Labyrinth- Jareth's Return

22. Dragon Moon Rise

The sounds of drums echoed throughout the shadowlands as the troops rallied together. The moon began to peak on the horizon as the sun started to set. The sky shone a deep red as the Dragon moon beamed like blood in the sky as it rose. The ogres assembled in the front of the castle.

Dracius stood on the castle balcony looking over the troops gathering, his skin scaled over his skin as they fanned outward in sharp edges. Parts of his face were all that showed flesh, his eyes a deep red like the moon. His claws elongated as his wings stretched out behind him. He wore armor lined with dragon skin that spiked out on the shoulders. The front was lined with bits of dragon ribs to add an extra layer of protection. His elbows spiked out with the scales that protrude his skin. His teeth sharpened out ready to rip out flesh if need be. Horns peaked out of his forehead protruding outwards as he stared down at his troops through slitted eyes.

This is his true form. A form of a beast. A monster? A dragon? It was the effects of his ancestors before him who cursed him to be in this state. His anger seethed out of him as he analyzed his subjects below. They scurried to gather their arrows and weapons used to crush through Jareth's forces. He will die.

An ogre trudged up behind him, the creak of metal sounded the hall as the ogre walked and bowed. "Your majesty, we are ready." The last sound of the drums dimmed as he stepped forward holding a hand to the sky.

Nagendra stood behind him with her arms crossed as she rolled her eyes. All for her. She sneered.

"Today is a momentous day." He paused as he heard their cheers. "We ride into battle to take back the power that is rightfully ours. We will no longer hide in the shadowlands as outcast, as rejects, as the abominations they make us out to be. We will stand for not just our kingdom, but to stand to take hold of the underground. We will fight to take back what has been ours from the start. Today we will get back the one they call the 'Chosen one' or should I say, Sarah. The one that is to be my Queen. OUR QUEEN."

The ogres chanted and hooted as Nagendra scoffed and stormed off. Dracius held a fist in the air as he edged them to cheer louder before settling them down again.

"We will get her back and we will destroy the goblin kingdom and all who stand in our way. Today, the sun sets on the Shadowlands. Tomorrow, the power of the Dragon kingdom will rise. Will you join me?!"

The ogres yelled and screamed in battle cries as Dracius took in the sounds before leaving the balcony. His boots trudged down the hall and through the corridor as he made his way toward the main hall. Nagendra followed behind. "You're not going to risk this kingdom for a girl are you? She's nothing!" Nagendra yelled at him as Dracius continued unfazed. "You don't need her when you have me, why must you go to battle!" She hissed before Dracius pinned her against the wall, his arm pressed against her neck.

"You better watch what you say because she is your future queen."

Nagendra scowled at him as she choked out her words. "And what... if she.. Is mated.. To him?"

Dracius growled as he pressed harder on her neck. "Then I will kill Jareth and drink his blood until he is dry then she will be mine. You understand?"

Nagendra growled and shoved him away. "It would not be that easy brother. If he has taken her and he dies she can die too! Couldn't she?"

Dracius smashed the wall as he screamed out. "Then both their blood will be mine."

Nagendra scowled and grabbed his face. "Don't do this, Dracius. Please.."

She begged as she held onto him. Dracius stood still, his face seething in anger as she grasped a hold of him. "Since when did a descendant of the dragon king beg?!" Nagendra sobbed slightly as he pulled away and kept walking.