Chapter 14: Changed

Jareth-

He was tired, nearly exhausted. Who knew it would take so much energy to control a body other than ones own. Of course it wasn't just Sarah's body that was tiring him out. Using the amulet was more difficult that it had ever been before. For many hundreds of years Jareth had used the amulet without a thought, it was as effortless as breathing. Now, in the confines of Circus, he had to concentrate and exert force. He was sweating from the effort and had to take pains not to let Sarah's body get damaged. This would have to end quickly or Labyrinth would become worried and drag him back, leaving Sarah in terrible danger with no defense.

'Nehelenia is so power mad that she would take the golden crystal without knowing what it could do to her.' She must be insane or stupid. Jareth was leaning towards insane. She couldn't have been stupid and come this far. 'A bit of a pity. She's wasted all this time and energy searching for something that is absolutely no use to her.'

Zirconia wasn't letting up on his attack. The deadly staff in his hands supplied an endless source of energy that Jareth had to dodge, but he noticed that Zirconia wasn't all that particular about his targets. The little girls had to shield themselves from his attack until it got to be too much and the one in green picked up their fallen friend and they all leapt up, vanishing into the darkness high above.

"Get them away from Hawk and Fish!" Sarah demanded.

'I don't think they're alive anymore.'

"Don't say that!"

'Keeping silent doesn't change the truth.' But Jareth did as she said and lured Zirconia's fire away from the two. Sarah had never seen death and didn't want to think about it now. Even to Jareth, the idea of death was uncomfortable. Death was rare in the world of Labyrinth. Oh, it could happen, but it was so rare that in all his years of living in Labyrinth, Jareth had seen death only seven times.

Out of the corner of his perception, Jareth noticed that Priest Helios had freed himself of the little girl. He didn't see it with Sarah's eyes, but felt it. Priest Helios was not a fighter, he was less of a warrior than even Jareth. If he'd left the safety of the child's mind, then he must have a plan.

Jareth was so distracted by Priest Helios that he lost his concentration and was hit by one of Zirconia's blasts. It flung him backwards far enough that when he landed, he was face down next to Hawk's Eye. The boy was pallid and covered in blood. His face had been broken open from eyebrow to chin, it was a truly grisly sight. At least with Fish Eye's wound, it wasn't visible with Fish Eye laying on his stomach. When Jareth stopped rolling Sarah's hand happened to land on Hawk's Eye's face. Jareth moved to get to his feet and Sarah's hand brushed against the cool jewel on Hawk's Eye's forehead. In just that split second Jareth felt agonizing pain and realized what he'd been missing.

Ringmaster's jewel, the equivalent of Jareth's amulet and Helios' golden crystal, hadn't been lost or even hidden. It had been in plain sight all along, implanted in Hawk's Eye's forehead. The pain in Jareth's mind multiplied several times before it disappeared and he found himself laying in Labyrinth's arms, again. His amulet was heavy around his neck and Jareth knew that Sarah was still back in the middle of the battle, defenseless against Zirconia and Nehelania. He hadn't even caught sight of Toby and now there was no chance of it.

"You did well, pet." Labyrinth told him, patting Jareth's hair as it liked to do. "No one could have done better."

Jareth was crying. He hadn't cried since Ring's death so long ago. He'd failed miserably and now Sarah and Toby would both die. Jareth groaned and his hands tightened around Labyrinth's arm. "Send me back! One more chance!"

Labyrinth just shook its head, sadly, and held Jareth close. "No more chances. Come what may, you will stay here where I know you are safe."

Toby-

He had no idea what was going on, but there was a big fight and lots of noise. Toby was so tired and his whole body ached. It wasn't really pain, but a dull ache that wouldn't go away. Jareth said he had to go back to Labyrinth, so this must be what happened if he didn't go back. Toby wondered if he would die. Or maybe he was already dead. He'd closed his eyes when Circus had decided that they would go to oversee the battle and hadn't been able to open them again. His mind seemed to be drifting and he couldn't quite concentrate. He kept thinking of flying and how he wanted to change and just fly away into the night. The feel of wind against his feathers and how the world looked under the soft light of the moon. Silent and still, the world at peace as it always was at night.

The air smelled funny and the noise of battle interrupted Toby's thoughts. Someone was crying. Toby managed to open his eyes and, after a moment, focused. Tiger's Eye, Sarah's new friend, was still holding him, but it was Tiger's Eye who was crying. Tiger's Eye was breathing strange, in heavy, choked gasps. "Hawk…Fish…" Toby turned his head to look up and saw Tiger's Eye was crying openly, his cheeks wet with tears. "They aren't moving. Why aren't they moving?"

Toby managed to turn his head enough to see what was going on. The scene was grim. Everyone was hurt and Sarah was fighting with an ugly person who stood above her on a kind of platform in the air. There were blasts of power thrown down at Sarah and she shouted back at the person attacking her. Behind Sarah, Toby could see two other people who weren't moving and recognized the pink and blue hair as the people who'd come to see Sarah at the shrine.

The funny person that made Toby's head hurt, the person with skin black as ink, scowled at the terrible battle, its arms crossed over its chest. "Well, this isn't at all good. Honestly, I take a little nap and all blazes breaks loose."

Tiger's Eye started shaking. "Dead. Are they dead?" Tiger's Eye dropped to one knee. "Killed…he killed them. They're dead." Tiger's Eye's arms gave way and Toby fell, landing hard on his back. Funny. It didn't hurt. In fact, Toby couldn't feel much of anything.

Toby didn't understand why Jareth hadn't come to help them, but the idea was forming in his mind that, perhaps, Jareth couldn't come. The thing standing near Toby was like Labyrinth, something very big and very powerful. Maybe it wouldn't let Jareth in. Maybe something else had happened. Toby didn't want to think that Jareth had just abandoned him. He didn't want to hate Jareth. It hurt enough to hate mom and dad. It was hard though and Toby's thoughts kept drifting away from what might have happened to what he feared had happened.

'Jareth let sissy come fight alone.' Toby's anger started to boil, despite what he wanted. He was still too weak to do anything, though. He could barely stand, let alone find a way to help Sarah.. 'He's supposed to take care of sissy and he didn't!' Toby's little hands balled into fists. 'We're gonna die and Jareth doesn't care!'

"Ah, but he does, little prince." Circus squatted down next to Tiger's Eye and slipped an arm over his shoulders. Tiger's Eye didn't even look as if he noticed the touch, his face was still locked in horrified disbelief at what he saw below. This put Toby in a very close position with Circus and he didn't like it at all. It just felt completely wrong. "You don't like me, do you? Good. That's just the way it should be. You aren't meant to. I won't hurt you, at least not now. I have no reason to. Your king is here, he's with Sarah." Circus turned its eyes back to the battle going on just a short distance away. "She's very strong, you know. You ought to be proud of her. Very strong and very brave." It laughed softly. "Actually, it's your king who fights now with your sister's body as his weapon. She agreed to it, though, and that took quite a bit of courage. In fact, just coming here was very brave of her."

"She came for me." Toby smiled at Tiger's Eye who still looked very uncomfortable with how familiar Circus was being. "Told you so." Of course Sarah was strong and brave. She was the best person in the world.

"Tiger's Eye," Circus leaned over close enough to press its cheek against Tiger's Eye's. "Zirconia hurt you, didn't he?"

The question brought Tiger's Eye back to himself, but he spoke haltingly, as if it were taking an effort. "Yes, sometimes. When we failed in a task or,"

"Never mind. That's all I wanted to know. I'm sorry you were hurt. I never wanted that to happen. Still, that's all behind us now. This should work out well."

"Well?" Tiger's Eye's voice rose and he sounded outraged as he looked down at the battle below. It was the first time since Circus had shown itself that Tiger's Eye had spoken so harshly. "How can you call this 'well'! Let me help them!" Toby could see Tiger's Eye's claws extend. It was just like a normal cat's claws, thought these were far bigger, nearly an inch long, and looked fatal. "I can't lose them!"

"You must calm down. Everything's alright. this battle is about to end. I never meant my dears to be soldiers or fighters of any kind."

"Zirconia's powerful."

"A flea is powerful, compared to an amoeba."

"Huh?"

"Earth creatures. I find symbolism very amusing. A flea looks mighty and god-like to an amoeba. How impressive would a mouse be to an ant?" It stood and put its hands behind its back. "Not very flattering, but true. I couldn't possibly care less about Zirconia's power or that of Nehelenia. All that matters is me and my people."

"Then what are you?" Toby asked. His stomach didn't hurt anymore, but he was starting to feel sort of faded. He wanted to go to sleep. Home. He had to go home to Labyrinth. He'd be safe there. Safe in his own bed. Jareth hadn't abandoned him, he'd come with Sarah to save Toby. He didn't have to hate Jareth anymore and that was a great comfort for Toby. He didn't want to hate anymore. It made him more tired. Bad enough he hated his own parents and that hurt more than he wanted to say. He didn't want to hate anyone. He just wanted to go home and have Jareth sing to him and Sarah tell him a bedtime story. Toby closed his eyes. He could almost hear Sarah's voice even above the awful noise of fighting and screaming. "Are you big enough to save sissy?"

"I am myself and more substantial than you all. Your Sarah can be saved. The question is, is she worth my effort?" Toby opened his eyes again with great effort and saw Circus' smile broaden when Sarah was knocked backwards by Zirconia's power. Toby didn't even have the energy to yell for her as he wanted to. She didn't get up, but lay on her back next to Hawk's Eye, her hand landing right across his face. Her body twitched frighteningly several times. "You've accepted Sarah as your Ringmaster? Let's see if she'll take the position."

Sarah-

Sarah felt a shock rip through her, starting at her fingertips where they brushed against Hawk's Eye's forehead. It was like being electrocuted. Actually, she realized, it wasn't Hawk's Eye's skin that caused the shock, but the jewel implanted in his forehead. The shock pushed Jareth away, not only out of control of Sarah's body, but out of her mind entirely. Sarah felt the weight of Jareth's amulet vanish from around her neck. She felt vulnerable and exposed, like someone had torn her skin off. Jareth's presence in her mind was gone and it was an almost physical ache to be alone so suddenly.

For a moment, Sarah could only see stars and her whole body tingled. Her lips were numb and she couldn't move at all. It was terrifying, but even more so when her vision cleared and she saw the deformed turtle standing over her with a maniacal glee in his eyes.

"So much for the return of the Ringmaster." Zirconia raised his staff and just behind him Sarah could see a woman who wasn't quite there. It was rather like looking at image reflected in water. She was there and real, Sarah could see her frenzied eyes and terrible smile that looked like a snake smiling. Sarah didn't like that thought. It seemed insulting to snakes and she'd always been fond of them. The woman had immensely long, black hair and eyes like that of a cat. Skin pale as the moon and an exquisite face, she could have been beautiful if it weren't for that awful smile.

Sarah turned her head away from them and found herself looking at Hawk's Eye and Fish Eye. Well, at least he was pretty and pleasant to look at. If she was going to die, then at least her last sight would be of someone…wait. Sarah's eyes focused on the jewel that had shocked Jareth out of her system. Jewel. The Ringmaster's jewel, the same type of power as Jareth's amulet. It had been right there the whole time, right in the middle of Hawk's Eye's forehead.

"Ah, so you've realized. I thought someone would have figured it out long ago."

The world went silent. Not just quiet, but absolutely silent. There wasn't a sound except for the voice and it was made all the worse for that the sounds of fierce battle died so suddenly. Sarah turned her head and saw someone looking down at her. Black skin. Not brown, but black like ink. It had a pleasant face and looked Sarah up and down, appraisingly.

"The jewel, I mean. Of course, Hawk's Eye knew what it was, but Ringmaster told him to keep it a secret when she gave it to him." The person frowned. "She gave it to Hawk's Eye a long time ago. She had bad feeling. Nothing specific, just a bad feeling. Ringmaster was worried about the jewel so she gave it to Hawk's Eye and told him to guard it. He didn't want to lose it and asked me to plant it in his flesh so that it couldn't be lost. She wanted it to be safe. All of this was shortly before she left to meet Hoggle. Or so she thought. No one knew the truth until it was too late. The killer never entered me, so I couldn't send anyone to help her until she realized and that wasn't until moments before he killed her."

"Who killed her? It wasn't Hoggle."

"No, it wasn't. Zirconia, that twisted thing, that wretched, yapping dog that had slipped into my home while I slept. It had taken the form of one that Ringmaster trusted, but was arrogant and revealed itself to her. Then it killed her. I want it dead. Or gone. Or whatever. Just…make it go away. Can you do that?"

Sarah's hand was still on Hawk's Eye's forehead and the jewel, when Circus had mentioned it, felt suddenly cool to the touch. That something so small had so much power

Circus shook its head. "No. In her last moment of life, I saw it all. It was that creature, Zirconia who did it. He took the shape and voice of the Labyrinth's dwarf to deceive my Ringmaster and lure her out where she wasn't safe. Then he killed her and let my Remless' see Hoggle running from her body."

"Why didn't you ever tell them?"

Circus never stopped smiling. "Why? It wouldn't have changed anything. At least I thought it wouldn't." It looked up at the dais where Zirconia was frozen in mid-attack. "It seems that after I fell asleep, that thing decided that it would take my people. It wasn't even planned, isn't that funny? It doesn't realize what I am and none of my children have ever told it. If I'd stayed awake just a little while longer, then I could have destroyed that thing the moment it stepped into me. All this time wasted. Ah, well." It reached down and touched Sarah's cheek, making her want to flinch away. "Would you like to stay here?"

"The battle…"

"Oh," It waved a hand, dismissively. "I've stopped all that. See?"

Sarah looked around and saw that, just as it had said, everything was stopped. Time itself had frozen and everyone, every movement was caught. Zirconia had been caught just as he was launching his attack at Sarah, the energy from his staff was halfway to Sarah, terrifyingly close. It was close enough that Sarah thought she could reach out and touch it. "Time…you stopped it." If Jareth had been right in his descriptions, and if Circus was anything like Labyrinth, then stopping time wasn't such an impossible feat.

"Who are you?"

"I'm Circus. I think you've been told about me."

Sarah nodded, dumbly. "I've met Labyrinth. Can you help us?"

"Yes. The question is, will I? What do I get out of your survival?" The smile was still good-natured and pleasant, but Sarah trembled at the words. "I could let you die here and now. I can still save my people and I can easily evict Zirconia and his fool of a queen. I can let both you and little Toby die."

Sarah's eyes widened. "Toby? You know where he is?"

"He's where I left him. There." It pointed up to the stands where the audience would sit. At the very top of the rows, Sarah could just see Tiger's Eye kneeling and a little shape near Tiger's Eye's knees. That must be Toby. "He's still alive, but only just. I believe he has perhaps three minutes to live. He must return to Labyrinth if he is to live."

"I'll do anything!" Sarah offered at once.

"Think, first." Circus held up a cautioning finger. "What I require isn't something so lightly given."

"What do you want?"

"You. Remember all that Jareth told you about his life and know that you will have the same. I would have you as my Ringmaster, leader of my Remless'. You would be my avatar, my voice. Your will, your actions, your mind, all that you are would be mine. For the rest of your life, and a long one it will be, you will be bound to me. My slave." Sarah hesitated. To be a slave. To lose all control, all freedom. She had been so angry when Jareth told her what had happened to Toby. She pitied Jareth more than she thought was possible because of what he'd told her about his life. Now, to willing walk into that life herself. It would cost her everything she valued. She would become like Jareth, a walking, talking doll.

Toby waiting for her.

"You'll save Toby?"

"Instantly." Circus promised. "I will send him directly to the outside where Jareth will find him and return him to where he belongs."

"He belongs with me."

"Only if you want him to die."

Sarah licked her lips. "You'll save Toby. I'll do it."

"Excellent."

Sarah was instantly overcome by pain. Terrible, agonizing pain. Her vision darkened, but she didn't faint. Instead, she felt weightless, like she was being lifted off the ground. Her skin tingled and burned, the burning seeping right down to her bones. A blast of cold light then burned from the inside out until Sarah thought she was filled with ice while being submerged in lava. The contrast made everything all the more painful and in her agony, Sarah heard the Circus speak.

"You should be younger. I don't think anyone so old has ever been changed, before. Jareth had been the same age as your brother when he was brought to Labyrinth. The pain will ease in just a moment. I'm almost done."

All at once, the pain was gone, just as Circus had promised. The shock left Sarah numb and limp. She couldn't get herself to function and couldn't seem to move. Circus slipped its arms around her and held her tenderly. Sarah felt warm, then. Pleasantly, sleepily, warm. When Circus held her, everything was alright and everyone she loved was safe. Sarah let herself relax, slumping against Circus.

"There." Circus sounded quite satisfied with itself. "That went very well. How do you feel?"

"Distant." She felt like there were bubbles in her head and in the tips of her fingers. "Toby?"

"He's outside now."

Sarah's eyes fell closed, again. "What about Zirconia and Nehelenia?"

"I think I'll let Priest Helios take care of Zirconia. He's just realized the solution. Took him long enough. Nehelenia, however, is mine to deal with. Rather, she is now your responsibility."

Toby-

The darkness of the circus was gone and Toby found himself in the grass, staring up at the darkening sky. He heard cars in the distance and a bird nearby. He was outside the circus. "Sissy?" Toby's voice was hoarse. "Sissy, where are you?" Every word made his throat feel like it was bleeding. "Jareth?"

"I'm here." He must have been kneeling next to Toby on the ground. Jareth's hair almost touched Toby's face when he leaned over to look at Toby's face. "Just in time." Jareth only touched Toby's hand and they were back in Labyrinth. Toby's strength returned as if it had never been gone and he jumped to his feet.

"Where's sissy?"

Jareth looked guilty. "I don't know. You suddenly appeared outside the Circus' tent and I retrieved you. I don't know what's going on inside. I'm sorry."

Rei-

The battle was over and the Remless' suddenly stopped fighting. Even the most vicious of the Remless' broke off their attacks and quickly backed away. Rei wanted to get away, too. She was starting to get that terrible feeling, just like she had when Labyrinth had appeared at the Shrine. She knew, from what Sarah had said, that there was another creature, like Labyrinth, that ruled the circus. In fact, it was the Circus. Rei would give anything not to encounter it. She wasn't a coward, just sensible. She knew what affect the thing would have on her and that was just the sort of experience she didn't need in the middle of a battle. Though, thankfully, it looked like the battle had ended.

"What's happening?" Usagi asked, breathlessly.

No one had an answer. The Remless' behavior was a mystery. They looked confused, and a little afraid, all the while backing away in an ever widening circle.

"Kill them!" Zirconai screamed. It must have been Zirconia, who else would give orders to the Remless'. "I command it! Kill them all!"

The uncertain Remless' didn't obey and Rei was grateful. They couldn't withstand much more. Minako was severely wounded and had lost consciousness early on in the battle. Even tough as nails Haruka was holding one of her arms at a strange angle. Michiru, normally so composed was looking a little wild in the eyes. They weren't used to such ferocious, prolonged fights and the Remless' they'd fought in the past had never fought in groups. Individually, a Remless was taxing. Together, they could have defeated the senshi in just a short time.

Zirconia was short, Rei saw when he limped closer, leaning heavily on a staff almost twice as tall as he was. "I told you to kill them! They're at your mercy. Would you all follow the path of the Amazon Trio? See where that path led them." He swung his staff around and pointed it, making all the Remless' turn to see.

There were Fish Eye and Hawk's Eye laying on the ground, hand-in-hand. Standing over them, hunched over with a terrible expression was Tiger's Eye. His blonde hair looked wild and his mouth was open to show his jaws. Rei had never really noticed Tiger's Eye's jaws before and now she wondered how she'd missed them. His eyes were narrowed and his nostrils flared in a snarl. Guarding. He was guarding his friend's bodies.

"Fallen and broken." Zirconia sneered, not at all impressed by Tiger's Eye's brave, protective display. It made Rei think better of him. "The one remaining has been reduced back to the level of the animal that he is. You'd follow them?" He rounded back to look at the Remless'. "You go against me and you're nothing! How did I find you? Wandering the empty void, leaderless and without direction. Would you return to that? Obey me!"

"Please," One of the many, nameless Remless' spoke, giving a groveling bow to Zirconia. "Forgive us, but we must not."

"Why?" He demanded, harshly.

No one answered him, but whatever the reason was, it must have been significant. They kept backing away, not only away from the senshi, but also from Zirconia. All the way, they kept their eyes focused on Zirconia, curious, confused eyes.

Tiger's Eye leapt at Zirconia, but was thrown back, not by a bolt of energy, but by Zirconia simply swinging his staff like a club and striking Tiger's Eye in the chest. Tiger's Eye went down, but the fight wasn't gone from him. When he looked up, with blood running from the corner of his mouth, Tiger's Eye laughed, maliciously. "Your time's run out. Fake! Pale imitation!" He pushed himself to his feet again and held his clawed hands out at Zirconia, rushing him again. "Long live Ringmaster!"

Zirconia thrust his staff at Tiger's Eye and the moment it connected with his chest, there was a crackle of something like electricity and Tiger's Eye fell. This time he didn't get up.

"Any more brave observations?" Zirconia asked, looking around at the cowering Remless'. When there were none, he turned his attentions to the senshi and lowered his staff at them, just as he had to Tiger's Eye. "And now for you insects. You haven't the faintest idea what you're up against."

Wounded or not, they wouldn't go to death with open arms. All the senshi who were able to stood straighter and readied themselves to fight, but it was quite unnecessary when a familiar voice spoke. Everyone turned their heads to see the winged horse, Pegasus, standing just a short distance away. For the first time, no one had summons him. At least, Rei hadn't heard or seen Chibi-Usa do anything of the sort.

"Call your queen, Zirconia." Pegasus said spoke to Zirconia, not even looking at the senshi. "I will give her what she seeks."

Chibi-Usa's reaction wasn't at all pleasant. Her eyes widened and Rei saw that Chibi-Usa understood what this meant. Pegaus was giving up the battle. He would hand over what they'd all fought so hard to protect and, thus, hand over the Earth. Chibi-Usa staggered back a step, falling against Usagi's legs and then slumping down to her knees. She wasn't the type of girl to burst into hysterical tears, but at that moment Rei knew Chibi-Usa wanted to.

"A trick." Zirconia shook his head, suspiciously.

"To what end?" Pegasus shook himself and changed from a horse to a boy dressed in white and gray robes. In the middle of his forehead was the same golden horn that had been on Pegasus' forehead. The boy wasn't real, though. He was like a mirage, a ghostly image. "Send these children back to their world and let us settle this. I'm tired."

"No!" Chibi-Usa held out a hand towards Pegasus until Usagi took hold of her and kept her still. "Pegasus, you can't! They'll kill you and your world!"

"I will give Nehelenia the golden crystal, but only if you return them to their world, first." Pegasus completely ignored Chibi-Usa's tearful pleas. "Otherwise, we will continue this game. You have lost your seven best fighters, three whom will die shortly and four whom you have betrayed. The Remless' are unwilling to help you, very suddenly, and the Sailor Senshi now know your plans and the extent of your power. I think I have the advantage this time."

It took Zirconia a moment to decide if this was a trap or not. "If you have the advantage, why give up?"

"I told you, I'm tired. My power weakens and soon I will be exhausted. My friend, also. I wish her to leave unharmed. Let my friends go free without further battle. Tell your queen that I will accept her offer. We will rule everything together. Simply have her come and take possession of the golden crystal. Once she has claimed it, I'm sure this will all end."

"Give me the golden crystal and I will deliver it to her."

"No." Pegasus was adamant and even raised his voice, slightly. "I will hand it over to Nehelenia alone."

To say that Zirconia was angry would have been a vast understatement. Zirconia raised his staff and fired off a blast of energy, but it deflected harmlessly around a force shield around the small boy.

"Your petty displays of power are nothing." Pegasus sounded almost arrogant and he raised his head, managing to look down his nose at Zirconia even though Zirconia was taller than he was. "Common worm. You wish for my golden crystal? You have the gall to lay your unworthy hands on the focus of my power, the keystone of all that I am? You think to usurp my place?" Pegasus lowered his head and kept very still, as if tempting Zirconai to the golden crystal. "Come. Lay your hands upon it. Take the power and see if you can surrender it to your queen. See if you have the strength."

"I won't be trapped by you." Zirconia hissed. "Remless'!" He shouted, turning his head to the gathered Remless' around them. "Attack him! Take the golden crystal!"

For the third time, not a single one of the Remless' moved and the whole Circus was in absolute silence.

Zirconia wasn't stupid and must have realized what this meant. "Traitors. I will destroy this circus and all of you with it!"

"We can not follow your orders, anymore." Someone spoke as the Remless' continued backwards towards the large pit that led down to the depths of the Circus. One by one, all of the Remless' stepped into the empty air of the abyss and plummeted into the darkness.

Within seconds, none of the Remless' were left on the performance floor of Circus. Angrily, Z irconia turned his gaze upward, towards where the Amazon Quartet had disappeared. "Quartet! Get yourselves down here and do your duty to your queen!"

Rei looked up and saw the Quartet's shadowy figures above, but not one of them moved nor did any of them respond. She could see their eyes, shining in the darkness, as well as the colored, glowing balls they all held. The girls seemed to look at each other for a moment, but then turned their heads back to look down on Zirconia. As one, they held out their glowing balls and let them drop. Rei flinched, fearing that the balls would explode or something equally disastrous. There was a sharp -clink- when the balls hit the floor, like glass. Then, nothing. The light faded from the balls and went dark as ash.

Whatever it meant, it made Zirconia absolutely livid and he screeched up at the Quartet, "You defy your queen! Traitors!"

"Why should they help one who would sacrifice them without hesitation?" Pegasus asked, drawing Zirconia's attention back to him.

Zirconia, Pegasus, and the senshi were left in the open area. Nearby, Tiger's Eye and Fish Eye lay motionless. There was Tiger's Eye, but he was still moving. It was only tiny movements, but Rei could see his chest rise and fall as he breathed and his foot twitched. At least he was alive. Rei never thought she'd be happy to see one of the Trio alive and well. A shorter distance away, there lay Sarah in the arms of…someone. Something.

Rei blinked and tried to focus her eyes, but the person was black. Dark, midnight black. It blended into the dark background of Circus and Rei just couldn't see them properly. She didn't need to see it, she knew what it was. That thing near Sarah was Circus. That was what Rei had been feeling. So, a god was just a few yards away. 'That should liven things up.' The asinine thought skipped across Rei's mind and she wondered if she was going hysterical. If she started laughing, she'd know for sure.

Why the Remless' had run away, rejecting Zirconia's orders, baffled Rei, but also relieved her. She hadn't been expecting so fearsome an attack. The presence of Labyrinth, then the attack, had taken a great toll on Rei, both physically and psychically. Everyone was injured and in no shape to fight again. They would try. They wouldn't give up.

One of Usagi's most prominent features was her stubbornness. She wouldn't give up, not on something so desperately important. Already, Usagi was steeling herself, getting to her feet but keeping her small hand on Chibi-Usa's shoulder. Rei loved Usagi's hands. Delicate and strong.

Somehow gathering the strength, Rei managed to reach out and touch Usagi's hand. "Don't."

"What?" Usagi gasped, her mouth falling open. She leaned in closer to Rei, whispering to keep her words away from not only Zirconia, but also from Chibi-Usa who looked shell-shocked and on the verge of a break-down. "It's too much for her. He was her friend. She can't fight him if it comes to that and I can't let Pegasus put the Earth in danger by giving up his power like this." Her eyes hardened just a little. "Too many people have been hurt. Even if Pegasus is tired of hiding. I won't let this happen."

Chibi-Usa was crying and her hand trembled as she held her little wand. Usagi was right. If they had to fight against Pegasus to stop what he was about to do, then Chibi-Usa would never be able to do it. Fighting was unnecessary, anyway. Pegasus wasn't giving up. He had a plan.

"Trust me." Rei insisted. "This is the way it should be."

Usagi was doubtful and it hurt Rei. After all they'd been through together, why should Usagi distrust her? Rei trusted Usagi absolutely. But then, Usagi didn't feel about Rei as Rei felt about Usagi. The one person Usagi probably trusted more than anyone was Mamoru. Gods! Sometimes, Rei thought she could hate Mamoru! If it weren't for the fact that he made Usagi deliriously happy, Rei would hate him.

Usagi looked back at Pegasus and the slowly approaching Zirconia. She looked down at trembling Chibi-Usa, then, finally back at Rei. "All right. I believe in you." It must have been a terrible effort for Usagi to restrain herself, but Rei knew this was the right thing to do.

They both turned back to watch what would happen.

Zirconia-

Trap or no trap, this was an opportunity that couldn't be passed by. The golden crystal right in front of him. The traitors to glorious Nehelenia and the senshi enemies could be destroyed later, this was real prize.

Pegasus was so beaten that he lowered his head and closed his eyes, completely putting himself at Zirconia's mercy. Zirconia reached out and wrapped his fingers around the glowing, magnificent thing. Warmth tingled his fingers, spreading through his hand and down his arm, into the rest of his body. A wonderful euphoria clouded Zirconia's mind as the power of the golden crystal filled his body and tantalized his mind. He could feel the power and feel the potential. It was no wonder that Nehelenia wanted the golden crystal. Just one touch told Zirconia that in that small thing, there was enough power to make him unstoppable. No one would stand in his way. Not Pegasus. Not the Sailor Senshi. Not Nehelenia herself! Why, they would be his servants. Slaves. Pets. Insects under his heel. They would be nothing.

Then the burning started. The gentle tingle of warmth turned sharp. It burned Like the power had just increased tenfold, the burning ate through Zirconia's skin and wormed down to his bones. He'd never felt such terrible pain. Unlike the gentle spread of the warm tingle, the burning exploded inside of him.

His mouth was open, but if Zirconia was screaming, he couldn't hear himself. His ears rung with the sound of a bell. It sounded like it was being rung inside his skull. Stars filled his vision before everything turned the color of blood and he was blinded to everything but the pain.

When the pain stopped…nothing.

Rei-

Pegasus turned to the senshi, then, and bowed. "My friend," He told Chibi-Usa. "Forgive me for my deceptions. I dislike using this power I'm given. I would not have led you to war and putting your life in danger. That was never my wish." He stiffed for a moment and then relaxed. He looked more solid and took a deep breath. "Thank you, Circus." He turned to address the god. "I have my physical body, now. I can return to Elysian and revive my world and my people."

Rei was furious. All this time, he'd had the power to do that and he'd refused to use it. He could have saved everyone a lot of time and pain if he'd just done what he'd had to do. It didn't matter at that point, anyway. What was done was done.

"Circus grows impatient." Pegasus told them. "Everything's alright, now. It's time to go." He made his way to Chibi-Usa and kissed her cheek, lightly. "I hope we meet again."

There was a moment of nothing and then they were all at Rei's home, standing in a small group in the front yard. Everyone looked around at each other, no one knowing what to say. Pegasus was nowhere to be seen and Chibi-Usa buried her face in Usagi's side, sobbing.

Dead Moon Circus-
Sarah-

"He's dead?"

"Oh, yes. Very." Circus' smile brightened the darkness. "It's simply unforgivable to touch an avatar's power focus without permission. I'm pleased to say that Elysian did not approve of Zirconia touching the golden crystal. Like I did, it sleeps, but is not dead. How do you feel?"

"Strange. Everything hurts. I feel…bigger on the inside."

"That sounds about right. Rise, my avatar. Ringmaster. Your duty is to protect your people and me. That puppet has been crushed by Priest Helios. You will destroy Nehelenia."

Sarah swallowed nervously, even as she felt a soothing touch in her mind which she knew came from Circus. "You mean, you want me to kill someone?" Kill? She wasn't sure she could do something like that.

"It will be easy." Circus directed Sarah's attention to the people who'd fallen because of Nehelenia's desire for power. "Those are just a few lives. Hawk's Eye and Fish Eye, my poor children. Dear Tiger's Eye, if he survives, is now bereft of his loving brothers. How many other lives will you allow Nehelenia to take? You can stop her here and now. I've given you the power."

Sarah raised her hand to her forehead where she now wore the jewel Hawk's Eye had worn for so long. The jewel was cool to the touch. She couldn't bear to look at the fallen men or at Tiger's Eye who tried so valiantly to guard their bodies and was now only just clinging to life. "What do I have to do? Jareth used the amulet like a weapon." They'd died for her and for Toby. How could she waste that?

"That was only because he was forced to use your body. If Labyrinth had permitted him to physically come here, he would have had a much easier task."

"That doesn't make much sense. I can't figure out what's been going on." Sarah tried to think her way through the logic of how these creatures, Labyinth and Circus, worked, but she couldn't understand it. There seemed to be no laws or rules other than the whims of the creatures themselves.

Circus told her, sagely, "The rules don't matter much, anyway. I make them up as they become convenient. So does Labyrinth. When we interact, of course things get a little illogical." It made a sweeping motion with one hand, to push aside the issues of logic. "Enough of that. This is a perfect opportunity for you to test the power I've given you. Bring Nehelenia here."

"How?"

"She's here, somewhere. Just bring her to you."

"But I don't understand!"

Circus put its hands on either side of Sararh's head and pulled her close. It kissed her forehead and looked at her affectionately. "Don't try to understand. Just do it."

Sarah did just that. "Where are the senshi?"

"I sent them back where they belong. They aren't needed here anymore."

"And the Remless'?" Sarah asked as she relaxed her mind and let her awareness spread out. It felt the way syrup looks when it flows steadily over a plate of pancakes and oozes down the sides. It felt like she was spreading herself. "I can feel them. They're scared."

"I let them know that I'd woken up and that I was displeased by their serving Zirconia. They're just a little nervous. Have you found her, yet?"

"I think so." Somewhere close by there was something dark. It was dim, but obvious. Seeping out of its hiding place and polluting everything around it, like a lingering bad smell. "It doesn't feel like it belongs here."

"That's here. Good job. Now bring her here."

Easier said than done. "Isn't she dangerous?"

"Don't be silly. Here, you are the most dangerous creature. Just get a grip on her and pull her here."

Sarah was becoming honestly terrified of Circus. Was this how Jareth felt being with Labyrinth all these years? It wasn't malicious or cruel, but it didn't see any danger. Even when Hawk's Eye and Fish Eye laying just a few feet away, cold and dead, it kept smiling. It was that smile that made Sarah afraid. The smile and the fact that she would be serving Circus for the rest of her life-however long that might be.

"It will be a very long time, if I have anything to say about it." Circus spoke up, obviously hearing her thoughts. "Yes, I know what you're thinking. You'll get used to it in time. Ringmaster did."

"Didn't she have a real name other than Ringmaster?"

"Does it matter? Bring Nehelenia here. I want you to get used to your power."

It was like wrapping her fist around an orange. Sarah grabbed the dark, ugly thing she found with her mind and pulled it towards her. She felt it struggle, but it was weak and Sarah had no trouble bringing it closer. "I think I'm killing it." She wanted to let go. Killing was bad.

"Good. Bring it here so you can watch it die." Circus didn't permit her to let go of Nehelenia and tightened Sarah's grip.

"I don't like killing things."

"You won't have to do it often."

Sarah gave another pull and Nehelenia was suddenly in front of them. Sarah didn't like Nehelenia at first glance. The woman was shaking with fury. She was so angry she almost couldn't speak.

"What are you?"

"I'm Sarah." She didn't want to get too close, even though she could tell what Circus had been saying. Nehelenia was weak. Sarah wasn't afraid of her, just disliked her. This was the woman who'd killed Hawk's Eye and Fish Eye. This was the woman who'd had Toby kidnapped. This was the woman who caused a lot of pain for no particular reason. "You have to go away, now."

Nehelenia opened her mouth to say something, but Sarah felt the jewel in the center of her forehead tingle. Nehelenia screamed, her hands clutching her breast.

"You're going to make her heart explode in her chest." Circus said. "Exert pressure, like this." The power coming from the jewel intensified and Sarah's eyes widened. "Don't be afraid. No, I won't stop. She can't be let loose or she'll come back later. I don't like the risk. She dies now."

And Nehelenia died. She screamed for a short time before her eyes rolled back. She didn't just die, though. Her body crumbled. She broke apart like a sandcastle in the tide, bits and pieces falling away until the screams stopped and there was nothing left of Nehelenia but a pile of dust.

Sarah could feel Circus' immense satisfaction. It stepped away from Sarah and looked down at what had been Nehelenia. "A job well done." It waved a hand and even the pile of dust vanished. "You're afraid. You don't have to be."

The fear vanished, but Sarah still felt sick. She wanted to throw up. "I don't like this." Sarah swallowed hard. Her hands were still shaking, but she wasn't afraid. What she'd done…

"I can make you like it."

"No!"

Circus put its hands on Sarah's arms and looked at her very seriously. "You can't change your mind now. I've saved your brother, he is safely returned to Jareth and Labyrinth. Your friends are safe." It gestured towards the senshi. "You're mine now. You promised."

"Yes. I did."

"Good. We have a lot of work to do, my pet. Let's start by cleaning up." The Quartet of girls appeared before them and they trembled under Circus' gaze. If they'd been above all this time, they must have seen what had happened to their queen. "Shall we send them to their queen, pet? They were so loyal."

"They're children." They were younger than Sarah. Circus wouldn't kill them? Not when they looked on the verge of tears. Would it? "Let them go."

One of the girls, the one in green, spoke up, then. "No. You'll make us go out there and away from Nehelenia we'll die. We'll grow up and turn into adults. Just kill us now." She was telling the truth. She honestly would rather die than grow up. Sarah could relate. Who wouldn't rather spend their whole lives as eternal children? To play and laugh without a care in the world? It sounded like paradise.

"Let me call Jareth."

Circus scowled. "You are NOT leaving."

"I'll just stand at the threshold. Let me call him. They don't deserve to be killed. They refused Zirconia's orders, remember?"

"A flimsy reason, but you may have your way. I was never much interest in killing children, anyway. Go to the threshold and call your Jareth. If he wants them, he may have them. The Amazon Trio will go with you as guards."

Sarah turned and saw that Circus wasn't lying. There they were, all completely healthy and without a mark on them. Event their clothes were free from signs of battle. "You said they were dead!" Sarah whirled back on Circus.

"I lied."

Labyrinth-
Jareth-

Jareth waited, impatiently for news. He kept by Toby's side as he waited, stroking the child's hair while Toby slept. Toby would live, but they'd only just gotten him back in time. Jareth had requested that Labyrinth let Toby heal by sleeping instead of an instant heal. There was nothing better for healing than sleep. When Jareth heard Sarah's voice ring out, he went straight away to the entrance of Circus There he saw Sarah standing as close as he could to the entrance, waiting for him. At once he saw what had happened. She was changed. It wasn't exactly a surprise. With no other humans available, it was inevitable that Circus had taken Sarah as its own. After all, it couldn't very well use its own Remless' as an avatar and the Amazon Trio were little more than animals. Not that it was a bad thing, just that their natures left them unsuited for the responsibilities of an avatar.

Jareth couldn't help the pity in his voice. "Sarah…"

"You were right, ya know." Sarah mustered a smile. "It's not so bad…for being a slave. Look. You want some new kids? I got a couple that have no interest in growing up and if you don't take them, Circus wants to kill them." She spoke briskly, moving away from the subject of what she'd now become.

Jareth couldn't blame her, he didn't much like talking about his life, either. "I will take any unwanted children."

"They aren't human. Does that matter?"

"No. A child is a child." They walked out of the darkness behind Sarah. "The ones that took Toby? They'll do." He noted that one of them was severely wounded. He'd have to have that fixed before he decided what he wanted to do with them. They definitely needed shelter, though. All four of them looked angry and an angry child was a frightened child. The words were spoken the Jareth send the little girls to Labyrinth. "They'll be fine. Toby won't like them being there, but Labyrinth obviously approves or I wouldn't have been able to take them."

"Toby's alright?"

"He's resting, but he'll be fine."

They were alone for the first time in a long time. He didn't love her. Yes, she was beautiful, but she was not Ring. Sarah was clever and quick, but she was not Ring. She was compassionate and gentle, but she was not Ring. "You can call me if you want to see Toby. Or if you want to speak with Hoggle or one of the others." He offered. "There is a pathway into Labyrinth through you. I'm not sure how it happened, even Labyrinth doesn't understand it, but it's there."

"I'd offer the same, but I don't know all the rules, yet. Circus might not let it happen. Everything's fixed now. The Trio are safe and alive. The senshi are all back where they belong and Toby's safe and sound. I guess things get better from here on." Sarah fell silent for a moment.

"Was it worth it?" Jareth asked, after a moment. "You're like me. A slave. Was all this worth your freedom?"

"Toby is much more valuable to me than my life." Sarah gave a genuine smile. "Yes, he was more than worth it. Besides, it wasn't as if I had much of a life away from him. Do you really think I'd have gone back to my parents? Nope. I think I'm better off here. I gave up myself for Toby. Why did you give yourself to Labyrinth?"

"I was like Toby. Too young to understand what was happening. Labyrinth didn't really give me a choice. I do remember that I wanted to be somewhere safe. Life was very different when I was human, Sarah. I remember always being afraid and alone. Then Han'nin, my predecessor, came to me. He held me and took me to Labyrinth. He gave me good food and a warm bed. I was grateful and I wanted to stay with him. I suppose I gave myself up for the chance of a family."

"Do you think I might have been Ringmaster?" Sarah asked. "The Trio believe it and they knew her pretty well. You say I've got a connection with Labyrinth that Ringmaster had. Is it possible?"

"All things are possible." He didn't want to hurt her, but truth was best. "I can't honestly say that I love you. I still love Ringmaster. She was everything to me and I just don't see her in you. You are radically different." Perhaps, one day, he could love her. Perhaps… "I don't think it even matters anymore. She's dead and whether you are her reincarnation or not, we'll never know. Maybe it's better that way."

They stared at each other for a long while until Sarah forced a smile. "Well, that's no reason we can't start fresh, huh?" She stuck out her hand. "Forgive and forget? No hard feelings?"

"A fresh start." Jareth took the offered hand. "I think we can live with that."

To be continued…