I apologize for the long delay on the chapter but I really had a difficult time finding the things that I had missplaced. Anyway I'm just happy to have this chapter up. I'm sorry if it sounds long and drawn out, that's because it is. I lost my Fairy Queen's name and didn't want to continue until I had located it. I really, really like her name and struggled with trying to find it for a week before I finally located it in a random box on my bedroom floor. So I thank you all for your patience and I hope that you enjoy this chapter. I added in three new main characters instead of just one and I promise that the next chapter will be sooner and will refer to the Phantom of the Opera that had been mentioned in chapter one. Also if you like this story please check out my other ones. My FFVII is on hiatus at the moment seeing as how I haven't actually played the game. I'm also in the process of a few other stories that will be put up, but never fear my loyal readers I will continue to update and as a little treat for all of you I'm putting up my first dark fic in the Labyrinth section so be sure to check that out. Thanks for all your support. I love you guys. 3/20/08

When Krystal awoke she was definitely not in her room. The land around her was charred from the lava pits that were barely visible in the distance. Smoke made everything hazy. The beating of wings could be heard and it seemed to be getting louder the longer that she stood there. This was definitely the Underground, but it was no Goblin City. Suddenly the wings grew silent as a small tremor shook the ground beneath her. When it stopped she turned around. There behind her stood one of the demonic guards of the palace. Bethrezen had mentioned that if she ever ended up in his territory that she should beware these beasts. Though regular looking in appearance, horns, wings, molten looking skin, red coloration, they had a brute strength that surpassed the other demons as was granted by the demon king Uther. Krystal had really hoped that it was just a regular demon that would give her directions and/or escort her to the palace. Now she just hoped she could talk her way out of this.

"You're trespassing on demon lands."

"That's not entirely my fault. You see I didn't know that these were demon lands and I didn't exactly have the option of coming here." Okay so it wasn't entirely true but demons weren't known for their brains. "Do you think you could take me to Lord Bethrezen?"

"I'm afraid that no one can see Lord Bethrezen without an appointment, further more you have never been a guest in the royal court, I also see no escorts or offering." Krystal began to panic slightly. How was she supposed to tell him that she was dreaming so she had no escorts and if she knew a gift was required then she would have fallen asleep with something in her hands even though she wasn't entirely sure that it would have made it here with her anyway. She'd never tried it before.

"Well I came alone and I have no offering because as I've already stated I had no intention of coming here."

"Then leave."

"Before I do that I really must speak with Bethrezen." She knew her mistake the moment the words left her lips. No nobility that had a wish to live would ever not use a title in the territory of another. Especially in front of a suboordaniate who didn't know who you were.

"You have insualted my Lord. You shall die where you stand." As the demon drew his sword Krystal began to wonder if this was going to be how she died. Then a thought struck her as the oaf was bringing down his sword, why didn't she just teleport herself to the throne room with her magic? Granted it was impolite but it was better then ending up dead. Not a minute after she thought it she was there. The throne room was more cramped then she had remembered it being. Tables of scrolls were scattered around the room, books were strewn everywhere, and the throne itself had been knocked onto it's side. Krystal wondered what had happened when a voice came from behind the throne.

"You know you should give someone a warning before you just pop in like that."

"I apologize but I thought it better then getting beheaded." Uther, king of the demons stood from behind the throne. He was relatively human looking. Five foot seven with short black hair and a pale complexion. The only real way, unless you fought him, to tell that he was a demon was his eyes. They were a deep crimson and serpent like in appearance.

"Beheaded? Where did you end up?" She had to think about that. She hadn't really had a lot of time to try and figure out where she had been.

"I think I was over by the south borders lava pits. Of course I wasn't been granted much time to look around before one of the bufoons you keep around the castle spotted me." She saw Uther cringe.

"That would explain the abrupt arrival."

"Once again I do apologize for that, but as you've heard my options were limited. I'm surprised he didn't follow right away with magic." At that Uther smiled showing a mouthful of pointed teeth.

"He can't. After the last incident we had with a visiting royal I stripped all but the personal bodyguards of myself, and my son, of the magic I had once allowed them." She understood entirely. Kai had told her that the lady of the fairies had come for an unexpected visit. A wraith had chased her into the forest of the forgotten. She had been lucky to be spotted by one of the guards but unlucky enough to be mistaken for a spy. The end result was the death of a servant and a very shaken Fairy Queen.

"Well I thank you and the Lady that made it so. I don't think I would still be standing here if he still had his magic."

"You're quite welcome. I take it you've come to see my son. I believe you can find him in the library, he should be studying. If he isn't there you should be able to come across him in the garden. Whilst you are there I shall have a word with my guards concerning you."

"Thank you Lord Uther you've been most helpful."

"Oh one more think before you leave my dear. Will you be joining us for lunch?"

"I'm not sure how long I'll be visiting for so I wouldn't inform the cook just yet." With that Krystal left to locate the demon prince. The library was her first stop. When she entered it she quickly realized that he wasn't there. Leaving the room she hurried to make her way to the gardens. Walking the gardens took about 10 minutes (AN: Demons are more violent then anything so everything they have is small and easily replacable in case a fight breaks out.) and after completing it she still had not found the prince. Her next stop was not one that Uther had suggest but it was another of his frequent haunts and that is where she found him. He was in the stables groom his horse. It was one of the most beautiful creatures she had ever laid eyes on. It was as black as midnight, it's burgandy eyes contrasting with it's coat but not as much as it's silver mane and tail. The most striking feature of course were it's wings, they were leathery bat wings. Krystal smiled to herself. It had been a dream of hers to ride such a beast and tame it but never break it. The creature whinned, like a normal horse, at her approach. Bethrezen, who had been too enthralled by what he was doing to sense her prescence, spun around to face her then physically relaxed upon recognizing her.

"My, my, jumpy aren't we?"

"We wouldn't be if people didn't sneak up on us."

"People didn't sneak. I left my aura on full display and you still didn't pick up on it. I say you're just out of it." She stood in front of Bethrezen. They had been friends since they were little. It was customary that children of royalty in the Underground spend sometime Aboveground. She had first met Bethrezen in third grade. When he entered into the school it had been under the name Mark Schultz. The other kids had avoided 'Mark' saying that he was creepy. Krystal had befriended him but only after he apologized for the rude remarks he had made about her. Demons had a weird way of expressing their feelings and didn't trust easily. After becoming friends 'Mark' had told her who he really was and so she shared her secret with him as well. Both made a promise not to tell anyone who the other was. It was only after 'Mark' left in the seventh grade to return back to the Underground that he discovered that no one there knew the Goblin Princess existed. Bethrezen had matured since she had seen him last. His raven black hair held a red strand on the left side of his face, his skin was paler then his fathers, his eyes a darker shade, and he stood about five nine.

"I wasn't out of it I was just distracted."

"Being off your guard can cost you your life. Would you really trust someone so much?"

"No I don't even trust those who guard my life with it."

"Yet it seems you trust your mount." The horse drew their attention with a flap of its wings. "I would trust mine as well, assuming I had one of course." Cautiously Krystal stretched her hand out and stroked the muzzle of the horse. It seemed rather content.

"Chaos has never let another touch him. Not even my father or the men I place in charge of him, yet he seems to accept you." Krystal was stunned. Lord Uther had never laid hands on this magnificent creature?

"If it's not to bold to ask, how did you come across it then?"

"It's an interesting story best saved for another time. Tell me m'lady what I have done to have you grace me with your prescence."

"I fell into your lands and ran across one of your main guards. I then frightened your father or at least put him into attack mode. Being here isn't of my own accord. I came seeking your help hoping that I could be so humble as to recieve it." She could just see the smirk on Bethrezen's face as she bowed to him.

"Well my lady I'd be honored to lend you a hand but I fear I am much too busy to assist you. Perhaps my father would be more helpful in this situation."

"I'm afraid that he is also detained with matters more important then my own. I fear that I'll have to return to the land of my father and be discovered."

"If I may offer a bit of comfort. Your brother would never allow your father to know of you until the time is right. You see those who know of you fight to keep your secret. We hold you in the highest reguard."

"It's not the fear that someone will give away my secret but that I will betray myself. My father would sense goblin magic that's not his own or Kai's and immediately question it. I would doom myself." Bethrezen placed a hand on her shoulder to show his support.

"If you don't mind a little turbulance I could use my magic to send you there." Krystal smiled at him. This was the Bethrezen she had befriended all those years ago. Before she could think better of it she enveloped him in a hug to show him her appreciation. After a minute he stepped out of her embrace. "Your highness that's no way to act around a potential suitor." Instead of the smile that had been there before a smirk now occupied Krystal's face.

"Are you saying my lord that you want to court me?"

"All I said was a potential suitor not that I would offer myself as such. Now be gone with you before you upset the balance of my kingdom further." The next thing she knew Krystal was standing outside the Labyrinth feeling woozie and disoriented. Aside from that she was no worse for wear. Shrugging off the uncomfortable feeling that the trip left behind she turned to the doors leading into the Labyrinth.

"It figures I would be left here. I wonder what he was thinking. Especially after I got myself in trouble last time. Oh well." With that Krystal headed into a land that was no longer unfamiliar to her. Placing her hands on the door to the beginning of the great maze she used her strength to open it only wide enough so that she could slip through. Smiling widely at her wonderful accomplishment she began to wander her father's Labyrinth. The first thing she noticed upon entering was the Labyrinth hadn't changed since she had wandered through it the other night. The second thing was that the plants were dieing in that area. She questioned it knowing that her father would have never allowed something like that to happen.

"Unless he's unware of the danger. The Labyrinth falling apart right under his nose." Of course it only made sense that whoever was doing this was taking advantage of Jareth's distraction and it was a BIG distraction. Reaching out she touched one of the dried vines. Slowly she released her magic into it rejuvenating the plants in that area.

"Thank the stars I've finally found someone that can help me through this god forsaken maze." Krystal whirled around to face the person behind her. Standing before her was a woman that could be described as ethreal. She stood just shorter then Krystal making her 5' 10". Her skin had a silver glow to it. Her hair fell to her waist in flowing auburn tresses. Her skirts billowed out around her. Continously flowing in a nonexistent wind. Krystal thought she was beautiful but blanched at her wording of the wonderful structure that they were currently surrounded by.

"M'lady I would appreciate it if you wouldn't refer to the Labyrinth as a god forsaken maze." The woman looked startled by Krystal's request but nodded anyway.

"My apologies. I've been going in circles for 3 hours now and am probably late for my appointment with his majesty."

"With all due respect M'lady can't you just magic yourself to the castle?" The woman looked frustrated.

"That wouldn't be a problem if the orc king hadn't showed up unannounced."

"Begging your pardon but what does that have to do with you not being able to magic yourself to the castle?"

"Well the goblins were sent into such a uproar that his majesty didn't want anymore unexpected visitors so he placed up a barrier to prevent the use of magic in the Labyrinth and the castle."

"Couldn't you just use your magic outside the Labyrinth to get into the castle?"

"Not without his majesty's magic interferring."

"I see. Well would you like some assistance getting to the castle? It just so happens I was on my way there anyway."

"Thank you that would be much appreciated. You're an angel."

"I wouldn't say that. Now the first thing to know about the Labyrinth is always remember where you are.You might not always know where you're going or where you've been but where you are is always important. From there you can find your way wherever." The woman smiled at the girl's logic that was so much like that of the man in the castles.

"So where are we?"

"We are about 8 steps from the door to the Labyrinth." The woman sighed in exasperation. "Not to fret dear lady for I know the way through this frusterating maze." With that Krystal began to lead the lost monarch through the ever changing walls. After several minutes the lady wasn't apparently feeling releaved that they were finally moving.

"Where are the turns? This is a Labyrinth isn't it?"

"Yes M'lady it is. We're coming up on a turn right now but it's not the one we're looking for." The noble looked confused. "If it will put your mind at ease the turn we're looking for is across the way from a little blue worm."

"A little blue worm?"

" 'Allo." Krystal smiled.

"Yes a little blue worm. Good day." She smiled at the worm then turned around to find...a wall. "Um excuse me. Where's the opening that's supposed to be here?"

"Sadly you just missed it. It left about 3 minutes ago."

"Left?! How could it leave? Stone structures don't just grow legs, get up and walk away...well not normally anyway. I mean there are exceptions-" Krystal tuned her out then. Apparently whichever land this noble was from didn't know that the Labyrinth changed, just thought it changed for wish aways, or didn't believe the stories.

"That's alright we'll just call it back."

"That's not possible!"

"Second thing you need to know is that in the Labyrinth everything is possible and nothing is what it seems...well rarely anyway." Placing her ear up against the wall where the opening was normally she listened to the Labyrinth, letting it talk to her. After a few moments she pulled away and started counting the cobblestones under her feet.

"What are you hoping to accomplish?"

"I'm hoping to get our entrance back." When she found the cobblestone she was looking for she stomped on it twice. The sound of grinding stone echoed off the walls. Suddenly the wall was replaced by the entryway once again.

"Now I'm very glad I ran into you my dear." They began to take the left path when the worm stopped them.

"Hey hang on!" The woman just had to turn around. "Don't go that way."

"What was that?"

"He said don't go that way. Of course that's the fastest way to get to the castle."

"So he's trying to send us the wrong way?"

"Not on purpose. He watches out for those who traverse the Labyrinth. Jareth is a terribly powerful ruler. He does what he thinks is best and tries to protect the wisher from him. Doesn't always work but he tries. It's the nature of all the creatures here."

"I didn't know that. I guess there's a lot about the Labyrinth that we were never taught because we're not usually directly involved with it or its inhabitants."

"I can see that since about the only person you would see would be Jar-his majesty." Krystal hated to use Jareth's title. She usually just called him Jareth, father, or dad which came more natrually.

"I've noticed you used his name before. You're either very brave or very stupid. I'm opting for the first since you're helping me get through this...maze." Krystal noticed the restraint the woman had used when referring to the Labyrinth.

"Well we best be on our way. Have a good day Mr. Worm."

"Hey hang on!"

"What is it now Mr. Worm?"

"I have a name."

"What?"

"I said I have a name."

"Well what is it so the next time I see you I can call you by your name."

"Prescott."

"Well it was very nice to see you again Prescott. Now if you'll excuse us we have a castle to get to before night fall. Have a good day Prescott, oh and say hi to your wife for me." With that Krystal ushered the noble into the opening to the left before the worm, Prescott, could deter them anymore. As soon as they stepped through, the entrance closed making the woman in front of her jump. "Relax the Labyrinth changes. You can't be too jumpy around this place because you never know what you're going to run into next. Speaking of which when the guarded doors are in sight we're going to make a fast right to avoid getting trapped with them. We'll move into the underground tunnels from there."

"Underground tunnels?"

"They're used for getting through the Labyrinth faster. The mortals that aquire the books don't know about them because they were never mentioned. His majesty likes to watch them run the Labyrinth. If they're underground he can't very well do that can he? Anyway they were created in case the goblins ever had to evacuate the city."

"Have the goblins ever evacuated the city?"

"No, not as of yet. The tunnels are only known to a select few. Speaking of the tunnels there are the doors turn right quickly or that path will be lost to us and we'll be forced to take a much longer route." The woman did as she was told. Sure enough after they got out of the way it closed itself off. "Jareth...uh his majesty had created the tunnels incase a magical war broke out between the Fae of the Underground. He wanted a way to ensure that his subjects would be kept safe and wouldn't be destroyed by his enemies. They've always faired well in the battles though so these tunnels have gotten no real use. Unfortunately the cleaners still run through it so we must be careful." Tapping on a few bricks on the wall opened a door in the pathway.

"I think at the next council meeting I'll recommend that children of the Underground should be taught more about the neighboring lands."

"I think that would be a splendid idea." With that said they descended into the tunnels. The passageway was cramped and hardly lit but somehow they made it down the stairs. Once they reached the bottom the monarch continued walking ahead of Krystal.

"I'm not sure that's such a good idea. We may not be in the area where the most traps are laid but still there are traps and creatures down here that will cause mischeif or hurt you."

"Don't fret, my magic will still work down here."

"How can you be so sure? Your magic doesn't work in the Labyrinth and we're still partially in it. Besides you didn't even know the tunnels were here."

"You might have a point." A noise behind them interrupted their conversation. Choosing to ignore it they turned to each other to continue their discussion, that is until it got constantly louder. Finally realizing that something was wrong the Fae decided it might be a good idea to actually pay attention to the sound.

"What is it?" Krystal shushed her in the hopes of hearing the sound more clearly. After a moment she realized exactly what it was.

"It's the cleaners!"

"The what?"

"The cleaners. Run!" Krystal took off down the path not caring if the noble followed or not. She was NOT going to be killed in her homeland saving a noble that was probably planning to start a war against her father. Besides the cleaners weren't to be taken lightly. They were dangerous to even the goblins and only Jareth could control them. Knowing things didn't look so good she took the first turn she saw. Swerving to the left she chanced a glance behind her. The woman she was escorting to the palace could be seen running past the turn. When Krystal thought things couldn't get worse...they did. The cleaners had taken the turn along with her. Well at least the noble was safe. As that thought entered her mind a scream rang out from the direction the woman had run.

"Well so much for that." With the cleaners right on her tail there wasn't much she could do. Hoping that it would work Krystal tried to form a crystal. She was so startled when one appeared in her hand that she dropped it. The sound of it shattering startled her out of her stupor.

"Of course! It makes sense now, why didn't I think of it before? Jareth uses goblin magic. Seeing as I'm his daughter it would only make sense that I would have the same magic as him, and his magic isn't blocked." Thankful for her new revelation she created another crystal. Throwing it at one of the walls she turned into the opening it had created. The cleaners continued down the path she had just left. Apologizing softly to the Labyrinth for altering it, she quickly patched the hole then went to find the monarch she had gotten seperated from. It was easy enough to find where she had lost the frightened woman, not going to be easy to find where the woman had wandered off to. Apparently, in her upset and terrified state she had thought it was a good idea to move. Now Krystal had the difficult task of finding her. Creatures that got lost down here seldom made it out alive.The scream she heard had been one of utter terror. Part of her said that it was a good thing that the woman was gone. She could make better time, wouldn't have to worry about someone else, and she wouldn't have to listen to the woman prattle on. The other part disagreed profusely. She didn't mind having a companion because she was talking to someone else from the Underground, she didn't really have to look after the woman, she usually staid close enough to protect, and she wasn't that cruel. Sadly Krystal's darker side hated to lose.It would most certainly rear its ugly head again sometime soon. Krystal feared that because she knew it would come back with a vengence. For the time being, however, she had more important things to worry about, like where the missing monarch had run off to. Relying on her instincts and help from the Labyrinth, Krystal began to move back the way she had come. The Labyrinth shifted behind her forcing her in the right direction. She traveled for what seemed like hours before finally coming across the distraught monarch.

"M'lady are you alright? What happened?" She must have startled the woman because she jumped. Suddenly coming out of her trance like state the woman burst into tears. Feeling horrible Krystal patted the sobbing monarch on the shoulder. She guessed the Labyrinth would do that to anyone who wasn't familiar with it. Granted Krystal wasn't really used to it but her dreams had given her some insight to the workings of the maze. Comforting the now hysterical woman, Krystal tried to get her to talk.

"What happened to you M'lady?"

"I..I couldn't find you. Then a shadow came out of the wall. I ran and the creature gave chase. I tripped, ripped my beatiful gown, and broke a nail." Krystal thought over what the monarch had said. A shadow creature? In the Labyrinth? Maybe they existed on the demonic plains but certainly not here. Pushing that thought aside for later she smiled at the woman.

"My apologies. I did not mean for us to get seperated. Of course I found when we were that I can use my magic. So it seems that one good thing has come from this mess."

"So it would seem. So use your magic to take us to the castle."

"I'm afraid that I can't m'lady but I can take us as far to the castle as the tunnels allow."

"If you can use your magic then maybe I can use mine as well." Krystal watched while the woman tried to do...something. "It didn't work."

"I see that. Here take my hand." Holding out her hand Krystal waited for the woman to take it. After a moments hesitation she accepted. "Now close your eyes." The monarch gave her a calculating look. "Trust me." Another minute and the woman complied. Using her magic Krystal teleported them to the end of the tunnels. Awaiting them was another set of stairs. This set could easily be seen thanks to the sunlight streaming throughthe opening that the stairs led to. "Here we are."

"Well where exactly would here be?"

"We're at the entrance to the Goblin City. When we walk up those stairs we'll be at the gate." The woman looked skeptical. "What? Don't believe me? Why don't you go first?" The woman hesitated then began to treck up the stairs. Krystal followed her, smile big on her face. When they finally reached the top of the stairs she was blinded momentarily by the drastic change in lighting. Once her eyes adjusted she survayed the land. Behind her was the junkyard. The moving piles of trash on top of creatures easily visible. Infront of her the gates to her home. Buildings just barely visible above the high stone wall. "It's beautiful." Smiling to herself Krystal moved to where the monarch stood. "I suggest that we get you to the castle quickly M'lady before you're late for your meeting with his highness."

"I suppose you're right." With that both woman headed down the hill they were standing on. As soon as they reached the gates Krystal turned to her companion.

"This is where I leave you M'lady. The castle is a straight shot from here and this part of the Labyrinth doesn't change. Goblins are such simple minded creatures that if it did they'd be lost forever." The lady bowed to her and began to walk into the city when she turned around.

"Oh in all the excitement it seems that I forgot my manners." She bowed to Krystal once again. "My name is Caelia. I'm Queen of the Fairies." She waited patiently for Krystal to introduce herself as was only polite.

"Oh please your Majesty I am but a humble servant of M'Lord. My name is of no importance to him neither to you. I'm just glad that I could be of assistance." She quickly fled back into the tunnels before the lady could ask her anything else. "The Fairy Queen...the same one that got lost in demon territory, got lost here. I wonder if they actually educate their children in geography of the Underground or if it's just a bunch of wild rumors." Finding a decently comfortable spot of ground Krystal sat with her head resting against the wall. Now that she thought about it she was rather exhausted. She hadn't slept the night prior and it was beginning to catch up to her. Deciding that she was only going to rest for a few minutes, her eyes got heavy, slowly closing of their own accord.