Jen stared up at the ceiling unable to sleep. Rolling onto her side, she could see Paola sleeping
peacefully. Why couldn't she sleep? Even Christy seemed to be dead to the world. With a sigh
of exasperation, she closed her eyes, trying to sleep but making no progress.
Her eyes sneaking open slowly, she was immediately met with a pair of cool blue eyes, their gaze
staring back at her icily. Opening her mouth to scream, another hand came from nowhere,
clamping down and keeping her from uttering a sound of protest. Her heart pounded fiercely in
her chest then suddenly stopped. She no longer felt the restraints of the hands as she looked on.
What had happened? Where was she?
As her body rose and grinned, Jen felt nothing but emptiness. Her life had been snatched in the
blink of an eye and she had been helpless to stop it. Watching in utter disgust as they swept
through the room, Jen was soon in company with Paola and Christy, both of whom shared her
fate.
"What's going on?" Christy asked, feeling as though she were in a dream.
"I don't know. Where the hell is Jareth?" Paola snapped, blaming Jareth instantly. He always
seemed to be the root of all their sorrow.
Jen remained silent. For what it was worth, she didn't know how to react or what to say. All that
she could think of was losing the best years of her life to death. Closing her eyes to the brutal
reality that she was indeed gone, she wanted to scream to the wind that it wasn't fair! Shaking her
head, trying to clear her mind of all the nonsense, she slowly opened her eyes to see that it was
real. Glancing at the others, she was amazed to see they weren't the only ones.
"What are these guys up to?" Lies said as she and Daisy joined the trio. "Who else do you think
they got?"
"I'll get even with them," Essy growled, as she and Spidey wandered into the gathering. "What
the hell do they think they are doing?! If this is why I got great rates, they should be reported!"
she bellowed.
"You guys, too?" Christy asked, amazed anyone dared mess with Essy.
"They spread us out so that it would be easier. If there is nobody to hear the scream, then there is
nobody to stop them," Paola said, watching as the last of them left the room. "Where are all the
others?"
"Then I say let's follow them," Essy muttered angrily. "I want my body back!"
"And just how do you propose we get out bodies back? They will know we're there," Jen
retorted.
"We'll think of something," Lies offered calmly.
"Better start thinking fast, there aren't that many of us left," Paola said, heading off to try to find
the others. The rest of them followed closely, Essy soon taking the lead as they searched the
darkness for a way out. All they wanted to do was thwart the evil plans of their unknown villains
and stop them from taking control of their friends' bodies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There was a knock on the door and Leelee jumped clean off the bed. "They're here!" she
shrieked.
"Calm down," Gemma retorted.
"You in there," a voice called through the door, sending shivers down Kara's spine. "If you come
out now, I'll see to it that you aren't harmed."
"And we're supposed to trust the word of a psychopath?" Gemma shouted back. "Can we say
Patrick Bateman?!"
Jade glanced at her. "Bateman?" she whispered. Even now, Christian Bale was foremost on
Gemma's mind.
"It was the only psychotic I could think of at the moment. Not my fault Christian played his
character," she smiled.
"Open the door. I only want to talk," the voice said.
"Yeah, right," Kara muttered angrily.
Jade pulled the door open only so far, looking at the man standing there. His deep blue eyes were
intent on making them see his way of things. "So talk," she said, holding the door with her foot.
The man stared back, no trace of emotion at all as he glanced into the room with the limited view.
"I know there are four of you in there," he uttered, his gaze coming back to land on Jade. "You
won't escape," he added.
"You won't win, Gavin," Jade shot back.
Gavin's look of shock at her knowing his name soon faded and he hit the door with a hard fist.
"You're going to die in there!" he shouted angrily, hitting the door again. "You're all going to
DIE!"
His last threat echoed in the air as he disappeared from sight. Shutting the door, Jade turned to
look at the others. "He's given us no choice but to retaliate. Shall we go to war, UGLies?" she
asked, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Yes!" Leelee replied quickly, soon followed by the other two.
"Think we can pull it off?" Gemma asked Kara softly.
"Of course," she replied. "DAD!" Kara cried out at the top of her lungs.
Slowly taking shape before them, Jareth smirked. "Yes?" he asked smugly, knowing they needed
something. Kara never called on him otherwise. "You bellowed, child?"
"Cut the crap, Jareth," Gemma bit out, taking a step closer.
"Hold it right there," he said, raising his hand in defense.
"Gemma, beat him up later. Right now we need him," Jade mentioned, catching Jareth's attention
with the last line.
"What was that?" he asked, cupping a gloved hand to his ear.
Leelee hit his elbow. "Knock it off, Jerry. You can be a pain in the ass another day, if we live
that long!" Leelee snapped.
Jareth turned around, giving her an odd look. Raising a stern brow, he couldn't help but be
intrigued. "What's this about living?" he asked, raising a hand in thought.
"We're all going to die if you don't give us this," Kara stated, handing Jareth a piece of paper.
Jareth's eyes scanned the contents then slowly looked up. "You can't be serious?" he replied, his
lips curling into a mocking smile.
"Of course we are, you evil git!" Gemma bit out.
"Jareth, I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation," Jade said seriously. "We know
for a fact they have already taken Spidey and Easy. Others most likely have disappeared as well.
Leelee narrowly escaped," she explained, then continued. "It is only a matter of time before they
have the whole lot of UGLies. You know what that means, don't you?" she asked, looking at
him.
"What?" he asked, not pleased with this recent information.
"No more Underground Labyrinth listians for you to pursue," Jade replied.
"No listians, dad. You'll be all alone," Kara added, shaking her head. "You won't even have me
anymore to harass you," she added softly, then went for the kill. Raising a hand, she pressed the
back against her forehead. "Tell David I love him and I'll be with him always," she said softly,
sitting down on the nearest bed.
"Now, Kara. . ." Jareth started, but Leelee interrupted him.
Leelee tugged on his shirt. "I have something to tell you for the last time since I'll be gone soon."
Jareth looked at her and sighed. "You're not going anywhere," he muttered, then his tone
softened a bit. "What did you want to tell me?" he asked.
"I hate you," she replied.
"Why do I bother?" he uttered, looking upward toward the ceiling.
"Because secretly you love the attention, and you know Leelee wouldn't say that if she didn't
care," Kara replied.
"Too much psych for you," Jade added. "So Jareth, are you going to give us what we need or
lose everything you have now?"
Jareth looked at each of the women. "Are you certain you know what you're doing?" he asked.
"Of course we are," Jade replied.
"Sure!" Leelee piped in.
"Did you really have any doubt?" Kara mentioned.
"Trust us for once, you git," Gemma added.
Jareth sighed in disgust. What choice did he have? It was either trusting four of his most
bothersome listians or losing them along with everyone else if they were right. With a small twist
of his wrist, Jareth held a crystal in his hand, his reflection perfectly filling the crystal orb.
In a matter or moments, all they had asked for was scattered across the beds. Jareth watched
them going over what they had, making sure it was all there and he had to admire their
thoroughness. Sitting down on the chair by the desk, Jareth waited patiently to be thanked.
"Looks like it's all here," Jade said.
"Okay, let's suit up then," Gemma added, tossing Leelee a suit.
"Not really my color, but it will do," Leelee laughed.
"You think it's mine?" Kara gasped, looking at it. "Better tie our hair up so that it doesn't get in
the way. Especially you, Leelee. You have gorgeous hair, by the way," she commented.
"Thanks," Leelee replied, blushing a bit.
"This has to be a nightmare," Jareth uttered under his breath, covering his eyes with his hand.
"No, the nightmare has yet to come," Kara retorted, causing him to look at her.
"If we don't make it back, you're the only hope for the alliance," Jade said, trying to keep a smirk
from showing.
"I think you should be banned from watching Star Wars," Jareth shot back.
"Seriously though, watch your back, Jareth. Trust no one," Jade replied.
"X-Files now?" he muttered, shaking his head. "I think you watch too much television."
"She's serious, Jareth. You can't trust anyone outside of this room. We don't know how many
listians are still themselves," Leelee shot back. "I KNOW, Jareth. I've SEEN it."
"Alright," Jareth retorted, wanting to get out of the room. "I'll just go check on some of the
others."
"No," Kara stated. "You stay out of this, dad. You are just as much a target just by being here as
any of the listians. We can't give them your power."
"For once I have to agree to keep you safe, Jareth," Gemma mentioned. "I'm the only one that
gets to beat you up."
"Oh, I feel all the warmth of love. Enough to fill a thimble," Jareth muttered, disappearing from
sight.
"Do you think he'll listen?" Kara asked.
"Does he ever?" Jade replied.
"Shit," Leelee muttered.
"Let's get everything together. The sooner we stop them, the sooner things get back to normal,"
Kara said, grabbing a box from the bed. Flipping a switch, it lit up as the two sensors moved on
the end. "Cool."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Smut Queen opened her eyes slowly, looking at the shadows that played across the walls. Slowly
sitting up, she stretched slowly, glancing to make sure Amy and Dawn were still asleep. With a
smile, she flipped the covers back and grabbed her luggage. Rifling through her things, she pulled
out what she was looking for and headed off toward the bathroom. She loved time for herself.
Shutting the door behind her, she set everything down on the counter. Running her fingers across
the smooth porcelain top, she smiled then turned toward the large tub. Turning on the water, she
tested the temperature with her hand. Grabbing the small chain draped over the faucet, she
dropped the stopper into the drain, letting the tub fill with water.
Picking up a bottle, she poured some of the silky liquid into the water then set it back in it's place
on the counter. After undressing, she turned the water off and slipped a foot into the tub, smiling
at how good it felt. Sinking into her bubbly bath water, Lisa let herself relax. Resting her head,
she closed her eyes and let her mind wander.
A pair of green eyes watched, waiting for their moment to overtake her. Slowly a form took
shape and a smile face smiled. "This is too easy," Abby whispered, taking a step nearer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amy grabbed her robe, knowing Lisa was taking up residence in their bathroom, and headed
toward the door. All of a sudden the cat hissed, stopping Amy dead in her tracks. "What it is,
girl?" she asked, crouching down and picking the cat up. Giving the room one last look to make
sure nothing was out of the ordinary, she left with the cat still in her arms.
Walking down the hall, she didn't give much thought to the slow drop in temperature, slight
enough that it was barely noticeable until her breath curled in front of her. "They should turn on
the heat, shouldn't they, kitty?" she asked, stroking the soft fur.
Footsteps sounded through the hall and Amy stopped abruptly. Looking behind her there was
nothing, so she started walking again, only to have the footsteps pierce the silence once more.
The cat hissed as it tensed in her arms and Amy didn't like the feeling that seemed to manifest
deep in her stomach. Glancing around slowly, she saw only darkness until finally something
strange caught her eye.
Before her rose a swirling shadow, a light fog wisping around itself pushing itself higher as it
continued it's path from the floor. As it slowly took form, Amy's eyes widened only to be met
with a cruel smile crossing a wicked face. Clear blue eyes met hazel ones as the figure
approached, stopping briefly as the cat hissed.
"The cat can't save your soul," the soft voice called, falling from a pair of lush lips as the woman
took another step, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief.
Amy took a step back, wanting nothing to do with this person. "My soul?" she questioned, her
face scrunching up into a scowl. "What the hell are you talking about?" she asked angrily.
The woman laughed, her voice chilling the atmosphere of the small hallway. "My, what a mouth
you have," she smiled. "Your temper is wasted on me," she stated, moving closer.
Essy and the others watched helplessly as Amy started losing her ground. With a sudden hatred
boiling up inside herself, Essy, the evil Sith Lord, lunged forward almost expecting to be thrown
back. Surprise engulfed her as she fell through the restrictive barrier that held them captive and
into the free space of her friend.
"I'll save you Pol!" Essy yelled, her voice now echoing off the walls.
Amy's head jerked up at the suddenness. "Essy?" she called out, unsure of what she heard.
In that brief instant, Amy dropped her guard as she looked around in confusion. She knew she
heard Essy, but for the life of her couldn't figure out where she was. A sudden numbness invaded
her senses as her head snapped back to see that the woman had completed her journey and now
held her by the shoulders. Screaming, Amy writhed in her grasp, trying desperately to break free.
The woman laughed, her head falling back.
"Oh, no you don't, you bloody moron!" Essy's voice cut through the silence as her soul leapt
forward to just brush the other. A shock of energy hit her like a train causing Essy's
concentration to falter. Falling backwards, she reached out for anything to stop her descent back
to the shadows.
"Know this now," the woman spoke, her eyes focusing on Amy's. "I want you to know who
brought about your death," she grinned wickedly, holding tighter to Amy's shoulders. "I am
Paige, and it's a pleasure taking your vessel," she murmured softly, letting her body begin to
merge.
Amy screamed in pain as her soul seemed to rip deep down and slowly lose it's hold on life.
Without a thought, she tossed the cat in the hopes that it would get away only to send it in the
direction of Essy. As the cat flew through Essy's soul, she grasped whatever shred of life she
could and pulled it into herself, becoming one with life once more.
"Nice," Paige said, examining her newly acquired body.
Amy watched in horror as her body started walking away. She felt herself pulled by some
unknown force toward the shadows. With one last look to the cat, she smiled a pained smile as
she disappeared into the darkness.
"Pol!" Essy yelled, looking up at Amy's body.
"I'm afraid she's no longer able to speak with you," Paige sneered, looking down at the cat that sat
at her feet. "You nearly cost me everything. I think it's time you learned a lesson in respect," she
muttered, swiping a foot at the cat angrily.
Essy jumped out of the way, narrowly escaping the blow. Hissing, Essy leaped at the woman,
extending her claws only to be knocked away easily. As the small body hit the ground, Essy had
no choice but to run. There was nothing she could do as a feline, and she needed to find out what
was going on.
Running down the hall, the little padded feet falling silently against the floor, Essy's ears perked
up. "What was that?" she uttered softly, thankful that she still had her own voice. As a group of
people left a room, Essy hid in the shadows, her disguise perfect for her intent. "They have
almost everyone," she whispered softly, unable to tear her eyes away from the retreating forms.
Without a second thought, she followed them, thankful she was small enough to be overlooked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What of the others, Gavin?" Wes asked, his voice hushed against the stilled air. "There are not
enough of them to ensure life."
"That is the least of our concerns right now. There are those who know they will not continue in
this plane. If they must shadow us until the next advantage, then so be it. I have already taken
the opportunity to recruit a few as protectors," Gavin replied, rubbing his chin as he examined his
face. "I'll be happy once I am rid of this old, tired body."
"Still no sign of him, Gavin. Are you sure he'll return?" Wes asked.
"Of course," Gavin retorted. "One of them is his daughter," he smiled, then continued, "and lucky
for us, she is one of the four to suffer until the end. She will beg her daddy as she lies dying in her
a pool of her own blood," he added, a gruesome smile lighting his face.
"What will be the fate of the other three?" Wes asked, intrigued with the possibility of death.
"That headstrong woman, Jade, will die last suffering from watching her friends fall before her,"
Gavin smiled wickedly. "Perhaps they would all make a formidable conquest before they die?" he
mused.
"You're just asking for trouble now, Gavin," Wes shook his head.
"Oh, really?" Gavin asked, looking back at Wes with cold eyes. "We shall see," he grinned
wolfishly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh, these things are heavy," Gemma whined, her small frame not holding up under the strain.
"Jareth should have made one of these smaller for the Germ," Leelee smiled, fastening the belt
around her middle.
"Kara, can't you make it smaller? I mean, you are your father's child," Jade smiled, knowing Kara
disliked that phrase.
"I can try," Kara replied after sticking her tongue out at Jade.
Gemma sat it down on her bed and took a step back. Watching Kara was amusing, as she made it
bigger, smaller, then finally just the right size. Gemma smiled as she picked it back up, glancing
over the parts. "Will it still have the same charge as the others?" she asked, not wanting to be left
out of any destruction.
"I'm sure you'll blow plenty up, Gemmie," Jade added, picking up an instrument and looking it
over carefully. Flipping the switch, she smiled. "This is too cool! Think Jareth will let us keep all
this when we go home?"
"No," Leelee replied quickly. "He doesn't like us to have fun. When will you ever realize that?"
she laughed, ducking Kara's arm. "Touchy, aren't you?"
"Okay, guys. Enough chatter. I hope you all know how these things work. If you don't, now is
the time to ask," Jade muttered, clipping a lightsaber to her belt. Looking up she smiled.
"What?"
"You have a lightsaber? How fair is that?" Gemma asked, fastening the belt around her waist.
"Jareth gave it to me. Said that I could play with Luke's saber as long as it wasn't a part of his
anatomy," she grinned, grasping the handle.
Leelee busted out laughing. "Just like him to worry about you groping a Jedi!" she cackled.
"Alright, let's get organized. We only have a little time left," Kara mentioned, pulling on her tan
coveralls. "These things are so drab. And why do we have to wear elbow pads?" she asked,
holding the protective equipment with two fingers. "I am not that clumsy."
"It's just a precaution, Kara. Besides, it goes with the equipment. Just put it on and deal with it,
Brat," Jade replied.
Setting about their critical tasks, the four of them grew quiet, unsure of what they were doing or
whether or not they would win. The wind rustled outside the window, adding to the eerie
atmosphere. Each of them knew what hung in the balance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dee stretched as the morning light filtered in through the window. Not ready to get up yet, she
pulled her covers up over her head, trying to ignore the dawning day. She heard movement in the
room and decided it would be best for her to get up and be socialable, even though she was not a
morning person.
Shoving the covers back, she yawned, missing her nemesis, Octopus. Shaking her head, she
vowed that the evil fish would get his. She'd kick his ass! Laughing at the thought, she sat up
slowly, glancing around to see that Allie was up and gone already and Daisy's bed had not been
slept in. "Odd," she muttered, yawning again and stretching her arms above her head.
Swinging her feet over the side of the bed, Dee set her feet on the cold floor and shivered
involuntarily. Standing up, she walked through the room and flung the closet door open. She
missed her closet back home since she had started college. With a wicked smile, she remembered
her insanity last Christmas then quickly pushed the thought from her mind. Insanity was right.
She had to be crazy to have jumped him.
With a sigh, she walked to the window and pushed it open taking in the fresh sea air. Leaning
against the rail, she smiled at the peaceful surroundings. She could hear the ocean waves crashing
below on the rocks. Looking down, Dee had seen plenty. She wasn't aware that they had been so
far up and now she could feel a small pang of apprehension swirling through her. Taking a step
back, she breathed out softly, her eyes on the horizon.
A foot fell silently on the floor as a pair of cool grey eyes fell on their prey. A wicked smile
crossing an eager face, a slip of shadow moved silently across the floor toward the open window
with only one thing in mind. Survival was calling so sweetly to their livelihood, the chance arising
to set things in motion once again.
Dee shivered, the cool morning air dampening her senses as she watched the blue of the sky
lighten with the passing of the dawn. Rubbing her arms gently with the palms of her hands, Dee
turned around to come face to face with a complete stranger. Opening her mouth to scream, a
hand clamped down instantly, cutting off any hope for help.
"Shhhh...." a smooth voice fell from red lips as they curled into an evil smile. Grey eyes looked
Dee over appreciatively until they came back to catch her terrified gaze. "Don't make this any
more difficult than it has to be."
Dee was stunned, fear sweeping through her unlike anything she had imagined. Though she had
been through so much as she has grown into the woman she is, nothing could have prepared her
for this. A strangled cry hidden from the world by a single hand, Dee felt herself being pushed
backwards. Oh my god! The window!' her mind screamed in agony, feeling the breeze on the
back of her neck.
Dee reached out with her hand, trying to knock her attacker off, but to no avail. As the grip
tightened, Dee's body screamed in agony. Her fingers clutched at the wall, trying desperately to
latch on to anything that would help her in the struggle for her freedom. Her back against the
window, her eyes fell to the depths below and her heart raced.
Dee felt her feet leaving the ground, her hands grasping at the edges of the wall as her body
cringed from the inevitable. The wind rushed her ears, deafening her to the outside world. Her
heartbeat pounding ferociously was the only sound she heard as the last shred of hope dwindled
slowly away, her fingertips grazing nothing.
Suddenly free falling, Dee screamed bloody murder as she plummeted only to come to the reality
that she was no longer in her body. Feeling light as air, Dee stopped her decent and looked back
up to see herself smiling back. Her grin ate away at her, so chilling and full of venom.
"What's going on?!" she screamed, raising a hand in front of her and gasping at the sight. Her
eyes grew wide, looking through her hand, and a certain numbness filled her very core. She now
knew that fate had dealt her a deadly hand, one she couldn't escape.
Sighing in abhorrence, Dee reached out to steady herself against the rising wall. As her hand
passed through it, Dee gasped in shock as she fell through it into another room. Trying to get her
bearings, she glanced up to see that she was not alone.
"Glad you could make it," Jen said, looking down to where Dee lay at her feet. "I wonder who'll
be next?"
"I just want to find those assholes that stole my body!" Smut Queen uttered, shivering at the
memory of her last bath. She lost herself there.
"Calm down, Lisa, there are still more of us out there. And don't forget Essy's out there, too,"
Paola offered, glancing at the others.
"Yeah, as a kitty with an adorable pink collar!" Amy added.
"Let's keep moving," Lies stated.
"Daisy! I wondered what happened to you," Dee muttered as the group began to move. "I hope
Allie is alright."
"The sooner we find the others, the sooner we can see how many of us are left. My guess is that
there are about eight," Christy mentioned.
"Damn, they got you, too, Christy? I wanted more Labyride fic, dammit!" Smut Queen clenched
her teeth.
"Good luck, guys," Lies whispered softly, thinking of those still among the living.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
peacefully. Why couldn't she sleep? Even Christy seemed to be dead to the world. With a sigh
of exasperation, she closed her eyes, trying to sleep but making no progress.
Her eyes sneaking open slowly, she was immediately met with a pair of cool blue eyes, their gaze
staring back at her icily. Opening her mouth to scream, another hand came from nowhere,
clamping down and keeping her from uttering a sound of protest. Her heart pounded fiercely in
her chest then suddenly stopped. She no longer felt the restraints of the hands as she looked on.
What had happened? Where was she?
As her body rose and grinned, Jen felt nothing but emptiness. Her life had been snatched in the
blink of an eye and she had been helpless to stop it. Watching in utter disgust as they swept
through the room, Jen was soon in company with Paola and Christy, both of whom shared her
fate.
"What's going on?" Christy asked, feeling as though she were in a dream.
"I don't know. Where the hell is Jareth?" Paola snapped, blaming Jareth instantly. He always
seemed to be the root of all their sorrow.
Jen remained silent. For what it was worth, she didn't know how to react or what to say. All that
she could think of was losing the best years of her life to death. Closing her eyes to the brutal
reality that she was indeed gone, she wanted to scream to the wind that it wasn't fair! Shaking her
head, trying to clear her mind of all the nonsense, she slowly opened her eyes to see that it was
real. Glancing at the others, she was amazed to see they weren't the only ones.
"What are these guys up to?" Lies said as she and Daisy joined the trio. "Who else do you think
they got?"
"I'll get even with them," Essy growled, as she and Spidey wandered into the gathering. "What
the hell do they think they are doing?! If this is why I got great rates, they should be reported!"
she bellowed.
"You guys, too?" Christy asked, amazed anyone dared mess with Essy.
"They spread us out so that it would be easier. If there is nobody to hear the scream, then there is
nobody to stop them," Paola said, watching as the last of them left the room. "Where are all the
others?"
"Then I say let's follow them," Essy muttered angrily. "I want my body back!"
"And just how do you propose we get out bodies back? They will know we're there," Jen
retorted.
"We'll think of something," Lies offered calmly.
"Better start thinking fast, there aren't that many of us left," Paola said, heading off to try to find
the others. The rest of them followed closely, Essy soon taking the lead as they searched the
darkness for a way out. All they wanted to do was thwart the evil plans of their unknown villains
and stop them from taking control of their friends' bodies.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
There was a knock on the door and Leelee jumped clean off the bed. "They're here!" she
shrieked.
"Calm down," Gemma retorted.
"You in there," a voice called through the door, sending shivers down Kara's spine. "If you come
out now, I'll see to it that you aren't harmed."
"And we're supposed to trust the word of a psychopath?" Gemma shouted back. "Can we say
Patrick Bateman?!"
Jade glanced at her. "Bateman?" she whispered. Even now, Christian Bale was foremost on
Gemma's mind.
"It was the only psychotic I could think of at the moment. Not my fault Christian played his
character," she smiled.
"Open the door. I only want to talk," the voice said.
"Yeah, right," Kara muttered angrily.
Jade pulled the door open only so far, looking at the man standing there. His deep blue eyes were
intent on making them see his way of things. "So talk," she said, holding the door with her foot.
The man stared back, no trace of emotion at all as he glanced into the room with the limited view.
"I know there are four of you in there," he uttered, his gaze coming back to land on Jade. "You
won't escape," he added.
"You won't win, Gavin," Jade shot back.
Gavin's look of shock at her knowing his name soon faded and he hit the door with a hard fist.
"You're going to die in there!" he shouted angrily, hitting the door again. "You're all going to
DIE!"
His last threat echoed in the air as he disappeared from sight. Shutting the door, Jade turned to
look at the others. "He's given us no choice but to retaliate. Shall we go to war, UGLies?" she
asked, tucking her hair behind her ear.
"Yes!" Leelee replied quickly, soon followed by the other two.
"Think we can pull it off?" Gemma asked Kara softly.
"Of course," she replied. "DAD!" Kara cried out at the top of her lungs.
Slowly taking shape before them, Jareth smirked. "Yes?" he asked smugly, knowing they needed
something. Kara never called on him otherwise. "You bellowed, child?"
"Cut the crap, Jareth," Gemma bit out, taking a step closer.
"Hold it right there," he said, raising his hand in defense.
"Gemma, beat him up later. Right now we need him," Jade mentioned, catching Jareth's attention
with the last line.
"What was that?" he asked, cupping a gloved hand to his ear.
Leelee hit his elbow. "Knock it off, Jerry. You can be a pain in the ass another day, if we live
that long!" Leelee snapped.
Jareth turned around, giving her an odd look. Raising a stern brow, he couldn't help but be
intrigued. "What's this about living?" he asked, raising a hand in thought.
"We're all going to die if you don't give us this," Kara stated, handing Jareth a piece of paper.
Jareth's eyes scanned the contents then slowly looked up. "You can't be serious?" he replied, his
lips curling into a mocking smile.
"Of course we are, you evil git!" Gemma bit out.
"Jareth, I don't think you understand the gravity of the situation," Jade said seriously. "We know
for a fact they have already taken Spidey and Easy. Others most likely have disappeared as well.
Leelee narrowly escaped," she explained, then continued. "It is only a matter of time before they
have the whole lot of UGLies. You know what that means, don't you?" she asked, looking at
him.
"What?" he asked, not pleased with this recent information.
"No more Underground Labyrinth listians for you to pursue," Jade replied.
"No listians, dad. You'll be all alone," Kara added, shaking her head. "You won't even have me
anymore to harass you," she added softly, then went for the kill. Raising a hand, she pressed the
back against her forehead. "Tell David I love him and I'll be with him always," she said softly,
sitting down on the nearest bed.
"Now, Kara. . ." Jareth started, but Leelee interrupted him.
Leelee tugged on his shirt. "I have something to tell you for the last time since I'll be gone soon."
Jareth looked at her and sighed. "You're not going anywhere," he muttered, then his tone
softened a bit. "What did you want to tell me?" he asked.
"I hate you," she replied.
"Why do I bother?" he uttered, looking upward toward the ceiling.
"Because secretly you love the attention, and you know Leelee wouldn't say that if she didn't
care," Kara replied.
"Too much psych for you," Jade added. "So Jareth, are you going to give us what we need or
lose everything you have now?"
Jareth looked at each of the women. "Are you certain you know what you're doing?" he asked.
"Of course we are," Jade replied.
"Sure!" Leelee piped in.
"Did you really have any doubt?" Kara mentioned.
"Trust us for once, you git," Gemma added.
Jareth sighed in disgust. What choice did he have? It was either trusting four of his most
bothersome listians or losing them along with everyone else if they were right. With a small twist
of his wrist, Jareth held a crystal in his hand, his reflection perfectly filling the crystal orb.
In a matter or moments, all they had asked for was scattered across the beds. Jareth watched
them going over what they had, making sure it was all there and he had to admire their
thoroughness. Sitting down on the chair by the desk, Jareth waited patiently to be thanked.
"Looks like it's all here," Jade said.
"Okay, let's suit up then," Gemma added, tossing Leelee a suit.
"Not really my color, but it will do," Leelee laughed.
"You think it's mine?" Kara gasped, looking at it. "Better tie our hair up so that it doesn't get in
the way. Especially you, Leelee. You have gorgeous hair, by the way," she commented.
"Thanks," Leelee replied, blushing a bit.
"This has to be a nightmare," Jareth uttered under his breath, covering his eyes with his hand.
"No, the nightmare has yet to come," Kara retorted, causing him to look at her.
"If we don't make it back, you're the only hope for the alliance," Jade said, trying to keep a smirk
from showing.
"I think you should be banned from watching Star Wars," Jareth shot back.
"Seriously though, watch your back, Jareth. Trust no one," Jade replied.
"X-Files now?" he muttered, shaking his head. "I think you watch too much television."
"She's serious, Jareth. You can't trust anyone outside of this room. We don't know how many
listians are still themselves," Leelee shot back. "I KNOW, Jareth. I've SEEN it."
"Alright," Jareth retorted, wanting to get out of the room. "I'll just go check on some of the
others."
"No," Kara stated. "You stay out of this, dad. You are just as much a target just by being here as
any of the listians. We can't give them your power."
"For once I have to agree to keep you safe, Jareth," Gemma mentioned. "I'm the only one that
gets to beat you up."
"Oh, I feel all the warmth of love. Enough to fill a thimble," Jareth muttered, disappearing from
sight.
"Do you think he'll listen?" Kara asked.
"Does he ever?" Jade replied.
"Shit," Leelee muttered.
"Let's get everything together. The sooner we stop them, the sooner things get back to normal,"
Kara said, grabbing a box from the bed. Flipping a switch, it lit up as the two sensors moved on
the end. "Cool."
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Smut Queen opened her eyes slowly, looking at the shadows that played across the walls. Slowly
sitting up, she stretched slowly, glancing to make sure Amy and Dawn were still asleep. With a
smile, she flipped the covers back and grabbed her luggage. Rifling through her things, she pulled
out what she was looking for and headed off toward the bathroom. She loved time for herself.
Shutting the door behind her, she set everything down on the counter. Running her fingers across
the smooth porcelain top, she smiled then turned toward the large tub. Turning on the water, she
tested the temperature with her hand. Grabbing the small chain draped over the faucet, she
dropped the stopper into the drain, letting the tub fill with water.
Picking up a bottle, she poured some of the silky liquid into the water then set it back in it's place
on the counter. After undressing, she turned the water off and slipped a foot into the tub, smiling
at how good it felt. Sinking into her bubbly bath water, Lisa let herself relax. Resting her head,
she closed her eyes and let her mind wander.
A pair of green eyes watched, waiting for their moment to overtake her. Slowly a form took
shape and a smile face smiled. "This is too easy," Abby whispered, taking a step nearer.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Amy grabbed her robe, knowing Lisa was taking up residence in their bathroom, and headed
toward the door. All of a sudden the cat hissed, stopping Amy dead in her tracks. "What it is,
girl?" she asked, crouching down and picking the cat up. Giving the room one last look to make
sure nothing was out of the ordinary, she left with the cat still in her arms.
Walking down the hall, she didn't give much thought to the slow drop in temperature, slight
enough that it was barely noticeable until her breath curled in front of her. "They should turn on
the heat, shouldn't they, kitty?" she asked, stroking the soft fur.
Footsteps sounded through the hall and Amy stopped abruptly. Looking behind her there was
nothing, so she started walking again, only to have the footsteps pierce the silence once more.
The cat hissed as it tensed in her arms and Amy didn't like the feeling that seemed to manifest
deep in her stomach. Glancing around slowly, she saw only darkness until finally something
strange caught her eye.
Before her rose a swirling shadow, a light fog wisping around itself pushing itself higher as it
continued it's path from the floor. As it slowly took form, Amy's eyes widened only to be met
with a cruel smile crossing a wicked face. Clear blue eyes met hazel ones as the figure
approached, stopping briefly as the cat hissed.
"The cat can't save your soul," the soft voice called, falling from a pair of lush lips as the woman
took another step, her blue eyes twinkling with mischief.
Amy took a step back, wanting nothing to do with this person. "My soul?" she questioned, her
face scrunching up into a scowl. "What the hell are you talking about?" she asked angrily.
The woman laughed, her voice chilling the atmosphere of the small hallway. "My, what a mouth
you have," she smiled. "Your temper is wasted on me," she stated, moving closer.
Essy and the others watched helplessly as Amy started losing her ground. With a sudden hatred
boiling up inside herself, Essy, the evil Sith Lord, lunged forward almost expecting to be thrown
back. Surprise engulfed her as she fell through the restrictive barrier that held them captive and
into the free space of her friend.
"I'll save you Pol!" Essy yelled, her voice now echoing off the walls.
Amy's head jerked up at the suddenness. "Essy?" she called out, unsure of what she heard.
In that brief instant, Amy dropped her guard as she looked around in confusion. She knew she
heard Essy, but for the life of her couldn't figure out where she was. A sudden numbness invaded
her senses as her head snapped back to see that the woman had completed her journey and now
held her by the shoulders. Screaming, Amy writhed in her grasp, trying desperately to break free.
The woman laughed, her head falling back.
"Oh, no you don't, you bloody moron!" Essy's voice cut through the silence as her soul leapt
forward to just brush the other. A shock of energy hit her like a train causing Essy's
concentration to falter. Falling backwards, she reached out for anything to stop her descent back
to the shadows.
"Know this now," the woman spoke, her eyes focusing on Amy's. "I want you to know who
brought about your death," she grinned wickedly, holding tighter to Amy's shoulders. "I am
Paige, and it's a pleasure taking your vessel," she murmured softly, letting her body begin to
merge.
Amy screamed in pain as her soul seemed to rip deep down and slowly lose it's hold on life.
Without a thought, she tossed the cat in the hopes that it would get away only to send it in the
direction of Essy. As the cat flew through Essy's soul, she grasped whatever shred of life she
could and pulled it into herself, becoming one with life once more.
"Nice," Paige said, examining her newly acquired body.
Amy watched in horror as her body started walking away. She felt herself pulled by some
unknown force toward the shadows. With one last look to the cat, she smiled a pained smile as
she disappeared into the darkness.
"Pol!" Essy yelled, looking up at Amy's body.
"I'm afraid she's no longer able to speak with you," Paige sneered, looking down at the cat that sat
at her feet. "You nearly cost me everything. I think it's time you learned a lesson in respect," she
muttered, swiping a foot at the cat angrily.
Essy jumped out of the way, narrowly escaping the blow. Hissing, Essy leaped at the woman,
extending her claws only to be knocked away easily. As the small body hit the ground, Essy had
no choice but to run. There was nothing she could do as a feline, and she needed to find out what
was going on.
Running down the hall, the little padded feet falling silently against the floor, Essy's ears perked
up. "What was that?" she uttered softly, thankful that she still had her own voice. As a group of
people left a room, Essy hid in the shadows, her disguise perfect for her intent. "They have
almost everyone," she whispered softly, unable to tear her eyes away from the retreating forms.
Without a second thought, she followed them, thankful she was small enough to be overlooked.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"What of the others, Gavin?" Wes asked, his voice hushed against the stilled air. "There are not
enough of them to ensure life."
"That is the least of our concerns right now. There are those who know they will not continue in
this plane. If they must shadow us until the next advantage, then so be it. I have already taken
the opportunity to recruit a few as protectors," Gavin replied, rubbing his chin as he examined his
face. "I'll be happy once I am rid of this old, tired body."
"Still no sign of him, Gavin. Are you sure he'll return?" Wes asked.
"Of course," Gavin retorted. "One of them is his daughter," he smiled, then continued, "and lucky
for us, she is one of the four to suffer until the end. She will beg her daddy as she lies dying in her
a pool of her own blood," he added, a gruesome smile lighting his face.
"What will be the fate of the other three?" Wes asked, intrigued with the possibility of death.
"That headstrong woman, Jade, will die last suffering from watching her friends fall before her,"
Gavin smiled wickedly. "Perhaps they would all make a formidable conquest before they die?" he
mused.
"You're just asking for trouble now, Gavin," Wes shook his head.
"Oh, really?" Gavin asked, looking back at Wes with cold eyes. "We shall see," he grinned
wolfishly.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"Oh, these things are heavy," Gemma whined, her small frame not holding up under the strain.
"Jareth should have made one of these smaller for the Germ," Leelee smiled, fastening the belt
around her middle.
"Kara, can't you make it smaller? I mean, you are your father's child," Jade smiled, knowing Kara
disliked that phrase.
"I can try," Kara replied after sticking her tongue out at Jade.
Gemma sat it down on her bed and took a step back. Watching Kara was amusing, as she made it
bigger, smaller, then finally just the right size. Gemma smiled as she picked it back up, glancing
over the parts. "Will it still have the same charge as the others?" she asked, not wanting to be left
out of any destruction.
"I'm sure you'll blow plenty up, Gemmie," Jade added, picking up an instrument and looking it
over carefully. Flipping the switch, she smiled. "This is too cool! Think Jareth will let us keep all
this when we go home?"
"No," Leelee replied quickly. "He doesn't like us to have fun. When will you ever realize that?"
she laughed, ducking Kara's arm. "Touchy, aren't you?"
"Okay, guys. Enough chatter. I hope you all know how these things work. If you don't, now is
the time to ask," Jade muttered, clipping a lightsaber to her belt. Looking up she smiled.
"What?"
"You have a lightsaber? How fair is that?" Gemma asked, fastening the belt around her waist.
"Jareth gave it to me. Said that I could play with Luke's saber as long as it wasn't a part of his
anatomy," she grinned, grasping the handle.
Leelee busted out laughing. "Just like him to worry about you groping a Jedi!" she cackled.
"Alright, let's get organized. We only have a little time left," Kara mentioned, pulling on her tan
coveralls. "These things are so drab. And why do we have to wear elbow pads?" she asked,
holding the protective equipment with two fingers. "I am not that clumsy."
"It's just a precaution, Kara. Besides, it goes with the equipment. Just put it on and deal with it,
Brat," Jade replied.
Setting about their critical tasks, the four of them grew quiet, unsure of what they were doing or
whether or not they would win. The wind rustled outside the window, adding to the eerie
atmosphere. Each of them knew what hung in the balance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Dee stretched as the morning light filtered in through the window. Not ready to get up yet, she
pulled her covers up over her head, trying to ignore the dawning day. She heard movement in the
room and decided it would be best for her to get up and be socialable, even though she was not a
morning person.
Shoving the covers back, she yawned, missing her nemesis, Octopus. Shaking her head, she
vowed that the evil fish would get his. She'd kick his ass! Laughing at the thought, she sat up
slowly, glancing around to see that Allie was up and gone already and Daisy's bed had not been
slept in. "Odd," she muttered, yawning again and stretching her arms above her head.
Swinging her feet over the side of the bed, Dee set her feet on the cold floor and shivered
involuntarily. Standing up, she walked through the room and flung the closet door open. She
missed her closet back home since she had started college. With a wicked smile, she remembered
her insanity last Christmas then quickly pushed the thought from her mind. Insanity was right.
She had to be crazy to have jumped him.
With a sigh, she walked to the window and pushed it open taking in the fresh sea air. Leaning
against the rail, she smiled at the peaceful surroundings. She could hear the ocean waves crashing
below on the rocks. Looking down, Dee had seen plenty. She wasn't aware that they had been so
far up and now she could feel a small pang of apprehension swirling through her. Taking a step
back, she breathed out softly, her eyes on the horizon.
A foot fell silently on the floor as a pair of cool grey eyes fell on their prey. A wicked smile
crossing an eager face, a slip of shadow moved silently across the floor toward the open window
with only one thing in mind. Survival was calling so sweetly to their livelihood, the chance arising
to set things in motion once again.
Dee shivered, the cool morning air dampening her senses as she watched the blue of the sky
lighten with the passing of the dawn. Rubbing her arms gently with the palms of her hands, Dee
turned around to come face to face with a complete stranger. Opening her mouth to scream, a
hand clamped down instantly, cutting off any hope for help.
"Shhhh...." a smooth voice fell from red lips as they curled into an evil smile. Grey eyes looked
Dee over appreciatively until they came back to catch her terrified gaze. "Don't make this any
more difficult than it has to be."
Dee was stunned, fear sweeping through her unlike anything she had imagined. Though she had
been through so much as she has grown into the woman she is, nothing could have prepared her
for this. A strangled cry hidden from the world by a single hand, Dee felt herself being pushed
backwards. Oh my god! The window!' her mind screamed in agony, feeling the breeze on the
back of her neck.
Dee reached out with her hand, trying to knock her attacker off, but to no avail. As the grip
tightened, Dee's body screamed in agony. Her fingers clutched at the wall, trying desperately to
latch on to anything that would help her in the struggle for her freedom. Her back against the
window, her eyes fell to the depths below and her heart raced.
Dee felt her feet leaving the ground, her hands grasping at the edges of the wall as her body
cringed from the inevitable. The wind rushed her ears, deafening her to the outside world. Her
heartbeat pounding ferociously was the only sound she heard as the last shred of hope dwindled
slowly away, her fingertips grazing nothing.
Suddenly free falling, Dee screamed bloody murder as she plummeted only to come to the reality
that she was no longer in her body. Feeling light as air, Dee stopped her decent and looked back
up to see herself smiling back. Her grin ate away at her, so chilling and full of venom.
"What's going on?!" she screamed, raising a hand in front of her and gasping at the sight. Her
eyes grew wide, looking through her hand, and a certain numbness filled her very core. She now
knew that fate had dealt her a deadly hand, one she couldn't escape.
Sighing in abhorrence, Dee reached out to steady herself against the rising wall. As her hand
passed through it, Dee gasped in shock as she fell through it into another room. Trying to get her
bearings, she glanced up to see that she was not alone.
"Glad you could make it," Jen said, looking down to where Dee lay at her feet. "I wonder who'll
be next?"
"I just want to find those assholes that stole my body!" Smut Queen uttered, shivering at the
memory of her last bath. She lost herself there.
"Calm down, Lisa, there are still more of us out there. And don't forget Essy's out there, too,"
Paola offered, glancing at the others.
"Yeah, as a kitty with an adorable pink collar!" Amy added.
"Let's keep moving," Lies stated.
"Daisy! I wondered what happened to you," Dee muttered as the group began to move. "I hope
Allie is alright."
"The sooner we find the others, the sooner we can see how many of us are left. My guess is that
there are about eight," Christy mentioned.
"Damn, they got you, too, Christy? I wanted more Labyride fic, dammit!" Smut Queen clenched
her teeth.
"Good luck, guys," Lies whispered softly, thinking of those still among the living.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~