#bennet zurrow

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU - Sequel

Chapter 8

AN: This chapter contains mentions of sex and fighting.

Over the years, Dave had seen many of your glares.  For instance, there was the time that he stole your toy and tried to convince your mum that it was his to no avail and then there was the time that he’d changed the TV while you were watching one of your favourite cartoons.

The glares that he had seen growing up paled in significance to the glare that he saw on your face as he appeared in front of the castle doors along with Drake and Horvath.  Dave also wasn’t expecting to see the same glare mirrored on Balthazar’s face.  With a start, Dave remembered that he hadn’t actually told his mentor what he was planning to do before he left.

“At least it’s not just you she’s angry at this time.” A small voice in Dave’s mind piped up helpfully, “She’s angry at Horvath and Drake for leaving too.”

The words were a little comforting but before Dave could attempt to placate you as his group drew closer, Drake spoke up.

“Judging by the look on your face (Name), I can safely say that angry sex is definitely on the cards tonight.”

“That’s my sister,” Dave growled out from behind clenched teeth.

“That’s my friend.”  Balthazar responded in the same manner and tone.

Drake chuckled sheepishly before darting in between you and Balthazar and running into the castle.  You and Balthazar both turned to watch him as he ran up the steps and away from the both of you.

A smile spread across your face and you cocked your head to the side.  Clearly, you were listening to something but Dave didn’t know what it was.

“Hero…” To his surprise, Dave thought he detected a pleading note in the king’s voice.

His heart sank a little when he noticed Balthazar looking at him with amusement.

“Tell you what,” you spoke as your grin widened, “if the both of you can endure what is coming for one hour without using your magic, consider yourselves forgiven.”

“What’s coming?” Dave demanded, “Is it another sorcerer?  How come Drake doesn’t have to deal with this?”

“Oh, he does.” You promised, your grin was starting to make Dave nervous now, “And don’t fret, it’s not another sorcerer.”

“Well then what…” Dave trailed off as he heard the thunderous sound of multiple footsteps.

“Hero…” Horvath tried again.

You shook your head once as you and Balthazar stepped to the side of the doors in front of you.  Dave blinked and then suddenly his vision was filled with hundreds of goblins.  Some of them were still wearing their armour and brandishing weapons.

“THE KING HAS RETURNED!”

“HE IS VICTORIOUS!”

“THE EVIL SORCERER HAS BEEN PERMANENTLY DEFEATED BY OUR KING AND HIS ALLIES!”

“WE MUST PLAN A BALL IN HONOUR OF OUR KING’S SUCCESS!”

“A GRAND BALL?!”

“A GRAND BALL!”

Dave winced at the loud voices of the goblins and he raised his hands to cover his ears in an attempt to protect his hearing.  As he did so, he noticed you watching from atop the stairs.

“You are evil!” He mouthed, “Utterly evil.  I love you (Name).”

You winked and crossed your arms as you leant on the railing at the edge of the balcony making no effort to hide your amusement.

“I love you too Dave.” You mouthed back, “Don’t worry.  You only have fifty minutes to go.”

Dave groaned. 

Three days later, Dave walked into the grandest ballroom he had ever seen in a suit that the goblins had created for him.  The ballroom was almost filled to the brim with people.  If Dave had to guess, he would say that they were dignitaries and nobles from multiple other realms.

Dave searched the ballroom for you, weaving around people to avoid bumping into them.  He glimpsed Balthazar, also wearing a suit, speaking intently with a woman who had mahogany brown hair that fell to her waist.  There were a few times where he needed to stop and introduce himself to the guests as Drake had advised him.

Speaking of Drake, Dave spotted the man lounging against the wall chatting animatedly with two elves.  Dave was pretty sure that they were elves because of the pointed tips of their ears although, he’d learnt that the fae were quite mischievous and they could also be shape shifters so Dave wasn’t entirely sure.

Drake pointed in his direction with his glass and the elves turned.  Dave lifted his hand in greeting before ducking out of sight in an attempt to resume his search.

“Looking for someone?”

Dave spun around to see Bennett and another very familiar face staring back at him with amazement on their faces.

Millions of thoughts raced through Dave’s mind at the sight of the two but when he opened his mouth, all that came out was “Huh?”

“Becky and I have been coming into this realm since we were twelve.  We actually met here because my mum is a dream walker.”

“We’ve been coming here every summer.” Becky added, “My dad’s a fae.”

Dave’s tongue darted out to wet his dry lips, “Becky?  Becky Barnes?”

“Oh, shoot!” Bennett smacked his forehead, “I forgot to introduce you.  Becky, this is…”

“Dave Stutler.” Becky breathed, “How in the world did you end up here?”

“Ah, about that…” Dave prepared to explain just how he had ended up in the labyrinth both times when a hush fell over the room.  Bennett poked him in the back and he turned around to gaze up at the beautifully decorated staircase that lead to the balcony where a goblin stood.  Dave had to hand it to the goblins.  They really knew how to organise a ball.

“PRESENTING THE KING, MAXIM HORVATH AND HIS QUEEN, (NAME) STUTLER!” The goblin bellowed before bowing and backing away amid a wave of applause.

“Your sister is the queen?” Becky exclaimed but Dave didn’t hear her over the applause.  His eyes remained fixed on the balcony and he watched as you and Horvath came into view.  His hand was wrapped around yours as he led you forwards.  Both you and the king were dressed regally in expensive looking clothes.  The realisation that you were queen of the labyrinth sunk in for Dave and he began to grasp the enormity of your role.

The applause grew even louder as the two of you descended the steps.  The crowd parted as you and the king stepped forwards, moving into the centre of the ballroom.  You smiled as you walked past Dave and Bennett.  Dave spotted a few marks on your neck and collarbone that looked suspiciously like hickies.  Dave shivered and chose to ignore their existence instead focusing on the intricately designed new sigils that decorated the skin of your arms.

He realised that you and Horvath had reached the centre of the room and you were now standing opposite Horvath with one of your hands resting on his shoulder and the other encased in his.  The band started playing and Dave watched mesmerised as the two of you danced.

Gradually, more couples made their way to the dance floor but they were careful not to move too close to you or the king.

Dave spent the ball explaining his adventures in the labyrinth to an awestruck Bennett and Becky.

“Dude,” Bennett gaped, “you are definitely participating.”  He held out his hand for a fist bump.

Dave smiled as he watched Horvath spin you into his embrace.  Anyone in that ballroom at that moment would have had to be incredibly unobservant to not be able to see the love that the two of you shared or the magic that danced around you both.

“Yeah, I guess I am.”  Dave bumped Bennett’s fist with his own.

[iobsessoverfictionalmen]

Labyrinth AU

Maxim Horvath x Female Reader

Chapter 2

Dave spent the next three days either sulking in his bedroom or visiting your favourite places in an attempt to find you but you were nowhere to be found and by the fourth day, Dave had passed panic and was now in the extreme terror stage. His sleep was troubled by nightmares and he woke up feeling more tired than when he went to sleep.

His studies were beginning to suffer as well. Bennet had to jab him hard in the ribs when their physics teacher asked Dave a question that Dave hadn’t heard because he was so tired. Luckily, Dave was able to give the right answer and the teacher moved on.

He wasn’t as lucky when it came to Bennet. Bennet was persistent and wouldn’t let the subject drop and Dave finally snapped at him when they were both back at their flat.

“My sister and I had a fight, alright? I can’t even remember what it was about and during the fight, I quoted Labyrinth, the movie that she and I have loved since we were kids, and there was a bright light. The next thing I know, she’s gone and I’ve looked everywhere for her and nothing. I can’t sleep 'cause I’ve got nightmares and 'cause of the nightmares; I’m tired and that means I’m cranky but I’m sure you’ve noticed all that. God, I miss her.” Dave ran a hand through his messy hair.

It felt good to finally let it all out.

Bennet frowned, “What exactly did you quote from Labyrinth?”

“That’s what you’re focusing on right now?” Dave threw his hands up in the air and turned away.

Bennet’s hand landed on his shoulder and spun him back around, “What did you quote?” He demanded.

Dave shook his head, “I’m not going to say it again. It was the last words Sarah says to Toby before she leaves his room and before she meets Jareth.”

Bennet’s eyes widened, “You said that to your sister?!”

“I was angry. It's a line from a movie, so what?” Dave defended himself.

Bennet groaned, “That’s not the problem! Ma always told me that words have power and the magician that came to my eleventh birthday party said that too.”

“That you remember but you can’t remember what you did with our presentation?”

Bennet scowled, “I said I was sorry about that and you’d remember the magician’s words too if he stared at you when he said them. It was like he was staring into my soul.”

“So this magician is the only lead we have. How do we find him?”

Bennet fumbled with his pocket and eventually managed to withdraw his wallet. Quickly, Bennet opened his wallet and pulled out a creased business card that had a stain on it that looked like a coffee stain.

Dave leant forward and was just able to make out the name on the card.

“Balthazar Blake?” He snorted, “Who names their kid Balthazar?”

Bennet fixed him with an unimpressed look, “Balthazar is a saint and was the King of Macedonia. He gave myrrh to baby Jesus.”

Embarrassed, Dave decided to focus on his shoes, “So how do we find him?”

Bennet gave no answer and Dave’s head jerked upwards, “How do we find him?” He repeated.

Bennet’s finger quivered as he pointed at the window and for a moment Dave couldn’t believe what he was seeing. Outside of his window, there was a man hovering in mid-air. The man gestured with his hand impatiently and Bennet grabbed Dave by his collar and pulled him away from the window.

There was a huge smash and the glass broke into shards only to fall onto the carpet where Bennet and Dave had been standing moments before.

“Were you not taught to be careful with names?” The man spat as he dusted himself off.

“I forgot.” Bennet muttered sheepishly.

“There’s a surprise.” Dave muttered at the same time.

Bennet and the man both glared at him.

“Why did you summon me?”

“I didn’t, he did!” Bennet cried, “He and his sister got into a fight four days ago. He quoted Labyrinth, he said those words, and his sister vanished. This is Balthazar Blake by the way.” Bennet directed the last sentence to Dave.

“FOUR DAYS!” Balthazar bellowed, “YOU HAVE DONE NOTHING WITH THIS INFORMATION FOR FOUR DAYS?! DO YOU REALISE WHAT YOU HAVE DONE?!”

“NO!” Dave screamed back, “I JUST WANT TO KNOW WHERE MY SISTER IS!”

Balthazar clenched his teeth in an effort to control himself, “You already know where she is.”

Dave shook his head, “No. No, the labyrinth isn’t real, it can’t be. The actors were just playing roles in a story.”

“It’s real.” Balthazar snapped, his impatience returning, “You wished your sister there,” he pointed at Dave “and thanks to your inaction, the Goblin King has quite the considerable advantage in persuading your sister to stay with him.”

Bennet and Dave shared a horrified look, “S-s-she won’t choose to say with him, will she? She can’t.”

Balthazar sighed, “You know your sister better than I do,” he stated quietly, “if there is even a slim chance that she could choose to stay, the Goblin King will use every tool at his disposal to show her what life would be like in his realm.”

“I’m so sorry (Name).” Dave thought, “This is all my fault.”

He squared his shoulders, “How do I get into the labyrinth?”

“We.” Balthazar stated.

“Pardon?”

“You are delusional if you think that I am letting you enter the labyrinth by yourself. There have been fully trained magicians that have perished in the labyrinth and you do not have one tenth of their skill.”

“Ouch.” Dave muttered.

Balthazar ignored him and conjured a staff, “Now where were you and your sister standing when you fought? How were you standing?”

Dave pointed to where you’d both been standing and told Balthazar that you had been standing opposite each other when you vanished.

“Alright. Stand where you were during the argument and I’ll take the place of your sister.” Balthazar said as he moved into position.

It was only when Balthazar was standing opposite him and Balthazar had lifted the staff into the air that Dave realised what Balthazar was planning to do.

“WAIT!” He yelled, raising a hand but he was too late.

Balthazar brought his staff down onto the ground and the flat disappeared in a flash of bright, white light. When Dave’s vision cleared, he found that he was standing in front of two heavy-looking, open brass gates. Dave squinted and he could just make out the lavish castle standing in the centre of the labyrinth.

Wrenching his gaze away from the lavish castle, he looked around for any sign of Balthazar. It was only after the magician cleared his throat that Dave realised Balthazar had already entered the labyrinth and was standing in front of him.

“Are you coming or should I continue on without you?”

“I’m coming!” Dave assured Balthazar and to prove that he wasn’t lying, Dave stepped forward and entered the labyrinth.

“I’m coming (Name).”