~Chapter 2~

My rational self was losing the battle going on within my mind. The rational side told me to keep moving forward toward the castle I saw peeking through the trees. However, the irrational side of me wanted to scream and yell for help. Where the heck was I cause it surely wasn't Seattle. The surrounding woods were full of tall oak and pine trees. At first, I opted to turn around and go back the way I came. I had every hope that it would lead me back to the tunnel and to rainy Seattle. So I did turn around and just began walking in a straight line. I kept peering behind me with every several hundred steps I would take. I wanted to keep my bearings on the castle. Suddenly, I was blocked by some kind of barrier. It blended in with the surrounding woods, but I could tell it was there. Curiously, I reached out just to see if I could force or push my way through and the minute my hand made contact, a light emitted from my hand enveloping the wall. It startled me jumping back. The wall disappeared and I looked forward, there was just more woods. I didn't want to get any farther from the castle, so I decided to head back. I didn't need to get myself lost trying to find my mother. To keep myself out of my own head and panicking, I pressed forward toward the castle. As I got closer, the forest dumped out on a path leading across a narrow stone bridge and finally to the castle gates. There were two guards guarding the outer wall leading inside. It was an open archway leading into a small courtyard just before the main doors. There weren't too many people around to my surprise this being a kingdom and all.

"Halt." The guards said in perfect unison.

I froze in my tracks feeling my heart race inside.

"State your business." One guard ordered.

"Please sir," I began, "I'm trying to find my mom. She has long brown hair and she was last wearing a sweatshirt and jeans."

"What in blazes is a sweatshirt?" The other guard commented mockingly. He scrutinized me from head to toe.

"You're not from around here are you?" The other guard added.

Before I could answer, another woman's voice called out from the courtyard.

"Excuse me, is there a problem here?"

As this woman approached, I just stopped and stared with my jaw open and the guards bowed. A young woman with short black hair and pale skin, but bright red lips came forward. She was wearing a blue and yellow dress with a red ribbon in her hair. It was something straight out of Disneyland or an animated movie. I didn't have to be huge fan of Disney like my sister to know who this was.

"S-Snow White?" I muttered in disbelief.

"Yes, that's me." She replied with a bright smile, "I'm sorry, but have we met before? I'm sure I would remember…"

I think she was politely pointing out my attire just like the guards did.

"I promise we haven't met, but you're quite well known." I answered.

"Of course, she's the princess." One of the guards answered matter of factly.

Snow White glanced at them flashing a smile.

"She's with me gentleman. I've got it from here. Thank you."

Then she pulled me along inside the castle gates giving us some privacy. If she hadn't touched me, I still would be disbelieving that she was real. We sat down on a stone bench in the courtyard beside a well. She fluffed her dress before gracefully placing her hands in her lap.

"May I ask your name?" She said looking at me with her dark brown eyes.

"It's Noella, your highness."

"That's a beautiful name." She replied with a smile, "And please just call me Snow White. Now, I overheard you with the guards and you're trying to find someone? Is that right?"

"Yes, my mom. Her name is Corissa."

Snow White thought about it, but frowned solemnly.

"I'm sorry. I don't know anyone of that name."

"Pst, Noella. It's Riley- over." A faint voice said.

I spun around, but there was nobody.

"Noella, I think it came from your bag on your back." Snow White pointed out.

I slid my pack off my shoulders and opened the zipper. Inside underneath an extra sweatshirt and a few snacks was a walkie talkie. Snow White stared in awe.

"What a strange device." She commented, "Are you a magical fairy?"

I cracked a smile trying to hold back a laugh.

"Not even the slightest...this device helps me talk to another person with the same device."

"How fascinating…" Snow White replied, her eyes growing wider in curiosity, "Please, show me how this works."

I nodded and pushed down the button to reply.

"Ri, is that you?"

"I thought I could help. Why aren't you back yet?"

"Uh, it's a long story…" I said glancing at Snow White and she smiled at me, "Is Uncle Mark with you?"

"Yeah, he's here."

"Can you maybe go somewhere private? I uh, need to tell you something."

There was a short pause and then I heard Riley's voice again.

"Okay I'm in the clear. What's up?"

Her voice was more echoey, so I figured she went to talk in the bathroom.

"So I'm still looking for mom, but I need you to cover for me with Uncle Mark."

"What do I tell him? And what do you mean you're still looking?"

"Riley, I don't know how to tell you this, but I'm not in Seattle anymore."

"Where are you?" She pressed.

I bit my lip not even sure how to answer because frankly I didn't have one.

"I'm, uh, at a castle in a far off land of fantasy."

"Do you think I'm stupid? You didn't drive to Disneyland." Riley snapped quickly.

I hit the talk button to answer, but before I spoke, Snow White answered instead.

"Young lady, your sister is with me at my home and we're trying to help find your mother…"

I immediately put my finger to my lips.

"Forgive me Snow White, but please... let me talk to my sister."

She nodded.

"Noella, who was that?" Riley answered.

"You're not going to believe me if I told you, Ri. So just know that I'm on mom's trail. Tell Uncle Mark I surprised mom with a vacation away somewhere...just sell it, alright?"

"Noella, where are you?" Riley pressed.

My sister was ten and naturally curiosity surged within her. She wouldn't drop this until I told her.

"Okay, but you gotta swear to keep this between us."

"Yes, I promise. Tell me, tell me."

"I don't know how or why, but I'm with Snow White."

"Oh, ha ha…." Riley remarked mockingly.

I put down the walkie and shook my head.

"Of course, she doesn't believe me."

Snow White smiled warmly grabbing my hand giving it a squeeze.

"Please Noella, may I talk to your sister?" She asked politely.

Kindness like this was so weird to me. It was hard to believe that somebody would be so nice and polite to a total stranger. In the end, I agreed and handed the walkie to Snow White. She had watched me intently each time I spoke to Riley. So she simply took a breath pushing the talk button.

"Hello Riley?" Snow White spoke, "This is Snow White and I just want to tell you that your sister speaks the truth. She's enlisted my help to assist with finding your mother and I promise you I'll do all that I can."

Suddenly, a loud excited scream was heard in response causing Snow White to nearly drop the walkie.

"Your sister certainly is sprightly." Snow White commented with a smile.

"You have no idea…" I replied, "You're a celebrity to her."

"Celebrity?" Snow replied looking confused.

"Oh, I mean, she just admires you a lot." I corrected myself.

"Aw, isn't that sweet. Well, she certainly sounds like dear girl. Can I meet her?"

"She's uh pretty far away now, but talking to you was more than enough I'm sure."

Snow nodded as Riley replied again.

"Noella...how is this possible?" She asked.

"If I knew I would tell you, but seriously Ri, I'm walking on eggshells here. I'm not as knowledgeable as you are."

"Well, I could be your Disney consultant and don't worry about Uncle Mark. I got this. So how are you going to start to look for mom?"

"I guess we could ask around…" I replied, but nobody was around to even ask.

"Go find the mirror." Riley replied.

When she heard this, Snow White's eyes grew big in acknowledgement.

"My stepmother has a mirror, but I'm forbidden ever to use it, but surely this is an important situation. I'm sure she'd understand." Snow White insisted immediately getting up gesturing me to follow her. I told Riley to hang tight because I didn't want to make a ruckus inside the castle. Snow White led me through long corridors of her home and I looked around in awe at the architecture. She finally led me through double doors of what definitely looked like the master suite. There was large bed surrounded by a large wardrobe and other bedroom furnishings. Then up some stone steps on the far side of wall there were some large drapes covering something. Snow White pulled a nearby rope chord and it yanked the drapes out of the way revealing a large mirror. It had a beautiful gold frame and almost covered the length of the wall.

"Will this work?" Snow White asked.

"I suppose so. Thank you. Snow, I'm sorry but would you mind waiting outside so I could talk to my sister alone for a bit?"

"Of course." She agreed, "But do make it quick."

I nodded and Snow White promptly stepped outside the room.

"Okay Ri, I'm here at the mirror." I spoke into the walkie.

"Alright, I'm reviewing the summoning spell from the movie…" Riley replied and told me what to say. She was very specific insisting I had to put my arms out in front of me and slowly raise them above my head as I spoke the words.

"Come forth and show me thy face." I said.

Soon an eerie face appeared from the mirror and it scared me.

"A new face I do see, what does thou want of me?" The mirror replied in a creepy, monotone.

"Where can I find my mom? Corissa Kendall?" I asked.

"This woman Corissa, I truly do see. She cannot hide from me. Though she is not quite herself, another took over. For glory and power, she is one special sort of prowler. She appears in a castle nearly out of sight, nearby to the fair Snow White."

The mirror spoke in rhyme. It was slightly hard to interpret, but I got the jist. He nailed it on the head saying my mother wasn't herself and something took over. Even a magic mirror in this fairy tale kingdom picked up on her depression.

"Once I find my mother, how do I get home to Seattle?" I asked the mirror.

"The journey ahead very few dare to tread, but if you intend to continue let me lessen your dread. With help from my six other brothers, each one will assist you to find the others. In another province near to here, seek out Aurora another princess so dear."

I thanked the mirror and the face disappeared and soon my reflection reappeared. Snow White peeked in as I pulled the cord to drop the drapes back down covering the mirror again just as I'd found it.

"Noella?" Snow White said, "You get some answers?"

"Yes, thank you."

"I do hope you find your mother. Good luck. Do please excuse me, I have chores to do and then I'm going to the woods to pick some wildflowers to place on my father's grave."

"A princess has to do chores?" I questioned.

"My stepmother, the queen, insists on it. She says it builds up my character." Snow White replied, but then sighed heavily, "Besides, I don't mind it. I met someone by the well doing my chores the other day. I hope to see them again."

"I'm sure you will." I smiled.

"Is there anything else before I go?"

"I hate to ask, but is there a horse that I could use?"

Snow White nodded and promptly handed me a small handkerchief with SW embroidered in the corner.

"Give this to the stable master and he should saddle you up a horse for you immediately."

I took her token smiling gratefully.

"Thanks Snow White...I can't believe I'm saying this, but it was a pleasure to meet you."

"Until next time dear Noella, I hope we meet again in the future."

Snow White promptly turned and walked away as I did the same heading to the stables.

Corissa

This new body was extraordinary. It was young and vibrant and exactly what I would need to in act my revenge on Aurora. She wouldn't see me coming especially with this new form. My powers over the forces of darkness surged within me and with a wave of my hand, the cliff of the mountain side morphed into a rocky set of stairs. I rose to the top quickly getting out of the valley and returning to my palace atop the Forbidden Mountain. My minions of darkness were gone. Those stupid fairies must have driven them off. My throne was rubble as I stood in the center of the room. I raised my arms up high and with a heavy blast of wind, my black scepter of iron with the green crystal atop its point conjured resting in my right hand. The blast stirred the iron chandelier above my head and I heard the squawking of a crow. It flew out toward the nearest open window, but I forced it back with my green glowing hand outstretched toward it. The crow landed on top of my scepter and the green glow of my magic enveloped the animal.

"Do my bidding bird. Intelligent you shall be and I give you the name Drake."

The crow squawked in acknowledgement and I ordered it to fly ahead to Stephan's castle meeting me there. I peered down at the primitive clothing on this body and was ferociously disgusted. I stamped my scepter on the ground dawning myself completely in black leather. Gone were the days of my robe-like garments and replacing it with a tight belted leather jacket and boots. The bottoms were tricky because I had only seen such garments for the legs on men, but frankly they were practical. I searched through the memory banks of my host and this garment was called pants. So I made those black leather as well. It was so tight against my skin it truly just felt like another layer of my skin. This long hair was ridiculous so I made a leather band drawing back my hair atop my head and it fell down at my back. At least now out of the way. Now feeling a sudden thrill of surprise that nobody would recognize me, I waved my hand around the green orb on my scepter visualizing Aurora. Fury burned within me as I saw her gracefully dancing around the ballroom with my former prisoner Prince Phillip. My spell had been broken. Those fools won't be dancing for very long. I would see to that. Summoning my powers, I teleported outside Stephan's castle where I surrounded it in thorns. Drake squawked and regrouped with me upon my arrival. As I was about to make my presence known in Stephan's castle, a bolt of light in the far off distance appeared. It was blinding and made me sick. This wasn't just light, but a purity and goodness that shook me to my core. Dealing with Aurora would come first, but then I knew I had to find and extinguish that wretched light. As it dissipated, I saw something off in the distance that I never saw before. Beyond the forest and trees, my eyes spied a faint castle on a hilltop that I never knew existed. This new body had unbelievable powers of perception and I would use those abilities to explore all the places beyond Stephan's castle. Aurora and all her loved ones would know my wrath. I would drop my former name and assume the identity of my host. Corissa was my name and no more would Maleficent reign.

The Huntsman

Growing up, my family never had much. I was the youngest son of a farmer. My brother and I grew up with little to our names and would have back breaking chores helping our father in the fields day after day. One day, the Queen's guards summoned us to the castle. Father had fallen behind on taxes and was arrested. The Queen was merciful that day and instead of beating father, she offered him a bargain. She said if we would come work for her as her private military leaders, we could work to pay off the debt owed and father would be spared. Needless to say, my brother and I agreed. My brother and I grew up in a single day becoming men in the Queen's military known especially as the "Huntsman"...that day was six years ago. I was twenty-one years of age now and served the queen loyally to spare my father's life. My brother didn't mind this life, but it wasn't for me. Many times over the years, the Queen would order us to do unspeakable things that would give me nightmares for weeks, but even still, I served her.

One day I was summoned to the throne room with a very cruel order.

"Ah Huntsman...thank you for being prompt." The Queen sneered.

"What do you wish of me majesty?" I asked standing at attention with my hands behind my back.

"Accompany Snow White into the forest, she wants to adorn her father's grave with some flowers. Find a quiet and secluded part of the forest."

"Yes, your majesty." I replied and turned to leave.

"I wasn't finished!" She snapped.

"My apologies." I bowed quickly.

"Finally, my faithful huntsman...I would like you to kill her."

Her tone of voice was so cruel and sadistic. Of all the things, I've had to do over the years, murder wasn't one of them.

"Highness, she is your family…" I insisted.

"Silence!" She barked standing up forcefully. "You know the punishment should you fail." She warned.

"Yes." I nodded.

"Maybe I asked the wrong brother perhaps?" She replied cocking a curious brow.

My brother and I may have been family, but becoming the queen's huntsman had changed him. He would carry out all the queen's orders without delay or remorse. I think over the years his morality was diminished and didn't mind killing or anything of the sort for the queen.

"No, your majesty. On my honor, it will be done."

"And see that it is...and to make sure I want proof." She bellowed.

She grabbed a box from the table beside her throne. It was crimson box with with a carved filigree design.

"Bring me her heart in this."

Reluctantly, I took the box and was ordered not to return until the job was done. The queen had me visit the blacksmith to sharpen my knife to make things easier and faster. Once I was ready, I found Snow White in the courtyard. I bowed low upon approach.

"Your highness, I'm ordered to accompany you into the forest. Shall we?" I told her gesturing toward the stables. She agreed and I offered her my arm as escort to the horse. I lifted her up into the saddle as she sat gracefully at side saddle with her legs draped over the left side of the horse. I hopped on behind her getting my feet in the stirrups and tightening the reins. The horse cantered for awhile as we left the palace behind us. I didn't want to go too fast for Snow White. Following the Queen's orders, I went deep into the forest stopping only when I found some flowers.

"Huntsman, I've never been here before. Will you be able to find your way back?" Snow White questioned.

"Don't worry about me, your highness. Everything will be fine." I lied. "Go pick your flowers and I'll stay here with the horse."

"Very well, then." She smiled and I helped her off the horse.

She ran toward the field of flowers picking up her skirt as she did so. Immediately, she began plucking flowers and gathering them in her arms. Snow White began singing a beautiful melody while she gathered the flowers. It made my heart sick. I wish time could freeze right now. Her backed turned to me and she put down her flowers and started handling a small bird on the ground. This was my chance. Slowly and cautiously, I crept forward taking out my dagger from my belt. For the first time since becoming a Huntsman, my hand was trembling. I was steps from her and she hadn't noticed me. Her bird flew away and she grabbed her flowers and as she turned toward me, my dagger was raised and ready to strike. But I couldn't do it. Snow White screamed dropping the flowers and crossing her arms defensively. After she screamed, she didn't say anything or beg for her life, but just braced. The dagger dropped from my hand as I fell to the ground bowing grabbing the hem of her dress.

"Your highness. Please forgive me. I truly don't mean you any harm, but your stepmother the queen does."

"The queen?" She questioned, "But why?"

"She's crazy and jealous of you. She won't stop, so you should run."

"But where?" She asked with her eyes widening in panic.

"Doesn't matter. Anywhere, but the palace. Go now!" I roared.

Terrified, she turned and ran deep into the trees. As she went further from my sight, I picked up my dagger returning it to my belt.

"I pray that one day you'll forgive my actions." I mumbled.

There was no going back now. Nearby there was wild boar grazing. I killed it quickly and removed its heart passing it off as Snow White's in the box that the Queen gave me. I made my decision and if the Queen ever found out, my life would be forfeit.

Queen Grimhilde

My Huntsman returned at sunset with my box. I awarded him my favor for the day giving him a large banquet with the best wine to enjoy. Sometimes I was concerned about his loyalty, but this proved me wrong. Later his older brother joined me in the throne room bowing as he entered.

"Majesty, there is a visitor here to see you." He told me.

"I don't wish to see anyone. Send them away." I replied waving my hand.

"She says speaking to her will be as much benefit to you as it is her."

I cocked a curious brow.

"Intriguing, very well. Send her in."

My Huntsman disappeared and soon a tall, regal woman stepped into the room. She carried with her a scepter and a crow on her shoulder. Her garments were black and quite unusual. The intimidation I felt was immediate and that infuriated me.

"State your business." I snapped.

"My name is Corissa and I have a proposition for you."

"Go on, Corissa." I replied.

"What if I told you that there are other places out there beyond your borders?"

"That's impossible. I rule the only land there is."

Corissa shook her head and swirled her hand atop her scepter showing me a castle I had never seen before.

"This is where I hail from. I put a stop to the forces of light there and until recently, I didn't know that this castle existed. So I set out to meet its ruler and see why we can't expand both our kingdoms and power over all."

This power she briefly demonstrated marveled my own. I sat silent for moment thinking. I knew better than to make an enemy of this woman, so I humored her.

"I accept this proposition, but what about other forces of light?" I questioned.

"We snuff them out one by one as they appear. Surely they are no match against two strong forces of darkness…" Corissa reasoned.

"True...and to assist our efforts, I offer to you use of my elite Huntsman and magic mirror."

I got up and pulled the cord revealing my great mirror. Corissa looked on in awe. Clearly, I had surpassed her in this regard. I raised my arms summoning a blast of wind.

"Come forth. Reveal thy face." I spoke.

Reflections soon disappeared and soon I saw the face of my servant the entity inside the mirror.

"What does thou request O Queen?" The mirror replied.

"Magic mirror on the wall, who is the fairest one of all?" I asked.

"My queen is fair that is plain to see, but Snow White and another are fairer far than thee."

A dark fury surged within me and I screamed.

"Snow White is alive?" I growled. "Who is the other maid?" I asked the mirror.

"Alas, there is a force of light prohibiting my sight."

I summoned the older Huntsman as Corissa watched me pace around my throne meticulously.

"You summoned me?" The Huntsman said in a bow as he came in the room.

"Bring me your brother clapped in irons immediately." I roared.

He quickly ran out of the room and returned with his brother yanking him forward in irons. The elder brother thrust him forward, so he was inches from kissing my feet. He did not look at me, but kept his head bowed obviously resigned to death already.

"Look at me slave." I growled.

He finally did almost looking dead in the eye already.

"You disobeyed me. Why?"

He didn't answer, so grabbed him by the collar bringing his face right up to mine.

"Because no innocent life should be murdered." He said calmly.

I released him from my grasp as he collapsed on the floor and remained with a bowed head. I began pacing again. His disobedience was worthy of death, but until now his skills and loyalty had always been above any other of my servants, even his older brother. Surely I couldn't let that go to waste. I was a practical woman after all. I walked over to the mirror to ask another question.

"Is Snow White still a threat to me?" I asked.

"Light and darkness always hang directly in the balance, Snow White's' heart is not filled with any malice."

"Any other threats?" I asked.

"A maid from somewhere far out of sight has befriended the fair Snow White. She searches for family this I see and the light in her heart nearly blinds me. Surely, O Queen you can plainly see, this maiden of light threatens we."

Frustrated, I slumped on my throne drumming my fingers on the armrests.

"Let me snuff out this light for she threatens both of us." Corissa insisted.

"No." I replied, "The younger of my huntsman should go." I said calmly.

I walked down the steps from my throne and I rose him to his feet by magic. My hands waved over the irons and then opened and fell to the ground. My huntsman looked at me curiously.

"I'm giving you a final chance to prove your allegiance to me." I warned him, "Seek out this light, whatever or whomever it may be and extinguish it. Do that and you will once again regain my favor."

"On my honor, your majesty." He replied.

Before he left, I gave him a quiver full of arrows and a bow.

"This bow is filled with magic power," I explained, "As soon as an arrow is fired, it will not stop until it hits the heart of a living thing. Use it at will."

"Thank you, your majesty." He said.

"It also has a secondary purpose. It will glow bright red as it nears anyone or anything wielding the power of light. Let the bow guide you to your prize."

He took the weapon from me, bowed, and promptly left. I turned toward Corissa who looked quite pleased. We had a plan, a partnership, and it was nice to have an ally in this mess.

Noella

Snow White's token worked like a charm and the stable master saddled and bridled a beautiful chestnut mare for me to ride. I was a city girl at heart, but I knew the basics of horseback riding. It still took some getting used to. I took it slow as I left Snow White's home and returned to the forest. I trotted smoothly and calmly along until Riley started frantically shouting through the walkie talkie.

"Noella...are you there?"

"Yes, I'm here what is it?"

"Snow White is still with you right?"

"No we parted awhile ago. She had chores to do and then was going to pick some flowers."

"I was afraid of that…" Riley commented, "You have to find her. Her life is in danger…"

"What?"

"I thought things would change since she was with you, but that doesn't matter. Don't you know the story?"

"Not really Ri, I maybe saw the movie once and it was a long time ago. I just remembered what Snow looked like. Why? What's the matter?"

"Well, first don't trust anyone especially the queen. Just find Snow White and protect her."

"Bossy much?" I complained, "Watch your tone, but what about mom?"

"This is Snow White we're talking about. You gotta help her!"

"Of course I will Riley. Calm down. Look I gotta ride, but where should I look for Snow?

"Head deep into the forest and just look for large multicolored flowers, you can't miss them if they're anything like the movie."

"Alright, I'll be in touch." I said and clipped the walkie on the belt loop of my jeans.

I reared the horse and sped her up into a sprint and eventually I found the flowers that my sister spoke of. I got off the horse and looked around yelling frantically for Snow White, but no answer came. Walking around a bit, I found a pile of picked flowers. I hope I wasn't too late. Near to that, I saw a trail of blood and my heart was racing as I followed it. To my relief, it lead to the carcass of a dead boar some vultures were actually picking the bones clean of flesh. I didn't know vultures existed in these stories. I grabbed the walkie to inform my sister.

"Ri, Snow White is gone. I can't find her anywhere." I said glumly.

"If only I'd been quicker...it's my fault." Riley replied.

"Don't do that...it's nobody's fault. I'm sure I'll find her."

"Check the forest, she's probably scared."

"I will. She couldn't have gotten too far. Not in those shoes she was wearing."

"Fear is a powerful motivator." Riley replied.

"Alright, I'll let you know when I find her."

"Noella, be careful."

I clipped the walkie on my jeans and headed deeper into the forest hoping I would find Snow White sooner than later.