Chapter 26: Reality Hits Hard

"I'm sorry is a phase that's often heard, but actions speak louder than words."

-Princess Belle in Sofia the First

Hello people of fanfiction and Happy 2015. Yes I've been gone since September of last year (shoot!) So it's safe to say It's been too long since I posted the last chapter. And I've been busy! School must come first, and studying so hard last semester rewarded me with good grades, but I have by no means forgotten this story! I've been working on it, the chapters are more complete, and working with my good friend and fellow fanfiction author, LadyOfSlytherin101, this chapter has final come to fruition! So before we start, lets get to those lovely reviews that have kept me going through these long months!

Solaria daughter of Apollo: you got that right, things are really going to get interesting! I don't like them much either, but unfortunately people like them do exist in our world, and even more unfortunate I've met a few of them! There's always someone that ruins a birthday ball, but I'm glad you liked it anyway. I love to make people obsessed with things, songs in particular! Hope you like this chapter just as much. (Though sadly, this chapter only has two songs)

LadyOfSlytherin101: Yes Jareth is mine, but I'm willing to share. Maybe. You woman, me man, god that sounds just like John. Hans….. if you watch Once Upon A time on ABC, he get's what he deserves, which makes me very happy. I don't mind it, and like you said, gets me more reviews that way . JARETH IS DISNEY! That makes me so happy! And I'll consider that vacuum idea. Suck it Edward Cullen, there's a beautiful and powerful and above all sparkly being that's better than you!

The Disnerd: Be my guest! I'm sure Julia you love the help. Thank you, the songs were my favorite part as well, and I hope this chapter meets your expectations

Fangirling37: I'm really sorry, (I hate hospitals!) and I hope your feeling better. Though with this very late update, you probably are. I think you'll really like the baby, and I have big plans for it, but unfortunately that's not for a while, so I'll be evil and just let you speculate! MWA HA HA. Right. While everyone is entitled to their own likes, I'm not a huge fan of Marvel, so I don't think they'll be appearing. (I'm more of a DC Fan ) But if you like that kind of crossover, may I highly recommend my friend LadyOfSlytherin101's Story, The Lost One Book 1: When Destiny Calls. Lots of Marvel characters there! Thank you for understanding! Hope I get that same response from other readers when I post this. (Bites Nails)

TearsForTheReaper: I feel you, I myself am really looking forward to when your favorite baddies, that is, the official villains show up! The plastic rejects, elegantly put I might add, are not my favorites either, seeing as throughout my life I've met girls exactly like them and wanted to do exactly what Julia did on numerous occasions. I hope this chapter isn't too late for you to still be excited for what happens next! Though I think you might recognize a certain character near the end

So now that I've answered your reviews, I'm moving onto the story, the morning after the chaos of the Birthday Ball. And lets just say things aren't going well.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Julia's P.O.V.

The first rays of morning bled through the windows. I rubbed my throbbing temples as I leaned back in one of the black office chairs. Carmen, Ashley, Mickey and I had been up all night, making sure all the guests were safe and that Kim and Mori, who were still out cold, were taken care of. Now we were trying to come to terms with what had gone down at the ball last night. Those awful girls, who I had found out from Ashley, were the same ones that ambushed Emily earlier this summer. Anna had almost gotten crushed by one of the trees in the ballroom, but had thankfully been saved by Kim. I had to restrain myself from impaling those girls, and if they came back, I'd really make them get my "point." Oh god I must be tired, I'm resorting to puns worse than Jack's!

"So what do we do now? We've got two girls knocked out cold and four new enemies on top of the villains who already want us all dead, and who knows how many of them survived. I may be stating the obvious, but it seems like the odds are currently not in our favor," said Ashley, groaning as she rested her chin in her hands.

"Well then we get them back in our favor! We make them realize the consequences of messing with us," I said, looking at the two of them for confirmation. Ashley looked like she wanted to; those girls had gone after her sister and I knew she wouldn't take that attempt of Anna's life sitting down. Carmen on the other hand looked less than enthusiastic.

"I agree Julia, we can't let this new threat go ignored, but Ashley has a point. Besides those 4 girls, we have no idea of the numbers nor magical abilities that we're dealing with here. We may have our swords, but we still need more training if we want to come out of this in one piece."

"So what? We just disappear with our tails between our legs? We're protectors Car, and unless I'm getting the definition wrong, we can't leave this kingdom defenseless. I'm not going to let anyone else suffer," said Ashley, and I knew she was thinking about her parents. Carmen smiled at her sadly.

"You're right. We can't just disappear without doing anything. If we're going someplace safe, everyone else should too. And I have been thinking about this for a while. While we're blind in some areas, we can have the upper hand in others. These may be Disney villains, but this isn't a fight for the other Disney characters. They're coming after us, and probably won't hesitate to get to us through other people," she said, looking at Ashley, who was now looking at her hands, "so we have to do whatever we can to keep the characters out of the inevitable crossfire. Mickey, do you think you can help us do this?" Mickey, who had been quiet up until this point, nodded.

"In situations like this, I can. I'll contact the other royal lands and worlds, and get them to safe zones, specified area's where dark magic or dark magic users can't enter, be it in disguise or otherwise," he said, and Carmen nodded.

"Anything to make everyone safe, and we'll help. Thank you Mickey," she said, and though there was still worry in his eyes, Mickey looked a little bit hopeful.

"I'll make it so, as well as find someplace safe for all of you" he said, and raced out of the room. Though I knew it was a good plan, I groaned.

"This is gonna take a while. Disney has a lot of different worlds both Live Action and Animated," I said, Ashley's brow creasing in thought.

"So they all exist? Like the Kingdom of Coventry?" she said, and I nodded.

"Yep"

"Genovia?"

"Yep"

"Halloweentown? As in the Cromwell Family Halloweentown?"

"Yep"

She looked thoughtful for a minute, before a fearful look crossed her face. "And since Disney now owns the Jim Henson characters, that would mean that the Labyrinth, with Jareth the Goblin Kin… mmh!" I had jumped off and covered her mouth before she could say his title.

"Yes, though it's a bit more distanced, his kingdom is in the realm of Disney. But we're not going to get involved with him unless it's absolutely necessary. Besides, these are all animated villains, at least that we know of, and they'll want to go after the animated worlds first. We aren't going to let them get further than that," I said, releasing her.

"Fine, but you didn't have to tackle me," she said, but still gave me a rueful smile, "I know that movie too, and I'm not letting anyone take away my sister, animated or real," she said, before we looked at Carmen.

"I think we've done all we can tonight, or today," she said as she looked at the dawn's rays coming in the window. "We'll alert the characters, move to a safer location, and make sure everything goes to plan. Ashley's right, we've caused enough problems here with just our presence, and nobody is going to suffer for it anymore," she said, and we all nodded.

Carmen was a good leader and I wanted to believe in her plan, and I just hope we weren't too late in carrying it out. I also hoped these late nights wouldn't become too much of a habit. Lack of sleep made me unnaturally klutzy, something I really wasn't proud of. I stumbled over the lip of the door, seeing the floor rush up to meet me as I fell. But the impact never came. Someone had caught me, and I looked up to see a smirking Jack Sparrow, his gold teeth flashing down at me.

"Seems like someone hasn't regained their land legs yet," he joked, and I groaned as I let him set me back on my feet.

"Come on Jack. I've been up all night, my whole body hurts, and I'm so tired I'm tripping over my own feet. I'm not really in the mood for jokes," I said, and though I wanted to push him away, I actually liked the way his arms felt around my waist.

"Then let me assist you dear lady. Can't have you falling on your various weapons now can we?" he said, and I made a face, but then Jack looked at me seriously. "That was a brave thing you did at the ball, love. Those girls will think twice about messing with you love," he said, and ran a hand through my hair. I felt myself smile at his praise, but gave him a light shove.

"You've got that right, but I have to say I'm a little surprised to see you. It's not often that you stick around a place so long, unless you have an additional motive. What's your play Jack?" I asked, expecting him to say something Jack-like, like free alcohol or something.

"Let's just say I…know where my services are needed. Besides, by the looks of things, you girls need all the help you can get," he said, and gently ran his fingers under my eyes, which from a quick glance in the mirror a few hours earlier, I knew had heavy bags.

"Well, thanks I guess," I said, before I yawned. Jack smirked and held out his arm for me.

"Then shall we my lady?" he asked, and I was hit with the memory from when I first met Jack, all those years ago.

"We shall, and like I said years ago, you Jack Sparrow will be the death of me, I swear."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Kim's P.O.V.

I woke up disoriented, trying to remember where I was. I tried to sit up, but winced when a sharp pain went through my right ankle, and I looked down to see a roll of white bandage wrapped around it. I tried to remember what had happened. The tree…The tree at the ball had fallen…I had pushed Annabelle out of the way. Those cruel girls, their dark threat, about Mori, after she had knocked them off their feet with a blast of magic or energy or something.

"Now you see! She is not who she says she is! You are all dead where you stand, it's only a matter of time!"

"Kim! You're awake, thank god!" I was suddenly enclosed in a tight hug from Chloe, who, when we broke apart, looked like she hadn't slept a wink.

"How long was I out, and what's happened?" I asked, my questions tumbling over each other in a rush. Chloe sighed, and ran a hand through her hair, which while a bit tangled, still held curls from the ball.

"You fainted Kim, and you've been out for about 6 hours. You went into shock and we couldn't wake you up. The fairies managed to heal your ankle though," she said, and I looked around the room, the soft light of dawn coming in the tower windows.

"But what happened after that? Is anyone else hurt?" I asked, a edge of panic feeling sharper.

"No, thank god. But the ballroom's a mess, and everyone's on edge. A few of us have slept, but not easily," she said, and I looked around the room again, seeing what she meant. Carly, Ivy, April and Zoey were all sleeping, the only movement being the rise and fall of their chests and I could also see Danny, Sam and Zac as well, sleeping on the floor under blankets.

"Carmen, Ashley and Julia have been up all night, trying to figure out what happened, and Em, she hasn't spoken to anyone all night, not even Jim. She's just been sitting in the ballroom. We don't know what to do" said Chloe, and I counted in my head, trying to see if I'd forgotten anybody.

"What about Syrena and Mori? Holy Shit, Mori! What happened to her?" I asked, and Chloe shook her head.

"We don't know, she's still unconscious. Whatever that light, or magic, or energy, or whatever that was last night, it's left her very weak. Syrena's with her now since John had to leave again but he should be back soon." she said.

"Where's James? Why isn't he here?" I asked, panic rising through me, just as the door opened, revealing Taylor and James.

"Kim!" James crossed the room in less than 2 seconds, and had his arms around me. I hugged him tightly, pulling him as close as I could, as he kissed me urgently.

"So any luck? Did you find anything?" asked Chloe, Taylor and her standing on the side of the bed.

"No, but the word is out now, so there won't be any more surprise attacks," said Taylor. "But that's not all. Mickey wanted us to see if you were awake. He wants to meet with all of you." I threw back the covers, touching my necklace to replace my pajamas with my battle clothing, as it saved me the trouble of doing my hair.

"Then let's not keep them waiting," I said, standing up, and immediately wincing as a dull pain ran through my ankle, James immediately getting to his feet.

"Hey take it easy there; magic can only heal a broken ankle so fast. Allow me," he said, sweeping me off my feet and into his arms. I rolled my eyes.

"Always the gentleman," I said, though I found myself smiling. But then as it often does, reality wouldn't be silenced, and I was worried again.

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Mori's P.O.V.

I groaned softly as I opened my eyes, the light of dawn starting to come through the window. I felt drained and like I had been hit with a truck. I put a hand to my head as I recalled what happened the previous night. Amber and her clone squad showed up began wrecking the party. My blood boiled as I thought about the way she had looked at John and once more felt that murderous rage well up inside. Kim got her ankle broken saving Anna and then Amber went off about me not being who I said I was or I wasn't what I seemed. Whatever that meant.

Then things got weird. It felt like something had taken over my body, like some long dormant part of me surfaced and took control. I remember feeling an immense power and then nothing. It all went black after that and then I found myself here.

Speaking of, I wasn't in the tower room I shared with the girls; I was in a different room altogether and Syrena was off in a chair by the bed fast asleep. She stirred when the sunlight hit her eyes and she woke up to see me looking at her.

"Mori! I'm so glad you're awake! We were all so worried about you! John had to leave again but he should be back soon! What happened last night? You knocked

Amber and her cronies right of their feet! You really hurt them with that one! Do you think you could do it again?" She asked looking expectant.

I shook my head as I sat up. "I don't know. I'm not sure if I want to find out. As much as it brings me pleasure that I sent them running, I don't know if I can even if I tried. Whatever it was I didn't like it. I just got so mad and it felt like someone else took over."

Syrena gave a tight smile, but it never reached her eyes completely. "So you're saying something or someone else took over? Mori, you're not gonna lose your temper and turn into a giant rage machine are you? As cool and as awesome that would be, not to mention helpful, I don't think John would be able to handle it."

I frowned. "No Rena I'm not going to turn into the Hulk. I'll leave the Hulking out to Bruce Banner. What we need to worry about is the villains. And Amber. How the hell they found out about her is beyond me but she's even worse than before. We need to be careful and if she so much as touches a hair on Anna's, Ani's or Carmen, she will get it. Now let me up. That energy blast left me hungry. And I need to know what's going to happen now. We can't stay here." Syrena watched as I moved to pull clothes out.

"But Mori. If we aren't safe here in the castle….is anywhere safe?"

"I don't know Syrena. I just don't know. If we aren't safe here we aren't safe anywhere. We're in a whole new ballpark now. We may not make it out this time; not without serious casualties."

As I got dressed I pondered over events. We were supposed to be safe and well protected in the castle. But that safety was shattered last night. I had to wonder if anywhere was safe anymore. Disney was supposed to be the place where dreams came true but it was becoming a place of nightmares...

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Ivy's P.O.V.

We all crowded into one of the castle's sitting room, the phrase safety in numbers flashing through my mind. For lack of a better word, we looked awful. Carly, April and Zoey looked ready to drop, as did I, and we leaned against one another heavily. Carmen was sitting in a chair by the window, Ashley, Anna and Peter sitting next to her, bruised shadows under Carmen's eyes. I found out she, Ashley and Julia had been in the meeting room all night, trying to figure out what had happened.

Julia was sitting by the fireplace, Jack sitting next to her, which was a little surprising, seeing as Jack didn't usually stick around unless there was something in it for him.

But Julia looked a little less edgy than she normally did, so maybe his presence here was helping her. Syrena sat with Mori, little Anika between them, both looking deep in thought, heavy creases cutting across their brows, with John Rolfe right next to Mori, no doubt resting a comforting hand on her shoulder. Chloe, along with Taylor and James, had helped Kim into the room, as her ankle was still healing from last night, and poor Emily looked as pale as a ghost, one hand on the glass and the other on her pendent as she leaned against the window. I wished Jim were here, but he had been out with Edmund and John Rolfe. Jeremy, Danny, Sam and Zac were also absent, their girlfriends, myself included, decided to let them sleep and fill them in later. We didn't all have to become insomniacs.

We all were exhausted, shaken up from last night, so it was accurate to say we weren't doing so well. The events of the ball had set us all on edge. Not only were the villains a threat (and we still didn't know how many had survived), but now we had four additional enemies, Vanessa, Britney, Nicole, and Amber. Vanessa and Amber seemed to be the leaders of that group, and had what appeared to be a deep hatred for Desmoira, Ashley and Emily. Anna had almost gotten crushed last night, while Kim did(though thanks to magic her ankle was healing quickly), and Mori…. Where to begin with Mori. This light had just seemed to burst out of her, and no one, not even she, understood why.

"So I'll voice the question that's on everyone's mind. What do we do now?" I asked, everyone looking up, some looking more startled than others. Carmen was the one who answered me, but not before slowly getting to her feet.

"The Castle, at least for us, is no longer safe. By staying here we're putting ourselves and countless others at risk. Ashley, Julia and I have been up all night, and with Mickey's help, we've reached a decision," she said, before a knock cut her off.

"Girls, may I come in?" came a timid voice, and Zoey, who was closest to the door, opened it to reveal a very downtrodden Mickey Mouse, his House of Mouse attire looking as crumpled as his face.

"Mickey, what's happened? Are you alright?" asked Syrena, all of us looking up, afraid that he had brought more bad news.

"Nothing as of now," he said, before looking up at us with sorrowful eyes. " Girls, I came to tell you how sorry I am. What happened last night was never supposed to happen period, but our protection spells, while powerful, are very specific, and we didn't even factor the possibility of those girls. I'm so sorry, especially to the four birthday girls," he said, Mori, Kim and Zoey all giving him weak smiles.

"It's all right, Mickey. We're all ok, and that's all that matters," said Kim, but her smile faded when she looked at Emily, who hadn't moved from her position next to the window. Mickey looked troubled at her non-reaction, but cleared his throat and continued.

"But, because of last night, those girls have told the villains of your whereabouts, and for your own safety, we're going to move you to brand-new, top secret location, with more powerful and more accurate protection spells. We're giving you your own manor, where you can continue your training and above all stay safe.

"Why are you doing all this for us?" asked April, though not in an accusatory way. Mickey looked up at us, and I felt my heart constrict when I saw there were tears in his eyes.

"I've made a lot of mistakes, but I'm going to try and do better. You girls may be human, and myself a cartoon, but in these past few years you've become part of my family. And I'll do whatever it takes to have my family be safe again," he said, and I found myself striding forward and sinking to my knees, so I could embrace him. Yes, he had his faults, as did we all, but he being so brave. And he loved us, he had vowed to protect us, and I couldn't help but love him for it. He hugged me back, but his hold loosened when the door banged into the wall, and looked up just in time to see the skirt of Emily's sky blue ballgown, which she hadn't taken off yet, disappear around the corner.

"She's really upset. I know she thinks this is her fault, with her connection to those girls. I'll go talk to her," Carmen said, making to get up, when Ashley and Peter began to voice concerned comments relating to her pregnancy, which Carmen didn't look happy about. "Look, I'm going to help my friend who's feeling a lot of guilt right now. I'm not going to break just because I'm pregnant, so please excuse me," she said, before sweeping out of the room. The rest of us stood in a stunned silence, and of course, Jack voiced his opinion.

"Pregnant ladies are scary."

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Brianna's P.O.V.

Applause reached my ears, and I smiled as I set down my guitar. I was playing in the park close by to my house, the beautiful Saturday afternoon sunlight shining through the trees. I had taken to coming to the park on nice days, and just playing my guitar. Living so close to Disney World, some of the songs in my repertoire where Disney ones, and it was only when I finished that I saw I had gotten a small group of people listening, and a couple of bucks in my guitar case! And that became my summer, sitting in the park, playing my guitar, and writing. But… there were times where it felt a little lonely, as I was sort of a background kind of person, someone who was there but not easily seen. I had a couple people in school that I could talk to, but not in a friend sense.

More applause, but my audience was quickly disappearing, as dark storm clouds began to roll in. I put my guitar in its case and collected my money, 20 dollars, and looked up at the sky. It was strange, recently when I was alone and with only my own thoughts for company, I felt like there was something I was forgetting, something I had once known but the memory was vague. And the awful thing was that no matter how hard I tried, I could never remember what it was. Like my brain had been wiped clean or something. Oh well, I'd remember at some time. Hopefully.

I got to my feet, about to leave, when the sound of footsteps made me look up. It was three girls, about my age, maybe a little older, and completely clothed in designer looking clothing. And they didn't look very friendly.

"Sad how some people make a living these days, isn't it girls?" asked the first one, who stood a little in front of the other two, the leader I guess. I scowled. I may not be very assertive, but when someone insulted me I wouldn't just roll over.

"Well not much of one, but it's not her fault. Not all of us can afford music lessons," said the second, this one looking down her perfectly sculpted nose at me. The third didn't say anything, just scowled, but didn't seem as malicious as the other two, just by first impression.

"Well that's no way to greet someone. It's surprising you can't afford manners, as they're pretty reasonably priced compared to designer clothing you're wearing," I said, the two blondes giving exaggerated gasps of shock.

"Why I think you've just crossed a line, Miss Brianna," said the first one, and I began to feel a little scared.

"How do you know my name?," I asked, and they laughed.

"We know much more than that, sweetie. We know your deepest desires, your darkest secrets, and everyone of your fears. We even know why you question yourself everyday, about your missing memory, and we hold the key to unlock it," she said, just as a huge clap of thunder shook the ground. I glared at her, and picked up my guitar case.

"I don't know what sick game you're trying to play, and I want nothing from you. Now leave me alone or I'll call the police," I said, not missing the evil look that passed between the two blonds.

"That's too bad, because we have an appointment to keep, and you're the guest of honor," she said, the three moving closer towards me.

"I'm afraid I'll have to decline that invitation," I said, before using my guitar case as a club, swinging it out into all three, before using their momentary surprise to run away. That's when a cloud of black surrounded me, the vile smell and crushing weight bringing me to my knees, my eyes watering as I coughed loudly. Images began flashing past my eyes, each more defined than the last.

A funeral, a red haired girl in a black dress sobbing. Other girls clad in black, lined up next to two coffins. A mountain of white roses, droplets of water glittering on the petals. That red haired girl again, smiling sadly at me.

"Thank you. You're a true friend, and as I said then, a talented writer. It means a lot that you came." She was talking to me, in a very kind way. Like she was talking to a friend. Were we friends? How did I know her? I felt like I did. There she was again, one of her arms raised towards the sky, the other clutching two strange pendants on her necklace, both glowing brightly.

"For what has transpired here today, discard what must no longer stay. All memories of what was, away, with no recollection of this day. By Disney I command them gone, erased, forgotten, flung sky-high. As I give you all my last goodbye." A spell? A forgetting spell? Ashley. That was her name. Ashley.

Ashley had made me forget. Had made me forget about her. But why? I realized I was laying on the ground, the black mist starting to clear away. I also felt extremely weak, like I was about to lose consciousness. These girls.. These strange girls had done something to me, and stood over me, like they were waiting for me to die.

"What have you done to me?" I whispered, fighting to keep my eyes open.

"Simply given you your memory back honey, with just a little dark magic added in to keep you sedated until we have use of you," she said, and I felt two tears run down my cheeks. Even in this barely conscious state, I was terrified.

"But why?" I murmured, even my tongue feeling heavy now. The leader blond smiled and knelt down next to me, her eyes dancing with dark amusement.

"You my dear, our merely the bait in this little plan," she said, and I felt my heart constrict in terror as she cackled, lighting flashing behind her. The black cloud finally overtook me, sending me into blackness, the sick feeling of fear following me even into unconsciousness. What had I done?

OOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO

Third Person P.O.V.

The girl, Brianna, finally gave into the dark magic, her head hitting first as she lay sprawled in the grass.

"That was almost too easy. Silly girl," said Vanessa, the blond clothed in pink. Vanessa had not batted an eye when she was told what to do to this girl. She was used to others knowing their place when in her presence, at her feet.

"What are we supposed to do with her now? They don't expect us to carry her do they?" asked the second blond, Britney, examining her dark pink nails, her dark designer clothing a sharp contrast to Vanessa's light pink .

"They didn't say, we just wait I suppose," said the final blond, Nicole, who was leaning against a tree, looking at the sky with hesitation. She may be working for the villains now, but thunder and lightning also made her a bit uneasy. So she almost jumped a foot when a loud crack shook the ground, a cloud of black smoke making all three girls cough.

"A bit heavy on the smoke theatrics, don't you think Amber?" coughed Vanessa, as a woman emerged from the smoke.

"You're one to talk. I saw you using those lightning strikes to your advantage." This women was also blond, but she looked quite a bit older than the other three, and unlike the others, who just looked mean, this girl radiated cruelty.

"Well what are the benefits of being evil if you can't scare your enemies," retorted Vanessa, while Amber simply chuckled, though none too friendly.

"Don't exaggerate. You annoyed her at best, so don't go giving yourself clearly undeserved airs" said Amber, Vanessa giving a cry of anger.

"What are you talking about, if it wasn't for us we wouldn't have gotten them to come to the park in the first place," she said indignantly.

"No, you caused even more trouble. The Villains have claim to the other girls, and you had to be a fool and set the fire that killed Ashley's parents!" she accused, Nicole and Brittany looking away.

"Their death has made her weak, and all the more vulnerable…" she began when Amber cut her off.

"That may be, but they still have the power the swords, and until they lose that power they have the advantage.

"But… I'm evil, that's what evil people," Vanessa tried to defend herself, but Amber glared at her.

"You have no idea the true depth of what it means to be evil, Vanessa. I didn't recruit you for your foreknowledge believe me. You have much to learn," she said, the clouds darkening around her and clearing her throat. "One of the perks of working for the villains," she said

"You sought us out remember," said Vanessa, still trying to hold onto her pride, "promising the benefits are fitting, with money, power, fame.." she said, before Amber cut her off.

"Yes and your efforts will be rewarded" she said, the finality in her voice, like she didn't want to talk anymore, very clear. Vanessa seemed oblivious though, and continued to try and reclaim her fractured standing.

"But we've surprised them, and if you send us back, we can capture them and bring them to you and the villains! We can still do this, and find out what they're planning," said Vanessa, no doubt grasping at straws, Amber's deepening from growing more and more pronounced.

"What about their swords? We steal them and they're toast!" said Vanessa triumphantly, like she had figured it all out, but Amber rolled their eyes.

"You can't take them, only those girls have the power to wield them," said Amber, but then Vanessa's eyes lit up.

"What about those necklaces? I saw them glowing last night when they stood together. What if that's a power source, and if it is, we hit them hard and make sure they don't ever get back up" she asked, and Amber smirked.

Lightning flashed, illuminating the look of growing intrigue on the oldest blonde's face. Britney and Nicole came out from the trees, figuring it was relatively safe, even though the look of Amber's face and the still prominent thunder rolling above them made them stay on their guard. Amber looked down at the girl who lay at her feet. Right where she, and soon those other girls, belonged.

"This girl may be quiet, but from what the villains told me as well as you three, she's no damsel in distress. She will play a crucial role in the downfall of the protectors," she said, looking down at Brianna's motionless body. "Poor girl. Someone should have told her that when you associate with those girls, bad things will quickly follow," she said, before looking at the girls.

"Pick her up and follow me. When we get to the castle, give her this," she said, tossing a bottle towards Nicole, who fumbled but managed to catch it.

"What's that? I thought we already cursed her?" said Britney, eyeing the green liquid inside the glass.

"A potion, obviously," said Amber, an amused smile on her face as Brittany rolled her eyes.

"Thank you Captain Obvious. I mean, what does the potion do?" she said and Amber grinned.

"There's the right question! And the answer is a simple mind wipe. When she wakes up, she'll not remember this encounter and come to our side. A drugged bait used for later leverage against Ashley and her friends," she said.

"Then why give her memory back in the first place?" asked Nicole, confusion covering her tanned face.

"Why? She may lose her memory, but the small fear she felt when I cursed her will remain. She'll fear us, but she won't know why, and she'll have no place else to go even if she does remember, which is unlikely. The perfect captive victim," she said, before snapping her fingers, a black cloud surrounding her. "Those girls better enjoy their happily ever after while they still can, for I will destroy their happiness for good. If it is the last thing I do," she said, before disappearing with the cloud of smoke. The other three girls stood a moment in silence before looking at one another.

Amber threw back her head and cackled, a malicious sound that made the other three shiver.

"Remind me never to piss her off," said Vanessa, the other two nodding quickly.

"Agreed."

So….did this chapter make up for the long MIA absence? I really hope so, and though I know it's super annoying when an authors falls off the map and doesn't update for an insane amount of time, please try to be understanding that school comes first. Flamers aren't appreciated, unless it's Hades, and I really can't stay mad at him. Now a quick breakdown of what was featured in this chapter. And unless it's the OC's from HRSF, I don't own any of these references!

Disney Movie Kingdoms

Coventry (Twitches 1 and 2)

Genovia (The Princess Diaries 1 and 2)

Halloweentown (Halloweentown 1,2, 3 and 4)

Labyrinth (The Underground) (Jim Henson's Labyrinth)

Quotes

Hunger Games quote: May the Odds Be Ever In Your Favor (reversed)

Once Upon a Time Regina quote: I will destroy your happiness, if it is the last thing I do

Sofia the First: "I'm sorry is a phase that's often heard, but actions speak louder than words."

What can I say? As per usual, none of the above belong to me, though I love the songs, movies (Labyrinth and Hunger games so much!) and the quotes, but I own nor profit from any of them. And you gotta love the Jack/Julia romance! And while I know this is a super long author note, I want to end by giving credit where credit is due. Brianna, the newest character to the HRSF 3 series, belongs to the wonderful TearsForTheReaper, and she will play a very big role in what is to come. I was listening to Outside Looking in by Jordon Pruitt (which in no way belong to me) and it just seemed like a good tone, so I recommend you listen to it. So a big thank you to TearsForTheReaper, for use of your character, thank you to LadySly for assistance of bringing this chapter to completion, and thank you Solaria daughter of Apollo, for just keeping in contact with me on a regular basis. I hope everyone enjoyed the chapter, and the next one, I hope, will come sooner. I promise not to take 5 months this time. Until then!

~Rainlily216 Out!~