Trigger Warnings: Torture, Violence...

Her heart wants to explode from her chest, and I think that bit of bread I had earlier is making its way back up..The Queen lounges on her throne above Morrigan, curiously looking at a black hand mirror and still ever silent, I hate this kind of response, I'd rather be screamed at or beaten, this calm shit is torture..The Queen stirs and she lifts her head.

"I see you haven't procured Charming's head for me."

"No my Queen."

"Hmm..." The royal steadily rises from her throne and descends the steps calmly.."Why not?"

Green eyes stare forward, panic consuming her, Something bad's about to happen..

"They escaped while I was occupied my Queen." The Queen pauses behind her.

"Occupied.."

Quickly the royals hand darts out and grabs one of the horns atop Morrigans helmet. With one swift tug, she pulls the metal free and throws it across the room. Morrigan falls backwards, placing her hand on the red carpet near the royals feet. As she attempts to right herself, a rough hand grips ebony hair and pulls her head further backwards. The Queen leans in glaring, nose almost touching her cheek.

"Occupied! You mean distracted!"

An image ripples into existence on the hand mirror showing the moment the peasant woman and her daughter escaped the blazing hut. Just as the it appeared, the image fades and the hand in Morrigans hair releases.

"You're weak! I thought I trained you better! Letting your emotions cloud your judgment and in doing so, you've deprived me of my revenge! Do you have anything to say in your defense?!"

The Queen towers over her, I'm fucking pissed never mind you! But maybe if I explain..

"My Queen, I tried but.."

Morrigan saw it but was too slow to react. The mirror in the Queens hand crashes into the side of her face. She feels sharp fragments slice through her cheek and jaw and with a grunt, she throws her arm out to keep herself upright, I knew that was coming..There's a stern hand on her injured shoulder, fingernails biting into the slowly healing arrow wound and she groans in pain.

"I don't want excuses Captain! You failed! Now I'll strip you of your vengeance as you did mine!"

Morrigans bloody face snaps up, hysteria shining in one open green eye, She cant do that! Vengeance is all I have!..

"Please I.." Fingers tighten around her wound, halting her pleas.

"You will be punished for your failure, forced to watch as the people who destroyed your life live happily and you suffer in your cage! Maybe after a few weeks the weakness will be beaten from you!"

Weeks! Cage?!..Morrigans eye shines desperately.

"Please, I'll do better! Just give me another chance!"

"I don't do second chances!"

The Queen steps back, and in a swirl of purple smoke, Morrigans gone...

9 Days Later:

Its been over a week since the Queen sent her to the dungeons. Everyday she'd be reprimanded both mentally and physically for her failure. Teach would come in the afternoon and just before supper for torture sessions. He's found that burning gets better results, Sick fuck! When I get out of here I'll shove that red hot poker straight up his ass!..For the majority of the day when Teach doesn't pay her a visit, she's forced to witness Snow White and Charming's blossoming romance through a spiraled mirror hanging in front of her. Even if she manages to avoid her eyes of the sickening images she cant cover her ears as her arms are suspended, locked with chains to the ceiling. Her minds cracking, she feels herself slipping away, her emotions, even her thoughts are clouded and sometimes she cant distinguish what's right anymore, I'm turning into the mindless pet of the Evil Queen, and if this torture continues, the real me will disappear entirely..

There's a blood curdling scream as a white hot poker slides into her ribs. A few seconds later, it slips back out, charring the flesh as it goes, a small trickle of blood seeping from the wound. Morrigans head falls against her chest, forehead dripping with sweat, hair matted and covering her bloody and dirty face. She breathes heavily in short bursts as Teach grins at the blazing end of his torture instrument.

"I think we're done for today little pup."

His condescending tone grates on her nerves, Little fucker, just you wait!..

There's a clang as Teach places his torture devices in a leather bag and dips the white hot poker in her water bucket.

"I hope you don't mind.."

The vile man chuckles as he retrieves the metal rod and exits the cell locking it behind him.

"Same time tonight? I know how you get lonely without me."

The man laughs, his wining cackle echoing off the stone walls as he exits the dungeons. Morrigan hangs suspended in the middle of her cell as there's a bang from the dungeon door followed by deafening silence, Its never ending...She shifts slightly, attempting to lessen the pressure on the lacerations on her back. But at the same time, something moves in the cell across from her. How ironic that her torture's on show for the disgraced former knight Captain.

When she was brought here he would insult her, laugh at the fact she was down here. But as her punishments became more severe day after day, his snappy retorts and insults became less and less. Shes noticed as of late he would curl into a corner and stare at the wall, as before he reveled in watching her suffer, Guess he doesn't have the stomach for it anymore..So now the disgraced Captain leaves her in peace, only speaks when she wakes up to say food has or will be arriving. Her body screams at her and she represses lingering tears, I..I don't think I can do this anymore..

Her head leans to one side and through her unsealed eye, she glances at the disgraced Captain, He's never able to meet my eyes, well eye anymore..The man shuffles to the front of his cell, cupping a hand full of dirty water and drinking, Water would be nice right about now..

There's a slight breeze and Morrigan smells a hint of lavender above blood and sweat. The former Captains wide eyes lock onto something behind her and he quickly gets onto his knees, What's it with the woman appearing behind me all the time..Morrigans head droops back onto her chest, I don't have the energy to talk let alone fight..

"I see Teach has been keeping you entertained."

A slim finger traces the lacerations on Morrigans exposed back and she shivers, I fucking hate how I do that!..The Queen clicks her tongue, circling to Morrigans front.

"I've come to inform you that I'm leaving to oversee an attack issued by Snow White.."

Morrigans head lifts slightly, The Queens leaving the palace?..

"I believe the village is occupied by George's men so I assume Charming will be there.."

At this, Morrigans head slowly lifts enough for one green eye to glare. She takes note of the royal's silver and black battle Armour, looks like she's going to war..

"I'll do what you failed to but don't worry.." The royal steps to the side, casting a hand at the mirror on the wall.."I'll make sure you get to watch as I take the shepherds head. And when I return we will discuss ending your punishment.."

I'm not sure if I'm relieved or furious, the Queen may end my torture but deny me my vengeance!..The Queen leans in, brushing red lips against bloodied her ear.

"Patience, you may be denied the satisfaction of ending the Shepherd, but I'll make sure its your hands that squeeze the life from Snow White."

She'd actually let me kill Snow White?! What about that big speech about making the princess suffer?!..The Queen pulls back, a mischievous grin gracing purple lips and in a swirl of purple smoke, the woman's gone, leaving Morrigan with dark thoughts about choking the life out of white princess...

3 Days Later:

Its been days since shes seen the Queen and she hasn't heard anything about the battle at the village. Teach hasn't paid her a visit either and the torturous images that would appear in the mirror have only reflected Morrigans own battered body. The former Captain has frequently voiced his suspicions, to her? Shes not sure, He may just be talking to himself, madness setting in already it seems..

There's a bang in the distance before several heavy footsteps echo off the stone walls. Morrigans head lifts slightly, the buzzing in her ears pushed aside, well its about fucking time..The Huntsman steps outside the bars with several black guard, he pulls a set of keys from his belt and opens the cell approaching her slowly and dipping his head in respect. She almost laughs, the honor bound fool actually bowed.

"Captain, the Queen needs your help, she's been captured by Snow White and the Prince."

Captured?! What the hell happened in the last couple of days?!..A part in the back of her mind says the bitch deserves her fate, but the conditioned part screams at her to protect the Queen, but perhaps its not just that..There's another part that really wants to protect the woman, something deep. Nonetheless, its hard to believe that the Huntsman wishes to save the Queen, he's merely a prisoner here. Morrigan clears her throat, swallowing what little saliva she has left.

"Why do you care?"

The Huntsman grits his teeth.."Because you know she holds my heart, I am forbidden to let her come to harm, even if I want it or not."

There's a pause before Morrigan is pulling delicately at her chains.."Get me down."

Two black guards unclip the shackles on her wrists and with a grunt, her strained arms are lowered. She tries to stand unaided but fails miserably as the men swiftly hook their arms around her back. She grits her teeth, pain stabbing throughout her body.

"Get me my Armour."

"You have to regain your strength."

Dark green eyes narrow.."Are you questioning me Huntsman?!"

Her attempted threat doesn't phase him.."With all due respect, your no good to her like this. You need to rest, and then we'll journey to the white castle in the morning."

I don't like it but hell hes right, I'm no good to anyone like this, least of all the Queen..Morrigan reluctantly nods and the black guard carefully escort her out of the cell.

"Wait!"

They all turn in unison to the scraggy former Captain behind bars.

"Let me help, I can help save our Queen!"

The desperation in his voice is pathetic, but then she thinks of how he helped her the past few days. Morrigan shakes her head, No, I feel for this man, isn't the whole point of my punishment, my inability to control my emotions?..

"I have no use for traitors and mad men in my guard. Enjoy your continued stay, Filth!"

She beckons the men at her arms forward, chuckling darkly at the disgraced Captains pleas bouncing off the dungeon walls...

Morrigan wakes groggily the next morning in her linen bed, I've never been so grateful for a scratchy mattress in my life..She can feel how magic has helped accelerate the healing of her torn and damaged muscles and huffs her content, that's probably the only good thing to come from my magic..The pain in her arms is now a dull ache and the lacerations and puncture marks from the hot poker are practically gone, Time to save the Queen..

She throws the covers from her naked body, slowly rising from the bed, popping her shoulder and stretching out her aching muscles. She paces over to a mannequin holding her Armour and helmet. At a second glance, green eyes notice the small dent in the black helm from her last confrontation with the Queen, I'll get the blacksmith to buff that out later..With a deep breath, Morrigan closes her eyes and waves her arms. Burgundy smoke envelops her and when green eyes open, she's looking through the V shaped slit in her helmet. Again she feels the pressure of metal clamping to her skull eliciting a dull burning but she shrugs it off, retrieving her sword from the table when there's a knock at the door.

"Enter!"

The Huntsman enters pensively with two of his men.

"The men are ready to march on your orders Captain. We should reach the White Castle just before the Queens execution.."

Morrigans attention is fully on him, her heart dropping, Execution?!..Quickly her hand is raised and the Huntsman dangles in a choke hold several feet from the ground.

"Execution! And you didn't care to tell me this earlier! Why?!"

"Because..it was only..issued..this morning..."

Morrigan snarls, releasing her magical hold and with a thud, the Huntsman drops to the floor, clutching his throat and coughing, Fucking Moron!..

"When is the execution to take place?!"

"Mid day in the main courtyard. A firing squad's been issued as the form of execution. The citizens of the white kingdom gather to bear witness to the death of the Evil Queen."

"And what of Snow White and Charming?"

"They'll be overseeing from the royal box."

Oh how delicious. Not only will I have an audience to witness my Queens escape but I can finally rid myself of my daughters murderer in one fluent flick of my wrist..I have to plan things carefully..

"I'll be heading into the main courtyard alone but before you can protest Huntsman, I have a vital job for you and the men."

Morrigan smiles wickedly under her helmet, the tingle of dark magic eager for release...

A hooded figure approaches the back of the extensive crowd of onlookers. All of these people have come to see the death of the Evil Queen. How naive they are if they think shes left defenseless.

Green eyes lock onto the Evil Queen whose bound to a single post at the back of the courtyard. Snow and Charming sit on their pretentious thrones in the royal box with a clear view of the execution. Morrigan grinds her teeth, I'll rip your throat out sheep herder, just you wait!..She hears a distinct bird whistle from the tops of towering stone walls and grins, that's the signal. Looks like the Huntsman can do something right.. She, as well as dozens of onlookers watch as Jimminy Cricket hovers in front of the Queen earnestly.

"Do you have any last words?"

"Yes..yes I do. I know I'm being judged for my past, a past where I've caused pain, a past where I've inflicted misery, a past where I've even brought death. When I look back at everything I've done, I want you all to know what I feel.."

Morrigan listens intently, slightly disturbed at the amount of emotion pushing past the royals faded red lips, What the hell is she doing?..

"And that is..regret.."

She regrets?!..Morrigan refocuses on a questionable Charming and Snow.

"Regret that I was not able to cause more pain, inflict more misery, and bring about more death. And above else with every ounce of my being I regret, that I was not able to kill..Snow White!"

Morrigans face lights up devilishly, that's my Queen!..The crowd rambles at the venomous outburst as Charming launches to his feet aggrieved.

"Arrows!"

A single white guard hesitantly blindfolds the Queen as archers slide arrows into their bows. Morrigan focuses her magic, drawing it forward into tingling palms, I wont let any harm come to her..But the way Snow is looking at the Queen, its enough to peak Morrigans interest.

"Take aim!"

Morrigan squares her shoulders and plants her feet, I hope I'm right..

"Fire!"

"Stop!"

Snow White launches to her feet just as the arrows are released. Morrigans hand is in mid swing when the arrows are frozen mere centimeters from the Queens chest by a floating blue fairy, I fucking knew it. Snowy two shoes conscience will always get the better of her..The arrows clatter to the cobbled stone and Charming steps toward his princess perplexed.

"Snow?"

"This is not the way." Snow moves around the hand of her lover and descends the stairs as a hesitant Charming follows.

"Take her back to her cell."

White guard approach their prisoner, removing the Queens blindfold and untying her from the post. Charming follows his true love who's unknowingly heading straight for imminent danger.

Show Time..Confidently, Morrigan raises her chin and peels the hooded cloak from her shoulders.

"Sorry I'm late!"

Her dark voice booms over the silent space. All heads quickly turn and the crowd shy's away, some gasping at her sudden appearance and others muttering amongst themselves. Charming pulls the sword from his belt and dashes in front of his true love. Several swords are drawn as a dozen white guard attempt to surround her but she only chuckles.

"Is this it? You'd think a King and Queen would have more personal guard. Oh that reminds me, I believe congratulations is in order, a Shepherd to a king and a murderous bandit to a Queen, how prosperous."

Morrigan slowly stalks towards the royal couple, ever wary of her Queens condition in the background.

"Guards!" Charming's lonely command echo's around the courtyard.."Guards!"

Morrigan releases a throaty laugh.."I believe the rest of your guard has been temporarily detained by my men."

"Your still easily outnumbered!"

"You remember what happened the last time you said that Charming!"

"Yes, we defeated you!"

Morrigans teeth bare under her helmet and she takes a few threatening steps forward.."I was distracted, but believe me, that wont happen again!"

Snow takes a confident step forward, anger and tension rising.."What do you want?!"

Amused, Morrigan waves a hand idly.."I would think that's obvious. I've come to free my Queen and take your boyfriends head."

"That's never going to happen!"

An elderly woman with glasses and a crossbow appears in Morrigans peripheral and a young woman in a red cloak approaches to stand behind Snow and Charming defensively, things are about to get interesting..She chuckles darkly.

"Enough talking, Lets get on with it shall we."

With a wave of her hand, Morrigan disappears in a cloud of burgundy smoke only to appear by the side of her Queen. She extends her wrists and the hidden blades in her cuffs spring outward, thrusting into the throats of the white guard either side of their prisoner. Frantic hands clasp around the crimson holes as the men fall to the floor, writhing and coughing up bright red blood. Morrigan takes advantage, quickly breaking the Queens bonds and taking note of the woman's vicious smile. She dips her head respectfully before whirling and addressing her audience.

The crowd scream and scurry away as the rest of the white guard advance with sharp steel. Charming, Granny and Red also approach as Snow ushers frightened peasants out of the courtyard.

"There's nowhere to go!"

Morrigan snarls.."Is that right Shepherd?!"

"Do it!"

The Queens firm hand is suddenly grasping Morrigans forearm and she quickly summons her dark magic. A small blue ball of light launches from the blue fairies wand and she reaches out, the ball safely colliding with her palm while exasperated green eyes study the small light, really? I was expecting something with a bit more kick..Her hand slowly crushes the magic and her anger returns, Fucking fairy dust..

"Is that it?"

Red electricity dances around Morrigans hands and she quickly sends a bolt thundering towards the fairy. With a loud crack, it strikes its target and the little blue mass hurtles, screaming towards the castle walls.

"Blue!" Snow tries to approach her injured friend but is held back by an over protective white knight.

Morrigan can hear the Queen chuckle darkly behind and the sinister smirk under her helmet grows, pleasing the Queen is like a drug!..She aims her palms outwards, dark magic striking anything in its path. Screaming citizens duck as red lightening streaks above their heads, smashing into walls, carts, people. Granny releases an arrow from her crossbow but its met within the Dark Knights palm, I wish they'd stop that shit!..Morrigan violently throws the arrow at an advancing Charming who blocks and slashes down at her. She grabs the Queens waist from behind and pulls them both to the side avoiding the deadly attack, I hope to hell I don't get burnt to crisp for touching her..But a hand suddenly snakes around her waist and she feels another grab onto the back of her chest plate.

Before Morrigan can process the action, Charming's sword slashes at them sideways, I hope you can bend Queenie..With a push on the woman at her back, they lean back in unison and Morrigans careful to keep the Queen from falling flat on her backside. The sword just scrapes the front of her helmet so she pushes up and punches him square in the chest. Charming soars through the air, landing roughly on the cobblestone with his sword clattering to the ground. The Queen suddenly tugs Morrigan right, and like a puppet, she glides to the right, pulling out her ebony sword. Behind the panicking crowd, red eyes spot several black guard fighting Charming's forces and, Little men? Fucking dwarfs again!..

Red suddenly takes a threatening step forward, the fabric at her shoulders pulled off and when it drops, a black wolf is stood growling viciously, the girls a god damn wolf!..Morrigan raises her hand and red electricity dances dangerously in her palm once more. Another tug left alerts her and she steals a glance, spotting Charming closing fast. The wolf lunges just as Charming raises his sword. She launches magic at the wolf, hitting it in the chest and sending it flying backwards with a yelp whilst her ebony blade quickly rises to block steel and metal clashes together. She pushes the prince backwards, dealing consistent blows.

Charming's sword slashes down again and she sidesteps, gotcha!..Morrigan draws the blade on her cuff and slices the princes forearm. His sword slips from his grasp as he stumbles, cradling his bloody arm and howling in pain. His eyes bulge at Morrigans raised sword, ebony steel absorbing sunlight, Finally I get my revenge!..There's a snarl to her left and she hesitates a brief moment, shit the wolf, how could I forget!..The arm around her waist tightens but she knows its too late, so with an extensive push, Morrigan knocks the Queen out from behind her before a mass of black fur barrels into her side launching them several feet into the air. Limbs both human and canine crash to the punishing stone, the wolf quickly rolling back onto all fours and pounces on her again. She pushes one hand into the furry chest and grabs its neck with her other, squeezing harshly. The snapping jaws mere inches from her face, waft hot rancid breath through the looking slits on her helmet and she grimaces, The filthy mutt! Enough is enough!..A bolt of electricity is launched into the wolfs chest making it howl in pain. With another blast, the beast launches into the air and crashes to the stone in a whimpering mess, And fucking stay down!..

Quickly Morrigan climbs to her feet, red eyes sweeping the area. Charming's battling with black guard and Granny continues to fire arrows from the royal box. It seems the dwarfs are pushing the remaining citizens out of the courtyard or attempting to aid those who have been injured, Wrap shit up Morrigan..Her focus finds the Queen who's pulling an older man to the side and talking to him sternly. Morrigan shifts, her eyes drawn elsewhere and she double takes finding several white archers and Charming aiming arrows at the Queen, Shit..

Morrigan sprints, releasing several bolts of lightening at the firing squad but Charming composes himself quickly and releases an arrow, Fuck!..She suddenly disappears in a cloud of burgundy smoke, reappearing next to the arguing Queen and man and pulling them towards her chest plate. There's a sharp pain below her ribs forcing her to stagger forward with a grunt, Shit, that's gone deep..Breathing deeply, she wearily releases the startled old man and furious Queen to address Charming still crouching behind debris. The arrow sticking from her back catches on one of the bodies behind and she grunts in pain, well done idiot!..

Taking a couple of shaky steps forward, Morrigan summons her remaining dark magic to her fingertips. With one devastating push, bright streaks of lightening cascade around the courtyard. The magic rips apart anything it touches, black guard and white, peasant and nobility. Pieces of the castle wall shatter on impact, crushing whatever's under them with a deafening crunch but her energy dwindles, I cant keep this up..I have to save what little I have left or we're not going anywhere..Breathing heavily, Morrigan pulls back her dark magic, summoning and sheathing her ebony blade, Ive dealt a vital blow to the white kingdom today, I just hope its enough..

"CHARMING!"

Her voice booms through the eerie silence descended upon the courtyard. Charming gets to his feet slowly, protectively clutching Snow at his side while Morrigan makes a note of the bloody gash on the princesses brow and the multiple cuts on Charming's cheek, it makes me feel a little better at least..

"I will get your head, if its the last thing I do!"

She quickly raises her arms and herself, her Queen and the elderly man disappear in a cloud of burgundy smoke leaving the Dark Knights threat to echo around the destroyed courtyard..

When burgundy smoke dissipates, Morrigan stumbles from a sudden wave of dizziness, green eyes clamping together and she barely registers the conversation in front of her, Something about Daddy, and duty..There's a gentle hand on her shoulder and alert green eyes snap open to land on the elderly man.

"I thank you for saving me and my daughter."

Daughter?..The Queen steps in beside him, her face stoic and Morrigans heart races, The Queens father?! Seriously?!..Her eyes flicker back and forward from face to face, the eyes are defiantly the same, except the mans are warmer..She nods weakly and steps away from his touch, but as she does, pain shoots up her spine faltering her steps. When she stumbles, he attempts to reach for her but she avoids his hand like its a coiled serpent. Looking behind her, green eyes latch onto Charming's arrow sticking from her back. Her fingers close around the shaft and with a brutal tug, it rips from her skin. She grunts, stumbling as dizziness blinds her yet again, wait? what the hell is that?!..Morrigan raises the tip of the arrow which glows a faint blue, fairy dust!..Her sight speckles, her limbs feeling abnormally heavy as the Queen stares at the blue dust concerned.

"Fucking fairy.."

The arrow slips from Morrigans grasp, falling to the red carpet and a second later her body joins it. The last thing she sees is two people kneeling at her side, then darkness, Fucking fairies...