Light

Artie stood, resting his chin in his cupped hand. He was leaning heavily again the railing of the ship. It was his turn to keep watch over the island, or, the expanse of empty water where the island could appear. Though, his eyelids were drooping and the young king was finding it increasingly difficult to stay awake. Artie's eyes fluttered closed once again, he sighed against the wooden edge. And then immediately jumped upright as his head slipped out of his hand. Artie looked around, as far as he could tell everyone was sleeping. He brushed himself down anyway, trying to appear as casual as he could. He returned his gaze to the ocean, the waves were so rhythmic and soothing. He folded his arms, leaning on the railing again. The sound of the sea left his mind serenely empty. It was nice, for once. In the edge of his vision he noticed something, he slowly drew his eyes to it. It seemed like a slight glow emanating from the waves. Artie pulled himself upright, he couldn't let himself fall asleep. He blinked a few times, looking to the sea once again. Still, it appeared to have a strange glow. He squeezed his eyes shut, shaking his head. The last thing he needed was to start hallucinating. But as his eyes opened, he startled backwards. The glow had only gotten brighter.

Slowly the king edged towards the railing again, gripping onto it. He looked into the water.

"Arthur?"

Artie jumped at the deep voice that seemed to echo around him. He looked around but no one was there. Artie shuddered. Besides, that wasn't just anyone's voice, it belonged to his father. The king looked down into the bright water, gulping.

"Arthur, you're not going to the high school in town," the words seemed to spin around him in circles. Artie threw his hands to his ears, but the voice didn't quieten. It only appeared in his head, just as loud.

"Where am I going?" his own voice, well, his childhood voice spoke up.

"Worcestershire."

Artie cringed at the name of that terrible place. He remembered the conversation so clearly. He remembered being so confused. The feeling flooded back.

"But- that's a boat ride away..."

"I know."

"Are we moving?"

"No."

Artie could hear his unspoken hesitation, "...How will I come home?"

"You won't, Arthur."

"I don't want to stay away."

"We'll come and get you in the summer."

Artie frowned, being reminded of the lies his father told. He remembered sitting at the gates with his suitcase for the whole day, watching each of his classmates being taken home by their families no matter how far away they were. Until it was just him.

"But... dad..."

"Your cousin will be attending with you."

"Morgan?" She wasn't his cousin, she was his step-mother's niece. She was as mean as the rest. Perhaps it would have been different if she was actually related to him by blood.

"Yes. Enough about it, Arthur. Go pack up your things."

Artie couldn't help but let the anger coarse through him. That conversation had burned in his mind for years while he would lay awake in his tiny uncomfortable bed. That conversation took place three days before he had to leave. That was the last time he properly spoke with his dad. That was it. The humiliation of waiting for his family to come at the beginning of summer still haunted him. It was the day that made him the laughing stock of the whole school. Even his classmate who was orphaned had somewhere to go for part of the summer. Everyone came back with stories to tell. Everyone except him. He had made up stories of his own for the first people who arrived back after a couple of weeks. But his lies were soon found out as more people returned. Then people started picking on him. Even his own family didn't want him. What a loser. They laughed at him and whispered about him. It never stopped. Until he inherited a kingdom of course.

Though, Artie wasn't able to dwell on his anger as it turned into startling fear. The king suddenly became aware that he couldn't move his eyes from the ocean. He tried turning his head, closing his eyes, but nothing worked. It had seemed so mesmerising before, but now it just had him trapped. He pulled away with all his might, but it didn't get him very far. He cursed how weak his arms were. The glow only seemed to draw him further in. Artie could feel himself being pushed closer to falling over the railing, except there was no one there. The conclusion was clear, it was magic. Artie gripped the rail so hard his knuckles were white and his fingers were trembling.

"Arthur!" he registered a voice. Though it wasn't mysterious like before, it was Elena. Great. Artie's lapse in concentration only jolted him further forward, he let out a small yelp. "Arthur, what-" He heard her voice get closer then fall silent.

"Don't..." he struggled to vocalise. "Don't look." If he could do anything, it would be to save her from the fate he might be faced with. Yet in the edge of his vision, he could see her hand clamp against the railing too, her glittery nails sparking in the glow.

"I- I can't..." her voice trailed off.

He could hear her softly grunting with the effort to push herself away. Though he knew it would be no use. He briefly considered trying to wake others up, but quickly realised it might only mean they would end up in the same predicament. His thoughts were brought to an abrupt end as he lost his footing completely and was almost thrown into the ocean. The king was quickly able to adjust his grip. Though it was only a matter of time... Elena suddenly thrust her hand atop his. He managed to hold onto her as best he could. They struggled together in silence for what seemed like an eternity before the glow disappeared in a flash. The pair threw themselves backwards, both collapsing to the deck. They quickly and self-consciously sat up, catching their breath.

"That was... That was close," Artie mustered a smile. Though the princess just looked down, holding the hand that she had put atop his. "Did... Did you hear a voice?" he asked hesitantly, after the silence swept over them, "You know, when you looked into the water..."

"Yes," her voice was small, "I heard my mother."

"Oh," Artie sighed his relief, "I heard my dad," he looked down, "He was telling me I had to leave home to go to school, and pretty much never come back."

"My mother told me she was dying."

Her words were blunt.

"Oh. I'm sorry... I'm so sorry... Wait," Artie's eyes widened as an idea struck him.

Elena looked confused at his sudden tone change. Artie threw himself back over to the railing and looked down into the ocean. He vaguely registered Elena's concerned protest. He could see the glow, way down beneath the surface. It was the island. Something had changed. He looked up, the hope reignited within him.

"Guys!" he exclaimed at Puss and Donkey, "Wake up." He turned to the rest of the ship, "Everyone wake up, we need to move!" he instructed loudly, "We going to get on the island!". The grunts and groans of slumbering people entered the air. "Quickly!" Artie hated instructing people against their will, but sometimes the power was necessary. Like now.

Shrek blearily opened his eyes and was met with bright light. He groaned, immediately clamping his eyelids shut again. There was a strange calm sensation throughout his body. Though this was shattered quickly as he threw himself upright, noting the change in environment. The ogre rubbed at his strained eyes and looked around him. Everything was different. He was still sat upon the same dirt path, but the sky was clear and blue. Grass stretched as far as he could see. "Wha..." He scrambled to his feet. Looking behind him there was only a wall of trees. Of course it made no sense, it was magic, he acknowledged. He didn't speak out loud. Shaking his head, he continued his journey with more gusto than before. The change in environment occupied his thoughts. It helped to keep his mind free. Though he wasn't sure what he preferred. The sun was hot and he was tired enough already. But he couldn't let it deter him.

Shrek had walked for a while, gradually growing slower, when the breeze picked up. The ogre knew what this meant. He tensed up and looked around. Sure enough a little ways in front of him, the cloaked man was stood on the path. He sighed resoundingly. "What do ye want?" he asked exasperatedly.

He laughed, "Oh I'm more than a nuisance, I assure you."

"I'm getting ma kids back," Shrek spoke bluntly. He suddenly found himself too tired to be afraid. There was an odd sense of relief that came with his sudden resolve. The man could do anything to him and the ogre knew he wouldn't stop. He'd done it before for his wife and children. He'd do it again.

"Mm," the man nodded his hooded head, "Maybe you will, but-"

"You can do anything ye want, anything. And I will make sure they're safe," Shrek spoke with venom. Then waved him off and began walking again.

"I'm sure you'll try," the stranger tilted his head and smiled a little. He seemed to step into the air and float over to the ogre, the cloak fluttering in the breeze. "But after that, mark my words... You will never see them again."

Shrek moved quickly, grabbing the man straight out of the air. Clenching his teeth, he pulled him closer, holding on with a tight grip. The ogre could tell the movement was a surprise to the stranger, though he never expected the man to suddenly faint. The cloaked stranger went limp, his head falling forwards. Shrek continued to hold the man above the ground, his confidence dwindling once again. He watched him uneasily, "If this is some kind of trick...?" Shrek was met with silence. He narrowed his eyes, shaking the man a little. Nothing happened. The ogre debated with putting the man down and hurrying without him, but there was no way he wouldn't catch up. He sighed, if grabbing him had made this happen then his only choice was to not let the stranger go.

Shrek roughly held the man under one arm, making sure his grip remained tight. He then continued his way down the new path, keeping an eye on his unconscious new travel companion. Shrek knew he would wake up soon enough, but the ogre could easily knock him out again, and again... and as many times was necessary. Now things were on his terms. The ogre set a grim smile on his face. The man was wrong, he would see his children again. Of course he would. He'd get them back to Fiona if it was the last thing he did.

"Ahh!"

Shrek was startled as the person under his arm sprang back to life. Though as he was about to collide his elbow with the man's head, he was paused by the stranger breathing hard and whimpering.

"Oh... Oh no... Please, I'm uh... Excuse me, sir?" he spoke quickly and timidly. The contrast with how the man had spoken before was jarring. Shrek hesitated. He couldn't help but feel wary. It could be a trick and he wasn't going to be fooled. Though the man continued, "I- I understand completely why you're um, holding me like this. But that, back there, that wasn't me," he scrambled for an explanation.

"Oh aye?" Shrek shook his head and kept walking, the man hanging under his arm.

"That was the witch..." he paused to grunt and struggle a little, "I'm sure you've heard of her, if you managed to get here. She takes over my body..."

"Ohh, does she now? Does she make ye do all those little tricks too?" Shrek wasn't convinced. He didn't want to be convinced. He clenched his fist.

The man let out a tired sigh, "I know you don't believe me, I wouldn't either. But you have to." Shrek rolled his eyes. "I've been looking after your children. The three of them. Um, Farkle, he climbs, he likes to argue with your girl, Felicia, she's got the bow in her hair, tells the boys what to do. And Fergus, he's quiet. I can tell you where they are. I can- oof."

Shrek dropped the man to the ground, "Where are they?" He watched as the stranger picked himself up off of the path.

He pushed the hood off of his head, shaking it a little, revealing a head of chestnut curls, "They're at my house." He glanced cautiously to the sky. "I can't say much."

"Yer house?" Shrek asked incredulously, "Where's ye house?"

"It's further along the path, you have to keep going and look for signs of change," his eyes darted between the ogre and his surroundings. The fear in his eyes gave the ogre a little ease, though the cryptic speech didn't help.

"Wha-"

"I can't tell you much," he sighed, "I'm sorry." The man then held out a hand, "Felix."

Shrek recoiled a little from the gesture, scowling at his waiting hand, "Shrek," he spoke uncomfortably, turning away and continuing his journey.

"Right," Felix nodded before falling into step beside the ogre.

"So, what does this witch want with my kids?" Shrek asked.

"I'm not sure exactly," he shook his head.

The ogre furrowed his brow, "What'd ya mean yer not sure?"

"I mean, I don't know," Felix said, "We're not on the best terms. She doesn't tell me anything anymore."

Shrek rolled his eyes at the statement. It was becoming increasingly apparent that the boy didn't have much sense of reality. He looked young, perhaps a little older than Artie. It didn't take much thinking to realise that he was as stuck on the island as Shrek was. He almost felt sorry for the kid, but only almost. He had to remind himself that the person walking next to him wasn't on his side... not really.

"Look," Felix sighed, "Under normal circumstances, I would continue to dissuade the person from pursuing what she had stolen from them. But... These are your children." Shrek sucked in a breath. "I only try to drive people away because of the risks involved with continuing," the boy explained, "I don't want to see people die because of her... or me. But I can only assume you don't care about these risks."

"Aye," Shrek nodded at him curtly, "She can do whatever she wants t'me, as long as they get back t' their mother safe."

"Yes, I understand, completely." Silence followed the confirmation. Felix sniffed, Shrek could tell he was fighting the silence. He suddenly smiled, "They're cute... your children... they-"

"No." Shrek stopped in his tracks. "You don't get t' talk about them," the irrational rage took over the ogre, "You kidnapped them. They're probably terrified because of you."

"You're right. I'm sorry," Felix shrunk away a little, "I just do my best, you know? It's all I can do under the given circumstances."

The ogre nodded a little and took a breath. He couldn't lose it, not being this close. "Are they okay?" he asked quietly.

"They're as okay as they can be I guess," the boy shrugged, "They didn't sleep well, but they napped together later on. I've been reading them stories. They look after each other."

"Did the witch hurt them?" Shrek wasn't sure if he wanted to know the answer.

"I don't know. I don't think so. I don't remember what happens when she takes over," he looked to the ground, "I wish I could tell you more."

It was odd to the ogre to hear about the triplets from a stranger. It didn't feel real and yet it was relieving all at the same time. Shrek nodded once again at him, "Okay." He looked ahead and began walking again. He was close, so close. He kept telling himself over and over.

"I'm going to walk this way," Felix didn't join him.

"What?" Shrek halted.

"She'll have further to catch up when she takes over again," he explained, giving another glance to the sky. "I can't teleport big distances."

"But ye can fly pretty quick," the ogre scoffed at him, "Like it'd make any difference anyway."

"I can fly?" the boy was surprised. It prompted another eye roll with the confirmation. "Hm," Felix took a deep breath and sighed. "Well, I'll go this way anyway. Just know that I'll do what I can," he looked to the sky, "You have to hurry though. It doesn't take her long to recover each time."

Shrek didn't need to be told twice and it wasn't long before Felix was out of sight. Unlike the boring, dark path before, time went by quickly as he searched his surroundings. Everything was so cryptic, the ogre didn't like it. Shrek much preferred blunt speech, whether it be nice or not, there were no doubts nor questions. Look for signs of change. It was so frustrating to the ogre. While there was more to look at in this place, it was still the same repetitive scenery. He dutifully counted the trees, one by one, studying each of their branch patterns. Measuring the distance they stood from the path with his eyes. He memorised the pattern of flowers that sat around the roots. It was the same. Every. Single Time.

The frustration built up, slowly rising within him. He paranoidly thought back to the conversation he'd had, analysing every word in his mind. Perhaps this was the trick... keep him walking so he missed the real place he was looking for. But he couldn't be totally sure. He turned back, eyes scouring the path he'd already walked. He looked to the sky, Felix had been continually looking to the sky. But there was nothing... not a single cloud. Clenching his fists, he turned back to the path ahead.

"There's a tree and another tree, and oh look another tree," he grumbled to himself, storming onwards, "Count the flowers, one two three four... one two three four, one two three... one... wait," the ogre paused, stopping in his tracks. He stared at the anomaly. Counting the flowers over again, counting the flowers below the tree beside it, counting more flowers on a tree opposite and back again. He circled the tree, studying the ground, examining if the missing flower had been plucked to fool him. It was certainly a trick he'd find funny. He stepped away, looking at the tress either side, they were the same as the others. Moving his gaze back to the item in question he noticed the bark pattern was just a little different, the branches slightly out of place. He planted his hands on his hips, raising an eyebrow at it, "So... now what?" he asked.

Nothing happened.

He slowly approached it again, he reached out a hand to touch it but his hand fell straight through. It was a sensation similar to believing he'd reached the bottom of a staircase but finding there was one last step. He narrowed his eyes at the spectacle, pushing his arm all the way through it. He pulled it back, examining his arm which remained unchanged. Taking a breath, the ogre closed his eyes and moved entirely through the tree.

Just like that, he was standing on a new path, a smaller cobbled one. There were flower beds and a vegetable patch in the distance, even a scarecrow, though there was no animal life to be seen. The ogre's confusion turned into heart racing happiness as he laid his eyes upon the house. He didn't hesitate as he ran up the porch steps and threw open the front door, flinching as the door crashed into the wall. He looked back outside, glancing suspiciously to the sky. Felix had been careful, his eyes flickered to the sky so much the ogre figured it was some kind of nervous habit. He had to be tactical, the witch would reappear at some point, if he had triplets with him that was dangerous. Felix said the witch had to recover, but he'd spent enough time finding the place. He knew he didn't have too long left being unnoticed. Giving a nod, Shrek closed the door behind him and looked at what appeared to be an ordinary human house. It was quiet. Everything looked so perfect in place. The doubts ran through his mind. There was no way his children had been here. Unless they were locked up, or worse.

"Kids?" Shrek spoke hesitantly, but as he was expecting, there was no reply. He shook away his thoughts, heading into one of the rooms.

Shrek pulled aside every rug, picture and piece of furniture in every room he headed into. Everything had been frustratingly normal and unsuspicious, not to mention silent. That part worried him the most. He hadn't been quiet in his ventures, carelessly tossing things aside. Even, calling them with no responses. The thoughts that he had been tricked were growing louder. The story that Felix... or whoever he was, told him seemed unbelievable. It was getting more and more likely to the ogre that he should've trusted his first instinct. His years spent with his wife and friends had made him softer; the unshakable distrust of everyone had largely melted away. It only made him more frustrated with himself. It was his fault the kids went missing and his fault that he was stupid enough to be led on a wild goose chase.

Shoulders slumped he headed across the hallway up to the final room, "There's in ma house... They're fine... I've looked after them. Huh," he mumbled to himself. Clenching his jaw, defeated and angry, he threw open the final door. As it crashed he heard something small, at first he thought it was his imagination. But there was more, gasps, three of them. He stood, dumbfounded in the doorway until he heard the frantic whispers and the all too familiar 'shhh'.

Shrek's legs couldn't carry him fast enough as he ran into the room, his anger melting away. There, sitting in the back of a cell were his three children, seemingly unharmed.

Their faces lit up at the sight of him, the ogre hadn't seen a sight so sweet in his life. The relief washed over him. He fell to his knees at the bars of the cell as they ran over to him, grabbing hold of him. He couldn't fit his large arms through the bars, but he held onto their hands, touched their faces and kissed their heads. Though, the anxiety soon hit him.

"We've gotta get outta here," he stood, looking around the room, "Did anyone hurt you?" he asked, turning his attention to the lock. He tugged at it with all his might, it wouldn't budge.

"No," came the overwhelmingly relieving reply.

Shrek took hold of a bar, he pushed and pulled at it with no avail.

"It was just scary, daddy," Felicia spoke quietly, quieter than he'd heard from her.

"I know ogres aren't supposed to be scared," Fergus also spoke in a low tone, "But-but there was magic and water, and the waves..."

"Hey, hey," Shrek paused his searching for a moment, shushing his son, "That's okay," he crouched down in front of him, "That was- It was pretty scary fer me too," he admitted. They all looked at him wordlessly. He dropped his gaze, refinding his resolve, "I need t'find the key." He stood once again, placing his hands on his hips. The room was full of bookshelves, they lined the walls. He sighed at the sight.

"The key's in the book," Fergus spoke with clarity.

"Huh?" Shrek turned back to them.

"Yeah, Felix put it in the book," Farkle chimed in, pointing to the sole armchair, facing the cage.

"Felix did, did he?" Shrek grumbled. The ogre looked to where they were pointing, sure enough there was a discarded book. He eyed it suspiciously, "You saw Felix put it here?" he asked them.

"Yes!" they all insisted together.

Shrek picked up the book in question, it was a book of fairy tales. The truths Felix had told him were adding up. Though, nothing quite seemed right, the book was perfectly closed. Upon opening the cover, it only revealed the title page and the next page was just as unsuspecting. He raised his eyebrows at his children, his paranoia still on high alert.

"Daddy! Just- look!" Felicia sighed in exasperation at him.

With a small smirk and shake of his head, he did. He held the book by its spine and shook it. Much to the ogre's surprise a key fell and bounced onto the floor. He grasped hold of it quickly, hurrying over to the lock. They met him at the door, faces eager and alert. They chatted at him, completely trusting that they were safe in his company. For a moment, he hesitated, he didn't have much of a plan about getting out of there without the witch finding them. Their safety was still completely undetermined. While they were once again in his control, life had already proven that was too easy for him to lose. He shook his head, clearing the doubts. It wasn't like he had much of a choice. He'd just have to figure it out as he went, he concluded. He took a breath, turning the key.

"Too close," the voice startled Shrek. The ogre found himself being thrown onto his back away from the lock. He immediately knew his time had run out. He heard the triplets gasp and turn silent. "Now, now children, I'm sorry you have to see this," Felix or possessed Felix, Shrek corrected himself, continued. He wandered into the room, placing a gentle hand on the armchair.

The ogre felt sick. He forced himself upright, breathing hard. Magic beat out strength any day. He had defeated a magic wand before, but that was with a team of people and a carefully carried out plan. He had neither of those. Just himself and three helpless children, whom he would give his life for. He hoped it wouldn't come to that. He looked at them, they had their backs pressed against the wall in furthest corner away from Felix, their eyes moving back and forth between the intruder and their father. Felix was also watching them, he took a step towards the cell. Shrek balled his hands into fists, it was clearly time to fight. "Don't touch them!" he practically snarled at the man.

"Why would I?" he looked disgusted, "They're children."

"What'd you want from them?" the ogre was confused but he didn't let his guard down, he edged slowly towards the cell.

"Isn't it obvious?" Felix laughed, "I wanted you."

Shrek stared at him, eyebrows knitted, "So why not take me?"

"Not just you, don't flatter yourself," the man was at complete ease with the situation. He even seemed amused at the apparent confusion the ogre was displaying.

Shrek looked to the children and back again, "What?"

"Enough questions," Felix held a hand up, "I need to get to work."

AN: And now I have to write a fight... We'll see how this goes...