Jareth watched the old dwarf in front of him in silence, half hidden behind a wall.
Hogwart-or was it Hoggle? - had his back to him, and was going about his day, quite unaware of his surroundings.
He looked perfectly innocent.
Still, his acclaimed innocence was not enough to deter Jareth from his plan.
He'd seen the way he had looked at Sarah.
Whether it was out of friendship- or something more- he could not be having that.
So he decided to make himself known. Striding out from his hiding place, he called out to the dwarf.
"Ah...Hogwart, what are you doing on this fine day?" Jareth called out, enjoying seeing the dwarf jump in surprise before turning to face him.
"J-just cleaning up the dead leaves from the ground." He said, gesturing to the rake in his hands, and the dead leaves on the ground.
On the inside, Hoggle was irritated, but he did dare not correct Jareth on his use of the wrong name.
"Yes, it seems that winter has found its way to us early this year." Jareth mused, pulling his cloak closer to his body in response to the chilled air.
Hoggle nodded in response, and when Jareth said no more, he began to rake the leaves again.
However, Jareth did not leave, as Hoggle expected him to. Instead, he stood there in silence, staring awkwardly off in the other direction.
"Was there something you wanted, sir?" Hoggle asked uncertainly, eager to be rid of Jareth.
Jareth smirked, before focusing his attention on the creature in front of him once more.
So easy to manipulate.
"You know, Hogwart, I came to tell you something." Jareth said.
"And what would that be?" asked Hoggle curiously, as he set down his rake
"I can't quite remember at the moment." Jareth shrugged. "I just know it was of the upmost importance."
The dwarf frowned, but said nothing.
Jareth let them stand in silence for a minute, before exclaiming loudly in triumph.
"Ah Hogwart, I have now remembered what I want to tell you! It appears we have a new runner in the Labyrinth."
"Yes, the boy- you already told me, Your Majesty." Hoggle said, trying not to let his annoyance show.
"No, no, not the boy. Well- yes, the boy is still here. But what I meant was that we have two runners." Jareth said slowly, with a deliberate edge on his voice.
"Two runners? Is that even possible?" Hoggle enquired.
"Yes, it is very much possible." Jareth snapped, before letting his devious smile grace his face once more.
"Alright, well, thank you for notifying me." Hoggle said, before making a move to carry on with his duties.
Oh no- we aren't done yet.
"Don't you want to know who it is? Actually-wait, there is no need to tell. I believe you and her are already well acquainted." Jareth said, his words more obviously laced with venom.
"I-I don't understand." Hoggle said, confusion clouding his features.
"My my- you don't remember? Oh dear, poor Sarah will be simply distraught to find out one of her best friends has forgotten about her." Jareth laughed wickedly, immensely enjoying the look of realisation and horror on Hoggle's face.
"Sarah...she's here? But why?" Hoggle asked, frantically looking around, as if hoping Sarah would walk by at any moment.
"To run the Labyrinth, of course." Jareth said coolly.
"She's already ran the Labyrinth- and she won! She got the babe back." Hoggle exclaimed.
"The stakes have been raised." Jareth said simply, reaching down to pick up the abandoned rake without Hoggle noticing.
"How?"
"This time she is running for her freedom, also." Jareth grinned, running a hand up and down the rake. It was strong-sturdy.
"No..." Hoggle whispered.
"Yes." Jareth said. "It was always meant to be this way."
"I won't let you." The dwarf said defiantly, large eyes blazing with anger.
"Oh Hogwart." Jareth laughed. "How are you supposed to save Sarah from the Big Bad Wolf, if you can't even save yourself?"
Then, in one swift, strong blow, Jareth brought the rake down on Hoggle, knocking him to the stone floor.
"Sarah...Sarah." The dwarf spluttered and coughed through the blood gushing from his mouth.
"Not even an angel like her could save you now." Jareth laughed.
He hit him again and again, taking delight in the blood pouring from the dwarf's head, and the cuts and scrapes emerging all over his body.
Jareth wasn't sure how much time had passed before he finally stopped.
Breathing heavily, he threw the rake down on the ground with a resounding thud, barely conscious of the warm, sticky blood coating his hands.
Another step closer.
"Round One to me." Jareth murmured, before promptly turning around and walking back the way he had come.
Oh dear. Jareth has a plan, it seems...
I hope you enjoyed this chapter- the story is really starting to progress now.
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And thank you for the ongoing support. I never imagined this fic would be so successful!
mysticrox123
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