(A/N). Hi guys! As always, allow me to begin by saying thanks for the continued support... I'm taking a break from writing for the next 2 to 3 weeks in order to enjoy Christmas and New Year. I'll have the next chapter uploaded by the middle of January.
Right then, on with the story!
''Sir!'' Gerald called out. ''Sir!.. Captain!''
For the past twenty minutes or so, Gerald had been frantically trying to calm down the situation that Maleficent had set into motion before her departure from Ravenclaw... Vernon had stormed off in a huff, leaving his Lieutenant to clear up the mess... Eventually, Gerald had managed to regain order, and was now searching for his superior.
''Captain!'' Gerald called out once again.
''No need to shout, Lieutenant,'' Vernon spoke up.. ''I'm over here.''
Gerald turned to his left and spotted Vernon emerging from a narrow ginnel... ''Oh, there you are.'' Gerald walked over towards his Captain with a self satisfied look on his face.. ''I've managed to calm down the men and retrieve most of the horses, sir.''
Vernon let out a sigh as he wiped some dirt from his nose... ''Good job,'' he eventually replied.
''Thank you, sir.''
''Any casualties?'' Vernon inquired.
''Save for the one you killed, sir?''
''Yes,'' Vernon responded with an eye roll.
''Two.''
''I see.. Both fatalities?''
''No, sir,'' Gerald replied. ''Just mild injuries that were sustained when the horses got spooked.''
''Good... Alright then!'' Vernon clapped his hands together. ''Let's get to work!''
''Quite right, sir. We mustn't allow them to gain too great an advantage.''
''Oh, I think you misunderstand me, Gerald... We're not leaving just yet.''
''What?'' Gerald flashed a look of disbelief. ''We're staying here?''
''Yes, but only for a short while.. I can't imagine that it will take too long to wipe out the population of this poxy village.'' Vernon started to make his way back towards The Naked Lady.
''Sir!'' Gerald objected, as he hurried after his Captain.. ''You can't be serious?''
''Of course I am!'' Vernon responded in an sharp tone. ''I'm not one to welsh on a promise, Gerald.. I told Christopher that I would wipe this place off the face of the Earth...and I intend to follow through on that threat.''
''B-b-but, sir,'' Gerald stammered, as he tried to think of a way to try and persuade Vernon to change his mind.
''There are no buts about it, Gerald!'' Vernon declared. ''This village will be made to pay.''
''Yes, sir, I understand that. However, you must realise that from a logical point of view it's a terrible move to make... We simply can't afford to waste time here!''
Vernon didn't respond. He just carried on walking in a brisk manner.
''This could end up costing us our lives!. How do you suppose Vandran will react when he discovers that we wasted time here on your whim!?''
Vernon stopped in his tracks and turned to face Gerald, considering the young man's point.. ''What would you have me do, Gerald? Lose face!? Leave this village without having made my mark!?'' Vernon's voice grew louder by the second. ''Is that you want!?... Well!?''
''No, sir.''
''Then what do you want from me!?'' Vernon bellowed, arousing the attention of his men who were just around the corner.. He took a deep breath and composed himself before continuing... ''They must learn a thing or two about consequences, Gerald... You must understand this.''
''But, sir, ask yourself... What did they really do wrong?''
Vernon looked away, as he tried to think of a sufficient reason for carrying out this massacre.. He smiled as an obvious one popped into his head. ''Aiding and abetting criminals, of course.''
Gerald let out a sigh. ''Alright, perhaps they did. But whether they are deserving of this fate or not...it will still take up far too much time.''
Now it was Vernon's turn to sigh, as he knew deep down that Gerald did raise a good point... ''Okay. I think I've found a solution to our problem.''
''Really, sir?''
''Indeed... A compromise.''
''Compromise?''
''Follow me!'' Vernon spoke in a high pitched tone, as he pranced around the nearby corner.
Gerald and the rest of Vernon's men couldn't help but look rather bewildered at their Captain's sudden change of mood.. He seemed overjoyed as he climbed aboard his white horse (which was waiting for him directly in front of The Naked Lady).
''Everyone!'' Vernon declared. ''I'd like to have your attention please!. Yes, that includes all those prying eyes peeping out their windows!'' Vernon gestured towards the many houses surrounding him. ''I want you all out here!. Now!'' He waited a moment for people to start coming out of their homes, but within a few seconds it became apparent that they were all staying put... ''Gerald!''
''Sir!?''
''Get these people out of their homes.''
''Yes, sir!'' Gerald immediately set about instructing the men to force their way into the houses... One by one, the residents were dragged outside their homes until almost all the houses in the square were empty...
''Very good, men!'' Vernon congratulated his troops.. ''Now that everyone is here...I have an announcement to make!''
All the villagers turned their attention towards the bald-headed, nasty looking individual...
''Good citizens of-'' Vernon paused, unable to remember the name of the village.
''Ravenclaw,'' Gerald reminded him in a hushed voice.
''Ravenclaw!'' Vernon continued... ''The event that took place just under thirty minutes ago...was an act of grave injustice! The three individuals who escaped from this village were criminals. No doubt unbeknownst to you good people!. But nevertheless, someone has to pay for this heinous misdeed!... Unfortunately, it has to be you.''
The villagers started to exchange worried glances, as more and more people either exited their homes voluntarily, or were dragged from them.
''I had initially planned to burn down this entire village.'' Vernon grinned... ''But been the kind, compassionate, loving soul that I am...I have decided to show leniency.'' Upon hearing the sighs of relief from the people, Vernon continued. ''However! A price must still be paid... As this poor, unfortunate man discovered.'' Vernon gestured down towards the soldier he'd murdered... ''Instead of burning down the whole of Ravenclaw, I have merely decided to burn down the one place in this village that welcomed our three criminals with open arms!.. The Naked Lady!'' Vernon pointed straight towards the Inn, causing the watching Theodore to rush out towards him.
''You can't do that!'' Thedore objected, as he raced towards Vernon.
''Stop him!'' Vernon called upon his men.
Thedore was promptly stopped in his tracks by Vernon's soldiers, as they grabbed hold of the tall man... ''How dare you!?'' Theodore shouted, as the men dragged him away. ''Who do you think you are!?''
Vernon held up his right hand (indicating for his men to stop). ''I am Captain Vernon Drake... And you are?''
''Theodore. The owner of this fine establishment.'' Theodore glanced towards his beloved Inn with a look of pride in his eyes.
''Really? Well, I wouldn't exactly call it fine.. It's run down and dirty.''
Theodore growled, as he tugged to break free of the soldier's grasp. ''You'll pay for that comment... Just as you'll pay for what you did to Eve.''
''Oh, la la la di da. Forgive me if I don't quake with fear,'' Vernon responded in a mocking tone.
Theodore narrowed his eyes, as he suddenly remembered seeing Vernon's face before. ''Wait a minute! I remember you... You was the one who was looking for Christopher.''
''That's right.''
''B-but I told you he was staying here. I didn't try and hide it from you.. Why choose to burn down my Inn?''
''As I've already said.'' Vernon smiled... ''Someone has to pay.''
''And that has to be me!?'' Vernon raged. ''Why!?''
''Look, what do you expect me to do!?'' Vernon snapped. ''Leave this place without inflicting any sort of punishment?. Well I'm afraid that's not going to happen! If I don't get my way, then learn to face the consequences.. My name WILL be remembered throughout this land... One way or another.''
''A-alright. I-I see your point, mate,'' Theodore replied. ''B-but, surely you can see mine as well?.. Perhaps we could come to some sort of arrangement, eh?''
''I think not.. Now shut him up.'' Vernon ordered his men.
One of the soldier's promptly hit Theodore in his stomach, causing him to bend over in pain. The soldier then proceeded to hit Theodore on the back of his neck, instantly knocking him out... The soldier pulled out his sword.. He was just about to plunge the blade down into Theodore's chest, when Vernon shouted.
''No!''
The soldier immediately froze.
''I want him keeping alive.''
The soldier nodded his head before putting his sword away.
''I want him to see his precious Inn wreathed in flames.'' Vernon smiled wickedly, as he turned to face his men... ''BURN IT!''
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Meanwhile, at Mount Oberon...Vandran was feeling very apprehensive.. His dream of Syrena being tortured by Maleficent had disturbed him greatly.. If it was completely up to him, he'd probably call the whole thing off right now and allow her to remain here with him, and not send her to join Vernon... But it wasn't just his decision. Videl had requested for Vandran to carry out the plan, and so he must... Oh, how he hated the way she made him feel.. For all his life he'd been completely emotionless towards humans...but Syrena had slowly wormed her way into what was left of his heart. And now he had to risk losing her... 'Is it worth it? Is any of it worth it?'... Vandran chided himself for thinking such things... Of course it was worth it! He and his Master had been kept waiting hundreds, thousands, millions of years for this chance!... And now it had finally arrived. They would no longer have to relish in every small victory they gained against their enemy in this unending proxy war... Now, they had the chance to do something for themselves. A golden chance to strike a killer blow... One that would finally see them triumph in the battle between Light and Darkness... Vandran already had the key to releasing Videl in the form of Aurora (more specifically, Aurora's blood). Now all he had to do was wait for the night of the Blood Moon... And then...his Master shall finally be unleashed into the world.. The only thing standing in his way was Christopher and Maleficent. He knew that they MUST be dealt with... Despite the fact Vernon had failed to succeed in killing those two time and time again, Videl still believed in the man from the future, so Vandran had to also.. However, they were both in agreement that Vernon would possibly never achieve victory against Maleficent and her companions on his own. Hence why they needed a new strategy and a new approach. And that new approach came in the form of Syrena... Now it was her time. Vandran couldn't help but feel a sense of pride, knowing that without him Syrena would have amounted to nothing and would be dead by now... His influence had changed her and the very course of her life.. She was much stronger and more driven now... He knew deep down that she was ready for this.. This was her chance. Her moment... He couldn't really deny her this (even if a part of her actually wanted to stay behind)... He knew that this would be the making of her. And most importantly of all...it would at last gain her acceptance in the eyes of his Master, who had always been wary of Vandran enlisting a human girl to be his second in command... Vandran was eventually torn away from his thoughts by the sound of a door closing.
''My Lord?'' Syrena approached Vandran from behind... ''Is everything alright?''
Vandran hesitated for a brief moment, before clearing his throat and replying. ''Everything's fine.'' He turned around to face her... ''Are you ready, my dear?''
''Yes,'' Syrena responded with a half-hearted smile.
''Good.'' Vandran cracked his knuckles, as he prepared to teleport Syrena across the land... ''Now, stand back.''
''Wait a moment.'' Syrena spoke up. ''I-I have a few questions that I need to ask you first.''
''Alright.'' Vandran agreed to listen. ''Go ahead.''
''Right.'' Syrena let out a deep breath, trying her best to combat her nerves. ''Well, firstly...where exactly will I arrive?''
''Well, I don't really know.''
''You don't know!?'' Syrena seemed alarmed by this.
''Look, Syrena, let me explain.. Unlike the other times I've teleported you, this time the beacon will be a living being... Captain Drake.''
''I don't understand.''
''Well, ordinarily, the beacon is a particular place.'' Vandran explained. ''For instance, when I sent you to Aurora's castle. In that case the castle itself was the beacon.. But when the beacon is a living, breathing entity, as in this case with Drake...it makes things slightly more complicated, as I do not know his exact location.''
''I see.'' Syrena let out a sigh... ''So, wherever he is...will I arrive beside him?''
''No.'' Vandran shook his head. ''It will be within a miles radius.''
Syrena nodded her head to show that she fully understood.. ''Alright.''
Taking a step forward, Vandran put his hands on Syrena's shoulders. ''You'll do me proud, Syrena,'' he spoke with a slight smile, before leaning in and kissing her on her forehead. ''For luck.. Not that you need it.''
''Thank you, my Lord.''
''Right then!'' Vandran exclaimed in an enthusiastic tone, as he took a step backwards. ''Any more questions?''
''No.. I'm as ready as I'll ever be.''
''In that case...if you could please step back.''
Syrena took a few steps backwards so that she was standing in the center of the large room...
Vandran cracked his knuckles once again, as he began to focus his power.
''My Lord!'' Syrena spoke up.
''Yes?''
Syrena froze, unable to speak the words she wished to utter... This could be the last time she ever laid eyes on him. She wanted to thank him for saving her life so long ago, and for bringing a sense of meaning and purpose into her world... However, she didn't want to fill his heart with false hope. What if he took her sweet words the wrong way? What if he interpreted them as latent romantic feelings?
''Syrena?''
''Oh, I'm sorry... I just wanted to-''
''Yes?''
''It's nothing.''
''Please, Syrena,'' Vandran spoke in an impatient tone... ''Tell me.''
''I just wanted to say...thank you.''
''You already did just a moment ago.''
''No. I don't mean for the-'' Syrena touched her forehead (unable to say the word kiss). ''I mean...for everything.''
''Oh, Syrena.'' Vandran shook his head. ''Don't you see?.. It is I who should be thanking you.''
Syrena smiled almost shyly, as she glanced to the floor.
''Syrena.''
She looked back up and made eye contact with Vandran.
''Be careful.''
''I will,'' she responded in a quiet voice...
Vandran raised his arms into the air and held them there for a moment, as he savoured Syrena's beautiful face for just a little while longer...
Syrena took a deep breath and closed her eyes, awaiting the inevitable.
''If you ever need me...call my name.'' With that, Vandran swung his arms back down...and Syrena disappeared in a cloud of black smoke...
Vandran breathed heavily, as he looked to the empty space where Syrena had been standing, already regretting sending her away... Realising that he had no other choice but to let her go for now, Vandran straightened himself up... ''Farewell, Syrena,'' he uttered to himself, before turning around and walking towards the nearby door...
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''We rest here tonight!'' Maleficent declared, as she swooped down to the ground...
Maleficent, Diaval and Christopher had been travelling the whole day. But now it was getting dark, Maleficent thought it best that they stop and rest for the night.
Christopher slowed Apollo down to a halt and promptly dismounted... ''Please tell me that there's nothing supernatural around this area,'' Chris spoke to Maleficent with a tired look on his face, not wanting a repeat of what happened with Zachary.
''Do not fear,'' Maleficent replied. ''This is a strictly mortal area.''
''Thank goodness for that.'' Christopher seated himself on the ground, feeling exhausted.
Just then, Diaval landed beside his Mistress and transformed himself back into human form.. ''Well, I think we should be safe for the night.. I never noticed Drake and his men. They must be a long way behind us.''
Maleficent sighed whilst shaking her head.
''What's the matter?'' Diaval inquired.
''I think you're wrong,'' Maleficent responded. ''I don't think we're remotely safe here.''
''Well, why stop here, then?'' Chris asked.
''It doesn't make a difference where we stop,'' Maleficent spoke in a sharp tone. ''Now Drake knows where we're headed for, we'll never be safe... Thanks to you.'' She glared at Christopher.
''Hey, hey, hey!'' Christopher objected as he got to his feet. ''I only told Vernon about Mount Oberon because I wanted to frighten him off. I wanted him to think I'd killed his man in ice cold blood... And who knows, maybe it worked.. Maybe that's why Vernon's nowhere to be seen.''
''You know as well as I that he's far too obstinate and psychotic to give up!''
''Well what did you want me to do!? I had to try and discourage him somehow.''
''No. I'll tell you what you should have done.'' Maleficent started to walk towards Christopher.
''Mistress.'' Diaval reached out and tried to pull Maleficent back (not wanting her and Chris to get into a confrontation).
Maleficent shook her arm free of Diaval, as she continued to advance towards Christopher... ''You should have killed him,'' she spoke coldly.
Chris sighed as he looked to the ground... ''Perhaps you're right... But it's not me. It's not who I am.''
''Well it should be!'' Maleficent snapped as she turned away.
''I can't kill an unarmed man... I like to think that's to my credit.''
''Really?'' Maleficent turned back around to face Christopher. ''Well, your misguided sense of mercy could well have cost a lot of people their lives. How does that make you feel?''
''What do you mean?''
''Well, there has to be a reason why Drake didn't come charging out of the gates of Ravenclaw in pursuit of us.''
''There is. You startled the horses.''
''That wouldn't have held him up for so long.. You know the real reason, Christopher... You just don't want to admit it to yourself.''
''What!?'' Chris exclaimed (deep down knowing what Maleficent was referring to)...
Maleficent fell silent for the briefest of moments before replying... ''You were wrong... Evidently, Drake decided to honor his word and obliterate the entire village.''
''No.'' Chris tried to deny it.. ''He wouldn't be so stupid as to do that. He wouldn't waste the time... H-he wouldn't let us get such a head start.''
''Then where is he?'' Maleficent gestured to the open woodland surrounding them.
''Well-'' Chris thought for a moment... ''H-he doesn't know his way around this Kingdom.. Just like me, he doesn't have a clue where he's headed half the time.. He couldn't find his way to the mountain if his life depended on it.''
''That's true, Mistress.'' Diaval spoke up for Christopher.
''Thank you.'' Christopher genuinely appreciated Diaval's support on this matter.
''Yes. It is true.'' Maleficent agreed, as she turned to face Diaval... ''But what's also true is the fact that at least one of his men would know the way. Thus, they could point him in the right direction... Do you not agree?''
Christopher and Diaval both failed to reply (embarrassed that they'd both missed this fairly obvious point)...
''I'm glad that we're all in agreement on that,'' Maleficent spoke with her feelings of superiority showing through her voice.
Christopher sat back down and buried his head in his hands, feeling responsible for the deaths that Vernon had most probably caused...
Maleficent turned away from Christopher and noticed Diaval walking away. ''Diaval!'' she called out, as she followed after him. ''Wait!'' Maleficent increased her speed until she eventually caught up with him... ''I said wait!''
Diaval spun around to face her. ''Is that an order...Mistress?''
Maleficent failed to answer him.
''How silly of me... All this time I thought I was free.''
''You are. It's just-''
''Just what?''
''What's the matter with you?'' she inquired in a stern manner.
Diaval took a deep breath before speaking... ''Nothing. Nothing's wrong.''
''Really? Because it appears otherwise.''
''Alright!'' Diaval exclaimed. ''The truth is...I think you were wrong back there.. And all I can say is, I hope you're happy. You've succeeded in making Christopher feel culpable for Drake's actions.''
''Diaval, I-''
''You don't understand!'' Diaval cut her off.. ''We should be championing men like him! And do you know why?''
Once again, Maleficent failed to answer.
''Because he's a good man!'' Diaval declared.. ''Yes, maybe he made the wrong decision today in sparing Drake's life.. But he did it for the right reasons!... He doesn't have to be here with us, you know? He owes us absolutely nothing! Yet he stays... He stays because he genuinely cares about what becomes of this Kingdom, Aurora, and every other innocent individual wrapped up in all this!'' Diaval let out a deep breath, wondering why Maleficent wasn't saying anything in response... He had to continue before he lost his gutso... ''Maleficent,'' he spoke her name in a whisper... ''You must understand that powers are at work here that we could never possibly comprehend.. There's a reason why he's here. We both know that. And I'm not just talking about the prophecy of him saving the world and stopping Vandran.. I mean...maybe he's here to open our eyes. To show us man's potential to be good and noble. To show us that perhaps the future isn't so bleak after all... At the end of the day, Mistress, it wasn't our choice to make... It was theirs.'' Diaval pointed towards the sky... ''You see, Mistress? They do listen to us after all...''
A small smile crept onto Maleficent's face, as she looked at Diaval with pride behind her eyes... He'd come so far since that first day they'd met...
''What are you thinking?'' Diaval wondered out loud.
''I'm thinking about you,'' Maleficent replied. ''And how even after all these years you can still surprise me.''
''What do you mean?''
''I mean that...I never thought I'd see the day when someone managed to change my views... Like you have done just now, Diaval.''
''Really?'' Diaval could scarcely believe that Maleficent was only a few words away from actually admitting that she was wrong.
''Yes... I don't often say what I'm about to say, as I rarely feel this way.'' She took a breath before continuing. ''You're right. Right about everything... I'm sorry, Diaval. I was wrong.''
A big smile appeared on Diaval's face. ''Don't tell me, Mistress... Tell him.'' Diaval pointed in Christopher's direction.
Maleficent turned around and glanced towards Christopher, before deciding that Diaval was right once again. ''Alright.. I'll go talk to him.''
''Good.'' Diaval nodded.. ''I'll be over here if you need me.''
''Okay.'' Maleficent walked a few steps in Chris' direction before stopping and turning back around. ''Diaval.''
''Yes?''
''Thank you.''
''Anytime,'' Diaval replied whilst flashing his trademark lopsided grin.
Maleficent gave Diaval a sweet smile before heading over towards Christopher...
''Maleficent.'' Chris started to talk.
''No.'' Maleficent cut him off. ''I must speak.''
''Alright.'' Chris looked at Maleficent with confusion in his eyes...
Maleficent let out a sigh before speaking. ''Christopher...I'm sorry.''
''What?'' Just like Diaval, Christopher also found it hard to believe that Maleficent was actually apologizing.
''I said I was sorry.''
''Sorry? For what?''
''For been too hard on you.'' Maleficent clarified. ''I'm not saying you made the right decision today because I don't believe you did. But, that doesn't mean to say you should feel responsible for the evil deeds that Drake will no doubt go on to commit.''
''The hell it doesn't.''
''I mean it.'' Maleficent insisted. ''Even if you'd killed Drake we'd still be facing the same problem, the same evil.. Vandran would either send a replacement or venture here himself. Either way, innocent people would still suffer.''
''Yeah, but it's not the same, Maleficent. Vernon has a personal grudge against me.'' Chris looked away... ''I think half of the barbaric things he does are just to get at me.''
''Oh, come now. Isn't that a little paranoid?''
''No.'' Chris disagreed... ''Why else would he kill Eve?''
''Who?''
''The woman who he-'' Chris paused and ran his fingers through his hair, unable to speak the word... ''The woman who he...he-'' Christopher paused again.
''Beheaded,'' Maleficent finished the sentence for him.
''Yes.'' Chris swallowed hard... ''I-I just keep thinking of what she must have gone through beforehand... That goddamn animal!'' Christopher punched the ground before getting to his feet and walking a few steps away from Maleficent... ''I'm sorry.'' Chris apologized for losing his temper... ''It's not your fault I'm upset.''
''It's alright.'' Maleficent reassured him.. ''But how did you know this Eve woman, anyway?''
''I met her when me and Diaval first entered Raveclaw.'' Chris explained... ''She was a prostitute.''
''Oh.'' Things suddenly became clearer to Maleficent. ''I see.''
''No, no. It wasn't like that at all... Well, okay it nearly was.'' Christopher conceded. ''But I really did like her.''
''Yes, I'm sure you did.''
''No, I mean as a person!''
''I know, I know.'' Maleficent stopped teasing, seeing that she was only serving to make Christopher more distressed... ''Did Drake see you with her?''
''Yes, he noticed us together.''
''Hmm... So that's why he killed her.''
''I suppose so... Damn it.'' Christopher kicked a tree stump in anger. ''It's all my fault! I should have told her to remain in the room so that he wouldn't see us together.''
''Christopher,'' Maleficent spoke with a frown on her face. ''You've got to stop blaming yourself... Drake, Vandran and Videl are the ones to blame here. Not you!''
''Videl?'' Chris shot Maleficent a confused look (unfamiliar with the name).
''Vandran's Master.'' Maleficent revealed...
Christopher's face fell, as he suddenly remembered the man from his very vivid dream... The man who claimed to be Vandran's Master...
''What is it?'' Maleficent couldn't fail to notice the worried expression on Christopher's face.
Maleficent was the only person Christopher had told about his dream. He hadn't elaborated on it that day, and he wasn't about to now... ''Nothing. Um, it's...nothing.'' Christopher opted not to tell Maleficent. ''I was just a little startled at hearing such a sinister sounding name.''
''I see.''
''So, er...where's Diaval?'' Christopher decided to change the subject.
''Oh, he's over there.'' Maleficent pointed in Diaval's direction. ''I think he wanted to give us some privacy.''
''Well, that makes a change. Usually he's the one who wants to be alone with you, if you know what I mean,'' Chris said with a slight chuckle.
Maleficent looked uncomfortable upon hearing this, not happy that Christopher was observant enough to notice how Diaval longed for her...
Christopher immediately picked up on Maleficent's uneasiness, and rather than confront her about what he'd just said, he instead decided to once again change the subject. ''So who's keeping watch tonight?''
''I'll do it,'' Diaval volunteered, as he stepped out of the trees.
''No, Diaval,'' Maleficent said. ''I'll be fine.''
''No. You didn't get any sleep at all last night. You need your rest, Mistress.''
''He's right.'' Christopher concurred. ''We need you bright-eyed and alert, Maleficent. I mean, where would we be without you?''
''Exactly!'' Diaval smiled persuasively...
''Flattery will get you nowhere,'' Maleficent stated.
''Really? I remember the time when-''
''Alright!'' Maleficent cut Diaval off (not wanting Christopher to hear that particular story)... ''You can keep watch tonight.''
''Good.'' Diaval looked to Christopher with a self-satisfied grin on his face (knowing that Maleficent wouldn't want that tale told in front of anyone).
''Wake me at first light.'' Maleficent instructed Diaval, as she headed off to find a comfortable tree to sleep in. ''I bid you both goodnight.''
''Goodnight,'' Chris and Diaval responded simultaneously...
''Well, I don't know what story you was about to tell, but she certainly didn't want me hearing it, did she?''
''No, she certainly didn't.'' Diaval averted his eyes from his beautiful Mistress and turned around to face Christopher.. ''Are you alright?''
''Me? Yeah, I'm fine.''
''Regardless of what Maleficent and I think of your decision to spare Vernon, you only have to answer to yourself, Christopher... I suppose in a way your ability to show mercy marks the difference between you and him. If you had killed him when he was defenseless...I guess it would have been a small victory for the powers of evil.''
''You say that, yet you admit that you don't agree with my decision to spare him?'' Chris looked confused.
''You're different to us.. In some ways for the worse, in others for the better.''
''And this was for the better?''
''A mixture of both.''
''Tsk,'' Chris tutted at Diaval's evasion to give him a proper answer.
''Look, Christopher...there's only one other person I know who'd have refused to kill Drake even after all he's done to us.''
''Who?''
''A girl I love very much.''
Christopher smiled slightly (knowing who Diaval was alluding to)...
''I can't really condemn you for the same trait that make Aurora so endearing to me.''
''And what trait is that?''
''Showing mercy,'' Diaval replied. ''Even to those who don't deserve it.''
Christopher took a step towards Diaval and patted him on the shoulder... ''Thank you, my friend.''
''Ah, don't mention it.''
''Well, I guess I'd better find myself somewhere comfortable to sleep.. Would you mind tethering Apollo up for me?''
''Sure.''
''Thanks.. Goodnight, then.''
''Goodnight,'' Diaval replied.
Christopher shot Diaval a smile before heading off into the nearby trees...
Diaval looked to the skies and sighed. Thinking of Aurora had suddenly made him feel melancholy... No. He couldn't let pessimism defeat him. He had to believe that he'd see her again... ''Don't fear, Aurora,'' Diaval whispered under his breath... ''We will save you. We will bring you home... I'll be seeing you soon my little hatchling.''
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Meanwhile, Gerald was pacing back and forth by the light of a small fire... They'd left the village of Ravenclaw hours ago in pursuit of Maleficent, Christopher and Diaval. While most of the men had forgotten about what had occurred before they'd departed, Gerald still couldn't forget the horror he'd seen... The screams of those burning to death inside the Inn was haunting him. 'Why? Why is this happening to me?' Gerald thought to himself... He'd committed atrocities in order to appease Vandran before and it had never bothered him in the slightest.. So why was following Vernon's orders causing him so much anguish?. It was as though his long hidden conscience had all of a sudden surfaced from the recesses of his mind... But why? Why now? Was it the suffering before the deaths that was bothering him? Every time Gerald had killed someone he'd always made sure that they didn't suffer beforehand. Whereas Vernon seemed to enjoy seeing the actual suffering moreso than the death that followed... What if Vernon commanded him to do something truly despicable? Could he follow that order? Yes, he could... Would he, though?.. Now that's a completely different question altogether.
''Gerald!'' Vernon called out, as he pushed his way through some shrubbery.
Gerald spun around to face his Captain. ''Yes, sir?''
''What are you doing over here?'' Vernon inquired as he stopped by the fire.
''Oh, I, er...just wanted some time to think.''
''To think?'' Vernon echoed. ''I see... Gerald.''
''Yes, sir?''
''Is something the matter?.. I can't help but notice that you seem to try and avoid spending any time with me or the men.''
''Really, sir? What gives you that impression?''
''Well, for one thing the fact that you've come over here and started a fire of your own.''
''Well, as I said...I wanted some time to think.''
''Uh-huh.'' Vernon narrowed his eyes. ''About what, pray tell?''
''Er- (Gerald tried to think of something)...nothing much.'' (he failed to come up with anything that sounded even remotely plausible).
Vernon shot Gerald a knowing look as he stepped closer towards him... ''This wouldn't, by any chance...have anything to do with what occurred earlier today, would it?''
''No.'' Gerald shook his head. ''No. Of course not.''
''Because if it did...'' Vernon began to circle Gerald like an animal to its pray. ''you could always turn to me... It's nice to have someone you can...confide in.'' He put his mouth next to Gerald's right ear before whispering... ''You have great potential, Gerald. You could be a very, very powerful man... But only if you prevent compassion from holding you back.''
Gerald stepped away from Vernon, feeling incredibly uncomfortable...
''There's one thing I've found in life, Gerald.'' Vernon turned his back to the younger man... ''Humanity is a weakness,'' he spoke the words coldly... ''Goodnight, Lieutenant.'' And with that, Vernon walked off through the bushes back towards camp, leaving Gerald to think on his words...
.
.
.
After bidding his men goodnight, Vernon headed off into a small cave that he'd reserved for himself earlier, when he and his men had stumbled upon it.. However, the moment Vernon stepped inside, he felt a chill in the air... Something was wrong. He wasn't alone... Someone was watching him...he could sense it... When a voice spoke up, Vernon's suspicions were confirmed.
''Good evening, Captain.''
Vernon spun around to face the dark corner the voice had come from. ''Who's there!?''
The figure in the corner remained motionless.
''I said who's there!?''
After a brief moment passed by, the figure stepped out into the dim light...
''You,'' Vernon spoke in a dark tone upon recognising Syrena... ''What are you doing here?''
''He sent me,'' Syrena answered, as she seated herself on a nearby rock.
''Oh.. So you were the one he spoke of.''
''I beg your pardon?''
''Vandran.'' Vernon clarified as to who he was referring. ''He said that he was going to send someone to check on my progress.''
''Indeed. And very little progress, I must say.''
''Tsk,'' Vernon tutted and gave a roll of his eyes.. ''So what happens now?.. My time's up? Is that it?''
''No.'' Syrena gave a small shake of her head. ''Actually, you're a very lucky fellow.''
''Really? Well I think you're mistaking me for Christopher.. Now there's a man who has an unending amount of luck.''
''Oh, face it, Drake.'' Syrena let out a sigh. ''You're not up to this job.. I knew that from the moment I laid eyes on you.''
''Ah, but Vandran thought otherwise.'' Vernon pointed out.
''Yes. And it's a good job he still has a modicum amount of faith left in you.'' Syrena got to her feet and walked a few steps towards Vernon.
''And why is that?''
''Because if his patience had fully ran out...you'd be dead by now.''
Vernon was about to give a witty retort when he noticed the look of steely determination behind Syrena's dark eyes. Perhaps it wasn't such a good idea to aggravate her... A silence started to fill the cave, as Syrena's gaze remained fixed on Vernon, almost daring him to look her in the eye... Vernon cleared his throat before speaking (unable to stand this silence for any longer). ''So, er...how did you get here?''
''Vandran's powers, naturally.''
''Oh, yes. Of course.. How silly of me to forget.''
Syrena turned away and walked towards the back of the cave, unable to stand the sight of the irritating little man no longer.
''So, when did you arrive?'' Vernon inquired.
''Quite some time ago,'' Syrena replied. ''I've been following you for most of the day, waiting for the right moment to speak with you.''
''I see...'' Vernon cocked his head to one side, as he suddenly wondered something. ''Hang on a minute. How did you manage to keep up with us? Did Vandran supply you with a horse?''
''No, he didn't.. Funnily enough, I stumbled upon a horse just outside the village of Ravenclaw.'' She turned back around to face him... ''I believe it was one of yours.''
''Oh.'' Vernon looked away. ''Well, um...some of them were startled by Maleficent.'' He let out a sigh before suddenly wondering... ''How did you know it belonged to my company?''
''You're a very suspicious man, did you know that?''
''Inquisitive.'' Vernon grinned. ''There's a difference.''
Syrena let out a sigh before answering Vernon's question... ''I couldn't help but notice that when you and your men left the village you were short by a few horses.''
''How did you know that?''
''The fact that some of your men were sharing some tipped me off,'' Syrena responded in an aggravated tone.
''And-''
''Is there no end to these infernal questions!?''
''Sorry, you're right.. I can't help but be a little...suspicious of people I don't know.''
''Well, I suppose that's understandable.'' Syrena sighed... ''Now to the matter at hand.''
''Regarding Maleficent, her shape-shifting companion and Christopher no doubt?''
''Indeed,'' Syrena confirmed... ''Vandran isn't happy that you've repeatedly allowed them to slip through your fingers time and time again.''
''Hang on. How does he even know that?''
''Information is on a need to know basis, Captain. All that is relevant is that Vandran knows what you've been up to... Your problem up to now has been plain and simple negligence. I'm here to change all that.''
''What? You're here to stay!?'' Vernon's face filled with alarm.
''That's right.'' Syrena confirmed. ''It's high time time for a change in tactics.''
''Tactics? This isn't a game, sweetheart! This is real!''
''Listen to me you worm,'' Syrena spat out the words, as she walked closer towards Vernon... ''You have disgraced Lord Vandran and you have disgraced yourself. You should be thankful that you're still breathing!.. Someone as careless as you doesn't even deserve to be in the ranks, let alone a Captain.''
''Careless!?'' Vernon's fury began to build up inside him. ''You try going up against a fairy and a freak who can change himself into any form he desires and see how you fare!''
''That isn't your main failing and you know it!''
''Then what is!?'' Vernon demanded to know.
''Your inability to follow the proper course of action!''
''What!?''
''You know what I mean.. Take today, for example. Apparently, Maleficent and her allies fled Ravenclaw before my arrival. Yet when I looked to the village, I didn't see you making haste to follow them. You were too busy burning down the village!''
''No!'' Vernon exclaimed in response. ''I only burned down one building.''
''So that makes it alright, then?''
''Yes!.. Well, no.. I-It's complicated... I couldn't lose face!''
''Precisely my point. Instead of terrorising unarmed villagers you should have been hotly in pursuit of Maleficent, Christopher and the shape-shifter... I'm afraid it's one failure too many, Drake. You've been given more than ample time and yet you have achieved nothing.''
''Well, I...think nothing is too strong a word.''
''I disagree. It's the truth.. You haven't even succeeded in killing Christopher, a fellow human.''
''I've already told you! He's very lucky.''
Syrena rolled her eyes at this... ''Do you even know where they are headed for?''
''Mount Oberon,'' Vernon replied without skipping a beat.
''Ah, so you do know something after all... May I inquire as to how they discovered our base? Please tell me you weren't responsible.''
''Of course not!'' Vernon declared.. ''Chris forced the information out of one of my men.''
Suddenly, a male voice shouted from outside the cave.
''Captain! Sir, are you alright!?''
Syrena retreated behind a large rock upon hearing Gerald's voice.
''I'm perfectly fine, Lieutenant!'' Vernon responded. ''Come on in!''
''I'm sorry to bother you, sir.'' Gerald stepped inside the cave. ''It's just that...I heard you talking, and for a second I thought you wasn't alone.''
''I'm not,'' Vernon replied, as he pointed in Syrena's direction.
''What?'' Gerald saw nothing but darkness.
''Come on out!'' Vernon called to Syrena.
Syrena promptly stepped out from behind the rock and into the dim light.
''My lady!?'' Gerald's face registered shock. He quickly bowed down to her (evidently holding her in a higher regard than Vernon).
''Lieutenant Gerald.'' Syrena reciprocated Gerald's act of respect by bowing her head ever so slightly..
Gerald looked to his Captain, hoping he could explain what was going on here.
''Before you inquire,'' Syrena spoke. ''I've been sent here by Lord Vandran to aid you in eliminating those three pests.''
''I see.. Well, it's certainly very, very good to see you.'' Gerald gushed.
Vernon rolled his eyes at this. ''Oh, give me a break.. We were doing perfectly fine without her.''
''I wouldn't call failure upon failure fine, Captain,'' Syrena spoke in a derogatory tone.
Gerald nodded his head in agreement. ''She does raise a good point, sir.''
''Thank you, Gerald.. At least someone here can acknowledge when they've failed.'' Syrena shot Vernon a glare.
Vernon responded with a grunt...
''Lieutenant!''
Gerald stood to attention upon hearing the authority in Syrena's voice.
''Rouse the men. We leave immediately.'' Syrena instructed.
Gerald was just about to explain that the men needed their rest when Syrena spoke up again.
''I know the men haven't had any rest all day, but trust me...it will be worth it.. Despite the fact the good Captain hampered you all today with his childish, impetuous temper tantrum, I have a feeling that they aren't too far ahead of us.. Christopher on horseback will be slowing Maleficent and her servant down. If we ride hard we could be upon them within a matter of hours.''
''Very good.'' Gerald nodded his head to show that he fully agreed and understood.
''Don't I get a say in any of this?'' Vernon interjected.
''Inform the men, Gerald.'' Syrena commanded (choosing to ignore Vernon).
''Yes, my lady.'' Gerald proceeded to exit the cave...
''Hey! I asked you a question,'' Vernon said in a dark tone. ''A question you failed to answer.''
''I chose not to reply as I knew you wouldn't have cared for the answer.''
''Really? Why ever not?''
Syrena turned to face him. ''Because it would have been no.. Your opinion is worth very little at the moment, Drake.''
Vernon chuckled to himself as he sat down (unable to believe what he was hearing). ''So, what exactly are you telling me? That I'm not in charge anymore?''
''That's right.''
''You mean to say I'm no longer in charge of my own men!?'' Vernon's voice began to rise.
''I'm not saying that.''
''Then what are you saying!?''
''That I'm in charge here!'' Syrena declared in response... ''And unfortunately for me, you're my second in command.''
''Second?'' Vernon echoed in disbelief (unable to accept this)... ''No. You're lying!''
Syrena couldn't help but titter at Vernon's baseless accusation.
''Vandran assured me that we'd be on an equal footing!''
''Things have changed since then.'' Syrena explained.
''Like what!?''
Syrena let out a long sigh before responding. ''Don't you understand? You've failed him... It's not just that you've failed to achieve results that's disappointing, it's that you've completely lacked ingenuity.''
''Something you no doubt posses?''
''To a certain degree, yes.''
''Only to a certain degree?''
''A damn sight more than you have!''
Vernon jumped to his feet with a clenched fist, fully intending to hit the red haired woman.
''Go on.'' Syrena urged. ''Do it.''
Vernon narrowed his eyes, wondering what game Syrena was playing at.
''Go on!'' Syrena urged for a second time. ''Strike me and you'll be signing your own death warrant... If those men outside don't kill you, Vandran certainly will.''
Vernon let out a snort of contempt as he relaxed his hand, realising the position he was in... Like it or not, he had to accept Syrena as his superior... He had no other choice. He couldn't face the wrath of Vandran... Vernon turned his back to Syrena and let out a sigh... After a moments silence he spoke. ''You mentioned something about a change in tactics.. Might I inquire as to what you meant by that?''
''Vandran feels that you've been going about this in the wrong way,'' Syrena replied.
''How so?''
''Well, he feels that trying to overpower Maleficent is a fruitless task. And I happen to agree with him.''
''I'll try to contain my amazement,'' Vernon mumbled under his breath.
''We think it should be handled in a more delicate, mendacious, cunning fashion.''
Vernon turned back around to face her with a gleam in his eye... ''Alright. You've successfully gained my attention. What's the plan?''
''To trick them.''
''Trick them?'' Vernon echoed with a look of puzzlement.
''Yes.''
''How?''
''By using a very clever scheme.''
Vernon sighed before asking. ''What scheme?''
''Well, I wasn't going to tell you this just yet, but alright.''
''Tell me what?'' Vernon's impatience was growing.
''That I plan on befriending Maleficent and her allies.''
Vernon looked stunned, as his mouth opened slightly... ''What?'' he eventually managed to say.
''I'm going to befriend them.''
''B-befriend them?''
''That's right,'' Syrena confirmed.. ''And when the perfect moment arises, most likely when they're asleep...I'll kill them all.''
A small smile appeared on Vernon's face, as he now understood Syrena's scheme. ''I see.. So, how is this going to work? They'll no doubt be suspicious of strangers.''
''I'm sure they will be... But will they suspect a poor, injured woman?''
''Ah! Very clever.'' Vernon's smile widened.. ''But what happens if they cotton on to your little plan?''
''That's why I'll need you to stay close behind us.'' Syrena explained her back up plan. ''Although, I shouldn't worry if I were you. I'll be able to carry it out efficiently... Unlike you.''
''La di da di da.'' Vernon expressed his lack of interest in her scornful words.. ''You do understand that we're going to have to catch up with them first before any of this can be put into action.''
''Indeed.. Well, what are we waiting for? Let's go!'' Syrena turned to leave.
''Syrena!'' Vernon called.
She turned back around to face him.
''You can kill Maleficent and Diaval for all I care, but leave Christopher to me... I want to kill him personally.''
''Why?'' Syrena inquired.
''That's none of your business.''
''Drake,'' Syrena spoke his name in a warning tone, as she shot him a look that said, 'I'm the boss now. Remember?'
''Oh, okay.'' Vernon decided to divulge a little of his motives. ''Let's just say...I have an old score to settle with him.''
''Alright. As you wish,'' Syrena responded after a slight moments hesitation.. ''Come on.'' Syrena made her way towards the exit of the cave.
Vernon didn't make a move to follow her. He just stood there, as if he was lost in a trance.
''Drake, come on!'' Syrena exclaimed over her shoulder.
''I'll be out in a moment!'' Vernon eventually responded... ''Christopher,'' he whispered to himself. ''We will have our reckoning... Soon, revenge will be mine.''
''Captain!''
Vernon looked in the direction of Syrena's voice and let out a disgruntled sigh, knowing that he had no choice but to put up with her for the time being... He brushed himself down before slowly walking towards the exit of the cave, his hands behind his back and a twisted smile on his face.
(A/N). And so ends another chapter. I hope you all enjoyed it... It's been a great journey for me so far, writing my first ever FanFiction. I hope you'll stick with me to the very end... As I already said before the chapter started, I'll be taking a break until just after the New Year... Now, let me just take a moment to wish you all the best for this festive period.
I hope you all have a wonderful time this Christmas. If it's not a religious celebration for you, I just hope you have a great holiday.. I would also like to wish you all the best for the New Year. I sincerely hope 2015 makes all your wishes come true.
As always, thanks for reading.
Until next time, Happy Holidays everybody!