It practically took two years for an idea to come to me for this. I had always wanted to do something since the movie came out but I just couldn't think of anything. One morning it randomly returned so I thought about it and eventually rushed to make notes. This will only be a three part fic since I'm saving my patience for one of the three multi-chapters mentioned on my profile. So if you haven't taken a look at the poll yet, do so and vote. Otherwise, hope this didn't come out too badly. It's pretty new for me.

The wind was strong that day, perfect for flying. The sun was bright, glinting off perfectly preened feathers. The raven looked ahead to see that he was almost at the castle. It stood proud and noble, no longer a threat to the Moors. Not since Aurora took her place on the throne with Phillip at her side. She was the best balance between the two kingdoms and Phillip was just as kind. In the past two years there hadn't been many threats, but when there was danger of any kind he and his soldiers stood alongside Maleficent and her own fighters. If he could smile, he would, but instead he let out a caw and dipped down into an open window. He knew the room well enough now. Aurora had been staying in it for some time since giving birth. He fluttered onto an empty torch bracket where he perched and waited to be noticed. The young woman in bed turned to see him and smiled wide.

"I knew you would be checking in soon, pretty bird. She'll be happy to hear there is only good news to tell. Everything is fine," she said, looking back to the bundle in her arms. The raven hopped off his perch and swooped further in the room, landing on the bedside table. He peered into Aurora's arms to see the small infant within the blankets. Just as he had done when he watched over Aurora, a gravely sound of awe left his beak.

"Tell her for me, will you? That everything is fine? And tell her I hope she's doing well too. After all, she has her own little one to care for. Congratulations," Aurora told him, grinning. He made a noise of thanks and bowed then took off for the window just as the door to the room opened. A deep male voice accompanied the entrance.

"Was that Diaval?" Phillip questioned. With another caw as an answer, the raven swept out the window and into the sky once more. The journey home seemed like a long one across vast fields and deep in the tree entrenched lands brimming with magic, but that was on clumsy feet. On swift wings it took minutes for him to arrive. He alighted on a branch with grace, looking down at the woman curled in the nest below. It was her tree when she was growing up so it only seemed right for her to return to it with her own child. Her huge wings folded over the bundle in her arms which she cradled protectively. He flew in closer and landed on a branch that hung directly over his small family. Maleficent heard him and looked up. A small smile formed but she said nothing. She only flicked her fingers, sending out a wisp of golden magic that returned him to his human form. With a cry he stumbled from his perch, breaking the branch and just barely managing to land at the edge of the nest. She shook her head at him but he only chuckled and crawled over to sit by her.

"Everything is well with Aurora. Her daughter is just as lovely. It's a shame we didn't get to attend the announcement, but we can still give her our gift when we see her," he said, dark eyes on his own offspring. He couldn't count how many times he had tried to integrate with the ravens, but none would take him. He was touched by magic and was no longer one of them anymore. He might have gotten on Maleficent's nerves at first, but their bond only grew into something more.

"We had our own to care for. She understands," Maleficent murmured, her usually strong voice soft. Their own daughter was only three months old. Her skin was fair, her hair on her head black, and the small things that were the beginnings of wings were tucked close to her back. They wouldn't be fully formed and functional until a year. Diaval nodded absently and reached out to brush at the small cheek. Both parents smiled when she made a small sound and curled closer to her mother. Things looked to be peaceful for what felt like many years to come.

~13~

The sound of feet hitting the ground and tearing through grass woke her from her nap in the trees. She stretched and yawned, finally opening her blue-green eyes sleepily. Her wings unfolded with a strong flap and then tucked back in, her pointed ears taking in a familiar sound. She smiled and quickly traversed the branches, careful to remain silent and out of sight. She heard the cheerful peals of laughter below and pushed aside a branch full of vibrant leaves to see her best friend. She silently waited for the human girl to finish chasing a water fairy and then wander underneath her hiding spot. As soon as she did, she dropped from the tree branch and her wings caught the air. She swooped down and snagged the girl around the middle, carrying her into the sky. She squealed in surprise at first but was soon laughing.

"Jade!" she yelled over the wind. The young fairy chuckled and dropped lower, gliding.

"Yes, Victoria?" she replied.

"You scared me," the princess said. Jade grinned and touched down slowly, their feet meeting solid ground again.

"That was the point," she responded. Victoria's hands went to her hips as soon as Jade let her go, a frown on her face.

"Why do you always tease me?" she pouted. Jade rolled her eyes.

"Because it's fun," she answered, like it was obvious. Victoria sighed but let it go, moving on.

"Aren't you supposed to be on patrol?" she questioned.

"Aren't you supposed to be at the cottage? Aurora told you not to wander off," Jade pointed out. Victoria groaned and flopped onto the grass, laying on her back.

"But it's so boring there!" she exclaimed.

"I wonder if mother and Aurora act like they don't know you're out here because they know I'll find you one way or another," Jade theorized. Victoria shrugged and then stretched out in the cool grass. Jade crouched next to her and eventually sat down when Victoria pulled on her arm. With a huff she complied, wings fluttering before pulling in. Victoria eyed them then sat up so she could run her hand over the soft feathers. She could feel the power in them and liked the way the warmth seeped into her skin. It was as if they absorbed the sun every time Jade flew. They were big and brushed the ground when Jade walked. Although they were a beautiful shade of brown with black streaked at the tips, they looked almost completely black at night. Jade closed her eyes and tilted her elegantly horned head back and relaxed, breathing in the fresh air. Victoria took the time to admire her once more. She had her father's pitch black hair, which curled at her shoulders, and her mother's strong jaw. Where Maleficent's horns bent out then back in and ended in a slight curve, Jade's grew back at an upward slant then down before ending in a slight curve up. She was stern, serious, and disciplined like her mother but could also be playful and lighthearted like her father.

"Mother will want me to take you back," Jade mumbled, opening her eyes to look at Victoria. She wore a tunic and trousers, odd for someone of her standing, but she took after her father. She preferred sword fights and horse riding, which meant she was rarely in a dress. She was brave and would rather fight then run. She shared Phillip's features as well, his brown hair and tanned skin, yet she was slight of frame like her mother and just as kind. She had a heart of gold that gave Jade hope for prolonged peace once it was her turn to rule. They both knew of the wars and fights in the past, the most recent between Maleficent and the late king Stefan. Aurora told them their parents' story as if it were a tale almost every time they asked to hear it.

"Yes, I know," Victoria sighed. She got to her feet and Jade did the same. She held out a hand and Victoria took it. Jade pulled her in close and then pushed off the ground. The first time she tried flying while carrying Victoria almost ended in disaster. She was so sure of herself, but it seemed that she couldn't handle that much weight at once. So she worked until she could, carrying odd things here and there. When she carried Victoria she made sure to fly low, just in case. But now she soared through the air with ease, her wings strong. They took them over the trees and let them down in the clearing where the old cottage stood, the same one Aurora grew up in. The queen and princess would often stay there when they came to visit the Moors. But Victoria didn't stick around for long. She was quick to wander off and find her best friend, unable to wait for Maleficent and Jade to come to them.

"There you are!" Aurora spoke from the doorway of the cottage. She wore a simple dress, but it still spoke of her nobility. She walked out to hug her daughter just as Maleficent stepped outside with Diaval behind her. Her sharp gaze locked with Jade's and she nodded approvingly. Jade returned the nod with a smile.

"Just as I said. No need to worry," Maleficent stated, gliding over. Her movements were always so fluid. Jade hoped to be just as swift and sure as her when she grew older. She couldn't wait to be the next protector of their kingdoms and spent most of her time learning all she could.

"Yes, it is as you said," Aurora agreed, smiling brightly at her mother figure.

"So why not let them play while we catch up? I'm sure Jade could handle it," Diaval spoke up, gesturing to the two girls. They both lit up at the prospect of exploring on their own, but one look at Maleficent and their hopes died a little. She was staring down Diaval who looked unaffected, a casual smile on his face. Maleficent's eyes narrowed a bit and Aurora looked from one to the other, trying to make her own assessment. Finally, Maleficent nodded. The girls cheered and Jade launched off the ground in her excitement, kicking up dirt and leaves which her mother effortlessly dispersed back to the ground and out of everyone's faces.

"Jade, one moment," she called. Jade landed and walked over just as Aurora pulled Victoria aside for a quick run of rules and regulations along with giving her a short knife in case of emergency. She agreed to all her mother said while she strapped the knife at her hip. Meanwhile, Jade focused on her mother. Maleficent reached out and gripped her shoulder.

"Remember what I've taught you. Stay together. You are her protector. I know you can keep her safe, but should anything go wrong…" Maleficent began, lifting her hand to bring a burst of golden magic to her palm.

"Don't hesitate to signal me," she finished. Jade gave a curt nod and arranged her features into one of complete understanding, her fists tightening at her side. She wasn't as skilled as her mother when it came to magic, no matter how hard she tried to master it, but she could at least manage that. With the lectures out of the way, the two mothers allowed them their freedom. Jade took to the air and hovered around Victoria who ran around making plans.

"I think I should choose what we do first as I'm the oldest," Jade announced.

"By a mere three months!" Victoria argued. Jade laughed at the princess' temper, undaunted by it. She found it rather endearing. Aurora and Maleficent were confident they would be fine. They naturally took care of each other. But it was a mother's instinct to worry for her child.

"See, look how much fun they're having already," Diaval commented. With a swish of her hand, Maleficent turned him into a mouse which she caught and held by the tail.

"Shall we continue?" she questioned Aurora who was hiding laughter behind her hand. As soon as Jade and Victoria were clear of their parents' eyesight, Jade scooped up Tori and they took to the air. She wasn't exactly allowed to carry Victoria so high, but that was half the thrill and why they only did it when they were alone. Jade headed for the falls, picking a spot by the bank where they could sit and talk or play with the other fair folk and creatures. They traveled far after they exhausted their playmates and Jade showed Victoria all she knew about her home that she had yet to know. Slowly, the sun set and everything was bathed in an ethereal glow that Victoria always found fascinating. She sat close to Jade at the base of a wide tree they usually spent time under, watching the various colors and lights. Victoria sighed and rested her head on Jade's shoulder. Jade's hand dropped from its place on her bent knee to take Victoria's hand. She scooted closer with a smile and Jade's wing folded over her. A few minutes longer, maybe a quick nap, and then they would have to return.

~18~

High up over the clouds and into the headwinds in full reach of the sun was one of the best places to be other than by Victoria's side. Jade took in a breath then dived below them, catching the wind in her wings and shifting from one current to another. Ever since she was allowed to travel between kingdoms on her own she never missed an opportunity to visit Victoria. The princess didn't have as much free time as she did in her youth now that she had to undergo duties similar to what she would have to do when it was her turn to take the crown. With nothing more to do once training was over, Jade often found herself at the castle. She would quietly sit and watch Victoria study, just wanting to be near, but other times she made it her duty to give Victoria a break. Sometimes it was appreciated and other times, not at all. She was just glad the king and queen were too busy to make sure they were behaving accordingly. It was a clear day and Jade was hoping to get Victoria out of the castle and into some fresh air and sunshine.

She knew she was most likely cooped up all day. If she couldn't visit the Moors as often as she wanted her to then being outside was the next best thing. As promised, she stopped trying to startle the servants by climbing in through any available window and instead landed on the balcony leading into Victoria's room. Her wings folded in and she lifted a hand to knock lightly on the glass. No one answered. She swore under her breath and tried again, but still nothing. She cupped her hands to block out some interfering light and peered inside. She spotted Victoria slumped over at her desk. She smirked and smacked once at the window, causing it to rattle in its frame. Victoria cried out in shock and jumped from her chair, landing on the floor. The sound of Jade's muffled laughter from outside made her groan. She picked herself up and shuffled to the double doors, unlatching it and throwing them open. Jade's laughter was now clear as a bell, only cutting off when Victoria smacked her arm.

"Did you fall asleep studying again, princess?" Jade teased, wiping at a tear of mirth.

"So what," Victoria grumbled, moving to sit at the end of her grand bed. She pushed her wavy brown locks out of her face and exhaled heavily. Jade studied her silently before answering.

"How did you sleep?" she inquired.

"Not well," Victoria answered.

"Why not?" Jade replied. Victoria hesitated before falling back on her bed.

"Too much going on in my head. There's all this business about ruling a kingdom and all I want to do is sleep or wallow away hours with my best friend," she confessed. Jade smiled lightly, amused, and leaped on the bed next to Victoria. She was almost catapulted off but Jade grabbed at her arm in time, laughing again. Victoria pushed at her until she let go then crossed her arms, pouting. Jade would have found it annoying if it wasn't so pathetically cute.

"Aww, don't be like that. Look, I'm here now, just as you wanted. Let's ditch studying for a few hours and have fun," Jade suggested, rolling on her side so that she was facing Victoria who glanced at her then quickly looked away.

"Come on. You know you want to," Jade mumbled, tapping Victoria on the nose playfully. She giggled and caught Jade's hand before she could pull away. Her brown eyes found Jade's and held. The adoring smile on her lips was something Jade never tired of. Victoria never tired of staring into Jade's crystal eyes.

"Do you remember when we were young?" Victoria asked, bringing their hands down between them, keeping a hold of Jade's hand. Jade's thumb ran along the back of her hand and she smirked.

"Oh yes, I remember that time clearly. How far back though?" she wondered.

"The earliest memory," Victoria requested, already lost in her own memories. Jade watched her decompress, finally relaxed, and then thought back.

"Hmm. Let me see. The earliest memory I have of you was of that time when I was just learning to fly. I mastered walking but flying was a whole other concept. I had only began to fly the previous year after all. We were invited to the castle, against my wishes to try flying again, but mother wouldn't hear it. And as you know, it isn't wise to disobey mother," Jade began, a teasing fondness to her voice. Victoria nodded for her to go on, smiling.

"So we walked in and everyone was whispering behind their hand. Mother told me we had been there only once before when I was a baby. No one was quite used to fairies among them but Aurora and Phillip made a point to keep peace between the kingdoms. That couldn't be done if we stayed separated. I remember hearing them and getting upset. Not even mother's hand on my shoulder nor father's hand on my head would calm me. But then the king and queen greeted us and I saw you," Jade continued, looking to Victoria.

"And?" she pressed.

"All the whispers were silenced, because at that very moment, I was thinking…" Jade paused, building anticipation.

"Yes?" Victoria questioned again.

"That's the princess? What's so special about her?" the fairy recounted, scowling as she no doubt did in her youth. The princess gasped and threw Jade's hand back at her.

"How rude!" she exclaimed. Jade laughed.

"You asked for my earliest memory. That's it. What did you think I was going to say?" she asked, curious.

"I don't know. I was hoping you would say that you knew from then on that we would be the best of friends," Victoria muttered with a shrug.

"Well, I'm sorry to disappoint. Did you remember anything earlier or…?" Jade mumbled, carefully taking Victoria's hand in her own again. Victoria let her and hummed in thought.

"Well no, I barely even remember that. I think I was more occupied with what we were having for supper than meeting new people. I had seen so many people visit so often that I wasn't looking forward to anyone else. I do remember when they left us to play though," she recalled. Jade chuckled.

"You do?" she responded, remembering that time as well.

"Mhm. But I think my strongest first memory that I remember clearly came much later when I visited you in the Moors," Victoria said. Jade waited for her to continue, knowing which memory she would bring up.

"You saved me. Do you remember?" Victoria inquired.

"Yes. How could I not?" Jade answered with a single nod.

"An assassin stalked us. He tried to murder us. I thought for sure mother would die. He injured her and was coming after me. I ran back into the trees as she told me, but he quickly caught up. And then, there you were. No more than ten years of age, and yet, the silhouette of you in the air with your wings spread against the setting sun is something not even the magical land of your home could ever beat. You scared him when you bared down on him like that, anger in your eyes. By the time he gathered his wits Maleficent was there and she wasted no time striking him down," Victoria said, words reflecting her awe and gratitude.

"I didn't know what came over me that day. We weren't close, I barely tolerated you, and all I knew was that we had to be friends because our parents were practically family. But seeing your mother hurt and you running for your life…I was just forced to give you two a proper farewell and ended up stumbling upon you being attacked. A fierce need to protect you flared up. I couldn't believe someone would do such a thing, so I readied myself to defend you without thought. It was a good thing mother had followed. I wasn't entirely ready. I knew I wasn't, but I had to try," Jade explained.

"You became my savior from then on. Every time I saw you I just knew I had to be your friend. I made it my goal," Victoria admitted, giggling when she saw the soft blush to Jade's cheeks.

"Well, congratulations. We're the best of friends now. Are you happy?" she grumbled, playing at being upset. Victoria chuckled and grabbed Jade in a hug.

"Very much," she whispered. She wrapped Victoria in her arms and returned it. When they pulled back, Victoria brushed her fingers along Jade's jaw.

"Jade?" she murmured.

"Yes?" Jade responded, voice even and eyes on Victoria's own.

"Do you sometimes feel…like we're something more than friends?" Victoria asked timidly, a blush coloring her face now. Jade tried to understand if she really meant what she thought Victoria meant, but a screamed order from outside cut off her reply. She froze, her body tense, and then she was pushing off the bed. She ran to the balcony and scanned their surroundings. Victoria came out behind her but a lit arrow flew right at them and Jade hastily pushed Victoria back, barely dodging the projectile in time.

"Get inside and lock the doors. I'll take care of this," she stated, spreading her wings.

"Wait!" Victoria called, stopping her.

"Stay with me?" she pleaded. Jade glanced to the scoundrels forcing their way inside and then back at the princess. She nodded and strode past her to the door.

"That might be best, but we shouldn't stay here. I'll get you out. If we get to the Moors then maybe we can-" she planned, her words lost when she opened the door only to get an arrow to the shoulder. She cried out and fell back, gripping at the wound.

"Jade!" Victoria screamed, rushing to her. Jade removed the arrow and quickly pushed the princess behind her.

"Watch your aim fools! The princess is to be taken alive!"

Jade and Victoria looked to the source of the deep grating voice. A big figure clad in armor stalked down the hall flanked by two archers. They loaded their bows but kept the point of the arrows down.

"You must be the fairy spawn who protects the princess," he boomed, stopping to face Jade.

"And you're trespassing. Leave now, or the guards-" Jade threatened.

"The guards barely put up a fight. It looks to me like they need a bit more training," the stranger mocked, getting laughs from the other two.

"Then leave or I'll remove you. I assure you, I've had far more training," Jade growled, her wings poised to sweep her into the air. The archers took note and let their arrows fly. Jade knocked them out of the air with two sweeps of her wings, crouching to throw herself forward, but the man in armor already charged. She pushed Victoria out of the way just as she was tackled. He threw her back and she hit the wall hard, his forearm crushing her throat.

"Get the princess!" he commanded the others.

"No!" Jade yelled, pushing at him, but it was no use. He was too strong. She heard Victoria calling to her for help, panicked.

"You're nothing without those wings of yours," the man snarled, pressing her harder into the wall where her wings fluttered and beat uselessly. All she could hear was Victoria still calling to her until she was struck across the mouth. She growled and her eyes sparked green.

"Don't hurt her!" she shouted, feeling a strange tingle shoot through her. Her teeth sharpened and heat smoked from her mouth. She wished she was something strong enough to lay waste to her enemies. Suddenly, it came to her. A dragon. And as soon as she thought it she felt her body grow. Sharp pains attacked her but it soon dissipated. When she opened her eyes she looked down on the man who had been bigger than her moments before. She roared and then shot a burst of green flame at him.

"Get her out of here!" he ordered the frightened archers, drawing his sword. They grabbed Victoria and proceeded to drag her away. Jade reared back when the man in armor swung at her foreleg. With a swipe she knocked him aside. She barely fit through the hall, but in just a few steps she caught up. She smacked both out of the way and snagged Victoria by the back of her tunic. She ran, aiming for the window ahead. She threw herself at it, tearing through the wall as well, but she was out. Her giant wings easily bore her on the wind, steering them to safety. Her black scales worked against her in the clear day. She was an obvious target. She shifted, planning to head down, when something burned at her right wing. She snarled and almost fell out of the air.

"Jade, below us!" Victoria called over the wind. Jade looked down to see a group of enemy archers shooting fiery arrows. She dropped the princess in her claw and held her carefully. Now she was free to send out a jet of fire. They scattered, screaming. Jade rumbled her satisfaction and looked for a place to land in the fields.

"Watch out!" Victoria shouted, pointing above them. Jade only had time to glance back, seeing nothing but red cover her vision before claws tore at her. She roared her pain and landed gracelessly but made sure no harm came to Victoria. Her body couldn't hold its form any longer. She shifted back after setting the princess down. She stumbled but remained standing, protecting Victoria from the man now standing before them. He wore sleek pointed armor and a red cape. A spiked helmet covered his face. There was no symbol of a kingdom or faction or army of any kind on him.

"Don't make me kill you, child," he warned, walking towards them slowly. Jade stubbornly stood guard. She launched herself at him. He effortlessly caught her around the neck, searing her flesh. She screamed and scrambled to be released but his grip held firm.

"Iron gauntlets. Handy for getting rid of pesky fairies," he told her, slamming a fist in her face a moment later. He let her go so that the force threw her to the ground. She struggled to stand but he drew a sword and struck at her. With a flap of her wings she dodged the attack but her side took a bit of damage. She fell to the ground and Victoria leaned over her.

"Jade, please hold on," she begged, a hand at her cheek.

"I'm trying…" Jade gasped, eyes widening when she saw the blade rise again. She pushed Victoria out of the way and forced herself up, ready to put her life on the line, but then something shot from the sky. A war cry sounded, and then Maleficent threw the man aside. Her large wings took her into the sky and then back down for a second attack, but he was ready.

"Mother, wait!" Jade shouted, but it was no use. The man fended off her strike and grabbed at her neck. She cried out and he threw her back, giving the warrior time to run at Jade and Victoria. He swiftly tossed the princess when she tried to defend Jade and then grabbed the young fairy. He stood behind her, iron grip on her neck, and held her hostage. His blade dug at her already wounded side and she sucked in a breath.

"I'm no fool. Make any move against me and I won't hesitate to end her," he threatened. Maleficent scowled but remained where she stood. A scream from Victoria caused Jade to struggle and the blade cut deeper, but she didn't care. The man saw her trying to see what was happening so he turned her enough to see his men carrying the princess away.

"Perfect. Now, if you'll excuse me, I have plans to make and a kingdom to rule," the warrior stated, throwing Jade to the ground. Maleficent watched him transform into a blood red wyvern. He roared in triumphant then lifted from the ground to join what was left of his army. She knelt by Jade, heartbroken when all she heard was her sobs for the princess.

"Victoria…I failed," Jade cried, burying her face in her mother's shoulder and gripping her tight once Maleficent gathered her in her arms.

"No. We will get her back," she promised. She ran her hands over her daughter's injured wings to smooth down the ripped and bleeding feathers then made her look at her.

"We must return to the castle. Phillip and Aurora must be tended to. If he intends to overthrow them we must make sure they live. Then we have to tend to ourselves before we can even think of a plan to get the princess back," her mother began.

"But she needs me," Jade said, voice pained. Maleficent nodded, brushing back her hair, sympathy in her eyes.

"I know my child. But you're injured and in no shape to go after her right now. Come with me," she insisted. Jade bit back another sob and heaved out a breath when she tried to move. Her whole body ached and burned and stung now that the adrenaline had passed, leaving her fatigued. With help she was able to stand.

"You fought hard. I'm proud of you," Maleficent murmured, holding her daughter close. Jade looked to her, only then noticing that she was also injured. She had been fighting since the enemy arrived. Despite their loss they had to remain level-headed. First, assess the damage, to themselves as well as everyone else. Only then could they launch a counterattack. When that moment came, Jade promised revenge. She would save Victoria and make the warrior in red regret ever attacking them.