(A/N). Hi guys! As always, thanks for the reviews.
Well, I have nothing further to say than that, so let's get started with this chapter already!
''Back away!'' the man exclaimed.
''Okay, okay.'' Christopher held his hands up while backing away slightly.
''You too!'' he barked at Diaval.
Diaval slowly stepped aside, a worried expression on his face.
''Very good... Right, I'm leaving now. And you're coming with me.'' He nudged Syrena slightly.
''You don't need her!'' Chris objected.
''Oh, yes, I do,'' the man replied. ''Once I'm outside she can go free. Now move!''
Syrena began to walk forward slowly.
''On your knees, on your knees!'' the man bellowed.
Christopher and Diaval promptly knelt down.
''Hands on your heads!''
Diaval instantly did as he was instructed... Christopher, however, did not.
''Listen to me. I don't want to hurt-''
''Do it!'' the man cut Chris off before he could finish his sentence.
Christopher put his hands on top of his head.. ''It's gonna be alright, Syrena.''
Syrena gave him a small smile as she was pushed towards the front door... She slowed her pace down upon reaching the spot where Diaval had stood on the nail.
''Keep moving!''
Syrena suddenly strode over the nail, startling the man.
''Hey!'' he hurried after her.. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' he cried out in pain, as he stepped down hard on the nail.
Syrena span around and kicked the man in his stomach, causing him to drop the arrowhead, before then kicking him twice more.. The man groaned as he bent over in pain. Syrena swung her leg up once more, kicking him square in the face and sending him sprawling to the floor...
''Wow,'' Chris uttered under his breath as he got back to his feet. ''Where did you learn to kick like that?''
''Oh, it comes natural to me,'' Syrena replied with a smile.
''Diaval, fetch the lantern!''
Diaval rushed into the kitchen and grabbed the lantern.
''Now, my friend. Let's take a closer look at you.''
''Here you go.'' Diaval handed Syrena the lantern.
Syrena walked over towards the man and gasped in astonishment, as the light from the lantern revealed his face.. He was an older man with a fairly long, dark grey beard. His skin was oily and he was as bald as an egg.
''Oh, bloody hell.'' The man groaned. ''I'm in for it now.''
Chris smiled in amusement at the man's sudden change of voice...
''Could one of you please say something?'' the man implored. ''Because I'm starting to feel rather awkward about all this.''
''Alright,'' Syrena spoke up. ''I have three questions for you.. One, who are you? Two, what are you doing in my house? And three, why did you try to kill me?''
''Er...well, firstly, my name is Fraser.. Secondly, I needed a place to stay.. And thirdly, I never intended to do you any harm. I was merely using you as leverage in order to escape... So there. Satisfied?''
''Not even remotely,'' Syrena replied. ''You say that you didn't intend to hurt me. Well, in that case, you put on one hell of a performance.''
''That's true.'' Fraser agreed. ''That's exactly it, in fact.. The real me couldn't even harm a fly.''
''The real you?.. I don't understand?''
''I'm a performer!'' the man exclaimed. ''That's what I am!.. Or perhaps I should say, that's what I used to be.''
''You're a performer?''
''An actor, to be specific.''
The trio all exchanged sullen looks before Christopher smiled slightly... ''Give me a hand, Diaval.'' He moved to lift Fraser up.
''Please be gentle guys. Remember, I'm an old man.''
Christopher and Diaval grabbed Fraser and pulled him to his feet.
''OW!'' Diaval cried out in pain.
''What happened?'' Chris looked alarmed.
''He bit me!''
''What?''
''Yes, yes, I did.'' Fraser admitted it. ''I'm sorry about that. It's one of two nervous conditions that I have.''
''Nervous conditions?''
''Yes. Whenever I'm anxious, I, well...bite things.''
Christopher couldn't help but titter. There was something about this old man that was rather likable.
''It's not funny!'' Diaval shot Christopher a scathing look.
''Sorry.'' Chris managed to stop himself from smiling...
''You mentioned it was one of two conditions,'' Syrena said. ''What's the other one?''
''Sleeping,'' he replied.
''Sleeping?''
''Yes. One moment I'm standing upright, and the next I'm out like a-'' Fraser suddenly dropped to the floor.
''Light.'' Christopher finished the sentence for him.
''What in the world?'' Diaval looked confused.
''Narcolepsy.'' Christopher revealed what the problem was.
''What?'' Syrena looked to Chris.
''Narcolepsy,'' Christopher repeated as he bent down to check on the sleeping Fraser. ''It's a neurological disorder that causes people to fall asleep at inopportune moments.''
''But, what is it?'' Diaval asked. ''Some form of spell?''
''No, it's a condition.'' Chris tried his best to explain. ''A rare disorder of the brain.''
''Will he be alright?''
''Oh, he'll be fine,'' Chris replied. ''So long as he doesn't ever fall asleep in a dangerous place, or at a dangerous time.''
''Is there a cure?'' Syrena queried.
''Not really,'' Chris responded. ''It's a long-term disorder, unfortunately... Although, there are treatments that can be helpful in tackling the major symptoms. However, they won't be available here in the 14th century.''
Just then, Fraser's eyes opened. ''Hello everyone!''
''Hi.'' Christopher flashed a small smile.
''Do you see what I mean now?'' Fraser sat upright. ''It's a complete bloody nightmare.''
''I can imagine.''
''Listen, Fraser, I hate to be persistent.'' Syrena spoke up. ''But you haven't answered all my questions yet.''
''Yes, I have.''
''No, you haven't.. I still don't know what you're doing in my house.''
''I told you!'' Fraser was helped to his feet by Diaval. ''I needed a place to stay.''
''And why is that?'' Syrena inquired.
''I chose your house at random,'' Fraser said. ''I had no place else to go... I am, as they say, without a home.''
The three of them all fell quiet upon hearing this... Eventually, Syrena broke the building silence.
''That still doesn't make it right for you to enter my home without permission.''
''Well, I suppose I could lie and say I was sorry,'' Fraser retorted. ''Would that help?''
Syrena shot him a glare.. ''How did you get in here, anyway?''
''Oh, well, I've always been good at breaking windows.. I remember when I was just a boy-''
''You broke a window!?'' Syrena exclaimed.
''Yes. The bedroom window, to be exact.''
''How did you get up there?''
''Well, I've always been good at climbing as well.. That reminds me of another-''
''No!'' Syrena cut him off. ''We don't have time to hear any of your stories... I'd like for you to leave now please.''
Fraser just stood there in silence for a second or two, before finally saying... ''Alright then.''
''Hang on a second.'' Chris turned to Syrena. ''Can we have a word in private.''
Syrena sighed. ''Yes, alright.''
''Good.'' Christopher looked to Diaval. ''Keep an eye on him.''
''Of course,'' Diaval replied, as he watched Christopher and Syrena trail off towards the kitchen...
Christopher and Syrena stepped through the open door before Chris closed it behind them... ''Where did you find the candle?'' Christopher gestured towards a lit candle resting atop a small table.
''Oh, Fraser had it, along with the lantern...'' Syrena took a deep breath before asking. ''So...what is it that you wish to say to me?''
Christopher sighed... ''Look, I know that this isn't my call to make, after all it is your house.''
''But?'' Syrena knew where this was going.
''But, personally...I don't think you should chuck him out. I mean, come on. The guy's homeless. I'm pretty sure what he did was the act of a desperate man.''
Syrena nodded her head to show that she understood. ''I suppose you're right.. It's just that...he threatened me.''
''I know that. But I think it was an empty threat.''
Syrena let out a sigh, as she contemplated what to do.
''Hey, don't let me influence you.''
''Well, it's a bit late for that now.'' Syrena smiled. ''You've made me feel like a bad person.''
''Oh, don't be silly. You're not a bad person.''
''Yes, I am,'' Syrena spoke in a whisper (her mask beginning to slip)... ''I'm a terrible person.''
''What?.. Look, don't listen to me. We both know that he's in the wrong here. And a lot of peoples first reaction would be to kick him out.''
''It wasn't your first reaction.''
''Well, I just felt sorry for him, that's all.''
Syrena reached out her hand and stroked Christopher's cheek. ''You're such a good person. You deserve better than this... You deserve to go home. Back to your own time.''
''Things aren't perfect in the future, Syrena.. Just look at Drake.''
''You're ten times the man Drake is...''
''Well, Syrena, to be honest...it's when I thought of Vernon that I decided to try and help Fraser.''
''I don't understand.''
''Vernon was homeless before he came to this realm, Syrena.. The differences between him and Fraser are apparent, but that may not always be the case... You see, my whole life is dedicated to finding out why people behave the way they do...''
''What do you see when you look at Vernon?''
''If I'm honest... I see pure hatred.. Hatred like that can only be bred by bitterness and years of mental anguish... Sometimes...all that's needed to save someone is to show them a little kindness. For kindness is the greatest gift ever bestowed to us... If given to the right person at the right time, it can change the course of their future. It can save their life and their soul... However, I fear that Vernon has gone too far... I believe that he's become insane, and ergo incapable of changing... I don't want to see the same thing happen to someone like Fraser.. I don't want to see anyone become as twisted and evil as Vernon is.''
Syrena's head fell, as her thoughts turned towards another irredeemable individual.
''What's the matter?''
''Oh, it's nothing, really,'' Syrena replied. ''It's just...I find myself reminded of a person similar to Vernon... Someone who is beyond redemption.''
''Who?''
''Someone I used to know,'' Syrena responded cryptically. ''He had everything a man could want...before he foolishly chose to throw it all away.''
Christopher wanted to inquire more about this person, curious to know his connection to Syrena. However, as any good psychotherapist knows, it's never good to press someone for information that they really don't want to divulge.. If she'd have wanted him to know more then she would have said more, it was as simple as that...
''I've made many poor choices in my life, Christopher... I fully intend not to make anymore.''
''Good.'' Chris smiled slightly...
''I want you to know that-'' She paused in order to draw breath. ''If you don't make it back to your own world...I'll always be here for you.''
''Thank you, Syrena.'' Christopher's hand found hers... ''Before I came here I never thought I'd-'' He suddenly stopped.
''What?..''
Christopher hesitated for a moment before replying. ''I never thought I'd find someone like you... And that's why I'll always be grateful to whatever power brought me to this place.''
Christopher and Syrena suddenly found themselves leaning forward.. Their eyes closed as their lips moved to within inches of one another... Just as their lips were about to connect, the kitchen door was flung open.
''Oh... I'm sorry.'' Diaval apologised for interrupting.
''What is it?'' Christopher asked in a peeved tone of voice.
''Well, er...he's left.''
''What?''
''Fraser. He's, um...he's gone.''
''Oh, no.'' Christopher hurried out of the kitchen.
''What happened?'' Syrena gave Diaval a prod.
''Well, he just said he didn't want to be a burden and left,'' Diaval replied. ''Besides, what's the big deal? If he wants to go, I say we should let him.''
''I'd have said the exact same thing a few minutes ago.'' Syrena stepped out of the kitchen to follow Christopher, leaving behind a bemused Diaval shaking his head in confusion.
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.
''Fraser!'' Christopher called out the man's name as he trotted up the street after him. ''Wait!''
Fraser stopped and turned around to face the young man. ''What is it, lad?''
''What are you doing?''
''Leaving,'' was Fraser's simple reply.
''Where will you go?''
''It doesn't matter.''
''It doesn't matter?'' Christopher echoed his words in disbelief.
''No, not really.''
''But, you're homeless. You said it yourself.''
''Perhaps I am, in the traditional sense of the word. But, when you stop and think about it, I'm not... You see, wherever I go, I'm home.'' Fraser gestured to the stars above his head and the earth beneath his feet.
Christopher smiled softly, touched by Fraser's words...
''Christopher!'' Syrena called out as she ran towards them... ''What's going on?''
''I'm leaving,'' Fraser said.
''No, you mustn't.'' Syrena reached out and touched his arm. ''Listen, I was wrong back there.. This doesn't mean to say that I think what you did was right because I do not... But, nevertheless, I would like for you to stay with us.''
''Are you quite sure?''
''Positive.'' Syrena confirmed.. ''Only until we find you a place of your own in this town, you understand.''
''Oh, of course, of course,'' Fraser replied. ''Thank you.''
''You're welcome.''
Christopher turned to Syrena and gave her a bright smile. ''Come on. Let's get back to the house.''
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.
After returning to the house, Christopher formally introduced himself and his companions to Fraser. He explained that Diaval would be leaving in the morning in order to journey to Mount Oberon. However (as with George), Christopher thought it best not to reveal anything further than that... Fraser had tried to press the matter, but Syrena had skillfully diverted him into talking about himself (something she gathered Fraser loved to do).
''I started acting at the age of eight.''
''Eight?'' Diaval echoed. ''Isn't that a little young?''
''Well, I wasn't a professional actor, you understand. I just learned I was a bloody good liar.'' Fraser laughed. ''I always used to pretend to be innocent of stealing and everyone used to believe me.''
''So you realised you had a talent?''
''I did, yeah.. Before I knew it, I was playing to crowds for nothing on street corners.. Then one day I thought, hey, you can make some money doing this. So, I joined an acting troupe.''
''And thus a career was born,'' Christopher spoke with a smile...
''Might I ask, what went wrong?'' Syrena broke into the conversation...
''Ah, well, for years it was just me and my mother,'' Fraser responded. ''The money I brought home was what kept her alive.''
''And your father?''
''No. I never knew him.''
''I'm sorry to hear that.'' Syrena fell silent for a moment before finally asking... ''What happened to him?''
''I don't bloody well know! My mother didn't know who he was either!'' Fraser burst out laughing.
Christopher, Diaval and Syrena all laughed slightly (out of politeness)...
''Oh, yes, my dear mother was ounces of fun.'' Fraser smiled at the fond memories.. ''After she passed, I just gave up. I couldn't be bothered anymore... Until, eventually, I realised that she wouldn't have wanted me to do that. So, I carry on.. Just living life day by day, really.''
''Don't you act anymore?'' Diaval inquired.
''Not really,'' Fraser replied. ''I just did odd jobs here and there for years, you know? Then one year things got tight. It got so bad I ended up losing our old house.. I tried to make a comeback on the stage but it was unsuccessful... So, here I am. Travelling from place to place without a care in the world.''
''That can't be an easy life to live.''
''Oh, you get used to it.'' Fraser moved closer towards the light of the lantern... A bleak silence filled the air for a few seconds before Fraser spoke up again... ''Is anyone hungry?''
''Er...yes,'' Syrena replied. ''I am.''
''Me too,'' Chris stated.
''I'm not particularly hungry.'' Diaval gave a shrug of his shoulders.
''I'm feeling rather peckish.'' Fraser got to his feet.
''Well, I'm sorry, but I don't have any food in.''
Christopher let out a sigh upon hearing this. ''Oh, well. We'll have to get something tomorrow at the market.'' He looked to Syrena. ''You do have a market here in Devondale?''
''You can bet your life on it!'' Fraser beamed. ''And that's why we won't have to wait until tomorrow.''
Diaval turned to Syrena. ''Surely all the stalls will be closed at this late hour?''
Syrena gave a nod of her head (knowing that must be the case).
''That may be so.'' Fraser agreed. ''But do not despair, my friends. We shall not go hungry tonight.''
''I don't understand.'' Diaval looked to his two companions to see if they had an idea as to what Fraser was talking about. Unfortunately, they were just as baffled as he was.
''Well, you see, I've already been to the market.. I went earlier today, as a matter of fact.''
''And you bought some food?''
''Good heavens no!.. I bloody well stole it.'' Fraser laughed, prompting the others to do the same...
''Why doesn't that surprise me?'' Chris spoke with a smile on his face.
''Because you can tell I'm a shifty bugger that's why,'' Fraser replied with a chortle.. ''I tried to talk my way out of it by feigning insanity. Unfortunately, the stall owner didn't fall for it.''
''What happened?''
''Well, he ruddy well chased me up the road, didn't he.''
''How did you manage to outrun him?'' Chris wondered.
''You presume that I've lost the use of my legs?''
''No, of course not.'' Chris backtracked. ''It's just that, with you being an older man an all-''
''Older man? Listen here, sonny. Just because I'm elderly you think I can't bloody well run anymore.''
''I didn't mean to cause any offence. If I did, then I'm sorry.'' Christopher apologised.
''Too right!'' Fraser looked to Diaval. ''How do you think I managed to get away, then?''
''Naturally, you outrun him,'' Diaval replied.
''Well you're wrong!.. Fortunately, he tripped and hit his head against a wall.'' Fraser laughed. ''I haven't been able to run for decades!''
Syrena tittered in amusement, while Christopher looked rather shocked about falling for Fraser's pretense at taking insult.
''I had you going, didn't I?'' Fraser poked Christopher.
''Yeah. Yeah, you certainly did.'' Chris flashed a smile. ''So, er...where's the food?''
''It's in this room over here.'' Fraser headed towards the door on his left.
''Ah, so that explains why the bookcase was on the floor.'' Christopher deduced.
''Yes, I admit, that was my fault.'' Fraser held his hands up.
''And you blamed me for being untidy.'' Syrena gave Christopher a nudge.
''What about all the rest of this stuff scattered all over the place?'' Diaval wondered. ''Is this all your stuff?''
''Oh, no,'' Fraser replied. ''This place looked just as bad when I broke in.. No offence, dear.''
''None taken,'' Syrena replied.
''Back in a tick!'' Fraser stepped into the room.
''You were saying?'' Christopher turned to Syrena while flashing a wry smile. ''Something about me blaming you for something you wasn't responsible for?''
Syrena failed to reply, knowing that if she were to say anything it would only incriminate her further.
''Don't fret about it, Syrena,'' Diaval spoke up. ''I'm not the tidiest individual either.''
Syrena still chose to remain silent, because if she denied making this mess then they'd presume either one of two things. That someone else had broken into this house prior to Fraser, or that this wasn't really her home at all.. She couldn't risk them presuming the latter, so she decided to smile and bear the embarrassment.
''Here we are!'' Fraser stepped back out into the living room with his hands full.
''What have you got there?'' Diaval asked as he got to his feet.
''A loaf of bread and some fruit,'' the older man replied.
''Oh, that's lovely.'' Syrena smiled.
''What type of fruit have you-''
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Fraser screamed, as he dropped an apple to the floor.
''What happened!?'' Chris shouted in alarm.
''A-A-A-A-'' Fraser stammered, his eyes wide.
''What!?''
''A-A-A-... SPIDER!''
''What?'' Diaval could hardly suppress his laughter.
''If there's anything I can't stand it's bloody spiders!.. Damn, infernal creatures!''
''Where is it?'' Syrena looked to the floor.
''On the bloody apple!'' Fraser pointed towards the red apple that had rolled into the corner of the room.
Christopher picked up the lantern and walked over towards it... ''I can't see it.''
''There it is!'' Diaval pointed towards the tiny spider that was headed straight for him and Fraser.
Fraser yelped before rushing and standing behind Diaval.
''AHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval let out a yell. ''You bit me again!''
''Sorry.'' Fraser apologised. ''Spiders make me anxious.''
''I'll get it.'' Syrena walked over towards the spider and scooped it up into the palm of her hand.
''Here, give it to me.'' Christopher took the spider in his hand and walked over towards the front door.
''Don't kill it,'' Fraser said. ''I may not like them but I don't think they deserve to die. All life is sacred.''
''Nice to meet someone who shares my beliefs.'' Christopher opened the door before bending down and releasing the spider onto the porch. ''There you go little fella.'' Chris stood upright as he closed the door.
''No offence, but, personally, I don't understand how anyone can be afraid of spiders,'' Diaval remarked.
''They're creepy.'' Fraser argued his viewpoint.
''I don't get it either.'' Christopher agreed with Diaval. ''I don't find them creepy at all.''
''No... You're afraid of moths, though, aren't you, Christopher?'' Syrena spoke with a smile.
''Moths!?'' Fraser chuckled slightly. ''What? How can anyone be afraid of a moth?''
''The same way you're afraid of spiders,'' Christopher replied.
''That's different. Many people are afraid of spiders.''
''That's true.'' Diaval concurred.
''What do you mean that's true? Whose side are you on here?'' Chris shot Diaval a glare
''Look, all I'm saying is I've never met someone who is afraid of moths before...until now.'' Fraser giggled.
''Let's just drop this, okay?'' Christopher looked very peeved...
''So, who's keeping watch tonight?'' Syrena broke the building silence.
''Watch? What do you mean who's keeping-'' Fraser suddenly dropped to the floor...asleep.
''Well...that rules him out,'' Syrena said with a smile.
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After a short discussion, Christopher volunteered to keep watch... Syrena went into her bedroom (after oddly getting it mixed up with a closet), Fraser slept in the guest bedroom (which Diaval generously offered to him), while Diaval decided to sleep in the study, leaving Christopher all alone in the living room...
''Damn,'' Chris cursed under his breath, as he pricked his finger on the nail embedded in the floor... Despite the fact that earlier on it had proved useful in thwarting Fraser from escaping, Chris had decided to extract it in order to prevent anyone else from accidentally standing on it... ''Come on, come on.'' Chris encouraged himself while twisting it out of the floor. ''There we go.'' Christopher pulled the nail out and tossed it into the fireplace, before huddling over towards the dying flames... He blew warm air onto his hands before putting them over the fire.
Just then, the door to the study opened up.
''Diaval?'' Christopher turned towards the door. ''Are you alright?''
''I'm fine,'' Diaval replied as he stepped into the living room. ''I'm just having a little difficulty sleeping, that's all.''
''I see.'' Christopher turned back towards the fire.
''I thought I'd take this as an opportunity to tell you what happened with me and Maleficent.''
Chris looked back to Diaval. ''Sure, go ahead.''
''Alright.'' Diaval seated himself on a nearby chair... ''Well, I can't deny that I was terrified before speaking with her.. I didn't know how she was going to react. I expected a hostile reception.''
''I take it you didn't receive one.''
''Well, I did at first. But she soon softened.''
''Really? That doesn't sound like the Maleficent I know.''
Diaval smiled slightly. ''I took your advice and spoke from the heart... I told her that I loved her.''
This caused Christopher to glance back towards Diaval. ''What did she say?''
Diaval's smile widened... ''She said that she loved me, too.''
Christopher reciprocated Diaval's smile. ''That warms my heart.. You two deserve happiness. I'm so pleased for both of you.''
''Thank you, Christopher,'' Diaval replied. ''Without you, I'm not so sure things would have turned out the same way.''
Christopher shrugged his shoulders. ''I'm a regular Cupid, eh?''
''True. Not so handy with a bow and arrow, though, are you?''
''No.'' Chris chuckled. ''Unlike Syrena.''
''Yeah, where did that come from?''
''I have no idea,'' Chris responded. ''She was deadly with it... Just like she is with her feet.''
''Mm...'' Diaval fell silent while staring blankly into the fire.
''You know, I-''
''Christopher.'' Diaval cut him off by mistake. ''I'm sorry. You go ahead.''
''No, I was just going to say that I got rid of that pesky nail by the front door.''
''Oh, good.''
''Now, go on.. What were you going to say?''
''Oh, it's nothing.'' Diaval thought it best not to say anything after all.
''Oh, come on. It can't be nothing... Tell me.''
''Alright,'' Diaval replied with a sigh. ''I just don't want this to come out the wrong way, that's all.''
''I'm sure it won't.'' Chris reassured him. ''Besides, I won't take offence.''
''Well, it isn't actually about you.''
''Really?.. Who, then?''
''Syrena.''
''Syrena?''
''Yes.. I think you've noticed her strange behaviour as well.''
Chris gave a small nod of his head.
''Don't get me wrong, she's a lovely woman. It's just...I'm not sure she's telling us everything.''
''Mm.'' Christopher considered what Diaval was saying... ''But, what would she have to hide?''
''I don't know,'' Diaval responded. ''I'm just going by her recent behaviour.''
''Yeah, she has been acting out of sorts since we arrived here. I'll admit that.''
''Even before then she was reluctant to divulge certain things.''
''Such as?''
''Such as how she learned to use a bow and arrow.''
''Yes. She did answer that in a rather cryptic manner, didn't she?''
''She certainly did.'' Diaval agreed... ''Not knowing her way around this place just makes me wonder.''
''Wonder what?..''
Diaval failed to respond...
''You're suggesting that this isn't her house?.. You think she's lying?''
Once again, Diaval didn't reply.
''Well?'' Chris pressed for an answer.
''No, no. Of course not... Well, maybe just a little part of me thinks that.''
''Oh, don't be silly, Diaval. Why would she make it up?''
''I've already told you, I don't know,'' Diaval responded...
''Alright, Diaval.. Let's presume that this isn't her house. Okay?''
''Okay.''
''Right then. If that were the case...how did she know where the spare key was? Hmm?''
Diaval thought for a moment before replying... ''Good point. She couldn't have known.''
''Exactly.''
''Ah, don't listen to me.. It's just a crazy thought.''
''Yeah, it's probably just her nerves,'' Chris said. ''She's been through a lot lately... We all have.''
''True.'' Diaval concurred with that statement... ''You really like her, don't you?''
''Syrena?.. Yeah, I think she's a very nice woman.''
''So do I, but that's not what I meant.''
''What did you mean?''
''Well-'' Diaval momentarily hesitated... ''I think you're-'' He stopped short again.
''Think I'm what?.. Falling for her?''
''Precisely.''
''No.'' Chris denied it with a smile. ''I mean, I do find her attractive.. But, I don't think I'm falling for her.''
''Well, I think you are. And I think you know it, too... In fact, you mentioned something like this to me once before.. Something to do with your profession... Let me think.'' Diaval tried to recall the name... ''Denial.''
''Denial?''
''Yes. You said it was a-'' Diaval tried to remember Christopher's exact wording. ''An unconscious defense mechanism.''
''Diaval, I'm not in denial.'' (Christopher sounded more like he was trying to convince himself than convince Diaval)...
''Oh, come on. You can't deny flying into a jealous rage the moment George kissed Syrena's hand.''
''Yes, I can deny it... Besides, there's a differences between a modicum of jealously and flying into a rage about it.''
''I suppose,'' Diaval responded with a slight grin. ''Nevertheless, it was jealousy.''
Chris didn't reply, as he looked back to the flames before him... Eventually, he spoke. ''Oh, who am I kidding?.. I can't deny the fact that I've been much happier since meeting her.''
''Well, I suppose it's nice for you to have another human around.''
''Well, I wouldn't exactly say that... I mean, I suppose it does play a small part. No offence, Diaval, I enjoy your company a great deal.. You and Maleficent have been, on the whole, very good to me... It's just nice to have someone else around who's inexperienced when it comes to fairies and shape-shifters.''
Diaval nodded his head, understanding that...
''But, there's more to it, really.'' Chris continued... ''She's the only woman I've ever-'' He suddenly stopped.
''What?''
''She's the first woman I've ever envisioned having a future with... You see, I've never had a serious relationship with a woman, Diaval... Sure, there's been the odd date...the odd dalliance.'' He smiled. ''But nothing deeper than that... I suppose it's because I never wanted it. Not really... If I did...I didn't want it enough.''
Diaval didn't really know what to say in reply to all that. His life was completely different to Christopher's... Not wanting to say the wrong thing, he opted to say nothing at all...
''Do you remember I told you about that girl in the ninth grade?''
''Yes,'' Diaval replied. ''I remember wondering what the ninth grade was...''
Christopher just stared blankly into the fire, as if Diaval's words had fell on deaf ears...
''Go on. What were you going to say?''
''I was going to say, erm-'' Chris paused for a moment... ''Syrena reminds me of her.''
''Really? In what way?''
''For starters, her red hair,'' Christopher responded. ''She's the only girl I've ever really cared for... That is, until I met Syrena...''
''So, what's the problem? Why don't you tell Syrena how you feel about her?''
Chris didn't answer that question...
''Is it because you're afraid of rejection?'' Diaval wondered aloud. ''After all, you were rejected by the girl in the ninth grade. Whatever the hell that is!'' He chortled.
''I don't recall saying I was rejected.''
''But you were, weren't you?..''
After a brief silence, Christopher finally admitted it, as he gave a solemn nod of his head. ''But, there's more to it, Diaval.. You see, I think Syrena may feel the same way about me.''
''Well, that's good!.. Isn't it?''
''I'm not so sure.''
''What do you mean?''
''I mean, I'm not sure if her developing feelings for me is a bad thing or a good thing.''
''I don't understand.''
''Don't you see?'' Christopher let out a sigh. ''Now that my part in this quest is over...I feel like I have to return home.''
''Why must you return if you're happy here?''
Chris looked away...
''It's because of your aunt, isn't it?'' Diaval suddenly realised.
''Yes.. She needs me. I'm all that she has.. And let's be honest, Diaval...I don't really belong here.''
''You're not thinking this through. You do realise that it'll be a terrible risk to try and return home.'' Diaval pointed this out. ''You have to be struck by lightning again, you know.''
Chris gave a nod of his head. ''I'm aware of that. But it didn't hurt me the first time.'' He gave a small smile... ''Look, nothing's set in stone... I'm not sure what I'm going to do yet.''
Now it was Diaval's turn to sigh... ''I'm gonna miss you, Chris.''
''Are you sure about that?'' Christopher spoke with a smile. ''I thought you'd rather it was just you and Maleficent.''
''Well, yes. You leaving does have its perks.'' Diaval returned his smile. ''But I can't deny that it's been nice having someone to turn to... You see, apart from Maleficent and Aurora, I've never really gotten close to anyone... Having a friend is a rare thing for me.''
''Same here.'' Chris shared that sentiment... ''I do hope that you and Maleficent succeed in rescuing Aurora.''
''Well, we're not coming back without her.. If we can't save Aurora...then we'll die trying.''
Chris gave a small nod of his head, understanding Diaval's desire to rescue his beloved little hatchling... ''You'd better get some sleep.. It'll be light in three or four hours.''
''No, I'm not going to sleep tonight,'' Diaval replied. ''I'll stay out here and keep watch. You go rest in the study.''
''Are you sure?''
''I'm positive.''
''Well, I am feeling rather tired.'' Chris thought for a moment before agreeing... ''Okay.''
''Good.''
Christopher slowly got to his feet. ''Diaval, can I ask you something?''
''Go ahead.''
''Well, it's just that-'' He hesitated.
''Go on.'' Diaval pushed him to continue... ''Don't worry. Whatever it is, I can take it.''
Christopher nodded his head. ''Okay.''
''Right then. What is it?''
''Videl.''
The name sent a shiver down Diaval's spine, as visions of his dream suddenly popped back into his mind... ''W-what about him?''
''Is it because of him that you can't sleep?''
Diaval failed to reply, in fear of appearing cowardly should he speak the truth.
''If that is the case, then don't be ashamed about it... I was afraid to sleep too after my experience with him.''
''How did you get past it?''
''I didn't,'' Chris replied honestly. ''Not really... It was a brief, yet horrifying experience, and one I'll never forget.''
''How do you manage to sleep, then?''
Christopher thought for a moment before replying. ''By convincing myself that it couldn't possibly be real... Now, though, I know beyond doubt that it was real.''
Diaval suddenly started to feel guilty about divulging all he'd experienced to Christopher. Now realising that he was just as afraid as he was...
''Goodnight, Diaval.'' Christopher gave his friend a pat on the shoulder, before walking towards the door that led to the study...
''Christopher, wait.''
Chris stopped beside the door before turning around to face Diaval. ''What?''
''There was something in the dream that I didn't tell you about.''
''Really? What?''
''Well, at the end of the dream I-... I can't remember, exactly... Just feelings, really.''
''Feelings?'' Chris looked puzzled. ''A feeling of despair? Anguish?''
''No, nothing like that... It felt wonderful, actually.. Perhaps that was because I was about to wake up.''
''Well, what exactly do you remember?''
''I remember it came when I was-'' Diaval closed his eyes, as he suddenly remembered the horrific things he'd seen... ''When I was at breaking point.''
''What happened?''
''I felt an overwhelming sensation of peace.. It was as though something was protecting me from Videl, shielding me from his power... I can't remember anything else after that.''
''I see...''
Diaval looked to the fire... ''I just thought I should let you know.''
''I'm glad that you did,'' Christopher responded as he opened up the door to the study.
''Really?'' Diaval looked back.
''Really.'' Christopher stepped into the study and was just about to close the door behind him when Diaval asked.
''Why? How does my final recollection of the dream change anything?''
''Why tell me about it if you didn't already know the answer?''
Diaval fell silent for a moment before replying... ''It's something good. That much I do know.''
''It is good. It's a sign.''
''What kind of sign?''
''A sign that we're not fighting this Darkness alone... Goodnight, Diaval.'' Christopher closed the door.
Diaval looked at the closed door for a few seconds before turning to the fire once again, thinking on Christopher's words...
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Meanwhile, back in the woods, Apollo was in need of attention...and so proceeded to nudge Maleficent.
''What is it?'' Maleficent turned towards the auburn haired horse.
Apollo nudged her again.
''Oh, alright.'' Maleficent stroked his nose.. She couldn't deny that she was annoyed at Christopher for leaving his horse behind with her instead of taking him along to Devondale. It was only going to complicate matters in the morning when Chris came along to collect him. Or perhaps Diaval could take him to Devondale. But either way, it was going to delay her and Diaval's departure.. The most irksome thing of all, though, was that she was having to take care of Apollo... Although, if she was to be completely honest with herself...she was growing rather fond of him. She'd disliked Apollo initially due to the fact that he used to belong to Stefan.. But there was just something special about Apollo. He was different to other horses. ''There you go.'' Maleficent finished stroking him. ''Satisfied?''
Apollo gave a nod of his head.
''Good.'' Maleficent smiled... She let out a weary sigh before walking over towards a comfortable spot on the ground. She proceeding to sit down on the grass...
Maleficent was feeling tired.. She hadn't slept the previous night and was in need of sleep...and yet she dare not close her eyes... To sleep in the woods all alone would be rather dangerous when Vernon and his men were probably not too far behind... Unable to resist sleep any longer, Maleficent found her eyes closing. 'Just a few minutes rest.' Maleficent made a false promise to herself...
''Well, well,'' a deep voice suddenly spoke (startling Maleficent in the process). ''If it isn't the formidable Maleficent.''
Maleficent jumped to her feet and spun around to face the man who was standing just over ten feet away from her.
''Not that formidable after all, eh?'' The man smiled... ''It seems that you don't have the strength to resist sleeping, even when you know that you really shouldn't... Not here, at least.'' The man took a step towards her.
''Stay back!'' Maleficent declared.
The man stopped walking.. ''Me? I don't need sleep... I do sleep on occasion, but only for pleasure. I could stay awake for centuries and not be affected by it in the least.''
These words caught Maleficent's interest... This was no ordinary man. ''Who are you?''
''Oh, I think you know the answer to that.''
Maleficent's face changed into a shocked expression, as she looked to the white hair on the man's head... Suddenly remembering Diaval's description, she realised who this man was.
''That's right (he could tell from the look on her face that she had deduced who he was)... I am Vandran.''
''Vandran,'' she spoke his name in a whisper... ''Oh, I've been waiting for this moment.'' Maleficent harnessed some energy in the palm of her hand...before blasting it in Vandran's direction.
''Tsk,'' Vandran tutted, as he swatted Maleficent's magic away as though it was a bothersome fly... ''I didn't come here to fight.''
''Then why did you come?'' Maleficent inquired (unfazed by Vandran's demonstration of power).
''To talk. To listen.''
''Really?.. Well, I have no desire to converse with a loathsome creature such as yourself.''
''Come now.'' Vandran smiled. ''Don't be like that.''
''Utter one more word and I shall tear out your tongue and split your skull.''
Vandran chuckled at her threatening words. ''Firstly, you would fail and die in the attempt. And secondly, even if you were to succeed in killing me, Aurora would still perish... You see, I'm the only hope she has.''
''No.'' Maleficent refused to believe that.
''Listen to me, Maleficent.'' Vandran took a step forward. ''Two intelligent and sophisticated beings like us should be able to reach some sort of amicable agreement. Do you not agree?''
''I will never help you.''
''I'm not asking for your help.'' Vandran clarified... ''I'm asking for you to keep out of my way.''
''I've had enough of this!'' Maleficent spread out her wings and prepared to attack.
''Wait!'' Vandran exclaimed. ''I'm sure that you will change your mind once you realise that without your cooperation...Aurora will be as good as dead.''
''Don't lie to me!. You need her to release Videl. I know that now.''
''Yes, I do need her.'' Vandran admitted this. ''However...I don't need her alive.''
''I know that, too.. But I also know that you can't kill her until the night of the blood moon.''
Vandran raised his eyebrows. ''Impressive. You know a great deal regarding the ritual. Unfortunately, you've overlooked one thing... It isn't Aurora's death that we need. It's merely a drop of her blood.''
Maleficent flashed a curious look.
''What I'm saying is, if I wanted to, I could kill her right now and save her blood until I need it.''
''If that is truly the case, why didn't you kill her immediately? Why complicate matters by abducting her?''
''Because I needed a bargaining chip,'' Vandran replied. ''Something to stop you from seeking revenge... You can have Aurora back once the ritual has being completed.''
''Why not take the drop of blood you require and release her now?''
Vandran sighed while shaking his head. ''If I were to do that, what would be stopping you from continuing on to Mount Oberon in order to prevent my Master's release?''
Maleficent gave a small nod of her head, understanding his point... ''What do you suggest?''
''I suggest that you return to the Moors.''
''That isn't going to happen.''
''Hear me out.''
Maleficent let out a long sigh...
''With you out of the picture, Aurora will be safe.. Then, once she's played her small part in this and my Master is free from his prison, she will be returned to your side... What do you say to that?''
''I say no,'' Maleficent replied. ''My concern in this goes beyond Aurora.. I have seen Videl and the realm he comes from. And I know that his release means total and utter annihilation for this world.''
''You're wrong,'' Vandran responded. ''He will not destroy this world, he will make it his own.''
''No, he will birth a new world. One far, far different to this one.''
''You foolish creature. You'd rather leave this world in the hands of men?''
Maleficent looked away, failing to respond.
''I have seen the future. I have looked from one dimension to another. And in each and every one Mankind has laid waste to this Earth!... You think fairies have a future?'' He chuckled. ''You're wrong... Very soon, your kind will be just a myth. In fact, they already are in some dimensions.''
''Shut up.'' Maleficent turned to face him.
''You know that I speak the truth. You know that Mankind cannot be allowed to live on.. They are a disease! A plague!.. Together, we can cure this world, Maleficent... All I need is for you to step down. Aurora shall live, and every single fae creature will remain unharmed upon my Master's release.''
''And Christopher?...''
''He must die,'' Vandran replied after a moments hesitation.
''Then it is true.'' Maleficent smiled. ''Christopher truly is "The One".''
Vandran let out a hearty laugh. ''That boy does not belong here. He is a speck of dust beneath our fingernails in terms of power. Yet you believe he is some kind of mythical hero.''
''Then tell me. If he isn't a threat to you, why did you order Drake to kill him?''
''Because Christopher has allied himself with you,'' Vandran replied. ''And besides, as I already said...all of humanity must die.''
''But not fae creatures?''
''No. They shall be a part of my Master's new world.'' Vandran reassured her. ''You have my word on that.''
''Your word means nothing to me.''
Vandran let out another sigh. ''Let me tell you a story, Maleficent. A rather sad tale, actually, concerning myself and my Master... You see, we weren't always creatures of the dark, lurking in the shadows. We were majestic beings, soaring in the Light with beautiful wings, much like your own.'' Vandran stared at Maleficent's wings with a sense of longing in his eyes... ''We served a mighty Individual whose powers were only surpassed by His ego.. A pompous, arrogant Being that desired our servitude. It was our only purpose... Oh, and for so long we served Him loyally.. Day in, day out, day in, day out... But then, on one of those days, thanks to my Master, I realised that we could be so much...more. Leaving wasn't a possibility, we knew that... And so, we tried to stand against Him in battle... Of course, we failed. Quite miserably, in fact... For our crimes, I, my Master, and all the others who aided us were banished to a dimension of unspeakable horrors... One you have seen with your own eyes, yes?''
Maleficent's eyes shifted away from Vandran, not wanting him to spot the uncertainty that lay behind them.
''Unable to escape, unable to die...'' Vandran gritted his teeth. ''Left to rot in a fate worse than death it seemed... And so, filled with rage, my Master decided to fight back... After eventually adjusting to our new home, we began to terrorize the very creatures that He adores so much... Consequently, we gain various small benefits, such as reaping suffering on those who deserve it... But, we need more than that.. Thankfully, my Master was aware of it. Thus, our plan to take over this world was put into action...'' Vandran suddenly fell silent.
''The creatures you terrorize?'' Maleficent spoke up. ''What are they?''
''All sentient, living beings.''
''What?'' Maleficent seemed confused. ''I do not understand.''
Vandran let out a small laugh. ''And that is why you shouldn't meddle in things you cannot possibly comprehend... This is beyond you, Maleficent. This could be the culmination of a war that has been in motion since the very beginning. At last we have a chance to overthrow Him! And you shall not stand in the way of our success!'' Vandran boomed.
Maleficent shook her head in dismay. ''I do not care for your war or the Individual who you used to serve... But I will not allow this green Earth to be sullied by the likes of you and the rest of your kind!.. My home will NOT be turned into a battleground!''
''HA-HA-HA-HA!'' Vandran began to laugh maniacally... ''You think you can save her!?'' he bellowed. ''Journeying to Mount Oberon is a fruitless task, my dear. You and I both know that you do not possess the power to open the door to the mountain. And unlike me, you cannot teleport yourself inside!.. Give up! It's hopeless!''
Maleficent started to walk towards Vandran with fury in her eyes. ''I shall find a way... I will rescue Aurora.''
''Aurora?'' Vandran shook his head in amusement. ''What's happened to you, Maleficent? What happened to the fairy who secured her place in my Master's Kingdom?''
''I found redemption.'' Maleficent came to a stop a mere three feet away from Vandran.
''You think you did.'' Vandran flashed a smile. ''But I'm afraid it's not that simple... Not when it comes to Him.''
''My destiny is unimportant when compared to Aurora's.. I do not believe your false promise to spare her, or any of the other lies you spout for that matter... And that is why I will not be dissuaded... I shall not rest until Aurora is free!''
Vandran just stood there for a moment in total silence, a stony look on his face... Eventually, he spoke. ''You really do love her, don't you?''
Maleficent didn't feel that she needed to answer that question.
''You consider her to be your daughter, do you not?''
Maleficent remained silent...
''I'm sorry to burst your bubble, dear...but you're not her mother. Her true mother died a broken woman... And it's all thanks to you!'' Vandran pointed a finger at Maleficent.. ''Are you aware of the amount of pain you caused that woman to bear?.. And for what? Revenge!?''
Maleficent let out a deep breath (suddenly feeling a pang of guilt).
''You robbed Leah. You took away the light of her life... What did she do to deserve that, Maleficent? Hmm?.. What's your answer to that?''
Maleficent remained silent, as her anger began to grow.
''Do you think she's at peace now?.. I, for one, very much doubt it.. How could she be, after you snatched away her whole life?... How do you think Aurora would react if she knew the exact circumstances? If she knew that her mother's final words were to call out for her sweet, sweet child? Would she view you differently then?.. What would she think of you if she knew the truth?'' Vandran smiled sadistically (enjoying the pain on Maleficent's face)... ''Ooh, I like this. This is what I live for.. Moments like this are what complete me... These words break your spirit and bring you closer and closer towards my Master. YOUR Master!''
''No, no, no, no,'' Maleficent spoke in a quiet, yet furious tone of voice.
''Oh, yes, yes, yes.'' Vandran smiled... ''You won't cooperate, I know that now. So, I'm afraid you must die. Right here, right now.. And then, before I kill Aurora...I will make sure that she knows the truth.. I assure you that before the end...she will despise you, Maleficent.''
Sparks of green energy began to shoot out of Maleficent, as she stepped towards Vandran... She caused the wind to blow all around her, picking up the leaves and tossing them into the air, while the branches of the nearby trees began to sway...
''It brings me great pleasure to know that the last voice you hear shall be mine.'' Vandran's golden eyes lit up, as he began to harness his power.
Maleficent came to a stop directly before him... ''I'm going to enjoy this.''
''Not half as much as I am.''
Maleficent let out a yell as she released her magic straight at him... ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Vandran laughed as Maleficent's green coloured magic deflected off him, flying in various directions and smashing against the trees.
Maleficent looked confused, wondering what had caused her magic to fail...
Vandran smiled. ''Your magic has no effect on me, Maleficent.'' He raised his hand, revealing the iron ring on his finger. ''I'm sure that you're already acquainted with these enchanted rings. I've supplied each of my men with one.''
''Just as I thought.'' Maleficent sneered. ''A coward to the last.''
''Coward?''
''Yes!.. That's why you had me drugged before you dared to attack the castle.''
''I am not afraid of you.''
''Then prove it!'' Maleficent exclaimed... ''Cast that ring aside.''
Vandran flashed a look of uncertainty before giving a small smile. ''Very well.'' Vandran removed the ring from his finger and threw it to the ground. ''Does that satisfy you?''
''No,'' Maleficent replied... ''Only your death at my hands will make me content.''
Vandran roared as he flew towards Maleficent, lightning surging from his fingers.
Maleficent used her wings to knock Vandran back before flying up into the air... Vandran continued to fire his lightning at her, but Maleficent skillfully managed to evade it.. She swooped down at a tremendous speed and blasted Vandran with her magic. Unfortunately, it didn't seem to have much of an effect on him, merely causing Vandran to wince... He waited until Maleficent was directly above him before jumping high into the air and grabbing hold of her left wing. Viciously biting and pulling on her wing, Vandran forced Maleficent to dip down to her left, causing them to clatter against the trees.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Maleficent screamed as she blasted fire at Vandran, narrowly missing him and setting the tree on fire... Vandran was knocked from Maleficent's wing by a particularly large branch, while Maleficent tumbled to the ground... Vandran pulled himself towards the bark of the tree, before jumping from it and landing directly on top of Maleficent, pinning her down with all his might.
''You have spirit.'' Vandran smiled. ''I like that.''
Maleficent used her powers to the maximum in order to knock Vandran up into the air, before blasting him repeatedly with her magic, hurling him towards the burning tree... Vandran scrambled to his feet and blasted lightning at the approaching Maleficent, directly hitting her with it.
Maleficent concentrated in order to repel his dark powers, pushing the lightning aside while walking determinedly towards him. Sparks were flying everywhere, one of them severing the rope that was tethering Apollo to a tree... Vandran's face began to twist, as he tried to intensify his power.. However, this wasn't enough to stop Maleficent from reaching him... Maleficent let out a high pitched scream as she grabbed hold of Vandran while releasing her powers at him... Vandran growled as he tried to push her magic back to no avail.. His eyes widened in panic as he found himself being overwhelmed.
''Very...well.'' Vandran struggled to speak. ''You leave me...no c-c-choice.''
Maleficent looked on in horror...as Vandran started to reveal his true face, slowly transforming into his real form... His claws dug into Maleficent's arms, but still she held on, pushing her powers to the very limit in order to keep him at bay... Sparks continued to fly left and right, one of them catching Maleficent's right wing, presenting Vandran with the chance to overpower the startled Maleficent. He let out a cry of fury before picking Maleficent up and slamming her against the burning tree...
The power between these two beings was phenomenal, causing their magic to create a dazzling array of lights, illuminating all around them... The light intensified to such an extent that Maleficent found herself partially blinded.. She continued to resist against Vandran's awesome power for as long as possible, until eventually her magic gave way. Vandran pushed Maleficent hard against the tree, causing it to slowly collapse under the sheer weight of Vandran's energy...
''Farewell.'' Vandran released Maleficent, leaving her to be crushed by the falling tree.
Maleficent used a last glimmer of power to hold the tree back, as she desperately tried to move away from it... But she could not, finding herself trapped by a shadow of Vandran's power. It was as though he was still holding her... She couldn't move a muscle. Was this it?.. Was this to be how it all ends?
Vandran smiled before turning away, satisfied that Maleficent would be dead within mere seconds...
Maleficent closed her eyes, awaiting the inevitable... Suddenly, she saw a glimpse of Aurora in her mind's eye... ''Aurora.''
''Mother.'' Aurora reached out her hand towards Maleficent...
Maleficent tried to take her precious beastie's hand into her own, but still found herself unable to move... At that moment, Maleficent realised that she couldn't give in. She couldn't allow herself to be overwhelmed... She had to fight on... Not just for Aurora, but for Diaval, Christopher, and everyone else who'd ever believed in her...
Vandran slowly turned back around upon hearing Maleficent let out an ungodly yell...
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Maleficent screamed.
His eyes betraying a flicker of fear, Vandran watched Maleficent slowly moving forward, fighting back against his power... ''It's impossible,'' he murmured under his breath.
Using all the power she had, Maleficent reached out her hand towards Aurora.
''Take my hand.'' Aurora smiled.
Spurred on by this vision, Maleficent forced herself forward and grabbed hold of Aurora's hand...
''No!'' Vandran growled, as he watched Maleficent's green eyes open.
Maleficent hurled herself away from the falling tree, before using her power to divert its course towards Vandran...
Before he could react, the massive burning tree landed on top of him, colliding with other trees as it fell...
Maleficent slowly picked herself up and looked around for any sign of Vandran... After waiting for a few seconds, Maleficent hesitantly started to make her way over towards the spot where Vandran had been standing... She let out a slight gasp when she discovered that Vandran wasn't underneath the felled, flaming tree.
''Thought you could get rid of me that easily!?'' Vandran grabbed Maleficent from behind before spinning her around to face him.
Maleficent recoiled at the sight of Vandran's true, grotesque form.
''Do you like the look?'' Vandran snarled.. ''No more false faces.'' He leaned towards her, his razor sharp teeth bared...
Maleficent summoned up the last of her strength before blasting Vandran with her powers, sending him sprawling backwards. Knowing this was her last chance, Maleficent threw herself towards him.. Reaching out her left hand, Maleficent grabbed his throat, while using her right hand to surge all her remaining magic towards him...
Vandran struggled against Maleficent's magic, trying to counter it in desperation by pumping electricity into her...
Despite the pain shooting through her body, Maleficent refused to yield. She let out a scream that was born through a mixture of agony and rage... ''ARRRRRRRRRRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Vandran pushed himself to the very limit by forcing his body closer towards Maleficent, increasing the pressure on his throat and the energy that was flying into his body... ''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Vandran let out a demonic yell, as his body connected with Maleficent's right hand... Using the last of his strength, Vandran grabbed Maleficent and pulled her towards him, before proceeding to bite down into the back of her neck.
''AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Maleficent let out an almighty scream, as Vandran's power, combined with her using so much magic against him, caused the fairy total and utter agony... She couldn't hold on any longer.. She felt as though she was about to spontaneously combust.
Vandran's eyes closed, as he began to slip into unconsciousness...
With one last burst of power, Maleficent blasted Vandran upwards... He flew in the air for several seconds before cannoning against a tree.. His body crashed through several branches before finally crumpling to the ground...
Maleficent struggled to her feet and just stood there for a moment in complete and utter silence, trying to process everything that had just happened... She tried to walk, but found herself swaying from side to side.. She suddenly felt a sharp pain in the back of her neck... She started to feel dizzy and confused... Another sharp pain in her neck made Maleficent realise that it was Vandran's dark magic that was effecting her. His energy was now inside of her thanks to the bite he'd inflicted upon her... She had to walk. She had to get as far away from him as possible... She had to reach Diaval.
''Diaval?'' Maleficent mumbled his name. ''Diaval?''.. The whole world began to spin... Her power completely spent...Maleficent collapsed to the ground.
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Vandran slowly opened his eyes... He blinked rapidly before glancing down to his body, observing that he'd transformed back into his human looking form while unconscious. He let out a low groan as he pulled himself into an upright position... He didn't know how long he'd been unconscious for, but it couldn't have been for too long as it was still dark... He slowly got to his feet before spotting Maleficent laid on the ground in the distance.
''Maleficent,'' he spoke her name with a small grin on his face.. Vandran clicked his fingers, causing a sword to appear in his left hand. ''Oh, I'm going to enjoy this.'' He began to walk towards Maleficent... ''You thought you could kill me? Me!?'' Vandran's smile widened. ''Soon this world will be wreathed in flame. And out of the ash a new world shall be born... I gave you the chance of life... You foolishly chose to reject it, and thus you shall now die.''
Vandran came to a stop upon reaching Maleficent. ''Oh, such beauty... Such beauty.'' Vandran looked to her majestic wings. ''Once you're dead, I shall remove them from your body... And then, when someone eventually happens upon you, all they shall see is a deformed creature.'' Vandran raised his sword high... ''See you in Hell.''
Just as Vandran was about to vanquish the fairy, he was suddenly startled by the sound of loud neighing coming from behind him.. Vandran glanced over his shoulder to see Apollo, rearing up on his hind legs. ''You!'' Vandran blasted some electricity towards the horse.
Apollo weaved out of the way of Vandran's attack before charging straight at him...
''Enough!'' Vandran bellowed, as he blasted a huge amount of power into the ground, setting the grass alight.. This spooked Apollo, causing him to bolt off through the trees... Vandran spun back around to see that Maleficent was now awake.
Maleficent let out a groan, a dazed look on her face.
''Ah, you're awake. That's good.'' Vandran smiled. ''I want to see the light fade from your eyes.'' Vandran was just about to plunge the sword down into her, when Maleficent used the smallest amount of power she could muster in order to send herself catapulting through the air.
''Damn!'' Vandran cursed, as his blade smashed against the ground.
Maleficent opened her wings and started to fly, fighting to stay awake and alert.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Vandran screamed, as he blasted a bolt of lightning at the flying Maleficent.
Maleficent tried to avoid his attack, but failed.. She let out a weak cry as the lightning connected with her wings, sending her falling to the ground... She landed with a hard thud.
''Ha!'' Vandran let out a laugh of triumph. ''Enough of these games!'' Vandran levitated himself into the air... However, before he had the chance to venture over towards Maleficent...he heard the thunderous sound of horses hooves in the distance, prompting him to let out a sigh.. Not wanting to be seen by anyone (so as to not cause alarm), Vandran chose to leave. ''Next time, Maleficent... Next time.'' And with that, Vandran enveloped himself inside a dark sphere before disappearing...
Maleficent tried to sit up (expecting Vandran to attack at any moment), but didn't have the strength to do so... She managed to turn herself around and noticed that Vandran had gone... Suddenly, horses appeared in the distance.. Maleficent laid down flat and covered herself with her right wing (wanting to remain unseen), thankful that she'd landed in some particularly tall grass...
Within less than a minute, several men on horseback thundered past her... One of them, however, came to an abrupt stop, prompting the others to the same.
''Sir?'' Gerald looked to his Captain aboard his white horse. ''Why have you stopped?''
Vernon looked left and right with a suspicious look on his face.
''Sir?''
Carter turned his horse around so that he was facing Vernon... ''What is it, Captain?''
A brief moment passed before Vernon replied... ''I'm not quite sure... I can...sense something.''
''Sense something?'' Gerald echoed his Captain, whilst the rest of the men shared looks of puzzlement.
''Mm. A presence.'' Vernon continued to look around.
''Look!'' one of the men exclaimed. ''There's a fire up ahead.''
''What?'' Carter turned his horse back around to look. ''He's right! The ground's on fire!''
''Evidently, we've missed quite a show,'' Vernon remarked with a smile. ''At least this confirms that they're here.''
''What now, sir?'' one of the men spoke up.
''We clean up this mess,'' Vernon replied. ''We get rid of the fire before it spreads.''
''Why should we waste our time doing that, Captain?'' Carter asked.
''Because we don't want to attract unwanted attention to this wood,'' Vernon responded. ''Now get moving!'
Carter and the rest of the men hurried off towards the fire.. Gerald quickly stopped, though, to see why his superior wasn't following.
''Are you coming, sir?''
Vernon glanced around once again, still sensing that someone was close by...
''Sir?''
''Yes.'' Vernon looked to Gerald. ''Go on.. I'll be along in a moment.''
''Very good, sir.'' Gerald gave a nod of his head before moving his horse along after the others...
Vernon took one last look around before encouraging his horse to move forward...
Once Vernon had gone, Maleficent sighed with relief, pleased that she'd remained undetected.. She tried to move but still found herself not able... She couldn't even move her hands. It was as though her whole body was paralyzed... Still under the effects of Vandran's dark magic, Maleficent slipped back into unconsciousness.
(A/N). Well, I guess that's a wrap. Please don't forget to leave me a quick review to let me know what you think.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time, lamtumire.