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myveryownfanfiction · 1 year

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18+ MINORS AND THOSE WITHOUT AGE IN BIO DNI

warnings: Jareth jumpscares the reader a bit, Hoggle is a bit crass, reader kind of throws themself at Jareth, a few double intendres but they are mentioned in the movie so idk

AN: Happy Valentine's Day! My annual Labyrinth story is here!

"Run the labyrinth he said. 13 hours he said." I muttered to myself as I trudged along through the Goblin City. So far, none of the goblins had come after us. Hoggle trailed behind me, rubbing his hands. I still held his precious jewels but I doubt he cared about them anymore. "What are you muttering about back there Hoggle?" I looked over my shoulder at him, fed up with the noise he was making. Not knowing if the rest of the goblins would jump out because of it had set me on edge.

"What are you going to do if you get to the castle?" He finally asked. I shrugged. "I mean you're leaving right?" I nodded as he sped up to walk alongside me. "But I thought you wanted to do Jareth." I stumbled and Hoggle looked at me, hands out to try to catch me.

"What?!" I exclaimed. Hoggle was wringing his hands again. "Who said anything about me wanting to do Jareth?"

"I just thought..." He trailed off. "The way the two of you interact with each other..." I sighed and gazed up at the castle.

"Hoggle, it wouldn't work. He belongs here in the Goblin City. I have to go back. I should never have said that to my friend." I shook my head, clearing it and banishing all thoughts of the Goblin King out of my head.

"He will probably offer you a way to stay..." Hoggle murmured. "If he did, would you take it?" I shrugged.

"As long as my friend was safe and I wouldn't get turned into a goblin, maybe." My mind was racing. If I could stay, would I? Would I want to be bound to the Goblin King forever? Did I really want to stay? Shaking my head again, I focused on the task at hand. We were at the steps of the castle. "Hoggle, whatever comes next, I have to do it myself right?" He nodded. "Here. Thank you for coming with me." I tossed his jewels back to him.

"You didn't have to do that." He said in surprise. Smiling sadly at him, I started to climb the stairs. I looked back only once to see Hoggle wave at me before turning around and disappearing into the city. Climbing the stairs, I pushed the doors open and entered the empty throne room. Looking around, I saw the clock. Sighing in relief, I looked around for the doorway I knew to be there. There were three doorways behind the throne. Looking from one to the other, I started to worry. I still had time if I took the wrong door but I would have to find my way back to this room if I wanted to preserve that time.

"Think (Y/N). Think." I circled around the throne and stared at the doors. "Which one did Sarah take. Which one leads to the David Bowie impersonator." I closed my eyes and tried to visualize the scene from the movie. "She comes in and it's..." I turned slightly and opened my eyes. The doorway matched what I remembered from the film. "There." Running through, I took in the new maze. Smiling to myself, I walked to the edge and looked out of the staircase world.

"(Y/N)!" My friend called out for me. I waved down to them and took a deep breath, preparing to jump down the center.

"Expecting a song?" The voice made me jump and I turned around, putting some distance between myself and the edge. Jareth was leaning against the wall, playing with a crystal. "You won't get one." I smiled softly at him and shook my head.

"Didn't think I would." I looked over my shoulder and took a step back. I looked back at Jareth as he pushed off the wall. "Besides, you wouldn't get into it too much. I know what to do." He smirked and walked right up to me. We were standing nose to nose when he put his hand on my shoulder.

"Then do it." He whispered before giving me a gentle push. I stepped off at the same time and fell. A new platform materialized under me and I landed carefully, my friend having disappeared again. Jareth entered from a new doorway. "I assume you know what's coming." I nodded and Jareth rolled his eyes. "Then formalities and such." He waved his hand and I tried to stifle my laugh. It brought a smile to his face. "(Y/N)," my breath hitched as he said my name. Maybe Hoggle was right. "beware. I have been generous, up until now and I can be cruel."

"Generous?" I tried to fight the smile that was growing. "What have you done that's generous?" Jareth smirked at me, clearly seeing how amusing I found all of this.

"Everything." There was something about his tone that made me question all of my life's choices until that point. "Everything that you wanted I have done. You asked that your friend be taken. I took them. You cowered before me. I was frightening. I have reordered time, I have turned the world upside down, and I have done it all for you. I'm exhausted from living up to your expectations of me." He circled me. All I could do was watch him. Doubt was growing in me. Doubt that I could say the words. Doubt that going back was what I really wanted. Doubt that I could leave him behind. Doubt I could forget about him. "Isn't that generous?" His gaze softened as he came to a stop in front of me.

"I-I..." I looked around him, desperate not to look him in the eye. "Through dangers untold..." I fought to find something in me that wanted to go back. Something to focus on so I didn't have to make that choice while looking at him. "Dangers untold and hardships...." Jareth watched me, regarding me kindly and curiously. When it was clear I wasn't going to recite my part, he took control.

"Stop. Wait." He held up a crystal, taking a step closer to me. "Look (Y/N). Look at what I'm offering you." His voice had taken on a soft quality. When he didn't continue, I looked away from the crystal, meeting his eyes.

"My dreams." I whispered out. He shook his head but gave me a chance to continue. But I didn't take it.

"I ask for so little." Jareth took another step towards me. "Just let me rule you and you can have everything that you want." He had lowered the crystal, nearly letting it drop as his other hand reached out and gently took mine. His thumb ran over my knuckles, waiting for me to make a decision. I shook my head, the thoughts running rampant as I tried to find any reason to go. "Just fear me, love me, do as I say and I will be your slave." Jareth whispered, gently pulling me closer to him. "The choice is yours. I've done all I must." Slowly reaching up, I cupped his cheek.

"My friend will return?" He nodded, gently leaning into my touch. "And I won't become a goblin?" He shook his head with an amused smile.

"Where would you get an idea like that?" He chuckled. "Your friend will return to your world. If you choose to stay, you will remain as you are. With me. If that is what you so choose." Jareth watched me carefully. Letting go of his hand, I reached out for the crystal. "You need to be sure." He warned. I nodded.

"I'm sure." I touched the crystal just as Jareth leaned forward and kissed me. The world around us shimmered as we were returned to the throne room. Jareth pulled away, smiling softly at me. I looked around the room, surprised by the subtle use of magic. A second throne had appeared next to the first.

"For you." He whispered as he watched me take my seat.

#jareth #jareth the goblin king #jareth fanfiction #jareth fanfic #jareth imagine #jareth x reader #labyrinth #labyrinth imagine #labyrinth fanfic #labyrinth fanfiction #labyrinth 1986 #david bowie #david bowie fanfic #david bowie imagine #david bowie x reader #david bowie fanfiction

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stingrayextraordinaire · 10 months

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Fanfiction Moodboards // “A Forfeit of Dreams” by KL_Morgan

Dreams must be achieved. They must be worked for, earned through sweat and tears. It’s what makes them so precious. They cannot be simply bestowed.

(huge thanks to @diaryofanobsessivefangirl, without whom I would never have learned of this earth-shattering fic)

#rarely do i make more than one board for one thing #but this is one of those exceptions #a forfeit of dreams #kl_morgan #fanfiction #fanfiction moodboards #moodboards #aesthetics #my moodboards #my edits #labyrinth #sarah williams #jareth #jareth the goblin king #labyrinth 1986 #jareth x sarah #labyrinth fanfiction

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rose-and-thorn-fanfics · 1 year

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Hello! I have a request for Jareth from labyrinth if that's okay?

Could you write where, similar to Sarah but instead of wishing away a sibling, fem!reader wants to actually be taken by Jareth to his kingdom and they end up falling in love? Like, he shows her around his kingdom because she loves fantasy and makes her his queen? Thank you so much and I hope this makes sense! and please take your time!

“We’re choosing the path between the stars…” (Jareth x Fem! Reader) Labyrinth Fanfic: Part 1

The only comfort in a world so rotten was a dream, a yearning for distant lands of a fantastical nature. Y/n knew this well. Her life was a nightmare and when she looked in the mirror her eyes were the only bright part left of her lifeless face. Sighing with defeat, she turned from her bedroom mirror and threw her bruised body onto her bed like a rag-doll. Weeping into her pillow she hugged herself as each sob made her breathing ragged. Thunder boomed, and rain beat at the windows of the second-story bedroom. Y/n’s father had left to work, a night shift, giving her a brief hour of peace without fear of a beating before her wretched mother came home from her job to torment her. Y/n rolled over on the bed, facing the wall with her bookshelf, now empty after her parent’s fit of rage where they followed through on their threats to box up and donate all her books. Sniffling, she sat up and reached into the crack between her mattress and her headboard, where she had stuffed her favorite fairytale book in anticipation of her mother and father’s actions.

“Labyrinth…” she whispered. Lightning flashed, lighting up the room momentarily with its cold glow. “Oh if only the Goblin King would take me away like he steals away the child in this book.” Y/n said, managing a smirk (despite the stinging pain from her cut on her lip). “I would do anything to get out of this awful place. But would the King really take an interest in me?” She got up and made her way over to her mirror, leaving the book open on her bed as she examined her face, her body, her posture. She knew she wasn’t hard on the eyes. Y/n had been in countless unsuccessful relationships with the popular boys at her college. But that didn’t mean she was without insecurities. ‘Still…’ she thought, then rushed back to the book. Flipping through the pages she found what she was looking for. The line in the book that might’ve changed her life for good, if only she’d read it out-loud. ‘This is silly…’ but her stomach felt like it was filled with stones as she stared at the words. It was a fairytale, but it was one she truly believed, even if Y/n was reluctant to admit it. Those words had weight. Now… she just had to say them. “I wish the Goblin King would take me away…” She paused, feeling her heart skip a beat. “Right now.”

Lightning flashed again, illuminating her bedroom in its brilliance. Y/n closed her eyes and stood there, waiting. Nothing happened, although when she opened her eyes the lights had gone out. She repeated the words again, this time louder. Still nothing. She said it again and again, until her throat hurt. Eventually Y/n gave up. She left her room and went down the hall feeling blindly for a flashlight on the shelves outside her parent’s bedroom. BANG. CRASHHH! Y/n whirled around stumbling through the darkness back to her bedroom where the loud noise had come from. She flashed her flashlight around her room. The doors to her balcony had flung themselves open, and rain poured in, soaking the ground. She blinked as it hit her cheeks. Y/n grabbed the handles of the double doors and forced them closed. They clicked as she locked them, and only then did she notice the electricity in the air, as though…. ‘As though someone is watching me…’ She thought, heart racing. She turned slowly, trembling. The Goblin King stood there, a few feet away, surrounded by glitter and a dark sweeping cape.

“You… came…” Y/n blinked back tears.

The King flashed her a wickedly handsome grin. “You’re a lucky girl, Y/n. If I hadn’t been looking into my crystal, I wouldn’t have bothered answering a call like yours. You do know that changing the words makes them less effective?”

“Oh… I’m sorry.” Y/n mumbled. “Your majesty, you have no idea—“

“—Jareth, darling, its Jareth.” He interjected, stepping forward into the moonlight that peaked through the storm clouds and reaching up towards her face. Y/n stared up at him with wide eyes as he used his gloved fingers to brush away her tears.

“You have no idea how relieved and grateful I am that you came, Jareth.” Y/n said, blushing nervously as he examined the bruised side left side of her face. She watched his eyes darken with intensity as they observed the clear remnants of her last beating. “I can explain…” Y/n said, wracking her brain for less embarrassing alternatives to the truth of her situation at home.

“No need.” Jareth frowned, as if he understood the truth just by meeting her gaze. “I’ll grant your wish, Y/n, but you must understand once I take you to my palace, there is no returning to this world. There is no turning back.”

Y/n nodded without hesitation.

“Well then, you’ve made your decision.” He smirked. The Goblin King took her hand, and the room around them faded into a blur. Y/n felt dizzy as the light of a setting sun overwhelmed her senses and wind blew her hair back. She found herself overlooking an infinite maze from the highest window in a castle. The sky was coral and amethyst as the sun got lower and lower. Jareth sat across from her, fingering four crystal balls so they spun in circles between and around his fingers. seeing his handsome face in this new lighting took Y/n’s breath away.

“The book doesn’t do you justice…, you know.” Y/n said softly.

King Jareth arched an elegant brow, but said nothing. He turned the crystals into bubbles and let the wind carry each one gracefully away. Finally, after quite some time, he spoke. “There’s a masquerade tonight. I suppose I wouldn’t mind if you should show up…” He said smugly, turning to her.

Y/n smiled. She remembered the masquerades mentioned in the book. “Of course! I’d love to go.”

To be continued in Part 2….

#fanfic #labyrinth 1986 #labyrinth movie #labyrinth #jareth #jareth the goblin king #movie #labyrinth fanfic #labyrinth 1986 fanfic #labyrinth fanfiction #jareth x reader #jareth x fem! reader #80s films

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fanfiction101 · 2 months

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Just some Jareth Headcannons

Jareth head cannons <3 let me know if you have any fanfic requests or more head cannon requests

This man has no shame in showing you off as his queen. Like he would shout it proudly from the rooftops if he could. He wants everyone to know that you are his by subtle things like walking with his hand on your hip or lower back or kissing you passionately if he feels like anyone else is a threat to him.

He loves it when you wear clothes that make you look like the queen you are. So ballgowns, extravagant outfits, crowns, etc.

He totally sings to you all the time. He is very proud of his talents and would definitely write songs for you. He would also try to get you to dance even if at first you are hesitant.

He will give you anything you desire. You want a garden in the castle? Done. A library with an endless amount of books? It was done yesterday. You want a room dedicated animals? It was always there.

He loves it when you play with his hair, just not in front of his subjects and even in private he won't admit it but he will never fight against you asking to play with it. He will even lay down his head on your lap which after a while becomes a silent request for you to play with his hair while you two talk.

If you are ever overwhelmed or stressed, he might be oblivious at first but after a bit he might notice habits that indicate toward it. After he starts seeing these signs, he would do a number of things to help you calm down or de-stress. He would do anything from simply laying with you while you talk to giving you massages to drawing you a bubble bath.

This man loves kids. We can obviously tell that from how he handled Toby, while tossing a baby in the air is a bit reckless, Toby was happy the whole time. Jareth would be an absolutely great father.

Jareth does have some anger management issues but after you came into the picture, you have definitely helped him regulate his anger and frustration. He genuinely tries to not take it out on you but after a really stressful day he might snap and yell at you but would never physically hurt you. That being said, he would instantly regret ever opening his mouth and would beg you for forgiveness. The next day he would shower you with gifts and attention.

He is also very protective over you. If anyone ever ave you a problem, even if it was small, they would totally get a visit from him. If you just wanted it to be your fight, then you would have to let Jareth know before he started with threats of his own. But after you handled the problem, he would want to know all the drama down to the single detail.

#labyrinth fanfiction #jareth the goblin king #the labyrinth #labyrinth #jareth imagine #goblin king #jareth x you #jareth the goblin king x reader

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xalygatorx · 5 months

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My Fanfiction Masterlist | AO3 profile

Link tree to anything fanfiction-related that I write and post. Also a teaser source for upcoming chapter titles and future fics.

I will link as I post new chapters and will also try to remember to link new chapters at the end of the ones that precede them. x

If you don't see a chapter linked below but the title says its associated fic is 'complete', it's because I'm in the process of reposting my completed fics and I may not have that chapter up on here yet. Powerless is queued to post a chapter every Thursday through late May (but is posted in full on AO3 if you'd rather not wait).

NO AI TRAINING: Without in any way limiting the author’s exclusive rights to their works under copyright, any use of the associated publications to “train” generative artificial intelligence (AI) technologies to generate text is expressly prohibited.

Death in Pink (Alastor x Fem!OC, WIP), only on AO3

Unbound (Astarion x Fem!OC, WIP), also on AO3

Powerless (Jareth x Fem!OC, completed in 2017), also on AO3

Worthy (Loki x Fem!OC, completed in 2015), also on AO3

Hazbin Hotel

Death in Pink (AO3 only) (Alastor x Fem!OC, WIP ✍️)

Concepts for Adelie's character design (regular and demon forms)

Baldur's Gate 3

Unbound (Astarion x Fem!OC, WIP ✍️)

Labyrinth (1986)

Powerless (2017, Jareth x Fem!OC, complete) | AO3

Chapter 1, The Crystal Peach

Chapter 2, Into the Labyrinth

Chapter 3, The Girl Who Forgot Everything

Chapter 4, One of Us

Chapter 5, Everything I've Done

Chapter 6, Falling Down

Chapter 7, Through Dangers Untold

Chapter 8, Dance Magic

Chapter 9, And Hardships Unnumbered

Chapter 10, Reorderment of Time

Chapter 11, No Ordinary Girl

Chapter 12, It's Only Forever

Chapter 13, Not Long At All

Chapter 14, Eyes So Cruel

Chapter 15, I Wish

Chapter 16, The Babe with the Power

Chapter 17, Within You

Chapter 18, New Dreams & Foolish Hearts

Chapter 19, The Right Words

Chapter 20, Between the Stars (END)

Marvelverse (films-specific)

Worthy (2015, Loki x Fem!OC, complete ✅)

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winxfruits · 1 year

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this is far too niche.. but the urge i have to write a fic that reveals valtor to have been imprisoned in a run-down castle surrounded by a labyrinth to keep him imprisoned there.. tormented by not being left alone, no, but in the company of unruly goblins, to whom he gives a fake name, makes himself their king and... do you see where i'm going with this?

you cant convince me they arent the same person. or at the very least, relatives. please..

#labyrinth fanfiction #labyrinth #winx #winx club #sparxshipping #valtor #baltor #winx valtor #bloom #winx bloom

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snmwicked · 2 years

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The Claiming

Words: 11,067 Rating: Explicit (SMUT, non-con almost rape, violence)

Summary: Based on what was SUPPOSED to be a Drabble prompt of Jareth/Sarah - predator/prey - hunting.

When an attempt for the Goblin King’s domain is made by his cousin, the Prince of Twilight - Rhamaan, Jareth must face one of the oldest traditions of the Unseelie Court known as The Hunt to claim his kingdom and save the Champion of the Labyrinth, Sarah Williams.

Relationships: Jareth/Sarah Williams

AO3: https://archiveofourown.org/works/41675289

Secretly I’ve been tailin’ you,

Like a fox that preys on a rabbit.

I had to catch you in a sudden trap.

I’d love to learn your ways and habits.

You were the catch I was after.

Once I fell then I was in your arms,

And I knew that I’d been caught.

What’s the whole world comin’ to?

Things just ain’t the same.

Anytime the hunter gets captured by the game.

“The Hunter Gets Captured by the Game” – Massive Attack

The wind whipped throughout the space that surrounded them ominously. Jareth mounted his large steed, Grundle, as the black, demon-stallion fidgeted a bit under his grasp. It was as if the beast felt and understood the dangers of the events unfolding around them. The Goblin King patted down the mount’s long neck and mane to calm him and perhaps to also calm himself, as he knew the others would arrive soon and he did not want to show any inkling of the emotions that ripped through him in this moment. Jareth noticed a short figure out of the corner of his eye make a timid path over to him and wished mentally that the dwarf would come to his senses and get as far away from here as possible, but he knew that the damned creature had been lacking in sense since the first time they’d met.

Hoggle approached the intimidating presence of Jareth upon Grundle with trepidation, wringing his hat within his hands as his nerves ate at him. He knew he wasn’t supposed to be here. None of them were, save the lords of the various Fey realms, but they were here, all the same. They had not come for him, though. No, they may serve within his kingdom but that would never have brought them to this meeting today.

Today they came for her.

#labyrinth #labyrinth fanfiction #jareth x sarah #jareth and sarah #Jareth #sarah williams #Jareth SMUT

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sherylholmes · 5 months

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Updated Tra La La, Dr. King

Oops, someone tagged me on Tumblr, and I remembered this exists. (Thank you for recommending my work, @anarcha-queer-horror !)

I’m kidding about having forgotten about this, though. I’ve been trying to finish this fic for ages, and as recently as last week I wrote a whole other cache of notes for it. But seeing one of my readers wonder aloud if this story is abandoned lit a fire under me.

“No, it isn’t! It’s almost done, I’m just busy!” *cries in young professional*

Anyway, I had planned to post the two chapters I’d already had written, but then this one ambushed me in a dark alley and mugged my creativity for its own advantage. So, uh, here’s a chapter that was never supposed to be written but now feels necessary?

#sheryl holmes ao3 #fanfiction #sheryl holmes #labyrinth fanfic #labyrinth fanfiction #sarah williams #sarah/jareth #new chapter #fanfiction author #ao3 writer #author is sleep deprived

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arwen-star · 1 year

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Twst/Twisted Wonderland fic writers, could someone do a Twst/Labyrinth (1986) crossover where Yuu is Sarah and Grim is annoying and she accidentally wishes him away to Twisted Wonderland and Malleus is Jareth and she has to defeat him to get Grim/Toby back? And the whole time Malleus wants Yuu to stay with him but Yuu has to ignore his attempts to persuade her to stay and get herself and Grim home?

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somedaylazysomeday · 2 months

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Fanfic February 2024 - Week Four (Final)

And that's it! The end of Fanfic February! I would say I'm sad to see it go, but I'm looking forward to having time to work on other fics.

Here's everything that was posted as part of Week Four:

Matter of Perspective (Part Four) - The second part of this year's installment of my Horacio Carrillo x fem!reader Narcos fic.

Misbehaving (Part Four) - A continuation of my Commander Cody x fem!reader Star Wars: The Clone Wars fic.

Shared - A brand new Arcane one-shot featuring a Silco x fem!reader x Sevika pairing. (Not related to my ongoing Arcane series.)

Bitten (Part Four) - A continuation of my Commander Wolffe x fem!reader Star Wars: The Clone Wars fic.

Bitten (Part Five) - The final part (so far) of my Commander Wolffe x fem!reader Star Wars: The Clone Wars fic.

Dreams (Part Three) - A continuation of my Jareth x fem!reader Labyrinth fic.

Dreams (Part Four) - Another part of my Jareth x fem!reader Labyrinth fic.

Bodyguard (Part Three) - The final installment of my Alpha-17 x fem!reaader Star Wars: Legends fic. (Not related to my ongoing Alpha-17 x fem!reader series.)

There were a lot of characters I wanted to write as part of this last Fanfic February, but with limited time for writing, I ended up sticking with a lot of familiar characters. I'm still happy with how things ended up, and I hope you are, too!

Please note: all of these fics are either mature or explicit, and none are intended to be read by anyone under the age of 18. Minors, please do not interact with this account or the works I post here.

You can find other fics on my masterlist, SFW Star Wars fics on my other sideblog - @wanderinginksplot-writes - or find me on AO3 under InkSplots.

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7-wonders · 2 years

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Between the Stars

Summary: When you rescued Julia and made it safely back to your world, you had assumed that was the end of your Underworld journey. Your heart, however, has other plans in mind.

Word Count: 3.1k

A/N: This is the penultimate chapter of It's Only Forever! The next chapter will be tie up loose ends, then we're done. 🥲 I sincerely hope that you guys enjoy, and I thank you for reading this passion project of mine.

It’s Only Forever Masterlist

It’s odd, the way that life can just…return back to normal after such a world-altering event. Or, back to as normal as possible when everything that you thought you knew has been turned upside down. You’ve been through an unbelievable journey through dangers untold and hardships unnumbered, yet the world still continues to spin just as it had prior to that night, people continuing to live their lives as they always had. On the outside, nothing’s changed. The more time that passes since you met the Demon King, you’re wondering if you maybe made it all up.

Julia didn’t remember anything about the Underworld, that much you’re sure of. If there’s one thing you know about her, it’s that she’s a chatterbox. When her parents had asked her if she had fun with you that fateful night, you had cringed and expected her to tell them that she had been kidnapped by a bunch of demons and that you had to fight your way through a labyrinth to save her. Instead, she told them excitedly about the cookies you baked, the extra episodes of Paw Patrol you let her watch (okay, that did make you cringe because you know she’s not supposed to have extra screen time, but it’s hard when she’s so cute and convincing), and the fun princess story you told her.

For Julia, there had been no interruption in her life, no fantasy adventure that she had been dragged upon. That had been your main worry upon returning from the Underworld, that you would have to try and explain what had happened to you both. So it should be a good thing that she wasn’t permanently traumatized from what she went through, considering that saving Julia was your top priority when he stole her away from you. It is a good thing.

And so, you follow the lead of a three-year-old and try to move on with your life, getting back into the routine of school and work and being a twenty-something. ‘Try’ being the key word. It’s difficult to fully move on when the reason you were there in the first place and the Demon King that you have conflicting feelings for is everywhere. Not everywhere in the sense that he follows you, which is almost disappointing. Rather, reminders of him follow you no matter where you are.

You’ll hear a laugh that sounds just like his and turn around in excitement, or smell the cherries and burnt wood that are so unmistakably Michael. Sometimes you swear you can feel his presence right behind you, only to turn around and find nobody there. Last week had been the worst of these cases of mistaken identity. While shelving books at work, you had glanced out of the storefront windows to see a tall, lean man with golden locks wearing all-black walking past. You were so sure that it was Michael that you abandoned the books you had been shelving to run outside, leaving your coworkers behind you calling your name in confusion. Much to your disappointment, he was nowhere to be seen when you made it to the busy sidewalk, nor was whoever had looked like him.

It’s maddening, and you wish that you weren’t so hung up on him. After all, you only knew him for a total of thirteen hours, and those thirteen hours were spent trying to get back the child you nannied, the child he kidnapped. Yet…you can’t stop thinking about your last moments with him. Scratch that. You can’t stop thinking about every single interaction that you had with him in those thirteen hours. Whether it be the way that the air seemed to spark with electricity whenever you were around each other or the way he kissed you so tenderly, the appreciative look in his blue eyes at your wit or how he was willing to give you everything just so that you would say you love him like he loves you. There’s no way you could have ever dreamed up anything like that.

You really don’t know what to make of these feelings. It seems illogical and stupid that you could be feeling something like love for Michael, both after he constructed an elaborate kidnapping plot just to get you to the Underworld and (you can’t stress this enough) the fact that you only knew him for thirteen hours. Could these feelings, the heartache and the sadness and the feeling that there’s something missing from you, be warranted?

There’s one person (couple, you suppose) that knows more about love than anybody you’ve ever met, and you just so happen to nanny their child. Even just watching them when they get home tonight after your regular Thursday daycare pickup, you can see how in love Kit and Alma Walker are with each other. You’ve been deliberately slow in getting out the door tonight, lingering and chatting about minute subjects while you wait for the perfect chance to talk to Alma. Finally, Kit declares that Julia needs her pajamas and chases her into her bedroom.

You glance over to Alma and take a deep breath. “Alma, can I…talk to you about something kinda personal?” Alma looks at you and smiles, glancing to make sure Kit’s getting Julia in the bath before nodding and leading you out to the front porch.

The Walker porch has always been one of your favorite places to be. There’s lights strung up overhead the comfy patio seating, and it gives a perfect view of the quiet little street they live on. You sit on the outside couch, Alma taking a seat next to you.

“What’s up?”

“I…” It takes you a moment to figure out what to say. Everytime you think you know, you suddenly feel that it’s not right. Alma waits patiently for you to find your words. “How did you know that you were in love with Kit? That Kit was the one?”

She laughs, the sound as light as the wind chimes gently blowing in the breeze. “So that’s what’s had you all out of sorts! I knew there was something bothering you.”

“You did?”

“Of course. I’ve known you long enough to know when you’re off.” Have you really been that transparent? Before you can continue to spiral, Alma says, “So what’s his name? Or her name? I shouldn’t have assumed.”

“His name is Michael.” Just speaking his name makes your heart stutter, as if he’ll finally appear now that you’ve called for him.

“Hmm, and you think that you might love Michael?”

“It’s so complicated. I actually thought I hated him at first.”

Alma barks out a laugh. “Would you believe me if I told you I thought I hated Kit at first?”

“You did?” You look at her with wide eyes.

“Yep. I thought that he was a jerk and not worth my time. Even when he was driving me to work every day and sending me sweet good night texts, I still tried to hate him.”

“Wow, they had texting back in the olden days?” you tease. Kit and Alma are maybe ten years older than you, but you enjoy making them feel extra old when you can.

She points a threatening finger at you while trying to bite back a grin. “I can stop being so helpful, if that’s really what you want.”

“No! I’m sorry.”

“That’s what I thought. Think before the next time you try to diss the Motorola Razr.”

Once your laughing has finally died off, you get serious again. “So what changed?”

“Well, to be honest with you, it wasn’t really any one thing. There was just one day where I looked at him and…I didn’t want to do anything without him by my side.”

One of the many things that you love about Alma? She doesn’t push you to talk before you’re ready. She again sits patiently and waits as you mull over her words. Though you want to think that what she’s said doesn’t apply to you and your situation, you can already tell that it does. How many times since you returned from the Underworld have you found yourself wishing that Michael was with you? Even when completing the most mundane tasks, like driving or reading, you wish you had Michael’s hand in yours, his smooth voice in your ear and his overwhelming passion making you flustered.

“Can I say something?” Alma asks.

“Duh,” you scoff, rolling your eyes playfully.

“You know the answer that you’re looking for, even if you don’t want to admit it. Besides, if you’re not sure, I tend to believe that the universe, or fate, or whatever you want to call it, has a way of making sure that what’s meant to happen will happen. If you and Michael truly do love each other, things will fall into place.”

“You really think so?”

“It worked for me and Kit.” Alma glances into the living room window, where Kit sits combing Julia’s hair on the couch. Kit must sense that he’s being watched, because he looks up suddenly and waves at Alma, Julia joining him with a grin and blowing kisses. You’re no expert, but you would say it’s definitely worked out for the Walkers.

You know what you have to do now, though you’re not sure if it will work. Still, for every doubt that you have, Alma’s voice telling you that it will all work out rings in your head. Sitting in the living room of your apartment after you get home from the Walkers, those words are the only thing giving you any sort of confidence right now. Which…isn’t much, if you’re being honest. Who’s to say if this will work for a second time? And if it does work, why would he want to speak to you after what happened?

Still, it’s the only plan that you’ve got, and you’d be remiss to not try it. Not after the conversation you had with Alma, and not after the weeks that you’ve spent missing him. Closing your eyes, you take a deep breath before saying the words that have played through your mind a hundred times by now.

“I wish the Demon King would take me away.”

You wait a long moment for something to happen, and then another one. Finally, you open your eyes again, only to see that everything is exactly the same. It’s hard to hide your disappointment, but you try your best. You really shouldn’t have expected that he would actually show up after what happened the last time you saw him, or that this would even work. Still, you allowed yourself to get your hopes up, which was your own fault.

You try to sniff back the angry tears that are brimming, but it’s proving a difficult task. Not only are you sad that nothing happened, but you feel stupid for sitting here and thinking that saying a few magic words would summon him. You need to leave, preferably by driving around and screaming to sad breakup music while eating fries. After grabbing your keys from the table, you flip the living room light off. Something stops you as you’re putting your shoes on, a presence that sends shivers down your spine.

“I was wondering what was taking you so long, Precious.”

That voice. You would know that lyrical voice anywhere. Is it too good to be true? Are you hallucinating? Your hand fumbles along the wall until you find the light switch. Finally, you flip the light on, and when you do, you can barely gasp out, “Michael.”

It’s him. Now you’re sure that you’re hallucinating, the most beautiful hallucinations anyone could ever come up with. But no, he’s all too real, and he’s right in front of you. Michael’s dressed just as ostentatiously as always, wearing the same gaudy starry cloak that he wore the night this all began and trailing glitter on your living room floor. He tries to smirk at you, but it’s impossible for him to not smile right now. You feel the same, especially when you throw yourself into his arms.

He reciprocates your hug, his arms wrapping tightly around you. He holds onto you as if he’s worried you’ll disappear into thin air, with you holding onto him in the same way. There are so many things that you want to say to him, but he speaks before you do.

“Dearest, I have missed you so.”

“I’m so sorry,” you say through the tears that are clouding both your eyes and your voice, “for everything. I never should have–”

“I do believe it is I who should be apologizing to you.” Michael takes your face in his hands, looking so sweetly down at you that you almost can’t stand it as he uses his thumbs to wipe away your tears. “I will admit that kidnapping your charge and forcing you to run a labyrinth to rescue said charge was not the best plan when I decided that I wanted to woo you.”

“A simple ‘hey’ probably would have been enough for me,” you say with a laugh. “Still, I shouldn’t have said the things that I did.”

“You had to, it was the only way. My smart, brave Y/n, I was no match for you.”

Michael kisses you (finally), and you have to say that this is the best one yet. There’s no deceit or goodbyes hidden within it, nothing you’re both trying to convey. There’s simply love. “Why didn’t you come for me? You’re the one with the magic powers.”

“Did you learn nothing about what the things you say can do while you were on your run? Words have power, and I had no power over you the moment you said those very words. You had to be the one to decide to let me in again.”

You smirk. “So, I was more powerful than the almighty Demon King, huh?”

Michael rolls his eyes, but nods nonetheless. “Yes, you were. But even though I could not come for you, I watched over you.”

“So all the times I thought that I had seen you?”

“Yes. Not physically, but I was there. Sometimes the veil between us just became a little thinner.”

The flash of a blond man walking on the sidewalk, you realize. It was him, for a brief moment. You smile shakily, the revelation bringing on a new round of tears, and kiss him again. “I knew it.”

“Now that you know just what your words can do…” You really don’t think Michael’s smile will ever get any less breathtaking. “Say it, won’t you?”

You raise an eyebrow, feeling like teasing him. “Say what?”

“You know what I want you to say.”

Of course you do. They’re the reason that you called him here in the first place, the words that Alma helped give you the courage to recognize. They’ve likely been teetering on the tip of your tongue since you faced off against him in that deserted ballroom, when he was promising you the world if only you would stay with him.

It’s impossible to pull away from him and properly face him, like you would like to do when telling him this for the first time. It’s as if the two of you are magnets of opposite polarities, and now that you’ve connected once again, you won’t separate easily. Instead, you look up at his blue eyes, your lips still a mere inch apart from his.

“I love you, Michael.”

Though the answer of whether or not you loved Michael eluded you for so long, saying it feels as natural as blinking. It’s barely louder than a whisper when you speak, the sound of your heart thumping in your ears nearly drowning yourself out. Michael hears it loud and clear, though, just as loud and clear as you hear his excited gasp. “I love you, my darling.”

“It’s a relief that your feelings haven’t changed since the last time you told me that you loved me.” Humor’s usually a pretty bad coping mechanism, but Michael seems to enjoy it.

“I promise you that my feelings will never change. I’m afraid you’re stuck with me now. On that note,” from within his cloak, Michael pulls out a pocket watch with thirteen hours on it instead of twelve. “Are you ready to go home?”

“That depends.”

He looks at you in surprise. “On what?”

“Well, am I going to be your prisoner? Are you keeping me trapped in your labyrinth if I go with you?”

“You think so little of me, Y/n. You shall be my queen and my equal, free to come and go as you please.”

“Wait, say that again? What am I going to be?”

He looks at you in confusion. “My queen and my equal?”

You wink at him. “And don’t you forget it.”

Michael huffs, but you can sense the endearment behind the action. You’re sure that everything that you say and do regarding or towards Michael from now on will be tinged with endearment. Oh no, you’re going to turn into those sappy, lovesick couples you’ve hated, aren’t you? Well, you suppose that there’s no other person to be half of that lovesick couple equation with than Michael.

A crystal appears in one of Michael’s hands, while in the other he takes yours. A strong feeling of deja vu comes over you at this, but luckily you’re not in nearly as fearful a situation as you were the first time this happened. Now, you can enjoy the crystal and the way the light refracts into rainbows off of its surface. Michael tosses it up in the air, and you watch dizzily as it spins into a blur of color before popping as gently as a bubble to reveal a landscape you’re now familiar with: the gardens on the grounds of his castle, the same ones that he chased you through in that beautiful dream he gave you. There’s nothing sinister about it now, not when the moonlight is shining over the dewy foliage and various animals are calling to each other.

Michael glances at you, as if he’s checking to make sure that you’re not going to change your mind. You nod to confirm that there’s no getting rid of you now, and he kisses you. He turns to face you, grabbing your other hand so that he can properly lead you into the Underworld. Into your home.

“Shall we?”

///

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and-i-will-love-him-for-life · 8 months

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Looking for fanfic?

I'm looking for a Labyrinth fanfiction; I think it was on Fanfiction.net? Jareth and Sarah were lovers in the past but I think Sarah got sick and passed away so Jareth somehow makes a deal with a sorcerer and has a chance to be with her again in the future by becoming the ruler of the Labyrinth?

I'm just going off of what I remember; some details might be slightly incorrect.

#jareth x sarah #jim hensen's labyrinth #labyrinth #sarah labyrinth #sarah williams #jareth labyrinth #jareth/sarah #labyrinth fanfiction #labyrinth 1986 #lost fanfiction #lost fanfic

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rose-and-thorn-fanfics · 1 year

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“We’re Choosing The Path Between The Stars…” (Jareth x Fem! Reader) Fanfic Part 2

“What could I possibly wear to a masquerade? I’d hate to be dressed too plainly,” Y/n wondered out loud.

Jareth laughed. “I wouldn’t worry too much about it. I have an entire chamber filled with the finest garments for occasions like this.” He stood up, offering her his arm and gently guiding her down a long candlelit hall riddled with puzzling and abrupt turns. “Here we are.” He said, ushering her inside a circular chamber decorated much more extravagantly than the basic stone halls he had led Y/n through. Y/n let out a quick gasp, eyes sparkling with joy as she beheld the gowns with big sweeping skirts and bejeweled bodices, and suits with shining sequins and silk cravats. She let go of Jareth’s arm, rushing towards one of the gowns and picking it up, holding it to her chest and twirling around the room.

Jareth tilted his head to the side, observing with a good deal of amusement as Y/n stood in front of a mirror, comparing the colors of the different dresses against herself. He had never seen such a lively girl as the one before him. She seemed completely different from the girl he had found beaten and bruised in her bedroom just a few hours ago. Jareth made a mental note to be careful. It was important he maintained his regal countenance. This girl was dangerously close to melting his cold heart.

“Which one should I wear?” Y/n asked, gesturing to several different dresses. “I like the one with these dramatic sleeves, but the fabric on this one is exceptional, and oh! This one has such detailed embroidery, I think it would highlight my waist nicely.”

Jareth smirked, wearing a a mask of smug indifference. “Surprise me.” He said.

Y/n feigned pouting, slightly annoyed he didn’t contribute any opinions. “Fine by me. I’m going to change now, so you should probably leave.” She said, picking up another gown. When she looked back up Jareth was gone. Y/n paused, staring at the empty doorway for a bit, then closing the door and trying on the dark burgundy dress with the red garnets. As se looked in the mirror, she smiled. But her smile faded as a thought occurred to her. ‘What was the true motive behind the dashing and powerful goblin king saving her from her abusive parents? If Y/n remembered correctly (from the fantasy fiction novel called Labyrinth) Jareth was a master of lies and manipulation. He was as deceitful and treacherous as he was beautiful. She frowned, shaking her head. ‘Whatever his intentions are… anything is better than returning to my wretched life at home. I was so lonely before. No one in the world cared about me. At least for now I have someone who looks at me without hatred and disappointment, even if Jareth’s interest in me is only a fickle whim of fancy.” Y/n tried on a few more dresses before deciding on the one that looked most magical on her form.

✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨✨

Y/n wandered the halls, following the sound of the music she heard in the distance. Soon enough she arrived in front of wrought iron and glass double-doors that emitted a soft, dreamy glow. She entered, her heels that she had found in the other chamber clicking softly on the white marble tile with silvery veins running through it. She gaped in awe, unsure of where to look. Tables draped in pearly satin were piled with delicacies, and diamonds hung overhead from ghostly chandeliers as masked dancers spun gracefully around Y/n. The music was hauntingly beautiful, like a music box playing the notes of a love song long forgotten. The walls were mirrors, reflecting the light of the candles in a dizzying spectacle. Y/n realized she wasn’t wearing a mask, and a few of the dancers stared at her with curiosity. She weaved through the crowd, searching for Jareth. Something seemed off about the other guests at the masquerade. She shivered as she passed two women laughing heartily at a man with a particularly odd mask.

Jareth watched Y/n from a distance. She was so angelic. The dress she had chosen enhanced her beauty in ever way without taking away from her natural radiance. Her bruises were almost unnoticeable with the wa her hair fell on her shoulders and brushed her cheeks. He wondered if such an angel would ever fall for a devil like him. The thought triggered a feeling inside him that Jareth could not explain. The last time he had felt that way…. He grinned, suppressing any doubts and striding towards Y/n.

Y/n was growing more and more alarmed with the way the other guests were watching her and snickering. Finally, she heard a familiar voice behind her. “Is something the matter, darling?”

“Jareth?” Y/n said spinning around to face the goblin king. She sighed with relief upon seeing him. “You look-“ Her voice cut off. She searched for words, but felt overwhelmed by how handsome the king was.

He chuckled, aware there wouldn’t be a word to finish that sentence. “Shall we dance?” He offered, gesturing to the dance floor. Y/n blushed and nodded. Jareth took her into his arms, carefully leading her through the steps of a waltz. There was an unmistakable electricity between them, and while Y/n had never considered herself to be much of a talented dancer, Jareth made the movements seemingly effortless for both of them.

On their second dance, Y/n finally built up the courage to ask him the question that had been bothering her. “So…” She said, meeting the goblin king’s gaze. “Why did you save me? And why are the other… dancers staring at us like that? They seem to be mocking us, or at least, mocking me.”

Jareth sighed, as if he had been expecting that question. “Would you really like to know? Sometimes ignorance is bliss, Y/n.”

“I really want to know.” Y/n insisted.

The goblin king frowned, displeased by this answer. He led her off to the side of the dance floor and onto a balcony that overlooked a seemingly endless starry night. When he was sure they were alone, just the two of them, he began. “Those dancers are… were… the High Court of this kingdom, under my rule. Surely you didn’t think a man of my status would only rule over mindless goblins, did you?”

Y/n was silent, curious and concerned at where this conversation was going.

Jareth continued. “I also… had a queen. That was many years ago.” His face was expressionless but the pain shone in his eyes. “The High Court hated her. They conspired against her and killed her while I was away. And when I returned…” Jareth turned to Y/n laughing bitterly. “I killed them all in my rage, trapping their ghosts in an eternal masquerade. It was easy enough, as they were no match for my magic. Suitable, too. Their falsehood and facades mirrored in the masks they can never go without. He grinned, slightly crazed by the memory.

Y/n stood, watching Jareth in shock, before she said simply, “A poet once said… ‘tell me every terrible thing you ever did, and let me love you anyway’.” She placed her hand in Jareth’s as she looked out over the balcony at the glittering midnight abyss below.

Jareth entwined his fingers around her’s, staring out with her at the night sky.

“So why am I here?” Y/n whispered gently.

The goblin king turned, leaning towards her and initiating a passionate kiss that stole Y/n’s breath away. When their embrace parted, he brushed her hair behind her ear. And cupped his hands around her face. “You’re here because you deserve the world. And I can give that to you. Would you be my new queen?”

“I…” Y/n felt her heart skip a beat. “If you promise to love me… If you promise to never hurt me… then yes. I would love to be your queen. I’d love to be your anything… I’d love to be your everything.”

Jareth pulled her close and whispered in her ear. “I promise.”

The End!

#fanfic #labyrinth movie #Jareth #jareth x fem! reader #labyrinth 1986 #labyrinth #labyrinth 1986 fanfic #labyrinth fanfiction #the goblin king #movie #fanfic writers #fanfic reading #writing #fanfiction

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fanfiction101 · 1 month

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Jareth x fem!reader

Hey this is an impulse post. It's a bit short but whatever. Enjoy and love you!

Warning:fluff fluff fluff fluffy FLUFF

"Come on Jareth! I don't want to wait any longer. I swear you focus more on your hair than a 15 year old girl." I said as I waited by the doors of the castle.

I held in my hand a wicker basket filled with food I had made earlier with plates and utensils as well as a picnic blanket.

"I'm on my way down!" Jareth called from a grand staircase. "What's your rush anyways? It isn't like we are going to be late." He said coming down the stairs.

He was dressed more casually for the occasion. Every once in a while, I am able to convince Jareth to leave his position as king at least for a few hours to travel to the countryside and have a picnic. At first, Jareth would pretend that he doesn't enjoy them, but I know he loves them. I even catch him asking about when I want to do it again. He always says it's to "plan a schedule". Since when is my husband so meticulously organized?

"Well, I am just excited. It'll be fun." I said stepping toward him as he steps onto the final floor.

"Yeah it'll be fun cleaning up whatever mess the damn goblins made." Jareth said sarcastically.

"I'm sure that Hoggle will have it all undercontrol. Besides, after numerous threats to any goblins who step put of line, I'm sure not much will happen." I reassured him.

He held out his arm and I took it graciously as we walked towards a white carnage with a goblin driver. Jareth opened the door for as I got in and he soon after followed.

After a short ride, we arrived at our usual spot. It was a grassy keadow with hundred of flowers. There an edge of a forrest with a babbling stream nearby. The sun was shining, creating the air nice and warm but not humid.

We got out and Jareth ordered the goblin to pick us up in 4 hours and we watched at the carriage slowly went away.

I turned towards Jareth and sighed. "Well, shall we, my king?"

Jareth smiled, "We shall, my queen." I set up the blanket while Jareth got out he plates and such. While we ate, we chatted about how things were in the kingdom and told stories about before we met.

Soon we were full and we put the plates, forks, and leftovers back in the basket. Maybe it was the sugar from the large cupcake I had or the sunshine or maybe both, but I felt hyper and giddy.

I smiled as an idea popped into my head. I took Jareths hand and said, "Come on! I want to show you something."

I led him towards the stream. I told him to look closely as I pointed out a rock underneath the flowing water. As he leaned closer to the water, my hand went up and splashed water in his face.

I began to laugh so hard because his face was priceless.

"Oh so you want to play that game, hm? Take this!" He said playfully as he tried to push me into the stream.

Unfortunately for him, I grabbed onto his shirt and brought him down with me. As we resurfaced I said in a mocking tone, "So you want to play this game, hm?"

Jareth scoffed a splashed water at me and I splashed back. Eventually our arms grew tired so we stepped out of the river and laid down to dry our selves out in the sun.

#jareth the goblin king #goblin king #labyrinth #labyrinth fanfiction #the labyrinth #jareth imagine #jareth the goblin king x reader #jareth x you #jareth x reader

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xalygatorx · 3 months

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Powerless (2017) | Chapter 5, "Everything I've Done"

Years after Sarah’s wit and bravery saved her brother and brought the Labyrinth to its knees, her daughter Andie is transported to what remains of that same fantastical place, somewhere she thought only existed in her favorite childhood stories. To find her way back home, she must traverse what’s left of the crumbling kingdom, find a way to set both moments and magic in motion again, and even save the Goblin King, himself. But who will save her from him?

Powerless is a SFW slow-burn romance between Jareth and an original female character. The story overall contains descriptions of fantasy violence, mild suggestive content, and grief regarding family illness. Chapter-by-chapter warnings will be provided as well.

Summary: Andie and Jareth get acquainted while waiting for help. Jareth offers her an alliance that hinges on her helping him guard the truth of his condition and reclaim his kingdom.

Pairing: Jareth x Fem!OC

Warnings: None

Word Count: 2.9k

"Do be quiet, they won't hear you," said the voice wearily nearby as Andie shouted again, having scrambled back out of the light when he'd first spoken, her eyes still searching the gloomy subterranean perimeter for the owner. "Even so, this is an oubliette. Do you know what that is?"

Andie faltered. "A… It's a trap, isn't it?"

"Indeed. For those to be forgotten."

"Who are you?"

She was finally able to make out a dark form sitting opposite where she stood, but no details came into focus for the lack of light. It was the most human figure she'd seen here yet, even more so than the half-human Nyle. "I think a better question is who you are," the male voice countered as he stood, making his way over to her side of the cave. "You don't seem to be who I first thought. And how have you come to my labyrinth to fall down a hole?"

Her eyes widened incrementally. "Your labyrinth—wait… You're the Goblin King, aren't you?"

A soft chuckle danced around the space just as a boot crossed the rim of the light shining down from the opening she'd made high above them. Into view stepped one of the most eccentric looking men she'd ever seen and, even with the oddities in his appearance ranging from his somewhat spiky blond hair and some smudges of what appeared to be eyeliner around his eyes, he could have easily passed for human. Had she not known the truth, anyway. His teeth glittered faintly as he sent a weary, yet Cheshire smile her way. "Now, that is something I've not heard someone call me in quite some time."

"What are you doing down here?"

"All questions I could easily be asking you," he pointed out, eying her closely. She wondered if he was somehow able to see better than she was down here. Then again, who knew how long he'd been down here. Now that she thought about it, his hair looked matted in places, his clothes a bit rumpled, and he appeared particularly thin, though she had no memory of him to compare his present self to. Perhaps that was just the way he looked.

"Well, then maybe—," Andie began, only to pause when she heard a faint echo of her name down the tunnel. She brushed past him to peer up toward the light, where she could now see a pin-sized head peeping over. "I'm down here!" she shouted, cupping her hands around her mouth to project her voice more efficiently.

"Stay there! I'm coming down to get you!" Hoggle shouted and he disappeared from over the opening.

"Yeah, where else am I going to go…," she muttered softly, smoothing a hand through her hair before regarding Jareth again. He was watching her with an amused sort of air and the scrutiny in his eyes unnerved her. "What I was saying is maybe we should both be answering these obvious questions. Since we'll probably be stuck here awhile."

He scoffed a bit. "You've no idea what 'awhile' is, girl."

"I take it you didn't just get here, too," she noted with a grimace.

"Oh, no," he murmured with a slight shake of his head. "No, I've lost track of the years."

Andie's eyes widened. "Years? How are you still alive?"

"Time has stopped in this world. With it, so has the aging process for every creature in attendance," he explained calmly before sitting down on the floor again. "Even you."

"So, you just…"

"Starved without emaciating, withered without withering, oh… Yes. And it was more excruciating than actually dying such a pathetic death." He looked at her wearily. "Sit. You're tiring me further by standing like that."

"Well, excuse me," she grumbled, but sat down nearby. "Why couldn't you just magic yourself out? I'm sure the king of the goblins has some kind of magical ability, right? Or am I relying too heavily on fairytales?"

Jareth chuckled, but the sound was weak. He seemed disgusted by it. "I had that ability, long ago. But that's left me, too, it seems. I'm sure the lack of time progression has something to do with that."

"Why would that have any influence?" Andie asked dubiously.

He seemed worn out by her questions already, though she figured he was probably just worn out, period. "Because have you ever had something remotely in the realm of 'magical' happen while you're standing still? Isn't it always after moving forward?"

"You're getting a bit too existentialist on me, Jareth," she commented.

"Now, is it fair that you know my name yet I do not know yours?"

"I guess not. It's Andie."

"Andie, hm? I've never heard such a name. Short for…?"

"Cassandra."

"Interesting," Jareth murmured, though his bored tone disagreed with that sentiment. "So, Andie, what were your other questions? My memory is slacking with my current state of health, as I'm sure you understand."

She was somewhat suspicious of his manners—Hoggle had made it sound like he was a wild, aggressive thing, but it looked like he could barely move. She half expected him to turn on her at any moment, at least until she figured she might just be his ticket out of here. He was perhaps simply lucky she'd dropped in, pun intended. "How'd you end up down here?"

"I lost my magic directly after the Labyrinth, itself, fell to pieces," he said uncomfortably and she could only wonder why he was telling her this. "Those I presided over grew more rampant and restless and some attempted a mutiny once they felt the scales begin to tilt. I thought it wise to disappear awhile."

"You meant to get trapped down here?"

"Of course not. I took the plunge down here while attempting to disappear, of course," he said irritably before sighing and glancing at the tunnel over them. "Succeeded too thoroughly, I suppose."

"Why are you telling me this?" Andie finally asked. "About your magic being gone and your blunders, why would you give me that information when we've only just met?"

Jareth looked at her pensively before replying, "I need your help. And you must know that it is quite humiliating for me to say that. It is also a leap to trust you with that explanation, as—you're right—I've known you but a few moments in a timeless world. However, I would hope for both our sakes that this is not a mistake."

"What do you need my help for?"

"Well, first for getting out of here, which you've already managed to do just by being here. Also for finding a way to return the Labyrinth to its original form. I need time to move again so I can regain my power and my control over this unpredictable place."

"I'm supposed to help you with that?"

"You seem moderately intelligent," he said with a lift of his shoulders that made Andie want to pummel him. "And you seem to have already won allies. I will need such connections and, this time, they cannot stem only from fear." Jareth's intense gaze moved over to meet hers again as he said his next words. "I will also need you to keep my lack of magic to yourself. Under no circumstances can I afford this information to be divulged. Do you understand?"

Andie met his gaze levelly before looking at her hands and saying seriously, "You know, it's unwise to go on first impressions of people."

"I do not have much choice at this moment. I need someone on my side."

"And what makes you think I'm on your side?"

"Well," he murmured, beginning to become irked but containing it. "You are not not on my side…"

"That is terrible logic," Andie told him. "Awful. You're lucky you've not been killed on that thinking."

"Indeed, but it is true," he groused. "Look, I'm putting a good amount of faith in you, recognize that this does not come lightly—"

"Or with permission."

"Andie," he grumbled.

"All right, all right," Andie muttered. "But make more informed decisions in the future. I may not spill your secret, but I'm not planning on risking my neck to save your skin either. And don't act like you know me, like we're friends. You don't know anything about me."

"And the same applies in reverse," Jareth pointed out. "At least I'm willing."

"Because you want something from me."

"There is no point in denying it, as I've already made that clear. Yes. I want your help."

"Earn it," Andie snipped just as a hidden door nearby swung open and Hoggle entered the oubliette.

"I knew I shoulda gone with ya, are you—" He paled when his eyes found Jareth. "It's you!"

"In the flesh," Jareth said flippantly, shooting a glance toward Andie as he stood. "Having a chat with your new friend. Say…" He paused and looked at her considerately. "How did you come to be in my Labyrinth anyway?"

"I picked up a glass peach, it cut my hand, and then—boom—I was here."

Interest sparked in his eyes and she began to ponder what Hoggle had warned her about earlier. "And how did you manage to come across such a trinket?" he asked softly.

She started to answer and, after catching Hoggle's eye, who was practically begging her silently not to tell the truth, she said instead, "I found it. In a thrift store."

Jareth's eyes narrowed slightly, but he didn't press the subject. "Curious."

"Indeed," she murmured, not breaking his gaze. He watched her a moment longer before nodding and walking toward the door, ducking low to make his way into the tunnel beyond. She looked down at Hoggle. "Thank you for coming down here."

"Of course, though I might've done things differently had I known he was down here, too," he murmured, casting a sideways glance through the doorway. "Go on."

Andie stepped through the doorway and then straightened up, hearing Hoggle walk out and shut the door behind them. They then began to walk down the tunnel, Hoggle stepping ahead to lead the way. There was something rigid in Jareth's frame that reminded Andie of a caged animal wary of recapture, so she kept her distance. However, the young woman nearly leapt out of her skin when a booming voice shattered the silence only permeated by their footsteps. "TURN BACK."

"YOU'RE GOING THE WRONG WAY," boomed another up where Hoggle was walking.

"Oh, shut it," Hoggle grumbled, ignoring the enormous stone heads. "Don't mind them, they're just False Alarms."

"NO, THIS IS YOUR LAST WARNING."

"Now, that's just rude, trying to steer people off course," she accused the last one to shout.

"It's… It's my job, Miss," it said awkwardly, glancing away from her. When it didn't shout again, she cut it some slack, moving along to catch up with Hoggle and Jareth, who had slowed to wait. Jareth still had an air of amusement about him, but said nothing.

After following Hoggle through the winding tunnels of the Underground, they reached the end and crawled out through a small burrow, camouflaged beneath a line of brush. Hoggle turned around to help Andie out and grimaced when Jareth stepped out as well. He leaned toward Andie and whispered, "What's he still doing here?"

She shrugged. "Feels like tagging along, I guess."

"Not fond of my company, Hogarth? I'm offended," Jareth commented patronizingly.

"It's Hoggle! I see at least one thing hasn't changed in this place!" he grumped as he began to lead the way back to the campsite.

Walking ahead to mutter about things Andie only heard bits and pieces of, she walked at her own pace, finding that she'd scraped her cheek a bit when she'd fallen in the oubliette. "Stupid hands," she sighed as she ran her fingertips over the uneven edge of the scrape and winced when it stung.

Ludo was pacing around the camp when they got back, visibly relieved when he saw that they'd come back. Andie couldn't be sure whether he just didn't notice Jareth or didn't have an opinion of him since he didn't react to the addition to their party, but Jareth certainly didn't seem to care for the bumbling giant. Didymus, Leona, and Nyle all had their reactions, however.

"Oh, goodness me, are you all right?!" Didymus fussed as he hurried over to them, his jaw dropping when he saw Jareth. "And where on earth did he come from?"

"Everyone is so shocked to see me, where did you all think I went?" Jareth muttered with a roll of his dual-colored eyes, which soon fell upon the half-goblin nearby. "Nyle. An interesting surprise."

Nyle inclined his head, but the venom in his voice was plain. "Your Highness."

"Indeed," Jareth agreed flippantly, which only seemed to piss Nyle off more. Andie made a mental note to ask him about the Goblin King a little later on, expecting a nicely candid answer from someone with such a sour opinion and not afraid to express it. "And…?"

"Leona," the sphinx said calmly, though her eyes were narrowed with some contempt.

"Ah, yes… You've left your post."

She snorted softly through her stone nose and Andie wondered suddenly if she was only stone on the outside or if some kind of magic made her stone body malleable. She couldn't really say why she kept wondering about these things when none of it made sense, but her brain hadn't stopped trying to categorize and decipher the oddities yet. "So have you."

"The entirety of the Labyrinth is my post, I recall assigning you to the clocktower."

"It was the side entrance to the castle and this place is already so disorderly, it hardly matters."

Jareth arched a brow her way. "You would speak so to your king?"

"I am fashioned to fear nothing and, as such, I have nothing to fear," she said dismissively. "This is what makes my guardianship so absolute."

"Hm," he murmured before shrugging it off. "Fair enough." He appeared to be a mixture of equal parts miffed and impressed. "Say, where might your… A-ha!" He'd sighted the provisions, but Hoggle began to make a beeline toward the stash. "Excuse me, dwarf, you think this wise?"

Hoggle paused and seemed conflicted in what to do next, but ended up slowly stepping away, muttering about being a coward. It was no wonder he wanted everyone to still think he had his magic, Andie noted. He's an absolute bully. She watched Jareth step over and pour himself a cup of tea from leaves Didymus had contributed, which had tasted strangely like cold medicine to Andie, and help himself to the leftover food. Didymus looked to Andie after a moment of quiet had passed in which everyone had cast judgy, aggravated glances toward Jareth and said, "I was thinking, perhaps the Wiseman would have some, well, wisdom for you on how you might return home."

"The Wiseman?" she repeated curiously.

"Exactly as he sounds, milady. Quite wise. And it couldn't hurt to ask, could it?"

"Not at all, thank you for saying something," Andie said with a smile before heading over to sit near the wall, where she'd taken lunch earlier. A patch of dark sky had wandered near and had begun to take over the area of the courtyard and for about a square mile all around. Her fatigue hit her all at once and Andie slouched just enough to gain a stable position and before she knew it, her eyes had shut and she was out like a light.

Jareth was making a point of eating slowly, despite his stomach feeling as if it would gnarl and swallow the rest of his insides at the first sign of nutrients in centuries. The curse of living agelessly while his body's needs and soul's unrest rotted him in a cell was disturbingly potent, as he'd previously had doubts that anything in this world could faze him any longer. It was all he could do not to cringe every time he swallowed another bit of dried meat or sandwich, it didn't matter what he ate or drank from the provisions by the fire, it all felt like lead in his stomach. He could feel eyes on him though, and knew now wasn't the time to show even mild discomfort.

Darkness closed in around them and painted the visible overhead with spiraling stars and an endless depth of black. Jareth listened to the other creatures around the campsite shift and settle into place for the "night," though the cycle of light had been disrupted with the rest of the reality around them. Once he heard stillness fall back over the courtyard, he looked up, surveying the faces decorated by shadows and the flicker of the fire. Jareth glanced away from Ludo and Didymus across the clearing with disinterest, his gaze settling on the dark-haired girl to his right. He stared at her for a long moment before scoffing softly to himself and looking back down to his tea, which he sipped deeply and then nearly choked on, before going off to rest for the night as well, though the last thing he felt the need for was sleep after spending so long in the dark of the earth and his own mind.

It was only forever, he thought to himself with a dismal tinge of melancholy disguising itself as irony and humor. His lips curved without the expression touching his eyes. Not long at all.

Next chapter: Chapter 6, "Falling Down"

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