DISCLAIMER: I ow nothing from Jim Henson's Labyrinth. All other characters and story line are my own.

AUTHOR'S NOTE: I want to send a heartfelt thanks to those that have reviewed. And, even to those that don't, because even for me, it takes a great premise and story to get me to leave a review although I'm working on it! Just because we don't leave a contribution doesn't mean we don't necessarily dislike it. At least us writers try, you know? Hope you're entertained (this is my first fanfic by the way), now on with the show-


Defending against the enemy

It had been several months since that rainy Fall night when she had wished her baby brother away to the goblins. And it was also several months (minus two weeks) since she met with her dad and stepmother to persuade them to finance her personal "well roundedness". Much has changed since then and Sarah had utilized her time wisely and fully dedicated herself to her self-imposed regime.

Knowing what was at stake, she thrust herself into all her activities with such zest and vigor; her parents were certain this was a good thing for her. Her grades drastically improved to the shock of her teachers, and the delight of her tutor. So much so that they thought they discovered a late-blooming, but gifted student. Sarah had even decided to enroll in the max number of classes in summer school in order to graduate that much sooner. That wouldn't have been possible if not for her prior enrollment in the after school acting program (which was, of course, before the Labyrinth). Combine that and the extra classes she decided to take this summer, that gave her the extra credits she needed. As of right now, she was slated to graduate high school in the winter.

The renovations of the house were almost complete and will be finished sometime before Christmas. Because of Karen's connections, she was able to get the job done much quicker than normal and the place was looking great, thanks to Sarah's ideas. Usually Karen spent days or weeks considering a look and discussing possible sketches with clients, but the ideas Sarah proposed were a good match. Karen had wanted to renovate the house as soon as she moved in but could never get the look just right to match the New England tone and sophistication. And now, before her were the sketches done in Sarah's hand that was nearly identical to the house they lived in. Needless to say, she was impressed.

Their house was situated on a corner of a relatively busy street, but originally had no fence surrounding their property. Merlin was getting on in years so it was more important to enclose the area as his eyesight was getting worst and the family was afraid of him getting run over by accident. Instead of the white picket fence that so many Americans fawn over, Sarah had proposed an intricate wrought iron fence with details of ivy and various other types of greenery. The balcony in the Master bedroom and front porch was also to sport the new look but of a more simpler design. To compliment not over exenterate the fence.

To Sarah, the installations of the ironworks were pivotal in her plan. Brainstorming on the possible options, it was not hard for her to come up with a solution. Recalling a picture in her American History textbook, she had quickly done a sketch of their home and added the New Orleanian accents. Bringing both the sketch and book down to Karen in her home office, Sarah submitted her opinions of how the house should look. She then argued that it was sophisticated and that many of the tasteful, rich people often borrow looks from old houses. The ironworks would give their home a more stately appearance. Karen, remembering a walking tour she took of the "up" side of New Orleans a few years ago had to agree with Sarah's assessment. In fact, she was quite delighted and quickly set off to work.

Happy for her small victory, she chanted part of a poem she had found while researching for any information that might help her defeat Jareth:

"Silver for the Werewolves, Iron for the Fae,

Garlic for the Vampires to keep them all at bay…"

Knowing nothing is what it seems and vividly remembering a certain fairy bite, Sarah found out very early into her research that everyone knows that fairies don't grant wishes.

In the small possibility she'd have to face Jareth on a horse, or have to journey to him on one, Sarah opted to take riding lessons. Lessons were every Wednesday after class on the Drummeller family estate and loved it. It wasn't a far walk to from school and the workers there were kind and open to her questions and guidance. Personally, Sarah has never met the Drummeller family in the few months she has been a student, but she had heard that they were often busy traveling the world. Since they owned so many horses and had space to spare, they had thought to open an equestrian facility to help augment the cost of their travels and have someone care for their horses while they were away. It didn't hurt to also have able people available to watch the house while they were gone. A monthly fee was the cost for the room, board, shelter and exercising of a horse and many of the town's citizens took advantage of the deal. Liking the camaraderie that she has established with both horses and workers, Sarah could usually be found helping out in the stables on Sundays.

A glutton for punishment, Sarah had started running in the early mornings-hours before school started. She wanted to be in some semblance of fitness before her martial arts classes she signed up for began. After her run and shower, she would then meet up with Jamal for her "acting" tutorial. Originally, she had met with an acting tutor, Harry Alexander, but after a while, she didn't think anything he had to teach would help her very much. Blond hair and blue eyes, he unfortunately reminded her of a certain Defense Against the Dark Arts professor, known in the second book of the Harry Potter series. Knowing it was going nowhere and fast, Sarah was considering dropping the idea entirely. That was until she was passing the New Age shop in downtown on her way to babysit her brother when she accidentally bumped into Jamal as he was walking out of the store.

"Sorry," Sarah had apologized distractedly as she was still contemplating the need for an acting coach in her plans.

"It happens when you're distracted like that," the old man replied, eyeing her thoughtfully. Surprised, Sarah's eyes flew into focus to look at the man before her.

"It's written all over your face, you know," he stated as if stating a fact-which in fact he was.

Sarah immediately groaned out loud and muttered, "That's the whole problem."

Intrigued, the man cocked his head to the side and asked her, "How so?"

Caught off guard by the question and his sudden interest, Sarah decided to humor him. She explained to him her frustrations over her current acting tutor and how she was considering focusing her energies elsewhere. When she was finished, the man regarded her silently and quietly asked, "What is your name?"

Thinking it a little odd and definitely thinking it was time to make an exit, she hesitantly but guardedly stated, "Sarah, Sarah Williams." And she turned to leave.

"Ah," the man commented, "A lady with the desire to protect." Defining her birth and surnames. "Clearly, you're are in need of a teacher." Sarah turned around, astonished.

Conjuring a card out of nowhere, he handed it to Sarah. "My name is Jamal," he introduced himself. "I will be willing to teach you some of the skills you seek to aid you in your journey. Have your parents call me so I may dispel any of their concerns." Turning to walk away he murmured encouragingly, "And, I believe you have to be somewhere?"

With a flash of remembrance, Sarah bolted towards her house. Toby! Good thing she had taken to running in the mornings or she would have never had the endurance to make up for the lost time. Besides, if anything could make her run faster was the demon of an idea that her parent would pull a stop of all of her activities for not arriving on time.

Through this whole exchange, the two of the three sisters who owned the New Age store looked to each other and nodded their heads in agreement as if they expected what had just transpired in front of their store. A little lost, the third of the sisters looked from one to another and said, "I thought that he doesn't teach anymore…" but she trailed off as she bewilderingly saw that her sisters weren't going to divulge any information. Grumpily going to the Jar of Answers at the back of the store, the youngest of the three plunged her hand inside. Feeling among the masses, Fate felt around the slips that were insistent on being withdrawn from the jar and passed those that were dead words. Slowly she withdrew one slip of paper that was modestly concealing its message. Encouraging it to open, the little note complied and revealed the words on its belly:

"When the student is ready, the teacher will appear"