Shot I

„A dragon? Are you kidding me?! That was incredible!", he started exclaiming the very moment he got his voice back, the rest of his body still in the last stretch of it's transformation.

The pure enthusiasm on his face amused her. She couldn't help but smile as she watched him, skipping and spinning around her, still vibrant with the energy and magic from the fight.

She had rarely to never seen him that thrilled about any of the transformations she had forced him through. He hated all kinds of dogs, horses were alright, but then he didn't like to be ridden on, mice and rats and all sorts of rodents he despised, because he felt inferior in their figure, not to start with insects. That one time she had turned him into a beetle, he hadn't spoken a word with her for seven whole days. Just the memory of it made her suppress a sigh. He was one sensitive raven, after all.

"And you got your wings back, wow, I never imagined you could look that badass!", he chattered on, ignoring the rolling of her eyes and apparently completely forgetting to be all grumpy and stern.

They had left Aurora at her tree, where the three simple-minded fairies had insisted on watching over her sleep. (Not that they were any use, but at least that kept them busy and out of her way.)

And tired she was. One would think that a few hours of dead-like sleep were enough rest for the next weeks. But even they were nothing against the tiredness that came from being part of a major epic battle.

They would talk later, they were in no hurry. The ever ticking clock that had threatened Aurora's time, had finally been silenced. Now Stefan was dead the kingdom of the humans needed a new ruler, a strong but gentle one this time. One to give them back their hope and faith and unite both kingdoms. And Aurora had to know that this was going to be her role.

"Mistress?"

Startled, she looked up.

She had been so indulged in her thoughts, she hadn't noticed that Diaval had stopped moving around and stepped closer, now watching her carefully.

"What now?"

Of course she knew what he meant. She looked into his deliberate, respectful face with eyes darker than coals that were so much wiser than she could have ever hoped for, when she had chosen him as her wings long ago.

Suddenly, she felt a warm rush of gratefulness in her chest. He had never left her, even though they both knew, that he would have been able to. But he had stayed, complaining and nagging indeed, but still loyal and faithful, always counseling her well.

"You know I've never thanked you in all those years, Diaval?", she finally said.

He looked seriously surprised.

"Thank me? What for?"

"For being there", she simply replied and stepped closer, her fingers caressing his forehead, then his cheek, before her hands softly cupped his face. His skin felt almost cool to her touch.

Carefully, she studied his face. He stood very calm and still looked rather confused, but also expectant and unafraid of what was to come. And that was, when she made her decision.

She drew in one deep breath and then, very softly, she moved her face to his. Her lips suddenly started glowing a luminescent golden and only soft at first, then stronger she felt the vibrating flow of magic – her magic pulsating through her veins. Oh, how she loved that feeling of pure joy, she never felt more alive than in those very moments.

Only centimeters away she paused for a brief moment. Just looked. He had instinctively closed his eyes, his body tense, not a breath escaping his lungs.

And then her lips touched his, tingling vividly from the magic flowing through them as she kissed him, gentle but determined, and breathed her gift into him.

It was only a short touch, nevertheless she felt him tremble as their bodies met. When she drew back, her fingers moved to her lips, lingering there for a little while, before she lifted the same hand to his heart.

The very moment, she touched him again, a soft moan escaped his lips, just before his strength abandoned him. His eyes fell close and his knees gave way, making him collapse against her. But she had expected this, and she caught him, before he could hit the ground. Carefully she lay him down.

Changing someone's true nature was a energy-sapping process – for both sides.

Gracefully she lowered herself next to him. It wouldn't take too long before he awoke again.

She felt strangely empty, like some part of her was missing. And it was, she had just given away some of her very own true magic, forever. But it would be worth it, she told herself, hastily brushing away the cold feeling that suddenly stirred inside her. He was worth it.

Absently, she brushed a strand of hair from his forehead. When had she become so attached to this… creature? She couldn't recall a certain moment in which she had stopped seeing him as her servant, but rather as her companion. The sadder the following would be, she suddenly thought.

Although he was unconscious, a dreamy, strangely detached expression lay on his face, the usual paleness of his cheeks flushed with pink.

She drew back her hand, when he finally moved again, opening his eyes, immediately finding hers.
He didn't look anxious at all, only confused and curious. Of course he knew, that she wouldn't let come any harm to him. Well, at least no serious harm.

When she got ready to get up, he sat up, reaching for her arm.

"Mistress?"

She paused, hesitated for one brief moment. Then she leaned closer and kissed him again. A moment longer than the time before, and this time she felt him respond to her touch, his body pushing towards hers.

It took her all her will power to draw back and abrubtly she got up, steadying herself.

With one last smile, ignoring his bewildered expression, she said:

"I thank you for all you have done for me and beg you to accept my gift. You are free to go now."

Then she turned around.

"What? Mis… Maleficent! Wait!"

From the corner of her eye she saw him scrambling to his feet, almost tripping over his own legs in his hasty attempt to come after her.

"I have no intention of leaving you, and you should very well know that yourself!"

But she had made her decision. Yes, she wanted him with her, but only because it was his very own free will. Not because he was still bound to her through some magical and habitual tie.

With one swift motion of her arm, she swept him from his feet, pinning him to the ground.

The aghast expression on his face revealed, that he didn't seem to understand the world anymore.

"But… I thought… Why would you do such a thing, only to…" His voice trailed off.

She started walking.

And suddenly he became angry.

"Maleficent! Don't you dare just stalking away all smug and superior like that just whenever it pleases you, you can't just leave me here like some string puppet of yours!"

He paused to catch his breath. She realized she had stopped moving. His words. They… hurt, she realized with a trace of astonishment. But, no, he would understand.

"You can't just leave me, not after what you've just done and let's not forget that you have to change me back, because you made me this and without you I am lost-"

And then it all happened very fast.

The one moment she still heard his angry human voice, the next moment it was replaced by the shrill craving of the black bird he was. Silence, except for the agitated fluttering of small wings, then a muffled impact.

More silence.

She couldn't resist turning around one last time.

There he stood, human again. Every anger on his face had vanished, replaced by reverent admiration.

"… Maleficent, I don't know what to say…" His voice was so rough with thankfulness he almost couldn't speak.

And then he suddenly knelt down, and bowed his head.

"I accept and thank you for your generous gift. It was a pleasure serving you."

His whole body started contorting, black feathers sprouting from his skin and for one instant his whole figure was one diffuse blur. Where moments ago had been a human, now was a small black raven. He hovered before her for one more instant, then he started soaring.

She closed her eyes, trying to hold back the tears.

When she opened them again, the small black spot was already high above the trees, happily crowing and circling some breeze.

Suddenly she felt very alone.

'I have no intention of leaving you… without you I am lost.'

Would she ever see him again?

Wow, no sickfic/ whump, for once, though potential for more in this direction. But we'll see.

English is not my mothertongue, so feel free to point out any mistakes. Only having watched the movie in German, I didn't really feel like getting the flow, but well.

I hope you liked it anyways. :)

Edit: there will be at least one more chapter, as soon as I am back from holidays in one week.