(A/N). Hi guys! Okay then, not much to say here today. I'd just like to thank you all for the views and reviews. To those of you who've stuck with my story, I'd just like to say that I'm very honoured and very pleased.
Right then, without further ado, let's continue!
Maleficent, Diaval, Christopher and Syrena traveled until the moon filled the night sky. It was then that Maleficent had decided it was time to rest up for the night, before she and Diaval left for a quick fly around, in order to make sure that no one sinister was in the vicinity... Christopher had just finished tethering Apollo to a tree, when Syrena spoke his name.
''Christopher.''
''Yes?''
''The man you were telling me about earlier, what's his name again?''
''Drake,'' Chris replied.
''Drake?'' she echoed... ''So, why does he have this vendetta against you?''
Christopher let out a sigh, as he turned away from his horse and walked over towards Syrena. ''It's...rather complicated, really.''
''Complicated?''
''Yeah.''
''You have a shared history?''
''Well, not exactly... You see, the thing is, Syrena...I don't think you'll be able to comprehend the truth.''
''Try me.'' She smiled playfully...
''Alright.'' Chris agreed after a moments hesitation, before sitting himself down beside the small fire Diaval had built before departing with his Mistress... He looked to the ground, as he thought on how he should word what he was about to say... Eventually, he lifted his head back up and looked into the eyes of the enchanting woman seated at the opposite side of the fire. ''I'm...not from this place.'' He spoke the words in a hesitant tone.
''What do you mean?''
''Well...I don't belong here.''
''You're not making yourself very clear,'' Syrena spoke with a smile of amusement on her face.
''Sorry.'' Chris laughed nervously. ''I suppose I am being a bit vague, aren't I?... Okay, I'll put it another way.. I don't belong in this time period.''
''Time period?''
''My jacket.'' Chris turned himself around and reached out for his leather jacket that was laid on the ground. ''Here. Look at it.'' He held the jacket up for her to see clearly.. ''Doesn't it seem unusual to you?''
''Well, now that you mention it, yes. It does seem rather...unique.''
''It is VERY unique for this time.''
''Why do you keep speaking about time?''
''Because this jacket is from the 21st century.'' Chris explained... ''As am I.''
''What?''
''I know it seems unbelievable, but it's true. I swear it.. Maleficent and Diaval can vouch for it.''
''Okay then. Supposing I believe you. How is it possible?'' Syrena questioned.
''Well, it's rather complicated.''
''Is that your answer for everything?''
''No, of course not.''
''Then please tell me.'' Syrena implored. ''How did you manage to travel backwards through time to the 14th century?''
Christopher took a breath before replying... ''Lightning.''
''Excuse me?''
''Lightning.'' He repeated... ''I was struck by lightning.. Not just me, actually. Drake as well.''
''But, how-''
''I was chasing him.'' Chris cut her off.
''Chasing him?''
''Yes.'' Christopher nodded. ''You see, it was all a terrible coincidence, really. I was simply minding my own business when I overheard this woman screaming.. I went to investigate, and that's when I first saw Vernon.''
''Vernon?'' Syrena wondered who that was.
''Drake.'' Chris clarified. ''Drake's first name is Vernon.''
''His first name?''
''Yeah.'' Chris confirmed. ''We all have two names in my time.''
''I see.''
''Anyway, Drake had stolen this woman's purse. So I gave chase in order to get it back for her.''
''Oh, so you pursued him because you wanted to help this woman?'' Syrena asked this question with full sincerity (unaware of the exact events surrounding that fateful night).
''Yes, of course.'' It didn't take long for the young man to notice that Syrena seemed lost in thought all of a sudden... ''What is it?''
''Nothing.'' Syrena shook her head. ''It's just that...it's been a very long time since I've met anyone willing to help people for purely selfless reasons.'' A sad look passed over Syrena's face before she remembered her priorities. ''I'm sorry. Please continue.''
''Okay.'' Chris cleared his throat. ''So, er...I gave chase and we ended up fighting with one another on board a boat.''
''A boat?''
''Yes.'' Christopher lowered his head... ''That's when the lightning struck us both.''
''And then what happened?''
''I'm not sure.. The next thing I knew I was falling through the air and crash landing here in the 14th century.'' Chris tapped the ground with his knuckles...
A silence filled the air for several seconds, before Syrena finally broke it, saying... ''Well, that's an unusual turn of events.''
''I'll say,'' Chris said with a chuckle.. He looked at Syrena's face and noticed the uncertainty spread across it... ''You think I'm mad?''
''No.'' Syrena shook her head.. ''It does explain a few things.''
''Such as?''
''Er...your jacket.''
''I already pointed that out to you.'' He shot her a smile.
''Yeah, I know.'' Syrena returned his smile... ''Wait!''
''What?''
''It'd also explain why you seemed as though you were never going to see your aunt again.. And I thought of that one myself.''
''So you did...'' Chris looked to the ground and let out a sigh.
''So...can you return? Back to your own time, I mean?''
''I don't know,'' Christopher replied... ''Sometimes I wonder if it's worth the risk.''
''Risk?''
''In order to have any hope whatsoever of returning to my own time, I'd have to be struck by lightning again.. And as you can imagine, I could very well die in the process.''
''Well, Christopher, I hardly know you...but I feel as though I should express my opinion on this.. You don't mind, do you?''
''Of course not...''
''Are you happy?''
''What?'' Chris wasn't expecting this.
''Are you happy?'' she repeated.
''That sounds more like a question than an opinion.''
''The opinion comes after the question.''
''Ah, okay.'' Christopher decided to go along with this.. ''Well, I don't have much to be happy about, really. So much is at stake now... I've seen so much death.'' He closed his eyes in anguish.
''Could you ever be happy here?''
Chris reopened his eyes upon hearing her revised question.
''If not, then I think you should try and return home.'' Syrena gave her advice.
''You do?''
''Yes.'' Syrena let out a small sigh. ''If home is the only thing that can make you happy, then you must try and return.''
''Oh, I don't know. Happiness can sometimes come out of nowhere and smack you in the face.''
''It can?''
''Hmm. And it comes in many different forms. Laughter, music-'' He paused and looked into her eyes... ''Love.''
''You make it sound all so magical.''
''It is, in a way.''
''You know, I...I don't think I've ever been truly happy.''
''Neither have I...'' Christopher let out a wistful sigh.
Suddenly, Syrena got to her feet (uncomfortable with this conversation, and confused as to why she'd allowed herself to open up in front of him).
''What's the matter?'' Chris inquired in a slightly worried tone.
''Nothing. I'm fine.. I'm just feeling a little tired, that's all.''
''Of course. You need your rest.. Be careful not to put too much weight on that foot.''
''Oh...yes.'' (She'd momentarily forgotten that she was pretending to be injured). Syrena lifted her leg up and began to hop away from the fire.
''Let me help.'' Chris offered.
''No, thank you.''
''Hang on!''
Syrena turned to face him.
''You sleep by the fire. I'll go... I have to give Apollo this carrot, anyway.'' Chris produced said carrot from his jacket pocket.
''Okay,'' she agreed with a smile.
Christopher promptly got to his feet and made his way over towards his horse, leaving a regretful looking Syrena to think on what she was about to do...
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Meanwhile, Maleficent and Diaval were traversing the skies for any sign of Vernon and his men... They flew for quite a while, before Maleficent suddenly spoke up.
''Come, Diaval!'' Maleficent proceeded to swoop down towards the ground, immediately followed by her trusted companion. Both were satisfied that Vernon was nowhere near (little did they know that he and his troops were deliberately staying quite a way behind them in order to remain undetected)...
''What is it, Mistress?'' Diaval asked upon changing himself back to human form.
''Oh, it's everything, Diaval,'' Maleficent replied with a sigh.. ''I hate this feeling of having to look over my shoulder.. I thought after Stefan's death that would be the end of it... Now I fear it was just the beginning.''
''Oh, Maleficent.'' Diaval sighed. ''I understand how you feel, I really do. But, we must be strong... For Aurora's sake.''
Maleficent turned to face Diaval upon hearing Aurora's name. ''You're right.. We must press on.''
''That's my girl.'' Diaval shot her a smile.. ''Come on!'' He turned to leave. ''We don't want to leave Christopher and Syrena on their own for too long.''
''Tsk.'' Maleficent tutted at the sound of Syrena's name.
Diaval turned back to face his Mistress. ''What's wrong?''
''I don't trust her, Diaval,'' Maleficent replied after a brief moments hesitation.
''Who? Syrena?''
''Yes.'' Maleficent let out a sigh. ''There's just something about her. I can't put my finger on it.''
''Well, personally, Mistress...I think she seems very nice.''
''Yes, yes.'' Maleficent shook her head slightly. ''Nevertheless, there's something about her that doesn't sit well with me... I think she may be hiding something.''
''Like what?''
''I'm not sure.. Time will tell.'' Maleficent walked past Diaval before spreading out her wings once more. ''Let's go.''
''Right behind you.''
Maleficent took a jump into the air before taking flight, Diaval following close behind.
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Back by the fire, Syrena was feeling very uneasy.. This night was bound to be one of the hardest of her life... She knew what she had to do. She had to stay true and loyal to Vandran.. If this meant she had to kill Maleficent, Diaval and Christopher...so be it... Despite this, however, deep down inside was a pang of regret. Yes, she'd killed for Vandran before... But not like this. She'd never had to converse and make nice with any of her victims before.. This just seemed so...wrong. But she had no choice. Vandran MUST come first... If not for him, she would have been dead a long time ago... The only comfort she could find in all this was that she wouldn't have to kill Christopher herself, as she'd promised his life to Vernon. She would instead leave the young man to be dealt with by the wicked Captain... Perhaps, in a way, this would be a worse fate. Who knows what Vernon may do to Christopher before ending his life... She let out a long sigh... Oh, what a glorious mess her life had become.
Syrena looked up upon hearing the sound of flapping wings. It was Maleficent and Diaval.. ''Christopher!'' Syrena called out, in order to alert Chris of Maleficent and Diaval's presence.
''Yeah!?'' Chris shouted back as he walked out into the clearing.
''Look!'' Syrena pointed upward.
''Oh.'' Chris noticed Maleficent descending down towards them.. Within seconds, the elegant fairy had landed on the ground. ''Hey!'' Chris greeted her with a smile.
''Hey.'' Maleficent reciprocated his use of the word (despite being unsure as to how this meant hello).
''So, any signs of anything ominous lurking out there?'' Chris inquired.
''Not a thing,'' Diaval replied, as he transformed himself back into human form.
Syrena shook her head in disbelief. ''I still don't understand how that works, Diaval. (he'd already tried to explain it to her earlier). Does it hurt when you transform?''
''No,'' Diaval responded.. ''It was a little uncomfortable at first, but now I'm used to it.''
''I see.''
''Christopher,'' Maleficent spoke up. ''A word in your ear.'' She gestured her head away from the fire before heading towards a nearby cliff wall.
''Sure,'' Chris replied as he followed after her...
Upon reaching the wall, Maleficent turned to face Christopher.
''So, what is it?'' Chris inquired as to why she wanted to speak with him alone.
''Well, Christopher, I was just speaking with Diaval about Syrena.''
''Really? I take it you had nothing good to say about her.''
''Look, I'm not criticising her. It's just that...I think there's something she's not telling us.''
''What?''
''It's just a feeling I have.'' Maleficent sighed. ''It could be nothing, it probably is nothing... Even so, I'd like you to keep an eye on her.''
''An eye on her?''
''Yes.'' The fairy nodded. ''Just ask her a few questions about her past.''
''Okay.'' Chris agreed rather reluctantly. ''But please, Maleficent, be nice to Syrena... I really like her.''
''Alright.'' Maleficent let out another sigh. ''If you keep up your end of the deal, I'll keep up mine.''
''Great! It's a deal.'' Chris held out his hand.
Maleficent hesitated for a second or two before shaking his hand...
''Good.'' Chris gave her a smile before heading back towards the fire...
''So, who's keeping watch tonight?'' Diaval wondered.
''It's my turn,'' Chris said in reply.
''Right. That's settled then.''
''Wait a minute.'' Syrena butted in. ''What do you mean keep watch?''
''One of us always stays awake throughout the night.'' Chris explained.
''In order to make sure we all stay safe.'' Diaval explained further. ''We don't want to be getting killed in our sleep now, do we?'' He turned to Christopher.
''Certainly not.'' Chris concurred.
Syrena's face fell upon hearing this. How could she manage to kill them in their sleep if one of them was always awake? It soon became apparent to her that there was only one way around this problem... ''I'll do it.''
''What?'' Diaval looked to the red haired woman.
''I said I'll do it.'' Syrena repeated. ''I'll stay awake and keep watch.''
''No, Syrena, it really isn't necessary,'' Christopher said. ''I've already said I'll do it.''
''But I want to do it.'' Syrena practically insisted.. ''Besides, considering this is my first night with you all, I think it should be considered my turn.''
''Syrena, listen to me.'' Christopher stood directly in front of her. ''You're not up to it.''
''Look, I have an injured ankle, it's nothing major. I don't think it will stop me from staying awake through the night.. If anything, the pain will keep me awake, anyway.''
Chris let out a sigh, as he heard Maleficent clearing her throat from behind him (hinting that she didn't trust Syrena enough yet for her to keep watch)... ''Tomorrow night you can keep watch. But for tonight...please let me do it.''
Syrena hesitated for a moment, as a look of disappointment shrouded her face. 'Oh, what's one more night,' she thought to herself... ''Alright then.'' She relented.
''Splendid!'' Chris gave her a bright smile.
''Diaval, Christopher!'' Maleficent called them both.
Chris and Diaval shared a look before walking over towards Maleficent. ''Excuse us,'' Chris said to Syrena over his shoulder.
''Yes, Mistress?'' Diaval spoke with a puzzled look on his face, wondering why Maleficent seemed so agitated.
''Would you two mind leaving me alone with Syrena for a moment?''
''Maleficent,'' Chris spoke her name in a worried voice. ''Please tell me you're not going to say or do anything untoward.''
''Of course not.''
''Are you sure?'' Diaval could sense the hostility between the two females.
''I give you my word.''
''Well, that's good enough for me.'' Diaval promptly marched past his Mistress and headed off towards the cliff wall.
Chris followed Diaval after shooting Maleficent a warning look...
Once Christopher and Diaval were out of sight, Maleficent walked over towards the seated Syrena... A frosty silence filled the air until Syrena spoke up.
''So you've decided to speak to me, then?''
''I didn't say anything.''
''You were about to,'' Syrena replied without missing a beat. ''Why else would you send Christopher and Diaval away?''
''You're observant... I like that.'' Maleficent sat down next to her.
''Really?'' Syrena seemed shocked at receiving this compliment.
''Indeed...'' Maleficent fell silent for a brief moment before speaking... ''It has come to my attention that...earlier today...I may have acted in a way that could be considered...harsh.'' She looked up and met Syrena's gaze. ''I'm not one for apologies, but in this case I must acknowledge my offence... I was wrong to dismiss you.''
Syrena gave a grateful nod of her head, knowing that this admission of wrongdoing was hard for Maleficent.
''I'm not going to lie to you, Syrena. I don't fully trust your kind.''
''Humans?''
''Correct... Most of my experiences with them have been of an unpleasant nature.. I don't wish them any harm, you understand. I just like to keep my distance, that's all.''
''I see... And what makes him the exception?'' Syrena pointed in the direction Christopher had trailed off in.
''Christopher?''
''Hmm.''
Maleficent looked away from Syrena before replying. ''Circumstances forced us to join forces with one another.. If it helps, initially I distrusted him just as much as I distrust you now.''
''You distrust me?''
''Yes.'' Maleficent wasn't afraid to admit this... ''But I'm willing to give you a fair chance.''
''Thank you, Maleficent.''
''You're welcome.'' Maleficent got to her feet and walked a few steps before turning around to face Syrena. ''Do understand that this doesn't make us friends. However, I am willing to be civil towards you.''
''Oh, how very gracious of you,'' Syrena responded in a highly sarcastic tone.
Maleficent shot her a narrow eyed look... ''Goodnight, Syrena.''
''Goodnight, Maleficent.''
Maleficent shot the red haired woman one last look before walking off in Diaval and Christopher's direction... Upon reaching the pair of them, Maleficent called out to her companion (who was currently conversing with Christopher). ''Diaval!''
''Well, their little chat must be over,'' Diaval said to Christopher before turning to face his Mistress. ''How did it go?'' he inquired.
''I do hope you didn't insult her,'' Chris spoke to Maleficent with a worried expression on his face.
''Don't fear,'' Maleficent replied. ''I think we've reached an understanding.''
''Really? I find that a little hard to believe.''
''Go ask her yourself.'' Maleficent gestured her head in Syrena's direction.
''Yeah, I think I will.'' Chris walked a few steps before turning around to face them. ''Goodnight, you two.''
''Goodnight,'' Maleficent and Diaval both responded in unison.
Once Christopher had gone, Maleficent looked to Diaval with a nervous look in her eyes, not relishing what she was about to say.
''What's wrong?'' Diaval could tell that she was nervous...
''Listen, Diaval-'' She paused and took a breath... ''About what happened earlier-''
''I know.'' He cut her off. ''I'm sorry... I shouldn't have tried to kiss you.''
''No, don't apologise.'' Maleficent let out a sigh. ''I think we share equal blame.''
''I just get so...so-''
''I know.'' She reached out her hand and stroked his cheek. ''You know that I care for you, Diaval. But, you must understand...I must understand.'' She added.
''Understand what?''
''That we can't give in to our feelings.'' The fairy cast her gaze to the ground. ''Not now. Not at a time like this''
''I agree.''
''You do?'' Maleficent hadn't been expecting this response.
''Yes,'' he spoke the word with a sigh. ''I think I finally understand... I know it's difficult for you.''
Maleficent nodded her head slightly. ''But it's much more than that, though. What with Aurora held captive and the world in peril.. Then there's Christopher, and now Syrena.''
''I know, I know.'' Diaval knew that she made a good point. Things weren't exactly ideal for them at the moment...
''In time, when all this is over-''
''Yes.'' Diaval nodded his head to show that he understood what she was saying. He didn't need to hear this again.
''Thank you, Diaval.'' Maleficent gave him a small smile. ''For understanding, I mean.''
Diaval returned her smile.
Maleficent let out a deep breath.. ''You'd better go get some sleep. You were awake all last night.''
''Don't you want me to sleep here with you?''
''Well, under the circumstances...I think it would be best if-''
''I only meant sleep, you understand.'' Diaval cut her off in his haste to clear up what he meant. ''Fully clothed and everything.'' He chuckled nervously.
Maleficent started to giggle, amused by Diaval's nervousness.
''Look, I helped you sleep last night, allow me to help you again.''
''Oh, I don't-''
''Please.'' He practically pleaded.. ''I can't bear to be apart from you, Maleficent.''
Maleficent let out a breathless sigh... ''Alright.'' She relented.
''Good,'' Diaval said quietly in reply, as he gave his love a slight smile...
Back by the fire, Syrena looked to Christopher (who was advancing towards her).
''Are you alright?'' Chris asked.
''I'm fine,'' Syrena replied after a slight hesitation. ''Why do you ask?''
''Well, I know Maleficent spoke with you and-''
''And you think she may have offended me in some way?''
''Frankly, yes.''
''Well she didn't.'' Syrena put his fears to rest. ''In fact, she was rather nice.''
''Really? Well, that's good.'' Christopher sat down beside a nearby log, his back resting against it...
''How do you feel about her?'' Syrena broke the building silence.
''Who? Maleficent?''
Syrena nodded her head.
''I think she's a very...complex individual,'' Chris replied after considering his words for a brief moment.
''I see.. You thought she'd insulted me, though. Why?''
''Well, I could sense the friction between the two of you,'' Chris replied. ''And besides, Maleficent doesn't really care much for us humans.''
''She seems to like you.''
''Well, we kinda have a love/hate relationship.''
''Really?.. How strong is the love part?''
''Eh?''
''The love part?'' Syrena repeated...
''I'm afraid I don't understand what you're getting at here.'' Chris gave the red haired woman a slight smile of amusement.
''Well, I thought maybe Maleficent's animosity towards me stemmed from romantic desires towards you.''
Christopher burst out laughing at this... ''No, no. She only has eyes for Diaval...even if she won't admit it to herself yet.'' Chris managed to stop himself from chuckling. ''Don't tell her I said any of that.''
''Don't worry, I won't.'' Syrena fell silent for a moment before speaking up again... ''And what about you?''
''Hmm?''
''Well, do you find her attractive?''
''Sure.''
''Really?''
''Yes, but nothing would ever come of it, trust me. She's just a little too different for my tastes... Don't get me wrong, I do care about her. But my feelings for her are strictly platonic.''
''Are you sure?''
''Yeah. She's more like the big sister I never had, really.''
''That's sweet.'' Syrena smiled...as an almost regretful look appeared on her face (not looking forward to completing her upcoming task)...
''Well then, don't you think you should get some shuteye?'' Chris suggested. ''We have to leave at daybreak.''
''Yes, I am rather tired.''
''Okay. You sleep, don't mind me.''
''You really intend to stay awake all night, then?''
''Yeah,'' Chris confirmed as he looked to the stars above him. ''Well, someone has to.''
''I don't think it would hurt if you had a few hours rest.''
''Oh, you don't know Vernon. He can be very sneaky... Besides, Maleficent and Diaval would kill me if I fell asleep while on watch.. Although, Diaval really hasn't got any room to talk.''
''Really? I take it he fell asleep on watch, then?''
''Yes,'' Chris replied with a chortle.. ''Now go to sleep.''
''Alright then.'' Syrena promptly laid down and turned onto her side away from Christopher, feeling slightly peeved that she hadn't succeeded in trying to coax the young man into sleeping...
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It was a long, sleepless night for Syrena. She was feeling a mixture of conflict and frustration. Having to wait another day before slaying Maleficent and Diaval in their sleep was a terrible thing, because as much as she loathed to admit it to herself, she was growing fond of them (yes, even Maleficent). Killing a faceless individual, someone she didn't know came easy to her... But this was entirely different. Waiting another 24 hours was going to be torturous... Truth be told, she didn't know if she'd have the inner strength to press on with what must be done. Not even if she was required to do so right now... She let out a sigh of resignation, as she finally closed her eyes... No sooner had she closed them, however, when she reopened them once again, upon hearing a sound that resembled a snore... She waited a few seconds...before her eyes lit up, as she heard another snore (this one even louder than the last). Syrena slowly turned around and smiled to herself, as she looked to Christopher... Yes, he'd unintentionally fallen asleep. His head was slumped back against the log, his mouth opened ever so slightly, letting out a snore every couple of seconds...
Syrena slowly got to her feet and tiptoed over towards him.. She looked down at him whilst considering what to do... She was supposed to dispatch Maleficent and Diaval, but this seemed like a very daunting task, as not only would she have to walk over a 100 yards to get to them, but she'd also have to be very silent in order not to wake one of them up (as they were, evidently, once again, sleeping together). Whereas Christopher was a very easy target.. He was right here before her. All alone.. She could kill him first, then try and eliminate Maleficent and Diaval with Vernon's support (as she knew he wouldn't be too far away)... Syrena let out a sigh. Out of the three of them, Christopher was the one she least wanted to kill. Not only because she'd promised him to Vernon, but also because she'd grown closer to him than the other two... But still, it had to be done. She knew that she may never get a better chance than this one... Syrena pulled out her concealed dagger, and stood directly over Christopher.
''I'm sorry,'' she spoke in a whisper... ''In a strange way, I may be providing you with kindness here.'' Syrena spoke in reference to what Vernon may do to him if he had his way... ''I'm sorry,'' she repeated, as she knelt down beside him... She looked to the dagger in her hand and began to tremble... This was it... This was the point of no return.. Killing Christopher here and now would finally fulfil Vandran's faith in her... However, she knew it was the last chance for herself. For the real her... Her very last chance... 'It must be done, it must be done,' she thought to herself, trying to build up enough courage to go through with it... 'It must be done!'
On that thought, Syrena raised her dagger upward. She froze as she looked down to the sleeping young man... Suddenly, she found herself uttering words she never thought she'd say. Speaking out in plea to Vandran's enemy, and his Master's direct adversary... But she couldn't help herself. She spoke the words as she prepared to slam the dagger down into Christopher's chest...
''God forgive me.''
(A/N). So there you have it! The end of another chapter!.. I thought I'd leave you with a cliffhanger this time. Sorry. Don't hate me for it.
As always, thanks for reading.
Until next time, so long.
