Jareth stared in awe at the tall buildings, the flashing lights, and the roar of cars flashing before his eyes. People swarmed around, moving back and forth like a hive of bees. The conversations were innumerable and created a loud buzz that was almost deafening. It was a new feeling to be around so many people. He was normally surrounded by his mindless goblins, but these people had destinations, even if they were pointless ones. And he was amazed at how quickly everything moved.

Sarah touched his shoulder and questioned with worry. “You okay?”

Jareth shook his head slightly, “Does anything stand still?”

Sarah grabbed his wrist, shook her head ‘no’ and began pulling them in the crowd. They were propelled forward and Jareth assumed they could be ran over if they dared to stop. At a crossroad Jareth was ripped away from Sarah’s grasp and pulled in the opposite direction. He called out to her, but the roaring noise of downtown drowned out any reply she may have given. Fighting panic and claustrophobia, he pushed his way through the crowd towards buildings away from the street. Many people objected to his pushing the way through them, and Jareth ignored all of them, for they were unimportant. His clothes were the only things he had in common with these overzealous humans anyway.

His breathing calmed down as he got off the sidewalk and leaned against the front entrance of a building. As he stood there loud music reached his ears. He turned around and saw a sign flashing bright red letters above a door to his side. Curiosity propelled him forward, and he stepped through the door.

The inside of the building was dimly lit and a bouquet of awkward smells drifted towards Jareth. There was a large counter with a man in a suit serving costumers liquids from tall bottles stored on a shelf. Jareth continued walking in the building and sat at a round table in a corner. A window to the outside allowed him to watch the crowds of people push past him.

A slight tap on his shoulder caused Jareth to spin his head around quickly enough to startle the woman who had touched him. She jumped back with a smile.

“Easy there! I just came to see if you wanted some company.”

Jareth examined her. She had long blonde hair and sparkling blue eyes. She was dressed in almost the same attire as he was; a white shirt and light blue jeans. However, Jareth noticed her shirt’s sleeves were much shorter. The woman sucked some of her drink through a straw and shrugged.

“Yes, no, maybe so?” She said laughing.

“You may sit if you like.” He said returning his gaze to the window.

The woman slid into the booth and smiled, “British, huh? No wonder you look so lost.” She sipped on her drink again. “I’m Carrie!” She said cheerfully with an extended hand.

“Jareth.” He replied distractedly, not noticing the gesture.

Carrie frowned and let her hand fall, “Well, Jareth, for someone whose country is supposed to be renowned for its properness, you must be a great disappointment.”

He swiveled his eyes slowly to hers and rose an eyebrow. He wasn’t from Britain, but he could tell her remark was not a complement.

She swallowed but stared him down, “Well, you were being rude.”

Ah, so that is what she meant. “I was looking for someone before you came, why presume I’d stop?”

“You can hold a conversation and search for something at the same time.”

Jareth shrugged, and returned his eyes to the window.

Carrie also looked out and sighed, “Who are you looking for?”

“Sarah.”

Laughing, but quickly stopping when Jareth glared at her, she explained his mistake. “There are thousands of ‘Sarah’s’ here. Does she have a last name?”

Jareth contemplated her reasoning. There wasn’t another Sarah in the Underground and he searched for her last name and said it when it surfaced from his memory. “Williams. Her name is Sarah Williams.”

“The movie star?” Carrie asked incredulously.

Jareth’s face lit up. “Yes, do you know her?”

Carrie shook her head, “Not personally. Her boyfriend comes here regularly. Actually, he was here earlier with a strange man who had silver hair! Can you believe that?! Jareth what’s wrong?” She asked as Jareth’s eyes became wide and his face lost some of its color.

Jareth regained control, but his mind spun. It couldn’t be who he thought, could it? Who would have released him? ‘No, its just my imagination,’ he told himself. But he could not dismiss the thought. “What did the silver haired man say?”

Carrie scrunched her nose at the awkward question, but answered it nonetheless. “I don’t know, but Robert followed him out. But Robert’s an idiot with the intelligence lower than a baboon’s.”

Jareth couldn’t stop the smile from spreading, “Yes; I can see the comparison.” He returned his gaze to the windows and heard Carrie sigh.

“Listen,” she said rolling her eyes, “My mother always told me, ‘If you’re lost, stay in one place and you’ll be found.’”

“And this works?” Jareth asked unbelievingly.

She smiled impishly, “Well, I found you, didn’t I?”

Jareth nodded and returned to scanning the crowd for Sarah’s face.

Several hours had passed before Jareth caught a glimpse of Sarah’s distraught face through the window. Without thinking he pounded on the glass, much to the bartender’s concern. Even though Sarah was several feet away from him, her head snapped to the window and relief poured over her face. Sarah thanked Carrie enthusiastically, and surprisingly, so did Jareth, for the woman had kept him company; though he would probably never tell anyone.

Jareth and Sarah came to a safe conclusion that going outside wasn’t a good idea. After they ate and returned home, they both knew Jareth was not going out again until the gala. Not that Jareth minded too horribly. Sarah had opened her windows and he watched the people continue to move below. He was relieved not to be apart of their commotion and awaited the gala the next day.

Jareth waited patiently while Sarah finished dressing for the gala. The sun had set, and with its descent he was feeling more and more mysterious, not to mention curious and anxious.

“Okay, Jareth, “ He heard Sarah yell from the bedroom. “I’m coming out!”

Jareth crossed his arms and smiled in expectation. His mouth fell slightly as Sarah smoothly walked out of the hallway. Her red dress shimmered with every move. The thin straps showed her fine white shoulders as the dress caressed her body and fell touching the floor. A red sash swayed between her elbows and lay gracefully at her back. She spun around once, and Jareth couldn’t help but let his eyes fall to the extremely low back of the dress.

She walked over to him, “Well? What do you think?”

He smiled wide enough for his fang like teeth to show. “I couldn’t have done better.”

Sarah laughed and brushed her curled hair away from her face. “Not bad for a magic-less mortal, huh?”

Before he could stop himself, he moved closer to her and took her left hand in his right and wrapped his left around her back and began spinning her around. “How can you say you have no magic?” He asked her softly.

She tensed, but did not break away. Instead she smiled, and gestured towards the room as they spun, “What is this?”

Jareth smiled at her and hummed as he thought. “Let’s call this a trial dance.”

She smiled brightly and allowed him to continue to twirl her around her living room, miraculously not hitting anything.

Yet everything must come to a stop, and when the clock struck the time, Jareth stopped. Sarah’s cheeks were a little flushed. As she raised her hand to her face, Jareth realized his hands were ungloved. Panic spread through him, but Sarah wouldn’t release his hand as he tried to pull away. She turned them over in her own hands. “There’s nothing wrong with your hands, why wear the gloves?” He frowned slightly at her. He knew his hands were fine, but that wasn’t the point! Gloved hands were for protection from his magic. He hadn’t allowed anyone to touch his hands in centuries, and yet here was Sarah; holding them in hers. She released them when he said nothing, and Jareth couldn’t decide whether he was disappointed or relieved.

Sarah just shrugged at his apparent confusion, “Well, let’s go.”

They entered the dazzling hall arm in arm after pushing through a group of reporters blinding their eyes with the bright flashes from their cameras. The room was large and tables circled around a dance floor. Chandeliers decorated the high ceiling and shone a bright, yet soft light on the inhabitants. Everything was draped in white or crystal: white napkins, white table cloths, crystal glasses, and smooth, clear silverware. A small smile spread on Jareth’s lips in approval.

They began to walk into the area, but after a few feet were stopped by an ambush of reporters. Sarah glanced at them, she knew them all, and they knew her. It was the man at her side no one knew. Not even herself.

A young reporter in slacks and a plaid shirt asked boldly the first question. “Who’s this, Sarah?” He said pointing to Jareth.

Sarah smiled and brushed her hair away theatrically. “It’s Miss Williams, Anderson, you should know that.”

Jareth watched in awe as the man’s cheeks reddened.

“Of course Miss Williams. Will you answer the question?” He added tentatively. The other reporters held their breath in suspense.

Sarah laughed. “Of course not. What kind of question is that to start off a wonderful evening? I’d just say something and you would all be spreading horrible rumors!”

An oriental woman with short black hair smiled. “Any objections to other questions?”

Jareth watched at how easily she manipulated the crowd. He wondered if she knew what she was doing, for she was being cruel to them.

With a warm smile Sarah shook her head. “No.” She watched as the reporters lowered their heads in disappointment before adding, “No objections.” Their faces brightened.

Jareth was becoming bored and he pulled to leave. Sarah touched his arm and whispered. “Wait a minute, they can be entertaining.” The words sparked curiosity, so he stayed and watched them with more interest.

The oriental woman spoke first. “How are you enjoying the gala?”

Sarah frowned and rolled her eyes. “I just got here when you decided to mob me, but I think the decorations are beautiful.”

“When is your next movie due to be released?” Another man from the back asked.

Sarah squinted her eyes in mock concentration. “It’ll be out for Christmas.”

“Still enjoying being a doctor?” The same asked.

“Of course!” She felt Jareth’s pulls again and turned to his begging eyes. “Alright.” She said to him. “One more question.”

“Did you know Robert is here?” That was from Anderson.

All the reporters held their breath. Jareth was beginning to admire this report’s tenacity. It was highly amusing. Sarah knew they were waiting for her response and she took her time answering. After all, her answer would decide the rumors for the night.

She looked gleefully at Anderson. “Oh, I’d hoped he would!” With that she motioned to Jareth and they turned away and walked towards a table.

He glanced at her. “Interesting for a while.” He pointed a gloved finger at her and arched an eyebrow. “You were being cruel.”

“I was not.” She said firmly, but his words held a certain truth and she knew it.

“Yes you were.” He said teasingly. She had never known when she was being cruel, at least one thing that hadn’t changed.

She looked up worriedly. “Jareth, I...”

A hushed voice drew their attention away from their conversation. “Miss Williams?”

Sarah spun impatiently, “I told you no more questions, Anderson.” She hissed as she recognized the reporter.

The man’s face fell. Jareth tapped Sarah’s arm and asked mockingly. “And that wasn’t cruel?” He watched in delight as her face fell and she looked away from him, her face red in shame. Jareth shook his head and addressed Anderson. “What do you want?” Jareth’s powerful persona had returned, and even without his magic he was able to intimidate others without trying and succeeding evidently. He watched Anderson worm for a second before asking again. “Well?”

Anderson’s eyes shot up and he stammered for a response. “I was just wondering if I could sit at the same table with you?”

Jareth laughed and addressed Sarah, “You’re cruel and they come! What a horrible power!” He continued laughing as Sarah glared at him.

She turned her attention to Anderson, scowling at Jareth. “Of course you can join us.”

Jareth laughed again as they sat at an elegant table, not far from the dance floor. Sarah placed her elbows on the table and leaned on her hands. “I’m glad you’re feeling better, even if it is at my expense.”

Jareth’s eyes sparkled. “Not at your expense, it is just my sense of humor.”

“Or lack-there-of.” She retorted.

Jareth laughed and took a glass of champagne a waiter was offering from a tray and sipped it gingerly. He was enjoying his time here. He rarely held parties of his own, he never wished to see anyone. And true, the reporters were annoying, and the conversations mingling with the music was too loud, but the scene of chaos was familiar to that of the Underground. So in its own demented way, the gala reminded him of his home. He noticed the quiet reporter’s eyes staring at him, and Jareth sighed. Placing the drink down, he returned the gaze. “Yes?”

Anderson immediately lowered his eyes. “You’re not from around here, are you?”

Jareth laughed and Sarah sighed. “No he’s not. And forgive him, he’s been sick.”

Anderson smiled. “How do you know each other?” Sarah bit her lip and Jareth sat back quietly. Anderson flinched. ‘Touchy subject,’ he thought to himself and then added aloud, “It couldn’t have been that bad if you came together.”

Jareth tapped his chin. “Perhaps, perhaps not.” He said softly and thoughtfully. He really didn’t know what he thought of Sarah as an adult. He was extremely thankful for her keeping him alive though.

Sarah just smiled. She began to look around the room for familiar faces to keep the question out of her mind. There were many important people; from actors to doctors, and directors to CEOs. She spotted an unhappy Robert in a chair across the room, but it was the man next to him that drew her attention. He had black eyes that pierced into her, and she could tell they were watching her, even from that distance. She averted her gaze, not quite trusting that man. “Jareth, do you see that man to the left of me?”

His eyes swiveled to the table she was gesturing at. “I see Robert and...” His voice caught in his throat. It was Nicolae. Panic began to set in. Nicolae was one of the Underground’s impetuous beings who wished to have everything. Nicolae smiled as their eyes met for a brief second. How was he to explain this to Sarah with a damned mortal there?

“Sarah, dance with me.” He said as the idea arose.

She had been watching his expressions and accepted readily. She was very curious to Jareth’s relation to this strange man. “Please excuse us.” She said to Anderson as Jareth took her hand and began swirling with the other dancers.

“What did you think of that man?” He whispered to her.

“He gave me a weird sensation. I saw him earlier as well. Why? Do you know him?”

“Yes.” He said simply to control the growing rage that was building within him.

Sarah looked up and saw the anger flashing in his brilliant colored eyes and understanding washed upon her. “He’s the one.”

He nodded and spun her around. “His name is Nicolae, and he’s very powerful. But I had trapped him in a spell a long time ago. Only through a wish could he have been released.”

Gently Sarah pressed her body against his for comfort. “At least you know who to face.”

He returned her gesture by holding her tighter. “I have to defeat the one who called him as well.” He said depressed.

She snapped her head up and looked at him with determined eyes. “Don’t give up. There is always a way.” As his eyes touched hers, the expression changed for both of them. He was genuinely appreciative that she was helping him, and he looked at her with a soft caring. Neither noticed the music had stopped, but they stood still. It wasn’t until they heard clapping from around them did they break the trance, both feeling as if they had been caught kissing over a fence.

Jareth released her and bowed to the clapping crowd; which made them clap even harder. The music struck up again and they continued dancing.

“You’re such a ham.” She said teasingly.

Jareth tsked her. “Such an informal way to speak to a king.” He said playfully reprimanding.

“Ah-ah-ah! You’re not a king here.” Suddenly her eyes widened in fear and she clutched his back.

“What is it?” He whispered fiercely.

Sarah didn’t remove her eyes from whatever was approaching them. “He’s coming this way.”

Before he could respond, a large hand clamped down on Jareth’s still sore shoulder. Pain seared through his arm and he stumbled on Sarah to keep from falling completely to the floor. He choked back the cry trying to escape his throat. Sarah looked at him questioningly as she held him up. Jareth took a ragged breath and forced himself to stand tall. The heavy hand pushed down on the wound, but Jareth wouldn’t be oppressed more than he already was. With a sharp turn, he pushed the hand up and stood fully. Sarah came beside him and faced Nicolae boldly.

Jareth smiled widely at the tall man, but with an ironic hatred. “How can I help you, Nicolae?”

Nicolae narrowed his inky eyes, a tight and forced grin forming on his lips. “I’m happy you’re feeling better, Jareth.” Nicolae turned to Sarah; “May I have this dance?” He asked with an outstretched hand. Sarah unconsciously retreated behind Jareth’s tall, proud, form; causing Nicolae to laugh. “You’re just trading one monster for another, little girl.”

Sarah regained her courage and came from behind Jareth with a hateful stare. “Perhaps, perhaps not.” Sarah saw eyes beginning to focus on them. “We’re drawing too much attention.” She said to Jareth quietly.

He nodded and in one fluid movement they split and walked past Nicolae, not showing any fear in their faces, just contempt. Nicolae swirled around and caught Sarah’s elbow. “You will dance with me.” He commanded.

Jareth’s eyes lit with a new fire and he advanced on Nicolae so quickly that the silver haired man released Sarah’s arm and back away. Nicolae looked up surprised at the anger on Jareth’s face, then laughed when he remembered the lack of magic Jareth possessed. “What were you going to do, Jareth?”

Jareth smiled, “It doesn’t matter. You were frightened enough to let go, though.” He pointed out.

Stammering for a response, Nicolae was powerless but to watch Sarah and Jareth meld into the crowd. Only from watching their movements did he understand them. Every move she made, he made the opposite. Their existence was based upon their differences. Her innocence to his tainted hands, her black hair to his white, he could see it now. A smile appeared on his thin lips as a new plan formed in his mind.

Jareth slumped into his chair and winced as his shoulder hit the seat. Nicolae’s face appeared repeatedly, nearly driving him into frenzy. Sarah sat next to him, and he envied her calm. He was boiling inside. How dare this man strip him of his powers and then come to gloat about it? And he still had no sure idea who released him, yet a nagging feeling in the back of his mind told him that he did. He unconsciously looked at Sarah with the connections of thoughts. Despair filled him and he closed his eyes in an attempt to block out the world around him. Soft skin pressed against his cheek and he opened his eyes to see Sarah’s bright with concern. Forcing a smile, he appeased her and she dropped her hand. But doom was hard to shake off, and for a moment her cared not if a mortal was listening. “He’s planning something.”

“I know.” She said calmly, hesitating to look at him.

Anderson sat back and watched their exchange in silence. There were secrets in their eyes, sparkling back and forth, communicating to each other without words. “Are you alright?” He asked. The Jareth man looked extremely pale.

“Maybe you should see if its bleeding, Jareth.” Sarah said tentatively.

Jareth was about to dismiss the idea, but Sarah’s eyes and expression told him this was not a request. He was being ordered, and at this exact moment he did not have the strength to combat Sarah’s authority. How ironic that she becomes stronger as he weakens. So he bowed to her order, “Alright.” He got up silently and ignored the surprised look on Sarah’s face. She had been expecting an argument. Jareth just smiled weakly and walked towards the restrooms, inconspicuously cradling his left arm in his right.

Sarah watched him walk away with awe and respect. The once spoilt king was learning he couldn’t take anything for granted; a lesson he had taught her bitterly. A shiver crept along her back. The silver haired man; that had been the same man at the store. Sarah still felt his bottomless eyes scorching hers. Another shiver caused Anderson to speak.

“Are you alright?” He said focusing on Sarah.

She looked at him with mistrust. “Are we off the record, Anderson, because I’d hate to sue you.”

His hands were raised in defense. “I’ve just been enjoying your company, not reporting.”

Sarah lowered her head. She was cruel, and ashamed of it. “I’m sorry. I guess I’m just a little edgy.”

“So you’re not alright?”

“I’ve been better.” She admitted. “This has been a long weekend.”

“For all of us,” said a deep, smooth voice from behind her. Sarah spun around to see Robert standing there, his large hands on the chair back. “We haven’t really been able to talk, so you wanna dance?” Sarah couldn’t help but like Jareth’s invitation more, but he wasn’t there, and after all, Robert was her boyfriend. She still hesitated. Robert stared down at her. “One dance.” He said firmer. Sarah responded to this tone of voice and allowed Robert to escort her to the dance floor. Hand in hand they danced, but it wasn’t to the smooth motions of earlier. Robert’s steps were planted and deliberate.

Sarah felt her hand squeezed and looked up at Robert. “What are you thinking of?” He asked.

Sarah smiled. He had always felt that she was keeping secrets from him. And she was, but only of her experience in the labyrinth. He didn’t need to know those thoughts, and she doubted he would have believed her anyway. So she answered, “Dancing,” knowing it was at least partially true.

Robert hugged her tighter. “I’m going to save you, Sarah.”

His hands were so tight around her, she couldn’t get enough air, but she managed to gasp, “What?”

“Nicolae told me that Jareth robbed you of your dreams. I’ll give you new ones.”

Black splotches began to dance in front of Sarah’s eyes from oxygen depletion. Her boyfriend was a lunatic. They spun around and she was dizzy, her lungs felt they could burst in flame. Everything was dark; except? Sarah shook her head and blinked. Except for a lone figure bathed in white light. Sarah wanted to cry with relief. It was Jareth. She could see Jareth! The throbbing in her chest had reached her head, but she summoned all her last reserves of strength and screamed internally for help, “JARETH!!!” Then blackness cascaded over her.

He walked slowly back to the table deep in thought. When had he buried his will? Was it the day a crying fifteen year old girl refused his offer? She wasn’t fifteen anymore, and she was offering help. It is funny how life moves. His thoughts were interrupted by a scream in his head. He jerked his head towards the dancers and in the middle of the crowd saw Sarah go limp in the ape’s arms. Determined to reach her, he was devastated when he was pulled away. Jareth spun to see Nicolae’s face filled with excitement.

“Not so fast, Jareth.” He said remaining the tight grip on Jareth’s arms.

Jareth looked to the dance floor, yet Sarah and the overgrown monkey had disappeared. He struggled frantically, ignoring the pain he was causing his shoulder, and Nicolae released him laughing.

“Want her back, Jareth?” He taunted. “Find her in the labyrinth, and I’ll return your powers. Fail and I’ll kill you, after killing her.”

Jareth glared. “I can’t travel to the Underground.”

Nicolae laughed and vanished slowly in the shadows. “There are labyrinths here too Jareth, for they are mirrored worlds.”

Mirrored worlds? Jareth sighed and leaned against a wall, away from everyone, silent in his depression. Fine. Now he had to regain his magic, win his kingdom back, and rescue Sarah, and not directly in that order. Was this the normal routine of a human? No just his life, he thought bitterly. How exhausting! A noise in front of him caused him to open his eyes. The young reporter was staring at him intently.

“Where’d she go?” He asked bluntly.

Jareth sighed and stood tall. He was going to regain his kingliness, for this pride was all he was clinging onto. He stared Anderson down and with nonchalant shrugged, “I don’t know.”

The reporter’s hands came up and pushed Jareth against the wall. Jareth’s eyes widened and he help back the gasp of pain as the reporter shoved again. “I don’t believe you.” He said continuing to hold Jareth in the spot.

The shock wore off and Jareth found himself beginning to admire Anderson. He quietly pushed the man’s hands off and regained his posture. Jareth smiled, but it was cruel. “I might have use for you.” The reporter shrank away; realizing that Jareth might be dangerous. Jareth grabbed his coat at the collar. “No you don’t. I’m not asking you.”

Jareth, with the reporter in tow, walked down one of the corridors, away from the crowded ball. He strode purposefully, though he really had no destination. His face was calmly covered over in his indifferent, expressionless mask.

Anderson looked at the man dragging him and managed to regain his balance and match Jareth’s long stride. He held an aura of authority that had been banished when Sarah was present. Anderson attempted to pull away and Jareth’s grip tightened.

“Don’t defy me.”

Exasperated, Anderson cried out, “Damn! You act like royalty.” Jareth turned towards him with a smirk. Ironic knowledge was laced in those eyes and Anderson yelped, “You ARE royalty!”

Jareth laughed, “Oh? How can you be sure?”

“You’re so arrogant.” He said before he thought.

Inwardly, Jareth was grinning at the young reporter, but on the outside he fixed Anderson with a fierce glare. “Be careful, you’ve already insulted me twice, make sure there isn’t a third.” Jareth turned and returned to dragging Anderson along.

Anderson thought quietly and allowed Jareth to pull him. There was defiantly more to this guy than meets the eye. Not to mention that his eyes were different colors. Was that a warning of duplicity? Anderson mentally shrugged. If Sarah can trust him, shouldn’t he? Sarah had great instincts.

Anderson stopped and the abrupt motion caused Jareth to jerk forward and loose his grip on him before spinning around glaring. Raising his hands, Anderson spoke quickly. “Listen, I’m willing to help you if we’re searching for Sarah. You don’t have to drag me. Hey, I might even be able to help, its obvious by the way you passed four exits that you don’t know this place.” Much to Anderson’s dismay, the elegant man began to laugh.

With humor, Jareth ended the laugh and leaned against a cold wall. “Is it that obvious?”

Anderson felt baited. “If I tell you the truth, are you going to be upset?”

The mismatched eyes widened and interest sparkled in them. Tapping his chin Jareth smiled, “My my, you do learn quickly.” He stood tall, and Anderson noted he could no longer see emotion on the man’s face, yet he continued. “No, I don’t know this place, and your help would be appreciated.”

Biting his lip, Anderson thought hard on how he was going to get more information, for frankly, his curiosity was getting the best of him. Reporter’s instincts are hard to abandon, and he, after all; was a reporter. His expressions must have shown through because Jareth stared intently at him.

“What do you want to know?” He said crossing his arms and leaning more comfortably on the wall.

“Everything.”

Jareth smirked. “You wouldn’t believe half of it.”

Shrugging Anderson walked to the opposite side of the wall and leaned as well. “Try me, it could only help.

“Oh I highly doubt that. I’ll tell you what’s relevant.” Jareth took a deep breath. “First of all, I am royalty, just slightly without a crown,” he added bitterly. “The same man that took Sarah stole it from me.”

“Robert?” Asked Anderson as he tried to follow the story.

Jareth shook his head. “No, that ape cannot tie his shoes without help.” He said disgusted. “I’m talking about the silver haired man, Nicolae.”

Anderson was confused and lost. “Nicolae took your kingdom?”

Jareth paused before answering and the reply obviously pained him. “Yes.”

“How can he do that?”

“Why couldn’t he?” Jareth relied sadly.

Anderson closed his eyes and tired to make sense of the mess. “Alright, what does he want with Sarah?”

Jareth lowered his head; “I believe some of that is because of me. I came here seeking Sarah’s help.”

“What can Sarah do?”

Sighing, Jareth lifted his head and gestured, “More than any of us can imagine.”

Squinting, Anderson decided to push further. “What’s your relationship with Sarah?”

Jareth laughed, yet it was slightly uneasy. “Sarah’s right, you are interesting.” And purposely didn’t answer.

Jareth wished the reporter would stop bringing us such hurtful questions. Was there nothing in his life that was pleasant? Probably not at this moment, he thought sourly. He noticed that Nicolae had made one large mistake. He hadn’t given Jareth a time phase. The amateur didn’t even know how to play the game. Upon thinking of the crazy man, their last conversation rang in his ears and he repeated Nicolae’s words out loud without thinking. The voice of the inquiring reporter brought Jareth out of his reverie and back to the squalid world. Then a thought occurred to him. This reporter might know where the maze was. “Anderson,” he spoke quietly, but strongly, “Nicolae said he had taken Sarah to a maze, it would be large, do you know of any?”

The reporter furrowed his brows in evident concentration. “Hell,” he said shrugging; “all of New York is a maze.”

“Yes, I had noticed that as well,” Jareth said softly.

Clapping his hands together, Anderson exclaimed happily, “How about Central Park?”

“It’s a maze?” Jareth said lifting an eyebrow.

“Well, it’s full of all kinds of different paths I doubt anyone had been on all of, and it’s large.”

Jareth smiled, but it was sad. His castle and the Goblin City were in the center of the labyrinth. It was only fitting that this labyrinth would be in the center of the city. And Nicolae’s words were beginning to make sense. “Take me there.” He said distracted. How many other things are mirrored? Jareth tried to shake the question away, but it kept repeating endlessly through his mind.