(A/N). Hi guys! As always, I'd just like to begin by thanking you all for your continued support, as without you this story wouldn't be possible.
Okay then, let's resume!
''Ooh, my head.'' Christopher blinked his eyes several times before opening them fully, discovering that he was laid face down in some sort of slimy substance. ''What the-'' Chris tried to get to his feet only to slip back down to the ground... ''Okay.'' He took a deep breath. ''If at first you don't succeed.'' Christopher dragged himself to his feet. ''Ah. That's better...'' After looking left and right into the surrounding darkness, Chris started to get an uneasy feeling, as he suddenly remembered where he'd been sent to. ''So...this is limbo?'' He looked around once again, puzzled as to why he couldn't see anyone... Just then, he heard a loud scream from up ahead, followed by a woman's voice crying out.
''Help me!.. Please someone help me!''
Christopher swallowed hard before summoning his courage... ''Well...here goes nothing.'' Chris took a deep breath before stepping forward into the darkness.
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Meanwhile, aboard the Belladonna, Vernon was having the time of his life.
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval howled in pain, as Vernon trailed the dagger across his bare chest.
''NO!'' Maleficent screamed, while struggling in vain to break free of the iron chains... ''Stop it!''
''Stop it?'' Vernon removed the dagger from Diaval's chest and turned to face Maleficent.. ''My dear, I'm just getting started.''
Diaval let out a pain filled moan as he tried to stand up straight... ''Why are you doing this?''
''Why?'' Vernon chuckled... ''Because I can.''
Diaval flinched and tried to pull away, as Vernon advanced towards him with the dagger in his hand once again.
''Hmm? Where to cut?'' After examining Diaval's torso for several seconds, Vernon spotted the wound that Diaval had received out on deck. ''Ah. That will do nicely.''
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval screamed again, as Vernon sliced the dagger across the wound, before circling it around and up Diaval's left arm.
''Shh,'' Vernon shushed Diaval before grabbing his face. ''Must be brave, Diaval. Must be brave.''
''Diaval!'' Maleficent continued to struggle with the chains, horrified by what she was witnessing, unable to bear the sight of seeing her beloved Diaval in so much pain.
''Beg me to stop.'' Vernon moved the dagger to the top of Diaval's chest. ''Go on.. Beg me!''
''No!'' Diaval gritted his teeth and looked to the ceiling, unable to cope with the pain...
''DRAKE!'' Maleficent boomed as her head started to droop, as she felt herself feeling lightheaded due to the effects of the venom... ''Don't hurt him.''
''What was that?'' Vernon pretended not to hear.
''You heard me!.. Hurt me instead.''
''No!'' Diaval shouted.
''Oh, how touching.'' Vernon removed the dagger from Diaval's chest, causing Diaval to slump forward as far as he could, his hands still tied to either end of the plank of wood over his shoulders.
''You know, Drake...Christopher was right about you.''
''Really?'' Vernon turned his attention back to Maleficent. ''In what way?''
''You truly are a psychopath,'' Maleficent uttered these words while giving Vernon a look of pure, unbridled hatred.
''Psychopath?'' Vernon gave a dark chuckle. ''Why? Because I enjoy giving out pain?.. Just remember that you deserve this suffering, Maleficent.''
''What?''
''Yes.'' Vernon nodded before taking a few steps towards the fairy. ''Just think of all the lives you've wrecked over the many years.. All the men you've killed.''
''They deserved it!'' Maleficent snapped.
''Indeed... Spoken like a true psychopath, I'd say.'' Vernon turned to Diaval. ''Wouldn't you agree with that?''
Diaval's only response was to shoot Vernon a scornful glare, feeling too weak to say anything.
''You see, Maleficent...the thing is-'' Vernon leaned in towards her and whispered. ''You've failed.. Utterly and completely failed... You've failed to protect Aurora, and you've failed to protect dear Christopher... Now the only things you can fall back on are hatred and rage.''
''No.'' Maleficent managed to shake her head before wincing in pain, as a sharp burning sensation raged in her stomach...
''Yes. Oh, yes.'' Vernon smiled. ''You know it's true... You've let down all those who you profess to care about.'' Vernon flashed a sneer. ''You call me cruel yet say the ones you've killed 'deserved it'.. No wonder Stefan wanted you dead and became so paranoid about it.. He knew just how lacking in mercy you are.'' Vernon turned his head in Diaval's direction. ''You should have seen her when she attacked Syrena, Diaval.. Such fury, such anger...not a morsel of mercy in sight.'' He looked back to Maleficent.. ''Yet you paint Stefan as the bad guy... Incredible.''
''Do not speak of matters you do not understand.''
''Oh, but I do understand,'' Vernon replied. ''I know everything... It's just a pity he didn't kill you when he had the chance.''
''Shut up!'' Diaval shouted (knowing how distressed Maleficent was).
Vernon rolled his eyes in Diaval's direction before looking back to the ailing fairy. ''Whispers and rumors indicate that you loved Stefan once upon a time.. But I find that very hard to believe.'' Vernon leaned forward slightly. ''Hard to believe that you could actually 'love' any man.'' He glanced to Diaval once again. ''Something which you will never really be, my friend.'' He looked back to Maleficent. ''No...I just think you wanted to experience what it felt like, you know what I mean?'' Vernon raised his eyebrows suggestively.. ''Did you and Stefan ever get round to...you know?''
''Enough!'' A small burst of magic came shooting out of Maleficent's eyes and into the corner of the room, as she felt her remaining powers become very unstable...
''Temper, temper.'' Vernon wagged a disapproving finger in Maleficent's face... ''Did I touch a nerve?'' He snickered before turning away.
''Look at yourself, Drake.'' Maleficent's head fell, as she felt her strength slowly waning... ''Look at your life.''
''And what, I wonder, do you mean by that?'' Vernon stepped towards Diaval and suddenly slapped him across the face.
Maleficent (trying to remain unfazed by what Vernon has just done to Diaval) forced her head up and looked directly at Vernon.. ''Who do you care about? And more importantly...who cares about you?''
Vernon's smirk and cocksure attitude slowly started to fade on hearing this...
''We both know the answer to that, don't we, Drake?''
''No one.'' Diaval spoke the words before Maleficent could... ''No one gives a damn about you.''
''And your point is?'' Vernon gave a shrug (trying his best to remain cool and unaffected).
''That you are worthless!'' Maleficent exclaimed. ''At least I have those in my life who care about me.''
''Oh, please!'' Vernon let out a hearty laugh.. ''Those few individuals are just as pathetic as you are.''
''Pathetic?'' Maleficent echoed with a smile. ''Don't you see that word is so fitting for yourself? A man out of time and without conviction. Who's only goal is to attain power and wealth.''
''The goal of every ambitious man,'' Vernon remarked.
''No.'' Maleficent gave a small shake of her head. ''The things of true value pass you by...and that is because you are not worthy of them.''
''And you are!?'' Vernon snapped.. ''You are a foul, disgusting creature, Maleficent. And your death will symbolize this. A demise without dignity and without honour... By the end of this night, when you are in your death throes...you will be nothing more than a sniveling, trembling wreck.''
Just then, there was a knock at the door.
''Ah!'' Vernon turned towards the door with a big grin on his face. ''Finally!''
''Finally?'' Diaval looked on in worry and confusion.
''I told the men to prepare this ages ago.'' Vernon tutted while shaking his head as he approached the door. ''Even so...better late than never, I suppose.'' Vernon opened the door to see Carter standing there.
''Sir-'' Carter swallowed hard. ''T-the poker...as you requested.''
''Very good.'' Vernon took the red hot poker from Carter's hand.. ''Would you care to stay and watch?''
''N-no.'' Carter shook his head.
''I see.'' Vernon gave a disappointed frown. ''Still don't have the stomach for this kind of stuff, do you, Carter?''
''N-not really, sir.''
''Very well.. Away with you.'' Vernon motioned his hand away from the door before stepping back inside... ''Now, what shall I do with this, I wonder?'' Vernon waved the poker menacingly in Diaval's direction...
Diaval screwed up his face while pulling his head away from the poker.
''Oh, this has the potential be the greatest night of my life.'' Vernon smiled at Diaval's visible fear.
''Which says a lot for your pitiful excuse of a life,'' Maleficent spoke up.. ''Whatever is to happen on this night you know as well I that you're running out of time, Drake. Without Vandran's support you will slowly fade back into obscurity... And then death shall follow.. You will die all alone and be unmourned in this world... Then again, I doubt that anyone would mourn you even back in your own world.''
Vernon smiled while shaking his head. ''Your feeble attempts at hurting me are futile, my dear. With every barb you fire in my direction the more sweeter this experience will be...''
Seeing Vernon slowly advance towards Diaval with the poker in his hand, Maleficent opted to continue taunting Vernon (hoping that he would take out his anger on her instead of Diaval). ''Christopher once said that you had a deceased sister, Drake.. And as I recall you were none too pleased to hear him mention her.''
''Keep my sister out of this!'' Vernon's face darkened as he looked in Maleficent direction.
''Why's that? Do you fear that she would be ashamed of you if she could see you now?... Then again, perhaps she was just like you.''
''No!'' Vernon exclaimed in fury. ''She was good and decent!''
''Really? Nothing like you at all, then.'' Diaval chuckled.
Vernon turned to Diaval and was just about to strike him with the back of his hand when Maleficent shouted.
''How does it feel, Drake!? Knowing that you're never going to see her again!?''
''What!?'' Vernon span around to face Maleficent, his cheeks red with anger.
''Well, if there is an afterlife then I'm sure that this good and decent sister of yours will end up in a place vastly different to you.. She will be soaring high in Paradise while you will be rotting in the deepest, dankest, darkest corner of Hell!''
On hearing this, Vernon lost all self control, lunging forward and punching Maleficent in the face.
''NOOOOOOOOO!'' Diaval screamed, as he struggled in vain to break free of his bonds.
Vernon hit Maleficent again and again until her head fell back. He then proceeded to grab hold of her injured wing, prompting the fairy to let out a pain filled cry.. Vernon smiled dementedly as he pulled out his dagger.. ''Shall I remove these wings, eh? Shall I redo Stefan's good work?''
''No!'' Diaval exclaimed. ''Leave her alone!''
Vernon looked to Diaval then back to Maleficent... ''Maybe I'll remove them later.'' He let go of Maleficent's wing before walking over towards Diaval.. ''I think for now I'll just have some fun with you, Diaval.'' Vernon flashed a grin as he glanced to Maleficent. ''Besides, I think seeing you suffer will hurt Maleficent far more than any venom or blade ever could.''
''No,'' Maleficent whispered weakly, as blood trickled from her mouth, the bite wound on her neck throbbing worse than it ever had done before.
Vernon tossed the dagger aside and held the poker up in front of Diaval's face, slowly edging it towards him.
Maleficent found the strength to shout out. ''Don't!''
''I have a feeling this is going to hurt her more than it hurts you.'' Vernon smiled as he hovered the poker inches away from Diaval's torso...
Diaval steeled himself before letting out an almighty cry of pain, as Vernon pressed the tip of the hot poker against his skin.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Maleficent and Diaval screamed in unison, as Vernon laughed maniacally, reveling in their suffering.
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After a fairly lengthy and uneasy walk, Christopher finally started to make some progress, as he found himself faced with a narrow passageway.
''Hmm?'' Chris ran his hands up either sound of the narrow passage, unsure of whether or not to venture down it, the sound of wailing voices putting him off continuing... ''Come on, Christopher,'' he urged himself on. ''You must do this.''
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' It was a male voice that cried out this time, a scream of utter terror...before being suddenly silenced.
''Oh, boy.'' Chris took another deep breath before putting one foot in front of the other, as he started to slowly head down the passageway... After walking for several minutes, Chris finally saw some light up ahead.. ''Whoa!'' Christopher felt his foot brush against something. After looking down he noticed it was a step leading upwards.. Chris carefully navigated his way up the small flight of stairs before reaching another passageway. He could tell from the increasing loudness of the cries that he was getting closer, so Christopher forced himself to push on, heading forwards until he eventually reached the end of the passage...
''Yikes!'' Chris nearly fell head first to the ground, as he spotted a small drop before him... After slowly climbing down, Christopher stepped forward onto a small walkway that led towards the dim light up ahead... Upon reaching the end, Chris suddenly found himself in a very large tunnel.. After observing his surroundings for a moment or two, Christopher noticed that he was surrounded by people. Some of them were strewn on the floor while others were up against the walls. All of them were linked together with chains.. Despite the fact that they looked as though they were still inhabiting bodies, in actuality they were not. All that remained of them now was their spirits, disembodied souls trapped in this most unpleasant place... Curiously, a large majority of the voices had stopped crying out... It was as though they could feel Christopher's presence.
After taking several deep breaths Chris decided to move forward, making sure to carefully navigate his way to the center of the tunnel (not wanting to disturb these poor, unfortunate souls).. After reaching the middle Christopher looked both ways. To his left was a small path that led towards a bright light at the end of the tunnel. And to his right was a path that led towards nothing but darkness.
''Okay.'' Chris let out a lengthy sigh... ''Which direction would Jacob be in?'' After looking both ways one more time, Chris opted to head to his left and towards the light, hoping that if Jacob was here he'd be destined for Heaven (dreading the thought of having to venture to the 'other place' should Jacob not be found in this direction).
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''This way!'' Knotgrass exclaimed loudly.
Flittle and Thistlewit promptly came to a halt before following their sister up the nearby staircase.
After escaping from the dungeon the three pixies had made their way through the various hallways until they reached the stairs that led up to the next floor... By now, word had reached the Captain of the Guard of their escape, prompting him to close off all the exit points, while sending one of his men to rouse the Steward.
''Seal every gate!'' the Captain bellowed as he rushed down the stairs that led to the main hall of the castle. ''Find them!''
Just a few rooms away from the main hall, the three pixies had taken refuge underneath a large armchair.
''Now what are we going to do!?'' Flittle spoke in a panic stricken voice.
''Shh!'' Knotgrass shushed her. ''We must be quiet.''
''We have to get out of here,'' Thistlewit said.
''I know, I know.'' Knotgrass thought hard on what to do.
''In there!'' one of the soldiers shouted, as three men burst into the room.
''Oh, no.'' Thistlewit put her hand to her forehead.. ''We'll be done for if we don't act now while we still can.''
''Shh,'' Knotgrass shushed her.
''Let's try and make a break for that window.'' Flittle poked her head out from underneath the chair.
''No!'' Knotgrass pulled her back. ''We'll be spotted for sure.''
''So? We can take them.''
''That isn't the point. We can't risk causing too big of a disturbance.. Not when we're so close to escaping.''
''There's no one here!'' one of the men declared, as he finished searching the far corner of the room.
''Wait!'' another of the men shouted. ''The chair!.. I could swear I just saw something move.''
''What?'' The third soldier looked towards the armchair.
Knotgrass, Flittle and Thistelwit all held their breath, as two of the men started to approach the chair...
''Alright, girls. On three.'' Knotgrass readied herself. ''One... Two.''
''Turn it over!''
The two men were just about to overturn the chair when Knotgrass suddenly exclaimed.
''THREE!''
With one almighty burst of simultaneously charged power, the three pixies sent the chair flying forward and into the two men.
''ARGHHHHHH!'' Both men were sent catapulting backwards, one of them hurtling through the air at such velocity that he tore right through the far wall and out into the hallway.
''CAPTAIN!'' The man outside the room alerted his superior. ''We've found them!''
''To the window!'' Flittle was the first to fly forward, opting to try and evade the remaining soldier rather than attack him.. This, though, proved to be an error, as the man managed to reach out and grab hold of the pixie mid flight.
''Get off her!'' Thistlewit was just about to knock the man back with a burst of power when the man jumped aside, managing to avoid her green coloured magic..
''Flittle!'' Knotgrass cried out in alarm, as the man pulled out his sword and prepared to kill the tiny creature.
''Forget me!'' Flittle shouted. ''Go!''
''No! Not without you!'' Knotgrass was just about to harness some magic power when an arrow came flying towards her, forcing the pixie to direct all the power she had into stopping it.
''AHHHHHHHHHH!'' The man let out a cry of fury as he moved his sword towards Flittle. He was just about to kill her when the open door he was leaning against was blown clean off its hinges by an enraged Thistlewit, knocking the man to the floor and sending Flittle crashing into the wall next to the window.
''FIRE!'' The man outside the door encouraged the growing group of soldiers to open fire on the pixies.
Knotgrass quickly shot forward and used all the strength she had to create a barrier around herself and her sisters, preventing the arrows from hitting them... ''Thistlewit!'' she cried. ''Get Flittle to the window!''
''But, Knotgrass-''
''Do it!''
Thistlewit gave a quick nod of her head before hurrying to Flittle's side, helping the injured pixie to her feet.
''W-where's Knotgrass?'' Flittle asked in a weak tone.
''She's coming.'' Thistlewit looked to the window. ''I have to get you up there.. Are you strong enough to fly?''
''I-I think so.''
''Alright then. Come on.'' Thistlewit took hold of Flittle's hand and flew up towards the window...
''Hurry!'' Knotgrass shouted as she struggled to maintain the barrier... ''I can't hold them any longer!''
Thistlewit and Flittle had just reached the window when Knotgrass finally gave way to the onslaught, as the men broke through her defense, forcing the pixie to retreat as arrows whizzed by her head.
''Knotgrass!'' Thistlewit cried out her name.
''GO!'' Knotgrass used a final burst of power to shatter the window, enabling her two sisters to escape.
''No!'' Flittle exclaimed, as she watched one of the men smash Knotgrass to the floor with his swinging sword. ''We have to help her!'' Flittle was just about to swoop down and aid Knotgrass when she let out a loud shriek, as an arrow fired from the courtyard below passed directly through her left wing.
''FLITTLE!'' Thistlewit looked on in horror as Flittle dropped off the window ledge and down towards the floor.
''No!'' Knotgrass cried out in alarm, as Flittle landed beside her.
''Get away from them!'' Thistlewit came swooping down at great speed, firing magic in all directions.
''LOOK OUT!'' the Captain of the Guard bellowed as he rushed into the room.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Thistlewit screamed in fury as she blasted all the nearby soldiers backwards.. Knowing this was her only chance Thistlewit quickly made her way over towards her two sisters and tried to help them to their feet. ''Come on!'' she encouraged them to stand.. Realising that she didn't have the strength to lift them in this tiny form, Thistlewit transformed herself to regular size.. Unfortunately, before she had chance to lift them, Thistlewit was struck on the back of her head with a wooden stool, sending her crashing to the floor.
''Thistlewit!'' Knotgrass screamed.
''ARGGHHHHHHH!'' The Captain flew towards the three of them, sword in hand.
''Back!'' Flittle used her last ounce of power to knock the Captain off his feet.
''KILL THEM!'' one of the men shouted, as more and more guards poured into the room.
Thistlewit looked on in confusion (the blow to her head having left the pixie dazed), as she watched her sisters fighting back in vain against the almighty force of over three dozen guards.. Feeling incredibly weak, Thistlewit's head fell backwards to the floor... Her eyes widened in abject horror, as she heard the sound of arrows being let loose, accompanied by the sound of Knotgrass and Flittle crying out in pain... And then...all fell still, as a deafening silence filled the room...
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''ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Carter buried his head in his hands as he stepped away from the door, having just delivered another hot poker to his Captain... Suddenly, a voice spoke up in the darkness.
''Carter.''
Carter jumped slightly in alarm. ''G-Gerald?.. Y-you startled me.''
''Something the matter?''
''Something the matter?'' Carter echoed in shock. ''Can't you hear what's going on in there?''
Right on cue, Diaval let out another almighty scream...
''ARRRGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
''I...I can't stay here!'' Carter rushed out the nearby door and towards the deck, Gerald right behind him...
''Carter!'' Gerald called out, prompting Carter to come to a stop upon reaching the deck... ''What happens to them is not our concern.''
''Surely you don't condone such torture?'' Carter looked at Gerald with slight signs of disgust in his eyes.
''Not really,'' Gerald replied in a nonchalant tone. ''Torture for no reason at all isn't for me. But what I think is immaterial in this matter... All I need to know is what your decision is.. Have you decided?''
''What?''
''To help me kill Drake?''
Carter looked to the door on hearing another scream...
''Well?...''
''Alright,'' Carter agreed after a fairly lengthy hesitation.. ''I see now that he must be stopped.''
''Why, because of them?'' Gerald cocked his head to one side in slight puzzlement. ''This isn't about what we could achieve, is it? This isn't about getting even with Drake. Not for you, at least... This is about you seeing them in pain.'' Gerald gestured his head in the direction of the door... ''You don't like to see them suffer.''
''Do you?''
Gerald failed to reply...
''Don't you feel any pity for them at all, Gerald?...''
''No,'' Gerald responded in a dark tone.. ''As far as I'm concerned...they deserve it.''
''Deserve it?''
''Yes!'' Gerald gritted his teeth together. ''If not for them, if not for their resistance...I wouldn't have been made to do the terrible, terrible things I was made to do.'' Gerald closed his eyes and sighed before trudging away from Carter, leaving the young man feeling completely lost and disillusioned...
Back inside, Vernon was having a whale of a time.
''Ahhhhhhhhh,'' Diaval moaned in agony (no longer having the strength to scream), as Vernon twisted the end of the poker into his back.
''Please.. Please!'' Maleficent continued to plead for mercy, having never experienced such emotional pain before in her whole life. Seeing Diaval's eyes flickering in his head as he started to lose consciousness due to the pain was just too much for Maleficent to bear.
''There we go!'' Vernon finally removed the poker from Diaval's back.. ''How are you feeling, Diaval?'' He gave him a quick slap across the face, snapping Diaval back to his senses again.
''I...I don't think I c-can-'' Diaval stopped short of saying anymore.
''What's that? Can't take it anymore?'' Vernon gave a nod. ''Alright then.. All you have to do is say the word and I'll start torturing Maleficent instead.''
Diaval looked to his beloved Mistress before shaking his head... ''No.''
''What was that?''
''I said no!''
''What was that!?'' Vernon gave him a final chance to change his mind...
Diaval gave the faintest of smirks. ''I've got this niggling itch on my chest... Would you like to take care of it?''
''With pleasure.'' Vernon smiled sadistically before ramming the poker into Diaval's chest (while making sure not to actually run him through with it).
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval screamed.
''NOOOOOOOOO!'' Maleficent flung her head back and forth so ferociously that she managed to hit the back of her head on her own wings.. ''I'm begging you!'' She started to wail in despair, her spirit breaking that little bit more with every passing second.
''Is that better!?'' Vernon spat in Diaval's face as he removed the poker from his chest. ''Is it!?.. Is it!?''
''C-c-could you just scratch the back of my neck?'' Diaval spoke these defiant words before clenching his teeth together, determined not to scream this time.
''Of course!'' Vernon beamed. ''What are pals for, after all?..'' Vernon suddenly lunged forward and bit down into the back of Diaval's neck.
''YEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!'' Diaval boomed, unable to remain quiet.
On hearing Diaval's cry of insubordination and resistance Vernon started ragging him around as though he was a dog holding onto a chew toy... Until finally, Diaval broke.
''STOP!.. THAT'S ENOUGH!''
''DRAKE!'' Maleficent hollered... ''Take me instead!''
Vernon's eyes lit up on hearing this, causing him to let go of Diaval... ''Take you?'' He wiped Diaval's crimson blood from his mouth. ''What a fascinating idea... Right in front of him, too.'' Vernon kicked Diaval's legs from under him, causing Diaval to fall down to his knees.
''Don't hurt her!'' Diaval managed to cry out, as he felt the last of his inner strength depleting...
''Too late for that.'' Vernon shook his head. ''You said that's enough.'' He started to slowly make his way over towards the weary looking fairy.
Maleficent hung her head, not having the strength to lift it back up.
''The venom's really starting to take hold now, eh?'' Vernon came to a stop on reaching her.
Maleficent grimaced as the burning pain in her stomach returned with a vengeance, forcing her to let out a groan of discomfort...
''I thought so.'' Vernon's smile widened. ''It won't be long now before you're screaming out in pain. But before the end does come...I want you to experience great, great suffering.. Pure, raw suffering.'' Vernon leaned forward and nibbled at Maleficent's right ear, before covering her neck in kisses... ''I think I'm slowly starting to appreciate your beauty, Maleficent.''
Maleficent tried to recoil her head away but found herself too weak to move. And she opted not to say anything in hope that Vernon would continue to spend his attention on her, so as to spare Diaval from any further torment... However, seeing Vernon violate Maleficent in this manner caused Diaval far greater suffering than any physical pain ever could.
''Stop it!'' Diaval pulled at his bonds. ''Leave her alone!''
''Why?'' Vernon glanced to Diaval and flashed a smirk. ''I don't hear any complaints... I think Maleficent's rather enjoying it, aren't you dear?''
Maleficent shot Vernon a look filled with pure hatred...
''No? Oh, well.'' Vernon gave a shrug... ''I don't take it personally, Maleficent.''
''Don't say her name!'' Diaval shouted. ''You're not worthy to speak it.''
''Not worthy?'' Vernon chuckled. ''Not worthy to speak the name of a wicked, baby cursing, murderess?.. How inane.'' Vernon gave a roll of his eyes before looking back to Maleficent, immediately noticing that her head had fallen backwards. ''Oh dear.. She's starting to look a little worse for wear, isn't she?''
''Maleficent!?'' Diaval called out to her.. ''Maleficent!?''
''Don't worry, I'll wake her.'' Vernon suddenly grabbed hold of the horns on Maleficent's head and started to shake her. ''Wakey-wakey, Maleficent!''
''Get off her!'' Diaval pulled at his bonds once again, causing his hands to bleed.
While Maleficent could hear and feel everything that Vernon was doing to her she was unable to move. She couldn't even open her eyes due to the venom's effect on her. The agony it was causing made Maleficent want to scream, but all her strength was spent.. All this leaving her completely at the mercy of a merciless man...
''Come on! Open your eyes!'' Vernon grabbed hold of Maleficent's face and forcibly opened her eyes. ''That's better! Why, what lovely green eyes you have, Maleficent. I'd hate for them to be lost along with your life... I think I'll remove them so I can admire them forever.''
''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Diaval howled, as he watched Vernon whip out his dagger.
Maleficent's eyes widened in fear as the dagger was edged towards her face..
''That's it, keep them open.'' Vernon traced the tip of the blade across Maleficent's sharp cheekbones and towards her right eye.
Maleficent started to hyperventilate, terrified of what was about to happen.
''You'll find that life won't be so easy without your eyes... Precious things eyes.. I had an uncle who was blinded at the age of 21.. I never knew him, though. You see...he committed suicide at the age of 22.'' Vernon flashed a smile. ''Couldn't cope without his eyes, poor chap... I wonder if you'll be able to cope. I mean, after all, you adjusted to life without these.'' Vernon gestured his head towards her wings... ''Then again, I suppose this time you won't have to adjust...because you'll be dead before the sun rises.''
Maleficent managed to pull her head away slightly, but it was no good. In fact, this only served to amuse Vernon.
''I like seeing you squirm... I wonder if you'll have the strength to scream for me one last time.'' Vernon was just about to plunge his dagger into her right eye when Diaval let out an enormous scream.
''AAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval used every last ounce of his strength to pull himself forward, somehow managing to break one of the chains in the process.
Vernon spun round in shock and watched as Diaval fell forward, his face bashing against the wooden floor.
''Diaval,'' Maleficent managed to whisper his name before her head fell back, the pain overwhelming her once again.
Diaval tried to pull his hands free of the wooden plank around his neck, but it was no use, his bonds were simply too tight...
''What are you trying to do, Diaval?'' Vernon cackled. ''Escape?.. There is no escape!'' Vernon tossed the dagger aside and marched up to Diaval.. ''Look at her, eh.'' Vernon grabbed hold of Diaval's hair and dragged his head up so that he could see Maleficent.. ''See? She's dying!.. These are her last, few, precious hours on this Earth! And you have no way at all of saving her!'' Vernon continued to laugh. ''It's over!.. I've won!''
''Won?'' Diaval gave the smallest of smiles. ''You haven't won... She's right.. You're destined to die a failure, Drake.''
''Is that so?'' Vernon gave a nod... ''Well, we'll see about that.'' Overcome with rage Vernon hoisted Diaval to his feet and slammed him back against the wall. ''At least I'll always have this moment to savor!'' Vernon slammed his knee into Diaval's groin, before lunging forward and biting down into his left ear.
''ARRRRGGGGGGGGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval let out an ungodly scream, as Vernon nearly tore his ear clean off.
''YESSSSS!'' Vernon spat Diaval's own blood into his face, before bending down and grabbing hold of the chain that Diaval had snapped.. ''You know, I've been wondering something.. Have you even actually admitted your love to Maleficent yet?'' Vernon wrapped the chain around Diaval's neck, causing him to let out a gasp.. ''What was that?'' He leaned forward.. ''I can't hear you.''
''She knows,'' Diaval managed to splutter, as he fought and clawed for breath.
''Really?'' Vernon started to tighten the chain. ''Well, it never hurts to state it again.'' He looped the chain up over the beam before walking over to Maleficent... ''Maleficent, darling.'' Vernon lifted her head forward before slapping her across the face again and again until finally her eyes opened. ''That's it!'' He looked over to Diaval... ''Now, tell her!''
Diaval's eyes started to bulge, as death stared him squarely in the face...
''Tell her!''
''I...love y-'' was all Diaval managed to say before his head fell.
''Oops!'' Vernon flung Maleficent's head back before approaching Diaval..
Maleficent closed her eyes again, the venom now controlling her to such an extent that she wasn't even aware of what was happening around her anymore.
''Diaval... Oh, Diaval!'' Vernon spoke in a sing song tone. ''Haven't left us, have you?'' Vernon snapped his fingers in front of Diaval's face, prompting Diaval to lift his head up slightly.. ''Wonderful!'' Vernon clapped his hands together. ''I thought you'd gone and left us there for a moment, Diaval.'' Vernon grabbed the chain once again and tugged on it, causing Diaval to rise into the air, his feet lifting off the floor... ''Time to see what you're made of, my friend.'' Vernon began to punch Diaval in the stomach over and over again, using him for a punching bag...
With every blow Diaval felt more life leaving him, inching him closer and closer towards the end...
''YES! YES! YES!'' Vernon was unable to control his emotions any longer. He suddenly grabbed hold of Diaval and pulled him close, wrapping his arms around him while nuzzling his head into his chest. ''Oh, Diaval. You're leading me to the very gates of ecstasy!..'' After holding onto him for a few seconds Vernon stepped back and pulled on the other end of the chain, causing Diaval to come plummeting back down to the floor...
Diaval managed to turn his head towards Maleficent before closing his eyes, as darkness overcame him...
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''Jacob!'' Chris called out as he nearly stumbled over in the dark... As Christopher looked around for Jacob he noticed that each and every soul was chained to the wall nearest them. He also noticed that every few seconds some of them would move, either in the direction of the light or away from it. However, their movement wasn't natural, it was as though they were being dragged by some kind of invisible force... Trying not to get too distracted by this, Christopher continued to call out. ''Jacob!.. Jacob!''
The closer Christopher got to the light the more it seemed to intensify, eventually brightening to such an extent that Chris had to shield his eyes.. ''Jacob!'' he shouted once again, curious as to why no one was laying claim to be the man he was searching for.. Oddly enough, the souls at this end of the tunnel seemed to be content and at peace, in stark contrast with the others at the opposite end of the tunnel, who were periodically crying out in torment. This could only be attributed to the fact that these souls were closer to Heaven... As Christopher reached the end of the tunnel he found himself completely overwhelmed by the blinding light.. His curiosity getting the better of him, Chris stepped forward and into the light, noticing that it was being emitted from above.. Christopher covered his eyes and looked through the cracks in his fingers, straining to see something.. Unfortunately, he couldn't see anything, it was just too bright.
''Whoa!'' Chris suddenly became light headed, causing him to stumble backwards and into the wall on his right..
''You,'' a voice suddenly spoke up.
''W-what?'' Chris looked down to see a dishevelled old man staring up at him. He had a scruffy, short white beard and kind eyes. And while his face looked weary, he seemed to be content with his current position, even managing to give Christopher a faint smile... A moment of silence passed between them until the old man spoke.
''Are you the one who was calling out the name?''
''The name?'' Chris echoed.. ''Y-yes. I'm looking for a man named Jacob.''
''Jacob?'' The man's face registered slight signs of recollection... ''The name is familiar.''
''So he is here,'' Chris murmured to himself.. ''Do you know where I can find him?''
''I'm not sure.'' The man looked away... ''Names aren't of much use here, you see.''
''Really? Well, if it's of any interest...my name's Christopher.''
''Oh.'' The man gave a nod.. ''That's a nice name.''
''Thank you.'' Chris gave him a small smile... ''So, how long have you been here?''
''Hard to say,'' the man replied. ''Weeks? Months? Years?.. It doesn't matter anymore.''
''What do you mean?''
''Well, everything seems so much clearer now... It finally makes sense.''
''What does?'' Christopher knelt down beside him and looked to the chain wrapped around his waist and legs.
''I...I can't explain it.'' He smiled. ''Fond memories have returned to me, slowly washing away the dark ones... I only wish my son knew that I had finally found such peace.''
''Son?'' Chris raised a curious eyebrow... ''Do you remember your son's name?''
The man closed his eyes as he strained to remember... Finally, he recalled his son's name... ''Valentine,'' he spoke with a slight cry in his voice.. ''My boy.''
Christopher smiled to himself, his suspicions confirmed...
''Now I understand.'' He looked to Christopher. ''I am who you are searching for... I am Jacob.''
''I know.'' Chris replied.. ''You see, I know your son.''
''You know my son?.. H-how is he?''
''He's-'' Christopher paused, deciding not to inform Jacob that his son had been captured by Vernon and his men... ''He's doing just fine.''
''Good... Good.'' Jacob let out a sigh as he leaned his head back against the wall. ''Does he know that you're here?''
''No.'' Chris shook his head.. ''Maybe that's for the best.''
''Why is that?''
''Well...he isn't even sure that you're-''
''Dead,'' Jacob finished the sentence for Christopher.
''Well, yes.''
''Unlike you.'' Jacob reached out his hand and tapped on Christopher's chest.. ''You're still full of life.''
Christopher gave a small, uneasy smile...
''Valentine should know the truth... I think he'd want to know that I'm content.''
''Content? Here?'' Chris looked to the chains once again.
''I brought this fate on myself, Christopher.. You must understand.''
''I do, I do.'' Christopher wiped his forehead...
''Besides...I think my suffering is nearing an end.''
''Really?.. Well, I'm not entirely sure what's going on here.''
''Neither am I,'' Jacob replied. ''But I know how I feel, and...I finally feel complete.. I feel as though my life wasn't wasted after all.''
''Well, I'm glad about that, Jacob...'' Christopher let out a lengthy sigh.
''You're troubled.''
''Does it show?''
''Yes.'' Jacob gave a small nod.. ''What is it?''
''Oh, it's just that-.. Things are...complicated now''
''I know. And I'm well aware of the darkness that is coming... You've come here for information, haven't you, Christopher?''
''Yes,'' Chris answered with honesty.
''Then tell me... How may I be of service to you?''
''Well-'' Christopher stopped in order to clear his throat.. ''I need you to cast your mind back, Jacob.. Back to when you were alive.''
''Alright,'' Jacob agreed... ''Might I ask why?''
''Because I need you to recall something for me,'' Chris replied. ''I need to know this... Do you remember Odetta?''
''Odetta?'' Jacob concentrated on the name for a moment before giving a nod. ''Yes... I saved her.''
''I know you did. And in return she gifted your ship, the Belladonna, with the power of flight.. She also left you a crystal. A crystal that could reopen the way into Mount Oberon.. Do you remember all that?''
''I do,'' Jacob responded, as the expression on his face started to turn to one of horror, as terrible memories started to return to him.
''Before you and your crew could reach the mountain...you vanished, along with the crystal,'' Christopher revealed.. ''Now, I need to know two things.. One. What happened? What was the cause of your death?.. And secondly. What became of the crystal?''
Jacob's breathing turned heavy, as he suddenly remembered his blood curdling ordeal.
''Jacob? Jacob, what's the matter?''
''Why do you need the crystal?'' Jacob turned his head away from Christopher and towards the wall.
''Look, I don't have the time to explain about that,'' Chris replied. ''Just trust me when I say it's of vital importance.''
''Of vital importance to whom, I wonder?''
''To everyone!'' Christopher exclaimed... ''Everyone on Earth... Including your son.''
Jacob closed his eyes while shaking his head. ''No, no, no!.. I cannot put Valentine in such danger.''
''He won't be,'' Chris assured him. ''I'm the one who's going after the crystal.''
''No! You mustn't try and retrieve the crystal.''
''Why not?''
''Because she has it!..''
''She?'' Chris cocked his head in puzzlement... ''Who are you referring to?''
''A creature you should pray you never meet,'' Jacob replied while trembling, reliving the horrendous things she'd put him through all over again.
''What sort of creature?'' Chris inquired in an uneasy tone.
''A fairy.''
''A fairy?''
''Yes!'' Jacob snapped. ''And not a gentle, kind fairy like Odetta... This fairy is a truly monstrous being.''
''A fairy that looks monstrous?'' Chris found that rather hard to fathom.
''Oh, not on the outside, you understand? On the outside she is fair and most enchanting. In fact...it was her immense beauty that ensnared me.'' Jacob closed his eyes tight as all the painful memories returned to him in full.. ''That night I first encountered her was the beginning of my torment... The last night I ever saw my son... The last night on which I could look upon the sky with hope...''
Christopher's eyes widened in shock, as Jacob suddenly started to slide away from him and further away from the light.. ''Jacob!?'' he cried out in alarm.
Jacob hung his head in disappointment, as though he was used to this sort of thing.
''W-what's happening!?'' Chris tried to drag him back but it was no good.. Jacob continued to move for several seconds before finally coming to a stop...
''I brought that on myself.'' Jacob sighed. ''The more connection I have to painful memories the harder it is to break free of this place.. Negativity breeds failure, you see?''
''Oh, I'm sorry,'' Christopher apologised.. ''This is all my fault.''
''No, no.'' Jacob shook his head. ''This isn't your fault.. You're only doing what you must, I understand that.''
''Does she still have the crystal now?''
''Yes,'' Jacob confirmed. ''But you must be careful, Christopher. Do not attempt to defeat her.. The crystal has made her more powerful than you could ever imagine.''
''This fairy...what's her name?''
Jacob took a deep breath before replying. ''Her name is...Esmeralda.''
''Esmeralda?'' Chris echoed in fascination...
''Christopher, you must listen to me.'' Jacob reached out his hand and grabbed hold of Christopher's wrist. ''Do not allow yourself to fall under her spell as I did.. If you let her in she will never let you go... Esmeralda delights in causing pain to men. She subjected me to the most terrible forms of torture again and again and again!... Until finally, the time came for her to put an end to it once and for all...''
''Oh, Jacob...I can't help but feel responsible for making you relieve all these terrible memories.''
''No, Christopher... You've brought a sense of meaning into my existence.''
''Meaning?''
''Yes. If things hadn't of occurred the way that they did then me and you wouldn't be speaking right now. And you would have no chance at all of retrieving the crystal... It makes me feel that my suffering was not for naught, after all.''
''I'm glad you feel that way, Jacob.'' Chris gave him a small smile.. ''Look, I don't know how much time I've got left here, so-''
''Yes, I know. You must leave.'' Jacob nodded. ''And so you should.. You don't belong here, Christopher.''
''And neither do you,'' Chris responded. ''You deserve to reach that light.'' He gestured his head in the direction of the immense light...
''Well...that's not for us to decide.''
''Yeah, I suppose you're right.'' Chris gave a small shrug...
''Christopher...before you leave, I have to ask you to do one thing for me.''
''What's that?''
''The next time you see Valentine...I want you to tell him something for me.. Something I didn't say in words but always felt in my heart...''
''Yes?''
''Tell him...- Tell him that I love him... And that I always will.''
''Of course.'' Christopher felt tears forming in his eyes, slightly tempted to tell Jacob the truth regarding his son's possible fate.
''Thank you, Christopher... Thank you from the bottom of my heart.''
''For what?'' Chris seemed slightly shocked at the extent of Jacob's gratitude.
''For helping me to remember,'' Jacob replied. ''Now I am complete.. Because even though I now remember the bad...I also fully remember the good.. Now, I truly am at peace...'' As Jacob smiled he suddenly found himself being dragged towards the warm light, leaving the cold chains behind him...
Christopher looked on in awe as Jacob passed by him and was embraced by a heavenly glow...
''It's so beautiful!'' Jacob exclaimed, as a bright, gleaming light of silver shot down and enveloped him.
Christopher strained to see what Jacob obviously could but was denied even the smallest glimpse of Heaven, leaving him feeling slightly envious...
As Jacob started to slowly ascend towards Paradise, his face suddenly registered a previously unknown fact, prompting him to look down at Christopher and shout. ''Do not fear, Christopher! Valentine still lives!.. As do your friends!''
Christopher let out a small chuckle, amazed by the knowledge that had suddenly been imparted into Jacob...
''Farewell!'' Jacob gave a wave before disappearing into the light, leaving a stunned Christopher looking upward in astonishment...
After standing still and staring at the light for several, several seconds, Chris finally managed to compose himself... Having succeeded in his task of finding out what had become of Jacob and the crystal, Christopher decided to head back the way he came... He took one last look at the bright light before trudging onto the small path, as he started to make his way back to the center of the tunnel.
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Thistlewit couldn't believe it... She felt numb. She wasn't even feeling the blows that the guards were raining down on her, as she was so transfixed by the terrible, terrible sight before her eyes... Her friends. Her companions. Her sisters...were dead.
''Keep her down!'' the Captain of the Guard exclaimed, as several men looped chains around Thistlewit.
''What shall we do with her, sir!?'' The soldier looked to his Captain.
''Take her to the dungeon!'' the Captain ordered. ''And double the guards!''
''Yes, Captain!''
Thistlewit was promptly lifted to her feet by the men and pulled towards the door. She was just too exhausted and heart broken to fight back... She was to blame for all this (at least that's what Thistlewit thought). If she hadn't of intervened and helped Knotgrass and Flittle to escape from the dungeon their fates could have been avoided.. Now she was all alone... As she looked to the crumpled, broken bodies of the two pixies, Thistlewit was finally overcome by grief and emotion, causing her to let out a loud wail.
''Get her out of here!'' The Captain boomed.
''Yes, sir!'' The two soldiers hastily dragged the hysterical Thistlewit out of the room, her cries of anguish filling the halls of the castle...
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Having made his way back to the center of the tunnel, Christopher had decided to stay put and wait for his time in this place to expire, while trying his best to ignore the shrieks and wails being emitted from the other end of the tunnel.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' He heard a female voice cry out.
''I HATE YOU!'' a male voice bellowed, shouting out his anger into the void...
With every distorted scream he heard Christopher flinched, trying his best to keep his eyes away from the darkness.. The souls around him in the center of the tunnel seemed to be neither at peace or at ease, they all looked rather agitated. Despite this, though, they did not seem to be filled with either anger or fear.. They all seemed rather accepting of their current predicament, while still displaying signs of uneasiness (as is to be expected when being literally trapped between Heaven and Hell).
''ARGGHHHHHHHHHH!''
On hearing another scream Christopher's conscience started to plague him. 'Can I really do this?' he thought. 'Can I really stay here and leave these poor souls in need?.. Then again, what can I do about it? They've made their own bed, they should lie in it...' Christopher sighed on realising this was a very selfish thought. After all, it was his conversation with Jacob that had sparked his ascension to Paradise. Perhaps he could help someone at the opposite end of the tunnel as well.. Journeying to the very gates of Hell was a terrifying thought, but if he could just save even one soul from falling into eternal damnation then it would be worth it.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Hearing yet another scream finally persuaded Christopher to do what he must. ''Okay...here goes.'' Chris steeled himself before turning around to face the direction from which the cries were being emitted... Christopher took a deep breath before stepping forward. His heart pounding as he ventured into the darkness...
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''Diaval!'' Vernon called out his name.. ''Oh, Diaval!''
Diaval opened his eyes, feeling some form of liquid splashing against his face.
''Ah-ha!'' Vernon exclaimed. ''He's alive!''
Diaval coughed and spluttered, as he suddenly realised (to his horror) that the liquid hitting his face was in fact urine.
''There!'' Vernon smiled as he finished urinating on Diaval. ''I knew that'd wake you up!''
''You sick bastard,'' Diaval murmured, prompting Vernon to kick him in the stomach.. ''Oh.'' Diaval rolled onto his back in pain, the plank of wood on his shoulders digging into the nape of his neck.
''Get up!'' Vernon kicked Diaval again before pulling his trousers up.
Diaval didn't have the strength to even move his legs let alone to stand. ''I...I can't.''
''Of course you can.. Just give it a try.''
Diaval took several deep breaths before trying to stand, only making it to his knees before sinking back down to the floor.
''Tsk, tsk.'' Vernon tutted in disapproval. ''Come, come, Diaval. Surely you can do better.''
''I can't!'' Diaval managed to shout back in response.
'I see..'' Vernon gave a weary nod of his head. ''Put it another way, then.'' He stepped over Diaval and made his way towards the barely conscious Maleficent. ''Get to your feet right now...or I'll slice off her horns and pluck out her eyes.. Understood?''
Diaval looked on in horror as Vernon pulled out his dagger and gestured it towards Maleficent's face.. Diaval used all the strength he could muster in order to drag himself into an upright position. He scrambled backwards and used the wall to his aid, slowly sliding up it until he was nearly standing.. ''ARGHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval cried out in order to summon more strength, but it was no use.. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval screamed as he fell down, knowing what his failure would mean for Maleficent.
Vernon sighed.. ''Oh, well. You tried your best.'' He suddenly grabbed hold of Maleficent and opened her mouth, ragging her face around as though she was a doll in his hands.. Vernon smiled as he shook her head from side to side.. ''See? See how disappointed she is in you? Well, she should be.. You've just cost dear Maleficent her horns and her eyes.''
''No,'' Diaval spoke in a quiet voice. ''Don't do it... Please.''
'Please?. Please!?'' Vernon laughed at Diaval's feeble attempt at dissuading him from harming Maleficent.. ''Now, what shall I remove first? Hmm?.. I think...her horns.'' Vernon grabbed hold of her left horn and put the dagger next to it.
''No!'' Diaval scrambled to his knees only to sink back down again... ''NOOOOOOOOOOO!''
Vernon was just about to slice off her horn when there was a knock at the door.. ''Damn it,'' he cursed under his breath. ''Saved by the knock.'' He let go of Maleficent, causing her head to fall.
Diaval sighed with relief as Vernon stepped over him and towards the door.
''Who is it!?'' Vernon bellowed (rather annoyed at being interrupted).
''It's Gerald, sir!''
''Oh.'' Vernon let out a sigh before opening the door.. ''Yes, Gerald, what is it?''
''Well, er-'' Gerald looked over Vernon's shoulder and noticed the ailing Maleficent. ''The, er...men are starting to grow impatient, sir. They wish to know when we're going to start making haste for Mount Oberon.''
''All in good time,'' Vernon replied as he looked to Diaval (who was trying to crawl over to Maleficent, using his legs to propel himself forward).. ''Once I've had my fun.''
''But, the men are-''
''Screw em!'' Vernon suddenly snapped. ''I'm the one in charge here, not them!... And they'd better remember that.''
''Yes, sir.'' Gerald gave a small bow before turning away.
''Gerald.''
''Yes?'' Gerald turned back around to face his Captain..
''Seen as you're here...come in and give me a hand.''
''Er, no.'' Gerald started to look uncomfortable.. ''I'd rather not.''
''It isn't a request, Gerald.'' Vernon gave him a look before motioning his hand inside.. ''Come on.''
Gerald took a deep breath before stepping inside the room. As despite his feelings of resentment towards Maleficent and Diaval, he didn't relish the idea of seeing either of them be tortured.
''Splendid!'' Vernon clapped his hands together before closing the door. ''What do you think?'' He gestured to Diaval and Maleficent. ''Pathetic, aren't they?''
''Yes they are.'' As Gerald looked to the crawling Diaval and the powerless fairy he had to agree.
''I've broken them, Gerald... Their spirits are completely shattered!''
''Congratulations, sir.'' Gerald rolled his eyes...
''Now, give me a hand with him.'' Vernon walked over towards Diaval.
''What do you want me to do with him?''
''Help me tie him back to that wall.'' Vernon gestured towards it.
''Alright.'' Gerald fell into step behind his Captain.
''Maleficent,'' Diaval looked up to his beloved Mistress. ''I'm sorry... I'm sorry I wasn't strong enough.''
''Enough of that!''
'ARGHHH!'' Diaval felt Vernon's dagger resting against the wound on his neck.
''You like that, eh? You like that!?''
Gerald looked away from this sight (uncomfortable with Vernon's sadism)...
''Come on, Gerald!'' Vernon grabbed hold of one end of the plank, while Gerald took hold of the other end...
Maleficent lifted her head slightly and watched as Vernon and Gerald carried Diaval towards the wall.. She wanted to spring forward and aid her love. She wanted to burst free of these chains and kill both Drake and his Lieutenant...but she could not. Her powers were gone. She had absolutely nothing left.. She couldn't feel anything. She couldn't even feel pain anymore. Neither the burning of the iron against her skin nor the venom coursing through her veins... Maleficent's head fell forward and her eyes closed, the venom overcoming her once and for all, as she felt herself lose control of her own senses and her own body... This was it... This was the end.
''That's it!'' Vernon slammed Diaval against the wall. ''Gerald, pass me that chain, would you?''
Gerald duly bent down and picked up the chain before handing it to his Captain, Vernon snatching the chain out of Gerald's hands before looping it around Diaval's neck.
Diaval spluttered as he tried to breath, finding himself losing consciousness as Vernon tightened the chain.. Suddenly losing all feeling in his legs, Diaval sunk down to his knees.
''Oh, no you don't!'' Vernon looped the other end of the chain over the beam before pulling on it, hoisting Diaval into the air, lifting him off the ground... Vernon laughed manically as he proceeded to punch Diaval across his face again and again and again until his hand bled. ''Yes! Yes!.. YES!''
Gerald turned away from this horrific sight, refusing to watch such cruelty.. His feelings of hostility towards Maleficent and Diaval aside, no one deserved to be treated like this... Gerald's eyes suddenly widened, as he spotted Vernon's discarded dagger on the floor... This was it.. This was his chance... Killing Drake now would not only save Maleficent and Diaval from further torment, but it would also give him an ideal way to get away with it.. He could kill Drake before putting both Maleficent and Diaval out of their misery. He could then say to the men that Diaval had got free of his bonds and killed their Captain after witnessing him kill Maleficent, forcing Gerald to step in and kill Diaval... Gerald glanced to Vernon to make sure that his concentration was still firmly fixed on Diaval, before slowly reaching down and surreptitiously picking up the dagger.
Diaval could no longer see straight. It was as if the whole room was spinning.. Unable to breath and unable to feel anything, and with his last ounce of strength slowly ebbing away, Diaval turned his head towards Maleficent, thinking that his Mistress was a last fitting sight before death...
''And now, Diaval.'' Vernon lowered Diaval down in order to prevent him from choking to death.. ''I have one final thing for you to see before the Reaper takes you.'' Vernon stepped away from Diaval and over towards the unconscious Maleficent.
Diaval's eyes focused on Gerald, as he noticed the gleam of the dagger in his hand.
''Hello, dear!'' Vernon flung Maleficent's head back. ''How are you feeling!? Alright!? Good!..'' Vernon looked to the floor in search of his dagger.. ''Where's it gone?''
''What?'' Gerald feigned ignorance.
''My dagger?'' Vernon continued to search... ''Oh well. No matter.'' He headed over to the wall and dragged one of the chains from it before walking back over to Maleficent. ''This will do just fine.. After all, iron slices through fairies like scissors through paper.''
''What are you going to do to her?'' Gerald inquired.
''I'm going to do what Stefan did to her.. I'm going to remove her wings.'' Vernon flashed a sinister grin. ''And then, I'm going to go a few steps further than he did.''
''Further?'' Gerald lifted the dagger up slightly, as Vernon turned away from him.
''Indeed.'' Vernon let out a chuckle. ''Soon she will be a wingless, hornless, eyeless, toothless, hairless creature.. Then, and only then, will she have my permission to die.'' Vernon walked around to the back of Maleficent and took hold of her wings, while Gerald made sure to circle around the room in order to remain behind his Captain..
''Oh, I'm going to enjoy this.'' Vernon smiled gleefully as he placed the chain against the tip of her right wing, instantly burning into it.
Diaval refused to look at Vernon and Maleficent, unable to watch what was about to happen, opting instead to keep his eyes on Gerald, hoping that Vernon's Lieutenant would act before it was too late...
Gerald took a deep breath before stepping forward, coming to a stop directly behind his Captain.
''On the count of three.'' Vernon stroked Maleficent's wing, preparing to remove it. ''One... Two.''
Gerald raised the dagger into the air.
''THREE!''
Gerald was just about to plunge the dagger down into Vernon's back when an almighty burst of energy came shooting out of Maleficent, knocking him and Vernon clean off their feet, sending the pair of them crashing to the floor...
''What the hell!?'' Vernon looked to the fairy in confusion, wondering what had just happened.
''M-Maleficent?'' Diaval whispered her name...
Gerald and Vernon shared a worried look before looking back to Maleficent, as the whole room started to shake.
''What's happening!?'' Vernon boomed, his face expressing pure and utter panic.
''Maleficent!?'' Diaval shouted...
All of a sudden, Maleficent lifted her head up and opened her eyes, the expression on her face dull and lifeless...
''Maleficent?'' Diaval started to look fearful, knowing that something was terribly wrong.
''N-now, you listen here!'' Vernon declared. ''I'm not standing for-''
Maleficent suddenly let out a roar, as she broke the chains around her before leaping to her feet..
''I-I-I'm getting out of here!'' Vernon made a mad dash for the door.. He was just about to reach it when he was stopped in his tracks by Maleficent's magic, his feet freezing to the floor... ''H-how is this possible!?'' Vernon wondered why his enchanted iron ring was no longer working.
Gerald quickly grabbed hold of the dagger before charging at Maleficent.
Maleficent let out a dark chuckle as she turned her head to the advancing Gerald.
''AHHHHHHHHHH!'' Gerald was just about to slam the dagger into her when Maleficent reached out her hand and grabbed hold of his throat
''Gerald!?'' Vernon looked on in alarm, as Maleficent slammed his Lieutenant against the floor several, several times, eventually rendering him unconscious...
Maleficent slowly lifted her head back up and looked directly at Vernon.
''Oh, d-d-dear.'' Vernon's teeth started to chatter, as Maleficent approached towards him... ''A-about what happened earlier.'' Vernon let out a nervous laugh. ''No hard feeling, eh?''
Maleficent cocked her head to one side, enjoying seeing Vernon squirm.
''P-p-please,'' Vernon pleaded with a small cry in his voice.
Maleficent gave a soft smile while reaching out her hand and stroking Vernon's face.
''Mistress?'' Diaval looked on in puzzlement..
Suddenly, Maleficent's face darkened. Her lovely green eyes losing all their colour until they were completely black.. She proceeded to rise into the air, lifting Vernon up with her.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Vernon screamed in terror, as Maleficent used her magic to send him crashing right through the door, along the hall and out onto the deck, his body colliding against the railing and falling down to the lowest level of the deck...
Maleficent flew up to the ceiling before spinning around, extending her wings to their full extent, smashing them against the walls.
''Maleficent!?'' Diaval cried out in alarm, prompting the fairy to come swooping down towards him.. She landed directly in front of Diaval, her eyes meeting with his... ''M-Mistress?'' He spoke in a slightly fearful tone.. ''What's the matter?''
Her only response was to let out a sinister chuckle..
''Maleficent, what's wrong?''
''Maleficent?.. I am not Maleficent,'' she spoke in a deep tone, a voice that Diaval recognised.. A voice that he'd heard once before...in a dream.
''W-w-what?'' Diaval shuddered, as he realised that Maleficent was possessed.
''I am...Videl.''
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In the darkness...there was no hope. Christopher could feel that on the air, floating on the hot wind that was now searing through the tunnel.. With every step he took the louder the screams grew, as he edged closer and closer towards the home of nightmares... Christopher narrowed his eyes, squinting, straining to see anything, but it was no good. Nothing could be seen in the immense darkness...
''PLEASE!.. I BEG YOU!'' a woman's voice called out. ''PLEASE!''
Unable to remain silent any longer, Chris cried out into the darkness. ''Hello!.. Anyone!''
''ARRRRHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Chris heard another gut wrenching scream.
Refusing to yield to his fear, Christopher pressed on, intent on saving at least one person from this dark abyss.. ''What's that?'' Chris spoke to himself, as he saw a small light at the end of the tunnel. Christopher increased his pace to a jog as he headed towards it, noticing that the light had a red tinge to it...''Hello!'' he shouted again.
''Help me!'' the woman's voice cried out.. ''Please!''
''I'm coming!'' Christopher raced towards the light, refusing to hear any other voice but hers, as the angry and vengeful spirits around him yanked at their chains in an attempt to grab him... Chris continued to press on until he eventually reached the light, immediately noticing that it was being emitted from a hole in the ground... ''Oh, my God.'' Chris put his hand to his mouth in horror, as he spotted the crying woman hanging over the edge of the pit with a man alongside her.
''Help!'' the woman screamed while holding out her hands to Christopher.
Christopher tried to move but couldn't, his legs were frozen to the spot. He was just too fearful to approach the hole...
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' The man's almighty scream echoed throughout the tunnel, as he was suddenly dragged down into the hole...
Knowing that the same fate was about to befall the slender young woman before him, Chris called on the last of his courage before rushing over towards her...
''Thank you, thank you, thank you,'' the woman babbled these words of gratitude as she grabbed hold of Christopher, pulling him close.
''It's alright, it's alright.. Everything's going to be okay,'' Chris assured her.
''I-I didn't mean it,'' the woman said.. ''I didn't mean to kill him, honestly.''
''Who?''
''My husband, of course... Isn't that why I was sent here?''
''Your husband?''
''Look, I-I-I want you to know that I'm sorry.. A-am I forgiven?''
''Forgiven?'' Chris shook his head in confusion.. ''That's not for me to decide.''
''Oh.'' The woman suddenly looked disillusioned again, previously believing that Christopher was some kind of Heavenly savior.
''You say you didn't mean to kill your husband?''
''No, I didn't mean it. I only meant to hurt him like he hurt me,'' the woman explained...before her face suddenly turned bitter. ''Not that he didn't deserve to die, after all the beatings he put me through.. I'm glad he's dead!''
''Well, so are you,'' Chris pointed out this fact.
''That doesn't matter!'' she snapped in reply. ''At least I can take solace in the fact that he's suffering, too... I hope he burns for eternity!''
Christopher watched in horror as the young woman was suddenly dragged towards the hole.
''No!'' She held out her hand for aid. ''Please! Don't let me fall!'' she screamed, as her very soul teetered on the edge of damnation.
Christopher steeled himself before hurrying forward.. ''Come on!'' He grabbed hold of her hand and tried to pull her away, but it was of no use. The force dragging her into Hell was simply too strong. ''NO!.. NO!''
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Christopher fell to his knees as the woman plummeted into the pit, her soul now lost forever...
While Heaven could not be glimpsed by those who had yet to be accepted, Hell, on the other hand, could be seen by anyone, as Christopher discovered... ''Oh, God, no.'' Chris got to his feet and looked down into the fiery inferno, seeing the untold horrors with his very own eyes. Multiple souls getting ripped apart again and again by monstrous, deformed creatures, that could only be described as Demons.. As Chris leaned forward in morbid fascination, the flames and smoke seemed to grow higher and higher, as though they were trying to pull him in.. Christopher flinched as burning ash came shooting up towards him, covering the outer edges of the hole... Christopher looked down once again and immediately recoiled, as he noticed that the young woman was now surrounded by Demons.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Her scream sent a shiver down Christopher's spine.
Unable to stand by and watch the woman be devoured again and again by the grotesque creatures, Chris turned away from the hole, instantly noticing the next soul in line to it. He was a scruffy looking man with his hair flopping down in front of his eyes.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Christopher covered his ears so that he couldn't hear the young woman's screams...
''Why do the fools cry?'' the man next in line to Hell spoke up... ''Do they not see that in the end all shall come to dust and be forgotten?''
''A curious sentiment.'' Chris stepped towards him. ''At least for one who's headed down there.'' He gestured his head towards the hole.
''It does not matter...not anymore.''
''What do you mean?'' Chris wondered aloud.. ''Are you so lost? Are you so bereft of hope that you don't even care what happens to yourself anymore?''
The man sighed. ''I had it all once.. A wife, a child, a castle...a throne... Only to have it all torn away from me.''
''What?'' Christopher suddenly started to suspect who this man was.
''And now I'm here.'' He tapped his knuckles against his chain... ''All because of that bitch!''
''Who are you?'' Chris knelt down beside the man.. ''What's your name?''
''I don't know,'' the man replied. ''I can't remember anymore.''
''Try and remember.''
''I can't.''
''Try!''
''What does it matter!?'' the man shouted... ''Besides, a King such as myself is above answering to a name.''
''Then think back,'' Christopher said. ''Before you were made King...what was your name?''
The man let out a lengthy sigh... ''My name was...Stefan.''
(A/N). And so ends another chapter.. As usual, please don't forget to leave me a review before you go.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time, see ya.
