(A/N). Hi guys! As usual, before we begin, I'd just like to thank all those who were kind enough to leave me a review.

Right then, let's carry on with the story!


Gerald let out a lengthy sigh as he looked to the rising sun. He was feeling utterly despondent... The previous night Vernon had returned to the deck with the news that Vandran had arrived and taken Syrena away with him, while Maleficent was unconscious due to a deadly venom Vandran had instilled within her several days beforehand.. If all this wasn't startling enough, Vernon had then told them of Vandran's betrayal, saying that their superior had deemed them no longer useful to him... Disillusioned and angry, all the men agreed with their Captain, as Vernon made known his animosity towards Vandran and laid out his plan for revenge.. His scheme was to somehow pilot the flying ship they were aboard and take it to Mount Oberon to mount a surprise attack against Vandran and his forces...but not before first witnessing the death of Maleficent (something which Vernon hoped would lift the men's spirits before facing off against Vandran)... Gerald, though, was still harboring a terrible grudge against his Captain, unable to block out the mental image of the boy he'd been forced to kill under his orders.. The only thing Gerald could be thankful for was that the men had failed to tell Vernon that their Lieutenant had forbidden them to aid their Captain when he was in dire need... Having sat up all night on the empty deck, Gerald was starting to feel tired. He was just about to head for the cabin he'd chosen for himself when a familiar voice spoke up from behind him.

''Good morning, Lieutenant.'' Carter stepped out of the nearby door and onto the deck.

''Hello, Carter,'' Gerald replied with a sigh. ''I trust that you slept well?''

''Actually...no.'' Carter walked towards the stairs Gerald was sitting on and sat down on the top step. ''After what happened last night I just-'' He paused and took a deep breath... ''Seeing so many lives lost.''

''I know, Carter. I know.'' Gerald gave the young man a small smile before gazing back to the rising sun... ''I still believe that you made a mistake choosing to remain with us.''

''So do I,'' Carter replied in a quiet voice... ''To think, I only joined Vandran's ranks because my brother did the same, and yet I'm probably never going to see him again.''

''What makes you say that?''

''Well, he's at Mount Oberon and I'm here.. Not to mention the fact that I'm out of favor with Vandran and he's not.'' Carter let out a long sigh... ''Oh, I have no idea what to do anymore.''

''Remaining with this company isn't the answer.''

''Well, it seems to be just as good an answer as any.''

''No.'' Gerald turned around to face Carter. ''Think on how many men we've lost... I mean, not including us and the Captain, just how many of us are left?''

''I...er, don't know. Maybe six?''

''Six? That would make nine in total. Nine!'' Gerald shook his head... ''Drake is leading us all one by one to death, you know this as well as I.''

Carter got to his feet and walked down the steps and over towards the railing, his shoulders slumped... ''I know that you speak the truth, Gerald. But...what other choice do I have now?''

Gerald thought on this question for a moment before walking up to Carter.. ''I know that it must seem bleak at the moment, but there is hope for you, Carter. There is a goodness, a pureness inside of you that still prevails against the darkness... The same cannot be said for me.''

''Why?'' Carter looked to his Lieutenant.

''Because I made all my own choices,'' Gerald replied. ''I know that technically you did as well, but the real truth is that you were pushed into this with little room for maneuver... I, on the other hand, wanted this for myself. I craved the power, the fortune, the glory!... I just didn't quite realise the heavy price that I'd have to pay for it.''

''Gerald, it isn't too late.''

''Oh, it is. It is.'' Gerald turned away. ''All my dreams and thoughts are blanketed in darkness... I feel as though I'm being suffocated, Carter, with no hope of escape.''

''Then why stay here?''

Gerald fell silent, unsure of how to respond.

''Gerald?'' Carter pressed for an answer...

''Because this is all I have now.'' Gerald looked to his surroundings... ''This is my life now.''

''But why do you think I'm any different to you? What makes you think I have anything outside of this?''

''You still have this!'' Gerald tapped on his own forehead. ''As long as this is free, you are free!.. Don't you see?''

''I see.'' Carter gave a nod before turning back to the railing... ''So what now?''

''I'm not sure,'' Gerald replied with a sigh.. ''Now that Vandran has deemed this company useless, everything has changed.''

''What do you mean?''

Gerald gave Carter a dark look before stepping away from the railing.

''Gerald?'' Carter followed after him. ''Answer me.''

''I haven't come all this way for nothing, Carter. I intend to still salvage something out of all this.''

''I know. The Captain agrees with you on that.''

''The Captain!?'' Gerald stopped and spun round to face Carter. ''His many failings are the reason why we find ourselves estranged from Vandran.''

''How can you say that? You've known of Drake's plan to supplant Vandran for a lot longer than I have.''

''True, but now things are different.'' Gerald resumed walking.. ''Now I see that Drake cannot be allowed to live.''

Carter remained still, as he realised Gerald's scheme. ''You intend to betray him? You plan on killing the Captain?''

''Keep your voice down!'' Gerald looked around to make sure that no one was nearby before approaching Carter... ''If anyone should hear of this I'm a dead man.''

''I highly doubt that. A large majority of the men were ready to kill Drake before we came aboard this ship.''

''Yes, but now things have changed. Now their anger is directed at Vandran...but not mine.''

''Gerald, what are you planning?''

Gerald gave a small smirk before turning away. ''I can see I've already said too much.''

''No!'' Carter pulled Gerald back... ''Tell me.''

''Very well,'' Gerald relented. ''After this is all over... Once Maleficent, Diaval and all these pirates are dead...I will kill Drake.''

''Gerald, at a critical moment like this I fear such a move would be senseless.. What could we possibly gain?''

''Vandran's trust,'' Gerald replied. ''We can regain Vandran's trust.''

''How? His wrath extends to all of us.''

''No, Carter.'' Gerald shook his head. ''His fury is directed at Drake, we are merely collateral damage.''

''So you truly believe that killing Drake can change our current predicament?''

''Well, I don't know for sure, but as far as I can see...it's the only chance we've got.''

Carter let out a long sigh, a worried look on his face. ''So, how do you plan on doing this deed?''

''I'll kill him in his sleep,'' Gerald responded in a dark tone.

''And what will you tell the men?''

''They will understand why I had to do this... But I dare not tell them until the deed is done.''

''Why not?''

''Because Drake is a skilled orator and manipulator,'' Gerald replied.. ''If word somehow got back to him he would turn the men against me.''

''I see.'' Carter gave a nod... ''And once he's dead, then what?''

''Then I shall take his corpse to the slopes of Mount Oberon, as a gift for Lord Vandran... It is there that we shall learn all our fates.''

Carter closed his eyes while wiping his brow, his hand trembling ever so slightly.. ''It's too risky, Gerald.''

''No, Carter... It must be done. You know this.'' Gerald reached out his hands and grabbed hold of Carter's shoulders. ''Help me do this... Help me kill him.''

''H-how?''

''All I ask is that when the fateful night arrives you take watch.. Make sure that I'm not disturbed.''

Carter shook his head several times before breaking free of Gerald's hands. ''I want no part in this.''

''Carter-''

''No!'' Carter cut Gerald off before he could speak... ''The last time I aided in an attempt on Drake's life I was nearly caught in the act by Vandran.''

''But that won't happen now.''

''No!'' Carter insisted... ''Never again.''

Gerald shook his head, a smile of disappointment on his face. ''Very well. I will do it alone.. But I have a feeling that the man who gets rid of Drake, and whoever aids him in doing so...will be greatly rewarded by Vandran.''

Carter's eyes lit up slightly on hearing this. ''W-what?''

''Yes.'' Gerald nodded his head. ''Especially when the two men step forward and say that they did this for their true superior...for their Lord.''

''Why would Vandran care about us killing Drake? We're all dead to him now, anyway.''

''He will care if we tell him of Drake's plan. If we reveal to him that Drake was inciting the men to travel to Mount Oberon in order to usurp him,'' Gerald explained. ''Vandran will be grateful that we put a stop to it. And trust me...we shall be rewarded for our loyalty to him.''

Carter turned away, a look of consideration on his face.

Just then, a nearby door was opened, as one of the soldiers stepped out onto the deck.

''But what if-''

''Shh,'' Gerald shushed Carter, alerting him to the presence of the soldier... ''Let me know your decision,'' Gerald whispered before walking towards the soldier.

Carter watched Gerald walk away with a very worried expression on his face, knowing that Gerald was trying to place him in an all-or-nothing position.. But right now, the way his life was headed...maybe it was time to take a risk.

''Good morning, Lieutenant.'' The soldier smiled.

''Morning!'' Gerald replied cheerfully... He gave one last knowing look to Carter before stepping inside.

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Meanwhile, at Mount Oberon, Syrena was feeling lost... She'd devoted the best years of her life to Vandran for nothing. The promises that he'd made to her would not be kept, and she couldn't blame him for it, really.. No. Syrena knew that she only had herself to blame... This, though, was only how one part of her brain was thinking. The other half was furious at Vandran and his 'Master,' as they could be blamed for all the misery she was feeling at this very moment.. All the terrible, terrible atrocities that she'd committed were down to them. The reason that she was truly damned was because of them... Now, it was too late for redemption, she knew that.. At such a tender, vulnerable age Vandran had whispered words of poison in her ear, while Videl did the same to her mind, leading the young girl astray and into the surrounding darkness... So, here she was, locked up in the bowls of Mount Oberon, awaiting her death. As even if on the small chance Vandran couldn't bring himself to kill her...the soon to be unleashed Videl certainly could.

Just then, Syrena heard the sound of footsteps from outside the door... For all she knew these were the last few moments of her life. Death approaching with each thunderous step, which is when the true torment would begin for her, as she descended down and down into the fiery inferno that Vandran had condemned her to...

Suddenly, the door to the room was flung open, as a furious looking Vandran stepped inside.

''V-V-Vandran,'' Syrena stammered out his name in fear, for the very first time feeling intimidated by his imposing size...

''You look frightened, Syrena.'' Vandran flashed a look of distress for a brief moment before his expression hardened once again. ''Why is that, I wonder?''

''You startled me.''

''Really? But surely you could hear me approaching?''

Syrena failed to reply.

''I thought so.'' Vandran slammed the door shut... ''You think this is the end, don't you?''

''Is it?...''

''No,'' Vandran eventually replied after a lengthy hesitation. ''And even then, when that time does come, it won't truly be the end.. One might even call it a new beginning... An eternity of suffering for your betrayal against me and Videl.''

''No.'' Syrena shook her head. ''I was already headed for that place the moment I committed myself to you and your cause... If anything, it is only now that I stand away from you that I see a glimmer of hope on the horizon.''

''That glimmer of hope is an illusion... Christopher is dead, my dear, remember that.'' (even though Vandran now knew that wasn't the case, he certainly wasn't going to inform Syrena of it). ''And whatever you thought at the time...he could never have spared you from your fate, Syrena. You are bound to me and my Master.''

Syrena lowered her head, as the mentioning of Christopher's name made her feel as though the final thread of strength she possessed had been cut.

''The irony of it is, before your betrayal much would have been different. Much... I don't even understand what you were trying to escape from.. You see, unlike those who stand against Videl, those who remain loyal to him are treated to things beyond even their wildest dreams... But Now, the treatment you shall receive there will be the same as every other soul. But that wasn't always the case... Just imagine it, Syrena. A life of luxury on this Earth by my side. Whatever you wished or desired would have been yours and yours alone... And then, with the slow, inevitable decay of time, your beauty would have faded, as everything fair does... But then, when the curtain was wrung down on your life, a new one would have begun. Your beauty would have been restored and life would have started again, afresh, afresh, afresh. Far, far away from the pain of this world. In a new land... A new Heaven.''

''You don't understand, do you? How could you?'' Syrena turned away.. ''I wasn't trying to escape from my eternal destination... I was just trying to be a better person.''

''To what end?''

''Peace of mind,'' Syrena replied without missing a beat. ''So that for once I'd be able to look myself in the mirror without feeling ashamed and guilt-ridden.''

''You cannot change the past, Syrena.. Sponging away the many sins you've amassed is not possible.''

''I never said that it was.. But to keep making the same mistakes again and again...that truly is unforgivable.'' Syrena turned back around to face Vandran. ''Christopher showed me a better side to the world. A better side to humanity... He even somehow managed to show me a better side to myself.'' Syrena gave a small smile on remembering the many conversations they'd had together... ''I won't let him down, Vandran.. I will strive to embrace the goodness he saw within me.''

Vandran shook his head while chuckling. ''Listen to yourself. You sound like a child! And an ungrateful one at that!'' Vandran took a step towards her, prompting Syrena to take a step back.. ''I gave you everything and this is how you repay me!? Falling head over heels for a man who doesn't even belong to this world!?''

Syrena backed up until she was pressed against the far wall, as Vandran continued to advance towards her.

''Why, Syrena? Why have you put me in this position?.. Why have you done this to me!?'' Vandran suddenly slapped Syrena across her face, before grabbing hold of her shoulders and shaking her violently. ''Why, why, why!?''

''Get off me!'' Syrena pushed Vandran back before grabbing hold of a small glass from the nearby drinks cabinet and smashing it against his face, causing him to quickly back away...

Vandran took several deep breaths while clutching at his bloodied cheek, desperately trying to calm down... After a few seconds had passed, Vandran's golden eyes looked to Syrena.

Syrena held up the broken glass while trembling, fearing that Vandran would take immediate retribution.

''If it was anyone else, Syrena... If it was anyone else.'' Vandran picked a small piece of glass from out of his cheek before trudging away...

''I'm sorry,'' Syrena said this with sincerity in her voice.

''For what? This?'' Vandran pulled another shard of glass from out of his cheek.

''For every way in which I've hurt you.''

Vandran snickered at her words (which he believed to be thoroughly hollow). ''It's not the pain that stings me, Syrena...it's the disappointment.''

''Disappointment?''

''Yes.'' Vandran turned back around to face her.. ''I never told you this before, Syrena, because I didn't want to over inflate your ego, but the real truth is...you were the very best. The pinnacle of all my achievements... I truly believed that one day we would-'' Vandran stopped short of saying anymore.

''What?''

''It doesn't matter anymore.'' Vandran turned away again.

''Go on...say it!'' Syrena encouraged him to speak the words... ''You believed that one day our relationship would evolve into something more.''

''Yes,'' Vandran admitted it through a whisper... ''I cared for you, Syrena. More than you ever knew.''

''And who's fault was that? Hmm?... Yours. You were always so cold and distant.''

''It's who I am.''

''Exactly!. Then you should see why.''

''Why what?''

''Why we could never have been anything more than what we were, Vandran... You know that in your heart.''

''Do I!?'' Vandran flipped over the nearby table in anger. ''It was you who infected my thoughts! You who buried your way into my dreams! You who made me believe that we could be together!''

''In what way did I ever encourage such thoughts?''

''If you recall it was you who latched onto me from the moment we met, not the other way around.''

''I was a child!''

''You were 17 years old, hardly a child.''

''Well, I certainly felt like one at the time.. A petrified young girl who'd just lost her mother in one of the worst ways imaginable.''

Vandran turned away, remembering that day all too well.. ''I did the best I could... I saved you from joining your mother in the afterlife.''

''I know... But it turns out it would have been better for me had you left me to my fate.''

''Don't say that!''

''Why not? At least back then my soul was intact, if nothing else.''

''You are ungrateful.'' Vandran shot her a look of disdain.

''Ungrateful!?'' Syrena echoed in a furious manner. ''Don't you see what I've lost!? If I had died that day I would have had an eternity of peace!... Now, that is beyond recall.. Too much has happened since then.''

''Indeed it has... But I let you make your own choices, Syrena. Just you remember that.''

''No!'' Syrena took her growing anger out on the wall, as she slammed her hand against it. ''You persuaded me to remain with you! You pushed me to seek vengeance against the monsters who'd killed my mother!.. You even taught me the skills to kill them with my bare hands!''

''I did it for you!'' Vandran bellowed. ''From the moment I first clapped eyes on you I sensed the evil inside your heart. A growing evil that had only materialized because of what those men had done to you and your mother. That's why I helped you!...'' Vandran closed his eyes and let out a sigh, realising what he'd just admitted.

''So...it finally makes sense.'' Syrena gave a nod of understanding... ''You saved me because you knew what I was capable of... Because you knew I had the potential to be evil. The potential to do Videl's bidding... What was it you were searching for, exactly, Vandran? Another slave for your Master?''

''No.'' Vandran shook his head.. ''I only helped you take revenge against those men because I knew it was what you wanted.''

''True,'' Syrena admitted that. ''Who wouldn't after what I'd been through?.. But you knew from the moment I killed them that my soul would forever be tainted.''

''You made the ultimate decision, Syrena, long after the ordeal with your mother.. I laid down what was at stake, I told you what your future would entail if you agreed and you did... That was the day on which your fate was sealed... The day that you sold your soul.''

Syrena gave the faintest of smiles before turning to face the wall, the last of her inner strength slowly ebbing away... ''Are you going to kill me now?''

''No.''

''Then leave.''

''What?'' Vandran was slightly took aback by her bold words. ''Who are you to tell me when I should or should not leave?''

''Well, if you aren't man enough to kill me right now then do not stand by and watch when Videl does the job for you.''

''How dare you!''

''Actually, I made a mistake.'' Syrena spun back around to face him. ''You could never be man enough to kill me because you're not even a man at all... You're a monster.''

Vandran gritted his teeth, barely able to contain his fury.

''You may have the looks of a handsome man, but your grotesque true form shows through in your character. Even now the beast gnaws away at the flesh to be free... And whatever perverted fantasies you concocted in your twisted mind I could never, ever, ever love something like you!''

Vandran roared as his face contorted, his teeth growing longer and his hands twisting into claws... ''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Vandran somehow managed to fight back the urge of transforming, before hastily retreating towards the door.

Syrena quickly hurried into the far corner of the room, terrified that she may have pushed Vandran too far...

Vandran took several deep breaths as he struggled to maintain control over his true self... Eventually, he succeeded in keeping control.. He glanced to Syrena one last time before opening the door and hobbling outside the room... ''Guards!'' he shouted to the men nearby.

''What is it, my Lord?'' one of the men asked upon reaching Vandran.

''It's Syrena.'' A stooping Vandran looked back to the door and fell silent, still feeling slightly delirious due to nearly transforming.

''Sir?'' The men looked to one another in puzzlement.

''I'm sorry.'' Vandran straightened himself up.. ''Take Syrena to the cells.''

''Certainly, my Lord.'' The guard promptly stepped through the open door, immediately followed by the other guard...

Vandran waited outside as he heard Syrena protesting and struggling inside the room... After a few seconds had passed, the men emerged from the room with Syrena, who was now in chains.

''I'm sorry, my Lord,'' one of the men apologised. ''We had no choice in binding her.''

''I understand.. She can be a handful.''

''Vandran, listen to me,'' Syrena spoke up.

''I will never listen to you again.'' Vandran turned away and started to march down the hall... ''Throw her in with the Queen and her scruffy little friend!''

''Yes, sir!''

''Vandran!'' Syrena shouted after him while being dragged away by the guards. ''Vandran!.. Vandran!'' she continued to shout after him to no avail, as he continued to walk further and further away. ''Vandran!... VANDRAN!'' Syrena's screams echoing throughout the halls of the ancient mountain...

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.

After a fairly lengthy walk through Mount Oberon's various passageways, the two guards and Syrena arrived at their destination. The door being unlocked quickly garnered the attention of Aurora and Francis.

''The guard's here a bit early, isn't he?'' Francis remarked as he got to his feet. ''We only had our last meal two hours ago.''

''I know.'' Aurora looked in puzzlement to the opening door.

''Who's there!?'' Francis shouted.

''A new cellmate for you both!'' one of the guards shouted back in reply, as Syrena was dragged towards the cell.

''You!?'' Aurora looked equally amazed and infuriated on seeing the red haired woman... ''Syrena?''

''What's she doing here!?'' Francis exclaimed.

''Joining you two in this here cell!'' The guard unlocked the cell door before throwing Syrena inside. ''Remove her bonds.''

''Back!'' The other guard pulled out his sword and pointed it at Aurora and Francis.. ''I said get back!''

Francis and Aurora took a few steps back as the guard set about removing Syrena's shackles...

''There we go!'' The man tossed the shackles out of the cell to the other guard. ''I can imagine that you three have a lot to talk about so we'll leave you now.'' He chuckled as he stepped out of the cell and locked it behind him.

''Night all!'' the man guffawed, as he and the other guard made their way out of the room...

A deafening silence started to build inside the cell, as Aurora and Francis looked to Syrena with a mixture of annoyance and bewilderment showing through on their faces... Eventually, Syrena broke the silence.

''What are you staring at?''

''I'm not sure,'' Aurora replied. ''Deceit? Trickery? Subterfuge?''

''Just what are you implying?''

''Look, what are you doing here?'' Francis asked straightforwardly.. ''Why are you locked up inside this cell with us?''

''That's none of your concern.'' Syrena turned away.

''Oh, but it is.'' Aurora took a step towards her. ''I don't know what your scheme is, but you can go back and tell Vandran that it isn't going to work.''

''Scheme?'' Syrena let out a small laugh.. ''There is no scheme.''

''I'm disinclined to believe that.''

''Me too,'' Francis agreed.

''Oh, for goodness sake!'' Syrena slammed her hand into the bars before turning back around to face them. ''This is no ploy! This is no clever strategy!.. This is real!''

''So you expect us to believe that Vandran would lock up his second in command?'' Francis gave her an incredulous stare.. ''Come on!''

''Oh, do be quiet!.. I don't even know who you are, anyway!''

''Don't you recall?'' Francis stepped forward into the dim light. ''Don't you remember asking me all those questions while I was tied up in that tent? Asking me my name, where I come from, stuff like that.''

''Oh, yes.'' Syrena gave a nod.. ''Now I remember. You were a runaway from the castle.. Vandran had you brought here to serve as a source of amusement for the Queen.''

''Amusement?'' Francis chuckled... ''How nice.''

''Don't listen to her,'' Aurora spoke up. ''Her words are filled with ill will.''

''Look, you may find this hard to believe but I'd say we're on the same side now.''

Francis could barely contain his laughter on hearing that.

''No, no, no.'' Aurora shook her head. ''Whatever your current position, we're not on the same side.''

''You foolish girl.. Don't you see that if we work together we may actually stand a chance of getting out of here.''

''I don't care anymore!'' Aurora kicked some dirt up from the ground towards Syrena, before turning away to face the wall...

''Throwing a strop won't get us anywhere at all,'' Syrena chastised Aurora.

''Look, perhaps you should start explaining things, Syrena,'' Francis said.. ''Then we'll decide on whether or not we can trust you.''

''Very well,'' Syrena agreed in a somewhat weary tone... ''What do you want to know?''

''First of all, why are you suddenly out of favor with Vandran?''

''Because...I betrayed him.''

''Betrayed him?'' Aurora turned back around on hearing this.

''Yes,'' Syrena confirmed.. ''It's a long story.''

''Well, maybe you should start telling it.''

Syrena let out a long sigh. ''Alright... I suppose I haven't got anything better to do.''

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Back at the castle, the three pixies were still waiting for the guard to arrive.

''How much longer are we going to have to wait for that stupid guard to show up?'' A severely bored Thistlewit spoke up.

''I have no idea, Thistlewit,'' a tired looking Knotgrass responded.

''How long have we been waiting?''

''Several, several hours.'' Flittle let out a sigh as she pressed her head against the cell wall.

''What are we going to do if he doesn't come back?''

''Oh, he'll be back,'' Knotgrass said. ''We just have to be patient.''

''Well, patience isn't my strongest suit.'' Now it was Thistlewit's turn to sigh...

Just then, they heard the sound of two men laughing from outside the room.

''What's that!?'' Thistlewit's ears pricked up on hearing this.

''The guard!'' Flittle exclaimed.

''Shh,'' Knotgrass shushed her sister... ''It sounds like there's more than one.''

''What are they, anyway!?'' one of the men shouted.

''Pixies, I think?'' the other guard replied as he started to unlock the dungeon door.

''Okay, girls...it's showtime.'' Thistlewit took a deep breath before flying towards the door.

''The Steward should just string em up and have done with it!'' The man bellowed as he kicked the door open.

''I'd have to agree with you on that, mate,'' the other guard replied.

Thistlewit snuck behind the now open door and waited for the men to step inside.

''Wakey, wakey, little pixies!''

''Yeah, we've got some grub for ya!'' Both men chuckled as they stepped into the dungeon, each of them holding a bowl of gruel in their hands.

''I hope it's better stuff than the last lot you brought!'' Flittle shouted through the cell wall. ''It was terrible!''

''Completely foul!'' Knotgrass concurred.

''My, my! These two are the pickiest prisoners I've ever seen!'' The first man cackled as he approached the cell.

''Keep your mouth shut, you witless worm!'' Knotgrass declared.

''You what!?''

''Mind your tongue! Keep talking like that and we'll come inside and slit your throats!'' The guard growled.

''And no one would even know about it!'' The man slammed his hand against the outer wall of the cell.. ''You see, everyone who comes in here is forgotten over time.''

''No danger of that,'' Flittle spoke in a giggling tone.

''You see, boys...we won't be here long enough to be forgotten.'' Knotgrass smiled.

''Eh?''

Suddenly, one of the guards dropped to the floor unconscious, as Thistlewit used her magic to make a barrel in the corner of the room fly into the back of his head.

''W-w-what's happening!?'' The other man let out a scream before running for the door.

''Stop him, Thistlewit! Stop him!'' Knotgrass shouted in alarm.

Thistlewit quickly used another piece of magic to fling open the door just as the man was about to open it.

''AHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' The man yelled in pain, as the door smacked into his nose.. ''My nose! My nose!'' he wailed.

All it took was one last burst of power and the man was knocked off his feet, his head smacking against the stone floor, instantly knocking him out.

''Well done, sis!'' Flittle clapped with praise.

''First rate!'' Knotgrass agreed..

''Right then, I'll be taking those!'' Thistlewit made her way over to the unconscious guard and removed the keys from his belt.

''Come on, hurry!'' Knotgrass encouraged Thistlewit to make haste. ''We don't want to dally around for too long.''

''Dally?'' Thistlewit made her way back over to the cell. ''I'm moving as fast as I can, y'know?''

''I know, I know.. But we must get out of here before more guards arrive.''

''Why would more come?'' Flittle asked.

''Well, it won't take them too long to realise that these two aren't coming back, will it?''

''Oh, yes.. She has got a point, Thistlewit.''

''I'm trying, I'm trying!'' Thistlewit fumbled with the keys, trying to find the right one to unlock the cell.

''Come on, come on!''

''Got it!'' Thistlewit slipped the key into the door and unlocked it.

''Good!''

Thistlewit flung open the cell door before rushing over to the other door that led out into the hallway.

''Okay, let's go!'' Flittle was just about to run to the door when Knotgrass pulled her back.

''Just a second.. Aren't we forgetting something?'' Knotgrass looked to both her sisters in turn.

''What?'' Flittle gave a shrug.

''Doesn't it occur to you that we'll be less likely spotted in our regular forms?''

''Oh, of course.'' Flittle gave a nod.

''I hear guards coming!'' Thistlewit shouted. ''Hurry!''

Knotgrass and Flittle quickly transformed into their smaller forms before flying over to Thistlewit.

''How many?'' Knotgrass inquired.

''Two or three,'' Thistlewit replied before suddenly noticing the men at the end of the hall.

''What's taking them so long, I wonder?'' one of the guards said before spotting the three pixies flying by the open door.. ''Lads! Look!'' He gestured to his two fellow guards to look straight ahead...

''Let's take em!'' Flittle was the first to fly forward, immediately followed by Knotgrass and Thistlewit.

''Draw your swords, men!''

Before the soldiers even had chance to withdraw their blades, the three pixies fired bursts of magic simultaneously, each one hitting their mark.

''ARGHHHHHHHHHH!'' The men screamed in turn, as each of them was catapulted off their feet and into the ceiling, all of them dropping back down to the floor unconscious.

''YES!'' Thistlewit punched the air in triumph.

''That'll show em!'' Flittle declared.

''It's too early to be celebrating, girls,'' Knotgrass spoke up. ''We're not out of this yet... Come on!'' Knotgrass shot off down the hallway, quickly followed by her two sisters... The three pixies flying side by side, headed towards either freedom...or death.

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.

''The next thing I knew I was back here at the mountain... Then, after a conversation with Vandran, I was sent here,'' Syrena finished telling her tale... ''Does that satisfy you?''

''I'm not sure,'' Aurora replied (slightly skeptical over whether or not what Syrena had told them was really true).

''Okay, let me get this straight,'' Francis spoke up.. ''You're telling me that Christopher joined up with Maleficent willingly?''

''Yes,'' Syrena confirmed it... ''How do you know Christopher, anyway?''

''I met him in Aurora's castle,'' Francis replied. ''We were in the dungeon together.''

''Oh, of course.. You're the pirate he met in the castle, aren't you?''

''That's right. I'm Francis.''

''How did you know that?'' Aurora butted in.

''He mentioned him.''

''Who did?''

''Christopher.'' Syrena rolled her eyes.. ''Do try and keep up.''

Aurora let out a huff of irritation as she folded her arms.

''Is Christopher aware of my whereabouts?''

''Not really,'' Syrena answered Francis.

''Not really?'' Francis echoed in confusion.

''Well, he did acknowledge the possibility that you may have been brought here.''

''I see.. And did he tell Valentine that?''

''Yes, he did.''

''Brilliant!'' Francis exclaimed. ''So that's why he's helping Maleficent get here.'' Francis turned to face Aurora. ''I thought it a bit odd that he's cooperating with a fairy.''

''Actually, no,'' Syrena spoke up.

''What?'' Francis looked to Syrena...

''Well, he was actually persuaded to come here by the possibility of riches beyond his wildest dreams for him and his men.''

''I don't understand,'' Aurora said. ''There's no great treasure here.''

''Oh, but there is,'' Syrena corrected Aurora.. ''Surely you must have noticed how the walls of the inner hallways shimmer and sparkle?''

Aurora gave a nod.

''That's because they're made out of mystical gems,'' Syrena explained. ''Gems the colour of starlight.. And deep, deep down at the base of this mountain lies an even vaster treasure hoard amassed by King Oberon... Valentine believed that all hopes of claiming this treasure were lost after his father, Jacob, disappeared along with the crystal that Odetta, daughter of Oberon, had bestowed to him.. But now, Maleficent has revived his aspirations.''

''I see...'' Francis let out a lengthy sigh.

''Oh, Francis.'' Aurora took hold of his hand. ''I'm sure you're more important to Valentine than any treasure.''

''Yeah, right.'' Francis looked away. ''They don't give a damn.. Them coming here for the treasure makes more sense.''

''That is if they're still coming,'' Syrena said. ''As I told you, the ship was taken over by Drake and his men...'' Syrena closed her eyes and put her hands to her forehead, as the memory of Christopher's scream as he fell from the Belladonna echoed in her mind.

''What is it?'' Aurora spoke with a hint of concern in her voice.

''It's just...I can't believe he's dead.''

''Christopher?''

Syrena gave a nod.. ''I loved him... I still do.''

''Ah, you claimed to love him, you mean.'' Francis gave a smirk. ''More likely you were just using him to get away from Vandran.''

''No, Francis,'' Aurora disagreed... ''I can see that she's genuine.''

''Thank you, Aurora.'' Syrena gave the young woman a small, grateful smile.

''I only met Christopher the one time.'' Aurora thought back on their brief conversation... ''He appeared to be a good man.''

''He was... He was.'' Syrena slowly trudged into the corner of the cell. ''Now...hope is lost.''

''No.'' Aurora shook her head before approaching Syrena... ''There is always hope.''

''How can you say that? Christopher is dead. Maleficent, Diaval and the pirates are captured... There is no hope for us.''

''But there is,'' Aurora disagreed once again.. ''If someone like you can see the error of their ways, and I think you have...then I still believe.''

''I don't deserve your kindness.'' Syrena sat down on the floor.

''You're wrong.'' Aurora knelt down beside her.. ''Sometimes we all need a little help. Especially someone who has stepped out of the darkness and into the light.'' Aurora gave Syrena a small smile... ''This doesn't mean to say that you're fully forgiven, though.. If it wasn't for you drugging Maleficent we wouldn't be in this mess right now.''

''I know, I know.'' Syrena hung her head in shame... ''I'm so sorry.''

''It's okay.. I understand.'' Aurora got back to her feet.

''Aurora,'' Francis spoke her name.

''Yes, Francis?'' Aurora turned towards him.

''A word in your ear.'' Francis beckoned her to come closer.

''I won't be a moment.'' Aurora gave Syrena another small smile before walking over to Francis... ''What is it?''

''Well, it's just...I don't trust her.''

''Why?''

''Why?'' Francis echoed with a look of disbelief. ''Because she was so close to Vandran. She was his right hand woman for crying out loud!''

''Shh,'' Aurora shushed Francis (afraid that Syrena might overhear).

''Alright, alright,'' Francis spoke in a quiet voice. ''I'm just saying that I can't believe that two people who were so close to each other can suddenly fall out.''

''Love changes people, Francis.'' Aurora looked over her shoulder to Syrena. ''I can tell that meeting Christopher had a big impact on her life... She's genuine, Francis. I'd stake my life on it.''

''No, you're staking both our lives on it.'' Francis shook his head... ''On the other hand, if you're willing to trust her then who am I to cast doubt, eh?''

''Thank you, Francis.'' Aurora rubbed her hand up and down his arm affectionately.

''For what?''

''For supporting me,'' Aurora responded. ''Not just in this instance but in every other, too... You're my rock, Francis.''

Francis gave a wide smile while letting out a small chuckle.

''What?'' Aurora couldn't help but wonder what Francis found so amusing.

''It's nothing, it's just...you were right.''

''About what?''

''About how love changes people,'' Francis replied in a soft, tender voice... ''Before I met you I was-'' Francis suddenly stopped, realising what he'd just practically admitted.

''Francis,'' Aurora spoke his name in a breathless whisper...

''Aurora!'' Syrena called out, breaking the moment between them.

''I-I'd better..-'' Aurora gestured her head towards Syrena, unable to finish the sentence.

''Go.'' Francis gave her a faint smile... ''I have nothing further to say.''

Aurora returned his smile before slowly walking back over towards Syrena.

''Aurora, I was just-'' Syrena stopped midway through the sentence. ''You don't mind me calling you that, do you?''

''Oh, not at all. I prefer to be addressed by my name, actually. Your Highness always sounds so...cold.''

''Oh, good.. Prince John felt the same way about his title, as a matter of fact.''

''John?''

''Oh, dear. I forgot to mention him.'' Syrena realised her error.

''John?'' Syrena repeated his name, finding it vaguely familiar.. Suddenly, it came to her. ''T-that was the name of Phillip's older brother.''

''Correct.'' Syrena gave a nod. ''I met him aboard the Belladonna, where he was been held captive by the pirates.. They'd captured him on the open road.''

''Open road? What was he doing out there?''

''He was headed for your castle, actually...looking for answers.''

''Then he's aware of what happened to Phillip?''

''I'm afraid so,'' Syrena confirmed.. ''When he discovered that Vandran was to blame he sought vengeance against him..'' She closed her eyes at the memory of seeing his lifeless body as she fled down the innermost hallway of the Belladonna... ''He was a good man.''

''Was?''

Syrena looked away... ''He was slain amid battle.''

Aurora let out a sigh as she looked to the ceiling... ''Another son of King Hubert passes on.''

''Yes...along with the King himself,'' Syrena revealed.

''Oh no.'' Aurora turned away in horror, knowing how much pain this would have caused Phillip if he was still alive and listening to this.

Francis quickly hurried over to comfort the visibly distressed Aurora.

''He died on hearing of Phillip's demise,'' Syrena explained.

''John, Hubert, Christopher...Phillip'' Aurora pressed her head into Francis's chest... ''So much death.''

''The dark clouds will eventually pass, Aurora.'' Francis tried his best to ease her pain.. ''And as you just said, there's always hope... After all, Maleficent still lives.''

''Yes.'' Aurora gave a small nod of her head before stepping away from Francis.. ''I still believe in her... She won't let us down.''

''Then you do still care about her?''

''Of course I do, Francis. It's just...after what Vandran showed me-''

''Vandran?'' Syrena interjected... ''What did he show you?''

''The painful past of my mother,'' Aurora replied. ''He showed me to the full extent how Maleficent ruined her life.''

''Look, I don't profess to know everything about your family history, but I do know that Maleficent cares deeply for you, Aurora.. Do not allow Vandran to come between you and your adopted mother...for that is who she is.''

''I know.'' Aurora looked away.. ''I do still love her, but...I can't forget what I saw. My mother screaming out my name as I was torn from her hands.'' Aurora turned to face the bars, overcome by the memory...

''Don't you see, Aurora? Vandran is cruel. He showed you that vision with the intention of breaking the bond you have with Maleficent.''

''Well, he's nearly succeeded.''

''No. Don't let him win!'' Syrena exclaimed.. ''Maleficent loves you, Aurora... I know that with the way she unleashed her anger on me after discovering the truth.''

''What?'' Aurora turned back around to face Syrena.

''Well, I opted not to tell you this, but...when Maleficent found out that I was to blame for your abduction...she unleashed her power at me.. The pain was agonising and it brought me mere inches away form death. But, I don't hold it against her because...I know she was only lashing out in pain.. Finding out the truth made her relive that awful day when she lost you all over again... It proved too much for her to bear.''

''She's right, Aurora,'' Francis said. ''The past can't be changed... And I can tell from what I've heard that Maleficent truly does love you.''

Aurora gave a small nod of her head while emitting a sigh...

''There's one more thing I failed to tell you, Aurora,'' Syrena spoke up again.

''What's that?''

''Maleficent was in a bad way when I left.''

''W-what do you mean?'' Aurora inquired in a worried tone.

''Well, the only reason Maleficent stopped attacking me was because she collapsed.''

''Collapsed!?''

''Yes.'' Syrena gave a nod. ''I don't know why it happened, but...I can't even be sure that she's still alive.''

Aurora turned back to face the bars while breathing heavily, unable to think straight at the thought of losing Maleficent.

''Aurora?'' Francis rushed to her side.

''I'm alright, I'm alright,'' Aurora assured him before taking a deep breath.

''Are you sure?''

''Yes...'' Aurora put her hand to her beating chest while closing her eyes.

''What is it?''

''Nothing,'' Aurora murmured in reply, before suddenly letting out a sigh of relief... ''She's still alive.''

''How do you know that?'' Syrena wondered aloud.

''I just know it... I'd be able to feel it in my heart if she was dead.''

''Well, I hope you're right,'' Syrena said. ''She's the last real hope we have now that Christopher's..-'' Syrena closed her eyes, unable to say the word.

''I know how you feel, Syrena.'' Aurora started to walk towards her. ''As you're already aware, I too lost my love...Phillip.. But you must be strong... I think Christopher would want it that way.''

''So do I.'' Syrena gave a slight nod...

''May he rest in peace.''

''Yes.'' Syrena managed to give the faintest of smiles... ''He deserves that.''

''Indeed.'' Aurora offered Syrena her hand...

''Thank you, Aurora.. You truly are a good soul.'' Syrena took hold of Aurora's hand and was promptly pulled to her feet. ''If I was in your position I doubt I'd have it in me to be so forgiving.''

''Look, Francis is right. The past can't be changed, Syrena, I know that.. We can only look to the future... However bleak that future may seem.''

Francis made his way over towards the pair and offered a hand of friendship to Syrena.

Syrena looked to Francis's hand in shock, a puzzled look on her face.

''Let's just say...you've convinced me.''

Syrena smiled before shaking Francis's hand. ''Pleased to meet you, Francis...officially, that is.''

''Likewise.'' Francis reciprocated her smile...

''Alright then. Now what?'' Syrena looked around the cell.

''Nothing, I suppose.'' Francis gave a shrug.

''Aren't we going to attempt a break out?''

''We already did,'' Aurora revealed... ''Suffice to say, it didn't end well.''

''You can say that again.'' Francis gave a nod. ''To make matters worse the escape tunnel I dug has been filled in and now there are more guards outside the room.''

''Oh, dear.'' Syrena sighed.

''Yes, I'm afraid all our hopes now lie with our friends,'' Aurora stated.. ''Maleficent, Diaval, the pirates...anyone who can help us.''

''There is no one else.''

''No,'' Aurora disagreed. ''I think you're wrong about that... I feel that there's another force at work somewhere out there... A piercing light fighting back against the ever approaching darkness.''

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''Whoa! Whoa!'' Oloven pulled his horse to a stop before looking over his shoulder to the advancing Christopher and Apollo... ''This is the place!''

''About time!'' Christopher slowed Apollo's pace down to a slow trot. ''We've been travelling non-stop all day.''

''Well, I'm afraid stopping for rest was completely out of the question.. Time is very much of the essence.'' Oloven gave Hayyel a few pats to the neck before dismounting... ''Come on! We have to walk from here.''

''Walk? Why walk?''

''Because I don't want the horses getting too close.''

''Too close to what?''

''You'll see,'' Oloven responded with a small smile before heading off into the nearby trees, beckoning Christopher to follow.

''Oh, alright.'' Chris let out a sigh before climbing down from Apollo... After tethering both horses, Christopher rushed off after Oloven, eventually managing to catch up with the old man.

''What took you so long?'' Oloven turned towards the out of breath Christopher.

''I had to...tether the horses,'' Chris responded before taking a deep breath.

''Oh, I see.'' Oloven gave a nod. ''You needn't have bothered tethering Hayyel, he'd never wander away.''

''Well, even so, better to be safe than sorry,'' Christopher replied... ''So, er...what are we looking for, exactly?''

''I told you, the non material gateway.''

''Yeah...I'm sorry, but that just doesn't make sense to me.''

''Don't worry. It will soon enough.''

''There you go with another cryptic response.''

''Here we are!'' Oloven stepped out of the trees and into a small clearing, the shining light of the rising moon illuminating the open space...

''I don't see anything.'' Christopher glanced around.

''Of course not. That's why it's called non material.''

''Uh-huh.'' Christopher looked very confused... ''And it's a gateway?''

''Indeed.''

''To what?''

Oloven flashed another smile... ''A world between worlds, my friend.''

Chris rolled his eyes on hearing yet another cryptic reply. ''And what does that mean?''

''Christopher, you know why we're here, do you not?''

''Yes.'' Chris gave a slow, uncertain nod of his head. ''To discover whether or not Jacob is alive or dead. But I don't see how this place is going to-'' Chris suddenly stopped talking, as a look of realisation appeared on his face. ''Unless...this gateway leads to-''

Oloven raised his eyebrows, curious as to how Christopher was going to end the sentence.

''Heaven?''

''Not quite.'' Oloven shook his head.. ''Besides, I doubt that someone like Jacob would be allowed directly into Heaven.''

''Well, he didn't seem all that bad, from what I've heard.''

''But not all that good, either.'' Oloven turned his back to Christopher and walked towards the center of the clearing... ''That's why we'll be combing through the other place for him.''

''Other place? What other place?''

Oloven came to a stop before turning back around... ''Christopher, you must understand that everything isn't black and white in this world. There's a middle ground between good and evil... The same applies in the afterlife.''

''I don't understand.''

Oloven let out a sigh... ''Heaven and Hell are not the only two places that make up the world beyond this one. There is a gateway between the two. A place where a growing majority of souls are ending up.. And it is there where they shall learn what their eternal judgement will be... Some people refer to this place as limbo, others call it purgatory, while some simply call it the realm of non-existence.''

''No. None of this can be real.'' Chris gave a small laugh of disbelief.

''Oh, but it is... And it is there where you must search for dear Jacob.'' Oloven was just about to turn away when Chris called after him.

''Wait a minute!'' Christopher marched towards Oloven... ''You expect me to cross over into the land of the dead and be okay with it!?''

''Why wouldn't you be?''

''Why wouldn't I be!?'' Chris echoed. ''Because I'll have to die, that's why!''

''Whoever said anything about you dying.'' Oloven chuckled.. ''I'll make sure that you don't have to perish in order to be allowed entrance.''

''Oh...well that's a relief.'' Chris let out a deep breath... ''Even so, I'm not comfortable about this.''

''Oh, Christopher, don't worry so.. I wouldn't be asking this of you if there were any other way.''

''I understand.'' Chris gave a nod... ''I just never expected anything quite so crazy as this would ever happen.''

''Of course you didn't, but unexpected hurdles are part of life.. The trick is learning to vault over them without losing speed...''

''Wise words.'' Christopher gave a small, brief smile... ''I wonder if I'll bump into anyone I know.''

''Hopefully not.''

''What do you mean?'' Chris wondered what Oloven meant by that.

''Well, let me put it this way...purgatory isn't very pleasant.. It's essentially a place of torment, where one must dwell on their own misdeeds. At the outcome of which they will either be condemned to Hell or be granted passage into Heaven.''

''I see.'' Chris shuddered at the very thought of venturing to such a place. ''In that case I hope I don't see anyone I know.''

''Indeed,'' Oloven agreed with that sentiment... ''Might I ask who were you thinking of?''

''What?''

''The ones you know who have passed over,'' Oloven clarified. ''How many of them are there?''

''Oh, quite a few,'' Christopher replied.. ''Distant relatives, old friends, people I've met in this dimension...my parents.'' Chris closed his eyes as painful memories returned to him... ''Maybe even Bilko.''

''Bilko?''

''My old dog,'' Christopher explained. ''He was a good friend to me when I was younger. He was there from the moment I was born... I couldn't remember life without him.'' Christopher smiled fondly at the memories of his Rough Collie/Golden Retriever mix breed... ''He even saved my life once.''

''Really?''

''Yes. It happened when my family went for a picnic one day when I was 3. Luckily for me they brought Bilko along as well.. Anyway, what happened is, they took their eyes off me for a brief moment and I wandered away.'' Christopher chuckled. ''I was always doing that... But, this time it came against me.''

''Why, what happened?''

''I ended up falling into a pond,'' Chris replied. ''I don't remember much about it, really. But I would have drowned if it wasn't for Bilko finding me.''

''He saved you?''

''Yes. He jumped straight in and dragged me out of the pond before alerting my parents.. If not for him I would have died that day for sure.''

''Remarkable animal.. Whatever happened to him?''

''He died aged 16,'' Chris replied. ''I was 15 at the time, a year younger than Bilko.. He had a heart condition, you see.'' Christopher sighed.. ''It'd be nice if I could see him again someday... Although, I don't suppose dogs are allowed into Heaven.''

''What makes you think that?''

''Well, because I thought that Heaven was just for humans...and fae creatures, too, I suppose.. You know, beings of high intelligence.''

Oloven shook his head. ''That's your ego talking. Feelings of self importance.''

''Oh.. So you think I'm wrong?''

''Indeed I do,'' Oloven stated. ''Look, let me tell you something, Christopher. Every living, breathing creature in the whole of existence was granted life by God. It is He who bestowed life to all living things of this Earth.. And then, once their time in this world has ended, He embraces them into His loving bosom. Allowing them entrance into Paradise... This applies to all beings without sin.''

''Without sin?''

''Yes... That is why all creatures belonging to the Animal Kingdom are granted entry into Heaven.''

''Wait a second.'' Chris took a step back while shaking his head. ''You're saying that even insects get in?''

''Absolutely.''

''And man-eaters like sharks and crocodiles?''

''Of course.''

''So...you're saying that these things don't do anything wrong?''

''I'm not saying that.''

''But you said that they were without sin?''

''That's right.''

Christopher let out a long sigh... ''Sorry, but you've lost me.''

''Alright, let me explain.'' Oloven took a deep breath.. ''You said just now that humans like me and yourself, and fae creatures like Maleficent and her pixies friends are of higher intelligence than animals, did you not?''

''Yes I did.''

''Right, and the same applies to various other beings in different dimensions, as well. Beings you could most likely never fathom... Now, for every misdeed they make they are held responsible, but with animals it isn't the same, as they lack the requisite intelligence to understand the difference between right and wrong. Because of this they are incapable of sin. Whereas humans, fairies, pixies, and everything else of a higher mind must pay for their missteps... But there is hope,'' Oloven continued. ''Through Him goodness prevails in this dark world. The Lord brings hope to all, Christopher.. And if they would only listen, everyone would walk the path of righteousness... Unfortunately, I must confess that Mankind is lagging behind in that particular department. Taking into account every single human being in existence, from this dimension to countless others...there are fewer and fewer people ascending to Heaven, as a vastly growing portion of humanity give way to their own selfish desires.''

''Gee, thanks for that.'' Chris gave a light chuckle.

''You must understand that this doesn't apply to all humans, Christopher, just an ever increasing amount of them.''

''So what you're saying is that on the whole we're worse than fairies and pixies? That they have more chance of making it to Heaven than humans do?''

''At this moment in time...yes,'' Oloven admitted it with a sigh of resignation.. ''But there is one thing that's to our advantage, son.''

''Really?.. What?''

''That Mankind is the pinnacle of His creation,'' Oloven replied... ''And the ones He favors the most.''

''Okay, I'm confused again.. Didn't you just say that humans have the least chance of making it to Heaven?''

''That's correct. But only because humanity is slowly embracing the darkness.'' Oloven took a step towards Christopher. ''The capability for evil is without end in humans. And at its very worst, humanity is far more destructive than any amount of fae creatures.'' Oloven reached out his right hand and put it on Chris's left shoulder... ''However, at its very best, humanity's potential is far greater than that of any other being in existence. With a will, spirit and determination that could rival that of even the highest of Angels.''

''I see.'' Christopher took a deep breath as he processed all this information, slightly unnerved by how sure Oloven seemed of all this...

''But, we are falling. Falling at a very rapid rate.'' Oloven shook his head in disappointment at this fact before removing his hand from Christopher's shoulder. ''Yet, hope remains...as His unyielding love for us gives us all a chance of salvation.'' Oloven was just about to turn away when he remembered the point he was originally trying to make.. ''And if the Lord can find it within Himself to grant entry to sinful creatures like humans and fairies into the Kingdom of Heaven...then He's sure to accept a selfless, loyal dog like Bilko.''

Christopher gave Oloven a warm smile. ''Well, I hope you're right.''

''I think I am.'' Oloven returned the young man's smile before turning away... ''Now, to the matter at hand.'' He gestured his right hand forward.

''What are you doing?''

''Showing you where to stand,'' Oloven replied.

''What?''

''Tsk,'' Oloven gave a tut of annoyance. ''Have you forgotten why we are here?.. You're about to be sent into limbo.''

''Purgatory,'' Chris corrected him.

''Well, six of one.'' Oloven gave a shrug. ''Hurry up, now.''

''Okay, okay.'' Chris walked forward into the center of the clearing... ''Right then, now what?''

''Now we begin.'' Oloven extended both his arms out and was just about to open the gateway when Christopher shouted up.

''Hang on! Wait!''

''Oh, what is it now?''

''I-I'm still not comfortable about all this.. There's still so much you haven't told me.''

''All in good time.''

''No!'' Chris exclaimed. ''No more lies!.. I want the truth.''

''The truth?''

''Yes, Oloven. The truth.'' Christopher looked to the ground for a moment or two, unsure of whether or not to speak his mind...

''If you have something to say, say it.''

''Very well.'' Chris steeled himself before speaking the words... ''The powers you have were not bequeathed to you by a fairy, were they?''

''What makes you think that?''

''Because I don't believe that fairies have the power to send people to the afterlife, that's why.. Maleficent certainly can't do that.''

''Perhaps the fairy I served was more powerful than Maleficent.''

''No, Oloven. I'm not buying it.. No fairy could have the power to do something like this, as well as possessing knowledge of other dimensions and the afterlife.''

''Alright.'' Oloven sighed. ''I must admit that I've not been entirely honest with you. But trust me, it's for your own good.''

''So you're admitting it? You're confirming that the magic powers you have were not given to you by a fairy?''

''I am,'' Oloven confirmed.

''T-then how-'' Chris took a step backwards.. ''How do you have these powers?.. Are you even human?''

''Christopher...if I were to answer your questions I fear that you would not go where you must. That you would back down from this challenge... In fact, there's a strong possibility that you would be left even more confused and disillusioned than you already are.''

''So, what then? I'm just supposed to trust you?''

''Yes.. But, if you cannot bring yourself to do so...then you're free to go.'' Oloven gestured his hands outward. ''I will not force you into doing anything you don't want to do, Christopher... The choice is entirely yours.''

Christopher looked down to the ground before looking back to Oloven, feeling terribly conflicted. ''If I do this...will you answer the questions I have for you with honesty.''

''I promise.'' Oloven bowed his head.

''Okay.'' Christopher took a deep breath... ''Go for it.''

''Very well.'' Oloven extended his arms out once again... ''Are you ready?''

''As I'll ever be.''

''Alright then..'' Oloven suddenly swung his arms down, causing the ground to immediately start giving way beneath Christopher's feet.

''OH, BOY!'' The lower half of Christopher's body collapsed beneath the surface of the ground.. ''W-w-what's happening!?''

''The doorway is now open!'' Oloven declared. ''At this very moment it is accepting you into the world beyond this one.''

''It hurts!'' Christopher exclaimed, as he sank further into the black hole underneath the ground.

''Don't worry. Once you reach your destination you'll be pain free.''

''Well, that's a relief.'' Chris tried to push himself up only to sink further down, as he found himself covered in dirt up to his neck.

''Don't fight it, Christopher! You're nearly there!''

''Oloven!'' Christopher screamed out his name. ''I almost forgot!.. How do I get back!?''

''Do not fear! You'll only have a limited amount of time there before you're automatically sent back here!.. I'll be waiting for you!''

''Oloven!'' Chris shouted as his chin touched the ground, his mouth nearly covered with dirt.. ''What if you're wrong!?''

''No fear of that, my boy!'' Oloven chuckled. ''All you have to do is discover whether or not Jacob is there!.. If he is, then you must ask him about the crystal. Alright?''

''Uh-huh,'' Chris mumbled in reply, as he tilted his head back as far as he could, dirt covering his eyes so he couldn't even see anything... ''AHHHHHHH!'' He screamed, causing his open mouth to be filled with earth and soil.

''Time is your enemy! The very world is at stake!'' Oloven rallied Christopher on. ''Do what you must, Christopher!... Do not fail!''

Christopher was suddenly dragged the rest of the way down, his head falling beneath the surface and into the black void. His outstretched hands were the last pieces of him to be pulled underground, before his whole body fell free of the physical world, tumbling down into nothingness... As he found himself switching from one reality to another, from one dimension to the next...from the world of life to the land of the dead, Christopher let out a panicked final cry...

''OLOVEN!''

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.

Meanwhile, aboard the Belladonna, a disoriented Maleficent opened her eyes.

''Where am I?'' Maleficent voiced that thought before trying to turn around. ''Ow!'' She felt a burning pain in her side.. On closer inspection, Maleficent realised that she was still aboard the Belladonna, evidently having been dragged into this room after collapsing.. ''Ah!'' Maleficent felt the pain again, prompting her to look down. She immediately noticed that she was bound in several iron chains. Two were wrapped around her arms, while another two were wrapped around her legs. The final, and largest chain was looped over her wings and across her torso, all this leaving Maleficent completely immobile. The only part of her body she could move was her head, and even that was restricted by her own wings, which had been pinned up by the chain... She was just about to try and use some magic to break free when she found herself suddenly pained by a burning sensation in the pit of her stomach. After concentrating for a few moments Maleficent discovered that the pain was actually being emitted from the bite wound to her neck. This worried Maleficent a great deal, as she realised that whatever Vandran had done to her when he bit down into her neck was spreading to the rest of her body...

Just then, the door to the room was opened by a familiar face.

''Ah, Maleficent!'' Vernon exclaimed in delight. ''You're awake! Jolly good!'' He stepped inside before slamming the door shut.

''Good morning, Drake.'' Maleficent forced a smile.

''Morning?'' Vernon let out a small titter. ''You missed morning, my dear.. Look, it's night time again now.'' Vernon gestured to the window.

Maleficent managed to turn her head to the window, noticing that it was indeed dark outside.

''You've been out for almost 24 hours, Maleficent.'' Vernon chuckled. ''No doubt you just needed to catch up on missed sleep, eh?.. Or perhaps it's something else.'' Vernon started to slink over towards her... ''I think this teeny weeny bite Vandran inflicted on you is starting to cause effect.''

''Don't be absurd!'' Maleficent denied this.

''Oh, don't be so touchy.'' Vernon came to a stop upon reaching the fairy and took a peak at the wound on her neck... ''Mm, it looks very nasty.''

''It's nearly healed,'' Maleficent lied.

''Really? Well, let's see.'' Vernon pulled out a dagger from the belt he was wearing and touched the tip of it against the wound, causing Maleficent to yell in agony... ''Ooh, doesn't seem healed to me.'' He pressed the dagger down a little further before expelling it from her body.. ''Oh, you're pain is music to my ears!'' Vernon promptly danced away from the outraged fairy...

''If it were not for these chains-'' Maleficent paused for a moment, struggling for breath. ''Your skull would currently be separated from your body.''

''Oh, la di da di da.'' Vernon rolled his eyes before turning away. ''Your threats are completely futile now, I'm afraid...''

''Where is Syrena?'' Maleficent asked (suddenly recalling her betrayal).

''She's no longer here,'' Vernon replied. ''Vandran took her away.''

''Vandran?''

''Yes, he was here.'' Vernon turned back around to face Maleficent. ''He informed me of the venom coursing through your system... You'll most likely be dead before the sun's up.''

''Well, if that is to be my end...then so be it.''

''Oh, how brave of you.'' Vernon gave a few sarcastic claps of applause. ''But who's to rescue dear Aurora once you're dead?''

Maleficent's eyes widened in fear, as her thoughts turned to her little Beastie.

''It certainly won't be Diaval, as he will be joining you in death, no doubt about that... In fact, that's who I'm waiting for right now, actually.''

''What?'' Maleficent flashed a look of horror.

''That's right.'' Vernon grinned. ''My men are fetching him from the brig as we speak.''

''If you dare even touch him I will-''

''Save it, Maleficent!'' Vernon cut her off... ''It's over.''

''No.'' Maleficent shook her head defiantly.

''Oh, spare me from your stubbornness.'' Vernon chuckled. ''Don't you see? There is no hope. You foolishly chose to put all your faith into a false Prophecy, truly believing that dear Christopher was "The One".. You thought you had an ace in the hole, didn't you? Thinking that with him on your side the game would surely be won!.. But you were wrong.. Now Christopher is dead...and you've lost the game.''

''Game? Is that what this is to you?''

''Yes. Life is but a game... A game in which we create our own rules.'' Vernon dug his hand into his trouser pocket. ''Now, moving on...I want your opinion on something.''

''What?'' Maleficent looked bemused.

''It won't take a moment.'' Vernon turned away for a few seconds before spinning back around and flashing a toothy grin.

''I hate it... Whatever it is.''

''This!'' Vernon gestured to the tooth that was now filling in for his missing one.

''How did you-'' Maleficent stopped short of finishing the question, yet was still curious as to how Vernon had suddenly regrown his tooth.

''Look.'' Vernon pulled the tooth out.. ''See? It's not actually mine.''

''A fake tooth? That's what you wanted my opinion on?''

''Well, I just wanted to know what you thought of it... And besides, it isn't fake.. I yanked this out of the mouth of a dead pirate.''

Maleficent screwed up her face and looked away, disgusted by this.

''It lodges into the gap almost perfectly.'' Vernon demonstrated this by slotting it back into position once again. ''Although, I think I should remove it when eating meals or sleeping. I wouldn't want to choke on it, would I?''

''Yes, wouldn't that be a tragedy.'' Maleficent gave an eye roll.

Just then, there was a knock at the door.

''Yes!?'' Vernon declared.

''We've brought the shape-shifter, as you ordered, sir!''

''Very good.'' Vernon looked to Maleficent and smiled. ''Here's where the fun begins... Bring him in!''

The door was duly opened by two soldiers and Diaval was pushed into the room. His hands were tied to either end of a large plank of wood which was over his shoulders and behind his neck.

''Good to see you, Diaval!'' Vernon beamed before looking to the two men.. ''Tie him to the wall.''

''Very good, sir!'' The two men dragged Diaval past Maleficent and towards the wall at the back of the cabin.

''Maleficent,'' Diaval whispered.

''Diaval.'' Maleficent spoke his name. ''Syrena has-''

''I know.'' Diaval looked to the two soldiers.. ''I've been informed of her betrayal.''

Maleficent looked on in concern, as the two soldiers used metal chains to tie Diaval to the wall, looping them over the beam above his head.

''If you're wondering why he isn't transforming in an effort to break free, it's because of these.'' Vernon walked towards Diaval and pointed to the iron rings on his fingers. Two on his right hand and two on his left hand.. ''That's right!'' Vernon grabbed hold of Diaval's left hand. ''Enchanted rings!.. And as you're already aware, they completely nullify fairy magic, including any that may belong to the wearer. Meaning that the magic you bestowed to Diaval, Maleficent...is now completely and utterly useless.''

''Ingenious.'' Maleficent had to admit that.

''Why, thank you.''

''Get off me!'' Diaval struggled to pull his hand free of Vernon's grasp.

''Be silent!'' Vernon backhanded Diaval across his face.

''Diaval!'' Maleficent exclaimed in horror, as she struggled with all her might to break free, but the iron chains were just too strong... ''AHHHHHHH!'' She felt the burning sensation once again in her stomach.

''Maleficent, don't struggle!'' Diaval cried out.

''Aw, you're so worried about her. How sweet.'' Vernon pinched Diaval on the cheek before turning to the two soldiers.. ''Leave us.''

The two men gave their Captain a small bow before swiftly exiting the cabin...

''Oh, this is going to be so much fun!'' Vernon hopped up and down in excitement.

''I don't know why you're so cheerful, Drake,'' Diaval spoke up. ''I heard whispers down in the brig.. Word is that Vandran has cast you and your pitiful band of men aside, thinking that you've now served your purpose.''

''Really?'' Maleficent let out a small titter. ''So, Vandran has finally deemed you all superfluous... About time, isn't it?''

''I should say so,'' Diaval agreed.

''How does it feel, Drake?'' Maleficent gave him a mocking smile... ''To think, you've gone through all this for nothing. No power, no wealth, no reward of any kind.. Not a thing to show for your efforts.''

''And do you think I'll allow him to get away with it?'' Vernon walked towards Maleficent while shaking his head. ''No, no.. Once I'm done with you two, I'm going to be paying Vandran a little visit.''

''Well, what are you waiting for? If you intend to kill us then get it over with already,'' Diaval uttered these words of defiance.

''What?'' Vernon chuckled as he turned to face Diaval.. ''Why, we're only just getting started.''

''Leave him out of this, Drake.''

''Oh, I don't think so.'' Vernon reached out his hand and stroked Maleficent's face, his fingers running across her sharp cheekbones. ''I intend to have amusement at both your expenses.. Especially at yours, Maleficent.'' He flashed a grin before leaning forward and whispering in her ear... ''I even offered the men a chance to line up and have their way with you.. Unfortunately, they all declined, fearing that they would somehow contract your affliction and become infected by Vandran's venom.. The fools.'' Vernon shook his head before looking to Diaval. ''Don't you agree, Diaval? How could they possibly pass up on the chance of defiling such a wild and fearsome creature such as Maleficent?''

''You monster!'' Diaval started to turn pale with anger.

Vernon chortled loudly. ''It matters not... I'm sure I can find some other way of amusing myself.'' Vernon let his fingers trail across Maleficent's face again.

''Don't you touch her!'' Diaval wrestled with the chains while desperately trying to transform to no avail, as the rings served their purpose in quelling his powers.

''I said be silent!''

''Drake!'' Maleficent cried out, gaining Vernon's attention...

''Yes?'' Vernon edged his face closer towards her.

''Don't do this.. You can do anything you like to me but please...don't hurt Diaval.''

''Oh, Maleficent. You have no idea the joy it brings to my heart seeing you like this.. Weak, stripped of power...pleading for small mercies.'' Vernon could only smile at this... ''But, I'm afraid I'll have to refuse your request.. You see, I want to inflict upon you the very maximum of pain. The apex of suffering.. And to achieve that, I must torture not only you, but Diaval also. Because I know that will cause you great agony to witness... Rest assured that this will be the longest and most painful night of both your lives.'' Vernon glanced to Diaval before looking back to Maleficent. ''So...shall we begin?''


(A/N). And so another chapter comes to a close.. As always, please don't forget to leave me a quick review before you shove off.

Thanks for reading.

Until next time, ta-ra.