Love or the Game

Jareth smiled as he watched her from a window. At this rate she would never find Hogbrain. Turning on his heels, he walked gallantly through the halls certain that she would be his in two days. Smiling with the thought of pleasuring her, he couldn't contain the excitement of the game that burned in his soul.

"So, we play this game once more, my sweet," he said softly, producing a crystal upon his fingertips. "I doubt you will like the outcome."

Jareth tossed the crystal into the air where it disappeared from sight. His laughter echoed off the walls in the darkened halls as his boots clicked across the stone floors. Revenge, such a sweet thing. Everything will go as planned and in two days, she will have no choice but to surrender herself to his will. She was bound by her word.

~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarah walked through familiar territory. Glancing around, her memories came flooding back. The time she spent here was one of the most memorable times of her life, and yet it filled her with sorrow. All her friends that had helped her along the way, and now it seems as though she was the cause of Hoggle's demise. She felt the tears of despair stinging at her eyes. She was to blame, but she would make things right again. She would see to it.

Wiping her eyes, she stopped and leaned against a nearby tree. Looking around, she almost half expected to see the Firey's but knew that Jareth would make sure that she had no help this time. She knew that he would do anything in his power to see her fail. Trying to get her bearings, she didn't notice the vines that seemed to move on their own.

Suddenly, Sarah felt something wrap around her legs and immediately looked down to see vines securing their position. Screaming in fright, she couldn't fight their pulling as she felt herself being pulled down. Her screams increased as she went further down until finally they were silenced as she disappeared beneath the surface.

Moments later, Sarah found herself falling through the air until she met the splash of water. Her head falling beneath the surface, she quickly shot up and breathed deep before once again being drug beneath the cold water. Fighting with all her might, she bobbed above the surface for a moment before being drug down a third time.

Her arms reaching out for anything, she caught a branch and held tight. Pulling with all her strength, she pulled herself up gasping for air. Laying her head on her arm, she shivered from the cold of the water. Her eyes surveyed her surroundings to see nothing but water in front and behind her. This was a part she had not seen.

Deciding that she had no time to waste, she pulled herself along the branch and made her way out of the water. Standing by the water's edge, she wrapped her arms around herself, shivering from cold. Her clothes clung to her, wet from her recent predicament. Taking a step to her right, her shoes sloshing, she slowly walked away hoping to find some clue to Hoggle's whereabouts.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jareth sat in his extensive library, his eyes on the book in his hands. He needed something to pass the time until he could collect his prize. Keeping his mind off of ravishing her was not easy. It had been many years since he had the opportunity to partake of such a winning creature. Licking his lips in anticipation, he cou't s't seem to concentrate on anything but the inevitable. She would bow down to him and he would take her ferociously.

Getting to his feet, he began to pace back and forth in an effort to work off the imposing desire to alter time in his favor. He had done it before, but she still managed to best him. Silly girl, when will she realize she belongs here? Shaking his head, he continued to pace as his patience wore thin. Soon it would be night, and there was no telling if she would make it through alive.

"She better make it through the night," he mumbled to himself. "If she doesn't, then there goes my fun. Perhaps she would care to know the dangers? Then she might give up, to save her life." He grinned, then disappeared from sight.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Sarah had been walking for hours but it seemed as though she wasn't getting anywhere. She could see trees up ahead of her, but reaching them seemed to take her forever. Finally after shrugging off her frustration, she reached the boundary of treetrees and immediately ducked inside.

The darkness consumed her as her eyes slowly adjusted to the blackness surrounding her. Glancing around, she noticed that the light was cut off by the foliage that grew and sprung from everywhere. Walking surely through the trees, she heard a snap behind her and glanced over her shoulder to see Jareth leaning against a tree. His gray tights clinging in all the right places caused her heart to flutter. That wicked smile on his face scared her and she took a step back. She had nowhere to go.

Jareth eyed her suspiciously, his gaze traveling the full length of her body. A grin on his lips, he took a step closer.

"Well, well, well, what have we here?" he inquired, looking straight at her. "Why, Sarah, how did you end up here?"

"I have no time for chit-chat, Jareth. Leave me be," Sarah stated with a sigh. She just wished he would leave her alone. She gulped as he closed the distance between them. "What do you want?" she asked, her voice a soft whisper.

Jareth stood before her, his enigmatic smile holding her captive. "I will have that soon enough, my dear," he replied, his hand coming to rest on her shoulder. "Unless of course, you wish to forfeit now and save yourself the hardships of the night."

"What are you talking about?" she asked, afraid of what he might tell h She She had no clue what she was in for when the night finally settled in, but that didn't stop her. She wouldn't allow herself to give into her fear. Hoggle's livelihood depended on her. Sarah tried to step back but Jareth's grasp tightened, holding her where she stood. His cool smile sent shivers down her spine.

Jareth felt her tremble beneath his touch and pulled her too him. Before she could utter a word, he siezed her lips with his, kissing her passionately as he wrapped his arms around her. Fire invaded his soul as he held her body tight, wanting to meld into one.

Sarah's shock slowly ebbed away as he held her close. She could feel him harden against her, but didn't pull away. There was a thirst deep inside that her body was screaming to quench. Parting her lips, she met his eager tongue with her own, sliding her hands to sit on his waist.

Jareth was suddenly aware that he was giving in to his desire and pulled away. Looking back at her uncertainly, he fell back into his routine, smirking as though to laugh it off.

Sarah knew better. She had felt the emotion behind the kiss. A kiss she didn't think she'd ever want, and now she questioned why he stopped. Staring back into those eyes, she wanted to curl up in his arms right now, but knew that he'd never let Hoggle go unless she proved herself. Only then, would she be able to tell if it was just a game, or something worth fighting for.

Jareth broke from her gaze, a feeling flowing through him he'd never felt before. He didn't like it. He was the Goblin King! He liked to control everything and he reasoned that she could be no different. Shaking his head when he knew she'd not give in, he smiled gravely. "Now my dear, you have no idea what you face," he stated coolly, looking deeply into her eyes. "But if you are fool enough to refuse me, then so be it. You shall get what you deserve, Sarah."

Sarah's jaw dropped at his words, more ominous than she had ever heard coming from him. As he disappeared, his evil laughter echoed throughout the wood, along with a single sentence.

"When darkness falls and the hunger calls, you're footsteps will lead to nowhere."

Sarah stared at the spot where Jareth had been with a perplexed expression. "When darkness falls and the hunger calls, you're footsteps will lead to nowhere? What does that mean?" She stood there a moment longeonteontemplating the riddle but comprehension seemed just out of her reach. A light breeze brushed across her skin, catching a few loose strands of hair and blowing them into her eyes. Sarah shivered and wrapped her arms around herself. It was quickly becoming dark and Jareth's words still lingered in her thoughts.

Eyeing her surroundings carefully, Sarah attempted to decide where she should look next; the first day was almost over and she only had one left.

"Think, Sarah. Where haven't you looked yet?" she whispered to herself, eyes focused blankly on the ground. The answer tickled at the back of her brain, and just when she seemed to be close to an answer the unmistakable feeling that she was not alone out there seized her.

Glancing around as the light seemed to slowly fade away, her heart pounded in her chest as her mind played tricks on her. Shadows dancerossross the horizon and her eyes darted back and forth. Creatures scurried just out of sight, sending shivers down her spine. What was she doing out here?

Smooth as a summer wind, a rustling sound engulfed her ears. Looking behind her, she saw nothing, but the fear that invaded her soul was not one to be matched. There was something lurking beyond the shadows, and she knew that sooner or later it would strike out, attacking for all it's worth. She only hoped she was out of harm's way by then.

Picking up her pace, she hurried by tree after tree until finally she could go no further. She dreaded her decision to come back to this place. Why Hoggle? Why would Jareth use Hoggle to get to her? Was it some sick game to him? Shuddering against the cold, she felt the ground beneath her shift and a gasp escaped her lips. Looking down, she caught a glimpse of what she thought to be a face, and yet it disappeared all too easily.

Shaking her head, she walked slowly along the terrain, not sure of where to go or what to do. The only thing she was sure of was that the night would bring about her end. Is that what he intended? To bring her here to kill her? It made perfect sense now. He had no feelings for her that any tomcat wouldn't have. He wanted to wreak havoc on her, and extinguish her life force for what she so easily took away.

Now Sarah was frightened. For the first time in years, she was scared of her own shadow. Scared of what would be when the sun finally set below the horizon, leaving her trapped in darkness in this forbidden territory. She had no idea what creatures lurked until the nightfall, and she was afraid to find out.

Again the shifting sand caught her off guard as she looked down. Her eyes wide with terror, she screamed and backed away as a hand reached outward to her. A dark, menacing hand that kept its steady path until it brushed her leg. Sarah jumped, trying to get away from it, only to stumble on a root.

Falling flat on her stomach, she rolled over quickly, rising up on her elbows and her breath caught in her throat. Hey eyes shot open as she watched a figure emerge skillfully from the gd bed below. The dark glint in its eye, Sarah was certain she was doomed. Scooting backwards quickly, dust rising in clouds, Sarah hit her back hard on a tree and knocked the wind out of her.

"Mmmm..." a throaty sound seemed to come from nowhere, and yet from everywhere. "What have we here?" the voice asked, as the figure bent down to get a better look at Sarah. "My what a pretty thing you are," it added.

Sarah's breaths came in pants, scared senseless by what she saw before her. A creature standing eight foot tall, it's shape shifting as effortlessly as the shifting sands that seemed to compose it. Again it reached out towards her to grasp her chin and pull her to her feet. Looking her in the eye, it sensed her fear and fed from her anxiety.

"Now what shall I do with you? Hm?" it asked, a hand grasping her hip to hold her still. It's dark, fluid eyes stared back at her as though it had seen a thousand deaths and one more would do it no harm. The shadow of a smile tainted the darkness as it moved closer. Inching itself into her space with the mere thought of controlling it's new toy.

Suddenly Jareth's riddle came back to haunt her. As night descended, ‘Darkness falls', the creatures would come out in search of something to satiate their hunger. Her footsteps were now nonexistent, as she was held captive by the menacing predator that was eyeing her appreciatively. He knew. All this time and he knew she would fall victim to one of these things.

Suddenly a bright ball of light invaded her vision, flitting in front of the creature's eyes. It cried out in agony, releasing Sarah from its deathly grasp. Sarah stood there watching the thing swatting at a tiny light that flew circles around its head. Then all of a sudden a voice cried out to her.

"Climb

Sarah spun around, not giving thought as to what she was doing, but grasping a firm hold on a branch and pulling herself up. Her body exhausted from the events of the day, she stopped momentarily to catch her breath. A throaty roar made her look down to see a dark hand coming after her. With a shriek of fright, she felt it scrape against the sole of her shoe to grasp the edges.

"No!" she screamed, kicking at it with all her might, holding on tightly to the branches above her. Again, the little light intervened, setting the creature back in misery, and Sarah burst into a sudden climb. Up and up she went, until she had climbed so near the top that she was certain she was safe. Glancing down, the creature was nowhere to be seen.

Sarah's body shook in terror, as hend rnd replayed her near death over and over again. Shutting her eyes to the darkness consuming the Labyrinth, she tried desperately to calm her nerves. Breathing deep, she sensed an abnormal reality that she had succumbed to being entangled within. Why did she agree to this nonsense? She's going to get herself killed, and for what? Hoggle? Sighing, she dropped her head, her eyes burning hot with tears. Hoggle her dear friend, who had been there when she needed him. Here she was now, ready to turn and run out on him. What was wrong with her? Wasn't she as strong as she once was?

"Excuse me?" a soft voice interrupted, making Sarah look around at her surroundings oncein. in. She noticed she was sitting on a plank, which was odd considering she was in a tree. Her eyes took in a form standing not far from her. A tall thin blonde stood smiling back at her.

A soft giggle filled the air as the woman took a step nearer Sarah. As Sarah flinched, the young woman cocked her head to the side and smiled sweetly.

"Come, you need rest," the soft voice spoke with certainty as she turned to walk away.

Sarah slowly got to her feet. Should she trust her? Taking a step after her, her mind cried out for the truth.

"Who are you?" she called out, afraid of what to believe anymore.

"Do not worry, you shall be safe here. Come," the woman replied, turning to motion Sarah to follow. Walking fluidly, she ducked inside a tree, her form disappearing from sight. Peeking her head back out, her smile still in place, she called back to her. "Come, come."

Sarah didn't care at this point how much time she had left. She needed rest. The soft voice
calling out to her was so enchanting and alluring that she was surprised she had the energy to
follow. She watched the woman duck back inside and felt her curiosity rise. Walkingard ard the
opening, she peered at the darkness until a light suddenly appeared.

"What is this place?" Sarah asked as she carefully inspected her new surroundings. It was a very
cozy looking little room, with two large chairs resting in front of a medium sized fireplace.

"This is my home," the woman replied, giggling. "I am Boona. You must be Sarah."

"Yes, I am. How did you ? Oh never mind. Thank you, Boona. If you hadn't come along
when you did I shudder to think of what would have happened."

"You should rest. You have a long day ahead of you."

"Yes," Sarah replied quietly as she continued to take in her surroundings.

"Have a seat," Boona said, smiling sweetly. "Are you hungry? I am starving."

"Yes, I am actually," Sarah said as though she were surprised to discover the fact.

Boona let out a soft giggle and smiled. "I shall get us something to eat."

"Thank you," Sarah stood fomomemoment after Boona left, staring into the flames. I hope this place
is as safe as it seems, she thought as she glanced back at the door the woman had exited. She did
save me from that thing With that in mind, Sarah cautiously took a seat in one of the oversized
chairs in front of the fire.

"Here we go!" Boona's voice broke through the silence. Sarah turned to see the sprite carrying
two plates of something green. "Eat this. It is good," Boona said, smiling reassuringly.

"Thanks," Sarah took pla plate and eyed the concoction suspiciously. It looked like some kind of
cake made out leaves.

"Eat," Boona said, looking very amused. Sarah shrugged. What harm could it do to try it?
Taking a small piece, Sarah popped it into her mouth and hastily began chewing. God, it tasted
like she was eating a houseplant. Boona giggled at the expression on Sarah's face.

"It's good. Thank you." Sarah managed to say with a straight face. "What is it?"

"It is called Ysengrin."

"Oh," Sarah replied as though she knew exactly what that meant. Boona giggled again.

"You are tired. Let me show you to a bed. Unless you want to finish your dinner?"

"No. I mean it's very good, I'm just tired."

"Come," Boona said, motioning for her to follow as she led the way to another small, but cozy
room. The bed looked very inviting. "If you need anything, I am right down the hall. I shall
wake you early. We would not want you wasting precious time sleeping," Boona giggled, giving
Sarah a smile before leaving her to rest.

~~~~~~
"Hoggle! Where are you?" Sarah yelled frantically, trying desperately to see her surroundings,
but finding only darkness.

"Sarah! I'm here, Sarah!" Hoggle's voice echoed faintly.

"Where? Hoggle! Where?"

"Find yer center, Sarah!"

"My center? What? What does that mean? Hoggle! What do you mean?"

"Sarah!"
~~~~~~~

Sarah awoke suddenly to see Boona standing over her.

"Your dream distresses you?" Boona asked, her face full of concern.

"Yes," Sarah replied absently, her mind still on Hoggle's last words. "What time is it?" she asked, suddenly alert.

"It is just past dawn. You should go. You do not have much time left."

"God. I don't even want to think about what will happen if I don't find Hoggle."

"Everything will be fine, Sarah. You just have to find your center."

"What?" Sarah froze. "What did you just say?"

"You need to find your center. Why?" Boona looked confused, her golden green eyes twinkling in the early morning light.

"Never mind. Thank you for everything, Boona. I owe you so much."

"No," Boona replied softly, smiling back at Sarah. Shaking her head, her curls fell around her face and she giggled softly. "Now, stop wasting time. Go find your friend," Boona giggled as she pushed Sarah out the door.

Sarah stood outside Boona's home, looking down at the ground in a sudden panic. "Is that thing still down there?"

"No, it only comes out at night. I'd advise you to find a tree as soon as it begins getting dark.
You'll be safe there."

"Thank you."

"Go," Boona stated simply, waving her on her way. As she watched Sarah vanish down the trunk of the tree, she smiled softly and sighed. "Don't give up, Sarah."

Sarah awkwardly worked her way out of the tree. Stepping gingerly on the ground, she glanced at her surroundings. "I have no idea where to go," she said to herself, sighing in frustration. "Come on, Sarah, think. You have to do this for Hoggle. Now, if I were a Goblin King, where would I hide someone?" Suddenly Hoggle's voice echoed in her mind.

"Find yer center, Sarah."

"My center…" she muttered, her eyes staring blankly ahead of her, deep in thought.

"… One of them leads to the castle at the center of the Labyrinth…" those voices from years past filtered through her consciousness.

"Sarah, you are the Labyrinth. It's all in your head. It doesn't exist outside of you." She remembered her best friend from high school saying.

Suddenly everything came together.

"Of course! The castle! Jareth would want to keep Hoggle close. To keep an eye on him." She felt like an idiot for not having thought of it sooner. "Now…all I have to do is find the castle." She said looking around in hopes of catching a glimpse of the tower. "Great," she mumbled after seeing no sign of it, "how am I supposed to find it if I can't see it?"

She sighed again. Just when things seemed to come together, she ran into another problem. "I suppose I'll just have to walk until I catch a glimpse of it." With that, she took a quick glance around her, shrugged, and began walking straight ahead.
****