Per aspera ad astra

Jareth barely flinched as the fireball exploded against the wall behind them, his mind racing. Gabe's sardonic tone cut through the chaos, but Jareth only spared him a sideways glance before fixing his gaze back on the demon. The chains. The ribcage. The man inside.

Grand ideas? Jareth called out, his voice sharp with both focus and exasperation. Yeah, I’ve got one: don’t get fried!

Jareth took a breath, steadying himself as he focused his mind. The surrounding atmosphere grew thick with the lingering essence of fallen heroes—those who had fought valiantly in past wars, those whose spirits had not yet found peace. They were the ones who would heed his call, those whose strength could pierce the shadows and confront the demon.

Keep it dancing, Gabe! Jareth shouted, his voice carrying a thread of urgency. That thing’s scorching hot—we are going to need help!

He raised his staff once more. The air around him seemed to hum in response, and from the emptiness before him, a shimmering, ghostly form began to materialize—though shapeless at first.

Spirits of valor, courage, and battle! he began, his voice ringing with authority. The energy around him pulsed, growing thicker with each word.
You who have walked the edge of despair and returned victorious—your strength has not faded. Now, you are called again. The time has come to stand, to show this fiend what it means to be unyielding. What it means to fight—

not for power,

not for greed,

but for justice,

for the safety of those who cannot stand alone.

As Jareth spoke, his eyes began to glow with a golden light, an uncontrolled fire sparking within.

Come forth!

A pulse of energy erupted from him, expanding outward in a wave.

And then, a towering spirit—draped in ancient armor, radiant with an otherworldly glow—materialized with sword and shield in hand, ready to confront the demon alongside them.

@Ivy