Hello everyone! I hope you enjoy this chapter! We are finally going to find out what's going on with Angéle, and the lengths Aria will go to help her. Enjoy!

Previously on ATIS…

"Ah, so you've met!" Isolde exclaimed, striding up to the girl. "This is Angéle, my chief maid. She has been here for six months, under my control." An uncomfortable, almost embarrassed look came into Angéle's face as she stared up at the woman. If the sorceress noticed, she didn't say anything.

"You both would be perfect for each other," she continued smoothly. "You're both abandoned girls, stuck here with me for as long as I wish. In fact, you two ought to make a little club. Kind of like how little girlies do when they're looking for a friend." She let out a sneer.

-o-o-o-

There was something charismatic about Aria. Aria was humorous and friendly, and though she appeared sharp-tongued at times, she would be a good friend to have in this dark, lonely castle.

For the first time, Angéle had a companion on the sixteenth floor. And not just any companion – one who was a musician, just like her. She hoped they could spend more time together.

Angéle wasn't intuitive. She couldn't see how badly damaged Aria was, how much pain she had gone through. She still had a childlike innocence about her, though she was fifteen years old. All she saw was a girl who, although clearly lonely, could become a good friend.

-o-o-o-

"No!" a plaintive voice cried out. "Don't hurt her!"

Aria's eyes flew open and she stared behind her in disbelief. The brown-skinned girl was walking towards her, a desperate look in her eyes. Her angelic dress looked all the more pure as she stared at Isolde, her eyes wide and beseeching.

"And why shouldn't I?" Isolde asked icily.

"She – she just tried to kill herself," Angéle pleaded. "She's in so much pain, can't you see? Please, my queen, please don't do it!"

-o-o-o-

"I'm sorry you've gone through so much," Angéle said tearfully. "That must have been horrible. But… don't you see? The very fact that you're talking about this means you're not a horrible person, that you want change. And I can't promise to help you change, but I can promise to be there for you the very best I can. Don't ever forget that." Tears flowed down her cheeks again.

"Thank you," Aria whispered, stroking Angéle's exposed back as she stared into her deep brown eyes, eyes that clearly had their own misfortunes and struggles. And in that moment, she knew Angéle would never stop caring for her. They were both together, each other's only hope in this castle. And together they would always stay.

"Can I stay here with you?" she asked.

"Of course," Angéle smiled. "I won't ever let you down."

CHAPTER 21: ANGÉLE'S HOPE

It was a quiet day at the Pandava Beach. Daewon wore his black-and-orange swimwear, watching as Arishtat swam laps in the water. He sat on the shore, and Arishtat turned and waved to him.

"You should come," he said.

"I'm good," Daewon grimaced. It was going to take him a while to get into water again.

Arishtat swam up to him, saying, "I can take you on another ride."

"Tempting," Daewon grinned. "But I'm good. I think I'll stay here and build my sandcastle."

"I am not sure 'sandcastle' fits the definition of that contraption," said Arishtat, pointing to the sandy lump at Daewon's feet.

"Hey, it's gonna become one," Daewon said in a mock-hurt tone, though he was cracking up. "I'm gonna build the greatest castle there's ever been."

"You will?" Arishtat asked in amusement, his eyes dancing. Without warning he pulled Daewon off the sand.

Daewon yelped as he was dragged to the water, Arishtat pulling. "Let go!" he shouted.

"Not until you say you'll come swimming with me," Arishtat smiled.

Daewon stared into Arishtat's eyes, eyes which he'd never known could be so playful. How could I say no? "All right," he gave in, allowing his boyfriend to pull him into the waves.

For the first few minutes of their swim, he clung tightly to Arishtat's back, worried at what would happen if he let go. But Arishtat's muscles were strong, and he soon let himself relax, allowing himself to be pulled into the waves, waves that were much more peaceful than those of the Sea of Calliope. This is actually kinda fun…

"Hang on," said Arishtat urgently. "I sense something in front."

Daewon frowned. What's there? He stood tentatively on the sandy bottom; fortunately, they hadn't gone too far in. Arishtat drew his spear, protectively shielding Daewon from the threat ahead.

"Get ready," he warned. "Something is coming."

Daewon watched as something rippled under the water. He got an attack-spell ready, determined that Arishtat shouldn't be the only one to shield them. Here goes… He held out his hands.

And stopped as soon as a whale's head burst through.

Daewon loosened his grasp on his spell, staring in astonishment. What's a whale doing so close to shore? He looked over at Arishtat and saw that he had lowered his spear as well.

"What's that?" he asked.

"It's a narwhal." Arishtat walked up to the animal, pointing to the shimmering tusk on the whale's forehead. "Why is it here?"

The narwhal looked at them intently, through serene eyes. There was no fear in its gaze, nor was there any sign of threat or anger. Hesitantly, Daewon stepped forward.

"Are you lost?" he asked, and then instantly kicked himself. Narwhals don't speak the Common Tongue! But Arishtat shook his head.

"Narwhals are fairy-animals," he said. "They generally don't get lost so easily. No, this narwhal is here for someone in this area."

"Why don't we get Atete?" asked Daewon, thinking fast. "She's one of the priests; she should be able to help us. How about I go and get her?"

"Go ahead." Arishtat nodded. "We need to find out what is going on."

Daewon turned around and raced up the beach, into the sand. Let's go… He didn't stop until he'd reached the temple.

"Here we are," Sedna said, drawing to a halt.

Sharzad stared forward, Leif behind her. Her heart lurched as she saw who was in front of her, and she let out an audible gasp.

There were so many people. Men and women dressed in thick sealskin capes and headdresses stood around a frozen pond, their eyes austere. On the opposite side stood Chief Nuniq, the old man Sharzad had seen the day she'd been captured. His eyes narrowed as he saw Sharzad, no doubt recognizing her as the girl who'd spied on them that day.

Sedna stepped forward, lifting her spear to the air.

"Greetings, Spring Soldiers," she called. She spoke the Common Tongue with no trace of difficulty, even though she'd never interacted with anyone in the UR. "I thank you all for making this meeting possible. We stared as a small group fifty years ago, my father as the chief of this confederacy. He passed on his leadership to General Nuniq a decade ago, but he will still live on in our hearts as a warrior for justice."

There were a few murmurs at this; Sharzad could tell Ujurak wasn't all that popular. From what she'd heard from the Adlivunese, he'd never taken a strong enough stance against Queen Isolde. A lifelong moderate, he'd preferred diplomacy over war, even going as far to make a deal with the queen in order to secure Nunangatan freedoms. But out of respect, no one said anything; the chief had just died, after all.

"I am here to tell you that we have found a solution to the problem," Sedna said. "My fellow kinsmen, we have realized that war is inevitable. It is a risky endeavor, as all battles are. But there is no way to avoid it: we need to fight. Not two weeks from now, or two months from now. Now."

A babble broke out. Many of the chieftains, particularly Chief Amaruq, looked outraged. Chief Nuniq banged a chisel against a rock.

"Silence!" he shouted. "Chief Sedna has a plan… so let us hear it." He did not look any less skeptical of her plan than the others. Agloolik stepped forward.

"Chief Sedna and I worked together to outline this plan," he said. "I want to say that she has my full confidence and support."

There were murmurs at this. They had chosen Agloolik to explain the plan because, as an elder, his words would have more weight than Sedna's. The clearing became silent as he opened his mouth.

"I know many of you are scared of what may happen," he said. "But we will not be alone. Much has happened in the past week, events that will ensure our success"…

Angéle panted, forcing herself against the fierce winds. Please get me there, please get me there… She closed her eyes, willing the storm to go away with her mind.

And opened them again as soon as two rough hands grabbed her shoulders.

Angéle screamed, falling to the ground. She fell flat on her face, her nose hitting the snow and her breath coming out in terrified, rasping gasps. Above her, she heard a scream.

"Why did you think it was okay to just leave like that?" the voice demanded. "Why would you think it was okay for you to disappear? Did you even think about the pain it would cause?"

Angéle gasped, the blood draining from her face as she recognized the voice. Aria. The girl had followed her here, amid all travail, to bring her back to a place where she would put everyone in danger.

A thousand questions swirled in her head. How did she find the secret exit? How did she know to find me here? Aria continued speaking, her voice a menacing swirl.

"Turn around, and face me right now!"

Will all the strength she could muster, Angéle turned on her back. She stared up into Aria's face, her eyes wide with terror.

Aria's cheeks were a bright pink. She was kneeling over Angéle, her gaze monstrous and her blue eyes piercing right through Angéle's heart. Her fury was palpable in every part of her body; Angéle had no doubt she was in a lot of pain. I can't believe I failed even at this. I did this so I could cause her less pain, not more! She stared up at Aria.

"Why did you come after me?" she forced out. "Why are you doing this, Aria? Why do you care so much?"

"Because I love you, that's why!"

There was a silence; even the wind seemed to have stopped still. Angéle stared at Aria in amazement and horror. She… she loves me… Her worst fears had been confirmed. She tried to pull herself away from Aria, but Aria grabbed her by the shoulders, her voice a mad growl.

"You're not leaving," she snarled. "You're not leaving me again. I love you, and I'm not letting the people I love get away from me. Not again! I won't allow it!" She shook Angéle even harder.

Angéle fought for air as Aria glared down at her, her eyes mad with fury. She took in a shuddering breath.

"You can't love me," she finally said, her brown eyes brimming with tears.

"Why not?" Aria snarled. "You will explain that to me, right now! Why can't I love someone as pure as you?"

"Because"… Angéle hesitated. She knew there was no shirking anymore, not at this moment. The time for truth had come; it was now or never.

"Because I'm dying," she burst out.

There was a silence, and then Aria demanded, "What are you talking about?"

"A year ago, I undertook a quest to find a transformation higher than Enchantix," Angéle burst out. "I'm supposed to complete a task within a year; if I don't, I die. The year ends tonight. I'm going to die now, Aria, and there's nothing you can do. I came out here so I could spare you the pain of seeing me crumble."

"You call this sparing the pain?" Aria responded. "Angéle, if I'd known, I would've fought a million witches to make you accomplish that task! Maybe we can do it now! Just tell me what it – ANGÉLE!"

Angéle's head was swarming, and she cried out. This is it, the final hallucinations have come… She closed her eyes, her head hitting the ground as her mind went fuzzy, going through its last moments of chaos.

Angéle was in the Rêvian palace again. She was snoring comfortably on her white feather-bed, relaxing as she breathed in and out. She had never been more at peace in her life.

Then, screams filled the air.

Angéle woke up instantly, her mind racing. What's going on? She gasped as a servant opened her door, her eyes wide with alarm.

"Miss Angéle!" the servant cried. "Your mother is screaming for you! She is in trouble!"

Oh no… Angéle sprung out of bed, running to the door. She raced down the hall in the direction of the screams, until she came out to the balcony.

It was still night. Her mother was screaming; two guards were attempting to hold her down. She let out a sob.

"I've failed everyone!" Her mother let out a wail. "The world… it's going to collapse! Nothing will ever be right again!"

"Trinity, please calm down!" Angéle's father burst onto the balcony, wearing nothing but a bed-robe. "You're okay. Please, please calm down"…

"Mother"… Angéle whispered, staring at her. The woman who had taught her everything she needed to know in the world was now disintegrating right before her very eyes. "Please don't, it's okay, it's okay"…

"No!" her mother cried out. "I've failed everyone! I wasn't able to find Isolde! And look at you all; you still keep me here!"

"Trinity," said Angéle's father urgently, "this isn't you. It's the spell that has made your mind like this. We'll get you through this, and you'll be okay again" –

"This is goodbye!" Trinity shrieked, and she broke free of the guards. In one swift motion, she leapt off the balcony and fell far, far down, into the clouds.

Angéle watched with horror as her mother, her one lifeline in the world, fell far from her reach.

"NO!" Angéle's father was on his knees. "Trinity, no!"

Two guards leapt off the balcony, flying after the woman and breaking through the clouds. They zoomed through the cloud cover, as fast as they possibly could.

But Angéle already knew they weren't going to make it. She knew, even before they returned with her mother's mangled body, her eyes wide and heart forever lifeless to the world. This is it; she's dead. Her mind went black, and she sobbed.

She's dead, her mind chanted at her. She's dead she's dead she's dead she's dead and it's all your fault. You couldn't save her, even after she saved you so many times. She was tired of you being a burden on her life. And you'll do this to everyone you love…

She sobbed, feeling Aria's hand on her shoulder. There was silence, and her chest was aching as she fought for air. And then there was a voice.

"What are you girls up to now?"

Arishtat kneeled forward, gazing at the narwhal, with its wise eyes. I've never seen an animal quite like this before… He stared forward at its tusk.

He'd only heard stories of narwhals. For starters, they were just as rare as unicorns, their terrestrial counterparts. For another, they were very wise, due to their longevity. Narwhals also had unlimited access to all of the seas, and could break all aquatic barriers with their horns.

"Here we are!"

Arishtat turned around. He saw Daewon, Maire, and Atete running towards them, their eyes filled with worry. Darius trailed behind, supporting a frail Saraswati.

"High Priestess?" Arishtat stared at her. "Aren't you resting?"

"This is important," Saraswati panted. "I must be here."

Darius helped her walk to the water's edge. Arishtat watched as the narwhal zipped past him, swimming up to the priestess. He stared in surprise. What's going on?

The narwhal touched its horn to Saraswati's heart. Saraswati gasped in pain as it pierced her, and then fell to the sand. Maire and Atete gasped in surprise.

But then Saraswati pulled herself up from the sand. Her face looked infinitely better, her muscles and body much stronger. With a smile on her face, she extended her hand forward and brushed the narwhal's face.

"Kiviuq," she said. "It is been a while since we last met. I hope you had good travels."

Wait, what? Arishtat stared at Saraswati.

"Hold it!" Maire shouted. "Do you mind telling us what's going on? Who is this narwhal?"

"This is Kiviuq," said Saraswati. "The last we saw each other was sixty-four years ago; I never saw him after the enclosing of Glacia. For a long time I suspected the two to be connected, but now I know for sure. He was trapped in Glacia, due to a spell cast by Queen Isolde, but he was set free. He now has come here from Glacia to bring us news."

The five of them gasped.

"What is he telling us?" Maire demanded.

"Let me speak with him." Saraswati closed her eyes, communicating with the narwhal.

A few minutes passed. Arishtat looked over at Daewon, who had the same worry in his eyes. What are they speaking about? Maire was scowling anxiously, in the same impatient manner she did most things. Darius and Atete stood together, gazing down at Saraswati.

Finally, the priestess lifted her head. She gazed up at the five of them, her voice dark as she spoke.

"A lot of developments have occurred in Glacia," she said. "I will explain them to you, but I ask you to be patient. There is a lot to go through." She took a deep breath.

"First of all, I need to impart to you the most important thing." She turned towards Darius, speaking softly. "Sharzad is alive."

There was a stunned silence. Darius looked as if his heart was about to fall out of his chest, and Daewon's mouth fell open in shock. And as for Arishtat, he felt tears come to his eyes.

How did that happen? He could still see Sharzad falling through the gate, turning straight to ice. "That's impossible."

"It is not," Saraswati answered. "If you remember, she leapt in front of Darius to take a blow meant for him, and fell through the Gate. She sacrificed herself."

"I don't understand," Daewon frowned. "What does that have to do with" –

"OHH!" Maire's eyes were wide with understanding. Darius's eyes had lit up as well, and she gasped in surprise.

"In order to reach maturity, fairies have to go through a stage where they reach a final transformation," Saraswati told Daewon. "It is known as Enchantix. That power is born out of sacrifice; on occasions, fairies have died from making that sacrifice, only to be reborn again."

"So that means"… Arishtat said slowly.

"Sharzad is on the other side of the Gate," Saraswati said. "She fell all the way down, and was reborn as soon as she hit rock ground. And now she is staying with a tribe in Nunangat, helping the Spring Soldiers, a resistance group, against Queen Isolde."

A storm of emotions brewed in Arishtat's heart, each more tumultuous than the last. She's alive? I… didn't fail?

Tears leaked down his cheeks. He turned towards Darius and Daewon and saw that they were crying as well; even Maire had a few tears in her eyes.

"I can't believe it," Darius choked. "My little sister"… He stared down. "I have to go and tell my parents."

"No, you will not."

Arishtat snapped his head towards Saraswati. Darius glared at her, and spoke. "My parents would want to know!"

"And how will you explain how you know this information?" Saraswati asked.

"I'll tell them about the narwhal," Darius said boldly.

"And you would jeopardize your chance of saving Aria? Once your parents learn this information, they will immediately send their army to rescue Sharzad, and will not let you leave the castle until you are reunited! Do you want that?"

The prince fell silent at her tone. Arishtat frowned, understanding the wisdom in her words.

"So then what are we to do?" Maire asked.

"We have to send Kiviuq back with a message," Saraswati answered. "We have to convince the Spring Soldiers, a Nunangatan resistance group, that now is the time to attack. Otherwise, the full moon will pass, and we will never be able to save Aria."

"This past week has been a week of many wonders. Three people have entered through the Gates of Glacia alive, which was once deemed as impossible. There was a girl named Aria, who, currently undergoing transfigural possession, killed Adlivun's former chieftain at the Queen's command. There was a woman by the name of Icy Sekuko, a mastermind criminal of the Magical Dimension, who still roams Nunangat. And there is this girl right here." He pointed to Sharzad.

All eyes fell upon Sharzad, who backed up in surprise.

"Sharzad, I would like you to take over," he said. "Explain why we all need to fight against the Queen, and why it is so critical to do it now. Normally I am one for waiting, but the situation is much more critical than expected."

Nervously, Sharzad walked to the front. She saw the skepticism of the people's eyes still had not changed. This is gonna be a long shot.

"Hello," she said. Her voice sounded weak, like a young girl's, and she heard other people snort.

Think, Sharzad, think, she implored herself. You're not the weak girl who forgot to put buffer solution in a sleeping potion, who fell for Darcy and Stormy's tricks, who Darius forbade to help him find Aria. You're not that girl anymore. She lifted her head.

"There is a crucial reason why we have to launch our offensive tomorrow," she said, "and it all rests on one girl: Aria. You see, in a matter of two days, the Queen will fully have her under her control, and annihilate all of us."

The tribal people gasped in horror. A woman stepped forward.

"Okay, so you say she's being possessed," she said. "But how can you possibly expect us to attack tomorrow? We don't have the forces for it! And we don't have a plan!"

"We do have a plan!" Sharzad protested. "There are people outside of the Gates of Glacia who are coming to help us! The prince of Fulgur and his allies are going to back us!"

"And how do you expect to get them to help us?" asked another chief. "How are you going to get a message to them?"

"Simple," Sharzad answered. "We freed Kiviuq. Right now as we speak, he is there, telling my people what is going on."

Dead silence. Everyone stared at Sharzad, at a loss for words.

"You freed Kiviuq?" gasped another chief.

"That's right," Sedna stepped forward. "And those people are going to help us. The prince will be able to amass an army and bring it."

"How large?" asked Amaruq.

"At least a thousand soldiers, I should think," Sharzad answered. "We're going to fight with them."

"But how do you know they're on our side?" Amaruq demanded. "How do you know they'll help us?"

"Because I am not just an ordinary girl," Sharzad said boldly. "I am Sharzad Azar Fulgur, the princess of Fulgur." She saw Amaruq fall silent, and the other chieftains stare at each other. "And Prince Darius is my brother. I know for sure that he will come, because he will do anything to save me."

"That's good for you, but not so good for the rest of us," Amaruq spat. "First of all, how is he even going to get through the Gate?"

"I" – Sharzad stared at him, at a loss for words.

"He could be bringing a million soldiers for all I care," Amaruq continued. "None of that matters if he cannot get through the Gate, the one structure that binds us all here. How is he planning to evade that?"

Sharzad closed her mouth. She had no answer, absolutely no answer, that would sate Amaruq. He was absolutely right. Even if we try to break down the Gate from here, there's no guarantee that it'll succeed. She lowered her head.

And then, at that moment, something broke through the icy pond. Sharzad jumped back as cracks appeared, a hole right at the very center. And then a narwhal's head stuck out.

Sharzad gasped at the sight of him. He looked healthier than she'd ever seen him, his silver horn spiraling to the sky, his sleek white coat magnificent. He emitted an aura of optimism and grandeur, one that made tribal leaders gasp and look at one another. Agloolik stepped forward.

"It looks like Kiviuq's mission was successful," he said.

Aria turned around immediately, hearing the voice. A hand smacked her face, and she fell onto the snow, right next to Angéle. She gasped as she saw who it was.

Queen Isolde had swept in, her eyes menacing and furious as she looked at them. She kneeled over Angéle, glaring at her as she saw how weak she'd become. She let out a monstrous laugh.

"What are you both doing here? Why did you leave my protection?" She glared at Aria. "You disobeyed me! You came out here, without my permission! Were you trying to leave me?"

"I" – What could Aria say? She stared at Isolde.

If I tell her that Angéle left and I came after her, she'll punish Angéle, she realized. I can't let her do that. She shook her head.

"It was my fault," she breathed out. "I'm the one who" –

"No, it was my fault!" Angéle cried out. "All of it has been my fault, every single part! I don't deserve to live!" She screamed once, falling limply to the ground.

No! Aria stared at her. Angéle, why did you do that? She stared at Isolde, whose eyes were menacing. "Whose fault is it?" she demanded.

No one spoke. Isolde towered over them, her ice-dress glittering like razor-sharp blades of fury.

"You are both lying." She concentrated on her power. A shard of ice flew to her, morphing into a spear. "You complete imbeciles." Aria watched in horror as she turned towards Angéle, who was sobbing.

"You're dying," she snarled. "I thought you'd hold on, at least until the end. But you're pathetic." Her spear glowed white and blue, becoming sharper and sharper. "You're not going to hold on. And so I might as well put you out of your misery right now." She shot a blue light out of the spear, towards Angéle's body.

Aria didn't even stop to think. No! She dived straight in front of Angéle, crying out. Angéle tried to push her off, but she was too weak, and the spell hit Aria in the back.

Everything happened in slow motion. Aria saw Angéle's terrified face, Isolde's stunned expression, and endless, endless snow, as she was suspended in midair. The spell froze her very bones, eating her alive and turning her to ice. Time slowed down as frost covered her vision, entombing her in endless cold.

Her own mind went cold, and she could no longer think. The spear slammed into her back, and she hit the ground, as swiftly as Galatea had before her last breath. This is my punishment now… Everything went black, giving way to endless numbness and ice.

She didn't know how much time passed. She came to slowly, seeing a new world around her. She blinked in surprise as she opened her eyes.

Everything around her was sky-blue. Blue nebulas were soaring in the bubble around her, floating through the walls. For the first time since homecoming, she felt warm, fully thawed. A magical, cleansing energy made its way through her veins, healing her and making her whole.

What's happening? she thought, her head woozy. Am I… dead? Is that what's happening?

And then she felt the energy of the sun blow over her naked body, warming it from bottom to top. Golden sparkles coated her entire body, fading to reveal a reborn, revived self. First light blue sandals appeared, then a floating, pink-and-golden skirt with a light blue waistband. A pink top with light blue lace stretched over her chest, and light blue jewels appeared in her golden hair, along with a blue band around her neck. That… that's… She stared down in disbelief as a pink-and-gold pouch appeared on the band, in the shape of a six-point star. Her golden hair grew longer, going up in curls and falling down to her waist.

My Enchantix, Aria realized. This is my Enchantix. She stared down in confusion. But how have I received it? Angéle's not from my home world. How… how is this even possible?

And then she heard it: harp music. It sounded as pure as Angéle herself, a beautiful rendition of Solute Solare. Aria's eyes began to water as she heard Angéle's music soaring through the air, caressing her very being with its essence.

She couldn't help it; she sang. She sang as loudly and brilliantly as she ever had before, her voice ringing as she felt something stretching out of her shoulder-blades. Two butterfly wings, bordered in dark blue, began to unfurl, the insides colored in beautiful shades of pastel pink and light gold. Azure jewels hung from her wings, and she smiled, feeling the energy of her sun, music, and love filling her from top to bottom.

The blue bubble disappeared. Aria saw the white snow of Glacia appear, Angéle struggling below her and Isolde gaping above her. She looked down and saw that her manacles had fallen to the snow. Isolde picked them up, glaring at Aria.

"Well then." She spoke coldly and bitterly, at a loss for words. "Congratulations." She motioned to Aria. "Since you can fly now, pick up Angéle and help me take her back to the castle."

Aria scooped Angéle in her arms, stunned at how light and frail she was. Angéle stared at her, her eyes listless yet soulful. Aria felt her gut positively wrenching as she stared back at her love.

I still couldn't stop this, she realized. Even after my transformation, she's still dying. She swallowed and stared into Angéle's eyes.

"I'll help you," she promised. "Even if this is the end, I'll make sure you go as peacefully as possible."

Holding Angéle tightly in her arms, she leapt into the air, following Isolde as they flew towards the castle.

"I can't believe she's really alive," Maire whispered.

They were sitting in front of a campfire. Maire had brought a tent from home; instead of cramming in Arishtat's place, they'd decided to camp out in Roccaluce Forest. Darius speared a marshmallow, watching it turn golden as he voiced his thoughts.

"But how?" he whispered. "How did she survive that drop?" He could still see Sharzad's body turning to ice as she fell into the planet, never to be seen again.

"She didn't," Maire answered. "She was reborn, the same way I was when I got my Enchantix. That's what happens. You're a warrior; you wouldn't understand."

That's true, Darius thought. "I don't know if I'll sleep tonight."

"Why not?" Maire moved closer to him.

"Because"… He grimaced as he saw his marshmallow had turned soot-black, and was on the verge of burning. "Shoot." He pulled out the stick and, dousing it with water, tossed it onto the grass.

"You're such a spoiled princeling," Maire said teasingly. "Are you telling me you've never been out on a campsite?"

"I haven't," Darius admitted.

"It's so much fun," Maire said, and her eyes seemed to wander, in a way he'd never seen them wander before. "My brothers and I always had a game as to who could carry the most firewood – Lugh always won. We'd go fishing and hunting, and we'd sit around the fire and roast our game, telling all sorts of ghost stories. Before we went to bed, Rowan would play his fiddle, and we used to sit around, gazing at the stars."

That sounds fun, thought Darius, watching the sun set. He couldn't see it very well, because of all the trees, but it was still a pleasant experience to sit here, entirely surrounded by nature. A flash of envy shot through him as he thought of his own sheltered, somewhat isolated childhood.

"We always had great experiences, even when we didn't have all that much," Maire continued on. "When this is all over, I'd really like to go back home and have those great times again. And… take you with me." She glanced over at him. "Will you come with us?"

"Absolutely," Darius nodded, watching how her red hair fell over her shoulders, how her green eyes blazed in the light of the flames. I'd love to go with her. He reached over and took her hand, and Maire blinked.

"You were saying something," she said, "before your marshmallow burned."

"That's right." Now Darius remembered. "I'm worried I won't be able to save Sharzad."

"Why not?" Maire had turned fully towards him.

"I couldn't get her out last time," Darius said, "and I'm worried. She's stuck in such a dangerous, inhospitable place – she's never liked the cold. How is she coping in such a place?"

"Well, she's survived till now, so she must be fine," Maire said reasonably. "That's not really what you're worried about."

Darius closed his eyes briefly. She's right, that's not it… Opening his eyes, he gazed at the flames.

"I'm worried we're going to fail," he admitted. "It's such a big task we have tomorrow – first we have to go and find Sharzad, then we have to go through the portal and storm Queen Isolde's castle. It's going to be a lot, Maire, and I'm worried."

"Of course you are!" Maire fired up, and Darius pulled back in surprise. "We're all worried about tomorrow! But you're the one who came up with our battle plan, and so we're gonna follow that. And Kiviuq gave us all the information we need. It's going to be fine."

"Do you believe so?" Darius asked.

"I know so," she replied. "And we're gonna save Aria, because Saraswati's gonna lead us right to her. She said the portal will directly transport us to Aria. We'll be fine. I know just the thing we need to de-stress."

Darius watched as Maire went into the tent and pulled something out. He stared in surprise as she pulled a wooden flute out of a case in the back.

"You play the flute?" he said in surprise.

"Rowan taught me," she answered. "He was always the musical child in our family. I used to play with him while he played fiddle." She held the instrument to her lips. "Watch and learn."

Her music flowed through the air, and Darius gasped in surprise. Nice… It wasn't very sophisticated; after all, Maire wasn't a music-major. But the simplicity of the backwoods tune lulled him into a relaxed state, and he lay down, gazing up at the sky.

The twilight had completely given way to night. Every inch of the sky was studded with constellations, the stars gleaming against their black cover. That's so beautiful… His breath was completely taken away as he gazed up.

He'd never seen the stars like this. Living in a city his entire life, he'd never been surrounded by nature like this. But this sight… it was something to die for. I don't think I ever lived before I met Maire and her family.

"That," said Maire, finishing the song, "is the best part of any campout." She pointed up to the sky. "They're shining especially brilliantly tonight."

"Totally," agreed Darius, gazing at the almost-full moon in the sky. Only two more days before the curse is completed… His heart lurched.

"I think it's time for sleep," said Maire.

"Yes," agreed Darius, but he made no move to leave his position on the grass. It's actually really comfortable here… Maire moved in closer, lying down next to him, her legs over his legs. "Goodnight," she murmured, and then closed her eyes.

Darius stroked her hair once before closing his own eyes, falling into his own slumber. I hope we can manage to survive… He leaned his head back.

And save my sister Sharzad.

Gabriel woke up, his eyelids heavy. He had not slept well at all for the past few days. Every day, his mind had been plagued with worry, wondering what was going to happen with Franc.

The man had been absolutely soaked when he'd brought him back to the castle. The nurses had taken charge, disrobing him and setting him up in the royal hospital. It had been two days, and yet, Gabriel had no clue whether Franc was getting better or not."

"Your Majesty?" a voice woke him up. Navarre was in the doorway, his eyes worried. "Doctor Liya wishes to see you."

Gabriel immediately sprang up. She has news for me… He'd lost track of the amount of times he'd been ordered to leave the hospital wing, after enquiring about his friend's condition. Pulling a robe on, he left the room and went into the hall.

He reached the hospital wing. Doctor Liya was there, her black hair in a bun and her austere face tight. He sat down across from her, and she spoke tightly.

"We had to stabilize Franc du Maurier," she said. "He had severe pneumonia, which we had to heal with Warming Draught and a number of Lung Potions."

"And how is he now?"

"He's alive," said Liya wryly, "but only just."

"I don't understand," Gabriel said in confusion. "You made it sound as if the pneumonia has passed. Why is he still ill?"

Liya shook her head. "I've been in my profession for a long time, Your Majesty, and I've seen cases like this. In Mr. du Maurier's case, the illness is not necessarily physical – it's psychological. Something traumatic has occurred to put him in this vegetative trance, one in which he will not wake up."

"What are you saying?" Gabriel felt his heart drop.

"I'm saying that it's up to him to survive," the doctor answered. "If he wants to live, he will. If he doesn't… then he will die. It is as simple as that."

Gabriel stared at the doctor, at the absolute expression on her face. My friend is dying. The realization hit him hard, like a punch to the heart.

And it's all my fault.

Angéle collapsed, letting out a shuddering breath as she lay back on her bed, Aria in front of her. She began to stroke Angéle's hair, caressing it with her fingers as she stared into Angéle's eyes.

"Okay." She looked at Angéle closely. "How are you feeling?"

"I'm feeling" – What could Angéle say? She frowned for a second, her body feeling lighter and lighter as she sat back.

Something had changed within her. She was still weak and fragile, and knew she couldn't leave the bed. But her mind wasn't racing anymore. Instead of feeling as if her mind was being battered from all sides, she felt calm, almost at peace. The peace before the fall… She stared at Aria, opening her mouth at last.

"My mother died two years ago," she said at last. "She performed a tracking spell, one that would reveal Queen Isolde's location and help them break open the Gate of Glacia. But the spell went horribly wrong, and it made her go insane. It ate her up from the inside out.

"I watched her in her final weeks, Aria. It was horrible seeing the person who'd cared for me all these years collapse in front of my eyes. My dear mother." Tears began to fall from her eyes. "And then – I watched her jump off the balcony of the Rêvian palace. She fell to her death."

"Oh," Aria gasped in horror. Through her blurred vision, Angéle stared at Aria as she continued to pour everything out.

"And my father – I've left him, Aria! He's still at home; he's lost both of us. Imagine how he feels! How much I've made him suffer through, by going on this ridiculous quest for Dreamix! Tonight, he'll have lost both a wife and a daughter. How could I have ever done this? Why did I go for Dreamix, behind his back?"

She began to cry, Aria stroking her chest as she let it all out, running down her cheeks and into the bed. She could only feel grief and pain at the misery she'd caused, and the misery she was soon to cause now. I did something so, so horrible… Everything I've done has been a mistake, hasn't it? She pictured her father's anger as she'd achieved Enchantix, her mother's terror as she launched herself off the balcony, and the horrible, horrible fight between her father and the king of Rêve. She let out a shuddering breath.

"Angéle." Aria was sitting over her; through her tears, Angéle could make out her compassionate face. "When you're ready, please sit up."

Angéle pulled herself to a sitting position, sniffing. Aria reached forward and dried Angéle's face with a cloth, her voice uncharacteristically soft as she spoke.

"Do you remember a week ago, when I tried to kill myself by jumping off the ice balcony?"

How could I forget? Angéle thought, shuddering as she stared at Aria. Aria continued on, her voice gentle.

"That's one thing I regret profoundly, Angéle. In fact, there are many things I've done that I regret, too. Threatening Daewon and abandoning Darius and killing Galatea"… She let out a shudder at the last one. "But at the end of the day, I keep living, Angéle. I keep living because there is someone here who's worth living for, someone whom I love with all my being. Don't you see, Angéle? You taught me the value of being alive. You saved me from Isolde's wrath, something I will never forget. You made me smile on the days I was feeling miserable, and you brightened my life with your kindness. You've made me so happy, Angéle. And even if you pass out of this life, I will have been changed forever because of you. You've changed my worldview so much."

"And you've changed me, too," Angéle responded. The words were coming to her from some higher power, and she bowed her head. "You've made me realize the true meaning of life and laughter, which I never knew before. You've changed me by being a friend – no, more than a friend, Aria." She saw Aria's eyes widen.

"I was scared to love before this," she continued. "I still am, Aria. That's the reason why I ran away. I ran away because I was terrified of hurting you more, Aria, and of making your condition worse than it already is. Because – it's my fault my mother died."

"That's not true," Aria said softly. "That's not even remotely true, Angéle. I guess sometimes things just… happen. Just like how I got my Enchantix, despite you not being from my homeworld – it just happened! And you continued with your mother's mission, to liberate Glacia, to keep her spirit alive. I'm sure she's proud of you, Angéle. I'm sure she loves you! And I doubt she blames you for what happened." Her eyes were shining. "And Angéle, don't push me away anymore. You helped me so much, and made me grow so much as a person. Now let me help you, Angéle. Let me help you find peace in your final moments here."

Angéle smiled at Aria, feeling true happiness come over her heart at last. She let out a sigh, tears still falling from her eyes, but her shuddering having ceased.

"You've already helped me, Aria," she said. "You've made me less afraid to love, less afraid to move forward. And I will return your feelings, even though I know my death will hurt you. Because I am inspired by you, Aria. Even though I am about to die, this will be my final act, because I can truly say that I love you too."

She sat up and kissed Aria. Her heart was beating at ten thousand kilometers per hour as Aria kissed her back; not roughly, but passionately. Angéle felt as if their spirits were being united, as if they were one and the same. Their lips met in unison, their tongues joining between their mouths as they felt each other, as if they'd never known each other before.

As they kissed, Angéle felt something change within her. Her body began to reenergize, making her feel more complete and whole than she'd ever felt before. Her physical strength was back, and so was her mind. I – I'm whole again! She grasped her arms around Aria, holding her tighter than ever.

"What?" Aria breathed, drawing back from Angéle. "What… what's happening?"

A white flash blinded them both. Angéle turned to her left and watched as a spirit emerged from the flash, her long, silver hair flowing down her body. Her blue eyes were sparkling as she looked at the two girls.

"Welcome," she said in an uncharacteristically gentle voice. "You have done it, Angéle. I am proud of you beyond measure."

"What?" Aria sat up, holding Angéle. "What – what's happening?"

Desirée smiled down at them, nodding to Angéle. "Angéle dear, I think you can tell your friend what's going on. I think you understand what's happening."

Angéle turned towards Aria, smiling more fully than she ever had before. Her heart felt as if it was expanding more than it ever had before.

"I passed the task," she said. "I passed it just before the year was over. We did it, Aria. You and me, we did it together."

"I don't understand," Aria demanded. "What is this task? What was it?"

Angéle turned towards Desirée, who was also smiling. She took in a breath.

"The task was to overcome my greatest fear," she said. "This was the only way I could attain Dreamix. Before I was captured, I spent a great deal of time thinking about it, but was unable to even figure out what it was I was afraid of. It was like my mind blocked everything out, still grieving from my mother's death and father's pain. Prophetess Desirée, my mentor, vehemently warned me not to undergo the task, as I was still in mourning, but I insisted. I wanted to use Dreamix to put myself on equal footing with Queen Isolde, so I could help defeat her."

"Well, you certainly proved me wrong," said Desirée. "At the very last moment, you found the will to survive and worked against all odds. You and your friend here." She smiled at Aria. "And for believing in yourself, you shall be richly rewarded with this prestigious honor." She clapped her hands.

The Dreamix Box appeared, and Angéle gasped at its white surface, its jeweled surface. A golden hourglass with sunrise-pink sand appeared, and Angéle gazed at it in confusion. The last time she'd seen that was months ago, the day she'd started the Dreamix Quest.

She gasped as she saw the state it was in now. When she'd seen it before, all of the sand had been at the top. Now, all of it was on the bottom, all except for one grain of sand. If I'd conquered my fear mere moments later… She stared at it, completely stunned. Next to her, Aria drew in a sharp breath as well.

"This is the hourglass which you started the Quest with," Desirée said gravely. "It is connected with your life-source; the sand stopped falling the moment you kissed. But now, it is time to disavow it with your life-source." She held the hourglass out, closing her eyes. "Sand of dreams, free this life and hold it in bondage no more!"

A pink light shot out of Angéle's heart, and she gasped as she let it go, flying into the air. It flew back into the hourglass. Desirée snapped it shut, waving her hand. In a second, the hourglass disappeared, presumably back to Rêve.

And just like that, a great weight had been lifted off of Angéle's shoulders. She felt her heart lightening, her body agile and her spirit liberated. I'm free again… She sat next to Desirée, who nodded.

"And now, the moment has come at last." She snapped her fingers again, and the Dreamix Box expanded into a pink, swirling portal. "The Land of Dreams awaits you, Angéle. Partake of your glory and wisdom by stepping through this portal. If you wish, I shall transport your friend to the Land of Dreams as well."

"Of course I do," Angéle breathed. "This wouldn't be happening without her." Aria squeezed her shoulder.

"No, it was you," she said. "You are the one who came to the realization, Angéle. So go and step through that portal."

Angéle smiled, kissing Aria quickly and gently. Then she turned around and leapt into the portal.

The clearing was silent as Agloolik walked up to Kiviuq, kneeling down on the ice. Whispering a prayer, he allowed Kiviuq to touch his heart and whisper to him, words only a sage could hear.

Sharzad stared at Kiviuq. I hope Darius has the resources. She crossed her fingers. Please, Darius, please be able to come tomorrow. Eventually Agloolik lifted his head.

"Prince Darius will be here tomorrow," he said. "He will rally his men and bring them here. And then, we will launch an attack together.

"The prince's forces are much more powerful than we realized. He is being aided by the High Priestess of the Temple of the Thirteen Realms, who knows the location of Queen Isolde's castle. They know how to break the spell on that girl, Aria, and prevent her from being used by Queen Isolde. And not only that, but they have created a key to the Gates of Glacia, which will break the enchantment that makes them indestructible."

"I don't believe it!" gasped a female chief.

"This is wonderful," said a male chief.

"It sounds too good to be true."

Everyone looked at Amaruq, who still had his eyes narrowed. "So many things could go wrong with this. I am not willing to risk my forces for such a foolish plan, especially one enacted by teenagers. Who's to say the Queen isn't going to break us down?"

"Chief Amaruq"… Sedna glared at him, and Sharzad could tell she was at the end of her patience. "We have a choice: we can either sit back and let the Queen destroy all of us, or we can be proactive and fight for our rights. And right now, our odds of winning are pretty good."

"I'm not sure about that." Amaruq snorted.

I have to speak, Sharzad realized. I have to convince them this is worth fighting for. She stepped forward. "With all due respect, Chief Amaruq, I would like to say something." The chief raised his head as she lifted her eyes.

"In my short lifetime, I have seen many impossible things. Just one week ago, I fell through the Gate, after taking a blow meant for my brother. Hitting the Gate should've killed me, but instead, I was reborn on this side as an Enchantix fairy. And I truly believe Fate meant for this to happen. I was meant to come down here and help you defeat Queen Isolde." She closed her eyes, and summoned her transformation forth. The tribal leaders gasped as she stepped forward, her silver dress and red wings shining like that of a warrior princess.

"I am not going to let you sit back and let her defeat all of you. Yes, tyranny is strong, as well as the forces of eternal winter. But unity is also equally strong, and so is a desire for freedom and a connection to those we love – just like my connection with my brother." He's coming for me, she thought. "So please, unite together and fight for Nunangat. The Spring Soldiers must prevail!"

The tribal leaders stared back at her. Sharzad thought she could make out something like respect in the depths of their eyes. They respect me – they believe I've made a change. General Nuniq stepped forward.

"Those in favor?" he asked.

Every single hand went up. Sharzad hardly dared to breathe as she saw Amaruq's hand raise, reluctant, but accepting. Though wary and concerned, these men and women were willing to do whatever it took to secure their people's freedom.

"Very well, then," Nuniq said, smiling. "I believe we have a revolution."

For a moment, there was only gentle silence, nothing she could see. She stood in space, staring around her and wondering what was going on.

And then she felt it. Her naked body was resting against soft, fluffy clouds, soothing her with their blissful intensity. Angéle closed her eyes, enjoying the caress of the clouds and the power they gave her.

And then they became playful. They bounced her up and down, sending her into the sky. Angéle gasped in delight and opened her eyes, staring over the edge of the clouds at what was below her.

Dawn was breaking out over the horizon. The sunrise was the most splendid she'd ever seen, taking her breath completely away. It was azure at the top of the sky, and then faded into pastel pink, peach, orange, golden, and pale yellow. A brilliant golden sun appeared at the horizon, beginning to light up the sky with its power.

A new beginning, Angéle realized. This is a new beginning for us… She stared at the sunrise below her, her heart lifting as she stared down.

And then she transformed.

The wind lifted her into the air, slowly caressing her as she closed her eyes. My transformation at last… She felt her feet turning over, white, strapless sandals appearing on them. Her dress began to slowly appear, a short, sunrise-colored dress that faded top-to-bottom from pastel pink, warm rouge, brilliant orange, golden peach, and buttercup yellow. Her Enchantix pendant appeared at her throat, the one which she could use in all transformations she owned. A white halo formed around her head, shining with the purity that could only be possessed by an angel.

Her wings began to unfurl, and she gazed at them in wonder. Like wings of an angel, they had no adornments on them; they were, plainly put, white. But they held their own beauty as she gazed at them, the white feathers falling from a single stalk. This is so amazing… She let of a gasp of delight as she stood there, her body shuddering in delight.

"Welcome," she heard a voice say. "You are now in the Land of Dreams. Please, step through the gate and reveal yourself, as a guardian fairy of this land."

Angéle turned around and saw the tall white gates in front of her. Like the Gates of Heaven… They opened for her as she stepped through them, taking in the splendor of the world in front of her.

A fertile land, situated on the most beautiful mountains she'd ever seen, beckoned to her. Wisps of white hovered over green earth, and fairies danced over both. They let out shouts of glee as they sang in delight.

"Now go," the voice said, "and partake of this wonderful land, new fairy of Dreamix."

"I hope you're not going without me." Angéle turned around, and saw Aria flying towards her, in her newfound Enchantix outfit. "Holy mother of Solare, this place is awesome." Her eyes went wide as she stared at the Land of Dreams.

Angéle laughed. "Without you, Aria? I wouldn't dream of it." She linked hands with her. "Come on, let's go."

"First, it's time to sleep," the voice said. "The sun is coming up, which means it is dream-time. Now go and sleep until night falls."

Several of the fairies were yawning, dressed in different colors. They smiled and beckoned towards Aria and Angéle, leading them down the ravine. Hesitantly, the two girls followed.

"Behold the home of new Dreamix fairies," they chanted, pointing towards an earthen mound ahead of them.

It was a beautiful elfin mound, with a flowering, pink tree in the center. The circumference was made of stones. A pink carpet of flowers dotted the emerald grass, and wisps of clouds floated through it. Angéle stared at it in wonder, taking it in. Amare, this is beautiful… The fairies nudged them there.

"Over there," they chanted.

Angéle looked at Aria, who nodded. "Let's go." Holding hands, they flew towards the mound and lay down.

It was like bliss had overcome them. That, and a sleepy sense of peace, that they were always together. Angéle yawned, snuggling next to Aria as they lay at the roots of the tree, the clouds brushing over them. "Goodnight, Aria," she breathed.

"Goodnight," Aria said, yawning. "I love you."

"I love you too," Angéle breathed, feeling Aria stroking her hair as she leaned her head back and closed her eyes. She was asleep within minutes, never having felt more joyous in her life.

"Those foolish girls!" Isolde laughed, letting out a cackle as she stood in the hall of paintings. "Those foolish girls!"

She had felt the wave of pure energy wash through the castle, and had known it could only mean one thing: Angéle had acquired her Dreamix. Just as Isolde had known she would.

They think I brought Angéle here because of the sins of her mother, she thought. But they're so, so wrong. The truth was, she'd needed Angéle precisely because, at the moment, she was the only known fairy trying to acquire Dreamix. After all, Dreamix was an immensely hard transformation to acquire; other than Desirée and a few fairies whom Isolde could never have dreamed of capturing, no one else had that power. And thus, Isolde had taken a huge gamble in bringing Angéle here. But it looks like the Mind-Shifting Potion has worked. That, and the faith Aria and Angéle bestowed in each other.

And now my plan is perfectly in order. She smiled maniacally, heading down the hall. Everything is going the way it should. You poor girls have no idea what's coming.

Laughing, she reached the end of the hall, her mind filled with nothing but promised havoc for the future.

Yay, it's official! Aria and Angéle are a pair! WOOHOO! But what does Isolde have in store for them?

Next chapter:

- The revolution starts. Sharzad, Sedna, and the Spring Soldiers start the first phase of the war.

- Darius and his forces approach the Gate as well. As they approach, they face plenty of hardships.

- Angéle sees her father for the first time in a year.

See you then!