(A/N). Hi guys!.. As always, thanks for the reviews. They are very, very appreciated.
Okay then, let's continue!
''V-V-Videl?'' Diaval echoed while trembling.
''That's right.'' Videl gave a nod while flashing a grin.
The sight before Diaval's eyes was most surreal. Despite the fact that for all intents and purposes the figure standing in front of him looked like Maleficent, it was clear to see that Maleficent herself was actually gone.. The black eyes and the sinister demonic expression on her face were clear giveaways to Diaval that his dear, beloved Maleficent was now gone, having been expelled from her own body due to Vandran's venom, which, in turn, had allowed Videl to access her body.
''You look surprised.'' Videl leaned forward towards Diaval. ''Why is that, I wonder?''
''Well...this is all rather sudden.'' Diaval gave a nervous smile.. ''How is this possible?''
''The venom,'' Videl replied as he returned Diaval's smile..
''Ah, now it all makes sense.. The dizzy spells, the loss of balance, the pain. It all adds up.''
''Indeed. And now...Maleficent is gone.''
''Gone where?'' Diaval asked.. ''What have you done with her?''
''Nothing.'' Videl gave a shrug. ''I didn't have to do anything with her.''
''What do you mean?''
''She's no longer here!'' Videl exclaimed as he slammed Diaval into the wall.. ''Her spirit has been cast into a deep sleep. A sleep from which she will never awaken.. At least...not in this life.''
''W-what?''
Videl let out a dark chuckle. ''You don't seriously believe that I would ever allow Maleficent to regain control of this body, do you?''
''So, this was your plan all along, then? To obtain control of Maleficent's body.''
''Oh, no.'' Videl shook his head. ''This is only temporary, until I am set free of my prison.. Then, I shall be able to walk this Earth in my own form.''
''And Maleficent?''
''I will destroy this body before departing from it,'' Videl replied... ''I can assure you, Diaval, that you will never again hear the sound of her voice.''
Diaval growled as he tugged at his bonds, his anger filling him with strength.
''Oh, such fury.'' Videl smiled.. ''It's such a pity that you rejected my offer of joining me, Diaval. You could have been a powerful asset... Now, there is nothing left for you but death!'' Videl summoned his power before once again slamming Diaval back against the wall, this time with such strength that he almost broke the plank of wood over Diaval's shoulder, causing it to tip to one side.
Diaval grunted in pain as Videl hit him before suddenly tearing at his skin. ''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' he cried out in agony.
Videl pulled away from Diaval and licked his lips, preparing to feast on his flesh.
Due to the plank tipping to one side, Diaval's left hand was now hung limply, his fingers pointing to the floor.. With a little movement of his fingers Diaval managed to remove the enchanted iron rings from his left hand. Knowing that if he could remove the other rings on his right hand he would be able to transform, Diaval tried to shift the plank to his right, only to be stopped by a laughing Videl.
''Oh, you're not getting away that easily.'' Videl grinned... ''You're going to remain right here until I've had some fun.''
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval howled in pain, as Videl tore at his skin once again.
.
.
Down below in the brig (where Valentine and his crew were imprisoned), Finn flinched on hearing Diaval's scream.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Finn turned away from the bars and looked to the rear wall of the cell.. ''How much longer is Drake gonna put em through this?''
''I don't know,'' a weary looking Earl replied.
''Why is he even doing this? It isn't as though they have any valuable information.''
''He's a cruel man, Finn,'' Valentine said.. ''He does this sort of thing for fun.''
''Look, just what are we gonna do about all this?'' Theodore spoke up. ''We have to get out of here!''
''And how, exactly, do you suggest we do that?'' Benson asked.
''I don't bleedin well know!.. This is your ship, after all.''
''There is no way out of here.'' Valentine sighed... ''These cells were built to last.''
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Benson slammed his fist into his hand on hearing Diaval cry out again.. ''If I ever get my hands on that Drake I'll-''
''It isn't Drake,'' Arian suddenly spoke up from the other end of the room, having been tied up there in chains and fitted with an iron ring (in order to neutralize his fairy magic).
''What did you say, Arian?'' Finn approached the bars and looked over towards him.
''I said it isn't Drake.''
''What do you mean it isn't Drake?''
''I mean he's not the one currently inflicting torment on Diaval. It's...something else.''
''Something?'' Valentine wondered what Arian meant by that.
''Yes.''
''What do you mean?''
''Well, I'm not sure.'' Arian closed his eyes and concentrated... ''I sense...a force of evil... A force of pure evil.''
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Everyone's eyes looked to the ceiling, on hearing Diaval cry out in pain once again.
.
.
Videl let out a roar as he lifted Diaval into the air before slamming him against the floor, accidentally breaking the plank of wood in the process, freeing Diaval's hands...
''Oh.'' Diaval groaned in pain as he struggled to move.
''And now...it's time for you to die.'' Videl bent down and grabbed hold of Diaval's throat.
Diaval managed to lift his right hand up slightly while keeping his fingers pointing down, enabling the ring on his index finger to drop to the floor.. Unfortunately, one iron ring still remained, refusing to budge.
''It's such a pity that I never got to claim your soul for my own, Diaval.'' Videl tightened his grip.. ''I suppose I'll just have to settle for your death.''
Diaval wriggled his fingers furiously, trying his hardest to expel the final ring..
''Well...at least I'll still have Maleficent's soul.'' Videl flashed a grin.
Diaval's face expressed horror upon hearing this.
''That's right.'' Videl nodded.. ''Do you seriously think after all the wicked things she's done Maleficent will be granted entrance into Paradise?''
Unable to contain his anger, Diaval took a futile swing of his right fist at Videl, striking him directly on the nose...
''Tsk, tsk,'' Videl tutted in annoyance. ''Remember, it's now my face you're hurting, Diaval...it's Maleficent's.'' Videl suddenly let go of Diaval's throat before pressing down on his chest, while using his other hand to pin Diaval's right arm to the floor.
Diaval bent his hand forward and brushed it against Videl's wrist, slowly edging the ring up his finger...
''And now, Diaval, I am going to rip out your throat with my...I mean, Maleficent's teeth.'' He grinned.
''No!'' Diaval tried to push Videl away with his left hand, but it was no good, Videl easily swept his hand aside and pinned it down, before pushing all his body weight onto Diaval, as he used Maleficent's wings to envelope them both.
Refusing to look into Videl's black, soulless eyes, Diaval used his thumb on his right hand to push the ring towards the very tip of his finger...
''Take a last look at Maleficent's face, Diaval.. Because you will never, ever see her again.''
''You know what your problem is, Videl?'' With one last push Diaval forced the ring off his finger, as it dropped to the floor.
''What?'' Videl opened his mouth wide as he moved his head towards Diaval's throat...
''You talk too much.'' Diaval suddenly used his powers of transformation to turn himself into a tiny worm.
Videl gasped as he fell to the floor (almost crushing Diaval in the process).. ''Where are you!?'' he bellowed, before using Maleficent's wings to fly up towards the ceiling, as he began to search the room for Diaval.
Diaval wriggled forward slightly before changing himself back into a man. ''Here I am!'' he declared.
Videl spun around to see Diaval standing before him. ''AHHHHHHHHH!'' he cried out in fury, as he prepared to blast Diaval to smithereens with a combination of his own and Maleficent's magic.
Knowing that he had to act quickly, Diaval charged at Videl.
Videl was just about to unleash his magic when Diaval jumped up and collided with him, sending the bolt of magic into the floor.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' They screamed in unison, as the floor collapsed beneath them.. Videl extended Maleficent's wings in an attempt to fly back up but Diaval grabbed hold of him, dragging Videl down into the room below them. ''Get off me!'' An enraged Videl fired more magic at Diaval, narrowly missing him.. ''AHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Videl's unstable and ferocious power caused sparks of raw energy to come shooting out of him, one of them smashing against the floor.
.
.
In the brig, the majority of the pirates were cowering in the corner of the cell, all of them wondering what was causing the ship to shake so violently..
''Look out!'' Valentine dived away from the bars, as Videl and Diaval came crashing down into the brig...
''Maleficent!'' Earl beamed, believing that she and Diaval had come here to save them.. ''What in the world?'' Earl quickly noticed that Maleficent and Diaval were fighting each other.
''It's not Maleficent!'' Diaval shouted... ''She's possessed!''
''What!?''
''Get back!'' Finn dragged Earl aside, as Diaval was tossed into the bars.. Seeing his chance, Videl flew forward and started to tear at Diaval's multiple chest wounds.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Diaval screamed, as Videl pushed his head back through the bars.
''YAHHHHHHH!'' Benson shot forward and struck Videl so hard that he let go of Diaval before losing his footing and falling backwards. ''Kill it!''
''Don't hurt her!'' Diaval cried out.
''What!?'' A panicky Theodore expressed his confusion. ''But you just said that thing wasn't Maleficent!''
''It isn't!'' Diaval confirmed, as he fought to free himself from the bars. ''But if we destroy her body she'll never be able to come back!''
''Sorry, mate, you've lost me.'' Theodore shrugged.
Videl quickly dived back up before proceeding to fire a bolt of electricity towards Theodore.
''Watch out!'' Earl threw himself in front of Theodore, taking the brunt of Videl's magic.
''Earl!'' Benson cried out in alarm, as his friend fell to the floor unconscious.
''Now for you!'' Videl growled as he dived towards the incapacitated Diaval.
''Push him through!'' Finn and Benson quickly shoved Diaval's head back through the bars, narrowly missing Videl's magic in the process.
''WHOA!'' Finn was thrown backwards, as the bars were smashed apart by Videl...
''W-what was that you were saying about these cells been built to last?'' Theodore gave Valentine a small, nervous smile.
Valentine shot Theodore a look before charging out of the cell. ''Come on, men!''
''AHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Videl slammed Diaval into the wall, before proceeding to use the large wings on his back to knock the advancing pirates backwards.. He was just going to rip Diaval's throat out when Arian managed to stick out his foot and kick Videl, momentarily distracting him.
''Run, Diaval!'' Arian shouted.
Videl was just about to destroy Arian for his interference when an arrow came whizzing past his head.
''Down there!'' Carter shouted from above, bow in hand. ''Shoot her!''
With arrows raining down towards him and men attacking from the rear, Videl opted to take this fight out on deck, as he blasted the walls in front of him before flying up towards the deck.
''After him!'' Valentine charged up the stairs, quickly followed by Finn, Benson and the rest of the pirates.
''Go, go!'' Carter and the other soldiers rushed out after Videl.
''Theodore!'' Finn shouted over his shoulder to the terrified man.
''M-m-me?'' Theodore trembled at the thought of following them out on deck.
''Get Arian out of those chains!''
''Oh.'' Theodore sighed with relief.. ''Right then. Excuse me, mate.'' He stepped over the knocked out Earl and headed over towards Arian.
''Hurry!'' Arian struggled with the chains. ''I have to get out there and help them... I may yet be able to reverse this.''
''What?'' Diaval struggled to his feet.. ''What do you mean by that?''
''I mean I could save Maleficent,'' Arian clarified. ''If I can just find out what caused this entity to get inside her.''
''It was through venom,'' Diaval explained.. ''It got into her bloodstream through a bite to the back of her neck.''
''Really?'' Arian gave a nod.. ''That makes sense.''
''Keep still.'' Theodore tried to untangle the chain.
''Get out there, Diaval,'' Arian said. ''Subdue that thing for me and I may be able to save Maleficent.''
''Alright. But hurry.. We may not have much time.'' Diaval gave Arian a pat on the shoulder before charging towards the stairs.
''Diaval!'' Arian called after him.
''What?'' Diaval stopped and looked towards the half-man half-fairy.
''That thing out there isn't Maleficent... Remember that.''
''I will.'' Diaval gave Arian and Theodore the faintest of smiles before rushing off towards the deck...
''Oh, I don't know.'' Theodore sighed while shaking his head. ''Before I clapped eyes on him and Christopher my life was normal.. Well, maybe not exactly normal. But nothing like this!''
''Oh, just hurry up and get this chain untangled, will you!?'' Arian spoke in a frustrated tone. ''And get this damn ring off my finger!''
''Well, I'm sorry. Pardon me for talking.'' Theodore let out a huff... ''The things I have to put up with.''
.
.
.
.
''Stefan?'' Christopher echoed, his suspicions now confirmed... ''Just as I thought.''
''What?'' Stefan cocked his head to one side in puzzlement... ''Who are you?''
''My name's Christopher.''
''Is that so?.. And why are you here, Christopher?''
''Well, that's a little complicated.'' Chris got back to his feet.
''Who sent you?''
''Look, I'm not here for you... Although, from what I've heard, I'm not at all surprised to see you so close to eternal damnation.'' Christopher pointed towards the hole.
''What do you know about me!?'' Stefan snapped. ''You don't know the things I've experienced!... The things I've seen.'' Stefan closed his eyes tight, as painful memories rang clear in his mind.
Feeling pity for the lost soul, Chris knelt back down beside him... ''You blame Maleficent for all this, don't you?''
''Yes!'' Stefan slammed his hand into the wall behind him.. ''It's because of her I've ended up here!''
''No, Stefan,'' Christopher disagreed. ''You only have yourself to blame.''
''Aye, well you would say that, wouldn't you?''
''What do you mean?''
''She sent you!'' Stefan pointed an accusing finger at Christopher.
''What?'' Chris let out a small chuckle.
''Maleficent!'' Stefan shouted out her name, his paranoia resurfacing..
''No, Stefan...she has nothing to do with this.''
Stefan sighed before looking away... ''Who do you think you are?.. What do you know about any of this?''
''A great deal, actually,'' Christopher replied.. ''You see, Stefan...I must confess that I do know Maleficent. I know her quite well in fact.''
''I knew it!'' Stefan tried to stand but found himself unable to do so... ''Liar!''
''I never said I didn't know Maleficent,'' Chris corrected him.. ''I'm not a liar.''
''Get away from me!''
''Listen to me, Stefan! I'm about the last chance you have so I suggest you pay attention!..''
Stefan let out another sigh before looking to his feet (refusing to make eye contact with the young man).
''It is true that me and Maleficent are friends...but that doesn't make you my enemy.''
Stefan briefly looked at Christopher before turning away...
''Now, tell me. Why do you blame Maleficent for your current position?''
''Because she sent me here.''
''What?'' Chris flashed a look of puzzlement. ''She doesn't have the power to send souls here.''
''Maybe not, but...all the same she condemned me to this place.''
''I don't understand,'' Chris expressed his confusion. ''How did she send you to this place?''
''By making me into the man I am now!'' Stefan slammed his fist into his chest.. ''She did this to me!''
''How?''
''She drove me mad!'' Stefan declared. ''She stalked my waking hours and haunted my dreams!.. I couldn't rest!''
''That's because of your own feelings of guilt,'' Christopher said (the psychotherapist in him now rearing its head).
''What?''
''You knew that you were to blame for everything that had transpired, but you couldn't accept it. Thus you cast the blame onto Maleficent.''
Stefan considered this for the briefest of moments before shaking his head. ''No.. No.''
''Yes.'' Chris nodded. ''You know it's true.''
''No!'' Stefan exclaimed. ''None of this happened until she cursed my child! My daughter!.. What kind of person does that!?... Then again, I almost forget. Maleficent is not a person... She is a winged demon!''
''You don't believe that.''
''Don't I!?''
''No.'' Chris shook his head.. ''Seeing you now...I truly believe that you loved her once.''
Stefan almost choked on his own breath, unable to deny it...
''Why, Stefan? Why?.. Why did you destroy it all?''
''What are you talking about?''
''You know very well what I'm talking about,'' Chris replied. ''Removing her wings... Why did you do that to her?''
''I had to.. I set out-'' Stefan stopped mid sentence for a moment before continuing.. ''I set out to kill her, but, when the time came...I could not... What I did was an act of mercy.''
''Mercy?'' Chris echoed in disbelief. ''Do you have any idea what you did to Maleficent when you took her wings?.. You wrecked her life, Stefan. The suffering she endured is far more than you or I could ever imagine... And to top it all off you destroyed what little trust she had left in men.''
''Well, she apparently trusts you.''
''Only because she has to,'' Christopher replied. ''She will always carry that distrust with her... And all because of your desire to be King.''
''It was more than that!'' Stefan snapped... ''It was about laying waste to the past and embracing my future.''
''I see.'' Chris pursed his lips as he thought for a moment... ''So, it was your ambition that initially drove you away from Maleficent.. Well, I suppose, to some extent, I can understand that.. But, to return so many years later and actually contemplate killing her? In heaven's name why?''
''Things happened over the years,'' Stefan replied cryptically... ''Things that changed me.''
''In what way?''
''My attitude, my beliefs, my-.. My whole outlook on life.''
''And all this happened without the influence of Maleficent?''
Stefan gave a small nod.
''Yet you still hold her accountable?''
Stefan shook his head while smiling. ''You don't see it, do you?.. What Maleficent did to hit back at me was unforgivable... She cursed my child!'' Stefan slammed his head back against the wall.. ''She forced me to give Aurora up!''
''You did that in order to protect her?''
''Aye!..'' Stefan took several deep breaths in an effort to calm himself down, but it was no good, his heart was all too filled with rage and anguish... ''With limited options I gave Aurora to three pixies.. I told those fools to watch over her and protect her, yet-'' Stefan suddenly stopped and closed his eyes... ''Now I know the whole truth.''
''Regarding Aurora and Maleficent?''
Stefan gave a weary nod.. ''While my wife was dying...while she was clawing and fighting for breath, calling out our daughter's name-'' Stefan let out a long sigh.. ''Aurora was with her... With Maleficent!''
''Maleficent watched over Aurora, Stefan.. She truly does love her.''
''Love!?'' Stefan scoffed.. ''Everything Maleficent ever did was to hurt me! Can't you see that!?.. She turned Aurora against me!''
''No, Stefan!'' Christopher disagreed... ''You did that yourself.''
''Leave me!'' Stefan turned his head towards the hole... ''I think it's time for me to embrace my eternal destiny.''
''No!'' Christopher got to his feet. ''There's a reason why you weren't sent into that inferno straight away, Stefan.. There's still hope for you, damn it!''
''There is no hope...not anymore.. What little hope I had left died with me, the moment my heart stopped beating.''
''Listen, you have to stop feeling sorry for yourself.. You have to let go of your hatred. Try and remember the good times in your life.''
''Good times?'' Stefan chuckled.. ''There were no good times.''
''Oh, come on, there must have been some.''
''Look, I've already told you to leave me!.. Go back to wherever it is you came from!''
''It isn't that simple.''
''AHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Stefan let out a wild cry of fury, as he tried to hit Christopher with his chain.. ''Go!'' he bellowed.. ''And tell Maleficent I'll be seeing her in Hell!'' On saying these words, Stefan suddenly found himself being dragged towards the hole.
''No!'' Christopher rushed forward without hesitation and tried to pull Stefan back, but it was no good.
''Leave me!'' Stefan cried... ''I want this.''
''No, Stefan! Don't give in!'' Chris persisted in trying to pull Stefan back. ''Please, God!.. No!''
''It's over.'' Stefan let out a sigh of resignation, as his soul was dragged closer and closer towards the pit.
''No!.. You just have to accept that the pain you're feeling now is all down to you, Stefan.. Maleficent isn't to blame.''
''I want-.. I want to forgive her...but I can't,'' Stefan rambled to himself, suddenly feeling sparks of nostalgia and sentiment in his soul... ''I just can't.'' Stefan closed his eyes, as he found himself hanging on the very edge of eternal damnation.
''This isn't about forgiving Maleficent, Stefan.. It's about forgiving yourself... It always has been.''
Stefan was just about to fall into the hole when he suddenly stopped moving towards it...
Christopher sighed with relief before looking upwards.. ''Thanks.''
''W-what happened?''
''You saved yourself.''
''How?''
''By realising that I was right,'' Christopher replied. ''By finally accepting that you're the only one to blame for your current predicament.''
Stefan looked down to the flames below and began to tremble.
''That doesn't have to be your fate, Stefan.. You can still change the course of your future.''
Stefan turned away from the hole and looked to Christopher, a glimmer of hope in his eyes...
''Do you remember your parents, Stefan?.. Did you love them?''
Stefan looked away again, refusing to answer those questions.
''I see.'' Chris gave a nod.. ''And what about Aurora? Do you love her?.. In fact...are you still capable of feeling love?''
''I will always love my daughter,'' Stefan replied in a quite voice.
''Then, wouldn't you like to see her again someday? And your parents, too?''
Stefan flashed the ghost of a smile before shaking his head. ''It's too late.''
''No it isn't,'' Christopher disagreed. ''All you have to do is think of the ones you love, and have loved.. Remember a time before all this. Before your heart was filled with bitterness and hatred.. Think back to when you were full of innocence and brimming with life...''
''And what of Maleficent?''
''Well, only you know how you truly feel about her, Stefan... What does your heart tell you?''
Stefan let out a lengthy sigh and looked up, tears in his eyes... ''That I was wrong,'' he murmured under his breath.. On admitting for the very first time that he was wrong to betray Maleficent and remove her wings, Stefan suddenly moved once again... However, this time, he slid a few feet away from the hole.
''You did it!'' Christopher beamed.. ''Just keep doing that. Keep thinking on your sins while trying to remain hopeful and positive.. You see, the only way to salvation is to hold on to belief. You have to feel regret for your misdeeds while still not giving way to despondency... Trust me on this one, Stefan.''
Stefan gave a small smile while looking at Christopher in awe, knowing that if not for him his soul would be completely lost by now.
''What?'' Chris couldn't help but wonder why Stefan was smiling.
''You,'' Stefan gave the simple reason behind why he was smiling.. ''Who are you?''
''I told you...I'm Christopher.''
''No, no.'' Stefan shook his head. ''Who are you really?''
''I don't understand.''
''There's something about you, lad. Something...different.''
''Well, if you must know I don't really belong here.''
''I know. You're alive.''
''No, I don't mean that, exactly.''
''Then what do you mean?''
''Well-'' Christopher paused (thinking on how to put this)... ''I'm not of the world you came from.''
Stefan's face expressed puzzlement..
''You see, Stefan...I'm from the future. I was sent back in time to the 14th century...I don't know why.''
''I think I do,'' Stefan replied... ''There is an evil out there, Christopher, that does not sleep...I have seen it. I have seen it reach out across the Kingdom.'' Stefan closed his eyes and tried to turn his body away from the hole... ''You could be the one that prevents it, Christopher.''
''Well, it's funny you should say that, actually.'' Chris let out a sigh. ''Because...there's this prophecy.. A prophecy in which a man will travel through time in order to save this world.''
''You doubt it?''
''I...don't know anymore.'' Christopher sighed again.. ''I just don't know.''
''I do... I know that before your arrival I was damned, but now...now you've given me strength again. A new perspective, a new chance!.. If you can bring hope to someone as lost as me...then you can do the same for the entire world.''
Chris smiled at Stefan's words of encouragement. ''Well, I'll certainly try to do my best...'' Christopher shook his head, suddenly feeling lightheaded.
''What is it?''
''I don't know. I-'' Chris looked to his hands and noticed that his vision was blurring.
''What's happening?''
''I'm out of time,'' Chris replied, suddenly realising what was happening.. ''I have to go.''
''Then go... Do what you must.''
''I...I.'' Christopher stumbled backwards.
''Christopher!'' Stefan exclaimed, desperate to say this before the young man departed.
''What?'' Chris managed to focus on Stefan's face.
''Take care of Aurora... Don't let her fall into darkness.''
''I won't,'' he assured Stefan.. ''I'll protect her.'' Christopher suddenly found himself surrounded by a bright light...
''And Christopher!''
Chris tried to look at Stefan, but he couldn't see him anymore. He was too blinded by the light that was escorting him back to the world of the living to see anything.
''Watch over Maleficent!'' On declaring these words, Stefan was dragged completely away from the hole...
''I will!'' Christopher smiled, his task now complete. He spread out his arms and embraced the force that was dragging him upwards, before suddenly disappearing in a flash of white light...
.
.
.
.
Meanwhile, aboard the Belladonna, Videl was getting used to Maleficent's body, as he flew up high towards the morning sun.
''Bring her down! Bring her down!'' Vernon boomed as he scrambled up some stairs.
''Fire! Fire!'' Carter shouted from above, as he and the two other soldiers beside him opened fire on Videl...
''Carter!'' a disoriented Gerald stumbled through the door and out onto the deck.
''Gerald, get down!'' Carter exclaimed, as Videl came swooping towards them.
''You think you can destroy me!?'' Videl shouted, his voice booming across the whole ship. ''You all shall BURN!'' Harnessing his own power, Videl blasted a fireball towards Carter and the men, setting one of the soldiers on fire.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' The man on fire screamed in pain, as he rushed back and forth.
''What's happening!?'' Vernon cried out in terror, knowing that something was terribly wrong.
''Darkness will come to all!'' Videl laughed manically as he smashed down into the center of the deck, calling on his own and Maleficent's powers in order to create a tremendous wave of magic that obliterated everything around him, including the base of the mainmast, causing it to lean to one side.
Just then, Valentine, Benson, Finn and the rest of the pirates came charging out onto the deck, seeing the carnage unfolding before them.
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' The man who was on fire continued to scream. Unable to see straight because of the intense agony he was experiencing, the soldier stumbled backwards and fell over the side of the ship to his death. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
''YAH!'' Benson leaped up and punched Carter across his face, sending the young man plummeting over the railing and down to the lower area of the deck.. ''Give me that!'' Benson knocked one of Vernon's men out before quickly grabbing hold of his crossbow.
''Don't shoot to kill!'' Valentine commanded. ''Remember, that isn't Maleficent! She's possessed!''
''WHAT!?'' Vernon looked to be a mixture of highly confused and enraged.
''Vandran's betrayal deepens,'' Gerald remarked (knowing that Vandran must have been aware of what was going to happen to Maleficent).
''Shoot at the wings!'' Finn shouted to Benson, who promptly opened fire on Videl.
Videl chuckled darkly as he rose back into the air, as Benson's attempts at hurting him ricocheted off his wings.
''It's no good!'' Carter exclaimed. ''It's too strong!''
Videl continued to laugh as he grabbed hold of one of Valentine's men and ripped his head clean off, before flying high into the sky.
Vernon quickly grabbed hold of the dead man's discarded blade and rushed up the nearby stairs, only to be confronted by Valentine, who stepped out in front of Vernon with his sword in hand.
''Wait!'' Valentine declared before Vernon could take a swipe at him... ''Don't you think in this moment it would be more beneficial to both of us if we worked together?''
On seeing another of his men get tossed over the side of the ship by Videl, Vernon nodded his head frantically in agreement. ''Yes, yes. Quite right.''
''Lower your sword.''
''You first.''
''No.'' Valentine smiled.. ''After you.''
Knowing that he couldn't best the pirate Captain in a sword fight anyway, Vernon reluctantly lowered his sword.
''Thank you.'' Valentine promptly did the same, before they both looked up to Videl who was swooping overhead, blasting bolts of lightning and fire at the various men on deck.
''So, if that thing isn't Maleficent...what is it?'' Vernon asked.
''I don't know,'' Valentine replied. ''But it certainly isn't anything pleasant, that's for sure.''
Suddenly, Diaval rushed out from the brig and onto the deck, panting furiously, as he clutched at the wounds to his torso.
''Diaval!'' Vernon beamed. ''Come to join us in bringing down Maleficent, have you?''
''I'll kill you!'' Diaval rushed up the stairs towards Vernon.
''Whoa!'' Vernon backed away.
''Wait!'' Valentine grabbed hold of Diaval, preventing him from reaching Vernon. ''We have to stand together! We mustn't fight amongst ourselves, not a time like this!''
''He deserves to die!'' Diaval tried to break free.
''I know!'' Valentine pulled Diaval close and whispered in his ear. ''They'll be a time for that later...but not now.''
''Fine.'' Diaval pushed Valentine away from him and stood back panting, thinking on what to do in order to stop the possessed Maleficent.
''It's no good, Cap'n!'' Finn shouted to Valentine. ''It's too strong.''
Just then, an extraordinary brave pirate dived off the main top and down onto Videl, crashing into him with such force that they both came tumbling down to the lower deck.
''Now, men!'' Gerald exclaimed.
On hearing Gerald's rallying cry, every single soldier and pirate dived on top of Videl, pinning him to the floor.
''Hold him down, you scurvy dogs!'' Finn shouted to his fellow pirates.
''Swords!'' Vernon hollered, prompting all his men to pull out their blades.
''NO!'' Diaval burst forward, thinking that if he could somehow subdue Videl without killing him, Arian would be able to work his magic and save Maleficent.
''Diaval, wait!'' Valentine tried to call it back but it was no good.
As Diaval jumped down he transformed himself into a bear, landing with an almighty thud that shook the whole ship.
''BEAR!'' one of the soldiers cried out in panic.
Diaval immediately shot forward and dived on top of Videl, making sure to pin him down while protecting Maleficent's body from the surrounding men at the same time.
''You think you can hold me?'' Videl smiled, before suddenly slicing at Diaval's wounds (which had transferred from his human body to his bear form).
Diaval howled in agony, but still kept his weight pressed down on Videl, refusing to yield to the pain.
''Kill them both!'' Vernon suddenly declared. ''Cut them down! Cut them-''
Valentine grabbed hold of Vernon before he could finish giving out the order for a second time (not wanting Diaval to be harmed). Unfortunately, the damage had already been done, as all the soldiers (save for Gerald and Carter) moved in for the kill.
''Let go of me!'' Vernon struggled.
''You have to trust him!'' Valentine exclaimed.
''Trust Diaval?'' Vernon almost laughed at the very notion. ''Not a chance!.. His feelings for Maleficent could get us all killed. Now, get off me!'' Vernon slammed his knee into Valentine's groin, sending the Captain of the Belladonna reeling to the floor.
As the soldiers advanced towards Diaval and Videl, the whole ship started to shake.
''And now, for the main event.'' Videl smiled once again, before letting out a cry of pure fury. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Diaval was suddenly lifted upward by Videl's immense power, as the two of them went shooting up towards the top of the ship.. Videl harnessed a huge ball of energy in the palm of his hand and aimed it towards the deck. He was just about to release it when Diaval dived across him and grabbed hold of his wings.
'Forgive me, Maleficent,' Diaval thought, before biting down hard into Videl's left wing.
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Videl screamed in pain, as he spun off course of the ship... Unable to contain or control the power in his hand any longer, Videl released it in a very wild, uncontrolled fashion.
''GET DOWN!'' Gerald flung himself out of the way, as Videl's magic blasted against the mainmast.
''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Valentine screamed as he got to his feet, watching the mast completely split in two.
''LOOK OUT!'' Finn was knocked off his feet by the movement of the ship, barely managing to grab hold of the nearby railing in order to prevent himself from falling over the side...
With the Belladonna now lacking a mainmast as well as a mizzenmast it started to free fall from the sky, hurtling down at tremendous speed while tipping forwards.
Videl flew several yards away from the falling ship before suddenly releasing a burst of power into the air, forcing Diaval to let go of his wing.. Knowing that if he didn't transform he would surely die, Diaval turned himself back into a raven.
''Oh, Diaval!'' Videl cried out in a sinister, deranged tone of voice.. ''Come to Mistress.'' Videl bared his teeth before chasing after the bird, as Diaval flew off back in the direction of the rapidly descending ship...
With the bow of the Belladonna now aiming towards the ground it made it increasingly difficult to keep your feet...as one of Vernon's men soon discovered.
''AGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' The soldier went flying through the air. He crashed against the railing with such force that he smashed right through it and fell overboard.
''Grab onto anything you can!'' Valentine shouted to his men, as he clambered up the stairs that led to the ship's wheel, hoping to somehow regain control of the Belladonna.
Diaval cawed in panic, as Videl closed the distance between them... Diaval just managed to reach the ship in time before Videl grabbed hold of him, the two of them crashing down onto the deck...
''Hold still, little birdie!'' Videl chuckled as he pinned Diaval to the floor.
Diaval quickly transformed himself back into a man and tried to push Videl away, but it was no good, he was simply too powerful... Videl was just about to bite down into Diaval when he felt a presence behind him.
''Now, Diaval!'' Arian cried out, as he blasted Videl to the floor with his magic.
Diaval tried to dive on top of Videl before he could move but narrowly missed him, as Videl spread out his wings and took to the sky once again.
''Damn it!'' Arian cursed. ''We almost had him then.''
''Well, if you hadn't of taken so long getting out here then-''
''That wasn't my fault,'' Arian cut Diaval off as he retreated into a nearby doorway in order to steady himself.. ''It took Theodore an age to remove those chains.''
''Oh.'' Diaval leaned on the railing, finding it difficult to move against the slope.. ''Where is Theodore now?''
''Hiding, I think,'' Arian replied. ''Now, you try and find Videl and I'll-''
''It's no good, Arian. We're done for.. This ship will be smashed to pieces within a matter of minutes.''
''No, Diaval. We can't give in!. You find Videl while I try and use my magic to steady the ship.''
''Will that work?''
''I don't know... But it's worth a try, eh?''
''I suppose.'' Diaval sighed.
''Now go! Go!''
Diaval promptly rushed towards the edge of the platform before stopping and looking upward, as he spotted Videl circling around the ship, blasting fire down onto Vernon and Valentine's men.. ''Okay. Here goes.'' Diaval clambered his way onto the nearby railing, waiting for Videl to fly past so he could dive on top of him...
''Gerald!'' Vernon cried out for aid, as he struggled to find a foothold... ''GERALD!''
Gerald turned away from his Captain, pretending not to hear him over the roaring sound of the falling ship.
''I can't hold on!'' Vernon started to lose his grip... ''HELP!... HELPPPPPPPPPPPPP!'' As Vernon let go of the step he'd been clinging to he tumbled head over heels through the air, hurtling past the deck and down to the front of the ship. He was just about to fall over the side when the ship suddenly leveled itself out.
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Arian let out a wild cry, as he used all the strength he could muster in order to keep the ship level, desperately trying to slow down the descent of the Belladonna.
''Phew.. That was too close.'' Vernon wiped his brow.
''What happened!?'' Finn got to his feet.
''Arian!'' Benson pointed towards him.. ''He's trying to keep the ship from falling!''
Valentine scrambled to his feet and grabbed hold of the wheel, trying his best to try and further decrease his ship's descent.. As he looked ahead he spotted Videl making his way towards Arian. ''No!'' Valentine cried out. ''GET DOWN!''
On hearing this, Arian momentarily lost his concentration, causing the ship to dip forward slightly..
''Well, well. How clever of you, Arian.'' Videl snickered as he floated towards the half-man half-fairy.
''H-how do you know my name?''
''Oh, I know everything about you,'' Videl replied as his dark eyes focused on Arian. ''There was great potential in you, once. Potential to fall into my clutches. But alas, you never did... Oh well. At least I'll have the satisfaction of ending your life.'' Videl harnessed a tremendous ball of energy in his hands and was just about to fire it when...
'INCOMING!'' Diaval suddenly landed on Videl's back, sending the dark Lord spiraling down towards the deck, his ball of energy misfiring in the process.
''I can see the ground!'' Carter exclaimed in panic, as he looked over the side of the ship.
''Oh, that's not good!'' Vernon rushed towards the railing nearest to him and looked down for himself. ''Not good at-'' Vernon was promptly silenced by Videl's stray ball of energy, which smashed into the railing.. ''ARGGHHGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Vernon's almighty scream echoed across the whole of the Belladonna, as he fell forward and over the side of the ship...a fall that would surely lead to his death.
Unable to believe what he'd just seen, Gerald froze to the spot, overcome with emotions on seeing the object of his hatred perish before his eyes.
''ARIAN!'' Diaval shouted, barely managing to cling on to the enraged Videl... ''NOW!''
Knowing that Diaval couldn't hold on for much longer, Arian was left with no other choice but to let go of the ship in order to aid him, causing the Belladonna to pick up speed once again.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Videl let out a scream of raw power, as he hurled Diaval from his back and into the barrels below, his head hitting against the top one, instantly rendering Diaval unconscious.
''YAHHHHHHHHH!'' Arian used all the magic he could muster to propel himself through the air towards Videl.. He was just about to collide with him when Videl created a barrier around himself.. ''NOOOOOOOOOO!'' Arian smashed against the barrier and was knocked back the full length of the ship.
''FINN!'' Valentine grabbed hold of the wheel (which was spinning frantically) in an effort to keep control of his ship.. ''FINN! HELP ME!''
''I'm coming!'' Finn dragged himself up the stairs towards his Captain.
''Grab the bottom of the wheel!'' Valentine exclaimed.. ''Grab it!''
Finn grabbed the base of the wheel with his hands while locking both his feet around the midsection.
''That's it! Keep it steady!''
''Gerald!'' Carter called out to his Lieutenant.. ''Behind you!''
Gerald turned around and saw Videl headed straight towards him, travelling at tremendous speed.
''WATCH OUT!''
Gerald just managed to dive out of the way of Videl's body but was still caught by the huge wings on his back, causing Gerald to tumble forward and over the railing.. ''ARGGHHHHHHHHH!'' He landed on the lowest area of the deck before rolling down the stairs that led towards the brig.
''Lieutenant!'' one of the soldiers cried out as he tried to reach Gerald, only to be knocked straight off the ship by a burst of Videl's increasing power... 'AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Videl slowly descended down the stairs that led towards the brig with a big smile on his face, as he reveled in the destruction he was causing.
''Get back!'' Gerald withdrew his sword.
''Tsk, tsk.'' Videl tutted. ''Really?'' With one click of his fingers the sword came flying out of Gerald's hand, as the ship suddenly lurched violently towards the right, sending Gerald tumbling to the floor.
''Get away from him!'' Carter jumped down the stairs, his sword to hand.
Videl spun round to face Carter and let out a roar that completely stilled the young man's blood... ''Back away,'' Videl spoke the words in a dark, menacing tone.
Carter took a deep breath in order to calm himself, refusing to give in to his fear.
''Then you leave me no choice.'' With one swing of his hand Videl sent Carter flying off his feet and high into the air...
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Carter flayed his arms in panic, as he headed towards the edge of the ship. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Carter just managed to clip the last remaining railing that was still standing, preventing him from falling over the side of the Belladonna...
With just over a thousand feet between the ship and the ground, Valentine and Finn tried their hardest to keep the vessel straight so as to minimize the impact of the forthcoming landing.
''Finn! Let go!''
Finn promptly let go of the wheel, allowing it to move freely to the right.
''That's enough!''
Finn quickly grabbed hold of the wheel once again. ''What are you trying to do, Captain!?''
''I'm trying to steer us towards those trees!'' Valentine pointed starboard. ''They could help cushion the landing!''
''ARGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' several of the pirates cried out, as the last remaining piece of the mainmast that was still standing collapsed and landed on top of them, killing them all instantly.
''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Benson rushed towards the debris and tried frantically to lift it.
Down below, Gerald was trying to crawl away from a cackling Videl.
''Oh, this is truly pitiful.'' Videl laughed.. ''Surely you must realise that there is no escape?'' He swiftly moved forward and pressed his foot down on Gerald's back, preventing him from crawling any further. ''Now, let's have a look at you.'' Videl used his foot to turn Gerald around. ''Oh yes. That's lovely.''
''W-what is?''
''The look of terror on your face,'' Videl replied.
''W-who are you?''
''Who am I?'' Videl chuckled.. ''I am the darkness within side every living creature. The friendly voice inside your head that encourages you to act for yourself and yourself alone.. I am the living, breathing embodiment of your nightmares.. I am the eternal night that has come to cover this land in everlasting darkness.. I am the one who shall reshape this world and all those that surround it.'' Videl bent down and gabbed hold of Gerald's throat before hoisting him into the air... ''I am progress.. I am the future...your future.''
Gerald's eyes widened, as Videl tightened his grip.
''I know there's a part of you that enjoyed killing that boy, Gerald.''
Gerald's face registered puzzlement (wondering how Videl knew about him killing the young boy).
''There's no point in denying it because I felt that rage inside your heart. In that one, beautiful, ferocious moment...you wanted to do it. You wanted to kill that child.. Yes, it may have been misplaced anger, as your true feelings of rage were directed towards your Captain, but that matters not. All that is of consequence is that you gave in to your fury...the fury that I instilled within you.''
Gerald tried to pry Videl's hands from his throat, but it was no good...
''Now, your soul is forever tainted.. Now you will be MINE!'' Videl bared his teeth as he edged his face towards Gerald's.. He was just about to bite down into Gerald's flesh when he suddenly felt a sharp pain on his left wing, as a dagger had been embedded into it. This presented Gerald with the chance to push himself free of Videl.
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Videl released tremendous sparks of power in all directions, infuriated that his prey had escaped from his clutches.
Gerald looked to the nearby stairs (that led down to the cells) to see who had saved him, and was shocked by who he saw standing there.. ''You?''
''Come on!'' Earl encouraged Gerald to hurry. ''Move out!.. Move!''
Gerald tried to rush past Videl but was thwarted by his large wingspan, which he extended to the very full.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Earl let out a war cry as he dived onto Videl's back and pulled the dagger from his wing, before slamming it down into him once again.
''ARGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Videl's power boiled over to such an extent that he completely blew the roof clean off, destroying a large majority of what still remained of the deck in the process.
''What the-'' Finn looked on in pure shock, as the Belladonna shook like never before.. ''NOOOOOOOOOO!'' The violent lurches of the ship forced Finn to let go of the wheel, sending him crashing back down the stairs and towards the brig.
''FINN!'' Valentine cried out in panic, before quickly grabbing hold of the wheel.. With less than 500 feet between them and the ground keeping the ship moving in the direction of the trees was crucial, even though that most likely wouldn't be enough to save any lives, it would still give them a better chance than smashing straight into solid ground would.
''Help me hold her down!'' Earl declared, as he pressed all his weight down on top of Videl.
''Hold him, you mean!'' Finn corrected his fellow pirate as he jumped forward, punching Videl across the face.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Gerald grabbed hold of his sword before charging at Videl.
''WAIT!'' Arian declared as he stumbled down what remained of the stairs.. ''If you kill that thing you kill Maleficent too!''
''Good!'' Gerald raised his sword.
Suddenly, Videl let out a burst of enormous power that was so strong it nearly split the entire ship in two.. All the men screamed in unison as they were all catapulted backwards.
''What the ruddy hell's happening!?'' Theodore poked his head round the corner and gulped on seeing the melee unfolding before his eyes.
''SAVE YOURSELVES!'' Theodore heard one of the pirates cry, as the man flung himself down the stairs and into the fray.
''Oh, bugger, oh, bugger, oh, bugger!'' Theodore looked behind himself, contemplating retreating back to the cells for safety.. Ultimately, though, the ever increasing shaking of the ship persuaded Theodore to head further forward, knowing that if he remained here he would surely die.. ''Here we go!'' Theodore charged straight towards Videl, Gerald, Earl, Arian and Finn, hoping that he could somehow scrape past them all.. ''I'm gonna make it!'' he cried out on dodging past Gerald's swinging arm. ''I'm gonna make it!'' He managed to narrowly avoid Videl's left wing... ''I've made it!'' Theodore had just bounded up the steps when the entire deck gave way beneath his feet. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' He smashed his way down to the very base of the ship, hitting his head several times in the process... ''Swell.'' Theodore felt his bloodied head with his hand before passing out.
''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Valentine shouted at the top of his lungs, as he tried to summon more strength in pure desperation. ''Come on, my darling! Come on!'' With less than 300 feet between them and the ground, the Belladonna's remaining power suddenly faded, as it began to plummet down at maximum speed.. ''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Valentine howled in despair, as the speed they were now travelling at forced him to let go of the wheel. ''ARGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
Wanting to get away from the ship before the impending collision, Videl spread out his wounded wings once again.
''STOP HIM!'' Finn bellowed to the men around him. But it was no good, the dark Lord's power was simply too great... Videl was just about to make his grand exit when a net suddenly fell on top of him.
''GOT YA!'' Benson laughed, as he used the other end of the net to swing away from the collapsing platform he was standing on and land directly on top of Videl.
Videl let out an ungodly scream, as his extremely unstable powers quickly turned the net into ash.
''YAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Benson used all the strength he had left in his body to prevent Videl from taking off. ''Today's a good day to die!'' he shouted. ''And die we must! But by thunder...you're coming with us!''
''VALENTINE!'' Finn cried out, as his old friend went flying past overhead, his body being carried on the immense wind.
''AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Valentine's life flashed before his eyes, as his body flew off the front of the ship, his outstretched hand trying to grab hold of the ship's prow as he went past it.. ''AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' With another loud yell and a whole dose of fighting spirit, Valentine somehow managed to grab hold of the very edge of the prow with his fingertips, before looping his other hand over and grabbing a more firmer hold.. With one forceful tug Valentine propelled himself back along the prow and towards the front of the ship... ''YESSSSSSS!'' He smashed down to the floor before it collapsed beneath his weight, as the final remaining mast on the ship fell.
With the ground only a 100 feet away, Videl knew that he had to break free right now. ''YOU WILL DIE!'' he declared to everyone that was still aboard the Belladonna, as he started to summon an attack that would kill every single living being that was on the ship.
All the remaining soldiers and pirates dived on top of Videl in an attempt to prevent him from escaping, but it was of no use, Videl's strength was now almost at its very peak.
Knowing that without his magic they wouldn't stand a chance of surviving the impending collision, Arian broke his concentration away from Videl and redirected his strength towards slowing the ship down...
Videl started to laugh maniacally as he floated into the air without even using Maleficent's wings.. The sky darkened and Videl began to glow, with only seconds now remaining before his attack would be unleashed.
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' Arian howled in agony, as he felt himself overloading with power.
''IT'S WORKING!'' Finn boomed, as the ship started to slow down.
''The trees!'' Valentine laughed in triumph, as he gazed out of what used to be a window, seeing that they'd succeeded in making it towards the woods.
Videl was just about to release his power when he spotted something flying towards him.. It looked like a...raven.
Having regained consciousness, Diaval had transformed himself back into a raven in order to avoid being hit by any falling debris.. Now with Videl in his sights, Diaval flew forward until he was directly above him before turning himself back into a man.. ''OH, BOYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYYY!'' Diaval shouted his (supposedly) late friend's catchphrase, as he landed right on top of Videl, sending them both crashing down.
''ARGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!'' While half of Videl's pent up power dissipated the rest of it went shooting up into the sky.
As the Belladonna brushed against the treetops, Arian was suddenly knocked aside by Videl and Diaval, as they crashed down next to him and the rest of the men, causing the half-fae creature to lose his concentration. ''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Arian screamed, as the ship (which was now no longer under the influence of his magic) smashed down into the trees.
''NOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!'' Valentine boomed, as the trees ripped through the hull of the Belladonna, almost impaling him and the unconscious Theodore... ''ARRRRGGGGGGGHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
''AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!''
.
.
.
.
''Christopher... Christopher.''
''W-what?'' Chris slowly opened his eyes to see Oloven standing over him.
''How do you feel?'' Oloven asked with a small smile on his face.
''Not too good, actually.'' Christopher steadily moved himself into an upright position.. ''My head's killing me.''
''Well, that's to be expected.. Transitions from this world to the next can be rather taxing on the mind.''
''Uh-huh.'' Chris rubbed the back of his head before observing his surroundings... ''Where are we?''
''In the same clearing from which you departed,'' Oloven replied.
''Oh, yes. So we are.'' Christopher looked to the old man. ''Could you give me a hand up?''
''Certainly.'' Oloven offered Christopher his right hand.
''Thanks.'' Chris took hold of it and was promptly pulled to his feet.
''So, Christopher...did you find Jacob?''
''I did.''
''Ah, capital, capital.'' Oloven gave Christopher a congratulatory pat on the shoulder. ''And, er...whereabouts was he in purgatory?''
''Headed straight for Heaven,'' Chris replied with a smile.
''Really?''
Christopher gave a nod. ''I saw him ascend to Paradise myself.''
''Oh, that's wonderful. It brings warm feelings to my heart.'' Oloven smiled.. ''Now, Christopher, tell me. Did you have time to ask Jacob about the crystal before his ascension?''
''Yes.'' Chris gave a nod.. ''In fact, that's what I have to speak with you about, actually.''
''Alright then. Go on,'' Oloven prompted Christopher to say what he had to say.
''Well...if you recall, just before I was transported to the realm of the dead, you promised to answer my questions once I got back. Remember?''
''Yes, of course. But can't that wait until you've told me about the crystal?''
''Not really,'' Christopher replied.. ''You see, I now have some more questions for you, my friend.''
''Regarding?''
''Jacob and the crystal.''
''I don't understand.'' Oloven's face expressed puzzlement.
''Well, you see...Jacob told me about this fairy.''
''Fairy?'' Oloven echoed.
''Yes.. A fairy that was to blame for his death and the torment he endured beforehand... He spoke of her as though she was like some kind of demon.''
''Why are you telling me this?''
''Because, Oloven...I find it rather hard to believe that a man like you, a man who seemingly knows everything...wasn't already aware of this wicked fairy's existence.''
Oloven cleared his throat before turning away. ''This fairy...did Jacob mention her name?''
''He did,'' Christopher replied.. ''He said that her name was...Esmeralda.''
.
.
.
.
''Wakey, wakey! Time to play!'' a female voice exclaimed in a high pitched, sing song tone of voice.
''Again,'' another female voice spoke up, this one in a deep, rich, velvety tone.
Vernon suddenly felt a pain in his stomach.
''Again!''
''Oh.'' Vernon groaned on feeling the pain once again.
''That's it!''
''Aw. I was just starting to enjoy that.''
''Shh!.. I think he's coming round.''
Vernon slowly opened his eyes and saw a young, small, dark haired woman standing before him.. Just behind her was another woman. A tall, beautiful, elegant looking woman, with long blonde hair cascading over her shoulders and down her back. Vernon was simply awestruck by her immense beauty... However, on closer inspection, Vernon realised that this wasn't a woman at all... ''What the-'' Vernon gasped in astonishment on seeing the huge white wings on her back. ''You're a...f-f-fairy?''
''He's awake, he's awake!'' The young woman started to jump up and down in excitement.
''Oh, do calm yourself, Mothra,'' the fairy spoke up.
''I'm sorry, Mistress,'' the woman apologised. ''It's just so exciting to have another guest here.''
''Guest?'' Vernon looked to his hands, seeing that he was tied to a tree.. ''Do you always tie your 'guests' to a tree?''
''Of course not.'' The fairy flashed a smile as she approached Vernon... ''We normally keep them in a cell.''
''Oh.'' Vernon gulped... ''W-why am I the exception?''
''You're not.. I just like to have a good look at my next victim before locking them up.''
''V-v-victim?'' Vernon's bottom lip started to tremble.
''Indeed.'' The fairy inched her face closer towards Vernon. ''Oh, yes.. I can tell by the fear in your eyes that you're going to be ounces of fun. Don't you agree, Mothra?'' She turned her head towards the young woman.
Mothra's only response was to fall into a fit of giggles.
''H-how did I get here?'' Vernon inquired.. ''The last thing I can remember was falling through the clouds.''
''That's right.'' The fairy gave a nod. ''I saved you.. It's thanks to me you're still alive.''
''Thanks to you?.. I thought I was only here to be your victim?''
''Oh, don't be so ungrateful. At least you'll have some additional time alive.'' She reached out her hand and pinched Vernon's left cheek.. ''Time in which you will experience the true meaning of abject horror and suffering.''
''W-w-who are you?'' Vernon asked in a quivering voice.
''I am the last thing you shall see before death,'' the fairy replied.. ''My name is...Esmeralda.''
(A/N). And that brings to a close another chapter.. Please don't forget to leave me a quick review before you go.
Thanks for reading.
Until next time, Slán.
