Disclaimer, I do not own The Land of Stories series. This compelling and magical tale was written by

The amazing Chris Colfer.

A/N:

I'm back! First of all, I'd like to wish you all a very merry Christmas and happy holidays. Its been quite a year, and I'm sure

We've all had our share of stresses. But now it's Christmas! I hope you all have a lovely Christmas with your loved ones and don't be afraid to spoil yourselves. Eat lots, love lots, and laugh lots Please feel free to review. Thank you, and enjoy!

Chapter Nine: Unfortunate Events

The Dwarf Forests were pitch black. The trees loomed around them, and their footsteps echoed throughout the still night. The tense atmosphere among the group was at its peek, and nobody spoke. They were all exhausted, hungry, and sore. Evly, Mira, Charlotte and John had landed in the Dwarf Forests, and as soon as they had regained their bearings, they all agreed that it was best to find their way to the Fairy Kingdom. But unfortunately, they had gotten terribly lost, and now, they trudged through the darkness, the forest around them as gloomy as their spirits. John remembered all too well the feeling of being hopelessly lost. Again, like so many years ago, he felt like the forest was swallowing him. Funny, how for the second time in his life, he was wandering the Dwarf Forests to find someone he loved. As they walked on, his mind wandered back to that time he was seeking out a witch named Hagatha. He recalled following smoke for hours on end, trying to find Hagatha's hut. John remembered thinking that a wild beast would surely have him. At this thought, John shuddered at the images seeping into his mind of Connor suffering the very same fate.

"I think we should try to find shelter," he said, breaking the long silence, and trying to tear his mind from images of his son being shredded."

"Yes, I think that is wise," Mira agreed.

"But Connor-", Charlotte pleaded desperately.

John put an arm around his wife and Evly touched her gently on the arm.

"It's dark Charlotte," John said gently. "As soon as the sun rises, we'll keep looking. We're not giving up. We'll never give up."

"Hope is always lingering around us in the most unexpected corners Charlotte," Evly said, looking her directly in the eye. "It's just waiting to make its move at the right moment. Never forget that my friend."

Charlotte hugged Evly, and managed a wobbly smile.

The four continued on, looking for a large tree or cave-like hole where they could shelter until morning. The path they were on twisted and turned making it impossible to navigate their whereabouts in a more organized manner. The thick trees engulfed them in total darkness, and only occasional slithers of moonlight guided their way.

"What's that?" Mira asked, turning to the others.

They all looked to where he was pointing, and in the distance, they could see a sort of stump or some kind of log lying on the path ahead.

"It just looks like a log," Evly said.

"Maybe we should just go around it. It could be a trap," John suggested.

For a few minutes, they stared at it not knowing if it was an innocent log, or something more ominous waiting to strike. Cautiously, they walked forward, their eyes fixed on the object. Closer and closer they walked, and as they drew nearer, the feeling of dread that knotted inside John's stomach tightened.

"Nothing's happening," Mira ventured.

No sooner had the words left him, all four companions were lifted clean off their feet, dangling from a rope about 50 feet above ground. They thrashed and kicked in an attempt to free themselves, but it was no use.

"No!" Charlotte yelled. "Now what do we do! help! help!

The three joined Charlotte's desperate cries for rescue, and they hung suspended in mid air, hoping someone would hear their cries and help. A rattling sound began to fill the still night, and it was getting steadily nearer.

"Someone's coming," Evly said hopefully.

The rattling was getting louder now, and soon, they could see a cart coming towards them.

"Oh no," John, Mira and Evly groaned together.

"What's wrong?" Charlotte asked.

"Look who we have here," a gruff voice said. "Four slaves, that's got to be a record."

—

Time seemed to stand still as the Fairy Godmother paced the grand hall of the fairy palace, anxiously awaiting any news of her son, grandson, or any of the others. She had sent all the members of the Fairy Council to search, and some of the Charming Kingdom soldiers also agreed to help. The Fairy Tale world was magical indeed, but that did not mean it did not contain dangers. In fact, as she paced up and down the hall, passing each member's podium, the Fairy Godmother thought of several predicaments her family could be in at that very moment. They could be enslaved by trolls and goblins, they could be miles under the sea with the Sea Witch, or maybe they had been eaten by a ferocious beast. All these thoughts sent shivers down her spine, but there was one danger that brought her the most concern. Could Ezmia, her former apprentice, now evil enchantress really have returned?

When Evly came to her seeking help, the young woman looked so earnest, it would have weighed on her conscience if she brushed her away. The fear was clear in her eyes and in her voice. But at that time, the Fairy Godmother convinced herself into believing that Evly had simply been mistaken, but that it was better to be safe than sorry. So, she sent Evly and Mira to the other world, and before long, they had become firm friends with John and Charlotte. If Ezmia had returned, then they needed to take action immediately. But where would she hide? Where should they start looking? The Fairy Godmother knew that Ezmia was powerful and cunning, and if she didn't want to be found, she'd make sure of that. The trouble was, they had no proof Ezmia had returned. She did not want to raise the subject to the Council for fear of causing unnecessary fear and panic. The only idea she had was to stay constantly alert and aware of all the events throughout the kingdoms. At that moment, the hall was filled with a spectrum of colourful lights and the Fairy Godmother was snapped abruptly from the turmoil in her head as each member of the Fairy Council appeared before her. It was easy to tell by their concerned and sympathetic expressions that there had been no sign of any of her family.

"We searched all the kingdoms and territories as thoroughly as we could," Emerelda explained. "There wasn't a trace of any of them."

"We even asked the witches, elves and trolls and goblins. They all insisted profusely that they had not scene a young boy, or a group of four adults wandering in their area," Xanthous said, pulling a face.

"The soldiers are still searching," Coral said hopefully.

The Fairy Godmother's shoulders slumped in defeat, and she heaved a heavy sigh.

"I hope their news will be more promising," she said, tiredly. "Thank you all for your help and effort. I'm sure it could not have been an easy task. I am very grateful to have such kind friends, and I appreciate everything you've done."

"It was a pleasure to help," Skylene said serenely.

"You may leave now," the Fairy Godmother finished. "It's been a long day. I think I'll retire to my chambers for the night. Mother Goose, would you be so kind as to walk with me."

"Sure thing," Mother Goose said in her raspy voice.

One by one, the rest of the Fairy Council left the room in one way or another. Some flew, some disappeared into a ball of light, and some simply walked.

"What's up FG?" Mother Goose asked.

They walked through the brightly lit halls of the fairy palace. On their way, they passed tropical gardens, tall fountains, and tall trees, their canopy of leaves filtering sunlight. Various statues and portraits lined both walls of the hallway, and colourful birds flitted in and out of the palace rooms.

"I am concerned that Ezmia has returned," the Fairy Godmother confessed, as they began to climb the marble stairs.

"What? Why?" Mother Goose asked, her eyebrows raised.

"I have no solid facts to prove it other than Evly's word that Ezmia visited her cottage. She was very vague and did not give me details on the reason for Ezmia's visit, but she looked so distressed and genuinely concerned that I just had to help."

"Where is Evly now?"

"I have no idea. Her and Mira are with my son and his wife somewhere in the Fairy tale World looking for Connor."

"Oh boy, looks like this could either be a false alarm, or a dreadful, disastrous mess."

"My feelings exactly."

"What do you want to do?"

"Well, I was thinking someone should search the place where Ezmia imprisoned her slaves and apprentices, and the cottage of that witch Hagatha."

"And you want me to look?"

"I wouldn't give the job to anyone else."

"I'll be on it as soon as possible," Mother Goose said, giving her friend a reassuring smile.

They reached the door to the Fairy Godmother's chambers, and after the two friends embraced each other, and wished each other a good night, they parted ways. The Fairy Godmother walked into her chambers, and got into her bed. Today had been a long and exhausting day with no promising news, but tomorrow was another day, and she could only hope it would bring better results. The Fairy Godmother looked up at the blanket of stars above her, and found herself wishing on them as she often did as a young girl. The thought that Connor, John and the others were gazing at the same stars, the same moon and the same sky gave her some solace, and it eased the worry from her heart ever-so-slightly. Keeping these soothing thoughts in her mind, the Fairy Godmother got into bed.

As soon as she closed her eyes, she instantly drifted off and fell asleep. The day had clearly taken quite a toll on her. Unfortunately, as the Fairy Godmother slept soundly, the fear that had nagged her mind for weeks was closer to her than she knew. Out of the shadows, Ezmia appeared without a sound, leering down at the Fairy Godmother.

"Hello grams," she whispered right into the Fairy Godmother's ear. "I heard you were looking for me. Well, here I am, at your service."

Ezmia's eyes began to glow and her hair flew wildly around her head. Ezmia snapped her fingers and a glass jar appeared in her hand. With a maniacal laugh, Ezmia extended a hand towards the sleeping figure on the bed, and at once, a ghostly silhouette that looked exactly like the Fairy Godmother left her body. Quickly, Ezmia scooped up the form, sealing it tightly in the jar she held.