The Queen's Ruffians
Part IV
Regina and Leetha
Regina woke up early the next morning, before either of her prodigies was awake. She had a restless night. The thought of losing Leetha to an unworthy musician had kept her awake. She knew he could never make her happy. Leetha was a princess who deserved a kingdom to rule; Leetha was powerful and did not deserve to lost her power because a some musician dared to take it all away from her. The Queen sat in her garden by her apple tree, trying to enjoy some sliced apples and tea. She took a deep look into her forest. The memory of the first time she met Leetha wandered into her mind.
It had been a lovely morning that day. Regina had gone for a ride on her favorite steed. She had caused some minor harm to Snow White and the thought of not having her father was slowly becoming a thing of the past. She had felt so alone in those days, ever since the Queen of Hearts stole her father. The only thing she really hated were the moments when she was left completely alone, no guards, no servants, and no mirror, no anyone. Being left alone with her memories and thoughts was a torment she could still not endure. Regina got off of her horse and walked into the forest. Gradually, her mind drifted to the pain she felt. The Queen started to torture herself with the memory of being stuck in a loveless marriage for so many years and having to see Snow White, the girl who betrayed her, live so happy was the worst anguish she had ever felt. She thought of the sufferings she endured growing up with Cora. As Regina walked deep into the forest, alone with her pain, the worst memory of all flowed into her mind. Witnessing her last chance at happiness get ripped out of her hands was a thing she could never come to terms with. Cora ripped out the heart of her true love, Daniel. There was no way she could ever have a true, pure happiness ever again. She lost the love of her parents; she never knew the love of a sibling or a friend; the love of her lover was lost forever. With the thought of never being able to love again, Regina fell to her knees and cried.
The tears came down like a waterfall. She had not felt so much pain in a long time. As she wept alone, in her own hands, she was stopped by a rustle in the trees. Out from the forest, came a ten foot bear ready to eat anything in its path. Regina remained still. For a moment she thought, why not let this ferocious beast end my misery here? The thought was gone in a second. Regina stood up ready to kill the bear with her magic, but she paused her actions as she saw a mysterious girl standing in a tree. The young girl wore black leather pants and a shirt that was torn up. It revealed her stomach and arms. The mysterious girl's long black hair was hiding most of her face. Regina saw the unknown girl grab a spear from her side and lick it. It was hard to not notice the tongue of a snake lick the spear and the tip of the spear turn black. Without much force, the girl shot the spear down at the bear, hitting it on the arm. In two seconds, the bear was dead and Regina was impressed.
"You there, young girl, what is your name?" Regina asked as she approached the tree where the girl stood. The girl remained silent. "Come down here, girl. Make yourself known to me."
The mysterious adolescent ignored the Queen and tried to hop into a different tree. Regina grew furious and held the girl in place with magic. She brought her down to eye level and took a good look at her. Regina looked her up and down with an eyebrow raised. The girl felt as though it was the longest stare down of her life.
"You cannot be older than fourteen, child," Regina said. The girl did not seem frightened. How could such a young person take down such a large creature? The Queen was not one to thank people frequently, but seeing as how the young girl did somewhat save her, in a way (even though Regina was in no real danger), she decided to express herself. With an eyebrow raised, she said, "Thank you for killing that beast before it ate me for dinner." Her tone was very firm. It almost had not gratitude in it. "I suspect I would have given that bear stomach problems," Regina joked as she got closer to the girl. "Tell me, what is your name? Where do you come from?"
The girl still remained silent. Her eyes were hazel with a sad look in them; her skin was glossy, tan. The expression on her face reminded Regina of her own. The Queen's patience started running out with the girl's silence.
"Answer me!" Regina said firmly.
"I do not know who I am," the girl replied desperately.
"I see you can speak. Well, dear, that is not uncommon," Regina added as she released the girl from her clutches. "Many people go a very long time not knowing who they are. What is your name dear? Where do you come from?"
"I do not have a name anymore. I do not have an origin," the girl replied.
"Well then, I see I will have to find out for myself. Guards," Regina said as the black geared soldiers approached them, "seize her," Regina shouted.
The girl was taken to Regina's castle in restraints. She stood in front of Regina and her mirror in silence. The queen grew more and more impressed with the young girl. The unknown girl was not afraid. Regina liked that.
"Show me where this girl comes from," Regina said to the genie in the mirror.
The mirror showed Regina the Kingdom of Temperament.
"The Kingdom of Temperament, your majesty," the mirror said. "She is a princess. This is her brother," it continued as the young and handsome Ethan appeared in the mirror.
"That boy is NOT my brother! And he has no business sitting in that throne! His father murdered my family and stole my kingdom! Then they had the audacity to shun me from MY kingdom, simply because I took revenge for my family. I executed that boy's murdering father and I am the one who is being punished for it! Do not insult me and say his blood runs through my veins," the girl shouted.
"Touchy subject?" Regina asked snidely. "It seems as though you are a princess, correct?" Regina asked. "Well, dear, seeing as how you have nowhere to go, but back into my forest, I would like to make you a proposal." Regina sat down in front of the girl. "I was quite intrigued with the powers you showed in the woods. Am I correct in assuming that little venom trick is one of many which you have up your sleeve?" Regina asked. The girl remained quiet. "I like you dear. I see a great deal of myself in you. I too have suffered a great tragedy, similar to yours. Here is what I offer you, aside from residing here with me in the castle, and living the life you are meant for, I will help you finish the revenge of your beloved family and help you get back your kingdom, If you help me defeat my many enemies as well, particularly one named Snow White. If you help me achieve their suffering, if you enforce my word, if you become my," Regina paused to think of a word, "prodigy, so to speak, I can guarantee you will want for nothing, including revenge. I know you can be very powerful, if you let me show you how. Let me guide you. Let me teach you the ways of magic. Let me show you how to fully control all of your strengths. Let me show you how to do away with your weaknesses." The girl agreed with pleasure. "Now, seeing as you refuse your origins, including your name, I take it upon myself as your mentor to rename you. Kneel before your Queen, creature of temperament, and arise Princess Leetha."
The girl fell to one knee and looked up to Regina. For the first time in more than a year, Leetha and Regina were both not alone. With a snap of her fingers, Regina dressed Leetha from rags to riches. Leetha looked down at her new clothing in "awe."
"No ruffian of mine will be dressed in rags," Regina said. "Consider it a reward for killing that bear in the woods."
Regina was snapped out of the vivid memory by Leetha strolling into the garden pushing a silver cart. Leetha had an adorable smile upon her face as she grew closer to Regina. The smile brought one to Regina's face as well. When the Queen got a good look at the sterling silver cart, she saw gifts and a silver cover shielding some food. Regina was confused.
"What is all this dear?" Regina asked when Leetha stopped in front of her.
"I have a surprise for you my Queen," Leetha replied in a joyous tone.
"Oh, and what is the occasion Princess?" Regina said.
"It's your birthday," Leetha answered. "Did you forget?"
It had slipped her mind entirely. She felt small tears flock to her eyes. "Yes my dear, it had." Regina replied.
"Well, my Queen, there is no way I could ever forget. I have some gifts for you. I made your breakfast myself. I thought you and I could celebrate on our own out here in the garden," Leetha explained.
Regina gave her a soft smile and a nod. Leetha sat across from the very small picnic table and moved the tray of food between them. When she removed the lid, Leetha revealed a birthday cake and breakfast. She served them both their meals and poured them juice. They started the first portion of meal in a happy silence. Leetha and Regina could not hide the smiles on their faces as they chewed their food.
"Everything tastes very wonderful dear," Regina said to her princess, thinking it was all the more better since she took the time to make it herself with love.
"I am pleased that you are enjoying it my Queen," Leetha replied happily.
As they finished their breakfast, Leetha put a candle on the little cake. Regina was at a loss of words. She didn't know what she could possibly wish for. The only wish that had ever crossed her mind was true companionship, sincere love, and devotion. Leetha had filled the emptiness for quite some time. The surprise was a very pleasant one. Regina realized that Leetha always got her a present and cake every year and every year Regina forgot. The mentor looked into her prodigy's hopeful, loving eyes and the world stopped. At that exact moment, Regina and Leetha both felt such a strong sense of love that their hearts even slowed down. Nothing else mattered in the world. They were all one another had or needed. As they looked into each other eyes, the smoke arose between them from the candle. Regina smiled softly as a tear came down her cheek. Leetha frowned and she held Regina's hand. Regina wiped the tear and her smile grew much larger.
"I could not think of a wish dear," Regina said. The two of them giggled. "You have done more than enough already. I suppose you were I all I could wish for and I did not realize it till just now."
"The feeling is mutual. I wished for someone to love and love me back, a family, and you found me." Leetha said.
Regina put her hand over Leetha's; the smiles did not leave their faces. They enjoyed each other's company for a moment and Regina suddenly jerked up. She looked around the forest and asked herself if anyone had seen them. She sat up directly, which also snapped Leetha to sit upright and confused. The truth was, as much as Regina wanted to someone to love and love her in return, she was afraid of love. Aside from making her weak, it made her worry. The love she had for Leetha made her fret for her dear princess's life. If any of her enemies found out that they had grown to care so deeply for one another, the repercussions would be tragic.
"Thank you dear," Regina said trying to break the ice after her awkward reaction, "for everything."
Leetha smiled. For a second she had thought Regina was upset with her. "Here, I have some gifts for you," Leetha added.
She took out three wrapped boxes from the bottom of the cart, each wrapped with glossy purple paper. Leetha began to perspire a bit as she worried about whether or not the Queen would like them. Regina did not know which one to open first, so she simply waited for Leetha to hand her one. The entire moment felt as though it were going quite slow. It started feeling difficult to enjoy the moment with the sudden nervousness that had grown upon Regina's body. She was looking around their picnic area hoping no one in the world was watching them. Regina was sure that she could not hide the happiness and love that was coming out of her eyes. As the thought left her mind, she finished opening the first gift. It was the porcelain tea set with apples on the cups and tea pot that Leetha had ordered from the shop in town. Regina was very delighted. She loved apples and she loved having tea with Leetha. The surprises throughout the day were very pleasant indeed. The Queen did not know what gifts her princess had in store for her. She stopped watching through the mirror before they were revealed to her. The next box was larger; it took up most of the cart. Regina opened it and saw the crystal chandelier with figurines that looked rather similar to her favorite steed. It was getting extremely difficult to try and hide the tears back from her eyes. She could not possibly bare one more gift, as strange as it sounded. The happiness felt like torture. Regina was trying so hard to hide her true emotions. She did not want to seem weak. One last gift, she thought to herself, and then we will go inside. I cannot take it anymore. Finally, Leetha put a small box on Regina's lap. It was wrapped in black paper with purple ribbon.
Leetha seemed very excited about the gift. "I saved the best for last… I hope."
Regina opened the box and pulled out a necklace that had black satin ribbon and at the end a black round crystal. It was a necklace. Her smirk turned into an ear to ear beam of sunshine coming out of the Evil Queen's face. The Queen was at a loss of words, which was something that rarely happened.
"Do you like it?" Leetha asked, but Regina continued to admire the necklace in silence. "I wanted you to have necklace to remind you of me. I know it may sound self serving, but I have the one you gave me. It is always around my neck. I know you may have only given it to me to communicate through the little mirror, but" Leetha paused and wondered if she should continue to reveal just how much she cared for Regina. "Well, it makes me feel comfort. The fact that you are always so near my heart makes me feel less alone. You are all I have Regina and I want you to know that you have me as well. You and I will never be alone; we will never face anything alone; we will not have to endure the sufferings of our pasts alone, ever again. We have each other."
If Regina thought the gift would be the tip of the iceberg, she was wrong. The speech Leetha provided, along with the necklace was enough to send Regina's heart flying. It had been so long since Regina felt anything close to pure joy, not the joy she felt reaping havoc, but a pure joy that came from care and love. It had been even longer since Regina felt love going and coming in her direction.
"I, I love it Leetha. Thank you, very much. I suppose it will bring me the same comfort it brings you. Now, we are truly together, always." Regina said as she wiped her tears away. Leetha stood up and put the necklace around the Queen's neck. "How does it look?" Leetha applauded. "We have spent several of my birthdays together dear, and every year you seem to surpass the previous one, but this year, this year has been the best birthday I have had, in all of my life." Regina paused and signaled Leetha to come in for a hug. As they embraced each other, Regina felt a strange feeling come over her body, as though she would soon lose Leetha. Since she was already putting all of her emotions in the air, Regina did not hold that one back. "For some strange reason, I have a feeling that this will be the last time we celebrate my birthday together dear. I feel as though I am going to lose you."
Leetha pulled away from the hug and looked at Regina. "Don't ever say that. I will always be with you. I could not bear to be apart. You are my family. Only death would stop me from being at your side and I know you would never let anything harm me, so how would that happen?" Leetha replied and then went in for another daring hug. This time, the hug was less loving and more fearful, fear of losing Regina, the closest thing she had to family since the murder of her father.
Regina held Leetha in her arms and patted her head. "That's right dear; I would never let anything harm you." The two minute embrace was over when Regina realized they were both becoming far too emotional. "Just as I will always get you what you deserve. Now, let us go inside and devise a plan to get back the kingdom that is rightfully yours because, you, my Princess, deserve it."
The two made their way out of the garden and back into the war room. Ash was still not awake. Leetha had placed the tea set and chandelier in Regina's bedroom. When she walked out she saw Ash dragging himself out into the hallway with his guitar strapped around his neck.
"Nice to see you finally joined us." Leetha said. Ash had his mouth wide open with a disgusting yawn. "How gracious," she added sarcastically. "Her Majesty is waiting in the war room."
Ash looked confused. "I take it that we are not eating before the hours of devious plotting commences?"
Leetha rolled her eyes and continued to walk. "We already had our meals in the garden. Do what you want; I will not keep the Queen waiting."
Leetha joined Regina in the war room. Regina already had a plan in mind. She merely needed to explain it to her pupils. As several minutes passed, the Queen grew impatient with Ash's tardiness. The princess had mentioned that he was hungry. Regina saw it as no excuse. She had specified a time for them all to meet. If he knew he was going to have an empty stomach when he woke up and if he remembered that there was no food allowed in the war room, then he should have woken up early to have a meal before their meeting, not minutes before. Just as the Queen thought to herself, Ash appeared in the doorway chewing a last bite of food.
"Musician, I see you decided to bless us with your presence this morning." Regina said at the sight of the boy chewing with his mouth open. He coughed and a few crumbs flew out of his mouth. He looked at his Queen terrified of being lifted in the air again with her magic. She looked away, trying to hold back her anger and added a sarcastic, "Delightful. Well then, if you are done sharing the crumbs of your breakfast with us, have a seat. We can begin… finally."
It did not take more than an hour for Regina to explain the plot that she had to storm the Kingdom of Temperament. She had it planned for a while. She was simply not sure when to execute it. Since Ash had become so weak, it had been the perfect occasion for him to show his strengths. They had been very close to fully controlling their magic down to a T, but Regina still felt the need to practice with them. The Queen set the attack for three days from then. She told them she would train with each of them for a while to make sure they could use their magic properly and exactly when they needed it.
Regina left the war room and told her two prodigies to find something to do. She wanted to be alone, since she still had not recovered from the emotion filled morning. The Queen went to her room and sat in front of her mirror with a blank stare. The Genie inside the mirror appeared before her.
"You did not think you could ever do it again, did you?" he said.
"What are you talking about," Regina asked.
"Love, you did not think you could love again, did you?" he stated. Even though he knew it would upset her, the mirror could see she needed to let it out.
"I do not know what you are talking about." Regina hissed as she stood up and turned her back to the mirror.
"Your Princess has filled that void in your heart since you first brought her here and you for the first time, have actually realized it. Now, from what I gather, it is too late." The mirror explained.
"What do you mean, too late?" Regina asked turning to face him.
"Why, yes. Now it is about that time when any girl her age finds her true love. Her curse will be broken. She will realize what you have made of her and she will leave." The mirror continued coldly.
"What," Regina explained. "And who, pray tell, is this "true love" Leetha will find," Regina enquired.
"The boy right under her nose," the mirror said.
"The musician, Ash?" Regina exclaimed with a laugh. "Why, she detests him and he could never be the man she truly deserves." She sat down in front of the mirror again. "Princess Leetha, the most powerful girl her age, with a petty, poor, manner-less, clumsy, careless, fool?" Regina said again with a laugh.
"None of those things matter when it comes to true love," the mirror added, interrupting Regina's cackle.
As her laugh abruptly stopped, she thought of the deep love she felt for her stable boy, Daniel. "He is not good enough for her. If I were to see any signs of this, which I highly doubt would ever happen, I would not let it stand. Princess Leetha deserves a life of luxury, not a life of instability. Now, leave me." Regina said as she walked towards a loveseat in her bedroom to enjoy some sliced apples.
She stretched out on the seat and made herself comfortable. She saw the tea set on the table in front of her. Regina gazed down at the necklace and held it in her hand so tightly that it left a mark on her hand. She was looking forward to training with Leetha again. When the pair of them would practice together, the magic use was fun. The days when she taught the princess how to manage her powers had been gone for a while. Leetha had become an expert at using her animal characteristics and temperament changes. When Regina had first met Leetha it was quite the opposite. Her mind drifted back to the days when Leetha was only fourteen years old and had little control over her magic.
The first time they trained together, Regina asked Leetha what she knew she could do. They were in a large field in Regina's castle with several weapons laid out on tables for Leetha to "strut her stuff," in a way. Leetha grabbed a bow and arrow and licked the tip; she looked into the woods and from about a hundred feet away, Leetha shot the arrow. Regina raised an eyebrow. For the naked eye, it was as though Leetha shot the arrow towards nothing, but when the young Princess led her Queen into the woods, she revealed to Regina a fallen ox. The arrow did not do the killing, the venom at the tip did. Leetha showed off her good aim, but her long black hair continuously got in her way. With a wave of her hand, Regina had picked up Leetha's hair so that it was not in her face and in a slight ponytail, but off to the side and curled. Leetha was timid. She was not sure how to act in front of her mentor. From the little she had seen of her, Regina had a short temper. Leetha thanked her for picking up her hair and moved on to the next weapon, the sword.
Leetha picked up the sword and swung it around by herself a couple of times. Regina saw that she handled the weapon quite nicely and asked where she learned how to use it. Leetha told her that she and her father would often practice and he was very skilled. She learned how to ride and fight as soon as she was able to walk. The Queen called upon a somewhat skilled knight. She told them to fight until the death, knowing that even if Leetha did not beat him with her proficiency of sword, that she would definitely defeat him with her powers. Not too much to Regina's surprise, Leetha handled the weapon extremely well and defeated the knight. Regina called upon the next knight above him in skill level. That battle ended in the same amount of time as the one before. Regina increased the skill level of the knights three more times. After she saw Leetha's level of proficiency, she decided it was time to see just how Leetha could control the temperament.
It was a bright sunny day. Regina was not too sure what Leetha meant when she said that she could change the weather or make little storms.
"Show me an example dear," Regina said as she stood next to Leetha. "Make me a fierce wind."
The Princess nodded and inhaled. When she exhaled, a vast wind blew towards a portion of the forest, knocking out many leaves. Regina nodded in approval.
"Do you know how to send a wind somewhere else?" Regina asked. Leetha shook her head confused. "I mean, if I were to ask you to send a wind over there to that hut," Regina pointed to a small hut around three miles away from them, "But not starting from where we stand, could you do that?"
"I only know how to send the wind with me as the starting point." Leetha said in a low tone. After a moment of silence, she added, "I know that I am capable of it, but I am not certain how to go about it."
Regina thought for a moment. "Perhaps if you blow into your hand, and throw the breath in your palm, like a ball, towards where you want it to go?"
Leetha aimed her body towards the hut and did as she was told. When she did, the breath that was in the palm of her hand made a small ball of wind, but it missed the hut. The wind opened to early. Leetha turned to Regina, worried that her mentor would be upset, but much to her surprise, she was only intrigued.
"Let us try again, but this time, I want you to picture in your mind, exactly when you want the wind to open up," Regina said in a firm tone.
The young Princess once again did as she was told and threw the ball towards the hut. She knew the Queen's forest extremely well. She had lived in them for around a year. In her mind she pictured the trees about five yards away from the hut. From a distance, Regina and Leetha heard the wind open up, and the hut was destroyed.
"I do so love a prodigy who follows instructions," Regina said with a spine-chilling smile.
"I am glad you are pleased your Majesty," Leetha replied.
"What else do you know you can do?" The Queen asked.
"I have noticed when I cry, it rains."Leetha paused and remained silent for a moment.
"What is it dear?" Regina asked.
"A memory popped into my head. I'm sorry." Leetha replied.
"What were you thinking about?" Regina continued.
"I once grew so angry that my kingdom's temperature grew so hot that all of the crops dried out in a few hours." Leetha replied.
"Hmm, how interesting. What else Princess?" Regina asked. Leetha did not answer. "What made you so angry?"
"I was imprisoned by my stepfather." Leetha replied shortly.
The Queen's heart raced, her nostrils flared and her cheeks were red with anger. "He what?" She exclaimed. "Tell me more about this man."
"His name was Sir Hamilton." Leetha replied.
"What?" Regina asked a bit stunned. "I do recall hearing of such a man, a man who conned different kingdoms. I was warned by an old friend. This is the man that tricked your father?"
"Yes, my family was too kind and noble for their own good. It seems as though it got them all killed. I," Leetha paused with a blank stare, "I should have been more aggressive with my accusations." As she grew sad with her thoughts of the past, the air grew much colder. As one tear fell down her cheek, sprinkles of rain fell from the sky.
Regina made an umbrella appear in her hand and she covered them both. She looked at Leetha's gloomy eyes and felt bad for her. She put a hand on Leetha's shoulder. The princess sucked up the tears and the rain stopped. She was not ready to deal with any of it yet. Leetha had decided a long time ago that she would hold those feelings in.
"I am glad you killed him. I would have done the exact same thing, had I been in your place. Anyone who makes a person suffer so, should have to pay." Regina replied. She thought back to her own miserable imprisonment, being married to King Leopold. He too deserved the revenge she gave him. "Perhaps it would be best, my sweet princess, if we discussed what happened to you. I can clearly see that your emotions are what control your powers. If we can control your emotions, then we can have you channel them to be used exactly how we want them to."
Leetha explained how no one believed her until it was too late; Regina had been the first person to actually believe her upon hearing the tale the first time. The Princess explained that Sir Hamilton saved her father from a forged battle, tricked the kingdom into worshipping him, poisoned her father, married her mother, got her pregnant and then killed the remainder of her real family. He confessed to her once they were dead and had her imprisoned, then she was made his slave. Regina grew more and more upset with each portion of the story. At many points, she wished she had killed him herself, painfully and slowly, perhaps by pulling out his heart and then putting him through the same tortures he put Leetha through. Regina's favorite part of the tale was when Leetha explained how she killed Sir Hamilton.
"Tell me dear, how did it feel?" Regina asked.
"How did what feel?" Leetha asked confused and paused, then said, "My parents would certainly not have approved."
"That's not what I asked." Regina said in a firm tone. "How did it feel to get your revenge using magic?"
Leetha thought for a moment and then said, "Relieved."
"How so?" Regina asked.
"I was relieved that I indeed had the power to avenge my family. Nothing is more important than family." Leetha explained.
Regina stared at Leetha blankly, not fully understanding how strong Leetha's bond with her family was, then replied, "I suppose you are right. Tell me princess, how did the power make you feel?"
"Powerful," Leetha replied in an obvious tone.
"Did you enjoy it?" Regina asked.
"I supposed I enjoyed using it when I needed it most." She thought back to the exact moment she had killed Sir Hamilton. "It felt great being rid of such scum."
"Very nice, my dear. Tell me, in the midst of all of this commotion, was there a point where someone wished these powers upon you, or did you yourself at any point wish for them? Perhaps you wished for the power to kill Sir Hamilton? I am simply asking because it is still a mystery to me, just how it was that these great powers came to be." Regina asked.
Leetha thought back. She remembered the moment she had an argument with her mother and what her mother told her. "My mother and I had a quarrel when all of this was happening. I was so angry that I wished to be an actual part of the temperament, as opposed to their new family."
"Ah, that must have been it, my dear girl. I suppose these types of feelings are what control your powers. A part of the temperament, well, that could be anything. There can't possibly a limit to temperament." Regina said as she thought to herself of a task for Leetha to emulate. "Dear girl, I want you to think of one of the many injustices done to you, and I want you to think of a forest animal, then I want you to attack that knight over there."
The princess did as she was told and thought of her imprisonment. When she thought of it, she remembered scratching one of the male's eyes out. She decided to go with that creature, a cheetah from her kingdom. When Leetha opened her eyes, her eyes were catlike, and light spots were on her skin. She turned around and ran quicker than anything Regina had ever seen. Leetha pounced the knight, and sliced his neck with her claws, once again, impressing Regina more and more by the minute.
After that, Regina devised many different tests to see what it was that Leetha could do. She once hid some jewels in the forest, wrapped in a scarf, and then sent Leetha into the forest to find it. Using the scenting skills of a wolf, Leetha found it. On another occasion, Leetha was able to swim under water without needing to go up for air, like a fish. She was able to swing through trees quickly like a flying squirrel. They established that she was able to use her anger, her hate, or any of her bad emotions, towards gaining a characteristic of any animal she was familiar with. The snake grew to be Leetha's favorite. It had everything she needed, speed, venom, and intimidation.
Regina then had Leetha learn how to manage her weather capabilities. After Leetha mastered throwing winds, she learned how to create anything from a small tornado to a large hurricane. She was able to make the heat grow so hot that a person could cook something outside. She could freeze an entire room when her heart grew cold. She could make a storm full of lightning and thunder appear anywhere. Regina had definitely taught Leetha how to master the powers she was cursed with and they always came in handy. After months of training, Regina and Leetha were thick as thieves. Leetha had turned into more than a pet, she was Regina's companion.
They had spent half a year training and Regina decided to give her Princess a final test. She wanted Leetha to demonstrate everything she had learned in one grand battle. The final test would be for the young Princess to use many of her powers all at once. Regina decided to watch her fight several knights at once. Leetha was at one end of the field on her horse; there were six knights in front of her. She had been provided with two arrows, a spear, a sword, and a small knife tucked in her boot.
"You will fight to the death. Begin," Regina said calmly as she sat on the side of the battle field watching the entertainment from under a fresh gazebo.
The knights started towards her, she rode several yards away from them and got off the horse, she used her two arrows and killed two knights as the four that remained made their towards her, she licked the spear and ran towards the knights. She stabbed one in the neck, and ducked from a sword's swing. She pulled the knight in front of her to shield herself from the swords and broke the spear off of the knight's neck. Leetha pushed him into the three knights, knocking one of them down. She fought one on one with a skilled swordsman and when the remaining knight came at her she spit in his eye, causing him to lose vision. She kicked the knight she fought and sent him flying many yards away. She turned around and cut the blind knight's head off with her sword. When the knight who was trapped under a dead knight finally stood up, Leetha paced slowly towards him; her eyes were as yellow as the sun and her tongue would reveal itself once and a while, as s snake's. The knight was terrified. As she walked forward, he walked back.
Regina watched the entire event from under a fresh gazebo, even using binoculars at times. Her devious grin would appear as Leetha took down each knight. The thought of having such a powerful prodigy made Regina feel very superior to her enemies, and they did not even know about her yet. Regina's expression grew confused as she noticed how Leetha's appearance would change with certain moves. Within the ten minutes of battle, only one out of six was left standing. Regina summoned ten more soldiers with a terrifying smirk on her face. She was going to push Leetha to her limits.
About ten more knights appeared behind Leetha. She stabbed the knight before her with the broken spear and then turned to the approaching knights. The young Princess looked up at the sky and a lightning bolt struck down, killing a knight. She ran towards the nine knights and blew them down with wind. One of the knights stood up and tried to fight her with his sword. She laughed at him and spit venom into his eye; he dropped his sword and she cut his throat with her claws. Leetha bit two soldiers on their necks as quick as a snake. The young princess jumped high in the air and knocked two down. As the remaining soldiers surrounded her, she blew them away with a fierce wind, causing two to land in distant trees. Leetha snapped the necks of the soldiers she jumped on and then fought with her sword. At the end, only Leetha was left standing. Regina was overwhelmed with enthusiasm. She could not wait to use Leetha on a real enemy.
Regina walked up to the victorious Leetha and stated, "I see you are one whom was meant for great power dear."
Leetha panted and nodded her head in agreement. "It seems to be growing on me."
Regina took a deep breath as the memory left her mind. The Queen looked down at the black crystal on her necklace once more. She stood up and walked to the balcony. She saw Leetha out in the garden playing with a snake. The young Princess was still somewhat innocent. How was it possible for her to be so lethal as well? Regina smiled down at her Princess. She thought back to the first time she ever used Leetha as a threat to someone.
Regina sat on her throne, with the Duke of Maine standing, insolently before her. Leetha stood to the right of her Queen with her hood up, covering her face.
"I do not know where she is. Even if I did, I would not give up her location. My son informs me that the charges against her are," The duke was interrupted by the Queen.
"Enough! She has wronged this kingdom. She steals from my trails and slanders my name. You will give me the information you have on her." Regina said firmly.
"I refuse. My son will be here any moment. He knows you called upon me and I foolishly came down here, but he will come. He will bring an army!" the Duke was once again cut off by Regina.
"Is that so?" Regina replied sadistically. She stood up and walked down the steps towards the Duke. "Well Duke, that is something I would enjoy seeing. I have decided to make you a proposition. You will tell me what you know about Snow White's transactions with the trolls, exactly where she keeps the things which she steals, and where she is staying, or I will be forced to release my young ruffian on your son and his army." Regina said as she took a turn around the duke.
She looked up in Leetha's direction. The young princess walked down the steps and took off her hood. Leetha walked down the steps as intimidating as a fifteen year old girl could possibly look. She was petite, young, her hair was long and black, her skin was tan; she wore black leather pants, and a maroon corset with her black caped hood over her clothes. Leetha tilted her head and looked the Duke up and down.
"Her? This girl who you are threatening an army of at least forty with? Oh Regina, I would expect you," the duke was indeed interrupted again, but this time, by Leetha.
"You will refer to her as Your Majesty. She is your queen and yes, Sir Duke, I am the ruffian the Queen is referring to." Leetha added.
Just as she spoke the words a knight informed them that the Duke's son was at the door to the castle.
"Well, I see you have given us your answer." Regina said as she walked back up to her throne. "Go ahead dear. Rough them up." The Queen said and then sat down. "Oh, and, bring me the boy."
Leetha walked out of the throne room and made her way outside. She stood directly in front of the duke's son, one girl against forty men. The twenty year old boy looked confused. Was the girl of fifteen sent out there to bring peace? Just as she took off her cape, very low gray clouds emerged above the castle. She looked up and a large lightning struck down a row of soldiers. Leetha smiled at the young man. Her eyes turned to snake eyes. The men refused to lose their bravery to such a young girl. The son of the duke sent four men first. Leetha took out her knife, licked it, and when the soldiers got close enough, she cut them with the venom on the end. Their eyes widened; the young man sent ten soldiers; she blew them away with a wind. Leetha pulled out her bow and arrows and shot several of them off of their horses. She ran extremely fast towards the knights and then pounced them, scratching their eyes. She fought with her sword, she struck more lightning. They fought in the rain, till finally it was just Leetha and the son of the duke. He surrendered and she took him to her queen.
Regina smiled upon seeing her young prodigy's victory. Leetha threw the boy to his knees and he laid, wounded, beside his father.
"I see you roughed him up..." Regina said when she saw the poor boy's bruised, beaten, bloody body. "How barbaric. Now then, tell me what you know or you will witness more of his suffering."
The Duke and his son remained silent. Leetha flexed her claws and walked towards them.
"No, no, I will tell you what I know," the Duke said as she approached.
Regina smiled sinisterly and said "Wonderful." She turned to Leetha and added, "Thank you dear."
The memories were vivid in Regina's mind. She once again looked back down at the black crystal on her necklace. She had more than that simple memory of the many victories Leetha had won for her by a mere request. There were many occasions when one of Regina's many enemies tried to harm her, and Leetha risked her own life to save her, jumping in front of arrows, using her animal instincts to sense danger, and several different things. Regina shook off the feeling and looked back at Leetha in the garden. The princess looked up at her Queen's window, as though she had felt Regina staring. She waved. Regina smiled and waved back. They were to begin their practice at any moment.