They were ready each standing in their assigned positions within the barren room. Barren except for the large triangle drawn onto the floor in chalk, there at each point a drawing of a circle. Within the circle stood Buffy and at the other two points within the circle stood Riley and Xander and at its center stood Willow. Anya stood just outside of the group with arms crossed not happy that she could not participate in the ritual to open the doorway to the Underground.

Willow forced herself to smile as she looked about the room, “Ok, if this is going to work I need each of you to think about the Labyrinth, Sarah, and Giles.”

Riley nodded his head signaling that he was ready as Xander nervously gulped just before shaking his head yes. Buffy looked to her red headed friend, “Okay Willow we’re ready.”

Willow took another deep breath as she made herself ready to recite the words that she had memorized from the spell book. Clearing her throat she began, “The three and its center are one, we call upon the doorway of worlds.” The air around them shifted as her words continued, “I command that you open and let us pass to the Labyrinth within the Underground.”

Anya stepped back as the wind within the room violently swept about the room tossing everyone’s hair and clothing, as they stood ready.

Jareth, the Goblin King sat at his throne in thought, his mind taking in what information he had gathered from Hoggle and Giles. With what he knew he still could not think of how the sleeping evils would be awakened. Even though the prophecy spoke of them awakening he had seen no signs of the event taking place. ‘Could it be that with the current unbalance within the Underground has somehow clouded that event? I am no closer to finding a solution to this mess than I was yesterday, and all because of those damned vampires.’ With that last thought Jareth stood from his throne and made his way towards the large window that overlooked the labyrinth.

The streets of the Goblin City were barely visible as the only source of light were from the torches that aligned the outside of the castle walls and the full moon and stars in the night sky. Now sitting on the windows’ ledge Jareth rested one arm up over his propped up knee as his other leg dangled carelessly over the edge. His mind drifting from the problems at hand to a particular woman that lay sleeping in his bedchambers.

Now that she was finally here, he was going to have to make some changes. He would not have the future queen staying in a castle over run by goblins and chickens. The large junkyard outside the Goblin City gates would have to be cleaned away or moved to a less visible place. “Sarah, how you’ve turned my world, you precious thing!” his lips twitched into a knowing smile. He had sung that to her, what seemed, not too long ago.

The labyrinth had changed her, now he knew it had changed her more than he had first believed. He wanted more than anything to protect her from the fate that she was being dealt. To be the defender of right, it was a great responsibility. Though being the strong woman that she was, she wasn’t as strong as she sometimes tried to make herself out to be. A soft sound of moving fabric from behind pulled him away from his musings.

Turning towards the one that would dare disturb him in his musings his slight anger quickly faded as he saw Sarah standing in the doorway of the throne room quietly watching him. Rising from his perch up on the window’s edge he started to walk towards her.

Sarah smiled to the Goblin King as he made his way towards her, concealing the hunger within.

Jareth smiled to his love in appreciation, as she had changed into a long flowing gown of red satin. The dress was strapless revealing her soft white shoulders and it dipped down showing a pleasing amount of cleavage. Her long dark brown hair pulled to one side flowing over her shoulder revealing the long curve of her neck. Taking her hand in his he slowly brought it wordlessly up to his lips as he took in her form.

Sarah smiled in return turning her head slightly as her pale skin flushed crimson from the way that his eyes seemed to approve her appearance.

He was consumed by the vision before him, all thoughts of the problems that plagued his world lost. She needn’t say a word as he brought her closer to him, closing the gap between them.

Sarah rested her hand gently against his chest as she waited for his lips to meet with her own. The power within him bringing about a hunger she had yet to crave for any. As their lips met she inwardly laughed at how he was in her complete control. He would do anything for her at this moment and she was all too willing to demand.

Jareth’s consuming passion for the woman before him was taken aback as she wrapped her arms about his shoulders and started to kiss him along his strong jaw line traveling downward. It was a pleasant surprise that he did not expect from Sarah. Something at the back of his mind was trying to get his attention, something wasn’t right. His body over rode his mind as he was consumed by desire for more. Eyes shot open as he felt a sharp pain at the side of his neck where Sarah was kissing him.

Her teeth gently sank into his flesh quenching the hunger that screamed inside. The warm flow of his powerful blood filling her with pleasure and power.

Jareth tried to push away from the creature before him, as he knew that it was not his Sarah but something dark and powerful. Somehow without his knowledge they had moved from the doorway and were now in front of his throne. Trying to summon his own power to push the creature off of him he found that it would not come forth. For once in his long-lived life Jareth, the Goblin King felt fear.

Jonathan leaned against the wall within the shadow’s unseen as he watched the scene unfold before him. With arms crossed he watched with a darkening grin as he could sense the Goblin King’s horror and surprise. He was proud of his Navea and loved watching her work her magic.

The wind was a siren as it whisked about the four as they kept their marked places. Anya was having to hold on to the wall for support as the power was sweeping throughout the room. She watched as Xander stood in his marked place at the triangle’s point with concern but kept her place as she held on for dear life trying to watch the spell working its magic.

Willow pushed back her red hair as it whisked into her face almost blinding her view. All she could see were Riley and Xander as Buffy was behind her. Taking in a deep breath she yelled out the last part of the incantation, “Echto labth tempto galogo! La vente labrinthia transporta!”

Blinding light swirled in streaks about them as if apart of the very wind that swept about them. The light grew with each passing second causing them all to close their eyes from the immense glare of light.

Sarah walked the halls of the castle as she tried to remember her way to the throne room. After that horrible dream she couldn’t shake the feeling that something was wrong. She could not escape the sinking feeling within as her emotions were being wrenched and fluster in confusion. Could that vampire’s words be true? Did she really feel that way?

Brows scrunched in confusion, Sarah continued to make her way down the empty halls, no longer paying attention to where she was heading. She shook her head, ‘No, I won’t believe it. I won’t…Why am I getting so worked up over that dream. Because, you dimwit, most of what you’ve dreamt about lately has happened or warned you of things to come. No, I have to believe in myself. I have…” her thoughts were brought short by the scene before her as she entered a doorway.

Entering the doorway of the throne room her heart sank at the sight of herself with Jareth. So shocked by what she saw it took her a few moments to realize what was happening. Jareth seemed so limp in her arms as she was at his neck.

“NO!” Sarah screamed as she started forward.

Giles head shot up as he heard Sarah’s scream. Immediately he was away from the desk making his way as quickly as his feet could carry him. It didn’t take him long to reach the source of the scream and froze in the doorway as the scene transpired.

The imposter Sarah looked up from her feeding as she heard the pained cry of the real Sarah Williams. With a smile she licked her lips tasting the sweet blood that tainted them. Looking to Sarah with satisfaction she allowed the limp form of the Goblin King to fall to her feet.

Sarah shook with rage as she watched her one true love fall to the ground with a sickening thud. There sprawled out upon his throne lay Jareth unmoving, with that scene a flash of recognition hit her as she remembered her dream from not long ago, this very scene was being replayed except for that this time it was real. Shooting out her hand she watched with sick detachment as the imposter was thrown back hitting the opposite wall.

Sarah didn’t bother to look around to make sure it was safe as she ran to the man that she loved. He looked so pale…lifeless she sank to her knees beside him taking his hands in hers. ‘So cold, he’s so cold. God, no don’t do this to me. I can’t lose him.’ “Jareth, please I can’t lose you.”

Navea stood up from the floor transforming back to her original form as she watched Sarah weep over the Goblin Kings form. A cruel smile curling at her blood tainted lips as she looked over the scene with approval.

Jonathan was about to go to Navea when he saw that she was unharmed. Instead he started to approach the two victims taking the opportunity to take advantage of the current situation. He froze in mid stride as a blinding light, lit up the room.

Buffy, Xander, Willow, and Riley all blinked as the light died and they were now currently in a strange and unfamiliar room. Well, unfamiliar to all except Buffy.

Willow immediately saw Giles standing at the doorway and recognized the look of horror written on his face. Turning she followed his gaze and gasped in shock at the sight of Sarah crying over what looked like a dead body.

Buffy recognized the two vampires immediately and didn’t hesitate in aiding her friend who didn’t notice him edging closer to her.

Jonathan turned towards the source of the light only to be greeted by one of the Slayers. With no time to react he took the punch that was dealt quickly dodging the next blow. Turning about he slammed his fist into the blonde’s jaw making her stumble back.

Stumbling back Buffy quickly retained her balance as she turned about bringing forth a turn kick. Foot meeting chest she was slightly surprised as he grabbed hold. Before he could make good on his hold Buffy rounded bringing up her other foot, slamming it against the side of his face making him lose his hold. It didn’t keep her from falling to the ground as her wait was tipped off balance.

Navea watched, enraged as the other Slayer dared to interfere in her plan and now was attacking her Sire. Her rage was transferred away from the Slayer towards some unknown man as he tried to fire something at her. Catching the arrow in hand only inches away from her chest she growled in aggravation as she sent her power forth.

Riley was only given time to flinch as an unseen force slammed against his chest sending him flying across the room and hitting hard against a wall. Blackness filled his vision as he lost consciousness as his head slammed against the cold stone wall.

Giles came out of his moment of shock as he watched Riley thrown across the room and slumping unconscious to the floor. Quickly he headed towards the unconscious man fearing the worst.

Willow and Xander had made their way towards Sarah as the fight ensued. Xander’s attention was not on Sarah as he watch Riley being flung to the other end of the room. He visibly flinched thinking, ‘Oh, that had to hurt!”

Willow placed her hand on Sarah’s shoulder as she tried to see if she could get a pulse with her other hand from the unconscious man that lay helplessly in the throne. Sarah looked to Willow with tear filled eyes, praying that she had not come too late.

Willow smiled as she felt the faint thump of a pulse, “Sarah, he’s not dead.”

With those words Sarah leaned over Jareth taking his unconscious form in her arms hugging him to her. She almost broke down into more tears as she felt him stir under her with a moan. Pulling away she tried see if he was really alive, “Jareth?”

Jareth felt arms wrapped about him bringing him out of the dark haze as consciousness started to return. He felt so weak but he needed to open his eyes, needed to make sure that the presence that he was feeling was really his Sarah. Opening his eyes as he heard her call his name he smiled faintly, “Sarah?”

“I thought I lost you. Are you alright?” Sarah tried to look over his wound but found that it was starting to heal.

Jareth tried to look around the room as he heard the commotion but only being able to see Sarah’s beautiful face and another woman with short red hair smiling down at him. “I’ll be fine, just a bit drained.” He laughed at his own words hearing the irony of his choice of phrasing but quickly held it back as it brought about a pain within his neck, his wounds not yet fully healed.

Navea glared at the young man that dared try and kill her as she made her way towards him. The side of her mouth twitched into an evil grin as she saw another man rush towards the unconscious one. She saw just who was going to get the impact of her seething rage.

Xander looked away from Buffy towards the unconscious form, “Uh oh, this is not good!”

Looking down at the axe he was hugging to his chest he made a decision and moved forward to help his friends. Just as he swung up the axe aiming it towards the Elfin Vampire’s throat his grasp was lost as his hands let go of the axe to try and pry his neck free from the vampire’s grasp.

Navea thunderously looked to the boy as she rose him off of the floor with ease. The color within his face reddening as the flow of blood and air were cut off from circulation to his head and lungs. Navea humped, “You think you can destroy me little boy!” Just as she was about to harden her grip to crush the boy’s neck she was forced to let go as she felt a sharp bolt of energy slammed into her.

Sarah, seeing that Jareth was all right, returned her attention towards the room. She instantly felt guilty as she saw someone she had yet met slumped unconscious on the floor, Giles hovering over him. Her guilty feeling turned to that to complete horror as she saw the Elfin Vampire holding one of her friends by his throat. His feet twitching in the air as he was struggling for air. Not sure how she was doing it she felt the familiar surge going through her hands as she shot some kind of bolt of energy towards the woman, who she now recognized as the one that had tried to kill her and invaded her dreams.

Xander dropped unceremoniously to the floor as his throat was released from its torment. On hands and knees he coughed taking in each breath with a wink of pain, as each breath was a stinging relief.

Navea stood from the floor once again looking to the source of her attack and smiled as she watched Sarah leaving her loves side coming towards her.

Sarah quickly made her way towards the woman, “You’ll pay for that, Bitch!”

Navea laughed, “Oh, I’m really scared! Do you really think you’re a mach for me Sarah?”

Sarah stood with fist clenched power coursing through her body as anger towards the creature before her grew. She was visibly shaking at the amount of power she was holding back to throw at the evil being before her. Ready to release, her heart sank in fear as she found herself unable to move.

Smiling Navea placed her hands behind her back, “Something wrong?” she asked innocently. Coming closer her smile faded to that of pure hatred.

All that Sarah could manage to do was flinch, as her situation was growing worse by the minute. Inwardly she was struggling against the invisible force that was binding her.

Navea placed her hand on Sarah’s shoulder squeezing just enough to cause her current pray to wink back in pain refusing to vocalize her pain. Navea leaned close to Sarah resting her chin defiantly on her shoulder her words whispering in her ear, “Have you had sweet dreams lately Sarah? Is the self-doubt tugging at you’re consciousness? You know what I see. I see a scared little girl who is in way over her head.”

Sarah shook uncontrollably as tears bordered her eyes, the words hitting so close to home.

Navea continued stroking Sarah’s hair as she pulled away looking her fully in the eyes, “Poor thing! I’ve went and made you cry. I have just the thing for you my dear.” She stroked the side of Sarah’s cheek with the back of her other hand as she stopped stroking her hair and rested that hand on the back of her neck. “I can make it better. All you have to do is ask and I’ll make all the pain go away.”

Sarah’s lips were trembling now, the horror of her situation shocking her to the core. She felt powerless, uselessly at the vampire’s mercy. Time was running out as she noticed the vampires cruel smile mocking her. If she didn’t break free soon it would be too late.

Jareth struggled to sit up as his strength was slowly starting to return. He barely acknowledged the young red head that was trying to help him sit up his eyes busily scanning for Sarah. His gaze swept over Buffy as she was currently occupied fighting with, who he could only assume to be Jonathan. His fist clenched in anger as he saw Sarah standing motionless as Navea was winding her web of magic about her, binding Sarah to her spot.

Trying to get up he faltered, his limbs refusing to work for him. Anger rose within as he was forced to watch too week to help his love.

Willow who was trying to help the Goblin King was torn between leaving him alone or going to her friend’s aid. Her eyes were drawn to Sarah as she was standing unmoving in front of the Elfin Vampire that Buffy had told them about. ‘What is she doing? Why isn’t she fighting?’ she thought franticly until she sensed what it was.

Jareth glared at the red head as she tried to keep him from rising but his glare changed to that of question. The girl emanated magic, something that was rare for a mortal of her world.

Willow was slightly stunned at the way the man that she was trying to help was looking at her. An idea came to form as she sensed the growing power that emanated from him. Taking his hand in hers, he looked back with an unspoken understanding, her power feeding his. 

Her breathing felt forced as she tried to break away from the vampire’s gaze yet unable to move. Her mind was racing trying to find a way out, a way to free herself.

Navea looked away from Sarah for a moment as she saw that her love, Jonathan was faring quite well with the other Slayer. ‘Soon,’ she thought, ‘We will be unstoppable. Sarah will soon be one of us and there will be no one able to stop us.’ Attention drawn back to the helpless Slayer before her she smiled once again drawing herself back towards Sarah, her lips inches away from her ear, “I remember how you taste, sweet and innocent. You remember, don’t you, the feeling of falling, fear, excitement. Now tell me that you did not like it at least a little, crave for that sweet embrace.”

Sarah closed her eyes, the only movement she was allowed, as her words sank deep within her mind. It made her sick and yet a part of her craved for it, wanted it, just like she was saying. Fear rose as she felt Navea lightly trace her fingers along the side of her neck. Then something called her, a voice so familiar, a voice that blocked out the vampires.

“Sarah, you have the power use it. Fight her!”

Eyes opening she was able to move her head as she looked to the vampire before her. Navea’s eyes met with Sarah’s locked unable to look away. In all outward appearance it looked as though they were having a staring contest but unknown to any onlooker they were having a mental battle.

Navea felt her hold over the Slayer dwindling and dwindling fast. The power she gained from the Goblin King was starting to lose its potency as she struggled to keep hold.

Jonathan had Buffy lifted off of the floor in the air as he brought her down against his knee as if breaking a twig in half. Buffy flared about trying to free her self from his hold until she felt her back hitting his knee. She winked in pain rolling off of his knee she struggled to get back to her feet. This vampire that she was fighting was stronger and more skilled than others that she had fought before.  Buffy collapsed, the pain shooting through her backside up through her arms.

Seeing her open, defenseless, he kicked her side sending her over halfway across the room like a football. His smile twitched at the corner of his mouth with approval, he had heard a lot about this Slayer and was taking immense joy in inflicting pain on this one. She had caused a lot of problems for the forces of evil and the sooner she was disposed of the better.

Rolling on her back, Buffy let out a quite moan as she tried to regain her strength. He was coming closer and she needed to get an advantage.

Leaning over the Slayer he grabbed her by the throat bringing her off of the floor. Buffy’s hands shot up to his as she tried to pry herself free but his grip continued to tighten unmoving. Her eyes bore into his, she needed to get herself free from his grip. The lack of air was making it all the more difficult.

Jonathan tilted his head to the side, “You’re a disappointment.” With that he tightened his grip ready to snap her neck, “Pity!”

Slamming her arm up against his she kicked at his face causing him to drop her. Not allowing time to react from the pain of her attack as she landed on her feet turning into a turn kick, foot connecting with chest.

As the hard blow hit his face and arm Jonathan was forced to let go, he was slightly surprised, he had thought that she was through. Recovering quickly as she kicked him to the chest he did a little more damage as he grabbed hold of one of her arms cruelly twisting it back causing bone to crack.

The instant she felt her arm snap she knew it was broken. With the one arm out of commission she was going to have to bring this fight to an end and end it soon. Her body was tiring and he seemed little effected by his own efforts of killing her. Using her good arm she slammed her elbow into his throat causing him to fall back. She was weaponless and needed a stake she needed one bad.

Jonathan stumbled back as his windpipe was crushed from the Slayer’s blow. Though not needing to breathe the pain was overwhelming, distracting him just long enough to allow Buffy an opening of attack.

Sarah gritted her teeth as she struggled against Navea’s power. The binding broken she was able to grab hold of Navea’s wrist wrenching them away from her shoulders as she pushed her back. “NO.”

Navea stumbled back weakened, feeling her binding being snapped in two. It was agonizing, now she was the one in pain. She couldn’t believe it Sarah was about to break under her control she was hers. Navea, stumbled back as Sarah continued forward, she was not actually prepared for a physical confrontation.

Sarah was all too prepared to kick that vampires ass, tilting her head almost exactly like Navea had done not too long ago to her, Sarah’s eyes gleamed with cruelty. “What, scared?” Sarah asked in mocking innocence.

Navea stumbled back as she tried to stall for time to re-gather her power. Fear flashed within her eyes but she quickly hid it, “Sarah, don’t fight your destiny. You’re meant for great things. Become one of us free yourself of the burdens of your mortal world.”

She mockingly laughed out right at that, “Become one of you, I despise you. You should not have gone after Jareth. Big mistake…” just as she finished she went into action no longer caring for any more chitchat.

Navea pushed away Sarah’s punch only to have opened palm slammed into her nose with Sarah’s other hand. The blow knocked her back against the wall. Ducking just as Sarah foot was about to slam into her, she grabbed the Slayer by the arm and slammed her face first into the wall beside her, her strength was returning.

Sarah’s head reeled as her face was slammed into the stone wall. The pounding of her head became unnoticed as she felt a sharp piercing pain slamming into her back.

Cackling cruelly at the now slumped form of Sarah, “What, I thought you were capable of more than this little display. Stupid bitch, you could have had this world!” Tilting her head slightly she let out a exasperated sigh, “Since you wont join us I guess I’ll just have to kill you.” Grabbing a handful of the brunet’s hair she dragged Sarah up to her knees.

Sarah reached back desperately trying to free her hair from the vampire’s grasp. His voice ringing through her mind, ‘Use the power within you. You know how. DO IT!’

Jareth was starting to feel his power returning with the help of the red head beside him. No longer needing her help he stood on his own as he tried to summon one of his crystals. He cursed inwardly as he was unable to do so.

Willow let go of the man she was trying to help as her attention was drawn away from Sarah and back to Buffy as she was fighting the other vampire. She immediately could sense that he was ancient and powerful and wished that she could help her friend somehow as she looked like she was about to get her neck broken. She let go of her held breath as she watched Buffy release herself from his grasp.

Looking back towards Sarah she felt immediately worried for her as she saw Navea holding her by her hair. She looked to the man beside her, who she noticed that his power was growing as he tried to do something.

Jareth watched with a sinking feeling within his chest as he saw Navea quickly recovering from Sarah’s attack and had slammed her against the wall and now had her held by her long dark brown hair. He mentally reached out to her, being the only thing that he was capable of doing in his weakened condition. He just hoped that it would be enough.

Willow glanced back towards Buffy and noticed that she was without the means to destroying the vampire. Looking down at her stake she knew what to do. Looking down at the stake she held it within her open palm and concentrated, it lifted from her hands with ease.

Buffy didn’t hesitate as she hit him blow after blow, not daring to stop to allow him any time for recuperation. Though he faltered back with every hit she still had yet to see anything that she could make as an effective weapon to dust the thing.

Quickly grabbing hold of her leg before she could ram it into his chest he threw down the Slayer. Straddling her between his legs he pinned her arms down over her head. Licking his own blood from his apparent nosebleed he quickly leaned forward to take her blood from her body.

Buffy tried to free her arms but was pinned helplessly underneath the vampire she quickly brought her legs up, just before he could bit her, throwing him successfully off of her. They both rolled up from the floor at the same time.

Lunging forward once again he suddenly was brought to a grinding halt. Looking down at the sharp pain in his chest he only had seconds to realize what it was before he disintegrated from existence.

Holding her by her hair she forced the Slayer off of her knees pulling her towards her when she felt a jolt within. Glancing over her shoulder she recoiled as she watched her love turn to dust, “NO!” she screamed out in horror.

Taking advantage of Navea’s distraction Sarah grabbed her by the wrist twisting it as she freed her hair from Navea’s grasp.

Navea turned back as she felt the bones in her wrist break, stumbling back she fell too the floor at Sarah’s feet. Her dress a crumpled mass as she glared up at Sarah with blood tears seeping from her eyes. Just as Sarah was about to continue her attack the vampire disappeared causing her foot to contact hard with the stone floor.

Sarah cursed, “Damn it!”