. Then her mind found the reason, she had always had the Slayer watching out for her and now…now she was alone on a park bench with two guys hiding in the bushes behind her waiting to come to her rescue.

Figure coming more into view Willow started to recognize the lone approaching figure. The leather jacket and black jeans gave away as to who that person was especially when his spiky short blond hair was alighted by the dim park lights. She let out her breath just now realizing that she had been holding it in.

Spike exhaled smoke as he finished his cigarette, flicking it to the side he ground it within the park soil with his black booted foot. "Well, well…What's this, a party and no one thought to invite me!"

Willow tapped the wooden stake against her knee as she glared up at the defanged vampire, "I don't know what you're talking about. I'm just sitting here all alone and…stuff."

Spike smirked down at the red head before him bringing up his boot to rest next to her sitting form on the park bench seat. "I see. So what's with the two blokes sitting over there in the bushes?"

Before Willow could respond Riley followed by Xander emerged from their hiding places. Riley was not amused from the expression that she saw from his face, "What the hell are you doing here?"

Raising his booted foot from the park bench and returning to its previous position Spike was too tempted for the opportunity for an insult. "I don't know. I might be asking the same question of you two. Though, I didn't think you the type, swinging both ways and all."

Riley was at his throat in a second Spike's shirt collar in his grasp, "I'd watch it if I were you. They might have something against killing you but I sure as hell don't."

"All right, all right. If I knew you were that touchy about your secret sex life I wouldn't have said a thing."

Willow watched as Spike continued to test Riley's temper and thought that if she didn't stop him now that no one would be able to stop him from fulfilling his promise. "All right now STOP!"

Riley never left eye contact with Spike as he let go of his grip and backed away. Any normal human would have flinched and fled from the glare that he gave Spike but Spike was no human.

Straightening his shirt collar Spike grimaced as he wished with all his being that he didn't have that damn chip in his head. He wanting more than anything to rip that annoying boy scouts throat out with his bare hands but unable to fulfill that yearning. He did though enjoy annoying the crap out of him and had to settle with that.

Xander watched as Riley backed away and wished that he had gone through with his threat. That Spike annoyed the crap out of him and though he was harmless to humans he more than deserved to be dusted. "I hate to interrupt everyone's Kodak moment here, but don't we have some patrolling to do."

Spike laughed at this, "What? You three! I hate to break your little shin dig but neither one of you are the "Slayer" so to speak" he quoted Slayer with his first two fingers of both hands in mock gesture.

Willow crossed her arms insulted by Spike's lack of confidence in their abilities, "Hey! We're perfectly capable of doing damage."

"No offense love but other than the fact of Mr. Commando here you're as defenseless as kittens. Speaking of the Slayer, where is that annoying little chit?"

Willow's determined face turned to that of pain as she thought about her missing friends, "We don't know," she mumbled more to herself but Spike heard her loud and clear.

Rubbing hands together as if overjoyed from hearing the news, which he was, he started his way away from the trio to head to his wanted destination. "As much as I love the chit chat an all…"

Before he could finish his statement the group had the misfortune of an ambush as six figures in full vampire form growled from the shadows as they started their attack.

Riley felt an impact against his back, as his body was slammed hard against the park ground. Bringing up his elbow sharply he jabbed it into his assailants face freeing him from being pinned helplessly to the ground. Quickly rolling from his awkward position on the ground he came to his feet crossbow in hand and did not hesitate as he fired his weapon. The vampire was dust the minute the wooden bow met its target.

Willow ducked as one of the vampires grabbed for her startled form with a squeal. They had wanted to dust some vampires but this was not part of their well-conceived plan. She was relieved as Xander came to her aid staking the vampire from behind before he could grab hold of her.

Xander in turn was rewarded with a jab to his side as another came from what seemed nowhere. Immediately he swung his arm towards his assailant missing its target completely. The vampire smirked with fangs drawn as he lunged for Xander.

Willow jumped on the back of Xander's attacker as she saw that the vampire was about to take a bite out of her friend. Bringing about her stake she jabbed her weapon as hard as she could into the chest of the demon meeting his heart with her first blow. The lack of body underneath her as it disintegrated to dust left her to fall on top of Xander causing them both to tumble to the ground.

Riley was too busy to help his friends as he himself was being attacked by two more vampires. His weapon had the misfortune of being knocked out of his hands as one of the vampires luckily dislodged it from his grasp. Bringing fist in contact with face he was barely keeping his own as he was slightly outnumbered two to one.

Spike watched with amusement as the Scooby gang was getting the stuffing beat out of them, though they were succeeding with a fair share of damage themselves.

Willow was trying to get to her feet when she saw one of the vampires looming over their tangled forms. Xander was still facing the ground and had just succeeded in turning in time to see the vampire disintegrated to nothing. As the dust settled they both were relieved as they saw Buffy standing before them.

Buffy pulled Willow up with her free hand, "I can't leave you guys for a minute can I?"

Willow squiled with delight as she flung her arms around Buffy in a bear hug, "You're okay!"

Buffy found that her friends overjoyed bear hug was blocking her breathing, "Air would be nice!"

Willow released her friend but before she could say more Buffy saw Riley's dilemma. Instincts in full gear she pulled one of the vampires successfully off of her boyfriends' back as she threw it with ease to the side. Bringing her leg about in a turn kick, foot instantly connected with jaw disorienting the vampire as he stumbled back. Recovering quickly from his blow the vampire lunged forward fist flying through the air only to be blocked and rewarded with another hard hit as she backhanded him. With ease and speed Buffy brought about her stake disintegrating her target.

Riley rolled to the ground at his dislodged weapon picking it up as he brought it about and fired. The vampire turned to dust in moments as Riley recovered to his feet. A smile spread about his face as he saw the very person he thought he might never see again standing a few feet away from him.

Before Buffy could make one of her spiffy replies Riley brought her about in his arms and kissed her deeply. Her fingers tangled through his dark blond hair as she felt her body soften against his strong chest. As their lips separated she smiled up to her man, "I take it you missed me," she softly chided.

Spike smirked at the scene before him, "Way to ruin my appetite," he mumbled as he turned and walked away. How he hated it when the good guys came through.

Pulling slightly away from her to take a good look, "And just where have you been all this time?"

"Believe me it's a long story," turning towards her other two friends her smile disappeared, "We've got plenty of work to do."

Chapter 16:

Sarah sighed heavily as she fingered the light material of her white poet's shirt that met at her middle. The long black pants fitted to the smooth curves of her legs and hips as she studied her reflection in the long mirror before her. Her outfit was similar to the Kings but without the vest and more feminine. Studying the black boots that went with her new attire she swept her hands through her long dark brown hair nibbling at her bottom lip before letting out another deep sigh.

She was bidding her time not really sure about starting her training with her newfound powers. Once when she was younger, before her adventures through the labyrinth, she use to imagine how wonderful it would be to have powers, to go to a place full of magic and wonder. Now the thought of having powers and having to learn to use them frightened her. She had long ago discovered that there really are no happily ever afters and power was not something to take lightly. It was a heavy responsibility and one she wasn't sure if she was able to handle. Though Jareth had promised to not let her go through this alone she still felt fearful about going into this unknown.

A soft breeze from the open window of her chambers swept past distracting her from her worries as she glanced out the opened window. The sun was rising peeking over the scenery below. Instead of the grand Labyrinth she was greeted with rolling hills and countryside as well as a vast forest. She was never able to fully appreciate the full beauty of the Underground, only having seen the Labyrinth. It had turned out that the Labyrinth was all but one of many kingdoms that resided in the Underground.

The view brought a contented smile to her lips as she breathed in the view. It had been hidden from her view, as she had never looked out over the Underground from this side of the castle. Sarah flinched for a moment as she heard a soft voice whispering in her mind, "You must believe in yourself."

The words filled her with reassurances as she squared her shoulders and turned towards the door. There was too much for her to do and now was not the time to ponder on things that were clearly out of her control. In some way she knew that the whispered words were that of the Labyrinth trying to give her confidence and comfort. She still couldn't get over the fact that she had actually had a conversation with the Labyrinth and now it even whispered to her in her thoughts. Sarah wondered if it was going to be a reoccurring thing but brushed the thought aside as she made her way to meet the Goblin King and her love, Jareth.

Crystal in hand Jareth the Goblin King watched his love's image within the crystal as she studied her reflection in thought. Her beauty took his very breath away and seeing her in what she wore confirmed the fact that she truly belonged here within the Underground. Lowering his hand the crystal in hand faded from existence as he glanced about the garden. He had decided that it would be the ideal place to start her training with the use of magic. He had always sensed a slight magic within her but never imagined that her powers would be as equal as his own.

His mind wondered back to when she had faced him at the end of her adventure with determination to get her brother back. She had changed much through her journey within his kingdom and it showed. He had secretly watched her since before she had called upon the goblins allowing him to take her and her brother. It was a shock that she had made it through the labyrinth and to his castle, thinking that he would be able to keep both Toby and Sarah. He would have never turned Toby into a goblin being that he had enough of those annoying creatures running around within his kingdom. He had practically begged her not to say the words, declaring his love and such. She was so determined to win her brother back that she could not see his words as true but saw it as a ruse to make her lose the game.

He smiled as he thought back to not long ago when he had showed up within her dorm room after she called his name, accusing him. He knew that the little art incident would get her attention and rile her anger. The look on her face when he had cornered her against the door brushing his lips against hers and her reaction to his whispered words broadened his smile. She was indeed a beautiful woman and he was glad in his decision to pursue her.

Sarah knew that Jareth was waiting for her in the gardens at the very same place that they were last night, the scene still fresh in her mind. He had promised to teach her how to use her powers, that he would not let her go through this alone. She never thought that she could feel the way that she felt for him, it was all so new to her. Love, she had always dreamt of it but never truly understood what it really was and now she still wasn't sure. It was confusing, as if she didn't have enough to be confused about. 'Sarah stop it! You're doing it again! Focus…I need to focus…"

As she exited the castle, entering the gardens, her heart fluttered as her eyes met the back of Jareth's form. She stopped in mid stride, watching him as he gazed out at the fountain before him. Her eyes studied the back of his form, following his long uniquely styled blond hair down to his very nice backside, making her smile in appreciation.

Jareth watched as the water cascaded down from the black marble fountain, flowing gently over the colorful stones. It was a mesmerizing sight but its beauty was not on his mind at the moment as he felt Sarah's gaze studying him from behind. His eyebrow rose as he could sense that her eyes were now focused at one part of his anatomy in particular.

"I take it you approve," he chided as he turned to see Sarah blushing.

'Oh God, he knows I was staring. Please, oh please, don't let him know where my eyes were focusing.' Clearing her throat she smiled sheepishly trying to look innocent, "What do you mean?" Oh, how much she was hoping that he would let it slip.

Jareth hid the smile that was tugging at the corner of his mouth. He knew that she was here to learn how to control and use her powers but there was no harm in a little fun before they would get started. Coming to her he took her hand bringing it up to his lips.

"Oh, you know very well what I mean," he responded huskily.

Sarah watched as he gently kissed the back of her hand making her blush even more. His very touch was electrifying to her senses as her breathing was starting to become labored. The way he said that last statement sent waves of excitement through her.

His eyes looked up into hers, noting the response his very touch brought about within her. She was now visibly trembling as he slowly intentionally rose and started to close the distance between them.

She knew that she was shaking and wished that she had better control over her self when he was so near. His eyes, oh how much those eyes could show so much emotion from one glance. The emotion that was clearly shown within his eyes made her swallow nervously as his lips started their descent to meet hers.

Just as her eyes started to close as their lips met the moment was shattered as a crash from behind startled her, causing her to break away from the Goblin King.

Both Jareth and Sarah looked to the source of the noise with a look of annoyance at the one that dared ruin their moment. Sarah's glare softened as she recognized the individual as Sir Didymus.

Sir Didymus held staff in hand as he entered the garden. He had been told that the lady Sarah was within the castle and he came fearing the worst. Hearing his majesties voice Didymus charged with staff in hand, tripping over a small stone that protruded from the grass he fell over, crashing into a small pillar knocking over the tray of food and drink. As it crashed to the ground Sir Didymus cringed knowing that his surprise attack had been ruined by the rock that had tripped him on purpose.

Looking up Sir Didymus had to check to make sure that his eye patch had not been moved to his seeing eye and he had dreamt the image that greeted him. The Lady Sarah was leaning up against the Goblin King and it looked as if he had interrupted something he wasn't sure to believe.

Not thinking on the matter for too long he stood from the ground with staff in hand and decided that his eye had deceived him and the Goblin King was taking advantage of Lady Sarah. "Unhand her at once you fiend! Taking advantage of a Lady, thou shall be ashamed of thyself."

For once in a long time Jareth truly laughed at his subject before him. Though he was quite unhappy with the fact that Sir Didymus had interrupted a very intimate moment between him and Sarah he was actually amused.

Sarah elbowed Jareth sharply in the side making him stifle his laughter, "Didymus, its okay. He wasn't…" oh, how to expain.

Jareth noted her difficulty and smiled as he wrapped his arm around her waist, "I assure you, that I will do no such thing as she is perfectly happy with me taking advantage of her."

Sarah's eyes widened as she looked to an amused Goblin King but couldn't help letting a smile tug at her lips. She couldn't deny the humor of the current situation but was not happy about how Jareth worded his last statement. She couldn't stay mad at him though, knowing that was apart of his character and couldn't help but loving it.

Stepping away from Jareth, Sarah sat on her heels before the brave fox knight, "I'm here of my own free will. Jareth is not the enemy."

Sir Didymus' brows rose in confusion, "But…but milady, I thought…" His brows lowered to there original position as he straightened his back taking in a deep breath, "He was not taking advantage of you then?"

Her cheeks slightly flushed from his question, "No, we…I love him and he loves me."

His whiskers twitched as he smiled to his friend, "I am happy for you then and apologize for charging in like I did."

Sarah returned his smile, "Thank you, you don't know how much it means to me that you're happy for me." Pausing for a moment she rose from her position looking down at her good friend, "Sir Didymus, what are you doing here?"

Didymus' shoulders slumped as the reasons for his presence at the Goblin Kings castle came to mind. His charging to her rescue was his second reason he had only heard of Sarah being in the castle after he had arrived. "I had come to see the King. I did not know you were here until I arrived at the castle."

Jareth was at Sarah's side as he had heard Didymus's reasoning as to why he was at his castle in the first place. "For what reason do you need to see me?"

Sir Didymus bowed before his King, "Majesty, I have come to ask of your help."

Jareth's brow rose at this, "And what would that be?"

"It is Hoggle your majesty. I hath found him a few days ago and he will not speak to anyone nor me." Didymus stopped as he heard Sarah gasp.

Sarah's heart sank and wrenched as she remembered Hoggle's figure in one of her dreams. Had she been so wrapped up in what was happening to her that she had forgotten about her friend? "Oh God," her eyes were brimming with tears, "Where is he?"

Jareth touched her shoulder feeling the guilt and fear that overflowed her emotions, "Sarah, what is it?"

"I…he was in one of my dreams. After I watched that vampire drain and perform the act of making her one I saw Hoggle. He saw everything…that look on his face." Sarah broke off feeling guilty for not going off in search for her friend, she should have known that her dream was a warning of something to come or what had already taken place.

Sir Didymus stood and watched as the King turned Sarah to face him. "Don't…don't blame yourself. You had a lot of things going on at once, it's understandable that you did not think of one part of a dream." Jareth locked eyes with hers making sure that she listened to his words. Turning to his subject he looked him in the eye, "Where is he?"

Chapter 17:

Willow blinked her eyes as she tried to focus them on the screen before her. She had spent the past several hours searching the Internet for something about the Underground but came up with nothing.

The room of Giles house was eerily quite as the Scooby Gang emerged themselves within finding some way of getting to the Underground without having to wish someone away. Even Anya was helping as she sat beside Xander and scanned the book in front of her. Buffy and Riley were out patrolling keeping the vampire population under control whilst they searched for some kind of way of getting to Giles and Sarah.

Deciding that searching the Internet was a dead end Willow stood from her chair stretching her cramped legs. Walking over to her friends she sat beside Xander with a humph.

Xander looked up from the large volume as he heard Willow slump down beside him, "No luck with the web search, huh."

Willow shook her red head of hair, "Nope, I've looked under any reference that I could come up with and came up with nothing that would help."

Anya looked up from the book that she had in hand, "Well of coarse you're not going to find anything on the Internet about that place. It's even a secret from the demon world. Well mostly."

Willow looked skeptically to Anya, "What do you mean mostly?"

Exhaling Anya closed the book in hand crossing her arms over her now closed book, "This place that you guys talked about is known only as a myth to them, a really old myth. Since it's not of this world none of them would really care about that place. Come to think of it it's a wonder that that book Sarah told you guys about even existed."

"What do you mean?" Willow asked.

"Out of all the books you've read have you ever run across any called the Labyrinth?"

Willow scrunched her brow at that as she sat back on her heals, "Come to think of it, when I tried to do a search for that book I found nothing. It's as if it never existed. I even did a search on the author and found no such person."

Xander looked to Willow, "Willow I doubt that every author or book is on the internet."

Willow sighed rubbing the back of her sore neck, "I don't know. If I could just find a spell to open a doorway to another world maybe I could use that to open one to this Labyrinth."

Before Anya could comment Buffy followed by Riley barged in the door. Buffy looked to her group of friends, "Find anything?"

Willow rose from the floor, "No, nothing. If only…"

Willow was interrupted as Anya loudly cleared her throat, "Um, we were discussing something before you rudely interrupted."

Placing hand on hip Buffy hotly replied, "Well, excuse me! By all means please continue."

"Ok, before Buffy barged in I was about to suggest that we might try a crossing spell. It should be able to open up a doorway to this Labyrinth place."

Xander looked to his girlfriend, "You couldn't have mentioned this earlier."

Anya pouted, "Well, we were looking for information about this Underground place not a certain spell!"

Buffy looked to Willow, "Do you think it will work?"

"I don't see how it would hurt to try. Anya, do you know this crossing spell?"

Anya shrugged, "Not by memory but it should be in one of these books somewhere."

Buffy smiled, "Great, but lets continue this tomorrow. I don't think that we'll do Giles or Sarah any good if we're all exhausted by the time we get there."

Riley circled his arms around Buffy from behind, "She's right. You guys have been hitting the books since this morning."

As no one disagreed they separated shortly after and headed to their designated homes to get some sleep. The next day was sure to be a full one and they needed as much rest as possible.

The fire crackled in the small fireplace as it warmed the figure that sat motionless in front of it. The small figure sat solemnly on a small stool as the light from the warm fire danced about his large emotionless face. His small hands sat linked together on his lap as he stared into the flames neither really seeing nor acknowledging its heated dance.

He sat alone within the small hut, his body present but his mind huddled in a dark corner of his subconscious. Sir Didymus had left him within the small hut promising his return once he had reached the Goblin castle for assistance. The promise of his friend was unheard, as Hoggle remained trapped within his own subconscious. He never noticed as magic shimmered about him and he was now sitting on his stool within some unknown surroundings. The soft fragrance and warm colors of the garden remained unnoticed to Hoggle's still form.

Sarah slowly approached her friend fearing the worst, as he did not look up when she had called his name. Kneeling down on her knees she took Hoggle's hands in hers looking for some sign of her friend within his eyes. Cold blue orbs stared blankly not registering her presence before him. He looked the same as she had seen him in her dream long ago. How long had he been in this condition and was she too late?

"Oh Hoggle! Please, its me Sarah." Still no response she placed her hand to his cheek, "Can you hear me?"

Sarah looked up as she felt a hand on her shoulder seeing Jareth looking down to her. Standing she stepped back allowing him to examine Hoggle's condition.

Jareth frowned as he saw Hoggle's current state. He had never really liked the dwarf but felt that he did not deserve the fate that he was being dealt. The dwarf was in shock and had mentally buried himself within his own mind. If they were not able to get him to emerge from his mental state soon he knew that it would be too late for the dwarf. Sitting down on his heals Jareth conjured one of his crystals raising it up before Hoggle's emotionless face.

Images danced about the small crystal blending in within one another shifting and blurring. Jareth concentrated fully on the task at hand barely recognizing Hoggle shifting slightly as he tried to mentally reach out for him. Hoggle returned to his motionless self as Jareth slumped slightly from his failure to reach him. Hoggle's fear and hatred of the Goblin King caused his mind to run away from his attempts leaving only one other option. Part of him did not want to take the risk but he knew that Sarah would never forgive him if he did not at least give her the option.

Sarah watched as the crystal was filled with blurred and confusing images. When she saw Hoggle shift in his seat she became more hopeful but her hope faded as she saw Jareth slump slightly and stand. When he turned to face her heart literally sank. She was too afraid to ask.

"Sarah, there is nothing more that I can do for him."

Sarah shook her head not believing her ears, "There has to be something." She could tell that there was something, something that he was adamant to reveal. "There is isn't there?"

Jareth approached Sarah taking both of her hands in his, "It is very dangerous but it is the only other option that we have to take."

Sarah brightened at the news, "What? I don't care how dangerous it is."

"Sarah, the danger would be to you. Are you willing to risk your own mind to save his?" he feared her answer but knew what it would be.

Sarah did not hesitate to answer, "Yes. What do I have to do?"

Jareth looked to her for a long moment before he answered, "You'll have to try and go into his mind. He's hidden himself deep within his own subconscious. Sarah, this will not be easy. There is a chance that you can get lost within his mind and never be able find your way out."

Sarah looked past Jareth to her friends still form a lump forming within her throat as the price of if she failed fully sank in. Could she do this? Remembering the soft assurance of the Labyrinth earlier that day Sarah straightened squaring her shoulders as she looked back to Jareth. "I have to take that chance. I can do this." Her last sentence was not just for Jareth but for herself.

It was so dark, so cold and empty as he slumped in a corner of the black room. All he could do was sit as the voices echoed about his ears, mocking and cruel.

"Well, if it isn't you and uh where are you going? Oh come, come, come Hogbrain I'm surprised at you losing your head over a girl! You don't think that a girl could like a repulsive scab like you, do you?"

Hoggle was about to answer to Jareth's comment, "Well she said we was…"

"What, bosom companions…friends?" Jareths harsh fraises blended together as the words hit hard at his heart.

Sarah's voice then came, he could remember the look in her eyes when she had spoken her words, "This taste strange. Hoggle, what have you done?"

His own voice echoes around him once again, "Hoggle is Hoggle's friend! Damn you Jareth and damn me too."

Hoggle held his hands over his ears trying to block out the voices but not succeeding. He rocked his body back and forth as he tried to ignore the pain in his heart that the words brought about. The darkness started to fade as an image of Jonathan Novay with fangs drawn as he held a struggling elfin woman in his arms. The sound of a heartbeat echoed through the room slowing with each beat until it was barely audible. Navea Dalula lay limp within Jonathan's arms as he lifts her off of the ground and carries her in his arms.

About to turn and walk away the vampire stops, turning his attention towards Hoggle, "You could have saved her you know. Why didn't you? She's dead because you're a coward. A useless stupid coward, you're no use to anyone. Useless!" Body in hand he tilted his head back laughing cruelly at the dwarf before him fading away the laughter still rung about Hoggle's ears.

Hoggle's head hung low in sham excepting his words as the truth. Tears bordered the edge of his large eyes until they silently fell down his wrinkly face. "Oh, I am useless," he admonished to himself in defeat.

Sarah knelt down in front of Hoggle as she readied herself for the journey she was about to take into his mind. Jareth had explained to her how to proceed but it was mainly up to her. She felt Jareth's gaze as he stood behind her in waiting. His presence gave her confidence as she closed her eyes trying to reach out with her mind.

Silence surrounded her, the only sound being her own breathing as she let her own thoughts leave her mind and concentrated on the friend before her. Nothing, she opened her eyes to look at her friend when she blinked stepping back in surprise.

She could see him huddled in a dark corner covering his ears as it seemed that he was struggling with something she could not see. Slowly she proceeded forwards not sure of what she was supposed to do. An image flashed before her causing her to step back once again. The image was of her younger self, facing Hoggle's slumped form.

The sixteen year old Sarah stepped forward making Hoggle look up from his bent head, "Hoggle, how could you? You were my friend and you betrayed me."

The real Sarah hurried forwards, shocked at hearing her own voice saying those words, "No Hoggle, don't listen to her! That's not me."

Hoggle looked to the younger Sarah with mouth gaped open as if hit by her words. It was as if he did not hear the real Sarah at all, only the younger Sarah. "I…I'm sorry. Please forgive me."

The fake Sarah shook her head from side to side, "How can you stand there and ask me that? Hoggle, I trusted you and you lied to me. Gave me that peach that you knew was drugged by Jareth. You're a no good coward and I could care less whether or not you were ever even born."

The real Sarah ran forwards kneeling in front of her friend, the look on his face broke her heart, "Hoggle, Hoggle, that isn't me. I forgave you remember. You saved me and the others from that machine that guarded the entrance to the Goblin City. HOGGLE!"

Hoggle flinched as he looked to the real Sarah seeing her for the first time, "Sarah, is that you?"

Sarah smiled to her friend, "Yes it's me, the real me. That other Sarah isn't real."

Hoggle shook his head as he stepped back from her, "NO! I don't deserve your forgiveness. I am no friend, I'm useless."

"No you're not useless. I would never have made it as far as I did through the Labyrinth if it wasn't for you. You're one of my best friends. Don't do this to yourself."

Hoggle hung his head in sham, "She's dead. I…could have saved her if I wasn't such a coward. I wanted to help but I couldn't…to scared to move."

Sarah placed her hands on his shoulders, "Hoggle, look at me," she waited for his eyes to meet hers, "There was nothing that you could have done. If you had tried to save her you would be dead and no one would be any better off. You are not useless nor a coward. I need you Hoggle. I need your friendship. Don't give up on yourself. You did not kill her, he did. I know I saw what happened and if you had come out of your hiding place you would be dead too. Don't let him make you another one of his victims. Please."

Hoggle stood quietly for a long time making Sarah fear the worst. Tears threatened to escape from her eyes as she silently prayed that she did not fail her friend. Looking down away from Hoggle she tried to be strong but couldn't help the feeling that she had failed.

As his hands gently lay on hers making her look up with hope in her eyes. Hoggle smiled to his friend, "Thank you."

Sarah felt herself being pulled away as blackness surrounded her she felt herself falling back. Her eyes closed warily but as she opened them once again she found herself leaning back in Jareth's arms. Light headed she tried to stand but was unable too. Looking towards Hoggle she was rewarded with Hoggle's shocked yet happy expression.

Hoggle wasn't sure what to think as he awoke to see Jareth, the Goblin King, the being that he feared and hated holding Sarah lovingly in his arms. At the moment more concerned for his friend he stood from where he sat approaching Sarah, "Are…are you alright?"

Sarah laughed as she heard him speaking to her, she was so overjoyed to see that he was okay, "I am now that you are… Just tired."

Jareth picked Sarah's limp body in his arms as if she were a mere feather, "It took a lot out of you. You need to rest for a while."

Sarah didn't bother to argue, as she was too exhausted to do so. Leaning her head against his shoulder she closed her eyes allowing sleep to take her into its blissful embrace.

Chapter 18:

Pacing like a tiger trapped in a cage Navea was seething, as she was certain that Sarah was starting to use her powers. Long strands of her curly red hair dangled about her pale face as the rest was lavishly twisted up in a mass of curls away from her face. Her dark blood red lips stood out from her pale skin as she fumed with rage. She was getting impatient as the day prevented her from venturing above to start the plan that she had so craftily devised. The long emerald dress trailed behind her as she passed by a very calm Jonathan.

His cold brown eyes looked to her with amusement, "My dear, pacing about like a mad vamp will not make the night come any sooner."

Navia stopped her pacing, she knew that he was right but she wanted so much to have her sweet revenge. The meddlesome King would soon learn to mind his own business when she would finish with him. He was a fool to meddle in affairs that were none of his concern.

Jonathan rose nearing his beautiful yet deadly creation, "A kiss for your thoughts," he purred in her ear.

Navea smiled loving his intimate touch, "I'm just a little antsy that's all. I want that Goblin King to pay for his meddling!"

Nuzzling against her throat from behind he whispered in her ear, "Navea, he is too powerful. I don't want you going about this revenge alone. You'll need help."

Pulling away she smiled as she turned to look at her Sire, "What makes you think that I'm not powerful enough to kill him?" Narrowing her eyes she walked back towards him, "I don't need any help, besides most of the vampires here are nothing but incompetent fools who couldn't get an idea if they stole it from someone."

Jonathan smiled at this, "True, they are a little lacking in that area but I don't need them for their vision. That is what I'm here for. Besides, I wasn't thinking of sending any of them. You know how I like to watch you work."

Navea smiled placing her fingers to his lips, "Oh, I love it when your bad…Alright, as long as you stay out of the way and let me do things my way."

"I wouldn't have it any other way, my sweet."

Leaning back within the chair, Giles tiredly removed his glasses as he rubbed his throbbing head. He had spent hours at the book before him translating and had yet to find anything about a vampire elf. There were no references to having any such creature within the Underground and there was nothing in the legend that referred to Sarah about it either. Closing his eyes for a moment to rest he felt a small tap at his right.

Taking the offered cup of tea Giles sipped at its contents thankful to having something to quench his thirst. Looking up to thank the individual who had given it to him he was somewhat taken back as he saw no one standing beside him. Placing the cup of tea down upon the desk that he sat at he returned his glasses and looked down. Shocked at what sat on the desk before him Giles stumbled back falling out of his chair tumbling to the floor. "Ah, Good Lord! I say, please tell me I'm not seeing what I think I'm seeing."

The small blue worm wobbled slightly to the edge of the desk looking over the edge at the man sprawled out on the floor, "Allo! You alright down there?"

Giles stumbled to his feet, a loss for words as his tongue fumbled over itself until a coherent sentence finally escaped, "Did…did you just speak to me?"

The small blue worm smiled warmly up at the now standing Giles, "Sure I did, why wouldn't I?" he asked innocently. Giles now just gaped at the creature before him as the worm continued to speak to him, "I's saw you in ere all alone readin and thought you'd like a cup a tea. I'd invite you to come and see the misses but she's out visiting her mum. Did you like it?"

Giles blinked in bewilderment still stunned at the sight before him, "Like it?"

"The tea…it's an old family recipe it is."

Giles faintly smiled at the blue worm before him, "Oh! Y…yes I did. Thank you."

The blue worm shrugged up at the gapping man before him, "You're most welcome. I say we don't get many visitors within the library now a day's. Goblins aren't much for readin. I'd stay and chat but the little ones are needin me and all. Good day to ya then." As the small worm finished speaking he turned wobbling towards a small crack that was at the end of the desk disappearing into it.

Picking up the toppled chair from the floor Giles shook his head as he mumbled to himself, "Will wonders ever cease." Continuing his vigil over the large book he tried to ignore the incident but was having a hard time in doing so as his eyes kept glancing back at the small crack that the blue worm had disappeared into.

Standing at the edge of the large four poster bed Jareth watched Sarah as she slept. His eyes lingered over her unconscious form as she rested from the strain of what she had accomplished that day. She was powerful indeed, what she had accomplished was difficult for even the most skilled welders of magic. Circling to the side of her bed he gently sat at its edge soaking in the vision before him.

Her long dark brown hair cascaded out over the white silk pillows as one arm lazily draped up, her hand lightly touching the side of her cheek and the other remained hidden underneath the dark red silken sheets. He could spend hours just watching her, memorizing every detail of her beautiful features.

Sarah stirred in her sleep as she shifted her position to lay on her side facing him, her hair falling over hiding her face. Jareth reached out gently placing her hair away from her face careful not to awaken her. Leaning over her sleeping form his lips lightly caressed her cheek just before he rose to leave. He smiled slightly as he saw her smile in her sleep and then proceeded to leave.

Making his way towards the throne room he couldn't help but to smile as he pondered on what Hoggle's reaction to his new relationship with Sarah would be. It was obvious that the dwarf feared and disliked him immensely which made his attempts at helping him impossible, Jareth's presence only drove Hoggle further into the hiding place within his mind. Entering his throne room he was greeted with the presence of both Sir Didymus and Hoggle.

The fox like knight stood tall and confident as he waited for the King's arrival where as Hoggle stood shifting uncomfortably on his feet as his head was lowered to the stone floor. Hoggle hated the idea of having to wait for Jareth's return. After all that he had gone through he did not want to face the Goblin King. He couldn't believe what Sarah had done for him, she risked her own life to save his but could he believe what he witnessed when he came out of the condition he was in. Sarah was willingly in the arms of the infamous Goblin King. Hoggle shook his head at this but froze as he saw at the corner of his eye a tall figure entering the room and he knew it could be only one person, Jareth.

With his familiar mask of indifference in place the Goblin King made his way towards the throne barely giving the two within the room a sideways glance. Taking his place in his throne Jareth folded both hands within his lap as he coldly looked to the two before him.

"Now Hogbrain,"

"Hoggle," Hoggle corrected him. He always hated it when the Goblin King got his name wrong.

"Yes…Tell me what it was that was so disturbing that you had withdrawn so within yourself."

Hoggle shifted uncomfortably under the King's gaze, he did not really want to talk about it. It was something that he was hoping to forget, but never could, the young elfin woman's lifeless form always springing to mind. "I…"

Jareth leaned over hand to his ear waiting for Hoggle to speak, "Yes…"

"I was…in the hedge maze. I uh, was tendin to the hedges when I's heard someone coming. I hid, he didn't look like any creature that I've ever seen in the Labyrinth…" Hoggle trailed off not really wanting to talk about what he had witnessed and his inability to help, due to his cowardice.

Jareth stood from his throne, this might be the lead that he needed to finding the creatures that were threatening his kingdom. Summoning his power he materialized one of his crystals within his hand allowing the image of the Vampire that had attacked Sarah. "Did he look like this?" he inquired as he tossed the crystal to Hoggle.

Hoggle caught the crystal in hand looking at it as an image was starting to form. At first the image was blurred but as it had focused into view Hoggle dropped the crystal as if stung.

The Goblin King's brow rose slightly at the dwarfs reaction to the image, "I take that as a yes. What did you see him do Hoggle?"

Hoggle's body slightly shook uncontrollably, "He…he killed that elfin woman. I's wanted to help her but…" Hoggle trailed off as the guilt for not trying to help her fully sank in.

Jareth made his way down the steps that led to where the two stood. Not taking the consideration of Hoggle's reaction he willed another crystal in hand as he forced Hoggle to look at the image within. "Is this the elfin woman?"

Hoggle swallowed hard as he recognized the image but there was something different about her appearance, almost dark. "How'd you know?"

Jareth sat on his heals so that his eyes were level with the dwarfs, "She is not dead but she soon will be when I find her." Hoggle visibly blanched, "Oh, come, come Hogbrain, that woman tried to kill Sarah."

"She…she did what?"

Sir Didymus, who had been completely quite the whole time spoke up, "Tried to kill Lady Sarah? Why would any wish to harm her? I pledge thyself to her service, non shall try to harm Lady Sarah as I shall protect her."

Jareth annoyingly looked to the noble fox night just before standing back to his full height to look down at the two, "That will not be necessary. She is under my care and protection. Now Hoggle did any of the two mention their identities, who they were?"

Hoggle wrinkled his brow in concentration as he scratched his head in thought, "Yea, the man or whatever he was, says that his name was Jonathan…Jonathan Novay and the elf was ere…Novea Dalula I's thinks. She's not dead?"

"No Hoggle, she is not dead, well technically she is. Humans call them vampires."

Hoggle was stunned and shocked that the King had actually said his name right. Looking down at his feet he wondered about how Sarah had acted around the King. She didn't look like she was enchanted somehow by his magic but he still couldn't get himself to believe what he had seen. "Where's Sarah?"

"She's perfectly safe and is resting," Jareth snapped. 'Why must they always question my actions? Ever since they helped Sarah to…def…get to the castle they have done nothing but try to defy me. That will soon change.' "Leave," he softly spoke this word but with a force so deadly the two did not dare question as to why.

As they left the room Jareth grimaced, 'I will not put up with their attitude towards me. Sarah's friends or not I can not have my subjects openly defying my wishes and commands.' It was a wonder he hadn't sent them to an oubliette by now. Making his way back towards his window he looked out at his labyrinth that spread out before him. He could sense change within the kingdom and he shuddered too think of those long sleeping evils of the Underground's past awaking. The bloodshed and tortures that echoed throughout the kingdom were memories he could never forget. Leaning forward his grasp of the windows edge tightened as he fought against the horrid visions of his past, a past that he would give anything to have never experienced. Shaking the images from his mind he released his grip of the windows edge as he straightened summoning his power he quickly transported himself to the library.

Giles was so wrapped up in the book before him that he hardly noticed the slight stir of air around him. As a form was suddenly standing beside him Giles almost jumped out of his skin. Removing his glasses he looked to the source, being Jareth, "Must you do that?"

Jareth ignored the question, "Have you found anything that will help Sarah to fight this elfin vampire?"

Giles sighed, "No, I'm afraid not. There is nothing in here that references to such a creature. Though I think that to destroy her would be the same as to destroying any vampire."

The Goblin King thought for a moment, "I see, then it is up to me to train Sarah how to use her powers being that she will have to be able to counter any magic that Navea might throw at her."

Giles looked to the Goblin King, "You know the creatures name?"

"Yes, it seems that poor Hoggle had witnessed her transformation into what she is now. Also the name of the vampire that was with her, Jonathan Novay."

Standing from his seat Giles felt his heart wrench, "Jonathan Novay?"

Jareth glanced to Giles in question, "You know of this vampire?"

"I wish that I didn't. I've heard things about this one that would make Angelus's deeds weak by comparison." The Goblin King did not reply as he awaited Giles to continue. Giles seeing this, sat back down onto his seat, "He's been around longer than any vampire that we've been able to chronicle. The council thought that he was dead, the last that anyone's seen of him was a century ago. He's killed quit a few Slayers in his time. If he is behind any of this, we're going to need all the help that we can get."

Without further word Jareth disappeared from the room leaving Giles alone without a by or leave. Giles not at all happy about being so rudely treated could only remove his glasses and fume at a nearby wall. He was starting to feel homesick wondering how the others were faring with his absence. He also wondered how much timed had passed in his world since he knew that time worked differently within the Underground. It had only been a day but in his world it could be weeks.

Sarah relaxed in the gentle embrace of the darkness that surrounded her. Her mind was content with the peace that she was feeling, she had no idea how long she had been like this but really did not care. It was a welcome break from what she had been going through the past week. Then something brushed up against her mind. Suddenly the darkness that surrounded her was not so welcoming as the sense of a coming danger tugged at her senses.

No matter how hard she tried to grasp it, it seamed just out of her reach. A flash, the blackness gone replaced by a familiar scene. The two vampires that she remembered from not long ago, one female the other male. The woman had a sweet expression about her face yet still sending a wave of chills down Sarah's spine. The long dark red curly hair draped over the pale white skin of her shoulders, as her dress was a strapless gown of the darkest blue. The darkest of green stared almost through her, as she stood motionless before her.

The other stood beside her with hands held behind his back dark chocolate brown eyes holding an unknowing darkness within their depths. Sarah could feel that he was very old and the evil that emanated from him made her spine crawl. They both stood before her staring at her as if she were nothing of significance.

Sarah found her voice as she stepped forward addressing the two, "What do you want?"

The woman vampire smirked, "Oh, Sarah you poor thing! So much pain and sadness you have within you. Why wont you let us take that away?"

Sarah folded her arms over her chest, "I don't know what you're talking about."

The woman vampire slowly started forward and then started to circle her, Sarah only being able to stand motionless as she felt her eyes looking through her, "But I think that you do. Why, your own mother refused you, your father barely recognizes that you exist, you barely even have any friends." She now stood just behind Sarah waiting for her response.

Sarah couldn't move the words hitting her with the force of a shattering blow to the face. Nothing, she could not answer nor deny what the woman was telling her. She almost flinched when she felt her hands clasp softly onto her shoulders and her voice in her ear.

"Aren't you tired of always doing what is right, what everyone expects of you. What have they ever really done for you, hmm?"

"I…" Sarah struggled for words something that would defend against what this vampire was telling her but nothing. Her heart literally sank as she couldn't come up with any sort of reply. So wrapped up in her inner struggle she did not notice the other approach.

He was directly in front of her now, startling her out of her own thoughts, "There is so much that we can show you Sarah, so much more." With his finale words he traced his fingers across her collarbone sending a wave of heat throughout her body.

Sarah was in turmoil, as her emotions troubled her from the way they had just reacted at his touch. She wanted to flee to run away from the two vampires that were both so close to her, to push them away.

Navea grinned to her lover as he tempted the young Slayer, brushing her lips against her throat she smiled at the now trembling Slayer. "Do you remember how it felt as I tasted your blood? The excitement with a hint of pleasure, that can be yours. That's what it is like when we feed."

Sarah was trembling now, frightened, as a part of her wanted to give in to the temptation. 'No, they're toying with me. I have no desire to be one of them.' Her thoughts were brought to a horrifying halt as the other vampires lips met hers. Sarah wanted to push him away but her body would not listen. A stinging sensation at her neck caused her to gasp out against the deepening kiss of the vampire before her. It was a title wave of pleasure and pain, she felt weak against it unable to fight. His kiss trailed from her lips down her jaw line as he made his way to the other side of her throat just before his fangs sunk deep within her flesh.

Sarah felt so weak, her will slowly fading from her as the deep kiss of both vampires took its toll. Eyes slamming shut she jerked up from her sleeping position on the bed, breathing heavy as she tried to chase away the dream, her nightmare. Rolling to the side of the bed she sat up rubbing against her throat. As if fearing that it was not a dream Sarah quickly got to her feet and made her way towards the full size mirror at the other end of the room. Examining both sides of her throat she sighed in relief, as she found nothing indicating that the dream was not a dream.

Making her way towards the window she watched as day slowly drifted into that of night. Hugging herself she could still feel both vampires at her throat. "Was it just a dream?"

Chapter 19:

They were ready each standing in their assigned positions within the barren room. Barren except for the large triangle drawn onto the floor in chalk, there at each point a drawing of a circle. Within the circle stood Buffy and at the other two points within the circle stood Riley and Xander and at its center stood Willow. Anya stood just outside of the group with arms crossed not happy that she could not participate in the ritual to open the doorway to the Underground.

Willow forced herself to smile as she looked about the room, "Ok, if this is going to work I need each of you to think about the Labyrinth, Sarah, and Giles."

Riley nodded his head signaling that he was ready as Xander nervously gulped just before shaking his head yes. Buffy looked to her red headed friend, "Okay Willow we're ready."

Willow took another deep breath as she made herself ready to recite the words that she had memorized from the spell book. Clearing her throat she began, "The three and its center are one, we call upon the doorway of worlds." The air around them shifted as her words continued, "I command that you open and let us pass to the Labyrinth within the Underground."

Anya stepped back as the wind within the room violently swept about the room tossing everyone's hair and clothing, as they stood ready.

Jareth, the Goblin King sat at his throne in thought, his mind taking in what information he had gathered from Hoggle and Giles. With what he knew he still could not think of how the sleeping evils would be awakened. Even though the prophecy spoke of them awakening he had seen no signs of the event taking place. 'Could it be that with the current unbalance within the Underground has somehow clouded that event? I am no closer to finding a solution to this mess than I was yesterday, and all because of those damned vampires.' With that last thought Jareth stood from his throne and made his way towards the large window that overlooked the labyrinth.

The streets of the Goblin City were barely visible as the only source of light were from the torches that aligned the outside of the castle walls and the full moon and stars in the night sky. Now sitting on the windows' ledge Jareth rested one arm up over his propped up knee as his other leg dangled carelessly over the edge. His mind drifting from the problems at hand to a particular woman that lay sleeping in his bedchambers.

Now that she was finally here, he was going to have to make some changes. He would not have the future queen staying in a castle over run by goblins and chickens. The large junkyard outside the Goblin City gates would have to be cleaned away or moved to a less visible place. "Sarah, how you've turned my world, you precious thing!" his lips twitched into a knowing smile. He had sung that to her, what seemed, not too long ago.

The labyrinth had changed her, now he knew it had changed her more than he had first believed. He wanted more than anything to protect her from the fate that she was being dealt. To be the defender of right, it was a great responsibility. Though being the strong woman that she was, she wasn't as strong as she sometimes tried to make herself out to be. A soft sound of moving fabric from behind pulled him away from his musings.

Turning towards the one that would dare disturb him in his musings his slight anger quickly faded as he saw Sarah standing in the doorway of the throne room quietly watching him. Rising from his perch up on the window's edge he started to walk towards her.

Sarah smiled to the Goblin King as he made his way towards her, concealing the hunger within.

Jareth smiled to his love in appreciation, as she had changed into a long flowing gown of red satin. The dress was strapless revealing her soft white shoulders and it dipped down showing a pleasing amount of cleavage. Her long dark brown hair pulled to one side flowing over her shoulder revealing the long curve of her neck. Taking her hand in his he slowly brought it wordlessly up to his lips as he took in her form.

Sarah smiled in return turning her head slightly as her pale skin flushed crimson from the way that his eyes seemed to approve her appearance.

He was consumed by the vision before him, all thoughts of the problems that plagued his world lost. She needn't say a word as he brought her closer to him, closing the gap between them.

Sarah rested her hand gently against his chest as she waited for his lips to meet with her own. The power within him bringing about a hunger she had yet to crave for any. As their lips met she inwardly laughed at how he was in her complete control. He would do anything for her at this moment and she was all too willing to demand.

Jareth's consuming passion for the woman before him was taken aback as she wrapped her arms about his shoulders and started to kiss him along his strong jaw line traveling downward. It was a pleasant surprise that he did not expect from Sarah. Something at the back of his mind was trying to get his attention, something wasn't right. His body over rode his mind as he was consumed by desire for more. Eyes shot open as he felt a sharp pain at the side of his neck where Sarah was kissing him.

Her teeth gently sank into his flesh quenching the hunger that screamed inside. The warm flow of his powerful blood filling her with pleasure and power.

Jareth tried to push away from the creature before him, as he knew that it was not his Sarah but something dark and powerful. Somehow without his knowledge they had moved from the doorway and were now in front of his throne. Trying to summon his own power to push the creature off of him he found that it would not come forth. For once in his long-lived life Jareth, the Goblin King felt fear.

Johathan leaned against the wall within the shadow's unseen as he watched the scene unfold before him. With arms crossed he watched with a darkening grin as he could sense the Goblin King's horror and surprise. He was proud of his Navea and loved watching her work her magic.

The wind was a siren as it whisked about the four as they kept their marked places. Anya was having to hold on to the wall for support as the power was sweeping throughout the room. She watched as Xander stood in his marked place at the triangle's point with concern but kept her place as she held on for dear life trying to watch the spell working its magic.

Willow pushed back her red hair as it whisked into her face almost blinding her view. All she could see were Riley and Xander as Buffy was behind her. Taking in a deep breath she yelled out the last part of the incantation, "Echto labth tempto galogo! La vente labrinthia transporta!"

Blinding light swirled in streaks about them as if apart of the very wind that swept about them. The light grew with each passing second causing them all to close their eyes from the immense glare of light.

Sarah walked the halls of the castle as she tried to remember her way to the throne room. After that horrible dream she couldn't shake the feeling that something was wrong. She could not escape the sinking feeling within as her emotions were being wrenched and fluster in confusion. Could that vampire's words be true? Did she really feel that way?

Brows scrunched in confusion, Sarah continued to make her way down the empty halls, no longer paying attention to where she was heading. She shook her head, 'No, I won't believe it. I won't…Why am I getting so worked up over that dream. Because, you dimwit, most of what you've dreamt about lately has happened or warned you of things to come. No, I have to believe in myself. I have…" her thoughts were brought short by the scene before her as she entered a doorway.

Entering the doorway of the throne room her heart sank at the sight of herself with Jareth. So shocked by what she saw it took her a few moments to realize what was happening. Jareth seemed so limp in her arms as she was at his neck.

"NO!" Sarah screamed as she started forward.

Giles head shot up as he heard Sarah's scream. Immediately he was away from the desk making his way as quickly as his feet could carry him. It didn't take him long to reach the source of the scream and froze in the doorway as the scene transpired.

The imposter Sarah looked up from her feeding as she heard the pained cry of the real Sarah Williams. With a smile she licked her lips tasting the sweet blood that tainted them. Looking to Sarah with satisfaction she allowed the limp form of the Goblin King to fall to her feet.

Sarah shook with rage as she watched her one true love fall to the ground with a sickening thud. There sprawled out upon his throne lay Jareth unmoving, with that scene a flash of recognition hit her as she remembered her dream from not long ago, this very scene was being replayed except for that this time it was real. Shooting out her hand she watched with sick detachment as the imposter was thrown back hitting the opposite wall.

Sarah didn't bother to look around to make sure it was safe as she ran to the man that she loved. He looked so pale…lifeless she sank to her knees beside him taking his hands in hers. 'So cold, he's so cold. God, no don't do this to me. I can't lose him.' "Jareth, please I can't lose you."

Navea stood up from the floor transforming back to her original form as she watched Sarah weep over the Goblin Kings form. A cruel smile curling at her blood tainted lips as she looked over the scene with approval.

Jonathan was about to go to Navea when he saw that she was unharmed. Instead he started to approach the two victims taking the opportunity to take advantage of the current situation. He froze in mid stride as a blinding light, lit up the room.

Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Riley all blinked as the light died and they were now currently in a strange and unfamiliar room. Well, unfamiliar to all except Buffy.

Willow immediately saw Giles standing at the doorway and recognized the look of horror written on his face. Turning she followed his gaze and gasped in shock at the sight of Sarah crying over what looked like a dead body.

Buffy recognized the two vampires immediately and didn't hesitate in aiding her friend who didn't notice him edging closer to her.

Jonathan turned towards the source of the light only to be greeted by one of the Slayers. With no time to react he took the punch that was dealt quickly dodging the next blow. Turning about he slammed his fist into the blonde's jaw making her stumble back.

Stumbling back Buffy quickly retained her balance as she turned about bringing forth a turn kick. Foot meeting chest she was slightly surprised as he grabbed hold. Before he could make good on his hold Buffy rounded bringing up her other foot, slamming it against the side of his face making him lose his hold. It didn't keep her from falling to the ground as her wait was tipped off balance.

Navea watched, enraged as the other Slayer dared to interfere in her plan and now was attacking her Sire. Her rage was transferred away from the Slayer towards some unknown man as he tried to fire something at her. Catching the arrow in hand only inches away from her chest she growled in aggravation as she sent her power forth.

Riley was only given time to flinch as an unseen force slammed against his chest sending him flying across the room and hitting hard against a wall. Blackness filled his vision as he lost consciousness as his head slammed against the cold stone wall.

Giles came out of his moment of shock as he watched Riley thrown across the room and slumping unconscious to the floor. Quickly he headed towards the unconscious man fearing the worst.

Willow and Xander had made their way towards Sarah as the fight ensued. Xander's attention was not on Sarah as he watch Riley being flung to the other end of the room. He visibly flinched thinking, 'Oh, that had to hurt!"

Willow placed her hand on Sarah's shoulder as she tried to see if she could get a pulse with her other hand from the unconscious man that lay helplessly in the throne. Sarah looked to Willow with tear filled eyes, praying that she had not come too late.

Willow smiled as she felt the faint thump of a pulse, "Sarah, he's not dead."

With those words Sarah leaned over Jareth taking his unconscious form in her arms hugging him to her. She almost broke down into more tears as she felt him stir under her with a moan. Pulling away she tried see if he was really alive, "Jareth?"

Jareth felt arms wrapped about him brining him out of the dark haze as consciousness started to return. He felt so weak but he needed to open his eyes, needed to make sure that the presence that he was feeling was really his Sarah. Opening his eyes as he heard her call his name he smiled faintly, "Sarah?"

"I thought I lost you. Are you alright?" Sarah tried to look over his wound but found that it was starting to heal.

Jareth tried to look around the room as he heard the commotion but only being able to see Sarah's beautiful face and another woman with short red hair smiling down at him. "I'll be fine, just a bit drained." He laughed at his own words hearing the irony of his choice of phrasing but quickly held it back as it brought about a pain within his neck, his wounds not yet fully healed.

Navea glared at the young man that dared try and kill her as she made her way towards him. The side of her mouth twitched into an evil grin as she saw another man rush towards the unconscious one. She saw just who was going to get the impact of her seething rage.

Xander looked away from Buffy towards the unconscious form, "Uh oh, this is not good!"

Looking down at the axe he was hugging to his chest he made a decision and moved forward to help his friends. Just as he swung up the axe aiming it towards the Elfin Vampire's throat his grasp was lost as his hands let go of the axe to try and pry his neck free from the vampire's grasp.

Navea thunderously looked to the boy as she rose him off of the floor with ease. The color within his face reddening as the flow of blood and air were cut off from circulation to his head and lungs. Navea humped, "You think you can destroy me little boy!" Just as she was about to harden her grip to crush the boy's neck she was forced to let go as she felt a sharp bolt of energy slammed into her.

Sarah, seeing that Jareth was all right, returned her attention towards the room. She instantly felt guilty as she saw someone she had yet met slumped unconscious on the floor, Giles hovering over him. Her guilty feeling turned to that to complete horror as she saw the Elfin Vampire holding one of her friends by his throat. His feet twitching in the air as he was struggling for air. Not sure how she was doing it she felt the familiar surge going through her hands as she shot some kind of bolt of energy towards the woman, who she now recognized as the one that had tried to kill her and invaded her dreams.

Xander dropped unceremoniously to the floor as his throat was released from its torment. On hands and knees he coughed taking in each breath with a wink of pain, as each breath was a stinging relief.

Navea stood from the floor once again looking to the source of her attack and smiled as she watched Sarah leaving her loves side coming towards her.

Sarah quickly made her way towards the woman, "You'll pay for that, Bitch!"

Navea laughed, "Oh, I'm really scared! Do you really think you're a mach for me Sarah?"

Sarah stood with fist clenched power coursing through her body as anger towards the creature before her grew. She was visibly shaking at the amount of power she was holding back to throw at the evil being before her. Ready to release, her heart sank in fear as she found herself unable to move.

Smiling Navea placed her hands behind her back, "Something wrong?" she asked innocently. Coming closer her smile faded to that of pure hatred.

All that Sarah could manage to do was flinch, as her situation was growing worse by the minute. Inwardly she was struggling against the invisible force that was binding her.

Navea placed her hand on Sarah's shoulder squeezing just enough to cause her current pray to wink back in pain refusing to vocalize her pain. Navea leaned close to Sarah resting her chin defiantly on her shoulder her words whispering in her ear, "Have you had sweet dreams lately Sarah? Is the self-doubt tugging at you're consciousness? You know what I see. I see a scared little girl who is in way over her head."

Sarah shook uncontrollably as tears bordered her eyes, the words hitting so close to home.

Navea continued stroking Sarah's hair as she pulled away looking her fully in the eyes, "Poor thing! I've went and made you cry. I have just the thing for you my dear." She stroked the side of Sarah's cheek with the back of her other hand as she stopped stroking her hair and rested that hand on the back of her neck. "I can make it better. All you have to do is ask and I'll make all the pain go away."

Sarah's lips were trembling now, the horror of her situation shocking her to the core. She felt powerless, uselessly at the vampire's mercy. Time was running out as she noticed the vampires cruel smile mocking her. If she didn't break free soon it would be too late.

Jareth struggled to sit up as his strength was slowly starting to return. He barely acknowledged the young red head that was trying to help him sit up his eyes busily scanning for Sarah. His gaze swept over Buffy as she was currently occupied fighting with, who he could only assume to be Jonathan. His fist clenched in anger as he saw Sarah standing motionless as Navea was winding her web of magic about her, binding Sarah to her spot.

Trying to get up he faltered, his limbs refusing to work for him. Anger rose within as he was forced to watch too week to help his love.

Willow who was trying to help the Goblin King was torn between leaving him alone or going to her friend's aid. Her eyes were drawn to Sarah as she was standing unmoving in front of the Elfin Vampire that Buffy had told them about. 'What is she doing? Why isn't she fighting?' she thought franticly until she sensed what it was.

Jareth glared at the red head as she tried to keep him from rising but his glare changed to that of question. The girl emanated magic, something that was rare for a mortal of her world.

Willow was slightly stunned at the way the man that she was trying to help was looking at her. An idea came to form as she sensed the growing power that emanated from him. Taking his hand in hers, he looked back with an unspoken understanding, her power feeding his.

Her breathing felt forced as she tried to break away from the vampire's gaze yet unable to move. Her mind was racing trying to find a way out, a way to free herself.

Navea looked away from Sarah for a moment as she saw that her love, Jonathan was faring quite well with the other Slayer. 'Soon,' she thought, 'We will be unstoppable. Sarah will soon be one of us and there will be no one able to stop us.' Attention drawn back to the helpless Slayer before her she smiled once again drawing herself back towards Sarah, her lips inches away from her ear, "I remember how you taste, sweet and innocent. You remember, don't you, the feeling of falling, fear, excitement. Now tell me that you did not like it at least a little, crave for that sweet embrace."

Sarah closed her eyes, the only movement she was allowed, as her words sank deep within her mind. It made her sick and yet a part of her craved for it, wanted it, just like she was saying. Fear rose as she felt Navea lightly trace her fingers along the side of her neck. Then something called her, a voice so familiar, a voice that blocked out the vampires.

"Sarah, you have the power use it. Fight her!"

Eyes opening she was able to move her head as she looked to the vampire before her. Navea's eyes met with Sarah's locked unable to look away. In all outward appearance it looked as though they were having a staring contest but unknown to any onlooker they were having a mental battle.

Navea felt her hold over the Slayer dwindling and dwindling fast. The power she gained from the Goblin King was starting to lose its potency as she struggled to keep hold.

Jonathan had Buffy lifted off of the floor in the air as he brought her down against his knee as if breaking a twig in half. Buffy flared about trying to free her self from his hold until she felt her back hitting his knee. She winked in pain rolling off of his knee she struggled to get back to her feet. This vampire that she was fighting was stronger and more skilled than others that she had fought before. Buffy collapsed, the pain shooting through her backside up through her arms.

Seeing her open, defenseless, he kicked her side sending her over halfway across the room like a football. His smile twitched at the corner of his mouth with approval, he had heard a lot about this Slayer and was taking immense joy in inflicting pain on this one. She had caused a lot of problems for the forces of evil and the sooner she was disposed of the better.

Rolling on her back, Buffy let out a quite moan as she tried to regain her strength. He was coming closer and she needed to get an advantage.

Leaning over the Slayer he grabbed her by the throat bringing her off of the floor. Buffy's hands shot up to his as she tried to pry herself free but his grip continued to tighten unmoving. Her eyes bore into his, she needed to get herself free from his grip. The lack of air was making it all the more difficult.

Jonathan tilted his head to the side, "You're a disappointment." With that he tightened his grip ready to snap her neck, "Pity!"

Slamming her arm up against his she kicked at his face causing him to drop her. Not allowing time to react from the pain of her attack as she landed on her feet turning into a turn kick, foot connecting with chest.

As the hard blow hit his face and arm Jonathan was forced to let go, he was slightly surprised, he had thought that she was through. Recovering quickly as she kicked him to the chest he did a little more damage as he grabbed hold of one of her arms cruelly twisting it back causing bone to crack.

The instant she felt her arm snap she knew it was broken. With the one arm out of commission she was going to have to bring this fight to an end and end it soon. Her body was tiring and he seemed little effected by his own efforts of killing her. Using her good arm she slammed her elbow into his throat causing him to fall back. She was weaponless and needed a stake she needed one bad.

Jonathan stumbled back as his windpipe was crushed from the Slayer's blow. Though not needing to breathe the pain was overwhelming, distracting him just long enough to allow Buffy an opening of attack.

Sarah gritted her teeth as she struggled against Navea's power. The binding broken she was able to grab hold of Navea's wrist wrenching them away from her shoulders as she pushed her back. "NO."

Navea stumbled back weakened, feeling her binding being snapped in two. It was agonizing, now she was the one in pain. She couldn't believe it Sarah was about to break under her control she was hers. Navea, stumbled back as Sarah continued forward, she was not actually prepared for a physical confrontation.

Sarah was all too prepared to kick that vampires ass, tilting her head almost exactly like Navea had done not too long ago to her, Sarah's eyes gleamed with cruelty. "What, scared?" Sarah asked in mocking innocence.

Navea stumbled back as she tried to stall for time to re-gather her power. Fear flashed within her eyes but she quickly hid it, "Sarah, don't fight your destiny. You're meant for great things. Become one of us free yourself of the burdens of your mortal world."

She mockingly laughed out right at that, "Become one of you, I despise you. You should not have gone after Jareth. Big mistake…" just as she finished she went into action no longer caring for any more chitchat.

Navea pushed away Sarah's punch only to have opened palm slammed into her nose with Sarah's other hand. The blow knocked her back against the wall. Ducking just as Sarah foot was about to slam into her, she grabbed the Slayer by the arm and slammed her face first into the wall beside her, her strength was returning.

Sarah's head reeled as her face was slammed into the stone wall. The pounding of her head became unnoticed as she felt a sharp piercing pain slamming into her back.

Cackling cruelly at the now slumped form of Sarah, "What, I thought you were capable of more than this little display. Stupid bitch, you could have had this world!" Tilting her head slightly she let out a exasperated sigh, "Since you wont join us I guess I'll just have to kill you." Grabbing a handful of the brunet's hair she dragged Sarah up to her knees.

Sarah reached back desperately trying to free her hair from the vampire's grasp. His voice ringing through her mind, 'Use the power within you. You know how. DO IT!'

Jareth was starting to feel his power returning with the help of the red head beside him. No longer needing her help he stood on his own as he tried to summon one of his crystals. He cursed inwardly as he was unable to do so.

Willow let go of the man she was trying to help as her attention was drawn away from Sarah and back to Buffy as she was fighting the other vampire. She immediately could sense that he was ancient and powerful and wished that she could help her friend somehow as she looked like she was about to get her neck broken. She let go of her held breath as she watched Buffy release herself from his grasp.

Looking back towards Sarah she felt immediately worried for her as she saw Navea holding her by her hair. She looked to the man beside her, who she noticed that his power was growing as he tried to do something.

Jareth watched with a sinking feeling within his chest as he saw Navea quickly recovering from Sarah's attack and had slammed her against the wall and now had her held by her long dark brown hair. He mentally reached out to her, being the only thing that he was capable of doing in his weakened condition. He just hoped that it would be enough.

Willow glanced back towards Buffy and noticed that she was without the means to destroying the vampire. Looking down at her stake she knew what to do. Looking down at the stake she held it within her open palm and concentrated, it lifted from her hands with ease.

Buffy didn't hesitate as she hit him blow after blow, not daring to stop to allow him any time for recuperation. Though he faltered back with every hit she still had yet to see anything that she could make as an effective weapon to dust the thing.

Quickly grabbing hold of her leg before she could ram it into his chest he threw down the Slayer. Straddling her between his legs he pinned her arms down over her head. Licking his own blood from his apparent nosebleed he quickly leaned forward to take her blood from her body.

Buffy tried to free her arms but was pinned helplessly underneath the vampire she quickly brought her legs up, just before he could bit her, throwing him successfully off of her. They both rolled up from the floor at the same time.

Lunging forward once again he suddenly was brought to a grinding halt. Looking down at the sharp pain in his chest he only had seconds to realize what it was before he disintegrated from existence.

Holding her by her hair she forced the Slayer off of her knees pulling her towards her when she felt a jolt within. Glancing over her shoulder she recoiled as she watched her love turn to dust, "NO!" she screamed out in horror.

Taking advantage of Navea's distraction Sarah grabbed her by the wrist twisting it as she freed her hair from Navea's grasp.

Navea turned back as she felt the bones in her wrist break, stumbling back she fell too the floor at Sarah's feet. Her dress a crumpled mass as she glared up at Sarah with blood tears seeping from her eyes. Just as Sarah was about to continue her attack the vampire disappeared causing her foot to contact hard with the stone floor.

Sarah cursed, "Damn it!"

To Be Continued