CHAPTER 2
The Countdown

The Labyrinth was a blur of activity as final preparations were made for the upcoming ceremony. To the Underground's surprise, the Mad King had come out of hiding, and wasn't mad at all. A little grumpy at times, but insane? No.

Of all the royal marriages that would soon be taking place, this was by far the most heavily attended. The Goblin King's magic was legend among his people, and everyone was excited to see the royal recluse after so many centuries of his absence. So it was. At the heart of the Labyrinth, beyond the Goblin City, Jereth's castle was filled to capacity with diplomats and various aristocrats of the Underground. In keeping with tradition, regatta - the week long celebration proceeding royal marriages - was already underway. No expense was spared, nor extravagance overlooked as the attendees prepared for a third night of assorted festivities, banquets, and balls.

Off on the horizon, however, a cold wind of change was blowing into the Kingdom. It's bitter breeze foretelling of an unexpected arrival with unforeseen futures clouding the skies. Unfortunately, no one was listening to the wind that week. Too much wine, and dancing no doubt. The Council Mages were, in fact, a bunch of lushes. Too wasted to remember the date let alone decipher the wind.

And so.. all warnings went unheeded and unheard, as the royal marriage of the century drew near.

~ * ~ * ~* ~~ * ~ * ~* ~

"Keep slapping her!" Sarah yelled.

"I can't keep slapping her! You slap her." Bert bit out in frustration. "If I smack her in the head anymore, I'm going to be brought up on charges."

Argh! Sarah had no idea how she had gotten herself into this mess. Some harmless fun, that's all she'd wanted. How was she to know that Paula had had a traumatizing experience with a snow leopard as a child?

What were the odds!

No time to worry about that now. "Bert! Plan B. Get her ready on set. She's taking Pam's place."

"Pam's place!"

"I am going to do a switcheroo with her when she wakes up. Put her in holding bin three, for the Spider-Fly preshow. Tell Pam she's sitting this one out. I'll be standing in for Paula until show time at position A." Bert nodded but looked worried.

Did Greek statues worry?

Pointing at the Entertainment World's camera crew, Sarah was all business. "You. How much time do we have?"

There were three of them in all, but the one wearing a beat up Yankees cap answered first. "Umm.. two minutes. Why?"

She ignored his question, turning quickly to the backstage door. "Follow me boys and girls. You're about to get more behind the scenes coverage than you bargained for." The trio looked at one another in confusion then, making up their minds, they did as they were told.

Bert watched as the men quickly gathered their gear and followed Sarah out the door. Shaking his head he picked the small reporter up easily in his arms, as he too did as Sarah instructed. He sure hoped to God the girl knew what she was doing. Yeah, right.

"Sir, this letter is for you."

Shifting Paula's weight he nodded at the young intern and took the letter. "Thanks," he flashed her quick smile, pocketing the note. The girl nodded, blushing bright red, and careened head first into a wall.

Okay.

Glancing briefly at the clock by the podium, Bert spotted Pam off to his left and started to call out her name. Suddenly, he stopped in his tracks. Swinging back to the clock he stared at the time. "Damn," he cursed under his breath. "Damn, Damn, Damn." He added for good measure.

What he wouldn't give for a little R&R in Desert Storm right about now. War was hell, but Sarah's dramatics were giving him a heart condition. She thrived on mischief, she loved getting into trouble. Shaking his head he smirked in spite of himself and headed off in a rush. "Pam! Get over here!"

The girl turned her head from the actor she was talking with, and looked at Bert curiously. Her eyes widening, as she put her coffee down and hurried over. Paula was still passed out in his arms and making strange little mumbling sounds. "Damn Bert, what did you do to her? Pam asked, then quickly added with renewed excitement. "Oh wow! Paula Towns! Do you think she'd give me an autograph?"

Bert sighed. Here Paula was blowing spit bubbles in her sleep, and Pam was trying to find a piece of paper and something to write with. At least this job wasn't boring.

Masquerade began in ten minutes and counting.

~ * ~ * ~* ~~ * ~ * ~* ~

"She wants to do what!"

Jay's voice was hysterical as he shouted into the cell phone. "Does she even know how! No, absolutely not. Do you knuckle heads realize we are live? That in one minute we are facing dead air? Go get Paula dammit! I don't care how you do it but get her in front of the goddamn camera pronto. Got me?"

"Yes sir."

Jay was about to hang up, when he heard something loud and feminine arguing with his camera crew. What now?

"What do you mean he said no?"

"I'm sorry Sarah, but he's the boss and.."

"Give me that phone. What's your boss's name?"

Jay could not believe his ears. They were wasting time, arguing with the hocus pocus girl!

"Jay? Are you there?"

"Dammit Sarah, this is not a joke. Go do whatever it is you do, so we can do our jobs. We appreciate your offer but.." Sarah had heard enough. She knew Jay's type. Used to control and having his way.

Even so, she had a plan.

Sarah would finesse him using her natural wit and charm, bringing the overly excited producer around to her way of thinking firmly yet gently. Betty and been great at situations like this and taught her exactly what to say and how to say it. Piece of... SHIT! Sarah was looking at her watch.

Okay, she had another plan. "Shut the hell up and get on board, Jay. You are out of options and out of time."

The line went dead.

"One minute to air, sir."

Jay didn't realize he was standing until he fell into his chair. He was in shock, his mind racing. Everyone was staring at him, tense from his inaction waiting to be told what to do.

Finally he snapped out of it. "Alright, I've decided we're going to temporarily use Sarah until Paula is better."

Ron snickered, but he ignore him. Turning to one of his engineers, Jay started shouting orders fast and furiously.

"How's it look for sound? Are we up yet?"

"Check Jay. Sarah's rigged and ready to go."

"What about transmission?"

"We are in the green."

"Tom.. give the camera crew their countdown." He said, finally resigned to his fate. With the way his luck was going the girl would probably be doing shadow puppets for the next fifteen minutes.

Oh lord.. where did he put his Pepto?

~ * ~ * ~* ~~ * ~ * ~* ~

Jereth was sitting out on his balcony overlooking the Labyrinth. His feet propped up with a glass in one hand. Without turning he sensed his brother's presence. "Alexander, shouldn't you be getting ready for tonight's ball?"

Prince Alexander was the youngest of Jereth's four siblings and would someday rule their father's kingdom. The fantasy land that bordered his own, called Carnival. "Probably," Alex answered simply. "Shouldn't I ask the same of you?"

Touché'

Jereth shrugged, holding out his hand towards the empty seat next to him. "I'm in no hurry."

Alex nodded his agreement and sat down in the offered chair, frowning at the view. "Your Labyrinth is rather pretty, isn't it?" Jereth bowed his head slightly not saying a word. From this distance, the maze was a stunning mix of browns and golds, reflecting the light off the setting suns. It's enormity and sheer vastness was overwhelming. It was really amazing anyone had ever made it through in thirteen hours.

Only one had, he corrected himself. One little girl who'd broken his brother's heart and almost ruined him for all time.

"Do you have a challenger?" Alex asked, trying hide his anger and make small talk.

Jereth looked at him and nodded, a slight curve crawling upon his lips. "Two actually. But I'm afraid they won't make it."

"How do you know?"

Jereth looked back out towards the Labyrinth. "One's been stuck on the outer wall for the last four hours. The other in an oubliette."

Alexander thought about that for a minute then asked. "How does one get out of such a thing?"

"You don't," Jereth stated flatly. "I have to send someone in after them. From there, they are taken to the beginning to do the whole thing over. But he was more scared of the dwarf than the prison. So he'll lose. That's usually how they all lose. Fear of unknown creatures and obstacles."

"Do you mind me asking.." The Prince trailed off not knowing how to phrase his next question.

"How the girl got out," Jereth finished for him. "She made... friends." The King answered. The last said with a touch of bitterness.

"She befriended a dwarf?" Alex seemed shocked. "How do you reason with such stupid creatures?"

"How indeed," Jereth repeated, then waved his hand distractedly. "She bribed him with a plastic bracelet. She smiled at him. She offered friendship and kindness. So, instead of taking her back to the beginning, he set her on the right path."

"But that's treason!"

Jereth tilted his head, and nodded. "Yes."

"Did you punish the dwarf.. You should have."

The King almost laughed. "I do not think the girl would have agreed with you Alexander."

Of course. It came down to the girl's feelings raised above matters of state and laws of his kingdom. "I do not see how she matters. How can you rule if you do not follow the laws you create?" The Prince asked incredulously.

"Punishing a dwarf because he is lonely for a friend, seems rather extreme."

"Extreme or not, treason can not be tolerated. You let the girl impede your judgment in this matter. A mortal, Jereth! She's just as dumb as the dwarf." The Prince shook his head in disgust. "She bewitched you, brother. Can't you see that! You would have never fancied her had she not gotten as far as she did."

Jereth stood slowly. "I fancied her because she was clever, and kind. She was a breath of fresh air compared to the bigoted hateful twits I was constantly surrounded with. I too am jaded; I don't wholly disagree with what you say. But I do not mistake corruption for virtue. Kindly remember that before you speak on the matter. I do not punish my subjects without just cause." Jereth stated softly, setting down his goblet. "And in the future, refrain from speaking of things you know not. It was not inside the Labyrinth that I fell in love with her besides."

With that the King went back inside leaving a stunned Alex in his wake. "Damn that girl," Alex hissed through his teeth. Even now, the King was still in love with the mortal! Alexander suddenly had a sinking feeling that the King would always be haunted with memories of the one who'd defeated him and gotten away.

"Well, we will see about that!" Alexander smiled, a plan forming in his mind. Jereth needed closure. He was in love with a creature who didn't exist. No female, no matter how pretty, was worth this much pain. Jereth just needed to be shown the truth.

Well, alright then.

With his mind made up, the Prince produced a crystal and disappeared without another word. The clock was ticking. She may not know it yet. But the mortal's freedom and time left on Earth would soon be at an end.

~ * ~ * ~* ~~ * ~ * ~* ~

Sarah slammed the phone down, why did men always think they could push her around? It was damn irritating, she thought, fixing her ear piece provided by the EW crew. She winced when she heard a man shouting orders on the other end. It sounded like Jay. Goody, she'd pissed him off.

Satisfied Jay was at least doing as instructed, Sarah flipped open yet another phone that went directly to her own control booth. "Murry, I don't have a lot of time, so be straight with me. Can we do this or not?" Sarah inquired, while waving away her makeup girl currently trying to assault her with a powder puff.

"Yeah, darl'n. We're ready for Spider-Fly when you are," he assured her with a thick southern drawl.

Sarah beamed. She loved it when things went her way.

"Thanks Murry. Remind me to buy you guys a drink when this is over." Sarah pulled a long pencil out of her hair letting it fall past her shoulders, then wiggled out of her coat.

Her senior coordinator laughed in the phone. "Thank me later. This could very well blow up in your face, Sarah."

He was right, but she didn't have time think about it. "Why don't you start a pool? It'll cost anyone who wants in on the action ten dollars."

When the makeup girl loaded her brush fully intending to go back in for a second attack. Sarah raised her eyebrows giving her a hard stare. "Becky, come near me with that thing again and you'll be wearing it." The girl looked startled, but backed down. Smart.

"What's the bet?" Murry asked curiously.

"That I'll make an ass of myself on live television."

"I'm in."

Oh good. It's a bad thing when even your most loyal employee doesn't like your odds. "Gotta go Murry. Watch for my signal, and have my money ready." Optimism never hurt anyone right?

Someone in the ear piece was speaking to her. "Ten seconds Sarah, good luck."

Nope, she was screwed.

~ * ~ * ~* ~~ * ~ * ~* ~

Alexander materialized in a large theater just as the lights slowly dimmed. He had wished himself to the girl named Sarah, in order to bring her back as a wedding present for his brother. He knew now that Jereth would never truly be free of the girl, until he resolved whatever it was between them once and for all. What happened to her after that, wasn't his concern. He cared only that Jereth would finally be able to end his fascination with the wretch and move on.

But where was she?

Bursting through the side doors, a tall slender woman in a red coat came rushing into the auditorium, a group of men trying desperately to keep up as they carried heavy equipment behind her.

"Sir, you'll have to take your seat now, the show's about to begin."

This came from a woman costumed in a pastel ball gown and a monstrous mask. In her hand she held a scepter with a mirror on the end... much like his own. Alexander froze. He of all people knew what she was. Carnival, after all, was his and his father's kingdom. The same land Jereth had taken Sarah in order to seduce the girl into forgetting. The Prince narrowed his eyes, trying to make sense of what he was seeing.

It was a lot to take in, so it took a moment. But the stage, the costumes, the music. It looked like.. "The Labyrinth," he whispered.

Or a close version of it at any rate. What the hell was going on? Taking an empty seat, Alexander flopped down rather ungracefully, his mouth hanging open. In a chair next to him he noticed a program for tonight's show.


You are cordially invited to:

Sarah Williams
MASQUERADE

A World of Dead Ends, Twisting Corridors, Music, And Magic.

A spotlight shone on a girl towards the back. Turning, he could see the dark haired woman busy doing four things at one time. Her movements quick, yet deliberate.

He grudgingly admitted the girl was pretty. Not light and fair as fae females were, but different. Eye catching. Of course, she was covered up, and her hair was a jumbled mess upon her head. But that could just be the fashion of these creatures for all he knew.

"This is the second time I have been to one of Sarah's shows. She's unbelievable," a mortal said excitedly.

Alexander glanced at his eager, flushed face and frowned. Unbelievable? That was a bit much.

Raising an eyebrow, he glanced back towards the girl. What did everyone see in her? She was a dime-a-dozen. Her darkness was repelling and did nothing for him. It only made the girl look as wicked as she was. He could easily see Jereth finding beauty in such a dreadful quality, however. It was just like his eldest brother to appreciate something so bizarre. In truth, Alexander had never seen hair so dark on a woman before. It was alien to him, but given the circumstances, appropriate. Witch.

As if she'd heard his thoughts, Sarah, still on the phone, quickly pulled a clip out of her hair, a thick pile of long raven tresses spilling like a river down her back. The ends curled slightly, making them seem ridiculously full and shiny. Slamming the phone down, she was handed another.

Busy girl.

This call was taken while she removed her red coat, revealing a black sparkling dress hiding underneath, its sequins glittering like a thousand twinkling stars within the night. A rather daring slit cut high on the side accentuated the girl's long sculptured legs. This was nothing like any of the dresses he'd seen in the Underground. The provocative gown fit Sarah like a second skin, emphasizing her slender waist, high firm breasts and small .. round.. bottom...

Dear God! She'd got him, too!

For a moment Alexander felt panic rise inside him. Maybe he should warn everyone not to look directly at her! She was bewitching the men with her wicked body just like she had Jereth! He could feel the spell affecting his heart rate.

Was he was sweating! Princes don't sweat!

Alexander turned forward so he could break the enchantress's magic. Unfortunately, this was the exact moment two large view screens started their descent from above. Sarah's beauty captured perfectly on both, in order for everyone could see exactly what the illusionist was doing at all times.

Argh! There was nowhere to escape!

Soft and sensual, a beat played rhythmically in the background. The melody was blatantly erotic as Sarah began to speak. Her voice, like the hypnotic music, was unforgettable. Invading one's senses with it's soft caressing notes. Gripping the arm rests of his chair, Alexander's knuckles were an angry white as he closed his eyes and shook his head humming. He was doomed! They were all doomed! "La-la-la-la."

"Funny man," a voice giggled in front of him.

The direness of the situation was temporarily put on hold as the Prince opened his eyes and straightened in his seat. His face no longer etched with fear, but .. well, amusement, as he marveled at the odd child before him.

Actually, not so much the child but the child's toy. He'd seen children before.

There was no mistaking who the toy was of, but didn't explain how it was possible. Looking around, Alexander noticed that quite a few children had the same toy. What the..

"Funny man," the little boy repeated waving his Goblin King. The Prince started laughing. Nervously at first but growing louder as the toy spoke.

"You have thirteen hours in which to solve the Labyrinth."

"Turn back now, before it's too late."

"You win. I am no match for you Sarah."

"What a pity."

~ * ~ * ~* ~~ * ~ * ~* ~

"ENTERTAINMENT WORLD'S BEHIND THE SCENES LOOK AT MASQUERADE IS BACK WITH YOUR HOST PAULA TOWNS."

Sarah lifted the mike, her smile sexy and assured.

"Welcome! I'm Sarah Williams, Mistress of this Masquerade, and will be standing in for Paula while we create some more magic. But, before we begin, I'll need another volunteer. Preferably a man who has no history of fainting."

Sarah turned for the first time to the theater as the audience laughed. "So, boys. Who wants to dance?"

Sarah skimmed the sea of uncertain faces. Apparently no one was eager to disgrace themselves on live television. To her relief one man finally stood. He was handsome, with exotic looking eyes wearing a strange outfit. His hair was pale blonde, swept over one eye. He'd do.

"Oh my. Aren't I the lucky girl? Why, you look almost good enough to eat." The crowd applauded and some even groaned, having seen the show before and picking up the double entendre of her words. "Come on up here, sir. Everyone give him a round of applause." The theater did, as he made his way towards her.

Since they were live, Sarah filled in with a quick sleight of hand. Producing a crystal out of nowhere, she began rolling it between her fingers in front of the camera.

"Illusions are simply a deceived perception of reality. When I was a little girl, one of the lessons I learned while venturing through the Labyrinth was that things aren't always what they seem. In fact, the Goblin King, who was very handsome, but rather full of himself, showed me a crystal just like this one."

Her hands stopped moving, holding up her pretty orb for everyone to see. "It's just a crystal, nothing more, he told me. But if you turn it this way, it can show you.. your dreams."

Sarah's crystal defied gravity as it hung suspended in the air, waiting for further instructions. Everyone started to clap. Sarah winked, producing another crystal with a quick twist of her fingers and soon she was spinning both in unison up and over and then around her hands in one fluid motion.

She continued with her story. "But this is not a gift for a girl who takes care of a screaming baby. Do you want it?"

The crystals vanished into bits of glitter and sparkles.

"Of course I wanted it. Who wouldn't want their dreams handed to them? But I could not forget about my brother. Not even to obtain my greatest desires. And so my journey began, as yours will too.. soon enough."

"For the full story you can purchase a copy of my book, Peaches and Kings, in the Ballroom Gift Shop or your local book store. Also, don't forget to rent Thirteen Hours. Paramount's summer blockbuster, which should be released sometime this month. If you haven't seen or read the adventure, go do so soon."

Glancing over her shoulder, Sarah saw her attractive volunteer waiting patiently off to the side. His eyes staring at her in confusion as she made her way towards him. Well, hello nurse! Cute, didn't even begin to describe this guy.

Offering the man her most winning smile, Sarah reached down, placing his hand inside her own. She chuckled softly when he tensed at the contact. Leading him back in front of the camera, Sarah deliberately held eye contact. It was necessary when projecting images into people's minds. To the casual observer, however, it was nothing more than an enamored maiden gazing longingly at her beau. Nothing to see here folks, keep moving. What, magic? Me?

Mind projection is not the same as mind control. That was beyond her powers, but she could suggest strongly what she wanted from others, and these strong suggestions were usually followed.

"Well sir, what is your name?"

Drowning in her eyes, the Prince swallowed clearing his throat. "Alexander."

Good name.

A wave of warmth washed over Sarah. His voice was deep and alluring. She was struck by something oddly familiar in his presence, or was it the accent in his voice? "Alexander? Before we dance, I must warn you, I do not give my kisses away easily. In fact, pretty words alone will not win my heart."

Frowning, Sarah feigned a wistful, faraway look and continued. "You see, many years ago, almost eight to be exact, I was abandoned here on earth by the man I loved with all my heart. I was but a child, and for nearly a year I cried myself to sleep, wishing the goblins would come and take me away so often that my parents couldn't help but be insulted."

Sarah faced the man again. Something strained and tired catching in her voice. "Every night I said the words until all words died on my lips. I didn't speak for a long time thereafter. That's how in love with him I was."

"Will you hurt me like my handsome King once did?" She whispered.

"Nay lady, I would not." Alexander answered honestly, his tone as intense as his eyes.

While Sarah was happy at how well her attractive volunteer was playing his part, the man in question was quite confused. Though some parts she was acting out for the audience's benefit. He could still sense there was indeed a thread of truth to what she was saying.

Why had the girl wished for Jereth to come and take her away again? Could it be that she simply didn't know the rules of the game?

Once conquered, the King no longer has power over his challenger. All of Sarah's wishes had fallen on deaf ears, because it was quite impossible for Jereth to hear them.

Sarah lifted her bare hand and placed it upon his cheek. He tensed again, effectively bringing him back to the present. Sarah stared at him curiously for a moment. Departing from script, she closed the gap between their bodies. Her lips but a breath from his own.

"Do I know you?" She searched his funny colored eyes. "You seem.. familiar to me."

The man simply shook his head, unable to speak.

She caressed his face a while longer, as if she would remember him through touch. Then turned around and returned to playing the saucy medieval maid.

"Well then sir, sit down, and I will recite for you a poem called Spider and the Fly."

Alexander couldn't think, so he obeyed. Sitting down, she joined him on his lap. His arms instinctively circling her waist. Sarah winked as if they shared a private joke adding. "Of course, this is Masquerade," she purred as the music and lights started to change to an electric blue. "Think of all of this as some magical carnival, Alexander. Where anything, and everything can happen."

The Prince grinned wickedly, "I'll try my best."

Good boy. Showtime!

~ * ~ * ~* ~~ * ~ * ~* ~

OK, end of chapter 2 is in. There are three chapters all together in Part 1. Part two, has four chapters. Like I said, it's finished already. So you don't have to review if you don't want to. Unless you want to be nice. Then hey, knock yourself out. *wink*. Let me just say thank you to everyone who did review. Wow you guys are SO WONDERFUL. I thought for sure, I would get flamed. So thank you out there in fanfiction land. It meant a lot. ;o) Like before, I am posting these as soon as I get them back. So bare with me here.

- Chrissy