"You killed my character off."

MJ had just trudged into the studio, exhausted after her court trial, only to be confronted by Crow. She sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. "Look, Crow, it's nothing personal. It was a battle scene. Some people were bound to die, right? Anyway, you told me you had to get back to Misthallery, so..."

Crow shrugged, indifferent. "Got that right, the Black Market can't run itself. And don't worry, I ain't really that bothered about it." The lad smirked. "At least my character went out with a bang, and the Raven-boy costume should fetch a pretty price." He turned to leave, but MJ stopped him suddenly.

"Before you go, I'd like to make a special purchase from the Black Market..."

That hooked Crow's attention. "How can I help you, miss?"

Chapter Twenty Four

EVEN DEEPER, MORE PUZZLING MAGIC FROM BEFORE THE DAWN OF TIME

"Flora! Luke! There ya are!"

The kids stirred as a familiar voice called their names. Luke yawned and rubbed his eyes. The heinous memory of last night was buried in the sleepy recesses of his mind. Then his eyes opened— Luke realized he and his sister were still lying next to Anton's body. Shuddering, Luke tore his gaze away from the cadaver, and looked up at Beasley instead.

Beasley hovered before the Stone Table, his wings drooping in a mixture of weariness and woe as he regarded the dead King. "Emmy got the message and sent me to find ya both," the puzzle bee explained "I need to take ya somewhere safe."

Flora nodded stoically and stood up. She felt too drained to mourn anymore. For a second, Luke was reluctant to leave Anton's side, but then he remembered there was nothing they could do. Anton had been gone for hours. Luke accepted Flora's outstretched hand and jumped down from the Stone Table. His limbs were stiff because they'd been resting on the hard rock surface for so long.

By now it was early morning; the stars had faded and the sky was covered by an endless shroud of grey clouds. Birds were cautiously calling to each other through the woodland.

Rubbing his arms, Luke whispered "I'm so cold."

"I know; me too." Flora draped her cloak around his shoulders and Beasley landed on Luke's cap. As they started to descend the staircase, the three cast one last glimpse at Anton.

"G'bye, ya majesty," Beasley muttered sombrely. "I wish I'd given ya a puzzle earlier..."

Just as Flora and Luke turned to leave again, the ground shook beneath their feet, causing them to slip on the top steps. There was an almighty cracking sound.

Luke whipped his head around and suddenly exclaimed "Flora!"

His sister was already scrambling back up the stairs. Luke followed her, shocked and dismayed at the sight before them. Somehow, the Stone Table had split into two pieces. A huge crack ran down it from end to the other. The frayed rope was still there, but...

"Where's Anton?" Luke gasped. "What have they done to him now?"

At that moment the sun arose, painting the world in glorious hues of pink, orange, blue and gold; chasing away the shadows that smothered the landscape. Luke's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat.

A figure appeared between the pillars behind the Stone Table, golden hair and ivory skin shimmering in the sunlight. He was not a man, for no man could ever appear so dazzling, so noble, or so mysterious. He was something else entirely.

[[And no— it wasn't a sparkling Edward Cullen either.]]

"Anton!" The children cried together and rushed to envelope their friend in a joyful hug.

The King gave them a gleaming smile. His turquoise eyes lifted to the sky for a moment. A light breeze played with his blonde locks as he murmured cryptically "The sun rises when you and I meet, and when the wind blows, you will know my heart."

"What does that mean?" Beasley wondered.

"Simply a saying I heard long ago," Anton explained, his voice faraway "It seemed quite fitting."

Flora was still amazed and emotional over the fact that Anton was standing here beside them. Alive. She choked out "B-but how...? The Sorcerer... h-he used the knife—!"

Anton directed their attention to words from an ancient language engraved on the side of the Stone Table. "If the Witch knew the true meaning of sacrifice, she might have interpreted the deep magic differently. That when a willing victim who has committed no treachery is killed in a traitor's stead, the Stone Table will crack, and even death itself will turn backwards."

("Did someone call me a witch? It sounded like... But no, it couldn't be...")

"We sent the news that you were dead," Flora told Anton.

Beasley added "Emmy, Clive and everyone have already gone into battle!"

"We need to help them," Luke boldly pulled his dagger out of his pocket.

"We will," Anton assured the boy, putting his hand over Luke's arm and the small blade "However, we will require some assistance, and we have far to travel."

"Alright then, better get moving." Beasley plonked himself on Anton's shoulder. He glanced at Flora and Lukes' weary expressions. "What about them though? They're pretty tired... Not in much shape for walking."

"And I doubt you could all ride on my back," Anton chuckled. "But perhaps we can catch a lift..."

Luke began asking "What do you—?"

"Yoo-hoo, Sonny Boy!" Someone suddenly shouted from above.

The humans looked up, their jaws dropping in amazement. Flying towards them through the air, drawn by six dashing reindeers (they definitely weren't moose this time) with jingling bells, was a bright red sleigh. At the reigns was a familiar eccentric old woman in a pointy hat.

"It's the Puzzle Master!" Beasley cheered, leaping off Anton's shoulder and whizzing around with the excitement of a catherine wheel.

The sleigh landed besides them and Anton smiled at driver. "Greetings, Granny Riddleton, how are you?"

Granny Riddleton laughed, her face flushing as red as her sledge. "Ah, Anton. Still quite the charmer I see!"

Flora and Luke blinked at the elderly lady. Was she flirting with Anton? Rather than voice the question on both their minds, Luke inquired "What are you doing here?"

"Anton informed me you all need a ride," Granny Riddleton winked "I'm not just going to sit around on my buttocks during Larnia's greatest hour of need."

"And I'm here as weeeeell~!" Puzzlette the Elf sang as she popped out of the empty sack on the back of the sleigh. She beamed at Flora and Luke (who were slightly scared by her behaviour). "Hia guys, how's your adventure been?"

"Oh joy," Beasley groaned. But this didn't dampen his spirits. The bee zipped in front of the Puzzle Master's face, requesting permission. "May I?" Granny Riddleton nodded and he gently landed on her hat. "Well c'mon then," Beasley ushered the children "We've got a long way to go, right?"

"I-is it safe?" Flora regarded the flying contraption worriedly.

"Fear not, we'll be fine," Anton promised as he took her hand and helped her into the sleigh. Luke went next to Flora, jumping on the plush red seat behind Granny Riddleton.

When Anton was also onboard, Granny Riddleton grabbed the green reins again. "Hold on tight, everyone!" she cackled.

"WHEEEEEEEEEEE!" Puzzlette cried like an excited kid on a Disney Land ride as the sleigh took off.

Opening the door by a crack, Clive saw the coat was clear. He crept into the building, hoping beyond hope that he wouldn't get caught by the authoress...

"Clive?"

The ex-convict froze, glancing over his shoulder. Then Clive sighed; it was only Professor Layton. "Professor, am I glad it's only you. Have you seen MJ recently?"

"Indeed I have," the professor nodded, much to Clive's dismay. "She asked me to give you this letter..."

Dear Clive,

If you're reading this, you're obviously back at the studio. I want you to know that I'm still a little mad about the Mary Sue trail... but I guess something good came out of it, so I should be thanking you. The B.M.S.P. gave me a very large amount of compensation money for my troubles. I used it to buy a cannon from the Black Market.

Love MJ XOXO

The note fell out of Clive's shaking hand. "Oh my God," Clive started hyperventilating "MJ's bought a cannon. And I have a feeling she's going to be aiming it at me. What should I do, Professor?"

Professor Layton shook his head sadly. "I'm afraid it's too late for you, Clive. You've pushed MJ to her limits this time. Perhaps you should start digging your own grave."

[[Phew, that was a shorter but quick update.

It seems the end of this fanfic is finally in sight. I'd say we've got 2 more chapter before the epilogue, and then extra secret BONUS chapters.

To the guest reviewers Someone, thanks for your comments. To answer your question, no— Anton is not the Witch, but I guess if you've read this far you already know that. Descole is also a guy/ dude/ bro and could be called attractive. That's why it's so much funnier calling him a Witch.]]