Ch 9…awwwww, I'm definitely going to cry now. So I'm hoping to write my last two chapters today. Wish me luck.


As Serena dismounted Luna, she led her to the thickets where she hoped the beautiful horse would stay safe, safe from the negativity hanging in the air like a poison. Dangerous and contagious. She could tell that was what infected the animals in charge and could hear their thoughts as they came closer. KILL, KILL, KILL! It was horrible, Serena could feel more tears escape her, but wiped them away furiously, she had to do something. Or else, the villagers and the King would be killed.


"You are what, Your Majesty," Andrew asked, clear astonishment on his face. Darien sat on his throne, watching his people laughing and being entertained with the ball's festivities and sighed,

"I am banning anyone from hunting in the Enchanted Forest. We have hunted its animals for game and sport, but no longer now. I will not allow any animal to be prey to Man." Lady Michelle looked upon her king and smiled secretly to herself, she could see his true intentions as clear as day, but would not embarrass him so by mentioning it. Instead she bowed and assured,

"I believe you have made an excellent decision Your Majesty, and I will happily see it is carried out."

"Thank you," Darien nodded, just as the five-lady-in-waiting came to greet him.

"Sire," Raye addressed,

"Her Ladyship has awakened and asks to join in tonight's event." At first, Darien was most pleased to hear this, but thought better against it.

"She has suffered today, and I am not sure that is best for her." At this Mina jumped up happily and mentioned,

"Your Majesty, I believe her to be in the greatest of health. Besides, suppose her spirits were to be lifted with such joy and laughter of tonight's ball?" Darien could see Mina was determined for Her Ladyship to come down, and could not help but argue that he too would be happy to see her.

"Very well, you may escort her down." The five girls curtsied and left, with Michelle and Andrew at their side, leaving Darien to his thoughts.


"My Lady, we have returned," Amy greeted as she opened the door. There sitting at her vanity mirror, was Serena dressed in a silk black dress which clung to her body like skin. The girls were some-what surprised, but dismissed it. Except one.

"Are you ready, My lady. We are sure you will have loads of fun, tonight. There is exquisite food brought by the villagers, especially made for you," Lina laughed, remembering how a whole table had to be set for the large amount that was brought to the castle. Serena nodded and allowed Raye, Amy, and Lina to lead her away. Turning to Mina who wore a slightly puzzled frown, Serena smiled and Mina could feel her heart turn cold with fear. Quietly lingering behind, Mina went back into the room and looked around. Nothing too unusual, except the window was wide open and when she went to close it, she could see in the distance some kind of ruckus that was going on in the Enchanted Forest. Remembering how the creatures in it were becoming more unstable by the day, she thought it best to warn the King before Her Ladyship got wind of it. While exiting the room, Mina ran right into Trista who was wearing her armor rather than a ball gown.

"Mina, what are you doing here? Where is Her Ladyship?" Trista asked in concern. Mina remembered how bravely Trista had defended the people today when the panther had appeared and thought perhaps she would be better to inform.

"Lady Trista, I believe something wrong has happened in the forest. If it is not too much to ask-" Trista stopped her in her words, and assured,

"I'd be happy to, Mina." Mina smiled her thanks and hurried to catch up with the others.


Darien turned when the five girls came forward, encircling Serena, reminding him of the day he had first met her. Darien had to admit that although he still preferred Serena in white, he did find the black dress she wore bringing out a different kind of attraction in him. But he couldn't think anymore, because he had met her eyes and for a brief moment he felt something was out of place.

"Your Majesty, Her Ladyship," The five ladies curtsied as Serena made her way up to the king, curtsying low before him. Darien was about to ask about her well-being when Serena's lips moved slightly. For a second, Darien hoped she might actually say something, but a soft melody entered his ears. The melody was soothing and calm…just like the night- But Darien's mind became hazy as his eyes glazed over with a soft green mist clouding them. She now looked normal to him and he wondered what he was worried about at first.

"I hope you rested well, My Lady." Serena nodded and Darien led her to the dance floor, where everyone stopped in their tracks, just to watch.


Trista had just saddled her ride when a soft neighing caught her attention. She turned to see Amara coming up to her, all ready to ride.

"Amara, what are you doing out here?"

"I could ask you the same thing."

"Well…I thought I would go and check the Enchanted Forest. To make sure everything was all right."

"And you did not wish to tell me? Why?"

"I did not want to disturb you."

"You could never disturb me, Trista. We are a team and we work together." Trista nodded and the two made their way to the Great Wall.


Serena watched as the stampede came closer, and tried to break through to them. However her attempts were met with the same thoughts,

"One of us. One of us." Serena understood, she wasn't truly human and it was Man these animals were angry at. Although, she refused to bend so easily and she stood her ground, rooting her self in front of the stampede. She had to stop them, no matter what.

"My Lady!" came a shout and Serena turned to see Trista and Amara riding toward her. She shook her head and waved her arms for them to retreat. They jumped off their horses, who joined with Luna to avoid the danger, and the two soldiers came forward to defend Serena. Amara pulled her sword out and raised it, as Trista aimed her arrow that was set in her bow, ready to release. Serena jumped in front of them and their weapons.

"My Lady, we must get you out of here. These animals will kill you if you stay," Amara ordered, grabbing Serena by the forearm and dragged her to the thickets. Serena wiggled and escaped Amara's grip, shaking her head violently. She would not leave until she calmed the animals down. She knew she could. She just needed to show them Man was a friend. Trista saw the desperation in Serena's eyes and assured.

"Then, we will stay here and fight by your side, My Lady. For we cannot leave you." Serena smiled her thanks and saw Amara look at her with a sad expression.

"I saw how broken you looked when the eagle died today… I will not bring you sorrow by killing these animals, either." And with that, Amara brought down her sword and stood between Serena and the animals. Trista came to stand with her and they did not move an inch from their station, even knowing they could die at any moment for her. Serena could feel more tears flowing down her cheeks, for instead of her own kind she cried for Man. She remembered her first encounter with Amara and Trista, and however it was not a pleasant greeting, she learned to love them as they stood before her, willing to put their life at stake for her. It was in that moment that Serena realized just how truly, beautiful, Man was and how much she loved all the friends she had made. If she were to die at this moment, she was happy to die in their presence.

It happened so fast, Serena couldn't believe it. The stampede had stopped. All the animals stood now a few yards away from them, but their rampage had ended. The hatred and anger had vanished from the air and the love that Serena was feeling was spreading to the animals. She could hear their thoughts as they recognized her feelings. Man is good. Man is good. Serena did cry, but tears of joy covered her face instead.

In the moment it took Amara and Trista to let their guard down, a black streak had flew past the now calmed animals, knocked the two soldiers to the ground and charged at Serena. It was the panther. It bit down on her shoulder as its claws slashed at her tender skin, ripping her ball gown. Serena felt dizzy as blood oozed from her wounds and she collapsed with the panther still assaulting her. Amara immediately aimed her sword at the panther and was able to beat it off Serena. Trista came over and guarded Serena, as Amara faced the panther. Although she had promised not to kill, she had to do some damage to keep the panther at bay. The panther gave a loud growl and, out of the forest, came some of the most ferocious animals ever seen. The stampede scattered into fewer groups, in order to avoid the animals, but some were targeted anyway. Just as a wolf-like creature attacked a deer, Trista sent an arrow toward the wolf, hitting it in the leg. The wolf let out a painful howl and the deer turned to stare at Trista, as if it was looking into her soul. The deer then stomped its foot into the ground, catching attention of some of other animals. They watched as the deer attacked some of the animals encircling Serena and Trista, and began fighting against them. Trista watched as some of the other animals joined in the fighting, taking down a few animals at a time. She understood instantly, they were going to fight to save them, just as she had saved the deer. Finally, Man and Nature had a break through. But would it be enough?


Mina frowned as she watched the king and Her Ladyship dancing. Something wasn't right and she knew it. But what was it? And where was Trista? Mina looked outside and saw the ruckus had ceased, she smiled. Whatever it was, it must have stopped, and she must remember to thank Trista, whenever she returned.
Darien couldn't shake the aching in his heart, as he danced with the girl before him. She didn't show any of her timid or reserve behavior, but instead had been rather bold throughout the night. She had even once managed to peck him on the lips for a few seconds. It was during one of those kisses that Darien felt her tremble in his arms. Darien looked at her and saw a few beads of sweat roll down her forehead. He called over the ladies-in-waiting, but stopped them when she kissed him again. His mind began dizzy and his eyes shown a brighter green. Once she appeared to be fine they continued to dance, not noticing a pair of burning eyes.
Amara's sword made a loud thump that seemed to echo throughout the trees, as I t hit the dirt. It was pretty quiet considered the tension of battle was clearing out by the seconds. The only other sound was the forest animals returning to their homes, some limping worse than others while some licked their wounds clean. The vicious animals had all retreated but one. Amara fell to the ground in a heap, her breathing shallow. She had just struck the panther down and it lay a few yards away from her. She had broken her promise to Her Ladyship, but what else could she do. She looked in the direction of Her Ladyship and saw only Trista's body lying beside her bow and arrow, before blacking out into an unconscious slumber.
Serena was crawling on her hands and knees desperately, feeling the pain increase with every move. She had woken to see Amara strike the panther and made sure to leave Trista's side when the fighting had stopped. Although she knew she shouldn't leave her protectors, she knew the worse was yet to come and she had to go to a special place. Finally she made it. In front of her was the tomb of the king's mother. The gifts were still there and as much as she'd hate to ruin the monument with her blood, she wished to die near her king in some way or another. She sighed and rested her back against the stone, sitting up so that she could see the forest lake one last time. She could almost see her and the king sitting at the lake's edge that night, the night he had kissed her. Oh how she wished she could time travel back to that moment and kiss him back. Instead she was too afraid to face him, and her feelings. She was ashamed of herself to have wasted a precious moment with her king. If only she could see him now one last time. She couldn't imagine anything more wonderful.

Serena's hand fell from her lap and her hair hung loose around her radiant smiling face.


don't cry, don't cry, don't cry omg I am so bumbed guys. I luv this story. Mainly b/c I think I'm going to finish it! I hope you'll all luv my next and last chapter.