Author's Note:

In order to use the book 'Labyrinth' as a basis for part of this story I have assumed that it is very similar to the adventure that Sara took there in the movie. If I am wrong I do apologize. The role Sara played is to be associated with a Princess, Jareth's part is still known as the Goblin King, and so on. I hope you will enjoy this. Again, I am sorry if it is wrong, I am taking liberties as the author of this fanfiction. Enjoy!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~On to the Story~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sensation wore its way through the images slowly. At first it was just a soft disruption in the colors, then the feel of a hand gripped around her arm. As everything faded words assaulted her ears, breaking the silent wall formed by the scenes she had seen. Blinking, she looked around her, readjusting to the dim auditorium. Phedrea met her eyes as Sara turned toward her; it was her hand she had felt around her arm.

"Sara?" Phedrea's voice was soft, but Sara could detect the rigid concern that laced through it.

"Hmm?" It was the best she could come up with after what she had experienced.

"Sara, are you okay," she kept her voice as neutral as possible. Phedrea had been used to Sara spacing out every now and then, but this had been different. Sara had never paled so completely. Her eyes had always misted over, but they had never seemed to shimmer. It had been creepy to see that transition take place.

"Uh huh…," Sara's voice trailed away as she fought to recover. "I'm fine. I promise," she added as she noticed the skepticism in her friend's face.

Phedrea looked over her once more before relinquishing her grip. As she sat back in her seat her eyes glanced toward Taryn. He had witnessed the entire scene with little to no emotion. Only as Sara came too did he turn away, a slightly amused expression on his face. It didn't seem right. Phedrea considered herself an easy going person, very few things could startle her, but even she had been disturbed the first time she had witnessed one of Sara's 'dreams' and yet Taryn had watched her closely and had seemed to find it interesting, even amusing.

"Sara! Phedrea!" Mrs. Gallagher's voice snapped both Sara's and Phedrea's heads in her directions. "I do realize that the addition to the class is delightful news but I had hoped that my news would have captured the same degree of attention," the words sounded patronizing, but the humor in her voice took away what reprimand there would have been in them. She smiled, "I was just explaining to those paying attention that we would be adapting the play from a book. 'The Labyrinth', though a book, contains the potential for a drama and I had little trouble breaking it down into parts and lines. I believe you will all enjoy this experience." Shuffling through the pages in her folder she retrieved two stapled sheets of paper before walking around the podium to stand in front of the class. Motioning with the papers she continued, "And here is the casting." Looking down at it briefly she glanced back over the students, "Should I draw it out longer?"

The response was direct and unanimous with at least five students standing up in their protest. A soft ripple of laughter carried over the wave of voices calming it until only the laughter was left. More than a few faces showed embarrassment at having been caught up in the moment and Mrs. Gallagher's baiting.

Recovering, Mrs. Gallagher smiled over the room, "I'll take that as a no.," clearing her throat she continued, "Very well, on with the casting." Looking over the sheet she began, "The story centers around two main characters and so it only seems appropriate to begin with them, wouldn't you agree?" Without waiting for the go-ahead she explained, "I thought so. It is the story of a Princess and her encounter with the Goblin King…"

Sara had listened intently up until this point. She had almost believed that it could still be in her imagination, but as Mrs. Gallagher named the Goblin King she had felt her heart fall. She found it difficult to breathe as she focused upon every word that was spoken, the foundation she had created in reality seeming to crumble away. Sara clung desperately to edge of the wall that she had raised stone by stone against raging storm of her dreams.

For one moment Sara listened to the storm, its promises of power, magick, and everything her heart could desire in life. Its voices whispered sweetly, seducing her mind with soft caresses and for one moment she thought of letting go, giving into it, trusting the magick that had been so much apart of her as a child.

'No… not again…,' she grasped desperately to reality, strengthening what she had built. 'I am not that child anymore. There is no place for magick in my life.'

"Sara!"

Her eyes snapped open, her ears meeting with the resounding laughter of her peers.

"Sara, I enjoy daydreaming as much as the next person; however, it has no place in the middle of my class." A slow, proud smile light up Mrs. Gallagher's face, "Especially when I have just announced your role in the play."

Sara stared at her in shock, "My… my role?" She said it in disbelief and turning to Phedrea found her smiling, pride in her eyes. Turning back to Mrs. Gallagher she looked questioningly, "May I ask what role I was given?"

Laughter again filled the auditorium, but underneath Sara's excitement was a slight fear. 'Anything but the Princess,' she thought. It was the part she had played in the dreams and she didn't know if she could separate her dreams from her life if she were placed into that role.

The pride she had seen from her teacher and Phedrea; however, left her with a fear that that was exactly who she would play.

"Class, would anyone like to inform Sara as to the role she will play?," Mrs. Gallagher was having the time of her life and if she hadn't loved her so much Sara would have hated her at the moment.

Moments of waiting seemed to drag by as she waited in dread. Every second of silence was excruciating torture…

Clenching her fists her mind began to scream, 'Someone! Just say…'

"Princess."

Sara turned her face, with the rest of the class, in the direction of the voice. Their had been no hand raising as was usual, just a simple statement. Taryn sat back in his chair, arms folded over his chest, eyes closed, a slight smile tugging at the corners of his lips before repeating the word, this time adding her name at the end.

For a moment Sara had been unsure whether he had used her name as an address or had called her 'Princess Sara'. She almost smiled as she fought back the thought, 'You're letting your imagination run away with you again,' but as Taryn's eyes opened and turned to meet hers, something in them seemed to tell her not to dismiss the possibility.

Heat began to rise into her cheeks and Sara quickly turned away. Her thoughts were going to get her into trouble if she wasn't careful. Lifting her gaze she looked toward Mrs. Gallagher.

"Correct, Taryn," turning to Sara she addressed her, "Sara, you will be portraying the role of the Princess."

Sara didn't know what to say. The look of shock seemed to please Mrs. Gallagher, convincing her that Sara was pleased. Smiling warmly she returned to the list, "And now for the Goblin King."

Through the numbness of her mind Sara struggled to think clearly. She thought over classmates, judging, as best she could, their performances and previous roles, trying to determine who would be placed into the Goblin King's role.

'Trent? No, he is cut out for smiles and laughter. Shaun could have the potential…Devon as well.' Frowning Sara added to herself, 'Yes, Devon had the potential… cold, cruel…' Sara still had yet to get over the heartache he had left her with when she walked in on him and her 'friend' Reia taking advantage of his roommate, Liam's, absence. It had been a predictable end to their relationship.

"Taryn Collins."

'Yes Taryn might be able to pull off the part well,' Sara stole a glance at him. 'Definitely Goblin King material,' she mused half smiling, 'there is a slight arrogance about him and he certainly is handsome in a 'dark' kind of way. Yes, yes I do believe he would work in that role.'

"Taryn Collins, your performance at your audition was exemplary and, though I do not usually give leading roles to new students, I am persuaded that you would be the best choice for the role," Mrs. Gallagher smiled. "I look forward to your portrayal of the Goblin King, Mr. Collins," a few scattered applauds and congratulations broke out. As attention turned once more to Taryn, Mrs. Gallagher let her gaze narrow speculatively over her new student.

Sara, meanwhile, had snapped back from her thoughts at the mention of 'Goblin King' and 'Mr. Collins'. How long had she been staring at him? She could feel the warmth rising again and had almost fought it off when Taryn leaned over near her ear.

"Sizing me up, Sara?"

She could feel the breath catch in her throat, "W-what do you mean?"

Smiling Taryn answered, "Sizing me up for the role of Goblin King." There was something in the way he said 'Goblin King' that had Sara's pulse racing. "I will do my best as your counterpart on the stage."

Taking a calming breath, Sara wrestled herself under control, "I am sure you will be wonderful." Forcing a smile to her lips she added, "I am more concerned with my performance," laughing softly to lighten the intensity of the play and Taryn's presence.

"I am sure it will be a piece of cake for you. You'll be just fine," Taryn assured her, letting the words linger as he turned back to listen to the rest of the casting.