A/N: Thanks Etsuki-chan and goblingirl () for the reviews. They're very appreciated. :)

Disclaimer: I own nothing of the Labyrinth. Only the unrecognized characters and storyline are mine.

Chapter Three

A white barn owl glided along the air currents above the forests, searching for something. Something had drawn his attention to this world, to this area, but he was unable to figure out what it was or why. In the distance, he could hear people shouting and dogs barking. Diving lower so that he was flying just above the tree tops, he followed the sounds of the people. Snatches of conversation floated up to him as he landed in a tree out of sight. He listened as the people below shouted out to each other to find a woman, that she was somewhere in the woods. Large golden eyes blinked in the darkness as torches flared up and moved closer. With a quick ruffle of his feathers, the owl set off on silent wings again.

With the aid of the wind, the owl soon outdistanced the villagers who were stumbling around amongst the trees. The sensation that he was supposed to go somewhere came over him again, this time stronger. Looking around, the owl spotted a stream and flew down; giving in to the thirst he felt. As he clacked his beak a soft sound reached his avian ears and he swiveled his head around, scanning the area. The call seemed stronger now, as the sound of barking dogs drew nearer. Hooting once, the owl stretched out his wings and transformed into a tall lithe figure with wild platinum blonde hair dressed in black battle armor.

It was then that he saw a bundle laying half under a bush a few yards away. His avian senses had picked up the scent of sickness and blood but had been unable to determine the exact source. Now that he was human again, he had found that which had eluded him. A faint whimper came from the pile of rags and he stepped closer. Slowly, he kneeled down and touched the bundle only to feel a thin body burning with fever.

"Can you help her?" A voice called out behind him. Turning to see who it was, the man rose to his feet.

"She is dying."

"Don't matter none. The Elders want her dead." the other man said sadly as he looked away. He was one of the few who had known Serina before she vanished and felt she was undeserving of what the Elders had done.

"I see. Might I ask why they want her dead?"

"She's accused of being a witch." A dog barked closer and they could hear the others coming closer. "Please, can you help her?"

He tilted his head and studied the man for a moment glancing down at the girl. "Why should I?"

"She hasn't done anything wrong. Serina's a good girl, she always has been." The villager stumbled through the stream to them. "Please. She doesn't deserve to die. I beg of you, save her if you can." They looked up as one of the dogs crashed out of the brush and stopped. The dog crouched low and growled menacingly at them before turning back into the woods. Someone shouted and the villager turned back to look at the stranger, his eyes filled with fear.

He sighed and looked down at the unconscious girl. The man seemed desperate for the girl to be saved. "You must wish it."

"What?"

"You must wish her to me." His impatience was growing.

"Why can't you just take her? Who are you?"

"I can only take those who are wished away. Now make the wish if you want her to live." His voice grew cold. Time was running out.

"I- I wish you to save Serina."

He nodded and bent down to scoop her into his arms. "Understand that she will never return to this place again. She belongs to me now." Another man burst through the underbrush and ran towards them with an axe raised above his head. The man vanished in a burst of pinprick lights, leaving the villagers stunned.

"What was that?" the second man asked as he stopped beside the first.

"I…"

"Did you find the girl?" The First Elder's voice spoke up behind them. Both men spun around.

"She was here my Lord." The second man answered in a shaky voice.

"And where is she now?"

"I don't know my Lord. A man was standing right there holding her and they just vanished." The Elder turned to look at the first man.

"What happened here? Who took her and where?"

"I- I don't know my Lord. He picked her up and vanished into thin air." He trembled at the glare the Elder was giving him.

"Fools!" The Elder spun on his heel and stalked off, leaving the other two behind. She was the last living relative of her family, the last one left that could remind him of her great grandmother's betrayal. He smiled evilly as he considered the outcome of this night. Serina was gone and if she ever chanced returning she would be put to death immediately. He had gotten what he wanted; He was finally rid of the woman.